My performance of the week ending 3/28/20 on TV goes to…

Danai Gurira as Michonne on AMC’s The Walking Dead season 10.

After that epic and revealing episode (season 10 episode 12), we switched gears to catch up with Michonne in episode 13. Her episode was extremely moving and I thought that Danai Gurira was beyond fantastic. She was heart-wrenching perfection.

**Please note MAJOR spoilers are ahead if you are not caught up on the series.**

I talked a lot about Michonne’s character growth and transformation across the seasons in my post on The Walking Dead (season 10 episode 13), but Michonne deserves a post of her very own, celebrating her as an extraordinary character on the series. Even though this episode is considered a farewell for her, her story will continue in a lot of ways and I thought it was the perfect tribute to her.

Michonne AMC 9
Images courtesy of AMC

I thought that season 10 episode 13 was so well done. The alternate path/reality portion really gave us a chance to remember Michonne’s decisions and interactions with characters, reminding us just how important she really is. The decision to save someone in a selfless act is not easy in a post-apocalyptic world, but Michonne learns that she did ultimately make the right decision and was introduced to her family and the love of her life by doing so.

We glimpsed into a world where Michonne made one very different decision, choosing not to save Andrea, which could have led her down a dark and dangerous path.

Michonne AMC 8
Images courtesy of AMC

Becoming a hero is not always clear cut. There are so many different factors that are at play and we often see villains who think that they are doing what is necessary to survive.

Michonne has gone through so much in her life and we could have easily witnessed her stumble along the way and yet she has become even stronger because of her decisions. I think that her connections with other characters helped her tremendously. When we first met Michonne, she was pretty much on her own, but once she started connecting with those around her, she opened the guard around her heart and became a true leader and warrior.

What’s next for Michonne? Well, we know that this was Danai Gurira’s last episode, but her story will certainly not end. After discovering some clues that Rick may be alive, Michonne decides to try and find him with the blessing and encouragement from Judith.

Michonne 5
Images courtesy of AMC

Michonne is a mother and we know that this was not an easy decision for her, but she is going to do everything in her power to find Rick and I’m hoping that we get to see a happy ending for them at some point within TWD universe.

I thought the last scene with Michonne was so fitting and perfect for her character. Michonne finds a man and woman who are in need of assistance and remembers when Rick and Carl took a chance on her, which ultimately changed her life forever. Michonne is on a mission to find Rick, but takes the time to offer her hand to those in need, truly embracing her role as a hero.

I will really miss Michonne’s presence on the show, but I thought this was the perfect tribute and farewell episode for her. The story is never really over and I feel honored to have witnessed so many incredible performances by Danai Gurira over the seasons.

We’ll miss you, Michonne!

Stay tuned for a recognized performance on TV each week!

Have a performance on TV that you think is simply outstanding? Feel free to contact me with your nomination for the week by Friday at midnight! 

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

[twitter-follow screen_name=’TV_Fanatic_Girl’]

The Dreaming of Wonderland Book Series is available here!

Dreaming of Wonderland Series Final Chapter Blog

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

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Ranking my top 5 moments featuring Buffy and Spike from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”

Happy Wednesday TV fans!  As I near the end of my Buffy the Vampire Slayer re-watch, it really got me thinking about how many epic moments there are between Buffy and Spike.  While I tend to prefer Buffy and Angel together romantically, I cannot ignore the spark between these two and I’m sure that Spuffy fans would agree.

For today, I am going to be ranking the top 5 moments featuring Buffy and Spike.  I was having a little bit of trouble deciding because there are so many outstanding moments and I did ask for input from Spuffy fans on Twitter as well.  Thank you so much for your help and participation!  I’m glad to know that I was not the only one having trouble with this, but I think that really proves that all of these Spuffy moments truly stand the test of time.

Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the full series yet. 

My top 5 moments featuring Buffy and Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer are:

5

Porch scene

The porch scene (Moment from “Fool for Love” season 5, episode 7).

Front porch.gif

During this episode, Buffy seeks out Spike’s help after she is almost killed by a vampire.  Spike has killed two slayers in his lifetime and Buffy is looking to find out more about this.  We get to see a glimpse into Spike’s past and learn that he was previously a “bloody awful poet” before being turned into a vampire.

During present day, Spike has the chip in his head and is beyond furious with Buffy after she tells him that he is beneath her, which is what Cecily said to Spike so many years ago.  Spike decides that he is going to kill Buffy to even the score, but has a sudden change of heart when he sees her crying on the porch.

Buffy has just found out that her mother is extremely sick and she takes a moment outside to try and deal with this.  In a beautiful and selfless moment, Spike simply asks Buffy “what’s wrong” and sits next to her on the porch in silence.  Buffy may not be ready to talk about it just yet, but this gesture is very much appreciated and reveals that Spike is capable of friendship and goodness even before his soul is returned.

4

Intervention

Buffy kisses Spike as “Buffybot” (Moment from “Intervention” season 5, episode 18).

During this episode, Spike’s “Buffybot” is both hilarious and slightly disturbing.  Spike’s infatuation with Buffy has reached a new level, as he “role plays” with Warren’s creation.  Glory’s minions notice that “Buffybot” is protecting Spike as if he were “precious” and mistake him for the key.  Glory tortures Spike badly, but he refuses to give Dawn up because he knows that it would destroy Buffy.

At the end of the episode, the real Buffy pretends to be “Buffybot” to find out what Spike said.  After Spike reveals that he did not tell her anything, Buffy kisses him.  This is the first “real” kiss between these two.  Buffy does it to thank him, but Spike is beyond shocked by this act and I was pleasantly surprised myself.

3

I love you buffy

Buffy tells Spike she loves him right before he sacrifices himself (Moment from “Chosen” season 7, episode 22).

In the series finale, Spike sacrifices himself to destroy the hellmouth.  Right before he dies, he tells Buffy that he can feel his soul.  Buffy holds his hand, which begins to burst into flames and tells Spike that she loves him.  Spike says, “No you don’t.  But thanks for saying it.” 

While this moment is absolutely heartbreaking, Spike’s purpose has now been fulfilled.  He saves the world and protects Buffy, truly earning the title of a “champion.”  Buffy recognizes his sacrifice and tells him that she loves him because he deserves to hear it.  Whether she means it or not, this moment truly touches my heart and soul.

2

Musical

Buffy and Spike kiss at the end of the musical (Moment from “Once More, with Feeling” season 6, episode 7).

You can’t help singing along to the musical episode of Buffy.  Or maybe you can, but I absolutely know all of the words and I’m not ashamed to admit that.  There have been undeniable sparks between Buffy and Spike leading to this moment and at the very end of the musical episode, Buffy and Spike share an epic kiss.

It’s like you can see the fireworks going off at this moment, as these two finally begin a romantic relationship.  While their relationship has many ups and downs, this kiss is beyond swoon-worthy.  Most fans voted for this particular moment as their favorite and I have to admit that I was pretty torn as well, but I ultimately decided that there was one more moment that really showcased the love between Buffy and Spike even more.  At least for me.

Some honorable mentions before revealing my number one moment featuring Buffy & Spike are:

Buffy drinking.gif

  • Spike takes Buffy out drinking (Moment from “Life Serial” season 6, episode 5).
  • Spike proposes to Buffy after Willow’s spell goes wrong (Moment from “Something Blue” season 4, episode 9).
  • Faith in Buffy’s body teases Spike (Moment from “Who Are You?” season 4, episode 16).
  • Buffy learns that Spike’s soul has returned (Moment from “Beneath You” season 7, episode 2).
  • Buffy & Spike take down a building (Moment from “Smashed” season 6, episode 9).
  • Buffy tells Spike that she was in heaven (Moment from “After Life” season 6, episode 3).
  • Spike tells The First that Buffy believes in him (Moment from “Bring on the Night” season 7, episode 10).

1

Touched 5

Spike tells Buffy that she’s the one (Moment from “Touched” Season 7, episode 20).

After re-watching the series, this moment still remains as my absolute favorite for Buffy and Spike.  Spike’s speech to Buffy is so real and perfect.  He tells her how he feels with every part of his being and speaks from the heart.  Buffy is feeling lost and confused and Spike reminds her that she is a “hell of a woman” and “the one.” 

Later in the episode, Buffy and Spike just hold each other, which is truly something magical.  This simple expression of their love is so pure and perfect.  Their relationship has transcended into something beyond epic in this moment and I wouldn’t have it play out any other way.

Later in the series, Spike even tells Buffy that it was the best night of his life and it’s definitely my favorite moment for these two!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own comments and thoughts about your favorite moments featuring Buffy & Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  Thanks 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

[twitter-follow screen_name=’TV_Fanatic_Girl’]

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

I am so excited to announce that my book, The Search for Alice, is now available!  If you enjoy fairy-tale retellings, paranormal romance, 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 my top 5 Male Vampires from TV: “I’ve Always Been Bad”

Happy Tuesday TV viewers!  When you think of vampires, what comes to mind?  There is that overwhelming sense of darkness and desire that is beyond dangerous.  And yet, you still find yourself intrigued by their existence.  Whether it’s about blood or lust, there is something beyond mesmerizing about vampires.  While many vampires have entertained us in film, books, and television, there are some characters that truly stand the test of time, inviting us into their world of darkness.

For today’s list, I am going to be looking at male vampires from television.  Whether the vampire is considered the “big bad” or is on a quest for redemption, there is something undeniably hypnotizing about their existence.  These vampires are not just about the kill.  They are complex and unique and we often find ourselves rooting for them above all others…and maybe even swooning over them from time to time as well.  Please note some spoilers are ahead. 

My top 5 Male Vampires from TV are:

5

Klaus Mikaelson from The Originals & The Vampire Diaries

Klaus vampire collage

“You know, over the years, I’ve had my share of friends, enemies, lovers, losses, and triumphs. With time, they all begin to run together, but you will find the real moments are vibrant. The rest just fades away. Your pain will fade.” 

When I first saw Klaus on The Vampire Diaries, I was instantly intrigued.  He basically stole the show for me and I was beyond excited when I found out that the spin-off series, The Originals, would focus around him and his family.  Klaus is dangerous and a formidable foe that you do not want to cross.

Klaus gif

He has a quick temper and a monstrous quality, but he also has an artistic side to him and possesses wisdom beyond his years.  He reveals glimmers of goodness along the way, especially when it comes to Caroline, Camille, and Hope.  Klaus is the epitome of the “bad boy” on television, but he is so classy about it as well, which makes him the perfect anti-hero.

4

Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries

Damon vampire collage

“If you’re going to be bad, be bad with a purpose or else you’re not worth forgiving.” 

When we first met the Salvatore brothers on The Vampire Diaries, Damon easily became my favorite.  While Stefan is conflicted and brooding, Damon just wants to have fun.  Although his idea of fun often involves killing and torture, there is just something so charismatic about Damon.

Damon gif

Like Klaus, Damon’s character shifts toward redemption, as he falls desperately in love with Elena.  Damon’s actions become selfless and pure, which really elevates his character even more.  While I enjoyed seeing the growth of his character, I do prefer his bad boy charm, as he really shows off his flair for being evil with style.

3

Angel from Buffy the Vampire Slayer & Angel

Angel vampire collage

“She made me feel like a human being.  That’s not the kind of thing you just forgive.”

The vampire with a soul who had us falling desperately in love with him, along with Buffy Summers, absolutely deserves a spot on this list.  Angel is cursed by gypsies and has to live as a creature of the night with a conscience.  While Angel initially shies away from society because of this, he eventually finds his purpose when he meets Buffy.

Buffy gif.gif

Angel tries to help Buffy, but ends up falling in love with her, which becomes beyond complicated when he loses his soul after experiencing a “moment of true happiness” with her.  When Angel’s soul is gone, he reveals just how dangerous he is by torturing Buffy and her friends, proving that he truly relishes in watching others suffer.  Angel’s soul is later returned, but he ends up leaving Buffy to give her a real chance at happiness and to further his own quest for redemption on a spin-off series.

2

Eric Northman from True Blood

Eric vampire collage

“Death is scary.  I’ve been avoiding it for a thousand years.”

This list would not be complete without including Eric Northman.  Like many of the other characters on this list, Eric has the bad boy charm act down pat.  Eric possesses a regal and elegant quality, while also being vicious and dangerous.

Eric gif.gif

He proves to be truly ruthless on the show and a formidable villain, but also reveals some humanity within him as well.  While he falls in love with Sookie, his relationship with Pam is also something that should be noted.  Eric is almost like a father figure to Pam and he truly does care about her, proving that bad-ass vampires can have feelings too.

Some honorable mentions before revealing my number one pick are:

  • Marcel from “The Originals”
  • Benny from “Supernatural”
  • Stefan from “The Vampire Diaries”
  • Eichhorst from “The Strain”
  • Roman from “Hemlock Grove”
  • Elijah from “The Originals”
  • Cassidy from “Preacher”
  • Bill from “True Blood”
  • Barnabas from “Dark Shadows”
  • John from “Being Human”

1

Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Spike vampire collage

“That’s right.  Big Bad’s back and lookin for a little death!”

So my number one pick has to go to William the Bloody, aka Spike, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  When Spike first showed up with his crazy girlfriend, Drusilla, back in season 2, I was hooked on the show for life.  Spike just screams bad boy and he has this sexy and dangerous quality to him, which makes you almost feel wrong about rooting for him so much.  Almost.  Spike is absolutely hilarious and even probably tops Buffy with some of his puns, which are laugh out loud funny. 

Out for a walk spike.gif

Spike proves to be a threat to Buffy and the Scoobies over and over, but eventually gets a chip in his head that prevents him from harming humans.  Spike tries to fit in with the Scooby gang, but continues to go back to his evil ways whenever possible.

Later on in the series, Spike develops real feelings for Buffy and eventually earns back his soul.  Whether Spike is evil or good, you can’t help loving him.  His presence elevates the show and he reminds us that it’s never too late to try and do the right thing, even if you have been evil for over a century.

Spike will always be my favorite vampire of all time and will continue to be the “Big Bad,” even when reciting some of his “bloody awful poetry.”

I hope you enjoyed the list and please feel free to post your thoughts and comments below on some of your favorite male vampires from TV.  Thanks 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

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

[twitter-follow screen_name=’TV_Fanatic_Girl’]

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

I am so excited to announce that my book, The Search for Alice, is now available!  If you enjoy fairy-tale retellings, paranormal romance, 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