T E L E V I S I O N / Suspects 105

"Sometimes people deserve another look." Usually if I feel a bit unsure about a show after 2 or 3 episodes in, I quit it. Especially if nothing is really keeping me from staying. I would have done the same for Suspects if it wasn’t for Damien Molony’s slight aversion it seems to television series performances (I see him being announced in like 10+ theatre shows than television ones). The premise of the show was interesting—improv procedural. It certainly felt natural; sometimes I even forget it’s not scripted. But, nothing was completely eye-catching about the show. In the first 3 episodes, most of the suspects remained relatively predictable, and easy to figure out about 2 or 3 interrogations. Episode 4, however, was suddenly Suspects finding its firm footing. It was suspenseful and gripping. I honestly couldn’t figure out who the killer was until the end when the detectives themselves began to realize it! Episode 5 also followed this good upward trend, but it also highlighted another problem that doesn't seem like it’ll be fixed, especially since there are only 2 episodes left. Like episode 4, this one also featured a bit of a twist on who the real murderer is. I enjoy this because it not only builds the suspense, but keeps me intrigued to continue following the dialogue—rather than focusing my attention on Damien’s lovely face and hair. These sort of twists keeps up the pace, moves the plot along without being tiring and it, in a strange way, fleshes out more of the characters both the guest characters and the main characters. For me, I was unsure of who the real perp was. Was it Max? Was it Jason? Was it Carrie? I honestly let the detectives do the work because I was completely clueless. But just as I didn’t fully know, neither did Charlie, Jack or Martha and they have to go back to the victim (Anna) and ask her. It’s through this return to the victim that we learn more about her and her father in small gestures and scenes. We see, despite their strained relationship, that they do really care for each other. Anna’s sense of security in Shaun shows the extent of love that they have for one another. It’s also through this uncertainty that heightens the personalities and relationships between the main characters—Jack, Martha, and Charlie. That outburst between Jack and Martha reveals Jack as a rash detective, very gut instinct kind of guy. Charlie on the other hand steps back to get facts and truths before doing anything, yet she’s always questioning. Martha is surrounded by pressures to remain and act under protocol, but she still has this strive for justice above all (i.e. her little chat with Shaun after they pumped him to get his okay on testing Anna). However, where this characterization bloomed, the relationship between them—outside of the plot of finding the murderer—always seems to fall short. We get small scenes of them on the rooftop or in the hallway or in the car where they step out of these roles of detective and it seems to be the writer’s attempt to show how close these people are to one another, but it still seems very professional and distanced. We’re supposed to believe that these people who have worked several years together on the force don’t develop a sort of friendship? They try to drop small and subtle hints that they are, but their interactions speak otherwise. I just want them outside at a pub or each other’s house just hanging out. I understand the premise of the show is about finding the real suspect and finding the truth, but surely we can step back from it and enjoy and appreciate the detectives outside of their work. With the announcement of the renewal for not just a second but a third (!!!) series, I’m hoping some these issues will be resolved and we get to see an added dimension to the characters. Ratings: ★★★☆☆ S U S P E C T S » Wednesdays, 10 PM → Channel 5

T E L E V I S I O N / My Mad Fat Diary 204

"The relief on Archie’s face, he’d earned that by standing up, by doing the right thing." At this rate, I could probably write a ballad about how much I love My Mad Fat Diary. It's so refreshing but also disturbingly intimate to see a character like Rae as the focal point of a show. But, let's talk about the newest episode that seemed slightly more bearable in terms of feels than the past three. Episode 4 featured more of Liam, Archie, Rae, and Finn (hurray his lovely face and bum has been thoroughly missed)! Also, Izzy and Chop have returned to the screen and they have been thoroughly missed. Izzy is basically my baby and Chop brings this rough and tough grounded-ness to the show. This episode picks up where the last left off, with Rae isolated and finding a strange connection in Liam, the ever looming mistake of Rae outing Archie to Louise, and the not forgotten relationship between Rae and Finn. I honestly did not like or enjoy Liam in the first three episodes with the brief amount of time we had scenes of him. But, with some fine tuning, a little bit of diving and MMFD's notorious male puppy eye shots, I was swayed to not just like him but to LOVE him. He brought this sense of comfort and ease to Rae that I thoroughly enjoyed. Maybe it was because they were alike that made it much easier to accept him. At least, for the first half of the episode. The second episode after Amy's threat to beat Rae up and their set fight, Kester as the guardian presence in the show slipped a little detail (or stopped himself short of) that Liam has been going through his own problems and needs Rae to stay away. Is he dangerous? Probably. There might be something both Liam and Kester are refraining from revealing that might lead to something more critical in the episodes to come. I like the idea of the platonic friendship that this had started out with, but I worry about what their shared kiss might lead to. Rae definitely does not need someone similar to her. She's recovering and though it may seem logical to be with someone who is going through the same experience as you have, it's obvious that Rae is leagues ahead of recovery than Liam is and entering a relationship with him might cause her to pile up on burdens. Rae is essentially a very empathetic and compassionate character, but sometimes that can get out of hand to the point where it becomes a danger to herself. Liam is a friendly and acceptable person from a distance. I really hope she doesn't make the mistake of dating him--especially not if it's to be a Finn rebound because let's be quite real, the fire between those two are far from smothered. If I have to talk about this episode, it's only critical that I talk about Archie because he is, arguably, just as much of a star to the show as Rae is. My jaw dropped when Rae outed him to Louise (no amount of her sorrys and justification on that area could sway my heart) and it basically broke off when Louise gave him an ultimatum to tell everyone else. Wow, is college toxic there. I enjoyed how this developed and expanded from his attempt at running away and then to his eventual coming out scene to his friends. That was by far the best scene in the entire world because it brings so much more depth and light to the story that we're all familiar with while watching the show. Archie and Finn's relationship is filled with so much love, expressed through actions so minute as Finn knowing about Archie's orientation and not speaking a word about it because his sexuality is his sexuality and that does not define him as a person. Thinking about this, I remembered Finn being upset with Archie and Rae temporarily dating. Though it seemed he was jealous, it was actually the same anger Rae had when she saw Archie and Louise! However, despite all this greatness regarding Finn, this scene also seems to be reducing him into a slightly static character, he's becoming a Gary Stu. He's literally free of any flaws and the embodiment of perfection. It'll get tiring if we don't see some sort of problem with him--or maybe because this is told through the perspective of Rae who basically glorifies him, we'll see a break soon before it gets old. It was also nice that Archie coming out isn't brushed over as if his life will be as it used to, especially through the figure of Chop. Not all people, especially in the 90s, were as liberal and accepting towards homosexuality and it's great to see this conflict in a character we are familiar with. He doesn't outright show his hate, but it's realistic to see his distress: on the one hand, Archie is one of his best mates, on the other hand, this isn't something he is necessarily okay towards. I hope this isn't dropped and Chop comes back with real progression towards accepting Archie (or even leaving the group, who knows!) The rest of the episode seem to fall a bit flat (aka the Amy storyline). I understand that Amy originally embodied the aggressive, clique bully and MMFD through this episode was trying to break through this trope and give her this rounded quality to her. But, not everyone needs to be redeemed. I think we need "bad" characters who don't suddenly reveal their true colors at the deep insight that Rae has. It just doesn't work out that way all the time. We need a variety of good, bad and gray characters because that is how the world works. Sometimes, it gives more impact if the "bad" characters stay bad. If writing and acting are good enough, you'll see their "good/redemptive" qualities. Can't wait for episode 5 and all the shenanigans that are going to go down (because they will), especially with Finn's new girlfriend. Ratings: ★★★☆☆ M Y  M A D  F A T  D I A R Y » Mondays, 10 PM → E4

T E L E V I S I O N / Mr. Selfridge 208

"I need to destroy him, before he destroys me." I think the end of my spring break/ the morning of going back to university again and episode 8 of Mr. Selfridge speak perfectly to one another: emotionally gross. Literally, the effort that is required to wake up at 6:30 after waking up at around 8:30/9 tops is probably equivalent to wake the dead. Speaking of dead, George isn't that either! (Great segway amirite?) In fact, he's just missing in action and though that perhaps isn't a happy message, it certainly doesn't mean dead  either and that's a blessing especially when it comes to british television and their sadistic desire to kill characters to stir up the emotions (and invoking a waterfall on my face as a result). There's still hope! This episode, compared to last episode, was pretty average and standard. It was not as bad or better than 207. It certainly had a few standout arcs and story lines. It's only appropriate if I continue my ~*~ladies~*~ loving that I mentioned in the last review because the backbone of this show is the ladies and by God, I'll give them the respect and spotlight they deserve. Let's start off with the darling Rose (and of course in conjunction with Delphine). I'm glad that she has this gut off sense feeling regarding Delphine, showing that she's much more perceptive than what she gives off. I think that's the beauty of Rose. She's so kind that cruel people slightly drop their guard or underestimate her and she is able to see right through them. I hope she slaps Delphine before the woman snakes deeper into their lives. Rose and Harry have got a thriving and healthy relationship again and I (and certainly not Rose) will not stand for it! However, my attempts at pinpointing when Rose started drifting away from Delphine feels a bit off. What happened to their friendship? Was this ever addressed? Maybe, I blanked out at one point and forgot about it. Either way, I'm glad Rose is keeping her relative distance. Then, there's my lovely Mae (& Pimble), trying to get the hell away from Loxely, only to be found again. That whole scene in the lobby just made my skin crawl and I wanted to tear Loxely away from Mae as he kissed her hand. Man's a no good sleazeball that needs to be stabbed and thrown into the darkest pits of hell. Besides that disgusting human being, I love the relationship we see between Mae and Pimble. Even though it's presented as a lady/servant type of relationship, we also know and can see that it's much more. Mae is willing to give up her luxurious life for the well being of the both of them. They're very much interconnected. Pimble is like Mae's rock, and reminder of her once humble life. Something I'm glad is being developed more as the series continues. Last great thing about ~*~ladies~*~ is Miss Mardle standing up for Kitty. It's a great F*** YOU towards Grove when Mardle firmly tells them that Kitty should not be defined by her relationship with the man. And it shouldn't and Mr. Grove can just jump off a cliff for all I care. He's basically a rabbit anyways with all those children. Also on the note of Miss "flawless" Mardle, can I just scream about the loveliness of her and Florin kissing? It's so gentle and a bit hesitant and nice, but there's this bubbling of emotion and you can just tell that the passion is rumbling underneath for the two. I want more! Onto more pressing matters: Henri and the American Embassy, or Henri/Agnes/Harry dream team. I love that there's this sense of family between these three despite their relative distance towards one another--more of that on the part of Agnes/Harry. They see and believe the best in one another and they try to bring hope when it doesn't seem like there is one. And, speaking of Henri, I'm glad that whole debacle was cleared up and I am so prepared for Henri to sweep Agnes off her feet with the glaring respect and overwhelming love that he does have for her because let's be real, Victor is the worst possible man for Agnes, romantically. He's very controlling, giving Agnes little room to be her own person and expects her to fit into his standards of what a woman is and his relationship with them. Problem his idea is pretty skewed and it obviously smothers her. I'm prepared for Agnes to call the entire engagement off and by its dramatic extension, I'm pretty sure it will. If the writers are merciful on my soul, they will. Ratings: ★★★☆☆ M R.   S E L F R I D G E » SUNDAYS, 9 PM → ITV

W I S H / The Current Covet

Left to Right:
WALLET | SHIRT | LIPSTICK | SHOES | COAT | BOOK

T E L E V I S I O N / Mr. Selfridge 207

"We only take what we came with. No more, no less." I’ve realized I don’t often write episode reviews because of the sheer binge watches that I participate in. But, perhaps this will not only up the opportunity of me being active blogging wise, but more engaged with the episodes I watch—well, at least for shows that are currently airing. It’ll make much more sense. Anyways, I’m writing this after watching last Sunday’s episode of Mr. Selfridge and I only have one word: sh*t. If you follow me on Tumblr, you’ll know I use more colorful language and much more explosive charged swears, and all of that inner-pirate in me wants to be unleashed as I write this review but, I’ll try to control myself for this. The episode picks up a day after with Harry gone and Henri “escorted” to jail. You can see the distress and worry that the staff is facing. It’s nice to see the growth from last time Harry was abruptly unable to attend to the store in the first series. Grove and Crabb take on the task together rather than Grove’s previous arrogant seize of leadership. As the episode unfolds, we learn what’s up with Henri’s secrecy, we hear of the first employee death who joined the war, we get clear proof of who accused Henri and we see more of Lord Loxely’s sliminess—ugh just thinking about him makes my skin crawl. With the complete absence of Harry—both visually for the audience and the presence for the characters in the show—this episode gave viewers a chance to see how well a show is without its crucial main character. I give a hearty round of applause for this episode of the second series, despite my former wariness. The drama continued, the pacing remained as quick as any other and the characters interacted with each other with the same fluidity. It shows that these characters have been developed well enough to sustain themselves without the critical figure of the main, but also balanced it well enough to point to us how necessary the main character and similarly other characters are to the show. So let’s break it down what the show actually featured or my favorite aspects of Sunday’s episode. First and foremost, let’s talk about all the loveships floating around during this episode. We obviously have the main love triangle: Victor, Agnes and Henri. I grudgingly admit that Victor was more tolerable this episode than his entire run in the show because he finally allows Agnes to be an independent person from himself. He trusts her and that’s quite important to any relationship. However, nothing will sway me away from Agnes and Henri, despite the attempt to drive this wedge between the two by using this Valerie problem and slithering more of Victor in there. I seriously hope the extension of such an engagement in the show means that it’s going to be broken off at some point. I mean, it’s so clear that Agnes is still very emotionally attached to Henri, perhaps more than what a friend would have for another. Next ship is between Miss Mardle and Florin DuPont—the Belgian lodger. My God, I love them. I love them so much because he has fallen in love with her and it feels so realistic that Mardle would be so confused—how could anyone so young love her? It shows how insecure she is as a result of Mr. Grove taking away most of the years of her youth by luring her into an affair that she would not be rewarded in the end. I really want Mardle to find happiness and have life be breathed into her again and I think Florin’s presence does just that. Next we talk about the ladies: Mae, Rose and Delphine. I find it interesting how Mae and Delphine, as the series advances, begin to switch roles. Delphine who we thought was going to be a sincere friend to Rose is a selfish, two-faced, backstabber. And Mae who we assumed as this sort of villainous character in the first series begins to get a much more sympathetic and humanistic light. Though, Mae is not yet the best friend that Rose deserves, she’s certainly growing and hopefully this aspect of their relationship is repaired despite Mae’s discretion about Loxely. And as Harry was completely gone this episode, Rose stepped up, showing her leadership capabilities, which I’m sure was what made Harry so attracted to her. I pray that Rose gets the better end of the stick by the finale because I do love her so much, her warmth, her trust, and her fragile optimism. The last thing that I won’t delve too much on but has to be mentioned is that foreshadow of the bad news about Dave Fletcher reflecting the bad news of George Towler. I have this sliver of hope that the telegram isn’t one sending condolences and that it’s actually something like he’s alive and coming home or something. Because honestly, the death of George would mean the death of Agnes. They’re so interconnected and it’s clear that George represents Agnes’ hope and if he’s gone, that’s gone too. And we simply can’t put Agnes in a terrible situation again. She deserves the world and more goddamnit. Ratings: ★★★★☆ M R.   S E L F R I D G E » SUNDAYS, 9 PM → ITV What did you guys think of the episode? Loved it, hated it, still want Mae to skin Loxley alive as much as I do?

T E L E V I S I O N / Period Shows Binge Watch #2

"If they come for us, we'll cut them a smile each." While the first post featured a savvy entrepreneur who developed family within a department store, intelligent and independent ladies taking down the worst of the worst, and infamous espionage writers, this post will introduce you to the world of the Irish gangster family, a family defined by brotherhood and two people at opposite ends of personality and characteristics, breaking the uncomfortable boundary of sex. Three things you need to know about Peaky Blinders: 1) Cillian Murphy is in it with ridiculously long lashes and paper slicing bone structure, 2) Irish gangsters being seriously badass gangsters, 3) Family above everything--literally. Honestly, I had no idea what Peaky Blinders was about except that Cillian Murphy was in it. I didn't even know it was about Irish gangsters until someone told me about it when I was craving my Irish fixation after Ripper Street finished its second series. Thank God, I did come around to watching the show because it's so incredibly brilliant from the use of modern music as the backdrop of a period setting. Just listening to Nick Cave & The Bad Seed's "Red Right Hand" as the theme music sends me to this space of both fantasy and reality. It feels so surreal, yet so contemporary. All the characters were so rich with complexity, but all driven by the same thing in the end. It's common to see the motif of family being emphasized in gangster films and shows, but Peaky Blinders just made it more...believable. The family has maintained themselves by sticking together and though we see these ties thin out throughout the show, it comes back stronger than ever by the end. I'm so excited for the second series, which just started filming. Tom Hardy will be making his debut in the show and I can't wait to see Murphy and Hardy reunited, since Inception and The Dark Knight Rises. These two will definitely be a force to reckon with. Also, honorable mentions that motivate me even more to live for the comeback, Sophie Rundle, as the fierce Ada Shelby (she's also my favorite character in The Bletchley Circle), Iggo Goldberg as our beloved Bolshevik, Freddie Thorne, and the fabulous Helen McCrory as Aunt Polly. Catch up on this show if you haven't. You certainly will not regret it one bit. Ratings: ★★★★☆

"Did you ever think we'd abandoned you? Never." I never had a strong interest in the stories of the Musketeers. And I didn't have a strong pull to watch the new BBC adapted show either until I learned Peter Capaldi was going to be in it. Anything with Peter is like gold to me. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see another favorite actor, Santiago Cabrera of Merlin fame, grace the screen. The series is currently 5 episodes in and it's not fantastic but it's not bad either. It's on the higher end of the entertainment spectrum though. I enjoy how Porthos, the show's token PoC, is actually developed and essential to the developments of the other characters and to the community that the show presents. He's not just a plot device--looking at you, The Vampire Diaries. Though, I would enjoy perhaps conflicts or problems that would span over several epsidodes, and not dropping critical drives for other characters and only to be used when the writers remember it, the show itself has a good footing so far. I hope these problems can and will be resolved when the show returns for its second run. Ratings: ★★★☆☆

"Men are such idiots, even the smart ones." I wouldn’t know what to say encouraged me to start watching Masters of Sex. I just knew I wanted to watch something in a more modernesque end of the period range and I vaguely remembered Masters of Sex was something I noticed while spending my time on Tumblr again. So, I gave it a go and I’m glad I didn’t have such a high expectation or standard because it would’ve been very disappointing. The main characters played by Lizzy Caplan and Michael Sheen felt stiff and despite their attempts at trying to make a deep emotional connection, it felt incredibly forced. For some reason, despite the numerous episodes, the characters felt incredibly flat though there was a guise of rounded-ness. The writers tried to emphasize on the opposite polarities of real life figures, William Masters and Virginia Johnson, but it felt too exaggerated. The only redeeming factor of the show was Caitlin FitzGerald and her portrayal of Libby Masters. I found there was much greater depth and perhaps thought in her character than anyone else or maybe the acting made me more compelled to be in tune with her character than any of the others. I’ll watch the second series, simply because I want to learn and see more of Libby’s arc, but other than that, I don’t have much attachment to what the show tried to sell, despite its risqué topic of sex and sexuality. Ratings:★★☆☆☆

T E L E V I S I O N / Period Shows Binge Watch #1

"We’re not the biggest attraction in town, we’re the third biggest behind Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London." I had a major period binge watch over the past few weeks and I just had to talk about it all because what's not to love about the drama of period shows? Let's start off with Mr. Selfridge. Drawn in by the talent that is Amanda Abbington and the angst I've been seeing through a user's posts on Tumblr, I decided to give the show a try. I did not read up or know anything about Harry Selfridge or know too well about the department store, so I just thought it was about a British man doing developing his marketing empire. I was pleasantly surprised when I heard Harry Selfridge's American accent and (I blush as I say this) imagined this little series being a BBC way of saying: we know we taunt you through most of our shows but really, we still love you. Or maybe that's my UK loving side whispering things.  I finished the first series pretty quickly and caught up on the few episodes that were released for the second. But, let's talk about the first series before we move onto the second because in my opinion, they differ quite noticeably. The dialogue and characterization were tight and good. It was so refreshing to see female characters with ambition and diverse characterization in such a small space. Though the story from time to time focuses on the men, the backbone really rests on the female presence and it's amazing. The plot was ripe and blended naturally together. But, something about the writing changed when it led into series 2 (currently airing). The focus shifted away from the developments of these characters and placed more emphasis on love triangles that really shouldn't be love triangles--lookingat you Victor. And characters who were once so freaking brilliant that are pushed to the side in terms of characterization for the sake of a plot device--my beautiful Henri. What happened? I mean I understand including the arc of World War II is a great task but it shouldn't be displayed as a burden to what once was great stories and character figures.  Despite the flop of this series, I wholly recommend that everyone check it out. I'm still tuning in because deep down within me, I'm praying that a light will come shining down and flip the show to the quality it once had. Ratings: ★★★☆☆

"Everything I write has a precedent in truth." Being completely honest here, I have not read any one of Ian Fleming's books nor have I fully watched any of the James Bonds films. So, why did I even watch Fleming? Simple. It was because of Lara Pulver and Anna Chancellor. So, I didn't have much expectation except knowing that Lara and Anna were going to rock whatever role they were placed in. And, thankfully, my expectations were low because the show itself was not all that great. I was barely intrigued by the war plot and the dialogue was subpar. The characters themselves, though trying to be fully rounded and well developed, fell completely short of that. They were so static and seemed to be cut out figures themselves, no matter how much charisma or passion Lara, Anna or Dominic tried to inject into them. Thankfully, this was just a 4-part miniseries, meaning I don't have to continue watching anymore but it was...an okay casual viewing experience. Ratings: ★★☆☆☆

"All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. Or good women." Only one word can describe this beauty of a show: ~*~ladies~*~ Where other shows have a redeeming male presence, or like only one great female character, this show completely flips that on its head. The Bletchley Circle focuses on intelligent and independent ladies who rely on their friendship and love for each other over anything else. Following women who used to be code breakers during World War II, the series intermingles their secret lives with their life after the war, and their attempt to re-enter normalcy despite their extraordinary past. But, eventually, murder and cases that the police force are incompetent to solve, they take over--secretly of course. What's so great about this show is that the women take the forefront. All things that are good and intelligent are embodied within these women. Even the seemingly best of men are not even that great which is such a different take and perspective from what we see in television and film today. It's not a cliche procedural either. Each "killer" gets the span of the whole series which gives more development and much more of a realistic feel to it. Bad guys aren't captured in one day, no matter how good you are. The pacing keeps you entranced and the period makeup and fashion keeps me coming for more. Lucy, the photographic memory bank of the crew, makes my eyes water because I want to be her. There's only two series so far, but I'm crossing my fingers for a third because I desperately need it. Ratings: ★★★★★