Hostages 1.10 Burden of Truth

Hostages 1.10 Burden of Truth
Finally had time to catch up with this episode since I went to the show on Monday.

Duncan and Ellen working on the same team?! This is absolutely perfect. We never saw this coming and now Duncan has to trust Ellen as much as he's demanded from her from the beginning. It's a huge role reversal and they're both out of options. I'm glad Ellen is proposing that everybody has a choice and they can choose an alternative than to kill the President.

I'm afraid Ellen's husband may get mixed up in doing something to spoil everything. Both of the kids seem to be on board with cooperating, and they don't even know the whole story the way Ellen does. Everything is getting so intertwined and interesting now. There are so many layers to the plot that it keeps getting intense as more characters get involved

I don't believe Sandrine is going to flip on the team. She may be desperate to protect her son at all costs, but she's definitely not going to jeopardize the entire operation if she already has her debts paid off. She also remains involved with Kramer. He keeps showing his emotional support towards her, and his intentions are totally in the right place. He's also doing a lot of ground work with spying and watching Duncan's back. I guess Duncan can't trust anybody else but his brother.

This is such an interesting series! Even if it does end after this one season, I am glad Toni Collette and Dylan McDermott have taken part in this! =D

MisterWives, American Authors and The Royal Concept at Virgin MobileMOD Club

What a nice surprise! Shows like these are the reason why I enjoy diving into new music without a preconceived idea of their sound. It's a big chance of whether or not I enjoy the music, but it was definitely a nice discovery last night.

I knew about the American Authors from back when they opened for Royal Teeth at the beginning of June. That was the only band I was familiar with and my reason for purchasing a ticket to last night's Three of Clubs Fall Tour. They've gotten so much exposure ever since (i.e.: they made an appearance on Jay Leno's Late Show last month and radio show appearances on non-show dates).

The band brought Queens, New York based MisterWives and Swedish band The Royal Concept to my attention. I didn't know I've heard The Royal Concept's music before in passing (they have their popular song "On Our Way" out at the moment) but now I know who they are! Both bands have upbeat music with an eclectic and alternative twist, kind of like American Authors (who are more alternative and upbeat). I would describe MisterWives as bubbly and refreshing. The lead singer Mandy has fantastic vocals with a gorgeous rasp and wide range.

I bought all their EP's with the exception of MisterWives (who releases theirs in January) and now have new music to enjoy!

 

MisterWives; William, Murph, Mandy, Etienne, Dr. Blum and Marc

 

American Authors; James, Zac, Dave and Matt in the back.

 

The Royal Concept; Filip, David, Povel and Magnus.

David was awesome and wrote "Grattis på födelsedagen" [Happy Birthday in Swedish] for me across the top haha

Sleepy Hollow 1.09 Sanctuary

Sleepy Hollow 1.09 Sanctuary
Hooray, Abbie and Ichabod are more intertwined than we thought! I don't know what it is with the house that freaked me out other than the creepy tree man. It was empty with no furniture, showed all the signs of being haunted!

It looks like Jenny is going to be in the show a lot more now that Abbie is taking care of her. I don't approve of her dating Captain Irving if that's the idea the writers are trying to entertain with the audience. It's a bad idea, and this means he will get emotional with anything having to do with Jenny and Abbie.

I wonder if Ichabod's son is the key to everything in this. Katrina is stuck in a witch purgatory, Ichabod and the horsemen are alive because of each other and Abbie is smack in the middle of it. I want the son to be the reason to clear everything up so Katrina and Ichabod can both survive.

Reached my Quarter of the Century Crisis

My birthday weekend has turned into a birthday week. I've got to say, I can't complain! I didn't want to celebrate with the recent losses in my personal life, but I've been reminded by my family and friends to be grateful and thankful for what I have. I am young (somewhat), healthy and blessed to be surrounded by wonderful people.

My eldest sister Jamie took me out for the whole day! We ate lunch together and she had a wonderful idea to spend our afternoon. She took me downtown to Paintlounge on 784 College St. to paint on canvases for the day! It was a wonderful use of the afternoon and we had a blast using our creative energy. My sister is very artistically talented so it made me happy she wanted to do something we could both appreciate.

I was still working on my picture in this shot (bottom left), but as you can see on the right, my sister is a freaking rockstar at this! She also works with airplants in her free time, so I'll probably show you all her designs in future posts. This was such a fun time, and the employees played mellow, relaxing music in the studio for us to enjoy as we painted for the day.

Later on, we had all you can eat sushi where I expanded my stomach to a totally new level haha! I know later on this week, I am going to visit my cousins in Brooklyn and Tribeca. Great start to the birthday week!

Reign 1.06 Chosen

Reign 1.06 Chosen
We finally have a Sebastian centered episode (sort of)! I am glad they've touched upon his spiritual powers, the Pagan belief and how he inherits it from his mother, Diane. The writers finally explain what goes on in the forests on the palace grounds, but I don't understand why there isn't control over there. I think they must be runaways who overrun the forest, even though the kingdom is Catholic. The rebellion must be strong if they're hiding all over the castle.

Surprise guest appearance by Christopher Redman (Graceland, Arrow) and I wish he stuck around. The scenes he did with Bash were really intense. It looks like Bash really cares for Mary and I've been wanting for him to take a bigger role in standing for her.

I want to say Bash will use his powers for good, but I can see a jealous Francis provoking him into doing something else in the future episodes. It must be a mixture of his love for Mary and King Henry loving Bash more than Francis.

Not the greatest of episodes, but a significant wedge is driven between Francis and Mary. I am hoping Mary stands her ground like in the previous episode and gets to the bottom of Queen Catherine's plans.

The Tomorrow People 1.07, Arrow 2.07

The Tomorrow People 1.07 Limbo
This was actually a fun episode! Had a look at Stephen's school life and John had to have fun at his basketball game. He made it even with Cara and said they both made out with Stephen xD

I know this show makes us think Jedikiah and Ultra want to eliminate the entire species, but what if it's something else? 

What if he knows Stephen will eventually lead him to his father and really wants him =O if the tomorrow people's goal is to find Stephen's father and Jedikiah took Stephen to work with him, he may just want his father. I think that's the end goal =\

At least we know a bit more about next week with the hint "Thanatos" =)

Arrow 2.07 State vs Queen

More focus on the trial. I really don't know why they're stretching this out. Also, Sara looks to be written out of the episode. I would rather see her than Laurel, only because Laurel keeps playing the damsel position in this show.

I feel bad for Thea since she feels so angry and torn. She's the lonely girl with a brother as a vigilante, her mother in prison and a boyfriend as a rebel. I hope we get to see more of her in a new light (especially with the jaw-dropping news at the end of the episode).

The Count is one of the best characters we've seen on the show, and I mean that in a good way. As a villain, he's been so deranged and broad with his emotions. I absolutely adore Seth Gabel for bringing this character to life. Sebastian Blood is getting a larger role as an undercover villain. I don't know if he will team up with Malcolm Merlyn who is recently returned from the dad. I've missed John Barrowman on my TV and now his character is back to go after Moira. Thea being his biological daughter changes everything!

I'm afraid the island flashbacks still bore me. They're filler scenes to the present day situations in Starling City.

Hostages 1.09 Loose Ends

Hostages 1.09 Loose Ends
I'm loving all of this character development in the story. People are switching sides and it's come clear once you're in too deep, there's no getting out.

Creepy Quentin is second guessing everything. Once he found out who was pulling the strings, realising the seriousness of it all made him grow a conscious a little too late.

I'm happy Kramer and Sandrine decided to do something right. Something that wasn't orchestrated within orders but morally right because they knew it was wrong to kill anyone innocent in the way. They show the opposite of taking action when you're in too deep. They're prodocutive and since they're a team, it makes it easier not to get caught. When I saw Kramer in the side mirror, I knew they were risking a lot. I wonder if Duncan is ever going to figure out what they did.

Too many people are eliminated and new ones are becoming the giants in this. Next week's episode looks great, Ellen and Duncan will probably be better off working together as a team if they allow it to happen.

Once Upon a Time 3.08 Think Lovely Thoughts

Once Upon a Time 3.08 Think Lovely Thoughts
Poor young Rumple. Never thought I would say that, but now we know the significance of the doll Rumplestilskin crumpled over at the start of the season.

Captain Hook got a haircut! I notice weird things, but I do see it. Now everyone is equipped with a sword or some dark magic. It looks like jolly fun, especially since they're finishing each other's sentences.

Peter Pan just causes havoc and trouble. He's a miserable young boy who will never grow up. This makes sense considering the jaw dropping SPOILER NEWS that Peter Pan was once an adult. Not just any adult but Rumple's father!!

That ending too with Henry's decision, I'm sure he can be revived. He's died twice in this show already, Emma totally has the power to bring him back. This island actually change everything!

This is a good episode to break before their mid-season winter finale and March 9th return. I am so happy the writers and producers have thought this series through =D

Reign 1.05 A Chill in the Air

Reign 1.05 A Chill in the Air

Now I knew I wouldn't like this new character Olivia but at least by the end the episode, we found out the purpose of her presence. Also I'm very happy Mary is taking charge and not playing a doe-eyed lady of the court. She has every right to suspect everyone, especially Catherine, to try and throw her out of France.

Thank you Francis for being a gentleman only to go back on your word, to being apologetic and back again to a full blown jerk. He has it in him to still be the hero, it's whether or not his heart will stick to protecting Mary. I hope this doesn't play out to be a loveless marriage. I'm optimistic and thoroughly invested in Mary and Francis!

The drunken confession scene Mary has with Bash had me laughing so hard, actually it was my favourite scene of the entire episode. I was waiting for the moment in the show Bash and Mary would finally be alone. It looked as if the writers, producers and marketing team were pushing for this all along. I just wondered when it would happen and I am happy it was at the start of the season! 

Does Nostradamus know about Bash and his supernatural abilities? He speaks openly about the practice but not particularly about Bash and his talents. I want that clarified soon.

Looks like Mary is losing Kenna to the king. She's running out of close friends who are supposed to support her. I'm happy Aylee is a double spy for Mary's sake. She's become the Severus Snape of the story =P I also hope Queen Catherine's plans fail miserably.

I'm very happy Reign announced they were picked up for a full season on Monday. I hope the story stretches out to be a great one with the right mix of comedy, romance and dark secrets. I know there's a lot of historical inaccuracies (yes – I know I always say this in nearly every entry) but it plays out to be more entertaining with all the fictional twists!

The Tomorrow People 1.06, Arrow 2.06

The Tomorrow People 1.06 Sorry For Your Loss

The writers have done well with this show. We found out Russell's story before he joined the Tomorrow People, the circumstances he dealt with and why he masks his emotions with his humour. John was nice enough to help, but of course he knew Russell would get distracted along the way. 

Twisting in Darcy leaving a sister behind shows a lot of sacrifice and manipulation caused their separation. She sacrificed her personal life but could have went to ultra against her will, which is where she was brainwashed to annihilate her own species. I was surprised with Darcy's character change in the bar. I didn't think she'd listen to Stephen about saving her sister. 

Cara is going too far with Stephen. She's riding on her anger against John and abusing the situation. I see her playing it off with guilt and then blaming John for keeping secrets from her. I hate when vengeful couples do that. 

Arrow 2.06 Keep Your Enemies Closer

Not so much interested in the filler island flashback scenes. They include Sara, but she's no longer in Starling City. I don't find it relevant to Oliver's present life. 

I didn't think the writers would pair Oliver with Isabel. It looks temporary but may endanger the corporation and her life outside the company. I always thought she was pulling strings but after seeing Sebastian Blood, maybe she's just misunderstood new money. 

I find myself less invested in the show only because I'm fascinated by The Tomorrow People as the alternative. 

Hostages 1.08 The Good Reason

Hostages 1.08 The Good Reason
Once again, I am wrong (wouldn't be my first time). I speculated the president's wife to be behind the hostage situation and murder plan. It's actually the sister, who the president had the affair with! Creepy Quentin isn't the one we fear anymore now that he backs down under the real people pulling the strings.

If Morgan really wanted to save Boyd, she should have signaled Agent Carlisle by addressing him as, 'dad'.

Kramer got investigated and Jake got to help! I wonder if Sandrine is remaining rebellious and unmoved by Kramer's actions. I find one of them is going to crack under pressure when it really comes down to it.

I don't believe the family can get real help. Agent Carlisle says he has people watching everywhere they go, it's impossible to escape!

So much happened tonight and we have new characters playing a role in the president's murder. This means there is way more people invested in this story than myself with the rest of my favourite television shows haha!

Once Upon a Time 3.07, The Walking Dead 4.05

Once Upon a Time 3.07 Dark Hollow
We finally have a crossover to Storybrooke!

I knew those two characters had to be Jonathan and Michael Darling! It makes a perfect sense with the a) English accents, b) the teddy bear hanging from the rear view mirror and c) manipulation under Peter Pan, who they said upfront they very well knew who they worked for. But now that we know who Peter stole Wendy and holds her captive, what was his motivation? He was always after Henry and formed the lost boys out of those who wanted to come along. Was Wendy supposed to play the mother role but changed her mind to go back home? I'm so confused why the shadow chooses who to take. This is exciting, I have many questions for this plot.

Captain Hook is really a hero in the group. I've said it before and I'll say it again, he's grown so much since we've first met him. Even before knowing his back story with his brother, his purpose and reason to do good has been for Emma and Henry. He's become so selfless and I want him to get back to Storybrooke with everybody else.

I really wonder where Prince Eric is in Storybrooke. Ariel deserves her happy ending already!

The Walking Dead 4.05 Internment
There's a lot going on in the prison, and I don't think anyone addressed the massive hole in the side of the building. We assumed it got sealed up once more people arrived, but I think that's one way intruders and walkers can still enter the place.

I feel the plot really needs to develop. With cutting Carol loose last week, I have complete faith she will return. I am not sure why Rick is so scared of Tyreese's reaction to finding out who killed the other two. I was surprised how Maggie was so on board with Rick's decision but I do understand with regards to a trust pact. You need to trust your people and not have them going off to make decisions without communicating them.

Daryl's reaction can be either one of two extremes: upset the kind of way he was with his Merle OR calm and passive about the entire idea. I could see him in a face off with Tyreese in the near future.

The ending seconds of the episode had me groaning. Do not want to see this character back in the picture!

The Paper Kites at Horseshoe Tavern

About two months ago, my two best friends Stacey and Nicole agreed we would go see this new Australian band. We purchased tickets back in the summertime when we knew our fall and winter would be jam packed.

The Paper Kites are an indie folk band, and they aren't what I'd stumble into on a whim. A lot of the songs they performed were mellow and slow. I found it somewhat depressing because they hit the stage at about 10:30pm and the old person in me was really sleepy. A couple of their songs were alright and I think I'll look them up on iTunes tomorrow. Again, their music genre wasn't exactly my taste but I will give it another shot with the songs I did enjoy. 

Halfway through, I was able to make my way a couple steps through the crowd and not have to view the band through other people's smart phones.

All in all, last night was fun with my two best friends =)

Reign 1.04 Hearts and Minds

Reign 1.04 Hearts and Minds

What an episode!! I love this show!

I especially appreciated the mention Mary made to Francis that half of Europe think he's a sickly boy. Totally true but again, this show is working with some historical inaccuracy. I do like it all considering Francis has stepped up as a real hero and a favourable protagonist. 

Bash is such a good brother; he's illegitimate yet his love for his brother is strong. I wonder if we will revisit Bash's supernatural ability from earlier in the season. I'm hoping to see some of that again, but with Nostradamus as a primary character, do not want a sorcery overkill. 

Clarissa is back and she is scaring me in the dark! The moment I think it is okay to watch with the lights out, I'm traumatized. 

A lot of action happened in this episode. I recommend jumping into it since it's really good with politics and love triangles!

Sleepy Hollow 1.06 The Sin Eater

Sleepy Hollow 1.06 The Sin Eater
I nearly lost interest in the show because of the three week hiatus between episodes.

Abby and Ichabod's relationship has grown so far from the beginning. I'm not sure how I feel about her connection with Ichabod though considering he is intertwined with the headless horsemen. Katrina has sacrificed so much for Crane that I think they won't get their happy ending. At the pace of the storyline, I see her sacrificing herself completely to let Ichabod live out his life curse-free.

It's nice to see Craig Parker (Legend of the Seeker, Lord of the Rings) again in another 'mythical' themed picture. Even if it is one flashback, he makes a great character no matter what range.

If this show remains consistent, I'll keep watching. Otherwise, I have other shows I could be reviewing!

Hostages 1.07 Hail Mary

Hostages 1.07 Hail Mary
Everybody is working against Ellen! She knows Duncan's dad and he knows way more than we thought. Looks like he is responsible for introducing her strong qualities as a surgeon to whoever is pulling the strings.

I still think it's the president's wife who is causing all of this. We know the president had an affair, so what other motivation than revenge and a broken heart?

Kramer is probably the nicest one of the kidnapping group. He's selflessly helping Sandrine with so much at risk! I think this may cause a rift between him and Duncan he appears to be the weakest/softest person with regards to keeping up his demeanor. We saw his emotions from the beginning when he gave Jake's dog back to him and fighting the drug dealers off. It probably comes from his past addiction where no one probably helped him and he knows what it's like to be helpless.

I also think Duncan is going to survive that ending scene or else there won't be a show to watch!

Once Upon a Time 3.06, The Walking Dead 4.04

Once Upon a Time 3.06 Ariel


The title of the episode is the giveaway. I think Ariel will get more screen time this season considering her role to cross between realms so easily. I am happy with seeing JoAnna Garcia Swisher (Gossip Girl, Are You Afraid of the Dark?) getting the part since I can believe her as a curious and intuitive character. I would think Baelfire/Neal escaped Neverland as a boy with the help of Ariel. Since Neverland is an island surrounded by mermaids and other creatures, I figure Ariel is a good person who wanted to help him escape.

Now I thought Ursula would be an actual character, but instead she stands as a mythical guardian. The enjoyed the animation scene through the mirror. I think it parallels those with magic and those with an actual higher power than those from the Enchanted Forest.

The best part of this episode was that we know we are getting the Storybrooke characters back together.




The Walking Dead 4.04 Indifference
I really DID NOT see that coming! Wow, Carol was the one who did it! She is a totally different person now, and I wish she stayed.

We all understand why she did it, but I have no idea why Rick is choosing Tyreese over Carol. He knows Carol, he went through that traumatic Sophia killing in season two and he's known her from the beginning when he reunited with his family. It's awful to see her "gone" but I am hoping she comes back. I find every part of her has grown into a full fighter like the rest. She's become resourceful, helpful and an all around key person amongst the survival of the fittest.

I wanted Rick to change his mind, but Carol now understands the consequences of acting without discussion.

I love you Ama

I've recently been dealing with the loss of my grandma in the last week and it has been a difficult time at home. I'm trying to keep busy and distract myself as much as possible. This is the only way I know how to stay normal and control my emotions better than before.

I wasn't prepared or expecting this loss since I felt there was some progress in her health in the last month. But my grandma was in a lot of pain and suffered so much through the years. She broke her hip a couple years ago and following our last vacation in May 2012 to see her, she experience a stroke a week after. Later on came the hospital visits and the struggle. I'll always remember the time periods she would spend with us in Canada.

She was a big part in our day to day lives and there isn't one day I wouldn't think about her while back in the Philippines. As a family, we would call her and YeYe every month, every birthday, every holiday and even for no reason at all. Ama raised us, taught us and really was the best role model she could be to us.

I'm sad she has gone but she's at peace and more importantly, she knew we loved her.