Tag: Villain

Spoiler-Free Review of “Pearl” in Theaters: Horror Fans have a new Franchise to Obsess Over!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“One day the whole world’s gonna know my name…”

Pearl released in theaters on September 16th 2022. The horror film is a prequel to X and it stars Mia Goth, David Corenswet, and Emma Jenkins-Puro. It runs for approximately an hour and forty-five minutes.

This origin film allows us to see how Pearl became the disturbing villain we witnessed in the brutal and bloody slasher film, as we see how life used to be on the farm.

Here is the trailer:

Pearl is mesmerizing and disturbing, creating more layers for the X franchise, while allowing Mia Goth to truly shine on the screen in a bloody fantastic way. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of A24

Mia Goth is incredible!

I loved her in X, but wow did she really shine in this film. She was so mesmerizing and disturbing. I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. Even though there are other characters in the film, the main focus is Pearl and I thought she captivated the audience’s attention with every single word and facial expression…including that one during the credits that will probably still haunt me for a while…

Images courtesy of A24

Expands the X universe in an effective way.

X has been my favorite film of the year so far and I thought that this origin story for Pearl made me like it even more. It’s basically another chapter, revealing more pieces of the puzzle while allowing an already disturbing villain to transcend into something even more unique and terrifying in such a brilliant way. It was amazing seeing the familiar setting again and even though this film had a much different tone, it still channeled that creepy vibe I loved so much in X without ever skipping a beat.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of A24

Takes a little while to get going…

I didn’t really mind the first half, but I thought the second half of the film was a lot stronger and the pacing was better. Maybe it was because I knew what would eventually happen with Pearl, but some of the opening scenes took a little while to get going, but everything was still done in a compelling way.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of A24

I’m in 100 percent!!!!!

A worthy addition to the X franchise where Mia Goth gets the chance to truly shine.

I loved this film!

P.S. Make sure you stick around after the credits!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Pearl in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Loki” on Disney+: Mischief and Mayhem

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“Guilty of being the god of mischief? Yes…”

Loki premiered on Disney+ on June 9th 2021. The series will feature six weekly episodes that air on Wednesdays. Each episode runs for approximately 40-50 minutes. The show stars Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson, Sophia Di Martino, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. 

The series takes place after the events of Avengers: End Game, as the god of mischief embarks on a confusing adventure of his very own, as he tries to figure out his place in the world.

Here is the trailer:

Loki has the potential to reel its viewers back into the MCU while charming us with one of our favorite antiheroes, but does its confusing plot get in the way of pure greatness? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Disney+

Tom Hiddleston is charming as ever.

Loki has always been one of my favorite characters and whether you love him or hate him, there’s an undeniable presence and charm to Tom Hiddleston’s portrayal. He is witty, devious, and beyond entertaining, and having a show completely dedicated to him seems like a brilliant idea to me.

I’m excited to see him really flourish in his own show and I have to say that Owen Wilson is doing a fantastic job of keeping up. I was worried that he might be a little bit too cheesy or over-the-top, but his dry humor is balancing nicely with Loki’s and they are both really fun to watch on screen.

More please!

The antihero can be redeemed.

If you haven’t watched all of the Avengers movies yet, you probably shouldn’t be watching Loki, but his moment of redemption was needed, but it also left me wanting more from our beloved character and we basically get a second chance to see Loki go on a real path toward self-discovery and purpose. There is a lot to this character and he isn’t just a trickster. He has a lot of layers and I am excited that we will finally be able to uncover his full potential in this series.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Disney+

Muddled and confusing.

I’m not going to lie, I was really confused by the first episode. There is A LOT going on and the TVA is not making things easy for the viewers at home. The mystery is intriguing enough to keep me coming back for more, but I’m hoping we can get some concrete answers soon since we only have six episodes to explore.

I am giving the show a chance despite the confusing premise and pacing issues especially since I was equally confused with the beginning of WandaVision and that quickly became one of my favorite shows of the year.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Disney+

I’m in!

Tom Hiddleston is charming and entertaining enough to keep you coming back for more, but this show has some real potential. There is a lot going on and I hope that the pacing picks up with the coming episodes, but it has captured my attention and I am really interested to see Loki’s character develop even more.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Loki in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My new young adult horror thriller comes out October 7th 2021! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**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 “Riverdale” Season 4 Episode 19: “Killing Mr. Honey”

Happy Thursday TV fans! After watching The CW’s Riverdale season 4 episode 19 season finale, we “blurred the line between fact and fiction,” but are we left with a threat or a rehearsal for actual murder?

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

In last night’s episode, “Chapter Seventy-Six: Killing Mr. Honey,” the gang is outraged by Mr. Honey’s restrictions on the prom and decide to get creative. Meanwhile, Jughead’s story takes on a life of its own, as we inch closer to the truth.

My top 5 moments from Riverdale season 4 episode 19 are:

5

“Something must be done to stop this heinous villain.”

Mr. Honey is certainly not very popular in Riverdale among his students, as he bans the majority of them from the prom. After Mr. Honey also refuses to approve Betty’s late yearbook submission, war is basically declared.

The group decides to teach Mr. Honey a lesson, leading to a few creative ideas on how to actually execute this…

4

“Is it took dark?”

Maybe not, Jughead, but your story does remind me of something…Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan. For those of you who have never read this, I highly recommend it if you enjoyed Jughead’s initial story during the episode.

Jughead finds out that a college in Iowa may accept him, but he needs to submit another story. Jughead is basically all tapped out, but Betty sparks some new ideas. Jughead begins to create the story of “Killing Mr. Honey,” as the pages are created before our very eyes.

Riverdale season 4 episode 19 1 The CW
Images courtesy of The CW

We witness what could have actually happened if the group decided to kidnap Mr. Honey, which could have led to some unforeseen consequences. It was entertaining though!

3

“The Grinch that stole prom.”

After the group decides to play an immature prank on Mr. Honey in reality, leading to him literally sticking to everything in his office, he is far from amused. He cancels the prom, but our group is not ready to take this decision lightly.

They recruit their parents and we get this amazing scene featuring Alice, Hermione, and Mary leading the way, as they stand up for their children and are successful.

Riverdale season episode 19 2 The CW
Images courtesy of The CW

Mission accomplished!

2

“Don’t mess with us in our own town.”

After a new tape is discovered, featuring the halls of Riverdale High, Betty detects Mr. Honey’s reflection and blows the whistle on him. Mr. Honey’s is a copycat and is forced out of Riverdale High, but it looks like he already has a secure job waiting for him at Stonewall Prep.

Coincidence?

Mr. Honey tries to explain that he was just trying to help them prepare for a life outside of Riverdale, but the gang seems unwilling to buy it. Later on, the school secretary sheds some light and explains that Mr. Honey was the best principal. She gives Jughead a letter that he was sending to Iowa and we discover that Mr. Honey was actually supporting Jughead and the rest of the students.

His measures may have been extreme, but the death toll was down and college acceptance was up, proving that perhaps he did have the best of intentions for the Riverdale students. Jughead decides to change his story and have the students save Mr. Honey, but is it too late?

It looks like Mr. Honey may have been ruled out as a suspect after all, but then who is still sending the creepy tapes and what is their end game?

1

“Maybe it’s an invitation…”

Bughead takes a minute to talk things through toward the end of the episode and Jellybean delivers another tape. They think that the tape is at Veronica’s cabin and decide to take a drive out there to investigate.

After stumbling upon a room with old camera equipment, it’s clear that someone has been staying there. Another tape is waiting and they witness the gang in masks pretending to stab a masked Mr. Honey in a chair, similar to Jughead’s original story.

Riverdale season 4 episode 19 3 The CW
Images courtesy of The CW

So, who is the culprit behind the tapes? We’ll have to wait and see, as episode 19 will now serve as the season finale. We were originally supposed to get three more episodes of season 4 and the acting finale certainly didn’t have the same feel as past season finales, but I’m intrigued to find out more.

Suspects? Theories? Feel free to comment below with your thoughts on the episode and what’s next for our favorite Riverdale residents.

Stay tuned!

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

PLAY BY THE RULES…STAY ALIVE…

Main promo smaller

A harmless night of fun turns deadly for six college friends but the game has only just begun. Take a mystery thrill ride right from your own living room. Dash and Seek is out now!

Play if you dare…

Dash and Seek is available here!

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My performance of the week ending 3/21/20 on TV goes to…

Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan on AMC’s The Walking Dead season 10.

Season 10 has been quite the ride, but I may have just watched one of the most epic episodes I have ever seen (Season 10 episode 12) and part of that is because of Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s beyond brilliant performance as our antihero, Negan.

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

Jeffrey Dean Morgan knows how to play a villain well. He’s ruthless at times, but he also has so much charisma and humor, really making him someone you love to hate and eventually transforming into more of an antihero rather than a villain. While I can’t forgive some of Negan’s actions that shattered TWD, I have been a fan of his for a while and I have enjoyed witnessing his character growth. Negan played the villain well, but he absolutely flourishes as an antihero.

Negan has many layers and he is no stranger to performing some unspeakable acts, but sometimes you need a villain to take down another villain and so our long con was created. Alpha is another villain who has been beyond ruthless, but Negan recognizes a lot of himself in her. Alpha talks about her decisions in terms of survival and destiny, but Negan also recognizes a vulnerability within her that Carol is determined to use to bring her down once and for all.

While many of the other characters on the show keep their moral compass steady, Carol has really lost her way after what happened to Henry and is completely driven by revenge. Carol recognizes that doing things the right way doesn’t always pay off and does what she has to do in order to bring down her enemy.

In season 10 episode 12, everything is revealed, as Negan approaches Alpha and explains that he has Lydia held up in a shack nearby. It has been obvious for quite a while now that Lydia would be Alpha’s ultimate downfall, even though she has been so obsessed with getting rid of her daughter in order to stifle this weakness within her.

Alpha clearly became somewhat intrigued by Negan and their tryst in the woods still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I think in a lot of ways, Negan truly did sympathize with Alpha and probably did connect with her on some level. However, Negan has always had a strict code about not harming children and we have witnessed his interactions with Lydia and Judith, suggesting that he would never let anything actually happen to them.

Negan’s long con works to perfection as he leads Alpha to an empty shack, immediately slicing her throat to put her down quickly before bringing her reanimated head back to Carol. Even though Negan did what was necessary, he tries to do so with compassion, holding Alpha gently while her life pours out of her, proving that Negan is not the same man anymore.

Negan AMC 1
Images courtesy of AMC

I thought that Negan’s discussion with Alpha about his own wife and how he shut down after her death was so important for his character growth. We have been witnessing the changes in Negan, but I think this may be the first time he actually sees it for himself and expresses it out loud. Negan certainly still has a long way to go until redemption, but I think taking down Alpha was a huge step in the right direction.

What’s next for Negan? It will be interesting to see how the rest of the group receives him now that he has taken down the other big bad wolf. Will they accept that Carol released him from his cell or will they still be cautious around him? I’m not sure, but I think it’s safe to say that we are done putting Negan behind bars.

Negan AMC 2
Images courtesy of AMC

I also thoroughly enjoyed the team-up between him and Carol and hope to see this dynamic duo get some more screen time together to take down the rest of their enemies. You have to admit, they make a pretty unstoppable team!

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

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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!

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

**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!

 

 

My performance of the week ending 11/9/19 on TV goes to…

Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan on AMC’s The Walking Dead. 

I’ve been waiting so long for Negan to do something earth-shattering and it looks like he has finally returned.

Whether you love him or love to hate him, Negan is one of the best villains I have ever witnessed on any television show.  His actions are ruthless and he has killed some of our beloved characters and yet he still manages to find a way to be charismatic, thought-provoking, and absolutely hilarious.

Over the seasons, Negan has been on this journey toward redemption and the dynamic between him and the Grimes family is a major part of that.  Negan is not completely bad and he has proven that there is this potential within him to do good, but it can’t completely wipe his slate clean either.

In the previous episodes, Negan really bonded with Lydia and I think it’s because he knows all too well what it means to be looked at as an outsider and the enemy.  No matter how hard you try to do the right thing to fit in, you will always be the first one blamed for anything that goes wrong.

Negan’s past actions are beyond forgivable, but I also can’t ignore the anti-hero emerging within him either.  I think that’s why I was so captivated by his performance in season 10, episode 5.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you are not up-to-date on the series.

In this episode, Negan’s chance at goodness is brutally ripped away from him when his number one fan, Brandon, decides to murder an innocent family.  Negan kills Brandon and the big bad wolf returns, as he grabs his new Lucille and leather jacket, ready to cross into The Whisperer territory with nothing to lose.

Except he did lose something, suddenly realizing that he isn’t going to get the chance to be a hero and that the darkness from his past actions will always follow him.

Is Negan going to be working with the enemy or is this his opportunity to truly make a difference and stop Alpha once and for all?  I can’t ignore the setup here, but I also know that Negan has been broken after this moment with Brandon.

He can’t really blame Brandon because he is the cause of his actions in a way, but does that mean that he can only be a villain in the end or is there another way?

While I love Negan as a villain, I feel like he has grown so much over the seasons and I would like to see him thrive as a bad-ass anti-hero.  That doesn’t mean that he needs to always do or say the right thing, but I think that Alpha is a worthy foe and only Negan or Carol really have the potential, or the motivation, to take her down.

What’s next for Negan?  We’ll have to wait and see, but it looks like he will be tested by Alpha and Beta.  I’m interested to see how he does and what their conversations will look like, especially since we know that Negan is no stranger to manipulation.

Either way, I’m excited to see some well deserved screen time for Negan’s character and I can’t wait to see what he does next.  I’ve been very impressed with season 10 so far and Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s performance is a major part of that!

Stay tuned for a recognized performance on TV each week!

**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!

The Dreaming of Wonderland Book Series is available here!

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

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

[twitter-follow screen_name=’TV_Fanatic_Girl’]

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! 

**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!

My performance of the week ending 10/19/19 on TV goes to…

Samantha Morton as Alpha on AMC’s The Walking Dead. 

What makes a truly formidable villain?  I ask myself that a lot whenever I watch a television series, film, or read a book.  There are so many villains emerging across the screen and page, but I find myself drawn to the villains with buried layers.

The ones that make you stop and think about how our choices can lead us down a dark path and how the difference between right and wrong is not always set in stone.

When it comes to TWD, Negan was always my go to villain, but can we really classify him as a villain now?  To me, Negan is more of a former foe and he seems to be growing as an anti-hero.  When The Whisperers were first introduced, we met Alpha and I immediately saw the potential for a villain who would not back down.  Please note some spoilers are ahead if you are not caught up on the series.

Alpha has been making her mark and she really cut deep with that heartbreaking cliffhanger episode in season 9.  Just thinking about it still gives me chills!  There is this raw quality to Alpha.  She is a survivor through and through and she refuses to let weakness taint this instinct.  And yet, when it comes to Alpha herself, she clearly does have a weakness when it comes to her daughter, Lydia.

In season 10, episode 2, we are presented with Alpha’s backstory and it really put things into perspective for me.  I never thought that I would feel any type of sympathy or understanding toward Alpha and yet I now see her in a completely different light.  Alpha gives new meaning to the survival of the fittest concept and she understands that order must be followed to truly maintain power and unity.

However, the slivers of humanity presented make her a complex villain and I really started to think about if we can ever truly classify good guys and bad guys?  After all, the bad guys always think they are the good guys and vice versa, but Alpha’s unconditional love for her daughter does seep into her decisions as a leader.  She initially spares Gamma’s sister’s life because she understands what it feels like to be a mother without her child.

That being said, Alpha understands that she needs to keep this part of her hidden from the rest of the group.  Any sign of weakness on her part could weaken the whole and she knows that examples must be set.

Samantha Morton is absolutely haunting and captivating as Alpha.  There’s something about the way she looks at you, almost like she is looking right through to the very depths of your soul, bringing this necessary and chilling quality to her character.

What’s next for Alpha?  We’ll have to wait and see, but it looks like she is ready to punish our group for crossing the line.  Alpha’s actions can be beyond ruthless, but can Lydia still get through to her somehow?  I have some knowledge of what happens in the comics and I’m wondering if the ultimate showdown will stay true to that or if we have just set up something even more interesting between Carol and Alpha?

I sort of like the idea of these two strong mothers going up against each other, but of course I’m always ready to throw Negan into the mix to shake things up!  Either way, I think that Alpha’s past really revealed so much about her character.  Samantha Morton is fantastic and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Stay tuned for a recognized performance on TV each week!

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Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

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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! 

**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!

My performance of the week ending 6/29/19 on TV goes to…

Zachary Quinto as Charlie Manx on AMC’s NOS4A2.  Even though I have mixed feelings on this series so far, I have been extremely impressed by Zachary Quinto’s performance. It’s like he was born to play the perfect villain and this role allows him to explore this further, creeping us out as an old man and as a vampire.  Even though he will always be Sylar from Heroes for me, it seems like this role was made for him and I’m excited that he is finally getting some well deserved screen time, as we were only seeing glimpses of his potential in the first few episodes of the show.  Please note that I have not included any major spoilers for your convenience. 

I have always been a fan of Zachary Quinto, but it really takes an actor of extraordinary talent and range to basically take on two extreme roles at once, while capturing our undivided attention.  Sure, he is Charlie Manx young and old, but he brings different elements to the character.  I found myself being lured to Christmasland along with the children because there is something so hypnotic about his portrayal, which makes him a very dangerous villain.  I am intrigued by our heroine, Vic McQueen, as well, but I’m not sure that I would be invested in the show at all without Zachary Quinto.  He is just perfection and he creates these bone-chilling creepy moments that seem so natural for him.  In fact, you almost forget that he is an actor playing a role.

What’s next for Charlie Manx?  We’ll have to wait and see, but it looks like we will finally get some type of showdown between our new favorite villain and our female protagonist.  Manx vs. McQueen….place your bets now!  It’s always interesting when you see the good vs. evil setup created and yet you are still far more invested in the evil side of things.  Charlie Manx may be a monster, but he also has charisma, using manipulation strategically to enlist the help of other lost souls.

If he were just simply a vampire devouring small children, I’m not sure that we would be interested at all, but his thought provoking conversations during the car rides take us along for the journey, bringing us that much closer to the dark side.  I’m personally leaning toward evil on the show because it is a lot more interesting, but I can’t wait to see what Charlie Manx does next!  Which side will you wind up on?  

Stay tuned for a recognized performance on TV each week!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

[twitter-follow screen_name=’TV_Fanatic_Girl’]

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! 

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!

The Dreaming of Wonderland Book Series is available here!

Dreaming of Wonderland Series Blog

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

**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!

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! 

Ranking the top 5 moments from “Riverdale” season 3 episode 9: “No Exit”

Happy Thursday TV fans!  After watching the CW’s Riverdale season 3 episode 9, we were reminded that “in unity there is strength,” but is that truly enough to handle all of the evil and corruption going on in our favorite bubble gum pop town?  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Chapter Forty-Four:  No Exit,” Archie is attacked by a bear and begins to have some vivid dreams that could be quite meaningful.  Meanwhile, Veronica plays “deal or no deal” with her father, and Betty realizes that being a queen is actually hard work.  My top 5 moments from Riverdale season 3 episode 9 mid-season premiere are:

5

“I’m their Griffin Queen.”

Well sure, maybe you are Betty, but are you really able to continue housing all of these girls you valiantly rescued from the Sisters of Quiet Mercy?  Betty quickly begins to realize that this is a very difficult task.  It’s one thing to swoop in for a rescue, but what comes next is always that much more challenging.  Betty looks for help from some of the more reliable parents in town and it seems like she may have a temporary solution, but it’s only a matter of time before her reign may end.  Either way, we support you, Betty!

4

“We’ll go, but we’re keeping our jackets.”

So this episode finally gave our favorite couple, Cheryl and Toni, some much needed screen time.  While Choni is told to “break it up” at school, they turn on the heat and decide to break into Hiram Lodge’s residence to leave their mark…so to speak.  The plan backfires when Jughead asks them to return the valuable egg they stole and they are asked to turn in their jackets and go.  Cheryl doesn’t go quietly; however, as she reminds Jughead that Fangs should also be punished for his actions.  While Cheryl and Toni exit begrudgingly from the Serpents, Cheryl is not about to lose her latest fashion statement and reminds Jughead that they will be keeping their jackets.  Although I’m not sure that Cheryl and Toni will stay gone for long, it makes me wonder if Jughead is truly ready to be a leader and handle all that comes with it?

3

“You are not the villain you think you are.”

Archie is still off handling his own inner demons and is brutally attacked by a bear.  While Archie calls for help, he begins hallucinating or having vivid dreams that had me wondering if I was hallucinating along with him.  While it’s clear that Archie is focusing on his enemy, Hiram Lodge, perhaps the bigger villain is his own guilt.  I have to say that I was right there with dream Fred Andrews when he told Archie to just come home already.  Although, that may be a little bit difficult for our main character right now.

2

“Has anyone ever told you, you’re a bad-ass?”

During the episode, Veronica continues to struggle to maintain power over her father, as he stirs up some more trouble.  Hiram is all about making Faustian deals, but is he able to truly tame his daughter?  Veronica ends up securing protection from the Serpents, which seems like a great solution, but it’s only a matter of time before Hiram comes up with a new plan.  Will Veronica be ready?  Perhaps, but it seems like her attention has drifted elsewhere, as Veggie fans celebrated when she and Reggie shared their first kiss.  Is Veronica truly ready to move on from Archie, however?

1

“We go to join thee.”

At the end of the episode, we are left with a lot of setup for what’s to come.  Alice sends the girls from Sisters of Quiet Mercy off to the farm and informs Betty that she only missed Edgar by “like five minutes,” but it looks like the second half of the season will finally give us some concrete answers about the farm.  Jughead also decides to send Fangs under cover, which may be more than he is able to handle, but it looks like he is up for the challenge.  The Sisters of Quiet Mercy are bailed out and leave behind the cryptic message:  “We go to join thee,” which Betty eventually figures out, as the Sisters go to join their “Gargoyle King” with their sacrifice.  Was this by choice or was someone else pulling the strings here to keep them quiet forever?  Finally, Archie is non-responsive when help arrives, which begs the question:  is Riverdale really about to kill off the main character of the show?  This is not the first time that Archie has faced a life or death situation, but something tells me that he’s going to be all right.  Overall, I was slightly disappointed with the episode, as it felt more like a filler or transition one.  It did provide us with a lot of setup for what’s to come, but I would like to see more content highlighted, especially since one of the teaser trailers suggested that Betty is going to be reunited with her father, Hal, very soon.  Stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Riverdale 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

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 Walking Dead” season 9 episode 8 Mid-Season Finale: “There’s A Storm Coming”

Happy Monday TV fans!  After watching AMC’s The Walking Dead season 9 episode 8 Mid-Season Finale, we were presented with some legitimately creepy scenes that had me on the edge of my seat.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch yet.  In last night’s episode, “Evolution,” Daryl, Jesus, Aaron, and Dog go out looking for Eugene, but find a walker herd that is nowhere near normal.  Meanwhile, the new characters try to earn their keep and Negan’s world is about to change.  My top 5 moments from The Walking Dead season 9 episode 8 Mid-Season Finale are:

5

“We’re a solid looking group.”

In the beginning of the episode, Michonne continues to escort the new characters to Hilltop, but we know that trust is not so easily earned.  Tara seems willing to give the new characters a shot, but reminds them that they will need to earn their keep.  I have to admit that I am actually looking forward to getting to know the new characters now.  A lot of them seem to have potential and perhaps they can liven things up just a little bit.  I mean anything is more interesting than Henry being peer pressured by the “cool kids” at Hilltop.

4

“It’s good we’re here.”

After Michonne learns that Carol is at Hilltop too and Daryl is not far away, Tara points out that “it’s like the gang’s back together.”  A lot has clearly changed; however, as Carol initially doesn’t seem that thrilled to see Michonne.  Carol still seems to believe in a better world and building a community, but Michonne reminds her that they are living in a broken world and that they have to take care of their own.  I am still wondering what happened to Michonne to make her so jaded and untrusting of everyone?

3

“They have no idea what they’re dealing with.”

With almost perfect timing, Rosita wakes up and freaks out when she finds out that Daryl and the others went after Eugene.  Rosita explains that they don’t know what they are dealing with and she’s absolutely right.  After finding Eugene in the barn, he tries to explain his own theories on the potential evolution of the walkers and says that he heard them whispering.  Daryl doesn’t really know what to make of this until he witnesses this behavior on his own, but it doesn’t change the fact that they are all in serious danger right now.

2

“I loved the shit out of TV when that was a thing.”

I hear you on that Negan!  It initially seemed like we were just going to get some more banter between Negan and another character.  Negan gives Gabriel a hard time about Rosita and even tries to plant some doubt in his head to provide himself with some entertainment that doesn’t involve him throwing a ball at a wall.  After all, “all work and no play makes Negan a dull villain.”  After Gabriel gets upset about Rosita, Negan’s jail cell is carelessly left slightly open and Negan takes his first steps out into the open.  Freedom looks good on you Negan.

1

“Let’s get em…”

Daryl stands alone to give the others a chance to get Eugene out of there, but he does have Dog by his side, who is starting to be my favorite character.  Seriously do not let anything happen to this dog.  Daryl tries to create a distraction, but the herd of walkers continues to go after Eugene and the others.  It’s almost like they could sense that Daryl’s distraction was a trap and the storm has now arrived, providing us with the perfect ominous soundtrack.  Eugene and the others wind up in a beyond creepy cemetery, which I have to say was kind of brilliant.  I have not been scared on TWD for quite some time and I actually felt a bit nervous during this scene, especially when the characters were surrounded by whispers.  Michonne and some of the new characters show up to help get them out of the cemetery and Jesus tries to hold off the walkers with his impressive ninja skills.  Everything is happening so fast, but we do cut to a scene in slow motion, as one of the walkers stabs Jesus with his knife and whispers, “You are where you do not belong.”  Poor Jesus has drawn the short stick in this shocking moment.  Daryl discovers that the killer was actually a human with a walker mask to make things even more complicated.  “The Whisperers” have arrived and are a new and dangerous threat.  Overall, I thought that the episode delivered in the last fifteen minutes.  However, there was so much fluff surrounding it.  I seriously don’t care about Henry and his teen adventures.  We have several new setups for the second half of the season, which I am looking forward to explore.  So what can we expect from the second half of season 9?  I’m hoping that we abandon the unnecessary fluff and focus on “The Whisperers,” Negan, the “X” marks, and the past of the new characters.  New episodes return in February.  Stay tuned!

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

Ranking the top 5 moments from “The Purge” season 1 episode 7: “Because Fear is Alive”

Happy Wednesday TV fans!  After watching the USA network’s The Purge season 1 episode 7 last night, the voice over reminded us that “The Purge is your chance to rise up.  To stand tall.  Reclaim your power.  We’ll all rise up together and march hand and hand to victory.”  Even when you think it may be over on Purge Night, that doesn’t mean that you give you for one second.  There is still plenty of time to reclaim your own power and to fight back.  Please note spoilers are ahead if you have not gotten a chance to watch the latest episode yet.  In last night’s episode, “Lovely Dark and Deep,” Miguel and Penelope escape through the woods, but run into new threats along the way.  Meanwhile, Jane is put on display and Jenna has a Lady Macbeth moment.  “Out damned spot!”  My top 5 moments from The Purge season 1 episode 7 are:

5

“Your looks are an asset.”

David takes things to the next level when he adds Jane to his live art gallery, putting her on display for everyone to see.  Jane tells him that he is disgusting and David reminds her to “hang tight,” pun intended.  During this time, Jane flashes back to her past and remembers her mother talking to her about her looks being an asset, encouraging Jane to enter into beauty pageants to potentially win a scholarship.  Jane has always wanted to prove that she can succeed based on her intelligence, rather than her looks, but her mother tells her to “sparkle baby.”  Jane has also always wanted to change the perception of others in the world, but reality has reminded her that this is not always possible.  Jane spots Anya at the party and begs her to help her.  Anya discreetly speaks to Jane and tells her that they did this to her last year, trying to calm her down.  Jane is horrified that Anya said nothing and let this happen and asks for her to call the Matron Saints.  Even though Anya is not a part of this twisted game, sometimes saying nothing is just as bad as actively participating.   Will Anya make the right decision? 

4

“She’s very convincing when she needs to be.”

Jenna and Rick agree to let Lila into their home, who is absolutely traumatized.  Jenna tries to console her and tells her, “You’re OK.”  Rick later pulls Jenna aside and explains that Lila’s story keeps changing and that this doesn’t add up.  Jenna doesn’t want to hear this; however, as she is very concerned with Lila’s well-being and just wants to be there for her.  Is Jenna blinded by love?  Is Lila hiding something?  We’ll have to stay tuned to find out, but I think Rick is on to something here.

3

“You’re the most important person in the world to me.”

Miguel and Penelope are not getting that pancake break anytime soon, as they make their way into the woods to escape the “Carnival of Flesh.”  They take a moment to finally talk and Penelope asks Miguel how many people he killed tonight.  Miguel explains that he did what he had to do, but Penelope says that she was ready to die.  The woods are anything but “lovely,” as they witness a man being set on fire and try to make their way out undetected.  Penelope gets stuck in a trap and Miguel puts his Marine skills to the test once again to free her.  Later on, Penelope tells Miguel that she is glad that he came back for her.  Finally!  It looks like the immediate threat is over for these two, but something tells me that Penelope will want to go back and face her cult leader.  Is she ready though?

2

“You saved us.”

While tensions continue to build at Rick and Jenna’s home, they realize that their neighbor, Ross, has gotten inside.  Ross is pissed off about their lack of “neighborly courtesy” and is ready to purge.  You might want to start taking in your garbage cans on time from now on.  Rick and Jenna try to talk Ross out of this and even let him know that they will put something on the books right away so that they can all get to know each other.  Ross is not buying it; however, and tries to attack Jenna.  Lila steps in with perfect timing and brutally stabs Ross, ending the threat.  Go Lila!  Lila is still shaken up after she witnessed her father’s death; however, and reveals to Rick and Jenna, “I just ran when it came to saving my own family.  I didn’t even try.”  Jenna reminds her that she saved them and is extremely grateful.  Jenna is ready to move once this is all over; however, desperately trying to clean the blood out of the floor, which was supposed to be where the nursery would go.  So much for that.  Jenna tells Lila that she can stay there for as long as she needs and embraces her hand in a touching moment.  Rick witnesses this; however, and I’m starting to think that he may be on to something.  As much as I am rooting for Jelinna, there is something not quite right about all of this.  We’ll have to stay tuned to find out what Lila is hiding.

1

“There’s nothing left to say David.”

David continues to play the villain perfectly, as he talks to Jane about capturing the live fear in her eyes.  Jane is horrified by his actions, but the tables are about to finally turn.  The lights all go out and in walks the masked vigilante, Joe, who is there to save Jane and the other women.  Jane tries to help the other women there and tells Anya to help as well, as Anya finally listens and makes the right decision.  Girl power and all that.  Jane picks up the gun and the moment we have been waiting for is finally here.  Without any hesitation, she shoots David in the head and takes off with Joe.  Joe tells her that they will go somewhere safe, but I have to say that I am extremely proud of Jane.  David could not be redeemed and Jane reclaimed her power, refusing to become someone weak like David initially suggested.  While Jane is a good person and against everything this night stands for, she had no choice here.  If she didn’t eliminate David, he would have come after her.  Either way, Jane finally stepped up and Joe has now crossed paths with the first of our main characters.  I’m looking forward to see who he helps next.  Stay tuned!

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