Ranking the top 5 moments from “The Passage” season 1 episode 3: “You’re a Horror Show”

Happy Tuesday TV fans!  After watching Fox’s The Passage season 1 episode 3, Clark reminded us that “nobody gets over anything” and that “they say time helps, but it doesn’t.”  However, does that mean we stop trying?  Is it possible to save a lost cause?  Maybe not, but if we stop trying, do we lose our own humanity in the process?  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “That Never Should Have Happened to You,” we get a glimpse into Shauna Babcock’s past, revealing quite a lot about who she was before Project Noah.  Meanwhile, Lila tries to get some answers, Lacey’s fate is revealed, Amy gets a new pen pal, and Brad comes face to face with Fanning.  My top 5 moments from The Passage season 1 episode 3 are:

5

“Why do you think she made that choice?”

After Shauna took a bite out of Simmons, the rest of Project Noah begins to discuss this behavior and what it means.  They quickly realize that this was personal for Shauna, as Simmons had been tormenting her for a while and she also chose not to harm the squirmy janitor.  So was it out of revenge or does Shauna have heightened intelligence?  The scientists on the team are eager to find out, but Dr. Lear reminds them that this will not “fix the nightmares problem.”  Clark does not want to rehash this; however, as he agrees that the threat should be eliminated and Shauna should be put down.  But is Clark able to deal with his own inner turmoil right now?

4

“You might be the most important little girl in the world.”

After Brad and Amy arrive at Project Noah, Amy is not reacting well to the doctors surrounding her.  Dr. Sykes tries a calmer approach and explains that Amy could save so many people and that she promises that nothing will happen to her.  But can she really make a promise like that?  It seems like Dr. Sykes is having doubts as well like Dr. Lear, but she understands that she can save millions of lives if she succeeds.  But can she deal with the consequences of the lives she has ruined?  I’m still looking forward to seeing her character explored further and I’m sure we will get there, but it’s clear that Amy has a major role to play here.

3

“What are we not gonna do?  Panic.”

During this episode, Brad promises that he will not leave Amy.  The bond between these two continues to grow and it’s really almost like Brad is now Amy’s father.  He even looks for monsters in the closet and under the bed, which is adorable, except we know that there are real monsters lurking within the walls of Project Noah.  Brad is determined to protect Amy, but is he a match for Fanning?  Perhaps he may need a little bit of help here.

2

“He’s gonna come for her.”

Later on, the janitor warns Brad that Fanning is going to come for Amy.  I’m not sure if Fanning recognizes Amy’s potential here or just wants to eliminate a possible new threat, but he is definitely fixated on her presence.  Dr. Lear and Brad somewhat join forces, as they try to figure out what Fanning wants.  Brad hilariously asks Dr. Lear, “Why don’t you just call them vampires?”  This is a valid point for sure.  I mean, if it walks like a duck and talks like a duck…it’s science?  Dr. Lear is a scientist at heart and says there is no such thing as vampires, but he does realize that his old friend is very dangerous and communicating on another level with the other subjects and with people inside Project Noah.  We know that Fanning wants to be free and will stop at nothing to achieve his goal, but he now has Brad in his way.  At the end of the episode, Fanning finally appears in Brad’s dream and warns him to stay out of his way, but will Brad listen?

1

“Is it gonna hurt?  Not one bit…”

During the episode, we get an important glimpse into Shauna Babcock’s past.  We know that she connected with Clark when she was brought in and he gave her some false promises, which explains his obsession with her and why she may be invading his dreams.  We also get to dive deeper into Shauna’s past before all of this and learn that she had a hard life and was just trying to leave it all behind so that she could start over as a special effects make-up artist.  Shauna actually seemed to have some talent and was saving money so that she could start her dream.  However, her mother’s husband had been sexually abusing her for quite some time and it’s clear that Shauna was broken from this.  Later on, Shauna was horrified when she found out that her mother knew the whole time and she could not control her anger, as she unleashed it on both her mother and step-father.  Shauna’s past is revealing and heartbreaking, but it also explains a lot about her current situation now.  Shauna is the first subject to show such advanced intelligence and perhaps it is because she has always been trying to find something else within her:  a strength that cannot be smothered by others.  Later on, Clark is unable to go through with killing her.  Is it because he still cares about her or does he feel directly responsible for her current situation?  Either way, Shauna Babcock has not been eliminated just yet.

Overall, this was my favorite episode so far.  There are very few shows that can seamlessly intertwine character flashbacks with the plot so well.  Shows like Lost and Orange Is the New Black come to mind here.  The Passage has just achieved this as well for me.  These flashbacks connect you more to the characters, but it isn’t forced.  It elevates the show to something else…something meaningful and powerful, bringing you in that much more.  I am extremely impressed with The Passage so far and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Stay tuned!

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

Do you love horror series?  Of course you do!  Please also check out 12 Nights of Horror Series Coming Soon.  It’s your home for everything you need to know about new and returning horror television series including new trailers, premiere dates, reviews, recaps, and renewals! 

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 the top 5 moments from “The Passage” season 1 episode 2: “Maybe She’s a Good Girl After All…”

Happy Tuesday TV fans!  After watching Fox’s The Passage season 1 episode 2, I realized that changing the world is not always for the best.  Sure, you may want to make a difference, but what happens when you end up changing the world for the worst?  Is there any chance to still make it right?  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “You Owe Me a Unicorn,” we continue to follow Agent Brad Wolgast and Amy Bellafonte, as they try to find a safe place to lay low.  Meanwhile, we get a glimpse into Dr. Lear’s past, Carter begins to have some beyond vivid dreams, and Shauna Babcock proves to be far from a good girl.  My top 5 moments from The Passage season 1 episode 2 are:

5

“You get the girl safe and I’ll get the story out.”

So fans of Justin Cronin’s book series were initially disappointed that Lacey was not in the show and so was I.  Fear not; however, as Lacey is in this episode.  We learn that Lacey had Brad as a student in the navy.  She is tough and she tells it as it is.  Lacey agrees to help Brad and Amy, but also feels like she has a lot to atone for as well.  Lacey wants to help get the story out, recognizing that saving Amy is only the first step here, as Project Noah will continue to operate unless they do something.  In the book, Lacey is the one to care for Amy before Brad comes along, but I am not sure if the series is going to explore anything more with her character.  Brad assumes that Lacey is dead and she may be, but we will have to wait and see.

4

“Your ex-wife told me to.”

After Brad passes out on the side of the road, Amy panics and calls his ex-wife, Lila, who is a doctor.  Lila walks Amy through what to do, but Brad is not pleased and takes out his frustration on the cell phone, worrying that the agents will be able to track them down now.  Later on, Lila ends up at Lacey’s place and shares a kiss with Brad, revealing that there are still lingering feelings here between them both.  While I’m not sure if this is going to be explored any further, it’s clear that Lila has not given up on Brad just yet.

3

“You already changed the world.  You just have to wait and see how.”

During this episode, we get a glimpse into Dr. Lear’s past and learn that he was trying to find a cure for his wife, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.  Dr. Lear worked with Dr. Fanning on this, but they were both ready to throw some ethics out the window, but was this really the right call?  What would you do for the one you love?  While Dr. Fanning seemed perfectly fine dismissing his own ethics, it’s clear that Dr. Lear has always been somewhat conflicted.  As he begins injecting Carter with the serum, you can tell that he is having second thoughts about everything.  Carter begins to have some vivid dreams, which involve Fanning and Babcock seducing him to the dark side almost.  Are they just dreams, however?  Later on, Carter gives Dr. Lear a message from Fanning, telling him that he has already changed the world.  While it may be too late for some, is it possible that Dr. Lear can redeem himself and put a stop to these experiments before it’s too late?

2

“Maybe she’s a good girl after all…”

Or maybe you shouldn’t be taunting the prisoner who is clearly transforming into something other than human.  I’m never a fan of anyone calling someone a bitch, but this guard continues to push and push, until Shauna Babcock decides that she has heard enough and sinks her teeth into him.  Shauna Babcock is proving to be quite dangerous, but what happens when she finally gets out of her cage?

1

“You don’t leave me and I don’t leave you.”

During the episode, we continue to witness the heartwarming bond between Brad and Amy.  Amy is not afraid to speak her mind to Brad, but it’s clear that they both need each other.  Brad even comments to Lila that Amy is a tomboy just like his daughter, Eva, and it’s clear that he believes he is meant to save her.  Later in the episode, they are surrounded and Brad decides to turn himself in.  Only Amy is not able to abandon him and stands right by his side, which is courageous and touching.  Overall, I thought that the episode delivered.  There was an even better balance between what’s going on at Project Noah and what’s happening with Brad and Amy, where the transitions didn’t feel forced.  I was engaged the entire episode and I also think that the back story of Dr. Lear was necessary and important.  I am thoroughly looking forward to episode 3 and I absolutely recommend this series to everyone.  Stay tuned!

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

Do you love horror series?  Of course you do!  Please also check out 12 Nights of Horror Series Coming Soon.  It’s your home for everything you need to know about new and returning horror television series including new trailers, premiere dates, reviews, recaps, and renewals! 

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 the top 5 moments from “The Passage” season 1 episode 1 Premiere: “This is How the World Ends”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching Fox’s The Passage season 1 episode 1 series premiere, we learned that “something is coming.  Something violent and terrible.”  Are you ready for The Passage?  Here we go!  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In tonight’s “Pilot” episode, we are immersed into a world that is threatened by disease.  After coming across a creature referred to as a “vampire” in a cave, several scientists launch Project Noah and begin experimenting on prisoners on death row to see if they can create the ultimate vaccine.  But we all know how well these experiments often go.  Meanwhile, we also get to know Federal Agent, Brad Wolgast, who quickly realizes that his special assignment involves a ten-year-old girl named Amy, who has just lost her mother to a drug overdose. My top 5 moments from The Passage season 1 episode 1 series premiere are:

5

“If he’s still in there, I want to find him.”

After coming across a “vampire” in a cave, Dr. Tim Fanning is bitten, but somehow survives to the surprise of his good friend and colleague, Dr. Jonas Lear, played by the brilliant Henry Ian Cusick, who you may know from Lost and The 100.  Dr. Tim Fanning quickly becomes “Patient Zero,” as he begins to evolve into something else that craves blood and is far from human.  While Dr. Lear desperately wants to help his friend, it’s safe to assume that there may be no coming back from this infection or transformation and it’s only a matter of time before “Patient Zero” evolves into a threat.

4

“You could say don’t do it.”

Meet Federal Agent, Brad Wolgast, played by the amazing Mark-Paul Gosselaar.  So I had the advantage of having read Justin Cronin’s book, The Passage, which gave me quite a bit of backstory on our guy, Brad.  While I felt like Brad’s backstory was crammed quickly into one episode, I do realize that it is difficult to capture everything from the book.  So what do we need to know about Brad?  He’s an excellent Federal Agent and he has an ex-wife named Lila who is a doctor.  Brad and Lila’s daughter died a few years ago and this certainly took a toll on their marriage.  However, this allows us to understand the void in Brad’s life, which makes his next mission that much harder on him.

3

“I’m the girl from nowhere.  The one no one will miss.”

Meet Amy Bellafonte, played by Saniyya Sidney.  Amy is a ten-year-old girl who is forced to grow up way too quickly after her mother dies of a drug overdose.  To make matters worse, Amy is kidnapped by Brad and Agent Doyle, which is extremely traumatic.  We know that Project Noah is very interested in Amy, but we still have to discover the connection here and learn why she is so special and trust me, she is.

2

“You and me were made for each other.”

During the episode, we meet several “patients,” who are all responding to the transformation in different ways.  Shauna Babcock, played by Brianne Howey, seems to be evolving the best so far and she definitely has the vacant and creepy stare through your soul mastered perfectly.  While Shauna has a craving for blood, she also seems to be fixating on Agent Clark Richards, played by Vincent Piazza.  Shauna begins appearing to Clark in his dreams and there seems to be some kind of hypnotic connection here.  Other characters have mentioned dreams and disturbing thoughts as well, which implies that this is more than a mere case of cabin fever here.  Either way, I’m intrigued.

1

“Your life is important.  You are important.”

Since I have read the book, I understand the beautiful and heartwarming bond between Brad and Amy, which is somewhat similar to the bond between Wolverine and Laura in the film, Logan.  Brad and Amy have both lost so much and they need each other.  While I’m not sure that the premiere episode truly captured their bond, which developed over time in the book, it still resonated with me and I think they did a good job portraying it.  I’m hoping that it will continue to grow, as the connection to these characters is extremely important, as the rest of the story begins to unfold.  Either way, it’s clear that these two will face a lot of obstacles along the way, but at least they have each other.  Stay tuned!

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

Do you love horror series?  Of course you do!  Please also check out 12 Nights of Horror Series Coming Soon.  It’s your home for everything you need to know about new and returning horror television series including new trailers, premiere dates, reviews, recaps, and renewals! 

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

The 2019 Mid-Season TV Premieres I am most looking forward to: Bring on the new episodes!

Greetings TV Fans!  As we approach Mid-January, some of our absolute favorite shows will be returning with new episodes and we can also look forward to some brand new shows as well that have a lot of potential.  Looking to find out when they all start?  You came to the right place!  While some of our favorite returning shows already have 2019 premiere dates announced, others are still giving out an “early 2019” vague response, as I desperately keep checking to see when they will be returning.  Without further delay, the 2019 Mid-season TV premieres I am most looking forward to are:

The Passage on Fox (January 14th)

Riverdale on The CW (January 16th)

A Discovery of Witches on Sundance NOW and Shudder (January 17th)

Supernatural on The CW (January 17th)

The Punisher on Netflix (January 18th)

Shameless on Showtime (January 20th)

SMILF on Showtime (January 20th)

Broad City on Comedy Central (January 24th)

The Walking Dead on AMC (February 10th)

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina on Netflix (April 5th)

Game of Thrones on HBO (April 14th)

Stay tuned for reviews, recaps, and top five moments!  I don’t know about you, but I am very excited for new episodes to return and I am really looking forward to exploring The Passage and A Discovery of Witches, which are two of my favorite books!  

Do you love horror series?  Of course you do!  Please also check out 12 Nights of Horror Series Coming Soon.  It’s your home for everything you need to know about new and returning horror television series including new trailers, premiere dates, reviews, recaps, and renewals! 

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post the shows you are looking forward to premiering in 2019 in the comments below.  I always love discovering new shows and that’s where you come in!  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

[twitter-follow screen_name=’TV_Fanatic_Girl’]

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

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