Before The CW's Supernatural began its eleventh season, I detailed my lofty wishes for it: embrace its horror roots; crank up the action to compete with the b adassery of The Flash and Arrow; and shine a bigger light on Sam Winchester, who has the reputation as the geeky, weaker younger brother but is just as heroic as the one-liner spitting, pie-lovin' Dean.
“Red Meat,” a brutal nail-biter of an episode somehow manages to incorporate all of these wishes and more into one brutal and extraordinarily suspenseful hour of television.
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Jumpin’ jiggawatts! This week’s masterful episode of The Flash didn’t exactly go back to the future, and yet the action-packed adventure to a parallel universe had the captivating swagger of a big-screen sci-fi odyssey. With the versatile cast playing shocking versions of themselves, "Welcome To Earth-2" is a fan-friendly treasure stuffed with gif-able gems.
Here are the best moments from one of the best episodes in Flash’s history... Small Screen Girl Confession: I hate backdoor pilots. I can appreciate the brilliance of the concept of using an existing television show to set up a new series, but the execution can be about as clunky as paint mixer.
However when done well, good backdoor pilots can build a fanbase before the series is even greenlit. To be successful, they have to do three things: 1. Establish a connection to the original show. 2. Build entertaining and engaging characters that parallel the dynamic of the original heroes. 3. Create situational tension that can drive the series forward. I would bet my car that this week’s episode of Supernatural, “Don’t You Forget About Me," is an top secret backdoor pilot. And if it is, it’s one of the best I’ve ever seen, lightyears beyond the failed attempt at a spin-off, "Bloodlines." By integrating characters that were sparingly used throughout the series and taking (huge) suggestions from fans and guest stars Kim Rhodes, Brianna Buckmaster and Kathryn Newton, the show inadvertently created the compelling and kickass women to continue Supernatural’s reign. So how does “Don’t You Forget About Me” fare as a backdoor pilot? Grab your favorite sword, and let’s dive in shall we? With the movie industry abuzz about the lack of inclusiveness in movies and, by extension, award shows, people have been citing television as a small screened standard for diversity. Admittedly television has always been far more progressive than cinema--now with hundreds of shows between broadcast, cable, premium channels and streaming services--it has to be. But truthfully even television's not that much better.
Supernatural has always been pretty light in terms of race and quality female and LGBTQIA characters. Having stupidly killed off one of the only female and the only gay recurring character in series history, there has been a gaping hole in both departments since the demie of Charlie Bradbury. As a longtime fan and a black woman, it’s been a constant point of frustration with the show. It’s not about checking boxes or filling quotas, but when a show regularly references saving the world, all of factions of it should be represented. After last week’s devilishly disappointing episode, I had no expectations for “Into The Mystic," a monster-of-the-week case about people who die after hearing a primal scream. Fortunately, thoroughly enjoyed this episode! Grab your favorite vinyl, and let’s dive in, shall we?
From Cynthia’s martial issues and launch of her eyewear collection to the petty competition for occupancy certificates between Moore Manor and Chateau Sheree, the eighth, and Nene Leakes-lite, season of The Real Housewives Of Atlanta, has yet to disappoint.
New housewife actress/director/Scout Mommy Kim Fields has been an polarizing and frustrating for addition to the cast. Fans of the show and Fields’ career were taken aback by a Kim's surprisingly homebodied personality. She's a woman who successfully avoided the perils of Hollywood and child stardom when few black women did, but can't bear being away from her husband for more than 12 hours. How does she direct “hundreds of hours of television” and corral petulant, ego-driven actors, but is overwhelmed by the prospect of a day on a boat with accomplished women? Did she even know what she was signing up for?
Season 8 of “The Real Housewives Of Atlanta” has been like most franchises these days—a rush for alliances, more shade than a blinds store and a hell of a lot of fun, thanks to the ladies’ dynamic personalities and quick wit. Atlanta in particular, has been bogged down with the fallout of not one, but two physical altercations: Cynthia punted Porsha like a glammed-up football after a drunken misunderstanding and the tragically-haired friend Tammy was knocked unconscious by her own “nephew.”
This week’s episode boasted the usual shenanigans from uber-manager and extra thirsty Don Juan. But more importantly, it also offered a realistic glimpse at the physical and emotional struggles of motherhood. New mom-to-be Kandi Burruss struggled to balance her near pathological ambition with the demands of a high-risk pregnancy. The increasingly irritating and overeager Don Juan obsessed over her every move, citing Kandi's "mature" age (but not that she's his fame and meal ticket and the most tolerant boss ever). Meanwhile, Phaedra celebrated (or endured) a milestone as her beautiful and loquacious son Ayden started kindergarten in a freakin' bowtie! Much of Kandi’s arc this season has been her celebrated pregnancy—a happier departure from Mama Joyce drama—and her unstoppable need to work. In addition to expanding her empire that includes songwriting, Atlanta-based boutiques, and a national line of sex toys, Kandi is also opening a restaurant with Todd and returning to music by executive producing singer Demetria McKinney’s new album and filming a video for the first single, a duet called “Unnecessary Trouble" (think "The Boy Is Mine" for the soccer mom sect). The pressure is on, and there are three very big problems to contend with—Kandi’s ample bust and growing belly. Wardrobe disguises both in a glorified purple cotton sheet and bedazzled boots. It’s an uninspired and laughable choice, but Kandi, the consummate professional absolutely werked those sleeves and that weave, and looked amazing. Homegirl even managed to bust out a few bodyrolls whilst pregnant. If that doesn’t deserve an applause, nothing does. Small Screen Girl Confession: I hate winter finales. Not only do they mark a very long desolate weeks without my beloved shows just when I have plenty of time to watch them, they also require that the storytelling mounts to a massive finale-esque crescendo that is often resolved with a "just kidding" fake-out come the new year. It requires show to manufacture cliffhangers, and it can feel like they are just checking boxes rather than organically crafting action.
"Supernatural's" 'O Brother Where Art Thou?" boasted fantastical special effects, great gore, and an ending that will leave Winchester fans ugly-crying into their Christmas trees, and yet it still felt a little paint-by-numbers: Encounter with the mysterious Big Bad: Check. Appearance of an old foe: Discount Double-Check. Main characters in hellacious danger: ANGRY Check. As most winter finales do, the episode left us with more questions than answers. Here are the biggest questions I had after watching "Supernatural's" winter finale. If you watch a show long enough, you begin to follow the rules of that specific universe and learn lessons from the show’s characters. As a longtime “Supernatural” fan and recapper, I reflexively freak out if anyone’s fingertips come anywhere near a garbage disposal. And I don’t automatically attribute flickering lights to electrical issues, I get the damn rock salt.
This week's zany and unexpectedly emotional episode “Just My Imagination" taught me many things while sneaking in a few swift, sparkly kicks to the feels. Here are the biggest lessons from this week’s episode of “Supernatural.” Imaginary friends are real. They are Zannas are fairy-esque creatures assigned to young children to give them love, guidance and never-ending fun until the children are confident enough to stand on their own. They can take any form the child desires: mystical mermaid, mulleted air-rocker, or a half-man, half-unicorn. Sam’s Zanna is a rainbow-suspendered, fiercely protective goober named Sully. Dean never had one, which falls in line with the show’s cannon that he never really was a child. He responds like he normally does to things that make him uncomfortable—with abject revulsion and snarky distrust. He comes around, of course, the second he realizes that Sully is almost as protective of Sam as he is. His final verdict: "You're a good weird." We'll take it. Manicorns bleed sparkly blood. In one of the most creatively hilarious scenes of the episode, Maddie’s unlikable mother unknowingly squishes through the glittery carnage of Sparkle's crime scene (including his cleaved horn) and smears his blood all over face, much to the horror of Sam and Dean and an invisible and near hysterical Sully. “Even when he’s dead, Sparkle can’t stop shining,” Sully sniffles. Sam was a lonely kid. When Dean scoffs as to why Sam would need a Zanna since he had a big brother, Sam reveals that was lonely. The episode's flashbacks quickly and viscerally convey a nine-year-old Sam’s solitude as he's left alone while Sam and Dean hunt. Sully encourages Sam with heart-bursting love and does his best to fill the tacky motel rooms with dreams of freedom and marshmallow nachos. “You can be whatever you want to be. You're not Dean; you're not your dad. You’re Sam. And Sam is so awesome.” He is, isn't he? Superheroism isn’t all capes and catchphrases; grateful damsels and city-wide celebrations in your honor, it’s treacherous work. “The Flash” made this abundantly clear in this week’s insane episode, “Enter Zoom,” that was one part-hilarious and infinity-parts horrifying.
Despite or maybe because of Ronnie and Eddie’s deaths in The Singularity, this season, Barry has a newfound arrogance and impulsiveness to go along with his less babyish face and swagged-out wardrobe. He has applies the same cocksure attitude to his superhero duties, making decisions impetuously, dismissing important and valid concerns. Iris hatches a clever-on-paper, insane-in-reality plan to use Linda Park, to pose as her Earth-2 doppleganger, the possibly misunderstood, Dr. Light to coax Zoom out so they can nail him with the Wells-designed "speed dampener.” It’s all silly, slapped-together prep and dress up and giggle-inducing training montages until Joe finally steps in. "If you're going to ask people to risk their lives, you better be sure exactly why they're doing it." No one can master supervillainism in a few days--Barry himself is still learning new movies as a superhero. So why is Barry pushing so hard to kill Zoom? He spouts the golden, tried and true reasons about saving innocent lives and stopping the forces of evil but when pressed Barry admits that it's because "ever since...I didn't save my mom, there's been a void in me. I feel like it's always going to be there." Joe sets him straight—and his advice is refreshingly different from the typical ridiculous "You're a superhero, you can't love" cliches. "You're responsible for your own happiness Barry. Think hard about what you want, what makes you happy and go out and get it. Simple as that." It's an oddly emotionally restrained Barry-Joe moment since I'm not heaving tears, but it's important nonetheless. Patty, who's been brushed off by Barry a few times this episode, reaps the benefits of Joe's advice in the form of a sexy secret make-out session. This week's episode of “The Real Housewives Of Atlanta” was admittedly tamer than last week’s shade-tastic premiere. But don't get it twisted, it was still jam-packed with deliciously juicy moments from our Atlanta peaches.
Grab your favorite MVP trophy, and let's dive in, shall we? False alarm? The premiere episode ended with Kenya going all the way in with Sheree about her still unfinished chateau. And just when you though the week long cliffhanger would end with Kenya actually hanging off the side of a the hotel's rooftop, it fizzles out like a dud firecraker. No drinks are thrown. Porsha's Naked hair extensions aren't lying on the floor. Bravo editors can create suspense out of anything, and we fall for it every time. There’s are some raised voices and a bit of shaky camera work before Kenya apologizes for calling Sheree a "bitchass" and slips out away. Kenya acts like it was an innocent misunderstanding, and wouldn't dream of coming for Sheree the second they met. She better hope karma doesn’t find her in the form of a Buckhead rainstorm because her house just might float away. Moore Delusions. Kenya met with “Hollywood Royalty” Kim Fields to reminisce about the glory days in Hollywood and, of course to insult her before asking for a gigantic favor. After suggesting that Tootie’s famous rollerskates were on eBay (apparently no one remembers that Kim was also on "Living Single" AKA the original "Sex And The City"), she asks Kim—a busy actor, director and mother—to sign on as a director of her still unpurchased “Life Twirls On” pilot before even giving her the chance to watch it. It must be said that Kenya's pilot has been so well-received that no network wants it. Even a seasoned actress like Mrs. Fields had to stretch those improv muscles to politely decline. I actually want to see this pilot because something tells me it actually might not be that bad. Fields Of Dreams. Kim Fields was finally introduced, and she seems like a colorful, sweet breath of fresh air. Her introductory montage includes touching moments with her husband and young sons, and not one frame of her buying extravagant gems or standing in a meticulously organized closet the size of my apartment that's filled with shoes and handbags. I’m simultaneously refreshed by her unpretentious happiness and worried that the other women will demolish her within a few episodes with their pettiness and unnecessary shade. Though I'm sure decades of Hollywood has made her tougher and shrewd than her sunny exterior and dye job seems. |
Small Screen GirlI am an unabashed pop culture and TV-aholic with no plans to ever seek treatment. Explore this blog and see just how deep my obsession goes. Categories
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