How I Met Your Mother 8x23

PLOT SUMMARY
Marshall and Lily prepares for their trip to Italy. They asked Ted to help them determine what to keep and what to throw. However, Ted is afraid they will forget him in Italy and forced them to keep all the old stuff they bought together.

Meanwhile, Barney and Robin Sr played laser-tag together at the expense of spending time with Robin. Initially playing on the same team, the two decided to split and fight against each other due to a difference in their opinion. A battle of laser-tag ensued.

While all these are going on, Robin is at Central Park trying to dig out the locket she buried years ago for her 'something old'. Unfortunately for her, she wasn't able to locate the locket and everybody around her seems too busy to help. When Ted showed up, she confessed her doubt of marrying Barney and it is later revealed that her feelings for Ted had resurfaced.

FUNNY MOMENTS

PERSON OF THE HALF HOUR

Alyson Hannigan as Lily Aldrin
I'm not going to bore you by telling how Alyson portrayed Lily's character nicely. I think 8 years is a long enough time for anyone to get to know their character they're playing. What struck me about her performance in this episode is her expressions. She had multiple expressions in this episode that just works given the situation Lily is facing. The feelings Lily is feeling is projected out in a hilarious way and I think that deserves some recognition. It's not exaggerated and not too subtle.

WELL...
To be honest, I enjoyed this episode.
Which is good because normally, How I Met Your Mother isn't the show I go to for my laughs. This episode  had humor and drama all packed into one and is one of the better HIMYM episodes of the season. Although  I find it unnecessary that the writers hinted at Robin liking Ted in the end of the episode. We all already know the ending, Robin is going to marry Barney. And Robin isn't even the mother. Going back and forth Robin and Ted is not only ridiculous but really draggy. I hope they won't make Robin leave Barney in the altar, postpone her wedding or does anything else of the sort.

But then again, they have another season.

I also have issues with the 'packing' story-line. I feel that it's a weak attempt of injecting drama into the episode and they shouldn't go with Ted admitting he is afraid of being forgotten. Hearing those words out of his mouth makes it sound really corny and less drama-ish.

However, I think they handled the Robin-Ted scene beautifully. The rain falling only on Ted's side was a clear indication that Ted no longer has feelings for Robin. It's a fantastic visual representation of Robin and Ted's feelings that just make you gasp and (even though we already know how it ends) curious about the ending.

Once Upon A Time 2x21

OVERALL: 8/10

PLOT SUMMARY
Emma and her family search for Regina when they discovered her missing. Emma's suspicion of Tamara is proven true while Mary Margaret is determined to ease her guilt towards Regina and reduce the darkness in her heart. Greg finally discovered his father's whereabouts and Neil's stay at Storybrooke is forcefully shortened.

Meanwhile, Neil's journey through the bean portal is revealed. And despite leaving his homeworld to rid himself off magic, he soon discovered that detaching himself from magic is not that simple. In order to save the family that adopted him, he offered himself to Neverland, a land where he met Hook.

THE GOOD

"Sorry Mate, I have to say no"
Hook proves he isn't an easy one to work with and I was afraid he was going to be Greg and Tamara's errand boy.

Lizzie Discovered Magic 
It's about time. Imagine the catastrophic events Rumplestiltskin would cause with Evil Belle egging him on from behind. Lizzie also seems to be having ulterior motives for being with Rumple. Erhmmagicerhm. 

I Feel Your Pain
It's spectacular to see Mary Margaret having an emotional connection with Regina even though it's artificial. I'm sure I'm not the only one who finds the whole situation ironic and fun to watch.

The Shadow 
Storybrooke is not the first outside creature to invade our world. If creatures from Neverland are able to enter, makes you wonder about other possible creatures from other -lands, doesn't it?

Neil in Neverland 
I've always wondered how Neil ended up with Emma. He should be much older than her, considering the timeline. This explains everything. His meeting with Hook and Neverland showed several more untold stories that I can't wait to hear.

Girl Fight!
Finally some physical action. While I welcome the use of magic in fights, it certainly quickens my heartbeat when hands are used to punch rather than make fire.

Neil Gone Again 
His departure makes it easier for Rumple to get rid of Henry. Emma will also be emotionally hurt to see her love gone, again. I certainly hope that will push her a little to the dark side and make her use of her greatest weapon when dealing with the likes of Tamara -- magic.

Total Destruction of Storybrooke 
I said previously that I don't like the sudden introduction of a trigger. And I still stand by it. But seeing the fact that the bad guys are using it now and it forces two opposing groups to co-operate, I might have a change of heart. The destruction of Storybrooke would make an epic season finale. Although it leaves us wondering what's next for the people of Storybrooke.


THE BAD
Greg's Sad Moment
This is a weak attempt at adding dimension to Greg's character. While I understand his motive, I find it hard to sympathize with him. Honestly, I would prefer Greg to be just Greg, a stranger with no previous emotional attachment to Storybrooke.

Efficient Home Office 
While I like the idea of an organisation that's anti-magic, I question their efficiency. They are too efficient and seems to know a lot about magic. How did they analyse the trigger so quickly and to find out what it actually does to the specifics is something I find hard to believe. Didn't Regina said that "magic in this world is different"?

Finding Regina
I highly doubt there's no better way to locate Regina. Why couldn't they ask for a more direct way to find her? I'm sure the 'pouring a magic liquid' onto Regina's belonging (like they did to find Mad Hatter) would be a much better choice.




PERSON OF THE HOUR

Michael Raymond-James as Baelfire/Neil Cassidy. 
He has that playful air around him, that childlike aura that he just seem to emit through his actions. And it works with portraying Neil's character. Michael was able to show how hurt Neil was about his father neglecting him for Lizzie without appearing too needy. Neil is a rather complex character to play, a man struggling with hate and love, reality and facades. Yet, despite all the emotions and situations he's being put through, you can still see that childlike attitude in him, that playfulness that Michael retains throughout the episode. His performance enhances the whole experience of watching the show and I'm sure we will see more of him despite the seemingly hopeless situation he's in at the end of the episode.

WELL...
I think this is one of the best OUAT episodes I've watched. It's filled with action, plot-twists and revelations while at the same time giving us more questions to ask. I especially enjoyed the way the story is going. The destruction of Storybrooke and outsiders finding out about the magical town are things that are bound to happen sooner or later. To have both occurring at the same time is perfect.

Personally, I like the fact that they make Tamara and Greg out to be members of a religious-esque club, thinking they are doing the world a favour by protecting it from magic.

I also have to praise the song composers for this episode. The melody that plays with Tamara and Greg revealing their organisation and agenda was breathtaking and adds several layers of excitement into the scene.

Revolution 1x15

OVERALL: 6/10

PLOT SUMMARY
The Rebels are working with Georgia and together, they took over the small areas that's part of the Monroe Republic. That pissed Monroe who retaliated by threatening to kill Miles' first love, Emma and everybody else in their hometown unless Miles turn himself in. Miles finds himself again in a difficult situation while Monroe soon realized his threat is a double-edged sword.

Meanwhile, Rachel and Aaron continued their quest to turn the power back on. As Rachel struggled to translate and understand the note she got from Jane (previous episode), Aaron ran into his ex-wife who now has a family of her own.

THE GOOD

Jeremy Vs Monroe
The tension is building up. Monroe's ways are beginning to rub people the wrong ways and lead us to wonder how long he can maintain his position as a general before someone stabs him in the back.

Studying the Notes
It's nice to see that acquiring the note is just the beginning of their harsh journey. Rachel needing to study and translate it also showed just how taxing it is to turn the power back on. It's also funny to see her disregarding Aaron's intelligence and offer to help.

Badass Charlie 
It is refreshing to see someone undergoing a massive change in attitude throughout the season. Charlie now is more confident, cold-hearted and is definitely not just a curious girl from the first episode. She is badass with the drive and weapons to kill. And I like it.

Aaron the Hulk 
Well, well, look who finally decided to man up and tackle a bounty hunter. Aaron. It's great to see that he isn't a coward he appeared to be, especially if the love of his life is at stake.

Tom Returns
I think just putting his name there says it all. The once loyal Major of the Militia is now working with Georgia. That's pretty exciting, don't you think? That and the huge conflict it will cause in Team Miles.





THE BAD

First Love 
It feels uneccessary to introduce Miles' first love at this point of the season. And to use her as a bargaining chip now is ridiculous when Monroe had all the time before to lure Miles into submission. Before Miles had allies.

Aaron's ex-Wife
It feels as if she is only being re-introduced into the show to simply help us get through the hour and to give Aaron the closure he doesn't need.





PERSON OF THE HOUR

Mark Pellegrino as Jeremy Baker. 
His portrayal of a man slowly doubting his superior left a deep impression. He managed to show his desire to overthrow Monroe through his tone and expression when talking to Monroe. I don't know if that's in the script, but he did a wonderful job at showing much of Jeremy's character through his body language.

I have to say, this was a hard one to pick. Revolution has a cast where everybody is equally talented and impressive that makes the show so much more enjoyable to watch.

WELL...
Honestly, this felt like a filler episode. I find Aaron's encounter with his ex unnecessary and a waste of time, especially when she revealed she already had a family of her own. Although it was nice to see her saving Aaron despite Aaron attempting to save her first.

The revelation of Monroe having a son was questionable too. Where are they going with this? I'm pretty sure Monroe is going to be obsessed with finding his son and I'd hate to see that being the reason for him to lose the Monroe Republic. Moreover, the revelation was too sudden. It feels that the writers are at a dead-end and giving Monroe a son seems like a convenient way to move the story.

However, Revolution is turning out to be great. The story is moving at an enjoyable pace and it's great to see the characters slowly branching out of the Monroe Republic. It's exciting to know that one day, we would see how the other parts of the world survive with no electricity. (Hopefully before it gets turn back on.)

Happy Endings 3x23

PLOT SUMMARY
The gang attends Alex and Jane's sister Brooke's wedding. Alex and Dave broke up but decided to keep it a secret from their friends while Jane is under pressure to prove her capabilities to her sister, who Jane deeply admired. Meanwhile, Brad is becoming jealous of Brooke's fiance Elliot, a black man that was immediately welcomed by the Kerkovichs. While all that was going on, Max and Penny fabricated several gossips when they almost let out the fact that Alex and Dave broke up.

FUNNY MOMENTS

PERSON OF THE HALF HOUR















Zachary Knighton. 
In this episode, Dave is faced with the fact that his relationship with Alex was just a "rebound" and would not end in marriage. Zachary did a good job in portraying a man going through such a confusing relationship without making Dave appear too sad. He showcased an appropriate amount of emotion when Alex hinted at him she wanted a break up as compared to Elisha. He made the break-up mature and realistic.

WELL...
I have to say again, I'm satisfied with the development of the show so far. This episode is filled with hilarious bits that actually make me smile and laugh. The way Penny finally left an impression on Brooke was clever and doesn't seem forced at all. Which makes it even much more funnier.

I'm also happy that they decided to end things with Dave and Alex. It's nice to have someone in the gang having an on-off relationship (like Rachel and Ross). The writers handled the breakup beautifully, injecting an  acceptable amount of emotions and comedy into the scene. I especially like the ending where Dave referred to Alex as his friend and the two begin dancing on the dance floor. It was heartwarming to watch and gave the couple the closure they needed.

To sum things off, I'd hate to see this show cancelled. It has so much great potential that ending it now seems rather premature and inconclusive. I still want to see Brad and Jane starting a family and the rest of the gang finding someone in their life.

Happy Endings is an unpolished diamond and what do you do with an unpolished diamond? You polish it of course. Throwing it away would be ridiculous, wouldn't it?

Happy Endings 3x22

PLOT SUMMARY
Megan Mullaly and Michael McKean return as Dana Hartz and Big Dave respectively and they have big news to tell. They are going to adopt a baby!
The story is split into two. Dave and Penny seek ways to change their parents' mind, even resorting to 'kidnapping' a stranger's baby to show their parents how wearisome a baby can be. Meanwhile, Max is afraid that Brad and Jane would lead the life of the rich and not include him. He, alongside the forever-naive Alex, plans to show them that they are able to 'fit in' into the sophisticated lifestyle of the rich.

FUNNY MOMENTS































































I have to admit, this picture does unjust to the episode.
There are several other funny moments, but they are scenes that simply can't be screenshot and put in pictures. After all, somethings are better with movement and sound, especially for a show like Happy Endings.

PERSON OF THE HALF HOUR

Elisha Cuthbert did an amazing job this episode. While I find Alex's naivety and bimbo logic ridiculous and hard to believe, Elisha was able to make all those things rather believeable this episode. Her facial expression when she's being ridiculed by Jane and Brad showed the perfect damsel in distress and you can't help but pity her. Despite not having much lines in the episode as compared to others, she managed to stand out as Max's gullible sidekick and  an adult child.

I think Casey Wilson deserved a special mention too. Her character has been put through a lot this season, with the 'almost getting married' bit and now that her mother revealed her plans to adopt a baby, imagine the things that are going through her mind. Casey was brilliant in her performance as a 31-year-old woman not willing to have her mother's affection towards her taken away. She managed to pull off several different emotions her character underwent on the episode and that I think, is pretty darn impressive.

WELL...
I have to say, I'm liking Happy Endings more and more with each week. Despite the obvious inspiration by Friends, it managed to be a sitcom of its own that offered subtle humor without trying too hard. I think it's moving in the accurate direction and it would be a shame to cancel it.

THE BIG BANG THEORY 6x22

PLOT
The story is split to two major plots.
Sheldon and Leonard found their childhood idol and hired him over to their house to "hangout" while Howard and Bernadette babysit Raj's dog Cinnamon. 

FUNNY MOMENTS

PERSON OF THE HALF HOUR

I'm not saying the cast members didn't do a good job this episode, but in this episode it's the guest star that steals the limelight. Bob Newhart played Professor Proton, a once famous TV scientist who is both Sheldon and Leonard's idol. 
I was impressed at his line delivery. The brief pauses between words and the little movement of his head did wonders for his performance. And they way he enunciate each single word was spectacular. He accurately depicted a confused man stuck in an awkward situation with Sheldon and his straight-faced expression makes the situation very much more hilarious. 

WELL...
There's nothing much that I can say about this episode. It is, like many other episodes, brought laughter without trying too hard. I say kudos to the writers for cracking the code to sitcoms after Friends. Not many shows can sustain the same quality of humor for several seasons. 

In this episode, Bernadette considered having a baby and being a mom. While she showed reluctance in doing so several episodes back, it's a relief to know that she might have a change of heart. However, I find the idea of a baby in TBBT daunting. A baby might distract the show from focusing on what really matters -- the main cast. If not handled well, the show may lose its humor and well, lose its audience. 
But I'm sure the writers would have no problem maintaining the show's quality and seeing Howard and Bernadette struggle with their firstborn would be hilarious. 

Glee 4x21

Overall: 6.5/10

THE GOOD

Rachel & Will
It's nice to see that they are still keeping in touch and Rachel telling Will first before any of her close friends showed just how much of an influence Will have had in her life. 

Marrying Emma again 
I thought it will be another season before they got together and am glad that Will proposed off screen. Although having the wedding after Regionals is kinda cliche. 



Vocal Training
Having them trained makes their victory more believable and realistic. And now we all know Marley will pull off a really high note in Regionals and that's something to look forward to. 

For the Record 
For the most part, this episode carries a happy and joyous tone that is often unrealistic. To have Mercedes facing a problem many aspiring artistes have is refreshing and definitely welcomed.


THE BAD

Bitch Tina
Well, she has been a bitch this season, giving that little unnecessary comments that just make us dislike her. 

Bad Girls Gone Good
I was rooting for a Rachel Vs Cassandra and am liking the Sue Jr that is Kitty. I was thus disappointed that they became good. It feels like a failed attempt at humanizing the antagonists.

Marriage...Again
We don't need a gay version of Rachel and Finn's teen wedding. Hopefully, Blaine never proposed to Kurt, at least not when both are in school.

Keep Your Mouth Wide Open 
I hardly think Sam should look that surprised. Amber Riley has pulled off similar or even more amazing note than that and Sam was there to hear it. 

Gangsta Artie
I  feel they are making Artie to be some kind of Gangsta-wannabe, saying out words that don't fit with his wardrobe and personality. Honestly, I find him more likeable when he stopped saying "yall" and "yo". 



PERFORMANCE OF THE HOUR
Hey, this is Glee we're talking about after all. Normally, Glee wowed me with its wonderfully choreographed and beautifully prepared performances but in this episode, the only performance that widened my eyes and my mouth as open as Sam's was this. 

Glee's rendition of "Uptight (Everything's Alright)" was filled with magical dance moves and joyous feelings of Rachel and Cassandra. It was the appropriate song to celebrate Rachel's second call back and to show Cassandra as a caring mentor rather than a scheming evil wife of Satan set to destroy Rachel (which I really hope she is). 

THAT ONE PERSON

Mike O' Malley does not receive enough recognition for his wonder-ful portrayal of Burt Kummel. And especially in this episode where Burt is facing a death threat that is cancer and having his son's ex personally ask him for his blessings to marry Kurt. He showed just enough emotion and expression to display someone that cares while maintaining that 'cool' and 'playful' air. I was also surprised by his lash-back at Kurt's annoying critics of his choice of clothes. It showed a frustrated and worried man which made us realized how critical the situation was. 

While it's a pity he didn't get much on-screen time, it is moments like this that make his guest appearance worthwhile and memorable. 

WELL...

Honestly, I don't like where Glee is going. It feels like the writers are losing touch of the characters and am altering their personalities to suit the plot. Sam who was once deemed as Finn's rival has been reduced to a male bimbo with a strong fear of apocalypse. He was cool once, a man determined to be popular but now he is nothing but a jock with childish fears who loves showing off his abs. And Ryder is now the someone who is worthy enough to take Finn's place. It's a shame because I personally liked the introduction of Sam and feels he is one of the many under-developed characters in Glee. 

Anybody remember Sugar? That is one long-forgotten character with a memorable introduction scene. I thought her inability to sing would add a unique dynamic to the New Directions and be a challenge for Will. I had hoped for Sugar to be able to sing eventually and be really good at it, kinda like the ugly duckling who turns into a swan. Wouldn't that be epic? 


While this episode showed graduating students already offered places in universities, I find it lacked the punch and intense that Glee had last season regarding the graduation. Sure, only a minority is graduating this season, but it would be nice if the writers actually show them applying for the universities. 

I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that Glee is going on a gradual downward spiral. It has way too many characters and almost none with a solid personality that remains constant throughout the series. But the good news is it has two more seasons to fix the problem and when it does, Glee will be one hell of a show. 

P.S: Kate Hudson's abs is WOW-TASTIC.