fans Archives - Page 19 of 20

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:

“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.

“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.

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.

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.

“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

Throw-back Sunday: Ranking the top 5 couples from “Beverly Hills, 90210”

Happy Sunday TV fans! This past summer, I invested quite a bit of time into re-watching all 10 seasons of the original Beverly Hills, 90210 series and I have to say it was very entertaining. I forgot how many episodes there were in some seasons especially when they had those special summer airings. I dusted off my old DVD set and watched Brandon and Brenda Walsh tough it out in Beverly Hills, California, leaving their wholesome and normal lives back in Minnesota.

It’s been at least 6 years since I have watched the series, as I used to binge-watch a lot on Soapnet, but everything came flooding back to me from the instrumental theme song to the over-the-top drama between Brenda and Kelly. Talk about paving the way for love triangles to come in later series!

After getting over the initial shock of how young everyone looked and watching them grow up all over again with drama never far behind, I started to think about some of my favorite couples on the series. There are quite a few who had an undeniable connection even though some of them did not even last for the entirety of the series. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet. My top five ships from Beverly Hills, 90210 are:

Dylan & Kelly.

During the first watch of the series, I was shocked by the scandalous actions of Dylan and Kelly. Brenda went off to study abroad with Donna in Paris, leaving her best friend and her boyfriend behind for the summer. It seemed like nothing could break the bond between fan-favorites, Dylan and Brenda, but Kelly managed to come between the couple. I shouldn’t blame Kelly entirely, as Dylan was absolutely at fault here too. While the couple shares its ups and downs over time, some of their first moments together in the swimming pool and at the beach bonfire are beyond passionate. However, they lacked the friendship that Brenda and Dylan shared in my opinion.

Either way, their secret relationship caused a major rift between both the relationship of Brenda and Dylan and the friendship between Kelly and Brenda. When they finally come clean and tell Brenda the truth, her reaction is so real and heart-breaking. She trusted her two friends and is shocked at their betrayal.

Over the years, Kelly and Dylan have on and off again relations and never really end up together. However, at the end of the series they are seen gazing at each other during David and Donna’s wedding to imply that their relationship is not over. In the remake of 90210, Kelly reveals that Dylan is the father of her child, but is still not with him in this future. Guess it wasn’t meant to be after all.

Brandon & Kelly.

Yes, Kelly does earn two spots in this ranking and it’s because there is such an undeniable love between Brandon and Kelly. After my re-watch, I much preferred Brandon and Kelly together; as they seemed to balance each other out more and had more of that friendship I was looking for between Kelly and Dylan.

Kelly is familiar with betrayal and now turns the tables on Dylan to reveal her relationship with his best friend, Brandon. While the betrayal does not have the same feeling of twisting the knife like with Brenda, it does hurt Dylan to see them together. That being said, Dylan’s life is falling apart during this time and Kelly felt like she was drowning with him, descending further and further into his mess.

Brandon is very stable and charming, running for class office when they first meet. It seems like Brandon will be the man to turn Kelly’s life around. However, this couple deals with more drama and chaos than any other. It is almost impossible for them to survive a fire, a cult, a drug addiction, a shooting, and a failed attempt to get married. When you say that all out loud it seems very unlikely, but I promise this all happened to Kelly. While it doesn’t seem to be in the cards for Brandon and Kelly either, you can’t deny the love between these two characters.

Steve & Janet.

After Steve’s long-term relationship with ended with fan-favorite, Clare, viewers were wondering if he would ever find another love to provide him with the voice of reason he so desperately needed. Steve was always the “class clown” and stayed away from responsibility as if it were the plague. When he started working with Janet, he didn’t initially realize his feelings for her. They started a friendship first and eventually began dating.

Janet was perfect for Steve, almost becoming his moral compass, similar to Brandon. When Janet announced she was pregnant, Steve’s entire life changed for the better. He embraced his responsibility and married Janet to the delight of fans everywhere. This couple probably had the closest thing to a “normal relationship” on the show and continued to prove their love for one another as the series went on.

David & Donna.

This list would not be complete without including David Silver and Donna Martin. The couple began dating in high school and had a sweet and innocent quality. One of my favorite scenes is when Donna stops worrying about what others think and announces to her friends at the dance that she is dating David with confidence and love.

Over the years, this couple goes through a lot of ups and downs. Donna feels very strongly about staying a virgin to the disappointment of David. Although he tries to support her as much as possible, an affair takes place that breaks them up for a long period of time.

Even when David and Donna are not together, they keep their friendship alive. When Donna is attacked, David is the one who comes to her rescue and saves her. Toward the end of the series, Donna and David finally accept their destiny to be together and get married at the end of the show. Fans were delighted to see the happy ending between David and Donna. The high-school sweethearts have not had it easy at all, but they reunite and promise to love one another forever.

Some honorable mentions before revealing my number one ship are:

David & Valerie
Steve & Clare
Brandon & Emily Valentine
Noah & Donna
Dylan & Toni

Dylan & Brenda.

My number one ship has to go to Dylan and Brenda. At the beginning of the series, their blossoming relationship is beautiful and real. Brenda realizes that Dylan has a lot of baggage and a complicated life, but she doesn’t run away from it. Rather, she runs toward him with open arms, revealing her strong feelings for him. Even though they are in high school, Dylan and Brenda have a strong relationship filled with a lot of laughter and romance.

As they begin to get closer and closer, Brenda’s father attempts to intervene, fearing that his daughter is making bad decisions. While this does take a toll on Dylan and Brenda’s relationship, they continue to tough it out together. R.E.M’s song, “Losing My Religion,” is basically the anthem of Dylan and Brenda’s break-up and attempt to put the pieces back together.

After Kelly and Dylan have an affair, it seems like Brenda and Dylan will not end up together. However, once Brenda leaves the show, the writers add in that Dylan and Brenda are living together in Europe, trying to give fans the happy ending they so desperately wanted between these two.

There was something so believable and undeniable between this ship, still holding the test of time. Even when both characters were off the show, fans were still talking about them and rooting for them.

I hope you enjoyed my list and feel free to post your own thoughts and comments about the ships on Beverly Hills, 90210. Thanks for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe. Thanks for your support!

Throw-Back Sunday: Ranking the top 5 episodes of “Lost.”

It’s Throw-Back Sunday TV Fans! I hope you are enjoying your weekend. Fans everywhere were beyond disappointed that Lost was being taken off of Netflix streaming. Lucky for us, Hulu swooped in to save the day and you can now watch your favorite moments again and again. For today, I am going to be counting down the top 5 episodes from Lost. Out of the 121 episodes of the series, it was extremely difficult to narrow this list down to just 5 episodes and I did include some honorable mentions as well.

Over my 16 re-watches of the show, these episodes have proven to be timeless and epic, truly making an impact on me as a person and resonating with me even years after the show has been off the air. The entire series is filled with great episodes, all intertwining to create a masterpiece of story-telling, while keeping our favorite characters real and significant in the process. These stand-out episodes take it a step further; however, surpassing our expectations as fans and surprising us with unforgettable moments. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not yet watched the series. My top 5 episodes from Lost are:

“Ab Aeterno.” (Season 6, episode 9)

“I’ve changed my mind. Are you listening to me? Does the offer still stand?” (Richard from episode Ab Aeterno)

“Ab Aeterno” translated means “from eternity” in Latin, but in this context means “since the beginning.” Appropriately named, this episode reveals the long awaited back-story of Richard Alpert. Over the seasons, it is revealed that Richard does not age and is a sort of proxy for Jacob. When time travel is introduced, Richard still remains exactly as he looks today, leaving fans wondering how his immortality is possible. “Ab Aeterno” reveals Richard’s life before the island on the Canary Islands. He desperately tries to save his wife, Isabella, but kills the doctor refusing her medicine by accident, resulting in his capture as a prisoner. The secrets of “The Black Rock” ship in the middle of the jungle are also revealed in this episode. Richard and the other prisoners are chained up as slaves and Richard witnesses the “smoke monster” destroy all other survivors on board.

Richard is quickly introduced to both the Man in Black and Jacob. After the Man in Black’s failed attempt to trick Richard into killing Jacob, he is offered a job as a sort of “advisor” to the island. While Jacob cannot absolve Richard of his sins, he does grant his wish to live forever. The history of Richard and “The Black Rock” answers a lot of important questions for fans however; this episode is elevated beyond this, allowing us to empathize with Richard’s humanity and vulnerability. Even after so many years of being on the island, he still misses his wife dearly and feels responsible for her death. Richard is often seen in the background on Lost, but this episode allows him to step into the spotlight, revealing every depth of his character and proving his significance to the show.

Just like everyone else on the island, Richard has made mistakes in his past and is trying to start a new life. While it may take him longer to realize his purpose, his journey to the truth is emotional and heart-breaking.

“The Constant.” (Season 4, episode 5)

“I love you, Penny. I’ve always loved you. I’m so sorry. I love you.” (Desmond from The Constant)

My top 5 list would not be complete without including “The Constant.” In the beginning of the episode, Desmond and Sayid are flying on a helicopter back to the freighter, when Desmond begins shouting in confusion, not remembering where he is or how he got there. When they get to the boat, Desmond is connected with Daniel Faraday. Desmond believes they are in the year, 1996 and Faraday explains that if his mind continues to jump back and forth, his injuries will be fatal. He instructs Desmond to find a “constant” to prevent this from happening. Desmond asks if a constant can be a person and Faraday confirms this.

Ultimately, Desmond must connect something, or someone in this case, from both timelines so that his mind ceases from jumping through time. Sounds complicated, right? While a lot of confusing theories about time-travel are introduced in this episode, Desmond’s everlasting bond with Penny is what makes this episode so classic to Lost. Back in 1996, Desmond and Penny have broken up and he joined the military to prove his worth again to her. He shows up on her door-step and begs her not to change her number and explains he will not be calling her for eight years. Penny never gives up on Desmond and does answer the call on Christmas Eve, 2004, letting him know that she will keep looking for him.

Their love for one another is so transcendent and powerful, proving that it can stand the test of time, very much like this episode of Lost for me.

“Greatest Hits.” (Season 3, episode 21)

“It’s the five best moments of my…sorry excuse for a life. My greatest hits. You know, memories. They’re all I’ve got.” (Charlie from Greatest Hits)

During season 3, it is revealed that Desmond can see the future and that Charlie is destined to die to the shock and disappointment of fans. In “Greatest Hits,” Desmond has a different sort of flash, which involves Claire and her baby getting on a helicopter and finding rescue. Charlie has accepted his fate and will do anything to help Claire and Aaron, proving that he has grown from being a selfish junky into a real hero. As he gets ready to head out to the flooded “Looking Glass” Dharma station with Desmond, he takes the time to write down the five best moments of his life:

The first time that he heard his band’s breakout song on the radio.
His father taught him how to swim at Butlins.
The time when his brother Liam gave him their grandfather Dextor Stratton’s “DS” ring, for which Drive Shaft is named, as a Christmas present.
When Charlie saved a woman from being mugged and was called a hero.
The night following the crash, when he met Claire.

(Greatest Hits list credit to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greatest_Hits_(Lost)

What makes this episode so powerful is that we have previously watched Charlie show a glimmer of hope and change in episode, “The Moth,” but in “Greatest Hits” he has now become a man to be proud of, leaving the past behind him and holding on to his memories that changed his life for the good. While Charlie does not die at the end of this episode like fans anticipated, it makes his death in the season 3 finale that much more heart-breaking.

“The Incident parts I & II.” (Season 5, episodes 16/17)

“Come on! Come on! Come on, you son of a bitch!” (Juliet from The Incident)

While many of the season finales of Lost have been jam-packed with action and twists and turns, “The Incident” is on an entirely different level. Jack accepts his destiny and believes that he was meant to detonate the hydrogen bomb to reset them back in time before Flight 815 ever crashed. Some of the other Losties do not agree, reminding Jack that it wasn’t all misery and that they wouldn’t remember each other if he goes through with this. Ultimately, they all side with Jack and support his efforts, defending each other at the Dharma Swan Site where a pocket of electromagnetic energy has just been hit. While this chaos is occurring, each candidate is revealed to have met Jacob at some point in their former lives in a moment of great happiness or weakness.

For example, Jacob appears at Sun and Jin’s wedding, touches Locke’s shoulder after he is thrown out a window, and intervenes with a young Kate when she tries to steal a New Kids on the Block lunchbox. Jacob proves to be a guiding force in their lives, even though they didn’t know it at the time. Everything is about to change and the timelines will ultimately collide when Jacob whispers his last words after Ben murders him, “they’re coming.” As if this could not get any more dramatic, Juliet gets caught in some chains and is dragged to the bottom of the Swan Site. Sawyer and Kate desperately try to get her out of there, but she falls, leaving Sawyer in defeated tears, crushing fans everywhere.

At the end of the episode, Juliet’s eyes open and she is pinned under debris, but spots the hydrogen bomb. She detonates it with a rock, refusing to let their efforts be thwarted. The screen goes white for the first time in Lost history, leaving fans with a major cliff-hanger.

Some honorable mentions before revealing my number one episode of Lost are:

“LaFleur”
“The Brig”
“Meet Kevin Johnson”
“Some Like it Hoth”
“Expose”
“The Long Con”
“The Candidate”
“Tricia Tanaka Is Dead”
“Through The Looking Glass”
“Across the Sea”

“Flashes Before Your Eyes.” (Season 3, episode 8)

“Please let me go back. Let me go back one more time. I’ll do it right. I’ll do it right this time. I’m sorry, Pen. I’ll change it. I’ll change it.” (Desmond from Flashes Before Your Eyes)

“Flashes Before Your Eyes” remains unchanging as my all-time favorite episode of Lost. When I first watched the series, this is the episode that changed everything for me. Don’t get me wrong, up until now I was completely hooked on Lost. I watched every episode and paid attention to all of the details and character flash-backs, looking forward to what would happen each week. When I first saw “Flashes Before Your Eyes,” the series became something more to me than just entertainment. It had now become brilliant and life-altering for me. Sure time travel and seeing the future has been done before on other shows, but Lost does it so well and seamlessly, making you almost believe that all of this is absolutely possible.

When Eloise Hawking first appeared and told Desmond “you don’t buy the ring…you have second thoughts,” I remember being shocked and intrigued. The mystery of Lost was unraveling with Desmond at the very core of it all. Desmond desperately tries to replay his former days, realizing that this is much more than a case of Déjà vu. After he buys the ring for Penny and attempts to re-do his mistake, the past remains unchanged, as they get into a fight after he can’t afford to buy the photo of them. Desmond is still holding on to a feeling of being unworthy of Penny, determined to do things right and be someone you can be truly proud of. When Desmond is struck over the head in the bar, he snaps back into the present day timeline and is back on the island. He is desperate and crying at this point, exclaiming that he’ll do it right this time and that he’ll change it, but he can’t go back and what’s done is done, leaving Desmond with a heavy burden to carry.

This moment was so powerful and unforgettable for me, leaving me in tears every time I watch, sympathizing with Desmond. This is the moment that made me realize that Lost was truly the greatest show I would ever watch, impacting me on an emotional level and reminding me about what’s important in life.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

My top television shows of 2017 on Local Networks: Cheers to the CW!

Greetings TV Fans! For today, I am going to be listing my top favorite television shows that aired in 2017 on local networks. While some shows near the top of my list were no surprise for me, there were others that were a pleasant revelation, providing just the right amount of entertainment. There were also some shows that I used to enjoy a lot which fell short this past year and are in need of something earth-shattering to happen in 2018 to get them back to the top of the pack. While I haven’t gotten a chance to view all shows that aired new episodes in 2017, I did get to more than I initially anticipated. Please feel free to include some of your favorites below as well. Once again, I will be breaking the shows into 3 categories: the best of the best, honorable mentions, and shows that have lost some steam. Please note some spoilers are ahead.

The Best of the Best of television shows airing on local networks for 2017 in no particular order are:

Riverdale

Supernatural

The 100

The Mick

Prison Break Revival

The CW network had some real contenders for 2017 and proved that they are not just a network holding on to a few fan favorites to survive. It is no secret that Supernatural has been the longest running show on their network, but I was pleased to see so much content in the episodes airing in 2017. Sam and Dean continued to keep fans hooked with their charm and humor while dealing with the British Men of Letters and understanding why their mother is back from the dead. The boys encountered new enemies and dealt with their own inner demons along the way, reminding us that they can be just as vulnerable as we are deep down. The 100 proved to have another addicting season, which has been the perfect mid-season show in my opinion. Clark and the others left us with a cliff-hanger, where they end up going back into space because the world is no longer habitable. Will they survive? Seems likely since we should have another season premiering soon, but all bets are off. The most pleasant introduction for me on the CW was Riverdale, based on the Archie comic series. While the series has just the right amount of bubble gum pop providing fans with a nostalgic feel from the comic series, it takes on a life of its own. Riverdale gives fans the perfect blend of romance and mystery, providing more depth for some of our beloved characters. Fox also had some great shows airing in 2017, including The Mick and Prison Break Revival. Kaitlin Olson proved that she can be a starring lady for sure, stepping out from the shadow of her stars on It’s Always Sunny to provide fans with a raw and edgy new comedy balanced with some family values in-between. Since I am a big fan of Prison Break, I was excited to see the revival air this year, providing fans with a solution to the ending that left so many of us wondering what went wrong. Michael and Lincoln were back with a new prison to escape from, bringing some new and old friends along for the ride. The series still had that same amount of edge-of-your-seat action that hooked us initially, allowing us to root for the brothers once again.

Honorable mentions for television shows airing on local networks for 2017 in no particular order:

Grimm

Hawaii Five-0

Once Upon a Time

Modern Family

Grimm aired its last season in 2017 which was actually entertaining and brought everything full circle for fans. While the series had lost some of its edge from earlier seasons, this last one proved that it would not go out without a fight. While one fairy-tale show came to an end, Once Upon a Time started fresh introducing some new characters and story-lines along the way. While some of our favorite characters are no longer around, it made sense to give the show a fresh chance. Some of the newcomers have actually been quite entertaining, working nicely with fan-favorites, Regina and Hook. Will they be able to keep the momentum going? Time will tell. Hawaii Five-0 and Modern Family are shows that I consistently watch that gave us just the right amount of consistent entertainment to satisfy fans. While both shows have been on the air for a while now, they are still giving viewers what they are looking for, but may need to refresh every once in a while.

Television shows airing on local networks for 2017 that are running out of steam in no particular order are:

Arrow

Elementary

Lethal Weapon

I have watched all of the episodes from the three shows above and was somewhat disappointed overall in the seasons from 2017. While Lethal Weapon started out promising, it has not had the same punch it initially gave us when it premiered. Perhaps the show has run its course, but I am confident it still has a spark left to give us the action and laughs we enjoyed originally. Elementary had very low ratings in 2017 and fans are still waiting for a new season. While it looks like this may happen, it will have to be something so over-the-top and different to bring fans back. Arrow has been slipping with each new year which is very disappointing for me. While the CW has had some great success with its super-hero shows, Arrow keeps slipping and forcing story-lines. I am still rooting for Oliver Queen, but perhaps we need to shake things up and keep a character that has been killed off actually dead. I will keep watching, but Arrow is losing steam for sure. Let’s make it a great 2018 for shows everywhere and hope these shows ignite a spark that will keep viewers coming back for more and more.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post some of your favorite television shows from 2017 that aired on local networks below. Happy viewing and the countdown to 2018 is here!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

My top television shows of 2017 on Cable Networks: The best of the best!

Greetings TV Fans! For today, I am going to be listing my top favorite television shows that aired in 2017 on cable networks. While some shows near the top of my list were no surprise for me, there were others that crept into the top 5 that I would not have predicted last year. There were also some shows that I used to enjoy a lot which fell short this past year and are in need of something earth-shattering to happen in 2018 to get them back to the top of the pack. While I haven’t gotten a chance to view all shows that aired new episodes in 2017, I did get to more than I initially anticipated. Please feel free to include some of your favorites below as well. I will be breaking the shows into 3 categories: the best of the best, honorable mentions, and shows that have lost some steam. Please note some spoilers are ahead.

The Best of the Best for television shows airing on cable networks for 2017 in no particular order are:

Game of Thrones

Fear the Walking Dead

American Horror Story: Cult

SMILF

Shameless

While Game of Thrones and Shameless are two of my all-time favorites, I was pleased with the seasons airing in 2017. Game of Thrones sped things up to the delight of fans, which I guess makes sense since they are running out of time. Either way, it was great to see Daenerys and Jon Snow finally meet face to face and discuss terms of an alliance on a war against the undead. Everything is falling into place and I am eager to see the remaining episodes in 2018. Shameless is another favorite of mine that has had me laughing out loud this season. Even though the show is on its eight season, it is proving to still have fresh material. American Horror Story: Cult bounced back from American Horror Story: Roanoke from 2016. Cult was terrifying and real at the same time, providing viewers with a dangerous view of society. Evan Peters played his best character yet in my opinion, diving into his terrifying role of Kai Anderson. Newcomer SMILF is the perfect mix of raw humor and sentimental moments, as Frankie Shaw has had a stand-out performance. The most surprising one of the bunch for me is Fear the Walking Dead. I will be honest and admit that I had been previously watching the show out of obligation. It’s the prequel to The Walking Dead and in some way I felt like I owed the show a chance, even though I wasn’t too hooked. However, this all changed for me this past season in 2017. Alicia played by the lovely and talented Alycia Debnam Carey stepped out from her shadow as Madison’s daughter and has grown into an independent and powerful survivor. Main characters with interesting story-lines were killed off to the shock of fans everywhere; including myself, proving that the show is ready to take on a life of its own. Rick and the gang should take some notes from the characters in Fear the Walking Dead who are making difficult decisions and moving on to each new obstacle without too much fluff in between.

Honorable mentions for television shows airing on cable networks for 2017 in no particular order:

Homeland

Bates Motel

Better Call Saul

Pretty Little Liars

The Strain

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

South Park

Some of these shows are favorites of mine and did enough in 2017 to earn a spot in my honorable mentions. South Park and It’s Always Sunny kept the laughs coming and Homeland and Better Call Saul did the same with the edge of your seat drama and big moments. While the shows had solid episodes, there wasn’t enough of a hook to move them into my top 5. That being said, I thoroughly enjoy watching these shows and I am looking forward to new seasons. Bates Motel, Pretty Little Liars, and The Strain ended in 2017 on a strong note. While none of the series finales were that epic in my opinion, they did a good job of bringing everything full circle and satisfying the questions fans had.

Television shows airing on cable networks for 2017 that are running out of steam in no particular order are:

The Walking Dead

Archer

I have watched all of the episodes from both shows and was somewhat disappointed overall in the seasons from 2017. While neither show was terrible enough for me to take them off my DVR line-up permanently, there was something missing. Whether it was too much fluff in between major moments or a missing connection to characters, both shows have the potential to win their fans back and provide some good content. Are they going to deliver on this, however? I am optimistic and will continue to watch both series, but am looking for something fresh and over-the-top to remind me why I loved watching in the first place. I know it’s a lot to ask for, but consistency in television entertainment is important. Let’s make it a great 2018 for shows everywhere and hope these two shows ignite a spark that will keep viewers coming back for more and more.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post some of your favorite television shows from 2017 that aired on cable networks below. Happy viewing and the countdown to 2018 is here!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

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

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

Watching “The Walking Dead” out of responsibility or necessity? Can the popular series survive changing the future of the comic?

As a loyal television watcher, there are some shows that I cannot live without and others that I find myself watching out of responsibility, becoming more and more like a chore, which isn’t a good sign, right? There are shows that I have to watch as soon as they air because I don’t want anyone to spoil what happened and there are others that I can wait a few days to catch up on via my DVR. However, there are some I have invested quite a bit of time in since the beginning of the series, which just aren’t hooking me in the same way anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I have watched The Walking Dead since the very beginning and would even say I considered it to be one of my absolute favorite shows in the earlier seasons. However, the show has lost that edge for me that it initially had, reserving its shocking over-the-top moments for mid-season and season finales only. However, this sometimes becomes a struggle getting through the fluff episodes in between just to see which main character will not make it through the night. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not watched the mid-season finale, which aired on Sunday, 12/10/17.

While I am not going to rank my top moments of the mid-season finale, I find it important to talk about Carl. If you type in “Carl” online, you will find hundreds and hundreds of reviews and comments about what was revealed on the mid-season finale. As a loyal fan to Rick, I have to admit that he just isn’t doing it for me anymore. I know he’s been through a lot but it seems like he is always crying or whining about something out of his control. Carl was outshining him, outsmarting the saviors, and making the right decisions to protect the people around him. Last season, the introduction of the enemy, Negan, portrayed by the brilliant Jeffrey Dean Morgan sparked some much needed life into the show, killing off main characters last year in a horrific and violent way. But can one villain carry a show? Sure, the show is about the surviving the undead, but there is not much happening in the episodes throughout the season. For example, Rick and the others have declared war on the saviors. When I first learned that this season would focus completely on the war, I was thrilled. I thought I would get the action and fast pace that I desperately missed from the earlier seasons. However, we didn’t lose any main characters in all of these episodes leading up to the mid-season finale. Rick has been off recruiting others and I sometimes forget where he is in the episodes. That being said, characters like Carl and Maggie have stepped up, proving that a pregnant woman and a boy can be more of a threat than a former police officer.

So why kill off Carl then? In the comic series, the future of all is left in the hands of Carl and now we know that the show is going in a different direction. But what direction is that? While we know that the new episodes will return with a long, drawn out goodbye from Carl, there is no way he is getting out of this alive. In earlier seasons, I didn’t mind us losing Carl, as he seemed like more of a liability to Rick. However, now he has become a force to be reckoned with. Unlike Rick who is constantly making ill decisions because of his emotions, Carl uses his head and knows how to outsmart the enemy. He kept emphasizing that everyone follow his plan, knowing that running off aimlessly would get others killed. When he revealed the bite mark on him, I was genuinely upset. Not because I care so much about Carl as a character, but because the one character with true potential to spark some life into the series was about to fade away, much like fan-favorite, Shane.

So where do we go from here? I have to think that the writers must have a plan and are not just winging it episode to episode. Perhaps Maggie’s unborn child is the key and the future? Either way, there needs to be much more content included in episodes leading up to season finales. I no longer want to watch this show out of obligation. I want to go back to actually wanting to watch the show. I’m hopeful that this can still happen, but will continue to watch the show out of loyalty if need be. I would just prefer to be counting the days down to the season premiere and binge-watching earlier episodes to prepare. Remember those days? RIP Carl. May your death bring some life back into The Walking Dead.

Please feel free to post your comments, thoughts, and theories on The Walking Dead below. Thank you for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Throw-back Sunday: Ranking the top 5 heart-breaking moments from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”

It’s Throw-Back Sunday TV Fans! For today, I have once again returned to one of my old favorites, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. There’s something to be said about moments in television that can bring you to tears. You invest a lot of time into the shows you watch and connect with the characters on a profound level, which is what makes it so impossibly emotional when certain moments happen, shattering the calm and happy existence you have come to know and rely on.

Whether it is one of your favorite characters dying, an epic romance coming to end, or something else entirely, there are certain heart-breaking moments on television that still impact us today. After many re-watches of Buffy, there are still certain moments that I recognize. I find my heart starting to skip faster, anticipating the worst, even hoping that somehow the outcome might be different with a re-watch.

However, the tragedy replays as it did the first time watching, still bringing tears to our eyes and tugging at our own feelings in the process. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the full series yet.

My top 5 heart-breaking moments from Buffy the Vampire Slayer are:

Giles’s discovery of Jenny’s death.

In season 2, Angel loses his soul when he experiences true happiness with Buffy. When he returns to his former monstrous self, Angelus, he stalks and torments Buffy and her friends. It is not enough to simply kill them. He wants them to truly suffer, weakening them further in the process. Fans loved the blossoming romance between Giles and Jenny Calendar.

When Angelus learns that Jenny is on the verge of finding out how to bring the curse back along with his soul, he views her as a threat in the episode, “Passion.” He hunts her down in the school and snaps her neck, which was horrific enough for viewers. However, Angelus doesn’t stop here. Rather, he stages a romantic evening for Giles to walk into. Giles approaches his doorway with a rose waiting for him and happily walks into opera music playing along with champagne and a note reading, “Upstairs.”

To Giles’s horror, he finds Jenny’s lifeless body waiting in his bed, dropping the champagne bottle and shattering it, while the opera music crescendos louder and louder. What makes this moment truly tragic is Giles’s reaction to it. Giles and Jenny were finally going to be reunited and make things work, but Angelus viciously ripped this happiness away from him, toying with his emotions.

Tara’s death.

In season 6, Warren is not about to let Buffy and the gang make a fool of him. A once harmless villain has now become deadly. He points a gun at Buffy and Xander to the surprise and horror of fans and shoots it. Xander falls to the ground and it first appears that he is his victim, but the bullet ricochets to the upstairs window and strikes Tara right in front of Willow.

Tara’s blouse has a single blood stain on it, as she falls and collapses in Willow’s arms. Willow’s eyes turn black in rage, now releasing the dark magic and power that she had kept away for so long. The love between Willow and Tara was so pure and beautiful and fans were horrified to see Willow’s love taken away from her in a violent act. The Scoobies have faced evil day after day, but what makes this so awful is that it was a mortal act of violence.

It wasn’t a vampire or a monster, rather it was a human being who felt wronged by the world and took his anger out with a man-made weapon, revealing that mortals can be just as dangerous as monsters in this world.

Buffy sacrifices herself to save Dawn.

In the season 5 finale, “The Gift,” Buffy recognizes that her blood is just like Dawn’s. Dawn’s blood is the key to closing the portal that will destroy the world, but she is not about to let her innocent sister suffer the consequences. Buffy makes the decision to jump into the portal to sacrifice herself.

She tells Dawn that “you have to take care of them now. You have to take care of each other. You have to be strong. Dawn, the hardest thing in this world — is to live in it. Be brave. Live…for me.”

This is one of the most powerful and heart-breaking quotes in the entire series for me. Buffy’s unconditional love for her sister, her friends, and the world is beyond words. She has touched the lives of so many people and helped saved innocents with each action, but there is something about this act that transcends all of that.

She recognizes the sacrifice and embraces it, leaving her friends mourning her behind. Spike is left in tears, making this moment that much more tragic for fans, as he does truly love her and feels like he let her down.

Buffy kills Angel when his soul returns.

In the season 2 finale, “Becoming,” Buffy knows what she must do and is now truly ready to defeat Angelus so that she can save the world. She recognizes that the good man she came to know and love is gone, leaving only a shell of a monster behind. Seems easy enough, right?

Before Buffy is about to strike the final blow, Willow’s spell works and Angel’s soul returns. Angel doesn’t remember what has happened and Buffy tells him to close his eyes and kiss her, right before she strikes him fatally with a sword, sending his body through the portal. Buffy is still relatively new and young as a slayer in season 2, dealing with high school drama and this is more than any teenage girl could handle.

She leaves Sunnydale behind, unable to deal with her emotions and the loss of her great love by her own hand.

Buffy finds her mother’s body.

In season 5, Buffy is dealing with a new sister and a god named Glory who will stop at nothing to find her key and destroy the world. What makes this moment truly tragic is that it is a mortal tragedy. Buffy’s mother, Joyce, has been sick for a while, but when Buffy discovers her body lying on the floor, she becomes an innocent and terrified young girl. Buffy whispers “Mommy,” as we empathize with her completely.

Her powers will not help her here. She is left to attempt CPR and call an ambulance, but it is too late. Her mother is gone and she has to deal with this loss along with realizing that she will now have to pick up the pieces of her family and grow up even faster than she already has.

This episode did not feature any background music so that viewers were able to completely focus on Buffy’s reaction and emotions throughout this heart-breaking scene, which is still incredibly difficult for me to watch.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to share some of your own heart-breaking moments from Buffy the Vampire Slayer in the comments section. Thank you so much for reading and happy viewing!

**I would love it if you would take a moment to check out my Whizbuzz Book page via the link below for everything you need to know about my new book, The Search for Alice, including my author bio page and links to my website and social media sites! Thank you!

My Whizbuzz Book Page

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe. Thanks for your support!

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

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

Want to read more? You can click the link directly below for a free preview. Thanks for your support!

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

The Search for Alice is available here!