Fringe: Transilience Thought Unifier Model-11

“Resistance is futile.”

While we’re all sad that Fringe has only 13 episodes left, there’s something to be said for the showrunners knowing when a story is going to end, in time to craft a beautiful ending. In the past, one of Fringe’s strengths is that it forces us to ask questions. But its greatest strength has been that it reminds us that questions can change, as in last season’s switch from “will they or won’t they” to “who are they, and is identity a stable category?”

Doctor Who: The Angels Take Manhattan

Amy: “Tell her this is the story of Amelia Pond. And this is how it ends.”

Thus endeth the saga of Rory and Amy. A much better episode this week: in fact, this was my favourite of the season so far. My main gripe with 'A Town Called Mercy' was they wasted a perfectly good location shoot on a decidedly average story. Tonight the story was worthy of Manhattan. Yes, it was a lower key exit than we're used to (barring Martha's ultimately forgettable departure), and I didn't experience quite the same depths of despair as when we lost Rose or Donna, but it felt right that Amy should finally choose Rory over the Doctor. Like we ever doubted she would.

Grimm: The Good Shepherd

Grimm returns with a more widely-known tale - the story of the wolf in sheep's clothing. A Blutbad is pastor to a flock of Seelengut (sheep-like Wesen), and Monroe goes undercover to solve a murder.

The Walking Dead: Guts

Rick: “All I am anymore is a man looking for his wife and son. Anyone gets in the way of that is going to lose.”

This is an episode that really lives up to its title. This is The Walking Dead, so of course there are actual guts involved, but what is really central is the “guts” it takes to stay alive in this new world. It took guts for Rick to get out of the tank. It took guts for Glenn to help a stranger. And it literally and figuratively took guts for Glenn and Rick to walk through the zombies to the construction site. Only those who are brave and a little bit crazy are going to make it through this.

Looper

Joe: "This time travel crap just fries your brain like an egg."

This was one of the best written and most tightly plotted time-travel stories I've ever seen. It was thought-provoking and stunning, and if you're into science fiction, and time travel stories in particular, go see this -- like right now. The one caveat is that it is a hard R-rated film, with lots of graphic violence, language, adult themes, and some nudity.

Community: Aerodynamics of Gender

“Women of Greendale! This cafeteria is hereby declared a bitch-free zone!”

After last week's ABBA powered zombie apocalypse, it's back to business as usual at Greendale. I always find these calm after the storm episodes to be very hit and miss. They are never really bad, many are even really funny, but lately they've started to come across as just filler material between all the big, high concept episodes. That is very much the case with 'Aerodynamics of Gender'. It's an okay little episode. There are some cute gags. A few fun ideas. And, as always, a lot of terrific acting from the cast. The problem is, it all feels ultimately disposable, like the episode is just a way to kill some time between the really great episodes that came before and after it.

Person of Interest: The Contingency

“He’s my friend. He saved my life. Understand? I won’t do this without him.”

In a way, this episode was the inverse of "Matsya Nyaya," where we examine Reese’s various relationships. This week it was Finch’s turn. We learn that Carter and Fusco really do like him and care for him and that Reese would do almost anything to get him away from the evil (and awesome) Root. The centerpiece of the episode, however, was Finch’s relationship with the Machine.

Elementary: Pilot

"You have two alarm clocks. No one with two alarm clocks loves their job. Two alarm clocks mean it's a chore for you to get up in the morning."

Elementary has an uphill battle to fight. TV snobs complain that it's just another CBS procedural drama. Sherlock devotees whine that it's a blatant and inferior rip-off of their beloved show. Clueless TV dabblers assume it's set at a school for young children. But what is the show actually like?

Alphas: The Devil Will Drag You Under

Dani: “I’m junkie and a liar. This is my chance to do something good.”

Damn. This is not how I wanted it to go down.

Person of Interest: No Good Deed

“This is a mystery you do not want to solve.”

After two weeks of Reese mania, we finally get a Finch-centric episode. It was well worth the wait.

Revolution: Chained Heat

Miles: "It's, like, one day into this trip and you're already a pain in the ass."

I have to agree with Miles. Charlie was indeed a huge pain in the ass.

Person of Interest: Many Happy Returns

“I know where he is. I just can’t reach him. Or stop him.”

Now this is how you combine flashbacks with a story of the week. In the previous episode, the transitions to and from flashback felt jerky and awkward. Here, the writers used the parallel stories of Jessica and Sarah to build on each other, ultimately creating more suspense and interest.

Person of Interest: Matsya Nyaya

“It all comes down to a matter of trust.”

This week a fair but unremarkable story of the week was completely overshadowed by flashbacks. Still, I’m not complaining. We find out what happened to Stanton AND learn of a mysterious pre-Season 1 connection between Reese and the Machine. Pass the popcorn, please.

Once Upon a Time: Skin Deep

“You're a coward, Rumpelstiltskin. And no matter how thick you make your skin, that doesn't change.”

As far as clever use of existing characters goes, this episode went a long way in ensuring that the writers are in this for the long haul. The elaboration of Rumpelstiltskin’s inner fears of actually being loved for who he is, and getting him to truly open up allowed his story to reach an emotional and heartbreaking turning point.

Castle: After The Storm

“So, it wasn’t a dream.”

Ah, the proverbial morning after the night before. It wasn’t a dream or a fantasy; the writers didn’t insult our intelligence by pretending it didn’t happen. Caskett have finally slept together -- and, according to both of them, it was a good decision.

Our (non)coverage of the Emmy Awards

Since no one at Billiedoux.com was willing to cover last night's Emmys, here are our excuses direct from the virtual writers' room, complete with an international weather report. What other site offers their readers coverage like this?

Star Trek Voyager: State of Flux

“You know, I'm pretty easy to get along with most of the time. But I don't like bullies, and I don't like threats, and I don't like you.”

A group of Kazon blow themselves up trying to make a Federation replicator. Janeway, Chakotay and Tuvok must try to identify the spy who gave them the materials, while dealing with an especially unpleasant Kazon leader called Cullah.

Doctor Who: The Power of Three

Rory: “What you do isn’t all there is.”

All week, the press have been touting tonight's episode as reminiscent of the Russell T. Davies era – which, let's face it, is hardly a ringing endorsement. As it happens, they were mostly right. All the hallmarks were there: the urban setting, the amusing parent, the earth in peril, celebrity cameos galore – it even managed to have an abrupt, reset-button style ending, which made absolutely no sense. But, as with the RTD era, when it worked, it felt like the sun coming out. I'm just not sure 45 minutes was long enough for a 'slow invasion'.

Doux News: September 23, 2012

September 23, 2012

This week: DVR madness -- Fringe -- The Vampire Diaries -- This week in casts -- No, Ron, nooooo! -- Actual space news

Community: Epidemiology

“Troy, make me proud. Be the first black man to make it to the end.”

Darkness falls across the land (which is generally what happens when the sun goes down). The midnight hour is close at hand (goodie, bedtime).

Person of Interest: Flesh and Blood

“You gonna choose the right side?”

I’m conflicted over this episode. On the one hand, the story wasn’t especially creative, humor was decidedly lacking, and I didn’t believe for a second Reese would let Elias hurt Carter’s son. On the other, this was a very important episode for our Elias arc and the acting was nothing short of stellar.

Person of Interest: Identity Crisis

“It’s a terrible plan. But I like it, so let’s do it.”

This was a great episode. This is what happens when you manage your time well, writers. You can make time for a decent story of the week plot, new character development, Reese and Finch moments, and a super hilarious High Finch.

Dredd

Dredd: "I am the law."

Brutal, bloody, and surprisingly good, this new version of an adaptation of the Judge Dredd comic series comes alive with unexpectedly excellent performances and some gorgeous artistic visuals.

Star Trek: The Mark of Gideon

Spock: "We must acknowledge once and for all that the purpose of diplomacy is to prolong a crisis."

This one had an intriguing and mysterious beginning. But it turned into another anvil message of an episode, and a poor one at that.

Revenge: Pilot

"When everything you have left is stolen from you, sometimes all you have left is revenge. Like I said, this is not a story about forgiveness."

The Revenge pilot is a supremely confident hour, capably setting the show's tone and crafting a world that's inherently mesmerizing and instantly addictive.

Person of Interest: Baby Blue

“What are you going to do?”
“Whatever I have to.”

When I first realized this episode was about Finch and Reese taking care of a baby, I was so excited to see how awkward Reese would be with an infant. I was sure he would be totally out of his depth. Not so! Sure, Finch had to teach him to change a diaper and he learned the hard way to keep grenades out of the reach of children, but he did reasonably well (it was only tear gas, after all). And seeing him cuddling poor little Leila in the truck? So sweet.

Person of Interest: Risk

“You want to get in the game, you gotta spin the cylinder.”

Just when I thought I had PoI’s POV on Wall Streeters down, they give us a banker with a heart. Sure the man still has his stereotypical flaws: he gloats over his coworkers, gets into bar fights, and drives like a complete jackass, but he also remembers where he came from, cares for his family, and feeds homeless people.

Alphas: Falling

Nina: “You can’t keep blaming a screwed up family life forever.”

Wow. Really, really wow. One episode can make up for several lackluster ones, especially if it is an episode like this. The calibre of the actors on this show made it possible for the writers to include several emotionally-charged situations in this one episode, interconnecting them and building from one to the other. Hicks' relationship with his son was mirrored the relationship of Dani and Rosen. And it may be that Dylan’s abusive hold on Kat mirrors Dani’s relationship with Parrish. It has sometimes felt like a really slow build this season, but tonight we got to the top of the rollercoaster and we are now speeding through the twists and the turns. I was a wreck by the end, and in particular awe of David Strathairn and Erin Way.

Doctor Who: The Ark in Space

"It may be irrational of me, but humans are quite my favourite species."

After bidding farewell to Jon Pertwee and introducing us to Tom Baker, producer Barry Letts and script-editor Terrance Dicks finally waved goodbye to Doctor Who in 1975. Stepping in to replace them were first time producer Philip Hinchcliffe, who was only 29 at the time, and Robert Holmes, who had been writing for the series since 1969. Together, they worked to usher in a radical change of tone for the series, making it darker and more adult. 'The Ark in Space' is a prime example of their more Gothic take on Doctor Who.

Person of Interest: Blue Code

“Don’t forget, you’re behind enemy lines.”

I like my television like I like my chocolate: dark. Add to the darkness plenty of glib one-liners and an awesome conspiracy theory, and I’m one happy girl.

Nikita: Homecoming

"You're gonna call off the boys, or I take off your boys."

Utterly spectacular. This must be the year of brilliant finales because much like The Vampire Diaries, Desperate Housewives, and Grey's Anatomy, Nikita went out on top this year with one heck of an exhilarating (and might I add, game-changing) hour.

Nikita: Crossbow

"This ends today."

This episode was an excellent penultimate hour that did a superb job of setting up the finale.

Nikita: Dead Drop

"It appears my default setting is attack."

I can't stress how much I love SpyFam (or Team Nikita, as Percy so aptly coined the group). This was another outstanding hour of Nikita that further cemented just how much the show deserves a third season.

Nikita: Shadow Walker

"Bullet, I can handle. Suit and the blouse, we're gonna have to talk about later."

The second half of the show's second season has been firing on all cylinders, and this episode was no exception. It was utterly superb in addition to being the single funniest episode Nikita's ever done.

Person of Interest: Wolf and Cub

“So what are you then?”
“One of these days, I’ll have to come up with a good answer for that one.”

My opinion of this episode changed so many times, I really don’t know where to begin this one. What a rollercoaster. In contrast to last week’s snoozefest, this episode had a ton going on. It was almost too much, but the show handled it well.

Person of Interest: Root Cause

“I know what it’s like to live inside a lie. Live there for so long, it feels like there’s no way out. But there always is.”

Blah. Blah, I say. After a few weeks of really great episodes, this one fell totally flat for me. It did have its moments--particularly the conversation Reese and Powell had on the subway--but overall, this episode was just...blah.

Community: Messianic Myths and Ancient Peoples

“I don't even believe in God, but I love me some Abed.”

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And then a bunch of other stuff happened, but that's not important right now. Community is well known for its meta sense of humour and the living embodiment of that: Abed. Through him, the show has been able to acknowledge and subvert the many sitcom clichés and conventions of television. So it was inevitable that Community would eventually get around to producing an episode poking fun at meta storytelling.

Doctor Who: A Town Called Mercy

Doctor: “Yes, I wear a Stetson now.”

Another family-friendly romp this week. If I'm honest, I was expecting Rory and Amy's final stories to focus more on them. Considering they only have two episodes left, they were badly underused tonight. The story could quite easily have done without them and aired as part of next year's line-up. (With Jenna-Louise Coleman as companion.) Not that it was a dud: it was a typically solid, dependable, Toby Whithouse effort. It just didn't have the shock factor of "Asylum of the Daleks", or the fun of "Dinosaurs on a Spaceship". It did, however, have a horse called Susan.

Star Trek Voyager: Prime Factors

“It’s the first time we’ve been on the other side of the fence.”

Voyager stops for some shore leave on a planet of aliens who are legendarily generous and hospitable... until our heroes ask them for technology to help them get home, and come up against the aliens’ version of the Prime Directive.

Doux News: September 16, 2012

This week: Fall approaches, and we're getting pilots somewhat early -- Once Upon a Time has a cool promo -- Joss Whedon is my master now -- Supernatural and Facebook -- Doctor Who versus Lost Girl?

Nikita: Wrath

"If I'd known you'd be talking me to death, I would have cut out your tongue, too."

Intense and brutal, this was a powerful episode that came very close to living up to the masterpiece that was Nikita's last episode.

Alphas: Gods and Monsters

Jason: “Have you ever looked at somebody who’s supposed to love you and you know that they don’t even like you?”

What would it be like to be shunned by everyone because of something you couldn’t control? How tempted would you be if you could make people “like” you? This week’s episode was a twist on the classic “loser becomes popular” story. It was heartbreaking to watch Jason finally realize that what he was creating with his power was not true friendship or love. Because he was a basically decent young man, he couldn’t continue to exploit Lisa and in the end, even gave up his new “friends”. What teen doesn’t want to be popular? The whole idea was an interesting comment on the operation of popularity in high schools. Popularity there is often as hollow as it was for Jason. The decent teens who can think for themselves often have to fight the cult mentality that is popularity.

Nikita: Power

"I let her live."

That was an utterly phenomenal hour of television on every level. It's incredible, really, how Nikita has effectively managed to turn a sub-par season (until the the halfway point at least) into must-see television that has actually become one of my most favorites TV seasons ever. The writing, the acting, the multiple dimensions to every single plot point, it's all been stunningly rendered into a gripping mix of action and intrigue. I really can't say enough good things about the show.

Grimm: Quill

Grimm kicked it up a notch with this episode - it's right up there with many of the best episodes of the show, while (apparently) establishing a status quo for what the rest of the season will be like. And yes, it looks like there's a Scooby Gang forming.

This episode also removed the voiceover from the new intro, which made it a hundred times better.

Nikita: Arising

"If you walk out that door, we will hunt you down."

Although the Cassandra character was handled horribly in the past, I'm pleased to say that her arc here was handled reasonably well and given the appropriate amount of closure.

Nikita: Doublecross

"Okay, interrogation... I'm terrified. What do you wanna know?"

This episode, while not mindblowing, was further evidence of the show's excellent quality this year.

Person of Interest: Legacy

“Everyone deserves a second chance.”

This was a good episode. It wasn’t great, but it would have been hard to top last week’s. Andrea Gutierrez, our victim of the week, believes in second chances. This firmly connects her with the rest of our cast: Fusco and Reese are on their second chances, while Finch and Carter are in the business of giving second chances.

Star Trek: Let That Be Your Last Battlefield

Spock: "All that matters to them is their hate."

I've been bitching about the recycled plots for some time. This is not one of them.

Teen Wolf: Master Plan

“Death doesn’t happen to you [...] it happens to everyone around you.”

There was a certain amount of 'Master Plan' that was every bit as outlandish and crazy as I thought it was going to be, and then there were moments where I was surprised with how grounded and personal it was. I guess that fact that both these clashing tones merged together so well means that it was incredibly strong.

Person of Interest: Super

“That, Detective Carter, is what we do.”

Common TV wisdom tells us that a funny, light-hearted episode will always immediately follow one that is dark and depressing. Last week, Reese was sniped in the stomach by the CIA. This week, he throws a guy out of a window with his crutches.