#Mr. & Mrs. Smith Season 1 Review

[oneofusnet]

Screener Squad: Mr. and Mrs. Smith MR. AND MRS. SMITH SERIES REVIEW Where does an early 2000’s successful rom com action blockbuster IP go after the credits roll and the hot leads would rather die than work together ever again? Why, to a streaming 8 episode series of course! Creators Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane bring you a very new take on Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Our two star-crossed lovers, played by Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, find themselves placed together by the deep cover super secret organization they work for. They are given the code names John and Jane Smith and pose as a married… Read More »Screener Squad: Mr. and Mrs. Smith read more on One of Us

[hollywoodalreadydidit]

Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024) - Season 1 Review (MILD SPOILERS) Terrence can't stop thinking about the weird blend of "Atlanta"-isms with the #MrandMrsSmith structure that make this new #DonaldGlover and #MayaErskine work so well. Oh, and Parker Posey!!

[doctorwho-rewatch]

S4E12 & S4E13 - The Stolen Earth & Journey's End

★★★★☆

This is like Doctor Who: The Greatest Hits and I bloody love it. The Doctor? Check. Companions past and present? Check. Torchword? Daleks? The universe about to blow up again? Check, check and check.

Is this the strongest two-parter finale? No. While The Stolen Earth builds up a very horrifying tension with a decent cliffhanger, in Journey's End there's a very rushed resolution that seems unsatisfying - Donna flicking a couple of switches ends the entire Davros strategy and reality bomb? After entire planets were blinked out of existence? But this is is less about plot and more about character fan service. So I'm reviewing how they ended up.

Jackie and Pete 2.0 - they are together and expecting little Pete 3.0. Cute. 5 stars.

Sarah Jane and her kid - safe at home with K9 and Mr Smith. Love that for them. Sarah Jane got her proper goodbye with the Doctor, finally. 5 stars.

Captain Jack and the Torchwood gang - they live another day to keep saving Wales from more sex aliens. Class. 4 stars.

Martha - fuck you RTD for pairing her up with Mickey the Tin Dog. What happened to being engaged to hot Lucifer doctor?? My girl Martha always with the thankless job. 1 star.

Rose - as if Rose hadn't suffered enough heartbreak on a beach, here we are again. The real Doctor is there and dangled in front of her, but here's his Metacrisis human version that she has to settle for knowing that the real Doctor is going to continue on his adventures again and not with her...again. She gets to fix a man, yippee! It's not the happy ending I remember it being when I watched it as a teen. 2 stars.

Donna - oh Donna. You grew on me so much this season and to have your memories wiped in this way is beyond cruel. Hers is the ending of the series that we mourn. All those adventures in time and space that basically never happened. Because you know she's going back to her dull life in Chiswick where her self-esteem drops and her mum berates her all the time. It was painful and so 4 stars for that.

QUOTE: "I just want you know there are worlds out there safe in the sky because of her. And there are people living in the light and singing songs of Donna Noble a thousand million light years away. They will never forget her. While she can never remember. But for one moment, one shining moment, she was the most important woman in the whole wide universe." "She still is. She’s my daughter."

[thealogie]

what's on your to-watch list? (i sent in an ask about a show some weeks ago and now am having brainfog :(()

I’m gonna start tagging the recs people send me so I can go back to them because currently I just keep a mental list of the next few things I’m gonna watch and then when I run out I try to browse recs people sent me and/or read reviews. My current watch list is as follows (I don’t think it includes many recent tumblr ask recs):

Tv shows: Mr and Mrs Smith (so good), true detective season 1 rewatch, true detective season 4 (I’ll at least give it a try), Atlanta rewatch, criminal record, Stephen Mangan’s zoom show

Movies: sanctuary, descendent, the color purple, do the right thing (rewatch of a fave movie)

[angelofverdum]

Series Reviews Masterpost

2021

The Umbrella Academy

Orange is the new black

2022

Dead To Me - Season 03

The English

2023

The Wire

Derry Girls

Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin

Swarm

Class of 07

Harlots

Mrs Davis

Schitt's Creek

Black Mirror

Community

Silo

The Horror of Dolores Roach

Secret Invasion

The Good Wife

Disenchantment S05

Harley Quinn S04

The Fall of the house of usher

The Good Fight

Orphan Black: Echoes

The Crown S06 - Part 1

Chucky

2024

Griselda (2024)

The Americans

Elsbeth

The Veil

Station 19 S06-S07

The Bear S03

Desperate Housewives

Mr and Mrs Smith (2024)

Palm Royale

House of the Dragon S02e08

The Diplomat

Found

The Gilded Age

The Penguin Ep 1

Grey's Anatomy s21e02 03

Ugly Betty

Wentworth

[ghostoftonantzin]

Books I read this year, 2024

Once again I'm doing a write-up of the books I read last year, a couple weeks into 2025 because I keep getting sidetracked. I read fewer books (34) than 2023 and listened to many fewer audiobooks (5), probably because I was driving less.

Overall it was a pretty good year for books, though I did have a bit of a lull in the summer. I intend to be more intentional with the books I read in 2025 and try and cut through my very long TBR list.

List of books with my short opinions on them below the cut:

False Colours, by Georgette Heyer (1/2) - could not put this one down. Loved the love interest and her no-nonsense attitude.

Rouge, by Mona Awad (1/7) - pretty good, very adaptable for film with some memorable imagery. Prose was fine.

Stiff*, by Mary Roach (1/9) - interesting, enjoyable, last line made me giggle and was especially wonderful the way the narrator read it.

Cotillion, by Georgette Heyer (1/18) - this was the Heyer I've seen most commonly recommended, but with the caveat that I should read other Heyer novels first to better enjoy the subversion. And I did enjoy it! Very cute, maybe my favorite Heyer I've read so far.

Wasteland*, by W. Scott Poole (1/26) - very thought-provoking read(/listen) regarding the history of horror as a genre and the effect of World War I on the psyche of Europeans and their understanding of death.

The Weather in the Streets, by Rosamond Lehmann (1/31) - Sequel to Invitation to the Waltz, which I read in 2023. Last line kicked me in the teeth, in a good way.

Season of the Witch*, by Peter Bebergal (2/19) - fine. I mostly associate this with driving around in miserable gray winter weather.

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency*, by Alexander McCall Smith (2/29) - again, mostly associated with driving around looking at apartments in the dregs of winter. The narrator is fantastic, but not enough to buoy me out of the aforementioned dregs of winter glum.

The Sadeian Woman and the Ideology of Pornography, by Angela Carter (2/29) - really interesting, and I'm not smart enough to really articulate my thoughts on it in a manner worthy of the text.

Mawdew Czgowchz, by James McCourt (3/6) - some of the densest prose I have ever encountered, but not in a bad way. Wild, operatic plot, which is fitting, as it concerns an opera singer and her obsessive fanbase. I assume opera fans are not this obsessive and influential in real life, but wouldn't it be fun if they were?

Wyrd Sisters, by Terry Pratchett (3/9) - I like Pratchett's work, haven't read a ton of it, enjoyed this thoroughly. Read it using the hoopla app on my phone.

Witches Abroad, by Terry Pratchett (3/16) - basically the same opinion as above.

Fat Boys: A Slim Volume, by Sander L. Gilman (3/26) - read for its section on castrati, but the most memorable parts concerned the public perception of fat baseball players at the peak of the sport's role in American culture.

Transformations, by Anne Sexton (4/15) - I'm afraid I cannot really remember reading this one.

After Leaving Mr. Mackenzie, by Jean Rhys (4/26) - my second Rhys novel, after reading Good Morning, Midnight in 2023. Unfortunately I rushed finishing this one because I needed to return it to the library, which probably affected my opinion, but I did feel it wasn't as good as the former.

By the North Door, by Meg Elizabeth Atkins (5/12) - I picked this one up, along with Cousin Suzanne and another novel, at a library used book sale because I'd never heard of it and it looked like it was from the 70s/80s. The most memorable thing was that I couldn't figure out if it was set in the United States or England, and I still can't remember which it turned out to be.

Cousin Suzanne, by Myrna Bluth (6/16) - one review described this positively as "a satire without teeth", which seems to miss the point of satire. I read most of this one either sitting on a pier of laying in a hammock, which is the proper place to consume it.

Five Days Gone*, by Laura Cumming (6/18) - I got the feeling that there were italic sections and section breaks in the print version of this book that were not properly represented in the audiobook, making it difficult to discern changes implied changes in perspective. However, I found this book's focus on interpreting and describing visual primary sources fascinating, as well as its ability to slowly reveal new facets of what seems to be a cut-and-dry incident to the reader.

84 Charing Cross Road, by Helene Hanff (6/29) - did not realize this was nonfiction when I bought it (at a different used book sale), which made it sweeter and sadder.

Possession, by A.S. Byatt (8/4) - I understand why this was such a massive success at its time; it successfully convinces the reader of the high-stakes of literary academia and weaves together mystery and romance, capturing the page-turning qualities of both. Funny enough, I found it less "literary" in terms of structure and plot than some other books I read this year. I recommended this to my mother, and it may have been her favorite read of the year.

The Eagle of the Ninth, by Rosemary Sutcliff (8/21) - enjoyable children's chapter book. Though I probably enjoyed it more than I would have as a child, having learned more about Roman history since then.

The Harness Room, by L.P. Hartley (8/24) - interesting example of early gay British fiction. I expected it to end tragically, but not that tragically.

Not Quite Dead Enough, by Rex Stout (8/27) - the second Nero Wolfe book I've read. A good mystery, not as memorable as the one I read before.

Ex-Wife, by Ursula Parrott (9/3) - it was fascinating to read this and see how far we've come, and how far we haven't come, with regards to feminism and marriage and divorce. And for all of it's sparkling, fast-paced prose, this book is shot through with melancholy and heartbreak. One of my favorite books of the year. (Also another one I recommended to my mom.)

To Bed with Grand Music, by Marghanita Lanski (9/13) - to be honest, I was compelled to read this one because the title was so fantastic (and because the story sounded compelling, of course). I have not seen Uncut Gems, but I feel like this is the Uncut Gems of mid-century British women writers, in terms of producing anticipatory anxiety of catastrophic downfall throughout the story. That being said, I didn't enjoy it as much as anticipated. Maybe on reread I can relax and appreciate it more.

Big Swiss, by Jen Beagin (9/20) - I didn't realize the narrator was in her forties until partway through, a fact that I found made the narrative more enjoyable. It was good. I enjoyed the details about living in upstate New York.

The Cook, by Harry Kressing (9/21) - very strange, parable-like novel. I enjoyed it, but don't have much to say about it.

The Blue Star, by Robert Ferro (9/28) - saw this in a used bookstore, had never heard of the author, bought it because it looked not-too-recent and gay. I loved its descriptions of gay desire and the way it navigated the pressures of family and societal expectations.

Kairos, by Jenny Erpenbeck (10/19) - this one knocked me on my ass. Do you ever read something and just sit back and watch the author set up their shot and sink it perfectly, the arc of a projectile perfectly hitting its mark? That's what reading this book feels like. It's so ambitious and yet straddles the weight of Germany in the 20th century and classical mythology with ease. So many little turns of phrase that took my breath away. I don't know if this was my favorite book I read this year, but I can say with certainty that it was the best.

Saint Sebastian's Abyss, by Mark Haber (10/27) - fun use of language and centered around two incredibly pretentious academics, two things I (almost) always enjoy in a book.

The Enchanted April, by Elizabeth von Armin (11/15) - heartwarming, lightweight, but well-written. Has that enjoyable ending of everything falling into place without having it feel unearned.

Perfume: the Story of a Murderer, by Patrick Suskind (11/21) - I swear some blogger whose taste I generally trust liked this book, though hell if I'm going to go back and find the post now. I thought it was fine, but honestly struggled to get through it in parts.

Journey into the Mind's Eye, by Lesley Blanch (12/1) - I've been meaning to read this one for years, and finally picked it up at the annual NYRB sale. I'm so glad I read it, though the extensive digressions into Russian history did drag at points, because I'm still turning it over in my mind. It creates an interesting compare/contrast with Kairos in regards to the start/end of the Soviet Union, reality/fiction, both books concerning an affair between an older man and a younger woman... Blanch also does a really good job of describing the feeling of being fascinated by another culture that is not your own.

The Servant, by Robin Maugham (12/7) - not to agree with the introduction, but this did feel almost more like the draft of a book than a book, though I admire how concise it is. The scene where the two main characters are arguing while standing up and sitting down between toasts at a formal dinner made me laugh, though.

The Employees, by Olga Ravn (12/18) - I read it, I enjoyed it alright, I did not have the strong lingering thoughts afterward that it was probably meant to provoke in me.

Divorcing, by Susan Taubes (12/21) - this did drag at the end, but the script-style rendition of the protagonist's imagined divorce trial in the afterlife was a riot and the high point of the book.

The Yiddish Policemen's Union, by Michael Chabon (12/25) - the protagonist of this novel has the same last name as the protagonist of Divorcing, which was an interesting coincidence. The hardboiled style of narration was a bit difficult to get through at first, but it grew on me.

My Death, by Lisa Tuttle (12/26) - read almost entirely in the car. I wish it had included a bit more literary analysis nerdery. I do need to check out more of Tuttle's work.

The Snow Ball, Brigid Brophy (12/31) - sliding in right under the wire. I thought the ending was a little too obviously symbolic and foreshadowed. Delicious, lush prose.

[ulkaralakbarova]

A devoted wife and mother leads a secret life as a CIA agent until her husband’s article exposes a scandal, putting her identity and loved ones at risk. As her world crumbles, she must navigate the fallout of her double life. Credits: TheMovieDb. Film Cast: Valerie Plame: Naomi Watts Joseph Wilson: Sean Penn Sam Plame: Sam Shepard Bill: Noah Emmerich Jack: Michael Kelly Jim Pavitt: Bruce McGill Scooter Libby: David Andrews Paul: Tim Griffin Dr. Zahraa: Liraz Charhi Hammad: Khaled El Nabawy Chanel Suit: Sonya Davison Tabir Secretary #1: Vanessa Chong Hafiz: Anand Tiwari Tabir Secretary #2: Stephanie Chai Fred: Ty Burrell Sue: Jessica Hecht Steve: Norbert Leo Butz Lisa: Rebecca Rigg Diana: Brooke Smith Jeff: Tom McCarthy Samantha Wilson: Ashley Gerasimovich Trevor Wilson: Quinn Broggy CIA Tour Leader: Nicholas Sadler CPD Agent: Iris Bahr Minister of Mines – Niger: Ghazil Joe Turner: Kristoffer Ryan Winters Nervous Analyst #1: Louis Ozawa CIA Analyst #1: Sean Mahon Professor Badawi: Mohamed Abdel Fatah Kim: Rashmi Rao Nervous Dave: David Denman Nervous Analyst #2: Remy Auberjonois Ali: Sunil Malhotra Jordan Officer #1: Kevin Makely Mukhabarat Officer: Mousa Al Satari Hammad’s Son: Rafat Basel Hammad’s Wife: Maysa Abdel Sattar B.U. Professor: Judith Resnik B.U. Student #1: Ben Mac Brown B.U. Student #2: Satya Bhabha Iraqi Scientist #1: Nabil Koni Iraqi Scientist #2: Mohammad Al Sawalqa Beth: Jenny Maguire Pete: David Warshofsky Ari Fleischer: Geoffrey Cantor Journalist #1: David Ilku Journalist #2: Deidre Goodwin Journalist #3: Donna Placido Karl Rove: Adam LeFevre Steven Hadley: Brian McCormack Andrew Card: James Rutledge Cathie Martin: Tricia Munford David Addington: Michael Goodwin Mr. Tabir: Nassar Dir. of CIA Operations: Chet Grissom Internal Security Officer: James Joseph O’Neil Supporter #1: Danni Lang Supporter #2: Jane Lee Field Reporter #1: James Moye Field Reporter #2: Judy Maier Diane Plame: Polly Holliday Businessman #1: Kola Ogundiran Businessman #2: Byron Utley Right Wing Reporter: Anastasia Barzee DC Cab Driver: Sanousi Sesay Barista (uncredited): Angela Lewis Deceased Soldier’s Daughter (uncredited): Michelle E. Mancini UN Diplomat (uncredited): Rebekah Paltrow Neumann Iraqi Server (uncredited): Barbara Grace Romano Four Seasons Waitress (uncredited): Satu Runa Warehouse Supervisor (uncredited): Kaipo Schwab Head Paparazzo (uncredited): Harry L. Seddon Turkish Diplomat (uncredited): Kent Sladyk Vietnam Vet at Rally (uncredited): Bill Walters Film Crew: Producer: Doug Liman Screenplay: John-Henry Butterworth Producer: Jez Butterworth Book: Joseph Wilson Associate Producer: Sean Gesell Makeup Department Head: Michal Bigger Line Producer: Pete Singh Key Hair Stylist: Amanda Miller Line Producer: Anadil Hossain Line Producer: Bruce Wayne Gillies Line Producer: Carson Ng Original Music Composer: John Powell Executive Producer: Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei Associate Producer: Gerry Robert Byrne Line Producer: Wesam Seif Elislam Hairstylist: Lisa Hazell Book: Valerie Plame Executive Producer: Jeff Skoll Co-Producer: Avram Ludwig Stunt Coordinator: G. A. Aguilar Stunt Coordinator: Peter Bucossi Co-Producer: Kim H. Winther Casting: Joseph Middleton Producer: Bill Pohlad Co-Producer: David Sigal Producer: Janet Zucker Set Decoration: Sara Parks Executive Producer: David Bartis Executive Producer: Mari-Jo Winkler Costume Design: Cindy Evans Producer: Jerry Zucker Editor: Christopher Tellefsen Stunts: Anthony Vincent Producer: Akiva Goldsman Art Direction: Kevin Bird Production Design: Jess Gonchor Stunts: Stephen A. Pope Executive Producer: Kerry Foster Movie Reviews:

[dollycas]

Miss Morton and the Deadly Inheritance (A Miss Morton Mystery) by Catherine Lloyd #Spotlight / #Giveaway @KensingtonBooks

Miss Morton and the Deadly Inheritance (A Miss Morton Mystery) International Historical Mystery 3rd in Series Setting - England Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington (August 20, 2024) Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496740645 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496740649 Kindle ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CNYL4QQW Audiobook ASIN B0DCZZLSMH Audio CD ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CZ7JTYW9 Social standing is everything in Regency England���and no one knows better than Miss Caroline Morton, a lady’s companion from a disgraced line. But when she has a chance to claim what’s rightfully hers, the one obstacle in her way is a dangerous murder mystery . . . Miss Caroline has doubts when she receives an urgent invitation from a London law firm to discuss her late father’s estate. After all, the dishonored Earl of Morton died without a pound sterling to pass on to his two daughters. But while immersing herself in helping Mrs. Frogerton’s capricious daughter navigate the high social season, Caroline meets with a cagey lawyer, Mr. Smith, who shares life-altering news—the earl composed a second will, leaving behind an undisclosed fortune. Mrs. Frogerton, however, is thoroughly unimpressed with the firm’s conduct and suspicious of their true motives. Her instinct proves right when the two ladies find the office ransacked, staff in turmoil, and Mr. Smith missing. The full weight of the situation doesn’t sink in until Mr. Smith dies following a brutal attack on the street—discovered with an empty envelope bearing Caroline’s name in his pocket. With a connection forming between two deaths at the firm, Caroline can’t imagine why anyone would kill twice over the contents of a will. Further complicating matters is the amorous Mr. DeBloom—who claims his mother goaded the earl into making bad investments and promises to link Caroline to her inheritance—and the disappearance of Susan, her younger sister. As Caroline unwittingly becomes the center of both a criminal case and a sordid love triangle, she must tread with caution while seeking the truth . . . because someone is waiting to reduce her to nothing more than a signature on a dotted line. About the Author Catherine Lloyd grew up in London, England in the middle of a large family of girls. She quickly decided her imagination was a wonderful thing and was often in trouble for making stuff up. She finally worked out she could make a career out of this when she moved to the USA with her husband and four children and began writing fiction. With a background in historical research and a love of old-fashioned mysteries, she couldn't resist the opportunity to wonder what a young Regency Miss Marple might be like, and how she would deal with a far from pleasant hero of the Napoleonic wars. You can find Catherine Lloyd's website at http://www.catherine-lloyd.com Also Written by Catherine Lloyd  Thanks to the publisher I have 1 Advance Review Copy of Miss Morton and the Deadly Inheritance to give away! The contest is open to anyone over 18 years old with a US or Canadian mailing address. Duplicate entries will be deleted. Void where prohibited. You do not have to be a follower to enter but I hope you will find something you like here and become a follower. Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow. Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Following My Facebook Fan Page. Add this book to your WANT TO READ shelf on GoodReads for 3 Bonus Entries. Follow Kensington Books on Twitter for 2 Bonus Entries! Follow Kensington Publishing on Facebook for 2 Bonus Entries! Pin this giveaway to Pinterest for 3 Bonus Entries. If you share the giveaway on Threads, X, or Facebook or anywhere you will receive 5 Bonus Entries For Each Link. The  Contest Will End on October 17, 2024, at 11:59 PM CST The Winner Will Be Chosen Using Random.org The Winner Will Be Notified By Email and Will Be Posted Here In The Sidebar. Click Here For Entry Form Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Escape With Dollycas.   Read the full article

[oceanusborealis]

Mr. & Mrs. Smith: Season 1 – TV Review

TL;DR – This fascinatingly compelling series that took the essence of the film and then turned everything up to eleven while providing a slightly more plausible scenario. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5. Disclosure – I paid for the Amazon Prime service that viewed this series.End Credit Scene – Infidelity & A Breakup have mid-credit scenes. Mr. & Mrs. Smith Review – If you are of my age, then you…

[wherever-i-look-blog]

Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Season 1/ Episode 2 – Episode Recap & Review http://tinyurl.com/ype88eft

[purehot0]

Mr. & Mrs. Smith Season 1 - Official Trailer | Prime Video | + Quick Review

[e350tb]

Okay, I’ve picked a category to sift through, and I’ve found ‘characters who should be in prison.’ It should be noted that ‘Life is Strange characters’ is a subcategory of this (as is, entertainingly, ‘police officers’.) But still, people who commit crimes? I supposed they could be loathsome, let’s see who’s there!

Here are a list of people I found on the list that made me raise an eyebrow

Buck Cluck (fair)

Daffy Duck (but only in the mid-1960s)

Dash Baxter (I mean he’s a dick I guess...)

Homer Simpson, but only after Season 11

Jerry Smith (Seasons 1-3) (I would actually say that Jerry is probably the only member of the Smith family who doesn’t have a rap sheet worth eight life sentences but what do I know?)

Kana (wait, from the Thomas the Tank Engine reboot? What, does she smuggle meth?)

Mario (Bob Hoskins version)

Tails?!

Mr. and Mrs. Turner (fair)

Mr. Krabs (fair)

Optimus Prime?! (War for Cybertron version)

Patrick Star (...fair)

Ramsay Bolton (look, I’ve only watched the Ozzyman Reviews recaps of GOT, but he dies in a cell, doesn’t he?)

THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE

Look, I’ve taken these completely out of context, but I’m imagining Optimus Prime in the Hague right now, and that’s better than any context.

I just found the 'Loathsome Characters' wiki (which sounds like General Hux just joined fandom) and it has a 'filler character' category

fandom is dead and we have killed it

[jarofrebuke-transcripts]

Jar of Rebuke Episode 11 Unofficial Transcript

Season 1 Episode 11: Observations B

INTRO

The following audio recording is classified documentation for case [audio distortion]

GIA

I'm sorry, I'm not sure what that was. This equipment is in dire need of upgrades. This is Dr. Gia Castillo. The following audio recording is classified documentation for case H57. The subject has proven to be a bit... stubborn? Annoying? Well perhaps “difficult” is the best word. Ideally things would just go smoothly so that I could get back to what I was actually hired to do. I have a PhD in zoology, I have spent thousands of dollars for my education and title, but this? This? This is asinine, this is absolutely ludicrous, this is flat out stupid. There's no reason for this much time, effort, and money to be spent on Todd's little pet project. I was hired to examine how pollution and radiation could lead to the creation of these creatures, from afar. The local deer population for example? All of that research was led by me from my lab. Processing the radioactivity readings, exposure rates, things that could have led to the possible creation of the not-dear? In my professional opinion, is quite solid. And now? Now I'm playing babysitter to some… thing that Todd told me to watch over via nanny cam because he's too scared to. I have to play lab partner with something that never even earned its degree, yet still gets the title? I'll have to edit all of that out.

Today the subject took that hellhound on a walk after breakfast, which was then followed by some time watching television, a shower and then a frantic phone call. I won't know who it called until after a system synced tonight to pick up all the data from its phone and audio journal but it exhibited clear behavior and body language of being in quite a panic. It sat down and had started to record a session in its audio journal. While the audio journaling has remained as consistent as before, there have been some changes in its other behaviors. My recent findings have shown that the subject has been quite resistant to Dr. Daman’s sessions as of late. By the sound of its complaints and also of Dr. Daman's reports, the resistance is only worsening. Which led to another observer being brought in not too long ago- Mr. Zimmer. Now that I have the utter displeasure of working with him, my luck only continues to sour. Anyways, through the audio files and also the footage from the cameras, we are seeing signs of something else for us to look into. It taking in that hellhound as a pet of all things was both simultaneously surprising but also not too out of character for what we have seen previously. Creatures like those tend to be drawn to one another. But now there appears to be a third creature of sorts wandering around that particular home. We need to look further into what's captured on our recordings. The subject has mentioned to Dr. Daman seeing shadows around its home so that may be a good start for us. With that hellhound, Grove I believe it's taken to calling it, the team has agreed that it's best if that creature isn't around to further influence the subject. Of course the influence isn't intentional on the hellhound’s part per se, but the subject's empathy towards other supernatural creatures has only amplified since taking it in. That puts quite a hindrance on the goal that we were given by Todd, so it needs to go.

Dr. Daman suggested perhaps staging a sort of “running away from home” that pets tend to do. That may be our best course of action but putting this into action will take more time and planning. And we have also tried to get rid of those black-eyed children that keep tapping on its door. A bit of pest control as Todd calls it but well, in Mr. Zimmer's words- like roaches they don't die easily and they will come back. They seem to become only more adamant about being let into the subject's house. After the subject's investigation of those melon head children in the woods, Todd has decided that it'd be best to attempt to round them up and bring them in as well. Too dangerous to leave them out, he claims. Eating people seems to be the line, but Todd has shown no concern with the creature our subject encountered out in the river. I believe he has a certain disdain for creatures with child-like forms, at least that's a theme I've observed.

[door opens] Ah, what brings me the pleasure of your company?

LIAM

Ah, Gia, hello! I just came to check in and see how we were doing today, do a check in with the patient. How is it doing today?

GIA

That is Dr. Castillo, Mr. Zimmer. It just sat down to record a session of the audio journal. It was rather wise for Dr. Daman to encourage that, giving us a clear look into its thoughts. Of course what exactly it's saying I won't know until later tonight once the cloud collects the data, though it just got off of the phone with someone and has been pacing around the room quite nervously while talking.

LIAM

Fascinating. It's always so adamant about the supposed feelings it has. If I didn't know any better, I would say that it's practically human in every way! Look at it- the stress, the agitation. You know, the way that it so often curls into itself in our sessions truly is human. If only it knew the truth.

GIA

We're here to see how long we can keep the truth from it. I know you're using this to satiate personal curiosities, Mr. Zimmer, but we do have a goal to attain, and we must treat this as if we only have one shot at it.

LIAM

Oh of course, of course. But you can't tell me it's not incredibly curious. It acts so human and doesn't even think for a second that it might not be? Even though it's experienced death, well, far more times than it can count. I've seen it's so-called medical files. Dr. Rahal must really stretch his brain to figure out how to explain it all in a way that doesn't tip it off. And the fact that its body scars like a human body does is also fascinating.

GIA

Considering that Dr. Rahal is being kept on a need to know basis with this case, of course he must get a bit creative with his explanations.

LIAM

And based on those little audio journals, we may need to make sure that the good doctor isn't getting too soft with the patient. We don't have the luxury to empathize with the creature.

GIA

Would you empathize with it even if we did have the luxury?

LIAM

Hmm that's quite an excellent question, though I'm inclined to say no...

GIA

Which does not surprise me, given your reputation. Now if you would excuse me, Mr. Zimmer, I would like to resume my examinations. I'll forward you my notes and findings once I'm done.

LIAM

Of course, of course, doctor. I'll send over my notes from my most recent session with it to you and Dr. Daman at my next convenience. Talk to you later, Gia.

GIA

He is going to break our subject before we can find another one. Bringing him into this project was a ridiculous idea. I get that we're here to see just how human this creature has become, but you can see humanity without shattering one's mental stability. Anyways, this would imply that the creature has become human at all. It's still what it was before just with a human shell. Nothing will change what the creature is no matter how it looks or acts. I'll have to edit all of that out as well.

The subject has now taken to rocking slightly in its seat as it records. Something new that it picked up. There's various reasons that people rock back and forth but if it's picked this up from witnessing someone do this that would make sense. Dr. Daman encouraged it to engage more within the community of Wichton, mostly so we could see how it would socialize, but we didn't expect it to have so much success in doing so. The primary documented friends that it's made have been a few residents in town, primarily a Darius Chapman and a Holly Darling. Also it is reconnecting with its old lab partner, Dr. Milo Lomax, who had never been told the full truth hence why they were separated as lab partners. It has also been spending time with a research scientist from another department, uh, Dr. Jamie Everett. I'm not sure how much she has been briefed on the situation. With the amount of employees here who have been left in the dark on the true nature of this case it's safer to assume that she doesn't know, but I cannot say that for certain. I will need to reach out to Todd to see how deeply, if at all, Dr. Everett is involved.

That hellhound has been sniffing around its house quite a bit lately. Whether it's just part of more canine behavior or if it's more of the cryptid nature, I am not sure. Whatever it may be it's getting in the way of my view. Has it spotted the camera? It couldn't have, it's still just a dog! [clicking sounds] Oh, no, okay. All right, uh well, this is, this is bad. The subject has found the camera! How did this happen, this is... I have to inform Todd immediately, this is not damage control that we can afford to handle poorly! Damn it.

OUTRO

Jar of Rebuke is created and produced by Casper Oliver. Dr. Gia Castillo is voiced by Vanessa Rosengrant. Mr. Liam Zimmer is voiced by Andy “Pixel” Smith. Credits are read by Ashley Craft who has created the podcast official graphics. Episode was edited by Chelsea Finley. Episode was written by Casper Oliver and Jenny O'Sullivan. Music was created by Luke Menniss, spelled m-e-n-n-i-s-s who you can find and support on bandcamp, spotify, and twitch. Follow us on social media for updates. If you've been enjoying us please consider leaving a rating, review or comment wherever you tune in. You can also support us on patreon or pod hero by following the links in our episode description. And special thanks to our patreon supporters Tristan, Perry, Devin, Becky, Nico, Danny and Joyce.

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter - Sunday, June 13

Wesley: Find anything? Giles: Six course banquet of nothing with a scoop of sod-all as a palate closer.

~~Enemies~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

[Podfic] Comes the Bunny (Monty Python and the Holy Grail, NR) by Ellejabell

which brings us back to the hero's shoulders (Buffy/Spike, T) by btvsummers

Hell's Bells (Xander & Spike, NR) by violettathepiratequeen

I'm Sorry (Buffy, G) by RachaelJurassic

In Somnis Veritas (Buffy/Angel, T) by Val_Creative

the deserts miss the rain (Angel/Darla, T) by buries

Second Chance (Doyle/Angel, T) by HiddenViolet

angel brooded broodily (Buffy/Angel, G) by hopedynevan

made from the stars (Tara/Willow, T) by bodytoflame

[Chaptered Fiction]

Wilderness Chapter 38 (Tara/Willow, NR) by onebuttoneye

Slayers and Trollhunters Chapter 11 (Tales of Arcadia crossover, Anya/Xander, T) by Starfox5

You Can't Fight Fate - But You Can Probably Piss Him Off Chapter 10 (Batman crossover, Faith, NR) by Hermione2be

Yvette, the Vampire Slayer - Arc 2 Chapter 5 (Castlevania crossover, G) by TheSovereigntyofReality

Every Life I Save You Complete () by Joan963z

Getaway Chapter 5 (Buffy/Spike, M) by chaoz

Singularity Chapter 2 (Cordelia/Xander, T) by gleefulmusings

But In Time (You See Things Clear And Stark) Chapter 1 (Faith/Giles, E) by stereokem

But In Time (You See Things Clear And Stark) Chapter 1 (Buffy/Spike, E) by stereokem

Soldiers of the Light Chapter 4 (Buffy/Spike, M) by sandy_s

Devil, Slayer and Vampires Chapter 10 (MCU crossover, Faith/Matt Murdock, T) by Aragorn_II_Elessar

Forgiven Complete (Cordelia/Lindsey, T) by Perri Smith (neonhummingbird)

Dead of Night Chapter 3 (Multiple crossovers, Lindsey/Nick Burkhardt, T) by shadeshifter

Nothing Falls in Vain Chapter 9 (Faith/Buffy, E) by aliceinwonderbra

Hung Up Chapter 16 (Buffy/Spike, E) by kats_meow

When Tara Met Faith Part 5 (Tara/Faith, T) by BuffyBot3000

Pictures of You Chapter 49 (Buffy/Spike, E) by kats_meow

Something Borrowed Chapter 7 (Buffy/Spike, E) by LBdress87

all the times you bared your teeth (was always just a smile for me) Chapter 2 (Buffy/Spike, NC17) by alittlemoretime

Every Life I Save You Complete (Buffy/Spike, Adult) by Joan963z

Meet Me at Midnight Chapter 11 (Buffy/Spike, NC17) by Dusty

Bereft Chapter 16 (Buffy/Spike, NC17) by Twinkles

Sunny Side Up Chapter 9 (Buffy/Spike, NC17) by DarkEternity96

Exquisite Constellations: Part 1 Chapter 9 (Buffy/Spike, NC17) by yellowb, sandy_s, sweetprincipale, Kanita, incendie, SzmattyCat, MaggieLaFey, Dusty, LaceratedLullabies, violettathepiratequeen

Soldiers of the Light Chapter 5 (Buffy/Spike, R) by sandy_s

Bite Your Tongue Chapter 2 (Buffy/Spike, NC17) by hostile17

The Future is Ours Chapter 30 (Buffy/Spike, NC17) by DarkEternity96

Scarlet Threads Complete (Faith, T) by No Fate 1990

The Love of the Bullied Chapter 9 (Spike/Xander, R) by Forsaken2003

[Images, Audio & Video]

Photos: Inspired by an earlier post. I thought I’d share a cake my sister ordered for her husbands 50th... by Joestarinc

Photos: My wife gave me a Buffy birthday for my 48th by MaherMcCheese

Artwork: swap au (Faith/Buffy) by toyhdgehog

Artwork: today i will wear my white button down (Faith) by toyhdgehog

Icons: buffy the vampire slayer icons by buffysummaers

Crafts: Slay all day cross stitch by booksbabybooks

Something's Gotta Give (Jenny/Giles) by RachelJurasic

Buffy and Angel God, Your Mama and Me by Elizabeth Root

Willow/Tara - All About Us by CanadianTurtle

Btvs/Ats- In The Dark by Buffy07 Summers

[Reviews & Recaps]

Discussion of 3.07 "Revelations" by Mr Trick

ranking what i think are the top 10 worst btvs episodes by lqvewillow

How Season 12 Screwed Buffy Summers Over by takaraphoenix

I don’t usually talk about Angel. But damn if s12 of Buffy didn’t leave me with something to say. by takaraphoenix

Ranking ALL Season One Episodes by TunezCottage

Le Deuil Dans BUFFY CONTRE LES VAMPIRES (Orphelines) by DJORDAN PIRE

[Community Announcements]

LF a Doctor Who Crossover by ElectriCloakedHunter

Longshot, but I’m looking for an old Bangel fan made video by TheChosenOne311

World of Sunnydale (RPG!!) by EleanorShipper

[Fandom Discussions]

How many times have you rewatched the series? by Joan the Vampire Slayer

Would Buffy have had an affair with Spike if she hadn't died, not been through resurrection... by Extraflamey737

If Spike had been killed off would you have kept watching? by BtVS fan

The S6 division between fandom and writers by American Aurora

The Bronze: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Megathread by Roger

question about faith ala season 3 by RecentWishbone75

as i get older by wheel_smith

Fred’s parents by ConesofDunshire777

What is your favorite villain (who is not a Big Bad)? by Eggo999

If Buffy or Angel had a spin off with Original Charmed by Hollyvu

Are Buffy Anne Summers and Mary Ann Summers related? If so, how? Discuss. by HWHAProblem

What are your thoughts on Andrew? by dontshowup

Deaths in the show that were and weren't supposed to originally happen by DrPepper450

Buffy -- The Greatest Hero in American Fiction by caldude1985

Is it strange none of the main characters play videogames? by precita

Happy Pride y’all by cuntingly

I'm bringing it up! Strap in by treevesrdth546rtw

Buffy & Spike by throwawayasholeparty

I forgot how good faith’s fights were in season four of ATS by space-sheep08

There are a lot reasons to think s7 Spuffy is toxic but... by millennialslayer

I'd love to appear in the last season by lake-lady

Character archetypes that crop up over and over again, and particularly often in 90s and 00s genre TV shows by nonasuch

Cordelia Was Better For Angel Than Buffy Ever Was by fangirl93

Riley by cosmicrhetoric

Shrimp by takaraphoenix

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[redshirtgal]

Two days ago, we discussed the sad story of Lt. D’Amato along with some interesting factoids. Now it’s time to learn about the actor who played him, Arthur Batanides. His interest in show business started during World War II when he would entertain his fellow soldiers with his comedy routines. Once the war was over, he began classes at the old Actor’s Studio. Before long, he was finding plenty of work in television and in film as a character actor. If you watch enough TV reruns from the 60s and 70s, you probably have seen Arthur Batanides in a small guest part. Trivia - During the late 1940s, Batanides shared a rented house with Fred Freiberger while they were both taking classes at the Actor’s Studio. It was Fred who hired his friend for the part of D’Amato in the third season of Star Trek. But Fred also helped him land a few roles in another show, The Wild, Wild West. (Freiberger wrote one of the episodes in which Arthur appeared - “The Night of fthe Dancing Death").

Arthur Batanides is mainly known for playing a heavy in movies and television. In the first photo on the left, he plays Clay Boudreau in an episode of 87th Precinct,  one of three crooks who decide to hypnotize Greg Brovane into confessing to a robbery (and killings) he did not commit. In the middle of the group is another Star Trek guest star, Morgan Woodward. Mark Lenard (left) and Arthur Batanides (left) appear in the Mission Impossible episode “The Rebel.”

However, he first became known as an actor in a sci-fi series and went on to act in many other science fiction shows.

Art Batanides got his first acting start in the 1949-50 KTLA TV series The Armchair Detective. But his first semi-regular role was as a recurring villain in the sci fi television series Rod Brown of the Rocket Rangers. In an interview for Starlog 189, Batanides remembers being followed on the set by one of the extras who would drive him nuts practicing his comedy routines which often involved sound effects like that of a machine gun. It turned out to be comedian Jonathan Winters. He also did a few cheesy sci fi movies. In the first one titled The Unearthly (1957) he played a good guy trying to stop John Carradine’s evil plot. A few years later, Batanides appears as one of victims of June Talbor aka “The Leech Woman” in the movie of the same name. Both films have been lovingly reviewed in Mystery Science Theater 3000. The actor chuckled during his Starlog interview as he recalled how terrible these were, so bad that he and the other actors had to bite their lips.

He was cast in two Twilight Zone episodes, “Mr. Denton on Doomsday” and “The Mirror.” In the latter episode, Peter Falk plays a Castro-like revolutionary named Ramos Clemente has a mirror that tells him which of his trusted supporters will attempt to assassinate him. One of his victims is played by Arthur Batanides and is named Tabal, ironically the leader of Clemente’s execution squad. Supposedly Tabal was based on real-life Che Guevera who had played a similar role in Castro’s rise to power.

He played a character named Lt. Garvin, one of the astronauts in “Specimen: Unknown” for The Outer Limits along with two of his former acting school friends, Russell Johnson and Richard Jaeckel. The plot involved astronaut/researchers bringing back plants that they discover on the planet. Unknown to them, the plants soon begin to emit spores and then a deadly gas which threatens the crew. The spores allow them to multiply rapidly. Does this plot sound familiar to Trek fans? Hmmm..... There are several other Star Trek connections as well. 1) this episode was directed by Gerd Oswald who would go on to direct “The Alternative Factor” and “The Conscience of the King.” 2) Robert Justman was the assistant director on the set just as he was for the first two Star Trek pilots. He eventually wound up as the associate producer and then finally the co-producer. 3) Bob Johnson and Vic Perrin both did voice-overs for this episode and also provided the same on several episodes of Star Trek. Vic was most famous as the Control Voice which was heard at the beginning of every show. 4) Finally, Fred Phillips was the makeup supervisor for this episode and performed the same duty on all three seasons of Star Trek. “Specimen: Unknown” earned the highest ratings of the first season. But Batanides bemoaned the fact that the whole show had a low budget and that none of the astronaut suits matched. A complaint we Star Trek fans are familiar with.

In The Time Tunnel’s episode titled “Attack of the Barbarians” Batanides was Batu Khan, Kubla Khan’s grandson. The actor has quite vivid memories of this character because he had to sit in the makeup chair for two hours and then they covered his head with a stretchy cloth so he appeared bald. But if you look at the results above, it appears the makeup artists did a wonderful job. Star Trek connections abound in this episode as well. Of course Lee Meriwether (Dr. Ann McGregor) would appear with him a few years later as Losira in “That Which Survives.” Another major character, Lt. General Haywood Kirk, was played by Whit Bissell, who also played the beleaguered station manager Lurry in “The Trouble with Tribbles.” There were also connections with two stunt people. Charlie Picerni was James Darren’s stunt double on the show itself (his brother Paul played a Mongol warrior in this episode). We saw him on Star Trek as a security guard in “Day of the Dove.” David Sharpe also performed stunts not only in this episode of The Time Tunnel, but he was also James Daly’s stunt double in “Requiem for Methusaleh” and was a stuntman in “Day of the Dove.”

Batanides next appeared as a caveman leader named Rongah in “The Space Primevals,” a 1967 episode of Lost in Space. Art remembers having to wear the animal skin and wig and doing an impromptu caveman dance in one scene. Rongah and his people worship a giant computer named Protineus. The machine convinces the cave people that the humans are a danger to their people, ordering them to lock up Major West and Dr. Smith. It becomes clear that Protineus is acting much like Landru in “Return of the Archons.” There is even a scene where The Robot tries to confound Protineus by performing a series of magic tricks, much like Captain Kirk confounding computers in many episodes. Not many other Star Trek Connections here except for Sandy Gimpel (a Talosian in “The Cage”) as Will Robinson’s stunt double and Fred Steiner’s music.

For the most part, Art was not too enthusiastic about taking roles in science fiction, despite the number of them in which he appeared. He was afraid it was going to wind up getting him typecast. When Freiberger offered him the part of D’Amato in “That Which Survives,” he was pleasantly surprised that his character was not the heavy nor did he have to do anything ridiculous like jump around the stage doing a caveman dance. D’Amato was pretty much a straight up role and Batanides enjoyed doing the show. Ironically, the role of D’Amato is one of the two roles for which he is most remembered. Asked what he remembered most about the episode, Batanides recalled they had the planet set on rollers to make it easier to simulate the earthquakes that rocked the planet. He was impressed with all the cast members, especially Leonard Nimoy. Trivia - During the late 1940s, Batanides shared a rented house with Fred Freiberger while they were both taking classes at the Actor’s Studio. It was Fred who hired his friend for the part of D’Amato in the third season of Star Trek. But Fred also helped him land a few roles in another show, The Wild, Wild West. (Freiberger wrote one of the episodes in which Arthur appeared - “The Night of the Dancing Death.”

Freiberger was not the only influential friend he had. Over the years, Batanides had worked on many movie and television shows with director Jerry Paris, another friend of his from the Actor’s Lab. Jerry was made director of the first sequel to Police Academy. As he was looking over the script, he noticed a character who had been scratched out. However, he decided it was a great role and called Art to play Mr. Kirkland, father of the Kirkland family. Batanides today is still most often remembered for his role as Mr. Kirkland and as D’Amato. He retired after doing one last Police Academy movie (City Under Siege) and spent the last ten years of his life doing a few roles but mainly traveling various places with his wife. He died of natural causes in January of 2000.

[talesofafangirlwithadvr]

January 2020 Picks

And we’re back!!! Been watching a lot of great stuff recently that I’m excited to chat about. These are just a few of highlights. I’m not 100% caught up on the Arrowverse shows yet, but did enjoy the Crisis a lot-especially after the second watch through. Check out my full review on that here: https://talesofafangirlwithadvr.tumblr.com/post/190372384413/crisis-on-infinite-earths-reactions

SPOILERS AHEAD!!

ANNE WITH AN E

This 3rd season was my FAVORITE so far, which makes it even more depressing that this is the end. I watched it the fastest and even stayed up till 1 AM to finish the series after watching four straight episodes. (Normally I try to space out bingeing stuff because I don’t want it to end so fast.) This series has always taken liberties with the source material to make it even more relevant to today, but I especially felt that during this season. It did not feel forced one bit. From Bash losing Mary and overcoming being a minority in Avonlea to Ka’kwet’s story line that brings me to tears every time I think about it-especially because she made it ALL the way home just to be taken back. Would love to believe she’s back with her parents, but the ending this season doesn’t show it. Perhaps they were thinking about pursuing it more if there was a 4th season. Josie Pye’s assault was a nice commentary on the Me too movement as well as the Human Rights and Women’s Rights march. I’m so happy Matthew survived this series! I was so worried for him. (As readers know he dies at the end of Anne of Green Gables the novel. Most adaptations often keep it in and I am happy we diverted from the original this time.) Jerry and Diana were adorable at the start, but Jerry deserves so much more! (He got SO TALL! As I often remarked while watching this season.) I absolutely loved the boy craziness this season because they were “Now 16!” Tillie balancing two guys! Ruby’s crush on Moody was super cute. I loved when Anne was forced to ask Gilbert about having babies by the girls. THE STRONG FEMALE CHARACTERS!! (applause) 1) Mrs. Stacy: as a widower she will not settle for just anyone to marry. 2) Prissy Andrews: I really like that they brought her character back up and that she attended college. So sad that Billy will still be the head of her family. 3) Diana gets to go to Queens (a change from the novel as well, but one that was a great choice). I really liked her chat with Aunt Josephine. 4) Of course Anne Shirley. There’s so much to say about Anne, but one of the things I really liked this season was getting insight into her own personal family history. Seeing her mom’s book at the end was very touching. I love that she also had red hair. Last thoughts: Delphine is the CUTEST BABY EVER! Seriously a fantastic actress. Her relationship with every person in the show was amazing. And of course my beloved Shirbert. I knew they were endgame (because of the source material), but BOY did they take their time getting there). Screw Winnie! Anne and Gilbert’s relationship hurt my heart throughout it all, but so many adorable moments between them proving they are meant to be. Forever my OTP!      

SANDITON

I am seriously feeling the period pieces this month (but then again when am I not). As a HUGE Jane Austen fan I was extremely excited when I heard that her unfinished novel, Sanditon, would be adapted for the TV screen. Because I was unfamiliar with the story (which is always a fun time when one of your favorite authors has been dead for the past few hundred years) I made sure to add the novel to the top of my 2020 list. Due to its length I was able to finish it before the series started a few weeks ago. While I was not a huge fan of the unfinished novel, because I found it difficult to connect with any of the characters or see where the story was headed, I already feel differently about the mini-series. By the end of episode 1 I was already hooked and very happy that PBS aired the second episode immediately afterwards. I can see parallels to Austen’s work as well as echoes to other Austen novels (naturally Pride and Prejudice). When listening to the Masterpiece podcast in which they interview Rose Williams (who plays Charlotte Heywood) she described Charlotte as a cross between Elizabeth Bennet and Catherine Morland (from Northanger Abbey), which I think is really accurate. I like how Charlotte goes to Sanditon because of her interest in seeing this place that Tom Parker gets so excited about. She honestly isn’t looking for a husband, but rather an occupation. Something different away from her farm. Is romance involved? You betcha. This is an Austen adaptation afterall. But that is not her main focus. There’s so many other things going on with the story, but I’d have to dedicate a complete other post to explain it all. I really feel it is fitting in well with other classic book to screen adaptations coming out right now like Little Women and Anne with an E. If you’re a fan of either one then Sanditon is worth a try. And of course if you love Jane Austen and the 1995 Andrew Davies adaptation (he’s producing this one as well) then it’s worth a shot! 

THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE-SEASON 4

Just like with Anne with an E, I think this was my favorite season of The Man in the High Castle (and ironically also the last season. Although this series knew that going in to production). It held my interest very well and I watched it faster than the previous season. I really don’t think I’ve been this invested since season 1. Lots of new characters were introduced and while I missed some of the old it just shows you how much this show has developed. I also felt myself liking the new characters really fast. At first all of the multi-verse stuff was pretty intense and a little hard to follow, but it got easier as the show went on-EXPECT FOR THE END! Were all those people coming through because their worlds were much worse? What happens next? How are the Smith children? Amy and the other students who were brainwashed-will they change? Kido will stay. Did Childan find Kikuko? (Loved their relationship btw. I’m going to believe they got to be together in the end. It will make me sleep easier.) I was constantly saying to myself: How are they going to wrap this up in only 4 episodes...3...2...etc.. But I feel like it could have been a bit stronger. Despite this I still am a big fan of this season. I just get picky when it comes to series finales.  

DOCTOR WHO 

Last I had posted about Doctor Who I was very behind. Like I only watched last year’s holiday special this year behind. It was just tough for me to get into last season. I’ve really enjoyed Jodie Whitaker’s take on the Doctor. I feel she brings a new energy, but at the same time reminds me of the way Tennant and Smith portrayed the role. It’s just that I missed some of the familiarity of the show. It’s always hard getting a new Doctor because the show takes on a different feeling, but with all new villains, companions, TARDIS, etc it was tough. I wanted a couple more old references. I also didn’t love all of the episodes (although a bunch of them were really good: Rosa Parks, Demons of the Punjab, Kerblam! to name a few). So when I watched last year’s special at the beginning of the month I felt I zoned out a bit. However, Spyfall (parts 1 & 2) that kicked off this season were entertaining and I’ve been hearing good stuff about this season so far. Now that the show is on its second season with these characters, I’ve heard there’s more of a rhythm. I can’t wait to continue. I also can’t wait to see these guys again: 

PLUS I discovered a HUGE spoiler about last week’s episode that honestly that has honestly gotten me so pumped; it is the main reason why I am catching up faster. (I won’t spoil it here if you still don’t know it. I foresee I’ll probably write an article just about that episode.) 

VIOLETTA 

My guilty pleasure that I have been bingeing on Disney+. This musical telenovela from Buenos Aires has three seasons of 80 episodes a piece! (That’s right I have my work cut out for me.) Currently only the first season is up on Disney+ and the show is pretty hard to find, so I am really hoping that by the time I finish it they release at least the second season. I only started it in the new year and am already on episode 42, so you can say I’m enjoying it... :) Basically once I hit 30 I was hooked. (Although I was enjoying it a lot before that, now I’m just more obsessed.) There are several characters in the show from the students, to the teachers and family members, but the main character is Violetta who has lived in many different countries all her life with her dad who is a very successful businessman. She has been home-schooled forever due to their lifestyle and because of her dad’s worry that she will be hurt in the real world. Her mother was a popular singer who died when Violetta was very little that she barely remembers her. When they move back home she secretly gets enrolled in a music school that her mom just so happened to attend. Her tutor is secretly her aunt (who no one recognizes because Violetta’s dad told her that her mom had no relatives) and she has to hide attending the music school and singing which is her ultimate dream. That’s just the basics because there is so much more drama in the series. Lots of lying, deceit, love triangles that just won’t quit, ridiculousness and music. While they repeat a lot of the same songs, many of them are quite good and really catchy that you can’t help but get them stuck in your head. My sister (who loves this show) kept talking about it and that made me want to watch once we got Disney+ (she was lucky to watch two seasons when it was still on Netflix). As she said to me, you should watch it in the original language, which is Spanish with English subtitles. I feel like I’m learning more Spanish while watching it. Probably be fluent by the end (ha ha ha ha-not really). 

So, what are your favorites of this month? Are we watching any of the same things? Anything look interesting to check out? Let me know!