Three Ghosts

It's been a while since I last did this one, so any show I miss out on is probably one that I need to catch up with (namely Sleepy Hollow at the moment).

Arrow: Wow, the last two episodes that formed the mid-season finale/winter ending were brilliant, weren't they? The show has gone from being a great watch to being rather unmissable and the latest twist with Slade was another good one but more to the point - Barry Allen. Immediately in two episodes, he won me over and I can't wait to see him return and to see him in action as the Flash. Oh and it's also amazing that it took Oliver 32 episodes to invest in a mask as well. Better late than never I suppose.

Bad Education: Every now and then, BBC3 award one of their comedy shows a Christmas special. Last year, it was Him & Her and this year, it was Bad Education's turn (as well as Bluestone 42) and let's just say, it was certainly a fun episode alright. The Robocracker production aside, I don't think I'm ever going to look at donkeys again thanks to this one. Oh and Frances Barber was a hoot as Alfie's mother, though a little underused.

Devious Maids: This show is moving along rather nicely but I am eager for the Flora mystery to be over and done with now. I like that it's taken a few twists and turns and I've certainly enjoyed seeing Marisol and Rosie working together as well but some of the more interpersonal stuff is a lot more interesting like Alejandro's love, Odessa's recovery and anything involving Peri and the Powells as well. At least with two episodes left, we should probably get the answer to who actually bumped off Flora then.

Glee: This show and Christmas episodes have been a distinct mixed bag. However this was the best one going, especially given that the show's cheesiness during the holidays was slightly dialed down and there was an equal emphasis on both McKinley and New York for good measure. The New York stuff was still the best and I can't help hoping that Rough Trade Santa, Cody crops up in a later episode.

Homeland: I've been dipping in and out of the season because much as I hate to admit it, the show is no longer holding my interest. The finale however was probably one of the better episodes they've done in a while but the decision to kill off Brody is either one that could rejuvenate the show next season or blow up spectacularly in the writers faces. I just hope that whatever the outcome is that the show and Showtime are smart enough not to attempt to take this show to eight seasons like they did with Weeds and Dexter.

Marvel's Agents Of SHIELD: I still think this show could benefit from Arrow at times but I did enjoy the mid-season finale nonetheless. It's just that after ten episodes and despite some interesting moments with recurring characters like Mike and Rayna and Coulson being handed over to the baddies, it's hard to deny that the show is still lacking something. Still the mid-season finale gave me some hope that things might get more interesting when it returns in 2014 though.

Misfits: It's been over a week since the last episode aired and I have to admit, I think it was a good way of ending things. We got some elements of timey-wimey, gross out humour, Greg finally admitting he was gay (and being marginally less creepy for a bit), the jumper gang becoming corrupt and our gang actually/possibly becoming actual heroes. Honestly, I really think this show ended a lot better than I expected it to.

Once Upon A Time: What a brilliant episode. I said somewhere else online that if the last minute didn't happen, this easily could've been a series finale. It had tonnes of tension, brilliant character moments, heartfelt sacrifices from both Regina and Gold, finally got rid of Pan and Storybrooke in one fell swoop. Of course, I'm glad the show is coming back next year, especially now that I know who Rebecca Mader is playing but overall, had this been an actual series finale, it would've been superb.

Misfits - Season 5 Review

A few months prior, this show's BBC3 counterpart, Being Human came to an end after five series so when E4 announced that Series 5 would be the last for Misfits, I don't think anyone was really shocked by the news. Some thoughts on the final eight installments then and yes, there are spoilers.

Episode 1: Something of a ropey opening episode with Alex gaining one of the most inappropriate (but actively used throughout this final run) powers of the bunch - fucking someone's powers out of them. Add a subplot about Finn getting possessed by Beelzebub and it's business as usual for the gang.

Episode 2: We finally get to meet Rudy's parents and his father is something of a prize pillock. Of course, we soon find out that father and son have more in common and when the strands of another superhero aren't being sown with fly guy Sam's introduction, Rudy is also developing feelings for Jess.

Episode 3: Abby's mystery finally got solved when we learned how exactly she came to be and her connection to Laura while Greg's sexuality is made abundantly clear to Finn in a way that's nothing short of creepy, even by this show's standards.

Episode 4: A good episode focusing on Rudy Two becoming more of his own person and also the one that introduced electro girl/electrician Helen into the mix as well as her and Rudy Two start to connect with each other.

Episode 5: Finn gets his own stalker when Rudy takes him to the support group to get over Jess. As episodes go, it was probably one of the weaker ones, while the prime Rudy continues to get closer to Jess at the same time.

Episode 6: The episode introduced camouflage girl Karen and had plot where a dying guy kept sucking the life out of others, including Finn at one point in the episode. The better plot involved a lesbian gypsy placing a curse on Alex though.

Episode 7: This episode marked the first year of the storm by having a predictably disastrous party at the community centre. A party where Greg danced like a loon, Rudy/Jess had relationship difficulties, Sam/Helen/Karen banded together and a potential love interest for Alex went psycho and murdered the turtle of Abby's that briefly became human.

Episode 8: A bit of a timey-wimey series finale, mainly focusing on Jess having to prevent things from going pear shaped while dealing with a pregnancy from an encounter with an obsessive man named Luke. Something of a low key episode, the last scene did hint at something interesting that we might never get to see on screen though. Oh and Sam/Helen/Karen got a little murderous as well.

Overall, a pretty solid enough final series. The show's best days really were gone and they were times when the gang could grate (Finn mainly and Alex to an extent) but at the same time, there were some great ideas executed well enough and the final episode rounded things fine enough for the show.

Rating: 7 out of 10

The Canary Appeared

And here is the second TV jumble blog ...

Arrow: These last few episodes have been a joy to watch. It's kind of a shame that Black Canary was quickly written out though because I've enjoyed her quite a lot and Oliver certainly has more chemistry with her than he does with Laurel at times. Of course, I do like that we got to see the League Of Assassins, had an allusion to Ra's Al Ghul and of course, I am loving the fact that Roy is getting more involved with helping Oliver and that Diggle has had some focus on him too. Overall, this is shaping up to be a great season for the show.

Devious Maids: Yeah, this show is still a guilty pleasure for me and halfway through it, I'm still enjoying it. I'll admit that while I'm warming to Carmen a little more, I am finding Rosie extremely annoying at times though. I don't really care that much about her affair with Spencer either for that matter. I am however enjoying learning more about Marisol's relationship with her son and while the Powells are awful people, they are also by far the strongest characters on the show as well. I think it's obvious though that while they're hiding something about Flora's death (and she really wasn't likeable in flashbacks), they're overall not responsible for it. I'm guessing here, I promise.

Homeland: Have the writers really decided to go down the pregnancy route with Carrie? Ugh, if there's one story we didn't need this season, it's probably this. In fact, we could also probably do with some more of Brody as well. The last episode I watched on Channel 4 was pretty decent and it was nice to see Saul being something of a BAMF but this season has become largely hit and miss at times too. I'm starting to wonder if commissioning a fourth run was a wise idea though.

Misfits: The fifth series is an improvement on the previous year but like Homeland, I kind of find myself drifting with it this year. It also hasn't helped that it's airing against the more entertaining Gogglebox (that will be blogged about soon). The last few episodes gave us an innovative backstory for Abby, showed a better side to Alex, brought Jess and Rudy closer together, more or less outed the probation officer, had Finn as being somewhat more likeable and threw more hints about things to come. Overall, while the show's heydays are behind them, this has been a better show to watch compared to last series.

Sleepy Hollow: I almost wish Universal had waited until next year to air this show as so many are airing right now and it's taking me a while to catch up with them all. However, while this show is mostly lighter compared to others, I do think Ichabod and Abby make for a great pairing and it's nice that we're learning more about them with flashbacks with the former and the latter's sister being more prominent as well. The Horsemen plot while not entirely perfect or sustainable for future runs has also gotten a little better too over the last few episodes.

- Anna Gunn will be joining the cast of Gracepoint (aka the US version of Broadchurch). She'll be playing Ellie Miller while David Tennant's character has been renamed as Emmett Carver.
- Aly Michalka will be playing a love interest for Amber Tamblyn's character on Two And A Half Men.
- Jason Ritter will be returning to Parenthood.
- Brooke Shields will be guest appearing on The Michael Fox Show.
- Melissa Rosenberg will be scribing for Marvel's Jessica Jones series on Netflix.
- USA Network have picked up a six episode action adventure series called Dig from Tim Kring and Gideon Raff.
- Alan Alda will be appearing in The Blacklist.
- Mad Men's seventh and final season will be split in two, airing in both 2014 and 2015.

The Horseman's Got No Head

I know, it's a little lame but it gives you a very vital clue as to one of the five shows that I am watching at the moment.

Arrow: Now, Agents Of SHIELD, take some notes here because the dynamic with Oliver, Felicity, Diggle and even Roy is how you do a great team dynamic, even if most of the first episode during the second season was trying to actually get Oliver back in the game. Watching the first two episodes alongside each other on Sky1, the writing has certainly improved, the losses of Malcolm and Tommy have created a great divide with the Hood and Laurel and the fallout of Moira's actions have had some great consequences for Oliver's family business as well while the island flashbacks are remaining interesting. That along with some foreshadowing for Roy's future and a few new/old enemies surfacing, this is certainly a great start for the new season.

Devious Maids: I had no intention of watching this series but then again, I mostly enjoyed Desperate Housewives for eight seasons and this is pretty much covering similar ground with a murder mystery and a band of ladies brought together by it and being maids for the rich folk of course. The fact that it's also run by Marc Cherry also brings it's own comparisons to this show and the former antics of Wisteria Lane. It's a fun, frothy show and it's nice to see a strong Latina cast as well, even if there's a little stereotyping here and there though. In terms of characters, I think Marisol and the Powells stand out the most so far but there isn't really a weak character so far.

Homeland: Much as I do like this show, even I am forced to admit that I am struggling with it this series. I'm beginning to wonder if this show really would've been better off as a miniseries rather than something will now go into a fourth season. The last few episodes just haven't really gripped me and even Brody's return hasn't been as compelling as I hoped it would be. On the plus side, the fact that it now is revealed that both Carrie and Saul are actually working together should hopefully mean that the remaining episodes are a marked improvement on an underwhelming season so far.

Misfits: The show is back and it's penchant for the deeply crass is back too. In terms of an opening episode for the fifth and final season, this one was a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, I enjoyed Finn being possessed and the therapy group for superpowers is actually a great idea. On the other hand, I couldn't care less about Jess and Alex and the fact that the latter had to use his powers on Finn as well left a bad taste in my mouth. Still though, it's a promising enough start for the last series and this episode was mostly better than anything in the first half of the previous series.

Sleepy Hollow: Bloody hell, I remember a time when I didn't watch Universal (aside from the occasional Law & Order: SVU episode) but with Bates Motel and now this show, I've been drawn to that channel a little more. The first three episodes of this show have been a mixed bag. It's reasonably a lighter show with some darkish elements, history lessons, legends and magic thrown into the mix. In some ways, I could almost compare it to Merlin or Atlantis. However, it's also a lot of fun and the leads in Ichabod Crane and Abbie are an absolute joy to watch as well and it's nice that while the Horsemen are the main antagonist for the series, we can still get enemies like the Sandman as well thrown into the mix. This definitely makes for a diverting hour of fun.

- A reboot for Charmed is in the works. CBS are currently working on one. Um, why? I ask as someone who enjoyed that show.
- Atlantis has been picked up for a second series by BBC1.
- US viewers will be able to see the third series of Sherlock on PBS from January 19th 2014. A UK broadcaster hasn't been announced yet.
- Richard Schiff and McKayla Maroney will both be guest starring in upcoming episodes of Bones.
- Sleepy Hollow has been picked up for a second season of thirteen episodes.
- Emmett Scanlon will be playing Simon in the second series of In The Flesh. I will do something in relation to the first series of that show in a future blog.

Misfits - Series 5 First Look (Spoilers)

It's previous season might not have been something to write home about and it's creator might be currently exploring the world of Atlantis but next week and for six final episodes, Misfits is back for a fifth and final series and the promotion is kicking off for it at the moment.

So, what do we know about the last series at the point? Be warned, there are spoilers here.

- The final series will commemorate the first year since the storm and open on the eve of it. Yes, five series of this show have taken place in the space of a year. Reminds me of another show.
- Howard Overman has admitted we won't be getting any new regulars - just Alex, Rudy, Finn, Jess and Abby then.
- Rudy will be involved in a support group for those with super powers.
- Alex has a rather rude (supposedly) new ability that we discover earlier on in the series after his operation. I hope gaining a likeable personality is a part of it this series.

- We will learn more about Jess and why she was made to do community service this series. Her relationship with Abby will also take an interesting turn this series as well.
- Abby's mysterious past will be revealed early in the series and her and one of the Rudy's will bond a bit more too.
- Finn will be possessed by Beelzebub and it will be up to Jess to save him in her own rather unique way.
- A woman can knit the future into a sweater, a character can turn into a turtle and someone else can shag powers away and there's a rival gang with better powers who will become more prominent as the series progresses.

I have to admit that while this show's best days are probably gone and that ending it with a fifth year (as the BBC did with both Merlin and Being Human in recent times) is a wise idea, it does seem like Overman's knack for the absolute bonkers and lewd certainly won't mellow in the show's final hours. I am rather looking forward to this final year a bit more now.

Press Release/Series 5 Trailer: http://cultfix.co.uk/misfits-series-5-airdate-trailer-synopsis-24125.htm

Misfits fifth and final series airs Wednesdays at 10pm on E4 from October 23rd.

Misfits - Series 5 To Be The Last

If you believe in things coming in three, then this news probably won't be a shock to the system. In less than six months, both Merlin and Being Human promptly ended with their respective fifth series and it seems that Misfits is following suit as it's been confirmed that the upcoming fifth year that's being filmed at the moment will be the show's last one.

The upcoming series, comprising of eight more episodes will see the current gang of Abby (Natasha O'Keeffe), Finn (Nathan McMullen), Alex (Matt Stokoe), Jess (Karla Crome) and Rudy (Joseph Gilgun) dealing with the first anniversary of the storm while creator Howard Overman (currently working on upcoming BBC1 Saturday night drama, Atlantis) has promised a glorious ride for our gang who won't be going out quietly.

I can't really say it's much of a shock that Misfits will be ending this year. Like with Being Human and Merlin, I think most of us saw it coming and as fun as the fourth series could be at times, it did seem like the show was running out of steam a bit. I just hope that the upcoming final series we do get the send off  the show deserves though.

Press Release: http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/25057/misfits-confirmed-as-ending-after-series-5

Misfits fifth and final series will air on E4 from Autumn 2013.

Slay Bells

Yes, this one is a little Christmas themed, but hey, appropriate given that we're a few days away from the big day itself.

American Horror Story: Asylum: I've been loving the sheer craziness of this season and with the Bloody Face reveals, the role reversal with Sister Jude as well as the deadly partnership with both Arden and Sister Mary Eunice but more importantly, Lana really is coming across as our main protagonist, especially with escaping the hands of a madman and even interacting with the angel of death (as did Grace and Jude) and the Christmas episode was certainly a joy to watch with Ian McShane as a deliciously twisted Santa in his own way. I can't wait to see where the last five episodes go.

Glee: Not the greatest selection of episodes. Even I am beginning to think that the show's balancing act between the newbies at McKinley and the old gang isn't working so well. Also, everytime we see someone like Santana, Quinn or Puck, I realise how much I miss them more as characters and it hasn't helped that Marley's eating disorder plotline hasn't been particularly well handled either. And did we really need something else for Kurt to be upset by? I really hope they don't get rid of Burt but I am glad that Blaine has taken a little backseat in the last few episodes.

Him & Her: I've been watching all of the third series (and am looking forward to the Christmas special on Sunday) and this show really has become a lot better than when it first began. Sure, Laura's nastiness has escalated since her pregnancy, Paul's suddenly got a secret life and Steve took a whole six episodes to actually propose to Becky but having the usually shy Shelley verbally annihilate Laura has been one of my favourite moments from the show so far. I don't know if this show will get picked up for a fourth series but I'm starting to hope it will now.

Misfits: This show really has improved. The last few episodes have been inspired and added a renewed sense of fun and mischief in the series, while neatly introducing Abbey who really does work a treat as a character. The finale did kill off Nadine a little too quickly for my liking and it might have been nice to have had more with the four cyclists of the apocalypse but they were better than the tedium of Jess/Alex/Finn and it's nice that Nadine managed to show a softer side to Rudy as well. Looking forward to seeing where this show goes next year.

The Vampire Diaries: I've enjoyed the last set of episodes, even to the point where the idea of an Elena/Damon relationship bothers me far less than it seems to with Stefan and Caroline. On the flip side, while it was nicely have a weirdly gory Christmas episode, would it hurt the show just once to actually have a scheme against Klaus succeed? And the fact that he decided to bump off Tyler's mother only makes me dislike him that tiny bit more but at least April and Hayley managed to get moments to surprise and I'm quite liking the Silas and Jeremy storylines this season as well.

- Rose McGowen has been cast as a younger version of Cora for an upcoming episode of Once Upon A Time.
- Chloe Bennett has become the final cast member added to Joss Whedon's upcoming S.H.I.E.L.D. She'll play a superhero obsessed agent named, Skye.
- Showtime's The Vatican will explore the inner workings of the Catholic Church and it's pilot will be directed by Ridley Scott.
-The CW are doing a version of Robin Hood called Sherwood focusing on a female vigilante who teams up with Robin and his Merry Men.
- Fringe's series finale will be simulcast in the UK on Sky1 (1.10am) the same night US viewers can see it on FOX. It airs on January 19th.
- Davis Zayas will be appearing in the upcoming Kevin Bacon series, The Following as Tyson, a former operative who is friends with Bacon's character.
- Rosie O'Donnell will be making a cameo appearance in Smash.
- Oliver Kieron Jones will be playing a love interest for Kurt in the second half of Glee's fourth season. UK viewers can catch the new series at Sundays 8pm on Sky1 from January 6th.

Misfits - Season 4 Review

With this current series just finished up on E4 and the promise of a fifth run, it's certainly been an interesting year as all our remaining originals have left the community centre and we've gotten four new characters over the course of the fourth year. Warning, there are spoilers.

Episode 1: I hate to admit but I found this opening episode actually quite horrible to be honest. Both Jess and Finn deserved a better introduction than seeing Curtis, Rudy and Seth going mental over a flipping briefcase. On the plus side, the last scene would effortlessly lead into Finn's backstory and aggressive probation worker, Greg is definitely an acquired taste.

Episode 2: Finn's probably my least favourite character of the newbies, so his whole storyline with his controlling girlfriend, Sadie wasn't thrilling but obviously was an improvement on the opening episode. This episode is probably more significant for exiting Seth and introducing sexy barman, Alex though.

Episode 3: A good character episode for Rudy, introducing us to another, more dangerous aspect of the guy but also the building up of Curtis's volatile relationship with the mysterious Lola as well. Importantly, it also gave us something of an insight into Jess as well.

Episode 4: It's the end of the line for the original cast as Curtis left in epic style in this dark and noir-esque episode. I really liked the final moments we got with the character, the reveal of Greg's sexuality as well as the reveal of Lola's whole backstory as well.

Episode 5: Another Finn centred episode (the writers really do love him, don't they?) but actually a rather good one for the character. Probably Finn at his most likeable as well, even if his jealousy over Jess and Alex's growing closeness can be a source of tedium as well.

Episode 6: Really, it's here where this season got so much better. Abbey is a fantastic character and the Killer Rabbit plot, along with Alex's plotline and Rudy meeting the saintly Nadine as well. It's definitely the show at it's subversive best and bizarre as well.

Episode 7: A good episode for Alex and Jess as the former's storyline is resolved and he's seemingly slipped back into his old ways. Rudy's burgeoning relationship with Nadine is rather sweet to watch and we learn that Abbey has no memory of her former life and she learns what happens when you pretend to be on community service.

Episode 8: This show really knows how to do finales and the arrival of overprotective nuns and cyclists of the apocalypse, courtesy of Nadine made sure that this episode was far from boring. Plus, the ongoing plotline with Abbey and Alex's end scene certainly set some interesting things up for the next year.

It's not the show at it's best and unlike Being Human earlier in the year with it's fourth series, Misfits transition from old cast to new cast didn't flow quite as naturally but by the second half of the series, the show certainly bounced back nicely.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Spending A Storm Together

American Horror Story: Asylum: It's nice that we're not too far behind with US transmission with this show because the second season is pretty enjoyable so far. Narrative wise, I'm not sure where the logic is in having alien invasions, mutants, possessions, sadistic doctors in Arden (who keeps getting repugnant with each episode) and a crazed serial killer but it certainly makes sure the season isn't boring. I will admit though, I do think Jude's backstory was introduced a bit early than needed and the present day sequences add nothing to the show overall but the shocker of Shelly's fate was a moment I didn't see coming. Plus, kudos to Lily Rabe who is clearly having a ball as the possessed and homicidal, Sister Mary Eunice.

Arrow: It's been about five episodes into the series now and so far, it's still pretty in a similar format to Smallville. Not too challenging but amusing enough and I do continue to like Amell's portrayal of both Oliver and Green Arrow in equal measures. The arrival of John Barrowman as the mysterious Well Dressed Man as well in the most recent of episodes has been a good addition as well as the Deadshot storyline as well. Overall, a mostly good string of episodes from the new series.

Glee: Okay, the ratings for the fourth season haven't been great and while I think the idea of Finn running the Glee club is pretty ridiculous, the last two episodes have been entertaining enough, especially the one dedicated to Grease of things. The newbies may not have the same spark as our originals but I found Kitty's version of Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee amusing to the hilt and the return of Santana was a joy to be had as well. I could however do with less of Blaine and Marley feeling sorry for themselves and the forced Ryder/Marley/Jake/Kitty quadrangle and it would be nice if Cassandra's critiques of Rachel's abilities weren't marred with her unbridled hatred for the girl but overall, a good set of episodes.

Misfits: I have to admit as much as I like this show, this series isn't as fun as it used to be. So far, Jess seems to be the only bright spot and while the Lola plotline had some decent twists and turns, I was sad that it was used to write Curtis out in such a tragic way. I expected him to leave but not on such a downer though. It also doesn't help that I'm not really getting into the double act with Rudy and Finn as well. I don't know why but both of them are kind of annoying me this series. Hopefully we get more on the mysterious Alex though.

Some Girls: Ever watch a comedy and wonder how the hell it was commisioned in the first place? Watch five minutes of this show (or the first two episodes if you're a masochist) and you'll find yourself asking that question. An ill-conceived, broadly unfunny female version of The Inbetweeners, this witless sitcom is proof that at times BBC3 really do think their target audiences must be the biggest morons known to man. There aren't any characters in this one, just lazy caricatures with the four ladies - Viva, Saz, Holly and Amber who are just not strong enough leading ladies to make this comedy bearable. With any luck, this either improves or become a one series only show.

The Vampire Diaries: Why can't being a vampire make Elena into a stronger character and person? Six episodes into the fourth season, she's either been close to death or whinged a lot about being a member of the undead that the timely return of Katherine must have been a blessed relief for Nina Dobrev, who at least gets to have fun in that role. The fourth season itself has been okay enough so far but with Connor dead, only small morsels revealed about The Five and Klaus still be a pain in the ass, I can't help but think that this show does need to buck up it's ideas now.

- Both Last Resort and 666 Park Avenue have been cancelled by ABC and will end after 13 episodes each.
- Anna Chlumsky will make a guest appearance in the upcoming Hannibal series. Eddie Izzard will play a crazed inmate in the show as well
- Janina Gavankar has bagged a recurring role as a vice cop on Arrow.
- Lisa Kudrow's series, Web Therapy has been renewed for a third season by Showtime.
- Sky Atlantic will air the second season of Girls the day after HBO airs it. It returns in January 2013.
- Rebecca Mader will be appearing in one of 30 Rock's final episodes in it's last season.
- Amy Acker has expressed an interest in appearing in the upcoming S.H.I.E.L.D. series.
- Elementary has been awarded two more episodes by CBS, making 24 episodes for it's first season.

Enter The Asylum

And here's the second TV jumble blog I promised ...

American Horror Story: Asylum: FXUK finally got around to premiering the second season of Ryan Murphy's eerily fucked up horror drama and going from a show about ghosts in a haunted house to a 1960's asylum with sadistic nuns and doctors, alien abductions and a plethora of interesting inmates and plot strands, this show hasn't lost it's edge. Already, I'm compelled by Bloody Face, rooting for our heroes in Kit and Lana, intrigued and horrified by Sister Jude (Jessica Lange on fine form again) and Dr Arden (James Cromwell exuding menace and then some) and being similarly grossed out during some of the more visceral scenes as well. Oh and poor present day couple in Leo and Theresa. One episode in and already they're regretting fooling around in Briarcliff.

Arrow: I just caught the pilot last week and I plan to try and watch the second episode tonight but so far, I am liking this series. If the CW wanted a natural successor to Smallville, they've got it with this show and Stephen Amell does make for a good Oliver Queen/Green Arrow as well. The backstory for Oliver does feel a little similar to what we've seen with Emily in Revenge but not by a whole lot. That being said, watching this opening episode, you can easily see why it's become a big hit for the CW.

Misfits: Like Being Human, I embrace the idea of a new cast and while both newcomers Finn and Jess seem like interesting characters, I really don't think they were well served in an episode like this. The whole plotline with the corrupting briefcase just felt unpleasant and I could've done without an infected Rudy getting hacksaw happy. Plus without Kelly, Seth really doesn't have a point on this show given that he really doesn't bond with either Curtis or Rudy. The new probation officer is interesting and the reveal with Finn at the end did raise an eyebrow from me. Overall, a disjointed opening episode but here's hoping it's a minor blip for the usually excellent show.

The Vampire Diaries: An interesting start to the fourth season. Hopefully though, as a vampire, Elena will eventually get into the groove of things because with the first three episodes, she's needed help and I don't want that to be a repeat plot thread. I do think there was a missed opportunity with the preacher from the first episode and while I still can't stand Klaus's continued presence on the show, at least we still have Rebekah and I'm intrigued by vampire hunter, Connor and The Five. So far, this year has started off rather well.

- Political Animals will not be returning for a second season.
- James D'Arcy and Chloe Sevigny will be appearing in the upcoming series, Those Who Kill.
- Brendan Fraser has quit his role in the upcoming Howard Gordon series, Legends.
- Stephen Merchant's series, Hello Ladies has been picked up for a full run on HBO.
- Michael Madsen and Jennifer Beals will both be appearing Mob Doctor.
- Both Scandal and The Neighbours have received full season orders from ABC.
- Grant Gustin will be reprising his role as Sebastian in a few episodes of Glee's fourth season.
- Hell On Wheels has been renewed for a third season but the creators won't be returning.

Misfits - Series 4 Airdate Confirmed

Yes, the fourth series of Misfits is finally back on E4 in little more than eight days time and it's definitely all change for the cast with only Joe Gilgun and Nathan Stewart Jarrett being the only non new regulars as both Rudy (x2) and Curtis will be in the fourth series along with newbies, such as telekinesis fella, Finn (Nathan McMullen) and X-Ray vision girl, Jess (Karla Crome).

As for the handsome fella in the cast picture not wearing an orange jumpsuit - well, his name is Alex (Matt Stokoe), he's a barmaid and there's a love triangle of sorts between him, Jess and Finn. Also, according to an interview with SFX magazine with the new cast, we'll learn about Alex's powers and the reasons for his standoffish behaviour throughout the eight part season and this will be a season that also deals with the horsemen of the apocalypse and killer rabbits.

Meanwhile, fresh from his roles in the likes of Being Human and Monroe, Andrew Gower will also be appearing in the series fourth year. According to producer, Matt Stevens, Gower will appear in the fourth episode, playing a character named Jake. No further details have been given about the character but it's nice to see Gower crop up in this show, given how brilliant he was as Cutler this year.

Series 4 Trailer: http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/72773897.html
Cast Pictures: http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/72644300.html

Misfits Series 4 airs on E4, Sundays at 10pm from October 28th.

Misfits - Series 4 First Look

And it's that time again where we're getting closer and closer to the upcoming fourth series of Misfits and like a certain show about a vampire/werewolf/ghost, it really is all change for the show ...

Following the departure of Robert Sheehan (Nathan) in an online minisode prior to transmission of the third series, the end of that particular run also saw the departure of Iwan Rheon (Simon) and Antonia Thomas (Alisha) as well as the rather public exit of Lauren Socha (Kelly) off screen as well. This means some new blood and low and behold, that includes Karla Crome (Hit & Miss) as Jess, Natasha O'Keefe (Lip Service) as Abby, Nathan McMullen (Corrie) as Finn and Matt Stokoe (Black Mirror) as Alex.

Not much seems to be revealed about the new lot, except that Alex is good looking but standoffish (and contrary to suspicion) not gay either as well as not being in the community service (but integral to the plot though) while Jess seems to be very similar in tone to Kelly in that she doesn't take crap from anyone else. Finn seems to have a childlike naivety about the world he's in while Abby will join the gang in a later episode. Both Curtis (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) and Rudy (Joe Gilgun) are still part of the series as well.

Other spoilers that have emerged for the upcoming fourth year include the fact that we will be getting more mini-episodes, a double act between Rudy and Finn as well as learning how many people the former has slept with through a special power. Elsewhere, Curtis will be getting a new love interest and the gang's families will be factoring more into the new series as well as a new probation worker named Greg (Shaun Dooley) with some anger issues as well as some interesting powers for the gang as well. So, question is - can this show do a Being Human and thrive with the influx of new characters? We'll learn for sure in a few months time, won't we? I hope so because I do like the look of the new cast.

Interview with Nathan Stewart-Jarrett/Iwan Rheon: http://www.afterelton.com/people/2012/07/misfits-iwan-rheon-and-nathan-stewart-jarrett
Series 4 Info: http://e4-misfits.wikia.com/wiki/Series_4

Series 4 of Misfits is due to air on E4 from October.

Top 40 TV Characters Part 6

And here is the sixth part of this list. I was going to leave it until next week but now seems like a good time to post it.

11: Simon Bellamy (Iwan Rheon) - Misfits

In the first series, he was a weird sociopathic kid who murdered a probation officer (kind of standard in relation to this show) while the second and third series, he became a futuristic hero and had a timey-wimey relationship with Alisha that could outshine the Doctor and River's too. Weirdness aside, Simon was definitely someone you wanted as an ally rather than an enemy.


12: Merlin (Colin Morgan) - Merlin

Merlin has always been an interesting show to watch because for the most part, I've never had a definitive favourite character but for the intent and purpose of this list, I weighed up all the main characters and ultimately found myself picking the title character. What can I say? Merlin the character has for the most part grown throughout the four series we've seen and continues to intrigue at every turn.

13: Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) - Torchwood

Oh, Jack. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if having a spin-off has enhanced the character or sort of ruined him a bit. Jack works better as a more campy action hero than an intense, Doctor-like brooder at times and somewhere between the last two series of Torchwood, I think RTD lost sight of that. Still apart from a certain Time Lord, he's still one of the most unconventional leading male characters on a sci-fi/fantasy programme and that alone means he deserves to be on my list.

14: Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter) - Angel

The most unbridled, meanest character on television or at least during her Sunnydale days anyways, though she still had her moments in LA. I'm going to be brutally honest - Cordelia was the best bloody thing about Angel and I hate the fact that we ended up losing her in favour of Spike in the show's last season and similarly uninteresting characters like Eve and Illyria as well. The comics tried a bit to redress the balance but Cordelia was the heart and soul of that show.

15: Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) - The Sarah Jane Adventures

No list would be complete without the most iconic companion featuring on it and let's face it - Sarah Jane Smith is a bloody icon. This woman has seen most of the Doctors incarnations, has fought many a monster whilst travelling with the Time Lord and with her own team in Bannerman Road. Elisabeth Sladen may sadly no longer be with us but her iconic character will long live in people's hearts.

Part 7 will be up early next week.