Category Archives: TV

Trailers for 37 New TV Shows…Yes, 37.

I come to you today a conflicted woman. Those pilots I so looked forward to and thought would find legs? Well it turns out there’s a reason I’m not a network executive. That reason being I don’t think like a network executive as evidenced by the fact that so few of those pilots I predicted would make it to air actually will. On one hand, I’m disappointed because there were some great ideas that are no longer and on the other hand there are some trailers for these new shoes that look very promising. See? Conflict. But enough chit chat – let’s watch some trailers for all the new TV shows…

**note: I did not include all mid-season shows. There will be plenty of time to look at those, these are mainly the fall premieres.**

[tabgroup][tab title=”NBC”]

NBC cleaned house. Especially when it comes to their sitcoms. The only ones that were renewed were Parks and Recreation and (somewhat amazing) Community. The rest of them, including every new show they premiered this year? Gone. Sadly there have been murmurings that NBC is purposefully abandoning the style of shows they used to air, like 30 Rock and the freshman now canceled sitcom Go On, and are instead looking for things more broad reaching, family oriented, even going so far as to say they want shows more like those on CBS. That’s right folks… NBC is courting the lowest common denominator. Oh joy.

[toggle_simple title=” The Blacklist” width=”600″]

http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/xnxx-92/widget/widget.html?vid=n36728

Former government agent, current FBI Most Wanted, Raymond “Red” Reddington has been on the run for years but now is coming to the FBI with a proposition; he wants to help them hunt down another of their Most Wanted, terrorist Ranko Zamani. Of course, as the name implies, Zamani is not the only person on Red’s list.

Meh, I suppose it has potential but it seems a little like a combination between Law and Order and Fox’s The Following.

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[toggle_simple title=”Dracula” width=”600″]

http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/xnxx-92/widget/widget.html?vid=n36763

Johnathan Rhys Meyers is discarding period garb to have sex with beautiful women. It seems as if we’ve seen this before. Oh, yea. At least this time he’s doing it as a vampire instead of as King. I’ll admit, this looks promising especially with the people involved behind the camera, and Meyers isn’t really a schlub, so things are in Dracula‘s favor.
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[toggle_simple title=”Sean Saves the World” width=”600″]

http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/xnxx-92/widget/widget.html?vid=n36743

I do believe I said I’d eat my hat if this show made it to series so if someone really wants to see me do that I shall. This is exactly the type of show one might expect to see on CBS so congrats NBC!, you did exactly what you set out to.

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[toggle_simple title=”The Michael J. Fox Show” width=”600″]

http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/xnxx-92/widget/widget.html?vid=n36745

Before seeing this trailer I thought it was going to be crappy. I have since changed my tune. Out of all of NBC’s new shows, this looks to be the most intriguing. I’m hoping that the trailer isn’t hiding the triteness that so many family sitcoms fall victims to because it looks pretty decent based off this small glimpse.

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[toggle_simple title=”Ironsides” width=”600″]

http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/xnxx-92/widget/widget.html?vid=n36744

Not even the beautiful Blair Underwood can make me watch this. Sorry.

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[toggle_simple title=”Welcome to the Family” width=”600″]

http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/xnxx-92/widget/widget.html?vid=n36742

I’ll admit, I liked Yes, Dear for a mindless afternoon of sitcom viewing. There is on way on earth I’m going to make sure I watch this drivel. I mean really NBC? This? I’m insulted. You are better than this. Come on.

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So yea, NBC? Not really hitting it out of the park this year. Of course in addition to these gems is the Chicago Fire spin-off Chicago PD. Are there more depressing words than “Chicago Fire spin-off”? I don’t think so. I’d love to come back to this in a year and be completely wrong about these shows but I think we all know, I won’t be.

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[tab title=”ABC”]

If you haven’t been to our site before you might not have heard, but we are really excited for ABC’s new show, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. We aren’t overly thrilled with having to type that out each time, but for the show itself there is definite excitement. You can catch up on all S.H.I.E.L.D. news here, here, here, here, and here but for right now let’s look at what else ABC has in store for this coming TV year.

[toggle_simple title=”Super Fun Night” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/pg1RtDr-cHE

I want to like this. I want this to be good. I fear neither of those things will happen. This saddens me. Oh well, maybe I’ll be proven wrong.

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[toggle_simple title=”Mixology” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/9sXkzoNOw5E

While this does look promising, how long can the premise last? It takes place in one night. 11 hours of one night in a bar? I don’t even want to be in a real bar in my real life for 11 hours in one night, much less in a TV bar for an entire television season. This just seems like it would get really old, really quick.

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[toggle_simple title=”Resurrection” width=”600″]

Now we’re talking. I can actually see myself watching this and enjoying it. Granted much like Mixology, I do wonder how long they can keep the show going before telling us how exactly the kid is back from the dead, but that’s part of the fun with shows like this so I’m thinking it will be good.

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[toggle_simple title=”Once Upon a Time in Wonderland” width=”600″]

So, ummmm, I like it? I am a huge fan of Once Upon a Time and even though the Wonderland version doesn’t look quite as good, mainly because it’s just the one character, I’ll probably still watch it. I mean it’s got the same people behind it (Adam Horowitz especially) as OUAT and I imagine they won’t deviate too far from what makes that show successful so I’m guessing Wonderland will be around awhile.

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[toggle_simple title=”Mind Games” width=”600″]

I’m can’t tell you how happy I am that this made it to series! Finally a show that I was looking forward to before series orders were announced that has help up to my expectations. You know how I feel about sibling relationships! And if you don’t… I like them!

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[toggle_simple title=”Trophy Wife” width=”600″]

No.

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[toggle_simple title=”The Goldbergs” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/XhksMq75mj8

Extremely underwhelmed. Do we really want to relive to 80’s so soon? Nope.

However, I will have to resist the urge to burst into song each time REO Speedwagon comes on. It’s an impulse I just can’t control.

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[toggle_simple title=”Killer Women” width=”600″]

This is a good example of a promising (if formulaic) premise that seemingly gets lost when making the jump from paper to screen. One can hope that it’s just one of those shows that has a crappy trailer but ends up being a good show.

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[toggle_simple title=”Back in the Game” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/cf3ttSBq09g

This was a better idea when it was called Bad News Bears or Little Giants. Enough said.

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[toggle_simple title=”Betrayal” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/9zR0A09sYrU

I imagine if you watch and like Revenge, you will watch and like Betrayal. I won’t but I guess there are people out there that will.

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[toggle_simple title=”Lucky 7″ width=”600″]

I’m going to hold out judgement on this one until it airs because it could go either way. My gut feeling is it’s going to go bad but my gut has been wrong before so who knows.

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An interesting group of pilots. ABC seems to be a fan of large ensemble cast shows this year. Combined with the “we are a dysfunctional family” sitcoms, well we’ll just have to wait and see who ends up still breathing come next May.

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[tab title=”CBS”]

It is no secret, I hate CBS. There have been very few shows on CBS in recent memory that I’ve watched and enjoyed but each year I think to myself, “this is it, this is the year I will be a CBS fan!” and not surprisingly that lasts only about a week. This year doesn’t seem like that will change, with the exception of maybe one show.

[toggle_simple title=”The Millers” width=”600″]

Will Arnett, Margo Martindale, and Beau Bridges – what’s not to like? Well so far it looks like The Millers. I really expected more from those three fabulous actors signing on to something together but sadly this just does not look that good.

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[toggle_simple title=”Hostages” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/MwD2OR3n0TU

In what seems like a common theme this year, I just can’t see this show having any longevity. Unless they are only giving us a glimpse of the first two episodes, I can’t imagine there is much of a story that can be told while the President is waiting for surgery. It’s a shame because Toni Collette and Dylan McDermott would be nice to watch together.

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[toggle_simple title=”Intelligence” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/f-nqhGQeniM

I loved this show back when it was called Chuck. Yea, yea it’s a drama and it’s nothing like Chuck because that was a comedy and this is serious business but I think we can all agree, it’s Chuck. I’ll probably give it a shot because it’s Sawyer but that’s about it.

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[toggle_simple title=”Mom” width=”600″]

Allison Janney does not need a laugh track. It is a crime that Allison Janney has a laugh track. Have I mentioned that Allison Janney is on a show with a laugh track? This saddens me. Add in Anna Faris and make this a Chuck Lorre show which means it will be very predictable and pedantic and this is probably one of the most depressing series orders of the year. So much wasted talent in yet another Chuck Lorre show on crappy CBS.

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[toggle_simple title=”We Are Men” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/iiZo4AjTbQw

I think it would be best if people don’t get attached to this one because I can’t even fathom it lasting more than a year if even that long.

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[toggle_simple title=”The Crazy Ones” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/Qz-8JoUQzE0

This is the only CBS show that I’m actually looking forward to and it has everything to do with Robin Williams and Sarah Michelle Gellar. I mean it’s Robin Williams and Sarah Michelle Gellar! The ad agency aspect seems a bit overplayed these days but I’ll still give it a shot.

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Outside of The Crazy Ones, I imagine my streak of hating CBS will not be threatened. It’s nice to know that there are some thing in life that remain constant. Thank you CBS.

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[tab title=”FOX”]

Fox has the distinction of having both the worst new show and, in my opinion, two of the best new shows of the year in their ranks. Way to go Fox, covering all the bases. I’m impressed.

[toggle_simple title=”Enlisted” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/rpZ79FXs-eI

This show should never have made it this far, plain and simple. Sgt. Bilko was a great movie with a similar premise but Enlisted? Well it looks like that puppy that Bilko wanted to make him feel better just took a dump on the TV screen and called it a sitcom.

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[toggle_simple title=”Sleepy Hollow” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/1hFg9qS_u3w

I am the one person in the world that loved Kate & Leopold. The idea of a person from one time long ago somehow finding his way to modern day is one that I enjoy watching. I also really like treasure hunt/mystery types of things like National Treasure. It appears as if Sleepy Hollow has both of these elements so it’s not hard to imagine that I’ll be making sure I catch this show.

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[toggle_simple title=”Almost Human” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/ykwxg534yAw

I’m almost afraid to say this too loud in fear that an executive will hear it and retaliate with cancellation but, I like it. A lot. Very interested in seeing how this one plays out.

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[toggle_simple title=”Surviving Jack” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/3gg3T-NeBPc

I really expected more out of Christopher Meloni. Not only that but is there really a market for shows based in the 90’s? I feel like the first time I heard Prince on an “oldies” station. At least The Goldbergs is the 80’s which you can recognize by the clothes and decor right away.

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[toggle_simple title=”Rake” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/ZIf6MgnY9_I

This is pretty much my middle of the road show of the year. If it makes it, that’s great; if it doesn’t, meh no big deal. Although I did really enjoy the moment where he tells the room full of people eating lunch that people really do taste like chicken. An entire show of moments like that? Yea, I’ll watch.

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[toggle_simple title=”Dads” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/_yeLSEd8Ts4

How on earth does an actor like Giovanni Ribisi end up in crap like this? Seth Green I can see because he’s an odd duck that we all love and adore the more for it but Ribisi? Just doesn’t seem right.

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[toggle_simple title=”Gang Related” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/aCz7j1ekE1U

Very intriguing. I’ve watched every episode of Gangland so I consider myself somewhat of an expert on gang relations and this show looks like it captures them quite well. Must remember to set the dvr for this one.

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[toggle_simple title=”Us and Them” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/v0oMySm9Hew

These next words are not ones you will see very often: This looks like someone has done a good job at remaking a British show. If you haven’t seen Gavin & Stacey, find a way to remedy that because it is a great show. When I first saw that they were remaking it I cringed because let’s be honest with ourselves here, as a rule Hollywood sucks at remakes. Yes, I know there are obvious exceptions to that rule but it doesn’t change the rule. We suck. With any luck, it appears as if Us and Them does not. Finger crossed!

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[toggle_simple title=”Brooklyn Nine-Nine” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/D1UzmW77F30

It should come as no surprise that just from trailers, my favorite new show is Andy Samberg’s really talented ensemble comedy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Andre Braugher in a comedy? Can not wait. Terry Crews, Joe Lo Truglio, and Chelsea Perretti? Seriously, I can’t wait for this show. Seems almost cruel to throw out a trailer and then be like, oh yea but you won’t see any more of this for another five months, hahahaha sucks to be you!

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Out of all the networks, I think Fox actually has the strongest prospects out of Us and Them and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Now it’s just the awful waiting game to see if the powers that be let the shows find their audience or if they act like whiny brats and cancel at the first sign of trouble. Here’s hoping for the former.

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[tab title=”The CW”]

Outside of a few exceptions, obviously one of those being Arrow, there isn’t much on The CW that I watch mainly because I’m almost 35 years old and don’t spend a lot of time writing fanfic on my favorite OTP ship of Dean and Castiel. That being said, some of these shows don’t look all that bad if you don’t expect them to be more than the angst filled pretty people vehicles that they are.

[toggle_simple title=”Star Crossed” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/iZ-aYWzsmuI

This was actually one of the pilots I was hoping would get picked up because the whole idea of aliens being integrated into a “suburban high school” was so odd that I just had to see it. Of course as soon as I say I don’t watch CW shows because I’m ancient compared to their intended audience… well Star Crossed star Matt Lanter (also the voice of Anakin Skywalker in The Clone Wars) just turned 30 so perhaps the CW is aging? Or not – he plays a high schooler. One way to prolong your Hollywood career I suppose.

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[toggle_simple title=”The Tomorrow People” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/8TDKDqoklEI

Mark Pelligrino – that’s all the reason you need to watch. Oh and Oliver Queen/Stephen Amell’s cousin, Robbie Amell, is the lead but really, Mark Pelligrino.

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[toggle_simple title=”The Originals” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/O2u7768JOP4

Vampires. If you like vampires, I’m sure you’d like this. If you don’t, then don’t even bother.

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[toggle_simple title=”The 100″ width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/SNK5RkQ3F3Q

I imagine this is not at all what the people behind The 100 were going for but with this clip all I could think of was the YouTube video that made the internet rounds awhile back of the chimps who were used for testing purposes and then released outdoors for the first time after they were “retired”. I’d rather watch that video (through the tears because that shit is sad) on repeat than watch this show.

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[toggle_simple title=”Reign” width=”600″]

http://youtu.be/iVFDK9DES9U

You know? It doesn’t seem like it’s going to be that bad and like I said when looking at the pilot orders, it’s got Anthony Head and anything with Anthony Head is something I’m going to watch.

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Nothing really that surprising or out of the ordinary for The CW but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing as they have rabid fans and whenever you can successfully create fandoms, you just keep doing what you’re doing.

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So there you have it! A look at the new shows coming up this year. Some, like Brooklyn Nine-Nine have definite promise while others, Back in the Game, really should have just sat this one out, but overall, not a bad… nope, that’s a lie. For the most part, these are some crappy shows. A few bright spots but as a whole this is a bad year for new shows. Back to the drawing board network execs! There’s always next year.

Star Wars Animated “Rebels” to Debut 2014

Although I’m still reeling from the sudden loss of the Clone Wars due to Disney’s mad chopping spree throughout the Star Wars world, I’ve been consoled slightly. Apparently the next animated series will not only be handled by none other than Clone Wars veteran Dave Filoni and a lot of his technical crew, but it will deal with a time era that doesn’t get a whole lot of exposure; The Dark Times era between episode 3 and 4. It was pretty obvious that Filoni would be working on something past the Clone Wars when he was using a TIE Fighter picture as “research”, but it was pretty hard to pinpoint whether it was directly after the Clone Wars era or in between the old trilogy or after the old trilogy. After the old trilogy would have made sense since episode’s 7, 8 and 9 are currently in development, because it’s not like the Empire just went away after Return of the Jedi. However, I’m equally pleased to hear that the series will take place between episode 3 and 4. It’s also called ‘Rebels’ which is totally bad ass. I envision rogue Jedi and freedom fighters like Bail Organa and Mon Mothma leading the charge against the Empire. (Bail and Mothma of course not so openly.) Check out the video below of Dave Filoni talking about Rebels a little bit and when it will be hitting a small screen near you:

2014 is not so far away! There are plenty of possibilities that could occur in a series like this. Depending on how much creative control they give to Filoni we could see the return of Ahsoka sometime. Fans loved her and she was Filoni’s biggest contribution to the saga. She would be significantly older if it takes place closer to episode 4 and it sets a perfect stage for an Ahsoka v.s. Vader confrontation. Clearly Sidious didn’t kill Maul because he had “other uses” for him. I don’t think that means Maul was going to be his secretary, I think that means he’s going to use him as a weapon again. So there’s some potential of Vader and Maul running into one another too? Count me in. It may add some extra tension with Anakin knowing that his old Master’s killer is still walking around and serving his new master as well. Then again, Disney may have Filoni shy away from those characters completely and concentrate on the non-Jedi heroes and soldiers that will one day make up the Rebel Alliance.

Rebels
Expect to see plenty of Ralph McQuarrie inspired designs in the show.

Either way I’m good to go and curious to see if the animation style from the show will mirror that of the Clone Wars or be completely different. I have complete faith in Filoni and his crew after watching five seasons of a show that became better and better visually and story wise each season that it went through. Bring me the rebel scum ASAP!

Rebels

Game Of Thrones Review: 3.08 – Second Sons

It’s hard to believe that there are only two episodes left until the third season of Game of Thrones is over. Next up is episode 9 and if the last two seasons are any indication, with Ned losing his head and the Battle of Blackwater Bay in seasons 1 and 2 respectively, then we can probably expect a pivotal turning point in this season’s penultimate episode. If you haven’t checked out last week’s Game of Thrones review, ‘The Bear and the Maiden Fair’ go ahead and do so now. But back to the task on hand, ‘Second Sons’. Gendry. Melisandre. King’s blood. Yes, let’s start there.

*SPOILERS FOR REALLLLL!*

When last we saw the Red Priestess of Asshai and the Baratheon bastard, they were making their way to Dragonstone via the ship graveyard of Blackwater Bay as Melisandre dropped the royal bombshell of Gendry’s lineage directly to his face. The story is continued as they arrive at Dragonstone. Things in regard to the king’s blood differ greatly in the show as opposed to the book, but they definitely work better onscreen and they effectively give something for Gendry to do on the show as opposed to him staying with the brotherhood to be their blacksmith.

Second Sons

The method of getting the leeches onto Gendry was a definitely something that we didn’t see in the books as Melisandre once again bares all and seduces Gendry to get his blood. The scene with Stannis dropping each leech into the brazier and naming each king to die was as eerie as it was reading it in the book. I suppose we’ll see soon enough if R’hllor sends out the hit squad for Joffrey, Balon and Robb.

Second Sons

Also on Dragonstone we were able to revisit Ser Davos whose reading is now… marginally at best. But more importantly than whether or not Davos can read himself lullabies in his cell at night is the offer that Stannis brings to Davos in the dungeons of Dragonstone. He will release Davos if he vows to not physically attack or threaten Lady Melisandre again. Davos agrees but not before making clear that he will not always agree with her and will often times speak out against her. Stannis agrees and relies on the workings of Melisandre and her red god to prove to Ser Davos that the way of R’hllor is the only way. Think Davos will see it their way?

Second Sons

Second Sons

Now, onto the wedding of Sansa and Tyrion! The whole affair was about as awkward as you can imagine an arranged wedding could be. Imagine that awkwardness being multiplied by a hundred due to the antics of the spoiled little boy king Joffrey. He implies to Sansa that he can still sleep with/rape her even if she is married to his uncle Tyrion. He even takes away Tyrion’s stool that he would have used to drape the ceremonial cloak over Sansa’s shoulders, much to the enjoyment of several onlookers. (And Tywin’s lack of enjoyment.)

Tyrion and Joffrey’s argument over the bedding ceremony was about as tense as a scene gets on the show, aside from a main character named Ned getting beheaded. The look in Tyrion’s eyes said it all as he threatened to cut off Joffrey’s kinghood, though he stopped short of saying he would feed it to the goats. It looked as if Joffrey was going to have Tyrion executed until daddy Tywin intervened.

The awkwardness continued as the bedding ceremony continued behind closed doors with Tyrion promising Sansa that he would never touch her unless she wanted him to. All the while we have Shae in the mix, watching Tyrion ever so closely.

tyrions weddingtyrions wedding 2

Fortune seems to favor Daenerys as of late. After acquiring 8,000 fully trained Unsullied to add to her three rapidly growing dragons, she seeks to acquire another formidable fighting force; the sellsword group known as the Second Sons led by the cheeky, scar faced Mero. Along with Mero is Daario Naharis who clearly has a thing for Daenerys from the get go. Dany plans to buy the loyalty of the Second Sons and add 2,000 more experienced men into her ranks, but this proves difficult with the lecherous and ill mannered Mero. But what can you expect from a sellsword?

Second SonsSecond Sons

Second SonsSecond Sons

The whole situation with the Second Sons was dealt with quite well in the show as opposed to the book. In the book Daario worked for the sellsword group known as the Stormcrows, but in episode 8 they combined the Stormcrows with the Second Sons. Daario is chosen by his comrades to infiltrate Dany’s camp and kill her. Daario definitely infiltrates the camp but has other plans in mind; plans that involve the sack that he brought with him for Daenerys. The Second Sons’ loyalty is all but secured by the fact that Daario has brought the Khaleesi the heads of the other leaders of the sellswords including Mero. The actor portraying Daario definitely has his cockiness and self surety down to a T in the show that the character portrayed in the books. He also does a good job of being obsessed with Daenerys and it will be very welcome to see how they play off one another in future episodes. Not to mention Jorah will definitely be getting more and more jealous that Dany has obtained another advisor/commander in their ranks if his interactions with Selmy at first are any indication.

Second Sons

Our last two storylines that are continued involve Arya and the Hound and Sam and Gilly. Arya and the Hound are now on the road together, with Arya still intent on crossing the Hound off of her hit list. After attempting to literally “rock” the Hound in the face, Arya comes to find out that he is taking her to the Twins in time for her Uncle Edmure’s wedding with the daughter of Walder. Clegane just wants a little money in his pocket and Robb Stark is just the man to pay him when he delivers his little sister. But that doesn’t mean that Arya is still on good terms with the Hound as is evidenced in the trailer for the next episode.

Second Sons

Second Sons

Second Sons

The Arya scene was relatively short, as was the Sam and Gilly scene beyond the Wall. However, the scene with Sam was probably the best of the episode.  To set the scene, Sam is still horrible at starting fires and talks a little bit about his not so loving father. That’s before all of the ravens start chattering to an almost deafening pitch and sitting on a weirwood outside the hut that Sam and Gilly took up residence. The chatter stops as someone approaches, and much to Sam’s dismay, it’s an effing White Walker. He actually puts up a decent fight before his sword is shattered by the White Walker and he’s thrown about twenty feet as the snow demon attempts to reach Gilly and the baby. But Sam has a trick up his sleeve; Dragon Glass. In a scene as hardcore as Sam will ever get, he stabs the White Walker in the back with the dragon glass dagger he and Grenn found at the Fist of the First Men. The White Walker suffers a spectacular death and Sam and Gilly run for it… leaving that handy dandy dragon glass weapon on the cold ground. Nice work Sam.

Second SonsWhite Walker 2White Walker 3White Walker 4Slayer

Overall the episode felt quite lengthy and fit in as many characters as we’ve seen in one episode since the beginning of the season. Robb, Bran, Jamie and Jon Snow are noticeably absent, but we get to catch up with Arya, Sam, Daenerys and the whole King’s Landing crew including the Lannisters and Tyrells. We even get to experience the frost queen herself, Cersei laying out threats and eff offs to multiple members of the Tyrell family.

Second Sons
“If you ever call me sister again I’ll have you strangled in your sleep.”

Now we have to suffer two weeks for another episode that promises to be spectacularly eventful? I damn thee Memorial Day! I damn thee! Join us next time! Check out the next episode’s ‘Rains of Castamere’ promo.

 

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SNL: 38.21 – Ben Affleck & Kanye West (Season Finale)

Another great season of SNL wrapped up this weekend with host Ben Affleck joining the Five Timers Club. Sadly Mr. Affleck did not get the fanfare of previous club initiates but in all honesty, this season finale was more about departing cast members than it was the host.

Someone who doesn’t appear to be going anywhere, despite being in his tenth year on SNL, is Kenan Thompson. There are quite a few who think he needs to move on but if he keeps up things like comparing his Al Sharpton hair to Fredrick Douglas, then he can stay as long as he desires. However, it was “Matthew McConnell” that really made me laugh. How could you not laugh at the idea of Wooderson in politics?

Ben Affleck

The monologue was cute but still rather meh at the same time. The backlash Affleck got for saying marriage is work was ridiculous to begin with. The fact that they couldn’t come up with anything a little bit more topical (the Oscars seems like they were months ago…) is even more ridiculous. That being said, I’m a huge fan of Jennifer Garner so anything that gets her on my TV, I’m okay with it.

Ben Affleck

The “Bengo F*** Yourself”? I can’t tell if I liked it because it brought back Fred Armisen’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, or if I liked it because it was funny, or really if I even liked it at all. Ahmadinejad having to say “park the car in Harvard Yard” each time was amusing but the premise was a little blah. It just left me wanting to go watch “I Ran So Far” again.

Ben AffleckI know I’ve proclaimed something to be the “best so far” at least twice this season, but ‘Xanax for Gay Summer Weddings’ really was the best commercial of the season. Everything from the favors of cheez-its and mini bottles of water compared to two tickets to Italy and 40K and Bill Hader dancing was delightful. Bobby Moynihan not owning an iron? Aidy Bryant and Kate McKinnon as the couple getting married with their pack of dogs? Flawless. The tagline of “Not necessary for lesbian weddings” made me laugh more than anything in quite some time. Don’t know who wrote that bit but hats off to them because it was amazing.

Not amazing was Ben Affleck with his Jimmy Stewart impression and Bill Hader’s “holding out for management” sketch. Actually the only highlight of that was Kate McKinnon pronouncing that she was 40. How that sketch made it to the front half of the show is beyond me because it was awful.

Ben Affleck
Credit to: Joe Kelly’s Instagram

One of the best parts of living in the internet age, is the ability to have a look at our favorite shows that we’ve never had the chance to get before. If you wanted backstage photos back in the dark ages of my childhood, you had to either know someone or see them in a magazine. I know right? Oh the humanity! Now you pop on over to Instagram, or Twitter, or Facebook and you’ve got those things right at your fingertips. Thankfully Joe Kelly, an SNL writer, got a picture of that incredible shirt that Taran Killam was wearing in the ‘New Beginnings’ sketch because it truly needs to be seen as often as possible. Impressive bead work. The sketch was all right, but that shirt was clearly the highlight.

Ben Affleck
Credit to: John Mulaney’s Instagram

I have been watching SNL ever since I was going to sleepovers or found a way to sneakily watch TV after my parents went to bed so mid-80’s. Actually the first episode I remember seeing was Ron Reagan hosting with musical guest The Nelsons. Oh yea. In all those years, I don’t know that I’ve seen a better send off for a character than was given to Bill Hader’s Stefon.

Ben Affleck

Stefon came on as expected and things progressed as they usually do. Then, in a moment of horror vocalized clearly by the audience’s gasps, he storms off stage telling Seth that he’s found a new man and he’s getting married. The fabulous Amy Poehler saves the day by telling Seth Meyers to go after him and we are treated to a The Graduate send-up that would no doubt make Dustin Hoffman proud. I’m woman enough to admit that it made me cry to see all Stefon’s clubbing friends there at his wedding. ‘Menorah the Explorer’ and of course ‘DJ Baby Bok-Choy’ warmed the cold cockles of my heart. However, nothing compares to having the happy couple return to the Weekend Update set and take a final bow surrounded by other fantastic Weekend Update characters.

Ben Affleck

A remarkable end to an incredibly entertaining character and ongoing storyline.

Sadly, the rest of the sketches weren’t nearly as good or noteworthy. ‘Greg’s Funeral’ was entertaining to a point, and the ‘Engagement BBQ’ was mildly funny but only because it was nearing 1 am and I was tired. Really the only thing the second half had that was positive, sketch wise was the ‘not porn stars anymore’ and their Hermes handbags.

Ben Affleck

Three times in one season seems like a lot, but these two have managed to keep this sketch interesting despite over-playing it. One can hope they won’t continue to do it as often as the gag will easily be played out, but for now it worked.

Bill Hader had his moment and at the end of the night, it was time for Fred Armisen’s. He didn’t even attempt to go the funny route, instead just went straight for our hearts and ripped them out and stomped them for good measure.

Of course it would be difficult to assemble a cooler group of musicians and it seemed right that Ian Rubbish would have his moment that was that cool. If I hadn’t gotten teary with Stefon, then I certainly would have when I caught sight of Fred/Ian’s guitar strap proclaiming his love for Lorne Michaels.

Overall, this was a crappy episode with great moments. Ben Affleck wasn’t all that great in his sketches but it seemed right that he host this show and give even more closure to Stefon (he played his brother in the first episode Stefon appeared on Weekend Update). Really this finale was all about two men who have been shining beacons of the SNL cast for years.

Ben Affleck

There are still plenty of cast decisions up in the air – Jason Sudeikis, for one – but we know that even though at least two big names are leaving, there are plenty talented actors ready to step into their shoes as has happened for all 38 years the show as been on air. It’s survived big names leaving and it’ll survive these big names leaving. Now we just have all summer to obsess over who will be the new cast members and of course, who will take over Weekend Update!

It’s been a great season, I’ve really enjoyed this time we’ve spent together SNL fans. Just because the season is over doesn’t mean our relationship has to be. Stick around for there will be plenty of SNL news over the break and of course there will be plenty of things to discuss as we approach Season 39!!!

Game of Thrones Promo: 3.09 – ‘The Rains of Castamere’

Let’s go ahead and ignore the words “only two episodes left” and just enjoy this promo for episode 9 of Game of Thrones, “The Rains of Castamere”.

I’ll just say it – Arya is perhaps one of my favorite people on the planet. That chick does not play around. Sure Daenerys is obviously amazing but she’s got a family history going for her, not to mention the obvious dragon benefit, but Arya? Girlfriend has been kicking ass and taking names seemingly from the time she popped out of the birth canal and doing so in very challenging situations. Of course she’s going to stand up to Hound and threaten him, just another day for the young Stark.

Not only is the number of episodes left sad news, but there’s also a week without our beloved Westeros inhabitants thanks to the Memorial Day weekend. While the true intention of Memorial Day is to remember those men and women who have died in service to this country, we all know that it’s the start of summer and really just a reason for people to stand around in backyards and drink around a grill.

In honor of that, how about a drinking song! This was from the recent “Walk of Punishment” episode which then of course led into “The Bear and Maiden Fair“.

Of course the obvious choice for a drinking song to go along with this promo would be The Rains of Castamere itself!

http://youtu.be/U2MwFkAV3Fs

Well that’s all I’ve got this week. Make sure you check back tomorrow for our review of tonight’s episode and I’ll see you next time Game of Thrones fans!

BranTully Wedding