Soap Discussion - July 2012

Last blog of the month, so expect the usual here ...

Coronation Street: I have to hand it to Phil Collinson. He really managed to come up with an affair even less convincing and compelling that Kevin/Molly with Sunita/Karl and the fallout of this tryst has been oddly amusing to watch. It's amazing how much of a bitch that Sunita has been reduced to as a character but perhaps I would feel far worse for Dev and Stella if I actually their characters, which I really don't. Elsewhere, Ryan returned in a fitter body with a complete character transplant, Izzy miscarried, Roy and Mary became chess partners, there was a pointlessly brief rivalry between Steve and Lloyd, Leanne got Simon as Carla and Peter left, Rob came to take over the factory and Kirsty struck out at Tyrone again. At least her storyline managed to be interesting, the rest not as much.

EastEnders: Even if you're a perpetual loser in life (otherwise known as the Billy Mitchell syndrome), every now and then, you might get a moment to actually shine. Let's face it, this isn't a show that's either aspirational or life affirming but there was something rather satisfying in seeing Billy getting his moment with the Olympic torch while Lola was giving birth in Fatboy's place of work. Elsewhere, trying to make a mystery out of Kat's latest bout of infidelity seems tedious when we could be seeing more of the Shirley/Jean friendship that came out of nowhere or more on Janine/Michael struggling with parenthood or even more on Joey vs. Derek or even more on Cora, who has become an increasingly interesting character to watch.

Emmerdale: Memo to the producers - knock it off with the pregnancies already! One is enough but three of them with Debbie, Gennie and now Rachel after a one night stand with Jai was not something the show particularly needed at this point. Actually, it's been another reasonably dull month though. Ashley and Zak's problems aside, the arrival of Amy's vile mother hasn't done much to make this an interesting month.

Hollyoaks: An excellent month - Lynsey being murdered really kicked this show in the right direction and while Texas isn't as strong in the role that Lynsey was in a few month ago, it's nice to see that the return of Silas has improved things greatly, especially with the promise that he might come back for more. I'm thinking that Browning fella who seems too fixated on Mercedes might have bumped off Lynsey but Will being involved in the storyline was a little surprising. As for the sixth former, they're still a weak point but I did like George and Esther's week in London and the whole storyline involving Carmel trying to deal with her injuries has been a good one.

My Review of True Blood's 5x08: "Somebody That I Used To Know"

Written by Mark Hudis
Directed by Stephen Moyer

Eric: “What are you doing?”
Bill: “Evolving.”

It’s amazing how Bill’s idea of evolution seems to entail the idea of mass genocide and vampires basically taking over the world by reverting to their true form. Also, the urge to compare and contrast this storyline to the main one from Being Human’s fourth series is rather tempting but it seems that Eric falls more into the Hal way of thinking than the Mr Snow/Cutler one too.

I started this season keeping an open mind towards Salome as a character but now that we’re hurtling towards the end of the season, I’m eagerly counting the moments as to when the true death will befall her and trying to guess who will end up doing the honours. Surely, Russell will be in the mood to do a little usurping again, won’t he?

Salome like Lorena before her has managed to become something of a bad influence on Bill. Yes, the character has always had his slier of moments but even I believed that Bill was genuinely committed to the idea of mainstreaming. Lilith’s blood must be powerful stuff to sway his opinion because Salome’s rationing sure as hell wouldn’t convince me to eat my most loathed of vegetables, never mind actually declare war on humanity.

I did like seeing the after effects of everyone tripping out on Lilith’s blood though. Steve and Russell’s nonstop flirting with each other was a joy to watch but Eric’s realisation that he’s currently the only sane vampire of the bunch was even more gripping. I was hoping that he would’ve gotten through to Nora as well but sadly, she’s under the influence of both Salome and Lilith that she dared to sully Godric’s name by calling him an apologist.

I really before this season is done with that that we get some meaty flashbacks with Eric, Nora and Godric because I really do want to see how this particular trio came about and I have a feeling that Nora will also be one of many casualties within the next four episodes as well. I still prefer to Salome but not by a great margin though. On the plus side, at least with Roman out of the way, the Authority storyline has finally had some spark of life injected into it.

Speaking of injecting things into the show – it would take Sookie and the fairy folk to go and forge a psychic link with Warlow the vampire but I like the fact that it allowed us to get an appearance from Claudine, more involvement from Claude, Claudia and Claudette and even some quality scenes with Sookie and Jason as well.

I liked Jason a lot in this episode. He was empathetic with Sookie while giving some solid reasons as to why she should maintain the faerie abilities that she has and his determination to avenge his parents’ death is far better than having just banging random girls instead. Overall, this is a solid enough storyline for the Stackhouse siblings and their fae kin and it works for me, plot wise too.

Keeping with the things that worked – thank you, Hoyt. I’m glad that Jessica being kidnapped by those idiot supernatural killers was the very thing to snap him out of it. It’s just too bad that by rescuing Jessica (by not shooting her with wooden bullets/silver core), he only went and made an enemy of that lot but with any luck, Luna will do us all a favour and kill the evil feckers and pronto too.

Speaking of Luna – her turning into Sam was interesting and once again, bloody fantastic acting from Sam Trammell in duel roles again. I liked that Luna ultimately survived this episode too. I know she’s not to everyone’s tastes but there are certainly worse characters out there and at least her and Sam’s current storyline has a purpose to it as well.

Last but not least, I really hated seeing Tara taking Tracy as a food whore because of Pam. Yes, the woman was an idiotic, racist bitch who needed taking down a peg or two but I don’t like the idea of Pam trying to make Tara into her image and I wish Tara would fight her on it as well. Lafayette really needs to step in there right about now as does Sookie too.

Also in “Somebody That I Used To Know”

Purple and green beads were a thing this week with Russell and Steve and also Nora and Salome as well.

Eric: “What the hell happened?”
Bill: “We saw her. She appeared to us. We saw Lilith.”

We also saw Bill refusing to give his dying daughter, Sarah immortality in flashbacks as well as a brief appearance from Jesus as well.

Jason: “If you were normal, you never would’ve met Bill.”
Sookie: “Yeah, big loss there.”

Russell (re Lilith): “God has the most beautiful tits I’ve ever seen.”

Why the hell is Nigel being allowed to join the group? Even vampires should have standards considering his unhealthy interest in eating only kids.

Alcide: “Do you wanna be my girlfriend?”
Rikki: “Maybe.”

Sarah: “I want to live.”
Bill: “No.”
Sarah: “Why?”
Bill: “Immortality is a curse.”

Alcide lost out to pack master to JD but he did manage to sleep with Rikki and both her and Martha prevented JD from killing him as well. JD also seems keen on hunting college kids as well, which ain’t good.

Claude (to Sookie/Jason): “I care about the two of you. Our families have a bond. We have a bond.”

Lafayette: “Are you fucking real?”
Jesus: “Does it matter?”

Zaafira, the woman that Terry killed wants both him and Patrick to kill each other in order to get rid of the Ifrit. I got a laugh out of Lafayette charging Arlene and Holly for his medium services. Also is Maxine the supernatural killers’ leader?

Tracy: “Jeez, you’re the same as you were in high school, all uppity.”
Tara: “Uppity? Listen, you white trash fuck twat, we’re not in high school anymore, so if you let anymore of that racist bullshit fall out of your mouth, I’m gonna open up your heart and fry it up with some grits.”

Stephen Moyer also directed this episode as well, making him the first cast member of the series to step behind the camera.

Pam (to Tara): “You don’t know me that well. My mad face and my happy face are the same.”

Standout music: Not a certain Gotye song (which didn’t feature) but Howlin’ Wolf’s “Smokescreen Lightening” instead.

Lafayette (re Zaafira): “I ain’t playing. She is talking to me and she is fucking mad.”

Chronology: From where “In The Beginning” left off.

Overall, “Somebody That I Used To Know” is a strong enough episode, forwarding a lot of the plots, adding some more chaos into the mix but for an impacting shift in attitude when it came to Bill, the final scene lacked a certain bite to it. Am I the only one who thought as much?

Rating: 8 out of 10

Revenge - Season 2 Big Spoilers

Well, some new ones did get released this week, so I thought I might as well talk about what will be happening in the second season of Revenge ...

- Emily, following the whole Jack/Amanda pregnancy situation will be back to being somewhat closed off or as the producers like to say, 'cauterizing' her feelings.
- The mystery man Ethan (Barry Sloane) is someone Emily knew in her past and like her, he's got some anger issues of his own and because of them losing similar things, both of them came together as well.
- Daniel/Ashley may be enjoying a relationship based on lust but the former will still be pining for Emily as well.
- The first two episodes of the second season have the titles of Bound and Resurrection.

- Nolan will be getting a love interest this season but it's a female one. Well, the show did say he was bisexual after all.
- However Nolan and Emily will very much be together as a team and we'll be learning more of his background and company, Nolcorp.
- Jack will have some scenes with Emily but while he'll be still with Amanda, he might be turning a blind eye to some of the more obvious things around him.
- There are rumours that while things may be still Hamptons based, some of the action in the second year could take place in New York as well.

- Jennifer Jason Leigh we know has been cast as Kara Wilkins and apparently her relationship with Emily isn't going to be an easy one as the latter learns more about what's been happening over the years.
- The actress was actually a fan of the show and her representation contacted the producers for the role. Turns out Mike Kelley is a fan of the actress too.
- It seems that the producers are looking for a good looking doctor in his 30s for an episode as well.
- Ashley will also be getting a protege of her own named Eve, whose interests go beyond organising parties at the Hamptons while Declan will be getting a preppy friend as well.

Season 2 Spoilers: http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/tag/revenge%20%28abc%29

Revenge's second season will air on ABC, Sundays at 9pm from September 30th.

BBC1 - Autumn Drama Trailer

Well, BBC2 released one the other day and now it's BBC1's turn to unveil six dramas that they will be airing in the next few weeks/months ...

Melissa George (last seen in BBC4 drama, The Slap) is going all spy girl on the run as Sam Hunter in Hunted while Suranne Jones will be starring in Joe Ahearne's adaption of The Secret Of Crickley Hall along with Tom Ellis, David Warner and Iain deCaestecker. Warren Brown meanwhile, will be appearing in the four part series, Good Cop as an officer whose morality is challenged following the death of a friend.

The biggest of these dramas however could be the eight parter, Ripper Street, which was shot in Dublin earlier this year and features Matthew Macfadyen, Jerome Flynn and Myanna Buring to name a few. The series follows the aftermath with the police officers investigating the infamous Whitechapel murders. The other two dramas highlighted in the trailer include the second series of Accused, featuring the likes of Robert Sheehan, Sean Bean, Sheridan Smith, Olivia Colman and Anne-Marie Duff as well as two part drama, Shetland, a murder mystery set on the Scottish isles of the same name. Overall, a pretty impressive line up in the next few months. I wonder how ITV and Channel 4 will counter now?

BBC1 Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXDq_a0l4Zc&feature=player_embedded

Being Human - Series 5 Begins

In the past, I've posted the odd spoiler post for Being Human here and there, but usually nearer to transmission of each series but now, with the fifth series starting up, filming wise, I've decided to post some stuff that has surfaced for the upcoming series.

Damien Molony is back as OCD vampire, Hal Yorke and following the success of the character this year, it will be interesting to see where they go with him in the six episodes for Series 5 as he's still living with both Tom McNair (Michael Socha) and newly made ghost, Alex Mayhew (Kate Bracken) in Honolulu Heights.  That place is staying, though I heard some rumours the cafe might not be. Show creator, Toby Whithouse has written the first episode of the new series as well.

Speaking of Alex - yes she's a regular for the new series but whether or not both her and Hal will become an item is apparently undecided just yet. Personally, I want to see her to start looking for her body as well as seeing her father and brothers as well. Two good and needed story arcs for Alex to be dealt with, I think. As for a Hal/Alex romance - not sure. It could work but maybe a snarky friendship could be better too.

As for Tom, no clue what's in store for him. I was hoping that Allison would return for him but Ellie Kendrick has signed on for the third season of Game Of Thrones, so unless they recast the role, Tom is either going to be single for the next series or get a new girlfriend. Still, I can't wait to see the dynamic with Hal/Tom/Alex properly in Series 5. They're going to be brilliant, aren't they?

Now onto some actual spoilers - Steven Robertson will be a regular in the fifth series as Mr Rook (let the domestic staff be better than Kemp please!) and there are two new characters named Patsy and Sophie, played by Claire Cage and Non Haf. I'm not sure what or who their characters are but I am glad they've managed to retain Robertson for the fifth series. Here's hoping Rook will be an amazing character throughout the next series because he's definitely an intriguing one and I want an effective nemesis that isn't a vampire for once. Plus, there's the whole "He Will Rise" thing from last series - I'm wondering what the hell that means too. Hopefully Series 5 will give us a satisfying answer to that one.

Spoiler Thread: http://storify.com/Ruther2/being-human-5?utm_content=storify-pingback&utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=sfy.co-twitter&utm_campaign=&awesm=sfy.co_c0zH 

Being Human's fifth series will air on BBC3 in 2013. The first four series are available on DVD.

Doctor Who - Series 7 Updates/Sad News

Well,  if making a splash at Comic-Con wasn't enough, the Doctor has only gone and made the cover of Entertainment Weekly, further cementing it's impact on American viewers. Gorgeous cover ...

As for Series 7, it might be only a month away but the latest issue of DWM (it's 450th issue) has some spoilers available. Episode wise, not only are the first five filmed/photo locked but episodes 9-11 have also been filmed with the Christmas special due to be filmed next month as well. The magazine seems to have confirmed that Moffat will write episodes 7 and 14 but writers for 8, 12 and 13 have yet to be confirmed. There's also an interview with Chris Chibnall (Dinosaurs On A Spaceship and 7x04) discussing the various guests in his episode, including Mark Williams as Rory's father, Brian. He was also meant to write an episode in the second half of the series but couldn't due to his upcoming series, Broadchurch with David Tennant and Arthur Darvill.

Meanwhile Matt Smith has been referring to Jenna-Louise Coleman's character, Clara (name still not confirmed, but was heard on set last month) as being somewhat different to Amy. In fact, while her debut has yet to be filmed, apparently there's a line of dialogue she says ("Wake up! Open the thing!") in an upcoming episode but aside from that little bit (Matt also mentioned flirting - really?), we still don't know that much about her. He does however seemed to have confirmed that we won't be getting an eighth series until 2014, in which Moffat has supposedly teased Matt to get ready to cry. Oh and there are some interesting times for Amy and Rory in the final few episodes with the fourth episode being all about them before their last adventure.

Meanwhile in rather sad news, actress Mary Tamm (Romana 1) has sadly passed away at the age of 62, following an 18 month battle with cancer, according to her agent. Absolutely shocked to hear this - such a young age and she recently had done some Big Finish audios with Tom Baker as well. My condolences go out to her family and friends. This is the fourth companion who has sadly passed away in the last eighteen months. She will be missed by all.

Mary Tamm: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/s7/doctor-who/news/a395408/doctor-who-actress-mary-tamm-dies-aged-62.html

Doctor Who returns to BBC1 in the Autumn.

BBC Dramas Autumn 2012

Another day and a trailer for some of the upcoming BBC dramas to expect over the next few months have been released too.

Benedict Cumberbatch continues to be the man of the moment and while he isn't playing famous sleuths and villains in Star Trek movies, he's also appearing in the upcoming Parade's End, playing a soldier while imminent companion Jenna-Louise Coleman is Dancing On The Edge with Anthony Head and Angel Coulby in a five part drama. That looks a lot more fun that seeing Sienna Miller's Tippi Hedrin being terrorised by birds and Toby Jones's version of Hitchcock in The Girl. No, that one I really do want to see.

Elsewhere, The Hour is gearing for a tense second series with Hector (Dominic West) being in a peculiar spot of bother as Bel (Romala Garai) and Freddie wonder if they really know their colleague after all. Other highlights from the trailer also see Gillian Anderson (The X Files) and Karen Hassan (Hollyoaks) in crime drama, The Fall and Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men) in the rather creepy looking, Top Of The Lake. Well, it beats the likes of Strictly Come Dancing but I'm kind of disappointed we didn't get some footage from two shows that are also returning around the same time as many of these will be airing.

BBC Drama Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zIyLWcZcNhE

Downton Abbey - Series 3 TCA Spoilers

Last week, the show wasn't just nominated for sixteen Emmys but it was also at the Television Critics Association with some of the cast members of Downton Abbey and low and behold, some spoilers were unveiled too.

1. Count on the Dowager Countess! Lady Violet’s wit strikes again as she anticipates the arrival of her daughter-in-law’s mother Martha (Shirley MacLaine). “When I’m with her, I’m reminded of the virtues of the English,” she tells dinner guests. “But she’s American,” one says. “Exactly,” she responds. More verbal smackdowns ensue between Violet and Martha in the trailer.

2. O’Brien gets maternal. Is the dour lady’s maid going soft? O’Brien’s towering nephew is the new footman, and we see her acting in a downright nurturing fashion, even defending him to Thomas. Is the dastardly downstairs duo no longer on the same team?

3. Love still isn’t easy. Although there’s no real update on Bates and Anna (they’re in love; he’s still in prison), Matthew and Mary are bickering again… about what, it’s unclear. “God, Matthew, how can you be so disappointing?” Lady Mary says to her fiancé. “Deep down, you’re not on our side.” Uh-oh!

4. Trading Downton for the poorhouse? It appears that the Earl of Grantham has made a very bad investment and has lost almost all of the family’s fortune… including the money that Cora brought to their marriage. Interestingly, Lady Grantham isn’t too bothered. “We have a wedding to celebrate,” she says. “Let’s make sure it’s a great day. If it’s to be our last, let’s make it a wonderful last.”

5. A Crawley wedding. It’s not clear if it’s Lady Edith or Lady Mary getting hitched on that wonderful day, but we do see that Edith is still seeing her older gentleman friend. Could Mary and Matthew bicker themselves into last place in the race down the aisle?

Above a cast show for the upcoming third season, featuring MacLaine's character, Martha Levinson and some more spoilers from the TCAs as well ...

6. Matthew is randy… and may get a surprise. Despite his arguments with Mary, Matthew very pointedly tells his fiancée that he’s looking forward to “all sorts of things” in addition to their wedding. Oh my! “Don’t make me blush,” Mary says. In other Matthew news, the attorney for the late Mr. Swire (aka Lavinia’s father) has contacted him, which may bode well… or ill.

7. Trouble with Branson. Alas, youngest daughter Sybil isn’t experiencing complete marital bliss. Although it’s nice to see the Earl soften enough to invite them to Downton for a dinner, Branson takes this opportunity to voice his rather liberal views, which doesn’t sit well with the majority, including Sybil. Also: Mr. Carson isn’t too keen on playing valet to Branson, whom he still refers to as “that grubby little chauffeur.”

8. That’s soooo 1921. The Crawley women are fully embracing the fashions of the 1920s, including loose, flapper-style dresses and finger-wave hairdos.

9. Isis is back! The cast jokes that the animal actor (who is confusingly named Abby, by the way) is getting too big for her canine britches since last season’s starring role in the finale. “She demanded a bigger kennel,” jokes Hugh Bonneville, who plays Robert, the Earl of Grantham.

Also for those of you wondering whether or not the show would garner another Christmas special - well, the answer is yes, it has. Considering that last year's one was the highest rated thing over the festive period, it makes total sense that ITV1 would commission another one and this year's special has former Bad Girls actress Simone Lahbib playing ladies maid Wilkins while Twilight actress, MyAnna Buring will be playing the role of Edna, a forward thinking maid. Hopefully, Edna's fate is more in line with Gwen from Series 1 and not Ethel's in Series 2. Either way, some exciting stuff ahead in the next few months.

Series 3 Spoilers: http://fuckyesdowntonabbey.tumblr.com/post/27769044231/9-downton-abbey-spoilers-trouble-with-matthew-and

Downton Abbey's third series will air on ITV1 from September. Time and dates to be confirmed of course.

Homeland - Season 2 Look Again Trailer

If it's not Dexter delivering with the excellent trailers for it's upcoming year, then Homeland are too for it's make or break second season.

The latest trailer focuses heavily on Carrie (Claire Danes) seemingly struggling with her memories before actually remembering and promising that Brody (Damian Lewis) will pay for betraying his country. It's a tense, tantalising trailer and it's definitely making me eager for Season 2 all the more.

Season 2 Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyuG8G888M4&feature=player_embedded

Season 2 of Homeland airs Sundays at 10pm on Showtime from September 30th and will air on Channel 4 shortly afterwards in October.

My Review of True Blood's 5x07: "In The Beginning"

Written by Brian Buckner
Directed by Michael Ruscio

Russell (to Bill/Eric): “I’m not gonna hurt you. I just wanted to make an entrance.”
Nora: “Russell, enough.”
Salome: “Put your fangs away, we’re all friends here.”

Anyone remotely surprised that this is all down to bloody Salome and Nora? Nope, didn’t think so but with Roman no longer with us and confirmation that Salome was the one who dug up Russell, at least this whole Authority and Lilith has managed to progress more in this episode than in the previous ones we’ve had.

A part of me would like to take a moment to commemorate Roman though. Not because he was a good character but rather because he was a wasted one, played by an excellent Christopher Meloni, who basically deserved better than what he was given. Thankfully though, the loss of Roman did mean gaining back Russell and he continued to be a delight in this episode.

I loved his attempt of trying to make peace with Bill and Eric in this one. He had the perfect chance to kill the both of them and he chose to forgive them instead. Whether or not, he’s being genuine, I’m not sure but to his credit, Russell has managed to inject some much needed fun into all this Lilith rubbish that Salome and Nora have been dithering on about for the last while.

Seeing the rest of the Authority (minus Dieter, whom Russell killed) fall in line and get high on Lilith’s blood along with Bill, Eric, Russell, Steve, Nora and Salome also made for a fun episode. Seeing them gatecrash an engagement party when they weren’t terrifying cab drivers showed the formation of the inevitable humans vs. vampires war we’ve been told about and it seemed that one vampire has been put in the middle.

Out of everyone, Eric has shown to be the least convinced by the whole Lilith stuff and it made sense that Godric visiting him while everyone saw Lilith in their blissed out state would happen. Godric seemed pretty determined that Eric should save Nora but in this episode, he seemed barely able to tolerate her after her role in Russell’s return had been revealed. I’m also wondering myself if saving Nora will ultimately end meaning killing her. Somehow, I can’t see either Salome or Russell making it out of this season alive but with Nora, it’s somewhat harder to tell.

Something else that’s rather harder to tell would be Sookie’s actions. I can understand her craving to be normal but going against Claude and Claudia’s advice and trying to run out of her finite fairy powers does seem like a rather reckless thing to do. With any luck, Jason might actually be able to talk some sense into her. Then Sookie can return the favour and talk some into him in relations to vampires.

Jason might have a right to be furious that vampires murdered his parents and he might even have an issue with Jessica feeding but at the end of the day, the guy she was eating from was a willing victim and Jessica has more than proven that she’s not a sadistic killer either. Hell, Jason managed to shoot her in the head and her reaction was to have him escorted off her property. That’s more than a merciful response even if Jessica did bite him first though.

Keeping with the supernatural issues, it’s nice to see that the supernatural killers plot has become more interesting. Continuing to involve Sam, Luna and Andy is one thing but actually having Hoyt join up with these sick bastards was a development I didn’t think we’d get. I really want Hoyt to snap out of his Jessica angst and fast because it did look like his new friends were going to lead down a very dark path.

Also being led down a dark path – did we really need to see Tara on a stripper pole being disowned by Lettie Mae? Lettie Mae may be the worst mother a child could have the misfortune to have but it broke my heart seeing Tara being shattered by her rejection and while I understand Pam’s discomfort with affection, even I wanted her to be just a tad nicer to Tara for once. All of a sudden, maybe it’s not so great for Tara to be a vampire after all.

Also in “In The Beginning”

Chris Meloni’s name has been removed from the opening credits. Roman, we hardly knew you at all.

Russell (to Eric): “You and me, together at last.”

Arlene/Terry’s wedding video had some nice appearances from Jesus with a body while Patrick managed to persuade Terry not to kill himself. The Ifrit also didn’t kill them on sight either and there were loads of flashbacks to past events in this episode.

Claudia: “You’re safe.”
Sookie (to Claude): “Like hell I am. You’re one of the bitches that zapped me and you ain’t much better.”

Bud seemed a little too eager to rid of Andy. If you take that with the fact that his new love is called Sweetie, well, you get where I’m going with this, don’t you? If not, think of “Dragon”.

Kenya: “Is there something you need to tell me, Mr Merlotte?”
Sam: “No!”

Alcide: “Respectfully, Martha, your son doesn’t have a grace because y’all ate him.”
Martha: “Don’t get all literal on me, Rambo.”

I liked Martha protecting Emma from JD in this episode (what kind of moron offers a child V?) and the Alcide/Rikki training scenes I enjoyed for other reasons.

Lafayette (to Jesus’s grandfather): “I spit first, you sick fucking fuck.”

Sookie (to Sam): “Say you can trade in what you are and give away everything that’s special about you for a plain old regular life, would you?”

Now that Jesus’s evil granddaddy is out of the picture and we’ve found the former’s body, I do hope Lafayette gets back to trying to repair his relationship with Tara. Oh and Steve clearly fancies the pants off Russell as well. He wasn't particularly subtle about it.

Salome (re Lilith): “Tonight, everyone in this room will drink from her.”

Tara (to Pam, re Lettie Mae): “Can you believe this shit? I fucking hate her but I’m crying for her anyways.”

Standout music: Russell (Denis O’Hare) singing “You Light Up My Life”. Alan Ball clearly has a thing for that song, given that he had Claire (Lauren Ambrose) sing it in Six Feet Under as well.

Godric (to Eric, re Nora): “This is wrong. You know this but your sister does not. Save her, my son.”

Chronology: From where “Hopeless” left off.

“In The Beginning” finally brought a sense of urgency and chaos to the whole Authority and Lilith plots (where was Molly when they were getting high?) and for that alone, I am grateful for this episode. It’s good to have some proper chaos back on the show now.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Mommy's Home

And here's a blog on the last couple of shows I've been watching recently ...

2 Broke Girls: Okay, the last few episodes haven't been as funny as the rest of the series so far but there have been some interesting moments. For instance, any where Han is challenged generated a chuckle from me and seeing Caroline develop an obsession with coupons (and the way she kept pronouncing it) was definitely the type of thing that US sitcoms do in their sleep. And we need to see more of Chestnut and less of Max offering tampons to customers (though Han clearly set that one up).

Bedlam: Good finale but sort of a predictable one too. I kind of saw that Max's dad would have a bigger role in things, that Ellie and Eve would be connected with each other and that Ellie would also be Jed's sister after all as well as that outcome for Warren too. That being said though, this has been a largely satisfying second run and hopefully we will get a third batch of episodes next year. The cliff-hanger definitely suggested that Ellie's story is far from done anyways.

Don't Trust The Bitch In Apartment 23: Another solid finale but seven episodes for a US sitcom is too short a run and perhaps we should've gotten a few more episodes to develop the growing friendship with Chloe and June though. Still, I liked the whole comic book subplot and that slight indication that underneath her penchant for chaos, Chloe had some insecurities as well. Here's hoping the second season will produce more fun times for the flatmates and the crazy gang.

Grimm: I've been watching this show off and on over the last few months and while there were times when it felt a little too tame for it's own good, there have also been moments where it's become interesting as well. Monroe is still the best character the show has to offer but Nick has become slightly less bland than when he started out and his attempts of trying to be honest with Juliette about things going bump in the night was oddly amusing. However, the reveal of that mystery woman being Nick's mother only felt obvious in retrospect but it did manage to set up an interesting development for Season 2, so good work there.

Sinbad: Two episodes in and you know what - I really, really like this show. Okay, so like both Robin Hood and Merlin before it, Sinbad has a tendency of sounding rather modern (and even looking it with the costumes) but already, I like Elliot Knight in the lead role, find the crew members and the villainous characters like Akbari, Taryn and Razia intriguing and given that the ratings have been good for it so far, I hope that means a second series will be imminent too. The only complaint I do have is that the CGI can be dodgy in places but I'm sure that's something the show will overcome as it progresses. Definitely one to watch.

White Collar: I don't watch the show religiously but I've seen enough from previous years and let's face it, Matt Bomer isn't exactly hard on the eye either, is he? No, in all fairness the guy's a great actor and as Neal Caffrey, he's managed to come up with a charismatic and sympathetic conman who has been easy to root for. The first two episodes of the show's fourth season did see Neal attempting to escape from the FBI before being recaptured but his scenes with Mozzie and Peter more than made up for it. However, I'm not so keen on Mehki Pfifer's agent character just yet, though he's not as annoying as Rex was in the first half of Torchwood: Miracle Day, but only by a tiny margin. Good start to the season too and nice to see that this show maintains it's ability to be interesting without taking itself too seriously.

- Jennifer Jason Leigh has been cast as Emily's mother, Kara Wilkins in the second season of Revenge. Barry Sloane will also play a character named Ethan, connected to Emily's past.
- Clea DuVall has joined the second season of American Horror Story, though the nature of her role hasn't been revealed yet.
- Adam Lambert will feature in an upcoming episode of Pretty Little Liars.
- John Noble has revealed that Fringe's final season will feature a war with the Observers.
- Aaron Sorkin is replacing the writing staff for the second season of The Newsroom. I have to confess, I wasn't that keen on it when I watched it.
- Grace Phipps has joined the cast of The Vampire Diaries for it's upcoming fourth season, playing a character with connections to Elena and Jeremy.
- Once Upon A Time's second season will introduce Aladdin, Jafar, Ariel, Peter Pan and Captain Hook with Sarah Bolger playing Sleeping Beauty in the upcoming season as well.
- Santiago Carbrera has joined the cast of Dexter, playing a crime writer named Ethan Price who arrives in Miami to investigate for a book about true crimes.

Emmys 2012 Nominations

And it's that time of year again for the Emmys to unveil their nomiations before the big ceremony in September and I have to admit that once again the list falls into the category of 'predictable but too many shows I like are on it, so excellent!'.

Not quite predictable however was how well both Downton Abbey (16 nods) and Sherlock (13 nods) fared in this year's categories with the former managing to get a nod for Best Drama (good luck to it, considering it's against the likes of Homeland and Breaking Bad) and Michelle Dockery for Best Actress, Joanne Froggatt and Maggie Smith for Supporting Actress with Hugh Bonneville for Best Actor and Jim Carter for Supporting Actor as well. Regardless of the second series not being as strong as the first one, I'm bloody pleased for the show. I hope it does win a few of the awards it's nominated for.

If Downton Abbey has been elevated into the main drama categories, then Sherlock shouldn't be discouraged from being in the mini-series categories with both the show up for Best Mini-Series (against the likes of American Horror Story and Luther), Benedict Cumberbatch nominated for Best Actor and Martin Freeman for Supporting Actor as well as Steven Moffat for Outstanding Writing as well. I guess this truly is the year for British television, isn't it?

Full List: http://www.digitalspy.ie/ustv/news/a394173/primetime-emmys-2012-full-nominees-list.html

The Emmys will air on ABC from September 23rd. Jimmy Kimmel will be hosting the ceremony this year.

Walking And Talking - Series 1 Review

When it comes to a lot of the Sky channel related home produced comedies most of them have been a damn squib for my tastes (e.g. This Is Jinsy feeling like a poor man's League Of Gentlemen and Parents being a cheap and tacky version of Modern Family) but with this show, they've gotten a gem.

Walking And Talking, written by (and based on the life of) actress Kathy Burke managed to be an enjoyable four episode romp with Ami Metcalfe (Upstairs Downstairs) taking on the role as the younger version of the actress and Aimee Ffion-Edwards (Skins) playing her best mate, Mary as both girls spent the series literally doing what the series suggested: walking and talking.

Throughout the four episodes, we've gone through a myriad of discussions with the girls - from Mary's bigoted boyfriend, Larry to Kath's determination to get into drama school, her acceptances of gay people, her alcoholic father as well her attempts to try and see Quadrophenia when it comes out while coming across a variety of characters such as an alcoholic Scotsman, an ice cream man named Icarus that Mary takes a dislike towards and even Burke herself crops in the series as a mean-spirited sister named Angry Nun, who takes more than great pleasure in hardening her perky counterpart, Pretty Nun (Sean Gallagher) and managed to succeed pretty damn well in the process.

This might have originated from a Little Crackers edition that Burke did for Sky1 a few years ago but SkyAtlantic really cottoned to a wonderful series that managed to be funny at every turn with some great dialogue, wonderful performances from both Metcalfe and Ffion-Edwards as well as a nice sense of nostalgia with the 1970s background. Basically, SkyAtlantic and Kathy Burke, can we have seconds please?

Walking And Talking has finished airing on SkyAtlantic and should be available on DVD soon.

Glee - Comic-Con 2012 Spoilers

And here's my last blog related to Comic-Con with a look at the Glee panel. Normal service resumes tomorrow then.

A large majority of the cast appeared at the event with Lea Michele (Rachel), Cory Monteith (Finn), Naya Rivera (Santana), Kevin McHale (Artie), Jenna Ushkowitz and Darren Criss (Blaine) to answer some of the pressing questions for the upcoming fourth season and we learned a fair amount of stuff there.

First off all Rachel's time in NYADA is gonna be a challenge, especially when she has to deal with a dance instructor named Cassandra July (Kate Hudson) while Kurt ends up meeting a kooky fashion writer, played by Sarah Jessica Parker as the future of him and Blaine's relationship is tackled within the first episode. Also, expect to see Santana cheerleading for her new college in New York as well as Finn in the army, the introduction of a Quinn type of character and Will/Emma's wedding being on hold for a bit.

In terms of returns, things don't seem to be confirmed with Chord Overstreet returning as a regular for Sam (you'd think after last year, this wouldn't have happened again) while Damien McGinty is apparently not returning as Rory either. Meanwhile for fans of Grant Gustin's villainous Sebastian, he might be returning at some point but nothing is definitely yet though.

Comic-Con Panel: http://www.spoilertv.com/2012/07/glee-comic-con-2012-3-panel-clips.html

Glee's fourth season will air on FOX, Thursdays at 8pm from September 13th. An airdate for Sky1 has yet to be confirmed.

Doctor Who - Comic-Con 2012 Spoilers

I was going to save my favourite panel until last but er, I'd rather talk about it now if that's alright. It's the Doctor Who panel naturally and yes, I'm aware that anyone reading probably isn't surprised by this.

This year's panel comprised of Matt Smith (11th Doctor), Karen Gillan (Amy), Arthur Darvill (Rory) as well as producers Steven Moffat and Caroline Skinner with Nerdist's Chris Hardwick moderating the event and the 70 minute panel was certainly an entertaining one with the gang recalling fan encounters, talking briefly about the upcoming seventh series as well as their future projects to name a few.

However unlike last year where we got a trailer for the second half of Series 6 and a clip from The God Complex, this year we didn't get a trailer for Series 7 but confirmation that the second and third episodes of the new series would be called Dinosaurs On A Spaceship and A Town Called Mercy, as well as clips from both episodes. I've tried looking for them online but sadly to no avail. The clips do feature Rory's father, a game hunter named Riddell, Nefertiti flirting as well as the Doctor letting some locals know that he's an alien for good measure.

Of course, it does seem like UK viewers aren't going to be that deprived though. Not only did Matt Smith seem to confirm an airdate of sorts for Series 7 (around August) but according to a Twitter page, we should be getting something special soon. I presume the 'special' may be a trailer for the new series if not the clips for the second and third episodes. Watching the panel again however did make me realise that as much as I'm looking forward to Eleven/Clara, I really am going to miss Eleven/Amy/Rory.

Comic-Con Panel: http://www.spoilertv.com/2012/07/doctor-who-comic-con-2012-watch-full.html

Series 7 of Doctor Who will air on BBC1 and BBCAmerica from August.

Merlin - Comic-Con 2012 Spoilers

And here's stuff from the Merlin panel at Comic-Con from Sunday last. Sorry, I will try and be speedier with these gems.

Attending the panel this year included Colin Morgan (Merlin), Katie McGrath (Morgana), Angel Coulby (Gwen) and producers Johnny Capps and Julian Jones and while I know some fans lamented the lack of Arthur and the Knights, this lot were as entertaining as always.

The newest promotional image for the fifth series was unveiled at the end with the interesting title of 'The Die Is Cast' but it wasn't the only little gem we got from the panel. Nope, we also found out that Anthony Head (Uther) is coming back for one episode and that the series itself after the fifth run will become a trilogy of movies. I do wonder if that means a sixth run is off the cards then.

Entertainment Weekly continue with their themed pictures and this one of Colin Morgan and Katie McGrath is especially nice. A trailer for the fifth series was also unveiled at the event but so far, the only version available is of extremely bad quality. Hopefully the BBC will have the sense to unveil one pretty sharpish because from what I could make out, it looks like we're going to have another brilliant series ahead of us.

Comic-Con Panel: http://www.spoilertv.com/2012/07/merlin-comic-con-2012-panel-video.html  
Series 5 Trailer: http://www.spoilertv.com/2012/07/merlin-season-5-comic-con-trailer.html

Merlin's fifth series will air on BBC1 from September 29th.

My Review of True Blood's 5x06: "Hopeless"

Written by Alan Ball
Directed by Daniel Attias

Russell (to Sookie): “You’re just what the doctor ordered, my tree fairy vixen.”

And Russell was exactly what the plotline concerning the Authority also ordered as well. I knew the second Russell re-emerged that things were going to go down south pretty fast and this episode sure as hell didn’t disappoint in that regard.

Okay, so his attempt to feed on Sookie once again wasn’t pretty successful but he did manage to survive being executed by Roman by actually executing Roman in the last scene of this episode and given that he was wearing an iStakes at the time, that’s pretty great going to be honest.

I wish Roman’s death made an impact on me but I’ve got to confess that I’m actually glad to see the back of him now. To be honest, the show had a wonderful actor in their employ with Christopher Meloni and they wasted him by having Roman do nothing for the last five episodes but give speech after speech about mainstreaming, Sanguinistas and the like that it was hard to care about him as a character.

From the look on Salome’s face though, I’m not that sure she was all that broken up about Roman actually dying. If anything, it seemed like she was in on the whole thing and while the episode didn’t confirm it, I still think that it was her who dug up Russell and has been working with him this entire time.

Russell as a vampire, regardless of his disdain for the Authority’s ways or not reminded me just how charismatic and bat shit insane he can be. If Roman had been anything like this, he might have made more of an impact but given drunk on some 18th century blood from an Austrian haemophiliac failed to inject him with enough of a personality in the end.

Now that Russell has seemingly resumed power, I’m guessing that things aren’t going to be a walk in the park for Bill and Eric. Russell did seem pretty determined to get his own back on the two of them and any hopes of them actually getting released from the Authority probably died with Roman.

As for Nora – can someone please spring her from that dungeon she’s in and fast? Like Roman, there are only so many scenes where I can watch her praying to Lilith and I’m thinking this show has started to exhaust them though the last prayer scene in this one did remind me of when Marnie and Antonia formed a union. I’m wondering if Nora has done the same with Lilith or simply think she has done. Answers on a postcard please!

Meanwhile in better female vampire related storylines, the scrap between Jessica and Tara managed to get broken up by Pam before either of them could totally trash Fangtasia but the more interesting elements had more to do with the girls’ seperate scenes with Pam and Hoyt that their new friendship coming to a swift end.

Pam and affection really don’t go hand in hand and her inability to compliment Tara without throwing in an insult was both amusing and disturbing in equal measure. Disturbing because it would indicate that perhaps there will be an element of toxicity with Tara being a vampire as well under Pam’s guidance. As for Jessica, I liked that she made it clear to Hoyt that things were completely over between them. Hoyt really needed to hear that and if he survives being taken by those Obama masked whackos, perhaps he’ll sort himself out.

Keeping with the masked whackos, both Sam and Luna managed to survive this episode and it was up to Sam and Andy to do some investigating as well. I liked that we got to see Sam save Andy from being nearly killed by Junior but I’m not entirely sure if Luna can afford to trust Martha with Emma in the long run though.

Last but not least in the bigger plots – vampires killed the Stackhouse folks. It’s what both Claude and Hadley managed to reluctantly convey with Sookie and Jason in that fairy nightclub and it seemed like an arc that will get further explored. I have to admit that already I prefer this version of Claude than his book counterpart.

Also in “Hopeless”

Comic-Con released a trailer for the second half of Season 5 on Saturday and it looks like things are going to get crazier for our main characters.

Jessica: “I guess the whole friendship thing is on hold.”
Tara: “What do you expect when you come into my house and fuck with me?”

Lafayette and Ruby Jean had an interesting scene in this episode in relation to Jesus while Sookie, Arlene and Holly lamented about men being trouble.

Eric (re Sookie): “But you’ll keep your hands off her, romantically speaking. She kind of disgusts you.”
Alcide: “Okay.”

That was a low blow from Eric but it seemed that Sookie snapped Alcide out of it. Alcide also challenged JD for pack master with Rikki backing his corner. We also saw four of Claude’s other sisters in this one as well – Claudette, Claudwina, Claudellen and Claudia.

Eric: “Enough with this religious bullshit already. Lilith can fucking blow me and why are you so suddenly into it?”
Bill: “I’m just covering my ass.”

Ruby Jean (to Lafayette): “Jesus loves you, even if you are an abomination.”

Terry and Arlene sort of broke up in this episode. I don’t mind them as a couple but this fire demon plot is still lagging behind every other storyline at the moment to be honest.

Bill: “It was our duty.”
Eric: “Boy scout.”
Bill: “Delinquent.”

Claude: “Claudine was my sister.”
Sookie: “No way. That guy was meth teeth and bad ears.”

Standout music: Percy Mayfield’s “Hopeless”.

Russell (to Roman): “I want to gorge on human blood, not because some fucking bible tells me to but because I like it. It’s fun, it makes my dick hard.”

Chronology: From where “Let’s Boot And Rally” left off.

Overall, “Hopeless” definitely propelled things in the right direction. The Authority plot certainly stepped up a gear and it really does seem like a war between humans and the supernatural is about to explode over the next few weeks as well.

Rating: 8 out of 10

True Blood - Comic Con 2012 Spoilers

And here is the panel for True Blood at this year's Comic-Con ....

Nearly every one of the show's main players were at the event in question and once again, it was definitely one of the best panels over the weekend, especially given that we got an exclusive trailer for the second half of the fifth season. Speaking of which ...

It seems that Bill (Stephen Moyer) may be on the brink of self-destruction as vampires and human finally go to war with each other and if you've seen last night's episode, you might understand why. It seems Eric will be put in the role of having to save Bill from himself as the season progresses.

Russell Edgington (Denis O'Hare) is back and he's back in epic style as it seems that the Authority is getting something of an overhaul, which thankfully should put an end to Roman's long winded speeches. I've also heard rumours that Russell will be getting a love interest in the second half of the season and he's also got some unfinished business with Eric to contend with as well.

Anyone else thinking that Salome (Valentina Cervi) is really Russell's right hand woman and responsible for digging him out? It definitely seems like she's going to have a lot to gain from the new movement in the Authority. As for Nora, it seems like she's getting grabbed by Eric at one point in the trailer.

Sookie (Anna Paquin) is spending more time with her fairy kin and it seems that both her and Jason are going to learn more about their parents murder and their own lineage. It's clear that the fairies is being developed for a bigger plot in Season 6 but it's nice to have some recurring characters in Claude and Hadley though.

Tara (Rutina Wesley) and Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) seem to be getting closer and it also seems that Lettie Mae isn't best pleased with her daughter's new life either. It also seems that Pam might be out on her ear as well with a new vampire taking over Fangtasia as well for good measure too.

Other plots to look forward in the rest of the season include Alcide's dealings with the wolf pack, Sam and Luna attempting to find the people who tried to kill them, Lafayette looking for Jesus's body, Terry and Arlene taking part in a seance as well as Jessica and Hoyt getting into some scrapes as well. Looks like it's going to be another crazy round of episodes for the show.

Comic-Con Panel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjH2W33O5Ls&list=UUrFesgf4Z-DbPkPU31qS-Tg&index=8&feature=plcp
Season 5 Comic-Con Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7X7zU2NcEw 

True Blood's fifth season continues to air Sundays at 9pm on HBO.