Tag: magic

Ranking the top 5 villains from “Once Upon a Time”

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

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

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

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

5

Captain Hook

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

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

4

Zelena

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

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

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

3

The Evil Queen

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

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

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

2

Dark Emma Swan

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

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

Some honorable mentions before revealing my number one pick are:

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

1

Rumplestiltskin

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

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

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

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

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to share some of your own thoughts and comments on your favorite villains from Once Upon a Time.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 heartbreaking moments from “Charmed”

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

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

My top 5 heartbreaking moments from Charmed are:

5

Andy’s sacrifice.

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

4

Piper’s death in season 2.

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

3

Piper’s speech to The Elders.

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

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

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

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

2

Cole’s letter to Phoebe.

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

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

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

 

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

1

Piper’s reaction to Prue’s death.

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

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to share some of your own heartbreaking moments from Charmed in the comments section below.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 22 Series Finale: “A Second Chance”

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

5

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

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

4

Mad Archer gets their happy ending.

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

3

“We heard you needed some help.”

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

2

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

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

1

“I now crown you The Good Queen.”

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

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

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Supernatural” season 13 episode 22: “Sometimes Doing the Right Thing can go Wrong”

Happy Sunday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s Supernatural season 13 episode 22, Lucifer is desperately trying to turn over a new leaf to make a good impression on his son, but is anyone really buying it?  While he tries to bond with his son, Jack over forced high-fives and inappropriate discussions about his mother, it does sure seem like he’s trying.  It seems like Jack is willing to give him a chance, but are we?  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Exodus,” Dean is beyond happy to see his brother, Sam alive and well.  However, their mother, Mary is not ready to leave her people behind, which causes the Winchester brothers to come up with a plan to bring everyone through the rift.  Meanwhile, Lucifer tries to bond with Jack and Rowena makes a valiant effort to hold the rift open.  My top 5 moments from Supernatural season 13 episode 22 are:

5

“VIP pass.  I’m with the band.”

In the beginning of the episode, everyone is shocked to see Lucifer enter the camp.  He tries to lighten the mood with his winning personality and reminds them that he’s here to join the team.  Sam and Dean don’t want Lucifer anywhere near Jack, but Jack is curious about his father and is not ready to turn away from him until he gets some answers.  While Lucifer possesses power that will come in handy in the fight against Michael, no one seems ready to jump on his bandwagon just yet.

4

Mary punches Lucifer in the face.

Lucifer comically asks Mary if she misses him and she responds with a punch square in his jaw.  I have to admit that this was beyond funny, as Mary proves that she is a Winchester no matter what and is not going to let anyone screw with her, even if they are the devil.  Mary explains to Sam and Dean that she is not going to go back through the rift because she does not want to abandon the people here counting on her.  Dean is not ready to accept going back to a world without her and Sam comes up with a compromise, suggesting that they bring everyone through the rift until they can come up with a plan to stop Michael.  While 25 people seem like quite a lot to bring through the rift in a short amount of time, they are willing to take this chance because they need their mother in their lives.  After all, they did just travel to another dimension to save her.

3

Castiel vs Castiel.

After reconnecting with Bobby, Dean is concerned about the well-being of Charlie, especially when he learns that Ketch is working with her.  Both Charlie and Ketch are captured and alter-dimension Castiel enters the room, ready to torture with no remorse.  Castiel faces off against himself, ready to take down the threat.  Alter-dimension Castiel reminds him, “we are the same” and our Castiel replies with, “yes we are,” as he takes his life with no hesitation.  While this threat is taken out, we know that Michael is still lurking somewhere in the shadows, ready to make his move.

2

“Kids.  You just gotta know how to talk to them.”

Lucifer eagerly embraces his new role as a father and puts his best effort forward to connect with Jack.  After taking off to gather his thoughts, Jack explains that he is ready to listen even though Sam, Dean, and Castiel warn him not to talk to Lucifer.  Jack has a lot of questions but starts with the most important one:  “Why does everyone hate you?”  Lucifer tries to spin his own story about why he was cast out of heaven and does mention that he has done some terrible things, but is ready to make amends.  Castiel is not buying it, however; rolling his eyes at Lucifer’s over-simplifications.  When Jack’s mother is mentioned, Lucifer tries to add some input and says, “Awesome lady.  Lost my virginity to her.”  This revelation is completely inappropriate, but Lucifer continues to try to bond with Jack, which leads to a somewhat inspiring pep talk.  Jack tells Sam that he wants to stay behind and fight Michael, but Lucifer steps in and reminds him that “sometimes doing the right thing can go wrong.”  Jack calls Lucifer “father” to his delight, but Sam is clearly worried that Lucifer’s influence will lead Jack down the wrong path, especially since he is so impressionable and naive.

1

Showdown at the rift.

Time is running out and everyone needs to make it out of the rift before it closes for good.  Rowena is back in our world, using all of her strength and magic to keep it open as long as possible.  As everyone starts going through the rift, Michael shows up with perfect timing.  Gabriel tells Sam and Dean to leave and is no longer running away.  He faces off against Michael and is tragically killed to the horror of Sam and Dean.  Gabriel sacrificed himself for them, proving that he did have goodness within him.  Lucifer tries to hold off Michael as well as everyone gets through the rift.  Just before Sam enters the rift, he says to Lucifer, “how did you think this was going to end?”  Sam rushes through the rift and leaves Lucifer behind.  Lucifer is now done being a team player and strikes up a deal with Michael.  He agrees to help him pass through the rift and destroy whatever he wants as long as he can be with his son.  While this is not shocking in the slightest, as we know that Lucifer’s first priority is always Lucifer, he and Michael together may be impossible to defeat.  Stay tuned for the season finale next week!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 20: “Home isn’t a Place. It’s the People in it”

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 20 last night, Henry’s words really described what this series is all about.  “That’s the thing about stories.  They’re more than words.  They live inside of us.  They make us who we are.  And as long as someone believes that…there will be magic.”  When you think about Once Upon a Time as it draws close to the series finale next week, you immediately think about believing in the impossible.  The fairy tales we grew up with sparked our own imagination and creativity, shaping who we have become even if we don’t always see it.  Words can be more powerful than we realize, allowing our feelings and stories to come alive across the page.  Even when this series ends, the stories will live on, reminding us of the importance of taking a leap of faith when the world seems to be quite mad.  It provides us with an escape that can inspire hope, love, and adventure.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Is This Henry Mills?” Regina desperately tries to get Henry to believe again but is running out of ideas.  Meanwhile, Rogers/Nook and Rumple recruit Margot to help save Tilly before it is too late and the ultimate villain is revealed.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 20 are:

5

“Because I can be very convincing.”

While helping Jacinda and Lucy pack for their trip with Henry, Sabine/Tiana is worried about Drew.  After Lucy reveals that the back-pack is from Drew, she finds a tarot card hidden inside.  Lucy immediately knows that this means that Samdi/Dr. Facilier will have an idea about what’s going on.  Jacinda and Sabine/Tiana go to confront Dr. Facilier who has nothing to hide at this point, recognizing that magic is about to resurface again.  He opens the closet door and reveals Drew gagged and tied up and suggests that the ladies join him.  While we know that Dr. Facilier’s ultimate goal is to obtain the Dark One’s dagger, what does he have to gain by holding these characters captive?  Is it merely to prevent them from getting in the way or did he have something else in store for them?  It looks like we may never find out, as Dr. Facilier’s own fate is about to take a cruel twist.  I wonder if he saw that coming in the cards.

4

“I’ve got nothing left to lose so let’s do this.”

Even though Regina is having trouble getting Henry to believe again, she refuses to give up.  She turns down Gothel’s offer to join her coven and chooses the side of humanity, proving once again that the Evil Queen has shed its wickedness and has embraced what it truly means to be a hero.  Even though Regina does not have magic in this world, she is not about to let Gothel win.  She stands up to her and faces her, but is wounded after Gothel attacks her.  While Regina may not be the hero to take down Gothel, her will to stand against her is commendable.

3

“I’m not like you.  You chose hate.  But I choose love.”

After Tilly courageously joined Gothel’s coven to protect her father’s life, she is now under some type of trance, trapped by the magic she is channeling.  Rogers/Nook tells her that he will come back for her and save her and is ready to finally take a leap of faith.  Rumple reveals to him that it’s all real and Rogers/Nook is finally ready to accept this and listen.  When he asks who he is from the other realm, Rumple says, “All you need to know right now is that you’re a survivor…Captain.”  Rogers and Rumple seek out the help of Margot, desperately hoping that she can get through to Tilly before it is too late.  We learn that after each witch sacrifices all of their power to the spell, they turn into a tree in the eternal grove and it’s only a matter of time before Tilly starts growing roots of her own.  Margot tries to talk Tilly out of this, recognizing that perhaps she is just having a really bad day and “maybe we can turn it into a good one.”  Tilly refuses, however; and flings her in the air, shrinking her enemies into almost non-existence, as she remains trapped by the magic consuming her.  When the curse is ultimately broken, Margot and Tilly remember themselves as Robin and Alice…or “Tower Girl.”  When the words, “I told you we’d always know each other” are spoken, you can’t help feeling an overwhelming sense of warmth and love for these two characters.  Their love for one another is so pure and good, proving that real love can truly conquer all.  This reunion is put on hold, however; as Gothel still remains to be a threat.  Gothel tries to tell Alice that she is like her and will not be able to defeat her, but Alice has her father and Robin by her side.  She chooses love and turns Gothel into a tree, hoping that she can grow into something beautiful again and ultimately find peace.   The curse is broken and Alice can finally be reunited with her father again and with her true love, Robin.  Well deserved!

2

“Don’t you want to believe?”

During the episode, we flash to another timeline where young Henry Mills is approaching graduation and deciding on whether or not he should leave Storybrooke or stay behind with his mother, Regina.  Regina has some doubts about Henry leaving, but she puts her feelings aside because all she really wants is for him to be happy.  Grown up Henry is still having trouble believing, even after he witnesses all of the magic around him.  Regina tries a memory potion and even digs up the “Once Upon a Time” second book from Victoria’s grave, desperately trying to help him remember who he is and what he believes in.  Nothing happens after all of these attempts and it seems like Henry’s belief may really be gone forever, as he is unable to deal with the grief of losing the family he thought he had.  However, Henry is failing to realize that his family has been right in front of him this whole time.  Regina tries to tell him that the curse is not just a land without magic, but that they were brought to a different time, bringing time travel into the mix, and bringing me back to Lost once again.  Henry looks at the adoption papers Regina left with him and decides to take a very own leap of faith of his own by calling the phone number listed.  Lost fans everywhere will remember the memorable moment in the episode, “The Constant,” where Desmond makes a phone call to Penny that saves his life and helps him remember who he is.  The connection he had to his love, Penny was enough to bring him back.  In Once Upon a Time, Henry is about to experience something very similar.  When he calls, he speaks to his younger self and provides him with some really great advice.  The conversation causes his memories to come flashing back to him, as he finally remembers who he is.  After Gothel attacks Regina, Henry rushes to her side and kisses her forehead, breaking the curse for good in a beautiful moment.  It was true love’s kiss after all, but for the mother who sacrificed everything for him.  Magic is back and so are the memories that had been hidden away for so long.  Young Henry gets it absolutely right when he says that “Storybrooke will always be with me.”  Not just with you Henry, but with all of us and it’s hard not to shed some tears as we approach the very end.  However, even though it seems like our happy ending has finally arrived, there is one more twist left.

1

“Did you really think a wish realm could hold me?”

After the curse is broken, Rumple realizes that the dagger is gone and immediately jumps to the conclusion yet again that Dr. Facilier is responsible.  Rumple is finally starting to realize that he may not be able to get back to Belle and he wants to focus his energy on the family he has here.  He even hesitates and doesn’t kill Dr. Facilier when he has the chance and Dr. Facilier mocks him by telling him, “You’re a shadow of your former self.”  Who said that words could never hurt you?  Dr. Facilier is stabbed with the dagger and the Dark One is responsible.  Rumple will literally need to face himself and destroy the evil of the Dark One once and for all, but is he powerful enough to do so?  We know that some of our favorite characters will be returning for the series finale next week.  I am beyond excited and can’t wait to see how the story finally ends.  Stay tuned!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Supernatural” season 13 episode 21: “Beat the Devil”

Happy Friday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s Supernatural season 13 episode 21 last night, I learned that enemies can easily become unlikely allies when they have something valuable to offer.  While Lucifer may be the devil himself, his fondness for “Sammy,” helps the Winchester brothers out of quite the jam, but is everyone truly ready to make a deal with the devil?  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Beat the Devil,” Gabriel’s archangel grace is tapped out, leaving only one other option on the table.  Rowena and Gabriel grow closer and execute Sam’s plan to capture Lucifer so they can get back into the rift to finally rescue Jack and Mary.  While Lucifer is captured, he tries to break Rowena, leading to his own ticket into the rift.  A tragic moment puts Dean on edge, but he is finally reunited with his mother.  This is not the only family reunion in the cards, however; as Jack comes face to face with his father, Lucifer.  My top 5 moments from Supernatural season 13 episode 21 are:

5

“Pep talks and melodrama.”

In the beginning of the episode, Rowena attempts to cast the spell to open the rift with Gabriel’s grace, but his performance is “premature,” as it is unable to hold the rift open.  Gabriel’s grace is clearly tapped out and everyone realizes that they need Lucifer to keep the rift open.  While this is no one’s first option, they don’t have any other choice.  While Sam, Dean, and Castiel try to come up with a plan, Rowena comically comments that they are like “the three amigos” and explains they will be a while with their “pep talks and melodrama.”

4

“We were just reading books.”

While they are waiting to hear the plan, Gabriel and Rowena suddenly realize that they are attracted to one another and decide to have an adventure of their very own behind the bookcase.  When Sam, Dean, and Castiel return, they are beyond shocked and disturbed.  While it’s clear that they were not just reading books, Dean doesn’t want to hear the details and tells them that Sam has a plan.  While Gabriel later comments that he can “cross having sex with a 300 year old red-head off his bucket list,” these two actually have a lot in common.  Will it be a one-time fling or is there a romance in the cards for Rowena?

3

“All the people I love to torture in the same room.”

Lucifer is drowning his sorrows at a bar, confiding in the bartender about his problems with his son.  It seems like Lucifer is no longer concerned with heaven or hell and has focused all of his energy on Jack.  After he starts to get a little woozy, the bartender is revealed to actually be Gabriel who puts his trickster skills to good use along with a “magical roofie.”  After Rowena makes her entrance, Lucifer comments, “I killed you too.”  The plan is a success and they hold Lucifer captive so that they can keep his grace on tap to ensure the rift stays open.  While we know that it’s impossible to keep Lucifer detained forever, everyone heads into the rift and Rowena stays behind to “babysit” Lucifer.

2

“Step into my office.”

While Lucifer is being held captive, he puts his best effort forward to break Rowena and tries to hit a nerve.  He compares her situation to the “woman staying home in the kitchen,” while the boys go to handle the real work, but Rowena stays strong, refusing to give him the satisfaction of upsetting her.  When this doesn’t work, Lucifer resorts to some off key singing that is beyond annoying, but Rowena keeps her cool.  Lucifer finally strikes a nerve when he brings up killing her and Rowena tries to bring him down by telling him that his son considers Sam, Dean, and Castiel to be his real family.  Lucifer channels his anger and is able to break free.  He wounds Rowena and she deflects him with her magic into the rift in self-defense.  While this is clearly the last thing anyone wants, Rowena has second thoughts about leaving the Winchester brothers to fend for themselves and gets to work by opening her spell book to come up with something to help.

1

“Hey Sammy.”

When Sam, Dean, and Castiel go through the rift, they wind up in a different entrance again and need to make their way to Dayton.  They help some strangers who are being attacked by starved vampires on the way and learn that the quickest way to Dayton is through a tunnel filled with these monsters.  Sam is brutally attacked and dragged off, as Dean screams out to him.  Castiel goes after him, but explains that it is too late and that Sam is gone.  Dean is barely able to process what has just happened, but keeps on going.  When he finally reunites with his mother, Mary, a single tear falls down Dean’s face, which is beyond heart-breaking.  Lucifer’s entrance through the rift proves to be useful after all, as he brings Sam back to life.  Sam knows that he wants something in return and is afraid to hear what he has to say.  Lucifer merely explains that “I want what you already have.  A relationship with my son.”  Sam is initially confused by this, but Lucifer further explains that he wants Sam to tell Jack that Lucifer is responsible for saving him, so that Jack can be grateful toward Lucifer and begin to feel something for him.  Sam begrudgingly accepts since the alternative is to get eaten by vampires yet again, but everyone is beyond shocked when Lucifer walks into the camp with Sam, finally getting the family reunion he was so desperately longing for.  Will Jack accept him?  While we know that Lucifer will come in handy in the fight against Michael, what else does he secretly have planned?  The devil can never be trusted, but it looks like the Winchester brothers do not have a choice at this point.  Stay tuned!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 19: “Flower Child”

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 19 last night, Tilly got it absolutely right when she said that “it’s cruel really to be so close to happiness and kept so far away from it.”  Revelations are finally breaking through the curse, however; but will our favorite characters get their chance at a happily ever after before the witches cast their spell?  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Flower Child,” we learn about Mother Gothel’s past and her motives.  Meanwhile, Tilly finds out the truth about who her parents are and Lucy desperately looks for something that can save her father and bring her parents back together again.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 19 are:

5

“Now you are the Mother.  Remember what you were destined to blossom into.”

While it didn’t initially seem like Mother Gothel had any redeemable qualities, this glimpse into her past actually revealed a heartbreaking story filled with betrayal and loss.  We learn that Gothel is a tree nymph and comes from a magical grove, but she is curious about humanity and wants to know what it’s like to be mortal.  Gothel envies the pretty dresses the girls get to wear and the freedom they can explore, but lets her guard down when she is invited to teach some of her new mortal friends how to do magic.  Gothel’s naivete prevents her from seeing the cruel and wicked intentions of her new “sisters,” who tell her she is an “abomination” and destroy her grove.  Gothel is horrified to find her family dead and no longer feels like she belongs in any world.  Gothel is not able to take her mother’s advice and turns her destiny of being the “Mother” of nature into a quest for vengeance against humanity.  She recruits the first true member of her coven and it’s clear that she will not be finished until all of humanity pays for what they have done.  While we know that Gothel must be stopped, this glimpse into her past allows us to understand why she became so cold and broken along the way, making her story that much more complicated.  While we have seen other villains choose the path of good, Gothel only seems interested in furthering her revenge and confuses her coven with “family,” not fully grasping what this term actually means.

4

Lucy visits Dr. Facilier.

Lucy is not about to give up on her parents even though the magic that Dr. Facilier gave to Regina is gone.  She asks if there is any more magic to help her father and proves to be “quite the blackmailer,” which amuses Dr. Facilier.  He agrees to help her and explains that the first step is for her to find a symbol of Henry and Jacinda’s love.  Dr. Facilier is not helping Lucy out of the mere goodness of his heart, however.  He reveals that “a storm of witches is brewing” and that they will need magic to survive.  Whatever his intentions are, he is willing to help and Lucy sets off to find a symbol.  She goes through boxes of Jacinda’s old things and finds one box labeled “BL,” which means “Before Lucy.”  In the box, she finds a bag from Granny’s Diner and for a minute I was worried that she might find some rotten food that Jacinda forgot about, but the broken glass slipper is inside, shocking both Jacinda and Lucy.  While Jacinda tries to grasp the reality that she really is Cinderella, Lucy rushes off to Dr. Facilier so that her father can be saved.

3

“No matter how crazy…we’ll figure it out together.”

Gothel approaches Tilly and tells her that she is her mother.  Tilly doesn’t welcome her with open arms, however; and tells her “you’re either a liar or a monster.”  Gothel tries to feed her a story about wanting to change and looking for forgiveness, but Tilly walks away from Gothel and her false promises.  She goes to the only real “family” she knows right now and Rogers/Nook tells her that they will figure it out together.  Meanwhile, Gothel pays Margot a visit and takes some of her blood, refusing to abandon her plan now that she knows that Tilly contains the magic within her that will complete her coven.

2

“When I met you I loved you immediately…maybe because I already loved you.”

Henry and Jacinda have been getting closer and closer after realizing that Henry’s book might be real after all and that they did meet in another world in a fairy-tale.  It’s surprising that these two haven’t shared a kiss yet, but they do hold out with perfect timing, as Dr. Facilier breaks the curse on Henry.  The two finally kiss but Lucy is beyond disappointed when it doesn’t break the curse.  Has Gothel’s magic interfered with true love’s kiss?  Is there another way to break the curse and wake everyone up?

1

Tilly learns that Rogers is her father.

After Gothel takes some of Margot’s blood, she captures Rogers/Nook and lures Tilly to her.  She tells her that she is her real family, but Tilly will not help her.  She finally reveals that Rogers is her real father and offers her a choice.  Tillly can join the coven or watch her father die.  Even though Rogers tries to do the noble thing and tells Tilly not to give in, she cannot live in a world without her father.  Tilly has felt alone and unwanted up until now and she finally has a chance at new love with Margot and old love with her father.  She reluctantly joins hands with the coven and the spell is cast.  Did she make the right decision? What has the coven unleashed?  Will anyone be able to stop Gothel?  Stay tuned!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 18: “The Guardian”

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 18 last night, Rumple gives up his chance at true freedom to protect someone else from losing hers, proving that even he can show signs of a pure heart.  Well maybe not completely pure, but his love for Belle is certainly pointing his moral compass in the right direction.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “The Guardian,” Rumple tries to get to the bottom of Hansel/Nick’s mysterious death while Henry begins to question everything, desperately seeking something real and concrete.  Meanwhile, Regina pays Dr. Facilier/Samdi a visit and Tilly/Alice and Margot/Robin enjoy an adventurous first date.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 18 are:

5

Rumple crosses paths with Dr. Facilier in the past.

In this episode, we learn more about Rumple’s past.  He has still been trying to find a way to free him from the dagger so he can be with his true love, Belle but is running out of time.  Even though Belle is gone, he finds comfort in speaking to her and reveals his most vulnerable thoughts to her, clinging to a connection.  Rumple’s thoughts are interrupted when Dr. Facilier shows up, reminding us that these two are no strangers in Hyperion Heights.  Rumple and Dr. Facilier discuss how the new guardian must be “pure of heart” and that she will need to be tested if he ever wants to see Belle again.  Rumple approaches the potential guardian, Alice with a test, desperate to save himself no matter what the cost.  In present day, Rumple discovers Hansel/Nick’s body and knows that this was no accident.  He finds a voodoo pin on the floor and immediately blames Dr. Facilier.  When he discovers that the dagger has gone missing, he refuses to sit by and play by the rules.

4

Tilly/Alice and Margot/Robin go on a first date.

Undeniable sparks have been flying between Tilly and Margot as soon as Margot arrives in town.  Margot even tells her mother, Zelena/Kelly that she wants to stay behind because of the potential budding romance.  When Margot asks Tilly to join her for a day on the town, she means business, as she even comments that she is wearing lip gloss for the occasion.  After a sugar-rushed treat, Tilly opens up and decides to show Margot her world.  She brings her to a bookstore and tells her how much she loves it because she can go anywhere in the world without moving from this very spot.  After Tilly has a minor breakdown, Margot reminds her that she is there for it all, including the bad.  She gives Alice a bracelet similar to the ones she collected around the world and tells her, “This felt like an adventure to me.”

3

“Don’t make me ask you a third time.”

After Rumple discovers that the dagger is missing, he immediately blames Dr. Facilier and tells Regina about his concerns.  He asks Regina for the magic she got from Dr. Facilier but she reminds him that this is the only thing in the world she has to try and save her son and his grandson, Henry.  Regina tries to do what is right and confronts Dr. Facilier who admits to killing Hansel/Nick but not to taking the dagger.  Regina takes him at his word, but is she being blinded by her unresolved feelings for him?  Rumple refuses to trust him, however; and steals the magic from Regina.  Later on when he realizes his mistake, he explains to Regina that he did what he had to do.  Regina is beyond angry, however; and tells him that he hasn’t changed a bit and that she’s done with it.  She tells Rumple, “you and I…we’re through,” and it looks like she means it.

2

Rumple makes the right choice.

After testing Alice, she passes with flying colors and is about to take on the responsibility of being the new guardian.  Rumple has a change of heart, however; and stops her from doing this.  He explains to her that “immortality is just another tower” and he can’t do that to her.  This moment is touching and leads to one where even Nook thanks him for doing the right thing and shakes his hand.  Rumple promises Belle that he will find another way for them to find each other again and it looks like his decision brought him one step closer to that.  Even though it may not seem that way, Rumple’s decision to choose goodness will lead him to his happy ending.  Only it just might take a while to actually achieve it.  In present day, Tilly/Alice is hearing a buzzing in her head and shows Rumple that the dagger appeared in her bag.  Rumple knows that Tilly is the true guardian, previously thinking it could have been Anastasia, but takes the dagger back and hides it away for now.  Will Rumple make the same right choice now in Hyperion Heights?  We’ll have to stay tuned, but Rumple’s path toward redemption is not over just yet.

1

Henry questions everything.

Henry doesn’t know what to believe after seeing the medical blood test report.  He goes down to the station to talk more to Hansel/Nick, but is shocked to learn that he is dead.  He asks Nook/Rogers if he can look around Nick’s apartment, which is clearly breaking the law and tampering with evidence, but Nook agrees all the same.  Henry is not the only one questioning everything around him, as Nook/Rogers reveals that a medical report showed that Hansel/Nick was stabbed in the heart from the inside which is simply not possible.  He asks a very important question, “What the hell’s going on in this town?” but it looks like we will need to wait for him to find out more.  At the end of the episode, Henry shows the blood test results to Jacinda and tells her that he even called the hospital to confirm their authenticity.  Henry finally realizes that Lucy was right all along and blurts out, “I am her father.”  It looks like it will only be a matter of time before everyone wakes up and realizes that they are stuck within another curse, but will they be able to break it without consequences?  Stay tuned!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 17: “Chosen”

After watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 17 last night, Zelena may be known as “wicked,” but it’s clear that all she really ever wanted was to be good.  Even though she has made her fair share of mistakes, she deserves the chance to prove herself and to be loved for who she is.    Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Chosen,” Zelena/Kelly goes to Rumple for help since the “Candy Killer” has targeted her as his next victim.  Meanwhile, Nook/Rogers figures out that Henry never made it to New York, Drew/Naveen gets closer to Sabine/Tiana, and Hansel/Jack/Nick reveals his motives.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 17 are:

5

“I am tired of playing candy crush with you.”

In this episode, we get to see more of Zelena’s past and learn about her interactions with the witch from “Hansel and Gretel.”  Even though Zelena is known as “wicked,” she begins connecting to Hansel and Gretel’s father who is blind and begins to let her walls down.  Zelena feels that he sees her for who she truly is, which is something she has never experienced before and she wants to help him in return.  Zelena blinds the witch and offers to give her sight to Hansel’s father, but he declines when his children run to him, revealing that Zelena knew they were being held captive.  Hansel’s father is furious that she kept this from him, even though she tries to explain that she was just trying to protect him.  Zelena’s chance of happiness is destroyed here and her anger re-surfaces, burning harsher than the flames she inflicts on Hansel.  It is clear why Hansel holds Zelena responsible for a lot of the misfortune in his life, but it doesn’t seem like this Zelena still exists anymore.  Like Regina, Zelena has found her way to redemption, but it is hard to maintain this when old wounds insist on re-opening.

4

Hansel reveals his motives to Henry.

Henry is still being held captive by Hansel and tries to keep his cool by keeping Hansel talking.  Hansel reveals that Henry gave him a second chance because “Jack” had no past and earned the potential to be a true hero, something that Hansel had never experienced before.  He has absolutely no sympathy for witches, however; revealing that he believes they are all bad and that the arrival of Henry’s family is what set him off on this path of revenge.  Henry is still confused by this, as he doesn’t understand why Hansel is saying that Kelly/Zelena is his aunt, still clinging to the reality he has come to know so well in H Town.  Hansel shows Henry the blood test results proving that he is Lucy’s father, but Henry still tries to come up with a rational explanation here.

3

Rogers/Nook reads between the lines.

Nook/Rogers has his suspicions and approaches Jacinda/Ella and tells her that he found Henry’s car abandoned and that he never made it to New York.  Jacinda reveals her naiveté about the situation and explains that this could not possibly be true since she received text messages from Henry earlier that day.  Nook/Rogers reads between the lines and they figure out that only Hansel/Nick/Jack referred to her as “J.”  Nook/Rogers finds Henry and rescues him.  Good thing Nook/Rogers didn’t need to dust off his emoji decoding skills.

2

“Trust is a powerful thing.”

Drew/Naveen shows up again and it seems like him and Sabine/Tiana are getting closer, as he helps her with her food truck business.  There are definitely sparks flying between these two, but we know that Drew/Naveen has another agenda.  Later on, Dr. Facilier shows up and reminds Drew that he is there to collect a debt.  Drew/Naveen gives him one of Sabine/Tiana’s beignets for some sort of voodoo ritual.  Even though we know that Drew is working for Dr. Facilier, what are their plans for Tiana/Sabine?  We know that Dr. Facilier has several plans all in play at the same time, especially when he visits Hansel later and reveals that he is the one who woke him up and orchestrated everything.  Will this get him one step closer to obtaining the Dark One’s dagger?  Will anyone be able to stop Dr. Facilier before it’s too late?

1

“Must be a bitch trying to keep track of your driver licenses.”

Zelena/Kelly reveals that in this reality, she actually has a good life.  She even explains, “at least Kelly didn’t kill a munchkin,” and you can’t help but feel sympathetic toward her.  Kelly has a simple life here, including the love from a good man and a daughter that she is trying to connect with.  Hansel refuses to let Kelly live her life here and tries to make her suffer by kidnapping her fiancé, Chad.  Kelly/Zelena shows up and reminds Hansel to focus his revenge on her, desperately trying to protect Chad.  After the threat is over, Zelena/Kelly tells Chad about her jaded past, minus the fairy-tale details, and he still accepts her for who she is, which is absolutely heart-warming and beautiful.  It looks like Kelly/Zelena has a chance of true happiness here with the man she loves and her family.  Kelly/Zelena’s redemption is that much clearer in this moment.  While she is far from perfect, her willingness to change and protect those she loves proves that she is far from a villain.  She’s our hero! 

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

Throw-Back Thursday: Ranking the top 5 episodes of “Charmed.”

It’s Throw-Back Thursday TV Fans!  For today, I am going to be counting down the top 5 episodes from Charmed.  Out of the 178 episodes of the series, it was extremely difficult to narrow this list down to just 5 episodes.  Over my many re-watches of the show, these episodes have stood the test of time.  As I re-watch the series each time, I find myself looking forward to them because they truly make an impact with me.  There have been different points in my life where many episodes of Charmed have gotten me through some really tough times and that just goes to show you how amazing this show is.

It’s not just about witchcraft and magic.  It’s about family, loyalty, and how to deal with the everyday demons in our lives, not just the supernatural.  The entire series is filled with great episodes, all connecting to create a believable story and providing us with some great entertainment, while keeping our favorite characters real, empathetic, funny, and significant in the process.  It’s hard not to feel like part of the Halliwell family when you invest so much time watching these powerful and amazing women.  These stand-out episodes below 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 Charmed are:

5

“From Fear to Eternity.” (Season 1, episode 13)

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“Prue.  Prue. You must face your fears, Prue.  You must trust in the greatest of all powers.  Love.” (Patty Halliwell)

So for me this episode has to be the one that hooked me onto Charmed for good.  This episode was in the middle of the first season and really elevated the show to an entirely new level.  It’s Friday the 13th and we are first introduced to one of the greatest villains on the show, Barbas, the Demon of Fear.  I have to say that it was very clever to have episode 13 be the Friday the 13th one, which really made this episode that much more haunting.  The Demon of Fear has to murder 13 witches before midnight so that he can be freed, which is alarming enough for those of you who are superstitious.

What makes Barbas so frightening is that he brings a victim’s greatest fear to the surface.  The victim appears to die from a heart attack and their hair turns bright white from fright, which gets the police involved, but there is something so bone-chilling about this.  Just imagining this happening makes my skin crawl, which is why Barbas was such a genius villain and so difficult for the sisters to face.  This episode stood out to me as well because the sisters could not just rely on their magical powers to defeat him.  Phoebe is held captive by him and he lures Prue to the scene to get two witches for the price of one.  We learn in the episode that Prue is very fearful of drowning, as Barbas initially attacks her in the shower.

When Prue is in the pool, the spirit of her mother, Patty appears before her and tells her to trust in the power of love.  Prue is able to overcome her fear, which banishes Barbas.  It took Prue conquering her inner demons to be able to defeat this one and it finally allows her to open up to her sisters and let them into her heart, while still having plenty of room to remember and love her mother.

4

“Chick Flick.” (Season 2, episode 18)

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“You’re my hero Billy.”

“And I think you’re swell, Sally Mae.”

My top 5 list would not be complete without including “Chick Flick.”  I typically refer to this episode as “Kill It Before It Dies,” which is the old movie that Phoebe is obsessed with, currently playing down at the local theater.  In this episode, the Demon of Illusion flees from the Charmed ones and hides right in the movie.  The demon is not afraid to change the script and even recruits other psycho killers from different movies to attack the sisters.  Phoebe’s dream man, Billy, comes out of the movie and is still in black-and-white.  Phoebe is beyond thrilled and bonds with Billy.  I mean how many times have we thought about hanging out with one of our favorite characters?  Phoebe actually gets to do this which is beyond cool.

The sisters team up with Billy to fight the Demon of Illusion, but not before they get trapped in the film.  The Demon of Illusion explains that if they are stuck in there when the movie ends, they will never get out.  Luckily, Prue is quite the photographer and is able to rewind the film and vanquish the Demon of Illusion by leaving his frame under the light for too long.  Phoebe is forced to say goodbye to Billy, but is thrilled when she gets her own copy of the movie.  “Kill It Before it Dies” actually appears in three episodes of Charmed and even Cole tries to give her a message through the movie.  I mean you can’t knock him for lack of effort.

Either way, this episode is absolutely hilarious and fun.  If you’re having a bad day, I strongly recommend you grab your popcorn and watch this one.  And whatever you do…don’t hide from a psycho killer in the shower like poor Piper.

3

“The Seven Year Witch.” (Season 7, episode 16)

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“Leo and Piper’s love, it’s epic, it’s massive.  It’s Romeo and Juliet, Anthony and Cleopatra, Brad and Jennifer.”   (Drake)

There are a few reasons why I absolutely adore this episode.  First off, my absolute favorite character, Cole Turner is back.  Well not back to the land of the living, but he does act as a sort of mentor and guide for Piper who is currently trapped in limbo.  Meanwhile, the elders decide to test Leo and strip him of his memory and leave him out on an abandoned highway so that he can choose his path once and for all.  The path is not so clear-cut, however; as the elders do try to manipulate him by focusing on his love to help others.  Cole finally gets through to Piper and she realizes that she must let go and die and call out to Leo in order to reach him and the plan is a success.  While Drake should have probably picked couples in history that actually ended up together…or ended up surviving, the intent is there.

When I think about epic couples, Piper and Leo always come to mind and it’s because of moments like this.  Piper and Leo’s love transcends everything else around them and they are able to fight for each other and support each other through it all.  At the end of the episode, Drake’s life ends at midnight when he says, “Alas…pumpkin time.”  Fans learn that Cole sent him there to help Phoebe believe in love again, which is absolutely swoon-worthy.  Even though Cole can’t be with Phoebe, her happiness is all that keeps him going in the other plane and he will forever love her.  Phoebe even feels his presence in the house, which proves that they are still connected on some level.  Now that’s romantic.

2

“Centennial Charmed.” (Season 5, episode 12)

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“We’ve been through so much together…haven’t we?  Our love’s so strong, nothing can destroy it, not even this.  We’re meant to be together.” (Cole)

So even though Phoebe says, “I don’t think so,” it’s hard to fully believe this can be true.  I absolutely believe that Phoebe and Cole were meant to be together, but unlike Piper and Leo, they are unable to defeat everything that gets in their way.  Cole’s path toward self-destruction is beyond difficult to control and Phoebe will always choose her family over her love for him simply because she is selfless.  It’s a sacrifice and something that will always be with her, but it’s hard to agree that their love was not meant to be.  While I do think that her love with Coop later on in the series is a healthy and stable relationship for her, it comes as a close second to her passionate and messy romance with Cole.  This episode is the 100th episode of the show and I think that they really hit home with it.  Cole has been vanquished before, but he always finds some way back.  However, this time is different.

Cole reveals that it is his birthday but all he wants is a chance at love and happiness, which is heart-breaking and empathetic.   The Avatars approach Cole, which prove to be a greater threat later down the road with Leo, and Cole decides to use his new powers to cast a spell to alter reality so that he can win Phoebe back.  Only this has unforeseen consequences, as Phoebe does not love him in this reality anymore than she does now.  Cole’s plan back-fires when Paige sneezes and orbs out when the spell is cast, as he had anticipated her being dead in this reality.  Paige is able to convince Piper to help her, which is no easy task and the power of 3 is alive again.  Cole is not indestructible in this reality and when he is vanquished, it’s for good this time.  The end of the episode is bitter sweet, as Cole’s place is found empty and abandoned, revealing that he’s not coming back anytime soon.

Paige wishes him a happy birthday before she exits, which always brings me to tears.  The sisters did not want to vanquish Cole, but he made it impossible for them to live in a world with him.  Perhaps his path could have been different or perhaps it would end just the same, but it’s clear that he impacted more than just Phoebe, which makes his departure from the show that much more heart-breaking.

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

  • “The Wendigo”
  • “Is There a Woogy in the House?”
  • “Déjà Vu All Over Again”
  • “P3 H20”
  • “Ms. Hellfire”
  • “Awakened”
  • “The Good, The Bad, and the Cursed”
  • “Just Harried”
  • “All Hell Breaks Loose”
  • “Brain Drain”
  • “A Paige from the Past”
  • “Charmed and Dangerous”
  • “Marry-Go-Round”
  • “Long Live the Queen”
  • “The Day the Magic Died”
  • “Sense and Sense Ability”
  • “Witchstock”
  • “The Courtship of Wyatt’s Father”
  • “Hyde School Reunion”
  • “Witch Wars”
  • “Charmageddon”
  • “Show Ghouls”
  • “The Torn Identity”
  • “Kill Billy: Volume 2”

1

“Forever Charmed.” (Season 8, episode 22)

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“And although we certainly had our struggles and heart aches over the years we’re a family of survivors and we always will be.  Which is why we’ve truly been Charmed.” (Piper Halliwell)

So I absolutely have to give the series finale of the show the number one spot.  Mostly because it truly sums up everything the way I would have liked.  I would say that the only thing missing was the presence of Prue but they did mention her.  The episode focuses on Piper using Coop’s ring to travel through time to save her sisters, which allows some of our favorite characters from the past and future to get involved to help save the day.  When the threat is over, we get a glimpse into the future of the lives of our favorite Halliwell sisters and everything is as it should be.  Piper’s words to her future grand-daughter remind us what the show is all about.  While the Halliwell sisters are powerful witches, they are much more than that.

They are survivors and they are a family that sticks together no matter what.  It’s hard not to fall in love with this show and every time I watch the series finale, it inspires hope and love.  While it’s always hard to say goodbye to the Charmed ones, you can always start the series over again, but knowing that they obtained the future that they deserved provides us with closure and satisfaction.  “The power of 3 will set us free!”

I hope you enjoyed the list and please feel free to post some of your own favorite episodes from Charmed below.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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