Gossip Girl 'How to Succeed in Bassness' Review

There may come a point in your life where you would have to choose between what's best for a friend or your boyfriend. Even if you think you would be right choosing one way, you would not be able to avoid hurting someone close to you. Blair had a series of battles on her hands in 'How to Succeed in Bassness'. It made sense why Chuck's desires came over Serena's needs; Chuck was the one who resented her for manipulating him in 'Enough about Eve'. Blair seems to find different ways to make every situation centered around her and she rarely notices how her decisions affect those around her.

Chuck's desire to open a club circled the entire plot which brought the cast together again. The writers are beginning to form a sense of redundancy when it comes to delivering a storyline for each episode. There is always one main event and all the main characters are centered around it. This episode does explain why the writers chose to omit any advancement with respect to Chuck's restaurant and his idea to place a club. They obviously wanted an episode dealing specifically with Chuck and his business life.

The Club gave Blair and Chuck the ability to soften their hearts for each other and work as a team. Although I believe Chuck should know Blair well enough to figure out that manipulations would not surpass her, but there is a line Blair should not ever cross. There is not many things anyone could do when it comes to manipulations, deceit and slander, Blair should know well enough that Jack Bass would be the last person Chuck would confide in. I suppose she was desperate enough, Blair doesn't have that many people in her life she trusts, so the first hint of resentment in Chuck's mood made her draw her weapon bruising anyone in her way. Even Serena got bruised; which leaves Chuck as the only person in Blair's life. Can Blair safely say her relationships would last if she doesn't change her childish acts?

Serena has been facing her very own series of dilemmas this season. Choosing to break up her ex-boyfriend's blooming relationship over keeping her job would have been messy if she didn't decide to fill Dan and Olivia in on KC's plan of sabotage. Dating a stud like Dan must not be giving Olivia a 'Wow' of a career booster, but it does leave room for gossip. Olivia and Dan's relationship has reached a certain point where there's no where left to go. They've done the 'I like you', 'we're an official couple', but they didn't necessarily 'seal the deal' on their relationship.

I may have admired their make-out sessions, but the sex scene was less to be desired. Maybe it was the lack of development in their relationship and the validity of them as a couple. I find myself wondering that if Olivia's this 'big star', Dan himself should feel intimidated to go all the way. On the other hand, sleeping with someone famous could be something like a dream come true.

Lily seems to be playing the mother-card lately for some unlikely characters; Jenny was on top of her list regarding the 'poorly effective' mean-girls attempt. Those girls are either trying too hard or are not even trying at all, I could say the same for Jenny. Blair did tell her that she should marry her country (in this case school) and accept the fact that people would hate her, but the last person Jenny should ever kick in the butt was Eric. Taylor Momsen's take on Jenny somehow reflects the changes in her rock-star lifestyle and her dealings with her band 'Pretty Reckless'. It still doesn't excuse her from trading her appearance of the Jenny we once knew. I really couldn't care for the 'mean attempts' towards Eric and Johnathan, especially since there was enough room on the stairs for Eric to move around.

'How to Succeed in Bassness' leaned towards the conflict between Chuck and himself. Chuck tries to prove over and over that he's nothing like his father, yet he still bears similar characteristics. He has chosen to settle down with someone he loves or could love very deeply, and he's vested his life into his business. The only problem is that it didn't end well with his father, which is why Chuck becomes so persistent when the fate of his life is unknown. Blair doesn't make things easy for them either. I really want Blair to snap out of whatever trance she is in, stop clinging on to others and become the strong individual I know she is. She needs to focus on the serious part of school life. Sure NYU might not be Yale in her opinion, but that only adds to the thrill of getting to face her challenges.

As much as there were some questionable, head scratching moments, I liked this episode a bit more than last week's. At one point I believed that Blair would have surely kissed a girl to end her feud with Chuck, but maybe he would have loved it too much for it to be punishment.

Serena and Nate still have leftover issues to deal with, but I actually admire Nate' friendship with Dan, it actually shows a different side to him and lifts the humor in the plot. It was no surprise why Nate admired Olivia's 'Endless Knights', which looked more like a porno than a Vampire film. Dan's reaction to the movie was certainly Classic, faking a cold pushed the limit even further when Olivia called. He should have anticipated that his girlfriend would want to see if he was alright and not wait a matter of days later.


Highlights:

I am surprised that Jenny didn't see the need to upgrade her sewing machine. Throwing it out obviously meant that she was fully 'Mean Girl' ridden. I only hope she ups it a grade, her previous attempt came off amateur and cheesy.

Jenny's minions need to go.

What ever happened to Penelope and the others? I am actually missing their contributions.

Who filmed Endless Knights? I would take a rain-check on their next film production.

Dan's dating a movie-star, Serena's dating a forlorn movie-star, who's next?

Olivia wanted to be caught with her hand in the cookie jar, I think she actually posed for that shot.

Lexa

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Four Stars

Grade B+
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Gossip Girl 'Enough About Eve' Review

Dreams reflect the ambitions of the subconscious, it makes us assertive about the type of person we want to become but is just not there yet. Blair pegged her Dream the wrong way, she's not the low self worth person she believed she was. Only if she continued down her path of revenge and hate, would she be the Plain Jane she despised.

Why is Blair headset on plucking power and control as though she could easily pick it from a tree? This vendetta Blair has against herself mirrors her desperation, she doesn't need minions. It isn't high school anymore, people actually carry a mind of their own and would not necessarily respond to empty threats and bullying. In the end Blair lost everything most fond to her and became the same Jane she dreaded.

I imagine the Bette Davis imagery complimented Leighton Meester's cover of 'Bette Davis Eyes'. It is almost profound that Blair's dreams reflect a movie icon. That shows the exact way she perceives life; everything must have a happy ending, but not always does the movie end the way she wants and she cannot control the picture she is shot into. Often times 'All About Eve' is the Blair version of a Nightmare resulting into 'Enough About Eve' already!


The only thing Blair counted on was Chuck, she really has no one else, especially since Serena became obsessive about Carter as opposed to improving her own life. Still, Blair dug her own graveyard when she traded her boyfriend's kiss (to another man non-the-less) for a measly toast at a freshman dinner. I understand Blair's obsession to be on top, but her motives are pathetic and her aims only land her flat on her face.
Chuck's compassion is heartbreaking; he would do almost anything for Blair, but he knows the kind of person she is. She would sell even the closest person in her heart for a chance to feel like Queen B again. The mistake Blair made was believing that Chuck's heart was up for sale, love is unconditional. For Blair, earning forgiveness from Chuck would be a lot easier to accomplish than forgiving herself.

Olivia Burke unfortunately took the spot for the toast and it wasn't even a big deal for her. Hilary Duff's appearance added a certain amusement to the plot, especially when she decided to act like the cliched image of a movie star.

Olivia - "So anyone famous here? I mean besides me"

Vanessa placed the screws all over the place here. She approached the situation with the toast exactly the way Blair would have done it; manipulative and twisted. Blair was actually able to bring Vanessa down with her. It was nice seeing Vanessa's side of the family, her mother's opinion actually matters most and it made sense why she wanted to prove something to her. The toast could have opened her mother's mind up for her success in college. Nothing changed in the end, even when she caught Blair in the act of incriminating herself - another Blair-like act. It was so obvious the way Vanessa held her bag with the microphone upright. Blair was so focused on gloating she didn't even notice, but for the viewers that should have been more professional and less predictable.

No one really got their happy ending, not even Serena and Carter, I was even surprised to see Carter out of harms way. His speech was touching, but I couldn't really get the connection between them, there wasn't anything there to die for. Nate's attempt to bring the Buckley's down just felt out place when Carter showed up unharmed. What was the point of the two bodyguards taking him far away? What he did to the Buckley sister was cruel and even heartless, but the Buckleys are putting to much effort into seeking revenge as opposed to helping her. Carter isn't really worth all the attention they are giving him.

Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz have a way of giving Nate undeveloped story-lines and pointless plots. So far Nate has had a series of love affairs and now he's campaigning for his grandfather to seek revenge? The writers need to give Nate worthwhile plots that makes sense and fits into the story they are going for, otherwise his character would altogether be ignored.

This was a slight step up from last weeks 'Rufus Getting Married'. Lily and Rufus seem the exact same as they were before; not that I expect a love shower, but at least something separating their single from their married life.

I am definitely not in agreement with the scar left on Blair and Chuck's relationship since Blair's misdeed. At one point I believed that 'Chuck's meeting' was an excuse for another girl in his place, but I prefer a lie to be alone as opposed to getting with someone to drown your sorrows. Does Vanessa and Blair's truce mean that they might be heading into a friend zone-probably not right away, but Blair needs someone in her life since she and Chuck aren't up in arms.

Olivia is a very interesting character and I really look forward to seeing more of her. I also expect to see more paparazzi coverage of her and Dan's relationship, otherwise her 'status as a movie star' would lose its credibility. A few more screaming fans should also do the trick.

Not bad. I know its hard to follow Jenny's role at school since Blair and Serena was what brought most of the tension, while Jenny stood in the sidelines, but Jenny also dominated the first portion of the mean girls habit in season one. I definitely want some of that spunk back. It would also be good to see what Hazel and the girls are up to.

Georgina's absence was not missed here, but I resent the way they dismissed her. This was also not Blair's finest hour, but with a few tweaks and changes this new version of Gossip girl could be for the best. I just miss the need to feel like punching someone out because their character really hit a nail. Who knows.

Highlights:

What's up with Serena's wardrobe, has she found a new attachments to shorts.

I actually believed Chuck when he confessed to kissing a man beefore. I wouldn't want to see that again.

Vanessa looked very interesting as Eve.

The last person I expected to give advice to Blair was Lily. Who else would have done it?

Jenny's hairstyle wasn't always like that. I prefer the old look.

Dan gets to kiss a movie-star and act normal about it, what's wrong with that picture.


Lexa

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Four Stars

Grade B-
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The Mentalist 'Red Menace' Review

How about it... Jane on a motorcycle?

A Lawyer who has devoted his entire life to his client, so much that he is sucked into the dangerous lifestyle of the same client he has sworn to keep out of jail. Sounds familiar? It could have easily been mistaken for an undercover cop changed from the heat of the dangerous-lifestyle and killed when things went wrong. It all in all tasted the same to a typical cop drama, the only difference was Jane and his ability to show the soft crust of a biker's hard surface.

The entire drama dealing with the son being the killer surrounded by the several other decoys was just washed away elements to broaden the plot. There always has to be an indirect assessment to the actual story; a love affair gone wrong and the sob story. I suspected the son initially while he seemed detached from everything and the mother was just too obvious a suspect. They actually kept the son out of the loop, which writers use to draw the viewers attention away from the actual culprit. It doesn't work if you know how the trick works. One would find themselves discovering who did it in a matter of minutes and would grow impatient waiting for the plot to unravel.

The only thing I seemed to be interested in really was Patrick Jane and his relation to the Red John case. Seeing as Bosco was no where around this episode, there probably wasn't any advancements, which also meant that he didn't find the bug Jane planted in his office.

I am really amused by Jane's witty comments, it is what gives you the drive to remain in the passenger seat. Van Pelt and Rigsby also give each episode that lift. When all else fails with an unfavorable case, the interaction in the office is what keeps things going and maintains your interest for the next installment. I really admired how Jane planted the belief that there was a mole and in the end giving the woman her refuge sought. Did he do it for her? Maybe, but I believe in his twisted way, he gets a high off of what he is able to perceive and use everyone as poppets. What if you actually knew someone like him in real, if you didn't already, you really could not keep things away for long.

Lexa
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Four Stars

Grade B-
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Castle 'Fool Me Once' Review

'Fool me once; shame on you, fool me twice...'

This is a common phrase known by most of us and we can surely fill in the blank. It was definitely the statement of the entire episode, when it comes to shams, cons and being fooled time and time again.

From the moment the show opened with a guy who looked like an Eskimo vacationing in the Pacific, well I knew he would have been beheaded if not in front of the children the after wards. It is after all how the best crime dramas are initiated.

'Fool Me Once' surrounded the life of a con man who wanted to change and clean himself up for the woman he loved. Half the time I couldn't care for the characters they threw on our trail to whiff up as the murderer; the woman he coned for her life long savings, the teacher involved in the con (except he was on the other end of the conversation, accessory would have been good enough), his fiancee, her father and the list would probably go on.

I suspected the fiancee at first and the entire partner wanting a piece in the con gone wrong was basically a sham, I couldn't really care who did it after a while. The only thing that actually made this episode interesting was Castle's witty comments and Beckett's desire to make love to Castle's book-that definitely should reflect how she feels about Castle, since she treated his book like a drug she couldn't shake off, even on the job in the bathroom.

Another favorite scene would have been Castle's mysterious CIA contact, the act itself has been done before, but it did the job. I couldn't help but laugh at his 'agent skills' or even 'magical skills' to vanish out of thin air.

This time Alexis' urge to play the violin as a side plot felt out of place. I am usually accustomed to her role as being the little voice in Castle's ear telling him what to do about a dead end case. Aside from her instructor's attractive nature, Castle had every right to be concerned, he didn't even introduce himself properly to 'The Father'. Nothing like the chatter between Castle and Beckett to keep the show going.

Lexa

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Four Stars

Grade B-
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Smallville 'Echo' Review

It looks as though Smallville is on the creepy role of Science Fiction streamed episodes. The 'Toy Man' made a recurrence from the 'Previously on Smallville' gave away. I know the 'Previously' usually gives the viewer a chance to be updated, especially if they only began watching Season 9, but it also gives away the exact characters that are going to be starring and the way the plot is unraveled.

For instance, we already know the Toy Man was the mastermind behind the stunning opening with hostages and his revenge plot towards Oliver after the frame up. Nothing was really left up for suspense. The only part that was probably intriguing in the Toy Man-Oliver plot was probably Tess' attempt to portray a hint of romantic feelings for Oliver when he was at his lowest.

Tess' motives does strike up a question mark. Why go through the trouble of getting Oliver to attend an event, she could have easily paid a look-a-like to pose as the real Oliver, or she surely could have worked up some excuse; with the amount of time Tess doesn't have to spare, why was this event so important? The Toy Man does pull the pieces together in the end, since Tess wanted him to utilize Metallo's heart as some kind of Toy. It all suggests everything was a hoax surrounding Tess' true goal.

This whacky world of Smallville is really turning into a merry-go-round. Of course the writers take on the task of bringing Lois and Clark together, but I really don't appreciate them making Lois get stood up all the time and having her act as though she is the only one showing romantic interests in Clark and constantly getting hurt. I know Smallville takes it's own spin to the Superman series, but the next time Lois is stood up I would not only resent Clark for it, but it may even limit my admiration towards her character.

Lois needs to be bold and adamant, showing up at Oliver's event to be Clark's plus one in a monster-truck, really comes off as desperate and unlike the Lois I know in Smallville. I need to see more fist action. I did appreciate her input via thought about Clark's handsome bod, but I would first think about ringing his neck as opposed to what he was wearing, maybe that might come after wards.

How strange was it for Clark to read minds. It's strange how he depends on Chloe to do the dangerous tasks for him especially since she's so busy. Busy doing what? What does Chloe do all day or even for a living to make ends meet? It's strange how she always has the answers.

We are definitely going to see more of Toy Man, or even hear more since Tess took him up on a mission. Even though Green Arrow got rid of his wardrobe, it doesn't mean he's gone for good, he could also get new clothes, or find a Tailor. The writers mentioned something about Green Arrow getting a partner soon, and Zod's absence doesn't really compromise his threat. I expect nothing but the best from Smallville, just two words 'Come Big' and all would be fine, also I want the bossy Lois back.

Lexa

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Three and a Half Stars

Grade B-
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The New Adventures of Old Christine 'For Love or Money' Review

Even your best friend could sue you for alimony. What happened to Christine's almost doctor boyfriend? Did she dump him for the lawyer.

So Barb and Richard actually went for nuptials, maybe they omitted new Christine specifically for that, because I'm sure she wouldn't be happy to find out that Richard could marry someone that wasn't her. He didn't even tell her that he was engaged. That was probably what came with we are living together for only platonic means.

Barb is also very adamant about remaining in the country, what does she really have to stay for; her job, Christine or even a wacky road of crazy? Maybe she came so far away from home to achieve a goal, but what direction is she headed to?

The use of such underused characters like Marly and Lindsay seemed like an attempt, maybe more insight on their babies' health could be explored. It was quite depressing why they decided to seek Matthew's help through compliments, they must really be unhappy at home.

This was yet another interesting episode, although there were some flat moments that rolled over quickly. I just want to see New Christine's expression when she finds out that the man she is living with is a married man. Or does this mean that Richard is moving out?


Lexa

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Four Stars

Grade B-
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The Office 'Mafia' Review

It wasn't really established whether or not the insurance agent was 'mafia' or not. He actually seemed like an insurance agent, because when it comes to Dwight, Michael and Andy, they usually can blow a simple solution out of proportion.

The one thing we as people learn over the years is that you don't mess with a newlywed couple on their honeymoon, no matter how dire the situation is. I am sure Jim and Pam were well aware that Michael would find a way to interrupt their time away, I think Jim dealt with it the best. Usually when you are trying to cut someone off you pretend as though you are breaking up. A little harsh, but calling someone to talk about the mafia while you are on your honeymoon, I would just hang up. Knowing Michael would probably keep calling for sport, so it's always best to just keep the conversation short and stop it from ever happening again.

I couldn't believe it when Oscar called Jim, I didn't know he relied on him for office advice so profoundly. So when Michael actually got intimidated into signing the insurance policy and then backing out when he believed he wasn't Mafia, I kept wondering why he didn't fear for his life upon the surface of Dwight and Andy's lie. It's funny how low they perceive Michael. I probably know what Michael thinks of both Andy and Dwight. Jim, next time do not leave your social security lying around, the person that steals your identity could very well be your best friend, or at least someone you know.

Now that the honeymoon is over, what's up for the Newly Weds and gosh how would their baby fit into the office lifestyle?

Lexa
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Three and A Half Stars

Grade B-
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The Mentalist 'Red Badge' Review

Something was definitely fishy wit that shrink who clearly went out of his way to council Lisbon. I imagined it was one of two things, he either had a wild crush on her and was waiting for the right moment to turn his sessions into some kind of mushy mushy vibe or he was up to something. Honestly I believed it was the first, the entire set up was kind of neat.

The classic part of this episode was watching Jane hypnotize Lisbon and take advantage of it. How did it benefit him to know whether or not she dances to Spice Girls. Although he didn't show it on the surface, he did care about Lisbon's fate as a detective. He lied for her when she claimed to be watching television the night of the murder. He even helped her smoke out the true culprit and clear the suspicions around her.

I knew Robin Tunney from 'Prison Break' and I admired her ability to create Veronica into the shape and form she was, but when I saw the scene with her dancing to Spice Girls music and acting as though she was high then to transform when the psychiatrist presented himself to be a hoax, I definitely applauded her. She has definitely shaped Lisbon into her own self. What added to the benefit of this episode was getting some great insight into Lisbon's family life and also seeing a fraction of how she lived as Teresa.

I knew Lisbon didn't do it, at least that would be the end of her career as a detective and the Mentalist would not do so well in jail, at least Robin Tunney could have taken what she learnt from 'Prison Break' for the betterment of the series. The breakthrough of the real villain incriminating himself by admission of the cross,I have to admit myself was a weak revelation. The frame was well, but after breaking the glass in your office and temporarily going insane, I expected more.

That's the perks that comes with being a detective, there would come those moments where someone blames you for a crime you could have easily prevented, but couldn't really save the world with. You just have to completely check out those you work with or pay to council you, they very well may be your enemy.

Lexa

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Four Stars

Grade B-
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Castle 'Inventing The Girl' Review

Castle - "It's Fashion week in New York City and the clothes are to die for"

When it comes to Castle, anything is a good thrill if its a murder investigation. What better to spruce of the lives of the essential male detective than to have a murder investigation listing a dead model. It takes a huge loss to bring true happiness. Castle even picked up Alexis' past babysitter at the agency, although I knew he wasn't really going to go out with her.

Since no one picked up a dress or shaved their head from 'The Double Down' it was safe to say all bets were off. The strange photographer was my first suspect, seeing that the writers just placed him in front view for no reason. It was certainly a shocker when it was revealed that the husband took his wife's life. Maybe he didn't really love her that much if he allowed jealousy to consume him, or maybe he loved her too much.

Nuff' said, the twist was interesting enough to throw you into a wild goose chase and even though Castle's family life is on the low, the writers make good use of his mother and daughter, so much that their plots remain interesting. There is still no advancement in Beckett's mother's case or even a whiff as to whether or not Castle dropped it all together. Castle and Beckett seem to be more chummy than ever, so it would make sense if Castle did send the case file to the wolves, but something just doesn't smell right. After all, Castle is a writer, he has to find that story and maybe nothing is being revealed now, but soon his curiosity would get the better of him.

When we think back to the plot of a wife who loved her husband, but because of a misunderstanding he kills the best person in his life. Some people could relate to not trusting the person you are with up to the point of paranoia and there would also be that laps in judgment. Still if he did love her, coming forward would have been the best way to clear his conscience. I still commend Matt Barr for shaping Travis into the jealous husband and still come off believable even through reasonable doubt when the spotlight was on him. He didn't fall through. One of the most reasons I admire this series; mystery filled, emotional and funny which balances out it's validity as a series.

Lexa
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Four and a Half Stars

Grade A-
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Smallville 'Rabid' Review

There is not much we can let slide when one of our favorite series turns into a slight remake of another film, series be it.

I was actually intrigued by 'Metallo' even though there were the 'blah' moments it was still a part of consistency embedded into the Season 9 approach. I actually expected to see a bit more of Zod and get some questions answered about Lois' dream, but when this episode opened with a shirtless Clark running out into a deserted town and a drooling Lois, I remember turning away from the television and letting off a deep sigh saying 'They didn't just do that'.

Maybe this sci-fi-horror-action filled episode was placed in the third episode slot for a reason. They needed to develop Zod's plot since he's barely getting enough screen time. The writers probably wanted us to shiver at the thought that this is what Zod is capable of to bring the Krptonion to front view. The writers possibly believed that they could use the hype from '28 Days Later' and maybe a dose of 'Resident Evil' to draw out the intensity in the plot, that 'Smallville' could pull it off, but I really couldn't tolerate it. I didn't like Lois' zombie-like side and I surely didn't want to have that image lasting in mind.

The only thing commendable for the writers would be their take on Lois and Clark and bringing them closer together, what better than a horror movie shaped into a series format, to get them working together.

As much as I appreciate their moments, there cannot be lapses like this again. There is only so much I tolerate, especially with the shows I admire.

Lexa

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Three Stars

Grade C-
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The New Adventures of Old Christine 'The Mole' Review

It only takes someone like Christine to turn a life threatening condition and turn it into a way to pick up a doctor for sport.

So 'The Mole' turned into the chocolate speck, that one was odd, couldn't she have spotted that flaw herself.

I found it mildly disturbing when Richard only got turned on when poor old Christine was suffering. As the seasons progress and we understand the type of person Richard is, we also imagine the type of husband he was and the divorce becomes more apparent. Of course Christine had a part to play in the craziness, but Richard's crazy is just bizarre.

His choice in women seems to be directed to his personality. New Christine had that hint of craziness herself when she borrowed the neighbor's cat to ward Richard away, she too has had a lot of crazy moments herself.

Yet it's quite amusing that out of all the weird moments, things actually work out for the better, but taking someone's hand to feel your breast just crosses a serious line not to mention flashing a passer by. This woman would just flash anyone would she.

Lexa

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Four Stars

Grade B-
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The Office 'Niagra Pt. 1 and 2' Review

Finally it's the big one 'Jim and Pam's Wedding' and everyone from the office is invited. I am sure Jim and Pam could have easily told them a different venue and have their wedding elsewhere with only their family and true friends, dumping the drama down the drain. As much as Jim and Pam may resent working with some real downers, their wedding would not be the same without them. That and they would have creepy phone calls and unending chatter if they stood everyone up.

The one thing I loved about this two part episode is that we got to see both sides of the family relating to Jim and Pam. We had some re-occurrences and new faces, but out of all Pam's Grandmother took the cake. I knew someone would have revealed Pam's pregnancy and all eyes would have been on Michael, but the way Jim delivered it '...because of obvious reasons' was essential and in a way unexpected from him.

I can tell you for sure that I didn't really peg Dwight to be the stud muffin the writers portrayed him as nor did I ever believe a member of Pam's family would fall head over heals for him. That was an odd twist to the show when Dwight sent Pam's sister away like a one night stand put away like last weeks garbage. I actually felt sorry for her, especially since her taste in men lacked the necessary thrill of the moment. It would have been fun to see Angela and Dwight use the moment to rekindle or deal with whatever flame they once had together. The whole Dwight-Andy-Angela triangle is still unresolved.

I honestly commend Jim and Pam for redeeming their marriage at the last moment, every girls dream is to have their wedding at Niagra Falls on th Maid of the Mist...well at least it was for Jim and Pam when they tied the knot, it was one of the most beautiful scenes. I saw the expressions on their faces when everyone decided to make a mockery of their wedding-somewhat- it was like 'You can do whatever you want to this wedding, because my dream wedding just passed a few hours ago. At least the engagement is over.

Lexa

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Four and a Half Stars

Grade B+
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Dollhouse 'Belle Chose' Review

Sometimes it takes a little crazy to truly spell Nuts and boy oh boy was Alpha missed here. Who knew out of all the tasks Victor could perform, he could also play crazy. Out of all the psycho Luney, Echo was the least believable, probably because Echo has taken on a personality of her own, even in her imprinted state she still goes back to Echo format.

At least we know for sure that Dr. Saunders is not forgotten and that DeWitt is probably making it her goal to get her back, but it isn't really her first priority.

Among the silly in 'Belle Chose' Victor's attempt to dance like a girl came off disturbing. He presented himself more like a man trying to dance like a girl as opposed to a girl dancing like a girl. Didn't he realize his change in body chemistry?

From the onset of 'Instinct' and Eliza Dushku's stellar performance, I expected 'Belle Chose' to up a grade, but it presented a certain mediocrity to it. I did appreciate the guest stars who resembled the actual manikin, but they out numbered Echo and could have easily taken her down.

Paul's anxiety towards Echo was no surprise, probably had a lot to do with seeing he naked in the shower. To any extent DeWitt must be aware of his fascination with Echo, she seems to give him more than he can actually chew. How good was he as a detective; it wasn't really established, so did he have the capability to interrogate a psychopath. I am sure DeWitt could have saved herself the trouble and just follow one of her dolls with their tracking devices still implanted (That's new) to the secne and just raid on their parade.

I barely tolerated Echo's engagement with the professor, it really added a yawn that we really could have done without. Maybe Sierra could give it a spin, Madeline also gave it an essential twist. On the other hand not my favorite storyline.

Lexa

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Three Stars

Grade C-
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'Cloudy With A Chance Of MeatBalls' Movie Review

If you are a weather girl, your biggest break would be to deliver a forecast citing 'Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs... with spaghetti on the side'.

Who knew whether or not I would like this film at all. It could have swung both ways. After all we have seen the typical hero complex storyline and the falling slowly in love theme, but oddly enough this was surely a different way to tell a story, especially for the younger generation.

'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs' had a slight twist to it which resembled a slight brilliance tangled in the storyline. A forlorn scientist who finally gets his big break only to be used and abused to the point where world domination comes to play and of course there must be a love interest poked somewhere in between the mayhem.

This movie stroke out all other new coming movies to the top and there were the occasional echoes of anchor showcased upon the closing act and overall good feedback, so I knew I had to give my view on this show's excitement in ratings.

To set my enjoyment aside for this one, I would tell you that you've probably seen this one already, if not something like it, but you would have a good laugh and there's no doubt the writers found a way to give it a new spin so much that it would not disappoint. Ratings can be misleading at times, but I know when a movie is good, it still winds up being in my top ten this year.

Lexa

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Four and a Half Stars

Grade A-
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Private Practice 'Right Here, Right Now' Review

The only thing worse than a physical affair is an emotional one. A physical affair you can get over, but from the time you fall for that other person and taste that sense of something forbidden, it stays with you for a long time. Morgan was the latest of updates when dealing with Addison and Noah. Noah's absence does nothing but broaden our curiosity of 'What's the Deal'? Addison just ended it, but it more or so seemed like she was avoiding it.

It was actually refreshing seeing Morgan's baby healthy from last season's scare, they mentioned nothing of the baby and Morgan since this season opened and we know situations like this to get that you can't just say 'It's over' and move on. That is exactly why Morgan's appearance was the boldest as she held her baby and asked if Addison and her husband were sleeping together, in front of witnesses; she surely wanted her to feel a lot of shame if her suspicions were true and I'm sure Addison was even more elated that it didn't cross over to that, but does almost count? Of course it does.

I am usually one to keep away from promotions for the following week's installment, which is why Bailey's presence was unexpected. She wasn't even introduced, she just showed up in an ambulance van, which is probably why with all the haste Addison remembered to say hello. Bailey's case was interesting as well; for most of the Private Practice fans who cut themselves completely off from Grey's Anatomy we surely got a three year fill in. So Derek and Meredith got married, it didn't really seem to affect Addison much, neither did O'Mailey's death; it went as quickly as she announced it. The only thing that stuck was Bailey's divorce from Tucker, which seemed to be a topic not up for discussion in her book.

I couldn't get why the writers believed Bailey and Sam would make a good couple. I couldn't stop smiling when he gripped her head with his hand and leaned down to pucker one in. Bailey didn't really strike me as a gal who needed a man in her life, she didn't ever have that relationship drama, probably because she was always married in Grey's Anatomy then.

Private Practice 'Right Here, Right Now' was all over the place. From Pete and Sheldon arguing about the paternity of Violet's child to the whole Naomi and Addison not speaking thing and the Cooper and Charlotte not speaking thing, it was just one of those episodes. The only thing that stood out was Violet's inability to cope with what was taken away from her. Violet's character's been through a lot, and this is another battle she has to deal with and Amy Brenneman has found her niche this season when it comes to giving breakthrough performances. I always look out for Violet scenes now. She really has no emotion towards her child and should we dislike her for that or feel sorry, even if she took responsibility for Lucas she couldn't really love him as a mother should.

It was tormenting the way she let Lucas be a part of some tug of war between Pete and Sheldon, but the revelation that Pete was the father was really a relief. I really can't imagine Sheldon as a father, but surprisingly Pete has proved to be a good father so far. I imagine the fact that Lucas' ears looked somewhat like Sheldon' was used to throw us of the trail of deciphering for ourselves who the father really was. I may have believed Lucas had Sheldon's ears, but I didn't want him to be the role model in Lucas' life.

Violet couldn't really care less who the father was, but she too looked relieved when Pete started to jump up and down like a school boy and Sheldon walked out with his 'I really thought he had my ears'. Does this mean Sheldon's officially out the picture. Maybe Shonda Rhimes might think of some other reason to keep him around.
The only person Violet could turn to was Naomi; no strings attached, Violet obviously hates the person she has become. Naomi also provided an open ear for Addison who was also guilt ridden with her almost-affair.

All of the cases dealt with this season has been on the dismal side. Isn't it considered crossing an ethical line when you have to choose between infecting a patient with HIV and saving their life. This episode probably opened that line up for debate. It was more shocking when Charlotte decided to sign off on the operation. How cheesy was that doctor for bailing out on the operation in the nick of time for Sam to scrub in.

The one fault I would place on the writers end, is making it seem as though Charlotte's hospital would fall through without the presence of Addison and Sam scrubbing in on operations. It often looks as though they are the only doctors around that could do the job right. Maybe that could be true. Charlotte's hospital may be small and probably even understaffed and when such doctors like the highly qualified Surgeon Addison comes to operate, it actually gives the hospital a boost. There is still the essential too much praise when it comes to labeling them the best.

Private Practice has set its standard so high this season that I just expected this episode to be a Boom away from last week's bang. I accepted the cliched 'bubble boy' finally able to kiss his girlfriend symbolizing the kiss of death, but I actually expect better and better as the weeks progress. I wonder if we'll be seeing Noah since Addison indirectly confessed to loving him. Room for thought.

Lexa

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Four Stars

Grade B-
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Gossip Girl 'Rufus Getting Married' Review

When I said I wanted to see Georgina go out with a 'bang', her fantasizing about Dan wasn't really what I had in mind.

At least we know that Dan is dating a movie-star and he likes her enough to throw any other potential relationship out the door. I didn't ever really get used to Dan and Georgina, couldn't really get the electricity between them, so when Georgina insinuated the times that Dan probably used to grab her a**, that came off oddly disturbing.

The best appearance Georgina ever made was in season one and she hasn't been able to measure up since. My expectations of her sudden return from Boston were too high apparently. I really geared up for the big bomb she was going to drop, that big slap in the face that would have you wanting to wring her neck for being such a b****, only to end up with a love sick puppy. I really wondered if Georgina was serious when she was blackmailing Vanessa to get Dan to break up with his movie star girlfriend? Really? That was it? Did she really think that Dan would dump a movie star actress for her?

So the Georgina return was flat and pointless, I actually laughed when she revealed Scott's real paternity to Lily and Rufus. Was that supposed to be the Jaw dropper, what was wrong with that entire picture?

The Buckley's revelation was an entire joke. So we suffered through the long relationship engagements and extended after hour bed time with Bree and Nate, only to have the end result be an entire sham, and a pathetic one at that. I couldn't really care about Carter and why the Buckley's had it out for him. Frankly I was really disappointed with the delivery of the whole deal, which took a short time to develop with an unpolished revelation. I didn't even see the point to Bree using Nate, if she had done her research well enough Chuck would have been a good alliance, without the strings attached.
If that's it for Bree, I was really wondering what Nate's grandfather had up his sleeve seeing that Bree was playing Nate all along.

I couldn't really grasp the slightest bit of enjoyment from 'Rufus Getting Married'. I really believed that Rufus' and Lily's marriage was just placed there and didn't take the time to fall into place. Their bickering resembled that of a married couple, but it came to the point where it really didn't matter if they were married or not. I also couldn't understand why Lily would leave her wedding plans in the hands of teenagers and the oddly placed mean girls; also why she would give Jenny the responsibility of making a wedding dress. Is Jenny really that good?

The only highlighted scene that brought an element of decency; was Chuck giving Blair a massage. I honestly don't view Chuck as the going out with other couples type and I couldn't get whether Blair's resentment for Bree was a shade of jealousy or she just knew bad blood when she saw it. It really looked like Chuck knew what he was doing when he eased the tension from Blair's back. Unfortunately that moment could not out-way the poorly structured concept of the show. I actually preferred for Lily and Rufus' marriage to be planned and for Cece to attend seeing as she was probably better and would love to see her daughter get married again.

Bree's resentment for Cater was profound, but she couldn't measure up. Her detective skills were flawed; if she really wanted to find Carter she could have by putting a stake out on Serena. So when Carter was hauled in by the Buckley's presumably to be dumped somewhere, the tension just wasn't there. I expected him to take his one way ticket out of town, I didn't buy that he cared for Serena so much that he risked his life to tell her that. He didn't strike me as the changed type, I was even shocked that Blair liked him as opposed to just tolerating him

Blair surely had something to do with Georgina's Prince. Georgina has lived the tale many times over, she couldn't believe that a Prince would just come up to her like that without other conditions. The only thing I possibly liked about that scene was Dorota dressed up in something other than her uniform; she must be paid highly for her to go on roles like that for Blair.

Sometimes Gossip Girl would spare a certain episode that leaves you baffled at the end, this was probably one which could not deliver the standard I am accustomed to. What might work to their benefit would be to make more use of the underused characters like Jenny and Eric, probably even tune down the extra drama with Serena and Brown which wasn't even worthwhile this time. Some more Chuck and Blair, more elaborate story-lines, lose the the mean girls and maybe things might look up next week.

Lexa

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Three Stars

Grade D
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Private Practice 'The Way We Were' Review

Out of the several different ways one could feel like a prisoner in their own home is to have a piece of your sanity cut away from you.

Violet had her share of what it felt like to quiver at the sound of your very own door bell. The worst consequence of her nearly fatal confrontation with death by a psychopath is that she no longer feels a connection to her very own new born son.

'The Way We Were' marked the changes in the lives of everyone; be it directly linked to Violet's mishap with Katie or indirectly. The case subject even marked the essence of everyone. It takes the vulnerability of another wrecked family to reflect the true image of the lives in the Practice.

I felt a sort of sadness for everyone in the group; Naomi has left the Practice in the capable hands of Addison and Sam, but things aren't really meshing together because they both feel that something is missing in their lives. In 'A Death in a Family', Addison made it clear that she felt as though Naomi had abandoned her; if we analyzed Addison's entire lifestyle, she's been hurt the most part of it and almost everyone has abandoned her with haste, so I understand the meaning behind her broken heart because of Noah, yet another mistake that keeps her down and now her best friend has abandoned her.

Sam has lost his wife and probably his best friend, so it's understandable when he had to operate on a presumed wife-beater, that his resilience mimicked the incapability of getting how someone could abuse their wife, without understanding what it's like to live without one.

Violet may have the burden of getting a piece of her taken away by Katie, but it seemed like Katie's negligence had a huge impact on Sheldon, Pete and more so Cooper.
The battle among these men were evident, Sheldon is hanging on a thin thread of possibility that Little Lucas is his child (Sadly it actually looked as though Lucas did have his ears). Sheldon's battle is showing us that he deserves a right to feel some sort of compassion with Violet because he could be connected to her on a bigger level.

Pete's battle deals with his attachment to Lucas and Violet and the possibility of everything going away. Pete played a crucial part in Violet's life that very first month playing a father to Lucas and Violet's soul-mate and caregiver. He feels as though Violet has completely pulled away from him.

When the tables turn to Cooper the dice keeps rolling, because he's is the only other person most affected by Katie's misdeed. Cooper suffers with the guilt of being 'so close and yet so far'. He was right there by the door when Katie had Violet at her mercy, he could have stopped everything from going wrong, but he didn't and he would have to live with that the rest of his life. I'm not sure if Violet blamed him, frankly she probably found different ways of talking herself into not opening the door, because now she couldn't even go outside to take her son for a walk. Amy Brenneman deserves an Emmy for her stellar performance as the glass fell from her when Sheldon rang the bell and she ran into the closet to seek cover; Katie was probably locked up in some institute, but she left her scars. It was even more heart breaking when Violet left her son in Pete's care and I actually believed when she said she couldn't be the mother Lucas wanted her to be.

It wasn't surprising that we gained some perspective from her conversation with Charlotte as to why she couldn't be a mother to her son and she preferred to stick him in the fridge than face him. I actually feared for Charlotte when she revealed her responsibility for her condition of sort and Violet's 'You owe me' response did feel as though Charlotte would owe Violet her life if it came to it.

The case with the abusive father turned into abusive child, was beautifully executed. Tammy Larsen played by Emily Rae was an excellent guest star arch, especially when she began abusing the nurse like a person in need of some psychiatric assistance. All came together in the end when her tumor was revealed and her father's abusive role became non-existent.

'The Way We Were' could evoke a sense of sadness in anyone's heart, even one that would consider themselves icy with respect to poignant shows could imagine themselves shedding a tear. I especially admired Addison's 'Nobody beat me, nobody tried to steal my baby, nobody stabbed me, but I am wounded' speech. In the essence of it's humor, it was one of the saddest speeches Addison delivered and it was even depressing watching her and Naomi talk about shoes in their end scene together.

Private Practice has touched an element of complete appeal, that each episode this season has been incomparable. I think back to Grey's Anatomy, a show where Addison's character did not get the true individualism she has on Private Practice and I am able to appreciate the beauty of her character even more, I commend Kate Walsh for most of that.

It's not easy to give away a part of yourself and that's exactly what Violet would have to cope with in 'Right Here, Right Now'. For now I would stick with how much I would like to see this episode again if only to capture those moments, not many series have that impact.

Lexa

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Five Stars

Grade A+
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Gossip Girl 'Dan De Fleurette' Review

When Blair handed her flame over to Jenny she didn't contemplate on her throwing it in the dump to burn elsewhere. The one thing Constance couldn't tolerate was change especially the type of change Jenny delivered with that rusty speech. Really who was she kidding?

The three girls attempting to replace Hazel, Penelope and Isabel came off as mere imitators. They were a trio we could have done without.

Surely Jenny's epiphany granted Blair an opportunity to ditch her tormented life in NYU and seek higher familiar ground where she once reigned. I actually expected that Blair would move in Constance to take over and she would surely have a face to face duel with Jenny, but my expectations proved to be too high. The three wannabees attempt to throw spiteful slander towards Jenny, was water-down and frankly made me laugh at their endeavor.

We can surely see how Blair feels; she doesn't really have friends and every person she meets at NYU couldn't care less of her whereabouts. She misses Constance and the Queen B treatment she once received. Which explains why she tried to recreate her annual slumber party that expired last season, the one thing that actually gave her status.

It was quite refreshing welcoming our guest stars; Tyra Banks and Hilary Duff to have some Gossip Girl moments with us. Hilary Duff was more reserved and her acting matured since familiar shows like 'Lizzie McGuire' and 'Cheaper by the Dozen'.
Hilary Duff's portrayal of Olivia Burke was something we've seen before, but she made her character her own.

An actress who just wants to have a normal life, without the publicity resembled such films like 'First Daughter' meets 'Nothing Hill'. Olivia is fixated on being normal, dating an ordinary guy and simply having the life of a normal teenager.

I believed that Tyra's role was the craziest, especially when she came out arguing about her "Too blue, too pink and too red" outfits she was preparing to wear for the Movie Premiere. Do co-stars often act so out of sort? She still carried her role like the essence of Tyra Banks, which is why Ursula's entrance embraced a certain level of humor.

'Dan De Fleurette' had an essence of glamor and austere moments, but there were also some rushed story lines as well. It felt as though they hurried us through getting to know Olivia Burke, Ursula, their trials and mistrials all in the matter of a few minutes.
The scene where Ursula lost her cherished part was forlorn, but it came off as more comedy than drama.

I was happy to see Serena get a job, but I don't understand her obsession to find herself and her resentfulness against Brown.
At least we know that Cece is doing well, but the entire ordeal felt like a cover up for Kelly Rutherford to make her premiere in the fourth installment and Cece's presumed illness was fabricated as a play for time.

I actually look forward to seeing Olivia and Dan together, although at some point her publicity could hamper their relationship. She is surely a step up from Georgina; more emotional than physical.

We also know that Nate is going to school so that's also refreshing, but I believe that his study time with his old pal Dan was an excuse to keep Nate in the story. That also points out the little screen time Chace Crawford usually gets on Gossip Girl.

The Georgina revelation with Scott was predictable and could have been done less cheesy, but I did feel Vanessa's despair when Scott proved to be distant.

I always look forward to Chair scenes, but they really needed to mellow down the love talk, we know.

The storyline seems to be going somewhere now. Blair is regaining her control again, Serena is 'finding herself', Chuck has his own hotel business (although there wasn't any advancement there), Dan is moving on and Jenny likes Yogurt again.

The writers have a noticeable formula the put into making this season for the better, but with the exception of the guest star appearances 'Dan De Fleurette' only displayed a portion of the standard I know Gossip Girl usually delivers.

I still don't understand why the photographer would care why he was getting paid to take pictures, just do the job. Even though it was quite obvious that Chuck paid him.

"Aren't you Blair Waldorf?"
Right. Blair you actually fell for that one?

Lexa

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Three and a Half Stars

Grade C+
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The New Adventures of Old Christine 'Burning Love' Review

There was lots of love and lots of hate in this episode and the hate actually reflected love according to Richard.

Why did Mathew and Barb believe it was therapeutic to point out the only way to cope is if you get high on booze and burn all your boyfriend's things. That only made things worse for Richard who clearly was the opposite to 'New' Christine's then bubbly mood; as though breaking up was the best thing that ever happened to her.

Richard did have a point, having someone show no emotion towards you is worse off compared to them hating you. At least they loved you enough to hate you now, I am only surprised that Richard was smart enough to discover that.

The only moments I found disturbing were the length of time Christine spent in the tub shaving what she alone knows she has, so she could sleep with her old flame Richard who was also doing some crazy work out before they had sex. It was sure good thing they came to their senses, at least for Richard.

It also brings forward the fact that it's been a while since Christine had some happy time especially since she allowed 'whatever' to grow to that length.

It was a sure good thing Richie wasn't around to see the crazy lifestyle of his parents, not sure if he would notice if he was around either.

Lexa

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Four and a Half Stars

Grade B-
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Dollhouse 'Instinct' Review

There are very few chances where you get to take a child away from a loving mother's arms, without leaving with a few scratches and scars along the way.

Dollhouse used the value of motherhood and parenthood on a different level that actually had me marveled at the sight of Echo willing and able to breastfeed a child she didn't even carry herself. What I found most fascinating was the fact that she truly believed she was a mother at heart.

The writers outdid themselves this time with a moving theme in 'Instinct'. Eliza Dushku was able to capture the true emotions of what it would feel like to have your child ripped away from you, especially if you believed they were in danger.

How many fathers would be willing to pay the Dollhouse a load some of money for a strange woman to become your child's mother? Given the details of his wife's passing during childbirth gave more clarity to the plot, but how long would that engagement be; up until the child was old enough to take care of their selves or until the father loved his child.

This story was down right heartbreaking indeed. I applauded the way Echo screamed in the station when they pulled her away to receive her treatment and she firmly believed they were giving her child to a murderous fiend.

DeWitt made an excellent point to the father; he could have asked for a nanny or even a child specialist, but he asked for a mother-someone to give his child the love he couldn't give himself.
DeWitt had some serious balls giving Echo a long term engagement, how much money did this guy pay for a deal like that?

Echo keeps getting used time and time and time again and it's beginning to show up on her such that she even has a personality to go with her doll behavior. She felt the loss of her child even when she was wiped like a computer. She was still overwhelmed with grief to the brink of insanity when she couldn't get what she wanted. The only person she can now count on is Ballard.

Madeline made her first presence this season and we got to see an essence of the life lives after being a doll. I believe DeWitt doesn't trust her and the feeling is mutual. I wonder how many people have actually made it out. Madeline and Ballard shared some time together and he seemed to have some feelings for her and maybe subconsciously she did as well. At one point when Echo went zany on Topher and knocked Madeline in the head, I believed Madeline would have glitched; if not by the uncanny questions, then surely a knock over the head should have done it.

I really cannot get over the impact Dushku left from the scene she created in the station. Her abilities to portray a multitude of characters should be commended, but she hit the nail on the head with that jaw dropper of a performance that has me wondering what more personalities she could portray with the same quality.

This is what I am asking for with the Dollhouse, we finally have a storyline we can follow; Echo is about reached her limit, she's not a computer, maybe that's a hint of Caroline talking in that end scene.

There was no mention of Dr. Saunders or even Boyd. Shouldn't DeWitt be the least bit concerned about one of her dolls actually leaving the Dollhouse, maybe for good?

I must say Topher should be commended; getting Echo's body to produce breast milk is classic, but he could have simply let her bottle feed her child, but where would be the fun in that.

For now lets focus on the underused characters like Sierra and Victor, I am sure they have more to offer.

A few more doses of this kind of material and anyone would be hooked, let's see what happens next.

Lexa

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Four and a Half Stars

Grade B+
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Smallville 'Metallo' Review

What's up with everyone hating 'The Blur' and blaming 'The Blur' for everything. The only thing I despise most about 'The Blur' is his name. It really needs to change.

So it turns out that Brian Austin Green's stay was a short one as John Corben became crazier as the minutes went by. I felt his love for his sister, but blaming it all on 'The Blur' is so cliche. I had high hopes for his character; a brief cat and mouse romance with Lois, a jealous Clark remaining on the sidelines, a close revelation of 'The Blur's' true identity', but those dreams went downhill fast the moment that vehicle crashed into him, which I am sure jolted most viewers upon impact. It also crashed any hope of a decent storyline between him and Lois.

The writers played well with the throbbing anti-blur replaced repellent for his heart and I was just as hazed as Corben, when he woke up with a beating green heart. I believed it was some kind of joke when he became more machine than man and wondered if they picked Green for the part solely because of his link with the Terminator series. His ramblings mattered less, especially when he believed he could take on a man faster than a speeding bullet. Why kill someone who saves so many lives?

I am oddly drawn to Allison Mack's character and how she portrays Chloe. She seems to actually show a hint of jealousy whenever Lois speaks about 'The Blur' and it isn't a simple measure of concern for her cousin. She actually feels a distance from Clark since he took an oath to embrace his Krptonian legacy. Since Clark clearly wants nothing to do with his old life, why is he always drawn to Lois? Why does he continuously call her with the creepy voice and inadvertently lure her into believing that she could be 'The Blur's' sidekick? Why call her at all?

We all know that Clark has some repressed feelings, deeper than he understands, for Lois. He cares about her safety and feels conflicted and torn between his mortal life and his Kryptonian. People always get hurt around him, but pulling himself away does no good for anyone. Which is probably why he reclaimed the 'Farm Boy' title and his Job at The Daily Planet- he says that it's to find out what Lois is repressing in her memory, but I believe it is something more.

Lois' dreams are somewhat amusing, how much did Durance and Welling enjoy filming those oddly eccentric and suggestive scenes. Does Lois even understand what she dreams, or even that she is having extra work relations with her Smallville?

At one point after Clark defeated Metallo or at least when he defeated himself, and Lois awoke in the nick of time (convenient), I was surprised Clark stuck around. She obviously didn't recognize his true identity, which I found quite surprising.

That scene got me thinking, based on the Superman theme, how would Clark be Superman without revealing his true identity?

Tess was not foolish enough to rehire Lois without ulterior motives, Lois should have known better. Chloe seems to be cleaning up after everyone, who's there to take care of her, especially since Clark went a-wall.

'Metallo' portrayed many references to comic book deliveries and Clark still has his strange trench coat on lurking over tall buildings (That really needs to go), but this episode came off slightly average. The only anticipation is what Zod has up his sleeve. Tess also gave the impression that Metallo is not completely gone, so we could get another screen shot of Brian Austine Green. Let's hope Smallville increases the speed so that we could tighten our seat belts.

Lexa

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Three and a Half Stars

Grade C+
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The Office 'The Promotion' Review

It takes two to tango, but all fall down when there are two bosses to any office. Jim and Michael both hold two completely different prospects into running the office, which caused them to crash dramatically especially when it came to making the tough decisions.

What I found most amusing was that I actually believed that Jim was trying to help and not completely take over. Although there were some times where Jim wished he were the only boss, it was only because he believed that his method would work to making the office a more efficient place.

Sadly he was most mistaken. Over the years, Michael has been the Charismatic boss; a people pleaser who would back down the second he thought that someone didn't like him.

In one day Jim actually believed that taking an Autocratic approach, things could actually change. What makes this storyline intriguing is that it reflects our everyday lifestyle in the workplace, but on a more human-less-comedic manner.

Jim failed to realize that the people in the office had grown so accustomed to Michael's people favor ways-unable to ever deliver bad news, that they couldn't even sit back and listen to who was in charge. In a typical work day my boss would announce some cut backs in wages to meet the lower profit margins; you would have one or two complaints but that does nothing at the end of the day-what the boss says goes.

Which is why I found it surprising when Jim and Michael hid away from the oddly annoyed workers. No one wants to be the deliverer of bad news.

There are many times I thought back to the earlier seasons from 'The Office' and would notice how Jim interacted with Michael; that was the first time they were on the same level of authority and Michael was the one advising him on how the job is done. At the end of the day, we really didn't know what their decision was.

Quotes

Ryan: "Question for you would you guys rather have a hundred dollars now or five thousand dollars a year from now".
Maybe Pam should have stock to her first decision, at least the hundred is guaranteed.

Jim: "Michael is my only friend left in the office, except Pam-I think"

Michael: "Just Pretend we're not here"

Dwight: "People are starting to notice how terrible Jim is. It's great eventually they'll rise up and revolt. My only hope is that they do it sooner rather than later..."

Moments

Dwight soiling Jim and Michael's, put a bead on who you think best deserves a raise, plan.
I wonder if Jim didn't place one on Pam really because Pam really didn't do much, sadly she was just the secretary.

Michael and Jim's final scene.

Lexa
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Four Stars

Grade B-
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The Good Wife 'Stripped' Review

Not many wives could say they've been through the drama of public humiliation and scrutiny, then to turn around and become a model mother. Alicia Florrick has a lot on her plate, but there are still a few questions left hanging in mid air:
Did her husband do the things he was accused of?
Did he have an affair?

We have the tapes, the recordings, the pictures, but all those could be altered to anyone's benefit. Alicia's son already proved that the pictures were fake, so what else is fake?

Alicia had to face whether or not her client was the ex lover of her husband. She also had to debate whether or not to listen to the tapes of her husband's affair plastered all over the internet. What stretch is Agos playing at, sending her the link to the sex tape online. What made him think she wanted to hear the bit. He obviously has some sort of edge which makes him watch her closely as though he was threatened by her.

Lockhart is another character which seems threatened by Alicia, probably because it is her relationship with Will Gardner. I'm surely routing for them to get together.

What I uncovered so far from this mystery is that Glenn Childs went public with the tape of Peter Florrick's affair and we know it's because he felt threatened by him and possibly even ploy-ed a personal vendetta against him for his own benefit. Why else would he continue to taunt Alicia.

Although Alicia failed to grant her client a guilty verdict so her attacker could get a stay behind bars, she got her victory in the end.
The Judge was loosely liberal indeed, 'a moment of silent please' and he was serious. What could anyone say?

'The Good Wife' shows great potential and the mystery within it is surely one awaited to be discovered.

I am still not a fan of Alicia's husbands who can't seem to give his wife a straight answer. At least we all know Alicia's son wasn't checking out porn, although the thought was intriguing relaying the temptations of the youth.

What did Alicia gain by listening to the tape in the end? Closure perhaps?


Lexa

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Four an d a half out of Five Stars

Grade B+
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Castle 'The Double Down' Review

You know you've reached a point in your criminal career, when you begin to place bets on the cases you solve. It soon becomes the best way to pass time in the career that tends to suck the soul out from you. It only takes Castle to turn a profession into a dance lesson.

To top it of from a blast of a season premiere, 'Castle' found a way to make it all comedy and a whole ball of fun.

Who knew that placing a bet on two completely different crimes would turn out to be linked. Two complete strangers planning a murder was quite clever, but they must have really hated their counterparts enough to arrange for them to be murdered. I knew the husband axed his wife from the moment he began squirting out fake tears and regretting not professing his love to her. Somehow his words of love for his wife came off cold and lacked any sense of emotion, which was why I was shocked when he was marked at a game around the time of her murder.

We didn't really grasp why he hated his wife so much, nor should we care. These strangers would have to live with the guilt of concocting a slightly flawless plan and going behind bars when all fell through. Be careful who you talk to on board your daily boat detour, you wouldn't really know what stranger you could trust with your life.

It is almost amazing that every mid-life crisis Castle's daughter faces, she always gives an antidote for his poison. She finds a way to give Castle some life changing advice which inadvertently turns out to be the solution to his crime solving problems. It was all for the best she got rid of her boyfriend, he was really becoming a bit of a bore. Props to Castle's mother's acting skills, I really wondered if she finally had a screw loose.


Quotes

Castle: "You know if this was one of those super sci-ency forensic shows you could stick some electrodes in these fishes brains get a fish eyed view of whatever they saw"
(I wonder if he would be the detective on that show)

Dr. Parish: "Looks like a patient lost his patience"
Castle: "Also his command of grammar. you're should be you-'-re as in you are, that's not even a tough one not like when to use who or whom."
Beckett: "Do you really think that's the take away here castle"
Castle: "I'm just saying whoever killed her also murdered the English language."


'The Double Down' was filled with elaborate humor and the title could have easily given away the entire plot, but whenever you've got Castle in a scene, one would tend to crack up rather than focus on the guilty. Who knew such a Romeo could cause you to break out a laugh for centuries. I was really looking forward to see him with that dress and shaved head. Oh Well.

Lexa

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Five Stars

Grade A-

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The Mentalist 'The Scarlet Letter' Review

When there is a murder and thousands of suspects, you can count on Patrick Jane to narrow the odds. He even puts a time frame to when he would catch the culprit.

Things only get tricky when you're trying to solve a crime and politicians abuse their power to seal their footprints from the sand.

Jane always carries a self absorbed ego with him and this episode was not without his grim certainty and extraordinary detective skills to discover that the cleaner wasn't so much the mopping floors, cleaning the bathroom type and was more the type to cover up a bloody murder.

I found myself torn between deciphering 'who did it?'.
The Politician and her husband were the obvious villains, but just because they didn't have the occasional heat in their marriage it didn't mean they were guilty.
The stepbrother was the decoy thrown into distract us, so he was too obvious to be the one to kill his own step sister.
The old lover unmasked by Jane was another suspect, but he was also the politicians father and this webbed episode turned into an entire chase that would have your head spinning.

When the cleaner put the knife on Jane it was rather foolish of Patrick to believe he was actually going to sit down, maybe Patrick believed he could outsmart him somehow.

The revelation of the many affairs that went on; father sleeps with daughter's lover, isn't really something you hear everyday and wasn't the favorite case of the hour, but how about holding a dead guy in an interrogation room to get everyone to fess up. Guilt reveals all and the truth can't remain hidden forever.

Now that Jane is off the Red John case, he is going all out of his way to get on Bosco's good side or his bad side as the case might be. His determination to catch the person that ripped his family from him, is like a venom that is seeping through his veins. It is the only crime he can't solve, the one thing he can't get his hands on and Bosco is just another splat in his way. At least that's why he planted a bug in Bosco's office, to get one step closer. It's almost depressing seeing a calm Patrick Jane carry so much pain.

We could depend on Rigsby and Van Pelt to add some romance and innocent flirtation to brighten this crime drama. Lisbon is often a tease when it comes to taming Jane, but it's just about time before he gets face to face with Red John, then all gloves are off.

Lexa

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Four out of Five Stars

Grade B+
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Make it or Break it Finale Discussion

If you are a gymnast you would notice certain flaws, but to the eye of a non gymnast you would find yourself bedazzled by the level of gymnastics.

Still 'Make It or Break It' didn't portray that element of great difficulty that would cause even a non gymnast to 'wow'. Emily didn't even do as much compared to the pilot, just her practiced routine that placed her in the top twenty and I did believe that Kaylie had it in her to push for gold, but the gymnastics was drowned out by all the teenage drama which sort of made the finale water down. Still that kiss between Emily and Damon was enough to keep an appeal for season 2.

Lauren still has to earn her stripes for next season, but I don't think there's any coming back from sleeping with your best friend's boyfriend or even a rekindling moment for Kaylie and Carter. Kaylie portrayed a degree of responsibility in the finale that was kind of unexpected when she called Carter to retrieve the necklace he gave her.

I am really interested in Emily's character and Triangle with Damon, Razor and Leo. Did we see a hint of jealousy from Damon towards Leo.

Anyway, this season needed to have more episodes, it felt too short, but I do look forward for the next season.

Who 's on board? Just to see what the writers would come up with and where they would take the characters next.

I don't know if anyone sensed this, but I did sense a connection between Emily and Sasha, maybe it's a coach-student thing, but they seemed awfully close.

Lexa


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Private Practice 'A Death In The Family' Review

Pain is like having a knife stuck in your back and having someone rip your guts out until you meet a slow death. Imagine that, then you would get an idea of how Violet felt when she had her baby ripped out of her by a psychopath and left for dead.

The season premiere of Private Practice was long awaited, ever since last season where we saw a mad Katie claim Violet's baby as her own and daring her destructive tool to remove what she thought was hers. How can anyone claim a baby unless they were completely nuts. She could have easily waited until the baby was born to save herself the whole mess.

Though Violet barely gave birth, death could have easily met her side. Pete's destined save was a matter of some intervention and the only hope Violet had of living.

This was a sad day for everyone. Even the flashback which crossed everyone's mind of the first time they met Violet, when the Practice initially started. The funeral service at the beginning was a throw of, because the thoughts which passed through everyone's mind was 'Is that Violet's funeral?'

Pete's deceased wife was the big giveaway and they deliberately omitted Violet from the service to sway us, but I somehow knew. The entire basis of the flashback was to give us an understanding of the early impact Violet had on others, but it was also a decoy plan used many times before on television. Still it was equally entertaining to admire the years they took off of Violet in the flashback and Naomi's short bob which came off as a horrible wig, as well as Sam's glasses. They all carried a different way about them in the flashbacks. I admired how the writers delivered the transformation of the current time compared to what was past. Equally effective.

Each character faced a dilemma, but I hardly saw the value of Sheldon and I believe the only thing that would keep him in the picture was if he turned out to be the father. I believed Addison faced the most daring dilemma's of all time; splitting herself in two and acting autonomously. It all made sense why she left Violet's life into Naomi's hands, who seemed more like an intern in training than the real deal. They put too much pressure on Addison to be the 'best' neonatal doctor, but what about the pressure Addison placed on herself?

Violet was pail in the operation room and her lifeline looked pail in comparison and death itself seemed to overcome her. Mostly everyone that cared for her suffered despair and disgust towards anything they could have done to prevent the very state Violet was in.

Cooper believed he could have stopped everything before Charlotte called him, Pete believed he should have listened to her about Katie, Naomi's decision to leave the Practice weighed down on her heavily and Addison began to feel more alone than she's ever felt in her lifetime. Even Charlotte had her fear of guilt and Sheldon his feeling of isolation.

What would have happened had Cooper answered his pager, maybe Violet would be without a womb, but Katie would have also been caught sooner. Returning to the scene of the crime is always the best way to get caught, but showing yourself to the person that wants you dead for putting their loved one in harms way, is just as good as selling yourself out. Obviously Katie was truly nuts to page Cooper, Violet's best friend, what was really running through her mind? At least Violet's child was recovered and an entire mystery was solved.

The flashbacks gave us more insight into what exactly made Pete the person he is. It also gave us an early hint towards Violet's relationship with Pete and their attraction towards each other.

Drama is one thing, but when you get the addition of action, adventure and great execution, it places Private Practice on a new level.

Kate Walsh was exceptionally talented in 'A Death In The Family' and Amy Brenneman added a certain level of equal talent which sealed this season premiere into being one of the best for Private Practice. Shonda Rhimes set the limit high this season and now that Katie is apprehended I would love to see how they spin this storyline.

Watching Pete mourn his wife at her funeral was deep, but it leaves you wondering how could he despise the one he once loved. Pete argued with his wife even after she passed on, such that it left an unnoticeable scar on his heart and his character.

Violet's sharp recovery was no surprise and her request to see her son also sealed the deal. What would have happened if Katie did not bring the baby, what would they have told her? Maybe Violet sensed her child was in the room. Sob.

Katie was the villain of the Practice taken out with one final blow, but this episode makes you shiver to the thought that she was ever a patient and not ready in an institute.

Lexa

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Five Stars

Grade A-
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