Fringe was good, but I'm starting to have serious concerns about the pacing and writing. So far, the Peterless plotline has been inconsistent and contradictory. Last season, the plotline about the two Olivias was handled extremely well because it had sufficient time to fully develop. The problem this season is because Peter returned far too early. He, like Olivia, should've returned in the eighth episode; not the fourth.
The biggest problem, the Peterless universe does not seem to be improved in any significant way. In fact, an argument could be made that this universe is actually worse. Over There is still decaying, Walter has lost the last thread of his sanity, Elizabeth still committed suicide, and the universes are still at war.
Another thing, the internal chronology is completely screwed-up. If Walter's agoraphobia has left him unable to leave his lab for three years, how would he make it to Liberty Island a week before the premiere?
Now to the episode itself: John Noble. Holy crap, how is it possible that this man has not won every acting award in existence short of an Oscar. He kills it week in, week out. He should get a nomination next year, along with Breaking Bad's Giancarlo Esposito. I particularly look forward to the Peterless Walternate.
Over the years, I've heard a lot of bad character names, but "Cameron James" is at the top of the list. What, was "Nolan Christopher" taken? It was especially egregious considering the influence of The Abyss.
Cameron couldn't have been responsible for the blue cloud, because the Cortexiphan trials were discontinued. The original purpose was to "unlock the full potential of children"; but, as demonstrated in "Subject 13", they were also to find a way to send Peter back Over There without reopening the portal. Since Peter died, that was no longer necessary. Poor Cameron. He had a hard life.
I trust Jeff Pinkner and J.H. Wyman more than any other showrunners, but I'm having a great deal of difficulty accepting the Peter thing. However, good news is on the horizon. Set photos have surfaced featuring Nadine Park (the translucent shape-shifter) and none other than David Robert Jones. Hopefully the Peter thing will be fully resolved before that.
Theory Time: We will see Jones before the winter hiatus, we will see Henry (Peter and Altlivia's son) again, Walternate won't like Red Vines, and the ratings will go up next episode because of Peter.
Overall, this episode was a good one. I have deep concerns about the direction of the show, but there is good news coming. Peter came back way too soon, but I'm glad he's back. Too bad the next episode is not for two weeks, baseball willing.
Showing posts with label FOX. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FOX. Show all posts
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Fringe Review 403: Alone In The World
This week's episode was excellent. I'd say it's the best episode of the season so far.
I'm glad they provided a definite ruling on what happened to Peter, it played out exactly like the episode "Peter", except September didn't step in to save them. I thought something like that happened. But why September just couldn't have stopped himself from distracting Walternate, and avoided having to let anyone die, I don't know. Probably it's because Walter is responsible for creating September in the first place.
John Noble hit another one out of the park. That man deserves every single acting award for this show.
I thought this was the episode where Dr. Sumner returned. It was odd to see the actor change his first name in the credits to "Bill Sadler". In all his other movies, it was "William". Sumner didn't really come across as a prick as much as he did in his season 1 episode.
Lincoln is pretty much dead weight at this point. He was good in the premiere, but I wish they would have more of the other Lincoln. I liked that one much better. Nothing against Seth Gabel, but they really need the other Lincoln back.
That part at the end just stunned me. Walter's done a lot of wacked-out stuff over the years, but attempting to lobotomize himself takes the cake. I don't know if anything like that has been shown on network television before. He was very lucky Olivia stepped in at the right time.
Peter is really making his presence known. It was nice to see Olivia starting to remember him. I guess Astrid or Broyles will be the next ones to remember. The preview for next week looked like the way Peter's going to be reintroduced is something like Watchmen's Dr. Manhattan.
Overall, I liked it.
Overall, I liked it.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
House Review 801: Twenty Vicodin
I've been a fan of House for just a short period of time. I really only started watching last season. Bad time, I guess, with the whole House-and-Cuddy thing. Still, I enjoyed it, even when others didn't. I was devastated when they broke up. And I was hoping they'd get back together. And then House drove his car into Cuddy's living room. It was hilarious at the time, but it definitely was not one of House's better decisions.
And so, he went off to jail for a year. The story picks up at his parole hearing. I was glad they addressed some questions, such as "how did House know that everyone was out of the dining room before he drove in"? Alas, the Q&A was cut short.
Anyway, it was a good start to what may be the final season.
And so, he went off to jail for a year. The story picks up at his parole hearing. I was glad they addressed some questions, such as "how did House know that everyone was out of the dining room before he drove in"? Alas, the Q&A was cut short.
Anyway, it was a good start to what may be the final season.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Fringe Review 402: One Night In October
This week's episode of Fringe is an improvement on last week's rather disappointing season opener. It fully utilized the format of the two Fringe teams to excellent effect, while showcasing writing ability and acting at its peak. Lincoln, unfortunately, had his part greatly reduced from last week.
I thought the serial killer was a lot like Dexter, with him having murderous urges but not being able to control them. On Dexter, the name for those urges is the "Dark Passenger". The version of the killer on this side, on the other hand, had someone to teach him to resist the "Dark Passenger". Likewise, Dexter has the ghost of his dead father to guide him. I guess Pinkner and Wyman like Dexter. It's okay, I do too.
Still no hide or hair of Walternate. Where the old fart is, I have absolutely no idea. He was supposed to work things out with Our Walter, but no dice. We've seen the Alt-versions of Olivia, Lincoln, Broyles (back from the dead), so when the hell is Walternate going to show up. He'll have to pop up eventually.
Echoes of Peter are starting to form. First, it was the reflections on Walter's TV, now it's aural hallucinations in Walter's head. He's really making an impression. It reinforces my belief that Peter is alive and well, but trapped inside the Machine. We'll see. No Peter, I think, is responsible for the decline in ratings. When he returns, they will perk up.
Theory Time: We will finally see Walternate, Peter will return in physical form in the next three episodes, there won't be a third universe, the first one to remember Peter will be Walter, and both Olivias will make peace. Overall, it was a good episode, but Peter must return. Soon.
I thought the serial killer was a lot like Dexter, with him having murderous urges but not being able to control them. On Dexter, the name for those urges is the "Dark Passenger". The version of the killer on this side, on the other hand, had someone to teach him to resist the "Dark Passenger". Likewise, Dexter has the ghost of his dead father to guide him. I guess Pinkner and Wyman like Dexter. It's okay, I do too.
Still no hide or hair of Walternate. Where the old fart is, I have absolutely no idea. He was supposed to work things out with Our Walter, but no dice. We've seen the Alt-versions of Olivia, Lincoln, Broyles (back from the dead), so when the hell is Walternate going to show up. He'll have to pop up eventually.
Echoes of Peter are starting to form. First, it was the reflections on Walter's TV, now it's aural hallucinations in Walter's head. He's really making an impression. It reinforces my belief that Peter is alive and well, but trapped inside the Machine. We'll see. No Peter, I think, is responsible for the decline in ratings. When he returns, they will perk up.
Theory Time: We will finally see Walternate, Peter will return in physical form in the next three episodes, there won't be a third universe, the first one to remember Peter will be Walter, and both Olivias will make peace. Overall, it was a good episode, but Peter must return. Soon.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Terra Nova Review 101: Genesis
This was supposed to premiere in May, but due to the need for post-production editing, it was pushed back to September. According to surveys conducted before the start of the season, this was one of the most anticipated shows. I mean, Steven Spielberg was one of the executive producers. I guess FOX's Head of Programming, Kevin Reilly, thought it would be a smash hit, even with the numerous delays. FOX shouldn't have bothered. The show is terrible.
The hyped-up dinosaur effects, while above-average for a television production, were certainly not worth the outrageous $10 to 20 million dollar price tag. The only show in recent memory that even came close to justifying an enormous pilot cost was Lost. The SyFy channel makes entire movies for a whole lot less than that.
Speaking of Lost, the actor that played the father, Jason O'Mara, seemed to be channeling Jack Shepherd. I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing, but he really needs to create his own character, and not steal an iconic one.
The other actors didn't fare as well. That, I guess you could call it an actor, who played the son was dreadful. Maybe it was the way the character was written, but I was hoping some dinosaur would come along and bite his head off. By far the best of the bunch was Avatar's Stephen Lang. Now that guy can act. He'll probably be killed off.
Overall, it was a tremendous disappointment. It played like Avatar with dinosaurs, the acting (except for Stephen Lang) sucked, it was way too expensive, and the special effects were overrated. I'll just rewatch Avatar.
The hyped-up dinosaur effects, while above-average for a television production, were certainly not worth the outrageous $10 to 20 million dollar price tag. The only show in recent memory that even came close to justifying an enormous pilot cost was Lost. The SyFy channel makes entire movies for a whole lot less than that.
Speaking of Lost, the actor that played the father, Jason O'Mara, seemed to be channeling Jack Shepherd. I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing, but he really needs to create his own character, and not steal an iconic one.
The other actors didn't fare as well. That, I guess you could call it an actor, who played the son was dreadful. Maybe it was the way the character was written, but I was hoping some dinosaur would come along and bite his head off. By far the best of the bunch was Avatar's Stephen Lang. Now that guy can act. He'll probably be killed off.
Overall, it was a tremendous disappointment. It played like Avatar with dinosaurs, the acting (except for Stephen Lang) sucked, it was way too expensive, and the special effects were overrated. I'll just rewatch Avatar.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Fringe Review 401: Neither Here Nor There
SPOILERS FOR WINTER'S TALE
Perhaps my expectations were somewhat high. It's hard to top a finale in which a main character was murdered, another was erased from existence, and there was a 15 year time jump. This wasn't a bad episode, not by any means, but I can't help but feel disappointed.
One of the things I was looking forward to the most was the people from both sides working out their differences, but the only person from Over There was Altlivia. No Walternate, No Lincolnate, nobody. I would have thought at least Walternate, but no dice. However, the scene at the Machine was well done.
Last season, I didn't care for the version of Lincoln Lee from Our side, but he was actually very likable this time around. Seth Gabel does a good job, with both Lincolns. Perhaps the absence of Peter improved Our Lincoln's personality, as well as the previously unknown partner, Robert Danzig (played by Stargate Atlantis' Joe Flanigan). I look forward to Our Lincoln's reaction to his double.
The mystery involving human shapeshifters wasn't as interesting as previous episodes about them. The shapeshifters, human or not, should not even be around, since Peter never existed. However, given certain comments by September and December, Peter may have existed as a child. If he did, and Walter crossed over but didn't save him, that would explain Walternate's continued anger and the shapeshifters. If Peter died as a child, I really hope Walter doesn't try to bring him back to life like that bird.
September's plan to correct his mistake by erasing Peter didn't go as well as he had hoped. Flashes of Peter were seen in the reflection of Walter's television. Walter doesn't know who he is, though. September could have finished the job, but for some reason chose not to. That decision will come back to bite him in the butt. As for where Peter is, my best guess is that his soul is trapped in the Machine, like the picture.
With every major episode, the color of the opening credits changes. First it was blue, then they had red, black, purple, even a retro style with commonplace things that were "fringe" in 1985. Now, in the Peterless universe, it's orange. I think it's my second favorite, next to black. One of the subjects in the credits that caught my eye was "philosopher's stone". It sounds like they will do a Harry Potter episode. That should be a good one. The next color, I think, will be green.
As to how they will work Peter back into the plot, I already know some things. Such as he will have all of his memories, but he must convince everyone else of his identity. When that happens, I don't think there will be any other conflict to resolve. Both universes are working out their problems; it's not easy at times, but at least they're in a room. The return of Peter will speed up this process. When both parties finally manage to find peace, I think it will result in what I call a "Perfectly Just" universe.
Let me explain: In the novel, "Winter's Tale" (a book that was referenced last season in the episode Subject 13), the characters intersect at various points over the course of a century in a snow-covered New York. At the end, all evil, unfairness and injustice is washed away and the characters come together to live in Paradise for all eternity. For both Fringe teams to forgive each other, and themselves, for everything that has happened, would be the best possible ending to the series. I hope that will happen without a third universe.
Early ratings reports are starting to come in, and the outlook is good, but not great. I was hoping for a 1.6. The result was a 1.5, so I was close. When the ratings begin their descent, I don't think it will be too much. I think it will level out at a 1.2 or a 1.3. Low, but enough to get a shortened fifth and final season.
Last season, I predicted a cosmic reset on the scale of Lost's Jughead. I was right, so here are my predictions for the rest of the series:
Orla Brady (the actress that plays Peter's mother) will return.
They will do a Harry Potter-like episode about the philosopher's stone.
There will be an episode like The Dead Zone.
John Noble will be snubbed for an Emmy.
Nadine Park (one of the human shapeshifters) will return.
We will get a fifth and final season.
Peter's soul is trapped in the Machine.
David Robert Jones will return.
The series will conclude with a "Perfectly Just" universe.
Overall, it wasn't the best episode, especially considering last season's finale, but it set up the outlook and plotlines for what should be another amazing season. Lincoln Lee was a nice addition to the cast, we received more information about September, and Peter made a brief appearance. The early reviews say next week's episode is the much better one anyway.
Sincerely, Observer,
Perhaps my expectations were somewhat high. It's hard to top a finale in which a main character was murdered, another was erased from existence, and there was a 15 year time jump. This wasn't a bad episode, not by any means, but I can't help but feel disappointed.
One of the things I was looking forward to the most was the people from both sides working out their differences, but the only person from Over There was Altlivia. No Walternate, No Lincolnate, nobody. I would have thought at least Walternate, but no dice. However, the scene at the Machine was well done.
Last season, I didn't care for the version of Lincoln Lee from Our side, but he was actually very likable this time around. Seth Gabel does a good job, with both Lincolns. Perhaps the absence of Peter improved Our Lincoln's personality, as well as the previously unknown partner, Robert Danzig (played by Stargate Atlantis' Joe Flanigan). I look forward to Our Lincoln's reaction to his double.
The mystery involving human shapeshifters wasn't as interesting as previous episodes about them. The shapeshifters, human or not, should not even be around, since Peter never existed. However, given certain comments by September and December, Peter may have existed as a child. If he did, and Walter crossed over but didn't save him, that would explain Walternate's continued anger and the shapeshifters. If Peter died as a child, I really hope Walter doesn't try to bring him back to life like that bird.
September's plan to correct his mistake by erasing Peter didn't go as well as he had hoped. Flashes of Peter were seen in the reflection of Walter's television. Walter doesn't know who he is, though. September could have finished the job, but for some reason chose not to. That decision will come back to bite him in the butt. As for where Peter is, my best guess is that his soul is trapped in the Machine, like the picture.
With every major episode, the color of the opening credits changes. First it was blue, then they had red, black, purple, even a retro style with commonplace things that were "fringe" in 1985. Now, in the Peterless universe, it's orange. I think it's my second favorite, next to black. One of the subjects in the credits that caught my eye was "philosopher's stone". It sounds like they will do a Harry Potter episode. That should be a good one. The next color, I think, will be green.
As to how they will work Peter back into the plot, I already know some things. Such as he will have all of his memories, but he must convince everyone else of his identity. When that happens, I don't think there will be any other conflict to resolve. Both universes are working out their problems; it's not easy at times, but at least they're in a room. The return of Peter will speed up this process. When both parties finally manage to find peace, I think it will result in what I call a "Perfectly Just" universe.
Let me explain: In the novel, "Winter's Tale" (a book that was referenced last season in the episode Subject 13), the characters intersect at various points over the course of a century in a snow-covered New York. At the end, all evil, unfairness and injustice is washed away and the characters come together to live in Paradise for all eternity. For both Fringe teams to forgive each other, and themselves, for everything that has happened, would be the best possible ending to the series. I hope that will happen without a third universe.
Early ratings reports are starting to come in, and the outlook is good, but not great. I was hoping for a 1.6. The result was a 1.5, so I was close. When the ratings begin their descent, I don't think it will be too much. I think it will level out at a 1.2 or a 1.3. Low, but enough to get a shortened fifth and final season.
Last season, I predicted a cosmic reset on the scale of Lost's Jughead. I was right, so here are my predictions for the rest of the series:
Orla Brady (the actress that plays Peter's mother) will return.
They will do a Harry Potter-like episode about the philosopher's stone.
There will be an episode like The Dead Zone.
John Noble will be snubbed for an Emmy.
Nadine Park (one of the human shapeshifters) will return.
We will get a fifth and final season.
Peter's soul is trapped in the Machine.
David Robert Jones will return.
The series will conclude with a "Perfectly Just" universe.
Overall, it wasn't the best episode, especially considering last season's finale, but it set up the outlook and plotlines for what should be another amazing season. Lincoln Lee was a nice addition to the cast, we received more information about September, and Peter made a brief appearance. The early reviews say next week's episode is the much better one anyway.
Sincerely, Observer,
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Glee Review 301: The Purple Piano Project
I don't like Glee as a rule of thumb. The first season, while at least watchable, was preachy and the music was mediocre at best. Jane Lynch was the highlight as tough-as-nails cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester, however. The second season was a sharp decline in quality. The writing was extremely shaky, big name guest stars were brought in just for the publicity, and the music was bad.
This premiere, however, was actually pretty decent. The writing was still preachy, but it was at a tolerable level. My least favorite character last season was Will. He was hypocritical, shrill, and a general pain in the ass. Maybe it's the new relationship with Emma Pillsbury, but I don't really hate him as much as I did before. I don't remember Emma divorcing her husband, the dentist, though.
The plotline about Sue Sylvester's campaign for a congressional seat has potential, and I hope she wins. Somehow, I don't think she'll win, because she'd have to leave the show. The other political plotline about the senior class president was uninteresting. Kurt will come very close to winning, but he won't. It'll drive a wedge between him and Blaine, and ruin the best relationship on the show, thus far.
Overall, I'm extremely surprised to hear myself say this, but I liked this episode of Glee. There were some decent storylines for a change, and it wasn't intolerably preachy. I will be watching.
Sincerely, Observer.
This premiere, however, was actually pretty decent. The writing was still preachy, but it was at a tolerable level. My least favorite character last season was Will. He was hypocritical, shrill, and a general pain in the ass. Maybe it's the new relationship with Emma Pillsbury, but I don't really hate him as much as I did before. I don't remember Emma divorcing her husband, the dentist, though.
The plotline about Sue Sylvester's campaign for a congressional seat has potential, and I hope she wins. Somehow, I don't think she'll win, because she'd have to leave the show. The other political plotline about the senior class president was uninteresting. Kurt will come very close to winning, but he won't. It'll drive a wedge between him and Blaine, and ruin the best relationship on the show, thus far.
Overall, I'm extremely surprised to hear myself say this, but I liked this episode of Glee. There were some decent storylines for a change, and it wasn't intolerably preachy. I will be watching.
Sincerely, Observer.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Advance Review of New Girl 101: Pilot
I was very fortunate to be able to watch an advance copy of the pilot for New Girl. I like Zooey Deschanel, and I heard good reviews about it, so I've been looking forward to it.
It's about a woman (her name is Jess) who, after a bad breakup, moves in with three male roommates. The three men have to learn to live with Jess' various quirks and eccentricities; such as a bizarre habit of singing to herself, and sobbing uncontrollably while repeatedly watching Dirty Dancing. Eventually, all four grow close, especially after saving Jess from a date that blew her off.
I don't quite know what to make of it. The reviews heralded it as "quirky", but Jess was just annoying. I wanted to say "get over it!" The roommates weren't likable, either. The worst of the bunch was named Schmidt. He was obnoxious, unfunny, and took his shirt off at a moment's notice. It's not much of a pick, but the one that irritated me least was Coach. He didn't have much of a part, though. I hope the recasting of Coach won't affect the character. The other one, Nick, was okay; but the whole ex-wife thing was ill-conceived at best.
That being said, it was funny in parts. Some of the cutaways were funny, and when they were at a bar trying to help Jess pick up a date, I laughed pretty hard. Miss Deschanel is very well cast, even if the character is poorly written. And everyone had decent chemistry.
Overall, I was generally unimpressed. The potential is there, though, and the cast was strong; despite the weak material. I'll watch for a while, but I really don't see it lasting past Christmas. We'll see.
It's about a woman (her name is Jess) who, after a bad breakup, moves in with three male roommates. The three men have to learn to live with Jess' various quirks and eccentricities; such as a bizarre habit of singing to herself, and sobbing uncontrollably while repeatedly watching Dirty Dancing. Eventually, all four grow close, especially after saving Jess from a date that blew her off.
I don't quite know what to make of it. The reviews heralded it as "quirky", but Jess was just annoying. I wanted to say "get over it!" The roommates weren't likable, either. The worst of the bunch was named Schmidt. He was obnoxious, unfunny, and took his shirt off at a moment's notice. It's not much of a pick, but the one that irritated me least was Coach. He didn't have much of a part, though. I hope the recasting of Coach won't affect the character. The other one, Nick, was okay; but the whole ex-wife thing was ill-conceived at best.
That being said, it was funny in parts. Some of the cutaways were funny, and when they were at a bar trying to help Jess pick up a date, I laughed pretty hard. Miss Deschanel is very well cast, even if the character is poorly written. And everyone had decent chemistry.
Overall, I was generally unimpressed. The potential is there, though, and the cast was strong; despite the weak material. I'll watch for a while, but I really don't see it lasting past Christmas. We'll see.
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