Dark Heart of Magic (Black Blade #2) by Jennifer Estep

It’s time for the Tournament of Blades, the annual celebration where all the magical families of Cloudburst Falls send champions to compete for the hefty cash prize (and, more importantly to the families but not for Lila, the prestige). It’s a major tourist event and there’s no way it can’t go ahead

Even if one of the competitors seems to be trying to kill the competition.

Both Lila and Devon are competing for the Sinclair family, giving them a double motive to win – and to stay alive and find out who is behind it.

This is the second book in the series and I think it is an excellent next step. This book took the story above and beyond the first and helped banish some of the parallels with the Elemental Assassins Series that I found so strong before. This book took the excellent foundation of the first and expanded it and cemented this book as its own.

I’m honestly kind of frustrated with this review because all I really have is a lot of well deserved but somewhat vague praise.

I love the world building, it’s very original with the combination of noble houses who run this town, each of them controlled by magical people all vying against each other, a modern setting and a range of monsters lurking around the fringes of a tourist trap. I like the combination of both the dark danger hiding behind every corner and the bright, shiny exterior which is all welcoming and kitsch for the tourists. It’s a wonderful juxtaposition, the pageantry with the lethal politics lurking just under the surface.

I love the protagonist Lila, with her endless love of bacon and her complicated relationship with the family. Her conflict about being both part of the Sinclair family and outside of it is excellent. Her conflict over whether she can trust the head of the family, whether she can really get invested in it and whether she can really establish any connections there. Her conflict is very real as she both wants to protect and help the family but still feels she needs to be ready to leave at any time and all of this is linked to her complicated memories of her mother who was both loyal to the Sinclairs – and died because of that loyalty. On top this we have her life as a thief, her habit of keeping her head low and hiding and now she’s very much thrust into the lime light, drawing lots of attention and being really uncomfortable about it. This past also comes with an experience of being poor – so even when in two minds about the Sinclairs, their wealth and the comfort she lives in now are not things she can step aside from. I like how well this is down, Lila never feels like she’s greedy or grasping – she feels exactly like what she is, a character who knows poverty and is unwilling to dismiss the security of wealth. She’s a character with a lot of interesting and very real conflicts about her.

Doctor Who, Season Nine, Episode Two: The Witch's Familiar

Clara finds herself hanging from her heels outside of the compound.  Missy says that she is going to tell her the story of the Doctor with no tardis, no friends and on the run - The doctor being happy. The Doctor was travelling by teleporter and being chased by 50 invisible android assassins, set on killing him. Missy tells this story while sharpening a stick and explains that Clara is tied up in case there's nothing to hunt. Back to the Doctor, who is surrounded and with seconds to live, uses the energy ray to recharge the energy bracelet and then teleports away. Clara realises that this is how Missy escaped the Daleks.  Missy is impressed because unlike her, the Doctor made the calculation on the fly. Missy finally cuts down Clara and asks how it is that the Doctor always survives.  Clara answers that the Doctor always assumes he is going to win and survive.  Missy then points out that this is not what the Doctor thinks now because this time, he made himself a will and threw himself a goodbye party. Clara and Missy turn and look at the heart of the Dalek empire and armed with only a pointy stick, start walking off to save the Doctor.

In the heart of the compound, Davros tells the Doctor that he has the him at his mercy. The Doctor picks up a weapon and holds it to the back of Davros's head. Davros is not worried, calling the weapon ancient and inoperable but the Doctor being the Doctor, powers up the weapon without a problem.  Davros asks if the Doctor would threaten a dying man and the Doctor orders him out of his chair.  Davros says that he needs the chair to live but the Doctor orders him out.

The Daleks are freaking out with one saying that Davros is leaving the infirmary.  Over the communicator, Davros calls for help from his children and is told that he must return to the infirmary. Davros tells the Daleks that the Doctor is escaping and must be found. From a distance, Clara and Missy watch as the Daleks start to look for the Doctor.  On the intercom Davros continues to call for help and Daleks prepare to assist him but when the door opens, it's the Doctor sitting in Davros's chair.  The Doctor opens with "admit it, you've all had this exact same nightmare."

Davros is lying on his back in the infirmary calling for help when Colony Sarff makes his presence known.  The Daleks call for the extermination of the Doctor but when they fire their weapons, nothing happens.

Clara and Missy are at the Dalek sewers but there's a long drop down to the bottom.  Missy decides to gauge the fall by pushing Clara in.

The Doctor is now surrounded by Daleks, who are shocked that he is unharmed.  The Doctor points a weapon at the Daleks, saying that the force field on the chair probably doesn't work both ways.  The Daleks are not concerned because they are aware that the Doctor doesn't use weapons.

Clara regains consciousness at the bottom of the sewers and points the pointy stick at Missy.  Missy is in full snark mode, pointing out that Clara will not survive on the sewers on her own.  Clara counters replying that Missy will not survive if she turns her back.  Missy takes the challenge and shows Clara her back and when Clara fails to act, Missy charges Clara and takes the stick.  Missy informs Clara that she should have had the courtesy to kill her because team work is all about respect. Clara informs Missy that they are not a team.  In Clara's defense, who would want to be on a team with Missy?  Missy counters that they are team because every miner needs a canary.  To Missy, Clara is highly disposable. Missy comments on the sludge pouring out of the walls and informs Clara that the sludge is decaying Daleks.  It seems that Daleks cannot die and that the Dalek word for sewer is the same as their word for graveyard.

Still pointing his gun, the Doctor says that he has been at the heart of the Dalek empire for 42 minutes and is in complete control of it.  The Doctor demands that the Daleks ask him what he wants. A Dalek complies and the Doctor says that he wants Clara Oswald safe, alive and returned to him immediately.  The Doctor is in a rage and tells the Daleks that if Clara is dead, they had better be careful how they tell him.  Missy hears the Doctor's demand and says that this is what the Doctor sounds like without hope.  The Doctor asks again who is going to tell him that Clara Oswald is really dead. In the sewers, Missy tells Clara that the Doctor will burn everything including them.

Davros makes an appearance on the screen and the Doctor snarks about Davros's seat being taken. The Doctor finds himself wrapped in Colony Sarff's snakes and is forced to drop his weapon.  In the infirmary, Davros advises Colony Sarff  to tread lightly because the plan is to entrap the Doctor tonight. Say it with me folks, "not gonna happen."

In the sewers Missy points to a round circular thing on the wall and tells Clara to have a look. When Clara doesn't notice anything distinct, she asks what she's missing. Missy explains that she is giving the circular object a good look at Clara.  The sounds of a Dalek can be heard announcing, "intruder alert."  Missy then handcuffs Clara to the wall explaining that they need to trap and kill a Dalek and that Clara will be the bait.  Clara  demands to be uncuffed but Missy only has eyes for a broach given to her on the birth of her daughter by the Doctor.  Clara is adamant that a Dalek cannot be killed with a pin.  The Dalek moves closer to Clara telling her not to move and that she is in a restricted area. The Dalek announces its plan to sterilize Clara and Missy jumps out and sticks the Dalek with the pin repeatedly. Missy announces that she is killing the Dalek because it's her job as a Time Lady. The Dalek does not believe that it has been unduly damaged, until Missy points out that the Dalek is surrounded by a bunch of angry decomposing Daleks.  The Dalek sludge attack the Dalek, forcing it to fire and move in circles.  During the Dalek's confusion, Missy unties Clara and pushes her against a wall, protecting Clara with her own body from the resulting explosion.  As the Dalek explodes, Missy yells, "weeee."

Back in time to Davros, with the hand bombs. Davros calls out for help, saying that the Doctor promised that he could survive.  A frantic Davros calls again for help.

In the present, the Doctor awakes to find himself sitting in the only other chair on Skaro.  The Doctor jumps to his feet and Davros tells him not to bother because he is sealed in the chamber and he is not carrying his sonic screwdriver. Davros adds that he is dying and it's now time for them to conclude their business together.

In the sewers, Missy picks the remains of the Dalek out of its shell and tells Clara to get in.

It seems the reason that Davros is still alive is because he has been feeding off of all of the Daleks. The Daleks allow this because they have respect for their father, a trait Davros never managed to breed out of them.  Davros offers the Doctor the opportunity to commit genocide on the Daleks. Davros lifts the Doctor's hand towards the device, asking if the Doctor is ready to be a God.  The Doctor briefly touches the device and withdraws, as Davros taunts the Doctor with Clara's death. The Doctor says that he's a bloke in a box and that he came because Davros is sick and he asked and because on a good day if he tries hard, he's not an old time lord who ran away. Davros realises that the Doctor cannot be tempted because of his innate compassion, something the Doctor has no problem dying for.

Clara is now in the Dalek shell and Missy instructs her on how to control the Dalek container.  The moment Clara thinks something, the Dalek shell moves, so Missy seals her in.  When Clara speaks it comes out in the Dalek voice.  Missy decides to have some fun and have Clara say her name which results in Clara saying, "I am a Dalek repeatedly." Missy then asks for Clara to say, "I love you" and what comes out is "exterminate". The same result happens when Clara says you are different then me. When Missy gets Clara to say, "exterminate", the gun goes off repeatedly and Missy dances around, giddy with joy, dodging the shots.  Apparently, the Daleks channel emotion and that's why they say exterminate repeatedly.

Once Upon a Time, Season 5, Episode 1: The Dark Swan

After the massive cliffhanger of the last season, of course we’re going to start this season in Minneapolis in 1989. Don’t test me, Once Upon a Time, I will snark.

We have young Emma watching Sword in the Stone and stealing chocolate when an usher manages to be creepy and ominous and all menacing to the little girl about doing bad things. He tells her not to draw Excaliber from its stone.

Now to some knights of the round table – including Lancelot and Arthur – going to find Excalibur only to find one of the knights, Sir Kay, already there and ready to steal the sword first and become king (I would snark about how the ability to extract overgrown cutlery is a terrible way to prove ones worth as a monarch but since the royal competition in this world is the Charmings it’s fairly clear it’s not a taxing job). Exaclibur isn’t for everyone of course, only this Excalibur has no time for would-be kings and turns Sir Kay to dust.

Lancelot: “your turn.” I may like him. Do I even have to say that Arthur gets to draw the sword? He does – but half of Excalibur is missing. Hey, half a sword is still better than being reduced to dust. Arthur and his knights decide to hide the fact that half of Excalibur is missing but they now have a quest to find the other half

And where is the other half? Well the other half is the Dark One’s blade – which now has Emma Swan’s name carved on it.

In Storybrooke everyone is dealing with the sudden transformation of Emma into the Dark One to save Regina (which will go down as one of the best moments in Once Upon a Time history). Killian grabs the dagger and tries to command Emma to return to them… it doesn’t work. Regina snarkily points out (dubbing Killian “Guyliner” reminding us she has the best snark – and that Killian looks hot in eyeliner) that if it isn’t working then that means Emma is no longer in the world.

They go to the Apprentice to ask where she’s buzzed off to and he tells them the Enchanted Forest where all baby Dark Ones turn up. He also has a wand from Merlin which can take them to the Enchanted Forest but needs dark and light magic to do it. Step up there Regina!

Except it doesn’t work because, as Killian points out, she isn’t dark any more. Even if she does have nifty threats. They need someone wicked – which would be Zelena, overriding Regina’s objections

Argh, going to ask Zelena for help is close to the very bottom of things I’d want Regina to have to do (the bottom being nice to Mary Margaret). Zelena is duly vile, mocking Robin for her having raped him – but she agrees to help and they agree to let her try since she has her magic locked down… but she needs magic to open the portal.

Iron & Blood (Jake Desmet Series #1) by Gail Z Martin and Larry Martin

Jake and Rick, with their cousin Nicki, work for their father’s company retrieving hard to find items at very high cost for their very rich clients. Unfortunately, not every item is safe nor is every client as they find out when Jake’s father is murdered

They must return to New Pittsburgh, ducking hired killers along the way to uncover a conspiracy that is festering in the city and goes far further than a few items they transported.

There’s a lot about this book I love.

I love the characters – each of these characters has so much potential for being a book series in its own right. I love their history, their interactions and just about everything about them. In fact, this becomes one of the problems simply because they can’t all be suitably awesome at all times

I really love the world setting, the Victorian industrialness with a touch of steam punk and a whole lot of magic and the supernatural being added to really richen the whole thing. It draws upon the supernatural from many European superstitions and belief systems and does an excellent job of creating a city that is defined by its immigrant populations. The different neighbourhoods, the way the city works and the immigrant diversity come together in a really rich tapestry. On top of the magic and industry and aesthetics and Victorian etiquette (which can also be used for the best humour    (“Get out of here, Aunt Catherine. You’re in mourning. You can’t be shooting people, it wouldn’t be proper.”) there’s also some really excellent analysis of class. How workers are constantly used as fodder and disposable, the battles of the rising union movement in the face of the mine owners who are willing to raise armies and massacre the workers as well as the restrictions that are hemming in women. We also have the Oligarchy, the very essence of the entitled Robber Barons of the era and their near untouchability along side the disposability of the poor and how little their deaths matters

Class moves nicely in to the immigrant cultures and works alongside the supernatural and magic and world building to make for a truly excellent world building. We throw in some extra bonuses like Kobolds which suggests a whole lot more supernatural creatures lurking and permeating every level of society.

The plot itself draws on every element of this – the supernatural and monsters. The untouchability of the Oligarchy, the disposability of the workers. Magic being used in shiny and scary ways. Massive industry and super-steampunk devices. It was all displayed and it was just so huge and so much fun

Z Nation, Season Two Episode Three: Episode #2.3

Two road warriors stop at a car wreck and decide to scavenge.  The writers actually have one the actors say a line straight out of Mad Max.  The road warriors are quickly attacked by a savage zombie and have their faces ripped off. I guess the theme for this week is gross.

The crew is walking and Murphy, being Murphy, is full of complaints.  When Murphy gets into a little spat with Vasquez, Murphy makes it clear that Warren is the boss.  Warren tells Vasquez that he will get used to Murphy.  The group pauses for a moment to get the lay of the ground and 10K approaches Warren to find out what they are going to do about Cassandra, who is still in her hoochie outfit and massaging Murphy's soldiers. Warren suggests that there might be a way back for Cassandra when they get to California. 10K and Cassandra make eye contact briefly before she goes back to massaging Murphy.

The crew watches as a heavily modified 18 wheeler makes its way down the road and it's followed by a caravan of vehicles - cue Mad Max reference number two.  The caravan is ambushed and a gun fight breaks out.  The caravan people are barely able to hold off the pirates. Doc wonders if they should help the caravan and Vasquez suggests that they wait and steal the vehicles from the victor of the fight. Warren says that while they may not be able to save the world, they can save the caravan people.  Warren splits the group up to enter into the fight.

At the top of the valley, Murphy and Cassandra hear a weird noise that catches their attention. Zombies a distance away also react to the sound.

The fire fight is now over and Warren and Addy discover that the 18 wheeler's bed is filled with sick people.  The driver steps out and introduces himself as Sam Custer.  Sam explains that his group is on their way to Edmonton to out run the fall out.  Warren says that they are headed east as well and Sam explains the fitting of his little caravan.  Wrecking Ball, who is Custer's nephew, introduces himself with great enthusiasm for Warren's skills during the gun fight. Vasquez asks about Edmonton, and Sam explains that there will be peace and tranquility in Edmonton because zombies hate the cold. Sam then asks Warren and crew to travel with him because they could use the extra fire power and it's dangerous to travel by foot.

10K and Doc are tucking into some food and Wrecking Ball offers water. Wrecking Ball tries to approach Murphy, but Murphy being Murphy, asks Wrecking Ball to find somewhere else to sit.  In a private conference, Warren preemptively dismisses Vazquez's suggestion to kill everyone and take their vehicle, arguing that there's strength in numbers.  Addy agrees that the food, water and transportation are great but expresses worry about the truck filled with sick people could present a mini zombie outbreak.  Running alongside the side of the truck at a distance are the fallout zombies.

Warren, Doc, Vasquez and Murphy huddle up with Sam to discuss the situation.  Sam tells them about a group they met who kept rambling on about a half zombie/half man person who could control zombies. Sam is absolutely certain that they were insane.  Doc simply calls the rumors crazy. Wrecking Ball is all exicited about the potential of this and asks Murphy and Doc if they went to levitate.  Well, Doc has been sober for way too long right?  Wrecking Ball, Murphy and Doc start toking up.  The weed is apparently grown in an abandoned lab in Minneapolis and they use zombies for compost, hence the name: Z Weed.  The lab is also working on a herbal zombie cure.  Sam knocks on the window and is not at all impressed to see the three of them high as kites.  Sam then asks Wrecking Ball a riddle to see if his mind has been effected by the fallout.  After a moment, surprisingly, Wrecking Ball solves the riddle.  Sam then turns his attention to Murphy and informs Murphy that he is going to have ride in the back with the sick because he doesn't look well. I should say so - this week, Murphy is practically purple.  Sam explains that they can have compassion for the ill because they have rules.

Sam hops up into the truck and the caravan starts down the road with the team distributed along the truck at key points to act as look outs.  In the back, Murphy calls out for Cassandra and she comes running but along the way stumbles on the corpses of the two men who had their faces ripped off earlier.  Cassandra runs behind the truck and is helped on board by Murphy and Addy.  Murphy makes a half assed attempt to introduce Cassandra to the sick people.

They drive by a crash site with bodies splayed out on the road, with their brains eaten before they could turn.  Blasters (people killed by the radiation) eat nothing but the brains.  Sam declares that there is something wrong with those zombies.  Wow, it didn't take long to come up with proper zombie etiquette. Sam goes on to add that blasters hunt in packs and are probably watching them right now.  Vasquez spies a blaster but it disappears before he can shoot.

Doc is travelling with Wrecking Ball and says that the ride will be long without the Z Weed.Wrecking Ball offers Doc water from the back.  In the sick truck, Addy takes care Sam's son Zeke, who has radiation sickness.  Addy tries to comfort the dying man by telling him that they'll be in Edmonton soon but Zeke is well aware of what is coming.

A blaster zombie starts to run alongside the truck and Warren and Vasquez shoot several times, managing to hit it in the back of the legs.  The zombie scampers away in a crab like motion.  Another zombie makes an appearance and this time it's 10K's turn. He actually has to shoot it three times before he can count the zombie as 3098.

From Dusk Till Dawn, Season 2, Episode 5: Bondage

Seth and Sonja have just been confronted by an unpleasant man with a gun who has just figured out that Richie and Seth are the infamous Gecko brothers. Seth decides to be condescending to Sonja and we have a three way argument with guns – and Seth’ uncle Eddie happily steps in to shoot the guys. Now someone has to clear up the mess.

Eddie has some rather bizarre reticence to share info with Seth despite the big guys with guns. He finally tells Seth about a truly massive illegal operation run by the “Browns” covering most of Texas and worth $33,000,000; and somewhere in the middle of it is a huge warehouse full of lots of skimmed profit. And Richie may have stumbled onto it (So I take it this network is Malvado’s).

Santanico has been imprisoned and tired up by Carlos. Of course she’s in her underwear. He shows her the shiny new knife he has after his little trip into the labyrinth. He’s determined to bring her back to the show which she absolutely refuses to tolerate.

Paloma and the other girls are still locked up and ready to be shipped out. Richie is being held by the nast pimp who calls Narcisco to let him know how everything has gone weird with Carlos and Santanico. Nasty Pimp doesn’t listen to Narcisco and seems quite put out by the fact Richie is listening to a ghostly Santanico rather than his threats. Richie’s more focused on following the plan (per ghostly Santanico) when Seth spoils things by rescuing him and shooting the guy. Clearly Richie has to eat everyone then.

Richie is not amused by this. The brothers get right to bickering as they leave the bodies behind, since Seth is a little annoyed that Richie has dragged Eddie into lots of trouble. Seth won’t let him leave until Richie tells him about the truck of “flesh” that is being sold to the “browns” (and, yes, Seth is disgusted at the idea of peddling women though Richie insists none will be eaten). Seth insists on coming with him in looking for the truck.

Eddie is also not very happy with Richie. He’s quite… vehement about it. They snark back and forth endlessly. I do like how they bounce off each other. Anyway, Eddie has found them a corrupt sheriff who could help. Richie wants to bite him, Seth vetoes the idea and they go for huge bribes.

Time to catch up with the Reckoning guy, he is still tracking down Richie through nasty means, eating flesh, killing people, et al.

Fear The Walking Dead, Season One, Episode Four: Not Fade Away

This episode opens with Lou Reed's, Perfect Day, playing and Nick floating in the pool and Travis out for a jog, waving at neighbours as he runs past. Daniel looks out the window as Liza treats Griselda's clearly infected foot. I think the song choice on this one is absolutely awesome.  I'm shocked to see Nick in the pool because other than Daniel and Ofelia, he is the only one to really get a bit of a grip on what is going on.

Chris is up on the roof making a video report of what is going on.  From him we learn that the military has been gathering people up people in the DZ (read: demilitarized zone) and loading them up like cattle. Each person is allowed to take one suitcase each. No one knows where the people are being taken and instead, the only information available is in the form of rumors.  Didn't I say that military occupation wouldn't be a breeze? Chris goes on to add that they are all safe inside the fence but outside, everyone is gone. He notes that it's been nine days since the end began and that mother nature has taken back what is hers.  Chris notices a flashing light at a distance. It looks as though someone is trying to indicate where they are.

Madison watches the the clock waiting for the moment when the power will turn on.  It seems that electricity is restricted to certain times during the day.  When Alicia joins her in the kitchen, Madison announces that they have to paint the living room again because she can still see the blood stains. Alicia thinks that this is a waste of time, snarking, "No one is coming to the open house." I think I agree with Alicia on this one.  With all that has happened, who cares what the walls look like. Travis is back from his run, and talks about the fact that he could see the ocean on his run.  Travis notes the restrictions on the power and assures Alicia and Madison that the military probably doesn't want to strain what is left of the grid and will get things back to normal soon.  There we go again with the whole glass half full thing.

Travis informs Madison that he has to get going because Moyers is making an announcement and specifically asked Travis to attend.  Cue the bickering. Madison is pissed off that her house is a "refugee camp", that Alicia's room is an IC unit for strangers, that someone has to cook and clean and keep an eye on Nick.  It seems that Madison feels that Travis is not doing his fair share around the house.  It's Alicia who breaks up the argument pointing out that it's ridiculous for them to argue about domestic responsibilities while the world is falling apart.  Alicia is adamant that nothing they are going through is normal.  Alicia demands that Madison and Travis stop acting like everything is normal.

Chris is still up on the roof and now he is trying to signal back at the light he recorded earlier.  Travis heads outside and demands the Chris get off the roof and help Madison.  Chris asks him to look at the video that he shot.  Travis shows very little patience with his son but Chris manages to get him to look at the recording.  Travis is absolutely dismissive of the flashing light, asserting that there's no one outside of the perimeter. Travis believes it's just the reflection of the sun; he's dismissive and walks away from a disappointed Chris.

Madison heads out to the pool to confront Nick about the fact that he left his drugs on the counter. Nick says that he simply forgot to take his pill.  I don't believe that shit for a minute, he damn well has a source for drugs. Nick tells Madison to give it to Griselda because Griselda needs it more. Why the hell isn't Madison more suspicious?  Madison is shocked and points out the plan to wean and so puts the pill on the side of the pool in case Nick needs it.

A group of people are gathered in front of commanding officer Moyers for his announcement. Moyers announces that they are infection free for 6 miles around the base.  The DZ is off limits while they dispose of bio-hazard materials, anyone who tries to get around the border will be detained, sanitation will return as they get to total containment.  When the people ask about the people outside of the fence, they are informed they are but one of 12 camps and are lucky to be able to stay in their homes.

Alicia and Ofelia submit to a check over.  Travis is called to the side by Moyers to deal with Doug Thompson because he won't do the screening.  Moyers wants Travis to talk to him so that he isn't forced to take Doug down.  Given those options, Travis agrees to go and talk to Thompson.  When Travis enters the Thompson house, he sees Maria Thompson and the Thompson children in hazmat suits.  Maria says that Doug has locked himself away since dinner last night.  Apparently, Doug has always liked Travis, so Maria suggested that rather than having the military talk to Doug that it should be Travis.

Travis walks through a bedroom and finally finds Doug hiding out in the bathroom.  Doug is in full panic mode saying he doesn't think he can do it.  Doug is freaking out because his kids keep asking him if everything is going to be okay and he doesn't know how to respond.  Travis tells Doug that it's his job to tell the kids that everything will be okay and points out that his family needs him.  Hmm does this mean that Travis is not really the eternal optimist and actually has some doubts? Travis advises Doug to show the military and his family that he is okay.

Alicia is making her way through Susan's yard and in the process sees Madison painting the living room.  Alicia enters Patrick and Susan's home.  The pill bottle still lies ominously on the table.  Alicia makes her way into Susan's bedroom and looks at a framed drawing she made Susan when she was younger.  Clearly, the Clarke family meant a lot to Susan.  Alicia cries as she reads Susan's suicide note.

Liza is checking in on one of her patients. Liza has a clearly sick  Hector hooked up to a feeding tube. When Liza moves to leave, a grateful Cynthia offers her some soup for the road, clearly desperate to show her appreciation for all that Liza has done for her husband. Nick gets out of the pool and spies through the fence, as Liza leaves with the soup and Cynthia steps outside.

Chris takes the video to Madison and explains that though Travis dismissed it, there's a pattern to the flashing light.  Madison believes if someone is out there and needs help they would go to the soldiers. Chris points out that it may not be possible for them to do so and so Madison agrees to look at the footage.

When next we see Nick, he is under Hectors bed having removed Hector's medical drip and placing it in a vein between his toes. A junkie will be a junkie I suppose. I knew he was feeding his mother a complete line of bull.

Ofelia is making out with a soldier in a military vehicle beside the perimeter fence.  When things get a little intense, Ofelia asks that they slow down.  The soldier tells Ofelia that she is the only thing that makes him believe that they are still good people.  Ofelia asks about medicine for her mother and learns that the drugs are all locked up and that he has no access to it.  A message comes over the radio interrupting their conversation.

That night, Madison and Travis have sex in the garage.  Madison hops out of the car and says that she has things to do.  Travis asks her to come back but Madison continues to get dressed.  Travis asks what's going on and Madison brings up quarantine camps. Travis clarifies to say that he wants to know what is going on with her.  Madison asserts that Nicks needs to be watched and that Travis needs to pay positive attention to Chris.  Madison brings up Chris's video and Travis says that it's all a part of Chris's imagination.  Madison however believes that the video did show something. Travis and Madison argue about what the soldiers have done in nine days and Madison questions why the military cannot seem to get the phones working.  Travis thinks that Madison and Chris are being paranoid.

Continuum Season 4, Episode 4: Zero Hour

Alec is all angsty over his break up and Jason tries to tell him that Emily isn’t his mother so not the woman he’s supposed to be with. Alec is angry that Jason drove Emily away and lashes out –he isn’t the man Jason remembers, he isn’t Jason’s father, that isn’t him and he doesn’t actually want to become him.

On to Lucas’s funeral with Kiera and Alec discussing the whole complexity of what Lucas was fighting for and how Kiera has swapped sides and he went from an enemy to a missed ally and the general hugeness that is the development of this show.

Brad comes to the funeral and Kiera and Brad argue – he blames her, she blames him. Kiera finally starts asking some questions about what Brad’s people are doing. He says he knows nothing – but wants the key Kiera stole and Alec now has.

Uh-huh this sounds like a terrible idea – give him the key to their tech when he doesn’t know what it does.

Kiera goes to see Carlos after yet another high tech theft. More distrust. More secrecy. They hope Alec will have more information while Alec is busy trying to patch up with Jason (and the general awkwardness of “parenting kids twice your age”). Alec wants to know who his mother is but Jason is reluctant because it’s not the time yet... it’s a whole matter of whether Alec’s destiny is fixed or not

Brad and Soren raid a blood bank to steal… blood. Still lots of distrust going round. Of course, Brad on the security camera makes Carlos angry and adds to the distrust between Kiera and Carlos. Carlos finally has a time limit for Kiera to actually come up with something in the next day. Looking at the synopsis of what Alec things the future soldiers are building (a time travel device) Alec makes it clear he also doesn’t trust Brad. But he does worry that the future soldiers have made a super weapon

Kiera confronts Brad about this but he assures her that it’s not a bomb and they totally wouldn’t do that. He does have an address of a storage facility where they were storing something unknown. Mission talk then goes on to relationship talk – all watched by Curtis.

She checks the warehouse with Carlos – inside which is a dialysis machine.

Kellogg is also getting tired of his bodyguard, Vasquez, not telling him anything and tries to seduce her. She decides to strangle him since future him had already warned her that he is hella creepy when it comes to women.