Monday, April 4, 2016

TV Discussion: April 2016

Hello fellow TV Addicts! This is our place for discussion of all non-recapped shows.  With The Walking Dead wrapped up I figure this post will hold us until Game of Thrones starts later this month.  See you in the comments!

99 comments:

Anonymous said...

Grimm--so did Juliette/Eve/Renard just go through a sex change? And seriously when Adalind went to answer Nick's phone it was too predictable to be her/him. And Nick saw it wasn't an emergency for him to come over right away. Nothing on the Wu front bothers me a little re the bite/scratch.


Batman V Superman

OK, we saw it this weekend and thought it better than SW. For sure closer to canon and made more sense. And that's even taking into account the silly stuff Batman was up to re Superman--nobody bought into that making sense. And so the whole movie was hurt with that storyline causing several eye rolls.
Good Stuff
1. Cavil/Adams--I thought in reading other reviews has been missed as a strong point. Their relationship and depth was probably the best part of the entire movie. Their acting I think has been under appreciated.
2. Ben Afleck actually did a good job as Batman while Batman's storyline was weak vs Superman.
3. The WW actor did a good job.
4. Irons as Alfred was great!

Bad Stuff
1. Storyline referenced above made worse by spending too much time trying to justify it.
2. Lex--actor was almost child like.
3. Lasoo of truth holding the huge monster was too much and WW flying is ridiculous--there's a reason she has an invisible jet--lol.
4. Superman being dead and buried was kind of ridiculous. Nobody thought he was dead watching the movie and it went on and on. I think they could have picked a MUCH better storyline to show the change in public opinion of Superman back to being in support of him. And no body in the other casket just doesn't work for an official state type burial. Too many ways that story would get out!

Seriously, I think writers/producers/directors are asking too much of the audiences into believing stuff that just doesn't make sense in several "big movies". SW is another example.

I guess it would be a 5/6 if not for the Cavil/Adams effort which made me feel like it could have been an 8.

Richard




Mike V. said...

Grimm - I thought Juliette/Eve did the same thing she did when she became Adalind. They even showed the flashback to that scene.

Sleepy - I should've stayed with my 100% sureness on betsy ross!! lol I'm not finished the episode but they're in the other realm and she's alive. And we totally knew the DAD knew about this magical world!

BvS (spoiler warning) - I'm not getting into a pissing match between Star Wars and Batman. 2 different movies and franchises (okay I compared more than I thought). But for which I enjoyed more and found more coherent? I'd definitely say Star Wars. And it has nothing to do with bias. It was just a better made movie. BvS was too long and at times made NO sense. And don't get me started on the "our mothers have the same name!! now we can be friends!" moment. I got the symbolism behind it, but it wasn't executed too great. Lex was awful...at least you pointed that out. I like Jesse Eisenberg, but not in that role.

I enjoyed the movie, but I thought it was WAAAAAY too dark. And I had that perception going into the movie. DC's approach to comic-book movies is the darker the better. You really can't make SUPERMAN dark. I get that it's a multi-movie arc and they're showing the origin of Superman into who he eventually becomes. I get that. But it's just tough to digest. The multiple dream sequences was kind of ridiculous. Batman purists will note that Batman actually killed and was willing to let his enemies die....this is an older angrier batman, but would he really break his #1 rule? I don't know. I'm not a batman purist. lol

The movie just tried to fit too much into one film because they're playing catch up with Marvel's head start into the avengers. Marvel took like 5 movies to build up to the avengers. DC used 2 to build to Justice League. And it felt like it.

The Superman plot was reminiscent (i.e. directly sourced from the 90s comic "The Death of Superman")...But, yes I agree that no one thought he would STAY dead. That's why it really didn't pack the emotional gut punch of say...I don't know HAN being stabbed with a light saber. (oh right I'm not comparing!!)

I've already laid out my defense for The Force Awakens so I'm not going to regurgitate. In summary...wait until the trilogy is complete before judging Rey's super force behavior. I think there's a reason for it. And I think there is precedent in Luke prior to his training as well. (not in the same extreme...but it was there in a new hope)

But yes...it's the problem with both movies...going into this you know you're signing up for MULTIPLE movies...not just the one you're watching. And that's kind of a bummer. You used to go to a movie and see a complete thought out story...now it's serialized and they force you to be okay with it. And it leads to the message board fodder of people complaining about this and that.

I'm all over the place. I agree with your 2-4 on good stuff. I'm actually excited for a Ben Affleck Batman movie. Irons is great in anything he does...Alfred is no exception. Wonder Women was fantastic. Cavil/Adams....it wasn't horrible. I've stated my opinion on the Dark Superman tone. Just doesn't work for me. I have read that Justice League will be much lighter in tone. The bad part is...it's still Zach Snyder directing.

Anonymous said...

Good point on Han being stabbed vs Superman being killed. And glad you brought up the 2 Martha's--it was yet another hard ask. I truly believe both movies were a let down and both could have easily been made a lot better with some storyline changes that could still capture the hearts of fans. I was not as much a fan of the Justice League as much as the individual character stories. JL was good every now and then in coming together for a bit event threat or something but it's hard to maintain each characters' specialness when they stay together and sometimes compete. Combining the darkness of Batman vs the "All American good guy" nature of Superman is tougher to do with film vs a comic book. And did you notice the young Bruce vs bats scenes? Makes me think we should see that in Gotham.

Grimm--Eve definitely did the "smoke monster" thing before re Adalind. But it had some negative consequences like making her a hexenbeast as I recall. So, her being a man who is also a wessen should have big consequences which can't be undone easily re the last time.

BTW, I find it very strange that there is nobody around many times in the HQ facility where she works for Meisner.

Richard

Mike V. said...

BvS - I did notice the young bruce vs. bat scenes...but of course Again it was a dream sequence...he was flying among the bats! I'm sure it was based on what actually happened to him falling in the cave and all that though. Oh speaking of Gotham....how about this for some trivia....Paul Reubens also played Oswald Cobblepot's father in Batman Returns (Keaton). That's pretty funny! I still say TFA was not a disappointment, but I understand what you're saying. I'm totally excited to pick up the Blu-ray tomorrow. I can't wait to watch the making of documentary.

Grimm - Agreed on the consequences with Eve. Funny on the HQ facility....they probably didn't have those resources on the callsheet but wanted to use the set. lol

Mike V. said...

AFTER THE THRONES - HA!! Hey Richard, remember that grantland podcast that we had a big argument about the credibility of one of the guys? I actually think it was Game of Thrones related when I told you to listen to it. Anyway...they actually are going to host their own HBO AFTER SHOW now...thanks to Bill Simmons getting a deal with HBO after his fallout with ESPN. Since Grantland went in the tubes...all of these guys aligned with Simmons and created a new podcast network...and it looks like they'll tie into HBO for stuff too. I know I just said I wouldn't watch after shows...but I'll totally watch these guys for Thrones. I always love listening to their podcasts. I don't always agree with their critiques on things, but they are entertaining.

https://medium.com/hbo-cinemax-pr/hbo-and-bill-simmons-team-up-for-after-the-thrones-91a5324383b1#.1oq08eg0b

Mike V. said...

NCAA - How bout that Nova game??? Insane. Thankfully, because of that game there were no new shows on Monday so I was able to catch up on stuff and get back to my Game of Thrones rewatch. (still never going to watch all 5 seasons before 4/24!)

Sleepy - So I guess they killed off Joe?? They clearly showed that wound on the opposite side of the heart, so maybe there's some kind of hope. (TV rules and all lol) But I did see interviews with the actor so who knows? But, totally called Betsy Ross joining the fold! (as mentioned yesterday) And yes...I know this stuff isn't rocket science.

American Idol - Never too late for everyone to watch the Series Finale festivities. They start tonight with a retrospective. Tomorrow is the final performances and Thursday night is the grand finale. All I can say is...it'll be bittersweet when it's over but I'm thrilled I don't have to write about it anymore!!! It was the one show I could never quit, but always wanted to! lol

Anonymous said...


Save our Shows poll. Only 3 I was interested in keeping--Grinder, Limitless and kind of Castle

http://www.usatoday.com/pages/interactives/sos-2016/


NCAA--I actually didn't watch because it wasn't on a broadcast network. Only cable. I'm not a big fan of either team so that wasn't hard. But, it took so much effort to figure out it wasn't on CBS or any other major network that by the time I found it, I said the heck with it. Am I supposed to read the minds of the networks and just by osmosis know what channel the game is on. To me an example of network hubris on many fronts. So, what profile is TNT/TBS now? An NBA/NCAA outlet, a turner network or just confused. I used to work with the people at those networks in Atlanta btw.

Caught the ending this morning though--a classic for sure. Nova was my pick btw.

Richard

Mike V. said...

NCAA - mine too...they are a local team of course but I actually won my bracket by having Nova and UNC in the finals. I know nothing about NCAA Basketball but I knew Nova was the real deal this year.

I was surprised that TBS had the games this year too. But it was actually handled pretty well. They had the games on 3 channels and you could actually watch the team stream for each...so you could follow the local Villanova announcers to get the biased calls for the game. lol

I mean...I never know what channel anything is on anymore when it comes to awards shows and sports. I use the guide and scroll through until I see it. Or I search my DVR and just hit record. lol

But I would've just assumed NCAA was on CBS because it had been for so long.

Anonymous said...

It fell 30% and UNC has a big following, more than Kentucky.

http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/ncaa-mens-basketball-title-game-ratings-tumble-on-cable-1201745947/

It's not good for the sport nor for the fans.

Richard

Mike V. said...

Not good, but the games will still be watched in general. People will always gamble on these games and will find ways to watch. I'm sure streaming stats aren't reported in those numbers and the games were certainly available on many streaming platforms as well. I know I saw it advertised on my Apple TV for example. And you know the youngens these days like to watch on their devices.

But yes...I'm sure part of it was the fact that it wasn't on CBS as well. I'm sure NFL took a hit when they moved to ESPN instead of ABC for Monday Night Football. I certainly stopped watching as often because that meant more prime time shows on the networks at the same time. It's just all part of the changing landscape of TV.

Granted...it is funny that my shows that I usually watch weren't on last night so there was no competition for me to actually watch the National Championship.

Anonymous said...

Streaming is possible when broadcast on CBS. It's all in how they set it up.

Turner just bid more. It's all about the money. But, this is a short sighted pursuit. The bigger money won't be there with the smaller audiences. IE, the NFL, NCAA, NBA in the near term selling the games to be shown via unconventional cable channels at a price premium are for the future going to cause audience degredation vs what would have been.

I know from seeing up close with FOX taking over NFL NFC games that audience growth was a part of the deal. It wasn't just price paid.

Richard

Mike V. said...

NCAA - I know it was but it's becoming more prevalent every year...so it might lead to a ratings shift...just like network ratings are down for TV shows year after year. That said...the Superbowl still does monstrous numbers so who knows?? I'm sure it's largely due to the network change, but I'm sure the tournament will survive. lol

SHIELD - not a bad episode. Always love a good time travel twist.

OJ - Perfectly executed show right through to the end. Even though we knew the story, there was so much more there that shouldn't have been good but it was. The way they explored all of the characters involved. The amazing acting....the hidden facts they dug up that no one really knew about. And then executing the stuff we did know about but still being able to provide the tension. It was great and I can't recommend it enough to anyone who wants a 10 episode show to stream after the fact. Or wait for it to be on Netflix or something. lol Season 2 is going to be about Katrina....I don't know if it'll have the same impact but I'll withhold judgement until I see it based on this great series.

Force Awakens BluRay - Watched with the fam yesterday. Loved it just as much, if not more, than the 4 times I saw in the theater. Just gets better with each viewing. And the behind the scenes/making of features are excellent as well. Got choked up when they were curtain calling Harrison Ford's final scene.

MJ said...

Force Awakens - also picked up Blue ray and watched

Have no time to read all comments - swamped today. Hopefully I am not already posting stuf others did

GofT - see they are getting an after show as well. Might have to watch this as I'm often confused by who was just in the episode I saw. LOL We shall see though - this is getting too commen any more.

Sleepy - you were right by the way ! Betsy ross is in our time now.


Mike V. said...

MJ - you need to check my comments on Thrones and Sleepy above! lol But yes I was right on sleepy. But also said it wasn't too tough to figure out. lol

GofT - The Thrones aftershow is being hosted my that podcast duo that I listen to that Richard and I had a huge debate about at the end of last season. He claimed that they had no credibility to be discussing the show. And I tried to say that they're entertaining and are very educated in the TV industry. And now, because of their reputation, have gotten themselves an aftershow on Thrones. But this one is going to be straight to streaming and maybe EVENTUALLY will air on HBO. They'll go up online the day after. This is all part of Bill Simmons leaving ESPN and starting his own enterprise. He inked a deal with HBO himself to have a show and he's bringing his friends from former Grantland along with him.

MJ said...

Grimm - Juliette/Adalind did the same as Eve/Renard. LOL on sex change. I'd be curious to know what's under the hood.

Gof T - should have known that you would know already. LOL

Godd - you guys are all up in SvB - so I can skip many comments and catch up !

Sleepy - yup - Joe definitely dead. Actor says off the show.

Skipped all the NCAA too - but did see about the ratings. I am always the odd man out but I watched more after on ESPN because I think it started earlier (by half an hour) then the old monday night games.

Underground - any one watching ? Hearing great things. Think they have a marathon this weekend for catch up - only on 5th ep I think. This generations Roots. I'll tape and watch this summer

Saul - knew Mesa Verde would not go with Kim. As much of a jerk as Chuck is what he did was normal - keep the client. But what Jimmy did was baaaaad ! LOL

Mike V. said...

Star Wars Rogue One - Anyone watch the trailer? Looks pretty good!

BvS - Much more conversation than it deserves MJ! lol

Underground - Not sure I even heard of it??

Sleepy - That's crazy they killed him off. Guess the cast was getting a little too big with all these people "in the know" now. lol And Betsy Ross joining the fold.

MJ said...

Underground - on the WGN channel. LOL

Limitless - loved Rebecca on NZT.

Anonymous said...

Limitless--Was that the finale? Rebecca on NZT and Brian not getting any more of the NZT or the special formula to avoid side effects. Did it get renewed? I like the show, so it will probably get canceled.

Blacklist--Did ANYONE expect the wedding to happen? Glad the show is back. And now we find another group who isn't afraid of the all powerful cabal. Liz's Mom?

Vikings--So much happened. Kwinthreth being killed and her baby could have some repercussions when Judith's husband gets back. Judith is really a bad person. Odo down and Rollo up. I liked the Gisla/Rollo last night. I wonder if their child's name will be William? It's a big deal if so but would be early vs true history. And YES, YES, YES--the Vikings took their ships across land. It's one of the things that made their blue water excursions even more admirable. Harbard saying he takes on all the sins sounded kind of Christ like to me. He's going to be the father of a lot of those Kattegat kids. So much in this ep.

Richard

Mike V. said...

Vikings- Wasn't able to finish this morning. I think I'm about 20 minutes in for now. I'll catch up later!

Leslie said...

Gilmore Girls - Melissa will make an appearance as Sookie after all!

http://tvline.com/2016/04/07/melissa-mccarthy-gilmore-girls-returning-sookie-revival/

Mike V. said...

I can't believe there are 2 TV shows in recent memory that have characters named Sookie. LOL

MJ said...

Limitless finale is 2 parter on 19th and 26th of April. Thought renewed but not sure.

Americans - Warning - do not read if you have not seen the last 2 eps. Got behind on this one so watch the last 2 last night and man were they tense episodes ! Loved them trying to convince Pastor Tim that they are not the enemy. And it was seriously wrong of him to tell his wife. I knew that Phillip and Elizabeth were in no danger of dying but I thought Gabriel might. In this day and age Stan would have reported them for leaving their kids alone all night and day. And how creepy was Stan rifling thru Martha's belongings and takin pictures. Thought for sure he was going to find the picture of her and 'Clark'. And the guy (actor seen in a million things) who passed the Glanders - how scary was him cutting off the pay phone receiver! And Elizabeth really did a terrible job trying to reassure Paige. Loved the Korean woman - she was funny. Have to say I was kind of confused about the changes in Nina - out of no where it seems she has a serious case of lack of self centeredness. I always felt a little bad when all she did was illegallys end jeans home that she got sucked into all these games - but pretty quickly she seemed enjoy and thrive at it. But I did not see it coming that they actually execute her immediately after they tell her she will be executed shortly. Wow ! Read that Oleg's dad did actully try to help but was not successful.

Gilmore Girls - Yay - they got Sookie. But since it was like an after thought it's probably just a cameo. So - we're getting the final 4 words but they are like a cliff hanger? I don't even pretend to understand that ! Until this revival I had forgotten about Sookie on GG.

Arrow - I don't watch but was surprised they killed Katie Cassidy ! She was on from day one. I liked her in Supernatural and was devastated when she left to be on Arrow.

MJ said...

Gof T - totally forgot - see all the talk about the synapsis HBO put out today for the first ep ? Jon Snow is dead. LOL Yeah but it's called Red Woman. So where is that very large grain of salt please ? LOL

Mike V. said...

Americans - I'm caught up! Really good episodes I agree. Stan is definitely getting a littler creepier this season....and he definitely is suspecting his neighbors a little more for "SOMETHING"..... I thought Gabriel might die too.....and was SHOCKED when they offed Nina like that. So crazy. I'll admit though, I kind of tune out during the Russian dialogue scenes so I'm not always sure what's going on. lol

Didn't even think about the picture of Martha and Clark. Yeah...I really think Stan may get in the know this season, but then it'll be a whole season of him trying to nail them. I know they planned this as a 5 season show. What season are we in?? lol

GofT - I definitely saw that. It's the worst kept secret ever!!!

Anonymous said...

Grimm--Was kind of expecting Eve/Renard to get the redhead pregnant--lol. So,the stick can be good or bad--at least that's what I took from the readings. Wu having symptoms.

Richard

Mike V. said...

Sleepy - wtf???? Didn't even realize it was time for the season finale. I had saw some social media posts about a shocking episode. I'll wrote more later but had to at least make some kind of reaction. Lol

MJ said...

Americans - I think the 4th ?

Grimm - loved 'Renard' not being able to perform. they will just do anything to get that actor out of his shirt

Sleepy - I couldn't even get on this weekend cause I don't know what to say ! WTH indeed ! Did the actress want out or something ? I knew it was the finale but not HER finale.


Mike V. said...

Americans - the 4th what? episode? lol I forget if I asked something.

Grimm - Yeah...that was kinda out of left field!

Sleepy - I have no idea...one thing that makes me think it's only ABBIE'S end and not the actress is that there hasn't been any exit interviews with the actress. I call CLIFFHANGER! That said...the show hasn't been renewed yet so who knows what's going to happen?

FTWD - Didn't watch yet....not sure when/if I'll get to it. Let me know how it is anyone who watches!

GoT - Halfway through season 3...don't think I'm gonna make it! lol The season 6 premiere event was last night...Hibberd wrote a non spoilery thoughts on the episode. General consensus says it's AWESOME.

Mike V. said...

GoT - article I was referring to http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/11/game-thrones-season-6-premiere-screening

Leslie said...

FearTWD - We watched the first 6 last year, so we tuned in. Interesting to see how this group is already facing the desire to help others vs. keeping their own group safe. Watched Talking Dead after. The showrunner is saying they will delve into the characters' backstories more this season.

The Ranch - Anyone watched yet? It's a Netflix original comedy with Aston Kutcher, Debra Winger and Sam Elliott and one of the guys off the 70's show which I didn't watch so I don't know his name. The laugh track really irritated me in the beginning, but didn't notice it as much as we continued to watch. Another dysfunctional family with some complicated relationships and some pretty funny lines! Sam Elliott is the dad and he was great!

MJ said...

Americans - season. LOL

FTWD - very strong start. Agree Leslie - very quickly heading into do we stop and help others. I think the daughter just bought them a whole bunch of trouble. I really want Strands background

Grimm - I actually wondered for a short time if the Wesen didn't know that he was one. Did not see the small twist of it being his wife who was trying to save him. First thought the gold coins were silver a la judas Escariat. I still find it hard to believe that Renard would want to be on the side of the black claw. Interesting that the 2 words on the stick were miracle and danger.

Sleepy - wow - so read a bunch of stuff that was going on behind the scenes on this show - no wonder the actress wanted off. Though I'm ignoring all the racial stuff. EP has sorta said that Abbie Mills is done but hedged if we'd see Nicole Beharie in some way. Still blown away by it.

Ranch - will look at it over the summer. R rated comedy worth a try.

Hunters starts tonight on SyFy and Game of Silence is getting pretty good reviews - starts some time this week on one of the regular networks. Ugh - House of Lies, Veep and Silicone Valley all back in next few weeks besides GofT.

Mike V. said...

Americans - Wow....can't believe I forgot that! lol

Ranch - Ugh...more Netflix originals...didn't even hear about this one!! lol

FTWD - Good to hear it's a strong start. I may check it out later in the week.

Grimm - Good to see Ethan from LOST branching out a bit. I did think for awhile he didn't know he was a wesen as well. yep, Miracle and Danger. Kinda like MAGIC on any other show...it comes with a price. lol

Sleepy - Ahh I haven't read any of that. I just don't believe she's off the show until I see confirmation!

Game of Silence - I set the TiVo for that one. A lot of people think it sounds like the movie Sleepers...but it's based off some Turkish novel.

HBO stuff - Yep...I really need to watch VEEP from the beginning...but just haven't had time. I'll definitely be watching GofT and Silicon Valley!

Mike V. said...

Episodes - Just saw an article that production of season 5 is going to start soon and that it will be the final season (the showrunners wanted to end it because they will have told their full story they set out to tell. The network would've had it on forever....as Showtime does with every show! lol

http://tvline.com/2016/04/11/episodes-cancelled-no-season-6-showtime/)

Anonymous said...

Gotham--so Nygma bites the dust. Gordon wimps out on calling Lee and then Barb shows up. Hard to like characters like that. And bruce can't be honest with Selina--do I see a trend in poor writing for what are supposed to be good guys. I can't believe the penguin was so gross as to feed the kids to their mother, ick. Makes the case that this show isn't for anyone young. Say under 50. Seriously though 12 year old kids could get twisted with that kind of stuff.

Richard

MJ said...

Episodes - start production ? Then that will be late this year ! Usually coming on about now I think. Heard it might be final season. I do like it but it can go. LOL

Crazy night last night. No Saul, Bates or Gotham. Read today though that next week is Saul finale ! Man that went fast.

Mike V. said...

Episodes - I think they have been on an odd schedule. Sometimes there are 2 years between seasons if I recall. Kinda like Curb Your Enthusiasm. They just make them when they're ready. lol

Saul - Maybe it went fast for you...I still haven't started! :)

Gotham - I think I dozed off a couple times watching this one last night. It was okay....definitely a violent show as you mentioned Richard. Was it me or was the episode overly cheesy? Seemed like they were trying to lighten the tone to be like a Joel Schumaccher (sp) directed Batman movie. lol Or like the old Batman TV show. I may be way off...but I thought I sensed the tone. Yeah there were some tried and true tropes in the episode too. It was okay...I don't take the show too seriously though so none of it really upsets me! lol

Thrones - Family is out of town so I have been plowing through my rewatch...10 minutes left of season 3! Still don't think I'll make it but I'll give it a good attempt! They released 3 additional clips yesterday in addition to the new trailer. They don't really give anything away but show a little bit about what Dany, Theon/Sansa and Cersei/Jaime will be up to when we kick off the season.

MJ said...

Saul - too funny. Forgot you haven't started.

Supergirl - loved it when Cat said 'tell Harrison Ford I don't date older men'. Too too funny

Gotham - heard their ratings were very down.

Anonymous said...

Game of Silence--Almost too much drama. Seems like a prison rape show. Actors are good. So it looks like Jackson's life is going to be torn apart. I'm thinking Marina will eventually work with Jackson

Richard

Anonymous said...

GoT/Shield--Am I the only one who sees a Ward/Snow comparison--lol

Richard

Mike V. said...

SHIELD - Was almost unwatchable last night. I'm not sure if it's because I paid less attention or not or if the flashbacks were that boring. But what on earth....Ward is Mallick's brother in his rebirth??? lol I guess if Snow comes back as someone else...i.e. Azhor Ahai or whatever...then yes I guess there is some kind of comparison to be made. lol

GoT - I plowed ahead as much as I could in the rewatch...in the middle of season 4...now I'll slow back down to my normal pace. Still don't think I'll make it but I should be into season 5 before season 6 starts!

Game of Silence - I'll see if the mrs. wants to watch this one. It's recorded. lol

Anonymous said...

Hydra(the Greek god of war) has taken the image of Ward and has recollection of all of the people of which he has taken their body. So, he took the body of the brother who went back along with many others who came back looking to bring him back to Earth. Am I the only one that considered Gordon or whatever is name is could have pulled the sheet rock screws, windows, etc out to fight Maye?

Richard

MJ said...

Well - due to being behind I got to watch a fabulous night of tv. LOL Bates, Saul, 2 iZombies - can't beat it.

Shameless - did we discuss ? I for one was shocked Sean was using again. And the joy Frank took in announcing it at the ceremony in front of everyone was hard to watch. Thought for sure Frank was shooting him. And Sean was such a jerk - I get he is concerned about his kid and custody but he didn't seem to care at all about Fiona. And 2 references to pubes ! LOL. Lip is just sad - hope he does go to rehab. And the Kevin/V/Sveltana thing just has to go south soon.

Shield - don't know how but now I am three behind on this show. Have to mini marathon this weekend I guess.

Bates - continues to be such a good show. Didn't make sense to me that Norma seemed creeped out by Chicky when he first questioned that Caleb was her brother and Dylan's father - then she tells Romero she found a guy. Why would you think of hiring him when he made you so uncomfortable ? Of course next time he comes back it's even worse. And she was so giddy when Romero uttered the line 'I'll take care of the window' - sh sadly really has never had a relationship where the guy just wants to take care of her. My husband pegged it immediatley that Norman was not talking to Norma at all. Loved that he turned right in front of the doctor. Poor Emma and Dylan - they are so happy we know it can't last. Cute when Dylan involed the whole Jaws thing when they were comparing scars.

iZombie - wish some of you watched this. Two part finale was just so damn good. They do the snark and campiness so well - but it was also very serious and tense.

Limitless - Richard I read that it is renewed for next year.

Saul - while Mike's plan was great Taco was right - he should not put them at risk just to attempt to get Tio's name in the paper and on the cops radar. Mike assured Taco that the driver could not id him - but didn't he see his car ? I was quite surprised to learn that Mike had only been in ABQ for less then a year. He seems awfull dialed in and connected in that short time. Is it me or does Chuck look worse every time he goes out ? Hand it to Chuck though - he clued in pretty quick that Jimmy was the culprit. And Kim knew it too. And loved Kims speech to Chuck ! I know how hard it was for Jimmy not to run across that street when Chuck fell and hit his head - but I am glad he didn't do it.

Game Silence - heard good things about it - have it recorded but not yet watched.

Hunters - unfortunately we did watch this one. Oy ! Was not very good. I'll give it one more shot but doubt will stay with this one.

MJ said...

Orphan Black - been meaning to say - they sneakily built their 'after' show right into the recording of the episode. Only mentioning because you said you didn't want to see it.

Mike V. said...

Orphan - Thanks for the heads up MJ! It's not that I don't "WANT" to I just don't think I'll have time to with everything else I want to watch. I like OB but I'm not THAT into it that I need to discuss it too much after! (outside of this blog! lol) But for Thrones? I already know I like the guys doing it because I've been listening to their podcast for years and I'm OBSESSED with the show so I'll seek their show out even if it's mainly through the streaming apps lol

Shameless - Not sure if we discussed Shameless or not...but agree with your comments! I'll write more later if I can.

bates - Watched this too but kinda busy at work at the moment. I will say that it might be THIS show that they said they have a 5 season plan and not --->

Americans - caught up on this too! Great season again! I do think I heard about the 5 season plan on this one too...Of course all of these shows set out with 5 season arcs these days so it could technically be both shows. lol

MJ said...

Americans - didn't watch yet.

Bates - def had a 5 year plan

Shield - last weeks - was actually pretty moving when the vision guy got shot and Daisy promised to protect his daughter. And when are they going to start packing RPG's to take out the Hydra helicopter when i appears to snatch inhumans ?? LOL Amusing them running the scenario over and over so that May could do it quickly. Also touching was May and Andrew saying good bye. Was a little thin for me that Malick - a gizilionaire - needed that suit so he could destroy and kill to make him feel powerful - but I'll go with it. Not even going into Fitz's time explanation - I didn't get that at all. I need Hurley to explain it ! Ha ! This week's ep - Have tos ay didn't care much about Gideon's backstory or his dad and the cheating with the rock. I kinda nodded off during this one - but Hive having Malick's brothers memory and wanting revenge - whatever. Mildly suprised he kills Malicks daughter though. They went out of their way last week to show that these visions aren't always what they appear to be - so then they expect us to worry that Daisy is dying on this space ship ?


Blindspot - I do love the character of Patterson but his whole treasure hunt in her head thing was just weird. And I'm already over the latina chick and her gambling and being forced to spy for people - been there and done that.

Mike V. said...

SHIELD - Wasn't Fitz's explanation pretty much the same as LOST's? lol I was just hoping at one point they actually just said "whatever happened happened" lol Agree last week's episode was much better than this week's . Daisy said this week that "SOMEONE" is going to die...she didn't say who....so that space vision was pretty vague!! For all we know it'll be LASH lol

Anonymous said...

Shield--time travel. Basically that's it, whatever happened, happened. Which means the notion of the butterfly effect is nill for going back in time. We saw this in HG Wells books/movies as well. You can't change the present by going back into the past. AND IF you consider that we are but a page in time that applies to the future too, ie the whole book, if you are looking at the whole book from an end of time position.

I liked this weeks better but don't watch it closely. Although I liked the daughter and hated to see her sacrificed.

Setting up for unleashing all the inhumans for the good side. Wonder if it's tied to the upcoming movie release.

Hail Hydra.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Vikings--Ragnar actor's new movie. It has Orcs.

Warcraft
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p43xwId1eE

Richard

Mike V. said...

Warcraft - been seeing it with the recent movies. It looks horrible lol but I wouldn't expect much from a game based on the largest online role playing game ever lol! I've never played it myself but I know it's huge.

Mike V. said...

Got - possible end game plan. Your worst nightmare Richard lol but they do speak to how many episodes they think they need
http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/14/game-thrones-end-date?xid=entertainment-weekly_socialflow_twitter

Anonymous said...

GoT--They said 73 hours. Which makes me feel better about it since they had said 70 before. NOT, NOT, NOT the 80 others have been pushing. Anyway, dividing up a 13 ep season is nuts and I certainly don't like it. It really doesn't get them anything either unless they think it guarantees them subscribers for another season. And if HBO is that dependent on GoT then they've got a serious business problem.

Blacklist--So I find it funny how shows copy themes from each other. First, leading characters having babies/pregnant. Second, major players being killed off--all the seriousness being sold--but NOBODY is buying it. Liz is not dead. Snow is not dead. Superman is not dead. Anyway, actually a good ep. And how can you miss the parallels between Agnes the baby and Liz with her mother. I think this is about being protected. Liz's Mom and now Liz are going to be thought of as dead so that they are safe. The biggest surprise to me was that Tom was not killed off, except for the spin off.

Richard

Mike V. said...

GoT - Well nothing is etched in stone. HBO may push them to 80. It certainly sounded like that from the article. What breaking up the seasons does do is give them potentially a lot more budget for a lot less episodes per season. They could take their time to make these incredible battles which we have to imagine would be involved in the final seasons. You have to think they were stretched pretty thin just to get 10 hours of this show produced in a year. Producing 7 and 6 might give them time to do more in less hours.

Vikings - I had it on, I watched the whole thing but was this one a little less exciting than most to everyone else? Ragnar is going through drug withdraw right? He's not actually SICK. lol That's what I interpreted from his explanation. I mean I know he's not long for the world or anything, but it seemed like he needs more drugs to feel right. The whole "I must kill you" toward Rollo is pretty heavy handed but it works I guess. lol

Orphan Black - I watched like the first 20 minutes. Seems like we're getting the Beth story that lead to her end....and introducing this MK clone as well.

Tough to fit in Vikings, OB and The 100 all in one morning! lol But, I imagine Vikings and The 100 are close to the end of their seasons/half seasons.

Anonymous said...

Vikings--there was so much in this ep. Alfred being crowned and named by the Pope is huge. Eckbert being crowned for both countries. Aslaugh cursing Harbard and the child dying. About Ragnar, you've got it--withdrawals. I want to tell you guys what I think will happen next but that may be too spoilery even though I don't know what happens in the show.

But, I think it's a pretty easy call to say that a weakened Ragnar vs a full strength Rollo provides a way for Ragnar to end up loosing the battle for Paris. The outcome will have ramifications with Finehair and Bjorn too.

I love that Bjorn's girlfriend killed the guy. BTW, why are all of Bjorn's girlfriends not that pretty. Just saying, it's TV and Bjorn's a major player.

Again, Lagertha is proving to be some kind of superwoman with no real purpose. Seriously the woman looses a baby with all that blood and she's up a day later working, etc. And her pushing Ragnar away needs to start paying off soon. She seems mentally unbalanced some too. At this point, her character is not aligned with the historical woman.

I love that Gisla was educating Rollo on their politics. Rollo comparing his former vs current lifestyle was funny. Gisla not wanting sex due to her delicate condition vs how the Viking women like Lagertha dealt with it is something that could have been played up more. The elements were there but something to juxtopose might have helped. I got it, but I wonder if the average viewer got it? So, the Emporer swings both ways--lol.



Richard

Mike V. said...

vikings - I totally got the "sex" stuff....but I still think it's funny any time they talk about sex on this show like it's a 90s sitcom or something. "what are you doing" "trying to have sex". Really??? there is no way they talked like that! lol Noticed that with the emperor too. lol

Lagertha - I didn't think she was up to full strength by the end of the episode. She struggled to see the view of the city and where the boats were headed. I may have missed her back at work.

Yeah there certainly was a lot in the episode. I guess it still was just one of those "putting the pieces into place" episodes that are completely essential. I just noticed I was lacking focus lol Keep in mind...I'm running a mile a minute on the treadmill when I try to watch these shows! lol

Funny on Bjorn's girlfriends...I really didn't even think about it but you're kinda right!

Yeah...they seem to be alluding to the end of Ragnar pretty strongly. Last season and even more THIS season. I think they're getting us prepared for when they eventually pull the trigger. Not sure if it will be this mid-season end, end of the full season or beyond that though.

MJ said...

Americans - I really don't get good feelings about Martha this season. She's going to either get busted or just lose it. And if Philip is the one who had to take her out - that might just kill him. And Paige - Elizabeth tells her to go make nice with Tim so Paige goes in and says my parents want me to make up with you basicly. LOL. Loved the fake priest they brought in. Wonder is that is true that russians killed in battle in Afghanistan were not given any military honors. Very tense with 'Clark' having to make his back door exit from the apartment. Does this mean he will stop going thre? I totally forgot that Anderholt was with Gaad when Elizabeth took them down ! Their world is really getting too small. And Stan's relationship with their son is getting really weird. Just saying.

Orphan - didn't get to it.

Anonymous said...

Vikings--I think they'll milk Travis Fimmel/Ragnar for as long as they can. Too many questions abouot how the show will do without him.

Richard

MJ said...

G of T - OMG ! Just give us the final 13 eps in one season. They could take 1 1/2 years to make the 13 and be done. Hate dragging this stuff on and on.

Anonymous said...

GOT--Totally agree MJ. It's really a turn off. A turn off on top of the one we're currently experiencing between the book vs TV show.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Grimm--So, again, for me Adalind is heading down a path I'm not crazy about. We'll see. And the red head wants to marry Renard with his real daughter involved? Or are they trolling for Adalind now? So, they want the daughter and Adalind to move in with Renard

Richard

Mike V. said...

GoT - I stand by my "bigger budget and more time for less episodes" theory. I will say...it worked for Breaking Bad when they split their final season. They had time to really make those episodes great. Technically, even though I didn't agree at the time, Mad Men's final episodes were phenomenal as well. We'll see what happens.

Grimm - Watched this but have to comment later. Totally called the case of the week being the attorney though. lol it's the person you least expect every time!

Anonymous said...

Online ad revenue-
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/18/business/media-websites-battle-falteringad-revenue-and-traffic.html

Things are changing dramatically and eventually it seems we will have fewer sources for news reporting. Which will lead to a less informed people.

Richard

MJ said...

Grimm - not sure what the campaign manager means when she says she's getting him a family. Kid sure looks like Adalind actress though

FTWD - several shout outs to TWD last night. Ganking the walkers at the fence, talk of 'the flowers'. Look at the flowers Lizzy still haunts me. It was hard to see little Willa turned though. Is San Diego really gone ? All the way east to Colorado too per the ranger guy. Can they believe that log book ? I guess for the story's sake we are supposed to. Interesting to me is the kid saying he won't become one of them as long as he has his 'power pills' yet they seem to realize that dying makes them zombies ? It didn't make sense.

Blacklist - watched both part 1 and 2 together. Loved Mr. Kaplan setting Red straight ! Surely Liz's mom isn't behind this whole plan to shoot up an enire church to kidnap her daughter ! Accidently read some stuff about the spin off that kinda ruins any suspense about certain Blacklist characters. Wish I hadn't. Man - the actress playing Liz certainly got huge with this pregnancy. No way I am believing that Liz is dead.

G of T - watched the last three from last season. Geez - had forgotten alot besides the Jon Snow of it all. LOL Forgot Brienne killed Stannis - and that she did not see Sansa's candle. That Sansa now knows her little brothers are alive. Also read an article reminding us that Cersei now knows Sansa is with the Boltons - though her and Theon are now on the run from there. Getting excited now for the start to the new season - especially curious what will happen to Loras and Margaery.


Anonymous said...

Blacklist--Yes, no way to believe that Liz is dead. And if her Mom is behind these shoot ups, etc then she's likely a worse parent figure than Red(even though he's not her father). It would weaken the story to me if her Mom was behind it. I think Red is behind it. I think it parallels what happened to her mother.

Grimm--Yea, the red head with Adalind's kid is a HUGE deal. How did she get her, lots of questions? The more I think about it, the more I think the kid is bait to get Adalind to move in with Renard. But, there is a part of me that doesn't think Adalind will go all dark. BTW, she was actually pregnant too. I kind of wonder if the Adalind character gets killed off soon?

Richard

Mike V. said...

Online Ad/Social Media - That's pretty crazy. I always enjoyed Social Media's ability to consolidate news I'm interested in into one location. I see articles I'm interested in and click the link to go read the article. But it was interesting to see Zuckerburg (sp) is interested in keeping people within the Facebook app itself. I doubt Twitter would go in that direction as linking to other sources is part of its draw. That said...I would say there probably are TOO MANY news media sources right now....so a little consolidation may not hurt that much. If we could get less extremist Left and Right media and focus more on the actual news that would be a benefit.

FTWD - We caught up last night! It isn't too bad. Though the show does feel more like OLD TV than it does a serialized show so far this season. Feels like a "case of the week" type flow with an ongoing story in the background. They visited a family on an island...what interesting things will they get into next week at their next stop?? Meanwhile a bigger threat is looming. lol Yeah...the whole pill thing didn't make sense to me either.

Grimm - I think it means exactly what we saw...she was able to get Diana. HIS actual family. Which means Blackclaw is a force to be reckoned with! Ohhh didn't process that they might want Adalind too. Didn't think about that until I just read Richard's comment.

GoT - I'm in episode 8 of season 4 on rewatch. As for MJ watching the last 3. I actually forgot the Sansa/Cersei stuff until you mentioned it. I don't think that happened in the books....well Sansa wasn't with Theon in the books so that would be a "show consolidation". Same with Cersei's knowledge of Sansa's whereabouts. I'm definitely psyched for the new season. Don't think I'll be able to watch 12.5 episodes before Sunday! :)

MJ said...

Grimm - loved the whole conversation of Nick explaining to Monroe how Eve slept with the campaign manager. His face was priceless. yup - lots of questions on how exactly she got his kid . Thought Nick would be a little more mad that not only did Adalind not tell him but neither did Rosalie. Wu's dream was interesting with the leaves on his floor then. Can Adalind control how dark a person she becomes ? The way they talk about Hexenbiests is that they all are bad people.

Blacklist - wait - you think Red is behind trying to kidnap Liz ? You think he'd really have all those bullets flying near a pregnant Liz ? though of couse the 'bad guys' couldn't hit the side of a barn as usual. Yeah - if this was the mom then it would be ridiculous. All she has to do is call and say 'this is your mom - I want to meet you'. I hope you are wrong and Red was not behind all that.

Gof T - not unless you play hookie from work one day. LOL

Anonymous said...

Grimm---WELL, I've given up on rules/canon for the show. IE, what Adalind, a grimm, Eve, etc can or cannot do. It seems to be at the whims of the writers. Right now it looks like Adalind is the total BA to matched against Eve the other total BA, leaving the poor little grimm wimp on the sidelines. But, I think either Adalind will continue on this circuitious journey to ultimately being on the good side or dead. Hexenbeasts seem to be the worst with abilities to move stuff, etc. But, she seemed legit in her desire not to return to one. Yet she went back to work where they want a hexenbeast which leaves a LOT of confusion on the table.

Facebook--my biggest problem is that they filter out a lot of news they don't like and he is very politically active. I also hate to see funds needed for true investigative journalism dry up. ZuckerBUG-lol--sure isn't going to fund unbiased investigative reporting.

Blacklist--See Grimm above on canon/rules and even common sense. I think it could be Red as easily as her Mom. IT was RED, nobody else, who ordered, "don't let her body go to the morgue, we'll take care of her". Then Kaplan loaded her body into a vehicle to take her where Red wanted her taken. (BTW, that is so unrealistic of a body to be released which was killed during a criminal attack!!!) I definitely think it was intentional to protect her--that she "died". These shows are great at making it look like something happened only to tell us later that what we saw wasn't really accurate. GoT is another good one at that but seems to have at least some canon. Number ONE is this--Liz can't be dead since she's such an important star. So then I'm wondering if she's not dead, what just happened. And I'm thinking it's all for fakery. In a way like Jon Snow--lol.

Richard

Mike V. said...

Game of Thrones - GRRM's spinoff ideas. Well it's pretty obvious that he would bring up the Dunk & Egg novellas he wrote. I still haven't finished reading The Hedge Knight (his first one) http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/18/game-thrones-george-rr-martin-spinoff

Grimm - Agreed on Rosalie...it's not her place to get involved but I guess she gets a pass because she thought Adalind would tell Nick and eventually she did tell him. Granted, she also didn't tell Monroe that that due came to the shop. I have to assume that Adalind will try to control her darkness. They can't have every woman be total bad news for Nick. Or maybe they can. lol

Facebook - the news that comes in is based on your likes. If you like MSNBC or Fox News you're going to see everything they post. You also see what people share and like sometimes. But if Facebook is going to be providing news directly...then you could be getting biased info.

Jason B. said...

FTWD - Yeah there are now two sources that say San Diego is gone, the log book and the father in the family they met (I think his name was George?). I liked watching the story unfold, though I thought we'd have at least some of those characters around a little longer lol. The pills seemed to just be a way out for his family if George knew that they were going to die. They could all take them and go out together (I'm not sure if they knew that people turned even if they weren't bitten, given their isolation). But then Nick found the pills and Willa saw him find them and went back to get them later. Because of all the "power pill" stuff mixed with her getting ready to go on the boat adventure, she wanted to take them to be prepared. I don't know why the father thought he needed to bring up the pills to them before it was necessary to take them, I'm sure they would've taken them if he just told them to when it was necessary.

I love that this story isn't based off of comics or anything else, it's great for me not having any idea what's coming. I'm not nearly as hooked on it as I am with TWD yet, but I'm still pretty excited for new episodes.

Anonymous said...

12 Monkees--Interesting on their time travel. They go back and change things. Makes for tracking what's going on tough if you don't watch it all.

Richard

Anonymous said...


Vikings--So, here's a Viking King we haven't seen yet that we should soon. He's a Dane.

Don't look if you don't want to but I'm kind of surprised we haven't seen this guy. This article also links to information on Alfred's future.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guthrum

Richard

Anonymous said...

Limitless--A great ep! I hope this show gets renewed. I wonder if he'll find Piper. I hope so.

Richard

Mike V. said...

SHIELD - So Sky/Daisy is infected by Hive and SHIELD is in peril! lol I'm sure this will lead to another opportunity to pair up Ward and Sky for a short arc. I missed the end scene because election coverage during the episode made it cut off early. Oh well. Not too broken up about it!

GoT - 10 minutes left of season 4 on my rewatch!! At least I'll be able to start season 5 before season 6 kicks off Sunday. I still plan to do weekly posts on the show but we'll see how much time I can dedicate to my long winded thoughts!

Anonymous said...

Shield--it's really kind of like a musical chairs Peyton Place soap opera. Soap operas are serials you know. I'm going to miss Malik. The Hive, hmm--I FF through some of it and so when I heard them talking about Ward being the hive I was wondering if that's because he's made up of smaller elements. The ending was ok. Skye trying to get her boyfriend to come over to the dark side and him refusing. And Hydra moving on without Malik. And LOL Ward not worried about the billions that Malik had. But, his cohort talked him into using the money. Ward was like, he doesn't need money, he's above that.

Richard

Mike V. said...

SHIELD - Yeah I think it was all of the Hydra stuff at the end that I missed. Saw the Skye/Lincoln stuff. Yep...definitely is a soap opera set in the Marvel universe. lol

I wonder how much Civil War will tie into the show at this point. Definitely the outcome of Winter Soldier impacted it. But now SHIELD seems to be telling its own story that might eventually dive into the Inhumans Movie in a couple/few years (don't know when that's slated). We'll see I guess. Surely, they'll do some kind of tie-in. I'll be seeing Civil War on May 6th!

Anonymous said...

********************Speculations******************* on GOT**************


GoT--well you read this and think a few things.

http://winteriscoming.net/2016/04/20/game-of-thrones-cast-members-predict-reactions-to-the-ending-of-the-season-6-premiere/


So, based on it and a few other things, here are some S6 guesses.

1. Some key people die off this season
2. Sam's crew doesn't come out S6 whole.
3. The titular character of the first ep probably won't have the grande event occur this ep. Since so much else is happening.
4. Dany's going to be ok.
5. JS is going to come back stronger than before.
6. Bran is back and will open our eyes on some things.
7. TOJ will be important in part due to #5 above.
8. Jamie and Cersei kind of make up.
9. The uncoordinated knight will aimlessly serve someone in a way that doesn't make sense. Maybe she'll find Sansa--you know the she swore to protect and yet abandoned.
10. Tyrion will find his place in ruling in Esos
11. Greyjoy won't have any kids and Sansa won't find him a suitable partner--lol.
12. The Bolton's will end the season in far worse shape then they begin.

I have more, but that's my list for now.

Richard

Anonymous said...

More on GoT

EW says this is not a change in strategy by the show. One of the overarching themes of the series has been the fall of the strong male figures (they name check Khal Drogo and Tywin Lannister.) As they die off, it has cleared the decks for the rise of “a fleet of heroines” to sail into their own.

Anti robot behaving tough lately

Richard

Mike V. said...

GoT -

I didn't read the article mainly because that link doesn't work at work. But, since this season is basically going to be mostly new material I'm trying to avoid some stuff as well. lol

Your list is a solid list of theories. One thing I'll call out...Brienne is NOT a knight and she makes this very clear in the show (I would know since I've been rewatching and it has come up several times. I just watched the Brienne/Hound fight and she told Arya she wasn't a knight) There was also a funny recurring joke about Hot Pie thinking everyone with armor is a knight. He mentioned it in season 2, but then when he ran into Brienne he asked her if she's a knight and then said he thought she was because she had armor. lol Good stuff for rewatching eyes.

Yeah...I have no doubt the JS return will be a multi-episode arc if not most of the season. I'm still holding out hope for LS too. lol

I don't know why but I think I heard that the majority of trailer clips that have come out are only covering the first episode which makes things exciting for the rest of the season. I'm pretty positive that was a Game of Thrones comment and not another show. Surely the big battle that is teased is from later in the season though.

Anonymous said...

GoT--The big battle with the flayed man flag on one side may be Ep7 or so is my guess. It would be surprising if JS didn't happen until EP 8 or 9. It will get VERY boring to watch Melissandre learn and learn and learn what she needs to do otherwise.

I suspect we'll have a Brienne/Sansa/greyjoy eunuch in EP1. The thought makes me cringe. I'm also suspecting Sansa will rule Winterfell before the end of S6.

Richard

Mike V. said...

GoT - We're just assuming it'll be Mel that does it. But it's a pretty safe and obvious assumption. lol It did take Robert Strong an entire season to show up! But I agree, it'll probably be sooner.

Strong assumption on Sansa, but Sophie Turner did say she has a great season coming up. "Bad ass b**ch" was her explanation. lol

Apparently, it's going to be a big season for Yara/Asha too. I'm sure they'll do some book stuff with the ironborn in the beginning but then veer courses a bit. If they go with the book plot they won't get anywhere closer this season to bringing the worlds together.

Anonymous said...

GOT

Re Yara and Sansa ,etc see my post at 1:54 above. Dany will be the kalesei for the Dothraki.

And Cersei will of course rule through Tommen.

The biggest true question I have is Peter Baelish? I can't imagine Sansa nor many others will trust him and support him. I could see Brienne taking out Peter? But first, she's got to take out Ramsay.

Richard

Mike V. said...

GoT

Oh yeah...I already know it's going to be a strong female year. It's what sells these days! lol But you can't have it both ways. You can't complain about a show using the big "R" word and objectifying women as this cruel world was designed to do and then complain when the women finally have their day in the sun too.

I'm sure you saw that the EW Cover Story this year was all of the female characters.

Of course Margaery isn't going to start off the season in a strong place. So it's not all roses for everyone.

I don't know about Littlefinger...I guess it depends what GRRM's plans are for him and/or the show's plans are for him. Littlefinger always finds a way to rise out of the chaos he creates.

Mike V. said...

Wrecked- oh boy a lost parody on tbs this summer lol

www.ew.com/article/2016/04/20/wrecked-tbs-comedy-lost

Anonymous said...


GoT
Re 1:54 comment, that was from EW I think--I just copied and pasted. BTW, I got to thinking about your comment re strong females and the other comments I've read. So, I recall the following case being made before by the show runners. That the show has a lot of strong female leaders and characters. These are just the leaders. Each of have been around and are still around, except Lysa Arryn. The fact is the ladies have proven long lasting.
1. Dany--Extremely successful at conquering lands in Esos--most powerful ruler in Esos. (her only real threat being herself btw)
2. Cersei--has ruled KL in one way or the other for about 1/2 the series.
3. Lysa Arryn--she ruled that part of the realm.
4. Melissandre--used Davos as an useful idiot and took out a King.
5. Margery--have you ever seen anyone climb so high so quickly. She's fallen now, but is Queen and seemed to have control of Tommen with her biggest former threat being Cersei.
6. Yara--while not in technical absolute control, she's a strong #2 and does what she wants anyway with everyone following her.
7. Olenna Tyrrel--a seriously powerful woman.

The above doesn't include Brienne since she's not royalty or similar. And she beat the two best fighters who were around her in sword fights. She hasn't lost. I don't think there's any male who can say that.

Now, who's a current strong male leader who's been around, say in the example of Dany or Cersei--ie one that hasn't been killed off. I know one---Bolton. But who doesn't expect that guy to be short term. Do I hear crickets--lol? You could make a case for the Tulley leader, I forget his name, yea everyone forgets his name--lol. Maybe the Night King, but he's not human. Some might say Tyrion, except that he's never been in charge.

Try this paradigm shifting statement re the above--a case could be made that the show is misadrist re leadership and leaders.


Richard

Mike V. said...

GOT

Tyrion is a man who leads behind the scenes.

Jon - I assume you're referring to him since he's dead. But we know he won't stay dead.

You also forgot Arya on your list of strong females. She's not in a leadership position, but she certainly doesn't mess around and she will be unleashed for vengeance soon.

But you raise a good point that strong females have always been present.


BTW...I'm officially in season 5 of my rewatch! Middle of episode 2. I'll make a good effort to finish but it'll probably take me a couple more weeks. Not bad though. 42 episodes in the past couple months? (amidst watching everything else lol)

Mike V. said...

RIP Prince. WTH is going on these days with artists going before their time?

GoT - In unrelated news it's officially picked up for season 7, but the episode order has not been announced yet. (And apparently never is part of their announcements)

MJ said...

Been sick for a few days so am very behind on alot of things now.

Flash - WTH ? Can't even begin to understand what they said. Zoom killed a different time version of himself ? Still don't know who the man in the mask is. Thinking it might be Earth 2 of Barry's dad ? So now all of a sudden Iris wants to be with Barry ? Just because she is in a possible future and on earth 2 ?

Saul - Oh Jimmy ! You should have kept your mouth shut. Wonder what Chuck will do with this now.

Prince died ? As in Purple Rain Prince ?

GofT - can't believe you got to season 5 !

Mike V. said...

Prince - Yes MJ, it just happened this morning and was confirmed within the past hour. He had the flu last week and had to make an emergency landing, but then he was confirmed to be fine. But the latest news is that they were investigating a death in his Paisley Park studio on his estate and it was confirmed to be him. No updates past that for now. But he was a true icon. And icons seem to be falling rapidly these days!

GoT - I'm pretty shocked myself that I made it! But still have 8.5 to go! I'm working from home tomorrow with no meetings so there's hope!

Saul - Would you say the season is worth a binge? I'm trying to convince my wife! lol

Anonymous said...

Vikings--A GREAT ep. And the time jump really makes sense. Any bets on Lagertha being dead. One of the many things I have liked about her is the actor is a legit athlete and moves so well. Very UNLIKE a clumsy Brienne-lol. Ragnar gone for about what--10 years then comes back. I loved his return, just how a Viking would have done it. But, a Viking wouldn't have left so that whole thing was kind of weak. Bjorn should have already left. I'm really interested in what they have Ragnar do next. It will be interesting to see how the younger sons work together. Bjorn is really on his own path and he has a very bright future.

No Finehair in the follow up after the time jump. He's a big time player so I'm wondering when and where we'll see him again.

ROLLO! He's on his way. His future is great. Can't wait to see what they have him doing next.

Richard

Mike V. said...

Vikings - History or not the TV rule still applies. If you don't see a character die, they're not dead. lol I already knew you were going to compare Lagertha to Brienne before I got to your punchline! I don't think I'll ever understand the hate, but it's comical to read your comments about it!

I love how the time jump really just ages the kids and not the adults. Ragnar's wife looks exactly the same. lol Bjorn wasn't there when Ragnar showed up so maybe he did leave? Guess we could have multiple parallel expeditions in the 2nd half of the season?

I really thought they'd leave Ragnar's fate in question after the time jump, but I guess they still have more plans for him. Good episode, good half season. When does it come back?


GoT - started episode 3 of season 5...I may have a chance to squeeze in a few today but the rest of my weekend is packed until 9pm Sunday. lol


Orphan - On hold until I finish my GoT rewatch! I'm so close!

MJ said...

Saul - YES ! Better then even season 1.

Prince - not a fan of him personally but def liked some of his music. Shame. And so young.

Shield - holy crap ! Daisy was turned.

MJ said...

Shield - yeah I missed that ending too. Freaking primary - not like it's an actual election. ABC interrupted 3 times !

MJ said...

And not even a local primary - it was NY !

Anonymous said...

Vikings--returns this fall as far as I know. Actually Bjorn had grey chin hair which I thought was a little much. You're right about Auslaug, she actually looked better than usual. Ragnar did have some wrinkles.

There HAS to be multiple expeditions and parallal asap if the show is to wrap up in 10 years and show us just the great adventures. The show runners have said they intend to do so as well. Keep in mind that there are really 3 countries with the Northmen/Vikings--Denmark, Norway and Sweden. They subsequently establish Iceland and Greenland among other smaller lands. So, just keeping up with the various kings and their exploits will be complicated. ONe thing we should see very quickly is the establishment of the Vikings in the Northern highlands where the Pics are currently living. But is mostly not settled. As well as some major islands between Britian and Ireland and in the North.

The Vikings actually established the waterborne trade routes for the Atlantic. They owned the sea for a long time. And they made huge fortunes in trade. They traded from the Americas to Persia. I can't find where they traded East of Persia. But, Persia is considered to be in the orient at times. I mean if Turkey is in the Orient, for sure Persia is given how much further East it is.

Also keep in mind that the Vikings were centuries more advanced with technology in navigation than many others. As well as ship building.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Blacklist--A very different ep, structurally, etc. I'm starting to believe that the show runners are not CERTAIN Megan Boone will return from her pregnancy leave. The show could go either way. Red's having a tough time and an ep dedicated to it certainly is trying to sell the notion that Liz is dead.

Richard

Anonymous said...

Vikings--I thought I would share how in reading the various recappers/analysts from sites such as EW, etc how little they know about European history. They are concerned about this or that character when one knows based on history a concern isn't warranted. There are some characters of course who aren't representing actual figures. But, a lot of the main characters are based on bona fide historical figures and some of them have deaths that are very well documented and movies made about them already.

Richard

MJ said...

Blacklist - WTH ! Was tired last night I admit but what did i just watch ? First I thought Red saves an imaninary young Liz from suicide? In Cape may NJ ? LOL It did occur to me that it was supposed to be Liz's mom - the one Red keeps insisting is dead ? Then - ok - she really was imaginary - except the metal detector guy finds her locket. And she is not there. OMG - that was just bonkers. And we still don't know if he is indeed lying to Liz about her mom being dead. Getting old - they need to start answering some questions.

Anonymous said...

Blacklist--The locket is per the story he told Liz when her Mom walked into the ocean and drowned. Must be the same beach is my take away. Especially given how he knew his way around the place. Per the IMBD, she was Sasha Rotova. But, I think she was supposed to be the Mom too. Rotova is close to Rostova. It only has 3 more eps. I'm kind of suspecting that Liz won't be in any of them. But, the finale may drop a hint on what really happened.

As I said above, I'm beginning to wonder if the actress wants to come back to work.

Richard

Mike V. said...

Vikings - got a little busy today, but read everything you posted Richard. All interesting takes on where the show is going!

Grimm - Season 6 got a smaller order (13 eps). sounds like it's more around scheduling than low ratings. I think they still have a lot more episodes to go this season and we're near the end of April. http://deadline.com/2016/04/grimm-season-6-order-reduced-nbc-1201742272/

Blacklist - I couldn't keep away from people reacting the past couple weeks to the show. So I just assumed something crazy happened and guessed "they killed Liz"....but now seeing that you mentioned the actress is pregnant they're probably just trying to make it seem like she COULD be dead to have an arc while she's gone. But I say this without having watched a minute of this season. lol

Game of Thrones - Finishing up episode 6 of season 5 (unbowed unbent unbroken...i.e. the "Sansa" episode lol)

Mike V. said...

Vikings - interview with show runner

http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/21/vikings-finale-ragnar-king-michael-hirst