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Evil: Fear of the End (2024)
The ending that wasn't
So this episode was decent. Great even if it wasn't for the fact that it was meant to be the end of the series. The problem with it is simply that it left so much an answered. The show deserves at least one more season to properly conclude the story and fully explain what we've been watching for the last four seasons. Who were the 60 and What will they be doing next? Who are these demons and why were they so human? Were they really human and just representatives of what evil would look like? What happened with Ben's Jinn? Was it real? Was it a figment of his imagination? As a matter of fact, were any of the visions real or were they just imagined? How much of Kristen's night terrors were real or were they just manifestations of her stress? And what was going on with Timothy at the end?
Just one more season!
Star Trek: Discovery: Life, Itself (2024)
The big problem as previously stated confirmed
Discovery began so well and then, every story became so "universal". Everything is at stake. Literally.
The story then has to have a resolution but because so much is at stake, what amounts to as "miracles" have to happen. And you just know something inexplicably miraculous will happen. And several miracles happen. Somehow the doctor knows something that saves the day for Book. Somehow, the spore technology that only Discovery has saves the day for the crew. Somehow Michael is the only one who can solve all the puzzles that reveal all the secrets. And we know, prior to the outcome, that these miracles will happen. There's nothing real to lose. There's no real angst.
The stories got so big, putting everything at stake. Yet in reality, there's nothing at stake. This makes the show wholly unsatisfying.
Blue Bloods: Two of a Kind (2024)
Not sure where this came from
Now I know Jaime and Joe butted heads in the past, but I find it really odd that the two would get into a physical altercation. And to have other family members talk as if they "don't like each other", which seems like a weird way to describe a family relationship, especially in this one. When was it established that they don't like each other?
I've always enjoyed Blue Bloods but I am finding this last season a little off. Things just don't feel quite right. Storylines don't feel particularly compelling. This episode stood out for the wrong reasons, as the conflict between Jamie and Joe seemed to come out of left field. And then it's family dinner and everything seemed just a-okay again.
Star Trek: Discovery (2017)
Series started well... then
I have to say that when the series started, I was really enjoying it. I know others weren't thrilled, but I enjoyed the darkness and complexity. People struggled. Characters had inner demons. Shades were grey. However, slowly, the series started becoming a lovefest. Everything was joyful and lovey-dovey, and there was so much forced positivity. I like SMG but it's bothering me how every situation seems to come with a smile. It doesn't help with creating any tension in the episodes. Everything just end up working out and you know it will. Also, every scene is so "pretty". It all just looks too perfect, almost animation-like. None of this helps create any level of angst and take the viewer out of the fantasy.
As for the storylines, they've just gotten too "big picture" as if they all solve the biggest secrets of the universe. All for one federation vessel / crew. And this crew jumps centuries into the future and is still the saviour of the federation. With this jump, they had an opportunity to make Discovery a gritty throwback and instead, they made it the best of the best despite being old technology. Yes, I get that they inherited the knowledge of the universe (eye-roll) and then was ungraded and modernized but why grant this ship this level of honour? It's just all part of the whole "it all just works out and is perfect" complaint.
What a lost opportunity.
Dark Matter (2024)
Haven't read the book but great so far
While I haven't read the book, I will say that the first two episodes were very well done. It's also nice to know that the author of the book adapted the script, So it is authentic to his vision.
Joel Egerton and Jennifer Connelly's chemistry is great so far. At this point, there are a few different directions it can go (considering haven't read the book) I am very intrigued and want to know how the story unfolds.
As for the other reviewer saying this series is HEAVILY inspired by a different series, clearly he doesn't know that this is based on a book. It would be really nice if people knew what they were talking about before writing reviews. LOL!
Constellation (2024)
Interesting series if you have a brain
LOL! Sorry but after one or two episodes in, people were already complaining about it being boring or an attempt at making a sci-fi horror or whatever. Yeah, let's review a show when you quite know what's happening, make assumptions about what it's trying to do, and you don't have the patience to find out. Some people can only find entertainment in something when everything is spoon fed and predictable, fitting into a formula.
So no, it's not horror. At all. The mystery is unfolding and is better that it's not fully explained up front. A complex story that requires some thought, which is actually what makes it interesting. If you don't want to think, this won't be your cup of tea.
The Floor (2024)
Interesting concept but highly flawed
I enjoyed watching the show because it is actually quite fun trying to answer the options that are presented. There is a lot of strategy involved as well as a lot of chance. The biggest problem with the show is that people who stand there doing nothing can make it to the end and win. There were so many contestants that were incredible and really deserved to be competing for the jackpot. Ultimately, the flaw really takes away from the show. I say this because I just finished watching the last episode and it completely changed my impression of the entire game. I originally loved the concept, but the way it concluded was wholly unsatisfying.
A big change I would recommend is for any contestant who wins a quarter of the floor becomes automatically protected so they can compete at the end. They could easily reshuffle the floor to accommodate this adjustment. The finale would be made up of the top four contestants, then get to battle it out for the final prize. That would make it so much more interesting as the remaining players are more likely the most effective players who then compete against each other.
It's really unsatisfying to have someone who stands there most of the game win against someone who has had tons of success but is likely experiencing elevated stress from constant play. It's just not a fair result.
Resident Alien: 141 Seconds (2024)
Fun as always
I just love how quirky and fun this show is and will be sad when it's done. All the relationships between the characters are supportive and heartwarming. Also looking forward to the unfolding of the alien abduction part of the storyline.
And a special shoutout to whoever chose to honour a great Canadian band by finishing the episode with the classic "Lost Together" by Blue Rodeo. Hopefully more people outside of Canada discover their awesomeness. I wish they included more Canadian content, seeing as the show is shot in the Vancouver area.
I really wish the series wasn't ending! Not a lot of shows like it.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters: Beyond Logic (2024)
Impressed with this series
What I loved about this series was how it was way more than just the monster movie. There was a lot of heart and character development, which I appreciate. It gives a reason for why are these creatures exist to begin with. There were definitely aspects that were a little predictable in the sense that, once they revealed why Lee was younger than he should have been, you knew pretty much what the outcome would be. With that said, they did such a fantastic job with the payoff, I found myself completely bawling twice. The chemistry between Lee, Keiko, and Bill was amazing. You could really see how much they all loved and respected each other. It really tugs at your heartstrings, knowing how their stories do not end together. With how the season concludes, it definitely opens up a lot of opportunities for creating a complex storyline moving forward.
The Marvels (2023)
Fun if you don't take it seriously
The movie was somewhat ridiculous, but I found myself giggling throughout it. It was actually quite fun. There were a lot of really charming things about this movie, and while the storyline lacked any real tension, I didn't really care. It was mostly about the character development, and the relationships between the three main characters. Overall, I just found it really fun and just didn't take it very seriously. In a lot of ways, it is a set up for the rest of the series, and is definitely not a standalone movie. And the post credit scene, amazing. Ties in a lot of potential for what they are going to be doing in this franchise.
Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Perfect Mate (1992)
One of the best, despite those who look to be offended
This is such a complex episode. It covers issues of morality, duty, responsibility, etc. What is less obvious is it's a study of Picard's personality - his strength and his vulnerability. Kamala is largely there to demonstrate his commitment, loyalty, and sense of duty. Her personality is a reflection of Picard's.
As for those who focus on a woman born into slavery, that's the least of the issues. Also, they conveniently ignore the story that describes that male metamorphs are common. In other words, there are likely millions of men who imprint on female mates and satisfy their every need. And little of the story had to do with sex. Even the leader to whom she's been promised to doesn't care about that. And yet, those looking to be offended describe her as a sex slave. Absolutely missed the entire purpose of the episode.
This was a Picard episode - what makes him who he is. Even in the end, knowing this woman who he's fallen for has imprinted on (fallen for) him, he still does the dutiful thing and doesn't let on how much it breaks his heart.
It's quite beautiful actually.
Doom Patrol: Done Patrol (2023)
Odd little show with heart
Let's face it. Doom Patrol was a weird little show. But that's what made it so fun to watch. Just didn't take itself seriously.
I hadn't read the comics so I don't know the context and had zero expectations so maybe that's a good thing. I will say this last episode got me very emotional and I didn't expect that, especially considering how light-hearted and non-serious the show had always been. It didn't even bother me how the antagonists' story ended. Didn't matter because that's not what the show was ever really about. It's about a group of screwups who were trying to figure out who they are, trying to find some meaning in their lives, and were struggling deeply in doing so. The show has always been about their own personal struggles and issues, and in the end, they all found some level of peace in their own way.
Doom Patrol has never been a perfect show. Doesn't matter. I had fun watching it and the ending was very moving.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Hegemony (2023)
Spock
How are supposed Star Trek fans not getting why Spock has emotions? This is a younger Spock who hasn't undergone Kolinahr, the Vulcan ritual of purging emotions. A real Star Trek fan should've picked up on this by now. I suspect that at some point, Strange New Worlds will show him undergoing the Kolinahr ritual.
This storyline adds a lot to the mythos of Vulcan customs and their stages of maturation, as well as filling us in to Spock's past.
But hey, if you want to watch stereotypic cavemen men being dudes, watch some old westerns or just hit play on a Michael Bay movie or something. I don't think a progressive, socialist show like Star Trek is for you.
Black Mirror: Beyond the Sea (2023)
Great acting, interesting concept, mediocre storytelling
There's a lot to like with this episode but the most important part was the weakest... the way the story unfolds.
The story up until the tragedy was great. That's when the characters and their actions became a bit non-sensical.
- why did Aaron Paul's character antagonize his mentally challenged co-pilot knowing they are isolated together and already has reason to distrust him? I mean, he's completely defenceless when visiting with his family.
- why would Josh Hartnett's character hurt his co-pilot's family knowing he's going to be isolated with him for another 4 years. If it was with the hope of retribution and end his own suffering, then why not just blow the ship up rather than take his anger out on his co-pilot's family?
- why did they both continue to show professional trust in each other when trust had been broken otherwise?
As others have said, there were much more interesting ways to have the story unfold and the writers chose the most predictable route just to make it as bleak as possible. And they just continue to work together?
Black Mirror: Joan Is Awful (2023)
Awesome on so many levels!
If you didn't understand this episode or thought it wasn't BM, you're really dense.
We're living in a form of the dystopian world this episode mirrors (hence BLACK MIRROR) in which everything we do, say, post, is being monitored in some way and often, twisted out of context to be something we didn't mean. And everyone who sees these little snippets of our lives then judges us out of context. And we're aware of how we need to take ourselves out of this toxicity so we can return to just living.
How exactly do people need this explained to them?
Then to have Salma Hayek and Annie Murphy playing these absurd characters is just such a joy. Had me giggling over the ridiculousness of creating these lines for these actors to say and perform. Just so hilarious.
Star Trek: Picard: The Last Generation (2023)
Two camps for this season - divided as ever
There are two camps of reviewers/expectations:
1. Seeking nostalgia, familiarity, seeing the old gang back for one last amazing adventure, everything possible from a fan standpoint
2. A completely original story / adventure
Unfortunately, it seems you can't have both. There's too much history in this show/world that a completely original story would have been like another Nemesis or Insurrection... stories that seem to have no connection to anything we knew, making them feel a bit hollow. Heck, isn't that what people complained about for the first two seasons - that the stories were too different and there wasn't enough TNG?
So the writers went all-in on the history/nostalgia - and it was spectacularly satisfying for that goal. So many cameos, throwbacks, easter eggs. If you're a huge fan missing this crew (and those of the other series), this was for you. Ro, Tuvok, Walter Koenig, Moriarty, nebula visuals, poker, TNG+DS9+Voyager, Enterprise-D, Borg, Changelings, section 31, Alice Krige... it had almost everything (why no Guinan despite the mention? Why no significant hero from DS9 - Worf doesn't count, why no significant other federation races, etc.).
Was it perfect? No (hence my 9-star review). Vadic was an interesting villain but I don't fully understand her arm/flaming skull thing. As cool as that was, what exactly was that? Jurati Borg Queen vs Historic Borg Queen? If you're a fan, the storyline wasn't a huge surprise. Because of that, it ended up feeling a tad predictable. I mean, did you really not guess the Borg to Picard to Jack connection? Irumodic syndrome was a red herring? Everything just falling into place at the right time?
But what they gave us was just so fulfilling. So if you're in the first camp, you'd be completely satisfied despite the flaws. If you're in the second camp, you're disappointed.
Fortunately, most of us here are in the first camp so for most of us, this season checked all the important boxes. Which means S3 of Picard was (about) as good as it could have been.
Star Trek: Picard: Imposters (2023)
Just gets better and better
I loved Ro and her fate was one of the bigger mysteries post TNG and DS9. I wasn't sure if they were setting her up as a changeling as that would have made sense considering her Maquis status and their fight against the Cardassian/changeling partnership. This was such a great episode - emotional - and I'm so glad they gave her such an amazing conclusion.
As for Jack, I have my theories, all connected to his Picard lineage as well as the "voices". I think you know what I'm referring to and it may allow the reappearance of a ST: Picard regular to make a reappearance. It would also connect S3 to comments made in S2 - comments indicating an unknown big threat is coming. It would fill in the mystery introduced in S2.
So far, every episode just hits it out of the park. After the last episodes and how each one seems to tie up partt of the historic story, I wonder how the next episode can get better... and then it is. Amazing.
Star Trek: Picard: Seventeen Seconds (2023)
Expectations and evolution
In real life, people evolve. Things happen, we learn, new baggage develops, new priorities come into play, values change, people grow together and people grow apart. Dynamics change.
The entire point of ST Picard was to explore what happened to Picard in the years after TNG. He was no longer the captain of The Enterprise and became free to deal with the loss of Data, being Locutus, dealing with the destruction of Romulus, and now, having been cut out of Beverly's life, and thus his son's, for 20 years.
People always say, "I would never do that," and then, find themselves doing those exact things when they get older and gain perspective (and authority).
For anyone to say, "The writers changed the characters and they're not the same people anymore" is a silly criticism. Of course they're not the same people. They've grown. If they don't, it wouldn't be respectful to the characters, suggesting they have no capacity to change.
It's just the reality of living.
Urban Legend (2022)
Disappointing
This series was disappointing. Each ending left me wanting more. Many of the stories had decent build-ups but the payoffs just felt non-existent or lacking. None of the episodes left a lasting impression.
Repeat for character count
This series was disappointing. Each ending left me wanting more. Many of the stories had decent build-ups but the payoffs just felt non-existent or lacking. None of the episodes left a lasting impression.
This series was disappointing. Each ending left me wanting more. Many of the stories had decent build-ups but the payoffs just felt non-existent or lacking. None of the episodes left a lasting impression.
Star Trek: Picard: The Next Generation (2023)
Loved everything about this episode
Wow, just wow!
The look, the sound, the cinematography... all speaks to a Star Trek motion picture. Just so impressed with how it all looks and feels. Gave me goosebumps.
The dynamics among the characters is top notch. And the storyline so far, mysterious and draws you in. Raffi is out there in her own and you know what she's doing is integral to the Picard/Riker/Crusher adventure. How it all ties in, we will have to see.
The little touches from TNG just ties it all together. Like the Picard recording at the beginning and the 3rd dynasty ceramic sculpture we saw in TNG S6 The Chase.
I remember the writer being interviewed saying this is a 10 hour Star Trek movie. So far so good. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the crew brought in to the fold.
Star Trek: The Next Generation: Lessons (1993)
It's like people weren't paying attention when watching
This episode isn't really about a love story or romance. It's called "Lessons" for a reason.
It's about a conflict of interest - having to choose between opposing loyalties. The love interest is simply one of the two loyalties. The other, we are well aware of - his role as a star-fleet captain. The concept is explored repeatedly with Picard's conversation with Troy, then Riker, then Nalla, culminating in the realization that his position will inevitably require him to put someone he loves in danger.
The "Lesson" is that, sometimes, life makes us choose between two opposing needs and we can't always have it all.
Life requires choices and those choices have consequences. THAT, is the whole point of this episode.
On a different note, has anyone ever explained why they chose an actress who resembled Gates McFadden? Was it because it made it more powerful and believable that Picard would be attracted to her?
Jack Ryan (2018)
Enjoy it for what it is
You can spend your time analyzing everything about a show or you can just sit back and enjoy it for what it is.
Overall, it's a decent action show. Is it flawed? Yeah. Is it an accurate depiction of the books? Probably not. (I haven't read them so I don't know.) But I enjoyed the action, the motivations, the questions about loyalty, etc.
Live-action interpretations of books usually make significant changes due to the differences in platform. It's to be expected. However, if you wonder why Americans are being depicted as heroes, I wonder what you think you're watching. This is, after all, a story about an American CIA analyst/operative - you know, the CIA, an American spy agency that operates internationally. It's like being bothered that the British are the heroes in James Bond movies. Also, while the antagonists are Russian (you know, kinda relevant to current world events), one of the biggest heroes is a Russian and the Russian leaders are also trying to avoid conflict. It's a rogue group trying to start a war. So no, the Russians aren't the bad guys, at least, not in this show.
Blue Bloods: Family Secrets (2020)
This episode always gets me
The Joe Hill storyline has been one of the best backstories and I watch this episode every time I see it on... and every time it gets me teary-eyed. Such a powerful story and it hits all the right notes. That ending - with Joe showing up to meet the family - you really feel every emotion each person experiences. Very touching and powerful.
Someone else commented that they wanted Joe's mother to show up but I disagree. She doesn't really have the emotional attachment to the rest of the family. She's not really family and her being ther would have taken away from the experience of everyone else.
American Horror Story: Requiem 1981/1987: Part 2 (2022)
Sobbing
With the conclusion of this season, the final two episodes reveals the true point of this season of American Horror Story in a way that is empathetic, emotional, gut punchingly real - telling a story that was lived by so many and long forgotten / not experienced by generation-PREP.
As it turns out, there was nothing supernatural this season. No conspiracy to explain the new outbreak. Leatherman wasn't a killer stalking gay men but rather a sign of impending death. There was one serial killer and he was very much human. His actions were extreme responses to the complete lack of caring/action/respect from those the gay community was supposed to be able to rely upon. It was a disturbed and misguided attempt to say, "stop ignoring us!"
The underlying horror comes as a consequence of the disrespect/dismissal/hate the gay community endures. Toxicity from those who are supposed to love us resulting in self-loathing and destructive behaviour. This season was, in a way, a love note to those who fought for the community. Gino and Adam bravely and unrelentingly crusading even as they watch the people they love die, one after another.
The accuracy of what so many gay people had live through is so respectful, the tragedy so heartbreaking. Like I said, it felt like a love story dedicated to those who lived it.
The Handmaid's Tale: No Man's Land (2022)
June and Serena
June's relationship with Serena has always been complex. At her base, Serena had sought power and position. To get her way at all costs, she has resorted to evil acts with little remorse. Yet, over the years, she has shown glimmers of a conscience and humanity. The flashback scenes of the birthing ceremony reminds us she isn't entirely selfish and unfeeling. But we always see her return to her base.
June has had to do some horrible things to survive. What she's had to go through lead her to cross the line and torture and murder Fred, something that haunts her. But she's mostly followed a certain moral code. As much as she wants to hate Serena - as much as Serena deserves this hate and all the horrible things June fantasies about doing yo her - June's moral compass usually guides her to do the right thing. She's reminded of the times Serena showed glimmers of compassion.
It's poignant that Serena helps June to find true self, albeit unintentionally. The mercy, compassion, and humanity June showed Serena realigns June, reminding her who she is, despite what she did to Fred. It's an evolution of their relationship.
And then BAM!!! Luke blows it all to bits.