How I Met Your Mother Season 8 Finale

PLOT SUMMARY
As Robin and Barney's wedding draws nearer, so is Lily and Marshall's relocation to Rome. When Lily had a week to herself (Marshall brings Marvin to Minnesota to visit his mother), she approached Ted for company. She discovered that Ted had redone the house and was not only to planning to sell it but also to move to Chicago the day after Robin's wedding. Ted discovered he still loved Robin and needed to get away from her.

Meanwhile, Barney and Robin's attempt at a romantic date was ruined by an obnoxious couple. Their attempts to break up the couple had an opposite effect and the couple decided to get married instead.

In Minnesota, Marshall received a call and was appointed as a judge. He was to begin work the following Tuesday, which clashes with his original plan of going to Rome. However, he refused to tell Lily about this over the phone and insisted on giving her the news face-to-face.

The season ended with The Mother buying a train ticket to Farhampton, her face finally revealed.

FUNNY MOMENTS

WELL... 

THE MOTHER!!! 

This has got to be the biggest revelation ever revealed in the history of television. HIMYM was getting pretty boring and predictable, but THIS. It proved me (and several others I'm sure) wrong and makes me all the more excited for Season 9, so much more than I was when they announced the additional season. 

I applaud the creators for using a relatively unknown actress to fill the role of The Mother, it really does make it easier for us to relate to Ted and share the excitement he had when we watch him meet his future wife. And letting us see the Mother first was brilliant. It opens the doors to countless interesting stories that would bring out several emotions in the audience and an epic ending to the series that was about to get boring. 

It feels like the series has been resurrected, revived and become interesting again. Plot-wise anyway. 

The season finale was, in one word - LEGEN....WAITFORIT...DARY. It's almost as though this was the series finale, with the sense of new beginning it had towards the end of the episode. I am even more thankful for Season 9 now and hope the writers will do a great job giving the fans the closure we so desperately need. 

With all the good being said, let's move to the bad things about the finale; The Obnoxious Couple. 

They are unnecessary and feels like a consoling present for Casey Wilson over the cancellation of Happy Endings. Their characters did nothing to enhance the romance between Barney and Robin and was nothing but a filler. Those minutes wasted on them could be spent on exploring Robin's and Barney's feelings towards marrying each other. After all, we know both of them had doubts about the wedding.

But with all the bad said,  I do have one more praise for the finale. The song they used at the last minutes of the season was perfect and elevates the feeling of 'new beginning'. It's Simple Songs by The Shins bytheway. 

Strangely, I am really looking forward to Season 9. 

Once Upon A Time Season 2 Finale

OVERALL: 6.5/10

PLOT SUMMARY

Storybrooke:
The trigger is activated, causing the town to be in chaos. Regina seeks redemption by attempting to sacrifice herself to delay the destruction of Storybrooke while the residents escape into the Enchanted Forest. David and Hook team up to steal a bean from Greg and Tamara, only to let them escape the second they obtain the bean.

When Henry finds out about Regina's suicide attempt, he insists they find another way to save everybody. They did. Mary Margaret suggested using the bean to transport the 'trigger' into a void, which is a risky plan that Hook disagrees with. He tricks Emma into believing she has convinced him and part ways with them. It's already too late by the time Emma discovers she has been duped by the handless pirate. When destruction seems inevitable, Emma had an epiphany -- Regina alone isn't enough to stop the trigger, but she doesn't have to do it alone; she could help. And she did. They stopped the trigger soon after.

However, they are faced with new problems. Henry's kidnapped by Greg and Tamara and is taken to Neverland before they can catch up. Shortly afterwards, Hook has a change of heart and returns to Storybrooke, providing a way for  Emma, Mary Margaret, David, Regina, Hook and Rumplestiltskin to follow Henry to Neverland.

Sometime between those events, the Blue Fairy finds a way to restore the memories of those that have crossed the line. Rumplestiltskin, needing comfort after he was informed of Neil's death uses the potion to restore Belle's memories. The two reunite briefly before he leaves her behind to go to Neverland.

Past:
Neil got close to Hook and blurted out Rumplestiltskin's weakness. Hook welcomed him to his ship after finding out he is Milah's son, an offer Neil refused when he discovered Hook was the pirate that tore his family apart. This forced Hook to revert to his cold-hearted ways and return him to the 'Lost Ones'.

There, it was revealed that "He" was looking for a boy -- Henry (Of course).

Present Enchanted Forest:
Neil returns in the Enchanted Forest where he's discovered by Aurora, Mulan and the now revived Phillip.

THE GOOD

Hook and Baelfire 
Hook's softer side is revealed during his interaction with Bae. I think it's great to see a humane side of Hook and exploring his history with Bae is a major plus.

Regina The Evil Queen
Finally, Regina is given the chance to prove herself and be the hero Henry wants her to be. Although I prefer her to be the villain, it makes sense to make her do a spectacular good deed to make everyone forgive her; considering the fact that a supposedly more powerful villain is to be introduced next season

The Seven Looters 
I find the scene with the dwarfs comical and enjoyable. They provide comedic relief in the middle of all the chaos and impending doom.

Henry Kidnapped! 
Well, this season has been pretty much non-Henry as compared to season 1. To make him the focus for season 3 is clever and exciting. It also shines more mystery on his kidnappers and the organisation they are working for.

Once Upon Avengers 
The Avengers was made up of an odd bunch of people with different personalities. So is this group. I'm sure I'm not the only one that's excited to see how this group works out. With so many opposing forces forced to co-operate, many interesting things are bound to occur.



THE BAD

The Blue Potion 
Rumplestiltskin couldn't have said it better. "The Blue Fairy finding the memory-fix right before Storybrooke's destruction seems too convenient. I would enjoy it more if the writers explored Rumplestiltskin's initial reluctance to return Lizzie to Belle more.

Letting Them Go
This wasn't the first time David encountered Greg and Tamara. But both times, he took a long while before he pulled that damn trigger. It's too convenient for Greg and Tamara to escape, especially when it feels like the writers are making it real easy for them to do so. It wasn't much of an epic fight I was looking forward to either.

Together We Can
This is corny and way too easy. Suddenly, the trigger which was deemed really powerful was subdued with Emma's help. While we were made to believe nothing cans stop it, this happens. And it only need an extra pair of hands to be stopped. Oh what a powerful and dangerous object!

Together We Jog
I try really hard not to be picky but this is just way too obvious. None of them are sprinting. And maybe the weather is cold, fine. But what about David? I'm certain a man of his physique could jog way faster than Emma, considering him being a prince and fighting in so many battles. It's almost as if he's not even trying to rescue Henry. You can almost hear a slow song playing as they ran.

WELL...
I'm disappointed by this season finale. It lacks depth, logic and rely way too much on the 'togetherness' theme. I was expecting an epic ending where Storybrooke is destroyed and several other grand revelations. Compared to Season 1 Finale, this was a let down. It's chaotic, messy and had convenient solutions to supposedly huge problems. (The season-long memory problem was solved instantly, similar to the black diamond.)

However, I am still rather excited for Season 3. They are going Neverland after all. And Storybrooke's danger of being exposed is still unsolved, along with the mystery of how Baelfire and Hook returned to their individual worlds and why the hell Henry is being sought after way before he was born. I am looking forward to the writers unveiling the mysteries that's brought up in this season finale.

The Big Bang Theory 6x23

PLOT SUMMARY
When the girls' plan to go vegas is ruined by Amy's elbowing the TSA agent, they returned to Leonard's place and play "Dungeons and Dragons" with they guys. That was also Howard's first game as a Dungeon Master. While Sheldon did not like the change, Howard's fantastic impressions of famous celebrities and sound effects won him over. After the game, the gang teases Amy and Sheldon for not having sex, upsetting Amy. Eventually, Sheldon and Amy indulged in a "Dungeon and Dragons"-esque sex.

Raj's relationship with Lucy had also moved to the next level. After they revealed their feelings for each other, they kissed.

FUNNY MOMENTS

PERSON OF THE HALF HOUR

Mayim Bialik as Amy Farrah Fowler
I really enjoyed watching her this episode. Mayim is a terrific actress and I can really feel Amy's sadness when the gang teased about their sex life (lack of it). The way she said "I don't like this" and walked towards Sheldon's room was a moment to remember for it really did show her anger/sad/disappointment/humiliated all at once. That was the moment that made her stand out from the rest of the cast.

WELL...
This episode showed two relationships advancing to the next level -- Shamy and Racy (?).
It was especially hilarious and fun to watch when Sheldon and Amy had "Dungeon and Dragons" sex. I enjoy Shamy is advancing, it's not too fast and does not deviate from Sheldon's character. This episode clearly shows that. Their version of 'sex' is really Sheldon-like and that makes it so much more comical and hilarious.

It's always nice to see the girls doing what the guys usually do and bringing their own spin to it. Them turning the supposedly serious "D&D" game into a casino-like game you play in Vegas was interesting and makes me want to see more of the girls getting intertwined into the guys' activities.

Oh and Howard's impressions was something. Simon Helberg did a fantastic job at doing the impressions of everybody that just brings me to endless laughter.

This is definitely one of the funniest Big Bang Theory episodes so far. It has the guys and girls hanging out and had an appropriate amount of humor and drama in it while moving the plot a little. And I hope they integrate Lucy into the gang. She is a really interesting character and will be really weird around the gang. And that will be freaking funny.

Glee Season 4 Finale

OVERALL 5.5/10

PLOT SUMMARY
Brittany is offered early admission into MIT where she is called the "most brilliant scientific mind since Albert Einstein". That means she has to leave after Regionals. To avoid feeling sad, she turns all bitchy and cruel to everyone around her.

Ryder had a meltdown and threatened to quit Glee club and not perform in Regionals if Katie did not reveal him/herself. Marley revealed herself to be Katie, covering for Unique. However, when Unique witnessed Ryder demanding Marley to tell him the reason for catfishing him, Unique relented and told him the truth. Ryder was so pissed at Unique that he ended their friendship and quit Glee club after Regionals.

Oh and Blaine is determined to propose to Kurt and bought a ring, New Direction won Regionals, Will and Emma got married without any preparations and Rachel had a final callback for Funny Girl.

THE GOOD

It's Brittaney Bitch
Brittany pissing Coach Roz off and starting a fire in her office is an unforgettable moment. Finally, someone stands up to the ever annoying and bitchy Coach Roz.

Catfish Saga Ends
Finally they revealed who 'Katie' really is. Honestly, I wasn't that into the plot. I feel it's too hyped up and it started too sudden. The plot lacks an introduction. It's great that the whole thing is wrapped up before it starts to get even more boring. However, I find Unique's reason for catfishing him heartwarming and understandable.

Teary Goodbye 
Brittany's depiction of the New Direction was comical, despite her emotional goodbye. This is one of the moments that bring out the best in Brittany and Glee.






THE BAD

"Since Albert Einstein" 
Okay. Brittany is smart. We get it. But to say she's the Albert Einstein of our time from the bunch of numbers she wrote is pushing it. It feels overly exaggerated that it's no longer funny, nor realistic.

The Ring 
Blaine really wants to marry Kurt. Ohkay...Do the writers think that "marriage" will spice up the show everytime? The idea of teenage marriage being implemented all the time is really boring and repetitive. Rachel/Finn, Sam/Brittany and now Kurt/Blaine. Really?




PERFORMANCE OF THE HOUR

"To Love You More" by Rachel 
Lea did amazingly well in singing such a soulful and powerful song. Her powerful voice was put to the test and passed with exceedingly wonderful result. The last few seconds of the performance was breathtaking and got me wondering when she's going to stop singing so I can finally close your mouth.

PERSON OF THE HOUR

Heather Morris as Brittany Pierce
It wouldn't be fair if she didn't get a special mention. The season finale was after all a rather Brittany-centric episode. Heather did a fantastic job at portraying Brittany, a girl that's finally appreciated and a girl that's sad to leave her home. Her performance when she said goodbye to New Direction was what made her stood out from the rest. It was an amazing performance by Heather that really pulls out the sadness I buried deep in my heart.

But, Heather wasn't the only one that that stood out.

Vanessa Langies as Sugar Motta
Maybe it's her stone cold expression, but I find Vanessa oddly impressive this episode. She had only so much screen time yet she was able to make quite the impact on me. Especially during the performance of "I Love It" where she showed an 'I don't give a f***" face that fits the lyrics of the song. Also during the surprise wedding when Sugar tried to contain her excitement as she spread the flower petals. Vanessa did an amazing job for both instances that really made her stood out despite her few scenes and I really hope the writers explore Sugar more. She is such an interesting character.

WELL... 
This doesn't feel like a season finale. There's way too many questions left unanswered and it doesn't even end on a high note. What about the result of Rachel's audition? I would very much rather they make the result known this episode than see her final callback. We all know New Directions would win and from the promo, the surprise wedding of Will and Emma. It's ridiculous to end the season with that.

This episode was rather dry.
While Unique's confession as Katie did bring some sort of excitement, it didn't bring out much emotion. Like I said previously, the whole saga was too sudden and the conclusion felt rushed. It would be better, in my opinion, if we knew Marley's knowledge of who Katie is a few episodes back and see how Marley deal with it. Ryder quitting the glee club because of that seemed rather harsh and feels like the writers are forcing drama into Glee.

And Blaine's determination to marry Kurt...
This is just what I think but most probably and logically, Kurt wouldn't say yes. Blaine would go back to his depressed mode or be even more motivated to go after Kurt or maybe just give up totally on him. I really hope it won't be the first two outcome. I really hope the romance don't just stay within the New Directions circle of people. It will be refreshing to see someone in New Directions dating another person of different clubs seriously. And I think Blaine should be the one that does that.

Honestly, I enjoyed 'Fondue For Two'. It was nice to see Brittany introducing Will and Sue like how we see them -- enemies to friends to enemies to friends to we simply don't care.

Again, I find that Glee is letting itself get lost amongst the many characters in it. I would really prefer if it focus on one group of people first before moving to the next, rather than forgetting one when a more interesting group of people is introduced. Remember Season 3 Finale when Coach Roz wanted to team up with Sue to take down Principal Figgins? I was preparing myself for an epic battle in Season 4 then, but apparently I was wrong.

Well, here's to an even more exciting and hopefully interesting Season 5.

Modern Family 4x22

PLOT SUMMARY

Mitchell's ex boyfriend is hosting a fundraiser at a rollerskate ring and invited his whole family.When Cam found out Mitchell's family is still keeping in touch with his ex-boyfriend Teddy, he got jealous and feel cheated. Meanwhile, Jay offered Claire a job at his company. Although Claire refused the offer initially for fear of disappointing him, she accepted it later. When Phil found out Gloria doesn't know how to skate, he took it upon himself to teach her. Their lessons lead to Phil banging into a car's side mirror and having his pants pulled down in public before Gloria could finally skate.

Manny and Luke are tasked to write an essay on "Hero". While Luke wrote about Claire, Manny spends the whole episode trying to figure out which of his family member he should write. Throughout the episode, he observed the quirks of his family and cancelled them out one by one. 

Also, Haley decided to go back to school.

FUNNY MOMENTS

PERSON OF THE HALF HOUR

None.

I'm not saying none of the cast is good. In fact, they are really good. But this section is meant for actor/actress that struck me during the show. And in this episode, that did not happen. Possibly because I've grown accustomed to the show that I've become numb to the cast's acting.

Again, the cast did a fantastic job. I just couldn't find one that stands out. 

WELL...

Previously I felt they were dragging Claire's return to the workplace. But in this episode, she finally got a job in her father's company. Having Claire work under Jay is interesting and I'm sure would be hilarious to watch. Maybe Claire would take over the company someday in the future and earn much more than Phil? That would be interesting.

This is an enjoyable episode. I especially like the parts where Manny observed each member's flaws and cancelled him/her out in his notebook. It made me noticed the flaws in them that I have never noticed before. His essay getting a C- after all the nice things he said about his family made me chuckle.

New Girl 2x24

PLOT SUMMARY
Cece's wedding day draws closer and the preparation for it gets even more stressful. Cece is freaking out and turns to Jess for comfort, especially after she accidentally tattooed her own face (don't ask). Meanwhile, Jess and Nick's relationship moves to the next level after they slept together. To make matters worse, Jess' father came to visit while the couple's still figuring out the meaning of their hook-up.

Jess warned Nick of her father's fury if he found out about their lovemaking session. While Nick was initially fearful, he bonded with her father and told him the news. That pissed him off and he revealed his disapproval towards Nick.

Schmidt and Elizabeth got into a fight after Schmidt pretended not to know her when she came to visit. However, it was a short-lived fight and the two got together again soon after.

It was a chaos for Jess who had to calm Cece down, prevent Nick from telling her father and find a job.

Meanwhile, it's Winston's birthday, but that's not on anyone's priorities.

FUNNY MOMENTS

PERSON OF THE HALF HOUR

Jake Johnson as Nick Miller.
I'm a sucker for actors who can portray a lot of emotions through small facial movements. Jake's simple flickers of the eyes and movements of the eyebrows did exactly that. He did a marvelous job at portraying Nick in this episode and the multiple faces he made in the episode displayed realistically what a normal person would feel if they were in his situation.

WELL...
This episode is filled with a balance of comedy drama and romance. I have to say it was clever of them to have Winston idly waiting for a surprise celebration throughout the episode when everybody is busy with their own problems. Nick not receiving approval from Jess' father is great too, it will give them a 'Romeo and Juliet' kind of romance which will be interesting to watch. Also, their romance not progressing smoothly will add drama and excitement to the show.

Honestly, I didn't think it would last between Schmidt and Elizabeth. I have always thought Schmidt and Cece would end up together. But in this episode, it is obvious that Cece is in love with her fiancee and so is Schmidt with Elizabeth. While it's not a good news for Schmidt-Cece fans, it's wonderful to know that the writers aren't limiting the romance within the main cast. ErhmHowIMetYourMotherErhm 

Jess is back to teaching children. And not just any children. In this episode we had a glimpse of the children she will be teaching; an obese studious girl and a rich Indian(?) boy with a car and a pack of cigarettes. They are one bunch of troubled kids I'm sure and it will be interesting to see the writers explore that in the future.

Revolution 1x16

OVERALL: 6.5/10

PLOT SUMMARY
Tom Neville returns and revealed Monroe's plan of releasing a devastating virus. Team Miles is tasked with a mission to retrieve the doctor in charge of making the viruses and is forced to work with Tom who is now working for Georgia Federation. Obviously, conflicts ensued. Especially when Charlie discovered that they have kidnapped the doctor's family to force him into making the viruses for Georgia. Charlie, Nora and Jason disagreed with the kidnapping and worked together to reunite the doctor with his family. They succeeded with the help of Miles and the sudden attack by the Militia soldiers.

Meanwhile, Rachel and Aaron gets further to the west and found themselves starving in a place where food is scarce and punishment for any crimes is death. Thus, when Rachel is found to have stolen food, she is forced to kill the person she stole from before getting killed by him. In a hurry to escape, she fall and severely hurt her leg. Knowing she won't be able to make it to the tower, she decided to tell Aaron something she found in the notebook -- a newspaper clip detailing Aaron's work as a student.

Also, in another place,  a mysterious and devastating creature is unleashed.

THE GOOD

Scarce Food
This is more of a personal choice. I like the fact that the writers included food or lack of it as a problem Rachel and Aaron faced. So far in the season, food hadn't be a problem, until now. Just goes to show the extent of the blackout in different areas.

Monroe Vs Flynn
It's nice to know things aren't going too well in an alliance. It's clear now that Randall is trying to control Monroe and Monroe isn't liking that. It will be interesting to see how long the alliance will last before someone decided to kill the other. Oh and Monroe is injured from last episode's shootings.

Rachel Injured 
I guess you can never really tell who won't die in Revolution. And although Rachel didn't die in this episode, I feel it's only a matter of time before she does. This is a good thing because it makes it hard to predict the show. And a show that's unpredictable is more than often always a promising one. It makes the show more realistic too.

Threesome 
Need I say more?
The suspense of waiting to see if any trigger is pulled is satisfying enough. But to see Charlie threatening Tom enhance the satisfaction. Charlie has become such a fearful woman that it's awesome to have watched her grow.

"You want me to get into a streetfight with Miles Matheson?"
I was beginnning to wonder why noone noticed Miles during the inspection. And finally, someone has the brains to think of a logical way of capturing Miles. It's nice to see people in shows having common sense.

Level 12
Just when things start getting complicated, it get even more complex. More questions arise just when we start having answers to some. The introduction of this 'creature' adds another layer to the show that I believe would shed some light on Randall's true purpose.



THE BAD

Shine Bright Like Criminals 
I find it illogical that Miles and Nora is out there in the open while less known criminal Charlie is hidden inside. It feels like they aren't trying to pass the inspection. Shouldn't Miles realized how infamous he is by now?

The Chosen One 
Suddenly, Aaron is the one that has to go to the tower.  While I understand how he may be linked with the blackout, I still find it too convenient that he has to be the one to turn it back on. Suddenly his previous accomplishment is acknowledged when just in the previous episode Rachel was asking him to shop when he offered his help.


PERSON OF THE HOUR

Giancarlo Esposito as Tom Neville
He did a magnificent depiction of a man forced to survive by hook and by crook, a man filled with angst towards his son and a man full of egoistic pride. The way he enunciate each word was breathtaking. It allows you to really feel his emotion and that I think, is very impressive.

WELL...
Revolution is becoming one of my must-watch shows. It's a show that seems to let its characters move the story rather than the plot. Each character has such a unique personality and motive that you can never really put them into a group. This episode clearly shows that. It is things like this that make a show realistic and enjoyable to watch.

However, this also feels like a filler episode. Especially when the doctor is set free and no virus is created for either side. Moreover, it doesn't seem Monroe heard of the kidnapping either. I guess this episode is just to re-introduce Tom and to sort of put a closure on the conflicts everybody have with him.