Tag: family

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:

5

“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?

4

“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.

3

“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!

2

“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?

1

“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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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:

5

“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.

4

“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.

3

“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.

2

“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?

1

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 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:

5

“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.

4

“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.

3

“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.

2

“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.

1

“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 “The 100” season 5 episode 6: “There is only Wonkru and There is No Place in it for You”

Happy Wednesday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s The 100 season 5 episode 6 last night, I’ve learned that the “girl under the floor” is hiding no longer and is proving to be dangerous and ruthless now that she is out in the open.  While Octavia may refuse to compromise her role as “Blodreina,” she does recognize the many threats around her and decides to keep the greatest threat of all by her side.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “Exit Wounds,” Diyoza attempts to recruit members of Wonkru with Kane’s help, Clarke tries to convince Madi to leave before she is exposed as the true Nightblood, and Bellamy is having trouble recognizing his sister.  Meanwhile, Murphy and Emori finally get the chance to rehash their breakup, while Echo gets a second chance to do the right thing.  My top 5 moments from The 100 season 5 episode 6 are:

5

“That is not my sister.”

In the beginning of the episode, Octavia is beyond furious that Bellamy has brought the traitor, Echo back with him.  Octavia doesn’t care in the slightest bit that she is with Bellamy and coldly reminds her that “there is only Wonkru and there is no place in it for you.”  Bellamy finally begins to realize that “Blodreina” is not his sister anymore and that she has changed more than anyone could have thought possible in six years.  Bellamy continues to challenge her, however; and suggests that “maybe you should fight someone who’s not afraid of you.”  Bellamy shows off some of his own newly acquired fighting skills, proving that a real fight between the Blake siblings may be evenly matched after all.  While Bellamy has clearly not given up on his sister just yet, he refuses to give in to all of her commands and tries to get her to see reason, but it doesn’t look like he is getting through to her just yet.  It makes me wonder what would happen if Bellamy is called out as a traitor and placed into the ring to fight for his life.  Would Octavia really let her brother die in the name of Wonkru?  While we haven’t escalated to a situation like that just yet, Octavia is clearly making her own decisions without Bellamy’s input.

4

“This doesn’t mean we’re back together.”

Muprhy and Emori get some much needed screen time in this episode, as they are hiding in the caves of Shadow Valley from McCreary.  Murphy still has the electric collar around his neck and Emori tries to come up with a way to get it off of him, while shocking him unintentionally along the way.  These two finally get the chance to talk about their feelings and what happened in their relationship.  Emori explains that Raven helped her feel important and needed and that Murphy refused to be happy for her, almost expecting her to stay on the sidelines with him.  She explained that his actions broke her heart and this seems to really resonate with him.  After setting a clever trap for McCreary and his men, Murphy and Emori share a brief moment of passion before McCreary comes stumbling out of the caves.  Emori is excited that they have a hostage, but I’m not sure this is the safest plan.  McCreary is definitely playing the role of the dangerous psychopath perfectly, but I’m not sure how much Diyoza truly values him, especially when he continues to openly defy her.  We’ll have to wait and see how this plays out.

3

“We’re the only thing that can defeat us.”

Diyoza proves once again in this episode that she is a very capable and intelligent leader.  She uses Kane’s Intel to her advantage and has food shipped to Wonkru with an invitation for any of them to join her in Shadow Valley if they abandon Wonkru.  She promises that they will not be harmed if they decide to leave and come to Shadow Valley.  McCreary thinks that Diyoza should have just used two missiles to make her point, but Diyoza explains that there are farmers and engineers in Wonkru who can be extremely useful.  Diyoza is always looking at the big picture and understands that survival can be limited if she doesn’t plan accordingly.  While her people may not be as loyal as Wonkru, she has demonstrated that she is able to look at every situation from all angles and perspectives, which is something that Octavia still needs to learn herself.  Diyoza understands that even if she doesn’t get many followers from Wonkru joining her, this plan will weaken Octavia’s leadership, as the “defectors” show their true intentions, making survival their number one goal.

2

“Whatever happens, I know we’ll find each other again.”

This is the first episode in season 5 where we really get to see Echo shine.  While there is a steady romance between her and Bellamy, Echo proves that she is fully capable of earning a second chance and making the right decision.  Octavia asks Echo to spy for her and to turn in the “defectors,” but Echo has a change of heart.  After speaking to some of the “defectors,” she learns more about what they have gone through here and she doesn’t want anything to happen to them.  Bellamy strategically suggests that they all defect and explains to Octavia that Echo can plant the flash drive that Monty needs on the ship, which will further their plan.  Echo explains that it will be easy to convince Diyoza of this cover story, especially since Octavia announced she was casting Echo out.  When Echo is running with the other defectors to the ship, Octavia gives the order for the other traitors to be shot.  Bellamy cannot believe that she would do something like this, but Octavia refuses to apologize for her actions.  Echo buries the flash drive in a bullet wound, but is in for a surprise when she and the other defectors are greeted by Diyoza and some electric collars of their own.  This may make it extremely difficult for Echo to carry out the plan, but what’s important is that Echo has grown as a character here.  She understands the importance of survival just like everyone else, but is loyal to Bellamy and is ready to do what is necessary to help.  Perhaps Becho is not such a horrible romance after all, but I have to say I am still rooting for Bellarke all the way.

1

“I know what it’s like to be the girl under the floor.”

Clarke is completely distracted during this episode, as she recognizes the danger that Madi is in here.  When Octavia and others ask how Madi survived, Clarke comes up with a cover story that she injected some of her own bone marrow into her to make synthetic Nightblood.  While this story may hold up for a little while, Gaia recognizes Madi as the true Nightblood and tells Clarke that it is still her destiny to protect her.  Nyla also finds out the truth and Gaia tries to explain to Clarke that Nyla is not her friend and will put Wonkru above her every time.  Clarke’s motherly instincts take over, as her only priority is to get Madi out of there safely.  She briefly tells Bellamy that they need to find her before it’s too late, but it’s clear that there is a lot that Bellamy and her need to discuss.  After all, six years is a long time.  Madi’s naivete convinces her that she can trust Octavia, especially after hearing all of Clarke’s stories about her.  She goes directly to Octavia and tells her everything.  When Clarke interrupts, Octavia is initiating Madi into Wonkru.  Octavia tells Clarke that Madi will be under her protection and that she will keep her secret safe.  But can we trust Octavia?  Even though Madi has no interest in being named the true Commander, Octavia is smart enough to understand that her people will turn on her if they find this out, so keeping Madi as close as possible is a good plan.  However, this makes Clarke’s job that much more difficult now.  While Madi sees everything through the eyes of an innocent child, Clarke has experienced enough to know a dangerous threat when she sees one.

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 “Fear the Walking Dead” season 4 episode 7: “Cause I’m a Chick with Layers”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead season 4 episode 7, I learned that it’s pretty much impossible to stay on the sidelines for too long, especially when walkers are involved.  While we may have too much pride or feel an obligation to our family and loved ones, sometimes we need to learn when to let go and choose a side.  It might not always be the right decision, but it could be the determining factor of our survival.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “The Wrong Side of Where You Are Now,” Naomi and Morgan desperately try to save John Dorie’s life, Charlie tries to say she’s sorry, and Al realizes that she cannot hide behind her camera forever.  Meanwhile, we learn more about the moments leading up to the fate of the stadium, as Madison is conflicted over what to do next.  But will her pride ultimately lead to the death of the people she tried so desperately to protect?  My top 5 moments from Fear the Walking Dead season 4 episode 7 are:

5

“Why did you save me?”

In the beginning of the episode, Morgan and Naomi try to keep John stable, recognizing that they need to get some medical supplies to give him a chance.  Everyone begins opening fire on each other and Morgan notices Charlie out in the open, who is trying to get to Mel.  Morgan tries to tell her that he is gone and instructs her to come with him.  Morgan is always trying to do what is right and recognizes that he needs to protect her.  Charlie asks Morgan why he saves her, especially since he knows what she did to Nick and Morgan simply replies with, “Because this has to stop some place.”  Again, Morgan is the voice of reason, but he is being drowned out by the deafening chaos surrounding them.  You would think that everyone would want to put their differences aside and focus on surviving, but people end up becoming even more dangerous threats to each other than the dead walking among them.  Charlie clearly feels remorse over what she has done and tries to explain that what happened was her fault.  While Charlie is far from innocent, her confusion is understandable.  Her parents died which was traumatizing enough and she has been living in a very different world, clinging to the only person who has been there for her, Mel.  I’m not sure if we can ever really trust Charlie again, as that familiar saying, “fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me,” comes to mind.  However, she is a child and has been burdened with way too much at such a young age.  Either way, she understands regret and feels responsibility for what happened, which proves that she is not a lost cause just yet.

4

“You know what, it doesn’t matter.”

After Alicia attempts to take out Mel in his truck, he climbs out of it severely injured, barely able to move or talk.  Alicia slowly walks up to him, clutching her gun and asks Mel, “How long was she with you?”  While we don’t know exactly who “she” is, we can only assume she means Naomi, but is it possible that she may be referring to her mother, Madison?  Either way, Alicia doesn’t give much time for Mel to come up with an answer, as she tells him it doesn’t matter and swiftly stabs Mel in the head, ending his life.  There is no remorse in Alicia’s eyes here, who has allowed her quest for vengeance to take over.  This can be extremely dangerous, as Alicia seems to turn off her sense of right and wrong.  Alicia has tried to do the right thing in the past and even went out with Nick to help save Mel’s life, but now realizes that she unleashed a monster in the process.  While I’m not sure that Alicia should be judge, jury, and executioner, her grief has clearly escalated to an entirely new level, as she turns off her emotions to take out anyone who gets in her way.

3

“Stay with me.”

After John is shot, Naomi tries to do everything possible to save him.  Morgan lets her know that he is his friend and helps as much as he can.  After Mel drives away in the truck, the medical supplies go with him, and her only option is to get to the infirmary at the stadium.  Morgan tells Naomi that John never gave up on her and was looking for her since the moment she left.  In a heartwarming moment, Naomi finds the scrabble pieces that John kept with him, bringing tears to her eyes and mine as well.  It’s absolutely apparent how much Naomi still loves John and she does not want to lose him.  While we are unsure if John will be able to survive, Naomi is ready to do whatever is necessary to try and save him.  I am desperately hoping that she will be able to do so, as I am not ready to close the book on their love story just yet.  After all, doesn’t someone deserve a happy ending here?

2

“You’re holding on to something that’s gone.”

When we flash back to the past, we see that Madison and the others find Mel and agree to help save him after Charlie asks them to.  While Charlie has burned them in the past, Madison still wants to do what is right and allows Naomi to take care of him.  Mel tries to make a deal with Naomi, recognizing that she is new to the group and gives her something to really consider.  He even tries to tell Madison about Ennis’s plan, but Madison doesn’t want to give in.  Madison is holding on to her pride and her promise to her children.  It’s clear that she has worked extremely hard on making this stadium into a home for them, but it doesn’t seem like this home will last for long.  Madison doesn’t want to admit defeat and suggests that they begin building up the walls surrounding the stadium.  Victor and the others agree to help, not wanting to go against their leader, but it’s clear that not everyone is convinced that this is necessarily the best plan.  Naomi tries to get Madison to see reason as well, but to no avail.  She ultimately sides with Madison and says that she will get the infirmary ready.  Ennis unleashes an overwhelming amount of walkers upon the stadium covered in oil.  Madison prepares to try to get to Nick and Alicia, who are in the truck outside the gates and sees the flames, glowing with intensity.  Later, when Al drives up to the stadium, we see that the Ice Cream Truck has been sitting there for some time, abandoned and burned up, but we still do not know the fate of Madison.  I’m still hopeful that she was able to make it out alive, but we will need to wait and see.  We are also still unsure on what convinced Naomi to join the Vultures, especially since she was still helping Madison in the end.

1

“I think I know who you are.  I think I’ve seen it.”

In the beginning of the episode, Al is still recording everything on her camera.  Morgan tries to snap her out of this, but she says that this story isn’t hers.  He reminds her that John’s story is about to end and that a good man will die if she continues to hide and she ultimately makes the right decision and gets involved.  Al pulls up in the tank and Alicia temporarily stands down.  Al agrees to take them to the stadium and Morgan tells her that he thinks he knows who she is.  Al says that she is “a chick with layers,” and drives straight into the stadium, proving just how strong and fearless she is.  However, the stadium is completely infested with walkers who immediately surround the tank.  It doesn’t look like it will be easy to get to the infirmary, if it’s even still standing at this point.  Al and the others are faced with a new obstacle, but will they be able to make it out alive?  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 villains from “Once Upon a Time”

Happy Saturday TV Fans!  For today, I started to really think about all of the heroes and villains on Once Upon a Time.  One of the reasons why I truly love this show is because it redefines these roles from traditional fairy-tales.  Heroes we root for are far from perfect and villains transform into unlikely heroes, rewriting their own stories in the process.  Who says that villains can’t achieve a happy ending? 

It’s never too late to change and embrace the goodness within that has been stifled by past actions and circumstances.  While some villains are never able to redeem themselves, others have surpassed our expectations, sacrificing everything for the greater good.  Over the seven seasons of OUAT, we have witnessed some of our favorite heroes fall from grace and some of the most notorious villains accept their true destiny, saving the day and reminding us that we all have the potential to do the right thing.

Even though some of their roles have been redefined, one cannot forget how truly “wicked” they once were, proving to be formidable foes who threaten to extinguish all of the good in Storybrooke and other realms.

Whether they possess dark magic, a knack for manipulation, or an impressive evil cackle, these villains have paved their way into my top 5, refusing to make it easy for the good guys.  After all, where is the fun in that?  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the series yet. My top 5 villains from Once Upon a Time are:

5

Captain Hook

While most of us will think of Captain Hook as a hero, we can’t forget how he started out on the show.  Captain Hook was a villain who was purely out for revenge.  The “crocodile” is none other than Rumplestiltskin and is responsible for cutting off Captain’s Hook hand and for killing his love, Milah.  Milah was married to Rumplestiltskin, but we learn that she and Captain Hook were lovers, which only enraged Rumplestiltskin even further.  Captain Hook started off as a pirate looking for adventure.  He may have had selfish tendencies, but he didn’t truly become a villain until he became obsessed with his quest for vengeance.

Captain Hook teams up with Cora, but soon learns that there is more to life than revenge.  While it’s difficult for Hook to let go of this, his growing feelings for Emma show him that perhaps he can go down a different path…or sail down a different coast.  Captain Hook is redeemed by his selfless and pure love for Emma.  He becomes a hero one can be proud of and sheds his treachery in the process.

4

Zelena

Otherwise known as “The Wicked Witch of the West,” we learn that Zelena is Regina’s half-sister.  Zelena was abandoned when she was a child and never really found anyone who could truly accept her.  Rumplestiltskin taught her how to channel her rage and magic, which turned her into a powerful witch.

Zelena’s wickedness comes from her jealousy.  When she goes to see the wizard, she sees Rumple stating that Regina is his best student and her jealousy escalates so much that it turns her skin green with envy.  Zelena is a primary villain for most of the show, but she eventually forms a sisterly bond with Regina and learns what love is.

Even though Zelena is able to redeem herself, her side comments and puns still have a “wicked” quality that make fans adore her even more.  Zelena may be fighting on the side of good now, but that doesn’t mean she needs to suppress her opinions and sense of humor in the process.

3

The Evil Queen

After watching the entire series, it’s difficult to lump Regina Mills with the Evil Queen, especially since her evil half gets separated from her later on.  However, everyone has a past and Regina definitely has done her fair share of evil.  The Evil Queen focused most of her revenge on Snow White and made it a priority to become the most powerful of all.  She is known for ripping out the hearts of her enemies to control them, proving to be ruthless and coldblooded.

In Storybrooke, Regina is the mayor and is not afraid to showcase her “power” for all to see.  However, Regina’s love for her adopted son, Henry, teaches her that unconditional love is possible.  While her romantic love interest, Robin is killed, Regina is still able to hold on to goodness because of her family.

At the end of the series, “The Evil Queen” has transformed into the “The Good Queen,” and is actually elected by everyone in Storybrooke to lead them.  This is a pivotal moment for Regina because she spent most of her past forcing others to follow her commands.  However, she is now fully accepted as a hero and is trusted because of her goodness and courage.

2

Dark Emma Swan

Emma Swan is known as “The Savior” and the main protagonist on the show.  Even though she had trouble believing, she always tried to do what was right and when she becomes “Dark Emma Swan,” it was completely shocking.  The twist was a role reversal for our favorite hero, which kept us on the edge of our seats.

Emma’s actions were to protect Regina from darkness, as she consumes the magic of “The Dark One.”  Emma’s hair is now an icy white, as the darkness within her corrupts her, turning her into a fear-provoking villain.  Emma is still conflicted, as she clearly cares about her loved ones, but she recognizes how strong the darkness is.  She plans to sacrifice herself, but Hook intervenes and takes her place to save her. 

Some honorable mentions before revealing my number one pick are:

  • Ingrid, the Snow Queen
  • Peter Pan
  • Black Fairy
  • Mother Gothel
  • Maleficent
  • Cruella De Vil
  • Cora Mills
  • Hades
  • Drizella
  • Doctor Facilier

1

Rumplestiltskin

It should be no surprise that my favorite villain has to be Rumplestiltskin.  Insert his classic creepy laugh here “dearie.”  Rumplestiltskin enjoys making deals and gaining power as a result.  He always has something up his sleeve whether you are aware or not.  If we look at a lot of the other villains mentioned, Rumple has played a role with almost all of them in some form or another.  While he is consumed by the power of “The Dark One,” Mr. Gold is no stranger to concocting his own schemes as well to further his agenda.

What makes him a truly great villain is that he often goes unnoticed.  However, he is the master puppeteer in many instances, which proves how powerful and dangerous he can be.  While it initially seemed like Rumple could never be redeemed, his pure love for Belle changes his tune.  Belle sees the good in him even when others see him as a monster or a “beast.”  While Rumple does disappoint Belle along the way by giving in to the darkness, he desperately tries to be the man she wants him to be.  However, Rumple does not fully redeem himself until the end of the series.  Up until this point, we have seen signs of goodness within him, but he has always been too afraid to fully commit.  Even in his past, he was called a coward and it seems like this has always come back to haunt him.

At the end of the series, Wish Rumple threatens everyone and Rumple finally realizes that he may not be able to be with Belle again after all.  He puts aside the one thing he cares about more than anything in order to help his family and friends.  When he sacrifices himself and gives his heart over to Nook, he has finally embraced the goodness that has been trying to surface for so long.

Rumple’s act is out of pure goodness and friendship and he can now finally earn the happy ending he has been searching for.  In the afterlife, Rumple and Belle are together and will never be apart again.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to share some of your own thoughts and comments on your favorite villains from Once Upon a Time.  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 heartbreaking moments from “Charmed”

Happy Friday TV Fans!  For today, I have once again returned to one of my old favorites, Charmed.  That’s right, the original Charmed.  Have you ever watched a show that just brings you to tears?  This is not always a bad thing, as it means that you are connecting to the show and the characters on a profound level.  Whether it is one of your favorite characters dying, an epic romance coming to end, or a moment of sheer vulnerability, there are some heartbreaking moments on television that still impact us today.  After many re-watches of Charmed, there are still certain moments that I recognize.  I find my heart start to skip faster, anticipating the worst, even hoping that somehow the outcome might be different with a re-watch.  However, the heartbreaking moment replays itself, still bringing tears to our eyes and tugging at our own feelings in the process.

There are so many of these moments in Charmed and it was difficult for me to narrow it down to just five, but there is something to be said about these three, or really four, powerful women who are just trying to find their way.  Sure there are demons and magical forces at play, but the moments of sacrifice and true selflessness remind us that we can all channel the “power of three” in our own lives.  We can’t always stop the tragic moments from happening, but we can do our very best to try to do the right thing and support our family and friends.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the full series yet. 

My top 5 heartbreaking moments from Charmed are:

5

Andy’s sacrifice.

In the season 1 finale, “Déjà Vu All Over Again,” Tempus creates a time loop that causes the day to repeat itself over and over again.  While the characters are not aware that the day is repeating, Phoebe’s power of premonition allows her to realize what is happening.  Tempus uses Inspector Rodriguez to try and destroy the Charmed Ones.  Each time he fails, the time loop is reset.  When Phoebe first receives her premonition, she sees Andy dying and Prue wants to stop this from happening.  However, with each new attack, Inspector Rodriguez is able to kill one of the sisters.  When Prue is knocked out cold and Andy is killed, he speaks to her in a sort of limbo at their favorite bench.  Andy is Prue’s first real love and she doesn’t want to lose him.  However, Andy realizes that this is his destiny and explains to her that he will always be there for her.  When Prue wakes up, the reality that Andy is gone hits home, but she knows that she must stay strong for her sisters and defeat Inspector Rodriguez and Tempus.  Throughout season 1, Andy had an on-again-off-again romance with Prue, but he finally accepted her for who she was…powers and all.  Andy would do anything to save Prue and her sisters, which makes him a real hero.  He reminded Prue that “everything happens for a reason,” and sometimes things don’t always work out the way we want them to, but that doesn’t mean we stop fighting.  Andy’s sacrifice proves that mortal love is possible and that it’s never too late to stand by the ones we care about.

4

Piper’s death in season 2.

In the episode, “Awakened,” Piper is chopping up some smuggled fruit at the club and suddenly collapses.  After she is rushed to the hospital, we learn that she has been infected by a rare disease.  Her condition continues to get worse and Prue and Phoebe decide to use magic to save her.  We experience the consequences of “personal gain” first hand, as the sisters begin to realize that they will need to let their sister go.  They can’t use magic to stop what is happening no matter how much they want to without putting other lives in danger.  When Piper is dying in the hospital, the reactions of Prue, Phoebe, and Dan are absolutely heartbreaking.  Leo is able to intervene and he saves Piper, but this episode really struck home for me.  While it’s easy to root for the sisters to destroy the forces of evil, a disease is something that you can’t always fight and you don’t have control over it, which can make you feel completely helpless.  The acting in this episode is phenomenal and Shannen Doherty’s performance in particular really tugged at my emotions.  Her pain and anger about the situation was beyond tragic, making her that much more sympathetic in this difficult moment.

3

Piper’s speech to The Elders.

In the season 3 episode, “Once Upon a Time,” Piper has a nightmare and ultimately learns that The Elders are forbidding for her and Leo to be together.  Piper goes outside the club to take a moment to breathe and is attacked by invisible trolls.  She gets knocked to the ground and dusts herself off, but not before she gives The Elders a piece of her mind.  Piper says:

I bet you guys think this is real funny don’t ya? Haven’t you taken enough from me? You have to send trolls to kick me while I’m down. I had a nice normal life once and you took that from me. You took my boyfriend, you took my life, the least you could do is leave me my freakin’ car keys. I am a good person, I am a good witch and damn it I would’ve made a great wife. And how dare you take that from me. I deserve… no, you know what? I demand that you send him back to me. You hear me? Right now. I am going to stand in this very spot until you send Leo back to me.

Source: https://www.quotes.net/mquote/701902

Piper lets her guard down here and refuses to just sit quietly and accept her fate.  She stands up for herself and demands that The Elders do what is right.  While they don’t send Leo back in this scene, this is one of the key moments for Piper and Leo’s relationship.  Piper never stops fighting for Leo and it’s hard not to let your heart break for her here.

2

Cole’s letter to Phoebe.

 In the season 4 episode, “Long Live the Queen,” Phoebe has accepted her new role as Cole’s queen, but is having second thoughts.  She doesn’t want to lose her sisters and the good in her still exists.  Phoebe is completely torn between the love of her life, Cole, and her family, but she ultimately sacrifices her love for Cole and helps vanquish him.  Even when Phoebe begins saying the spell with her sisters, Cole tells her that he’ll always love her.  Although they try to vanquish Cole “from time and space,” we know that this is not the end just yet for him.  However, this moment feels final and tragic.  Phoebe loves Cole so much but she has to let him go.  At the end of the episode, she is upstairs crying and Piper and Paige get in bed with her to console her.  They don’t say anything in this moment because there really aren’t any words that will make her feel better, but their presence is enough to give Phoebe some sense of comfort, as she knows she is not alone.  In the episode, “Womb Raider,” Paige finds the letter Cole wrote to Phoebe and he narrates it at the end of the episode:

Dear Phoebe, 
If I’m dead right now, 
I know it was at your 
hand. No one else in 
heaven or hell had 
Power over me. Please, 
don’t cry. I was dead 
Before I met you. I was 
Born the day you loved 
me. And my love for you 
will keep me alive… 
Forever 
Love, 
Cole 

Source:  http://charmed.wikia.com/wiki/Cole%27s_Goodbye_Letter_to_Phoebe

 

Cole’s words to Phoebe are so beautiful and real, reminding her that he did truly love her deep down.  While Cole was not able to stop the evil from corrupting him, his love for Phoebe always remained, even keeping him alive later in limbo.

1

Piper’s reaction to Prue’s death.

In season 4, we learn that Prue did die in the season 3 finale and Paige is introduced as Piper and Phoebe’s half-sister.  Prue was one of my favorite characters and her death alone was enough to make me cry, but Piper’s reaction to it was something even more tragic.  In the season 4 premiere, Piper is trying every possible spell imaginable to bring Prue back from the dead.  As she gets ready for the funeral, she tells Leo that she doesn’t want to go while she mechanically brushes her hair.  She explains that if she goes, then it means that it’s all real and Prue will not be coming back.  Piper says that she doesn’t know how to live without a big sister and tells Leo that he should have saved Prue because she was the strongest.  In the next episode, “Hell Hath No Fury,” Piper gets turned into a Fury and Leo orbs her and Paige to Prue’s grave.  Piper lets out all of her anger and Paige tells her to tell Prue how she feels.  She tells her it’s alright to hate her.  Piper breaks down screaming and crying, yelling at Prue for abandoning her.  This turns her back into her normal self, but the tears won’t stop falling and all of the emotions hit Piper at once.  Piper finally lets her emotions reach the surface and her reaction is something that really resonates with me.  The show is about family before anything else and Piper can’t imagine a world without her sister in it.  While she will never forget Prue or stop loving her, Piper visits Paige later in the episode and even says, “she’s my sister,” which proves that she can still love Prue and open her heart to Paige as well.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to share some of your own heartbreaking moments from Charmed in the comments section below.  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 “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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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 22 Series Finale: “A Second Chance”

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 22 series finale last night, Regina gets it right when she says, “This isn’t an ending.  I hate endings because then your story’s done.”  She reminds us that our stories are far from over and it’s not exactly a new beginning, as Emma suggested, but really more of “a second chance.”  I have to say that this series finale was an emotional roller coaster for me, reminding me why I fell in love with this show in the first place and why it will always remain a favorite for me for years to come.  Please note major spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s series finale, “Leaving Storybrooke,” Alice and Robin try to find some help for their family and realize how complicated it is to explain time travel.  Meanwhile, Rumple and Nook try to break out of the snow globe and Regina desperately attempts to get through to alter-ego Henry before he does something he can never take back.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 22 series finale are:

5

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

Alter-ego Henry has a lot of bottled up anger and plans on taking it out on Regina.  He blames her for all of his problems and thinks that ending her life will bring him some kind of satisfaction.  Regina doesn’t give up and reminds him that in another realm she is his mother.  In a touching moment she says, “You’ve saved me.  Please let me save you now.”  Henry initially turns his mother away, leaving her alone in a prison cell.  While Regina is dreaming, Robin visits her, as he is always still in her heart.  She tells him how much she has missed him and explains she may be joining him.  Regina clearly remembers being a villain and starts to think that maybe this is what she deserves.  However, the goodness in her is articulated by Robin, who tells her that she was able to move her dark actions to the light and that was all because of her.  He tells her that “her life is proof that no one’s path is set,” foreshadowing some of the events to occur later on.  Robin provides Regina with the strength she needs when it seems like the world is against her.  When he tells her how epic their love was, I have to admit that the tears already started coming.  While it seems beyond unfair that these two cannot be together, Robin will always be in Regina’s heart, reminding her that her new path is one of goodness and love.

4

Mad Archer gets their happy ending.

While I was initially hesitant about all of the changes in season 7, Mad Archer always kept me smiling and cheering for them.  Alice and Robin are beyond adorable and their love is pure and innocent.  They have an undeniable friendship and will do anything to protect the other.  In an absolutely swoon-worthy moment, Robin asks Nook for his blessing to marry Alice and he happily agrees.  Nook’s heart is severely weakened from the curse, but Robin reassures him, “no matter what you are walking Alice down that aisle!”  While we don’t get to see the wedding for these two, I am hoping that a spin-off or special may be in their future?  If not, it is definitely something to consider as these two beautiful and courageous women turn browsing a bookstore into an adventure.  Who wouldn’t want to watch these two lovelies take on the world?  Either way, we know that they have earned their happily ever after and they are responsible for saving Nook and the others from the snow globe, proving that they can be quite resourceful and convincing.  Of course they do have an assist from the absolutely fabulous Zelena, who doesn’t turn away from an opportunity to take a Selfie or to help her daughter from the future.  While they may have unintentionally angered Grumpy after destroying his lunch, one can’t help but fall in love with these two, as they will stop at nothing to protect the ones they love.  Their awkwardness makes them that much more adorable, proving that these two are truly meant for one another.  Well deserved Mad Archer!

3

“We heard you needed some help.”

After breaking out of the snow globe, Henry rushes off to save his mother, Regina.  He runs into a little trouble on the way and is saved by his grandparents, Snow White and Prince Charming!  While I was expecting them to turn up sooner or later, I was squealing and cheering for two of my favorite characters.  Snow and Charming bring together a round table to discuss their plan of action and look around them to see friends who used to be enemies, a new generation, and new friends who remind them of old friends, allowing Nook to take his rightful place at the table.  They learn that Wish Rumple’s plan is to use alter-ego Henry’s emotions against him so that he can cast a spell that will trap every single hero in their own portal or prison of loneliness.  He tests the spell out on poor Blue who doesn’t even really get a chance to interrupt, but it’s clear that this fate ends with all of our favorite characters winding up alone.  Snow White explains that they need to remind everyone not to lose hope and that they just have to believe to succeed.  While Snow White is certainly keeping a positive attitude here, Wish Rumple is ready to unleash his spell on every hero who has ever gotten in his way.

2

“A weak coward will not be the Rumplestiltskin the world remembers.”

Rumple refuses to let Wish Rumple win.  As the portals are all opened, Regina finally gets through to alter-ego Henry and ends the initial threat.  However, Wish Rumple is not about to give up that easily.  Our Rumple explains that he has evolved and is ready to do what’s right.  He even calls Wish Rumple “crocodile!”  He knows that he will be giving up his chance to see Belle again, but is finally ready to embrace the goodness that has been trying to surface for so long.  It’s about time.  Rumple makes the ultimate sacrifice and rips out his own heart.  This destroys Wish Rumple and he gives his heart to Nook who is dying after holding on to Alice so she wouldn’t go through the portal.  The curse between Nook and Alice is broken and Nook is healed.  Earlier Rumple revealed to Nook, “you were the closest thing I ever had to a friend,” which is heartwarming enough, but when Rumple sacrifices his own heart to save his dear friend, his goodness has finally shined through.  Rumple is gone but not forgotten and Regina thanks him for saving them and whispers to him that he does deserve his happy ending.  Belle is waiting for Rumple in the afterlife and the reunion between these two is simply beautiful.  They share a kiss and fade away to their next adventure.  Even though Rumple is gone, his story will live on and he is not alone anymore.  Robin’s earlier words to Regina about no one’s path being set come true here, proving that the greatest of all villains can become a hero one can be proud of.

1

“I now crown you The Good Queen.”

After the threat with Wish Rumple is finally over, Regina recognizes that they still need to figure out how to get everyone back to their right time and place.  However, she suddenly has a better idea and realizes that they need to cast one more curse.  Only this time everyone will willingly offer up a small piece of their heart for it to work.  The magic can bring everyone together, allowing all of the realms to exist in Storybrooke.  Regina talks about Storybrooke being a secret place tucked away in a forgotten corner in Maine and that’s what fairy-tales are.  They are secretly tucked away under our bed or on our bookshelf and it’s up to us to dust them off and discover mystery and adventure with each new story.  All of the pages come together to make a true collection and to bring together our favorite characters, opening our eyes to the unimaginable.  They give us something to believe in and everyone believes in Regina right now after she is able to successfully bring them all together.  Regina is the new elected ruler to her surprise and everyone is here to support her.  The Evil Queen has truly become “The Good Queen.”  Emma rushes in fashionably late with Hook and their baby, Hope, bringing cheers to OUAT fans everywhere.  After Regina talks about this being “a second chance” rather than an ending, she brings us back to all of the moments that made us cheer, laugh, and cry.  She says, “I refuse to believe there won’t be more adventures, more love, more family, and yes there will be more loss because that’s just a part of life and in the end we can get past it all with hope.”  While she speaks these words that really resonate with all of us, we flash back to some of those pivotal moments in Once Upon a Time, providing us with the perfect blend of nostalgia and closure. 

The series ends with us leaving Storybrooke and takes a moment to pass by the yellow bug and some of our favorite places in town, but it’s not goodbye.  We can always go back to Storybrooke anytime we want.  Our favorite characters still have untold stories that will continue on as long as we keep believing in them and passing them on to the next generation.  We all need something to believe in and OUAT truly sparked this in all of us, immersing us in a world filled with endless possibilities.  No one’s story is set in stone and we all have the chance to spread goodness to those people we love and to those people who may have some trouble believing.  It’s up to us to never give up and to continue to believe in magic and love, which will keep us strong even when the days don’t shine as brightly.  Thank you Once Upon a Time for giving us fans seven years of magic that will never be forgotten.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Supernatural” season 13 episode 23 season finale: “Every Day We Can Get Better”

Happy Friday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s Supernatural season 13 episode 23 season finale, Dean got it absolutely right when he says, “But even when we’re strong, man things are going to happen.  We’re going to make mistakes.  Nobody’s perfect but we can get better.  Every day we can get better.”  While Dean’s words are meant for Jack, it seems like everyone can take a moment to pause and really listen here, including Dean.  Mistakes are going to happen and plans are going to go terribly wrong, but what’s important is that the people who support us will stand by us and continue to fight on, even when it seems like all hope is lost.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s season finale, “Let the Good Times Roll,” Michael and Lucifer make their way back into the real world and prove to be a greater threat than we thought possible.  Meanwhile, Jack contemplates leaving earth to spend some quality time with his father, Lucifer, and Dean teams up with Michael in a way you may not expect.  My top 5 moments from Supernatural season 13 episode 23 season finale are:

5

Dean talks about retirement.

In the beginning of the episode, Dean takes a moment to think about what life would be like once all the evil is gone.  While it seems like a fantasy, you never really know which battle is going to be the ultimate one.  Perhaps thinking about time on a beach with a Hawaiian shirt is the way to go, especially when you are surrounded by chaos constantly.  Sam seems doubtful that Dean will ever truly retire from hunting, but Dean says he will if the world is safe.  While one can only hope that our favorite brothers can finally kick back and relax, the threat is nowhere near over just yet.

4

Dean gives Jack a pep talk.

We know that the Winchester brothers have a real knack for giving pep talks, but Jack is in desperate need of some guidance.  Dean talks to him about the importance of sticking together even when things happen and tells Jack that he is family and that they look after their own.  Even though Lucifer is Jack’s biological father, Sam, Dean, and Castiel have been the guiding forces in his life and remind him what family is truly about.  Jack has been blaming himself for hurting others and when his friend, Maggie shows up dead, the guilt continues to overwhelm him.  While not everything that happens can be fixed, Jack desperately wants to be able to reverse the evil around him.  However, that starts with Daddy Dearest.

3

“Like Star Wars?”

Lucifer shows up and Jack does not believe what he sees, as Sam told him that Michael killed him.  Lucifer tries to twist everything yet again and informs Jack that Sam is the one who left him behind.  He manipulates his son by telling him that he’s here for him and suggests that Jack really needs him.  Lucifer further explains that “humans are limited and fragile,” reminding Jack that he will never truly fit in here.  He offers Jack the chance to go somewhere else and start over so that Jack can live his life for himself.  Jack’s comparison of this to Star Wars lightens the mood but is actually pretty accurate, as he thinks about what life could be like “in a galaxy far, far away.”  While the idea is certainly tempting, Jack will soon realize that you can’t just run away and abandon the people you love.

2

“This is the end of everything.”

While Sam and Dean are attacked by Michael, Sam sends a prayer Jack’s way, hoping that he will be able to hear them.  Jack saves them and turns the tables on Lucifer when he forces him to tell the truth and learns that he is responsible for all of this and was the one who killed Maggie in the first place.  I mean he also did bring her back from the dead, but does anyone really stay dead on this show?  Jack tells Lucifer he is not his father and calls him a monster, finally making the right decision for himself.  Lucifer tells him that he’s too much like his mother and slashes his throat, as he absorbs Jack’s power.  After a blinding light consumes them, they are transported out of there and Sam has accidentally “hitched a ride.”  Michael explains that with Jack’s power, Lucifer is too strong for anyone to stop and that the world will be destroyed.

1

Dean makes the ultimate sacrifice.

A quick flashback to earlier episodes reminds us that Dean was destined to be Michael’s vessel in the same way that Sam was destined to be Lucifer’s.  Sometimes it’s hard to keep up to date on all of this information so I was happy for the reminder.  Dean offers himself as Michael’s vessel or “sword” so that he can obtain the strength he needs to take down Lucifer.  This is a dangerous option but he doesn’t really have a choice, as he knows that Lucifer will kill Sam and Jack.  He tells Michael that this is a one-time thing and makes a deal, reminding him that “you’re the engine but I’m behind the wheel.”  Just as Jack is about to sacrifice himself to save Sam, Dean/Michael bursts in, showing off his new wings.  They kill Lucifer, but I have to wonder if he is really dead, as we know that our favorite devil has a habit of returning even though he is unwanted.  Plus with Crowley gone, Lucifer has been providing us with some laugh out loud moments so I’m hoping he is not truly gone for good.  Dean is happy that the plan was a success and reemphasizes the teamwork here.  Unfortunately, Michael double crosses him and goes against their deal.  He takes over Dean’s body and leaves Sam and Jack.  At the end of the finale, we see Dean/Michael with glowing eyes, walking the streets.  While we are unsure of where he is or what his plans are, we know that he will not be letting his new vessel go without a fight.  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Supernatural 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 hit the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!