Showing posts with label The Following. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Following. Show all posts
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.
Life is going to be tough for the Claire Matthews of the world.
This week on The Following, one of Joe's devoted followers begins her own chapter by targeting women named Claire. Plus, Jacob gets help for Paul from a trusted ally.
DEVOTION THAT HURTS
The cult has grown from a ragtag group of twenty-somethings to a compound full of people ready and willing to kill for Joe. One of the eager bunch, Amanda, is the next groupie to start writing her own chapter. Amanda, a wide-eyed giggly woman, is a widower who killed her cheating husband and his lover before joining Joe's group. Her contribution to the story will be a chapter that defines the love between Joe and Claire. Translation: by killing women named (you guessed it!) Claire Matthews. This groupie's just all about the love...
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| All photos courtesy of FOX |
The FBI team arrives at the rave in time to search for Claire Matthews #3. Unfortunately for them, Amanda has tracked her to the party. Claire, completely unaware of the killing spree in the real world, learns the shocking truth from a concertgoer who gets stabbed trying to protect her. The problem that I sometimes have with The Following is that the groupies are a dime a dozen - they pop in and out before we really get to know them. What started off with six has turned into a giant compound where someone is revealed as a Joe follower before either disappearing or getting killed. Suffice it to say that Claire Matthews #3 survives the attack and so does Amanda but we lose crazy blonde groupie from the last episode. Oh well! There's more where she came from.
A LOVE TRIANGLE SEPARATED
Jacob and Paul have been missing for the last few episodes after Emma abandoned them for the compound. This week saw the return of the "are-they-aren't-they" couple and their desperation to stay alive. With Paul heavily bleeding and near death, Jacob turns to the one person he trusts most: his mother. Hesitation (and a potential accessory charge) keeps her from helping the boys any further but she doesn't turn in her son.
Paul's situation is worse than Jacob originally thought. The infection has spread from the gunshot wound and without proper hospital treatment, he will die from his injuries. The relationship between these two guys has been a mixed topic between fans. (Hmmm... I wonder why?). The love triangle dynamic caused a lot of tension and now that storyline is over for another favorable relationship. Paul asks Jacob to end the pain of running and he completes his first kill for the group. Too bad that it was someone he cared about...
TEMPTATION COMPOUND
For a show about cults and serial killers, a lot of relationships are popping up. Emma and Joe hooked up last episode (much to the surprise of no one) and Roderick toys around with Emma's emotions. She clearly has feelings for Joe and thought that by losing Jacob AND Paul, it would help her snag a cult leader. It's painfully clear that Joe still loves Claire and he lets her down after their hook up.
Roderick might be my new favourite character. He contributed to the best part of the episode. Roderick invites Jacob back to the compound and the look the heartbroken groupie give's Emma: priceless! If looks could kill, Jacob could give Joe a run for his money.
Will Jacob forgive Emma for abandoning him? Can the FBI figure out the next chapter before someone else dies? Share you points below and post about your thoughts of this week's episode.
There's going to be a scheduled hiatus for the next two weeks.
Starting today and going on until the end of next week, I won't be writing episode recaps. My real life responsibilities are coming into play and I'll be missing the episodes when they air. Event work, organizing, planning and writing - oh the tasks that come with the job. It doesn't feel the same to write the recap days to a week later after it's already aired.
For shows like The Carrie Diaries, Revenge and The Following, I'll be holding off until then. However, if I can find the time in between or can watch the episode at an opportune and timely moment, I'll try writing something quickly. Cult was a one time occurrence and the Big Brother posts are completely separate.
I'll still try and post sometime soon. The website updates are always on my radar and will last longer than expected. In that time, if you have any suggestions on which shows I should recap, definitely post below.
What happens when a fictional FBI team swarms one farmhouse? Absolutely nothing.
This week on The Following, Ryan is held hostage while the FBI is getting closer to saving Joey. Plus, Claire meets a new scary friend and we learn a little bit more about Debra.
FROM HERO TO HOSTAGE
Cliffhangers are a great way to leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Last week, Ryan finally located Joey but Paul, the sexually confused member, placed a gun at the back of Ryan's head. Somehow with TWO (yes, two guns!) pointed at Ryan, a stand off still ensued - take the chance and fight him or risk being killed in the process. Emma, the real evil genius of The Following, took charge over the situation (by using 1% of her brain) and pulled out a taser to shock some sense into Ryan. Electric currents can harm pacemakers and Emma has no qualms in killing Ryan with the direct approach. (Maybe she should just make the decisions from now on?)
Ryan thought that he could hold out until the FBI arrives; however, the groupies would rather use their previous hostage Megan as fodder to improve their bargaining chip. FBI specialist Debra Parker reasons with the group, particularly by bringing up Emma's past with her mother. When the mysterious Roderick delivers a warning via the internet, the groupies start to crumble as Ryan continues to manipulate Paul and Emma reaches out to Debra yet again.
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| Photos courtesy of BuddyTV |
DALE VS. BILLY GRIMM
Did Billy Grimm do a guest spot on The Following this week? For those who don't know, Billy Grimm is a fictional character on The CW's Cult, which is a "show-within-a-show" about obsessive followers and cults. Billy Grimm is the leader on the fictional show in Cult and he surprising looks like this new character Dale. Part of the focus of this week's episode is the backstory of Debra Parker, the FBI cult specialist new to the case. Flashbacks revealed that Debra grew up in a cult society where her family was pressed under the thumb of their leader Dale. She went back after all these years to forgive her parents for them letting Dale rape her as a child. (Yes... she forgave them?!) I have some newfound respect for Debra. It takes a lot of courage to go back to the place where you were abused. Wait a minute... she's in the FBI and Dale's not arrested for statutory rape? Something's not right here.
THE STALKING GAME
Claire needs a serious dose of a reality check. She left police protection to find her son by trusting a serial killer, Charlie. (How she's still alive I will never know?) Let's meet Charlie: a tall, dark and mentally unstable former reserve member who has been watching Claire for two years under Joe's orders. While it's clear to everyone (except Claire) that Charlie is not to be trusted, she willingly stays until Joey arrives. If it wasn't for the FBI team who saved her, I have a feeling Charlie wouldn't have restrained himself. Claire should know better - she married a convicted serial killer!
Now that the groupies have disbanded, will Roderick be the new big bad? Post in the comments and let me know what you thought of this week's episode.
Tensions are boiling over for both the heroes and villains.
This week on The Following, the FBI get a small lead on Joey's whereabouts when they receive a call from the kidnapped boy. Plus, the groupies' new relationship starts to crumble when Jacob can't take the heat and Joe gets a new lawyer on his case.
FIGHT AT THE FARMHOUSE
The hunt is on to find Joey this episode. After being denied repeatably by Emma to call his mother, Joey sneaks a call in the early hours of the morning and reaches out to Claire in desperation. The few moments that Joey was able to call Claire gives the FBI enough time to track the call and determine which county the call came from. In a matter of minutes, the team determines the surrounding area and sends Ryan to find any leads.
The hunt is on to find Joey this episode. After being denied repeatably by Emma to call his mother, Joey sneaks a call in the early hours of the morning and reaches out to Claire in desperation. The few moments that Joey was able to call Claire gives the FBI enough time to track the call and determine which county the call came from. In a matter of minutes, the team determines the surrounding area and sends Ryan to find any leads.
Luckily for them and the local police team, a call is received from a worried couple that states Joey is staying at a neighbouring farm. Ryan and Random Cop #1 descend onto the property and find the mutilated corpses of the elderly couple who had placed the call. They determine that the groupies must be close by and they race through the woods to locate the white farmhouse from Joey's call. A new player has joined the groupies and is skulking around the property to help in their escape, yet Random Cop #1 thinks he can take them all down by himself. Let's take a moment to remember those we lost this episode: newbie groupie and random cop.
Cliffhangers are a great way to tempt people to watch the next episode. Paul has trapped Ryan at the barrel of a gun and the screen goes black! Would be interesting to see Claire, Joey and Ryan get kidnapped together for one episode. Obviously Ryan will find a way to break free and escape in time but it would be a different plot to watch.
RUN, JOEY, RUN!
Joey finally took a stand this episode and defied Emma in calling his mother. Even for a young kid, it took him a long time to realize that Emma couldn't be trusted and something bad was going on. (Not sure how this kid didn't notice something was up after the first day...) Unfortunately for him, Paul discovered Joey mid-call and dragged him back up to his room where Emma fed him a bunch more lies. The groupies expected the new lies to work yet again, except Joey, being the nosy kid that he is, overheard their whispered conversation and took off running into the woods.
Joey finally took a stand this episode and defied Emma in calling his mother. Even for a young kid, it took him a long time to realize that Emma couldn't be trusted and something bad was going on. (Not sure how this kid didn't notice something was up after the first day...) Unfortunately for him, Paul discovered Joey mid-call and dragged him back up to his room where Emma fed him a bunch more lies. The groupies expected the new lies to work yet again, except Joey, being the nosy kid that he is, overheard their whispered conversation and took off running into the woods.
Hope arrived in the form of a
kind, gently old man. The elderly man and his wife easily noticed that
something was wrong and proved to be the smartest extras this season so
far. (Hell, the wife knew Joey was kidnapped in mere seconds!) Emma
might be the scariest one on The Following - she lies to Joey
effortlessly to get him back to the house and then sends Paul to
eliminate the elderly couple in the same sentence. Joey's one and only chance imploded in one episode and now he's back in the clutches of the groupies.
CLIENT CONFIDENTIALITY
A new supporting character has joined The Following this week in the role of Joe's reluctant lawyer. Beckoned by the orders of Joe, his lawyer arrived with much hesitation and fear. (I would be too if a serial killer called me out of the blue.) He orders her to be his lawyer again and demands that she be his eyes and ears on the outside. First things first: make an ominous television appearance by reciting Poe (and 'activating' more serial killer groupies in the process).
A new supporting character has joined The Following this week in the role of Joe's reluctant lawyer. Beckoned by the orders of Joe, his lawyer arrived with much hesitation and fear. (I would be too if a serial killer called me out of the blue.) He orders her to be his lawyer again and demands that she be his eyes and ears on the outside. First things first: make an ominous television appearance by reciting Poe (and 'activating' more serial killer groupies in the process).
She obviously hates Joe and wants nothing to do with him, but she can't shy away and hide. Her next mission was to inform Claire on where to go for the chance to see Joey again. The plan works but when she thought that her role was over, Joe pulls the rug from under her. He's not done with her just yet! If Joe has an 'endless' supply of groupies, there could also be a big number of people that Joe blackmailed as well... just like his lawyer.
How will Ryan survive this week's cliffhanger? Can Joey find another opportunity to escape Emma and the others? Will anyone finally save the kidnapped girl in the basement? Post in the comments and share your thoughts on this week's episode.
Love is a complicated thing but on The Following, it's absolutely twisted.
This week on The Following, Maggie seeks revenge against Ryan for killing her husband in the last episode and the groupies try to figure out what to do with the hostage. Plus, more backstory is revealed about Ryan's relationship with Claire.
A WOMAN SCORNED
The groupies are out for revenge and nobody does it better than Maggie. The recently widowed groupie managed to escape the FBI at the end of last week's episode but she's back again with a vengeance. Maggie places a call to Ryan and states that she is holding his sister, Debbie, hostage at her restaurant. Immediately Ryan ignores Maggie's request by coming alone (he brought Mike) and coming unarmed (he's a cop - he always has a gun on him). They make a deal for Ryan's life in exchange for Debbie's - which Maggie is happy to hold with a twist. She ties him up and plans to kill him in the most "are you serious?" way possible: stopping his pacemaker with magnets.
The groupies are out for revenge and nobody does it better than Maggie. The recently widowed groupie managed to escape the FBI at the end of last week's episode but she's back again with a vengeance. Maggie places a call to Ryan and states that she is holding his sister, Debbie, hostage at her restaurant. Immediately Ryan ignores Maggie's request by coming alone (he brought Mike) and coming unarmed (he's a cop - he always has a gun on him). They make a deal for Ryan's life in exchange for Debbie's - which Maggie is happy to hold with a twist. She ties him up and plans to kill him in the most "are you serious?" way possible: stopping his pacemaker with magnets.
With Debbie tied to a chair and watching from afar, Maggie uses the magnets to slow Ryan's heart until it stops. A rule among the groupies is that no one is able to kill Ryan except for Joe. Though, since Joe was the cause of Ryan needing the pacemaker, Maggie only wants to finish was Joe started. The plan is working but then she cuts his wrists and lets him fall, only for Mike to sneak into the restaurant and shoot her dead. Seriously? The murder attempt was a little overcomplicated for a revenge ploy.
THREE'S A CROWD
A new dynamic was introduced in this episode with the three living groupies. Jacob, Emma's boyfriend and Paul's semi-boyfriend, has never killed anyone and can't seem to finish the job. It seems that Paul's ploy at calling Jacob a liar is more about his lack of body count, not what he did with his body. Emma catches wind of his virginity and "encourages" Jacob to kill the hostage in the basement. When confronted with the pain, Jacob lets the hostage go and she makes a break for the door. Unfortunately for her, Emma and Paul hear her SLAM THE DOOR (are you kidding me?!) and they quickly catch her in the barn.
A new dynamic was introduced in this episode with the three living groupies. Jacob, Emma's boyfriend and Paul's semi-boyfriend, has never killed anyone and can't seem to finish the job. It seems that Paul's ploy at calling Jacob a liar is more about his lack of body count, not what he did with his body. Emma catches wind of his virginity and "encourages" Jacob to kill the hostage in the basement. When confronted with the pain, Jacob lets the hostage go and she makes a break for the door. Unfortunately for her, Emma and Paul hear her SLAM THE DOOR (are you kidding me?!) and they quickly catch her in the barn.
This isn't a horror movie but it is a horror-inspired drama. Why didn't she just sneak out? That door was incredibly loud and the others caught on in a second. The real strange thing is that after recapturing the hostage, Emma and Paul connect in the bathroom and take a steamy shower together. Distraught over what he did, Jacob says that he's sorry and the others pull him into the shower with them! (I never know what to expect with this storyline).
FLASHBACK TIME
The Following can sometimes be 60% flashbacks. There were a lot tonight - though, the most important ones where when Claire met Debbie and when Debbie confronted Ryan for breaking up with Claire. It's nice to see someone be the voice of reason because I'll never understand why he isn't with Claire. He can make up any excuse he wants but he's still acting as a coward by not being with her.
The Following can sometimes be 60% flashbacks. There were a lot tonight - though, the most important ones where when Claire met Debbie and when Debbie confronted Ryan for breaking up with Claire. It's nice to see someone be the voice of reason because I'll never understand why he isn't with Claire. He can make up any excuse he wants but he's still acting as a coward by not being with her.
Who will be the next groupie to fall? Will the FBI discover the location of the house? Can the groupie's love triangle get anymore complicated? Let me know in the comments about what you thought of this week's episode.
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| Photo courtesy of FOX |
All of the killer groupies have been revealed!
This week on The Following, the masked killer reappears and begins his killer addition to Joe Carrol's work. Plus, more backstory is revealed from the groupies and Paul is not ready to play nice while Emma and Jacob play house.
LET THE REVENGE BURN
Picking up directly from the end of last week, the masked killer sets a random passerby on fire at a hot dog stand. Scared citizens catch the scene on video and the FBI is quickly on the case. Ironic that within the first 10 minutes of the episode, they found surveillance evidence and identified the killer yet they COULDN'T find Jordy in Claire's basement last episode. The killer is apparently a man named Rick Kester, who is one of the mysterious six groupies that follow Joe's teachings. With help from Rick's scared wife Maggie, the group confirms that the groupies are a cult and that Rick's ultimate plan is to enact revenge against three people who wronged Joe. The first being a book critic (that man is on fire!), Joe's former university dean (Rick's first victim using a knife), and the last being Ryan Hardy.
Picking up directly from the end of last week, the masked killer sets a random passerby on fire at a hot dog stand. Scared citizens catch the scene on video and the FBI is quickly on the case. Ironic that within the first 10 minutes of the episode, they found surveillance evidence and identified the killer yet they COULDN'T find Jordy in Claire's basement last episode. The killer is apparently a man named Rick Kester, who is one of the mysterious six groupies that follow Joe's teachings. With help from Rick's scared wife Maggie, the group confirms that the groupies are a cult and that Rick's ultimate plan is to enact revenge against three people who wronged Joe. The first being a book critic (that man is on fire!), Joe's former university dean (Rick's first victim using a knife), and the last being Ryan Hardy.
The team is unsure when Rick will strike next but they've placed Maggie under their protection until then. However, unbeknownst to them, Maggie is the last member of the groupies! She fatally strikes one of the supporting FBI team members before Ryan figures out the truth and charges in to save the day. Maggie escapes in time but Ryan shoots Rick dead and scores one small win for the investigation. (A very, VERY small win!)
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| Photo courtesy of FOX |
Emma, Jacob and Paul possibly share the most interesting of the plotlines in The Following. Their story is always filled with tension and is told through flashbacks from their time in the attic. Emma and Paul are still feeling the bad tension between each other while Jacob tries to play Switzerland. His advice maybe working because Paul raises the white flag... only for Emma to slice through it with her kitchen knife!
The past revealed that Joe and Emma concocted the 'gay neighbours' cover for the guys to get closer to Sarah Fuller. Though, real romantic feelings started to manifest between the guys and now Paul is left out of the relationship and he's confused about his feelings. He picks up a random girl at a convenience store, makes out with her and then kidnaps her to keep in the basement. I wouldn't consider this denial but instead jumping off the handle about his sexuality. It's very soap opera for a cop drama. (All they need left is a dramatic catfight and an affair with the shirtless gardener and I'm sold)
Also, the master plan for kidnapping Joey might possibly be to turn him into a serial killer. A bit sadistic if you think about it since his father came up with the idea. Like father, like son apparently.
Will Claire and Ryan just finally get together again? How will Maggie enact HER revenge? Will Paul admit his feelings to Jacob? Post in the comments and let me know what you think about the next chapter of The Following.
Is it weird to feel accomplished that I'm starting to recap another show?
It's only because I wanted to take it slow after starting with The Carrie Diaries last week. Now I think I could possibly handle more than one show on my own and I want to try another midseason show. The Following is a new thriller drama on FOX that follows an FBI team try to stop a serial killer and his obsessed followers. The pilot episode did pretty well and I enjoyed the shocking moments enough to check out the second episode.
This week on The Following, the search is still on to find Joey and the FBI discovers that one of Joe's dedicated followers is planning his addition to the horror story. Plus, some backstory is revealed about one of the kidnappers.
ALLEY OR FRENEMY?
Pilots are a great way to introduce the main cast at first. Though, they're also great to rework and write out characters that underperform once the pilot has been ordered to series. FBI agent Jennifer Mason (Jeananne Goossen) was the only real casualty of this; her character was dropped from the case for allowing Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon) to break three of Joe Carroll's (James Purefoy) fingers during interrogation. Joining the case as series regular is FBI specialist Debra Parker, who was asked to lead the team due to her experience on cults and cult behaviour.
Pilots are a great way to introduce the main cast at first. Though, they're also great to rework and write out characters that underperform once the pilot has been ordered to series. FBI agent Jennifer Mason (Jeananne Goossen) was the only real casualty of this; her character was dropped from the case for allowing Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon) to break three of Joe Carroll's (James Purefoy) fingers during interrogation. Joining the case as series regular is FBI specialist Debra Parker, who was asked to lead the team due to her experience on cults and cult behaviour.
Picking up from last week's episode, the team is dealing with the recent kidnapping of Claire's son, Joey. The truth is a little too unnerving when they discover that both Joey's nanny Denise and Sarah Fuller's neighbours, Will and Billy were secretly visiting Joe at the prison on a regular basis. A failed interrogation provided nothing in terms of information to locate the missing child but the group does uncover some details about Denise - who's real name is Emma. They travel to her abandoned childhood home and quickly hell ensues: they break in illegally (though nobody on the team cares), Ryan gets attacked by someone in a mask (scary moment but hilarious!) and the group discovers a dead body in the attic. Alright... take a minute and process everything because that was a lot to take in. (3... 2... 1... let's move on)
'Nevermore' once again appears throughout the house and the team can't help but now admit that they're dealing with a cult. Not really shocked with that revelation - it was mostly expected based on the promos and concept of the show. The new piece of information discovered is that since Sarah was murdered in the last episode, Claire is the new target for the serial killer groupies.
TIME FOR A REWRITE
Bumbling aspiring serial killer Jordy, who was the faux-cop from last week's episode, finished his first murder scenario by targeting three sorority girls. Chapter Two seemed to focus on Jordy's mission because he kept referencing that this was HIS chapter and everything would change based on what HE did. Once the FBI team realized that Claire was the next target, they rushed to protect her from the next killer groupie. However, Jordy was already hiding in the basement and he was able to sneak into her bedroom with a gun. (Really?! Nobody thought to search the basement?)
Bumbling aspiring serial killer Jordy, who was the faux-cop from last week's episode, finished his first murder scenario by targeting three sorority girls. Chapter Two seemed to focus on Jordy's mission because he kept referencing that this was HIS chapter and everything would change based on what HE did. Once the FBI team realized that Claire was the next target, they rushed to protect her from the next killer groupie. However, Jordy was already hiding in the basement and he was able to sneak into her bedroom with a gun. (Really?! Nobody thought to search the basement?)
A stand-off ensues with Ryan trying to talk Jordy down. Suffice it say, the group saves Claire in time and peace is returned... for only two more minutes. Interesting to note is that Joe fully expected for Jordy to die in the confrontation but a wrench was thrown into the story: Jordy survived. Promos showed that he'll be interrogated in the next chapter. I wouldn't be surprised if one of Joe's followers tries to silence him before he can spill anything that could ruin the rest of the story.
TROUBLE IN PARADISE
The more interesting of the storylines this episode was the backstory of Denise/Emma and the tension between the three kidnappers. Turns out that Emma was an admirer of Joe Carroll and HE set her up with Will/Jacob years prior. Yep, Sarah's neighbours aren't really gay but were just faking the relationship while these two kidnappers were secretly dating. Also revealed in the backstory is that Emma killed her mother - she was the dead body in the attic. Plus, it's VERY clear that Emma and Billy/Paul do not get along at all!
The more interesting of the storylines this episode was the backstory of Denise/Emma and the tension between the three kidnappers. Turns out that Emma was an admirer of Joe Carroll and HE set her up with Will/Jacob years prior. Yep, Sarah's neighbours aren't really gay but were just faking the relationship while these two kidnappers were secretly dating. Also revealed in the backstory is that Emma killed her mother - she was the dead body in the attic. Plus, it's VERY clear that Emma and Billy/Paul do not get along at all!
Episode two started off well and it is definitely trying to keep the momentum from its pilot. There were a lot of great moments and I have this strange feeling that Debra or Mike will secretly be part of the groupies. It's still very early to guess how the show will pick up for the rest of the season, but I'm hoping that for the next few episodes there is more of a mystery than a cop drama.
Will the team stop the masked killer next episode? What do the groupies have in store for Joey? Anyone else think that Paul might secretly have a thing for Jacob? Post in the comments and share your thoughts of The Following.