Review: Spartacus: Vengeance "Monsters"

Non Spoiler Review:

While dealing with his own personal problems, Spartacus attempts to create a new brotherhood among the rebels. Glaber gets a lead on their whereabouts and prepares to end the rebellion for good, but is met both with surprises from Rome and within his household.

Monsters sets up a precarious situation for many as the season races towards its end. The stakes are high for all the characters (and some meet a surprising death this week in typical fashion). Monsters left me with a bit of a sickening feeling in what happens, and I completely forgot that next week is the finale, so I'm both sad and excited to see it arrive so soon (at least season three won't be such a long wait this time).

It will take a lot top last season's carnage, but it appears all the pieces are in place to create a similar ending for what has been a fantastic comeback for the series.

Spoilers Now!

Three Romans manage to get into the temple while the rebels sleep. It turns out to be Crixus, Spartacus and Gannicus, wearing the armor they stole and testing their security measures. Oenomaus promises not to be taken unaware next time.

Glaber is wooing a frigid Seppia when Ilithyia suddenly and dramatically appears in the door and collapses in the pool. As she recovers, Glaber is more concerned to find out if she recalls anything of where she was held (stone, beams of wood, she recount, and writing on the walls that appeared to be Greek). She realizes he hasn't put her in their bed chambers, and Spartacus was correct that her death would have held no meaning for him. He confirms her fears—he's been turned into a monster out of necessity, due to her actions.

Spartacus attempts to calm the angry rebels who are fighting among themselves, but they want to know why he let Ilithyia go. He explains they're better than the Romans. Oenomaus begins training, but Crixus describes them all as fingers looking for purpose rather than a fist. Spartacus has Agron capture another wagon—this one full of wine—to forge some bonds among the freed slaves, and have sport between those with personal quarrels to work out their aggression.

Meanwhile, Mira confronts him about what happened, and Spartacus confesses that he cannot give any more of his heart to her. That's not enough, they both realize, and that appears to be the end of that relationship.

Lucretia finds Ilithyia (she hadn't been told she was returned), and they have a happy reunion. She confesses the child she has grown to love is Spartacus'. Lucretia informs her about Seppius' murder and how Seppia has been made aware of it and now burns with thoughts of vengeance. Ilithyia suggests she and her child may rise from the ashes.

Glaber and Ashur attempt to glean a location of where Spartacus might be, and determine they are moving around a central area. The Egyptian brings the head of Lucius to them, and once he is identified, know he dwelt in a temple in the shadow of Vesuvius. Glaber declares they march at nightfall.

Ashur continues to gloat to Lucretia about his rise and reveals he's discovered Spartacus' location. As a reward, Glaber will give him freedom—and has presented the ludus as a gift, and Lucretia as loving wife. She's mortified that he strives to see the rise of a new house of Ashur on the ashes of her husband's.

As Glaber makes preparations to fight, Varinius arrives with orders from the Senate to send him back to Rome. He says rumour of Ilithyia's abduction is known, but she abruptly makes an appearance and explains she's only taken to bed from the pregnancy. Varinius has brought an army to bring Spartacus to justice, and if Glaber refuses he will have no hope of rising any further.

Seppia is relieved to see Varinius, and apparently she had sent him message that Ilithyia was missing. He's annoyed that he's found her safe and sound and doubts the veracity of her story. The bracelet alone will not be evidence enough to incriminate Glaber for Seppius' death.

Oenomaus is pleased with the success of Spartacus' strategy as everyone is getting along famously now, so Spartacus offers a new contest between Agron and Crixus against Gannicus and Oenomaus. Crixus and Agron are bested but everyone seems to make their peace.

Lucretia consoles Seppia and continues to gain her trust. She suggests Glaber's desire presents opportunity and gives her a dagger. She convinces Seppia that they must spill blood to avenge all the wrongs that have been done.

Lucretia reports to Ilithyia, and she agrees with Glaber's death given there is no hope he will reason with them. Seppia goes to Glaber, who is about to return to Rome. She sends away his slaves as he prepares for the bath and confesses she doesn't have faith Varinius can defeat Spartacus. As he moves in to seek comfort, she smashes the wine urn over his head and knocks him down. As she raises the dagger it's Ilithyia that stops her hand and slits her throat, letting her fall into the bath. Glaber is in shock, but realizes she saved his life.

They can't be what they were, so she suggests they be what they are. She would see their venom turned to those truly deserving—Seppia, the Senate, and Varinius. They're both monsters and she wants to be so together. They kiss, and he vows to march to Vesuvius.

Crixus and Naevia finally reconsummate their relationship. As the festivities continue into the night, Gannicus joins Spartacus and tells him he still believes he'll lead them to their deaths, but it will be a glorious one. They suddenly spy the lookout signalling from the mountain that the Romans are approaching. Spartacus assembles the rebels and rallies for battle.

As the Romans make their way through the woods they're set upon by the rebels, but there are too many and they're forced to fall back. Spartacus and Gannicus attack the praetor directly. The battle is taken to the temple. Spartacus realizes it's not Glaber, but Varinius in charge. As Varinius is brought back to the temple, he's ordered to tell his men to lay down their arms. Crixus recognizes him from the ludus.

That's when a fireball is catapulted inside the walls and the temple comes under bombardment—this time from Glaber's force in the forest. Battle is resumed and Crixus pushes Varinius in the path of one projectile, and he's killed.

Ashur and the Egyptian lead the men inside the breached walls. Spartacus orders a fall back into the tunnels. Oenomaus fights the Egyptian and escapes, but loses an eye. In their retreat, Spartacus, Agron and Crixus break jars of oil and cover their escape with fire. When they emerge into the woods they're attacked again by Romans and Spartacus tells everyone to flee up the mountain path.

In the temple ruins, Ashur says there is no way up the mountain aside from the single pass, so Spartacus holds the high ground. Glaber is pleased with that, and will let them feast on mud and rock. When hunger drives them down he'll kill them all.

The Verdict:

Monsters really brought out the viciousness of Glaber and Ilithyia. I'm left wondering (hopefully) that Seppia's death was part of Lucretia's plan, because Ilithyia could have acted alone again to secure her own future. We won't see until next week, but I'm leaning towards Lucretia being behind it all along. It's quite the gamble if that's the case, given Glaber could have easily turned against Ilithyia too (and still may).

Spartacus' major defeat really shows their desperation, leaving them with just one tactical option to climb up Vesuvius. It's still so early in the rebellion I'm wondering how this will all play out and who might be sacrificed to make a more permanent escape. And speaking of sacrifices—poor Oenomaus can't get a break.

I dont know what to make of Spartacus' break up with Mira...it seems to fall a little flat, given what they've been through together (on the run and back in the ludus)—that he would give her such grief for her good (albeit misplaced) intentions. That just seemed contrived to suit plot developments (could Saxa be his next gal, or has she already chosen Gannicus?). And could this breakup mean that Mira's number is up in the finale?

Next week is sure to be a bloodbath. Something tells me Agron's days could be numbered, too, so I'm hoping I'm wrong. But it seems the rebel cast is getting winnowed down enough that there are few sacrificial lambs left for the finale. As long as Ashur gets his just desserts at the hands of Lucretia, I'll leave the season satisfied.

Review: Mad Men "A Little Kiss"

Non Spoiler Review:

After one of the longest waits I've ever endured for a series, Mad Men returns with its fifth season. Opening about six months after the finale, we find Don about to celebrate his 40th birthday as he and new wife Megan live in a lavish Manhattan apartment. SCDP continues to struggle with finances, but things appear to be stable—although Roger has become something of a dead weight given he's bringing in no business, and that causes friction through the office. Joan is enduring her somewhat single-mother status (as hubby is stationed at a military hospital).

It's always a bit of a struggle to catch up with everyone, especially after such a long hiatus, but A Little Kiss succeeds in bringing things up to date, all while the civil rights movement and women's liberation provide a backdrop, and promise a lot more development as the season progresses.

I'm excited to see what directions this season takes, given there are so many possibilities in the little tidbits we see this week. Visually, the episode looks amazing, including a memorable musical number that will likely stick in your head. Costumes and sets are vibrant and sexy and make the whole two hour premiere a really great experience—welcoming back all the characters that both endear themselves and annoy us. 

Spoilers Now!

With the civil rights movement in full swing, protests in front of rival ad firm Young and Rubicam prompt some employees to toss water balloons on the picketers below, and creates a minor scandal in the press that Roger takes delight in rubbing their nose in. He posts a fake equal opportunity ad for new secretaries in the paper as a joke. Unfortunately, Joan, now with her new baby and very passive aggressive mother—who wants nothing better for her daughter to stay at home and never go back to work—sees the ad and is distraught that the firm has abandoned her.

It's Memorial Day, and the kids are staying at Don and Megan's swanky Manhattan apartment, celebrating Don's 40th birthday early. Megan and Don go into work together, as Don takes pleasure in doing as little as possible, while Megan works under Peggy in creative.

Pete still feels he gets no respect, especially from Roger, who has garnered virtually no new business but still maintains his large office while Pete is stuck in his tiny nook. Pete and Carolyn are now living out of the city and have a child. Pete is especially outraged when Roger shows up at all his client meetings (flirting with Pete's secretary so he can get a peek at his calendar) and takes delight in belittling Pete as much as possible.

Peggy presents a campaign to Heinz, but they're not fond of it at all, and when Don shows up for his customary appearance, he sides with the client. Peggy is annoyed that the old Don would have sold the creative rather than send them back to the drawing board. He's too agreeable and patient these days. Meanwhile, Megan needs Peggy's advice for a surprise party she's throwing for Don. Peggy immediately warns her Don hates surprises, but Megan just wants help with who to (and not to) invite (and excludes Joan).

Pete meets with Don to advise him Mohawk Airlines wants them back and Don is the big draw. But Pete wants Roger's office in order to make an impression, and calls a partners meeting to discuss. Roger walks out when Pete wants to put it to a vote. He knows the rest see he's right but Lane won't extend their credit any further for more office space.

The night of the party everyone gathers at the apartment given it's a surprise for Don. Peggy is still dating Abe, and Lane and his wife are still together, as well. Megan takes Don home from dinner, but they run into Roger and his wife at the front door about to knock. Don realizes it's a surprise and reluctantly goes in. 

As everyone gets to mingling, Roger offers Don some advice about his younger wife, who is off laughing with her younger friends—that being that they're not laughing about him. Peggy gets a little lippy about redoing the Heinz pitch after a few drinks. When it comes time for Megan's present to her husband, she sings Zou Bisou Bisou, which is a tad sexually suggestive and makes Don squirm. 

Afterwards, tired and ready for bed, Don asks her not to use her money to embarrass him again. He's been 40 for half a year (as Dick Whitman), but only he knows that. He never had birthdays when he was growing up and he doesn't like them. Megan leaves him to sleep and goes to clean up.

At work on Monday, Roger wastes no time in mocking Don. Don warns him not to make fun of each others' wives.

Lane finds a wallet in a cab, but doesn't want to leave it to the black cabbie to return it (though he does tip him). He and his wife are having money troubles with their son's private school, as well. He finds a photo of an attractive woman, Delores, and gets her on the phone. They have a flirtatious conversation as she claims she's the man's gal. He oversteps himself by suggesting he deliver it personally to her, but then they both decide she'll come in to the office to pick it up.

Having had enough of her mother, and in fear for her job options, Joan opts to take the baby to SCDP. She has an awkward exchange with Megan, given she wasn't invited to the party. Roger shows up and makes some thinly veiled quips about the child being his. She finally meets with Lane who explains that wasn't an actual ad, but a barb from Roger. She's in no danger of having her job phased out. Joan vents about her frustrations raising her baby and being out of the loop at the firm given no one came to visit her, but Lane puts her mind to ease and they share a laugh as he fills Joan in on the party.

Harry gets caught talking about Megan's performance, so he assumes he's in trouble when he gets called in to see Roger, who wants Pete and Harry to trade offices. He even offers Harry a personal bribe to sweeten the deal. But Pete isn't happy with the new office change, given that's not the point.

Megan is angry with all the fallout from her party, and has words with Peggy about her Heinz remarks. She breaks down and tells her everyone at the firm is so cynical and doesn't know how to have fun. Peggy apologizes, but Megan needs to go home. Peggy goes to Don to set things right about her comments, but lets him know Megan is kind of upset about the whole thing, so he heads home himself.

The owner of the wallet arrives, but absent his gal, so Lane goes out to greet him (but not before keeping the picture of Delores). He returns the wallet, but the man makes a point of checking that everything is there, leading to a tense moment before he remarks that it's all good. Lane refuses to take a reward, and the man comments his girl said he was real polite and sounded foreign. So he tucks a bill into Lane's coat and tells him that's the way we do things here.

Don returns home to an angry Megan cleaning the house in her underwear. After some bitter barbs and roughness, they have sex on the floor. Don didn't want the party because he didn't want those people in his home. And all the problems in the office were there before Megan. She wonders if going to work with him isn't a good idea anymore. He doesn't care about work. He wants her, not her at work.

Pete sits in his new office and tells his secretary to let Roger do whatever he wants and pencil in a 6 AM appointment with Coca Cola on Staten Island.

Don and Megan arrive at SCDP in the morning and the lobby is full of black people applying to Roger's joke ad. They have no option but to go through with the interviews, otherwise be taken to task like Young and Rubicam (who also just happened to send over an African idol with a resumé that everyone in the lobby saw). Don suggests they just hire one. Lane goes out to thank everyone for coming and collects their resumés.

The Verdict:

Don and Megan are really a charming couple (and Megan is just so awesome and a great boon to the show). But I'm getting the impression that perhaps Don's actions are going to turn our lovely Megan into a Betty. If she happens to get pregnant, I could see her become the lonely stay-at-home housewife that turned Betty into the unhappy thing she is. But Zou Bisou Bisou stole the entire episode.

Roger's the loose cannon more than ever, unhappy in his own marriage and wandering around SCDP causing trouble. After enduring his shenanigans last season (Lucky Strike, the Japanese, etc), I'm wondering if this year he'll do something so destructive that he'll force the other partners to act. He's managed to create sympathy for Pete, who has achieved a level of respect (if not likability).

Sally appears to have matured considerably, but until we see what her home life is with Betty, I don't count her out of the woods yet. And if Megan should get pregnant, I imagine the Draper children aren't going to be happy about it.

Lane's subplot was an odd one, but it was a nice little parallel in how his treatment of the cabbie got thrown back at him by someone far beneath his station, and a pretty awkward scene for everyone. His marriage looks to be pretty frigid, which makes his scenes with Joan so enjoyable. They have amazing chemistry.

There's not much to say about the rest, aside from catching up with Peggy, Kenny, Harry and Stan. The civil rights movement has finally come to the forefront. It shouldn't be too hard finding a secretary to fire at SCDP and provide an opening, given the amount of incompetence we saw this week.

I would still like some answers to lingering questions—how does Joan's doctor husband not know he's not the father? Watching Peggy hold the baby makes me wonder if we'll ever see Peggy's child who must now be around five years old? I thought Bert left after Don's anti-smoking letter. Will we ever see Sal again? So many lingering plot points after four seasons, I hope some get addressed.

Review: The River "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"

Non Spoiler Review:

The first season of The River comes to an end as Emmet attempts to reforge his relationships with his family and crew. A random event throws the Magus into turmoil and forces the crew into a race against time to save Lincoln.

Like many episodes, Row, Row, Row Your Boat was a taut roller coaster ride, and I certainly was entertained. This week's paranormal bit was yet another take on a tried and true formula. Not much new here at all in that respect. The final minutes were the major twist that sets up a possible next season (which may or may not happen at this point). 

I'm interested enough to stick with the show, but given the body of episodes under its belt, The River needs to evolve beyond the supernatural riff of the week format, and really put a new spin on things. It gets marks for effort and certainly surpassed the other new genre shows this year. It would be unfortunate if it didn't get a chance to grow with a second season.

Spoilers Now!

Happy reunions abound on the Magus as Clark interviews everyone for their final reactions for his documentary. Only Jahel is pensive about how lucky they were to have seen the Bioúna and allowed to leave. And it's also time to get answers from Emmet.

Emmet explains he thought he was supposed to find something in the Amazon, but that's over. He should have died, and admits to failing Lena's father. Lena wants to know what the mark means. He confesses he thought she was meant for something special but he realizes now all the signs he's seen were signs to just get out. She presses him to know what the source is, but he prefers that she hate him rather than suffer from his knowledge.

Emmet tells Lincoln the tapes of the expedition will go in the fire, and no one will know what's happened. Then a shot comes through the window and hits Lincoln and kills (!) him. Distraught Tess demands someone confess to it. Accusations start getting tossed around, including to Kurt, as Clark reveals overhearing the conversation where he said he would put down Emmet. Kurt hands over his gun and tells them if he'd wanted them dead they would be.

As Jahel pilots the boat she hears static on the radio and asks if anyone is there. Emmet questions Tess about where she found Kurt. Then Jahel runs in and tells them there's a way to get Lincoln back from the dead—the Bioúna. But Emmet says there's some things they don't call upon.

In private Tess asks her to bring back her son no matter what it takes. The two of them perform the ritual in secret (which is being channelled to Jahel). Emmet runs in as the boat takes on water and Jahel creates mayhem. They run into the infirmary and find Lincoln alive and awake and he tells them it was Kurt who fired. Emmet is happy Lincoln is back, but confides his fear with Tess that they brought back something dark.

Jonas chats with Lincoln as he's recovering and having something to eat in the kitchen. Lincoln reveals he knows it was him, not Kurt, who shot him (in an attempt to kill Emmet). He didn't tell anyone because he has unfinished business with Kurt, and then kills Jonas.

Emmet thanks Clark for funding the expedition but Clark dismisses any gratitude and says he was just making a documentary and didn't expect to see him alive. He's hurt that Tess and Emmet are obviously getting back together. Emmet reviews the footage to catch up, including what just happened in the kitchen, except the video shows Jonas walking out after a friendly exchange, and Lincoln staring (evilly) at the camera.

Emilio reveals to Jahel that her mother isn't dead, and used her gift just as Jahel has done. She was unable to silence the voices but he won't tell her where she is. But it should serve as a warning to her.

Lincoln visit Kurt, who immediately recognizes he's not Lincoln. He beats up Kurt and tells him they've met before. Meanwhile Clark is drowning his sorrows about losing Tess in the kitchen when AJ comes in, and they both find blood dripping from the ceiling—Jonas' body.

Lena finds Lincoln on deck. He confesses he wants to be with her again, so they go inside to hook up, but he abruptly throws up as Emmet approaches and demands it let go of his son.

Lincoln is locked up and Emmet tells them he needs Lena to help free Lincoln from what has him. He's possessed by the black snake—the Bioúna itself. Emmet tries to get a dragonfly down his throat. The spirit remains too powerful and Emmet can't do it. So Tess goes to Kurt to plead for his help. She asks if he tried to kill her husband, and he says yes, but he isn't going to now.

Kurt apparently knows more than them about the Bioúna. The spirit has to be forced out by Lincoln so he advises they talk to him and not the demon. Emmet appeals to all that he's missed about his son's life and Lincoln's body rises, blowing out all the windows. AJ films something swimming away underwater.

Day 38. Apparently free, Lincoln apologizes for his behaviour, but Lena can't really deal with him. They are within two kilometers from exiting the Bioúna, and everyone seems to be making some amends after their arduous expedition. Except they realize the signal has been lost and they're not on the map anymore. They send up the drone which shows the river itself is closing and changing with the jungle. Lincoln says it's never going to let them go.

The Verdict:

After a string of supernatural themes—ghosts and demons, zombies, mad science, etc, the inevitable possession gets a role this week. It didn't really offer anything we haven't seen from any recent exorcism movie. Sure, it made for an interesting episode, but quite predictable, right down to the familiar he has to beat the demon himself idea.

Jonas' attempted murder of Emmet really got surprisingly little play (or real motivation), as did Kurt's story, which I'm guessing is planned for a next season (if there is one). It all came off pretty contrived, and relied on the pace of events, again, to divert attention from the plot holes. 

I'm hoping for a second season. I'm not entirely sold on the series yet, but would keep watching if it were to improve. The current television crop has very little innovation and The River can't be faulted for making an attempt at something different, even if it did slip into cliches after its impressive premiere. It's got a pretty decent cast of characters that can carry it forward, if given the chance.

Review: Being Human (USA) "Dream Reaper"

Non Spoiler Review:
Sally's living life in a dream world, which you would think would be awesome for everyone in the real world, given she's out of their hair. Except ghost Sally has arcane locked the house and Aidan and Josh are stuck together and...it's a full moon! What is a werewolf and vampire to do—call Zoe for help!

Sally's reaper business gets dealt with this week, but it's nothing that we haven't seen before, complete with evil demon voices revealing secrets, mind melds and all manner of exorcisty-type stuff. It served to get Josh and Aidan to hash out some grievances, but it's bad when the best thing about the episode is the set design of Sally's dream house.

Spoilers Now!

Sally's in a dream world where she's actually a nice person and dating her imaginary reaper persona. Meanwhile, Josh and Aidan are having a petty bitch fight about what to do. It's also the full moon (AGAIN), so Josh is easily agitated. And it's been over 24 hours since Aidan last drank blood, so he's testy, too. They decide only Zoe can help.

Zoe gets filled in, and chastises herself for not seeing it all coming. Josh apparently has not heard the reaper story yet (after how many months now? What do they talk about at home?). Zoe assumes the reaper is her alter, and if he wins it won't be Sally anymore (which wouldn't be so bad, would it?). 

In dream world, Sally gets IMs from Aidan asking her to come back to them. The reaper gets wise to them and manages to lock them all in the house so they can't get out. That means Zoe is locked inside with two monsters, and Josh decides to berate Aidan for not filling him in about the reaper.

Sally can hear their voices through the dream world. Zoe has an idea to meld their minds. That only aggravates Sally/reaper who remains trapped in the salt prison, but claims Sally is gone. She taunts both of them for being prisoners in the house and claims they did this to her from their neglect, and the reaper is just protecting her. A couple of more hours and they'll finally be dead. She brings up some valid points about Aidan killing in Josh's house. She also drops the bomb on  Zoe that Sally shredded Nick. 

Zoe's distraught and refuses to help, forcing the boys to come clean about their vampire/werewolf nature. She tries her meld again, and enters the dreamworld where Sally is hosting a party. She tries to get her back to reality. She's interrupted as she starts to bleed because Aidan is chowing down on her back in the house. Josh intervenes and pulls him off her. 

Josh is furious and berates him for feeding under their roof. He's the only one trying anymore. Aidan cries like a baby. Josh offers himself up to feed on, but apparently vampires don't drink from werewolves. He does so and enjoys it a little too much and seems satisfied after only a little drink. Then he starts throwing up blood (and that's why vampires don't drink from werewolves).

Nick is at Sally's dream party having a toast with the reaper. But Zoe's words are starting to sink in and she begins to remember. The reaper steps in to strangle Zoe, but Aidan's screams bring them back to reality—Sally chooses her friends and falls down the stairs to rejoin them.

The house is unlocked and Zoe wakes up. Sally assures Josh she's okay and he needs to go. Aidan manages to recover. Zoe's fine, but will never forgive Sally for what she did. Alone, Sally contemplates everything that's happened, and sees her reaper by the window, telling him she wants him gone. But it's not that simple. He's a part of her, and he'll wait until she slips...so he can catch her.

The Verdict:
Sally's dream house was amazing! And everyone  there wore sweet colour-coordinated clothes. Sadly, that's the best part. Because Sally seemed so much nicer and happier in her own faux life that I kind of wish we'd seen her in real life (and out of that terrible outfit she's stuck in). It would have been nice to end her story and leave her in that happy dream time, but, of course, that would mean everyone else got torn apart in their real house.

Back in reality she was speaking in cliched demon voices and still grumpy pants and I didn't care a hoot about her. That whole bit was something we've seen so many times before—the whole your friends just need to talk you back from the abyss thing. Even then, it looks like her reaper side is just waiting for a time when the writers have nothing for Sally to do (which could be in two weeks).

She managed to produce the ability to arcane lock the house and force Josh and Aidan to finally have a real conversation in months. But has it resolved anything? I still find Aidan to be such a whiny addict, that having Josh make his escape and run off with Julia is the only logical course for him right now.