Constantine Episode 2 Review

After the nice, somewhat splashy first episode, now come's the hard part for any new television show, producing a second episode that can help lock in audiences. And tonight does that in a nice way.

Despite it being Halloween, which to my mind means an episode saturated in monsters and John doing what he does best to save the day (employing elaborate magics), we get character and plot development, which is also nice. At the end of the first episode Liv used her scrying abilities to create a map of where various points of where demon activity will/are occurring throughout the United States. And it would seem, that whenever demon activity is in the making, the drops of blood that mark various points, will turn wet and freshly sticky.

Heading to a small mining town in Pennsylvania, Constantine runs into two things, the first being an artist by the name of Zed Martin (direct from the comics) who has been having visions of John, and drawing pictures of him, which is a great treat for fans of the comics to see basic rough sketches of various John Constantine covers and comic book panels from over the years.

The second thing he encounters is Coblynau, Welsh mining spirits, normally peaceful creatures, who are now murdering various heads of the mine that keeps this small town running.

What follows is a great look at Matt Ryan's development of his portrayal of John, really making use of the characters smarmy attitude and con man sensibilities to wheedle information from the townsfolk in order to ascertain the threat at hand. He really seems to be settling into his role of John Constantine, and I believe that he will grow into the Constantine we fans deserve and will be proud to remember in the years to come.

Again, despite the fact that for a Halloween episode this wasn't a very spooky, it was still nice. It had substance, and promises more cracks at monsters, demons and other things that go bump in the night for John Constantine. So come what may, I intend to stick by this show, through its good episodes and bad.

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Episode 6 Review

Tonight's episode showed one thing, HYDRA has stepped up their game in the war against S.H.I.E.L.D. but then again, so has S.H.I.E.L.D. Escalation was the key plot point tonight, and brother, it was some heavy escalation indeed.

HYDRA attacks a UN meeting, in disguise as S.H.I.E.L.D agents, killing with deadly force and precision. General Talbot, there giving a update on the need to try and keep Coulson and his agents in check, is a witness to this brutality, and yet, he isn't convinced.

My oh my oh my, what a treat tonight was. Ladies and gentlemen, if there is one thing I can say, its thank gosh Joss Whedon for casting Adrianne Palicki as Bobbi Morse! The banter between her Nick Blood (as mercenary working with S.H.I.E.L.D. Lance Hunter) is fantastic. Course, the fact that their characters are former husband and wife helps in a big way. Having to work alongside one's ex, in a job where danger and intrigue are the main course of every day, this is gonna be some primo dialogue if Palicki is sticking around for a while as Bobbi.

Plus, the added bonus of Senator Christian Ward, Grant Ward's big brother, who reveals the true nature of Grant, that the guy is a mega sociopath. And in exchange for his backing down in the hunt for Coulson and his team, Grant Ward is remanded into federal custody.

Also, tonight we see Palicki suited up in a more combat efficient version of Bobbi's Mockingbird costume from the comics, blond hair and all. I'm throwing in a photo, for all those who missed out tonight, to get a good look at Palicki is like as a blond and wearing blue spandex esque combat armor.

Tonight was as I said, all about escalation. And the escalation is sure to bring with it even more great episodes like tonight's, where front line action of a direct nature is employed, not just small hit and run tactics. More and more, this new season feels like the classic S.H.I.E.L.D. comics of the 60's, where Fury and his team took charge in the war against tyranny and evil. If nothing else, Marvel is showing how good comic book based television should be produced. And that's good enough reason to keep on watching as this season unfolds.

Gotham Episode 6 Review

A big change in character was brought to the scene in Gotham tonight. We are shown a new side to Harvey Bullock, not just the slovenly bought cop who is constantly thrust into the dangerous cases that come with being Jim Gordon's partner. No, tonight we are shown Harvey Bullock, dedicated cop and investigator.

The episode starts out with a flashback to ten years ago, when Bullock, and his then partner Lawson, take down a masked killer targeting Gotham's first-born, well the first-born of the elite upper crust. Lawson is killed as well as the killer that night. Flash forward to the present, and the apparent return of said killer (calling himself 'The Spirit of the Goat') and the death of another of Gotham's rich first-born.

This episode brings out a new side to Harvey as I stated, a Harvey who actually pulls together on a case and doesn't just provide one liners and play cynic to Gordon's investigations.

Tonight also brought a little screen time once more for Eddie Nigma, once again being his obnoxiously neat and fastidious self, but its also nice, because I must confess, I'd started to miss Eddie and his smug know-it-all attitude.

Also, once again Bruce and Alfred get some small screen time. Alfred of course being the very caring person he is, wanting to ensure 'Master' Bruce's safety. Bruce's response, there's work to be done. We see just what that work is, a wall covered in pictures and files, all tied together in some way, Bruce's tracking of anything in the way of leads pertaining to his parents murder. But its the line he delivers to Alfred when he turns to his work "Why would the Goat take me? There's no one to take me from." That right there, gets to the heart of the matter, as to how much of an impact his parents death truly affects him, so much so that even the possibility of his life being in danger doesn't phase him right now.

There is even some development on the "murder case" of Oswald Cobblepot, whom is of course still alive and in league with the Maroni crime family. Plus, an interesting scene, with young Selina Kyle entering the Wayne Manor in a stealthy way, to look over Bruce, and help herself to a shiny trinket from his desk.

All in all, a fine episode, one that helped keep my interest in the show strong and peaked. If next week's episode is anything like tonight's, it will further cement my love for this show all the more.

Constantine Episode Premier Review and Easter Egg Reveal

Tonight, was a very special night for television watchers, and fans of DC Comics. Tonight, Constantine premiered its first episode, titled "Non Est Asylum" and not in a shabby way too. There was one aspect of the episode that I felt didn't do well for a first night premier, but there were lots of things it do fine and very handily. But before I get to the bad and the good, I feel its time for a little history for all my dedicated readers out there, who might need some introductions to the character of John Constantine and what sort of mayhem he'll be facing every Friday night.

The series is an adaptation of the comic book Hellblazer, which told the dark and intense adventures of British occultist and magician John Constantine. Created by the team of Alan Moore, Stephen Bissette and John Totleben, John's a character that has been in many of DC's comics over the years, either as a central or supporting character, always making sure the scales of the universe are balanced, in his own way of course. Now, with that little bit of history out of the way, on with the review

Stepping into John's trench coat is Matt Ryan, a honest to gosh Englishman (ok a Welsh-man with dyed hair) but still, fits the role nicely. He has a rough-edged attitude that plays off John's loner attitude, coupled with a nice charismatic air about him to help sell John's classic con man shtick.

Filling in three of the supporting roles are original show character Liv Aberdine played by  Lucy Griffiths, whose father was an old friend of John's, who is tasked with keeping her safe. And stepping in as John's cab driving chum Chas Chandler is Charles Halford. There is a twist added to Chas's character, an apparent survival ability that could very well border on the supernatural. The third role was that of Manny played by Lost actor Harold Perrineau, an angel from Heaven tasked with foreshadowing coming events with the series universe.

The relationship's in the pilot are anything but one dimensional. John's attitude towards Liv is one of care and gruff concern for her well being, helping her learn about the abilities she posses's (courtesy of her father) and giving her some guidance in how they can be properly used in the world of magic.

The one bad thing that the pilot did was the overuse of exposition to move the plot along. John's musings about his home life, the doctor at the mental institution where John is interred (voluntarily), rehashing the details of what went down in Newcastle, even John's talk about Liv's father and his work, it is there, but it feels like it is just being forced into the pilot as plot filler. Now granted this is a pilot episode, so things that go wrong can be remedied, and hopefully that will be the case as the series progress's.


Now one thing that the pilot did right, was throw in lots of juicy Easter Egg's for comics fans to spot. I've yet to spot all of them, but these were a few of the ones I did notice.

Ravenscar

When we first meet John, it isn't in the middle of a supernatural ritual, or walking London’s streets under cover of darkness, but as a resident of the ‘Ravenscar Psychiatric Facility For the Mentally Deranged.’ That’s the exact location where the comic version of Constantine spent 3 years (1978-1980) following his first (failed) attempt at exorcism. In the comics, the facility would go on to become a hotel and was eventually owned by Constantine himself.

Dr. Roger Huntoon 

Though he’s never mentioned by name, the doctor interviewing Constantine is shown to be one Dr. Roger Huntoon. Besides operating Ravenscar in the comic books, Huntoon is credited as the author of “Pow! Psychology: Understanding the Super-Men (and Women)” within the DC Comics universe. His distaste for superheroes has even led him to appear in comics like “Sandman,” “Animal Man,” and “Swamp Thing.” 

Helmet of Fate

The artifact picked up and examined by Liv won’t just be familiar to DC Comics faithful, but Smallville fans as well. The golden helm is best known as the Helmet of Fate, able to grant its wearer incredible magic superpowers. The title – and helm – of ‘Doctor Fate’ has passed to a few people over the years, but the helmet itself remains one of the single most powerful magic objects in the entire DC universe.

The Ibistick

Comic fans may be so distracted by the Helmet of Fate that they miss yet another comic icon tucked in behind it: the Ibistick. Originally a creation of Fawcett Comics, the Ibistick was a magical wand forged in ancient Egypt for Prince Amentep. Amentep used the wand – capable of doing almost anything the bearer could imagine – to preserve both he and his dying love. Waking in modern times, Amentep took the name of Ibis the Invincible. Could such a story be planned in the world of Constantine? 

Pandora's Box 

The ‘three-eyed’ skull seen among the other magical artifacts may seems just as mysterious, but it’s actually a far more recent addition to the DC Comics universe. The ‘skull’ is really Pandora’s Box, the source (like the ancient Greek myth) of all the world’s sin, allowed to escape thanks to the irresponsible actions of Pandora. The object played a large part in DC’s New 52 “Trinity War,” but given the heroes pulled into that conflict (including John Constantine and Shazam) we doubt it’s more than a subtle nod to readers. 

Overall, despite the bad aspect of unneeded exposition, this was a great first start for a John Constantine TV series. It got people hooked on a character who has a lot of demons (and that's not just a turn of phrase in John's case) and with all the Easter Eggs (both listed here and unlisted) there was plenty of stuff to draw in comics fans, which is always a big plus for shows of this nature. Pound for pound, Constantine will do nicely on the Friday night slot, giving viewers and fans alike thrills, chills, adventure, excitement and a heavy dose of world saving British snark along the way. So be sure to tune in next week for Episode 2, and my next review. Till then, happy screams friends.

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Episode 5 Review

Tonight's episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was a treat, because the game escalated to a bit of an extent for Coulson and his team. Not only did tonight's episode bring in the full return of Raina to the second season, but audiences are given the identity of the brunette who became HYDRA's chief of security at the end of episode 1.

To start out, we are finally given a good look at Skye's father, though we don't know his identity yet. But this is a known fact, the man is desperate to see his daughter, and has a severe dark side.

Meanwhile, over in HYDRA, attempts to weaponize the Obelisk are not going well and Simmons' cover is blown, thus affecting her need to escape. And here we learn that the HYDRA's security chief, was none other the undercover S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Bobbi Morse (played by the amazing Adrianne Palicki).

A little background on Bobbi Morse for all who are unaware of her role within Marvel Comics. In the pages of Marvel books, Bobbi is a former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, Avenger and was the wife at one point of Avenger Hawkeye. History lesson thus concluded, back to episode talk.

I'm throwing in this photo of Palicki in tonight's episode as Morse, pulling of a nice brunette look, though hopefully if she is to remain a figurehead in the current season, she'll be rocking Bobbi's classic blond locks.

Overall tonight's episode was fun, it had action, intrigue, witty dialogue, great character development (like the reuniting of Fitz and Simmons, which was precious) and the introduction of another amazing Marvel Comics' character into the Marvel Film/TV-verse. With the added addition of Palicki in her full role of Bobbi, we can expect a lot of great banter and wisecracking to enter the show, bringing a bit more cheer back to the serious new S.H.I.E.L.D. that Coulson is running. All in all, a bang up job for tonight's episode, can't wait till next week. 

Gotham Episode 5 Review

Gotham's show universe keeps expanding in leaps and bounds, bringing in elements of the Batman universe into the fold in ways that are the farthest thing from subtle. Tonight's episode is no exception. A madman is walking the streets of Gotham, handing out little vials of a drug called 'Viper', which gives its user a few precious hours of enhanced strength and aggression, before they crumble like a house of cards. Of course Gordon and Bullock are on the case, and along the way, they discover that despite all its very pretty outer coating, the high and mighty Wayne Enterprises isn't the bright and shining company that it appeared to be under Thomas and Martha Wayne's leadership.

Bruce of course, is also taking an active hand in the 'Viper' hunt, as well as trying to uncover any links between why the Falcone and Maroni crime families each managed to pocket a very nice piece of the Arkham real estate deal.

As for Oswald, well this episode, he nearly gets his wings clipped and beak silenced when he decides out of foolish trust to spill the beans about his felonious past to Don Maroni. What follows is Jim Gordon having to be brought into the picture in order to corroborate the whole story,

All in all, this episode was refreshing because once again, more screen time then usual for Alfred and Bruce. We also get a look at Bruce trying to in his own way, be an active part of his parent's company (though being only 12 years old does throw up a lot of roadblocks).

And yet still, like the show, young Bruce moves forward, not only in his mission to find out who murdered his parents, but also the mission that will lead him to become the Batman. And Gordon moves forward as well, and Oswald too. Each of these three fellows, moves forward in their fictional journey, to become the characters that many comic book fans have come to know so well over the decades. At the end of the day, I'm excited no matter what about this show, because it will always bring new surprises for me, new twists in the Batman story. And so I say on with the show!

Marvel's Agent's of S.H.I.E.L.D. Episode 4 Review

Tonight's episode of "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." was enjoyable, because for the first time in a while (or so the show history goes) Phil Coulson stepped out from behind the desk of Director and went back into the field, playing a little game of reconnaissance and acquisition with Agent May.

Now of course normally Coulson would leave this kind of work to his agents, but this time, the mission requires a direct touch. The target, a painting that survived a parish fire that is being auctioned off. Now the painting itself is not what is important, but it is what is carved into the back of the painting. Alien symbols, like the ones from the obelisk and the ones that Coulson was carving into the walls. Lines and circles all joined together in various patterns that mean something, but as of now, not even we (the audience) can ascertain to what the symbols mean.

It was highly enjoyable to watch Coulson and May work together, their romantic banter when they were in character as a wealthy couple, their serious moments when they were all business scanning the room for HYDRA Agents or keeping an eye on out Glenn Talbot to make sure he doesn't spot them and blow the whistle on the entire operation.

This stood out, because as I said, it put Coulson out in the field, away from the tasks and work that come with heading a very fledgling S.H.I.E.L.D. It was fun and refreshing to see him out in the world, doing the whole secret agent thing again. It made me think back to the old 'Nick Fury Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.' comics from Marvel's halcyon days of the 1960s, back when the spy genre was a big deal in American culture, in movies and TV shows and also in comics. That was a new and exciting time for Fury, he was thrust from the world of being a war character into the dangerous and thrilling world of being a secret agent, going up against powerful and dangerous foes, armed with the latest high tech gizmos and gadgets in a new war against evil.

That's part of what is making this second season so enjoyable for me as a fan and as a reviewer. Its a "brand new" S.H.I.E.L.D. in so much as they are having to start out from scratch in a lot of ways. They may know their enemy, but they are not in the fighting trim they were before the events of "The Winter Soldier". Its a whole new ballgame, or as Baron Strucker stated at the end of the "Winter Soldier" film, "It's not a world of spies anymore. Not even a world of heroes. This is the age of miracles...and there is nothing more horrifying." And Strucker is not wrong.

This new world, this new game that S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA are now playing, it is not just to gain ground in weapons or even political power, it is now about gaining a hold on people and machines that could tip the scales to either side, upset the balance in ways that the fictional Marvel movie/TV-verse could not even begin to imagine. How those scales are tipped, well, we shall just have to see as the season progresses. 

Gotham Episode 4 Review

Tonight's episode of 'Gotham' was bloody, dramatic, filled with questions and excitement and so much more. If there was ever any proof that 'Gotham' is a show that is re-telling the beginnings of many of the people from the Batman legend in a proper way, this episode is that proof.

The main crux of the episode is the feud between the Falcone and Maroni crime families over who will gain the rights to take the old Arkham Asylum and the surrounding neighborhoods, and reinvigorate them with new life. Part of the fueled feud is the death of two Gotham City councilmen, both on opposite sides of the vote, who have been killed by an independent contractor. Gordon and Bullock set out to do some good old fashioned police work, and in doing so, put themselves up against a man who is being paid to start an all out war between Gotham's two biggest crime families.

Meanwhile, Oswald Cobblepot is busy as well. Not only does he manage to rise through the ranks of the Maroni crime family this episode, and place himself within a position of some power, close to Don Maroni, he has made his petition to Jim Gordon that with the crime war coming, he will need help, the kind of help Oswald can provide.

As for Bruce, he is of course active in his own way in this episode, trying to find a link between his parents deaths and the situation that is brewing over Arkham. Already we see the beginnings of the detective within the boy, which will of course one day earn him the moniker World's Greatest Detective.

All in all, this episode, like the others before it, brought drama, character and plot development, and opened up another door within the Batman universe that is being formed and in many ways, rewritten for TV. Whatever the end result will be when the show reaches its final conclusion, I for can not wait to see what that result will be.

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Episode 3 Review

Once more unto the breach our dear friends at S.H.I.E.L.D. are thrown, and this time an old familiar face is there to help the charge. Tonight's episode see's the return of Simmons, who has undertaken a mission from Coulson that is both dangerous and highly in-depth. Simmons has apparently been tasked by Coulson to infiltrate HYDRA, learn anything that can be used to help S.H.I.E.L.D. in their new struggle against the terrorist organization. And in tonight's episode, an exciting adventure unfolds.

HYDRA has a new target, and his name is Donnie Gill. Fans of the show will remember Donnie, the bright kid from the S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy back in Season 1 who tried to make a machine that would bring about a small ice storm and take out his intellectual rivals at the Academy. Well now he's back, sporting freezing powers, and HYDRA wants him.

So its up to Simmons to do all she can to make sure HYDRA keeps their hands off Donnie, while unbeknownst to her, a S.H.I.E.L.D. team is making sure of the same thing.

There's a lot of character development in this episode, we see how much Simmons has changed in her term playing secret spy for Coulson, we see that Fitz is trying to regain control of his mind, and we also see Skye attempting to work past her own personal issues for the good of the team.

Also, overarching plot development too. We are shown that Coulson is willing to take hold of any possible advantage against HYDRA he can muster, in order to make sure that they do not gain a foothold on the world. Also, a little peek at some of HYDRA's organizational structure in their renewed war against the forces of good. All in all, a very excellent episode for the beginnings of Season 2.

As the series progress's, it is my hope that we introduced more and more to other Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., old and new, who will continue to help the forces of good in the never ending battle for justice.

Gotham Episode 3 Review

Tonight's episode moved things forward for 'Gotham' in a big way. The main plot point of the episode is a vigilante who handcuff's corrupt members of Gotham's infrastructure to giant weather balloons and sends them aloft to die. The vigilante, labelled the "Balloonman" by the media, is intent on punishing the corrupt of Gotham, be they police or politician or businessman.

Gordon and Bullock are on the case, tracking down leads and eventually apprehending the culprit. A very straight-forward question asked by the vigilante to Gordon is "Who will you work to save?", a question that is sure to make an impact on Jim Gordon in his later years.

The episode once again focuses its attention on Bruce Wayne, and shows that Alfred is attempting to help the boy maintain a normal life, despite all that has happened to him. Coupled with that is Bruce's growing interest in the affairs of Gotham, something that will of course become part of his identity as Batman in the future.

A third major plot point is Oswald's actual return to Gotham. He finds employment at an Italian restaurant owned by Don Sal Maroni, Carmine Falcone's rival for control of Gotham City. Oswald manages to keep his head down, and even finds a friend in Sal Maroni. Here it shown that Oswald has a plan in mind on how to facilitate his revenge on both Fish Mooney and Carmine Falcone.

All the while, we also see Barbara Kean's continued support of Jim, despite Detective Renee Montoya's continued pestering that Jim isn't all that he appears to be, coupled with the fact that at one point Renee and Barbara were apparently an item.

 I enjoyed this episode because it showed Jim and Harvey engaged once again in actual police work, tracking down leads, compiling clues etc. Bruce is developing as a character and person, despite his young age, it is starting to become a tad too obvious of his intent to want to make a difference for Gotham City. The best character so far in terms of appearing genuine, cut from the same cloth as his comic book counterpart, is Oswald Cobblepot. Oswald had a specific quote in the first episode, that a war was coming. And it is now quite apparent, that Oswald will somehow be a major part in that war, with the intention of coming out on top as the new crime king of Gotham City.

Next week's episode promises to be a good one, since throughout tonight's episode, there were minor references made to 'the old Arkham place', which can only mean that the infamous Arkham Asylum will soon be opening its door again. And if the nut house is opening back up, that means the nuts will surely come in droves to Gotham. Probably not as bad as the future Rouges Gallery that Bruce will face as Batman, but certainly enough to give Gordon and Bullock a run for their money. So let next week's episode come, and with it, a brand new review.