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Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part IV (2022)
Almost
Though the original idea behind this story and the decisions including casting that has led to it's creation remain imbecilic and irreverent toward the source material this entry was the most watchable so far.
Basically this is a rescue story of Obi Wan and. Tala's efforts to retrieve the kidnapped Princess Lea who is being held at the very HQ of the Inquisitors and is supposedly impregnable though no one knows for sure. The pair manage to rescue the child through seemingly impossible odds while once again thwarting the ambitions of Reva and Vader.
Improvements noted included better scene appropriate Star Wars music, a possible return to form of the bedraggled Obi Wan who is slowly showing signs of returning to his old capable self. Snow Speeders and a flaming trash robot also lent some laughs to this reviewer.
Overall this is still very much a child centered show, much the same way that Episode I had been as well. There is far too much reliance upon character saving plot devices, writing remains dismal and the performances by lead characters remains unconvincing. It might as well have been animated.
Upload: Mind Frisk (2022)
Evil obviously
A very common phobia among many people is having no privacy over our very own thoughts and the loss of privacy that would entail which is explored very well in this installment of Upload.
Lucy.ever the narcissist has found new ways to get her kicks thanks to a relax of standards at Lakeview that permits the exploitation of uploads dreams and thoughts for profit and is shown in both hilarious and humiliating style.
Nora, conflicted about her support of the more militant Ludds has a falling out with Matteo and ends up assisting Nathan discover more revelations about the reasons for his murder, with both collaborating together they are able to achieve at least a modicum of revenge.
In the background Ingrid demands to have her very own Lakeview baby, with some rather interesting to slightly disturbing CGI done of. Owen Daniels at various ages. Meant to be funny it came off a bit flat and depressing to this reviewer. .
Overall very fun episode that reveals another piece in the Nathan Brown murder puzzle.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Memento Mori (2022)
Touching tribute
In this well timed episode of SNW right before Memorial Day weekend, the crew are marking StarFleet Rmembrance Day during which they also remember their fallen and wear badges on their uniform to remember past vessels on which they have served.
Singh is the focused cast member this week, as the Enterprise encounters the Gorn when investigating a colony under mysterious attack. After they are attacked during a vulnerable moment, the Enterprise and crew must dodge the enemy while flying blind, damaged and without any feasible offense. Singh must bravely confront her past trauma in order to unlock the key to defeating this enemy which so far has only been barely introduced, but are deadly and relentless. The crew must collaborate together in order to make it through along with character growth, the first real combat situation with casualties and battle damage, but the crew manage to save the day at the last moment with a new legendary Starship maneuver.
Chemistry between characters is building, but not quite there yet, though certain characters are becoming more likable. Uhura's genius has already been established and this repetition felt cumbersome here. Writing is quite good, but comedy could stand more polishing as mouthiness and quips are no substitute for wit and well timed off the cuff remarks that Deforest Kelly could do so well. Ethan Peck is an excellent incarnation of Spock, and the show could do with a bit more Starfleet discipline, but is quickly becoming a weekly favorite.
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Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
Disappointing
Here was a real opportunity for talented writers and perhaps a more competent studio to really delve into the missing Kenobi years and tell a great story about a well loved franchise character. Instead Disney in all it's wisdom hired some no talent hacks, miss cast characters to the point I forgot if that I was watching StarWars as it felt so often like any episode of Xena.
A few of the more glaring errors as many others have pointed out was the incompetence of the.villains, the advanced aging of Kenobi, the way too young actress for Lea who performed more in line with a toddler than any ten year old this reviewer has ever seen, and of course bucket loads of very bad, and often cheesy ham-fisted acting.
Unfortunately for either this entry or the recently released Book of Boba Fett, The Mandalorian perhaps set the bar too high for viewers expectations, but certainly a studio with as many resources as Disney could do better by the fans than this drivel. If you grew up with the original trilogy you can expect to be disappointed, but this may appeal to the pre-teen and teenage audience who have less stringent standards for a once very superior quality franchise. This feels like value menu material to me. Doubt I'll be watching any further unless to see Ewan McGregor only. Pity.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Strange New Worlds (2022)
Roddenberry would be proud
How refreshing to see a new Star Trek show that can both be serious and yet playful at times similar to well loved Trek series of the past that have done all those things so very well.
SNW introduces viewers to Captain Pike and crew who like so many others in the past have their shore leave canceled so that they can help investigate a missing officer who was engaged in first contact with a new species. This new species somehow had gained warp technology due to past events and instead of using it for exploration like every other planet who had developed warp drive had done this species had turned theirs into a weapon. On an away mission the doctor and nurse Chapel alter the officers appearance to blend in,, but problems do arise which complicate matters often in hilarious style, but which Captain Pike ultimately uses to his advantage to try and convince the new species not to make the same mistakes as humanity had done so long ago.
Overall a very beautiful new series and one that is seemingly well written so far. It boasted plenty of nostalgia inducing music and in fine Trek fashion deals with complicated issues in the abstract that are every bit relative to people today. 8/10.
Snowpiercer: A New Life (2022)
Losing focus
The main reasons this reviewer was attracted to this show in the first place had much more to do with humanity's last desperate bid for survival amid an unforgiving climate and all the class problems and conflicts that existed on the train that was now the last hope for human survival.
Season one and two had pretty good momentum along with plenty of tension and conflict some of which was even resolved very nicely. This entire third season seems to have lost focus, isn't sure what the end goal is anymore and the tension, desperation and class conflict have all devolved into a new happy friendly train where anything goes and everyone gets along swimmingly.
Having to suffer through yet another on screen difficult birth by one the main characters is getting to be an old and overused movie and TV show trope that often bores especially when you don't happen to care overly much about the character it's happening to.
Trying to add a sense of tension by throwing in a few random acts of angry rebellion doesn't really help. This entire episode felt like ti was floating in time, untouched by any of the desperation or worry about the train or characters ultimate survival.
Overall season 3 really suffered quality by the drastic reduction to the character lists from previous seasons, and there just isn't enough variety of people or problems to keep it very interesting. Having to rely on tired old ideas from many other shows really displays a lack of talent or imagination on behalf of the sorry hacks they hired to pen this thing.
Let's just hope that by the next episode this train will get back on track and headed in some direction that is interesting and in line with the show's basic premises. This really felt like a filler episode in a show that has too many characters in pain and in need of resolution with some sense of next steps for the train and passengers in general.
The Gilded Age: Money Isn't Everything (2022)
A force to be reckoned with
Another wonderful episode of a show that is quickly becoming a new favorite.
The Russels, having recovered from their disaster dinner party are once again on the move. George takes an interest in meeting a certain alderman and has his wife arrange a dinner. It goes fairly well, with some hilarious insults being tossed back and forth, but George convinces the alderman to help him in exchange for stock.
Meanwhile the town high society women are arranging a charity event to raise money for the poor. Marian Brook gets recruited to help out, and Mrs. Russel offer the use of her ballroom should the venue get canceled, but when it does the change in plans does not suit her wishes.
Adding to the melodrama we find Mrs. Bauer being threatened by some unnamed thug that is demanding money, we come to learn she's got some habits than need to end. Marian tries to help her, but ultimately it's. Aunt Ada that saves the day.
Marian also sees Mr. Raikes again to the displeasure of her aunt Agnes, but agrees to meet him later on to help Peggy with a legal matter. Oscar wants to get more acquainted with the young Ms. Astor, but his attempts are pretty transparent and unsuccessful.
The charity event begins at a new venue with Mrs. Astor herself presiding. Merian has a brief meeting with the mysterious Mrs. Chamberlain, while Agnes grumbles and complains about the riff raff. Things get even more tense when the Russels arrive and George has had enough. He buys out the entire charity lot and confronts the women who snubbed his wife eve impressing the great Mrs. Astor as well.
A very nice second episode that had heart and featured Aunt Ada as a real friend to Marian who is very much alone in the world otherwise. It is also refreshing to see a period drama without the need for gratuitous sex and violence. So far this is one show that is pretty family friendly. I hope it continues to be good.
The Gilded Age: Never the New (2022)
Enjoyable Opener
I put off watching this after seeing a few reviews about how dull this show is or some off handed remark about the cast of characters. Personally I found this season opener to be gorgeously decorated including some very well done period correct scenery.
I was at first daunted by the large cast of characters whom I am largely unfamiliar with, but one catches on rather quickly. As someone who has never seen Downtown Abbey or any other similar show I can say that this was new, exciting and well done for a new period show on the schedule.
The basic plot is that old money sisters. Ada and Agnes have a niece move in with them after her father died and left her with very little. On the way she makes a new friend who comes to her aid and travels with her to end up moving in also and working for one of the aunts. Gilded Age delivers by showing both the privledged world and that of the underclass and house servants.
Meanwhile the new money Russels move in to a breathtakingly huge mansion right across from the old money aunts. The patron Russel is a rail road man with power and money. His wife is an aspiring social climber who desires nothing more than to move ever upward into New York high society and her husband dotes on her dearly. .
It also happens that the children of the affluent families happen to meet at an outdoor party arranged by Mrs. Fish who only briefly appears namely the Russel, Astor and. Agnes son. Later Mrs. Russel wants to throw a lavish party to introduce herself to high society and invites everyone to dismal showing.
The wasted effort throws the entire household into depression and later than evening a crying Mrs. Russel vows to never stop moving up, but that she's going to make everyone pay for snubbing her this way.
All told, very great opener, excellent effort by all cast new and familiar. I look forward to seeing where this goes and the different power moves the families will make before this all pays out. I am glad I took the chance to watch anyway despite a few negative reviews.
Snowpiercer: The First Blow (2022)
Hope built on if
The first blow. Sometimes it can deflect your opponent,but other times it can leave you reeling and there were plenty in this installment of Snowpiercer.
Layton and co. Bring Asha up to speed as they continue to chase Wilford's train. Using side tracks they get close, but Wilford has some new tricks up his sleeve.
During the chase,Wilford gives his psycho pet. Kevin free reign to inflict yet more terror on an already terrorized crew of passengers. Ruth meanwhile remains locked up in jail.
After some damage control, Layton finally manages to catch Wilford who responds by forcing Layton's hand in the matter. A well timed coup and a throw down between Layton and Wilford results in a change of power structure once again.
Old friends are reunited while the fallen dead are honored and the passengers finally get a say each in the direction of their train.
As can happen in the case of governments built on hope, sometimes lies are necessary to motivate the desperate and give the people something to hope for as is seen in the finale of this episode. If the truth will come out we'll have to see. Pretty good entry.for still early in the season.
Banished (2015)
Better than I expected
Banished tells the story of convicts, soldiers and officers from England who first arrived in Australia to set up a penal colony. The most interesting and enjoyable aspect of this telling is that it is not a simple us versus them story. Instead the show includes interactions, drama and conflict between each class of people, the prisoners, the soldiers and the officers too.
This show does feel a lot more like a theater production rather than some of the more realistic historical fiction shows that are also so enjoyable. It was difficult to tell if this was due to budget, or just the small scale of the production, and I kept feeling like the show could have included other locations as much of the show happens on the beach.
It is understood among these prisoners that going into the bush is a death wish because none survive. There are a few shots of the Australian bush that are beautiful, but very brief.
I really enjoyed the acting of Russel Tovy, Orla Brady, David Dawson, Myanna Buring, Ewan Bremmer, Ned. Dennehy.as well as Joseph Milson and Adam Nagatis and the rest of the cast did a very good job also.
I could not rate this any higher than an 8 as the final episode just did not turn out the way that I'd been hoping it would, but I don't want to spoil anyone from watching this fine all too short series. I think it had good potential however and if it'd been given more time, I feel it could have a much better show. The one thing I did love most was the sound of the surf pounding on the beach in so many scenes.
If you're into historical fictions shows I'd recommend adding this to your watch list. Being unfamiliar with much of the actual history I can't speak to how accurately or poorly it showed this period of history. Many films take liberty with historical details so it may be best to read the story from a trusted source and just watch this show for a bit of fun.
Manifest (2018)
Wonderful show. Overjoyed by news of renewal.
Manifest is one of those shows that has a lot going for it and a lot of heart. It is a sci fi. Show, but also a show about family, work life and dealing with the good and the bad.
What makes Manifest so good is that it tells a very compelling story full of mystery, drama and surprises, yet manages to remain a fairly clean show devoid of the all too usual graphic violence and sex that seem to drive so many other shows today which makes it enjoyable for the whole family.
Basically an anomaly happens that causes an airline believed lost to reappear years later and that event triggers other events that have similar effects on the lives of others still.
The government investigation reveals some interesting new features about the newly returned passengers whom the government wants to perform experiments on such as gain of function in order to acquire a new weapon.
The show also has a ton of family drama which is where it loses a few viewers who feel that events should be happening more quickly, but seasoned viewers understand that a good mystery takes time to solve.
Previously this reviewer was devastated by earlier news of cancellation, but according to Screen Rant Manifest will be returning for a fourth season and this reviewer will be tuning in. Manifest welcome back old friend.
Greenland (2020)
Decent Popcorn muncher
Greenland is a mostly enjoyable, not too graphic disaster film that I would say is almost suitable for the entire family to watch. It is exciting, flashy, and tense, but has plenty of emotional scenes and other feel good moments to make it more of a positive rarity these days as far as films go.
This reviewer can say that the plot lost out to the special effects department and that the science just got lost in the mix, but the writing certainly wasn't the most atrocious thing heard recently.
Parts that felt a bit more contrived were the family issues, the cliche husband infidelity and the ailing helpless child. Most of the characters in this film were pretty much one dimensional and largely consisted of very helpful strangers including a classified survival shelter that just waves in all comers. Gangs, nationalists, and crazy people were the biggest threat beneath this falling sky.
Overall, Greenland did feel like something of a preview for the next upcoming film. This reviewer did enjoy the refreshing take on disaster that there was no need as in other disaster films to show massive pointless deaths, but instead these were implied.
Greenland was a satisfying watch and this reviewer was happy to see the legendary Scott Glen on screen again. Gerard Butler, Morena Bacccarin and. RD Floyd made for a nice family in crisis. 7/10.
Snowpiercer: Without Their Maker (2020)
Beware the snake pit
In this episode Layton continues his investigation into the murders of the dismembered men, now with even more bodies on his hands after the crew find dead passengers in the drawers section of the train following Erik's late night activities previously. Meanwhile Melanie is still figuring out how to cope with the loss of resources due to the breach in the agriculture section of the train. Back at the tail, Josie, having been slipped a new access chip from Layton wonders what it is for and how to use it best. Up in first class, all is not as it seems to be.
Klimpt is beside himself by what has happened to those in his care, but Melanie takes his mind off it by giving him a task; she needs a postmortem done on Angela pronto. While most uptrain passengers have been curious about Layton, commander Grey makes it clear that he does not like him one bit as he prefers to do things his way and starts his search of the first class cars.
Everyone else including Melanie and Roche are angered by the murders in the medical car while Layton is equally pissed that they waited until morning to act. He urges that the first class passengers who were at the fight in the previous installment to be woken and gathered for questioning. He also talks with Miss Audrey though she proves to be less than helpful. At the meeting in first Melanie lets Layton do things his way and in hilarious uncouth fashion he does a wonderful job of making everyone uncomfortable as he questions the first class passengers yet it's their personal security he is interested in meeting.
In the tail Josie gets onto the sanitation detail and it is seen how tailie laborers are treated aboard the train, pretty inhumanely actually. Later on break, she manages to get a change of clothes and sneaks up train with her access chip where she finally encounters a fellow tailie, Astrid at lunch. The two talk and Astrid is afraid of losing her position, yet agrees to help Josie contact Layton somehow. Josie must sneak back, and even passes shoulder to shoulder with Miles, but luckily he doesn't see her. She managed to get back to sanitation break room and change just as the guards come back to order them back to work.
Uptrain, Layton learns about the Folgers body guard, Erik who didn't come home following the fight. While tossing his room he finds a j-hook used for the defunct bee colony the train once had which is now in storage. He asks Melanie to send Oz and Till to investigate the bee storage locker while he proceeds to further question LJ Folgers after learning from her parents that she and Erik were close. She reveals that he saved her life, but skirts around any real questions. She tries to distract Layton with her floor to ceiling windows and some music that Erik had saved, but Layton is putting things together in his head. He figures out that LJ used Erik as muscle to hold down the unfortunate men while she tortured and killed them. Once exposed she flies into a rage at Layton trying to stab him, but she is deflected and restrained. All the adult Folgers can do is gawk and gasp at the revelation.
Downtrain, Till and Oz track down Erik in hiding and after he bolts they give chase. As he is a former highly trained military operative Erik manages to escape and evade for a time. When he is found again he panics and takes Jinju hostage who was visiting a friend. The two of them flee into the subtrain where ultimately he is trapped on one side by Till and Oz and the other by the commander and the jackboots. Jinju manages to get away just as he is overwhelmed and hacked to pieces on the spot by the jackboots. So much for a fair trial on this train. Erik had killed his way to get access to murder Angela all the while trying to cover tracks for LJ.
Back in first with all the murders solved, Melanie offers Layton a congratulatory drink. He has done so well Melanie says, but all Layton really wants is to go back to the tail where his friends are. Melanie lets on that he has seen too much just as the drug she slipped him starts to act. Layton loses consciousness and he is placed in the drawers. Back in the tail, rations are being handed out and divided when a message is found. It is to Josie from Astrid only saying that Layton is missing.
A pretty good entry in the series. Layton is shown as a very capable detective with great street sense even on the tracks. Also wonderful performances here by both Mark Murray as Erik and Annalise Blasso as LJ. She seems to be most capable at playing the spoiled brat everyone just loves to hate. Will LJ face justice for her crimes? What are Melanie and Kimpt hiding about the real purpose of the drawers? 8/10.
Snowpiercer: Many Miles from Snowpiercer (2021)
Heroic endurance piece
Though this reviewer had his reservations about season two, Snowpiercer once again delivers some one of the best performances of the show so far.
Melanie's off to the high altitude research station to link up with the weather balloons from the train in order to come up with a climate model. After finding the grim remains of the previous tenants she is able to get power. As her supplies got buried in an avalanche she must ration on what she was able to bring with her. The thin mountain air and lack of food take their toll.
Jennifer Connelly give a very fine performance of someone operating in thin air on starvation rations. Breathless and fatigued she completes her duty at the station. She also suffers a series of very well staged hallucinations with various characters from the train.
We learn of Wilford and Melanie's time before departure where they were arguing over train details and Wilford just being his repugnant self. It is rare to see Sean Bean as an evil character, but here the actor plays it so well it is a credit to his adaptability. There is the event of departure in which we see Wilford massacre innocent scientists and civilians to protect his pampered vision, and why Mel and Ben decided to leave him behind.
Melanie's other hallucinations involve Layton and her daughter Alexandra which help her figure out ways to survive in the station. She finds a new food supply and extra heat, while having to make emergency repairs. Later as she detects the train nearby, she runs to link up with the train as it just rumbles past without slowing with Alex staring out the window. Has Melanie been left behind to die?
One of the best episodes in the show so far, and excellent performances throughout. 10/10.
Snowpiercer: The Time of Two Engines (2021)
Distinct drop in quality
Season two starts off right were we left it with Snowpiercer stopped having been overtaken and slowed by Big Alice with Melanie still outside. Layton and his crew scramble to deliver a list of goods to Big Alice which Melanie then boards.
Aboard Snowpiercer, the tail gets converted into a defensible border region between the two trains while the drama from last season's conflict continues to get sorted out. Ruth tries to keep her hand in all the doings and even does a big favor for Layton and Zara, although this reviewer suspects that Ruth isn't the kind of person who does anything for free. She seems unable to come to terms with the fact that she is no longer in charge.
Meanwhile on Big Alice, Melanie discovers her daughter aboard and gets medical treatment for frost bite. We also finally get to meet Mr. Wilford in the flesh, who reveals he has been waiting to catch up with Snowpiercer for a long time and many on the train blame Melanie for leaving them to die.
Unsure what to do with the closed door between trains, Pike takes the opportunity to barter with Big Alice's crew. Later a plan is put in place to breach the door, and the Snowpiercer leaders attack Big Alice, but they get repulsed by a large fighter who seems immune to cold.
Wilford, upset by the ill planned attack decides to separate from Snowpiercer, but the charge that Melanie planted prevents his plan. Now both trains are permanently joined in fate.
This reviewer felt like this was a very weak season opener compared to the excellent writing and pace of the previous. Wilford seems like a bitter man lost in luxury who hates when things don't go his way. Also quite weak was choosing a former child Disney actress to play Melanie's daughter. Surely the show could have found someone that actually resembled Jennifer Connelly and who can actually act. Disappointing, lets hope this doesn't set pace for the season.
Resident Alien: Heroes of Patience (2021)
Laughs, tears and a doorknob
While Harry is on the verge of finishing his mission, more truth comes to light. Meanwhile Max and Sahar have unknowingly been targeted by. David and Lisa as a lead to the alien. Sheriff Mike surprises as he come to treat Liz like a valued co-worker.
Asta attempts to break the ice with her daughter who later meets with her father Jimmy in some rather bizarre tell off that goes a bit far. D'Arcy is having a down day, but has a nice talk with the Mayor mistaking encouragement for affection. D'Arcy is much more likeable and relatable this time around, yet still manages to be her zany self.
Mayor Ben arrives home to find Max, Sahar and his wife being threatened. Not wanting to wait for the Sheriff he takes action. In perhaps some of the best TV this reviewer has seen lately, Ben intercedes heroically and with his freshly freed spouse continue to beat the intruders blue.
After their beating, David and Lisa on a tip from Max's journal conclude that the alien they seek is the town doctor, a job currently held by the very unfortunate Ethan Stone whom they abduct. Expecting success, David wants to quit working with Lisa yet gets a nasty surprise when he learns how disposable he is.
Harry struggles over the decision to go through with his mission, and the truth of his freezer comes to light leading to a confrontation with a very angry Asta. Later, Harry goes to take his vehicle back not knowing Max and Asta have followed him. A funny showdown ensues but Harry ultimately chooses friendship over destruction.
A very well done season finale, and the soundtrack couldn't have been better
10/10.
Resident Alien: The Green Glow (2021)
Maybe just a plaque
RA continues to provide the laughs as this episode see's Harry get ever closer to reaching his goal. Young Max's problems get resolved as the case of the stolen prescription pad gets solved at long last, and Liz puts her foot down.
The show manages to resolve the potential exposure of Harry in the beginning of the episode in a pretty underwhelming way that got resolved just a bit too easy for being the previous show cliffhanger. Is it really government policy to shoot extra terrestrials? C'mon man.
Sheriff Mike and Deputy Liz continue their investigation, while Mike continues to be his continuous oblivious self, and Liz getting no credit for her efforts with the mayor. Later, the two find out who stole the pad and who currently has it. During the apprehension Mike does things the hard way while Liz uses her smarts. Later at a diner Liz let's Mike know what she really feels.
Max's ability to see through Harry's disguise proves useful and after Harry agrees to save him from being shipped off, Max agrees to help Harry with a job. Borrowing some resources from school they manage to locate the last missing piece of Harry's ship: the destructive device.
Things go worse this time around out on the glacier as Harry locates his item, but both D'Arcy and Asta have followed and the three get into even deeper trouble.
Another decent entry in a show that could've been whittled down to 30 minutes if they'd omit the whole Judy, D'Arcy drama that is getting a bit tired and old. 7/10.
Resident Alien: Sexy Beast (2021)
I just can't smile without you
Sexy Beast opens with a flashback. We see an unnamed man and little girl at home during a stormy night, As the storm gets worse, we find out that the man is a lighthouse keeper and that the light is out and the clocks have mysteriously stopped. As they look outside, the man and girl see a large UFO overhead and the the girl takes a Polaroid picture.
Back in the present,many things are happening. Sheriff Dave and his deputy Liz are trying to track down who stole the missing prescription pad while they investigate the murder of the former town doctor. The Sheriff has a funny scene while he interviews a high school student, but it's Deputy Liz who makes any real meaningful progress here. Later at the station, Liz proves to be quite useful and proficient at police work and her efforts are finally beginning to get the recognition she deserves. Go Liz!
Later, Dave and Liz find out that Asta's daugher Jay is not on their list of potential suspects, but Asta tries to deflect blame and later pins the blame on her former ex, Jimmy who she runs into during a girls night out at the bowling alley. Whoever stole the pad, lets just hope they get this tidbit figured out so the plot can move on past this minor point.
In a very touching and delightful turn of events, Harry's wife returns to town and she and Harry seem to connect well at first. Like others, this reviewer is unfamiliar with the actress, but she does a great job, especially as she puts up with the many changes to her estranged husband in some hilarious ways. Harry, of course does his best, but ultimately she is seen as a distraction keeping him from completing his mission and later he comes up with a rather rotten way to keep her on the sidelines as he continues to hunt for his missing spacecraft pieces. Like other reviewers, Elvy is a breath of fresh air in this stifling mountain hideaway.
Another turn of events see's Harry replaced as town doctor as Dr. Ethan Stone arrives. Immediately well liked by almost all, Harry regards him with jealousy and resentment, though D'Arcy can always be counted upon to make anyone feel welcome. At the very least, the town is now safe from Harry's rather unorthodox medical practice. An attempt at comedy at the 59 bar felt rather flat and mostly awkward. The infallible new characters shtick has been done many times before by better series than this.
Joining the cast this time around is also the excellent Linda Hamilton who is the person in charge of the alien investigation, who later has a deeper connection revealed to her.chosen vocation. Her charges, Lisa and David finally make a huge discovery in their search for the crashed alien ship though what Lisa thinks of David is pretty clear. This spells trouble for Harry who is now very much in danger of being exposed as an alien as the government closes in around him. It will be interesting to watch and see how Harry manages to navigate this new problem in his life.
Pretty good episode, though historically, shows that bring in famous characters usually do so in order to prop them up and encourage viewers to make up for less than stellar ratings. RA continues to be funny enough to make this reviewer want to see more, yet continues to struggle in other areas that take away from some of the fun. Extra point for song choice and the hilarious Elvy. 8/10.
Resident Alien: Birds of a Feather (2021)
Trying too hard
The search for the missing foot corpse continues at the lake much to the annoyance of Harry who later accepts a dinner invitation to the mayor's house. Asta looks into the missing prescription pad while Max and his new friend Sahar plan to spy on Harry. Later, Asta, Dan and Harry make a road trip out to a reservation where a secret is revealed.
While having breakfast at the bar, Harry gets a visit from the mayor inviting him to dinner, where he also runs to Asta and the rather unlikable D'Arcy who latches onto Harry as her dinner companion. At dinner D'Arcy continues to make a fool out of herself while Max and Sahar make a move in order to learn more about Harry.
The next day, Harry gets commandeered to visit a reservation with Dan and Asta in order to give an elderly patient care. Harry, who is really struggling with human behavior this episode, makes an attempt at humor, but ends up blurting out business that is not his to reveal. This revelation in turn has an impact on Asta, her friends and her family as well. Later, Harry engages in playing with some of the other tribal members, but in reality is horribly homesick.
Back at Harry's cabin, Max and Sahar gain entry through a bit of forgery, and later get themselves into trouble by snooping around. Finally, a new character shows up much to the complete shock of Harry as he returns home and finds his house in disarray.
Overall, this series is pretty decent, but attempts at humor feel awkward and forced much of the time. RA also suffers from some of the same things that make other shows bad, such as overly wise children, and.generalized misandry. In terms of the children, what type of parent allow their young daughter to go out at night with snow on the ground? RA started out cute and touching but is bordering on the annoying here. 7/10.
The Purge: The Forgotten (2018)
Trust your instincts
While the Betancourt's flee the besieged Stanton manor, a bit of Joe's history is revealed. At the Carnival of Flesh, Henry taunts Miguel and Penelope as they try to bargain for their lives.
Impressively Jenna and. Rick Betancourt run the distance from the Stanton manor back to the supposed safety of their secured home. While trying to recover from their ordeal, they get into a confusing fight. Jenna, who previously griped to Lila about lack of money manages to get angry at Rick for his attempt at financial security wile discounting her own indiscretions of the evening at the Stanton manor. Later they learn some troubling news.
Joe Owens recent history gets revealed. We see a man who suffers a series of setbacks get further disgruntled with the state of the world until a voice is heard that seems to say all the right things and also offers a solution. He intercedes for one victim of the purge, but is help really what he is delivering here?
At the Carnival, Miguel and Pen are at the mercy of Henry who, in the best tradition of long winded evil doers, tells what he plans to do to both of them. This reviewer felt it should have been shown what Henry did to Penelope to make her flee from him, but viewers are left guessing. Miguel manages to gain the upper hand and must race against time to get them to safety while the freshly freed Rex is on the hunt.
Jane spends most of this episode over at her boss, David's house. David seems the perfect, unflappable host even after she comes clean about the reason she is there until she panics and tries to flee. She discovers what befell her hired gun and is subjected to the hideous truth about her employer.
Another good entry in a decent show full of questions asked just a little bit too late. The story is a good one, certain details could've used further polishing. 8/10.
Upload: The Sleepover (2020)
Conflicted
Sleepover was a fun episode in a series that brings the laughs as well as allowing for a sweet moment or two amidst all the drama.
Personally this reviewer found the first act hilarious. In the finest tradition of Sci Fi films since the excellent 90's flick Demolition Man, even Taco Bell has to have their say. We get to see Luke, who wasn't featured all that much last episode, who by now has figured his own personal hacks to get his way in the eternal Lake Resort and ends up paying a price for pissing off his own personal angel.
Meanwhile, Nathan gets a surprise visit and learns a relative will be spending the night with his girlfriend Ingrid. A young child bears witness to adults behaving badly, while Ingrid will have you second guessing yourself and perhaps leave you feeling guilty if only slightly.
Nora has just been hitched with compulsory advertising duties, but later has a less than stellar date with her on again off again beau Byron. Later she meets up for a visit and a talk with Nathan which may have further ramifications.
Another wonderful episode in a very charming show. 8/10.
Manifest: Duty Free (2021)
828 RIde or Die
As we rejoin Manifest we find Dr. Bahl and the ever excellent Troy once again making a smooth exit from the geologic hot zone having performed their clandestine task.
Ben Stone, in jail. Awaits his arraignment hearing, getting a brief visit from Grace who is there in support. Hoping for an easier hearing, Ben and his attorney are faced with a much tougher opponent who is possibly biased. When things go south, Grace makes a very caring, but rash decision in order to help.
At the Eureka lab, Dr. Gupta frustrated by lack of progress switches around some testing protocols in an effort to try harder. Saanvi finally returns and has a surprise guest who carries some ill tidings for all the 828 passengers while dealing Saanvi yet another blow.
Things don't go very well for Michaela either at the police station. She learns that she is in for an even worse time going forward than even IA gave her earlier in the show and while Jared tries to be supportive, sometimes it is just not enough to fend off the storm.
Further frustration at the Stone home as upstairs Cal tends to a sheltered guest and downstairs Grace has a rough time of things with Ben. Michaela puts her rough day aside to calm some spirits while another welcome guest arrives to get the group motivated to keep trying to save the passenger, while Cal takes a strange field trip.
I really cannot believe I let this sit on my watch list for 2 years before I even began watching. I am only sad I caught up so fast. 8/10.
Upload: Five Stars (2020)
Nosedive nostalgia
Although not as many laughs as the pilot, this episode manages to be both touching and sweet, and left this reviewer smiling throughout. The writing remains clever, the banter witty as even more bizarre sci fi inventions are revealed.
After a less than average night, Nota's boss, Lucy, makes an unfair demand of Nora in order to get her favor with a personal matter. Meanwhile in the afterlife, concerned about his behavior around the torrent last time, the staff of the lake resort suggest Nathan should seek counseling. After his session, he makes some attempts to be more social with the other uploads with mixed results and one guest who seems to know more than he should. As Nora tends to her clients Nathan reveals his concerns which leads her to further investigate on her own which may aid in leading them to an eventual truth. Nora's sweet and touching attempts to be a better Angel fail to amuse there's a critic in every crowd. A talk with Nathan proves cathartic.
Meanwhile in real life,Ingrid prepares for Nathan's funeral by indulging herself and makes plans for a VR session with him later than night with some unexpected results. Nathan, as a guest on his girlfriends account is utterly reliant upon her for his survival, whether or not he realizes this.
Another top notch episode with excellent writing and performances that only made this reviewer care about the characters even more. It was disappointing to learn that this is only a half hour show rather than the 45 minute pilot, but they don't waste a minute. Originally, it deserved an 8, but here's a 9/10 in order to improve ratings as in only appropriate in this case. Well done.
Upload: Welcome to Upload (2020)
A very promising start
Set ten years into the future, Upload is an afterlife comedy, very much along the same lines as the early 90s afterlife comedy film Defending Your Life. Tons of fun comedy, great writing and solid acting by the leads make for one hilarious pilot.
Nathan is a man who seems to have it all, a nice family, a loving girlfriend, Ingrid, and a job as a computer coder which isn't specified as yet. He and a friend seem to be working on a project, yet it is Thanksgiving and he and his girlfriend have gathered with his family
Later, Nathan and Ingrid are headed back to her place for the night when she asks him to pick up some groceries as she goes ahead. On his way his self driving car seems to malfunction and he gets into a crash. At the hospital there is a funny sequence of events in which he ultimately chooses to get himself scanned into his girlfriends afterlife so that they can be together, but things don't work out so well.
Once in the afterlife, Nathan is at the mercy of his handler whom he calls Angel as he investigates his room and later the facility and grounds that have been fashioned as a lake resort. As this afterlife seems to be along the same lines as a VR construct, it suffers from many of the same problems inherent in the tech in some hilarious ways in the afterlife reality.
Overall this episode was a delight to watch, with some of the funniest dialogue this reviewer has heard in a long time. Appropriate for all ages except small children and the easily offended. 9/10.
The Deuce: Pilot (2017)
Good, not great
The Deuce is a look at the 1970s in New York city full of all the sleaze.you might expect. Pimp and prostitutes make up the sordid landscape of peep show marquees, beat cops and every day folks. Good attention is made to keep with era appropriate appearances.
In the pilot we meet.some of the main characters, the women who work as prostitutes and their pimps and customers, Franco as a bartender and as his own twin brother who is an unlucky gambler who has garnered the attention of the mafia. Margarita Levieva also appears as a young college student named Abby, despite pushing 40, she has hardly aged a day since her run on the TV show Revenge, and she plays her part well once again.
The opener is mostly concerned with character introduction while only providing for some basic plot points to progress the story further. Estranged families and abusive pimps provide for very little to go on, and overall this opener does not do a very good job of enticing viewers to keep watching. Usually the pilot is not enough by which to judge an entire series, perhaps this will get better later.
First impression is that this is an overly long show featuring plenty of sleaze with very little to offer otherwise. Hopefully there will be some things that get this ball rolling in the next few. 7/10.