TV Talk: Week in Review ’14 – ’15 #10

Reviews for Fall TV Shows & Specials Which Aired
November 2, 2014 – November 8, 2014

* New series in CAPS
* Reviews May Contain Spoilers


Note: There’s no Grey’s or Gracepoint coverage this week as I still have not gotten to them on the DVR.

Photo Credit: ABC

Once Upon a Time (ABC) – Episode 4.06 “Family Business”

Lots of developments with Ingrid, Belle, and Emma this week! I loved it! I loved how so cleverly intertwined their stories are. The writers on this show never fail to disappoint when bringing these two worlds together. First, Anna is doubtful of Ingrid’s family ties but discovers her mother had not one but two sisters, Helga and Ingrid. Wow! Too bad one of those sisters is a psycho and is willing to take Anna, who doubts, out of the picture if it means Ingrid finally having her picture perfect family. Yikes.

Second, I love that before much of this, Anna runs into Belle! Belle is in search of her forgotten memory after the death of her mother which she lived through right beside her. We don’t get much development with the story so I am interested in seeing what becomes of this.

Meanwhile, in Storybrooke, Belle feels compelled to help in the search for Anna and forces Rumple with the staff to take her to the Snow Queen. Nice continuity there. And Emma discovers through a folder of Ingrid’s that Ingrid has been keeping track of her for a very long time. The revelation that Helga looks just like Emma and that Ingrid came to town to find the savior (as described in a prophecy they find) – whose name is Emma… wow.

And the savior will become Ingrid’s sister! Information overload! But that’s not all! Ingrid’s picture perfect family may mean turning the entire town against each other so it’s just Elsa and Emma left! What! What kind of perfect town would that be?! That doesn’t even sound like fun. Ingrid needs some counseling! But isn’t that the beauty of this show, how it shows these fairy tale characters in their not so happily ever after? Whatever comes next, I’m on board. I’m loving this season so far. I can’t wait to see how much of this is resolved before the winter hiatus!

The Walking Dead (AMC) – Episode 5.04 “Slabtown”

Be sure to read my recap/review of the latest episode of The Walking Dead over at OMFGTV!

Resurrection (ABC) – Episode 2.06 “Afflictions”

Maggie’s mom, Barbara is gone. Margaret denies being with her mom. Both Maggie and Jacob know that Margaret is lying. She doesn’t deny it when Jacob confronts her. And Jacob doesn’t tell his mom, Lucille when she confronts him. Oh! Juicy secrets! As of right now, even if what Margaret is up to is for the greater good of the returned, she still seems very villainous. What do you think?

Then there’s Bellamy who finds out he was born and died in 1934 and was resurrected in 1974 only to die recently and be resurrected again. The only one to return twice! Not only that but the revelation of his birth parents! WHAT. Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow. Now that is how you bring characters full circle. Bravo! Great revelation! Loved this episode!

Photo Credit: Jessica Miglio/FOX

GOTHAM (FOX) – Episode 1.07 “Penguin’s Umbrella”

Gordon has gotten himself into quite a predicament now that the Penguin is back in the city. All hell breaks loose as Fish Mooney sends her goons to go after him. Gordon isn’t the only one Fish Mooney is after. Maroni is another. The episode started off really interesting but I found myself not all that interested in the last 20 minutes. I also must say that while I am somewhat enjoying Gotham, Constantine is already beyond amazing in my eyes. This might be biased since I am way more fascinated by stories such as the ones told in Constantine, but even bias aside, Constantine is delivering. So if you’re looking for an awesome show with comic roots, don’ forget to watch that show too.

SCORPION (CBS) – Episode 1.07 “Father’s Day”

This week, the team must figure out how three convicts escaped and once they do, they end up in quite a dangerous situation, with no FBI to back them up! I loved that they took such courageous chances. But they knew the risks and it was worth it and that is what mattered the most. Seeing them come out on the other side after all of that (even though we knew they would) was still very exciting because if they did this, what else can we expect in the future?

Meanwhile, Ralph’s father makes contact with Paige and the entire team feels entitled to tell Paige what she should do based on their genius (and experience but mostly genius). That was comical but I also loved how the writers weaved in more Walter and Happy backstory here. Two thumbs up for more backstory, always!

The Blacklist (NBC) – Episode 2.07 “The Scimitar”

Liz wants Berlin clues from Tom but also has a job to do, you know, at the FBI. Only she gets caught in quite a trap and boy was that exciting watching her get away! This was one of the most thrilling episodes of the season so far! I hope for many more episodes like this in the future.

The Voice (NBC) – Episode 7.13 “The Knockouts Part 3”

Monday night’s episodes was knockouts continued while Tuesday night’s episode was a look at the Top 20 which I skipped. So. Let’s start with Team Blake. Allison was memorable in the first two rounds of The Voice but Taylor owned this round with her “Landslide” performance. Allison has no stage presence. Taylor has everything. Congrats Taylor! Reagan sang a song not well suited for her but somehow she made it through even though Grant was way better (even with the nerves). I am really going to miss Grant because that’s really the first time I saw him shine and now he’s gone!

As for Team Pharrell? Menlik didn’t stand a chance against Jean Kelley who chose Sia’s “Chandelier.” She really impressed Taylor Swift during rehearsals. Taylor loves Jean! Rightly so. She is phenomenal and did the song justice while making it her own. Bravo. Team Adam? Chris and Blessing went head to head and Blessing was great so I was really rooting for him but Chris won that which I am still scratching my head about. Matt and Rebekah also went against each other but Matt won. No! I’m going to miss Rebekah so, so much!

Finally, Team Gwen. Ryan and Beth went head to head. Beth sang JoJo’s “Too Little Too Late” which is one of my favorites by JoJo so I had high hopes. I think both of these tow had solid performances, granted Ryan’s was boring because it was so effortless and quiet but Ryan won this round and I am so sad that Beth was eliminated. Lastly, Craig and Anita were both fantastic. No matter who Gwen chose, there was going to be disappointment. But I was so so so so happy that Anita won the round. Major congrats to Anita. And I’m super ecstatic that Blake took Craig back! Woo! Can’t wait for the live rounds to begin!

New Girl (Fox) – Episode 4.06 “Background Check”

Be sure to check out my review of this week’s New Girl episode here and thanks Fox for blurbing me during a New Girl promo! It means so much!

The Mindy Project (Fox) – Episode 3.06 “Caramel Princess Time”

Be sure to check out my review of this week’s The Mindy Project episode here.

19 Kids & Counting (TLC) – Episode 14.14 “Jessa’s Engagement”

The work that Ben put into Jessa’s engagement, especially getting the entire family involved, even Josh and Anna many states away, was so beautiful to see! Ben put so, so, so much thought into the proposal and it was absolutely stunning. What a beautiful proposal. I am so happy for Jessa and Ben and can’t wait to see the wedding next season!

Photo Credit: Cate Cameron/The CW

Arrow (The CW) – Episode 3.05 “The Secret Origin of Felicity Smoak”

What a fantastic Felicity centered episode! I absolutely loved getting to see Felicity’s apartment, seeing her mom, getting a flashback of her in her college years, and finding out what we did about college aged Felicity. Wow. Even though Felicity’s apartment wasn’t what I imagined it would be, I think we were all in for quite the pleasant (surprise) contrast that there was between her and her mother.

Perhaps my favorite part about the episode is that the city was under siege because of a virus Felicity made five years before. It’s about how there’s something in everybody’s past, even someone as innocent seeming as Felicity. Finally, what is that dream Roy had about killing Sara all about? Ah! I can’t wait until the next episode!

Red Band Society (Fox) – Episode 1.06 “Ergo Ergo”

“You have a peculiar habit of talking to yourself. I guess that’s because no one else wants to talk to you.” – Hunter

Daren Kagasoff guest starring as Hunter? Yes, please. I want more of him on this show. On any show. I love looking at him! (But also, yes, he is a good actor.) Mandy Moore guest starring as well? Yes! She needs to act more! Someone give Mandy her own show so I can watch her every week. Is that too much to ask?

Guest starts aside… Kara going temporarily blind? That is terrifying. I’m allergic to seafood and years ago, I had an experience with temporary blindness which was scary. I definitely felt for Kara. I wasn’t particularly moved by anything else though this was a solid episode and I’m wondering how long Nurse Jackson will be suspended for. Eeep!

The 100 (The CW) – Episode 2.03 “Reapercussions”

Check out my recap and thoughts on the latest The 100 episode over at OMFGTV!

The Vampire Diaries (The CW)
Episode 6.06 “The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get”

Well, that was quick. Stefan’s new (recently kidnapped) vampire is dead. On the bright side, that’s one less problem for him and also, Damon is back! Still though, Elena doesn’t want to confront Damon, confront her love for him. I love that this builds up to Tripp’s next victim being Damon, at which point Elena finally decides that she wants her memories of their relationship back.

But of course nothing is ever happily ever after on this show so right after they plan the trap for Tripp and execute it, Alaric is killed in the process, but comes back to life thanks to Dr. Jo (who we find out is a witch but she didn’t use her witch powers to save him)… as a human. So, no memory reversal for Elena! Womp womp. I like Elena with Stefan so I’m honestly not too bummed about this. I was always creeped out by these brothers dating the same girl (at different times but still) until the Elena and Damon sire bond storyline came into play way back when. But ever since that became a non-issue, I’m back to being headstrong about Elena not going back and forth between brothers.

She needs to decide who she wants to be with and respect herself and these guys that she’s rolling through the mud. So let’s see who she’ll fall in love with this time around and my goodness, if she breaks up with whoever that is down the line and goes back to the other brother, I am going to be so done. I’m so over this love triangle. As you can tell by my rant which derailed the train so let’s get back on track ha ha…

Anyway…I have so many mixed emotions about Damon telling Jeremy that Bonnie didn’t come back because she found peace. I really don’t even know where to begin there. So… one of my favorite moments tonight was Matt being out of the loop (still haha) and confused about which side he needed to be on. Ha ha ha! Oh, man, he’s still poor old Matt. Hilarious. Overall, great episode. Keep it up, writers!

The Biggest Loser (NBC) – Episode 16.09 “Yes, Coach!”

It was exciting to see the contestants get pumped about working out with 3 NFL greats this week and that makes me 1) excited to see who else will make a surprise guest appearance on the show and 2) happy that it relit the flame for so many of the contestants.

Also worth mentioning, it’s week nine and we have our first person to make it through comeback canyon for a second week! That was an exciting moment! I hope it’s not short lived and we can see a third week win!

Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) – Episode 11.06 “Baby Made a Mess”

No review this week! I still have not seen this episode. It’s still waiting for me on the DVR!

Photo Credit: ABC

Scandal (ABC) – Episode 4.07 “Baby Made a Mess”

“I just want to point out that I have been holding up all the walls of our house, I have been holding you up for 20 years and I never complained. But when I fall down on the job for exactly two months, you rip me to shreds the first time it got difficult. I won’t soon forget that.” – Mellie

Abby’s ex husband, Chip is in town fighting for quite the promotion. I love that Abby called Olivia for help dealing with her abusive husband who came strutting back into town like he did absolutely nothing to do. With Olivia’s hands at work (and surprisingly even Abby’s new love interest), Chip is taken care of. What an absolutely hilarious scene that was of Olivia shooting a political ad with Chip’s opponent. Ha! And what a powerful scene watching Abby pull out a gun when Chip approached her alone in the parking garage. Go, Abby!

Meanwhile, Quinn tries to find out why Olivia is being followed. Huck plays video games with his son and his son tracks him down through his IP address! And Olivia tries to find out about Jake’s well being. That scene with Olivia and Tom. Wow. I can’t even begin to explain how much I love that scene. Also, another Emmy worthy performance tonight from Joe Morton. He’s fantastic. But that ending! WHAT. Can we talk about how Olivia took care of business and then brought Fitz and Jake together!!! If the three of them take down Liz’s father, that will be one of the most heart pounding episodes ever!

GRACEPOINT (FOX) – Episode 6

No review this week! I still have not seen this episode. It’s still waiting for me on the DVR!

Parenthood (NBC) – Episode 6.07 “These Are the Times We Live In”

Joel being so in love with Julia and Julia being so over the relationship just breaks my heart. The divorce meeting. Agh. Just run my heart over a dozen times why don’t you. Then Joel going to Zeek with his goodbye only for Zeek to tell him to fight for her and not to leave. Ah. My heart.

Not much happened with Kristina and Adam this week. Amber babysat the kids and was in over her head with one of the two but this week isn’t what I’m concerned about given next week’s promo where Amber has a scare with her pregnancy. Oh no!

Finally, as much as I never was a fan of Hank, watching his ex be so incredibly rude to Sarah was infuriating. I totally get her side and I also get Sarah’s side and Sarah has her own kids so she’s not trying to steal this one away at all. I mean, really. C’mon. Get over yourself, Hank’s ex. What you have with your family no one can take away. Stand firm in that and all will be well.

HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER (ABC)
Episode 1.07 “He Deserved to Die”

Michaela thinking she’s going on a job interview when it was really a meeting to sign a pre-nup?! Wow. The fact that her fiance didn’t have the confidence to talk to her about it beforehand and go with her to get it signed is a big red flag. What else will he do so cowardly? Then, Rebecca being…well, Rebecca. Ha!

So there weren’t really a ton of developments this week but of course the last 2 minutes of the episodes is what really mattered. Nate approaching Rebecca saying that they both know who the killer is and he wants her help in catching him was quite something. Then Bonnie finding out and telling Keating (just before she was about to rekindle the flame and sleep with Sam) that the dead girl was 6 weeks pregnant! Wow! Solid episode tonight but those last two minutes are what really mattered. Can’t wait to see what this all leads to!

Haven (Syfy) – Episode 5.09 “Morbidity”

I really liked this week’s trouble and episode as a whole but this agent still in town really makes me nervous. I just want this storyline to end so my concerns about a cancellation can simmer. But with a 26 episode order for this season (it’s usually 13) and no talk of a season six renewal, all signs point to this season being the last. So I’m unsure if this agent will be in the episodes up until the fall finale (episode 13, I believe) or if this is just the beginning and we’ll be seeing a whole lot more of her in the final 13 episodes. Ahh, I’m just a ball of nerves. Now I’m thinking about the end of Haven. Somebody stop me!

Z NATION (Syfy) – Episode 1.09 “Die Zombie Die…Again”

This week’s episode was all about Addy and Mack. I missed the first 15 minutes of the episode but by the looks of the rest of the episode, I didn’t miss anything at all. Basically, Addy and Mack are in this isolated area as a rest stop and they both have this dream that leads them against this practically invincible zombie that is keeping them from something. Turns out that something is the memory of Addy killing her mother when she didn’t know how to kill a zombie. Eh. I get what they were trying to do here but I’m kind of annoyed that it took an entire episode to tell this. I probably wouldn’t be annoyed if I cared about the character but I’m not all that interested in Addy and Mack. Is it just me?

Christmas Movies This Week (November 9, 2014 – November 15, 2014)
Naughty & Nice (UP) Sunday, November 9, 2014 7pm ET
Northpole (Hallmark) Sunday, November 15, 2014 8/7c