A Message From The Upside Down…Stranger Things Season 2 Announced!

Today, Netflix delivered a message from the Upside Down – season 2 of the sci-fi horror Netflix Original series Stranger Things has been announced.

The 57 second trailer replicates the infamous opening credits of the show, showing phrases and captions as slowly but surely, the letters in the iconic neon-red font come together to spell “SEASON TWO” – before cutting to a black background with white font to confirm the season is coming in 2017.

Stranger Things is the Netflix original TV series focusing on the mysterious disappearance of a young boy from a local community and the terrifying circumstances surrounding his vanishing – and when his three friends go out in a desperate search, they instead find a mysterious girl who calls herself Eleven.

Filled with great writing, an incredibly likeable cast and so unforgivably 80’s on every front, it’s no wonder people just can’t get enough of Stranger Things.

No release date has been confirmed for Season 2, but all of the first season is available to stream on Netflix.

 

Daredevil Season 1 Overview

After reviewing every single episode from the first season of Daredevil one by one, it’s time to give a look at the first season overall.

Looking at the season overall, it is important to look at how things changed over the course of 13 episodes. The first season relied heavily on suspense and buildup. Matt Murdock’s origins are spaced out through each episode. The opening shot of the series is Matt being blinded and every episode puts together a new piece of the puzzle – meeting and being trained by Stick, becoming friends with Foggy. Daredevil’s story isn’t even complete during the course of the season as he spends most of the season in a cheap ninja costume, never donning the famous red Daredevil suit until the finale.

As entertaining as a lot of the movies are, they have to tell their stories in a two-and-a-half hour time-frame. Pacing these events over 13 hour-long episodes gives us the chance to experience the full story. Matt makes mistakes, he is assaulted by hoods and other villains. Every loss is a lesson, he builds on what he learns.

Speaking of changes, I talked time and again in individual episodes of what a draw Fisk/Kingpin was. First, the series builds suspense for the character by showing little of him. Once we finally do see him, he does not disappoint. His subordinates built him up as a violent threat and they weren’t joking. He seems willing to kill anyone, even his right hand men, he can hold his own in fighting. His romance with Vanessa shows his unique honor system and every episode features a new face to the man’s personality.

Speaking of the 13 episodes, the first season is paced wonderfully. I was tempted to do a best/worst comparison, but it was hard because there were no real bad episodes or weak links. There were slower episodes and episodes lighter on action, but EVERY episode served some purpose – they established character, established part of a character’s origin or at least kept the flow of the story going. Some of these slower episodes worked because instead of cramming every episode with action, they were able to pace things out in a cinematic way – heavy action, then a slower episode to pace things out and not overwhelm the viewers.

There were a few weak links. Foggy and Karen largely seemed to just be there. Both had moments to shine. Foggy was a little more engaging with his relationship with Matt, which was explored greatly in “Nelson vs. Murdock”, but he also had a relationship with an old flame that really didn’t add up to match. Karen was an alright character, her subplot of hunting Fisk through investigating with Urich. Her intro is exciting when she is wrongly accused of murder and toward the end of the season, she actually commits a murder to save her life. In between that is little to write home about. However, those were minor nitpicks.

Overall, the first season was superb. There was a perfect balance of story, action and good character development.

Punisher TV Series To Include Micro?

The rumor has started around the Punisher TV series despite it not being given an official air date and the rumor that has surfaced that the new series will include Micro.

It has been rumored that Marvel and Netflix are currently casting for the role of David Lieberman AKA Microchip/Micro. We are still not sure what stage of pre-production the Punisher is in, but if they are casting for roles then it must be further along than we thought.

The script being used for the Punisher includes Micro but we are unsure how big Micros involvement will be in the series. It would make sense to include Micro in the new series as the characters have integrated with each other multiple times in the comic books and Micro also made an appearance in Punisher:Warzone.

At present this is only a rumor that Micro will be used in the series but it is more likely than not that he will make some sort of appearance in my opinion. What we do know is that actor Jon Bernthal will be taking on the role he made his own in Daredevil season 2 as the Punisher.

We will keep you posted with anymore updates right here at skatronixxx.com.

For all your Vigilante needs stick with @Deadpool_1984

 

A Look At The Possible Villains In Jessica Jones Season 2

**WARNING** THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS! 🙂

We watched tentatively when Jessica Jones snapped the neck of Kilgrave (played by a beloved icon, David Tennant…trust me, I had a hard time watching this part), ridding Miss Jones of the evil that was haunting her in the season finale. So I guess they decided to not have him unsnap his own neck to return as the villain in season two. Darn. But it sound like the possibilities for the next season will be fantastic for those who follow the comic book world.

We remember the policeman (Wil Traval) who had a back story and some relationship with Jessica in the first season… Well, he may become the character of Nuke, the old red white and blue faced man from the comics. And yes my friends, he is the ID to our patriotic power man Captain America. In the second season there would appear to be something not ‘right’ about him. Then later he pretty much snaps and goes around enforcing his own brand of justice to whatever extent he deems necessary.

The other possibility is that Trish Walker may transform in to Hellcat. Yes that Trish, the one she told she loved right before destroying the first foe in season one finale. Which facing her beloved buddy may be the anguish needed to make season two as wonderful as season one. Though I realize that the role of Hellcat is supposed to go to a woman by the name of Patsy Walker in the Marvel universe who attempts to help the Avengers, she and Nuke are Netflix versions of the Marvel comic book fiends and could bring in wonderful complications for our super strength heroine. Though they may have big feet to fill, since Tennant brought so much creepiness to the first villain Kilgrave.

There is even rumors that both these villains may be in season two. Well that could be interesting, though I hope it wont appear to feel rushed at some point since we are now focusing on two instead of one. You know what I mean, when they place two villains in, the first seems to go out quick and the conflict is kind of a let down, but still gives a big climax to the second one. Though the second one is great, I hate feeling like they could have done more for the first one. Regardless, knowing there will be a season two of Jessica Jones is wonderful, and whoever is the opposing menace to our leading lady will sure bring us to the edge of our seats again I am sure. ^_^

 

Robert De Niro AND Jullian Moore TV SHOW!!! *EEEK*

It used to be rare if we saw a big star on TV shows back in the day. If we did it would be a quick cameo or even one star not so big in the business, but big enough to make us go “oooooh.” Today, however, it seems that TV networks are grabbing the big guys from the screen and placing them in TV shows.

Premium cable networks are normally ones who will have the big guys on. I mean, there have been normal networks that may have had big guys from the past, like CSI or what have you, but HBO has True Detective starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson and more recently Sharp Objects with Amy Adams, while Netflix grabbed Maniac with Emma Stone and Jonah Hill. But it seems we may have a show to be aired on the smaller networks have a couple well-known names in Hollywood. Huge icons such as Robert De Niro and Jullianne Moore! (De Niro is such a stud!!) Though it may not have a network yet, it appears to be highly sought after and has had many offers.

The person behind the show is named David O. Russell (thank you David), who directed Heavyweights. And there seems to not be much as far as the plot goes for this TV series. One site called deadline.com heard it’s supposed to be another crime/cop thriller set in the 1990s. (Could be cool, but I’m kind of done with the cop dramas, they seem to be everywhere…)  But still it’s not for sure what the show will be about, and production won’t start until the director is back from vaycay. (Poor guy must be getting hounded for offers while he is trying to relax lol.)

Well whatever the show is, cop drama or not, I will definitely be checking this bad boy out. I am a huge De Niro fan, loving all he has done (even Bad Grandpa though not one of my favs) and can’t wait to watch him each week on TV. This man is a stuuuuuuuuuud as before mentioned and will kill it in the TV series I’m sure, plus paired up with Ms Moore, dear goodness, I hope the networks can handle this much Hollywood stardom. ^_^

‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Time Period & Lead Character Revealed

At this years Critics Association Press Tour, Executive Producer of CBS’ upcoming Star Trek: Discovery Bryan Fuller, dropped some tantalising reveals that many fans have been speculating for months.

A common theory that Trekkies have circulated online is that the main character would be a female Captain, following in the footsteps of Star Trek Voyager’s Kathryn Janeway. Although Fuller revealed that his lead would indeed be female, the show runner confirmed that she will be a Lieutenant Commander, breaking a trend with Star Trek on TV in the hopes of bringing “a different perspective” to show. With Fuller explaining that the Lieutenant will be able to have “a different dynamic and relationship to the crew” unlike in past shows.

In mentioning past statements that Discovery would be more serialised than past Trek series. Fuller elaborated on how the series would handle a larger story arc with the lead character and the crew learning “how to get along with others in the galaxy.” With the focus of the story concerning the lead’s self-discovery, a journey that Fuller described as a search in “understand something that is truly alien, she first has to understand herself.”

We also learned that CBS’ show will be set approximately 10 years before Captain Kirk took command of the USS Enterprise, allowing writers to dig-deep into the early years of Starfleet history. This also means in addition to new species of aliens that will pop-up on the show, their will be re-imagined interpretations of classic species with Fuller commenting that “we’ll probably have a few more aliens than you normally do in a Star Trek cast.“

Its was further hammered home as well that Discovery would not be beholden to JJ. Abrams alternate Star Trek Universe given that the new show would exist in the Prime Universe established by Gene Roddenberry’s original series. It was teased however than younger versions of classic characters could turn up once the main cast of characters were fleshed out.

Filming for Star Trek: Discovery is yet to begin but already the new show has a Global deal with Netflix that will see it distributed outside of the US following its debut on CBS All Access streaming service in January next year.

In the meantime be sure to check out my review of Star Trek Beyond and as always, stick with @mitchrated only on Skatronixxx

First Luke Cage Trailer From Netflix

Get excited Marvel fans! Luke Cage is coming.  Netflix release the first trailer for the next Marvel hit series. Check it out:

In the comic book series, Luke Cage is a product of the attempted recreation of the Super-Soldier research that was destroyed when Captain America was born.  Cage emerged with super strength and durability…he’s basically indestructible.  MCU fans got a good dose of Luke Cage in the Netflix series Jessica Jones.  Luke Cage was introduced after the death of his wife and reluctant to let anyone too close to find out about his abilities.  The series will follow what happens to Cage after the events that occurred in Jessica Jones, but also will take a look at Cage’s origin story and how he acquired his abilities.

Following the formula of the Avengers, the MCU has already introduced Daredevil and Jessica Jones.  This will be is the third Marvel/Netflix series that will lead up to another super group of heroes, The Defenders.  After Luke Cage, Netflix will introduce Iron Fist before bringing the group together.

Mike Colter will continue to portray Luke Cage and it looks like we will Rosario Dawson appear in this series as well as Claire Temple.  Dawson also appeared in Daredevil and Jessica Jones.  Other cast to watch are Frankie Faison as Pop,  Theo Rossi  as Shades Alvarez , Alfre Woodard as Mariah Dillard, Simone Missick as Missy Knight, and Mahershala Ali as Cornell Stokes.  It also looks like Krysten Ritter will make an appearance as Jessica Jones in this series as well.  Although it has not been confirmed, there is speculation that Iron Fist portrayed by Finn Jones could possibly make a cameo in the series…MAYBE…

Luke Cage premieres on September 30 on Netflix.

Daredevil SN1 EP12 – ‘The Ones We Leave Behind’

Warning: This review does contain spoilers. The episode may be a year old, but I have an honor system.

The plot of this episode is a little all over all over the place. However, it works. The breakneck storytelling captures the frantic mood of the characters’ trying to put the pieces of everything together. Karen just killed a man, put a gun against his head, pulled my trigger, now he’s dead (No, I couldn’t resist). Karen dealing with this decision is engaging as she has to deal with the paranoia that Fisk’s men can come after her, but the startling realization that she has taken a life.

Matt is in action as the devil, trying to hunt down the Japanese gangsters. The scenes as the Devil are as exciting as ever. However, there are some great scenes as Matt. There’s a tense moment where Matt confronts Foggy, both of whom acknowledging what they and we know without saying a word. This episode also features a thrilling foot chase – with Matt chasing a blind Japanese girl through the streets. The scene is cool on its own, but seeing Matt in action out of costume feels unique.

Fisk is on the hunt for the people who poisoned Vanessa and wants to stop everyone in his way – including Urich. Fisk has some frightening moments in this episode – first he violently assaults one of his lackeys for talking out of line – and still keeping this person loyal. (We also learn the real reason Vanessa was poisoned, which is clever.) The episode ends with Fisk murdering Ben. It’s a great scene in how gruesome it is. We see how Fisk can go from zero to sixty – he’s quite calm leading up to the killing – and just murder someone in cold blood. Not a henchman, he does it himself – all because Ben was investigating his mother.

This is the penultimate episode of the first season. If this doesn’t get your blood pumping for the finale, please tell me what does.

Daredevil SN1 EP11 – ‘The Path Of The Righteous’

Both IMDB and Netflix describe this episode as “Matt and Fisk facing the consequences of their chosen paths.” This is technically accurate, but there is so much more to it. After Vanessa was accidentally poisoned at the end of the previous episode, Fisk is in panic mode. As that vague synopsis implies, Fisk is facing the reality that his actions are affecting the one person he truly does care about. We’ve seen faces of Fisk’s personality before, but the gloves are off – we know how violent, merciless and gruesome this man can be. So it is a unique contrast to see this monster of man being so vulnerable – especially since the show succeeds in making Fisk seem sympathetic. This also builds suspense as we know how volatile this man can be so if something happens to Vanessa, Fisk can blow.

After being patched by Claire – who is back after being MIA for what feels like too long – Matt is back in action. He has some talk with his Pastor, which fleshes out his character. It’s a unique contrast – Matt has learned his physical limits, but has to confront his moral limits in pursuing Kingpin. While his MO isn’t entirely different, this time his friends have seen his scars and Matt is haunted by memories of his battle. There are some exciting action scenes as Matt’s MO is a little more clearly defined – acquire the same type of body armor Fisk protects himself with.

Karen and Ben are on the trail of Fisk as well. However, this is dialed up several notches. Despite being on the trail of Fisk as well, Karen has felt like an afterthought for much of this season. She is captured by one of Fisk’s men. There’s a tense scene where Kingpin’s man threatens to hunt down Karen ever cared about if she doesn’t convince Ben that Fisk is safe – this is tense because we know by now, this is not an idle threat. Without giving anything away, Karen’s actions show there’s more to her than just a damsel in distress, but will also put her in real danger. In conclusion, this episode is another winner – lots of great action, and every character has a few more dimensions to their personalities.

Daredevil SN1 EP10 – ‘ Nelson v. Murdoch ‘

After last week’s blockbuster episode, it should be no surprise that there would be a bit of a slower episode. “Speak of the Devil” ended on a HUGE cliffhanger and this episode has to pick up the pieces. Foggy has found Matt broken and battered from his conflict with Fisk and his men. A large part of this episode is a simple battle of wits between Nelson and Murdoch.

One of the highlights of this episode is that after being a secondary character, Foggy finally gets a little character development. He is rightfully upset as he feels his friend has lied to him for all this time. His reactions feel natural as he seems appropriately upset about a major bombshell being dropped, but is conflicted that it came from someone so near and dear to him. Foggy’s smart-alecky personality lends itself to featuring a little more comic relief in this episode – not exactly a laugh-a-minute riot, but the humor seems natural for how someone as sarcastic as Foggy would respond in this situation.

This episode reveals a lot of the backstory between the two. They were in law school together where Foggy was the joker and the girl chaser while Matt was the more serious student. They worked at a law firm but quit when Matt’s abilities gave him insight that their bosses were bilking people before starting their own firm. These scenes are effective on a few levels – Matt and Foggy have chemistry, plus showing them in this episode creates a great contrast between the friendship they used to have and how things have turned out.

B-plots include a story reveals a few more shades of Fisk’s personality as he actually shows a willingness to go legit… until something happens. Also, Karen and Urich are on the hunt for information about Fisk, eventually leading them to Fisk’s mother. The Karen Urich sideplot may be a side dish, but it’s welcome with the main entree.

Overall, this is a solid episode. It is one of the lightest on action – the only time we see the Devil in action is a quick flashback when he roughed a child abuser – but it is effective. Foggy becomes a little more fleshed out, as does his relationship with Matt. The B-plots are engaging enough while keeping the season’s story going.