JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Lucifer Season 1 Episode 1 - "Pilot"

About the Show

Lucifer is the story of the original fallen angel. Bored and unhappy as the Lord of Hell, Lucifer Morningstar has resigned his throne and retired to the City of Angels, where he owns an upscale piano bar called Lux. When a beautiful pop star is murdered, for the first time in roughly 10 billion years, he feels something awaken deep within him. Is he actually capable of feelings for a human being? The very thought disturbs him. The murder attracts the attention of LAPD homicide detective Chloe Dancer, who finds herself both repulsed and fascinated by Lucifer. At the same time, God's emissary, the angel Amenadiel, has been sent to Los Angeles to convince Lucifer to return to Hell. But with the City of Angels at his feet and a newfound purpose, Lucifer's having too much fun to go back now.

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Based on the comic book series by:

Vertigo

Rating:

TV-14

Cast:

Tom Ellis as Lucifer Morningstar

Lauren German as Chloe Decker

Lesley-Ann Brandt as Maze

D.B. Woodside as Amenadiel

Rachael Harris as Kim Martin

Kevin Alejandro as Dan

Scarlett  Estevez as Trixie

See Full Cast on IMDB

Episode Synopsis:

Upon leaving hell Lucifer Morningstar retreats to Los Angeles for a more exciting life. When the murder of a friend connects him with LAPD detective Chloe Decker, Lucifer becomes intrigued with the idea of punishing criminals, sending the devil himself into a struggle between good and evil.

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*My Thoughts*

First off, we already had a chance to watch this pilot episode at the San Diego Comic-Con 2015. And, yeah, I am so glad that we got an advance screening of this new series. Based on the comic book series by Vertigo, the show basically follows Lucifer as he leaves Hell, and decides to reside in Los Angeles. Just in this first episode, it was filled with elements of drama, suspense, humor, and, of course, the paranormal/supernatural.

Lucifer has the knack to reveal the deepest and darkest desires of people which is pretty humorous, especially in the way Lucifer's charm can coax it out of people. After the death of a friend, he is introduced to detective Chloe Decker. However, Lucifer doesn't seem to have any kid of effect on her. No wonder he's fascinated with her. And, the investigation continues. They both want to find the answers to the murder, so now, they end up helping each other.

Tom Ellis brings out the charming, witty, funny character with ease. The pilot episode introduces the audience to several of the characters that intertwined with Lucifer. However, I did see that was a cast change for the character Dan, Chloe's ex & Trixie's father. Either way, both actors fit the character of Dan. I enjoyed the "playful" banter between Lucifer and detective Chloe Decker. Lucifer seems to be at odds since Chloe is not affected by his charms. Morever, Lucifer's charms on everyone else is so hilarious! I'm definitely excited to watch more.

For now, here's a sneak peek at Episode 2 - "Lucifer, Stay. Good Devil"

Mondays 9/8 C on Fox

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Shadowhunters Season 1 Episode 103 - "Dead Man's Party"

Based on Cassandra Clare's series The Mortal Instruments, Shadowhunters is an all new TV series on Freeform (formerly ABC Family) that follows Clary Fray's journey into the shadow world where she will the truth about herself, downworlders, and demons while searching for her mother.

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Genre:

Fantasy/Paranormal Drama

Action/Adventure

Based on the novels by:

Cassandra Clare

Cast:

Katherine McNamara as Clary Fray

Dominic Sherwood as Jace Wayland

Matthew Daddario as Alec Lightwood

Alberto Rosende as Simon Lewis

Emeraude Toubia as Isabelle Lightwood

Harry Shum Jr. as Magnus Bane

Isaiah Mustafa as Luke Garroway

See Full Cast & Crew

Episode Synopsis:

With Simon being held captive at The Hotel DuMort, Clary pleads with Jace, Alec and Isabelle to help her rescue her best friend. As the team readies for the mission, Jace helps Clary learn more about her Shadowhunter powers, Isabelle turns to her favorite Seelie for Intel, and Alec begins to question Jace's motives and his place in their partnership.

Meanwhile, a very scared Simon gets very up close and personal with Camille, the leader of the vampire clan.

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*My Thoughts*

So far, each episode has a cohesive storyline, one after another. However, the basic premise of the book series is present in the show, each episode has made it apparent that the TV series has taken off on its own. Yes, there is deviation from the books, but then again, doesn't all adaptation, be it television and/or film, have its own interpretation!?! Right!?!

I can see that the basic character development and personalities are also fitting as those in the books....with some differences. Of course, the cast will have their interpretation of the book characters. And how they bring it to the small screen is up to the audience to interpret. I am beginning to like some of the cast. They are beginning to fit their characters...but then, that's my opinion. Moreover, 

Anyways, I am liking that, so far, every episode has introduced us to the various downworlders in the shadow world....from werewolves, vampires, and Seelies. However, there is a lot of sexual innuendos and, let's face it, the series has become a sexy drama series. Yeah, looks like the TV series is for the mature young adult...haha! I don't know; hence, the I don't love it, but I don't hate it either. The show is growing on me though.

The story, however, is progressing. As Clary learns more and more about the Shadowhunter life and the shadow world, her search for her mother is revealing more secrets about her past, and what her future holds for her. Alec and Jace "butt" heads in regards to Clary, but their friendship/bond runs deep since they are parabatai.

  

 Well, that's all for now, until the next episode Shadowhunters!

For now, get a sneak peek of Episode 4- "Raising Hell"

Tuesdays 9/8C on Freeform

(formerly ABC Family)

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Supergirl Season 1 Episode 11 - "Strange Visitor From Another Planet"

About the Show

Supergirl is an action-adventure drama based on the DC Comics character Kara Zor-El, Superman's (Kal-El) cousin who, after 12 years of keeping her powers a secret on Earth, decides to finally embrace her superhuman abilities, and be the hero she was always meant to be.

Twelve-year-old Kara escaped the doomed planet Krypton with her parents' help at the same time as the infant Kal-El. Protected and raised on Earth by her foster family, the Danvers, Kara grew up in the shadow of her foster sister, Alex, and learned to conceal the phenomenal powers she shares with her famous cousin in order to keep her identity a secret. 

Years later at 24, Kara lives in National City assisting media mogul and fierce taskmaster Cat Grant. She works alongside her friend and IT technician Winn Schott and famous photgrapher James Olsen, who Grant just hired away from the Daily Planet to serve as her new art director. However, Kara's days of keeping her talents a secret are over when Hank Henshaw, head of a super-secret ageny where her sister also works, enlists her to help them protect the citizens of National City from sinister threats. Though Kara will need to find a way to manage her newfound empowerment with her very human relationships, her heart soars as she takes to the skies as Supergirl to fight crime.

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Cast

Melissa Benoist as Kara Danvers/Supergirl

Calista Flockhart as Cat Grant

Chyler Leigh as Alex Danvers

Mehcad Brooks as James Olsen

Jeremy Jordan as Winslow "Winn" Schott

David Harewood as Hank Henshaw

See Full Cast & Crew on IMDB

Watch the full pilot episode

Episode 11 - "Strange Visitor From Another Planet"

 Synopsis:

Kara must help Hank face his painful past when a White Martian, a member of the alien race that wiped out his people, kidnaps Senator Miranda Crane (Tawny Cypress), an anti-alien politician. Also, Cat's estranged son, Adam (Blake Jenner), arrives in National City.

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*My Thoughts*

Well, talk about integrating current events/real issues in today's society into the show. This was definitely an emotional episode for our characters. The crisis at hand had a personal, close-to-the-heart, effect on DEO leader,Hank Henshaw (Green Martion, J'onn J'onzz) with the appearance of a White Martian. Moreover, Cat gets a surprise visit from her estranged son, Adam. Now, that was surprise that left Cat somewhat speechless...she was definitely at a loss of words and actions. But, it was apparent on her facial expression(s) that she was happy to see him, at the same time, afraid.

This episode tackled issues such as bigotry, hate, and strained relationships. Yes, strain relationships especially with family is an issue that many people face everyday. Although it has been an underlying storyline since the start of the series, this episode tackles it upfront with Cat's son showing up after so many years. It brought me to tears! It was that emotional...haha! Their first meeting was awkward, but the second (with Kara's help) helped break down their "walls" and get over their fears. Sometimes, it takes a "bridge" to be able to come together.

Not only was Kara/Supergirl the "bridge" for Cat and Adam, she was also that "bridge" for J'onn J'onzz to maintain his honor, and not throwing it away with revenge.

Well, I miss Winn and Kara's friendship. After that "kiss," things sort of got awkward. Well, it looks like their friendship will survive. Yay! We already know Kara misses Winn. In the end, Winn comes around...we know he misses Kara, too.

Yeah, this was a tear-jerker kind of episode. <sigh> Melissa Benoist has definitely embraced the character so well....she is Supergirl...haha!

Here's a sneak peek at Episode 11 - "Bizarro"

Monday Nights 8/7c on CBS

BLOG TOUR: Crossroads by Mary Ting

Welcome to my tour stop for the Official Blog Tour for Mary Ting's Crossroads, the first book in the Crossroads Saga! Check out the brand new covers!

Genre:

Young Adult

Paranormal/Fantasy Romance

Series:

Crossroads Saga, #1

Publish Date:

(first published April 6, 2011)

Synopsis:

Protecting her from the fallen was his duty.

Falling in love was never part of his plan.

Loving her was forbidden.

Being with her was all that mattered, even if it meant he would be exiled for all eternity.

Claudia Emerson's life is about to change when her good friend, who coincidentally shares the same first and last name, dies in a tragic accident. Distraught at the loss of her friend, Claudia's dreams become tumultuous, and through them she mysteriously travels to another world called Crossroads.. There, she unexpectedly meets Michael, a nephilim--half angel, half human. Now that she's been there, fallen and demons are after her, suspecting she must be special, and it is up to Michael and the other nephilim to protect her. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most.

     

Available on Kindle Unlimited

(U.S. & UK only)

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Read the Crossroads Saga now!

    

     

Available on Kindle Unlimited

(U.S. & UK only)

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**About the Author**

International bestselling author Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl.

When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Hence, Mary's pen name, M. Clarke? She tours with the Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.

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