Bleach Review: My Last Words

"Now I'm finally going to have the spotlight"

Uryu's true intentions are revealed as he confronts Haschwalth meanwhile Ichigo and the rest try to make it to Yhwach while he is in his weakened state.

With Arrow, Flash and Supergirl not returning to the UK for a while I thought why not review Bleach for a while again and see where it goes. I have still been keeping up to date with Bleach lately and this chapter was just another setup chapter that we have been reading for a while; Askin vs. Yoruichi, Gerard vs. the Soul Reapers and now Uryu vs. Haschwalth, we haven't had any proper fights and the plot hasn't moved forward that much either. We get a few new revelations like Haschwalth destroying the Sun Gate connected to the world of the living because he saw Uryu's betrayal but also the reveal that his seeing powers isn't so perfect after all. Is this because the Almighty ability is not as good when it transfers to Haschwalth? Now as for Uryu's betrayal everyone saw that he was still a good guy for months and months now and Kubo hasn't done anything with this subplot. I mean Uryu hasn't fought or been featured that much throughout this whole arc and his whole plan doesn't sound as elaborate as he thinks because I seriously think there was no need to keep Ichigo and the others in the dark about it. It's a shame this subplot didn't go anywhere because we never even got to see a good fight between Uryu and Ichigo which I think a lot of fans (myself included) was hoping for. However I am looking forward to seeing Uryu vs. Haschwalth and it is helped with some awesome artwork of the two of them facing off against one another.

As for everything else Chad actually got a chance to shine by staying behind to deal with the statues that have come to life which I admit I didn't see coming. And while I like his dialogue and willingness to fight I don't think we'll see much of him now since he is just fighting cannon fodder. That has been the major problem with this arc is that there have been too many characters that have been wasted and have barely done anything. Like the Vizards, Shinji in particular who hasn't fought for long, won a fight and just seems to be defeated by one move all the time now, I don't know what the hell Ginjo and the other Fullbringers are doing and where is Uryu's father been in an arc that has been about Quinces? I think the major problem with this arc is that there have been too many good guys and Kubo has been too afraid to kill them off. For example I really admired Kubo when I thought he killed off a popular character like Toshiro but no he brought him back and he is taking over the Gerard fight when it could have been the Vizards time to shine. If you want to go back even further why couldn't Kubo let BG9 win against Soi Fon? He could have fought another day then against another Soul Reaper, Vizard or even a Fullbringer but no he was killed off along with Cang Du when the two could have done way more. Finally many Sternritter where defeated off screen by Byakuya and then killed by the Auswahlen; these included NaNaNa, Robert, Candice and Meninas, four Sternritter who haven't had a proper fight this whole arc and never will now. Sorry for the rant but it is just something that has really been annoying me throughout this whole arc.

Those statues do have an interesting design

Overall not much happened because it is mainly setup for fights and what is happening next but I am also interested in seeing if Ichigo will make it to Yhwach before he wakes up.       

SCORE: 5/10

Highlights: Great shots of Haschwalth and Uryu
                   Chad getting some of the spotlight

Let - Downs: Uryu's infiltration of the Sternritter wasn't all it could be
                      Doubt Chad will play a large role in the arc now along with many other characters
                      Don't really care about Ganju now at this point

Supergirl Season One: Episodes Six And Seven (Quick Reviews)

I have been so busy with work lately that I just had to make these two episodes of Supergirl quick reviews.

Episode Six "Red Faced"

Highlights

• The Red Tornado android was so freaking awesome and looked a lot better than it did in the preview screenshots. I read lots of comments before the episodes that the design looked silly but no when you actually watched it in action it worked. The fight scenes it had with Supergirl where really cool and I though it was destroyed I hope it returns in some form in the future because it gained sentience.
• Kara dealing with her anger issues because while you think it is actually just about her crush on James there is more to it than that since she is still trying to find her place in the world.
• Glenn Morshower as Sam Lane; I feel like I see this guy in everything (Transfomers, Revolution etc.) and while his character is an ass for the way he treats James and Supergirl he plays it well because he is supposed to kind of be the human antagonist for Supergirl.
• Kara and Cat bonding over drinks because I like how these two are growing closer with each new experience and again we find out more about why Cat is the way she is. Plus Cat always seems to be the one to give Kara the right information at the end of the day, more so than Alex and James.
• Winn uncovering the information on Alex's father because now we have a lot more mystery surrounding his disappearance (I don't think he is dead) and I am curious as to what alien he and Henshaw where tracking down.

Let - Downs

• The scenes with Maxwell and Alex are just painful to watch now because I don't want these characters together and I just think they are forcing chemistry between them.
• Winn really needs to have a strong character arc soon because while I think he is a good character and a funny one too, he just seems to be there for the sake of it most of the time.
• I really didn't like the workout scene with Kara and James, I mean honestly just a few punches and Kara suddenly had this massive realization. I just felt that it was lazy scene thrown into the episode to move the plot forward.

Overall an improvement over last week's episode because it had a villain for Supergirl to fight this time.

SCORE: 8/10


Episode Seven "Human For A Day"

Highlights

• The whole earthquake disaster because I think it was just really portrayed well, everything from the damage effects and how the characters are dealing with it. Maxwell was really great because he turned the disaster to his advantage by playing the good guy and trying to turn everyone against Supergirl with some pretty convincing speeches lol.
• I liked seeing Kara dealing with the loss of her powers for the first time and then realizing at the end that she is a hero with or without them; the robbery scene was really well done. Then of course there was James and Cat who really helped her through it each in their own way.
• All the scenes with the DEO because I really liked the villain Jemm and his powers and I liked how they where creating this Alien atmosphere when trying to capture him.
• Hank is Martian FREAKING Manhunter!! Fans have been asking for a live action portrayal of this character for ages and now we have got it and he looked so damn awesome. I liked the build up to his reveal with Hank's backstory because it makes sense for the character; right out of the comics he is a good guy who is the last son of Mars. Now I admit I am slightly disappointed Hank isn't Cyborg Superman however hopefully we will still get him in the future, maybe the real Hank could have been revived as Cyborg Superman?

Let - Downs

• Again Winn just needs something better to work with than just being a Sueprgirl fanboy with a crush on Kara. Then of course there was the awkward moment he got angry with Kara for hugging James; I like his character but come on don't turn him into a jerk. 

Overall defiantly a highlight of the season which makes me look forward to seeing more of Martian Manhunter and leaves us with a cliff hanger ending.

SCORE: 9/10

Arrow Season Four: Legends Of Yesterday

"We should really get together more often"

Team Arrow and Team Flash try to protect Hawkman and Hawkgirl from Vandal Savage while the rest of their comrades try to come up with a way to defeat the immortal.

You know I bet when Arrow Season One started with a simple overall plot of one man trying to destroy the city I bet it didn't think it would have elements like immortality and reincarnation in the future lol. The Hawkgirl/Hawkman subplot continues and this time we get Flashbacks to ancient Egypt where their troubles began and it was handled so well like the amazing set and costumes. Again while their are a few changes (like Savage being in Egypt when he got his immortally from the meteorite as a caveman) I praise how closely they are sticking to the comic book origins of Hawkgirl/Hawkman. I liked how nicely they tied Savage's origins to them such as his need to kill them to sustain his powers rather than through his blood sacrifices in the comics, they made it make sense. Again all three characters are so good such as Carter having all of the past lives knowledge so he is more of a rash trainer because he already knows how it goes, Kendra going through the motions of such a burden but finding her courage in the end and Savage's impressive and menacing presence to the heroes. Loved the two fights between Savage and the heroes because again they used such great special effects like when Savage killed all of the heroes and destroyed the whole city! I also liked the final scene with Malcolm retrieving Savage's ashes probably to restore his body because first I knew even as ashes it wouldn't be the end of Savage and secondly it was such a Malcolm thing for him to do, double - crossing the heroes for his own ends.

This is how it all started

As for everything else time travel was brought back which was a surprise I never saw coming! Like the first time it was shown it was used in such a way that it didn't feel too convenient for Barry to exploit it. This is because when we saw the ghost even Barry didn't know what it meant which increases are sense of danger for them confronting Savage and when Barry does go back in time he changes just the right things. These are just Kendra finding her confidence, fixing the gloves and Oliver bringing everyone to the battle; it didn't feel too OP it felt like they did enough just for a fighting chance. Now since this is still an Arrow episode Oliver got more spotlight this time and that involved the subplot with his son and unlike the Well's subplot last episode this one fit in the overall plot a more nicely. Amell really was great in these scenes because it gave Oliver some really intense and emotionally confusing moments to deal with and he handled it brilliantly. I am looking forward to Oliver having more interactions with his son and how it effects him I future Arrow episodes, though I am slightly disappointed his son isn't named Connor Hawk like he is in the comics (maybe it's his middle name?). As for the let downs I found Felicity to be so annoying in Oliver's subplot, I mean couldn't she just keep her nose out of it because this was something emotional big for Oliver and I just hated her when she confronted him about it in the old timeline. Sorry I don't know about anyone else but since Oliver only really just found out he was a father I just really wished he told Felicity to shut up and mind her own business. Finally the pacing this episode was a lot more slower than the last one, especially during the scenes at the farmhouse which reminded me so much of Avengers 2.

"Ok birds lets get this over with"

Overall maybe not as good as part one but this nevertheless was still a strong Hawkgirl, Hawkman and Savage episode and a good set up for Legends Of Tomorrow.

SCORE: 7/10

Highlights: Hawkgirl, Hawkman and Savage plot/Flashbacks
                   Good use of time travel
                   Oliver subplot

Let - Downs: Felicity really annoyed me
                      Slower pace  

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





http://screencapped.net/          

The Flash Season Two: The Darkness And The Light

A new take on Dr Light

Team Flash must deal with the arrival of two more newcomers from Earth 2; Harrison Wells and Dr Light, the latter sent by Zoom to deal with the Flash.

Does Tom Cavanagh knows how to steal the show or what!? It is a testament to his great acting skills that he can play a character who is the same yet different to who he was in Season One. I will first get out of the way with something I didn't like straight away in the episode and that was the beginning because what has happened to King Shark and Barry first reaction to Wells was completely glossed over. We have no idea what happened to King Shark, where they put him or if the CPD where even notified. Then there is the fact that the episode opens up with Barry having brought Wells to STAR labs yet we never saw Barry's initial reaction to seeing him again or whether he asked him any questions? Luckily this was overshadowed by the great return of Wells and I loved his interactions with the other characters and the reactions to seeing him. Like the fact that this Wells seems to be a lot more aggressive and ill mannered than the other one, having no problem speaking his mind or anger to other characters like Cisco or Jay. It was cool to see that Cisco, after admiring Wells so much last season, butts heads with him in every scene and is so annoyed with him that he calls him Harry lol. It was also cool to see him and Jay share such mistrust for each other; Jay not trusting Wells because of him profiting from the Meta Humans in Earth 2 (great to see some scenes with it) and Wells not trusting Jay because of how he has failed to stop Zoom and then having a right punch up with him!. Seems like Wells will still be playing a mentor role but the fact he also created the Meta Humans in Earth 2 makes me think he has a few secrets. One more thing though that bothered me with this subplot was the scenes with Joe like him opening fire on Wells straight away I just thought "what a prick" couldn't he be bothered to hear Team Flash's explanation and the fact he gave Iris a gun just really bothers me too.

What I badass costume!

As for the rest of the episode I really liked the character of Dr Light because besides being a new female Meta Human with cool powers it gives Linda Park a great twist to her character (she was underused last season). I enjoyed seeing her powers and costume a lot and her fights with the Flash because we got to see Barry use those cool speed mirages! What was also interesting about her character was that she wasn't really bad like Atom Smasher and Sand Demon, even Jay said she could be reasoned with, but it is her fear of Zoom that made her desperate. That is what I like about Zoom, he hasn't been in it yet much but his power and presence is instilling so much fear in people; for example we got some great scenes with Jay who explained his crippling fear of Zoom, this gave us a better insight into his character. Of course I am also loving the look of Zoom at the end with Wells kidnapped daughter; they did a truly awesome job of making his costume, his mask, look pure evil and again with help from the great voice of Tony Todd. A few more things to talk about is that I thought Barry's date with Patty was so well done and brought a lot of good humour in the episode with Cisco helping a blind Barry as his wingman. As I have said before Barry with Patty is way better than him with Iris because they have so much chemistry together and are a cute couple. Finally I am glad Cisco's powers are out in the open now and that he took the name Vibe and that we can look forward to him developing his powers more. I also liked the cameo with Kendra Sanders AKA Hawkgirl (Ciara Renee) and we got some good humour with her and Cisco but I'm not bothered about a relationship with Cisco because she is going on LOT soon with Hawkman and I am a Lisa and Cisco fan anyway.

"Soz but I don't do free interviews"

Overall this was the great first part of a two episode arc and did a good job of bringing Tom Cavanagh back as a regular and gave us more on Zoom. Oh yeah thought I'd add I noticed the Aquaman reference when Jay mentioned Atlantis and that was really cool!

SCORE: 8/10

Highlights: Return on Wells/Great new twist for Linda Park as Dr Light
                   More on Zoom
                   Great mixture of light humour that fit in well with the episode

Let - Downs: Glossed over fate of King Shark and Barry's first meeting Wells
                      Joe bothered me a lot

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





http://screencapped.net/

Bleach Review: Theatre Suicide Scene 4

Glad we are getting the cool ninja form from the anime!

Lille reveals the ultimate form of his Jilliel Vollstandig and dominates the fight so Shunsui decides to return Nanao's Zanpakuto to her.

Wow Kubo sure has a way of surprising the audience because I never expected Lille's new form to look like that! I was expecting some kind of change because his first Vollstandig form looked like a cocoon so I thought he was getting ready to become something else but he is a complete monster now. I have to say I really like this form because besides from being unexpected I don't think it was random based on two things. Frist Lille has constantly been saying he is the messenger of God and owls (his new face) have always been messengers throughout history and in Greek mythology owls have always been used as protectors for armies and trade, secondly his name is similar to the demon Lilith who has been associated with owls in certain texts. Now you could say these are a coincidence but Kubo has always portrayed the Quinces as these holy angels so I kind of like to think that it isn't. Now back to his form I do really like it because some of the shots Kubo draws it makes it look really creepy, like the close ups of it's face. It does also seem to be really powerful with the way it is destroying the surrounding area but I think it's weakness could be in it's eyes with the way Lille mentioned several times that his eyes are getting dry.

You can't say Kubo isn't creative

Now on to Shunsui and I will first get out of the way that while I did enjoy seeing his Bankai I am disappointed no other stage of it was shown because I wanted more after so much hype. However I have read some fan theories suggesting Shunsui will get another form or stage to his Bankai based on the ending which I hope is the case. I have to say that Shunsui has a really dark relationship with his Zanpakuto because of the way Katen Kyokotsu suggests that he should just give up and die which Shunsui actually seems to be contemplating, before Nanao shows up. We also get some more insight into their past with Nanao mentioning a promise Shunsui made to her mother (we defiantly need a Flashback soon!) but the big reveal is that Shunsui has been keeping Nanao's Zanpakuto, Kyokotsu, away from her. Now this is really weird because does this mean that Shunsui never had a had two swords because the other was Nanao's? and if it is Nanao's then are some of his Shikai moves not his like the child's games or the shadow moves? Like I just said we need a Flashback to clear this up but I see Nanao joining in this fight now with possibility a Bankai of her own if both the swords possess one, this again might make me think Shunsui could get another Banaki because what if his true one was being blocked by Nanao's Zanpakuto? Finally I am really, really glad they used the other Katen Kyokotsu spirit form the anime for Nanao's Zanpakuto because I have always really liked that one as well!

"I see you"

Overall got some big surprises in this chapter and setups for some exciting new twists for the rest of this fight.

SCORE: 9/10

Highlights: Lille's new form
                   The dark banter between Shunsui and Katen Kyokotsu
                   Nanao's Zanpakuto revealed

Let - downs: Is this it now for Shunsui's Bankai?    

Arrow Season Four: Beyond Redemption

How will Quentin deal with this shock?

Laurel has to deal with a feral Sara when she brings her back to Star City meanwhile rouge police officers lead by Liza Warner (Rutina Wesley) are causing trouble for both Green Arrow and Quentin.
I have praised him a lot this season but Quentin, Paul Blackthorne, defiantly deserves it because he had the spotlight in this episode. He was involved in both of the major subplots and made a big contribution to both with which is probably his best performance in a episode of far in Arrow. Him finding out that Sara was alive was so well done; his initial shock at seeing her tied up in a basement, having some shred of hope when he thought she was responsive and then horror at when he had to save Laurel from her. It made for some really powerful stuff but the real emotional scene came when he took Damien's advice and tired to kill Sara, seeing it has a kind of mercy. The way he almost pulled the trigger and then broke down when he couldn't do it, again this is Blackthorne's best performance in my opinion and scene speaks for itself. Then of course he was part of the subplot to stop Warner and this is when you can tell how hard it has been for Quentin to have the double life of being a cop and working for Damien. He almost lost his faith in the city (like Oliver) after seeing the corruption in the force but managed to claw out of the darkness with a great speech that inspired both Warner and Oliver during the fight at the end. I also of course have to mention the two scenes with him and Oliver talking in his apartment because those where also some of their best scenes together. Amell was also so good because of the way he argued against Quentin, saying that for ages he has just wanted his approval and with Quentin saying how screwed he basically is working with Damien. I am glad that he and Oliver have a better relationship now because I defiantly much prefer it when they work together then against one another.

Police gear for a costume does look really cool

As for everything else the villains where really good, corrupt cops aren't anything too special but they tired in perfectly with what Quentin is going through this episode. I really enjoyed the action scenes with them; it was some awesome fighting, their special weapons where really cool and I am glad we got to see the Canary Cry again. Warner also made for a good villain because she really held her own in a fight against Green Arrow, she was really humanised as well with the way she wasn't evil but just someone desperation wanting to leave a dying city and with the way things ended I think we might see a redemption story with her in the future. Oliver's subplot at being mayor was better then I thought especially with the reveal that they are using Sebastian Blood's old office and lair (good call back to Season Two) and that they made a kickass new lair that looked really cool! His Flashbacks are still good, not a highlight or let down they are just good so far. Then there was Felicity's subplot involving Ray's last message and while I like her scenes with Curtis and I want her to find Ray they just felt really out of place this episode and just a mild distraction from the two major plots involving Quentin. Finally Laurel continues to be a weak link this season (shame because I really liked her in Season Three) because again I just think her bringing Sara back has been for selfish reasons and it is hard to sympathise with her when Quentin does a better job of it.

"I will now run this city"

Overall a near perfect episode and Quentin's best so far and I am looking forward to next week's with the arrival of John Constantine! I usually avoid spoilers and previews but him arriving has been such a big topic for this season it was hard to avoid some, like which episode he appears in.

SCORE: 9/10

Highlights: Best Quentin episode
                   Warner and her cops where good villains
                   Oliver was also great

Let - Downs: Laurel still hasn't been that great
                      Felicity's subplot just felt too out of place

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





http://screencapped.net/          

The Flash Season Two: The Fury Of Firestorm

"See there's nothing to being a hero"

Team Flash must find another person to share the Firestorm Matrix with Stein before it is too late and the solution might lie with a young mechanic Jefferson "Jax" Jackson (Franz Drameh).

It looks like the Nuclear Man gets the spotlight again with the finding of the new half of the Firestorm Matrix. Now those who have read the comics know that it is Jason Roush who teams up with Stein after the death of Ronnie but since they didn't want to use the actor back in Season One they decided to create a new character which I think was handled really well. I was really impressed with the character Jax, he was just a really likeable person who fitted in well with the whole Firestorm storyline. The Flashback at the beginning already established him as a hardworking, well liked football player who is willing to save people and gave him a kind of tragic backstory in that he lost his dreams to the explosion. I also liked his struggle throughout the episode of whether or not he should join with Stein because it would have been rushed if he just jumped in straight away. I also liked that there was another candidate for the Firestorm Matrix, Henry Hewitt (Demore Barnes), and the effects of his powers and the final fight with Firestorm was really cool (and that he is a really old Firestorm villain from the comics). However I feel like they didn't develop him well as a villain because he went from jealous scientist to crazy villain in a matter of only a few scenes. Plus they hastily gave him a police record to almost reinforce that he is the bad guy, all in all it just felt rushed with him.

Is he good or evil?

As for everything else the Francine subplot was handled a lot more better mainly because more screen time was given over to it. Maybe the illness would be a bit more at home in a soap opera, maybe a tragic death this season would be wasted on her and I think in the end it is going to be Iris's excuse to forgive her mother but still the rest was handled good. Iris did shine a lot in this because I am glad she didn't just forgive her mother now, she is taking it a lot more serious than I thought she would and nice change to her confront Francine about all the horrible stuff she has done. Then of course there is the reveal that she has a son which is obvious to a comic fan that he is going to be Wally West and since Iris knows I hope she tries to find out more about him instead of forgetting about it. Plus I hope Wally West does turn out to be Joe's son because besides from wanting to see how he would handle the news I think it would makes things less awkward. Finally the best part of the episode was the biggest WTF moment all season and that is the introduction of freaking KING SHARK!! Again I praise the effects crew on Flash because they once again have done a great job with a completely CGI creature on a TV series budget and he looked so awesome. I also liked the build up to his character like Patty and Barry discussing King Shark's teeth (again love those two together) and him being taken out by Wells from Earth 2. Can't wait to see how all of Team Flash will react to Wells and I really, really, really hope King Shark returns in the future because they just have to, all of the Flash fans are going crazy on the internet over this one scene!

So freaking awesome!

Overall a great story for the Firestorm Matrix and intro for Jax and for having one of the best WTF moments and endings in all of Flash and Arrow.

SCORE: 7/10

Highlights: Intro of Jax/The Firestorm storyline
                   Iris was great in her subplot
                   KING SHARK!!!!

Let - Downs: Villain was underdeveloped
                       Didn't like the illness being thrown in there

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





http://screencapped.net/

The Strain Season Two: The Assassin

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?

Bleach Review: The Theatre Suicide Scene 3

Been ages since we have seen someone else Zanpakuto spirit

Lille tries to resist the power of Shunsui's Bankai however Shunsui then unleashes the Final Dan and gets a visit from his Zanpakuto spirit.

You know Bleach used to put a lot of emphasis on the Zanpakuto and the spirits they possess but after the Soul Society Arc they take a back seat, we even only have ever seen two in the manga and that is Ichigo's and Renji's. So I am glad that Kubo hasn't forgotten about them when we get the appearance of Shunsui's Zanpakuto spirit Sakuranosuke. I am so glad she turned up for that reason and I am also glad she looks the same from the anime filler arc because her design in that was really great already; I guess she is also the shadowy figure when Shunsui first released his Bankai. I liked the scenes and the banter between her and Shunsui since you can just tell that these two have been together for ages because Shunsui is the most experienced Captain now. Like how Shunsui keeps calling her "My Flower" and how he did act silly with her at the end, it was all nicely done. Sakuranosuke herself also drops hints to the background of Shunsui's kimono and I have read some fan theories thinking that it used to belong to a former lover of Shunsui so I hope we get a flashback soon. The Final Dan of Shunsui's Bankai was also very cool in they way a trail of light followed his fingers, the poem he recited to it then slashing Lille's throat. As for Lille himself I knew he wasn't going down for the count just yet which I am glad because I want this fight to last longer, plus the final page which showed his face reforming out of energy looked really menacing. I have enjoyed Shunsui's Bankai and it's ability to bring stories to life is cool but I am still feeling a bit underwhelmed by it. I am not going to mark this chapter down for it in case there are more stages to it next chapter because the fight is still going but if it doesn't then I will be disappointed.

"You better not come back after this Lille"

Overall a really good chapter nothing really wrong with it but it doesn't feel perfect to me, I mean it was kind of short in all.

SCORE: 8/10

Highlights: Sakuranosuke
                   Shunsui's Final Dan
                   Lille's return

Let - Downs: Felt short 

Bleach Review: The Theatre Suicide Scene 2

"Bet you weren't expecting this?"

Ichigo runs into Askin but as the two begin to fight they feel the chill of Shunsui's reiatsu as he activates his Bankai.

The chapter we have all been waiting for but before I get into that I want to first talk about the unexpected appearance of Askin and Ichigo. You know Askin continues to be one of my favourite characters just based on his personality alone; the funny reveal that he hasn't even fought Grimmjow and just ran away from him, even admitting that he is the type to run than fight even though he is supposed to be an Elite Sternritter lol. Now I don't think for a second that Grimmjow has been defeated and we won't see him again because he has been hyped up for so long and it would be a waste of his character who has been underused so far. Since Gerard is taking on multiple opponents at once I guess Askin can probably do the same against Ichigo and Grimmjow which would make for an awesome team up. We also get some shots of Chad, Ganju and Orihime but I don't really care at this point because they have just been completely useless this entire arc and I don't know who they can fight since there is not enough Sternritter to go round. However the fight between Askin and Ichigo was cut short went they both felt a very dark and chilling reiatsu coming from Shunsui's Bankai.



Askin continues to be such a great character

This was a great introduction to his Bankai and really mirrors his dark personally quite well; everything from the change of atmosphere to the moves themselves. It kind of remind me of Yamamoto's Banaki which moves was divided into North, West, South, East but Shunsui's is First Dan, Second and Third. The moves are pretty twisted such as the first one where each opponent suffer from the same wounds, the poisoning of Lille and then trapping them both in a cube of water until one of them dies. Plus I was right in thinking that these moves are like a play because off the story Shunsui is saying while Lille feels the effects. It was all very great however I feel like we went through them all really fast and it left me wanting more because the first thing I thought after the chapter despite really liking the Bankai was; "Is this it?". However I am not too worried because I am sure Lille is not down for the count just yet which will force Shunsui to use more moves, maybe something involving that shadow figure?

 

So Lille does have legs in this form

Overall a really decent Bankai reveal chapter and I liked how we got to see a bit of Askin and Ichigo just like we got to see a bit of Gerard and the other Soul Reapers last chapter. 

SCORE: 8/10

Highlights: Shunshui's Bankai
                   The opening with Askin and Ichigo

Let - Downs: The moments with Shunsui's Bankai felt rushed
                      The rest of Ichigo's group is still very useless

The Arrow Season Four: Green Arrow

New season, new threads

Oliver and Felicity have been living a quiet life after leaving Starling City however Laurel and Thea arrive to ask for Oliver's help when a former League member Damien Darhk (Neal Mcdonough) shows up with his own HIVE forces.

 

I said that in my Flash review that while it's first episode of the new season was great it didn't have much of an impact however Arrow.......just WOW, it nailed it completely! I wondered how Oliver and Felicity where going to go back to the vigilante lifestyle after we spend the first five minutes with them in suburban paradise and I was surprised that it was mainly due to Felicity who has been secretly helping Team Arrow because she was bored. I liked that they didn't waste too much time bringing them back it was just like; "The city is worse than we thought and we miss the thrill, so lets get back into it.". It was enjoyable to see them come back where we see more of Felicity back to her old positive self and Oliver himself seems a lot more open and light - hearted which is a great change from the depressive tone of Season Three so good job to Amell. As for the rest of Team Arrow Diggle was a definite standout because after three seasons of being Oliver right hand man he is the most reluctant to accept him back because of how Oliver betrayed him; the bromance isn't completely back yet but we still see them working together (plus I like his costume and I don't care what anyone else says). The weak point with Team Arrow however was with Laurel and Thea and while I do really love seeing Laurel as Black Canary and Thea impressed me with her kicking ass during the truck chase they didn't leave much of an impression and felt like they where just there. We get only a one minute snippet of Thea losing control because of the Lazarus Pit but honestly I would have preferred for them to save it until it is the focus of a whole episode and not have been shoved into this one. I'm sure these two will be better when they both get an episode dedicated more to them but there just wasn't much for them in this premiere.

 



The Force is strong with this one

As for everything else the biggest standout was the introduction of Damien Darhk who was just perfectly, and I mean perfectly, cast. He had such a creepy and intimidating presence when he was on screen like his first scene where he comes out and says he is the bad guy and he wants Star City to die. Quickly want to mention Star City and they did an awesome job of making it seem worse than ever like the abandoned buildings, empty streets, the murders of leaders and the fact people just want to leave. This is of course helped by Damien and his HIVE forces who seem unstoppable and even the grunts put up a hell of a fight; they are like a high tech version of the League. Back to Damien his fight scene on the train was so damn cool and when he used his powers to catch arrows and kill with a touch it was just WTF! This is kind of explained with Damien performing a ritual near the end and I really don't know what it means yet but this is what I wanted in Arrow; more powers either through Meta Humans or the supernatural and I can't wait for more. Finally I will talk about the two biggest twists of the episode with the first one being Quentin working with Damien which is something I did not see coming. I liked Quentin in this even before that reveal because while he still doesn't support vigilantes he doesn't go overboard, its like he's "I'll do my thing, you'll do yours" but I think I am going to really like him working for Damien because this will give his character something completely new to work with than just being the cop (though I don't think he is evil or anything). Then there is the reveal that someone will die in six months which is more than a compelling reason to keep on watching. As for who it could be Felicity might seem too obvious and since Thea already died I think it could either be Quentin, Diggle or maybe even Felicity's mom? I know I haven't mentioned the Flashbacks yet but they didn't seem worth mentioning; His back on the island but we get no information as to why, I still don't like Waller and I hated she had to come back so soon and I would have preferred seeing a few episodes where the Flashbacks focus on Oliver being a rookie vigilante chasing criminals in Coast City like we saw for a bit.

 

"It's Team Diggle now, anyone have a problem with that?"

Overall Arrow was a far more impressive first episode than Flash for the new season by delivering lots of action, character development, introducing it's impressive new villain already and giving us two big twists that just hooks us into this new season straight away.            

 

 

SCORE: 9/10

 

Highlights: Oliver and Felicity's return to Team Arrow/Diggle and Oliver conflict

                   Neal Mcdonough as Damien and his mysterious powers

                   Two really big twists/Quentin was really good in this

 

Let - Downs: Laurel and Thea where the weak points in Team Arrow

                      The Flashbacks

 

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

 

 





http://screencapped.net/

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 Season Two: The Silver Angel

Eph ad Nora check the results of their experiments meanwhile Abraham and Dutch try to recruit Reggie to their cause and Gus runs into a retired luchador wrestler and movie star.

You know when I first watching this I didn't know what the hell was going on because it began with a cheesy look at an old vampire film, then of course it made sense later lol. I got to give this opening high marks because it was really creative and I was not expecting it at all, plus I am a massive fan of old black and white monster films and I watch them all the time (for example a few nights ago I watched Gorgo and Quatermass). As for the rest of Gus's subplot it did feel a bit slow and aimless; we don't see what happened to the Vaun and I don't know how much Angel is going to help with the vampires, however I really liked his confrontation with the Master who was speaking through his mother. A subplot I really liked though was with Eph and Nora and the fact that their hard work at making a virus has paid off with the Master ordering the infected to suicide themselves, it's satisfying to know how much of a danger the virus is. Eph also wants to take this to Washington where the virus can be used as a weapon though Nora is having her doubts, from what I learned from TV and film if someone has doubts about something they made it is going to eventually backfire on them (maybe the virus will target humans?). Besides that Eph also got some time with Zach again but this time it was ok; their bonding is nice and it was an emotional Flashback where Zach imagines his mom with the bating cages with them.

As for everything else I am glad that Reggie may be involved with the story more soon when he got a visit from Abraham and Dutch even though his subplot is going a bit slowing too but the Flashbacks was the highlight. Besides from some cool vampire killing action with a sword I am liking this team up of young Abraham and Palmer, shame it seems to be over now but its interesting that they used to be vampire - hunting partners and kind of friends. Then there was a Eichorst who told the young Palmer something that made him switch sides, like with Abraham and Palmer it was a surprise those two have known each other for longer than I thought. In the present however Palmer is once again causing chaos as he gets all of the finical leaders in New York killed which made for a really awesome news report scene. Finally there is Fet who was captured by the security forces who are locking down certain areas and while I like them and wanted to see more of them trying to maintain order (like what they did with Staten island) I'm not sure I going to like this subplot of Fet captured by them.

Overall while a bit slow it is an improved over last week's episode and with the scene with Kelly at the end I hope she gets more involved soon.

SCORE: 7/10

Highlights: The opening
                   Eph and Nora's experiment results
                   Flashbacks

Let - Downs: Slow pacing with some of the storylines
                      Fet being captured at the end

Bleach Review: BABY, HOLD YOUR HAND 4 (When I Am Sleeping)

Just keep firing! Your bound to hit him soon

Mayuri and Nemu now team up to fight Pernida who continues to evolve and gain more abilities.

This chapter is a continuation of fight we have enjoyed recently and I just want to first say that while Mayuri is my favourite Captain and this fight is one of the best of the arc, I admit it should come to some sort of a conclusion soon. What I really liked about this chapter is the team up between Mayuri and Nemu because I liked how Mayuri has come to care more and more about his artificial daughter since they where first introduced and it really makes me want a Flashback about their past. Speaking about when they where first introduced Mayuri used his limb regrow serum on his arm which we have not seen since his fight with Uryu. As for the fight Mayuri is really good at dodging as he manages to evade many all of Pernida's arrows which is actually just a distraction to provide Nemu time to inject a drug into Pernida. However Pernida continues to evolve even further by taking on the personality of Kenpachi and using Mayuri's Bankai ability to shed it's skin and heal itself. Pernida does seem really overpowered but I guess this is to be expected of the Elite Sternritter and makes me think Mayuri, Nemu or both will die soon and while it would be a shame I hope it is a least a nice send off. As for Pernida it is interesting it takes on the personality of those it comes into contact with which makes me think "Pernida" is actually someone the Left Arm came into contact with before, we'll just have to see. Finally chapter showed some really awesome artwork such as the three Pernida's attacking Mayrui or the shadowed Pernida as it's talking, it's really cool Kubo can put that menacing expression on a hand and not a face lol.

"Been a while since I had to use this"

Overall still just a battle chapter but was a really entertaining one and again I liked this new team up of Mayuri and Nemu.

SCORE: 8/10

Highlights: Mayuri and Nemu vs. Pernida
                   Pernida's evolution and new abilities
                   Awesome artwork

Bleach Review: BABY, HOLD YOUR HAND 2

Not a very pretty Bankai

Though Pernida has taken some serious damage it refuses to give up the fight so Mayuri reveals a new ability of his Bankai

Back with a Bleach review and before I start I want to say I did manage to read the two chapters on holiday and finding out that Pernida was the Left Arm of the Soul King was a big WTF moments. It has also been a really awesome fight so far with Mayuri (my favourite Captain) kicking some serious ass! On with this chapter it just continues the fight but with some surprising twists with the most obvious one being a new form to Mayuri's Bankai; Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo: Makai Fukuin Shotai. Having a modified Bankai that can adapt to the enemy does sound OP but it is so typical of Mayuri and the new Jizo bursting through the fat thing's stomach was really disgusting lol. As for Pernida that thing just refuses to go down and even have some disgusting shots as well such as pulling off it's own fingers to make new fingers and hands (I don't know how the anime is going to adapt this with it's censoring lol). We also get some more back story on the hands and a shot of a younger Mayuri studying up on the Soul King's arms which was interesting. All in all the chapters feels short but that is typical of ones that just involves fighting and I don't think this is it for Pernida which Nemu seems to agree with, with her stare at the end.

Bleach has made an Alien reference!

Overall another great addition to the Mayrui vs. Pernida fight and probably one of my favourites this arc. What I really like about this fight is how Mayuri is taking a more active role in the fighting like he did with Uryu.

SCORE: 9/10

Highlights: Mayuri's modified Bankai
                   The awesome fight
                   Some great disgusting shots with Mayuri's Banaki and Perndia

Let - Downs: Felt short

Falling Skies Season Five: Stalag 14th Virginia

While Tom and his family await their execution Weaver tries to get the soldiers of 14th Virginia to turn sides and finds a shocking secret about Marshall.

I got to say that this two part arc has been really good, it may be late in the season to still be fighting humans in my opinion but still very enjoyable. First off Tom was great in this episode and proved why he is a leader by turning quite a few of the soldiers to his side, such as the guard and when Weaver showed his speech to the others. Speaking of Weaver he is another reason I really liked this arc because it has mainly been focused on him and how he has been this unstoppable force like chocking the Overload and taking out the Marshall Clone. Plus he also had a sad moment at the end, realizing that his old flame has been dead for a while and watching Marshall Clone die. I did like the twist that it was a clone; while the reveal that Marshall was working with an Overlord was obvious from the start the fact she was a clone was a surprise and not a far fetched one because the Overlords have been working with Human DNA for ages now. Despite liking this arc I am really glad the two forces are now marching on DC because the final battle is what I really want to see and it looks like we might see something new with the reveal of a "Higher Being" the Overlords are bowing down to.

As for everything else while Weaver was a badass for taking out the Overlord that did seem a bit too easy and I kind of wanted it to have a larger role. Then there is the scene at the end with Pope watching over a death match and finding out that Tom is still alive and while I am glad to see Pope again I am a bit disappointed. I mean really, this is what Pope has become now for the final season of Falling Skies? I don't know about anyone else but I really would have preferred seeing him staying with the 2nd Mass and marching to DC too. Again the fault in this lies with Tom for allowing Sara to die but what annoys me a lot is that Tom now seems to be back to his old self, the one that wouldn't have made Pope an enemy. We could probably expect some big battle between Pope's group and the 2nd Mass that should be fun to watch but I am still hoping Pope and Tom may ally once again. This is because I am sure a main character might die in the finale but out of all of them it really should not be Pope because he is the best character and has developed the most. Yet the writers are turning him into the villain who will most likely die, it is like they have thrown everything he has been through right out the window.

Overall a great conclusion to this arc and makes me look forward to the events of the last two episodes.

SCORE: 8/10

Highlights: Tom proving why he is a leader
                   Weaver was great once again
                   The reveal of Marshall being a clone

Let - Downs: The Overlord was killed off too soon
                       Pope still after Tom     

Falling Skies Season Five: Hatchlings

2nd Mass discovers a massive enemy force so Tom, with the help of the Volm, makes contact with the other Militia around the world and prepares to strike back.

 

Really Falling Skies? Freaking really!!!! They just had to kill off Sara another great secondary character and who only in my last review I said should survive until the end with Pope. I'm sorry but this again is another example of Falling Skies just too afraid to off their main cast; now I do really like everyone one of the main cast but why does the show constantly kill off their well developed secondary characters for the dramatic death scene? Also with the way Pope reacted afterwards I can really see him rebelling now and for all I know that could get him killed at the end. I am not just saying this because he is my favourite character but the way Pope was, what he has been through and how he has changed I just really think he could be one of the characters who survived and had a happy ending in the finale. I know this is supposed to show us that Tom has changed but sacrificing someone else to complete the mission is going a bit too far me plus I bet if it was one of his family he would have went because I guess all of the Masons have got to survive. I know this is quite the rant but it did bother me and the only good thing about it is that Sara's death was done really well at least; it was a sad last moment between her and Pope.

 

As for everything else it is annoying the Hybrid Skitter subplot is over already because I thought it was going to be a big thing but the shooting and suicide at least was pretty damn dark. I did however enjoy the main plot of stopping the massive enemy force and Ben and Maggie brain diving into the Overlord was really cool; see I don't them working like that just keep the romance out of it. Now Anthony continues to get some spotlight which is great because his PTSD condition isn't something that has been touched before on the show and makes me wonder if he will turn against 2nd Mass. My guess is that he will join Pope's rebellion (from what I saw in the preview it is happening) which again bothers me because we already have had Tom vs. Pope in the previous seasons, I thought they have gotten past that now and became friends. Finally we get some light shed on the mysterious new alien race and finding out they probably are extinct makes me wonder if this is some kind of Overlord trick? One last thing even if I have to mark this episode down it is still better than Season Four because all of this season has been action packed and really damn gruesome. For example in this episode alone we got a murder/suicide, Sara's eaten legs and Anthony shooting that Overlord in the face. Now I don't need my shows to be always action packed to be entertaining but Season 4 for just so, so slow and I didn't really like much of the plots they had, mostly about Lexi.   

 

Overall while this was still a great episode and we got a great reveal about the new aliens, Sara death does bother me because I found it to be uncalled for and the wrong direction for the show to take which could lead to Pope's death if he rebels.

 

SCORE: 6/10

 

Highlights: The main plot of stopping the enemy force

                   More info on the new aliens

                   Some good plot for Anthony

 

Let - Downs: Sara's death

                      Most likely Tom vs. Pope conflict soon

                      The Hybrid Skitter subplot didn't lead anywhere

                      Tom's change in personality went too far this episode

Bleach Review: The Twinned Twilight

"Time to BURN!"

Grimmjow continues to goad Askin into battle meanwhile Bazz - B and Haschwalth start their fight.

Now this is the kind of chapter I have been waiting for; getting right into the action and not being dragged down by long exposition of the current situation. First of the beginning of this chapter was so funny with Askin running away from Grimmjow because he wanted to sneak attack Ichigo's group rather than fight them head on. Of course Grimmjow gives chase and we get a bit of a teaser for a new move when his fingers transforms into claws; to me this looks like he is preparing a move similar to Desgarron even though he isn't in his Resurreccion. I am looking forward to seeing Grimmjow in a fight once again and I hope he has a lot of new power ups and maybe a second release form. As for Askin like my last review I really think this is a charade and he has yet to show his true, I think this because of the way he has been acting and his has been hyped up for ages but unlike Pepe I don't think we will be disappointed.

As for the later half of the chapter I was glad to see that Haschwalth actually got to fight Bazz - B and we got some really cool scenes of Haschwalth using his sword and Bazz - B using his Burner Fingers. There where three important things to take from this second half; one Uryu has actually entered the battle (probably going to fight Mayuri) but Haschwalth still does not trust him because he wanted a spy placed on him. Secondly it is revealed that Haschwalth actually takes over and gains the power when Yhwach sleeps, I did not expec thist because Bazz - B isn't just randomly attacking him, Bazz - B believes he can destroy Yhwach's power when it is transferred to Haschwalth. Thirdly we get the reveal that Bazz - B and Haschwalth where proper friends (a least Bazz - B thought so) because they gave each other nicknames and Bazz - B took it really personally when Yhwach used Auswahlen. Plus we got to know that Auswahlen takes way the survivor's Vollstandig so Bazz - B is already at a disadvantage in this fight but he must obviously have a plan or he wouldn't charge right in to battle.

What is this new move?

Overall after the slow pacing of the previous chapters this one was just so refreshing; we got some awesome fights set up and we could get a Bazz - B flashback next chapter. This is great because I want to know more about the Wandenreich, the Quinces and this friendship between Bazz - B and Haschwalth.

SCORE: 10/10

Highlights: Funny moments with Askin and Grimmjow
                   Haschwalth vs. Bazz - B/them being friends?
                   The fast pacing
                    Set up for Bazz - B flashback

Revolution Digital Comic Issue Three Review

A bloody confrontation ensures between Tom and the Nanite followers and Mile's group however Monroe gets a surprise and Rachael makes a sacrifice.

I tell you I was not expecting that! Four characters from Revolution killed in one bloody fire fight, I guess this comic really is wrapping things up. It is sad to see Tom go because he has always been such an awesome character but I guess I kind of expected this because he has lost everything and gave himself over to the Nanites, he wasn't coming back from this. However it is a damn shame about Aaron; I think his death was a mistake because he really deserved to survive to the end plus he has always been one of my favourite characters. Despite these two character deaths I am not going to mark the score down for this because it is the end of Revolution so deaths were unavoidable and the whole shootout between both groups was really action packed and gory! We also got the reveal that Charlie is indeed the daughter of Miles and Rachael however that the signs have been there for ages and I would have preferred this reveal in live action. Monroe also got more of a spotlight which I am glad for because besides from killing Tom we got to see Connor again which I wasn't expecting and thought he wouldn't be in the comic. Finally I am glad Rachael admitted that everything is all her fault (because it is) but I wonder if she has trick up her sleeve just being taken like that? Too bad she never acted like this in live action or else I would have liked her lol.

Overall this is the best issue of the digital comic so far with some great action and the character deaths where handled really well. With the ending I am really looking forward to the next issue now!  

SCORE: 8/10

Highlights: The character deaths/action
                   Monroe and Connor
                   What is Rachael going to do now?

Let - Downs: Again wish it was longer
                      Charlie being revealed as their daughter wasn't much of an impact


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: Grodd Lives

"I am Grodd!"

In order to distract Barry the Reverse Flash releases Gorilla Grodd on the city meanwhile Iris confronts Barry about her finally knowing the truth.

I got to tell you I have nothing but praise for the people behind The Flash show because every week they seem to step up their game more and more. Especially more for this episode when it came to adapting probably one of the hardest villains from comics for TV without the help of a massive budget that films get. Grodd just looked so impressive in this, props to the CGI people on this show,  and it was probably one of best villain debuts in live action. First off I actually really like this changed backstory for Grodd because not only does it gives him a more tragic element it simplifies it a bit for the show and involves Eobard more with Grodd believing he is his father. They also made Grodd really damn creepy as well; the way he spoke through Eiling, the search for him in the sewers and the fear that was in Joe when being controlled (that there was some damn good acting). We didn't really see Grodd all that much (because of budget constraints) for the first half but they made up for that with the "less is more approach" that is used in Jaws and they used it well here with the whole sewer search that I mentioned above. However when they did get to the action it was so epic, The Flash looked completely outmatched and the way Grodd caught the Speed Punch was a big WTF moment. All I all I was really looking forward to seeing Grodd and I was not disappointed at all and I am sure we will see more of him in Season Two where his powers will be even stronger.

As for everything else it is great seeing Eiling alive again because as I said before Clancy Brown is such a great actor and it looks like he has now formed an uneasy alliance with Barry (wonder if he will help with Eobard?). It was also really cool to see him in that kickass military suit while he was fighting The Flash and I hope we see that again soon. Then there was the scenes with Eddie and Eobard and it is great to see Tom Cavanagh fully embrace the antagonist role when he has been playing a split one for ages. All this taunting of Eddie makes me think they are setting him up to be another incarnation of the Reverse Flash for future seasons which would be cool. Eobard also had some really great lines too such as saying how he is a genius where he is from which makes him far superior in this time and his torture of Eddie by saying how insignificant he really is. There was also the big reveal that he was underneath STAR labs all along and I'm guessing that vial he used at the end was made from Blackout's blood who managed to steal Barry's powers for a while. Finally there was Iris dealing with the lies everyone has been telling her and I really agreed with a lot of what she said though she may have went too far with Barry because it really was all Joe's stupid idea in the first place, Barry shouldn't have any blame in my opinion. I don't know how much help Iris will be to Team Flash but at the very least she is in the know now.

Overall this was such a perfect episode that I really have no complaints with and an epic debut for Grodd! Again I know I am using a pic from an older episode but Screencapped hasn't updated their Flash and Arrow lately.

SCORE: 10/10

Highlights: Everything with Grodd
                   The scenes with Eobard and Eddie
                   Iris finally knowing the truth
       
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/