Abraham and Palmer both prepare for the bidding war for the Occido Lumen meanwhile Gus and Angel recruitment some more help from the local prison.
I admit for an episode that is before the finale this one didn't have as much impact as I thought it would but I will say what I first liked about it. Firstly the best subplot in this episode was the one involving Councilwoman Feraldo and if I haven't said so before she is defiantly one of my favourite characters on the Strain and I hope she sticks around for a long time. She had some strong scenes where she butted heads with the mayor because she pissed off the rich of NY while having the support of the cops. In everyone of her scenes she makes me completely join her side of things with her dialogue and the way she takes action; like how she argues that it is her cops on the line fighting the vampires while the rich can't fork over a bit of tax. Palmer may think that he can manipulate her (which is why he seems to be supporting her) but no, no I thought, Palmer isn't going to control her so easily lol. The other best subplot was the one with Gus and Angel where they liberated the prisoners to join in Quinlan's army and gave us some tense action scenes which where the only ones in this episode. It is cool seeing Gus take charge because he actually seems like a capable leader but it was really awesome seeing Angel so badass when he shot one of the rouge prisoners at the end. With the way the episode ended we'll probably see them fight Abraham's group first before the Master and wouldn't it be really cool to see Abraham vs. Angel? Speaking of Abraham his alliance with the Ancients is an interesting gamble but I just want someone to get the freaking Occido Lumen already so we can see how important it is!
As for everything else this episode sees Nikki leaving NY and I hope this is the last time we will see her because I have hated her since she first came back. They never even bothered to make her likable or even fleshed out her character in any way; the only thing she has done is ruin Dutch's character for me. This better be the end of this romantic triangle for good because I am sick of watching Dutch obsess over Nikki when they haven't made us care about it and I want Fet back to his old self rather than brooding over his relationship with Dutch. Another disappointment is they fact that Coco has completely gotten over how she was healed and has fully embraced what she is a part of now with out us seeing a single second of it! What a waste of an opportunity, I wanted to see her reaction to the existence of vampires and how the hell did Palmer convince her to join him!? While that was a shame I liked the mention that Palmer and Coco need more of the White to survive because while this is some good new info I seriously doubt Palmer wants to have that threat constantly dangled in front of him. We might see him (maybe not in the finale but next season) make some moves against Eichorst or even the Master to get more White or be turned fully into a vampire. Finally the scenes with Eph, Nora and Zach where good like Zach having a nice emotional moment on the phone with his grandparents and the fact Eph finally may have found a safe haven for him. However it is the Flashbacks that really stood out because this really developed the relationship between Eph and Nora a bit more which has been neglected this season and it was really nice seeing Sean Astin as Jim once again.
Overall this episode did have some good moments but it really failed to build excitement for the finale which usually is the job of the one before last.
SCORE: 6/10
Highlights: Feraldo steals the episode
Prison breakout with Gus and Angel
Flashbacks
Let - Downs: Dutch and Nikki subplot
Coco accepting things already?
Feels like a normal episode rather than build excitement for the finale
Showing posts with label STRAIN. Show all posts
Showing posts with label STRAIN. Show all posts
Monday, 16 November 2015
Saturday, 7 November 2015
The Strain Season Two: Dead End
Eph, Fet and Nora try to locate and rescue Dutch before it is too late meanwhile Gus and Angel work to get the Guptas out of NY.
You know I thought there where going to be bigger plans for Dutch, maybe something involving Palmer, but I guess she was just going to be Eichorst's dinner. Parts of this episode where showing Eichorst torture Dutch but more in the psychological sense rather than the physical; they did a really good job of showing how much terror Eichorst was instilling in her, I guess he likes to play with his food before he eats it. Now I have a shrewd idea what Eichorst was planning to do with his tongue when he asked Dutch to take off her jeans and most of them involved hentai, tentacle stuff lol. We also got a really good chase scene between the two and again does a good job of showing Dutch is really afraid and just wants to get away; either through the looks of horror on her face to the constant dead ends. However a real highlight in their scenes where the Flashbacks to Eichorst's past as a salesman to a Nazi officer, it's been too long since we have had a Flashback involving his days as a human. It is nice seeing how Eichorst used to be just a humble salesman with barely any self - confidence to a Nazi who betrayed a girl he used to have feelings for though she was a Jew; you can tell he regretted that she was killed but that was when the last of his humanity went away and he became the hardened Nazi we saw in Season One Flashbacks. Now does this excuse what Eichorst is, no, because he is pure evil in the present day now but these gave us an understanding of how he became what he is now. The let down however was that the confrontation between Eichorst and Eph's group just ended in him fleeing once again, we didn't get to see even a little bit of a punch up.
A weak subplot this episode was Abraham's involving the Occido Lumen because after the cliff hanger last week the owner just turned out to be an ass who is only interested in money. Sure you can really tell Abraham's desperation at getting the book as he tried to convince the owner how important it is but at this point I just want him to get the book already so we can find out what all the fuss is about. I was surprised that there was no Coco and Palmer subplot this episode but it was made up with Gus and Angel back because I really like the team up with those two. Gus is shown as a more tragic character now, finding a woman he is in love with and a family he wants to protect but has to leave them now. I'm glad that he got the Guptas out of NY because it was a nice relief for Gus knowing he did this right rather than them being killed in an attack and it is just another thing he wants revenge for. I am also glad that Angel has decided to fight with Gus because as I said I like these to character together since Angel has now really come to trust Gus over the course of this season. Plus Angel does really have some guts, volunteering to stay in a warzone to kick some ass when he could have drove to safety!
Overall a good episode and since we are only two episodes away from the end of the season I am expecting things to pick up a lot now.
SCORE: 7/10
Highlights: Dutch's torture and escaping
Eichorst Flashbacks
Gus and Angel subplot
Let - Downs: Could have had a better fight between Eichorst and Eph's group
Abraham's subplot was disappointing
Monday, 2 November 2015
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?
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?
Saturday, 24 October 2015
The Strain Season Two: The Battle For Red Hook
After failing to capture Zach, Kelly and Eichorst launch an attack on the safe zone of Red Hook which is protected by Councilwoman Feraldo's forces.
Talk about having one heck of a great showdown where we finally get to see a massive group of Strigoi take on a massive group of Humans and in my opinion it did not disappoint. Before getting into the episode I first got to say that the new opening is so damn cool! It looked like pages right out of the comic book and gave us something really different than just the bloody five second opening we have had so far, props to whoever thought this one up. On to the episode the team up between Kelly and Eichorst continues to be really great and I enjoy their scenes together; like the first one where Kelly opens up to Eichorst about her failure and feelings and Eichorst consoling her (plus fuelling her anger towards Nora), it's almost like she is his protégé. Then there was their plan on bringing an army of Strigoi into Red Hook which gave us one of the best action moments in The Strain so far but I will go into this more in a bit. I want to talk first about Fet, Zach and Nora going to the power station to turn back on the power and it made for a really creepy atmosphere with the darkness and the bodies lying around. Kelly showing up was great as well because she had a great fight with Fet such as the part where she took his gun and then trying to infect him with worms from her wounds. As for Eichorst I admit his showdown with Abraham wasn't as epic as the build up for it was implying but it still made for a good team up between him and Eph.
As for the battle of Red Hook it was just so damn impressive and really created the feeling of hopelessness with the lack of personnel to the power outage. This really was Feraldo's episode to shine because she really took charge and brought all of Red Hook together in this massive clash. I mean she had to deal with a lot form the mayor who only wants her to save the rich who then abandons her and dealing with a quick lack of confidence when seeing the numbers they have to battle. Her Captain of her forces (Frank I think his name was and has been in a few previous eps) was great in this as well like the moral talk he gave her and defending the gates. Feraldo then got the citizens of Red Hook together and we saw some great fighting scenes between them and the Strigoi. I also liked the ending as well at daybreak when the main characters got back together, I have read some people's comments saying it was cheesy but I liked it and gave a sense of hope with all the doom and gloom there have been lately. Finally the only thing I didn't like was the Dutch and Nikki subplot because I just don't freaking care about it! I don't care about their damn arguments and I don't care what Nikki has been up to; I hate her character and she has just been making everything awkward since she reappeared. Plus I was right in thinking this subplot was similar to Barbara's on Gotham because Dutch is now all like "I like Fet but I used to be a lesbian so I'll sleep with my ex". I mean are we supposed to care these two are back together? Well I sure don't it just makes me hate Dutch's character now.
Overall a near perfect episode I just wish that instead of a stupid subplot with Dutch and Nikki we could have had one with Gus or Palmer.
SCORE: 9/10
Highlights: The battle of Red Hook
I great episode for Feraldo
Kelly and Eichorst
The new intro
Let - Downs: The Dutch and Nikki subplot
Talk about having one heck of a great showdown where we finally get to see a massive group of Strigoi take on a massive group of Humans and in my opinion it did not disappoint. Before getting into the episode I first got to say that the new opening is so damn cool! It looked like pages right out of the comic book and gave us something really different than just the bloody five second opening we have had so far, props to whoever thought this one up. On to the episode the team up between Kelly and Eichorst continues to be really great and I enjoy their scenes together; like the first one where Kelly opens up to Eichorst about her failure and feelings and Eichorst consoling her (plus fuelling her anger towards Nora), it's almost like she is his protégé. Then there was their plan on bringing an army of Strigoi into Red Hook which gave us one of the best action moments in The Strain so far but I will go into this more in a bit. I want to talk first about Fet, Zach and Nora going to the power station to turn back on the power and it made for a really creepy atmosphere with the darkness and the bodies lying around. Kelly showing up was great as well because she had a great fight with Fet such as the part where she took his gun and then trying to infect him with worms from her wounds. As for Eichorst I admit his showdown with Abraham wasn't as epic as the build up for it was implying but it still made for a good team up between him and Eph.
As for the battle of Red Hook it was just so damn impressive and really created the feeling of hopelessness with the lack of personnel to the power outage. This really was Feraldo's episode to shine because she really took charge and brought all of Red Hook together in this massive clash. I mean she had to deal with a lot form the mayor who only wants her to save the rich who then abandons her and dealing with a quick lack of confidence when seeing the numbers they have to battle. Her Captain of her forces (Frank I think his name was and has been in a few previous eps) was great in this as well like the moral talk he gave her and defending the gates. Feraldo then got the citizens of Red Hook together and we saw some great fighting scenes between them and the Strigoi. I also liked the ending as well at daybreak when the main characters got back together, I have read some people's comments saying it was cheesy but I liked it and gave a sense of hope with all the doom and gloom there have been lately. Finally the only thing I didn't like was the Dutch and Nikki subplot because I just don't freaking care about it! I don't care about their damn arguments and I don't care what Nikki has been up to; I hate her character and she has just been making everything awkward since she reappeared. Plus I was right in thinking this subplot was similar to Barbara's on Gotham because Dutch is now all like "I like Fet but I used to be a lesbian so I'll sleep with my ex". I mean are we supposed to care these two are back together? Well I sure don't it just makes me hate Dutch's character now.
Overall a near perfect episode I just wish that instead of a stupid subplot with Dutch and Nikki we could have had one with Gus or Palmer.
SCORE: 9/10
Highlights: The battle of Red Hook
I great episode for Feraldo
Kelly and Eichorst
The new intro
Let - Downs: The Dutch and Nikki subplot
Sunday, 18 October 2015
The Strain Season Two: Intruders
Kelly now takes more of the intuitive to get closer to Zach meanwhile Gus gets a visit from Quinlan and Abraham, Palmer and Eichhorst all try to get after the Occido Lumen.
Over the last few episode Eichhorst really haven't has a big role besides from when he was disappointed at not being chosen as the Master's new vessel but this one sees him in the spotlight once again. I really liked the scene at the beginning where he is helping Kelly with her face (more on her later) and I liked the chemistry between those two; Eichhorst using his experience to help the new vampire Kelly. Then of course there is the tense moments between Eichhorst and Palmer and I got to say good one for Palmer who, despite still being humans, has no problem standing up to Eichhorst who rage when he was leaving was noticeable even though he was silent. Then Eichhorst decided to surprise everyone by trying to get the Occido Lumen first and having a good battle with Abraham and Fet; so all in all a good episode for Eichhorst. Kelly was another standout with her looking more like her human self and taking more of an active approach to capture Zach rather than just stalking in the shadows. The showdown in the hideout was really intense because I didn't know if someone was going to get infected or not but it looks like Kelly survived to try another day. You know I have really been liking Kelly's character even since she became a vampire; from mindless drone to leader of the blind kids and now at the same level of Eichhorst, it is some really great development.
As for everything else we also got a subplot with Eph and Zach performing surgery on a gunshot victim while trying to buy a sniper rifle. I liked this because it really improved the father/son relationship between them and while a lot of Zach's moments have been hit and miss this was a good one. He still denied his mother was lost at first but hopefully the ending proved that he is now completely on Eph's side. I was glad we got to see Gus back this week and I liked that he is getting closer to the Gupta family because after what he has lost he found people to care about again. It also did a really good job of reminding us how far NY has fallen with the supply run failing and Gus convincing the Gupta's to leave (plus glad to see him and Angel getting along). However we get a cool confrontation between him and Quinlan which makes me look forward to them teaming up against the Master! Finally the only thing that didn't work for me was Coco storming out on Palmer because while this created some sympathy for him I just don't know what to make of her still this late in the season; what are her thoughts and motivations or is she what she seems to be?
Overall an awesome episode where Eichhorst got to stand out once again and I was glad not to see Dutch or Nikki this episode.
SCORE: 9/10
Highlights: Eichhorst/Kelly plot
Eph and Zach;s subplot
Gus being approached by Quinlan
Let - Downs: Coco's character still frustrates me
Over the last few episode Eichhorst really haven't has a big role besides from when he was disappointed at not being chosen as the Master's new vessel but this one sees him in the spotlight once again. I really liked the scene at the beginning where he is helping Kelly with her face (more on her later) and I liked the chemistry between those two; Eichhorst using his experience to help the new vampire Kelly. Then of course there is the tense moments between Eichhorst and Palmer and I got to say good one for Palmer who, despite still being humans, has no problem standing up to Eichhorst who rage when he was leaving was noticeable even though he was silent. Then Eichhorst decided to surprise everyone by trying to get the Occido Lumen first and having a good battle with Abraham and Fet; so all in all a good episode for Eichhorst. Kelly was another standout with her looking more like her human self and taking more of an active approach to capture Zach rather than just stalking in the shadows. The showdown in the hideout was really intense because I didn't know if someone was going to get infected or not but it looks like Kelly survived to try another day. You know I have really been liking Kelly's character even since she became a vampire; from mindless drone to leader of the blind kids and now at the same level of Eichhorst, it is some really great development.
As for everything else we also got a subplot with Eph and Zach performing surgery on a gunshot victim while trying to buy a sniper rifle. I liked this because it really improved the father/son relationship between them and while a lot of Zach's moments have been hit and miss this was a good one. He still denied his mother was lost at first but hopefully the ending proved that he is now completely on Eph's side. I was glad we got to see Gus back this week and I liked that he is getting closer to the Gupta family because after what he has lost he found people to care about again. It also did a really good job of reminding us how far NY has fallen with the supply run failing and Gus convincing the Gupta's to leave (plus glad to see him and Angel getting along). However we get a cool confrontation between him and Quinlan which makes me look forward to them teaming up against the Master! Finally the only thing that didn't work for me was Coco storming out on Palmer because while this created some sympathy for him I just don't know what to make of her still this late in the season; what are her thoughts and motivations or is she what she seems to be?
Overall an awesome episode where Eichhorst got to stand out once again and I was glad not to see Dutch or Nikki this episode.
SCORE: 9/10
Highlights: Eichhorst/Kelly plot
Eph and Zach;s subplot
Gus being approached by Quinlan
Let - Downs: Coco's character still frustrates me
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
Thursday, 24 September 2015
The Strain Season Two: Quick and Painless
Eph decides to head for Washington to convince the military to use his bio - weapon meanwhile Nora, Fet and Dutch help out Councilwoman Feraldo's militia and Abraham searches for the Occido Lumen.
You know ever since Councilwoman Feraldo made the impressive display of how her milita forces are clearing Staten Island I wanted to see more of that, even said so in my previous review, and I was glad that we have an episode more focused on them. It started off with a very strong opening where we see the militia fighting against the vampires in an apartment building; it made for some great action and those 'spider children' where kind of creepy. I was also glad to see Nora, Dutch and Fet team up with them since the reason I complained about Fet being caught last week is because I didn't want the good guys wasting too much time fight other humans but it was resolved in the first five minutes! I like that these two groups are cooperating with each other like how Fet and Dutch went with the militia and where comparing tactics with them, since they worked so well I'm hoping more people will listen to Abraham's group and turn against Palmer. As for Nora it made for some really impactful scenes with her examining Feraldo's nephew then mercy killing him; it was a good scene because it developed Feraldo's character more, gave more reason to fight and listen to Nora who helped. Moving on to Palmer though nothing too significant developed I am kind of sure now Coco is here to make him feel regret for his actions and maybe try to redeem himself towards the end with how their bond has developed.
As for everything else it's always entertaining to see what Abraham is up to and it was really cool seeing him get the drop on Creem and his men, bet they thought he was a weak old man lol. I am really curious now to see how this Occido Lumen can help but in the mean time Fitzwilliam has decided to join the fight and I am glad they he didn't wait too long. The other big storyline was Eph making his way to Washington (he finally shaved his head now!) and I really liked watching these parts because it was almost like the Bourne films; changing his ID and appearance, avoiding the police and hiding etc. They created a lot of tension on the train where he tried to hide from his former boss and it was funny when he threw him off the train. It is nice that we are going to have a new location in the series for a while now and I hope Eph's mission in Washington goes well but I doubt it will. Finally there was the final scene where an unknown Strigoi arrives and was picked up by a human and my theory is that he works for the Ancients because he is a Strigoi who still has his mind and he seems to work with a human and the Ancients don't mind recruiting them (like Gus). Judging by his clocked appearance and bone sword (that's what I think it is) and think he could be a warrior or assassin the Ancients have employed because they just lost their commando team.
Overall this was hands down the best episode of Season Two so far and I personally have no complaints with it and enjoyed all the scenes with Eph going to Washington and the rest of his group still in New York.
SCORE: 10/10
Highlights: Eph's journey to Washington
Nora, Fet and Dutch helping the militia
Abraham bargaining with Creem
The mysterious ending
You know ever since Councilwoman Feraldo made the impressive display of how her milita forces are clearing Staten Island I wanted to see more of that, even said so in my previous review, and I was glad that we have an episode more focused on them. It started off with a very strong opening where we see the militia fighting against the vampires in an apartment building; it made for some great action and those 'spider children' where kind of creepy. I was also glad to see Nora, Dutch and Fet team up with them since the reason I complained about Fet being caught last week is because I didn't want the good guys wasting too much time fight other humans but it was resolved in the first five minutes! I like that these two groups are cooperating with each other like how Fet and Dutch went with the militia and where comparing tactics with them, since they worked so well I'm hoping more people will listen to Abraham's group and turn against Palmer. As for Nora it made for some really impactful scenes with her examining Feraldo's nephew then mercy killing him; it was a good scene because it developed Feraldo's character more, gave more reason to fight and listen to Nora who helped. Moving on to Palmer though nothing too significant developed I am kind of sure now Coco is here to make him feel regret for his actions and maybe try to redeem himself towards the end with how their bond has developed.
As for everything else it's always entertaining to see what Abraham is up to and it was really cool seeing him get the drop on Creem and his men, bet they thought he was a weak old man lol. I am really curious now to see how this Occido Lumen can help but in the mean time Fitzwilliam has decided to join the fight and I am glad they he didn't wait too long. The other big storyline was Eph making his way to Washington (he finally shaved his head now!) and I really liked watching these parts because it was almost like the Bourne films; changing his ID and appearance, avoiding the police and hiding etc. They created a lot of tension on the train where he tried to hide from his former boss and it was funny when he threw him off the train. It is nice that we are going to have a new location in the series for a while now and I hope Eph's mission in Washington goes well but I doubt it will. Finally there was the final scene where an unknown Strigoi arrives and was picked up by a human and my theory is that he works for the Ancients because he is a Strigoi who still has his mind and he seems to work with a human and the Ancients don't mind recruiting them (like Gus). Judging by his clocked appearance and bone sword (that's what I think it is) and think he could be a warrior or assassin the Ancients have employed because they just lost their commando team.
Overall this was hands down the best episode of Season Two so far and I personally have no complaints with it and enjoyed all the scenes with Eph going to Washington and the rest of his group still in New York.
SCORE: 10/10
Highlights: Eph's journey to Washington
Nora, Fet and Dutch helping the militia
Abraham bargaining with Creem
The mysterious ending
Thursday, 17 September 2015
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
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
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
Sunday, 5 April 2015
The Strain Season One Review
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| "Want to see what's under my hood?" |
I just wanted to make this quick so to save time I will just list some of the good points and bad points of Season One and give an overall score at the end. I admit I am probably going to miss a lot of stuff that I want to mention, especially for the good points.
Good
The Characters: I honestly don't think there is a single character or casting that I dislike in this entire series, everyone from Eph to Nora, Eichhorst to Gus; they have just been freaking awesome. A real standout goes to David Bradley as Abraham; the guy is the oldest character but he is such a badass with his silver sword and everyone turns to him for wisdom.
Doesn't hold back on the violence and gore: Either when it's fight the vampires or slicing them open we enjoy a gore fest! Anything lower than what they shown and I would have been disappointed.
Character Deaths: Maybe not on the same level as Game of Thrones but this series isn't afraid to kill off some of it's characters even though most of them I admit aren't the main cast but are well developed secondary characters.
"The Creatures of the Night" episode: Probably the best episode of the season, it was when most of the main cast where trapped in a gas station surrounded by vampires. We got some great action and tension but what made this episode stand out was that it only focused on this setting and characters and didn't change to any other subplot. It is refreshing when a TV show does this, for example Game of Thrones ninth episode of a season does it because it gives it a chance to focus on one particular event.
The pacing/settings: I liked how we got to see NY slowly descend into chaos because of the outbreak and lack of phones/internet. It was portrayed really well and I liked how messed up the city got shown by the homeless, broken down streets, looting etc.
Bad
Some characters where underdeveloped while others weren't compelling enough: I feel that some of the characters deserved a lot more screen time and backstory; for example the Ancients and their commandos where awesome but only served as a teaser for Season two. Then there is Palmer and his head of security Cross, I wanted to know more of the relationship between those two and maybe more of Palmer's history of how here turned to vampires to save his life. Then there where some characters who had too much screen time to develop their stories but they weren't that interesting like Nora and her mother or Eph's wife and the problems with they had and with her boyfriend, I still liked them though.
Some storylines didn't go anywhere or could have been expanded: I think the four survivor's on the plane where going to turn into Masters but instead they just turned into regular vampires. It was great seeing four from different walks of life deal with their symptoms but three of them just die shortly after. For example the wife of one of the survivors killed someone to feed her husband and I thought she would continue to do that for a awhile until she had to be stopped by the group but then she killed herself next episode.
There you have it, just a quick review of the first season because it's Easter Sunday and I'm mostly just relaxing. Only two for the bad list but that is because The Strain is a great TV series and I am looking forward to Season Two. I would have really liked to review each episode of Season One but with everything else I have to review now I just can't fit it in, luckily I think Season Two is airing when Arrow and Flash are on break so plenty of time for that.
SCORE: 8/10
The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;
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