Bitten Finale Review

Bitten ended its first season Saturday night.  The series is based on the "Women of the Other World books written by Kelley Armstrong.  It focuses on Elena Michaels (Laura Vandervoort), the world's only female werewolf and her quest to be normal.  She's living her life as a photographer in Toronto when she's pulled back in by her pack.

The first season stuck close to the book with the possible exception of the finale.  The good guys won the final battle at Stonehaven (of course), but there was a twist.  The bad guy trying to take over the house was none other than Jeremy (Greg Bryk)'s  father; William (James McGowan). The other twist was that final scene where Elena screams after finding   Phillip (Paul Greene's) (?)'s head in her bed.

I didn't watch this show regularly.  I watched a few episodes in the beginning, and then really got into it the last 3, or 4 episodes.  As a season, it seemed there were episodes where nothing much happened to advance the plot.  And I didn't care enough to go back and watch them online when I missed an episode.  If there's a season 2, the consistency in writing needs to be addressed.  I think the episodes should be treated as chapters and the writers should ask how they can move the story forward. 

There were times when I didn't buy Laura Vandervoort as Elena; she played her too black and white sometimes, and  I didn't get the sense of the character's duality.  The other characters with the exception of Jeremy, and Paul weren't that interesting to me.  And that was nothing to do with the actors, mostly the writing.

A second season only works if it's less about Elena.  I'd love to see more of the Jeremy/William storyline, and Logan/Rachel
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Bitten Musings:

-I don't know if I'd watch second season.  Based on the second part of season 1, yes... first part no.

-Is there a chance Jeremy had Phillip killed, and the killer double-crossed him by working with William?

-Is there a chance  Phillip's still alive? (remember there's only the flash of the head in her bed).  There's a lot more drama to mine there between him and Elena.

-Is Rachel about to become a werewolf as part of William's sick plot.. maybe see what happens when a pregnant woman is bitten?

Downton Abbey Season Finale Review

In a switch from previous seasons, the Christmas Special actually took place during the summer.  It's the "Society Season," and time for Rose to be unveiled to London's upper classes.  The entire family are at the Crawley's London house, and are joined by Cora's mother, and brother (played by Paul Gimatti and Shirley MacLaine) from America.

The question of Bates' involvement with Green's death is finally answered.  Mary chooses not find out, and burns the ticket to London found in his jacket.  Mary meanwhile has two (or possibly three if you count Evelyn Napier) suitors jostling for her hand in marriage.  She finds out Charles Blake (Julian Ovenden) actually has money to his name which changes her perception of him.  Following her introduction to the King, he appears at Rose's party to take the first dance. The Dowager Duchess Violet had a great 'cat fight' scene with Martha. Edith decides to take her future into her hands, and brings the baby back to give her to the farmer we met in the first episode.

The servants take advantage of the break, and a day by the seaside is arranged. Daisy is invited to become Harold Levinson's cook (which position Ivy ends up taking).  Baxter broke free of whatever hold Thomas had on her, and looks to be on the road to happiness with Moseley. Thomas is trying his best to spoil it though. The final shot of the episode was one of the most  memorable of the series: Carson, and Mrs. Hughes playing in the waves.

Downton Musings:

Season #5? Looks that way; there's a listing for it on IMDB. Part of me hopes it's the last.  These dramas are usually better quality over quantity.

-I wish the stunt casting would stop; Downton Abbey doesn't need Shirley MacLaine, and Paul Gimatti to be a success.

-Baxter and Molesley are cute.

-Mary bugs me: In this episode, it's as if the writers hit the reset button with Mary, and her love affair with Matthew never happened.  Now she has three possible suitors, and it's as if it's a game to her to play one off against the other.  Character development would be nice.

-Character Development 2: Thomas:  Season 3 was a big arc for him; we found out he was gay, he was beaten up, and generally reviled by the other characters for it.  Would've loved seeing some more of the consequences, and a peek into what it must have been like for a gay person in the '20's.  Instead we get plotting, scheming Thomas who spent a couple of episodes in America.  What a waste!

-Give him a kiss: I would've kissed Charles Blake (Julian Ovenden) before he left the house in the morning. 

-Is Gregson dead? or a spy?

Dracula Season (or series?) finale Review



Lady Jayne, and Grayson 

Dracula came full circle in a couple of ways last night on its season or series finale.  The first was the series opened as Alexander Grayson/Dracula (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers) tested his "wireless electricity" machine, and the first season ended with the same test but decidedly different results.  This time the demonstration ended in disaster as the machine blew up leaving death and destruction in its wake. 

The second was with Lady Jayne Weatherby (Victoria Smurfit), the huntress.  The season's ongoing storyline put them in an love-hate relationship; always breaking up, and getting together.  They were a good match with their secrets. Jane hiding that she was a huntress, and Grayson that he was Dracula.  But as the season ended the jig was up, Jayne and her band of hunters had figured out Dracula was back, and more than likely he was none other than Alexander Grayson. 

She arrived at his warehouse to find the disaster in progress; the fire burning out of control, bodies everywhere.  Their final confrontation came in an incredible fight scene ending with Jane begging that he kill her instead of turn her.  In an act of compassion, he obliged.

You know who wasn't so full of compassion? Abraham Van Helsing (Thomas Krestchmann).  The last few episodes he's gone straight off the rails.  He's kidnapped Browning's (Ben Miles)  children, and using Dracula's blood turned them into vampires.  In the finale, he lured Browning to his hideout, and let the kids feed on him, and in so doing kill their own father.  As if that wasn't enough bloodshed for a doctor, he killed Renfield (Nonso Anozie)  by wounding him in the stomach.  The last time we see him he's on the floor bleeding to death.  He also destroyed his lab, including Grayson's daytime serum.

Jonathan (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) ended the season by losing everything.  He lost Mina when he slept with Lucy, maybe lost his job when he betrayed Grayson by working with his enemies.  To complete his humiliation he suffered guilt over the fact he's killed Lord Davenport (Robert Bathurst).  But Grayson knows about that, and would use it for blackmail material.  The episode's final scene hints of a partnership between him, and Van Helsing.

Lucy (Katie McGrath) meanwhile is a loose thread.  She doesn't know what she is, or that she needs blood to live.  She ended up killing her own mother by feeding on her.  This was one of the episode's weak points; no confrontation between her and Grayson or scene where he explains what she is.  I haven't read the book in ages but I think she doesn't survive long as a vampire.

The Mina/Ilona  (Jessica DeGouw) story is another one.  Mina of course ended up in Grayson's arms, his explanation that it was mere coincidence she looked exactly like "someone he loved" didn't wash, especially when they were hinting it something more.   It was one of the weaknesses of the entire season. 

It deserves a second season, with a couple new writers to tighten up the writing.

Musings on a second season of Dracula:

-They'll take Jonathan's character in the bitter, angry direction hinted at in Dracula: The Un-dead

-There will be some kind of past-life or familial  connection between Ilona and Mina.

- Renfield will live; it's impossible to imagine any version of the story of Dracula without him. He'll also develop a story of his own.

-Van Helsing will turn into the second season's "big bad."

-Mina will eventually figure out the key to the "day serum."

-Needing a doctor on his side, Grayson will eventually tell Mina what/ who he really is.

Thanks WNED for nothing- a Sherlock rant

I feel like I'm among the only people on the planet who hasn't seen season 3 yet, and I likely am.  Why?  The local affiliate W.N.E.D Buffalo has decided not to show this season at the same time as their PBS counterparts following Downton Abbey.

Their explanation on the surface makes sense.  It's a matter of demographics; theirs are showing people don't watch much programming under their station after 11pm.  So it's a little hard to show three two-hour episodes from 10pm-12am. To accommodate their demographics, they've chosen to push Sherlock to February 13 (Thursday) in order to air it a 9pm- the hour earlier.  They want to air it together following the first two seasons.

 Apparently when the BBC Canada aired it first the last time, W.N.E.D really suffered in the ratings.  They'll suffer again with this decision as well.  They're airing it two days after it comes out on DVD, and well after any streaming service will have gotten a hold of it.   It's already available on streaming sites; X-Box (access the video app on your Windows 8 computer), iTunes, and I'm sure Netflix will have it by then too.  And not to mention the spoilers available online, which I'm sure people read- it's impossible to avoid on twitter.  It's ridiculous to delay showing it.

And then there's the false advertising.  PBS has advertised it up, down and sideways; and I along with many others bought into the hype.  The ads led me to believe it would be airing on WNED no matter what.  I thought; Sherlock airing at 10pm following Downton Abbey; the makings of a great night of television, and a ratings winner.  No such luck...

I hate it when stations do that.  Would it have killed the folks at W.N.E.D. to add the line: "Check local listings" onto their commercial for Sherlock? Or perhaps to move Downton to an 8pm time slot, and then showed  Sherlock?  All they air is then is the previous week's episode of Downton it wouldn't be that big of a loss. Or keep it on the Thursday, and only re-air the second season.  That's the one that counts because it directly leads into series three.  Show the new episodes the Thursday before each Sunday episode.

50% of W.N.E.D's audience is found in Southern Ontario, and  I'd estimate that in the area of 3-5 million people.  That's some pretty big ratings PBS is missing thanks to this decision.  And I'm sure a few people are as irritated as I am, which could translate into lost membership opportunities.

Fox's 24 Returns

Season 1 teaser for 24

I was a late-comer to 24.  I discovered it when A&E used to show 4 hour blocks of it, daily for a while.  It was enough to get me addicted to the show.  The newer seasons became appointment viewing.  Every Monday at 9pm I tuned into find out how Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) would get himself out of this one.  The show followed super agent Jack Bauer through an actual 24 hour day, with each episode representing an hour.

Fox is bringing it back for a limited 12 episode run in 24: Live Another Day.  This series finds Bauer (Sutherland) on the run in Europe, and a radicalized techie Chloe O-Brian (Mary-Lynn Rajskub).  Also returning are William Devane (James Heller- season 4), and Kim Raver (Audrey Heller).  The series has dropped the 24 hour real-time format, and allowed for some time jumps for the writers.  "If this ends up re-booting the show, or causing a movie, then so be it," Sutherland said in this TV Guide article.

One of my favourite shows is coming back to television, I should be excited.  I'm not; I'm actually kind of nervous.  This was such an incredible show in its time, with great characters, and great storytelling that I wonder how you can replicate even a measure of its success.

The show left on a high note.  Those final scenes were the best way to end a series; Jack waving to the camera as if to say good bye to the viewers, and then walking off.    It was the only way to end it, and I'm okay without having the answer to "where is he now?"

There were times when that show was pure magic.  I don't see the problem with leaving it like that.  And so it makes me wonder if they shouldn't just quit while they're ahead.  I'll definitely watch this, because as I previously said I'm a huge fan.  But I wonder is there anything wrong with going out on top?

Review: CTV's Intelligence

Intelligence follows the adventures of Gabriel Vaughn (Josh Holloway) an Intelligence Agent with a computer chip inside his brain and a cyber security division supporting him led by Lillian Strand (Marg Helgenburger).  The first episode introduced the characters, and followed them as they struggled to keep the technology behind the chip from getting into the hands of the Chinese.

The chip makes him the most valuable asset to American security, even in need of his own body guard.  Enter Megan Ory as Riley, the capable Secret Service agent whose job it is to guard him.  Ory and Helgenburger signal a new age of strong female roles.  Helgenburger's Lillian isn't without a heart encouraging Gabriel to go after his wife, a missing and presumed dead deep cover agent.

That's one of the long-term story lines, the "is she/isn't she alive" is meant to keep people guessing.  The other is Gabriel's back story, how did the intelligence chip program start? And what's going to happen to the Chinese agent? What's Lillian's back story?
  Through the chip Gabriel sees the whole picture, and walks himself through the situation so that the audience sees it too.

Overall I love it.  It's very topical: How close are we to putting these chips inside human beings?  What lengths would people go to in order to possess that technology? After developing a phone as small as a watch the chip inside someone's head isn't that far behind.  I love the perspective too; Gabriel is able to see a three-dimensional model of an event, and walk himself through it.

 A new episode of Intelligence airs Monday at 10pm on CTV, and CBS.  CBS is re-airing the pilot tonight at 8pm.  Can't catch it tonight?  Watch a 3 minute preview below.

Downton Abbey Season 4, Episode 1 Review

Downton Abbey reopened its doors to North American viewers last night on PBS.  Lady Mary was in deep mourning for her husband Matthew (Dan Stevens left the show) while life slowly moved on around her.  Edith resumed her life with her beau; the newspaper editor. Robert spent most of his time trying to protect Mary from the outside world, even offering to handle baby George's wealth- we all know how well he managed his own.

Below stairs the servants were astir with news O'Brien had quit for a position with Lady Flincher.  This left Thomas (Rob James Collier) without a foil, and Cora without a lady's maid. He managed to cause trouble on his own, first by getting Nanny West fired,  then by going after Anna for advising new maid Bratihwaite against being friendly to him.  Anna, and Bates worked together to help Mosely who had fallen on hard times following Matthew's death.  Bates ended up giving Moesley 30 pounds to pay off some debts.

Violet as usual had her hand in a lot of pies last night.  When she wasn't helping Molesley try to find work, she was helping bring Mary out of her depression.  She invited Mary and Branson to her home and proposed that Branson tutor Mary on the estate's affairs. "But what would Papa say about it?" Violet answered: "There is sometimes too much truth in a relationship."By the end Mary  was starting to come out of her depression, and Molesley felt a bit better about himself, and Isobel was starting to find purpose again through nursing an old friend of Carson's.

I loved the pacing in this episode.  It would have been easy to milk the grieving widow storyline for all that's worth, but Julian Fellowes didn't and that helped capture the whole life moving on around Mary story. So much of the last three seasons has been about Mary and Matthew's love affair that you forgot that hey this is an ensemble show and there are other characters.   I love how in the premiere at least we're getting separate storylines for Violet, and Isobel, and Carson, and Daisy.  I hope this is a hint of things to come; if so then I think we're in for a great season.

This week's memorable lines from Lady Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham:

The Time Of The Doctor Review

 

 

"I will always remember when the Doctor was me."

This episode had all the things that have made me love Doctor Who.  It had humour, wit, drama, and emotion.  And even though it was Matt Smith's last, I still managed a big smile on my face at the end of it.The story followed the Doctor and Clara on Christmas day to Trenzalore where the Doctor's enemies were massing.  The Doctor pledged to protect Christmas Town, ended up dying there.

A fabulously written episode, it brought together lots of past stories.  The crack in the "fabric of reality" (wall crack) from season 5, River Song from season 6 and the "impossible girl- Clara herself from season 7.  It even included an appearance by Amy (Karen Gillian) at the very end.  It even brought threads in from the "Day of the Doctor (50th anniversary)- references to Gallifrey, the "war doctor" (John Hurt).

Some thought Clara's (Jenna Louise Coleman) Christmas cheerfulness a bit over the top.  I thought it was to cover up the fact she was worried about the Doctor. I felt sorry for her too as her family tried to keep setting her up. She ended up bringing the Christmas magic by convincing the Time Lords to give him another regeneration. As usual she believed in him.

It was an emotional ending.  Clara standing there in the Tardis helpless to do anything, watching it happen. "I will not forget one line of this, not one day I swear," he promised her.  It was simple, and sweet, making her feel like she mattered to him.  Amy's appearance: "Raggedy man, good night."  It was as memorable as Peter Capaldi's first line as the Doctor: "Do you happen to know how to fly this thing?"

Predictions
1. Peter Capaldi's Doctor will come in somewhere between Mad Hatter, and absent-minded professor.

2. We will see River Song again.  Tasha: "We sent a psychopath to kill you."  The Doctor: "I totally married her."

3. Maybe Tasha Lem is a Time Lord? (would explain her ability to fly the Tardis)

Six Shows I'll be watching This Fall

It's September, and that means it's time to answer the immortal question: What should I watch on television?  TV Guide presented a comprehensive list of new, and returning shows.  I've picked out some of my highlights.

1.    Agents of Shield:
Premise: From This is what happened after the Avengers.
Airing: Tuesdays at 8 on CTV

I'm looking forward to this because: Of two words: Joss Whedon.  If you haven't heard of him, check out Buffy The Vampire Slayer, that should tell you why he's so great.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Crossing Lines:

Premise:  Crime fighting with an international twist: a team of agents representing the International Criminal Court (ICC) solve crimes others can't.

Airing: Tuesdays at 9 beginning October 2, on CBC

I'm looking forward to it because... Of 2 words: "Donald Sutherland."  He plays the team leader Michael Dorn.

 

 

 

3. Sleepy Hollow:

Premise: It brings the old tale forward to 2013, literally immortalizing Ichabod Crane and his headless quarry. 

Airing: Mondays at 9pm on Fox

Looking forward to this because... It just looks interesting

 



 

4. The Originals:

Premise: A "Vampire Diaries" spin-off featuring Klaus (Joseph Morgan), as he takes his act to New Orleans

Airing: Thursday's at 9 on the CW.  Haven't seen an air time/ channel for it in Canada yet, but I'm sure eventually there will be one.

Looking forward to it because... of the eye candy.   Also if you've loved the Vampire Diaries you'll love this one.

 

 

 

5. Reign

Premise: What happens when Mary, Queen of Scots heads to France for a diplomatic marriage? lots of intrigue, love triangles, and castle mysteries

Airing: Thursdays at 9pm on CTV2

Looking forward to this because:  I'm a history buff, and you don't see very much of this period from Mary's perspective. 

 

 

6. Dracula

Premise: Bram Stoker's immortal vampire is back, and out for revenge.  This time  he's working  with the mysterious Order of the Dragon impersonating an American businessman in London. 

Airing: Fridays at 10pm on NBC, and Global

Looking forward to this because... of Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, who was previously seen on television as King Henry VIII in the Tudors, which he was great in. I'm sure he'll have his own take on Dracula.  I'm a little worried about this one because it is on NBC; they have this awful habit of pulling their shows just as I'm getting into it.  I hope they give this one a chance.

 

 

 

 

 For a full list of shows visit TVguide.ca's Fall preview.    Tomorrow: Returning Shows.  Got something I missed or a different take on one of these picks? Leave a comment.



Arrow: For Whom The Bell Tolls

I loved it.  It combined action, drama and a true cliff hanger. For whom the Bell Tolls followed Oliver/ Arrow as he tried to stop a manically evil Malcolm Merlin (John Barrowman) from using his earthquake device to destroy Starling City.

He succeeded in a way; Detective Lance diffused the bomb before it went off thanks to Felicity's help.  "If I learned anything as a successful businessman it's redundancy," Malcolm said to Oliver. 

Translation; there was another bomb, which, went off causing death and destruction in its wake.  The episode's title refers to the ending.  Who lives? Who dies? It's obvious that Laurel, Detective Lance, and Oliver all live.  But what about Thea, Moira, Diggle, Roy and even Walter? What about Malcolm and Tommy?

I'd love to see them both live.  I was starting to get into the darker, grittier Tommy (Colin Donnell) as he dealt with the fact his best friend killed people as the vigilante.  I would've loved to see the dynamic between him and Malcolm as well after Malcolm's reveal as Dark Arrow.  That would've really messed Tommy up.

 But if I had to pick between them, I'd say Malcolm lives- he was in the 'panic room' for a while, he had an escape plan in place. Besides redundancy, I'm sure as a successful businessman he always had a contingency plan.  Character aside, I love John Barrowman, and if I can't have him  as Jack Harkness on Torchwood, I'll take him as Malcolm Merlin on Arrow.  I also hated that line... Writers: You  can think of better final words writers than that!

I was back and forth on Laurel for the whole season.  The last few episodes I found her annoying. I wouldn't care if they revealed in the season 2 premiere a piece of debris fell on top of her and she died of her injuries.  I am curious as to what they're going to do with that character to make her less annoying. 

There have been hints Oliver's going to be completely honest with her.  How will she deal with the fact her boyfriend has killed people? That he's been lying to her since he returned from the island? That the presumed dead Tommy knew? So much drama to play out in that relationship.

Is it Season 2 yet?

Smash's crash

Tv Guide has a story out about an email exchange between Smash Creator Theresa Rebeck, and Buzzfeed Journalist Kate Arthur.  Rebeck is taking issue with Arthur's piece blaming the show's bad second season on her.

There's a lot more wrong with Smash than just the fact the show's creator left.  Let's start with the storylines.  There's no flow to it. In season one's finale you saw Julia's marriage breaking up, and hints she was pregnant... you could've mined that drama for at least four or five episodes.  And what exactly was the point of her re-writing Bombshell? A plus with her character have been the scenes between her and Jesse L. Martin's character.

Then there's the Jimmy and Kyle characters coming out of nowhere without purpose most of the time.  I'm starting to see Jimmy is supposed to be a younger version of Derek; if they'd made it a bit clearer sooner that would've been great.  What's the purpose of "Hit List?" Karen was never to supposed to have her own musical.  I understood the key to this concept was the rivalry between her and Ivy. It's a little hard to have that when they're not often in the same episode.

There's a failure to commit on the writers' part to Derek. Either he's a flirt, and a cad,  or he's a one-woman guy.  The scenes between him and Ivy are pretty sweet, I wouldn't mind seeing them hook up.  Tom deserves to be a bigger player as well, and explore his love life a little more; he's not just Julia's sidekick.   What's this big shared past between Tom, and Derek? There's another story line that could be mined for a few episodes.

Next is the acting.  Katherine McPhee is a great singer; can likely sing the phonebook.  But she can't act.  Either minimize her character, give her someone to play off of, or get rid of "Karen" entirely.  And I think the show is underusing the good actors; I would love to see more of Angelica Houston- maybe see a different side of  Eileen.  And Julian Ovenden who plays J.F.K. in the Bombshell musical doesn't say a word.  I think he deserves a few lines every so often; he's not just a pretty face.

Stunt casting this season has been a bit of a red flag for me.  So far we've had Jennifer Hudson, Sean  Hayes, Bernandette Peters, Liza Minelli and Rosie O'Donnell.  Big names, and well respected in the Broadway community.  But aside from Bernadette Peters, and maybe Liza Minelli, what was the point?  Rosie O'Donnell had one line to say; it was a waste.

Yes when Theresa Rebeck left the show it probably hurt the show in terms of continuity.  But bad writing, and needless characters since then have likely doomed it to cancellation.

My Saturday with Space

Saturday Night I spent watching Space.  They showed the second half season Premiere of Doctor Who and premiered a new show: Orphan Black. The Doctor was up to his old tricks; searching for the answer to the "twice dead girl," in a monastery in 1207 he gets a call from Clara trying to figure out what happened to her Internet connection.  The premise for this one was really interesting; a computer virus swept the world, and when people clicked the link they would be uploaded.  This reminded me of a few earlier episodes where the Doctor, and Rose spent time on this space station where people pretty much lived in reality shows. From the first episode it has a clear overarching storyline this season, if you were watching there were a couple of ties to the Christmas episode.
Quote from the night: "3 hours ago you knew nothing about computers, and now you just made a joke about twitter."  The Doctor to Clara.  

Orphan Black I found kind of jarring.  I tuned in thinking; great another British Sci-fi series.  I'll give it a try.  Little did I know it opened with a scene that ends on top of a very familiar train platform at Union Station- one that I've crossed a few times as well on my way out of the station, and the train that hit a main character looked just like a GO Train. And that's just the start.  In one part of the episode, the character Sarah pulls out Canadian $20 bills, and an Ontario drivers license from the dead girl's wallet.  More scenery- the glass tower condos towering over Downtown Toronto; alleyways that look suspiciously like  the ones Rick Mercer delivers his famous rants in.  Added to that the two main characters Felix and Sarah both have British accents (both incidentally are Canadian actors).

Maybe the 'jarring' feeling is on purpose.  Maybe it, is meant so the audience get a feeling for these two characters who have fallen into a situation they have absolutely no idea what to do in.  I'm going to give this another couple of episodes because I'm a sucker for a good mystery.  

Doctor Who airs Saturdays at 8pm on Space, and Orphan Black airs at 9pm.  Catch up on both right now by visiting Space

Revolution Review

As always with most of my television posts: SPOILER ALERT.  If you haven't seen the show yet go visit my other blog: Milton Views.

After 4 long months Revolution returned to NBC last night.  The ratings I've heard aren't that great- down from something like 7.2 million from its fall premiere.  That really isn't surprising; everyone wanted to tune in, and see what it's like.  A new post-apocalyptic drama from J.J. Abrahams, executive produced by Steven Spielberg- obvious pedigree.

I was a little bit puzzled by this episode.  The season started off- girl leaves home, goes off searching for her brother.  In the Fall finale she finds him, and her mother alive.  And then then they kill the brother off... what?? Why kill the guy you spent the first half of the season trying to save?? Why give the family a happy ending only to have it brutally snatched away??

Initially I felt cheated.  Rescuing the brother was Charlie's (Tracy Spiradakos) raison d'etre for the entire first half of the season.  It seemed a waste to do get rid of the character.  I'm interested to see how they develop Charlie- will she become as cold and driven to defeat the Monroe army? Or will she back down?

Another storyline that could be really good is the one happening between Tom, and his son.  Tom beat his son up within eyesight of the rebel camp.  It'll be interesting to find out if this was faked to get intelligence on the rebels, or if this was somehow genuine- that he sensed on some level the son's heart was being torn between his father and any feelings he might  have for Charlie.

I'm looking forward to seeing what they do with Colm Feore's character Randall.  He looks like he's going to be head of an army of scientists meant to reproduce the pendants or something.

The only thing that I was left wanting was more scenes between Monroe and Miles the former best friends turned enemies. Sebastian now has electricity and will no doubt use it take over the United States from sea to shining sea, as he so sinisterly put it.

 The irony isn't lost on me. History nerds will know there was such a thing as the Monroe doctrine. Passed in 1823 by U.S. President James Monroe, it basically told European powers if they tried colonizing  the western hemisphere they'd have a fight on their hands. Would love to see how this fits into the show's development.

I'm ready for the Revolution to continue.

What happened to Smash?

Loved the first season of Smash- the tension between Karen and Ivy, the whole idea of a musical about Marylin Monroe.  The cast is incredible; Megan Hilty, Catherine McPhee, Angelica Houston just to name a few.  The stories were good too; Karen adjusting to life as a Broadway actress fighting Ivy to be Marylin.  Julia fighting for her family- to keep her marriage together.  Derek well... being Derek. 

This season hasn't been as good so far.  I missed most of the season premiere so I'm not as up-to-date as should be.  But last night's episode didn't have the same rhythm for me- it lacked a certain something.  It's left me asking: well... what happened to Smash?

What I've seen of this season it's been kind of disjointed so far.  There were hints from the season finale Julia (Debra Messing) would be pregnant.  What happened to that? Now the character "Joe (Will Chase)" is barely mentioned, yet he's a serious enough love affair for her to trash her marriage for it.  She's a lynch pin of the show, I feel like we were meant to watch her struggle with heartbreak.

Another odd part of the show is with the Karen-Ivy dynamic.  They're rarely in the same scene or storyline.   Part of the show's brilliance was the way these two played off each other- the innocent Karen vs. the conniving Ivy.  I haven't seen that yet this season.

The creative team has changed, and so should the show- it's only natural to tweak it in its second season.  But not this much.  I miss the old Smash. 

Upcoming CBC Season

This Fall, the CBC will apparently contain up to 175 fewer hours of original programming... at least according to an article in today's Toronto Star. It's set against the backdrop of the network having its funding cut over the next few years, and an ongoing debate over the network's role in Canadian culture.

There is definitely a role for the CBC as it comes to Canadian culture, and news.  They cover international news better than the other networks, and go into more depth on the national news than the  other networks.  On the fictional side I'm a huge fan of Republic of Doyle, and also the move to bring Murdoch Mysteries over from CityTV... in fact it's my dream lineup to have those shows on back-to-back on say Wednesday nights?? I wouldn't change the channel if that were to happen.  And based on that cliff-hanger ending I'm pleased Adam Beach is returning with Arctic Air as well.

I think like every other television network on the planet the CBC fell into the trap of too much Reality TV, because it was easy, and got lots of ratings.  I'm not surprised at the cancellations-I never watched Battle of the Blades or the Debaters.  Judging from the bits I've seen of Michael Tuesdays and Thursdays it seemed to be a very niche, very smart show and that doesn't always appeal to the mainstream.  I might have added This Hour has 22 Minutes to the cancellation pile; it was very hit and miss funny for me- sometimes I'd tune in and I'd spend the whole time laughing.  Other times I'd scratch my head wondering "how is that funny?"

There's plenty of decent homegrown shows out there.  Global's found them in Rookie Blue, CTV's found them in The Listener, and Flashpoint.  Space has found it in Sanctuary (shot in British Columbia), and Being Human (U.S.) shot in Montreal featuring mostly Canadian cast.  Showcase has found it in the Toronto-shot Lost Girl, and Bravo has found it in its co-production of The Borgias featuring Francois Arnaud (Cesare Borgia), and Colm Feore (Del La Rovere)

I know most of those shows have some hefty price-tags that come with them so given its cost-cutting mood that buying homegrown television shows isn't option.  But that still leaves developing its own talent- and perhaps that's where the network could excel and become a true voice in Canadian culture.  You could even make it a reality show- call it "Pitch Me, get people pitching their ideas for the next CBC hit.

Arcitc Air: Season Review

Arctic Air ended its first season on Tuesday.  It starred Adam Beach as a kind of wayward son type; Bobby Martin, who left home for school, and never looked back until he took a business trip to The Yukon from Vancouver on a business trip, and ends up staying to run the airline.   The series tells the story of his bid to readjust to life in the North, and as a co-owner of Arctic Air.

At first I wanted to give up on the show.  But I kept saying to myself  "it's Adam Beach, I've got to give it one more week."  And before I knew it,  I really got into it; loving the characters, stories and humour.  And the Northwest Territories plays just as much of a character was a plus too exposing many viewers to a place of beauty few know about.

Even though I loved the stories, they could be the show's weak point as well.  The writers would hint at one development; and then not deliver for weeks, and we would barely see the characters as well.  I'm thinking specifically of the storyline about Bobby discovering his kid.  They'd hint about them finding out about each other, and then nothing would happen.  I suppose it's meant to build the tension, and draw the viewers in, and it's worked for me.  But the only way the anticipation works if you see the characters on a regular basis and a few episodes would go by before we'd see either.

The season finale had a great payoff at the end. It ends with a kiss, and cliffhanger.  It was an emotional kiss between Bobby (Beach and Krista (Pascale Hutton) as her father lay dying on the operating table.  And the cliffhanger was just as the doctor came and talk to her.  Would her father live? Would she finally get it together with Bobby, a childhood sweetheart of sorts? These questions await the announcement of another season.

I hope there is one, because I'd love to know the answers.

Still in Love with Downton Abbey

True confession time; I'm still in love with Downton Abbey.  It's not for everyone; Period British dramas are admittedly a bit of a niche.  And there are those out there who have stopped watching, who have given up on the show.

But I'm not one of them. And last night's episode cinched for me.  Oh sure, there have been moments this season that have been eye-rolling in their over-the-top melodrama... usually involving Matthew or Mary; or some combination of the two.  And others where I have wanted to tell Daisy to grow a backbone; which she finally has now.  Or tell Thomas to be a little nicer.  But I've stuck with it.

I've stuck with it mostly because of the characters.  I'm in love with Lady Violet's (Maggie Smith) gloriously inappropriate one-liners.  This week it was to Sir Richard as he left the season he tells her she might not see her again; she responds: "do you promise?"  It's as if she speaks for the viewer sometimes.

Series 2 told the story of  how the family and servants dealt with World War I. It really made the social classes even; Matthew had William as a fellow soldier, Sybill fell for Branson the chauffeur, and Anna seemed more a part of the family than the servants' world.  Mary was ready to wed Sir Richard, a newspaper magnate from what could be called "new money."  At the start of season 2 there were two separate worlds one above stairs, and one below.  When season 2 ends; it's as if they're one.

The season finale was the Downton Abbey Christmas special.  The family gathers at the house for the holidays.  Anna's husband Jon Bates stands accused of the premeditated murder of his ex-wife and is about to go trial.  Sir Richard is determined to set a date for his wedding to Mary, but ends up as the Earl says "putting her teeth on edge."  


 The episode's ending was worth waiting two seasons for.  The final scene was between Matthew and Mary out in the courtyard at Downton.  They start talk about the scandal that left Mary "damaged goods;" and Mary's plans to go to America.  And it ends up with Matthew making a proposal of marriage.  The scene is the perfect way to end the Christmas special; the snow is falling on New Year's Eve, it's dark and there's nobody around- just the right amount of romance made it the perfect way to end the season.  It made me realize why I am still in love with Downton Abbey.

Capsule Review: Smash

I had three good reasons to watch Smash Monday night: Angelica Huston, Debra Messing, and Jack Davenport.  I only caught parts of it as I flipped between that and another show, but what I did catch was brilliant.

The premise is about the struggle to bring a musical based on Marylin Monroe to Broadway.  Messing plays the writer, Angelica Houston plays the producer, and Davenport plays the director.  They're joined by Megan Hilty, and Katharine McPhee (yes, that Katharine McPhee from Idol) as actresses competing to play the lead role. 

I've heard it explained as "Glee" for grownups.  I rarely watch a full episode of Glee, but I'd say Smash is better.  It has more of a story to it, where Glee's stories are often kept to only one episode. Not to mention Smash I think has a few original songs in it, where I think Glee for the most part has none.  I think Glee has gotten too campy, and the story has been lost in favour of how many guest stars they can pack into a given season.

 I watched just enough to whet my appetite, and will probably end up streaming the first episode online and watching the rest of the season on television.

My Top 5 Wishes for television in 2012

Everyone is providing their top lists of what they want to see happen in the world of television for 2012.  Here's mine

1. The Death of Reality Television: I just want the concept to die.  I'd argue there's no such thing as true "reality" some of it always ends up on the cutting room floor.   "Dancing With The Stars" it seems reaches increasingly for the dregs of Hollywood food chain the longer it goes on.  American Idol is getting so that I can predict who they'll take based on the stories at the auditions- "the Single Mom" "the sick one," etc.  And there are the serial reality contestants- Clay Aitken won on Idol, and is now on Celebrity Apprentice.  "Boston Rob" has done Survivor at least twice, and the Amazing Race once. He's now is hosting some kind of car-related shows.

2. A Return to Scripted Dramas:  A return to relying on well-crafted scripted dramas.  One of my favourites this season has been Once Upon A Time.  It's like someone took the world of fairytales put it in a blender and turned it on.  The Evil Queen from Snow White, is friends with the evil witch from Sleeping Beauty... who'd have thought?  I've loved the twists and turns of it; those who watched last night's episode know what I'm talking about... see Rumplestiltskin (aka Robert Carlyle).  Pan-Am the show about the airline of the same name should be given another chance; what I saw of that it was smartly written, and stylishly presented.  It's got some of the same names attached to it on the production side as West Wing did and that show was classic.

3. A Torchwood return? I got watching a Space marathon  one day over Christmas where they ran the last two seasons (Children of Earth, and Miracle Day) all day and I longed for that show's return... especially after "Miracle Day"'s ending.  However only if it's more like Children of Earth; Miracle Day's story was good, but didn't have nearly the tension in  the story as Children of Earth did.

4. This one is more of a hope; That CBC keeps the Murdoch Mysteries the same as it is right now.  I've just really started getting into that show watching it on DVD, and the writing has gotten better every season- the dialouge has had more of a crispness to it every season.  And I really like that it keeps me guessing.  I'll be watching it, and have it reasoned out who the murderer is.. then baam there's a twist that completely changes it.

5.  A Return to Soap Operas: I've read elsewhere online that the ratings for ABC's pair of lifestyle shows aren't the greatest.  My wish is that they return to the land of soap operas.  I've watched parts of "the Chew" and found it disjointed.  I hope network executives realize people don't really want to watch that.  If they do, then they'd flip it to the Food Network.  People want that daily dose of escapism that only Soap Operas deliver.  If they do come back, hopefully someone will realize that these are driven by storyline.  Without a decent storyline, everything else falls by the wayside.    

Falling Out of Love with Grey's Anatomy

It's one of my many guilty pleasures in life; or at least it was.  At first it was almost Shakespearean- Meredith and Derek as star-crossed lovers, backed by a cast of memorable characters.  And then, they were gasp; happy for a little while until the end of last season- everyone else had the drama.

Now they're not.  And now, coincidentally I'm not.  I don't know exactly when it happened, but I fell out of love with Grey's Anatomy.  Scratch that- I do know when it happened; the musical episode last season, when everyone sang.  I know for a while it was the fashion- every show had to have the musical episode, but really I can't think of a less apropriate show than Grey's Anatomy for it.  If other shows jumped off a cliff would you?.  It was painful to watch, and at least in my opinion was a huge shark-jumping moment.

Last season's season finale was so-so.  The storylines moved forward; but the old drama, the intensity was gone.  I tuned in last week hoping it would be better, and sadly it wasn't.  The way the episode started; with the big sinkhole accident; the focus should be on how the characters dealt with it.  The way the husband had to cut the wife's leg off was intense; there was drama there as Owen had to go down into the sink hole to help them.  But it seemed to be missing some of the human interaction.  Grey's is at its best when those smaller characters like the couple stuck in the sinkhole, and the other accident victims interact with the show's regulars, and each other.  Everyone seemed too wrapped in their own problems to do any of that.

Meredith taking Zola?? That was out-of-character for her. She has stated several times she wants to be a good mother.  That went completely the other way.  And Christina wanting an abortion is consistent with her character; surgery is obviously her defining characteristic.  I just wanted Meredith to tell her off about how Christina should realize how lucky she was she could get pregnant.

Grey's Anatomy was once one of my favourite shows- it was appointment television for me.  Now I'm starting not to really care if I watch it or not.  I'll give it a few more episodes to see if it gets better.