Eph and Dutch try to assassinate Palmer meanwhile Abraham, Fet and Nora continue the search for the Occido Lumen.
This is the episode Eph finally enacts his plan to kill Palmer after promising to do it a few episodes ago and I admit I thought we wouldn't get it until the finale. Eph and Dutch's subplot in this episode was the best one because firstly besides from a few conversations these two characters haven't really teamed up on a mission yet so it was nice to see that. It was funny how it first started off light-hearted with Dutch trying to make conversation about relationships and sex while they are staking out Palmer's office. Then they moved to the rooftop and that was a really intense moment; how Eph kept looking at his watch, his frustration at not getting a clear shot and Dutch making sure he saves the shot for the right moment. Then of course it was a big WTF moment when he accidently shot Coco instead! This episode I think is showing us that deep down Palmer still has some of his humanity left because of how he literally begged Coco to come back and the moments he stayed at her bedside, perhaps he is realizing he can't split his loyalties between Coco and the Master. It was predicable that the Master saved Coco and I am curious to see how she will react to now knowing what Palmer is really involved in but I wonder if it would have been better if she died? Think about it Eph will have to live with the guilt that his hatred and vengeance against Palmer cost an innocent woman her life and Palmer may go over the deep end and try some big, massive revenge scheme himself. Also thought I'd say the scene in the police station with those two confrontation each other was so well done; you can really feel the hatred these two have for each other in their dialogue.
As for everything else I am glad we got to continue more with Abraham's obsession with the Occido Lumen, he must really think it is the key to winning the war. We got some good vampire slaying from this group during their search as well as at the police station to save Eph and then Abraham getting knocked out by an unknown, I wonder if he will be dragged away some place or left there? Finally once again Feraldo is such a great character with how she is treating the upper class citizens of New York. You can tell the mayor has forced her to clear out their streets but she decides to give them a big F - U by making them pay for her services. I like this human conflict between her and the mayor and the upper class and I am really interesting in seeing how this plays out in the next episodes. Now a big let down however was something that wasn't in this episode this week and that was a subplot involving Gus and Quinlan. They weren't in last week's episode which I let slide because it was mostly focusing on Red Hook but I was really expecting them to least have a bit of screen time, especially since Quinlan has been a scene stealer ever since he was first introduced.
Overall a great episode which feature a strong Eph and Dutch subplot and with Dutch captured I wonder if we'll see a big raid on Palmer's headquarters soon? Also why did they get rid of the new opening? It was so much better!
SCORE: 8/10
Highlights: Eph and Dutch
Palmer and Coco
The scenes with Feraldo
Let - Downs: No Gus and Quinlan
Maybe it would have had more impact if Coco died?
Showing posts with label MASTER. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MASTER. Show all posts
Monday, 2 November 2015
Friday, 9 October 2015
The Strain Season Two: The Born
More backstory is revealed for Quinlan as he makes contact with Abraham meanwhile Eph still deals with the aftermath in Washington and Fet and Dutch are in for a surprise.
I got to say that with this episode Quinlan is turning into one of my favourite characters because he is such a damn badass! I mean we have got to give The Strain credit for it's really impressive intro with Quinlan as a Roman gladiator; the fighting, the costumes and the awesome setting. We also get some to see his enhanced strength and speed as well as the fact that he can survive in daylight which is because he is a half breed. I didn't expect that but it got me thinking that if he is a half - breed what did that make the commando vampires? He said he trained them but how did they retain their minds in the first place? Moving on we also get to see a second Flashback where it is revealed he has been after the Master for quite some time and gets an awesome confrontation with him alongside Abraham. Sure there was no fighting but the way they where staring each other down and mocking one another was cool but the comment about Quinlan's mother makes me think that his mother was human but is the Master his father? Besides that we also get a cool action sequence where he makes short work of the blind vampire children which was also really gory with the one that was sliced in half!
Unfortunately the other subplots wasn't as good starting with Eph who has seemingly teleported back to NY; I have got to mark it down for that because after all he went through to leave how the hell did he get back so easily? Luckily the rest of his subplot was good because he had a nice reunion with Zach and his determination to kill Palmer should give him a new darker storyline because he had never wanted to kill a human before. Speaking of Palmer he got a lot of screen time and I admit I am warming up to his relationship with Coco; maybe it's because of he said he has been distant from people all his life but now he is finally letting people in. If this subplot does redeem Palmer then fine by me now plus he is one sly dog for managing to romance Coco at the end lol. As for Coco I still think she needs more development because I just want it confirmed is she really who she seems to be or his there more to her? Finally the real let down was the Fet, Dutch and Nikki subplot because I just kept shaking my head; here we go I thought, just like Gotham we have to throw in a lesbian twist the show could have done without. After so much building Fet and Duth's relationship, which I think was done well, they had to throw Nikki into the mix which is just making all the scenes with them awkward to watch. Also Nikki just isn't a likeable character and probably is going to be a useless person I bet, and this is really going to annoy me, she is just going to be arguing with Fet over Dutch and justify their relationship with Dutch herself trying to get Fet to sympathise with Nikki like she had already because of what she's been through, like abandoning everyone.
Unfortunately the other subplots wasn't as good starting with Eph who has seemingly teleported back to NY; I have got to mark it down for that because after all he went through to leave how the hell did he get back so easily? Luckily the rest of his subplot was good because he had a nice reunion with Zach and his determination to kill Palmer should give him a new darker storyline because he had never wanted to kill a human before. Speaking of Palmer he got a lot of screen time and I admit I am warming up to his relationship with Coco; maybe it's because of he said he has been distant from people all his life but now he is finally letting people in. If this subplot does redeem Palmer then fine by me now plus he is one sly dog for managing to romance Coco at the end lol. As for Coco I still think she needs more development because I just want it confirmed is she really who she seems to be or his there more to her? Finally the real let down was the Fet, Dutch and Nikki subplot because I just kept shaking my head; here we go I thought, just like Gotham we have to throw in a lesbian twist the show could have done without. After so much building Fet and Duth's relationship, which I think was done well, they had to throw Nikki into the mix which is just making all the scenes with them awkward to watch. Also Nikki just isn't a likeable character and probably is going to be a useless person I bet, and this is really going to annoy me, she is just going to be arguing with Fet over Dutch and justify their relationship with Dutch herself trying to get Fet to sympathise with Nikki like she had already because of what she's been through, like abandoning everyone.
Overall Quinlan was defiantly the biggest highlight of the episode but I am disappointed that they have to bring Nikki back who is just going to be an annoyance and a let down in every episode.
SCORE: 7/10
Highlights: Quinlan!/intro and Flashbacks
Palmer's relationship with Coco
Eph's new determination to kill Palmer
Let - Downs: We don't see Eph journey back into NY and it seemed too easy
Bringing Nikki back
Thursday, 1 October 2015
The Strain Season Two: Identity
Eph begins to make contacts in Washington to get his bio - weapon ready meanwhile back in NY Gus helps out Angel when they encounter a vampire and Zach and Nora are confronted by Kelly.
The Strain continues with anther strong episode and I'll talk first about Eph's mission in Washington. Like I said about last episode I am liking this plot because it gives s something different in a new location and it also gave us two new characters; John and Lee. It was nice actually seeing that Eph's plan was being taken seriously by those two and that it looks like he would succeed and I admit I thought one of them was going to betray him, so it was a shock when they both ended up dead. I give Strain props because this was done really well; these two characters where built up really good (John being an old friend and Eph was getting close to Lee) that I felt really sorry when those two, who where just introduced, where mercilessly gunned down so the show did a good job of making me care for them. We also see how much influence Stoneheart has even outside of NY and I think that if Eph doesn't stay in Washington he will go back to NY in a revenge rage to get back at Palmer. Speaking of the bad guys the Master switches to a new body and while it isn't as imposing as his old one I'm glad Bolivar is getting a larger role than I thought (wish he kept the wig though). It was a cool scene; seeing Eichorst bowing down ready to accept being a host only for it to be Bolivar, I guess this will humble him a bit after all of his gloating.
As for everything else it is good to still see Gus hang out with the family at the restaurant and since he saved them from a vampire maybe they will trust him a bit more. I like the interaction between them with Gus being a bit of a fanboy over Angel's old films yet Angel himself just wants to forget them, I hope they continue to team up more in future fights. Another great moment was that Kelly finally tracked down her son with the Feelers which lead to a really intense chase through a church and I got to say it is good seeing Nora take more of an active role in the action this week. I am also liking the Feelers because it gives the good guys something new and different to fight because they have become used to normal vampires now, makes me hope we will get new types soon. However a real let down from this plot was the death of Fitzwilliams because he barely got a chance to do anything; unlike John and Lee who had there moment wrapped up in one episode I felt Fitzwilliams was built up for something more, something to last for the rest of the season at least and I really thought he would confront Palmer. Finally it is good to see more of that mysterious vampire Quinlan from last episode and I was right that he works for the Ancients but obviously has no trouble speaking his mind to them. Since he wants human allies I guess he might work with Abraham soon but I am curious about that woman who already works for him, hopefully we'll know more about her soon.
Overall another really strong episode but a major let down was the death of Fitzwilliams because we had no pay off from his character arc in Season Two.
SCORE: 8/10
Highlights: Eph's time in Washington and brutal deaths of his friends
Gus and Angel team up
Nora and Zach confronted by Kelly
Interesting developments from both vampire teams
Let - Downs: Fitzwilliam's seemingly pointless death after so much build up
The Strain continues with anther strong episode and I'll talk first about Eph's mission in Washington. Like I said about last episode I am liking this plot because it gives s something different in a new location and it also gave us two new characters; John and Lee. It was nice actually seeing that Eph's plan was being taken seriously by those two and that it looks like he would succeed and I admit I thought one of them was going to betray him, so it was a shock when they both ended up dead. I give Strain props because this was done really well; these two characters where built up really good (John being an old friend and Eph was getting close to Lee) that I felt really sorry when those two, who where just introduced, where mercilessly gunned down so the show did a good job of making me care for them. We also see how much influence Stoneheart has even outside of NY and I think that if Eph doesn't stay in Washington he will go back to NY in a revenge rage to get back at Palmer. Speaking of the bad guys the Master switches to a new body and while it isn't as imposing as his old one I'm glad Bolivar is getting a larger role than I thought (wish he kept the wig though). It was a cool scene; seeing Eichorst bowing down ready to accept being a host only for it to be Bolivar, I guess this will humble him a bit after all of his gloating.
As for everything else it is good to still see Gus hang out with the family at the restaurant and since he saved them from a vampire maybe they will trust him a bit more. I like the interaction between them with Gus being a bit of a fanboy over Angel's old films yet Angel himself just wants to forget them, I hope they continue to team up more in future fights. Another great moment was that Kelly finally tracked down her son with the Feelers which lead to a really intense chase through a church and I got to say it is good seeing Nora take more of an active role in the action this week. I am also liking the Feelers because it gives the good guys something new and different to fight because they have become used to normal vampires now, makes me hope we will get new types soon. However a real let down from this plot was the death of Fitzwilliams because he barely got a chance to do anything; unlike John and Lee who had there moment wrapped up in one episode I felt Fitzwilliams was built up for something more, something to last for the rest of the season at least and I really thought he would confront Palmer. Finally it is good to see more of that mysterious vampire Quinlan from last episode and I was right that he works for the Ancients but obviously has no trouble speaking his mind to them. Since he wants human allies I guess he might work with Abraham soon but I am curious about that woman who already works for him, hopefully we'll know more about her soon.
Overall another really strong episode but a major let down was the death of Fitzwilliams because we had no pay off from his character arc in Season Two.
SCORE: 8/10
Highlights: Eph's time in Washington and brutal deaths of his friends
Gus and Angel team up
Nora and Zach confronted by Kelly
Interesting developments from both vampire teams
Let - Downs: Fitzwilliam's seemingly pointless death after so much build up
Friday, 11 September 2015
The Strain Season Two: Fort Defiance
Tensions rise as Palmer receives Bolivar as a bodyguard from the Master meanwhile Gus and the Vaun make their move.
This review has come a bit late but better late than never lol, to start off I'll talk about the best part of the episode and that was with Gus and the Vaun. Gus is one of my favourite characters and I'm glad we got to see more of what he is up to starting with a really cool training scene where he is getting a lot better at killing vampires. We also get to see him and the team infiltrate the Palmer building which made for a really awesome heist part of the episode but it ended in a way I did not expect. It may have been too easy for Palmer to get the drop on this commando team so I hope they are not dead and we see them soon plus I hope Gus goes back to the other Vaun and continues to work with them. Speaking of Palmer I liked the interaction between him and Bolivar and it makes me curious as to how much Bolivar is like his old self; has he really got free will or is he controlled? Also really liked the opening with him and his attack on the cops, those poor sods. Another moment in the episode I really liked where the ones with Councilwoman Feraldo and her own way to exterminate the vampires. It is interesting to see others besides the main cast take up the fight but I just wish we got to see more of it which I will go into more detail later. Then there was the shocking secret of Abraham's long life revealed and I really liked the twist because not only did it make a lot of sense but adds more to his character in that he is getting help from the thing he despises the most.
As for everything else I again really hate the scenes with Zach and it has come to the point where I just want to skip all the scenes he is in. I know I've hated on him since Season Two began but he is not making easy with the stupid things he is doing like trying to run away on the bus or smashing all of his dad's work. I mean I forgot what age he is supposed to portray but I think he is old enough to understand what is going on and that his mom is lost; we really should sympathise with him more with what he has been through but he just keeps being the whiny, obnoxious brat and burden at this point. Also again it doesn't help that the new actor is just terrible and ruining everything good the last one did I'm not an expert on acting but he just comes across as being angry all the time nothing else, even in the scenes where he isn't saying anything. Another let down was the moments with Dutch and Fet because I found them to be completely irrelevant to the episode; the subplot with her friend was just a small call back to Season One and it didn't change Dutch's character in any way. All in all the biggest problem with this episode is that it should have focused more on the secondary characters; Dutch's subplot could have not been in there at all, heck even Eph, Nora's and Zach scenes could have taken a break. More screen time should have been given over to Gus, Feraldo and even Palmer's former bodyguard Reggie who was re introduced but we barely got any time with.
Overall the weakest episode so far because we should have had more focus on Gus, Feraldo and Reggie but too much screen time was given to pointless moments with Dutch and Zach who you just want to hate at this point.
SCORE: 6/10
Highlights: Gus and the Strigoi team
Feraldo's infection free zone
Abraham's secret
Let - Downs: I just hate that freaking kid!
No real point to Dutch's subplot
Should have focused more on the side characters this episode
This review has come a bit late but better late than never lol, to start off I'll talk about the best part of the episode and that was with Gus and the Vaun. Gus is one of my favourite characters and I'm glad we got to see more of what he is up to starting with a really cool training scene where he is getting a lot better at killing vampires. We also get to see him and the team infiltrate the Palmer building which made for a really awesome heist part of the episode but it ended in a way I did not expect. It may have been too easy for Palmer to get the drop on this commando team so I hope they are not dead and we see them soon plus I hope Gus goes back to the other Vaun and continues to work with them. Speaking of Palmer I liked the interaction between him and Bolivar and it makes me curious as to how much Bolivar is like his old self; has he really got free will or is he controlled? Also really liked the opening with him and his attack on the cops, those poor sods. Another moment in the episode I really liked where the ones with Councilwoman Feraldo and her own way to exterminate the vampires. It is interesting to see others besides the main cast take up the fight but I just wish we got to see more of it which I will go into more detail later. Then there was the shocking secret of Abraham's long life revealed and I really liked the twist because not only did it make a lot of sense but adds more to his character in that he is getting help from the thing he despises the most.
As for everything else I again really hate the scenes with Zach and it has come to the point where I just want to skip all the scenes he is in. I know I've hated on him since Season Two began but he is not making easy with the stupid things he is doing like trying to run away on the bus or smashing all of his dad's work. I mean I forgot what age he is supposed to portray but I think he is old enough to understand what is going on and that his mom is lost; we really should sympathise with him more with what he has been through but he just keeps being the whiny, obnoxious brat and burden at this point. Also again it doesn't help that the new actor is just terrible and ruining everything good the last one did I'm not an expert on acting but he just comes across as being angry all the time nothing else, even in the scenes where he isn't saying anything. Another let down was the moments with Dutch and Fet because I found them to be completely irrelevant to the episode; the subplot with her friend was just a small call back to Season One and it didn't change Dutch's character in any way. All in all the biggest problem with this episode is that it should have focused more on the secondary characters; Dutch's subplot could have not been in there at all, heck even Eph, Nora's and Zach scenes could have taken a break. More screen time should have been given over to Gus, Feraldo and even Palmer's former bodyguard Reggie who was re introduced but we barely got any time with.
Overall the weakest episode so far because we should have had more focus on Gus, Feraldo and Reggie but too much screen time was given to pointless moments with Dutch and Zach who you just want to hate at this point.
SCORE: 6/10
Highlights: Gus and the Strigoi team
Feraldo's infection free zone
Abraham's secret
Let - Downs: I just hate that freaking kid!
No real point to Dutch's subplot
Should have focused more on the side characters this episode
Thursday, 3 September 2015
The Strain Season Two: By Any Means
Eph and Nora use their test subjects to try and fight the vampire virus meanwhile Abraham searches through his notes for an ancient book that may help and that he tried to find before.
Season Two continues strong with another great episode! This one had some more focused plots with the characters which I will now get into now. Firstly Eph and Nora had a real task to do this episode with time with their test subjects to find a way to beat the vampires which was better than the majority of Eph's plot last week dealing with his alcoholism. Their scenes made for a good watch; them trying to hard to combat an impossible virus yet dealing with the issue of whether putting their test subjects through all this pain is worth it? You can see Eph and Nora really struggling with the things they had to do, like Eph strapping down the male one so he doesn't kill himself, but it looks like they may have a break through. Another good interaction between two characters where Fet and Dutch who had an awesome scene blowing up the vampires with grenades and then taking a break from everything with a swim (I tell you that pool did not block everything!). I like this romantic subplot between these two because it was rushed or forced but has been developed really well. However one I am not so sure of is between Palmer and Coco; I do like Coco and Palmer's speech scene was really good but I'm just not sure where this could really go. Palmer doesn't seem like he'll switch sides and Coco may end up just as cannon fodder in end or a sacrifice Palmer has to make if she finds out about the vampires.
As for everything else the best parts about this episode where the Flashbacks involving Abraham and finding out he actually has a past with Palmer! I enjoyed the Flashbacks last season and this one was just as good when a young Palmer asks Abraham to find the silver can from the former Nazi scientist. It had a really cool chase scene, we got to have the origin of how Abraham got the cane and it was interesting to find out Palmer and Abraham did know each other. I wonder if more Flashbacks will involve Abraham searching for the book even though we know he already failed (maybe we'll see him explore temples and caves like Indiana Jones lol). We also got some scenes with Kelly and her new Feeler Vampire and I got to say those things are damn creepy like something out of Silent Hill or Resident Evil (the old classic ones of course), shame we didn't get more scenes with them but I hope the characters will battle them soon. Finally I am again annoyed with Eph's son Zach and again it probably has to do with the new casting; the old one was really good but this new one comes off as just a whiny brat who can only show anger.
Overall this episode may have only had one action scene in the present day but made up for it with some strong scenes for it's characters and a great Flashback arc.
SCORE: 8/10
Highlights: Eph and Nora's time with their test subjects
The moments with Fet and Dutch
The Flashbacks
Got to see more of the new Feeler Vampires
Let - Downs: Zach still annoys me
Not sure Palmer and Coco's relationship can really go anywhere
Season Two continues strong with another great episode! This one had some more focused plots with the characters which I will now get into now. Firstly Eph and Nora had a real task to do this episode with time with their test subjects to find a way to beat the vampires which was better than the majority of Eph's plot last week dealing with his alcoholism. Their scenes made for a good watch; them trying to hard to combat an impossible virus yet dealing with the issue of whether putting their test subjects through all this pain is worth it? You can see Eph and Nora really struggling with the things they had to do, like Eph strapping down the male one so he doesn't kill himself, but it looks like they may have a break through. Another good interaction between two characters where Fet and Dutch who had an awesome scene blowing up the vampires with grenades and then taking a break from everything with a swim (I tell you that pool did not block everything!). I like this romantic subplot between these two because it was rushed or forced but has been developed really well. However one I am not so sure of is between Palmer and Coco; I do like Coco and Palmer's speech scene was really good but I'm just not sure where this could really go. Palmer doesn't seem like he'll switch sides and Coco may end up just as cannon fodder in end or a sacrifice Palmer has to make if she finds out about the vampires.
As for everything else the best parts about this episode where the Flashbacks involving Abraham and finding out he actually has a past with Palmer! I enjoyed the Flashbacks last season and this one was just as good when a young Palmer asks Abraham to find the silver can from the former Nazi scientist. It had a really cool chase scene, we got to have the origin of how Abraham got the cane and it was interesting to find out Palmer and Abraham did know each other. I wonder if more Flashbacks will involve Abraham searching for the book even though we know he already failed (maybe we'll see him explore temples and caves like Indiana Jones lol). We also got some scenes with Kelly and her new Feeler Vampire and I got to say those things are damn creepy like something out of Silent Hill or Resident Evil (the old classic ones of course), shame we didn't get more scenes with them but I hope the characters will battle them soon. Finally I am again annoyed with Eph's son Zach and again it probably has to do with the new casting; the old one was really good but this new one comes off as just a whiny brat who can only show anger.
Overall this episode may have only had one action scene in the present day but made up for it with some strong scenes for it's characters and a great Flashback arc.
SCORE: 8/10
Highlights: Eph and Nora's time with their test subjects
The moments with Fet and Dutch
The Flashbacks
Got to see more of the new Feeler Vampires
Let - Downs: Zach still annoys me
Not sure Palmer and Coco's relationship can really go anywhere
Thursday, 27 August 2015
The Strain Season Two: BK, NY
Ephram and the gang continue the fight against the Vampire threat in a chaotic New York however the Master recruits more to his ranks.
As I mentioned before I wished I could have reviewed Season One but I am glad I have the time now to review this season. It episode starts off with a Flashback not about Abraham (though he was in it as a child) but of the origins of the Master and it was quite the surprise because I didn't think we will get it this early. I liked the way it was done too; with Abraham's grandmother telling it, it felt like a fairytale. We also learn that the Master seems to have to find new bodies when the time comes and I bet he wants to try take over one of bodies in Eph's group. It is also not just the Flashbacks but in the present Abraham runs in to The Born (those Vampire SWAT guys) and the Ancients and from what I heard it seems like the Master is a rogue Ancient. I like that there are different factions of the Vampires but I doubt these Ancients are the good guys, they probably have their own plans that Abraham, Eph and the rest will have to deal with when the time comes. As for the rest of the villains we didn't see much of Eichorst which is a shame but he did turn the blind kids into Vampires and Kelly into one like him that keeps their mind. Now obviously this is to hurt Eph but I wonder if Kelly will try to fight it or just be plan evil now?
As for the good guys I was actually surprised they stayed in NY because I thought the finale of Season One was them leaving it but no they just went to the Bronx lol. Now I guess it did kind of slow done a bit when focused on the human characters but not for long and I did enjoy the interactions such as Eph and Nora discussing a cure or vaccine and between Fet and Abraham. However some was a bit awkward like Eph talking to his son Zach about Kelly because I thought the kid already understood his mom was lost but we have to go through this angry denial and I can't say I really like the new casting either. I am also not sure how I feels about Palmer's new relationship with Coco; it seemed a bit out of place and she is probably there to make Palmer feel regret about his actions in the future but we'll see since it could be good. Finally I am pleased that the action and gore is back like the gruesome scene where the Ancients fed on that poor guy or action heavy fight at he storage lockers. As with Season One a highlight with The Strain is it's awesome actions scenes with guns and swords and I would have been disappointed if the gore wasn't as high as this or wouldn't have been able to take it seriously.
Overall a strong start to Season Two, it had a few problems with it's pace and human drama but those are small.
SCORE: 8/10
Highlights: Origins of the Master and the Ancients
Awesome action scenes (storage lockers) and gruesome moments
Some great interactions between the characters however....
Let - Downs: ......some where a bit off like with Eph and his kid
Pacing could have been tweaked a bit
As I mentioned before I wished I could have reviewed Season One but I am glad I have the time now to review this season. It episode starts off with a Flashback not about Abraham (though he was in it as a child) but of the origins of the Master and it was quite the surprise because I didn't think we will get it this early. I liked the way it was done too; with Abraham's grandmother telling it, it felt like a fairytale. We also learn that the Master seems to have to find new bodies when the time comes and I bet he wants to try take over one of bodies in Eph's group. It is also not just the Flashbacks but in the present Abraham runs in to The Born (those Vampire SWAT guys) and the Ancients and from what I heard it seems like the Master is a rogue Ancient. I like that there are different factions of the Vampires but I doubt these Ancients are the good guys, they probably have their own plans that Abraham, Eph and the rest will have to deal with when the time comes. As for the rest of the villains we didn't see much of Eichorst which is a shame but he did turn the blind kids into Vampires and Kelly into one like him that keeps their mind. Now obviously this is to hurt Eph but I wonder if Kelly will try to fight it or just be plan evil now?
As for the good guys I was actually surprised they stayed in NY because I thought the finale of Season One was them leaving it but no they just went to the Bronx lol. Now I guess it did kind of slow done a bit when focused on the human characters but not for long and I did enjoy the interactions such as Eph and Nora discussing a cure or vaccine and between Fet and Abraham. However some was a bit awkward like Eph talking to his son Zach about Kelly because I thought the kid already understood his mom was lost but we have to go through this angry denial and I can't say I really like the new casting either. I am also not sure how I feels about Palmer's new relationship with Coco; it seemed a bit out of place and she is probably there to make Palmer feel regret about his actions in the future but we'll see since it could be good. Finally I am pleased that the action and gore is back like the gruesome scene where the Ancients fed on that poor guy or action heavy fight at he storage lockers. As with Season One a highlight with The Strain is it's awesome actions scenes with guns and swords and I would have been disappointed if the gore wasn't as high as this or wouldn't have been able to take it seriously.
Overall a strong start to Season Two, it had a few problems with it's pace and human drama but those are small.
SCORE: 8/10
Highlights: Origins of the Master and the Ancients
Awesome action scenes (storage lockers) and gruesome moments
Some great interactions between the characters however....
Let - Downs: ......some where a bit off like with Eph and his kid
Pacing could have been tweaked a bit
Friday, 28 November 2014
Bleach Review: MASTER
This chapter continues on the fight between Yhwach and Ichibe, with Yhwach still confident he will win the fight and sending beams of Reishi towards Ichibe. Ichibe however merely garbs it between his palms and saying he wanted to half Yhwach's powers because taking down the Quincy King at full strength would shame all Quinces before using Bakudō #62. Hyapporankan, only for Yhwach to block the beams with Blut Vene Anhaben.
Blut Vene Anhaben extends the power of Blut outside of the users body and create a dome shield, protecting those within. Ichibe then uses Urahadō Sannodō Tetsufūsatsu which creates a dragon shaped ball of energy that breaks the dome, this allows Ichibe to grab Yhwach around the throat. However the Blut soon travel up Ichibe's body and Yhwach explains that Blut Vene Anhaben can consume everything in it's path. Ichibe then sends the Blut back to Ywach which explodes in his face before releasing his Zanpakutō, Ichimonji.
This epic fight still continues and I have to say this is turning out to be one of the best fight in the Bleach series. Here we have two of the most powerful beings in Bleach and neither of them seem to be giving up and we also go to see them display some great abilities. Firstly there is Yhwach who of course still believes he can win this fight even at half his strength but that probably isn't just arrogance since Quinces fight by stealing the Reishi around them, which is probably what he did at the beginning. Next we have the more powerful Blut Vene Anhaben and I am just really glad to finally see Blut again after so long because the Sternritter don't even mention it after the first invasion. It was just so cool seeing Yhwach create that massive dome and using it in an offensive way as well when it was crawling up Ichibe's arm.
Speaking of Ichibe the guy continues to act more and more like a maniac the longer this fight continues, like when he is confident how he could of beaten Yhwach at his full strength. He also seems to keep getting more powerful by first stopping the Reishi with his hands, using a Kido without saying any of the chant, using a new move that went through the Blut dome and stopping the Blut. I think he stopped the Blut from travelling up his arm by using his own Spiritual Pressure to force it out and sending it back to Yhwach. His expressions as well when he fight is just so crazy; the art work for this chapter is one of Kubo's best. Of course the biggest reveal is Ichibe releasing his Zanpakutō and that was an epic moment (as pictured above), it's basically his brush with a blade but I like it; simple yet effective. Since he now has a blade I guess his Zanpakutō allows him to cut flesh now not just words and if we are lucky maybe we could see a Bankai soon!
Overall I am glad this fight is still going strong and even though I don't know when it would end I hope it lasts for another three or fours chapters. Yhwach will probably win in the end since I just think Kubo is going in the direction of him succeeding but I cannot see Ichibe dying either, still he doesn't have to die if he loses. There isn't really anything at fault with this chapter but I guess it felt a bit short but so does every chapter that just focuses on a fight.
SCORE: 9/10
Highlights: Ichibei vs. Ywach
Ichibei's cool abilities and releasing his Zanpakutō (Hopefully Bankai soon!)
Yhwach using a new Blut power
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| Awesome power! |
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| "Your f**ked now" |
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| Is this Kido or something else entirely? |
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| "Even at half the strength I am still the strongest!" |
SCORE: 9/10
Highlights: Ichibei vs. Ywach
Ichibei's cool abilities and releasing his Zanpakutō (Hopefully Bankai soon!)
Yhwach using a new Blut power
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