Marvel's Agent Carter: Now Is Not The End

WWII may be over but Agent Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) is now back in the field to clear the name of Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper) who has been branded a traitor.

You know I really liked Agent Carter's character from Captain America but I really wondered how it could work as a TV series but it seems to be off to a strong start. Frist off it does a really good job of setting the stage, 1940s New York, by showing us the kind of thing Carter has had to deal with after the war which is sexism in the work place; she was this secret agent during the war, at the frontline for most of it, but with the soldiers returning she has been brushed aside. Treated as nothing more than a secretary and from her point of view we see all of the male agents are actually really incompetent and even outside of the workplace this happens to her friends as well. This actually did happen after the war so it is woven in so nicely here and the rest of the set too such as the buildings and the costumes; they really do a good job of showing off 1940s New York. As for Carter herself she is really badass because not only do we see her battling against being treated second class but she is also back out in the field as a spy. It was cool seeing her in disguise, using numerous gadgets and the fight scenes where great and I liked her interactions with Jarvis (James D'Arcy) because it works really well; Jarvis's more down to earth demeanour and juggling a marriage clashes with Carter's more rash actions gives us some enjoyable moments.

"Did you remember from the film that I's an expert marksman?"

As for the rest of the episode the whole story of Stark's weapons being stolen makes for a great pretence for everything and it would be cool to see a new weapon every week Carter has to deal with. What I also liked about this show is that even though it is the 1940s we are still going to see futuristic - like technology like the explosives or the type writer that acted like some kind of computer or text messaging. As for the rest of the cast it is a bit funny seeing her male co workers act really incompetent (as I mentioned above) and seeing Carter one up them during the mission. However there was also an agent who sympathised with Carter, Daniel Sousa (Enver Gjokaj), but in my opinion character like that will either turn out to be a love interest or secret villain so I guess we'll wait and see. Now as for the big bad Leviathan group they did seem very interesting with their scars, highly trained agents and wanting to gather up weapons however since the show as only eight episode it really can't afford to keep them in the dark for long. This episode did lack the impact of a season villain because it kept Leviathan too much in the dark or gave us their motives; mystery is good but as I mentioned this series is too short to do that.

Hail Hyd-........wait wrong group

Overall I was surprised with this and found myself really enjoying the episode and looking forward to next week.

SCORE: 8/10

Highlights: The 1940s setting/the stolen weapons plot
                   Carter and Jarvis where excellent
                   Carter's missions are very entertaining

Let - Downs: Left Leviathan too much in the dark.    

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: My Name Is Oliver Queen

"I have saved this city.........three times now"

Ra's al Ghul enacts his master plan which puts everyone's lives in danger and Oliver must decide how much he is willing to sacrifice to stop him meanwhile the rest of Team Arrow springs into action.

Another finale, another season of Arrow finished and while this season has had it's ups and downs (especially in the later half) I was satisfied with what I watched. First off while it lacked the impact and intensity of the Mirakuru army I did enjoy the bio weapons attack on Starling and the rematch between Oliver and Ra's. I liked that all of Team Arrow was united to stop the four League members from spreading the virus but I didn't like that the virus was cured completely off screen by Ray's nanotech; it didn't feel like it was that big of a threat overall. However I did like the fight on the cargo plane and the final fight between Oliver and Ra's because I really like me some sword fighting, it's one of my favourite type of action sequence. I also liked that Oliver mimicked the words Ra's spoke to him on the mountain but I don't think that Ra's is going to be dead for long because the guy is famous for constantly coming back to life. I did like that Thea (she was good for once) got to show up in Arsenal costume for the ending but damn was that brief! I just hope she gets more crime fighting time than that next season. I also liked the team up between Nyssa and Oliver because I really prefer seeing them working together than against one another and when she defending Oliver against Diggle. As for Quentin I hated his relapse into drinking again but there is hope he can support Team Arrow again when he was against the sniper taking out Oliver (liked his funny "this is May" line lol). Then of course there was the reveal that Ra's was also after Damien Darke as well and the fact that he managed to fool even Ra's makes me really look forward to seeing him in Season Four; I liked the whole hotel scene and the moment with Damien's assistant because it was a well done tease for the new villain.

As for everything else Diggle of course shined the most with again struggling to accept Oliver back into the team but at least they came to an understanding at the end. It is a bit of a shame about Oliver's departure because it is almost like an end of an era for those two but hopefully Diggle will continue the good fight and get his own costume! Then there is Malcolm who is always one step ahead and came out on top as the new Ra's, was not expecting that. Obviously he and Nyssa are going to have some friction but with the reveal of Sara alive in Legends of Tomorrow (I've seen the trailer so no need to talk about Ray because I know he is alive too) maybe they will come to a truce. He will probably also go back to being a full villain but I doubt the League will have too much of a presence for a while so the show can focus on other stuff. Then there was Felicity and while she was alright I didn't like her being in the ATOM suit too much (because it was a quick attempt to involve her in the fight which meant we couldn't see Ray in action) and then she drove off with Oliver at the end. I never wanted these two together but I bet the OliverxFelicity fans are jumping with joy now, I guess I just got to accept it. Now I don't think Oliver is retiring for good (because he is the star obviously) but maybe like the Brick Arc he will be absent for a while which I don't mind because the Brick Arc proved that the secondary characters can hold there own so hopefully we will see more developments with Thea, Laurel and Diggle. Finally there is the Flashbacks and I just didn't like them because there was just little for Oliver, Maseo and Tatsu to do and was far less dramatic than the Slade vs. Oliver fight last season. However we got a great Easter Egg for Green Lantern with Oliver boarding a ship to Coast City so I hope we see Hal Jordon next season because he has been teased on Arrow/Flash for ages.

Overall not the best finale out of the three seasons but still a fun one to watch and makes me look forward to the possibilities of Season Four. Plus I liked how they managed to fit in the Flash for the finale, that was cool!

SCORE: 7/10

Highlights: Oliver vs. Ra's/Oliver and Nyssa team up
                   Team Arrow stopping the virus
                   Malcolm as the new Ra's
                   The possibilities for Season Four/Damien Darke

Let - Downs: The bio attack wasn't as threatening as the Mirakuru army
                       Flashbacks didn't do much
                       OliverxFelicity
                       ATOM didn't join in on the fight

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: This Is Your Sword

"Going to be hard wearing green again after all this awesome black"

Oliver now finishes his training to become the next Ra's Al Ghul meanwhile Malcolm makes an offer to Team Arrow and Thea goes to see Roy.

I knew it, I knew that Oliver wasn't turned to the dark side and had his own plan to bring down the League though I did kind of see it coming. It is really cool that Oliver (working with Malcolm!) came up with this big secretive plan, so secretive that they couldn't tell Team Arrow however I wish they didn't reveal it so early. The reason for this is because all of the drama and tension that was built up last episode with Oliver being a villain is gone now because we know it was fake so soon. In my opinion it might have been better to leave the reveal until the end of this episode or the beginning of the finale where it is revealed Oliver managed to cure Team Arrow without their knowledge, obviously they are not going to be killed off just like that. However at the very least Diggle did not just forgive and forget Oliver and is still holding a lot of anger towards him for the events of last episode and I am glad he is. Diggle again had some great material to work with; feeling betrayed by his best friend by the way he punched that criminal or ignored Oliver's explanation, it is going to take some time to rebuild their trust and I will say again Diggle needs a costume! (He could have used one during the chase). Before I move on I want to mention the action sequence in the desert with Team Arrow because that was freaking awesome and probably the biggest fight they have done all season. It was just so cool with Malcolm kicking ass, Laurel showing off her improved skills, Katana slashing away and Felicity having that funny moment with her tablet though it was the only time I liked her this episode. Then of course there was ATOM having an aerial dog fight with that plane and the effects in Arrow just keep getting better and better.

As for everything else I am glad we got to see Katana in full costume and action now however I just feel kind of let down because she has barely been given any character development, we have mostly just seen her as a mother in the Flashbacks. Still the final fight between her and Maseo was done so well; the sword fight was epic and Maseo's death was really sad and I liked how Katana sung to him which mirrored the death of their son. Shame to see Maseo go but I feel that his death was handled perfectly and that his story is complete. As for the Flashbacks they where good but it is a shame we don't get to see General Shrieve as much as we should be he does seem like a good villain with the way he captured Oliver, Maseo and Tatsu. Then there was Thea's visit to Roy and that was alright; mostly just there as a break from the main plot but it gave those two a proper goodbye and Roy has now passed the torch to Thea. As for Nyssa it was kind of funny how she tired to kill Oliver but I kind of think she will be let in on Team Arrow's plan and fight her father with them in the finale. Finally as I mentioned above I didn't like Felicity that much in this which is something I have said lots of times before but I shall explain it now. CW hasn't done a good job with it's women characters in the Arrow/Flash universe; Thea is a whiny brat who gets so much time invested in her yet does not do anything, Laurel was made unlikable with her drinking and drugs (though I admit they have made her way better that I actually really like her now), Iris is supposed to be this reporter but doesn't feel like one, Caitlin just feels like she's just there sometimes for the sake of it and now Felicity is plain annoying. I know they probably wanted to give her character something more to work with than just the light hearted computer expert but this pairing with Oliver has been such a downer for her and she feels that her opinion has to matter for everything.

Overall a great set up for the finale with one of the best action sequences I have seen so far.

SCORE: 7/10

Highlights: Team Arrow vs. the League
                   Diggle dealing with his anger towards Oliver
                   Maseo vs. Katana

Let - Downs: Oliver revealed to not be evil was too soon
                      Flashbacks remind me that General Shrieve could have been more of a major character


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: Who is Harrions Wells?

Which is the real one?

Joe and Cisco head to Starling City to continue their investigation on Wells and enlist the help of Quentin and Laurel while there. Meanwhile back in Central City Barry tries to stop Meta Human Hannibal Bates AKA Everyman (Martin Novotny) who has the power to transform into anyone he touches.

I just love these crossover episodes, don't you? I mean we should all know at this point but I find it still great to have these little reminders that the Arrow and Flash show is still connected when characters from each of them crossover; all in all I enjoyed the guest appearances of Quentin and Laurel. Firstly Quentin was a lot better in this than when he was on Arrow lately because he wasn't acting like a completely jerk and I liked how he got along with Joe; them talking about their jobs and their daughters, I really hope this affects Quentin and he realizes that he has went too far these past few episodes. Then of course there was Cisco's interaction with Laurel and that photograph of the two of them was just so funny that I laughed out loud and it was so like Cisco. Also this was the debut of the choker that would give Laurel the ability of the Canary Cry from the comics and I am looking forward to seeing this in action. In the comics the Canary Cry is Black Canary's power but having it in the form of technology in the show is the next best thing. What was the most important thing to take from the Starling scenes was that Team Flash has found the body of the real Wells and that is a real game changer because Eobard Thawne cannot hide now, so I'm expecting some big showdowns the next few episodes. This also led Barry, Cisco and Caitlin into the Gideon room in the final scene of the episode (such a cliff hanger to leave off!) and since they have access to the Gideon computer and the newspaper I wonder if they read up on information about the future? but from what other time travel fiction has taught me reading about your future is supposed to be a bad thing.

I want one!

As for the other plot in this episode the Meta Human Everyman was a really enjoyable villain and handled well. First off I thought I'd say that shape shifting powers has also been a favourite of mine (X Men for example) so since the early episode of Flash I have been waiting for a Meta Human with those powers. It was really entertaining seeing Barry and Eddie trying to track down Everyman and quite funny when Everyman assumed the role of Barry and when they fought each other at the airport. This subplot also gave Eddie some great material too and without Joe he was more involved this time and for a second I really thought he would go to jail! I am also just glad the argument with Iris is finally resolved even if he hasn't told her the complete truth. You know I have read a lot of comments and they are saying that Eddie will probably become a villain or the new Reverse Flash (because he is a Thawne after all) but it is really going to take something big to make him one because right now he is such a close friend of Barry. Besides Eddie, Caitlin had some great moments of dealing with Wells and heck who could blame her because Eobard is such a great actor as a good guy! Plus I really liked the scene where Everyman transformed into a kidnapped girl in Caitlin's and Iris's car; such a good plan lol. Not much else to say expect that I really liked the nod to Green Lantern with Barry running through Coast City, will we see the Green Lantern in the future?

Everything is about to change now

Overall I really didn't have any problems with this episode because it was great I guess the only nit picking thing I can point out is that like the Bug Eyed Bandit the Everyman subplot was just there to drag out the investigation on Wells but again it is still entertaining filler that I really don't mind. However with the ending it looks like the investigation is truly over and things are going to be really different on the show now.

Overall: 9/10

Highlights: Barry and Eddie team up against Everyman
                   Joe and Cisco's moments with Quentin and Laurel
                   Caitlin on whether is could trust Wells or not
                   That ending!!

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: All is lost

The King is dead

The chapter begins with Yuzu and Karin feeling earthquakes in the world of the living which is caused by the death of the Soul King. Yhwach explains his powers let him see the future and that his Reiatsu allowed him to control Ichigo. Ichigo and Yoruichi attack Yhwach while Orihime attempts to heal the Soul King but they fail meanwhile Urahara is shocked that the Soul King is dead but Ukitake has a strange look on his face.

Still wish these chapters where better but this one was more entertaining than the last few and that is because Kubo did do a good job of showing us that "all is lost": the worlds crumbling, the Soul King is dead and Urahara has completely lost his cool. First off while it is good to see Yuzu and Karin again bur I do wish they did something more interesting and that they where more relevant to the plot than just a quick cameo. Karin was teased with having such a big role, especially in the Fullbringer Arc, but it seems that Kubo forgot about her and the best he can come up with is her playing video games during a quake.

"Your anger makes you stronger Ichigo!"

I do really like that Yhwach has literally won over all of the heroes (when Aizen failed) and it looks like there isn't much they can do however I want to know more about his plans. I doubt he wants to be destroyed along with the worlds but maybe he wants to revert it to how it was before the Soul King. We also got some much needed background on the Soul King and that he was created by the Soul Society to control the flow of souls. This does explain why he seems more like an object than a person but I just hope we get even more in info on exactly who or what he is. I liked the short conflict between Ichigo and Yhwach however why did Yoruichi have to use wire? Does she really think that will hold him? Finally it looks like Ukitake's Kamikake is finally going to be put into effect with his expression at the end of the chapter and I think this technique might allow him to take the place of the Soul King or share his body with him for a while. The latter might explain why the Soul King is losing more and more limbs every chapter because it could already active; notice the Soul King has no ears when I'm sure he had some earlier.

"Wires! My one weakness!"

Overall a decent chapter but I hope there is more action and fights in the next one.

SCORE: 6/10

Highlights: Earthquakes destroying all the worlds
                   More information on the Soul King
                   Urahara losing his cool and Ukitake's plan maybe revealed next chapter?

Let - Downs: Yuzu and Karin just wasted pages
                       Still doesn't feel like the story isn't moving forward 

The Flash Season One: The Flash is Born

The episode begins with Iris once again blogging on her site and Barry, disguised as The Streak, trying to warn her to stop. Barry leaves when he hears sirens and speeds to a car chase and manages to get a kid out of the way while West and Eddie look on. Barry fights the man the police are chasing but is severely injured when he discovers it is a Meta Human who can coat his skin in to a metallic substance. At S.T.A.R. labs Barry wonders how he can fight someone with that kind of power but West assures him they will find a way, he then goes to CCPD where he learns that the Meta Human is criminal Tony Woodward AKA Girder who used to bully him as a kid. West later talks to Wells about the possibility of a Meta Human killing Barry's mother, Nora, but Wells believes that's impossible, elsewhere in the lab Cisco thinks Barry can hurt Girder if he can channel his speed the right way.

Now that has got to hurt!

Barry and Eddie then investigate the car Girder left behind and follow the clues to a brewery factory and question the employees. They learn that Tony worked at a steel factory and while in a fight over losing his job fell in a vat of molten metal; this also happened the day of the accelerator exploded thus turning him into Girder. Girder then visits and flirts with Iris and even shows off his powers and when Iris tells this to The Streak, Barry angrily speeds off to Girder's hideout. At the old steel factory Barry fights Girder but is once again beaten into submission. Cisco and Caitlin take him back to S.T.A.R labs where Cisco thinks that Barry can damage Girder if he hits him at Mach 1.1 with a running start of 5.3 miles. Later Barry trains with Eddie and learns more about him meanwhile West has a drink with Wells because he is suspicious he had something to do with Nora's murder but Wells denies this.

"Pretend the bag is Eddie"

Girder kidnaps Iris who takes her to their old school because he wants to be famous for killing The Streak however she manages to pull the fire alarm that alerts Barry when he hears about the kidnapping. He races to there but once again finds himself losing to Girder despite dodging his punches with his speed at first. He then runs 5.3 miles away and charges back at Mach 1.1 and punches Girder, creating a sonic boom and knocking him out. Barry later puts Girder in a cell next to the accelerator and reveals his identity, having finally defeated his old bully. West apologies to Wells after finding out he moved to Central City shortly after Nora's murder because his own wife recently died. Barry then visits Iris and the two make up for being angry with each other and during their talk The Streak is renamed The Flash. The episode ends with West going over Nora's case files but is surrounded by a yellow and red vortex, even getting a blurred glimpse of the man in yellow, he is unharmed but is left a photo of Iris with a knife stuck in it with the message "Stop or Else".

"Guess who's back?"

We got to have a another look at The Man in The Yellow Suit sooner than I thought and I had to admit that was one awesome scene with West in the vortex. It may be 14 years after Nora's murder but The Man in The Yellow Suit is still at large and after his threat I wonder if West will continue to help Barry. He now must believe him beyond any doubt and makes me even wonder if he will tell him what happened or just keep it to himself because he doesn't want Barry or S.T.A.R labs doing more investigating. This also makes me wonder if Wells had anything to do with it because as I had said before he defiantly has his own plan but I can't see him as a villain because he is just too helpful to Barry. This is my theory but since Wells had that device that let him saw that newspaper article in the future maybe him and The Man in The Yellow Suit are both from the future; maybe that is why The Man in The Yellow Suit killed Nora because she was mother of The Flash?

That does look cool

As for the rest of the episode I really enjoyed it and the Meta Human had an awesome power and the effect of it covering his skin looks really good. It is cool that we get a Meta Human who Barry actually knew from before; I am reading the New 52 Flash comics and there is a Meta Human called Mob Rule who is a childhood friend of Barry's so this episode kind of reminded me of that. The fights between Barry and Girder where great to watch as well; the first Meta Human to be a physical challenge to Barry but that slow motion Mach 1.1 punch was done so well. Also again they are keeping up these great origin stories for how the Meta Humans got their powers.

looks like West has found a new best friend

The rest of the episode was great as well I liked the interaction between Barry and Eddie and how they where both bullied. Eddie is a good character and I want to see him more involved with the cases like he was now, maybe he might even join the team in a future episode. I am also glad that Barry and Iris are talking again because I honestly didn't want that to go one for ages and also that The Streak is finally renamed The Flash; was quicker than The Hood becoming The Arrow.

"Yeah new move!"

Overall this was a great episode and left on such a cliff hanger that I cannot wait until next week to find out what West will do. Iris still kind of annoys me but that is because her subplot of being an amateur reporter investigating the superhuman and meeting that superhuman on a rooftop isn't exactly original in the world of superheroes now is it? I just think they could have found another way for her to be involved because she is just being an inconvenience to Barry who is having to constantly visit her as The Flash to warn her of the dangers.

SCORE: 9/10

Highlights: Another glimpse of The Man in The Yellow Suit
                   The fights between The Flash and Girder
                   The interactions between Barry and Eddie and West and Wells

Let - Downs: Iris's blogging subplot still annoys me

 

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/