drama Archives - Page 30 of 33

Ranking the top 5 moments from “The Affair” season 4 episode 4: “You Amaze Me”

Happy Monday TV fans! After watching Showtime’s The Affair last night, I learned that it’s sometimes difficult to discover what we truly want in life. We may think we know, but our actions tell another story. Even though we may want to dive right into a solution, it may not reflect the inner desires of our heart. Sometimes the best thing we can do is to walk away and to free our hearts and minds to finally discover what truly matters. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet. In last night’s episode, “404,” Alison and Ben meet again at a conference and get even closer. Meanwhile, Cole and Luisa continue to argue and Cole seeks out some advice from his mother, Cherry. My top 5 moments from The Affair season 4 episode 4 are:

“Because you know I thought she was my daughter.”

Part one of the episode opens up with Alison and we finally get to see some interaction between her and Noah. Alison and Joanie are Skyping with Noah and Noah tells Alison that she looks good. It looks like everyone is noticing Alison’s transformation, as she is much more together now than she has ever been. Noah offers to buy her and Joanie plane tickets so that they can come and visit him in California and reminds Alison that he does miss Joanie. Noah spent the first two years of Joanie’s life thinking he was her father and it’s natural for him to have formed an attachment with her. While Alison seems hesitant about accepting his offer, it is nice to see that these two are on speaking terms. We know that in present day, Noah and Cole are working together to find Alison, but is he completely over Alison? Even though he clearly has feelings for his boss, Janelle, Alison still seems to have an impact over Noah.

“You have me.”

In part two, we see everything from Cole’s perspective and learn that Luisa is trying to get her green card. Cole is initially excited to hear about this until he learns what Luisa is planning. Luisa wants Alison to declare herself as an unfit mother to Joanie so that she can be Joanie’s legal guardian, which would help her case to obtain her citizenship. Even though she says this will only be on paper, Cole is shocked and appalled by this request. He explains that it will break Alison’s heart and reminds Luisa that she has him and that should be enough. Luisa replies, “I don’t know,” suggesting that she doesn’t even know if she really has Cole’s heart anymore. Cole is sick and tired of Luisa turning this into a competition between her and Alison, but is Luisa on to something? Perhaps she didn’t want to bring it up before, but there have still been signs that Cole is not over Alison yet and I’m not sure that he ever will be. Is this request enough to push him over the edge?

“Does she know you’re married?”

In part two, Cole tries to be a Good Samaritan and takes Bram to an AA meeting against his will. Bram comically tries to say that Cole is kidnapping him, but Cole tells him to be quiet and just listen. Sure enough, it’s a small world in Long Island and Cole meets Ben at the meeting. Ben shares his own story and battle with addiction and tells everyone that he met someone and that “she’s like the woman I’ve been looking for my whole life.” Cole thinks that Ben might be a good sponsor for Bram and tries to introduce himself after the meeting. Ben explains that he needs to get home to his wife and kids and Cole asks him about the girl he was talking about. Ben shrugs this off and tells him it’s complicated, but has no idea how complicated this is about to get when their paths cross again. When Cole comes to pick up Joanie, Alison is waiting for her date to pick her up and he meets Ben for the second time. Cole asks Ben if Alison knows that he is married and he begs him not to tell her. He explains that he wants to be able to tell her in his own time and Cole does what he asks of him. It’s clear that Cole is doing this for Alison’s sake more than his, but it’s only a matter of time before these two clash over being in love with the same woman.

“I just need to know that I matter.”

Cole comes home and finds Luisa packing, as she tells him that she is going to leave. After talking with his mother, Cherry, Cole learns that his father went on a “Walkabout,” which is kind of like a spiritual journey or a rite of passage. Cherry says that his father left for six months and gives Cole the postcard that she received from him. She doesn’t know much about what happened to him there, but she recognizes that Cole is clearly torn and in need of some time away to figure things out. Cole asks Luisa if she would wait for him while he leaves for a while and she agrees. When Cole takes off, he looks at the postcard from Morro Bay, California and heads off to the place where his father once went off to. Whether he is looking for answers about himself or his family, it’s clear that Cole needs to take a break from all of the pressure surrounding him. Will he find out what his heart truly desires or will he find himself even more lost than he was before?

“Close your eyes, take a breath…what do you notice?”

In part one, Alison is delighted to actually have a friend at the conference and agrees to be Ben’s partner during the EMDR role-play training. EMDR is a form of treatment that involves reprocessing memories and traumas. When Alison tries this out with Ben, she becomes overwhelmed from her memories of Gabriel and her own nightmares. Ruth Wilson had me in tears during this moment, as she was so believable and so real. You could not help sympathizing with her here. Alison rushes out of the conference, but Ben is not ready to give up just yet. He follows her and suggests that they spend the rest of the afternoon on a boat. Alison agrees and these two truly open up to one another and share some of their deepest secrets and fears. Alison confides in Ben and tells him that she thinks that her dream was a premonition and that she missed the sign to save her son. She tells Ben things that she has never shared with anyone, including Cole and Noah. Perhaps she feels that Ben will truly understand or perhaps there is a connection here that is truly transcendent. After Alison and Ben kiss, Alison purposely falls back into the ocean and stays beneath the surface for just a moment. Ben jumps in after her to make sure she is OK and she explains that she was just trying to get away from him for a moment. Whether this is true or not, it’s clear that Alison is finally opening the door to all of her feelings and is no longer repressing them. While Ben seems to be worthy of Alison, what will happen when she finds out the truth about his marriage? Also, in present day, Detective Jeffries has confirmed that Alison is the one who is missing, no longer using vague descriptions like “she,” which means that Ben might have something to do with her disappearance. We know that Ben is capable of hiding things from Alison, but is he keeping something dangerous from her? Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on The Affair below in the comments section. Thanks so much 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 “The Affair” season 4 episode 3: “I’m your Boss”

Happy Monday TV fans! After watching Showtime’s The Affair last night, I learned that sometimes the best thing we can do for someone we love is to merely be there to support them. Even though we may want to immerse ourselves into their lives and their problems, we need to also recognize when to give the appropriate amount of space as well. It’s not possible to control every situation even though we may want to. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet. In last night’s episode, “403,” Noah continues to try and make a difference with his students, specifically with Anton. Meanwhile, Helen has trouble dealing with Vic’s diagnosis and clashes with his mother inadvertently. My top 5 moments from The Affair season 4 episode 3 are:

“Please don’t pretend to be a real teacher.”

Part one of the episode opens up with Noah and we learn that he is still trying to make a difference with his students as well as with the administration at the school. In a staff meeting, Noah brings up Anton and explains that he is worried about his life at home, but thinks that he has real potential. We later discover that Anton is actually the principal, Janelle’s son, which puts Noah in an awkward position. While the other teachers applaud Noah’s boldness, Noah goes to Janelle to apologize and explains that he didn’t know. Janelle reveals her thoughts about hiring an ex-con at her school and sheds some light on what she has to deal with on an everyday basis. After telling Noah not to pretend that he is a real teacher, Noah reveals how much he wants to be there and help Anton. While these two are still clashing, sparks are definitely in the air and it’s only a matter of time before their passive aggressive comments lead to some passionate foreplay.

“I totally totally don’t.”

In part two, we see everything from Helen’s perspective and learn that Vic has been diagnosed with late stage pancreatic cancer. Helen desperately wants to talk about a plan and all of her feelings, but Vic wants to focus on living out his life the way he wants to. Helen’s neighbor, Sierra, interrupts a complicated discussion without realizing it and just really wants to get to know Helen and invites her to experience a kind of spiritual retreat. Sierra represents the carefree California attitude that Helen is desperately trying to get away from and she ends up snapping at Sierra, revealing the true New Yorker within. Sierra is surprisingly not offended by Helen’s quick dismissal and something tells me that she might be the key to opening up Helen to a whole new world whether she realizes it right now or not.

“Girl’s got a type.”

In the beginning of the episode, we are in present day time and Cole is with Noah and Anton in a car. Anton hilariously tries to piece together their connection to Alison, which is laugh out loud funny. Cole speaks to Alison’s mother, Athena, on the phone and learns that the last person she spoke to was Ben. Cole mentions that Ben is married and Anton reminds them both that she certainly has a type. While we still don’t know what has happened to Alison, it’s clear that Ben has something to do with it. We’ll have to stay tuned for the mystery to continue to unfold, but I am loving the unexpected teamwork between Cole and Noah and Anton is lightening up the mood for sure.

“People in New York don’t take deep breaths. They fight.”

After failing to get Vic to commit to getting a second opinion or treatment, Helen confides in her therapist about what is going on. Rather than focus on her feelings, she tries to ask him about his connections in the medical field, desperately trying to find some way to help Vic. Her therapist reminds her that perhaps what Vic really needs is for Helen to just love and support him, which is spot on. Vic doesn’t want to rehash the diagnosis and he begs Helen not to tell his parents about him being sick. After Vic is honored for his work, Helen confronts his mother in the bathroom and tells her what is going on. Helen is shocked when his mother wants to leave and states that she is not feeling well. Helen blurts out everything and Vic’s face is full of disappointment. His mother leaves and tells him that she loves him and knows that he will figure out what to do. Vic loses his temper with Helen and refuses to give her false hope, as he explains that his illness is very real and that he is going to die. All Vic wants is to have a baby, but Helen feels almost like the walls are closing in on her when she sits in the doctor’s office waiting room and realizes that she is just simply too old for this. Will Helen ultimately decide to go through with an unwanted pregnancy to give Vic what he wants or will she make the bold decision to follow her own path?

“I’m your boss.”

Noah continues to try and get through to his students and make them more engaged. They are currently reading T.S. Eliot’s “The Wasteland,” and Noah introduces his students to the concept of “previewing.” According to Noah, previewing is about “making intelligent predictions about what a book is based on first impressions.” Some of his students participate and call out things like “creepy old white dude,” but Anton takes it a step further when he challenges the reading material and suggests that their curriculum include more relevant authors. Noah is clearly impressed by Anton’s idea. His students have been lately feeling like they are unheard and unfairly punished at school and Noah provides some inspiration for a walkout. Whether it is intentional or not, Anton leads the class out the door and the walkout quickly escalates enough for the police to get involved. When the media begins grilling Janelle about what is going on with her administration, Noah steps in and saves the day. Only Janelle wasn’t really asking to be saved. Later on, he sits with her at the bar and the two have a real and honest conversation. When Noah walks Janelle out to the parking lot, the two share a passionate kiss, but Janelle quickly ends it and reminds him that she is his boss. While I’m guessing this is not the last encounter we will see between Noah and Janelle, their relationship could become scandalous and have an impact on Anton. We’ll have to stay tuned to see what happens next, but I have to say that I am loving the introduction of Sanaa Lathan’s character, Janelle on the show. It’s about time someone truly challenged Noah and got him to see things from another perspective.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on The Affair below in the comments section. Thanks so much 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 “The 100” season 5 episode 8: “Don’t you Talk to me About Pain”

Happy Thursday TV fans! After watching the CW’s The 100 season 5 episode 8 last night, I learned that we need to take responsibility for our actions and sometimes for the actions of those around us. Whether that means with our family or loved ones, it’s not always easy to turn against them, even if it is for their own good. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet. In last night’s episode, “How We Get to Peace,” Bellamy refuses to let Clarke kill his sister, but quickly realizes that something has to be done before it’s too late. Meanwhile, Diyoza reveals her secret to Marcus, Raven finds out the truth about Abby, and Murphy reminds us why he is so good at surviving. My top 5 moments from The 100 season 5 episode 8 are:

“You give me hope.”

After Murphy attempts to trade McCreary for Raven, Diyoza realizes that this could be the answer to all of her problems. She explains to Marcus that if Murphy kills McCreary this would solve her internal problem and that taking out the “Red Queen,” Octavia, would solve her external issue at hand. Even though Diyoza explains that she is trying to work toward peace, Marcus reminds her that it seems like “we are trading one dictator for another.” Later on, Diyoza reveals to Marcus that she is pregnant and actually shows a softer side, after he tells her what the valley could look like once they actually try to settle down there and live there. She tells him, “you give me hope,” and Marcus suggests that it is a good name. Even though Diyoza has finally revealed a side of vulnerability and humanity, we know that she will stop at nothing to achieve her goal. But what will happen now that McCreary has made his way back to the valley? Will he threaten all that she has tried to accomplish?

“Let’s show them how to live.”

Monty tries working on using the algae to build up the farm near the bunker, but everyone else seems more fascinated with the war approaching and what their plan will be and who they will need to take out in order to achieve it. Monty breaks down to Harper and says, “I don’t want to take lives to save them.” Harper reminds him that “everyone dies,” but that they have the opportunity to show them how to live. In a heartwarming moment, Harper lets Monty know that when everyone marches off to war, she will stay behind with him and they can live together peacefully. And who said being a farmer was boring? It’s nice to get a gentle reminder of why we love Monty and Harper together so much. Even with all of the chaos and destruction going on around them, they worry about what’s truly important…each other.

“This is the John Murphy I fell in love with.”

After Diyoza doesn’t agree to Murphy’s terms, McCreary lets him know that he is willing to make a deal with him that will help him get Raven back. Murphy agrees, but Emori is not so sure that they can trust him. While she is absolutely right, Murphy recognizes that they “want the same thing, to survive.” The plan seems to be working so far at the end of the episode, when McCreary walks them into the camp as prisoners, but will he turn on Murphy as soon as he gets what he wants? Emori reminds Murphy that this is the man she fell in love with, but she is still hesitant to open her heart up to him again because she worries about what will happen afterwards when there is no threat to their survival. Will Murphy resort back to his old ways or is this path toward becoming the redeemed hero truly possible for him? We’ll have to stay tuned, but I have to admit that I absolutely agree with Emori and that this is the John Murphy who I fell in love with as well. Welcome back Murphy!

“Have you ever loved someone so much that no matter what they do to you or themselves, you take it?”

Abby begins making progress on finding a cure for Diyoza’s men, but soon realizes that she needs Raven’s engineering skills to make it a reality. After they are reunited, Raven tries to find out why Abby is helping them and asks if they are threatening her life. She soon discovers Abby’s addiction and refuses to help her. In an emotional moment, she says to Abby, “Don’t you talk to me about pain.” Raven has dealt with a lot of pain over the seasons, emotionally and physically, and it’s hard not to be sympathetic toward her here. Raven explains that she will not help Abby get her next fix, but Abby activates the collar to force her to help. Even though Abby says that she is sorry, it’s truly painful to watch this moment, as Raven loses her faith in the one person who has always been by her side. Later on, Echo reminds Raven that they will need to eliminate Shaw, but Raven is having doubts about going through with this as well. It’s clear that Raven has formed a connection to Shaw as she later asks him, “Have you ever loved someone so much that no matter what they do to you or themselves, you take it?” Shaw immediately recognizes that Raven is talking about a parent and she confides in him that her mother drank herself to death, which makes her moment with Abby even more heartbreaking. Shaw and Raven’s hands linger near each other, suggesting a shared moment here, as he answers her question and tells her that he has loved someone that way. Will Raven be able to follow through with the plan to eliminate Shaw or will she double cross Echo to protect him?

“My sister. My responsibility.”

Clarke tries to get Bellamy to see the big picture in an effort to protect Madi from Octavia, but Bellamy reminds everyone that “we are not killing my sister.” Octavia proves to be even more dangerous, however; when she doesn’t fall for their plan to stop the war by destroying the worms, when they take out Cooper in a gruesome way. They say that you have to sacrifice the few for the many, but this act made my skin crawl. When Octavia discovers Cooper’s body, she doesn’t believe that this is an accident and explains that they were actually using the eggs from the worms and takes Clarke away for treason. Clarke pleads with Bellamy to keep Madi safe and he promises her that he will, which brings even more hope to Bellarke fans everywhere. Later on, Octavia expects Bellamy to beg and reminds him that once again he is here to protect a traitor who he is in love with. When Bellamy doesn’t deny his feelings for Clarke, I was beyond ecstatic. But first we have to get her out of there alive for them to get a chance to see this through. Bellamy shows off his own skills and doses the rations they share with algae, which will put Octavia in a coma. He tells her that he loves her right before he does this, but he knows that this is the only way to help stop the war. Even though Octavia is not dead, Bellamy felt like he was the only one who could do this since she is his responsibility. Now that the Red Queen is out cold, what will be the next move of Wonkru? Will the need for a Commander expose Madi? We’ll have to wait 2 weeks for a new episode, but I can’t wait! Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on The 100 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 “The Affair” season 4 episode 2: “What are you doing in 5 months, 2 weeks, and 2 days?”

Happy Monday TV fans! After watching Showtime’s The Affair last night, I learned that it is possible for people to change and that sometimes we need to realize when it’s time to let go. That’s easier said than done, however; as we all have something we cling to from our past. Whether it is a memory, a feeling, or something material, sometimes it’s enough to allow us to keep the past alive without it impacting our present and future. But what happens when we can’t let something go? Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet. In last night’s episode, “402,” Cole meets with new potential business partners and decides on whether or not to franchise “The Lobster Roll.” Meanwhile, Alison is thriving at her new job at the Woodlawn Center and meets a heroic stranger who has the potential to spark a new romance in her life. My top 5 moments from The Affair season 4 episode 2 are:

Luisa gets pulled over.

Part one of the episode opens up with Cole and we learn that he is still with Luisa, but that she is undocumented and unable to obtain her green card. While living in a small town where everyone knows Cole has its advantages, Luisa runs into some unexpected trouble when she gets pulled over by a police officer when she is driving Cole home from the beach. Luisa starts shaking in the car and Cole holds her hand, as he tries comforting her and letting her know that everything will be alright. Luckily, the police officer gets another call that he needs to respond to and he lets Luisa off with a warning, but this scare is enough to bring her fears to the surface. I found myself holding my breath in this moment as well, but I don’t think this is the last time that we will see a potential problem for Luisa.

“We’re not in high school anymore.”

Cole and Luisa are meeting with potential business partners and Alison is late for the meeting. Alison is still Cole’s business partner, but he often feels like he is alone on this. Alison finally makes it to the meeting, but Cole is not happy with her. After the business partners leave, he asks Alison to “show up on time” and to “dry your hair.” Alison is surprised by Cole’s focus on appearances and asks him, “Since when do you care so much what city people think?” Times have changed, however; and Cole is right when he reminds her that they are not in high school anymore. It seems like Cole is desperate to go back to the past, however. He has a steady marriage to someone who truly loves him and the chance to make some real money, but Cole is still not happy. Even though he made the decision to be with Luisa, it seems like some part of him will always be with Alison. Will he ever be able to get over her? Is there any chance that they can still make things work after so much time and so much pain caused by both parties?

“You can’t shoot someone just because they drew on your face.”

After Cole wanders off alone on the beach at night, he comes across some of the surfers he ran into earlier and decides to sit down with them. Cole seems anxious to turn off his feelings anyway he can and zones out periodically, listening to the sound of the waves in the background. When Cole wakes up on the beach, the kids are gone and he discovers that they drew all over his face. Cole is furious, but Luisa makes light of the situation when she puts things into perspective. Later in the episode, Cole comes face to face with one of the kids who did this to him and threatens to call the police, but the kid gives him an unwanted dose of reality when he reminds him that his brother sold him the first drugs he ever did. It seems like Cole is unable to escape his past and reputation and is in desperate need of a fresh start. But is he ready for this step?

“It’s also something you and I built together.”

In part two, we see everything from Alison’s perspective and view the conversation between her and Cole differently. Alison seems ready to give up “The Lobster Roll” and reminds Cole that it was more of his brother’s dream than his. Cole confides in Alison and reminds her that it’s something they built together, revealing that he is still trying to hold on to something from the past. Alison seems ready to move on, but Cole is unable to break this hold she seems to have over him. While it appears that Alison is ultimately going to pursue someone else romantically, the feelings between Alison and Cole are still present underneath the surface, but nothing stays buried for long.

“What are you doing in 5 months, 2 weeks, and 2 days?”

In part two, we get a glimpse into Alison’s new life and I have to say I am so proud of her. Ever since I began watching the show, Alison reminded me of a wounded bird in desperate need of rescuing. The pain brewing inside her was so real and painful to watch and I couldn’t help but be sympathetic toward her. Alison relied heavily on actions of self-destruction, addicted to numbing the pain anyway she could, but times have really changed and it seems like completely immersing herself into her memories of Gabriel have been the key to getting her back on the right track. Alison does peer-to-peer counseling at the Woodlawn center and seems to really be making a difference with the people she is counseling. Alison is even strong enough to keep a photo of Gabriel right next to one of Joanie, which proves that she is finally dealing with the past in a healthy and acceptable way. Alison meets a dashing stranger named Ben who used to serve in the military and sparks are immediately detected between these two. When Alison is violently confronted by the husband of her patient, Ben comes to her rescue and saves her. This leads to a long conversation over a cup of coffee where Alison learns quite a bit about Ben and is intrigued by his commitment to staying sober and abstinent. It seems like they both have complicated pasts, but are ready to move on. Ben explains that he wants to meet someone where he doesn’t need to get wasted because he won’t want to miss any of it and Alison tells him she thinks that he is fascinating. After saying goodbye to Alison, he later calls her on Skype and asks her what she is doing in “5 months, 2 weeks, and 2 days,” recognizing that Alison is certainly worth the wait. It seems like Alison finally has the chance at a healthy relationship, but I can’t help wondering if the mystery surrounding her possible disappearance has to do with Ben? We will have to stay tuned to find out, but I am very excited to see this new romance unfold for Alison.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on The Affair below in the comments section. Thanks so much 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 “The 100” season 5 episode 7: “I’d Walk Through Fire for You”

Happy Thursday TV fans! After watching the CW’s The 100 season 5 episode 7 last night, I learned that “acceptable losses” are a necessity in war, but how do you know when you have gone too far? Once you cross that imaginary line between right and wrong, there may be no coming back. So do we compromise who we are and what we stand for to win or do we make sacrifices and do things the hard way to keep our integrity intact? Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet. In last night’s episode, “Acceptable Losses,” Marcus is concerned about Abby’s ability to function as a doctor because of her addiction. Meanwhile, Clarke tells Madi to hold back in training to keep her safe, Raven has second thoughts about a necessary decision, and Monty receives an emotional message from an old friend. My top 5 moments from The 100 season 5 episode 7 are:

“It’s time for Wonkru to go home.”

Clarke and Bellamy discover that someone in Wonkru has been trying to breed the worms utilizing human hosts. At first they come across dead bodies, but soon discover that one of the bodies is being kept alive, which is beyond horrifying. Octavia plans on using the worms in defectors so she can take out everyone in Shadow Valley. Clarke explains that “desperation has a way of making the unimaginable a necessity,” but this plan seems beyond dangerous. Clarke and Bellamy inform Indra about what is going on, hoping that she can get through to Octavia, but Octavia explains that she is completely aware and that this was her idea. Octavia is ready to win the war and give up “acceptable losses,” but it seems like any source of goodness within her has completely evaporated.

“I’ve been meaning to give this to you.”

In this episode, Clarke gives Monty the letter she found from Jasper shortly after Praimfaya occurred. She explains that she did not open the letter even though she wanted to. It seems like this note has perfect timing, as it really strikes a nerve with Monty. He reads several parts aloud and reveals that Jasper thought that human beings were the problem and that there would always be another war. When Monty sees the measures everyone is willing to take to win the war, he tells his friends that Jasper was right all along and that maybe they do not deserve the last piece of livable earth after all. While this moment is heartbreaking for Monty, it’s about time he got some screen time. It seems like he has been fading into the void of forgotten secondary characters for too long and I would like to see him take matters into his own hands and really make an impact, but will anyone heed his warning?

“How could you be loyal to someone who collars people like animals?”

Back in Shadow Valley, Echo tries to work with Raven so that they can get the eye down according to Bellamy’s plan, but Raven is having second thoughts about betraying Shaw. Echo gets Diyoza’s attention when she has Raven prove that Shaw was the one to take down the missiles while they insert the drive with this sleight of hand. Later on we see that Shaw is now a prisoner as well, but Raven can barely look him in the eye. Her guilt is weighing on her conscience, but is it perhaps because there are some other feelings present as well? Could Shaw be a potential romantic interest for Raven?

“Be the last.”

Clarke and Gaia try to protect Madi by informing her not to try her hardest during training. While Madi seems initially confused by this, she does as she is told but makes it too obvious. Gaia shows Madi the flame and tells her that she will never force it on her, but it’s clear that Madi will eventually need to accept her destiny as “The Commander” sooner or later. When Octavia asks to see her fight, Madi makes the conscious decision to put forth all of her effort, proving to be a strong fighter with a lot of potential. Octavia asks her to be her “second” and Madi agrees to Clarke’s dismay. Clarke does not oppose Octavia publicly, but later radios to Diyoza to make a deal and tells Bellamy and the others that they will need to take out Octavia, knowing that she will never agree to any kind of compromise. Will Bellamy be able to stand by and let this happen to his sister? Will Clarke be able to get Octavia to surrender without killing her? We will have to stay tuned, but Clarke is ready to do what is necessary to protect Madi and her friends no matter what.

“I’d walk through fire for you. I’d die for you…choose.”

After Abby loses a patient who was shot, Marcus is beyond concerned when he sees that Abby is still extremely dependent on her pills. He reminds Abby that this was supposed to be their second chance and that people are dying. Abby tells him that she did everything she could, but Marcus feels it wasn’t enough. Marcus reminds Abby that he would walk through fire for her and die for her, but that he refuses to stand by and watch her kill herself. He tells her to choose between him and the pills, but they are interrupted by Diyoza before Abby can give him an answer. Marcus clearly cares about Abby more than anything or anyone, but will he finally be able to get through to her? Later on, Abby gets ready to examine Diyoza after telling her that the disease is present among 75 percent of her people. We are all in for a shock and learn that Diyoza is pregnant. As I think back to the other seasons, I believe Diyoza is the first character that we have seen pregnant on earth. While there are still many unanswered questions surrounding this revelation, it certainly throws another twist in there that we did not see coming.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on The 100 in the comments section below. Thanks for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “The Affair” season 4 episode 1 season premiere: “You’re the Earthquake”

Happy Monday TV fans! So the wait is finally over and I am absolutely thrilled to have new episodes of Showtime’s The Affair back just in time for summer. The Affair is a guilty pleasure of mine for sure, but there is something so hypnotizing about this show that just reels you in. The acting and the writing is phenomenal and just when you think you know something, you see things from another perspective and it complicates the story even further. Season 1 still remains my absolute favorite and I was waiting for something really dramatic to happen in season 3, but in the opening minutes of the season 4 premiere, I already felt that unknown mystery clawing at the surface, capturing my undivided attention. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet. In last night’s episode, “401,” Noah moves out to L.A. and tries to fit himself into his family’s life again, but is finding it harder than he ever thought possible. Meanwhile, Helen meets a new neighbor and battles her own anxiety, trying desperately to find some sort of inner peace and happiness. My top 5 moments from The Affair season 4 episode 1 are:

“I like a man with a past.”

Part one of the episode opens up with Noah and we learn that he is living in L.A. and back to teaching. It’s great to see Noah trying to move on and make a difference in the lives of others again, which is something he has a lot of passion for. In his class they are reading Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” and Noah does his best to get everyone to participate. While some of his female students have no problem paying attention to Noah, he takes notice of a student named Anton who sits in the back of his class, refusing to contribute. Noah’s class is interrupted by the presence of the principal who I already predict Noah will be pursuing romantically before he knows it, but he quickly realizes a lot has changed since he was last teaching. Noah has trouble entering the grades in the computerized system, but tries to do the best he can, recognizing that he needs something constant and stable in his life. When he finds out that Anton is repeating the course and the entire school year because of a plagiarized paper, he pays even closer attention to him. After reading his paper, he confronts Anton and realizes that Anton absolutely wrote the paper and has more potential and intelligence than anyone is giving him credit for. I have to say that I much prefer Noah as a struggling teacher to the smug writer and I think he is taking a step in the right direction.

“Let’s try scanning your body.”

In part two, we see everything from Helen’s perspective and learn that she is facing a lot of anxiety in her new home. While everything appears to be fine on the surface, Helen cannot shake the overwhelming sense of panic whirling around inside of her. She hallucinates feeling an actual earthquake and goes to see a therapist for some guidance. Helen is clearly not a fan of some of her therapist’s new age methods, as she much prefers just talking about her feelings rather than scanning for them. After initially stating she doesn’t have any problems, she focuses on Noah and how much he annoys her, which then leads to her explaining that pretty much everything in L.A. annoys her. Helen complains, “Every goddamn day is sunny and I hate this ocean.” After her therapist asks her about the ocean being an attention whore, Helen has had enough and leaves. The anxiety doesn’t go away, however; as Helen begins to realize that her son, Trevor might be gay and then has to deal with Vic’s intrusive mother judging her passive aggressively. Helen hilariously interrupts his mother and says that she has to do something and enjoys a much needed glass of wine by the bath tub, but she still has trouble relaxing. Helen meets her neighbor, Sierra, who has a carefree attitude and tells Helen that she would like to be friends, but is there something more here? We’ll have to stay tuned to find out, but one can’t help feeling sympathetic toward Helen and desperately wanting her to find some kind of happiness after all she has been put through.

“More ridiculous than trying to out your son in a Mexican restaurant when he might not even be gay?”

In both part one and two, Noah joins Vic and his family at a Mexican restaurant after he was unable to attend Trevor’s school function. Noah is initially upset that he was left off the list, but tries to make the most of it and really connect again with his family. Noah is hilariously surrounded by a Mariachi band when Helen tries to get Trevor to express himself and admit that he may be gay. Noah asks to speak to Helen in the restroom and is outraged that she is trying to get Trevor to admit this when he may just be confused. While the story changes slightly from each perspective, Noah tries to get Helen to realize that he doesn’t know his children anymore and he just wants the chance to be able to become a part of their lives again.

“You’re the earthquake.”

When Noah is speaking to Helen in the restroom, it finally clicks that Noah is the “earthquake” and that even though she has a new life, he is still in it. When Noah is around, Helen feels like she is waiting for the next disaster to happen and asks him to stay away from her as much as possible. While it’s important that Helen has finally realized the source of her anxiety, she is about to have an entirely new problem to deal with. When she is speaking to Vic later that night, he collapses on the bathroom floor and is unconscious. While we are unsure if Vic will be OK or not, it’s clear that Helen will not be getting a moment of inner peace anytime soon. But will she be able to handle something this devastating?

Is Alison missing?

In the beginning of the episode, we see Noah meet up with Cole and they discuss how “she” didn’t show up to pick up Joanie. Noah explains that she has been officially declared a missing person, which gives us fans a new mystery to dive into. While her name is never mentioned, we assume that they are discussing Alison and we learn that this news comes 6 weeks after the timeline we just watched with Noah in California. However, it’s clearly important that they did not mention her name so perhaps there is a lot more to this mystery than meets the eye. When Noah is in California, he leaves a message for Alison, but doesn’t talk to her so can we assume that she has been missing all this time or is there an event we are unaware of? Either way, I am extremely excited for this new mystery to unfold and I am even more invested now that I know that it somehow involves Alison. Stay tuned!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 couples from “Once Upon a Time”

“I’m a fan of every part of you” (Hook to Emma). Happy Saturday TV fans! I invested quite a bit of time over the years into watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time and one of the main reasons why I love the show so much is because I fell in love with the characters and found myself constantly rooting for different ships to make it against all odds.

OUAT does an excellent job of providing us with nostalgia from some of our favorite fairy-tales, but the writers were never afraid to shake things up and present us with a ship that we may have never predicted or some that initially seemed unconventional. However, once we detected the undeniable sparks between some of these characters, it was quite easy to imagine their stories intertwining.

Villains got their first glimpse at what true love looked like and learned that it was never too late to change and that it was possible to still achieve a happy ending. While some ships supported each other no matter what, others had to face many trials and obstacles, testing their love for one another constantly.

Some of our favorite ships have been ripped apart brutally and while some were lucky enough to experience their happy ending together, others were not able to do so, but their love still remained unchanging, teaching them to hold on to the goodness still within them and to open their hearts to everyone around them. An OTP or one true pairing is difficult to find, but these characters below certainly achieved this title, making us believe that true love is possible but it is far from easy to hold on to.

These characters learned never to take their love for granted and would do anything for the other. Their love for one another helped shaped them into who they were meant to be, inspiring hope throughout their epic stories. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the series yet. My top five ships from Once Upon a Time are:

Rumple & Belle

Ship name: Rumbelle

“But that monster is gone. And the man beneath him may be flawed… but we all are. And I love you for it. Sometimes the best book has the dustiest jacket. And sometimes the best teacup is chipped.”

When I first learned that Rumple was also the “beast” in Belle’s story, I was not sure how I felt about this. Rumple had already been presented as a major villain and it made sense that he would also fit right in as a “beast” or a “monster” in another story or realm, but I wasn’t sure if Rumple would truly be able to shed his wicked ways and learn to love Belle. However, I changed my mind when I saw Belle looking at Rumple with pure love and acceptance.

When they danced together, it was like the story of “Beauty and the Beast” opened up a new chapter filled with a chance at redemption. Rumple was one of the most devious villains on the show and somehow Belle was able to get through to him and show him that there was a different path that he could take; a path that led to love and a family, even if they had a rocky journey ahead of them.

Belle always saw the good in Rumple but was hurt many times by him as well when he allowed the darkness to consume him, putting his agenda above his love for Belle without always realizing it. In season 7, Rumple was desperately trying to rid himself of the Dark One’s dagger and get back to Belle so that they could be together, but ultimately realized that this might never happen and sacrificed himself to save his friends and family.

Rumple’s actions were truly selfless and he was greeted by Belle in limbo so that they could finally be together always and forever.

Snow & Charming

Ship name: Snowing

“True love isn’t easy, but it must be fought for because once you find it, it can never be replaced.”

This list would not be complete without including Snow White and Prince Charming. When the series first began, there was a lot of focus on these two and it was adorable to see their “meet cute” when Snow got caught in the net by Charming. Out of all of the ships on the series, Snow and Charming are the most stable and constant. No matter what was thrown at them, they always found their way back to one another and they never gave up on each other.

Even when Charming didn’t remember Snow in Storybrooke, their love was able to seep through, ultimately reminding them that they did belong together. Emma is the daughter of Snow and Charming and their unconditional love for her made them even stronger. While their story was often presented as less complicated than some of the other ships on this list, their love was selfless, kind, and unwavering.

Regina & Robin

Ship name: Outlaw Queen

“Our story was so short. Doesn’t make it any less epic.”

Out of all of the ships on this list, I have to say that I was initially rooting for this couple above all others. Regina started out as an evil queen with only coldness and revenge in her heart. However, her feelings for Robin were beautiful and heartwarming. They were never lacking passion and it seemed like Robin was the absolute perfect match for Regina.

It was predicted that Regina’s true love was a mysterious man with a lion tattoo and when this was revealed as Robin, it was impossible not to root for these two to end up together. Robin was able to see that Regina had clearly changed and was ready to become a good person. Robin sacrificed himself to protect Regina just shortly after they talked about their future together, which made this moment even more heartbreaking. Even though Regina and Robin did not end up together, Robin was always with her in her heart.

In the series finale, Regina was dreaming and Robin visited her. She told him how much she missed him and explained she may be joining him. Regina clearly remembered being a villain and started to think that maybe this was what she deserved. However, the goodness in her was articulated by Robin, who told her that she was able to move her dark actions to the light and that was all because of her. He told her that “her life is proof that no one’s path is set.” Robin provided Regina with the strength she needed when it seemed like the world was against her.

When he revealed to her how epic their love was, this was one of the most beautiful moments on the show. While it seemed beyond unfair that these two could not be together, we know that Robin would always be in Regina’s heart, reminding her that her new path is one of goodness and love.

Alice & Robin

Ship name: Mad Archer

“I told you we’d always know each other.”

Alice and Robin, also known as Tilly and Margot, possessed a pure and beautiful love. Fans could not help falling in love with these two, as they reminded us what true love is all about and fans are still talking about them now. Fan fiction and requests for a Mad Archer spin-off are everywhere and I have to say that I absolutely agree. There is just something about Alice and Robin that bring us right back to the first moment where we may have experienced love ourselves.

I’m talking about those over-the-top feelings of butterflies in your stomach and smiling constantly for no reason at all. When Robin/Margot awkwardly asked Alice/Tilly out on a date and explained she was wearing lip gloss, it was impossible not to identify with these lovely ladies. Their shyness and awkwardness made them even more lovable and it’s like we were along for their journey, as they tried to get to know one another and shared their dreams and secrets. Both Alice and Robin had a strong sense of doing what’s right and supporting family and friends no matter what, which made their relationship that much more powerful.

As individual characters they were remarkable, but as a team they were truly something special. When they finally remembered each other and shared a passionate kiss, it was like you could see the imaginary fireworks going off around them, as fans everywhere cheered. While we know that they are engaged at the end of the series, their story is far from over and it would be amazing to see a wedding between these two. After all, Nook should get the chance to walk “Starfish” down the aisle.

Hook & Emma

Ship name: Captain Swan

“When I win your heart Emma, and I will win it. It won’t be because of any trickery. It will be because you want me.”

My number one ship has to go to Hook and Emma. When the devilishly handsome Captain Hook sailed into our hearts on OUAT, he initially was out for revenge. While Hook innocently flirted with Emma from the start, his love for her allowed him to grow as a character and to learn from his wicked past. Hook was always used to taking the easy way out and making decisions based on how well it suited him.

Emma changed this perspective, however; proving that he could be a selfless man. When Hook realized his strong feelings for Emma, he even backed down and explained that she should be with Neal so that Henry could have his family all together. Hook truly loved Emma at this point, but was willing to sacrifice this so that she could find happiness.

Later, when they did end up together, Emma consumed the power of the Dark One and evil corrupted her heart. The only thing that could bring her back to goodness was Hook’s love for her and his willingness to sacrifice himself to save her. Emma and Hook had one of the most beautiful relationships on television and their wedding at the end of season 6 was touching and heartwarming. Hook’s love for Emma transformed him from a villain into a hero one can be proud of, who would never stop fighting for the one he loves.

In the series finale, we finally got to see Hook and Emma again along with their beautiful baby daughter, Hope. The name of their child is absolutely perfect, symbolizing what kept them going strong all this time. Emma and Hook never lost hope in each other and it’s wonderful to see that they are starting the next chapter of their lives together. And so they lived happily ever after…

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to share some of your own thoughts and comments on your favorite ships on OUAT. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Fear the Walking Dead” season 4 episode 8 Mid-Season Finale: “No One’s Gone”

Happy Monday TV fans! After watching AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead season 4 episode 8, I learned that we really are all “connected by this single screwed up world,” as Al suggested. The truth is important and the stories and memories we leave behind are sometimes all we have left to cling to. We may not always find what we are looking for, but we touch the lives of so many without even realizing it. Words and actions matter and more importantly, the truth can bring us some much needed comfort, reminding us that it’s never too late to become the person we are meant to be. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet. In last night’s episode, “No One’s Gone,” we learn that Madison and Al crossed paths in the past; making a much bigger impact on each other than anyone might have guessed. Meanwhile, Morgan and Naomi try to make it to the infirmary to help save John Dorie’s life, Alicia shows up to finish things once and for all, and Madison’s fate is finally revealed. My top 5 moments from Fear the Walking Dead season 4 episode 8 Mid-Season Finale are:

“Thought I’d mix it up today.”

When Al and the others show up at the stadium, the tank is surrounded by an overwhelming amount of walkers, but they are ready to cause a distraction that will allow Morgan and Naomi to get inside to help John. The plan seems to be working, but Alicia, Victor, and Luciana show up with an RPG, refusing to make this go seamlessly. Alicia and Al share some choice words over the walkie-talkie, while Al reminds her that she’s now definitely supporting the other side. It’s great to see Al finally step into the action, as she trusts Charlie to record what goes on, not wanting to lose out on a chance to document their story further. Alicia and Al get into quite the fight when Alicia shows up at the tank. Al comes pretty close to being the main course meal for the walkers, but is able to get out of this without a scratch.

“We’re connected by this single screwed up world.”

During the episode, we flash back to the past before Madison found the stadium and learn that she crossed paths with Al. While they initially start off not trusting each other, Madison eventually lets her guard down after aimlessly searching for a tape from one of her kids. Al talks to Madison about the truth and tells her how it can change things. She empathizes with Madison and explains that even though she didn’t find the story she was looking for, someone might be interested in her story one day. Madison explains that she broke her promise to her kids and that “you don’t need a camera cus it just sticks.” She tells a heartwarming story about her kids trying to help a wounded bird and nurse it back to health. They named the bird “Amina” for short and took care of her, giving her a chance when no one else would. Madison would open the box each day, fearing what she might find, but was shocked to see the bird flying around in their living room. Madison was so touched by the actions of her children who refused to give up on this bird that anyone else might have turned their back on. She explains that there is not a lot of that left in the world now and she never wants her kids to lose that. When Madison and Al part ways, Al gives her some Ramen noodles and tells her that maybe they will meet again. Later on, when Madison reunites with her kids at the motel, she reveals to them that someone helped her when they didn’t have to and that “It’s time for us to do the same.” Her interaction with Al inspires her to build the stadium into a place where others can go to find a sense of belonging, protection, and people who will stand by them. Madison’s words are absolutely beautiful and remind us that there is still good in the world. Even though she and Al were strangers, they ended up helping each other, reinforcing the belief that there are still good people existing in this world.

“June, well that’s my favorite month.”

When Naomi goes into the infirmary with Morgan, John is holding on by a thread. He asks Charlie to record him, but Al tries to get him to stay positive. John explains that “it’s for her,” as he speaks openly to Naomi on camera and tells her to stop running and to help Morgan do the same. Luckily, Naomi is able to stabilize John and it looks like he is going to be OK. Naomi tells John that her real name is June, finally wanting to tell him something real and meaningful. John’s reaction is beyond heartwarming when he tells her that June is his favorite month. June touches John’s hand and the spark between these two is burning brightly again, allowing us John Dorie fans to cheer. It looks like these two might get the chance they deserve after all, inspiring some hope in this distressing world. I am absolutely thrilled that John is going to be OK because his character elevates the show, opening up possibilities for a new chapter.

“I’m not that person anymore.”

When Alicia is in the tank, she spots the Ramen noodles and demands to know where Al got them. Everything clicks in her head when she frantically searches through the tapes and finds one titled, “Amina.” Alicia watches the recording of her mother, Madison, carefully listening to each and every word, displaying her grief across her face. Alicia still wants to take revenge on Naomi, however; and demands that Al convinces her to come out. Al strategically leaves on the walkie-talkie to warn Morgan and Naomi. Morgan offers to go first because he doesn’t want anything to happen to Naomi. When Alicia comes out, he stands in front of Naomi and she is shocked that is willing to give his life for a stranger. Alicia’s rage is almost uncontrollable now, as she points the gun at them and screams, “My Mom’s dead because of what you did!” Morgan doesn’t give up on Alicia and even when she says that she’s not that person anymore, Morgan tries to get her to realize that it’s not too late and that things can change. Morgan explains that they did for him and they still can for Alicia. He ultimately gets through to her when he tells her that they already have because he’s not dead. Alicia breaks down crying and the immediate threat is over, as she finally allows her emotions to break through. This moment is absolutely heartbreaking, as Alicia shows her own vulnerability. It’s shocking that she waited this long to cry, but her actions are understandable and I just hope that she can take comfort in knowing how much her family cared about her and how she still has the opportunity to become who she is meant to and to help others in need.

“It was never about the stadium. It was about the people. It was about us.”

Al asks Alicia what happened to her mother, as she made quite an impact on her as well and Alicia replies with, “You want the rest of my Mom’s story? Pull over.” All of the pieces finally come together, as we learn about the last moments for everyone in the stadium. Charlie explains that Mel saved her life and got her out of there in the car. Naomi reveals that she tried to talk everyone out of leaving, but they had already made up their minds. She explains that she was then surrounded by walkers and made a run for it, thinking that everyone was already dead. She was then later picked up by the Vultures, but it’s clear that Naomi was just trying to survive like everyone else. We learn that Victor got burned when he saved Alicia from running after her mother and then we finally learn the fate of Madison. Madison recognized that her friends and family were in danger and lured the walkers away from them with a flare, trusting that the walls would hold. No one else believed her and the other people died trying to escape, but Madison knew that she was right. Once she saw that her family would be able to get away safely, she tried to make it to the tunnels but was trapped with nowhere to go. As the walkers surrounded her, Madison threw the flare into the hoard and a bright glow reflected off her face before the explosion hit. Madison gave up her life so that her family and friends could live. After the story is recorded, Al labels this one “Madison,” reminding us that her story is never gone. Madison will live on through her family and her actions will hopefully inspire them to continue to try and do the right thing. We will need to wait until August 2018 for new episodes, but we have now lost two main characters and I’m interested to see where we are going now. While we know that new threats are always right around the corner, it will be interesting to see how the dynamic of the show shifts now that we are focusing on different characters and story-lines. I’m absolutely open to the change, but I will miss Madison, as Kim Dickens did a phenomenal job as the main protagonist on the show. RIP Madison. Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on Fear the Walking Dead in the comments section below. 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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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Younger” season 5 episode 1 season premiere: “My Feelings are There and they’re Real”

Happy Saturday TV fans! So I finally got the chance to binge-watch the first four seasons of TV Land’s Younger on Hulu and I have to admit that I’m absolutely hooked. If you haven’t gotten a chance to watch the show yet, I absolutely recommend it. It kind of has a romcom feel, but goes so much further than that. You will absolutely fall in love with every character on the show and the episodes are a little over 30 minutes each so you can get through full seasons rather quickly. Sutton Foster is absolutely fabulous as Liza Miller. You may think you know what the show is about after seeing some of the previews or commercials on Hulu, but I have to say that the show went far beyond my expectations. While the love triangle between Liza, Josh, and Charles is addicting enough, what sets this show apart is its ability to redefine labels and stereotypes in a world focused on social media and appearances. It may seem slightly far-fetched that Liza is able to fool almost everyone into thinking that she is 26 years old, even though she looks amazing for her age, but somehow it works. Her continuation of her new identity allows her to reinvent herself, but not without making mistakes along the way. Now that I am finally caught up, I was excited to watch the season premiere of season 5 on my DVR. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet. In last night’s episode, Liza comes back from Ireland and tries to tell Charles how she feels, but is interrupted by an HR convention on sexual harassment. Meanwhile, Kelsey and Zane try to balance their feelings for one another, while maintaining an even playing field at work. My top 5 moments from Younger season 5 episode 1 season premiere are:

“Do you want to say something Liza? Could destroy the company but we’ll support you.”

When Zane joined Empirical, he brought back one of the top selling authors, Edward L.L. Moore, who is beyond eccentric and extremely creepy when it comes to his advances toward Liza when she is dressed up as “Princess Pampam.” While this seems like a huge win for Empirical, Moore is accused of inappropriate behavior, which could bring more trouble than he is worth. Charles tries to speak openly to Liza about Moore’s past behavior toward her and Diana impatiently waits for a response. Miriam Shor is absolutely hilarious as Diana, as she combines the perfect blend of unaware rudeness with a get-to-the-point attitude. While she may come across harsh sometimes, she has displayed some wonderful moments with Liza as well, proving that she does care about others after all. Diana basically says everything that you may be thinking, but shouldn’t really say out loud, but she refuses to apologize for this and I wouldn’t have it any other way. After watching the previews for upcoming episodes, I’m excited to see that her mystery construction man will be making another appearance, which may finally give Diana a chance at some real adventure and love. Maybe she’ll even bring back the jeans into her wardrobe.

“I think he’s making a mistake but I’m the last person who could tell him that.”

Liza and Kelsey rehash what happened in Ireland and are shocked by Josh’s impetuous behavior. After putting his feelings out there for Liza the night before his wedding, Josh ultimately decides to go through with it, crushing my hopes and dreams for these two to get back together. Even though Josh, played by Nico Tortorella, is charming and absolutely swoon-worthy, his immaturity often gets the best of him, causing him not to always make the best decisions. While Josh hasn’t returned just yet, I can’t imagine that the drama is over between him and Liza. We’ll have to stay tuned to see how long he actually stays married to Claire, but I’m going to give it three weeks top. After all, that will match the actual time they have been together.

“You’re so desperate for my approval.”

So I am absolutely shipping Kelsey and Zane. I am a big fan of Charles Michael Davis from The Originals and it’s nice to see him put the blood-lust on the back burner while he shows off his immaculate suits and irresistible charm on Younger. Kelsey has not had the best luck with men. I am still beyond shocked over her fiancé, Thad getting crushed by construction debris earlier in the series. I mean I was not a fan of Thad at all or Chad for that matter, but that was not what I had in mind for his exit from the show. I definitely did not like the hinted vibes between Josh and Kelsey after they became roommates and was thrilled to see the introduction of Zane’s character in season 4 to steer away from this. Zane is the perfect match for Kelsey and I think that if they ever moved in together, they would have the most amazing wardrobe between the two of them. While Kelsey seems hesitant about moving forward with Zane, it doesn’t look like he is giving up on her just yet. But will their competitiveness at work block all possibilities of a stable relationship?

“What happened in this office was incredible. My feelings are there and they’re real.”

When Liza comes face to face with Charles again, her feelings come rushing to the surface as well. Josh has moved on and put a “ring between them,” but Liza realizes that a relationship with Charles would be beyond complicated. Especially since she has gotten so close to his wife, Pauline, which would make things very messy. When Liza tells Charles how she feels, he awkwardly explains that he is asking Liza about what happened with Edward L.L. Moore and they are then interrupted by Diana before they can discuss their feelings any further. I have gotten used to the unresolved tension between Liza and Charles and it seems like the timing is never quite right, but it seems like everything is about to change.

Edward L.L. Moore tells Charles the truth about Liza.

At the end of the episode, Charles announces that they are postponing Moore’s books because of the allegations against him. Moore is not about to go quietly, however; as he pays Charles a visit. He reveals that he has files on all of the women involved, including Liza. He tells Charles about Liza’s real age and that she is a divorced housewife from New Jersey. Charles is beyond shocked, but can’t dispute the evidence in front of him, especially when he sees the marriage certificate. I have to say that it is about time Charles found out the truth. We know that Liza’s deception had damaged the relationship between her and Josh and her friendship with Kelsey in the past, but this discovery is something earth shattering. Charles is Liza’s boss and he also has very real feelings for her. Even though they haven’t gotten a chance to see their story through, what will happen now that Charles knows the truth? Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on Younger below in the comments section. Thanks so much 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 featuring Betty Cooper from “Riverdale” season 2: “You Have No Power Over Me”

Happy Thursday TV fans! Even though we will have to wait quite some time for season 3 of Riverdale to premiere on the CW, there is still plenty to discuss. For today, I am going to be recapping and ranking the top 5 moments featuring our very own Nancy Drew, Betty Cooper. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the full season yet. Betty may seem like the model of bubble gum perfection on the surface with her glossy ponytail and sweater sets, but there is a darkness brewing within her, clawing at the surface. Betty proves to be intelligent and always one step ahead, even solving mysteries that the local Sheriff has trouble with. In season 2, the Black Hood reveals that he has a fascination with Betty, calling her over and over and presenting her with new obstacles along the way. While Betty has the support of Jughead and her friends and family, she ends up internalizing a lot of her feelings, not wanting to trouble them with her own inner demons. What makes Betty such an amazing character is that she is far from perfect and some of my favorite moments below reflect that. Ultimately these moments are what shape Betty into the powerful woman she has now become. Without tapping into her darkness, she would have never found the strength within to conquer it. When Betty discovers the true identity of the Black Hood, her world begins to fall apart, as she starts to question everything, including her own moral compass. Betty proves to be even stronger than one could have imagined when she courageously goes to face the Black Hood and find some much needed closure. While Betty may now be crowned the new Queen of the Serpents with Jughead by her side, she was already proving just how powerful she really is by standing up for herself, her mother, and anyone who threatens the balance of good and evil in Riverdale. My top 5 moments featuring Betty Cooper from Riverdale season 2 are:

Betty’s Serpent Dance. (Moment from Season 2, episode 8)

When Betty and Alice Cooper show up to the party, these ladies have their hair down and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with. Alice’s ensemble is wild and she even pokes fun at Betty’s tame outfit, not realizing that she is about to strip off almost every layer to perform the Serpent dance. Jughead is not pleased with this, begging her to stay away from him, as the mistakes he made with his father are now bleeding into his relationship with Betty. Although the dance doesn’t have the impact Betty was hoping for, it does allow her to free her inhibitions and step out of her cookie-cutter mold of perfection. Archie sees a new side of her when he gazes out the window and he’s not alone. We salute you Betty!

Betty finds her brother. (Moment from Season 2, episode 10)

Betty is surprised to find Polly in her bedroom, picking up a few things and nonchalantly sharing the news that she had the twins already. When Polly goes back to the farm without even staying to say hello to their parents, Betty is feeling hurt and abandoned by her sister, causing her to put her Nancy Drew skills to the test once more. Betty is not good at sitting still, always diving into a new mystery to solve, refusing to take a minute to actually deal with her feelings. She tracks down the address of her brother, Charles Smith and lets her parents know that she wants to go and meet him. While Betty’s father wants no part of this, Alice visits Betty later that night and confides to her that she does want to meet her son. When they walk through the seedy motel to find him, Mrs. Cooper latches onto Betty’s arm, as if the infestation and filth will seep through their bubble of perfection. After meeting Charles or “Chic” as he likes to be called, Betty and Mrs. Cooper are horrified by his lifestyle and surroundings, feeling somewhat responsible for his current conditions. After Betty returns to check in on Chic, she finds him being attacked and stabbed. Betty saves the day with Pepper Spray, proving once again that she is not one to mess with. After taking Chic home, the Cooper family helps stitch him up and gives him a place to stay, not realizing that they just “let another monster in.”

Betty embraces the darkness. (Moment from Season 2, episode 12)

In the beginning of this episode, Betty is sporting her femme fatale black wig, turning away from the computer with newfound passion and excitement. While her deception of “webcamming” may initially seem harmless, Betty is not ready to abandon it just yet. She begins keeping secrets from those she loves without even the slightest hesitation to suggest that she has no guilt or second thoughts about her actions. While Chic opened the door to the darkness, inviting Betty in, she is making her own decisions. Later in the episode, Betty and Jughead reunite and share a passionate kiss as Jughead tells her that “he wants all of her,” but what will he do when he finds out that he needs to share Betty with the rest of the cyber world?

“That’s your very own angel of death.” (Moment from season 2, episode 19)

After finding out that Chic is not really her brother, Betty has a sea of emotions taking over. With almost perfect timing, the “Lollipop” ringtone begins playing, luring her back to the darkness. She answers and the Black Hood greets her by saying, “Hello Betty. You miss me?” The Black Hood asks for Betty to deliver Chic to him so that he can get what he deserves, explaining that he has murdered before. At this point, we are not sure if Betty will follow the Black Hood’s orders. He isn’t threatening her right now, but merely requesting this, so she has every opportunity to keep her moral compass intact. Betty pulls a gun on Chic and takes him to the cemetery, demanding that he confess. Chic tells her that he did kill the real Charles after they got in a fight but that he didn’t mean to kill him. His tears suggest that he is finally telling the truth, but it’s too late. Betty tells him she will begin counting and give him a head start when the Black Hood shows up at the edge of the cemetery. Chic begins frantically questioning her, asking her what is going on, but Betty remains unwavering. Chic finally takes her advice and rushes off, as she nods to the Black Hood. While we are unsure if Chic was able to make it out alive or not, it doesn’t seem like we will be seeing him again anytime soon. And as for our sweet and lovable Betty Cooper…well she is playing a dangerous game that makes her role play days seem like a distant dream.

“I’m not like you.” (Moment from season 2, episode 22)

While all of the drama with Mr. Lodge is taking center stage in the season finale, Betty and her mother are trying to put the pieces together again after Hal is taken off to jail, who has been confirmed as the real Black Hood. Betty blames herself for what happened, however; and feels like she should have been a better detective and seen what was right in front of her. While everyone around her reminds her that this is not her fault, Betty is still having doubts. She wonders if evil can be passed on and Jughead tells her that she is a good person. Now it’s up to Betty to believe this. But can she deny the darkness whirling around within her? After initially deciding not to visit her father, Betty decides to go see him anyway. Her strength is admirable and one can’t help but cheer for her in this moment. After telling her father that she is not like him, he asks her why she is really there. Betty’s response gave me chills, as she tells him, “To say goodbye Dad. No more darkness. No more evil. It’s over. You have no power over me.” In this moment, I was literally standing up and cheering for our girl, Betty Cooper. While her father seems convinced that she will return, this moment allows her to truly move on and embrace the goodness within her. I couldn’t be more proud. All hail Queen Betty!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post some of your own favorite moments featuring Betty Cooper from Riverdale below in the comments section. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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