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Ranking the top 5 moments from “SMILF” season 1 episode 8 season finale: “The Heart Wants What it Wants.”

Greetings TV viewers! After watching Showtime’s SMILF season 1 episode 8 season finale last night, I am left with a clutter of emotions ranging from sadness to heart-warming. While season one has come to a close, Bridgette explored what’s been locked away for so long, relying on the support and love of her family and friends around her. She demonstrates vulnerability and extreme courage simultaneously, making us adore her and root for her that much more. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet. In last night’s episode, “Mark’s Lunch & Two Cups of Coffee,” Bridgette tries out a new job and a new hair-cut. Her lack of interest in finding a match on Tinder leads to an unexpected match with her long-lost father. Meanwhile, Rafi graduates from “sober living” and Tutu takes the big step of leaving the house to be there for her daughter when she needs it the most. My top 5 moments from the SMILF season 1 episode 8 season finale are:

Bridgette gets a job at Account Collect Management.

Bridgette seems to be taking a step in the right direction finding a suitable 9-5 job that can still allow her to be there for Larry. However, the world of account collect management is not as glamorous as one might guess. Bridgette desperately tries to get through her page of calls, but finds herself empathizing with the callers on the list. She tells one customer that “it sucks” and tells her not to worry about paying them right now. While it’s difficult for Bridgette to separate her personal feelings from her job responsibilities, she is ready to at least try, which says something. Bridgette gets an A for effort for now, but something greater is out there for her.

Bridgette gets a new hair-cut.

Now that Bridgette has entered the work-force, she is ready for a change in her appearance as well. Her friend convinces her to get a “lob” like Khloe Kardashian, but Bridgette comically makes the mistake of calling it a “ball cut.” Tutu’s hair-dresser goes with it and assumes she means a “bowl cut” which is not so flattering on Bridgette. Either way, she is happy to make a change and owns her new look with confidence.

Bridgette eats cupcakes in the bathroom.

As the pressure becomes a little bit too much to handle at her job, Bridgette takes a time out to find out what’s for lunch in the fridge. She begins sampling other people’s lunches that are not labeled, assuming they are there for everyone. A delightful box of cupcakes catches her eyes, as she grabs the entire box and hides out in the bathroom stall, away from the claustrophobic feel of the cubicles. Bridgette dives into the cupcakes, literally eating her feelings, when her boss comes to find her to see why she hasn’t gotten to her list of calls yet. Bridgette exits the stall in shame with chocolate caked all over her face and explains that she’s not feeling well, but promises to make the calls the next day. Lucky for Bridgette, her boss is willing to give her another chance, but her friend points out those cupcakes were for Molly’s birthday in shock. Perhaps she should give labeling a try as Bridgette suggested.

Rafi graduates from “sober living.”

Rafi reveals that he has indeed “graduated” and is ready to move in with his girl-friend to the surprise of Bridgette. Bridgette shows concern, as she worries about Larry’s well-being when he stays with Rafi. Rafi assures her that he is alright and is ready to embrace the responsibilities of sober-life, but Bridgette is not so sure. While I am hoping that Rafi is better and recognize his accomplishment, we will have to see what next season holds for him.

Bridgette matches with her father on Tinder.

Earlier in the episode, Bridgette absent-mindedly scrolls through unworthy candidates on Tinder repeating “no” over and over, even getting Larry to agree. However, she panics when she finds a man that looks very much like her father. It is revealed that Bridgette was abused when she was younger and hasn’t seen her father since she was a little girl, but she is convinced that it is him and even digs out some old photos for evidence. Tutu is concerned about Bridgette’s plan to “go on a date with her dad” to get him to admit what he did so she can find some sense of closure. After Bridgette tries on an array of outfits, she is ready to come face to face with her dad. Tutu and her friends stay at the restaurant to support her and Tutu gives her a letter that Bridgette wrote to her dad so many years ago. When Bridgette sits down at the table, she is trembling with uneasiness, but confidently reads the letter aloud, which is absolutely heart-breaking. The man cuts her off to say that she has made some kind of mistake and Tutu rushes over to let Bridgette know that the man across the table from her is not her father. They apologize to the man for the mistake and he does tell Bridgette that for what it’s worth, he would “murder her father” if he ever saw him. Bridgette was initially disappointed to not get the closure she was looking for, but has her friends and family there around her to support her, proving that she is loved and worth something. While Bridgette may never be truly ok from what happened to her in the past, she has the unconditional love of her family to pick her up when she falls down. Overall, the first season of SMILF gave viewers the chance to laugh, connect with characters on a deep level, and find meaning in life, re-defining the parameters of how to be the “perfect parent.”

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Shameless” season 8 episode 8: “Now who’s complicated?”

Happy New Year TV fans! After watching Showtime’s Shameless season 8 episode 8 last night, I am left with Justin Bieber’s “Baby” song stuck in my head along with “My Heart will Go On.” Seems like a strange mix, right? Well not if you are boarding “Frank’s Northern Shuttle Express.” Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.

In last night’s episode, Fiona contemplates moving out on her own to find her independence, while Kev explores “full on domination mode.” Meanwhile, Lip tries to find a new sponsor, Debbie puts out an interesting Craig’s list ad, Ian shows off his skills in a “bible quoting contest,” and Frank continues with his “entrepreneurship” talents to illegally help people cross the Canadian border. If you get into trouble, just remember “my name is Frank, I’m from the US of A, and I like apples.” My top 5 moments from Shameless season 8 episode 8 are:

“All Carl’s.”

In episode 7, we were introduced to Carl’s new love interest, Cassidy who proved that she was not afraid to record a ransom video to black-mail her parents. Seems like this could be an indicator of her emotional well-being, right? Unfortunately, Carl is distracted by her other “charms” and is very welcoming to her as his new girl-friend.

The family seems to approve as well, when she orders KFC after Deb’s failed attempt to get dinner. She even sports off some new panties with…you guessed it, “All Carl’s” written across the front. Perhaps she is just really enthusiastic about her new-found love for Carl. Everything seems to be going well until Cassidy gets in the way of Carl’s Uber or “Ubber” business, however.

After Cassidy tells of a customer, Carl begins to have second thoughts about how fast their relationship is moving, but continues on with it for now, desperately trying to avoid another melodramatic melt-down.

Lip tries out speed-sponsoring.

It seems like nothing is going right for Lip these days. In episode 8, Lip tries out his own version of speed dating to find a new sponsor. He is surprised that his first candidate is a woman, portrayed by the hilarious Lea DeLaria who also plays “Big Boo” on Orange is the New Black. I was thrilled to see her in this role and her tell-it-like-it is humor did not disappoint.

Lip is already on edge after seeing Sierra’s boyfriend at Planned Parenthood with another woman who is very pregnant. He tries to do the right thing and have him tell her the truth, but is discovering that other people just don’t have the same good conscience he possesses. Just as Lip thinks he is getting somewhere, his sponsor candidate cuts him off and asks “did I just walk into some episode of Gossip Girl?”

Lip tries out a few more sponsors, only to go back to the original one and to try and finally learn about how to talk about himself, rather than focusing on the drama around him. After everything Lip has done for others, it’s about time he takes some much needed “me” time.

“Sexy Welder Girl Looking for Work.”

It’s no secret that Debbie is now out of a job after her stunt with Dr. Dick’s car. Debbie is freaking out the entire episode, fearing she might be pregnant. After taking several pregnancy tests, Lip takes her to the Planned Parenthood clinic to put her at ease. In the waiting room, Debbie reveals her panicked fear to Lip: “I can feel the fetus growing inside me as I sit here!”

Debbie continues to wait for the results, but is not about to put her job-hunt on pause. She convinces Liam to take “sexy” photos of her for her Craig’s List ad: “Sexy welder girl looking for work. No job is too small or too big.” When she gets an immediate call-back, I was slightly concerned about what this job would entail, however; it did seem to be a legitimate welding job and Debbie was thrilled to find out she was not pregnant as an added bonus.

Kev is in “full on domination mode.”

After V discovers that she has a need to be dominated, Kev unleashes his frustrations about house-hold chores on his wife, to his and her delight. Kev begins to realize that he likes being in domination mode, as V even serves him breakfast in an unconventional way: “More scrambled eggs, my king?” While this initially seems to just take place between the couple behind closed doors, Kev decides that his domination mode can help out at his job too.

When Svetlana breaks a bottle and demands for Kev to clean out the ice tray, Kev has a sudden epiphany. “The ice will not be cleaned out by me,” he says firmly to V and Svetlana’s surprise. Kev has a rush of power and refuses to let Svetlana or anyone else talk down to him. He still can’t perform basic math skills, but stands up to Svetlana to prove his worth. Go Kev!

Fiona goes on a field trip and learns that she’s “complicated.”

Fiona has been beyond frustrated at her current living situation especially when she finds an unwanted shower guest sleeping in her tub at home. After confiding to her neighbors at the apartment building, Fiona decides to try out living on her own. She takes a long shower in the vacant apartment and even dances around in her underwear, feeling free of obligation and time constraints.

However, Irish Ford walks in on her to her embarrassment, which leads to an interesting proposition. Irish Ford takes Fiona on a field trip of sorts to view some of the buildings he is restoring. When she lies down next to him on a mattress and stairs up at beautiful art-work on the ceiling, Fiona thinks she is reading the signs correctly. However, she is shocked when Irish Ford does not kiss her back, turning down her advance because she is “complicated.” Fiona unconvincingly replies that “being called complicated feels awesome” and returns home in shock and disappointment.

After her family gives her numerous examples of how very complicated she is, she accepts it and is ok with being complicated. Later, Fiona attends her neighbor’s party and learns that Irish Ford is the father of their unborn children, along with several others.

A look of instant satisfaction flashes across Fiona’s face when she challenges Irish Ford with “now who’s complicated?” While we are not sure what is in store for Fiona and Irish Ford, it’s a safe bet that a romantic relationship is not out of the question.

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

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

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

The Search for Alice is available here!

Ranking the top 5 siblings from television: Family is where the heart is.

As we are in the midst of the holiday season, it’s a time to re-connect with family and remember what’s truly important in life. Many of us have an unspoken bond with our siblings, whether it is inside jokes or a similar laugh, which is natural when you have all grown up together and faced many of the same challenges and shared similar memories. This really got me thinking about siblings on television and how difficult it must be to create that connection instantly. The actors on these shows already have the complicated task of portraying their roles and diving deep into what makes that particular character tick. However, when you also need to add on a believable and real connection as siblings, this becomes even more difficult to capture. For today’s topic, I am going to be ranking my top 5 siblings from television. The siblings I chose are not just cast well. Rather, they become so believable as siblings that I have to bring up Wikipedia on my phone just to double check that the actors are not related. Please note spoilers are ahead. My top 5 siblings from television are:

Brandon and Brenda Walsh from Beverly Hills, 90210.

The Minnesota Twins!

Who could forget when twins, Brandon and Brenda Walsh move from Minnesota all the way to glamorous Beverly Hills, California. While the twins quickly realize that West Beverly High is not like any other high school they have ever seen, they fast-track into a superficial bubble where they are faced with difficult decisions. Luckily, the twins have each other to support one another. Some of my favorite moments on the show are when Brandon or Brenda would make a huge mistake and they would end up meeting in their Jack and Jill bathroom, relieved to see their other half so they could confide in them. Brandon and Brenda share quite a bit of fights along the way and introduce new friends like Kelly and Dylan into the mix, but there is something about their bond as siblings that is wholesome and unbreakable. Fans were disappointed when Brenda left the show, wondering where that would leave Brandon now that his beloved sister was gone. While Brandon still kept viewers hooked with his charm and good sense of right and wrong, the earlier episodes with the Walsh twins had something truly special that could not be so easily replaced even with new cast members.

Fiona, Lip, Ian, Debbie, Carl, and Liam Gallagher from Shameless.

“Hey, sometimes life throws a couple swings at you. But we’re Gallaghers, okay? And there’s two things that we’re really good at: knowing how to get back up, and knowing how to party.” (Shameless)

This list would not be complete without the Gallagher siblings we have watched grow up over the years. Fiona has the difficult task of taking care of her five younger siblings since their parents are rarely present…and when they are it’s like they are children too. While this forced Fiona to grow up very quickly, she has always made it clear that family comes first. The Gallagher siblings may appear to be a group of untamed misfits, but at the end of the day they are truly there for one another. The family faces many problems over the seasons ranging from losing their house to Fiona winding up in jail. When Fiona was not around, Lip and the others recognized that they now needed to step up. Whether that meant collecting money in a jar for the electric bill or making sure that Liam was actually fed breakfast, the siblings are forced to grow up fast in a world that seems to be against them, but they are resilient and strong.

Michael Scofield and Lincoln Burrows from Prison Break.

“I’m breaking out, and you’re going to make sure my brother goes with me.” (Michael from Prison Break)

How many of us would tattoo our entire bodies with the blueprints of a prison and commit a crime so that you could help break your brother out of prison? Seems extreme, right? But Michael Scofield is a genius and will not stop until he frees his brother, recognizing that his brother was framed for a crime that he didn’t commit. While this show keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with each new challenge that gets in the way of the escape, what keeps you coming back for more is the undeniable connection between Michael and Lincoln. Lincoln is the older brother and used to take care of Michael when he was younger. Michael feels like he owes him and has guilt about turning his back on him previously when he asked for help. He sacrifices everything to help him escape, redefining what unconditional love means in the process. Michael and Lincoln always have each other’s backs and their physical resemblance is uncanny. Even though they are not related, I found myself repeatedly searching online to see if perhaps they were distant cousins to no avail.

The Halliwell Sisters from Charmed.

“The power of 3 will set us free!” (Charmed)

Charmed has always been a guilty pleasure of mine. I always enjoy watching shows that feature a supernatural premise, but this series goes beyond that. The sisterly bond between Prue, Piper, and Phoebe Halliwell is so heart-warming that you truly believe they are sisters. In moments where one of the sisters faces an unstoppable evil or comes close to death, their heart-breaking tears even get me crying. Through all of the evil monsters and demons they face as witches, they take the time to bond and fight over things normal sisters would, such as trying to stealing the other one’s boyfriend or remembering to ask before borrowing a favorite outfit. This light comedy combined with some intense drama and action along the way makes this show truly unique. Much like 90210, Shannen Doherty left the show, which had fans wondering how Prue could ever be replaced. You couldn’t just recast her because the sisterly bond is what captured so many viewers. Fans would have been put off if they just tried to pretend like another actress was the oldest sister. The producers and writers were smart enough to add in a new story-line where Piper and Phoebe discover that they have a half-sister they never knew about previously who could help re-establish the power of 3. Whether you were on board with this or not, Paige stepped in seamlessly to fill the void Prue left and the sisterly bond continued to stay strong.

Dean and Sam Winchester from Supernatural.

“You saved my life over and over. I mean, you sacrifice everything for me, don’t you think I’d do the same thing for you? You’re my big brother. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.” (Sam from Supernatural)

So my number one pick for best siblings on television has to go to my favorite brothers, Sam and Dean Winchester. The series has lasted for 13 seasons and is still going strong. Like Charmed, this show features a supernatural premise…hence the title. Sam and Dean are forced to grow up quickly when their mother dies when they are young and they follow in the shadow of their father’s footsteps to become hunters. The brothers travel from place to place to take on cases and help save innocent lives, but deal with some powerful obstacles along the way. Whether it is getting trapped in hell or purgatory or working with angels or demons, the brothers refuse to let death get in the way. They support each other no matter what. When one brother is going through a difficult time, the other recognizes that he needs to step up and help pick up the pieces. Out of every show I have ever watched, the bond between Sam and Dean is the most real and uplifting. You don’t doubt for a second they are brothers and you never give up on them. What’s so great about the brothers is that they also have quite a few hilarious moments together as well, ranging from running away from an adorable Yorkie to reluctantly facing a child-hood fear of clowns. This reminds viewers that the brothers are human and while their calling is to fight the good fight, they are not afraid to share some laughs too. Fans love when the brothers show up posing as FBI agents, wondering what new dynamic duo they will pretend to be. Like our own families, Sam and Dean portray the good, the bad, and everything in between, truly representing what it means to stick by one another through thick and thin.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “SMILF” season 1 episode 7: Bridgette and Larry go to the movies

Greetings TV viewers! After watching Showtime’s SMILF season 1 episode 7 last night, I am left with some thoughts on motherhood from actress Sophia Loren who once said that “when you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.” Bridgette can absolutely use some of this advice, but part of what makes her so likable is that she is truly trying…one mistake at a time. But it doesn’t necessarily make her a bad mother. It just makes her human. She does tend to think for herself first out of habit, but Larry is still her number one priority. Part of Bridgette’s forgetfulness is not out of lack of love or devotion to her child, it’s just how she is as a person and she’s learning from it with each new day. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet. In last night’s episode, Bridgette attempts to toilet train Larry and feels an overwhelming sense of boredom creep in, inspiring her to go to the movies. Meanwhile, Tutu faces an emotional breakdown of her own and tries to recover from her encounter with Edmund. My top 5 moments from SMILF season 1 episode 7 are:

“Fun….fun….fun.”

Bridgette goes to the playground with Larry and feels the repeated routine of pushing him on a swing take control. She absentmindedly says “fun, fun, fun” over and over with a look of extreme exhaustion and boredom on her face. She later complains that “I’m so bored I think I’m dying.” Bridgette is feeling pressure and is looking to escape even if just for an afternoon.

Tutu has an interesting bench conversation with strangers.

After Tutu’s encounter with Edmund, she is left with a mixed bag of emotions, unsure how to deal with the baggage. She leaves her husband in the bathtub and mechanically walks out of the house, not really sure where she is going. When she ends up at the park, she finds herself waist-deep in the water, staring up at the sky contemplating life. Like Bridgette, Tutu feels a desperate need to escape her circumstances and looks for distractions along the way. She sits down next to a father and daughter on a bench and comments that “they burned witches at the stake not far from there” and then starts wondering out loud about what it feels like to be burned alive to their horror. Tutu then aimlessly wanders around the stores, trying on clothes and make-up and having harmless conversations with the employees, but once she leaves the store she is right back where she started with an aching sense of loneliness. When she buys a bunch of scratch offs, her husband climbs up the stairs in exhaustion to let her know they won a boat cruise. This snaps her back into reality and she is so thankful that he felt the need to do that for her, realizing that she does have someone in her life who truly cares for her.

Bridgette attempts to toilet train Larry.

In the beginning of the episode, Bridgette is desperately trying to toilet train Larry and keeps commenting to herself that she has no idea what she is doing. She even tries to guilt him into doing it but his adorable “no” to everything she asks, brings a familiar sense of defeat Bridgette’s way. Later, Eliza assumes that the task cannot be that difficult and takes a shot at it, only to face the same results. When it seems like this might never happen, the girls are arguing near the tow-truck lot and Larry successfully sits on a toilet there to Bridgette and Eliza’s surprise. Perhaps Larry had been feeling the pressure before much like his mother, but is ready now for sure.

Bridgette brings Larry to the movies during nap time.

Bridgette was super bummed that she could not go to the movies with Eliza when Tutu is unable to watch Larry. However, the boredom at the park was too much to bear. Bridgette realizes that since it is Larry’s nap time, there is no harm in bringing him along. The girls are watching a horror movie and keep commenting on the violent death scenes. A couple behind them begins to pass judgment explaining that it is no place for a child, but Bridgette dismisses them, assuring them that he is asleep. When Larry wakes up, she is disappointed she cannot see the next victim die. Later on the bus, Bridgette asks Larry if he saw the movie and of course he says “yes” innocently. She proceeds to ask him then if he has anxiety or depression because of the movie and he says “yes” to every question, reassuring Bridgette that he was not scarred for life by the movie. However, then she realizes that she hasn’t fed him breakfast or dinner yet. Luckily, a kind stranger on the bus provides her with a diaper and some cheerios.

Bridgette asks for help.

Earlier in the episode when Bridgette is at the playground, a woman tells her in Spanish that it is OK to ask for help. These words truly resonated with Bridgette, when she agrees to a ride from a stranger with Eliza and Larry to retrieve her car. Bridgette tries to explain to Eliza the odds of parking in tow-away zones to no avail and then realizes she didn’t check the hours of the lot either. When Larry runs inside, Bridgette goes after him. They find the car and drive up to the gate, not knowing what to do next. A Spanish woman and her daughter approach her and Bridgette tells her that she has a beautiful daughter and then asks her for help. The woman is fearful that her boss might find out she brought her daughter, so she is more than willing to help Bridgette out. She pulls open the gate, as Eliza and Bridgette look at each other in disbelief, realizing they could have done the very same thing. Either way, this moment is important for Bridgette as she now understands that she can’t always be a perfect mother. She is going to make mistakes but her love for Larry and the support from the people around her will keep her in check.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Shameless” season 8 episode 7: “You get a 20!”

Happy Monday TV fans! After watching Showtime’s Shameless season 8 episode 7 last night, I am left with a new found appreciation for the art of Debbie’s welding skills along with Fiona’s natural ability to bribe teenagers with pizza…and then money. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet. In last night’s episode, Ian refuses to back down and attempts to make Fiona’s business and personal life a living hell. Frank attempts to find a new profession while Debbie realizes that her own is short-lived. Meanwhile, Lip continues to fight the good fight and Carl embarks on a new business scheme. My top 5 moments from Shameless season 8 episode 7 are:

Carl records a ransom video.

Carl is on his way to securing all of the tuition he needs for military school, but is short by $3527. One of his junky rehab customers tempts him with a new proposition, which is hard for him to ignore. The girl, Cassidy, suggests that he shoot a harmless ransom video and that her dad will put up the cash without a problem. As soon as Carl hits play, it’s clear that Cassidy is no amateur. She begins screaming with a hood over her head to Carl’s surprise. When he goes to retrieve the money, Cassidy’s dad approaches Carl and requests that she just come home and go to Tiffany’s party. When Carl relays the message, Cassidy explains that she has no interest in going back and reveals her romantic interest in Carl. While it seems like Cassidy is calling the shots, Carl did get the money he needed without dealing with the stress of being an uber driver or a detox specialist. Either way, we will have to see what trouble these two crazy kids get into together.

Lip goes on the stand.

Lip is continuing to do whatever it takes to get Brad and his professor ready for the court hearing. He understands the importance of showcasing a man who is truly sorry and ready to be a productive and sober member of society. It seems like everything is going in the right direction after Brad successfully gives his testimony without too much trouble. Lip proceeds to go on the stand as a character witness and explains that his professor saw the value in his life when he didn’t. He begs the judge to give him a chance, but unfortunately his professor is already drunk when it is his turn. To Lip’s dismay, his professor is now in jail, but he doesn’t want to lose hope on him completely. Lip knows how much he has done to help him and he wants to do the same, but it is finding it truly difficult to help someone who doesn’t want to be saved. Will Lip give up or continue to stand by his friend?

Debbie welds a dumpster to Dr. Dick’s car.

Just when Debbie convinces her boss to give her another chance at the parking garage, using Baby Franny’s cuteness to her advantage, she learns that she needs to be nicer to customers. Debbie gives it her best effort, utilizing words like “please” and “thank you.” However, there is one customer who insists on pushing her buttons and speaks to her in a condescending way. She upsets him so much that he even proceeds to get out of his car and destroy property. Debbie has the last laugh, however; when she puts her new welding skills to good use. She literally welds his car to a dumpster and admits to her boss that she knows she is fired now but it was totally worth it.

The safe word is “French fry.”

After V discovers that she has a need to be dominated, Kev is more than willing to try and please the love of his life. V catches Kev “researching” online and asks if he should really be doing that in front of their daughters. Kev explains that “the volume is on mute,” in a matter of fact way and continues on with his research. V is surprised several times throughout the episode with a new safe word each time. “French Fry” and “Alley Cat” are supposed to be used by V, but Kev starts saying them repeatedly every time he has a question or a concern. When it seems like this is not going to work out, Kev gets extremely frustrated that V used fabric softener on their kids’ pajamas, unleashing the angry and dominating man V was looking for.

Fiona says it’s “game on!”

Throughout the episode, Ian demonstrates that he is not backing down and is still mad at his sister for preventing him from obtaining the shelter for the homeless kids he works with. He pours ice-cold buckets of water on her, throws eggs at her apartment building, and sets up tents in the lot next door to bother Fiona. “Occupy Fiona!” the kids scream repeatedly, while Ian uses a megaphone to get the full volume and effect he is looking for. Fiona tries to be the bigger person and refuses to let Ian see that she is angry, but when he calls the fire marshal on her and messes with her business, it’s game on. Fiona bribes the homeless teens with pizza and when that doesn’t work, she whips out her wallet. “You get a 20 and you get a 20!” she shouts proudly, happy to have won. Her pride is intact, but most of her money has been sacrificed for the cause. Ian is furious that she has done this, but she tries to make amends by finding them another space to open the shelter. She tells Ian how much she cares about him and loves him, genuinely worried about his well-being, remembering that family comes first.

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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Throw-back Sunday: Ranking the top 5 heart-warming moments from “Lost”

It’s Throw-Back Sunday TV Fans! I hope you are enjoying your weekend and wish you all the best for the upcoming holiday season. Since it is that time of year, I started thinking about heart-warming moments from some of my favorite television shows. For today, I am going to be counting down the top 5 heart-warming moments from Lost. When you think of something heart-warming, what comes to mind? According to the dictionary, it means something that is “emotionally rewarding or uplifting.” Synonyms include: “touching, moving, heartening, stirring, uplifting, pleasing, cheering, gladdening, encouraging, gratifying.”

So now that we know what it means, how does that translate for you into a single moment? I feel like different moments portrayed by our beloved characters on television impact us all in some way or another. While some moments seem more heart-breaking than heart-warming, the line between these two often blurs if it has a glimmer of hope or happiness. For me, it has to be a moment that truly resonates with me and stands the test of time. Whether it is a particular dialogue that had meaning for me or a demonstration of unconditional love, the moment has to bring tears and a smile at the same time. Sounds difficult to achieve, right?

What I love about heart-warming moments is that they bring out an array of emotions in us, but ultimately remind us of the importance of true connections with one another. Sometimes a small act of kindness can have more of an impact than a grand gesture. I think it’s important to remember that when we come across anyone who may be in need of some uplifting themselves. What we do matters and our actions and words can truly make a difference. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not yet watched the series.

My top 5 heart-warming moments from Lost are:

Sawyer tells Jack about his conversation with Christian.

“And this guy, Christian, tells me he wishes he had the stones to pick up the phone, call his kid, tell him he’s sorry, that he’s a better doctor than he’ll ever be—he’s proud, and he loves him.” (Sawyer from episode Exodus part I)

What makes this moment truly heart-warming for me is that Sawyer has been trying so hard to make others hate him. This takes place in season 1 and Sawyer is carrying quite a bit of emotional baggage around. He goes out of his way to challenge Jack with every chance he gets and the two have somewhat of a rivalry throughout the whole show. They are both initially in love with the same woman, Kate, and are both looked to as leaders by the group. Initially, Sawyer proves that he is a man out for himself. He keeps a stash of supplies hidden and refuses to help out just to do the right thing. Jack, on the other hand, is selfless in his actions. He attempts to motivate the Flight 815 survivors and embarks on several adventures because he knows they are counting on him. However, Jack is not perfect either. Before he got on Flight 815, he had traveled to Sydney, Australia to recover his father’s body. Jack’s relationship with his father, Christian, was very complicated.

Christian frequently told Jack that he didn’t have what it takes and that he had trouble letting go. When Jack arrives on the island, he begins even seeing his dead father roaming around the island, forcing his fears and insecurities to the surface. Jack has always been under the impression that he wasn’t good enough, but when Sawyer shares this conversation with him, he is truly impacted and even sheds a tear. Jack did have what it takes and his father was very proud of him. They were both just too stubborn to admit this and unfortunately Christian died before ever sharing this with his son. Throughout the series, we learn that many of the Losties have crossed paths before they stepped onto the plane and their lives and decisions are intertwined. Sawyer’s decision to let Jack know about this proves that he truly is a good person deep down and recognizes the importance of family and friendship.

Jack passes the torch to Hurley.

“It was only supposed to be me so I can do this. But if someone has to take care of the island, if someone has to protect it…then it should be you Hurley. I believe in you.” (Jack from episode The End)

Fans were not surprised when Jack stepped up to volunteer to become the candidate who would take Jacob’s place to protect the island. Jack has always reacted quickly and made tough decisions for the greater good. However, when he ultimately passes the torch to fan-favorite, Hurley, this was a truly touching and heart-warming moment. Throughout the series, Hurley demonstrates that he wears his heart on his sleeve. He always tries to make others laugh and help out, even when he is told he’ll just get in the way. Jack and everyone else recognize that Hurley’s gift is taking care of others which is why this moment is so beautiful.

Hurley always had trouble believing in himself and now he has to face his fear and embrace this important responsibility. He tells Jack that he will only do it temporarily until he gets back, but will ultimately become the permanent protector of the island. Hurley was capable of being a leader all along; he just needed to believe it. Jack’s belief in him gives him the courage to unleash his potential.

Charlie and Claire have imaginary peanut butter together.

“I remember peanut butter. Why do I remember peanut butter?” (Claire from episode Homecoming)

For me, this is one of the most iconic and romantic moments on the show. When Charlie and Claire are first starting to get to know one another, she is revealed to be very pregnant, but Charlie isn’t scared off by her in the slightest. Their friendship and budding romance has an innocent quality and allows viewers to feel young again. When Charlie asks Claire if there is anything she craves or misses, she admits that she is “the only Australian who loves peanut butter.”

Charlie is disappointed when he cannot initially find any, but he doesn’t give up here. He shows up with an empty jar and pretends that it is filled with peanut butter. The two sit on the beach and enjoy the imaginary peanut butter together, laughing and gazing at each other with joy. What I love about this moment is that everyone around them is worrying, while Charlie and Claire take a small moment to have some fun and forget about the chaos for just a little while.

Penny answers Desmond’s call after 8 years.

“I won’t call for eight years. December 24, 2004. Christmas Eve. I promise. Please, Pen.” (Desmond from episode The Constant)

Seems like a lot to ask of someone, right? Desmond and Penny have broken up, but he shows up on her doorstep and tells her that she can’t change her number and that she must answer his call 8 years later. Even I would think that person is absolutely crazy. It’s not like Desmond can exactly explain that his mind is traveling between times and that Penny is the key to saving his life. Desmond and Penny’s love has always been something epic and timeless. They are frequently separated but refuse to give up on one another. They teach us that true love does exist but that it doesn’t always work out so perfectly. Penny and Desmond both make mistakes along the way, but ultimately end up together because they never stop believing in their love for one another. It’s a powerful and undeniable bond that cannot be broken.

When Desmond snaps back into the current time, he dials Penny’s number on the freighter. It rings several times as fans were on the edge of their seats, wondering if she would answer after all this time. When Penny does answer the phone, Desmond’s memory and mind are healed and she reminds him that she won’t give up on him. Very similar to true love’s kiss from fairy-tales, this moment reminds us that having someone you love stick by you can help you overcome any challenge or impossible task. You just need to believe in it.

Vincent stays with Jack so he is not alone.

But if we can’t live together, we’re going to die alone.” (Jack from episode White Rabbit)

While I admit that I probably have shed more tears than smiles in this moment, there is something truly uplifting and heart-warming about this last scene on the show. Jack is dying after he has sacrificed himself to re-light the island and is wandering through the same bamboo forest he did when he first woke up here after his flight crashed. To bring everything full circle, Jack lies down and looks at the sky, waiting for the end to come.

A familiar bark is heard and Walt’s dog, Vincent appears by his side and lies down next to him. As an animal lover myself, this moment really resonated with me. The unconditional love a dog has for a companion is something that is truly special. When Jack’s eye closes, similar to when his eye opened in the beginning of the series, he knows that his words held true. He is not alone. He never was. He helped his friends and he made a difference that will stand the test of time.

I hope you enjoyed the list and please feel free to post some of your own favorite heart-warming moments from Lost below. Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

“Wayward Sisters” Can the spin-off series of “Supernatural” be a success?

I was disappointed to not have my fix of Sam and Dean Winchester this week, as we are still waiting on new episodes of Supernatural to return. However, I thought it would be a good time to introduce the Wayward Sisters and discuss whether or not this spin-off series can be a success. Looking at spin-off series that have been popular such as Angel and The Originals to name a few, they have been able to capture the fan base of their original shows and carve out their own identity in the process. Will the Wayward Sisters be able to achieve this? This is no easy task, as many spin-off series have failed the test of time and have not had the same punch as the original series. Supernatural: Bloodlines did not make it and I have to admit I don’t even know if they aired an episode or not. I didn’t even remember that they had already tried this to be honest. So what do we know about Wayward Sisters?

https://tvfanatic.blog/2017/12/06/ranking-top-5-spin-off-television-series-of-all-time/

The spin-off series will be premiering on the CW on January 18^thand the cast includes fan-favorites Kim Rhodes as Jodi Mills and Kathryn Love Newton as Claire, the daughter of Jimmy Novak, Castiel’s vessel. We will also see psychic, Patience and dream-walker, Kaia on the new series and Jodi’s other adopted daughter, Alex. Sheriff Donna will also be a part of the cast, giving fans a familiar set of faces to connect with and root for. From my understanding, the show will feature the female cast trying to help Sam and Dean escape out of the world they are now trapped in. Once the series gets through the task of saving the boys, they will be based primarily out of Siox Falls, South Dakota. So now that we all know the players involved, will you be watching the new spin-off?

I am absolutely going to give it a try out of pure loyalty for the Winchester family. I think that the spin-off series has the potential to exceed expectations and become very popular. There are many episodes of Supernatural where we get a glimpse into some of the characters that I mentioned above and I personally wanted to dive deeper into their story-lines. For example, Patience and newcomer, Kaia are both very interesting and a breath of fresh air. I initially was disappointed that we probably wouldn’t learn too much about them until I realized they would be part of the spin-off series. Jodi is one of my favorite recurring characters and this will give her a chance to truly shine and do what she does best, bring together a family even when they feel like they were initially alone in the world. Jodi already has the mamma bear vibe down and has proven previously how much she cares for her adopted daughters, Claire and Alex. Sheriff Donna will also bring some laughs for sure to lighten up the series from becoming too focused on the drama. Part of what makes Supernatural so great is that it has the perfect blend of comedy and drama, so this show should try to emulate this as much as possible if it wants to keep up.

https://tvfanatic.blog/2017/11/10/supernatural-lucky-season-13-how-has-the-longest-running-show-on-the-cw-lasted/

The family bond between the Winchester brothers is another reason why the show has been so successful and lasted for 13 years and counting. Jodi clearly cares about creating a family of misfits to give them a sense of purpose and belonging, which means that they have a good chance of creating their own undeniable bond in the process. Also, the cast will be all females, which brings me back to the wonderful days of shows like Charmed. In a world of demons, wizards, and police detectives snooping around at every corner, the sisters of Charmed were able to come together as a powerful force and still make time for some female bonding as well. I am hoping to get some of that back with Wayward Sisters. So I will absolutely give the spin-off series the chance it deserves. Will you be tuning in for the premiere?

I hope you enjoyed and please feel to post your thoughts and comments on Wayward Sisters and Supernatural below. Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Supernatural” season 13 episode 9: Dream-walking out of this world

Happy Friday TV fans! The weekend is almost here, but I find myself needing to discuss the mid-season finale of Supernatural before diving into any other shows. After watching the CW’s Supernatural season 13 episode 9 last night, I am wondering exactly where everyone is and I am most concerned for the Winchester brothers. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet. In last night’s episode, Sam and Dean are reunited with Jack, realizing that he is good after all. Dream-walkers are introduced into the mix and some familiar friends return to warn us that something wicked comes this way. Meanwhile, the angels are after Jack and will stop at nothing to capture him, but this doesn’t stop him from attending an addiction meeting along the way. My top 5 moments from Supernatural season 13 episode 9 are:

Jack attends an addiction anonymous meeting. He is there to find the dream-walker, but he needs to take a page from Sam and Dean’s book on how to come up with a convincing cover story. Kaia is a young dream-walker who is suffering from a drug addiction as she desperately attempts to escape “the bad place.” When she crosses paths with Jack, she asks why he is there and he enthusiastically responds with “cocaine!” Kaia later refers to him as “cocaine boy” which keeps the laughs coming, as she is no fool and realizes that he is absolutely something other-worldly.

Patience is back. I was thrilled at the introduction of psychic, Patience a few episodes back and was wondering if we would see her again. Luckily for the Winchester brothers, Patience has a vision and realizes that they are all in serious trouble. She makes a difficult choice when her father tells her she cannot come back if she decides to go down this route. Patience remains strong and realizes that she must embrace her destiny because it is the right thing to do. She knocks on Jody’s door to tell her that they are all in great danger, leaving fans trapped in a cliff-hanger that we are all anxiously waiting to see unravel. Either way, it is great to see Patience back and I am looking forward to the development of her character.

Jack is able to see Sam and Dean’s mother. While viewers have been able to see what is going on with Mary, Sam and Dean have been completely clueless regarding her well-being, fearing the worst. When Jack taps into the power of the dream-walkers, he is able to get close enough to see her through a door to another world. It is clear that Mary is in desperate need of rescuing, but now that Jack is there, how are they going to escape?

Jack tells Sam and Dean that they are his family. When Sam and Dean are riding in the car with Jack they express how worried they were that he would be looking for his father, Lucifer. This word strikes a confused look on Jack’s face as he explains that Sam, Dean, and Castiel are his family and that is why he was trying to do one good thing for them and find their mother. Although Jack is still very new to this world and his powers are alarmingly strong and dangerous, he possesses a child-like vulnerability and clearly does understand what family means, warming the hearts of us viewers in this touching moment.

Kaia and Jack send everyone through the open doors of worlds via dream-walking. While we know that Jack is in Mary’s world, Sam and Dean are somewhere else entirely, waking up inside an enormous foot-print of something otherworldly. Is this the danger that Patience predicted in her vision? Is this the “bad place” that Kaia feared? How will they get out of there and find one another? The mid-season finale leaves us with a lot of unanswered questions, but if there is one thing I’m certain of, it’s that Sam and Dean Winchester can escape the inescapable. It’s just a matter of how and when.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

“SMILF” Season 1 episode 5 ranking the top 5 moments: “Panda is Larry’s Constant”

Greetings TV Fans! Lately, I have been binge-watching Showtime’s SMILF and I have to say that I am absolutely obsessed. The critics say it is “raw and funny” and they are absolutely right. The main character, Bridgette, has just the right blend of Weeds’ Nancy Botwin and Orange is the New Black’s Piper Chapman’s personality along with her own set of quirkiness. She is learning how to be a single mother with each new day and challenge, while still trying to chase her dreams in the process. If you have not gotten a chance to check this show out, I highly recommend it. After watching SMILF season 1 episode 5, I have my own desire to play the day out in different parts. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet. In episode 5, the show opens up with “Part 1” revealing that it is father’s day. The day plays out differently each time with 4 different parts throughout the episode. Each part starts off with Larry’s father knocking on the door displaying his #1 Dad apparel, to be interrupted by Larry not being able to find his beloved panda stuffed animal. The distractions get more and more extreme, involving different characters, leading up to part 4, which is actually heart-warming and truly perfect. My top 5 moments from SMILF season 1 episode 5 are:

Bridgette beats up the fire alarm. In part one, Bridgette has a premonition type flash of where the panda could be, revealing that she left it over at Ally’s house. She runs over there to enter a sea of chaos and distraction, as the family is trying to prepare everything for father’s day. When the fire alarm goes off, Bridgette is determined to lend some assistance, as she proceeds to punch it repeatedly to be quiet. While I’m not sure we should try this method at home, it is clear that she is channeling her own frustration over finding panda. But she is not about to give up just yet.

Bridgette decides to do shrooms which “could make her a better parent.” In Part two of the episode, Bridgette has a similar premonition flash that panda was left behind in Eliza’s room. While she searches frantically, the two decide that doing shrooms is the best solution to remedy the situation. Bridgette is convinced that this will absolutely help her clear her mind to find panda, only it leads to some very confusing hallucinations along the way, including Larry speaking to her in a grown man’s voice and Eliza suffocating in her excess sea of clothing.

Bridgette gets propositioned for a “sleep over.” In part one after she beats up the incessant fire alarm, Bridgette is listening to Ally go on and on about “Mr. Daddy” and what to do for him for father’s day. While it is initially revealed as background chatter, Bridgette’s attention is woken up suddenly when she is asked if she would like to have a sleep over. Bridgette’s confusion about what this actually means leading up to a scenario where she would get pregnant again and what the trust fund would look like make this moment even more hilarious. Unfortunately, this does not lead to the discovery of panda.

The panda is Larry’s “constant.” Bridgette’s desperate need to find panda for Larry demonstrates how much she truly cares for his son. She mirrors his own frantic cries, throwing everything around in a frenzy to try and locate Larry’s beloved panda. At one point, she is speaking to her mom on the phone and screams out that she needs to find panda “or Larry is going to die!” While Bridgette has been hanging on by a thread to make ends meet, her unconditional love for Larry never fails which makes her search for panda empathetic. Larry deals with a lot of moving around; going from his mother’s house to his father’s and even to his grandma’s and the panda is the only thing that stays the same. Bridgette is clearly also holding on to this constant for Larry, wanting to be able to provide him with stability and continuous love.

Panda is found along with Bridgette embracing father’s day. Part 4 starts off the same way, with Larry’s father, Rafi at the door. Rather than slamming the door in his face, Bridgette and Larry leave with Rafi to go celebrate the day at Tutu’s house, Bridgette’s mother. Panda is discovered at the house and all is right with the world again. This leaves us with a true family moment. Even though everyone has their differences, they come together because Larry is the constant, creating an undeniable bond of happiness. Plus, it helps that panda is there keep the peace.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

“Shameless” Ranking the top 5 moments from Season 8 episode 5: 50/50

Happy Monday TV fans! As you pour that second cup of coffee, get ready for another dose of the Gallagher family antics. After watching Showtime’s Shameless season 8 episode 5 last night, I feel the need to provide Debbie with some serious parenting tips. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet. In last night’s episode, Fiona learns the valuable lesson of saying please and apologizing in an unconventional way, Carl tries to think of ways to earn money so he can go back to military school, and Ian is ready to make a huge investment. Meanwhile, Lip is contemplating what matters most in life while Kev embraces his southern identity. Svetlana teaches us basic math skills while Frank helps others see the problems with standardized testing. My top 5 moments from Shameless season 8 episode 5 are:

Kev embraces his southern roots. “Shift change!” Kev yells, as he enters the bar dressed liked a cowboy, informing the Russian population that they must leave and make room for his fellow Americans . This of course leaves the bar practically empty while he is informed that there is a difference between being southern and western. V had it right when she said that her husband is transforming into a “Kentucky fried red-neck.” Kev even insists on practicing his common southern phrases and using them in everyday conversation to V’s dismay. Kev may be back in Chicago, but he is not leaving his new found identity behind just yet.

Carl’s detox program for junkies is a success. In the beginning of the episode, Carl has the junky he caught in last week’s episode tied up in his basement as he leaves him no choice but to get clean reluctantly so that he can be free and a more productive member of society. As if this isn’t funny enough, at the end of the episode the former junky bursts into the Gallagher home and brings in his friend or girlfriend who also needs help from Carl. He explains that no other rehab was able to help except for Carl’s method and he has brought lots and lots of cash for the results. Maybe Carl has another calling besides the military. Either way he has now successfully made enough money to return to school while making a difference in the lives of others…one junky at a time.

Frank convinces the parents to look further into the cultural interpretation of multiple choice and the dangers of standardized testing. When he learns that Liam has failed his exam, Frank doesn’t take this at face value. Rather, he goes through the questions and shares some concerns of his own. For example, “how would Liam know what a foyer is?” There is a fill in the blank question about glue and Liam crosses out the choices to write in “sniffing” which Frank explains is not necessarily wrong in that context. While it may seem that Frank is just making excuses, he really inspires the other parents to get involved and to take measures against the testing to ensure that each child’s success is measured fairly.

Lip contemplates what life is really all about. It’s been really great to see Lip stay sober and it is clear his sponsor has had a part in this and has truly helped him. While Lip is continuing his affair with his co-worker, he is later seen gazing over at Sierra and wanting to hold his sponsor’s baby demonstrating his own desire to truly connect with someone and start a family. While this may be a big epiphany for Lip or perhaps something that was there all along, it gets put on pause when his sponsor cannot handle the stress of being a new dad and winds up at the corner bar. Lip tries with every effort to help him, but he doesn’t want it and speeds off drunk to Lip’s disappointment. Will this set Lip back or motivate him to continue to stay strong?

Svetlana is back and is ready to teach us basic math. It is great to see Svetlana back in the bar, but she is immediately ready for business and explains to V that profit should be 50/50 even though there are three parties involved. V is not about to give up so easy, but Svetlana explains that she does the majority of the work and even shows her numbers that prove she makes the majority of the money during her shift. When V is still not ready to budge, Svetlana decides to get her to sign the contract with her terms another way…with sex of course. V is no match for Svetlana at this point and ultimately signs the contract. Kev’s shock about what happened combined with detailed questions is hilarious as Svetlana proudly walks out of the house holding the contract. 50/50 wins after all. It’s great to have you back Svetlana!

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