Tag: enemy

My performance of the week ending 11/9/19 on TV goes to…

Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan on AMC’s The Walking Dead. 

I’ve been waiting so long for Negan to do something earth-shattering and it looks like he has finally returned.

Whether you love him or love to hate him, Negan is one of the best villains I have ever witnessed on any television show.  His actions are ruthless and he has killed some of our beloved characters and yet he still manages to find a way to be charismatic, thought-provoking, and absolutely hilarious.

Over the seasons, Negan has been on this journey toward redemption and the dynamic between him and the Grimes family is a major part of that.  Negan is not completely bad and he has proven that there is this potential within him to do good, but it can’t completely wipe his slate clean either.

In the previous episodes, Negan really bonded with Lydia and I think it’s because he knows all too well what it means to be looked at as an outsider and the enemy.  No matter how hard you try to do the right thing to fit in, you will always be the first one blamed for anything that goes wrong.

Negan’s past actions are beyond forgivable, but I also can’t ignore the anti-hero emerging within him either.  I think that’s why I was so captivated by his performance in season 10, episode 5.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you are not up-to-date on the series.

In this episode, Negan’s chance at goodness is brutally ripped away from him when his number one fan, Brandon, decides to murder an innocent family.  Negan kills Brandon and the big bad wolf returns, as he grabs his new Lucille and leather jacket, ready to cross into The Whisperer territory with nothing to lose.

Except he did lose something, suddenly realizing that he isn’t going to get the chance to be a hero and that the darkness from his past actions will always follow him.

Is Negan going to be working with the enemy or is this his opportunity to truly make a difference and stop Alpha once and for all?  I can’t ignore the setup here, but I also know that Negan has been broken after this moment with Brandon.

He can’t really blame Brandon because he is the cause of his actions in a way, but does that mean that he can only be a villain in the end or is there another way?

While I love Negan as a villain, I feel like he has grown so much over the seasons and I would like to see him thrive as a bad-ass anti-hero.  That doesn’t mean that he needs to always do or say the right thing, but I think that Alpha is a worthy foe and only Negan or Carol really have the potential, or the motivation, to take her down.

What’s next for Negan?  We’ll have to wait and see, but it looks like he will be tested by Alpha and Beta.  I’m interested to see how he does and what their conversations will look like, especially since we know that Negan is no stranger to manipulation.

Either way, I’m excited to see some well deserved screen time for Negan’s character and I can’t wait to see what he does next.  I’ve been very impressed with season 10 so far and Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s performance is a major part of that!

Stay tuned for a recognized performance on TV each week!

**Do you love television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Once Upon a Time, Lost, Charmed, The Vampire Diaries, and Supernatural?  Do you enjoy dark fantasy, fairy-tale retellings, paranormal romance, horror, and mystery?  Then you may like my book series, Dreaming of Wonderland…available on Amazon!  Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well.  I really hope you enjoy!

The Dreaming of Wonderland Book Series is available here!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

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Have a performance on TV that you think is simply outstanding? Feel free to contact me with your nomination for the week by Friday at midnight! 

**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 5: “All of Me for All of Us”

Happy Wednesday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s The 100 season 5 episode 5 last night, I have learned that you should never get in the way of “Wonkru,” unless you want to face the wrath of “Blodreina” that is.  You would think that perhaps being the big brother of “The Red Queen” might work in your favor, but perhaps showing off your new girlfriend and former enemy to “Blodreina” is not the smartest idea.  Watch out Bellamy.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “Shifting Sands,” Octavia prepares to lead her people to take back the valley, but Clarke cautions her about the dangers ahead, which include sandstorms and worms that could be right out of the movie “Aliens.”  Meanwhile, Abby is tested as a doctor, Raven is tortured, and Murphy learns that he just isn’t that funny.  My top 5 moments from The 100 season 5 episode 5 are:

5

“All of me for all of us.  It’s kind of beautiful.”

In the beginning of the episode, Clarke warns Octavia about traveling through the sea route.  She explains that the sandstorms have sort of evolved and now include shards of glass being hurled your way.  Octavia is focused on taking the valley and is ready to fight, but Indra tells Bellamy that his sister needs him.  Indra has a strong love for Octavia and is loyal to her always, but recognizes that sometimes she may need to take a step back and think.  While it seems like Bellamy and Clarke can have a good influence on her, Octavia is not about to change her leadership methods in the slightest.  Clarke comments to Bellamy that they lost 400 people in the bunker and had no idea if they would ever get out of there alive and still they are “strong and unified.”  She says that it’s impressive and Bellamy tells her, “So is surviving alone.”  Clarke is not the only one impressed with Octavia, as Diyoza takes notice of her as well, recognizing that she is a dangerous enemy to have, especially since her people are so loyal.  While it’s clear that Octavia has changed over the years, is she really willing to stand against her family and friends?  The lines have not been blurred just yet, but it’s only a matter of time before she turns her back against them if it means doing the right thing by her people.  Let’s just hope she’s not too far gone.  While it’s important to be a strong leader, Octavia has turned off her compassion and love.  What happens when the threat is over and she has no one left to connect with?  After all, being at the top can be quite lonely.

4

“We don’t just need a doctor.  We need a good doctor.”

After Abby and Marcus are taken by Diyoza, Abby’s skills are put to the test right away.  She begins examining a prisoner who has developed some kind of black spots or lesions on the brain.  Abby thinks that they may be cancerous and perhaps caused by whatever they were exposed to when mining, but Diyoza explains that it’s not cancer and that thirteen other patients have similar symptoms.  Their last doctor was not able to crack the case, but she is hopeful that with the right motivation Abby will be able to do so.  While we know that Abby is very capable as a doctor, perhaps she should take a moment to examine herself.  Her addiction to pills is getting worse and Marcus is extremely worried about this.  Will Abby be able to kick this bad habit before it’s too late?  Perhaps Clarke will need to get involved as well to intervene.  Later in the episode, McCreary comes to see Abby and we learn that he is one of the patients.  Abby calmly asks him, “Should I save you?”  We know that McCreary is far from a good person, but there is the potential for an unlikely partnership here if all goes well.  After all, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, or in this case, the right hand man of my enemy is?  Either way, I am looking forward to seeing this story-line progress, as McCreary is not one to take lightly.

3

“Thought you’d be funnier.  Octavia is my favorite…I mean no offense.”

Raven and Murphy are out of space and immediate danger, but that doesn’t mean they are out of the woods just yet.  They are being held captive by Shaw and McCreary and Raven is tortured over and over again to release the missiles.  Raven tries to explain that she didn’t do it and when Murphy’s life is threatened, she begs them not to hurt him, reminding us Murphen fans that there may be still some hope here for these two to get together.  That is if Emori doesn’t forgive him for being…well John Murphy.  After McCreary leaves, Shaw reveals to Raven that he is the one who locked the missiles, proving that he may be an unlikely ally in all of this.  Raven knows that the prisoners are not his people and that he is being kept alive for his piloting skills and uses this to her advantage.  She tells him, “you’re going to like my plan more,” and sets it in motion.  Murphy is set free and runs into Echo and the others.  In a hilarious moment, Madi comments that she thought he would be funnier, proving that you don’t lose your sense of humor when you are one of the last two people on earth.  Perhaps Murphy can take some notes from her.  Murphy and the others warn Bellamy that the missile attack is about to happen and tell them they need to hide or they will all be killed.

2

“Wishes are for the weak.”

Diyoza takes a moment to bring Marcus out into the woods and have a drink with him.  He’s never had tequila, but immediately recognizes that Diyoza has him here to make some sort of deal.  Marcus is smart, but realizes that Diyoza is not one to cross.  She proves once again to be a formidable enemy and we learn that she even slashed her own throat.  I mean talk about bad-ass.  Octavia may have met her match just yet and Diyoza is looking for Marcus to provide her with information about her.  Know thy enemy and all of that.  Will Marcus provide her with the Intel she needs?  Octavia has made it clear where she stands with Marcus, but he is also concerned about Abby’s well-being.  Either way, Marcus is very valuable to Diyoza right now, but it’s up to him to determine where his loyalties lie.

1

“If you ever speak out against Wonkru again then you are an enemy of Wonkru and you are my enemy.”

The threats keep coming at Octavia and the others.  One of her men is infected by some type of worm that hatches from the inside and is beyond disgusting.  Octavia gets a worm in her arm and Clarke takes immediate action when she cuts it out of her.  This will make your skin crawl for sure and I suggest not really eating during this episode, but luckily Octavia is alright.  Just as this is happening, they get the heads up that they are about to be attacked by the missiles and have only one option.  Octavia’s people protect her in the middle of the sandstorm, which is the only place to hide at this point.  Octavia loses some people during this act, but needs to continue on in order to protect the rest of them.  While Octavia tells Bellamy that she is happy he is alive, she is not messing around.  She warns him that if he ever speaks out against “Wonkru” again, then he will be the enemy.  Seriously this phrase is like a broken record now, but kind of catchy at the same time.  Is Octavia really putting “Wonkru” above her own brother?  Perhaps now is not the best time for a reunion with his romantic interest, Echo.  Becho fans should seriously talk some sense into them.  Clarke takes notice of this, which puts a pause on our hopes for a Bellarke romance, but Octavia’s reaction reveals that perhaps Bellamy has already become the enemy of “Wonkru.”  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 100” season 5 episode 4: “From the Ashes We Will Rise”

Happy Wednesday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s The 100 season 5 episode 4 last night, I’ve learned that “strength without mercy is nothing.”  While it’s important for Octavia to maintain her role as “Blodreina” or “The Red Queen,” she is unable to take a step back and look at the big picture.  While it’s important to remind her people that “you are wonkru or you’re the enemy of wonkru,” what happens when they are no longer confined to the bunker underground?  We are about to find out.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “Pandora’s Box,” Marcus is fighting for his life in the arena and tries to make a stand against Octavia.  Meanwhile, Bellamy makes a deal with Diyoza and Raven shows off her technical skills.  My top 5 moments from The 100 season 5 episode 4 are:

5

“All of me for all of us.”

These are the words that are chanted before each fight, as Marcus takes on his opponents and wins the battle.  Only this isn’t enough, as Octavia feels that the people can see Marcus’s weakness and she refuses to clear him of his crime, explaining that he will need to fight again in the arena.  We quickly learn that Abby is locked up and Marcus is taking the blame for stealing the medicine to protect her.  Indra is aware of what is going on but has too much loyalty to publicly go against her leader, Octavia.  After Abby begs her by saying, “please don’t let him die for something I did,” Indra explains that the only way to save them both is for Marcus to win in the arena.  While it seems like the odds are against him, Marcus refuses to fight for a second time.  He speaks to the crowd and lets them know that we have a chance to do better here and that “strength without mercy is nothing.”  Marcus pleads with Octavia and reminds her that it’s not too late, but Octavia has heard enough, as she jumps into the arena herself to remind everyone that she is “Blodreina” and repeats the words about being “wonkru,” refusing to back down or compromise.  Luckily for Marcus, this is interrupted when some familiar faces make their way into the bunker, but it doesn’t look like Marcus is out of the woods just yet.

4

Bellarke is reunited.

After Bellamy tells Diyoza how important Clarke is to him, these two are finally reunited.  Clarke whispers, “You’re really here” and the two embrace in a hug that just doesn’t last long enough.  It’s clear that both of them have been clinging to the hope that the other was alive and now that dream has become a reality, but are they going to finally get the chance to be together romantically?  We know that Bellamy has Echo waiting in the wings, but this embrace between Clarke and Bellamy seems epic and moving.  While Bellarke fans might need to wait a little bit longer for these two to finally get together, it’s hard to deny the connection between them.  I’ll take any Bellarke moment we can get, but let’s hope that these two are able to finally explore their true feelings for one another.  Meanwhile, Bellamy makes a deal with Diyoza and she agrees to help open the bunker using their mining skills and in return, they will get to split the valley and co-exist.  Diyoza seems doubtful that they will be able to come to a peaceful understanding, but accepts the terms.  We quickly learn that Diyoza has another agenda, as her primary objective is to take the doctor, Abby.  While we know that a double-cross is inevitable, at least the people from the bunker will finally be freed.  But is everyone truly ready to co-exist in this new world?

3

Family reunions continued.

When everything is interrupted in the arena, Bellamy is the first one to appear and Octavia is beyond happy to see her brother.  We see a heartwarming reunion between Clarke and her mother as well and Clarke even speaks to Raven and Murphy over the radio.  While everyone is clearly happy to see that they are all alive and well, Diyoza and her people quickly appear to remind them that a new threat has arrived.  While Bellamy convinces Octavia and her people to trust him, we know that everything is about to change once they are all on the ground.  Either way, it’s touching to see our favorite characters take comfort in the fact that their loved ones are still alive.

2

“Whoever this girl is, she’s good.”

While most of the action is taking place on earth, Raven and Murphy have a difficult task and the threats keep coming their way.  Raven tries to tell Murphy that everything is alright, but Murphy is not buying it when he says, “If it’s handled why do you have that Raven work face on?”  Bellamy reminds Raven that if she does not hear from him every hour on the hour, that she should pull the plug, but Raven is having doubts about taking the lives of so many people.  She looks up Intel on Diyoza and her people and learns that Diyoza was a war hero who became a terrorist.  Once again, Diyoza is not one to be taken lightly and tests Raven over and over again.  Raven immediately recognizes when the enemy is trying to hack in and she is able to stop every attack, proving just how valuable she is.  Murphy furthers his own transformation from our resident bad boy into a redeemable hero when he lets Raven know that he will be the one to pull the plug.  However, it looks like they are not going to get a chance to test this theory.  Diyoza orders for the docks to be opened on the ship, which will kill Raven and Murphy, but her people would be safe in “Cryosleep.”  Raven is ready to make the sacrifice, but Murphy asks her, “I’m not ready to die, are you?”  Raven turns the tables on Diyoza by waking up all of the prisoners.  While the immediate threat is over, they now have to deal with 283 dangerous criminals in a confined space.  As Murphy said earlier, “we’re threatening to kill her people.  What could go wrong?”  We’re about to find out quickly, but will Raven and Murphy be able to survive this new threat?  Is there anyone out there who can rescue them?

1

“Now we go to war.”

Once everyone is on the ground, Diyoza demands that the doctor go with her and she will not hurt anyone in return.  She also tells everyone that they are taking the valley.  Abby offers to go with her willingly if she agrees to take Marcus too, recognizing that he is not safe near Octavia.  Diyoza agrees and it looks like the prisoner exchange is going smoothly until one of her men begins shooting.  Diyoza knows that they are now at war and tries to take out everyone on the ground, but Raven has outsmarted her once again by jamming the launch code.  Seriously Raven is unstoppable.  One can’t help but root for her.  Diyoza wants to go after Raven, which puts yet another threat in her way.  Back on the ground, Octavia also recognizes that they are now at war, refusing to abandon her role as “Blodreina.”  The stakes are beyond high, as everyone understands the importance of having control over the valley, but have we learned nothing from our mistakes before?  It seems like war is always the immediate answer, but will anyone take a moment to consider an alternative solution?  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 “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 21: “We Don’t Negotiate with Villains”

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 21 last night, Henry talks about the importance of finding one’s happy ending the right way.  Unfortunately not everyone shares this belief, which we quickly learn during the first half of the series finale.  While sometimes patience, hope, and good deeds can be enough to fulfill our days, some characters are not able to overcome the overwhelming sense of defeat and loneliness within them.  Perhaps we all have the potential to become a villain, only we surround ourselves with people we love and things that make us happy to remind us to stay on a good path.  It’s hard not to be sympathetic to those who wander off the path, however, which can lead to darkness.  While these villains may not realize the damage that they are causing before it’s too late, it’s up to the heroes still existing to fight for good to prevail.  And it’s also important to know when to ask for help, as none of us are in this alone.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Homecoming,” wish Rumple pays Henry a visit and offers him a deal.  Meanwhile, Rogers/Nook promises Tilly/Alice that he will find a way for their own curse to be broken, Tiana/Sabine has doubts about her purpose, and Rumple takes on the greatest enemy he will ever face…himself.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 21 are:

5

Wish Rumple threatens Henry.

Just as the curse is broken and everyone’s memory is restored, it seems like our happy ending is right around the corner.  Only there is one more test that everyone must face in order to obtain it.  Henry is beyond happy to be reunited with his wife, Ella and his daughter, Lucy, but wish Rumple takes advantage of his love for them and traps them in the wish realm.  He threatens Henry and explains that he will destroy his family unless he retrieves the Dark One’s dagger and brings it to him.  Henry finds reinforcements when he goes to Regina, Rumple, and Nook for help.  Regina reminds him that “we don’t negotiate with villains” and talks about the importance of sticking by your family and protecting it no matter what.  They decide to go into the wish realm to save Ella and Lucy, using Alice’s cracked looking glass as a portal.  While they do not really know what to expect on the other side of the portal, they are ready to face whatever or whoever gets in their way, including some familiar faces.

4

Old friends and enemies return.

In wish realm, Henry and the others come across several familiar faces that will have OUAT fans everywhere cheering.  While the end of the show is near, it’s important that we look back on all of our past friends and enemies who have shaped the show and made it what it is today.  While Nook gets some help from our old friend, Ariel, other not so friendly faces are lurking behind the corner.  Peter Pan warns them as soon as they get to wish realm and Cruella holds on to her fur coat, but not her hair color unfortunately, as Henry later strips the black from her hair, which is the ink he needs for the Author’s Pen.  While we know more familiar faces will be surfacing in next week’s series finale, these characters are not to be forgotten, as they provide us with a reminder and a sense of nostalgia of the earlier days of Once Upon a Time.

3

Rumple vs Rumple.

Rumple decides to have a talk with himself.  He explains that he doesn’t want to force the dagger on an innocent and is happy to hand it over to him.  He thinks that wish Rumple could be the loophole he has been searching for all along.  But is he really ready to make a deal with his darker self?  Rumple explains that the one enemy he can never defeat is himself and is ready to get the happy ending he has been searching for.  However, Rumple has a trick up his sleeve, as he uses the squid ink Ariel gave them to trap him.  Rumple is ready to defeat his alter-ego, but Regina walks in and wish Rumple escapes.  While we know it can’t be that easy to defeat wish Rumple, it’s important that our Rumple is taking the necessary steps to finally do the right thing after repeating his mistakes over and over.  Rumple truly loves Belle but is willing to sacrifice reuniting with her if it means saving his family.  This transformation reminds us that it’s never too late to do the right thing and that having people in our lives who support us can make all the difference.

2

“None of my wishes came true.”

Like our version of Rumple, wish Rumple has not revealed his true intentions up front.  We learn that he has another agenda and it involves Henry.  Henry’s emotions are running high, as he is worried about the safety of his family, clouding his good judgment in the process.  He makes the rash decision to obtain the Author’s Pen and is warned by the author to use it to record, but not create.  Wish Rumple has been after the Author’s Pen this entire time and uses wish realm Henry as his instrument of destruction.  Even though our version of Henry turned down Rumple’s deal, wish realm Henry never had a single wish come true and is broken from this.  He is desperate enough to make a deal with wish Rumple and to rewrite history.  We know this can be extremely dangerous and it’s up to our favorite heroes to put a stop to this before all of their stories are rewritten.  After all, words are very powerful, but the intent behind them is what gives them their true meaning.

1

Tilly and Margot are ready to save the day.

Tilly/Alice gets a pain within her and recognizes immediately that something has gone terribly wrong.  She and Margot/Robin go to Tiana for help.  Tiana has been having doubts about her new role as a queen, but puts this aside when she stands in front of her people and asks them for help.  Her words are inspiring and remind us that you don’t always have to possess magic in order to make a difference.  Tiana’s words are enough and a magic bean is turned over to help Tilly and Margot get to their friends to save the day.  Only they need to make a quick stop first to get some help from some friends.  Next stop Storybrooke!  I am beyond excited for the conclusion of the series finale next week, especially since some of our favorite characters will be returning.  While it’s bitter sweet to see the ending finally arrive, I cannot wait to see how it all unfolds.  How about you?  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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Ranking the top 5 moments from “The 100” season 5 episode 2: “You are Wonkru or you’re the Enemy of Wonkru”

Happy Wednesday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s The 100 season 5 episode 2 last night, I learned that becoming a leader is harder than one thinks.  It’s not about being the strongest warrior or coming up with the smartest plan, but about someone who is willing to sacrifice everything for the greater good of his or her people.  The choices will never be close to easy, but someone has to make them.  Octavia comes to realize this rather quickly when she is trying out her new role as “Commander,” but proves to be an unstoppable force of strength and decisiveness.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “Red Queen,” Octavia’s words of “Wonkru,” which literally mean one crew, sound like a nice sentiment, but the different clans are still on edge, desperately trying to survive in the bunker and refusing to all get along.  Meanwhile, Abby hears Clarke knocking on the door and Jaha accepts his final destiny, but not before providing Octavia with some words of wisdom.  My top 5 moments from The 100 season 5 episode 2 are:

5

“Symbols matter Octavia.”

While Octavia is responsible for saving everyone in the bunker, not everyone is accepting her as their new leader.  Indra is still at her side, however; and tries to remind her about the importance of symbols.  Octavia wears the gear on her forehead to remind everyone that she is the Commander, but Indra’s daughter, Gaia explains that the Order of the Flame will not support a red-blooded commander.  While Gaia is bound by tradition and protocol, Indra reminds her that “your real commander would have let you burn.”  We are no longer in a world on The Ark or on the ground, as the bunker has brought everyone together and not by choice.  Survival is at the top of everyone’s list, but we know that life in the bunker will certainly have its challenges.

4

Abby hears Clarke.

When everyone is in the bunker deciding what to do next, a faint knocking is heard and Abby knows right away that it is her daughter, Clarke.  Marcus attempts to calm her down, but Abby will do anything to get to her daughter.  They quickly discover that there is something sealing the hatch entrance, which creates a bigger problem than just getting to Clarke.  There is only one hatch entrance currently in the bunker and they will not all be able to survive after five years if they are not able to get out.  This is not Marcus’s first encounter with a hatch, as the Lost fan in me immediately thinks back to Henry Ian Cusick’s days as Desmond Hume, when he was living in a bunker for three years, pushing a button to save the world before the survivors from Flight 815 decide to blow the hatch door wide open.  Perhaps there is an idea after all.  While food rationing seems like the first step toward maintaining survival, there is also the problem of finding the appropriate equipment so that they can make it out after five years.  The problems keep on coming, as Octavia and the others realize that population reduction has reared its ugly head yet again.

3

“We’re taking back what’s ours.”

A select few from Skaikru start to realize the inevitability of population reduction and decide to seal themselves into the farm and leave everyone else to fend for themselves.  Abby tries to explain that their deaths will not be painless or quick.  Rather, they will be slow and agonizing and that no one would want that guilt on their hands.  Panic has led to rash decisions and Octavia must embrace her role as a leader to get back into the farm and bring some order to her people.  Octavia removes the gear from her forehead, explaining that it is more of a target than a symbol.  While the plan to take back the farm seems far-fetched, any plan is better than no plan.

2

“I think his fight is over.”

An instrumental part of the plan is for Jaha to put his engineering skills to the test and to get the door open to the farm, but we learn that he is severely injured.  Jaha has dealt with his fair share of burdens as a leader, but desperately wants to be with his wife and son again.  In his final moments, Jaha asks Octavia to take care of the boy he has been watching over and looks to say goodbye to his old friend, Marcus who comforts him with his prayer.  “May we meet again.”  Jaha’s death reminds us that his days of a leader are long over and the torch has now been passed to Octavia.  But does she have what it takes to do what is necessary to lead?

1

“You are Wonkru or you’re the enemy of Wonkru.”

Before Jaha dies, Octavia reveals her hesitation about becoming a leader when she says, “I am not a leader…I’m a warrior.”  Jaha talks to her about the decisions he made in the past, which included the decision to execute her mother when the rules were broken.  Jaha tries to get Octavia to see the big picture and to “know what it takes to lead.”  He explains that there is always a war and a good leader will focus on the enemy and how to stop it.  Octavia finds the leader within her and knows what she must do.  She tells everyone around her that “you are Wonkru or you’re the enemy of Wonkru.”  Any time someone attacked her, Octavia struck them down, proving to be an unstoppable force.  With each objection, she took down her enemy while repeating her words over and over again, until everyone understood that they really are Wonkru.  Octavia offers the guilty the chance to fight for their freedom.  “Win the fight.  Save your life.”  While this certainly helps with the population reduction issue at hand, what happens when someone Octavia cares about ends up in the fighting pit?  We’re about to find out, as the ending scene reveals Marcus to be in that very situation.

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

[twitter-follow screen_name=’TV_Fanatic_Girl’]

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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

 

Throw-back Sunday: Ranking the top 5 villains from “Charmed”

It’s Throw-Back Sunday TV Fans!  For today, I have returned to one of my old favorites, Charmed, as I am currently on the last season of my re-watch.  The Halliwell sisters are always fun to watch and truly know how to protect their innocents from the forces of evil with good magic.  Even though most of their everyday foes are easily conquered with a Power of 3 spell, there are some villains on the show who just won’t go away…no matter how many times they vanquish them.

These villains become worthy opponents who continue to threaten the sisters over the seasons, trying desperately to bring down the infamous Charmed Ones.  While some villains are just completely terrifying, others take the time for a well-thought out pun, while others are tormented by the darkness that continues to incessantly creep in, wiping out any goodness that may be inside.

Either way, these villains have paved their way into my top 5, refusing to sit back and let good conquer evil.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the series yet.

My top 5 villains from Charmed are:

5

Christy Jenkins

In the final season of Charmed, we are introduced to the character of Billie, who is a young witch eager to take on demons and excited to have the Charmed Ones as her mentors.  We find out that Billie has a complicated past, however; and has unresolved memories about her older sister, Christy being kidnapped by a demon when they were children.  We later learn that former villains, The Triad, are responsible for this and have been training and raising Christy to be an unstoppable force of evil.

The Triad anticipated that sister witches could be the ultimate power to take down the Charmed Ones.  Christy initially pretends to be good to lure Billie to her side, but her childhood and innocence were corrupted long ago when she was taken, as she is unable to step away from the darkness.  Billie has to ultimately kill her sister in an act of defense, which is unbelievably heart-breaking.

The very idea of putting sisters against sisters is a genius move of the Triad, but they are unable to predict that Billie’s goodness combined with the Halliwell sisters is too powerful for evil to tip the scale.

4

Zankou

An upper level demon who is after great power, Zankou initially appears to be on the side of the Charmed Ones, when he teams up with them and Agent Brody to stop the Avatars.  He bids the Charmed Ones adieu, but they know this is not the last they will see of him.  Zankou begins to re-organize the underworld in an attempt to steal the power from the Nexus, which is beneath the Halliwell manor.

He also tries to obtain the Book of Shadows, which he successfully manages to steal.  Zankou stands out from other demons because he learns to anticipate their humanity, which so many other demons have failed to do in the past.  He spies on them in their home and even reads Piper’s diary to get the full inside scoop on the Charmed Ones and their human emotions giving the term “know thy enemy” new meaning.   This comes in handy later on when he causes the sisters to shake their bond, making the book and them vulnerable in the process.

Ultimately, the Charmed Ones are able to defeat Zankou by tricking him into absorbing the power of the Nexus so that they can cast a spell to destroy it and everything else in their path, causing the Charmed Ones to fake their own deaths in the process.

3

The Source

The Source is probably one of the scariest demons I have ever seen on Charmed.  He initially cloaks his face with a dark hood, but later reveals his half-face which had been mutilated from his many battles in the past.  The Source is the big bad that has been mentioned since the beginning of Charmed.  Even Rex, Prue’s demonic boss, mentions that he won’t be pleased without revealing his name.

The Source is always after power and is no longer interested in sharing a balance between good and evil.  He even takes in the power of the Hollow, which is forbidden, to try and kill the Charmed ones.  The Source is also responsible for the death of the oldest Halliwell sister, Prue.  His demon for hire, Shax is the one who kills her, shattering the lives of the Halliwell family.  Later, he tries to corrupt Paige to his side, but he is no match for the power of family and love.

Even though The Source is beyond scary, he does take a few moments to toy with his enemy, taunting the sisters to “say hello to Prue for him.”  However, this only enrages the sisters even further, using the magic of their entire ancestry line to stop him.

2

Barbas aka The Demon of Fear

Barbas first appeared in season one in one of my favorite episodes of all time where he appears on Friday the 13th to take out 13 witches to free himself.  He reads the fears of his victims and then uses that fear against them, causing them to die from what looks like a heart attack, as their hair turns completely white from the panic and fear.  The victims truly believe that their fear is coming to life, which makes him a very dangerous demon to say the least.

Barbas targets the Charmed Ones and comes very close to killing Prue, preying on her fear of drowning.  However, Prue is able to overcome her fear with love.  Barbas is banished as he is unable to obtain the 13 witches he needs for freedom but he is never gone for good.  Barbas has appeared as a recurring demon over the seasons, teaming up with other forces of evil to bring down the Charmed Ones.  When the Charmed Ones go on trial, he leads the prosecution, bringing up evidence against the Charmed Ones in quite the compelling argument.

When the Charmed Ones get trapped in a parallel world where everything evil is good, they have to go to Barbas as the source of all good to help them.  He is clearly one of the toughest enemies for the Charmed Ones and he is quite entertaining as well in the process.

Some honorable mentions before revealing my number one pick are:

  • Inspector Rodriguez
  • Bane
  • Shax
  • The Woogyman
  • Gideon
  • Evil Wyatt
  • Evil Charmed Ones
  • The Seer
  • The Triad
  • Agent Jackman

1

Cole Turner

It should be no surprise that my favorite villain has to be Cole Turner.  Cole first appears on Charmed in season 3 and is the love interest of Phoebe.  Cole reveals that he is half-demon and half-human, which causes quite the internal conflict.  His demon-side, Belthazor is an upper-level demon who is absolutely terrifying.  However, his human side is tall, dark, and handsome, proving to be quite the charmer and an excellent lawyer.

Later in the series, Cole becomes the source of all evil, taking in the hollow to protect Phoebe and her sisters from the original source.  When the sisters ask what happened to the powers of the source, the Seer says “into the void” with a knowing smile, as her plan to make Cole the new source has sprung into action.  Cole cannot control the powers of the source but he refuses to give up Phoebe in the process, his love remaining true to her.  He even corrupts Phoebe to darkness, tricking her into a dark wedding and impregnating her with the spawn of Satan.

The Charmed Ones are able to vanquish Cole but one learns that he is never gone for too long.  Cole remains trapped in limbo, collecting powers of vanquished demons along the way to become an even greater threat with more powers than the sisters thought possible.  Through it all, Cole tries to continue to change for Phoebe and hold on to their love, but he ends up being his own worst enemy.  In an effort to change his fate and be with Phoebe, he tries to create a new world and goes back in time.  This plan back-fires, however; as he is now in a time when it was possible for him to be vanquished as Belthazor.

Cole is vanquished on his 118th birthday in the 100th episode of Charmed and it seems like this one is for good.  He makes a special appearance when Piper is trapped in limbo later on in season 7, however.  Cole comes to her rescue and even sends Drake to Phoebe, to remind her about the importance of loving again, even though he will always be loving her just a little out of reach.

Either way, Cole is my favorite villain of all time on the series, proving that villains can find love too.  Unfortunately for Cole, his own inner-conflict and pride get in the way, preventing him from ever finding the happy ending he so desperately wanted for him and Phoebe.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to share some of your own thoughts and comments on your favorite villains from Charmed.  Thanks for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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