And the Nominees Are...SAG Edition

Sometimes when the Academy gets it wrong the Actors get it right.  The Sreen Actors Guild 2015 nominations were announced today and for once an award show has a good, well rounded group of nominees.

"Birdman", staring Michael Keaton, led with four nominations including Lead Actor for Keaton, Supporting Actor for Edward Norton, Supporting Actress for Emma Stone, and a nomination for ensemble.

Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon both recieved Lead Actress nominations for "Cake" and "Wild", respectively. 

Meryl Streep and Edie Falco were both nominated once again. Streep was nominated for her 16th SAG award for playing The Witch in "Into the Woods", which hits theaters Christmas Day.  She previously won for Doubt. Falco recieved her 21st nomination for "Nurse Jackie".  She has won five SAG Awards.

In the television category "Modern Family" led with four nominations including Female Actor in a Comedy Series for Julie Bowen, Male Actor for Ty Burrell and Eric Stonestreet, and ensemble.

"How to Get Away With Murder" star Viola Davis recieved a nomination for Female Actor in a Drama Series along side Tatiana Maslany for "Orphan Black", Maggie Smith for "Downton Abbey", Julianna Margulies for "The Good Wife", Claire Danes for "Homeland", and Robin Wright for "House of Cards".

The casts of "Boardwalk Empire", "Downton Abbey", "Game of Thrones", "Homeland", and "House of Cards" were nominated for Drama Ensemble.

The casts of "Brooklyn Nine-Nine", "The Big Bang Theory", "Modern Family", "Orange is the New Black" and "Veep" were nominated for Comedy Ensemble.

The Screen Actors Guild Awards will be held on January 25, 2015.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Just Shook Things Up!

SPOILERS BELOW!! 

Comic books fans around the world can only think one thing today: Quake! In the mid-season finale of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. people lived, people died, and people evolved. This episode, titled 'What They Become', was set up beautifully last week and once again changes the game for the show.

While Agent May's flying was badass as usual the big story here is Skye. She finally meets her dad and he introduces himself as Cal. As is Calvin Zobo also known as Marvel supervillan Mister Hyde! Later in the episode it is reveaed that Skye's actual name is Daisy. Why is that relevant? More on that later. 

Now if you can recall, in the last episode Ward had kidnapped Skye. Well she shot him. I'm pretty sure she emptied her entire clip in him and he's still not dead. Which is good cause I still ship them. He got away with Agent 33 aka Fake May. We'll have to wait to see what happens with those two.

Crazy Raina (as I call her) has now taken the diviner down into the tunnels, which is actually what the team was trying to avoid. Skye goes down into the tunnels to stop her while Tripp goes to stop the explosives that he, along with FitzSimmons, just planted. By the time they reach Raina it's too late the Diviner has already placed itself on the alter and seals Raina, Skye, and at the last minute,Tripp inside. It opens up to reveal a crystal which emits a mist that begins to turn the three into stone. The same stone that happens when people touched it earlier this season. 

Now here's the OMG moment of the night. Raina's statue starts to break apart...AND SHE'S ALIVE. Then Skye's starts to break up and she's also alive. THEY'RE BOTH INHUMANS. Fan theories have been right all along. Tripp, however, is not and when he crumbles he dies. 

This is where it starts to get into the HOLY CRAP stage. Skye sees her friend die and things start to shake...literally. Remember when I said Skye's real name is Daisy? That makes her Daisy Johnson aka the superhero and future Avenger Quake!!! Also this was the hair moment of all hair moments for Chloe Bennett. 

In the comics Quake has level 10 S.H.I.E.L.D. clearance. The only other agents to have that are Natasha Romanov (Black Widow) and Nick Fury himself. 

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is changing in a big way. They also revealed that there is more than one diviner. We're going to have to wait until March to find out what happens next but until that we'll have Marvel's Agent Carter (January 6th) to hold us over. 

Mockingjay Part 1: A Fantastic Prequel

As an avid fan of The Hunger Games series I was dying to see the much anticipated third installment in the movie franchise.  The third book was by far my least favorite (I loved Catching Fire) but this movie made me want to reread it.  The journey that Katniss takes is different and more emotional than any other time we've seen here.  And Jennifer Lawrence? I can't say enough great things about her.  At times her acting makes one forget that they are watching a Hunger Games movie.  The best decision Suzanne Collins made was making sure Effie Trinket, played beautifully by Elizabeth Banks, was in this film.  Book fans know that Effie doesn't pop up in the books until the last chapter.  

              

Did you notice this poster? Its the first one where Katniss is not about to shoot an arrow.  

Everything about this film was amazing except for one thing: it felt like two hours and three minutes of set up.  When the final movie of a book series is split into two its almost impossible to not compare the movie to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  Both parts of Hallows had equal parts action and emotion.  To me Mockingjay Part 1 was about watching Katniss break down, build herself up, and break down again.  Like I said before, Jennifer Lawrence's performance was outstanding which makes this bareable.  But the entire movie was spent listening to people tell Katniss how much she matters and how strong she is.  You know its nothing more than a set up for Part 2 which is slightly disappointing.  Coming off of the success of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire I'll admit that I was expecting a bit more action wise but I'll wait. 

The positives far outweigh the negatives and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 is well worth the money just don't expect ton of action like the previous films being that there is no arena. And here's a little fun fact: throughout the entire movie Katniss Everdeen shoots one arrow.  One. The entire time.  Let that sit with you.  

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 enters theaters November 2015. 

The Osbournes Are Back!!!

90's Kids Rejoice! The Osbournes are taking a stab at reality TV one more time.

Sharon Osbourne revealed on The Talk today that the family will be returning to our screens in no more than 6-8 episodes.  It will be an update of sorts.  The hit MTV show ran from 2002-2005 and many consider them to be the first family of reality tv.  No dates have been released but we are so looking forward to it.  Sit down and take notes Kardashians.  The Osbournes did it before you and they did it better. 

Will the Real Black Canary Please Stand Up

ITS FINALLY HAPPENING!!!!! Excuse me I'm a little excited.  Katie Cassidy took to the internet today to reveal what fans of Arrow as well as the Green Arrow and Birds of Prey comic books have been waiting for.  LAUREL LANCE WILL FINALLY BECOME THE BLACK CANARY!

As we've seen on the show Laurel's sister, Sara, was the original Canary who was killed in the first episode of this season.  During San Diego Comic Con this year Cassidy said that this season would be a journey for Laurel.  In TV land journeys usually take time so I'm very surprised that Laurel will be suiting up already.  Did I mention that I'm excited? This will be the third incarnation* of the Canary in the last ten years as Caity Lotz played the Sara Lance version in the first two seasons of Arrow and Alaina Huffman played the Dinah Lance* version on Smallville.  Expect to see The Black Canary in the tenth episode of Arrow. 

For those of you who don't follow the comics: Dinah Lance is actually the second Black Canary.  Her mother, the original Canary, appeared during the Golden Age of comics, which is why some fans may have freaked out when Laurel's mother popped up on the show. She is the second female to join the Justice League (Wonder Woman being the first)

**I would just like to point out that the character's actual name is Dinah Laurel Lance, Arrow's version goes by her middle name. 

                                   

                                       Laurel Lance Black Canary (Katie Cassidy)

                                 

                                         Sara Lance Black Canary (Caity Lotz)

                                  

                                     Dinah Lance Black Canary (Alaina Huffman)

*At time of the original post there were four live action Black Canaries. Lori Loughlin (Full House) placed Dinah Lance on the short lived Birds of Prey (2003). 

Will the Real Black Canary Please Stand Up

ITS FINALLY HAPPENING!!!!! Excuse me I'm a little excited.  Katie Cassidy took to the internet today to reveal what fans of Arrow as well as the Green Arrow and Birds of Prey comic books have been waiting for.  LAUREL LANCE WILL FINALLY BECOME THE BLACK CANARY!

As we've seen on the show Laurel's sister, Sara, was the original Canary who was killed in the first episode of this season.  During San Diego Comic Con this year Cassidy said that this season would be a journey for Laurel.  In TV land journeys usually take time so I'm very surprised that Laurel will be suiting up already.  Did I mention that I'm excited? This will be the third incarnation* of the Canary in the last ten years as Caity Lotz played the Sara Lance version in the first two seasons of Arrow and Alaina Huffman played the Dinah Lance* version on Smallville.  Expect to see The Black Canary in the tenth episode of Arrow. 

For those of you who don't follow the comics: Dinah Lance is actually the second Black Canary.  Her mother, the original Canary, appeared during the Golden Age of comics, which is why some fans may have freaked out when Laurel's mother popped up on the show. She is the second female to join the Justice League (Wonder Woman being the first)

**I would just like to point out that the character's actual name is Dinah Laurel Lance, Arrow's version goes by her middle name. 

                                   

                                       Laurel Lance Black Canary (Katie Cassidy)

                                 

                                         Sara Lance Black Canary (Caity Lotz)

                                  

                                     Dinah Lance Black Canary (Alaina Huffman)

*At time of the original post there were four live action Black Canaries. Lori Loughlin (Full House) placed Dinah Lance on the short lived Birds of Prey (2003). 

Where Would Arrow Be Without Felicity Smoak?!

Did you see the last episode of The CW's Arrow?  I've been dying for a Felicity centric episode and finally the show devivered.  Last nights episode was appropriately titled "The Secret Origin of Felicity Smoak" and it gave fans everything they've been waiting two seasons for.  

                         

                                      Emily Bett Rickards as Felicity Smoak (Fan Art)

The show has now run for 51 episodes and viewers have never seen Felicity outside of Queen Consolidated or the lair.  Last night we not only saw her humble abode (which was actually very nice) but we also met her mother!  I won't give any spoilers in this post but I will say that Felicity is one of the most well rounded characters on television today.  She is first and foremost, extremely intelligent and she isn't the damsel in distress! If she ever is caught its cause she trying to do something with a computer that no one else can do.  She is after all a genius hacker that graduated from MIT.  She makes nerds look cool.  She's also the show's comic relief as well as its brains and heart.  For some characters this would be a lot to have on one plate.  It could make them seem extremely one dimentional but Felicity's portrayer Emily Bett Rickards makes the character into a well rounded, believable person.  She is a valuable asset to the DC Universe* as she's already crossed over to Arrow's spinoff, The Flash.   Bottom line.  If you're not watching Arrow you should be.  

*There is already a character in the DC Universe named Felicity Smoak.  They are now developing a character that reflects the Felicity on Arrow. 

Arrow airs on Wednesday at 8/7c on The CW. 

I'm SO over Lifetime

This past weekend Lifetime cancelled Witches of East End, staring Rachel Boston and Jenna Dewan-Tatum, after two seasons and MAJOR cliffhangers.  NOW here's my issue....WHY WOULD THEY CANCEL WoEE????  The show had great storylines and was one of the bigger shows on the network.  The supernatural drama is about a family of cursed witches did experience a ratings drop but nothing unusual for the network being that the highest rated show only had about 2 million viewers.  If you were a fan of old school WB (Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gilmore Girls) then you would've loved WoEE.  Bad move Lifetime. You cancelled a show about strong, intelligent women who protect their family.  You also cancelled the one show that made you a relevent network instead of a sappy movie channel.  RIP Witches of East End.  

                                     

Cast of Witches of East End (Rachel Boston, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Julia Ormond, and Madchen Amick)

Some Other Ones Bite the Dust

NBC just added to more shows to the cancelled list.....sort of. Bad Judge, staring Kate Walsh, and A to Z will be cancelled following their 13 episode orders.  In an unusual turn of events the network has decided to let both shows finish their seasons as well as shoot the remaining episodes. Normally, once a show is cancelled production ends at the wrap of whatever episode the show is currently filming.  If a show is bad enough the network will pull it from their lineup immediately. As of now Bad Judge has shot 10 episodes while A to Z has shot 11. The Peacock Network will allow the writers to put some finality on their series which allows fans to have closer.  Way to keep it classy NBC, FOX should take notes (I'm still bitter about Firefly). 

The most recent episode of the Kate Walsh comedy only had 4 million viewers.

 The romantic comedy staring alum from How I Met Your Mother and Mad Men had 2.6 million viewers during their recent episode. 

The Cancellation Game of 2014

Have you noticed that up until last week none of the major networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CW) cancelled any shows? We have made it to the end of October and ABC's Manhattan Love Story is the only show to meet its demise. The show was cancelled on October 24th. 

At this time last season almost all of the networks were finished canceling shows, so what's taking so long? The answer actually makes sense. Did you know that 46% of households have a DVR as of 2013? With so many different channels and programs overlapping primetime shows have become common.  The networks are giving people a chance to watch these new shows on their DVRs before making the decision to cancel. The Nielsen Rating system has recently discovered that their calculations on viewership have been wrong due to DVR systems.  We should start seeing more cancellations in the weeks to come but with the amount of time that it's taking many shows may be able to air at least 10 episodes before the end. 

My prediction is that FOX's Utopia is the next to go. It has already been moved to the dreaded Friday night. 

*** I was right! Utopia was cancelled two weeks after this post. 

Audra McDonald: Queen of the Tony's

Congratulations go out to the legendary Audra McDonald who now holds the title for the most Tony Awards held by an actor.  McDonald has won previously for Carousal, Ragtime, Master Class, The Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, and now for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill. McDonald is also the first actor to win in all four acting categories.  See her speech below!

X-Men Days of Future Past Review

If you go back the first post I ever made was about the decision to cut Anna Paquin out of the new X-Men movie.  Being a fan of the first two movies (i won't say trilogy) I went into X-Men Days of Future Past skeptical.  Don't get me wrong.  The movie has star power.  Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Ellen Page, and Shawn Ashmore all return from the original movies joining James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Nicholas Hoult, and Jennifer Lawrence from X-Men: First Class.  I can happily say that Future Past went above and beyond, exceeding my expectations and it opens the door for more X-Men films with both casts.

If you're not aware I'll run down the plot for you.  There will be no spoilers.

In the year 2023 humans and mutants alike are being hunted by robots called Sentinals.  For non comic fans the Sentinals have been around for years in the X-Men Universe.  Their main purpose is to hunt down those with an active Mutant X Gene.  In Future Past, the Sentinals have begun hunting down mutants as well as the humans who could potentially pass the gene down to their children.  The X-Men of the future decide to send Wolverine's conscious mind back in time to his younger self to stop the war before it ever happens.  He is sent back to 1973 where he encounters a very different Professor X than he's used to.  Along with Beast they take steps to change the future.  While he is in the past Storm, Iceman, Magneto, and other mutants are battling the Sentinals.

I can't say much more without giving away the plot but it's COMPLETELY WORTH SEEING.  And heads up.  If you're going to go with a person who has never seen an X-Men film I advise binge watching all of them....yes even X-Men: The Last Stand.  Trust me it will all make sense.  And Comic fans stay until after the credits (all the credits) to see a little clip that hints at X-Men: Apocalypse. 

Oh and I'll say this.  That whole Anna Paquin thing? All is forgiven.

Audra McDonald Shines as Lady Day

Each generation has their Broadway stars.  There's the incomparable Patti Lupone, Bernadette Peters, and the magical Julie Andrews.  This generation is no exception with stars like Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, whom many refer to as a Broadway Living Legends.  That being said there are very few who fully capture the essence of a true Broadway star, one who changes from character to character, performance to performance, one whom you can never forget.  For this generation Audra McDonald is that star which she proves night after night as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill. 

The show takes place in Philidelphia about four months prior to Holiday's tragic death due to alcohol and drug abuse.  McDonald's speaking and singing voice changes drastically as she sings some of Holiday's greatest songs (Strange Fruit, God Bless the Child) and performs what is essentially a 90 minute monologue.  When the show opens one who knows Holiday's history will see instantly that she's drunk and as she continues to drink throughout the show the audience members are treated to audience participation.  McDonald asks an audience member to help her down the stairs, to hold her drink, and to light a cigarette.  The audience becomes so used to this that as Holiday stumbles down the stairs many reach out to assist her. Her language throughout the show is no holds barred and through that she paints a vivid picture of the times. Billie Holiday led a tragic life which McDonald portrays beautifully. I have been to many Broadway shows and I have never seen such a transformation.  Her body movements, her facial expressions were all Billie Holiday.  (I was lucky enough to meet Audra after the show and she is hands down one of the nicest, most down to earth people I've ever met).

Audra McDonald is a five-time Tony Award winner (Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess), tied with Julie Harris and Angela Lansbury for the most Tonys won by an actor. She is also known for playing Dr. Naomi Bennett on Shonda Rhimes hit show Private Practice.  If all is right in the world McDonald should win her record breaking sixth Tony for playing Holiday.  If nominated it will be in the category for Best Actress in a Play, the one category McDonald has not yet won.

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill has a limited run, closing on August 10th.  If you have to opportunity to see it please go, it will be a performance you'll remember for a lifetime.

A Doctor, A Killer, and the FLOTUS

Grey's Anatomy and Scandal have me holding my head.  My absolute love for these shows makes me absolutely nervous for my favorite characters from week to week.  Not just for what they're going to do but their lives (We've seen Shonda kill some characters, i.e. George and Lexie).  But tonight? Tonight I'm in shock and awe.  Three women on these shows are killing the game this week and deserve some recognition.

SPOILERS AHEAD 

FINAL WARNING! SPOILERS!

3.) Dr. Jo Wilson, played by Camilla Luddington

In the promos for this episode we see Jo and Alex get into this huge blow out and break up which left Jolex fans in a panic.  Watching the episode we see that Jolex did have this argument, in front of the entire hospital. Why so public? Due to the new policies it was forbidden for them to be together Jo orchestrated this "public break up".  You have to watch their argument but SO brilliant.  I didn't think I'd like any interns after the originals but then came Lexie.  After her death I swore I wouldn't like anyone new and then came Jo.  Luddington holds her own against the vets of the show and everyone can't help but ship Jolex. Oh by the way they get caught which leads me to give Alex and honorary mention when he tells the board, "this hospital was built on you feeling each other up." I love this show. 

2.)  Quinn Perkins, played by Katie Lowes

Oh Quinn.  In season one you were getting the gladiator speech.  Season two you were Baby Huck.  Season Three? You've been called so many name but tonight you completely OWNED B613. And she held a gun on Olivia Pope.  Lowes has been playing the hell out of this role but the scene tonight with Kerry Washington was by far one of my favorite Quinn scenes.  I'm still not to sure what Quinn is up to but I swear if its as good as it was tonight I will continue to support her

1.) Mellie Grant, played by Bellamy Young

Queen Mellie.  There's nothing I can say but holy crap run for president.  This episode showed that Mellie not only tried to kill herself after she was raped, Mellie had a Fitz/Liv relationship but she "kept her knees closed", she kissed the almost new VP in front of a bunch of first ladies.  Mellie's journey on Scandal has been full of ups, downs, and OMG moments but I'll say this, I wouldn't be surprised if Mellie Grant and Olivia Pope had a lot more in common by the end of this season.  I'm not being biased after watching a ton of different shows this 2013-2014 season Bellamy Young deserves an Emmy.  Not just a nomination but the award itself.  

Twisted Sister gets a great farewell

I so don't want to see Christina Yang leave Grey Sloane Memorial.  I so don't want to see Sandra Oh leave Grey's Anatomy.  Sadly there's nothing I can do and this season will be Oh's last.  As Oh is one of the original cast members and a fan favorite its fitting that she gets an awesome send off.

It has been confirmed that there will be an episode centered on Yang.  The episode will be all about Yang's choices and more specifically what her life would be if she made different choices.  I personally love these types of Grey's episodes.

It has also been confirmed by Shonda Rhimes herself that Isaiah Washington, who played Dr. Preston Burke in the first three seasons, will return as a way to round out Yang's story.  Burke was a major part of Yang's time on Grey's as he was the one responsible for her having to be cut out of her wedding dress (remember that?!).

Washington was fired from the series due to his anti gay remarks towards T.R. Knight.  GLAAD has also commented on Washington's return stating that his support of the LGBT community in the past few years has brought awareness to their various causes and they are happy to see him return to Grey's Anatomy.  This episode is expected to air in May.

Shonda Night is Back!

Today is a glorious day.  My Thursday nights are back to normal and oh so good.  ABC's Grey's Anatomy and Scandal have returned with new episodes and they did not disappoint. Because I watch both shows I won't do a separate post for both unless the episodes call for it.  Instead I'm gonna do my top six moments/topics, three from Grey's and three from Scandal.  That being said SPOILERS BELOW and here we go.


6.)  Those annoying interns 

Steph is mad at Jackson, Leah is mad at Arizona, and Shane is upset with Christina so what do they do? They file sexual harassment with HR which leads Owen to implement a policy that pretty much states that everything that happened in Seattle Grace can no longer happen in Grey Sloane Memorial.  Not only that but they just threw their fellow intern under the bus as Jo is after all dating Alex.  Izzie, George, Alex, Christina, and Meredith never had any of these issues and they had way bigger problems than getting dumped and publicly humiliated.  Its going to be interesting to see how this one plays out but guys seriously? Get over it.  

5.) Quinn misses her Gladiators 

While up to something evil with Charlie Quinn was in the same place as Huck and Abby and the look of longing on her face as they left just hurt.  Let's not forget that it was Quinn who was on the receiving end of the "Gladiator in a Suit" speech in the pilot.  When the show started she was as new to this world as we were.  I think she misses it which also leads me to believe that we haven't seen the end of Quinn Perkins at OPA.  (Bonus note: Olivia asked Jake for Quinn back, thinking that that she was still apart of B613.)

4.) The Twisted Sisters are back.  FINALLY!

All is right in the world.  Meredith and Christina are finally back to normal.  They are no longer in the most painful battle I've ever witnessed on TV and it feels so right.  If you'be been a fan from the beginning then you have to agree with me that watching Mer and Christina fight was the absolute worse thing that the writers could have done to us.  But things are back to how they're supposed to be.  Let's get the tequila and dance it out. 

3.) Papa Pope is Coming

Olivia's dad is out of the craziest spy organization ever and he's pissed.  He told Olivia to run because he's coming for Fitz and the White House and if she's in his way its her own fault.  He told her to be terrified.  The show is called Scandal so I'm sure Liv isn't going anywhere but that's no problem.  I'll be running for her.

2.) Mellie Grant 

I love EVERYTHING about the FLOTUS.  Everything from how she makes it look like her and Olivia are friends all the while, handing her a page of eligible bachelors, to finding out that she had her own affair. Affair with who? Only the man Fitz has chosen to be his new VP.  No big deal right? Wrong! At the end of the episode he tell Mellie that he waited twelve years to be on the campaign so he could be closer to her.  We've seen how Mellie has handled her marriage and Olivia Pope but I'm dying to see how she handles this one.  Smile Mellie, the world is watching. 

1.) April and Jackson!!!!

The last scene of the night.  We see a ring, we get a proposal and then it hits us. APRIL AND JACKSON ARE ALREADY MARRIED.  And the best part? No one knows, at least not yet.  Because of the interns lawsuits Mr. and Mrs. Avery are bound to be outed soon, my guess in the next episode, but wow talk about a major change.  Even though its been a few months since Grey's was on our screen April's wedding to that other guy was only last episode.  God I love Thursday nights! 

See Cape. Wear Cape. Fly Again.

Fans of the hit NBC show Heroes rejoice!  The show will be ressurected in a 13 episode miniseries called Heroes Reborn.  The miniseries is set to air in 2015 with Heroes executive producer Tim Kring back at the helm.  As of now it is unknown if any of the stars of the 2006 series will appear and since the trailer didn't give us much we'll have to wait and see.

Get Pitch Slapped...Again

Fans of Pitch Perfect get acaexcited!! Its been confirmed that both Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson will return for the highly anticipated sequel expected to hit theaters on May 15, 2015.  With Kendrick's "Cups" selling more than 1 million copies and Elizabeth Banks returning as the director Pitch Perfect 2 is sure to be acaamazeballs.  Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, and Skylar Astin, among others have yet to be confirmed at this time.

**Brittany Snow has officially joined the cast

Leaves on the Wind: Serenity Flies Again

If you are a fan of television then at some point in time you've come across the name Joss Whedon.  If you're a fan of the Whedonverse then you are aware that many of Whedon's show have a cult following even now, long after they have been cancelled.  You quote the shows and have insanely animated discussions about your favorite episodes yet all fans know one thing: Joss Whedon is a genius, a hero, and breath of fresh air to our television sets.  If you are a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, or, Dollhouse and you haven't watched Firefly don't feel bad.

I've only been a fan for a little over a year but after the first episode I was hooked.  It can be considered a sci-fi show so if your not into that another reason to watch is for the cast itself.  Firefly stars Nathan Fillion (Castle, Desperate Housewives), Gina Torres (Suits, The Matrix Reloaded), Alan Tudyk (Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, Disney's Frozen), Morena Baccarin (V, Homeland), Adam Baldwin (Chuck), Jewel Staite (Stargate: Atlantis), Sean Maher (Brian's Song, Much Ado About Nothing), Ron Glass (Barney Miller, Rugrats), and Summer Glau (The Terminator: Sarah Conner Chronicles).  By the way Jewel Staite is by far one of the nicest human beings I've met.  And inappropriate, which is awesome. Follow her or twitter.

Serenity (2005)

Yesterday, Dark Horse Comics launched its six part series "Serenity: Leaves on the Wind" which picks up about 36 weeks after the events of the 2005 movie "Serenity".  Now.  If you're not a comics person that's okay because I am.  I've read it.  I've digested it.  I love it. Its executive produced by Joss Whedon and written by his brother Zack Whedon. The story stays true to the characters and the world that Whedon created in Firefly which we know was cancelled without airing all its filmed episodes.  What is pretty interesting is that much of what's in the comic book is right off of the wish list of the actors.  They have been asked many times in various panels what they hoped their characters were up to.  I think that they would be happy with how they turned out especially since Staite and Baldwin got a special thanks at the end of the first issue. Now as far as story goes, what you need to know is that the crew of the Serenity is still reeling from losing two of its own, Book and Wash (He will always be a leaf on the wind). Just so you know Spoiler Alert from here on down. 

Serenity: Leaves on the Wind #1 Cover

 So many things that fan wanted and waited for in both the series and the movie happen within the first few pages of the comic book.  Kaylee and Simon are together as they were in the end of Serenity, Mal and Inara are FINALLY together, River is now the pilot of Serenity, and Zoe? Zoe is not only pregnant but she goes into labor and gives birth.  The Alliance is looking for the crew after they broke the news about Miranda and the Reavers.  And of course one cannot forget about the Hero of Canton, the man they call JAYNE.  Jayne went to live with his mom.  There's a new resistance forming against the alliance but all in all the Serenity is still the best ship in the verse.

Variant Cover 

The Whedonverse is always willing to continue its stories in comic book form as Buffy the Vampire Slayer is about to start Season 10.  If you remember the television series ended after seven seasons.  Both Angel and Faith also have their own books.  Serenity: Leaves on the Wind has multiple covers so if you're interested you may have to go hunting.  My comic book shop just happens to be the only store in New Jersey to sell the ghost variant cover.

Ghost Variant 

There's Still A Grey on Grey's Anatomy!

If you've been keeping an eye on the Shonda Rhimes hit show then you know the execs at ABC have said that Grey's Anatomy will go on for as long as possible.  Think ER, which lasted fifteen seasons on NBC.  I am pleased to say that E! Online has confirmed that both Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey have signed new two year contracts which will effectively take them through the 11th and 12th seasons of the medical drama.  At this time Justin Chambers, James Pickens Jr., and Chandra Wilson have yet to sign new contracts.  With Sandra Oh leaving this season Pompeo, Dempsey, Chambers, Pinkens Jr., and Wilson are the last remaining actors from the original cast.

And the Winner of Litter Season is....

Right now we are currently in what I like to call "Litter Season", when all the networks litter our screens with tons of mid-season pickups, most of which are cancelled.  This painful time in television lasts from January to mid March.  Now, not all of these pickups end in disaster.  If you recall ABC's Scandal (created by the Genius that is Shonda Rhimes) was picked up in March of 2012 and only ran for seven episodes.  Scandal is now one of the most successful shows in primetime.  I never like to base my opinion of a show solely on its first episode so now that many of them have run two or three episodes I'd like to announce my winner of this Litter Season:

NBC's Chicago P.D.

Why this show? Good question.  To be completely I only watched the show because of actress Sophia Bush (best known as Brooke Davis on One Tree Hill).  I am not a fan of police dramas such as Law and Order: SVU or Criminal Minds and Chicago P.D. has many of the same elements of those shows after all, it was created by Dick Wolf, the man who is responsible for Law and Order and its spinoffs.  Here's why I think this show will avoid cancellation after Litter Season. SPOILERS BELOW. 

1.) The actors have undeniable chemistry: All of them not just two or three.  With the events that happen in the first two episodes the characters should have some previous connection.  The thing with this cast is that you feel that.  Some new casts take a few episodes to find that connection or that groove. Chicago P.D. has that right off the bat. 

2.) The show goes there in the first episode: A member of their police family dies. In the first episode. After pretty much getting shot in the face. At the end of the episode Antonio's (Jon Seda) son is kidnapped. Yes. They go there. Already. 

3.) It shows both sides of the law: From the very beginning the show acknowledges crooked cops.  Where most police dramas will have an entire story arc about a crooked cop or be surprised by one this show not only acknowledges that they exist but Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) was imprisoned for being one.  Now he runs the intelligence unit, the unit which the show is based around.  It's revealed at the end of the second episode that he was released from prison to work for Internal Affairs.  Should make a very interesting storyarc.  

4.) The first episode brought in 11 million viewers: that's a lot of people 

5.) No one character washes out the other: while the story focuses on Hank the other characters are still present.  You learn little bits and pieces about each one throughout the first two episodes but the writers leave you curious to find out more.  That's a factor that will keep people coming back. 

Chicago P.D., which is a spinoff of Chicago Fire, will still have to work to maintain good, clear story but so far I believe that they're off to a good start.   Chicago P.D. airs on Wednesday at 10 p.m. on NBC.

UPDATE: After further review of the new shows I've decided to award a second place!  And just to clarify this show is just as good as Chicago P.D. and should actually tie, however the way the order of events in the very beginning of the first episode made the first six or seven minutes a little confusing.  But aside from that the show is different that whats out there now and like many great shows its the chemistry of the two leads that makes the show work. Second Place goes to

CBS' Intelligence

Intelligence stars Lost's Josh Holloway and Once Upon A Time's Meghan Ory.  The chemistry between the actors as well as their characters Gabriel Vaughn and Riley Neal remind me of the chemistry between Booth and Brennan on the Fox hit Bones or Castle and Beckett on ABC's Castle.   I truly believe that it's their chemistry that will keep the show afloat.  The story itself reminds me of the Bionic Woman reboot that failed a few years ago, however I think Intelligence has a large enough fan base already so it should see a sophomore season.  Intelligence airs on Mondays at 10 p.m. on CBS. 

What Happened at Downton Abbey?!

Yesterday's Downton Abbey is causing massive amounts of controversy among its fans. Many believe that the show, now in its fourth season, has gone too far. What do I think? Well my dears thanks for asking! In all honesty I do think the show went there but I also think that what upset most of the fans is necessary, although maybe not for the obvious reason. SPOILER ALERT: DO NOT READ THE FOLLOWING IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN EPISODE 4x02 OF DOWNTON ABBEY. 

Its Anna, everyone's favorite Lady's Maid that's at the center of all the hoopla. If you really watch the show you know that Anna is the maternal, friendly one of the servants who is nice to just about everyone who comes through the Abbey. In last night's episode Anna was raped by the servant of a guest who was staying at Downton.  She stayed hidden after the ordeal and was found by Mrs. Hughes.  She brings Anna clean clothes and gets her back on her feet but is sworn to secrecy due to Anna's fears of her husband, Mr. Bates, killing the man and being sentenced to death. The episode ends with Anna walking home by herself as Bates calls after her.

Most are taking issue with the fact that there was a rape at all.  The scenes with the content seemed rushed and cut together in a way that the audience knew what was going on without seeing it, along with Anna's screams in the background. While people are entitled to their opinions I need everyone to realize the time period. Season 4 takes place in 1922. Rape has been happening since early man. The way Anna has chosen to deal with this situation isn't uncommon for the period. 

My issues with this storyline are completely different. Why Anna? There are plenty of other characters on the show (yes its a terrible thing to say but think about it). I think on all television shows each character has their very own thing which I like to call a "Hell Storyline". I would've thought that Anna's hell storyline occurred when Bates was sent to prison.  For an entire season we saw her struggles as she fought to get the man she loved out of a wrongful imprisonment. So why Anna. I think that there are some characters on the show who have bigger fan bases than others and the death of Matthew Crawley changed things for both the fans and writers.  Killing off a major character opens up the doors to the world of "we can really do anything now". Most of you know that season 4 has already wrapped in the UK so those of us who are watching it now live will just have to wait and see how it will play out. 

To wrap it all up I do think that a storyline this deep was necessary.  Downton Abbey is not an untouchable magical wonderland where nothing bad ever happens. Remember Cybil and Matthew? Or that guy who died in Mary's bed in season 1? Things happen at Downton. Part of what makes the show so good is what happens in the aftermath. 

By the way, Joanna Froggatt's performance in the episode was outstanding.  It could have gone very, very wrong but she's made Anna believable from the first episode.  She's a character that you wan't to be friends with which is also why I think the fans are so upset. As I've said I have yet to see the remainder of the season but based on this ONE episode I wouldn't be surprised to see an Emmy nomination in Froggatt's future. 

"Winter is Coming." - My take on Game of Thrones

Being that all of my favorite TV shows are on hiatus I had time to start something new and let's just say that obsessed is an understatement. A few months ago the hashtag REDWEDDING popped up all over my twitter feed (@rebelontheLO) and I knew it was about the HBO series Game of Thrones so I thought that I understood the hype. That being said I had NO FREAKING CLUE what I was getting into when I decided to start the series.  I've come to the conclusion that it is not only one of the best shows on currently but one of the smartest in the last decade.  Based on the book series by George R. R. Martin (which I have also started) GoT is truly for everyone as long as you can wrap your mind around the fact that the fantasy is part of the reality.

If you haven't seen the show its based in a medieval time period with tons of history in the land itself as well as the characters. If you're not a fan of character death the show isn't for you as a major character or characters are killed off every season. I find that to be part of the show's magic, you never know what's coming so it keeps you on your toes. I also appreciate the fact that the female characters are not complete and total idiots in a time where women are second class citizens even if they are high born.  Characters such as Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) and Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey), whom many consider to be a villain, are portrayed as strong, smart, and capable people most times even more than the men.

On a more personal level with a show like GoT I never like to have a "favorite" character because it usually leads to disappointment. This time around, however, I couldn't help myself. The one character who started the series as a shy, timid, and often times mute girl ends up being one of the baddest women on television. Daenerys (Dany for short) Targaryen, played beautifully by Emilia Clarke, is the definition of a smart, well written character. As a viewer you are truly sucked into her story and genuinely want to see this character progress.  She becomes the Mother of Dragons (this is literal...she literally becomes the mother of some dragons) in her quest to take back the seven kingdoms of Westeros. For me anything with dragons is usually a series that I wouldn't normally get into but this show, and in particular Clarke's acting make these imaginary creatures believable.  It is this storyline that I get most excited about seeing with each new episode.

Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryan and her army. Yes ARMY. 

I told you. Mother of Dragons...

On the flip side, the storyline of Tyrion Lannister, portrayed by Emmy Award winner Peter Dinklage, is also one that I find interesting as well as entertaining. Tyrion is one of the few characters who has some type of morals and understands right from wrong yet he is in no control over his destiny.  I usually get excited to see what Tyrion will do or say next because in intense moments it is that character who makes me laugh yet puts things in perspective.

Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister

All in all Game of Thrones is a show that is definitely worth watching.  If you're telling yourself that you don't have the time to start another series the good news is that each season of GoT is only ten episodes long. I can only imagine what's going to happen next season but if it's anything like the Red Wedding its DEFINITELY worth watching.  Game of Thrones Season 4 premieres in Spring 2014 (at this time no date has been announced).

"When you play the game of thrones you win or you die. There is no middle ground." - Cersei Lannister


**Game of Thrones Season 4 will premiere on April 6th at 9 p.m. on HBO