Once Upon a Time anything but "Broken

Grade: 92%

The fairy tale is nowhere close to being over as ABC”s ONCE UPON A TIME returns last night with “Broken.” The curse has been broken, indeed, and magic has returned, in limited form, to Storybrooke. Yet, their land is destroyed, according to Regina (Lana Parrilla), so they remain stuck in the real world. How can they get their home back, or will they try to build a new one here?

“Broken” shows us many familiar faces to remind us of who all is in Storybrooke, but mostly sticks to the core group of characters for the central story (This, somewhat regrettably, though it won’t likely affect the size of his role,  as he never did make it into the inner circle, no longer includes Jiminy (Raphael Sbarge). It’s hard to complain about getting a glimpse of these beloved characters, and, considering their small part, they could easily have been dropped from this episode, which would make the world feel sadly smaller.

Most are out for Regina’s head, of course, since she is the face of their misery. But Henry (Jared Gilmore) maintains a little sympathy for the woman that raised him and convinces Emma (Jennifer Morrison) to protect Regina. It’s kind of hard to fathom why a kid who believes his mother is secretly an evil queen for so long doesn’t want to see her hurt. But the relationship between parents and children can be complicated. And although Henry does provide a possible salvation for Regina, she is really going to have to work hard to regain his affection after the events of “Broken.” Not that they are her fault.

See, Rumple (Robert Carlyle) promises Belle (Emilie de Ravin, upgraded to series regular), that he won’t kill Regina, so to get around this, he unleashes a wraith on her. Emma springs to the rescue, aided by her parents, Snow (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Charming (Josh Dallas). They save Regina, but Snow and Emma fall through a portal after the wraith, leaving Charming alone to care for Henry.

Besides Regina, Rumple is another soul that must be saved. While Regina has Henry as a motivation, Rumple has his Belle back. Initially, that is not enough to get him to change his ways. But her continued presence can only be beneficial to him. Will she help him find a way to not be the Dark One anymore? That may or may not happen. She will, however, likely to influence his actions to be a little less evil.

Not that ONCE UPON A TIME is going to make its villains all warm and cuddly. Both Regina and Rumple still have a sharp edge to them, and it will not be rounded out anytime soon. Plus, with creatures like the wraith, new dangers will be introduced. Have no fear; ONCE UPON A TIME will not fall into a “happy ever after” anytime soon which, will satisfying, would also be boring.

The relationships between Snow, Charming, Emma, and Henry are very awkward in “Broken.” Technically, Snow and Charming are Emma’s parents, even though they appear to be the same age, and it feels odd for Henry to think of a couple so young as his grandparents. Also, Emma feels abandoned, as anyone would, by her parents, since they left her alone all these years. Yes, it was to save everyone, but there are still those emotional issues that would come from being set adrift, no matter what the intentions behind it. This makes all of these interactions seem odd.

Oddness is not a complaint, however. Given the very strange circumstances, it would be far worse if the characters quickly hugged and all was right in the world. There are a lot of unresolved feelings, and even if the feelings may not be completely logical, emotions seldom are. This uneasiness is natural and right, lending an authenticity to the characters.

As mentioned, magic is back in the real world, but it’s unclear exactly what that means. Rumple has some, certainly, but Regina is unhappy to discover that she does not. That is, until Emma touches her. All of the sudden, Regina can do things again. Is Emma the key? Will each person she touches get some power? Yet, not every storybook character had powers. The rules of this are completely murky at this point, but at least it feels like the writers have a handle on it, even if they aren’t going to share that with us yet. Bottom line, Emma remains the key, her importance no less after breaking the curse.

 

The only thing that really bugs me in “Broken” is that the storybook names and real world names are used interchangeable. Presumably, the characters remember both lives now, so they see each other both ways. But it’s weird to here Mary Margaret called Snow in Storybrooke, and then called Mary Margaret again a few minutes later. Are they forever stuck with two identities now? Can we not settle on one moniker per person? Even if they get to decide which it is, and some pick names from each world, it would be preferable to the current situation.

We still don’t know who Dr. Whale (David Anders) is in the fantasy world, a mystery alluded to in “Broken,” but not explored. This tease only makes me want to know more.

And what of the mysterious man (Michael Raymond-James, Terriers, True Blood) who lives in the big city, but gets a note from a pigeon? Is he Rumple’s son? If so, did he know about the curse, and was he working to break it? Or is he the March Hare, since he has a Hatter sign in his apartment? Is it possible that some of the storybook characters did not dwell in Storybrooke? How did the curse and its breaking affect them? Is this man on his way to Maine? Who sent the note? A wonderful mystery to kick off the new season.

Viewers also get another storybook story. Sleeping Beauty (Sarah Bolger, The Tudors) is awoken by Prince Phillip (Julian Morris, Pretty Little Liars). But before they can ride off together, a wraith attacks Phillip. Even with Mulan (Jamie Chung, Samurai Girl) there for support, the women can’t save Phillip from losing his soul.

Far more interesting, though, is the revelation that a small corner of the fantasy world survived Regina’s destruction, and time stopped for twenty-eight years then restarted, same as the clock in Maine, they are aware of this, and have banded together to…, well, who knows? Snow and Emma are thrust into this place, so through them, viewers will get a chance to see what the other consequences of Regina’s spell are. How cool!

“Broken” is a terrific return for ONCE UPON A TIME, furthering the arcs beautifully, while providing enough new mystery to keep the story magical. New episodes air Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Family Guy back for another bout with Volume Ten

Volume Ten of FOX's Family Guy has now been released on DVD. The three-disc set picks up from where Volume 9 left off. The 14 installments begin with the fourth episode of season nine, which aired during the 2010-2011 season, and end just before the season nine finale, which happens to be the show's third Star Wars parody, already available on a separate DVD release.

Family Guy's quality has been going down for a couple of years now, so fans might find Volume Ten a bit inferior to other sets. Overall, it just doesn't feel as fresh or original anymore, and other series have taken the edgy humor, a hallmark of early Family Guy, further than this show can on a network station. But it still is pretty entertaining, and this DVD contains a number of enjoyable episodes. Among the highlights:

• "Halloween on Spooner Street" Peter (Seth MacFarlane) and Joe (Patrick Warburton) plays trick on the neighbors. Needless to say, it does not go well.
• "Brian Writes a Bestseller" Brian (also MacFarlane) writes a book that winds up on the bestseller list. This goes to his head, until Bill Maher (himself) lies the smack down. Back in Quahog, Lois (Alex Borstein) banishes Peter to a separate bed. Unable to sleep alone, Peter looks for a new buddy to cuddle with at night.
• "Road to the North Pole" The latest of the periodic Bing Crosby-Bob Hope tribute episodes, Brian and Stewie (also MacFarlane) travel to the North Pole so that Stewie can teach the infamous fat man a lesson.
• "Friends of Peter G." Peter and Brian are sentenced to join Alcoholics Anonymous, which they manages to turn into a big, drunken party. After Joe busts the celebration, Peter turns against booze in a big, long musical number.
• "The Hand that Rocks the Wheelchair" Meg (Mila Kunis) falls for Joe when taking care of him while his wife, Bonnie (Jennifer Tilly), is out of town. Stewie creates a clone that escapes and wrecks havoc.
• "Brothers & Sisters" Lois's sister, Carol (Julie Hagerty, Airplane!), comes to town and falls for Mayor West (Adam West).
• "The Big Bang Theory" Betram (Wallace Shawn) returns and leads Stewie and Brian on a chase through time, as Betram plans on murdering Leonardo da Vinci. The cover art for Volume Ten comes from this episode.

Now, those are all pretty decent episodes, but none of them stand out as making a Top Episodes of Family Guy list. Rather than breaking new ground, they parody familiar sitcom concepts and revisit already established Family Guy formulas. Are they worth a half hour of your time? Sure. But would you cancel your plans to make a viewing appointment? Nope.

The nice part about Volume Ten is that it contains enough extras to satisfy fans, making up somewhat for the lackluster installments. Many of the episodes are extended and uncensored, providing a bit more than what airs on television. Six of the fourteen episodes have audio commentary. There are deleted scenes, and the "German Guy" fight sequence gets a featurette. Three scene animatics break down interesting sequences in the show. The music of "Road to the North Pole" is singled out. Finally, footage from Adam West's star ceremony is included.

Would I recommend this DVD set? Well, for fans of Family Guy who can't get enough, or those who are completionists in collecting all of the DVDs in the set, absolutely. But if you're looking for a handful of episodes to play at parties or while hanging out with your friends, I'd recommend selecting an earlier volume.

Family Guy Volume Ten is available now on DVD.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Article first published as DVD Review: Family Guy Volume Ten on Blogcritics.

666 Park Avenue an address to avoid

Grade: 91%

ABC’s is sticking with the magic and supernatural that worked for Once Upon a Time last year in its new drama, 666 PARK AVENUE. Set in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the series follows the residents of the Drake, a building that sits at 999 Park Avenue (the opening reveals the 999 on the wall casting a 666 shadow). It is a mysterious, old thirteen-story tower full of secrets and a dark power. It can make your dreams come true, if you’re only willing to give up everything.

As the “Pilot” begins, young, fresh, bright-eyed couple Henry Martin (Dave Annable, Brothers & Sisters) and Jane Van Veen (Rachael Taylor, Grey’s Anatomy) arrive in New York City, and soon land the job of building manager for the Drake. They are given this opportunity by the owner, Gavin Doran (Terry O’Quinn, Lost), who sees some potential in them. And also something he wants.

The rest of the hour is a seductive dance. Gavin and his wife, Olivia (Vanessa Williams, Desperate Housewives) shower Henry and Jane with gifts and invitations to status-making events, showing them a world they could live in, if only they were a little richer. It’s assumedly all part of a game, as Gavin is determined to take their souls. Will these Midwestern folks be able to resist the allure of what Gavin is offering?

This is an age-old tale, but just because the premise is a bit dusty, doesn’t mean that the execution isn’t fresh. Indeed, by casting four recognizable and very talented faces to play this out, 666 PARK AVENUE succeeds in making something creepy and intriguing, sensual enough to draw viewers in, helped along by the tone and beautiful setting. Yes, it will cost Henry and Jane dearly if they engage with Gavin, which they surely will continue to do, but mightn’t it be worth it?

No, it’s not. As we see in the opening, Gavin is most definitely bad, and normal people wouldn’t stand a chance against him. It’s unclear whether his power stems from himself or the building, which he bought decades ago, as the dragon symbol in the basement and cult-ish history reveal that these arrangements existed well before Gavin’s time. Unless he’s really, really old.

666 PARK AVENUE balances the fine line between giving away too much too soon, and stating the series’ purpose. There is plenty for viewers to wonder about after watching the first hour, but one may also feel like they know the general rules of the place. The overall package is delivered with the right level of danger, and just a handful of glimpses, some a little lingering, at the hidden majesty of the building. Is Gavin the devil? Does he work for him? Or is the Drake a seat of evil that whoever sits in it will have to obey?

While the four mentioned above are the leads of the piece, there are quite a few other people hanging around the address, and they will likely come into play more as the show goes on. Tony (Erik Palladino, ER) is the doorman who wishes he could be building manager, but claims to not hold a grudge against Jane and Henry for getting the job. Nona (Samantha Logan) likes to swipe small valuables, and seems to know more of what’s going on that she pretends to.

And then there’s wannabe playwright Brian Leonard (Robert Buckley, One Tree Hill), who loves his demanding wife, Louise (Mercedes Masohn, The Finder), but is tempted by the pretty young blonde across the street, Alexis  Blume (Helena Mattsson, Nikita). This is clearly going to be an example story for the audience, showing exactly what will happen to Henry and Jane if they give in to Gavin and the Drake. Brian is tempted by both professional success, which remains elusive, and a possible affair, especially after Alexis becomes Louise’s assistant, teasing Brian constantly. How much Gavin has set this up isn’t revealed, but it’s likely that Alexis showing up isn’t a coincidence. Brian seems exactly the type who will take the short cut and instant pleasure, and so he will make a good cautionary tale.

There are two others already in Gavin’s snare in the “Pilot,” and both of their stories play out and end tragically before the end of the episode. This hints at a possible procedural element, with new characters each week. But enough of the installment is given over to the main characters to make me think that it will be mainly serial, following a couple of stories over the course of a season or seasons. The latter is preferable, and ripe for this kind of good vs. evil tale.

The premise is strong, and the “Pilot” engaging. Viewers should not be disappointed if they choose to visit 666 PARK AVENUE, premiering September 30th.

"Are You...?" Dexter?

Grade: 96%

DEXTER is back for another round of murder and mayhem on Showtime. Last season ended with Dexter’s sister, Deb (Jennifer Carpenter), catching him in the act of killing a killer. This year’s premiere, “Are You…?,” picks up right in that same moment. Dexter (Michael C. Hall) struggles to explain to Deb what she is seeing. No matter how good a liar he may be, it’s awfully hard to justify the plastic wrap and a roll of knives when Deb is staring right at them. And she’s certainly no slouch in the detective department.

Much of Deb’s story in “Are You…?” is digesting her discovery. As one might expect, this is not something she can easily just accept. Deb loves Dexter, so the decision on how to act is complicated by a lot of feelings. But before she can even decide what she should do, she first has to come to grips with the fact that her brother is a monster. This is not something done quickly.

Deb has come awfully close to catching Dexter before, numerous times. Long before now, it’s seemed a certainty that she would find out her brother’s dark secret. Now that the time has come, DEXTER faces a tipping point. Deb can’t possibly un-see what she saw. So she can either take Dexter down, fulfilling her job in the Miami police force, or she can let him continue on. The first can’t happen unless the series is coming to a permanent end. The second would provide complications for her both morally and professionally. But both are preferable to option number three: Deb has to die.

Dexter spends this episode way too nonchalant. Is it because he thinks that Deb won’t tell? Or does he believe that he may have convinced her of his innocence? Both of those possibilities would be hopelessly naive. Or maybe Dexter just doesn’t know what to do. However, were that the case, one would think it would be reflected in his monologue. Instead, there is an utter lack of urgency about the Deb situation from the titular man.

Just before the big reveal last season, Deb is set up to have romantic feelings for Dexter. Might that color her decision? If she wants a full sexual relationship with her adopted brother, she may be less likely to turn him in. The thought of the two of them together is incredibly disturbing for most viewers. But Deb is led to her conclusion naturally, and given her scarred up brining, one can see how she might have inappropriate urges. Dexter, on the other hand, has little feeling to spare, so if he were to commit to Deb, it would be coming from a logical place, rather than because of any real feelings for her. While I seldom argue for leaving a plot hanging, let’s hope this topic is just dropped.

Seeing as flashbacks to childhood are part of the episode (with Parenthood’s Savannah Paige Rae playing Deb), romance will probably (thankfully) not figure into the proceedings nearly as much as a sibling bond. They might not be blood related, but Deb and Dexter were raised as brother and sister. They have a lot of history. No matter Deb’s initial disgust, she has to consider this when deciding what to do about Dexter.

Dexter and Deb aren’t the only two characters in DEXTER, and while the majority of “Are You…?” deals with the two of them, there are other happenings. A member of Miami Metro is killed. This is presumably part of a larger arc that may lead Dexter to the Big Bad of season seven. There is an international side to the story, which could move some of the action out of Miami in a way that DEXTER hasn’t explored yet. The potential here is quite exciting.

LaGuerta (Lauren Velez) has been a character that has confused me for years. Once upon a time, she was nice and loyal to (most of) her employees, even having a little crush on Dexter. By the time she married Angel (David Zayas), there wasn’t much to complain about in her character. But she got divorced, was eventually promoted, and last season she became a huge pain in the butt for Deb. Sure, the two women had never gotten along, but it was more than that. LaGuerta became power hungry and less scrupulous. Every drama series needs some tension among the cast, but this felt forced. It was a sad turn of events.

As season seven begins, it appears there might be some hint of a return for the LaGuerta we loved. I don’t know if she’s too far gone to be forgiven, but any likeability factor will not be restored easily. I’m glad DEXTER is choosing to pursue this avenue; I just wish it had never been an avenue that needed pursuing.

There is room for LaGuerta to go good again because Louis (Josh Cooke) decides to start causing trouble. This intern’s motivations remain murky, but he has not forgotten that Dexter disappointed him. If the serial killer isn’t willing to act like the benevolent mentor-hero that Louis wants, he’s not just going to sit by and leave Dexter alone. Whatever Louis is up to, it cannot possibly be long before Dexter gets wind of his new foe. Does this mean that Louis’s days are numbered?

Yes, there are some missteps in this episode. But it is a great season premiere, with a ton of awesome moments for Carpenter, and several new stories teased in. For that reason, I dare say that it’s one of the better openers DEXTER has done, and if this season can maintain the excitement and anticipation present in episode one, it’s going to be a satisfying year, much more so than last season.

DEXTER returns on September 30th to Showtime.

Glee gets a "Makeover"

 
Glee undergoes a "Makeover" in the third installment of this fourth season. Blaine (Darren Criss), lonely without Kurt (Chris Colfer), the entire reason he transferred to McKinley, seeks to find his place at the school. He decides, after a soulful rendition of "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" and a ridiculous montage of Blaine in various clubs, that maybe he should be class president. This puts him at odds with Brittany (Heather Morris), who is seeking a second term.

Blaine and Brittany square off in a debate with their running mates, Sam (Chord Overstreet) and Artie (Kevin McHale). It's fantastic that Sue (Jane Lynch) says what many viewers are thinking: when did Vice Presidents and forums become a part of the school's student government? It's a clearly staged set up for a humorous story.

Which is fine. Glee is often a little over the top, and unlike Isabelle's arrival, this appropriately furthers Blaine's growth at a time when it is needed. The silly stuff, Sam and Brittany's ditziness, and the song that duo share, "Celebrity Skin," make things entertaining, and keep it from skewing too dark. Overall, this works, especially when sense wins out over stupidity, and because of the tongue in cheek method in which it is carried out.

I just do not like the setup of a Sam / Brittany pairing. Glee makes us care way too much about Brittany and Santana to ditch it now. It will take a heck of a lot to win me over, and the show is nowhere close to this point. Blaine and Kurt cannot split, either!

For his part, Kurt is already settling into a new role in the Big Apple, serving as an assistant to Isabelle Wright (Sarah Jessica Parker, Sex and the City), which leaves him little time for his boy back home. While it may be understandable that he is excited about his new position, ignoring Blaine's calls isn't completely in character, and Kurt deserves a good smack.

I do not like Sarah Jessica Parker. I can't pinpoint exactly why; She seems like a perfectly lovely person. I just can't stand the parts she plays, even after watching (and liking) all six seasons and both movies of Sex and the City.

That being said, Isabelle is a great part for Parker. She slides right into the Glee cast with ease, becoming a fairy godmother for Kurt. Her trio song. "The Way You Look Tonight" / "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile." with Kurt and Rachel (Lea Michele) is also annoying, but again, fits wonderfully into the voices and events of "Makeover." It's odd, but I think this might be the role that actually makes me begin to appreciate this actress.

Unfortunately, Isabelle's introduction comes too soon. Kurt just arrived in the city, and instead of struggling, he lands in a cushy job with a boss who loves him and doesn't mind that he breaks into the office late at night so his roommate can try on clothes. It's coincidence that Kurt just happens to find the kindred spirit of Isabelle, but it's too much to be believable. Had Isabelle arrived late in the season, there would have been a sense of a deserved reward. Instead, what's easy to miss in the truly charming plot is that the whole thing should have been held off on until mid-season.

Will Kurt decide to give up singing to work in the fashion world? It's disappointing, but it doesn't come out of nowhere. Kurt's clothing has always been an essential element to the character, and his voice, while very good, isn't usually played with the Rachel Berry star quality. As long as the decision doesn't come easily, this could be a pretty respectable shift. I just wish Kurt's desk was next to Ugly Betty's.

Rachel, on the other hand, is right on schedule with her story. She no sooner succumbs to Brody's (Dean Geyer) wooing, enhanced by the song "A Change Will Do You Good," than Finn (Cory Monteith) shows up at her door, catching the two of them together. Right from the beginning of the season, this is the exact turn of events that Glee tees up, completely obvious in its arc. It's done well enough, but I'm glad to get past what we all know is going to happen so that we can find out which way the writers are going to take things now.

The final plot in "Makeover" involves Will (Matthew Morrison) stepping away from McKinley to work for show choirs on a national level. It's strange, even when it is explained, that the committee meets at Will's school, and it includes previous guest star Dalton Rumba (Michael Hitchcock, who has written several episodes), though I appreciate seeing Sean Gunn (Gilmore Girls) as another member. It also feels like a repeated story, because Will already struggles with leaving the school in a previous arc when he is offered a role on Broadway.

The way Will's story will probably go is that he leaves, realizes he made a mistake, and then comes back, too late to save the group's chance at another Nationals win. This is a rebuilding year, anyway, so letting Will step back will only add to the chaos of the leaderless New Directions. Let's just hope Sue is made the temporary director in his absence, as that could be quite funny.

Will and Sue filmed a song for "Makeover" entitled "Mister Monotony" that is cut from this episode. This is horrible because advance photos of this number are all over the internet, and then the installment didn't deliver. Ironically, the song was sung by Judy Garland in the film Easter Parade, from which it was also cut. Come on, Ryan Murphy! It's time for another web exclusive deleted scene!

All in all, "Makeover" is not a bad episode of Glee, nor an overly impressive one. It goes a bit too light on drama and bit too heavy on goofy fluff. But it furthers a couple of plots, and is pretty entertaining. This places it somewhere near the middle when ranking episodes of the series.

Watch new episodes of Glee Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on FOX.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Article first published as TV Review: Glee - "Makeover" on Blogcritics.

On the Fringe of the series

Grade: 87%

FOX’s FRINGE has tackled several universes and timelines, with characters existing, then not existing, being killed off, and then being alive again. For the fifth and final season, the series faces yet another reboot, this time moving events more than twenty years into the future.

The season premiere, “Transilience Thought Unifier Model-11,” continues the plot begun in last season’s episode “Letters of Transit.” Peter (Joshua Jackson), Walter (John Noble), and Astrid (Jasika Nicole) have been freed from their self-imposed amber prison by Peter’s daughter, Etta (Georgina Haig). Walter tells them that they must find Olivia (Anna Torv), as she has an important device that would allow Wallter to defeat the Observers, who have taken over the world.

Believe it or not, it isn’t that hard to find Olivia, and Etta is soon reunited with her mother. But in the process, Walter is taken prisoner by the Observers, and his brain is damaged severely. Will he still be able to save everyone? And why has the music died? Are songs what Walter needs to figure things out?

The futuristic world of FRINGE owes allegiance to many sci-fi stories. While it is a new, original creation, there are lots of illusions its geeky fans will recognize. The Observers say “Resistance is futile” like Star Trek’s Borg. Videos are played back on flickering blue projects, a la Star Wars. Banners and posters of an Observer hang from buildings just as they did for Big Brother in 1984. Why so many borrowed ideas? Is this purposeful, a clue meant to provide insight into events? Or have the Easter eggs included for the nerds just grown too obvious?

There are so many unanswered questions in “Transilience Thought Unifier Model-11.”  Even before the team was put in the amber, several years had passed since the previous episode. How did the Observers conquer mankind? Why was William Bell (Leonard Nimoy) in the amber with the Fringe team? When did September (Michael Cerveris) implant Walter’s brain with the key to stopping his people? Why have the Observers taken over in the first place, when previously they had only watched?

The episode itself is kind of tantalizing because it does fill in a couple of the gaps, such how Olivia and Peter came to break, and why Olivia isn’t with the rest of the team. But not a lot else happens. A plan is revealed, only to be yanked away again. Olivia is found way too easy, and the Observer’s base is infiltrated just as smoothly. Overall, it is not a strong return.

Even more regrettable is what is missing. Lincoln Lee (Seth Gabel) has been dropped from the cast, and there is no mention or glimpse of the other universe. This is an important element to FRINGE, having spent years developing that place and Lincoln’s character. To have them just disappear is disconcerting, and hopefully both will be revisited before the series makes its final bow. In fact, given the unsettling time and space jump, maybe some of these final episodes will be set back in the present day?

Broyles (Lance Reddick) and Nina (Blair Brown) are also missing. Does this allude to a shrunken universe in season five? Will the show now just concentrate on Peter, Olivia, Walter, Astrid, and Etta? These are all wonderful characters with fantastic stories, and the Bishop family (including Astrid, who is practically a member) is the heart of FRINGE. But that doesn’t mean that fans are ready to give up the rest of what is familiar about the show.

Which means that “Transilience Thought Unifier Model-11″ is disappointing. A large part of me trusts the people who make FRINGE to do right. After all, for four seasons they have not let us down, crafting this brilliant, original series. But the first installment of season five is less than promising, taking away many of the trappings fans have grown comfortable with, and revealing a whole different kind of adventure. Should the series be continuing a couple more years, this would be cool. Since there are a scant dozen episode left, it’s worrying to be taken so far off the trail FRINGE was previously on, with no signs pointing the way back.

FRINGE airs Fridays 9 p.m. ET on FOX.

Desperate Housewives final season now available

ABC's Desperate Housewives finally came to an end last May after eight years on the air. The final batch of episodes is now available on DVD in a five-disc set, collecting all 23 episodes, plus bonus features.

As season eight begins, the four titular housewives, Susan (Teri Hatcher), Bree (Marcia Cross), Lynette (Felicity Huffman), and Gabi (Eva Longoria) are covering up the murder of Gabi's abusive step-father, Alejandro (Tony Plano), by Gabi's husband, Carlos (Ricardo Antonio Chavira). They each handle their part in the shared secret burial in different ways. Carlos wants forgiveness from God, Susan becomes withdrawn. Bree is nervous because her detective boyfriend (Jonathan Cake) is on the case. Lynette just wants physical comfort, made difficult by her separation from husband, Tom (Doug Savant). Gabi, alone, is at peace, knowing first hand the atrocities Alejandro committed against her, and feels only peace with his demise.

Much of season eight, like other seasons before it, is about a mystery surrounding a murder. One by one, others begin to learn of the housewives' dastardly deed, including the men in their lives. Making this killing so personal, with all of them involved in the coverup, forces more strain and stress between them than in previous stories, in which they could present a mostly united front against whatever danger came to Wisteria Lane. It is fitting that they are tested so severely in the end, allowing them to come out the other end stronger than ever.

That's not to say that there are not costs to this act. There are, as the truth comes out in peaces, and eventually certain things are exposed. Others die. Secrets can never stay hidden for long on Desperate Housewives, and that's what makes it such soapy fun.

Of course, not all twenty-three hours are about Alejandro, as each housewife has additional challenges, one even losing a spouse well before the closing credits. Lynette has a marriage she'd like to save, and along with Susan, faces becoming a grandmother when their grown children hook up. Bree battles depression and suicidal thoughts, egged on by a stalker and the return of her ex, Orson (Kyle MacLachlan). Carlos must kick his alcohol habit. Neighbor Renee (Vanessa Williams) senses sparks between herself and Ben (Charles Mesure), but after he gets involved in the Alejandro story, the lies he tells Renee makes it hard for her to trust him. Plus, Ben is in bed with a loan shark. Fan favorite Karen McCluskey (Kathryn Joosten, who passed away in real life last spring) goes another round with cancer.

These are just some of the big stories in the final year. Each of these characters has shown so much growth, and as they overcome these latest hurdles, there is also a sense of finality, growing stronger near the end of the season, that reminds us that their story is almost over. Up until that point, yes, there are some weak spots, as has plagued Desperate Housewives sporadically over the years. Season eight is not the strongest season. But there are enough gems to satisfy most fans, and that includes the last installments.

I won't spoil the ending, but I thought it was a fitting tribute with the return of many familiar faces, and it concluded exactly how it should have. Wisteria Lane is a hot bed of betrayal and intrigue, and no one who remains there will ever find true happiness.

The DVD is a bit sparse on features, sadly. There is a featurette with those involved reflecting on the time they spent making this show, which is definitely the best inclusion. Creator Marc Cherry does provide an audio commentary for the series finale, and there are bloopers and deleted scenes. These are nice, but I would have liked to have seen more.

Desperate Housewives The Complete Eighth and Final Season is available now.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Article first published as DVD Review: Desperate Housewives The Complete Eighth and Final Season on Blogcritics.

American Horror Story scares up a Blu-ray release

When American Horror Story premiered last fall on FX, it was immediately apparent that this was a different type of show. Going far creepier than most television ever dares to, it's about the Harmon family, who move into a haunted house in L.A. It is, strangely enough, from the team that brought us Glee and Nip/Tuck, Ryan Murphy and Brad Fulchuk, and we were promised the first season, now released on Blu-ray and DVD, was a stand alone story.

What no one told us ahead of time is that it would be so darn good. For 12 hours, viewers were kept on the edge of their seats as twist after twist played out. We learned about all of the past residents of the house, most of whom died gruesomely and still haunt the building. We learned what the Harmons would do under pressure. We learned that a house can have a life of its own, and that the residents who dwell within are only one small chapter of a larger volume.

The Harmons arrive with problems already brewing. Wife, Vivien (Connie Britton, Friday Night Lights), had recently given birth to a stillborn baby, then learned of husband, Ben's (Dylan McDermott, The Practice), cheating ways. The mistress, Ben's student, Hayden (Kate Mara, 127 Hours), actually follows them out from Boston, making sure that the issues they are fleeing from don't just disappear. Daughter, Violet (Taissa Farmiga), is frustrated with all of the adults, who can't seem to grow up, and suffering from depression.

But then they meet a host of new characters that bring their own set of challenges for the Harmons. A man in a rubber suit (Vivien wrongly believes that it's Ben) has sex with Vivien and impregnates her. A burned man named Larry (Denis O'Hare, True Blood) follows Ben around and wants to help him take care of Hayden once and for all. Neighbor Constance (Oscar winner Jessica Lange, Big Fish) knows more than she lets on. And Violet falls in with a possibly homicidal lad named Tate (Evan Peters, Invasion), who has a connection to a strange and violent creature living in the basement.

If that sounds like a lot, it's just the tip of the iceberg. The large recurring cast of season one includes: a maid who usually appears old (Frances Conroy, Six Feet Under), but looks young and hot (Alexandra Breckenridge, Dirt) to Ben; an abortion doctor (Matt Ross, Big Love) and his wife (Lily Rabe), who so desperately wants a baby; a nosy real estate agent (Christine Estabrook, Mad Men, Desperate Housewives); Constance's daughter with Downs syndrome (Jamie Brewer); a noble security guard (Morris Chestnut, V); a psychic (Sarah Paulson, Studio 60 On the Sunset Strip); and the gay couple to whom the rubber suit belonged (Teddy Sears, Raising the Bar, and Zachary Quinto, Star Trek, Heroes). This large ensemble means that no haunted house convention goes ignored.

The writing, acting, and production are all top notch in American Horror Story, which led to seventeen Emmy nominations and a host of other accolades. Jessica Lange won an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actor's Guild award for her role as Constance. These were completely deserved, as American Horror Story is something truly original, taking the genre to a new level when allowed to live amongst such well developed characters for so many hours.

Blu-ray is definitely the way to go to get the full affect of American Horror Story. Obviously, there are special effects, and you won't want to miss any elements of those. Also, the masterful score will be much more effective in high definition surround sound. American Horror Story creates such a detailed, engrossing world, with its rich blacks and attention to detail, it is best experienced in the most immersive way possible, which is currently Blu-ray.

This Blu-ray set includes a number of special features. There's The Murder House guide done by the fictional Eternal Darkness Tours of Hollywood, a making of featurette, a focus on the title sequence, introductions to the various ghosts that live in the house, and audio commentary for the "Pilot" episode. This is plenty to satisfy most fans of the show.

Plus, how many series actually give you a conclusion after a mere twelve episodes? Season two, premiering soon, will be in a new place and time, with many of the actors returning, but in different roles. Season one is a complete tale, from beginning to end, making this three-disc set like a very long, very good movie.

 American Horror Story The Complete First Season is available now.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Article first published as Blu-ray Review: American Horror Story The Complete First Season on Blogcritics.

Raising Hope raises the stakes

RAISING HOPE is back for a third season on FOX. Picking up months after the season finale, Sabrina (Shannon Woodward) inherits a house from her dead grandmother that she can only take possession of after getting married. While Sabrina does love her boyfriend, Jimmy (Lucas Neff), and trusts that he isn't just trying to scam a new dwelling from her, she is hesitant to get hitched under these circumstances. Also, she doesn't want Jimmy's parents to move in, and they're already practically measuring drapes. Jimmy does his best to ease her doubt and give her those warm, romantic feelings that she longs for.

It's a bit of a shame that no mention is made of last spring's finale. That episode brought Jimmy and Sabrina to a very fragile, emotionally raw place. A lot could have been built off of that before returning to the comedy roots that anchor RAISING HOPE.

That being said, it makes sense tonally to move on. RAISING HOPE only flirts with drama when it serves the heartwarming message of the episode, and doesn't like to make any stakes too serious. If it had taken time to explore those powerful emotions evoked previously, it would have shifted the course of what they are doing with the show. For that reason, it's hard to be too disappointed that the writers choose just to move on.

Where dark drama may be lacking, a sweet love story takes its place. Jimmy has been head over heels towards Sabrina forever. Once she gets on board in year two, there is no stopping that train. While having these two young people get engaged after so little time spent together as a couple does feel a tad rushed, there is no denying by the end of the half hour that this pair is made for each other. In the face of such a perfect fit, what kind of grinch stands in the way of their happy ending?

Oh, right. The grinch is Sabrina's mommy dearest (Melanie Griffith, Twins, Working Girl). Viewers are introduced to Jimmy's soon-to-be mother-in-law in this season premiere. Griffith brings a fun, exciting new element to RAISING HOPE. Her character is written in such a way that it makes sense that she's been out of Sabrina's life for so long, while her motivation to become involved now is murky enough to be interesting. Plus, she fits really nicely into the ensemble, broadening the world a bit, especially as it pertains to Sabrina.

I hope she sticks around, joining the terrific B team of recurring players, many of whom appear in this episode. She already gets her introduction to the hallmarks of RAISING HOPE supporting character status by appearing in a flashback during Jimmy's goth phase. I can't ever get enough of that era!

The only thing that bothers me about Sabrina's mother is her sudden about face mid-episode. She goes from not caring about Sabrina, to wanting to be back in her life, even lying to Sabrina to protect her. Mom could be trying to stay in Sabrina's good graces so that she can stay in the house, though she seems to have money, so that may not be a huge issue. Or grief over losing her own mother could shift Sabrina's mom's priorities and make her feel really bad about their history together. The character works, but I do wish that we would have seen a bit more of what exactly causes this change in her.

One noticeable shift in RAISING HOPE's return is a sharper, dirtier edge to the humor. It's one thing to have Burt (Garret Dillahunt) want to touch the fake boobs that are now a piece of art on the wall. That actually brings to mind other boob art in an episode from last season. But having Jimmy walk in on Virginia (Martha Plimpton) giving Burt a hand job in the bathtub of someone else's house goes a bit further than I believe the show ever has before. This isn't a good or a bad thing, it's just different enough to be surprising.

The fact that Jimmy stays in the bathtub while his dad rinses off and gets dressed is much more disturbing. I don't think that it's supposed to be noticeable, nor do I believe it means anything. But upon reflection, what this scene implies is disturbing and unwanted. Thankfully, it's probably also an accident.

In all, RAISING HOPE returns just as good as it left, with some new, intriguing arcs set up. The show doesn't take itself too seriously, but as far as a light, family-friendly, quirky good time goes, it fits the bill perfectly, and stands a touch above its peers.

RAISING HOPE's third season begins October 2nd on FOX.

Made in Jersey should stay there

Grade: 66%

MADE IN JERSEY is a CBS show with a more youthful appeal. It’s a case of the week legal procedural, whose lead character happens to be a young, hip Jersey girl recently transplanted into NYC, more street smart than everyone around her, rather than the older folks who normally populate the station’s dramas. Will this be enough of a change up to be interesting, even while keeping with the same formula? Will viewers in their twenties join the senior citizen crowd in watching this show?

Probably not. Despite the pretty-Ugly Betty-esque lead, Martina Garetti (Janet Montgomery, Entourage), who has tons more personality than the average CBS character, the basic ingredients are the same. There is a case. It must be solved by the end of the hour. Other characters will think Martina isn’t up to the task, and she will succeed anyway. Happy ending.

Now, there are a couple of extra elements that set MADE IN JERSEY slightly apart. In keeping with Martina’s background, she has a large family whom she enjoys being around. Led by matriarch Darlene (Donna Murphy, Trust Me), the boisterous bunch will probably cause Martina added stress, and give her little side stories, like the first episode’s bit about her niece wanting a tattoo, distracting her from the legal work at hand. But considering none of them are listed in the main cast on the show’s website, they probably won’t figure too heavily into the season.

It’s hard to tell from the first episode what the chemistry will be between the various full-time cast members. The two lawyers Martina interacts with most aren’t on the show’s website either, making me think some recasting was done, and they will be replaced by others who might have a different reaction to Martina’s plucky ways.  Kristoffer Polaha (Ringer, Life Unexpected) and Megalyn Echikunwoke (The 4400, CSI: Miami) will apparently be joining the firm soon, and whether they will be friend or competitor or something in between remains to be seen.

Other people are already established on MADE IN JERSEY. Martina’s boss, Donovan Stark (Kyle MacLachlan, Desperate Housewives, Portlandia), is a whimsical fellow, sort of a toned down version of the Malcolm McDowell role on TNT’s Franklin & Bash. He takes a shine to Martina at once, seeing something of himself in her. It’s not a particularly fresh take on a superior, but played wonderfully by MacLachlan, it’s hard to complain.

Cyndi (Toni Trucks, Music and Lyrics) is Martina’s assistant. This is a step up from many young lawyers on TV, who don’t have their own helper. She is also a friend, so she serves a dual purpose on the show. Viewers need more of her past, though, if we’re going to appreciate her. Martina has only been at the firm a few weeks, and they are already gal pals. How did this happen? Why do they click so well? This is a relationship that should be explored.

Then there’s Riv Brody (Felix Solis, NYC 22). His investigator should be a popular character, but it’s hard to root for him when he seems so inept. Martina talks about how storied Riv’s work is, and yet, in the “Pilot,” she finds all sorts of things that Riv misses. Hearing the audio tone, something her niece discovers, makes sense. The chalk dust on the sleeve, though, among other things, should have been seen by Riv, not Martina. This is done, presumably, because Martina is the lead, and Riv is just a supporting character. But why have him at all if he’s only going to follow Martina around and admire her work? How did he get such a reputation as a top notch detective when a young lawyer does his job so much better than he does?

MADE IN JERSEY can’t exactly be called disappointing because, as a crime procedural on CBS, the bar isn’t set all that high anyway. All it has to do is deliver the same package every week, and an important mass of viewers is happy. But for those who value good television, this looks to be a total dud that isn’t worth your time. Which is a shame, since there are a couple of characters here I could really like.

MADE IN JERSEY premieres September 28^th on CBS.