Stay up-to-date via RSS!

Legend of the Seeker – Light

I wasn’t too sure at first, but I really enjoyed the Kahlan and Cara pairing as they searched for a kidnapped Zedd.  At the same time, I was glad to see the end of Denna…again.  I really liked her character last season, but Cara has really taken over as the Mord’Sith I adore.  Who would have thought it?  Anyway, I liked watching their uneasy relationship grow as they soldier on without Richard and Zedd. I can’t decide which scene was more amusing: Cara lauding Kahlan for not fainting adter she cauterized the wound only to have Kahlan fall over or Cara feigning tiredness in an order to convince Kahlan to take a break from following Zedd and rest.  Cara is really starting to remind me of Brennan from Bones and Sheldon off the Big Bang Theory, which is pretty cool.

I am intrigued by the development of Richard’s wizard heritage and his journey with the Sisters of Light.  It was interesting to see how the Sister Verna and his travels were interesting and gave everything a different feel, especially since one again Richard is the student.  He may be the leader in most other situations, but with her he’s simply a questioning child that must learn.

That said, I’m not sure about splitting up Team Richard like this and I really don’t want to see a new Seeker named.  We’ll see how long the gang goes on their separate journeys.  Although if it means more Kahlan/Cara scenes I think I’ll figure out how to muddle through!

Episode Grade: B+

Chuck – Chuck vs Operation Awesome

By now, it seems like I should be tired of Chuck freaking out, but I didn’t mind it in this episode. It was fun to watch Chuck being calm and reassuring one and taking on the role of handler. (“Remember if you freak out, he’s gonna freak out.”) Chuck was truly impressive as he protected Devon and steered him through the mission. Loved that Devon freaked out and couldn’t handle being a spy. For years, it always seems like nothing fazes Devon. He is Captain Awesome because

And boy was Devon’s a horrible liar. I couldn’t stop laughing during his ridiculous bear fighting explanation, but once again it illustrates how far Chuck has come in the last few years. I know I complained earlier in the season that Chuck had taken a couple steps back in his spyness, but he’s showed a couple times now how much of the training he has retained and at times can use with the help of the Intersect 2.0. At times I do miss goofy Chuck, but I really appreciate the evolution of the character and how the writers have shown his growth over the past few years, but never let him forget his love for friends and family. And as the last scene showed, Sarah and Casey are a part of that family now.

Which of course leads up to the introduction of SUPERMAN! Not sure how I feel about Agent Shaw as part of Team Bartowski. If I’m being honest, I still miss Bryce, but since he has his own show, I guess I can’t complain too much. I’m intrigued to see how his presence will change the dynamic of the team. Agent Shaw doesn’t share Sarah and Casey’s desire to protect Chuck. Once again Casey stood up for Chuck and bucking authority to go and help him. When the show started I wasn’t sure if that would ever happen, but I have to say that his respect and affection for Chuck has become one of the things I really love about the show.

Episode Guide: B+

Bones – The Proof of the Pudding

I’m guessing this might anger some people, but I love that Brennan chose Booth over the truth concerning the JFK assassination.  At some point, we’ve all had to tell a white lie to somehow help someone we care about – no matter how strong they – and having Brennan put Booth’s need to believe in his country above proving how JFK died really goes to illustrate how much she has grown as a character and how much Booth – and his mental state – matters to her.  Besides, with the limited time, she would have never been able to conclude 100% that those were the bones of JFK.

However, for me the episode really showcased Hodgins.  As I’ve said before, I love Wendell, but I want Hodgins and Angela back together and the final scene of the episode as they walked off together arm in arm, made me audibly sigh.  Not only did Hodgins get to work on one of his dream cases in the episode, but he also congratulated and comforted Angela when she thought she was pregnant.  I love that he’s a nice enough guy and good enough friend to offer support, but then walk away and not press for an answer.

Episode Grade: B

TVD – Bloodlines

As I wrote in my full write up, I really liked where the writers are taking this show.  In “Bloodlines” Elena seemed to get some sort of mind-blowing revelation every couple of scenes including Elena’s relation to Katherine (Katherine must have had a child before she was turned), Stephan knowing Elena for months before he turned up at school and had actually rescued her from the car, and most shocking, Elena’s adopted.

To be honest, I’m not all that interested in the fact one of Elena’s ancestors was Katherine’s bastard child.  However, the secrecy of Elena’s parentage is quite intriguing as well as Stephan’s somewhat creepy stalking of her before they officially met.  Sure he did rescue her and she does look exactly like Katherine, but there is a weird vibe to it.  Then again, I’m one of the people who think Edward is a controlling stalker, so maybe I’m missing the romantic nature of the gesture.

Overall, I’m still loving this show and it’s paranormal/soap opera goodness.  The writers have really been able to tap into the drama-filled awesomeness of the old WB shows. I know it’s been four years, but I still miss that network.  Anyway, if The Vampire Diaries can keep up this level, I’ll be a happy camper.

Episode Grade: B+

Supernatural – Sam, Interrupted

So after having survived a horrible day at work in which I felt I was going insane, I sat down to watch the boys and try and salvage my day.  Instead I got a trip to a wraith-filled mental hospital where both boys go nuts.  Some days are better than others and at least this one had pudding!

I should admit, I find mental hospitals creepy even when there isn’t a wraith running free and sucking patients’ brains.  Plus we already know that Sam and Dean lead psychotic lives, so seeing them locked up and unable to cope was heartbreaking.  Plus Dean was back to burying grief and didn’t show a whole lot of emotion when discussing the deaths of Ellen and Jo.  This does not bode well, especially when you combine it with Sam’s repressed anger.

I guess what I was left pondering at the end of the episode, was even if Sam and Dean kill Lucifer and live to fight another day, the future is not pretty.  I know it’s been discussed before, ad nauseam, but the only examples of older hunters are Rufus, the reclusive drunk and now Martin, a guy who checked himself into a mental institution.  Of course there is also Bobby, but he’s not in a good place either.

Overall, I was happy with “Sam, Interrupted.”  Supernatural always does a pretty good job of mixing the monsters with humor and this episode definitely had its moments.  I will say, I’m kind of wondering what’s going on with the apocalypse and Cas, but this was a nice post-hiatus episode to get back into the swing of things.

Episode Grade: B+