Game of Thrones Season 4, Episode 10: "The Children" (Spoilers included)

Game of Thrones ends its best season yet with one of it's strongest episodes.  As a conclusion to the past two seasons; the episode is both epic and fitting.  Firstly, Arya and the Hound resolves with the Hound dying; as we've always expected would happen.  He dies a sad, broken man and Arya shows coldness and mercilessness by not granting his wish to be executed.  Secondly and more importantly, the father and son relationship of Tywin and Tyrion ends with Tyrion murdering Tywin.  This has been building since the introduction of Tywin's character. All the way back to Season 1 when Tywin was introduced; Tyrion told Shae a story about how Tywin hired a prostitute to trick him and he fell for it.  This episode ends with the final resolution to that story; after Tyrion strangles Shae when he finds her in Tywin's bed.  A tremendous moment for Tyrion, the Lannister family and the world of Westeros.

Season 4 has been great, so great I have a hard time believing that 10 episodes have gone by.  A lot happened this year; which is crazy to think about how it only covers half of a book.  Starting with Joffrey's wedding in episode 2, every episode has had a major plot development or driving action.   This finale is no exception.  "The Children" leaves us wanting more Game of Thrones than any other of the season finales to date.

Grade: 9.5

Notes:

- At 66 minutes, the longest Game of Thrones episode to date.

- We start off with Jon Snow walking like a badass.  Then toasting with Mance, like badasses.

- Out of the mist, Stannis and Davos whaaaaaa.

- Everyone get ready for a Frankenstein's monster version of the Mountain.

- Rebelling against her father gets Cersei horny for her brother.

- What kind of braid is Daenerys wearing? It looks cool.

- Daenerys needs to go see How to Train Your Dragon 1 and 2.

- Ygritte, bringing new meaning to the term "fiery redhead".

- NOOooooo Jojen.

- "You can shit later there's people coming".

- Brienne vs the Hound, didn't want any of them to die.  Brutal fight.

- Jamie and Tyrion's bro hug.  The feels.

- Wrong time for Shae to be in Tywin's bed.  He really did love her.

- Tywin dies unceremoniously on the toilet, at Tyrion's hands.  Happy Father's day Tywin.

- Vary hears the bells and proceeds to get the f*** out of there.

- Arya sails into Season 5.

Editor's note:  Another year has gone by.  Thanks to everyone who read these reviews an/or discussed the show with me.  Even those who complained to me about my review being a day late (in 2 instances this year) haha =P.  Watching Game of Thrones with you all has made it a much funner, more enriching experience <3  Bring on Season 5!

Game of Thrones Season 4, Episode 9: "The Watchers on the Wall" (Spoilers included)

Better late than never right?  Had a long drive from SoCal last night and I felt like I couldn't do this episode justice half asleep (I knocked out in front of my computer after a nice relaxing shower without realizing it).  Anyway, enough with the excuses, on with the show!

So this episode feels almost like a Game of Thrones movie; where the main characters are Jon Snow and Sam.  I like that it focuses solely on one story; its a nice change of pace for the show (especially after the savagery and bleakness of last week's episode; I'm not too excited to go back to King's Landing).  It reminds me of Season 2's Blackwater (one of my favorite GoT episodes) as well as The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, as weird as that sounds.  As an action oriented episode; it delivers.  We finally get to see some of the Knight's Watch face off against the Wildlings, giants included.  My only complaint is that I never felt like Jon or Sam's lives were at risk.  Instead, we get to know some minor characters for a brief second before they are killed off.  The emotional highlight was definitely Ygritte's death.  Her hesitation to kill Jon is what basically killed her.  Aww.  I will miss her <3

Grade: 9.0

• We open to Jon Snow and Sam having a bro moment.
• Sam asks Jon how big Ygritte's feet are.
• Ygritte, the fiery redhead. Rawrr.
• Sam finally kisses Gilley :D
• Giants! Riding mammoths!
• Even though I don't like Alliser Thorne; he is a pretty brave and skilled warrior.
• Jon Snow springs into action like a badass and/or Link from Zelda.
• Go wolf!
• It's hammer time!
• Jon still smiles when he sees Ygritte.
• NNOOOOOOOOOOO YGRITTE WHYYYYY NOOOO
• That scythe though.
• Jon Snow is the Jason Bourne/Ethan Hunt/Solid Snake of Westeros.

Game of Thrones Season 4, Episode 8: "The Mountain and the Viper" (Spoilers included)

After two weeks of waiting, episode 8 is finally here. More importantly, the Red Viper vs. the Mountain is finally here.  This is the most Game of Thrones has ever emphasized a 1 vs. 1 battle, the culmination of events that started in episode 2 of this season.  Does it live up to expectations?  Honestly, I don't know.  I'm pretty disturbed.  I don' t know how to rate this episode.  I will try though.

So what happened before the battle?  The wildlings continue their violent raids; but luckily Ygritte is the one that comes upon Gilley.  Ramsay and Roose share a Lion King moment.  Grey Worm and Missandei realize they have the hots for each other; and sadly it's revealed that Jorah was once spying for Varys.  Sansa and Littlefinger cover their stories and reveal their motivations.  All of this stuff was pretty solid but nothing spectacular.  Then the battle happens and it would've been pretty awesome if Oberyn won; but he didn't.  His death is brutal; made worse by the man who killed and raped his sister.  If I was biased; I would give the episode a 1.0 for the letdown of the battle and the fact that we won't see Oberyn anymore.  However, the episode was successful in advancing some plot points and gave us a shocker of an ending.

Grade: 8.5

• Episodes starts off with the confirmation that Sam left Gilley in the most dangerous and sleazy town possible.
• "I should never have left her there" -Sam. Duhhh.
• Grey Word checking out translator chick, do you blame him..
• Daenerys and Missandei have both wondered about the Unsullied's junk.
• "I'm glad you saw me." "So am I". Their flirting is so classy.
• The ever-increasing craziness of Theon/Reek and Ramsay.
• That jump cut of the guy who thought he was going to live, then what they did to him after, that's some cold stuff Theon.
• Littlefinger looks horny during Sansa's fake confession.
• About time someone mentioned the awkward breastfeeding; its Lhya's legacy.
• Jorah was originally spying on Daenerys for Varys, whaaaa.
• So Ramsay's having the best day ever.
• "You're not a child any longer".  Littlefinger getting his creep on.
• Jamie cant think of a name for when he killed his cousin.  I suggest cousincide.
• Oberyn: "Size does not matter when you're flat on your back".  Tyrion: "Thank the Gods.."
• Tywin cut Aemon's speech short.
• I watched the last 10 minutes in nervousness, for the worst to happen.
• Oberyn's death was nasty and graphic, made worse by the fact that he was an awesome character.
• I feel sick again, that Game of Thrones feeling that I hadn't had since the Red Wedding.

Game of Thrones Season 4, Episode 7: "Mockingbird" (Spoilers included)

An episode built around one on one conversations; that is exciting as hell.  This may be one of my favorite Game of Thrones episodes for the quality of character depth that is explored.  Although the tone of episode is still, the stillness is used to look deeper into Tyrion, the Hound, Oberyn, Sansa and Littlefinger.

With Tyrion, we get to see why Jamie can’t help him, why Bronn won’t help him, and why, surprisingly, Oberyn wants to help him.  The story Oberyn tells Tyrion about visiting him as a baby is harsh and noticeably cuts Tyrion deep.  Cersei has wanted him to die her whole life; a fact of Tyrion’s existence.  Character moments such as this one, the Hound’s childhood burning and Littlefinger’s story of unrequited love are what makes this episode an instant classic.

Grade: 9.5/10

Notes:

• “You can kill a king, lose your hand, fuck your own sister, you’ll always be the golden son.”
• We wanted to see Ser Merran die too Tyrion…
• Ser Gregor looks like a wrestler.
• That mercy killing was strangely poetic.
• Arya, cold blooded and badass.  She doesn’t even look phased.
• Bronn is going to start scheming his way into a family inheritance.
• End of the bromance.
• Daenerys liked what she saw.
• Poor Jorah, life in the #friendzone is all pain, especially with Daenerys’s dress the morning after.
• The most vulnerable we’ve ever seen the Hound.
• Hot pie! #dontgiveuponthegravy
• Oberyn will be Tyrion’s champion, I wanted to applaud.
• Robyn creeps me out, especially his fascination with making bad men fly.
• Littlefinger says that he could’ve been Sansa’s father, then kisses Sansa.
• I figured Littlefinger was going to do that, still shocked to see him do it.

Game of Thrones Season 4, Episode 6: "The Laws of God and Men" (Spoilers included)

A Game of Thrones episode centered around the theme of justice.  Davos and Stannis try to use the idea of financial justice to get the bank of Bravos to back them.  Daenerys has difficulty dealing with justice in her new kingdom.  Is justice through judgement possible in the world of Westeros?  

Tyrion definitely doesn't think so; especiailly since Cersei and Tywin basiccally doomed him before he ever took the stand.  The last half of the episode, with Tyrion's trial, was clearly the stronger half of the episode.  At the end, Tyrion went from a broken man to full rage mode within realizing that Tywin had twisted the trial into a method of gaining control over Jaime.  Tywin's act of defiance and unwillingness to fall into his father's plan was the best part of the episode, followed by the Jaime's realization that his father had already predicted his offer before he offered it.  The mindgames!

Grade: 8.0

Notes:

• Bravos has the coolest looking statue: the soldier wielding the broken sword.  
• Even Stannis has to wait at the bank; he's just like us!
• Ramsay showing up at the battle with blood all over his chest smiling was maniacally amusing.
• Theon's sister is badass, too bad Theon is no more.
• "I believe the phrase 'Fuck the king' was uttered". Muhaha.
• Oberyn tried to have sex with an Unsullied, to his disappointment.
• Varys is coldhearted.
• Tyrion goes HAM.  Damn that was good.
• Trial by combat! *insert Mortal Kombat music here*

Game of Thrones Season 4, Episode 5: "First of His Name" (Spoilers included)

Finally, an episode where Jon Snow's storyline is the best.  It seems like its been a while since we last go to see him kick some ass and actually kill some people.  The ending is definitely the highlight, with the raid and the burning of Craster's Keep.  I didn't expect Jamie's handslayer guy to die, his infiltration of the Knight's Watch seems pretty pointless in retrospect.  Will the show ever let us see any of the Starks reunite?  (Besides the creepy Aunt reunion)  

Other than the raid, the rest of the episode is pretty static.  It's a lot of scenes of Cersei trying to be nice to everyone to help her out with the trial.  I miss Tyrion, who isn't featured in this episode and usually makes the King's Landing storyline a lot more entertaining.  Hopefully we'll check back in with him next episode with the trial brewing.  We're officially halfway into Season 4, so quick!

Grade: 7.5 (I was thinking 7.0 but decided to bump it up to 7.5 for that last kill)

Notes:

• We open to Cersei cockblocking Tommen and Margaery.
• It seems like Daenerys will never get to Westeros.
• Hey it's that creepy breastfeeding kid from Season 1 and his crazy mom.
• Did that kid just throw Littlefinger's gift down the hatch?
• Wow Littlefinger has done shadier things than I thought.  So he's the one that poisoned John Arryn..
• Sansa's aunt wasn't kidding about that sex screaming.
• The Hound is still on Arya's list.  He's right there Arya, he can hear you..
• Sansa's aunt got cray cray.
• Podrick's horse riding and rabbit cooking skills are the funnies.
• Arya's dance swordfighting is like ballet, I miss Syrio.
• Prince Oberyn has 8 daughters.
• The power of Hodor.
• "Lord Snow" *bow, readies both knives*
• Jon Snow did a fatality.

Game of Thrones Season 4, Episode 4: "Oathkeeper" (Spoilers included)

A Game of Thrones episode about love; in a very Game of Thrones way. In a nice scene between Greyworm and Missandei, we see both characters getting really into their reading lesson.  Too bad Greyworm is an Unsullied and has no penis; however they can still love each other emotionally.  It's not all about sex yo.  Next, we get every boy's fantasy of Margaery Tyrell sneaking into their bed in the middle of the night.  It's a sweet scene because of Tommen's innocence, he doesn't know what to talk about besides his cat.  And finally, we get Brienne saying goodbye to Jaime.  It's pretty easy to tell that Jaime means much more to her than she lets on.  Protecting Sansa is something she will gladly do for him.  

Around these unusually romantic scenes, we get some plot building and a possible convergence of the Jon Snow and Bran plotlines.   Hopefully that happens next week!

Grade: 8.0

Notes:

• Greyworm and Missandei seem like a cute couple.
• Did Daenerys win the war 8 minutes into the episode?  Well, that was quick.
• Cool looking shot of Daenerys under her new city and flag.
• Bronn's cheap shot muhaha.  That was for last episode...
• Littlefinger giving the Scarface speech, he wants "everything".
• Oleanna was good, very very good back in her heyday.
• Jaime's handslayer guy is infiltrating the Night's Watch?
• Tommen getting his first boner right before our very eyes.
• Ser Pounce!
• Joffrey threatened to skin Ser Pounce and mix his innards in Tommen's food.
• Jaime presents Brienne with her very own batsuit. And Podrick! Potential favorite new pairing.
• Hey its that orphan boy who's parents were murdered last episode.  He wants to practice fighting and be cool like Jon Snow.
• Skull wine though?
• I was scared they were going to kill Hodor.

Bonus:  All hail Ser Pounce.

Game of Thrones Season 4, Episode 3: "Breaker of Chains" (Spoilers included)

Following last week's events, everyone in Westeros seems to get horny.  Littlefinger gets horny for Sansa, Jamie gets inappropriately horny for Cersei, Sam refuses to get horny for Gilley, Tywin interrupts Oberyn's horniness and I'm pretty sure Daenerys gets horny when Daario kills that soldier.  Around all the sexual tension is a solid, albeit sometimes weird, episode that escalates the conflicts that are unfolding.  While Tyrion awaits trial, the Wildlings attack and Jon forms a counter strategy.  Meanwhile, Daenerys makes the first move in her war against another slave city. There's a lot happening, I can't believe its only episode 3 of this season.  

Rating: 8.5

Notes:

• First image is Joffrey's grim, morbid looking dead face, one more time.  
• Littlefinger in creeper mode with Sansa.  I guess after Catelyn rejected him a long time ago, he wants to go after her daughter? #creeper
• Speaking of creepy, those fake eyes on Joffrey's dead body.
• Tommen seems like a much better person than Joffrey.  Supposedly in the books, he has three pet cats he named himself: Ser Pounce, Boots and Lady Whiskers.
• "Your brother was not a wise king. Your brother was not a good king.  If he had been, perhaps he'll still be alive." Tywin straight to business after Joffrey's death.
• Jaime rapes Cersei in front of their dead child's corpse after talk about murdering their brother.  The hell?
• The Hound and Arya have terrible table manners.
• Sam's girl thinks the term "wildling" is sexy and dangerous.
• Ser Davos is hooked on phonics.
• Could Sam have taken Gilley to a shadier place, geez.
• "When it comes to love, I dont choose sides." -Oberyn.
• Podrick sneaks in contraband (food, attempted wine) for Tyrion, like a true homie. Farewell, there has never lived a more loyal squire.
• The wildling raid was brutal.  "I'm going to eat your dead mama".
• Daario, the badass.  The whole conversation that led to him being expedanble was pretty funny.
• Daenerys, breaker of chains.

Game of Thrones Season 4, Episode 2: "The Lion and the Rose"

Did the biggest event this season happen in the second episode?  As far as Game of Thrones characters go, King Joffrey is the worst of the worst.  He is inexplicably evil, takes pleasure in pain and violence, and a straight up brat.  In a universe where almost every character is complex and shown multiple sides, Joffrey is the exception.  From episode 1, he was a character that everyone hated; with good reason.  Personally, I've been looking forward to see him die for a long time.  Now that ITS FINALLY HAPPENED, I think I'll miss his character in the show, as no one was as easily despisable as Joffrey.  This episode reminded us of that, and let him do what he does best (be awful; especially toward Tyrion) one last time.  He was the best representation of a character that was rotten to the soul in the Game of Thrones universe, which is no easy feat.  R.I.P. Joffrey, the best at being the worst.

Rating: 9.0

Notes:

The opening scene with Ramsay chasing the girl reminded me of The Hunger Games, especially with the line "If you make it out of the woods, you win!".

Ramsay found a girl as crazy as he is. 

Tyrion and Jamie have a good sibling relationship #bros

Joffrey does not like being gifted books, likes swords.

Tyrion uses the tough love approach, "You're a whore!".

Melisandre is back, the night is dark and full or terrors.

Bran is going too deep into inception.

Margaery has elaborate wedding hair.

Oberyn and Lorys were eyeing each other hard.

Jamie and Cersei each had their own scenes where they were defending their territories. That twincest connection/jealousy.

Oberyn with that smack talk.

Wow Joffrey's play.  And Tyrion, the cupbearer.  

Look, the pie!

Props to actor Jack Gleeson, he was perfect at playing Joffrey.

Game of Thrones Season 4 Episode 1: "Two Swords"

Finally, Season 4!  Once again, lets journey back into the world of Westeros.  

So what happened in this season premiere?  Many people will say "not much", as the episode kind of serves as a refresher to the show and what the characters are up to.  However, it was exciting to be spend time with all the main players and see where they are at.  Things have changed since the Red Wedding.  Jaime is back, but doesn't get the homecoming he expected and loses favor with both Cersei and Tywin.  Danerys' dragons are experiencing puberty.  Tyrion is still trying to handle his marriage with Sansa while Shae complains.  And Arya, oh Arya.  She gets vengeance and her own pony in that last scene, while turning into a stone cold killer.  In the break between Season 3 and Season 4, the characters' situations have deepened.

What surprises me most about "Two Swords" is how it accomplishes to not feel like it's starting off in the middle of a book (which it is).  The hour went by fast; it was over before I realized it.  Overall, a good season opener to lay the chess pieces back on the table.  

Rating: 8.0

Notes:

- I got chills during the opening credits again; happens every season premiere.

- Jaime looks like a different man clean shaven and with a new haircut.

- First nude scene this season: 12 minutes and 5 seconds in.

- The bastard, the whore and the procurer.

- Prince Oberyn turns straight men gay, then punks some Lannisters.

- Danerys and her dragons, a sight for sore eyes.

- "She wanted to have me executed, but I admired her".

- Shae is the worst part of the episode, I've gotten tired of her character.  That looks to be remedied.

- Golden hand Jaime looks like a Bond villain.

- Sam is better than Jon at reading.

- That Joffrey statue of him standing on a wolf; muhahaha.  I like his style.

- Best scene of the episode saved for last.

House of Cards: Season 2, Episodes 11-13

Season 2, Episode 11: 9.0

Teeheehee.  I knew something was going to happen with Meechum, I just didnt know what.  Frank and Claire were getting overly friendly with him in the last couple of episodes, offering him beer and toasting to him.  I speculated that it might be some kind of plot to get him to do something evil.  Maybe have him kill someone or to get him involved with some kind of political scandal?  Nope!  It turns out, they wanted him for a threesome, mostly for Frank I believe.  Some sexual healing.  Things got weird.  Deliciously weird.

-Some other stuff happened this episode.
-During questioning, Frank makes a Kim Kardashian jokes and gets everyone to laugh, except the main prosecutor.
-Stamper's addiction is Rachel.  She reminds him of booze.
-Frank fidgets when hes nervous.
-Tusk has a team of 8 attorneys.
-Remy protects Jackie when questioned by Tusk.  Love is complicated.
-Stamper looks confused and devastated when he sees Rachel with Lisa.
-Meechum is bad at cleaning up broken glass.
-Bow chicka bow wow.

Season 2, Episode 12: 8.0

The episode where Frank's endgame finally reveals itself.  He wants to incriminate the President by linking him to Tusk and Feng's illegal political schemes; thus making him eligible for impeachment.  Claire's job was to encourage marriage counseling, so that when the President is investigated, his marital issues and medication will destroy his public image.  Not bad of a strategy this time around, especially compared to the confusing mess that was Frank's plan with Russo in Season 1.  I like that the plan ultimately comes down to President Walker, Frank and Tusk and how they will incriminate each other.

-President Walker's marriage counselor is a G, would rather face contempt of court than to talk.
-President Walker admires Mayweather's tactics, precision, speed and counterpunch.
-Game on, for the first time ever, the President actually appears smart for once.
-Stamper goes into serial killer mode, popping up out of nowhere to help Lisa with her battery.  Suspicious much?
-Megan is bad at answering questions, good at getting flustered and caraazyyy.
-Major power reversal between the hacker and the FBI guy.  Also, dude's wife is cheating on him.
-Rachel and Lisa's break up scene was sad, hopefully they get back together.

Season 2, Episode 13: 8.5

A strong episode to end a great season.  Frank's manipulation pays off, with him successfully getting Tusk and President Walker to turn on each other.  My only issue with this episode extends more to the series in general.  Frank has had no worthy adversary; all of his gambles seem to pay off in his favor.  If President Walker went through with the letter, everything Frank had worked for would have been in vain.  Yet, I also understand the delicious appeal of the show is watching Frank manipulate and crush his adversaries.  At the end of the episode, Frank has finally done what he set out to do in Season 1, Episode 1.  The last scene in this episode was his victory lap, ending his relationship with President Walker on good terms and becoming the President of the United States.

-"I serve this nation, and this President.  Not myself"- Frank.  The antithesis of the show.
-President Walker is shown strategizing with Linda Vasquez, followed by scenes of Frank strategizing with Stamper and Grayson.  I'd take Team Frank/Stamper/Grayson any day, they're crazier and darker.  Much darker.  Even the lighting is darker in their strategy scenes.
-40 hours to make it happen.
-Jackie Sharp, impeachment crusader.  Getting points for not being Frank.
-Claire breaks down and cries from all the evil she's done.
-Dramatically, Frank and Tusk meet at an opera.
-Hacker guy is now the boss.
-Frank's letter, what is this?  The Notebook?
-Poor President Walker, he seemed like a good man.  Too oblivious and manipulated though.
-Was Stamper going to kill Rachel?
-Death by Rachel, we all saw it coming in some way or another.  R.I.P Stamper.
-Xander Feng is going to die.  His weird sex stuff went nowhere this season.  I guess every character on this show just has to have some weird sex thing.
-*knock knock*
-Thanks for reading everyone.  It's been fun, see you in Season 3!

House of Cards: Season 2, Episodes 9-10

Season 2, Episode 9: 8.5

House of Cards takes time to focus on two underdeveloped characters, with good results.  The episode takes a much needed break from Washington politics to deal with scandal.  The first one involves Claire and Adam, and brings back some of residue from their relationship in Season 1.  Claire destroys any feelings they might have had with each other by ruining Adam’s life to cover her story.  The other scandal involves Freddy, and his troubled background/ family.  Frank offers to help him, but at a distance.  Freddy refuses pridefully. 

The episode highlights two unintentional casualties in Frank and Claire’s lives.  Freddy and Adam are just victims of a war between Frank and Raymond Tusk.  When Freddy closes his restaurant and walks away, we get the worldview of a down on his luck ordinary man, a type of character we never see in House of Cards. 

-Directed by Jodie Foster.

-Episode starts off with Freddy killing a bug, hittin them weights, then burning the newspaper looking like a badass.

-Freddy gets some plot development besides being Frank’s chef?

-Claire did Adam wrong, she could’ve at least told him about their plan.

-“I’m the ceiling”, Stamper claiming his territory.

-Freddy goes out broke and in trouble, but like a G.

- "Do you think I’m a hypocrite? Well, you should”.  Frank sad and regretful, for once.

-Claire and Adam’s fallout is messy and nasty. 

-Tusk kills a bird, he’s terrible.

-Claire requests suffering.

Season 2, Episode 10: 8.0

This will be known as the episode where Meechum walks in on Frank watching porn.   Pretty random right?  Or is it… Maybe Frank planned that, he apparently can predict and plan everything.  Anyways, what else happened.  Claire and Jackie have a face off.  Stamper’s weird relationship with Rachel gets deeper; affecting his work.  A money trail with the casinos and China connects everybody, endangering everybody.  Things are heating up.  Bring on the final 3!

-Stamper spends time listening to Rachel read, then gets in trouble with Frank for slacking off.

-The previous episode reminded me of The Wire; so far this episode (pre-credits) reminds me of Die Hard.

-Meechum works overtime, as long as necessary.

-“You think you can just get me wet and I’ll spill everything?” Uhh, phrasing.

-Frank loathes sleep.

-This show goes through a lot of reporters.

-Stamper needs a bed time story, he’s distraught.

House of Cards: Season 2, Episodes 7-8

Season 2, Episode 7: 8.0

An interesting episode, in that it sees the professional relationship between Frank and President Walker becoming more personal.  I usually like to watch Frank take apart and slowly destroy his enemies, but I feel bad seeing Frank and Claire manipulate the Walkers.  President Walker seems like a good, honest man that happens to be easily manipulated (his wife is even more susceptible to this).  Seeing the Walkers open up and accept the Underwoods as friends when they clearly have a hidden agenda feels…dirty. 

-That political ad was pretty spot on.

-Frank got chewed out.

-“Maybe, mostly it’s the fucking ribs though.”

-That punching bag, Frank is a troll.

-Stamper, the ladies man.

-Grayson is a wildcard.

-The President sure looks like he enjoys playing with action figures.

-The First Lady is so easy manipulated.

-Connor is Joan’s ex husband on Mad Men.

-Retail BBQ Sauce?!

-“You know what I like about money?  I can stack it.”

-This show makes jogging look really dramatic.

Season 2, Episode 8: 7.5

The last couple of episodes have been pretty heavy on the political drama, with team journalism (Lucas and Co.) put out of commission.  The romantic subplot between Remy and Jackie is a poor non-Frank subplot and has started to get boring.  Luckily for this episode, things heat up at the end.  Rachel and Amy finally consummate their love; Feng ends his relationship with Tusk; and the Adam affair from last season is finally revealed.   

-That Native American guy sure didn’t like that picture of Andrew Jackson.

-Rachel makes coffee in her bra.

-The lady that Claire let go was impressed by Starbucks coffee.

-Uh oh, Remy and Jackie are about to go steady.

-The First Lady thinks Claire is her #bff.

-“The tip of your iceberg is melting Frank”, said smugly by Tusk.

-“Dogs are so predictable aren’t they?”

-Ribs on the flight back.

-Stamper smells Rachel’s sheets, creepily.

-The fight with Chief of Staff Linda Vasquez has been brewing since episode 1.

-Rachel <3 Amy? Yes, indeed.

House of Cards: Season 2, Episodes 5-6

Season 2, Episode 3: 7.0

Another business episode, where the main focus is the political battle between Frank and Raymond Tusk.  Their fight for power over the President doesn’t particularly interest me, as I find the politics themselves somewhat boring (something about causing inflation?).  How the characters go about their business is where House of Cards excels.  Frank dramatically meeting Feng in the forest and intimidating each other with war knowledge is the stuff I watch the show for; as well as the smaller moments like Frank’s interactions with the war reenactor.  Lucas’s story got dark; with his hacker guy facing torture and being metaphorically and literally reduced to a barking dog.  Where Lucas’s story goes next should be more interesting than his capture, because we all saw that coming.

-This episode is written by Kenneth Lin, a prominent Asian American playwright.

-Odd, no pre-credits scene.

-What the crazy is this Chinese diplomat guy into?

-Frank gives a look of boredom during the Civil War reenactment.

-Rape happened in college, abortion happened 5 years later.  Big timeline discrepancy.

-Xander Feng billions> Raymond Tusk billions.

-That war reenactor that played Augustus Underwood is a good actor.

-Threatening a man’s pet = dirty.

-Stamper knocking away that old fashioned was kinda scary.

-This new PR guy is sneaky and suspicious.

-Lucas, caught red handed.  Got him coach!

-Cool looking last shot, with Frank at the reenactment burying his college ring.

Season 2, Episode 6: 8.0

Things heat up for everybody, literally.  During the heat wave, Frank and Tusk play a dangerous power game that leads to both men declaring their hatred for another.  Remy and Jackie get together after a drunken night.  Lucas gives in and accepts the plea bargain.  The most surprising turn is between Stamper and Rachel.  What is going on in their relationship?  Something is clearly wrong with Stamper, to the point where he apologizes to Frank for disappointing him, probably for the first time.  A tense episode that raises the stakes for all of the main players, except maybe Claire.

-First Lady has an old fashioned First Lady look to her.

-Remy’s got some bling on his neck.

-“Stubbornness is a lot more costly than obedience.”

-Frank to Meechum after a bad throw: “Don’t tell Claire”.

-Stamper in abusive boyfriend mode again.

-That depiction of a prison was pretty exaggerated; with the blood being spit in Lucas’s face.

-Remy the baller; big tipping.

-Remy and Jackie, uh ohhhhh.  It was her voice, it does something to the man.

-Meechum seems scared by Freddy the rib chef.

-Fun fact: the actress that plays Christina played the main character in The Cabin in the Woods.

-Tusk was smart enough to figure out Frank’s revenge plan.

-Frank at the baseball game started off like a scene from a comedy sitcom.

-“It makes me look crazy!”  “It’s the toned down version..”

-Stamper and Rachel, think with your head  Stamper!  Don’t do it!

House of Cards: Season 2, Episodes 3-4

Season 2, Episode 3:  8.0

An episode that deals heavily with Washington politics.  Those that watch House of Cards for political intrigue will find a lot to like in this episode.  Personally, I’m more drawn into the trashy stuff, but there was some of that here too.  Stamper continues to have an abusive relationship with Rachel, he’s like an overbearing boyfriend.  Lucas continues to does shady things in his quest for information.  He momentarily steals a dude’s iPhone.  A plot filled episode that delves more into the political logistics side of House of Cards. 

Frank’s sketch of a matador was pretty good.  Its also more challenging to draw than a door mat.

Frank and Tusk are having a power struggle over the President. 

Lucas would be more believable if he didn’t look like a drugged out bum. 

“You sound hot, are you hot?  Somewhat hot?  A great deal hot?”  Creepy caller.

Rachel’s mom will come back into play.

Frank says “muchos gracias” to the Hispanic politician.

What a waste of an iPad.  If Lucas was going to have to destroy it, they should have gotten a cheaper tablet.

Lucas just slides the dude’s phone on the floor haha.

Stamper:  “What is this?  You let me know if ANYONE contacts you”.

Jackie gets tattoos of thorned roses everytime she feels like she needs to morally punished?

At first, its like Lucas walked into an amateur internet porn video.

Season 2, Episode 4: 9.0

So who knew that the tensest moments of House of Cards so far would consist of Claire being interviewed?  The episode set up everything perfectly to isolate her from Frank’s help.  When Claire admitted she had an abortion, it seemed like it would destroy her public image and Frank’s career.  Then the bombshell, she cleverly found a way to turn it around while also taking revenge on the General who had raped her.  With an additional stroke of luck (the caller who revealed her identity), Claire made a great strategic move.  She deserved that cigarette at the end, along with Frank’s serenade.

Sucks to be that girl who opened that envelope.

Remy knows how to eat, the best caviar in DC!

“I should’ve thought of this before, appeal to the heart, not the brain.”

Come on zombie outbreak…

Claire’s most vivid memory: visiting where Kennedy was shot.  Truth or strategy?

I could watch a show about the adventures of Remy and Jackie.

That interviewer was leading and speculative.

Frank looks more nervous that he’s ever watching Claire interview.

Next to the General’s tv, pictures of his wife and kids.  Nice touch.

Frank serenades Claire.  Who new Kevin Spacey could sing?

House of Cards: Season 2, Episodes 1 and 2

Season 2, Episode 1:  9.5

The first episode of Season 2 is the best episode of House of Cards yet, and might be the best episode of the entire series.  For a season premiere episode, I was surprised at how much plot developments there were in the first hour. 

Things go right back into action, with Frank scheming his rise to Vice Presidency, Stamper cleaning up loose ends, and Zoe and her crew continuing their search for the truth.  Oh Zoe, poor Zoe…I did not see that coming.  It was a bold move by the showrunners, one that I hope pays off as I found her character one of the highlights of the show.  From the first episode, she was presented as a main character.  Killing her off was a risky move, but one I respect if the writers believed we couldn’t get much more out of her character.  My only worry is that her story will be taken up by Lucas and Janine, two characters I’m not particularly fond of. 

Worries aside, this was an exciting and shocking episode.  We see sides of Frank, Claire and Stamper that are darker than we’ve ever seen before.  I like that this season already feels different; the show has developed from Season 1.  Can the show maintain this kind of pace and edge?  I don’t know, but if any future episode surpasses this one, I will be pleasantly surprised. 

Notes:

-Season 2 picks up literally where last season left off, with Frank and Claire jogging.

-“Are you finished? I’m good”.  Looks like Zoe isn’t as into Lucas as she was into Frank.

-Deputy Jackie is very attractive for her age.

-Frank’s computer desktop is just four files with people’s names on it and an icon for a scanner.

-Claire’s work story slows the pace of the show down.

“-Use a condom the next time you fuck someone’s husband”.  Who’s this woman again?

-Stamper is cold.

-Secret service guy got owned.

-Zoe and Lucas text with correct capitalization and punctuation.  If it was me, it would be like “dude was found on passenger side of his car wahhhhhhhh lol”.

-Did Zoe just die?!  What the crazy.

-Frank is cold.  Was he planning that? 

-That was unexpected.  I always took her as a main character.  R.I.P.

-“Did you think I’ve forgotten you?”  Frank’s monologue to us at the end is pretty great.

Season 2, Episode 2: 8.0

The second episode follows up the season premiere shocker with a more typical narrative about where the plot is heading.  Frank is up to some serious scheming, this time involving the president himself. 

The theme of this episode seems to be revenge and knowing when to take it or to not take it.  Frank’s two candidates for replacement start off the episode arguing and then agreeing to shake hands and work together.  Later, they let their rivalry get in the way of progress.  Claire advises Frank to pin a medal on a man who raped her in college.  Lucas delves deeper into his investigation/revenge, risking his job and mental health. 

All the plots come together thematically, making a solid table setting episode.  Although less of an exciting episode than the season premiere, the second episode finds the show getting back into its familiar rhythms of manipulation and deceit. 

Notes:

-Dark and stormy opening scene, set to images of saws and the security ramp up of Frank’s place.

-Of course Frank would stop to monologue us in the middle of the swearing in.

-Zoe’s death footage looks pretty brutal, especially in “frame by frame” mode.

-Jackie is pretty cunning; she made that guy think funding her campaign was his idea.

-Ha, a framed pic of Frank and Bill Clinton looking bored on their phones.

-Frank is on dat vape though.

-The return of Tom the editor, he looks miserable. 

-Theme about shaking hands, pinning medals, standing down.  Revenge; equity.

-Why does Frank need the internet to play God of War?  It’s a single player game…

-Lucas’s employee looks like he might be into some weird internet stuff.

The House of the Devil

Rating: 9.0

“Talk on the phone.  Finish your homework.  Watch TV.  Die.”

Ti West’s homage to 1980’s babysitter in peril horror films is one of the best genre films of the last decade.  What sets it apart from other horror films today is the tone and the pacing.  The film engages you with its atmosphere and slow burn lead up.  Jocelyn Donahue plays the title character with a natural sympathy; you care about her and her situation as the film progresses.  When the film takes a turn for the shocking, it is well earned and hard to forget.  Notes  below:

-Love the freeze frame that goes into the opening title, followed by the great 80’s music.

-The bulletin board has the important “Baby$itter Needed” flyer, as well as flyers for “Eclipse Viewing with the Astronomy Society” and “Lost Cat”.

-Samantha’s roommate’s boyfriend gives her a very satisfied/smug smile.

-Greta Gerwig!  Officially makes this movie “mumblegore”.

-Pizza portrayed as being from the 1980’s somehow looks a lot tastier than pizza today. 

-Tom Noonan is great; his voice is soft and alluring. 

-Samantha drives a hard bargain, $400 a night!

-Megan’s lighter scene is amazing, one of the best shocks of recent memory.

-Samantha is reminded three times that there’s a number for pizza on the refrigerator.

-Pizza guy on the phone: “Extra anchovies?” 

-Walkman music + pool = cool and badass.

-The Volvo is still there…

-Where did he actually get the pizza from?  It must be cold.

-Not a great time to watch “Night of the Living Dead”.

-Closet show reminds me of “Halloween”.

-One creepy family.

-Tom Noonan looks like he’s sexually climaxing.

-Get em Samantha.

-Friend revenge #bff.

-Both of you…

The Act of Killing

Rating: 9.0

There is a scene early on in The Act of Killing where Anwar Congo, a notorious former death squad leader, describes going to the movies in the 1960s.  He loved going to see American musicals, and after seeing them, would be in a happy mood and sing songs that were stuck in his head.  The documentary then follows Anwar as he demonstrates that sometimes after the movie he would go to across the street to the building where his death squad held their executions.  At times, the songs would still be stuck in his head while he was strangling people to death with wire.  

Joshua Oppenheimer’s The Act of Killing is filled with such scenes, where the horrifying acts Anwar Congo and his death squad have committed are described or recreated with bone chilling details.  The movie is the most harrowing film/documentary I have seen in a long time; giving me a view of events so horrible that every detail I can relate to or understand terrifies me.  Similar to the scene I described above, I have also experienced watching a musical and then feeling uplifted and humming the songs.  The fact that a notorious death squad leader beautifully described that feeling both terrifies and engages me.  

Gingerdead Man 3: Saturday Night Cleaver

Rating: 2.0, for the absurdity and the fact that this movie exists.

What the hell did I just watch?  The Netflix description:  The Gingerdead Man stumbles upon a time machine and is sent back in time, where he slaughters the contestants of a 1970s roller boogie contest.

Well, you get exactly what you expect.  Cheap, crude, and weirdly watchable.  I have not seen any of the other Gingerdead Man movies but followed the plot of this one fine.  Notes below. 

·         Opening location title card: The Scientific Research Institute for the Study of Homicidal Baked Goods

·         The security guard is dramatically eating a giant sub sandwich during her scenes.

·         Homicidal French baguette: “Hello baby, do you like it long and hard?”

·         Prostitute Pie: “Get me out of here, I’m not a whore.  I just needed the dough.”

·         The beginning is a parody of Silence of the Lambs, complete with a dramatic walk toward a muffled Gingerdead Man.

·         Gingerdead Man knows he transported into exactly 1976 with one only one glance.

·         At 12:16, a random shot of the only two kids at the skate rink, right after the Gingerdead Man utters “ooohhh pussy!”

·         Dimwitted girl: “Maybe we could hold a roller disco bikini carwash in the parking lot tonight!” 

·         Gingerdead Man masturbates to the girls during the car wash.  During this scene, I wondered “How?”  Later, he is shown to have a gingerbread penis.

·         The Carrie White knockoff gets a makeover montage.

·         Why was Gingerdead Man get in the toilet while the lady was pooping?

·         “Looks like everyone around here is looking to get nailed!”, followed by death by nailgun.

·         “Do a little dance, make a little love, commit homicide tonight!” 

·         The title of the film is fulfilled at 51:36.

·         A moment later, Gingerdead Man does coke, DJ’s, then says “Welcome to Saturday Night Cleaver!”.

·         The Carrie reference is fulfilled, as expected, along with Gingerdead Man waving around a gun and cracking jokes while it happens.

·         Adolf Hitler, Charles Manson and Jeffrey Dahmer make appearances at the end, each with an introductory quip.

·         The Gingerdead Man is defeated by being crumbled into a cookie jar.

·         What the hell did I just watch?