Skins - Season 7 Review

UK Airdate: July 1st-August 5th 2013

All Grown Up?: The one thing I have consistently enjoyed about Skins over it's seven year run is that it has consistently always played by it's own rules. This has always been a series that has never had a problem with taking it's characters into some of the darker of places or changing it's own cast every two years with gleeful abandon.

The seventh and final series, comprising of six episodes broken into the stories - Fire, Pure and Rise however decided it was time to bring back at least five of the show's most popular characters from the first four series. While a part of me was annoyed with the show's decision not to include anyone from the previous two series, the characters chosen for this last chapter are certainly put through the ringer of sorts.

Fire itself takes in London over several months and mainly dealt with Effy thrown into the cutthroat world of investment and the consequences that the world had when she slept with her boss (Kayvan Novak) and committed a little bit of fraud on the side. The result are grim for Effy but they're nowhere near as grim for viewers than the outcome of Emily and Naomi in this story.

Arguably the most successful couple that Skins had ever produced, Fire not only had them barely interacting with each other (Emily's mainly in New York) but when Naomi fell ill, it took until literally the last minute for Emily to be informed and able to see her ailing girlfriend. I know this show has bumped off main characters in the past but this time, it felt more like a slap in the face.

However as frustrating as the first two parter was by it's second half, it's the second story of the bunch that really lets things down. Pure was the first time since 2008 that we had seen Hannah Murray playing the role of blissful Cassie and sadly for her, she had nothing worthwhile in the whole two episodes.

There was a great subplot with her father and brother struggling to cope with the death of Cassie's mother but it's barely touched upon in a favour of a dull stalker plotline with an annoying co-worker and some pretentious waffle with photography. It's a shame because Murray is good and there's some nice atmosphere moments like there was in all the stories but it's such an unengaging and lifeless story, you just won't care.

The last story, Rise centring around one of my least favourite characters in Cook turned out to actually be the best of the bunch. As a series finale, it's far from perfect but it's the only story where Cook felt both in character, showed some tiny bits of growth and one where the grimness actually worked in the narrative's favour too.

I'm not gonna lie and say that I found Louie a particularly convincing baddie but his hot pursuit of Cook and the bodies that were left in both men's wake amongst a snowy backdrop was certainly effective and it added to a rather bittersweet if not perfect end to the show's seven year saga.

I'm not sure if this approach was personally the best way of ending the series. Six episodes was a fine idea but it should've been one episode each for these characters and one or two from the third generation as well. Still, it could've been worse but it should've been better too.

DVD Extras: None, strangely enough. Another missed opportunity there.

Episode Ratings From 1 To 10

7x01: Fire Part 1 = 7/10, 7x02: Fire Part 2 = 6/10,
7x03: Pure Part 1 = 6/10, 7x04: Pure Part 2 = 5/10,
7x05: Rise Part 1 = 7/10, 7x06: Rise Part 2 = 7/10.

Season 7 is currently available on DVD.

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.

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.

All Grown Up

This is somewhat shorter than usual but here's a roundup of some shows I've watched over the last few weeks ....

Banshee: Not a bad finale. In actual fact probably one of the better episodes of the series but I'm not sure if this is a show I'll bother really watching next series. It's not been bad but it's not been as gripping as I had hoped it would be either and while Lucas and some of the characters have grown and we've had decent antagonists (Proctor more than Mr Rabbit), I realise that I don't really care enough with the series to keep with it. Anyone else feel the same way or is it just me?

Skins: The seventh and final season started last night on TV and the first part of Fire certainly was an interesting return to form of sorts. I know some fans might have trouble getting used to the new format but personally I found it easy to get into. Effy was both more sensible than she was in fourth series and yet at the same time on the verge of making some blunders with her sleazy new boss and the company she was working for. However, it was Naomi's plot that ended up being the shocker of the episode even if the moment was ruined by a terrible use of music but at least Emily will be back for the second part of this saga. Overall, an interesting opening episode for the series.

The Americans: Five episodes in and while this show might not be as gripping as Homeland for instance, it's definitely great viewing. I still think it's unwise for ITV1 to be relegating this to a Saturday night and it probably wouldn't kill them to promote it a little better. Gripes aside there, at least Philip and Elizabeth's complicated web of lies seem to provide some interesting scenerios for the two of them as the lines between their cover and actual feelings for each other keep getting blurred. Another pleasant surprise is how the show has managed to make one of their most potential threats in neighbour Stan one of the more sympathetic characters too, especially given his protective relationship with Nina. Overall, this is a show that is shaping up quite nicely.

The Returned: Sunday nights have become a better place with this show. I know the critics are perhaps gushing a little too much about it but the last few episodes have not only built on the impressive opening episode but actually surpassed it as well. The backstories for the likes of Simon, Julie and Victor have been impressive to watch as has the growing rivalry and strangeness surrounding both Camille and Lena (what is causing that gash on the latter's back?). Plus, the gruesome moments in this show manage to be genuinely unsettling, especially with that stomach eating serial killer. Easily the best thing on television for the time being.

- Melissa George will be appearing in the fifth season of The Good Wife in a major recurring role.
- Chilean actor Pedro Pascal has been cast as Oberyn/Red Viper for the fourth season of Game Of Thrones.
- Mare Winningham will be guest starring in Revolution.
- Happy Endings is indeed over as the search for a new network has ended.
- David Bowie has been offered a role on Hannibal.
- Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. will have lots of crossovers according to actor Clark Gregg.
- Brian Austin Green will be a regular in the next season of Anger Management.
- Expect to see more DC characters in the second season of Arrow.
- Neil Gaiman has shot down rumours that HBO are adapting American Gods for a TV series.
- Rhys Ifans will be playing Mycroft Holmes in the second season of Elementary.

Skins - Series 7 First Trailer

Well, it's due to air next month, so it's about time E4 got a move on and with this first trailer for Skins seventh and final series, it's a good way to go about things.

The minute long concept trailer, promoting the stories - Pure, Fire and Rise go back to this show's love of concept trailers as they tease the new fates of Cook, Effy and Cassie. Cook, it seems still in trouble with the law while Effy is in a high powered position and Cassie herself seems to be wandering about aimlessly again.

It's a nice trailer, though the lack of Emily and Naomi (supporting characters in Effy's story) is a little disappointing but overall, I can't wait to see what these final three stories bring for out returning characters.

Series 7 Trailer/Press Release/Photos: http://www.digitalspy.ie/tv/s89/skins/news/a486620/skins-stars-grow-up-in-new-series-trailer-watch.html

Skins - Series 7 will air on E4 in July.

Skins - Series 7 Airdate

Last year it was announced that Skins would return for a seventh and final series comprised of specials and while they were filmed between October 2012 and January 2013 in London and Manchester, E4 have finally announced that the last series will air in July 2013.

The first special titled Skins: Rise, centering on Cook (Jack O'Connell) will see the current drug dealer in Manchester forced to deal with his violent past as the second one, Skins: Fire, which sees Effy (Kaya Scodelario working as a secretary in London and living with Naomi (Lily Loveless) and Emily (Kathryn Prescott). This special will feature Sherlock's Lara Pulver and Fonejacker's Kayvan Novak.

The last special, titled Skins: Pure will focus on Cassie (Hannah Murray) as she's alone and adrift in London and embarks on a rather poignant friendship with a mysterious stranger. I have to admit, these do sound like interesting enough specials to end the show on but at the same time, I would've rather a special from one of the third generation characters than Cook to be honest.

More Details: http://www.digitalspy.ie/tv/s89/skins/news/a466728/skins-final-series-air-date-announced-by-channel-4.html

Skins Series 7 will air on E4 in July 2013.

Skins - Series 7 First Details

Well, it really is official - Skins really is back for a seventh series of three specials, due to be filmed in London and Manchester between October to January and here's what you can expect from the specials ...

'Skins Pure' by Bryan Elsley

Cassie (Hannah Murray) is adrift, alone and invisible in London, trying to make sense of her life. Slowly she realises that someone is following her. Cassie turns towards the unknown. A strange and poignant friendship is carved out of mutual loneliness, but can it survive exposure to the real world?

'Skins Rise' by Jamie Brittain

Cook (Jack O'Connell) has a job delivering drugs to Manchester Revellers. When he is asked to help his employer's girlfriend find a house and finds that he is irresistibly attracted to her, he sets off a train of events which will lead him into a world of savage revenge and a confrontation with his own violent past.

'Skins Fire' by Jess Brittain

Effy (Kaya Scodelario) has a dead end job as a receptionist for a leading London Hedge Fund. But as she stumbles across crucial financial information relating to a troubled deal and embarks on an affair with her wealthy boss, she finds out that she has bitten off more than she can chew. Her flatmate Naomi (Lily Loveless) tries to stop Effy from ruining her life, but Effy cannot be reached; until tragedy strikes.

Thoughts: It's nice to finally have confirmation on who's coming back but I can't be the only somewhat disappointed that nothing from Generation 3 is being represented in these specials. Also, even though I do rate Jack O'Connell as a good actor, I've never been a big fan of Cook and I don't think he's strong enough to carry a special, unlike Effy and Cassie. Still, I am looking forward to seeing these specials and I hope they serve as a good closing chapter to the selected characters. Plus, more Naomi/Emily, which is always a bonus.

Press Release: http://www.channel4.com/info/press/news/hannah-murray-jack-oconnell-and-kaya-scodelario-return-to-skins

Series 7 of Skins will air on E4 from Spring 2013.

Skins - Season 6 Review

UK Airdate: January 23rd- March 26th 2012

Rivers Run Dry: After a somewhat excellent return to form for the show in it’s fifth year, the sixth and penultimate series of Skins seemed to have more in common with it’s show’s fourth and by far, worst series of them all.

This season opened up in a particularly chaotic manner with the gang heading off to Morocco and Grace winding up in a car accident after Matty tried to save Franky from a drug dealer, despite their relationship falling to pieces within the first few minutes of the opening episode. Unfortunately by the second episodes, Grace became the third major character to die on the show.

I have to admit that killing off Grace at the start of the series was an interesting enough move. The gang’s relationships certainly became fraught as a result with Matty on the run, Nick resorting to desperate measures to save his brother, Rich disappearing for a good portion of the series and the girls largely at odds with each other as well.

The introduction of Alex in some ways tried to bring the gang back together and while the character’s scenes were deeply entertaining, there were times when he did remind me a little of Maxxie. That being said, at least Alex’s friendship with Liv was the most entertaining of this series to watch. The rest unfortunately paled by comparison.

Franky’s increasingly destructive behaviour stemming from past issues should’ve been compelling to watch but with her constant toying between Matty and Nick, her horrible dalliance with Luke and the seemingly unhealthy co-dependant dynamic she adopted with Mini towards the end of the series, I found myself becoming increasingly annoyed with the character all the more. At least Liv had the sense to actually call Franky out on her annoying behaviour. It’s just a shame that nearly everyone else didn’t by contrast.

Then there was the coupling of Mini and Alo. I’m not going to criticise the baby arc too much because a lot of it was realistic but it did often take too long for them to get their act together and be there for each other and I think we all could’ve done without the plot where Alo slept with a teenage girl as well too and the less said about Matty and Nick’s rivalry for Franky, the better for all.

Of course, there were positives towards this season too. The gang’s attempts to deal with Grace’s death (and her nicely spaced out ghostly appearances) led to some lovely performances by our main characters, both Liv and Alex injected some much needed fun with their friendship in certain parts, the resolution to Franky’s childhood issues were gratifying to watch and the finale was a lovely way to cap off this generation’s story as well.

However, all that being said, I am intrigued by what the upcoming seventh and final series of specials will bring for all three generations of this show. It’s definitely time that this particular series came to an end but at the same time, I do hope that we get a satisfying conclusion to all of the characters we’ve gotten to know since the series arrival in 2007.

DVD Extras: Not a whole lot of excitement here to be honest. There’s some commentaries from cast and crew, some shorts, which are like deleted scenes as well as cast and crew interviews and a trailer but overall, nothing to shout about.

Episode Ratings From 1 To 10

6x01: Everyone = 7/10, 6x02: Rich = 9/10,
6x03: Alex = 8/10, 6x04: Franky = 5/10,
6x05: Mini = 7/10, 6x06: Nick = 6/10,
6x07: Alo = 8/10, 6x08: Liv = 9/10,
6x09: Mini And Franky = 8/10, 6x10: Finale = 9/10

Season 6 is currently available on DVD.

Top 40 TV Characters Part 4

I was meant to do this one yesterday but I decided to take a break because it was Easter Sunday but here goes the fourth part of my list ....

21: Emily Fitch (Kathryn Prescott) - Skins

Picking a favourite character from this show was actually quite hard because each generation has had some pretty strong and interesting character but Emily really stood out for me. I'm a twin myself and while my sister never engaged in that 'twinspeak' that Emily and Katie seem so fond of, we do have our own way of communicating with each other. Plus Emily is one of the best written gay female characters out there.

22: Bree Van De Kamp (Marcia Cross) - Desperate Housewives

My favourites with this show always seem to change. For a long time, I liked Lynette, then Edie, have occasionally liked Susan and Gabby, don't mind Renee but if the last season seems to be anything, it's Bree who I seem to like the most. The woman's repression and need for orderliness might border on the sociopathic but damn, she has managed to fascinate at every turn for the last eight seasons.

23: Sayid Jarrah (Naveen Andrews) - Lost

At least one male character had to make it into this pretty female centric list of favourites and Sayid to me, was the bestest character we had on Lost. Probably because unlike either Jack or Locke, I would actually trust Sayid with my life and he was a better team player/leader than most of the characters on the show too. I think he's one of the main reasons I miss that show from time to time. Along with Juliet, Sun, Jin, etc.

24: Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) - Homeland

This show is still a newbie but in terms of career changing roles, I think Claire Danes has to be aware of how playing a character as broadly written and layered as Carrie can change people's perceptions of you. Carrie is definitely another fascinating character as her determination to uncover Brody's true agenda for the last 12 episodes has made for a good watch. I hope the writers can keep up the god work with her in the upcoming second season.

25: Sofie Bojakshiya (Clea Duvall) - Carnivale

Oh, Sofie. Even I was shocked by the end of the second season when it was revealed that she was part of the Omega plotline but as a character, for the two seasons the show ran for, she was easily the most sympathetic and engaging character of the bunch. Considering the abundance of wonderful and crazy characters we had, that was no mean feat.

Part 5 should be up around Thursday/Friday.

The Night Is Full Of Terrors

And here's a rundown of some of the things I've been watching over the last few weeks.

Desperate Housewives: Okay, the show is still operating on a nice consistency level over the last few weeks but with Julie and Porter becoming parents and having different viewpoints on it, it does seem to be something of a distraction from the main plot. I mean, should Susan/Lynette/Gabby be aware of the fact that Orson is trying to drive a wedge between them and Bree? And how much longer is Carlos going to be in rehab and why can't Renee get a better storyline than trying to solve Ben's money woes? Even Karen has gotten a rather poignant storyline now.

Game Of Thrones: The North may remember but apparently so does the rest of America too, given that the opening episode for Season 2 clocked in an impressive 6 million viewers for HBO. As openers go, this one felt more like a set up piece but an extremely well executed one with Joffrey embracing his reign, Sansa trying to tow the line, Littlefinger/Tyrion/Cersei all trying to outsmart each other, Rob and Cat dealing with practicalities of making allies and Daenerys trying to find help for her disillusioned tribe. The likes of Arya, Jon and company did feel a little left out but with the introduction of Stannis and that creepy as hell priestess, Melisandre, I have a feeling this series could be even better than the first one.

Homeland: Seven episodes in and I'm still pulled into watching this beauty of a show. It's been interesting to see both Carrie and Brody actually engage in a sexual tryst before things quickly soured between them but I can't help thinking it could've been extended a little longer. Carrie does seem to be unravelling a little over the last few episodes, which is obviously setting up a fall of sorts in time for the finale. Either way, this show is continuously gripping to watch.

Skins: The last two episodes of Series 6 have been interesting enough. Maybe there was a bit of overkill with Frankie's parental issues but at least the tedious love triangle between her, Matty and Nick is finally out of the way (she ditched them both) and Mini/Alo have become parents while Alex left Bristol as well. As a finale went, it's the best one we've had since the second series and a welcome antidote to the horrible way the fourth series ended things. I do hope the next series/specials are a good way of sending the show off in style because this was a good way of doing it.

The Vampire Diaries: This show is still excellent to watch. The last few episodes have pushed Stefan and Elena further apart, made Damon less annoying, given Alaric a mysterious new girlfriend in Meredith, have created a triangle of sorts between Klaus/Caroline/Tyler, debuted Bonnie's estranged mother, Abby and more importantly has seen the welcomed return of Elijah as well. Now if the latter can beat seven shades of crap out of Klaus, it really will be the best series ever.

Titanic: I really wanted to like this mini-series but two out of the four episodes have somewhat proven hard work. I mean, Julian Fellowes is a great writer and there's a good cast here, but on further inspection, you can't help thinking that this would've been more engaging if it had actually been commissioned as a 90 minute one-off instead of a four parter. It certainly would've helped with the pacing and despite some of the talent here, a lot of the dialogue is horribly cliched to the point where it borders on parody. Instead of dreading the ship sinking, you're almost looking forward to it, if only certain characters will meet their demise. Here's hoping the remaining two episodes are better paced.

Upstairs Downstairs: It's times like this where I was glad I caught this show on repeat rather than actually watching it on premiere. The last few episodes injected some life into proceedings with another appearance from Rose, Beryl and Harry's relationship taking off, Hallam and Agnes's marriage falling apart and Persephone's true colours being revealed but by then it was a case of 'too little, too late' for me. Even Alex Kingston as Blanche hasn't really made this series worth watching. If it gets a third run, it's unlikely I'll be watching it.

- Despite his lack of acting profile, Adam Levine has been cast in a role in the second season of American Horror Story.
- A major character will die in the third series of Downton Abbey while another couple will be starting a family as well.
- True Blood's fifth season will premiere on HBO from June 10th at 9pm.
- Supernatural is rumoured to be returning for an eighth season with a new showrunner as Sera Gamble is stepping down.
- The Fades has been axed after one series by BBC3.
- Breaking Bad's final season will be split in two, according to series star Bryan Cranston.
- Both Whoopi Goldberg and Lindsay Lohan will be appearing in upcoming episodes of Glee.

Going Underground

It may be St Patrick's Day but here's a TV blog for you ...

Desperate Housewives: Why is it when Susan has good intentions she seems to make matters worse? Of course it would take her to go and visit Alejandro's family and draw more suspicion on the girls. Still, Bree's method of dealing with things doesn't seem to be much better either, thanks to Renee's advice being taken the wrong way. At least Lynette and Gabby actually acknowledged some of their shortcomings and it seems we're finally getting close to meeting the person who has been sending Bree the mystery letters.

Grey's Anatomy: My love/hate relationship with this show is still pretty prominent and the most recent 'what if' episode cemented that. Granted it was one of the show's better episodes and the idea of a world with Meredith/Alex and Callie/Owen as couples is interestingly bizarre but usually these type of episodes have some kind of a point to them but the only thing I got from this is that Meredith's mother is irritating in any reality and no-one wants to see a meek and timid version of Bailey. Still, nice that Addison made her annual visit though she was wasted in this one.
Homeland: I am loving this show. Maybe not on the same level as Obama apparently but it's certainly delivering on the hype it's generated with Carrie's methods for trying to find out if Brody has been turned taking some interesting steps. Now that there's an interaction between the pair of them, I can't wait to see what happens next.

Shameless: Ever since Mickey and Carl's respective exits from the show, I've become a little less interested in this but I did catch the finale where most of the cast were stuck underground and it was a decent episode. That being said, it still feels like this show is just going through the motions nowadays and while characters like Ruby, Gloria and Dominic have been decent additions, I still think it's time for this show to come to it's natural end.

Skins: Okay, talk about an improvement. Even with Alo's episode having the plot of him being charged with sleeping with a minor was better than what we've had in previous weeks. However, Liv's episode hit an all time high in terms of quality that even the plot where she imagined being seriously ill made some narrative sense. On the flipside, Franky is becoming increasingly detestable and the return of Matty isn't helping matters. It'd also be nice if Mini told Alo that he's going to be a father as well. Here's hoping the last two episodes are a belter.

The Vampire Diaries: Again, this season is packing in some of the best moments of television. I loved the backstory for the Originals and while I predicted that even Michael wouldn't be enough to take Klaus out during homecoming, I did massively enjoy the turnaround with Stefan getting his own back on Klaus for using him as a puppet for the last few months. If Klaus still has to be on this show, it's nice to see him get outsmarted every now and then. As for the growing bond with Damon and Elena - eh, not a shipper but it's not bothering me as much as the growing distance between Tyler and Caroline.

Upstairs Downstairs: I'm struggling with this show to be honest. The characters aren't strong enough, storylines like Blanche/Portia's affair petered out too quickly and the war backdrop doesn't seem to work here as well as it did in Downton Abbey and I couldn't care less if either Hallam or Agnes cheat on each other because it's so bloody hard to care for them as a couple. I'll watch the last two episodes but if this gets a third run, I don't think I'll be watching.

- Revenge has finally snagged a UK broadcaster. E4 will air the series later in the year.
- Grimm has been renewed for a second season, while Luck has been cancelled due to the death of three horses.
- Desperate Housewives have revealed that it's Mike who was the unfortunate casualty.
- Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell will play a spy couple in The Americans, an FX program based during the Cold War.
- Once Upon A Time will premiere on Channel 5 from April 1st at 9pm.
- Freema Agyeman has been cast as Larissa, the mentor of Carrie Bradshaw in the upcoming series, The Carrie Diaries.

Skins To End In 2013

In news that I don't think will actually shock anyone but it seems that Skins days are finally numbered. The show currently into it's sixth season will return for a seventh year in 2013, comprised of three two hour movies split into six episodes and that will be the show's very last. It's going to be interesting to see how many actors from the first two generations will be secured for these specials, considering that most of them have moved on in their careers.

The specials are heavily rumoured to feature at least all of three generations, hopefully tying up any needed loose ends from each era. Much as I love the series, I have to admit this isn't devastating news. I think the format has been taken as far as it could and after seven years, I think it will be time to say a final goodbye to Tony, Michelle, Sid, Cassie, Jal, Chris, Anwar, Maxxie, Effy, Pandora, Cook, Freddie, Emily, Naomi, JJ, Thomas, Franky, Mini, Liv, Grace, Alex, Nick, Matty, Rich and Alo. Well, considering that three of them are dead, I guess just goodbye to the others then but either way, it's the end of an era.

More Details: http://www.digitalspy.ie/tv/s89/skins/news/a369948/skins-to-bow-out-with-final-series-in-2013-former-stars-to-return.html

Monsters And Ghosts

It's been nearly three weeks since my last TV jumble, so here's a rather big one for you.

Desperate Housewives: It's been a rather interesting set of episodes with the housewives at odds with each other over the handling and disappearance of Alejandro's body, Susan stupidly painting evidence of their crime and Chuck's constant harassment of them all but I think the scenes where Bree saw a familiar face and contemplated the act that an old friend once committed just shows how much this season has returned to form. It's saddening at this point that it's being ignored but perhaps that is the consequence of being on the air too long. It's a shame because the quality of the last few weeks has been sublime.

Glee: This show seems to be forever caught in a loop of being damned whether it does or doesn't. The handling of Valentine's Day/Brittany and Santana finally acting like a couple was a mixed bag but some fans weren't too thrilled with Sebastian's sudden turnaround, Karofsky's suicide attempt or even that pesky little cliff hanger moment with Quinn. It's going to be a rather interesting few weeks until the show returns in April but at least UK viewers can finally catch up with the 2012 episodes aired so far now that Sky1 is finally airing them.

Grimm: I wasn't really going to give this show a go but after catching up with the first three episodes on Watch, I have to admit, it's not that bad. Actually, apart from it being a standard cop show with a fairytale mixture, it's actually a lot of fun. Okay, Nick seems like a standard leading man/ordinary cop dragged into a supernatural world but I do like Monroe the werewolf quite a bit and they're setting up a rather decent mythology. Now I just gotta wait until Once Upon A Time winds up airing on UK screens to see which is the better show.

Homeland: Yes, this was a series I was going to watch and with a superb cast like Claire Danes and Damien Lewis, I can see why this show has become such a critical darling and award bait for Showtime. I still worry how Channel 4 will overall treat this show as most US programming doesn't seem to fare well on terrestrial channels nowadays but the first two episodes have been particular riveting stuff. Carrie Mathison might be one of the most compelling new female characters on TV (apart from Emily Thorne) and her constant attempts to see whether or not formerly imprisoned soldier Nick Bordy has been turned into a sleeper agent is fascinating to watch. If you're not watching this series, give it a whirl.

Skins: I'm beginning to lose patience with this series. The last three episodes might have had eventful stuff - Franky's rape, Mini's pregnancy and Nick resorting to desperate measures to try and get Matty home but the writing has been a bit too haphazard in parts and the sudden undying between Nick and Franky rings false to me. On the plus side, Liv and Alex are a fun double act and it's nice that Rich has finally returned, even if he hasn't done much. This show desperately needs to improve with it's final four episodes.

Upstairs Downstairs: Okay, so some of the cast and the writers might not like the comparison this show gets to Downton Abbey and while you can argue that they're unfair comparisons, I have to admit that if I had to choose between the Granthams and the Hollands, it'd probably be a rather easy choice. The first two episodes of the second series of 165 Eaton were a mixed bag and as much as I do love Alex Kingston, I'm still finding her character, Blanche as polarising as the rest of the cast. On the plus side, at least Beryl is likeable and Harry has improved. I can't say the same for Agnes and Persephone though or Pritchard and just no to any more dead monkeys.

The Vampire Diaries: It was the night of the ghosts and it was also one of the best and low key episodes we've had as well. The fact that the last two episodes were seemingly short on Klaus as well also helped matters but I enjoyed the returns of Anna, Pearl, Mason, Lexie and Sheila as well. Too bad that Elena still seems to be too fixated with trying to rehabilitate the ripper version of Stefan and that Jeremy and Bonnie broke up but either way, this show still knows how to deliver.

- David Morrissey will be playing The Governor in the third season of The Walking Dead.
- Revenge will feature both a time jump to winter, a former flame of Victoria's and an episode set in 2003 while a wedding will open up the second season.
- Both Zachary Quinto and Jessica Lange will remain as regulars for the second season of American Horror Story, however they will be playing different characters.
- Jennifer Love Hewitt's series The Client List will debut on Lifetime in April. Think Secret Diary Of A Call Girl and you're there.
- David Zayas will be playing a troll like monster in an upcoming episode of Grimm.
- Alan Ball will be stepping down from True Blood upon completion of it's fifth season.
- Adam Baldwin will be appearing an upcoming episode of Castle.
- Jessica Brown-Findlay and Katie McGrath's Labyrinth will air on Channel 4 as will World Without End, starring Cynthia Nixon, Miranda Raison and Peter Firth.