Saturday, April 30, 2016

MARIAH's THOUGHTS on Damien Season 1 Episode 8 - " Here is Wisdom"

About the Show:
Damien Thorn (James Bradley) discovers that he is the Antichrist. He must confront his past and cope with the truth of who and what he is.

Stay Connected:
    

Television Network:
A&E

Genre:
Supernatural/Paranormal Drama
Horror/Suspense

Based on the film:
The Omen

Rating:
TV-14 V, L

Created by:
Glen Mazzara


Cast:
Bradley James - Damien Thorn
Barbara Hershey - Ann Rutledge
Megalyn E.K. - Simone Baptiste
Omid Abtahi - Amani Golkar
Scott Wilson - John Lyons
David Meunier - Detective Shay
Robin Weigert - Sister Greta Fraueva

   
~~~~~


Episode 8: "Here is Wisdom"
Synopsis:
Damien tries to take control of his fate, which results in a bloody confrontation. Simone and  Greta meet Veronica. Shay loses a witness.

~~~~~

*My Thoughts*

What does “here is wisdom” mean?

So, you’re telling me, the Antichrist has the choice to not be the Antichrist? Don’t lie to us, honey. This wouldn’t be The Omen’s child if he had a choice. Damien got that psychiatrist he’s been looking for but a little too late, as a real murder investigation surfaces and plummets. Charles proves to be more than an old roommate to Damien. He’s exactly what a religious fanatic is expected to be; amorous, faithful, diligent, and devout. Coincidentally, he helps Damien realize that he’s still human and can make better life choices.

From the beginning of the episode to the end, Damien appears in a select number of scenes and this episode lets us see what’s going on behind his back. Amani, as his best friend, would do anything rational to help Damien, Greta is doing her duty for God with Simone in tow, and Veronica turns out to be Ann Rutledge’s daughter. Who knew… So, the compensation supposition was false? When does the delusion stop? But to each their own. Rutledge is enraptured by Damien while Veronica wants to get closer to Amani instead. Too little too late, her fate is sealed.

On another note, Holy intervention can come to join the party. Since episode one, it’s always the Devil’s work. When Rutledge tries to destroy a holy artifact, this is denied whole heartedly in front of her face. She couldn’t bring herself to grant Damien’s death wish but someone else surely will. Greta has her guardian angels and this time, it’s Simone’s turn to witness death.

Throughout the episode, I noticed: people just don’t like locking their doors in Damien. No wonder strangers break in so easily. Veronica’s breaking into people’s houses, Detective Shay is busting down doors or walking right in. I think it’s all for the drama. The killer no one can catch is the work of the Devil but on the human side, everyone is just leaving a bloody mess and not covering their tracks. Especially scenes involving Detective Shay. A bloody interrogation room, demonic faces, “spontaneous” fires, Satan must work much harder if he wants Shay dead but it’s too early for that to happen.

In the end, 30 does not seem to be an ideal age for Damien… or perhaps anyone who needs to get their shit together. Psychological warfare with himself, people around him trying to manipulate his trust, demonic emissaries, and survivor’s guilt. As the Antichrist, why should we want him to live? Why do I empathize with a child born from evil? He really is a good person but he can’t run away. I can’t wait to see more of this religious struggle and can’t help but wonder which side will have the upper hand in the end. Or maybe this becomes a Hamlet series, where everyone dies.

Damien is such a thought provoking series because it doesn’t just focus on supernatural causes. The audience too has their own demons to face and we struggle with Damien to figure out our lives.

Until the next dark episode.

Watch a preview of Episode 9 - "The Devil You Know"




Friday, April 29, 2016

JASMINE's THOUGHT on Fear the Walking Dead Season 2 Episode 3 - "Ouroboros"

About the Show:
AMC's Fear the Walking Dead returns at sea, aboard the Abigail. The group is unaware of the true breadth of the apocalypse; they assume there still a chance that some city, state, or nation might be unaffected, some place where infection has not hit. Abandoning land, Madison, Travis and Daniel gather their grieving families for ports unknown. But the respite of Strand's ocean-side home is short-lived. They will discover that the water may be no safer than land.

Television Network
AMC

Created by
Robert Kirkman

Spin-off Series from
The Walking Dead

Stay connected
    

Cast:
Kim Dickens, Cliff Curtis, Frank Dillane, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Lorenzo James Henrie, Ruben Blades, Mercedes Mason, Colman Domingo, Elizabeth Rodriguez & Patricia Reyes SpĂ­ndola.


Season 1 recap

~~~

Episode 3 Synopsis:
Madison confronts Strand about his mysterious destination. Nick, Alicia, and others inspect wreckage from a plane crash.


~~~~~

*My Thoughts*
Nice! This third episode connected that web series, Flight 462, into the series! I mean seriously, there had to be a connection somewhere since it is in the same The Walking Dead universe...haha! However, we did get a little bit of a tease to this connection in Season 1 when Nick saw a "plane" fly by. We then see where the plane crashed in this second season.

The episode opens with the survivors of the plane crash. It is apparent that the Abigail is sailing in the vicinity of it when one of the survivors get caught up in its filtration system causing Abigail to stop. They notice remnants from the crash on shore and decide to scavenge for supplies. While the kids rummage through the wreckage, Madison questions Strand about this mysterious location.

While Travis works on fixing the boat, Madison and Strand discusses their trust issues. Well, things do have to change when they are all in the "same boat"...per se...haha! Pun intended. Even the children is "stepping up" in this new situation they are in. Nice surprise to see Nick has grown since the first season. These young adults had to grow up fast considering the circumstances. Then there is Salazar having his reason for accompanying the them to shore. He seems to have opened up a bit to Madison, but he does have some serious trust issues...hmmm. What's his back story... Although Ofelia keeps to herself, Nick befriends her.

Chris wanders off and finds a part of the plane as he searches for supplies. What he finds will affect him in more ways than one. Well, he ends up somewhat in the same situation his father was in with Liza when he finds a dying survivor. It's completely different "killing" a dead person. He had to kill a dying man. Now, that will mess with you in the head.

Now, where are all the bodies of all those passengers from the plane?!? We soon find out when a survivor comes out running towards them. Plus, Nick runs into a couple himself. This is definitely not a "good" situation. Two survivors go back with them to the Abigail to Strand's dismay. He is not happy about it. Travis and Madison comes to a compromise...again, to Strand's dismay. Who is he!?! It is apparent that there's more to him than he's letting on. It is also obvious that he puts up with the group...for a reason. Strand does what Strand does well... He let go of the two plane crash survivors.

This journey continues to be mysterious, yet this will not be the last encounter they will come across on the water.

Until the next episode!

~~~~~

Here's a sneak peek of Episode 4 - "Blood in the Streets"


Fear the Walking Dead Sundays 9/8C on AMC


Thursday, April 28, 2016

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Lucifer Season 1 Episode 13 - "Take Me Back to Hell"

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 Decker, 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.

Television Network:
FOX

Stay Connected:
https://www.facebook.com/LuciferonFOX https://instagram.com/luciferonfox/ https://twitter.com/LuciferonFOX http://www.fox.com/lucifer 

Genre:
Supernatural/Paranormal Drama
Action/Adventure
Comedy

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 Dr. Kim Martin
Kevin Alejandro as Dan
Scarlett  Estevez as Trixie




Episode Synopsis:
When Lucifer is framed for murder, he and Chloe must work together to clear his name and prove the identity of the true killer.

~~~~~

*My Thoughts*
Not that Lucifer has been framed for murder, he doesn't think life on Earth, especially in Los Angeles, is fun anymore. It's not all fun and games anymore...is it!?! Lucifer is feeling the reality of it now. The look of disappointment and disbelief on Chloe's face just rubbed it in too much for Lucifer. We already know that Lucifer is all too human when Chloe is around. When Lucifer has a gun pointed to his head, he only does what the Devil does...and provokes the police officer to pull the trigger. Aye!

Despite Amenadiel and Lucifer being at odds with each other, they are still family...and Amenadiel gets Lucifer out of that mess for now. They both come to a realization about themselves and about the whole situation... And comes to the conclusion that they need to help each other on this.

Dan finally tells Chloe that truth about everything. He really does want to make it work...he does, after all, still love Chloe. Even with all the mistakes that were made; he did do it with good intentions in mind. He just went about it the wrong way. Of course, Chloe is angry with him, she seems to understand his motives...sort of. She'll probably forgive him...eventually. Although she doesn't it show it much, Chloe still loves Dan... She still want to make it work, especially for Trixie's sake. Dan helps Chloe by turning himself in, so that they can track down Malcolm and clear Lucifer's name.

I thought it was hilarious when Dr. Martin finally finds out the truth about Amenadiel and Lucifer. That was funny. Then, to turn it around and make it into sibling counseling. Dr. Martin is still dumbfounded with this revelation; plus, she's angry that she was apparently a pawn in Amenadiel's plan to get Lucifer back to Hell. The back and forth banter and antics is too funny...totally enjoyable to watch. Then, just like all of Lucifer's "therapy" sessions, Amenadiel and Lucifer figures out what to do in order to find Malcolm.

Well, Malcolm has definitely gone off the deep end into insanity, especially since he thinks he's "invincible" when Amenadiel "saved" him from Hell. But what does he do...go crazy, then kidnap Trixie. Malcolm want to run, but that's not going to happen without money since he was confronted by Amenadiel and Lucifer. Too funny how these brother angels work so well together, but always disagree on many things. But, that didn't go well either since Amenadiel gets injured by Maze's blade.

Hmmm...Lucifer and Amendiel isn't the only one who is all too new these human emotions. Maze is also susceptible to this too human thing called...feelings. For a demon, she did show a lot of concern for Amenadiel's well-being.

It comes down to saving Trixie and Chloe now. Knowing that he can die with Chloe around, he know what he needs to do...the only way he know how. Facing Malcolm, Lucifer finds out, the deadly way, what Malcolm truly desires.

Hmmm...I wonder if making Lucifer too human was his Father's plan all this time. While Lucifer bleeds out dying on the floor, he pleads with his Father. Being Lucifer, the surprising thing is that he doesn't request what would be assumed for the Devil. Lucifer was concerned for Chloe's safety... He made a sacrifice to help someone else!

Wow! Finally!!! We got a glimpse of what Hell looks like when Lucifer died and returned home. However, his sweet homecoming was not as sweet as he thought when he finds that something...someone...has escaped out of its confines. Then, he returns to Earth...well, he did offer his Father his services; and now, we know why.

Who escaped Hell!?! Lucifer and Amenadiel has another brother bonding moment, but Lucifer finds himself telling Amenadiel some ominous news. Lucifer tells him who escaped Hell. Seriously!!! Oh what a cliffhanger!!! Well, I think the brothers will have their hands full searching for this escapee.

We already know that there will be a lot that Dan and Chloe have to work out. Lucifer has to search for this escapee. Amenadiel and Maze are the only ones who can help him. What and how much chaos will this Hell escapee cause!?! Guess we will have to wait for the next season to find out what is in store for all them.

This was an incredibly fun and action-filled start of a series. Tom Ellis and the entire cast are amazing! They totally made the start of this show exciting. I would like to see more of the supernatural side of it. This first season gave viewers a great introduction to all the characters and developed a world with Lucifer living among people in Los Angeles. However, he is still the Devil, Amenadiel is still an Angel, and Maze is still a Demon... I guess I wanted to see more of the other side of them, not just there "human" side of them. But, with this season finale, we may be seeing some of that in the second season...hopefully.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Forever Lost by Melody Anne


We are so excited to celebrate with you the release of Forever Lost, the second book in the Becoming Elena series, by Melody Anne. Melody is sharing an exciting excerpt from the first book, Stole Innocence. Be sure to get your copy now!

Genre:
Adult
Erotic Romance/BDSM
Series:
Becoming Elena, #2
Publish Date:
April 26, 2016
Publisher:
Eternal Dreams

Warning:
For readers 18 and older
This book is intended for mature audiences only. There are explicit scenes of abuse, language and questionable sexual situations.This story is about a woman so abused she turns into a person most wouldn't even fathom becoming.

Synopsis:
Mary is gone ... or so it seems. But nothing is ever that easy.

There is something about Dalton that calls to Elena, but she also knows he's not who he appears to be. She resists him at the same time that she hungers for what only he can give her.

But just when Elena thinks her life has come together, that everything might be okay, her world falls apart again when she learns the truth of what really happened to her so many years before and learns of who so viciously betrayed her.

The only place left for Elena to go is back into Dalton's arms. But he doesn't want to hold her and tell her everything will be okay. He wants to teach her how to deal with the inner pain. And the way he teaches her is in a world she could ever have imagined existed.

Will she let go ... or will she become someone else.


      

Sequel to:


      

*Excerpt*

“How do we get out?” She was feeling more panicked by the minute.
“We don’t.” Then there was a spark in her eyes as her gaze bored into Mary’s. “Don’t fight them. It will only make it worse.”
Her words sent terror through Mary’s body. She hadn’t thought it was possible to feel more frightened than she already was, but those words had done it.
“Where am I? What do they want?” Mary finally whispered.
“You’re here for the master of the house,” she said then shuddered. “He wants you. He wants us all. One is never enough.”

~~~~~

**About the Author**
NYT and USA Today bestselling Author Melody Anne has written the popular series: Billionaire Bachelors, Surrender, and Baby for the Billionaire. She also has a Young Adult series; Midnight Fire, Midnight Moon, Midnight Storm and Midnight Eclipse - Rise of the Dark Angel.

As an aspiring author, she wrote for years, then published in 2011. Holding a Bachelor's Degree in business, she loves to write about strong, powerful, businessmen and the corporate world.

When Melody isn't writing, she cultivates strong bonds with her family and relatives and enjoys time spent with them as well as her friends, and beloved pets. A country girl at heart, she loves the small town and strong community she lives in and is involved in many community projects.

Melody also makes it a point to respond to all her fans.

Stay connected with Melody Anne
      


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