TV Talk: Week in Review ’14 – ’15 #6

Reviews for Fall TV Shows & Specials Which Aired
October 5, 2014 – October 11, 2014

* New series in CAPS
* Reviews May Contain Spoilers


Note: I will not be reviewing Bob’s Burgers and Supernatural as I do not watch them in a timely manner and I will also not be reviewing THE FLASH aside from the Pilot due to time constraints.

Photo Credit: ABC

Once Upon a Time (ABC) – Episode 4.02 “White Out”

“Surviving isn’t living.” – Anna

Elsa caused a blackout in Storybrooke! By freezing off the exit to keep everyone inside while she finds Anna! Turns out the big exit is cavelike and when Emma and David walk upon it, Elsa gets scared and causes a bit of an avalanche, trapping herself and Emma inside. Yikes! That may have been an accident on Elsa’s part but once we realize that they’re both okay, she threatens to freeze the town and everyone in it if no one helps her find Elsa. Whoa! She’s a much more demanding Elsa, that’s for sure. I love how they took this little quality of hers and expanded upon it. That said, Elsa would never do such a thing, she’s just fronting! Which is why she freaks out when Emma passes out from the cold.

I actually thought it was more exciting seeing Anna cross paths with David in the enchanted forest! Can I just say, pre Prince Charming David looks pretty darn good. Anyway, David has quite a past with Bo Peep, the most powerful warlord in the region! Unfortunately it’s not the good kind and he owes Bo Peep but he can’t pay her back and Bo Peep shows no mercy so David accepts his loss instead of fighting. But Anna! Oh, Anna! This scene, when Anna teaches David how to sword fight and she keeps pressing him to fight… one of my favorites scenes!

Now one of the reasons why I absolutely love this show is that the writers ace continuity and bring their characters full circle in both the faraway lands which they are from and Storybrooke. I absolutely loved seeing Bo Peep in the enchanted forest many years ago and seeing what has become of her in present day Storybrooke. That’s what I’m talking about. And and and, the actress who plays Bo Peep, Robin Weigert is fantastic!

Love that David and Anna were a step ahead of Bo Peep! Woo! Go Anna for encouraging David to take the leap. It’s refreshing seeing such a change in dynamics and instead of showing the knight in shining armor we saw a woman save a man. That’s what happened here. Without Anna, David would have settled for being one of Bo Peep’s sheep. I loved that this happened before he learned to be that knight in shining armor. I love that this may have been a pivotal moment that led to what he later became. That speaks volumes.

Another favorite scene that I must mention? Snow having a moment in front of some of the dwarfs after they asked her for help with the blackout since everyone looks to her as acting mayor now. That was executed so well! But the best part?! Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost) is the snow queen! Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!!! I cannot wait to see this! She sure chose the perfect time to rise, as she’s about to wreck havoc and place the blame all on Elsa! It won’t work, Queen! It won’t work. I am so excited to see Mitchell play someone evil! What! How often does THAT happen?! Ah, I am so excited!

This episode was so great! I loved it! Loved it!

Resurrection (ABC) – Episode 2.02 “Echoes”

Last week, there were falling birds on Haven and this week, a bird fell from the sky within the first minute on Resurrection. Let the TV trends begin. Anyway, I love that Jacob is the one with the bright idea to see how long it takes for a dead being to come alive again. It sucks that he had to do it in secret though. Oh, the troubles of being a child. Anyway, the episode overall was interesting but whoa! That ending! What a cliffhanger! I cannot wait until next week’s episode!

Photo Credit: Jessica Miglio/FOX

GOTHAM (FOX) – Episode 1.03 “The Balloonman”

Watching Gordon and Selina together is so exciting! I love knowing what we know about what becomes of her and watching her as a child, essentially playing cat and mouse with Gordon. But that’s not really what this episode is about. Actually, what this episode is about didn’t really stand out for me but I did appreciate select moments. Gordon and Selina. David Zayas (Dexter) popping up and interacting with the Penguin.

SCORPION (CBS) – Episode 1.03 “A Cyclone”

“Be determined to have a great day…and you will.” – Paige

Okay, so, this episode was totally unoriginal and completely predictable and we all know that I can get past that if the storytelling is compelling and there’s heart but this episode just fell flat on all accounts for me. Plus, I couldn’t help but think throughout the entire episode, “So… I see they’re still not serializing the show.”

I have no idea what the plans are for this show but if case by the week IS the plan, season one will be the first and only season I will be watching. The show overall is good and has potential to remain this way but to stay afloat among all of the ten million shows that I watch, I need a really good reason to keep this on my watch list after season one. So. Two out of Three episodes ain’t bad. Let’s see how the rest of the season plays out.

The Blacklist (NBC) – Episode 2.03 “Dr. James Covington”

Whoa! Okay! Way to start an episode! And then BAM! It was all a dream! Ack! What a tease! Dream aside, let’s talk about TV trends for a second. Scorpion had someone get hit by a bus if I remember correctly and here on The Blacklist, someone has gotten hit while on their motorcycle. If there’s one trend I could go without this season, it’s seeing people get hit by cars.

Anyway, I loved that Elizabeth had to take down or um reel in a doctor who had the best intentions but went about achieving those intentions in a shady way. I love a good moral dilemma. This was definitely a good one!

Also… that ending! What! Mary Louise Parker’s character is more acquainted with Red than we thought! I’m terrible at guessing things but I knew there was a reason she was sticking around. I can’t wait until we get to find out the secrets she’s holding, secrets that may help Elizabeth put some personal pieces to her story together.

Castle (ABC) – Episode 7.02 “Montreal”

Well, well, well. Quite a bit development in the Castle disappearance mystery. A lead takes Castle and Alexis to Montreal and they discover a memory card and letters to Beckett, Alexis, and Castle’s mother written by Castle himself! Wow! So not only is it a mystery as to why he was in Montreal and how he made it there and who he was with and why but it’s also very concerning to find these letters. So mysterious!

And then for it all to lead up to finding out that Castle went through great lengths to not remember what happened to him… hmm. Immediately reminding me that I don’t care about this storyline going on longer than it needs to. So. Hopefully this will be it until this story needs to come full circle later in the season. Seed planted. Let’s move on while the plant grows.

The Voice (NBC) – Episode 7.05 Blind Auditions (Skipped Episode 7.06)

As the blind auditions came to an end, I found a few more favorites! Brittany Butler and Beth Spangler stood out in the first hour of Monday night! In the second hour, I found Mayra’s voice to be so beautiful! And Chandra was good as well though with the coaches being so picky towards the end, I could understand why no one turned their chair. Overall, I thought the coaches’ picks for their teams were well chosen, give or take a few but I think the battle rounds will handle the rest! Now I didn’t watch episode 7.06 as it was simply a “Best Of” the blind auditions which I did not need to see again. Ain’t nobody got time for that!

VERONICA MARS: PLAY IT AGAIN, DICK (CW Seed) – Episode 1.04

If you’re looking for a good laugh, check out what Francis Capra has become in this week’s episode of Play It Again, Dick. This version of Francis is one of those overdramatic “all about the heart” actors and it’s hilarious! I loved it! And of course, Francis is in for Ryan’s show. Next, Ryan tries to get Ken Marino to write the script to his show! Ha! Hysterical! I was cracking up! That exchange was hilarious for so many reasons! Also, nice iZombie reference bringing in Robert Buckley (One Tree Hill, Lipstick Jungle) for a cameo as he’ll be starring in the upcoming CW show which I am very excited about watching! Anyway, this show gets even more hysterical as each week passes. Love it!

Photo Credit: The CW

THE FLASH (The CW) – Episode 1.01 “Pilot”

I never read The Flash so I have nothing to base this show off of. I will say that the Pilot episode was basic groundwork, nothing special, I was’t impressed and it wasn’t all that compelling. I was more excited about the brief Arrow crossover as well as seeing Jesse L. Martin (Rent) and Danielle Panabaker (Sky High) on this show! I love these two! Even though Panabaker’s character seems two dimensional now, I really am glad Panabaker herself is on the show.

So…decent introduction to the show but I am really looking forward to more compelling storytelling and watching the characters get fleshed out. Can’t do all of that in the very first episode of a show all of the time and this is one of those instances. So I’m willing to stick around for awhile and see where all of this goes. Based on that ending, I’m even more intrigued!

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC)
Episode 2.03 “Making Friends and Influencing People”

I love how much more involved all of the characters are getting when it comes to stopping Hydra. Still, as I said last week, anticipating that Skye centered episode of the season this season. That aside, it was exciting to see Donnie Gill return! What did you think?

19 Kids & Counting (TLC)
Episodes 14.09 & 14.10 “Duggars in Cuffs” & “Duggar Derby”

On a triple date, Jim Bob had the bright idea to have the young couples cuffed, challenging them each to use one hand and serve each other since giving is better than receiving. A great lesson on having a giving attitude and understanding sacrifice. That wasn’t the only challenge though. There was also an obstacle course and shooting an arrow (remember, they’re handcuffed and each only have one free hand). I loved that there were mixed feelings about doing these challenges (embarrassment being one of them) even though they all knew that it would be beneficial as the messages Jim Bob and Michelle were trying to convey mattered. It’s relatable, parents having their children doing the most bizarre things that actually, surprisingly really mean something special.

Next, Michelle and Johanna have a mother-daughter day. Jana chaperones Jessa and Ben while they take the little ones out to an arcade. And Jim Bob and the guys set up for their mini car race. So… not as interesting maybe as the first episode this week but it was still exciting to see what everyone was up to!

New Girl (FOX) – Episode 4.04 “Micro”

I giggled quite a bit during this episode. At Jess trying to prove how shallow the guys were and how different she was from them. At Schmidt and Coach competing to be the best model to get a gig through CeCe’s modeling contacts. Though I didn’t outright laugh aloud and in the first two seasons, my face hurt so much from laughing at just one episode.

Season three was good but not as good as one and two. So far, season four isn’t coming off as strong as any of the previous seasons but I know what this show is capable of and it still is entertaining, so I’m not going anywhere yet.

The Mindy Project (FOX) – Episode 3.04 “I Slipped”

“Who is Hilary? Sometimes I think you’re just making people up!” – Mindy

Wow! Well. We all knew a sex episode had to come sooner or later and it came sooner. After Danny “slips” in the bedroom, Mindy makes it a point to become more open minded and this brings one of the most hysterical, risqué episode of Mindy ever. Meanwhile, Danny doesn’t even realize the holes he continues to keep digging himself deeper into. This episode was hilarious. Easily one of the funniest episodes of not just the season but the series.

TOWN OF THE LIVING DEAD (Syfy)
Episode 1.01 “Jasper Needs Zombies”

Okay, so, I thought I’d be really into this show but it’s just one big hot mess. Maybe this movie will turn out to be a cult classic if it ever gets finished but I just cannot subject myself to watching a show about a movie that’s been filming for six years due to the amateurs behind it. No thanks. Good luck and I’ll watch the movie when it’s done but I’ll pass on this super awesome seemingly never ending documentary about it.

Photo Credit: Cate Cameron/The CW

Arrow (The CW) – Episode 3.01 “The Calm”

“And I’ve already seen you shirtless. Multiples times… all the time.” – Felicity

Whoa! Quite a few things to talk about here. First, how many people had deja vu and thought they were in an episode of NBC’s Chuck for a moment? That scene with Felicity and guest star, Brandon Routh (Superman Returns). Second, it seems Sara is dead. Like, dead dead. Is anyone else actually happy about that? Will this leave room for Laurel to take her place and become the Black Canary that we all know and love?

And lastly, THAT KISS. That kiss, that kiss, that kiss! The one we’ve all been waiting for! Happened! This week! Oh yea! Felicity and Oliver kissed! And and and Oliver said to her, “Don’t ask me to say that I don’t love you.” Oh my gosh! Cue the squeeing. I am so ready to see where they take this relationship this season and what that means for the job and Felicity’s safety and oh my gosh, they kissed!

The Middle (ABC) – Episode 6.03 “Major Anxiety”

This week, Brick wants to become popular and seeks advice from the family. Oh my. Frankie and Mike’s reactions were hilarious! Though this wasn’t a very memorable episode compared to others that I laughed aloud to all the way through. Solid episode but nothing outstanding just at this point.

Modern Family (ABC) – Episode 6.03 “The Cold”

Claire has a cold and Phil discovers it’s all his fault! Ha! Watching him try to cover up his misfortune was hysterical! Meanwhile, Mitchell hosted a playdate between Lily and a friend and finds his parenting hasn’t been as top notch as he thinks… that is until he finds out Lily’s friend has a photographic memory! Ha ha! Oh! Oh! And then Haley is faced with the realization that she doesn’t always have the upper hand. That was so funny! She was so genuinely confused! Oh, Haley. This episode was hysterical. I can’t believe this show is still so fresh and laugh out loud funny six seasons in but I’m so happy that it is.

BLACK-ISH (ABC) – Episode 1.03 “The Nod”

When Dre realizes that his son, Andre has no black friends, he goes on a desperate mission to change that and make sure his son is cultured. Comedy ensues and boy oh boy did I laugh at every moment. I can’t even begin to tell you how much resonated with me with this storyline. While Dre is working Andre, Rainbow is busy trying to get her youngest daughter, Diane to strive to become a doctor just like her. Oh, the joys of following in someone’s footsteps instead of finding one’s own path. Hahaha. That aside, this was a ridiculously hilarious episode and I can’t wait to see what happens next week!

RED BAND SOCIETY (FOX)
Episode 1.04 “There’s No Place Like Homecoming”

“I seriously want to hug you right now!” – Leo

“You’ll get over it.” – Nurse Jackson

The kids got out this week, some to the movies, some to homecoming. Both of which were “normal” and familiar but still so very different after going through what each of them has gone through. In a sense holding onto the past or going back to the way things used to be when you can never really do that.

I loved that in the midst of that this was about strength and redemption but I think on the strength side, it moreeo lent itself to having the strength to stand in your reality today and accepting it. Not accepting it to surrender to it but accepting it to figure out what different steps you need to take to do what you want to do. Because you can do what you want to do, you just have to get there differently than before. Another great episode. This is seriously becoming one of my favorite shows this season. It has such heart! I love, love, love this show.

Photo Credit: FX

American Horror Story: Freak Show (FX)
Episode 4.01 “Monsters Among Us”

I can’t believe I’m saying this but I don’t think the season premiere was freaky enough! I think they totally held back and have a whole bunch of craziness they are saving up for the rest of the season. It was more bizarre and twisted than the freaky I expected. What do you think? Also, I love Kathy Bates but as of right now, her character is all over the place and I am not a fan. You?

The Vampire Diaries (The CW) – Episode 6.02 “Yellow Ledbetter”

Damon and Bonnie find themselves in Mystic Falls in May 10, 1994 and that was way more interesting than watching Elena try to rid herself of her Damon memories. At one point, I thought things were going to go a certain way in which what Elena was doing affected Damon and Bonnie and that reminded me of an episode of Charmed (if you know the episode I’m talking about, you are an awesome person). But it didn’t go that route, at least not in this hour. Maybe next week? Or maybe it will go an entirely new direction. Who knows. Anyway, watching the two reliving the same day all over again was exciting, as mundane as it was for them ha ha. And I can’t wait to find out who the other person is that is there in that point of time with them.

Even though watching Elena rid herself of the good Damon memories, of her romantic relationship with him, was boring to me… now it’s going to get exciting once Caroline finds out. Because we all know Caroline won’t stand for that. And whoa! Colin Ferguson’s character is a from a founding family and he’s up to killing vamps! Seems like a step backwards, like we’re going back in time to a previous season’s storyline but the writers have proven time and time again that they know what they’re doing so I trust whatever this is leading up to.

The Biggest Loser (NBC) – Episode 16.05 “Sidelined”

The red line came into play this episode which I was very happy about. I liked the competition that led up to the elimination as well. There’s nothing else noteworthy to mention here. Just happy to see these people doing what needs to be done to change and save their lives.

Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) – Episode 11.03 “Got to Be Real”

Lots of interesting power plays in this episode! Interesting. Also, after digging for the truth, Meredith must finally come to terms with the fact that she indeed does have another sister. So…it’s becoming more and more real for her. Meanwhile, Webber already knew the truth and finally confronts it… and his daughter is not to happy about the time it took do this. Not so much the amount of time it took but why it took time in the first place. The why. That’s got to hurt. Let’s see how this continues to play out into next week!

Photo Credit: ABC

Scandal (ABC) – Episode 4.03 “Inside the Bubble”

It was great to see Sonya Walger (Lost) guest star on this episode! Talk about secrets and deception! Even better? Olivia’s father. What’s the deal with him being all nice? Huh. Anyway, while this episode doesn’t standout among the rest, it was another solid, entertaining episode.

GRACEPOINT (FOX) – Episode 2

Solid episode for what it was trying to accomplish. Kind of filler though which all led up to the cliffhanger which we all saw coming anyway. I don’t want to ay that this episode was unnecessary since nothing really happened because that’s what happens in real cases, often, but for TV viewing, this episode was kind of dry. Thoughts?

Parenthood (NBC) – Episode 6.03 “The Waiting Room”

In this episode, Drew went with Amber to support her as she told Ryan that she’s pregnant and she wants to set boundaries until Ryan’s ready to be a father. Julia told Joel she was seeing someone else. Zeek had his surgery. There was Hank drama. And there was awesome background music that almost made me want to cry. What an incredibly poignant episode. So simple yet so moving. Man, this final season is going to wreck me.

HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER (ABC)
Episode 1.03 “Smile, or Go to Jail”

The students create an alibi – the bonfire – for their crime. Meanwhile, Keating’s latest case involves guest star, Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty) which was great to see. Although the case was pretty standard and didn’t really provide much to get excited about. I was more interested in the kids and 1) what they were doing to cover up their own crime and 2) the lengths they went to solve the main one. Good stuff!

Haven (Syfy) – Episode 5.05 “The Old Switcheroo”

Anyone else crack up laughing when Duke spelled out the B word when talking about Mara? Speaking of Mara… yay to Audrey having all of the control when Mara sleeps! Woot! But Mara’s smart so her pretending to be Audrey? It was only a matter of time. Yeah?

What an awesome trouble released this week! What do you think of Vince and Dave’s body swap? Dwight swaps too! That was funny! Oh! And Nathan and Duke! When Audrey and Duke were talking about their kiss! Ah! And Nathan finds out about their kiss without Audrey knowing that Nathan is in Duke’s body and THAT is how Nathan is finding out about the kiss! Whoa! Next week is going to be something else! I can’t believe an hour went by so quickly and am so excited to see this story pick back up next week. Also, I’m hoping the time change (Fridays at 7/6c) doesn’t mean what I think it means. Please, no! #Paranoid.

Z NATION (Syfy) – Episode 1.05 “Home Sweet Zombie”

The crew finds themselves in Illinois and are comfy with an electric fence around a home until a tornado nears and the power goes out. This leads to Warren taking them to her home (without their knowledge up until they are there), in search for her husband. Well, she was finally reunited with her husband in the form of an angel, really. Got to admire someone who does whatever it takes to stay connected with love. With hope. With everything worth living for when there’s nothing left in a zombie apocalypse. Well, she got her dose of hope. Even if she never found out what became of her husband. Which, she should know by now has turned into a zombie like all of the other firefighters but… you know. Hope.

Meanwhile, Murphy, the only person with the hope of the cure finds himself slowly turning. Slowly getting the symptoms of zombie without actually having turned. What, what? When will he tell the crew? They need to know! He’s a danger to them all, he really shouldn’t keep that to himself. He could completely turn at any moment and then may not be of use to anyone! What do you think? Last but not least, loved the Sharknado reference!

Premieres Next Week (October 12, 2014 – October 18, 2014)
The Walking Dead (AMC) Sunday, October 12, 2014
Talking Dead (AMC) Sunday, October 12, 2014
Comic Book Men (AMC) Sunday, October 12, 2014