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bustedbrain16
Reviews
Batwoman (2019)
Bat-suicide!
Firstly, I'd like to note this is written after the premiere episode (God knows, there's *certainly* room for improvement). But, the timing couldn't have been worse if they tried, and the writing didn't help either. Considering FOX had just finished their five season run of Gotham; the next to last episode with the feel of a series finale, and the *actual* finale's "one year later" anthology feeling, one was left feeling it was meant to tee up an actual Bat*man* series.
Instead, we're left with this dreck; apparently, after approximately ten or more years in the shadows, Batman disappeared. Another three years later, his blatantly carbon-copy lesbian cousin Kate Kane (*again, being blatant* in reference to creator Bob Kane) and is assisted by Lucius, I'm sorry, "Luke" Fox--best known as head of R&D and Bruce's "silent partner", who appears to be in his late twenties. Then, *SPOILER* --wastes absolutely NO time whatsoever in revealing the "evil twin" trope.
While Marvel has had to deal with multiple production companies/licensing rights issues; Berlanti and the CW embraced the multiverse theory for their DC projects; it remains to be seen where this one lies. But, considering the "Queen Consolidated WayneTech Merger" article that's been on the future newspaper in Flash since season 1, it doesn't seem likely it's in the main (Arrow/Flash/Legends) "Arrowverse", and airing right before Supergirl as a "girl power/feminism" block; it just seems even *more* like segregation of entire dimensions--the "main", LGBT-friendly, and Black Lighting's African-American centered.
Supernatural: Don't Go in the Woods (2019)
Great back to basics retro episode
This one really harkened back to the early seasons. It reminded me of seasons 1 & 2, when Sam and Dean were still somewhat rookie Hunters, not knowing what exactly they were up against or how to fight it (and the Ghost Facers reference was great). And seeing Jack interact with the local teens was really reminiscent of early Castiel, with no concept of social skills or even being human at all.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Option Two (2018)
Action-packed, but a few misses
Overall a great action-packed siege episode, not just because of the Patrick Warburton guest appearance, but because it also progressed the whole "are we ensuring the future, or preventing it?" story arc. There were just a few things that ticked me off which kinda dragged the whole vibe down for me...
1. They got into a whole "time travel and string theory intersection" argument and seemed to base their success rate (possibility?) as to whether or not Deke was there... incorrectly I believe (but by all means, those in disagreement, message me. I'd love to have an intelligent discussion on the subject)
2. COMIC BOOK VERSION VARIANT: the real fans know that, in irony of chasing after the Hulk for years, Gen. Ross became the "Red Hulk" (red-skinned, always in hulk-out form, mind intact)... with the Marvel Film Universe being so intertwined now, the thought of reboots seems impossible; one can only hope that storyline service here is just a step towards accuracy
Riverdale: Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Hills Have Eyes (2018)
Wow... Talk about shameless self-promotion...
Otherwise, this would've been about an 8.5...ehh 9 for the series. With a really good getaway for the Archie/Veronica and Betty/Jughead couples; with a really good chance to explore those relationships...
However; exec producer Greg Berlanti has his directed film "Love, Simon" (about a homosexual boy coming out of the closet) overly saturating the side story... with who (either already in or out) is going with who to see the (actual) "it" movie... and considering the episode aired March 7th, with commercials advertising "advance screenings" on March 10th, when the actual release date of the film is March 15th.... if there were a "middle finger" trophy; you'd win for this one, Mr. Berlanti.
Black Lightning (2018)
From a Comics Geek... Episodes 1& 2 Individually as watched
I'm the type who bleeds comic ink the way sports fans do their team's colors, with an extensive collection dating back to the 1960's, so I'm well versed in the history; yet realize concessions must be made for decades of that history for current adaptations. (I like to say it's like stage magic: it's not "real", but is the ride enjoyable?)
EPISODE 1 - HEAVYHANDED
Now, I remember Black Lightning from the old Super Friends cartoon, and quite honestly wished they'd shown more of him. Seeing this show however, has me a bit torn. Being a family man and coming out of retirement after a dark incident in his past certainly sets him apart from the other CW's superheroes and more interesting as a character. They lost some ssserious points with an over-saturation of an "all African Americans are victims". There were times I felt as though I was clubbed over the head with it like a baby seal it was so pervasively perverse. If they tone that back, the series shows promise. The setting being in an African American community with high gang activity, there's no need for them to go to the extremes they did. (particularly the scene where he got pulled over)
EPISODE 2 - CANCEL THIS FARCE!
The racial slurs continuing to escalate was enough. But meanwhile, our "hero" in his alter ego of Jefferson Pierce, high so-called "community activist" and high school principal is seen walking the halls of the school in front of a banner reading: "IT'S YOUR LIFE live it any way necessary", and in another scene comes home to ask his wife where their daughters are, and she answers (the two scenes being shown right beforehand) "(the older one) is at her girlfriend's house"(where we'd just seen them having sex)"and (the younger) is on the roof, her favorite place with her boyfriend" (which we'd just seen as her boyfriend coming out of her bedroom window to her smoking).
It seems a bit off that such a "pillar of the community" would be that kind of father... then we see his younger daughter drinking at school!
This show needs to be swept under the rug and forgotten!! After a public apology for airing it.
Arrow (2012)
A (hopefully) Objective Look From a Long-time Comic Book Geek
As for who I am, I started reading/collecting comics in the early 80's, my collection growing both forward and backward, and spending most of my adolescence hanging out at the local shop. With most of the characters that have seen either screen lately having 50-75 years of history behind them, I've learned to separate the "fanboy" and the viewer in me to avoid picking apart every detail, so i can enjoy the TV show/movie for what it is.
This wasn't really necessary here, as Green Arrow isn't a very far-fetched character, and more grounded in reality. Plus, they've remained true to his origin, although at time of writing, only two episodes have aired (I never judge a series by the pilot).
After CW's success with Smallville, I was fairly certain they'd have another DC comics series in the works; and when I found out it was (Green) Arrow, I was happy, but slightly disappointed Justin Hartley wouldn't be reprising the role (mostly because he'd become the face associated with it).
But once I saw the previews, I knew "pretty boy" Hartley had no business being on the show since they were going with the darker, grittier aspect of the character. Unlike other superheroes, Green Arrow isn't driven by a need for vengeance, or a moral compass; but more of a (sometimes border-line self-abusive) obsession with vindicating himself for continual shortcomings or mistakes in both of his identities, be they real, or simply a matter of his own perception.
With action scenes that re-enforce the fact he's not just a sniper with a bow, but also showcase Green Arrow's stealth, agility, and hand-to-hand expertise (as well as a few quick winks to the comic book fans already) I'm hoping the series stays around for a while, but the ratings will decide if "Arrow" has enough "green" to go.