Tag: Coven

Ranking the top 5 moments from “American Horror Story: Apocalypse” season 8 episode 3: “Surprise Bitch! I Bet you Thought you’d Seen the Last of Me”

Happy Thursday TV fans!  After watching the FX network’s American Horror Story:  Apocalypse season 8 episode 3 last night, the moment we have all been waiting for is finally here.  Are you ready?  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “Forbidden Fruit,” Mr. Langdon continues to interview potential candidates to determine if they are worthy to join “The Sanctuary” and discovers a surprising secret about Mallory while revealing one of his own as well.  Meanwhile, we learn more about Ms. Mead’s past, Ms. Venable announces that Outpost 3 will be celebrating with a Halloween Soiree, and the Easter eggs kept us focused and entertained.  Did you catch them all?  My top 5 moments from American Horror Story:  Apocalypse season 8 episode 3 are:

5

“It’s the one day of the year when the rest of the world puts in some effort to be fabulous like I am every other day.”

During the episode, Ms. Venable announces that they will be holding a Halloween Soiree to celebrate.  The theme of the party will be a Victorian Masquerade ball and everyone is beyond excited to have something to look forward to.  Only Ms. Venable plans on using the party as a way of arranging for everyone to eat the apples delivered from “The Cooperative” at the same time, which she poisons with the assistance of Ms. Mead with snake venom.  Everyone deserves just a glimmer of hope and happiness and they scamper off to get their costumes ready.  Mr. Gallant hilariously explains why he loves Halloween while he reminisces with Coco about their Michael Jackson costumes from when they were younger.  While the party is good news, Coco recognizes that they will probably announce who is going into “The Sanctuary” during the party.  She understands that everything has some kind of hidden agenda, reminding us that “the closest thing to a Christmas feast was stew” or does she mean Stu?  Sorry couldn’t resist.  Either way, the Halloween party will definitely be the most excitement they have seen in a very long time.  Although you may want to think twice about bobbing for apples anytime soon.

4

“Happy Halloween bitch.”

Surprise!  Brock is back, played by fan favorite, Billy Eichner.  We quickly discover that after Coco left her boyfriend, Brock, he has been living out in the wasteland for all this time.  Brock has been exposed to radiation and is sporting some bald spots and gruesome marks on his face that prove he has definitely been through the ringer.  While Brock initially seemed to be privileged and materialistic in the opening episode, he has shed that persona all too quickly.  Brock has become somewhat of a bad-ass and reminded me of “Mad Max” while out in the wasteland.  Brock explains that he is just looking for his girlfriend, but something tells me that he is not looking to kiss and makeup.  Brock is aware of the shelter and spots one of the horse drawn carriages, hitching a ride to Outpost 3.  Brock makes his way in and cleverly sports a mask of his own during the masquerade party, inviting Coco to dance.  Coco mistakes him for Langdon and begins coming on to him, desperately looking for a way into “The Sanctuary.”  Only Coco is in for a big surprise when Brock reveals his identity and she asks, “What happened to your face?”  Coco tries to explain her actions, but just digs a deeper hole for herself when she compares her love to Brock to her love for sushi, explaining that she had to lock away her feelings for both, which does not amuse Brock at all.  Brock brutally stabs Coco in the head and says, “Happy Halloween Bitch,” with no hesitation.  While I’m not so sure how Brock will come into play now, we definitely should not discount him, as he has been exposed to the brutal reality outside and is looking for payback.

3

“Some people just have nothing special about them.”

In the beginning of the episode, Langdon interviews Mallory and recognizes a potential darkness within her.  Langdon further reveals more about his own abilities when he says, “I can see into the dark places that people desperately try to keep hidden.”  Langdon refers to it as a sort of talent or “night vision,” but it’s clear that Langdon possesses a lot of power.  Langdon was not expecting the power of Mallory; however, who ends up setting the room on fire with her mind.  Mallory is just as surprised as Langdon, who demands to know who she is.  Langdon prides himself on knowing everything about a person and reveals his own true face when he is thrown off guard by Mallory’s power.  While we know that Langdon is the baby from Murder House, it now appears that he is the Antichrist.  Langdon even performs a dark blood ritual and calls out to his father, who we can only assume is the devil himself.  Mallory later confides in Coco and Mr. Gallant, explaining that she thinks she set the room on fire.  Coco hilariously asks her if she knocked over a candle and Mallory says, “I think I made the fire with my mind,” further comparing herself to Dark Phoenix.  Marvel fans rejoice!  This is not the first reference we have seen to Marvel during the show.  The song, “Time in a Bottle,” played during an important moment for Mr. Gallant last week, which Evan Peters knows all too well.  In X-Men:  Days of Future Past, my absolute favorite scene featured Evan Peters, who played Quicksilver and helped break Magneto out of prison while this song played and we saw everything in slow motion.  You can watch that original scene here!  Think this is just a coincidence?  Maybe it is.  However, Mallory also rises from the dead or the ashes, just like the actual Dark Phoenix, which makes me think otherwise.  Either way, I was truly impressed by Billie Lourd’s performance this week and I am looking forward to exploring more about Mallory and her abilities.

2

“All people if given the right pressures or stimulus are evil mother fuckers.”

Last week, we were completely shocked when Ms. Mead was revealed to be a robot of some kind.  In this episode, we learn more about Ms. Mead’s “false memories,” which all involve Halloween.  Hooray!  Ms. Mead remembers trick-or-treating as Rosie, the Robot maid, from The Jetsons back in 1962 and even recalls her first date in 1968, when she watched the movie, Rosemary’s Baby, which is definitely hinting at the idea of Langdon’s own existence.  Ms. Mead recognizes that these memories are false, but yet they feel somewhat real to her.  Ms. Mead prides herself on being loyal to Ms. Venable and is shocked when she turns the tables on her and shoots Ms. Venable, killing her.  Even though we initially thought the “poison apple” scheme was Ms. Venable’s idea, Langdon reveals that it was his own and that Ms. Mead is operating under his command.  He further explains that he made Ms. Mead to be a sort of prototype, based on someone he loved as a child.  Ms. Mead starts to understand the fading memory she has of a young boy, realizing that it must have been Langdon.  Who is Ms. Mead based on?  We can only assume that Langdon is referring to Michael’s grandmother, Constance Langdon, played by the fabulous Jessica Lange.  The pieces are coming together for sure, but there is still so much left to be uncovered.  I am absolutely looking forward to it, however.

1

“Surprise bitch!  I bet you thought you’d seen the last of me.”

After bobbing for apples, Ms. Venable invites everyone to enjoy their tasty treats.  The apples themselves and the title of the episode scream references to the bible and the Garden of Eden, but no one at Outpost 3 seems to be paying attention to that.  The apples are poisoned and we watch the disgusting demise of the characters we have come to know in the last three episodes.  When thinking of poison apples, Snow White also comes to mind, and we do see several women come back to life after eating the poison apple.  While I was initially upset to have invested so much time in the characters residing at Outpost 3, I was delightfully entertained by the return of three of our favorite witches.  The record player was initially playing the song, “Baby I’m a Want You,” by Bread, which you can listen to here!  The lyrics that stood out were, “Like a guiding light to help me through my darkest hour,” which seem beyond appropriate for the entrance of some of the members of Coven.  The record player changes to the song, “She’s a Rainbow,” by The Rolling Stones, which you can listen to here! Right on cue, Cordelia, Madison, and Myrtle Snow make a grand entrance through the gates and are here to save the day and protect the world from Langdon most likely.  They look for their sister witches and resurrect Mallory, Coco, and Dinah.  Madison, played by Emma Roberts, delivers her “surprise bitch” line perfectly and we are ready for the fun to begin.  Stay tuned!

P.S. fun fact:  The song, “She’s a Rainbow,” is on The Rolling Stones album, Their Satanic Majesties Request. 

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

Stay up to date on upcoming premieres of horror TV series @ 12nightsofhorror.com/horror-series-coming-soon

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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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!

I am so excited to announce that my book, The Search for Alice, is now available!  If you enjoy fairy-tale retellings, paranormal romance, horror, and mystery, then this might be the book for you or someone you know!  Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well.  I hope you enjoy!

When Kallie Bennett, a jaded teenage girl plagued by her alcoholic mother and her peers molded out of sheer bubble gum perfection, chases after Alice in Wonderland herself, she ends up lost in her own version of Wonderland, which forces her to face her utmost fears and introduces her to familiar characters with a dark twist. Among these characters is Ches, a gorgeous vampire with a conflicted conscience, who becomes Kallie’s guide and blossoming love interest. She also crosses paths with Queen Hartley, a manipulative witch who has the power to strip away one’s memories and imagination, which brings a bone chilling new meaning to “off with their heads.” In The Search for Alice, Kallie starts to realize that her Wonderland is just as frightening as her own reality and that she cannot always run away from her problems. She must figure out a way to defeat Queen Hartley and return home before it is too late, but she soon learns that escaping Wonderland means leaving Ches behind forever.

Want to read more?  You can click the link directly below for a free preview.  Thanks for your support!

Free Instant Preview of The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice Cover

 

Ranking the top 5 moments from “American Horror Story: Apocalypse” season 8 episode 2: “What is this, the Hunger Games?”

Happy Thursday TV fans!  After watching the FX network’s American Horror Story:  Apocalypse season 8 episode 2 last night, we witnessed several Easter eggs from previous seasons, foreshadowing the return of some of our favorite characters.  While we don’t know what to expect just yet, these glimpses and hints are not to be ignored.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “The Morning After,” Mr. Langdon makes an announcement to the group and explains that he will be conducting a series of questions to find out who is worthy of “cooperating” and joining “The Sanctuary.”  Meanwhile, Timothy and Emily discover Ms. Venable’s deceit and grow closer as a result, Mr. Gallant has a visitor at his door, and we get a fresh new ingredient for dinner.  Anything should be better than Stu, right?  My top 5 moments from American Horror Story:  Apocalypse season 8 episode 2 are:

5

“I thought everything outside was dead.”

In the beginning of the episode, Timothy and Emily are horrified by the presence of snakes in Outpost 3.  Ms. Mead is excited by a new protein for dinner, but everyone else is not so sure.  After all, they have just been traumatized over possibly eating Stu in their stew.  Sorry I can’t let that one go just yet.  The snake soup does not look too appetizing, but the snakes resurrect and are alive when dinner is officially served.  While this moment is horrifying, it also reminds us that this is considered a form of resurrection.  We know that the snakes are not the only ones to come back to life in this new world.  Who’s next?  We’ll have to wait and see, but this absolutely screams “Coven.”

4

“I won’t sugar coat the situation.”

Mr. Langdon quickly introduces himself to the rest of the group and informs them that the rest of the Outposts have been overrun by some kind of “feral cannibals.”  Mr. Langdon explains that The Cooperative had a fail-safe in place and that they have an outpost called “The Sanctuary,” which has security measures protecting it to ensure its survival along with the humans who reside in it.  The group learns that Mr. Langdon has been sent to determine who is worthy of joining “The Sanctuary,” which will involve a series of questions.  Mr. Gallant is the first one to “volunteer as tribute.”  Insert “Hunger Games” joke here, which I thought seemed appropriate since Coco hilariously cried out, “what is this, the Hunger Games?”  Mr. Langdon explains to Mr. Gallant that he will know if he is lying or trying to trick him.  Does this mean that Mr. Langdon possesses some kind of supernatural powers and abilities?  While we are not too sure of this yet, it definitely appears like we are being pointed in that direction.

3

“You’re a fighter.  I like that about you.”

Later in the episode, Mr. Langdon speaks to Ms. Venable in her chambers and reminds her that “complete abstinence” was not part of the rules and that this could be determined punishable by death.  It makes us wonder why Ms. Venable felt the need to enforce this rule so much.  There clearly seems to be a common trend so far of “lust,” creeping into the walls of Outpost 3, which brings us back to Ryan Murphy connecting the seasons of AHS to the “Nine Circles of Hell” from Dante’s Inferno.  You can read more on this theory here! Mr. Langdon recognizes Ms. Venable as a fighter and reminds her that “there’s no need for us to be adversaries.”  He further explains that he wants to see the part of her that humiliates her the most, ordering for her to remove her dress.  Ms. Venable finally shows us some real vulnerability here and hesitantly unzips the back of her dress, revealing some kind of deformity and scarring on her back.  Ms. Venable asks if she has passed the test, but Mr. Langdon coldly replies, “No.”  Before they can get any further, they are interrupted by Ms. Mead who requires Ms. Venable’s immediate attention.

2

“Is this phase 2 of the interview?”

When Mr. Gallant is questioned by Mr. Langdon, there is an underlying sexual tension throughout their conversation.  Mr. Langdon asks Mr. Gallant to tell him about his anger and immediately links it to his grandmother, recognizing that Mr. Gallant has some untamed hatred brewing inside of him.  Later on, there is a knock at Mr. Gallant’s door and he is greeted by an old friend of AHS:  The Rubber Man.  The man is dressed in black latex head to toe and Mr. Gallant’s grandmother discovers them having sex.  Fans will remember that The Rubber Man is revealed to be Tate from AHS:  Murder House (season one), also played by Evan Peters.  This makes things beyond confusing, but it is possible that someone else has embraced the suit, but we will have to wait and find out.  Mr. Gallant’s grandmother reports his behavior, looking out for her own survival and Mr. Gallant is whipped repeatedly by Ms. Mead.  Later on, Mr. Langdon tells him that he has never been to his room and that his neediness and desperation disgust him.  He harshly tells Mr. Gallant that he would not be with him if he was the last man on earth and they are pretty close to that very scenario.  Mr. Gallant is very upset by this cruel rejection and to make matters worse, his own grandmother refuses to accept him as well.  Later on, Mr. Gallant follows the Rubber Man and turns the tables on him, stabbing him for shaming him.  Only he quickly realizes that he has stabbed his grandmother to death instead, now seeing her corpse before his eyes.  Mr. Gallant is horrified by what he has done, just in desperate need for someone to love and accept him.  The damage is done, but we’ll have to wait and see if there are consequences for his actions.

1

“What are we doing?”

During the episode, Timothy and Emily sneak into Mr. Langdon’s room and find his laptop.  They are initially confused on how he can communicate with anyone, but assume it must be some type of satellite.  They read through some of the emails and learn that Ms. Venable has been making up the rules as she goes, particularly about the mandatory abstinence.  Timothy and Emily take things further with their blossoming relationship and it is implied that they do have sex.  Ms. Mead barges into the bedroom when they are sleeping and takes them to be punished.  Emily cries out to Ms. Venable that she knows the rules are not real, but they are still taken away.  A gun is pulled on Timothy and he courageously fights back and gets a hold of the gun.  Ms. Mead is shot and another shock is thrown our way.  Ms. Mead takes a look at her wound and we see some kind of white liquid coming out of it, which is definitely not human.  Is she a robot or something else?  I’m not sure, but it looks like we are in for more and more twists and turns.  Stay tuned!

P.S. fun fact:  Did you notice “The Morning After” song changed over to a song featuring Stevie Nicks?  Is it possible we will see her again along with some of our other favorites from Coven?

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

Stay up to date on upcoming premieres of horror TV series @ 12nightsofhorror.com/horror-series-coming-soon

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

[twitter-follow screen_name=’TV_Fanatic_Girl’]

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!

I am so excited to announce that my book, The Search for Alice, is now available!  If you enjoy fairy-tale retellings, paranormal romance, horror, and mystery, then this might be the book for you or someone you know!  Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well.  I hope you enjoy!

When Kallie Bennett, a jaded teenage girl plagued by her alcoholic mother and her peers molded out of sheer bubble gum perfection, chases after Alice in Wonderland herself, she ends up lost in her own version of Wonderland, which forces her to face her utmost fears and introduces her to familiar characters with a dark twist. Among these characters is Ches, a gorgeous vampire with a conflicted conscience, who becomes Kallie’s guide and blossoming love interest. She also crosses paths with Queen Hartley, a manipulative witch who has the power to strip away one’s memories and imagination, which brings a bone chilling new meaning to “off with their heads.” In The Search for Alice, Kallie starts to realize that her Wonderland is just as frightening as her own reality and that she cannot always run away from her problems. She must figure out a way to defeat Queen Hartley and return home before it is too late, but she soon learns that escaping Wonderland means leaving Ches behind forever.

Want to read more?  You can click the link directly below for a free preview.  Thanks for your support!

Free Instant Preview of The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice Cover

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 20: “Home isn’t a Place. It’s the People in it”

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 20 last night, Henry’s words really described what this series is all about.  “That’s the thing about stories.  They’re more than words.  They live inside of us.  They make us who we are.  And as long as someone believes that…there will be magic.”  When you think about Once Upon a Time as it draws close to the series finale next week, you immediately think about believing in the impossible.  The fairy tales we grew up with sparked our own imagination and creativity, shaping who we have become even if we don’t always see it.  Words can be more powerful than we realize, allowing our feelings and stories to come alive across the page.  Even when this series ends, the stories will live on, reminding us of the importance of taking a leap of faith when the world seems to be quite mad.  It provides us with an escape that can inspire hope, love, and adventure.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Is This Henry Mills?” Regina desperately tries to get Henry to believe again but is running out of ideas.  Meanwhile, Rogers/Nook and Rumple recruit Margot to help save Tilly before it is too late and the ultimate villain is revealed.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 20 are:

5

“Because I can be very convincing.”

While helping Jacinda and Lucy pack for their trip with Henry, Sabine/Tiana is worried about Drew.  After Lucy reveals that the back-pack is from Drew, she finds a tarot card hidden inside.  Lucy immediately knows that this means that Samdi/Dr. Facilier will have an idea about what’s going on.  Jacinda and Sabine/Tiana go to confront Dr. Facilier who has nothing to hide at this point, recognizing that magic is about to resurface again.  He opens the closet door and reveals Drew gagged and tied up and suggests that the ladies join him.  While we know that Dr. Facilier’s ultimate goal is to obtain the Dark One’s dagger, what does he have to gain by holding these characters captive?  Is it merely to prevent them from getting in the way or did he have something else in store for them?  It looks like we may never find out, as Dr. Facilier’s own fate is about to take a cruel twist.  I wonder if he saw that coming in the cards.

4

“I’ve got nothing left to lose so let’s do this.”

Even though Regina is having trouble getting Henry to believe again, she refuses to give up.  She turns down Gothel’s offer to join her coven and chooses the side of humanity, proving once again that the Evil Queen has shed its wickedness and has embraced what it truly means to be a hero.  Even though Regina does not have magic in this world, she is not about to let Gothel win.  She stands up to her and faces her, but is wounded after Gothel attacks her.  While Regina may not be the hero to take down Gothel, her will to stand against her is commendable.

3

“I’m not like you.  You chose hate.  But I choose love.”

After Tilly courageously joined Gothel’s coven to protect her father’s life, she is now under some type of trance, trapped by the magic she is channeling.  Rogers/Nook tells her that he will come back for her and save her and is ready to finally take a leap of faith.  Rumple reveals to him that it’s all real and Rogers/Nook is finally ready to accept this and listen.  When he asks who he is from the other realm, Rumple says, “All you need to know right now is that you’re a survivor…Captain.”  Rogers and Rumple seek out the help of Margot, desperately hoping that she can get through to Tilly before it is too late.  We learn that after each witch sacrifices all of their power to the spell, they turn into a tree in the eternal grove and it’s only a matter of time before Tilly starts growing roots of her own.  Margot tries to talk Tilly out of this, recognizing that perhaps she is just having a really bad day and “maybe we can turn it into a good one.”  Tilly refuses, however; and flings her in the air, shrinking her enemies into almost non-existence, as she remains trapped by the magic consuming her.  When the curse is ultimately broken, Margot and Tilly remember themselves as Robin and Alice…or “Tower Girl.”  When the words, “I told you we’d always know each other” are spoken, you can’t help feeling an overwhelming sense of warmth and love for these two characters.  Their love for one another is so pure and good, proving that real love can truly conquer all.  This reunion is put on hold, however; as Gothel still remains to be a threat.  Gothel tries to tell Alice that she is like her and will not be able to defeat her, but Alice has her father and Robin by her side.  She chooses love and turns Gothel into a tree, hoping that she can grow into something beautiful again and ultimately find peace.   The curse is broken and Alice can finally be reunited with her father again and with her true love, Robin.  Well deserved!

2

“Don’t you want to believe?”

During the episode, we flash to another timeline where young Henry Mills is approaching graduation and deciding on whether or not he should leave Storybrooke or stay behind with his mother, Regina.  Regina has some doubts about Henry leaving, but she puts her feelings aside because all she really wants is for him to be happy.  Grown up Henry is still having trouble believing, even after he witnesses all of the magic around him.  Regina tries a memory potion and even digs up the “Once Upon a Time” second book from Victoria’s grave, desperately trying to help him remember who he is and what he believes in.  Nothing happens after all of these attempts and it seems like Henry’s belief may really be gone forever, as he is unable to deal with the grief of losing the family he thought he had.  However, Henry is failing to realize that his family has been right in front of him this whole time.  Regina tries to tell him that the curse is not just a land without magic, but that they were brought to a different time, bringing time travel into the mix, and bringing me back to Lost once again.  Henry looks at the adoption papers Regina left with him and decides to take a very own leap of faith of his own by calling the phone number listed.  Lost fans everywhere will remember the memorable moment in the episode, “The Constant,” where Desmond makes a phone call to Penny that saves his life and helps him remember who he is.  The connection he had to his love, Penny was enough to bring him back.  In Once Upon a Time, Henry is about to experience something very similar.  When he calls, he speaks to his younger self and provides him with some really great advice.  The conversation causes his memories to come flashing back to him, as he finally remembers who he is.  After Gothel attacks Regina, Henry rushes to her side and kisses her forehead, breaking the curse for good in a beautiful moment.  It was true love’s kiss after all, but for the mother who sacrificed everything for him.  Magic is back and so are the memories that had been hidden away for so long.  Young Henry gets it absolutely right when he says that “Storybrooke will always be with me.”  Not just with you Henry, but with all of us and it’s hard not to shed some tears as we approach the very end.  However, even though it seems like our happy ending has finally arrived, there is one more twist left.

1

“Did you really think a wish realm could hold me?”

After the curse is broken, Rumple realizes that the dagger is gone and immediately jumps to the conclusion yet again that Dr. Facilier is responsible.  Rumple is finally starting to realize that he may not be able to get back to Belle and he wants to focus his energy on the family he has here.  He even hesitates and doesn’t kill Dr. Facilier when he has the chance and Dr. Facilier mocks him by telling him, “You’re a shadow of your former self.”  Who said that words could never hurt you?  Dr. Facilier is stabbed with the dagger and the Dark One is responsible.  Rumple will literally need to face himself and destroy the evil of the Dark One once and for all, but is he powerful enough to do so?  We know that some of our favorite characters will be returning for the series finale next week.  I am beyond excited and can’t wait to see how the story finally ends.  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Once Upon a Time in the comments section below.  Thanks for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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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 “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 19: “Flower Child”

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 19 last night, Tilly got it absolutely right when she said that “it’s cruel really to be so close to happiness and kept so far away from it.”  Revelations are finally breaking through the curse, however; but will our favorite characters get their chance at a happily ever after before the witches cast their spell?  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Flower Child,” we learn about Mother Gothel’s past and her motives.  Meanwhile, Tilly finds out the truth about who her parents are and Lucy desperately looks for something that can save her father and bring her parents back together again.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 19 are:

5

“Now you are the Mother.  Remember what you were destined to blossom into.”

While it didn’t initially seem like Mother Gothel had any redeemable qualities, this glimpse into her past actually revealed a heartbreaking story filled with betrayal and loss.  We learn that Gothel is a tree nymph and comes from a magical grove, but she is curious about humanity and wants to know what it’s like to be mortal.  Gothel envies the pretty dresses the girls get to wear and the freedom they can explore, but lets her guard down when she is invited to teach some of her new mortal friends how to do magic.  Gothel’s naivete prevents her from seeing the cruel and wicked intentions of her new “sisters,” who tell her she is an “abomination” and destroy her grove.  Gothel is horrified to find her family dead and no longer feels like she belongs in any world.  Gothel is not able to take her mother’s advice and turns her destiny of being the “Mother” of nature into a quest for vengeance against humanity.  She recruits the first true member of her coven and it’s clear that she will not be finished until all of humanity pays for what they have done.  While we know that Gothel must be stopped, this glimpse into her past allows us to understand why she became so cold and broken along the way, making her story that much more complicated.  While we have seen other villains choose the path of good, Gothel only seems interested in furthering her revenge and confuses her coven with “family,” not fully grasping what this term actually means.

4

Lucy visits Dr. Facilier.

Lucy is not about to give up on her parents even though the magic that Dr. Facilier gave to Regina is gone.  She asks if there is any more magic to help her father and proves to be “quite the blackmailer,” which amuses Dr. Facilier.  He agrees to help her and explains that the first step is for her to find a symbol of Henry and Jacinda’s love.  Dr. Facilier is not helping Lucy out of the mere goodness of his heart, however.  He reveals that “a storm of witches is brewing” and that they will need magic to survive.  Whatever his intentions are, he is willing to help and Lucy sets off to find a symbol.  She goes through boxes of Jacinda’s old things and finds one box labeled “BL,” which means “Before Lucy.”  In the box, she finds a bag from Granny’s Diner and for a minute I was worried that she might find some rotten food that Jacinda forgot about, but the broken glass slipper is inside, shocking both Jacinda and Lucy.  While Jacinda tries to grasp the reality that she really is Cinderella, Lucy rushes off to Dr. Facilier so that her father can be saved.

3

“No matter how crazy…we’ll figure it out together.”

Gothel approaches Tilly and tells her that she is her mother.  Tilly doesn’t welcome her with open arms, however; and tells her “you’re either a liar or a monster.”  Gothel tries to feed her a story about wanting to change and looking for forgiveness, but Tilly walks away from Gothel and her false promises.  She goes to the only real “family” she knows right now and Rogers/Nook tells her that they will figure it out together.  Meanwhile, Gothel pays Margot a visit and takes some of her blood, refusing to abandon her plan now that she knows that Tilly contains the magic within her that will complete her coven.

2

“When I met you I loved you immediately…maybe because I already loved you.”

Henry and Jacinda have been getting closer and closer after realizing that Henry’s book might be real after all and that they did meet in another world in a fairy-tale.  It’s surprising that these two haven’t shared a kiss yet, but they do hold out with perfect timing, as Dr. Facilier breaks the curse on Henry.  The two finally kiss but Lucy is beyond disappointed when it doesn’t break the curse.  Has Gothel’s magic interfered with true love’s kiss?  Is there another way to break the curse and wake everyone up?

1

Tilly learns that Rogers is her father.

After Gothel takes some of Margot’s blood, she captures Rogers/Nook and lures Tilly to her.  She tells her that she is her real family, but Tilly will not help her.  She finally reveals that Rogers is her real father and offers her a choice.  Tillly can join the coven or watch her father die.  Even though Rogers tries to do the noble thing and tells Tilly not to give in, she cannot live in a world without her father.  Tilly has felt alone and unwanted up until now and she finally has a chance at new love with Margot and old love with her father.  She reluctantly joins hands with the coven and the spell is cast.  Did she make the right decision? What has the coven unleashed?  Will anyone be able to stop Gothel?  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Once Upon a Time in the comments section below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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“American Horror Story” ranking the seasons from best to worst: Nine Circles of Hell

So after finishing up FX’s American Horror Story:  Cult last night, I started thinking about how it held up against the other seasons.  Before the premiere of AHS : Cult, Ryan Murphy, co-creater of the series, had posted the nine circles of hell from Dante’s Inferno:

Limbo (Murder House)

Lust

Gluttony (Hotel)

Greed (Freak Show)

Anger (Roanoke)

Heresy (Cult)

Violence

Fraud (Asylum)

Treachery (Coven)

Murphy had previous explained that each season is connected, but the link to the nine circles of hell invests the viewer into new theories and also suggests that the series will have an end after season 9.  Perhaps it is all meant to keep fans on the edge of their seats, but it does make one really think about the similarities to each circle of hell and how they are all intertwined.  After watching all of the seasons so far, I have ranked them in the following order (best-worst):

  • Coven
  • Hotel
  • Murder House
  • Cult
  • Asylum
  • Freak Show
  • Roanoke

While you may agree or disagree with my rankings, it really got me thinking about how this matches up with Inferno’s nine circles of hell.  The last (ninth) circle of hell is “treachery” which matches up with my overall pick for best season, AHS:  Coven.  For me, the betrayal in “Coven” really scratches beneath the surface and tugs at your soul.  On the surface, the witch-craft element is very entertaining and reminiscent of the movie, The Craft.  However, there are a lot more elements going on in the show and treachery is at its core.

My second favorite season is AHS:  Hotel which pairs up with “gluttony.”  According to Inferno, “Gluttony” is the third circle of hell.  Those who are guilty of “gluttony” are forced to lie in a slush created by an icy rain which is meant to represent those who have overindulged in “food, drink, and other worldly pleasures.”  The icy rain that brings an eternal bitter cold to the sinner connects me to the Countess portrayed by Lady Gaga in AHS:  Hotel.  She is a vampire already representing eternity and feeds on the blood of others.  What’s really interesting to me is that in this circle of hell, the beings punished are not able to see the other victims lying near them because of their own selfishness.  Not being able to feel remorse or love for others is dangerous enough, but its combination with gluttony is even more so.

My third favorite season is the first season AHS:  Murder House.  Interestingly enough, this aligns with “Limbo,” which is the first circle of hell.  This could be just a coincidence, but those who are trapped here are unable to move on to heaven and are forced to reside in an inferior version, much like ghosts who are unable to move on, which appear throughout Murder House.

If the theory is true, that would leave AHS with 2 more seasons representing “Lust” and “Violence.”  While I am not sure if we will see any burning rain or violent winds, it really gives the viewer a lot to think about in terms of what type of premise we will see next.

As of August 2018, we now also know that the series has been picked up for a tenth season and will continue through 2020.  I still think that the “nine circles of hell” idea is important and relevant to the show, but I am curious to explore more and see where we are headed.  I am counting the days until the premiere on September 12th.  How about you?

Feel free to post your thoughts and theories on AHS below.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

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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! 

I am so excited to announce that my book, The Search for Alice, is now available!  If you enjoy fairy-tale retellings, paranormal romance, horror, and mystery, then this might be the book for you or someone you know!  Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well.  I hope you enjoy!

When Kallie Bennett, a jaded teenage girl plagued by her alcoholic mother and her peers molded out of sheer bubble gum perfection, chases after Alice in Wonderland herself, she ends up lost in her own version of Wonderland, which forces her to face her utmost fears and introduces her to familiar characters with a dark twist. Among these characters is Ches, a gorgeous vampire with a conflicted conscience, who becomes Kallie’s guide and blossoming love interest. She also crosses paths with Queen Hartley, a manipulative witch who has the power to strip away one’s memories and imagination, which brings a bone chilling new meaning to “off with their heads.” In The Search for Alice, Kallie starts to realize that her Wonderland is just as frightening as her own reality and that she cannot always run away from her problems. She must figure out a way to defeat Queen Hartley and return home before it is too late, but she soon learns that escaping Wonderland means leaving Ches behind forever.

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The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice Cover