Showing posts with label FOX. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FOX. Show all posts
Quick entertainment news of the day. The future Dark Knight will be back to walk the streets of Gotham City on your television screen for another year! Revealed today at the Television Critics Association (and reported by TV Line), Fox has given early renewals to three of their TV shows. Two freshman dramas, Batman comic book origin story Gotham and hip-hop drama Empire, have both been renewed for a second season while sophomore comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine will return for a third season.
So far 2015 has
been a great year for renewals on the TV front - and my TV show schedule
thanks you! Though, as it's still early in the year, anything can
really change and I probably just jinxed myself with that last line. (Oh
no...must delete later...)
Did your TV show get the renewal treatment? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Fall isn't just the start of school or the changing season, it's also the brand new TV season. One of the most anticipated shows to premiere tonight is "Gotham" on Fox. Gotham tells the story of the future Commissioner Gordon (played by Benjamin McKenzie) and the origin stories of the many popular characters that make up the dark and gritty Gotham City in the time of Batman.
With the show set to air this month, many details have been revealed about the characters, including which comic book villains will appear as of the pilot episode. The Peguin, The Riddler, Catwoman and Poison Ivy are just four of the future villains who will have their origin stories explored in the first season. Similar to the likes of shows like "Smallville" and "Arrow", there are bound to be more characters and villains introduced throughout the season (and subsequent seasons, if successful).
Batman is my favourite superhero. What with the childhood cartoons, video games and movies, I am a fan - though I haven't read the comic books. In anticipation of the future characters, I've spent some time thinking of which potential villains could have their origin stories revealed on Gotham. NOTE: Just a helpful reminder, I didn't read the comic books so age accuracy and retcon could disprove some of my wishlist choices below. Also, I obviously left out the four villains above who will already be appearing in the show.
10. CLAYFACE
The genetically modified monstrosity. I'm not sure how Gotham's production will be run; I would assume it will be more realistic in special effects like Arrow compared to the upcoming "Flash" or Smallville. However, the original character of Clayface was supposedly an actor named Basil Karlo who was old enough to have a film be remade about him. Potentially Gotham could feature the younger actor as he films the original "Clayface" movie that would soon inspire his criminal moniker.
9. HUSH
8. MR. FREEZE
Let me get this out of the way: I'm not the biggest Mr. Freeze fan. His appearance in the Batman film that shall not be named ruined his image for me and I sometimes find him to be a tad corny. However, a re-imagining in a show like this - similar to the Dark Knight films - could fix that. His character is a little older in the current series so having him appear as a younger doctor wouldn't be completely out of the norm. It may not show his transformation into the demented Mr. Freeze but we could see his early beginnings with his ill-fated wife, Nora.
7. SCARECROW
6. THE MAD HATTER
Jervis Tetch is a dark and deranged character in the Batman universe. He's a hat maker who is obsessed with Alice in Wonderland; he is forever searching for his missing Alice. He took on the alias of the Mad Hatter and uses mind control technology to serve his own will. He's one of the few Batman villains to become more evil and villainous as the years progressed since his introduction and it would be interesting to see how the show portrays him in their version. He would be younger in the origin story but potentially we could see the original Alice that inspired his future criminal career.
5. RA'S AL GHUL
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4. PROFESSOR HUGO STRANGE
Batman Arkham City may be one of my favourite video games ever and Professor Hugo Strange was at the epicentre of the story controlling the events. Professor Hugo Strange is a terrifying character who uses powerful serums to control his victims. Before his descent into villainy, he was a psychologist. Out of the characters listed above, he may be one of the easiest to incorporate into the show as he could be the therapist or criminal psychologist to any of the criminals or victims in Gotham City.
3. BLACK MASK
2. TWO-FACE
Harvey Dent is a former Batman ally turned villain (and sometimes neutral ally). The scars on his face resulted when a mobster burnt half his face with acid. Soon Dent turned to crime as Two-Face, a criminal who flips a coin to determine decisions based on duality. While this wouldn't be the criminal origins of Two-Face, it could be the hero story of Harvey Dent as his younger self going into law or being a young friend to Bruce Wayne. He's one of the few on this list that I'm not sure could appear on the show; it may need to be similar to Poison Ivy's character and updated to fit the show's storylines.
1. THE JOKER
Which villains do you want to show up in Gotham? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
May is finally here and that only means one thing: pilot season is almost coming to an end. The network upfronts are set for next week and the networks will be unveiling their new line-ups and series orders. Unfortunately, many shows will be getting the axe this week to make room - similar to the recent announcement that Almost Human was cancelled by Fox after one season. Before the bad news starts coming in, let's enjoy the good news of renewals and series pick-ups.
While many naturally assumed this pilot as a lock for the 2014-2015 season, Fox has announced on May 5th that the pilot will become a series. Gotham, the comic book origin story of Commissioner Gordon (played by Benjamin McKenzie) and DC's super-villains, has been ordered to series to join previously picked pilots such as Heiroglyph and Backstrom.
In other renewal news, WGN America has renewed Salem for a second season. The supernatural period-piece accumulated great numbers for the network, scoring the honour of being the network's most-watched show in years. Salem is slated to hopefully return in 2015 for a 13-episode second season.
Check out the extended trailer below to get a closer look at the new series.
In other renewal news, WGN America has renewed Salem for a second season. The supernatural period-piece accumulated great numbers for the network, scoring the honour of being the network's most-watched show in years. Salem is slated to hopefully return in 2015 for a 13-episode second season.
Check out the extended trailer below to get a closer look at the new series.
Are you excited for Gotham? Was Salem on your renewal list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Send out the Bat-Signal - I'm too excited for the latest scoop. Revealed on Monday at the Television Critics Association (TCAs), Fox's Chairman of Entertainment Kevin Reilly announced that the recently ordered to series Batman prequel Gotham will also introduce the origin stories of several important DC villains and characters from the Batman universe.
Originally intended to focus on the origins of future police Commissioner James Gordon and the criminals that torture Gotham City, Gotham will follow the journey of a young Bruce Wayne as he develops into the Dark Knight. The beginnings of several notable DC villains will be introduced before they fought head-to-head with Batman, such as The Penguin, Riddler, Catwoman and much more.
While no production details have started except for the pilot script, Reilly did state that Bruce Wayne's story will follow him from around the age of 12 until he puts on the Batman cape in the series finale (whenever that may be).
Are you excited for the origins in Gotham? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
In less than 12 hours, we'll be saying goodbye to 2013 and welcoming a new year. New shows will premiere, seasons will return from their breaks and in the coming few months, the axe will start dropping as struggling performers are cut from next year's line-up. With the holidays nearing its end, many programs are set to resume this week. New year, new possibilities!
From my personal list of shows that aired in the Fall/Summer, I've come up with a few hopes and predictions for the rest of the season. Obviously, I will mention stuff that's happened on the show so this a SPOILER alert to anyone who has yet to watch so turn back now!
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
The series finale is set for March 2014 and the story is slowly (as in VERY slowly) inching its way toward introducing Ted to the Mother. With the final season centred on Barney and Robin's wedding, I would like the last few episodes to tie the Mother's involvement and connection to the group as this wedding shouldn't be the sole focus. Plus, a twist at the end is always appreciated (my guess is either Ted or the Mother has died in the future).
THE ORIGINALS
So much is yet to come with Hayley's baby and the mystery surrounding its upcoming birth could change the course for the remainder of the season. New creature? New powers? In the meantime, I would love if Davina's story continues to be a major plot arc as The Harvest could prove to be a climactic season finale, especially now since she also has Josh and a newly "freed" Cami on her side to protect her.
THE WALKING DEAD
With the prison gone and the group splintered, it's become a game of survival until they find each other again. New characters are going to be introduced but a few current ones will obviously have to go to make way for new storylines. Carol should hopefully reunite with the team, Beth/Maggie need to survive after losing their father and some resolution should be done about Judith's disappearance. Spoiler: she dies in the graphic novels, but it shouldn't be left ambiguous.
REIGN
Nostradamus predicted the future but Mary's relationship with Francis is still unclear (on the show... not real life). Giving her virtue to Francis and now running off with Bash, this will add a new layer to the love triangle and make things more complicated if she returns to French Court. For Mary and her friends, the death of Aylee could leave the girls rethinking their future and place while at French Court. New love interest for Lola? Pregnancy for Kenna? Commitment for Greer? All predictions and I can't wait!
TEEN WOLF
A bloody Stiles?! Maybe the latter half of this season could be where Stiles becomes a supernatural creature? Even Lydia is now something more than just the popular girl and even as a human, Alison is a hunter. Always the comic relief, it would be interesting to see how he copes with a new curse... and maybe a new love interest for Teen Wolf?
ARROW
I've got a lot to catch up on with Arrow and I'm still a little behind with the second season. However, whatever the case may be, I do hope that Felicity and Oliver start dating or continue their flirtatious moments. They possibly have the best chemistry that resulted from an unexpected pairing. Until Laurel becomes the Black Canary and Flash has his own series, I can focus on this potential romance as a possibility.
REVENGE
What a midseason finale! Emily's shooter was revealed to be her new husband Daniel after he learned the truth of her conniving ways. She went overboard with two shots to the stomach and now the upcoming previews show that she has amnesia. For the first time ever, the Graysons have the upper-hand against Emily and it would be great to see how Daniel reacts to this new predicament. Will they stay married? Will he try to kill her again? Plus, what has happened to Victoria? Since she might be framed, I'd like for the tables to turn in her favour and have the Queen Grayson hold the power for once.
GLEE
This is not so much as a prediction but a recommendation for Glee. I'm a fan of the series but the tone/quality has drifted so far from where it originally started. The show has split into two stories: the New York story and the glee club story. Since there will be another graduation coming up, once the last of the original glee club members have graduated, the main story should shift to New York solely. There's potential there for a rounded plot with many of the original Glee club members and it's clearly the main focus that's keeping its core fans.
ONCE UPON A TIME
Reboots are a tricky thing and Once Upon A Time is taking a gamble with its latest twist. Spoiler: Peter Pan ushered a new curse which caused Regina to remove every fairytale character from Storybrooke and return them to the Disney World without their memories. Has everyone forgotten their memories? Hook hasn't and he's reached out to Emma for help. I hope that all of the good that came from Storybrooke isn't gone because the "Happily-Ever-Afters" throughout the three seasons (i.e. Ariel, Cinderella) were sweet to see and I wouldn't want them gone. If something were to have gone wrong with Peter Pan's curse, that could be an interesting development.
THE CARRIE DIARIES
Sebastian's gone, Walt's kicked out of his home, Maggie and Mouse are alone, and Carrie is only just starting her adventure in New York. The future of this teen drama is still on the bubble but before its last remaining episodes, a few Sex and The City origin stories might be needed. Graduation is coming and Carrie will obviously make her way to New York but who will she meet there? Miranda? Charlotte? The infamous Stanford? Someone new should be on their way to help the series; Samantha can only do so much.
2 BROKE GIRLS
Many highs and lows for the cupcake shop throughout the three seasons. Success can't come soon enough but after the second season, it shouldn't feel rushed. What about Max's mother and Caroline's mother? These two important characters have been unseen, but we've heard a lot about them. Having one of them appear could shake up the show and add a new level to the girls' backstories. Plus, someone should experience a new romance...even if it's Han.
THE VAMPIRE DIARIES
NO MORE NEW DOPPELGANGERS! The whole Silas/Amara/Qetsiyah love triangle arc helped to add some backstory to the curse but it did little to add excitement - it was more of a distraction to end off a Season Four plot. With that arc finished (hopefully for now), Katherine will be a main focus and the mystery of the knife should be revealed. I don't think she'll die (yet) but her collapse will cause the group to take a drastic action.
MARVEL'S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.
Simple prediction but an important one: more Marvel characters will appear. If Smallville and Arrow can get away with using characters from its universe then SHIELD could be ready to have a few familiar faces pop up. The season so far has been without superheros or superpowers for the large part and with the remainder of its first season still airing, someone is bound to appear.
PRETTY LITTLE LIARS
With a season and a half left in the series (potentially), there are a few more bombshells left to be revealed. Ezra, now confirmed to be a member of A team (or the enemy of A team), could start the fight of his life to find Alison, especially now that she's revealed to be alive. In the battle between Ezra and Alison, I think a few more people will be revealed as part of the conspiracy and Ezra won't make it past the season alive.
AMERICAN HORROR STORY: COVEN
A few more episodes left in the mini-series and it looks like the two queens of New Orleans are coming together against the hunters. While it looks to become a war of witches against hunters, not all will survive and I predict that potentially the witches may turn on each other at the end. Who is the Supreme? My guess is either Misty Day, Zoe or Nan.
BONUS
SLEEPY HOLLOW & THE BLACKLIST
I only promised 15 predictions but these two shows carry simple predictions that I wanted to throw in. On Sleepy Hollow, Ichabod learned that he had fathered a son with Katrina after death while Liz is still searching for her birth father on The Blacklist. My guess for both shows: Red is Elizabeth's father and Jeremy Crane will return at the season finale from being buried alive by the coven.
Agree or disagree with my predictions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Never try to hide from the Sandman.
This week on Sleepy Hollow, the past rears its ugly head, Jenny reveals more than she originally let on, and Ichabod finds a safe haven for their apocalyptic mission.
MR. SANDMAN, BRING ME A DREAM
Eyes full of sand and nightmares that tear the soul, the big bad this week in the quiet little town of Sleepy Hollow is the nocturnal dream creeper, the Sandman. After witnessing the "suicide" of Dr. Vega, Abbie discovers that the ill-fated victim was the doctor that treated her sister Jenny. Unable to save the next victim, Abbie and Ichabod learn that the evil this time is the Sandman; a monster that is on a mission to exact revenge against those who've caused a great injustice through lying and deceit. Dr. Vega, Mr. Gillespie (the man that found Abbie and Jenny years prior lost in the woods), and Abbie all lied about what really happened in the woods; causing Jenny to be mistakenly sent to a psychiatric hospital to be treated.
With the Sandman running around in the dream world, Ichabod and Abbie needed the help of a shaman to enter the realm. Their help came in the form of a car salesman that reluctantly allowed them access to find the monster. Abbie overcame her inner-demons and sent the Sandman away, but the damage was already done and only she could repair her sister's trust.
THE OTHER HALF
Jenny is the unknown piece of the mystery. Both her and Abbie experienced the blackout and witnessed the monster in the woods but while Abbie denied the truth, Jenny embraced it. She knows the truth and possibly might know more of the mystery than others around her. Ichabod tried to reach out, giving her bits and pieces from the outside world, but she pushed him away. She's escaped from the institution and might pop up in a later episode. This won't be the last we'll see of her.
HOME SWEET HOME
A new revelation is the safe haven and workspace for Abbie and Ichabod. They've discovered a new office room where they can work on their weekly missions and plot to stop the apocalypse. With all these hidden rooms and tunnels around Sleepy Hollow, how has NO ONE discovered them before?
Will Abbie and Ichabod find Jenny? What next monster will appear next week? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Back for another week and suffice it to say: I'm hooked. I like the story of Sleepy Hollow and it's a good mix of unrealistic storylines with fun characters. I couldn't help but watch to if I still liked the show in the second week. (Sometimes the pilot can be the only impressive episode.)
This week on Sleepy Hollow, Ichabod adjusts to the real world, an evil witch rises from the ashes, and someone from Abbie's past makes an appearance.
BURN BABY BURN
The Headless Horseman returned but a new foe has emerged as this week's new big bad. Serilda, an evil witch burned by the townsfolk of Sleepy Hollow, returns to reclaim her earthly body. To complete her mission, the evil mirror demon resurrects Officer Andy (John Cho) - broken neck and all - to find the descendants of the man that prosecuted and condemned Serilda to death. By the time that Serilda has murdered one man and stolen the ashes of another, Ichabod and Abbie have followed her to her burial place beneath the city with hidden tunnels leftover from the war. She returns for a brief second before being set on fire with remnants of abandoned gun powder left. How convenient!
ON THE OTHER SIDE
The loved ones came out in full force this episode; possibly to give Ichabod and Abbie more connections than just to each other? Katrina, Ichabod's departed love, foreshadows the four horseman rising and warns of the impending apocalypse while still being absolutely vague. Before Serilda bites the dust (quite literally), she confirms that Katrina is trapped in a world between worlds and Ichabod now has renewed hope to be reunited with his lady love. We also are introduced to two people from Abbie's past: her former boyfriend and fellow cop Luke and her sister Jenny. Luke may cause a little romantic trouble for Abbie but it seems that Jenny may play a bigger part of this Sleepy Hollow mystery than she realizes.
THE REAL WORLD: SLEEPY HOLLOW
Ichabod adjusting to the real world may be some of the funnier bits. The post-it notes explaining how to perform simple tasks, discovering donut holes and being outraged over the tax: priceless moments. I'd like to see more opportunities for Ichabod to be surprised and shocked - he seems to too well-adjusted for someone more than 250 years old.
Will Katrina be freed from her world? Is Jenny the next target? What's the next modern item Ichabod discovers? Share your comments below about this week's episode.
Beware of the Headless Horseman.
I remember from childhood the tale of Sleepy Hollow and its infamous midnight rider, the Headless Horseman. Simply a story written decades before that I merely read for my Grade 7 literary class, plus I did love the Tim Burton film with Johnny Depp. When FOX announced it would pick-up a re-imaging of the classic tale set in modern times, it sounded like an interesting premise to watch.
This week on Sleepy Hollow, Ichabod Crane awakens from his slumber, the Horseman marks his latest victims, and a mission to stop the apocalypse begins.
SWEET DREAMS
Ichabod Crane (played by Tom Mison) is a former British professor turned American soldier more than 250 years ago. After fighting a mysterious British soldier and slicing off his head (there will be a lot of headless jokes going forward), Ichabod collapses from his battle wounds only to wake up in modern times in an abandoned cave. For a man over 250 years old, he surprisingly took this new modern world pretty well. He made it into the town of Sleepy Hollow without becoming a raving lunatic before being arrested for no apparent reason (seriously, jay-walking isn't a severe crime). He becomes the top suspect for the latest murders... that happened only five minutes before... on the opposite side of town... while using an axe and a horse. I think the word missing here is logic.
THE HORSEMAN RIDES
Returning from the cold depths of hell is the Headless Horseman; an unnamed British soldier with a strange mark on his hand. Responding to a mysterious 911 call, Lieutenant Abbie Mills (Nichole Beharie) and the Sheriff arrive at a farm to discover that it's owner has lost his head - the first victim of the Horseman. Unfortunately for the Sheriff and his one pistol, Abbie finds her partner decapitated and the Horseman riding off with a stolen horse.
Ichabod, for some reason, is the top suspect but after passing a lie detector test, he's to be sent to an institution, ordered by Captain Frank Irving (Orlando Jones). Abbie isn't as oblivious as her Captain, she believes that something's wrong and when the next victim, the town Reverend, is murdered, she starts to believe Ichabod's story and breaks him free from the institution to find the horseman and his missing head. (Yes, I said his head!)
Returning to Sleepy Hollow, they locate the Horseman's head and a stand-off ensues to protect it until sunrise. They succeed and the Horseman is forced to live without hats for yet another week. Still, the image of the Horseman riding off with a machine gun might possibly be the best moment (see above).
SEVER YEAR MISSION?!
Prophecies are all well and good but everyone is surprisingly accepting this fate too easily. Earlier while in the burial cave, Abbie and Ichabod found a book left by Katrina (Katia Winter), Ichabod's wife and a burned witch, detailing the apocalypse and a coming battle. The Horseman is apparently one of the four horseman of the apocalypse and will bring about the end of days. Both Abbie and Ichabod are the chosen ones to fight a seven year battle! Seven years is a long time and to them it sounds like the best news; I would be breaking down hearing that time frame but don't worry, it's normal. A headless walking man, decapitated heads, witches, prophecies - it's all normal for Sleepy Hollow.
Who will be the Horseman's next victim? What items will Ichabod uncover in modern times? Will the show even last seven years? Post in the comments and share your thoughts on this week's episode.
FOX must be on a spending spree since they've practically finished their series orders in one day.
As reported on Wednesday by TVLine (for comedies and dramas), FOX has revealed an astounding nine series orders for their 2013-2014 season. The pick-ups come on the heels of the network's upfront event scheduled for next week where they will reveal their new line-up.
Police ensembles are the highlight for FOX next year. Included in their drama orders is the J.J. Abrams' futuristic cop thriller Almost Human, which was buzzed as a sure-thing for weeks now. An adaptation of the classic Headless Horseman tale Sleepy Hollow was also ordered, as well undercover cop thriller Gang Related and legal drama Rake. Based on descriptions alone, I'd love to see how Almost Human and Sleepy Hollow turn out - J.J. Abrams has impressed me with his previous work and I really liked the tale of Sleepy Hollow as a child.
The comedies are another story for FOX as it is their bread and butter. Among the previously ordered sitcom Dads, FOX has picked-up the Andy Samberg comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine, family comedy Enlisted, the Chris Meloni sitcom Surviving Jack and romantic-comedy Us & Them.
Did your FOX pilot get picked up? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Did anyone else see the final death coming?
Death scenes on The Following have been anything but subtle and yet it's sad to see a likeable character go. The FBI team is getting closer to confronting Joe and his followers, but I'm still left scratching my head at points. With only one more episode left to go in the season, will Ryan finally have his long overdue confrontation?
This week on 'The Following', the killer groupies staged a widespread attack on the local community centre, Claire took a stand against Joe but was somehow caught (again) and is now being held captive on a ship. Also, Emma sealed Jacob's fate by cutting ties with her former flame (and his neck). To get excited for next week's season finale, I've got a few predictions and guesses that I'm thinking could happen at the thrilling conclusion.
1. THE FBI WILL SAVE DEBRA
Too many characters have died on The Following and I don't think they would cut out another FBI team member. This week's episode ended on a cliffhanger where two of Joe's followers have kidnapped the scared FBI agent and buried her alive for the sheer fun of it. The teaser promo shows Debra reaching out to Ryan and the team trying to find her but will they? Debra's backstory about growing up in a cult has been a good fit with the current theme of The Following; I don't see why they would cut her out for a new character. Ryan will probably save her just in time and she'll be back for next season.
2. EMMA WON'T MAKE IT THROUGH THE FINALE
The obsessed killer groupie has been unwavering in her devotion to Joe, so much so that she's killed anyone that has gotten in her way. On this week's episode, she murdered her former flame Jacob because he wanted to leave Joe's cult and had asked her to come with him. Shame to see Jacob go, he was one of the most likeable characters and actually felt guilt compared to certain others. Emma has blindly followed Joe throughout his recent crazy ramblings and that will eventually get her killed. Plus, Jacob's ominous warning is definitely a foreshadow to next week. She wants to be the new Claire in Joe's life, but I don't think she will reach her goal. (Unless the producers decide to keep Emma around for next season.)
3. JOE AND CLAIRE ARE STILL IN LIMBO
I'm stuck between the fates of Joe and Claire. Halfway through this week's episode Joe has recaptured Claire and is now holding her hostage at sea. Ryan and the FBI will need to locate the pair and hold a thrilling confrontation aboard the very tiny boat. My guess would be that one of them, either Joe or Claire, will survive while the other won't (or both could projectively not make it). Joe has proven to be Ryan's adversary in this fight of good vs. evil and the storyline needs to have a final resolution. There's only so much cat and mouse episodes this plot can pull off before it gets tedious. Between the pair I think Joe will be written off, with Claire getting a small edge over her psychotic ex-husband. The last few episodes have progressed to an upcoming climax where Ryan and Joe would finally face off; there's no other place Joe could run out at sea.
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| Photos courtesy of FOX and Dread Central |
4. THE KILLER GROUPIES WILL FALL
I'm looking at The Following like a mini-series; similar to that of American Horror Story. Next season should focus on a new mystery and a new serial killer that will terrorize the world. Joe is a great antagonist to Ryan and knows how to pull his strings, much to the pleasure of the viewers. Though with all the back-and-forth failed attempts, I don't see the same plot lasting for several seasons. Unless a major direction change happens next week, Joe won't be sticking around for too long. His organization will crumble and a new big bad will step into his shoes.
The first season could end on a high note or leave it on a cliffhanger that continues the same story. I hope for the former as I'd like to see how Ryan and the team chases a new criminal; maybe even with Joe behind bars?
What do you think will happen in next week's season finale? Share in the comments below and post your thoughts about this week's episode.
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| Photo courtesy of SheKnows |
Writer's block could be the only thing to take down the big bad Joe Carroll.
Sorry for the delay in putting up this post. It's been a busy few days and admittedly I missed the first airing on the episode due to a previous matter. I have caught up with The Following; however, since the episode has been out for a few days already, I'll change the format of this recap to be short and sweet.
This week on The Following, Joe ties up loose ends personally when his writer's block keeps him from continuing his masterpiece. Plus, we learn a deep dark secret about the tortured Ryan Hardy.
CUTTING LOOSE ENDS
The killer groupies on The Following are like pawns - they're expendable, used to distract from the real threats and are easy to take out. Problem is that they come and go like extras hired for the background scene of a movie and only fill up storyline for a week. (Someone should really set up a counter: number of killer groupies revealed vs. how many died.) This time that said groupie is Monroe, the militia leader who supplied weapons to Joe and went off-the-grid but still apparently threatening enough that Joe would need to eliminate him personally. While both the FBI and Joe's followers were easily able to find Monroe (and yet they couldn't find Jordy in episode two), it was only a matter of time before he died.
The confrontation led both Joe to kill Monroe and Ryan to kill Vince, Monroe's second-in-command, without any real harm to the central cast. Though, the interaction did prove that Joe isn't all cold and collected as he wants everyone to believe; his writer's block has left him to become unhinged and sloppy. Ryan could have the upper-hand in the following weeks leading up the season finale now.
THE KILLER WITHIN
Enter flashback: Ryan, a young kid ready to break out and cut loose (Footloose!), experiences the greatest tragedy of his adolescence. He witnesses the death of his father by the hands of a robber (and subsequent addict) at the local convenience store. Joe tortures Ryan with the memory of his father's death all episode... through scene with the glass window was a little too Silence of the Lambs. We did learn that Ryan and Joe might have more in common than thought: mini Ryan forced his father's killer by gunpoint to overdose on drugs.
SMACKDOWN IN CRAZY TOWN
Emma has a case of Single White Female going on. (Everyone loving the movie references?). When taunting Claire about kidnapping Joey, the former Mrs. Carroll delivers a dose of karma against Emma with a well deserved slap! (Go Claire, this is the first time I'm impressed with her character.) Roderick breaks up the fight before Emma lets loose on her competition but it's quite obvious the little psychopath wants to replace Claire. Joe might be sleeping with the frenemy again, but she'll never be the new "Claire" character in his book.
Is Ryan's new revelation a sign that he may join the dark side? Share your thoughts in the comments section below and let me know what you thought of this week's episode.
If Joe won in last week's episode, Claire was definitely the winner this week.
This week on The Following, Ryan and the FBI team discover a new hideout for Joe's followers, Claire gets closer to seeing her son and we learn more about Ryan's ex-girlfriend.
MAZE OF CONFUSION
A new break for the case or another endless loop? Picking up from last week's episode, the FBI team uncovered a website where Joe has been recruiting his followers. The IP address leads Ryan to an S&M bondage club, of all things and a mysterious woman named Hayley is their link to the website. Hayley is innocent but one of her clients is a cult follower (and loves the rough stuff - no surprise there). Instead of serving jail time for her previous crimes, she offers to help trap the delusional follower and bring them slightly closer to Joe.
Can I just say that this FBI team is always one step behind? They make impromptu decisions believing that it will get them closer to the compound but it blows up in their face. First, Hayley gets metaphorically kidnapped by her client and once he finds the hidden wire under her shirt, he begins to chase and beat her in an abandoned underground maze of tunnels. Where do the killer groupies find these places?! A giant farmhouse, a large open mansion compound and a hidden bunker with access to tunnels - who is their realtor? (And can he find me an apartment?).
Ryan and Debra save Hayley in time but her client is already long gone. Another key discovery in this episode is that the bunker isn't only an armory, it's a training camp. A hidden room in the tunnels housed several potential groupies locked in an room; proving their loyalty to Joe. Once the FBI SWAT team opened the door, they swarmed two of the police officers like rabid zombies.
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| Photos courtesy of CTV and Hitfix |
QUEEN UNDER SIEGE
Claire, in all her stubborn maternal glory, agreed to leave with Roderick last episode to reunite with Joey. Unfortunately for her, once she arrived at the compound, she still does not get to see her son. Jacob changed since he murdered Paul; he's giving Emma the cold shoulder and now he's taking charge of looking after Claire. He pushes her to the ground when she argues back and forces her to dress up for an "intimate" dinner with Joe. A creepy dinner with her psychotic ex is just what she needs!
Joe's dinner doesn't go the way he wants. It's obvious that Claire isn't in love with him anymore but he's not giving up. Anyone else feel uncomfortable when Joe said the mind could be conditioned? We already saw what he does to his potential followers - I bet what will happen to Claire and Joey will be much worse. There were a few happy moments: Claire and Joey were reunited at last!
GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY
Ryan's ex made a reappearance last episode. The mysterious blonde woman is Molly, a nurse in the terminal ward with a kill record higher than Joe's. Through several flashbacks it's revealed she moved to New York at Joe's request and had asked to kill Ryan personally. My guess is that it won't happen. Joe is having TOO much fun playing with his nemesis to give up the ghost.
Will Molly have her chance to kill Ryan? Share in the comments and post about your thoughts on this week's episode.
Joe must be wishing on a star tonight because he finally gets his way. It was bound to happen sometime!
This week on The Following, Joe sends two of his best enforcers to bring Claire to the compound by force and Jacob arrives to the killer compound, leaving Emma to deal with a cold shoulder.
LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD
Patience has run thin with Joe Carroll. He wants to have the love of his life back and he's tired of his followers' screw-ups. Enter two eager militia groupies who are ready to literally blow down the door to bring Claire back. Roderick is forced to tag along and he does not look happy. Meanwhile, at the FBI hideout, Ryan tires of not seeing Claire and believes that Joe's followers will strike any minute - he schmoozes his way into visiting Claire's hideout. Which just SO HAPPENS to be the same day the militia killer groupies attack the safe house. There are coincidences and then there's right on the nose.
In less than two minutes, all of Claire's protectors are shot dead and the pair are left to seek protection from Angel Battista... er, I mean Tyson. (Though, if he can't tell Dexter is a serial killer, I don't know how well he can do with Joe Carroll). Tyson is Ryan's former FBI partner and best friend who just so happens to live in the middle of the forest. Everything looks calm at first until Claire discovers a tracking chip slipped into her cardigan; the militia are coming and they won't stop until they get her.
Arriving in timely late night fashion, the three groupies storm the forest home. One is shot dead immediately through a glass door and another, I assume Roderick, begins taunting Ryan like an extra from The Warriors. Everything goes downhill for Ryan at this point: Tyson is wounded and Claire, making a stupid horror movie move, runs from the house and gets caught by the remaining groupies. They offer her a deal: enter the car and they'll take her to Joey. No surprise here... she takes the offer.
GIVING UP THE GHOST
Better call Bruce Willis because Jacob is seeing dead people! (Hey, it's not a spoiler if the movie's been out for more than 10 years). Finally arriving at the compound and giving Emma the coldest shoulder ever, Paul (yes, the DEAD Paul) comes out of the bathroom and teases Jacob to get out of bed and see a bloody Emma dead in the bathtub. Don't worry Emma lovers, it's only a dream - it's a foreshadow for his current feelings. Emma tries to apologize but his turned yet again while Joey, oblivious to anything going on, takes his best friend around for a tour. I'm retracting my earlier assessment of Joey. He's stopped trying to run and STILL half trusts Emma - I've lost a little respect for the delusional kid.
Who knew Joe played match maker? (Or pawned off his sloppy seconds to the groupies?) Sensing that Emma still craves the mad man, Joe urges Jacob to forgive the bad girl and take her back. He understands the stupidity in trusting the girl that abandoned him and brushes off Emma yet again. Her excuses were obvious lies; she only thought about herself and didn't care if both boys died. (I didn't see any tears or worry from her when Paul died).
Later that night Emma arrives to make peace and show Jacob how she really feels about him. I don't understand the allure of crazy Emma and yet Jacob starts to fall under her spell until Ghost Paul arrives. We finally see Jacob take charge and snap under the pressure between losing his best friend and the woman who caused it to happen. He tells Emma to "watch her back" and leaves in a huff. They'll probably get back together... or one of them will get killed off this season. My guess is on Jacob.
Did Claire make the right decision by going to the compound? Post in the comments below and share your thoughts on this week's episode.