Gotham Season One: The Fearsome Dr. Crane

"This is my city!"

While Fish tries to get back a Penguin, Gordon and Bullock hunt a killer who is targeting people with serve phobias and Bruce confronts Gordon about his lack of progress on his parent's murderer.

So this episode explored the origins of one of my favourite DC villains, Scarecrow, or to be more accurate his father. I think Julian Sands as Gerald Crane did an awesome job and we got to delve into his own madness and obsession with fear and he came off as a really creepy serial killer. We also got to see some creative ways he used to kill his victims and I am guessing his exaction of the glands could be the origin of Scarecrow's famous fear toxin. We also got to see Jonathon Crane as a teenager and I hope we get to see more of him in the future, maybe even don his Scarecrow mask. Another highlight of the episode was Bullock because he took the lead in the investigation this time and I got to say whenever he is the main focus over Gordon it is a really entertaining episode; like the Goat killings episode. Plus I think his fear story in the meeting was actually true so maybe we got one of the reasons way he chose to be on the take at first, also I liked the chemistry between him and that other phobia member so I wouldn't mind something more happened between the two. Speaking about relationships I think this one between Gordon and Leslie has been handled ALOT better than the one between him and Barbara (which just felt unbelievable) so I hope they stick with this one and don't  find some stupid reason to break them up for Barbara to swoop back in.

Penguin always manages to come on top in all situations

As for the rest of the episode Penguin got into a spot of bother and his scenes with Maroni, especially the one during that truth game, was done really well. Seems like Penguin will now work for Falcone full time now since he wasn't even able to talk his way out of his mess with Maroni, he had to convince someone else. Nygma continues to be a great addition to every episode and I just wish that they would make him the main focus of an entire episode rather than a few scenes. However I do think we have gotten a hint of his villainous ways by how he framed the medical examiner because lets face it that was kind of overboard. Seems like Fish has been captured by some military type of thugs and even though I really still hate Fish I am kind of interested to see where this goes (though her charging at the solider at the end was silly) and I am glad she wasn't in this episode much. Finally I do like that Bruce has addressed the issue of his parent's murder with Gordon once again but it is a shame we only got the one scene with them and we didn't get to see much of a reaction from Gordon about the whole thing afterwards.

"I should not have messed with Nygma"

Overall a really enjoyable episode, a definite improvement over the last one and looks to be the first of a two parter in to the origins of Scarecrow.

SCORE: 9/10

Highlights: Scarecrow origins/Bullock focused episode
                   Gordon and Leslie relationship going well
                   Strong scenes from Penguin and Nygma

Let - Downs: Could have expanded more with Bruce and Gordon

 

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net/       

Arrow Season Three: The Offer

Bet he isn't one for long speeches........

While Oliver has to deal with the aftermath of his meeting with Ra's al Ghul a new villain terrorizes Starling City; Michael Amar AKA Murmur (Adrian Glynn McMorran). Meanwhile Laurel and Nyssa bond, Thea comes to terms with Malcolm and Quentin shuts out both Laurel and Arrow.

We have the aftermath of Ra's offer to Oliver of becoming the next Head of the Demon and even though I expected Oliver to turn it down it was great watching him struggle with the decision. It was great that the first part of the episode focused more on the background of the League, though more screen time could have been given to it, and the confirmation of the Lazarus Pit. Finally glad that we got to see it in live action and the effect of it healing Ra's wound was cool. The strongest factor of this episode to me was Oliver struggling with his decision to accept the offer because he really was considering it after going over what changes he has made in Starling. Ra's did make it tempting because he made it seem that Oliver has barely accomplished anything and Oliver was beginning to believe it. However in the end, and with the help of Felicity, he chose to reject it and we have already seen the consequences of it when Ra's posed as the Arrow in a murder; I'm guessing Quentin and the police are going to turn against the Arrow now. The other main two characters in Oliver's arc, Thea and Nyssa, where a real let down however and I just found them completely annoying. I know Thea is dealing with murdering Sara but she is just all complaints lately and I hate that the first thing she says in every scene is how she wants to kill Malcolm; I just wanted her to shut the hell up about it already, she has been all bark and no bite this whole season. Plus she has gone back to her stupid habit of hating someone for a season; one it was Moira/Oliver, two it was just Moira and now Malcolm. As for Nyssa she is a good character but can they just give her something else to work with than just Sara, Sara, freaking Sara all the time and it was annoying seeing her going against Ra's because of her.

..........but he is one for complete slaughter!

As for everything else I really enjoyed the Murmur, McMorran gave a really creepy portrayal and we got some cool shootouts/fighting, but I just wish they gave him more screen time since he was only in it for two major scenes. I also must admit that besides the action scenes with the Murmur the rest of the episode wasn't that exciting so again shame we couldn't have more focus on him. Quentin was also great once again and he is doing a could job of showing his turmoil at Sara's death and a justifiable cold shoulder to Laurel and Arrow (Laurel of course deserves it more because of her stupid plan). Seems he will be an enemy of Arrow once again and even though it was sometimes annoying in season one that was mainly because I just hate how he treated Oliver and everyone else but this time it is a lot more personal and now Laurel is a vigilante. Finally the Flashbacks where not really that important, like they always are this season, but I'm not sure what to make of Shado again. I hope there is no stupid reason they have manage to bring her back after being shot in the head and I would actually prefer it to be her twin sister.

"I can get used to this green hood"

Overall this episode was great showing Oliver's dilemma to the offer but it would have been a lot better if we got more background on Ra's and the League and more focus on the Murmur. As I mentioned above when it wasn't about Ra's or the Murmur the rest of the episode was a bit of a drag and not that exciting.

SCORE: 5/10

Highlights: Oliver's decision at Ra's offer
                   The Murmur
                   Quentin still dealing with being lied to

Let - Downs: Nyssa
                      Thea
                      Not enough focus on the League and Murmur

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net/       

The Flash Season One: Out of Time

"I am the real Weather Wizard"

Mark Mardon (Liam Mclntyre), the new Weather Wizard, comes to Central City to avenge the death of his brother who was shot by Joe. Meanwhile Cisco investigates the time Reverse Flash was temporarily captured and begins to suspect Wells and Eddie and Linda begin to feel that Barry and Iris still have feelings for each other.

Now this is what I call an episode and it probably had one of the biggest WTF moments in the Arrow and Flash universe so far, I will talk about that later though. First off I really enjoyed watching the new Weather Wizard because Mark Mardon was way better than Clyde and is supposed to be the original one anyway. The Flash has always impressed me with it's great special effects when it comes to the Meta Human powers but this one was really perfect in showing the Weather Wizard powers such as that awesome tidal wave and the speed images of Wells. I also liked the Flashback at the beginning because it added more backstory on the brothers however I really wished there was more because even though Mark explained why he was missing for a year I think more Flashbacks on that would have been interesting. There was also a lack of fights between Weather Wizard, The Flash and Joe because Mark having a personal vendetta against Joe also gave Barry a more personal stake in the fight but overall I felt it was really underutilized (however I really liked that they showed the wand). This may be because a lot of screen time was given over to a Barry and Iris subplot; see I don't really mind if they get together or not, I just mind if too much of the story is given over to it. I just feel in comparison to Weather Wizard and Wells the whole romantic subplot didn't feel too important, they just seem to address this at the wrong time.

I thought an older Barry was following him when I first say this

Now for the most important moment this episode was Harrison Wells revealing himself to be Eobard Thawne, my favourite Reverse Flash!!!! When that happened I was really like W T FREAKING F, it really took me by surprise and that is mainly because quite a few of my assumptions about Wells has been wrong. For example I really thought Wells would be an original Reverse Flash created for the show and I also thought there where two Reverse Flashes in this timeline but Cisco revealed that there isn't. The only thing I really got right was that Eddie Thawne could be the ancestor of one of the Reverse Flashes because of his name. Now the reason why Wells is stuck in this timeline is that maybe his connection to the Speed Force has been damaged in some way which would explain his fall when Piped Piper escaped, getting the device and wanting Barry to gain more speed. I have to say that Well is such a great actor as the good guy because in the comics Eobard is more of a psychopath with a strong hatred against The Flash. I also liked the moments he had with Cisco because it does seem that despite killing Cisco he regrets it because he came to think of him as a son, so this Eobard isn't all that bad in my opinion. Speaking of Cisco he has had some great material lately and I liked how it started off with him and Wells watching a film yet Cisco just felt compelled to investigate. You can really tell that Cisco was hurt when Wells was Reverse Flash because of how much he, respects and owes him.

Talk about overkill to get revenge

The other important reveal was time travelling which they did a good job of showing; Barry seeing a speed image at the beginning and then was back there at the end. I think it is a really sure guess that next episode Barry will change the timeline in a way that Weather Wizard will get captured before the tidal wave, his captain won't lose the use of his legs and Wells won't have to reveal his secret to Cisco now and be forced to kill him. If they do all of that then for a little while longer Eobard will continue to be Wells in the wheelchair and help Team Flash. Still now that they have opened the door to time travel I'm sure they will explore more of it and the people behind the show have said they are adapting a major Flash comic which it looks to be Flashpoint. I also hope that if Barry does meddle in time travel more it will even affect Staring City and Arrow and that there will be a massive crossover arc where Barry has to set things right.

"My next trick will involve a member from the audience..........Cisco"

Overall even though there are some negatives in this episode I just have to, HAVE TO, give it a perfect score for the reveal of Eobard Thawne and time travel alone. This whole episode felt like it could have also been a finale!

SCORE: 10/10

Highlights: Well's identity and master plan revealed!!!!!!!!!!!
                    The new Weather Wizard/special effects
                    Great Cisco subplot

Let - Downs: Needed a bit more focus on Weather Wizard
                      Not enough Weather Wizard vs. Flash
                      The romantic subplot

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net/     

 

Gotham Season One: Welcome Back, Jim Gordon

Good cops vs. Bad cops

When a key witness in a homicide ends up dead Gordon suspects it was an inside job by the GCPD, meanwhile Penguin take's over Fish's business and Fish herself is being tortured by Falcone's men.

An episode where we had to deal with the corrupt GCPD again and have read some reviews saying that they where annoyed that it was addressing this issue once again. I on the other hand am glad the villains where cops again because I think it needs more than one episode to reform the GCPD. For one Gordon really shined again in this because you just got to really like his portrayal to be unflinching in his sense of justice, especially when it seemed the narcotics squad was untouchable. I really liked Gordon's speech at the end to his fellow officers and how they, included Essen, supported him this time. However it didn't end too well for Gordon when he wonders if getting Penguin's help was such a good idea; I hope they don't just drop this in future episodes. The other big story that was going on was with Fish but I think her torture was completely wasted since they didn't do anything, even if I liked her I would still feel this way. However once again Fish's right hand man Butch really stood out with the way he freed himself, rescued Fish and got her to safety - the guy has some real iron loyalty. It annoys me that even though Fish's actress confirms she isn't returning for season two (hopefully killed off) I bet we are still going to have to go through some big story arc with her which will waste a lot of screen time when it should be given to Butch.

"I bet you'll probably never hear from Ivy or Selina again Master Bruce"

As for everything else it is always good to see Bruce and Alfred (their absence was even explained) and even though their scenes wasn't much it was still nice to see Alfred helping Bruce once again. Hopefully they will play a large part next episode, especially since Selina says she never saw the shooting in the first place. The scenes with Penguin and his mother didn't feel really important except at the end when he her said how he out foxed Fish however I always hate how afraid he is around her. Like he said he has already proved that he is better than her because of his big plan with Falcone and the fact he predicted all her plans; I just want him to kill her already because I think it's obvious Penguin will at the end (Penguin is canon to the comics while Fish is not). Finally Nygma's moments with Kringle are still really funny and it is great how he has his own small subplot not that tried to the main story. Oh yeah and it is always great seeing Zsaz being all badass once again and I really like his helpers in the show.

"Your two seconds off, you have to follow my movements exactly!"

Overall an enjoyable episode but that was mostly because of Gordon's main story arc.

SCORE: 6/10

Highlights: Gordon vs. the narcotics squad
                   Butch again proving to be good character

Let - Downs: Fish didn't get tortured
                      Could have had more Bruce and Alfred scenes
      

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net/                          

Top Fifteen DC Villains

Carry on from the DC heroes I will now list my favourite villains.

15. Black Adam
Not so much of a villain just more of a tragic character who believes more in a different kind of justice that clashes with Shazam. I really like his design and backstory and I am really looking forward to seeing Dwayne Johnson portraying him in live action.

14. Sinestro
The former Green Lantern who created the Yellow Lantern Corps based on the power of fear. As I said in the heroes list I really like the powers of the lanterns with their rings so I had to have another user on this list and who better than Hal Jordon's greatest foe.

13. The Crime Syndicate
I know this is a group but the Forever Evil storyline in the New 52 is one of my favourites ever and it is all thanks to this group which consists of evil counterparts to some of the main heroes.

12. Talia al Ghul
One of the biggest love interests for Batman and the only one to have a child with him, Damien Wayne. She is a really cool assassin and whenever she faces Batman she always tries to mess with his mind not just hurt him.

11. Black Hand
One of the most insane villains I have ever seen; Black Hand was so obsessed with death since his early childhood that the events of the Blackest Night storyline (one of my favourite comics) began because he killed his entire family and then himself and then became the wielder of the Black Lantern ring.

10. Scarecrow
Has a really awesome design and I just really like his fear toxin that he uses to combat Batman and infect Gotham with from time to time. Batman chose a bat because he wants to instil fear into his enemies so it is always fear vs. fear when these two battle.

9. Cyborg Superman
Hank Henshaw is one of the most tragic villains in my opinion because after being exposed to radiation and watching his body decay, he acquires a robot body only for his wife to comics suicide. When he reappears as Cyborg Superman his design was just so freaking badass and he destroyed Coast City which is changed Hal Jordon forever in the pre - 52 comics.

8. Ra's al Ghul
Batman's second arch nemesis (beaten by Joker) Ra's al Ghul is really interesting with the fact that he doesn't want to kill Batman because he finds him to be the only worthy successor as Head of the Demon. While battling him Ra's constantly tries to convince Batman that death is the only way to combat evil in the world.

7. Captain Cold
An awesome Flash villain who deserves to be in this list for being one of the founding members of the famous Rouge group. He has always been a cool villain either with his ice gun or his ice powers in the New 52 and it was great seeing him as hero Citizen Cold in Flashpoint.

8. Deathstroke
DEATHSTROKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even though this list is about the comic version his Arrow TV series version does really help show how much of a badass this guy really is.

7. Bane
Has to be on this list as the villain who broke Batman's back. A foe who is a match for Batman in a fight in body and intellect, Bane was even considered a successor for Ra's al Ghul a few times.

6. Lex Luthor
Superman's greatest foe who always proves quite the challenge for him because even without powers his superior intellect makes him a match. He was just so freaking awesome in the Forever Evil storyline which is one of my favourite New 52 comics.

5. Hush
The Hush comic is one of my favourite Batman storylines of all time and it is all thanks to this epic villain. He spends the entire comic manipulating a lot of Batman's villains to combat the caped crusader and wear him down. I also really like that he is the childhood friend of Bruce Wayne and thus has a connection with his past.

4. Captain Boomerang
Started out a bit of a wacky villain for The Flash but became a really serious mercenary and my favourite member of the Suicide Squad. I just really like that boomerangs can be used so effectively in battle and I his zombie design in the Blackest Night storyline was so cool and he played an important part after being resurrecting in Brightest Day. Plus his perfect portrayal in the Arrow and Flash crossover really did help as well.

3. Harley Quinn
The Joker's psychotic girlfriend who his completely crazy and also really funny at the same time. She actually first appeared in the Batman Animated Series but became so popular they just had to put her in the comics and I am glad they did. She has some great designs and she is also a great member of the Suicide Squad.

2. The Joker
The clown prince of crime just has to be in everyone's list of villains because he is the most iconic out of all of them. The Joker is chaos incarnate and the complete opposite of Batman in every respect; everything he does is just for the fun of it no matter how evil the act is. I have also really liked that despite being in the Batman comics since the very early days he always lies about his origins so he is constantly a mystery.

1. Reverse Flash
My absolute favourite villain and I like all of his incarnations but I think Eobard Thawne AKA Professor Zoom is the best because everything he does is to torment Barry Allen. I liked that Thawne's idolization of Barry in the distant future caused him to go insane which lead's him to gain speed powers and be the first Reverse Flash to where the reverse colours of the Flash's costume. Of course my favourite comics he is on has got to be the Flashpoint storylines.   

Arrow Season Three: Nanda Parbat

So freaking awesome!!

When Malcolm is captured by the League of Assassins, Oliver considers saving him for Thea's sake. Meanwhile Felicity fears for Ray when he becomes more and more obsessed with finishing the ATOM suit.

What an awesome episode, this one aired in America just before a three week break (hope we don't have that over here) and left the audience with such an unexpected cliff hanger. First off I actually really liked Laurel, Thea and Nyssa for the way they dealt with Sara death in their own way. Laurel for example did let her emotions get the better of her and attacked Malcolm, sure that was a stupid thing to do but I think she knew that and I liked her bonding with Nyssa over Sara's laugh. Thea betrayed Malcolm to the League and told Laurel and Nyssa the truth but it was good seeing her admitting that she did feel guilty after having a great moment with Roy. Just thought I'd point out that it was cool how they went back to Roy killing the cop in season two and his guilt over it, until this episode I thought he just moved on. Finally there is Nyssa' whose feelings for Sara has probably now cost her being the Heir of the Demon and I am interested to know how this turns out however I do hope she finally moves on from Sara and hating Malcolm soon so they can add something else to her story. Malcolm was also great in this episode because of how he had to deal with everyone against him (except Oliver it seems), I liked how he never took Laurel seriously in their fight and it shows how dangerous Ra's actually is since Malcolm was afraid. There was a lot of awesome action sequences from all these characters as well; especially Diggle and Oliver's assault on the League, however I am a bit disappointed in that because the episode was a bit slow paced so we only got the last five minutes of the episode with it and after so much hype.

Just like the good old days of the beginning

Now as for Ra's offer to Oliver that was something I really didn't expect and even though I think Oliver will turn him down he will definitely be considering it next episode, he can't just turn it down straight away. You know I have read some people complaining that Arrow is being too much like Batman because of this Ra's story adaptation but since the writers have confirmed there will be no Batman in this I praise them for weaving it in the Arrow story so well and they do put their own original elements in it as well. Also I am positive now a Lazarus Pit exists because of I don't think that was just any pool Ra's was in at the beginning and how he said he met a magician all way back in the 1850!! You know I am really liking Matt Nable as Ra's al Ghul because the guy is just so imposing whenever he is on screen, you can really feel that this guy is the most dangerous man in the world. I just hope that from this point on we see a lot more of Ra's and that he takes a more active role in the story but since we are over the half way point in season three I'm sure we will.

"Your father is never going to care about Sara's death so............GET OVER IT!"

As for everything else Diggle defiantly deserves some praise because after not being that active the last few episodes he was right in the thick of it now. He had some really great talking moments with Oliver such as in the club or when they where captured and I am so glad he went with Oliver to save Malcolm. When that happened I just thought "Good old Dig; the constant rock of the group who will always have Oliver's back", luckily I hear there is a Suicide Squad episode soon and that always focuses on him more. Now we also get the big reveal of Ray as ATOM and that suit looked so freaking awesome!!!! I just really love that design and it was so epic when he flew; I know people may say that it is a knock off Ironman but we haven't seen what it can do yet and for all we know it could get his shrinking powers soon (seen him and Felicity in a Flash trailer so maybe then?). I liked the moments with Ray and Felcitiy as well because I have always enjoyed the chemistry between them (I prefer them two together than her and Oliver) and they brought in some much need humour. Finally while the Flashbacks where short and not too important they where not the big focus anyway and they where entertaining enough.

"Since there is no Batman you will have to do"

Overall this was an epic episode that was only brought down by it's slow pace and the Diggle and Oliver attack on the League didn't pay off as much as I wanted it to. Plus I do hope Thea's hatred of Malcolm doesn't last for too long because even though it will be understandable that she doesn't forgive him I just want her to work him again like before.

SCORE: 9/10

Highlights: ATOM!!!!!!!!!!!
                   Laurel, Thea and Nyssa subplots
                   Malcolm and Diggle played an important role
                   Ra's al Ghul continues to be awesome

Let - Downs: Slow pace
                      Oliver and Diggle attacking the League could have been longer

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net/        

Top Fifteen DC Heroes

With live action adaptions of comics being so big lately I thought I'd do a top ten of my favourite heroes and villains from the comics. Thought I'd start off with DC and then do Marvel and remember this list is based on the comics and NOT the TV series and films.

15. The Huntress
Those who have read my Arrow TV series reviews know that I think they have ruined The Huntress but I still really like her in the comics because she has a way better backstory, she is a valuable member of the Birds of Prey and even though Batman believes she is violent and unpredictable he still relies on her from time to time.

14. Red Hood (Jason Todd)While not my favourite Robin when Jason Todd became Red Hood he turned into a complete badass! He methods are very similar to Batman but does not mind using lethal force, he started out as an enemy to Batman but eventually became an ally. His most well known storylines; A Death in the Family and Under the Hood are so epic and his recent Red Hood and the Outlaws in New 52 is great as well.

13. Firestorm
Firestorm is one of the most powerful heroes in my opinion and I have always really liked that he is a fusion of multiple people because we get some great banter between them.

12. Catwoman
Some may say that Catwoman is a villain or the very least an anti - hero but I have always though of her as an ally of Batman. My favourite comic she has been in his the Hush one where Batman actually reveals his identity to her and contemplates being in a relationship with her as well.

11. Superman
Superman may be really down on this list but that is because I was never really bothered about him until recently after seeing the new Superman film so I decided to get some of his most well known comics. I realize now that he is a really great hero and I liked his new origins in the New 52 DC comics.

10. Green Arrow
If this was a list of live action heroes he would be near the top but I didn't like how he started off in the comics (just a copy of Batman) and I didn't like that he looks like Robin Hood with a beard. However in recent years he has gotten a lot better such as his Year One comic in 2007 and his team ups with Black Canary.

9. Black Canary
She is quite the badass in the comics and as mentioned above I like her team ups with Green Arrow but also with Birds of Prey. It is such a shame that she doesn't have her sonic scream in the TV show but maybe she might get Meta Human powers.

7. Green Lantern (Hal Jordon)
One of my earliest comics that I read Green Lantern has always been one of my favourite comics and if it wasn't for him there wouldn't be the Blackest Night storyline which is one of my favourites. I have always really liked Green Lantern's powers and my favourite storylines was when Hal Jordon failed to story Cyborg Superman destroying Coast City and he had to deal with the consequences.

6. Booster Gold
The hero I want to see the most in the Arrow/Flash TV series because with time travel it could work. Booster Gold always brings good humour when he appears and I have always liked his origins of how he became a hero.

5. Batgirl/Oracle (Barbara Gordon)
The best of the Batgirls in my opinion because of the amount of character development that was given to her. She was great as Batgirl and had a cool costume and then when she was shot by the Joker she became one of the best computer geniuses in the DC universe as Oracle, helping Batman and the Birds of Prey. Felicity from the Arrow TV series was obviously based on Oracle.

4. Arsenal
Arsenal has always been my favourite archer in the comics more than Green Arrow because I think his transformation from Speedy/Red Arrow to Arsenal was really well done. While I never liked his drug addiction storyline in the old comics I liked how it keep haunting him when he got his new right arm.

3. Nightwing
Dick Grayson started out as Robin but then he became one of my favourite super heroes ever. Like with Arsenal I just liked the transformation Grayson had to becoming Nightwing and I have all his New 52 comics.

2. The Flash (Barry Allen)
By far the best Flash there is because in my opinion Barry becomes the most powerful user of the Speed Force to the point where he becomes to Speed Force. He is such an important character as well because of his time travel ability because if he changes anything it effects everything in the DC universe (Flashpoint). His best storylines are Flash Rebirth and Flashpoint.

1. Batman
Of course number one just had to be one of the most well known and most popular heroes of all time. Batman was also the first comic I ever read so I owe him quite a lot and he has some of the best storylines and villains there are.

Gotham Season One: Rogues Gallery/What the Little Bird Told Him

"You can assign me to this nuthouse but you can't break my spirit!"

Rogues Gallery: Gordon's reassignment to Arkham Asylum gets off to a bad start when an imate is murdered so he decides to investigate it. Meanwhile Selina and Ivy seek refuge in Gordon's apartment and Cobblepot, Now officially The Penguin, tries to gains more power.

What the Little Bird Told Him: Gordon tries to get his old job back by attempting the recapture Jack Gruber AKA The Electrocutioner (Christopher Heyerdahl) meanwhile Fish makes for move against Falcone but it may not be as easy as she thought it would be.

Finally Gotham is back and it felt like it took ages! Thought I'd review these two episodes together since they where aired together as a feature length episode in the UK and they are a two parter anyway. However I am quite busy this week so I will only be able to quickly do this review in bullet points listing the good and bad moments.

You should have accepted his offer Butch

Good

Arkham Asylum: In the comics the Asylum is like a character itself and they did a really good job of  adapting it in live action. I liked the whole hopeless atmosphere they gave it and the run down and gritty look from the undermanned staff to the fact it still looks barely built. Gordon was also great as a guard there and that he never gave up and I liked the character Dr Leslie (Morena Baccarin) who I think will be a way better love interest than Barbara who they have completely ruined.

The Electrocutioner: I don't know too much about this villain besides from the Arkham Origins games but I liked him in this because it was a really creepy portrayal and it was an interesting take that there are two of them in this episode. Glad he is still alive for another day and I liked the electricity effects and it was something different for Gordon and Bullock to face.

Some good humour: Penguin and Engma continue to provide some nice comedic moments, I like that they can do that but are not classed as just comic relief characters. We also got it from Selina and Ivy when they where breaking into Gordon's apartment and I really like those two young actresses so it was great they had some scenes in these two episodes.

Strong Butch subplot: It surprised me that Fish's right hand man had a decent story and dilemma to deal with, I knew he wasn't just a background character but I didn't know he would get a really good subplot.

Strong Falcone subplot: Another great subplot was with the Don himself and it was interesting seeing him struggling with the idea on whether or not his time in Gotham has really passed, but thanks to Zsaz and Penguin he got over that. It was quite brutal how he strangled Liza to death and I loved the look of Fish's face when she realized she lost.

Hope they bring him back in future episodes

Bad

Fish: I am always going to hate Fish and nothing is going to change that, if a lot of screen time is given to her in the episode than that just automatically puts her in my let downs and drag the score down. This two parter, especially the second episode, made me realize just how stupid her plan actually was with Liza and she never would have been a good Don anyway. I mean Falcone was right; papers don't make a Don and she really thought she would have been that simple? Unfortunately I doubt she will be killed off anytime soon so will are going to suffer her a little bit longer. Just want to mention that the actress of Fish has reported saying that she won't return for Season Two. First off I'm glad the show is renewed for season two but even more glad Fish isn't returning because she was just an awful character who was the one of the two bad things in a great show. I really hope she gets killed off (she should in the finale) but even if she doesn't at least we get a season free of this annoying cow.

Barbara: The second half of the two things that is bad with the show; a completely weak and worthless character who they have ruined. I hate every scene she is in and even though it looks like it's over I have hated this forced lesbian past/relationship they gave her since the beginning (and now they had to introduce drinking and drugs to it). What bothers me the most however is that she seems to take the morale damn high ground against Gordon all the time, like she hasn't done anything wrong and that it's all his fault.

The capture of The Electrocutioner: The character was really cool, as well as his methods and breaking into the GCPD but really, he was stopped by a cup of water that was barely half full?

You don't f**k with Falcone!

Overall this was a great two parter which sees Gordon now back on the force and ends that stupid Liza plan that wasn't going anywhere.

SCORE: 8/10

Highlights: The Electrocutiner
                   Arkham Asylum/Gordon's time there/Dr Leslie
                   Strong Butch/Falcone subplots

Let - Downs: Fish
                      Barbara
                      A cup of water saves the day

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net/          

Arrow Season Three: The Return

DEATHSTROKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oliver and Thea run in to Slade Wilson AKA Deathstroke while on the island and in Flashbacks Oliver is forced to return to Starling City with Maseo for a mission but is not allowed to contact his family.

I am really glad that we got the return of Deathstroke this season even if it is just for one episode but it is enough just to see him in action again! Plus I really liked that we got to go back to the island again after I have been complaining that the Flashbacks haven't been as good since they left it. Slade still has a lot of hatred to Oliver and proves just how much of a badass he is with some great fight scenes with Oliver and Thea. It wasn't much of a surprise that Malcolm was behind it all so they can get back their killer instinct (this is just the kind of thing he will do) but it was cool that Slade accepted it; they weren't it any scenes together but it was a nice villain team up. I was a bit disappointed however that Slade and the island didn't get as much screen time as I would have liked, for example Oliver and Thea could have dodged more traps. Also, I'm not going to mark the score down for this because the writers obviously wanted just Slade to be the opponent, but it is a shame we didn't see Captain Boomerang who is one of my favourite DC villains. Now as for Oliver and Thea we did get some great bonding moments between those two and I liked that Thea has grown more as a character in just this episode. Her reaction to her being Sara's killer was really well done and I liked her response to Malcolm this time because she now has more reason to hate him now then last episode when it came out of no where in my opinion. Now Slade says that Thea is in the darkness despite her sparing his life which makes me wonder if she is going to end up more like Malcolm than she wants?

Yay Tommy

The second half of this episode was all about the Flashbacks which is good because we need to have these more focused episodes every now and again. I really liked the Flashbacks this episode mainly because it wasn't in Hong Kong and we got to see the dilemma Oliver had a being so close to his friends and family. It was awesome that they finally got back to the message Oliver found from his father that was mentioned in season one and that we got to see him as a killer again like he was in the beginning. I enjoyed seeing Tommy again because he is always a scene stealer and we actually got to see Diggle's brother which is something I wasn't expecting. What I didn't like though was that Moira and Walter wasn't there (they could have easily been in it) and that while Thea's drug problem and  Quentin's drinking was expected I hated that we wasted time addressing them again because I how much I didn't like their addictions. Still Quentin did have any strong performance dealing with Sara's death and I am glad the show didn't put this off until next episode. Glad that Quentin is mad at Laurel because he has every right to be because Laurel mentioning how her mother already knew just reminded me how stupid her plan was. Finally we got the introduction of Matthew Shrieve (Marc Singer) which I am interested to see more of him because in the comics he is in charge of a group called the Create Commandos which is made up of Meta - Humans who are like fictional creates e.g. Frankenstein, Wolfman etc. So how is this going to work in Arrow which has always been more grounded than The Flash?

"Using a green hoodie to hide my identity is good, red wouldn't work"

Overall it was great seeing Deathstroke again (hope he returns soon) and it was refreshing having a more focused episode that was just about one storyline and the Flashbacks. Just now remembered to mention that the Flashbacks have finally dealt with China White and we can focus of maybe another villain.

SCORE: 7/10

Highlights: DEATHSTROKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
                   Thea had some great development in this
                   Flashbacks that showed Oliver's struggle and Tommy cameo

Let - Downs: Not enough Deathstroke or island
                      Moira and Walter should have been in the Flashbacks
                 Didn't like that we had to address Thea's and Quentin's addictions again even in Flashbacks

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net/        

Bleach Review: The Betrayer

"It's finally my time to shine"

Ichigo and Yoruichi continue to battle Yhwach who still continues to mess with Ichigo's mind and Uryu then decides to step in.

Finally we got some really fast paced action with some proper fighting between the characters. Yhwach still tries to mess with Ichigo by talking about his Quincy blood and has been controlling his actions however I didn't really like it because Aizen and Ginjo already tried a similar trick before. Sure it's different with Yhwach because we have already seen he has some control over Ichgio actions but we have still already been through this before. I did though like the jab Yhwach made at Ichigo's mother which I thought was about time because I have been waiting for Ichigo to mention that Yhwach killed her. We also got to see an Elite Sternritter in action again, Pernida Parkgjas The Compulsory, who takes Yoruichi out of the fight for now in a pretty gruesome way. Finally we get the arrival of Uryu (about freaking time!) who still seems to be siding with Yhwach for now and it looks like there might be a fight between him and Ichigo next chapter. All in all there isn't much to say about this chapter because it doesn't feel like a lot has happened, I am of course still disappointed that Chad and Ganju just seem to be standing around doing nothing and the way Mimihagi was ripped off makes me think that it's part is already over after there was so much hype about it.



Doesn't that hurt her at all?

Overall a good chapter that might have set up a fight between Uryu and Ichigo next chapter and with Uryu's and Pernida's arrival this will mean the other Elite Sternritter will fight as well. 

SCORE: 7/10

Highlights: Ichigio vs. Yhwach
                   Uryu and Pernida finally step in
                   Pernida's brutal attack on Yoruichi

Let - Downs: Really, Ichigo has been controlled by another main villain
                      Why isn't the rest of Ichigo's group helping out?
                       Mimihagi finished already?

The Flash Season One: Fallout

Finally get to see him in costume!

With Ronnie and Stein separated Team Flash believes that everything is all right now however they are in jeopardy once again when General Eiling targets Firestorm. Meanwhile Mason tells Iris that something is going on at S.T.A.R labs which leads them to investigate it and Joe tells Barry about his mother's murder.

SPOILER WARNING BELOW FOR FLASH COMICS (I don't care about holding back when referencing the comics anymore)

This Firestorm two parter was FREAKING AWESOME! Just like the three episode Brick Arc in Arrow these two episodes definitely rank as one of my favourite moments in the Arrow and Flash TV shows. First off it was really great that for the most part Ronnie and Stein where separated because we got some touching reunions between their love ones but also the realization that everything wasn't going to be fine now. It was interesting that Ronnie wanted to move away because while it is understandable it created a dilemma for Caitlin who believes she is doing good in Central City; thankfully she didn't have to make that choice but I wonder what it would have been? Their next problem was the connection that still exists between Ronnie and Stein which was really cool seeing how it got strong enough for craved words to appear on Stein's arm. Finally we got the return of Eiling which was great because he had some cool toys to take out The Flash and Firestorm but this also gave Ronnie and Stein the opportunity to perfect the Firestorm Matrix. I'm glad that we got to hear Stein's voice when Ronnie was controlling Firestorm because that is how it is supposed to be like in the comics and I enjoyed the banter between them.

That was a cool toy, I wonder if the military will keep using it or Eiling's successor?

As for everything else I liked that Joe decided to tell Barry now about the truth behind his mother's death instead of keeping it to himself and that we are learning more and more about time travel. Now Barry wanting to go back in to time to prevent his mother's death is similar to the plot of the Flashpoint comic (awesome read) however I wonder if Barry will realize he won't be The Flash if he saves his mother. Even none comic book fans can figure this out; If his mother was never murder he would never have become The Flash so Reverse Flash is right in saying his mother was destined to die that night. However I doubt Barry is really going to care about this so I am looking forward to episodes in the future where Barry creates an alternate timeline. As for the other subplot involving Iris that could have been way better because while it is interesting that she may uncover Barry's identity on her own it was barely developed this episode and felt out of place with the Firestorm plot.  Hopefully we will get more of this next episode but they should have saved this until then and gave us more of it. Finally what I wanted to mention was that we got some great comic relief between Joe and Cisco referencing Terminator and Back to the Future; those two have been great in their scenes together so far and I hope they keep it up.

"You don't want to mess with a perfect Firestorm"

Now for the major end scene at the end I just want to say first that it is a shame Eiling could be dead because I liked his character (even though I admit it was a typical army guy looking for powerful weapons) and I said when he first appeared that it would be cool if he did form a team of Meta - Humans working for him, oh well the road not taken. But at the very least we got to see Gorilla Grodd properly now and see Wells in his Reverse Flash costume. I don't know why Wells and Grodd are working together now but this is another reason to say that Wells isn't the Hunter Zolomon Reverse Flash/Professor Zoom because in the comics Grodd crippled Zolomon in the first place and Wells isn't a cripple anyway. I still think Wells is an original Reverse Flash created for the show but was heavily influenced by Hunter Zolomon because of his wheelchair and friendship with Barry. As for Grodd he is getting more epic every time he appears and I'm glad we got to see some of his mind abilities and I can't wait until he gets an entire episode as him as the villain (plus his voice was cool!).

"Not God, Grodd" Epic line!

Overall this Firestorm two parter was just so epic and I hope Firestorm isn't absent for too long.

SCORE: 9/10

Highlights: Firestorm
                   Grodd and Wells as Reverse Flash
                   Barry investigating time travel
                   Humour from Cisco and Jow

Let - Downs: Iris's subplot could have been a lot better
                      Eiling is now most likely dead and I liked his character and actor

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net/     

Bleach Review: The Dark Arm

"I was just one day from retirement"

Shunsui has now completely freed Aizen who tires to convince him to use his powers for the Soul Society meanwhile in the Royal Palace Yhwach tries to stop Mimihagi but Ichigo steps in.

If your wondering why I didn't review last chapter that is because I was really busy but I was incredibly disappointed in it anyway. I would have given it 10/10 for the reveal of Aizen alone but the majority of the chapter had to waste a lot of time with Urahara and the rest. As for this chapter it was a lot better because we got to see more of Aizen and Shunsui while we didn't waste several pages on Urahara's group doing absolutely nothing to advance the story (besides Ukitake) like they have been for a while. I really enjoyed the banter between Aizen and Shunsui because despite being in prison Aizen is still being his usual self, like not asking to be released and acting like he could care less if he is. It seems at the end that he will go because it is implied that he hates Yhwach even more than the Soul Reapers, which would also explain why he turned down the offer to work with him before. Two things that was really interesting was that the suit Aizen his in only contains his powers not remove them which is great because if he does fight in the future he will be at full power right away. Secondly because the fingers of that guard literally disintegrated when he got close to Aizen I'm guessing that Aizen his still a transcendent being thanks to the Hogyoku that is still in him; remember it only started to reject him at the end it didn't leave him. As for the rest of the chapter Ichigo and Yhwach have a pretty cool confrontation but it wasted time with Ichigo going on about how he protects peoples (like he always does) and Yhwach still talking about Ichigo's Quincy blood but only vaguely but hopefully we will get a proper fight next chapter.

This was really cool

This review may have seemed short but that is because I don't find much to talk about them; I mean Yhwach stabbed the Soul King quite a while ago and yet the story hasn't really progressed much at all. Plus why aren't the rest of Ichigo's group doing anything and where the hell are the Elite Sternritters?

SCORE: 7/10

Highlights: Long Live Lord Aizen!!!!!!
                   The stuff that happens with Aizen and Shunsui
                   Ichigo stopping Yhwach

Let - Downs: Ichigo and Yhwach waste time talk on stuff we already know
                      Where are the rest of Ichigo and Yhwach forces?

Arrow Season Three: Canaries

Damn she got her ass kicked

Oliver is now back however he is thrown with the changes to Team Arrow is his absence which creates conflict in the group. He even tells Laurel to stop being Black Canary however she ignores him when Vertigo returns but unfortunately gets affected by his drug. Meanwhile Chase surprises Thea and in Flashbacks Oliver and Maseo try to escape from A.R.G.U.S

Things certainly aren't the same for Oliver in his return to Starling with the main change being Laurel is determined to carry on the mantle of Black Canary. This was mainly a Laurel focused episode and a really good one at that with the involvement of Vertigo and how she confronted Sara who was an awesome character so I'm glad they brought her back in some form. I liked the fights she had with Sara and I think her taunting of Laurel was stuff the audience where already thinking off; that she was just a copy of Sara. I liked that Laurel has now faced her demons and that with the help of Felicity she has realized that she has to be her own version of Black Canary and not a copy of Sara. Quentin was also a huge factor for Laurel this episode and I thought it was about time he learned the truth and it was a damn powerful scene when he broke down with Laurel, makes me wonder what he will do now. Vertigo was also a part of Laurel's development and even though I really like this one, because he does seem a lot darker than Count Vertigo, I wished he had more scenes since he was only a means to an end for Laurel.

"Don't judge me harshly by the beating, drugs, killings and torture. I'm actually a nice guy"

As for the rest of the episode I liked that Thea handled the confession of Oliver well and that she didn't turn into a whiny brat (like she would in season 1 and 2) but that only lasted for a few minutes until she turned on Malcolm. I get why she is a bit angry but after everything she has been through with him I hated how quickly she turned against him, I just hated her damn attitude in this episode. Another thing I didn't like in her subplot was the lacklustre way the Chase character ended; he put up a decent fight but after he has kind of been hyped up for a while he is just out of it now, it feels like they have wasted a lot of time with his character. As for Team Arrow I liked the way they stood up to Oliver and arguing that they can do things on their own now because it isn't just about Oliver anymore. Roy I think has really grown as a vigilante because he was the one leading the arguments against Oliver and makes me think how he could get episodes just dedicated to him sometime. Finally the Flashbacks are a let down again (like all the Hong Kong ones mostly have been) and that is mainly because of Waller. I really like her character in the comics (old and new 52 Suicide Squad) but she just really damn bugs me in this, everything from her actress, appearance and personality and I think they haven't done her comic book version justice. They only thing good about the Flashbacks was that I like the friendship between Oliver and Maseo and them being in Starling City now should be interesting.

Do you sleep with all your victims Chase?

Overall I would have liked this episode better if it completely focused on Laurel and Vertigo instead of wasting are time with a whiny Thea. I just hope her character improves after some training on the island because so far she hasn't done anything and keeps losing in fights anyway.

SCORE: 7/10

Highlights: Laurel vs. Vertigo and her hallucinations
                   Team Arrow standing up to Oliver
                   Quentin and Thea's reactions to the confessions

Let - Downs: Thea
                      Chase was a wasted character
                      Flashbacks and Waller

EXTRA

Now I have kept up with the news of Arrow and I have heard that Thea will soon get her own costume (saw a picture of her getting fitted for a mask) and there are rumours that to make room for her a member of Team Arrow has to die and Arsenal might be the one. I hope this really doesn't happen because Arsenal is one of my favourite comic characters and I really like Roy on the show. If they have to get rid of him though I hope it is only temporary and as I have said before he loses his arm and maybe everyone will think he is dead but instead he is kidnapped, gets his robotic arm from either A.R.G.U.S or H.I.V.E and is forced to be an agent of H.I.V.E or a member of the Suicide Squad. Let me know what you think of that.

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net/        

The Flash Season One: The Nuclear Man

"Flame on.........everyone is going to think of Marvel"

Team Flash realizes that Ronnie AKA Firestorm has become out of control and decide to stop him which leads Caitlin to continue to investigate project F.I.R.E.S.T.O.R.M and Dr Martin Stein (Victor Garber). Meanwhile Joe asks for Cisco's help with Nora's murder and General Eiling returns to Central City.

Finally we got an entire episode dedicated to Firestorm which actually turned out to be the first of a two parter. I admit I thought they would have brought in another Meta - Human for The Flash to deal with as a small subplot but I am really glad they didn't and the focus was just on Firestorm. The whole story round Ronnie and Stein as part of the Firestorm Matrix has been handled really well so far, especially the tragedy surrounding the two; that it is Ronnie's body yet Stein is the one in control so they are unrecognizable to the people they love. I'm glad that the Flashbacks where about Stein (his meeting with Barry and first waking as Firestorm) so we got to learn more about him and that for the later half of the episode, thanks to several drugs, we got to see him not crazy for once. Hats off to Robbie Amell (real life cousin to Arrow!) for playing a role where he was Ronnie but also not Ronnie. Caitlin also had a strong role in this episode as well such as the awkwardness to talking to Firestorm at S.T.A.R labs, standing up to Wells when he wanted to kill Ronnie to the goodbye at the very end before Firestorm blew up. Lastly while this episode wasn't too action heavy (which doesn't really matter because of the strong material of Firestorm) the small fight between The Flash and Firestorm was pretty awesome as well as the massive explosion at the end.

Good start but I wonder if he will have the rest of his costume from the comics soon

As for the rest of the episode we got a really great team up between Cisco and Joe which I wasn't expecting because the two really haven't interacted much with each other yet. They did really work well together with some great serious and comedic moments and I liked how Cisco stood up for Wells in the end but his curiosity and wiliness to help got the better of him. Of course when they first mentioned that their was two speedsters in the vortex that killed Barry's mother I knew it must have been Reverse Flash and an older Barry because this plot has been used in a Flash comic. I do find this awesome because this proves that time travel does exist in the show and that opens lots of new possibilities; hopefully this proves Booster Gold could be in the show in the future. Also unless Cisco was covering for Wells this also proves that there really is two Reverse Flashes and while Wells does do questionable thinks he doesn't seem to be a bad guy because it is all to protect people. I also don't think he is the Hunter Zolomon Reverse Flash because he seems more like an original one for the show but I still think the second one is Eobard Thawne (Professor Zoom/Reverse Flash) who is either Eddie Thawne from the future or his descendent. Lastly while we did get some nice moments between Barry and Linda I do wish they would expand Linda's character a bit because of how important she is in the comics (Wally West) and I didn't like that we have a jealous Iris now. After choosing Eddie over Barry she really has to play the jealous game here? Plus Barry was right she did interfere when she had that talk with Linda.

So which one shall be coming back to that house?

Overall this was an awesome Firestorm episode and I am looking forward to part two where we get to see General Eiling again who I really liked last time and who is played by a great actor. He obviously must be who Rush was scared of last time because of his knowledge of Firestorm so I can't wait to see what trouble he will cause now.

SCORE: 9/10

Highlights: Strong Firestorm focused episode
                   Cisco and Joe team up
                   Time travel revealed!

Let - Downs: Linda could be fleshed out more and a jealous Iris

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net/