Tag: Joshua Jackson

Spoiler-Free Review of “Fatal Attraction” on Paramount+: Less than Sizzling…

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“I chose to lose control…”

Fatal Attraction is a new erotic thriller series based on the iconic film of the same name. It released on April 30th 2023 with the first three episodes available to stream now. There will be eight episodes in total that will air weekly. The series stars Joshua Jackson, Lizzy Caplan, Amanda Peet, and Alyssa Jirrels. Each episode runs for approximately 53-59 minutes.

A toxic affair damages the family and reputation of Dan Gallagher in this re-imagining of the 1987 film.

Here is the trailer:

Fatal Attraction attempts to provide some layers and background for these familiar characters, but does it translate well on the small screen? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Paramount+

Solid cast.

Joshua Jackson is no stranger to steamy love affairs and played one of my favorite characters on Showtime’s The Affair and Lizzy Caplan starred in Masters of Sex…so these two seem perfect to get this erotic thriller off and running. I like both of them as actors individually and they were the main reason why I tuned in. I’m a fan of the original film and I don’t think that anyone can come close to those performances, but it certainly helped having some familiar faces on the screen.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Paramount+

Slow, dull, and NO chemistry!

Where do I start? The episodes were on the long side already and I felt like it took three hours just to get through one. The pilot was excruciatingly slow and boring. We randomly skip back and forth between timelines and I was so confused at times.

While I like both Joshua Jackson and Lizzy Caplan, I just didn’t feel the chemistry between them. It felt so formulaic and forced. There was no charge between them. It just felt like two actors going through the motions.

I’m sure the series will pick up, but I’m already so bored out of my mind and I feel like I honestly wasted my time with this one.

This film should have been left alone and I don’t think that the series is doing anything that new or unique even though it promises to.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Paramount+

Unfortunately I’m out on this one…

Not everything needs a re-imagining or remake and this is the perfect example. I’d recommend re-watching the film instead. 

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Fatal Attraction in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

Girl Number Thirteen Lurking Promo

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Little Fires Everywhere” on Hulu: Deliciously Deadly Suburbia

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“If they’re saying something untrue, then you should change the story…”

Little Fires Everywhere premiered on Hulu on March 17th 2020 with 3 new episodes (Approximately 50 minutes in length). The remaining 5 episodes of the limited series will air weekly on Wednesdays. It stars Reese Witherspoon, Kerry Washington, Joshua Jackson, Lexi Underwood, and Gavin Lewis.

The show is based on the best-selling novel written by Celeste Ng. It follows a 90’s family living in the picture perfect suburban town of Shaker Heights. They cross paths with a mother and daughter who have just arrived in town, as secrets, dark pasts, and mysteries are revealed. Each character’s story is intertwined with another, creating a vortex of drama along the way.

This plot and setting may seem familiar, as it definitely channels some aspects of Big Little Lies, The Affair, and Desperate Housewives.

However, the connections and story lure you in right away, making this binge-watch friendly option entertaining. But does it do enough to stand out from its predecessors? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Little Fires Hulu 3
Images courtesy of Hulu

Witherspoon and Washington are electric on screen.

Their characters certainly have an interesting dynamic and we can absolutely feel the awkward tension between them, as each mother comes from a different socioeconomic background. However, the performances of these two incredible actresses transform these intriguing characters into something far greater. I can’t get enough of them!

The rest of the supporting characters are actually terrific as well and I would like to spotlight Lexi Underwood, who plays Mia’s (Washington) daughter, Pearl.

A mystery that leaves you wanting more.

The opening scene of the series immediately draws you in, as we discover that Elena Richardson’s (Witherspoon) beautiful home is on fire. We know that this is not an accident and it certainly makes you suspect everyone we meet, as we try to get to the bottom of this mystery, while other secrets are exposed along the way.

Little Fires Hulu 2
Images courtesy of Hulu

90’s nostalgia.

I don’t know about you, but I love a show that can transport me back to a time that I know very well. The show is set during the late 90’s and we get several mentions of this, but the pop culture references seamlessly mentioned really make you feel like you are turning back time.

The kids are seen watching Ricki Lake and The Real World. Elena’s daughter throws in some comments about Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and even compares her own high school relationship to Brenda and Dylan’s on Beverly Hills, 90210.

Once you get to the high school dance, the songs will absolutely make you smile. Seriously, one song after the next had me singing along from Chumbawamba’s Tubthumping to The Cardigans’s Lovefool to Savage Garden’s Truly Madly Deeply.

I was in 90’s music heaven and I still know all the words! Enjoy!

The Cons:

Little Fires Hulu 4
Images courtesy of Hulu

Same Reese. Different show.

I wouldn’t say that this is really a con, but I have seen Reese Witherspoon play this character before. Elena Richardson is very much a mix between Bree Van de Kamp from Desperate Housewives and Madeline Martha Mackenzie on Big Little Lies, played by Witherspoon. I’ve seen Reese play this character obsessed with perfection many times and I was hoping for a different role for her.

That being said, she plays the role brilliantly, but I guess I was looking for some more layers from her.

So am I in or out?

Little Fires Hulu 5
Images courtesy of Hulu

I’m in! This series is exactly what I need right now. The show keeps you on the edge of your seat and there are so many moments in-between the big ones that will take your breath away. Every character and plot point is important and Kerry Washington is out of this world. She’s truly incredible and she lights up the screen with Reese Witherspoon, as we unfold this mystery together.

While some of the suburban drama is predictable, the show has not let me down yet, surprising me with its reveals and twists. I can’t wait to watch the remaining episodes and I absolutely recommend this show.

It is the series to watch right now!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Little Fires Everywhere in the comments section below.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

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

The Dreaming of Wonderland Book Series is available here!

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

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “The Affair” season 4 episode 10 Season Finale: “We are just so Lucky to be Alive”

Happy Sunday TV fans!  After watching Showtime’s The Affair, I realized that life can be messy and unpredictable.  Sometimes the big moments all happen at once and sometimes we don’t even see them coming.  We can’t ever truly prepare ourselves for these moments, but it’s important to remember that we are lucky to be alive as Noah said and that each new day can bring a glimmer of hope that things can get better.  It may take time and our pain and grief may never fade away entirely, but it’s important to keep fighting and surviving for those around us.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In tonight’s episode, “410,” Noah tries to distract himself from his own grief by staying with Anton at Princeton, but he quickly realizes that there is somewhere else he needs to be.  Meanwhile, Cole has an extremely difficult time at Alison’s funeral and Helen tries to juggle her daughter’s return along with some shocking news from Sierra, all while Vik’s illness takes a turn for the worst.  My top 5 moments from The Affair season 4 episode 10 season finale are:

5

“You shouldn’t be here.”

Part one of the episode is from Noah’s perspective and he is still with Anton at Princeton.  Noah catches up with an old friend from school and he sits in on her writing class.  The students are beyond excited to meet Noah and tell him that he is the reason why they became writers and Noah explains that writing characters is all about listening to people.  Anton has truly perfected this difficult task when he reads his piece about a character that is a contradiction and describes Noah.  He starts out talking about how Noah is an inspiration and someone who truly wants to teach and be there for his students, but things take an unexpected turn when he then says, “He believes in my future…also he’s fucking my mother.”  Noah is upset at Anton and asks him why he would do that after all he has done for him.  Anton has certainly reached his full potential, but we know that Noah has a difficult time taking a good look in the mirror sometimes.  While he was initially upset with Anton’s words, he quickly realizes where Anton is coming from and appreciates when he says that he is sorry about Alison.  Noah is asked a few times what he is doing there and he finally realizes that it’s time to leave and deal with what has happened to Alison.  Anton thanks Noah for everything he has done for him and I have to say that it’s about time Noah has had a true connection with someone.  He may have trouble finding happiness with the women in his life, but he believed in Anton and helped him get on the right path.

4

“Can you please stop calling me Helen?”

“Surprise!”  Whitney is back with her boyfriend and is ready to stir things up per usual.  Helen is very happy to see her daughter, but she has been dealing with a lot of stress and Vik has been in the hospital because of an infection.  Helen does her best to tell Whitney about everything, but Whitney makes everything about her, proving that she hasn’t really changed very much since we last saw her.  Whitney attacks her mother and says, “I have my shit together, why can’t you?”  As if this moment wasn’t already chaotic enough, Sierra stops by with a “white butterfly,” and tells Helen that she needs to talk to her.  The phone then rings and Vik’s mother tells Helen that Vik is not doing well, as the whirlwind of stress escalates even further.  It’s understandable that Helen is having a difficult time coping with all of this at once and she manages to keep her dry sense of humor through it all, making me cheer for her that much more.

3

“How could you of all people be gone?”

In part two, we see everything from Cole’s perspective, as he prepares for Alison’s funeral.  We do get to hear Noah’s words about Alison at the service which are very moving and heartbreaking.  Noah says, “You were magic, you were light…you were wild, you were brave.  You made me see the world with new eyes…with wonder.”  Noah’s words were so romantic and moving.  While Cole has a difficult time finding the words, Noah paints a beautiful picture of Alison Bailey.  We see several old characters at the service like Oscar and Jane and even Ben makes a surprise guest appearance.  While this was very unsettling for me, Noah’s words really impacted me and I think he was able to speak for Cole as well, who is more about action rather than words.  We all grieve in our own way, but Alison was truly someone special and she will be missed by everyone.

2

“I was too late.  I am always too late.”

During the funeral for Alison, Cole is very upset with Athena, knowing that Alison would truly hate the idea of her ashes being scattered into the ocean.  When it is Cole’s time to speak, he grabs the urn and runs away from everyone and everything.  He ends up at Gabriel’s grave and sits there for quite a while.  Noah goes to speak to him and tries to remind him that he is not the only one who loved her and that this moment was important for Athena.  Later on, Cherry goes to see her son and Cole confides in her that he was coming back for Alison, but that he was too late, which is beyond heartbreaking.  Cherry lost her own husband to suicide and tries to explain that life is very messy and that she understands the desire to want to take control, but that we can’t always do so in every situation.  Cherry explains that it takes time, but the pain may never truly disappear.  However, she talks about Cole being a survivor and a fighter and more importantly, being there for Joanie.  Cole and Luisa recognize that their relationship is over, but Cole wants to keep their marriage intact on paper so that she can get her citizenship and because she is an important person in Joanie’s life.  While I’m not sure if this will go according to plan, Cole takes the time to take Joanie on a road trip away from everything.  When he talks about death, he explains that people believe in different things and Joanie asks him what he believes.  In a touching moment, Cole explains to his daughter that whenever she misses her mother, all she has to do is think about her and she will always be with her.  This moment is truly important, as Cole takes his mother’s advice, understanding that there is no easy fix to this situation, but his purpose now is to be there for his daughter no matter what.

1

“We are just so lucky to be alive.”

Part three of the episode is from Helen’s perspective.  After being shut out of the hospital room for not having a visitor’s pass, Helen finds out that Sierra is pregnant with Vik’s baby and is beyond shocked.  Helen needs a moment away from everyone and confides in Noah.  Helen tells Noah that she doesn’t know if she truly loves Vik the way she is supposed to; especially since it is not the way she loved Noah.  The two continue to confide in each other about Alison and Vik and how they ended up where they are now.  When Helen explains that she thinks she is broken and that Vik deserves better, Noah refuses to let her say this about herself.  While he starts out telling Helen that she is snobby and overbearing, the compliment soon emerges when he says, “I don’t know anyone who’s tougher than you.”  Helen is touched by this and Noah takes it a step further when he says that if he was dying, he would want Helen by his side.  Helen and Noah have come so far and have had so many ups and downs, but this moment was truly something significant for me.  Through it all, these two are still connected and have a bond and friendship that surpasses everything.  While it may not be right for the two of them to be together romantically anymore, it’s clear that they both still care about one another very much.  Noah’s words to Helen clearly help her, as she goes to see Vik and simply whispers to him over and over again, “I love you.”  Helen knows that this is what Vik needs to hear, especially since he began breaking down that he should have listened to her about treatment and that he is not ready to die.  Helen courageously goes to get Sierra in the waiting room and says, “Tell him now.”  Helen understands that this is something that could truly help Vik, proving to be someone who is selfless and caring.  The end of the episode reveals Helen walking up on the rooftop of the building, staring out at the sun and the city.  While I was initially confused and anxious about this scene, I took it as Helen finally opening her eyes and embracing a new day and a life full of possibilities, truly connecting with the concept that she is lucky to be alive.  There are still so many open doors left to explore in this series and I am beyond excited to see the conclusion in season 5.  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on The Affair below in the comments section.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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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!

The Search for Alice Cover

Ranking the top 5 moments from “The Affair” season 4 episode 8: “We Need to Know that it’s the Real Her”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Showtime’s The Affair last night, I realized that sometimes you spend so much time being strong for everyone else, that you almost forget to take a moment to let the grief and pain in.  Even if it is just for a moment, sometimes you need to allow all of your feelings to rush straight to the surface.  Whether this leads to crying or yelling, it doesn’t matter.  What matters is that you take the time to allow yourself to dive into your own feelings.  This doesn’t make you weak or selfish.  It just makes you human and it’s important that we process our feelings every now and again.  Please note major spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “408,” Cole, Noah, and Anton set out to find Alison and solve this mystery once and for all.  While these three bond along the way, nothing can prepare them for the discovery they are about to make.  My top 5 moments from The Affair season 4 episode 8 are:

5

“I want you to understand the hole that you left in her life.”

Part one of the episode is from Cole’s perspective and he teams up with Noah and Anton to find Alison.  After speaking to Alison’s mother, Athena, Cole learns about Alison’s father and decides to pay him a visit.  Noah insists that they take a polite approach so that they open up to them, but Cole cannot sit there and listen to Alison’s father judge her, especially when he talks about her “episodes.”  Cole reminds him that he hasn’t been there for her entire life and that he doesn’t know anything about Alison.  Cole refuses to let Alison’s father take advantage of her, remembering how Alison always felt like it was her fault that her father wasn’t around.  I have to say that I was also rooting for Cole in this moment, as it seems like her father was only out to use Alison, but we will need to wait and see if there is more to the story.

4

“What are you two doing together?”

So I never thought that I would see Noah and Cole working together on anything, but their love for Alison brought them together.  Anton added some comic relief as well, which gave the episode a lighter feel at first.  Even though the episode takes a dramatic twist, it was hilarious to see both Noah and Cole point out what works for the other in terms of getting women.  While Noah refers to Cole as a “classic moper,” Cole takes things further when he explains that Noah will make promises that he can’t keep.  Anton refuses to let them ruin the mood and schools them both when he “sexiles” Noah from the hotel room after he meets up with the owner’s daughter.  After barely escaping another disaster when her father pounds on the door, these three enjoy some male bonding, which helps keep their minds off the inevitable…at least temporarily.

3

“We need to know that it’s the real her…you do it.”

Cole and Noah are shocked when they find out that a body has been discovered.  Cole is barely able to process his own grief and refuses to look at the pictures to identify Alison’s body.  He wants to be brought to her actual body, but is warned that she drowned and was left underwater for several days.  When they finally approach the room, Cole cannot handle this and Noah courageously offers to identify her.  Cole’s reaction to Noah’s confirmation is beyond heartbreaking.  I have to admit that I was hoping that it would not be Alison and that we still had a mystery to unfold, but there is still more to the story.  Even though Cole cannot stand Noah, he genuinely appreciates that he was able to do this for him, as they are both connected forever to the memory of the woman they both loved so much.

2

“I don’t buy it.”

After receiving the heartbreaking news that Alison is dead, Cole refuses to believe that it is a suicide.  I have to say I agree with Cole, as it’s unlikely that Alison would leave Joanie especially when it seemed like she was finally getting her life back into some type of order.  While Cole tries to blame Ben, he has an alibi and explains that Alison broke up with him.  Cole is still not buying it, but I am starting to think that perhaps her father or his new wife had something to do with it.  We know that Alison was not about to hand her kidney over, especially after Athena tells her that she was raped by him.  Is it possible that they tried to take matters into their own hands?  While I’m not certain that this is true, it seems like Alison had such a great conversation with Helen and was finally ready to start changing her narrative.  So what changed when she returned from California?

1

Part two:  Noah.

I was surprised to see “Part Two” pop up on the screen, as the episode was almost over at this point.  There was so much going on that I almost forgot that the show was divided into separate parts.  However, this part was absolutely necessary and extremely moving.  The majority of the episode focuses so much on Cole’s own grief, as he desperately tries to find out what happened to Alison.  Noah was strong for Cole the entire time, but when he goes to the diner with Anton, he finally has a moment to himself.  Noah sees a woman in a waitress uniform that resembles Alison and all of his memories and feelings come rushing back.  When Anton goes to the restroom, Noah begins quietly sobbing at the table and I was crying right along with him.  While Noah may have confessed to Cole that his relationship with Alison was over, that doesn’t mean that he didn’t have something real with her.  The two of them shared a connection for many years and he clearly cared for Alison very much.  Noah did his part for Cole, but in this quiet and temporary moment, he is able to finally release his grief.  This moment was heartbreaking and I empathized with Noah completely.  Will Noah be able to pick up the pieces now that Alison is gone?  Will we finally find out what happened to her?  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on The Affair below in the comments section.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

[twitter-follow screen_name=’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, and mystery, then this might be the book for you or someone you know!  Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well.  I hope you enjoy!

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

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

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

The Search for Alice is available here

The Search for Alice Cover

 

 

Ranking the top 5 moments from “The Affair” season 4 episode 5: “Take Care of your Mind, Body, and Soul”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Showtime’s The Affair last night, I learned that we sometimes have to go back to the past and walk in the steps of those before us in order to truly know which path to take for our own future.  We may find answers to a mystery that we never even knew existed or realize that we have never made a single choice for ourselves, but what we do next can help determine who we are and who we can still become.  We don’t have to travel across the country to find it, but sometimes we need to escape just for a little while to listen to our heart and find out what or who it truly desires.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “405,” Cole journeys to Morro Bay, California to find out more about his father’s surfboard, but meets someone unexpected from his father’s past who will potentially change his future.  Meanwhile, Vik feels like his whole world is crashing down around him, desperate to turn off the reality of his situation and live in the moment.  My top 5 moments from The Affair season 4 episode 5 are:

5

“I can’t do it alone.”

Part one of the episode opens up with Vik and it was refreshing to see things from his perspective.  Typically when we learn anything about Vik, it is from Helen’s eyes, so this was a nice change.  Vik certainly has a lot on his plate, as he has just found out that he has stage 4 pancreatic cancer and is looking for some way to give his short life meaning.  After trying to talk to his parents, his father asks him, “Why do you have to be so cruel?”  Vik is merely trying to let his parents know about his life insurance policy and prepare them for the inevitable, but they don’t want to hear the truth about his situation.  Vik hopes to have better luck with Helen and is disappointed when the fertility doctor explains that their situation has not improved in order for Helen to have a baby.  Helen admits that she has not been giving herself the shots as much as she should because she really doesn’t want to have a baby in a world without Vik.  While one can understand where Helen is coming from, who already has four children, Vik is crushed by this and is angry that Helen has lied to him once again. 

4

“I haven’t made a single choice for myself.”

After realizing that his day isn’t going to get any better, Vik decides not to return to work at the hospital and instead buys a fancy Porsche with no hesitation.  After going off on his neighbor, Sierra, for leaving her garbage can out again, Sierra is distracted by his new shiny car and suggests that they take it for a ride.  After testing out how fast the car can go, Vik gets pulled over and starts laughing when the cop tells him that they could have gotten killed.  He blurts out that he has stage 4 cancer and the cop reminds him this isn’t the first time he has heard this from someone.  Vik tells him, “so write me a ticket then,” not caring about the consequences of his actions, as Sierra is shocked to find out that that Vik is dying.  Vik later returns to Sierra’s home and the two talk about their lives and Vik comes to the realization that every single choice he has made has been for his parents.  He finally makes a decision for himself when he decides to sleep with Sierra, but will he be able to tell Helen what happened?  Vik is all about living in the moment right now, but what happens when reality begins to set in again?

3

“I come with the room.”

In part two, Cole travels out to Morro Bay, California and meets the beautiful and mysterious, Delphine, played by the brilliant Phoebe Tonkin.  Cole initially declines her forward advances, but eventually gives in to temptation after the two of them bond later in the episode.  Cole recognizes that his affair with Delphine is fleeting and temporary and she is perfectly OK with that, explaining that Cole doesn’t need to apologize to her because it was something she wanted.  Even though Cole will probably never see Delphine again, it’s clear that she has had an impact to him, opening his eyes to the truth that he kept hidden away for so long.

2

“You look so much like someone I used to know.”

Perhaps the biggest surprise for Cole is that he meets Nan, who is beyond shocked when Cole walks through the doors of the Perino Gallery.  Cole discovers that Nan is the one who made his father’s surfboard and quickly learns that they also had an affair for a summer.  Nan is very welcoming to Cole and has a free spirit charm that is endearing.  She confides in Cole about his father and tells him that he was adventurous, which drastically differs from Cole’s own memories about his father, who he described as “emotionally depressed.”  After revealing that his father died many years back, Nan is beyond upset.  Cole realizes that their affair was not meaningless, as Nan truly loved his father.  She shows Cole the love letters that she continued to write him for 10 years after he went back home and Cole starts to see everything with fresh new eyes.  Nan explains that she thought of Cole’s father, Gabriel, as her soul mate and her destiny.  She shows him that the symbol on his surfboard contains their initials, intertwined for eternity.  You can see the love in Nan’s eyes when she talks about Gabriel, as she tells Cole that he called her “wild eyes” and said that he didn’t know that women like her existed in the world.  Nan admits to Cole that they wanted different things and that she has no regrets, but that he had to return home because Cherry was pregnant and threatened to kill herself.  Cole is shocked to learn this, but Nan explains that she tried to do an “exorcism” of sorts through letters to give Gabriel the opportunity to free himself from her and move on with his life.

1

“Take care of your mind, body, and soul.”

After learning about the “exorcism” that Nan describes, Cole takes this opportunity to try it out for himself and to use it on his own feelings for Alison.  Nan reads each of the five letters to him, which are assigned with a task and asks Delphine to be his guide through this experience.  The letters start off with tasks like finding something in nature that has the scent of the one you love and writing down everything you love about that person.  It then escalates to burning these items along with the scent and stating out loud everything you hate that you associate with them.  Cole finally allows his emotions and feelings to reach the surface and his words are beyond moving.  He finally says that, “I hate that you gave up on me and I hate that I can’t give up on you.”  Delphine reminds him to state his intention as he says these words and burns everything and he finally says, “I want to be free of you.”  During Cole’s “exorcism” of his feelings for Alison, the song, “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron is playing in the background.  If you have ever seen the show, “13 Reasons Why,” this is the song that played when Clay and Hannah danced together and it instantly tugs at your emotions and you will find yourself crying before you know it.  You can listen to the song here.  This song was the perfect soundtrack to Cole’s “exorcism,” as he allows himself to try and be free of Alison, but tells Nan the next day that he only feels worse and it didn’t work.  Nan tries to tell him it worked for his father because the last task was to send back the letters and she has them.  Cole looks closely at the postmark and tells Nan that his father never sent them, as it was postmarked two years after he died.  He realizes that Cherry must have found them and sent them back to Nan, crushing her hope that Gabriel’s love for her still existed.  Cole explains that his father hung himself on his 10th birthday, just a couple of weeks after the last letter arrived.

This moment is heartbreaking, but Nan finally learns the truth that Gabriel’s love for her never burned out and Cole now understands that he is still in love with Alison and that he needs to tell her how he feels before it’s too late.  Delphine tells Cole to “take care of his mind, body, and soul,” before he goes and Cole thanks his father, as he leaves Morro Bay behind.  After watching this episode, I almost wish that part two was the entire episode, but I do think it is important that we saw what is going on with Vik as well.  That being said, part two of the episode was so beautifully written and well executed and may have been one of the most beautiful moments I have ever seen on the show.  Now that we know how Cole feels about Alison, will she return his love before it’s too late?  Does Cole get a chance to tell Alison that he loves her before she goes missing?  Stay tuned, as things continue to heat up each week!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on The Affair below in the comments section.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice Cover

 

 

Ranking the top 5 moments from “The Affair” season 4 episode 4: “You Amaze Me”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Showtime’s The Affair last night, I learned that it’s sometimes difficult to discover what we truly want in life.  We may think we know, but our actions tell another story.  Even though we may want to dive right into a solution, it may not reflect the inner desires of our heart.  Sometimes the best thing we can do is to walk away and to free our hearts and minds to finally discover what truly matters.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “404,” Alison and Ben meet again at a conference and get even closer.  Meanwhile, Cole and Luisa continue to argue and Cole seeks out some advice from his mother, Cherry.  My top 5 moments from The Affair season 4 episode 4 are:

5

“Because you know I thought she was my daughter.”

Part one of the episode opens up with Alison and we finally get to see some interaction between her and Noah.  Alison and Joanie are Skyping with Noah and Noah tells Alison that she looks good.  It looks like everyone is noticing Alison’s transformation, as she is much more together now than she has ever been.  Noah offers to buy her and Joanie plane tickets so that they can come and visit him in California and reminds Alison that he does miss Joanie.  Noah spent the first two years of Joanie’s life thinking he was her father and it’s natural for him to have formed an attachment with her.  While Alison seems hesitant about accepting his offer, it is nice to see that these two are on speaking terms.  We know that in present day, Noah and Cole are working together to find Alison, but is he completely over Alison?  Even though he clearly has feelings for his boss, Janelle, Alison still seems to have an impact over Noah.

4

“You have me.”

In part two, we see everything from Cole’s perspective and learn that Luisa is trying to get her green card.  Cole is initially excited to hear about this until he learns what Luisa is planning.  Luisa wants Alison to declare herself as an unfit mother to Joanie so that she can be Joanie’s legal guardian, which would help her case to obtain her citizenship.  Even though she says this will only be on paper, Cole is shocked and appalled by this request.  He explains that it will break Alison’s heart and reminds Luisa that she has him and that should be enough.  Luisa replies, “I don’t know,” suggesting that she doesn’t even know if she really has Cole’s heart anymore.  Cole is sick and tired of Luisa turning this into a competition between her and Alison, but is Luisa on to something?  Perhaps she didn’t want to bring it up before, but there have still been signs that Cole is not over Alison yet and I’m not sure that he ever will be.  Is this request enough to push him over the edge?

3

“Does she know you’re married?”

In part two, Cole tries to be a Good Samaritan and takes Bram to an AA meeting against his will.  Bram comically tries to say that Cole is kidnapping him, but Cole tells him to be quiet and just listen.  Sure enough, it’s a small world in Long Island and Cole meets Ben at the meeting.  Ben shares his own story and battle with addiction and tells everyone that he met someone and that “she’s like the woman I’ve been looking for my whole life.”   Cole thinks that Ben might be a good sponsor for Bram and tries to introduce himself after the meeting.  Ben explains that he needs to get home to his wife and kids and Cole asks him about the girl he was talking about.  Ben shrugs this off and tells him it’s complicated, but has no idea how complicated this is about to get when their paths cross again.  When Cole comes to pick up Joanie, Alison is waiting for her date to pick her up and he meets Ben for the second time.  Cole asks Ben if Alison knows that he is married and he begs him not to tell her.  He explains that he wants to be able to tell her in his own time and Cole does what he asks of him.  It’s clear that Cole is doing this for Alison’s sake more than his, but it’s only a matter of time before these two clash over being in love with the same woman.

2

“I just need to know that I matter.”

Cole comes home and finds Luisa packing, as she tells him that she is going to leave.  After talking with his mother, Cherry, Cole learns that his father went on a “Walkabout,” which is kind of like a spiritual journey or a rite of passage.  Cherry says that his father left for six months and gives Cole the postcard that she received from him.  She doesn’t know much about what happened to him there, but she recognizes that Cole is clearly torn and in need of some time away to figure things out.  Cole asks Luisa if she would wait for him while he leaves for a while and she agrees.  When Cole takes off, he looks at the postcard from Morro Bay, California and heads off to the place where his father once went off to.  Whether he is looking for answers about himself or his family, it’s clear that Cole needs to take a break from all of the pressure surrounding him.  Will he find out what his heart truly desires or will he find himself even more lost than he was before?

1

“Close your eyes, take a breath…what do you notice?”

In part one, Alison is delighted to actually have a friend at the conference and agrees to be Ben’s partner during the EMDR role-play training.  EMDR is a form of treatment that involves reprocessing memories and traumas.  When Alison tries this out with Ben, she becomes overwhelmed from her memories of Gabriel and her own nightmares.  Ruth Wilson had me in tears during this moment, as she was so believable and so real.  You could not help sympathizing with her here.  Alison rushes out of the conference, but Ben is not ready to give up just yet.  He follows her and suggests that they spend the rest of the afternoon on a boat.  Alison agrees and these two truly open up to one another and share some of their deepest secrets and fears.  Alison confides in Ben and tells him that she thinks that her dream was a premonition and that she missed the sign to save her son.  She tells Ben things that she has never shared with anyone, including Cole and Noah.  Perhaps she feels that Ben will truly understand or perhaps there is a connection here that is truly transcendent.  After Alison and Ben kiss, Alison purposely falls back into the ocean and stays beneath the surface for just a moment.  Ben jumps in after her to make sure she is OK and she explains that she was just trying to get away from him for a moment.  Whether this is true or not, it’s clear that Alison is finally opening the door to all of her feelings and is no longer repressing them.  While Ben seems to be worthy of Alison, what will happen when she finds out the truth about his marriage?  Also, in present day, Detective Jeffries has confirmed that Alison is the one who is missing, no longer using vague descriptions like “she,” which means that Ben might have something to do with her disappearance.  We know that Ben is capable of hiding things from Alison, but is he keeping something dangerous from her?  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on The Affair below in the comments section.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “The Affair” season 4 episode 2: “What are you doing in 5 months, 2 weeks, and 2 days?”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Showtime’s The Affair last night, I learned that it is possible for people to change and that sometimes we need to realize when it’s time to let go.  That’s easier said than done, however; as we all have something we cling to from our past.  Whether it is a memory, a feeling, or something material, sometimes it’s enough to allow us to keep the past alive without it impacting our present and future.  But what happens when we can’t let something go?  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “402,” Cole meets with new potential business partners and decides on whether or not to franchise “The Lobster Roll.”  Meanwhile, Alison is thriving at her new job at the Woodlawn Center and meets a heroic stranger who has the potential to spark a new romance in her life.  My top 5 moments from The Affair season 4 episode 2 are:

5

Luisa gets pulled over.

Part one of the episode opens up with Cole and we learn that he is still with Luisa, but that she is undocumented and unable to obtain her green card.  While living in a small town where everyone knows Cole has its advantages, Luisa runs into some unexpected trouble when she gets pulled over by a police officer when she is driving Cole home from the beach.  Luisa starts shaking in the car and Cole holds her hand, as he tries comforting her and letting her know that everything will be alright.  Luckily, the police officer gets another call that he needs to respond to and he lets Luisa off with a warning, but this scare is enough to bring her fears to the surface.  I found myself holding my breath in this moment as well, but I don’t think this is the last time that we will see a potential problem for Luisa.

4

“We’re not in high school anymore.”

Cole and Luisa are meeting with potential business partners and Alison is late for the meeting.  Alison is still Cole’s business partner, but he often feels like he is alone on this.  Alison finally makes it to the meeting, but Cole is not happy with her.  After the business partners leave, he asks Alison to “show up on time” and to “dry your hair.”  Alison is surprised by Cole’s focus on appearances and asks him, “Since when do you care so much what city people think?”  Times have changed, however; and Cole is right when he reminds her that they are not in high school anymore.  It seems like Cole is desperate to go back to the past, however.  He has a steady marriage to someone who truly loves him and the chance to make some real money, but Cole is still not happy.  Even though he made the decision to be with Luisa, it seems like some part of him will always be with Alison.  Will he ever be able to get over her?  Is there any chance that they can still make things work after so much time and so much pain caused by both parties?

3

“You can’t shoot someone just because they drew on your face.”

After Cole wanders off alone on the beach at night, he comes across some of the surfers he ran into earlier and decides to sit down with them.  Cole seems anxious to turn off his feelings anyway he can and zones out periodically, listening to the sound of the waves in the background.  When Cole wakes up on the beach, the kids are gone and he discovers that they drew all over his face.  Cole is furious, but Luisa makes light of the situation when she puts things into perspective.  Later in the episode, Cole comes face to face with one of the kids who did this to him and threatens to call the police, but the kid gives him an unwanted dose of reality when he reminds him that his brother sold him the first drugs he ever did.  It seems like Cole is unable to escape his past and reputation and is in desperate need of a fresh start.  But is he ready for this step?

2

“It’s also something you and I built together.”

In part two, we see everything from Alison’s perspective and view the conversation between her and Cole differently.  Alison seems ready to give up “The Lobster Roll” and reminds Cole that it was more of his brother’s dream than his.  Cole confides in Alison and reminds her that it’s something they built together, revealing that he is still trying to hold on to something from the past.  Alison seems ready to move on, but Cole is unable to break this hold she seems to have over him.  While it appears that Alison is ultimately going to pursue someone else romantically, the feelings between Alison and Cole are still present underneath the surface, but nothing stays buried for long.

1

“What are you doing in 5 months, 2 weeks, and 2 days?”

In part two, we get a glimpse into Alison’s new life and I have to say I am so proud of her.  Ever since I began watching the show, Alison reminded me of a wounded bird in desperate need of rescuing.  The pain brewing inside her was so real and painful to watch and I couldn’t help but be sympathetic toward her.  Alison relied heavily on actions of self-destruction, addicted to numbing the pain anyway she could, but times have really changed and it seems like completely immersing herself into her memories of Gabriel have been the key to getting her back on the right track.  Alison does peer-to-peer counseling at the Woodlawn center and seems to really be making a difference with the people she is counseling.  Alison is even strong enough to keep a photo of Gabriel right next to one of Joanie, which proves that she is finally dealing with the past in a healthy and acceptable way.  Alison meets a dashing stranger named Ben who used to serve in the military and sparks are immediately detected between these two.  When Alison is violently confronted by the husband of her patient, Ben comes to her rescue and saves her.  This leads to a long conversation over a cup of coffee where Alison learns quite a bit about Ben and is intrigued by his commitment to staying sober and abstinent.  It seems like they both have complicated pasts, but are ready to move on.  Ben explains that he wants to meet someone where he doesn’t need to get wasted because he won’t want to miss any of it and Alison tells him she thinks that he is fascinating.  After saying goodbye to Alison, he later calls her on Skype and asks her what she is doing in “5 months, 2 weeks, and 2 days,” recognizing that Alison is certainly worth the wait.  It seems like Alison finally has the chance at a healthy relationship, but I can’t help wondering if the mystery surrounding her possible disappearance has to do with Ben?  We will have to stay tuned to find out, but I am very excited to see this new romance unfold for Alison.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on The Affair below in the comments section.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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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!