Ranking the top 5 moments from “Supernatural” season 13 episode 23 season finale: “Every Day We Can Get Better”

Happy Friday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s Supernatural season 13 episode 23 season finale, Dean got it absolutely right when he says, “But even when we’re strong, man things are going to happen.  We’re going to make mistakes.  Nobody’s perfect but we can get better.  Every day we can get better.”  While Dean’s words are meant for Jack, it seems like everyone can take a moment to pause and really listen here, including Dean.  Mistakes are going to happen and plans are going to go terribly wrong, but what’s important is that the people who support us will stand by us and continue to fight on, even when it seems like all hope is lost.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s season finale, “Let the Good Times Roll,” Michael and Lucifer make their way back into the real world and prove to be a greater threat than we thought possible.  Meanwhile, Jack contemplates leaving earth to spend some quality time with his father, Lucifer, and Dean teams up with Michael in a way you may not expect.  My top 5 moments from Supernatural season 13 episode 23 season finale are:

5

Dean talks about retirement.

In the beginning of the episode, Dean takes a moment to think about what life would be like once all the evil is gone.  While it seems like a fantasy, you never really know which battle is going to be the ultimate one.  Perhaps thinking about time on a beach with a Hawaiian shirt is the way to go, especially when you are surrounded by chaos constantly.  Sam seems doubtful that Dean will ever truly retire from hunting, but Dean says he will if the world is safe.  While one can only hope that our favorite brothers can finally kick back and relax, the threat is nowhere near over just yet.

4

Dean gives Jack a pep talk.

We know that the Winchester brothers have a real knack for giving pep talks, but Jack is in desperate need of some guidance.  Dean talks to him about the importance of sticking together even when things happen and tells Jack that he is family and that they look after their own.  Even though Lucifer is Jack’s biological father, Sam, Dean, and Castiel have been the guiding forces in his life and remind him what family is truly about.  Jack has been blaming himself for hurting others and when his friend, Maggie shows up dead, the guilt continues to overwhelm him.  While not everything that happens can be fixed, Jack desperately wants to be able to reverse the evil around him.  However, that starts with Daddy Dearest.

3

“Like Star Wars?”

Lucifer shows up and Jack does not believe what he sees, as Sam told him that Michael killed him.  Lucifer tries to twist everything yet again and informs Jack that Sam is the one who left him behind.  He manipulates his son by telling him that he’s here for him and suggests that Jack really needs him.  Lucifer further explains that “humans are limited and fragile,” reminding Jack that he will never truly fit in here.  He offers Jack the chance to go somewhere else and start over so that Jack can live his life for himself.  Jack’s comparison of this to Star Wars lightens the mood but is actually pretty accurate, as he thinks about what life could be like “in a galaxy far, far away.”  While the idea is certainly tempting, Jack will soon realize that you can’t just run away and abandon the people you love.

2

“This is the end of everything.”

While Sam and Dean are attacked by Michael, Sam sends a prayer Jack’s way, hoping that he will be able to hear them.  Jack saves them and turns the tables on Lucifer when he forces him to tell the truth and learns that he is responsible for all of this and was the one who killed Maggie in the first place.  I mean he also did bring her back from the dead, but does anyone really stay dead on this show?  Jack tells Lucifer he is not his father and calls him a monster, finally making the right decision for himself.  Lucifer tells him that he’s too much like his mother and slashes his throat, as he absorbs Jack’s power.  After a blinding light consumes them, they are transported out of there and Sam has accidentally “hitched a ride.”  Michael explains that with Jack’s power, Lucifer is too strong for anyone to stop and that the world will be destroyed.

1

Dean makes the ultimate sacrifice.

A quick flashback to earlier episodes reminds us that Dean was destined to be Michael’s vessel in the same way that Sam was destined to be Lucifer’s.  Sometimes it’s hard to keep up to date on all of this information so I was happy for the reminder.  Dean offers himself as Michael’s vessel or “sword” so that he can obtain the strength he needs to take down Lucifer.  This is a dangerous option but he doesn’t really have a choice, as he knows that Lucifer will kill Sam and Jack.  He tells Michael that this is a one-time thing and makes a deal, reminding him that “you’re the engine but I’m behind the wheel.”  Just as Jack is about to sacrifice himself to save Sam, Dean/Michael bursts in, showing off his new wings.  They kill Lucifer, but I have to wonder if he is really dead, as we know that our favorite devil has a habit of returning even though he is unwanted.  Plus with Crowley gone, Lucifer has been providing us with some laugh out loud moments so I’m hoping he is not truly gone for good.  Dean is happy that the plan was a success and reemphasizes the teamwork here.  Unfortunately, Michael double crosses him and goes against their deal.  He takes over Dean’s body and leaves Sam and Jack.  At the end of the finale, we see Dean/Michael with glowing eyes, walking the streets.  While we are unsure of where he is or what his plans are, we know that he will not be letting his new vessel go without a fight.  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.  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 “Riverdale” season 2 episode 21: “Judgment Night”

Happy Thursday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s Riverdale season 2 episode 21 last night, secrets are revealed, unlikely heroes are born, and a sacrifice has left us on the edge of our seats.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Chapter Thirty-Four:  Judgment Night,” Fangs is rushed to the hospital and his real attacker is revealed.  Hermione Lodge announces a bounty award for the Black Hood and Veronica finds a file that causes her to lose faith in her father.  Meanwhile, Cheryl fends off the Black Hood, Betty attempts to protect her mother, and Jughead is faced with his old enemy, Penny Peabody.  My top 5 moments from Riverdale season 2 episode 21 are:

5

“I only miss when I mean to.”

In the beginning of the episode, Cheryl opens her door and finds the Black Hood waiting for her.  She doesn’t waste any time and rushes up to her bedroom.  Cheryl is able to get out the window to her bow and arrow set and shows off her impressive archery skills.  Cheryl’s got a crimson hood of her own and takes on the Black Hood without revealing the slightest bit of fear.  Cheryl is not a scared little girl anymore, embracing the hero within her and defending herself.  She calls Betty to warn her that the Black Hood is wounded and heading through the woods.  Betty’s initial reaction is to run to her father, but soon learns that she may not be able to reason with him anymore, as the darkness and madness within him have fully consumed his actions at this point.

4

“What the hell do you boys think you’re doing to my school?”

After Fangs is shot, the Serpents are looking for vengeance and decide to destroy school property to make their point.  Archie attempts to get them to stop and reveals the new information that Midge’s mother is responsible for shooting Fangs, unable to process her grief and looking for someone to blame.  While one can be sympathetic toward Midge’s mother, the Serpents do not back down, as they explain that this is further proof why they need to destroy everything on the Northside.  Archie is ready to defend, but there is no need to do so when Principal Weatherbee proves to be someone you do not want to mess with, especially when he has a baseball bat.  Let’s hear it for the adults of Riverdale!  Later on, the Ghoulies show up at Pop’s Diner and surround the place, leaving poor Archie alone again to try and stop them.  Luckily, it’s “Riverdale Dads to the rescue,” as Kevin so eloquently put it, when Sheriff Keller, Fred, and FP show up to defend their town.  I mean seriously Archie cannot take on every single threat, but it’s great to see some teamwork here even when Riverdale is being threatened left and right.

3

“Chaos is good for us.”

As things get worse in Riverdale, Mr. Lodge sees this as an opportunity, proving to once again be the most dangerous player in town.  Hermione has her suspicions and asks if he is keeping anything from her, but he assures her that everything he is doing is for her and Veronica.  Hermione announces a one million dollar bounty for whoever can deliver the Black Hood and Betty hilariously asks if that is even legal.  Veronica takes it a step further when she asks, “Are you and Daddy trying to turn Riverdale into Gotham City?”  Her suspicions cause her to take action and she discovers the hidden file her father is keeping on Fred, which includes a story he is about to leak, revealing the affair between Hermione and Fred.  Veronica is appalled that her father could do this to his own wife’s reputation, but Mr. Lodge will stop at nothing to damage Fred’s campaign.  As if this wasn’t enough drama for the Lodge family to deal with, Poppa Poutine’s son shows up looking for someone to blame for his father’s death and knocks on the Lodge door.  He takes out Andre and attacks Veronica and Hermione, looking to take away the people that Mr. Lodge cares about the most to even the score.  Another unlikely hero emerges when Hermione tells her daughter to run and she gets to her gun in time to stop this man, protecting her family.  When Mr. Lodge shows up, he tries to tell them both how sorry he is, but Veronica doesn’t want to hear it.  She backs away from her father as if he is a stranger and tells him, “It’s your mess daddy.  You clean it up.”

2

“I always knew you were a mama’s boy.”

While fans everywhere have accepted that Hal Cooper is the real Black Hood, we have been waiting for some solid evidence.  Well it’s finally arrived as Hal is no longer hiding his identity.  After Cheryl wounds him, he leaves the hospital, but not before killing a doctor in his way.  Betty realizes that the monster within Hal is no longer thinking rationally and worries for her mother’s safety when he threatens her.  Betty rushes home and Hal tells his daughter and wife that he wants to show them a home movie.  Alice is immediately confused, as Betty’s suspicions have now become a reality.  A killer is born during the film, as we see Hal as a young boy speaking to his mother about why he has to lie about his father killing the Conway family.  His mother tells him that “sinners have to die” and that Hal “must do better.”  Hal wants the conversation recorded so he can tell his story.  He admits that he is the Black Hood and takes credit for all the attacks and murders he is responsible for.  When asked about Fred, he mentions his adultery, focusing purely on cleaning up the sin in this town.  Hal does not take credit for the shooting at the debate, however; which makes Mr. Lodge our prime suspect once again behind this crime and perhaps in the second attack against Archie and his father.  When Alice and Betty realize the immediate danger they are in, Alice becomes a hero we can root for.  She tries to provoke Hal to distract him and it works like a charm.  After Hal tries to choke Alice, Betty knocks him out, proving once again that team Betty and Alice is a force to be reckoned with.  They call the police and Hal is arrested, ending the threat that has been tearing Betty’s life apart for now.  But something tells me that this is not the last we will see or hear of Hal Cooper, the Black Hood.

1

Jughead makes the ultimate sacrifice.

Penny and the Ghoulies are back and demand that the Serpents give up and leave so that they can take over this town.  Penny takes things a step further when she holds Toni captive, demanding that Jughead pay her a visit.  Luckily, Jughead brings some back-up, which is none other than our favorite archer in town, Cheryl Blossom.  “Untie her you Serpent Hag!”  I found myself cheering as Cheryl rescues her love, Toni, proving once again that Choni is absolutely swoon-worthy.  Jughead realizes that the Serpents are no match for the Ghoulies and calls up the devil himself, Mr. Lodge.  Jughead has put together all the pieces and knows that Mr. Lodge is pulling the strings here.  He makes a counter offer and shows up alone to see Penny, but not before he calls Betty to tell her how much he loves her.  Betty immediately knows something is wrong and calls FP who rushes off to help Jughead.  The end of the episode leaves fans with a cliff-hanger that perhaps no one saw coming.  FP emerges with Jughead’s lifeless body in his arms, covered in blood with his tattoo burned off.  Is our main protagonist really dead?  What happens now?  The questions are unending, as we need to wait a very long week to get to our season finale and finally learn the fate of our beloved Jughead Jones.  Let’s try to stay positive Bughead fans, but it looks like we need a miracle in Riverdale.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Riverdale 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 “The 100” season 5 episode 3: “283 lives. She must be pretty important to you. She is.”

Happy Wednesday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s The 100 season 5 episode 3 last night, I’ve learned that sometimes you need to make hard decisions to protect the ones you love.  Whether that means putting yourself in danger, lying to your friends, or threatening the lives of 283 people to save the one person you have thought about for the last five years, you do these things to put those you love above yourself.  Bellarke fans should be excited because I sure am.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “Sleeping Giants,” Clarke and Madi make a run for it, but Clarke is captured by Diyoza and the prisoners from the ship.  Meanwhile, Bellamy and the others investigate the foreign ship and find an unexpected surprise, while Raven makes a courageous decision.  My top 5 moments from The 100 season 5 episode 3 are:

5

“Go to war with the army you have…not the army you want.”

The leader of the prisoners, Diyoza has proven to be strong, calculating, and somewhat reasonable.  While we ultimately learn that she is responsible for leading the mutiny on the prisoner ship, it should be no surprise how she became the leader.  She thinks clearly about her decisions, but is not afraid to use force to make her point.  While we still have a lot to learn about her and her people, she is not taking any chances when it comes to finding out all she can from the survivors here on earth.  Time will tell if we can truly trust her or not, however.

4

“Spare me the space lesson.”

Bellamy and the others decide to investigate the foreign ship, looking for fuel and a way to the ground.  They initially think that perhaps the ship contained prisoners and the ones left are descendants, making them survivors like them, but they are in for a surprise.  Raven quickly puts her technical skills to the test and they do have a real way down to the ground.  Bellamy realizes that they can hear their radios and is concerned about who they are chasing, fearing it could be Octavia or someone else they left behind in the bunker.  Bellamy says, “We gotta get down there now,” not wanting to abandon those still on the ground.

3

“If you let her go, I’ll tell you everything.”

While Clarke and Madi are on the run, Clarke is captured.  Initially she does not say anything, but gives herself away when she pays close attention to the radio.  When Diyoza orders for Madi to be killed on sight, she begs her not to hurt her and tells her that she will cooperate.  Diyoza needs Clarke to find out what happened to the world, as she understands it is necessary to collect as much information as she can to survive here on earth.  Diyoza suggests, “Let’s begin with how the world ended” and Clarke honestly replies with, “Which time?”  Clarke has always done what is necessary to lead and survive, but it is clear that her love for Madi makes her vulnerable.  One cannot blame her, however; as she has been alone for quite some time and Madi is all that she has left in the world.  Like a mother, she is willing to sacrifice everything to save her child.

2

“1 down.  299 to go.”

While on board the foreign ship, Bellamy and the others realize that they are not alone.  The prisoners left behind are in “Cryosleep” and they discover that they can be woken up remotely.  When Diyoza realizes that the alarm was triggered on the ship, one prisoner is woken up as a security measure.  It takes three of them to ultimately kill the prisoner and they discover a recording from the captain that reveals that the prisoners had taken over.  Bellamy and the others are faced with a difficult decision.  Do they take the lives of the prisoners on board or do they come up with a different strategy?  Murphy reminds them that “Clarke died so we can live and this is how we do it.”  Bellamy takes his time to make a decision, however; and works with Raven on a plan.  They can tell their new potential enemies to put down their weapons or they will pull the plug on the prisoners still asleep, which gives them leverage.  However, there is always the chance that the prisoners will not care about the lives of those in Cryosleep.  The other problem is that someone has to stay behind to trigger the remote on the ship.  Raven steps up to do the right thing, but Bellamy doesn’t want to leave her behind, still feeling the guilt from when he left Clarke behind.  Raven assures him that there is an escape pod waiting and Murphy decides to stay back as well.  Raven is shocked to see him and tells him that there is no escape pod, as she knew it was the only way to convince Bellamy to leave.  While we don’t know how Raven and Murphy will make it out of there if everything goes according to plan, Emori successfully lands on earth and everyone has a new threat to deal with.

1

“283 lives.  She must be pretty important to you.  She is.”

So the moment we have been waiting for is finally here!  When Bellamy and the others are surrounded by the prisoners, Madi saves them and immediately recognizes Bellamy.  In a heartwarming moment, she exclaims, “Bellamy!  Clarke knew you would come.”  Bellamy is shocked and relieved to hear that Clarke is alive, but needs to focus on the current threat.  Clarke is brought outside and Diyoza puts an electric collar on her that is barbaric and painful, revealing that she has a very dangerous side that you do not want to cross.  Clarke is shocked when Bellamy walks up and shows Diyoza the mug from the ship, proving that the lives of the sleeping prisoners are in his hands.  When Bellamy says how important Clarke is, Bellarke fans everywhere are cheering, including myself.  While this may not be a shared passionate embrace or kiss, these words remind us why we root for these two to ultimately be together.  Their bond is something transcendent.  They fight for each other even when they think they are gone and will do whatever it takes to save the other.  While we know that the threat is nowhere near over, the look in Clarke’s eyes when she sees Bellamy is one of pure hope and love.  Also, congratulations to The 100 for being renewed for season 6!  We will meet again!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on The 100 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 “The 100” season 5 episode 2: “You are Wonkru or you’re the Enemy of Wonkru”

Happy Wednesday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s The 100 season 5 episode 2 last night, I learned that becoming a leader is harder than one thinks.  It’s not about being the strongest warrior or coming up with the smartest plan, but about someone who is willing to sacrifice everything for the greater good of his or her people.  The choices will never be close to easy, but someone has to make them.  Octavia comes to realize this rather quickly when she is trying out her new role as “Commander,” but proves to be an unstoppable force of strength and decisiveness.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “Red Queen,” Octavia’s words of “Wonkru,” which literally mean one crew, sound like a nice sentiment, but the different clans are still on edge, desperately trying to survive in the bunker and refusing to all get along.  Meanwhile, Abby hears Clarke knocking on the door and Jaha accepts his final destiny, but not before providing Octavia with some words of wisdom.  My top 5 moments from The 100 season 5 episode 2 are:

5

“Symbols matter Octavia.”

While Octavia is responsible for saving everyone in the bunker, not everyone is accepting her as their new leader.  Indra is still at her side, however; and tries to remind her about the importance of symbols.  Octavia wears the gear on her forehead to remind everyone that she is the Commander, but Indra’s daughter, Gaia explains that the Order of the Flame will not support a red-blooded commander.  While Gaia is bound by tradition and protocol, Indra reminds her that “your real commander would have let you burn.”  We are no longer in a world on The Ark or on the ground, as the bunker has brought everyone together and not by choice.  Survival is at the top of everyone’s list, but we know that life in the bunker will certainly have its challenges.

4

Abby hears Clarke.

When everyone is in the bunker deciding what to do next, a faint knocking is heard and Abby knows right away that it is her daughter, Clarke.  Marcus attempts to calm her down, but Abby will do anything to get to her daughter.  They quickly discover that there is something sealing the hatch entrance, which creates a bigger problem than just getting to Clarke.  There is only one hatch entrance currently in the bunker and they will not all be able to survive after five years if they are not able to get out.  This is not Marcus’s first encounter with a hatch, as the Lost fan in me immediately thinks back to Henry Ian Cusick’s days as Desmond Hume, when he was living in a bunker for three years, pushing a button to save the world before the survivors from Flight 815 decide to blow the hatch door wide open.  Perhaps there is an idea after all.  While food rationing seems like the first step toward maintaining survival, there is also the problem of finding the appropriate equipment so that they can make it out after five years.  The problems keep on coming, as Octavia and the others realize that population reduction has reared its ugly head yet again.

3

“We’re taking back what’s ours.”

A select few from Skaikru start to realize the inevitability of population reduction and decide to seal themselves into the farm and leave everyone else to fend for themselves.  Abby tries to explain that their deaths will not be painless or quick.  Rather, they will be slow and agonizing and that no one would want that guilt on their hands.  Panic has led to rash decisions and Octavia must embrace her role as a leader to get back into the farm and bring some order to her people.  Octavia removes the gear from her forehead, explaining that it is more of a target than a symbol.  While the plan to take back the farm seems far-fetched, any plan is better than no plan.

2

“I think his fight is over.”

An instrumental part of the plan is for Jaha to put his engineering skills to the test and to get the door open to the farm, but we learn that he is severely injured.  Jaha has dealt with his fair share of burdens as a leader, but desperately wants to be with his wife and son again.  In his final moments, Jaha asks Octavia to take care of the boy he has been watching over and looks to say goodbye to his old friend, Marcus who comforts him with his prayer.  “May we meet again.”  Jaha’s death reminds us that his days of a leader are long over and the torch has now been passed to Octavia.  But does she have what it takes to do what is necessary to lead?

1

“You are Wonkru or you’re the enemy of Wonkru.”

Before Jaha dies, Octavia reveals her hesitation about becoming a leader when she says, “I am not a leader…I’m a warrior.”  Jaha talks to her about the decisions he made in the past, which included the decision to execute her mother when the rules were broken.  Jaha tries to get Octavia to see the big picture and to “know what it takes to lead.”  He explains that there is always a war and a good leader will focus on the enemy and how to stop it.  Octavia finds the leader within her and knows what she must do.  She tells everyone around her that “you are Wonkru or you’re the enemy of Wonkru.”  Any time someone attacked her, Octavia struck them down, proving to be an unstoppable force.  With each objection, she took down her enemy while repeating her words over and over again, until everyone understood that they really are Wonkru.  Octavia offers the guilty the chance to fight for their freedom.  “Win the fight.  Save your life.”  While this certainly helps with the population reduction issue at hand, what happens when someone Octavia cares about ends up in the fighting pit?  We’re about to find out, as the ending scene reveals Marcus to be in that very situation.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on The 100 in the comments section below.  Thanks for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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

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

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “The 100” season 5 episode 1: “Who am I now?”

Happy Wednesday TV fans!  “May we meet again.”  I am beyond excited for the return of one of my absolute favorite shows on television right now: The 100. While the CW typically has The 100 premiere mid-season, it seemed like we had to wait extra long this year for the season premiere, but the wait is finally over.  If you have not yet watched this brilliant and addicting show, I highly recommend that you binge-watch it on Netflix as soon as possible.  It’s reminds me of a mix between Lost and Lord of the Flies with some teen angst and drama sprinkled in.  At the end of season 4, “Praimfaya” was about to arrive, which is otherwise known as the “Death Wave.”  While many of our favorite characters made it to an underground bunker for shelter, Clarke and her friends were running out of time and hatched a plan to launch themselves back into space.  Only Clarke was not able to get on the rocket in time and it launched without her.  While it seemed like Clarke had sacrificed herself to save her friends and was about to die from radiation exposure, the night blood injected into her veins kicked into high gear, healing her from the damage.

So now that you’re all caught up, let’s begin with season 5.   Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s season premiere episode, “Eden,” we learn about Clarke’s journey on her own beginning 42 days after “Praimfaya” has struck.  Clarke is alone and desperately trying to survive, but it seems like the odds are against her.  After failing to reach her mother in the bunker, Clarke decides to try and find some sort of life still existing, but her faith is tested over and over again.  Meanwhile, Bellamy and the others have been living on “The Ark” up in space, but have been trying to get back to earth and realize that they are not alone up there after spotting another ship.  My top 5 moments from The 100 season 5 episode 1 are:

5

“I’ve been by myself now for two months but this is the first time I feel alone.”

42 days after “Praimfaya” struck, we finally get to see Clarke who has miraculously survived.  Her first thought is to try and reach the bunker so she can be reunited with her mother, but she finds that it is buried so far beneath the surface, that she would never be able to get to it.  Clarke decides to journey out across the earth, desperately hoping to find some sign of life still present.  Clarke is barely able to rest, as every moment is focused on surviving.  Clarke proves to be very resourceful as her survival skills are put to the test, but the loneliness and emptiness inside her begins to creep in.  Clarke tries talking to Bellamy and her friends on “The Ark” on a radio, knowing full well that they will never hear her, but it’s the only thing she has left to cling to.

4

“Who am I now?”

Clarke begins to lose hope after she collapses in a barren field, waking up to a bird picking at her body.  She begs the bird to show her where it lives, but it flies away from her, leaving her alone once again.  Clarke hits her breaking point and screams out, “You think you can kill me?  Have at it…I’ve lost everything.  I’ve got nothing left.”  Up until this point, Clarke has buried her fear and loneliness as much as possible, but it has all come screaming to the surface now, refusing to let go.  Clarke’s emotions overwhelm her, as the harsh reality that she may die alone sets in.  Clarke picks up her gun and begins to make the conscious decision to end her life and this misery, when the bird suddenly circles around her again.  Clarke’s faith is healed, even if just for a moment, but it’s enough to get her up and running after it.  Clarke discovers a beautiful valley filled with lush trees and vegetation.  It’s like the “Death Wave” had missed it entirely.  Clarke thanks the bird and then mechanically kills it, as the survivor in her is back and ready to stay strong.

3

Life on “The Ark.”

About 6 years after “Praimfaya,” we finally get to see Bellamy and the others up on “The Ark.”  While it seems like everyone is alive and well, drama is never too far behind.  After all, these few characters have been trapped with one another for quite some time.  We learn that Murphy and Emori are no longer together and Bellamy is now with Echo, which has Bellarke fans everywhere screaming with disapproval.  That absolutely includes me.  While many things have changed, these characters have worked together as a team as much as possible and spot the green on the earth, which inspires the hope that it is survivable once again.  After they spot another ship and a transport ship, they realize that they have the opportunity to get back down to earth.  While we know that it’s only a matter of time before they reach earth again and reunite with Clarke, they have been living in a bubble for quite some time now, sheltered from society.  Will they be able to adapt to life on earth again?  How will Bellamy react once he sees that Clarke is alive?

2

The last two people on earth.

After discovering the valley, Clarke finds another survivor.  She is just a child, but has clearly only survived because of her own night blood.   The girl doesn’t trust Clarke and she traps her and wounds her, fleeing from her in fear.  Clarke doesn’t give up on her, however; and even keeps her sense of humor intact when she says, “Last two people on earth and one of them happens to be the child from hell.”  Clarke sketches a picture of the little girl and leaves it for her, which is the first step toward gaining her trust.  When we flash to 6 years later, Clarke is living with the little girl, Madi and the two are inseparable.  They have a mother-daughter like bond and Clarke has even taught her how to speak in English.  While they wonder if anyone will ever come back, Clarke shares all of her past stories with Madi and tells her about her family, friends, and love.  The two appear to have a precious and beautiful bond that cannot be broken.  Their simple and quiet life is interrupted, however; when a “prisoner ship” lands by the valley.

1

New arrivals to earth.

After the prisoner ship lands, new characters emerge who also spotted the green from space and took a chance that it was their own version of “Eden.”  One of the new characters is played by the beautiful and brilliant Ivana Milicevic from Banshee.  While the other prisoners seem to be just going with the flow, she appears to be smart and aware of her surroundings, which could make her an ally or a dangerous new threat.  Friend or foe?  While we are not sure just yet, Clarke is not about to take any chances.  After Madi shoots one of the prisoners to protect Clarke, Madi begs Clarke to spare the other one’s life since he tried to help her.  Clarke tells her that “there are no good guys” and ends his life without a moment’s hesitation.  Meanwhile, we get a quick glimpse at Octavia in the bunker, ruling some kind of underground fight club, which reminds us that these new prisoners are not the only people on the ground that Clarke needs to worry about.  While we will need to wait for everyone to be reunited, it’s clear that this season will be jam-packed with drama, adventure, and edge of your seat moments.  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on The 100 in the comments section below.  Happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

 

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Ash vs Evil Dead” season 3 episode 8: “Ghost Beaters Never Leave a Man Behind”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Starz’s Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 8 last night, I felt a familiar shudder, bringing back old nightmares from the 2009 film “Drag Me to Hell,” which happens to be directed by the wonderful, Sam Raimi.  I wonder if he was on the same page here too because I was just as equally frightened by the demon in the rift, refusing to let any soul escape unclaimed.  Too bad Ash is not playing by its rules.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “Rifting Apart,” Ash and Pablo work together to open the rift, Brandy runs into an old friend, and Kaya brings Ruby something or someone that can potentially change their destiny.  My top 5 moments from Ash vs Evil Dead season 3 episode 8 are:

5

“Just like old times.”

Ash refuses to sit around and feel sorry for himself after his daughter is stabbed in front of him.  Pablo and him decide to work together to make things right.  Ash lets Pablo know that “to save those two I would submit to a prostate exam,” which proves he means business.  After all, he was just reunited with his daughter and Kelly is like family as well.  Pablo and Ash steal Brandy’s body from the coroner, as they need to make sure she is intact when her spirit comes back through the rift.  Only, perhaps they should have checked the body bag next to her as well.  When they get to the cellar, Pablo and Ash look at each other, expecting the other one to have a plan.  After all, Pablo is “Cuervo Especial,” according to Ash.  After politely reminding him that he is “El Brujo Especial,” Pablo thinks that Ash will need to stab himself with the Kandarian dagger in order to get to Brandy and Kelly.  Seems like it makes sense, but Ash can’t do it.  The two decide to work together to stab Ash on the count of 3, only Ash throws in 2 and a half, which throws off the count.  “Was that 3?”  Ash wakes up in the rift and is off to find Brandy, depending on Pablo to be there to open the rift once they are ready.

4

Kaya brings Ruby a present.

Even though we don’t see Ruby for most of the episode, we know that she is off plotting somewhere.  Kaya decides to take matters into her own hands and captures Zoe, one of the Knights of Sumeria.  When Ruby discovers that she can speak Latin, she is more than pleased, as she realizes that Zoe may be the key to their victory.  She ominously tells her that “you’re going to help us re-write our destiny.”  Of course that only leaves us with more questions, but we will need to stay tuned to find out.

3

Pablo vs a deadite.

After one of the deceased high school students wakes up in the body bag next to Brandy’s, she is not about to let an opportunity go by without attacking Pablo.  Pablo needs to be at the rift to help open it for Ash, but gets distracted when he has to defend himself in the hardware store.  After strategically using his surroundings to his advantage, Pablo is able to defeat the deadite who was mocking his new title.  In victory, he reminds her and everyone who is watching that “It’s Brujo Especial…bitch!” 

2

“Save Kelly and your daughter Ash Williams.”

Brandy is frightened when she wakes up in the rift and is running from the beyond creepy demon.  After witnessing one of her classmates dragged beneath the surface, she is rescued by a familiar face.  Dalton shows up and the two run toward the abandoned “Cinema,” where they meet up with Kelly.  While they are unsure about what to do next, they are not going to go down without a fight.  After Ash arrives, the mission is to get to the opening of the rift, but this will not be so easy.  Dalton is aware of the stakes and distracts the demon so that Ash can get Kelly and Brandy to their destination.  Dalton tells Ash that he only asks that he tell Ruby that he’ll be waiting for her in hell.  He passionately kisses Kelly and rushes off to carry out his mission.  After successfully distracting the monster, Dalton sacrifices himself and is brutally dragged to hell, but his good deed gave Ash the time he needed to turn his “idea of a plan” into an actual plan.

1

“Ghost beaters never leave a man behind.”

Ash explains that he is not about to let evil mess with his family.  After Dalton’s sacrifice, Ash, Brandy, and Kelly take cover in Ash’s car.  Kelly explains that nothing works in the rift, but Ash is able to get “baby” started.  After all, “Evil is not the boss of us.  Buckle up!”  The other souls stuck in the rift are more than pleased to see Ash run over the demon, as the three head to their destination.  Pablo is able to open the rift in the nick of time, but only Brandy and Ash can go through.  Something is preventing Kelly from passing through, which we know is Kaya occupying her body.  The rift closes, but Ash refuses to leave her behind.  At least Brandy and Ash are alive and well, but the threat is not even close to being over.

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and comments on Ash vs Evil Dead 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)

Fear 4 12

“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)

Kill it before it dies 4 12

“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)

Seven year witch 4 12

“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)

Centennial charmed 4 12

“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)

Forever charmed 4 12

“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

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!

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The Search for Alice is available here!

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Ranking the top 5 moments from “Once Upon a Time” season 7 episode 11: Love is Stronger than Magic

So I am thrilled that ABC’s Once Upon a Time has finally returned from its long winter hiatus, bringing us new episodes.  While it was recently announced that this will be the final season for OUAT, it really gives the show the opportunity to sum up its new story line.  When fan-favorite characters left the show and we found out about that season 7 would focus on a new story with only some of our favorite characters still sprinkled in to keep us hooked…pun intended, I had some doubts about how much longer the series would last for.  Now that we know the series is ending, however; this could actually be a great thing.  Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely adore this show and will miss it, but I’d rather see it go out strong than continue to grasp at straws and unconvincing story-lines just to be able to produce new episodes.  Either way, I’m looking forward to see how it all ends and I hope the Lost Easter eggs keep coming!  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Secret Garden,” Zelena learns a hard lesson about parenting from Hook, Henry refuses to sit by without trying to help Lucy, and Regina opens her heart to her sister.  Meanwhile, Mother Gothel has her own agenda and Victoria/Lady Tremaine makes the ultimate sacrifice.  My top 5 moments from Once Upon a Time season 7 episode 11 are:

5

Lost Easter Egg:  The Apollo Bar.

So my top 5 moments would not be complete if I didn’t dedicate one to our favorite candy bar, the Apollo Bar.  For those of you who are Lost fans like myself, I am sure you jumped out of your chair with this Easter egg.  While the Apollo Bar has made appearances before on OUAT, I was thrilled that it was actually in a hospital vending machine this time.  In Lost, Jack is seen getting an Apollo Bar from the hospital vending machine and fans swooned over the “vending machine scene” featuring Juliet and Sawyer reuniting in the series finale.  It was great to see our favorite candy bar make another appearance, keeping fans satisfied with a much needed sugar rush.

4

“Test me too.”

After watching the mid-season finale of OUAT, it was clear that Henry was in great pain over Lucy’s condition.  While he hasn’t made the connection yet that he is her real father, he is not about to just sit around and pray that she gets better.  When Lucy’s parents are blood tested, Henry asks the doctor to test him too.  While she explains that the match would be much higher if he was blood related to Lucy, Henry is willing to try anything, even if there is the slightest chance that he could help her.  Little does he know, his test results prove that he is a match to Lucy, bringing to light his relation to her.  When the doctor looks over the results, an unknown threat poisons her and takes the results along with a lock of her hair.  While we don’t know who is behind this just yet, I’m thinking that Rumpel has to be involved somehow.  We’ll have to stay tuned to find out more, however.

3

“We’re going to do it together.”

We’ve seen so many ups and downs for our favorite sisters, Zelena and Regina, but it looks like Regina is ready to put all of their differences aside for good.  When she suggests that they team up to take down Mother Gothel and help Lucy and Henry, Regina suggests that they do it together.  Zelena says “wicked and evil,” but Regina corrects her with “no…sisters.”  These two are a powerful force and now that they have truly embraced their sisterly bond, there will be no stopping them.  Mother Gothel is no match for them, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy to take her down.  When Mother Gothel approaches Zelena, she asks her to bring her the resurrection amulet, but Zelena immediately recognizes that there will be a catch.  Mother Gothel will certainly not go down without a fight, but let’s hope Zelena and Regina’s bond doesn’t shatter like the sign of their bar.  They need to stick together and fight the good fight.

2

“Piss off Nook.”

Zelena finds an unlikely source of help in Hook…or “nook.”  She comically comments on how she forgets that there are two Hooks and gives him her new nickname, meaning “new Hook.”  Zelena is distraught over her daughter, Robin’s decision to go to Mother Gothel to learn about magic, but Hook reminds her not to give up.  He tells her that love is stronger than magic and he is absolutely right.  Even though Zelena initially claims that “I don’t need a parenting lesson from a pirate,” she quickly realizes that her unconditional love for her daughter is the only thing that can save her.  Hook tells Zelena that her love for her daughter makes her “so daring, so brave, so utterly fearless,” and I can’t think of a better description for our former wicked witch.  Zelena is able to save Robin by taking her place as the sacrifice, allowing Robin to truly see that her mother cares for her.  It looks like Zelena has found a calling far greater than ultimate magic and power.  Good thing she had Hook…or Nook along to help her see it.

1

Victoria/Lady Tremaine redeems herself.

While it initially seemed like Victoria/Lady Tremaine was a villain without a soul, we now get to see her walls come down, as she finally does the right thing.  She has a lot to make up for and even tries to come clean to Anastasia with all of her horrible deeds.  The truth hurts, but Victoria knows that she needs to make amends, especially after what she did to Lucy.  She refuses to let Mother Gothel keep her held captive, using her Louis Vuitton shoe to get her out of the well.  Who said that fashion couldn’t be useful?  When the power of the resurrection amulet is unleashed, Victoria quickly learns that the sacrifice is now her other daughter, Ivy/Drizella.  Victoria makes the same decision as Zelena and takes the place of her daughter, sacrificing herself in the process to save her.  This act of kindness and unconditional love is truly touching.  Even though one cannot deny all of the horrible things Victoria has done in the past, her sacrifice shows her daughter that love can conquer evil.  Let’s hope that this is enough to bring Ivy/Drizella to the side of good.  We’re going to need all the help we can get against Mother Gothel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

5

Giles’s discovery of Jenny’s death. 

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

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

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

4

Tara’s death. 

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

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

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

3

Buffy sacrifices herself to save Dawn. 

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

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

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

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

2

Buffy kills Angel when his soul returns. 

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

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

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

1

Buffy finds her mother’s body. 

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

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

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

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

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

My Whizbuzz Book Page

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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

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

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