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Reviews
The Acolyte: Destiny (2024)
The Mystery Continues
It's interesting seeing people react to the fact that something doesn't make sense, when in reality we haven't gotten to the stage of the reveal yet. Let's not assume or jump to those conclusions yet. We have some context but obviously some things are being withheld from the audience at this stage, it's a mystery themed show!
I like that we got some context but so much is still a mystery. I imagine we will get more flashbacks and further context but it was interesting studying the sibling dynamic. I am guessing they had died before Mae had set the fire, just wonder who did it and why.
Plenty more questions to be answered and i'm interested to see the answers the show will give!
The Acolyte: Lost/Found (2024)
An Acolyte Kills The Dream
Very much enjoyed the first episode, the action is well choreographed, sort of reminds me of the matrix and it does well to create intrigue with mystery and many different points of view. It does leave me unsure at this point in time what the necessity of this show will be, what it wants to tell us that we haven't discovered through previous projects, but I imagine in time we will find that out.
Lee Jung-jae fits so perfectly into this universe and his line delivery has you hanging to his every word. You can feel Master Sol's regret and sympathy for Osha and whatever the situation was and it will be interesting to see exactly what those details are. Yord comes across as a bit of a people pleaser, desperate for approval at the moment, I'll be curious to see more to better understand him and also his connection to Osha which so far we only know they had from their first on screen interaction.
The Outlaws: Episode #3.5 (2024)
What a Show!
The fact I couldn't see the need for a third season and yet they found such a fitting way to write it, really impresses me. The show has been so consistent with great drama, twists, intensity and such funny moments. I saw the twists in this episode coming but that didn't take away from my enjoyment of watching it unfold. Bravo 👏
The new additions to the cast all fit in so well and give great performances and of course I have to praise Jessica Gunning who not only was amazing as Diane but I also noticed she has a writing credit for this episode. All characters had satisfying conclusions in my opinion.
Station 19: With So Little to Be Sure of (2024)
Vic Hughes deserves the world
The episode was crafted in a very clever way, with great use of flashbacks to cover an important topic, draw certain connections with several characters and to finally address something that needed to be addressed with Vic's character. Barrett's performance was absolutely incredible.
Seeing a common theme come together by establishing a character they all cared deeply about, despite not knowing them prior to this episode was very clever. They didn't rush over it and it allowed you to feel the kind of emotion as if it were someone you knew for a long time. Seeing each of the teams emotions at that height, as well as highlighting their neglect for Hughes over a long period was done so well. We know her to be the one who is high-energy and looks out for everybody but through this season especially we see her nearing her breaking point. She has lost so much.
Outnumbered: Spartacus the Musical (2014)
Spartacus!
A great ending to a magnificent show. Makes me emotional every time I see it. I like the way they use this season to wrap up storylines and show character development, this episode in particular manages to close chapters with great storytelling skill and technique.
Ben's play is so fun and the attention to detail to have to create props, choreography, lyrics that feel like a real school play is very impressive. I particularly like the shot near the end of the final song where it focuses on the teacher at the piano and also the one focused on ben's family.
The addition of Stacey was a good one and brought many laughs, and to have Aunty Angela here was absolutely the right call. It absolutely brings out the best of Sue as a character. Excellent way to end things!
Only Fools and Horses: Little Problems (1989)
My Most Watched Episode
This is the episode I often come back to. Bittersweet, packed with the perfect balance of laughs and tears. By this stage the characters and their connections are well established. Seeing Rodney show appreciation for his brother and the levels Del will go to for Rodney just really warms your heart. Uncle Albert mixing into this episode rather perfectly and this might be the first time we've seen Denzil and Del hang out without Denzil being stressed out by him.
There's some great laughs with Rodney's middle name, the Driscoll Brothers and the comedian etc. And Cassandra's father. There's just some really clever writing all around in this one. The music that plays as Rodney leaves for his honeymoon is just perfect and David Jason's acting in this particular episode is superb. Lovely.
Only Fools and Horses: The Longest Night (1986)
A lot of fun
Rodney and Uncle Albert have some funny scenes in this one, particularly with their physical antics but the highlight for this one is David Jason's line deliveries, he's just excellent, especially with "fourteen hours". Also quite like that they gave us twists and a backstory for a character we hadn't seen before.
It's clever, it's funny and a little bit tense. The watch gag was another continuous and funny one, which we'd seen before in "To Hull and Back" and I also enjoyed the line Lennox had about his mothers feet given what Del was said to have done. One of the better episodes of the show in my opinion.
Only Fools and Horses: May the Force Be with You (1983)
What an Introduction!
This episode is simply fascinating, the first appearance of Jim Broadbent's "Slater" is excellent. A slimy character without morals who gives everyone around him an uneasy feeling. It's probably the first time you see Trigger so distrusting and worked up by anyone.
Seeing him feign friendship and gain Rodney's trust when we as an audience already know what he's like, makes for such awkward yet funny scenes. Everywhere he is, you sense there's trouble on the way.
The best scenes of all though, are at the police station, both with the scene where they're questioned separately and with Del's handling of the scenario. The payoff is excellent!
Only Fools and Horses: No Greater Love... (1982)
Moving
Grandad has one of the funniest lines of the show in this episode. Absolute gold. On top of being funny, this episode does a lot for the characters. It shows Del Boy's protective side, more so than ever before. It shows what he's willing to do for his brother and how much he really cares for him. It also shows Rodney's naivety. It shows that he makes mistakes, ones that Del has likely made himself in his past.
There were some funny scenes outside of the love story such as the scene where Rodney introduces the son and of course the selling of the coats. It's especially funny when Del puts the coat down.
Only Fools and Horses: A Losing Streak (1982)
Classic
Develops the characters really well while also giving you many laughs. It spends the early part of the episode setting the scene and it pays off so well at the end. It manages to show the kind of people Del's two friends are and the kind of man he is. The fact he managed to talk his brother into accepting the situation and the use of the money just goes to show how gifted he is as a salesperson.
The game is a classic and memorable moment with clear cheating going on, the scene with trigger giving up his car was so sweet. The payoff with the double-headed coin from earlier in the episode is absolutely brilliant too.
Only Fools and Horses: Cash and Curry (1981)
Always enjoy this one
While the show usually relies on clever, well-crafted stories with a genius payoff, this episode is more reliant on the characters personalities. This makes it such a rewatchable episode. While it's a bit silly it allows some absolutely hilarious lines from Del Boy and fun reactions from Rodney. Seeing Del Boy's efforts to communicate and pretend to be a know-it-all was brilliant. My favourite moment is their interaction with the genuine owner of the restaurant, seeing them try to describe the character they were looking for and the moment of realisation when they find out they've been conned.
Only Fools and Horses: Big Brother (1981)
Decent Start
Interesting to go back and rewatch this. Establishes the brothers relationship well and gives you an idea of what their personalities will be like and how they'll handle potential situations. There's some real clever lines and a great set-up and the start that builds up an excellent scene at the end.
We get some backstory on Rodney and some hilarious scenes with Granddad. Learning that his cooking skills aren't the best, which is something we see a lot of in the show. The burger scene is one that stuck in my memory and I comes to mind quite randomly for me as well as the start scene with the actor on TV.
Echo: Maya (2024)
Satisfying
A satisfying conclusion to a story that explores Maya's heritage, her character and her inner conflict. It also does well to reintroduce kingpin in a natural way. It takes time to build up its characters and scenes, which pays off well because you are more invested in the outcome.
Thanks to certain interactions in earlier episodes, scenes in this episode have a much bigger emotional resonance. It almost had the feeling of reading a comic book with the way the story moved along.
It was refreshing and shows you can still tell a compelling story in the Marvel universe through a character study rather than always a hero vs villain showdown. And of course, when there is action, it's brutal, gritty and epic.
Echo: Chafa (2023)
An Interesting Character
It would be interesting to know how this episode feels to somebody who hasn't seen hawkeye, it certainly recaps her side of things, including scenes from the actual show. I don't think those scenes overstayed their welcome and the additional scenes enhanced them for me. The fights, what motivates her, the surrounding cast are all great.
Very curious to see where we go from here in terms of the story but this builds up Maya as a character very well. Kingpin is such an interesting character too, his presence is felt even when not on the screen. When he is on the screen it reminds you just how terrifying he is.
Not Going Out: Wilfred (2023)
Don't Give Him A Drink
Some funny lines, nice twists and another awkward scenario. Lucy always puts Lee in awkward situations and Lee always finds a way to make it worse. It often happens and here is no exception!
Seeing Lee dig himself into a deeper hole with his lies was a joy. One of the gags reminded me of a joke Lee Mack does in an episode of WILTY which was great. I would have to say that Toby in particular was funny here and made me laugh several times.
Outside of that it did get a little tiresome and just like turkey flavoured quavers, very strange. The kids as per usual are given very little to do and Bobby Ball's Frank is a huge miss.
I truly hope this isn't the last episode of the show and there is a more satisfying conclusion to the show like there initially was with the wedding!
Frasier: Reindeer Games (2023)
Party Time
What a lovely way to end the season. A completely ridiculous, far-fetched party in typical Frasier fashion. Every element was a laugh. The character pairings in this episode were perfect and brought hilarious moments. Above all, an excellent cameo and story that is so sweet and so emotional. I loved it.
The season as a whole has impressed me and exceeded my rather low expectations. The new characters in both Frasier and Freddy's circles all work well, even characters I've had my doubts with have managed to fit well within certain scenarios. Really hope we get a second season because every moment with Frasier Crane is something to treasure!
Frasier: The Fix Is In (2023)
You Win, I'll Retire
Had its funny moments that's for sure. The plumber improv and the handbook scenes in particular. Its deeper themes were nice to explore even if I didn't entire love every second of that. Frasier's reactions to scenarios will always be funny.
Absolutely love the addition of Alan. The addition of Olivia is great too. There's also an awesome guest star in this one that I would like to see return.
I loved the callbacks and mentions to some of the shows original characters and it's a fitting tribute and acknowledgment to their impact and influence on Frasier and how it's affected him both in a positive but also in a negative way!
Frasier: Blind Date (2023)
Instant Favourite
Had me grinning from beginning to end with an absolutely genius situation that reminded me of the trouble Frasier would get himself into in the original series. The wordplay was great and there are several laugh out loud scenes here. Even Eve's play story was great, especially with Alan's reactions.
The woman Eve set Frasier up with seemed too perfect for him so it's no surprise he messed it all up in true Frasier style. Freddy was equally hilarious and it was great seeing the saboteur scenes. It reminded me a little of when Frasier and his father were interested in the same date. I really hope the rest of the episodes live up to this. For me, this is the standard!
Frasier: The Founders' Society (2023)
Half and Half
I had two laugh out loud moments along with several amusing ones all from the "Founders Society" storyline. Toks just fits so well into the cast and the bickering between Olivia and Alan is a delight. I was split between enjoying that and feeling rather frustrated at the David storyline that made me cringe. It just felt so unnecessary and a distraction from something rather enjoyable. I just hope that we can get some Freddy stories that work without Frasier having to be present because both his character and Eve's can be rather interesting.
Frasier's over the top reactions are comedy gold and Nicholas Lyndhurst's Alan is an excellent nonchalant accompaniment.
The Morning Show: Update Your Priors (2023)
Quite an Escalation
The kind of build-up and tension you need just before a season finale and an excellent payoff to the events of all 3 seasons so far. You get to see the human side of characters as well as the monster within. A huge chain of events and the massive effect each of every one of those events has had on several characters.
Performances are incredibly strong, particularly from Reese and Billy but several others are noteworthy. It sets up something potentially explosive and epic and I hope it manages to deliver. The writing of this one seems very strong and shows a clear and rather impressive plan was in place this whole time.
Frasier: Trivial Pursuits (2023)
Whose line is it?
A story that very much allowed each character to shine. Using the classic Frasier misunderstanding scenarios with the firefighters and David. Eve being a small part of a couple of scenarios and Olivia and Alan being an excellent duo. At the centre of all of it is a story about Freddy's career and it's an emotional one with some rather lovely scenes.
I had assumed the episode would be fully focused on the quiz itself but i'm so happy it wasn't but was used as a part of a bigger story. Also loved the callbacks to the old show with the mentions of characters and the dog. It's not perfect but it's an episode I found rather promising for this series.
Frasier: First Class (2023)
A Little Disappointing
It felt like a weakened version of the Selling Out episode from the original which had some really clever writing. While there were a few entertaining moments, there were many more that were irritating. This episode focuses a little too much on David, who for me is the weakest character so far. What worked in the first couple of episodes were the Eve and Freddy dynamic being a fitting break from the Freddy and Frasier dynamic. It was lacking here.
There were intentionally cringeworthy scenes but they weren't particularly brilliant, just painful. I just hope that the upcoming episodes will give the characters a chance to shine and not rely on the messiness that this episode gave us.
Frasier: Moving In (2023)
Solid
While Nicholas Lyndhurst takes a backseat (hopefully just for this episode) it spends a good portion of this one focused on the father son dynamic. What I loved with the humour here is that it holds true to the wordplay and visual comedy of the original seasons of the show.
The focus returns to a very similar issue we saw in the original show but this time with Frasier older, wiser and perhaps taking a slightly different approach. It certainly helps that his son and friends are interesting characters and there will definitely be more stories to tell with them.
One item in particular was absolutely brilliant. Just a shame about the rather annoying end scene to this one.
Frasier: The Good Father (2023)
A Welcome Return
While I had fears and doubts for this return, I have to say this episode put me at ease. It may not yet possess the same spark and magic as the show initially did and certain characters not being there is definitely felt, it does very well in its starting of a new chapter that I feel I could definitely get on board with.
It has some nice callbacks and references to the first show, a couple of funny moments and focuses well on the emotion of the current situation the characters are going through. It even adds a couple of interesting new characters that I can't wait to explore more.
It also makes me wonder what other sitcom characters would be like 20 years later. It's fun to think about.
The Morning Show: Love Island (2023)
Momentum Killer
I don't think it was written terribly, and I don't deny it connects in some ways to their present day plot but that doesn't stop it from feeling out of place. This so easily could've been the first episode of the season but I have to assume they knew people wouldn't watch the rest of the season if it were.
It was a hard watch for multiple reasons, and honestly there's not much here that couldn't have been put into a couple lines of present day dialogue. There's little extra benefit doing it this way. It's a massive momentum killer for a season that was going in an interesting direction before this. I hope next week is business as usual.