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| HBO |
What a sight for sore eyes! “Game of Thrones” Fans have had to wait an entire year
for Tyrion, Arya, and the Mother of Dragons (and more) to make their valiant
return, and their patience finally paid off. The opening seconds packed a punch
as the symbols of the House of Stark were dismantled, complete with the melting
of their swords.
Elsewhere, characters were still reeling from last season’s brutal Red Wedding. Jon Snow made his way back to Castle Black to face the music for breaking his virginity oath with firebrand Wilding, Ygritte. It was an episode lavished with beautiful cinematography and character intrigue. The only downside was the lack of Lord Varys, who always offers tremendous philosophical insight on “Game of Thrones.”
Best Cliffhanger: “Bates Motel”
We knew that Norman was destined to mentally unravel, and
during “Plunge,” he waded even deeper into the abyss. The shocking conclusion of
his latest outburst served as the perfect nail-biter to consume viewers’
anticipation for the next episode of “Bates Motel.” Oh, and Dylan was mauled by a cougar and not
the four-legged kind.
“Revenge” Has Repetition Overload
Every week it is the same thing. The episode teaser always hints
that the jig is up for Emily, and then…nothing happens. Aiden and Emily are over
and end up hooking up by the episode’s end.
Daniel channels his best Patrick Bateman,
smiling with lunacy as he sips a drink and formulates a scheme
that never comes to fruition. Victoria vows to destroy Emily and never even
gets close. Nolan does his work as Emily’s lackey. Charlotte is awkwardly tied
into the episode with her latest romantic drama.
Jack mopes about Emily/Amanda and passes judgment on any character not living up to his standards. Never acknowledging that he is holding onto the “love,” he shared with Amanda/Emily when they were 5 years old. Talk about a relationship built to last! Seriously though, few are who they were when they were five, though Jack can easily be counted among those few. Sadly, “Revenge” has rid itself of its only interesting new character: Stevie.
Jack mopes about Emily/Amanda and passes judgment on any character not living up to his standards. Never acknowledging that he is holding onto the “love,” he shared with Amanda/Emily when they were 5 years old. Talk about a relationship built to last! Seriously though, few are who they were when they were five, though Jack can easily be counted among those few. Sadly, “Revenge” has rid itself of its only interesting new character: Stevie.
“Vikings” Most Depraved Moment in Television
The teaser for this
week’s “Vikings” episode said that it was going to contain “the most shocking moment in
television.” The only shocking thing was that it was aired on television in the
first place.
Cable has been known to push the envelope. Just this season, “The Walking Dead” ended up in hot water for a controversial kill. The desire there seemed aimed at generating a debate on survival. The point of “Vikings” highly disturbing execution sequence is less clear.
The series has always been steeped in bloody imagery and disturbing violence. It has been previously noted in this column. This week, however, the content went over the edge with a depiction of gruesome torture. While last year’s human sacrifice episode was also upsetting, those characters were depicted going swiftly. The drawn-out nature of this week’s episode was what pressed it past that scene.
Cable has been known to push the envelope. Just this season, “The Walking Dead” ended up in hot water for a controversial kill. The desire there seemed aimed at generating a debate on survival. The point of “Vikings” highly disturbing execution sequence is less clear.
The series has always been steeped in bloody imagery and disturbing violence. It has been previously noted in this column. This week, however, the content went over the edge with a depiction of gruesome torture. While last year’s human sacrifice episode was also upsetting, those characters were depicted going swiftly. The drawn-out nature of this week’s episode was what pressed it past that scene.
At this point, “Vikings” has
sealed the tomb on Ragnar Lothbrock as any sort of protagonist. He is beyond any redemption, condemned as an
inhumane antagonist. Jarl Borg’s sentence didn’t match the crime. He was not
shown doing anything sadistic or cruel when he took over Ragnar’s lands. No distinct pillaging was shown. Ragnar’s retribution was over the top, and he
clearly derived pleasure from it. He is a psychopath.
Why should “Vikings” viewers care about what happens next to him or, for that matter, any of the supporting characters when they did not object or challenge his verdict? Not one character’s integrity survived unscathed for their actions or lack thereof, and it makes one wonder what is left to stick around for.
Why should “Vikings” viewers care about what happens next to him or, for that matter, any of the supporting characters when they did not object or challenge his verdict? Not one character’s integrity survived unscathed for their actions or lack thereof, and it makes one wonder what is left to stick around for.
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| CBS |
“Bold and the Beautiful” Gives Relationship Whiplash
A couple weeks ago, Hope told her
virulent cousin Ally that she loved Wyatt. This week she told Wyatt that she
“really, really likes” him. A couple of weeks ago, they had seemingly committed
to a monogamous relationship.
During Friday’s episode of “The Bold and Beautiful,” she said that they were not in a committed relationship. The writing on “The Bold and the Beautiful” has always been a tad inconsistent, but this was extreme, even for the stylish soap. The good news is, in all other regards, the show is in fabulous form.
During Friday’s episode of “The Bold and Beautiful,” she said that they were not in a committed relationship. The writing on “The Bold and the Beautiful” has always been a tad inconsistent, but this was extreme, even for the stylish soap. The good news is, in all other regards, the show is in fabulous form.
“General Hospital” Gives Me Greatest Villain Fatigue
In one week on “General Hospital,” Liesl Obrecht kidnapped a baby,
held two people, hostage, shot one of the said hostages, and eventually wound up
in jail. It seemed the end was near for the cartoonish villain, only to have it
revealed that she has a secret son and sister.
Liesel has been dominating the role
of a villain ever since she debuted on the show. At this point, it has become
overwrought. It is time for a break, and if she were to return, it should not be
with more extended family.
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