From Thriller to Dreadful: Secret Invasion miniseries

 

Did Disney+'s Secret Invasion live up to the hype? Here are my thoughts.

A Little Gem of A TV Series: Primo Season One

 

If there was a little gem of a TV show, Amazon Freevee's Primo would be that show. 

Created by Shea Serrano and Executive Produced by Mike Schur, this coming-of-age comedy is about Rafa, a 16-year-old high school junior who's navigating school, societal expectations, and a hectic home life that's anchored by his single mom, Drea, and his five uncles. 

If you are a fan of any of Mike Schur's comedies (Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and The Good Place), you'll like this series. It's got plenty of humor, heart, and cultural representation of an American-Mexican family. 

Christina Vidal, as Drea, is one of the highlights of the series, along with Ignacio Diaz-Silverio, who plays the lead character, Rafa.  Plus, the dynamic between Rafa and his uncles is hilarious at times. With the first season containing only eight episodes, it went quickly and left me wanting more. 

Overall, I give the first season a 9.5/10.

Have you seen Primo? Leave a comment below.

You can catch Primo on Amazon Prime/Amazon Freevee.

Rescue in the Sky: SkyMed Season 1

 

Are you looking for a medical drama to get you through until Chicago Med or Grey's Anatomy returns? Sky Med on Paramount+ might be the show for you. 

Sky Med, a Canadian series, centers on the nurses and pilots of an air ambulance team that go on call to make the recuses and transports on life and death decisions. 

I've enjoyed this series. It's not St. Elsewhere or ER, but it's got likable and representative characters and exciting stories that kept me tuning in to each of the first season's nine episodes. 

It's fun, action, and drama all in one. I give it an 8/10.

What do you think of SkyMed? Have you seen the series? Leave a comment below!

Sky Med is available on Paramount+.

An Intense Night of Drama: One Chicago: Chicago Med "You Can't Always Trust What You See"/Chicago Fire "Mayday"/Chicago PD "Closure" Season Premiere

 

The season premiere of One Chicago was this one-time week, and I'm still recovering from what went down. Here's a recap and thoughts!

Chicago Med "You Can't Always Trust What You See." 

While the season premiere of Chicago Med wasn't at the level of what Fire and PD had, it still had me engaged for the entire hour. 

Halstead returns to Med, but under the circumstances from Goodwin, he keeps an eye on a colleague, who she believes is scamming Medicare while putting his patients at risk. But the one thing I was happy to see have a nice closure was Will and Natalie as they said goodbye at the beginning of the episode. That started the waterworks for me. 

Archer and Charles work together, putting their differences aside (at times), to help save a patient who happens to have a twin. But the catch is if the patient needs surgery, the twin also wants to have the same surgery as they want to do everything together. I think they would give a run with The Shining Twins. 

We meet with the new residents, Dr. Scott and Hammer, who we see helping treat a girl with sickle cell anemia while her mother shows signs of arthritis. Hammer realizes that with arthritis at this early stage in her life, they must be living in the car.  Later, we see Hammer visiting her mother, who is homeless, helping her with what she needs. 

While giving Vanessa space, Maggie tries to stay away but be professional with her daughter. At one point, a nurse needed a doctor to call the time of death of a patient. After calling it, Maggie confronts her. Also, while Crockett and Halstead might not have seen eye to eye in this episode with a difference of opinion on a returned patient who was part of Kinder, they come to reasonable terms at the end of the episode. 

I enjoyed the season premiere. I see how others might not have thought it was at the level we're used to. The episode had to balance out the end of one story (Natalie) and the start of a new one (Scott and Hammer) and still have that Med medical feel we're used to. This is what I would call a peaceful premiere. 

I loved the Hammer and Scott story in this episode, as Scott seems to be a fun but responsible character when treating his patients. At first, I thought, oh, a cop turned doctor. Didn't we see this with Jeff Clarke when he transferred from Fire to Med? But this seems different. 

Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

Chicago Fire "Mayday"

Think again if you thought I was on the edge of my seat when Fire started its 10th season premiere! I was on my feet, walking back and forth with nerves and screaming at the television. 

The episode picks up right where we left off; Squad 3 is trapped in a capsized boat, and Casey makes a good to help bring oxygen tanks. But just as he gets there, Severide sets up to blow up part of the boat to escape. But after it blows up, Cruz is not moving, and Severide tries with all his might to get him to the surface. Casey gives CPR and comes through. 

Cruz will be already, but when he gets back to work, he's starting to get PTSD when handling his gear. Also, the stress of postponing the baby shower for Chloe didn't help either, but when it comes to 51, they have their back no matter what. 

Stella, who was so worried about Severide making it out alive, later confronts him about telling his mother about their engagement, only to get a response that Severide men don't stay married for that long. Ouch!  But she reassured him that things would be better than what his father was. 

Meanwhile, Boden gets word that he'll be the new deputy chief commissioner, but while everyone is thrilled about his recent promotion, Stella isn't, as she is afraid to see changes to 51. Boden tried to see if his office could be at 51, but that wasn't the case due to politics. But after a call, he sees that his firehouse can handle things without him. 

Meanwhile, the story we've been waiting for, Brett and Casey, while they try to keep their relationship under wraps, everyone knows they're a couple, even before they know. We had gotten many good Brettsey scenes in this episode that I would assume kept the fans happy. 

But during a call, Brett gets a non-emergency call that she and other medics believe is taking them away from the actual emergency calls, and that starts Brett to maybe thinking of something. While on call, Casey bravely saves a kid swinging from one building to another like he was Spiderman or Batman, which was fantastic industry for Brett. 

And let's not forget Firehouse 51's Three's Company duo, Ritter, Violet, and Gallo, who are trying to come up with an idea to make some extra money. Gallo and Violet didn't make it easy for Ritter, as watching them argue about each one's vision wasn't helping. But soon, just as they were about to work it out, the idea of Gallo's beer (that he made) might be the ticket. 

"Mayday" was electrifying but had all the feelings we wanted in a Chicago Fire premiere. While changes are coming to 51, it's hard to see Boden moving out of 51. Who's going to take his spot? Casey? Do you think Casey is ready to give speeches to his crew? We had seen it a while ago, and it didn't turn out well. 

I read many stories from Stella-Severide, Chloe-Cruz, Brett-Casey, and Ritter-Gallo-Violet. I can't wait to see what will happen with these characters this season. I wonder if Cruz will continue to suffer from PTSD from the boating rescue. 

Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

Chicago PD "Closure"

If Fire had an "On My Feet" premiere intensity, PD was another.

"Closure" was such an intense going in with the awaiting on if Burgess would come out or not. Ruzek battles whether or not to bring Makayla to visit the unconscious Burgess, but rest assured, fans, Burgess will be okay.  

Meanwhile, Upton and Voight try to hide the fact that they killed Roy while hunting down Roy's partner, who both have evidence of them killing Roy. It's eating up Upton pretty poorly; Roy's partner, holding a hostage, gets shot in the neck and dies at Med. 

Voight tells Miller, who doesn't know that Roy is dead, to get the Feds to help find him. Good luck! Meanwhile, after Upton asks Jay to marry him, Jay returns the favor after asking why she wants to marry him now and soon proposes to her (as he's an old fashion) with the answer "yes."

I enjoyed this episode very much from beginning to end. While we know that Burgess will have a tough time returning to work, something tells me she won't let this one go either, like Miller. Could this come back and bite both Upton and Voight by midseason? I just got that feeling!

I thought Ruzek's storyline was so good and well-performed, along with Upton as well. Looks like we're going to get a CPD wedding! I hope it doesn't turn out to be like Will's wedding.

Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

What did you think of the season premieres of Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD? Leave a comment below!

Follow me on Twitter @abaker20.

Catch up with recaps, reviews, and news of #OneChicago

One Chicago aires Wednesdays beginning at 8/7c on NBC and streaming all episodes on PeacockTV.

A Season Burning Brighter: Chicago Fire Season 9 (Episode 7-16)

 

Season Nine of Chicago Fire burns so brightly with such amazing stories. Once again, this season was a step up from last season, even though we got a shorter season. Here's a recap and thoughts. 

Changing of the World: All Rise "A Change Is Gonna Come" Season Premiere

The season premiere of All Rise this week had some really strong moments and even a shocker at the end. 

The season premiere of All Rise titled, "A Change is Gonna Come" really should the changes that have gone on in the span since the season one finale. We learn in flashbacks of Judge Carmichael stopping a cop as he had drawn his weapon as the girl was trying to look for her phone in her bookbag. 

That point and time set off a chain reaction into the present with Lola and Mark's friendship; as Mark seemed to be on the other side of what Lola was thinking, even though the cop didn't believe that she was a judge and didn't ask for I.D. 

Meanwhile, Mark was battling with Rachel on a case that hits close to home with Carmichael with a white man charged with a hate crime for hitting black and mix people with a baseball bat. We learn the meaning of the judge's difficulties when talking to her new law clerk, Ness Johnson. 

Sara deals with a family situation where her grandparent's store was distorted during the protest but the insurance wasn't going to cover it because it was under the COVID-19 lockdown. I think we're gonna see something in the new episode about that. 

Two things to be taken out of this episode: one what's going with Luke and Emily as they seem distant yet still helping each other with a case to get her client out of jail and to the hospital; due to COVID-19 but died. They took a break during the COVID-19 and yet it seems that Luke has moved on with Sam. Wow!

Second thing: While Carmichael not only was dealing with that cop situation and case, there was something else going on as well. Her husband had been quarantined at the time of the cop situation, but there was something that we see back and forth during the flashbacks. 

We come to find out that Judge Carmichael is expecting a baby. And come to find out that there's a viral video of her standing up against that cop, which doesn't look too good right now.

I have to admit that I enjoyed this season's premiere. I thought they really addressed the Black Lives Matter really well and even the COVID-19 stuff as well. I thought that Simone Missick gave a great performance in this season's premiere. 

The tension between Mark and Lola was so good with each other having different opinions of what had happened that night during the protesters and cop. Could their friendship still be in jeopardy? 

Meanwhile, seeing Emily and Luke being distant from each other (besides for COVID reasons), until they tried to help her client. I was like was it me but weren't they on great terms dating and having a nice evening with a meal and a glass a wine? Apparently, time really did pass and they're on a break. Wow! That took me a bit surprised. 

As for the shocker (depends on what the shocker would be in this case), the viral video was a shocker over the pregnancy. That doesn't mean I was shocked but I did figure it out as we see certain moments like Sherri helping her with ideas to calm down and finding a new law clerk. But I can't wait to see what comes with this story arc with her Lola and her husband and even her judge career. 

Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

What did you think of the episode? Leave a comment below!

You can catch All Rise Mondays at 9/8c on CBS.

FBI Most Wanted Season 1

 

This summer, I got to catch up on last season's best new series, FBI Most Wanted. Here are my thoughts!

FBI Most Wanted feels like the lovechild of the FBI and Chicago PD with a traveling van. That may sound bad but let me tell you, it's not, as it's pretty much my new favorite Dick Wolf series to date so far and could be better than its predecessor, CBS's FBI. 

The concept is that this FBI task force solves crimes and hunts down criminals now placed on their most wanted list in the same style as any crime procedure drama. The characters are grounded, mostly Jess LaCroix, played by Jullian McMahon. We see a balance of work and family life and that he's trying to help the suspects without getting into a bad situation. 

And this ensemble cast is fun and exciting to watch from Kenny Crosby, who reminds me a bit of the lovechild of Jay Halstead and Adam Ruzek for some reason. Keisha Castle-Hughes as Hana Gibson is my favorite character other than LaCroix on this show as the group's high-tech. 

The stories in season one were solid and intriguing and had me on the edge of my seat, like episodes "Defender," "Invisible," "Ghost," and "Getaway," to name a few. But let's face it, if you are a fan of the show like me, the best episode was the crossover with FBI, which has the slight edge as the best two-show crossover last season (edging out with Chicago Fire and PD). That episode had so many cringe moments, but it was so good.

I highly recommend watching FBI Most Wanted. If you like crime-procurement shows that follow the clues, strong storytelling, and a tremendously solid ensemble cast, this show is for you. I give Season 1 a 9/10.

Season Two of FBI Most Wanted premieres tonight at 10/9c on CBS.

Heart and Soul: Station 19 Season 1 Review

This summer, I had the chance to catch several shows I'd missed out on. One of them happens to be ABC's Station 19, the spinoff to Grey's Anatomy. Here are my thoughts on the first season.

A.P. Bio Season 3 Review

The third season of A.P. Bio premiered this month, and the new season looks better than ever.

The eight-episode season three comedy series dives into more wacky and crazy stuff than the previous two seasons. From Helen being part of Jack's student to Ralph dealing without having Helen as his crime partner, that's just the first episode.

The season pushes the characters not only with hilarious moments but heart-warming ones. Jack, who's trying to record a video for a university to get out of Toledo, backfires and realizes that he's better off in Toledo with the students and friends.

One episode that I believe might be the season's highlight is episode three, and the first ten minutes of the episode are just catching up to what is just ten minutes of the episode. It might seem dumb to read it and go, "What?" but trust me, once you see it, it's pretty hilarious as it's like making fun of the steaming services previously on this show.

The season finale, of course, didn't disappoint as it dives into the celebration of Katie Holme's day. That's the day they celebrated when she got the part of Joey Porter on Dawson's Creek. I don't think I should say anything more after that.

I very much enjoyed the third season of A.P. Bio. While the second season was good, this season was much better. There was strong writing and character development this season. I can't stress enough the chemistry between Paula Pell and Patton Oswalt, as they're one of the best comedic duos on television.

I highly recommend taking a look at the new season of A.P. Bio. Overall, I give this season a 9/10.

You can catch seasons 1-3 of A.P. Bio, available on Peacock Stream Service.

The Umbrella Academy Season 2

The second season of The Umbrella Academy was released this weekend, and it was freakin fantastic!!!

Picking up seconds after the season one finale, the team/family is back in the early 1960s, separated from 1960-1963. But in a way, like in the first season, Five sees that they've brought the apocalypse with them and must find the team as they live their own lives. Deigo is trying to stop the assassination of JFK, Klaus starts a cult, Luther is making money to a gangster, Allison is married and fighting for civil rights. Vanya suffers from memory loss and is trying to figure out who she is. All of this while The Handler tries to get back not only her power at the Commission but also Five and has a helping hand. The season finale (which I won't say much) leaves an opening door for Season Three that I hope Netflix will announce by Monday or this week.

Season two of The Umbrella Academy was mind-blowing. While it had the same vibe from the first season, it improved with solid character development and writing. The stories and the setting were timeless and fitting and had that balance of humor and emotions hitting at the right time. The cast performs excellently, like Ellen Page, David Castaneda, and Emmy Raver-Lampman. Robert, Sheehan, and Kate Walsh. But it was Rita Arya as Lila and Robin Atkin Downes, as the voice of AJ Carmichael, who killed it. Even the music selection this season fits perfectly with the scenes of the episodes.

Overall, I give this season a 9/10.

If you haven't seen Season Two of The Umbrella Academy or the series, I highly recommend it.

You can catch the first two seasons of The Umbrella Academy available now on Netflix.

Batwoman Season 1 Review

Exciting, character-driven, and full of action!  Here are my thoughts on the first season of Batwoman.

While the first season had some issues; I still quite enjoyed it very much. The series keeps the Batman anthology theme of dark, gritty, and very, very action-packed. But the one that I do enjoy the most out of this series was the strong character development. While Rudy Rose shows a lot of growth in the first season, she plays very well in the dramatic fashion; but also in the humor category too when Kate tries to learn the ropes of being Batwoman.

Along with Rose, Rachel Skarsten steals the show with her performance as Alice/Beth Kane. Skarsten's character was so interested that she had me more invested in the show than just watching Batwoman fight crime.  While both Kate and Alice have this Batman-Joker dynamic going; their relationship of sisters adds more depth. But it's the character's strong background story and development that wins the season over the other characters.

One of the things that I had an issue was the character development of Sohpie Moore. Moore, at the first half of the season, felt like a soap opera character; with one of the storylines being that her going to tell Kate's dad that she's Batwoman. But by the second half of the season, the character develops well enough.

While Crisis Part 2 was my favorite episode of the crossover event; other episodes like "Tell Me the Truth" with both Kate and Luke teaming with Julie Pennyworth, who I wish to stay on from time to time as they play well with one another. "Take Your Choice," "A Narrow Escape," "Off with Her Head" and "Through the Looking Glass" were a few of the episodes that stood out this first season with such entertaining, action, and amazing character development. And while the season finale ended with HUSH becoming the doppelganger of Bruce Wayne; I don't believe the show will ruin Bruce Wayne's character. Overall, I give this season one an 8.5/10.

I can't wait for Season two, but sad that Rudy Rose left the show. while I respect her for her decision to leave. I just hope that the show will find a way to address the change; whether it's a new actress taking on Kate Kane or a new character.

You can catch Season One of Batwoman available now on The CW app and On Demand. The new season begins in January 2021.

Superstore Season 5 Review

For Season Five of Superstore, the show doesn't lose a beat.

While the fifth season was cut short of its original season run; I thought that this season of the comedy series was so brilliant and hilarious. The Amy storylines this season with her dealing with corporate and trying to get to the top was good. Also, her and Manto's storyline was funny at times but heartwarming. The trio of Jonah, Cheyenne, and Garrett was hilarious; I loved this season was Sandra, Jonah, and Garrett as they were dealing with new corporate phones. 

While the ensemble cast was brilliant; Kaliko Kauahi as Sandra was not only amazing but stole the season with her performance. From episodes of her wedding and dealing with Carol this season, she deserves to win the MVP for this season. Also, Lauren Ash gave some great moments too; from meeting her father to dealing with the loss of her birds and getting back at Garrett.

And while the season finale was supposed to have Amy leaving Superstore; the episode that aired as the season finale did have an ending of a goodbye. I do hope that America Ferrera would come back for an episode to give a fair sendoff, which I think her character deserves. 

I loved how this season the show kept the characters grounded and never dummy them down at all with such rich storytelling. Season after season the show elevates and gets better and better. Season five is that example and one that anyone who hasn't seen it should watch it. Brilliant writing and brilliant performances from the ensemble cast. Overall, I give this season a 91/0.

You can catch Superstore to return for a sixth season (sometime this fall).

Animal Among Us

If you think that "Animal Among Us" was a film that you know all too well without seeing it, guess again. This film keeps you guessing until its mind-blowing ending. 

When a campground is reopening celebration fifteen years after two girls were murdered and lead to a best-selling novel, Anita and Penelope Bishop (played by Larisa Oleynik and Christine Donlon), deals with issues of an animal like creature on the campsite, after two people had been attacked and killed. But when the author. Who wrote the book on the previous murders comes for the celebration at the Bishop's mother; the plot twists and turns about man and creature.

"Animal Among Us" is a horror film that might have the same plot devices as previous classic horror films like Friday the 13th. I enjoy some originality in this film; while for a 90-minute movie with some slow parts, it builds to an ending that I would have never had thought of. Larisa Oleynik, who won Best Actress in a Feature at Northen Horror Fest 2019, gives a stunning performance unlike we've seen her do from her previous roles. Even Don Frye and Erin Daniels were outstanding and stood out in the film as well.

I give the film an 8/10.

You can catch "Animal Among Us" available now on DVD and digital.

HOLY SHIPS!: Stranger Things 3 "Chapter Six: E Pluribus Unum"/"Chapter Seven: The Bite"

"Chapter Six: E Pluribus Unum" 

Oh man, shit just got real in this episode. Here's a recap!

Just as Dustin, Steve, Robin, and Erica learn what the Russians are doing, they open up the door to the upside-down. Soon, they would get busted; Steve made sure that Dustin and Erica escaped without harm. The Russians interrogated Steve and Robin and veveninjecthem ted with the truth serum. But by the time the boss knew who they were, Dustin and Erica made a distraction to get Robin and Steve out of there, too. Tissues, please.

 After making a deal with the scientist, Hopper has had enough of it and gives him a choice of either leave or stay. You would have thought this would be Hopper's biggest mistake, but it turns out that he was right. They learn of the secrets of this machine called the key that opens up the cups upside-download. Of course, that freaks both Hopper and Joyce, and they approach the government for help. 

After saving Nancy from the mind flayer, Elusese uses her power to locate Billy. But from where he's discovered, that could be where he and the mind flayer wanted. El uses her power to discover what happened to Billy; instead of going through the actual events, she starts seeing parts of his past that always make him hiss today. Asarns where the source of the mind flayer is, Billy sends El to another part of what will happen when the mind flayer takes over. Eventually, El got out of there, and just as the residents of Hawkins were at the town fair, they all got to the factory where the mind flayer was and disintegrated to make the mind flayer grow. Holy Fuck!

This episode was another on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of thrill. Not only did we see our character learn about the mind flayer's plan, but Billy's backstory of how he got to be who he is today. And after that, I still don't have a good connection with the character and believe he'll probably die.  I thought Erica stood out way better in this episode than in the previous episodes this season, and the relationship between Dustin and Steve got even more heartwarming. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

"Chapter Seven: The Bite"

OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!!! OH MY GOD!!!!

As El and the gang figure out that the Mind Flayer is coming from them, they are just in time before it starts attacking Hopper's house. But as El fights the tongues-tongues, she gets bitten and dragged towards the flayer. Mike and the rest hang on to El as Nancy and Lucas try to stop it, and just as El is released, she snaps the Flayer's head in half, and they escape.

El is badly hurt, but as the gang tries to find stuff to help her, Lucas and Will find something that could help with a bit more firepower in fireworks. Just as Mike talks to El and tries to tell her that he loves her, Dustin finally reaches them through their walkie-talkies.

While communicating with Mike, Dustin, Steve, Robin, and Erica hide from the Russians at the mall's movie theater of Back to the Future. Just as Dustin comes back asking Erica for batteries, Robin and Steve, who are high, leave and soon not only get sick but share some deep feelings, Steve having feelings for Robin and Robin having feelings for another woman. Both are on good terms anyway.

Hopper and Joyce got a dose of reality from Muarry by sleeping with each other and getting it over. They stop at the fair to find the kids but are hunted by the biker and the Russians. Alexi gets killed by the bikers, and Hopper diverts them to the funhouse, where Hopper not only redeems from fighting one of the guys but escapes with Joyce and Muarry.

As Dustin, Steve, Robin, and Erica are hiding from the Russians, when you think that they are goners, El saves the day by throwing a car at them. But as everyone catches up with what they know, El is hurt very badly, and Mike and the gang see the severe wound and a wormlike creature in her leg. El screams with pain!

This episode tugs at my heart with emotions and throwback to Back to the Future. Millie Bobby Brown was excellent, and the scenes with Finn Wolfhard were terrific and so heartwarming. Alexi's death was expected, with him helping with Hopper and Joyce. Strong character development with such strong writing, as well. The episodes get better and better, and the season finale sure feels like something big is going to happen. Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.

You can catch Stranger Things 3, available on Netflix now!

Code Red: Stranger Things 3 "Chapter Four: The Sauna Test"/ "Chapter Five: The Flayed"

Episodes Four and Five of Stranger Things 3 takes exciting television to another level. Here's a recap!

"Chapter Four: The Sauna Test" 

Code Red! Repeat we have a code red!! Mike, Lucas, Will, Max, and El reunite to talk that Will believes that the mind flayer is back. Eleven believes that it's Billy, because of the psychic encounter with Heather. They spy on Billy at the pool and set up a plan to trap him and see if it's true. More to come later.

Meanwhile, Hopper is recovering from his beatdown with help from Joyce. Joyce tells him that the guy was riding a motorcycle and that gives Hopper a clue to someone that might know who that stranger could be. It leads to the meeting with Mayor Klien with nice chitchat that leads to who not only the guy is but who he works for, StarCorp (the owner of the mall). Apparently, the company wants to expand to the east side of Hawkins, which leads to near the old lab.  Joyce and Hopper rush to find one of the houses.

Robin finds a way to get into the other side of the building, through the vents. Instead of Dustin going in because he's getting too big, they go with Erica. After coming to terms with her, she gets to the other side and opens the door. There Steve opens a box, but what's inside is a mystery and it's not Chinese food. Just as they are about to leave the doors close and what apparently is a room turns out to be an elevator going all the way down.

After checking on their source who's was eating fertilizer, Nancy and Johnathan are fired from the paper. After an argument about each other's livings styles, Nancy gets encouragement from her mother and went to check on the elderly woman. She notices that her heart rate was spiking higher and higher. That was due to the fact that the mind flayer connection with Billy, who gets trapped in the sauna from Mike, El, and the gang.

Soon it turned into some serious shit between Billy and El as Billy almost choked her to death. Mike saves by whacking him with a bat but El stops him before he could get his hands on Mike. El throws Billy through the wall and soon runs away. But that won't be the last time as Billy recover his wounds, he and Heather see other Hawkins' residents inline for their Mind Flayer master.

This episode was literally off the chan. It not only had me on the edge of my seat but also had my heart rating pretty high. That scene with the kids and Billy was one hell of a scene that had all the chills, thrills and action, plus the dialogue was great!! Also, Joyce and Hooper were good but the moment I very much enjoy was Nancy and her mother talking about knocking down the wall against the men. All in all, I give this episode a 9.5/10.

"Chapter Five: The Flayed" 

As Joyce and Hopper make it to their final house search on the list; they found an undercover basement with two Russian scientists working on something. Just as Hopper questions them, the biker comes in hunting for them. Hopper cuffs the two and just as the bike makes his way down, Hopper aims his gun to the guy's head. The biker quickly attacks Hopper and not only beats the crap out of him again, but Hopper also returns the favor by knocking the guy's knee with a monkey wrench.

Hopper brings the scientist along and demands Joyce to drive. The scene was totally hilarious and thrilling. But as the truck took a couple of bullets from the biker, the truck soon blew up and the three walks later to Seven Eleven and steals a car to meet with an old friend.

Meanwhile, Dustin, Steve, Robin, and Erica not only sneak their way out but learn what the Russians by opening up the door to the upsidedown world. Oh boy!

Just as Nancy watched Mrs. Driscoel moment, she calls Johnathan to ask him about Will. Soon they join Will, Mike, El, and the gang to head back to the hospital. There Nancy and Johnathan tried to release Mrs. Driscoel but she was nowhere to be found in her room til Tom shows up all bloody and started to go after them. But just as they escape from Tom, Bruce is out there too and he goes after them.

As they try to run, Bruce gets to them taking out Johnathan til Nancy stabs him in the back, which leads to her running away with him chasing. But it was when she thought of using the fire extinguisher to knock Bruce out; which also lead to Tom also getting the effect too. Just as Nancy and Johnathan finished both of them, their bodies melted and walked to each other to combine to a giant mind flayer.
While that was going on, Mike and El seem to be on good terms.

"The Flayed" was such an outstanding episode from beginning to finish. I couldn't get enough of Joyce and Hopper in this episode as both Ryder and Habour's chemistry is amazing. The rest of the cast performances were also amazing with each playing such a role in the episode. If there was one issue that I had in this episode; it had to be the scene sequence of the mind flayers melting from their human bodies. But overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Stranger Things Season 3 available on Netflix now. 

It's Not Over: Stranger Things 3 "Chapter Three: The Case of the Missing Lifeguard"

HOLY SHIPS!!

The third episode of Season Three of Stranger Things really has put some miles on not only the storytelling; but how scary it has gotten since the first episode of this season.

As El and Max have a sleepover at Hopper's place; they play a different version of spin the bottle which El uses her powers to see what certain people are doing. After getting Billy, El notices something unusual when she saw Billy and Heather, the lifeguard. Soon they try to find Billy at his house; which he wasn't but found empty bags of ice in the tub and Heather's lifeguard bag. More to come later.

After a disappointing dinner, Hopper gets a visit from Joyce, who thinks something is going on once again and tell him about the magnets falling off. It soon turned into an adventure at the old lab again but also had a moment where they confront certain things like Joyce redoing her house to move out of Hawkins. Also, Hopper tells Joyce about why she should stay and the difference between what she has here compared to him.  But soon they hear something and as Hopper searches; he gets his ass beat up by the mysterious biker, the one that was seen at the mayor's office.

As Dustin and Steve look for Russians at the mall; Robin cracks the code that the Russians are in the mall. Soon they spy on a truck that's dropping off packages that look funny as there are bodyguards with guns.

Through this season, Will has been the only one that doesn't want to let go of what his group has had, but the times they are a changing. After trying to get Mike and Lucas to play D&D, it didn't go the way he had hoped and ran off. It turned into one of the saddest moments so far when Will looking back at the times with his friends later destroys everything in his clubhouse.

After putting together a good investigating story; Nancy gets shut down by the editor but also gets made fun of as well. Her and Johnathan get proof of the rat but when they visit that elderly woman's house they had found something that they never expected....the woman eating fertilizer.

After finding Heather's bag, El and Max head to the swimming pool to find her but apparently, she didn't come to work. So El uses a photo of Heather to see where she is located; which lead them to her house. There they see Billy eating with Heather's parents, one of the editors of the paper. After seeing that Heather is okay; El and Max leave. But evil Billy remembers who El was and soon gets Heather's parents killed by Heather. While Will gets another feeling and this time he tells Mike and Lucas that he's back.

So far, three episodes in and the season have really gotten better. The Hopper and Joyce story was so good; along with Will, who really stole the moment of the episode with a nice performance. So many twist and turns and even moments that really had me jumping off my seat. Looks like the upsidedown monster is back and boy this time it's not playing around this time. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Season 3 of Stranger Things available now on Netflix.

Reunited And It Feels So Good: Stranger Things 3 " "Chapter One: Suzie, Do You Copy?"/"Chapter Two: The Mall Rats"

"Chapter One: Suzie, Do You Copy?" 

God Bless Netflix! The third season of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things has released its episodes and it wasn't a disappointment at all. 

It's June 28, 1984, the Russian military trying to reopen the gate to the Upsidedown world, but failed to do so.  A year later in Hopkins, Dustin is back from camp, Steve is working at an ice cream shop "Scoops Ahoy" but gives Mike, Will, Max, and Lucas access to sneak into the new mail theater. Not to mention that things with Mike and Eleven are going very well in their relationship and making Hopper's lie a living hell.  

But something has been sprung once again; as Will has been feeling the hair raising feeling about it once again, but doesn't tell anyone. After a short power outage, things get weirder when rats ran together to a factory; whereas they were dying in pain and exploding. 

Nancy and Johnathan are working at Hopkin's newspaper. Their relationship is on good terms but Nancy's job as an intern is all good. She gets turndown badly for an idea for a news story from a group of men.   

Hopper asked for help from Joyce about Mike and Eleven's relationship; even getting some moments that are clear that they should be being in a relationship with one another. After given Hopper what to say, she not only turns him down for a visit to help him out but stays home and reflects what she had with Bob; as she watches a rerun episode of Cheers. As for Hopper, the talk didn't go the way he had planned; but instead did it his way by talking to Mike while driving him home. 

After Dustin's reunion with the group, he tells them that he's met this girl at camp and invented the giant communication radio called Cerebro. But after hours, it seems that Dustin doesn't have a girlfriend from Utah; but instead gets a communication from the Russians military who seems to have opened the door to the Upsidedown. As  Billy is about to pick up Mike's mother for a little late night swimming lesson; he gets into a mysterious accident with something that literally pulls him into the factory. 

I very much enjoyed this episode from the beginning to the end and with as it had both the balance of where we left off since the season two finale to where are we going into this season. The character development was good with some moments being so awkward at times; mainly Billy hitting on Mike's mother. But it was overshadowed with moments from Mike and Eleven, Hopper and Joyce and even Mike, Eleven and Hooper, for which was hilarious. I think we might need to tell Hopper to take some time to have a cup of coffee and contemplation. Plus the music was perfect in this episode. I think that what we're in for this season could be even bigger than what our characters will face. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

"Chapter Two: The Mall Rats"

Hearts are broken, power is used, even cracking the code and that's just the tip of the iceberg in this second episode of Stranger Things. 

I'm just going to come out and say it; Eleven and Mike have broken up. After that talk with Hopper, Mike tells Eleven that he can't see her at this time because of his sick grandmother. But with the help from Max; Eleven learns that it's all a lie. After hanging out with Max at the mall, Eleven "dumps (mike's) ass." 

Meanwhile, Hopper is on cloud nine with the whole Eleven and Mike thing. He tells Joyce and asked her out (not a date) for dinner. But instead of meeting him for dinner; she seeks an explanation for the recent events of magnets falling at her house and work by asking help from the kid's science teacher. So she missed dinner with Hopper. Even worst for Hopper, he gets asked by the Mayor, who approved the mall in town, to get rid of the protesters because they didn't have the permits. 

Dustin and Steve reunite and it feels all so good to see these two back together. Dustin tells Steve that he intercepts a message from the Russians. They try to crack the code and even get help from Robin, Steve's co-worker. Soon they were able to crack the message with what seems to be nonsense sentences. But as they leave Steve figures out something from the message, the music as it would be playing in a mechanical horse ride. The message doesn't seem to be from Russia but in Hopkins. 

Nancy and Johnathan are on the news scoop. They investigate the call from an elderly woman, who tells them that she seen rats eat her ferderizilers. But not to worry, she kept one of them in a cage. Just as Nancy gets a tip from another place about rats, Johnathan leaves just when the rat not only explodes but escapes the cage and house too. 

Billy has not been himself in this episode; he did meet a twin of his in the upsidedown. Mike's mom tries to talk to him, but he dumps her off and not to mention his co-worker at the pool, who is taken back to the old factory to where she's getting the same treatment as Billy did. 

"The Mall Rats" was a very thrilling, intense, and fun episode. I just ate up the Eleven and Max story as they hang out at the mall and their montage was just so good. Couldn't argue that the Dustin and Steve scene was a real scene stealer in this episode. The show as really turn the level on this season up. Does anyone feel that Steve and Robin would fall in love during this season; or will Robin die by the end of the season? Very good character development and the writing was really good. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Stranger Things Season 3 available now on Netflix with Seasons one and two available now

Fly Away Love: Superstore "Lovebirds"

Love is in the air at Cloud 9 in any way possible! Thursday's episode of the  Superstore "Lovebirds" was another brilliant half-hour comedy that delivered so well, even though it took place during Valentine's Day. Here's a recap!

With everyone excited for Valentine's Day, not everyone was too pleased when Dina brought all her birds to work. But when Garrett saw that in the cage was a bag of his favorite chips, he tried to get it. The birds escaped and flew away.

Dina was so upset that she tried to call her birds back to her. With Garrett feeling horrible, with the help from Jonah and Amy, he tries to help Dina, getting her hopes that they could return to her home, but they don't. Dina decided to take her mind off of her birds by having sex with Garrett, which he didn't know how to handle in the situation.

Meanwhile, Amy and Jonah, while dealing with Dina and Garrett, decide to tell each other they love them. Somehow, their saying "I love you" was underplayed while being mad at each other for handling the Dina-Garrett situation. But they made it up and headed out for their Valentine's Day date with Dina somewhere no one goes to a tofu restaurant.

After last week's episode-ending moment, Sandra started to get memorable Valentine's Day gifts. Everyone starts to think that she's pretending to have a boyfriend again. But after getting a teddy bear and a quartet sings to her, it turns out that her secret Valentine's Day happens to be Jerry.

Cheyenne helps Marcus give him a tattoo of his mother on his back as a Valentine's Day gift for his mother. But let's say that it didn't turn out that well. As for Glenn, he tries to make a video for his daughter because he doesn't see her all that much. From reading books to giving a toast to her wedding day, Glenn soon realizes that he doesn't need to manage anymore and walks off during taping.

"Lovebirds" was another hit episode for Superstore; not only did I love the situation that Dina and Garrett were put in. But I was stunned to see how the episode ended with Glenn deciding to leave his job. Also, Amy and Jonah said they love one another; it was so clever in how they said it. Lauren Ash and Colton Dunn deserve top performances of the episode. They loved the writing of the attack that it just had strong character development.  Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Superstore Thursdays at 8/7c on NBC!

Relationship Status: This Is Us "R&B"

Could this be the end of Beth and Randall's relationship? Here's a recap!

Last night's episode was not only another memorable one; it was a strong written one of showing the developments between Beth and Randall. We see not only how they first met in college; but that Randall was determined that Beth was the one. From college to fast forwarding to seven years as Randall still proposing to Beth, with her responding with a no.

Throughout the episode, we see a deep background of Randall and Beth's relationship; Randall had a way by guilting Beth whether it's getting married; that later turned when she takes Randall to her favorite place for him to the proposal; for which she said yes. Another when they worked things out together during their wedding when rewriting their own vows. Even when changing their first born's diaper and she tells Randall how he could in a way smooth talk while taking all the cheesy parts of the nachos.

But it was during when William and Kevin were staying at their house their relationship really showed. Beth lied to Randall about going to a meeting that turned out to be having her own night along with candy, wine, and Living Single marathon. But he tells he understands and after talking about the episode she's on, he guilts her to come back home with him and William, as he was looking for maple syrup.

Coming back to the present, the tension between Randall and Beth could but cut with a sharp knife. As Beth tells Randall why he doesn't argue back to her; we see a flashback to when he spied on Jack and Rebecca arguing at each other. We see that that flashback is the reason why he doesn't want to argue with someone that he cares and also why he fixes every problem with words and affections.
It really got ugly when Beth brings up his mental break down moments that ended with Randall going to his office in Philly. Later we see Randall on the couch and Beth on the floor and see them as kids as they each were looking at their flowers that Randall got them for their date.

"R&B" was an amazing and memorable episode from beginning to the end. The episode has so character development and moments that I couldn't leave my seat during the commercials. The show pulls off another powerful episode and a strong performance from Susan Kelechi Watson and Sterling K. Brown, but also the Niles Fitch and Rachel Hilson too as they played 17-year-old Beth and Randall. I really don't see how this could turn any worst or even better after the ending of the episode. I'm not ready for the season finale just yet, but feel like it's gonna be big. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch the season finale of This Is Us Tuesday at 9/8c on NBC.

Super Charge of a Good Time: Black Lightning Season One Recap

From redemption to family affair, Black Lightning Season One was brilliant and literally electrifying!

In the first season, it's been 10 years since Black Lightning shown up. Jefferson Pierce, a high school principal, sees and deals with madness of the political climate of police brutally and more. But when his daughters get in trouble, Pierce brings out Black Lightning and saves them and soon it gets the community buzzing.

With the buzz, it gets Tobias Whale upset; thought that he had killed him years ago. He has a connection with Pierce as Tobias was the one that killed his father, Alvin. Pierce tries to catch Tobias; and gets caught in another storm with the ASA;  who's been doing experimental testing on kids with a drug green light that apparently would give them meta humans.

But Pierce isn't the only one with super powers; he'll learn that both his daughters Anissa and Jennifer. Anissa has super strength and calls herself Thunder while Jennifer has electric powers which shows orange.


Pierce learns the truth from Gambi, his mentor, father figure friend, that he was the he was part of the ASA. Plus he gave Pierce's father information to spell out the ASA's plans. It didn't go well with him and breaks their friendship for a while.

But after Anissa being the bridge between them and helping to stop the abduction of kids; it started to become a family affair with everyone fighting off the ASA and defeating Agent Proctor. But the war isn't quite over as Tobias has the briefcase that Procter left as it put a smile on his face.

The first season of Black Lightning really blew my mind right from the start. It had that classic 70's-80's series vibe with soul music that really made the show a standout. The cast puts out an amazing performance from Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce aka Black Lightning to China Anne McClain, Christine Adams and not to mention Marvin "Krondon" Jones III as Tobias and Jill Scott as Lady Eve.
The show had a strong development of characters and even at times had me amazed with some of the twist and turns of the storylines and well directed. There were scenes in episodes that had me go wow.

Overall, I give this show a 9/10.

You can catch the season two premiere of Black Lightning tonight at 9/8c on The CW.