Tag: Season 8

Ranking the top 5 moments from “American Horror Story: Apocalypse” season 8 episode 1 Season Premiere: “Everything We Know Is Gone”

Happy Thursday TV fans!  The wait is over and the end is here or is it now the beginning?  After watching the FX network’s American Horror Story:  Apocalypse season 8 episode 1 last night, we witnessed the end of the world, as an inbound missile alert threatened the entire planet.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “The End,” many characters desperately tried to escape the destruction of the world, relying on their money and powerful connections to do so.  Meanwhile, an organization called “The Cooperative” arranged for other characters to be taken because they were identified as prime candidates to survive based on their DNA.  While the world enters into nuclear winter in the future, we watch a group of characters hold on to their own survival in Outpost 3 by following “the rules.”  My top 5 moments from American Horror Story:  Apocalypse season 8 episode 1 are:

5

“What’s a purple?”

Forty minutes before the bomb goes off, we meet Timothy, played by Kyle Allen.  Timothy is with his family when soldiers from The Cooperative burst in the door and explain that they are taking Timothy with him and that he will be safe.  Timothy tries to convince them to take his family as well, but they have strict orders to only take him with them.  Timothy was selected based on his DNA, which they detected when he completed some type of ancestry DNA kit.  Before he has a chance to say a proper goodbye, Timothy is taken and ends up in a cell underground next to a girl named Emily, played by Ash Santos, who was most likely taken for the same reason, although she explains she was in prison.  After the blast, the two are taken to Outpost 3 in Hazmat suits and witness two young adults being killed outside.  Timothy and Emily are horrified by what they see, but continue to the fallout shelter, Outpost 3, with little resistance.  While here, they are quickly introduced to Wilhemina Venable, played by Sarah Paulson.  Ms. Venable explains that she is in charge there and that they were both chosen to survive and will be known as “purples.”  Emily asks what this means and they learn that a purple is the elite and the worthy while the “grays” are there to serve them.  Everyone has a purpose and they are told that they must follow the rules no matter what, which include extremes like “no unauthorized copulation of any kind.”  When asked about her own purpose, Ms. Venable explains that they should think of her as the “strong arm of The Cooperative” and Emily courageously points out that she is not a purple then.  While it seems like everything has a certain routine and structure to it, Timothy quickly gets a warning sign when he sees the numbers “666” appear on the shower door and a whisper calling out, “beware.”  While we don’t know who is sending the message or what this means just yet, it’s clear that they are not the only beings to survive in the world.

4

“It’s like Satan’s Spotify playlist.”

During the episode, Timothy and Emily join the other guests in Outpost 3 and discover that some of the rich and famous have come along for the ride because of their connections and donations along the way.  This includes Coco St. Pierre Vanderbilt, played by Leslie Grossman, who hilariously told her significant other that they can see other people when she realized that they needed to leave on the plane without him to avoid the blast.  We also meet Mr. Gallant, played by Evan Peters, who has brought along his grandmother, played by Joan Collins.  There are a few other characters in the mix as well, but it’s clear that no one is used to following the rules and living in simplicity.  The mundane routine begins to set in, as they hear the same song play over and over, slowly driving them mad.  Meals consist of eating small cubes filled with vitamins that leave much to be desired.  Ms. Venable and her associate, Miriam, played by Kathy Bates, remind everyone that “we are the last vestiges of civilized life on the planet.”  Everyone is told that they must follow the rules in order to survive and they must keep out contamination at all cost.  We also learn that they have about enough food and supplies to last approximately 18 months.  Miriam announces that someone has brought in contamination from outside even though everyone swears that they have not done so.  Stu and Mr. Gallant are both identified as being contaminated and they are taken away brutally to be cleansed.  Luckily Gallant passes the contamination test on the second round, but Stu is not so lucky and begs not to be put through decontamination again.  Miriam shoots him in the head; however, ending the immediate threat.  It’s clear that Ms. Venable and Miriam mean business and they are not about to break the rules for anything or anyone.

3

“It’s only us.”

Later in the episode, we learn that Ms. Venable and Miriam are making up things as they go.  Miriam worries about what will happen when The Cooperative finds out, but Ms. Venable reminds her that “it’s only us.”  The two enjoy inflicting punishment and watching the faces of their victims, granting them some kind of temporary pleasure and power.  Ms. Venable says that “it gives me a tingle,” revealing that there is something sick and twisted going on with these two, but what will happen when The Cooperative finds out that they are dishing out their own kind of punishment and even pretending that some are contaminated to further along their cruel game?

2

“The stew is Stu!”

After the guests are clearly traumatized after Stu was shot, they are rewarded with a hot meal.  Everyone seems initially grateful and begins digging in, until they start finding bones that don’t really seem like they belong to a chicken.  “The stew is Stu!”  Everyone begins spitting out the food except for Mrs. Gallant who explains “I don’t care what it is.  It’s absolutely divine.”  While Ms. Venable tells them that they are not eating human flesh, it’s hard to believe anything that she says at this point.  Just when it seems like all hope is lost, the song they have been hearing over and over changes to a new one.  It begins playing Maureen McGovern’s song, “The Morning After,” which you can listen to here!  Everyone listens to the words and is convinced that it is a sign that they will be rescued.  Only we quickly flash to “18 months later” and no rescue has come at all.  The world has gotten colder and deadlier and it seems like everyone is clinging to an empty existence except for Timothy and Emily who have now fallen in love.  They ration one kiss a day just to be able to have something to look forward to, recognizing that they cannot do anything further for fear of breaking the rules.  While this is something sweet in the midst of all of this despair, I worry about Ms. Venable discovering their secret.

1

“Those who make it, live.  Those who don’t, end up like my horses.”

At the end of the episode, there is a breach at Outpost 3 and a horse and buggy arrives with a strange visitor.  Meet Michael Langdon, played by Cody Fern, who works for The Cooperative.  He explains that there is another Outpost that has supplies that could last up to a decade, but that he will determine who is worthy of survival there.  While it’s clear that he could make the determination to take everyone, he only has interest in those who are deserving.  While we don’t know what this entails exactly, Michael is no fool, as he recognizes that Miriam is already killing his horses outside.  He is not one to be messed with and Ms. Venable may be in some serious trouble for her abuse of power.  Which characters will be saved?  What else is left out in the world?  Stay tuned to find out!

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

Stay up to date on upcoming premieres of horror TV series @ 12nightsofhorror.com/horror-series-coming-soon

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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

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

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

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

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

The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice Cover

 

Ranking the top 5 moments featuring Svetlana from “Shameless” season 8: “What is the point of smiling?”

Happy Tuesday TV fans!  When looking back on season 8 of Shameless, I have to admit that one of my absolute favorite characters is Svetlana, played by the fabulous and beautiful Isidora Goreshter.  While the main story-lines of season 8 focused around most of the Gallagher family, one cannot discount Svetlana.  Without even trying, she is absolutely hilarious and unapologetic for who she is.  She is smart and powerful, but ultimately she just wants to be able to live the “American Dream.”  While Kev and V initially team up against her, they eventually put their efforts toward helping Svetlana get married.

For today, I am going to be recapping and ranking the top 5 moments featuring Svetlana from season 8.  Whether she was demonstrating basic math skills, kidnapping “bottom feeders,” or hilariously asking about the actual point of smiling, Svetlana steals the spotlight and one can’t help rooting for her.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the full season yet.  My top 5 moments featuring Svetlana from Shameless season 8 are:

 5

Svetlana is ready to teach us basic math. (Moment from Season 8, episode 5)

In episode 5, Svetlana is back and is ready to teach us basic math.  It is great to see Svetlana back in the bar, but she is immediately ready for business and explains to V that profit should be 50/50 even though there are three parties involved.  V is not about to give up so easily, but Svetlana explains that she does the majority of the work and even shows her numbers that prove she makes the majority of the money during her shift.

When V is still not ready to budge, Svetlana decides to get her to sign the contract with her terms another way…with sex of course.  V is no match for Svetlana at this point and ultimately signs the contract.  Kev’s shock about what happened combined with detailed questions is hilarious as Svetlana proudly walks out of the house holding the contract.  50/50 wins after all.  And who said you can’t put your math skills to good use?

4

Svetlana gets an unexpected visitor.  (Moment from Season 8, episode 9)

V decides that Kev’s newfound dominance could best be used to convince Svetlana to wear a new dress code, which he enforces to her enjoyment.  “Dominance…boom.”  Even though Svetlana is covering up her “tatas,” she still rocks some seriously fashionable glasses.

Svetlana gets an unexpected visit from a woman she had helped smuggle into the country, which she previously referred to as a “bottom feeder,” only to get a slap of reality, realizing that the “bottom feeder” now has the American Dream she so desperately wanted.  Svetlana is horrified at her own circumstances, wondering if she made the right choices for herself.  Svetlana is not about to let anyone step on her, however.

 3

Kev and V try to coach Svetlana on how to secure a rich husband. (Moment from Season 8, episode 10)

After setting up an online profile for Svetlana, Kev and V are horrified by her actions on her first date, which involve an outfit mostly covered in fish-net and ending in a punch in the face.  Kev and V try to “coach” Svetlana on “etiquette” and how to behave on a date, suggesting smiling as an easy first step.  Svetlana asks, “What is the point of smiling?” not falling for the bait.

Kev and V realize that their best hope of finding Svetlana a rich husband is to have her wear a microphone and earpiece so Kev can talk her through what to say.  Svetlana seems reluctant at first, but Kev reminds her that “this is spy shit.  It’s in your DNA!”  After the code words fail and Kev realizes he forgot to test the microphone, he is still confident that his words of wisdom will help Svetlana.  However, Svetlana takes off her ear piece and goes back to what she knows best…grabbing the man’s “goods” and seeing where this will take them.

 2

Svetlana tries to humble herself. (Moment from Season 8, episode 11)

In this episode, Kev and V are still invested in finding Svetlana a millionaire of her own.  Svetlana even writes down all of her skills on a napkin to prove her worth, after taking her friends out to a fancy hotel bar to find a man.  Kev is excited when he gets approached, but learns it is not for Svetlana, but for the “chocolate one.”  After explaining that V is his wife, the man offers to pay him $4000 for an hour with V, which even V is considering at this point.  After all they do have bills to pay.

Security explains that they have a strict “no prostitute policy,” and Svetlana comes to the epiphany that she needs to humble herself and go talk to the Russian “bottom feeder.”  After her rival spits on an expensive gown in front of her and tells her that she would rather throw it out than give it to her, Svetlana realizes that she is getting nowhere.  However, when the billionaire mistakes Svetlana for his bride to be in his old age, she realizes that all may not be lost after all.

At the end of the episode, Svetlana drags a body bag into the bar and tells Kev and V that she is not dead yet with a glowing smile of victory.  One should never underestimate Svetlana and I am rooting for her to finally obtain the “American Dream.”

1

Svetlana gets married.  (Moment from Season 8, episode 12)

Svetlana’s plan seems to be going well when she kidnaps her former Russian friend, Frelania and keeps her held hostage at Kev and V’s home.  After realizing that she has the chance to successfully steal her husband and obtain the American Dream of becoming a rich trophy wife, there is no stopping her.  I mean priorities, right?  Kev and V are on board to help her and Kev fully embraces his new role as the “father of the bride.”  However, when Svetlana explains that if Frelania “tries anything you cut her face,” he is a little hesitant to put the machete to use.

Svetlana explains that the next part of their plan involves keeping Frelania’s mother, Zlata distracted, as she is the only person who will be able to recognize Svetlana at the wedding.  Kev hilariously dresses up as a chauffeur, complete with ripped sleeves underneath the suit jacket, and displays a sign at the airport reading, “Zlata…super long last name” with an arrow.  Zlata is known to have a “taste for human flesh,” so Kev and V decide to try out her appetite for vodka to keep her as far away from the wedding as possible.

Everything seems to be going seamlessly when Svetlana walks down the aisle in a gorgeous wedding gown, only for Kev to find out that there is a Prenup.  Just as he reveals this to V, Svetlana says “I do.”  It looks like Kev and V’s plan was a success, as Svetlana is out of their lives, but hopefully she will find someway around this Prenup.  After all, we know what measures Svetlana is willing to take to get her way.

While Shameless has been renewed for season 9, Isidora has commented that she is not coming back to the show.  The character of Svetlana will be missed for sure.  Isidora is beyond talented, as she was able to turn a minor character into one of the best on Shameless.  Thanks for all of the laugh out loud moments, Svetlana!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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Ranking the top 5 moments featuring Debbie from “Shameless” season 8: “I can feel the fetus growing inside me as I sit here!”

Happy Monday TV fans!  When looking back on season 8 of Shameless, I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised with the character story-lines for Debbie this year.  In the past, Debbie has been over-the-top and somewhat annoying.  I much preferred the story-lines of Fiona and Lip.  However, this year Debbie stepped into the spotlight.  While she is somewhat embracing her role of motherhood, she is not about to compromise her dreams of becoming a welder so that she can provide for her daughter and stay fierce in the process.

For today, I am going to be recapping and ranking the top 5 moments featuring Debbie from season 8.  Whether she was doing some interesting research on Google, befriending a dog named Toto, or stirring up frenzy with her “sexy welder girl” photo shoot, Debbie was absolutely hilarious with her antics. Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the full season yet.  My top 5 moments featuring Debbie from Shameless season 8 are:

5

Debbie welds a dumpster to Dr. Dick’s car. (Moment from Season 8, episode 7)

Just when Debbie convinces her boss to give her another chance at the parking garage, using Baby Franny’s cuteness to her advantage, she learns that she needs to be nicer to customers.  Debbie gives customer service her best effort, utilizing words like “please” and “thank you.”  However, there is one customer who insists on pushing her buttons and speaks to her in a condescending way.

She upsets him so much that he even proceeds to get out of his car and destroy property.  Debbie has the last laugh; however, when she puts her new welding skills to good use.  She literally welds his car to a dumpster and admits to her boss that she knows she is fired now but it was totally worth it.

4

Debbie befriends a dog named, Toto. (Moment from Season 8, episode 9)

To make some extra cash for Welding school tuition, Debbie takes on a job watching someone’s dog.  The adorable dog, Toto, has a unique set of skills that Debbie was not expecting, however.  At first, Debbie thinks the dog has a problem with everyone when he continues to bark randomly, as if alerting her to something.  After Debbie witnesses a drug-bust and finds the product, she realizes that Toto must have been a “drug dog” in the past.  She quickly enlists his help as her new “drug supplier” to obtain the money she needs to go to school.

3

“Sexy Welder Girl Looking for Work.” (Moment from Season 8, episode 8)

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

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

 2

Debbie has less than 67 hours…make that 39 hours to obtain the morning after pill. (Moment from Season 8, episode 6)

After Debbie wakes up, she realizes that she has once again made the mistake of unprotected sex.  She is not about to have another baby and a count-down clock appears on the screen as she sets off to get the morning after pill.  However, to Debbie’s horror, they are out of it at the local store.  She tries another pharmacy, but is carded and they refuse to sell to her because she is not 17.

When Debbie tries to enlist the help of a fellow shopper, she tries to run on her, and Debbie pounces on her and attacks her, leading to them both ending up in jail.  What makes this moment even funnier is that Debbie is in the middle of face-timing baby Franny during the fight.  Just when it seems that time is running out and Debbie has no other choice than to embrace her fate, her friends bail her out of jail, cause a distraction at the pharmacy, and obtain the pill, allowing Debbie to coast by in just the nick of time.

1

Debbie Googles “do you need your toes?” (Moment from Season 8, episode 11)

An important question for sure, but our poor Debbie’s welding accident has left her in quite the jam.  The doctor informs her that the surgery to repair her three damaged toes costs $50,000 which is somewhat out of her current budget.  The other option is to lose all three toes which would cost in the lower thousands, but Debbie decides to do it herself the old fashioned way.

After Liam passes out at the sight of her toes, Debbie tries to do the horrible deed herself but also faints.  Luckily for Debbie, Frank walks in and without a moment’s hesitation, cuts them off, commenting on how the burnt flesh “smells like steak.”  Glad it sparked his appetite, but it looks like the “Sexy Welding Girl” will need to switch to some boot apparel.

What’s next for Debbie in season 9?  We will have to stay tuned to find out, but I am hoping she thinks long and hard about what’s truly best for Franny.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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

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

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

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

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

The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice Cover

Ranking the top 5 moments featuring Kassidi and Carl from “Shameless” season 8

Happy Monday TV fans!  In the spirit of Valentine’s Day this week, I am going to be recapping and ranking the top 5 moments featuring my absolute favorite couple from Shameless season 8, Carl and Kassidi.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the full season yet.

Kassidi and Carl first meet when he is running his junky detox program for money and Kassidi suggests they try shooting a ransom video for extra cash.  Although extreme and slightly psychotic, Carl’s girlfriend, Kassidi, played by the brilliant Sammi Hanratty, falls head over heels in love with him.  Kassidi is wild and passionate, thinking with her heart above her head in most scenarios, which borders on a fatal attraction in some instances.

Carl is not completely scared off by this, however; as he points out to the rest of the Gallagher family that they all suck at relationships and he is going to give it a try.  This leads to a roller coaster type relationship, as Kassidi becomes crazier with each new episode, her love for Carl never fading.

Things get complicated, however; when a promise ring is misinterpreted as a proposal and when Kassidi wants Carl to give up military school for her.  My top 5 moments featuring Kassidi and Carl from Shameless season 8 are:

5

Carl records a ransom video. (Moment from Season 8, episode 7)

Carl is on his way to securing all of the tuition he needs for military school, but is short by $3527.  One of his junky rehab customers tempts him with a new proposition, which is hard for him to ignore.  The girl, Kassidi, suggests that he shoot a harmless ransom video and that her dad will put up the cash without a problem.  As soon as Carl hits play, it’s clear that Kassidi is no amateur.  She begins screaming with a hood over her head to Carl’s surprise.

When he goes to retrieve the money, Kassidi’s dad approaches Carl and requests that she just come home and go to Tiffany’s party.  When Carl relays the message, Kassidi explains that she has no interest in going back and reveals her romantic interest in Carl.  While it seems like Kassidi is calling the shots, Carl did get the money he needed without dealing with the stress of being an uber driver or a detox specialist.  And so their love story begins…

4

“All Carl’s.” (Moment from Season 8, episode 8)

In episode 7, we were introduced to Carl’s new love interest, Kassidi who proved that she was not afraid to record a ransom video to black-mail her parents.  Seems like this could be an indicator of her emotional well-being, right?  Unfortunately, Carl is distracted by her other “charms” and is very welcoming to her as his new girl-friend.  The family seems to approve as well, when she orders KFC after Deb’s failed attempt to get dinner. 

She even sports off some new panties with…you guessed it, “All Carl’s” written across the front.  Perhaps she is just really enthusiastic about her new-found love for Carl.  Everything seems to be going well until Kassidi gets in the way of Carl’s Uber or “Ubber” business, however.  After Kassidi tells of a customer, Carl begins to have second thoughts about how fast their relationship is moving, but continues on with it for now, desperately trying to avoid another melodramatic melt-down.

3

Carl proposes by accident…(Moment from Season 8, episode 9)

Carl’s girlfriend, Kassidi, starts out the episode making a video scrapbook for her beloved, not wanting him to abandon her and ship off to military school.  Seems like a sweet idea, until she begins adding in some tasteless photos of her and some interesting recordings.  Carl seeks out some advice from Kev and the guys on what to do, realizing that he needs to prove his commitment to Kassidi. 

Unlike most girls, Kassidi has an interesting perspective on love.  She thinks of their “boning” as “uniting our souls” and tells Carl that he is “mutilating her effin heart” when she is convinced there will be tons of girls at military school, even though he repeatedly explains there are literally no women at the school. 

Carl takes the plunge and purchases a promise ring, staging a romantic re-creation of the day they first met…handcuffs and all.  The sentiment is actually quite sweet, until Kassidi mistakes it for a marriage proposal and eagerly shrieks “yes!”  Looks like these two are in it for the long haul after all.

2

Kassidi and Carl get married. (Moment from Season 8, episode 10)

After Carl’s promise ring was misinterpreted as an engagement ring, his girlfriend, Kassidi, enthusiastically accepts.  She provides the Gallagher family with engagement presents and explains that she will be “the best effin wife,” cooking Carl dinner every night with an interesting dessert menu. 

While it seems harmless at first, Kassidi then shows off her present for Carl, which is a vile of her own blood for him to carry around.  Channeling her inner Angelina Jolie, Kassidi insists that they carry each other’s blood around to be closer to one another. 

When their wedding is delayed by a day, Carl begins to have second thoughts and his family members warn him that Kassidi is kind of “psycho.”  He reveals his doubts to her, hoping that their love can be enough for now.  However, Kassidi takes this to the extreme, refusing to not get what she wants.  Carl walks in to his love, Kassidi, hanging on a noose and rushes to her side.  While she explains it was more of a test for Carl, she reveals that all she wants is to get married.  Carl agrees and the two tie a very different kind of knot…fake ids and all.  

1

Kassidi goes on a trip down memory lane with Carl. (Moment from Season 8, episode 11)

After Carl’s rash decision to get married to his crazy girlfriend, Kassidi; she insists on knowing everything about him which includes visiting some dangerous places around the city.  When they come across a dead body, Kassidi explains that “she needs to see the face of death” so she can “story the shit out of it” on Snapchat.

She takes some interesting selfies in front of the dead body, including one of Kassidi comically pretending to choke herself out in front of death to give her followers the real experience.  After visiting the former corner that Carl sold crack at, they get shot at to the excitement of Kassidi.  Even though they seem to be connecting, Kassidi is still fearful of Carl going back to military school.

In the season finale, Carl manages to escape and successfully gets on the bus to military school to the dismay of Kassidi.  While Carl does love Kassidi, he is not about to completely dismiss his other love for military school and he has the chance to really become someone to be proud of.

Will their marriage survive this?  Will Kassidi track Carl down at school?  Something tells me that the love between these two crazy kids is not over yet.  After all, giving someone a vile of your own blood proves total love and commitment.  Perhaps we can all be inspired by Kassidi and Carl this Valentine’s day…or may we should just stick to some jewelry and a box of chocolates instead as a token of our affections.

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

**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

Ranking the top 5 moments featuring Fiona from “Shameless” season 8

Happy Monday TV fans!  As I woke up this morning, I felt a void not having a new episode of Shameless to discuss.  However, just because Shameless is done for the season, it doesn’t mean we have to take a break from the hilarious Gallagher family and friends cold turkey.  For today, I am going to be recapping and ranking the top 5 moments featuring the lovely Fiona Gallagher from season 8.  Whether she was trying to make a point to her family or giving her tenants a piece of her mind, Fiona fully embraced her new role as a land lady with spunk and class…well maybe not class, but she does get her point across after a few tries.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the full season yet.  My top 5 moments featuring Fiona from Shameless season 8 are:

5

Fiona is not a step in anyone’s rehab. (Moment from Season 8, episode 4)

Sean is back and Fiona is not about to let her heart stay shattered.  When Sean walks through the door, Fiona’s first reaction is to walk out and leave him standing there with his mouth open.  After she eventually goes to find out what he has to say, she learns that he is clean now, but also married and she realizes that she is a step in his recovery.  Fiona storms out of the restaurant but is not done just yet.  She writes down every lie and every promise in a fury and decides to let his wife know just how she is feeling.  Sounds like the perfect revenge, only Fiona tells all of this to the wrong woman and she starts screaming at her husband thinking he is using drugs again.  Sean then walks out of his motel room with his wife and Fiona just gets into her car laughing.  It’s great to see Fiona can still have a sense of humor even when she is dealing with the jerk who broke her heart and left her on her wedding day.  Fiona realizes that Sean is not worth it and heads home to be with her family.  You are much more than a step in a program Fiona, you are our hero!

4

Fiona was right.  (Moment from Season 8, episode 3)

When the kids come to Fiona about what to do about the angry meth dealer, Fiona is more than willing to help set it right.  But not before she has each and every member of the family say “I was wrong, you were right Fiona.”  Fiona has been telling them the entire time that this was a bad idea, but the kids continued on anyway and she wants them to learn a valuable lesson.  The Gallagher family then proceeds to dig up Monica.  So it happens that Fiona buried the rest of the Meth with their dead mother, Monica which leads to an interesting bonding moment between the siblings.  They are covered in dirt, digging for an eternity, and you would think this would be bad enough.  Carl then uses a forklift to speed up the process, only to drop the coffin, which opens suddenly as their dead Mother falls out.  Their screams of horror are hilarious, but they work together as a team while they continue to tell Fiona that she was right all along.

3

Fiona says “Game On!” (Moment from Season 8, episode 7)

Throughout episode 7, Ian demonstrates that he is not backing down and is still mad at his sister for preventing him from obtaining the shelter for the homeless kids he works with.  He pours ice-cold buckets of water on her, throws eggs at her apartment building, and sets up tents in the lot next door to bother Fiona.   “Occupy Fiona!” the kids scream repeatedly, while Ian uses a megaphone to get the full volume and effect he is looking for.  Fiona tries to be the bigger person and refuses to let Ian see that she is angry, but when he calls the fire marshal on her and messes with her business, it’s game on.  Fiona bribes the homeless teens with pizza and when that doesn’t work, she whips out her wallet.  “You get a 20 and you get a 20!” she shouts proudly, happy to have won.  Her pride is intact, but most of her money has been sacrificed for the cause.  Ian is furious that she has done this, but she tries to make amends by finding them another space to open the shelter.  She tells Ian how much she cares about him and loves him, genuinely worried about his well-being, remembering that family comes first.

2

Fiona rescues her dog, Rusty. (Moment from Season 8, episode 11)

After learning that the injured roofer, Rodney and his family are suing Fiona for 6 million dollars, she weighs her options and learns that she is basically screwed.  Not only did she hire an unlicensed contractor with no insurance, she also only has liability coverage up to half a million dollars.  Fiona would have to give up the apartment building and her house and still be in debt for the rest of her life if Rodney goes through with the law suit.  Fiona tries desperately to get the family out of her apartment and is shocked when she finds out they even changed the lock.  Fiona tries to make a deal with Ronald’s wife and even offers for them to stay in the apartment rent free for a year, but is not getting anywhere.  Fiona’s main concern is for her dog, Rusty, however.  She demands that “there better be water in her dog’s bowl” and launches a plan with her boyfriend, Irish Ford to save him.  After sealing the door shut and turning off the water, Fiona drills her way into the apartment and gets her dog, Rusty to safety.  Ronald’s daughter screams out for “Sparkles,” horrifying Fiona even further that they had the audacity to rename her dog.

1

“Time to go Gallagher.” (Moment from Season 8, episode 12)

After Fiona talks with her lawyer, she is horrified that Rodney and his family are actually demanding custody of her dog, Rusty…or “Sparkles” along with 3 million dollars.  Her lawyer explains that her best option is to sell the building and to declare bankruptcy but Fiona is not ready to give up on her hard work just yet.  After consulting with a few others, Fiona realizes that she is going to take back what is hers.  She meets Frank’s friend, “Pyro Paulie,” who provides her with instructions on how to smoke out Rodney and his family…literally.  After they vacate the building, Fiona gives them an offer on her terms.  She says she will pay them a few thousand now for them to leave and never come back and that she will continue paying them $500 a month after that.  Rodney’s wife refuses the offer, which prompts Fiona to begin lighting cash on fire to show them she means business.  Rodney realizes that a lawsuit can take a very long time before he may see any money and takes the deal.  Fiona is able to keep her building and now has a new relationship with Irish Ford to look forward to.  Things are looking up for Fiona after all.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Shameless” season 8 episode 12 season finale: “Time to Go Gallagher!”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Showtime’s Shameless season 8 episode 12 finale last night, I am certainly going to miss watching my favorite dysfunctional family for a while.  While new episodes will return later this year, I am happy that every member of the Gallagher family made the right call after being faced with a difficult decision.  Whether they were tempted by taking the easy way out or making someone else happy, each one of them ultimately found their way, reminding us that doing the right thing does pay off in the end.  Now Frank on the other hand is another story.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Sleepwalking,” Fiona seeks out the help of “Pyro Paulie” to go full Gallagher on Rodney and his family, refusing to give up what she has worked so hard on.  Lip is finally back together with Sierra, but is he ready to get sucked back in the drama all over again?  Svetlana pursues her American Dream to get married while holding Frelania hostage and Kev embraces his new role as “father of the bride.”  Meanwhile, a warrant is out for Ian’s arrest, Carl attempts to make it to military school, and Liam is faced with the dilemma of making his father happy or betraying his new friend.  My top 5 moments from Shameless season 8 episode 12 are:

5

Liam does some recon.

Liam’s new friend, Dylan, is more than rich.  After Frank pays Dylan’s father a visit and does a quick scan of his assets, he enlists the help of his youngest son to do some full recon and obtain the alarm code.  Liam does a great job taking the pictures for Frank and even comes up with a brilliant plan to get the alarm code.  He sets off the alarm with Dylan as a prank on the maid and then zooms in on the code:  6197.  After he discusses everything with Frank, Liam begins having second thoughts.  While this may be the root cause of his sleepwalking, Liam decides that he wants to keep his friendship with Dylan and of course enjoy some much deserved “yachting” and relaxation.  Liam gives Frank the wrong code, which leads to a hilarious escape from the police, ending with Frank jumping into the portable toilet.  Not just the stall…but the actual toilet.  Frank manages to hold on to a few items and walks into the Gallagher home in victory, covered in blue dye and sewage.  I guess he’ll take this one as a win.

4

Carl attempts to get to military school.

Carl’s wife, Cassidy, actually has her named spelled with a “K,” which I learned in this last episode when she explains that all of their 6 children will have names starting with a “C” or a “K.”  Sorry Kassidi.  Either way, Carl’s girlfriend…wife, Kassidi played by the brilliant Sammi Hanratty is not about to let him leave without a fight.  Carl strategically jumps out the window when Kassidi is showering to buy new gear for military school.  He avoids her as much as possible and even brings her flowers as a decoy, but this is no match for Kassidi’s obsession.  She hand-cuffs him to the bed and refuses to let him go.  When Carl spots Debbie, he begs her to get the keys, but Debbie takes this as an opportunity to test out her brother’s listening skills, refusing to get involved in the middle.  After all she does love Kassidi’s waffles.  With the help of Liam’s habit to steal keys when he sleepwalks, Carl manages to escape and successfully gets on the bus to military school to the dismay of Kassidi.  While Carl does love Kassidi, he is not about to completely dismiss his other love for military school and he has the chance to really become someone to be proud of.  Will their marriage be able to survive this?  Will Kassidi resort to even crazier methods to get him back?

3

Svetlana gets married.

Svetlana’s plan seems to be going well when she kidnaps her former Russian friend, Frelania and keeps her held hostage at Kev and V’s home.  After realizing that she has the chance to successfully steal her husband and obtain the American Dream of becoming a rich trophy wife, there is no stopping her.  Kev and V are on board to help her and Kev fully embraces his new role as the “father of the bride.”  However, when Svetlana explains that if Frelania “tries anything you cut her face,” he is a little hesitant to put the machete to use.  Svetlana explains that the next part of their plan involves keeping Frelania’s mother, Zlata distracted, as she is the only person who will be able to recognize Svetlana at the wedding.  Kev hilariously dresses up as a chauffeur, complete with ripped sleeves underneath the suit jacket, and displays a sign at the airport reading “Zlata…super long last name” with an arrow.  Zlata is known to have a “taste for human flesh,” so Kev and V decide to try out her appetite for vodka to keep her as far away from the wedding as possible.  Everything seems to be going seamlessly when Svetlana walks down the aisle in a gorgeous wedding gown, only for Kev to find out that there is a Prenup.  Just as he reveals this to V, Svetlana says “I do.”  One can only imagine what she will do when she finds out the truth next season.

2

Lip finally makes the right decision. 

Lip seems to be getting everything he wanted.  He’s sober, he has a job, and now he even has Sierra back.  Everything should be fine, right?  After witnessing Sierra and her former boyfriend, Charlie arguing in the street, he realizes that he is about to get sucked up into a whirlwind of drama all over again.  Has Lip learned from his past mistakes?  Yes!  Lip walks away from Sierra and tells her that he’s not sure how he feels and he thinks she should give Charlie another chance.  At the end of the episode, Lip decides to help out Eddie’s niece and offers for her to stay with him until everything is sorted out with Eddie and her mom.  The little girl is beyond delighted that someone actually cares enough about her not to abandon her and happily helps Lip with his motorcycle.  Lip finally realizes that love doesn’t have to be romantic or messy.  The friendship and bond he has with Eddie’s niece goes beyond this and is the best thing for him right now to maintain his sobriety and his sanity.

1

“Time to go Gallagher.”

After Fiona talks with her lawyer, she is horrified that Rodney and his family are actually demanding custody of her dog, Rusty…or “Sparkles” along with 3 million dollars.  Her lawyer explains that her best option is to sell the building and to declare bankruptcy but Fiona is not ready to give up on her hard work just yet.  After consulting with a few others, Fiona realizes that she is going to take back what is hers.  She meets Frank’s friend, “Pyro Paulie,” who provides her with instructions on how to smoke out Rodney and his family…literally.  After they vacate the building, Fiona gives them an offer on her terms.  She says she will pay them a few thousand now for them to leave and never come back and that she will continue paying them $500 a month after that.  Rodney’s wife refuses the offer, which prompts Fiona to begin lighting cash on fire to show them she means business.  Rodney realizes that a lawsuit can take a very long time before he may see any money and takes the deal.  Fiona is able to keep her building and now has a new relationship with Irish Ford to look forward to.  Things are looking up for Fiona after all.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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 “Shameless” season 8 episode 11: Fiona Rescues Rusty!

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Showtime’s Shameless season 8 episode 11 last night, it is refreshing to see the Gallagher family put the needs of others above their own.  While Fiona and Lip try out the whole rescuing a damsel in distress routine…or in Fiona’s case, a dog in distress; Ian turns a non-violent act into something extreme and Frank does what no one else can.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “A Gallagher Pedicure,” Debbie must make the important decision on whether or not to keep her toes, Fiona continues to fight against Rodney’s attempt to sue her, and Lip plays the role of the white knight to a tee.  Meanwhile, Frank learns his life’s hard work of 6 weeks amount to $3.42 a month in Social Security benefits, Liam wants to go “yachting,” and Svetlana learns the value of humbling herself.  My top 5 moments from Shameless season 8 episode 11 are:

5

Debbie Googles “do you need your toes?”

An important question for sure, but our poor Debbie’s welding accident has left her in quite the jam.  The doctor informs her that the surgery to repair her three damaged toes costs $50,000 which is somewhat out of her current budget.  The other option is to lose all three toes which would cost in the lower thousands, but Debbie decides to do it herself the old fashioned way.  After Liam passes out at the sight of her toes, Debbie tries to do the horrible deed herself but also faints.  Luckily for Debbie, Frank walks in and without a moment’s hesitation, cuts them off, commenting on how the burnt flesh “smells like steak.”  Glad it sparked his appetite, but it looks like the “Sexy Welding Girl” will need to switch to some boot apparel.

4

Svetlana tries to humble herself.

Kev and V are still invested in finding Svetlana a millionaire of her own.  Svetlana even writes down all of her skills on a napkin to prove her worth, after taking her friends out to a fancy hotel bar to find a man.  Kev is excited when he gets approached, but learns it is not for Svetlana, but for the “chocolate one.”  After explaining that V is his wife, the man offers to pay him $4000 for an hour with V, which even V is considering at this point.  After all they do have bills to pay.  Security explains that they have a strict “no prostitute policy,” and Svetlana comes to the epiphany that she needs to humble herself and go talk to the Russian “bottom feeder.”  After her rival spits on an expensive gown in front of her and tells her that she would rather throw it out than give it to her, Svetlana realizes that she is getting nowhere.  However, when the billionaire mistakes Svetlana for his bride to be in his old age, she realizes that all may not be lost after all.  At the end of the episode, Svetlana drags a body bag into the bar and tells Kev and V that she is not dead yet with a glowing smile of victory.  One should never underestimate Svetlana and I am rooting for her to finally obtain the “American Dream.”

3

Lip plays the white knight.

Lip absolutely needs a break from all of the hardship and drama in his life, but he invites it right back in when he allows Sierra and her son, Lucas to stay with him.  Sierra confides in Lip that her father is out of prison and tells him about all of the horrible things he did to their family, including dumping their mother’s lifeless body into a dumpster after beating her to death.  Sierra is beyond terrified and will not go back to her apartment until she knows that she is safe.  While it seems like Lip is replacing one addiction with another, he does come up with the brilliant plan to approach Sierra’s father, Norman, provoking him enough to launch an attack against Lip.  With the help of Eddie’s adorable niece catching the act on camera, Lip reports the attack and Sierra’s father is back in prison where he belongs.  Sierra is beyond grateful and rushes back into Lip’s loving arms, but will the drama stop here?  I’m hoping so, but Lip has not been able to escape it just yet.

2

Cassidy goes on a trip down memory lane with Carl.

After Carl’s rash decision to get married to his crazy girlfriend, Cassidy; she insists on knowing everything about him which includes visiting some dangerous places around the city.  When they come across a dead body, Cassidy explains that “she needs to see the face of death” so she can “story the shit out of it” on Snapchat.  She takes some interesting selfies in front of the dead body, including one of Cassidy comically pretending to choke herself out in front of death to give her followers the real experience.  After visiting the former corner that Carl sold crack at, they get shot at to the excitement of Cassidy.  Ultimately, Carl sacrifices going back to military school when Cassidy freaks out again at the thought of him leaving.  While it seems like he is throwing away his chance at stability and purpose, perhaps he will change his mind if Cassidy continues to go further past the deep end of insanity.

1

Fiona rescues Rusty.

After learning that Rodney and his family are suing Fiona for 6 million dollars, she weighs her options and learns that she is basically screwed.  Not only did she hire an unlicensed contractor with no insurance, she also only has liability coverage up to half a million dollars.  Fiona would have to give up the apartment building and her house and still be in debt for the rest of her life if Rodney goes through with the law suit.  Fiona tries desperately to get the family out of her apartment and is shocked when she finds out they even changed the lock.  Fiona tries to make a deal with Ronald’s wife and even offers for them to stay in the apartment rent free for a year, but is not getting anywhere.  Fiona’s main concern is for her dog, Rusty, however.  She demands that “there better be water in her dog’s bowl” and launches a plan with Irish Ford to save him.  After sealing the door shut and turning off the water, Fiona drills her way into the apartment and gets her dog, Rusty to safety.  Ronald’s daughter screams out for “Sparkles,” horrifying Fiona even further that they had the audacity to rename her dog.  Now that Rusty has reached safety, what’s next for Fiona?  Will she be able to convince them to drop the suit by going Gallagher on them?  Stay tuned to find out.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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 “Shameless” season 8 episode 10: Fiona buys a chair

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Showtime’s Shameless season 8 episode 10 last night, I am left contemplating the Golden Rule, which says that you should “treat others the way you want to be treated.”  In other words, you need to be nice to others and do the right thing if you want the same in return.  However, what happens when you live by the Golden Rule and even go out of your way to do the right thing…only to get stomped on in return and sued for six million dollars?  Poor Fiona.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Church of Gay Jesus,” Fiona is enjoying living on her own and attempts to pay it forward to a family in need.  Kev and V decide to coach Svetlana on how to find a rich husband, Debbie takes a night-time welding job which sounds “sketchy,” and Lip tries to deal with his grief.  Meanwhile, Ian embraces his new calling with open arms while Frank and Liam attempt to turn it into a new business scheme.  My top 5 moments from Shameless season 8 episode 10 are:

5

Lip attempts to deal with his grief.

When Lip decides to go check in on Professor Youens in jail, he is in for a horrible shock when he learns that he died that past week.  All of Lip’s emotions that had been bottled up for so long come rushing to the surface as he desperately tries to deal with his grief.  When Lip goes to Professor Youens’s home, he runs into his daughter there who tells him she’s got it handled.  Part of Lip’s diversion from drinking has involved his constant distractions to help those around him.  He returns home and tries to come up with the words to a truly representative eulogy and even crosses out the word “professor” and replaces it with “friend.”  As Lip listens to tons of students get up and tell similar stories about how Professor Youens was like a father to them or believed in them when no one else would, Lip crumples up the eulogy and walks out.  He releases all of his anger and takes it out on the motorcycle he has been working so hard on, unable to control the swirl of emotions rushing around inside him.  Later in the episode, Professor Youens’s daughter gives him an unfinished recommendation letter she found about Lip, revealing that he was “amazed by his mind.”  She offers to give the letter to Lip, thinking it may provide him with some sense of comfort, but Lip is still too angry to take it.  It seems like nothing is going right for Lip these days, but he still holds on to his sobriety in the face of everything he has had to deal with, becoming someone truly worthy of that recommendation letter.

4

“Hot Gay Jesus.”

Ian’s growing popularity has the Gallagher family stunned, as more and more followers come to the house just to hear Ian speak.  Fiona refers to it as a cult, but Cassidy reveals that he is more like a “Hot Gay Jesus,” sparking a business scheme in Frank’s unemployed head.  Frank and Liam begin selling tee-shirts to make a profit off of the “prophet” otherwise known as Ian.  Ian is unsure what to make of so many people coming out to hear him speak.  At the end of the episode, Fiona accompanies him to the church where seas of people are anxiously waiting for him.  Ian embraces his destiny and speaks out, realizing that he is making a difference.

3

Cassidy and Carl get married.

After Carl’s promise ring was misinterpreted as an engagement ring, his girlfriend, Cassidy, enthusiastically accepts.  She provides the Gallagher family with engagement presents and explains that she will be “the best effin wife,” cooking Carl dinner every night with an interesting dessert menu.  While it seems harmless at first, Cassidy then shows off her present for Carl, which is a vile of her own blood for him to carry around.  Channeling her inner Angelina Jolie, Cassidy insists that they carry each other’s blood around to be closer to one another.  When their wedding is delayed by a day, Carl begins to have second thoughts and his family members warn him that Cassidy is kind of “psycho.”  He reveals his doubts to her, hoping that their love can be enough for now.  However, Cassidy takes this to the extreme, refusing to not get what she wants.  Carl walks in to his love, Cassidy, hanging on a noose and rushes to her side.  While she explains it was more of a test for Carl, she reveals that all she wants is to get married.  Carl agrees and the two tie a very different kind of knot…fake ids and all.  Will Carl be able to have the first successful marriage of the Gallagher family?  Time will tell.

2

Kev and V try to coach Svetlana on how to secure a rich husband.

After setting up an online profile for Svetlana, Kev and V are horrified by her actions on her first date, which involve an outfit mostly covered in fish-net and ending in a punch in the face.  Kev and V try to “coach” Svetlana on “etiquette” and how to behave on a date, suggesting smiling as an easy first step.  “What is the point of smiling?” Svetlana asks, not falling for the bait.  Kev and V realize that their best hope of finding Svetlana a rich husband is to have her wear a microphone and earpiece so Kev can talk her through what to say.  Svetlana seems reluctant at first, but Kev reminds her that “this is spy shit.  It’s in your DNA!”  After the code words fail and Kev realizes he forgot to test the microphone, he is still confident that his words of wisdom will help Svetlana.  However, Svetlana takes off her ear piece and goes back to what she knows best…grabbing the man’s “goods” and seeing where this will take them.

1

Fiona buys a chair…and then gets sued.

Fiona is finally living on her own and even purchases a chair, revealing to Irish Ford that this is the first time she bought something she didn’t actually need.  When she notices the injured roofer and his wife and kids living out of a car, she wants to help them.  She secures a spot for them in a family shelter, but there is a two-day waiting period.  Fiona generously agrees to let the family stay in her apartment, while they wait, showing a lot of compassion and goodness.  Irish Ford and her grow closer and take their relationship to the next level, as he reveals that he has asked around about her and knows that she is a good person.  When Fiona returns to her apartment, she finds more family members squandering there and a stain on her brand new chair.  Fiona is starting to have second thoughts about her decision but takes a deep breath and reminds herself that they will be in the shelter soon.  At the end of the episode, Fiona is served and she discovers that the injured roofer is now suing her for six million dollars.  Fiona is beyond angry and realizes that doing the right thing doesn’t always guarantee that those you are helping will have the same good intentions.  It’s clear this man messed with the wrong Gallagher, but we will have to wait and see what Fiona does next.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Shameless” season 8 episode 9: “Yes Team Fiona!”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Showtime’s Shameless season 8 episode 9 last night, I am left with the saying that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” and that past mistakes should not be repeated.  The Gallagher family quickly forgets this advice, however; when they come to the realization that they are not so great at keeping relationships and are determined to make a change.   Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “The Fugees,” Fiona goes out with literally a bowling team of Irish Ford’s exes, Ian uses his YouTube fame to make a difference in the church and save a life, and Debbie enlists the help of a dog named, Toto.  Not the Toto you are thinking of.  Although I suppose she does find her own version of the yellow brick road paved with drugs to help her pay her welding tuition bill.  Meanwhile, Lip is unable to put his past feelings aside for Sierra and gets stuck in the middle of a disaster of a love triangle, while Svetlana has a blast from her past as well.  My top 5 moments from Shameless season 8 episode 9 are:

5

Frank makes it back to the USA.

It seems like everything is going well with Frank’s new business venture to illegally transport people across the Canadian border until he gets cornered by the “Royal Canadian Mountain Police.”  While he is riding in the police car, he even jokes that they actually do wear those hats and that he “thought that was only in cartoons,” to the disapproval of the police.  Luckily, Frank is able to escape his dilemma and goes on an adventure of his own to make it back safe and sound to the states.  He knows he has arrived home safely when he spots a Costco, thrilled to embrace discount detergent with open arms.

4

Kev comes to the realization that “dominance is in his DNA” while Svetlana gets an unexpected visitor.

Kev or “Sir Kev,” or wait just “Sir,” as he wants to be called is still holding on to his new-found power of dominance, refusing to back down from it now.  He explains to V that it was previously in “hibernation like a baby bear,” but now there is “no more Mr. Nice Guy.”  V decides that his dominance could best be used to convince Svetlana to wear a new dress code, which he enforces to her enjoyment.  “Dominance…boom.”  Even though Svetlana is covering up her “tatas,” she still rocks some seriously fashionable glasses.  Svetlana gets an unexpected visit from a woman she had helped smuggle into the country, which she previously referred to as a “bottom feeder,” only to get a slap of reality, realizing that the “bottom feeder” now has the American Dream she so desperately wanted.  Svetlana is horrified at her own circumstances, wondering if she made the right choices for herself.  Something tells me that Svetlana is not about to let anyone step on her, however.

3

Debbie befriends a dog named, Toto.

To make some extra cash for Welding school tuition, Debbie takes on a job watching someone’s dog.  The adorable dog, Toto, has a unique set of skills that Debbie was not expecting, however.  At first, Debbie thinks the dog has a problem with everyone when he continues to bark randomly, as if alerting her to something.  After Debbie witnesses a drug-bust and finds the product, she realizes that Toto must have been a “drug dog” in the past.  She quickly enlists his help as her new “drug supplier” to obtain the money she needs to go to school.  Perhaps Frank should take some advice from his youngest daughter on how to successfully pull off a business scheme, although it could back-fire as well.

2

Fiona goes bowling.

After getting some mixed signals from Irish Ford, Fiona is not sure what to expect from him.  When he invites her to hang out, she hesitantly accepts, not sure what she is in for.  She quickly discovers she is hanging out with a bunch of Ford’s exes at a bowling alley.  When they ask her what she typically averages in bowling, she admits “I have no idea.”  Things are looking up, when she does a decent job and screams out, “Yes Team Fiona!”  No one is really paying attention, but the important thing is that Fiona is actually having a good time.  Later in the episode, Fiona feels the familiar reaction of confusion and mixed signals coming her way, revealing to Ford that she is an “amazing effin catch.”  Irish Ford appears to agree, kissing her at the end of the episode, putting aside Fiona’s doubts for now.  Is this the start of a solid relationship for Fiona?

1

Carl is getting married…

Carl’s girlfriend, Cassidy, starts out the episode making a video scrapbook for her beloved, not wanting him to abandon her and ship off to military school.  Seems like a sweet idea, until she begins adding in some tasteless photos of her and some interesting recordings.  Carl seeks out some advice from Kev and the guys on what to do, realizing that he needs to prove his commitment to Cassidy.  Unlike most girls, Cassidy has an interesting perspective on love.  She thinks of their “boning” as “uniting our souls” and tells Carl that he is “mutilating her effin heart” when she is convinced there will be tons of girls at military school, even though he repeatedly explains there are literally no women at the school.  Carl takes the plunge and purchases a promise ring, staging a romantic re-creation of the day they first met…handcuffs and all.  The sentiment is actually quite sweet, until Cassidy mistakes it for a marriage proposal and eagerly shrieks “yes!” How is Carl going to get out of this one?  Is he actually going to marry Cassidy?  We’ll have to stay tuned to find out, but it’s clear the adventure is not over yet.

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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

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

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

5

“All Carl’s.”

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

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

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

4

Lip tries out speed-sponsoring.

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

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

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

3

“Sexy Welder Girl Looking for Work.”

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

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

2

Kev is in “full on domination mode.”

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

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

1

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

[twitter-follow screen_name=’TV_Fanatic_Girl’]

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The Search for Alice Cover