New

Sherlock (s1ep1): A Study in Pink
★★★★
Sherlock Holmes is introduced to ex-army doctor John Watson who he moves in with and then convinces to help him solve murder mysteries. Their first case together is one that looks, to police, like a case of linked suicides.

Sherlock (s1ep2): The Blind Banker
★★★
Sherlock and Watson work on deciphering the deadly symbols that are covering the walls all around London and killing everyone who sees them within hours before any further victim succumbs to the mysterious Black Lotus.

Sherlock (s1ep3): The Great Game
★★★★
Sherlock investigates the murder of a young civil servant and soon finds himself in a battle of wits with a deranged bomber who sets a series of escalating challenges for the consultant detective.

It’s kind of scary the way this fandom has blown up overnight with just three episodes.

First thing, the directing and cinematography are lovely. Second thing, the characters, actors, and modern setting took me a little bit to get accustomed. But once I got past all that, I loved it.

Reporter: One more question, is there any chance that these are murders? And if they are, is this the work of a serial killer?
Inspector Lestrade: I know that you like writing about these, but these do appear to be suicides, we know the difference. The poison was clearly self-administered.
Reporter: Yes, but if they are murders, how do people keep themselves safe?
Inspector Lestrade: Well, don’t commit suicide.

I loved the use of modern technology like txt messages on screen, use of cell phones, the internet, blogging, etc. These things could have become gimmicky, but actually melded in really well with the new modern setting.

Sherlock: The name is Sherlock Holmes and the address is 221B Baker Street. Afternoon!

There’s also an exciting number of callbacks to the books that most people wouldn’t even catch. (That cry you just heard were fans *squee*ing around the world.)

John: That…was amazing.
Sherlock: Do you think so?
John: Of course it was, it was extraordinary. It was quite extraordinary.
Sherlock: That’s not what people normally say.
John: What do people normally say?
Sherlock: Piss off.

One of the things I felt lacking from the movie version was being able to see Holmes leaps of logic as he worked his way through the crimes. I loved the flashes and zooms in this version as you went along for the ride. The first time we see Holmes at work, it is pretty amazing.

Sherlock: I’m not implying anything – I’m sure Sally came round for a nice little chat – and just happened to stay over … and I assume she scrubbed your floors, going by the state of her knees!

And one of the best parts about being smart is being able to call people out on things.

Female Officer: You know why he’s here? He’s not paid or anything. He likes it. He gets off on it. The weirder the crime, the more he gets off. And you know what…? One day just showing up won’t be enough. One day we’ll be standing round a body and Sherlock Holmes’ll be the one that put it there.
John: Why would he do that?
Female Officer: Because he’s a psychopath. Psychopaths get bored.

Sherlock: I’m not a psychopath Anderson, I’m a high-functioning sociopath. Do your research.

Sherlock: Dear God, what is it like in your funny little brains? It must be so boring!

Then, there’s Cumberbatch who does an awesome job as Holmes and subtly showing off all the character’s little quirks. Holmes is smart, knows it, and he has the ego to match. He’s also possibly a little crazy.

Mycroft: I am the closest thing to a friend that Sherlock Holmes is capable of having.
John: And what’s that?
Mycroft: An enemy.
John: An enemy?
Mycroft: In his mind, certainly. If you were to ask him, he would probably say his arch enemy. He does love to be dramatic.
John: Well, thank God you’re above all that.

But at the same time, there’s these glimpses past his tough know-it-all exterior. It’s clear early on that he lives for the chase, to figure out the crime, otherwise he finds life boring. I love that the writers have given him layers, so we know there is more at stake here with his character.

Mycroft: You have an intermittent tremor in your left hand, your therapist thinks it’s post-traumatic stress disorder. She thinks you’re haunted by memories of your military service.
John: Who the hell are you? How do you know that?
Mycroft: Fire her. She’s got it the wrong way around. You’re under stress right now and your hand is perfectly steady. You’re not haunted by the war, Dr. Watson, you miss it. Welcome back.

And Holmes isn’t the only one who needs a sense of purpose. Watson is just looking for a place to fit in and continue on with his life. And that’s why they’re perfect together, one is just a bit more stable.

Sherlock: Did he offer you money to spy on me?
John: Yes.
Sherlock: Did you take it?
John: No.
Sherlock: Pity, we could have split the fee. Think it through next time.

Thank god Holmes’ isn’t all serious and stuff, too. At least he has a sense of humor. The banter between the two makes a lot of their relationship and the show.

John: Sorry, what are we doing? Did I just text a murderer?

And then there’s the otherside of Holmes and Watson’s newly established relationship. Holmes totally takes advantage of him and gets him to do things, unknowingly, for his amusement. And it is pretty funny. But I also realize he does it as a form of endearment as he really cares.

Cabbie: One thing about being a cabbie you always know a nice quiet spot for a murder. I’m surprised more of us don’t branch out. 

The bad guy of the week, the cabbie, was so creepy. The idea that he can will people into taking a pill and killing themselves, and then the authorities not being able to see it as murder is a creepy thing.

John: You weren’t going to take that damn pill, were you?
Sherlock: Of course I wasn’t. Biding my time. I knew you’d turn up.
John: No you didn’t. It’s how you get your kicks, isn’ it? You risk your life to prove you’re clever.
Sherlock: Why would I do that?
John: Because you’re an idiot.

I find the idea scary that if it wasn’t for Watson shooting him, then maybe even Holmes would have taken the pill. (Did I mention how much I love that through the window shot as Watson realizes he’s in the wrong building?)

Holmes has a weakness, his thirst for knowledge and being right, and the cabbie was able to prey on it. It’s going to get him into trouble sooner or later. But I guess I’m like him, I still want to know if it was the right pill to take or not. But on the other hand I’m just glad he didn’t get to take it.

So, yeah. First episode, loved it. The game is most definitely on.

Apparently this episode had an abundance of stereotypes that people found frustrating. Part of me agrees, then another part of me realizes I’ve heard this complaint before. Characters in stories are always created from a mixture of characteristics and stereotypes. Besides, I find that more often than not, people are a result of their upbringing and conform to these same stereotypes. We just don’t like to point it out.

Holmes evading a sword is a lot of win. I love that with each new episode/scene, we learn more about his character quirks and many talents. Now that I think about it, that whole scene wasn’t actually explained, but ah well.

Sherlock: You took your time.
John: Yeah, I didn’t get the shopping.
Sherlock: What? Why not?
John: Because I had a row. In the shop. With a Chip and PIN machine.
Sherlock: You—you had a row with a machine?
John: Sort of. It sat there and I shouted abuse. Have you got cash?
Sherlock: Take my card.
John: You could always go yourself. You know, you’ve been sitting there all morning. You haven’t even moved since I left.

Oh, Holmes and Watson. They’re like an old married couple, arguing over who’s going to get the groceries and why haven’t you done anything all day. I love that the writers continue the homoerotic subtext in this episode. I don’t ship them mind you, but I can still find it amusing.

Sherlock: This is my friend, John Watson.
John: Friend.
Sherlock: Colleague!

Sherlock Holmes has no friends. Or so he thinks. As if.

Seb: There’s a hole in our security. Find it and we’ll pay you. Five figures. This is an advance. Tell me how he got in. There’s a bigger one on it’s way.
Sherlock: I don’t need an incentive, Sebastian.
John: He’s uh… clears throat He’s kidding you, obviously. Shall I look after that for him?
Seb hands over the check.

More insight into Holmes and his quest for knowledge. I still find it fascinating that the game is the only thing really moving him to solve crimes. Poor Watson now has to make sure they get paid for it, lol.

Sherlock: Actually, I’ve just locked my keys in my flat. …And can we use your balcony?
*grin*

Holmes’ acting skills FTW. Another one of his hidden talents. So, amusing to know he’ll do anything to solve a crime.

John: Where are we headed?
Sherlock: I need to ask some advice.
John: What? Sorry?
Sherlock: You heard me perfectly; I’m not saying it again.
John: You need advice?

Sherlock: Coffee table on the left hand side; coffee mug handle pointing to the left. Power sockets: habitually use the ones on the left. Pen and paper on the left hand side of the phone because he picked it up with his right and took down messages with his left. Do you want me to go on?
John: No, I think you’ve covered it.
Sherlock: I might as well, I’m almost at the bottom of the list. There’s a knife on the breadboard with butter on the right side of the blade because he used it with his left….

Deduction skills FTW. One of the things missing from the Holmes movie that I love seeing in the series.

Sherlock: I said can you pass me a pen?
John: …When?
Sherlock: About an hour ago.

Watson informs him that he has a date.
Sherlock:A what?
John: It’s where two people who like each other go out and have fun.
Sherlock: That’s what I was suggesting.
John: No it wasn’t. At least I hope not.

I love that they added another character into the Holmes/Watson relationship. Watson really needs an outside life, well, at least until he realizes he can’t have one with Holmes by his side. And just what are you going to do about it, Holmes? Oh, yeah, that’s right, trick him into going out on a case by offering him tickets to the circus.

M: GRATITUDE IS MEANINGLESS. IT IS ONLY THE EXPECTATION OF FURTHER FAVOURS.
(Shan observes that M’s safety is compromised)
M: THEY CANNOT TRACE THIS BACK TO ME.
(Shan says, I will not reveal your identity)
M: I AM CERTAIN. (shoots her)

Yay for M making his first semi-appearance (through the computer).

Barry: She was gettin’ at me, saying I weren’t a real man–
Sherlock: Wasn’t.
Barry: What?
Sherlock: It’s not weren’t, it’s wasn’t.
…
Sherlock: Taught you how to cut up a piece.
Barry: Yeah, well, then I done it.
Sherlock: Did it.
Barry: I stabbed her over and over and over and I looked at her and she weren’t– … wasn’t movin’ no more…anymore.

Barry: Without you, I’ll get hung for this.
Sherlock: No, no, no, not at all. Hanged? Yes.

Holmes’s whole talk with the inmate was priceless. That’s the Holmes we know and love, completely frustrated by iwhen there’s no 

Sherlock: Flattered? Sherlock sees through everything and everyone in seconds. What’s incredible, though, is how spectacularly ignorant he is about some things.
John: Now hang on a minute, I didn’t mean that in a-
Sherlock: Oh, so you meant spectacularly ignorant in a nice way.

John: Or that the Earth goes around the Sun?
Sherlock: Oh, God, that again, it’s not important!
John: Not imp—it’s primary school stuff. How can you not know that?
Sherlock: If I ever did, I’ve deleted it.
John: Deleted it?
Sherlock: Listen… This is my hard drive, and it only makes sense to put things in there that are useful, really useful. Ordinary people fill their heads with all kinds of rubbish, and that makes it hard to get at the stuff that matters. Do you see?
John: … BUT IT’S THE SOLAR SYSTEM!

Holmes has a point. When you’re solving crimes left and right, what’s the use of that extra knowledge. Unless, you know, he comes across a case that needs planetary knowledge. Then, he might have to go ask for some advice again. ;)

Sherlock: I’d be lost without my blogger.

JOHN: That…That’s the pink phone.
LESTRADE: What from ‘A Study In Pink’ ?
Sherlock: Well, obviously it’s not the same phone but it’s supposed to look like…’A Study In Pink’ ? You read his blog?
LESTRADE: Course I read his blog – we all do! Do you really not know that the earth goes around the sun?

+1 to using a reference from the books. (Apparently there’s tons of them throughout the series.) And lol, Watson having a blog and writing about Holmes’ cases is awesome. Holmes doesn’t seem to like that Watson is getting a lot of recognition, does he?

Molly: That’s how we met. Office romance.
Sherlock: Gay.
Molly: What?

However ridiculous it might have been, it was priceless seeing Holmes explaining why Molly’s new boyfriend is gay. And the kicker, he left me his number under this dish. Everyone is smitten with Holmes, huh? Oh, Molly, you’re not going to make him jealous and you’re never going to get him. Give up. 

Sherlock: I am on FIRE!

Even though Holmes’ ego can get the best of him, I do enjoy seeing seeing him get fired up when he solves a crime.

John: There are lives at stake, Holmes! Actual human lives! Just so I know, do you care about that at all?
Sherlock: Would caring about them help to save them?
John: No.
Sherlock: Then I’ll continue not to make that mistake.
John: And you find that easy, do you?
Sherlock: Yes, very. Is that news to you?
John: No… no.
Sherlock: … I’ve disappointed you.
John: It’s good. It’s a good deduction, yes.
Sherlock: Don’t make people into heroes, John: heroes don’t exist, and if they did I wouldn’t be one of them.

Things just got serious. More interesting background into Holmes’ character where letting people in is a mistake. And showing compassion or empathy is a flaw. Using David Duchovny’s words about Mulder from The X-Files, Watson is Holmes’ human creditential. Watson makes Holmes a human being because people think, If, well, if [he] can stand him, he must have some humanity within him. Well, we haven’t quite reached that part of their relationship yet, but yeah. And oh god, this is sounding shippy.

Sherlock: Why are you doing this?
Moriarty: I like to watch you dance.

Moriarty finally really appears. I’ll admit it, I was really wondering what was goign on when Watson came out during the pool scene. And I was also taken aback at Moriarty’s personality, but it’s really grown on me.

Moriarty: Why does anyone do anything? Because I’m bored. We were made for each other, Holmes.

Moriarty: I will burn the heart out of you.
Sherlock: I have been reliably informed that I don’t have one.
Moriarty: Oh, but we both know that’s not quite true.

Sherlock: People have died.
Moriarty: That’s what people do!

Holmes and Moriarty. They’re like two sides of the same coin, and that’s what make their rivalry fascinating. He’s a crime solver for hire, and he’s a crime creator for hire. They have similar thoughts on the world and people, but there’s a fine line that stops Holmes from becoming Moriarty.

Moriarty: Is that a British Army Browning L9A1 in your pocket, or are you just pleased to see me?
Sherlock: Both.

Sherlock: Consulting criminal…brilliant.
Moriarty: Isn’t it? No one ever gets to me. And no one ever will.
Sherlock: I did.
Moriarty: You’ve come the closest. Now you’re in my way!
Sherlock: Thank you.
Moriarty: Didn’t mean it as a compliment.
Sherlock: Yes, you did.
Moriarty: Yeh, OK, I did. But the flirting’s over, Holmes, Daddy’s had enough now!

Moriarty: Do you know what happens if you don’t leave me alone, Holmes? To you?
Sherlock: Oh let me guess, I get killed.
Moriarty: Kill you? No. Don’t be obvious, I mean I’m going to kill you anyway…some day. I don’t want to rush it though. I’m saving it up for something special. No, no, no, no, if you don’t stop prying…I’ll burn you. I’ll burn the heart out of you.

Now here’s the real archenemy. Yes, please.

John: You, ripping off my clothes in a darkened swimming pool. People might talk.
Sherlock: People do little else.

See, Holmes does care about people. Well, at least Watson.

Dun, dun, dun. Evil cliffy. This episode and the first one are going to leave me with good thoughts for the next….year? Why aren’t we getting anymore episodes for a year?  

new

Pretty Little Liars (s1ep02): The Jenna Thing
★★★

Jenna Cavanaugh comes back to town, and her presence as well as questions about Ali’s death force the girls to deal with the ugly past. Meanwhile, Aria tries to keep her distance from Ezra; and Spencer puts herself in Wren’s orbit.

rewatch

The Vampire Diaries (s1ep4): Family Ties
★★★

Stefan escorts Elena to the town’s annual Founder’s Party, where Damon tells her a surprising story about his family’s past. It prompts Elena to ask Stefan questions he refuses to answer and forces him to take action against his brother.

new show

Scoundrels (s1ep1): And Jill Came Tumbling After
★★

In the series premiere of this comedy-drama about a family of criminals, matriarch Cheryl West (Virginia Madsen) attempts to put her brood on a law-abiding path after her husband (David James Elliott) gets an unexpectedly harsh prison sentence.

I’m kind of impressed with the writers being able to balance the four main characters, and even with dead girl Alison gets character development. The whole dead girl flashbacks reminds me of Lilly Kane on Veronica Mars.

But I still don’t understand why the rest of the girls followed her. All it seems she’s done is screw up their lives and even made Jenna blind by shooting off fireworks.

It must suck to have to avoid Jenna in a small town like theirs. It was nice of Aria to invite her to their table for lunch, but I find Jenna to be really creepy and don’t trust her. And judging by the last scene of the episode, it could even be Jenna sending the texts to all the girls. But I’m thinking not.

Jenna: You can say “blind,” Spencer. It’s okay. It’s not a dirty word.

Another person I don’t really trust is Maya. Even less than Jenna. Again, it may be just the show sets everyone up to be suspicious, but I don’t like how she’s just moved in and already horning in on Emily. It seems forced and rushed. Then again, what do we really know about Emily anyway?

Emily: Maybe I’m not the person everyone thinks I am.
Hanna: Who is?

Maya: I think Brad Pitt and I are missing the same sensitivity chip.

Emily: I kinda sleep in the middle.
Maya: I kinda sleep in the middle, too.

Spencer clearly likes to secretly rebel, and with good reason as she’s under a lot of pressure to succeed. Her room is like a shrine to all her accomplishments. But she’s not the good girl she thinks or pretends to be. And despite what she says, she’s partly responsible for the whole Wren drama.

Spencer: Telling the police now about what happened to Jenna isn’t gonna make Jenna see again. It will just ruin our lives.

Then, there’s Hanna who I think is the most layered of the girls. She has this mom who is not a good role model and more of a friend to her than a mother.

Then, there’s her transformation from insecure and overweight to thin and popular which I find quite interesting. Plus, there’s that creepy cop who’s hanging around her, her mother, and all the girls.

And lastly there’s Aria and Mr. Fitz, who couldn’t be more obvious they’re hiding something, and I can’t decide the whole thing is cute or creepy. Was Mr. Fitz following Aria, or did he just happen upon her outside in the rain?

I like that Aria now sympathizes with her father and understands what it’s like to give into passion and keep a secret. And really, everyone on this show knows what it’s like to keep a secret.

Damon: You really need some human blood. It might even the playing field. Football reference! Too soon?

Damon: I just wanna let you know they caught the culprit. The animal responsible for killing coach Tanner and all those people.
Stefan: What are you talking about?
Damon: It was a mountain lion.. like big one. It attacked a hunter this morning. It’s all over the news: Deadly beast captured. All is well in Mystic Falls.

Damon: “What’s so special about this Bella girl? Edward’s so whipped.”
Caroline: “You gotta read the first book first. It won’t make sense if you don’t.”
Damon: “Huh. I miss Anne Rice. She was so on it.”
Caroline: “How come you don’t sparkle?”
Damon: “Because I live in the real world, where vampires burn in the sun.

Stefan and Damon rivalry was also in prime force, with Damon clearly superior. Love the way the show doesn’t have to tell us everything, but instead show us. Like the whole Founder’s Day document, which is obviously Stefan and Damon of old.

Damon: “I’m not some drunk sorority chick, you can’t roofie me

I wish we could have seen more of Vicki standing up for herself though. For such a independent female, she sure does let the guys in her life boss her around.

Mrs. Lockwood (to Tyler about Vicki): “That’s what you get when you bring the trash into the party.

Despite Vicki there are other strong female characers like Bonnie. I’m going to enjoy watching her come into her own and develop her powers.

Stefan and Elena were in prime cuteness mode in this episode. It was a beautiful shot under the arches. And it was so nice to see Elena standing up for herself as a woman against Stefan.

Elena: Look, you’re the mystery guy and I like that. But with mystery comes secrets.. and this thing with Katherine…
Stefan: You know, let it go. I don’t wanna talk about it.
Elena: Well, then say something about yourself.. anything. Otherwise, I’m left with nothing but what other people tell me.

Stefan: Look, there are things that you don’t know, okay? Things that I want to tell you but I can’t, and I may never be able to.. and I just need you to trust me.
Elena: Trust is earned. I can’t just magically hand it over.

And her standing up to Damon about Caroline. And Stefan besting Damon with smarts instead of strength. And then of course, I love the last sequence:

Stefan: I did what I had to do.. to protect Elena.. to protect everyone. Yes, Damon, the headline reads: “Deadly beast captured. All is well in Mystic Falls.”

Another thing I love is the random appearances of guest stars we love, including Marguerite MacIntyre from KyleXY. And who would have thought the parents in this show versus BtVS are a whole lot smarter? Big reveal.

new

Glee (s1ep22): Journey
★★★★

Season 1 finale: Regionals are looming and Sue is scheming, jeopardizing the glee kids’ chances once again. Olivia Newton-John and Josh Groban have cameos as themselves.

Stargate Universe (s1ep20): Incursion (2)
★★★

Conclusion. A hostage crisis unfolds following an attempt by the Lucian Alliance to seize Destiny, which starts to have ship-wide power fluctuations and blackouts in the first-season finale.

New Show

Pretty Little Liars (s1ep1): Pilot
★★★

The series premiere of a drama about four estranged friends reuniting because of mysterious messages that suggest their missing friend is watching them.

Rubicon (s1ep1): Gone in the Teeth
★★★

A preview of the AMC crime drama "Rubicon," premiering August 2010. The series stars James Badge Dale as a beleaguered analyst for a New York-based government intelligence agency who stumbles upon a sinister conspiracy.

Rewatch

The Vampire Diaries (s1ep3): Friday Night Bites
★★★

Stefan joins the football team after an impressive athletic display. Elsewhere, Elena invites Stefan and Bonnie to dinner in hopes that they will bond, but Damon disrupts the evening with an unexpected visit.

Narrator: So, I don’t know why anyone would miss an episode of Glee, but here’s what’s been happening in case you did.

There was a different and highly amusing previously at the beginning of this episode for the finale. Despite all the previous quibbles with recent episodes, including continuity issues stemming from apparently the last two episodes being switched, this episode seemed to go back to the beginning.

We’ve got Rachel and Finn getting on better ground after the recent Jessie incidents, ending with a kiss and starting the song that also started their relationship in the pilot, ‘Don’t Stop Believing’. See, we even went full circle in their choice of song, even with changes such as Santana and Puck getting lines, and it was brilliant to go back to that with a Journey mashup.

At first it also seems like a rehash of the first competition at the midseason finale, maybe even using the same theater to film. But there’s also some new and different developments. This time around Sue is one of the judges, and it seems she’ll be the reason they lose. Yet, Sue is small fries amongst the judges, and the only one of the judges for our glee kids. And this time they don’t win, which I’m actually glad to see.

Yet, one thing has steadily changed, and grown, over the season, the sense of family the kids get out of glee club. One of the most poignant scenes of the season I feel is seeing all of them at the hospital with Quinn as she’s wheeled away to have her baby.

This is what Glee should be about over the music, with the show should focus more on it’s writing and development. I even liked the kids singing to Mr. Schue (‘To Sir, With Love’) and him singing back to them (‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’) at the end.

And it was just icing on the cake to see Rachel’s mother who never got a chance with her own daughter, and is finally ready to settle down, to adopt Quinn’s baby. It’s actually kind of perfect. It was a bit odd to have ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ inter-cut with the birth, but I suppose it worked.

So well done Glee. I’m not happy with you yet, but this episode was actually kind of a step up. Well, if I ignore some little things that bothered me, such as Quinn’s mother reappearing after being gone most of the season just because her husband had an affair.

There are high school relationships, friend relationships, romantic relationships, family relationships, and most importantly the sense of mystery the show is going to milk as much as it can. Think Desperate Housewives meets Gossip Girl. I call it soap opera with a twist. It’s definitely not Secret Life of the American Teenager.

Also, like other ensemble shows there’s a character for everyone. There’s the sporty one, the overachiever, the normal one, the pretty one, etc. We’re crossing all the lines with this show, too and lots of setup for the rest of the season. We’ve got a lesbian relationship in the making, a student-teacher relationship, and suggestions of infidelity and teenage drama.

The show still has room to grow, but it’s good enough for some light mysterious summer fare.

A: I’m still here, bitches. And I know everything.

That said, there’s always one character in each show that constantly gets screwed over. In this one I think it’s Caroline. She’s always second to Elena, in life, in love, and when she gets a guy it’s an evil blood sucking vamp aka Damon. That sucks, literally.

Then, there’s Matt who is a total sweetheart next to his sister Vicki. He gets a lot of crap also, starting with his losing Elena to Stefan, and yet, he still manages to be a total sweetheart to everyone, even Stefan. I love how we’ll see the friendship between Matt and Stefan continue to grow throughout the season.

Tyler: Oh look, there’s Elena and her new boyfriend. And what are they doing? Oh they’re walking, walking, walking, look they’re walking right into the sunset.

We also have the beginnings of the Bonnie and Stefan relationship, and her witchy powers, in this episode. I’d forgotten their storyline started way back at the beginning. Another thing I like about this show, the fields are all prepped early on for the sowing later. How’s that as a metaphor for you?

Then, the most important relationship of all doesn’t even involve Elena, but Stefan and Damon. Each episode we get more backstory as to why they hate each other and what’s up with Katherine. It’s like Damon was created just to annoy Stefan, and isn’t that what siblings are for? That and sharing, since Stefan and Damon share everything, including girls, right? Well, Katherine anyway.

Damon: Very Emerson, the way you reveal your soul, so many… adjectives.

Damon: I’m sorry, Elena. I know what it’s like to lose both your parents. In fact, Stefan and I have watched almost every single person we’ve ever cared about die.
Stefan: We don’t need to get into that right now, Damon.
Damon: Oh, you know what, you’re right, Stef. I’m sorry. The last thing I wanted to do was bring her up.

Stefan: They are people, Damon. She’s not a puppet, she doesn’t exist for your amusement, for you to feed on whenever you want to.
Damon: Sure, she does. They all do. They’re whatever I want them to do. They’re mine for the taking.

Which brings me to one of my favorite moments when Elena realized both Damon and Stefan dated Katherine. Then, her saying ‘I’m sorry’ to Damon cause ‘you lost her, too’ , the expression on his face was the best. The first human moment Damon has had since he arrived.

Of course, their friendly status doesn’t last long as Damon has to try and kiss her just to screw with Stefan. Thank goodness Stefan had already given her the vervain necklace.

Elena: Let’s get one thing straight, I am not Katherine.

It’s my theory that Damon never gave himself over to the monster within.

Stefan: There must be a shred of humanity left inside my brother, somewhere, I keep hoping, but how do I make him see it? And how do I protect her?

But Damon doesn’t want anyone to see him as weak, so he does everything he can to prove his human side doesn’t exist.

Stefan: Because deep down inside there is a part of you, that feels for her. I was worried that you had no humanity left inside of you. That you may have actually become the monster that you pretend to be.
Damon: Who’s pretending?
Stefan: Then kill me.
Damon: Well, I’m – I’m tempted.
Stefan: No, you’re not, you’ve had lifetimes to do it and yet here I am. I’m still alive and there you are, you’re still haunting me after 145 years. Katherine is dead. And you hate me, because you loved her, and you torture me because you still do. And that, my brother, that is your humanity.
Damon: If that’s my humanity, than what’s this?

He then attacks and kills Mr. Tanner, forcing Stefan to reconsider.

Stefan: I thought there was hope. That somewhere deep inside, something in Damon was still human, normal. But I was wrong. There’s nothing human left in Damon. No good, no kindness, no love. Only a monster… who must be stopped.

Then in the last scene we see Damon caress Elena’s face while she sleeps, and we realize Stefan was right and it’s love that keeps Damon human.

It’s his love for Stefan that keeps him from killing his brother, though it doesn’t keep him from making his life miserable as he said in the pilot: "I promised you an eternity of misery, so I’m just keeping my word." The question now is does Damon see Elena as Katherine or was he moved by Elena’s consideration of his loss of Katherine?

I know people complained about there not being enough action, but now I feel it’s the reverse. Sure, it’s more exciting now, but we’ve lost the backbone a little. The show is called Stargate Universe, and I want to see the Universe part as they discover these outer reaches, what it means for them to be in it, and what is out there.

That said, I enjoyed this episode for it’s adrenaline pumping everyone is in danger attitude. It’s exciting to see the characters we know and love all in life or death situations. Eli leaves Chloe alone, still losing blood from being shot last week, to go save Greer and Scott.

Meanwhile Telford is injured after being shot by Kiva. And everyone else is just shit out of luck as the boring pulsar shoots gamma ray radiation down on the ship.

James Badge Dale plays Will Travers, apparently the smartest person in this government think tank. He’s the one who discovers these clues about the secret society. There’s a cool sequence with a four leaf clover representing the three parts of the US governement and the last leaf representing the secret fourth branch. Interesting.

Essentially, Rubicon pilot episode is one big teaser and we’re going to have to wait til August for the second hour aka the trailer.

New

Glee (s1ep21): Funk
★★★

The glee club gets some jarring news; Will gets revenge on Sue (for the time being); and Quinn connects with her “funky” side with some help from Mercedes.

Stargate Universe (s1ep18): Incursion, part 1
★★★

Col. Telford reveals a threat to the Destiny from the Lucian Alliance, prompting Gen. O’Neill to launch a preemptive attack on the foes’ base.

Rewatch

The Vampire Diaries (s1ep02): The Night of the Comet
★★★

Vicki recovers in the hospital from an attack and begins to remember what happened. Meanwhile, Elena meets Damon, who reveals to her some surprising secrets about Stefan’s past.

I was liking Jessie more recently, but now he’s back with his team and throwing eggs at Rachel. It seems like it happened out of nowhere, and we’re just left to hope it’ll be explained sometime down the road? I loved seeing our guys wanting to stand up for Rachel. I just wish Finn would have punched Jessie.

Rachel: And now I have nightmares about the mothers of the little baby chicks coming after me for revenge.

Kurt: Mr Schue, Rachel’s one of us. We’re the only ones who get to humiliate her.

Puck: We can’t just let Vocal Adrenaline get away with turning Rachel into an omelette.

Then, there’s Sue and Schue. It was kind of amusing, but I also felt pretty icky watching that whole plotline. I can’t believe Sue actually fell for him doing ‘Tell Me Something Good’. Seing Sue in tracksuit and pearls? Priceless. Does Sue have enough trophies in her house?

Sue: You know what it has to look like: Elvis’s Gold Record Room at Graceland. Except I’ll want far fewer morbidly obese white women waddling around and crying.

Sue: You know for me, trophies are like herpes. You try to get rid of them but they just keep comin’. You know why? Sue has hourly flare-ups of burning, itchy, highly contagious talent.

Sue: Dear Journal, something strange happened yesterday. I felt something below the neck. Dare I admit it? I have feelings for one Will Schuester. Sexy, non-murdering feelings. Oh, it all makes sense now, Journal. True love always springs from true hate. I’ll admit it, in the past, I’ve fantasized about waking up with Will’s head on the pillow next to me, except now I picture it attached to the rest of his body.

Oh, and let’s not forget Ex-Mrs. Schue lusting after Finn. Also, icky. Though I did love seeing Finn and Puck working at ‘Losers’ and Things. Oh, and doing Beck’s ‘Losers’ was gold.

Sue: That’s what they said about a young man in Chicago in 1871 who thought he’d play a harmless prank on the dairy cow of one Mrs. O’Leary. He successfully ignited it’s flatulence and the city burned, William! That young terrorist went on to become the first gay president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.

Terry: I thought Jews were supposed to be smart.

And then I was also squicked out by Quinn and her dancing pregnant teens in ‘It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World’. This episode really did have the funk, the funky. And not in a good way.

Anyone notice Stefan’s line in the previously is shortened later on? “But I have no choice, I have to know her.” There was also another eye closeup this week. I think they really like doing those shots, and I love seeing them.

There was some great UST going on between Stefan and Elena this week leading up to the first kiss. And yes, there was much cheese this week, but hey, calm before the storm and all that.

Stefan: You know, that comet… It’s been traveling across space for thousands of years. All alone.
Elena: Yeah, Bonnie says it’s a harbinger of evil.
Stefan: I think it’s just a ball of… snow and ice, trapped on a path that it can’t escape. And once every 145 years, it gets to come home.

Elena: It’s okay, Stefan. I get it. You have no idea how much I get it. Complicated brother? Check. Complicated ex? Check. Too complicated to even contemplate dating? Double check. It’s okay. We met.. and we talked and.. it was epic but.. then the sun came up and reality set in.

Elena: I would write ‘Dear Diary. Today I convinced myself it was okay to give up. Don’t take risks. No drama, now is just not the time.’ But my reasons aren’t reasons, they’re excuses. All I’m doing is hiding from the truth and the truth is… I’m scared, Stefan. I’m that if I let myself be happy for even one moment the world’s just gonna come crashing down and I don’t know if I can survive that.
Stefan: Do you wanna know what I would write? ‘I met a girl. We talked. It was epic. Then the sun came up and reality set in,’ well this is reality, right here.

I love the relationship and drama between Damon and Stefan a lot more this second time around. I’d forgotten how much you really don’t know why he’s back and around other than to cause poor Stefan pain and ttrouble.

Damon: Isn’t that why you play your little game, “I’m a high school human”?
Stefan: I’m not playing any game.
Damon: Of course you are. We both know the closest you’ll ever get to humanity is when you rip it open and feed on it.

Stefan: What are you up to, Damon?
Damon: That’s for me to know and you to dot dot dot.

I was also loving the scene with the whole gang. Group love! One of the things I love about this show is the ensemble cast. I also loved Bonnie being nice to Stefan and giving him Elena’s number.

Matt: You know, Elena and I have know each other a long time. I know we’re not together right now but I look out for her. I’ll always look out for her.

Bonnie: I think she went home. I’m gonna give you Elena’s cell number and her email. She is big on texting, and you can tell her… “I said so”.
Stefan: Thank you.

I really feel for poor Jenna though. She’s suddenly thrust into responsibility and caring for two teenagers who still see you as an older sibling instead of an aunt.

Elena: Jer?
Jenna: Nope, it’s me; the hypocrite patrol. I’ve become my own worst night mare, the authority figure.

Next week, the first episode I actually liked from this show. Gasp, I know.

Though it bothers me he was just being brainwashed this whole time. It also perplexes me to see O’Neill suggest Young can be replaced using the stones in the middle of this whole incursion.

Then, there’s the attack which doesn’t go as planned when Young plans to get rid of the Lucian Alliance, but finds Dr. Rush amongst them. Oops. We later find out Young actually knew Telford was back in his own body after the link was severed coming in the gate, so why he didn’t kill the Lucian Alliance is a mystery.

Riley’s head gets grazed by a bullet and Chloe gets shot in the leg as crew members get injured. We get some pretty cute scenes with Eli and Chloe roaming about new parts of the ship. Young earlier wanted TJ to stay safe in the infirmary, instead she’s captured and being held at gun point. Oh, and it seems Destiny is unhappy as she’s now disintegrating people in the way of any hull breaches, too.

So much for things going smoothly. I’m sure a lot of fans are happy about that though and seeing the action being ramped up.

Oh my god, this first scene was hilarious. Plus, you know, Twilight reference. It amuses me how many shows have referenced the book series so far.

Figgins: It has come to my attention that the look you sport is what is known as goth. American teens are coming down with a serious case of Twilight fever, transformed from normal children into vampires obsessed with the occult. And only yesterday, this dark specter reared its head at McKinley High.
(flashback) Goth Girl: This is totally going to get Robert Pattinson’s attention. (goes to bite a student)
Will: I don’t mean to state the obvious, but you do know that vampires aren’t real, right? They don’t exist.
Figgins: William, denial will not make this problem go away!
Tina: My parents won’t even let me watch Twilight. My mom says she thinks Kristen Stewart seems like a bitch.

Pincipal Figgins: Yes. For several years in my early twenties, I dressed up as Elvis. But he was a Christian, Will! And he did not possess the ability to transform into a bat!

And of course, Brittany has the best lines like when everyone was trying to figure out who Tina should be now instead of Goth:

Will: Tina, are there any other looks you can try?
Santana: Biker chick?
Finn: Cowgirl?
Mercedes: Hood rat.
Quinn: Computer programmer.
Brittany: Cross-county skier.
Puck: Catholic schoolgirl.
Brittany: Happy meals, no onions. Or a chicken.

Somehow I missed Lady Gaga’s whole introduction into society, so I didn’t really get all the costumes and how “Christmas lights and red chantilly lace” automatically mean Lady Gaga to everyone. But I loved Rachel’s: “Pens, we need pens. My ideas just come to me.”

I found Rachel’s meeting and resolution with her mother to be a bit sudden and anticlimactic. I’m just glad she was able to sing Poker Face with Rachel and make her a better Gaga costume before she left. The stuffed animals dress was kind of creeping me out.

Ms. Corcoran: Your letting the costumes do all the work. Theatricality isn’t about crazy outfits. It’s not enough to douse yourselves with gasoline. You have to light yourselves on fire to make it work.

I also didn’t really appreciate the whole Kurt and Finn storyline. I understand it’s a word that shouldn’t be used, but Burt’s reaction seemed a bit extreme. And Kurt should totally be responsible for his part in making Finn feel uncomfortable: “I am going to put together a palate that expresses who you are and who I want you to be.”

Burt: But you think it’s okay to come into my house and say “faggy”?
Finn: That’s not what I meant.
Burt: I know what you meant! What, you think I didn’t use that word when I was your age? You know, some kid gets clocked in practice, we’d tell him to stop being such a fag. Shake it off. We meant it exactly the way you meant it. That being gay is wrong. That it’s some kind of punishable offense. I really thought you were different, Finn. You know, I thought that being in Glee Club and being raised by your mom meant that you were some, you know, new generation of dude who saw things differently. Who just kind of, you know, came into the world knowing what has taken me years of struggling to figure out. I guess I was wrong.

I’m not up on my KISS knowledge, but it was fun to see the guys in makeup and skintight outfits. And Finn at the end in Gaga costume to prove himself to Kurt? Awesome. Kudos to Puck for supporting Quinn and his baby, Beth. Also, kudos to Tina for standing up for herself to the principal.

Tina: So here’s what’s gonna happen; my dad, he’s the king of the vampires and Asian vampires are the most vicious of all the vampires. You’re gonna let me wear my lady demon clothes or my dad is going to fly into your bedroom and bite your face off. He’s really pissed. Is that what you want?
Principal Figgins: I don’t want that, I’m afraid.
Tina: Good. Now I’m glad we had this talk. Now I’ve got to go back to my coffin because the light is burning my eyes.

And just because this amuses me greatly:

Finn: We live in Ohio, not New York or San Francisco or some other city where people eat vegetables that aren’t fried.

There’s an article going around from the NY Daily News on how the FlashForward ’series’ finale is the worst series finale in history. I think the article is a bunch of crap. Of course it didn’t resolve everything since it was meant to be a season finale. Personally, as a regular viewer all season, I was happy with the finale we received. Even if it did leave a lot of doors open.

Last recap of a FlashForward episode ever. I’m really going to miss hearing the whole intro tagline, “On October 6th, the planet blacked out for two minutes and seventeen seconds. The whole world saw the future.” and the flashforward sound effects. Bye show, you weren’t the greatest, but I’ll miss you. You were definitely better than V. You were gypped.

Let’s put aside our sadness right now and focus on the good. Since this was the season finale, we got some resolutions to storylines and love between the characters. Keiko and Bryce finally met after her mother succeeded in helping her flashforward come true.

The Demetri and Janice friendship went up a notch as he trusted and helped get Simon into NLAP. Then, there’s Nicole who realized she wasn’t being drowned in her flashforward, but being saved.

Bryce: Listen, this Keiko–I’ve never met her. But I saw her in my flashforward. I–I started drawing her. I have 20 canvasses in my house of her. She was wearing this t-shirt of a sushi restaurant just outside of Tokyo. So I flew to Japan. I flew to Japan because of a t-shirt. But I didn’t find her. I didn’t find her, and I thought that was my only shot. I know that she’s here in LA, and now maybe you have a phone number. She changed my life just because I saw her.

Like with Nicole’s flashforward, we also had some other examples of things not working out exactly as we’d thought. Lloyd and Olivia did end up back at her place and shared a kiss, but thank goodness didn’t sleep together. Janice did end up at the doctor’s office, but her baby will be a boy and not a girl. So, it seems, maybe even if the future can’t be changed, it can be altered.

However ridiculous all these clues and puzzles have been over the season, it was fun to see more of them solved. It turns out Dylan is the one who wrote the equation on the mirror in lipstick. Gabriel’s drawings allow Mark to reconnect the strings on mosaic to spell out the date and time of the next blackout. Simon’s meaningless text allows Lloyd to figure out it’s a wave. And Lloyd’s phone call to Mark completes the last part of the puzzle. Weee!

And once again I have to put in my love for Mark. He realized he’d been played last week, and was steps ahead of the bad guys this week. Even though he did many stupid things this week, and wasn’t able to stop another flashforward, he was able to get most of the world to safety before it happened. Plus, he was pretty badass with his gun shooting down the intruders before trying to escape the building by jumping out a window. I choose to believe he survived and didn’t die, by the way.

Hellinger: Agent Benford, been celebrating?
Mark: A little. I have to get back to the office though. Loose ends.
Hellinger: There’s nothing to see up there, Mark. It’s a fool’s errand.
Mark: The last time I listened to you I took my eyes off the prize. Not going to happen again. I have to go. I’ve got a little errand to run.

If only it had really been a season finale, it would have been very interesting to see how these flashforwards to a couple years in the future would have panned out. It also would have been interesting to see if maybe Demetri finally had a flashforward, and to see what Simon’s flashforward would have really been.

Demetri: You lying son of a bitch.
Simon: Hey, I didn’t do this, Demetri, not then and certainly not now! I’m not going to let them do this to me, Demetri. I won’t let them turn me into a monster, to use my machine, my mind. Millions of people, Demetri–millions of people don’t deserve to die. You know what? You want to stop me? You want to stop me from doing what I’m doing, which is trying to shut down this machine? Then you’re going to have to shoot me.

I loved the whole coda of the episode so much, too. With the music of Band of Horses, ‘The Funeral’. Seeing all the people around the world blacked out. All the flashforwards. And we even see Flash the kangaroo. I definitely giggled at that part. I’m going to miss you show.

new

Gossip Girl (s3ep22): Last Tango, then Paris
★★★

In the third-season finale, Blair must make a decision about her future with Chuck. Meanwhile, a post on Gossip Girl about Dan causes problems for Nate and Serena; Georgina returns to town; and things go from bad to worse for Jenny.

Glee (s1ep19): Dream On
★★★★

Will’s high-school rival (Neil Patrick Harris) shows up and causes trouble for the glee club. Meanwhile, Rachel struggles with a longstanding personal problem; and Artie’s dream leads to an adventure.

V (2009) (s1ep12): Red Sky
★★★

Season one ends as a V soldier pursues Val, and her water breaks; Erica goes on the offensive by securing a dinner invitation for her and Tyler on the mothership.

Flash Forward (s1ep21): The Countdown
★★★

Mark continues interrogating Hellinger about the next blackout; Demetri chooses between helping Janis and Simon break into NLAP or turning Simon over to the FBI; a conflicted Nicole ponders what would happen if she informed Bryce of Keiko’s whereabouts.

Fringe (s2ep23): Over There, Part 2
★★★★

In the conclusion of the second-season finale, Olivia and Walter’s mission to the other side continues, with the fate of both universes and some key individuals very much up in the air.

Stargate Universe (s1ep16): Pain
★★★

When the crew suffers from vivid hallucinations that tap into their personal fears, Johansen isolates the affected from the rest and then tries to seek out the cause of the affliction as it spreads and becomes life-threatening.

Stargate Universe (s1ep17): Subversion
★★★

Col. Telford is suspected of espionage after Dr. Rush has a disturbing dream about a covert meeting with the Lucian Alliance. Col. Young investigates the matter with the help of Gen. Jack O’Neill and Dr. Daniel Jackson.

Am I the only one still not ready to see Blair forgive Chuck? Even though they’ve both constantly played games with and against each other, this last time I think it just went too far. I mean he was pimping out his girl for a hotel. I don’t think Chuck has adequately apologized enough for that yet. And his grand gesture of her meeting him at the Empire State Building if she still loves him isn’t it. It surprises me to see anyone wanting them to get back together already.

Dorota: Blair loves the Empire State Building. Even though she doesn’t want to, and she should just admit it and make all our lives easier.

I am happy to see some forward movement again to Dan and Serena. It’s about time something happens between them again, even if it was just sleeping in the same bed and an unseen kiss. Clearly, there’s still underlying feelings there if they’re both supposed to be with other people and keeping getting drawn together. Besides, Serena is right she needs time to be single and figure things out first, but her being the one to let Nate go after her kiss with Dan was priceless.

Serena: Do we have to tell anyone?
Dan: Not on your life. No. I mean, there’s no reason to explode our whole world just for some… meaningless kiss between old friends.
Serena: Whatever this was, it’s just between us. So, it’s not like we can’t keep that safe. Call me if you need anything.
Dan: Okay. All right. Bye. (almost kiss again) That was a mistake. It was completely random. It was gravity.

I also don’t understand Blair’s big deal with Jenny sending a picture of Dan and Serena to Gossip Girl. Yes, it was probably wrong to do, but she acts as if none of them have ever sent pictures to Gossip Girl before. There’s always been drama going on between everyone and Gossip Girl since the beginning of the show. This is no different to me.

Dan: Blair, say life is giving you signs, and you’re ignoring them because you’re afraid of the thing they’re signaling you to do. But… but then you think, what if these signs are here for a reason and… and ignoring them just makes me a coward?
Blair: Signs are for the religious the superstitious and the lower class. I don’t believe in them and neither should you. (sees Empire State Building) Damn you, Chuck Bass. Damn you to hell.
Dan: Why… when did we start talking about Chuck Bass?

I know Chuck’s the reformed bad-boy, but, as I said, I think he really still has a lot of issues to work out. By the time Blair finally believes the signs and arrives late to meet him at the Empire State Building, because of Dorota having her baby, he’s already slept with Jenny and taken her virginity. Jenny of all people. Granted it’s of course half Jenny’s fault, Jenny has been OOC all season anyway, but Chuck really should have known better. Still, there’s probably a lot of Jenny hate going on right now.

Gossip Girl: Then again, maybe you should guard your heart. Dorota’s water might not be the only thing breaking tonight.

Chuck (to Jenny): The world you’re looking at only exists from the outside. The only reason I survive in it is that I always knew it was empty.

Then, there’s everyone else finding out. It’s nice to see Dan stand up for his sister, but heartbreaking to see Blair’s realization of what happened between chuck and Jenny. And Rufus and Lily coming into the conversation completely unaware: “I have enough bagels to feed…what did I just walk into?” What a clusterfuck.

So, Blair saw the signs and they didn’t work out for her, instead she’s escaping to Paris with Serena, which I’m glad to see the BFFs support each other again. Dan saw the signs and was halfway to booking a ticket to Paris to go after Serena, but it doesn’t seem to be working out too well for him either. Georgina comes in with the news she’s pregnant with Dan’s baby. For real? As a regular but casual viewer, I can’t even remember when they slept together.

Even though I think Blair shouldn’t forgive Chuck, and he was all ready to propose to her before everyone found out about Jenny, I felt really bad for him at the end when he wouldn’t give up the engagement ring he still held with him to the muggers. (He was in Paris, right?) Poor Chuck, it took seasons for him to admit he’s in love with Blair, and now it’s going to take even longer to fall back out of love.

Gossip Girl: But if we hold onto the past too tight, the future may never come.

I haven’t been the biggest fan of Glee all season, but when you put together two evil masterminds, Joss Whedon and Neil Patrick Harris, you’re bound to get something good. This is probably one of my favorite episodes of Glee so far.

Barring continuity issues that contradict previous episodes, which the show does often anyway, the writing was stellar and each of three stories flowed beautifully and with purpose. The directing from Joss Whedon was also to perfection with a lot of pretty angles, closeups, and wide shots.

Neil Patrick Harris was awesome as Bryan Ryan, and he stole every scene with his sarcastic dry humor. There seemed to be an inkling of Dr. Horrible behind the bitter former glee club member who has taken it upon himself to disillusion everyone else’s dreams.

Bryan: Then, something amazing happened: I was introduced to Jesus…he was my Honduran social worker. I straightened up, put down the pipe, met the love of my life Wilma, and now I run a successful used Hummer dealership. Don’t make that face — global warming’s a theory.

Bryan: Can’t feed a child sheet music, Will. I mean, I suppose you could for a while, but they’d be dead in a month.

Bryan: I have a box of Playbills hidden away in my basement, Will… like porn.

Bryan: Sue, you’re an impressive woman. I can’t tell you how much you turn me on right now. You ever heard of the term, “anger sex”?
Sue: It’s the only kind I know, Bryan.
Bryan: I should tell you I’m married.
Sue: Not a problem for me.
Bryan: And I’m still cutting half your budget.
Sue: Eh, you win some, you lose some.
Bryan: Should I lock the door?
Sue: No. Got a secret room upstairs — like Letterman.

I loved the showdown between Bryan and Mr. Schu singing ‘Dream On’ for a part in the play. I totally think Bryan was better and should have won that part, but hearing him sing just made me excited again for Dr. Horrible II. Oh, and when Bryan lost the lead part to Mr. Schu, and was later practicing his one line of “Hooray!”. Hilarious.

I also think it’s very telling how Mr. Schu gave up his lead to Bryan in the end for his new dream, the glee club. Or maybe he’s giving up his dream so the glee club can have theirs. Hm.

Jessie helps Rachel achieve her dream of finding out about her mother. It’s nice, because this whole quest brings some sympathetic layers to her character, while still preserving that classic Rachel ego we’ve come to know and love.

Rachel (on her mother): What if she’s singing on the tape? What if she’s terrible? Or worse — what if she’s better than me?

Shelby turns out to be her mother, in a twist pretty much everyone saw coming. It’s nice to know Jessie has good, albiet ulterior motives, for dating Rachel rather than just a school rivalry. I’ve also softened a bit towards the Jessie and Rachel relationship, even though Finn is still leading the way in my heart.

Jessie (to Rachel): You singing ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’ in front of a sold-out crowd isn’t a fantasy. It’s an inevitability.

The duet of ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ between Lea and Indina as mother daughter singing their hearts out was also probably the best vocal performance the show has offered so far. Artie and Tina were so cute with her supporting his dancing dreams, even going so far as looking up scientific fact behind his paralysis for him. I know we were all hoping he’d be able to walk again, but I think the fact he never will speaks to an even greater message. We needs to focus on the dreams we can achieve rather than become disillusioned by the ones out of reach.

Tina: If you can imagine it, it can come true.

And I did like seeing Mike Chang get a song focused on him, but I still wish it could have been Artie dancing with Tina in the end.

This week’s episode is what last week’s episode of Fringe should have been. Count me in as someone who enjoys the mythology of the alternate universe. Fascinating. Something tells me we’re going to be seeing a lot more of it from now on, too.

Automated Tour: Midtown quarantine. Fringe Event 89722. An unstable wormhole at the Madison Square Garden that would not close was quarantined by Fringe Division in 1999. Due to recent legal developments, the 10,000 citizens encased in quarantine amber have been recently ruled legally dead.

One of the critiques on Olivia is she’s so stoic and reserved most of the time, but I like how she’s changed since the season finale last year and all this season. Anna Torv and Olivia has definitely grown on me since the show began. I love that she’s getting to play such a different character in Bolivia (ew.) and spreading her acting chops.

Bolivia: What’s she like?
Peter: Who?
Bolivia: Me.
Peter: She’s a lot like you. Darker in the eyes, maybe. She’s always trying to make up for something. Right some imaginary wrong. Haunted, I guess. (pauses) Maybe she’s nothing like you at all.

Bolivia: You keep your backup gun in your purse, huh? I keep mine in my jacket.

I’m sad we’ll no longer get to see William Bell anymore. I loved all the drama between him and Walter and all the problems they crated. However, being disintegrated in order to get your best friend back to his universe is a good way to die.

Bell: We’ve accomplished a lot together, Walter. But she may be our greatest achievement.

Peter and Olivia. I’m not really on the bandwagon yet, but I have to say they must hold the record for fastest kiss between partners. We had to wait 7 years for X-Files, 3 years for Bones, and only two years for Fringe? Fans are just getting less and less patient, eh?

Peter: How long did you know?
Olivia: A few weeks. Peter, I…
Peter: …don’t worry. I’m not gonna let them do this.
Olivia: I don’t think that he can. I mean, not without you. Peter… you don’t belong here.
Peter: No, I don’t belong here. But I don’t belong there, either.
Olivia: Yes, you do. I have thought of one hundred reasons why you should come back. To — to fight the shape-shifters, to take care of Walter, to — to save the world. But in the end… you have to come back. Because you belong with me.

Did I mention that I love William Bell?

Bell: (retrieves weapon from car) I supplied Fringe Division with the ‘76 model. (shoots a vehicle and it explodes) This is the ‘77.

I’m so glad Walter and Peter are going to be able to work things out. Walter still not off the hook of course, but it’s understandable after what he did that Peter is not ready to completely forgive him. At least it’s better than what Walternate, Peter’s real dad, was going to do to him just to stick it to our universe.

Walter: Peter… you are back now, aren’t you? You’re,you’re not leaving again?
Peter: I’m trying to see this your way, Walter. I can’t. But… you did cross universes twice to save my life. So that’s gotta count for something, right?
Walter: Thank you, Peter. (Peter leaves) My son.

And at least the real Olivia didn’t get blown to bitsies. Walternate is an ass for locking up our Olivia, and replacing her with an impostor. How long do you think it’ll be before anyone notices? Do you think it’ll be Peter? All I know is it should be an interesting season three.

These are my favorite types of Stargate Universe episodes, the MOTW ones that bring character development, but are also pure escapism. Unless the mythology is really interesting or good, then I’d just rather have these kinds of episodes. Still, it took me a little while to realize what was going on with everyone until I remembered the summary I’d read for this episode and it all clicked.

I’m so glad Matt wasn’t really sleeping with what’s-her-face. (He wasn’t right, right?) I also found it interesting to see Rush’s greatest fear as the aliens running amuck on the ship. Turns out Chloe wasn’t the one most affected by the encounter. Speaking of Chloe, so sad to see her greatest fear is having and losing her dad again. I did love seeing Matt, Chloe, and Eli together again though and supporting each other. OT3!

Stargate Universe (s1ep17): Subversion

Unlike the previous episode, I wasn’t really feeling this one. Even the returns of Daniel Jackson and General O’Neill weren’t enough to get me in. It’s kind of been a while since the season premiere when we last saw the Lucian Alliance, and we’ve been more involved in discovering what’s out there, so it was jarring to have the Alliance come back now with bigger and greater plans. It appears they’re here to stay though, so I better get on board soon.

I did like finding out Telford was a mole, cause I dislike him just as much as Young. It’s also always nice to see Rush vulnerable and having a different role than antagonist. And even though I dread cliffhangers, I love how we’ve had so many lately. It just means the action is revving up for the long haul with the two-part season finale coming up. I know the fans wanting more SG1 style action were probably loving this episode though.