Farscape: Family Ties

Before Moya’s crew can use their newly acquired navigational charts to escape the asteroid field, Rygel steals a transport pod and surrenders himself to Scorpius and Crais intending to betray his shipmates in exchange for his freedom. When things don’t go as planned, the crew forges a surprising alliance and devises a desperate escape plan.

Eureka: Alienated

... in which Spencer hijacks a Global Dynamics satellite for his illicit movie night, causing a weapons demonstration to go awry during a U.S. Congressman’s budget review tour.

Vampire Diaries: The House Guest

“You deserved it.”

Fire theme, anyone? Caroline’s eternal flame continues to burn for Matt, Luka underwent some poetic fire-justice, and Elijah is immune to the flamethrower. Too bad, Mark Greig: it was a good idea.

Supernatural: The French Mistake

Dean: "I feel like this whole place is bad-touching me."

This episode wasn't just out of the box; it carried itself out to the UPS truck. I'll be the first to admit that it didn't advance the core story a whole heckuva lot, but sometimes funny and clever are enough.

Glee: Blame It On The Alcohol

“My nose is still filled with the acrid stench of teen vomit.”

New Directions discover the delights of the wet devil just as Figgins decides it’s alcohol awareness week, and Sue tries to get Will to check into rehab just as he plans a massive night out with Coach Bieste. The designated drivers look on in horror as we look on with glee.

Smallville: Masquerade

Oliver: "This is definitely the most romantic of my recent kidnappings."

Even with all of the dead bodies, this episode was so much fun. At least until the end.

Being Human: The Longest Day

Nina : “What's your manager's number, Wendy? I'm going to unleash a shit-storm!”

Things are looking decidedly bleak for Mitchell. The sins of the past two seasons are catching up with him. Herrick's back and living in the attic. Nina's knows about Mitchell's part in the box tunnel massacre. George is threatening to disown him. There was only Cara who seemed vaguely pleased to see him... right before she committed suicide. It's like all of Mitchell's nightmares are coming true. Let's hope he doesn't hear about The Real Hustle being fake or it'll be curtains. There's only so much a man can take.

There aren't enough superlatives to describe Jason Watkins' performance this week. He played Uncle Billy, the blank-faced amnesiac, to absolute perfection. I almost bought his innocence, too. Then he smiled, and the old Herrick was back. Nina should have taken more notice of his cold dismissal of Cara. That wasn't the behaviour of a sweet old man. It was of a monster remembering who he is. And who he is, is a killer.

Herrick's dress sense seemed to reflect his mental confusion. What was up with that shirt and those pyjama bottoms? Still, anything's better than more of his bare arse. How many male buttocks have we been subjected to this season? Herrick living upstairs is a preposterous turn of events. Already, he's managing to strip away all that Mitchell holds dear. No wonder Mitchell feels like he's losing his mind. Who could have predicted a week ago that within seven days Herrick would be living under their roof, and have the support of half its occupants?

I do love Nina, but she disappointed me a little tonight. Not because she acted out of character. Her betrayal was completely understandable. But because she trusted Mitchell and George so little. She had in her possession the pieces of the puzzle, but assembled them in the wrong order. Herrick's playing everyone like a musical director conducting an orchestra. Only Annie was able to see through the façade. Maybe her gullibility last season has made her wary. But, at least it means Mitchell has an ally.

Which is more than he deserves after the way he treated Annie. I knew he'd blow it. To be fair, I don't think we've ever seen him under this much pressure. Which is a nice reversal of expectations. I assumed Mitchell would be in for an easy ride this season. A bit of soul searching. A spot of the smoochies. Yet, his relationship with Annie is currently hanging by a thread, as is his friendship with George and Nina. How did that happen? Mitchell admitted in “Adam's Family” that the gang are the only thing keeping him grounded. If his accountability to them vanishes, what's keeping him from going all Angelus again?

I guess the answer's Annie. Despite being at rock-bottom, at least he managed to tell her how he feels. He sees their relationship as forever. (Awww.) As long as Annie's there, Mitchell has a reason to stay on the wagon. I was relieved that he chose George, too. But it's severely restricted his options with Herrick. He can't kill him. But he can torture him. The mystery of Herrick's resurrection is a secret worth uncovering -- especially with a prophesied death sentence hanging over his head.

I was also unhappy with the way Nina treated Wendy. I know it was mostly played for laughs, but Nicola Walker did such a fine job of bringing Wendy to life that I really felt for her. She was the model of an overworked, under-appreciated, downtrodden social worker... perpetually exhausted, fearful of negative press, but, ultimately, a caring and sweet individual (albeit off her tits on red bull). I was quite moved by her breakdown in the car, and by Annie's silent support. It just seemed incongruous that Nina would manipulate someone so obviously on the brink of despair. And all for Uncle Billy... a man she barely knows?

The problem is, Nina can't help but care. It's in her nature; even when that concern is misplaced. I think it was Mitchell's insincerity that got to her in the end. That and George's unwavering loyalty to him. Is George the kind of man she wants as a father to her child? A man who can sentence an old man to death and then look the other way? Nina doesn't know Herrick the way the others do. But, George and Mitchell's terrified reaction to him should have given her reason for pause. When Mitchell first saw Herrick he was like a man possessed. What could possibly cause such a reaction in Mitchell, a man more than capable of handling himself?

George's ultimatum was also something of a surprise. George knows Mitchell better than anyone. He knows what he's been through and has been there through the hard times. So why the tough love? Did he really think it would bring Mitchell to his senses? Or is he simply putting Nina and their baby first? Maybe both. But if someone doesn't kill Herrick soon, he'll be too powerful to stop. What will they do then? Enlist the help of the Old Ones? Mitchell described Herrick as a vampire at the height of his powers. Is he megalomaniacal enough to take on the Old Ones? That would make for an interesting finale.

Is Nina really the little bullet? They're throwing red herrings all over the place at the moment. Last week it was McNair. Now it's Nina. Who will it be next week, I wonder? There's only George and Tom left.

Bits and Pieces:

-- I don't think I've ever seen a more stereotypical psych ward. Every single person seemed mad to the extreme. Even the staff were do-twatting-lally

-- How creepy was George bonding with Herrick over fatherhood? Herrick knew exactly what to say to get George onside. And George fell for it.

-- George's Star of David doesn't work on Herrick. I wonder why?

-- There was something grotesque about Mitchell beating the crap out of a defenseless and confused Herrick. It's probably the most disturbing thing I've seen on the show. (Worse than Herrick's arse.)

-- I loved that Herrick couldn't fool Annie. What he said should have played on her fears and weaknesses. She does feel ignored, inconsequential and worthless. But she saw right through it. Good on you, Annie!

-- Herrick can't kill Annie or Mitchell. It's all about saving the dogs. Why can't George and Nina see that?

-- When Wendy first arrived George seemed to be channelling David Brent.

-- Wendy's computer rage made me laugh. I've heard that Windows error sound so many times.

-- Uncle Billy shaking hands with Wendy was just priceless. His face was so empty.

Quotes:

Annie: “We're going to have to have a treat tonight. Big tea, major pudding and, oh, just happy times. Ohh, and Jenga! I'll see you back at the house.”
Nina: (to herself) “Pissing Jenga.”

George: “It's the Jehovah's, isn't it? I knew I shouldn't have been nice.”

Annie: “It's social services, it's got to be. She looks knackered and she has terrible hair.”

Herrick: “Don't you look ugly when you're crying?”

Wendy: "Barbara, can I call you back? I'm just actually on the toilet... doing an actual wee.”

Annie: “Mmm, a knee-trembler by the bins. It's enough to put stars in any girl's eyes.”

Mitchell: “You want every little corner of me. But I just don't want to give it.”

Mitchell: “I was in love with the idea of being your hero. Your rescuer. Your saviour. That's what I was in love with. Not you. It's for the best. One day you'll realise.”

Cara: “I'm nothing without you.”
Herrick: “Well, then. You are nothing.”

Mitchell: “I think there's a poison in you that has nothing to do with being a vampire. So, yeah. I think you do enjoy it.”

Mitchell: “Nina, a little bullet. I'm going to make you so very happy.”

Annie: “What am I? Onto you... is what I am. I'm onto you... little man.”

Mitchell: "I feel like I'm losing my mind. I'm so tired and I'm losing everything.”

Mitchell: "George. I choose you.”

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Eureka: Before I Forget

... in which friends from Henry’s past arrive to demonstrate an indestructible force field body armor prototype for the military. Meanwhile, Carter and others begin to experience moments of lost time.

NewsFlash: Three Fun Facts

Got the Tuesday blues? This might make you feel better.

According to TVLine and Blastr, the upper reaches of your cable guide (well, your cable guide if you are in the US) are getting that much cooler in the coming months:

1. Stargate: Universe returns Monday, March 7th for the last 10 episodes.

2. The SyFy Channel will start airing Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles reruns Thursday, April 7th.

3. The Science Channel is airing Firefly starting Sunday, March 6th. (The Science Channel? What is that?)

Star Trek: Obsession

Spock: "Do you smell something?"

A fluffy white cloud. Perhaps not as effective a villain as Ricardo Montalban. Although there was definitely a resemblance to Moby Dick. Well, it was big and white, wasn't it?

Farscape: Bone to be Wild

While hiding from Crais’s command carrier in an asteroid field, Moya receives a distress call from a nearby asteroid. Zhaan, D’Argo, and Crichton respond to the call and become potential prey for a very hungry predator. Meanwhile, Aeryn helps Moya to bond with her offspring, and Crais must contend with Scorpius’s efforts to undermine his command.

Fringe: 6B

“What if this is not about physics, but about people?”

That quote? The rules of the game. How should we understand those rules? That is still up for grabs. This episode had me anguished at first, but it is nonetheless a vital clue to larger goals of the show. Are those goals in line with my expectations? Only time will tell.

Supernatural: Mannequin 3, The Reckoning

Dean: "I don't like the way Kim Cattrall is looking at me."

Mildly creepy. Somewhat funny. And unfortunately, sort of sad.

Vampire Diaries: The Dinner Party

“Thus ending our werewolf chapter and bringing us to Elijah.”

I’m starting to feel like my Vampire Diaries reviews are getting a bit redundant. But I can’t help it—this has been a wonderful season, and every episode leaves me with a big wacky grin on my face. Can the show possibly keep this up?

Glee: Comeback

Did the Glee writers just dump lots of plot ideas together, cross their fingers and hope a coherent episode would emerge? Sorry writers, it doesn’t work that way.

Being Human: The Pack

McNair: “You spilt my boy's blood. So I'm going to spill yours.”

After the relative lightness of the past two weeks, tonight's episode turned the chuckles down low and cranked up the drama. It's a testament to the show's quality that even the stand alones this season have been excellent. Each instalment seems an improvement on the last. Tonight's episode saw McNair and Tom finally meet potential pack mates George and Nina. Sadly, instead of creating harmony, it brought violence, revelations and grief. The wolves totally kicked arse tonight. Could McNair really take Mitchell in a fight? I'm guessing we'll find out before the season's over. My money's on Mitchell.

I may be in the minority, but, I quite like where they're going with Mitchell and Annie's relationship. I'll be the first to admit, I don't fully understanding what's going on. If they can kiss, then Annie's body must cause some friction? If Annie can carry cups of tea, then surely she can hold things? (Both literally and euphemistically.) Am I missing something obvious here? Why can't they have sex? Mitchell seemed to suggest that Annie's kisses felt like tickles. That works. Now tickle somewhere else.

If we learned anything from tonight's episode, it's that sex by proxy doesn't work. I can't imagine why either of them thought it would. Why would Mitchell want to have sex with some inebriated, puking stranger? (That question's for you, promiscuous Saturday night revellers.) And why would Annie want to stand by and watch? I get that she can feel "sexy vibes" through physical contact. But it all felt so awkward. (Which, of course, means big laughs for us.) For Mitchell, sex isn't an expression of love. It's a weapon for acquiring blood. It turns him into a monster. So, if Mitchell's better off without it, and Annie can't experience it an any meaningful way, then why not have them both abstain? It's a storyline we don't see explored that often. Except for on Buffy. And Twilight. Hmmm. Anyway...

I was relieved that, after learning the truth about his parents, Tom stayed with McNair. Yes, McNair has his problems (i.e. he's a killer). And, granted, he can't live up to his own standards. (What parent can?) But at least he was there for Tom. He provided a roof over his head, and raised him as best he could. Sure, the tetanus mobile isn't much of a home. But at least Tom's had the benefit of McNair's unique parental guidance. He actually seems reasonably well adjusted. (If a tad naive). I loved McNair's flowers and the bees talk. It's always fun watching a grown man squirm whilst talking about sex. (If, indeed, that's what he was talking about. I got confused by the genius of his metaphors).

In fact, I found McNair's semi-antiquated morals oddly charming. He wouldn't kill Mitchell in front of Annie. Nor was he happy with Mitchell swearing in front of the girls. Such gallantry. Which kind of makes you wonder where all his vampire hate comes from. There's obviously more to his story than we're currently privy to. Is McNair the one destined to kill Mitchell? Mitchell seems to think so. But, given his hatred of vampires, why would McNair help the Old Ones? (From whom retribution is coming.) Unless, of course, he's an unwitting participant in Mitchell's murder. That would work, I guess.

In reality, McNair and Mitchell aren't too dissimilar. Both have committed atrocities because of their afflictions. Both have lied to cover up their murderous deeds. Both use their adopted families as a restraint against their natures. So, what gives McNair the moral high ground over Mitchell? In many respects, McNair seems the worst of the two. At least McNair's condition only kicks in when there's a full moon. Mitchell's stuck with his 24/7. Which makes McNair's actions during the rest of the month less instinct and more willing intent. He kills because he chooses to kill.

I was a little disappointed that Mitchell saving McNair's life didn't wipe the slate clean. Mind you, if what Richard said about the Old Ones is true, then Mitchell's going to be up to his armpits in trouble quicker than you can say "mud wrestling lesbian twins" anyway. I'm glad Mitchell's rallying against the concept of fate. (Or is at least trying to.) Annie's defied it twice now. Why can't Mitchell? And what impact will Herrick and Cara's return have on the story? Answers next week, hopefully.

Bits and Pieces:

-- Three tracking badges on your woggle? George, you were clearly never a cub. A woggle is used to keep your neckerchief in place. It's not for putting badges on.

-- I loved Annie's mud wrestling lesbian twin sex talk. Now there's a DVD extra I'd like to see.

-- Hopefully Nina's baby survived her transformation. I wonder how it'll cope as Nina comes closer to term.

-- Mitchell, please throw the scrapbook out. You already know what's in it. Keeping it will only increase the likelihood of it being found... which, of course, is what's going to happen. Wobbliest floorboard ever!

-- How did "wolf shaped bullet" appear on the roof of that toy house? Was that all supposed to be in Mitchell's mind?

Quotes:

George: “If I had some stockings, I'd hand them over. Not that I do wear stockings... much.”

Annie: “Will you stop being so bloody Cranford about everything?”

George: “Oh, my God! I'm going to be a dad. I'm going to have to teach them to play football. I'm going to have to learn how to play football.”

McNair: “I'm coming for you, pal. You can't outrun me. You definitely can't outfight me. You can't even outlive me.”

George: “Just because we're not normal doesn't mean we can't be... normal.”

Annie: “Which one is it?”
George: “The Chubb! The Chubb!”
Annie: “What's a Chubb?”
George: “What it sounds like! The fat one.”

Mitchell: “I've got your back, Digby”.

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Eureka: Many Happy Returns

... in which the recently deceased Susan Perkins seemingly returns from the dead.

Smallville: Beacon

Lionel: "Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated."

I thought this episode was a joy. Although it's possible that I'm just experiencing some final season sentimentality.

Fringe: Immortality

“Guess who.”

Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god—and that’s just my reaction to the crawly bugs, which gave me some really horrible nightmares. Everything else? I’m not even sure of what to say: so many developments, so many possibilities, so much dramatic tension.

Supernatural: Unforgiven

Dean: "One of Dad's rules? You never use the same crapper twice."

This was a dark and dank monster-of-the-week episode with a really depressing twist. In fact, I felt cheated; I thought we were going to get season one Dean and Sam for awhile before things got dark and dank again.

Farscape: The Hidden Memory

As Moya goes into labor, Aeryn, D’Argo, and Zhaan attempt to rescue Crichton from the Gammak Base. Meanwhile, Gilina continues to help Crichton resist the Aurora Chair.

Vampire Diaries: Crying Wolf

“Elena has to die.”

Isn’t this show wonderful? I experienced nearly every emotion watching this episode: fear, trepidation, glee, sympathy, rage... you get the picture. (Maybe Anna from V just needs to watch some sexy vampires.) In the middle of all that emotion-laden mythos, there were some delightful character moments. I love this show.

Eureka: Pilot

... in which U.S. Marshal Jack Carter finds himself stranded in a strange little town harboring a very big secret.

NewsFlash: Smallville finale news

Will he or won't he come back for the finale? That's been the question about Michael Rosenbaum's Lex Luthor, whose struggle with darkness was the main reason I got into Smallville in the first place. It hasn't been the same since his departure, and since the tenth season has been so good so far and John Glover (Lionel Luthor) has returned, I've been hoping Rosenbaum would relent and return for the end.

And guess what? It was just announced that Rosenbaum is indeed returning for the two hour Smallville series finale. What's interesting is that yesterday, I saw an article on EW that said Rosenbaum would *not* return. What happened? Did he see all the bad press it generated and change his mind?

Whatever. I'm just happy he's back because how could they end Smallville without him?

Glee: Silly Love Songs

Shall I compare Glee to a summer’s day?
Blaine art more lovely and more temperate.
Mean elf does shake the darling singing gay,
So medium drip hath him for Kurt to date.

Smallville: Collateral

Chloe: "Whatever happens in cyberspace stays in cyberspace."

Smallville does The Matrix. If you're going to rip something off, do it well. Actually, they did it really well, so good for Smallville.

Glee: The Sue Sylvester Shuffle

┣▇g̅l̲e̲̅e̲̅▇▇═─ ....ahhhhh. This episode was a much needed dose of concentrated, unadulterated Glee which was just what I needed to knock my man flu on the head and shake off the winter blues. This episode saw the return of the football/cheerios/New Directions rivalry that has been part of previous episodes but never the sole focus, and never with such a big budget. Speaking of which – why weren’t all the Cheerios’ boobs shooting sparks dammit?!

Being Human: Type 4

Sasha: “Live Annie. Seize the day.”
Annie: “I will.”

Despite being mostly a stand-alone, tonight's episode had surprising depth. Sasha and Graham provided the perfect comedy foils for Mitchell and Annie. I'm not sure who was the most messed up: fanboy Siddion, or Sasha the chavalanche zombie. (Mentally, that is. Physically, Sasha wins hands down.) Sasha's dying words had a profound effect on Annie and Nina. Her carpe diem swansong forced them to reassess their choices and re-evaluate their relationships. For Mitchell, Graham's death was perhaps less of an epiphany. The shadow of his past still looms large -- and if that closing shot of Graham's scrapbook was anything to go by, Mitchell's past atrocities won't stay hidden for long.

What a gal Sasha was. She was loud, disparaging, violently drunk, visibly deteriorating, mostly dead and stank to high heaven. I think I'm in love. Which was more than could be said for our gang of grumpy supernaturals. Even Annie couldn't wait to get shot of her -- with her black teeth, loose toe nails, crunchy neck, and (slightly bloodshot) eye for Mitchell. If Annie hadn't (rather conveniently) stumbled across those hidden medical records and video footage, Sasha would have been out on her arse. Her soupiness was ruining the soft furnishings. But once Mitchell realised he was indirectly responsible for her condition, it was a whole new ball game. Mitchell storming purgatory two episodes ago somehow prevented souls from passing over; leaving Sasha existing in a body well past its sell-by date.

Sasha's slow deterioration was gruesome. I cringed at every squelch and broken bone. Annie's attempts at putting her back together were as hilarious as they were macabre. Even with a face-full of Polyfilla, and hair stuck on with Superglue, she looked horrific. Surely Annie could've done something with her teeth? She had a mouth like a bucket of frogs. The boys' reaction said it all. They were absolutely dumbfounded. Yet Sasha coped admirably with her own gradual putrefaction. She wasn't going to let a falling off face, and skin that would make a leech vomit, stop her from going out on the pull. Shame her only snog was part of a bet. Then her legs started snapping, her lungs started collapsing, and all manner of disgustingness ensued.

Sasha's deathbed scene was actually quite moving. She rued life's missed opportunities. She even regretted not loving dastardly Gethin more. And, again, I found myself warming to Annie this week. The minute she's involved in some proper drama, her character just clicks. Annie's promise to “seize the day” resulted in her telling Mitchell that she "fancied" him. Thankfully, Mitchell responded favourably. Earlier in the episode he admitted to George that he was terrified of losing her. Of course, he probably will. But for now he seems content to pursue a chance at happiness. At least they're both on the same page now. I had visions of Mitchell somehow screwing the moment up... and then us having to endure another five weeks of “will they, won't they” nonsense (when we all know they will, and just want them to either shut up or get on with it.)

Nina's back story was something of a shock. I'd always assumed Nina had led a fairly normal life prior to becoming infected. I wasn't expecting some dark revelation -- particularly pertaining to emotional and physical abuse. Is that where the scars on her stomach are from? Nina's spent half of her life believing she's worthless. Which actually sits quite nicely with her subdued personality. It isn't that she doesn't want George's baby -- nor is she afraid of what their baby might be. What scares her most is the prospect of becoming a mother. Will a dysfunctional childhood impact negatively on her ability to be a good parent? What if she turns out to be abusive too? In the end, it was Sasha's dying words which made the difference. George and Nina are going to have a little hairy baby!

Graham (AKA Siddion) turned out to be something of a tragic character. I found his hero-worship of Mitchell hilarious. He even had the same hair and jacket. Unfortunately for Mitchell, he also wanted his life. He wanted his house, his job, Annie, and his crown as the “King of Blood”. He probably had it in him, too. Killing his own children seemed to have unhinged him. Yet, despite his desire for carnage and chaos, he still felt the need to belong.

But why, knowing Mitchell's reputation, would he goad him on the train? Why try to blackmail him? And why would he leave such obvious clues? A scrapbook full of press clippings. A train timetable with the date and times of his planned attack written in Biro. All left in an unlocked locker? It was almost as if he wanted to be caught. After their conversation on the train, he must have known Mitchell would try to stop him. So why didn't he fight back? He didn't even seem particularly put out when Mitchell staked him. Did he have a death wish, or something?

I felt sorry for Mitchell, too. Killing Graham was an act of necessity. It was either that or sit back and watch him slaughter everyone on the train. He even wanted to come clean. He wanted to confess and have Annie forgive him. But Annie's high opinion of him made it impossible. She forgave him without listening. She kissed him without knowing. Annie believes Mitchell's evil deeds are in the distant past. They're not. They're recent. And Annie's going to be deeply unhappy when she finds out.

Bits and Pieces:

-- Why couldn't Sasha feel the pain of being stabbed through the stomach, yet could feel her bones breaking? And surely, with half your spine gone, you wouldn't be able to walk upright?

-- Loved the reference to Cara being “around somewhere, digging up trouble”. We all know who trouble is.

-- Why is their house always so dirty? The light switches are filthy. I'm a bloke and even I can't stand it. Annie. Nina. George. Get out a cloth, for Christ's sake!

-- Does no one say “fancy” any more? I'm pretty sure I heard it recently. Maybe it was me who said it.

-- I loved that shot of Graham massaging Annie's shoulders. Talk about getting your feet under the table. No wonder Mitchell opted for an impromptu game of the neck-grab game.

-- George taking a piss was like something out of Him and Her (also starring Russell Tovey.)

-- Annie and Mitchell will presumably have sex the conventional way. If they can kiss, then surely the business end will be functional too?

-- Tonight's Welsh actor cameo was Jonny Owen who played Banana Boat in Torchwood.

-- Loved the guys' night in. Beer, sofas and Radiohead. Yeah! Let's all just kill ourselves now.

-- Wipeout? Wipeout is nothing compared to The Real Hustle. Nothing! What an amateur.

Quotes:

Annie: “I'm a ghost, Mitchell's a vampire, and George and Nina are both werewolves.”
Sasha: “Fuck Off!”

Nina: “So we're a supernatural hostel now, are we? What next, a mummy?”

George: “No, she hasn’t told me she fancies you. She doesn’t need to. Her body language is deafening.”

Nina: “George, would you like to have a little hairy baby with me?”
George: “Yes I would.”

George: "They're dead. I think they've already had the worst life has to throw at them."

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Fringe: Concentrate and Ask Again

“No one should know what someone else is thinking.”

What an odd episode. My narratological radar was pinging like crazy before the credits, as we were privy to three different opening scenes. A Tristam Shandy allusion? A structural hint that we may get a red, blue, and yellow universe? Or just an indication that this episode is transitional, drawing out mythological, emotional, and thematic plots that will have important resonances in episodes to come?

Farscape: Nerve

When Crichton discovers “Larraq’s” attack on Aeryn caused life threatening nerve damage, he devises a daring (and foolhardy) plan to infiltrate the top secret Gammak Base and find her a cure.

Vampire Diaries: Daddy Issues

“You help your friend. That’s what you do.”

It’s all about in-groups and out-groups this week: friends, family, and friends-as-family on one side; everybody else on the other. The werewolves are all about denying cross-species friendship, but our heroes—ranging from the human to the vampiric to the immortal human to the witch, etc.—prefer to define their own families. And that doesn’t include Sark. Sark!

Supernatural: Like a Virgin

Dean: "As far as I'm concerned, it's a gift horse, and I'm not looking for teeth. I'm sending Death a damn fruit basket."

Was this a really good episode, or did I really miss Supernatural during what seemed like an interminable hiatus? I think both.

Chuck versus Josie

“This needs to end now.”

Everything came together in "Chuck versus the Push Mix," yet another mid-season finale that was originally designed to act as series finale if needed. The writers resolved every major plot that had been percolating since the season began, or—in some cases—since the death of Papa B last season. It was touching and genuine and funny and sweet. And, for that reason, this is my last Chuck episode to watch or review until the series finale.

Being Human: Adam's Family

George: "Baby, when we get home can you remind me to gouge out my brain with a spoon."

I liked this one. Adam was a young vampire trying to find his place in the world. Raised by human parents, he'd led a relatively normal human life -- until the death of his father left him without sustenance. Enter surrogates Richard and Emma Hargreaves, the most perverted foster parents a boy could ever wish for. Who'd have thought we'd ever see Gwen West in stockings? Whatever next? Uncle Bryn in a thong?

I found Mitchell's initial rejection of Adam a little sad. Underneath the braggadocio and sexual over-confidence was just a lonely teenager. Mitchell would have been the perfect mentor. But Mitchell's currently in no state to help anyone. He's terrified of relapsing, and seems unwilling to face even the smallest temptation. Thankfully, Nina saw right through Adam's veneer. In fact, having him around seemed to bring out her maternal instincts. Even George eventually succumbed to his charm. I loved George's peremptory parent routine. The combination of barked commands delivered with zero authority made me laugh out loud several times.

The Hargreaves, despite drawing the line at murdering those unwilling to die, treated number seven like a pet. Is exsanguination whilst wearing a gimp mask a recognised fetish? It wouldn't surprise me. Despite the façade of normality, the Hargreaves' home was a den of depravity. Even Adam seemed taken aback by the sheer scope of their debauchery. No wonder he chose to leave. You know your life's hit rock bottom when living with werewolves is the preferred option.

George bettered his “who wants some of my chair?” moment (from season one) with the equally ridiculous “who wants some of my plant?” The whole rescue scene was pure pantomime. What's a golf club going to do to a vampire? (Except piss him off?) I love it when George and Nina are on screen together. Nina's slowly becoming my favourite character. As well as being the perfect compliment to George, she's a friend for Annie, and gives Mitchell another soul to care for. I loved her face when Emma gave her that newspaper to sit on. (If looks could kill.....miaaow!) Despite being a werewolf, Nina has fewer eccentricities than the other three, making her easier to relate to. She's our everyman. It's amazing how quickly she's become part of the fixtures and fittings.

Now Annie's out of purgatory, the writers seem intent on trying to justify her existence by turning her into Mitchell's guardian angel. I hope it works. Her stint as a barmaid last season wasn't the most interesting storyline ever. It was almost as if the writers had run out of ideas. Hopefully, her burgeoning relationship with Mitchell will give Lenora some decent material to work with. Annie now realises that her continued existence pretty much depends upon her friends being there. With no one around to see her, she may as well not exist.

I half expected Mitchell to leave for South America. He was certainly thinking about it. Mitchell's part in the box tunnel massacre has brought him to the attention of The Old Ones -- a sort of vampire elite. (Like the Volturi). They see Mitchell's past indiscretions as a threat to their anonymity and want him to join them (Like the Volturi.) When Mitchell asked Richard about the possibility of returning, was he asking because he wanted to return... or because he didn't? I'm not sure what's going on in Mitchell's head at present. Why would he leave his surrogate family? Is he afraid of falling off the wagon again? Or is he worried that, if he doesn't go, the Old Ones will come looking for him?

In the end, Mitchell chose to stay. Nina and George's concern over Adam was a timely reminder of just how much he depended on them. Without George, Annie and Nina, how long would Mitchell last? He had a duty to help Adam. To show him that another kind of life was possible. He told Adam that dealing with the disappointment of those you love is what keeps you true. Isolated in Volterra... sorry... in South America, Mitchell would end up losing his humanity.

But Adam didn't stay. Instead, he left the safety of the pack and ventured out on his own. Hopefully, his moral upbringing will be enough to keep his murderous instincts in check. He could have killed that girl on the train platform, but didn't. That's an encouraging sign. If you want to see more of Adam's adventures, check out the BBCs new online drama Becoming Human (link here for UK viewers). I've watched the first episode and it's actually pretty good.

Bits and pieces.

-- Mitchell's 117 years old. Adam is 46.

-- It was odd that Richard considered humans "debauched" yet, behind closed doors, he lived a far more licentious lifestyle. Perspectives, I guess.

-- Love the play on words in the episode title. Oh, and forgot to mention last week, we have episode titles now. I won't have to make them up any more :o)

-- Is Mitchell ever going to tell anyone about the prophecy? It's only been two weeks and I'm pissed off with him already.

-- Adam's like a young Nathan from Misfits.

-- The romantic vibes between Annie and Mitchell continued this week. Annie keeps trying to make that connection -- and Mitchell keeps on dodging it.

-- Loved Mitchell's interview. Could it have gone any worse?

-- Last week it was Kai Owen from Torchwood. This week it was Melanie Walters from Gavin and Stacey. I wonder which famous Welsh actor will be making a cameo next week? Rhys Ifans? Ruth Jones?

Quotes:

Mitchell: “Knocked back from wiping up shite.”

George: "Oh, can you not ask my girlfriend to suckle you, please?"

George: “Home sweet home.”
Adam: “It's a shit hole.”
George: "Yes, but it's our shit hole, so show some manners."

Adam: "Yeah, level with me, Mitch. How do you stick it with this sad-arse? I think you need a new wingman. I, Sir, am a registered poon hound."

Richard: “I expected some demon. What do I find? The last Russell Brand in the shop.”

George: “Who wants some of my plant?”

Adam: “I don't want this. It's completely fucked up. Look!”
Emma: “Adam! Drink the man's blood and then have sex with me on the billiard table. You are embarrassing us.”

Adam: “Up yours, you no-neck gaylord!”

Richard: “These are not your people, these animals.”
Adam: “Yeah, tell it to someone who gives a shit.”

Mitchell: “You find someone better than you, that's what you do. Because when you fail, you have to deal with their disappointment. And that's what keeps you true.”

Annie: "You are my life. You give me life."

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Fringe: Reciprocity

“The tiniest changes in our composition result in a drastic change in our behavior.”

What an odd, unexpected episode. That’s not a bad thing. It’s a good thing: Fringe is keeping me on my toes, and it was fun to gradually realize that I was watching a traditional who-done-it with a few chapters from the killer’s point of view interspersed with our detectives attempting to mulder out the mystery.