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Fallout: The Beginning (2024)
The end is only the beginning!
Whew what a season! This season finale simply did for me what I hoped it'd do, increase my awareness and now desire to actually play the game. While of course waiting for the now highly anticipated season 2!
This episode was one huge full circle moment as exploring the beginning only restarted the game, perhaps with a wider list of characters and journeys to be had. In its opening, we see Lucy successfully arrive at the Maldaver's location to free her kidnapped father and make all right with the world. Only when she arrives, it's hardly the homecoming she is expecting and now Lucy is forced to follow The Ghoul back into the surface with a bit more clarity for this next mission. It is this same awakening for her brother who when traveling to Vault 31 learns that it is not at all what it seems and he is now isolated in the worst way. I think for me though, it was The Ghoul/Coop's flashback that really comprehensively brought the story altogether. His spying on his wife and learning what Vaultech really did all those many years ago as well as identifying through those flashbacks how he comes to know Lucy's father. There are a ton of revelations her but one thing is for certain... this ending is only the beginning!
Fallout: The Radio (2024)
Hello?
This episode was full of movement and puzzle pieces coming together. Lucy and Maximus escape Vault 4 and dive right back into the surface, which oddly enough is the safer place to be at this point. We see Thaddeus struggling with the head and his injury, opting to leave Dr. Wilson's dog behind. As he journeys to find a place where he can access his coms and radio into base, he stumbles upon a character we've previously been introduced to who becomes an unlikely ally and helps him in his quest. When he's directed to head to a nearby town with a tower he runs into Lucy and Maximus who realize there is something incredibly different about Thaddeus. They bargain to return the head for him to the Brotherhood to give him a way out. As he's no longer the same.
We see a growth moment with Lucy and Maximus here. He gives Lucy a bit of leverage to find her father and promises to unite with her in Vault 33 when this is "all over".
The flashbacks continue with The Ghoul/Coop and they are more revealing than before. Showing his growing displeasure of Vaultech, he opts to attend a meeting with a very powerful figure and is asked to spy on the company. It is the beginning of what appears to be a tumultuous relationship.
Back at Vault 33, dwellers are assigned and reassigned between Vault 32 and 33 and we see the rift between Norm and Chet with Chet leaning into the changes and Norm doing the opposite.
At the end we see him opting to leave 33 and pursue his idea on a whim. Will it be fruitful? Is it a trap? This episode is a great lead in to the season finale! What a time to be alive --- literally.
Fallout: The Trap (2024)
What a riot of an episode!
Lucy, Lucy, Lucy! Shaking my head....
Just when I thought we were making a bit of headway on the surface, she falls for the biggest trap of them all and even manages to coax Maximus into believing that it's safe in Vault 4. After his injury on the surface, he is reluctant to believe that there is anything safe about the Vault and that they shouldn't be wasting valuable time. But no sooner than the he explores the amenities of the Vault has he bought into the idea that comfort there supersedes the madness and chaos of the game up above. As Lucy tries to assimilate herself into the culture of Vault 4, she soon realizes nothing is what it seems and it is in fact a trap. The dwellers there are all under the leadership of the one that started it all.
What I enjoyed about this episode too was that we see on the other side of the game the Ghoul in a past life where he is trying to make sense of Vaultech and persuade his wife to consider another career, which causes tension in their household. Just before the flashbacks lead us to an astonishing discovery, he is captured by the sheriffs who run the "Govermint" and learns more about his actual target. And at the same time, interestingly enough, as he is being introduced to her in the past. It all is a huge TRAP! No it'll be interesting to see who's left standing and who won't make it beyond the walls they're incapacitated in.
Fallout: The Past (2024)
THE PAST COMES BACK TO HAUNT YOU!
What happens in the past doesn't often stay there and we see this in the way the game shifts with episode 5. Lucy and Maximus have now entered into an agreement to team up in their search for the head which has changed hands again after a mishap with Maximus and his scribe. As they continue to enter into new territory on the surface, Lucy quickly learns that Maximus' knowledge and training is far beyond her own at this point. An eager Lucy also begins to learn about his past after asking what he knows about what happened some 200+ years ago. When running into a group of fiends, Maximus is injured, they must find him help immediately and end up underground in a unit that she tells him will be "safe."
As all of this is going on we see the forces at play in the Vault as Norm and Chet discover things from the past that no one should be privy in knowing. Only, before he can followup with the director again, everything has been clean and replaced and a new campaign is underway which urges them to let go of what once was in exchange for the future ahead.
We continue to see more flashbacks of the Ghoul/Coop before the fallout which beg the question just how much of his past is ultimately the reason for his present and likely future on the surface.
At this point I don't think anyone is safe from anyone else but that they must confront their pasts to move forward and expeditiously.
Fallout: The Ghouls (2024)
"There's what people said they did and what they did."
What a rollercoaster ride! The game continues. As we move along into this new episode, Lucy gets a little closer to understanding that there is a different element at play, in its entirety: The Ghouls (also the name of this episode). We learn a bit more about what this element is all about, from Lucy's perspective and also from Norm's finding at the Vault. When he stumbles upon he and Lucy's mother involvement, it is a much different fight that he could have ever envisioned before.
The Ghoul, in desperate needs of drugs, brings them both to a facility that he buys vials from, where Lucy's naïveté almost costs her her life on more than one occasion. After helping him, she is back on her solo journey to find the head and take it to Maldaver.
A lot has happened in this episode. There's a lot of trading going on, a lot of negotiating and ultimately it lands Lucy back with a likely teammate.
Fallout: The Head (2024)
OFF WITH HIS HEAD!
What a fascinating episode, to say the least. The hunt continues now not for the target but for its head. When the episode opens, after the showdown between Lucy, Maximus, The Ghoul and an injured Dr. Wilson, it is Lucy that we see on the hunt to bring the head to the next step in her journey to find and free her father. I love the juxtaposition between this clean, honest, caring Lucy against the dirt, manipulation and evil of the surface and its dwellers. After a run in with an unexpected character, Lucy loses her most prized possession and is out of luck with The Ghoul finds her and captures her. She is out of water, which interestingly, becomes a common theme this episode.
Maximus continues to encounter his own set of problems on the surface as he realizes there is communication with home base and a new scribe is sent to him. Between his recent flashbacks and the interaction with Thaddeus, we see him struggle with his natural course of redemption and having a heart for humankind. Although his new orders from the Brotherhood, I believe, will make it easier for him to fall on one side of that struggle more so than the of the other.
We also begin to see the imminent challenges Vault Dwellers are now facing since Lucy opened the portal and left for the surface. With her brother advocating for a more logical plan in the face of their doomed outlook.
The race is on! Where will the head land next? We shall see.
Fallout: The Target (2024)
Who's the real target anyway?
In episode 2, "The Target" (I love this title, by the way) both Lucy and Maximus have been uprooted respectively and made their way to the surface on missions that will lead them to their paths crossing. Lucy, searching for her father and Maximus searching for redemption. In this episode we get a more in depth look art the various sights of what it means to now be a surface dweller from the people they encounter, to the issues they bump into and their differing reasons to capture The Target. Of course bright-eyed Ella Purnell is such a soft spot in a new world of chaos that it's hard not to want to root for her to win. We also see the Ghoul's positioning on the surface since we were introduced to him in episode 1. One thing about him is that he's a beast and he knows his stuff! This episode brings forth a new character, Dr. Siggi Wilson who plays a vital role in this game that has each player searching. When Lucy and he converge more than once she begins to realize this and tries helping him at all costs. And it is here that she realizes that things aren't what they seem. A great second episode that opens the narrative up more...essentially in hook, line and sinker fashion.
Fallout: The End (2024)
"The end" is only the BEGINNING! BRAVO!
The buzz around Fallout from video game enthusiasts is well established and right on target! I was amazed at the cohesion and my ability to dive in as an observer, as I only watch not play the game. Episode 1: "The End" is a thoughtfully executed introduction to main characters, The Ghoul, Lucy, and Maximus each of which are key players in their own right. The show and this episode are action-packed, highly engaging and executed by a phenomenal cast that I can only hope gamers can get behind as well. I know that just in observing others' play that I was very intrigued by the story behind the game. Episode one gives us a look at the different factions and the story of the fallout and what happens some 200+ years later. What I love is that this show is written so well that you can dive in even if you just want to know what all the hoopla is about. This pleases me very much. I can't wait to dive into the remaining episodes! And who doesn't absolutely love Walton Goggins?! Cheers to a great season 1!
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Tunnel Blind (2024)
You failed Maddie and us!
In all the years and seasons I've committed to watching everything Law & Order, this was the worst opening in history. Things were going okay until the dolls were introduced into the picture. And then but the end of the episode, we still have gotten no closer to finding Maddie nor closing in on what seems to be some sort to prostitution or human trafficking ring. I was so highly disappointed in this episode and hope it is not an expectation of things to come. There was just too much of nothing going on and a whole lot of distractions that we as viewers didn't need. I want to hope that things will get better or perhaps this is a sign of times to come. Either way, I just hope SVU can survive through it.
Billions: The Conversation (2016)
What a way to close out a season!
All season there's been this slow burning building between Axe and Chuck. Many were sacrificed throughout the season. Some were left jobless others periled and ultimately lost, but in the end it all came down to the intimate triangle of a relationship between Axe, Wendy and Chuck and as we come to see in this episode all of them are willing to do what it takes to protect themselves and their assets.
I think the difference in this episode is we get to see just how heated things can get when Chuck becomes desperate and begins not only believe but also see Wendy as slipping away... right into the warm arms of Axe.
The conversation that closes out the episode was everything!!
This season was an incredible ride. I'm looking forward to see how things fair in season 2!
A Different World: Clair's Last Stand (1988)
Clair Huxtable is FIERCE!
This is one of my top episodes because Clair Huxtable makes a visit to put a very lazy Denise in her place.
Phylicia Rashad is and always has been such a talented and skilled actress so it is a pleasure to see her make a visit to Hilman. Denise is in usual Denise fashion, essentially taking advantage of the many blessings her parents have bestowed upon her. So when they decide she needs to start working to do her part, it brings all of her plans to a halt.
It's also Whitley's birthday and she needs someone to celebrate with her. Everyone is just busy to do so though and she's not taking it too well.
Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)
Snoozefest
I was really excited to see this version of the classic tale for months. The first half of the film which highlights Peter and Wendy's introduction, a look back into their individual stories and then their journeying together to Neverland. It had a lot of potential and then Captain Hook was introduced and it went pretty flat for me.
What worked: Tinkerbell, the beautiful scenes and Wendy. I was hardly sold on Peter Pan's character. And the action scenes were very Sesame Street. If there weren't already other versions out there, perhaps this would have packed more of a punch. Neverland was beautiful enough, but the plot lines were just not explored enough.
Bel-Air: Let the Best Man Win (2023)
So good!
Round of applause to the cast for an exciting showing. There's always energy around a family reunion and it's good to have seen some competition vm come from the "inside". Welcome Bill Bellamy as Uncle Phil's brother and one who immediately brings out the best and worst in his brother and vice versa. After a heavier episode with lots of love angles at the helm I was glad to see bonds rebuilt, especially with Geoffrey and even Carlton standing up for something larger than himself.
I'll admit I am looking forward to this building tension between Hilary, Jazz, and DeMarcus. I'm rooting for Jazz but going ghost and the silent treatment was such a turn off.
The Mandalorian: Chapter 17: The Apostate (2023)
Meh
It was a slow opener. I hope it picks up!! More action, more substance is the way to go. This story line just isn't grabbing me as it did previously. I still love Baby Yoda (how cute is he???) and the cast of characters but it'll be interesting to see how this plays out with this new adventure to mines and this question of the Mandalorian and his need to return to the Mandalore. I think there's room to really damp things up as we continue to journey with him. At least I am hoping so! In the very least there's always someone trying to take from him.
I'm going to continue to watch because I really enjoy the franchise to-date!
Accused: Scott's Story (2023)
WOW! Too soon?
My initial reaction is that while I love the concept that the show is exploring: ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances; Scott's story was nearly too real. With all of the recent school shootings (there was even one in Iowa today), this was very hard to watch. I appreciated the angle of not knowing fully of what and who did what until the end of the episode. One thing for sure, is that the show appears to explore the hard topics and so I'm interested to see where it goes. It may be hard to watch for some audiences.
Trigger warnings: mass shooting, suicide, bullying, violence, school shooting.
A Winter Getaway (2021)
Cornballish Good!
I like the trope: man mistaken for millionaire falls for a woman while in that temporary capacity. Although if I were her I would have figured out rather quickly that something wasn't right. There were red flags everywhere. It's a cute movie overall and it execution isn't bad. There were many corny moments but isn't that what makes Hallmark Christmas movies what they are?! I liked both main characters as they were thoughtfully casted. I think the movie could have used a bit more depth.
Now, saying all that to say that I love a good happy ending and this movie executes giving me the ultimately what I wanted: that feeling of nostalgia to get me pumped for the holiday season.
Bridgerton: Capital R Rake (2022)
Not bad!
I thought I might be so hung up on the awesomeness of season one and its cast that I would have difficulty transitioning into this new season and new players involved. Boy was a wrong! It's actually a nice pivot from season one's love affair. It's nice to pick up at the start of this season to see what those left behind are doing and also welcome a few new characters as well. Especially two sisters who seem to come with there own storied past.
There's still a nice level of storytelling, suspense building and drama to keep me coming back for more. I am entertained and looking forward to watching the next episode!
I hope you find this review helpful!
The Cleaning Lady: The Crown (2022)
Solid!
The season finale brought a few surprises and a few necessary beginning and endings for Thony and crew. One thing is for certain, THONY WEARS THE CROWN!! 👑👑
All season long we've seen her juggle very important and diverse relationships in her life and by its conclusion we see how she truly rises from cleaning lady to queen. She has ties to Garrett in the FBI, the all-powerful Arman, and her very jealous-hearted husband, Marco all of whom partner with her in very different ways. And yet at the conclusion of the season, there's only one that can save her, one who can protect her and one who will challenge her. Ultimately she has to make a huge decision about her and her future and Luka's as well.
It was a good, really solid episode. I hope we will see a season 2 as there is a lot of potential for this show and it's story line.
Shining Vale: Chapter Two - She Comes at Night (2022)
Secrets and pasts collide!
Not only are Pat and Terry continuing to have difficulty getting over Pat's affair but it seems that the unknown past of the house they've moved into is trying to send a unique message as well.
Gaynor has a secret of her own with a new neighborhood friend and Jake is being his overly usual weird self.
This episode picked up the pace a bit. There are confrontation on every level.
I hope you find this review helpful!
Shining Vale: Chapter One - Welcome to Casa de Phelps (2022)
Dream, hallucination, or reality?
Welcome to Casa de Phelps! The family has just moved in and are hoping for a fresh start in a small town that bears its own secrets. Immediately upon arrival, Pat begins to notice things that she isn't sure are occurring as dreams, hallucinations, or part reality.
The season opener is entertaining enough but was a little on the slower side at first. When the focus shifted from the move and affair to the issues in the new house it gets pretty good. Will have to see if it's worth continuing watching. For now, on to episode 2.
Marry Me (2022)
Entertaining enough.
It was your typical rom-com with an added bonus for casting Jennifer as lead. It had its moments but had nothing on movies of a similar kind made in the 90s/00s.
Bel-Air: Payback's a B*tch (2022)
Drama, drama, and more DRAMA!
Whew, what an episode!
After the event for Lisa's mom, gears are shifted and we see Will and Carlton throw a party at the house. Carlton is at first hesitant as he doesn't want a lengthy punishment if they break the rules, but Will convinces him otherwise and he is on board.
Carlton has been in a rut since the incident at lacrosse practice with his best buddy and needs a little fun since he now feels ostracized by his friends at school. Will even tried to hook him up with a new girl but Carlton is Carlton and is turned off by her sharing her truths about his own identity issues. Let's just say SHE READ HIM!
Not all is bad, as Phil leaves to surprise Viv at an event he learns she's attending at the last minute and Hilary is left in charge of the party. Of course she is not the best host but she's not the worst either. She and Jazz team up to confront her boss about her recent post and leave Will and Carlton to man the house party.
After a confrontation involving Carlton and company, the police are called and Lisa is forced to call her father to clear the scene peacefully as they do not believe the house belongs to the Banks. PAYBACK IS A B*TCH indeed! Carlton's scheming ways have all come to a head and I'm glad!
I loved tension in this episode! Especially the faux triangle that seems to be building with Viv, Phil and Reed! SPICY!
Bel-Air: The Strength to Smile (2022)
Will and Aunt Viv for the SAVEEEEE!
All my love this episode goes to Will and Aunt Viv for the complete save!
It's Lisa's day and the Banks clan is hosting an annual event for her mother who passed on some time ago. Everything is going awry...the caterer has cancelled, Will is still dealing from the fall out of Tray's departure, and Carlton is being Carlton (he rarely shows up when needed). After seeing Will and Lisa embracing once again, he goes on a binge that he's unable to hide and mask this time.
I was so happy to see Aunt Viv step into protector mode in standing up to Lisa's step-mom who is a liar and a cheat! I was glad to see her stand in for Lisa, Lisa's mom and Will. Go Aunt Viv!
I was also happy to see Will be there to catch Carlton when he finally fell. He has a serious drug problem and needs help and now he can begin the work.
Lisa and Will are so sweet for one another. I wonder will Carlton finally let go and let the inevitable occur.
This episode is great too because I love that Aunt Viv is finding her creativity again and painting. Screams in Michael Ealy SEVERAL TIMES!
Bel-Air: PA to LA (2022)
Who needs enemies when there are jealous friends in your circle?!
This episode I was excited about! Given that Will so far has had a difficult time acclimating to living in Bel Air, I was looking forward to seeing him get a slice of home and good feelings with his best friend Trey. What Will doesn't realize is that the events that led to his quick move/run to Cali have altered the course of his relationship with Trey. They are going in different paths and while they've been friends for life, we can see that they've grown apart and that Will in many ways has changed his own perspective about life outside of Philly.
As their relationship falters, we see Will supported and embraced by Uncle Phil and Aunt Viv as Carlton watches in envy from the background.
We also see a sub plot line forming as Ashley comes to life and makes an announcement to Hilary that we don't expect. Not sure if this will be explored. Not sure if it's needed. The jury is out.
What I enjoyed most about this episode is that by the end, we see the depths of Will's maturity in that final scene as Trey is leaving. This also shows the excellent work of actor, Jabari Banks. I think he was superbly casted.
The Cleaning Lady: Our Father, Who Art in Vegas (2022)
What happens in Vegas can break you!
Marco's visit to Vegas proves to be more than Thony would have ever expected. While her focus has been completely on her son's life-saving treatment, we see that perhaps Marco's focus is elsewhere when his ego is bruised where Thony and Arman's relationship is concerned. Proving to be more of a distraction than a help, Thony is forced to decide how to move forward with Marco when they are so close to getting the treatment their son needs.
Arman is on alert. Nadia is completely thrown for a loop and in the dark about Arman's business with Thony.
I love how this show is getting better and better with each episode. The suspense is incredible!