TV Show Review: Fate: The Winx Saga Season 1

Fate:

The Winx Saga

Season 1

Determined to master their enchanting powers, a group of teens navigate rivalry, romance and supernatural studies at Alfea, a magical boarding school.

| IMDb | Netflix |

My Review/Rant:

The cartoon series for The Winx represents quite a bit of my childhood and early teenagehood. This was one of maybe 3 shows that I liked that I had available to me after moving to Brazil since channels like Disney Channel and Nickelodeon were only included in absurdly priced cable packages. With that being said this show holds a special place in my heart. After watching it I have a lot of wishes. AKA things I wish they had done better.

If you went into it with no expectations, it ended up being a pretty interesting show. The writing was average and there were actions taken by the characters for the sake of moving the story along which I disliked very much. What I will say is that the place they filmed this at was incredible!

Now onto what could have been better:

The main character's fashion styles. Heck, I'll lump the rest of the student body with this one. Everyone was dressed so drab. They're fairies going to school in this spectacular castle, could we maybe get unrealistically dressed up for the occasion with *magic* perhaps? The original cartoons had the character's dress so interestingly in their own styles. It's what stands out from the show along with their transformations. That reminds me: where are their transformations!? What Bloom made happen in the end doesn't count.

This is where my spotty memory could lead me astray. I don't remember Stella being so standoffish and downright mean in some cases for no other reason than she feels like it in the cartoons. So live-action Stella caught me off-guard in a very bad way. We later find out why she feels she needs to be like that but it still doesn't justify her actions nor does it redeem her in my eyes. I also found it weird when Terra says that she finds Stella's rude remarks about her to be almost endearing. 

It's disheartening how the characters have quite a range of accents and supposedly come from all around the world but the majority of the students at the school are white. 

Another thing that rubbed me the wrong way was all the fat-shaming "jokes" and the gay "jokes" (more like bullying in both cases) aimed at 2 specific people respectively. That's another example of shoddy writing. These types of "jokes" aren't funny because they aren't jokes. They just make things awkward and made me feel icky. They need to get left in the past.

I also disliked how Bloom's mother called her and I quote "a weird loner" to her face two times. Since when is being an introvert a problem? Bloom isn't hurting anyone by going to flea markets and antique shops by herself. So what's the problem? It's only made worse by the end when Bloom shows up at her parent's house with her new friends. It's almost like her introversion was a problem and it was *solved*. I'm sorry but that's not how it works.

My most asked question while I was watching the show and taking notes was why in the heck didn’t they take more from the cartoons?! They had a gold mine of things to adapt and yet they basically remade a shorter season of Legacies. Don't get me wrong! I love Legacies (even though I despise the ending the Originals had but that's a different rant for a different time). I just didn't want to watch a knockoff with a different title.

The worst part about the shoddy writing for this show was the adults keeping secrets from everyone to *protect* them. Oh please. Just come up with an actual believable plot point to justify this. Make it so they swore a vow of silence on the matter with unbreakable magic or something. It'd be better than what we got which were adults who proved time and again to be super incompetent and putting the students in danger because they wouldn't tell them anything. The ending was a product of this so-called *plot point*. It's annoying and frustrating. I know this show and the writers can do better.

Something I found funny was how old some of the students looked versus the characters they were playing in close up shots. Some of them legitimately looked to be in their late 20's while playing 16-17-year-olds. I also laughed so hard at the indecision the hair people had in styling Sky’s hair from episode to episode and even worse from scene to scene in the same episode. One last legitimate question: Why do the burned ones sound like growling dogs?!

The ending was interesting and does give me hope for a season 2. I won't be making the same mistake with season 2 that I made with season 1. I'll be keeping my expectations low and not expecting the producers to pull much from the cartoons. I'll just enjoy the series as is and just consider it a Legacies 2.0.

My Rating:

TV Show Review: Lucifer Season 4

Lucifer
Season 4

Reeling from the aftermath of Chloe seeing his devil face, Lucifer faces a new challenge: Eve, the original sinner herself, is back. Does she want revenge for when he tempted her out of Eden oh so many years ago… or something else entirely? Lucifer Season 4 premieres May 8 only on Netflix.

| IMDb | Netflix |

My Review:

I adored Season 4 of Lucifer! I'm SO glad that the #SaveLucifer campaign on Twitter made a difference. Now my fingers are crossed for Netflix to renew it for a fifth season.

Considering how things left off at a huge cliffhanger thanks to Season 3, I thought I knew what to expect going into Season 4. I got everything I was expecting and so much more!

Eve was such an interesting character! When paired up with Lucifer it was even more interesting to see how they misconstrued simple things and went on their merry way with what they thought they knew and messed everything up.

The Detective seemed to go off the deep end at the beginning of the season but eventually came around but by then it was kinda-sorta-a-little bit too late. I liked her struggle to come to terms with what was revealed and figure out a way to deal with it.

Lucifer was Lucifer. There's not much more to say! He's sassy, sarcastic and dangerous when push comes to shove. His perspective from his origin story is so fascinating to wrap my head around. 

The ending broke my heart yet again. There's so much room for Season 5 to continue expanding this universe and continue to tell the story they set out to tell from the beginning. In a way though, it was an ending if it were to stop there. It may not be an ending everyone would like and/or accept but it was an end overall.

My Rating:

TV Show Review: Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina Season 2

Chilling Adventures
Of Sabrina
Season 2

Reimagines the origin and adventures of Sabrina: the Teenage Witch as a dark coming-of-age story that traffics in horror, the occult and, of course, witchcraft. Tonally in the vein of Rosemary's Baby and The Exorcist, this adaptation finds Sabrina Spellman wrestling to reconcile her dual nature - half-witch, half-mortal - while standing against the evil forces that threaten her, her family and the daylight world humans inhabit.

| IMDb |

My Review:

This show is everything I ever wanted a witch-y show to be and never knew how to put it into words! I adore how dark and humorous it is while featuring outlandish characters and amazingly unique storylines. I never read the comics this was based on but it definitely makes me want to play catch up with those.

Before watching this rendition of the Sabrina I knew of and watched a few episodes (over a decade ago at this point?) of the original more sitcom-style show called Sabrina The Teenage Witch. From what I remember (and don't quote me on this I may be wrong) it was a much lighter take on the Witch world with much more regular comedic relief.

The best part of this show aside from the awesome story arc's they are building are the phrases! Replacing words in common phrases some use on a day to day bases with Satan instead of God and Heaven instead of Hell. It's refreshing that they flipped the script on those. It's also kind of intriguing seeing how they "normalized" and play up the so-called "other side". I'm really looking forward to a third season!

My Rating:

TV Show Review: A Discovery Of Witches Season 1

A Discovery Of Witches
Season 1

Diana Bishop, historian and witch, accesses Ashmole 782 and knows she must solve its mysteries. She is offered help by the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, but he's a vampire and witches should never trust vampires.

More Information At:

| IMDb | Amazon | Rotten Tomatoes |

My Review:

If I'm being honest I initially watched the first season of this show because I thought it was reminiscent of Twilight and I wanted to have a good laugh at its expense. I wasn't planning to bash it anywhere and it was just something to pass the time (even though I have an already extensive list of shows I want to watch or am in the middle of watching). Let me also mention that I respect Twilight for what it was and am in no way bashing it in this review. Something else that made my interest peak was because this show is based on a series of books (by Deborah Harkness).

I'm happy to say that this proved me right and wrong in different aspects. The main couple was rather similar to what I remember Edward and Bella being like. The guy was somewhat controlling (or doing his best to control her) and she was very clueless about things she shouldn't have been and gullible to a strange degree for being as old as she was (early 20's I'm guessing?).

Though the main female character did evolve to become a formidable powerhouse but still clueless on what control is (which is typically the story for these kinds of shows/movies/books). He was still slightly creepy if I'm being honest. Something about him rubs me the wrong way and I don't know how to explain it.

If the reviews I read on the novels this is based on weren't so bad I would consider picking up the books because the world the show brought to life is fascinating! I liked seeing how big it felt and how real it could be if it were to exist.

P.S. As interesting as this show turned out I don't remember anyone's names.

My Rating:
&½

My Ramblings/TV Show Review: Westworld Season 2 ...URGH

Westworld Season 2


Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy
Network: HBO
Premiere Date: Apr 22, 2018
Creator: Jonathan Nolan

A sci-fi drama set in an Old West theme park where guests interact with automatons in scenarios that are developed, overseen and scripted by the park's creative, security and quality assurance departments. Based on the 1973 feature film directorial debut by Michael Crichton.

| IMDb |

My Review/Rant:

* Beware: This became more of a rant than a review of Westworld Season 2.

I adored the first season of Westworld. Even with its convoluted non-linear storytelling, but there's only so much I can take of that before it becomes a jumble in my head. I liked that the story came full circle, but season 2 took that WAY too far. 

Maybe you can tell I'm a little bitter about it all. It's also probably due to the fact that I hyped up this show in my head for so long that the product that was presented wasn't what I was expecting. Don't get me wrong! The series was beautifully shot and produced. The actors were amazing. I just wasn't expecting SO much to be compressed in a ten episode season, which caused me to lose interest in the series midway through.

There were SO many storylines that it got to the point where I didn't know what was past, future or just someone hallucinating. The revelations were awesome and the ending full of promise for an even crazier third season, but I don't like it when the showrunners somewhat obligate me to do heavy research on a series just to keep the storylines straight. As much of a fan of the series as I am, I don't want it to require me doing "homework" on it to have a basic understanding of what's happening. I'm also not one to catch little hints and tidbits in shows and books for that matter. So having to watch 40 minute long videos explaining how all these convoluted hints and specific lighting represent a whole other hidden message in the series isn't all that exciting for me as a casual viewer.

My Rating:

TV Show Review: The Defiant Ones

The Defiant Ones


Genre: Documentary mini series
Length: 4 episodes

"The Defiant Ones" examines the partnership between Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre - one the son of a Brooklyn longshoreman, the other straight out of Compton - and their leading roles in a chain of transformative events in contemporary culture.

| IMDb | Amazon |

| HBO |

My Review:

I enjoy music of quite a few genres. Rap and hip-hop are towards the top in that so-called "list". For nostalgia's sake Eminem is one of my favorite rappers. When Philip Defranco spotlighted this series a few days ago in one of his videos I jumped at the chance to know more about how Eminem got the opportunities that he got and how he and Dr. Dre clicked.

I was surprised from the beginning (because I hadn't known what I was walking into) and eventually came to the conclusion that this miniseries was very enlightening. I ended up learning quite of bit about things that had never crossed my mind. I had no idea how bad and violent the beefs in the "rap game" was a couple decades ago. So many senseless deaths and violence. It also felt like the media was just pouring gasoline on an already turbulent and growing fire.

From the little I knew (before going into this series) N.W.A was once considered (still considered?) one of the most violent rap groups because of the narrative and pro violence lyrics they promoted. Seeing the other side of that was very humbling. Everyone chooses a perspective to agree with and I think (at one point) even they came to the conclusion that it could have been handled better, from both sides.

I enjoyed hearing about the journey these music icons took to get to where they are and have the level of accomplishment that they have today. They came from almost nothing and with shear luck and perseverance here they are today. I liked how they touched on the fact that even though you think you've made it, you still have to work twice as hard to keep it because you could easily lose it.

One thing that did throw me off was how this series glorified Apple and the Beats By Dre brand. At times it felt like it was force feeding me propaganda. I love Apple and Beats By Dre probably more than most people, so I didn't understand why I ended up feeling almost violated to a certain degree. Imagine how people who dislike these brands must have felt while watching this?

Overall, this is a very enlightening and eye opening series if you're interested in learning about the backgrounds of Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine and how they made it in the business. It's humbling to see these well known people present their successes and failures openly.

My Rating:

TV Show Review: Westworld Season 1

Westworld
(Season 1)

A Western-themed futuristic theme park, populated with artificial intelligence, allows high-paying guests to live out their fantasies with no consequences or retaliation from the android hosts, until now.

| IMDb | HBO |

My Review:

* This is a review of the first season.

To put it in the most vulgar way possible: I feel like I just got mind f*cked in the best way possible. The story went full circle and it was SO incredible! I was expecting a major cliffhanger, but with the way the story lined up I was more flabbergasted with how they did it than the actual cliffhanger (don't kid yourself there was a major cliffhanger which I'll have to live with until 2018). 

The premise of it all reminds me a little of the movie Ex-Machina (which is amazing!). The whole robots eventually getting to a point of consciousness and rebelling is so scary, but at the same time, it provides entertaining storylines. 

I will admit it took some convincing to get me to watch the first episode. Which is weird to say because I enjoyed the series so much. Something about 'wild wild west' themed anything doesn't really resonate with me. I don't particularly enjoy movies of that theme, so I was very skeptical going into it all. 

The only downside to all of this is the release date for the next season (2018). From what I've read, the producers and story writers want to get the story outlined to the best of their capabilities and not have to stop mid season for rewrites. I understand and if waiting a year or two will make it so I get an even better experience than I got in the first season I'll happily wait.

My Rating:

TV Show Review: The Originals Season 3 Episode 19

The Originals

Season 03 Episode 19

(No More Heartbreaks)

Release Date: April 29th

Following a violent encounter that has left Cami's life hanging in the balance, Klaus is forced to rely on his family and allies to find a cure as he keeps a watchful eye over Cami at the compound. With time running out, Freya turns to her arsenal of spells, while Vincent and Marcel head to Cami's apartment to gather a crucial ingredient. Elsewhere, Hayley and Elijah travel to the bayou in hopes of bringing back a potential antidote that could save Cami's life. Finally, Davina confronts Lucien and learns some heartbreaking information that will change her future with Kol forever.

| IMDb | Amazon |

My Review/Rant:

*Contains spoilers, proceed with caution.

What in the hell did I just witness?...

Why are the producers aways breaking everyones hearts. Now I have to wait another week to know what happens next. I want a plausible resurrection spell, damn it! Kami and Devina can't go like they did. Why are the witches plotting the worlds end all of a sudden? 

Klaus proved that he had a heart all along, but his armor was so tight around him that no one could break it down except Kami. It seems like every person a Mikaelson loves dies prematurely. Cole is no exception because the witches got to him too by the end of this episode. A few episodes back, even Elijah paid that price.

Lucian and the little annoying crazy red head really needs to get what coming to them. They are so very annoying and stirs up trouble for everyone because of petty jealousy. Find another better plot line and kill those two off.

My conspiracy theory for the next episode is that Kami somehow gets ressurected. She drank Lucian's blood, so at the very least she becomes like him (whatever the hell creature he is). Devina, I don't think will have that much in the form of luck. At the end of the day the witches have it out for her and they can apparently exact their will whenever they feel like it if it's in the name of "good for the future of the witches". All in all, I do hope both of them make it.

My Rating:

Have you watched the latest episode? Do you agree with me?

Leave me a comment below!

TV Show Review: Pretty Little Liars Season 6 Episode 20

Pretty Little Liars

Season: 06

Episode: 20
Release Date: March. 15th

The stalker threatens to kill the liars if they don't divulge Charlotte's killer by the election; Spencer and Toby work together to catch Sara; Alison experiences strange visions and starts to question her sanity.

| IMDb | Amazon |

(Affiliate Link: Amazon)

My Review:

* Beware of swear words and spoilers for this series in general in this review. 

What in the world was that ending! Did we finally find out who A is? But then why was the last text message to everyone signed "A.D."? Why did that doctor (whose name I don't remember) do that to Aly? She's not my favorite character, but that was just harsh. She didn't deserved to be "punished" to that extent.

I'd also like to ask why everyone was suddenly attracted to their past love interests and actually acting on it? That's the equivalent of cheating and it's just wrong. I was barely containing myself as I was watching. My mouth was hanging open for the whole second half of this episode.

What the hell happened to Hanna? They thought of everything except the only spot "A" thought of? Come on! That was very unexpected, I'll give them that, but really? Did it have to go down like it did? That last scene was so heart wrenching. 

The Conclusion: Is this new "A.D." going to leave everyone else alone now that they have Hanna and her fake confession? What will happen to Hanna? What will Aria, Spencer, Emily and the guys do now that Hanna has been "kidnapped"? When will this torture END? I can't take another 6 seasons of this.

My Rating:

*This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small percentage for every completed sale when you click the link. The opinions expressed in this post are my own. Disclosure Policy.

TV Show Review: Shadowhunters Pilot (S01E01)

Shadowhunters:

The Mortal Instruments

(TV Series - 2016)

Season: 01

Episode: 01
Release Date: Jan. 12th

Clary Fray is a normal teenager living in Brooklyn with her mother. One day, she discovers that she is descended from a line of Shadowhunters; humans born with angelic blood that fight to protect our world from demons. After her mother is kidnapped, Clary must team up with these Shadowhunters: Jace, Alec and Isabelle and her best friend Simon on a quest to find her mother and recover her past.

My Review:

I will first admit that I have read the first book in the Mortal Instruments series and was not a big fan once upon a time. This was way back in 2009 when I was beginning my ride on the book-a-holic express train. I had no idea what book fandoms were and I had not become a fan girl of any book series myself at that time.

I remember seeing this book all over the few book blogs I followed and it took about two years of me seeing this book to finally get me to pick it up. To say the least I was not overjoyed by its existence and couldn't really see what everyone saw in it. What made me hate it so much? The ending. I was just disgusted by it and very turned off. I did pick up the second book, but gave up not even 30% into it because everyone was so depressed due to the ending of book one and I REALLY couldn't stand it.

This pilot episode, on the other hand, has really given me something to think about. I see they've changed a few details based on the little I remember about the book. I really liked that the storyline started with Clary being 18 and not 15 (which is the age the original book picked up). My favorite character by far is Isabelle. Her attitude, witty banter and out look on every situation is epic to me.

I like how the series presented itself in its first episode. I hope Jace grows on me and that Simon whines a little less as the series grows. Overall, I really am excited for the second episode.

My Rating: