Tag: family

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Riverdale” season 2 episode 11: “The Dark Education of Betty Cooper.”

Happy Thursday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s Riverdale season 2 episode 11 last night, I’ve realized that there is a very thin line between heroism and villainy.  Whether it stems from the need to dive deeper into what lurks beneath the surface or to protect someone we love, our decisions can get us caught up in a web of deception that may not be so easily unraveled.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Chapter Twenty-Four:  The Wrestler,” Betty and Archie fall further and further away from grace, clinging to the hope that they can discover the truth no matter what the cost is.  Veronica and Jughead become immersed and blinded by their new worlds, sugarcoating the consequences, and Cheryl learns the wretched truth about her ancestors.   Meanwhile, Pickens Day inherits a new tradition, Josie takes a stand against Veronica, and Hal Cooper’s anger gets the best of him. My top 5 moments from Riverdale season 2 episode 11 are:

5

Hal Cooper is pushed to the limit.

Even though Hal helped an injured Chic, he is having second thoughts about letting Betty’s brother stay with them, especially since he is sleeping in Polly’s old room, bringing up some unhealed wounds for Hal.  His concerns are dismissed by Alice and Betty who tell Chic that he can stay there as long as he likes.  Alice’s need to connect with Chic is the most important thing to her right now and she refuses to let her husband ruin it for her.  Hal snoops around the house and discovers that Chic is into “webcamming” and has a unique set of clients, infuriating him beyond reason.  He confronts his family at Pickens Day, which Cheryl’s mother takes note of.  Does Cheryl’s mother view this as a possible new business opportunity?  All signs point to “yes” as she strategically offers to take Hal out for a better dessert, hinting at her intentions.  Will Hal throw away his marriage over Chic’s arrival?  It’s no secret that Alice and Hal have had their problems in the past, but this may be what ultimately pushes him over the edge to no return.

4

Cheryl learns the truth about her ancestors.

In the beginning of the episode, Cheryl gives a history presentation about Pickens Day and talks about the important part the Blossom family played, even suggesting that they rename the day in history to include the name, Blossom.  When the truth comes out that General Pickens was responsible for the massacre of innocent people and stole land, Cheryl is unable to maintain the cool front that her mother does.  She sheds a tear, horrified by this revelation.  Is this enough to turn her to action, however?  At the end of the episode, we learn that someone beheaded the statue of General Pickens and everyone is ready to point fingers at the Serpents, but could this actually be the handy work of Cheryl?

3

Jughead uncovers the real story about General Pickens.

When Jughead is researching his own history presentation, he learns a lot from Toni’s grandfather who is the oldest Serpent still living in Riverdale.  Jughead is horrified that the town is honoring General Pickens rather than trying to make amends.  While it is clear that Jughead is angry by this, does he cross a line?  Toni is clearly upset about his article and explains to Jughead that “it’s not his story to tell.”  It certainly gave Jughead the ammunition he was looking for against the town, but he recognizes that Toni is right and the Serpents take on a different approach on Pickens Day to truly make a point.  The Serpents show up with protest signs and some have tape over their mouths, representing the dead and silent from that massacre.  Toni courageously gets up on stage to talk about the importance of them being honored and remembered, but Mr. Lodge deflects the issue and takes over the microphone with his empty promises.  While this may temporarily prevent the town from erupting into chaos, it’s clear that this is not the only secret being covered up.

2

Betty tries to make it right with Chic.

Betty is thrilled that her brother is staying with her family, but he does not warm up to her instantly as she had hoped.  Chic is unsure of her motives and Betty tries to win his trust.  After Chic is upset that his laptop and web-cam equipment were taken by his landlord/pimp, Betty gives him her old laptop as a peace offering.  Chic lets his guard down and begins providing some answers as the two start a real connection.  Betty admits that she has a darkness brewing inside her and she desperately wants to get to the root cause.  She is hoping that they can both connect to this on some level and she is right.  Chic admits that he did spy on her that first night and that “webcamming” provides him with an escape.  It’s a way to get away from the darkness, sparking Betty’s immediate interest.  Chic is clearly winning Betty’s trust but is she ready for what’s to come next?  Sure Betty can put on a wig and pretend to be someone else, but is she really going to be able to compromise her image of goodness and perfection in the process?   Is Chic actually manipulating Betty into getting exactly what he wants?  Could she become the accomplice to the real Black Hood?  Time will tell.

1

Archie vs. Mr. Lodge.

Archie realizes that he needs to get closer to Mr. Lodge if he is going to truly help Agent Adams with his investigation.  Veronica explains that her father loves wrestling and was even on the team when he attended Riverdale high.  Archie tries out for the team, expecting for it to be a cake-walk since he is somewhat of a jock, but is in for a rude awakening.  During the first try-out, Kevin schools him and Archie realizes that this is going to be harder than he thought.  Mr. Lodge makes some unnecessary comments about how it is OK to just be a musician, clearly testing Archie’s limits and mocking his manliness.  Archie reacts by kissing Veronica in front of her father, which is not the best approach.  In the next try out, Mr. Lodge decides to try out his famous wrestling headlock move on a volunteer, however; he ignores all of the volunteers and picks Archie to prove a point that he will always win.  He later reveals to Archie that wrestling is about “knowing your opponent.”  He tells Archie that he will tolerate him and that “boyfriends come and go while Fathers are forever.”  Archie is up to the challenge and does extremely well in his next try-out, but pushes the limits when he asks Mr. Lodge to be his mentor in terms of getting into business.  After ignoring a call from Agent Adams, is Archie in over his head or is he initiating a plan to truly outsmart his opponent?

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Riverdale below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “The Mick” season 2 episode 13: “The Dump.”

Happy Wednesday!  After watching Fox’s The Mick season 2 episode 13 last night, I learned that school field trips can lead to some dangerous consequences and that everyone has their own interpretation on how to prove one’s self worth.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “The Dump,” Mickey and Alba volunteer as tribute…I mean as chaperones for Ben’s school field trip.  While the dump was not as inspiring as Mickey hoped for, she gets more than she bargained for when she realizes that they picked up an extra child by mistake on the way back.  Meanwhile, Jimmy has big plans for the day and Chip and Sabrina learn that their grandfather, the Colonel, may have some usefulness after all.  My top 5 moments from The Mick season 2 episode 13 are:

5

Jimmy has big plans for the day.

After Jimmy lectures Chip and Sabrina on leaving their grandfather outside and forgetting about him, they suggest that he takes him out for a hair-cut.  Jimmy politely declines explaining that he has big plans for the day.  While missing for most of the episode, Sabrina and Chip call him later on for his help, revealing that he is at an arcade trying to get a high score to be proud of.  While he doesn’t admit to Sabrina and Chip where he is, he still proves to be worthy and helpful in the situation.  One can always count on Jimmy even though he has an interesting perspective on priorities.

4

“His name is Dump now.”

On the way back from the field trip, Mickey reminds everyone that she needs to do a headcount to ensure everyone is accounted for.  She frantically recounts several times but keeps getting “21.”  Although they are not missing anyone, there is one little boy who has come along for the ride who doesn’t belong.  Mickey tries to ask him where he comes from and his address but he says nothing in reply.  When Mickey and Alba take the boy home, Mickey decides his name will be “Dump,” refusing “Ignacio” as Alba suggested.

3

Chip and Sabrina lose the Colonel.

Chip is furious when Sabrina rolls the Colonel up to him, forcing him to lose his place in line to get his new “kicks.”  The store clerk allows Chip to skip the line, however; since he is there with his grandfather.  Chip also gets some free “kicks” or “lifestyle shoes” playing on his grandfather’s war hero story to get attention.  Sabrina and Chip realize that having grandpa around is not so bad after all, deciding to see what else they can get out of this.  The plan backfires, however; when he rolls out of the bar and takes off.  After some failed attempts at tracking him down, Jimmy asks if he is “micro chipped” reminding Sabrina that she can track her phone that she left on the wheelchair.  They finally find the colonel in an alley, stripped of his kicks, and ready to go home.  Perhaps Sabrina and Chip will learn to finally treat him with respect and kindness, but the best we can hope for is that he gets home safe and sound without them being distracted by shiny objects on the way.

2

Mickey and Alba use “the last pay phone on earth” to call the police.

Mickey and Alba argue over what to do next when “Dump” is at their house, unable to provide them with any answers.  They decide to find a pay phone and anonymously call the police to see what they know so they can get the boy back safely.  After Alba’s racist accent on the phone referring to the police as “bacon,” and repeatedly leading with “yo,” they learn that everyone believes the boy to be kidnapped and they have now become the prime suspects.  They also learn that he is deaf, which is why he hasn’t been responding to their threatening questions.  Mickey later tries to call the police and Alba points out that her “Asian” accent is just as racist.

1

Kidnapping lingo.

After several failed ideas to return the boy safely, Alba and Mickey argue over what to do next.  Alba suggests a form of good cop vs. bad cop, but Mickey is not convinced this will have an impact on Ben and his new friend and suggests that they set up a “drop point.”  Alba comically tries it out anyway and begins smashing Ben’s games when they don’t get an answer out of “Dump.”  Mickey grabs the gulf club out of Alba’s hands only to also begin smashing the games to pieces to the horror of Ben and “Dump.”  Ben and “Dump” find their way back to the actual dump and tell Mickey that they are going to live there from now on.  Ben strategically makes a deal with Mickey that she will need to go on field trips with him for the next century which is pretty much the worst possible punishment Mickey can think of while Alba proves her self-worth by taking on a guard dog.  Ultimately, the police find “Dump” with a very honest and apologetic note from Mickey and Alba, letting them know that it was a mistake and they will try to be more sensitive next time about their racist accents.  Looks like Mickey and Alba will be participating in their fair share of school field trips from now until the next century.  Good luck ladies!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and comments on The Mick below. Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Shameless” season 8 episode 11: Fiona Rescues Rusty!

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Showtime’s Shameless season 8 episode 11 last night, it is refreshing to see the Gallagher family put the needs of others above their own.  While Fiona and Lip try out the whole rescuing a damsel in distress routine…or in Fiona’s case, a dog in distress; Ian turns a non-violent act into something extreme and Frank does what no one else can.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “A Gallagher Pedicure,” Debbie must make the important decision on whether or not to keep her toes, Fiona continues to fight against Rodney’s attempt to sue her, and Lip plays the role of the white knight to a tee.  Meanwhile, Frank learns his life’s hard work of 6 weeks amount to $3.42 a month in Social Security benefits, Liam wants to go “yachting,” and Svetlana learns the value of humbling herself.  My top 5 moments from Shameless season 8 episode 11 are:

5

Debbie Googles “do you need your toes?”

An important question for sure, but our poor Debbie’s welding accident has left her in quite the jam.  The doctor informs her that the surgery to repair her three damaged toes costs $50,000 which is somewhat out of her current budget.  The other option is to lose all three toes which would cost in the lower thousands, but Debbie decides to do it herself the old fashioned way.  After Liam passes out at the sight of her toes, Debbie tries to do the horrible deed herself but also faints.  Luckily for Debbie, Frank walks in and without a moment’s hesitation, cuts them off, commenting on how the burnt flesh “smells like steak.”  Glad it sparked his appetite, but it looks like the “Sexy Welding Girl” will need to switch to some boot apparel.

4

Svetlana tries to humble herself.

Kev and V are still invested in finding Svetlana a millionaire of her own.  Svetlana even writes down all of her skills on a napkin to prove her worth, after taking her friends out to a fancy hotel bar to find a man.  Kev is excited when he gets approached, but learns it is not for Svetlana, but for the “chocolate one.”  After explaining that V is his wife, the man offers to pay him $4000 for an hour with V, which even V is considering at this point.  After all they do have bills to pay.  Security explains that they have a strict “no prostitute policy,” and Svetlana comes to the epiphany that she needs to humble herself and go talk to the Russian “bottom feeder.”  After her rival spits on an expensive gown in front of her and tells her that she would rather throw it out than give it to her, Svetlana realizes that she is getting nowhere.  However, when the billionaire mistakes Svetlana for his bride to be in his old age, she realizes that all may not be lost after all.  At the end of the episode, Svetlana drags a body bag into the bar and tells Kev and V that she is not dead yet with a glowing smile of victory.  One should never underestimate Svetlana and I am rooting for her to finally obtain the “American Dream.”

3

Lip plays the white knight.

Lip absolutely needs a break from all of the hardship and drama in his life, but he invites it right back in when he allows Sierra and her son, Lucas to stay with him.  Sierra confides in Lip that her father is out of prison and tells him about all of the horrible things he did to their family, including dumping their mother’s lifeless body into a dumpster after beating her to death.  Sierra is beyond terrified and will not go back to her apartment until she knows that she is safe.  While it seems like Lip is replacing one addiction with another, he does come up with the brilliant plan to approach Sierra’s father, Norman, provoking him enough to launch an attack against Lip.  With the help of Eddie’s adorable niece catching the act on camera, Lip reports the attack and Sierra’s father is back in prison where he belongs.  Sierra is beyond grateful and rushes back into Lip’s loving arms, but will the drama stop here?  I’m hoping so, but Lip has not been able to escape it just yet.

2

Cassidy goes on a trip down memory lane with Carl.

After Carl’s rash decision to get married to his crazy girlfriend, Cassidy; she insists on knowing everything about him which includes visiting some dangerous places around the city.  When they come across a dead body, Cassidy explains that “she needs to see the face of death” so she can “story the shit out of it” on Snapchat.  She takes some interesting selfies in front of the dead body, including one of Cassidy comically pretending to choke herself out in front of death to give her followers the real experience.  After visiting the former corner that Carl sold crack at, they get shot at to the excitement of Cassidy.  Ultimately, Carl sacrifices going back to military school when Cassidy freaks out again at the thought of him leaving.  While it seems like he is throwing away his chance at stability and purpose, perhaps he will change his mind if Cassidy continues to go further past the deep end of insanity.

1

Fiona rescues Rusty.

After learning that Rodney and his family are suing Fiona for 6 million dollars, she weighs her options and learns that she is basically screwed.  Not only did she hire an unlicensed contractor with no insurance, she also only has liability coverage up to half a million dollars.  Fiona would have to give up the apartment building and her house and still be in debt for the rest of her life if Rodney goes through with the law suit.  Fiona tries desperately to get the family out of her apartment and is shocked when she finds out they even changed the lock.  Fiona tries to make a deal with Ronald’s wife and even offers for them to stay in the apartment rent free for a year, but is not getting anywhere.  Fiona’s main concern is for her dog, Rusty, however.  She demands that “there better be water in her dog’s bowl” and launches a plan with Irish Ford to save him.  After sealing the door shut and turning off the water, Fiona drills her way into the apartment and gets her dog, Rusty to safety.  Ronald’s daughter screams out for “Sparkles,” horrifying Fiona even further that they had the audacity to rename her dog.  Now that Rusty has reached safety, what’s next for Fiona?  Will she be able to convince them to drop the suit by going Gallagher on them?  Stay tuned to find out.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and comments on Shameless 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 10 backdoor pilot: “Wayward Sisters”

Happy Friday TV fans! The weekend is almost here, but I find myself needing to discuss the backdoor pilot of “Wayward Sisters” via Supernatural before diving into any other shows.  After watching the CW’s Supernatural season 13 episode 10 last night, I am pleasantly surprised by how seamlessly “Wayward Sisters” introduced itself to the world of Supernatural fans.  These are some “amazing women” and they have somehow managed to create a real connection and believable family in just under an hour.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, we are introduced to the “Wayward Sisters” and learn how they have all come together to fight the good fight to save the world…or at least Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Meanwhile, Sam and Dean take a time out in the “Bad Place,” leaving the demon fighting to the very capable Claire Novak, Sheriff Jody Mills, and the hilarious, Sheriff Donna, to put their sisterhood to the test and save the day.  My top 5 moments from Supernatural season 13 episode 10 are:

5

“D-Train” means business.

After the first twenty minutes or so of the backdoor pilot, I was getting a little antsy, waiting for that light and fluffy humor that Supernatural does so well to emerge.  Well I got what I asked for when Jody calls in back-up and Sheriff Donna shows up with the license plate “D-Train.”  While the girls are not really sure what to make of her, Donna does what she does best.  She jumps right in as if she was part of the family the entire time and brings the basics:  weapons galore and a wonderful sense of humor.  When the monsters from the “bad place” are surrounding them, Donna takes them out one by one as if she is Super Sheriff with a gun.  She quickly teaches Patience how to defend herself and adds a voice of reason when Jody is contemplating jumping through the open portal to protect her family.  Something tells me that Donna will continue to bring on the laughs and is the perfect addition to the “Wayward Sister” family.

4

“I think it just rang the dinner bell.”

While Sam and Dean take a break in the “Bad Place,” they refuse to sit by quietly on the sidelines.  After Dean enjoys some cooked lizard, they realize that they are about to become meals themselves for a very loud monster in the distance.  When they are attacked by the cloaked shadowy figure, a bell sounds and Sam and Dean brace themselves for the worst.  Even though the Winchesters play more of a supporting role here, the episode would not be complete without their commentary on being stranded.  While they seem more bored than worried for their lives, they still recognize the fact that they can’t find the door back to their world.  Maybe they had a plan…or maybe they knew they had left some great friends behind who would save the day.  Either way, we are happy to have Sam and Dean back in one piece.

3

Claire comes through…with a flame thrower.

“Wayward Sisters” seems to be focusing on Claire Novak as the main protagonist.  She is clearly bad-ass or “Biker Barbie,” but Claire needs to learn to think ahead.  Her plan of attack typically involves her busting through a door to get the bad-guys without really thinking about the consequences.  When Patience reveals her vision that Claire is going to die, she initially dismisses it.  Jody is constantly trying to intervene and prove how much she cares about her and Alex, but Claire thinks she is just keeping her from following through on her destiny.  Even though she needs to work on having a plan, she does certainly help out Jody and Donna when they are trapped in a car, surrounded by the monsters from the “bad place.”  She makes quite the fiery entrance with a flame thrower, proving that she is very capable of fighting her own battles.

2

Claire and Kaia go through the door to save Sam and Dean.

Jody comes to the realization that she can’t always be there to protect Claire and the other girls.  She learns to let go and allow Claire to prove that she can be the hero she so desperately wants to become.  In the beginning of the episode, Claire and Kaia instantly have a bond, comparing scars and revealing secrets about how abandoned and alone they feel sometimes.  Claire promises to protect Kaia who takes the jump with her, going through the open door to the “Bad Place.”  They quickly rescue Sam and Dean, but Patience’s vision takes a detour when Kaia jumps in front of Claire to protect her.  Kaia has made the ultimate sacrifice and Sam and Dean have to pry Claire away from her lifeless body to make it back safely.  Claire confides to Jody that she understands why she is the way she is now.  This teaches her a valuable lesson and gives her the motive to keep fighting the good fight…to protect the innocent and to avenge Kaia’s death.

1

“I saved Sam and Dean…WE saved Sam and Dean.”

Claire finally understands the importance of a team…or really more of a family.  She recognizes these “amazing women” surrounding her at the dinner table and truly sees the importance of sticking by the ones you love.  Claire says that her “family is her army,” and she is absolutely right.  Sam and Dean came together after they lost their father and recognize that their bond as brothers is the most important thing in the world.  They will always try to do good, supporting each other along the way.  Claire now also sees that this is the key to her destiny and that she is not alone in the fight.  She will stop the cloaked shadowy figure that ended Kaia’s life no matter what it takes.  The end of the episode gives us a surprise twist, however; revealing that the shadowy figure is Kaia, but what does this mean?  Does Kaia have a doppelganger?  Is this the real Kaia?  While we are not exactly sure just yet, it definitely leaves Supernatural fans wanting to see more of the “Wayward Sisters.”  Overall, the backdoor pilot did a good job of introducing fans to a familiar premise, a great music soundtrack, and some truly remarkable women that we can learn to root for just like the Winchester Brothers.  While we may not find out until May 2018 if we can expect a fall premiere of the spin-off series, I am hoping that we are able to give these ladies a chance to shine.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Supernatural  and “Wayward Sisters” below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Riverdale” season 2 episode 10 mid-season premiere: Dangerous Liaisons

Happy Thursday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s Riverdale season 2 episode 10 last night, I am so beyond thrilled that one of my favorite shows on television is back with new episodes.  The episode did a great job of tying up some of the loose ends and unanswered questions from the mid-season finale.  Worlds collided and new characters and agendas were introduced, proving that the drama is nowhere near over for Riverdale.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Chapter Twenty-Three:  The Blackboard Jungle,” Veronica happily embraces her new productive role within the Lodge family business.  Archie is approached by an FBI agent and Cheryl learns that her mother is happy being a “woman of the night.”  Meanwhile, South Side High is officially closed; bringing everyone together for a happy reunion at Riverdale High, but Jughead is not ready to conform just yet.  Betty decides to track down her last chance at family after a disappointing visit from Polly, which could be the most dangerous decision of all.  My top 5 moments from Riverdale season 2 episode 10 are:

5

South Side & Riverdale High Schools collide.

In the beginning of the episode, it is revealed that the mayor is shutting down South Side High School because of dangerous fumes from a meth lab in the basement along with other issues involving drug trafficking.  Where will Jughead and the Serpents go to school?  You guessed it…Riverdale High School.  While some students don’t seem to care very much about the change, others take a stand on both sides, refusing to share their space with their enemies.  While this decision to bring all the students together created its own sense of drama and chaos, the real question still remains as to what the Lodge family has to gain from this?  Mr. and Mrs. Lodge clearly desire the land underneath South Side High School but why?  Are they making a play to take over the entire town?  Who will get stepped on in the process?

4

Cheryl crashes the Welcoming Committee.

Veronica eagerly steps up to lead the Welcoming Committee, hoping to make a good impression on her parents and the entire student body.  She even convinces Archie to help with it as well to keep the peace.  Everything seems to be going well until Cheryl and some other angry students storm in, refusing to welcome the South Side students with open arms.  Veronica comically refers to Cheryl as “Facist Barbie,” but Cheryl is unaffected by this, labeling the South Side students as “ragamuffins.”  She tells Archie that he is on the wrong side and even attempts to black-mail him, revealing that she witnessed the secret kiss he shared with Betty.  Cheryl proves once again to be the classic mean girl we adore, refusing to sit by on the sidelines.

3

“A Serpent never sheds his skin.”

You would think that Jughead would be excited to return to Riverdale High School.  Even though he and Betty broke up, all of his friends are there and it’s not like he has been gone that long.  When the Serpents cross paths with Cheryl and the jocks, Jughead is beyond frustrated.  After a student paints graffiti on the school emblem, the principal makes the quick and rash decision to ban the Serpent jackets from school.  Toni and some of the others are fine with the decision, happy to have new computer labs and a legitimate chance at a good education, but Jughead becomes more and more angry, refusing to comply.  After he refuses to take off his jacket, he gets in a fight and is suspended.  Jughead eventually comes around and decides to form a club so that they can still get together on campus, without revealing that they are a gang.  He explains that it will be their “safe haven” and that they will be “lying low in the tall grass.”  What exactly is Jughead planning?  Has he gotten in too deep with the Serpents?

2

Betty finds her brother.

Betty is surprised to find Polly in her bedroom, picking up a few things and nonchalantly sharing the news that she had the twins already.  When Polly goes back to the farm without even staying to say hello to their parents, Betty is feeling hurt and abandoned by her sister, causing her to put her Nancy Drew skills to the test once more.  Betty is not good at sitting still, always diving into a new mystery to solve, refusing to take a minute to actually deal with her feelings.  She tracks down the address of her brother, Charles Smith and lets her parents know that she wants to go and meet him.  While Betty’s father wants no part of this, Mrs. Cooper visits Betty later that night and confides to her that she does want to meet her son.  When they walk through the seedy motel to find him, Mrs. Cooper latches onto Betty’s arm, as if the infestation and filth will seep through their bubble of perfection.  After meeting Charles or “Chic” as he likes to be called, Betty and Mrs. Cooper are horrified by his lifestyle and surroundings, feeling somewhat responsible for his current conditions.  After Betty returns to check in on Chic, she finds him being attacked and stabbed.  Betty saves the day with Pepper Spray, proving once again that she is not one to mess with.  After taking Chic home, the Cooper family helps stitch him up and gives him a place to stay, but did they just “let another monster in?”  Clearly there is something not right with Chic, especially after we see him standing over Betty’s bed in a beyond creepy way.  Archie is not so sure they got the right bad guy…so is it possible that Chic is the real Black Hood?  I’m thinking yes, but we will have to wait and see what this new character has in store for Riverdale.

1

Archie begins spying for the FBI.

At the end of the mid-season finale, Archie was clearly being watched, as someone took secret photos of him.  We now learn that this was Agent Adams who works for the FBI and is seeking Archie’s help to be the inside man spying on the Lodge family.  While Archie is hesitant about this at first, he soon realizes the importance of protecting his father and his girlfriend, Veronica.  His first mission is to find out what really happened to Nick St. Clair, as the FBI has reason to believe that Mr. Lodge is responsible for his “accident” and is heavily involved in “organized crime.”  After Archie learns that Nick also tried to attack Veronica, he is beyond angry.  Archie proves to be the white knight coming to the rescue of both Veronica and Cheryl, paying Nick a surprise visit to get the check that Cheryl deserved.  Archie lets his emotions get in the way, however; punching and attacking the already injured Nick several times before leaving.  Archie is warned about this and realizes that he cannot let his emotions get in the way again if he is going to be successful with his mission.  He now feels ready to do what needs to be done:  to take down the Lodge family and assist the FBI.  Archie even comes clean with Veronica and tells her about the kiss he shared with Betty, truly wanting a fresh and honest start with his girlfriend and reminding himself that he will do anything to protect her…even if means bringing down her own family in the process.  Is Archie in over his head?  Most likely, but I’m rooting for him just the same.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Riverdale below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “The Mick” season 2 episode 12: “The City.”

Happy Wednesday!  After watching Fox’s The Mick season 2 episode 12 last night, I’m left with the familiar quote that “it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.”  Although for Mickey, her idea of winning at a “break up” seems beyond competitive.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “The City,” Mickey, Alba, and the kids take a trip to Manhattan so that Chip can meet his real dad.  Meanwhile, Mickey gets an unexpected request to identify the body of an old friend, and Ben and Alba are on a mission to track down Hamilton tickets.  My top 5 moments from The Mick season 2 episode 12 are:

5

Mickey attempts to flee from the police.

In the beginning of the episode, Mickey answers the door and sees the cops standing before her.  Without a moment’s hesitation, Mickey makes a run for it, refusing to stick around to find out what she may or may not be in trouble for.  Unfortunately for Mickey, the stairs come out of nowhere and get in her way, causing her to comically trip and fall.

4

Mickey is asked to identify Jimmy’s body.

To Mickey’s surprise, the police request that Mickey come down to the morgue to identify Jimmy.  While I knew the writers explained that the break-up was very real, I was shocked that these two might be separated forever.  After seeing Jimmy’s wallet, Mickey takes a deep breath and is ready for them to unveil Jimmy’s body.  Luckily it is not Jimmy, even though Alba is convinced they are one in the same.  Mickey insists that they check his “ass” explaining that Jimmy has a burnt ass and that will absolutely shed some light on the confusion over the identity of the body.  Once it is determined that it is definitely not Jimmy, Ben requests that they take the man’s ashes so he can spread them out in the city, only he ends up consuming them, mistaking them for candy at the Hamilton show.

3

Chip tracks down his real father…at a strip club.

After his failed attempt with Mr. Buckley, Chip is hesitant about meeting his dad.  After some initial confusion and shock over the revelation, Chip’s dad seems actually happy about meeting his son.  While he is initially upset that his bouncers let in both Chip and Sabrina since they are underage, he then insists on taking Chip for a tour around the establishment, which ends with him seeing his office/bedroom.  Chip’s father confides in his son that he does have dreams and tells him that he wants to open up his own Strip Club in Florida one day.  While not the sharpest tool in the shed, it seems like Chip’s dad actually shares something with his son….including an inhaler for when he can’t breathe after screaming at a stripper to get out of his office.  While the reunion doesn’t lead to anything permanent, considering how his dad gets arrested at the end of the episode, perhaps Chip has now found the answers he was looking for.

2

Jimmy is back and has stolen Ben’s identity.

After Mickey is quite relieved that the body wasn’t Jimmy, they decide to visit the Pemberton penthouse and are confused when they find Jimmy dressed in a suit and eating shrimp galore.  To Mickey’s shock, Jimmy reveals that he has stolen the identity of young Ben so that he can get a job and impress his new bosses in the finance world.  While this seems too good to be true, Mickey has her suspicions about what is really going on.  After she witnesses Jimmy in action, she explains that it seems like he is more of a secretary, rather than a sales man and tries to push him down the fast track to promotion.  This plan back-fires, however; when she is convinced that they are pulling off a “boiler room” type of situation, scamming their clients out of money.  This leads to her calling the IRS and a bowl of Manhattan clam chowder pouring all over Jimmy, now burning his nuts to match with his already burnt ass.  While Mickey had good intentions, she shatters Jimmy’s new life and dreams.

1

“You won the break-up.”

Since Mickey bumped into Jimmy again, she has been obsessed with “winning the break-up.”  It seems like Jimmy has the perfect life without her and she is not about to lose at anything.  After the incident with the clam chowder, Mickey finally lets her walls down and tells Jimmy that he “won the break-up.”  She admits she made mistakes and is the reason why everything is not going well in his life.  Jimmy refuses to let her walk away and explains that he is the one who lost because he lost her.  Mickey asks Jimmy to come home and he agrees.  However, when he leans in for an epic and romantic kiss, Mickey turns this down because he smells like clams.  Either way, I was very excited to see them get back together, as there has been a void since Jimmy has left.  Welcome back Jimmy!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and comments on The Mick below. Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Shameless” season 8 episode 10: Fiona buys a chair

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Showtime’s Shameless season 8 episode 10 last night, I am left contemplating the Golden Rule, which says that you should “treat others the way you want to be treated.”  In other words, you need to be nice to others and do the right thing if you want the same in return.  However, what happens when you live by the Golden Rule and even go out of your way to do the right thing…only to get stomped on in return and sued for six million dollars?  Poor Fiona.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Church of Gay Jesus,” Fiona is enjoying living on her own and attempts to pay it forward to a family in need.  Kev and V decide to coach Svetlana on how to find a rich husband, Debbie takes a night-time welding job which sounds “sketchy,” and Lip tries to deal with his grief.  Meanwhile, Ian embraces his new calling with open arms while Frank and Liam attempt to turn it into a new business scheme.  My top 5 moments from Shameless season 8 episode 10 are:

5

Lip attempts to deal with his grief.

When Lip decides to go check in on Professor Youens in jail, he is in for a horrible shock when he learns that he died that past week.  All of Lip’s emotions that had been bottled up for so long come rushing to the surface as he desperately tries to deal with his grief.  When Lip goes to Professor Youens’s home, he runs into his daughter there who tells him she’s got it handled.  Part of Lip’s diversion from drinking has involved his constant distractions to help those around him.  He returns home and tries to come up with the words to a truly representative eulogy and even crosses out the word “professor” and replaces it with “friend.”  As Lip listens to tons of students get up and tell similar stories about how Professor Youens was like a father to them or believed in them when no one else would, Lip crumples up the eulogy and walks out.  He releases all of his anger and takes it out on the motorcycle he has been working so hard on, unable to control the swirl of emotions rushing around inside him.  Later in the episode, Professor Youens’s daughter gives him an unfinished recommendation letter she found about Lip, revealing that he was “amazed by his mind.”  She offers to give the letter to Lip, thinking it may provide him with some sense of comfort, but Lip is still too angry to take it.  It seems like nothing is going right for Lip these days, but he still holds on to his sobriety in the face of everything he has had to deal with, becoming someone truly worthy of that recommendation letter.

4

“Hot Gay Jesus.”

Ian’s growing popularity has the Gallagher family stunned, as more and more followers come to the house just to hear Ian speak.  Fiona refers to it as a cult, but Cassidy reveals that he is more like a “Hot Gay Jesus,” sparking a business scheme in Frank’s unemployed head.  Frank and Liam begin selling tee-shirts to make a profit off of the “prophet” otherwise known as Ian.  Ian is unsure what to make of so many people coming out to hear him speak.  At the end of the episode, Fiona accompanies him to the church where seas of people are anxiously waiting for him.  Ian embraces his destiny and speaks out, realizing that he is making a difference.

3

Cassidy and Carl get married.

After Carl’s promise ring was misinterpreted as an engagement ring, his girlfriend, Cassidy, enthusiastically accepts.  She provides the Gallagher family with engagement presents and explains that she will be “the best effin wife,” cooking Carl dinner every night with an interesting dessert menu.  While it seems harmless at first, Cassidy then shows off her present for Carl, which is a vile of her own blood for him to carry around.  Channeling her inner Angelina Jolie, Cassidy insists that they carry each other’s blood around to be closer to one another.  When their wedding is delayed by a day, Carl begins to have second thoughts and his family members warn him that Cassidy is kind of “psycho.”  He reveals his doubts to her, hoping that their love can be enough for now.  However, Cassidy takes this to the extreme, refusing to not get what she wants.  Carl walks in to his love, Cassidy, hanging on a noose and rushes to her side.  While she explains it was more of a test for Carl, she reveals that all she wants is to get married.  Carl agrees and the two tie a very different kind of knot…fake ids and all.  Will Carl be able to have the first successful marriage of the Gallagher family?  Time will tell.

2

Kev and V try to coach Svetlana on how to secure a rich husband.

After setting up an online profile for Svetlana, Kev and V are horrified by her actions on her first date, which involve an outfit mostly covered in fish-net and ending in a punch in the face.  Kev and V try to “coach” Svetlana on “etiquette” and how to behave on a date, suggesting smiling as an easy first step.  “What is the point of smiling?” Svetlana asks, not falling for the bait.  Kev and V realize that their best hope of finding Svetlana a rich husband is to have her wear a microphone and earpiece so Kev can talk her through what to say.  Svetlana seems reluctant at first, but Kev reminds her that “this is spy shit.  It’s in your DNA!”  After the code words fail and Kev realizes he forgot to test the microphone, he is still confident that his words of wisdom will help Svetlana.  However, Svetlana takes off her ear piece and goes back to what she knows best…grabbing the man’s “goods” and seeing where this will take them.

1

Fiona buys a chair…and then gets sued.

Fiona is finally living on her own and even purchases a chair, revealing to Irish Ford that this is the first time she bought something she didn’t actually need.  When she notices the injured roofer and his wife and kids living out of a car, she wants to help them.  She secures a spot for them in a family shelter, but there is a two-day waiting period.  Fiona generously agrees to let the family stay in her apartment, while they wait, showing a lot of compassion and goodness.  Irish Ford and her grow closer and take their relationship to the next level, as he reveals that he has asked around about her and knows that she is a good person.  When Fiona returns to her apartment, she finds more family members squandering there and a stain on her brand new chair.  Fiona is starting to have second thoughts about her decision but takes a deep breath and reminds herself that they will be in the shelter soon.  At the end of the episode, Fiona is served and she discovers that the injured roofer is now suing her for six million dollars.  Fiona is beyond angry and realizes that doing the right thing doesn’t always guarantee that those you are helping will have the same good intentions.  It’s clear this man messed with the wrong Gallagher, but we will have to wait and see what Fiona does next.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and comments on Shameless below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Ranking the top 5 TV witches: “The power of 3 will set us free!”

Happy Friday TV viewers!  When you think of witches, what comes to mind?  Society has embraced the idea of the witch as an old hag with a wart, hooked nose, and pointy hat flying off on her broomstick, cackling across the night sky.  But to be honest, witches have so much more depth and character than this common stereotype.  Sure it may be fun to embrace the costume for Halloween, but what’s so great about witches is that they are a source of female empowerment.

They may possess magical abilities and can whip up a spell in the blink of an eye…or the wiggle of a nose, but what makes these women so intriguing is their humanity.  Some of my favorite witches on television desperately attempt to balance a “normal human life” with their calling and magical duties.  They want something more out of life and sometimes feel stifled by their magical responsibilities, feeling that it gets in the way of having true and meaningful relationships.

While they sometimes reveal their secrets to mortals, it is clear that being a witch is very complicated and not all it’s cracked up to be.  However, they sure do have some very cool magical powers that could come in handy now and again.  Please note some spoilers are ahead. 

My top 5 TV witches are:

5

Bonnie Bennett from The Vampire Diaries.

Bonnie 1 12

When you combine being a witch with being a teenage girl, things get beyond complicated.  Bonnie and her best friend, Elena, live in Mystic Falls where it seems like supernatural beings are creeping up behind every corner.  While the show focuses primarily on vampires, Bonnie’s witchcraft is a key component and an influential force.  When Bonnie discovers her powers as a witch and realizes that she comes from a very powerful line of witches in history, she has to confide her secret to her best friend.

One of my favorite scenes occurs when Bonnie and Elena are sitting on the bed and Bonnie closes her eyes and makes the pillow feathers float all around them.  Her powers are beautiful and mysterious, but as the series goes on, she becomes more and more powerful.  While she sometimes drains on magic and needs strength from those around her, Bonnie is the essence of good magic and is a great asset to Elena and the Salvatore vampires.

4

Zelena aka The Wicked Witch of the West from Once Upon a Time.

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There is clearly a lot of unlocked magic in the quiet town of Storybrooke, ranging from evil queens to saviors.  However, when something wicked comes their way, Zelena proves to be the witch you don’t want to mess with.  She embraces the green skin and looks absolutely fabulous.  We later learn that Zelena is Regina’s half-sister, which explains their connection and Zelena’s constant quest for revenge against her.  While Zelena does transform into a powerful ally later on, her snappy one-liners and her refusal to let others get in her way make her stand out in a crowd of fairy-tale villains and heroes, absolutely stealing the show.

Fans everywhere root for Zelena and desperately want her to get her own version of a happy ending.  In the most recent season, Regina goes off to find Zelena in San Francisco, when a new memory curse has been cast on our favorite characters.  In Zelena’s new life, she is actually a cycling instructor and even tells her class to “fly like monkeys,” keeping her humor and character alive.

3

Willow Rosenberg from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

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While the show focuses primarily on Buffy and her strength and powers as a vampire slayer, Willow gives up on a being a quiet nerd in the background and tries out witchcraft to help her best friend fight evil.  In the beginning, her powers seem harmless and involve floating pencils, which does come in handy when she actually uses it to stake a vampire.  As the series goes on, Willow becomes more and more powerful and has an unquenchable need to consume magic.

This dangerous consequence leads to her tapping into dark magic.  Willow even gives up using her witchcraft, recognizing that the addiction is hurting those around her.  When her love, Tara dies in her arms, there is no stopping her, however.  The dark magic pours into her, making her one of the most powerful and dangerous villains Buffy and the Scoobies have ever faced.  Luckily, Xander is able to bring her back to goodness, refusing to lose his best friend to evil.

2

Samantha Stephens from Bewitched.

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This list would not be complete without including one of the most famous television witches who paved the way for the rest to come.  I grew up watching re-runs of the show in black and white and was mesmerized by Samantha’s powers.  With the wiggle of her nose, she used her magic to even the score, proving to be very powerful.  Samantha had trouble balancing her life as a loving housewife with being a powerful witch, introducing the very concept of a witch looking for something more meaningful in life beyond magic.  While she loved her husband dearly, she didn’t want to just be labeled as a housewife, still holding on to her identity as a witch.  Samantha was absolutely a source of female empowerment, refusing to merely comply in a man’s world.

Some honorable mentions before revealing my number one pick for TV witches are:

  • Sabrina Spellman from “Sabrina the Teenage Witch”
  • Davina Claire from “The Originals”
  • Melisandre from “Game of Thrones”
  • Endora from “Bewitched”
  • Rowena from “Supernatural”
  • The Coven from “American Horror Story”
  • The Beauchamp family from “Witches of East End”

1

The Halliwell sisters from Charmed.

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So my number one pick has to go to the Halliwell sisters.  Prue, Piper, Phoebe, and Paige all possess amazing magical abilities and have a sisterly bond that cannot be broken by any evil that comes their way.  Charmed is one of my favorite series of all time and each sister possesses their own strength, but as the “power of 3,” they are unstoppable.  My favorite power belonged to Piper who could literally freeze time by putting her hands up.  What makes the Halliwell sisters so great is that they didn’t always know they had powers.  When their grandmother dies and they move back into their child-hood home, they release the power behind the “Book of Shadows,” reconstituting the power of 3.  At

this point in their lives, they are already dealing with finding love, finding a career, and dealing with the daily pros and cons of being a sister.  They are known as the most powerful witches of all time and many demons and evil beings try to defeat them.  When Prue is tragically killed off at the end of season 3, Paige Matthews steps in as their long-lost half-sister and has just as much power as the rest of them.  The sisterly bond continues and they deal with some really tough decisions.  On more than one occasion, the sisters have the opportunity to relinquish their powers and lead normal lives, but the Halliwell sisters embrace their destiny and understand that protecting the innocent isn’t just a job…it’s who they are.

I hope you enjoyed the list and please feel free to post your thoughts and comments below on some of your favorite TV witches.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “The Mick” season 2 episode 11: “The Trip.”

Happy Wednesday!  After watching Fox’s The Mick season 2 episode 11 last night, I am a little hesitant to ever borrow someone’s denim jacket again without truly understanding the consequences behind what lies in the pockets.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “The Trip,” Sabrina is feeling anxious and unsure about going to her Yale college interview and decides to take a “trip” to get there.  This plan backfires, however; when she finds herself trapped in a closet and calls Mickey to help get her out of there.  Meanwhile, Alba’s cousin visits her and she attempts to prove that she is still a maid living the American Dream and working hard in a “beautiful prison,” which causes her to enlist the unlikely help of Chip in the process.  My top 5 moments from The Mick season 2 episode 11 are:

5

Mickey explains the importance of going to college.

In the beginning of the episode, Sabrina explains that she is thinking about ditching her Yale interview, claiming that she is a legacy and the interview is really just a formality.  Mickey stresses the importance of going to the interview, as if she is invested in Sabrina’s future.  She then reveals her true agenda, however; admitting that shipping Sabrina off to college is the first step in her elaborate plan to get the house all to herself.  She allows Sabrina to borrow her denim jacket, hoping she will make the right decision, not realizing the consequences of this seemingly harmless gesture.

4

Alba pretends to be a maid again.

Ever since Mickey has moved in, Alba has pushed her duties as a maid aside, enjoying a life of leisure and relaxation.  This is all about to change, however; when she gets a call that her cousin from Guatemala is planning on visiting her.  Alba dusts off her maid’s uniform and attempts to prove to her cousin that she works very hard and that the American dream is not all it seems to be, desperately hoping that he won’t stay long enough to realize that this is all a lie.  Alba explains that coming to America and not working is shameful and she doesn’t want her family to disown her as a result of her new lifestyle.

3

Sabrina takes the acid she finds in Mickey’s denim jacket.

Sabrina goes on an unexpected “trip” after she takes the acid she finds in Mickey’s old denim jacket.  As a first-time user, she is having a hard time deciphering reality and locks herself in a closet in fear.  She calls Mickey in a panic, as her anxiety and self-doubt have now come screaming to the surface.  When Mickey tries to convince her to leave the closet and go out the door, Sabrina is horrified by this and says she would be going “through another door and another door without purpose,” unable to snap back into reality.  Luckily for Sabrina, Mickey is not about to abandon her in this state.

2

Alba enlists the help of Chip…and then turns the tables on him.

After Alba realizes that her cousin may see through the lie and learn that she is not a maid anymore, she comes up with a plan to have Chip give him a temporary job there and treat him poorly so he will not want to stay.  Alba forgets that her cousin’s work ethic is tremendous, however; accepting each new chore with eagerness.  Chip even begins pouring his cereal and milk all over the counter, counting down until Alba can find a bowl in time and her cousin jumps in to make the best of the situation to the surprise of Chip.  After Chip continues to go on and on about his gym story where he had to sit out because he bullied other kids, Alba sees the flaw in his story and turns the tables on him.  She calls the school, goes through his room, and finds out about the “incident in the boy’s locker room,” threatening to expose Chip’s secret that he puts a “wig on his penis.”  Chip backs down and fires Alba’s cousin in defeat, realizing that Alba is the one with all of the power after all.

1

Mickey takes acid with Sabrina to help break her out of the closet.

Once Mickey realizes that getting Sabrina out of the closet is harder than she initially anticipated, she decides that the best solution is to take acid with her so that they are both in the same state of mind.  They share an interesting escape through the empty school hallway, which erupts into chaos and confusion when the bell rings for next period, separating Mickey and Sabrina.  Mickey begins hearing voices and learns about the power of the school’s announcement system, coming up with a plan to leave a message for Sabrina so that they can meet up and find each other once again.  Just when they are about to escape, Sabrina decides to go to her Yale interview after all.  She finally comes to terms with the scary realization that she doesn’t know who she is yet but it’s the journey that is most important, now eager to take on her next adventure.  While she seems to impress the admissions representative from Yale, she does confuse him with her constant need to touch his sweater after each response.  Either way, Mickey has done her job as the “shepherd of self-revelation” and supports Sabrina through her uncertainty about the next chapter of her life.  While Mickey’s methods are unconventional, her heart is in the right place and she ultimately helps Sabrina.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and comments on The Mick below. Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Shameless” season 8 episode 9: “Yes Team Fiona!”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Showtime’s Shameless season 8 episode 9 last night, I am left with the saying that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” and that past mistakes should not be repeated.  The Gallagher family quickly forgets this advice, however; when they come to the realization that they are not so great at keeping relationships and are determined to make a change.   Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “The Fugees,” Fiona goes out with literally a bowling team of Irish Ford’s exes, Ian uses his YouTube fame to make a difference in the church and save a life, and Debbie enlists the help of a dog named, Toto.  Not the Toto you are thinking of.  Although I suppose she does find her own version of the yellow brick road paved with drugs to help her pay her welding tuition bill.  Meanwhile, Lip is unable to put his past feelings aside for Sierra and gets stuck in the middle of a disaster of a love triangle, while Svetlana has a blast from her past as well.  My top 5 moments from Shameless season 8 episode 9 are:

5

Frank makes it back to the USA.

It seems like everything is going well with Frank’s new business venture to illegally transport people across the Canadian border until he gets cornered by the “Royal Canadian Mountain Police.”  While he is riding in the police car, he even jokes that they actually do wear those hats and that he “thought that was only in cartoons,” to the disapproval of the police.  Luckily, Frank is able to escape his dilemma and goes on an adventure of his own to make it back safe and sound to the states.  He knows he has arrived home safely when he spots a Costco, thrilled to embrace discount detergent with open arms.

4

Kev comes to the realization that “dominance is in his DNA” while Svetlana gets an unexpected visitor.

Kev or “Sir Kev,” or wait just “Sir,” as he wants to be called is still holding on to his new-found power of dominance, refusing to back down from it now.  He explains to V that it was previously in “hibernation like a baby bear,” but now there is “no more Mr. Nice Guy.”  V decides that his dominance could best be used to convince Svetlana to wear a new dress code, which he enforces to her enjoyment.  “Dominance…boom.”  Even though Svetlana is covering up her “tatas,” she still rocks some seriously fashionable glasses.  Svetlana gets an unexpected visit from a woman she had helped smuggle into the country, which she previously referred to as a “bottom feeder,” only to get a slap of reality, realizing that the “bottom feeder” now has the American Dream she so desperately wanted.  Svetlana is horrified at her own circumstances, wondering if she made the right choices for herself.  Something tells me that Svetlana is not about to let anyone step on her, however.

3

Debbie befriends a dog named, Toto.

To make some extra cash for Welding school tuition, Debbie takes on a job watching someone’s dog.  The adorable dog, Toto, has a unique set of skills that Debbie was not expecting, however.  At first, Debbie thinks the dog has a problem with everyone when he continues to bark randomly, as if alerting her to something.  After Debbie witnesses a drug-bust and finds the product, she realizes that Toto must have been a “drug dog” in the past.  She quickly enlists his help as her new “drug supplier” to obtain the money she needs to go to school.  Perhaps Frank should take some advice from his youngest daughter on how to successfully pull off a business scheme, although it could back-fire as well.

2

Fiona goes bowling.

After getting some mixed signals from Irish Ford, Fiona is not sure what to expect from him.  When he invites her to hang out, she hesitantly accepts, not sure what she is in for.  She quickly discovers she is hanging out with a bunch of Ford’s exes at a bowling alley.  When they ask her what she typically averages in bowling, she admits “I have no idea.”  Things are looking up, when she does a decent job and screams out, “Yes Team Fiona!”  No one is really paying attention, but the important thing is that Fiona is actually having a good time.  Later in the episode, Fiona feels the familiar reaction of confusion and mixed signals coming her way, revealing to Ford that she is an “amazing effin catch.”  Irish Ford appears to agree, kissing her at the end of the episode, putting aside Fiona’s doubts for now.  Is this the start of a solid relationship for Fiona?

1

Carl is getting married…

Carl’s girlfriend, Cassidy, starts out the episode making a video scrapbook for her beloved, not wanting him to abandon her and ship off to military school.  Seems like a sweet idea, until she begins adding in some tasteless photos of her and some interesting recordings.  Carl seeks out some advice from Kev and the guys on what to do, realizing that he needs to prove his commitment to Cassidy.  Unlike most girls, Cassidy has an interesting perspective on love.  She thinks of their “boning” as “uniting our souls” and tells Carl that he is “mutilating her effin heart” when she is convinced there will be tons of girls at military school, even though he repeatedly explains there are literally no women at the school.  Carl takes the plunge and purchases a promise ring, staging a romantic re-creation of the day they first met…handcuffs and all.  The sentiment is actually quite sweet, until Cassidy mistakes it for a marriage proposal and eagerly shrieks “yes!” How is Carl going to get out of this one?  Is he actually going to marry Cassidy?  We’ll have to stay tuned to find out, but it’s clear the adventure is not over yet.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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