Lilith Luvs TV

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“The One with the Reddest Red Herring”

“Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in face of certain defeat.”

― Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man

Preface

Up for dissection this week is episode 1x07: Out of Control. It’s not really an episode I hear or see a lot of Beasties clamoring over but I think it is a very important episode in regards to the evolution of the VinCat relationship.

This is episode is one of those episodes that have grown on me over the course of the show. I felt like the VinCat thing was moving way too fast and had no idea how they were going to slow things down. When the fugues first started happening, I thought it would be too obvious that Cat was the cause. But this episode had me questioning my logic.

I also thought it would have been more interesting had Vincent actually been the one to kill the frat guy and to see how Cat would have handled that so soon in the relationship. But what actually transpired was also a good way to create conflict in the relationship with not only Cat and Vincent but JT and Vincent as well as Cat and JT.


The Recap & Review


Title: Out of Control |Writers: Brian Peterson & Kelly Souders | Director: Rick Bota
Episode Summary: J.T. thinks Vincent may somehow be involved in Cat's homicide investigation after she mentions a local college fraternity brother was brutally killed. J.T. examines Vincent to determine the cause of his increasingly frequent blackouts, but when Vincent starts to beast out, J.T. is forced to tranquilize him.

Meanwhile, Evan and his new intern find a strange cut on the victim's ankle, which matches that of a female cadaver left on campus a year earlier. As Evan works to uncover more clues from the crime scene, he is kidnapped.

Cat begs Vincent to help find Evan and save his life, yet she doesn't realize that she's putting Vincent's life in serious danger. Vincent blacks out again and Beast Vincent rips the murderer apart and becomes the top of the NYPD's most wanted list. Evan heard the whole thing and starts investigating mysterious killings.

Vincent locks himself in a cage. He and J.T. have determined the common thread in his blackouts. He is either going to visit Cat or, most recently, was with her.
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My thoughts on the writers…
I really like the writing team of Brian Peterson & Kelly Souders. I think they do a really good job of keeping the positive aspects of the show front in center and doing their best to put the flaws of Beauty and the Beast in a dark corner. This episode focused on the core four. Even though Tess was not an integral part to the main event Vincent plotline she was still in the foreground a lot (something that season 2 hasn’t been too great about). The pacing was just right, not too fast but it also didn't plod at all. The dialog was very good as well. I have so many favorite lines in this episode which is odd because Beauty and the Beast is usually all about the moments, silent storytelling and clever Easter eggs for me.

My thoughts on the director…
Rick Bota is one of my favorite directors for Beauty and the Beast. Almost all of his episodes are very beautifully shot. He knows how to let a scene breathe and he knows how to make an insignificant scene sing. He uses a lot of natural light and balances tight close ups with wide shots. But what I like best about his directorial eye is the unconventional ways he captures scenes with more than two people, he tends to come in on an unexpected angle and sometimes even shifts the focus from what we would normally expect.

My thoughts on the case of the week…
I think I would have liked this case a little better had they not spent so much time trying to convince me that Vincent MIGHT have killed the frat guy because it was painfully obvious that it wasn’t going down that road ( even though I honestly would have preferred that road). The perp of the week was a young budding serial killer with a "tragic" (I'll use that word very loosely) past. He was weird and creepy right from the start and when the ominous music started playing in the lab with him and Evan, well quite frankly it tipped their hand (not to mention the kid was new and little too helpful).

My thoughts on the theme…
Here's what I got for the theme in this episode: The world is grey but some things will always be black and white no matter what.

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Important Incidents
• A frat boy is killed.
• Vincent comes home bloody and he was near the vicinity of where the frat boy was killed.
• The introduction of the tranquilizer gun
• Vincent fugues out and attacks JT and it forces JT to tranquilize Vincent
• Evan gets a new intern.
• Evan gets kidnapped.
• Cat asks for Vincent’s help.
• The vigilante gets moved to the top of the most wanted list

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Character Contemplations

Cat – This is the episode that made me wonder what Cat’s deal was. I mean does she even understand the serious consequences and repercussions that are involved with being with Vincent (whether it is a friend or lover situation)? It sure didn’t seem like it until it was too late. I found it so odd that she didn’t use the tranquilizer on Vincent once he found the area where Evan was being held for her. She could have easily apprehended Peter herself. She also didn’t seem to understand that he could have just as easily killed an innocent person when she encouraged him to run off in his fugue induced beastly rage. There was just so much to hate about Cat in this episode that I just can’t keep talking about it.

Evan – Evan comes across as a lone wolf to me and I love that he was highly irritated with Peter the whole entire time. I also love that Evan is competent at his job. One might even say a little TOO competent. He was fairly mild mannered this episode and I appreciated that. Professional and reserved is my favorite Evan. At this point in the show I didn't fear Evan’s demise so the whole setup built no tension for me about the character’s well-being. But he did have good dialog and poignant (well it was supposed to be and it fell flat) with Peter. I also liked the scene between Cat and Evan where she tries to persuade him on the fact that he didn't hear what he thought he heard. But ever the scientist, physical proof trumps pretty girl’s distracting poppycock.

Joe – Blinked and you missed him. One of my biggest disappointments for the series overall was the criminal under use of Brian White. He is a talented actor and was always (and still is) so gracious with the fans and supportive of the show. Joe had potential but they squandered it and then ruined the character twice over. The first ruination of the character was his romantic relationship with Tess and the the other was his personal vendetta against the vigilante. But before all of that he was just in the background and not a very hands on kind of boss. But his "rousing" speech did make it into the highlights about this episode so there's that. I was sad when it was announced that Brian White wouldn't be in season 2 but I was relieved that the character of Joe was off my screen.

JT – This is the JT that I love the most. Concerned about Vincent and screw everybody else. He was always there with a theory and a way to test it. He was vigilant and mindful of the stakes. He was the voice of reason but most importantly, he was front and center and vital to the plot. Something I took for granted in season 1 and learned to cherish in season 2 anytime an episode didn't feature him.

Tess – Tess was on fire in this episode. Snarky, sassy and fun. She showcased her best friend skills to the max. I love the happy moments between Cat and Tess. I love their friendship. It’s nice to see woman be genuine friends in a healthy adult way and not backstabbing hussies that seem to be mentally stuck in high school. Bold and brash is just the way I love my Tess. I think this is one of the best episodes that has been written for the character, which is probably why it made my Elite Eight list whereas most people overlook this episode.

Vincent – At this point in the show we had really only heard about how much of a danger to others Vincent was. We hadn't really seen it. Nor had we really explore the implications of Vincent’s beastly condition. I think the writers cooked up this fugue subplot to illustrate just how dangerous Vincent could be and how scary the results could be when he hurt someone close to him. But then again, this started me down the path of thinking that Cat and Vincent’s bond go much deeper than they (and us the audience) know because Cat basically got the beast side of Vincent to leave without having to shoot him with her gun or the tranquilizer. She did it all with a pleading look. I love that we got a glance into that head of Vincent’s and really begin to see and understand the struggle he has with this burden. I think this was also done to really make Cat (and us the audience) understand that Vincent’s plight isn't just about not being able to lead normal life because Muirfield is after him, it’s because he is potential danger to others.

VinCat - Come on, you didn’t they were going to actually go on that camping trip did you? I like that Cat just wanted to have fun with Vincent first and foremost because quite honestly they both needed it. But it was too soon for them to be gallivanting off into the sunset for a weekend trip. This episode also brought up some interesting things about how Cat sees Vincent. On the one hand she thinks he’s a good person but on the other hand he has unique ability that could come in handy. This was the first time I kind of didn't want them to be together any time soon. Things were definitely moving way too fast so I’m glad that they put this obstacle in their way
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The Highlights

Memorable Moments

• Cat smiling as she enters a murder scene
• Cat smiling as she is packing to go on a camping trip with Vincent
• Tess ogling and objectifying the firefighters openly


Laudable Lines

• Cat: I’m not going anywhere. Trust me.
• Tess: Try not to look giddy when approaching a murder scene.
• Peter: I can hear your sarcasm.
• Tess: Couple sneaks out to do the nasty in the bushes and finds cut up fraternity brother.

Scenes I'm Smitten With

• JT tries to keep Cat from seeing Vincent passed out from the tranquilizer dart incident
• Cat being socially awkward at the NYC Fireman’s calendar launch
• JT and Vincent try to figure out what’s causing the fugue states.
• Cat confides in Tess (kind of) about ‘the guy’
• Cat goes to check up on Evan and tries to convince him that there is no beast.


The Nitpicks

• Did they really have to show the tranquilizer dart in slow motion?
• Cat could have stopped Peter once Vincent pointed her in the right direction
• Cat and Tess didn't clear Peter’s apartment the proper way
• Cat and Tess weren't holding their guns the proper way cops are taught


Awards

Character of the Night
• Vincent

Best Character Interactions
• Cat & Tess
• Cat & JT
• Cat & Vincent

Most Memorable Moment
• Mike ‘The Firefighter’ writes his number down on Cat’s calendar .

Line of the Night
• JT: You may have saved Evan, but you didn't think about the price Vincent would pay

Scene of the Night
• Cat goes to check on Vincent and sees that he has locked himself up and Vincent tells her that he and JT think she’s the trigger to his fugues.

That Awkward Moment
• That awkward moment when you wake up from a bender but instead of a pool of puke, it’s a pool of blood and not being sure whether the fact that it isn't your own is a good thing or not.
• That awkward moment when your friend hulks out and you have to shoot him.

The ‘Giving JT a Run for His Money’ Award
• Tess & Evan - These two were slaying me with their comments the whole entire episode which was a good change of pace because sometimes witty repartee needs to spread around.

The ‘Fan Fiction Inspiration’ Award
• Grand Prize: While Cat and Tess are interrogating the kid who dropped out of the frat he utters the words ‘lady cops’ and the rest is history, the fandom began writing fan fiction about the cases Cat and Tess were doing before Vincent was in the picture and the results were usually pretty funny (at least the ones I saw on Tumblr).
• Runner Up: Anytime JT and Vincent start doing science stuff together, I have to fight the urge to drop what I’m doing and start on an idea I've had for quite some time, JT and Vincent as alternate universe ‘Science Bros’.


Miscellaneous

For Real?
• Vincent says that he doesn’t think he should be out in the world roaming around but a few minutes later he’s out trying to explain to Cat why they can’t go on their hiking trip and that he might be the killer she’s looking for.

Burning Questions
• Whose blood was Vincent covered in?
• If Cat was truly the trigger for the fugues then why hadn’t they happen (before they went to scene of the subway attack) when they were alone together and how come no one brought that up?
• Who still says 'rad'?
• Why didn't nosey neighbor lady become a recurring character?

Recurring Elements
• Newspaper clippings
• Wall of Weird
• Cat’s leather jacket and motorcycle boots combo

MY Biggest Beef with this Episode

• Cat’s logical leap about where the next crime scene would be. Not only did she get it from a single newspaper clipping but the incident in the subway wasn’t a “famous” murder, also did it not happen in an abandoned subway tunnel, it happened in a well light, in use, subway station.

Things I Miss
• JT doing cool science stuff

Biggest Surprise of the Episode
• Vincent saving Evan triggers the vigilante moving to the top of the wanted list

My Music Picks
• St. Christopher by Michael Logen
• Sweet Rock N Roll by Vibrolux

Fun Fact: It takes 7 minutes and 58 seconds to get to the title card.

Grade: B-
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Side Note: Was it just me or were there a ton of shirtless Vincent scenes? (Not that I will ever complain about that).
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Elite Eight Review Line Up

Here’s a list of the episodes that I will be writing Retro Recaps for until the hiatus is over:
• Pilot – April 8, 2014
• Saturn Returns – April 15, 2014
• Out of Control – April 22, 2014
• Bridesmaid up/Seeing Red – April 29, 2014
• Trust No One – May 6, 2014
• Insatiable – May 13, 2014
• Heart of Darkness – May 20, 2014
• Anniversary – May 27, 2014
• Bonus Review (on my blog): Date Night – June 2, 2014

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Plugs & Shameless Self-Promotion
If you’re bored and you’re re-watching season 2, how about you listen to my podcast for a fresh perspective, theories or just have a listen to a couple of gals who just really love talking about Beauty and the Beast.

The DVMPE’s Beauty and the Beast Podcast
The Podcast’s Facebook Page
The Podcast's Email

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ps: Don't forget to promote this and all positive Beauty and the Beast articles in all the social media you can. For instance be sure to click the like button, retweet this and +1 this article if you like it and appreciate this reviewer's hard work.

'Mars for Sheriff'

'Clever tyrants are never punished.'

- Voltaire


Prologue
Up for discussion today is one of my favorite episodes of Veronica Mars, episode 2x06: Rat Saw God.

When people tell me that they’ve never watched or heard of Veronica Mars, I kind of just stare at them blankly. This show was the bomb.com. It was smart, it was snarky and it felt real in an odd kind of way. The cast was just aces all around.

The Veronica Mars fandom never went away we just simmered in the background. Our patience was rewarded with a movie (and maybe even a few sequels, a graphic novel or two is the works along with some companion books to hold us over in between movies). If you haven’t given this show a chance, now is the time to check it out.

About the Show

Seasons: 3| No. of Episodes: 64
Premiere Date: 09/22/2004 | End Date: 05/22/2007
Status: Off-Air
Genre(s): Drama, Mystery, Neo-Noir

Story in a nutshell: Set in the fictional town of Neptune, Veronica Mars starred Kristen Bell as the title character, a student who progressed from high school to college during the series while moonlighting as a private investigator under the wing of her detective father.

Why I Love the Show: It has this incredible offbeat humor and the social commentary was always snarky and never preachy.
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Title: Rat Saw God | Writers: John Enbom & Phil Klemmer | Director: Kevin Bray
Episode Summary: After Keith loses the sheriff election, Veronica gets asked for help by the last person she ever thought she'd see: Abel Koontz. His daughter, Amelia DeLongpre, is missing and he wants to see her before he dies, so Veronica tries to track her down. This leads to surprises and shocks as she encounters Clarence Wiedman as well. Also,Logan and his father have a conversation in jail before Keith has a talk with Aaron.
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Important Stuff

• Woody Goodman is elected to the Balboa County Board of Supervisors. The town of Neptune, being unincorporated, has no officers of its own; the Supervisor whose district includes Neptune is unofficially known as "mayor" of Neptune.
• Keith again loses the sheriff election to Lamb.
• A witness turns up for Felix's murder, so Logan is arrested again.
• Abel Koontz succumbs to stomach cancer.
• Amelia DeLongpre was in Neptune, outside Kane Software, a week ago. Her boyfriend wanted her to get more money out of them and Clarence Wiedman complied. Veronica tracks Amelia to a motel in rural California, and finds her body in the ice machine, just as Wiedman shows up; they investigate together. Amelia's boyfriend starts using the (marked) money in Las Vegas, so Weidman goes there, presumably to kill him.
• Keith visits Aaron and tells him that if one hair is hurt on Veronica's head, Aaron will pay for it.
• Keith breaks into the area where the bus is kept and finds a rat taped under one of the seats.
• Logan's house is burnt down, by the PCHers or Weevil, and he now lives with Duncan.
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Awards

Character of the Night
• Veronica

Best Character Interactions
• Veronica & Abel Koontz

Best Scene
• Logan and his father have an overdue chat.

Best Cameo
• Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer


Miscellaneous

Favorite Actor
• Kristen Bell

Favorite Main Character
• Veronica Mars

Least Favorite Main Character
• Duncan

Favorite Side Character
• Mac

Least Favorite Side Character
• Jackie Cook

Fun Fact: In January 2014, it was announced that a digital spin-off of Veronica Mars was in development with creator Rob Thomas involved in the project. The web series will air on The CW's digital content website, CW Seed. The metafictional concept will feature Ryan Hansen portraying himself in an attempt to make a spin-off based on his character, Dick Casablancas, and will likely consist of six to eight 10-minute segments

Tasty Tidbit: A novel, titled, Veronica Mars: The Thousand Dollar Tan Line written by series creator Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham was released by Random House on March 25, 2014. The novels are canon, and will not be negated by a future film.
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Grade: B+
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Comparable Shows
If you are interested in finding more shows like Veronica Mars then I recommend you watch one, some or all of the following shows: Gilmore Girls, Life as We Know It and/or Pushing Daisies.
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Up Next: Be sure to check out the blog tomorrow because I will be discussing my episode of Weeds.

“A Different World”
‘Months are different in college, especially freshman year. Too much happens. Every freshman month equals six regular months—they're like dog months.’

― Rainbow Rowell, Fangirl

Prologue
Up for discussion today is an episode that can fall into two categories, firsts and favorites. But for this writing exercise I will file it squarely under ‘Favorites’.

I didn't fins Undeclared until two years later after it's original run when I, myself was headed off to college at the tender age of 16. I really liked the show and now looking back wish Judd would stop making the same movies over and over again and get back to writing TV series. The landscape has changed and I think his brand of writing in the sitcom realm of TV would very refreshing.

About the Show
Seasons: 1| No. of Episodes: 17
Premiere Date:09/25/2001 | End Date: 03/12/2002
Status: Off-Air
Genre(s): Sitcom

Story in a nutshell: Undeclared centers on a group of college freshmen at the fictional University of Northeastern California during the early 2000’s.

Why I Loved the Show: The show was not a cliché of college life, it was pretty accurate in an overly exaggerated way as I would come to find two years later when I headed off to college.
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Title: Prototype | Writer: Judd Apatow | Director: Jake Kasdan
Episode Summary: On Steven's first day at UNEC, he meets and has a one night stand with Lizzie, unaware of the fact that she has a boyfriend. Steven's father Hal shows up at the floor party and announces that he's getting a divorce.
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Awards

Character of the Night
• Steve

Best Character Interactions
• Steve & Lloyd

Most Memorable Moment
• Steve rips his X-Files poster to prove that he is leaving his geeky ways behind him much to the dismay of his best friend.

Best Line
• Steve’s Dad: Hey, nice new fancy haircut. You look like you should join the Backstreet Boys. Hello, ladies!

Best Scene
• Steve meets his new roommates.

That Awkward Moment
• That awkward moment when you don’t realize your shirt is actually fugly.

Best Cameo
• Tom Welling

Miscellaneous

Favorite Actors
• Kevin Hart, Seth Rogen and Busy Phillips

Favorite Main Character
• Steven Karp

Least Favorite Main Character
• Tina Ellroy

Favorite Side Character
• Percy Madison

Least Favorite Side Character
• Susuki

Fun Fact: In 2012, Entertainment Weekly listed the show at #16 in the "25 Best Cult TV Shows from the Past 25 Years

Tasty Tidbit: An alternate version of the second episode, titled "Full Bluntal Nugety" is included on the DVD release of the series.
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Grade: A-
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Comparable Shows
If you are interested in finding more shows like Undeclared then I recommend you watch one, some or all of the following shows: A Different World, Boy Meets World and/or Freaks and Geeks.
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Up Next: In the queue for tomorrow is a Mini Recap/Retro Review for yet another one of my favorite, ‘gone too soon’ shows of my hipster youth, Veronica Mars. I’ll be writing about the pilot so be sure to come back and check out the blog tomorrow.

“... and I don't give a damn 'bout my bad reputation”

“We cannot expect people to have respect for law and order until we teach respect to those we have entrusted to enforce those laws.

- Hunter S. Thompson

Prologue

Today, I’m writing about the pilot of ABC Family’s latest teen mystery: Twisted.
I was excited about this show beyond belief but things managed to go from bad to worse and never got any better. It never made it on to my ‘must see TV’ list unfortunately. I adore almost all of the actors and actresses young and old alike but the writing is lackluster and the pacing tends to plod along.

About the Show

Seasons: 1| No. of Episodes: 19
Premiere Date: March 19, 2013 | End Date: N/A
Status: On-Air

Genre(s): Teen drama, Mystery, Thriller

Story in a nutshell: The series focuses on charming sixteen-year-old Danny Desai (Avan Jogia), who was charged with killing his aunt when he was eleven. Having spent five years in juvenile detention, he is released and returns to his hometown of Green Grove, New York. While trying to rekindle old friendships and facing the challenges of dealing with his judgmental peers, Danny becomes the prime suspect in the murder of a classmate. Realizing the town does not care about the truth and only wants to see him charged with the crime, Danny becomes determined to clear his name. Meanwhile, he must maintain a secret he has never told anyone: the reason he killed his aunt.

Why I Wanted to Watch the Show: The reason why I initially wanted to support this show is because it was something a little different from the usual things that air on ABC Family. This show was supposed to be about a male lead who is also a person of color. It was also supposed to be more of a psychological thriller.
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Title: Pilot | Writer: Adam Milch | Director: Jon Amiel
Episode Summary: Danny, Jo, and Lacey were best friends in childhood. At age 11, Danny murdered his Aunt Tara and was placed in a juvenile detention center. Five years later, Lacey is part of the popular crowd, while Jo is a social outcast; the two no longer friends. Newly released, Danny tries to reconnect with the girls. Jo warms up to him and they go to a party thrown by Regina, Lacey's best friend. Lacey also begins to warm up to Danny when they share a bag of chips in Danny's bedroom later in the evening. That night, Regina texts Danny that she knows why he killed his aunt. The next day, she is found murdered, the necklace from her neck the only thing missing. Danny becomes the prime suspect, and it is revealed that he has the necklace.
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Awards

Character of the Night
• Jo

Best Character Interactions
• Danny & Jo
• Jo & Rico

Most Memorable Moment
• Drunk!Jo babbling on about her night to her mother

Best Line
• Regina: I've been super vicious since I went off the gluten.

Read more: http://www.tvfanatic.com/quotes/shows/twisted/episodes/pilot/#ixzz2zgSXN3iy

Best Scene
• Danny comes to Jo’s rescue when she gets in over her head at a popular people’s party.

That Awkward Moment
• That awkward moment when you ex-bestie who is a convicted murderer tries to talk to you in front of the whole school like he just got back from summer vacation.

Miscellaneous

Favorite Actors
•Avon Jogia and Kylie Bunbury

Favorite Main Character
• Lacey

Least Favorite Main Character
• Jo

Favorite Side Character
• Rico

Fun Fact: The show’s original title was ‘Socio’.
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Grade: C+
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Comparable Shows
If you are interested in finding more shows like Twisted then I recommend you watch one, some or all of the following shows: The Lying Game, Pretty Little Liars and/or Secret Circle.
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Up Next: In the queue for tomorrow is a Mini Recap/Retro Review for one of my favorite, ‘gone too soon’ shows of my hipster youth, Undeclared. I’ll be writing about the pilot so be sure to come back and check out the blog tomorrow.

“Carry On My Wayward Son”

Carry on my wayward son
There'll be peace when you are done
Lay your weary head to rest
Don't you cry no more

- Carry On Wayward Son by Kansas from their 1976 album Leftoverture

Prologue

Up for discussion today is hands down my favorite season finale of Supernatural. Honestly, had it not been for the last 10 seconds of the episode, this could have easily served as the show’s series finale. It was definitely the culmination of Eric Kripke’s vision for his show.

It is said that sometimes a writer’s characters take on a life of their own and the original story intended has to evolve and in the case of Supernatural, the series that was once known as the ‘little show that could’ that is just what happened.

About the Show

Seasons: 9| No. of Episodes: 188
Premiere Date: 09/13/2005 | End Date: N/A
Status: On-Air

Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Mystery

Story in a nutshell: The series follows the two brothers as they hunt demons, ghosts, monsters and other supernatural beings in the world.

Best Thing about This Episode: When the episode begins it frames the story with a love letter to the Impala, which the fandom calls Baby and made her the most important object in the universe.

Best Reason to Watch the Show: The chemistry between Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles is amazing and has carried the show through some very rough patches. I've seen very few actors care so deeply and genuinely about their characters and love their fans as much as their fans love them. Also the twists on mythology and urban legends is pretty dang cool as well.
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Title: Swan Song
Teleplay: Eric Kripke/Story: Eric "Giz" Gerwirtz
Director: Steve Boyum
Episode Summary: Chuck begins to narrate the life and times of the Impala and the boys' life inside of it. Chuck reveals their time spent in the Impala and how they made it their home throughout the years before and after they began hunting.

Remembering a comment made by Lucifer in the future, Dean realizes that the fallen angel is in Detroit. Sam and Dean confront Lucifer, who knows of their plan to use the Horsemen's rings to trap him back in his cage. Despite this, Sam offers himself as a vessel, hoping that he can overcome Lucifer's control and throw himself into the prison. Lucifer is too strong, and Sam disappears in his body.

As Lucifer tries to make Sam happy by killing the demons sent by Azazel to manipulate him during his childhood, Dean learns from Chuck the time and location of the final battle between Michael and Lucifer. The following day at the battleground—Stull Cemetery in Stull, KS (just outside of Lawrence, Kansas) — Lucifer tries to talk Michael out of fighting, but he refuses. However, Castiel interrupts the fight by banishing Michael with holy fire. An angry Lucifer kills Castiel, and then snaps Bobby's neck when he shoots him. He then starts brutally beating Dean, but stops when he notices an old army man of Sam's inside the Impala revealed earlier during Chuck's narration.

Sam remembers his life growing up with Dean, and manages to take control of his body. He uses the rings to reopen the door to the cage, and prepares to jump inside. Michael returns and tries to stop him, but he too is pulled into the pit while grappling with Sam. Castiel, resurrected again as an angel, heals Dean and brings Bobby back to life. He returns to Heaven, hoping to bring order now that Michael is gone.
As Dean attempts to move on, he seems to turn his back on hunting and returns to Lisa. Chuck smiles after finishing his narration of the story, and vanishes into thin air. Later that night, a street light flickers out and Sam is revealed outside Lisa's home, looking in the window at the "family" eating dinner together...
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Awards

Character of the Night
• Sam Winchester
• Baby Winchester

Best Character Interactions
•Sam and Dean

Most Memorable Moment
• Sam’s consciousness is able to break free for a moment and that allows him to jump into the pit and stop the apocalypse.

Best Line
•Chuck: So what’s it all add up to? Well, it’s hard to say. But me, I’d say it was a test. For Sam and Dean. And I think they did alright. Up against good, evil, angels, devils, destiny, and God himself - They made their own choice. They chose family. And well, isn’t that kinda the whole point?

Best Scene
• Dean arrives at Stull cemetery

Highlights

Memorable Moments

• Dean put on his mixtape that is labeled ‘kick it in the ass’
• Lucifer uses his finger to draw a pitchfork in the frozen window.
• The flashbacks to Sam and Dean as little kids making the Impala theirs.

Lines I Loved

• Chuck: Three days later another car rolled off that same line. No one gave two craps about her, but they should’ve. Because this 1967 Chevrolet Impala would turn out to be the most important car... no, the most important object in pretty much the whole universe.

• Lucifer: A wrestling match inside your noggin. I like the idea. Just you and me, one round, no tricks. You win, you jump in the hole. I win... well, then I win. What do you say, Sam? A fiddle of gold against your soul says I'm better than you.

• Sam: If this thing goes our way and I Triple Lindy into that box, you know I'm not coming back.

• Dean: Sammy? Sammy? It's okay, I'm here. I'm not going to leave you.

• Castiel: You got what you asked for Dean. No Paradise. No Hell. Just more of the same. I mean it Dean. What would you rather have? Peace - or freedom?

Scenes I'm Smitten With
• All of them, literally, except for the very last scene that closes the episode.

Miscellaneous

Favorite Actors
• Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles

Favorite Main Character
• I literally love the brothers equally though for very different reasons

Least Favorite Main Character
• In season 5 it was by and far Castiel (though I do love Misha to pieces)

Favorite Side Character
• Bobby Singer

Fun Fact: Stull Cemetery is a real cemetery near Lawrence, Kansas, where Sam and Dean were born. It has a lot of lore associated with it, including that it may be a gate to Hell.

Tasty Tidbit: The phrase "Swan Song" refers to a final work or performance, or the final part of a story. It was also the name of the record label founded by Led Zeppelin.

Side Note: After the episode fans placed an ad in The Hollywood Reporter to mark Eric Kripke stepping done as showrunner.
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Grade: A+
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Comparable Shows
If you are interested in finding more shows like Supernatural then I recommend you watch one, some or all of the following shows: Grimm, The Walking Dead and/or X-Files.
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Up Next: In the queue for tomorrow is another ABC Family show: Twisted. I will be breaking down the pilot. Come back and check it out!

Beauty and the Beast – 1.05– Saturn Returns – Retro Review: The Perks of Being Catherine Chandler

“The Perks of Being Catherine Chandler”

‘The soul of the newly born baby is marked for life by the pattern of the stars at the moment it comes into the world, unconsciously remembers it, and remains sensitive to the return of configurations of a similar kind.’
― Johannes Kepler, Harmonies of the World

Preface

Well, I just want to say that I was really impressed with turn out last week on my inaugural Beauty and the Beast Retro Recap. It was the second most viewed review here on Spoiler TV so I just want to say thank you. I love my Beasties and I’m proud to be a part of this fandom. Always have been and always will be.

Up for discussion this week is actually the first episode I ever watched of Beauty and the Beast, 1x05: Saturn Returns. It was only after this episode that I decided to give the pilot a shot and well, the rest is history. ..

So, obviously, this episode holds a special place in my heart but objectively this is just a really well-crafted episode that runs the gambit of emotions and situations. Every character gets their chance to shine. The pacing was great. The dialog was fun. The party was great and a breath of fresh air. It gave us as the audience a chance to see most of our characters let loose and have fun.

So onwards and upwards with the second installment of my Beauty and the Beast Retro Review...


The Recap & Review

Title: Saturn Returns
Story by: Blair Singer/Teleplay by: Blair Singer & Kelly Souders
Director: Steven A. Adelson
Episode Summary: It's Cat's birthday, and things get complicated when she has to cancel her plans with Vincent because her sister throws her a surprise party where she shares an unexpected moment with Evan.

Vincent is caught on security camera preventing a robbery, leading his photo to appear in the newspapers, and Cat investigates the disappearance of a woman after her fiancé puts their engagement notice in the paper. It turns out that the missing woman was in witness protection and trying to live a normal life.
She disappeared when she saw her photograph in the engagement notice, worried that the gangster she was to testify against might have seen it. The gangster kills her case officer and shows up in his place, as he tries to find her.

Cat tracks the missing woman to a motel and arrives before the gangster. Cat and the gangster fight, with Cat winning. The missing woman is reunited with her fiancé. Cat pretends to be surprised at the party.

At the end of the evening, Evan kisses her, and they are seen by Vincent, who leaves a present for Cat on the window ledge and wanders off.
After the party, Cat goes to see Vincent and invites him for dinner.The last few scenes show Cat preparing dinner and Vincent walking to the date. However, he blacks out and does not show up. The candles burn down. Vincent wakes on one of the Brooklyn Bridge pylons.
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My thoughts on the writer…
I really liked this writing team but they were never put together again and more notably not asked back for season 2. While Blair Singer went on to write other episodes solo as well as one with Roger Grant, Kelly Souders was often paired with Brian Peterson (who was also not asked back for season 2). I really liked how they went out of the way to give every character a moment to shine as well as balanced the time between Cat and her life, Vincent and his life and his time together. The dialog was fun while also very realistic. They even managed to capture a few moments that felt very believable between Cat and Heather as well as Cat and Tess. I honestly can’t say enough good things about this duo and the work they did on this episode. My only regret is they never got the chance to work together again on Beauty and the Beast.

My thoughts on the director…
While this episode marked Mr. Adelson’s Beauty and the Beast directorial debut, this episode certainly wasn’t his last. Adelson has a clean and almost blunt directorial aesthetics for the most part. But he also has a way of getting the most out of the scene without the frame feeling crowded. I like that he really thrives on capturing not only the emotions of the actors but manages to even encapsulate the scene’s emotional aurora.
I’m very much looking forward to the next time he directs an episode of Beauty and the Beast which will actually be episode 2x20: Ever After.

My thoughts on the case of the week…
During the first season, for the most part, (and if you listen to the podcast, you know in the second season I still wouldn’t bat an eye if one week Cat and Tess were suddenly no longer cops but instead private detectives) I really didn’t care for the case of the week. It made the show feel too procedural in nature and the cases were often thinly veiled morality plays that tied into the theme of the week. After numerous re-watches, I’ve decided they were charming plot devices that helped build a bridge that eventually connected to other things and was a necessary evil.

Another problem with the cases of the week was the lack of originality. After watching the Law & Order franchise for quite literally more than half my life, not to mention CSI and NCIS, I can spot a red herring and ferret out the real perp in about 5 minutes flat in almost in procedural show but in the case of Beauty and the Beast, you can cut that time in half. I even figured out the ‘surprise’ twist long before it was said.

But for some reason, this really is one of my favorite cases of the week. I guess because the parallels to Cat and Vincent are so blatant yet poignant and not to mention the couple gets their happy ending thanks mostly in part to Cat.

My thoughts on the theme…
The theme of the week was very obvious but at the same time tied nicely into the case of the week.

The prevalent theme of the episode was: You can’t just assume what is right for someone else; they need to be allowed to make that choice for themselves.


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Important Incidents

• JT and Vincent go for a walk and Vincent stops a convenience store robbery a story that makes the papers.
• Heather throws Cat a surprise party with the help of Tess.
• With the help of JT, Vincent realizes just what is at stake for Cat if he continues to encourage her to spend time with him.
• Sarah asks JT out and he says no (later he takes her up on the offer of going out for coffee)
• Cat kisses Evan at her birthday party while Vincent looks on.

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Actor Assessments
Nicole Gale Anderson – This was some A+ casting because despite Nicole being Filipina and Kristin being of Dutch and Chinese descent they really look like they could be sister. Throw in the bonus that they both look like they could be Khaira Ledeyo's daughter and the wow factor of the casting is to be commended.

I've loved Nicole since the day she showed up on ABC Family's Make It or Break IT as the quintessential mean girl with a messed up family life.

My friend is a super fan of Nicole's and alerted me to the fact the she was on this show as Kristin's character's little sister and we made a date to watch the show together and well, it was right after the episode ended that I became willing to give this show a shot.

Nicole and Kristin's chemistry is so awesome. They play off each other really well and it is so easy to believe that they are sister. I hope Nicole gets to come back before the end of season 2 (if indeed the show gets cancelled like so many are predicting, but I'm not counting Beauty and the Beast out, just yet).
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Character Contemplations

Cat – Cat was already starting to feel the burden of keeping Vincent's secret and instead of running away from it she was leaning into it. I find it interesting because Cat essentially has everything Vincent had to give up: friends, a family that loves her, the ability to celebrate a birthday, the freedom to do as she pleases when she pleases as well as working a job where she is making an actual difference in the world. I really liked that Cat was feeling guilty. But I also like that she was following where her heart was leading her. I think that was something very difficult for Cat to do previously up until this point. I was a bit shocked that Cat didn't push Evan away and actually tried to use her being "tipsy" as an excuse. But the most important thing of all is that even with all this drama in her life, she still managed to be a good a cop and save the day and Vincent was even, indirectly (just the way I like it), able to help her solve the case. She also got a glimpse that a happy ending for her Vincent was possible.

Evan – This was strike one for Evan. I just couldn't believe he kissed Cat while his date was waiting on him. His saving grace is that it was done at the last moment and not right away and that he was obviously uncomfortable being alone with Cat, especially after such implied copious amounts of alcohol had been consumed. I too also couldn't believe that Evan Marks was on an internet dating website. But you just can't take away his good looks, charm and winning personality. I still find myself loving the chemistry between Max and Kristin to this very day. Mandler FOREVER, LOL!

Heather – If I had the opportunity to pick who could be my younger sibling, it would be Heather Chandler. Cute as a button, fiercely loyal and protective yet loves and knows how to party. Heather was just all sunshine, puppies and rainbows in this episode and she even got to interact with Tess and Evan.

Joe – Not much on the Joe front. But I did notice they were really going out of their way to make sure we noticed his wedding band in this episode. But I did like that we got to see both Boss!Joe and Downtime!Joe. I have to admit while I was never a fan of the Joe and Tess relationship, their scene in the photo booth was adorable. Hell, I even loved the little kiss and hug he gave to Cat. That really made it seem like the 125th precinct or at the very least the special victims unit was a close knit unit with nothing but love for each other.

JT – JT annoyed the living hell out of me this week in the first half of the episode because he came across as a nagging wife for the first time ever. It wasn't until we got a little backstory about how JT had to give up his life and go on the run with Vincent that things start to click with the JT and Vincent scenes. I also loved that they were trying to let JT have a life since Vincent was pursuing Cat. In the end JT had the most zingers and one liners and still managed to get back on track as the heart of the show before the episode was over.

Tess – Tess knows something is up. She even knows that it more than likely has to do with a guy. Tess feels a little left out of the loop but she is still there for Cat and trying to stay close with Cat. I love that Cat understands Tess (knows that the flowers are from her)and Tess is willing to give Cat leeway in their relationship. I also like that their personal disconnection does not affect how either one of them do their jobs in this episode. They are still able to have silent conversations and read each others signals and manage to save the day.

Vincent – I just want hold Vincent and never left him go. He is so turned around and conflicted about Cat. He is drawn to her, has been watching over her for so long and now he finally gets the chance to know her but there are so many perils when it comes to being in a relationship with him. He's already basically ruined JT's life in his eyes and really wants to take JT's advice and let Cat live her life without getting caught up in the negative consequence that being with him can cause. But that pull won't let go, not even after seeing her kissing another guy. Vincent even buys her a very thoughtful gift. There is a stereotype, especially in media that guys don't listen to women, so I think that is awesome that Vincent took the time to get her something meaningful that was based on a good memory about her mother. I was a little bummed out that Vincent was prevented from having dinner with Cat but deep down on the first watch, even I knew it was too soon for them to get together. PS: Boy was I relieved to learn that Vincent's fugue states weren't really caused by Cat.

VinCat - This is the episode that takes their relationship that has pretty much been classified as an uneasy "friendship" and transitioned it to a case of them both wanting to find out what this mysterious pull they both feel for each other really is. Of course it was just a tease but I love that Cat was the one to initiate it and tell Vincent that at the end of the day it was her choice to make about whether or not she wanted pursue any kind of relationship with him despite the dangers. It made me feel like their relationship, when it got to a serious development stage would be on equal footing. I really like both of the protagonists and I enjoy romantic relationships on TV that are built on strong foundations of friendship, equality and neither partner being perfect. This was a good building block for the relationship, in my opinion.

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The Highlights

Memorable Moments

1. Now that’s how you open an episode, with a restless and more importantly shirtless, Vincent tossing and turning in bed.
2. JT puts his finger in the string so Vincent can make a perfect bow for Cat’s birthday present
3. Cat practices her surprise face.
4. Cat and Heather hug.
5. Cat and Tess in the photo booth
6. Joe throws up air quotes at a crime scene
7. Cat practices her surprise face.

Laudable Lines

1. JT: … and I’m not asking her out because I live in an abandoned warehouse with a complicated roommate.

2. Vincent: I need some air.
JT: Open a window.

3. Vincent: JT, she makes me feel like… like I have a life again.
JT: Awfully dangerous for a guy who is supposed to be dead.

4. JT: What’s got you so amped up? OH! You must have seen Cat.

5. Cat: You seriously have something called phase B?

6. Evan: I didn’t know you thought my accent was sexy?

Scenes I’m Smitten With

1. JT and Vincent talk about Sarah. – It’s refreshing to be talking about someone else’s love life.
2. Cat goes to Evan’s lab to get the results and witty sexual tension type hijinks ensue.
3. Sarah confronts/asks out JT in the stairwell while he’s trying to steal stuff for the home alarm system he’s building.
4. Cat, Heather and Tess trash talk Claire as she walks away to the bathroom
5. JT embarrasses the crap out of Vincent by telling Cat in the most flowery way possible how Vincent feels since having actually met her.

The Lowlights

1. I was too easily able to solve the case of the week.
2. Not enough time spent with Cat and Heather (I really love them together).

Awards

Character of the Night
• Cat

Best Character Interactions
• Cat & Heather
• Cat & Vincent
• JT & Vincent

Most Memorable Moment
• Duh, you had to know this was coming, shirtless Vincent. (Excuse the fangirl moment, please)

Line of the Night
• Heather: Surprised, pissed or both?

Scene of the Night
• Cat and Lily/Amy have a heart to heart (and the parallels are uncanny)

That Awkward Moment
• That awkward moment when you tell a woman you like to move on and you catch her doing what appears to be just that with another guy.

The ‘Nosiest Little Sister’ Award
• Heather is as equally adorable as she is nosey

Miscellaneous

Recurring Elements
•Newspaper clippings

For Real?
• Evan kisses Cat while his date, Claire is waiting for him
• Michael just happened to be a doctor just like Vincent use to be?
• How the hell did Cat manage to get the thumb drive into the USB port without even looking on the first try? Witchcraft, I tell you!
• Evan's online dating profile, it justs more funny with each thing you notice.

Biggest Surprise of the Episode
• Vincent ends up on the Brooklyn Bridge.


My Music Picks
• Raise Your Glass by Deana
• Take A Walk by Passion Pit

Things I Miss
• The Cat and Vincent character intros at the beginning of an episode
• The way Cat use to light up when she talked about her mother
•Cat feeling guilty about lying to everyone almost all of the time

Fun Fact: Vincent gave Cat flannel pajamas for her birthday (because that is what Cat’s mother use to get her for her birthday).

Tasty Tidbit: This episode has one of the shortest openings (the time before we get to the title card)of the series (03:19)

Style Spotlight: I absolutely love the shirt in the picture to left. I just had to hunt it down and make it mine. I love that is was soft and feminine but basic and could be dressed up or dressed down. It is also super comfy. Cat's wardrobe consists of a lot white flowy tops, so much so it could almost be considered a 'recurring element' to be honest. But this is one of my favorite tops.

Grade: A

Side Note: A lot of fans, me included, think that this is the episode the show came together and began to gel. It is frequently mentioned among Beasties I know as one of their favorite season 1 episodes.
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Elite Eight Review Line Up

Here’s a list of the episodes that I will be writing Retro Recaps for until the hiatus is over:

• Pilot – April 8, 2014
• Saturn Returns – April 15, 2014
• Out of Control – April 22, 2014
• Bridesmaid up/Seeing Red – April 29, 2014
• Trust No One – May 6, 2014
• Insatiable – May 13, 2014
• Heart of Darkness – May 20, 2014
• Anniversary – May 27, 2014
• Bonus Review (on my blog): Date night – June 2, 2014

Plugs & Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re bored and you’re re-watching season 2, how about you listen to my podcast for a fresh perspective, theories or just have a listen to a couple of
gals who just really love talking about Beauty and the Beast.

The DVMPE’s Beauty and the Beast Podcast
The Podcast’s Facebook Page
The Podcast's Email
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I would love for you to leave your thoughts and comments about when you first watched the pilot and some of your initial thoughts about the show below. I look forward to reading your comments.

ps: Don't forget to promote this and all positive Beauty and the Beast articles in all the social media you can. For instance be sure to click the like button, retweet this and +1 this article if you like it and appreciate this reviewer's hard work.

“Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

‘I do the very best I know how - the very best I can; and I mean to keep on doing so until the end.’
- Abraham Lincoln

Prologue

Today, I'm discussing the series finale of Nikita, episode 4x06: Canceled. I was sad to see this show go. I was most perturbed by the fact the show only got six episodes to wrap up their story (I mean even Gossip Girl got 10 episodes).

When I was a kid, I spent a lot of my time watching cable TV (that honestly hasn't changed much), more specifically, the USA Network. I loved Highlander and La Femme Nikita. Those two shows were my JAM! I loved the TV show so much so that I even did a little leg work and watched both films that the show was based on. Now, that's dedication, at least what an 11 year old is capable of dedicating their time to a TV show between cello lessons, ballet recitals and archery tournaments.

When it was announced that The CW was going to be 'reimagining' the show I was excited. I loved all of the casting, especially Shane West. I was surprised to see him not only on the small screen but on The CW no less. But most shockingly, in a spy thriller. From the pilot I was hooked. It was a good mix of procedural, serialization, character development and action. When the ratings started to slip, I knew it was the beginning of the end. But I enjoyed the ride and was glad they show was given a chance to wrap things up for the fans who had stuck by the show throw all the twists and turns and ups and downs.

About the Show

Seasons: 4| No. of Episodes: 73
Premiere Date: 09/09/2010| End Date: 12/27/2013 |Status: Off-Air
Genre(s): Action, Spy fiction, Thriller

Story in a nutshell: The series centers on a secret government-funded organization known as Division, who recruit young people with troubled backgrounds, sometimes directly from prison. Division erases all evidence of their past lives and molds them into efficient spies and assassins. The recruits generally do not have the freedom to leave the agency. While in the previous series, recruits are warned they may be "cancelled" (killed) if their progress is deemed unsatisfactory, in the new series, Division also implants in them tracking devices along with kill chips. Having broken away from the government, Division now performs operations for their own gain, hurting their country if need be. However, Nikita, a Division agent, has gone rogue after her civilian fiancé is killed by Division. She makes it her mission to bring down Division.

Best Reason to Watch the Show: By now, you should be well aware that I love a show with a strong female lead. The fact that Maggie Q did all of her stunts was very pleasing. It was fun but at the same time the plot was an endless wonder of where the mythology could go. At the beginning of each season you literally never knew where the season was going to end and I love when a show can keep me guessing.

The Best Thing about This Episode: It starts off focusing around a love story but there is so much more to the show than that. It had some of the best action on TV and the characters were very fleshed out but at the same time you wanted to dig as deep into their background as possible to see the ‘how and why’ their lives lead them to Division.

Here’s What You Need to Know: At the end of the third season Nikita goes rogue all on her own, leaving the team behind. The first episode of the final season picks up a few months down the line where Nikita is being framed for the murder of the President. It is soon discovered that Amanda and the Group have created exact human replicas of high-power government officials, dubbed the "Doubles", who are subject to the group's rule. Nikita and the team try to clear her name leaving destruction behind. Michael and Nikita's relationship has hit a rocky patch. Alex is on a mission to save the world and also clear Nikita's name, encountering old enemies along the way.
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Title: Canceled| Writer: Albert Kim & Carlos Coto| Director: Eagle Egilsson
Episode Summary: The episode starts with a flashbacks of Nikita and the time she spent in Division.

Nowadays, after witnessing Ryan Flecher's death, Nikita is even more vengeful and convinced of the need to kill all members of "The Group", including Amanda. With the marines on their way to stop Nikita and start shooting, Michael alongside Birkhoff and Sam, tries to convince her to back off. However when Nikita kills the rest of "The Group", Alex is forced to attack her from behind in order to save her life.

After Alex, Birkhoff and Nikita are arrested, Michael and Sam decide to team up in order to save them and get them out by tracking down and releasing "The Group"'s imprisoned victims whose imposters are under Amanda's control throughout the world. While she is arrested, Nikita is visited by Amanda who reveals that she has full control now that all members of "The Group" are dead.

However, Nikita gets free and locks Amanda, revealing to her that she didn't kill the members of "The Group", she only used them to track down Amanda. Nikita leaves Amanda locked up alive in the prison, in a place where nobody can find her, but will be kept alive for life. Nikita walks out saying, "Welcome back to the basement, Helen", referencing Amanda's childhood where she was used as a lab rat for her father's inhumane experiments--in a season 3 episode.

In the end, Alex and Sam start a relationship, Birkhoff reveals more information about Shadownet to the public, while Michael and Nikita — who are happily married — reside to Mompiche, Ecuador with both of them vowing to keep going on missions.
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Awards

Character of the Night
• Nikita

Best Character Interactions
• Nikita & Alex
• Nikita & Michael

Most Memorable Moment
• Nikita’s locks unlock and Amanda begins to realize she has lost.

Best Line
• Alex: You know if you want to invade the moon, I’ll find the next rocket ship.

Best Scene
• The montage of the gang’s ‘happily ever afters’

That Awkward Moment Award
•That awkward moment when you’re yelling and screaming at your TV because there is only 10 minutes left and there is still so much to ground to cover.

The ‘Best Resolution Possible with the Time Allotted’ Award
•Nikita was only given six episodes to conclude its final season. For five weeks, the whole entire Nikita fandom was wondering how the show could possible bring all of things that were happening to a head. The cast and crew really did an amazing job with the little time they were given. I was very much satisfied with everyone’s “happy” endings (except for Amanda, I really did want Nikita to kill her).



Miscellaneous

Favorite Main Character
• Alex

Least Favorite Main Character
• Michael

Favorite Side Character
• Birkhof

Least Favorite Side Character
• Owen

Did You Know?
•Maggie Q did all of her stunts.
•The show has won two Primetime Emmys in the category of ‘Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series’.

Fun Fact: The series borrows many characters, or at least their names, from the 1997 television series La Femme Nikita.
Tasty Tidbit: The series is said to be more closely tied to Luc Besson's 1990 French film Nikita than the 1997 television series, La Femme Nikita, at least originally.

Side Note: The pilot episode drew 3.57 million viewers on its initial broadcast. The CW broadcast an encore of the pilot the following day, which drew approximately 2.6 million viewers
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Grade: A
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Comparable Shows
If you are interested in finding more shows like Nikita then I recommend you watch one, some or all of the following shows: Alias, Covert Affairs and/or Le Femme Nikita.
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Up Next: Tomorrow I will be writing about one of my favorite episodes of the Netflix break out hit, Orange is the New Black.

“So You Think You Can Matchmake”

‘Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up.’
– James A. Baldwin

Prologue

Today, I’m writing about my favorite episode of the ABC Family sitcom, Melissa & Joey.

This episode is notable for a fun allusion to Clarissa Explains It All and also features an actor that appeared in Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

The Allusion to Clarissa Explains It All: Ryder suggests that Lennox call her blog "Lennox Explains It All" when she has difficulty picking out a fitting name. Lennox refers to the idea as "original," though the name refers to the 1990s teen sitcom starring Melissa Joan Hart.

Trivia: John Ducey co-starred alongside Melissa Joan Hart in the seventh season of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, as Leonard, Sabrina's creepy co-worker at Scorch magazine.

About the Show

Seasons: 3| No. of Episodes: 71|Premiere Date: 08/27/2010| End Date: N/A |Status: On-Air

Genre(s): Sitcom

Story in a nutshell: Mel is a local politician from a political family. When a family scandal leaves her niece, Lennox, and nephew, Ryder, without their parents, Mel takes them in. Meanwhile, Joe is a former commodities trader left bankrupt after a Ponzi scheme, and finds himself searching for a job. So when Mel finds it hard to handle an instant family and her own life, she hires Joe to become the family's new male nanny, or "manny".

Best Reason to Watch the Show: The two stars are unconventional lead choices for a ‘will they or won’t they’ scenario but it oddly works. If you are a 90’s kid like am, then you are probably super familiar with both Melissa Joan Hart (I know her best from Sabrina the Teenage Witch but she was also in Clarissa Explains It All – a show I didn’t watch during its original run but am a fan of now). You might have also been a bit obsessed with Blossom as well which starred Joey Lawrence as the dumb middle child (If Joey Lawrence or any of other Lawrence brothers weren’t a crush of yours in 90’s I don’t know if I can trust your judgment, XD). Confession: I still have Joey Lawrence’s single from when he tried to launch his singing career. The stars are what drew me in initially but I stayed because it’s a pretty good show.

The Best Thing about This Show: I’m a huge fan of ‘Who’s The Boss’ and this is basically just the 21st Century’s version of that show. It’s 30 minutes of light hearted fun with bonus inside jokes for 90’s kids who have watched a few the stars other earlier projects.
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Title: Mixed Doubles| Writer: Jennifer Glickman| Director: David Trainer
Episode Summary: After a conversation about each other constantly seeing the wrong people, Mel and Joe agree to date someone that the other person set up for them. Joe goes on a date with Ariel (Dilshad Vadsaria), one of Mel's business colleagues, and it seemingly goes well until she refuses to partake in Joe's interests. Mel sees Clark (John Ducey), a friend of Joe's, who gets overly emotional when reminiscing about his ex-wife. Lennox is kicked off of the school blog and so she decides to create her own, devoting all of her free time to it. This annoys her new boyfriend, Haskell, whom she begins to ignore.
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Awards

Character of the Night
• Mel

Best Character Interactions
• Lennox & Rider

Most Memorable Moment
• Mel trying to knit

Best Line
• Mel: You know what you need? A woman like me… that can stand you.

Best Scene
• Mel tells Joe that he is dating the wrong kind of women

That Awkward Moment Award
• That awkward moment when you are out on a date and the other person can't stop talking about their ex. - Poor Mel, that guy Clark was super obsessed with his ex wife. She never stood a chance.

Highlights

Memorable Moments

• Mel & Joe dance together

• Rider suggests some titles for Lennox’s blog

• Ariel & Joe flirt with each other


Notable & Quotable

• Ariel: Are you trying to get me drunk and take advantage of me?
Mel: I haven’t given up on men completely just yet but if I do, you are totally at the top of my ‘if I were gay’ list.
Ariel: Aww, that’s so sweet.

• Mel: OK, hot and flaky. You’re dating puff pastry.

• Mel (about Lennox and Haskell): They totally get each other, it’s sickening.

Superb Scenes

• Mel tells Joe about her date with his friend.

• Mel and Ariel relax over wine.

• Haskell comes over and he and Lennox figure out how to make their relationship work.



Miscellaneous

Favorite Main Character
•Mel

Least Favorite Main Character
•Ryder

Favorite Side Character
• Stephanie Krause

Least Favorite Side Character
• Holly

Style Spotlight:

Did You Know?
• Did you know that Joey Lawrence starred in ‘Gimme a Break’?
• Did you know that Joey Lawrence sings the theme song for Melissa & Joey?

Fun Fact: Melissa & Joey stood as Wednesday's #1 cable TV telecast at 8 o'clock in Adults 18–34, Women 18–34, Women 18–49 and Females 12–34 Demographics.

Tasty Tidbit: Melissa Joan Hart was the first woman to direct an episode of the series.

Side Note: Hart and Lawrence have co-starred together in another ABC Family production; the 2009 television film, My Fake Fiancé.
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Grade: B+
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Comparable Shows
If you are interest in finding more shows like Melissa & Joey then I recommend you watch one, some or all of the following shows: Baby Daddy, Cougar Town, State of Georgia, and/or Suburgatory.
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Up Next: I'm going right back to my bread butter of Sci-Fi & Fantasy with a strong female lead tomorrow. Be sure to come back to the blog if you are interested in hearing my thoughts on the series finale of Nikita.