The Walking Dead: Season 2 Episode 10 - 18 Miles Out

Hello fellow Walkers!  Well, if anyone has been starving for action on this show, I think the latest episode paid out in huge dividends!  It was a more focused story on our 2 former cops settling out some issues in a confrontation that was long overdue.  For anyone who was tired of the farm action (or non-action), there was only a small storyline there.  A relevant storyline to some overall themes of the show that have been resonating.  And there was even a little excitement there to get people's blood pumping.  Overall, a very good effort from the Walking Dead gore factory.  Now, I've heard rumors that this second half of episodes were created after former showrunner Frank Darabount exited and Glenn Mazzara took over.  That may be true on paper, but I'm pretty sure the season was intentionally laid out to start slow and heat up by the end.  Anyway, I feel like a broken record every week with this intro so let's just get into the recap!  I'm short on time so this will be quick!

Fringe: Season 4 Episode 14 - The End of All Things

WOW!! Just WOW!  That is what good television looks like people.  If anyone out there thought season 4 started off slow, I would think a majority of them should feel that it's all paying off now.  The show-runners and writers are weaving a pretty brilliant story for us throughout this season.  This episode was very poignant in advancing the season's story as well as the entire series story.  Questions about the Observers that we have had for years have finally been answered.  It seems like the answer for what they were was one of various theories we've been throwing around.  But WHY September has been so invested in the Bishops?  We only knew half of the story.  I just love when things come together folks.  And things came together in a fantastic way.  And now, I just hope that this show can get a proper send-off before abruptly ending at the end of this season.

Speaking of which, for anyone on Twitter, there is a campaign going on during the airings of each episode (and a little before too).   It's an effort to get certain Hashtags trending and prove that there is a large and loyal fan base watching Fringe live.  A few shout-outs to Nissan Leaf (a sponsor of Fringe) were thrown into the tweets too.  Pretty clever.  There are explicit instructions on how it should be done, so I will link you over to Fringenuity if you'd like to get involved.  In case you want to know how effective it is....#LoveIsTheAnswer was the top trend last night nationally and across the globe while Fringe was airing!  Pretty darn cool.  So, if you want to help out in 4 weeks when Fringe returns, the Fringe fandom would be most appreciative!   We'll have 8 straight weeks to get the SUITS' attention!

Enough advertising for now.  Let's get into the recap!

Alcatraz: Season 1 Episode 7 - Johnny McKee

Hello fellow inmates!  Alcatraz still has my curiosity peaked 7 episodes in.  Interesting criminal stories, interesting guard "story" and interesting surrounding cast that may or may not be involved in this mystery.    TV Guide had a good interview with the executive producers today discussing burning questions the fans are having.  It's mainly the stuff we've been wondering about.  Some of the mysteries introduced and what should be considered "season" mysteriess vs. "series" mysteries.  I recommend the read!  With that out of the way let's talk a little bit about tonight's episode!

The Walking Dead: Season 2 Episode 9 - Triggerfinger

Welcome Dead Heads!  So, was that episode a little better for everyone?  The intensity most certainly picked up.  The gore factor was at a level that we've come to expect on the show.  (There was at least one sequence where I almost turned my head)  Yet still, all of the story-building that happened in the first half of the season continued to play out in a way that, to me, was more meaningful due to the time they took in setting it up.  I'm sure season 3 will do a better job with pacing to keep all of the fans more satisfied, but I have no issues with the journey we have been taken on this season.  The crazy thing is, this show must be one that fans LOVE to be frustrated with.  The ratings keep growing at an exponential rate!  It's nuts!  Okay, let's get into a quick dissection of the episode.

Fringe: Season 4 Episode 13 - A Better Human Being

Have I mentioned to you guys how hooked I am on Fringe these days!?  Okay, I know, I pretty much have mentioned it after every new episode has aired over the last couple years.  But, WOW.  Last night's episode was another fantastic progression of the story this season, as well as a solid individual case.  And, I'm guessing if anyone watched the previews for next week they couldn't be more excited about what the show FINALLY is going to discuss at length.  But, we'll get to that next week.  This week we have to ponder what on earth was happening at the end of the episode!?  (As well as everything that preceded it, duh.)  So, let's not waste time and get into our usual dissection of yet another fantastic hour of television.

Alcatraz: Season 1 Episode 6 - Paxton Petty

Welcome back to the Rock everyone!  We had another thriller of a manhunt complete with twists and advancements on the giant mystery.  You can tell they're looking to find a good balance of "prisoner of the week" stories vs. overall story.  And it seems like they're finally finding some good uses for Jorge Garcia's comic relief.  I'm enjoying the ride every Monday night and hope to continue doing so!  Let's get into breaking down some of the stuff in this episode.  

Note: Still having issues with my screenshot software so I apologize once again! 

The Walking Dead: Season 2 Episode 8 - Nebraska

Welcome back Walkers!  It has only been a few weeks in the scheme of things but it seems like ages since what the producers are referring to as "BARNAGEDDON!!"  What a great cliffhanger to end things on and what a way to pick things up again!  I'll happily give this Season 2.5 premiere a giant WOW, but I'm sure others will complain about the pacing again and lack of "walker activity."   But, we have been assured by the producers of the show that the zombie count will get much higher as this season draws to a close.  Anyone that knows me knows that I'm all for the slow burn leading to an epic showdown that holds more resonance since we're more invested in the characters taking part.  But, if anyone thought there was tension missing from last night's episode, I think it's time to admit you're watching the wrong show.  Because, just when you think things are safe, we are forced to rethink our definition of safety!  And that's where I'll leave my overall thoughts and we'll dive into the details. 

I am a bit pressed for time today so I'll give some quick bullets and let you guys fill the rest in in the comments!  I may be close to resolving my issues with grabbing screenshots, but I ran out of time this morning to actually get them done so I apologize once again!  Let's head into the recap.

Fringe: Season 4 Episode 12 - Welcome to Westfield

Welcome Fringe fanatics!  I have to tell you, this season just keeps getting better and better.  And with last night's episode the show was at an all-time high!  The case of the week perfectly captured the essence of the overall theme of this season and opened the door to other possibilities for what on earth is going on.  There is a tried and true saying that I live by with shows like this (and LOST).  Sometimes you just have to be patient and TRUST THE WRITERS!  They know what they're doing most of the time, and they take their time doing it.  It has taken them 12 episodes to weave together a plot that is starting to tie together the fallout from the season 3 cliffhanger.  I am more than thrilled with the direction it's all going and I just hope we'll have a chance to go through this turmoil again next year with a 5th season!  But, let's not get ahead of ourselves.   Plenty to discuss in this one first!

Disclaimer: I am still having major issues with my screen capture software.  So I apologize for the lack of many pictures.

Alcatraz: Season 1 Episode 5 - Guy Hastings

Hello Alcatrazians!  Well, this was probably the best episode to date and shows a lot of potential for its future.  In class JJ Abrams form, our main characters are more integral to the central plot than they even realized.  (This is why I have faith that Hurley/Soto will eventually get a meatier part in this story)  So Monday night television just got 2 times as busy for me so let's not waste any time.  To the Briefcap!

Fringe: Season 4 Episode 11 - Making Angels

Hello everyone and WOW!  I had heard that we were in for some good stuff with last night's episode but it exceeded my expectations.  Episodes like last night is what makes season 4's overall plot totally worth it for me.  There is a larger plot going on here folks and we peered into the eyes of the observers and it was fantastic!  Definitely things to discuss and I'll get to them.  But let me preface letting everyone know that I'm currently on baby duty.  I've spent a couple hours feeding him and trying to get him to sleep!  Finally, he's lying peacefully in his carseat next to me.  We'll see how long that lasts!  In other words, I'm going to be as brief as possible, but I've been finding "getting to the point" instead of blabbing on forever a bit rewarding!  Speaking of blabbing on, I just realized I'm doing it again!  Let's get started.