My Review of Wizards Vs. Aliens 1x06: "The Last Day"

Written by Phil Ford
Directed by Joss Agnew

Helen: "I've been so lucky, Tom, I had one more day with you. One day I should never have had and I'm so glad I did. I love you so much. I love you."

Okay, this episode was inevitable. Rarely do genre shows stick with established character deaths meaning that we're unable to see them again and I guess seeing Helen Clarke was bound to happen at some point. To be honest, the only thing that is really surprising about this story is that it happened in the first series but other than that, this is an excellent story.

The idea of Helen somewhat haunting Tom's dreams as he began to think about her death was a good way of leading us into the reunion between mother and son. I wasn't too shocked however that Helen was merely a clone and that the Nekross were setting up their own battery farm in order to keep themselves supplied with magic.

However as plans went though, it was probably one of the Nekross's  better (if monstrous) of ideas and had Helen not decided to do the heroic self-sacrifice thing (along with the fact that as a clone, she couldn't live for long either), it might have worked. Still a part of me was hoping this story would see the Nekross out of the show but I guess it was an inevitable conclusion.

I still enjoyed the family scenes between Tom/Helen/Michael/Ursula and though cheesy, it was a pretty good way for mother and son to stop the Nekross's overall plans and I guess it did give Tom more assertion to take down the Nekross next series as well giving both Michael and Ursula a chance to see Helen again, even if like Tom, they knew it wasn't meant to last.

- Tom went on a date with Katie in this episode. I guess that means she will get something of a bigger role next series.
- Loved Benny's attempts of trying to rationalise Helen's existence and is Randall's mother really over 1000 years old?
- Varg is still needling Lexi about her loyalty towards Tom. I guess that will play a bigger part in the second series.
- Helen was 35 when she died. Also, the actress who played her is another former Doctor Who guest star, having appeared in the episode, Gridlock.

The Last Day is a strong finale for a show that's actually improved nicely over the course of it's first series. That being said, for it's second run, it might want to expand on threats because the Nekross are running the risk of wearing thin. Overall, a wonderful finale.

Rating: 8 out of 10

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Being Human - Series 5 First Trailer/Casting News

With the fifth series of Toby Whithouse's supernatural drama, Being Human due to air in early 2013, BBC3 have released some clips of the new series in their trailer for the first few months of the new year.

The clips from the new series seem to be the new gang checking out the antics at Melville Insurance, a shirtless Hal talking about them being at war as well as a chained man surrounded by a gang, Alex looking spooked in one scene and even Hal and Tom as waiters embarking on a food fight as well. I can't wait to see that particular scene play out. That being said, I don't think we got any clips of either the Men In Grey or Captain Hatch though.

Elsewhere, Mighty Boosh actor, Julian Barratt will be appearing in an episode of the upcoming fifth series as Larry. He can be seen in the trailer in what looks like he's either attacking or defending himself from something or someone. However the nature of his role has not been disclosed but either way, this is another nice coup for what's looking like a fantastic series ahead.

Series 5 Trailer: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0127by8
Casting News: http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/being-human/23753/the-mighty-booshs-julian-barratt-to-appear-in-being-human-series-5

Being Human's fifth series will air on BBC3 in early 2013.

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My Review of Dexter's 7x10: "The Dark Whatever"

Written by Lauren Gussis And Jace Rochdale And Scott Reynolds
Directed by Michael Lehmann

Hannah (re Clint): “I know he’s done some bad things but there’s good inside him as well. Oh right, you’ve known him for twenty four hours and you think you understand him.”
Dexter: “I have a sense for this sort of thing.”

Dexter’s senses weren’t exactly wrong either. After all, Hannah told us in the previous episode that her father Clint nearly drown her and this one, he really didn’t waste much in actually showing his true colours when Hannah wouldn’t put her business and home in financial jeopardy in order to give him something for a ‘business’ project he had in mind.

I really like that they cast Supernatural’s Jim Beaver for the role of Clint because he certainly wasted no time in getting this viewer to emphasise with Hannah more than possible during this episode. Hannah desperately wanted to believe that her father had turned over a new leaf but he turned out be pretty rotten to the core in this episode.

The fact that Clint happily trashed Hannah’s business before reading her the riot act about her antics finishing off Mrs McKay was one thing but trying to blackmail Hannah and Dexter for money in order to pay his gambling debts was a pretty low thing to do. Unfortunately for Clint, he chose the wrong guy to take on when he took on Dexter.

I have to admit, while I don’t actually approve of Clint actually being killed by Dexter (he didn’t fit the code), I think I’m just more disappointed that they couldn’t have kept him around for another episode at the very least. Still, he managed to screw Hannah over anyways by telling Deb about her former roommate Arlene, so Hannah definitely could be on borrowed time in this episode.

On a serious note, I do find the hostility that certain fans seem to have for the character rather annoying. I don’t believe that Hannah is Dexter’s true love and her influence on him is worrying at best but she’s also been the highpoint of the season and doesn’t seem to be evil as such but definitely more dangerous than Lumen perhaps.

Also, while she wasn’t exactly devastated by her father’s death, she was to her credit, willing to use a non violent method in order to get him out of the picture as well. I think surely that has to count for something with the character at the very least. I also liked the fact that she challenged Dexter about his Dark Passenger as well.

Dexter’s doubt about the control he has over the Dark Passenger did have some highlight scenes with him and Harry and it was also during his takedown of the Phantom Arsonist, Joseph Jensen that seemed to really raise the issue. Dexter was quick to dismiss Joseph’s claims of ‘Bobby’ making him set people on fire and he was harsher than Hannah was about his Dark Passenger.

I was actually surprised that the arsonist stuff was dealt a little quickly but perhaps it’s a good thing though. With Maria and Tom forming a grudging alliance and the evidence mounting against Dexter over the Bay Harbour Butcher cases, the final two episodes of the season are looking more and more exciting by the minute.

Also in “The Dark Whatever”

Harry pointed out that Dexter gave himself the Dark Passenger thing, not him. Still, at least Harry takes responsibility for the code.

Hannah (re Phantom Arsonist): “Why do I get the feeling you want to wrap him up in plastic?”
Dexter: “Doesn’t matter. I promised Deb I wouldn’t take any cases from the police.”

I did like the fake out with Dexter mistaking fire department guy, Philip Bosso as the Phantom Arsonist, only for the latter to be a war re-enactment enthusiast.

Dexter: “Hannah’s wrong. Of course I have a Dark Passenger. There is no other way to describe this compulsion.”

Clint: “Have you any idea what it’s like to be related to the Infamous Hannah McKay? You’re a goddamn curse, you ungrateful little shit.”

Quinn finally did something of use by shooting George after the latter threatened Nadia. It won’t end well for him I suspect.

Hannah: “Does it just take over? Where do you go? Does Dexter Morgan just disappear?”
Dexter: “No, I’m still there.”
Hannah: “Do you hear a voice or a?”
Dexter: “Not exactly. It’s more like a need.”

Although it was in character for Masuka to be supportive of Dexter/Hannah, it did seem a bit odd that Angel seemed unconcerned by it though.

Clint: “You don’t have to do this.”
Dexter: “That’s what I’m realising. I don’t have to but I want to, even though you don’t meet my code. I really want to but unlike you, I really care about Hannah.”

Chronology: Not long from where the previous left off as Hannah was talking about her stitches during the start of this one.

Easily one of the best episodes we’ve had this season. “The Dark Whatever” just had some solid, excellent character moments from start to finish and with all the strands seemingly coming together, it’s going to be a rather interesting finale as well.

Rating: 9 out of 10

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Doctor Who - The Snowmen Airdate/Timeslot Confirmed

With 20 days to go, the latest Christmas special of Doctor Who titled, The Snowmen has got the confirmation of airing on Christmas Day at the timeslot of ...

... 5.15pm. Yep, it's the earliest time we've had a Christmas special air but it seems to be in aid of the rating juggernaut battle with BBC1 biggest new hit, Call The Midwife and ITV's mammoth hit, Downton Abbey. I have to admit, even for Christmas Day, it's arguably too early a timeslot for the show but hopefully, it'll do brilliantly, rating wise because it is finally debuting Jenna-Louise Coleman as new companion, Clara and it really does look like Moffat's best Christmas offering yet. Oh and the latest interview of Radio Times has both Matt and Jenna on the cover and the latter is as brilliant at evading spoilers as Moffat seems to be.

Meanwhile the BBC site and Blogtor Who have unveiled some pretty gorgeous new cast pictures of The Snowmen with the Doctor, Clara, Madame Vastra/Jenny/Strax, Captain Latimer and his children and the rather sinister Snowmen and Doctor Simeon, played by Richard E. Grant. The show's advent calender is also up on the BBC site and so far we've had new pictures as well as interviews with Jenna-Louise Coleman and Steven Moffat to keep us excited for the Christmas special. Last but not least, filming for the seventh series has been completed. Hopefully a trailer for the second half of the series will air at the end of The Snowmen.

Christmas Scheduling: http://www.digitalspy.ie/tv/s104/strictly-come-dancing/news/a442942/eastenders-who-strictly-bbc-one-confirms-christmas-day-lineup.html
Promo Pictures: http://blogtorwho.blogspot.ie/2012/12/the-snowmen-promo-pics.html
Advent Calender: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p011gpsb/features/doctor-who-adventure-calendar-2012

The Snowmen airs on Christmas Day at 5.15pm on BBC1.

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Sherlock - Series 3 Filming Delayed

I was meant to talk about this a few days but between purchasing and rewatching the first two series of Sherlock, it seems apt to meant that filming for the upcoming third series has been delayed. While Tumblr and Twitter may have exploded with the news, it seem that the delay is only by two months.

Instead of a January 2013 start, it'll be March before the three episodes that will make up the third run are due to be filmed. Producer Sue Vertue has promised that the delayed filming will not impact the actual transmission date of Series 3 but given that the schedules of it's leading men, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman is getting increasingly busy, it's not that shocking we've gotten a delay. Still, I'm sure when the third series airs, it will have been worth it.

Press Release: http://screenrant.com/sherlock-season-3-premiere-date-delayed/

Sherlock's third series begins filming in March 2013.

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My Review of Revenge's 2x09: "Revelations"

Written by Ted Sullivan
Directed by Kenneth Fink

Padma (re Graysons): “Why not hit them now?”
Nolan: “It’s much easier to destroy a castle from inside it’s own walls.”

Okay, for an episode with a title like “Revelations” don’t expect much in the way of an actual reveal because apart from Daniel making the schoolboy error of making it on Nolan’s hit list, very little else in this episode will come across as much as a shock to even the most easily pleased of viewers.

The best thing about this episode through and through was Nolan and boy, did the poor guy get royally screwed over in this one? Aiden and Emily could’ve made more of a concentrated effort to try and stop NolCorp from becoming a subsidiary of Grayson Global but they didn’t and Daniel’s intense pleasure of staking a claim into Nolan’s company made me want to punch him across the face big time.

It also didn’t help that by re-enlisting Marco into NolCorp that Nolan could either be setting himself up for a further fall or possibly doing some damage control. Padma didn’t exactly look best pleased either with Marco back in the game but at least with Nolan given his own revenge based agenda, we’ve got something to look forward in the second half of the season. If Emily and Aiden are too distracted with each other, then at least Nolan’s focused on taking Grayson Global down.

As for Emily and Aiden – I really thought this episode served them rather badly. I get Aiden not giving a crap about Nolan’s company but Emily should’ve shown a bit more concern too. Whatever help Nolan has given her doesn’t mean that he deserves to pay for it with his company at the hands of the Graysons and I can’t help thinking that Emily should’ve tried something to help Nolan out this week.

In fact apart from outing a brief sexual tryst with Conrad and Ashley and receiving an alliance from Victoria, Emily was disappointingly inactive in this episode in terms of storylines. If this is what Aiden is going to do to her, then I have to admit I’m kind of worried. Emily really does need to get her head back in the game big time, so hopefully this ‘alliance’ with Victoria will be the thing to do it.

As for the Graysons, well, we didn’t get anything too revealing about them this week. Daniel’s attempts of playing the big man has put him under fire with the Initiative and the whole reveal of Ashley and Conrad shagging once was something most viewers predicted ages ago.

I did feel a little bad for Ashley but I have a feeling that we’re not done with her just yet, so I'm not too sorry for her then. Still, this episode did seem to emphasise that as angry as Daniel was by Ashley’s betrayal, he wasn’t that into her in the first place. After all, he had no problem deleting Ashley’s pictures but not the ones with him and Emily.

As for Victoria – maybe she does love Conrad. Otherwise why would she have been bothered by him sleeping with Ashley after all? Also, her overbearing maternal love for Daniel made her rashly set Ashley up for a fall and foolishly threaten Helen as well. It’s also probably the latter that’s prompting her to reach out to Emily of all people as well.

Last but not least – it was nice to see Jack and Amanda finally christen baby Carl and I certainly enjoyed that brief scene with Emily and Amanda but the rest of the story not so much. I really don’t care about Kenny and Nate’s vendetta against Carl Snr and if Jack had bothered to do some research beforehand, he might have actually spared himself a lot of trouble. The sooner this storyline is done with, the better because it’s certainly the weakest one going on at the moment.

Also in “Revelations”

Victoria with a rifle. If there was a reason for Conrad to want to sleep with one eye open, surely his wife’s fondness for guns would be one of them now?

Nolan: “That’s for me to know and you find out. How does that feel, not so fun, huh?”
Emily: “Just be careful. Nobody plays dirtier than the Graysons.”

Victoria and Conrad pimping out Ashley to Salvador must have been a bad reminder of the latter of how her life could’ve turned out without Emily stepping in that time.

Padma (to Nolan): “Prepare to enter the lion’s den.”

Aiden: “You don’t have to keep secrets from me.”
Emily: “I’m not.”

The Initiative watching Daniel with a camera in a clock isn’t as cool as Shamu but definitely less cheesier than that convenient fog that Kenny and Nate when they were beating up Matt.

Victoria (to Conrad): “You have wormed your way into the very nadir of repugnance.”

Emily: “I’m not destroying lives, Amanda. I’m righting wrongs.”
Amanda: “Tell yourself whatever you have to but when will enough be enough?”

Anyone else a little disappointed that Charlotte hasn’t had much to do in the last few episodes?

Ashley: “I do my best to keep out of your way.”
Victoria: “That’s debateable.”

Marco: “It’s not your usual hangout last time I remember.”
Nolan: “A lot of things have changed since you walked out the door.”

Standout music: Tunnels “The Hundred In The Hands” that played during the end of this episode.

Conrad (re being slapped): “What the hell was that for?”
Victoria: “Take your pick.”

Emily: “Revelations can help us accept the things we need the most.”

Chronology: Not long from where “Lineage” left off.

Not a bad episode but for an episode that was called “Revelations”, we virtually got nothing that was genuinely shocking or even game changing. I suppose maybe Daniel incurring Nolan’s wrath (more than the Initiative’s attention, now he’s CEO of Grayson Global) or Victoria reaching out to Emily could be considered big moments but they feel a little small scale compared to what we’ve gotten in the past.

Rating: 7 out of 10

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My Review of Wizards Vs. Aliens 1x05: "Fall Of The Nekross"

Written by Gareth Roberts
Directed by Joss Agnew

Benny (to Varg): "I'm a genius. I might be compassionate but I'm not stupid. Bye."

Well, it's good to know that Benny Sherwood isn't stupid but he's certainly capable of bringing the Nekross to their knees as this story managed to point out big time. Contrary to the title, this story almost saw the fall of the Nekross. They still managed to survive at the end of the episode, due to both Tom and Benny's compassion it seems.

I liked that this story decided to take the fight to the Nekross and even that when their ship was threatened, there was some genuine, almost adult like conflict as well between Benny, Tom and Ursula with Michael trying to play peacemaker. It was the best use of all four characters and it proved that the writing for this show has come leaps and downs since it's rather modest opening story as well.

Another good point about this story was the Nekross themselves not taking matters lying down. They may have ridiculed Ursula's first attempt of getting rid of them but when Benny succeeded, Lexi was quick to play on Tom's emotions to risk his life for both his friend and righting things with the Nekross by consulting the stone circle from the first story as well.

The Nekross might live to threaten another day but the stone circle suddenly became more interesting. Ursula had a deal with them that she managed to make them forget and we got that rather prophetic message at the end in relation to Tom. Considering that the trailer for next week spoiled it, it looks like Helen's coming home after all.

- The rivalry with Michael and Randall Moon was rather amusing. I also liked the red coloured, Nekross, Jathro as well, even if he was a bit of a yes man.
- I'm guessing the deal Ursula made was something that involved Helen's life being the cost. I didn't like that she considered using magic on Benny though.
- Varg seemed to know or suspect that Lexi may have helped Tom in the previous story. She didn't seem that conflicted about manipulating Tom in this one though.
- I think was the only story that solely seemed to focus on Tom/Benny without Katie or Quinn appearing in it.

An excellent story. Fall Of The Nekross is definitely an excellent story but with a bit of tweaking, it probably could've been the season finale. Though the one intended for next week does look rather good and may actually give closure in other areas as well, if not the Nekross.

Rating: 8 out of 10

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