05.30 Blood Ties
06.30 Supernatural
07.30 Kyle XY
12.00 24
Blood Ties. Episode 12. "Norman" A former foe returns to get revenge on Vicki.
It's a very good episode. There's no case-of-the-week so it's a departure from formula, the foe is clever and manipulates Vicki into making all the right choice. The script is clever enough to make her do all the wrong things without ever seeming stupid. Even as you shout at the screen in frustration you have to admit that - from Vicki's point of view - everything she does makes sense. Sadly, she is just leading the bad guy to all the cursed objects and getting people killed in the process. The point, I suppose, is that if Vicki trusted Henry more then none of this would be happening. But it's not like Vicki to sit back and let someone else protect her. Mostly it works in her favour, but this time it works against her.
Silly lead character, great script.
Supernatural. Season 3, Episode 9. "Malleus Maleficarum" A strong story, a great finale, a bevy of beautiful women and solid character work on a new regular. One of the best SN episodes so far this season.
A covern of 'old school' witches have been using magic to affect their good luck, but one of them takes it too far and kills a romantic rival. Dean and Sam arrive after this death and are soon on the track of the witches. Things fall into place quickly which makes the boys look like impressive heroes. Right from the start it's a strong, very interesting, story but it has a great twist at the mid-way point which makes it even better.
The climax has Dean and Sam totally defeated and helpless. Erin Cahill does some great work as the last remaining witch, as she comes to terms with the nightmare around her and tries (in her dying moments) to do some good. She fails. But I enjoyed her tragic story from start to finish.
Cahill is one of several very beautiful women in this episode. SN always likes to have one babe in the midst of things, but they really went to town in this episode.
When all appears lost, it is Ruby who comes to the rescue. Not only does she save the boys, but we get to hear her backstory and it's rather cool. Not only that, but it tells us a bit more about the mythos of the whole series. Her actions scenes are cool, and her final scene with Dean is wonderful. It took a while, but I really like Ruby now. Katie Cassidy gives her best performance also. I'm starting to believe that she's tough. (On a side note, I've just seen pictures of her as a brunette and she's much hotter. Why can't Ruby be dark haired? Sigh.)
Kyle XY. Season 2, Episode 21. "Grey Matters" Another flawless episode in a run of quality episodes that simply amazes me. Kyle XY is - quite simply - the highlight of my TV week right now and has been for the last two months. Every episode delivers a strong story with great character development for all of the characters. There is nothing flashy or action-packed about anything that is happening but it is every bit as entertaining as Prison Break or Sarah Connor Chronicles.
Amazing.
This time out Jessi is once again at the centre of everything. But in a subtle way. She steals the test paper from an upcoming exam and posts it online. Unfortunately Kyle is the number one suspect and Josh (who didn't cheat) is in trouble because he did better than usual in the exam.
Everything that is happening to Kyle, Jessi and Josh is in this episode is skillfully written so that it is part of their ongoing development as characters. All three have changed a lot this season. All three have grown.
Meanwhile, everything that happens to the other regulars is somehow tied to Jessi or tied to the idea of breaking/bending the rules (cheating). It's clever. It seems like every body has to think about and weight up the consequences of going outside the rules.
24. Season 7, Episode 1. "8AM - 9AM" Strong opening episode makes me optimistic and the show is back to it's pre-Season 6 glory.
We see Jack in three locations. In court he defends all of his past actions and comes across as unapologetic and confident. In the FBI building he quickly puts together the clues and sends the good guys in the right direction, making him seem heroic and clever. In the appartment he comes close to torture to get answers. And he doesn't seem to mind. Making him seem dangerous.
This is a good way to open the season. We don't want a weak Jack Bauer, feeling regret for all the things he's done. This guy isn't a mess. He's worked through his demons. He's unapologetic, confident, heroic, clever and dangerous. All of that is good.
Working closely with Jack, Renee Walker makes a good impression in this first episode. She says almost nothing to Jack that isn't directly related to the case, and doesn't bring her personality into play at all. A perfect character for 24, really. She doesn't attempt to make a personal connection with Jack, or - because of this - with the audience. Instead, she's a Joe Friday type of character.
My theory? She's working for/with Tony and both of them are good guys. She just needs to get a message to Tony.
Not much else to say. CTU is gone, and publicity for the show made a big deal about that. However the show has clearly substitued the FBI for CTU so there is basically no change at all. Stupid.
Then there is Janeane Garofalo, who is fantastic in this and in anything. But what's the story with this character? Isn't she just Chloe-lite? What good is that? I want Chloe back!!
Highlight? Kyle XY (flawless. again.)
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A Briefing With Michael: One Year Ago
Sun, Jan 11, 09 - Blood Ties, Supernatural, Kyle XY, 24
