This Week in TV - Game of Thrones; The Vampire Diaries; Revolution

This has been a great week in TV. Game of Thrones and Revolution return in style. I have started to watch The Vampire Diaries and I know I am four seasons behind (so, no spoilers please). So, here are my thoughts.

After ten months since we last saw White Walkers and zombie horses frightened the crap out of Samwell Tarly in the season two finale of Game of Thrones, the epic tale resumed.  To me, the Tyrion/Tywin scene and Dany/Barristan Selmy scene in Valar Dohaeris were the highlights. I cannot begin to tell you how much I love the dialogues and the emotions came out of the Tyrion/Tywin scene. You know what's going to happen, right? If you have read the book. I love how Tyrion was so misunderstood and remained to be so hated by Tywin and Cersei. 

I just love to see how much Dany's dragons have grown. I know a lot of people complained about Dany in season two and in the books. But I think ultimately she was a little girl who tried to learn how to be a Queen. She had a thing about slaves, like the way Hermione felt about house elves. Dany is one of my favourite characters and I really enjoyed seeing her grow on the TV series. I love the Dany/Barristan Selmy I have goosebumps watching that scene. Someone brought this up, and I agree that the writers skipped all that mystery about Arstan Whitebeard and revealed who Barristan Selmy was. To me, I feel that perhaps season three will focus on making Dany stronger sooner. 

Moving on the Revolution. I love a good post-apocalyptic dystopian drama. What I love about Revolution right now, is Rachel. I love Elizabeth Mitchell. She is like John Winchester in Supernatural, fully of mysteries and history, but Rachel is alive and we are seeing a lot of flashbacks and backstories about the blackout etc. I think her character is adding a lot of meat to the story. I don't find Charles annoying like other fans. I actually enjoy watching the character growth. I am a sucker for love story in story like this, Jason Neville and Charlie, just get on with it please? And my god, do I want to see Miles and Bass to confront each other again? When is it going to happen again? I love seeing the whole best friends turn enemies story. It's so dark. I love it! I think Revolution is planting seeds for future episodes and seasons. For more in depth reviews, visit my friend Nicole at TVForTheRestOfUs.

I finally gave in and bought The Vampire Diaries DVDs. They were on sales at the supermarket. I know a lot of tweeps on my timeline mentioned the show. I trust my tweeps and if people are talking about it, then it can't be that bad! My initial thought is that, The Vampire Diaries is better than Twilight because I think Nina Dobrev carries the show very well as Elena and Katherine. For a start, Nina Dobrev can act, unlike K-Stew. I think Nina is very likable as an actress. I think she got it! I think the boys are ok, I mean, people talk about how hot they are. Well, I think they are ok, but not super hot like the Winchesters. I do think Damon is more interesting than Stefan, who I think is a bit boring and too good. Vamps are supported to be bad. I think Damon is more intriguing, and I like how he doesn't pretend. He fully embraced his darkness and embraced who he is -- a badass vampire. I have only finished watching season one, so don't tell me anything! Although I could look up Wiki. But no! Don't tell me anything!

Another thing about TVD is that, it is not gripping television. But it's enough. The story has moments. At times, the football and cheerleaders thing are too meh to me and I don't really like it, but I get this is part of the high school culture in America. Some of the supporting characters are too similar -- the other pretty boys. There is no key point of differentiation and I feel they are there to fill the gaps. Bonnie and Caroline are ok, I do like the witch aspects but they are not fully investing on it yet. I see Bonnie as the Chloe to Clark in Smallville, but will see. The season one finale was pretty good! Woot! Woot! 

As far as genre shows go, between TVD, True Blood and Being Human (US), I love Being Human the most. I think it's the emotion take on it, and there is something about Being Human, you know? With True Blood, I just can't get into it, I don't know what it is, but I just can't get into it. So, yes, TVD not gripping and I've been told it won't get any more gripping, but there is enough for me to keep watching.

My review of this week's Supernatural 'Taxi Driver' is coming. I won't write a review without watching it at least three times. So, it's coming.

Release Date: Supernatural Season Eight DVD/ Blu-ray

TV Show On DVD has released some information about Supernatural season eight DVD and Blu-ray. According to the website, the release date is September 10, 2013. This is the cover art they put on the website.

Remember, everything is subject to change. I think WB will release an official press release closer to date. Whatever they change, keep Dean's big arm in sight please. 

You can now pre-order it on Amazon.

Review: Supernatural 'Freaks and Geeks'

The Apple Dumpling Gang! I don't know how Dean came to make that reference. Same way he made any other references, I guess.

After Adventure in Babysitting, it was a matter of time Krissy would pop up again. Her teenage thing was very teenager-y, which was a good thing to have on the show because it added diversity. Apart from Dean and Sam, other supporting/ regular character is very unique. I appreciate the creative process a lot more after I started watching...never mind. I say this very often but I am going to say it again -- the writers of Supernatural are still taking me to writing school after all these years! 

Freaks and Geeks was a good episode with some good character development. It was just the kind of solid filler episode we needed in between Goodbye Stranger and Taxi Driver, which have high emotional intensity. I welcome a filler episode, in fact, I think I need to watch Plucky or something with Garth in it to calm myself before next week's Taxi Driver -- "Are you talking to me?"

Freaks and Geeks gave us an insight into the hunters community. The story focused on human and their motifs. It's a very rare kind of episode for Supernatural, but it's good to see the writers haven't forgotten what Supernatural is about -- a drama about people. It's one of those things that I love about the storytelling technique of Supernatural. We all know why Dean and Sam got into hunting at a young age. The show focuses on their perspectives. Through out the series other hunters are introduced, they too have their reasons for becoming hunters. Freaks and Geeks explored this angle by involving Victor who was a very confused guy about what was right and wrong. Thank goodness the brothers came to the rescue, saved the day and the kids.

Awhile ago, I discussed my thoughts about how Supernatural is constructing a strong supporting gang. We don't have to label it, but Dean and Sam being the hybrid of the Men of Letters and elite hunters, they ARE building their own Justice League, X Men and Avengers! Right? We have the humans -- Garth, Charlie, Kevin, Jody and Krissy. We have the supernatural beings -- Castiel, Benny, witches and Meg. It's known that Supernatural has a thing about killing their cast. But not this season (not yet anyway)! I think Krissy's story fits right in perfectly. Her father was a hunter, who was killed by a vampire. Krissy was part of someone else's agenda. She is smart, she has the skills and the potentials to become a very good hunter, but she has the freedom to choose her own destiny.

Supernatural is not a horror or fantasy show, it's about people and humanity. What makes human 'human' is our ability to identify what's right and wrong. Sometimes other people guide us into the right and wrong direction. Other time we have to figure things out ourselves. If we look at the brothers' character stuff, this is how I see it. 

The first half of the series focused on the brothers growing up, finding their own identities, they were supported by a bunch of Obiwon/ Yoda like characters (John, Bobby and Ellen) who were mentors and elders to them. And then the brothers met new friends and foes along the way that challenged their perspectives. The brothers found themselves in crazy situations, and the only way to get things done -- saving people, hunting things -- was to use everything Dad taught them. Most situations they got themselves into changed their lives and perspectives forever. They'd gone through a very sad, dark and lonely period, and both Dean and Sam had their way of overcoming these emotions. In season six and seven, the brothers went through a major transition period. After everyone and everything had been taken away from them, the brothers were completely destroyed emotionally. But like Fawkes, they were reborn from the ashes.

And now, in season eight, a very mature period in the history of the show, the brothers have taken on a new role. They are still the Dean and Sam we know, but there's more. I think they are maturing into leaders and I can't think of any other hunters in the business who are experienced and good enough to take on that role. And we really see a bit of this in Freaks and Geeks.

What I love about this episode is the way Dean's mentality is written -- hunting wasn't always about revenge. After everything he had been through, Dean has definitely evolved from the 'they are monsters, we want them dead, they want us dead' phase. There is definitely no more 'if it's supernatural, we kill it, end of story.' Dean is still very Dean, but I think he's matured. He is still the cowboy, but he is also a man of reasons, which clearly differentiates Dean from other hunters such as Martin and Gordon who only sought revenge.

I think what's interesting to me is that, it'd always been someone like Bobby who gave Dean and Sam guidance. The brothers do their own things and they save people, end of story. Now we see the brothers took on this mentor role unknowingly and past on some wisdom to the younger folks. Freaks and Geeks definitely show more of what Dean is capable in doing as a mature hunter, a mentor, a thinker, a protector. I think Dean cares a lot about people (sometimes too much) -- Sam, close friends or innocent people. Freaks and Geeks definitely showed that side of Dean. And Dean is definitely becoming this guy who is a (hot) father figure to the younger generation of hunters, and he doesn't even know it! Unlike Dean, Sam still reckons it's still possible to be hunter and have a normal life, and I think this idea won't leave Sam as long as he is alive.

Next week's Taxi Driver is going to be epic and intense! It's going to be epic and intense. Have I mentioned it? Epic and intense?

8.19 Taxi Driver  

SAM AND DEAN FACE THE SECOND TRIAL — Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) respond to a call from Kevin (guest star Osric Chau), who is terrified after hearing Crowley’s (guest star Mark Sheppard) voice in his head. After hearing Kevin’s news, Sam and Dean team up with reaper named Ajay (guest star Assaf Cohen), who helps them deal with the second trial from the Tablet. Meanwhile, Dean receives a visit from Naomi (guest star Amanda Tapping) and realizes he must find Benny (guest star Ty Olsson) and ask for a huge favor. Guy Bee directed the episode written by Eugenie Ross-Leming & Brad Buckner.

Arrow Coming to Australia's Channel Nine

Australia, Arrow is finally coming to free TV -- Channel Nine. I have been pretty excited for it since the end of last year when I saw Channel Nine playing the ad to promo Arrow. But they never announced the air date, they still haven't! But it's definitely happening AFTER EASTER! I hate this strategy with a passion.

Frigging hell! Just tell us already! I've watched enough TV on Aussie TV networks to know this -- it is known, if the rating sucks, they will chang date and time, or worst cancel it before you know it. I hope Channel Nine will stick with Arrow. 

The way Aussie TV networks schedule their programs with the 'hope for the best' and 'whatever' attitude astonish me! If you bought the show, stick with it! Glee is moved from Channel Ten (main network) to Channel Eleven (it's secondary/ HD network), and Channel Seven still hasn't announced the air date for Once Upon A Time.  

Supernatural is pretty well supported by Channel Eleven because fans fought for it. It has a fix time and Channel Eleven actually tells us when it's back and when it's back, they stick to the Monday 8:30pm time slot. Eleven is doing a great job in building Monday nights as the horror nights -- we got Supernatural, American Horror Story and I hope they will bring Begin Human back, which usually happens after a season run of Supernatural. When there is no Supernatural or AHS, Eleven will put on horror movies. 

Anyway, I hope Australia will like Arrow because I do. 

And I hate to see Stephen Amell to get famous in Australia for something else other than Arrow, because he is really good at Oliver Queen/ Green Arrow. He was born to play this role. And I hope he doesn't do the career-ruining 50 Shades movie.

Revolution Returns - Kripke Speaks!

So, after how months, Revolution is back on Monday 25 March on NBC. It has been a long hiatus, but if I can survive the hiatus of Game of Thrones, I can survive any hiatus! I think the show is interesting and it has a lot of potential. I support genre, I support Eric Kripke, I love Elizabeth Mitchell. 

Kripke recently gave a great interview about Revolution and the possibility of bringing in Jim Beaver and Misha Collins in as guest stars. He also mentioned that Mark Pellegrino will be back. I am excited! Can he bring Rob Benedict, Matt Cohen and Richard Speight Jr to guest star too? Anyone who is dead on Supernatural basically! They can be the Ben Linus, Daniel Faraday and Desmond Hume on Revolution. 

You can read the interview on IGN.

Also a big shout out to my friend Nicole at TV For The Rest Of Us for her articles about Revolution and the recent webisodes.

Review: Supernatural 'Goodbye Stranger'

"We are family. We need you. I need you."

Dean Winchester

Thank goodness Supernatural is back and my life is back to some sort of order. I have been so looking forward to watching Goodbye Stranger. Part of me was excited, but part of me was scared. I was excited because I knew this episode would be epic and intense, I was very much looking forward to the development of the story and the return of Megstiel. Shut up! I was scared because I knew Dean and Cas would have some sort of confrontation that was bloody. If my favourite musical taught me anything, Cas has been changed for good because he knew Dean. Dean has re-written Cas' life by being his friend. This is something Naomi would never understand, no matter how many times Cas has killed Dean during his training session. The last time we saw Cas causing a catastrophic annihilation was when he killed the angels in Meet the New Boss. The opening scene of Goodbye Stranger certainly has the same effect. But you and I both knew, Cas would never kill Dean, but it was the 'how' that intrigued me the most. 

There are so many things to talk about. Let me start by talking about the confrontation between Dean and Cas a bit more. The opening scene certainly set the tone for the episode extremely well. Ever since A Slice of Kevin, I have been asking myself, what would happen when Dean found out about Naomi who had been controlling Cas? I was wondering if Dean would go all 'I can't believe you are lying to me again', but I prefer him not to, otherwise it'd be season six all over again. I was wondering if Cas would continue to be controlled and lie to Dean, but I prefer not to as I don't want this to drag longer than it should. I wanted an ending to this particular part of the story. 

I think Jeremy Carver is doing really good with the structure of the overall story, he has been giving us small arcs, solving them, and then giving us enough to move forward to the next arc. It's very Kripke like. Turned out, Naomi needed her best soldier to be re-programed and trained to do his job. Angels were soldiers, as Cas had told us in Are You There God, It's Me, Dean Winchester. I like the progression of this part of the story, it was a nice call back to the previous seasons and the angel mytho. It also moved things along to the next phase of the story. I think Robbie Thompson put his heart and soul into writing this episode and I love that. There wasn't a dull moment from the moment the episodes started. This episodes have plenty of great lines and pop culture references.

The way Cas and Dean confronted each other was epic. I am really proud of Cas, he resisted and defied Naomi the same way he responded to Zachariah in Lucifer Rising when Cas chose Dean over heaven. That scene, to me, was life-changing for Cas because of Dean. After everything that had happened since season six, after everything Cas had experienced emotionally, this was what these friends had come to -- they are family, they need each other. Yes, Cas had made Dean very angry with all the betrayals and lies, but I think Dean was pissed because Cas could've come to Dean for help -- 'why didn't you talk to me if you were confused?' 'why did you not ask for my help when you needed it the most?' -- it wasn't the case of the simple 'oh you bastard, you lie to me' like a ten year old. I think Cas wanted to experience his humanity independently without anyone telling him how to think and what to do, and he thought he was doing the right thing. But he didn't realise how complicated human emotions were and he screwed up. What saved Cas was Dean's persistence as a friend. Dean never gave up on Cas, he saved his friend from darkness, Purgatory and confusion. Naomi had underestimated the depth of BFF! 

Life won't be the same again for Cas now that the angel tablet is in his possession. Cas still feels incredible guilty but he will have time to process his feelings. Cas continues to intrigue me because he brings different perspectives and dynamic to the show. I can't wait to see the next chapter and how Cas' role will progress with the highly valuable angel tablet. The closing scene with Supertramp's Goodbye Stranger symbolised the very human side of Cas. It was somewhat very poetic too. The song was about a guy not wanting a relationship. You and I know, this won't the last time we see this angel of the lord.

So, what do you think about Naomi? One thing for sure, she doesn't take crap from Crowley. I like that she just walked away when Crowley was about to propose a deal. Working with demons were unclean. What role will she play when Metatron makes his appearance before the season ends? This isn't be the last time we see Naomi, she will return in 8.19 Taxi Driver. I don't think she will give up on finding Cas and the angel tablet. She is going to keep an eye on Dean and Sam, because they are her only link for finding Cas and the angel tablet. I like Naomi as a character on the show, I think she is a mystery box and she is the kind of character the writers want to keep in the side pocket. I like the balance between the leaders of Angel (Naomi) and Demon (Crowley), and Dean, Sam and Cas are smack in the middle of it.

Can we talk about Megstiel? Do you think she is really dead? May be Cas went back and heal her? I have sent a few tweets about this -- is it weird that I love Meg and Cas together? It's so totally wrong but it's so intriguing and…cute! I love how flirtatious Cas and Meg had been since Caged Heat. The pizza man reference was hilarious! But there is more to this relationship and this is how I interpret it. Meg has been, and I quote my friends on Twitter, the most consistent female character on the show. I add, she is one of the most underrated characters on the show. She has been around since season one, she has been super bad. She was doing all sorts of bad things to survive. She chose the right leaders to follow to ensure her own survival. But they were all defeated by the same people -- Dean and Sam.

So Meg considered herself 'good'. It's complicated, like she said. Meg turned to the fighting with the 'good side' -- the Winchesters and the angel -- because she wanted to be free. This has been a recurring theme for awhile -- putting humanity into monsters and see what happened. I won't say fans would now all forgive what Meg did to Ellen and Jo in Abandon All Hope. But she wasn't Ruby and she wasn't pretentious like Ruby. She was the second in charge for many big bads including Lucifer and Yellow Eyed, and they lost. I think Cas changed her way of thinking. May be part of her believed that she can be saved by the angel. This is weird, but this is her way being in love with Cas and the idea of being free. She did refer Cas as 'my unicorn'. After Sam told her his story, she connected her own emotional experience and it was very Cas influenced.

Rachel is tiny.

Rachel Miner's Meg is my favourite Meg. I didn't think much of Meg nor the actresses who played her. But she had been growing on me since Caged Heat. I think the Megstiel thing really got me and it's fascinating. And she was really changing. During Goodbye Stranger, I was like, OK, she is going to betray the boys now! Now! Oh wait! What about now? Ah.. now? But she never! It's a very strange 'love story' between her and Cas, one I did not see coming until season seven. I need a rewatch of their episodes.

Let's talk about Sam. I was half expected Dean will go super angry on Sam when he found out about Sam coughing out blood and didn't tell him. Not super angry anyway, I think Dean understood why Sam lied to him. Dean knew all along this won't be easy and Dean knew Sam wasn't doing great, he just didn't know what. Dean just came straight out and said no more lies. And Sam was honest about his condition. He just didn't want his big brother to worry.

One moment please...

But oh was Dean worried? At the end of the day, LOTRs saved the day, "I may not be able to carry the burden that comes with these trials, but I can carry you." Adorable! Dean was the over protected big brother but he had every reason to be. And I think that's why Sam didn't tell him half the stuff he did in the past, because he knew how Dean would react. But let's move on! And that's what this episode did… everyone moved on.

Crowley was super Crowley in this episode. Mark Sheppard was just so good to watch on screen. His one-liners were awesome and you have to be stoned to write his lines! I really like that fact that Crowley isn't like Lucifer or Yellow Eyed Demon or Lillith. Crowley is a businessman and an opportunist, and he knows how to do business. He is smart and he loves to talk. He is a lover. Yeah right! But seriously he is good. He is really good! What will he do now?

I think Goodbye Stranger was a very important and super solid episode. This wrapped the middle act I think. And now, with six episodes to go before season eight ends, I think we are going into the final act with some really materials. It's going to be seriously epic. 

Konnichiwa

Next week, Madison McLaughlin returns as Krissy in Freaks and Geeks. It looks like a filler episode on paper, but what do I know?!

8.18 Freaks and Geeks  

SAM AND DEAN RUN ACROSS A NEW AND UNUSUAL TEAM OF HUNTERS — Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) investigate some recent vampire kills and are surprised to learn Krissy Chambers (guest star Madison McLaughlin) is involved. They find Krissy and learn her father was killed and she’s been taken in by a man named Victor (guest star Adrian Hough), who has taken in a group of orphan kids to teach them how to hunt. Victor is helping the teenagers find the vampires who took their parents so they can get revenge. Sam is intrigued by Victor’s method of giving the teenagers a home life as well as a hunting life, but Dean is suspicious of Victor’s motives. John F. Showalter directed the episode written by Adam Glass.

Supernatural Returns - Goodbye Stranger

Oh hey.. Supernatural returns tonight (March 20) on the CW with Goodbye Stranger.

TV Fanatic has done a great preview interview with Misha Collins. Check it out here. It's not too spoilery. As expected Misha would never give us.. well.. anything! I really can't wait to watch this episode. It has epic and game-changing written all over it. I am looking forward some kick-ass performance from the cast, I am looking forward to brilliant dialogues and I am looking forward to how the story progresses from this point onwards.

Episode synopsis -- Goodbye Stranger:

SAM, DEAN, CASTIEL AND MEG TEAM UP AGAINST CROWLEY AND HIS DEMONS — Castiel (Misha Collins) reappears in Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean’s (Jensen Ackles) life and tells them Crowley (guest star Mark Sheppard) has unleashed several demons into a small town. The demons are looking for Lucifer’s Crypt, which holds a valuable asset, but Castiel lies to Sam and Dean about what it is. While interrogating a demon, the three discover Crowley has been torturing Meg (guest star Rachel Miner), who knows the exact location of the crypt. Sam and Meg fight to hold Crowley off while Dean and Castiel go in search of the crypt. Thomas J. Wright directed the episode written by Robbie Thompson.


The extended promo:




The preview:

Game of Thrones: New Promos and Photos

 

EW has released some more photos from the recent photo shot of some cast members of Game of Thrones. I need Jon and Dany to fulfill their destiny now! Cousins!

I don't know the reasons behind doing this particular shoot -- could be star power, could be fan favourite related, could be story related.. but putting Jon and Dany together for this photo shoot would only enable fans like me to read more crazy but totally possible theories about Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. I can't.. I just can't wait! Just tell me already WHO IS JON SNOW'S PARENT! 

Source: EW

Here are the new Game of Thrones promos:

'The Beast'



'War'

Supernatural 'Taxi Driver'; Episode Titles Update

Cas: "I knew it was you all along." Ted: "No, you didn't."

I am very excited about this episode. Read it and you will know why! 

Description 8.19 Taxi Driver

SAM AND DEAN FACE THE SECOND TRIAL — Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) respond to a call from Kevin (guest star Osric Chau), who is terrified after hearing Crowley’s (guest star Mark Sheppard) voice in his head. After hearing Kevin’s news, Sam and Dean team up with reaper named Ajay (guest star Assaf Cohen), who helps them deal with the second trial from the Tablet. Meanwhile, Dean receives a visit from Naomi (guest star Amanda Tapping) and realizes he must find Benny (guest star Ty Olsson) and ask for a huge favor. Guy Bee directed the episode written by Eugenie Ross-Leming & Brad Buckner. Source: KSiteTV

So, ok, here is what I think.... I get the connection between Dean, Sam, Crowley, Kevin and Naomi, but Benny? They are involving Benny in what I see as a mytho heavy episode. OMFG! I cannot wait! I love Benny. Season eight is progressing epically in ways I cannot explain. OK.. I can, but I'll leave my thoughts to later.

Here is an update on episode titles:

8.01  We Need to Talk About Kevin

8.02  What's Up, Tiger Mommy?

8.03  Heartache 

8.04  Bitten 

8.05  Blood Brother

8.06  Southern Comfort 

8.07  A Little Slice of Kevin

8.08  Hunteri Heroici 
8.09 Citizen Fang

8.10 Torn and Frayed 

8.11 LARP and the Real Girl

8:12 As Time Goes By
8.13 Everyone Hates
8.14 Trial And Error
8.15 Man's Best Friend With Benefits
8.16 Remember The Titans
8.17 Goodbye Stranger
8.18 Freaks and Geeks
8.19 Taxi Driver
8.20 Pac-Man Fever
8.21 The Great Escapist  
8.22 Clip Show
 

Source: SpoilerTV

Counting Down to Season Three of Game of Thrones

I am counting down to March 31 for season three of Game of Thrones. Check out the cover of the latest EW -- Jon and Dany! I need to read more fanfics.

If you can get your hands on this, do it! Watch the TV series while drinking this Game of Thrones-inspired beer. Source: International Business Times