My Review of Dexter's 8x06: "A Little Reflection"

Written by Jace Richdale
Directed by John Dahl

Zach: “You should go ahead and kill me.”
Dexter: “Why?”
Zach: “Because if you don’t, I’ll do it again. I don’t wanna be like this but I can’t help it.”

This isn’t the first time that Dexter has been placed in a situation where he could have a killer accomplice/wingman and if history has a habit of repeating itself, then Dexter taking Zach under his wing is going to end up being even more of a disaster area than when it was Prado.

Dexter originally had the right set of ideas in this episode – stalk Zach, befriend him, get the sufficient proof that he killed his father’s mistress and then take him out and had it not been for both Vogel and Zach himself, then things would’ve gone down the usual way for Dexter. Instead he listened to both of them and it’s obvious it’ll come back to haunt him in the next few episodes.

Vogel’s attempts of wanting to emulate what she had set in place in Dexter with Harry should’ve been another alarm bell for Dexter. She clearly learned nothing from her experience with Yates and it seems to me that Vogel thinks she can somehow condition every serial killer into a productive member of society. Dexter might have been the success story but Yates was enough proof that she shouldn’t push her luck on this matter.

Then there’s Zach himself – the creepy sociopathic kid taking pictures of his victims and getting a thrill out of it too. Dexter recognised that under Zach’s protest of wanting to kill his cheating father in order to spare his mother any more shame but it was Zach admitting that he didn’t want to be a monster that spared him.

Maybe it’s possible and Zach is telling the truth but I can’t help thinking that whatever issues he has about killing will go to one side when his bloodlust intensifies. He enjoyed killing Norma, he enjoyed stalking out Sophia Fuentes (the second mistress) and he wasn’t exactly conflicted about attempting to murder his own father either. In other words, Dexter taking Zach will not end well for either of them, character wise.

The other odd thing about this partnership as well was Deb’s seemingly relaxed attitude towards it too. Dexter admitted to her face that he was taking on an intern, knowing full well she’d get what he really meant and Deb barely reacted to it. I’m glad that things with her and Dexter are good again but the fact that Deb didn’t even raise a concern still came across as extremely out of character though.

Of course, not only are Zach and Vogel problems for Dexter and Deb in their own ways but Hannah also came out of hiding and drugged the pair of them. I had been looking forward to Hannah’s return for a while now, so her appearance in the final two minutes was a good cliff hanger moment to end the episode with.

Also in “A Little Reflection”

Vogel was married to Richard Vogel for a long time. I like that Dexter shared his research on Vogel with Deb this week.

Vogel (re Zach): “It seems that we have a conflict of interest.”
Dexter: “I don’t believe this. You’re gonna work with another killer after what happened with Yates.”

Deb and Elway’s undercover subplot this week was actually a lot of fun. I actually want Deb to hook up with the guy now.

Masuka: “Welcome to Splatter land, hope you brought some extra string.”
Dexter: “Never leave home without it.”

Dexter (re Zach): “I remember that feeling – awe, wonder. It only fed the urge.”

In other plots Miller got the sergeant job, Quinn started stalking Zach, Jamie had a birthday party, Harrison broke a remote control and Dexter and Cassie were a no go area.

Deb (to Elway): “You can’t undo the past. Families fuck you up. It’s just the way it is.”

Dexter: “Should I be worried that Harrison’s lying?”
Deb: “He’s four doofus.”

I like that Nikki seems to have no ulterior motive for wanting to get to know Masuka as well as the continuity from Harrison’s bloodied teddy from earlier this season.

Dexter: “I don’t kill innocent people.”
Vogel: “But you might have if it hadn’t been for Harry and me.”

Hannah: “Hello Dexter, remember me?”

Chronology: A couple of days from where “This Little Piggy” left off.

“A Little Reflection” isn’t the best episode we’ve had this season, it’s even a little sluggish in parts with a few less engaging subplots but the final two minutes alone are some of the best that the show has done though. Welcome back, Hannah.

Rating: 7 out of 10

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My Review of True Blood's 6x08: "Dead Meat"

Written by Robin Veith
Directed by Michael Lehmann

Sookie (re Warlow): “Fucking destiny! Why couldn’t he just ask me out to the movies next week? Why are men just incapable of wanting to date me?”

I like to think I’m one of Sookie’s biggest defenders and even I found that attitude a bit too narcissistic for the character. Granted she did have a fair point about Warlow and his obsession with making her into his fairy-vampire bride but it wasn’t Sookie at her best here though.

What was especially weird was seeing Sookie coming onto Sam as well. I know the books have gone there with the characters but the series never should and I like the fact that Sam shut down Sookie’s attempts of being normal but that was also largely down to Nicole and a whole other plotline I’m not particularly in favour of at the moment too.

However back to Sookie for a moment – I like that she considered becoming Warlow’s bride in order to save her vampire friends but I am also hoping that she finds a way of getting out of that agreement before he gets her to act on it. I also liked her scenes with Bill in this episode. These two really never ever getting back together as a certain someone would put it.

Bill went from being reasonable with Sookie to being a dick and she went from telling him to get lost to actually agreeing to Warlow being used to save Jessica and company from getting toasted in vampire camp. Of course, Eric had to go and spoil one of Bill’s better plans by drinking on both Adelyn and Warlow in this episode.

Adelyn managed to survive her encounter with Eric and while Warlow did look pretty out of it, I think it’s safe to assume that he’s alive, tight? Of course he is – after all, we have to have a Bill/Eric/Warlow faceoff at some point in the last two episodes, don’t we? One that will inevitably end up going badly for Warlow out of the three of them.

This was an interesting episode though for Eric. His grief towards Nora really did see him go to town on Bill’s delusions of being a God and something tells me that when he returns to vampire camp, Sarah Newlin and her lackeys are seriously going to wish they were never born by the time he’s through with them. I actually can’t wait to see the bloodbath now.

Speaking of Sarah – her craziness is getting more delightfully camp to watch. Torturing Steve with a hamster wheel for information was one thing but her murder of Mrs Suzuki was another. I know I probably shouldn’t laugh but that fight scene was too hilarious not to laugh at it. I wish I was bothered by Suzuki’s death but she wasn’t much of a character to get worked up over, so she won’t be missed I’m afraid. However, I can’t honestly see Sarah making it out of the season alive.

As for the rest of the vampire camp stuff, isn’t the whole dynamic with Violet and Jason just a gender reversal of Tara and Franklin from the third season? Granted Violet seems to be able to seperate eating from shagging but her possessiveness over Jason has already caused a worrying streak and if it hadn’t been for Tara spilling about the spiked Tru Blood, Jason would still be under Violet’s mercy at this point.

Last but not least – the unlucky seven vampire stuck in the room waiting to be fried are Jessica, Tara, Pam, Willa, Violet, Steve and James. Surely one of these characters has to die, right? I can’t see all of them making out of the building alive and given the amount of deaths we’ve had this season, it’ll probably add another sting as well, especially if it’s Tara, Pam or Jessica.

Also in “Dead Meat”

Finally someone bothered to ask about Niall – Sookie when she was leaving Jason a voicemail. Are we going to see him again?

Eric: “You’re no fucking God.”
Bill: “I never said I was.

Alcide did the right thing taking on Rikki, leaving the pack and saving Nicole and Mary. Sadly though, Rikki survived the episode.

Violet: “If I say that you are mine, then you are mine.”
Jason: “Even if we get out of here?”

Jessica (re sex with Finn): “How was it?”
Pam: “Oozy but productive.”

Much as I like Nicole as a character (well, starting to like her), do we really need a pregnancy plot with her and Sam this soon? They’ve only know each for about three or four days. I did like Sam and Alcide making amends though.

Steve: “I’m running as fast as I can.”
Sarah: “It is scientifically impossible for you to be this fucking slow.”

Sookie: “Did I catch you at a bad time?”
Sam: “Kinda yeah.”

Terry left Arlene $2 million. I have to say that I agree with Holly about her taking the money, even though it might make it look like she killed Terry herself.

Sookie: “Death isn’t the end anymore, I know that now. Death is just a fucking pit stop on that keeps on going with no end in sight.”

Standout music: Sean Lennon’s “Dead Meat” at the end of the episode.

Suzuki: “You’re fucking crazy.”
Sarah: “I’m getting there.”

Jessica (to Steve): “We’re all gonna meet the sun in here.”

Chronology: From where “In The Evening” left off.

Good episode. “Dead Meat” was fairly crazy in parts with a pretty decent cliffhanger at the end but it has dawned on me that despite starting off with promise, Warlow hasn’t lived up to being the menace that he should be. Thank goodness that Sarah on the other hand has really stepped up to the plate in that regard.

Rating: 8 out of 10

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Peter Capaldi Is The Twelfth Doctor

It's official folks. Following BBC1's Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor, hosted by Zoe Ball and featuring various cast and crew members and celeb guests, the 12th Doctor has officially been declared as Peter Capaldi and despite the fact I didn't think it would be him, I am delighted to be wrong on this occassion.

Peter is no stranger to the Doctor Who universe. He guest starred in the 10th Doctor story, The Fires Of Pompeii during the series fourth series and also had a regular role on Torchwood: Children Of Earth in 2009. In 2014 however, he will be playing the 12th Doctor for the show's eighth series along with Jenna-Louise Coleman who will be reprising her role as Clara Oswald. While we might have a while to wait to see Peter in action, he will appear briefly during the show's upcoming Christmas special as well.

So, who else is delighted with this stellar casting?

Press Release: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-23570354

And for those of you whinging because Twelve a white male, older or not female - get a fucking grip. The show isn't being racist or sexist and if you think it is with Peter's casting, then you're an idiot.

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American Horror Story: Coven - What You Need To Know

It might be two months away but at the Television Critics Association's summer press tour we got to find out some fascinating facts about American Horror Story: Coven from the cast and crew.

- First of all the titles for the first three episodes are Bitchcraft, Boy Parts and Replacements, The.
- The characters on the show will either be witches or historical characters. Which means the show will be flitting between eras throughout it's thirteen episodes.
- Jessica Lange is playing a witch named Fiona with Sarah Paulson playing her daughter, Cordelia.
- Kathy Bates will play historical personage Madame LaLurie, a Louisiana born socialite and serial killer who keeps slaves bound in her basement. She's one of two real persons being portrayed on the show this season.
- Angela Bassett is also playing a real person - Marie Laveau, a voodoo expert who along with her daughter had a multiracial following.

- Like Taissa Farmiga, Denis O'Hare and Alexandra Breckenridge will also be returning for American Horror Story: Coven, though the nature of their roles haven't been disclosed just yet.
- Emma Roberts is seemingly playing a character named Madison while Frances Conroy's character is called Ruth. If that's true, it's a nice nod to Six Feet Under, isn't it?
- This season will tackle oppression of all minorities as well as race and family issues, especially mother/daughter ones according to producer, Tim Minear. Apparently Cordelia will be in line with a certain Shakespearean character as well.
- Expect to see witches fleeing to the South and that there are two kinds of witches in this show. Minear also promised that this season will be more fun too.
- Most of the action will be set in New Orleans as well this season.

So, that's pretty tantalising, isn't it? I cannot wait to see this season and thankfully there's only two months before it airs and it definitely sounds like it's going to be the most female centred on television for the winter months again.

Season 3 Spoilers: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-horror-story-five-things-598826

American Horror Story: Coven will air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX from October 9th. FOX will air shortly afterwards for UK viewers.

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Sherlock - Series 3 First Trailer & New Villain Cast

It might be a while before we see the third series of Sherlock but the BBC are finally getting in the mood to promote it. Following the repeat airing of the second series finale, The Reichenbach Fall, a trailer for the upcoming third series was aired ...

The 26 second trailer saw the likes of Molly, Mrs Hudson, Mycroft and Lestrade all getting prepared to be taken by surprise from a returning Sherlock, only for it to end with the not so dead detective meeting Watson (sporting a naff looking moustache) in a restaurant. It's a nicely brief trailer but a good reminder that the show does in fact continue. No airdate was confirmed in the trailer but I think it's a safe bet we'll see the third series in 2013 though.

Meanwhile Lars Mikkelsen has been confirmed for the finale as Charles Augustus Magnussen. The actor known for his roles on The Killing and Borgen will be playing the character based on the story The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton and if the picture is anything to go by, he might be an even bigger threat to Sherlock and Watson than Moriarty was in the first two series.

Series 3 Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llGXWICGsD4&feature=youtu.be

Series 3 of Sherlock will air on BBC1 in late 2013.

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Doctor Who - Top 50 Companions: Part 6

I know I was meant to do this one last week but I realised that I wanted to extend this list a little longer - at least until the end of this month. However without further ado, here's the sixth part of my Top 50 Doctor Who Companions list.

21: K9 (John Leeson)

Who doesn't love dogs, eh? especially when they're robot ones who have since had versions that have been owned by Sarah Jane, Leela and Romana at different points as well? And two spin-offs too (and a recurring role in the other). K9 is definitely one of the more lovable robotic pets we've had on television over the last few decades and I personally hope at some point he gets to meet the Twelfth Doctor too.

22: Harry Sullivan (Ian Marter)

Another companion whom we could've gotten a bit longer with in my opinion. Harry may be have been a little pompous and even called an imbecile by the Fourth Doctor but his teaming with that particular incarnation and the legend that is Sarah Jane Smith remains one of my favourites of the series though.

23: Steven Taylor (Peter Purves)

Easily one of the best First Doctor companions we've had on the show. The second strapping male companion to travel with the Doctor and Steven was certainly able to challenge the Doctor as much as Ian could at times too. Definitely one of the best blokes we've had in the TARDIS. And he worked well with Vicki, Katarina, Sara and Dodo too.

24: Sergeant John Benton (John Levene)

The great thing about UNIT is the amount of brilliant characters we got from them. I've already mentioned both Liz Shaw and Mike Yates in previous countdowns and getting that little bit higher is of course the laddish and rather lovely, Benton himself. Whether he's unfazed about the TARDIS or running naked after an encounter with the Master (not that kind of one, folks), it's always great to have this sergeant around.

25: Tegan Jovanka (Janet Fielding)

Recently this woman came number one in another companions poll list but here, she's at least in my Top 30. I do like Tegan a lot. Arguably the most successful of all of the Fifth Doctor companions but that was mainly down to the fact that the writers actually bothered to give Tegan some decent scope and character development, even if her eventual exit could've been better written though. She might have been a right 'mouth on legs' at times but she was definitely what the Fifth Doctor needed in a companion and friend though.

Meanwhile the wait for the 12th Doctor is thankfully going to be shorter. Hosted by Zoe Ball, BBC1 will be unveiling the actor playing the new Doctor in a half hour programme called Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor. The show, filmed in front of a live audience will feature interviews with Matt Smith, Steven Moffat as well as past companions and Doctor and famous fans before the new guy is unveiled. Will it be Ben Daniels? Peter Capaldi? Daniel Rigby? At least we'll know in two days time.

Press Release:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho/articles/The-Next-Doctor-will-be-revealed-on-Sunday-04-August

Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor will air Sunday at 7pm on BBC1. Part 7 of this poll will up next week.

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My Review of Dexter's 8x05: "This Little Piggy"

Written by Scott Reynolds
Directed by Romeo Tirone

Vogel: “I’m glad to see the two of you have managed to find your way back to each other.”
Deb: “Well the family that kills together.”

It does almost seem a little too simple that Dexter and Deb have found each other again but maybe that’s a good thing. This episode finally saw Deb come out of her trauma with Maria’s death as her and Dexter had to team together in order rescue Vogel but are things really going to be okay with her and Dexter?

Dexter had been furious with her for trying to kill the both of them in this episode and Vogel herself didn’t seem that sincere when she said she had been glad that they were on speaking terms again. I kind of suspect that Vogel might do something to drive them apart in the remainder of the season. Actually, scratch that – it’s bloody obvious that she will do something to cause another rift with Dexter and Deb.

Just look at her scenes with Yates in this episode. Yes, she was terrified of him and he came close enough to killing her but at the same time, Vogel had also used Yates’s mommy issues against him in order to gain an upper hand. It might have been a minor victory for her of sorts (before Dexter impaled him) but it certainly highlighted her more devious side as well.

And then there’s the fact that she participated in the ritual of disposing of Yates’s corpse along with Dexter and Deb. That was an interesting turning point for all three characters, wasn’t it? Dexter finally got to be his true self to his sister and a woman who has adopted a maternal role with him but it was Deb and Vogel’s reactions that were more interesting.

Vogel looked impressed with the whole scenario while Deb had accepted it. She even accepted watching Dexter kill Yates right in front of her as well. I can’t tell if that’s necessarily a good or a bad thing but it’s certainly a turning point though. Probably one that will have consequences as the rest of the season progresses too.

However the thing I’m wondering is if Yates is dead, does that mean the Brain Surgeon plot is dealt with then? This episode seemed to be stating that it was him but Vogel still seemed a little suspect too. More to the point, it also seems like another serial killer plot is being set up with weird rich kid, Zach Hamilton.

The boy basically admitted to Dexter that he murdered his father’s mistress and he certainly gave off the creepy vibes as well with the few scenes he was in. Add to the fact that Vogel’s something of a serial killer groomer and that Hannah’s return seems rather imminent, the list of problems for Dexter could be growing all the more along with the risk of his own exposure too.

In terms of the rest of the episode, the Masuka plot with his daughter seems to be something that could either way as well. Nikki could easily be trying to fleece him for some cash or she could genuinely be a young girl wanting to know her father. It’s a fun side plot, made more so with Deb’s inclusion but hopefully not one that’s dragged out too long though.

Also in “This Little Piggy”

It seems that Yates’s name is Albert but his dislike of it made him refer to himself as A.J instead though.

Dexter (to Deb): “I’m so fucking happy for you.”

I liked that this episode actually started with Dexter and Deb’s therapy session. The lack of voiceover at the start helped the scene too.

Miller (re Nikki): “This beautiful girl came from you?”
Masuka: “Yes indeed.”

Dexter: “I don’t hate you. Why did you save me? Why didn’t you let me drown?”
Deb: “I saw the car going underwater. I knew you were gonna die. I couldn’t imagine my life without you in it.”

Jamie is starting to get on my nerves this season. Personally I think she overstepped the mark with trying to do a double date with herself, Quinn, Dexter and Cassie, though the latter seems nice enough.

Deb (to Masuka, re Nikki): “Gotta be careful. You don’t want to know everything about family.”

Dexter (re Jamie): “”Serial killer bested by one hundred pound nanny.”

Standout music: Vogel was listening to Mama Cass’s “Make Your Own Kind Of Music”. That has to mean something.

Vogel (to Yates): “All you ever do is disappoint me.”

Chronology: A few days from “Scar Tissue”.

“This Little Piggy” was a pretty solid episode, certainly for the turnaround moments in the dynamic of Dexter, Deb and Vogel but some of the subplots did weigh down a bit – Quinn/Matthews butting heads over Zach, the sergeant thing with Quinn/Miller and Jamie in general. Perhaps it’s best to resolve some of these plots a little quicker, eh?

Rating: 8 out of 10

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