Vampire Diaries SN7 EP21 – ‘Gods & Monsters’

SN7 EP21:  Gods & Monsters

Written By:  Brian Young

Directed By:  Michael A. Allowitz

I have to say that I wasn’t really impressed with this episode.  As far as season finales go, this one really sucked (no pun intended).  Hold off on the public stoning though, because I have a few things to say.

After the big build up last episode, I was disappointed by this one.  This episode seemed rushed, in a hurry to tie up all the loose ends and give us a nice little bow of a finale.  The only time I was even sort of on the edge of my seat was the scene with Bonzo when the stake was just about to pierce his heart.  At that point (pun intended), I was saying “Hurry up, Damon!”

I know that I’ve made my feelings about Matt perfectly clear.  But, I think the writers have too.  Seriously, Sheriff $h!thead is just an after thought to them.  No one even wondered where he was or if he made it?  I totally get it that Damon didn’t wonder about him, but come on… Hero Stefan didn’t even ask about him.  Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!  If the writers don’t want him to be a part of the group, why  not just vote him off the island… why have him be rescued at all?  Why not just let him go with Penny?

And now to the last point… I was all psyched up for a big cliffhanger.  I seriously hope that wasn’t the writers’ idea of a cliffhanger.  They’ve left us with this ending before… just some minor differences.  But Damon and Enzo on a killing spree?  Really? That’s their idea of a cliffhanger?

It needed work.

Let the stoning commence…. if you can find me, I can take it.

Did You Miss The First 3 Episodes In Season 6 Of Game Of Thrones? I Got You Covered (SPOILERS)

I’d like to introduce myself here: my name is Liza and I’m a Game of Thrones fanatic. Much like Lady Melisandre, I too have red hair; so you can call me The Red Woman 2.0, or Liza, whichever works (but seriously, The Red Woman 2.0 is way cooler.)

Rather than go episode by episode, I’ll just recap by character(s), which will make things less confusing. It is known.

Cersei and Jaime Lannister

Source: winteriscoming.net

At the end of season 5, we saw Cersei do the now infamous Walk of Shame, while Jaime was in Dorne attempting to get their daughter Myrcella back to King’s Landing. Myrcella didn’t fare too well, having been kissed farewell from Ellaria, who had poisoned her lips (those Dornish folk are known for using poison as their weapon of choice.) As Jaime sailed away from Dorne, Myrcella forgave her Daddy/Uncle for the incestuous relationship with Cersei but their after school special was cut short when Myrcella started to feel the effects of the poison. In season 6, Cersei is waiting the return of Jaime and Myrcella but sees there is a gold coffin in the ship as it makes its way toward King’s Landing. Jaime and Cersei reunite and vow revenge to anyone who has taken what is theirs. Unfortunately, a sour King Tommen has refused to let his mother attend Myrcella’s funeral. Kids these days, am I right? After speaking with Daddy/Uncle Jaime, he agrees to see Cersei and she forgives him and promises to help him with his future Kingish endeavors; The High Sparrow is a big thorn in the Lannister family side, so that is his first (failed) mission. The Sparrow has a way with words and Tommen is so malleable, he agrees with whomever he is speaking to at the moment. He has a lot to learn! Their best asset at the moment is the Frankenstein-ish Mountain, who smashes heads in as easy as water flows from a faucet. I’m sure he’ll have much more screen time later in the season.

Varys and Tyrion Lannister

Source: winteriscoming.net

These two need a spin-off show! With that said, Tyrion and Varys are stranded in Meereen when the entire fleet of ships were destroyed. The masters have taken back the slaves are things aren’t looking up now that the Mother of Dragons has disappeared. Tyrion, a lover of dragon history, finds out that the two remaining dragons haven’t eaten since Khaleesi left; history states that if dragons are not let out to roam freely, they will eventually die off. Tyrion, the drunk and the brave, goes under the pyramid to release the dragons. Because they didn’t eat him and allowed him to touch them, rumors are circulating that perhaps Tyrion has some Targaryen blood. Time will tell.

Khaleesi – Daenerys Targaryen

Source: hollywoodreporter.com

Having been found by Dothraki soldiers at the end of the season 5 finale, she is tied up and made to walk back to their home; they treated her poorly and made sexual comments, thinking she didn’t understand the Dothraki tongue. When she meets up with a Khal, she explains who she is, however her ten-word title doesn’t help because she is a widow. According to Dothraki law, all Khal widows must stay together and live out their lives serving others. Khaleesi, unaware, made herself a bit busy after Khal Drogo died, saving cities and slaves, and all that jazz. Now she must be judged on what her future will be; I don’t see her dying so chances are she will live and somehow be found by Daario and Jorah, who also need their own spin-off.

Bran Stark

Source: idigitaltimes.com

Disabled Bran is seen in the cave with the Three Eyed Raven, going back and forth between the past and now with his greensight. Every time something good is about to happen, the raven removes Bran, to his dismay. In the latest episode, we saw a young Ned and a young Howland Reed fight the greatest swordsman there ever was, Sir Arthur Dayne. The Tower of Joy, where Ned supposedly finds his sister Lyanna, is in the background. After Dayne is taken down, we hear a female scream and Ned runs up the stairs. Bran screams out to him, “Father!” and young Ned turns around. Did he hear Bran or was he just making sure no one was after him? Next episode we’ll hopefully see the conclusion of what really happened in The Tower of Joy.

Ramsay Bolton (Snow)

Source: businessinsider.com

Ramsay, who is fighting for first place for “Most Hated Man” with Joffrey, lost his best men trying to find escapees Sansa and Theon. His father, Roose Bolton made clear he hoped that his wife, Lady Walda, would have a boy- which she did. Ramsay, never the one to be threatened, killed his father unexpectedly and told everyone he was poisoned by his enemies. He then called for Lady Walda and Baby Bolton, who were then led to a cage full of hungry, angry dogs. I think you know what happens next.

With the threat of his father and a true born Bolton out of the way, Ramsay takes control of Winterfell and speaks to Lord Umber, who has brought him a present: Asha, Baby Rickon (who is now much older and is probably in college by now) along with a very dead Shaggydog.

Sansa Stark, Theon Greyjoy, Brienne of Tarth, and Podrick Payne

Source: winteriscoming.net

Theon and Sansa run from Winterfell and the men sent to retrieve them by Ramsay but fail short and are surrounded; just when you thought it was over, Brienne and Podrick come in and kick some Bolton House booty. Brienne vows to be Sansa’s shield and all was right with the world, except it’s wasn’t. Theon decides to leave to go back to the Iron Islands, where he’s from. For the first time, you actually see emotion toward Theon from Sansa as he leaves. Brienne, Podrick, and Sansa then begin their journey to Castle Black, where they know Jon Snow is Lord Commander.

The Iron Islands

Source: christiantoday.com

Yara, Theon’s sister, and Balon, his father, fight about Yara trying to save Theon. An old and battered Balon then storms off, literally into a storm, walking on a very rickety bridge. He is met by his younger brother, Euron, who says it’s time for some new blood on the island- so he pushes Balon off the bridge. I can’t say the man didn’t deserve it but I’m excited to see where this will go. Yara assumes she is now the Lady of the Iron Islands but first, book readers will remember Greyjoy’s practice what is called a Kingsmoot. So, like Yara, we will have to wait to see how this goes.

Arya Stark

Source: express.co.uk

A blind Arya is left to beg for money on the streets, while waiting for the “Waif” to come for her daily fight. After several beatings, Arya finally becomes a girl with no name and is gifted her eyesight back. Not a lot was revealed yet on Arya’s end, but I hope the story gets more airtime as she is one of my favorite characters.

Jon Snow

Source: wetpaint.com

The season 5 finale ended with a stabbed, and mostly dead Jon Snow. Viewers were left to wonder whether he was still alive, officially dead, or would be given a reprieve by Lady Melisandre (who, by the way, is much older than she looks. When she removes her red, glowing necklace, her true form shows the body of an ancient woman.)

Source: thegrumpyfish.com

Ser Davos Seaworth, normally not a believer in the Lady Melisandre’s magic, asks her to try to bring him back. Her faith was destroyed once Stannis was killed in battle; she feels like everything she saw in her flames was a lie. She is depressed and has no confidence in her abilities but tries anyway. Initially, nothing happened and so, one by one, Davos, Lady Melisandre, and a few of Jon’s brother friends left. And then of course he started to breathe. Davos and Jon speak, explaining to each other what happened (Friggin’ Olly stabbed him, Melisandre brought him back, the Mets lost – all that jazz.)

Thankfully, and very satisfyingly, we see Olly along with Ser Alliser Thorne hanging on the top of the deck, with a few others who were apart of the ambush. Jon angrily cuts the rope with his sword and hands over his Lord Commander coat to Dolorous Edd as he walks off and says that his watch is over.

Source: avclub.com

And so is this recap. Did you see the episodes? What are your thoughts? Are you as excited about The Tower of Joy and the Kingsmoot as I am? Let me know on Twitter @LizaWrites19.

Penny Dreadful SN3 EP2 – ‘Predators Far and Near’

Welcome Back Dreadfuls! Apologies for the lateness of this review. Got some hardware upgrades and had to learn how to use ‘em! I’ll bet you can all relate!  On to the show!

In Predators Far and Near, it really is all about the Predators. Namely Dorian, Lily, Ethan, Hecate and this season’s big bad – Dracula. And to a lesser degree, Inspector Rusk, Sir Malcolm and Kaetenay.

In London’s Chinatown, Dorian and Lily alight from a hansom cab, and enter a building that is serving as a theatre of sorts. The main event is the torture and butchery of a young prostitute, for the enjoyment of a circle of well to do looking men. Did I say men? No, PERVS would be a better description! As Dorian and Lily take their seats, the victim, hooded and naked, is dragged in. The Executioner and Chief Torturer chooses his tools carefully, and rips her hood off. As he goes to strike her, Dorian and Lily spring into action, killing them all thereby rescuing the girl – Justine (Jessica Barden). Lily tells Justine that she is now hers.

In the West, we come across a photographer taking proof of death pictures of victims of the train massacre in their upright coffins. Morbid, right? But historically, this was a thing. A Federal Marshall makes his feelings known about the practice with this particular group of corpses; one must assume that these victims were also Federal Marshalls. The Marshall enters the Sheriff’s office, demanding to know where his prisoner is. He introduces himself to Inspector Rusk as Federal Marshall Franklin Ostow (Sean Gilder), and tells Rusk that his services are no longer required, as the recapture of Ethan is now a federal matter. Rusk plays the Imperial card, which trumps the Marshall’s territorial jurisdiction. He tells Ostow if he doesn’t like it, he can take it up with the British Ambassador in Washington. Rusk intends to bring Ethan to heel, at which point he will be turned over to the appropriate authorities of the US government. He clearly does not feel that Ostow is one of these authorities. As Rusk struggles one-handed to light a cigarette, Ostow inquires as to whether Rusk is familiar with the territory. Rusk admits that he is not, but that his military service has taught him how to endure long stretches on horseback, and how to hunt, track and shoot from the saddle. And besides, no tracking will be required as Rusk now knows exactly where Ethan is going. He points out the Talbot Range on the map behind the Sheriff’s desk. The wolf is returning to his den. Outside of the office, a woman appears to be resting on a bench, but the woman is Hecate, and she is eavesdropping.

Vanessa enters Dr. Sewards’ office, and is greeted by Renfield. As Sewards’ previous appointment leaves, not making eye contact with anyone, Vanessa is shown in to the Dr.’s inner sanctum. Dr. Seward immediately notes that Vanessa is wearing gloves, and tells her that the gloves are merely to remind Vanessa that the itch is still there. Seward sets up a recording device, and tells Vanessa that she records her sessions and takes notes later. Vanessa is uncomfortable with this, but Seward tells her the recordings are strictly for her own use, and invites Vanessa to tell her about her first “sin”. Vanessa tells her of the seduction of Mina’s fiancée on the eve of the wedding, which lead to catastrophe, and eventually Mina’s death. Seward notes that Vanessa blames herself for this. Vanessa agrees that she does, indirectly. Seward asks her “What, directly then?” Vanessa grows extremely uncomfortable about being recorded, but Seward refuses to turn it off, and invites Vanessa to tell her story. Vanessa leans forward, and tells her that if Seward credits her story, if she believes it, she will never sleep quietly again, and asks Seward if she can believe. Seward nods, and says “Tell me”. Vanessa begins her story.

In a tea room across from Bedlam, Henry Jekyll and Victor Frankenstein are having breakfast. Here we learn that Dr. Jekyll is waiting for his father to die. He plans to use the money, estate and title to set himself up in Harley Street, in a proper lab. Jekyll is bitter about the prejudice against his ethnicity, half Indian and half white. He hates his father for leaving his Mother to die alone in India. She was tainted by taking up with his white father; untouchable, as her family had rejected her. She died of leprosy, and he notes the poetry in that. Truly untouchable. He regards his father as not being a duality of person, but as being wholly evil. This leads him to a discussion of his work in duality of person. Everyone is light and dark, angel and devil, and it is the pull between the two which energizes life. He urges Victor to eat, get his strength back, and tells him that he will help Victor with his drug addiction along the way. Victor inquires about the tour of Henry’s lab, and is told that the lab is over there. In Bedlam. As the two travel through Bedlam to Henry’s lab, we see that the inmates are kept in the vilest of conditions. Henry’s duty is to keep these people, especially the most violent, sedated and calm while they wait for the Crown to dispose of them. His lab is subterranean, near where the worst of the worst are kept. The lab is windowless, neatly organized and spacious, with a modified barber chair in the middle of the floor. The chair allows Henry to see into his subjects’ eyes, which are the mirrors of the soul. Victor is mildly upset at the thought of having to bring Lily to this awful place. He needs to know if it will bring Lily back to him. Henry assures him that it will undoubtedly make her more calm, will possibly tame the beast within her, but is not certain that they can make her love Victor again. Victor asks for a demonstration.

Back in Sewards’ office, Vanessa has tearfully finished unburdening her soul. Her story has shaken Dr. Seward up, as she finds a cigarette and lights it, noting that it is a filthy habit and that she is trying to quit. Vanessa’s appointment has taken longer than expected; Renfield knocks to let the Dr. know that her next appointment has been waiting. Seward tells Vanessa to go do something that makes her happy, and tell her about it at her next appointment. As the door closes behind Vanessa, Dr. Seward allows herself to be visibly shocked. On the street, Vanessa decides where she will go to do her homework, and the boy familiar (Sebastian Croft) follows.

In the middle of the ocean, Sir Malcolm has cabled Vanessa to let her know where he is going. He and Kaetenay discuss hunting. Kaetenay notes that hunting a man is no great thing. They are creatures of habit and will go where their needs lead, “to eat, to sleep, to fuck”. Sir Malcolm wants to know about Mr. Chandler, or Talbot as Kaetenay knows him. Kaetenay tells him that Ethan’s appetites lead elsewhere. Sir Malcolm asks “where”, Kaetenay answers “night”. Sir Malcolm asks if all of Kaetenays’ people speak so enigmatically. Kaetenay answers ‘Yes”, and goes on to tell Sir Malcolm of the story of Ethan and himself. He met Ethan when Ethan came to him with the blood of Kaetenays’ people on his face. Ethan begged him to take his scalp and wear it on his belt. But Kaetenay hated Ethan so much for what he had done that he refused because it was far crueller to keep Ethan alive. He asks Sir Malcolm if he has ever experienced that hate. Sir Malcolm, thinking of Vanessa, says that he has. But that the hate eventually turned into something else, something just as powerful. Kaetenay asks “love?”, Sir Malcolm answers “of a kind”; Kaetenay asks “like a daughter?”, Sir Malcolm answers “of a kind”. It seems Kaetenay is not the only enigmatic one! He realizes that Sir Malcolm understands, and goes about smoking a pipe of ritual herbs that will allow him entry to Ethan’s dreams.

Kaetenay appears in Ethan’s dream of overlooking a vast desert and badlands. Ethan attacks him, holds a knife to his throat and demands that Kaetenay look into his eyes. He asks Kaetenay if “they” looked into his eyes as he killed them. Kaetenay says yes. Ethan warns him that if he comes near him in life, he will take his hair and wear it on his belt. Kaetenay tells him this is a cheap Comanche trick, useful only for scaring white people, but not worthy of an Apache. Ethan protests that he is not an Apache. Kaetenay switches to the Apache tongue, and tells him that he is either an Apache or he is nothing. Ethan lets Kaetenay go. Kaetenay asks him where he is, and Ethan tells him that he is outside of Cascabel, a town on the way to the Talbot Range, where his father waits for him. Kaetenay wants to know what happens when he is brought home, and Ethan tells him that he will end it with his father, just as someday he will end it with Kaetenay. He warns Kaetenay to keep an ocean between them; but Kaetenay only says “I will see you presently, my son.” Ethan warns him that he is changed, that there is blood on his teeth and in his soul. Kaetenay tells him that then he is the Apache Kaetenay needs. Ethan wakes, and Kaetenay tells Sir Malcolm that he knows they are coming.

In the Museum of Natural History, Vanessa attends a lecture that Dr. Sweet is giving on predators. There is some flirting between the two. After the lecture, Dr. Sweet tells her that it is a tiresome part of his job, but necessary to fund the Museum’s acquisitions, and the expeditions. He does not go on these expeditions, as he claims to be not made of the same stuff as his childhood hero, Captain Nemo. She tells him that her childhood hero was Joan of Arc. Dr. Sweet goes back to work, saying good day, but not remembering her name. Vanessa reminds him. When she returns home, she looks at a newspaper and sees something that makes her smile.

At Dorian’s house, the rescued Justine wakes in a richly appointed bedroom. She hears music, and follows it to find Dorian and Lily dancing in the ballroom. Lily welcomes her home, if she is so inclined. Justine states that they killed them all, and Dorian assures her that they would have killed more. Lily adds that they will. The girl wonders why, so Lily tells her that she is dazzled by the opulence of the room, much as she herself was the first time she stood there. A feral animal, raised on the streets and forced to her knees as a girl, to service any man with “2 bob and a hard back to his hand”. She notes that there she would have stayed and died, were it not for a strange working of fate that allowed her a new life. Dorian asks Justine if she will do the same. She agrees. Dorian asks her “no matter the cost?” and she answers fiercely “BUGGER the cost!”. Lily wants to know if she will forgive the men from her past, so the girl asks her if Lily would have her do that. Lily replies “No, no! We shall have, my dear, a monumental revenge.”, and kisses Justine on the mouth.

At the Bedlam lab, the guards have brought a screaming, thrashing, animalistic man to Dr. Jekyll, and have strapped him into the chair and gagged him. Henry asks Victor for his medical opinion on the state of the man and tells him that he is a potential regicide and Jacobite. He advises Victor to never piss off a Monarch. Henry gives the man a shot that he has prepared, upon which the man has a seizure and goes limp. Henry ungags the man and asks him to greet their guest. He lifts his head, having undergone an amazing transformation both medically and mentally, and politely, lucidly and in a civilized fashion asks for a glass of water. Victor is suitably impressed.

At his office in the Museum, Dr. Sweet receives an invitation to meet Vanessa at a certain address at a certain time that evening. The address is a theatre where a projection of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is being presented with the use of new (to the times) technology.

In Dr. Sewards office, Renfield listens to Vanessa’s recordings. At a general store/saloon in Cascabel, the leader of Ethan’s captors is ordering supplies. Ethan is sitting handcuffed at a table looking out the window at the moon which is hiding behind a cloud. A Native American woman who is cleaning tables, asks Ethan what he did to be so sad and handcuffed. Ethan tells her that he killed a Senators’ son. She switches to the Apache tongue, telling him that she knows him. She is of Kaetenay’s people. Ethan, also speaking in the Apache tongue, wants to know where the old demon is. She does not know, but says that “most of the others” are on a reservation in Oklahoma Territory. She goes on to lament that the “others are cold and frozen, dead and dying, all gone”. Ethan is saddened by this news. She tells him that she would help him if she could, so he asks her to help by leaving the room right now. She pats his shoulder and says “Bless you, Son”. He responds “Thank you, Mother”. She leaves the room as Ethan’s transformation begins. He breaks free, and lays about himself killing all present. Hecate, in her witch form, detaches from the wall to help him. Hecate tells Ethan she has missed him.

After their evening at the theatre, Vanessa invites Dr. Sweet for coffee, but he declines. He thanks her for the evening, kisses her hand and vows never to forget her name again. As Vanessa turns to go home, she gets the feeling that she is being watched, but shrugs it off. However, she is being watched, by the lead familiar (Jack Greenless).

Victor is sitting outside Dorian and Lily’s house, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lily. Creeper!! She sees him, and tells him that he cannot be there, there is nothing for him there. Victor declares that where she is, he belongs, so Lily tells him to take his romance, his memories and go. Victor wants to save her from all this, one way or another, as he created, and is responsible for, her. She says that she needs no man to save her, and muses that she more created him than he did her. She tells him that he will recover from this first love, and requests that he not come back. He will not like what she is becoming.

Vanessa writes to Sir Malcolm. In her letter, she wonders if Sir Malcolm will cross paths with their lost friend, Ethan. She assures him that all is well with her, and tells him she misses him.

At the end of the episode, we find Renfield at Draculas’ lair. He tells the voice that Vanessa has told Seward her story, but doesn’t think Seward believes her. He begs for blood. Who knew that vamp blood would be every bit as addictive as modern day once-and-you’re-screwed drugs? Dracula appears, slashes his wrist, and offers it to Renfield, telling him that he will be flesh of his flesh, blood of his blood. Renfield hungrily drinks, as our viewpoint pulls back to reveal that Dracula is none other than Dr. Sweet!

Fade To Black.

Here’s a trailer for the next Penny Dreadful, airing on Sunday May 15, 2016. Enjoy! And don’t forget to follow the Skatronixxx team at Skatronixxx.com for all your pop culture needs!

Eurovision 2016 Semi-Final Results

Yes it’s that time of the year when big hair, bad make up and tacky dance moves are celebrated, Eurovision 2016 is upon us once again and for those of you not familiar with this Wonderland that is Eurovision then you have been missing out! What is Eurovision you ask? Well it is a song contest that is held every year primarily among the member countries of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Each participating country submits an original song to be preformed on live television and radio, then casts votes for the other countries’ songs to determine the most popular song in the competition. In 2015 an exception was made when Australia was allowed to compete as a guest entrant as part of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the event, our own Guy Sebastian was picked to represent Australia and in November 2015 the EBU announced that Australia would return to Eurovision in 2016 and this year Dami Im will representing Australia. This year’s Eurovision will take place in the Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.

With the first and second semi-finals done lets take a look at the results and see who is through to the this years grand final. So 18 countries took part in the first Semi-final in order to qualify for the 10 places available in Saturday’s final. Below are the 10 qualifying counties

First Semi-final

• Azerbaijan
• Russia
• The Netherlands
• Hungry
• Croatia
• Austria
• Armenia
• Czech Republic
• Cyprus
• Malta

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Below are the other 10 qualifying countries from the second Semi-final. 

Second Semi-final

• Latvia
• Georgia
• Bulgaria
• Australia
• Ukraine
• Serbia
• Poland
• Israel
• Lithuania
• Belgium

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

The semi-finalist now join the 16 countries that had already reached the Grand Final, either by automatic qualification or from qualifying from the first Semi-final, 26 countries will now compete in Europe & now Australia’s Favorite Tv show on Saturday.

Here are your Eurovision 2016 Finalists

• Armenia
• Australia
• Austria
• Azerbaijan
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• France
• Georgia
• Germany
• Hungry
• Israel
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Malta
• Poland
• Russia
• Serbia
• Spain
• Sweden
• The Netherlands
• Ukraine
• United Kingdom

The running order for Eurovision 2016 Grand Final had just been released and goes as follows:

1. Belgium   2. Czech Republic  3. The Netherlands   4. Azerbaijan

5. Hungary    6. Italy    7. Israel    8. Bulgaria    9. Sweden

10.Germany   11. France   12. Poland    13. Australia

14. Cyprus   15. Serbia   16. Lithuania   17. Croatia   18. Russia

19. Spain   20. Latvia   21. Ukraine   22. Malta   23. Georgia

24. Austria   25. United Kingdom   26. Armenia
Dont forget to tune in on Saturday 14th May at 21:00 (for my fellow Aussies you can catch it at the very early time of 5am 15th May on SBS) I’ll have all the good and not so good bits of Eurovision 2016 Grand Final for you Monday.  

Supernatural SN11 EP 21 – ‘All In The Family’

SN11 EP21:  All In The Family

Written By:  Brad Buckner & Eugenie Ross-Leming

Directed By:  Thomas J. Wright

I’ve done a little reading on social media, and I’m fully aware that there are some fans that didn’t like this episode.  Now, I can’t help but wonder what in the hell is wrong with all of you?  I mean, I understand that it’s impossible to please all the people all the time… but if anyone or thing could, it would’ve been this episode.

It had it all…. even a guest appearance by fan favorite Osric Chau (aka the Advanced Placement Prophet Kevin) and the (sort of) Redemption of Metatron.  Seriously, I would’ve never thought that I would like him (he DID kill Dean at the end of SN9).  Several of my fellow fan friends, Lucy and I have called him Metadouche since his stunning betrayal (the murder of Dean) and attempt at God -dom.  Now?  Well, he did come through for the good guys this time…and I won’t give you the details and ruin it for you.  If you’re not up to this episode yet in your watching, just know that he eventually becomes a (sort of) decent .. uh… what was he exactly at the end? …. let’s just say soul.  He was a decent soul, even if he did murder Dean… and he DID… murder Dean that is.

The moments in the first half of the episode where Chuck is trying to convince The Boys that he is, in fact, God is classic stuff.  Sam is “fanboying” and Dean is skeptical.  Sam babbling and Dean’s Single Man Tear (which actually turned out to be two tears this time… I mean, I didn’t think Jensen was capable of two tears at once).  There were moments where I said “ouch” because Chuck is good with the zingers…. “Don’t confuse me with your father” and “I never lost faith in you, even if you didn’t return the favor”… those are some hard core zingers right there.  But, I’m going to be completely honest here, Readers.  I’m a Christian, and The Boys were asking the same sort of questions that I would want to be asking God… when I meet him.

I have to admit a moment of “What the Hell?” when Dean went to meet Amara in the woods (which looked a lot like Purgatory bt-dubbs, but in color) and then we saw Sam and the Posse in Baby going on the rescue mission to beat all rescue missions.  I was lost for a second, wondering why Dean hadn’t driven Baby to the meeting.  But, then I realized… if you’re going to go all Mission Impossible then you need the best vehicle for the job.  And no doubt, Baby is the best vehicle for ANY job.

The best line of the whole thing was hard to choose.  It was a total toss up between the whole “most porn I’ve ever seen in one sitting” convo between Chuck and Dean (talking about Dean’s computer) and the first meeting between The Boys and the new prophet, Donatello.  He says his name and says “I’m named after him.”  And, of course Dean said “The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle?”…. that was funny even though I saw it coming.

This is one of those episodes that had so much happening that I just know it’s gonna take watching it at least half a dozen times to catch it all.  You know what I mean, right?  Because, Jensen is so very great with the facial expressions that you can read every single one of Dean’s emotions if you watch close enough.  Sometimes, there’s even … let’s call them ‘tells’ … that will hit ya hard in the feels, ya know, if you aren’t distracted by a big rescue plan.

I have to go now… I need to watch it a few more times.  Just to make sure I caught everything.  Ya know, for science and all.

Assassins Creed Trailer Review

So woke up this morning to be greeted by the official Assassins Creed movie trailer so thought it was a good chance to pop a review up as I have always loved the games and hold out high hopes for the movie. So lets take a leap of faith into what we have learnt from the trailer.

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The trailer begins with Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) waking up in a room and we zoom into his eye and we see the first look at him dressed as the Assassin Aguilar and some clips of him jumping across a building gap, stood atop a high building and the scene of what appears to be one huge battle before being taken back in a laboratory with a Doctor looking over him. He ask where he is and the Doctor advises him that at 6pm yesterday evening he was executed and pronounced dead and that he no longer exists.

We then see him walking through a garden and he ask what kind of prison is he in to which the Doctor replies your not in prison we also she the Abstergo logo for the first time while the Doctor explains that he is about to enter Animus. He then learns that what he will see hear and feel will be the memories of his ancestor who has been dead for 500 yeras as he is being told this we see a weapons case with the hidden blades in them.

He asks what the Doctor “What do you want from me” and she answers with “Your past” as we go through the eye once again we see an a great visiual view of a city and an eagle soaring above it and the Doctor saying “Welcome to the Spanish inquisition” we are then treated to some great visuals of fight scenes between the Assassins and soldiers and we also see some great free running sequences that are part of the joy of playing the games.

We then cut back to Abstergo and here Callum quote “We work in the darkness to serve the light, we are Assassins”we also see from the clip that the Animus used in the film is not just a lay down couch but a machine that give Callum free reign to move carrying out what is happening in the memory. At the 1 minute 53 second mark we finally get to see Aguilar take a leap of faith off a Cathedral tower and the trailer comes to an end, words cannot describe how happy I am to see this included in the film and I cannot wait to go and see it on the big screen.

For all your Assassin Creed needs stick with @Deadpool_1984 only at skatronixxx.com

Bates Motel SN4 EP9 – ‘Forever’

Last week  Norma was torn between Romero and Norman, while Norman was starting to realize just how much had changed since he was in Pineview and he is not happy about his mother new-found happiness with Romero and tell him as such. Norma tells Norman that she likes Alex while they are out looking for a tree and Norman throws up at the news, we also seen Norma stand up for herself and her love for Romero, it’s the first time we have seen Norma put Norman dearest in his place. Romero feels the rath of Norman and is clearly rattled by Normans behavior and refuses to leave Norma alone with Norman.

SN4 EP9 – ‘Forever’

Norma wakes to find Romero downstairs and after Normans melt down the night before Romero didn’t get much sleep. Norma foolishly thinking everything is ok now and that the hard bit is over, but Romero knows otherwise and tells Norma that Norman should be at Pineview for his and Normas safety but Norma doesn’t want hear it let alone acknowledge that Norman would ever hurt her. Norman wakes and finds his mother and Romero sharing an intimate moment before Romero leaves. While in session with Dr. Edwards, Norman loses his cool and says Romero only married Norma for the money and insurance and that Romero never liked him and wanted him in Pineview so he could get to Norma, He goes on to detail how their relationship will go and that he is the one that picks up the pieces every time. He knows his mother far to well is it any wonder why the boy needs therapy.

Norma calls Romero, he express his concern that Norman being home isn’t the best thing for either of them. Norma yet again gets defensive and tell him just because he is her husband doesn’t give him the right to know whats best for her son. Norma is blinded by the truth and she knows deep down that Norman is unwell but yet still makes excuses for his irrational behavior, what will it take for her to see just how sick and dangerous Norman is? Romero left with no other option calls Dylan and expresses his concern for the woman he loves, he tells Dylan that he thinks Norman is dangerous but Dylan is hesitant to talk at first, but agrees with Romero and also thinks Norman needs to be committed but Dylan tells Romero he can’t go behind Norma’s back.

Emma finds an earing in a coat Norma gave her, assuming its Norma’s she gives it to Dylan to give back to Norma but he immediately recognizes it belongs to Emma’s mother. Dylan confronts Norma about the earing, at first she says yes its mine but when pressed she ignore Dylan’s question of why she has it. The fact that she has her head buried in the sand when it comes to Norman, is the last straw for Dylan who tells Norma he is done, he can’t do this anymore. He tells Norma he’s not the only one who thinks Norman should be committed. As Dylan is leaving Norma asks him for the earing and Dylan walks off, he encounters Norman as he is leaving and tell him “your unwell you need to check back into Pineview Norman”.

Norman confused with whats just happened, demands to know whats going on, Norma tells him that Dylan doesn’t think he should be home, she goes on to say “Because everyone thinks they know more about you than I do” Norma, Norma, Norma what are you doing? Giving up a shot at REAL love and REAL happiness for what your crazy ass, mother obsessed son. Rebecca tries to save herself and agree on a wire to get Romero, but Romero wasnt born yesterday and catches on that the DEA has gotten to her and she is wired. I think there will be more fall out from this, don’t think we have seen the last of Rebecca or the Paris case. Norman is in the basement looking for Christmas lights, when he comes across a suit case its Emma’s mother Audrey Decody’s suitcase, he put on the coat and in that instant you see it dawn on him what he had done.

Norma returns home but she is not herself and Norman notices and asks what happened, Norma tells him he was right and that her and Alex aren’t going to work out, but as she stares into the fridge it dawns on her exactly what she is giving up and breaks down as Norman tries to console her. Norman has gotten what he wanted, his mother all to himself. Norma writes Romero a letter that hit me right in the feels “I will always love you no matter what” my heart broke for her at the moment. She places the wedding ring and the note in an envelope and sits it on the dresser, Norman comes in and lays besides Norma on the bed, they talk about fresh starts and leaving White Pine Bay behind. With Norma asleep Norman heads to the basement and lights the furnace and goes through the house and closes all the vents all the while “Mr Sandman” is playing in the background but he left Norma’s vent open, he climbs back into bed with his mother. Romero returns to the house and is concerned that the doors are locked and the house is in darkness, he enters the house and calls for Norma but no answer so he goes up to her room and finds her and Norman unresponsive he carries Norma out and goes back to get Norman and again I got punched in the feels as Romero tries to revive the woman he loves, utterly heartbreaking as he Romero is falling apart Norman coughs and slowly starts to realize what has happened, he turns his head and says “Mother?” Norma is still unresponsive.

Is that the end of Norma Bates? Surely not! Every season and every episode of Bates Motel is knocked out of the park and this episode was no different, Vera Farmiga you are a legend I have loved every minute of watching you evolve Norma into the woman she is now, and Freddie Highmore you to are a legend the way you to have evolved Norman leaves me speechless. What will the season finale bring next Monday?

Damien SN1 EP10 – ‘Ave Satani’

Last week we seen Sister Greta attempt to exorcise Damien but she failed miserably as we watched Damien pull himself out of the shallow grave and turned the Megiddo dagger back on Sister Greta, we also witnessed the death of Ann’s Daughter Veronica by a freaky, possessed, evil tree. Detective Shay is asked to hand his badge and weapon in and is taken off the case but Shay is like a dog with a bone and he wont stop till he gets his man, he is slowly losing control and his family.

SN1 EP10 – ‘ Ave Satani ‘

Damien and Simone run from the churchyard and come across Lyons and his small army of men that are packing some heat, Lyons tells Damien that the Armitage Corporation has banks and buildings ready at Damien’s disposal along with hordes of followers waiting for his words. With Damien not conforming Lyons orders his army to put a bullet in Simone head and all of a sudden the soldiers turn on each other in a bloody massacre. Damien is starting to get his powers, when he and Simone try to steal a car from it becomes very clear his powers are upon him, the woman tries to throw herself off the bridge whilst chanting “Its all for you Damien.” Ann is mourning the brutal death of her daughter Veronica, Ann and Sister Greta come face to face for the first time and Sister Greta promises there will be others coming to stop Damien. We see the Vatican priests prepare to take down the Antichrist and gather weapons including Megiddo daggers.

Lyons wants to know where Damien is and threatens to kill Amani’s entire family if he doesn’t tell him Damien’s whereabouts but Amani isn’t giving it up and has no idea where he is anyway. Damien and Simone were able to escape and he heads to Charles Powell’s abandoned trailer, he tells Simone she needs to run and save herself but she refuses to leave him as she tends to his wounds. Damien is starting comprehend his role and the power he holds but he also knows that Armitage and the church won’t stop, when Simone tries to convince him that he is not a killer, he raises his arm and Simone starts to cough up bugs. Shay is on a mission to find Damien but his obsession with Damien has caused his family to leave him behind, Shay visions are becoming more tormenting as he believes he has run over his son while driving along the back roads. At the site of Damien’s failed exorcism, Lyons forces Amani to put Sister Greta in the grave that is now filled with the body’s of the women that were helping her, Lyons then shoots Amani and Sister Greta holds Amani as they are buried alive by the Armitage army.

Damien tells Simone of his plan to go to Megiddo, the place his father had visited and the home of the daggers. Shay tracks Simone and Damien as they leave the trailer, Rutledge and Lyons also figured out where he is and the chases is on and what happened next had me on the edge of my seat. Shay takes a shot at Damien but shoots Simone in the head her and Damien fall to the ground and he is screaming for someone to help her, his 666 mark starts to bleed and a drop of his blood lands on Simone’s head where she was shot and comes back from the dead, Damien and Simone are surrounded by Damien’s followers who all drop to their knees including Detective Shay. Holy shit what a way to end season 1!!

These actors are at the time of their game and can’t wait for season 2, no doubt we will see the Vatican’s army of priest arrive with their arsenal of weapons including the Megiddo daggers but what becomes of Amani and Sister Greta? Do they both survive? Does Shay completely succumb to his visions and obsession? Can’t wait to see what season 2 will bring!

Dc’s Legends Of Tomorrow SN1 EP14 – ‘River Of Time’

River of Time

HOLEE!! What a RIP-snorter of an episode ending! Did NOT see that coming! Read on for details of the latest episode of Legends, and prepare to have your socks knocked off!

Flashback to Egypt, where Rip as Gareeb is in jail being taunted by Savage (Caspar Crump) as Hath-Set.

Mick Rory enters the bridge of the WaveRider, knocking back some Scotch that was given to Rip in 1689. He is toasting “Mission almost accomplished”. Martin Stein is sickened by the thought of possibly celebrating a murder, and is reminded by Leonard Snart that murdering Savage has always been part of the plan. Len goes on to note that “as long as he is on board, living and breathing, Savage is a threat to everyone on this ship”. Kendra Saunders asks “So what, we just kill Savage and leave Carter a brainless drone?”. Rory says “Yes”, Snart and Sara Lance seem to agree. Ray Palmer and Jax Jackson enter the bridge in a state of excitement. They have found evidence that Savage has been manipulating the time line while they were analyzing the data collected by the Atom suit during the fight with the giant robot. Sara thinks the Time Masters will now have to sign off on undoing the damage Savage has caused, and the decision is made that they will transport Savage to the Vanishing Point to face justice for his crimes.

Savage is very firmly trapped in the brig. What threat could he possibly pose? Savage is quite curious as to how Rip managed to escape the Egyptian jail cell. Rip brushes that off, and wants to know how Savage attained the ability to travel through time. Savage explains that when he saw Rip for the second time, in 1975, he realized that time travel was the only explanation. “You showed a caveman fire, and I had almost 200 years to figure out how to strike the flame”. He goes on to tell Rip that he will come to learn that this is just one of many things they have in common. Rip retorts that “subjugating the world to your rule is not saving it. You would create a wasteland and call it peace”. Savage is annoyed at the misquote of Tacitus. He goes on to sneer “You might be a time master, but I am a master of time, and I play a far deeper game than you could ever hope to comprehend”. Sounds like some surprise is coming. Rip leaves the brig and instructs Gideon to up their speed to maximum. Gideon objects, but Rip overrides his objections, saying that they need to get to the Vanishing Point as fast as possible.

Ray and Kendra visit Carter Hall, who is handcuffed in the cargo bay. Kendra tries to tell him who he is, but Carter only promises that if they release him he will show them mercy by killing them quickly.

Sara notes that the ship is laboring hard, and questions Rip’s decision to push it. In spite of Rip’s confidence in the WaveRider, the time drive fails. Sara goes to check on Savage’s cell. Rip tells Jax that his help is required to repair the time drive. Stein worries what will happen if they end up stranded in the time stream, so Rip tells him that the jumpship can make a one-time only trip back to 2016.

In the brig, Savage tries to engage Sara in conversation. She wonders how he knows so much about her family, so he points out that he has only had 191 years to research his enemies. She says that he should know that she doesn’t scare that easily. He tells her that she should be scared of Captain Hunter. “He has lied to you all so often, and yet you persist in believing him. Do you know why he selected all of you for this endeavour?” Sara quips “Great bone structure”. Savage continues “Because he chose people who could be manipulated. People who would believe his lies”. She notes that the lies she doesn’t believe are Savage’s. But it is easy to see that Savages’ particular brand of poison is already at work.

Jax has meanwhile found a large crack in the time drive. Gideon informs Rip the level of contamination in the engine room is 3 percent above maximum. Stein says that they need to get him out of there, but Rip assures him that Jax will be done quickly enough that he won’t suffer any adverse effects. Jax gets the time drive back online, but it surges. Jax flashes back to his mother giving him his Father’s watch. Stein and Rip hustle Jax to the med bay, but Gideon informs them that his organs are aging at a rapid rate, a condition that Gideon cannot reverse. So much for not suffering adverse effects! Now that the time drive is operational a total reboot is required.

Snart watches Rory make a mess while eating, and asks if he remembers Alexa. Rory asks why, and Snart tells him he has the same feeling now as he did then. It was obviously not a warm, fuzzy feeling!

Sara returns to the bridge, having ensured that Savage is secure, and tells Rip that Savage has told her that Rip would sell them all out to save his family. Rip agrees that Savage is not wrong, and tells her what has happened to Jax. He’s vexed by the possibility that he subconsciously chose to send Jax to do the job because of the possible danger. Sara is vexed by the possibility that they have thrown in with a Captain who cares more about himself than his crew.

Kendra, still trying to jog Carter’s memory while being guarded by Ray, gets too close to Carter. He strikes at Kendra, choking her with his legs. Ray clobbers him and pulls Kendra away, then goes back to Carter and delivers such a punch to Carter’s head that he is knocked out. Ray, now determined to find another way to get Carter’s mind back, visits Savage, and demands that Savage tells him how to free Carter’s mind. Savage agrees that he could do this, but wants to know if Ray is really sure that is what he wants. Savage points out that if he does, Ray will lose Kendra, very much as he himself lost her to Carter on her second life. It transpires that Kendra and Savage had been very much in love during her second life according to him, as Kendra had no recollection of her death at his hands in Egypt. Then Carter came along, and took Kendra and their love and happiness. Savage  blatantly draws parallels between himself and Ray. Ray denies that they are even remotely the same. Savage says that nevertheless, if Carter is free, Ray will lose Kendra. But then, he notes “she would hardly be the first woman you’d lost would she?”. Flashback to Ray’s conversation with Felicity Smoak (Emily Bett Rickards) before he joined up with Rip.

Ray returns to the cargo hold where much to his shock and dismay, he overhears Kendra reciting a love poem to Carter. He spins on his heel, Kendra runs after him, and the conversation that follows leads to Ray breaking it off with Kendra. They both look unhappy about it, but at the same time I suspect that both are relieved.

In the med bay, Jax’s outward appearance now matches the aging of his innards. Snart says that this is all Rip’s fault, because this is what happens when Rip goes with Plan B. Rory notes that Plan A was to take Savage’s head in with the mace. Stein is still aghast at the thought of murder, and points out that they are trying to resolve the situation without bloodshed. With a look at Jax, Rory enquires “and how’s that working for you, Ghandi?” Jax notes that won’t help him now.  Snart tells Stein and Jax that they are not waiting around for the other shoe to drop, and that they deserve better.

Snart and Rory join Rip and Sara on the bridge, where Snart drawls “We saw what you did to Jax.” Rory is worried that this is just the beginning. Snart continues “like I said, Rip, as long as Savage is alive and on this ship he is dangerous.” Rip tells them that the time drive is rebooting and that they will soon be on their way. He asks Snart for a little faith, to which Snart responds “Sorry, fresh out”. Rip asks Rory if he is of the same mind, and asks Sara what her feelings are. Sara points out that he is the one who said he would sell them out for his family. Rip tells them about the jumpship, and reminds them that the mission has always been a voluntary enterprise. Len and Mick leave the bridge, Snart saying it has been a blast, and Rory telling Rip to tell his pals that “Chronos says to kiss my ass”. Sara stays. Flashback to Sara visiting Nyssa al Gul (Katrina Law) in her Nanda Parbat cell.

Stein visits Savage. Savage says “Finally, an intellect approximate to my own.” Stein tells him he is not there to play mind games. He reminds Savage of the ritual performed in October of 1975 at the Greyhill building. He wants to know if Savage can share his immortality with Jax. Savage informs him that he would need Carter’s blood to do that, and suggests that he go ask Carter for it, or better yet, enlist Ray’s help to spill it. Stein notes that he is sure Savage would enjoy that, having all of them at each other’s throats while stranded in the time stream. Martin then realizes that they are not stranded and thanks Savage for providing the solution to the problem. We next see Martin helping Jax into the jumpship, where he explains to Jax that he has made adjustments. If his math is correct, the trip through the time stream should correct Jax’s condition. Jax refuses, knowing that without him Stein will die, but Stein once again drugs him, and explains that this time he is thinking of Jax. He asks Jax to tell Clarissa he is sorry, she deserved a proper goodbye.  He straps Jax in and leaves, launching the jumpship.  Flashback to Clarissa (Isabella Hofmann) and Martin at Star Labs, where Martin tells her that he loves her, and that he will be back before she knows it.

Snart and Rory arrive at the launch bay to find the jumpship gone. Stein tells them that he has done what was necessary to save Jax’s life, and now they all need to do what’s necessary to save the ship and themselves.

Ray, clearly not thinking very clearly, re-enters the brig, to tell Savage that Kendra is free to do as she wants. Savage taunts him into entering the brig, where the two fight. Savage wins, and uses Ray’s palm to open the brig door.

As the time drive reinitialization completes, Ray rushes onto the bridge to tell them that Savage has escaped. Gideon informs them that Savage has released Carter, and then is disengaged by Savage. Rory threatens Ray “If we live through this you bumbling idiot I might just kill you.” Rip sends Rory, Snart, Ray and Kendra to recapture Savage and Carter, and pulls out the navigation maps. They must navigate the river that is the time stream manually, in order to reach the Vanishing Point. Sara plots the safest course, while Martin calculates when to put on a burst of speed and for how long, and Rip pilots.

Snart, Rory, Atom and Kendra catch up with Savage, where he grandiosely demands ”Who are you to stand up against me, Vandal Savage, destroyer of Empires?” Snart retorts “Leonard Snart, Robber of ATMs”. Carter approaches from behind, armed with his mace, so Ray and Kendra take him on. Kendra tells the Atom she can take care of Carter. He goes to help Snart and Rory only to be knocked out, again, in pretty short order. Am I the only one who has noticed that the guy has a glass jaw, even in his suit? Thought not! The three on the bridge maneuver the ship through the most difficult bit, Rip gives control to Sara, and goes to the aid of the four attempting to recapture Savage. Ray, Snart and Rory are now all down for the count, and Carter is putting the beats on Kendra. Rip knocks Carter down, Savage fires at Kendra and Rip jumps in front of her. Carter then grabs Kendra and gives her to Savage. Savage begins to choke her, and while Carter is watching, his memories return like a bolt out of the blue. He hawks out and goes after Savage. Savage stabs Carter, Carter falls, and Kendra goes mediaeval on Savages’ ass. Savage is recaptured, and Rip gets Carter to the medbay as he is still alive.

The WaveRider appears at the Vanishing Point. Sara notices that Rip is injured, so Rip tells her that he might have jumped in front of a laser blast intended for Kendra. He can’t have his crew thinking that he cares more for himself than for them. The Vanishing Point takes over control of the WaveRider. They are told to disable weapons and prepare to be boarded. Rip demands an immediate assembly of the Time Council, as he is here not to answer for his crimes, but to justify them. As Rip marches Savage off the WaveRider, he finally tells Savage how he got out of the cell so many years ago. He bribed the guard with a novelty pen, the type with a woman on the side. When the pen turns upside down, her top comes off. Rip tells Savage that the guards at the Vanishing Point will not be so easily swayed.

In the medbay, Ray monitors Carter. When Kendra enters, he tells her it is because Carter not only has saved her life, he is also a part of the team. He thanks Kendra for breaking his heart, because the experience has taught him that he can find someone to spend the rest of his life with.

At the meeting of the Time Council, Rip produces both incontrovertible proof, and Savages’ confession, that Savage has been messing with the time line. Time Master Zaman Druse (Martin Donovan) congratulates Rip and promptly announces that they will be returning Vandal Savage to Earth immediately. He is needed in 2166. Rip cannot believe what he is hearing. The Time Masters are working in collusion with Savage! The guards take Rip away, and are told to search the ship and arrest the rest of the team.

Snart’s Alexa senses are still working. He tells Sara they need to hide, now. Stein, on the bridge is taken into custody. Rory, who has finished off that aged bottle of scotch, is taken into custody. Both Kendra and Ray, bewildered, are taken into custody. In the Vanishing Point cells, Savage tells Rip that Druse’s men have taken the ship, his friends are under arrest and Rip is once again his prisoner. And this time, he doesn’t plan to lose him. Savage pulls out the novelty pen and shows it to Rip, saying “yes, I do remember the guard. He died. Now if you will excuse me, I better be getting back to 2166. I’ve been waiting so very long to meet your family; I wouldn’t miss it for the world”.
Fade to Black

WHAT the FUDGE?? You could have knocked me over with a feather at the end of this episode. Seriously. The Time Masters working with Savage? How? More importantly, WHY? Looking forward to the answers to these questions!

Favorite Moments:

Sara to Savage “I would tell you to go to Hell, but you’d probably feel right at home there”
The Kendra/Ray breakup. It was inevitable, really, as Ray realized that he would never be “anything more than Carter’s placeholder”.

Stein’s conversation with Savage. Martin was the only one who escaped unscathed by the interaction.

Jax to Martin “You rufied me again?”

The terminology. Is the Theory of Quantum Retro Causality a thing? Anyone?

Snart to Savage “Leonard Snart, Robber of ATMs!” lolz

Sara in charge of piloting the ship. She’s not just another pretty assassin!

Kendra going mediaeval on Savage. Again. You go girl! Maybe next time you’ll actually follow through? Please?

Silicon Valley SN3 EP2 – ‘Two in the Box’

He’s not a good guy, he’s not a bad guy, he’s the guy…. I’m so sorry.

Action Jack Barker gets ahead of himself this episode and the engineers have to deal with the fallout. HBO has a trend of being brutal to the main characters even as they’re successful. Pied Piper has new funding, new offices, anything they could possibly want on an order list but the CEO is actively changing the heart of the company. The freenium model that Richard wanted has been removed in favour of selling for companies and Richard’s example of a shitty idea is now the prime focus of the sales team. The season is set up for new conflict and challenges already.

Richard’s awkward inability to get communicate his ideas were taken advantage of by Jack’s hiring of the infuriating sales team who insist on reintroducing themselves before every statement (Jan, they call me Jan the man). As long as Jack has the sales team under him, backing up his decisions with data, Richard is going to have a really difficult time getting what he wants. For now, he has  box to work with while the ex-Hooli staff have worked out just what makes Pied Piper’s coding so unique. Its good to have the race to release the platform back in focus after Pied Piper gained the obvious lead.

Jack may be getting ahead of himself in his decisions for Pied Piper, choosing what to focus on from a business perspective before actually looking into what would be best from a technical perspective.For example wasting money on the unneeded aspects of the offices (great for your fung shui) before actually seeing if it would fit in the budget. I particularly liked his Google analogy ‘You know who that was? Right, Google, I shouldn’t have said that at the start’ showing how he jumps the gun and ruins the premise of what he intends to do. Then again, this is the man that brought horse cocks and animal husbandry to HBO so if anyone’s a wildcard it’s Jack.

I thought the Erlich storyline was stale this episode with his attempts to kick Jian Yung out of the incubator being hampered by Jared’s inability to kick his own squatter out of his home. Jared and Erlich are my two favourite characters in the show but they got the busy work in the script this week. Overall great episode hampered by the incubator storyline. This episode continues to up the stakes of the season.

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