Spoiler-Free Review of “Saved by the Bell” Reboot on Peacock TV: Bayside Gets a Reality Check

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

It’s alright because Bayside is back! Well…sorta.

Saved by the Bell (2020) premiered on Peacock TV on November 25th 2020 with ten new episodes available to stream now. While the Peacock app is free, you need a premium subscription to watch the show for reference. The reboot sitcom stars Haskiri Velazquez, Mitchell Hoog, Josie Totah, John Michael Higgins, Elizabeth Berkley Lauren, and Mario Lopez. Each episode runs for approximately 25-28 minutes.

Based on the original sitcom, which aired from 1989-1993, the reboot of the beloved iconic 90’s show brings us back to Bayside, but things have certainly changed. Zack Morris is now the governor (still married to Kelly), Jessie is the guidance counselor, and Slater is the gym teacher.

We get a brand new set of students, which include Zack and Kelly’s son, Mac, and Jessie’s son, Jamie, along with a group of students from the other side of town that were recently displaced from their own high school. The students will now all attend school together, which shakes up the Bayside self-absorbed bubble quite a bit.

Here is the trailer:

Saved by the Bell (2020) has the chance to give fans some nostalgia while creating something new and different for a new audience, but does it still capture the charm of the original series while finding its own identity? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Peacock

Welcomed nostalgia.

The gang is back! Well, most of them anyway. While some of our favorite characters only return for cameos, Jessie and Slater have recurring roles throughout the series. While a lot of the references were kind of forced upon the audience, I thought that episode 8 was absolutely fantastic and the best episode by far.

If you have mixed thoughts about the reboot, I recommend that you at least check out this episode. It really was a lot of fun!

Images courtesy of Peacock

A reality check for Bayside.

When I go back and watch the old episodes, Bayside almost seems like it is completely displaced from actual reality. Real issues are discussed, but a lot is sugar-coated. I thought it was really smart to have the new students attend Bayside, shattering the self-absorbed normalcy some of the characters had while keeping everything fresh and relevant for its new audience.

In a way, the show playfully makes fun of itself, but in a good way.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Peacock

Trying a little too hard.

While the reboot has a fresh and new take on things, it tries a little bit too hard to force some of the references on the new audience. I loved the change up with the iconic “Time Out” scenes, but I also thought that a lot of things might be totally lost on the new audience.

There needed to be more of a balance between the nostalgia and the new plot and the opening episodes were almost painful to watch because of this.

Having said that, each episode actually got better as the show went on and I think that’s because the show settled down on its identity and just had fun with it.

Lacking laughs.

As cheesy as it was, the original episodes always made me smile, chuckle, or laugh. While some of the jokes did land, I thought that the majority of them missed the mark. I also felt that Zack’s son was slightly obnoxious and lacked the charisma of his father.

Sure, Zack Morris was a schemer and he made a lot of wrong calls throughout the show, but his son’s character didn’t really have any redeeming qualities and I thought that layers were missing for many of the new characters. We saw glimpses here and there, but I honestly wanted more from them.

Our new principal was the perfect choice, however!

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Peacock

I’m in about 75 percent.

I’ll be honest. I was initially not feeling this show at all. The first two episodes really didn’t grab my attention and I didn’t connect at all. However, I stuck around (mostly because I just got this subscription to Peacock) and I’m glad I did.

The show eventually did find its identity and also gave us some welcomed cameos and nostalgia to balance things out. There were enough entertaining moments to keep you invested and intrigued.

I would recommend giving it a chance even if you absolutely hate the first two episodes and at least check out episode 8!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Saved By the Bell (2020) in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My new supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “The Flight Attendant” on HBO Max: Fasten Your Seat Belts for Your Next Binge-Watch

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

Impulsive decisions can have deadly consequences…

The Flight Attendant premiered on HBO Max on November 26th 2020 with three new episodes. The series will feature 8 weekly episodes in total. It stars Kaley Cuoco, Rosie Perez, Zosia Mamet, Michelle Gomez, and Michiel Huisman.

Based on the novel of the same name, we follow a flight attendant named Cassie who has her carefree/party-girl life brutally turned upside down when she wakes up in a hotel room with a dead man and has no memory of what happened. As she pieces together the mystery, she begins to wonder if she is the killer or if another threat is still out there.

Here is the trailer:

The Flight Attendant has a premise that draws you in, but will it be smooth skies or bumpy turbulence? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of HBO Max

Kaley Cuoco’s character is a mess…but a charming one!

I’m not sure that another actress could have really pulled off this role. Cassie does not have it all together…in fact she’s spiraling out of control, but Kaley Cuoco’s portrayal gives her a quirky edge that makes you root for her that much more.

There is a dark humor weaved into the thrills and Kaley Cuoco is absolutely amazing! Can we also just take a moment to appreciate and laugh at her badly timed but awesome ringtones? Two of Hearts is stuck in my head and I’m loving it!

The whole cast is talented and I was also very excited to see a familiar face show up as a potential villain (no spoilers). More please!

Images courtesy of HBO Max

Binge-watch friendly.

The show hooks you from the very start. As soon as I started watching the first episode, I had to binge-watch the next two and now I am impatiently counting the days until Thursday so I get more episodes to watch.

This show is clever, addicting, and fast-paced. The unconventional and bizarre hallucinations somehow just work, the mystery is a good one, and the show is off to a fantastic start.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of HBO Max

Troubling behavior glossed over.

There is another real issue for Cassie…addiction. We see her drinking and making rash decisions in almost every scene, but I feel like her real problems are being glossed over to make way for the mystery at the center of the plot.

That being said, we are getting glimpses into Cassie’s past and I am hoping that this develops more, but it is troubling to see her going down a dark path without really addressing it fully yet.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of HBO Max

I’m in 100 percent!

Your next binge-watch is officially here. This show is quirky and fun, but there are so many unexpected twists and turns that will leave you wanting more. Kaley Cuoco is absolutely fantastic and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Flight Attendant in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

My new supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe. Thanks for your support!

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Fear the Walking Dead” season 6 episode 7: “Damage From the Inside”

Happy Tuesday TV fans! After watching AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead season 6 episode 7 mid-season finale, I started to remember why I used to love this show in the first place.

Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.

In season 6 episode 7, “Damage From the Inside,” Victor asks for Alicia’s help after Dakota goes missing. Meanwhile, Alicia encounters a cringe-worthy horror of her own.

My top 5 moments from Fear the Walking Dead season 6 episode 7 are:

“Now’s the time to do something.”

I think Dakota might be on to something here. Seriously…do anything! I’ve been sitting around waiting for something to happen on Fear TWD, but we are jumping around too much to catch up with characters in each episode and it is really slowing down the pace of this show.

Victor warns Dakota against acting too quickly and I have to wonder what his true plan is. I’m not even sure if we can really trust him anymore even though he cares for Alicia and the others.

“You’re the only one that can help me.”

Finally! Let’s reach out to Alicia for help. Good plan, Victor! It’s been quite some time since we have checked in with our girl Alicia and I have been waiting for her to do something truly spectacular.

Images courtesy of AMC

Well, after the convoy is attacked, Dakota goes missing and Victor recognizes that he needs to get her back before Virginia realizes what is going on. Alicia is the right one for the job, but she is clearly still pissed at Victor for sending her away.

That being said, an Alicia-centric episode is exactly what we need right now!

“I think this is one big misunderstanding.”

Really? Sure, let’s just make these crazy monster walkers for the fun of it…

While looking for Dakota, Alicia stumbles upon a cabin tucked away from everything with Charlie. Alicia goes in alone and I loved the horror vibes going on here. Can we get Alycia Debnam-Carey in a horror movie asap? Seriously, she has so much final girl potential and then some!

Images courtesy of AMC

Alicia spies on a man who is performing some kind of weird experiments on walkers, but is injected with something before she can get out of there. When she wakes up, she is restrained, but our clever girl is able to get out of any situation.

We learn that Dakota is there and wants to stay there, but I’m not sure that this stranger can really be trusted…

We get some retro music going on and a game of chess, but appearances can be deceiving…watch out, Alicia!

“Do we have a deal?”

Alicia recognizes an opportunity here and decides to secretly radio over to Virginia. She tells her about Dakota and promises her that she can bring her back safely, but she wants to be able to go free with Charlie.

Images courtesy of AMC

Virginia accepts, but is Alicia really going to be able to turn Dakota over to her cold-hearted sister?

“I will do whatever it takes.”

Our new stranger decides to summon his “creations” and Alicia is forced to take drastic measures to protect them. Our stranger ends up on the wrong side of the stick and doesn’t last too long when his creations come in to feast on him.

Alicia, Charlie, and Dakota are surrounded, but luckily Morgan makes quite the entrance to help them out.

How does he always have the best timing?

Images courtesy of AMC

Alicia is shocked to see him and listens to his plan, but does not like it when he says that he is going to trade Dakota to get everyone else back. We also learn that he was the one who attacked the convoy. Alicia understands that Dakota is an innocent in all of this and wants to help her.

We get more issues when Victor gets involved and shows his true colors…or so we think.

Alicia heads off with Dakota, Charlie, and Morgan while Victor pledges his loyalty to Virgnia.

This gives him the chance to see what she has been hiding and we learn that Grace is being kept there. It’s safe to say that she is going to use Grace to draw Morgan out, but we’ll have to see how this unfolds when the second half of the season releases in 2021.

I thought that this episode wasn’t bad and I loved some of the twisted horror elements, but Fear TWD needs to take a step back and realize that it is skipping around way too much between its characters.

After watching this episode, I realized how much I have missed seeing Alicia and this show needs to use its strengths moving forward if it wants to continue to entertain us.

Don’t let me down! See you in 2021 Fear TWD fans!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Fear the Walking Dead in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE..

A harmless night of fun turns deadly for six college friends but the game has only just begun. Take a mystery thrill ride right from your own living room. Dash and Seek is out now! I hope you enjoy!

READ IF YOU DARE…

Dash and Seek is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Big Sky” on ABC: Highway Thrills and Spills

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

Beware the open road…

Big Sky premiered on ABC on November 17th 2020. The series will feature 10 weekly episodes. It stars Katheryn Winnick, Kylie Bunbury, Ryan Phillippe, and Brian Geraghty.

Based on the novel, “The Highway,” this new David E. Kelley series follows a small town kidnapping mystery, revealing character connections along the way.

Here is the trailer:

Big Sky may be the new roadside thriller we need, but does it do enough to keep us invested? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of ABC

Enough twists to keep you coming back for more.

I wouldn’t say that this thriller is delivering anything new, but it’s just what I need right now. I want to know more and the twists grabbed my attention. That will at least have me coming back for two more episodes to see what is going on here.

There are some creepy and intense moments sprinkled in as well, but we need more!

Images courtesy of ABC

Supporting characters steal the show.

There are plenty of familiar faces in this series and I was excited to see Ryan Phillippe back on the small screen. I’m a huge fan of Cruel Intentions and I Know What You Did Last Summer, but I really enjoyed his performance in the suspense series, Secrets and Lies that came out a few years ago.

However, I have to give props to some of the minor characters who managed to keep this show alive in the midst of some lacking performances. The potential victims are a lot more interesting than some of the obvious stars and I want to know more about them.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of ABC

The sub-plot is lacking…

I mean, really lacking. We jump into these soap-opera-esque cat fights filled with bad dialogue and acting. I was honestly ready to turn the show off during several points because of this. The mystery is enough to keep me invested for now, but that can quickly change.

Weird mentions of the pandemic.

I don’t know if this was meant to be intentional because of the timing of this release, but we get a few misplaced mentions of the pandemic. Only we don’t see anyone wearing masks and there is little context here.

I’m not sure that this was really necessary and it didn’t do the show any favors.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of ABC

I’m about 50/50 on this one.

The acting and writing is lacking in a lot of areas and it may be enough to make you tune out on this one for good, but if you enjoy guilty-pleasure thrillers, there is enough happening to keep you coming back for more.

I have to admit that the twist at the end of the pilot episode changed my tune and now I want to see what happens next. Either way, I’m in for a little bit more, but I’ve definitely lowered my expectations.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Big Sky in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

My new supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe. Thanks for your support!

Thank You “Supernatural.” Season 15 episode 20 Series Finale: “Carry On”

Happy Friday TV fans! Well this is it. 15 years of watching the Winchester brothers hunt monsters and the end is finally here. But was it everything you wanted in a series finale? After watching The CW’s Supernatural season 15 episode 20, the show returned to its roots and reminded us that in the end…it’s all about family.

Please note MAJOR SPOILERS are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.

In episode 20, “Carry On,” Sam and Dean cope with life after the defeat of Chuck. Their lives have become somewhat routine, but there is a glimmer of potential when a new case gets thrown their way.

For today, I’m not going to rank my top moments from the episode. Rather, I want to simply reflect on what I witnessed and thank the Winchester brothers for having such an impact on me for 15 long years.

So I knew that the series finale would feel different. The writers hinted that it would give fans of a feeling of nostalgia and I think that it did achieve that along the way. We got to see Dean line up to try every pie imaginable at a festival and even Sammy had some fun as well.

Images courtesy of The CW

The episodes of SPN that have always done well were the weekly ones that took a break from the heavy plot points. The ones that just focus on Sam and Dean taking Baby out for a ride to hunt some monsters and save some people along the way.

Well, that’s what we got, but it took an unexpected turn…

After tracking down a nest to help two boys in need, Dean realizes that something has stabbed his back and that he is fading fast. He gets the chance to tell Sam everything he needs to before he dies, which was heart-wrenching to hear…especially when Sam told him that it was okay and that he could go, honoring Dean’s request.

While this was incredibly moving and well portrayed by both actors, I kept sitting there wondering if this was all some kind of cruel joke. Is this really how we want to watch Dean die? Honestly, I thought he deserved much better than this. I get what the writers did. They wanted Dean to die on a routine hunt instead of making it some kind of grand gesture like with Castiel, but really…

Images courtesy of The CW

Sam is left behind with Dean’s dog (so glad he was in the final episode) and he gives him a hunter’s funeral. We get a montage with a heavy Kansas soundtrack and watch Sam carry on with his own life without Dean. He still fights the good fight, but he also has a child named Dean and a wife…who is not Eileen?! Seriously…what is going on?

Images courtesy of The CW

Meanwhile, Dean is up in heaven and it made perfect sense to have Bobby as his guide. We learn that heaven is quite different now thanks to Jack and Castiel.

Images courtesy of The CW

OK…so how about we see Jack and Castiel? Mary…John…Crowley…hello, anyone?!

Sam lives out his life and we have to witness his sad excuse for a wig when he walks in the garage to see Baby again. When he is on life support, his own son tells him that it is okay and he can go, bringing things full circle.

Dean has been riding around in heaven and when he gets to the bridge, he turns around and says, “Hey Sammy.”

Images courtesy of The CW

This was probably the only brilliant moment of the episode for me. In the end, the show has always been about the love that these two brothers have for one another and I appreciated this reunion at the end.

However, are we really going to leave Castiel out in the cold?

This really got me thinking about other disappointing series finales of brilliant shows. The 100, Game of Thrones, and Dexter come to mind. It may come down to personal preference and I am sure a lot of fans did enjoy the episode, but I guess I just thought we were going to witness something truly beautiful and epic.

Don’t get me wrong…the intention was there. I saw it and I thought the ending shot was truly wonderful. However, the execution in so many parts was lacking and this was an issue for me.

I started to think about how the show could have ended and even the season finale episode would have worked better. You could have just had Sam and Dean riding off into the sunset to continue fighting the good fight, free to write their own stories.

Or, you could have ended the show with the 300th episode, having the Winchester family sit down for supper.

Images courtesy of The CW

I just don’t know how I feel about this, but I am not going to let it taint my overall opinion of this show. When I think about Supernatural, it has a special place in my heart and it always will.

This show has lasted so long because of the love between these brothers and I am forever grateful for the laughs, tears, and memories along the way.

Thank you, Supernatural. You will be missed…but never forgotten.

Carry on…

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Fear the Walking Dead” season 6 episode 6: “Bury Her Next to Jasper’s Leg”

Happy Tuesday TV fans! After watching AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead season 6 episode 6, I learned that some things don’t really matter “as long as it gets us to the same place in the end.”

Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.

In season 6 episode 6, “Bury Her Next to Jasper’s Leg,” June has a new crisis to deal with at the mine. Meanwhile, our new mystery threat continues to spray-paint their way closer and closer to Virginia.

My top 5 moments from Fear the Walking Dead season 6 episode 6 are:

“I told you my job was to keep you safe.”

Have you been wondering where the hell Sarah has been? Me too! Well, she gets some well deserved screen time in this episode and she is putting her truck driving skills aside to help June with whatever medical crisis is thrown their way.

After losing a patient, June continues to try and resuscitate him, creating a close call for her and Sarah. Sarah reminds her that her main job is to keep June safe, but she certainly gave us some much needed laughs throughout the episode.

It’s about time!

“I can’t stay here.”

John continues to struggle with what happened to Janice and tells June that he can’t stay there any longer. He wants to create a plan to get out of there, but June still thinks there is good to be done.

Images courtesy of AMC

I think John has really lost his way and I was hoping that June would snap him out of it, but I’m not so sure anymore…

“I’m gonna help these people.”

Luciana shows up in this episode as well, but we are right in the middle of some kind of explosion at the mine. We quickly discover that this was not an accident and it looks like our new mystery group is behind it based on the spray-painting left behind. We also know that apparently they would rather die than say anything…so there’s that.

Images courtesy of AMC

June recognizes that she needs to do everything she can to save as many people as possible, but no one said this would be easy.

Either way, you gotta admire her spirit. Wes is in pretty bad shape, but it looks like he may make it out of this one for now, but his own spray-painting habits may get him into trouble moving forward.

“You may not like me, but you need me.”

So, I was initially really proud of June when a walker took a chunk out of Virginia’s hand. Virginia demands that June take her hand off, recognizing her fate, but June tells her no. Virginia talks her out of it; however, and tells her she will give her whatever she wants.

Images courtesy of AMC

Of course, June wants a hospital and agrees to slice and dice Virginia’s hand clean off, but was this really a smart move?

I don’t think so and I’m not sure that anyone else does…

“I don’t want to run anymore.”

At the end of the episode, June is ready to stay where she is, recognizing the good she can still do. John tries to warn her that he fell into the same trap, but I think this decision might split these two up for a while.

June can’t see things the way they really are and while I appreciate all the good she is doing, she also has to realize that Virginia is essentially pulling her strings.

At least Wendell is back. Yay!

I’m not sure how I felt about this episode overall, but I’m anxious to see something major happen during the mid-season finale next week. I want Fear TWD to find its raw roots again and abandon the tired fluff once and for all.

Can it achieve this? I think so and I’ve seen glimmers of it this season, but we need to witness something epic next week for sure.

Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Fear the Walking Dead in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE..

READ IF YOU DARE…

Dash and Seek is available here!

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Supernatural” season 15 episode 19: “Inherit the Earth”

Happy Saturday TV fans! After watching The CW’s Supernatural season 15 episode 19, I learned that “when people have to be their best, they can be…and that’s what they’ll believe in.”

Please note MAJOR SPOILERS are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.

In episode 19, “Inherit the Earth,” Sam, Dean, and Jack fear that they may be the only people left on earth. Meanwhile, some more frenemies show up to make things even more complicated.

My top 5 moments from Supernatural season 15 episode 19 are:

“We’ll give you what you want.”

After Sam, Dean, and Jack quickly cope with the fact that everyone is gone…including Castiel, they realize that they may be out of options. We get a glimmer of hope when Dean finds an adorable dog, but of course Chuck makes him vanish as well.

Images courtesy of The CW

Come on, Chuck!

Sam and Dean basically surrender to Chuck and tell him that they will do whatever he wants if he just puts everything back to the way it was.

Only Chuck doesn’t seem too interested and tells them that he likes this story now.

Let’s hope they can get Chuck’s death book open…

“Wow…way to treat a pal!”

We quickly find out that Sam, Dean, and Jack aren’t the only beings left on earth as Michael shows up with perfect timing to help them out. Michael is in Adam’s body and tells them that he vanished too, but can we really trust him at this point?

Meanwhile, Dean gets a phone call from Castiel and we hear his voice, but we know that it’s not Cass…and in walks another familiar face…Lucifer.

Lucifer is one of the best villains on any show and I’m always happy to see him, but we know that he definitely has some tricks up his sleeve.

Images courtesy of The CW

After crowning a new reaper as death, they are able to get the book open, but Lucifer kills her before she can read the words out loud and double crosses them, explaining that Chuck is the one that pulled him off the bench in the first place.

We get this ultimate power struggle between Michael and Lucifer as Sam and Dean come up with a plan to create some kind of a ritual circle to get the book open.

“That’s not who we are…”

Chuck shows up during the ritual and starts beating the crap out of Sam and Dean, claiming he is cancelling their show.

Only the Winchester brothers are not out of complete luck, as they planned this from the start. They reveal that they knew Michael would double cross them and inform Chuck, explaining that after Jack returned from The Empty, he became some kind of power sucking vacuum.

Images courtesy of The CW

That explains what we saw in last week’s episode with plants and living things basically disintegrating at Jack’s touch.

Jack absorbed the power from Lucifer, Michael, and even Chuck himself when he started beating on Sam and Dean, which now makes him powerful enough to stop Chuck once and for all.

Chuck seems overly entertained and shocked by this ending, excited to find out who will end his life, but Sam and Dean tell him that’s not who they are. Chuck will live out his life as a mortal and die…lost and forgotten.

Great twist, guys!

“He got us back online.”

With this act, we learn that Jack is basically the new God, which I thought was fitting in a lot of ways. I was actually really sad when Dean asked him to come back home, realizing that Jack would not be a direct part of this family anymore, but we know that he will always be present.

But I do have some questions. Jack was able to restore the world and we even see the dog return, but what about Castiel?

Does he have the power to bring him back? There are some other characters that still haven’t shown up in a while either. I’m hoping we get to see both Rowena and Crowley in the series finale, but I’m honestly not sure.

This episode was basically a season finale, but we still need to wrap things up. I’m thinking the series finale is going to bring us back to the very beginning, providing fans with the SPN nostalgia we know and love.

“Finally free…”

At the very end of the episode, Sam and Dean discuss what happened and realize that they are finally free to write their own story. They take a moment to remember everyone they have lost and we even get these entertaining flashback clips of some of our past favorite characters over the seasons.

In a lot of ways, this episode felt like the end, but I still want one more episode.

Stay tuned SPN Family! The series finale of Supernatural airs next week!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Supernatural in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

My new supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is available now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe. Thanks for your support!

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Fear the Walking Dead” season 6 episode 5: “Honey”

Happy Tuesday TV fans! After watching AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead season 6 episode 5, I learned that everyone is fighting for something, but when that happens, “somebody’s gotta lose.”

Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.

In season 6 episode 5, “Honey,” Dwight and Sherry’s reunion is quickly interrupted by masked intruders. Meanwhile, Morgan attempts to convince the others to join his fight to form a new community.

My top 5 moments from Fear the Walking Dead season 6 episode 5 are:

“I don’t want you to get mixed up in this.”

In the beginning of the episode, we witness a reunion between Dwight and Sherry. They have finally found each other after all this time, but they realize that they need to figure out something in order to be together.

Images courtesy of AMC

Dwight doesn’t want Sherry to get mixed up in with Virginia’s group, which complicates things for sure. Either way, I was happy to witness some happiness between these two…even if it was short-lived.

“Who the hell are these people?”

I was asking myself the same question, Dwight! Right after our reunion between Dwight and Sherry, a masked stranger breaks in, which instantly made me feel like I had changed the channel to an invasion horror film…not that I’m complaining.

Images courtesy of AMC

We quickly learn that Sherry is actually with these masked strangers and they supposedly saved her life. They all have been wronged by Virginia and want revenge, but can they really be trusted?

“You steal it…”

First an invasion film and now a heist…

Either way, it gave us a lot of action as Al tells them that they will not be able to destroy Virginia’s tank. She does know it better than anyone else.

We witness an adrenaline filled scene with the group overtaking the tank and Al had me nervous quite a few times on top of that roof. Be careful, girl!

“You lose something?”

After the tank driver saw Dwight’s face, Al worries that he will run straight to Virginia, but luckily Morgan shows up with perfect timing to save the day.

Images courtesy of AMC

Dwight and Al are surprised to see him, but Morgan is ready to get right down to business. He reveals his plan and says that they can find everyone, but this is easier said than done…especially since the masked riders have a plan of their own.

This causes a clash between Dwight and Morgan and we see some of the old Dwight flare up again during this episode. His moral compass wavers quite a bit, but we also know that he will do everything in his power to keep Sherry safe…

“I won’t let you become the person you used to be…”

At the end of the episode, Dwight and Sherry decide to go through with the plan, but Sherry shuts Dwight out, claiming she wants to stop him from becoming who he used to be.

Only Dwight doesn’t want that for Sherry either and intervenes with her plan. Dwight finally sees what Morgan and Al were talking about and realizes that it is too soon to try and take Virginia out.

Sherry ends up listening to Dwight, but there is a major cost. They decide to part ways only after being reunited for a little over a week, but it looks like Dwight is going to get his moment to start over fresh.

Images courtesy of AMC

He and Al fake their deaths so that they can help Morgan, but Dwight makes it a point to free the wild dog from the masked stranger camp before he goes, which I thought was so representative of his own inner struggle.

Sometimes circumstances can shape us into who we are, but we have a choice and if a better path presents itself, it’s up to us to embrace it to start over again.

Now on to our next set of characters…seriously I’m losing track over here.

We’ll have to wait to find out more. Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Fear the Walking Dead in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE..

READ IF YOU DARE…

Dash and Seek is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Alone” on Demand: Sometimes less is more

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“What do you want from me?”

Alone premiered on Demand on September 18th 2020. The film stars Jules Willcox and Marc Menchaca. It is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes long.

A strange man begins stalking a widow on her road trip, quickly revealing his sinister intentions.

Here is the trailer:

Alone has the potential to chill us to our core with edge-of-your seat moments and a beyond creepy stalker, but does it do enough to stand out as a noteworthy thriller? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Magnet Releasing

Delivers without over-complicating things.

If you’re like me, then you are watching this movie because you want to witness a fast-paced edge-of-your seat thrill ride and this film absolutely delivers. We are immediately thrown into the plot without too much set-up and while some moments may seem somewhat predictable, the film embraced its simple formula without doing too much and it worked. There are very few actors in this film, but I thought the simplicity of it made it that much more entertaining.

More please!

Images courtesy of Magnet Releasing

A worthy villain.

Sometimes the most monstrous beings out there are the ones that hide in plain sight. They seem to be friendly or harmless and maybe they even convince everyone around them that they are the good guys, but don’t ever underestimate a creepy whistle…

Seriously, I’m still creeped out!

Images courtesy of Magnet Releasing

A Final Girl contender!

I haven’t been this excited about a potential Final Girl in a while and I thought that Jules Willcox was so believable as Jessica. I rooted for her and I embraced her courage. Seriously, she kicked ass!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Magnet Releasing

Lack of initial character connection.

In the beginning of the film, I was wondering why I should really care about Jessica. While I appreciated the lack of fluff, I also wanted to connect to our main character. That being said, this happened for me later on as bits and pieces of Jessica’s past and character were revealed, but I thought it needed a few more glimmers of it in the beginning to truly capture our attention.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Magnet Releasing

I’m in!

I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish. I was honestly on the edge of my seat the entire time and there were some moments that were truly twisted and chilling. I thought the simplicity of this movie was really smart and as long as you manage your expectations, you will enjoy this movie.

Sometimes less is more and I thought that this movie delivered as an entertaining thriller and then some!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Alone in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

My new supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen releases on November 12th 2020! Available for pre-order! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “The Queen’s Gambit” on Netflix: Your Move

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“Chess isn’t the only thing in life…”

The Queen’s Gambit is a limited series that premiered on Netflix on October 23rd 2020 with seven episodes. The series stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Harry Melling, Moses Ingram, and Marielle Heller. Each episode is approximately 50-60 minutes in length.

Based on the 1983 novel of the same name, The Queen’s Gambit follows the journey of chess prodigy orphan, Beth Harmon, who embarks on a quest to be the world’s greatest chess player. Over the years, Beth deals with addiction and grief while struggling to prove her worth in the male dominated game to earn her rightful place. The series takes place during the 1960’s.

Here is the trailer:

The Queen’s Gambit has so many defining layers that draw you into this world immediately. While female empowerment automatically comes to mind, the story that is told extends well beyond that, reminding us that even those of us with extraordinary talents can damage everything with the choices we make.

The Queen’s Gambit is filled with aesthetic appeal, a talented cast, and an inspiring story, but is it worthy of your next binge-watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Anya Taylor-Joy is perfection.

I was already a fan of hers, but she blew me away in her portrayal of Beth Harmon. She was magnetic on screen and so convincing down to the tiniest detail. Her wardrobe was fantastic and her emotions were so raw and convincing. I think she absolutely deserves some awards in the future for this role.

A story that pulls you in from the very start.

I didn’t immediately add this show to my watch-list and it’s not normally something that I would select on my own. However, I am beyond thrilled that I took this recommendation and I quickly found myself lost in the story.

There’s something about this story that transcends its premise. It has a lot of heart and inspiration embedded in its core, but it also doesn’t hold back when it comes to the mistakes and hardships either, which made me connect to it even more.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Important lessons that really strike a chord.

While I loved the female empowerment elements in this series, I thought that the struggle with addiction was even more vital. Spiraling out of control into addiction isn’t usually defined in one moment. It’s slow and develops over time. Perhaps it stems from a past event or something beyond our control, but when it starts to cripple and destroy the extraordinary talent that so many of us would love to covet, it’s absolutely heartbreaking to witness.

The series could have really hit us over the head with a lot of this and I thought that its approach was simple, but effective. I think that there were a lot of really important messages throughout this series that should not be ignored and when we talk about overcoming something in life, we are the only ones with the power to change it.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

I don’t have a single con to mention…check.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in 1000 percent! Checkmate!

I honestly went into this show without knowing what to expect. I thought that it might be somewhat interesting, but I was worried that I would lose interest quickly. Well, I was completely wrong and I am so glad that I started watching this show.

It was one of the best shows I have watched all year and it truly resonated with me. I recommend that you move this to the top of your watch-list even if it doesn’t seem like your cup of tea…trust me, you’ll love it!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Queen’s Gambit in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

My new supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen releases on November 12th 2020! Available for pre-order! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe. Thanks for your support!