My Review of Buffy The Vampire Slayer's 8x30: "Retreat Part 5"

Written by Jane Espenson
Artwork by Georges Jeanty

Buffy: “The goddesses. They’re not on our side.”
Willow: “What? We – they --”
Buffy: “They’re not on anyone’s side, they’re killers and we’re not getting our powers back. We didn’t bring help. We brought death.”

And this is how you make a dire situation ten times worse – summon three unhinged goddesses who’ll happily kill everything and anything in their way. Goddesses are clearly never going to be a benevolent force on this show. Buffy just made her outcome even worse than she already had inadvertently done.

At first it did look like everything was moving in their favour. The goddesses arrived and started despatching most of Twilight’s soldiers. Then it started in on the slayers as well. As allies went, the goddesses were a very poor choice.

I knew there was going to be consequences for the slayers surrendering their power to the Earth but this was just devastating. Completely powerless, they were barely able to defend themselves from both Twilight and the goddesses and in the end, the most predictable of outcome happened – they lost.

The last scene with the majority of them being rounded up proved that sometimes, the villains do win. Twilight effectively just waited for the dust to settle to snare the survivors and what he plans to do with them is something we won’t be finding out until the New Year.

Twilight’s motives in this one were strange enough, I’ll grant you. He was pretty unfazed when he realised that Riley had double crossed him and while he’s probably tiring of Amy and Warren’s constant bickering, he was also perfectly happy to walk away and let them squabble amongst themselves like a bunch of children.

Then there was sacrificing his soldiers. That didn’t sit too well with the commander guy that was begging Twilight to let him pull his men out of the fight. But at the same time, was it shocking that Twilight was interested in seeing what the goddesses could do to the men? Not for one second.

That might end up coming back to haunt Twilight in future issues. If he’s too willing to sacrifice his men on a whim then I can see the soldiers turning on him. Twilight might be clever but he’s also been dependent on the government as well as Amy, Warren and Riley to pull off some of his schemes so far. What happens when one of them decides that they don’t really need Twilight in order to best Buffy once and for all?

Speaking of someone not being needed, Warren really was made to feel like the Zeppo of the bunch in this issue, wasn’t it? I absolutely loved Amy for her sheer belittlement of Warren, who’s out and out misogyny underlines a little man syndrome if ever there was one. He really is threatened that Amy is cleverer than him and not mightily impressed with her constantly reminding him that she’s his skin.

I’m hoping by the end of this comic season that Warren is permanently killed off because although there was the initial shock of his return earlier on in the series, the writers haven’t actually utilised him all that much and it’s pretty apparent in this issue alone that Twilight and Amy see him as neither use, nor ornament as well. Plus, no-one would actually miss Warren either, so there’s another valid reason why Amy should finish what Willow started.

She already perceptively pointed out that Warren’s plan of tricking Andrew at the start of this arc was ridiculous. It was ridiculous, in the same way that Warren attempting to undermine Twilight when the latter realised that Riley was working for Buffy all along. I guess we should’ve seen that coming. I’m glad that Riley isn’t a bad guy.

That being said, Riley didn’t fare all that much better in the story either. Like Bay, he’s alive but also seriously injured and at this point in time, probably captured as well. He had some nice little moments with Buffy and the gang but even during his time undercover, he still wasn’t able to come up with anything to help the gang stop Twilight.

However the biggest talking point of the entire story are the goddesses. Seemingly because of them, everyone is still powerless and that’s something that Twilight is going to delight in no doubt but the strangest moment was when one of them grabbed Buffy and then dropped her to the ground without a second thought.

By rights, Buffy should’ve been dead from this. Instead she rose from the snow and watched as the goddesses continued their rampage through Tibet. Thinking about it, this probably means that Buffy now has everyone’s powers to boot, including Willow’s. Sucks for everyone else, but will Buffy be able to mentally handle all of that power surging through her?

Also in “Retreat Part 5”

Adam Hughes cover for this issue is gorgeous. Buffy in a blizzard, which got added into the issue itself for good measure.

Warren: “It didn’t have to get to this point. I was working on Andrew. He was buying it. If you’d let me continue -”
Amy: “Your whole plan didn’t even make sense – The First tempted him before, not you, and you are no The First.”
Warren: “But the whole we-are-as-gods thing was totally getting to him! I mean, just look out there! Gods are a big deal.”

The fact that Amy knows that The First tempted Andrew as Warren was a good indicator that she did have ties to it in Season Seven.

Bayaarma: “They shouldn’t have come here.”
Oz: “Who? Buffy and everyone? Or the goddesses?”
Bayaarma: “We gave them everything.”

Amy: “Buffy’s in that jeep. Where’s she going?”
Warren: “Why don’t I have binoculars?”
Twilight: “The goddesses almost killed them.”

Maybe it was due to the severity of what was going on, but Buffy was less agitated with Xander in this issue.

Bayaarma (re goddesses): “It’s been too long since we shared the surface with them. They don’t recognise the ones who feed them.”
Kennedy: “Are we going to get our powers back?”
Faith: “No.”

Buffy: “Hang on.”
Riley: “People always say that when someone’s hurt really badly, but I don’t think it helps.”

Dark Horses are doing some one shots with Dr Horrible and Sugar Shock for all you Joss Whedon fans out there.

Amy: “Shut up, Warren.”
Warren: “Stop cutting me down!”
Twilight: “We can’t trust anyone anymore. Tell me -”
Warren: “You’re the least supportive girlfriend ever!”
Amy: “I’m your skin.”
Warren: “Oh, you always have to go there!”

Buffy (re being able to fly): “What the hell?!”

Next issue, a one shot called “Willow” is due out on December 23rd.

As arcs end, this one is definitely something of a traditional cliff hanger. “Retreat Part 5” does move beautifully and it’s certainly the best issue from the entire arc. But I’m hoping that by this time 2010, all of the events leading up to this will pay off spectacularly.

Rating: 9 out of 10.

Another Returning Monster (Doctor Who Season 5 Spoilers)

I know this week should all be about The Waters Of Mars and it is, but here are some recent (ish) updates on filming for Season 5.

Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) and Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) seemingly in the midst of a discussion or pally moment, I'm not really sure which to be honest.

Apparently this story (still episodes 8 and 9) does feature a family that comes into contact with our new Time Team. One of the characters is called Elliot.

Vaguely in this photo and if you check my last set report, you're supposed to see a Silurian. If it's them, fantastic but if not, I'm sure they'll be an interesting adversary, especially to get a two parter dedicated to them.

Some more scenes filmed at a local church. I'm guessing this was one of the places where the Silurians (if it's them for sure) were supposed to attack. There does seem to be an old school feeling to this upcoming season, which I'm intrigued by.

Alun Raglan is one of the guest stars confirmed for this story. Nothing too specific has been disclosed in regards to his character. I think he's called Mo Northover. I also read on GallifreyBase that Meera Syal is playing Nasreen Chaudhry. Interesting casting in the latter case. Alun Vega also has the building they're coming out called the "Silurian Senate" on his Flickr account (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alun_vega/)

And a certain truck shows that UNIT have returned. Notice the words, "Byzantium" and "Fanny Magnet" also on the vehicle in question. Apparently this story is to have a bit of a Season 7 feel to it. Reminders of the Pertwee era? Wonderful! After this story is completed, it's supposedly Richard Curtis's episode that gets filmed next and that's going to feature Van Gogh apparently.

My Review of The Sarah Jane Adventures 3x04: "The Eternity Trap"

Written by Phil Ford
Directed by Alice Troughton

Erasmus (to Clyde/Rani): “You cross my threshold of your own free will and now by my will, you shall stay for eternity.”

When it comes to this verse, we get it already – ghosts do not exist. Another story that solidifies this belief would be this one where the goings on of Ashen Manor may look spooky but supposedly aren’t, in the supernatural sense of things.

At least that’s what both Sarah Jane and Professor Rivers seem to believe. Despite his absence, we’re also told that Luke isn’t convinced by the existence of ghosts either. So, why do Clyde, Rani and more vocally, Toby seem to think that there’s some truth in the supernatural then?

Well, even before anything ‘spooky’ happened, Ashen Manor does look like the sort of clichéd home to attract the supernatural, doesn’t it? Erasmus Darkening certainly seemed to be enjoying tormenting those who unwisely lived in the house for the past three hundred plus years that’s for sure.

Sarah Jane’s cynicism about the spiritual elements is duly maintained throughout the whole story. Even though there are certain moments where Toby thought he was vindicated in his beliefs of the paranormal, Sarah Jane’s lack of belief never faltered. If it wasn’t for her own experiences, she’d appeared to be a very silly woman for not at least entertaining the idea of ghosts.

In terms of ghostly activities, a lot of the stuff does seem to be rather textbook examples here. Weird crying/noises, things being moved around, the house shaking and things being thrown at different points. If it’s alien, then it certainly has a peculiar sense of humour in that regard. Of course it’s alien, even though it took a while for Sarah Jane to confirm it of course.

But the kind of alien that Erasmus Darkening is however was never revealed in this story. He certainly knows enough about dimension and his fractured accelerator was certainly a way of trapping various people and prolonging his own existence. That was appropriate, given the title for this story.

It also wasn’t long before Professor Rivers became one of the people trapped as well by Erasmus’s little trap. Someone had to get it and Rivers I guess made the best candidate. It meant that Toby also largely spent his time with Sarah Jane while Clyde and Rani failed miserably to stay out of trouble themselves.

The team up with Sarah Jane and Toby was interesting enough. Toby certainly seemed like a character that is likely to return to the series, especially given that Professor Rivers herself has been a recurring character as well. He certainly learned a lot from Sarah Jane by the end of the Erasmus debacle.

His belief in the paranormal seemed to stem from a single incident that he couldn’t put a scientific explanation onto. The fact that he also doesn’t make any attempts to hide the fact that he wanted approval from his father was revealing in its own way. Something that Sarah Jane also commented on. I also can’t help but love his joy at seeing Lord Marchwood and not freaking out as well. Good for him.

For every villain of the piece, there needs to be a victim and Lord Marchwood is probably the biggest one here. It was his foolishness and trust in Erasmus that put the alien into his proximity and it was an attack gone wrong that damned Erasmus to being stuck on Earth and snatching people for his own survival.

Callum Blue was a good a choice for Lord Marchwood, neatly highlighting the character’s anguish at Erasmus’s reign of terror and also the heroism. Several times in the story, it’s both Marchwood and his lost children that try to warn the gang to leave Ashen Manor or save them from being attacked by Erasmus.

Erasmus certainly did attack at great length, though he never actually succeeded in snaring Sarah Jane, Clyde, Rani and Toby without Marchwood scuppering his plans. Even the one chance he had to get them without Marchwood, Erasmus spent too much time bragging about his genius to actually do the deed in question.

It just goes to show that you can have a colossus of genius and still be a halfwit at times. Erasmus spent too much time with childish ghost tactics and bragging about his own importance that Marchwood, Toby and Sarah Jane were able to get their own back and turn him into electricity. As comeuppances went, it was fine, though maybe finding a way to send him home or into the nearest black hole might have better.

The ending for this story was pretty simplistic as well. Professor Rivers came back and realised that while ghosts still don’t exist, something did. I’m not sure how much Sarah Jane filled in but Toby’s talk of looking into the stars should’ve given her a vital clue. As for Clyde and Rani, jokes references aside, both of them felt a little underused in certain parts.

Also in “The Eternity Trap”

Does anyone know why Tommy Knight wasn’t in this one? Something to do with exams, seeing as he’s the youngest of the child actors.

Sarah Jane: “It’s a good story professor but I don’t believe in ghosts.”
Professor Rivers: “Of course you don’t and neither do I but Ashen Manor is reputedly one of the most haunted locations in the UK.”

Erasmus Darkening really looked like and sounded like Borusa from “The Five Doctors”, despite him being played by a different actor.

Clyde (to Sarah Jane): “No wonder Luke wanted to stay at home. I could get bored at jumping out of my own shadow pretty fast.”

Toby: “That’s better professor. The camera doesn’t do you any favours.”
Professor Rivers: “I heard that.”

Toby’s father is the reputed, Sir Rupert Silverman. The creature he was supposed to have seen as a child was the Trickster from the way Toby described him.

Rani (to Erasmus): “It’s not that we’re not tempted but we’ve got school on Monday.”

Erasmus: “We exist at different frequencies. Your steel cannot hurt me, Marchwood.”
Lord Marchwood: “And your magic cannot hurt me again.”

This was another story not to feature Rani’s parents, though apparently Luke had no problem beating Haresh six times at chess.

Erasmus: “I’m Erasmus Darkening, Lord of magic.”
Sarah Jane: “You really shouldn’t believe your own press, you know. Maybe people believed in magic when you were conning Lord Marchwood, that you could make gold from lead but not anymore.”

Rani: “So how do you distract a ghost?”
Clyde: “Um, you find them a pretty ghoul friend?”

In case you don’t know, we now know that Doctor Who’s “The Waters Of Mars” airs on November 15th at 7pm on BBC1 so we’re getting doubly spoiled next week.

Clyde (to Rani): “Some aliens are like us. The Doctor looked human.”

Erasmus: “You disappoint me, Miss Smith.”
Sarah Jane: “I never like to disappoint.”

Chronology: Nothing specified since “The Wedding Of Sarah Jane Smith”

Out of the four stories that have aired so far this season, “The Eternity Trap” for me is the weakest of the bunch. It’s not a terrible story and Luke’s absence doesn’t deter proceedings but even with the presence of Callum Blue and a good villain in Erasmus Darkening, it’s just not a favourite of mine.

Rating: 7 out of 10.

My Review of True Blood's 2x01: "Nothing But The Blood"

Written by Alexander Woo
Directed by Daniel Minahan

Sookie (to Bill): “I shared every dark, horrible corner of my life with you. What made you think I couldn’t handle yours? I’m a lot stronger than you think.”

I never doubted that Sookie had inner strength but it’s nice to hear her assert herself to Bill because if this episode is anything to go by, then the second season certainly isn’t going to be that much of a walk in the park. Yet again, she stumbled across a dead body. The only difference was that this time both Andy and Tara were there as well.

If we were going by “Living Dead In Dallas” like this season is setting out to, then the unfortunate corpse in the car should be Lafayette by all means. Instead it was Miss Jeanette. I wasn’t particularly fond of the woman but even I don’t think she was deserving of the death dished out to her here. So, who the hell did it?

I’m not even going to entertain the notion that either Tara or Andy were responsible for Jeanette’s death. Tara didn’t do herself any favours by originally denying all knowledge of the woman but at least she did the right thing when Sookie advised her to. Going off on one wouldn’t have been Tara’s strongest of ideas in this situation.

Andy himself seems to enjoy grilling people he knows of murders. While he was nowhere near as mean spirited with Tara like he was with Jason, he certainly didn’t give her an easy time of it either. Which was stupid on Andy’s part when Bud mentioned that he was a suspect as well. That certainly didn’t leave a happy taste in Andy’s mouth. Oh well, at least Andy can’t blame Jason for this one, right?

As for Lettie Mae, I veer between feeling a glimmer of sympathy for her and then realising she’s an out and out bitch for her negligence of Tara over and over again. I wasn’t surprised that Lettie Mae refused to accept that Miss Jeanette was a con woman and I certainly wasn’t fazed when she kept insisting on Tara’s demon as well. The weird, liar or not, Jeanette did ‘cure’ Lettie Mae. What are we supposed to make of that?

The fun part about Lettie Mae’s tirade was having Maryann sock it to her in a massive way. There was nothing more gratifying than watching Maryann remind Lettie Mae of how much of a bad mother she really was. The only sad part was that while Maryann was totally right to say all of those things to Lettie Mae, the woman is trouble and this episode only continued that trend.

With Tara you get the impression that she’s being groomed or used by Maryann and that’s before Sam even raised the notion. What it is about Tara that Maryann wants exactly? If it’s to cause a rift between Tara and Lettie Mae, then that’s easily done. However if it’s something to do with Eggs, then Tara is going to be in some serious crap before we even get to the halfway point of this season.

Why else would she go apeshit on poor Carl? All the guy did was give Tara and Eggs some towels. If that’s enough to have her smacking employees, then I’m pretty sure she’ll be scarier when she’s actually got a really good reason to be pissed off with someone. Like maybe Sam for instance.

“You’ll Be The Death Of Me” indicated that there was a certain amount of history between them. This episode went one better by showing us flashbacks. Younger Sam slept with Maryann and stole from her. Our Sam wanted to pay her back because he believed that was her reason for catching up to him. Whatever it is that Maryann wants, it definitely isn’t money. I’ve read the books but I’m assuming the series have bigger plans for Maryann.

With her around both Sam and Tara (and as the series goes on, Sookie) had better watch themselves. At least she’s different to fang-banger killer Rene and it’s rather Buffy-ish to have season Big Bads and I mean that in a good way of course. Hopefully though Maryann will make as good an impact as Rene did in the first season.

Speaking of impacts, Sookie and Bill definitely had plenty to get through with this episode. Both Jessica’s making as a vampire and Uncle Bartlett’s death were something that certainly got Sookie’s goat for this one. To be fair, I can actually defend Bill a little on this one.

Uncle Bartlett – I’m sorry but while Bill shouldn’t have done him in, I don’t exactly find myself mourning the loss of a paedophile, no matter how old he was. But Sookie raised a point about Bill not killing every single person who upsets. She even compared her own discomfort of bumping off Rene and that was in self defence to address the point even further.

Jessica on the other hand was doomed from the start. If Bill didn’t make her, then the Magister would’ve gotten someone else to do it or had the girl simply bumped off. Not much in the way of choices and it was also Bill’s punishment for saving Sookie from Long Shadow, which was something that Sookie needed to be reminded of as well.

Jessica’s bratty behaviour was still a good source of fun in this episode. She found Sookie strange, was thrilled about the idea of dressing like a Slattern but also found herself slowly yielding to Bill’s way of thinking by finding a cocktail of Tru Blood that didn’t taste as bad as the rest of them. I see a lot of fun here if done right. And it gives Bill something to do other than protect Sookie all the time.

In terms of the shipper stuff, both Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer got some beautiful material in this episode. Bill is far better in the series than in the books and the sex scene between them in the episode, even with the blood was something else alright. Then again at this point if you’re not used to the racy sex of this show, then why watch it?

In relation to sex, how funny was it to see Jason turn down a girl because he wanted to be pure? Unlike the start of the last season where Jason was intentionally depicted as a jackass, this year he actually does want to do the right thing. Too bad his idea of that happens to be joining up with the Fellowship Of The Sun.

When even Hoyt is pointing out that the Fellowship are a bunch of vampire hating psychos, it’s good reason to listen up fast. Steve Newlin embodies every ounce of bigotry as his father did before and no amount of perkiness is ever going to make me like Sarah. Also when religion starts demanding $1200 for you to join up, then there’s a reason to be even dubious of it’s motives. Poor Jason. No way in hell is hooking up with the Fellowship going to end well for him.

As for Lafayette, the good news is that he’s alive. Bad news is that Eric has him as a prisoner, which must mean that he thinks Lafayette is responsible for Eddie’s disappearance/death. Watching Lafayette’s scenes were certainly grim but oddly when Eric in the middle of getting his highlights done came down and killed one of those homophobic hicks from last season. Nice to know in a weird way that Eric does have a bad side. Too bad Amy didn’t make it until Eric offered her his own brand of justice.

Also in “Nothing But The Blood”

Deborah Ann Woll (Jessica), Mehcad Brooks (Eggs), Michelle Forbes (Maryann) and Anna Camp (Sarah Newlin) were added to the regular cast this season.

Sam: “I don’t know about you but I think I’ve seen enough dead bodies to last me a lifetime.”
Sookie: “Except this one, I just don’t get. With everyone Rene killed, you would see his rage but this? Cutting out this poor woman’s heart? Someone just wanted to see her suffer.”

Bud Dearborne seems to be into square dancing, which has to be the most harmless secret anyone in this show seems to have. Although obviously it’s not a secret.

Tara (re Miss Jeanette): “The woman’s got a voodoo bus out in the middle of the woods.”
Andy: “Any particular place in the woods or just the middle of the woods?”

Royce: “How long have you been here?”
Lafayette: “I ain’t got no idea.”

While Tara acknowledged Lafayette’s absence, it would be nice if Sookie or someone actively started looking for him.

Maryann (to Lettie Mae, re Tara): “What a rare opportunity this is. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to gaze into the eyes of someone so devoid of human compassion that she would abandon her own child when she needed you the most.”

Steve: “It’s a beautiful, sunny morning in America, Miss Flanagan. I wish you were here.”
Nan: “Give me twelve hours, Reverend. I’ll be right there.”

In case of confusion, it’s pointed out in the episode that Nan is actually in Tokyo at the time she was speaking to Steve Newlin. Hope we see more of her this season.

Sam: “What are you?”
Maryann: “Baby boy, you’re the only thing that’s special in this world.”

Royce: “What else is there to do down here? Don’t you talk to the others?”
Lafayette: “No. Mostly I keep to my fucking self and think.”

Lafayette seems on the verge of a character assessment for himself. On another note, how lovely was it seeing Terry defending Arlene? Plus there was the poignancy of Jason grieving for Amy and Sookie going through Adelle’s stuff and we have a new barmaid in Daphne as well.

Sookie: “Jason, Amy was a V addict.”
Jason: “That don’t mean she had to die. I can’t help it, Sook, I loved her and when you love someone, you gotta love it all. Otherwise it ain’t love.”

Sam (to Sam): “I’m tired of charring my ass on your back burner.”

Standout music: “The Golden State” by John Doe/Kathleen Edwards and “Nothing But The Blood” by Randy Travis.

Maryann: “You have something of mine.”
Sam: “I don’t know how you found me but I assume this is what you came for. I’m sorry. I was young and scared at the time.”
Maryann: “I remember. Money. Oh, you sweet thing. It’s not your money I want.”

Chronology: Exactly from where “You’ll Be The Death Of Me” left off.

For a season opener, there are moments where you think things are moving slowly but seriously, “Nothing But The Blood” never seems to stop with the amount of storylines that are clearly being set up for the new season. A wonderful opening episode.

Rating: 9 out of 10.

My Review of Dollhouse's 2x03: "Belle Chose"

Written by Tim Minear
Directed by David Solomon

Ivy: “First Paul is going to take you on a spree.”
Echo: “Shopping or killing? Joke.”

Whoever said this show had a dark sense of humour? Well if you haven’t, then why not? The humour might not tickle you in the same vein as Dexter but this show certainly doesn’t waste time in delivering one of the creepiest characters yet.

Opening up with Terry was a different tack in a way for the series. He looked suitably demented and it wasn’t that much of a shocker when we saw four innocent women paralysed and positioned like shop door dummies. Sadly when the paralysis wore off one of the women, her attempts of escape were thwarted with Terry bumping up her in quite a grim fashion.

Adding further to the violent opening, Terry himself got ran over when he decided to get a replacement for his Aunt Sheila. Karmically, it’s a beautiful thing to happen to the deranged sociopath but if that had been the end of him; we’d be 75% out of an episode as well, so Terry winding up in a coma instead was to be expected.

When even Topher has moral qualms against wanting to wake Terry up, it’s probably a good indicator that a) Topher does some scruples and b) a further reminder of how seriously we’re suppose to take Terry as a threat. His uncle Bradley wanted Adelle to wake him up, even after admitting to some of Terry’s horrid acts. Personally, I’d probably pull the plug Terry if I had the choice, so it’s probably a good thing that I’m not a doctor then.

Of course Adelle’s a lot shrewder and connecting the disappearance of four women from Bradley’s claims of his nephew’s nasty activity, she spotted a potential case to solve. This also meant Paul getting to utilise his FBI skills. Paul doing something useful. No, actually this is a good episode for him.

His approach with Terry was pretty good. I liked that Paul didn’t want to try the softly, softly approach even if Bradley felt it was the better method with Terry. Having Victor don the psycho’s body meant a great performance from Enver, who certainly has proved his capability as an actor on this show and in this episode alone.

Terry’s motives for his actions weren’t spectacular or even original. Paul conveyed that beautifully when he tore into Terry’s need for having a fake family, even though his real one was very much alive and breathing. The only problem was that in spite of Paul’s wonderful breakthrough (Terry admitted to killing the woman he forced to be Aunt Sheila), Bradley broke him out of the Dollhouse while still in Victor’s body.

Victor running loose as a psycho is not a good thing and even Adelle felt the pressure by demanding Topher to do a remote wipe. It was only a matter of time before someone other than Alpha would have to achieve and lo and behold, Topher did the deed. Too bad that he took the psycho out of Victor and slammed him into Echo. Not your best work, Topher.

Having both Victor and Echo swap from the imprints they had was a genius idea for this episode. Okay so Eliza Dushku isn’t quite as good as Enver Gjokai but she does a good effort in still conveying the menace when Terry killed/injured poor randy professor Edmund and also when he went back to finish the rest of his victims off.

The final few moments however with Echo trying to suppress Terry’s killer instincts and help the women out when she wasn’t attacking them was a little rushed. I did however find some of the ending confusing. Did Terry actually die in his coma and did Echo manage to retain him, even after being wiped? The latter is definitely not a good thing if true.

As for the other assignment, Echo as Kiki felt a little too first season for me. The naive girl, not getting her medieval literature and having a randy professor enlighten and sleep with her. Been there, done that does seem to be the nicest way of conveying that it’s nothing new. Edmund getting killed/seriously injured when Echo went from Kiki to Terry however was a bit more original. If he survived, could Adelle have a lawsuit on her hands?

However the best thing about this episode was Victor as Kiki. It might have been short-lived but it was certainly a lot of fun and far funnier than you’d ever expect a show like this to be. Paul was especially kind of cute when he stepped in from Victor getting potentially beaten up by a few disgruntled night clubbers. Certainly a talking point for this series.

Also in “Belle Chose”

The literary allusions in this episode were interesting. In his own way, Edmund was trying to encourage female sexual liberation while Terry was trying to suppress it.

Topher (re Terry): “It could also give him a man reaction.”
Adelle: “I choose not to hear that.”

Boyd and Adelle both argued over Claire in this episode. Even Victor commented on not liking the new doctor as well.

Boyd (to Adelle): “Topher has ethical problems. Topher.”

Echo: “I’m like the Scarlet Lady with an F on her chest.”
Edmund: “A.”

Bradley was played by Michael Hogan (Tigh from Battlestar Galactica). If we’re really lucky can we have Tricia Helfer or James Callis next?

Bradley (re Paul): “This is the wrong approach to take with Terry. He needs to know you’re on his side.”
Adelle: “But we’re not on his side.”

Echo (to Edmund): “I guess having a fat ass was a great thing in the 1300s.”

In the UK, Sci-Fi seems to keep airing their ads for evening repeats of Buffy during the breaks for this show. Gee, I wonder why.

Topher (re Victor): “He’ll be an empty headed robot walking around Hollywood. He’ll be fine. We’ll find him.”

Edmund: “You do have power over me. You’re an incredible woman.”
Echo/Terry: “What did you call me? I am an incredible woman. Goodness gracious.”

Victor/Kiki (to night clubber): “You suck. Trying to hit a girl. Oh Paul, why did you ever leave me?”
Paul (to man): “You got a problem?”

No Sierra this week but the next episode is supposed to more than make up for that, so I’m happy with that.

Paul (re Terry): “Think he’ll ever wake up?”
Adelle: “Wouldn’t it be nice if he didn’t?”

Paul and Adelle seem friendlier with each other. Either that or Paul is trying to be more clever in taking the Dollhouse down. Latter I suspect.

“Belle Chose” is definitely the strongest contender from the first couple of episode we’ve had this season. Some good performances from Eliza and Enver and priceless comic moments all help make this one a winner.

Rating: 9 out of 10.

My Review of The Sarah Jane Adventures 3x03: "The Wedding Of Sarah Jane Smith"

Written by Gareth Roberts
Directed by Joss Agnew

Sarah Jane: “You came all this way for me?”
The Doctor: “You’re so important, not just to me. The Trickster wanted the end of your story but it goes on. Things you’ve done, Sarah, they’re pretty impressive. Oh, the thing you’re going to do.”

As appearances, The Doctor’s on this show has been a long time coming. Ever since “Invasion Of The Bane”, Sarah Jane’s talked of her former mentor so much that actually having him in the show was the natural next step. Except that you have to wait halfway through the story for him to actually appear.

In a way, it’s a smart tactic. You need those twenty five minutes or so to establish many events before The Doctor can make his entrance (and it’s definitely an entrance). Namely, a certain Miss Smith all of a sudden having a love life for beginners.

Unlike Clyde, I do not object to people over 22 kissing in public but Sarah Jane suddenly getting a nice posh bloke in Peter was always going to be suspicious. Her attempts of concealing the relationship from the kids had them using Mr Smith to spy on her. Even Sarah Jane later pointed out that she’s made them unable to trust anyone.

However after getting uppity for a few seconds on the gang spying on her, she was positively happy to dispense with the details. Even Luke got to poke some good natured fun at his mum for having a love life when he was grappling with the idea of relationships to put it mildly. Something tells me that Luke will end up getting a love interest if this show makes it into a fourth season. Judging by the ratings and affection for the series, I’d be shocked if it didn’t.

In terms of casting, Nigel Havers (last seen in Brothers And Sisters and Lunch Monkeys) is a good fit for the role of Peter. He’s got a convincing debonair about him that could explain why Sarah Jane found herself compelled to seek him out and his like of Luke seems very genuine. Of course, Clyde would have to be unconvinced.

One of the kids needed to be genuinely sceptical and maybe it made sense for Clyde to be that kid. He got Rani to come with him to break into Peter’s place but after from an overflow of letters in an empty gaff, Clyde didn’t actually have much to go on. Even Luke told him not to ruin the big day.

Yes, what totally made Peter suspect was his instant proposal to Sarah Jane, her ready acceptance and a ring that had the woman under his control. It doesn’t exactly sound like the most ideal start to a marriage. Also it didn’t take long for both Haresh and Gita to suspect something not right with Sarah Jane marrying in haste.

That being said, no wedding is complete without someone there to ruin the big day in TV land. Sarah Jane got twice the trouble with The Doctor bursting into the hotel demanding the wedding to stop and the Trickster also popping up quick enough to separate the last Time Lord from his greatest companion on her big day.

So, after much hyping aside, is The Doctor any good in this story? Yes, actually he is. For the most part, he’s seperated from Sarah Jane so that meant him having to bond with Luke, Clyde, Rani and K9 in his frantic bid to get everything back to normal and there are some wonderful moments with them all. I have to hand it to the Trickster, he can certainly does live up to his name.

Here he trapped Sarah Jane and Peter in one second and The Doctor and the gang in another. Both sides were determined to best the Trickster and the Trickster was determined to get a final victory, something which he happily goaded The Doctor about as well.

In the past stories with Sarah Jane, the Trickster used Andrea and her parents to get his own way. Peter is a lot like Andrea. At the brink and forced into an agreement but overall, he’s not a malicious man. He wanted to live and fall in love with the right woman. The Trickster more or less gave him that chance. The only problem lied with Sarah Jane.

She’s had enough experiences with the Trickster to do a better job at resisting temptation. She might love Peter as much as she claimed to but it’s obvious that she’s not going to let the Trickster win. It seems that if Sarah Jane agreed to marry Peter, she’d live a normal life and the Trickster would be able to go about creating chaos more successfully.

As schemes go, it’s pretty satisfying. I don’t know if the Trickster actually hates Sarah Jane. I almost get the impression that he doesn’t. Sarah Jane obviously poses a great threat to him given the number of stunts he’s pulled to get her out of the picture. He even chastised The Doctor for not realising hoe special she was.

Of course the silly thing about the Trickster was his reckless underestimation of Clyde Langer. Naturally, Clyde would have to have been the one to soak up some artron energy and he certainly didn’t have any problem in using the stuff on the Trickster. For a second, it did look like Clyde’s days were surely numbered. Not today though.

Still while it was Clyde who was able to injure the Trickster, it was up to Peter to defeat him. Although we had already seen this in “Whatever Happened To Sarah Jane?”, I did feel bad for Peter and for Sarah Jane. Both Elisabeth Sladen and Nigel Havers knocked out of the ball park when Peter sacrificed himself to stop the Trickster.

The pain didn’t end there. Sarah Jane still had to stand in front of everyone when time was restored and call of the wedding. That only added to the sadness factor of the story. At least The Doctor had the sense to come back to see her attic in Bannerman Road.

As a story between The Doctor and Sarah Jane, arguably we should’ve seen more scenes of them together but the end bit made up for it. The Doctor’s current incarnation is on borrowed time and he knows it. The Trickster himself so much as said when referencing the gate. The Doctor even asked Sarah Jane not to forget him. A line that may come back to haunt him in the next two months.

But the scene with Sarah Jane and the gang in the TARDIS however was a delight. From a sentimental standpoint, it’s hard not to love those little moments with everyone soaking up the majesty of The Doctor’s TARDIS. As for him and Sarah Jane seeing each other again, I bloody well hope so.

Also in “The Wedding Of Sarah Jane Smith”

Because of David Tennant’s appearance in this story, the ads on BBC1 were certainly more prominent.

Mr Smith: “I am able to complete that function, Clyde. There’s no need to consult the dog.”
K9: “Sticks and stones.”

Can I just say that The Odd Couple banter with Mr Smith and K9 is wonderful? Both are given great lines by Roberts here.

Sarah Jane (re Luke/Clyde/Rani): “I should be angry. Why am I not angry?”
K9: “Mistress I detect you are experiencing a heightened emotional state. Alpha waves high, heartbeat fast, increased Serotonin.”
Sarah Jane: “K9, always the romantic.”
K9: “Affirmative.”

Clyde (to Rani, re Peter’s house): “Look at this place, I knew it. Lair of the Living Dead.”

There was an amusing subplot in the first half of the story with Clyde and Rani having to send a Travist Prolong (from “The Mark Of The Berserker”) alien back home. Peter admiring K9 was funny as well.

Gita (to Peter): “It can’t be worse than our honeymoon. Total disaster.”
Haresh: “Um, I enjoyed it.”
Gita: “Brussels. There’s nothing there.”

The Doctor: “Trickster, let her go.”
Trickster: “Too late, Time Lord. You’re mine, Sarah Jane Smith. Mine forever.”

Funnily enough, there’s a novelisation of this story out at the start of November. I’m tempted to buy it.

Clyde: “I hope you’re as good as Sarah Jane says you are.”
The Doctor: “Well, you know journalists, always exaggerating but yeah, I’m pretty amazing on a good day.”

Sarah Jane: “The one time I fall in love, the one time everything goes right and it’s a trap. I thought I loved you but you aren’t even real.”
Peter: “You do love me. I’m here, flesh and blood.”

The Trickster is a member of the Pantheon Of Discord but was defensive when The Doctor noted that it was alone. Also, what exactly is The Gate?

Trickster: “At last, Doctor. I can feel this moment reverberating back through the ages. The meeting of the Pantheon Of Discord and the last of the Time Lords.”
The Doctor: “I’ve known the legends of the Pantheon since I was a little boy. I fought your shadows and your changelings. I never thought we’d meet.”

Sarah Jane (to Peter): “I love you but I can’t love you. You said you’d do anything to save me. You know what you have to do.”

Interestingly enough, they didn’t put David Tennant’s name in the opening credits with Elisabeth Sladen. There were also mentions of Maria (exams), Alan (tied up at work) and the Brigadier (in Peru) in relation to their absences.

Sarah Jane: “Is this the last time I’m ever going to see you?”
The Doctor: “I don’t know. I hope not.”
Sarah Jane: “Bye Doctor. Until next time.”
The Doctor: “Don’t forget me, Sarah Jane.”
Sarah Jane: “No-one’s ever going to forget you.”

Parts of that harkens back to “The Hand Of Fear” as well as the Storybook 2010 as well. Unsurprisingly we got hints of what to expect in the last three specials of Doctor Who this year.

“The Wedding Of Sarah Jane Smith” was always going to be an accomplishment. The show’s writing has increased in quality, the performances were wonderful, nostalgia references were finely timed (Metabelis 3 anyone?) as well as a foreboding sense of something else. By far one of the best stories from the series and a guaranteed fan favourite for many years to come.

Rating: 10 out of 10.

My Review of The Sarah Jane Adventures 3x02: "The Mad Woman In The Attic"

Written by Joseph Lidster
Directed by Alice Troughton

Rani (to Adam): “Sarah Jane Smith was mysterious and moody and oh, you did not want to get on the wrong side of her but I thought she was wonderful. She saved the world so many times. She changed my life. I never told her how grateful I was.”

This really takes the biscuit when it comes to the trusted, “be careful what you wish for” scenario. Rani’s clearly not paid enough attention to the consequences of a casual slip up in words becoming an irrevocable future. Here was a good lesson for her with this wonderful story.

Last season, one of the strengths of Rani’s introduction was the simple fact that the gang (Sarah Jane especially) didn’t draw too many comparison between her and Maria. That kind of thing annoyed a great deal of viewers on Doctor Who with Rose and Martha. Here though, it’s raised up and it sort of sucks.

It’s nice that because they’re a continent apart, the gang haven’t lost touch with Maria and it’s also nice that Maria is continuing her alien investigations as well. Less nice was the gang somewhat dismissing Rani as she was trying to ignite an investigation. I can see why Rani wouldn’t have been particularly pleased with them.

Of course as viewers, we do know that Sarah Jane, Luke and Clyde do care about Rani so while they were being slightly thoughtless, it’s not like they were intentionally trying to make Rani feel like an outsider. Sarah Jane even admitted to feeling bad about dismissing Rani a few moments after the girl had left.

However while Rani’s first source for a potential alien threat turned out to be false, at least her second one was reliable. It’s nice that this story actually touched base a little on Rani’s life prior to Bannerman Road. Naturally there was the assumption she had a few close friends from Danemouth. Her we got to meet one of them.

Sam in some ways had a lot more reason to feel isolated than Rani could imagine. Her gushing about alien life and the gang was obviously enough to motivate him to seek her out but it was also the thing that had him stay out of touch with her for quite a while. If he’s jealous, there’s reason behind it. The guy doesn’t exactly have the best of back stories.

Losing your parents at a young age and spending most of your time in care is not something I can relate to but it’s certainly something viewers can empathies with. Sarah Jane tried her best to be as sympathetic with Sam as she could. Even Luke had a go at it for all the limited success he got.

Sam’s frustration and anger led Rani to Pleasure Park and it also unsurprisingly enough led her into a trap of sorts. Harry the caretaker might have been more mild mannered than sinister from the off but he definitely knew why the homeless kids were engaging in the amusement rides whenever the words, “playtime” surfaced.

As for Rani, there was a whole matter of dangers she could’ve faced. Harry tried to get her to leave but Rani’s curiosity got the better. It was great to see Rani trying to be Sarah Jane by sounding blasé about aliens and wanting to help but the arrival of Eve was certainly unexpected.

As a living fire red alien, the time sensitive Eve certainly looked the part. The surprising element was seeing her and Rani bonding. Eve clearly tried to state that she wasn’t a malevolent presence and while Rani was trying to get her to stop controlling the homeless kids, a friendship of sorts was struck with these two girls.

Anjli Mohindra must have loved this story. It’s unashamedly the Rani Show (not that one!) and even if you detest the character or don’t connect with her like Maria, there was some absolutely superb writing in this one. Rani felt insecure about her family, exams, her role in Sarah Jane and the gang’s lives. Eve tried to reassure her that she was loved by everyone. The only time Eve stepped out of line was when she tried to control Rani.

Rani basically tried to do a good deed by freeing Eve, except it nearly backfired on her. Not only did Eve try to control Rani when the threat of losing her first genuine friend became present but Eve’s attempts of trying to control everything almost killed her. If it hadn’t been for that telepathic ship and Sarah Jane, Eve wouldn’t have made it out of the story alive.

Getting Eve back to her ship was moments covered in sweetness. She returned to her health and wanted to travel the stars and after some persuading both Sam and Harry also did. If you were expecting an actual villain in this story, you’re out of luck. Eve, Ship, Harry and Sam were occasionally misguided but none were outright evil.

Of course the highlights in this episode just flow wonderfully all over the place. Mr Smith and K9 (the latter is now staying) teamed up to use a black hole to fuse Eve’s ship and seeing them two slightly bicker was fun as was the bits of futures and pasts of Luke, Sarah Jane and Rani that we got to see. So, The Doctor’s coming back, then? Is there anyone who didn’t already know this?

As for Rani, her brief moment of not wanting Sarah Jane around her meant a depressing future as a mad woman in Sarah Jane’s attic. I didn’t believe that embittered older Rani was ever going to pose a physical threat to enquiring Adam but I was definitely relieved when Adam revealed him to be Eve’s son and offered Rani the chance to change her future. If the performance hadn’t been so moving, I would’ve dubbed it cheesy.

After the Rani we then see in the future is the one you want to see. While Torchwood has shown the more devastating effects of being an alien investigator, this show has always gone for the more positive. Plus it would’ve massively cruel to learn that a careless slip of words would’ve been the undoing of Sarah Jane, Luke and Clyde, though stranger things have ended much loved characters.

Also in “The Mad Woman In The Attic”

Clyde’s introduction dialogue about the team is now factoring in both parts of the story. I guess this will be it for the season.

Adam: “It’s okay, I’m not going to hurt you.”
Rani: “No, no, you just wanted to see if the stories were true. You wanted to meet the mad old woman of Bannerman Road. Oh, come closer then. Take a look.”

Because so many people mentioned it online, it is rather strange that neither of Rani’s parents are actually in this story.

Clyde: “Oh no, I seem to have left a really important book at Rani’s house. You’re not gonna ask what book?”
Luke: “There isn’t one. It’s a trick to see if there’s a clue over there.”
Clyde: “Lukey boy, you’re learning.”

Rani: “I’m the mad old woman of Bannerman Road. I could eat children for all you know.”
Adam: “Mr Smith, I think I need you.”
Rani: “He stopped working years ago. He died.”

We’ve now had an Adam in all three series. Adam in Doctor Who (“Dalek”/“The Long Game”), Adam in Torchwood (“Adam”) and obviously Adam in this one.

Sarah Jane: “I knew I should’ve brought Luke. He moans less than you.”
Clyde: “I run faster.”

Eve (to Rani): “There were two races and they had a war. My people weren’t involved but because we could read the timelines, they attacked us. So many of us were exterminated. My parents put me into a ship and sent me out into space.”

I loved that mention of the Time War, though the older Rani had earlier mentioned the Daleks and Cybermen to Adam.

Rani: “What are you doing?”
Eve: “I told you. I’m sensitive to time. I can see your past. Sometimes you feel left out.”

Ship (to Sarah Jane, re The Doctor): “He is returning. He is coming back.”

Sarah Jane’s flashbacks were from “The Time Warrior”, “Planet Of The Spiders”, “The Hand Of Fear”, “The Five Doctors” and “The Stolen Earth”/ “Journey’s End”.

Sam: “Rani said you were clever.”
Luke: “She said a few things about you as well.”

Sarah Jane: “You aren’t scared, are you?”
Clyde: “Me Clyde, me don’t get scared.”
Sarah Jane: “After everything we’ve seen?”
Clyde: “Me get scared sometimes.”

I loved Sarah Jane and Clyde’s banter in this episode. It’s good that he said that him, Maria and Rani chose to be in her life. Did anyone else notice the sign about what the doctor ordered in Harry’s office?

Rani (to Sarah Jane): “But no-one can know the future. We can change it. It’s up to us what we do, isn’t it?”

Sarah Jane (re Rani): “What have you done to her?”
Eve: “She was scared of the future. Scared of growing old. Now she’ll be young and happy forever.”

Brian Miller who played Harry in this story is actually Elisabeth Sladen’s real life husband.

Mr Smith: “It’s good to see you. Will you be staying here now?”
K9: “Affirmative.”
Mr Smith: “Oh good.”

Sarah Jane: “I’m sorry.”
Rani: “What for?”
Sarah Jane: “Maybe you were right to tell Sam. I spent so many years alone, I still find it difficult to trust people, but you know, they’re not all out to get us and sometimes I forget that. Sometimes visitors to this world just need a friend.”

Even though he isn’t actually credited, shouldn’t those brief moments onscreen actually count as David Tennant’s first appearance? After all, it was footage that we’d never seen before.

Two stories in and this season is on a roll. Joseph Lidster can bring the darkness, sheer unexpected and tenderness and “The Mad Woman In The Attic” is just proof that you can raise the stakes and have an alien presence without it being villainous. It made for a change and one of the best stories from the series.

Rating: 9 out of 10.

My Review of Buffy The Vampire Slayer's 8x29: "Retreat Part 4"

Written by Jane Espenson
Artwork by Georges Jeanty

Bayaarma: “You don’t need me. If you have any anger in you, use it. See if you can call them.”
Buffy: “Oh, I have some anger.”

I’ve got to apologise for the delay in this review. Computer problems mainly factored into things but also, I can’t help but feel a little underwhelmed with this issue as well. It’s not that it’s an awful one, it’s just that very little feels like its happening. I can’t be the only one who felt that when reading this, yes?

Picking up from where mostly the previous one left off, we had the gang discussing what they were planning to do next. Being powerless meant relying primarily on military weaponry. The opening two pages set up a doom and gloom lecture not unlike anything we’ve seen or heard on the series itself. Lives are going to be lost. I don’t think there’s anyone reading this that doesn’t get that already.

Buffy, Giles, Faith, Andrew and Satsu more or less told the girls to fight with every readily available weapon they had. Willow interrupted the lectures by lamenting on their chances being slim. Yeah, way to boost morale there, Willow.

Although to be fair to Willow, it’s not like she isn’t vocalising the various thoughts that are running through the rest of the gang’s heads. The consequences of redirecting all of that ancient magicks was going to make the gang at their most vulnerable. Even Buffy seems to be realising that it might not have been such a bright idea upon reflection.

Of course Willow’s blow up didn’t sit that well with either Oz or Bayaarma. Both of them had a reasonably quiet little community. Buffy and the gang seeking sanctuary has thrown that one out of the window. However it’s not too surprising that some of Willow’s anger is directed at herself as well as the current predicament her and the Scoobies are in.

There was also some continual angst over what Buffy disclosed to her as well. Willow really seems to be fixated with having normality now more than ever. I guess it does make sense to a good degree.

At least Xander and Dawn are trying to stay more positive. Although I’m not doing cartwheels over them as an item, I just don’t seem as bothered by the idea of it than I think I should be. Trying to explain weapons to the other former slayers, they were certainly more open with their body language. The other people who don’t know they’re a couple at this point are probably the ones who want to deny all knowledge.

One person unsurprisingly bothered by the relationship is Buffy. There’s a moment in the issue where she’s distant with Xander and when Andrew attempted to get her to open up, she shut him down. I can understand why Buffy feels that way. I think I’d find it weird if one of my friends was dating a sister of mine. Still Buffy will have to adjust to it in time even if she doesn’t want to.

As for Andrew, when he isn’t trying to play camp counsellor, he’s put to somewhat better use in trying to fool Twilight and company that the slayers are still packing the magicks in a big way. Wouldn’t just have sticking with the real thing been the better choice all along? I won’t be surprised if by the end of this arc that all the gang’s magic is restored. Logically there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be.

Twilight’s already causing carnage with the army he sent out and while the use of a torpedo gave the Scoobies an advantage, Buffy still wanted the redirected power. Summoning up those three goddesses at the end of the issue is not going to end. You don’t need to be a genius to see that.

Also in “Retreat Part 4”

This cover was drawn by Massimo Carnevale and featured Twilight, which would’ve been nice if Twilight had actually featured in the issue.

Buffy: “We have to be ready to fight with every weapon, everything we can throw at them.”
Willow: “But it seems to me ... that we don’t have the one thing that matters. A chance in hell.”

Isn’t it slightly odd that in the past four issues that both Kennedy and Oz have had not at least one interaction? You’d think that they would’ve by now.

Willow (to Oz/Bayaarma/Buffy, re Kelden): “No! Don’t protect the baby! I’m not mad at you! I’m mad at me. I’m so angry at me; I cannot believe these aren’t black.”

Xander: “These are called manpads. No giggling, please. It means man-portable air defence system.”
Dawn: “It’s a single person surface to air missile launcher. It’s very heavy and if you’re not super-strong anymore, so either leave this for the huskier girls or team up.”

Apart from a few soldiers, not only was Twilight absent but there was also no signs of Amy, Warren or Riley either.

Xander (re Buffy): “She’s good.”
Dawn: “Even when weak.”

Monroe: “My wolves can help.”
Faith: “Sounds good. Knock your furry selves out.”
Oz: “You’ve decided to come to our side, Monroe?”
Monroe: “You’re fighting on the side of the ones who keep magicks. So I do believe ... that you’ve come to my side.”

It’ll be interesting to see how Monroe’s aid of the Scoobies pans out in the next issue. Hopefully he won’t emerge as another threat for the gang to deal with. The goddesses’ names in this issue were Remati, Vajrayogini and Ekajati.

Giles: “We can’t take on an army. Not like this.”
Buffy: “We need the magic. But we got rid of it.”
Willow: “Not ‘Got rid of’ ... Bay said it wasn’t that. She said ...”
Buffy: “Redirected. I need to talk to Oz and Bay.”

There was a wonderful letter from Danny Hirschhorn blasting some of the more homophobic letters that have plagued the letter page in light of Buffy/Satsu. Reread “Safe” to get where he’s coming from.

Bayaarma (re goddesses): “The prayers offer a trade. We give them our powers, they protect us.”
Buffy: “Okay, I want to cash in that trade. How do I get their protection?”

The next issue and the final segment of this arc comes out on November 4th.

Despite one or two interesting moments, I have to say that “Retreat Part 4” is the weakest of the bunch. It feels too much like treading water and even with another attack, I don’t feel we’re getting anywhere this issue. It could’ve used some actual Twilight in it as well.

Rating: 7 out of 10.

My Review of "Dead As A Doornail"

Written by Charlaine Harris
Released in 2005

Sookie (to herself): “You ever just feel like stomping around and being miserable for a while? That was the kind of mood I was in.”

As these books continue, I seem to notice quite a lot of things. Namely that Sookie’s love interests seem to be on the increase. Here you’ve got Bill, Eric, Alcide, Calvin, Sam and now Quinn into the mix. At this point she might have to beat them all off with a stick.

Bill’s doing his level best to make Sookie jealous with a new girlfriend named Selah. For the most part, while Sookie can’t seem to stand her, she isn’t all that bothered by her. It also might have done her self esteem wonders when Bill tried to get Sam out of the way. Yes, this one both Sookie and Sam share a brief kiss. As you do.

Sam had something of a bigger role in this book when an assassin was going around shooting shifters and weres. A good part of the book teased the notion that Jason might have been responsible, even though as a reader you don’t ever think that he could be capable of such. After all, he seems to love being a were-panther quite a lot. That bit surprised me given Jason’s past issues with the supernatural.

The assassin bit of the book takes up a lot and seemed resolved when recent Merlotte’s cook, Sweetie admitted to the crime. What it is with cooks at Merlotte’s? They don’t exactly seem to last that long do they? The loose end with the seemingly nice Charles being responsible for Sam’s death felt a little too tacked on. I knew it was too good to be true.

When we’re not dealing with assassins, Sookie and Alcide seem to devolve before our eyes. I thought Alcide confronting Sookie on killing Debbie Pelt would’ve been the thing that tore them apart but it was Sookie’s discomfort of Alcide dragging her into were politics that really did it for them.

Was it Sookie’s fault that Jackson died in the fight against Patrick? Nope! She alerted Quinn about Patrick’s cheating so to be fair, the pack themselves condemned Jackson by not calling off the fight so to speak. Of course Alcide didn’t take it that way. Still while Sookie might have fallen out with Alcide, she did seem to connect a little with Quinn.

As for Eric, of course he was going to try and get to the bottom of his lost days. Sookie should’ve known better and in the end, it was wise that she told more or less what happened during the Witch wars. Now it’ll be interesting to see where the pair of them go from here.

However taking all of Sookie’s love woes but keeping the supernatural elements intact, two incredibly strong plots in this story was Sookie’s friendship with Claudine and Claude. Fairy jokes aside, these are two characters that I certainly enjoyed in this book and luckily, it seems that we’re getting more of them in later ones.

As for Sookie trying to protect Tara from abusive vampire Mickey, well this was this first time it actually felt like they were friends. We’ve had plenty of chatter about them being pals but Sookie going above and beyond to try and save her friend proved the friendship between them. This is probably the most vocalised book for Tara so far in the series.

- The end of this book set up the plot for the next one, “Definitely Dead”. We’re going to meet the Queen of Louisiana.
- Not that it will shock anyone with Sookie’s poor taste in puns but Claude is gay. Sookie certainly seemed to appreciate his physical attributes.
- In this book, Sookie had her house set alight by Charles, was invested by private detectives looking for Debbie Pelt and was shot by Sweetie as well.
- Andy seemed to be aware that a certain dog was human. If he had looked harder, he might have guessed it was Sam.

These books seem to improve as they go on and “Dead As A Doornail” certainly worked for me. It gave us more stuff on Jason, Sam and especially Tara and hopefully future books will maintain that.

Rating: 9 out of 10.

My Review of Dollhouse's 2x02: "Instinct"

Written by Michelle Fazekas And Tara Butters
Directed by Marita Gabriak

Topher (to Paul/Adelle, re Echo): “Perhaps triggering lactation was a bridge too far. Live and learn.”

Oh, you don’t think? When you have to watch your main character breastfeed a baby that doesn’t belong to her, regardless of imprint, it’s a little hard not to be disturbed by it. It seems there are many things that Topher will happily do to advance his Dollhouse studies.

Taking another unusual route this week, Echo became the mother of a bouncing baby boy that she didn’t have to carry for nine months. The scheme unusual even for this show’s standards and Dushku’s acting must be improving because she was pretty convincing with this one.

As put upon Emily, Echo believed that she had a wonderful son that she bonded to easily and a husband who was somewhat cold and distant with her and the baby. We even got the soap opera aspect with Echo confiding in her best friend Kelly (the role taken on by Sierra), who gave her some pretty obvious advice.

Instead Echo did some snooping around on her own and became easily convinced that Nate was having an affair. When he admitted that the woman in the photographs was a former lover whose death he couldn’t really come to terms with, the jig was up.

The sad part was that Echo then became convinced that Nate wanted rid of her and the baby when she overheard him trying to call off the engagement. It got even worse for her when she realized that Paul was coming to get, so legging it out the window became her only option.

The police station scenes were some of the strongest. The female detective sympathized with Echo because she thought she was an abuse victim until Nate managed to get his son back and then have Echo dragged back to the Dollhouse. I have to hand it to Eliza Dushku for some great moments there. Her acting in this episode is arguably some of her strongest in my opinion.

The even more interesting part of this was her maternal instinct becoming more dominant when Topher tried to wipe her. Going by the choice quote I’ve used for the opening segment of the review, triggering lactation was a bridge to far. Next time, think your little upgrades out, Topher.

Echo escaping from the Dollhouse so easily seemed a little trite to me. This wasn’t “Needs” so I don’t see how she could’ve left the building. Are security staff really that lax in a place like the Dollhouse? Well, I do have to remember Alpha I suppose. He certainly had no problems getting out and back in that place.

As for Echo’s confrontation with Nate, parts of it felt like The Hand That Rocked The Cradle while other bits were surprisingly poignant. Nate finally came to embrace the child he couldn’t bear to look and Echo became disheartened when she had to deal with Jack not being her child.

The end scene with Paul and Echo discussing the latter’s distress at remembering everything was sad. That being said, I do have to admit that Echo choosing to be awake compared to the other Actives is an interesting idea, especially when you consider another returnee here.

It was nice that we weren’t going to have to wait long for Mellie/Madeline to return. Miracle Laurie was always going to be a welcomed appearance and thanks to some of the recent ads, it looks like there’s going to be some good storylines for her this season. Adelle was certainly keen on Madeline getting her diagnostic.

So from the diagnostic point of view, we can assume that Madeline is physically fine and unlikely to glitch anytime soon. However from the conversations that Madeline had with both Paul and Adelle, it seems pretty obvious that she poses a threat to the Dollhouse. Adelle didn’t exactly suppress the possibility.

Paul on the other hand seemed to be a mixed bag with Madeline. He went from being surprised that she was at the Dollhouse to sympathetic about her daughter’s death and curious about Madeline’s seeming happiness of not remembering much of her time. The exact opposite of Echo in those respects.

However if Madeline poses a threat, then I think it will be down to Daniel Perrin that she does so. Unlike Paul, it will prove a lot harder for the likes of Adelle to get a senator to back off, especially one that has little problems in drawing up clues as quickly as he does. Needless to say, I’m hoping for Perrin to win this one out.

He’s got the moral outrage, a supportive wife in Cindy and so far, an integrity to want to expose the Dollhouse that Paul seemed to lack in the first season. Also like Paul, he seems to have a face to attach to the Dollhouse as well. I think it’s obvious who the face will end up being.

Also in “Instinct”

This aired along with “Vows” for UK viewers on Sci-Fi UK. Sorry for the delays in reviewing the episode. I’m catching up as we speak.

Paul: “Yeah, I don’t understand.”
Topher: “Yeah but it’s so cute that you’re trying.”

Paul certainly looked at the chair with morbid curiosity at the start of the episode. Topher also seems to enjoy talking down to him.

Echo (re Nate): “It’s more than that. I hand him the baby and he acts like I’ve handed him a live grenade.”
Sierra: “Men are wusses.”

Adelle: “For your own wellbeing, come in and have your diagnostic. I won’t take no for an answer.”
Madeline: “No, I don’t imagine you will.”

Claire only left in the previous episode and they’ve already drafted in some new physician for the place. I’m surprised Adelle actually hasn’t sent out for her.

Nate (re Echo/Jack): “Just find them.”
Adelle: “We know already where Echo and the baby are and we are retrieving them as we speak.”

Topher: “We should put you in the recruiting DVD.”
Madeline: “Thank you very much. How do I get out of here?”

Madeline’s words were, “cucumber”, “boat” and “wire”. She sensibly also refused Topher’s offer of upgrades.

Topher (re Echo): “Did you offer her any treatment?”
Paul: “Gee, that’s a great idea, Topher.”

Paul: “So, what, you’re happy now?”
Madeline: “I’m not sad. It was nice meeting you.”

How early was Madeline released from her contract? From the way Adelle sounded, I got the impression that Madeline had barely served half of it.

Echo: “Babies need their mothers.”
Nate: “I know but you’re not his mother.”

Adelle made some perceptive comments about children needing love from an early onset. Nate clearly took that into account when dealing with Echo as well.

Echo: “All of these things happened to me, I feel them.”
Paul: “I know, Echo. I know you remember.”
Echo: “Not remember, feel.”

There was no Victor or Boyd in this episode and I’m not certain of the distance between this episode and “Vows”.

“Instinct” is a decent episode, nice plot, some good acting from Dushku but it’s hard to stay involved when you know that FOX are going to do away with the series pretty soon and that does suck.

Rating: 8 out of 10.

My Review of Dollhouse's 2x01: "Vows"

Written And Directed by Joss Whedon

Echo (to Paul): “I remember everything. Sometimes I’m someone else and then I come back but I feel them, all of them.”

Blimey, this show might not be longer for the world but it’s reassuring that Sci-Fi didn’t waste time in deciding to air the second season. Their treatment of the series is easily better than Fox’s when you think about it.

Season One had some great episodes, especially towards the second half of the season but it was marred with many problems. One of the biggest was Paul’s obsession with Echo. It lacked emotional content and was clearly superficial. If this premiere episode is anything to go by, a degree of substance was thankfully injected into his fixation with her.

He did the slightly uncouth thing in becoming a client. I know being inside the belly of the beast means you’re more than susceptible of being infected by it but even I thought that Paul would show a little more restraint. Luckily for us, Paul didn’t hire Echo out as personal slave for himself.

Instead he used her talents in a desperate bid to snare Martin Clar. Played by Jamie Bamber, Clar was our opening villain and in the hands of a lesser actor, he’d be a one note adversary. Not that the characterisation for him is particularly extraordinary but Bamber does do a good job with him.

Having Echo actually marry Clar was certainly a new one in terms of what we’ve seen clients try and get away with an Active. Paul certainly had a hard time witnessing Echo and Clar consummate their marriage from afar as well. Sometimes, it’s nice not to have the audio.

A part of the episode did confuse me when Paul and Echo were talking about being partners for so many years. Paul even tried to contain his latent jealousy with Echo. Not that he was really that convincing though.

The unfortunate part of Paul’s general little plan was the lack of foresight. In all of these double agent scenarios, there was going to be someone who would figure out that Echo was more than a blushing bride. Needless to say, Clar actually found out halfway through the episode thanks to a nameless lackey.

The original part was that Echo nearly convinced him that she was nothing more than a dutiful wife. Of course the jig was up when she started glitching at the most inappropriate of times. Glitching that Paul also took some hearty advantage of as well.

Getting Echo back into the fight mode she was in during their face off in “Man On The Street” was definitely one of Paul’s stronger ideas. Much as Paul annoys me, this episode nearly went over the top in people slating his abilities. Both Adelle and Martin had some zingers at his expense in a good few moments.

However because of Paul’s bright idea, Echo was able to go into fighting mode and do away with all of Martin’s cronies. Hell, even her apprehension of Martin (after blowing up his car) was something that wouldn’t have looked out of place on an episode of Alias.

Of course the meat of the Echo/Paul dynamic in this one was Paul making the transfer from unwilling helper to handler. There was no way he wasn’t going to cave in the end, thanks to what we’ve seen in “Epitaph One” and the scenes between him and Echo when she talked of her emotions had the emotional punch that lacked between them last season.

However it wasn’t just Echo getting all the meaty storylines this season. The cat and mouse antics with Paul and Adelle are a joy to watch. Paul might have noble intentions to take down the Dollhouse but Adelle has more than stressed that he’s out of his league. Perhaps Senator Daniel Perrin can succeed where Paul has failed.

Another cast member from the Whedonverse, Alexis Denisof is a nice choice for Perrin. I actually do hope that the nobility we see with Perrin is something that is maintained throughout the season. I know he poses a threat to the Dollhouse but come on, only a serious nutter would want him to fail. Hopefully he’s also less annoying than Paul was during most of the first season.

Speaking of annoying, I might have felt sorry for Topher in the unaired episode but I got something of a kick in Claire screwing with him in this one. Does that mean there’s something wrong with me? The question’s rhetorical.

Amy Acker is such a great actress that it’s such a shame that she has to go to Happy Town instead of staying here. Claire’s breakdown is Whedon writing at its strongest and most insightful. All that anger, self-loathing and confusion certainly made for some powerful and potentially dangerous moments.

Topher deservedly bore most of the brunt of Claire’s anger. Old footage, rats and a creepy sexual pass were certainly Claire’s means of getting her own back on the man who created. Claire talked about not being human and wanting to die. Personally I’m glad that she’s alive, even if she had made the right decision in legging it from the Dollhouse.

Boyd earned some respective points for asking out in light of knowing about her Whiskey origins. I guess he really does like her. I also know that in spite of this series fate that Claire will resurface again this season, so that’s something to be happy about.

Also in “Vows”

The credits contained more shots of Eliza Dushku. I like Eliza but come on, even Whedon’s other shows had everyone in the opening credits.

Victor: “You’re touching my face.”
Adelle: “Moving along.”

Nice to see that Adelle didn’t wait too long to get Victor’s scars removed but why didn’t she extend a similar courtesy to Whiskey after Alpha attacked her?

Sierra: “I’m not comfortable with Orientals.”
Ivy: “This’ll only take a minute.”

Claire (to Boyd): “I like my scars. They bring out my eyes.”

What the heck kind of persona was Sierra supposed to be this week? Both she and Victor were disappointingly underused in this episode.

Echo (re Martin): “Is this about the sex?”
Paul: “I think you’re a demon.”

Claire: “Alpha cut up my face, do you remember that?”
Echo: “Why?”
Claire: “So you could be number one.”
Echo: “Am I?”
Claire: “Yes.”

There was a scene with Echo and Whiskey in flashbacks that will undoubtedly inspire a lot of femslash fanfiction.

Paul: “You’re a sick lady.”
Adelle: “I’m not asking you to handle me.”

Claire (re programming): “Why didn’t you stop there?”
Topher: “Because I was designing a person, not a robot. I needed you to be whole.”

Given the way Topher talked about caring more than he appears to, does that mean we’ll get something of a backstory or more information on him prior to joining the Dollhouse?

Topher: “So you were never gonna sleep with me?”
Claire: “I can’t stand the smell of you.”

Claire: “I’m not better than you. I’m just a series of excuses.”
Topher: “You’re human.”
Claire: “Don’t flatter yourself.”

For UK viewers, Sci-Fi aired both this and next episode, “Instinct” as a double bill. Review for that episode coming soon. Echo was also Roma in this episode.

Topher: “Do you have a better plan?”
Paul: “No but I have a worse one.”

Paul: “You’re making a mistake.”
Martin: “I think you’re the expert in that field.”

Chronology: It’s been a while since “Omega”, hasn’t it?

“Vows” made for a good opening episode and definitely showed improvement but with the lacklustre ratings in America, it feels like this show is on the way out. A shame about that.

Rating: 8 out of 10.

My Ship's Getting A Revamp (Doctor Who Season 5 Spoilers)

Yes people more spoilers. Isn't life good?

Another thing that has been speculated for months now has confirmation. This is seemingly the first look into the interior of the Eleventh Doctor's TARDIS. So far, I like it. Or am I being too positive?

I'm not sure what this creature is supposed to be but according to Twitter reports, apparently this is episodes 8 and 9 (yes, a two parter) that's currently being filmed. This one is supposedly scribed by Chris Chibnall. Oh, give him a break. His Season 2 Torchwood episodes were flawless and I've always liked 42.

More night shooting here. There was some interesting exchanges between The Doctor and a character called Ambrose. Exchanges that further reminded viewers how useless the sonic screwdriver is against wood. You'd think The Doctor would've amended that one when upgrading the thing.

Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) gets out his umbrella in Cardiff rain and is donning the tweed. Some more of the dialogue (from http://doctorwho76totterslane.blogspot.com/) ....

Unknown guy: "Use the sonic"
The Doctor : "It doesn't work with wood"
Unknown guy : "Well that's rubbish"
The Doctor : "Don't diss the sonic!"

Ambrose: "Why is it night?"
The Doctor : "It's not. Get in the Church!"
Ambrose: "The door's all warped."

Things are certainly speeding along nicely. Now all we have to do is finally watch the last three specials before immersing ourselves fully into Season 5.

Matt Smith filming ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-c3E1UPJxw
Karen Gillan filming ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJb5B7BKPrw

My Review of The Sarah Jane Adventures 3x01: "Prisoner Of The Judoon"

Written by Phil Ford
Directed by Joss Agnew

Androvax (to Luke): “No wonder Sarah Jane is so proud of you. It makes me want to be sick.”

In the last few weeks, I’ve been going through the first two seasons of this series, following the more devastating events of Torchwood’s third season and in terms of an opening episode, this is certainly a show that’s become more and more in its stride. It’s practically glowing with confidence.

Following the format from the previous two seasons, the opening story featured a race familiar to viewers but essentially new to the Bannerman Road gang. The Judoon (or for the most part, one called Tybo) crash landed to Earth and as a result, brought a new enemy with him as well. Trust such a thing to happen on the series.

In terms of threats, the Androvax was something of an interesting creature. For the briefest of moments, there was a fleeting possibility that he could be a victim of the Judoon but it’s only brief. The Androvax not only managed to escape Tybo’s clutches but it was also able to catch a lot of trouble in such a short amount of time.

When Sarah Jane and Clyde were talking to the distressed little girl, I don’t think there was a single person who was surprised when the girl suddenly read as extraterrestrial on Sarah Jane’s scanner. Sarah Jane then becoming the next person to be possessed by the Androvax was another non surprise.

Elisabeth Sladen certainly has history in playing a possessed Sarah Jane and it’s something that she does rather well. Here as the Androvax, she gets to be the villain for the most part of the story and clearly had a ball in the role reversal from her more heroic alter ego.

In evil form, Sarah Jane was able to threaten the destruction of Mr Smith before actually setting him to destruct when Clyde, Luke, Rani and Tybo made the mistake of going up to the attic at the worst time. Only for Luke’s quick thinking, they would’ve been blown to pieces. Got to love Luke for remembering about Mr Smith’s most important of priorities.

Of course such evilness didn’t stop there. Androvax took over Genetec Systems during the second half of the story, went above and beyond from keeping the gang at bay and even had no problem in toying with Luke’s concerns over his mother’s safety.

One of the main plots in this story involved the advancement of nanogenes and Androvax spotted a wonderful opportunity with them as well. The nanogenes were not only capable of building it a spaceship to flee the Judoon and the threat of death but it also served as a way of destroying the Earth as well.

Time and time again you just wonder why the aliens of the story just don’t leave Earth alone and concentrate mainly on escape. I suppose because there’s often certain viewer exasperation on the very idea, this story attempted to give Androvax more depth.

The creature’s reveal of anger about his own world being frozen is understandable but naturally doesn’t justify his actions. Still though, it does make for some interesting debate, especially as it proved to be the very thing for Sarah Jane to get out of her body.

However in terms of the actual story, I can’t help but wonder if the Androvax is something we’ll see back in the near future. He certainly made for an interesting threat and it’s not like the story actually attempted to redeem him in the end either. It just explained why he was so hell bent on destruction of Earth along with his own survival.

As for the Judoon, they are certainly served well by the overall story as well. For the most part, it’s just Tybo and he’s certainly a barrel of laughs. Mainly for some of his ineptitude and also due to his interaction with the kids of the episode. His intolerance for them is mostly funny, even if his appearance gives Clyde enough ammo for the entire story.

Still there are a few times in the story when you worry about whether or not Tybo might lose the plot altogether and do more harm to either Luke or Rani than just destroy their mobiles. Sometimes, Tybo showed more restraint with the kids than you would expect from a Judoon.

As for punishing them – well, I don’t think they’re going to be that bothered in strictly being Earth bound for the time being. Unless The Doctor during his imminent appearance decides to give them a small trip in the TARDIS. Oh come on, it’s not like there’s anyone who isn’t aware of that massive spoiler by now.

Another fun element of this story was the Chandra parents getting a little in on the action. Gita made a point of dragging Haresh to Genetec Systems and both of them reacted reasonably well when confronted by an army of Judoon. I know Digital Spy weren’t particularly keen on their inclusion in the story but I really can’t see where they’re coming from on this one. They were fine with me.

It also just goes to show that with both the Chandra parents being aware of alien life, then there can’t be much longer until they realise that Rani actually knows more than she was letting as well. Their reactions will certainly be interesting. I think Haresh will probably react worst to Rani getting involved in Sarah Jane’s world.

Also in “Prisoner Of The Judoon”

This continued with previous season openers with Sarah Jane talking about her adventures out in the universe through voice over.

Sarah Jane: “I went to places beyond my wildest dreams and met creatures beyond my darkest nightmares and all of it was amazing.”

Sarah Jane’s history of possession has been in stories such as “Planet Of The Spiders” and “The Hand Of Fear” to name but two.

Clyde (re Judoon): “So they’re the good guys?”
Sarah Jane: “Depends on your point of view. From what I’ve heard their methods aren’t exactly softly softly.”

Tybo (re Androvax): “Prisoner was secured. I do not answer to humans.”
Sarah Jane: “You crashed and let some creature that has already destroyed 12 planets loose on our world. I think you answer to all of us, Captain Tybo.”

The format’s changed this season. Instead of next episodes airing on CBBC at 5.15pm, both parts of each story are on Thursday and Fridays on BBC1 at 4.35pm. That works for me.

Mr Smith: “If that were Sarah Jane I was talking to, she wouldn’t need to ask.”
Androvax (as Sarah Jane): “I am Sarah Jane. I’ve just been upgraded and you will obey me because if I understand it, that is what you are programmed to do. That is your purpose.”

Gita (to Haresh): “That’s your problem my darling. If you want to grow in corporate floristry, you have to learn to think outside the seed box. It’s a planet eat, planet world, Haresh, believe me. Now, come on.”

During the attic scene with Mr Smith, the upcoming animated serial, “Dreamland” was referenced.

Haresh (to Judoon): “Hello and ...um, welcome to Earth.”
Gita: “It’s very nice to meet you.”

Androvax: “Why can’t you just be quiet? I needed a body to hide in, not a conscience.”
Sarah Jane: “Everyone has a conscience, Androvax, even you. You just buried it so deep down you can’t hear it anymore.”

It’s an interesting coincidence that Tybo didn’t scan Luke and discover his origins. Probably would’ve caused a hindrance, plot wise.

Gita (to Haresh, re Judoon): “These are aliens with guns. I think we should be calling the police and not playing I Spy.”

Rani: “Think! What would Luke do?”
Clyde: “I don’t know. I get by on good looks and one liners. I’m not supposed to understand all this techie stuff.”
Rani: “Yeah, I know you’re the cool one but cool isn’t much help right now.”

Androvax (part of a race called the Veil) destroyed 12 worlds and earned the same moniker that Davros gave to The Doctor in “Journey’s End”. He also left Sarah Jane one hell of a cryptic warning.

Androvax: “You will be destroyed in the end. If not by me, then someone will destroy you, Sarah Jane Smith.”

Chronology: Unspecified but seemingly 2009 based perhaps?

“Prisoner Of The Judoon” marked a breezy, fun, confident opener for the series. If this opening story is enough to go on, then we have another good season to look forward to, don’t we?

Rating: 9 out of 10.