Breaking Bad 4x03 Review

Episode Title: Open House
Overall Season Rating: A-
Episode Rating: B+

This week was an interesting episode. I'm going to call it a "Walter/Jesse Light" episode. The two are not the focus of the story this week, and the two appear only very briefly in a scene together. The episode follows Skylar and Marie mainly this week as each of them deals with their current situations in very different ways. The rating for this week is not due to either of them, but rather Walter. I will get to that later. Marie's story brings back an old idea from season one that allows her to actually do something for once. Skylar on the other hand continues her bad ass attitude from last week, and adds a little more evil genius.

I'm surprised how little actually happened in this episode, and if you're a fan of the arc involving Walter and Gus, we get only small(and understandable) change on that front. This may be shocking to some, but I think this was a very weak episode for Bryan Cranston. There are several scenes where I don't buy his attitude, and feel it's either his acting, or the writing. More specifics later in the episode recap.

Cowboys and Aliens Review

Overall Rating B

I know this movie looks ridiculous, and you may not think it's worth your time. I beg to differ. Let me first, list off some of the people involved in the making of this movie. Jon Favreau, Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, Alex  Kurtzman, Robert Orci, DAMON LINDELOF, Harrison Ford, Daniel Craig, Sam Rockwell, Olivia Wilde. If at least some of those names don't get you super excited, then you can't call yourself a movie fan, and most definitely not a science fiction fan. This group comes together and creates an exciting, moving, and fun filled SciFi-Western.

The idea of a Western with Science Fiction qualities is not a new idea. Joss Whedon's Firefly showed how well the two genres really go together. What is new in this movie though, is that it's a Science Fiction movie about an alien attack, that just happens to take place in late 1800s America. I won't give it away, but we do learn a lot about the aliens, and why they are interested in Earth. I feel this attack could have happened at anytime in human history, and the filmmakers simply thought it would be cool if it was Alien advanced technology vs. Cowboys on horse back with revolvers. Turned out they were right, it is very cool, and makes for some excellent panoramic shots of the old west.

Alphas 1x03 Review

Episode Title: Anger Management
Overall Season Rating: A-
Episode Rating: A-

Alphas is turning out to be a pretty heavy show. So far all three episodes have dealt with much more serious issues than I imagined. These are not fun adventures they go on, these are dangerous missions. Along with the powers, the show also deals with the psyche of the characters. We get deep exploration of the good guys, and the bad. Last week we had a man who had been traumatized by his treatment at the hospital where Rosen sends most of the Alphas he meets. This week, we meet a kid who has to deal with anger and violence following him where ever he goes. He too it seems had a very traumatic past.

I hope the show doesn't shy away from this aspect in later episodes. I think it's a strength, and sets it apart from the many shows about people with powers that have come and gone in recent years. These are not super heroes, or people altered by something crazy. This is a group of regular, and troubled people who have special abilities. I like that so far, none of the abilities are really out of this world. They all pretty much just have enhanced human skills. That makes it very real, and allows us to understand their struggle.

I want to apologize for there being no review last week.

Read on for the episode recap

Weeds Episode 7x05 Review

Episode Title: Fingers Only Meat Banquet
Overall Season Rating: B-
Episode Rating: B

This week we get a much more emotional episode than normal on Weeds. Silas has some very nice things to say about his mom, and with recent events in mind it's a very nice scene. Nancy goes through a rough time, but it does turn out well for her. Andy has a strange episode where he too has a couple important character moments. Doug beings to learn more about his new place of work, and it'll be interesting to see how this plays out. As for Shane, I don't even want to guess what he's doing but as always I'm concerned.

I'm starting to think that the comedy this year has been lessened on purpose. There was only one or two moments that were even jokes. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Weeds always has been a very dark comedy. People have died, and we've watched as Nancy systematically destroyed the lives of everyone she knows. This past week's Breaking Bad had more jokes, and that's a similar show plot wise. I do hope the jokes come back, but I am willing to give the writers the benefit of the doubt. I think they know what they are doing.

I also want to apologize again for no review last week. 

Read on for the recap.

Eureka Episode 4x13 Review

Episode Title: Glimpse
Overall Season Rating: B+
Episode Rating: B+

This week, we got a look at the real beginning of the arc of the second half of the season. The Astraeus Mission to Titan is both very cool, and sad. It's cool because well, a manned mission to Titan is friggin awesome, but it's also sad because in reality we are no where even close to something like this. The technology in Eureka always has been crazy, and super advanced, but usually it's something fun. The tech used in this episode for example are a pair of super contact lenses that give you a computer read out of security risks. Very cool, but that's Eureka. I know a space mission to Titan is science fiction, and belongs in a show like this, but I find it sad that in reality it many not happen for many decades.

We also get more development with Allison. Last week we saw her kidnapped, and changed in some way. We don't really get more information on that, but it's clear this also is a major issue this season. The relationships on the show also are given a lot of screen time, and I am starting to get a little sick of them. That may sound bad, but every week it's the same story with Jo and Zane. The time line reboot appears to be an annoying way to go back to the beginning with the two, and go through this all again. Finally, we get two amazing new people this week. One of them has to be one of the greatest cameos in TV history. I'll get to that a little later though.

Read on for the episode recap.

Falling Skies 1x07 Review

Episode Title: Sanctuary(Part 2).
Overall Season Rating: B
Episode Rating: B+

It's rare for shows to have two part episodes in the middle of a season like this, and I think it was a cool idea here. Doctor Who does it all the time, so why not Falling Skies. This episode continues to show the improvement of certain characters, but also has several moments that make you scratch your head. I want to point out here, that last week I called Clayton "Clinton" by accident. The fact that no one pointed this out suggest either no one cared, or no one read the blog. Since I know the latter is not the case thank you for understanding a simply mistake.

There are a few surprises in the episode too. One of them is shocking, and really shows what the show is willing to do. This is not a nice happy show where everyone comes home at the end of the day. The other surprise was suspected beforehand, but was revealed in a very creepy way. Read on for the episode recap.

Breaking Bad 4x02 Review

Episode Title: Thirty-Eight Snub
Overall Season Rating: A-
Episode Rating: A-

This episode really highlights the two vastly different paths these two men are taking after their most recent ordeal. It's hard to imagine that these are the same two from the first, or even second season of the show. Walt now is a full on mobster wannabe. He talks to men who have done horrible things with true confidence, and power. That is of course until they sock him in the face. Jesse on the other hand, is totally falling apart. He is understandably having trouble with what has happened during the past couple days, and Aaron Paul once again is showing that he'll have another Emmy in his pocket next year. The most interesting aspect of this for me, is that Walt ran two men over, and shot one in the head. He appears to feel nothing about it. Who would have guessed at the beginning of the series that it was Jesse, not Walt who would be emotionally traumatized by their actions. That just proves why this show is the best on television.

Read on for the episode recap.

Torchwood Episode 4x03 Review

Episode Title: Dead of Night
Overall Season Rating: A
Episode Rating: A-

Another wild episode of Torchwood. In this episode we see Oswald Danes show why he's a total psychopath. Also, lots of sex, and finally a villain. The sex part I think was evidence why Fox turned down this show. At first I thought it was because it was about people living after death, and would be pretty gruesome. But honestly, is anything on this show any more gruesome than what is on Fringe, or was on the X-Files? I really do believe the show was too "gay" for them. The Fox Network(Not Fox News), has some pretty wild things on, but this may have gone too far.

With that said, thank God it's on Starz! Starz on the other hand is really showing that they are up to the task. All three episodes have been very well produced, and we know Starz will go all out. Back to the show though. The big villain is finally revealed, but I hope there is more to this story. I suspect there is since it's not like Davies to reveal anything at all this early. We also do get more of a back story for Esther. Not much, but it's good to know they are developing her. I was worried when the show began that she would simply be the computer person, and never get anything interesting. Oswald Danes however, took a big step this week. Last week it seemed like he was becoming more sympathetic, and that continued for a bit in this episode too. That ended though in probably the creepiest performance of Bill Pullman's career. That's saying something too cause he was in a David Lynch movie.

Oh yeah, the little "American" lessons Esther is giving Gwen are hilarious. I imagine it's more for the British audience, but after all the American TV they watch I'm pretty sure they know what we mean by "pants".

Read on for the episode recap.

Captain America: The First Avenger Review

Overall Rating: B

Captain America: The First Avenger is the last of the Marvel movies leading up to next years long awaited epic, The Avengers. This movie is a great finale for the Pre-Avengers days, and an even better prequel to The Avengers. While watching Captain America you just want to smile, and love a hero that is simply that, a hero. There are no bells and whistles here. Captain America is basically Marvel's version of Superman. Except he's not an alien who never makes a mistake, and makes you want to gag with his "The More You Know" speeches. Steve Rogers is a regular dude, a regular dude who wants to fight for his country and protect people.

That stuff is not news though, here's the straight review. The acting is pretty good, and the characters were well developed, but what made me really enjoy this movie was how it looked, and sounded. I don't mean the 3D by the way. The 3D wasn't horrible, but it wasn't as good as I've seen recently. What I mean is the colors used, and the brightness of some scenes was so great. There have been a few movies this year that have been pretty dark toned. It was so nice to see a movie that was colorful, and vibrant. The other aspect I loved was the score. Alan Silvestri gives us a great epic theme for our Hero. Along with the score, there were a couple of 40's era musical numbers that made you want to dance right there in the theater. I didn't do this, but I think my foot was tapping.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Review

Overall Rating: A-

After delaying almost a whole week, I've finally decided to sit down and write this review. I'm not entirely sure why I kept delaying. I was told it's probably because if I do write this, and post it, then that's the end. Sure, there's Pottermore, and the fandom will go on forever, but we won't be waiting outside a theater together anymore. Plus, the fact that I was physically and emotionally exhausted the days following the movie's release made it difficult to get up the energy to write it.

Know that this review will be filled with spoilers. I'll try to keep the book spoilers to a minimum, but it's impossible to discuss aspects of the movie without talking about the book. If you want to hear a full discussion of the movie and how it compares to the book check out the latest Flashbacks Podcast episode. Available for download NOW!

Accio Review!

Episode 5: The Deathly Flashbacks

Hello all.

In this episode we discuss the new Harry Potter movie in depth. It's a great time, with some fun guests.

Listen Here, or DL on itunes.



I plan to have the actual official Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Review up tomorrow. I just have not been able to get myself to do it.

I also apologize for not having the review for Alphas, or Weeds. I may skip a week but I do plan on continuing my review of them. Life intervened on Monday. It happens.

Eureka Episode 4x12 Review

Episode Title: Reprise
Overall Season Rating: B+
Episode Rating: B+

Another good episode of Eureka. This week we're back to the standard "something is wrong in Eureka, and something minor and unintended is the cause. The problem this week was clever, and a lot of fun as usual. There also was a random side story with Allison that seemed completely out of nowhere for most of the episode. If you're a fan of music, specifically 80's music I think you will enjoy this episode too. There really wasn't anything I didn't like, but I think some of the story lines of the episode either dragged, or never really made sense.

All in all another fun episode of Eureka. Fargo acting silly, Jo acting crazy, and Jack acting confused. Oh, and I still miss the opening credits!!  Read on for the episode recap.

Falling Skies Episode 1x06 Review

Episode Title: Sanctuary
Overall Season Rating: B
Episode Rating: A-

This week Falling Skies upped the tension, and contained the story a better then they've been doing in the past. Now that Ben is with the Humans we can finally move on to other missions. I have no problem with that story, but when every single week had the same mission it tends to get a little stale. The rescue did make up for much of that though. This week thought, it's all about the possibility of danger, what should they do about it.

This episode also has some excellent moments. One shot of a Skitter crushing a globe in its hand was particularly entertaining, and terrifying at the same time. I also liked that they stopped focusing on things that have no bearing on the events of the show. Like religious girl always walking around in a daze, or pregnant women. They do mention her, but 5-10 min of the show are not devoted to a character no one cares about. Even Anne, who is one of the worst developed characters ever gets some great scenes, and actually acts IN character. Shocking I know.

The action looks to pick up again next week, but more on that in the spoilers. Read on for the recap.

Breaking Bad Season 4 Premiere Review

Episode Title: Box Cutter
Overall Season Rating: A
Episode Rating: A

Breaking Bad is finally back! And the first episode does not disappoint. This premiere had everything that makes a great Breaking Bad episode. Walt acting like a bad ass, only to find out what a true bad ass looks like, Jesse clearly showing that he's not just some junkie, plenty of humor, and of course Skyler needs something to do.  I've been reading The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson and it's clear to me that Gus is a psychopath. His stare is enough to send a chill down my spine, and I love how he does it even when he's not angry.

This episode he certainly is angry as the action picks up right where last season's mammoth cliffhanger left us.  I won't spoil it for people who have not watched, at least not yet, but the reveal is done perfectly. There is another scene later in the episode that shows any new viewer why Breaking Bad is the best show on TV. I challenge anyone to find a show that would have a scene anywhere near as brilliant. Aaron Paul though, showing that he was more than deserving of that Emmy last year says almost nothing the entire episode until the end. When he finally does speak, it's clear the day's experience has left him a new way of looking at their predicament.

Read on for the episode recap.

Torchwood Episode 4x02 Review

Episode Title: Rendition
Overall Season Rating: A
Episode Rating: A

This week brought us yet another excellent episode of Torchwood: Miracle Day. I think what I love about this show so much is they seem to mix creepy and fun so well. Fringe and The X-Files always were great at that, and I love both of those shows to death. This week we also find out that maybe this isn't exactly a miracle after all. All the problems they mention seem to just be the tip of the iceberg, and while there are some positive global effects, we get the idea that those will be short lasting.

We also meet three new members of the cast. First, Lauren Ambrose from Six Feet Under, plays a PR representative named Jilly Kitzinger who's going through the cast like wildfire trying to pick up clients. The second is Dichen Lachman from Dollhouse. She plays Lyn, who also is a CIA agent. I will save commentary on her for the spoiler section, but know that she still scares me from her days on Dollhouse. Finally, the third is Wayne Knight(Newman on Seinfeld). He plays(I think) CIA Director Brian Friedkin. If he's not the CIA Director, then he's someone else of mass power. This brings me to an interesting coincidence in Torchwood. The number of people showing up, or who will show up in the cast who I have loved in other shows is quite a lot:

John Barrowman(Doctor Who, and Torchwood of course)
Wayne Knight(Seinfeld)
Lauren Ambrose(Six Feet Under)
Dichen Lachman(Dollhouse)
Nana Visitor(Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)
John de Lancie(Star Trek: TNG. Breaking Bad)
Bill Pullman(not from a show, but he was Lone Star!)

Two of those have not appeared yet, so I'm sorry if that was a spoiler. But I don't see how a cast member is a spoiler. I have no idea in what capacity they will appear after all. Anyway, on to the spoilers!

Weeds Episode 7x03 Review

Episode: 7x03 Game-Played
Overall Season Rating: B-
Episode Rating C+

This week's episode wasn't particularly bad, it just wasn't funny. Since Weeds is a comedy, that's usually a sign that things are not working. I did like that the other characters got a little more to do this week than sit around wondering about Nancy, but the show's running time really prevents any true development when you have a large cast. The best moments of the episode both included Silas. Once again, his knack for acting normal really separates him from the rest of the family. The realization that he was not fathered by the same man as Shane has really had a big impact on him.

We're three episodes in and nothing big has happened yet. I wonder why they chose to move this slowly after so much happened in the first episode. I am disappointed in Weeds because for a while it was one of the most bizarre, and brilliant comedies on TV. Now it seems like they have run out of jokes, and are just doing a show about a pathetic family. Here's hoping it picks up, I do have faith in the writers!

Alphas Series Premiere Review

Episode: 1x01 Pilot
Overall Season Rating: A-
Episode Rating: A-

Alphas is a nice new take on a very old theme. Regular people with amazing abilities. What's the difference between this and Heroes, or X-Men, or No Ordinary Family? Well that's simple, there's no "Origin Story". As the show begins they have their powers, are familiar with them, and even are on a team. Because of this, we don't have one a cliche'd "looks what I can do!!!!" scenes. There's no "I can't tell anyone, I'm a freak!" scenes either. This is refreshing, and allows the pilot episode to focus, not on them getting their powers, but on what they do with them.

I'll talk about the powers and the characters more in the spoiler section, but know that I like them a lot. There are some aspects of a couple of the characters that bother me, but I'm thinking those will be fleeting. What I mean by that is, certain characters may have said for behaved a certain way so we learn more about them a little faster. Again, more in the spoiler section. The plot of the episode perfectly sets up the rest of the series. It appears this show will be somewhat serialized, but also be a procedural crime show in the way Fringe is. Each week there will be a new case for them, and it probably will all connect to the central baddie of the series. Another fascinating thing about the show is that their powers don't always work. Sometimes they need a trigger; either emotional, or physical.  

Like I do for all premieres, I will simply list what I liked, and what I didn't like rather than a full on episode recap. For those wondering why I do the recaps, this is The Flashbacks Podcast Blog after all and recaps were our trademark. It's actually pretty non-spoilery below the fold this time.

Eureka Season 4.5 Premiere Review

Episode: 4x11 Liftoff
Overall Season Rating: A-
Episode Rating: A-

Since I didn't do reviews for the first half of the season, the Overall Rating will refer only to the 2nd half.

Eureka has been a favorite of mine since it started several years ago. I think it perfectly blends real science, and pure fun better than any show of its kind. Tonight's episode dealt mainly with space travel, and since I'm a space nerd I friggin loved it. It's hard to deny that they timed this episode to coincide with the final launch of the Space Shuttle program, but it might just be a huge coincidence. This episode also shows why I love the characters, and relationships on the show. Both always have been portrayed very realistically, even if their surroundings are anything but.

If I had to choose, I would say that Fargo is my favorite character, and I'm sure I'm not alone on that. He's brilliant, hilarious, and clearly is as much of a geek as all the fans. I originally didn't like that he became Head of G.D. last season because I thought it would take away from his antics. I was sooo wrong. The position has not only improved the character, but he gets much more important roles in the show. Plus, since he's their boss they don't yell at him for the silly things he does. The relationships were on full display in this episode, and included a brilliant fake out.

There were things I didn't like, but since it's a TV show I will only mention them in passing a little later. Read more in the spoiler section.

Falling Skies Episode 1x05 Review

Episode 1x05: Silent Kill
Overall Season Rating: B
Episode Rating: B

This episode had its ups and downs, but I think it achieved what it set out to do. Certain characters were fleshed out a little more, and I hope this will make me feel for them a little more. We also get more information about the Skitters, and it's very strange. I really have no idea what to think about the new info, and I like that. What made shows like Lost and BSG so much fun was they would show you something, but not explain it at all. This forces fans to speculate, and theorize. I want to be told a story yes, but with a show like this I also want to be challenged. I'll get to this more in the spoiler section, but I think it's a good move for the show.

While characters are fleshed out, some behaved outright bizarrely. It's not so much the characters themselves per say, but more their actions didn't make sense in context. This was really my only gripe with the episode, and sadly there were several of these events. I'm not sure if Anne is a favorite of anyone, but she just pisses me off in almost every episode. Her actions make almost no sense. I asked last week why they put a pediatrician in charge of learning the Skitter language, and why the show decided surgeons are heartless psychopaths.

Overall an improvement from last week, and it is starting to embrace my large hopes for the series.

Spoilers below the fold.

Torchwood: Miracle Day Premiere Review

Overall Season Rating: A
Episode Rating: A

Okay, before you say that rating is too high, and that I'm biased you should know one thing. I am biased. I LOVE Doctor Who more than I can explain, and Torchwood is a Doctor Who spin-off. I've loved John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness since we first met him way back in Series 1 of DW. Don't worry, there will be close to no Doctor Who spoilers in these reviews, but to discuss some aspects of the Torchwood I will need to bring up some Who mentions, so be cautious if you really don't want to know anything.

Why did I love this show so much? Well, I simply think it's a brilliant introduction to a show that already has a few seasons on the books. I have seen a couple Torchwood episodes, but really have no idea what happens in the series prior to Miracle Day. The best part is, you don't need to know anything about that to enjoy the new series. I'm sure it helps to know the relationship between Jack and Gwen, and the reason Torchwood was shut down, but you don't need to know. I read that Torchwood originally was going to be a combination of The X-Files, and Doctor Who, and I think that's so great. Miracle Day shows that that partnership works perfectly, and opens the door to such incredible possibilities. Finally, questions asked about what would happen if no one could die are truly mind-opening. If you're a fan of science fiction shows that are about more than pretty special effects, watch this series. You will love it.

Spoilers below the fold

Episode 4: The X-Files: Dark of the Moon

In this show I talk about Transformers 3 for a little bit, and try to explain that it's a fun time, and definitely worth your time. Mainly the episode is about one of my favorite shows of all time, The X-Files. Hope you enjoy it.

Weeds Episode 7x02 Review

Overall Season Rating: B-
Episode Rating: B-
Episode Title: 7x02 From Trauma Cometh Something

Weeds answered a lot of the questions from last week, and while I wasn't expecting some of the events, I'm not really that impressed with them either. A friend mentioned to me that he didn't think last week's episode was very funny at all. While I don't totally agree, I would say that the show has been lacking in jokes quite a bit this season so far. There's been very a serious air about the show, and when it looks like they are trying to tell a joke it falls flat. This might be caused by the subject matter, or maybe we are so familiar with these characters that no matter what they do or say we just take it at face value.

I'll get into more detail in the spoilers section about what I liked and didn't like, but I am starting to worry about the show. As I said last week, I haven't been pleased with it since they left Agrestic, and I think those feelings will continue. New York City does offer some new opportunities but so far they have not explored that at all. In this episode for example none of the characters did anything that they could not do anywhere else. Aside from a modeling agency rep saying New York is the land of hard chizzled gods. Which is certainly is.

Spoilers below the fold.

Falling Skies Episode 1x04 Review

Overall Season Rating: B
Episode Rating: B-

Tonight's episode was titled "Grace", and the moral was  "prayer makes everything okay".  Yes, that's right, religion has shoved it's way into an otherwise very well done science fiction survival story. More on this later in the spoiler section. Other than religion, this episode gives us more information about the Skidders. I'm liking the way they're revealing things about them. Instead of some cliche'd exposition we are learning who they are through experience. To put it another way, we are learning about them just as our characters learn. This keeps the tension and the mystery exciting. The dark nature of the show continued as well, and like I've said this will be the strength of the show.

I also continue to be impressed with the special effects. We get a very close up view of a Skidder throughout this episode, and for a cable TV show it looked excellent. There are some negative aspects though. For one, the show seems to be falling into old troupes and devices used in these types of stories. The battle over how you learn more about the Skidders would be much more interesting I think if the characters involved were more developed. Since it's only the fourth hour we know very little about them, making their arguments seem completely one-dimensional. For the most part I think the acting has been good, but we can't have a deep argument about morality when we don't have enough information to know the motivations for these people.

Another good episode, but certain events lead me to believe they may not have the guts I hoped they did.

Spoilers below the fold