Monday, August 20, 2012

Face off: I'm Team Evil!


There are, sadly, several shows out there where I find it difficult, if not impossible to identify with the protagonist. It could be the acting, it could be the awful writing, it could be because the character is an utterly passive, characterless null. It could be all three (hi Twilight).

But there’s something rarer. Something where, because of the story, the protagonists actually seem to be the bad guys, where the antagonists seem to be the ones in the right or, at very least, where they seem to have a very compelling case. Shows where, if we had to pick a side, we would be Team Evil.

I’m not talking about shows that are deliberately ambiguous and are exploring grey areas and complex plots - though I dearly hope these shows will develop that way as it’s probably the only way to redeem them - these shows seem to genuinely expect us to sympathise with the protagonist.


Continuum

Keira is from the future. She and a group of terrorists have returned to the past and she is fighting to stop them changing the future.

Personally, I kind of hope they do. Her future is a corporate dictatorship with large companies controlling government, people have “life debts”, there is no right to vote and severely restricted free speech and the population is heavily monitored. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg - there are numerous examples of abuse. The fact there are so many examples leaves me hopeful that maybe this is going to be addressed and considered in later episodes, especially with the revelation of the last episode - but so far we haven’t seen it and it is just a hope. As it stands, Keira is trying to create a dystopia which makes it awfully tempting to be Team Kagame. I actually think they have to make the terrorists so cavalier with loss of life because that’s the only thing that stops Keira being an outright villain.

Fangs for the Fantasy Book of the Week


Every week on the Fangs for the Fantasy podcast (archives here) we read a book and discuss it on the show. The review for the book of the week always goes up on 3:00pm (EST) on a Monday (Monday’s book review).

To give people a chance to read along with us, every Monday we’re also going to include a list of our planned books of the week for the next few shows, so people can get the books, read them and join in the conversation.

13/8-20/8: American Gods by Neil Gaiman
20/8-27/8: Night Shifted by Cassie Alexander
27/8-3/9: Storm Dancer by Jay Kristoff
3/9-10/9: Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman


We will discuss each book on the latter date – so on the 27th August, we will discuss Storm Dancer by Jay Kristoff

We will post a new list every Monday with any changes or new books.

True Blood Season Five, Episode Eleven: Sunset


The season opens with Bill hearing a female voice calling to him.  The door to the sanctuary where Lilith's blood is held opens.  Lilith appears covered in blood and says, "only one can lead us. I choose you." She then instructs him to drink all of the blood, but he shakes his no and walks away.  I don't know about you but I am getting tired of seeing Lilith covered in blood.

Nora is sitting by herself and she is remembering what Godric had to say and what Lilith did to Godric.  Her thoughts are interrupted by Salome, who asks if she has changed, but Nora turns the conversation to Russel.  Salome assures her that this is part of Lilith's plan and that Russel is inconsequential.  The two women share a kiss and Nora leaves to let the others know their plans.

Jessica grabs Bill's phone and she says that she wants to warn Jason because Russel is on the loose.  Bill says no and that part of accepting the word of Lilith is distancing themselves from the concerns of human.  He believes that the inhabitants of Bon Temps, including Jason and Sookie are little more than food.  Jessica asks about making Jason a vampire and Bill wants to know if she wants to be a maker. Jessica suggests that she loves Jason and that if she made him a vampire that they could be together and be blessed by Lilith.  Bill does not fall for it and points out that she is manipulating him.  Bill calls in two men to make sure that Jessica turns Jason and demands that they not let her out of their sight.

Eric is locked in a room and is pacing when Nora enters.  They begin to make love and she says repeatedly forgive me and asks what they are going to do.  Eric swears to get them out of there.  I wasn't fooled one minute by Eric's so called appeasement last week.

At the fae bar, Sookie is reflecting on the fact that she was sold over 300 years ago.  Sookie tells Jason that she believes that the vampire her ancestor sold her to came for her.  Jason reminds Sookie that Marella said that talking to an elder could give them some answers.  Jason tells her that he has to leave because of the vampire attacks and instructs her to stay where it's safe.

Limos pull up outside of the vampire authority and they are filled with military personnel. Salome welcomes a General and he demands immediately to see Roman.  The General demands to know what is going on because they bombed the true blood factories.  He reminds them about the arrangement that the U.S. government has with the authority and suggests that this time they have gone too far.  Apparently, there are talks at the pentagon about eradicating all vampires.  They tell him that they are sanguinist regime now.  The general calls them psychotic bloodsuckers. The general says that they have videos of Newlin and Edgington killing a sorority and reveals that the government are prepared and have weapons which the vampires have never heard of.  He makes it clear that humans own the day and that vampires don't have a chance.  As the general goes to leave, Eric breaks his neck.  I like this scene because it reminds everyone exactly how dangerous vampires are.

Jessica is waiting for Jason and she tells him that they can trust each other, clearly trying to send a message.  One guard starts pushing Jessica and threatens to turn Jason himself.  Back at the authority compound, the vampires are arguing about what their next move is. Eric says that he will go on a glamouring campaign and Nora says that if they act quickly they can handle the situation.  As they leave, Bill suggests that they take a security detail for backup. Clearly, he doesn't want to give either Nora or Eric the chance to do their own thing.

Jason and Jessica are being buried alive and says that she is sorry.  Jason sits up suddenly and shoots the guards.  Jessica tells him that Russel Edginton is after Sookie and that Bill and Eric aren't going to save her this time. Of course, Jason appoints himself Sookie's rescuer because heaven forbid we have an episode without a man Sookie's life running to protect her.

At Fangtasia, Pam tells her Tara that killing a sheriff is going to go up the chain to the authority.  Tara says fuck the authority and Pam commands her never to speak about Elijah again.  Pam is clearly scared and Tara has no idea about the force they are dealing with.  Jessica enters and asks Pam to hide her, but Pam says no.  Jessica tells Pam that she knows where Eric is and promises to tell if Pam agrees to hide her.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Autumn Line Up on Fangs for the Fantasy


Another Autumn season is with us folks. That means all our Summer shows are tucking up waiting for the Sun again and a lot of our old favourites are returning. Renee and I are discussing our Autumn line up, looking at what new shows we’re going to follow and add to our big list – we’ve already got our eyes on 666 Park Avenue and Revolution as well as a few others

But it’s hard to keep track of what is being released – especially in different countries (we missed Almighty Johnsons when it first appeared in New Zealand – and we love that show) so we’re turning to the readers.

What do you want us to watch? What’s coming up that you intend to watch? What shows should we know about?

Remember, we just need an element of the fantastic – sci-fi, fantasy, urban fantasy, dystopia – and it’s on our list.

We’re looking for shows that are current – but if you’ve got a show that’s been cancelled you think might be worth us looking at then chip in as well.

We will, of course, continue to watch the shows we’ve started that are returning this Autumn:

Dark Angel, Season 1, Episode 8: Blah Blah Woof Woof


 Max has a whole new problem. After last week Lydecker is now sure about what she looks like – and is determined to find Max. Using a photofit ID, they set a $50,000 reward for her, framing her for the murder of Vogelsang (killed by Zack). The poster is quickly distributed across the city and at all the check points.

As Max moves through the city she has several close calls and does her best to hide but, ultimately, she is spotted . She quickly has to fight her way through several police, but Lydecker has locked down the area and sends in troops. She manages to get a call to Original Cindy – which Zack picks up. Yes, Zack is back in town having noticed the many posters for Max’s arrest – he plans to get her out of town. (Original Cindy and Normal both confused by his reappearance)

Zack drops in on Logan and enlists his help – Logan calls Matt Sun, his contact in the police to run as much interference as possible – then they both head out to South Market, where Max is hiding and dodging the huge police and Mantecore presence. Max’s escape involves a lot of running, a lot of very inaccurate gun fire and Max grabbing a line Zack left and swinging up and over the barricade – right into Logan’s hands.

He drives them out of the city, to his cabin in the woods, where Max and Zack can lay low until they leave the area. Max says goodbye to Logan and offers him a chance to join them – of course he can’t, he’ll slow them down and he has Eyes Only to run – it’s a stilted but highly emotional goodbye, especially the kiss.

Of course, Zack is extremely pleased with Max leaving Seattle as he always advised her and has a nice trip down memory lane of the escape and his first glance of the real world

Her friends notice the resemblance in the photograph but, despite some wavering on Sketch’s part (settled quickly by Original Cindy). Unfortunately, Normal has no such loyalty. He heads to the police station – and runs right into Matt Sun. He gets the run around and Matt Sun uses the corruption of the force against Normal, pretending to extort money out of him.

Hex, Season 2, Episode 8: Where the Heart Is


So last week, for reasons unknown (but may be related to his hotness) Ella was utterly unable to fulfil her life’s work and kill Malachi. Instead we’re going to have teen angst instead.

Beginning with a pleasant pub, Thelma and Malachi trying to make nice with her after he lashed out last episode; trying to explain how hard he’s finding things especially since, technically, he’s 6 months old and has lost both parents. She begins to feel sympathy and he empathises with her being so on her own and asks who she would want to be with if she had the chance. Reluctantly, Thelma plays the game and points out a woman she likes.

And that woman is suddenly hit by a car.

It’s also Ella’s birthday – and Leon has got her a 446 birthday cake and a beautiful necklace (awww, sweet little puppy). He has a surprise for her tonight – a surprise that apparently Malachi has insinuated himself into. There’s more of Malachi trying to flirt and telling Ella he’s her perfect man and Ella saying “rawwwr I will kill you!” which is much less convincing after the whole sword-at-the-neck thing. After which the immortal woman with super powers laments to the powerless, isolated, unable to talk to people or touch people ghost, Thelma, how much she wants a normal life and a normal relationship and how hard it is to be an Annointed One and how no-one cares about her. Alas, Thelma does not slap her a good one for this. Thelma encourages Ella to find what happiness she can – her life’s too long to spend it miserable.

Leon, Tom, Alex, Ella and Malachi all go to a Chinese restaurant (the surprise) and discuss Ella’s multi-faceted past and Ella spends some time wandering off on her own with Malachi, doing absinthe shots and more flirting. Because that’s very classy when you’re boyfriend has taken you out for a meal with friends for a birthday surprise. Ella, you are making me pity Leon, the show already transformed his character between seasons but I draw the line at pitying him.

The normality of the whole celebration bothers Ella until she bursts into tears and tells Leon that she just can’t be his girlfriend, she can’t celebrate birthdays when they’re so meaningless to someone who is nearly 500 years old, she can’t stay with him and have kids and have a family and grow old together and he needs a normal girl – she leaves in tears.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Alphas Sneak Peak


The Almighty Johnsons, Season Two, Episode Four: Death's Cleansing Embrace

After Ty closes Eva's eyes, he leaves the freezer to find Agnetha waiting for him in a jump suit wearing yellow rubber gloves.  She suggests that he avoids calling the police and then complains that she has been waiting for him all night.  In shock Ty tells her that Eva is dead and Agnetha simply says, "is she?" and asks if he is sad she is dead.  When Ty answers yes, she says that it's the shock.  Ty realises that Agentha locked Eva in the freezer.  When Ty again expresses shock that Agnetha killed Eva, she responds, "someone had to."

When Ty sits in shock Agnetha tells him to keep it short because they have a limited window of opportunity.  We are then treated to a flashback of Agnetha killing Eva. She asks if Ty was aware that she was on anti-depressants and we get to another flash to Eva forcing drugs down her throat.  She tells him the level of police involvement is up to him and she won't fight or deny what she did but because of what Eva was doing to him, she is proud of her actions.  Ty yells, "I was going to leave her.  After what she did to Dawn, I was going to leave her." Agnetha shakes her head and responds, "she would never have allowed that."  Ty wraps Eva in plastic and puts her body in the truck, and he drives to a park with Agnetha following in Eva's car.  When they arrive, Ty unwraps Eva and Agnetha tells him to throw her over the bank.  Agnetha quickly packs up and Ty stands for a moment over Eva's body to say he is sorry.

The two drive back into the city and Agnetha tells him that he has to keep calling Eva and leaving messages.  Ty promises to call some of Eva's friends and ask if anyone has seen her. Agnetha says that if the police don't find her by the early evening that Ty should call them and report her missing and emphasis her erratic behavior. Ty says that she doesn't have a history of murder but there are a few people who would believes this.  Agnetha finishes with the suggestion that Ty avoid calling her in the foreseeable future, to which Ty responds, "I can live with that," before getting out of the car.

Agnetha goes back to the office and talks to Anders.  She asks about Dawn and he says that she is a nice girl and not bad if you like your biscuits plain. Agnetha asks if Dawn can be persuaded to do the right thing at the right time and Anders responds, "by me she can, but then most women can." Anders wants to know what she has in mind for Dawn and Agnetha says, "I want her to keep her mouth shut," but before she can tell Anders why, Dawn enters the office. 

Ty goes to Mike's bar and leaves Eva a message. He explains that when he got home that Eva was not there.  He then goes on to phone Loki who tells him to go away. Olaf and Ingrid enter the bar arm in arm.  Olaf looks at Ty and quips about him fulfilling a false prophecy, which freaks Ty out until he learns that Olaf was only joking about Ty being the the guardian of the last beer on earth.  Mike hands over two beers and Olaf quips about them being free, but Ty puts money on the bar to pay for them, before leaving saying that he has to find Eva.  

When Ty returns, he hears a noise in the freezer and it turns out that it's Colin, who apologises for being short with him earlier. He wants to know where Eva is and says that she was supposed to leave him some venison.  Yeah, I though that was weird. He then asks if Eva is cheating on Ty.  When Ty says no, Colin again asks where she is. Suddenly there is a knock at the door and it's the police. Colin asks "what's the stupid little bitch done now?"  The cop says that they have found a body and Colin and Ty go to the station and identify Eva's body.  Colin asks for a moment alone with Ty and as soon as the cop leaves, he attacks Ty asking "what did you do?"  Ty says that he did nothing but Colin responds, "no daughter of mine would walk into a forest to fucking die.  Eva hated fucking trees and do not lie to me. Do not tell me that it was suicide; no way would she wimp out like that."  I have to admit that given Colin's relationship with Eva, I am a touch surprised at his violent response.  They begin to circle Eva's body throwing accusations back and forth until Colin says, "you are a dead man," before leaving the room.

At Colin's house, he is ranting in front of Michele.  Michel asks if Colin has any actual evidence that Ty killed Eva and he responds, "I looked into his eyes and that is all the evidence that I need."  Ty goes to see Dawn at Anders office. She thanks him for getting her home and saving her life in the process. Ty says he is sorry that she got put in that position and says that Eva is dead.  Dawn says that she is so sorry and asks how he is doing.  Ty answers that he is okay.  When Dawn asks what happened, Ty responds that Eva killed herself and that it wasn't because of Dawn.  Ty says that he wants to keep Dawn out of it and that though he told the police he was with a friend, he didn't give them her name. Ty says that he has to go and that there are things that need to be organized.

Back at Ty's, Eva's grim followers are holding a vigil playing her music.  Mike asks if the police got in touch, and Ty says that they are waiting on toxicology.  Ingrid brings over some food and Stacey comes back from the door with a dead wreath.  Ingrid tells her that she no longer has to handmaiden Eva because she is dead and points out that she was never really Hel's handmaiden to begin with. Stacey says that she has nothing else to do. When Zeb comes in, he starts checking out the Emo's until Axl points out that it is too soon.