Orphan Is The New Black

It's summer and while there's a fair share of period dramas, hit and miss comedies and more reality fodder on telly, here are some of the other shows I've been watching lately.

Orange Is The New Black: Netflix have been streaming this since the second week of July and I decided to give in and see what the fuss was about. Having watched the first two episodes, I can easily say it's certainly a charming show. Taylor Schilling is pretty good as the put upon Piper coping with being in a prison with the same woman who caused her downfall (though they've barely interacted so far). The flashbacks detailing Piper's relationships with both Alex and Larry and volatile Russian cook's Red's own flashbacks have been fun to watch. It might not be one of the most innovative shows you'll ever see but it's certainly worth a gander.

Orphan Black: Another show that's been hyped for quite some time, I also decided to throw caution to the wind and watch the first two episodes. Truthfully, I am so glad I did because this show is every bit as good as people on my respective feeds have been saying it is. Tatiana Maslany is a revelation as Sarah and Alison and Katja and Beth and Cosima and probably every other clone she'll play in the remaining eight episodes of the first season. I'm seriously fighting the urge to gorge on the entire season in one sitting (instead I'll watch two episodes a week). It really is that good. If you haven't seen it, do. You won't regret it.

Skins: I've got to be honest - I've never been the biggest fan of Cook. In fact, I'd probably go as far to say that along with Freddie, he was my least favourite character from the second generation, so the idea of a two part story with him filled me with dread. However given that both Effy and Cassie's episodes were seriously lacking, I was impressed with how well Rise was by comparison. Granted, it was cliched to the hilt with Cook falling foul of an unconvincing drug dealer, Louis but it was better acted and quite atmospheric in parts. Perhaps not the most satisfying way of ending this series after seven years but certainly better than I expected it to be.

The Americans: I've said it in previous blogs but I'll say it one more time - I don't think this show belongs on ITV, especially not on a Saturday night. It's a shame really because every episode has gotten so much better, especially with the further examinations of what makes Elizabeth tick and the lengths Philip himself will go to keep Martha on side, along with both Jennings complicated feelings for each other too. It's a great show with some truly excellent writing, not just with Philip and Elizabeth but also with Claudia, who still manages to be a pain in the ass and Stan, who has become rather endearing as well as a character. Looking forward to the last two episodes but if ITV have picked up this show's second season, they need to give it a better timeslot and air it closer to US transmission like Channel 4 have done with Homeland.

The Returned: The most hyped about show over the summer period came to a conclusion with a strong episode in my opinion. I know some people were unsatisfied that not everything was resolved but given that we've had plenty set up for next series (various characters taken by the Horde, the water rising, Adele's pregnancy, etc), I'm more than happy not to know everything for a little bit longer. This show isn't likely to run for six seasons like Lost and personally, I'm not ready to see this show go just yet. I'm also glad that Channel 4's risk in airing this has paid off for them tremendously. It's been a superb series to watch for the last eight weeks.

- Sandra Oh will be departing Grey's Anatomy at the end of it's upcoming tenth season.
- Lindsay Lohan will be guest starring in Eastbound & Down.
- Lauren Bacall will kiss Peter Griffin in an episode of Family Guy.
- Dreama Walker will be playing a mean teacher nemesis for Jess in New Girl.
- Ian Hart has a recurring role as a scientist in Agents Of SHIELD.
- Nick Jonas will play a computer hacker on Hawaii Five-0.
- Marc Cherry's Devious Maids has been renewed for a second season by Lifetime.
- Sky1 will air Glee's fifth season within seven days of it's FOX transmission.
- Teryl Rothery will play The Atom's love interest in Arrow's second season.
- Doug Jones will play a killer named Barrow in a 2014 episode of Teen Wolf.

Doctor Who - Top 50 Companions: Part 8

Well, I'm two blogs from revealing my Top 10 Companions of Doctor Who and it was a toughie but until then, here is the eighth part of this list.

Warning: Contains a spoiler for a future Big Finish release.

11: Romana (Mary Tamm/Lalla Ward/Juliet Landau)

If ever there was a companion who needed to return to the actual show itself right about now, then surely it's Romana? Not only does the show desperately need to scrap the last of the Time Lord thing with the Doctor altogether, but Romana like Sarah Jane is another Classic Series companion I could easily envision going down a storm with a whole generation of new viewers, especially after the sterling work both Mary Tamm and Lalla Ward did with the character during the Fourth Doctor's era. In 2014, Juliet Landau (Drusilla from Buffy The Vampire Slayer/Angel) will be playing a future version of the character for the audio, Luna Romana and for me, that's brilliant but it only makes me want to see the character on screen that tiny bit more. Make it happen, Moffat.

12: Jo Grant (Katy Manning)

Or more to the point, Jo Jones as her appearance in The Sarah Jane Adventures classic, Death Of The Doctor informed her. Jo might have her moments of dippiness here and there but she was a lot clever than people gave her credit for. One of her glorious moments was stopping the Master from hypnotizing her and her onscreen dynamic with the Third Doctor remains one of the strongest we've had in the show's fifty year history.

13: Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman)

Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you. I have actually ranked Martha higher than both Rose Tyler and Donna Noble and yes, I am being serious. Out of all of RTD's companions in the Tenth Doctor era, I felt that sometimes Martha got a bit of a rough deal from fans. The unrequited crush might not have worked in her favour (or the off screen marriage to Mickey) but Martha was a kind, capable, resourceful Doctor who managed to defeat the Master and leave the Doctor before things got too complicated. She might not be everyone's cup of tea but no way is this woman anywhere near as unpopular as some fans like to insist she is.

14: Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill)

Mr Pond. The Boy Who Waited. The Last Centurion. Rory has had a few nicknames and a good share of deaths over his two and a half year run with the Eleventh Doctor and while it might have been the Weeping Angels that took both him and Amy out last year, there's no denying his brilliance as a companion. Some might feel he was overshadowed by his own wife and daughter during his time in the TARDIS but honestly, I don't feel Rory was. He held his own in many ways and his spiky banter with the Eleventh Doctor never failed to be entertaining to watch. Don't we all want a Rory, folks?

15: Rose Tyler (Billie Piper)

Oh Rose - if ever there was a companion where fandom's obsession was ever evident, it would be with her. You've got fans incapable of moving on from her and others who view her as the worst thing to ever happen to the show (possibly). My own stance - I like her of course. Personally I think she's a good companion and deserves some of the acclaim she gets but at the same time, she's also a companion who in my own opinion worked better with the Ninth Doctor than the Tenth Doctor (Donna really was his companion). Still, I am looking forward to seeing her in the 50th anniversary episode in November though.

Parts 9 and 10 of this will be up next week.

My Review of Dexter's 8x07: "Dress Code"

Written by Arika Lisanne Mittman
Directed by Alik Sakharov

Dexter: “It’s gonna be okay. I’ll take care of everything.”
Hannah: “I believe you.”

After that nice little cameo in last week’s episode, everyone’s favourite little poison expert is deservedly the main focus of this week’s episode. I’ve been looking forward to seeing Hannah return all season long and now that she’s here, it’s certainly a mixed bag for everyone involved.

First of all – did the writers really need to make Hannah into a victim of an abusive husband? It kind of felt like a tacked on way of generating sympathy for the character but at the same time, her arrangement with Miles was definitely something I didn’t want to see dragged out for several episodes, so thank goodness she bumped off in this episode.

Unlike previous victims, Hannah had some mixed feelings about killing Miles. Initially she wanted Dexter’s help in order to do but changed her mind because she’s still in love with him. I’m glad the writers addressed that one during her scenes with Dexter in this episode but can she be trusted though?

Miles was an abusive man she killed in self defence and while Hannah admitted that she doesn’t get off on killing people, she certainly has no problem with doing it to get rid of obstacles. Deb will certainly be an obstacle for Hannah and both Vogel and Zach have the potential to be ones too. Will Hannah try and kill either of them?

Deb already sussed in this episode that Dexter’s feelings for Hannah were still prominent and she didn’t hold back her disgust when she realised that Harrison had affection for the black widow as well. However, this episode did seem to give an impression that Hannah might be redeemable and Dexter himself certainly made no effort to take her out at all.

He was openly jealous about her marriage to Miles and kept questioning her motives for returning to Miami. More to the point, he also helped Hannah dispose of Miles’s body as well and begged her not to leave town. Needless to say, Dexter really is besotted with Hannah and that’s going to be a problem.

Hannah’s return took over his mentoring of Zach and the little psychopath responded by killing poor Cassie as well. I know Vogel seems annoyingly determined to champion Zach as another Dexter but in reality, he’s just another Brain Surgeon with too much information on her and Dexter. This is one time bomb Dexter might want to defuse sooner rather than later.

Also in “Dress Code”

Hannah was given the new name of Maggie Castner upon marrying Miles and seems to have gotten over her fear of water as well.

Deb (to Dexter, re Hannah): “I don’t want to deal with this. I want her gone.”

Quinn earned some pointers this week with his continued pursuit of Zach. I actually want him to succeed here. Still don’t care about his relationship with Jamie though.

Harry (re Hannah): “You think she wants to be found?”
Dexter: “I think she wants to destroy our lives. Mine and Debra’s.”

Dexter: “What are you doing back in Miami?”
Hannah: “I was about to enjoy a martini.”

Nikki was working as topless waitress while Masuka trying to get her as his lab assistant. I’m not really sure where they’re going with this plot to be honest. Elway’s attitude with Deb was a little annoying in this episode, even if she was snappy with him.

Dexter (re Hannah): “I found her. She’s married.”
Deb: “Well, there’s someone for everyone I guess. I hope he’s sleeping with one eye open.”

Dexter (re Miles): “Why did you marry him?”
Hannah: “Because he was there when you weren’t.”

Hannah became the third person this season to see Dexter’s full ritual. That probably means Zach will see it soon too if he’s not killed off next week.

Deb: “You don’t know who I am.”
Elway: “I just want a chance to find out.”

Deb (to Cassie): “Trust me, Dexter is not a mystery you want to solve.”

Chronology: From where “A Little Reflection” left off.

Definitely a better episode than the previous one. “Dress Code” nicely placed Hannah back into the mix of Dexter’s growing little family but like Zach, it’s too early to tell if she’s going to be a success or a failure for Dexter though.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Homeland - Season 3 Trailer

The trailer was released a few days for the third season of Homeland and here are some of the highlights of what looks like another intense season ahead.

- First of all, the song being used in the trailer is called To Build A Home by Cinematic Orchestra.
- Can no-one do ugly crying like Claire Danes? Carrie seems to be crying a lot in this trailer.
- Quinn looks pretty trigger happy in this as well.
- Brody is on the run and sporting a massive reduction in hair as well.
- Meanwhile Jess, Dana and Chris seem to be falling apart in his absence.

- Nice scene with Carrie being comforted by Saul whilst another has her handcuffed to a hospital bed.
- Brody seems to have been injured as well in some of the shots in the trailer.
- Could Dana be taking up her father's other religion? Laying down the mat did seem to indicate it and she's taking pictures of herself.
- Jess seems to have moved onto someone new as well, judging by one moment in the trailer.
- There does look to be more location filming this series as well, especially with Brody's storyline.

Season 3 Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXOUIsu-E0Q

Season 3 of Homeland will air Sundays at 9pm on Showtime from September 29th and will air on Channel 4 and RTE2 in October.

Downton Abbey - Series 4: Three Dashing Gentlemen

Let's face it, Downton Abbey isn't exactly lacking when it comes to attractive men, even with the departure of Dan Stevens, but for Series 4 you can expect at least three new fellas thrown into the mix ...

Gary Carr will be playing American musician, Jack Ross. Earlier in the year, it was mentioned that the show would be introducing a black character and Carr's character is something of a celebrity and he's quite the charismatic character. Carr's previous credits have included BBC1 drama, Death In Paradise.

Julian Ovenden will be playing aristocratic character, Charles Blake. It's been reported that he will arrive at Downton along with recurring character, Evelyn Napier and he's probably hoping that he doesn't go the same that Pamuk did in the first series. Ovenden's previous credits include The Royal and Foyle's War.

Last but not least Tom Cullen will be playing the role of Lord Anthony, a friend of the Crawleys and also a potential love interest for the widowed, Mary Crwaley. Cullen's other credits include Black Mirror and Weekend.

And as a final note, the cast shot for the fourth series which isn't too radically different to what we've had in previous series. The photoshop does look a bit dodgy though.

More Details: http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-08-13/downton-abbey-introduces-three-dashing-new-gentlemen#.UgoeA6OVFZg.tumblr

Downton Abbey's fourth series will air on ITV in the autumn.

My Review of True Blood's 6x09: "Life Matters"

Written by Brian Buckner
Directed by Romeo Tirone

Terry (to Andy, re catfish): “Every life matters, throw it back.”

For the last few episodes the fallout of Terry’s death hasn’t been as impacting as I wanted it to be but here was not only the episode that finally had his funeral but the one that made me realise I will actually miss him as a character. The fact that it also made me want to cry as well also helped matters too.

The flashbacks delving into Terry’s past with Sookie, Sam, Arlene, Lafayette and Andy were all nicely done as they managed to intercut well with the funeral scenes itself but the three that stood out for were the following ...

Lafayette. If ever there was an award for most stylish outfit at a funeral, then La La certainly would deserve but the flashback where he was teaching Terry how to make fries in Merlottes was just lovely. I liked the bit about Lafayette being able to see into the troubled veteran’s soul as well, which I guess should’ve been a hint back then for Lafayette about his medium abilities.

Then there was Sookie’s flashback scene as well. I loved that at the funeral she outed herself as a telepath and proceeded to tell Arlene that Terry had fallen in love with her from their first meeting. It was a beautifully written scene and had some of the best acting we’ve seen on the show this season.

As for Arlene’s scene – the plot at the hospital with her breastfeeding Mikey made enough sense and it was good way of showing viewers how intuitive and kind hearted Terry was as a person and seeing Arlene going from dreading the actual funeral itself to making some kind of peace with it felt very believable as well to be honest.

The scenes with Sam and Andy – mainly centring on getting Terry back into the real world, some beer and fishing weren’t as strong but they certainly had their moments. I think the obvious moment was Terry’s reaction to catching a catfish and telling Andy that all life matters. It’s not a particularly subtle piece of writing but it was certainly a nice moment and one of my favourites from this episode as a whole.

The interesting thing about this episode was the stark reminder that in spite of the huge body count on this show, it’s only the second time we’ve seen the community of Bon Temps actually grieve a death. Terry’s funeral was every bit as poignant and strained as Adele’s was back in the first season and this episode has now become one of my favourites as well.

Getting away from the funeral bits, it kind of does seem for now that the vampire camp stuff has been dealt with. Eric released the vampires who slaughtered everyone in sight (except Sarah of course), whilst killing Steve and Bill gave them all his blood so they could walk in the daylight while all the contaminated Tru Blood seems to be destroyed as well.

In some ways this episode felt more like a finale than a penultimate episode. Unless Warlow finally does something completely devastating next week, all of our baddies have either been killed (Burrell) or just about escaped with their lives (Sarah). I did like however that it was Jessica and James who ended up going back to save Bill after he had sacrificed himself for vampire kind though.

As for the final scene with Eric – I doubt he’s dead. If he was, we would’ve seen it on screen. He’s probably just flown away either to track down Sarah or just to get his shit together after going on a holy rampage in this episode. Besides, I really can’t see the writers having the balls to kill him off either, so for the time being, I think it’s safe to say that Eric Northman lives for another season, don’t you?

Also in “Life Matters”

Sookie, you daft girl, why did you promise to agree to be Warlow’s again? Something tells me she’ll regret it next episode and Mrs Bellefleur was a handful at the funeral too.

Sookie (to Bill): “You’re the God of all vampires. Deal with your vampire shit.”

I actually thought for a brief moment that Sarah was going to tell Jason she was pregnant before he spared her. I’m really hoping she’s not if we see her again next season.

Eric (to young vampire): “Your maker’s gonna die a horrible death. It’s up to you whether you want to watch it but like I said, you’re free to go.”

Eric: “Have I ever healed you before?”
Jason: “I don’t think so.”
Eric: “Hmm, well you’re in for a treat and when you dream of me, dream of nice things.”

What is it with Jason and male vampires? Steve wanted him, he drank from Warlow and dreamed of him and now the same will happen with Eric. Oh and there’s also Violet maintaining her possessiveness of him as well.

Finn (to Eric, re Pam): “I fucked your progeny.”
Jason: “Woah, you didn’t just go there. That’s gonna cost ya, doc.”

Sookie (at the funeral): “I’m a telepath.”

It was a little strange but right seeing Lettie Mae, Jane and Maxine in this episode. Maxine ogling Alcide was a little unexpected though. Ginger’s screaming on the other hand, not so much.

Terry: “What’s her name? What?”
Sookie: “Arlene. Her name’s Arlene.”

Steve: “I love you, Jason Stackhouse.”

Standout music: Chris Pierce/Nathan Barr’s “Life Matters” sang by Big John at Terry’s funeral.

Bill (to Lilith’s followers): “I’m not going anywhere.”

Pam (to Eric): “Don’t you dare leave me.”

Chronology: From where “Dead Meat” left off.

“Life Matters” was without a doubt the best episode we’ve had this season. I think because it reminded me so much of my favourite episode from the first season and because the flashbacks worked so well, it just came together brilliantly. It’s episodes like this that do prove the show has some life left in it.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Doctor Who - Top 50 Companions: Part 7

Well, it's been six days since the casting of Peter Capaldi as the 12th Doctor, so putting my excitement for that aside, here is the seventh part of my Top 50 Doctor Who companions list ...

16: Donna Noble (Catherine Tate)

Perhaps I'm being controversial by not having one of the most adored companions in the Top 10 but I'm certainly not trying to be. I have to admit during the first twenty minutes of The Runaway Bride, I wasn't particularly enamoured with Miss Noble but towards the end of that episode and the show's fourth series, Donna became exactly what the Tenth Doctor needed and what he needed was a best mate. Donna was that and more to him, which made her eventual fate all the more sadder because of it.

17: Lucie Miller (Sheridan Smith)

Oh Lucie Miller. In some ways she's a companion who has actually lasted longer than any of the companions Doctors 9-11 have had and like her predecessor, Charley Pollard, she is undoubtedly the Eighth Doctor's most signature companions, played by one of the UK's most in demand of actresses at the moment. A feisty, brash, Northern girl, Lucie had some truly brilliant stories with the Eighth Doctor and her final adventure, To The Death is the type of exit I would be interested in seeing the revived series attempt at some point with a companion.

18: Leela (Louise Jameson)

After the success of Sarah Jane Smith, any companion who followed might have had some big shoes to fill but the introduction of savage warrior, Leela almost made me forget about a certain journalist. Leela was not only a delightful contrast to her predecessor but was equally as smart and capable of dealing with the Fourth Doctor and the plethora of enemies he attracted in her own way. Plus, you really don't want to mess with someone who knows their way with Janus thorns. Just saying is all.

19: Charlotte Pollard (India Fisher)

You know, it's actually quite funny that the New series hasn't really done much with the Edwardian time period, especially given that the Eighth Doctor's signature companion turned out to be a delightful adventuress and one who even Russell T. Davies was an inspiration of sorts for Rose Tyler. Charley is without a doubt one of the most delightful and resourceful companions we've had on any medium and her relationships with both Eighth and Sixth Doctors have been nothing short of riveting to listen to. Along with Lucie, she is one audio companion that deserves a television appearance.

20: River Song (Alex Kingston)

If ever there was a polarising companion in this show's fifty year history, then I'm beginning to think that it would be River Song. Is she really the wife of the Doctor or the woman that killed him? Or even neither of the above? Whatever she is and whatever your stance is on the gun toting lady with a penchant for the phrases 'Hello Sweetie' and 'Spoilers', River Song certainly provokes strong opinions and will continue to do so long after she's gone pernamently from the series.

Part 8 of the list will be up next week.

Atlantis - The Legend Begins

And so does the overall promotion for the show as BBC1's new Saturday fantasy family drama, Atlantis has already set up official Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr accounts with a series of intriguing riddles to solve where fans get either black or white stones as well as other interesting treats and sneak bits for the show.

Also a cast picture has been released and it features Pythagoras (Robert Emms), Jason (Jack Donnelly) and Hercules (Mark Addy). A recent press release has also revealed that Juliet Stevenson will be playing the Oracle, Sarah Parish will be Pasiphae, Jemima Rooper will be Medusa, prior to her snake hair transformation and Aiysha Hart as Ariadne. The show sees young Jason washing up on the shores of an ancient land where his allies include an overweight, overbearing Hercules and like it's predecessor, Merlin, expect this show to play fast and loose with the mythology and you can expect a lot of humour as well if the tweets from the BBCAmerica press tour are anything to go by. Now all we need a trailer and an official airdate and we're good.

Press Release: http://www.ksitetv.com/atlantis/atlantis-more-details-from-the-bbc-america-press-tour/23350
Tumblr: http://bbcatlantis.tumblr.com/

Atlantis will premiere Saturdays on BBC1 from September/October and will air on BBCAmerica from November 23rd.

My Review of Dexter's 8x06: "A Little Reflection"

Written by Jace Richdale
Directed by John Dahl

Zach: “You should go ahead and kill me.”
Dexter: “Why?”
Zach: “Because if you don’t, I’ll do it again. I don’t wanna be like this but I can’t help it.”

This isn’t the first time that Dexter has been placed in a situation where he could have a killer accomplice/wingman and if history has a habit of repeating itself, then Dexter taking Zach under his wing is going to end up being even more of a disaster area than when it was Prado.

Dexter originally had the right set of ideas in this episode – stalk Zach, befriend him, get the sufficient proof that he killed his father’s mistress and then take him out and had it not been for both Vogel and Zach himself, then things would’ve gone down the usual way for Dexter. Instead he listened to both of them and it’s obvious it’ll come back to haunt him in the next few episodes.

Vogel’s attempts of wanting to emulate what she had set in place in Dexter with Harry should’ve been another alarm bell for Dexter. She clearly learned nothing from her experience with Yates and it seems to me that Vogel thinks she can somehow condition every serial killer into a productive member of society. Dexter might have been the success story but Yates was enough proof that she shouldn’t push her luck on this matter.

Then there’s Zach himself – the creepy sociopathic kid taking pictures of his victims and getting a thrill out of it too. Dexter recognised that under Zach’s protest of wanting to kill his cheating father in order to spare his mother any more shame but it was Zach admitting that he didn’t want to be a monster that spared him.

Maybe it’s possible and Zach is telling the truth but I can’t help thinking that whatever issues he has about killing will go to one side when his bloodlust intensifies. He enjoyed killing Norma, he enjoyed stalking out Sophia Fuentes (the second mistress) and he wasn’t exactly conflicted about attempting to murder his own father either. In other words, Dexter taking Zach will not end well for either of them, character wise.

The other odd thing about this partnership as well was Deb’s seemingly relaxed attitude towards it too. Dexter admitted to her face that he was taking on an intern, knowing full well she’d get what he really meant and Deb barely reacted to it. I’m glad that things with her and Dexter are good again but the fact that Deb didn’t even raise a concern still came across as extremely out of character though.

Of course, not only are Zach and Vogel problems for Dexter and Deb in their own ways but Hannah also came out of hiding and drugged the pair of them. I had been looking forward to Hannah’s return for a while now, so her appearance in the final two minutes was a good cliff hanger moment to end the episode with.

Also in “A Little Reflection”

Vogel was married to Richard Vogel for a long time. I like that Dexter shared his research on Vogel with Deb this week.

Vogel (re Zach): “It seems that we have a conflict of interest.”
Dexter: “I don’t believe this. You’re gonna work with another killer after what happened with Yates.”

Deb and Elway’s undercover subplot this week was actually a lot of fun. I actually want Deb to hook up with the guy now.

Masuka: “Welcome to Splatter land, hope you brought some extra string.”
Dexter: “Never leave home without it.”

Dexter (re Zach): “I remember that feeling – awe, wonder. It only fed the urge.”

In other plots Miller got the sergeant job, Quinn started stalking Zach, Jamie had a birthday party, Harrison broke a remote control and Dexter and Cassie were a no go area.

Deb (to Elway): “You can’t undo the past. Families fuck you up. It’s just the way it is.”

Dexter: “Should I be worried that Harrison’s lying?”
Deb: “He’s four doofus.”

I like that Nikki seems to have no ulterior motive for wanting to get to know Masuka as well as the continuity from Harrison’s bloodied teddy from earlier this season.

Dexter: “I don’t kill innocent people.”
Vogel: “But you might have if it hadn’t been for Harry and me.”

Hannah: “Hello Dexter, remember me?”

Chronology: A couple of days from where “This Little Piggy” left off.

“A Little Reflection” isn’t the best episode we’ve had this season, it’s even a little sluggish in parts with a few less engaging subplots but the final two minutes alone are some of the best that the show has done though. Welcome back, Hannah.

Rating: 7 out of 10

My Review of True Blood's 6x08: "Dead Meat"

Written by Robin Veith
Directed by Michael Lehmann

Sookie (re Warlow): “Fucking destiny! Why couldn’t he just ask me out to the movies next week? Why are men just incapable of wanting to date me?”

I like to think I’m one of Sookie’s biggest defenders and even I found that attitude a bit too narcissistic for the character. Granted she did have a fair point about Warlow and his obsession with making her into his fairy-vampire bride but it wasn’t Sookie at her best here though.

What was especially weird was seeing Sookie coming onto Sam as well. I know the books have gone there with the characters but the series never should and I like the fact that Sam shut down Sookie’s attempts of being normal but that was also largely down to Nicole and a whole other plotline I’m not particularly in favour of at the moment too.

However back to Sookie for a moment – I like that she considered becoming Warlow’s bride in order to save her vampire friends but I am also hoping that she finds a way of getting out of that agreement before he gets her to act on it. I also liked her scenes with Bill in this episode. These two really never ever getting back together as a certain someone would put it.

Bill went from being reasonable with Sookie to being a dick and she went from telling him to get lost to actually agreeing to Warlow being used to save Jessica and company from getting toasted in vampire camp. Of course, Eric had to go and spoil one of Bill’s better plans by drinking on both Adelyn and Warlow in this episode.

Adelyn managed to survive her encounter with Eric and while Warlow did look pretty out of it, I think it’s safe to assume that he’s alive, tight? Of course he is – after all, we have to have a Bill/Eric/Warlow faceoff at some point in the last two episodes, don’t we? One that will inevitably end up going badly for Warlow out of the three of them.

This was an interesting episode though for Eric. His grief towards Nora really did see him go to town on Bill’s delusions of being a God and something tells me that when he returns to vampire camp, Sarah Newlin and her lackeys are seriously going to wish they were never born by the time he’s through with them. I actually can’t wait to see the bloodbath now.

Speaking of Sarah – her craziness is getting more delightfully camp to watch. Torturing Steve with a hamster wheel for information was one thing but her murder of Mrs Suzuki was another. I know I probably shouldn’t laugh but that fight scene was too hilarious not to laugh at it. I wish I was bothered by Suzuki’s death but she wasn’t much of a character to get worked up over, so she won’t be missed I’m afraid. However, I can’t honestly see Sarah making it out of the season alive.

As for the rest of the vampire camp stuff, isn’t the whole dynamic with Violet and Jason just a gender reversal of Tara and Franklin from the third season? Granted Violet seems to be able to seperate eating from shagging but her possessiveness over Jason has already caused a worrying streak and if it hadn’t been for Tara spilling about the spiked Tru Blood, Jason would still be under Violet’s mercy at this point.

Last but not least – the unlucky seven vampire stuck in the room waiting to be fried are Jessica, Tara, Pam, Willa, Violet, Steve and James. Surely one of these characters has to die, right? I can’t see all of them making out of the building alive and given the amount of deaths we’ve had this season, it’ll probably add another sting as well, especially if it’s Tara, Pam or Jessica.

Also in “Dead Meat”

Finally someone bothered to ask about Niall – Sookie when she was leaving Jason a voicemail. Are we going to see him again?

Eric: “You’re no fucking God.”
Bill: “I never said I was.

Alcide did the right thing taking on Rikki, leaving the pack and saving Nicole and Mary. Sadly though, Rikki survived the episode.

Violet: “If I say that you are mine, then you are mine.”
Jason: “Even if we get out of here?”

Jessica (re sex with Finn): “How was it?”
Pam: “Oozy but productive.”

Much as I like Nicole as a character (well, starting to like her), do we really need a pregnancy plot with her and Sam this soon? They’ve only know each for about three or four days. I did like Sam and Alcide making amends though.

Steve: “I’m running as fast as I can.”
Sarah: “It is scientifically impossible for you to be this fucking slow.”

Sookie: “Did I catch you at a bad time?”
Sam: “Kinda yeah.”

Terry left Arlene $2 million. I have to say that I agree with Holly about her taking the money, even though it might make it look like she killed Terry herself.

Sookie: “Death isn’t the end anymore, I know that now. Death is just a fucking pit stop on that keeps on going with no end in sight.”

Standout music: Sean Lennon’s “Dead Meat” at the end of the episode.

Suzuki: “You’re fucking crazy.”
Sarah: “I’m getting there.”

Jessica (to Steve): “We’re all gonna meet the sun in here.”

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

Good episode. “Dead Meat” was fairly crazy in parts with a pretty decent cliffhanger at the end but it has dawned on me that despite starting off with promise, Warlow hasn’t lived up to being the menace that he should be. Thank goodness that Sarah on the other hand has really stepped up to the plate in that regard.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Peter Capaldi Is The Twelfth Doctor

It's official folks. Following BBC1's Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor, hosted by Zoe Ball and featuring various cast and crew members and celeb guests, the 12th Doctor has officially been declared as Peter Capaldi and despite the fact I didn't think it would be him, I am delighted to be wrong on this occassion.

Peter is no stranger to the Doctor Who universe. He guest starred in the 10th Doctor story, The Fires Of Pompeii during the series fourth series and also had a regular role on Torchwood: Children Of Earth in 2009. In 2014 however, he will be playing the 12th Doctor for the show's eighth series along with Jenna-Louise Coleman who will be reprising her role as Clara Oswald. While we might have a while to wait to see Peter in action, he will appear briefly during the show's upcoming Christmas special as well.

So, who else is delighted with this stellar casting?

Press Release: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-23570354

And for those of you whinging because Twelve a white male, older or not female - get a fucking grip. The show isn't being racist or sexist and if you think it is with Peter's casting, then you're an idiot.

American Horror Story: Coven - What You Need To Know

It might be two months away but at the Television Critics Association's summer press tour we got to find out some fascinating facts about American Horror Story: Coven from the cast and crew.

- First of all the titles for the first three episodes are Bitchcraft, Boy Parts and Replacements, The.
- The characters on the show will either be witches or historical characters. Which means the show will be flitting between eras throughout it's thirteen episodes.
- Jessica Lange is playing a witch named Fiona with Sarah Paulson playing her daughter, Cordelia.
- Kathy Bates will play historical personage Madame LaLurie, a Louisiana born socialite and serial killer who keeps slaves bound in her basement. She's one of two real persons being portrayed on the show this season.
- Angela Bassett is also playing a real person - Marie Laveau, a voodoo expert who along with her daughter had a multiracial following.

- Like Taissa Farmiga, Denis O'Hare and Alexandra Breckenridge will also be returning for American Horror Story: Coven, though the nature of their roles haven't been disclosed just yet.
- Emma Roberts is seemingly playing a character named Madison while Frances Conroy's character is called Ruth. If that's true, it's a nice nod to Six Feet Under, isn't it?
- This season will tackle oppression of all minorities as well as race and family issues, especially mother/daughter ones according to producer, Tim Minear. Apparently Cordelia will be in line with a certain Shakespearean character as well.
- Expect to see witches fleeing to the South and that there are two kinds of witches in this show. Minear also promised that this season will be more fun too.
- Most of the action will be set in New Orleans as well this season.

So, that's pretty tantalising, isn't it? I cannot wait to see this season and thankfully there's only two months before it airs and it definitely sounds like it's going to be the most female centred on television for the winter months again.

Season 3 Spoilers: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-horror-story-five-things-598826

American Horror Story: Coven will air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX from October 9th. FOX will air shortly afterwards for UK viewers.

Sherlock - Series 3 First Trailer & New Villain Cast

It might be a while before we see the third series of Sherlock but the BBC are finally getting in the mood to promote it. Following the repeat airing of the second series finale, The Reichenbach Fall, a trailer for the upcoming third series was aired ...

The 26 second trailer saw the likes of Molly, Mrs Hudson, Mycroft and Lestrade all getting prepared to be taken by surprise from a returning Sherlock, only for it to end with the not so dead detective meeting Watson (sporting a naff looking moustache) in a restaurant. It's a nicely brief trailer but a good reminder that the show does in fact continue. No airdate was confirmed in the trailer but I think it's a safe bet we'll see the third series in 2013 though.

Meanwhile Lars Mikkelsen has been confirmed for the finale as Charles Augustus Magnussen. The actor known for his roles on The Killing and Borgen will be playing the character based on the story The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton and if the picture is anything to go by, he might be an even bigger threat to Sherlock and Watson than Moriarty was in the first two series.

Series 3 Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llGXWICGsD4&feature=youtu.be

Series 3 of Sherlock will air on BBC1 in late 2013.

Doctor Who - Top 50 Companions: Part 6

I know I was meant to do this one last week but I realised that I wanted to extend this list a little longer - at least until the end of this month. However without further ado, here's the sixth part of my Top 50 Doctor Who Companions list.

21: K9 (John Leeson)

Who doesn't love dogs, eh? especially when they're robot ones who have since had versions that have been owned by Sarah Jane, Leela and Romana at different points as well? And two spin-offs too (and a recurring role in the other). K9 is definitely one of the more lovable robotic pets we've had on television over the last few decades and I personally hope at some point he gets to meet the Twelfth Doctor too.

22: Harry Sullivan (Ian Marter)

Another companion whom we could've gotten a bit longer with in my opinion. Harry may be have been a little pompous and even called an imbecile by the Fourth Doctor but his teaming with that particular incarnation and the legend that is Sarah Jane Smith remains one of my favourites of the series though.

23: Steven Taylor (Peter Purves)

Easily one of the best First Doctor companions we've had on the show. The second strapping male companion to travel with the Doctor and Steven was certainly able to challenge the Doctor as much as Ian could at times too. Definitely one of the best blokes we've had in the TARDIS. And he worked well with Vicki, Katarina, Sara and Dodo too.

24: Sergeant John Benton (John Levene)

The great thing about UNIT is the amount of brilliant characters we got from them. I've already mentioned both Liz Shaw and Mike Yates in previous countdowns and getting that little bit higher is of course the laddish and rather lovely, Benton himself. Whether he's unfazed about the TARDIS or running naked after an encounter with the Master (not that kind of one, folks), it's always great to have this sergeant around.

25: Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding)

Recently this woman came number one in another companions poll list but here, she's at least in my Top 30. I do like Tegan a lot. Arguably the most successful of all of the Fifth Doctor companions but that was mainly down to the fact that the writers actually bothered to give Tegan some decent scope and character development, even if her eventual exit could've been better written though. She might have been a right 'mouth on legs' at times but she was definitely what the Fifth Doctor needed in a companion and friend though.

Meanwhile the wait for the 12th Doctor is thankfully going to be shorter. Hosted by Zoe Ball, BBC1 will be unveiling the actor playing the new Doctor in a half hour programme called Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor. The show, filmed in front of a live audience will feature interviews with Matt Smith, Steven Moffat as well as past companions and Doctor and famous fans before the new guy is unveiled. Will it be Ben Daniels? Peter Capaldi? Daniel Rigby? At least we'll know in two days time.

Press Release:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho/articles/The-Next-Doctor-will-be-revealed-on-Sunday-04-August

Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor will air Sunday at 7pm on BBC1. Part 7 of this poll will up next week.

My Review of Dexter's 8x05: "This Little Piggy"

Written by Scott Reynolds
Directed by Romeo Tirone

Vogel: “I’m glad to see the two of you have managed to find your way back to each other.”
Deb: “Well the family that kills together.”

It does almost seem a little too simple that Dexter and Deb have found each other again but maybe that’s a good thing. This episode finally saw Deb come out of her trauma with Maria’s death as her and Dexter had to team together in order rescue Vogel but are things really going to be okay with her and Dexter?

Dexter had been furious with her for trying to kill the both of them in this episode and Vogel herself didn’t seem that sincere when she said she had been glad that they were on speaking terms again. I kind of suspect that Vogel might do something to drive them apart in the remainder of the season. Actually, scratch that – it’s bloody obvious that she will do something to cause another rift with Dexter and Deb.

Just look at her scenes with Yates in this episode. Yes, she was terrified of him and he came close enough to killing her but at the same time, Vogel had also used Yates’s mommy issues against him in order to gain an upper hand. It might have been a minor victory for her of sorts (before Dexter impaled him) but it certainly highlighted her more devious side as well.

And then there’s the fact that she participated in the ritual of disposing of Yates’s corpse along with Dexter and Deb. That was an interesting turning point for all three characters, wasn’t it? Dexter finally got to be his true self to his sister and a woman who has adopted a maternal role with him but it was Deb and Vogel’s reactions that were more interesting.

Vogel looked impressed with the whole scenario while Deb had accepted it. She even accepted watching Dexter kill Yates right in front of her as well. I can’t tell if that’s necessarily a good or a bad thing but it’s certainly a turning point though. Probably one that will have consequences as the rest of the season progresses too.

However the thing I’m wondering is if Yates is dead, does that mean the Brain Surgeon plot is dealt with then? This episode seemed to be stating that it was him but Vogel still seemed a little suspect too. More to the point, it also seems like another serial killer plot is being set up with weird rich kid, Zach Hamilton.

The boy basically admitted to Dexter that he murdered his father’s mistress and he certainly gave off the creepy vibes as well with the few scenes he was in. Add to the fact that Vogel’s something of a serial killer groomer and that Hannah’s return seems rather imminent, the list of problems for Dexter could be growing all the more along with the risk of his own exposure too.

In terms of the rest of the episode, the Masuka plot with his daughter seems to be something that could either way as well. Nikki could easily be trying to fleece him for some cash or she could genuinely be a young girl wanting to know her father. It’s a fun side plot, made more so with Deb’s inclusion but hopefully not one that’s dragged out too long though.

Also in “This Little Piggy”

It seems that Yates’s name is Albert but his dislike of it made him refer to himself as A.J instead though.

Dexter (to Deb): “I’m so fucking happy for you.”

I liked that this episode actually started with Dexter and Deb’s therapy session. The lack of voiceover at the start helped the scene too.

Miller (re Nikki): “This beautiful girl came from you?”
Masuka: “Yes indeed.”

Dexter: “I don’t hate you. Why did you save me? Why didn’t you let me drown?”
Deb: “I saw the car going underwater. I knew you were gonna die. I couldn’t imagine my life without you in it.”

Jamie is starting to get on my nerves this season. Personally I think she overstepped the mark with trying to do a double date with herself, Quinn, Dexter and Cassie, though the latter seems nice enough.

Deb (to Masuka, re Nikki): “Gotta be careful. You don’t want to know everything about family.”

Dexter (re Jamie): “”Serial killer bested by one hundred pound nanny.”

Standout music: Vogel was listening to Mama Cass’s “Make Your Own Kind Of Music”. That has to mean something.

Vogel (to Yates): “All you ever do is disappoint me.”

Chronology: A few days from “Scar Tissue”.

“This Little Piggy” was a pretty solid episode, certainly for the turnaround moments in the dynamic of Dexter, Deb and Vogel but some of the subplots did weigh down a bit – Quinn/Matthews butting heads over Zach, the sergeant thing with Quinn/Miller and Jamie in general. Perhaps it’s best to resolve some of these plots a little quicker, eh?

Rating: 8 out of 10

Soap Discussion - July 2013

Last blog for the month and it's a soap one.

Coronation Street: It's been a mixed month for the show. With dreadful storylines including the badly handled race plotline with Lloyd and Paul and Tracy/Rob vs. Peter/Carla, it's a good job that David's growing vendetta towards Nick and the reveal of Hayley having cancer have been more prominent. The latter storyline is certainly poignant, showing the beginning of the end for easily the best partnership on the show and if watching the storyline is hard now, it's going to be worse as the months progress. I really am going to miss Hayley as a character.

EastEnders: Pretty boring month to be honest. On the plus, both Max and Lauren took themselves off screen and it's nice that Jean has been given a romance as well but aside from Ian scheming against his family, Carl continuing to pile on the pressure and Alfie and Roxy getting engaged, very little of interest happened. The fire at Scarletts seemed unnecessary and the Dexter/Ava/Sam plotlines were pretty boring as well. With the confirmed exit for Lorraine Newman, hopefully the show will get itself back in order and be a bit more interesting over the next few months.

Emmerdale: Oh Gennie - talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time, eh? It's amazing that in nine months Cameron has now bumped off three characters but Gennie's death needs to be the one that becomes his undoing and preferably soon as well. As exits go, it was violent but not as violent as some people seem to be making out though. I liked Gennie but the actress wanted a good exit and the show gave her one here. Other than that this month we also had Brenda shaving her head and the hand fasting ritual with her and Bob and of course, Cameron and Debbie sleeping together again. Definitely one of the show's strongest months.

Hollyoaks: A pretty good month as long as you're Browning, Ste, Sinead, Trevor, Nancy/Darren/Sienna or a Roscoe. Other than that, underuse for everyone else but still a good month. Trevor is shaping up to be a better baddie than Browning ever could be and Sienna's tearing apart of Darren and Nancy has been pretty interesting as well to watch. A part of me also feels a bit bad for Ste and Sinead but given that most of their actions are self-inflicted, it's hard to sympathise that much to be honest though. In terms of the gay couples on the show - George and Vincent seem imminent (great storyline with the latter by the way), Esther/Tilly are nice and so are John Paul/Danny at the moment. Also, the sooner Will is uncovered as Texas's killer the better because Ash seems inches away from being bumped off by her psycho boyfriend.

My Review of True Blood's 6x07: "In The Evening"

Written by Kate Barnow
Directed by Scott Winant

Nora (to Eric): “My death shall be my own.”

I’m not sure if that’s exactly what happened but in terms of exits, Nora did go out quietly but sadly though. I’ve enjoyed the character and while I feel we could’ve gotten some more development from her had she lasted a bit longer, it’s hard to deny that at the moment the show is probably killing off the right characters in order to clear the decks and further some storylines.

Nora’s death will unlikely be in vein as well. Eric’s anger towards Bill being unable to save her will more than likely continue to drive a wedge between them and it won’t be long before he ends up in that room along with Jessica, Tara and Pam as well as James too. At least this episode gave us a flashback to Eric and Nora’s first meeting in 1665 London (with a brief King Charles cameo), though disappointingly a lack of Godric in it.

Nora told Eric that he had both Pam and Willa to live for and she was right. I’m also wondering that if having Nora, the writers might hold off on killing either of Eric’s progenies for the time being. Although slightly underused in this episode, both Pam and Willa had their enjoyable moments in this episode.

I liked that Willa was able to take Pam on verbally and that the latter was even civil enough to come up with a logical plan in relation to the Hep V spiked blood bottles. I also liked that Pam insisted Willa told Tara and Jessica about the blood being spiked as well. Things like that can make Pam a bit more endearing to watch as a character. The other endearing thing was her therapy session with that prat of a shrink. Pam knows exactly what he wants to hear and she’s using it to her advantage. It’s hard not to be impressed with Pam for that.

Keeping with the impressed for a bit but for the wrong reason, there’s also Sarah Newlin. She spent a few moments grieving for Burrell before assuming control of his operation and placing Jason in mortal danger as well. With Burrell being dead and Warlow not doing much villainy, it’s eerily good to see Sarah step up to the plate and be a nasty piece of work. I think Maryann, Marnie and Salome would all be impressed with her work so far. Probably Marnie the most though.

As for Jason – he might be in a pit of female vampires waiting to tear him apart but at least he has Tara protecting him. While I do wish Tara was getting a bit more to do this season, it’s great seeing her protective and sensible side coming out to play. If anything this season has only further justified why making her into a vampire has been the best thing for her character. Although she’s obviously going to have problems keeping Jason safe with that head vampire, Violet wanting him as a snack though.

Of course being a vampire has also been good for Willa and two episodes in, it’s also showing us that James is perfectly capable of being a compassionate bloodsucker too. I liked that he did question Jessica wanting to have sex with him before he actually agreed to it and he does seem to be a good romantic option for her at the moment too. Basically, can we keep him?

Also, if we can keep James, can we please get rid of Alcide’s numbskull pack and that bitch Rikki as well? I don’t know what the hell happened to her between seasons, but having her capture Nicole and her mother just angered me and if Alcide doesn’t step up to the mark and take her out, I will be pissed off. Jackson was right about being a lone wolf and Rikki just proved it as well.

The show is bumping off characters and personally I think Rikki needs to be next in line. At least then the Alcide I liked in the previous three seasons can return at last. Besides, even the writers at this point must have twigged that the wolves are the weakest part of the whole storyline this year. They just don’t work and I hate seeing Sam being ostracised from his own town because of them too.

Last but not least – nothing really happened with Sookie and Warlow in this episode other than debates about courting. It was her scenes with Arlene and Bill that had more going for them instead. Bill raised a fair point about using Warlow’s blood and though Sookie didn’t seem keen on the idea, I think she saw where Bill was coming from though.

Also in “In The Evening”

This was a great episode for Rob Kazinsky – he literally was just naked in it for about two scenes.

Eric (to Bill, re Nora): “If you are God, please heal her for me.”

Sarah kissing Burrell’s head was a scene I could’ve done without. I did find her elocution lessons tape rather amusing though.

Sarah (to David): “When God’s message is this clear, I am truly an unstoppable woman.”

Sam (to Nicole): “My friend died. Not being there is not an option.”

James was punished for not shagging Jessica by having his fangs smashed in by the looks of it. I don’t think he’s that old a vampire as he seemed to be referring to his father in the present tense.

Jessica (to Jason): “You can’t stop bad things from happening to me. We don’t live in that kind of world, I’m sorry. All you can do is go and be the sweet, wonderful man you are.”

James: “Don’t you have any good news at all?”
Jessica: “Nope.”
James: “Damn. I feel like a fool.”

Bill and Andy had a pretty tense moment in this episode. It did seem like he was threatening Andy against hurting Jessica. Arlene’s reaction to Bill being able to walk in the day was priceless though.

Eric (to Bill): “Do you need to hear me say the words? I believe you. I believe in you. I believe that you are divine.”

Arlene: “You’re walking in the daylight?”
Bill: “Yes.”
Arlene: “Fuck me.”

Standout music: Led Zeppelin’s “In The Evening” of course.

Tara (to other vampires, re Jason): “Back off bitches.”

Chronology: From where “Do You Feel Me?” left off.

Great episode. “In The Evening” might not have had the excitement of the previous two episodes but it certainly wasn’t a dull one either. Nora’s death was another in a long line of needed kills and it will be interesting to see if Warlow can vamp up and how low Sarah will go to fulfil Burrell’s plans as well.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Assured Destruction

It's a short run down of some programmes that I've watched but here it goes ...

Defiance: This has been a decent but slightly lacking first season. Let me point out that I intend to watch the second season and while I enjoyed a lot of the events over the last few episodes such as the wedding, Nikki's downfall, Stahma/Kenya's affair, Irisa fulfilling parts of her destiny and Datak predictably winning the mayoral vote over Amanda, I still feel the show needs to be a bit more adventurous. In a lot of ways, even with some of the machinations going on, the show still hasn't moved into gripping television just yet. Hopefully though it will next season.

Skins: Well, it's been three episodes since I last discussed this show and to be honest, I am not enjoying this final series at all. It's not that the episodes are awful but they just feel uneventful. Fire Part 2 gave us a pretty annoying ending for Effy, Naomi and Emily while the two-parter Pure did nothing to Cassie except give her her a lame triangle, some pretentious rubbish with photography and an unexplored subplot with her family and a stalker to boot. I am beginning to wonder if this six part series would've been better focusing on a character per episode, instead of giving three characters a two parter each. I can only hope that Cook's story, Rise ends the series on an interesting note.

The Americans: I really love this show but what I don't love is that it airs on a Saturday after one of ITV's terrible talent shows though. Like Homeland, this series deserves a better day to air and better promotional material as well. At least eight episodes have aired now and the show has gotten better and better. Philip and Elizabeth are compelling to watch, especially given that now they seem unable to maintain their arranged marriage but it's the likes of Claudia and Stan who are just that tiny bit more interesting though. Claudia has been quite the fly in the ointment for the Jennings since she was assigned to be their handler and Stan's relationship with Nina has been gripping to watch too. I can't see it ending well though. Nina has casualty written all over her.

The Returned: And the series that has continued to dominate Twitter every Sunday night has only gotten better and better. Tomorrow night might be the finale but over the last three weeks we've gotten backstories for the likes Serge, Lucy and Adele and more importantly we've had the town become aware of Camille being alive, Victor choosing not to seek vengeance against the man that wronged him, more stuff with Adele and Simon as well as Julie and Laure and Lena's back getting healed as well. It's going to be interesting to see how the finale will top all the brilliant and surreal stuff that has happened so far.

- Indira Varma has been cast as Ellaria Sand in the fourth season of Game Of Thrones.
- Naveen Andrews will be playing a Victorian version of Jafar in the spin-off Once Upon A Time In Wonderland.
- Sean Maguire meanwhile will be replacing Tom Ellis as Robin Hood in Once Upon A Time.
- Though it's first season has yet to air, Starz have already commissioned a second season for Black Sails.
- UK viewers can watch the final eight episodes of Breaking Bad on Netflix from August.
- Summer Glau will be in the second season of Arrow while Caity Lotz has been cast as Black Canary for the show.
- Luke Roberts has been cast in upcoming CW series, Reign as Simon Westbrook.
- Michael Vartan will be appearing in the second season of Bates Motel, playing George a love interest for Norma.
-  A spin-off for Supernatural is currently in the works with the CW. It'll be based on a character who will be introduced in the upcoming ninth season.
- Channel 4 will air the second season of The Returned in 2014.

My Review of Dexter's 8x04: "Scar Tissue"

Written by Tim Schlattmann
Directed by Stefan Schwartz

Deb (to Dexter, re Harry): “I think I know how he felt when he killed himself but he only got it half right.”

Well, it had to happen, didn’t it? Of course with the way Deb has been spiralling and unable to deal with her guilt over LaGuerta’s death would she do something extreme. The strange thing was that although trying to drown her and Dexter in the car was shocking, it wasn’t surprising.

In fact, what’s probably more surprising was that it took her to watch the wrong DVD from Vogel’s sessions with Harry in order to prompt her into doing such an extreme action. I’m actually glad though the end of the episode resulted in both Deb and Dexter being spared but that rift between them has certainly widened all the more.

Dexter went to lengths in this episode to prove that his caring for Dexter wasn’t just because he needed her to see the good in him and Vogel spent a good portion of the episode trying to tear it down. I don’t like that Vogel seems a little hell bent on separating Dexter and Deb from each other but her scenes with both of them this week were definitely the highlights of the episode.

With Deb, it was nice/bizarre that Vogel took her to the shipping crate twice where Maria was murdered in order to ‘help’ Deb. Deb admitting that she originally dreamed of shooting Dexter was a good foreshadowing moment for the ending of the episode but the second time, Vogel convinced her that she was right to protect her brother after all. It’s just too bad that the combination of the wrong DVD and Elway’s rant about family got in the way of that.

As for Dexter himself – he turned on Vogel here but only after learning that she was keeping notes on him with their recent encounters. Dexter had a right to be annoyed with Vogel for that but why was he shocked though? She’s still kept her recorded sessions with Harry, so if anything Dexter should’ve seen this coming as well.

Also his promise of breaking away from Vogel probably won’t last long either given that Dexter messed up with catching AJ Yates as well. I don’t know what possessed Dexter to show off the way he did at the hospital but aside from the episode making comparisons with Dexter and Yates, I’m still not sure if he’s the Brain Surgeon. The episode seemed to indicate that he might be though.

The other thing episode indicated more vocally though was the fact that Vogel has a thing for grooming/mentoring serial killers into ‘heroes’. Yates seemed to be a failed attempt judging by his reaction to learning about Dexter and the latter is someone that Vogel has only just about managed to keep her under her control but for how much longer though? I think one more false move and Vogel will end up regretting getting on Dexter’s bad side.

Also in “Scar Tissue”

Yates was played by Aaron McCusker, who UK viewers will recognise as Jamie Maguire from the original version of Shameless.

Vogel: “When you shot Dexter, how did that make you feel?”
Deb: “Better. Worse. I don’t fucking know.”

Jamie and Quinn are still having problems in their relationship over Deb. I really care though I did like Quinn defending Deb’s honour and his scene with her this week. However Dexter did seem keen on Jamie’s friend, Cassie in this one.

Dexter: “When I do what I do, I have to know everything.”
Vogel: “Sorry for the oversight.”

Yates (re Dexter): “Vogel, she found herself a hero.”

In this episode alone, Masuka found out that he had a daughter named Nikki. I think we could’ve done without him trying it on with her though.

Deb: “How do I make it right?”
Vogel: “By accepting that you’re a good person who was forced to do a terrible thing and that you made the best of an impossible situation.”

Dexter (to Vogel): “You were experimenting on me with Harry and you still are. I’m nothing but a lab rat, just like Yates.”

Chronology: It’s been a week since the events of the previous episode.

“Scar Tissue” is a pretty solid episode, though I think the ending was more impacting along with any scene involving Dexter, Deb and Vogel. The rest at this point still feels like padding, especially with the tedium of Angel and the sergeant exam but overall, still a great episode.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Doctor Who - Top 50 Companions: Part 5

And now we're half way through the Top 50 list of Doctor Who companions and it's a rather diverse bunch I'm listing here.

26: Vislor Turlough (Mark Strickson)

We've never really had a dark companion on Doctor Who and while future companions such as Jack Harkness and River Song would have a little ambiguity about them, it was Fifth Doctor companion, Turlough who really could've been the first antagonist companion we've had. He nearly came close to killing the Doctor at the start of his tenure and by the end of it, they were solid friends. Turlough was definitely an interesting combination with the Fifth Doctor and Tegan Jovanka.

27: Captain Mike Yates (Richard Franklin)

Okay maybe another slightly ambiguous companion or maybe a more misguided one? Pertwee's era was probably the most successful for companions and considering that we had an even female/male ratio of them, it's amazing how brilliant the lot of them are. I quite liked Mike's reserved attitude, occassional dry wit, misguided sense of wanting to do right before his inevitable redemption of sorts in Planet Of The Spiders as well.

28: Zoe Heriot (Wendy Padbury)

Zoe Heriot - how I love thee. This is a young woman who wrecked a computer in The Invasion by proving just how much smarter she was than it and while Jamie didn't seem as smitten with her as he was with Victoria, it was the dynamic with these two and the Second Doctor that became one of my favourites. Plus her and Jamie's exits in The War Games set up a precedent we'd later see with Donna Noble.

29: Victoria Waterfield (Deborah Watling)

Okay, so Victoria could scream a little and be a bit more afraid at times than other companions but if there's one reason she deserves to be on the list, it's definitely for that scene about family with the Second Doctor in The Tomb Of The Cybermen. Oh and the fact that she's bloody fantastic as well.

30: Paternoster Gang - Madame Vastra/Jenny Flint/Commander Strax (Neve McIntosh/Catrin Stewart/Dan Stewart)

Okay, I'm aware this is cheating in a Top 50 list but I couldn't exclude any of them from it and bundling them together seemed like a logical choice here. With this trio we've got a katana wielding Silurian, her Victorian wife and maid and of course, a certain Sontaran whose general bloodlust hasn't been quelled just because he's a butler. A spin-off with these three (either television or audio) seems pretty inevitable but for the time being, they're some of the best allies both the Eleventh and Twelfth Doctors will have in their tenures.

Part 6 of this list will go up tomorrow.