Reviews of television shows
“I left the half-dead sanctimoniousness of my planet the first chance that I got. I stole food when I was hungry. Jumped transport without voucher. Defended myself when necessary.” “Durka Returns” is, in most respects, a fairly middling episode of … Continue reading The Wonders I’ve Seen: 1×15, “Durka Returns”
“The slug who would be king.” There are a lot of things that make “Jeremiah Crichton” a bad episode. The acting from nearly all of the guest stars. Ben Browder’s fake beard. The racist undertones. But probably the worst thing … Continue reading The Wonders I’ve Seen: 1×14, “Jeremiah Crichton”
Big Finish review time once more! I started these reviews because I’d slowly built up a collection of Seventh Doctor stories, but foolishly deferred to my completist side by not actually watching or listening to many of them until I … Continue reading Doctor Who (EU): Big Finish Season 24, Part 2
“So how does the pious Zhaan coexist with all that rage?” “Rhapsody in Blue” is a love story. It’s several other things besides—a Zhaan character study, a mild psychological thriller, a vehicle for establishing some more backstory for John—but the … Continue reading The Wonders I’ve Seen: 1×13, “Rhapsody in Blue”
“It appears my training is failing me. I don’t want to die alone.” I hate this episode. On the one hand, it’s not skippable, really. The John/Aeryn plot line is a major turning point for them, and it’s a really … Continue reading The Wonders I’ve Seen: 1×12, “The Flax”
“Sorry, I don’t make the rules.” “You certainly seem familiar with them.” “Til the Blood Runs Clear” is a very masculine episode of Farscape. Not that other episodes haven’t been masculine, but usually that’s undercut by the way that Crichton … Continue reading The Wonders I’ve Seen: 1×11, “Til the Blood Runs Clear”
“When you look at me, what do you see?” “They’ve Got a Secret” is structured as two interlocking mysteries. In one, Moya’s systems are shutting down for unknown reasons; in another, D’Argo wakes up after being spaced believing that the … Continue reading The Wonders I’ve Seen: 1×10, “They’ve Got a Secret”
In Which an End is Just a Beginning What is the legend of Korra? The legacy of a show that has always toiled in the shadow of its predecessor. Marred by a difficult production, haphazard release, and near death by a thousand … Continue reading Re-Avatar State: “Day of the Colossus” & “The Last Stand”
Operation: Beifong While writing about a long form narrative, such as a TV show, it’s easy to get wound up in big ideas. Pontificate on characters, themes, and plots that have weaved in and out of the story over the … Continue reading Re-Avatar State: “Operation: Beifong” & “Kuvira’s Gambit”
“You attacked one of your own. Would you do the same to the rest of us?” “Of course.” Farscape has never been particularly coy about the kind of show it is—though on some level, it’s still coming to understand what … Continue reading The Wonders I’ve Seen: 1×09, “DNA Mad Scientist”
In Which, Despite Everything, It’s Still You In my opening piece about The Legend of Korra I offered a singular thematic idea that I believed served as the overarching structure of the show, even through the tumult of itss production. That if … Continue reading Re-Avatar State: “Beyond the Wilds”
Reunion Korra’s never really had a full Team Avatar. Though the group comprised of Korra, Mako, Bolin, and Asami have undergirded much of the action of the show, their ability to stick together and work as a unit has been … Continue reading Re-Avatar State: “Reunion” & “Remembrances”
“What are you waiting for?” “A third choice. Although I know there are only two.” Amazon Prime’s episode order for Farscape season one is completely wrong. “I, E.T.” comes seventh; “P.K. Tech Girl” comes fifth; “Back and Back and Back … Continue reading The Wonders I’ve Seen: 1×08, “That Old Black Magic”
Enemy at the Gates I often wonder, in the many times I pick back up at different points in the franchise, why I kind of glide over Book 4 of Korra. Personally I find it to be a well executed season … Continue reading Re-Avatar State: “Enemy at the Gates” & “The Battle of Zaofu”
The Coronation Korra has had many teachers throughout her stint as the Avatar. From the bending masters at her compound, to Katara, to Tenzin, to Unalaq, and Suyin. Many powerful people have stepped in to assist our heroine in the … Continue reading Re-Avatar State: “The Coronation” & “The Calling”
After All These Years Have you noticed something. A through line, whether intentional or nor, hangs through every single premiere in Korra, one that isn’t really commented or remarked upon by the show. Yes each premiere in the series ends in the … Continue reading Re-Avatar State: “After All These Years” & “Korra Alone”
“I hope you will only ever imagine how horrible it is to never return to the life that you love. You are smarter than that, Gilina.” Building an episode of television around a single guest star is a bit of … Continue reading The Wonders I’ve Seen: 1×07, “P.K. Tech Girl”
In Which There is Service and Sacrifice There is a point in every long running story where the true depths of the narrative unfurl, where ideas hinted at or pointed toward finally come into focus and the crux of the … Continue reading Re-Avatar State: “Venom of the Red Lotus”
The Ultimatum One of the reasons the death of the Earth Queen is such a huge moment for the franchise is that it finally, and truly, throws out the character safety net that has existed for the run of Avatar and most … Continue reading Re-Avatar State: “The Ultimatum” & “Enter The Void”
The Stakeout What does Zaheer want? A simple question that has been motivating both our heroes and villains, there’s been moments of chaos and calamity as our characters come into contact with the Red Lotus (thank God I can right … Continue reading Re-Avatar State: “The Stakeout” & “Long Live The Queen”
Original Airbenders What a week. After a short hiatus for processing the world in the past seven days I’m happy to so that I’m motivated and ready to wrap up the rest of the Legend of Korra. Indeed the timing is noticeably … Continue reading Re-Avatar State: “Original Airbenders” & “The Terror Within”
