Doctor Who "The Impossible Astronaut" Review (Major Spoilers)
Also reviews for Batman: The Brave And The Bold, Smallville, Fringe, MAD, Community, The Office, Parks And Recreation, and 30 Rock.
Upcoming reviews include Beauty And The Beast, Ramona and Beezus, Coraline, Elmo's Musical Adventure, Batman Beyond: Return Of The Joker, Static Shock: The New Kid, Star Trek: The Original Series: Season Two Remastered, Star Trek: The Original Series: Season Three Remastered, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan, Star Trek III: The Search For Spock, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, and Star Trek: Voyager Season One.
Doctor Who "The Impossible Astronaut"
Can you say watershed? Honestly, at this point in time I never expected such a long running series to delve so deeply into it's own mythology. On the old show, information about the Doctor and his Companions was given in tiny bits so by the end of 26 seasons, all we knew about REALLY was the name of the Doctor's species and planet (and a bit about the Time Lords). Even Russell T Davies was more interested in exploring what had already been established than delving deeper into the cannon.
Not so Stephen Moffat. He's actually interested in answering questions raised a couple of seasons ago that relate to the Doctor's future and imminent death. Also appreciated is the fact that one of his future Companions is a Time Traveler he is meeting out of order (a first for the 50 year old franchise).
Let's get some theories out of the way: Yes, I believe the Doctor's death CAN be circumvented and probably will be (likely by the end of the season). I say this because if Matt Smith ever decided to leave they'd be without a regeneration (plus the Valeyard wouldn't exist). Two: It is VERY likely that the girl astronaut is a kid River Song. It's been implied more than once that she killed the Doctor in the past and it said right in this episode that she was a young girl when she first met the Doctor. I'm a bit dismayed that if they keep using River they will eventually have to go with an actress younger than Alex Kingston but River's line that she and the Doctor keep meeting when she gets younger and younger and he gets older and older means a recast is a certainty at some point. It also beautifully tied in with River saying she would die when the Doctor didn't recognize her and she met him for the "first time" (referencing Ten and her death in Forest Of The Dead).
The episode itself? Awesome. Great to get a role for two Shepperd's: cult heroes Mark and W. Morgan. It seems like he's going to be a future "Companion" too but MY guess is that he will be more akin to Jackie Tyler and Mickey Smith than anyone longtern. Also funny to see the Doctor meeting Richard Nixon.
The bad guy alien was particularly frightening because our heroes will not be able to recognize they are in danger. The make up effects were spooky too.
The episode was a doozy. *****.
Batman: The Brave And The Bold "Shadow Of The Bat"
Let me say up front that this episode was greatly diminished by the It Was All A Dream Ending. Considering the trope is so common why did this instance grate so much? Because it was unnessescary. They didn't need to kill everyone off to defeat them. They could have simply made sunlight the cure for vampirism and said that's why vampires avoid it at all costs.
Good things: J'onn's Big Dang Hero moment, Etrigan is modern times (!), and the Jack Ryder shout-out (is a Creeper appearance imminent?). I also was reminded of Batman Beyond's Fingers by Bat-Ape in the teaser (mostly the origin).
I really wish I could give the episode a higher grade than merely middling. But that ending was inexcusable. ***.
Smallville "Booster"
This episode had the unenviable task of introducing Booster Gold in a single episode without making him seem like a total jerk. It was MUCH easier on JLU and Batman: The Brave and the Bold because neither episode had to compare him to Superman. Booster's contrast to Batman or the Justice League is actually pretty funny but when you put him up against Clark he seems even shallower than he actually is. Plus, for Smallville audiences not used to the character this isn't the first time they've had an evil hero try to take the spotlight from Clark so fans who don't know Booster might actually think he's a villain rather than root for him. The episode did a decent job though.
I was tickled that they introduced TWO Blue Beetles (Ted Kord and Jaime Reyes)! I wish they had played up Ted and Booster's relationship or at least hinted at an upcoming friendship. Still, good stuff.
Cat is annoying. Lana level annoying. Seriously, either kill her off or never show her again. She's tiresome.
Good to see Clark still practicing bumbling. He's getting better at it but he's still not perfect.
Pretty good episode. ****.
Fringe "6:02 AM EST"
Awesomeness. I'm glad we're finally getting some for backstory on Sam Weiss and the Other Side stuff is addictive. There was not a second of this episode where I wasn't on the edge of my seat.
Let's start with the AltWorld stuff. Walternate is getting pretty evil and it was a pleasant shock to see Fauxlivia switch sides like that. I was SO disappointed she got caught but I expect her to escape and try again in the next two weeks.
My jaw dropped when the machine threw Peter. Yikes!
My favorite part of the episode was the stuff with Nina, Olivia and Sam Weiss. I cannot wait to find out the deal with the First People and this episode pretty much garuantees that a supposedly throwaway plotline actually has great significance to the entire franchise.
Fantastic. *****.
MAD "HOPS / Naruto210"
I really enjoyed this one. I didn't really "get" the Naruto parody (I've never seen that show) but everything else rocked. I laughed hard at "The Reading Womb" (You KNOW that's next) and though Soul TRON was a great concept. Bad things? No Spy Vs Spy this week! What the-?! ****1/2.
Community "Pardigms Of Human Memory"
First time I've seen a flashback show with completely new flashbacks. LOVED Senor Chang in the wall following the monkey (Why didn't they remind the audience it was named Annie's Boobs?). Best part of the episode was finding out Jeff and Britta were secretly hooking up all season. I seriously doubt it's over.
I liked the animated bits too especially Dean Pelton's. Heh.
A good 'un. ****1/2.
The Office "Micheal's Last Dundies"
It's kind of cool to see that everyone in the office has really started to like Micheal for the last year. Up until this season it was pretty clear that no-one besides Jim and Pam could stand him and it's nice that he's really grown on everyone.
My absolute favorite part of the episode was Erin publicly breaking up with the horrible Gabe. I still maintain Erin is a virgin. She is SO clueless about relationships that it's obvious she hasn't been in many. A woman THAT hot should know how to dump men better.
I wish they had focused more on D'Angelo more. I still think he is a sadist and I think they REALLY need to show that (although it might be better to wait until Micheal leaves). Micheal loves the guy but as we all know Micheal is a HORRIBLE judge of character. I hope after he leave Will Ferrell just blows up.
Bittersweet episode. ****.
Parks And Recreation "Soul Mates"
First off, let me admit I have never had a turkey burger and they sound awful. But I literally cannot be the only person on Earth who prefers a Subway Turkey Sub to a Burger King Double Cheeseburger. Right?
Ron's plot was hilarious otherwise especially Chris' shocked and surprisingly reaction. Fun stuff.
As for Tom messing with Leslie: genius! I especially like how Tom's match turned out to be a total scam on his part. I loved Leslie smooching him passionately too and saying "You should be so lucky". Heh.
I'm loving Andy and April married too. Fun episode. ****.
30 Rock "100th Episode: Parts 1 and 2"
Where has this show been all season? This season has been so bad I was worried they had forgotten how to actually make a good episode but they gave their all here. I loved Jack's speech at the end because the writer's afforded Alec Baldwin zero respect. I haven't seen an actor that self-deprecating since Seth Green in Family Guy's Star Wars Trilogy.
Tracy was awesome this episode and I loved seeing Dennis again. Just the fact that his pet name for Liz is "Dummy" tells you everything you need to know about his character. They need to hook him and Liz up again. Either that or bring back Wesley Snipes!
Great episode. ****1/2.
Upcoming reviews include Beauty And The Beast, Ramona and Beezus, Coraline, Elmo's Musical Adventure, Batman Beyond: Return Of The Joker, Static Shock: The New Kid, Star Trek: The Original Series: Season Two Remastered, Star Trek: The Original Series: Season Three Remastered, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan, Star Trek III: The Search For Spock, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, and Star Trek: Voyager Season One.
Doctor Who "The Impossible Astronaut"
Can you say watershed? Honestly, at this point in time I never expected such a long running series to delve so deeply into it's own mythology. On the old show, information about the Doctor and his Companions was given in tiny bits so by the end of 26 seasons, all we knew about REALLY was the name of the Doctor's species and planet (and a bit about the Time Lords). Even Russell T Davies was more interested in exploring what had already been established than delving deeper into the cannon.
Not so Stephen Moffat. He's actually interested in answering questions raised a couple of seasons ago that relate to the Doctor's future and imminent death. Also appreciated is the fact that one of his future Companions is a Time Traveler he is meeting out of order (a first for the 50 year old franchise).
Let's get some theories out of the way: Yes, I believe the Doctor's death CAN be circumvented and probably will be (likely by the end of the season). I say this because if Matt Smith ever decided to leave they'd be without a regeneration (plus the Valeyard wouldn't exist). Two: It is VERY likely that the girl astronaut is a kid River Song. It's been implied more than once that she killed the Doctor in the past and it said right in this episode that she was a young girl when she first met the Doctor. I'm a bit dismayed that if they keep using River they will eventually have to go with an actress younger than Alex Kingston but River's line that she and the Doctor keep meeting when she gets younger and younger and he gets older and older means a recast is a certainty at some point. It also beautifully tied in with River saying she would die when the Doctor didn't recognize her and she met him for the "first time" (referencing Ten and her death in Forest Of The Dead).
The episode itself? Awesome. Great to get a role for two Shepperd's: cult heroes Mark and W. Morgan. It seems like he's going to be a future "Companion" too but MY guess is that he will be more akin to Jackie Tyler and Mickey Smith than anyone longtern. Also funny to see the Doctor meeting Richard Nixon.
The bad guy alien was particularly frightening because our heroes will not be able to recognize they are in danger. The make up effects were spooky too.
The episode was a doozy. *****.
Batman: The Brave And The Bold "Shadow Of The Bat"
Let me say up front that this episode was greatly diminished by the It Was All A Dream Ending. Considering the trope is so common why did this instance grate so much? Because it was unnessescary. They didn't need to kill everyone off to defeat them. They could have simply made sunlight the cure for vampirism and said that's why vampires avoid it at all costs.
Good things: J'onn's Big Dang Hero moment, Etrigan is modern times (!), and the Jack Ryder shout-out (is a Creeper appearance imminent?). I also was reminded of Batman Beyond's Fingers by Bat-Ape in the teaser (mostly the origin).
I really wish I could give the episode a higher grade than merely middling. But that ending was inexcusable. ***.
Smallville "Booster"
This episode had the unenviable task of introducing Booster Gold in a single episode without making him seem like a total jerk. It was MUCH easier on JLU and Batman: The Brave and the Bold because neither episode had to compare him to Superman. Booster's contrast to Batman or the Justice League is actually pretty funny but when you put him up against Clark he seems even shallower than he actually is. Plus, for Smallville audiences not used to the character this isn't the first time they've had an evil hero try to take the spotlight from Clark so fans who don't know Booster might actually think he's a villain rather than root for him. The episode did a decent job though.
I was tickled that they introduced TWO Blue Beetles (Ted Kord and Jaime Reyes)! I wish they had played up Ted and Booster's relationship or at least hinted at an upcoming friendship. Still, good stuff.
Cat is annoying. Lana level annoying. Seriously, either kill her off or never show her again. She's tiresome.
Good to see Clark still practicing bumbling. He's getting better at it but he's still not perfect.
Pretty good episode. ****.
Fringe "6:02 AM EST"
Awesomeness. I'm glad we're finally getting some for backstory on Sam Weiss and the Other Side stuff is addictive. There was not a second of this episode where I wasn't on the edge of my seat.
Let's start with the AltWorld stuff. Walternate is getting pretty evil and it was a pleasant shock to see Fauxlivia switch sides like that. I was SO disappointed she got caught but I expect her to escape and try again in the next two weeks.
My jaw dropped when the machine threw Peter. Yikes!
My favorite part of the episode was the stuff with Nina, Olivia and Sam Weiss. I cannot wait to find out the deal with the First People and this episode pretty much garuantees that a supposedly throwaway plotline actually has great significance to the entire franchise.
Fantastic. *****.
MAD "HOPS / Naruto210"
I really enjoyed this one. I didn't really "get" the Naruto parody (I've never seen that show) but everything else rocked. I laughed hard at "The Reading Womb" (You KNOW that's next) and though Soul TRON was a great concept. Bad things? No Spy Vs Spy this week! What the-?! ****1/2.
Community "Pardigms Of Human Memory"
First time I've seen a flashback show with completely new flashbacks. LOVED Senor Chang in the wall following the monkey (Why didn't they remind the audience it was named Annie's Boobs?). Best part of the episode was finding out Jeff and Britta were secretly hooking up all season. I seriously doubt it's over.
I liked the animated bits too especially Dean Pelton's. Heh.
A good 'un. ****1/2.
The Office "Micheal's Last Dundies"
It's kind of cool to see that everyone in the office has really started to like Micheal for the last year. Up until this season it was pretty clear that no-one besides Jim and Pam could stand him and it's nice that he's really grown on everyone.
My absolute favorite part of the episode was Erin publicly breaking up with the horrible Gabe. I still maintain Erin is a virgin. She is SO clueless about relationships that it's obvious she hasn't been in many. A woman THAT hot should know how to dump men better.
I wish they had focused more on D'Angelo more. I still think he is a sadist and I think they REALLY need to show that (although it might be better to wait until Micheal leaves). Micheal loves the guy but as we all know Micheal is a HORRIBLE judge of character. I hope after he leave Will Ferrell just blows up.
Bittersweet episode. ****.
Parks And Recreation "Soul Mates"
First off, let me admit I have never had a turkey burger and they sound awful. But I literally cannot be the only person on Earth who prefers a Subway Turkey Sub to a Burger King Double Cheeseburger. Right?
Ron's plot was hilarious otherwise especially Chris' shocked and surprisingly reaction. Fun stuff.
As for Tom messing with Leslie: genius! I especially like how Tom's match turned out to be a total scam on his part. I loved Leslie smooching him passionately too and saying "You should be so lucky". Heh.
I'm loving Andy and April married too. Fun episode. ****.
30 Rock "100th Episode: Parts 1 and 2"
Where has this show been all season? This season has been so bad I was worried they had forgotten how to actually make a good episode but they gave their all here. I loved Jack's speech at the end because the writer's afforded Alec Baldwin zero respect. I haven't seen an actor that self-deprecating since Seth Green in Family Guy's Star Wars Trilogy.
Tracy was awesome this episode and I loved seeing Dennis again. Just the fact that his pet name for Liz is "Dummy" tells you everything you need to know about his character. They need to hook him and Liz up again. Either that or bring back Wesley Snipes!
Great episode. ****1/2.