True Blood season 5 episode 3 : Whatever I Am, You Made Me

Summary : Enthralling Authority, rocking Pam & Tara, Jason the king of candy factories but one dead boring arc and annoying vicious ads

Score : 9/10

Spoilers

With the new arcs finally taking shape this third installment was even better than the last. It proves once again this season potential and that True Blood is far from over. In fact some of the characters are so interesting and some stories so exciting that they invite us to check out the novels to descent even deeper in Charlaine Harris' black and red stripped mind.

Before scratching this episode's surface let's just bash the two things that prevented it from being perfect. The first ? The zombie boring and anecdotic arc featuring Andy Bellefleur's brother and his "slap my wife". Where's the editor when for once we desperately needed its psycho scissors to get them out of the picture ?! Thank Satan they were only featured for a few seconds, still in the worst nightmare ever aired on TV, and I totally embraced Tara's fantasy of digging her bloody grave in the freezer. That's where she belongs ! Second and last element that bugged me, the subliminal advertisements for a social network. The last thing I want to hear about when I immerse myself into a fantasy or science-fiction universe, it's the capitalist side of our reality. And if I remember correctly Andy and some other character mentioned the website's title three times in less than thirty seconds ! Anyone would sign a petition if I decided to launch one ? Let's free our favorite productions from these vicious manipulations !

After the second episode I instantly proclaimed the Vampire Authority chancellors as the coolest group since the Scooby Gang ! That's why I highly awaited Roman and Salome's return and they didn't disappoint. Moreover I have no doubt that the other members will be summoned in due time. Christopher Meloni makes a convincing leader and reminds me of Agent 47 (Hitman) with his immaculate black suit, white shirt and red tie. We'll see if such a strong man can go the distance once Bill † Eric decide to free themselves from their BDSM inspired apparel. Be nice gentlemen or else we'll ask Desmond to push the button ! As for Valentina Cervi's role as the manipulative Salome her separate encounters with Bill and Eric were hilarious, specially when they met in the elevator and realized they had just been used. Men are so naive when it comes to seduction ! So I'm as curious as them regarding Mistress Authority's plan. However I question the gratuitous nudity because there was no point in showing her naked when Eric and Roman were around. They shouldn't have revealed what was behind the curtain to make her even more sexy and mysterious ! Now it's obvious she's the reincarnation of Lilith as an interdimensional transexual from Hades. Sorry, I should have written "spoiler alert" !

The next big question was… Will Tara make a worthy vampire ? I knew Rutina Wesley had it in her even if there's still a long road to drive before she can speak with a shiny white prosthetic in her loud mouth. My favorite sequence was the one showing her hypersenses. The stars at night were surreal and her lost of control around blood well staged. It actually reminded me of the mystic scene from season 1 when a stoned Jason has sex with his crazy girlfriend and that their bodies are surrounded by a golden aura. Let's hope we will have more of these irrational moments because they allow the audience to escape even deeper from reality, and of course go back to it with wonderful memories. Earlier I mentioned that some arcs were beginning to collide and it's exactly what happened between Tara and Pam. Using the last flashbacks was a smart way to remind her how important is the relationship between a maker and its children. She's a mother now and can't just give up on the thirsty and lost vampire Tara has become. Relying on our buddy Sam is not a solution, even if you get free drinks all night long. As for Pam's history as a whorehouse manager it was quite enlightening and tragically moving when she decided to give up on her humanity. The wicked "When Harry Met Sally…" moment a wild Bill and a noble Eric, not related to John, shared was also what made this third session a bitter dream.

The rest of the episode was filled with countless other spicy candy canes, yummy ! Sharon Osbourne's twin sister torturing Nora ? Only on True Blood ! Alcide on fire after discovering the truth ? Sookie, you're in trouble ! Lafayette turning into a demon and freaking out ? Don't break the mirror and stay away from the light or Donkey will urinate in your soup ! Last but not least, Jason. Covering his sex addiction proves that education is totally compatible with popcorn entertainment and even when it features vampires and other fairytale creatures. I worried that the cup of tea he had with the mature woman would be just an other lame excuse to show some tits and Ryan Kwanten's bubble gum butt but instead we learned more about the man and how he became obsessed with women and unable to control his libido. Considering the show's audience it couldn't be more welcome and beside making him grow on us even more his experience should definitely be useful to some viewers who struggle to balance their double life. You're a Robin Hood who throw arrows day and night ? You would like to but your bow is broken ? Jason Stackhouse at your service and a free Blu-Ray of American Pie is offered if you subscribe for season 6 today ! More seriously the cherry on the shortcake was definitely Jessica's visit because it should be surprising to see a whole new side of Deborah Ann Woll's talent. I'm not asking them to play house like Sawyer and Juliette in Lost but the little chat they had at his door was heartwarming. True Blood, my precious. Even princess Gollum would agree !

Falling Skies season 2 episode 3 : Compass

Summary : Hardcore character development, action and mind packed, addictive format and exciting villain

Score : 8/10

Spoilers

Wow ! This was the pivotal episode I had waited for. As a huge fan of science-fiction and everything bizarre I really miss shows like Lost and Smallville. The two-parts premiere was entertaining but not good enough to turn a viewer into a fan. Until now Falling Skies was playing in the lower league.

Last time I hadn't realized that showing Ben teaching a kid how to shot was actually a way to criticize weapons. He's a mutant after all ! So developing this arc and killing Jimmy in the process was quite thrilling. Until it happened I never believed for a second that they would dare get rid of him. My only complain is that they didn't blame Ben for his death when they should be a little suspicious about his whereabouts. Still Tom's fight with John Pope was brutal and proved that he's not the man he used to be. However I didn't interpret his violent behavior as a sign of mutation considering he had just lost one of his sons. Otherwise their realistic side, because they acted like desperate survivors, wasn't matched by a decent attention to details again. I mean how come they didn't check the woman's back ? They spend too much time talking for their own good, making the story over dramatic when it should focus about resisting. That's why Tom's clash with the Captain about fighting versus hiding was welcomed. I also enjoyed that the format didn't feel episodic at all. The writers have a plan and seven episodes to execute it.

Last but not least our friend Skitter was back and apparently he's able to read Ben's mind. It makes one hell of a villain, both cunning and strong ! Does he even know what's going on ? Are their encounters comparable to hypnosis sessions ? To sum things up Compass was captivating from beginning to end and only the annoying TNT watermarks and few questionable behaviors tainted the picture. Moreover now the 2nd Mass has a well defined goal I can't wait to follow their journey because as Ned Stark would say, winter is coming !

Falling Skies season 2 episode 2 : Shall We Gather at the River

Summary : Unbalanced second part plagued by Captain Stupid and weak military aspects but saved by Ben-alien and darkness

Score : 6/10

Shall we ? Why not ! The broken bridge-driven story would have been captivating to follow if it had anything in common with cult films like "The Bridge on the River Kwai" and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly". Sadly it was flawed by plenty of mistakes and bad ideas. However it also had some redeeming elements and even a few scenes that should appeal to hardcore sci-fiholics.

The very first annoying thing was the dumb way Captain Dan Weaver acted around Tom. What a disappointing reaction to the warning he was given ! Second after what happened to them and specially Ben I'm amazed that the survivors aren't more careful. I mean even if Tom was my twin brother I would have never trusted him when he came back. To sum things up Noah Wyle's character isn't smart, it's just that many others are plain idiots. However what happened to him at some point was both shocking and exciting. It actually reminded me of Fringe's horrific spirit. In the same vein was the creepy part featuring a character walking in the woods at night and using a torchlight. Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are eternal !

This time in the science department we hadn't history but biology. And who better than Margaret to discuss reproduction ? Sarah Carter has done a decent job so far even if her character could use a darker attitude and muscles. Imagine how awesome it would be if they decided to turn her into a Connor ! I'm not asking the actress to train as hard as Linda Hamilton for her charismatic role in Terminator 2 : Judgment Day but for the moment she's just a babe who can hold a gun. It leads us to the lack of strategy and tactics on both sides. Sure the French Resistance was armed but more significant was its intelligence and ruse. In Falling Skies it's already hard to believe that the aliens aren't bullet proof or protected by force shields but the constant firing is dead boring and it gets worst when a kid holds a gun like in Worlds Apart. That's why I wish the writers had more imagination and that the military aspects were more accurate. Fighting an invader isn't just about killing, it's also about surviving even if it implies hiding. How is it possible to ignore stealth when it has become such an important genre in video games for instance ? I also just can't comprehend why the aliens are so slow to catch up with them, like if they were unable to communicate, and why they don't just blast them as they're almost waving their hands on the road in bright daylight.

Why is the show ruined by such things when Ben's arc proved that there're very talented individuals onboard ? So I can't wait to see what they have planned for him because the more he mutates the better for the show. Rambo : First Blood Part II ? Predator ? He's no John Rambo or Dutch and the actor is no Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger but he's actually the only character I would like to "play". In general everything that blurs the lines between humans and aliens is entertaining. That's why I instantly embraced Tom's mysterious return and I'm glad its development was that surprising. And if it wasn't for John Pope, the bad guy played by Colin Cunningham, both the resistance and show would already be dead to me. Again it reveals how much Falling Skies sits on the fence because we're supposed to hate him when after this episode he has become my official guilty pleasure.

Falling Skies season 2 episode 1 : Worlds Apart

Summary : Decent premiere served by teasing historical references, immersive special effects, an exciting Tom-driven twisted story and sci-fi candies

Score : 6/10

I didn't really enjoy the few season 1 episodes I saw but at least Eight Hours, the finale, intrigued me enough to give Falling Skies an other chance. As expected it was back with its history and soft sci-fi formula but for some reasons I can only admit that Worlds Apart represented a decent entertaining escape. Of course the family drama vibe and unbalanced acting is repelling for hardcore fans of the alien invasion genre but once you accept the show for what it is, a high budget production for a wide audience, then you start to focus on its qualities.

History, history. You tend to repeat yourself my dear history. But learning from our mistakes is part of the evolution process because that's how humanity has both improved… and regressed. That's why it's so vital to remember our past, educate the new generations and of course try at all cost to reproduce the same error over and over. The first minutes are dedicated to remember us how these activities are important. In fact everything related to Tom Mason (Noah Wyle) was good. From the thoughtful dialog he had to the very special room he was in it was what made this first episode a success. Add immersive visual effects, some dark moments and enough aliens to even satisfy a sci-freak like me. In fact the VFX didn't blow my mind but the outdoor sequence in bright daylight featuring many characters was impressive.

As for the storytelling it was well done even if using flashbacks is nothing original. But I prefer such a technique than the sharp cuts we experience on shows like True Blood. In the end it really felt like if the world was revolving around Tom, that the future of mankind depended on him, making him an even greater emotional leader. An other interesting character is Ben as his mutation is exciting to witness. Half human, half alien. And as both sides are developed it's even possible to relate his issues to real ones, like when you struggle to enforce your opinion among people who aren't really open minded.

Still I have one major complain and it's definitely the scene featuring two characters drinking scotch. Alcohol on TV ? When kids and teenagers are probably watching the show with their parents ?! It totally jarred with the rest of the episode and proved that Falling Skies hasn't find its balance yet, nor totally embraced what it's supposed to be. Terra Nova had the same identity crisis and it ruined it. But the rest had potential and once the episode was over I instantly wanted to check out the next one. What's the invaders real agenda ? How many motherships do they have ? The questions raised are numerous and similar to the ones we had while watching films like Independence Day and series like V. Last but not least as I clearly identify with Tom, because I'll star in The Reviewer who Saved the Milky Way, the cliffhanger hooked me and made the second part even more intriguing.

True Blood season 5 episode 2 : Authority Always Wins

Summary : Okay supporting arcs and superfine Bill † Eric III but the editor is a vegan raptor

Score : 8/10

I'm not a specially religious individual but when it comes to summer TV, I believe in True Blood ! Turn! * 3 was quite a weak way to begin the new season but this second installment was similar to season 4's second episode, You Smell Like Dinner. Indeed it seems I'll again spend the next weeks torturing the storybordeleditor (Bordel, from Old French : Mess, whorehouse) because if the show has one weakness, it's definitely "the thing" responsible for dislocating the arcs ! Scene 11 : Jason is at the police station. Scene 12 : Pam is in 1909. But it's already time to forget about what could ruin the show if it hadn't enough brute force and addictive flavors to both entertain and… captivate us !

Successful episodes like Cold Grey Light of Dawn have proven that when it comes to turning your night into a televisual orgy of bloody fun well until further notice you can't do better than… Jessica ? Censored, and even not for $20000 ! Billeric ? Oh, no ! It leads us to Jason because even if his moments were rare he still managed to make me laugh enough to acknowledge that humor is a mandatory part of the journey. As for Andy one of his decisions should definitely inspire you, even if he's slower than me when it comes to dodge spoilers. I'm also glad that he has evolved from a Sheriff Rosco-co-clone to a well… pretty little Bellefleur. More seriously Pam's side was short but refreshing and despite the immersion killer I have already pointed out it at least had one smooth and well thought out transition to… Bill † Eric !

I could mention that Alcide and Sam deserve more attention because from the performers to the story their arc has undeniable potential. I could mention them, so I did. Do I make any sense ? Probably not but at E3 Far Cry 3 didn't either and its psychotropic presentation was praised. Now back to me, no to True Blood. What about Tara ? Well I have to admit that I'm not a big fan of her as a vampire but Rutina Wesley is both charming and charismatic so I'll keep my mind opened for now. Moreover you can't beat Pam as a maker and Lafayette's dilemna was interesting to witness. I cried, because he's Rembrandt Brown's spiritual son after all.

Last but not least (Finally !), let's judge King Bill Compton and Sir Eric Northman ! Beside the amoebitor I can't see a single viewer not giving the show a second chance after the mediocre premiere but if you haven't already seen Authority Always Wins well Stephen Moyer and Alexander Skarsgård are the only excuses you need. From the inevitable torture to crossed interviews their part represents the best of what True Blood is capable of. You care, you feel and you even think a lot (But not too much, thank "you know who"). Each season requires its set of freshly decayed ingredients and True Blood's fifth is no exception. Eclectic and freaky new characters ? Checked. Fascinating topics like religion covered in a controversial fashion ? Crossed out. A last minute offer and a gorgeous villain ? Double date !

True Blood season 5 episode 1 : Turn! Turn! Turn!

Summary : Lame misguided premiere saved by naturist werewolves and not gay men

Score : 5/10

Up. Down. Up. Down. Chu ! Oulala it seems Sookie is back and so are her zillions of vampire fiends from planet Earth. Sadly it met my worst expectations as it failed in lighting back se4son fangtastic red candles. When She's Not There, last year's premiere, was intriguing this one didn't leave us with enough fresh meat on our bone to satisfy our carnivorous needs. And the predictable cliffhanger didn't help either ! As for the story it lacked something as wicked as the fairies. How to sum things up ? A quick and dirty bunch of arcs. Don't get me wrong Sam's side was wild and it was also jargonautic to have Jason back but his few moments with Jessica felt like déjà vu. As for the scenes their short length prevented immersion and emotion. One second we're supposed to care for someone, the next it jumps to a completely different location and mood. Empathy breakers, welcome to heaven ! Still Bill † Eric could be our new guilty pleasure, beside teddy Pam, because their relationship has potential. The introduction of a new character was rushed but definitely exciting. However in the end nothing really drove the episode and at times I really wanted to stop the ride and slice up an hedgehog ! Otherwise last season proved that summer rhymes with True Blood so I'm convinced that the upcoming installments will be bloody funny and that a new entertaining plot will rise from the ashes left by Marnie and her witchy followers.

The Outer Limits (1995) season 1 episodes 1 & 2 : The Sandkings

Summary : Captivating first escape in the science-fiction realm

Score : 8/10

The distant voiceover, the immersive title sequence with its rotating tunnel and red DNA… Welcome to the pilot of The Outer Limits ! 1995 can only feels like yesterday considering the many occasions a sci-fi fan has to remember The Sandkings. I have to admit that I haven't read George R. R. Martin's novella yet but this first episode proves that TV shows can be as hardcore and fascinating as their dusty old paper counterparts.

The very first seconds thanks to the narrator you understand that it's going to be about the eternal battle between science and religion. What is a human capable of in order to be recognized by its peers ? How far can you drift when your emotions have taken over your reason ? The extraordinary story of Doctor Simon Kress (Beau Bridges) serves to cover these fascinating questions and restrain our desire to become gods. Playing Populous is way safer in my humble opinion ! His introduction as a brilliant scientist is everything but original because the entrance in a military guarded base and identity recognition systems were already déjà vu elements back then. Things really become exciting when Simon's project, studying ground samples with eggs from Mars, takes a major turn. Then what was told in the opening is finally expressed by a pivotal sequence featuring Simon in… his pyjamas ! Using the barn and his outfit as a metaphora for a church and a monk was brilliant even if now I find it a little too literal.

From there Simon's transformation accelerates and his passion becomes an obsession. His relationships with his lovely wife, played by the gorgeous Helen Shaver, his son and his father magnifies the changes within that inevitably overflow and finally alter his physical appearance. Of course it's nothing like Jeff Goldblum's cult metamorphosis in The Fly but the bathroom sequence is definitely disturbing. In general there're also plenty of horrific elements, from the nightmare to some frightening scenes featuring the sand creatures. In fact their unpredictable and agressive behavior reminded me of Screamers (1995). At some point there was also something yin-yangish about them so it proves the deepness of the writing and that all viewers should find something to satisfy their needs.

As for the production it's nothing stellar but the special effects are good enough. In the visual department we have some believable creatures that quickly move and the animatronics even allowed for some close-ups. Only the CG versions jarred with the rest at times even if the traditional approach wouldn't have been appropriate for some scenes. You have to understand that back then the studios were operating a transition from the old school to the new one when these days the digital has become the norm. Just check out Primeval to better understand the benefits ! As for the sounds they also have to be praised. They definitely contributed to make us believe that the Sandkings could actually exist, a bit like in Arachnophobia (1990) but with a more serious approach. In fact they're similar to the scorpions, spiders and other friends of the dark cellar but with a twist I let you appreciate. Last but not least if there was one thing to remember it's definitely the sand castles. These structures are so bizarre and well designed that they should teleport you on a planet far, far away ! Their evolution is actually linked to Simon's one so it makes their connection even more controversial and captivating.