The Flash’s ninth episode (“Elseworlds, Part 1”) was absolutely fantastic. I mean, the humor alone was worth the price of admission, even just for the pitfalls of the Freaky Friday Quantum Leap. Oliver waking up in Iris’s bed to Barry and Oliver learning to be each other—it was so much fun. I mean, the way […]
The Flash’s eighth episode (“What’s Past is Prologue,” a landmark 100th episode, directed by Tom Cavanagh) held my attention so perfectly, making me curious at every turn. It wasn’t the most fast-paced hour—embarking on a scavenger hunt through time—but it didn’t have to be. Leaning heavy on the emotional component (Iris convincing Barry to let […]
Supergirl’s eighth episode (“Bunker Hill”) gives us Nia in all her badass glory. Turns out, she’s her planet’s version of a Chosen One, if that includes being able to move like Neo from The Matrix and dream possible futures. Nicole Maines really is compelling, equal parts vulnerable (with Kara, talking about her heritage and her […]
The Flash’s seventh episode (“O Come, All Ye Thankful”) had a lot of poignant, powerful moments. It was certainly less lighthearted than usual, with Nora being angry and emotional about her dad constantly rushing headlong into danger. And, oh yeah, dying. (At least he didn’t sing a song about it, but I digress.) As much […]
Supergirl’s seventh episode (“Rather the Fallen Angel”) dealt with the complexities of human nature—specifically how complicated people are, how we only often see part of them (the part they’re willing to show), and how we can carry trauma and blame ourselves for things that aren’t our fault. Obviously, Manchester Black (David Ajala) is a difficult […]
The Flash’s sixth episode (“The Icicle Cometh”) is definitely my favorite of the season so far.The constant theme of found family is a powerful one, and Team Flash is an excellent example. I mean, Barry and Cisco (“So, Snow Patrol, what’s going on?”) meddle like the Scooby Gang to help Caitlin find her dad. It […]
Supergirl’s sixth episode (“Call to Action”) had some of the best acting from Katie McGrath and Mehcad Brooks. From their argument about whether or not he should go on Counterpoint (I chuckled when she pulled the Boss card on him, which he deserved) to the fight outside Kara’s apartment, the sparks between them were something […]
William Goldman gave me the adventure of a lifetime. I was in high school when my older brother insisted that I watch something called The Princess Bride. I, like all stubborn teenage dirtbags, resisted like hell, until he finally convinced me that I had to watch it. My sole reason for putting it off was, […]
Some people, inexplicably, have that thing—an unmistakable, but unquantifiable, inner light. Like the sun radiating joy, but in human form. In my eyes, that was Stan Lee. He was a brilliant talent who gave the world so many gifts, who influenced the world and culture in ways that will shake out decades beyond. It’s mindboggling […]
The Flash’s fifth episode (“All Doll’d Up”) was all kinds of awesome. First of all, Troy James as Ragdoll was fantastic. He did some truly stellar movement work, combined with excellent background music and use of tone of voice (all credit to Phil LaMarr). My only complaint with this storyline was that it ended so […]
Supergirl’s fifth episode (“Parasite Lost”) had some really great moments. J’onn becomes an alien detective! We get to see Kara in action as a reporter—and mentoring! Brainy gets drunk and has the hangover cure abilities we mortals can only dream about! The twist at the end with Haley (April Parker Jones) being a godawful […]
Supergirl’s fourth episode (“Ahimsa”) had a lot of great lines (“Americans, man. No idea how to drink.”) and moments. Lena and Brainy leaning on each other to solve the Kryptonite air problem was fantastic. It was particularly fascinating to see Lena coolly express her rage, before teaching Brainy how to compartmentalize. They’re surprisingly great together, […]
The Flash’s fourth episode (“News Flash”) pits the Flash gang against Spencer (Spin), a rival of Iris, who seems to be solely focused on catastrophe and clickbait. While I’m fairly tired of Millennials being the punch line on everything (leave my avocado toast mortgage payment and get off my lawn), her character was interesting. I […]
