Not A Bird. Not A Plane. Not A Man. It's About Time

I was trying to wait until the mid-season finale to talk about Supergirl. I wanted to be able to look at the show from pilot to hiatus before I put my likes and dislikes out there. I almost made it. One episode until mid-season and the show gave me one of the biggest surprises of any show this season. And it was freaking GREAT.

Much like Arrow (another show from Greg Berlanti) I was skeptical about watching Supergirl.  Being a fan of Smallville I already had my version of the Green Arrow. When the cast of Arrow was announce the only person I'd heard of was Katie Cassidy (Melrose Place), I didn't know what character she was playing but it wasn't a big enough draw to get me to watch (had I known she was playing Laurel Lance I probably would've watched sooner). In fact I didn't get into the show until the summer before season three. When the cast of Supergirl was announce I knew I was going to watch. Melissa Benoist was the shinning light on a not so great season of Glee. She was one of the only two new characters I liked on that show and I had faith that she could play the Girl of Steel. After all, Grant Gustin also came from Glee and now we know him as The Flash.

Mehcad Brooks I knew from Desperate Housewives and True Blood. The fact that he was playing Jimmy Olsen, traditionally a white character, was also intriguing.

 Next up was the roll of Cat Grant generally know as a nemesis of Lois Lane herself. They cast Calista Flockhart well known from Ally McBeal and Brothers and Sisters. Then of course there was Helen Slater and Dean Cain both known to the world of Superman.

Slater and Cain as The Danvers with young Kara played by Malina Weissman

But I'm not going to lie to you. It was the announcement of Chyler Leigh, formally of Grey's Anatomy that convinced me to watch. I don't think I'll ever be over the death of Little Grey....R.I.P. Lexie.

I was hooked five minutes into the pilot. The promo for this show didn't do it justice. Supergirl is a great superhero show and Melissa Benoist is a bonafide star. After only 7 episodes I think its safe to say that the show has sealed itself as a great mark in the Superman universe. Maybe it will create a universe all on it own.

So as for tonight's episode: SPOILERS BELOW.

We've known for two episodes that Hank Henshaw had something to do with Daddy Danver's death. We've known for a while that he wasn't exactly human either. Was he an alien? Was he a robot created to kill kryptonians? That's was everyone thought. Oh. OH. WE WERE SO WRONG.

Don't red eyes automatically mean evil? 

Okay so he is an alien. But when confronted by Alex about her father he showed his true colors. Comic and cartoon fans of the DC Comics world may have been able to put it together before the big reveal. I myself was freaking out half way through his confession. I wasn't expecting full visual but oh my god. OH MY GOD. He said his name was J'onn J'onzz. THE MARTIAN MANHUNTER.

If you don't find this to be extremely cool you're lying to yourself...

So if we want to get technical we've already had three members of the Justice League pop up in National City (Red Tornado, Martian Manhunter, and Superman). Like I said, next week is the mid-season finale and it looks like Kara and Aunt Astra (Laura Benanti) are gonna have a big fight which is always interesting.

I can't wait to see what they're going to do for season 1B but whatever it is I'm so ready. Given time I truly believe that this show has the potential to be just as great as the Lynda Carter Wonder Woman series. Maybe not in the same capacity. But great. IN BERLANTI WE TRUST.

Marvel's Done It Again: Jessica Jones Review

Like most of the Netflix community I spent my weekend in Hell's Kitchen. Jessica Jones premiered on the streaming website on Friday and it did not disappoint. In my opinion it's the best thing Marvel has put out since Captain America: The Winter Soldier. It's unlike any "hero" story out there being that Jones is an alcoholic with a serious case of PTSD. She describes herself as a horrible person yet you genuinely root for her and that's the beauty of this series.

I am a comic book fan and I was pretty skeptical that this series would work for multiple reasons.

1.) The character of Jessica Jones is fairly new, having only been around since 2001.

2.) Casting Krysten Ritter as the title character. Don't get me wrong. I'm definitely a fan of Ritter but she's well known for her rolls in Veronica Mars and Don't Trust then B in Apartment 23. Neither of which scream superhero.
3.) If you read the comics or google the character history you know that Jessica interacts with a lot of big players in the Marvel Universe. She's got history with Spider-Man and Jean Grey and is almost killed by the Avengers. Marcel doesn't have the rights to many of there characters or has other story plans for them.

Not only does this show work but its way better than its predecessor (Marvel's Daredevil).  The fact that Jessica Jones doesn't come from the golden age of comics gives her a less complicated history to work with. It also modernizes her which is refreshing to see for a comic book character, male or female. As far as the other characters from other comics goes the writers are working their way around those. They are sticking to the flow of the comics but coming up with new and believable explanations for the story.

Hell's Kitchen: Jessica Jones style 

I did mention the casting and after binge watching 13 episodes I truly believe that no one else could have played this part. Krysten Ritter embodies Jessica Jones entirely. You believe her every word, every action.

Jessica Jones helping the helpless...even if she doesn't want to

Rachael Taylor (Transformers, 666 Park Avenue) plays Jones' best friend Trish Walker, who will eventually become the hero Hellcat. Taylor is the true MVP of the series. She takes a character that could have been super boring and annoying and turns her into an essential piece of the story, much like Rosario Dawson (who makes a great cameo) did in Daredevil.






Mike Colter plays Luke Cage and I cannot say enough great things about him. My absolute favorite scene of the season is a bar fight with Cage and Jones. By far one of the funniest scenes of the show. Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix) and David Tennant (Doctor Who) wrap up this really well put together cast. They all have great chemistry which makes you want to keep watching. If you do nothing else this holiday season I encourage you to watch Jessica Jones. You'll have a Sweet Christmas because of it.

David Tennant as Kilgrave aka The Purple Man

                    

Carrie-Anne Moss as Jeri Hogarth

Fair warning: Marvel's Jessica Jones is not suitable for children. This isn't the usual Marvel origin story that we've become accustomed to. I wouldn't watch it around your grandmother either. Contains sex, explicit language, drugs and alcohol.

Jessica Jones will return in Marvel's Luke Cage. 

TGIT Winter Finales!!!

Shondaland. TGIT. Winter Finales. WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?! Last night Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away With Murder slayed the winter finale game and left us wanting more. I haven't done this since last season but it has to be done. Here are my favorite moments from last night and as always SPOILERS BELOW!

Honorable Mention #1: Steph and Jo

Look say what you want about these two but we haven't had a decent set of friends since Cristina left and the Twisted Sisters were split up. Watching Steph and Jo go through their struggles this past week has been hard especially since we see that neither really does well without the other. It wasn't much I admit but having them both apologize is a great first step. 

Honorable Mention #2: Jolex Wedding?

DID SHE SAY YES? ARE THEY BREAKING UP? WHY IS SHONDA DOING THIS TO ME?

5.) Meredith and Amelia

I'm a fan of Meredith Grey. I have been since episode 1. I've stuck by her through every horrible decision, every mistake. This time I just can't do it. Meredith lost her husband. Amelia lost her brother. They both lost Derek and found a sisterhood in each other. For Meredith to tell her that she wasn't her sister but she was Derek's sister was just......cold. I get being loyal to Cristina. Those two went through more together than most people ever do (yes I'm aware that its a TV show) but Amelia's had to deal with her fair share of crap. And if you were a fan of Private Practice then you know what Derek meant to Amelia. The fact that the episode ends with Amelia taking a sip of a vodka tonic is just a tiny indication of how this is all about to spiral. You guys remember that intervention? 

4.) Senator Mellie Grant 

I love when Shondaland shows reflect what's actually happening in the world. Having Mellie fight for Planned Parenthood was amazing. What's more amazing is that it had absolutely NOTHING to do with Fitz. Whats more amazing than that? Olivia came through and not only helped Mellie but gave her an almost gladiator type pep talk. These two actually work very well together. I hope we get to see more of that in the future. 

3.) Brother-in-Law?

This Riggs guy has to be Owen's brother-in-law. I can't come up with anything else. At first I thought it was his brother when he punched him in the face. Twice. That was until Meredith mentions his sister. Can't wait to see where this goes but whatever happened between these two it put Owen right back where he started. Angry, shutting people out (mainly Amelia), and having PTSD episodes. 

2.) Kristoff Did What?! 

Not only did Wes shoot Analiese but Wes isn't even his real name. Fans have been speculating since the very beginning that these two were connected. Lots of people thought that she was his mother but I always though that it was too easy. Based on that tiny flashback we got it looks like Annalise and Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) we're in on whatever happened to his mother. 

1.) Oh Olivia. 

Liv and Fitz are done. Liv had an abortion. No Vermont. No Jam. No Olitz baby. Jeez Shonda. 

TGIT will be back February 11th. See you then. 

The Voice of a Generation

It's been a while but I had to hop on the pop culture bandwagon for this one. Adele. 25. Tears. Uncontrollable sobbing.

25 Album Cover

I cannot say enough great things about this album. 21 was a career defining record and I'm willing to bet that if it was any other artist 21 would've been their LAST good album. Adele herself has said multiple times that she would be crazy to try and recreate 21. 

25 is a different more mature story and does a complete 180 from the sounds of her past albums. In fact "Hello" (fastest selling single of the year) is the closest you'll get to a familiar sound. Other tracks like "River Lea" and "Remedy" (which is my favorite song so far) pull you into different stories that aren't about heartbreak but about growing up with yourself and with love. Anyone who listens to this work of art can find something to relate to. 

This album was WELL worth the 4 year wait and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that 25 will outsell 21 drastically. 

Hello, Adele. It's nice to have you back. 

Once Upon A Time: Rants and Raves

Tonight my favorite fairytales kicked off season 4b with episode 4x13 "Darkness on the Edge of Town".  I could go on and on about ABC's Once Upon A Time so instead every week I'll list some of my rants and raves.

Rave: SwanQueen

Emma and Regina working together and even being friendly is what I've been dying to see from the second they acknowledged that they were both Henry's mothers.  Emma bringing Regina (who is back to being the mayor) lunch was icing on the cake. Jennifer Morrison and Lana Parrilla have played this complicated relationship brilliantly and I'm excited to see where they take it.

Rave: Cruella De Vil

Victoria Smurfit as Cruella De Vil 

WHERE HAS SHE BEEN ALL MY LIFE.  Like most people I questioned what Cruella was going to bring to the table but all my doubts were completely unnecessary.  Cruella De Vil reminds me of Enchanted Forrest Evil Queen.  I love her attitude, I love her outfit, and I love that when we meet her we find that she is a Long Island Housewife whose husband just got arrested.  Then she took Rumpelstiltskin and Ursula to a fast food drive-thru in her iconic car.  How can you not love this woman?

Rave: Snowing!!!!

If the way the episode ended is any indication we are going to be getting a lot of Snow and Charming this half of the season.  The Charmings and the Queens of Darkness have a history we just have to wait and see what it is.  If Snow has anything to say about it we won't though.  She told Cruella and Ursula that if anyone found out, especially Emma, they wouldn't have tor worry about Regina.  She'd rip their hearts out herself.  This, ladies and gents, is why I love Snow White.

Rave/Rant: Maleficent!!! 

I'M SO HAPPY TO HAVE KRISTIN BAUER VAN STRATEN BACK ON MY TELEVISION. My only complaint is that we have to wait until next week to see her in present day Storybrooke.

Rant: Henry

Seriously. He needs something to do.

For a character who was so central to the beginning of this series Henry has become the least useful character.  He is certainly one of the smartest people in town so for the love of all that is holy I hope this quest for the author makes him a bit more necessary.  

Rant: Rumpelstiltskin

Even from a computer in Manhattan Rumple is still manipulating Belle.  The man never learns his lesson!! And bringing Ursula and Cruella into town (which we all know is going to end up very badly) was a terrible idea.  I feel like this is going to end very badly for our favorite Imp.

Geek Moment of the Week: Car De Vil

You are lying to yourself 1000% if you don't think this car is cool.  I also love the fact that Cruella is a terrible, horrible driver.  People of Storybrooke beware. 

Holy Shondaland Hangover

There are no words for just how insane last night was. You know how the Shondaland logo is a never ending roller coaster? Well that was me watching ABC's TGIT lineup. I'm pretty sure they hit all the emotional highs and lows with "Grey's Anatomy", "Scandal", and "How To Get Away With Murder". A review of all three shows would be way too massive so I'm just going to give a list of my favorite moments and thoughts below. There are most definitely going to be spoilers so if you're behind DONT READ THIS YET!

Honorable Mention: Nicolas Bechtel

I love this kid! If you're a fan of "General Hospital" then you know this little guy as Spencer Cassadine. He was the perfect casting choice to go toe to toe with Dr. Bailey!

5.) Meredith is back! 

Last night we saw Meredith Grey do what she's good at and I'm not talking about the surgery. Despite or maybe because of her dark and twisty nature Meredith is often the character who wants to believe that people are generally good. While operating on a mother who caused a major accident and drove her kids off of a bridge Meredith is the only one who believes that there was a reason. After much investigation she finds a small tumor on the woman's pancreas that explains her suicidal behavior. One win for Meredith. Also MerDer seems safe for now. Two wins for Meredith! 

4.) April Kepner

Does anybody else remember when Kepner was just.....annoying? I miss that because the Kepner we have now is stomping my heart into a million pieces. There's something wrong with her baby, it could be fatal, and she can't process. Instead she's walking around the ER trying to get to every trauma. She's snapping at everyone in a very UnKepner manner. But what kills me the most is that when there is no one left to help there's nothing left to do but process. She starts to question her belief in God and that's where it really hurts. Throughout the seasons Kepner's faith has been a driving point for this character and seeing her ask why is a tug at the heart strings. Sarah Drew has never been better. 

3.) Jake in his underwear 

He ran down the street in his underwear and he didn't get arrested. Thanks Shonda. 

2.) Laurel Castillo 

At the beginning of the series I thought that Laurel would be the weak link in the Keating 5 but last night she stepped up in a big BIG way. Michaela and Conner were all for class A snitching but Laurel got to Wes and filled him in. Now they all know that Annalise knows as well as Frank. Laurel saved the day and showed she's got more backbone that half of the Keating 5. 

1.) Kerry Washington

That performance was Emmy worthy.  Actually if I'm being honest that performance was Oscar worthy.  Watching Olivia Pope fight for her life was terrifying and Kerry Washington made us feel like we were going through it with her. I absolutely cannot wait to see the rest of this season. 

Secret Agent Woman

Marvel finally broke their mold with the premiere of Marvel's Agent Carter on Tuesday.  This is the first production from Marvel with a female lead and they did not disappoint!  Agent Carter shows what its like to be woman in the boys club after World War II, in fact, the show started with one of the final scenes from Captain America: The First Avenger. So what made this show different? Aside from the time period, it was Agent Peggy Carter showed us that sometimes a woman really is better for the job.

*Agent Carter falls right into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  Dots can be connected from both Captain America movies as well as Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., which Agent Carter has appeared on. 

In the first of a seven part mini-series we learn that all of Howard Stark's (Dominic Cooper) most dangerous inventions have been stolen.  The Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR), an agency that I predict will turn into the S.H.I.E.L.D. we all know and love, believes that Stark sold the inventions and is set on capturing him.  Agent Carter is the only woman in the SSR and the men treat her like a secretary.  It's established very quickly that she is by far the best agent and goes out on her own to help Stark, whom she knows is innocent. Throughout the two hour premiere we jump right into the mystery that will take us through the series and if the rest of the show is anything like the beginning then this was a brilliant move for Marvel.   I won't spoil anything for those of you who have not watched but it is well worth it.  Hayley Atwell has taken a character that was always known as "Captain America's Girlfriend" and turned her into a Marvel hero.  It's very obvious how the character could pave the way for other S.H.I.E.L.D. agents (Black Widow, Maria Hill, Melinda May etc.) but I'm excited to see how it began.  As an avid follower of the Marvel movies I am also looking forward to see if Agent Carter will show how Hydra began in S.H.I.E.L.D as we are currently seeing the fall out in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

The show also features a ton of familiar faces including Chad Michael Murry (One Tree Hill), Lyndsy Fonseca (Nikita, How I Met Your Mother), and Enver Gjokaj (Dollhouse, Witches of East End).   If you have twitter you can following the hashtags #AgentCarter and #DatCarter for live tweeting.  Marvel's Agent Carter airs on Tuesday at 9/8c on ABC.