'Game of Thrones' Keeps Winter Coming - Plus, More

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“Oathkeeper” was a particularly dark and brutal hour of “Game of Thrones.” What escalated the grimness was the cruelty shown to children, a crying newborn being abandoned in the cold, and a little girl getting slapped, as bruises already covered her face. It was heartbreaking and mightily disturbing. The shadow of sadness it cst, lingered long after the credits rolled, and when they did, I have to say I was relieved.

Out of Step Song Selection on “Dancing with the Stars”

Amy Purdy and Derek Hough’s sultry rumba was exquisite. However, the music selection (“Light My Fire”) did not complement the tempo of the dance style. Hopefully, Amy gets to re-dance it with a new song in the finals for their repeat dance.

“The Blacklist” Has Best Character Interaction 

A moment of truth between Red and Liz led to a sad stand-off and a huge hurdle in their already tense relationship. As Red eloquently explained his decision-making and even frostier actions, it seemed the unrepentant rogue was not feeling any of the remorse Liz attempted to evoke.

Leave it to James Spader to express inner conflict in a succinct optical expression of distress. It was subtle and telling, without saying much, and that is why Spader has made “The Blacklist” one of the season's must-see shows.

“Arrow” Goes on the Rebound

While there was a lot of retreating, Oliver going incognito as he refused the mantle of selfless hero (again), Thea receiving an additional pep-talk over her morality, and another time-draining flashback to the island. Things sort of rebounded as Diggle and Felicity were finally featured more prominent,ntly and the core trio’s teamwork took center stage. 

Best-Send Off Goes to “Vikings” 

The season finale of “Vikings” was a culmination of season-long suspicions, tying up a riveting round of cat-and-mouse politics. Giving a spotlight to the mental cunning of the Vikings was a good mo,ve and yes, there was a collective sigh when certain characters’ true motives were revealed.

“The Tomorrow People” Hits Ultimate Penultimate

The nifty sci-fi freshman’s penultimate episode had the set-up to be incredible. Unfortunately,fellling victimheavy-handednded plot developments that felt contrived. Between Marla and Roger being unable to stop the obnoxious newbie Natalie (where the heck did she come from?), an out-of-character Russell betraying his friends for h,er and Cara easily brushing off John, the episode felt rather rushed to get to its destination.

 of that said, the closing cliffhanger was exhilara,ting and the excitement to see how things shake out in the fiale, has it a fever pitch. It warrants reiterating that “The Tomorrow People” is one of the best shows on the CW, and quite frankly, network TV. Hence, second-seasonon pick-up is imperative. 

“Revenge” Surprising Expulsion 

The smarmy businessman who stole Victoria’s heart has bid “au revoir” to the universe of “Revenge” in a shockingly violent twist. Now the show can focus on the only dynamic that keeps the show worth watching, the sinister Conrad and Victoria’s volatile bond of verbal squabbling and irrepressible attraction. 

“Bates Motel” Boldest Move

The shocking reveal in “The Box” confirmed the inevitable, as Norman’s descent into going “psycho” came to fruition much sooner than expected. Honestly, the revelation could have easily been held out to the final season of  “Bates Motel.” It has made Norman irredeemable too quickly and makes anyone who protects him, knowing his gilt from here out, complicit in covering up for a far more disturbed individual.

The accidental deaths of horrible people have served as Norman’s motive operandi for most of the series, and it has worked. So is it too soon to go there? Instinct says yes. Faith in the incredible writing team behind “Bates Motel” hints the bold reveal should not be discounted too hastily.