LUCIFER Not That Devilish

Article first published as DVD Review: 'Lucifer - The Complete First Season' on Blogcritics.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the DVD I reviewed for this blog post. The opinions I share are my own.

WB’s Lucifer, a weekly show airing on FOX, has now released its freshman season on Blu-ray and DVD. Having premiered in January on FOX, so its first run is short, this set contains all thirteen episodes on the three-disc set, plus bonus features.

Lucifer is a great example of wasted premise. Here, we have a hugely charming protagonist with a rich, complex backstory in Lucifer Morningstar (Tom Ellis, Miranda). So does the series dig deep into the character’s mythology, play with his morality in interesting and challenging ways, and make it one man’s journey towards finding his compass in life? Especially given that the premise has him bored with Hell and looking for some other meaning?

No, it’s just a crime procedural. Don’t get me wrong; it’s an entertaining crime procedural. But why pair up the devil himself with a detective (Lauren German, Chicago Fire) and have him solve cases when there are so many more ripe story possibilities? Why kowtow to the same tired, boring format, essentially cloning its case-of-the-weeks from dozens of other shows just like it, when it could be something so much cooler?

It’s not like Lucifer‘s producers didn’t have source material to draw from. The series is based on a comic book co-created by the wonderful Neil Gaiman (The book, for the record, is not as crime procedural). And it’s not like the cast isn’t up to the challenge. Ellis is terrific, and is joined by wonderful performers like Kevin Alejandro (True Blood), Rachael Harris (Suits), DB Woodside (24), Lesley-Ann Brandt (Spartacus), and Kevin Rankin (Justified). Instead, the production ignores the potential it has and goes the “safe” route of copying what has been successful with other shows in the past. In doing so, they fail.

The fact that Lucifer is enjoyable to watch anyway is probably the most frustrating thing about it. Which isn’t to say it’s a great show; it definitely isn’t, especially in the way Lucifer’s powers are handled. But when I have it on, I do like it. This is a testament to how good so many of the people involved are, which makes me wonder what this cast and crew could do it they truly set out to make an original, deeper series. It’s not too late to change future seasons. They should really consider it.

The extras on this set are sadly not great. The four, really five, character profiles are pretty pointless for anyone who is actually watching the show, as is the “Devilish Duo” video. A gag reel is a gag reel, and while I do see the entertainment value of them, they aren’t something I’m particularly fond of. This is an overall mediocre batch of deleted scenes. And even the Comic-Con panel is truncated and pretty bland. I really, really wish the studios would do a better job of producing these panels and releasing them for home viewing, as I think they could be a very valuable bonus, but so rarely are.

If you’re looking for some mindless entertainment, Lucifer has you covered. If you’re looking for something that will make you think, impress you, and maybe take home some award show gold, then you can skip this one because it’s not destined to be a long-remembered series with a passionate fan base. At least, not unless it changes it’s strategy completely.

Lucifer – The Complete First Season is available now.

LUCIFER: Devil in the Details, But the Format is Hell

Article originally published as LUCIFER Review on Seat42F.

FOX (along with the other broadcast networks) is killing me! Even when they have a premise ripe for serial exploration and complex story-telling, they stuff it into a case-of-the-week procedural box. Sure, they allow a bit of ongoing narrative, but given the formula in episode one, you just know it’s going to be yet another repetitive crime show, even though it is begging not to be!

Let me slow down and tell you what I’m talking about. LUCIFER, a series premiering this week on FOX, stars Tom Ellis (Miranda) as Lucifer Morningstar. That’s right, the devil himself. Bored in hell, Lucifer has come to Earth to run a nightclub and mess with people while finding new purpose. His assistant, Mazikeen (Lesley Ann-Brandt, Spartacus), disapproves, as does God’s representative, Amenadiel (D.B. Woodside, Suits, 24), but Lucifer doesn’t care. Except, he does care, he finds, when the death of a mere mortal upsets him. Sounds pretty good, no?

The problem is, early in the pilot episode, LUCIFER becomes entranced with Chloe Decker (Lauren German, Chicago Fire), an LAPD detective. For some reason, Lucifer’s charms, which usually prompt people to spill their dark desires or, as in the case of psychiatrist Linda (Rachael Harris, Suits), swoon for him, don’t work on Chloe. This would all be well and good, except Lucifer helps Chloe solve a case and now wants to work with her on a regular basis.

Why oh why do the broadcast networks do this? How many television shows do we need where an outsider joins up with a member of law enforcement to solve crimes every week? Aren’t Bones, Sleepy Hollow, iZombie, Castle, Elementary, and oh so many more enough? I understand this often nets the networks viewers in the short-term, but these types of shows have little re-watchability, giving them shorter shelf lives than their lower-rated peers, and have flooded the airwaves.

LUCIFER likes to boast of its credentials. It is based on a comic book by Neil Gaiman, a spin-off of The Sandman. But in the illustrated version, Lucifer doesn’t get involved with a cop. Why the heck does he have to on the show?

What is most frustrating is that I really like LUCIFER. Tom Ellis plays the titular devil with brilliant complexity, and the personal depths of the character are ripe for much juicy exploration. The moral questions it raises and the religious implications are intriguing, and having other supernaturals in the cast teases epic conflicts to come. The first hour is enjoyable, and there isn’t a weak member of the cast, which also includes Kevin Alejandro (True Blood, The Returned) as Dan, Chloe’s ex-husband and co-worker.

And yet, this wonderful premise is watered down by repetitive formula. FOX has rarely been all that kind to genre shows, and without Chloe, LUCIFER is likely to be a genre fantasy. However, without Chloe, or at least without Chloe’s job taking center stage, it also leaves the narrative open to a lot more possibilities and directions. This show may occasionally explore off the beaten path, but it seems likely that most weeks will basically deliver the same thing, with only small bits to serve continuity.

LUCIFER is the perfect example of what is wrong with the Big Four networks and why they are dying. Even when they get a strong concept, they twist it to fit patterns that are outdated and tired. Instead of getting excited about LUCIFER, I plan to give it just a few more episodes to prove to me it can be better than the box it’s being stuffed into. No one will be happier than me if my summation of the situation turns out to be false. But I wouldn’t count on it.

LUCIFER airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on FOX.

The Kept Or THE RETURNED

Article originally written for Seat42F.

A&E’s new series THE RETURNED is based on the French series Les Revenants, which re-aired on Sundance and Netflix with subtitles under the name The Returned. I haven’t seen the original yet, though I keep meaning to watch, so when viewing this pilot, I was instead comparing it to last year’s Resurrection on ABC, which in turn was based on an unrelated book called The Return. Is that confusing enough for you?

All of these stories may be similar, but if you haven’t seen any of them, the premise of THE RETURNED is this: A girl named Camille (India Ennenga, Treme) dies when her bus runs off a cliff. Four years later, she returns home to her parents, Claire (Tandi Wright, Nothing Trivial) and Jack (Mark Pellegrino, Lost, The Tomorrow People), and twin sister, Lena (Sophie Lowe, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland), unaged and with no memory of the past four years. She’s not a zombie or a ghost; the first things she does are to fix herself a sandwich and take a bath. But she has no memory of the crash nor explanation as to where she’s been, nor any sign on injury, healed or otherwise.

Then, other dead people start showing up around town, too, not her classmates from the bus, but others that have passed in various years past. A man finds his fiancé getting remarried after a long mourning period. A wife who appears to have died decades ago goes home to her now-elderly husband. And there’s a little kid that no one seems to know, but may just hold the key to the mystery.

I have seen reviews for THE RETURNED that say this new series is to Les Revenants as Gracepoint is to Broadchurch. If you don’t get that reference, Gracepoint is a decent FOX series that aired this fall that is extremely similar to a superior show called Broadchurch, which was made in England. Without that knowledge of the source material, I like THE RETURNED, but those who have viewed the original may think this is a pale imitation. I cannot comment on that.

I can say THE RETURNED is about ten notches better than Resurrection. The story is far more cohesive, and the characters are compelling. There is a definite, big unanswered question in the pilot that I doubt the show will solve soon, but while I want to find out the answer, I’m also happy to enjoy the ride getting there.

The cast is phenomenal. Besides those mentioned above, the ensemble includes Jeremy Sisto (Suburgatory), Michelle Forbes (The Killing), Aaron Douglas (Battlestar Galactica), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World), Sandrine Holt (House of Cards), Kevin Alejandro (True Blood), Leah Gibson (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Agnes Bruckner (Private Practice), Dylan Kingwell (Big Eyes), Mat Vairo (Revolution), and Rhys Ward (Heartland). Not all of these people are well known, but most are, and have been in some of the best shows on television in the past decade. There aren’t any huge movie stars present to distract from the others, but these are some strong small screen performers.

The cast is super important to THE RETURNED because the program will hang on the characters. With the mystery of the show being so strange and obtuse, there aren’t likely to be any major clues anytime soon. Instead, the drama will live in the interaction of the players, and how the various people deal with coming home having lost years or welcoming back someone they believed gone forever. Not everyone handles it the same way, one person tragically unprepared, but this what viewers are going to want to see.

THE RETURNED is also a little creepy. The living dead do not appear to be monsters or killers, but who has brought them back and why? One of the main characters (not one of the returned) is exposed as having done something really horrible to another. Human nature can be dark, and pairing THE RETURNED with Bates Motel likely signals that this more negative side of personality will be explored, at least in conjunction with the positive.

I don’t know what THE RETURNED has in store, and I’m likely to still watch Les Revenants in the meantime, which could change my opinion. But for now, I’m very interested to see where the series is going.

THE RETURNED airs Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on A&E.

ARROW Has More Than "Three Ghosts"

Article first published as ARROW Has More Than "Three Ghosts" on TheTVKing.

The CW's Arrow ended its fall run with an exciting two-parter, the second half of which aired this week. In "Three Ghosts," Oliver (Stephen Amell) hallucinates people from his past after his near-brush with death. There's no time for rest and recuperation, however, when Brother Blood (Kevin Alejandro) kidnaps Roy Harper (Colton Haynes).

The visions Oliver sees in this episode are a logical development for his character. He is constantly thinking about his past, with much of each episode being set in flashback. It makes total sense that that's where his mind would go when it wonders, even with the surprise final ghost that is as satisfying as it is unexpected. It's just an extension of what we've already seen.

Things take a darker turn, however, when Oliver chooses to save Sara Lance (Caity Lotz) at the expense of Shado (Celina Jade) while trapped on the island. It's an impossible decision to make, two women he cares about being held at gunpoint, and both going to die if he doesn't pick. Ivo (Dylan Neal) is just plain sadistic for putting Oliver in this position, and it's this type of thing that helps one understand why Oliver was so psychologically damaged upon his return to society, explaining why this time occupies his thoughts.

Honestly, I am getting a little tired of this stuff in the past. I understand that it informs who Oliver is, and in "Three Ghosts," it's used effectively. But sometimes it's just another story that doesn't connect much to the present, and when that happens, the installments drags in those scenes. Perhaps this isn't a popular opinion, but as Arrow becomes more and more of a hero, it's time to put the past behind him and move forward with his life. I think this should happen sooner, rather than later, by the end of season two, not seasons five or six.

That being said, it is kind of neat how Slade (Manu Bennett) is revealed as the villain behind Brother Blood, and that's only because we've gotten so much of Slade in the past. He has understandable motivation, blaming Oliver for Shado's death, and apparently he didn't survive the island as well as Oliver did, which is also something one can be sympathetic about, given what we've seen of that place so far. Plus, Slade is a genuine super-powered bad guy because of the injection he received, so he's a formidable foe with a personal grudge, whom Oliver doesn't even realize is in town. And he looks cool with the eye patch, even if the grey hair looks fake. Nice setup for the back half of the year!

As Oliver battles an external force, he also needs to pay more attention to an internal one. No, not whether he should be good or not; his vision of Tommy (Colin Donnell) indicates that that struggle is pretty much over). I'm talking about his feelings for Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards), which he is in denial about.

Oliver has plenty of reason to avoid a new relationship. He hasn't been a good boyfriend in the past, which he feels bad about, and people he cares about are constantly in danger. He thinks he needs to focus on the mission, not his personal life. Yet, Felicity knows the truth about Oliver and fights by his side, proving she is strong and worthy. She may consider him out of her reach, he being her boss and the vigilante hero, but she's wrong. Almost no one is as close to Oliver as Felicity, so it's time he paid her a bit more attention. He deserves love, too.

If Oliver doesn't come around, Felicity has Barry (Grant Gustin, Glee) to fall back on. The boy who becomes the Flash at the end of "Three Ghosts," presumably, is definitely interested, and has made that interest known. While Felicity seems a little older than he and they live in different cities, it's not inconceivable she could go to him for his planned spinoff. It would be a loss for Arrow, but as long as Felicity is happy, fans should be happy, too.

Gustin is doing a good job with Barry. Given his evil-ish role in Glee, which was mostly one-note, I had my doubts about his abilities. Yet, in two hours he has established a likeable character who could realistically grow into a crusader to root for. Enough history has been mentioned to provide an origin for his part, and I'm actually really looking forward to the new series, should it go forward.

Oliver's other challenge will be dealing with Roy. Now that Roy has been injected with the super venom, he is vulnerable to Brother Blood and Slade's influence. The extra powers that come with it may make him eligible to be Arrow's sidekick, but it's more likely Arrow will try to do right by Thea (Willa Holland) by continuing to try to keep Roy out of harm's way. Clearly, that is not a choice Roy is willing to live with, and could encourage Roy towards the wrong side of the battle.

Arrow is shaping up nicely in its second year (not that the first was bad), developing its characters further and bringing in nice, big arcs that are well thought out. It has set itself apart from Smallville, which was a concern at first, and it has the elements it needs for a nice, long run, as long as it keeps doing what it's doing. There are few complaints to be found at this point, as while Arrow is somewhat limited by the rules of the format, it does a credit to its particular genre, pushing the boundaries where it can.

Arrow will return with new episodes January 15th on the CW.

Golden Boy tarnished by network's reputation

Article first published as GOLDEN BOY Review at Seat42F.

Grade: 85%

At first glance, CBS’s GOLDEN BOY, premiering this week, may seem like more than your typical cop drama. After an intense opening, the story moves seven years into the future, where we see Walter William Clark Jr. (Theo James, Bedlam) being interviewed by a reporter (Richard Kind, Luck, Spin City) about how he has become the youngest police commissioner of New York City, ever.

This is a great draw. We know that the older Walter looks quite a bit aged, pointing to a hard journey. There is regret in his tone as he talks about the price he paid to rise so quickly, so we know there will be tragedy. The fact that he is now police commissioner means that the series may move away from solving murders on the street, eventually, as we do have seven years of story to get through first.

Clark is terrific, really letting the pathos play on his face, and his American accent is pretty good. His character is an egomaniacal, overconfident jerk, so we need these future scenes to show us that he has grown, and eventually gotten beyond the arrogance of his youth. Probably. And knowing there will be movement built in is nice.

But then we get to the meat of the plot, beginning when Walter, after heroic actions, chooses to be on the homicide squad. He isn’t accepted at first because he’s young and hasn’t earned his bones. But because he really is as good as he thinks he is, he proves himself in a single hour to his co-workers.

I keep expecting Walter to screw up in the “Pilot,” as we so often see in such main characters, the drama being that they really aren’t as ready as they think they are. Walter is special, though, so GOLDEN BOY chooses the alternate tack, building him up, rather than tearing him down. Because we’ve seen where he is in seven years, we know fall will never seriously come, at least not professionally, though perhaps personally.

The problem is, if he never screws up, how will he learn? Walter’s assigned partner, Detective Don Owen (Chi McBride, Pushing Daisies, Boston Public), two years away from his retirement, is the only one who sees this, and while Don is a patient man, one wonders how long his patience with the upstart might last.

Don is set up to be a finite character. With only a couple of years left on the force, this means we are told that Don may not stick around for the long haul, even though we see his picture on future Walter’s desk.

However, because this is CBS, I strongly suspect that these hints of a great, sweeping story of a genius who does great things will be reduced to a formula. Until that day, seven years in the future, when Walter takes the big office, he will be solving a case every week. They could even stretch it longer than seven years, should the show prove popular, or make Walter the first commissioner to be out catching the bad guys himself. Don could put off retirement, sticking around for the duration, which is what I expect to see, given CBS’s track record.

Is it fair to pigeon hole what, on the face, appears to be a somewhat compelling series just because of the network it is on? I think so. Blue Bloods and Hawaii Five-0 looked like they could break the mold, but have been reduced back to the typical CBS fare. I have little confidence that GOLDEN BOY will be any different.

Part of my worry stems from the fact that the rest of the cast is pretty much what one would expect from such a series. There’s the hotshot jerk, Christian Arroyo (Kevin Alejandro, True Blood, Southland), the popular guy who Walter wants to be, even though viewers know he’ll be better off listening to Don. Christian has a softer partner in Deborah McKenzie (Bonnie Somerville, Cashmere Mafia), a pretty woman we are told is tough, but who is nice to Walter, and could even be a love interest. Another detective, Joe Diaco (Holt McCallany, Lights Out), is the likeable rogue, who will probably get in trouble because of all the rules he breaks in skimming connections. And finally, the obligatory troubled family member, Walter’s drug-addicted sister Agnes (Stella Maeve, The Runaways), who is supposed to show the human side of Walter, and provide a distraction form the casework.

If the supporting cast weren’t such a predictable lineup of personalities, I might hold out hope for GOLDEN BOY. As it is, I appreciate the “Pilot,” but will probably not become a regular watcher. The audience that will love it is those that eat up CBS’s cop shows, as this one will probably be more of the same. This is regrettable, because the cast is full of amazing actors who deserve better, but won’t get it while locked into a long-term contract.

 GOLDEN BOY premieres Tuesday, February 26th at 10 p.m. ET.

True Blood is far from "Hopeless"

So, so much is going on in this season of HBO's True Blood! Six hours into the season, "Hopeless" is jam packed full of plots, with each of the main characters facing something big. Without further ado, let's get to it!

Russell Edgington (Denis O'Hare) is back in a big way! Briefly captured by the Authority, thanks to Bill (Stephen Moyer) and Eric (Alexander Skarsgard), Russell quickly turns the tables on Authority leader Roman (Christopher Meloni), giving him the final death.

What will Russell do with his new found power? Will he and the vampire movement known as the Sanguinuistas attempt to conquer mankind? Will the majority of the vampires fall in line behind him, since Russell murdered their leader? Or will most of them fight back, intent on keeping Roman's policies of peaceful co-existence in place?

Bill is kind of an unknown here. Fans would like to believe he is a kind, good vampire, given his past relationship with Sookie (Anna Paquin). But the fact of the matter is, Bill acts like a total patsy to Roman, and it's not the first time he's carried a banner to save his own skin. Yes, he would likely interfere if Russell threatens Sookie, but considering that she can hold her own against him, might Bill support Russell in other ways?

Eric is more principled, even standing up to Roman with his life in the balance, wanting to stay neutral in the battle. This is not a position that he will be able to maintain. Russell has a beef with Eric. Eric might be spared if he would support Russell's mission, but that probably won't happen. And Eric isn't exactly eager to jump on the other side, either. Eric, more than Bill, is going to stand up for what he cares about. The question is, what does Eric care about?

It's a shame that Roman is staked so soon. He is a really a cool character, reaching a zenith last week when murdering the elder member of the Authority that looked like a child. He is deliciously evil, and his strong religious compass makes him someone to contend with. Meloni really seemed to be enjoying himself, and giving a fantastic performance. Then, it's all over much too soon.

Alcide (Joe Manganiello) and Sookie are gone before Russell does the deed, keeping them in the dark about the latest developments, as much as ever. They seemed only to touch on this story, each with their own paths to walk this season. But their involvement in the vampire civil strife in "Hopeless" is fantastic if for no other reason than to see Eric glamor Alcide into being disgusted by Sookie, though Sookie breaks that spell pretty quickly!

Alcide's new purpose in life is to bring order to a pack of werewolves. While not seeking leadership, he isn't going to sit by and watch the new pack master destroy the lives of others. It demonstrates a real sense of character. Alcide may want to be a lone wolf, but he is also going to be a protector when he sees injustice and tyranny. This is a good way to go with his character, even if it keeps him apart from Sookie.

Of course, if True Blood is going to follow the far-inferior book series, which it generally does in extremely broad strokes, the battle for a new pack master will introduce Quinn, Sookie's next boyfriend, a large weretiger. Is True Blood ready to add yet another suitor to her incredibly full dance card?

Quinn might have to wait awhile because Sookie has bigger fish to fry. After a hilarious scene where Sookie bashes men with Arlene (Carrie Preston) and Holly (Lauren Bowles), she runs into Jason (Ryan Kwanten), who alerts her to a fairy situation. The fairies are also fighting amongst themselves, as some of the ones more sympathetic to humans are hiding out at a night club, away from their malevolent peers. Once more, Sookie is drawn into a battle that only fleetingly concerns her. She is such a busy body and danger magnet!

Jason's involvement is a little more personal. He wants to know the truth about his parents' death. It took True Blood five seasons to get to it, but it seems time to finally delve into the Stackhouses' past, uncovering their secret connections to the supernatural world before the supes came out. It's about time! We can't be expected to believe that Sookie hasn't been around things greater than most people all her life!

All supes are in serious danger of being exposed. While only vampires have gone public thus far, someone knows about shifters and the others, as Sam (Sam Trammell) finds out the hard way when he and Luna (Janina Gavankar) are shot. This time, it's Sam and Andy (Chris Bauer) looking for justice, as a third major conflict rages on in "Hopeless."

Hoyt (Jim Parrack) somehow gets involved with Sam's attackers, who recognize him and "save" him from a vampire who is about to kill him, which is kind of what Hoyt is going for. Because Hoyt is in such a weakened state, physically and emotionally, and suffering damage at the hands of a supernatural, when Jessica dumped him, it seems a likely possibility that he might actually join this no-good gang. Or maybe he will continue to defend Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) in whatever way he can. Either possibility places him smack dab in the middle of something violent.

It is supremely awesome that characters like Hoyt and Andy are getting this kind of development! While the more central characters like Sookie, Bill, and Eric are great, True Blood has many talented supporting players. Letting them carry their own major plots, and not just small side stories, is a brilliant way to rejuvenate the series and keep it interesting as it begins aging. Moves like this could keep the show on for many more years.

Speaking of minor people getting increased roles, Terry (Todd Lowe) breaks things off with Arlene to protect her and the kids. His plight seems "Hopeless," haunted by a fire spirit who is intent on killing him for a very dark deed done in Iraq. This is depressing, as Terry and Arlene are True Blood's happiest couple til now. But hopefully Terry can defeat the creature and return home. Though, right now, it's hard to see how that can be accomplished, especially when he doesn't ask for help from the characters we've seen deal with powerful magic villains before. Macho man might get himself killed.

Then there's Tara (Rutina Wesley), whose concerns are more internal. It's funny to see Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) treat her progeny like crap. It's even better to see Jessica and Tara bond. They could really help each other out, given what they have in common. Too bad Tara plays with Hoyt in the bathroom, leading to a spectacular barroom brawl between the gals. Any chance the ladies can patch things up? I'd like to see more cooperation and less bickering! And a trio of united, bad-ass vampire chicks, Pam included, would be virtually unstoppable.

Tara isn't the only one whose story didn't stop at death. Jesus (Kevin Alejandro) is appearing to Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) and Ruby (Alfre Woodard), mouth bound shut. Or, at least, his head appears. It's hard to fathom exactly what is going on, not knowing how Jesus can even still be involved in the show. But he's such a popular character, it's little wonder the series is trying to keep him around. Will he survive past this plot, either brought back to life or in some other form, or is this an epilogue for his character?

In fact, if I were to have one complaint about True Blood, it's that the show is forgetting how to let characters go. Sure, new people are introduced and then dispatched with, but most of the original cast are still around, and the number of integral people that stays keep growing. The show might do with a little trimming, making the stakes a little higher, and events seem a little more dangerous. A couple of deaths could be a blessing.

Believe it or not, I could even go into yet more subplots and great moments from this episode, despite the already lengthy recap. It's hard to spend much time analyzing any one element when so much is happening. Then again, it keeps the show exciting, and "Hopeless" is another in a string of excellent episodes. I won't complain too much about the difficulty in reviewing True Blood if they keep the quality this high.

Watch True Blood Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.


Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com.  If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my True Blood reviews. Click here to buy books and DVDs from the True Blood series. Article first published at TheTVKing

"And When I Die" hits True Blood hard

     There's a lot going on in the True Blood season finale, "And When I Die." Most importantly, Marnie (Fiona Shaw) takes over Lafayette's (Nelsan Ellis) body, kills Jesus (Kevin Alejandro) to steal his dark magic powers, and captures Bill (Stephen Moyer) and Eric (Alexander Skarsgård), intending to kill them as well. Sookie (Anna Paquin), Tara (Rutina Wesley), and Holly (Lauren Bowles) go to the rescue, and with the help of some ghosts, including Sookie's grandmother (Lois Smith), drive Marnie away again. Sookie heals Bill and Eric, who are partially burned, but unable to choose which one to give her heart to, rejects them both.

     Where to begin dissecting that bit of plot? Marnie taking over Lafayette seems like a surprise twist, yet, in retrospect, it is perfectly set up throughout the season. We see Lafayette's abilities, and how he can be taken over by a dead person. We see Marnie's fascination with bringing things to life, and she gets a taste of possession when she is taken over by Antonia (Paola Turbay, Royal Pains). As such, it's completely predictable that this will happen. But it cannot be complained about when it feels so spontaneous, and gives both Shaw one last chance to show her skills, as well as highlighting Ellis's immense, sometimes underused, talent.

     Sookie goes home, and is attacked by Debbie (Brit Morgan), who blames Sookie for taking away Alcide (Joe Manganiello) from her. Even though Alcide does come on to Sookie in "And When I Die," Sookie rejects him, too, so it's really not her fault. Plus, Alcide dumps Debbie because she is with another man, which has nothing to do with Sookie. Also, Sookie and Debbie are just beginning to build a friendship, prior to the dumping. But all the same, Debbie shoots at Sookie, and only Tara jumping in front to take the bullet saves Sookie's life. Sookie, shocked at seeing her best friend shot, blows Debbie's head off. It's almost out of character, but grief is an acceptable excuse.

     Jesus's death in "And When I Die" is not all that surprising, nor is Debbie's, as she dies in the fourth book (from the Sookie Stackhouse series, on which True Blood is loosely based) in a somewhat similar manner. But Tara being shot seems to come out of nowhere. Could she possibly be dead? She's an important main character, but at the same time, her plot seems to have run its course. After all, Tara tries to escape town earlier in this season of True Blood, and is tired of the supernatural. Nothing that happens after that would make her want to stay any more. If Tara doesn't die, would she even be willing to stick around? Which is why this might be the perfect time to kill her off.

     If Tara dies, coming right on the heels of Jesus, we can expect a much more somber Lafayette in season five. This removes his only close family member and his lover from his life. Considering how Ellis shines in "And When I Die," given something complex to play, it will not be unwelcome to allow him some bigger range to work with. He can certainly handle the heavy acting. It will be very interesting to see in what direction the writers take him from here.

 
     Sookie cannot be with Bill or Eric because she loves them both. This conundrum haunts her throughout the latter part of this season of True Blood, and instead of choosing one, forever wondering if she made the right decision, she picks neither. Does this make sense? Two guys that she is in love with, and she won't be with either one of them? You'd think Sookie would want happiness, too, and surely either vampire could give her that, no matter what her choice. Instead, might she spend next season with Alcide, or will her weretiger boyfriend from the books, Quinn, soon be cast? It's hard to know, because True Blood, while staying loyal to the spirit of several characters, doesn't exactly go for strict adaptation, and there are already so many men vying for Sookie's attention. As well as so many characters in general.

     Even without Sookie to compete over, though that likely won't ever go away completely, Bill and Eric have plenty else to worry about. Nan (Jessica Tuck) asks them for an alliance against the American Vampire League, but (surprise!) they kill her instead. While Nan is not trustworthy, if the AVL comes after Bill and Eric, they are going to need all the help they can get. Taking her out removes an important ally, and makes them all that more vulnerable, and thus, is a dumb idea. Considering Nan is ordered to kill the pair, it is unlikely that murdering her, traitor though she is to the AVL, will do much to appease the group. As such, Bill and Eric are in some pretty deep crapola.

     Add to that, it appears Russell Edgington (Denis O'Hare) has escaped his concrete prison and he has a vendetta against Eric and Bill, who put him there, and True Blood's fifth season will be mighty exciting on the vampire front!

     Russell isn't the only past enemy who will be turning up in season five. Jason's (Ryan Kwanten) story in "And When I Die" ends with Steve Newlin (Michael McMillian) showing up on his doorstep, now a vampire. Steve is an anti-vampire religious nut who Jason once trains under, and who is missing these past six months. Guess this at least partially explains why he disappears. Is Steve there to kill Jason, or recruit him? The former seems more likely, considering how they end things the last time they are together. Sure, Steve can't enter Jason's house without permission, but that doesn't mean Jason isn't in serious danger.

     Jason's only hope of survival seems to be the return of his new vampire lover, Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll). If Jessica comes back to the house, for any number of possible reasons, she can defend Jason. And she likely will, considering he so recently saves her life, and they are enjoying fantastic sex together. Their relationship still seems wrong, given how Jessica is most recently with Jason's best friend, Hoyt (Jim Parrack). But Hoyt fits the old, meek Jessica, while Jason is a better match for the new, bolder Jessica. At least for now.

     Speaking of True Blood characters being left in danger, Sam (Sam Trammell) is attacked by a wolf in the woods. Who is it, and why are they coming after him? Is it in revenge for Sam killing pack leader Marcus (Daniel Buran)? Because, if so, Sam only goes after Marcus because Marcus kills Sam's brother, Tommy (Marshall Allman). And Alcide is the one who actually takes Marcus's life, not Sam. Because of this, either the werewolf about to attack Sam is misinformed, or is there for an entirely other, yet unexplained, reason.

     Something else unexplained is why Terry's (Todd Lowe) former commanding officer (Scott Foley, Grey's Anatomy) comes to town in "And When I Die." He seems friendly enough, telling Arlene (Carrie Preston) that Terry saved his life in the war, twice. And Foley is usually a friendly face, who will be a welcome addition to season five of True Blood. However, he must have some dark secret, because Arlene's serial killer ex, Rene (Michael Raymond-James), comes back from the grave just to warn her about him. So there's that.

     There's also Andy (Chris Bauer), who in last week's episode has fairy sex in the woods. Given that the fairy population needs to reproduce, and that they are not happy about Sookie rejecting them, this could very well be part of a larger plan. Surely it's not a coincidence that another fairy baby could be conceived in the same town? Not to mention, time moves must faster in fairyland, so it is likely Andy may soon meet an older child, possibly even a young adult, that he is the father of. The kid will probably show up, of course, right after Andy and Holly find happiness together. This plot is completely out of left field, so there's no telling where it's going, but it's intriguing.

     Last, but certainly not least, Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) is upset that Eric chooses Sookie over her. Not necessarily as a romantic partner, as Pam generally prefers the company of women. But Eric sired Pam, so they share a special bond. Plus, in Pam's eyes, Sookie is "just" a human, who stirs up trouble wherever she goes. Pam sees Eric's choice as a severe betrayal, and there is no telling how that will change their relationship come next season on True Blood.


     All in all, an exciting, death heavy finale for a great series! True Blood will return to HBO next summer.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my True Blood reviews.

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Article first published as TV Review: True Blood - "And When I Die" on Blogcritics.

True Blood makes me say "I Wish I Was the Moon"

     On this week's episode of HBO's True Blood, many creatures roam the woods of Bon Temps during the full moon. Jason Stackhouse (Ryan Kwanten) nervously waits to see if he will turn into a werepanther, as he is told he will. Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) grows closer to Jason, teasing at an illicit connection. Alcide (Joe Manganiello) and Debbie (Brit Morgan) seek out a possible new werewolf pack. Tommy (Marshall Allman), after accidentally shifting into Sam (Sam Trammell), sleeps with Sam's love interest, Luna (Janina Gavankar). Pam (Kristin Bauer) angrily catches up with Tara (Rutina Wesley), fangs bared, ready to kill. Bill (Stephen Moyer) surprisingly shows mercy towards Eric (Alexander Skarsgård). And Sookie (Anna Paquin) stumbles through it all, eventually ending up in the arms of Eric.

     It's a trippy series of scenes, which perfectly evokes the full moon tension. Everything seems a little dangerous, and a little magical, amongst the dark trees. Even though every episode of True Blood is teeming with supernatural creatures, sometimes so many of them seem so normal that one can begin to forget what exactly is lurking around nearly every corner. "I Wish I Was the Moon" corrects that, reminding viewers of all the creepy critters. The title seems to evoke a voyeuristic observance of the many going-ons, which is exactly what viewers get when they tune into the TV show. Thus, it works really well.

     At first, it seems shocking that Bill will pass up a chance to execute Eric, considering how they have never gotten along. However, upon reflection, there are a number of reasons he might be inclined to do so. For one, Eric's defiance and ability to stir up trouble is currently gone. Left in its place is a very strong, one thousand year old vampire who is very willing to obey Bill's orders. As such, Eric could be a formidable tool for Bill, and one not easily tossed aside. Secondly, if Bill does really care about Sookie, and want her to be happy, this Eric is making her such. Either motivation is enough to justify Bill's actions.

     Because of the new Eric, Sookie is closer to happiness than ever. Fans of the book series know it didn't last then, and there have already been hints dropped in True Blood that it won't last now. This is unfortunate, but necessary to move the story along. While she has something good, she should enjoy it. Bill's betrayals cut her very deeply, a pain she will not soon get over. If Sookie were to be with almost anyone else, she would be risking the same again. The way Eric currently is, he in incapable of deceit and unkindness towards her, and so she is able to feel safe with him. It's a well-deserved reward for all that she puts up with.

     Skarsgård is doing a pretty great job of capturing the two Erics. While at times he does slip back a little too much into the cadence of previous Eric, for the most part, the actor is really creating a new character, as the writers intend. Without memory, it may be assumed that Eric is boiled down to the base person he was before his vampire life. Which goes to show just how much choices and actions can corrupt and change an individual. This reveals a very tragic tale for the Sheriff.

     Hopefully, Pam (who is not the woman pictured at left) will not kill Tara. One may scoff and think, "Of course she won't!" But True Blood has pulled some big surprises in the past, and this could be another one. Considering Tara is shown in the previews for next week's episode, it is unlikely that Pam finishes her off in the confrontation at the end of "I Wish I Was the Moon." But with revenge as a mindset, Tara's life is definitely in danger. Just what she doesn't need right now. Can't one character escape Bon Temps' sorrows?

     The budding relationship between Jessica and Jason is more disappointing than interesting. Here are two people who are unsatisfied with their lives, but instead of fixing things, they contemplate betraying someone they love. In both cases, the betrayed is Hoyt (Jim Parrack), Jessica's husband, and Jason's best friend. Hoyt goes way out on a limb to be with Jessica, and always has Jason's back. If they were to act on their feelings, it would be a failure in storyline. There isn't really a conceivable way that the arc will play out well for them at this point. So don't even go there. Maybe they won't, considering the slow dance they are waltzing around cheating.

     In the books, Jason became a werepanther. As noted, True Blood differs from the book series in many ways, big and small. For the most part, these are wise decisions. If it didn't, Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) would have died in season one, and no one wants that. Plus, Jessica never even existed. But Jason as a werepanther is such a deep, interesting twist. While Jason has shown much growth and maturation over the course of the series, having him become a supernatural creature would be a step further, and a welcome one. It is likely, however, the people who make the show just didn't want to tie him too tightly to the hick residents of Hot Shot, which is an understandable desire. Isn't there some middle ground to be found here?

     Staying true to the books, Andy (Chris Bauer) looks to be heading towards a relationship with Holly (Lauren Bowles). It will be interesting to see this romance bloom, since the characters are so much more developed on True Blood than in the literary pages.

     Too bad Alcide is further away than ever as a possible love interest for Sookie, since she will need a new one before long. His reconnection with Debbie is foreseeable, given the strong level of emotions Alcide maintains for his ex. It's also unfortunate, as Debbie cannot be trusted. Perhaps in the TV show, unlike in the books, she has turned over a new leaf. It would not be the first time True Blood strayed far from its source material. More likely, though, Debbie won't last. Is there some mutual comforting in Alcide and Sookie's futures?

     Jesus (Kevin Alejandro) and Lafayette are mixed up in some very heavy spells. Traveling to Mexico to seek protection from Eric and Pam, what they find is some dark magic involving possession. Which ties nicely back to their Bon Temps storyline. No matter how far one runs, they cannot escape, seems to be what True Blood is saying here. Instead of getting away from the danger, Jesus's life is soon put at risk, as he is bitten by a rattlesnake. Something or someone comes into Lafayette's body and controls the moment, presumably saving Jesus's life. But why, and for what?

     The big question is, what will learning about possession do for Lafayette and Jesus? It is nice that they are drawn into the overarching villain's story so strongly this season, and may eventually get to help defeat the evil being behind this season's woes. But before they do, they need to understand what is going on, something that has not been completely clear for the viewers at home. It does involve someone killed a long time ago wanting revenge, but to what end? Sure, Antonia (Paola Turbay) is after a vampire who escaped her prior punishment, and I guess that can extend to wanting to wipe out all vampires. But what spirit(s) is taking possession down in Mexico and why?

     Which leads to the inevitable praise that Fiona Shaw so richly deserves. She is brilliant at switching between cowardly, peaceful, religious woman and all-powerful nasty big bad. The two roles are so different, and watching an experienced hand like Shaw so deftly handle them is a rare treat. Other actors have successfully tackled dual roles before, but Shaw is quickly shooting to the top of the list, putting many others to shame. There is absolutely nothing to complain about her performance, and there is much anticipation for what will come next for her.

     Is Arlene (Carrie Preston) and Terry's (Todd Lowe) baby related to Marnie and Lafayette's plot, or is it something else entirely. In "I Wish I Was the Moon," the baby seems to burn down their house, though the mysterious woman he waves to could also be involved, or have done it. Either way, there is something seriously wrong with the infant, and the threat he poses is not imagined. It would be hard for True Blood to justify killing someone less than one year old, no matter what threat he poses. This is a very complex situation, worth much more exploration.


     Watch True Blood Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

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Article first published as TV Review: True Blood - "I Wish I Was the Moon" on Blogcritics.

True Blood looks for her, but "She's Not There"

     HBO's True Blood returns with "She's Not There," the season four premiere. Sookie (Anna Paquin) encounters her long-missing granddaddy (Gary Cole, The Good Wife, Entourage) living in the fairy realm. Seeing the creatures who inhabit the space for what they are, unlike the other humans present, Sookie tries to escape, and her grandfather helps, dying in the process. But when Sookie returns to the "real" world, she realizes that while she only spent a few minutes living on the other side, twelve and a half months have passed in Bon Temps.


     Such a time jump is a huge deal for True Blood, because the first three seasons take place within in a couple of months. Other series routinely go through a year or so in a season, but not True Blood, so making such a time jump a fresh, startling reset. The book series does not have a time jump its fourth book.  Nor does it feature the fairy world, at least not at this point.

     Sookie finds that much has changed, and most people had given up looking for her long ago, including her brother, Jason (Ryan Kwanten), who has sold her house. Sookie must now not only readjust, but convince everyone she has a good reason for disappearing without a word for over a year; telling them the outlandish truth will not do her any favors.

     Poor Sookie. She has already been through so much, and on top of it all, she has to deal with a completely different reality than the one she's left behind. Not only that, but surely the fairies are not finished with her. They are in the midst of a civil war, and cannot seem to seal off the two worlds until all beings with fairy blood are on their side. Thus, Sookie provides a thorn in the side for a whole other group of supernaturals, and if they succeed in taking her over again, even if only for a few minutes, it will really screw up her life.

     The good news is, "She's Not There" makes it seem like Sookie's journey to the alternate world is her choice, not something forced upon her. So, she has power over her decisions, and can choose not to return. Unless there is some compelling, yet unknown reason for her to, and then True Blood could be looking at another big lapse later this year, or next. If there is, it will most likely involve her family, whose past is mentioned in snippets, but rarely dwelt upon.

     It is a shame that Sookie's grandpa is introduced, and then done away with so quickly. Cole is a fine actor, who has lent his considerable skill to many a great series for a limited time. For him to only appear in the opening ten minutes or so of "She's Not There" is regrettable. Unless, somehow, he will be returning, and then his casting is wonderful, wonderful news.

     In the time since Sookie departs the plane, the most drastic change occurs in her best friend, Tara (Rutina Wesley). Living under the name Toni, Tara seems to be some sort of competitive fighter. Tara has a rough time of her first encounters with the supernatural in True Blood, and so it is expected she needs to blow off some steam. As tough as she is, and as stubborn, this is an appropriate, if unexpected, career move for her. Less predictable, is that the previously-straight Tara is shacking up with a woman. But after the last couple of men she falls for, and the way things end with them, it makes sense she would want to try something new.

     Jason is now a full-fledged cop, also making time to take care of Crystal's (Lindsay Pulsipher) kin, as he promises her that he will. Crystal has been missing for over a year, and the residents of her compound look healthier, no doubt owing to Jason chasing the bullies away, and also providing some sustenance. Which makes it confusing when a couple of them lock him in a freezer. The only ready explanation is that perhaps the man who has Crystal is returning, and these guys are still loyal to him. Otherwise, what possible benefit is there in messing with your benefactor?

     Arlene (Carrie Preston) has given birth to her son. Despite Terry's (Todd Lowe) assurances to the contrary, she isn't convinced the baby doesn't have a little of his serial-killer biological father in him. Only time will tell which one of them is right, but the way the tyke pulls heads off dolls does not bode well for the couple.

     Sam (Sam Trammell) seems to be much more at peace than when last seen in True Blood's third season finale. Ever since being outed as a shape shifter to a few friends, Sam has trouble adjusting. He didn't know there are others like him, and more just keep popping up. In particular, relations with his younger brother, Tommy (Marshall Allman), are rocky, but relatively stable. Luckily, Sam finally seems to find others that share his sensibilities, and whom he can be himself around. This is good news, as a happy Sam will make a happy Merlotte's, the setting of many a scene of True Blood.

     Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis), on the other hand, resists getting to know others like himself. Jesus (Kevin Alejandro) tries to convince his partner to join a coven led by Marnie (Fiona Shaw, Harry Potter), but after seeing that Marnie has some real talents, Lafeyette resists. Why, though? The character doesn't like new things, but he has had time to adjust to the idea that he may possess some magic. Besides, he is clearly still in love with Jesus, who feels comfortable with Marnie. Perhaps Lafayette has some sixth sense that things in the group are about to go horribly wrong, as they are.


     Bill (Stephen Moyer) is now King of Louisiana. Does this mean the last has been seen of Sophie-Anne (Evan Rachel Wood), his predecessor, or does he have her locked up somewhere, just biding her time until she can escape? Hopefully, it's the latter, as Wood brings a charm and presence welcome in any vampire series, especially this one. With all of the new duties Bill faces, he probably won't have much time for Sookie, which is fine, because she has no desire to be with him. Perhaps she should consider other options...

     ...such as Eric (Alexander Skarsgård). Fans of the book series on which True Blood is based know that the fourth installment is the one where Sookie and Eric get it on in an infamous shower scene. That's not a spoiler for the series, because the talent has been tight lipped as to whether this will happen or not on screen, and True Blood frequently breaks from the books. If they did not, not a single supporting character would get practically any development, and they'd get through several books per season, instead of one. However, Sookie and Eric's pairing would be most welcome for most fans, so maybe they won't deviate in this case.

     Both Bill and Eric are engaged in the vampire campaign to clear their "good" name. Led by Nan Flanagan (Jessica Tuck, now a series regular), the vampires have much to make up for after Russell Edgington's (Denis O'Hare) exploits of last season. They seem determined to make it work, but with the vampire struggle echoing other minority cases, and their species being significantly more threatening, it remains to be seen if they have any real chance of making a go of it in the human-dominated world.

     Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) doesn't seem all that happy to be settled down with Hoyt (Jim Parrack). It's not because she doesn't love him, but because her vampire nature makes her yearn to be less tame. Monogamy is extremely rare in the vamp world, though not completely unheard of, Russell springing to mind. Still, Jessica's domestic situation is unusual, and it will be very interesting to see if she can resist urges and lead a relatively normal life. Or perhaps she should invite Hoyt to join her on the wild side?


     And that's "She's Not There," a fully packed first hour to begin the fourth season of True Blood. Tune in Sunday nights at 9 p.m. ET on HBO for more new episodes.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     Click here to buy books and DVDs from the True Blood series.

Article first published as TV Review: True Blood - "She's Not There" on Blogcritics.

Bones makes "The Change in the Game"

     FOX's Bones gives viewers a comparatively mediocre season finale, compared to others they have done, save for the final moments. With the take down of the sniper who plagues the team this season, along with a fairly significant death, occurring in the penultimate episode, most of "The Change in the Game" deals with a normal, standard case. Booth (David Boreanaz) and Brennan (Emily Deschanel) go undercover in Max's (Ryan O'Neal) bowling league to find out who has killed a man found among the pins. Angela (Michaela Conlin) goes into labor, but a video link to the Jeffersonian keeps her and Hodgins (T.J. Thyne) more or less working the case up until the baby arrives. However, the end of the episode has a big, game changing reveal, in keeping with the hour's title.

     Brennan is pregnant with Booth's baby. Their sexual hookup comes as comfort after losing an intern in the previous episode, and takes place subtly and off screen. In fact, there is disagreement among the fans about what exactly occurs between the two in the bedroom until Brennan makes her announcement. It truly is "The Change in the Game," as Brennan and Booth dance around each other romantically, and have been for years. This development will force them to mature into a couple quite fast, as both are happy about the baby, and want to be good parents to it. The writers are smart to skip the dating phase of their relationship, avoiding pratfalls that can come by changing the characters too much with early stages of love. Instead, strong feelings growing over many years will suddenly manifest in a big way.

     What should be very interesting is how the expecting parents will interact with the new ones. Angela and Hodgins are sure to raise their child very differently from B and B, so all sorts of conflict may arise between the two parenting styles if advice is given. One baby following so closely on the heels of another will shake up much of the team dynamic, and should reinvigorate a show that is going into its seventh season.

     During the labor alone, plenty of humor is provided as Cam (Tamara Taylor) and Wendell (Michael Grant Terry) try to figure out Angela's equipment, and mess it up. For anyone who thinks Angela has the cushy, easy job, being the artist in residence, all such notions are dispelled as the two co-workers discover just how hard it is to operate the various computers that allow Angela to help solve the murders.

     At the bowling alley, there is also a fun story, as Max's bowling teammates include the overconfident Hercules (Kevin Alejandro, True Blood, Southland) and the precocious teenage boss, Chance (Kristin Quick, The Secret Life of the American Teenager), as well as a rival team of colorful characters. The B's go undercover as a lower class engaged couple, and all sorts of hilarity ensues. While this isn't too far off of a standard case, the inclusion of such interesting side characters do make the story pretty entertaining.

     Bones also stars John Francis Daley, and will return for a seventh season next fall on FOX.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.

     Please click here to purchase DVDs and streaming episodes of Bones.

Article first published as TV Review: Bones - "The Change in the Game" on Blogcritics.