"From" Ball of Magic Fire (TV Episode 2023) Poster

(TV Series)

(2023)

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8/10
I wish Season 2 was like the first 20 minutes of this Episode
charlieedmond27 June 2023
8 stars for those 20 minutes alone because it made the episode feel like an oasis in the dessert of poor writing.

Seriously, it was like taking a breath of fresh air.

Again, those first 20 minutes had the best characters in them. No poor dialogue, no random decisions.

And it's weird, the way the episode starts of is like a different writer came to the rescue of who ever wrote the previous episode.

I swear, it went FROM being almost a dead end story to having the defibrillators punched to MAX to try save the corpse of plot holes and inconsequential drama.

I wish... I wish Season 2 had more like those 20 minutes and more of Victor.
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6/10
Same writers as Lost. We should have known. Just bad all around
mpboylanjr-5403820 June 2023
Wow. What a total derailment of a show in the 2nd season after such promise. Another episode and still more mystery and guessing. Unfinished plots everywhere. The girl who came back who killed her brother is unwatchable and possibly one of the worst actresses I've ever seen. Now it's giant killer locusts flying around killing people or not killing people ? I don't know where to start with this convoluted mess of a season. I think that weird nursery rhyme about it comes for 3 has to do with those locusts who killed the annoying guy who was pissing everybody off. The guys wife who was in bed and now it's either the daughter or the drug addict girl who will be the 3rd one ?? Those "silver bile bullets" lol. Guess those were another dead end. The music came on the radio signal which stopped the creatures who we still know less about than the very first episode. Why, what, when, all questions still a total mystery. I'd say that was good if we had an inkling as to a reason in 18 episodes. Let's just say the finale better be some of the best television I've seen to save this titanic of a show.. lastly, the writers are the ones from Lost and I didn't know that until recently. We all shoulda known from that and saved ourselves in the beginning from this nonsense. The budget must have been under a million dollars for this because the acting and filming location etc.. are nothing special to be nice. I'm now curious as to how badly they will polish this turd off. What a disappointment!!
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7/10
Something happened....finally.
elderpampar18 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
It took 8 full episodes of boring, tedious, dull episodes for something to finally happened in episode 9.

This means that we have one more episode for this season, I can predict now that we will get no answers, just more random unexplained events.

This episode was half decent, but as per usual nothing was answered but we actually got some action and events that happened.

I mean, they finally sat down and actually started putting together the clueless, dreams and visions that they have had.

A good theory is that the monsters are part of someone's imagination after they have died in the town. The monsters, civil solider, insects, etc.

But overall, this season has been poor! The writing has been atrocious. Season 1 was really good, how did they screw it up so bad in season 2?!

We can only hope episode 10 is a banger to redeem something for this series, but my expectations are low.
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9/10
'From' Revives Excitement As Season Nears Its End
haydenzabel18 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
After quite a slow season in comparison to the first, the mystery of "FromLand" remains intriguing and leaves you thinking every episode. Episode 9 was no different, as we finally get people in the town talking and working together to solve the towns mysteries, and an idea of whats to come with their newly introduced threat to the town.

The theory of having a "mole" in the town is starting to create even more chaos as Randall tries to test this theory on one of his primary suspects. However, he soon realizes this was a big mistake. After trapping them in the woods by throwing the car keys after Boyd free's Donna from the tree, Randall then proceeds to endanger them further by breaking out the RV window the Matthews Family arrived in and were seeking shelter in for the night.

We then see Boyd heroically test his theory of the Bile that was extracted from the monster killed in Season 2 Episode 6. Boyd stands back and begins shooting at the monsters from the RV with the bile acid dipped bullets while Jim and Donna try to get the car to start, but to no avail the bullets did not seem to affect the monsters.

Boyd, Jim, and Donna make it back to colony house where Boyd tells everyone not to fall asleep because he believes peoples nightmares are beginning to kill them, as one of the residents was seemingly killed inside in her sleep despite having a tailsman hung and no monsters entering the house.

I won't get into spoilers for the characters, but episode 9 really pulls it together to leave you wanting to rip your hair out having to wait another week for what is next. Fantastic episode with great cinematography to top it off. Despite some actors needing a bit more practice, Harold Perrineau always leaves a lasting impression with his role of Boyd and has a great performance.
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10/10
Just a hypothesis
kersyvanyo20 June 2023
I think they are dead. They died as result of road traffic crashes.

There is no bad people to kill other people. Sara Myers isn't a criminal. She has killed people due to disperation but she isn't a cold blood criminal.

Maybe they are in the purgatory. A purgatory created specially for the drivers.

There are many clues which supports this hypothesis:

1. They aren't trying to escape from the city.

2. They have hallucinations.

3. The monsters can't be killed with a gun.

4. Main road is a circle.

5. There are conflicts with the laws of physics.

6. The weather does not change.

7. People don't get sick.

I think the people which are leaving here bad reviews don't understand what means a mystery movie. Them are prefering Supergirl where anything is clear ))
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7/10
The story moves forward. But not forward enough.
HorrorAndGore19 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
With one episode left in the season, we were hoping for more by now.

You could probably get by without having seen episodes 1-7.

Episode 8 really moved the story along and presented a new threat, episode 9 leveraged this and pushed along a little further, but not enough for a penultimate episode.

We have about as many answers as we had in episode 1, and far more questions.

However, this episode did present some very interesting story pieces and theories- 1. The townspeople finally got together to piece together what had happened in their dreams and find a solution.

2. Sarah presented and awesome theory that the monsters are nightmares of previous townsfolk - this explains the random monsters (someone might fear the doctor, hence the monster dressed as a doctor, another, funnily, might fear his wedding, hence the bride, and Sarah's brother feared cicadas.

Lots of questions, not alot of answers. Episode 10 has the potential to either really push the show forward, or hold us back and take 2 steps backwards.
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7/10
Thrilling moments, but lacking development
RebelPanda19 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
From season 2 episode 9 titled "Ball of Magic Fire" offers some solid thrills but falls short in terms of delivering significant progress in the overall plot. The driving conflict of the episode revolves around nightmares, with the characters desperately trying to stay awake to avoid deadly consequences in their sleep.

The episode begins with Donna being kidnapped by Randall and Jim, creating a tense cliffhanger. However, this problem is swiftly resolved when Boyd comes to her rescue. Nevertheless, the group finds themselves stranded in the forest as darkness falls rapidly, leading them to seek refuge in Jim's overturned RV. The subsequent thrilling scene of their escape from the encroaching monsters is one of the standout moments of the season. Just before escaping, Boyd is haunted by a vision of his dead wife-it's an eerie moment that will surely leave a mark. Thankfully, Randall gets separated from the group and he is viciously swarmed by flies, leaving his ultimate fate unclear.

Danny and Sarah's storyline focuses on them struggling to stay awake in the police station, with Danny ensuring Sarah won't put anyone else in danger. Sarah's heartfelt monologue, apologizing for her father's death, showcases Avery Konrad's exceptional acting skills. However, Danny rejects her apology, resulting in a heated argument that escalates to the point where Sarah contemplates Russian Roulette. This intense scene highlights the emotional depth of the characters but leaves Danny feeling somewhat unsympathetic towards Sarah's predicament.

Meanwhile, Ellis and Fatima hold down the colony house amidst chaos, with people demanding answers and tensions escalating. Kristi continues to support Mari through her drug withdrawals, which coincidentally peak during this chaotic night. A truly terrifying moment arises when Mari, struggling with withdrawal symptoms alone in a room, is attacked by the same swarm of bugs that targeted Randall. Although she survives, she ends up in critical condition and appears to be in a coma.

Boyd, Donna, and Jim successfully make it back to the colony house, but Jim's decision to attempt escaping the house-which would endanger everyone-to find his family frustrates viewers who question his illogical choices. The episode also features Jade and Tabitha debating the meaning behind their visions of pale-skinned children, but their theories seem repetitive and lack substantial progression. The theory crafting is interrupted when Julie also gets attacked by the imaginary swarm of bugs. Additionally, the episode leaves us hanging as Elgin's dream is left unexplained, ending the episode on an unresolved note.

Overall, "Ball of Magic Fire" delivers some thrilling moments but lacks significant development in terms of answering the show's mysteries and resolving character arcs. No major deaths occur, leaving viewers craving answers and hoping for a satisfying conclusion in the season finale. The next episode will need to address numerous unanswered questions to leave season 2 on a truly satisfying note. Concerns arise regarding the finale's execution, but it appears likely that a third season is in the cards.
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6/10
Episode 209
bobcobb30118 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
They definitely presented some danger with this episode, but having bugs and dreams kill people now? I don't know, this just feels like a mistake.

If Julie does become the next victim that would be a big deal, but I think she pulls through in next week's finale.

This season has been up and down, but I have hopes that the finale will set things right. I am not as critical of the show's direction as others, but I really feel like they've missed the mark a bit with where things are going. And if this does end up being a big government conspiracy it will be a huge let down for sure, no way to argue otherwise.
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4/10
Boooooriiiing
gy-att18 June 2023
I am getting really annoyed by the unnecessary long and utterly boring conversations and the very bad acting on many sides in this show. Also the bad writing. People leave people alone when it was specifically said dont, keeping secrets in front of eachother instead of sharing and trying to get out if this together they are working against eachother. Totally illogical and unreal. Sara's and the deputy sheriff's character are done, ran out of ideas, they are just there to fill up space. I am watching it because I dont want my time that i put into this go wasted but i was fastforwarded the Sara scenes in this completely and I am absolutely sure i did not miss anything. Absolute waste of time right now, if you would just start it now, dont.
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5/10
Just random 'mystery' at this point
RomanXO18 June 2023
I thought season 1 was pretty good, but now I am just getting tired.

The show keeps making new random 'mystery' up without ever bothering to move forward or solve the existing threats. We are close to the end of season 2 and still no nothing about the environment.

Important things were never explained, but more random stuff was thrown at the viewer. There is 0 chance that the writers will be able to come out of this, unless they pull a cheap 'Lost'-Conclusion.

I had high hopes for this season, but now I just want it to be finished. At the current pace, we might as well need another 12 seasons.
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3/10
Big quality gap between season 1 and 2
dcote-0429420 June 2023
This show had so much potential and interesting plot twist in its first season but unfortunately the wheels seemed to have feel off plot and acting wise in the second.... Also, script wise, almost every sentences seem to be punctuate with the F bomb which makes the characters interactions even more pointless! But my biggest issue with this year's season is the constant addition of questions that are never balanced out by any clear answers ?!

Anyway, with only 1 episode left , I'm still holding hope that somehow, this season's finally will finally offer us some basic answers to the plot that will not only justify my watching time investment but also convince the show runner to change course so next season isn't in jeopardy ...
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1/10
They're trying to drag this show forever....
luyaj720 June 2023
....... every episode is nothing but dumb personal drama with each other. Yelling cussing and crying. Barely anything to do with the mystery of the forest and town anymore. Just another soap opera. This is why you only watch tv mini series. Another potential good show dragged forever for money. Season 1 was interesting, this season should be skipped altogether.

....... every episode is nothing but dumb personal drama with each other. Yelling cussing and crying. Barely anything to do with the mystery of the forest and town anymore. Just another soap opera. This is why you only watch tv mini series. Another potential good show dragged forever for money. Season 1 was interesting, this season should be skipped altogether.
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4/10
Use some Europeans
brekelm29 July 2023
The main reason I want to quit following this series is the way it makes me angry. They don't talk with each other, they don't share their experiences, they are so not analytic about everything, they DON'T TALK!

I have seen this in more soap operas like this and it makes me wonder why the writers like this path; clearly they must know the sentiment I'm describing. Is it because their main audience isn't just clever enough?

As to my title, yes, I firmly believe that in essence there's quite a difference as to how Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish or German people would handle this. They are way more analytical. I would like to see a remake of this in Europe.

Btw, I think I will still be watching. If only to see if there's any genius standing up.
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5/10
We can tell it s water down and it became annoying
valentinionut21 June 2023
Again, 46 minutes of screaming and not a single step made.

Season 2 it is done for the money and to prolong it. Unfortunately its done on the viewers expense. Expectations are not met.

I took a paper and a pen and noted what was new in this episode. Nothing. Nothing happened.

The second mistake was that they decided to have a week and episode release.

Honestly, i am about to stop watching. I think a new season is out of the question if they keep feeding this nonsense.

Imagine that at the end it becomes clear that all this place is a dream or just some alien monster plot. The disappointment!

Season 2 is bad. As a thrill, as plot development, because of drama filler used to cover the lack of genre trops.
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2/10
No reason to watch
Shauny_3219 June 2023
What they said-"I thought season 1 was pretty good, but now I am just getting tired.

The show keeps making new random 'mystery' up without ever bothering to move forward or solve the existing threats. We are close to the end of season 2 and still no nothing about the environment.

Important things were never explained, but more random stuff was thrown at the viewer. There is 0 chance that the writers will be able to come out of this, unless they pull a cheap 'Lost'-Conclusion.

I had high hopes for this season, but now I just want it to be finished. At the current pace, we might as well need another 12 seasons."
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2/10
Oh it has the same producer as Lost? No wonder
robertsevenhead23 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Totally waste of time. The series try to be thrilling but it just flops completely. Slow progression, cheesy lines and stupid characters.

Spoiler alert **************************************************************************** No mystery has been solved yet they are adding new ones. So many wasted scenes where characters update each other with what the audience already knows. Characters who used to be compelling suddenly are just frustrating and stubborn beyond belief. Boyd, for example, won't tell anything about what is happening until 5 episodes later.

Basically it's Lost all over again. Completely rubbish. The producers really should reflect on their lousy storytelling skills.
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4/10
it was good......going downhill quickly
stuwright0524 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I loved this show , I told everyone about it, but this episode really was the worst, the scenes with Sara and the deputy sheriff, urg so cringe , she killed his DAD! He isnt going to be sympathetic, I actually fast forward some of it as another reviewer said, as it was just senseless and irrational.

It was such a good show, I dont really understand why they couldnt further the story better , when they killed one of the vampires that was great but now they are being attacked in their sleep via their dreams ? Terrible desperate idea ! Its like its written by a 14 year old now. What the hell happened there?

I dont see much wrong with the acting just that they are being given stupid lines and story, the scenes with randall went truly crazy, they tie him up as he tried to torture donna, then a few hours later they are going to give him a gun to kill the vampires?! He could of just turned on them again!. It was truly bad. This was such a rushed and thoughtless episode. Oh ps............victors great...Id never seen this actor before.
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4/10
This episode is dominated by the "F"-word
CarfelMA19 June 2023
Season 2 is really boring and the story doesn't really continue. The episodes are filled with boring discussions and dialogue without going somewhere. And this episode really annoyed me with a countless usage of the "F"-word. I don't mind If it sometimes comes up, but If it dominates an episode when you hear it every few minutes it really bothers me.

I wish the characters would simply stay focused and not become aggressive all the time. To me the most of the characters are not really likable, especially the ones who act like the leaders of everything. They are irrational and jump from one conclusion to the next - they work against instead of with each other. I hope the season finale will deliver and it really has to after this "let down" in season 2.
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1/10
Stupid, pointless,and jam-packed with false drama.
leesimon-2635723 August 2023
As stupid as every other episode, with zero regard for even pretending this is a real story

Everything is a spooky dream jump-scare, everyone screams or cries at each other with zero regard for realism, and most of all, nothing remotely realistic happens.

The writers want the audience to be stupid enough not to remember scenes that have just taken place. When 2 storylines are inter-cut with one another, the scene itself isn't resolved just because another scene also took place. But this stupid show has scenes end with2 characters screaming at each other, then intercuts another scene, and when we get back to the angry characters, they are calmly sitting a a table having tea.

Pure garbage.
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3/10
alright
Lythas_8517 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
So like everybody has said.. why are this couple being shown again? The one that made sarah leave the house..

this new randall thing made no sense.. just wondering if everything was a set up was ok.. but then kidnapping donna and then throwing away the keys.. nah.. stupidity at its worst.

Like another reviwer said, every episode is yelling, cussing and unnecessary drama.. since the writers want to drag this forever and never actually give any explanation, they come up with some random chats that have 0 development and sometimes, it seems they dont know what to do with some characters... for example, sarah.. since she went into the tree, she has been pretty useless to the story.. elgin.. the same.. i thought he was going to be some medium that bought some answers to it.. but nah..

after randall tied donna to the tree and threatned jim with a knife.. sheriff should have just shot the guy.. like rick grimes would have done after a few season in the TWD.. someone threatens his family and they gone.. simple as that.. it is awaesome how characters again make dumb decisions and allow people to go freely when they should not.

And i remember pointing it out on another review.. jade is the only one that is getting some growth on his beard and hair.. everybody else looks the same..

and again.. people not talking to each other.. tabita and jade have a pic of some lighthouse.. the same lighthouse that boyd and sarah saw in the forest..

the girls fighting.. just slap the hell outta blondie and make her stop.. more unncessary drama and dialogue..

sarah trying to bond with kenny or whatever she was doing.. why did she bother? Is she daft? Trying to force herself into blabbling non stop to the guy.. kenny was cursing like 3 or 4 times.. i thought he was going to shoot her right then and there because she kind of deserved with her "i didnt ask for that".. she wanted him to kill her..

boyd stopping and looking at the ghost of his wife.. really now? It should have tricked a new guy like randal.. but boyd.. after years of being there.. come on now..

now we have some bugs flying around taking people.. killing the girl from that couple that told sarah to leave the house... making kristis gf to go comatose.. and apparently taking julie too.. why? Nobody knows.. and they appeared out of the body boyd killed.. my God.. they keep just making random stuff and never answering the first questions..........
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