A young girl is brutally murdered and found near the former Godfrey steel mill. As rumors mount, two of the suspects in her killing—Peter Rumancek, a 17-year-old Gypsy trailer trash kid rumored to be a werewolf, and Roman, the heir to the Godfrey estate—decide to find the killer themselves.
The cast includes Famke Janssen as Olivia, Bill Skarsgard as Roman, Lili Taylor as Lynda, and Dougray Scott as Dr. Norman Godfrey
I am no stranger to the tales of Ragnar Lodbrok. Watching his saga unfold as History Channel’s first true foray into scripted television warms this heathen heart. From the opening scene I was drawn in — lightning striking a tree as a fierce battle takes place, Odin wandering about the battlefield as his Valkyrie choose the heroic fallen for Valhalla. Stirring stuff, made even more so by solid performances from the cast, particularly Katheryn Winnick as Lagertha the Shieldmaiden.
The CGI sort of jumps out at you here and there, but it’s a forgivable sin. Overall the backdrop is beautiful to behold, the weapons and armor seem proper for the time period, and the sets look bloody lived in.
As to the plot, well it gets where its going well enough. Ragnar is eager for new lands to conquer, tiring of the seasonal Eastern raids, much to the chagrin of Gabriel Byrne’s Earl Haroldsson. Ragnar, believing he’s been blessed by Odin himself, longs for the West, which promises new riches and gods to be plundered. He’s got his brother on board, and a crazy old shipbuilder named Loki to see that they have the means. Now he just needs a bold crew. But first he has to navigate the treacherous waters of Viking politics.
Something tells me that’ll be a fight worth seeing play out.
The premiere was a solid outing and I eagerly await more… No, it’s no Game of Thrones, but by the gods, it will do.
On this day, February 28th, in 1963, my favorite episode of The Twilight Zone aired. Starring Burgess Meredith, “Printer’s Devil” was the story of a man who sells his soul to the devil to save his failing newspaper, but in the end, gets more than he bargained for.
I’ve had an affinity for crooked cigars ever since.
With my most heartfelt apologies, I’m a bit under the weather today, so today’s list will be quick and dirty.
Best Returning Series
FRINGE — Parallel universes, alternate timelines, weird science – these are what make Fringe a truly unique television series, but as the show draws to a close, Fringe found heart, catapulting it from something cool to something wondrous.
Best New Series
666 PARK AVENUE — While 666 managed to captivate me, unfortunately the rest of America did not follow suit. A quirky blend of Rosemary’s Baby and The Devil’s Advocate, 666 had a stellar cast, a beautiful set, and, for me, the beginnings of a strange and dark mythology that had lots of promise. Cancelled far too soon.
Best Hallowe’en Special
MOCKINGBIRD LANE — Developed as a tv series for NBC by Bryan Fuller, the network ultimately passed, instead opting to air the pilot as a Hallowe’en special, and man, am I glad they did. I was skeptical of this reimagining at first, but Fuller delivered an instant classic, with spectacular visuals, a fascinating storyline, and some killer acting from an inspired cast. Disappointed Mockingbird Lane didn’t go to series, but the pilot is one I’ll revisit whenever Samhain rears its monstrous head.
Best Episode
FRINGE S05E09 “BLACK BLOTTER” — Dr. Walter Bishop drops acid. Hilarity ensues, including a riff on Monty Python and a sampling of Donovan’s Hurdy Gurdy Man. Nuff said.
Best Actor
TERRY O’QUINN (666 PARK AVENUE) — O’Quinn is brilliant in everything he does. As the devilish Gavin Doran, the actor simply did what he does best… and nobody does it better. Quick, someone get this guy another show, pronto.
Best Actress
JESSICA LANGE (AMERICAN HORROR STORY: ASYLUM) — Speaking of brilliant, Lange’s Sister Jude is another remarkable character given life by her consummate skills.
Best Movies of 2012
10. HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA
09. PROMETHEUS
08. RISE OF THE GUARDIANS
07. ON THE ROAD
06. JOHN CARTER
05. SOLOMON KANE
04. THE GREY
03. WOMAN IN BLACK
02. THE HOBBIT — a quick note here… The Hobbit was incredible and only falls to number 2 on the list because of two glaring missteps: The Storm Giant sequence and the raucous, over-the-top goblin battle that descended into camp. Otherwise, a perfect picture. I enjoyed many of the other additions, particularly Radagast.
01. THE AVENGERS
Supernatural
Season 8 Episode 9
“Citizen Fang”
This treading of water is really starting to annoy me. Do I really, once again, have to draw attention to the fact that the Supernatural Writers Room is choke full of numbskulls who obviously haven’t watched the previous seven seasons of the show, or if they have, just weren’t paying attention? We have been down this road before, many times in fact. Sam and Dean should be beyond this drama. If you want conflict between the brothers, if you feel that’s a necessary component of the show, then at least come at it from a fresh angle. For five seasons the boys dealt with these issues, and they were resolved. Now, here we are, watching them go through these same old tired melodramatic motions. It’s wearing pretty thin.
And that’s a real shame, because there is plenty of meat on the bone this season. Purgatory, Benny, Cas. The overall thrust of Season Eight’s story arc is solid stuff. It’s the main characters they’re getting wrong, approaching Sam and Dean’s relationship with such wrongheadedness that it puts everything into question. And it all falls on Jeremy Carver’s head. Sara Gamble, who I respected as a writer very much, dropped the ball when she assumed the showrunner chair. Carver is doing the same.
“You’re out of pecan? Story of my life.”
— Dean Winchester
But you know what, I’ve not given up all hope. Not yet. It’s all still salvageable. For all the little bumps in the road, the Metallicar’s still rolling. Does Season 8 have its problems? You betcha. But it is still miles better than Seasons 6 and 7.
“Citizen Fang”, minus the Winchester angst, was a damn good episode. Benny is a great character. He and Dean’s bond is an exciting and well thought out plot device that adds depth and conflict aplenty. Injecting Crazy Martin into the story worked, though it brings into question Sam’s thought process. I mean, really, Sam? Crazy Martin? You had to know that wasn’t going to end well for anyone. The tension was palpable by the time we got to inevitable showdown between Martin and “Roy”, with Benny’s granddaughter Elizabeth a terrific centerpiece as both bait and human shield.
As for the Amelia sub-plot, well, I kind of dig it, but there needs to be some pay off pretty soon.
But I guess that’ll have to wait. Supernatural is on hiatus until January 16. Check out the trailer below featuring Crowley, Castiel, and Naomi. Oh my.
“Do what thoust will be the whole piece of law.” — Magic Man
Yes, it’s true, I watch Adventure Time. It has been one of my nine year old son’s favorite shows since its debut on Cartoon Network back in 2010. I was quick to dismiss it. I didn’t care for the animation and at a glance it seemed childish and uninteresting. My son begged me to watch it with him and I eventually did. It’s now my favorite show on television and last night’s episode was a terrific showcase for why that is so.
First, for those of you who don’t watch, the gist is simple — Finn is, presumably, the last living human on a post-apocalyptic Earth that is now populated by mutated creatures that live in various kingdoms throughout the Land of Ooo. He’s a teenage boy with a thirst for adventure, but with an admirable moral center and an all-consuming desire to do good and be a hero. His best friend is Jake, a mutated dog that talks and can manipulate his body into various shapes and sizes.
On the surface, it’s a fun show, often with a veiled life lesson, but it is richly layered and pretty darn deep, especially when it digs into the rich backstory of characters such as the villainous Ice King and Marceline the Vampire Queen. I’ve actually been moved to tears on more than one occasion.
The creators are brilliant in writing a show that can be viewed on so many different levels. Connor and I are watching two very different shows, I assure you.
As I said, last night’s episode, “All the Little People” was a perfect example of this.
For Connor, it was an episode in which the nefarious Magic Man tricked Finn by sneaking him a bag filled with magical tiny versions of Adventure Time characters. Finn, bored, takes them out and plays with them, realizes he can manipulate them into doing whatever he wants them to do, and sets out toying with their emotions, wrecking relationships, and creating much distress among these tiny folk. Realizing his mistake he figures out a way to communicate with them, tells them he’s sorry, and that it was all his fault. It ends with him suggesting they have a dance party and they do just that.
For me, the show was all about magick, religion, and free will. Magic Man, as quoted above, casts a spell upon these homunculi (using a perversion of Aleister Crowley’s “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law“) and Finn assumes a godlike role over them. There are definite allusions to masturbatory magic as a means of communicating with these tiny critters who are shown to be in an alternate dimension. Finn, their cruel horned god, apologizes for his behavior, accepting the blame for their tumultuous lives, and abandons them, promising never to return, and returning to them the gift of free will.
It was really heavy stuff that I will be chewing on for days to come.
If you’re not watching Adventure Time, you should be. At the very least, track down the latest episode, “All the Little People” and have a look. I think you’ll be very much surprised.
Supernatural
Season 8 Episode 8
“Hunteri Heroici”
Supernatural has always had a knack for juggling dark and serious drama and wacky, over-the-top comedy. It’s one of the show’s more endearing qualities actually and was something that the X-Files was able to pull off as well. Supernatural does it with flair and this week was one of their finer moments, especially for the special effects crew who put together some terrific visuals.
The boys may have been investigating a case straight out of Roger Rabbit, with cartoon craziness abounding, but we were also treated via flashback to a glimpse into Sam’s relationship with Amelia and we got some definite heart to heart between Dean and Castiel. It’s no easy trick, navigating waters such as these, but so far, Season 8 has been mostly getting it right. There have been very few missteps so far and I’ve got high hopes for the rest of the season.
“Is there a link between Heartbreak Hotel and Free Fallin’?”
— Dean Winchester
The highlight for me this week though was the continuation of Castiel’s visitations to Heaven and Amanda Tapping’s manipulation of our favorite wounded angel. That’s the story I’m invested in, which is a neat rick considering it takes up about 30 seconds of screen time. What’s her and Heaven’s plan for the Winchesters? Why are they spying on them? It can’t be good. For Sam and Dean, it never is.
Next week’s promo for “Citizen Fang”, which I’ve included below, is billed as a mid-season finale, and we’re being treated to the return of Benny. Now there’s an episode I can really sink my teeth into.
Supernatural
Season 8 Episode 7
“A Little Slice of Kevin”
Yes, yes, I know… I bailed on posting my thoughts on last week’s episode, “Southern Comfort” and left you in the cold. Sorry, kids, but I was, as they say, on something of a sabbatical. I did watch the episode and didn’t hate it. Not the biggest Garth fan, but he actually came off okay this time out. Still, nothing earth-shattering went down. The writers are still stuck on the brotherly angst. Something that was sort of resolved a few seasons ago, but what the hell. Supernatural’s all about beating a dead horse sometimes.
“A Little Slice of Kevin” was just this side of heaven and a welcome relief. It’s good to have Castiel back and, despite Mrs. Tran being a complete idiot, this was a rocking good episode. Crowley’s always a treat and he was in rare form. But really, this was all about Castiel and the great mystery around what went down between him and Dean in Purgatory and how he got the hell out of there himself, what with Dean wandering about puppy dog eyed over leaving his celestial buddy behind.
“I missed television.” — Castiel
This was good stuff. An even deeper mystery, with Heaven’s Hosts taking keen interest in Castiel being back on Earth and keeping a clandestine eye on the Winchesters. Oh my, something’s definitely afoot, and when there are angels involved, well, they’re just as bad as the demons, now aren’t they. Everyone’s plotting and scheming, back-stabbing and dirty dealing. Love it.
I could go on and on about this one, but I’m a bit under the gun. Have several projects brewing, so I’ll check out and catch up with you Supernatural lovers on November 29th. Looking ahead to the next episode, airing November 28th, Castiel’s of a mind to become a Hunter. A humorous episode to lighten things up after this week’s heaviness. I can live with it.
New supernatural thriller webseries “CREDO” script gets rave reviews following promo launch at Essex film festival.
A new webseries currently in development screened a promo trailer at the Colchester film festival, and has received some rave reviews from writers and directors who read the script. The promo is currently live on the CREDO Facebook page, made by CREDO creator and director Will Wright.
CREDO focusses on the fate of Jason, a wayward youth in a small town. On the surface the criminal underworld runs this town, but the underbelly is rife with occult magick in many forms. We join Jason on his desperate search for his younger brother, as he descends into darkness, negotiating his path through the perils ranging from western magick rituals to West African voodoo spells. Jason joins an ensemble of gripping characters in a memorable melee of supernatural grit – where urban realism meets dynamic mysticism.
The first webseries is split into 8 episodes and has already got some exciting names attached including Phil Brodie, Holli Dillon and Marshall Griffin as leading cast members. Additionally, former Cradle of Filth guitarist and Charles Hedger is designing the original score, and Mark Caldwell is signed on as Director of Photography.
The script penned by emerging screenwriter and poet, Tobias Bowman has received rave reviews by industry figures.
Creator of globally renowned comic 2000AD Patt Mills said: “It’s a heady blend of the seemingly familiar London criminal underworld and an occult otherworld, which produces exciting and dramatic results. It is a complex and bizarre world, and leaves me wanting to know more.”
Kevin Gates, the writer/director of the hugely successful Zombie Diaries, and World of the Dead Zombie Diaries 2 read the script and stated, “Credo is a dark and unsettling journey into the world of the occult. Crowley would doubtless approve.”
Whilst prolific sci-fi author Keith Brooke described the script as, “Dark and menacing, Credo gripped me from the opening scene and wouldn’t let go.”
CREDO is gearing up to shoot the first episode in early 2013, and currently exploring finance options.
There is a number of exciting investment opportunities available based on episode sponsorship, and community advertising packages. CREDO seeks to utilise the rapidly emerging platform of the webseries, creating meaningful brand engagement opportunities through delivering nail-biting sponsored content to a receptive community.
For more information on CREDO investment opportunities contact sales@camulosmedia.co.uk
Supernatural
Season 8 Episode 5
“Blood Brother”
Hot damn, now that’s what I’m talking about. When Supernatural is good, there’s nothing better on TV and last night’s episode was not just good, it was, to quote Dean Winchester, “awesome“. Simple fact is, I’m digging the hell out of Benny and getting a taste of his back story here was a welcome respite from the last couple of “monster-of-the-week” episodes. A vampire who drinks blood, not humans, with a dark past and a somber disposition. Yes, it’s been done, but Ty Olsson sells it and sells it well.
A Supernatural episode appearing on Hallowe’en night seems like a no-brainer. In fact, I’m surprised the CW doesn’t put together an annual Hallowe’en Special for the boys. I’d certainly make it a part of my “must see TV”. Well, this may not have been a Hallowe’en drenched lovefest, but it did give us vampires, a creepy-ass mansion, and so many beheadings I lost track. Sounds like Hallowe’en to me.
“Vampire pirates? That’s what you guys are? Vampirates!”
— Dean Winchester
I thought the flashbacks were well done, giving insight into both brothers time apart, and it’s always a pleasure seeing Misha Collins as Castiel, especially since he’s back to being bad ass Cas. Sam’s story, this time out, felt poignant and natural. They hadn’t quite pulled that off so far, so that was a welcoming sign that it might actually go somewhere. Purgatory’s still where all the real mystery lies and I am totally invested in what went down there during their “great escape”.
Of course, Blood Brother ended with Sam meeting Benny. Cue the icy stare between brothers. I wish they’d move that part along. Dean and Sam have been through this so many times, it would be nice if they buried the hatchet and get down to the business at hand. Which leads us to next week’s promo —
Oh, did you notice the easter egg in the picture up top?
