Shadowhunters: Episode 1 & 2

Ah, so the time has come. Shadowhunters debuts. To be honest I wasn't that excited about Shadowhunters. The little clips they had shown put my expectation down way low. More importantly it's airing on a cable station Free Form (AKA ABC Family). I just didn't know how I was going to watch it unless they aired it online for free.

Well good news is that Hulu and Free Form are both uploading online. You do not need to pay on either site! Yippee.

Another good thing is that my expectations were so low, I think that contributed to some of my enjoyment.

So now that I can actually watch and keep up with Shadowhunters I will post reviews for each episode. Since I post date my posts it's easier for me to upload them for the Monday after. It might be a little weird to have my reviews for the old episode up the day before the new, but it's easier that way.

Now that I've rambled on let's get to the review.

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As mentioned, because my expectations were so low for the show I think I did enjoy it more than I thought I would. There are definitely some things changed. Certain characters aged down. For poor Hodge it's kind of creepy. While I get who the target audience is supposed to be, it bothers me that there is clearly an age limit for how old people can look on this show. Plus, it was cooler that the New York branch didn't have anyone there. That the Shadowhunters posted there were being punished by being so isolated. Plus, there numbers are low so why is that post so full of other people? But it makes since for the show since they need more fodder, err character options, for the future.

Some changes I did like was that Luke is now a cop!! What? I loved bookworm Luke, don't get me wrong. However, the idea of him being a cop is really cool. Plus, I love the idea that after he could no longer be a Shadowhunter he still wanted to protect people.

Speaking of adults I really like Valentine. His actor may be the typical bald bad guy, but he does better then a lot of the other actors and I could feel his emotions. Enter Jocelyn. Um, yeah. Well she's emotionless and has no chemistry with the cast. She's my least favorite actress and it's probably a good thing that she will be asleep for most of the season.

Which leads me to another sticky point. The actor for Jace has no chemistry with Clary. My personal opinion is that he's vibing Edward from the Twilight movies. Lines are delivered with no swagger and super slow. Jace is all about the swagger! Instead he comes off . . . creepy. (Many didn't like the looks of the movie Jace, but he had the swagger.)

Clary is actually, awesome. Forget that bad wig. I really like the actress they picked. She's cute and when she's given those sassy lines she brings it! There were some really awkward acting moments, but I think it was due to the director giving her those directions.

Alec and Isabelle Lightwood are amazing!! Isabelle is more relaxed and not as mean as the books, but that makes her so much fun. I really love that she's a bit of a comedic relief. Alec is perfection. (If you can't tell from my collage, I'm obssesed.) The actor is bringing that character to life. He's cold and rude. Just how I love my Alec. When Alec and Isabelle are interacting I buy them as brother and sister. It's perfect. 

Ah, speaking of perfect. Dear Simon. Dear, sweet Simon. The actor behind him is amazing. In fact, he saved these first two episodes for me. Not only did he get me to laugh and smile like a fool, but he has a real emotional connection with the cast. Clary and Simon ooze friendship. Even stone face Luke can't help but smile and goof off with Simon. Alec and Isabelle are dynamite when interacting with Simon. Even Jace gets a little better thanks to Simon.

Now I have to mention that the script is bad. So bad. Even when they're borrowing some lines from the book it's written in so it rubs me the wrong way. Oh, but poor-poor-poor Jace. He gets most of the trash lines. Especially when he's talking to Clary. There first meeting was atrocious. It doesn't help when he gets those solid lines from the book that they're poorly delivered.

And I am not joking about the Twilight vibes. The cliffhanger for episode 1 was with Clary having to "choose" between Jace and Simon. Just look how stupid it is.

Plus, I'm not sure what they're doing with Magnus! He looks great, and I already know that the actor is good. But the TV Magnus is running for the hills, and the Magnus from the books would not do that. Pff.

The editing is another sore point. The way things are cut and pieced makes the action scenes bad. Not to mention the visual affects to blur the action sequences. Oh, it's so bad. From what I've heard the actors have really been working hard to deliver those action scenes.

The visual affect for the demons is actually not bad. It's a low budget TV show and they're doing what they can. The swords while tacky, are well done for the budget. It looks like all the monsters are going to have tentacle mouths, that's OK. Having those graphics in the bag are going to save them money and time by not having to customize the demons at this point.

The look of the runes that the Shadowhunters burn into their skin looks like badly colored makeup. It's awful too look at. But I know they have a budget. But I feel like the makeup artist could have found a cheap and less visually garish look.

Obviouslly I'll be continuing the series. The writing quality went up a bit for episode 2 and I have hope. Plus, I'm very curious what twists will go.

Mainly though I have to watch Simon! I'm fan girling all over that! He is the best thing to come out of this show.

Shannara books coming to TV!

I’ve been looking around and seeing what new sci-fi and fantasy shows are coming up. You know what bothers me? There are so many great shows coming up, but you have to have cable, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Yahoo, PS4 stuff, and all kinds of crazy things to watch all of the shows. It’s exhausting!

When did watching TV become so hard and over priced? Some can argue it’s because we can now skip commercials . . . but that’s bull. You pay for the DVRs, you’re paying for Netflix and Amazon. Those two are the only ones I know that actually let you leave commercials behind, but you’re paying. Hulu doesn’t get rid of commercials even if you do pay. ABC makes you wait one week on Hulu to watch the latest episode, and if you go to their site you have to have some kind of subscription to view any content!

Sorry, I’m annoyed with how hard it is to keep up with shows you want to watch. Especially since I still have FREE TV, and refuse to pay unless I’m buying the DVDs.

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Now that my rant is over with . . .

That’s right! Terry Brook’s Shannara books are coming to TV. MTV. Part of me shakes in fear that it’s going to be as lame as Legend of the Seeker TV show. Or with MTV backing it there’s a chance it can be as epic as Game of Thrones. Just with more good guys winning.

After that thought process some of my excitement just shrivels up. Why? Because the Shannara books (Amazon | Goodreads) are dry, predictable, and very low on strong female leads/characters. Don’t get me wrong I used to be a die hard fan of the series. Really.

However, I discovered better writing, plots, and decent female leads. Not sure how much the series has developed from the 90s, but I’ve never felt drawn to go back to that world.

Now that I’ve had another rant . . . yeah it’s one of those days. Let’s get down to the facts about the series.

• It is confirmed to be a TV series,
• Smallville creators Al Gough and Miles Miller, plus Iron Man director Jon Favreau.
• The first season actually starts with The Elfstone of Shannara (Amazon | Goodreads). (Which I think is a pretty good starting place.)
• Warner Brothers actually bought the rights first for movies, but didn’t do anything.
• The show was originally supposed to air last year, but is now supposed to be airing 2015 now.
• Official blurb: An Elvish tree, known as the Ellcrys, is dying. The bad news is that the tree has been the only piece of magic that protects the Four Lands from the Demon World. Amberle Elessedil is the only one who can save the tree. But she has to unlock magic that the Elves haven't used in thousands of years. With the help of Wil Ohmsford, she travels to find the lost magic. But it won't be an easy task.

Now that all the information is there . . . I’m wondering if this is really going to get off the ground. There has been very little buzz made about the project or when it’s ever to release. The IMDb page is barren of anything but the most basic of information.

At least there’s a cast.

Normally I don’t put this much work into a “maybe” book to TV adaptation. But the Shannara books are where Tolkien fans go next. The series help shaped the genre. Even of I’ve left it behind and banished all the books from my shelves it’s exciting. It’s a classic and this is the most information that’s been out there about what is going on with it since WB bought the rights.

So what do you think? (Besides that I’m crazy.) Are you excited for the show? Do you thing Shannara will finally debut to some kind of screen?

These are a List of My Favorite Paranormal Shows!

So far anyway! Oh, there are a few bad eggs in there. But for the most part things are working out for me this season!

Anywho, to all of those who asked! It’s great to be back writing about my fave paranormal shows. Now, I can’t be there for all of them because I don’t have cable. This is the first overview of the fall season debut of 2013.

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First up Once Upon a Time. To be honest about halfway through season 2 I got bored. Heck, my eyes-glazed-on-off watching the final three episodes. I tuned in when it got good, then tuned out as needed. In fact, I was ready to dump the show if the first three episodes settled back into the realm of “slightly boring” again for season 3.

Then boom! Neverland was everything I hoped it could be! Right now those determining 3 episodes have been viewed. Oh, baby am I in!

Now, Pan as a villain? Paw! I scoffed at the idea last season. No really. How could the Rumplestiltskin be afraid of a boy in tights? After the first episode I realized there are no tights, and boy is Peter Pan creepy as heck! Totally agree with Hook, “Pan is the most treacherous villain I’ve ever faced.” He can go from cute and fun, to creepy and fun. His creepy and fun should never be mixed. (Plus, Pan’s facial expressions are amazing!)

The Evil Queen, AKA Regina, is still soul searching. While I believe she is sorry for some of her past actions, this lady ain’t rolling over and playing dead for no one! Which is just how I love her. There’s a hint of romance in the future for her.

Now if I went over every aspect going on, we’d be here . . . for too long. So I’m just gong to highlight two other things I’m digging.

Tinkerbell, I had my doubts. (Again.) Really, I should have learned my lesson. Her path crossed with Regina, creating a gloriously mess. Just how fans like it. There are hints to Hook and Bell’s past and I am dying for that to be revealed.

Mulan is a character I think deserves more time. She is OUaT’s warrior woman of awesomeness! When it was hinted that she developed feelings for Phillip, Aurora’s man, I thought “Ooooooo, love triangle.” Because the idea of another princess stealing another’s prince is click-clacking groovy. Then all of a sudden in one scene things get muddy!! Has Mulan developed feeling for Aurora? Or is she Bi and likes both?

Maybe I’m just reading too much into it. However, that scene! They’re doing something . . .

Lesbian princess is kind a something I’ve been waiting for . . . and anticipating a bit. However, why does the warrior woman always have to be Bi or a lesbian. Strong women can be straight too. Plus, with Mulan clearly pining for Phillip form the get-go it just seems so out of the blue. If they ran out of princesses to go for the lesbian role, let’s pick one that’s not so obvious.

Yet like I said, maybe I’m over reading it and getting excited for nothing. Surely OUaT is better than that and can give us an amazing lesbian princess.  Either way whether Mulan digs Phillip or Aurora it’s cute romance and one heck of a love triangle. Well played OUaT, well played.

Yep, it’s sucked me in again! Along for the ride another season.

Now everyone knows I’ve been beyond excited for Once Upon a Time in Wonderland! One of the writers in an interview (was it comic con?) described it as OUaT’s sexier and darker older cousin. Which had my toes curling. Especially after the first trailer went out June/July-ish. For some reason Alice in Wonderland is always something worth viewing when it’s being expanded or re-written. The biggest sell point is that this is an Epic Romance! Not only that, but Alice is one heck of a fighter and she is setting out to save her genie in distress!

It doesn’t hurt that the genie is so handsome and his name is Cyrus. (For Harry Potter fans you will know why this is an added bonus of yummy.) Plus, the actress Sophie Lowe as Alice is amazing. The girl not only looks adorable and perfect in her role, she has laid to rest any negative thoughts fans have felt about her being able to pull of fighting scenes. This girl can move! When these two great characters meet up on screen the romance is perfect!

With only the first episode out so far it paints the perfect picture of what the trailers have advertised. Now Jafar joining the cast was something that made me a bit nervous. The mixing of a genie with Wonderland clearly makes Jafar an essential step in the plot line. After meeting Jafar I couldn’t imagine this series without him. The Red Queen is scary cool. However, Jafar makes her look like a little kid on the playground. Gotta love a villain that makes the other villains go “Oh, shit he’s got Darth Vader powers!” Especially as he flies away on his magic carpet.

Now Cyrus is clearly being painted as the sweet and ever hopeful love of Alice’s life. So it only the next step to add in a mysterious, and slightly ill tempered, side kick. That would the The Knave of Hearts. His hidden past is hinted at, as well as his past with Alice where she has already helped him out before. It’s all very cool and I’m looking forward to his reveal as much as Alice and Cyrus!

Usually I wait three episodes before making my judgments about shows . . . I’m in! With one episode OUaTiW has proven it’s just as fantastic as the trailer promised. There are some clear issues with time differences here, and I hope that it’s explained instead of just lost in all of the flash forward/present/back and on.

And remember, “When you really love someone you don’t need proof. You can feel it.”

Now. Um. There was a TV show premiering this fall that . . . well I wasn’t that thrilled about. And figured Fox would just butcher it. That’s right it is Sleepy Hollow. Right from the get go this show grabbed me! My fears about the one dimensional story of the legend and the modernization were cut short! The writing crew for Sleepy Hollow knew what they were doing. It’s the perfect mix of modern day mystery and paranormal, witches and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, revolutionary war and resurrected man. It’s creepy dark and is surrounded by this amazing dark humor that makes me laugh and grimace at the same time. It’s combining myth with the present and infusing magic behind boring history. Yes, it isn’t accurate. However, most shows aren’t anyway. Oh, and it must be said that Abraham Lincoln should step aside, Washington was battling evil long before him.

All of the characters are amazing and it’s wonderful learning about there histories. You’re constantly guessing about who is good and who is bad. However, I’m not going to spend forever and a day ranting about that. No. Ichabod Crane. Ichabod. Crane.

Forget about Disney’s The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad’s Mr. Crane. If Sleepy Hollow fans faithfully thought Johny Depp would be the hottest and the one-and-only-forever-forever Ichabod Crane, start doubting. Because Tom Mison as Ichabod Crane is inspiring. Man is the man hawt! Mison is an amazing actor and he manages to bring in tragic romance, humor, and scary-end-of-the-world scenes with aplomb.

Oh, yeah! In!! This show is one I will follow to the bitter end. (Or unless Fox crashes and burns. Or if they decide to cancel it because they sneezed . . . ) If you’re still on the fence check out this post that explains way better then I can as to why you should watch:

15 Reasons You Should Be Watching “Sleepy Hollow” Based Solely On The Pilot

Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D. as an embittered Marvel fan I’m not going to rant . . . too much. At this point I’ve already wasted so much time with this show that I don’t feel like I should have to waste anymore. This show is so horrid that within the first 2 minutes it was crystal clear that Joss Whedon dropped the ball.  Big time.

Joss Whedon as the entire Marvel universe to play with! And he takes the standard syndicated TV approach! Why? Many fans were expecting the grandness of Cable TV. Others thought it would have the same layering and dedication that the team of OUaT puts into their universe. Me? Well I was expecting a epic cinematic experience drawn out over 12 to 24 episodes.

Honestly I tried. I gave up my NCIS slot to S.H.E.I.L.D. because I wanted this to work out. (Huge NCIS fan here!) Lazy ABC, lazy. Putting my foot down and firmly saying enough is enough. Tossing this show out like my cats hair balls vomit piles: out to the trash and fast!

My final show for this post. Witches of East End.

Now I’ve been saying for a long time that I’d restart and finish Melissa de la Cruz’s book. To my surprise they’re making a TV series of it on Lifetime. Witch shows are some of my favorite so I waltzed on over to Hulu to partake of this wicked offering. The first episode was a wam-and-bam to my TV viewing senses. It definitely has a feel of Cruz’s dramatic drama and I was intrigued. With episode two it shows viewers that it’s settled down and fans can expect a lot of fun. Moving past the flower magic of the first episode and showing fans the serious side of witchcraft.

One of my Goodreads friends explains it perfectly:

It reminds me a lot of Practical Magic mixed with the fun side of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Hocus Pocus. :) Again, I don't mind the eye candy...

Abracadabra, I’m in! With exploding flowers, burning flowers, flower’s changing colors, beautiful people, love triangle, timid book-geek-that-was-once-awesome, a cursed family full of women with bad track records regarding men, and evil shapeshifter who this show is targeting. *cough*Vampire Dairy fans*cough* Let’s hope they keep it smart!

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Phew, now that all of that is done here’s the shows that I will be adding to the mix as Hulu makes them available (The CW, I’m looking at you!) and they actually start up. Fall season only.

• The Tomorrow People (The CW)
• Reign (The CW)
• The Vampire Diaries (The CW)
• The Originals (The CW)
• Dracula (NBC)

If I’m messing any fall paranormal shows give me a shout out so I don’t miss them.

Star-Crossed TV series!

Ok. Ok. It’s not the one you’re thinking of. Nope. This is a new concept The CW has come up with.

Not sure how I missed it when I was hunting down new series, but I did. Oops.

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So . . . . what do you think? Personally I both fear and love it. This could be an amazing love story. Or it could die in a burning heap of camel dung. I’m staying optimistic, but I question how superior these aliens are. So far the only “difference” is there faded tattoo looking markings.

At least this series is doing what The CW does best, people candy. Lovely beautiful people. You can count on them.

Game of Thrones: Comic Con

It’s ironic that while I’m currently playing catch up on Season 2 & 3 of Game of Thrones that some good news comes out.

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San Diego Comic Con! While I never make it to this awesome event I always like to stay updated and catch the vids on Youtube later. So there is going to be a Game of Thrones panel this year and it’s been confirmed that George R. R. Martin will be part of the panel.

The next convention on my calendar is the San Diego Comicon.

My dance card is already almost full. Yes, there will be a GAME OF THRONES panel, and I’ll be on it. It is scheduled for Friday, July 19, 2:50 to 3:45, in Hall H To be followed by an autographing at the WB booth. Of course, I’ll be joined on the panel by half a dozen cast members (no, don’t know which ones yet) and David and Dan. – Source

You can get further details here.

Paranormal(ish) Movies & TV Edition!

ATUF had a post about some of the new TV shows and I thought I’d post a few of them, plus I found a few movies.

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The CW seems to be sticking with converting books to TV shows, and more power to them! Star-Crossed is one such title.

This one is supposed to be based off of a French comic set in a apocalyptic world where the earth is covered in ice. Basically a second ice age. I’ve heard how weird, yet beautiful, the comic is so I’m really curious to see how this will adapt to the big scream.

Byzantium looks really cool and I love these kinds of vampire noir. My only question: Is this part of Anne Rice’s universe of Interview With a Vampire? Or is it just the director or someone that has the connection? Really confusing.  

Sleepy Hollow, I’ve been in love with it ever since I saw that horrible cartoon version with all the music. Then I became obsessed after seeing Tim Burton’s with Johnny Depp. Yet I don’t feel really excited for this modern story that Fox is spinning. Maybe the trailer just doesn’t have enough to build it up. I’ll check it out, but I’m not expecting much.

The Originals is one that I’m really torn up about. (And now I know a spoiler about a certain couple that I’ve been secretly hoping would have hooked up this last season.) The Vampire Dairies finally got me completely and utterly hooked! But season 4 lost me. A spinoff could go a lot of places and honestly I thought VD was really starting to lose steam.

Hey, this is Klaus and New Orleans. It’s hard to go wrong.

This one I have no interest in, but I know there’s a lot of Frankenstein fans on my blog! So here is Frankenstein's Army. However, this really has nothing to do with the old school guy.

Frozen is one movie that I’ve been absolutely excited for!!! Disney’s interpretation of The Snow Queen? Yes! Yes-yes! So there. The trailer leaves some huge holes by it’s vagueness, but it made me laugh.

It is a musical which makes me nervous. Disney’s musicals haven’t been doing much for me. I miss the day of the classics. Here’s hoping this one redeems Disney. (Plus, the leaked still shots of the Queen look amazing!)

There are way more then what I’m posting hear, but I’ll save those for next week.

So I decided to leave you all with a trailer for a story we all know VERY well. Romeo and Juliet. That’s right another remake. This one is not out there to remake the story like Romeo+Juliet or the awesome Anime version. Nope this one is like a glorious tribute.

While I still think the love story is stupid I can’t get enough of it. I have high hopes for this movie as the trailer makes this look like a brand new thing that I haven’t seen interpreted again and again. Yeah!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and if you’re in the heat like me, hit the beach!

2012’s Hot New Paranormal Shows!

Time to babble about one of my other addictions:

TV!!

And boy does 2012 fall season look promising. The world of paranormal TV has taken off with shows like True Blood, The Vampire Diaries, Lost Girl, Supernatural, Walking Dead, Being Human, and so much more. Now fans can look forward to even more paranormal goodness.

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First up I’m very excited for NBC trying to get a hit show back on. Personally Heroes is the only show in a long while that I’ve been obsessed with from them. In fact, after Heroes went off the air the only time I watch NBC is when I’m scanning up for PBS.

Revolution is a post-apocalyptic show that takes place where 15 years earlier in the past unknown events left the world without any power. No technology works from cars to iPod, to bombs to batteries. Man kind has had to learn to adapt to life without the ease of modern life. Governments have fallen and many areas are ruled by warlords to militia.

The series focuses mainly on the Matheson family. Somehow they’re connected to the events that turned the power off and they possess a relic with not only the answer, but maybe the key to turning the lights back on. Other factions want the this “key” and they will have to fight to keep it out of the other factions hands.

Debuts September 17th, and should be on Mondays 10:00/9:00c.

Now one that I have pretty much been mind salivating about is Beauty and the Beast. Ever since the CW teased fans with the idea I’ve been obsessed. I love the old version (which I’ve been meaning to rewatch) despite its obvious cheesiness. I’m a sucker for any kind of Beauty and the Beast story.  I will confess that after the trailer I’m not quite as jazzed for it, but ya bet your bottom dollar I’ll be there.

Nine years Catherine got a flat tire and called her mom to help her, that night will haunt her forever. Her mother gunned down in front of her, she barely survived the same fate but was rescued by an animal. Now she’s a tough as nails Detective on a case that will bring her face to face with the hero who saved her. A new Sci/fi twist on the 1980’s show.

Debuts October 11th, on Thursdays 9:00/8:00c after The Vampire Diaries.

The CW is really riding the paranormal train, and all I can say is “THANK YOU!” Arrow is the next one that I’m aware of and I have to say after watching the trailer this one is my most anticipated Fall debut!

Arrow is based on a DC Superhero Green Arrow who tends to be a “side kick” in most of the comics. (I think someone said Green Arrow briefly appeared in the TV show Smallville or something?) The show has a Batman type feel to it when the uber rich son of a wealthy man goes missing at sea. He’s stranded on an island that transforms him into a survivor, there he learns some truths and comes back to his city to fight the baddies.

Debuts October 10th, running on Wednesdays 8:00/7:00c.

Besides Beauty and the Beast, Sherlock Holmes is a never ending addiction of mine. No really. I watched Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Centaury. (Yeah, I’m that addicted.) So when Goodreads started exploding with news about Elementary my only thought was “Heck yes!” You can’t say no to Lucy Liu (as Joan Watson) and Holmes power!

CBS is coming out with a urban take on the Crime solving guru. There’s been some fuss since CBS approached BBC about remaking their Holmes show, and now they’re doing a show completely separate of them. (I have faith though CBS is pretty good at coming up with great material.) The characters are present by basic name and character backgrounds, but instead of London the crime solving will be in Manhattan.

Debuts on September 27th, on Thursdays 10:00/9:00c.

666 Park Avenue is one that I’ve been relatively uninterested in, I hadn’t even planned on watching it. However, after the brainwashing amounts of commercials I will probably try it out.

666 Park Avenue is an upcoming American drama series created and produced by David Wilcox and based on the novel of the same name by Gabriella Pierce. The series follows a couple who learns that the Manhattan building complex that they just moved into, including its upscale tenants, might be possessed by a mysterious demonic force. – Wiki

Debuts September 30th, on Sundays 10/9c right after Revenge.

There’s lots of tried and trued paranormal favorites coming back, but if you’re a fan I don’t have to tell you about them.

There are some other none book/paranormal related shows coming on that seem promising I personally really want to se The Mob Doctor and The Mindy Project. (A sick side of me is curious about Nashville.) To see a pretty good list try looking at IMDb.