Doom Patrol "Ezekiel Patrol" Season Finale Review (Spoilers)
Also reviews for the season finale of DC's Legends Of Tomorrow, the latest episodes of Teen Titans Go!, DC Super Hero Girls, DC Super Hero Girls Super Shorts, iZombie, Marvel's Cloak & Dagger, Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D., Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy: Mission Breakout, Big Hero 6: The Series, 101 Dalmation Street, Muppet Babies, American Dad!, and Blindspot.
Doom Patrol "Ezekiel Patrol"
I think certain fans of this show will go nuts for how bananas that was, but just speaking for me, a giant rat and a giant cockroach making out isn't actually funny. It's super gross and hard to watch. Maybe for some stoner fans there isn't that much of a distinction between that and humor, but there actually is with me.
As little as I liked the zaniness of the climax, was as much as I loved the emotional character stuff in the first half of the episode. Honestly, Silas's rant against Niles about how much he sucks might have wound up my favorite moment of the season. Because it meant Silas was secretly awesome, has been the entire time, and the audience and Vic simply never knew it. I love a show portraying a formerly ambiguous character as unexpectedly cool. I find pleasant surprises in television much better than terrible ones. Which might be why I tend to cut a show this otherwise shaky the amount of slack I do. It tends to surprise me in good ways. Not usually involving sex with giant rats and roaches.
After seeing the finale I'm starting to understand why the producers are so hedgy on the show being Titans canon, and are trying to distance it from the original series: They probably think a show like this being in the same canon as their flagship show hurts Titans' credibility. Their actual mistake is believing Titans had credibility in the first place. If anything, were this actually official, the Titans canon would be better off.
Seriously. Titans is a terrible show. I never thought I'd live to see a DC show worse than Gotham, but I'm holding Titans' beer basically seconds after Gotham was canceled. It's amazing how bad that show is, especially since Doom Patrol is kinda cool and funky.
That was a funny ending too. Looking forward to the next season premiere being a spoof of Honey, I Shrunk The Kids. ****.
DC's Legends Of Tomorrow "Hey, World!"
To be brutally honest, that was corny, and clumsily written, and more than a bit stupid. You know what? I don't care. It was fun. It was entertaining. It held my interest. What's not to love?
Zari's fate for one thing. While I am unhappy her time with the Legends was erased (who is the dude who replaced her?) at least it was because the show decided to give her a happy ending. And just like that Arrow no longer has to worry about the Argus Apocalypse. Can we retcon Arrow's flashforwards next? It seems like the best thing about this show is that they tend to clean up canon messes.
I have to comment on Vandal Savage's cameo. It is one of the best things the show has ever done. If Giant Beebo versus Mollus did not exist, it would be the best thing bar none. Who could have possibly predicted redemption in Hell for Vandal Savage? It's wonderful, and I love that Ray brought that out. Which is the real value of Ray. It meant something to me besides being hilarious. In an episode that tried to prove redemption is not above ANY monster, I think Savage was literally the best example of that.
What's interesting to me about making Vandal Savage a comic bromance character is that in hindsight, season one was the worst season of the show. It's not even a contest. Killing off Captain Cold and making it so Rip failed to save his family were such huge bummers, and the show simply was not as fun as it wound up becoming later on. It was as dour and depressing as the rest of the Arrowverse. And the biggest reason for that was Savage. So it's interesting and right to see an interpretation of Savage more in line with the show's current sensibilities. If the show had always been good, this is how Savage always would have been. But I guess we have to settle for what we got here. But it's a pretty good consolation prize if you ask me. The scene WAS pretty amazing.
Also cool Nate got an actual goodbye scene with his dad. Almost makes his episodes-long emo worth it. But only almost.
I love how cartoony the baby dragon is. That's so cute, and amazing, and I love him with Little Zari.
I love the Monitor popping the popcorn into his mouth.
The "Make Earth Hell Again" thing was a little too on the nose to be funny if you ask me. I get the joke, producers. I'm still not laughing. We all currently live in Hell.
I love that Rory is angry the cops don't realize he's trying to help them. One of the best things about Rory is that he hates helping cops. And that moment shows why in a way few moments do. And while I don't actually consider Rory a villain, he IS a criminal. A HERO criminal, to be sure, but him being opposed to cops is actually understandable.
Next year looks to be magic themed too, which says Constantine will be back for next season at least. If his own series is picked up, his time on the show will end, but until it is, the producers still have plans for him here.
That was a cheesy finale, but it also made me smile. So what? Sue me. ****1/2.
Teen Titans Go! "What's Opera, Titans?"
I love Cyborg puking out the popcorn at the beginning.
The backgrounds in the cat segment were strongly reminiscent of Garfield.
Toilet Cop is the kind of show Brandon Tarkikoff would have greenlit for NBC in the 1980's. I'm barely exaggerating. NBC in the 80's was a hot garbage factory.
I found the premise mostly boring, to be honest. **1/2.
Teen Titans Go! "Forest Pirates"
Nice job spoiling the 6th Titan in the opening titles, show.
Bumblebee is a good choice and a bad choice for the 6th Titan. Before we get to that, let's talk a little bit about the show saying that a long-running series adds a new character only when they are out of ideas. Bliss on The Powerpuff Girlss was overhyped, as was the fifth Ninja Turtle Venus De Milo. But you don't even have to go to superhero stuff to see a show jump the shark with a new character. Cousin Oliver is the best example, although some people weirdly think that about Scrappy Doo. And the less said about the Great Gazoo the better. The show could have had some fun exploring shark-jumping tropes had they so chosen. Instead of satirizing jumping the shark, they decided to actually jump the shark instead.
There is something very good about Bumblebee being the 6th Titan that I doubt she will get the credit for: But the best thing about choosing her is that due to the original series and season 3, Bumblebee as a character already had a strong tie to this version of the characters. Cyborg more than anyone, but Bumblebee has been a major part of the franchise for years, even if Teen Titans Go hasn't done much with her. It feels a lot less like a stunt casting if the character isn't actually new and has been around for awhile.
That being said, you know why Bumblebee doesn't work, right? It's not because she's not a degenerate or because she's super positive. Both of those things are also true for Starfire. The problem is she doesn't have a strong personality, or ANY real personality of note. Granted, it's only the first episode, but if the show were doing it right, they'd set up something interesting right off the bat. The personalities on the original series were actually quite dreadful. You can complain about how crazy and annoying this Robin is, (and he is) the Robin from the original series was just plain boring, and he was totally lame. I may hate this version of Robin, but he is never dull. And that goes for the other Titans, whose personalities have gotten more arch and extreme in this incarnation of the show. The personalities didn't matter as much on the old show. Which is weird because most people prefer that to this. But it's the fact that these versions actually provoke a reaction in me, good or bad, which is why I think this show was way more watchable and interesting than the original. And Bumblebee is dull right off the bat.
I think the show took the understandable tack of choosing a blank character who would react to the craziness instead messing with the actual formula. And if you aren't even going to try to mess with the formula there's no reason to give us a 6th Titan. I think Aqualad or Ravager, already major personalities and jerks, would have been better choices than Bumblebee just because they would have added an extra element of "drama" to the team, and given everyone an excuse not to get along. A nice character will probably wind up doing the opposite which is why shows adding extra characters jumps the shark in the first place.
I don't expect to enjoy this summer very much. ***.
DC Super Hero Girls "Shock It To Me"
That did not really speak to me. It was a bit too loud and over the top, which I get appeals to little kids, but it was a little too much for me. I liked the Trollin' Olsen and Rise of Starro jokes, but the rest of the episode just wasn't doing it for me.
Here's something I wonder: How are the girls' identities a secret? Most of them don't even wear masks and wigs. How stupid are the heroes and villains for not ever realizing they are fighting their own classmates? I feel like I'm watching the Twelfth Doctor dressed as a custodian saying to Clara "What, you saw through my brilliant disguise?" I already find Clark Kent's glasses completely unacceptable. The series can't even be bothered with THAT much.
I previously complained about how unlikable the boys on this show are, but the truth is the girls ain't so hot either. Maybe they actually have to go that far to show contrast.
Eh. **1/2.
DC Super Hero Girls Super Shorts "Let Them Eat Pie"
You know what? Whatever charm and appeal the series initially held for me has almost completely disappeared due to how disrespectfully they treat the male characters.
Diana wins an eating contest over Barry Allen? For real? I just can't even with this show anymore. It's a little early in the run for the shark jump, but maybe it already happened and I just didn't notice it. *1/2.
iZombie "dot zom"
This is the first time I've seen Young Justice's Stephanie Lemelin in live-action. She's really pretty.
That zombie boss in the van scared the poop outta me. What is that thing on the top of his head anyways? Is he a cyborg?
Blaine can be very charming when he wants to be. I'll give him that. The woman learning he killed the mayor is very interesting and will have repercussions for the future.
Dude, the guy who Clive sort of jokingly said really didn't like zombies was kind of a monster, wasn't he? I think this season is trying to give us an allegory for the current racist beliefs of the Deplorons, and man, I don't like seeing that stuff. Call me a wimp, call me a baby, but that's why I don't watch the news. Real people suck. I don't need to see people as sucky as they are in my fiction.
This was an interesting week. ****.
Marvel's Cloak & Dagger "Blue Note"
I love this show. Even when it bums me out, it moves me very much.
When Andre is talking about hitting the blue note and becoming a God, I had to agree with Tandy. He's nuts.
I liked that both Luke Cage and Karen Page were mentioned. I like it when the Marvel TV shows reference each other. It's too bad the movies never do that.
Seeing all of those empty racks in the record store in the flashback gives you the scope of the amount of women Andre has hurt. It's actually quite appalling.
You know what? I think Mayhem has a point. While I don't think that woman deserved to die at Mayhem's hands instead of answering for her crimes in the justice system, Mayhem is also right that the "She is a victim too" excuse doesn't hold any water. It doesn't matter. As ill-advised as her choices are, she made them, and has to answer for them, whether Andre manipulated her or not. Responsibility in mind control scenarios is a message I am very much in favor of.
I love Tyrone owning the drug dealers the way he did. I also love Tyrone making it terrifyingly clear that this was NOT actually a negotiation.
I like that the show is cautious enough to worry about audience members who are triggered by on-screen attempted suicides, and offer a viewer discretion disclaimer at the beginning, as well as the number of a suicide hotline at the end. The problem for me is that it is being done on behalf of a character that is so reprehensible. This was not the episode for the show to get on a suicide prevention kick. Because if Andre HAD killed himself, everybody would be better off. Wrong character and episode for that moral.
Still, the show continues to knock my socks off week in and week out. ****.
Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. "Fear And Loathing On The Planet Kitson"
I thought the tripping balls girls night out stuff was a bit of cringe, but I agree with Fitz: Enoch has grown on me. He's clearly supposed to be a combo of Data and the Observer, and they even sort of did a harder core version of Next Gen's The Royale. This is what happens when the nice simulation doesn't actually play along with your childlike sense of whimsy.
The episode was way more fun than usual, which believe me, is something I really appreciate. I think Marvel movies are super fun, but Marvel TV shows are super dour. Agents of SHIELD was fun for the first half of the first season, and Agent Carter was mostly fun too, but everything else is a downer, which makes no sense considering how fun the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is. I want more episodes and shows like this in the future. Enjoying myself should not be too much to ask. ****1/2.
Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy: Mission Breakout "Paranoid"
It makes sense Rocket was the Darkhawk. Because he was the one trying to foment dissension in the ranks.
One of the best things about Frank Welker becoming unaffordable for most animated projects, is that whenever someone DOES put up the money to hire him, he tends to do legit acting. No more squeaky 1980's baby voices for Welker. Odin is a particularly great voice because he doesn't sound like any of Welker's other voices. In fact, if someone tried to convince me it WASN'T Welker, I might believe it. Which is the mark of a good voice actor and mimic.
"Cool speech, bro." I love Quill.
I feel like the episode is missing a great opportunity for comedy by not having Drax upset at something else calling itself the Destroyer. It was have been funny to see Drax outraged over someone stealing his actual bit.
Don't try to logic the Loki stuff, Marvel Animation continuity nerds. I treat each show as if it's its own separate continuity. With the major exception of Avengers Assemble, which always forgets to even have the common decency to be in continuity with itself.
Pretty good. ***1/2.
Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy: Mission Breakout "Darkhawks On The Edge Of Town"
Honestly? That was pretty great. And reminds me why this is the only current decent Marvel show.
I loved the climax. and thought Serpent was a great and scary looking villain. He looked like the Walking Dead warmed over, but simultaneously like one of those old guys who utterly refuses to die. He looks like utter hell and completely invincible all at once, which tells me the design is effective, and must have been tough to pull off.
I also thought it was a great and interesting choice that the ending glossed over the "clean-up" of the Darkhawk army, and sort of merely stipulated that the Guardians easily defeated them. You know what? You didn't actually need that. You'd spend an entire extra episode on a story that was essentially wrapped up once Serpent was sucked into the portal. Thank you show for not even pretending like you are going to waste my time.
Thor joining the Guardians? Synergy: Marvel has it.
I love the idea that Rocket was the one guy who escaped the Darkhawk chamber on his own. Even the fact that he's too dumb to recognize his friends doesn't make him any less awesome for that.
It amazes me the Guardians okayed that plan at all. There was really no upside to it for them, and I'd be objecting more than they did were I them.
I was gonna give the episode four and a half stars when I realized there wasn't actually anything wrong with it. So 5 stars instead. *****.
Big Hero 6: The Series "Baymax And Mochi: Messy Room"
I keep repeating myself, but the animation in these shorts is amazing. ****.
101 Dalmation Street "Nature: Animals Vs. Humans"
Watching live-action blooper clips is far less entertaining for me than the dogs think it is. *.
101 Dalmation Street "Diva Pups"
Are those little paw hearts like MeowMeow Beanz? I fought for this country. ****.
Muppet Babies Play Date "Gonzo Says"
Oh, my God. Suddenly I wish the actual show was this! For reals! *****.
American Dad! "Lost Boys"
Bones. Bones. This show wants to talk about bones. Fine.
The bones of American Dad are not solid. It is super frustrating to me that as well-written and put together a show it wound up being, I don't think I can ever fully enjoy it. Because the bones are shaky.
Look at Steve's friends. They are repulsive, and every second they are on-screen I cringe. Barry less the others, and Snot most of all, but in the first or second episode of the show the show decided to hand Steve three friends so disgusting that whenever they show up I'm unhappy. That is a very unfortunate mistake for any show to make in the first couple of episodes. Because once it's a part of the show, you can't get rid of it or change it. And God knows American Dad has tried to make Snot funny, and a break-out character, and he never will be. Because the bones of American Dad's initial premise, which it admittedly grew out of, were weak from the ground up. And that's my rant for this week.
I really laughed when Stan told Francine to kill Jeff and Hayley says "Run, Babe!" That was legitimately hilarious.
I was unhappy about the joke that the hicks of Florida pick who is President. Because it's true. And because it scares the cr*p out of me.
Honestly, American Dad? You messed up some fundamental things right out of the gate, and because the show messed them up, it will never be as great as it could have been had they given Steve some remotely likable friends. For better or worse we're stuck with the disgusting Snot. And it's usually for the worse. **1/2.
American Dad! "Shark?!"
The show killing off Dr. Penguin strikes me as ill-advised.
I can't help but see the Klaus subplot as a veiled slam at Family Guy. The girl macking on a fish is weird. But is it actually any weirder than any of the hot women who constantly have sex with Brian the Dog? Hayley and Francine's pukey reactions are the correct ones.
Roger biting off Steve's arm was horrific. I was like "Oh my God, that's not even funny!"
Nobody knows what True Blood is, Seth MacFarlane. Stop referencing it.
I like Francine seeing Steve Buscemi everywhere.
Roger puking up Rogu was funny. What's up with him?
Hayley describes Klaus' initial phone call to Denuda as "chilling". She's not wrong. I love Klaus telling her it's bad for women to allow her friend to call her a whore and then immediately telling her to tell Denuda to wax everything but her bunghole. Who says men can't be feminists?
I can't think of a better metaphor for Klaus's date than every brick shot he makes at the carnival booth. And he brings along the guy who steals Hayley's used Q-Tips. What a train-wreck. And he leans in for the kiss at the end. Because of course he does. Klaus may not be as pathetic as Brian Griffin. But it's not for lack of trying.
Learning Lady Gaga's real name is Stephanie Something was weirdly disappointing.
That was very unpleasant to watch, but in fairness it was never dull. It held my freaking attention. ***.
Blindspot "Coder To Killer"
The episode was a bit predictable and badly written, but one of the bad guys was funny, and the other scary so it was acceptable.
I don't feel much sympathy for Brianna. She DID have a choice. She could have gone to the team immediately instead of dithering, and they might not be in this mess.
I like that the constant thing about people in Rich's life is them asking him what is wrong with him. I found it a bit rich and infuriating when Patterson blamed her rudeness to Perkins on him. Do you know what Patterson was actually rude to him? Because he was a jerk. That is not Rich's fault or even something she needs to feel guilty about now that he's dead.
So-so episode. ***.
Doom Patrol "Ezekiel Patrol"
I think certain fans of this show will go nuts for how bananas that was, but just speaking for me, a giant rat and a giant cockroach making out isn't actually funny. It's super gross and hard to watch. Maybe for some stoner fans there isn't that much of a distinction between that and humor, but there actually is with me.
As little as I liked the zaniness of the climax, was as much as I loved the emotional character stuff in the first half of the episode. Honestly, Silas's rant against Niles about how much he sucks might have wound up my favorite moment of the season. Because it meant Silas was secretly awesome, has been the entire time, and the audience and Vic simply never knew it. I love a show portraying a formerly ambiguous character as unexpectedly cool. I find pleasant surprises in television much better than terrible ones. Which might be why I tend to cut a show this otherwise shaky the amount of slack I do. It tends to surprise me in good ways. Not usually involving sex with giant rats and roaches.
After seeing the finale I'm starting to understand why the producers are so hedgy on the show being Titans canon, and are trying to distance it from the original series: They probably think a show like this being in the same canon as their flagship show hurts Titans' credibility. Their actual mistake is believing Titans had credibility in the first place. If anything, were this actually official, the Titans canon would be better off.
Seriously. Titans is a terrible show. I never thought I'd live to see a DC show worse than Gotham, but I'm holding Titans' beer basically seconds after Gotham was canceled. It's amazing how bad that show is, especially since Doom Patrol is kinda cool and funky.
That was a funny ending too. Looking forward to the next season premiere being a spoof of Honey, I Shrunk The Kids. ****.
DC's Legends Of Tomorrow "Hey, World!"
To be brutally honest, that was corny, and clumsily written, and more than a bit stupid. You know what? I don't care. It was fun. It was entertaining. It held my interest. What's not to love?
Zari's fate for one thing. While I am unhappy her time with the Legends was erased (who is the dude who replaced her?) at least it was because the show decided to give her a happy ending. And just like that Arrow no longer has to worry about the Argus Apocalypse. Can we retcon Arrow's flashforwards next? It seems like the best thing about this show is that they tend to clean up canon messes.
I have to comment on Vandal Savage's cameo. It is one of the best things the show has ever done. If Giant Beebo versus Mollus did not exist, it would be the best thing bar none. Who could have possibly predicted redemption in Hell for Vandal Savage? It's wonderful, and I love that Ray brought that out. Which is the real value of Ray. It meant something to me besides being hilarious. In an episode that tried to prove redemption is not above ANY monster, I think Savage was literally the best example of that.
What's interesting to me about making Vandal Savage a comic bromance character is that in hindsight, season one was the worst season of the show. It's not even a contest. Killing off Captain Cold and making it so Rip failed to save his family were such huge bummers, and the show simply was not as fun as it wound up becoming later on. It was as dour and depressing as the rest of the Arrowverse. And the biggest reason for that was Savage. So it's interesting and right to see an interpretation of Savage more in line with the show's current sensibilities. If the show had always been good, this is how Savage always would have been. But I guess we have to settle for what we got here. But it's a pretty good consolation prize if you ask me. The scene WAS pretty amazing.
Also cool Nate got an actual goodbye scene with his dad. Almost makes his episodes-long emo worth it. But only almost.
I love how cartoony the baby dragon is. That's so cute, and amazing, and I love him with Little Zari.
I love the Monitor popping the popcorn into his mouth.
The "Make Earth Hell Again" thing was a little too on the nose to be funny if you ask me. I get the joke, producers. I'm still not laughing. We all currently live in Hell.
I love that Rory is angry the cops don't realize he's trying to help them. One of the best things about Rory is that he hates helping cops. And that moment shows why in a way few moments do. And while I don't actually consider Rory a villain, he IS a criminal. A HERO criminal, to be sure, but him being opposed to cops is actually understandable.
Next year looks to be magic themed too, which says Constantine will be back for next season at least. If his own series is picked up, his time on the show will end, but until it is, the producers still have plans for him here.
That was a cheesy finale, but it also made me smile. So what? Sue me. ****1/2.
Teen Titans Go! "What's Opera, Titans?"
I love Cyborg puking out the popcorn at the beginning.
The backgrounds in the cat segment were strongly reminiscent of Garfield.
Toilet Cop is the kind of show Brandon Tarkikoff would have greenlit for NBC in the 1980's. I'm barely exaggerating. NBC in the 80's was a hot garbage factory.
I found the premise mostly boring, to be honest. **1/2.
Teen Titans Go! "Forest Pirates"
Nice job spoiling the 6th Titan in the opening titles, show.
Bumblebee is a good choice and a bad choice for the 6th Titan. Before we get to that, let's talk a little bit about the show saying that a long-running series adds a new character only when they are out of ideas. Bliss on The Powerpuff Girlss was overhyped, as was the fifth Ninja Turtle Venus De Milo. But you don't even have to go to superhero stuff to see a show jump the shark with a new character. Cousin Oliver is the best example, although some people weirdly think that about Scrappy Doo. And the less said about the Great Gazoo the better. The show could have had some fun exploring shark-jumping tropes had they so chosen. Instead of satirizing jumping the shark, they decided to actually jump the shark instead.
There is something very good about Bumblebee being the 6th Titan that I doubt she will get the credit for: But the best thing about choosing her is that due to the original series and season 3, Bumblebee as a character already had a strong tie to this version of the characters. Cyborg more than anyone, but Bumblebee has been a major part of the franchise for years, even if Teen Titans Go hasn't done much with her. It feels a lot less like a stunt casting if the character isn't actually new and has been around for awhile.
That being said, you know why Bumblebee doesn't work, right? It's not because she's not a degenerate or because she's super positive. Both of those things are also true for Starfire. The problem is she doesn't have a strong personality, or ANY real personality of note. Granted, it's only the first episode, but if the show were doing it right, they'd set up something interesting right off the bat. The personalities on the original series were actually quite dreadful. You can complain about how crazy and annoying this Robin is, (and he is) the Robin from the original series was just plain boring, and he was totally lame. I may hate this version of Robin, but he is never dull. And that goes for the other Titans, whose personalities have gotten more arch and extreme in this incarnation of the show. The personalities didn't matter as much on the old show. Which is weird because most people prefer that to this. But it's the fact that these versions actually provoke a reaction in me, good or bad, which is why I think this show was way more watchable and interesting than the original. And Bumblebee is dull right off the bat.
I think the show took the understandable tack of choosing a blank character who would react to the craziness instead messing with the actual formula. And if you aren't even going to try to mess with the formula there's no reason to give us a 6th Titan. I think Aqualad or Ravager, already major personalities and jerks, would have been better choices than Bumblebee just because they would have added an extra element of "drama" to the team, and given everyone an excuse not to get along. A nice character will probably wind up doing the opposite which is why shows adding extra characters jumps the shark in the first place.
I don't expect to enjoy this summer very much. ***.
DC Super Hero Girls "Shock It To Me"
That did not really speak to me. It was a bit too loud and over the top, which I get appeals to little kids, but it was a little too much for me. I liked the Trollin' Olsen and Rise of Starro jokes, but the rest of the episode just wasn't doing it for me.
Here's something I wonder: How are the girls' identities a secret? Most of them don't even wear masks and wigs. How stupid are the heroes and villains for not ever realizing they are fighting their own classmates? I feel like I'm watching the Twelfth Doctor dressed as a custodian saying to Clara "What, you saw through my brilliant disguise?" I already find Clark Kent's glasses completely unacceptable. The series can't even be bothered with THAT much.
I previously complained about how unlikable the boys on this show are, but the truth is the girls ain't so hot either. Maybe they actually have to go that far to show contrast.
Eh. **1/2.
DC Super Hero Girls Super Shorts "Let Them Eat Pie"
You know what? Whatever charm and appeal the series initially held for me has almost completely disappeared due to how disrespectfully they treat the male characters.
Diana wins an eating contest over Barry Allen? For real? I just can't even with this show anymore. It's a little early in the run for the shark jump, but maybe it already happened and I just didn't notice it. *1/2.
iZombie "dot zom"
This is the first time I've seen Young Justice's Stephanie Lemelin in live-action. She's really pretty.
That zombie boss in the van scared the poop outta me. What is that thing on the top of his head anyways? Is he a cyborg?
Blaine can be very charming when he wants to be. I'll give him that. The woman learning he killed the mayor is very interesting and will have repercussions for the future.
Dude, the guy who Clive sort of jokingly said really didn't like zombies was kind of a monster, wasn't he? I think this season is trying to give us an allegory for the current racist beliefs of the Deplorons, and man, I don't like seeing that stuff. Call me a wimp, call me a baby, but that's why I don't watch the news. Real people suck. I don't need to see people as sucky as they are in my fiction.
This was an interesting week. ****.
Marvel's Cloak & Dagger "Blue Note"
I love this show. Even when it bums me out, it moves me very much.
When Andre is talking about hitting the blue note and becoming a God, I had to agree with Tandy. He's nuts.
I liked that both Luke Cage and Karen Page were mentioned. I like it when the Marvel TV shows reference each other. It's too bad the movies never do that.
Seeing all of those empty racks in the record store in the flashback gives you the scope of the amount of women Andre has hurt. It's actually quite appalling.
You know what? I think Mayhem has a point. While I don't think that woman deserved to die at Mayhem's hands instead of answering for her crimes in the justice system, Mayhem is also right that the "She is a victim too" excuse doesn't hold any water. It doesn't matter. As ill-advised as her choices are, she made them, and has to answer for them, whether Andre manipulated her or not. Responsibility in mind control scenarios is a message I am very much in favor of.
I love Tyrone owning the drug dealers the way he did. I also love Tyrone making it terrifyingly clear that this was NOT actually a negotiation.
I like that the show is cautious enough to worry about audience members who are triggered by on-screen attempted suicides, and offer a viewer discretion disclaimer at the beginning, as well as the number of a suicide hotline at the end. The problem for me is that it is being done on behalf of a character that is so reprehensible. This was not the episode for the show to get on a suicide prevention kick. Because if Andre HAD killed himself, everybody would be better off. Wrong character and episode for that moral.
Still, the show continues to knock my socks off week in and week out. ****.
Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. "Fear And Loathing On The Planet Kitson"
I thought the tripping balls girls night out stuff was a bit of cringe, but I agree with Fitz: Enoch has grown on me. He's clearly supposed to be a combo of Data and the Observer, and they even sort of did a harder core version of Next Gen's The Royale. This is what happens when the nice simulation doesn't actually play along with your childlike sense of whimsy.
The episode was way more fun than usual, which believe me, is something I really appreciate. I think Marvel movies are super fun, but Marvel TV shows are super dour. Agents of SHIELD was fun for the first half of the first season, and Agent Carter was mostly fun too, but everything else is a downer, which makes no sense considering how fun the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is. I want more episodes and shows like this in the future. Enjoying myself should not be too much to ask. ****1/2.
Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy: Mission Breakout "Paranoid"
It makes sense Rocket was the Darkhawk. Because he was the one trying to foment dissension in the ranks.
One of the best things about Frank Welker becoming unaffordable for most animated projects, is that whenever someone DOES put up the money to hire him, he tends to do legit acting. No more squeaky 1980's baby voices for Welker. Odin is a particularly great voice because he doesn't sound like any of Welker's other voices. In fact, if someone tried to convince me it WASN'T Welker, I might believe it. Which is the mark of a good voice actor and mimic.
"Cool speech, bro." I love Quill.
I feel like the episode is missing a great opportunity for comedy by not having Drax upset at something else calling itself the Destroyer. It was have been funny to see Drax outraged over someone stealing his actual bit.
Don't try to logic the Loki stuff, Marvel Animation continuity nerds. I treat each show as if it's its own separate continuity. With the major exception of Avengers Assemble, which always forgets to even have the common decency to be in continuity with itself.
Pretty good. ***1/2.
Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy: Mission Breakout "Darkhawks On The Edge Of Town"
Honestly? That was pretty great. And reminds me why this is the only current decent Marvel show.
I loved the climax. and thought Serpent was a great and scary looking villain. He looked like the Walking Dead warmed over, but simultaneously like one of those old guys who utterly refuses to die. He looks like utter hell and completely invincible all at once, which tells me the design is effective, and must have been tough to pull off.
I also thought it was a great and interesting choice that the ending glossed over the "clean-up" of the Darkhawk army, and sort of merely stipulated that the Guardians easily defeated them. You know what? You didn't actually need that. You'd spend an entire extra episode on a story that was essentially wrapped up once Serpent was sucked into the portal. Thank you show for not even pretending like you are going to waste my time.
Thor joining the Guardians? Synergy: Marvel has it.
I love the idea that Rocket was the one guy who escaped the Darkhawk chamber on his own. Even the fact that he's too dumb to recognize his friends doesn't make him any less awesome for that.
It amazes me the Guardians okayed that plan at all. There was really no upside to it for them, and I'd be objecting more than they did were I them.
I was gonna give the episode four and a half stars when I realized there wasn't actually anything wrong with it. So 5 stars instead. *****.
Big Hero 6: The Series "Baymax And Mochi: Messy Room"
I keep repeating myself, but the animation in these shorts is amazing. ****.
101 Dalmation Street "Nature: Animals Vs. Humans"
Watching live-action blooper clips is far less entertaining for me than the dogs think it is. *.
101 Dalmation Street "Diva Pups"
Are those little paw hearts like MeowMeow Beanz? I fought for this country. ****.
Muppet Babies Play Date "Gonzo Says"
Oh, my God. Suddenly I wish the actual show was this! For reals! *****.
American Dad! "Lost Boys"
Bones. Bones. This show wants to talk about bones. Fine.
The bones of American Dad are not solid. It is super frustrating to me that as well-written and put together a show it wound up being, I don't think I can ever fully enjoy it. Because the bones are shaky.
Look at Steve's friends. They are repulsive, and every second they are on-screen I cringe. Barry less the others, and Snot most of all, but in the first or second episode of the show the show decided to hand Steve three friends so disgusting that whenever they show up I'm unhappy. That is a very unfortunate mistake for any show to make in the first couple of episodes. Because once it's a part of the show, you can't get rid of it or change it. And God knows American Dad has tried to make Snot funny, and a break-out character, and he never will be. Because the bones of American Dad's initial premise, which it admittedly grew out of, were weak from the ground up. And that's my rant for this week.
I really laughed when Stan told Francine to kill Jeff and Hayley says "Run, Babe!" That was legitimately hilarious.
I was unhappy about the joke that the hicks of Florida pick who is President. Because it's true. And because it scares the cr*p out of me.
Honestly, American Dad? You messed up some fundamental things right out of the gate, and because the show messed them up, it will never be as great as it could have been had they given Steve some remotely likable friends. For better or worse we're stuck with the disgusting Snot. And it's usually for the worse. **1/2.
American Dad! "Shark?!"
The show killing off Dr. Penguin strikes me as ill-advised.
I can't help but see the Klaus subplot as a veiled slam at Family Guy. The girl macking on a fish is weird. But is it actually any weirder than any of the hot women who constantly have sex with Brian the Dog? Hayley and Francine's pukey reactions are the correct ones.
Roger biting off Steve's arm was horrific. I was like "Oh my God, that's not even funny!"
Nobody knows what True Blood is, Seth MacFarlane. Stop referencing it.
I like Francine seeing Steve Buscemi everywhere.
Roger puking up Rogu was funny. What's up with him?
Hayley describes Klaus' initial phone call to Denuda as "chilling". She's not wrong. I love Klaus telling her it's bad for women to allow her friend to call her a whore and then immediately telling her to tell Denuda to wax everything but her bunghole. Who says men can't be feminists?
I can't think of a better metaphor for Klaus's date than every brick shot he makes at the carnival booth. And he brings along the guy who steals Hayley's used Q-Tips. What a train-wreck. And he leans in for the kiss at the end. Because of course he does. Klaus may not be as pathetic as Brian Griffin. But it's not for lack of trying.
Learning Lady Gaga's real name is Stephanie Something was weirdly disappointing.
That was very unpleasant to watch, but in fairness it was never dull. It held my freaking attention. ***.
Blindspot "Coder To Killer"
The episode was a bit predictable and badly written, but one of the bad guys was funny, and the other scary so it was acceptable.
I don't feel much sympathy for Brianna. She DID have a choice. She could have gone to the team immediately instead of dithering, and they might not be in this mess.
I like that the constant thing about people in Rich's life is them asking him what is wrong with him. I found it a bit rich and infuriating when Patterson blamed her rudeness to Perkins on him. Do you know what Patterson was actually rude to him? Because he was a jerk. That is not Rich's fault or even something she needs to feel guilty about now that he's dead.
So-so episode. ***.