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The Simpsons: Some Enchanted Evening (1990)
This episode was nowhere near enchanting. Not really worth a watch any evening.
Yes, I know that this was supposed to be the pilot episode but thank goodness it was pushed back due to animation concerns. It's not pleasant. Having Homer (Voiced by Dan Castellaneta) & Marge (Voiced by Julie Kavner) having marriage troubles. With one of them threating to leave is not the best way to introduce this cartoon sitcom family. To add onto that, having the kids left with a dangerous criminal babysitter while the parents party is downright upsetting. I know Fox Channel at the time was aiming for edgy something risqué humor content to seen different from the other television networks, but a lot of viewers would have been turn off by this episode directed by Kent Butterworth and David Silverman. Especially if this was aired before Christmas 1989. Writers for most of the first season Matt Groening, James L. Brooks and Sam Simon also the executive producers made the right decision with 'Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire' which slowly ease audiences into the Simpson concept. The episode opens with a much more family friendly tale of a man trying to make enough money to put gifts under the tree. It had the right amount balance of dysfunctional adult-driven humor with a strong heartful message of family bonding. It's a wonderful episode. Sadly 'Some Enchanted Evening' doesn't tackle any of its own themes that well. For example, the moral dilemma of the parents having relationship troubles in the first half of the episode was better confronted in Season 1 Episode 9 "Life on the Fast Lane", also known as "Jacques to Be Wild" with Marge forgiving her husband for his past mistakes. So, seeing this subplot again felt recycled. The same goes with the sinister figure impersonating as a child friendly figure. While actress/director Penny Marshall was amazing in guest voice performing as Ms. Lucille Botzcowski. We just saw the Simpson children in danger in the previous episode 'Krusty gets Busted'. Nevertheless, I kinda wish Ms. Botz would return in the future to take her revenge on Bart (Voiced by Nancy Cartwright) and Lisa (Voiced by Yeardley Smith) rather than overusing the titular villain from Season 1 Episode 12 for so long. That really got tiresome. I also really hate that Lucille escape in this episode and never got her comeuppances with the law even do she had brief non speaking background cameos later on. Sadly, with the death of Penny Marshall in 2018. That day may never come. Another thing that I really dislike about this episode is the fact that the children never once try calling 911. Look I get that the Springfield cops are total idiots. Still, it's quite a horrible message to tell children to call the producers of a crime show over the local police. As for humor. It was a mixed bag. While the episode has a chalkboard gag. It didn't really have an unusual opening couch gimmick because of the pushed back. Jokes were supposed to follows this. Still humorous sequences like Marge calling a local show about Pedro with her characteristic gravelly voice kinda work. While the running gag with Bart's prank calls to Moe's Tavern felt already running out of stream. Despite that I kinda dig the homage to cultural references to such horror films as 1955 'The Night of the Hunter' and 1960 'Psycho' as well as a musical nod to 1954 'A Star Is Born'. As for the animation from Klasky-Csupo, the animation studio that produced the earlier Simpsons shorts & South Korean animation studio AKOM. The episode had continuity goofs with character's leg dangling oddly, ropes disappearing, lip shaped stain and the interior of the Simpsons house keeps changing designs between shots. The biggest complained with the animation come with the color arrangement. Not only does background props change colors between shots, but the early supporting character colors designs are just jarring to look at. Honestly there is only one series of frames that animator Dan Haskett work on that really looks sharp in which Ms. Botz threatens Bart about a video tape. The scene caught me off guard because how not subpar it looked. A lot of other scenes had to be deleted because how lousy the animation was. The redone remains were sloppy edited together and it shows. The pacing was way off. At least this poorly-animated episode made a hilarious meta joke about its situation by showing a parody of an even poorer animated show on the Simpson's television with 1 frame per second. As for the voice acting. Since dialogue wasn't recorded with the new animation. Voices don't really match that well. Then there is the ever so changing voice for Homer. Castellaneta start off the episode sounding like actor Walter Matthau, but by the end turns into the traditional normal tone for the father. Overall: As a season finale. This 13th episode doesn't really sum the season up at all. In the end, the story and animation weren't that remarkable. It was a Doh.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 2: The Child (2019)
This episode was a good egg. Entertaining for the most part.
Created and written by Jon Favreau and released on Disney+. This Star Wars show about an unnamed Mandalorian bounty hunter (Pedro Pascal) taking care of wanted child has so far been a blast to watch as of the time of this writing. Nevertheless Season 1, Episode 2 'Chapter 2: The Child' isn't what I can must watch. It's works more as a short filler with its fetch quest subplot of gathering up an alien mud horn egg for some scavengers, in order for the Mandalorian to get parts for his ship out of the planet than a full story. In truth, this could had been added to the pilot to save time. It really didn't need to be its own chapter. You can honestly skip this 30minutes episode directed by Rick Famuyiwa and still have a good view of what this 'Lone Wolf and Cub' type series is all about. Nevertheless, if the audience member does plan to watch this second chapter, they're in store for a very good overall nostalgia trip with the Jawas. The action scene with the Sandcrawler really does mirror the tank battle from 1989 film 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' a lot. It was a great homage to the other amazing George Lucas' work. Yet, it's really hard to believe that after that chase, the Jawas would be alright with working with him after he killed a large amount of them, earlier. Regardless of that, the later battle with the mud horn also felt a nostalgia treat as it reminds the viewers of another helmet wearing bounty hunter fighting with a horn-like creature. However, some people do an axe to grind with this scene due to the fact that the beast was doing nothing wrong. It was just there to protect its egg; much in the same way the bounty hunter is trying to save the child. Yet the creature died in such a brutal way being stabbed to death. Make you wonder why Mando didn't just use the disintegration gun once the beast exited the cave to make it easier on himself and have the killed noble and humanly. Regardless, the giving of the egg was not play off as tragic, but as a joke with the Jawas opening it like a kinder egg. It didn't help that the creature looked like a Rhino one of the world's most endangered animal. Seeing it hunt and killed kinda rubbed certain audiences the wrong way. Despite that, I love that about sixty percent of this episode is told without any dialogue. The use of body language and response to action was well done. You can see how angry and hurt Mando is with the Jawas without seeing any of his facial features. I kinda wish the dialogue didn't come back at the eleven minutes mark as the exposition spill wasn't as memorable. Still it was nice to see the helpful alien Kuiil voiced by Nick Nolte, but performance by Misty Rosas under make up return from the pilot. I'm so glad that the character is not one of those single appearance and done types. However, I really doubt that both of them would be able to rebuild a spaceship in just a couple of days, especially if they not known for that skill. That montage felt kinda too much of a stretch; seeing how in later episodes, Mando had to hired other people to do repairs like Season 1, Episode 5: "Chapter 5: The Gunslinger". Regardless this chapter show us some really good special effects; including amazing puppetry, nice CGI, and impressive make up work. The best has to be the 360-degree video wall that will probably retire green screen. It made the cinematography shots by Barry Idoine seem realistic in scope. Certain scenes were gorgeous to look at. It's really hard to figure out which scenes were filmed in real life desert locations and others in an indoor studio using these video walls. Along with that, composer Ludwig Göransson musical score for the series is top notch. He captured the magic of the science fantasy space samurai western with his use of exotic tribal instrumentation and epic classical music. In the end, this was one well-made omelet of an episode. Certainly, worth cracking into.
GLOW: Mother of All Matches (2018)
Honestly, this episode is probably the best one yet. It's truly mother of all the matches!
Unlike the real life story of the 1980's female wrestling league known as "GLOW", this television series of the same name produced by Netflix, mostly focus on the fictional story of Ruth Wilder (Alison Brie) a struggling actress trying to capture fame by performing in a weekly series about female wrestlers. However, in this Season 2, episode 4, entitled 'Mother of All Matches', Ruth's singlehood career story takes a backseat, in order to tell the two of the biggest supporting characters in the show, Tamme Dawson (Kia Stevens) & Debbie Eagan (Betty Gilpin)'s family related stories; which also happen to fall upon, the same day of their big title match is supposed to aired. Without spoiling the episode directed by Mark Burley & John Cameron Mitchell too much, the show faithfully presents the fact that a lot of the gimmicks and characters in wrestling in the '80s were based on stereotypes that would be considered incredibly tacky and racist by modern standards, but were considered acceptable targets at the time, even if it's not true. The show also takes a closer look at how the wrestlers cope with playing these controversial reprehensible villains characters, while showing highly flawed individuals struggling with playing the just heroes without degrading themselves. The writers including Kim Rosenstock, Liz Flahive, Carly Mensch & Marquita Robinson did this, by showing how much good intentions work even if it's exploitation; Tamme honestly is willing to do just to put her son Ernest (Eli Goree) through college. Because of that, you really do feel for her, despite her in-ring heel persona of being a lazy arrogant woman who abuse the welfare system. As for Debbie; her in ring character is supposed to be the all-American humble good housekeeping wife, but outside of the show, her home life is a total wreck due to a recent divorce. That yard sale scene where she goes off on a potential buyer of a picture frame due to the woman pointing out that her son's face resemble her ex-husband Mark (Rich Sommer). You really do see her despair through Betty Gilipin's acting. Debbie really did think that getting rid of the past things would help her child. I like how near the end credits, it reveal that the yard sale crisis really didn't. While, in other Season 2 episodes, you might hate Debbie for her aggressive quest for more power & fame. By the end of this one, you really do feel a lot of pity for her. You see this, during the small chitchat exchange on motherhood between the two characters backstage before their big fight. In the end, both actresses really made this wonderful character study episode so extraordinary with their performance. Especially real life pro wrestler Kia Stevens who is not as well known for her acting. After all, she was best known for only playing silent monster heel characters like Awesome Kong in Total Non-Stop Action/Impact Wrestling. Who knew that she had this amazing acting range!? Her body & facial expressions were spot on, whenever her character has tell the expose the truth, waiting for the so-called disapproval reaction from her son or trying to hold it together in the ring when the crowd is booing her. It's suspenseful and emotional. As for the wrestling action, the in ring clash between their characters live up to the over the top cartoony epic hype from the opening moments of the episode. The seasonal stunt work from Stevens, along with the amateurism other performance from the other actresses were still well choreograph. Much better than any real-life GLOW match up. You can tell that Betty's stunt work really has improve since the first season. I also dig the Meta climax of the match as it calls back to the beginning of the episode when Dawson visit the drive thru window. Even the on the call 'save face time' daughter kidnapping storyline was somewhat interesting to watch, even if it's highly borderline insane and unrealistic. Nevertheless, one thing that I really didn't found this episode good at, was making me laugh. None of the jokes throughout it, were not that funny. Honestly to tell you the truth. Most of them like the joke about everybody in the college mistaking Ernest for another black student and the whole yard sale happy montage felt somewhat jarring upsetting to view. Overall: Even with the lack of comedy and absence of the majority of the cast, this episode is decent enough to take home to your mother. It's worth watching.
Are You Afraid of the Dark?: The Tale of the Dead Man's Float (1995)
Come hell or high water, go see this episode. Surprisingly, it's worth diving into! It's kinda deep.
It's kinda surreal to think that the opening for this show was a lot scarier than most of the stories that the Midnight Society was going to tell. However, once in a good while, there was a tale that was very spooky & somewhat compelling. One such example was first episode of the fifth season, 'Tale of the Dead Man's Float'; which aired on Oct 7, 1995. Written by Will Dixon and directed by D.J MacHale, the episode chronicling tells the story of two teenagers, nerdy Zeke Matthews (Kaj Eriksen) & his high school crush, Clorice (Margot Finley) finding an abandoned swimming pool at their school, only to find out, that there is a mysterious creature lurking beneath the water. Without spoiling this episode too much, I have to say, I like how the writer & director were really testing how deep the waters can get, with this kid show. By 'water', I meant, how much, can they get away with visually, before religionist conservative types groups complain to both YTV & Nickelodeon, to be accountable for their indecency. Seeing what I notice here, it seems like this episode got away with a lot. After all, the opening moments of the tale had a child die onscreen. That death scene, follow up with another 3 mention off screen, made this episode, very deadly. This is very rare to see, where majority of the tales are victimless. However, it does beg the question, how the main characters got the school to refurbish the pool in the first place with that much known deaths & why Charlie Dempster (Michael Ayoub) didn't stop them? To piggy back on that; wouldn't the workers refurbishing it, notice a dead body under the ground, when setting up new pipes or at least, when some of them started to disappear or get kill off? It doesn't add up. Despite that, I do like how the way, those pool scenes were shot. It somewhat mirrors the underwater stalking point of view's shots of 1975's film, "Jaws', with a lone swimmer being pull under the water by an unseen creature, while also playing homage by, building up the monster's appearance until the finale. That was pretty cool, along with the nod to the phantom coming from the wall visual effect from 1984's 'Nightmare on Elm Street', with the unseen creature stretching out of the tarp. Who knew, you can make a drain pool look ominous and unsettling. I also dig the part, where the zombie like monster finally appears. He's blood red, deformed, mostly bones and rotting flesh! He looks like something out of the makeup special effects from 1980's slasher film 'Friday the 13th' mixed with 1979's Italian horror movie, 'Zombi 2'. Even the dated splashing water computer effect that came with him, was pretty good at the time. It really blows other effects on this show, out of the water! It also makes the monster, a tangible threat. Pretty frightening and convincing. Even, his death scene by melting was kinda gruesome, even if it's not that scientific accuracy. While, it's true that any alkali metal will make water 'blow up' violently, however, manganite is an inert mineral and does not explode upon exposure. Still, it's a toxic mutagenic substance that cause eye & skin irritations. So, it was a bit weird to see our heroes, swim in it, along with the remains of methyl orange & the acidic corpse that smelled of 'rotten eggs' that could be sulfuric acid; which is equally as hazardous. Based on what's in the water, they should had been burn victims, by the end. Regardless of that, there is more things, I got to throw some cold water on, such as the out of place poster mentioning date rape in the background. What the hell was that!? Is there, a secret message or metaphor within this episode that I didn't know about!? That was pretty disturbing to see in a scene, while an old man nearly dies around some children. Another problem with this story is the inappropriate love triangle between Zeke, Clorice and Greta (Aimée Castle), which in core, wasn't really needed. I don't really think it's a good idea to teach kids that the person who hates you should be lusted after when there's actually a good person out there who does truly love you. I felt that Greta got wasted as a pointless throwaway character, just to hammer that people shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Nevertheless, I do like how each character does grow in the plot & conquer their fears. I like how they're not shallow cookie cutter stereotypes. Plus, it's cool that the episode had them, along with an adult, work together to defeat the monster, rather than one of them, doing all the work. As for the acting, it's alright for the most part. However, it was a bit consistent toward the end, when the custodian is alright, after having a serious stroke. That was a bit odd. I also found that some of the supporting performers in the story, here, like Jay Baruchel, Arthur Holden & Jessica McKenzie were reused in other episodes, in different roles, so that was a bit jarring to see. As the Midnight Society parts. I found the Codie Wilbee's character of Stig as a poor replacement for Jason Alisharan's Frank Moore whom departed by the end of Season 4. Stig ended up being hated on by fans that he was rarely used in future episodes & clearly phrased out, due to the character's mostly painfully unfunny, gross, & obnoxious annoying humor. While, we never got to see the results of what was originally plan with him. I just glad, the show didn't follow up on it. Overall: While, this episode does have some flaws. It still made a splash! This is definitely one of the show's most memorable and visually disturbing outings, hands down. It's one episode, worth pooling for. This tale stays afloat.
WWE Monday Night RAW: Back to Dominate (2018)
This episode of RAW was a dragged to watch. It was not good.
With a title like 'Back to Dominate', you would think this Raw Super-Show would have a bigger importance than it did. Sadly, the ratings for this May 21, 2018 episode was third, overall, on viewership on Monday Night, falling behind the NBA Playoffs and yes, sadly, to Sean Hannity. It's really depressing, because that morning brought more happier news that will surely shift the trajectory of the WWE and the wrestling business dramatically, with the Fox Network offering, an immensely lucrative agreement in principle to bring Raw's sister show 'SmackDown' to Fox in the Fall of 2019. However, that deal might fall off, the face of the planet, if WWE doesn't bring the viewers, back to watching their television shows. Tonight episode on the USA network, mark the lowest rating for the year, so far, with 2.6 million viewers. It really didn't catch general fans attention at all. At least, in a good way. Instead, the show caught a lot of social media backlash for its utterly tone-deaf, semi-offensive attempt at humor with the Sami Zayn/Bobby Lashley's sister sequence. It managed to overshadow everything else on the show -- good or bad - due to awkwardly, poorly-time dated comedy; which saw, a man beat up, another man for dressing up in drag. Not only, was the sequence in bad taste, but it goes against everything that WWE is trying to do to gain LGBT-supportive. It was not good. Nevertheless, it wasn't the only thing, bad about this show held in Albany, NY. Another cringe-worthy sequence was honestly the opening promo, which saw, Stephanie McMahon return to television, after, a kayfabe, broken arm injury at 2018's 'WrestleMania'. Not only, was 42 days, far too unrealistic for somebody to be, completely heal from some a injury, but for a show brimming with talents, WWE really did spent way too much on the spotlight on her, explaining crap. Because of this, the in-ring single match between Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens that follow, was highly rushed for an opening for WWE's flagship show. It really didn't became decent, until it was throw out, in favor for a tag team match, between the Shield (Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins) versus Kevin Owens & Jinder Mahal. However, even with that, the run-of-the-mill wrestling skills of Mahal and the half-ass, out of it, attempts of a comeback by Reigns made the match, mediocre at best. Still, without spoiling it, I did the finish. Following this, we found ourselves, listening to Alexis Bliss's promo that really seem out of character for her. The idea that she brought up, a misleading inaccurate account of the fall of Rome was really jarring. It's clearly, notable that this speech was written by a writer who knows, nothing about history. Despite that, Bliss's match with Ember Moon was fun to watch. Probably, the best women match of the night. The other match, which saw, Natalya VS Dana Brooke VS Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan in a fatal 4-Way qualifier for the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match was such a snooze-fest. It was pretty forgettable. As for the contract signing between Ronda Rousey and Nia Jax, that sequence was a lot better than the others, given the significance of the presence of Stephanie McMahon being there. The Billion Dollar Princess' constant manipulation of the situation was a masterpiece of great heel work. She created conflict, where, at first, they were none. It made the match between Jax & Rousey for the PPV, seem like must-watch, TV! The same, can't be said, with the Chad Gable & Dolph Ziggler sequence.
Despite an intense, impressive, somewhat entertaining effort by Ziggler & Gable-in-ring work. I really can't get behind this feud. I really find, Drew McIntryre's presence as a Dolph's henchman, really jarring and mismanage. This guy deserves better. The limelight should be, place on him. As least, he isn't stuck in a limbo comedic role like Bobby Roode. His feud with Elias is getting really tiresome to watch. It felt like a rerun. Tonight episode with Elias wasn't, one of his greatest hits. However, surprising, other sequences such as B-Team (Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel) versus Breezango (Tyler Breeze & Fandango) was indeed, fun to watch. However, the tag matches, we got, tonight, does make the RAW tag team division look like a joke, right now. As least, that match was not as forgettable like the Baron Corbin versus No Way Jose match. The only thing, I remember, from that match, was the off-headed commentary made by Corey Graves about Corbin's weird hobbies of collecting human skulls. That was a bit disturbing. Anyways, by the time Braun Strowman and Finn Balor took to the squared circle for the main event, the show really did felt like a marathon to get through. Because of that, I was a little bit, check out by then. Nevertheless, with the best that I can remember, the David vs. Goliath story between Strowman and Balor was a remarkable fun match. However, I kinda dig the promo before it, better, with Strowman destroying a whole apple with his hands. It was funny to watch. Overall: Despite some good moments. I can't really say, this 3 hour show was worth watching. There were far too much flaws, than goods. In short, it would be best, just to DVR it & skip, over most of the awful sequences, I mention if you do. Or, better yet, just watch, this week's 'Smackdown'. It was the far more superior show. Now, that was a win!
Stranger Things: Chapter Eight: The Mind Flayer (2017)
You don't need to be a mind reader to see that this, as one of the best & strangest episode from Season 2. It was amazing!
If 'Chapter Eight: The Upside Down' was the best episode of Season 1 of Netflix's Sci-Fi TV Series, 'Stranger Things'. Then, this episode originally titled "The Brain" is the one to watch for Season 2. Taking place, once again where they left off at the end of Episode 6: 'Chapter 6: the Spy' with the dog-like beasts from the Upside Down World, trapping most of our heroes in the Hawkins Lab. 'Chapter 8: Mind Flayer' has everything that is great from the horror genre. Mystery, Suspense, Claustrophobia & Violence. The fear of being trapped with the unknown and having nowhere to escape remind me of such films like 1993's 'Jurassic Park', 1984's 'Ghostbusters' and 1986's 'Aliens'. It was truly intense. Without spoiling the episode, while "Mind Flayer' was truly scary, it was also a relief to see the focus being spent on the right things, after the misguided superhero filler adventures of Jane Ives/Hopper AKA Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) looking for her sister in Chicago, Illinois with Episode 7: 'Chapter 7: The Lost Sister'. Don't get me wrong, I understand, what the writers, Justin Doble & the Duffer Brothers were going for, in the stand-alone crime heist episode. Supporting characters like Kali Prasad AKA Eight (Linnea Berthelsen) was there to teach Eleven, how to better use her power. However, it derailed the show's main narrative momentum with a side-story that has little to do, with what is happening with most of the characters in Hawkins Lab. In truth, "Mind Flayer' should had been the Episode 7, we never got. Regardless of that, "Mind Flayer' has one more thing that is better than 'the Lost Sister', and that's acting! This episode has some of the best acting, ever seen in this series, with performers like Noah Schnapp as Will Byers and Winona Ryder as Joyce, Will's mother, giving it, their all. The interrogation scenes with the family members talking to Will about remembering past events and Will's unwieldiness to break down, was Emmy-Worthy. It was really emotional to see Joyce have to do, crude things to her son, in order to save the other people, she has in her life. It really gave a purpose for one of the most shocking death in the series, so far. Without revealing it. All I got to say, is that this death was not as controversial as the death from Season 1, 'Chapter Three: Holly Jolly' with Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyers)'s goodwill friend, Barbara Holland (Shannon Purser). Some people might disagree with me, but it was somewhat necessary for his death to happen, even if I didn't like it. So, I doubt there, will be "#Justice', as much as Barbara, got. However, it doesn't stop, the emotional draining of sadness of that beloved character, passing, even if his death was a bit clichés with the false hope jump scare. After all, realistic, people don't really relax, when there is still creatures, all around. That's really stupid. Plus, his death seem like it was going to happen, anyways, since step-parents don't really seem to survive, much in horror movies. Nevertheless, I was really hoping to see more from him. Now, it's very unlikely, that he will return. On the other hand, his sacrifice add more to the story, than Barbara, ever did, even if government institution at the time, don't really run on BASIC. Still, there were some others parts of the episode that really came out of left field and more jarring than the out of nowhere death of a beloved character, such was the odd phone call. Was that, the Shadow Monster trying to figure out, where Will is!? If not, it would be totally random!? Another would, be the case of Will telling the crew in Morse code. First off, how in the end, did he know, Morse code!? Second off, If the torture/exorcist scene was just there to explain, that the gate needed to be closed. Why would, Will would be, the only one to think that and not anybody else!? After all, it was the same problem that they had in Season 1. I don't get, how these people don't see that, a large opening to the upside down world, as being a problem. You would think that, closing it, would be in everybody mind, even before asking Will. It's seem like common sense. Also, metaphorically speaking, doesn't that mean that Jane has to die as well, since she is technically, another gateway for the shadow monster? How is that, not brought up!? I guess, Season 3 will try to answer that question and others, when it comes out. Regardless, the camera work, the special effects, and visuals were masterpieces. The scope of the music and sounds added to the creepiest of all the scenes. Overall: This episode was every bit as emotionally satisfying as I'd hoped, even if it's coming from 'Season 2' which, overall, is weaker than the original season. Nevertheless, episodes like this, shows that, 'Stranger Things' Season 2 was indeed worth the wait. It's a must watch from me.
Rick and Morty: The Ricks Must Be Crazy (2015)
What a crazy episode, this was! This was amazing! It's one of my favorite episodes, of the series.
Airing on the Cartoon Network's late night programming block Adult Swim, 'Rick & Morty' became one of the hottest sci-fi comedy cartoon series of all time, filling the void, after reruns of old sci-fi cartoon shows like 'Futurama', were finally taking off the air. Originated as an animated short parody film of 1985's 'Back to the Future' created by Justin Roiland & Dan Harmon. The series follows the fictional misadventures of cynical, yet alcoholic mad scientist Rick Sanchez (Voiced by Justin Roiland) and his good-hearted, but easily distressed 14-year-old grandson, Morty Smith (Also voiced by Justin Roiland) on their interdimensional and extraterritorial adventures. In season 2, episode 6, entitled 'The Ricks Must Be Crazy', the two went on their biggest adventure yet, exploring the microverse that powers Rick's car (spacecraft) battery. Without spoiling the episode, written by Dan Guterman, too much, I like the twist, in which, the group discover that a micro-verse scientist named Zeep Xanflorp (Voiced by Stephen Colbert) has also created yet another Micro-Verse, or Mini-Verse in order, to generate power for his civilization, making Rick's invention for powering his car, obsolete. Not only does, it give, Rick, a compelling challenge to convince Zeep that using living beings as energy is wrong, without exposing, his cunning deceit about Zeep's society; but it also gives, Rick, a strong, crafty intelligent counterpart that can play wits, as an great antagonist. In short, the episode gives off, a great 'man vs man conflict' that seem, more like 'a man vs self', one. I also like the episode points out the hypocritical that comes with, anybody whom 'plays god' with society, through any means, like science, money, religion, and etc. & the sheer H. P. Lovecraft cosmic horror that comes with, them, finding out that their existence is not in their control. It's perfect social commentary. It somehow shows the sad truth, that the Universe is somehow an unending cycle of birth & death of energy, and nothing more. Also, I like how, the episode tells that no matter, how much, we thinks, we have, control of our own destiny. In truth, we really don't know. It kinda reminds me, of a mixer of films like 1999's 'the Matrix', 1998's 'The Truman Show', 2010's 'Inception', & little bit of 2009's 'Avatar', all put into one, in the way, it shows that. However, I did think parts of the main story of the episodes, felt, like it recycle the same retelling bits from earlier episodes, like Season 1, Episode 2, 'Lawnmower Dog', Season 1, Episode 4 'M. Night Shaym-Aliens' & Season 2, Episode 5 'Get Schwifty'. Still, it wasn't too jarring. Another great thing, about this episode, is the side story, with Morty's sister, Summer (Voiced by Spencer Grammar), being protected by Rick's car. The lengths in which, the car is willing to protect the teenager, was funny and downright disturbing in a good way. Without spoiling it, the mind trick with the cop, during the middle of the episode, is by far, one of the funniest, yet horrifying f*ck up moments, I have, witness on this show. The B-plot with her, is just as entertaining and brilliant as the A-Plot with Rick & Morty. I just wish, the episode, had a better ending. It was a bit anti-climax with the flies in the ice cream diner. I thought, 'The Ricks Must be Crazy' episode, should had, ended with Zeep flipping the bird, to Rick in a serious, sinister tone, was better. Who knows!? I hope, one day, they make a sequel to this, and bring back, Zeep to seek his revenge on destroying his world. I have to say, guest star, Stephen Colbert really makes this episode, very special. He brings the right amount of arrogant that makes Zeep, into a very complex, yet likable villain. It's so, unlike the other villains, in other episodes, whom felt, a little, too much one-dimensional and the same, with their quest to steal Rick's portal technology. As for the other voice acting. It was once again, the average with Justin Roiland, giving it, his all! Still, far fewer, memorable, yet funny quotes from this episode, than the others. However, I glad, that this episode is far more sophistical, than the other episodes; which had far more dumb, nonsense gross shock value jokes. It reach the right balance, between high-brow comedy and feeding the lowest common denominator. Overall: This is a fantastic episode that takes Rick and Morty's established tropes and plays with them in really fun ways. Highly recommended, watching this episode.
Stranger Things: Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers (2016)
Don't be a stranger! Check this show out! Why!? The first episode explain why! It's pretty damn good.
For those, who're unfamiliar, with the show created by Matt & Ross Duffer; the series tells the story of several members of a small Indiana community, where disappearance of a young boy, Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) would bring the end of the town, when it's discovered, that something more sinister is afoot. Without spoiling the episode, too much, I like how very authentic to the 1980s vibe that it was going for. It will certainly strikes a chord with all of nostalgia film lovers out there with all the references, it cram into one episode. After all, 'Stranger Things', episode 1 is one part, Steven Spielbergean coming-of-age dark fantasy, another part, Stephen Kingism psychological thriller, and even has a taste of John Hughes style, romantic and comedy. Because of this, it will certainly draw a fan base, as, it's a wonderful Netflix series to binge-watch. There is no way, you can stop yourself, from finishing it, after the flood gates open, with 'Chapter I: The Vanishing of Will Byers'. You will find yourself, listening to great synth-heavy theme song, influences by John Carpenter's flicks, every time, and not get sick of it. The use of the Clash 'Should I stay, should I go' was also great. It speaks of the troubles of the 1980s were to families with broken homes & absentee parents, becoming more and more. Like any series opener, there's a lot of expository setup and character introductions necessary for viewers. The Duffer Brothers do a good enough job to keep the dialogue, entertaining, but not too boring. There is also enough action to keep, the audience invested. The scenes at the diner & the lab, were intense. "Stranger Things' has the right amount of action, imagery and clever dialogue to keep me glued to the television. It was incredible. However, it's without a few faults. Some of the tropes that the series used, throughout its season can be seem as cheap unoriginal copycat rather than homage to certain audiences. There is a few examples of that, here, throughout this episode. For starters, I really couldn't get into the high school drama, stuff. Maybe, it's just me, but I found the love triangle between not so innocent, Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer) heart-throb Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) and trouble brooding Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton) to be so clichés and somewhat boring. Any of the shots of them, here in this episode felt like time-wasting filler, since much of their storyline was somewhat, bland, compare to the main missing child, plot line. Plus, the love drama connected between them, without be, explain, until further episodes in the series. So, pretty much, they could had been cut from this episode to save time. Despite that, I like how the episode had great use of foreshadowing. The Dungeons & Dragons opening was great, as it does a good job of introducing the 'mystery' and the main characters of the show: Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), Lucas Sinclair (Caleb McLaughlin) & Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo); with each of the characters, acting like their D&D avatars. The whole idea of exploring 'Mirkwood' was also brilliant, as in 'the Lord of the Ring' books by J. R.R. Tolkiens, it was inhabited by magical elves: something similar to what Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) would represented if in the Dungeons & Dragons game. Another great use of foreshadowing is the number tattoo on her arm. Not only, does it remind us of the Holocaust, but the experiments, the secret government agency did with her, mirrors what the evil Dr. Josef Mengele use to do with twins, during WWII. It's a scary thought. A role, so hard to pull off, even for a seasoned kid actor, but somehow, Millie was able to perform her role in the series meaningfully. They asked her to study 1982's 'E.T" to understand the role of a scare, non-verbal protagonist. In addition, Millie brought to the table a variation of reactions to different characters, due to perceived trust level. This combination brought a further vulnerability to the character that, in many other ways, was both terrifying and otherworldly. In the end, these child actors would be, much of the charm on the series. Another great use of foreshadowing was the use of author Ernest Hemingway's novel 'The Old Man and the Sea' sitting on the table in front of Sheriff Jim Hooper (David Harbour). It's represents the Sheriff, so well, as the aging unlucky old man trying to redeem himself, for losing his daughter in rescuing another person's missing son. David Harbour was great as the character in the first episode. Not only that, but I had to give mad props for the actress that played Will's mother, Joyce Wheeler (Winona Ryder). I have to say, this is a career resurrection for Winona Ryder after years of being mostly out of the spotlight. She was really good in this episode, however, it would be, also be later episodes, where she would really shined. Also, mad props to the actor, playing Benny Hammond (Chris Sullivan). I really thought, he should had a bigger role in the series. I understand the love for Barbara Holland (Shannon Purser), but where is the love for him? His role was cut, short, too. Overall: This episode has hardly any faults. I really like it but I completely understand why people don't. The first episode can seem that it trying to too hard to fit everything in, so it can feel a bit convoluted & some characters do fall flat in their first appearance. However, I think if you stick to watching the other episodes, after this. You would find this episode, just as good, as the others. It really is a binge watch, type of an episode, worthy of the praise, it has been getting.
Gravity Falls: Tourist Trapped (2012)
I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation. I was really hooked after the first episode. This show is really worth grappling.
Call me, the pop-culture, Isaac Newton, because I just discovered 'Gravity Falls'. I was really blown away by just how funny and amazing, this Disney Channel cartoon is. Nearly all of it, is truly wonderful. It's impossible to put down! It remind me, so much of the shows: 'The Simpsons', 'The X-Files', and 'Twin Peaks', all put into one. Inspired by the summer of 2006, which he spent working at Portland's Laika animation studio as a storyboard artist on "Jack and Ben's Animated Adventure," a movie that was scrapped in 2008 & his relationship with his twin sister, Ariel; creator and writer, Alex Hirsch's series tells the story of 12 year old, twins Dipper (Voiced by Jason Ritter) and Mabel Pines (Voiced by Kristen Schaal) discovering the paranormal mysteries of their town, with their great uncle Stan (Also voiced by series creator Alex Hirsch), during the course of a summer. Premiering after the Disney Channel Original Movie, 'Let It Shine', on June 15, 2012, this episode has Dipper believing he just solves another case, when he believes Mabel's new boyfriend might be a zombie. However, unannounced to him, Mabel's new boyfriend might turn out to be, something, much, much, more sinister. Without spoiling the episode, too much, I have to say, while I like this episode, because it establish a lot of key characters, and future events, to what's to come, such as "The Time Traveler's Pig" (Season 1, Episode 9), 'A Tale of Two Stans" (Season 2, Episode 12), & 'Weirdmageddon 3: Take Back The Falls' (Season 2, Episode 20). I just felt, the writing was a bit underwhelming and not finish. Maybe, the episode was a little too fast pace. After all, the flashbacks didn't really explain, how Mabel met her boyfriend in the first place, nor the reasons, why the twins are in Gravity Falls in the first place. Also, while I like the twist, toward the end; I just wish the episode explain more, the reasons why the creatures needed a queen in the first place. I felt that I was missing a lot of information here. Makes me, want to see the unaired pilot that was the earlier version of the episode. Maybe, they explain it there. Besides that, the plot of the episode is pretty meaningful. I like how it deals with the importance of trust. Although Dipper and Mabel have different views. Their sibling bond to each other is closer than ever, because how much, they trusted each other. This theme would be carry out to other episodes, such as "Not What He Seems' (Season 2, Episode 11) & 'Gideon Rises' (Season 1, Episode 20) to great success. I also dig all the clues, this episode has. It gives the episode, a lot of rewatch value. Some great examples of Easter eggs are the mysterious '618' number that appear in nearly every episode of the series. It refers to the date in which, series creator, Alex Hirsch, and his twin, was born: June 18; which also happens to appear here in the first page of Journal 3. 618 also appear in the Mystery Shack's address, and Whack-A-Mole machine's score, but there is plenty of others places, the number shows up that I wouldn't spoil for you. Another thing, you might had notice, about this series, is the cryptogram that appears in the intro and the ending. Without telling you, what it says. I will try to give you, a hint, how to solve the riddle, yourself. All you have to do, is watch the episode, backwards. Another thing, that people might have notice about this episode and show, is the controversial use of supposed "Illuminati", 'Masonic' and "Occult" symbols. Because of this, the show did anger, a number of religious watch group for trying to corrupt young viewers into devil worshipping. In my opinion, those people are just misinform. None of those symbols, is really about satanic. I think, people just need to read more and learn the history. They are overreacting. Also, much of the symbols, people see here, is pretty much very noticeable in real-life society. So, don't blame this show for it. Blame society. Also, nobody really cares. Symbols like 'all seeing eye' has been there, since the dawn of civilization. It's the symbol for 'God', so why are they hating? In the end, these signs are inserted into this show to add 'mystery' that's all. Nothing really sinister. Despite the series' dark undertones, there is nothing, too harmful or scary as well. Most of the thrills are pretty tame. However, in many ways, this series is better suited for slightly older audience members who will pick up on the subtleties of the clever writing and characterizations that will go unnoticed by younger viewers. Because of that, I really doubt your children will grow up to be the next Aleister Crowley. If anything, they wouldn't join, a cultism, because how much, the show makes fun of secrets societies. Plus, the show doesn't take any of the dark material that serious. After all, there is a video game in the intro for Contra, a video game on the NES system. It's rather hilarious, how much people take this show, a little too seriously. Other problems, people have against this episode and show is the fact, that the animation isn't the best, some of the frame was missing features, the voice acting needed some more work as some of the voices are jarring, and the fact, that the producers already limited themselves to a few episodes. However, if you can look past that, I guarantee that you will find yourself, having fun with these slightly irreverent unusual characters in the following episodes. Like me, you will fall in love with Gravity Falls. It's just that good.
The Walking Dead: The Day Will Come When You Won't Be (2016)
Head up! Battler up! Walking Dead: Season 7 Opener was a huge hit. It didn't strike out. It will hit you hard.
What? Was the joke that bad? I don't care, because 'the Walking Dead', Season 7, Episode 1: 'The Day Will Come When You Won't Be' was intense! Directed by Greg Nicotero, I like how Negan (Jeffery Dean Morgan) was able to breaks the group and proves they now have something to fear. This was show in the way, Negan got to Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) by killing members of his group and threating to do worst. Without spoiling the episode, too much, I have to say, this episode was expected to be upsetting for fans, seeing how last season finale, Season 6, Episode 16 'Last Day on Earth' ended. We knew that somebody was going to die, but didn't know who. While, the cliffhanger ending rub some fans, the wrong way, it did give us, the subject of many theories and much speculation leading up to the premiere. So that was fun. However, it also kinda ruin, what could had been a greater surprise for this episode. Just think, if they honestly show, who Negan killed in the last episode, instead of this. Then, we wouldn't see, the other death coming as we wouldn't think that Negan would kill, yet another person. Plus, it would give time, for fans to take in the lost; as well, mourn for the demise character. Instead, we got two characters lost in one episode, with one of the deaths, feeling less emotional than the others. Anyways, it also didn't help that anybody who read the comics, knew that those two characters 'time' has really run out, even with writer Robert Kirkman 'transfer' deaths of comic characters to different characters within the television series. However, the showrunners did consider if one of the deaths was necessary for the show, or not, since having already chosen another to receive Negan's fatal beating. Ultimately, they decided to go with it, because his death in the comics drives several character's subsequent plot lines to where they are now. Still, I kinda like how they handle their deaths, giving each character, an epic one-liner to go out with. Also, I think the studio AMC did a good job, hush hush, who Negan kill, until the episode premiere, while giving us, enough marketing tactics to keep us, interested. A good example of this, was the sneak peek aired shortly before the broadcast date with Negan speaking to Rick, which turned out to be from the opening sequence, and airing a fake beating, online and filming multiply endings with every character in front of Negan being beaten to death so no spoilers will get out. Still, I have to criticize the critics that says the episode is nothing, but torture porn that went too far. Anybody, who watches 'Walking Dead', already knew that this episode was going to be brutal. It's like complaining, that coffee is too hot, when drinking it. Let it settle, before settling up, justice. Despite that, I did like AMC taking a risk on the graphic violence and the filming crew for doing a great job showing the gory messy aftermath through make up and visual effects, yet, I kinda wish, they took more of a chance with the foul language. Negan seem less than his comic book, couther part, because of that. Still, Jeffery Dean Morgan does a great job, showing how chaotic, and orderly, Negan can be. If you look deeper in the episode, you can see that the choices, Negan does, weren't as randomly as it seem. He knew, which people would follow him, and who wouldn't. You also see it in the body language, the two, made at him in the previous episode. It was clear that Negan doesn't want a strong defiance character, within the group. It's easily for him to control them if they were willing to submit. That's the story of the episode, right there in Rick's POV. I love the whole 'get me my axe' game with Rick. It's like a dog owner trying to tame, a wild pit bull. Also, the whole 'cutting the arm' scene, not only hint to a story in the bible, where God orders Abraham to sacrifice his own son to him, but also to the comic version, where Rick get his arm, chop off. I also, love the editing in this episode, as it shows Rick getting haunted by the fate of the living, as well, as the ghosts of the dead, through flashbacks and dreams of what could be the future. The Sunday Dinner moment is really heart-breaking. I love Andrew Lincoln's acting throughout this. Another person that deserve some praise is Lauren Cohan as Maggie Greene. You really see her true acting ability when she cries out for the victim getting beaten to death. Even the ending with all of the gang, gathering up the remains of their friends was sad. Lots of tissues were used by me, throughout this episode. I also like how the episode title is a callback to Dr. Edwin Jenner's (Noel Emmerich) warning to Rick from the season 1 finale, episode 6 'TS-19', after Rick expressed gratitude to Jenner for allowing them to escape the CDC with their lives. Overall: This was a monumental night for television. A disturbing horror episode that will haunted the viewers of this show, for many years to come. Absolutely.
Star Trek: Voyager: Tsunkatse (2000)
The Rock and Spock Connection was an indeed a clever marketing ploy, but this episode was so crude and pointless.
Don't get me wrong, I get the idea, why the, then-UPN (United Paramount Network) cross-promote, their 'Star Trek: Voyager' show with that of then-WWF (World Wrestling Federation) 'Smackdown' show. After all, during the early 2000s, 'Smackdown' was the network's highest-rated program, while 'Star Trek: Voyager', by far, the weakest of all of the 'Star Trek: New Generation' spin-off shows, numbering in a few viewers each week. Thus, it seemed only natural to cross-promote it to increase the latter's viewership. The plan work, as 15th episode achieved a Nielsen rating of 4.1 million homes, and a 6% share, making it the highest rated episode of season 6. However, couldn't they make this episode directed by Mike Vejar, a little more sophisticated than what we got!? This Star Trek: Voyager episode written by Gannon Kenney was kinda dumb, only feeding our low brow animistic urges. Originally called 'Arena', before being changed at the last minute, because of the similarities of that title with Star Trek: the Original Series' Season 1, Episode 18 'Arena'. The story tells the story of USS Voyager crew member, Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) getting captured while on an away mission and being forced to fight in a gladiator-like fight competition. Without spoiling this hastily-written predictable episode, too much, I have to say, the story is nothing, but a rehash of the typical "forcing a Star Trek character to fight against their will", we seem before in Star Trek episodes, such as 'Star Trek: the Original Series' Season 2, Episode 1 'Amok Time' & 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine' 15th episode, season 5 'By Inferno's Light'. It wasn't anything new, nor does it give us anything special, beyond, seeing Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson in one of his first acting roles, even if he's pretty much, playing himself as Pendari Champion, with doing pro-wrestling style stunt moves like the 'Rock Bottom' & doing "The People's Eyebrow," a typical Rock gesture. It was a bit disappointing, seeing how Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson was wasted. His character wasn't complex at all. His make-up work was cheaply done and his suit look like putty patrol on steroids. He was a bit shallow. Don't get me wrong, the episode was somewhat entertaining, due to the lowbrow action exploitation violence exploitation, but it doesn't match well, with the Star Trek New Generation smart pacifistic style of solving conflict. Isn't it, a bit weird to see the humanism and optimism aristocratic crew of the USS Voyager turn into blood-driven fanatics, by cheering for people beating up other people? I guess, human society in the 24th century hasn't evolved that much, if extreme animistic personality still existed. It totally sold out Gene Roddenberry's ideal society out. One thing I found a little shortsighted on the part of the Voyager crew was the notion that they weren't really aware of the extent of the Tsunkatse ring violence. How could they not heard about it? They had to see at less, one of these 'red match' in which the fighter, fight a battle to the death. After all, the episode told us, that those matches were very popular. It's doesn't make sense, even if we're to believe that the Federation banned such fighting from airing. Somebody would had told them. Plus, it's a bit preachy, to present the episode, where seeing two people fight to the death is fun to watch, based on the trailer, only to later, recount, how wrong, it was, in story terms. It's not very well conscious. It's a bit of guilt-shaming. Plus, I'm somewhat disappointing with the few guest performances that this episode had. They really didn't help elevate the material, any further than it turn out. First off, I found Jeffery Comb's cameo as martial arts fighting Norcadian promoter, Penk, somewhat offensive and demeaning to Asian Americans. Jeffrey Combs looks like Dana Carvey in really bad Asian Fu Manchu stereotypical make-up. I would rather see, Jeffery Comb play, yet another Weyoun clone than this over-the-top and shallow villain. The other important character here is the Hirogen warrior played by J.G Hertzler. He was a little better than Combs, as he had a commanding presence as he teaches Seven in the ways of the fighting, but somewhere in me, kinda wish, he was playing a Klingon or better yet, a Gorn. Jeri Ryan as Seven was alright for the most part in a physical role. She did some of her own stunt work, and pretty much, match well with both Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and J.G Hertzler. It's somewhat believable that her character could probably take down, both men if she really wanted to. Her dilemma of losing her humanity and going back to the Borg ways, was somewhat interesting, but it wasn't very compelling, because her fight scene took place, in what looks like an old American Gladiator set. It was very cheap-looking and jarring. This whole episode looks, pretty bad with the lazy make up effects, lightning and limited CGI. In the end, this episode felt very unnecessary. Overall: It felt like sweep month, filler. It really doesn't effect, the later episodes much. It's ridiculous, but highly watchable.
The Simpsons: Bart the General (1990)
Bart the General is nearly 5 Stars of Entertainment.
Directed by David Silverman, and originally aired on February 4, 1990; this Season 1, Episode 5, of the Simpsons, was one of the season highlight for me. Despite, having no chalkboard or couch gag intro, this week, due to the episode running time. Nor the cool classic theme song. I still kinda like this episode, because it introduce a lot of new characters. One of them, is the iconic bully, Nelson Muntz (Voiced by Nancy Cartwright). It's too bad, the other well-known bullies like Jimbo Jones (Voiced by Tress MacNeille), Kearney Zzyzwicz (Voiced by once again, Nancy Cartwright) and Dolphin "Dolph" Starbeam (Also Voiced by Tress MacNeille) wouldn't appeared on the Simpsons, until the 8th Episode of Season 1, 'The Telltale Head'. It would be nice to see them, team up with Nelson to take down, Bart, rather than the generic henchmen, we got in this episode. Makes me wonder, what-ever happen to Nelson's buddies in this episode? Weasel #1 (Voiced by Susan Blu) never appeared in any other episode besides this. Weasel #2 AKA Richard AKA Lewis (Voiced by Jo Ann Harris) only appeared in a handful of episodes, as a backdrop character. I guess, the writers felt like they didn't enough appeal to make them, full-blown characters. Anyways, the way, Bart Simpson (Also voiced by Nancy Cartwright) enlist Grandpa Abe (Voiced by Dan Castellaneta) and the neighborhood children to fight against Nelson and his gang was very memorable, even though, the episode bully plot is very standard to most family drama sitcoms. Written by John Swartzwelder, the episode is probably more famous for its funny film references, than its story. The way, it used movie references as a gag, throughout this episode, ranging from parodies of the Academy Award: Best Picture of 1970 'Patton' to director Stanley Kubrick 1986's film, 'Full Metal Jacket' was honestly funny. There is also references to old school war film, like 1949's Battlefield, 1962's 'The Longest Day' & 1967's 'Cool Hand Luke', for the classic viewers. Still, the other gags unrelated to other movies, were alright for the most part. It's funny enough that, the episode was often used in college experiments to study brain activity in relation to humor, so they must had done something right. I do like the dream sequences that Bart has, throughout the episodes. Though, I don't get, why Bart would already forget that Lisa (Voiced by Yeardley Smith), indeed gave him, a cupcake in the beginning of the episode. It's seem odd that issue, whom be brought up during the 'Funeral' sequence. I guess, Nelson knock that memory out of him. Who knows! Anyways, I find it odd, how controversial this episode seemed to be, at the time of its release with its foul language and violence bloody imagery. I guess, seeing a dead kid in a coffin & having kid to kid combat would indeed raise some eyebrows. Today, this episode would now seems pretty harmless. It's even funny, when they made a joke in the episode about that with Grandpa's letter to TV advertisers. It was actually an inside joke, as a direct reference to FOX attempting to censor the Simpsons for using the phrase "family jewels" on Network TV. Wow, have times, has changed. It's also nice to see, Homer Simpson (Also voiced by Dan Castellaneta) have some interested in his kids, in this episode. His really trying to be a good parent here. It is one thing that seem to be, lacking in the later episodes, as he became more selfish. It's weird to see, Homer, being somewhat in control of himself, here. He doesn't once, plea to eat any of the cupcakes that Lisa was baking for her class after knowing that. He even try to stop Bart from being selfish. He only tries to eat a cupcake, later, when Lisa accidentally left one. Even with that, he doesn't seem, too mad about it. This episode also marked the first appearance of Grandpa Abe in the series, besides the shorts, where he show up in, January 10, 1988's "Grampa and the Kids" Series 2, Episode 12. I like, how he was given more to do, here. One character, I really wish, the Simpsons would use more is Herman (Voiced by Harry Shearer), the one-armed military surplus owner/arm dealer whom remind me of Gary Sinise in the film, 'Forrest Gump'. He was great in this episode, however the writers, barely used him in other episodes, besides his appearance in the sixth season, May 7, 1995, 23th episode 'The Springfield Connection' & '22 Short Films About Springfield', the twenty-first episode of Season 7 which aired on April 14, 1996. He often just participate in large mobs and crowds, most of the time. However, he was somewhat badly animation, here. I was always wondering, why the cigarette, he was smoking, was glued to his mouth. It was a bit jarring to see, the cigarette connect to his lips, like that. Despite that, the rest of the hand-drawn animation was alright. I like how the topic of bullying is generally treated quite seriously, except for the end, of course, as well. However, I do think, the series, dealt with it, better in later episodes like the 5th episode of season 22, "Lisa Simpson, This Isn't Your Life'. Both are miles better than season 12, episode 16th 'Bye Bye Nerdie'. Another thing to note about this episode is how it's very notorious for the credits scene, where the shot of the Simpsons house, replace the black background. Clearly, the idea didn't work, and the credits were back to normal in the 7th episode of Season 1, 'The Call of the Simpsons'. It also been rumor that Silverman had planned to use the song "War" by Edwin Starr in the episode credits as well, but the plans were also quickly dropped, when they couldn't get the music license. Overall: Besides a few flaws, this episode is a lot of fun. It's a must watch.
The Walking Dead: No Way Out (2016)
"The Walking Dead" came back with its midseason premiere, with a huge bang! 'Eye' didn't see it, coming. It was awesome.
Being the first episode to share its title with a comic volume since Season 4, Episode 8 'Too Far Gone', this episode shows that no matter, how much, time, you try to run away from your problems, there are moments in your life, where you got to take a stand! For that, I have to say, this episode is pretty awesome! It feels more like a Rated R movie, than a TV Show episode rated MA, due to its large production values and the amount of action scenes. It's by far, one of the most violent episodes, the show has ever produce. Based on the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman & directed by Greg Gregory Nicotero, Season 6, Episode 9 "No Way Out," was full of all the blood, carnage and shocking moments we've been waiting for since the beginning of Season 6. Continuing from the cliffhanger from Season 6, Episode 8 "Start to Finish', we got to see a recap of the sequence of Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus), Sasha Williams (Sonequa Martin-Green) and Abraham Ford (Michael Cudlitz) trying to return to Alexandria after the events of Season 6, Episode 6 'Always Accountable', without having to watch AMC 2015's 'Into the Badlands' TV Show. So that was nice. Without spoiling the first part of episode, too much, I love how they establish Negan's (Jeffery Dean Morgan) gang. They look very menacing. Hopefully, they wouldn't out to be, phrase out, quickly like the Wolves, Grady and Terminus folks. We really need a establish villain group with a great charisma leader. It's been way too long, since the Woodbury saga. Anyways, besides that sequence, most of the rest of the episode takes place in Alexandria, during the horde of Walkers attacked. While, the whole Morgan Jones (Lennie James) & Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride) debate about what to do with the Wolf Leader (Benedict Samuel) was pointless, tiresome and lackluster at best. At least, I found the scene with the Wolf holding Dr. Denise Cloyd (Merritt Wever), somewhat useful as it told us, more about her character. Denise is indeed played by a wonderful actress. I really hope, the best for her, to come in this show. However, I'm just glad, that her story wasn't the focus on the episode. After all, I came to watch this episode, because I wanted to see what will happen to Rick Grimes's (Andrew Lincoln) group trying to escape Alexandria in makeshift walker gut ponchos, because that sequence came from the comics. That's the main focus! It's a moment, comic fans have anticipated for a while! However, there was some flaws, in the film adaptation of that scene from the comics. A good example is how the group of survivors exit the house in this episode, differs from how the group exit from the last episode. I guess, Sam Anderson (Major Dodson) first cry for help for his mother, Jessie (Alexandra Breckenridge) was just a tease, and not really a main factor. Another problem with this sequence is how the group of survivors are able to talk in an open huddle, among the dead. It really seem, illogical and out of the blue. I don't get, how they didn't get catch, there, rather than later, because how loud and how long, they were speaking. They were small talking for a good while. Another is, what were the group trying to do. I get that, Rick wanted to lead the group to the quarry to retrieve vehicles and repeat his earlier plan to lure the herd away from Alexandria. However, it doesn't make sense that Rick and his group would still be, out in the open on the streets of Alexandria, when nightfall comes. It could make more sense, if they were in the woods, the quarry or in a different city, by then. It's also a bit jarring to see, how quickly the day turns into night in this episode. Overall: Without spoiling the ending, all I got to say, is bring some tissue, as some of the main characters will indeed die, here; while others will get seriously hurt. This episode will makes for a very intense and emotional watch, while also giving you, that entertaining edge of your seat watch. So check it out. You will like it.
Master of None: Mornings (2015)
This was a rough morning. I'm sorry, but this is not the best episode in the season, in my opinion. It's the weakest.
Originally call, 'Slice of Life', Aziz Ansari's comedy, 'Master of None' is a funny, heartfelt, very enjoyable series on Netflix that refreshingly takes more than a few unexpected dramatic turns. However, this episode, written by Ansari wasn't that good. It's not like super terrible. Just bland. It was too predictable, way too repetitive and clichés as hell. I know, a lot of critics love this episode for its really cool gimmick about having the whole episode take place entirely in Dev's apartment, during the morning time for a whole year, but I found the concept of it, to be, too similar to the 2009's film, (500) Days of Summer in which two lovers fall in love with each other, only for time, to separate them apart. Having Dev Shah (Aziz Ansari) and Rachel (Noel Wells), follow a similar pattern like that, adds nothing new. In my opinion, Season 1, Episode 9th, is by far, the weakest episode of the first season. If anything, you can cut this episode, out of season, and still, get the same results with the finale. It felt like filler. Don't get me wrong, this episode was beautifully shot. Director Eric Wareheim of 'Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Good Job!' (2007 to 2010) on Adult Swim, fame, really did a good job, making this odd concept, somewhat work. The shots of clock; the different types of clothes, the characters are wearing, throughout the episode, and the small changes of the background in the apartment, make it seem like time is indeed lapsing. However, the jokes weren't moving, fast. I love, some of the funny bits about their sex life, however, those jokes really got old, fast. Then, there is the running gag of the clothes always being on the floor, which I found funny at first, but like the sex jokes, it fell apart, due to how overused, it got. It really overstay, it's welcome. Unlike the other episodes, that got me, laughing my head off; in short, I rarely laugh here. For dramatic, this episode is also below average. While, seeing these two, argue with each other, might be unpleasant, it's not the main reason, why I don't like this episode. I do love conflict in my romantic comedy movies, but however, I don't like pathetic stupid ones. Without spoiling them, I felt, all of the conflicts in this episode were a bit weak. If there was any good highlights of this episode. It would be the acting. Both Aziz Ansari and Noel Wells do have chemistry with each other. They really made this episode, somewhat watchable. You never got really, too angry at any of them, for being a jerk or a bitch at times. Another great thing, about this episode, is seeing Aziz Ansari's real parents, Shoukath and Fatima Ansari return to play Dev's parents, Nisha & Ramesh Shah. Their last appearance in Season 1, Episode 2 'Parents' was hilarious. They are, by far, one of the best highlights of the season. The fact that they're not professionally trained actors, make them, so lovable. I love Fatima Ansari, deadpan deliverance and Shoukath's high spirit nature. It's so funny and charming! I really wish, they were in, more scenes in this episode than the few minutes, we got, here. It would make this episode, so much, watchable for me. Other highlights, that came with 'Morning' is the use of previous clips of past episodes, as flashbacks highlighting some of Dev and Rachel's history, together. It made me, want to rewatch the other episodes like, Season 1, Episode 6 'Nashville', more than this. In the end, I just feel that all the other aspects of Dev's life are so much more interesting to explore, than seeing him, deal with his relationship. There is already, too many TV shows that deal with romantic comedy. I don't need, this show to be, one of them, because I love the first few episodes. Honestly, how often, do you see, a TV show dealt with ethical stereotyping and gender roles in a unique way, like what they did Season 1, Episode 4 "Indians on TV" & Season 1, Episode 7 "Ladies and Gentlemen". Why couldn't he have more episodes like that? It would had make 'Master of None' stand out, more! Since Aziz Ansari's 'Master of None' was renewed for Season 2 by Netflix. I can only hope for more episodes like those 3 examples, and not so much on Dev & Rachel's relationship. Overall: There is no enough of coffee that can get me to rewatch this morning episode. I'm sorry. I would rather, sleep in.
The Simpsons: Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire (1989)
Simpsons, back then was really on fire! It was red hot! This premiere episode kinda shows that, with its adult-driven humorous theme
Written by Mimi Pond, and directed by David Silverman, the title alludes to "The Christmas Song", also known as "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire". Aired on Dec. 17th 1989, this was the first episode that started it all! 'Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire', tells the story of Homer Simpson (Voiced by Dan Castellaneta) trying to make Christmas happen, after the family find themselves, having little to no money for gifts. This was a story that anybody can related to. A family man trying to do, what he can, for his family. Such a strong moral core. In many ways, I can see, myself in the shoes of Homer Simpson, here. It's nice to see him, really put the work into it; unlike the later season's episodes, where Homer become more self-centered and lazy, during the holidays. It's nice to see, Homer Simpson, honestly try to be a good father. Its things like this that the later seasons, were really missing. Despite originally being the eighth episode produced for season one, this episode, indeed was the best choice to be air. I really don't know, why producers and the network was nervous about it. The episode really did a good job reintroducing, it's viewers to all the family members that we would follow for years to come. Character archetypes are set, but not yet explore, in much detail. It's also nice to see, the episode establish some of the well-known supporting characters that the show is known for. Another thing that I love about this episode is the adult-driven humor. Despite, being a lot tamer, not the funniest, it was pretty amusing at the time. By far, the best thing about this episode is its heart. Added, the Christmas theme, it made for a very good-timing watch. It was charming and lovable that I watch it, nearly every Christmas season since then. In my opinion, it's a lot better than the 13th episode of season 1, "Some Enchanted Evening", which the Network originally wanted to show, first. However, there are some faults with this episode. First off, as a pilot episode, the animation's a bit rough. It has that less polished look that still baring a resemblance to the original Tracey Ullman Show shorts. A lot of characters haven't got their familiar features yet, such as supporting characters like Barney Gumble (Also voiced by Dan Castellaneta) having blonde hair, rather than his normal brown. Call it, nitpicking, but another animation problem, I kinda dislike about this episode was how Lisa Simpson (Voiced by Yeardley Smith) had no bottoms, during her School Christmas Pageant. She look, very nude, in a disturbing way. Anyways, the episode is full of clumsy animation, ranging from dodgy hair, to crazy misaligned eyes. The funniest is how the children on the stage, are nearly the same size as the adults. It's so odd. The second problem of this episode is Dan Castellaneta's vocal characterization of Homer. It's still has that Walter Matthau impression, rather than familiar buffoon type voice that people love, so much. The same goes with the supporting character's voices such as Ralph Wiggum (Voiced by Nancy Cartwright) and Milhouse Van Houten (Voiced by Pamela Hayden), which doesn't sound quite yet. Another problem with this episode is the pacing. The first half of the episode, really takes forever to establish the story. Honestly, in my opinion, despite the whole School Christmas Pageant sequence, being really funny, it wasn't really needed. It would easily be replace, by the traditional opening chalkboard gag sequence and we still wouldn't miss much. The second half is a lot better, since there is only story and no subplots. It stays on point, the entire time. Anyways, the episode was still groundbreaking. The episode was nominated for two Emmy Awards in 1990: "Outstanding Animated Program" and "Outstanding Editing for a Miniseries or Special" for a good reason. Overall: When, I first saw this episode, I knew, from then, on, that the Simpson was going to be a big deal. Indeed, it did changed the world. It's quite an impressive story and foundation they managed to build on – it's all there, right from the beginning. A great kickoff!
Criminal Minds: The Uncanny Valley (2010)
This episode was indeed uncanny, but in an inane cartoony way.
The title of this 12th episode in the fifth season is used in reference to the phenomenon whereby a man-made object bears a near-identical resemblance to a human being, that it can arouses a sense of unease or revulsion in the person viewing it. The "valley" part, refers to the large dip in comfort levels. You see, a lot of these worrisome attitude, in the fields of robotics and 3D computer animations. Nonetheless, in this episode directed by Anna Foerster, much of the story takes place, with the unknown subject's unhealthy obsession of turning, beautiful women into living dolls & the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit, being called to Atlantic City to try to solve it. Without spoiling the episode, too much, I have to say, 'Uncanny Valley" is a bit silly with its doll-collector concept. It's even funnier, that everybody, is so unaware that they're obviously dealing with somebody who has a thing for dolls. I really don't get the idiotic. Actually, I'm not sure why the FBI was needed on this one at all. Honestly, this case, could been solved just as easily using conventional police methods, if the local police put their brains, together. Anyways, it finally takes up nineteen minutes in, before a profile can be make, although it's kind of nonsensical, with its 1950's style of generalizing from the BAU. It was a bit over-stereotypical and outdated. After all, there are a lot of men who collect dolls and could be in the fashion & health care industry, these days. I guess, in their minds, men don't generally don't play with dolls, and if the victims aren't molested in any way. It must mean that the unknown subject or unsub is a woman, not a man. I found this type of thinking to be, a bit obsoleted. After all, the records, show that majority of kidnapping crimes, is committed by men rather than women. So, I don't get, how they first idea is that, of a woman. I get that, they wanted to do, something different, but the outrageous idea that women don't molest people is wrong. Women molest victims, too! I guess, they never heard of Melissa Huckaby, a real-life female kidnapper known for her crimes of molesting female children with muscle relaxants. However, since this episode was written by straight men like Jeff Davis, it was pretty predictable, who the unknown subject was, even before the first act. I also didn't like how the evidences was presented. The science in this show failed miserably, yet again with the idea of that a muscle relaxant can numb your own body, but your eyes. In truth, it would really be hard to keep a patient alive with the muscle relaxant, they use here, because the patient's diaphragm would be paralyzed too. Without, the use of an intubated respiratory ventilator, the patient's lung would collapse, turning the person's skin yellow, and then black, before dying out. It's not a good way to preserve people. I find this whole storyline to be just utterly fantastical and ludicrous. Don't get me wrong, it was very entertaining. I like the 1990 Misery style of suspense here, but it's far from being creepy like some of the other episodes. I get a lot more fright, looking at Little Miss No Name, than the living dolls, here. Still the make-up work is some of the best, I saw, yet from this series. One of the highlights of the episode was the battle of wits, between Dr. Arthur Malcolm (Jonathan Frakes) & Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler). While, the scene wasn't really needed, it was very evenly match. It's too bad, that Jonathan Frakes's role in this episode was short. I thought, his guest star role needed a few more scenes. The only thing, I didn't like, about this scene, was how Spencer Reid can get so much, out of Dr. Malcolm, by just making a lucky guess, at looking at his book shelf. It was a bit, too unrealistic. Yet on Criminal Minds, things like these, always recurred. I'm deeply surprised, how its loyal fan-base, hasn't yet, got tired of its recycle formula of the FBI solving the crime, while the local police force looks like morons. I guess, people like the team of characters, way too much, with their funny witting bantering and on-screen chemistry to the point, that they're willing to overlook the poorly scripted concept of a killer turning living people into dolls. I have to somewhat, agree with that. While, this episode can be, said to be Spencer Reid's episode, since he did, the majority of the work. Seeing characters like Aaron Hotcher (Thomas Gibson) back as the leader was great to watch. Overall: I thought it was a solid episode, with a few misses. I loved the whole off-the-wall idea of it, but the execution of it, wasn't well-delivered. It's one of the episodes, you can rewatch, in the background, without being too disturb, by its context. A chaser drink of an episode.
Fear the Walking Dead: Pilot (2015)
This episode was mostly dead. Not a great start for the series.
When civilization ends, it ends fast. Not so fast, Tobias (Lincoln Castellanos). This episode shows that, with its slow burn approach. Created by Robert Kirkman and Dave Erickson, Fear the Walking Dead is the second television Zombie Apocalypse show in The Walking Dead franchise. However, while The Walking Dead is an adaptation of the original comic of the same name by Robert Kirkman, Fear the Walking Dead is instead an original story featuring innovative characters created by Kirkman for the show. Further distinguishing this show from its mother show is its premise and place in the timeline. While The Walking Dead's main plot kicks off two months into the apocalypse, this series showcase the outbreak in its early days, as news reports begin to come in of a strange virus sweeping the country. What follows is the struggle of a Los Angeles family to survive during the ensuing mass hysteria and chaos of the collapse of society as the dead begin to rise. It sounds pretty good, but this companion prequel isn't living up to the hype. It feels more like a crime drug drama, than a horror show. Honestly, this show also had one of the most lackluster show intro ever. It even lacks creepy music to start it off. I really don't get, how chronicling the first weeks of the outbreak could be so dull, but somehow this episode did, just that. This episode was long and boring. Sadly, I don't think, the writers did, enough to impress the fan-base, or the casual viewer with this pilot episode. Directed by Adam Davidson, this pilot tells mostly the story of Nick Clark (Frank Dillane), a drug-addict whom is trying to figure out, if the brutal things that he saw, was a heroin hallucination or not. This episode also features his family, his mother Madison played by Kim Dickens, Travis (Cliff Curtis), her boyfriend, who has an ex-wife and son), his sister Alicia (Alycia Debnam-Carey), all trying to figure out, if he's telling the truth about the end of days or if it's a drug-trick. All the actors are doing a good job, so far. The supporting cast not so much. They weren't so memorable. Nothing worth noting. They gave so & so performances. After all, the first episode is normally the introduction to the main cast. Another problem of doing a prequel episode is how obviously cliché, and predictable, it can be. I know that a lot of critics might hate these characters for doing stupid stuff, but let's remember, in the setting of this show, nobody ever heard of a zombie. Don't be surprised if they do, a lot of stupid things. It can be frustrating waiting for the character to catch up. Anyways, that wasn't my beef, against the first episode. It's not, even because the episode lacks zombies. It's more about, how the writers miss some really great opportunities in situations that would put all the main characters in potential dangers. The episode really needed some more action. Honestly, they should had Nick tied down on the hospital bed, while the old man besides him turns. That would had work. By the way, what type of nurse, would untied a dangerous patient restraints like that and then leave. It makes no sense. Then acts, like a b*tch and dismissive to Madison and Travis when they come in looking for him. Also, what the hell, happen to Gloria (Lexi Johnson)!? Wouldn't it, make sense, for her to confront Travis at the church? Instead, she just disappears. How did she escape? The church is mostly gated in. Unlike The Walking Dead pilot, there's only a few notable scenes of gore, here in the Fear the Walking Dead pilot. Most of them were somewhat off-screen or view in a far distance shot. It doesn't revel in the horror. The man on the highway getting shot was perform somewhat cheesy. It was a bit laughable. It was also a bit off that everybody would be, watching it on their phone in HD, unless everybody at the school has a death lust. I physically cringed at the same time in response to the dialogue, a sensation I had never experienced before and never hope to again. I really didn't like what Alicia's female classmate said. It's not believable. A young female woman would never have that type of reaction to seeing real-life violence. A young guy, maybe, but not a young female unless she's a psychopath. Just saying. Also, that viral video is little too clear, for what I believe is supposed to set in 2010, but who knows, it can be any year. I like how, they are working in, a bit of social commentary here with the police zombie shootings, but the obvious shades of growing controversy of police brutality was a few years, too early if it set the same time, Walking Dead was. Still, I do like the foreshadowing that Fear the Walking Dead does, not only for next episode, but a few more episodes coming up. Sadly, the ending of Fear the Walking Dead pilot was so anti-climax, compare to the Tank scene in Walking Dead 2010's 'Days Gone Bye', Episode. Being associated with The Walking Dead is a blessing and a curse for the show. I know that the co-branding title, allow Fear the Walking Dead to have the largest TV audience history for a pilot TV show, but it also means, that character driven episode like this, would have to step up to make it, enjoyable. Sadly, I didn't felt like they did. The 2013's Video game The Last of Us gets you more connected to the characters in the opening scene then 90 minutes of this pilot. Fear the Walking Dead has promise in the writing department and I think a few more episodes will either make it or break it. This show has potential. I just wish, the writing was better than what I saw, so far.
Batman: The Animated Series: Beware the Gray Ghost (1992)
What a great haunting episode!
I remember watching this episode, as a kid and finding it very exciting. It's weird to think that Adam West, best known for his portrayal of Batman in the 1960s Batman television series would even want to guest star in another Batman show. I would have thought, that Adam West would like to erode his Batman image, due to his difficulty finding work. Even the Batman: Animation Show creators, Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski was worry, that Adam West wouldn't take the role, due to their feared he would be offended by the character. I guess, Adam West saw something in the character of Simon Trent; since the character's story, kinda mirror West's own career at the time. Anyways, having Adam West in this episode was a great nostalgia trip, down memory lane. Directed by series regular Boyd Kirkland, and first aired on November 4, 1992. "Beware the Gray Ghost" is the eighteenth episode of Batman: The Animated Series. It tells the story of Simon Trent (Voiced by Adam West), an actor on the verge of bankruptcy thanks to his declining career. Best known for his past role as "The Gray Ghost", Trent has really hit hard times. To save himself, he tries to sells off all of his Gray Ghost merchandise to a fan collector named Ted Drymer (Voiced by Bruce Timm), only to find, that a series of crime related to his old show begin to occur. Seeing that Batman (Voiced by Kevin Conroy) needs his help, he don the cape and mask of the Gray Ghost, one last time, in one last attempt to revive his career, by putting an end to the crimes, himself. Can Simon Trent & Batman save Gotham or will the craze fan win out in the end? Watch the episode to find out! Without spoiling the episode too much, I have to say, I don't think this episode would have work, without the guest star, Adam West. Creators, Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski stated that they wanted Adam West from the beginning to voice Simon Trent. If he refused to do it, they would not gone through with the episode. However, since West did. This role has brought him newfound respect among Batman fans. Adam West puts together, one of the best performance in his career with Simon Trent. You really get to hear, the emotion depth, what Simon is going through, with West. His version of a tired and angry actor who gets a chance to be the hero for real is a sight to see. Adam West's performance as Simon Trent, also help, make Kevin Conroy give a great performance as Bruce Wayne/Batman. To hear, Kevin Conroy's voice, speak with such fandom, makes this episode, so well-enjoy. You really can tell that he wants the best for Trent. Despite, the fact, that the character of Grey Ghost does not existed in the DC comic form, before this, and most of Bruce Wayne's influences for Batman, came more from the character of the Zorro, instead of the Grey Ghost. Timm has stated that he found that the Grey Ghost character fits so well, with the show's style that DC should indeed, write a comic book for him. He also states that the "vintage" color scheme of the suit, was an attempt to capture the 1930's Pulp Novel, feel of the crime-fighting vigilante, The Shadow & the Spirit. I have to agree, I do like the strong resemblance to those characters. It gives the whole episode, this film noir feel. While, I was somewhat a fan of the 1960's Batman series, I'm glad, they didn't write the character of the Gray Ghost in a comedic campy way. After all, the series was widely praised for its thematic complexity, darker tone, artistic quality and modernization of its title character's crime-fighting origins. The only thing, that I didn't like, about the episode is the fact, that the villain, the Mad Bomber did the crimes, for a very odd reason. I would love, a deeper, more logically reason than that. Anyways, I do find it, funny, that his appears happens to be the basis for The Batman villain Cosmo Krank, aka Toymaker in later DC Batman/ issues. I also like the fact, that Bomber's remote control toy car explosives are very similar to what was used in a scene in the 1988's film, 'The Dead Pool' from the Dirty Harry series. One last thing to note about this episode was the mention of Matt Hagen, who would later become the villain Clayface in later episodes of the first season. This is his first appearance. Overall: This is a must-watch episode for any Batman fan. A great reminder on why we're fans of Batman, in the first place.
Criminal Minds: Derailed (2005)
This whole episode is a train-wrecked.
I hated it from start to end. It was very infuriating to watch. Directed by Félix Enríquez Alcalá, the episode has one of the Behavioral Science Unit member, Elle Greenaway (Lola Glaudini) acting like a fool. While, this episode had a more realistic portrayal of how the Behavioral Sciences Unit actually works; with Elle on a train heading to a prison to interview a child murderer. The episode also had one of the most unprofessional, and unrealistic moment of a TV portrayal of a FBI agent. I really found it, very jarring for Elle to be reading, top secret, FBI- files in a public train. Who does that!? Anyways, a paranoid schizophrenic doctor (Chris Bauer) sees this, and mistake it for a government operation to take him down. He began to take hostages on a train, including Elle, when he stole a gun from a security guard. Now the rest of the Behavioral Science Unit members have to rescue Elle, before the worse could happen. Murders/Suicide. Without spoiling too much of the episode, I have to say, this episode derailed in the very first opening minutes. That's pretty bad, the more, I think about it. First off, the hostages are not likable at all. I don't really care, if they live or die. Each one of them, is very annoying, in how idiotic, they were. The worst has to be, Anil Raman as Josh Patel. Gees, his character was just frustrating to watch. I honestly, wanted him to die. That's how unlikeable, his character was. Second off, the writers gave the hostages, pointless cheesy flashbacks that wasn't really needed, since the further exposition would explain, their backstory more. It's like the writers thought, the audience wouldn't get their characters, if they only use the actor's body-language. So they had to write in a stupid flashback to make sure, that the audience would get, what each character is going through. It's very insulting. Another problem with the character vignettes, is how the story never resolved any of their problems. First off, we have Elaine Curtis (Alice Rietveld), a young woman dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. How has she decided to deal with it? Going to the big city for an abortion. While, she's wearing a crucifix; the episode never show if she went, through with it or not, because she's not the focus of the episode. Another character was a distraught businessman, Harry Anderson (Kevin Cristaldi) whose wife has left him. He's on his way to Dallas with a gun in his briefcase, although it's very unclear, if he's planning to kill his wife, her lover, or just kill himself. The episode never finish his story, as well. I felt like my time was wasted with these vignettes. Another thing, about this episode, was the fact, that it wasn't very suspense at all. There were hardly any mystery. We knew who the killer, was and Chris Bauer doesn't fit that mode. He doesn't really look or act, very menacing. He remind me of Curly from the Three Stooges with a twitch. I didn't find, his performance, believable at all. He didn't sound nor act like a physics teacher. The only good actor that came out from this episode, was Jeff Kober as Leo. He was brilliant. Still, they didn't explain, who Leo was supposed to be. This episode miss the train of thought with whole M-theory sub-plot. It's seem forced at the last second. I guess, the show was trying to rip-off, 2001's A Beautiful Mind, with the premise. The main cast was somewhat underused in this episode. Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore) & Jennifer "JJ" Jareau (A.J Cook) wasn't much help. Kristen Vangsness as Penelope Garcia didn't add any smart remarks. Elle is the main character, focus here, but she doesn't really do much. She's pretty much useless. It's once-again, Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) & Jason Gideon (Mandy Patinkin) that gets time to shine. All, they did was buy time. I'm wondering why they didn't demand that they release one of the hostages in exchange for putting Reed on the train to take out the chip. It's seem wise. In the end, the team barely does anything useful. Was their profiling in any way helpful in solving the crime? No. It was totally irrelevant. One thing that they were able to do was travel fast. This time, it's the ability to travel from Northern Virginia to Southern Texas, in two hours, flat. Wow—I really need to know, what flight, they're taking. It's just seem a bit suspiciously too fast. The episode is also a bit confusing, when it comes to train logistic. Why was Elle taking a train to Dallas, rather than taking a flight, there? Wouldn't it, make more sense? Another thing that I really didn't like about this episode is the awful CGI effect. It felt a bit dated for 2008. In my opinion, the string-theory and angelic effects could had been better. Overall: This episode is the worst in Season 1. I recommended watching this one, last, or not watching it at all. It doesn't add anything to the later episodes so you can skip this train, if you want to.
The Walking Dead: Guts (2010)
Do you have guts? It takes a lot of guts to watch this episode of the Walking Dead. It's really intense.
This episode of the Walking Dead is one of the best episodes of the whole series. It is so action pack and so gory! It feels more like a Rated R movie, than a TV Show episode rated MA, due to its large production values. Based on the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman & directed by Michelle MacLaren, this episode, follows after the events of the pilot and first episode of the first season, 'Days Gone Bye'. In this episode, we see the character of Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) being trapped with a group of survivors inside a department store that is surrounded by Walkers AKA zombies. The whole concept of them, being stuck in a store reminds me, so much of the movie, 1978's Dawn of the Dead by George A. Romero, the founder of the modern day zombie genre. It's so surreal. Anyways, it's here that we get to meet, many of the supporting cast that we would end up, following for years to come. The best one from the small group is Glenn Rhee (Steven Yeun), who would end up, playing a bigger role as the years, go by. The only thing, I didn't like, about his introduce; is the way, he dressed. He looks like an adult version of Short Rounds from 1984's Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom, movie. Thank God, he stop dressing this way, somewhere in the end of the second season. It was a bit jarring. Another character, we got, is Theodore "T-Dog" Douglas (IronE Sington). T-Dog was an original character in the television series and has no counterpart in the graphic novels. It's weird, that they create him first, over other great comic book characters like Tyreese whom later shown up in Season 3 played by Chad Coleman. Nothing against IronE Sington, but the character of T-Dog lacked character development and dialogue. He was so underdeveloped. I would gladly replace him, with Tyreese, any-day. A few others character that needed a little more story was Morales (Juan Gabriel Pareja) & Jacqui (Jeryl Prescott). I nearly forgot that they were in this episode. I can't believe, they never build upon, those characters more. The writers kinda just write Morales, ride off, by the end of the first season and killed off Jacqui, without much care. One character that left and come back is Merle Dixon (Michael Rooker). He's one of the best of the original TV made characters. The scene where Merle Dixon begins shooting his gun on the rooftop in Atlanta caused a little bit of real-life chaos. Some people did not know they were additional in filming, and thought that Michael Rooker was just a crazy sniper and notified the police. A SWAT team actually showed up and the misunderstanding was then explained. Kirkman was so pleased with Rooker's performance, he retorted that it was "'The Michael Rooker Show', whenever he was on screen. After all, he's pretty much, the highlight character of this episode. I'm glad, he return, in later seasons. Another long time character debuting, in this episode was Andrea (Laurie Holden). The TV show, Andrea was a big disappointment. Andrea's role in the series was a significant departure from the comic book series, making her character, very unlikeable. Laurie Holden was often criticized and garnered generally negative critiques of her over whiny and annoying performance. It's clear by her first appearance, here, that Laurie Holden wasn't that good of an actress. She comes across, in this episode as bossy, and nearly useless. With all these characters, introduce. You would think the episode, would slow down, and tell us a little about them, but no. Instead, the episode goes adrenalin-filled, straight up horror movie than slow-paced drama. While, the episode lacks emotion and depth, it made up, with over the top fun. The scene in which the survivors kill and dissect a walker to hide in its viscera is gut-wrenching, black comedy gold. Glenn pointing out that the once person was an organ donor was a fun zinger to hear. How irony. The action was a bit odd. It's a bit odd seeing walkers, run, climb over fences and use stones to break windows, because in later episodes, they seem like they can't do any of them and less agile. The final scene of Glenn driving off in the fast car with the background song, "I'm a Man" by Black Strobe was amazing. It is worth noticing, that the Dodge Challenger that Glenn steals in this episode makes multiple appearances in AMC other show (2008-2013) Breaking Bad, as the car, the main characters buys for his son. There has been a lot of fan theories, over this, linking both shows, together. Some people, feel that the Walking Dead is in the same world, and Blue Meth was the cause of the people turning into zombies. Who knows? Anyways, it's a pretty interesting theory. Overall: This episode is worth the re-watch value. Check it out, one more time. If you haven't, check it out.
Parenthood: Vegas (2014)
Parenthood gamble with going to Las Vegas and lose me.
You really can tell if a show is losing its audience, because they always try to have gimmick episode like this, where somebody go on vacation or take a trip, somewhere famous like Hawaii, Disneyland or in this case, Las Vegas. 'The Brady Bunch' did it. 'Friends' did it and now this show did it. While, the series is set in Berkeley, California; the vacation episode is set, outside of the norms of the normal episodes, with exotic locations like Las Vegas to get the maximum impact with viewers. For those of you who are not familiar with the show, Parenthood is a comedic television drama developed by Jason Katims and produced by Ron Howard & Brian Grazer for NBC. The show tells of the Braverman clan which consists of an elderly couple, Camille (Bonnie Bedelia) & Ezekiel "Zeek" Braverman (Craig T. Nelson), their four adult children, Adam (Peter Krause), Sarah (Lauren Graham), Julia (Erika Christensen), and Crosby (Dax Shepard) and their families. The show is loosely based on the Ron Howard's 1989 movie with the same name. Unlike the movie that has a lot of great humor, and substance. This show lacks those elements, most of their episodes in later seasons. The writing for those seasons, often felt forced, unoriginal or messy. Truly, it shows as viewership has drop a lot since 2010. The only thing that they wrote, that catch the attention, of outside viewers, was having one of the character's children reveal to have Asperger syndrome. It's the key issue that brings, most of the viewers, back. Due to low viewership, and budget cuts. The sixth season would be, it's last. So, you would think that the season 6 premiere, titled 'Vegas', would open with a blast when this is last season! Sadly, not as Las Vegas wouldn't play a big part of the storyline. Honestly, with all the great things about Las Vegas, it's disappointing, they didn't use much of it. Very low keyed. If you're not going to focus the episode on Las Vegas, then don't call your episode 'Vegas'. Since, the episode isn't about Las Vegas, at all. The show dully put uninteresting issues like if one of the Adam's kids will go to the charter school that the whole family have pitch in, to help construct it. It's like watching literally paint dry. In which the episode kinda does. The other main focus on this episode is Amber Holt (Mae Whitman) and her teen pregnancy. Her storyline pretty much carry Season 5, and it's continue to be follow into Season 6. Not only does the teen pregnancy angle seem like an old cliché because other drama shows and even the movie, Parenthood, have already tackle this issue. The show, Parenthood gives nothing much to the story, this episode, besides her telling her mother, Sarah. Even that, didn't had much of an impact. Her reaction was like meh. What-ever. The whole pregnancy arch, felt a bit soap opera lifetime channel style programming with the young adults revisiting their old school, talking about how things, have change. The movie hints that Amber might get abortion, but really there was no doubt that Amber was going to keep the baby. Honestly, if they went the other route, and had her get an abortion. It might have, gotten viewers talking about it. Sadly, they went with the safe nor least controversy route. Honestly, I was thought, her pregnancy would give this show, it's much needed drama. Sadly, it's not delivering. The episode focus way too much on Hank Rizzoli (Ray Romano), a recurring character that Max (Max Burkholder) starts hanging out with. I know, that they want to use the best, out of Ray Romano to get viewership, but gees
the show already have way too many characters to follow. Plus, they are really using the Asperger's syndrome plot, way too much. They even wanted to explore more with the Hank, character. The episode had only one, exciting thing and that's Zeke having a panic attack and I wish, they explore more of it, during this episode, but I guess they wanted to drawn-out the heart attack storyline for later in the season. Overall: I would take the Buckmans from the movie, Parenthood over the Braverman family, any day, but since I can't. I will have to say, this premiere is pretty forgettable. Like soap in your eyes, it hurt to watch, most of the time. There are way better episodes than this. This was clearly a miss.
The Simpsons: Homer's Odyssey (1990)
Like the original Homer's Odyssey, the message of this episode is pretty lost. That's a bad sign.
This episode has a lot of memories for me, because it's the first episode of the Simpsons that I watched as a child of the 1990s. Sadly, rewatching it. I didn't find it, as entertaining as I use to, due to mostly bleak concept. Directed by Wes Archer, and written by Jay Kogen & Wallace Woldoarsky, this episode was the third to be produced, despite being the first to be written. The episode has Homer Simpson (Voiced by Dan Castellaneta), causing an accident at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant which cause Homer getting fired from his supervising technician post. Never wanting it to happen again, he goes on a safety crusade around the city. This actions catch the eyes of his former employer, Mr. Burns (Voiced by Chris Collins AKA Latta) who wish to rehire Homer as safety inspector. When he finds out, that his former employer, Mr. Burns has been dumping nuclear waste in their water supply. Homer Simpson must make a decision, to take the job, and keep it quiet or to go against his former employer and go with the people. Without spoiling it, too much, this episode was a bit disappointing. Clearly the episode had an environment message, with Homer having to choose what is best for the people or what's best for himself. I'd really forgotten how moral and story-focused the Simpsons were in the early episodes. I found Homer Simpson trying to commit suicide, really disturbing. He takes his unemployment very seriously. It gets quite dark. Desperate for a drink, he smashes Bart's piggybank. He resigns to kill himself so he can provide for his family via his life insurance. He snaps out of it when his family nearly get run over and his motivation to make Springfield safer makes his family and the town respect him. So, after seeing the bitter ending. I was kinda disappointed by his last actions. It left a sour taste in my mouth. A better story of this environment concept, came from episode fourth of season 2, 'Two Cars in Every Garage and Three Eyes on Every Fish', which I felt is superior writing in every way. The episode's title comes from the Greek epic poem Odyssey, traditionally attributed to the legendary poet Homer. Some people might confused it for 'Tales from the Public Domain', which is the 14th episode of the 13th season, because the first segment puts Homer Simpson in the role of Odysseus in the ancient Greek epic poem Odyssey. Also notable about this episode, Homer's Odyssey is that Marge was originally called Juliette in this script as a homage to Romeo and Juliet. Thank goodness, they kept the name of Marge, instead. By far, the best thing in the episode, 'Homer Odessey', is the field trip part in the beginning. Much of the good humor comes from that. I love Bart (Voiced by Nancy Cartwright) sitting near Wendell (Voiced by Pamela Hayden) gag. The police sketch of El Barto (Bart as an adult convict) is pretty funny as well. This episode marks the first appearance of recurring supporting characters like Otto, Jasper and Mr. Smithers (Voiced by Harry Shearer), Chief Wiggum (Voiced by Hank Azaria), and Sherri and Terri Winfield (Voiced by Russi Taylor). Blinky the fish also makes a brief cameo. Although Mr. Burns was seen in the pilot episode, Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire, this was his first appearance in order of production codes as well as the first use of his name, hence the dramatic music when the camera pans out on him. Although, Simpsons Roasting on an Open had Smithers in an off screen, voice over, it was until here, that he finally appear. It felt a bit safe to say that the animation is below standards here, when it comes to him. His skin color was actually black instead of yellow. This wouldn't be a problem, if only, they didn't go with blue hair for the character. He looks very weird. According to the animators, the person who did the color styling randomly decided the ethnicity of various characters, which usually wasn't much of a problem, but it sort of ruined the white sycophant personality for Smithers. Plus, it would be a bad idea to have a black subservient character. In his next appearance in the fourth episode of season 1 'There's No disgrace like Home', he was colored right. Smithers' skin tone was later explained as an "extreme tan" by the writers. Still, he had blue hair. The animators then went with purple hair in the next episode, until finally with just going with grey. The cartoon at the power plant was given an old-time reel footage feel by having the animation cels dragged across a cement floor to scratch it up. This trick was used several more times by the animators until the show abandoned animation cels in 2002. It was pretty cool to see that. Overall: It wasn't the best episode, but by far, not the worst episode of the seasons. Maybe, if you watch it, without thinking too much about it. Maybe, it would work for you, but for me. It's a one-time watch.
The Walking Dead: The Grove (2014)
Look at the Flowers if you hate this episode, because The Grove will end with a big bang. The Grove is one of the best Walking Dead episodes ever!
This episode was intense. Directed by Michael E. Satrazemis and written by Scott M. Gimple. "The Grove" is the 14th episode of the fourth season of the post-apocalyptic horror television series The Walking Dead; airing on AMC on March 16, 2014. Coming off, the events of "Too Far Gone" season 4, episode 8, Tyreese (Chad L. Coleman) & Lizzie Samuels (Brighton Sharbino), Mika Samuels (Kyla Kenedy), and baby Judith (Played by both Adelaide and Eliza Cornwell) find themselves on the road following the attack on the prison. They found themselves reunited with another banished member, Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride) whom been on her own, since the events of Season 3, Episode 4 'Indifference'. All of them, come across a peaceful house in a pecan grove on their trek to Terminus. Life looks good for all of them, until the past come crawling in it, as the group must learn what to do with the unstably of Lizzie, and how to address the secret that Carol is holding away from Tyreese. Without spoiling too much, this episode is one of the most talk episode of the Walking Dead ever; as people found it very controversy. I don't know why, because it's not the first episode of Walking Dead that had children dying or even children killing other children. Did people forget that Season 3, episode 16, 'Welcome to the Tombs' had kids dying too? Some people think this episode went too far, but in my opinion, it wasn't as brutal as the comic book. Anybody whom has readt the comic book, Walking Dead knew how similar the characters of Lizzie and Mika were to Billy to Ben of Issue 61. The show just took bits of that storyline and use it on 'Welcome to the Tombs' and this episode. I think the show dealt with the taboo issue of children killing children in a tasteful and smart way. The episode remind me of John Steinbeck's novel 'Of Mice & Men', so much with its themes. The acting was amazing from all of the character actors here. Both of the children actresses were chilling in their performance. You'll knew that something was going to happen. There were no limitations to these young actresses. In my opinion, the best acting of the episode came from Melissa McBride. You can't help feeling for Carol, not only having to deal with the problem with the children, but also spilling the beans to Tyreese, toward the end. In my opinion, she deserve the Saturn Award, she got for this episode. The opening to this episode is one of the memorable opening of the series. You really see the disturbing childhood innocent that cannot be warden in a world like the Walking Dead. The only thing, I can do without in the episode is having Tyreese as he mumbles in his sleep due to a nightmare. It's an overused clichés that really got tiresome. We get it, Tyreese cannot get over the death of Karen (Melissa Ponzio). It's too bad that I don't care too much, because the show never explore much of their relationship on camera, before killing her off. Much like the last several episodes, the majority of the characters are absent, but it didn't hurt the episode due to the good writing. Lots of character development and sub-plot closures in this episode. There are lot of symbolism throughout the episode, from Carol's voice-over at the end of the episode is of her lesson about why Walkers are dangerous. The column of smoke that the group sees represent the different in the children attitude between them, toward how they should act in the harsh world that they live in. It can also be an inside joke or hint of the events of Season 4, Episode 12 'Still', where Daryl (Norman Reedus) & Beth (Emily Keeney) burn the moonshine shack. Even the look at the flowers quote, was a call back to Season 4, episode 2 'Infected'. Then there is the deer, that Carol sees that Mika failed to kill that makes you think, why Mika couldn't hack it in this world. Another Easter egg, is the incomplete puzzle seen on the dining room table during Carol's confession to Tyrese toward the end of the program. According to the director, Michael Edison Satrazemis, when completed the puzzle displays a photograph of Carol's long dead daughter who died years. Lot of nature versus nurture themes. It's not all gloom. During The Teaser, the Ink Blots' sentimental 1940 hit "Maybe" is heard as the view from the kitchen window shows Lizzie "playing" with a walker. It's might be a possible Shout-Out to the video game, Fallout, as the same tune is heard during the intro for the first game. After this episode aired, Brighton Sharbino (Lizzie) and Kyla Kenedy (Mika) wrote and recorded a song called "Begin Again," which is based on the events of the episode. So that's worth checking out. Overall: A great morality play. This is The Walking Dead at its finest, when it's prompting its audience to ask difficult questions and providing even more difficult answers that viewers might not want to hear. A must watch episode, indeed.
The Simpsons: Bart the Genius (1990)
This episode was pretty genius at the time.
Anybody, who thinks the later episodes of the Simpsons were the best, just doesn't get the humor that the original episodes had. It had that Derivative DY equals 3R squared, DR over three or R squared, DR or RDRR feel to it. Don't you get it? It had that Hardy-har-har feel to it. This episode is a great example as it had very smart clever that makes you think, while having a good laugh. Very cleaver cultural references throughout the episode ranging from the EMCSQU building blocks, 1945 novel Brideshead Revisited, chess grandmaster Anatoly Karpov, Opera 'Carmen' to Jane Goodall's study of chimpanzees gag. The later episodes kinda dumb it down to the point, that's insulting to the audience. "Bart the Genius" is the second episode of The Simpsons' first season, which originally aired on the Fox network on January 14, 1990. It was also the first ever episode to use the opening sequence. Creator Matt Groening developed the lengthy sequence in order to cut down on the animation necessary for each episode, but devised the two gags as compensation for the repeated material each week such as the chalkboard gag, and the couch gag. These would become trademarks for the show. A lot was riding with this episode as animation for the show was expensive to produce. Without a huge audience watching this episode, the show could had tanked. It nearly happen, as the disastrous first choice for the season opening, episode 13 of the first season, 'Some Enchanted Evening' fell behind production schedule due to conflicts in animation between Klasky Csupo, the company animation studio that produced the 1989's earlier Simpsons shorts and producer James L. Brooks. Although it was the first episode produced, it aired as the season finale due to significant animation problems as James L. Brooks felt that the animation was pretty awful. That episode was supposed to meant as an introduction to the characters, but since it got push; the Christmas episode 'Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire' was then considered as a pilot/ first episode, rather than a special. The whole animation future of the series depended on how the animation turned out on this episode, 'The Bart the Genius'. While, the animation proved to be more acceptable, there were a few mistakes like badly drawn scenes and misused of colors. Examples: I notice were like a brown banana and the goo appear and disappear in the bathing scene. I can understand, the bath scene, but how on earth, did Korean animators not know what color; a banana is?! Backgrounds are blurred, blended color instead of a picture of sky with clouds. It's like someone messed with the hue. Lucky for us, the audience, James L. Brooks continue to produce the series, as he deem the episode as alright, with a few, easily fixable problems needed. In my opinion, the animation in the earlier episodes are pretty primitive. It makes the episodes look mediocre as hell, but at less, the writing was better than later seasons. At less, it's not a snooty movie directed by some Swedish meatball. In the episode, written by Jon Vitti, Bart (Voiced by Nancy Cartwright) cheats on an aptitude test and is declared a genius, so he is sent to a school for gifted children. Though he initially enjoys being treated as a genius, he begins to see the downside of his new life. This episode marks the first use of Bart's catchphrase "Eat my shorts' that became a universal catch phrase in the 1990s. There were a few good things about the episode. I love the dream design of Bart's visualization of the math problem. It does remind me of the art of Saul Steinberg. This episode also introduced the characters Martin Prince (Voiced by Russ Taylor) and Bart's teacher Edna Krabappel (Voiced by Marsha Wallace) that would be recurring characters in later episodes. There were a few emotional touching scenes that you rarely see in the newer episodes, like Homer Simpson (Voiced by Dan Castellaneta) playing catch with Bart. Some of the other faults of the episode besides the colors, could be the fact that Aptitudes tests don't measure IQ. They are used to determine the type of work you're best suited for. Second, a lot of viewers complaining that comic books were deem in the episode in a negative light, as unintelligent trash. Another would that it focus way too much on Bart, and little about the other characters, so not so great as a character-building episode. Overall: It was a pretty good episode, as it was funny and worth the time watching. So watch out, a Kwyjibo on the loose, so go brown bananas and watch this episode!
WWE Legends' House: The Cart Before the Horse (2014)
If you climb onto the saddle, be ready for a ride! Legends are still horsing around!
Honestly, this is the first episode where something interesting honestly happens to the old wrestling legends cast made out of Gene Okerlund, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Hillbilly Jim, Howard Finkel, Jimmy Hart, Roddy Piper, Pat Patterson and Tony Atlas. The Last episode and the series pilot/premiere was so lackluster. You finally see the legends out of the house, and doing something. God, they needed some exercise as host, Ashley Roberts from Pussycat Dolls thought they did. Even if it's something that kinda out of place like cart polo and cleaning horse poop. I doubt the show's target audience are polo fans. Did anybody really ask to see old guys cleaning horse poop!?! Honestly, they look out of place, there, like if they were playing Marco Polo! Fish out of water! Wow, this show is getting old, fast! They can barely move, so it's limited on what they can do. I did find the cart polo, pretty entertaining. I would love play that game one day. Another thing, the legends end up going is a ZUMBA training seminar with a bunch of women. Honestly, there was so much, they would had work into this, to make this sequence better, but it wasn't funny or really amusing. What the show did is lot of recapping. As we last left our legends, Roddy Piper decided he could take no more in the house and went outside to stare at the moon. If Piper turns out to be a werewolf, this will be the greatest show of all time. But no. Then, there is the baffling storyline from last week where Tony Atlas and Hacksaw Jim Duggan nearly got into a fight over working with underprivileged children. Honestly, nothing about that, is resolved here. We don't even see if the Legends finally get to eat Pat Patterson's cabbage rolls? I guess, we'll never know. I think this show should renamed, old guys can't figure out what to eat for dinner. I found Tony Atlas to be a bit annoying in this episode, from him being scared to death of horses to rambling about Frankenstein, George Washington Carver and other bits that has nothing to do with the plot. Did anybody pay WWE Network, just to see Tony Atlas talk to Mr. Ed? Riveting entertaining, coming from a man that tells his roommate, JImmy Hart that he went to the doctor and found out his IQ is one point away from "banana'. That's what we pretty much got, a dumb banana. Now I know why WWE had to sit on this for a few years before broadcasting it. Like the previous episode, there is a lot of blurry since the reality show was filmed in 2012, where they have to blur out old WWF items due to World Wide Fund settlement with World Wrestling Entertainment at the time. Now, the new settlement allows WWE to be able to show their old World Wrestling Federation logos, it shows how dated this episode is. Some of the items, they used in the episode had to be cover up by fake WWE logos stickers like, I said before, it's lazy cheap. Honestly, WWE should just provide them with a list of copyright items that they can show on TV rather than cheaply trying to cover it up. The language is a bit harsh for mostly WWE PG audiences, but I didn't mind it too much, as most of these guys work in the WWE pre-PG era. I notice that a lot of these episodes will be so repeated and will quickly get tire some. I guess, WWE love to poke at the dead horse concept of old people doing stuff routine similar to what old TV Show VH1's Surreal Life did with has been celebs. It's nothing new. In my opinion, I think Legend House would be better, if did something wrestling related. Overall: It was a better episode, than the pilot, but not the best one in the season.