T.V. Casual Talk: Shadowhunters Episode 5 "Moo Shu To Go" [Updated]

Just as I thought with Episode 5, Moo Shu To Go, we continued to see stable acting performances from the cast of Shadowhunters and one of the best episodes yet. Yes. Even taking into account Episode 4. 

Let's reminisce. After all this time, everyone in the Shadowhunter world and downworlder world is very much still after Clary but in this episode things get vamped up when the werewolves who have some involvement with Luke Garroway get involved. They go so far as to kidnap Clary and Simon. Though too bad for them Simon is already seemingly transitioning into a vampire so he has gained many interesting things like enhanced strength and agility. And I have to applaud the small subtle reveals of this by those working on Shadowhunters. Oh, and especially that funny line by Simon when he says "I'm in the Jade Wolf Chinese restaurant and they have really inexpensive cocktails", when he gets kidnapped. It is small things like this that give the TV series charm.

But most important of all I really took note that Isaiah Mustafa who plays Luke Garroway has excellent chemistry between Katherine McNamara (who plays Clary) especially in that tender moment when he reveals he and Jocelyn should have never lied to Clary. Such familial bonds in progress! 

Best Moments (even if they hurt my heart)

Jace and Alec's small fight over Alec losing track of Clary. Acting here was phenomenal but it was a little saddening to see the parabatai fight. 

T.V. Casual Talk: Shadowhunters on Freeform this 2016

Based off Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments book series, Freeform, hopes to bring alive the world found in Clare's novels on television. The question is whether they can succeed?

All I know is before there was the success of The Hunger Games (in both book and movie form) there was one other and perhaps more important book series and that was The Mortal Instruments. 

A series that even gained life as a movie already though others are saying it isn't a good movie. And though I haven't seen the movie out of feeling deeply that the actors for Jace and Clary look way off from what I imagined from the books, now with the TV series I can sigh a sigh of relief because this time around the actors do kind of look like what Jace or Clary would look like from the book series. 

Shadowhunters is available to watch on Freeform (http://freeform.go.com/), Tuesdays at 9/8c. A Freeform app is also available for those who use tablets like the Amazon Fire. 

A Look So Far at Shadowhunters on Freeform S1, Episodes 1-4

In the series premiere called The Mortal Cup, I was already a little impressed by how the series creators chose to open with a showcase of the Shadowhunters as well as a very hot Isabelle (played by Emeraude Toubia). 

Other than the accuracy to the characters, in the pilot we also got some nice use of effects where Clary was pointed out as being one of the few characters to see into the Shadowhunter world. And while these effects are more simplistic, they are enough to help the series develop. I liked seeing that. 

Shadowhunters Image Credit: Enstars

What I didn't like seeing was Clary's actress (played by Katherine McNamara) being a little too whiny, but one could attribute this to being a natural cause and effect of Clary losing her mother which everyone knows happened in the books. 

As I brought up on Twitter, on first episode watch the Shadowhunters cast brought medium to high-level acting performances. Certainly it is a mix when it comes to performances and here it is where I believe the success of the series lies, especially given how even when I noticed that the TV series incorporated some new twists not seen in the book series, eh, I still thought that was totally fine. Somehow they made them work in their favor, but truly the acting is where we would see the success of the series. Whether success is there to be had or not.

Very impressive acting performances by: Isabelle Lightwood: Emeraude Toubia, Alec Lightwood: Matthew Daddario, and Magnus Bane: Harry Shum Jr. 

In The Descent Into Hell Isn't Easy (Episode 2), I have to say I was readily impressed. Valentine played by Alan Van Sprang was rightfully the prejudiced and cruel Valentine readers who read The Mortal Instruments series would know. 

While In Dead Man's Party (Episode 3), we have further changes to what the books had yet it didn't stop the series from being entertaining and continue to develop its world.

Oh, and if you are wondering what I am talking about in terms of changes from the books. Well those are some small things with concern to Camille, the beautiful vampire. But again somehow those working on the TV series are actually making things up that do not totally deviate and even when they do they are made up for in other ways. 

Finally with Raising Hell (Episode 4), I think this episode in particular was a decisive one. Here is where Katherine McNamara has grown into her role as Clary Fray. And even more so her interactions with Dominic Sherwood who plays Jace Herondale are quite important because they really show how great their possible romance could be. 

Very impressive acting performances by: Luke Garroway: Isaiah Mustafa all for that jerky moment. OK. OK. As well as Magnus Bane: Harry Shum Jr. 

But most important of all. I too have to agree with fans of the TV series and book series. Isabelle's one-liners are quite entertaining but more importantly Dominic Sherwood who plays Jace is also pretty fantastic given his great, great sarcasm. Something that was much seen in the books. I mean where would The Mortal Instruments series be without Jace's sarcastic nature? Or for that matter without warlock Magnus Bane? 

{Blog Updates} Dads T.V. Casual Talk Addition & Amazon.com Buy Options Added

Now available: T.V. Casual Talk-Hilarious Antics in Dads

Though the Dads TV series got cancelled it was thankfully released for home video thanks to Olive Films DVD. You can now buy it through Amazon.com ($19.99) or Best Buy's ($24.99) online store. 

Dads Continues its Impressive Hilarious Antics with Eli Nightingale, Episode 13

Dads

The series was created by Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild, and follows Warner and Eli, two successful video game developers whose lives are unexpectedly changed when their fathers move in with them. 

Dads continues to impress me more and more. Last episode may have been maybe the most funny episode. It is a series that truly pokes fun of every and all stereotypes. This also includes preconceptions of social groups in society.

Eli (Seth Green) and Warner (Giovanni Ribisi) are a perfect example of just with the fact that they are game developers and they both carry qualities of being nerdy which is what a game developer is usually labeled as but going beyond that there is actual hilarious antics going on! Just with last week's episode Warner acted so gay or feminine and then he is diagnosed by his doctor as having apparently a very low level of testosterone which is a measure of what would make a man well a man. He is given pills to increase his levels and acts like he is following his doctor's order until we see that he knows how he is like and would rather be more feminine. His wife Camilla (Vanessa Lachey) insists while he defiantly continues to stick by his own rules.

Despite hearing news of how some view Dads as offensive have to say these comments are completely unfounded. After all this is a comedy and you can see that when you watch it. Another thing is that Edna is obviously a stereotypical illegal immigrant working maid but even so it is not offensive. The dialogue never suggests that Edna or any other character is being attacked if anything it is merely poking fun and shouldn't be taken so strongly. The Entertainment should be taken into account since this is what is labeled as a sitcom so the fact that some view it as offensive then they are obviously mistaken on what genre of entertainment this is. Comedy pure and simple.

Currently even my own smaller brother has seen Mister Edna Episode 12 and was quite engrossed. It only makes up my mind that Dads really has an amazing touch to it. It draws viewers in despite its target range of the 18-48 year old demographic. My brother being younger than that so Dads truly shows itself to be a very addicting TV treat.

New Episode tonight! Eli Nightingale on FOX (Thanks to FOX for getting this TV show on their lineup) at 8pm/7c on Tuesdays. Airing Tonight!

Buy: Amazon.com

T.V. Casual Talk: The Legend of Korra on Nickelodeon "Exciting Season 1 Finale"

General Iroh makes his prominent appearance finally from "Turning the Tides" where we had briefly seen him. Things don't exactly go as expected. As soon as, General Iroh reaches harbor in Republic City his whole fleet gets utterly put down by The Equalists which have to mention was quite the scene! Lots of action and animation movement! General Iroh comes out being the only survivor? by almost dying when there is an attack near his ship. Luckily, he is saved by Korra who happens not to want to sit passively while help for Republic City gets completely demolished. Back underground, Korra and everyone including General Iroh (Welcome to Team Avatar, General Iroh!) realize they now have to come up with a new plan to take out The Equalists. General Iroh ever determined comes up with the idea that he'll send a wire to Captain Boomi , Tenzin's eldest brother, who is also in The United Forces for help. Korra though feels she has to take down Amon now. Her instincts telling her so. General Iroh approves quickly with his belief from Firelord Zuko being the Avatar is always right. While, Mako has his reservations but finally agrees. 

T.V. Casual Talk: The Legend of Korra on Nickelodeon "General Iroh's First Appearance"

By: Cassandra (The Book & Movie Dimension Blogger)

In "Turning the Tides" (Episode 10) - Book One: Air

The tides are turning for sure! A perfectly named episode title-"Turning the Tides". Korra has been building her strength after having recently been kidnapped by Tarrlok and then almost being captured  by Amon.

T.V. Casual Talk: The Legend of Korra on Nickolodeon "The Spirit of Competition"

In "The Spirit of Competition" (Episode 5) - Book One: Air

An episode of The Legend of Korra full of romantic intrigue and even competitive sport rivalry!
The Fire Ferrets: Korra, Mako, and Bolin are in the final games to the Championship Tournament of pro-bending thanks in part to Asami's father who's sponsoring them. Korra, Mako, and Bolin seems to be playing well and connecting until romantic tension arises. Korra aware of her growing feelings for Mako tries to confess his love to her though Bolin himself has an unrequited love for her.  After some deliberation Bolin decides to later ask Korra out. Mako though conflicted with feelings for Korra and Asami can't return Korra's love. So instead she agress to go out with Bolin and wow, they do appear to have a great time but somehow Korra isn't convinced and sees Bolin as a friend still. 
When Mako finds out about Korra and his brother's date he becomes jealous and it leads to Korra and Mako fighting and a spontaneous kiss between the two. Although Bolin sees them and runs away crying. It's quite funny and saddening! Bolin obviously likes Korra but she loves his brother Mako not him. Its truly  sad.

T.V. Casual Talk: The Legend of Korra on Nickelodeon "No Bender is Safe"

In "The Revelation" (Episode 3) - Book One: Air
On April 21, 2012 a new episode of The Legend of Korra. Another great episode full of adventure and danger.

Korra, Bolin, and Mako are hard at work on their probending training when the proprietor of the probending sport informs them that they need to gather a whole lot of money that they obviously don't have. Bolin and Mako revealing to Korra that as orphans they have to worry most of the time life about surviving Bloin wanting to help bring in money tries to come up with a plan but he ends up involving himself with the Triple Threat Triad.

T.V. Casual Talk: The Legend of Korra on Nickelodeon "Like The Cycle of the Seasons, The Cycle of the Avatar Began Anew"

The premiere of The Legend of Korra on April 14, 2012 at 11:00 am was fantastic! The Legend of Korra the sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender promises to continue the amazingly excting series of the Avatar world we all fell in love with (me included!). For this viewer the humor that is pure genius in making you laugh held sway much like in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Avatar: The Last Airbender which aired was an animated t.v. show that had this world that was obviously fantasy-like that managed to bring with every episode some incredible diverse adventures and life lessons to life by creators:  Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. Avatar: The Last Airbender followed Aang a young boy with the ability to work the wind which is often referred to as airbend making him an airbender. Who also happend to be the last of his kind after the ruthless people of the Fire Nation who are people who can control fire wipe out his people. He also happened to be the Avatar who's master of all four elements of air, water, earth, and fire. His destiny involves keeping peace in the world and along the way he meets Katara a girl who's a waterbender and happens to believe he can save the world from the oppresive Fire nation.

T.V. Casual Talk: The Secret Circle on The CW "We All Must Pay For the Sins of Our Fathers"

Thursday night's episode "Lucky" (March 15, 2012) have to say was a fantastic return since almost three weeks from the show. Faye and Lee realize that they may have some obstacles in their future relationship. While Cassie and Adam have an intense argument in this episode since the sins of their fathers causes doubt.

T.V. Casual Talk: The Secret Circle on The CW "Witness the Birth of Real Power Episodes 10-15"

A recap/casual look at The Secret Circle's Episodes 10-15. Beginning with "Darkness"

Lots of things are changing so far. With the show slowing down for Episode 16, Lucky, hopefully you viewers out there would like to take a fast look at the show since it's return on  January 5, 2012 of this year. Let me know what you think too in the comments and will love to exchange any theories and questions (since I just adore this show!). 

T.V. Casual Talk: The Secret Circle on The CW "Balcoin"

In "Balcoin" we see what hides within Cassie Blake and where her dark magic descends from 

"Balcoin" (episode that aired November 10, 2011) for some reason gained its entertaining angle again. Meaning that the delving into Cassie's family connection to black magic brings a great suspense that does seem to be keeping alive the t.v. watching of The Secret Circle for the better after last week's episode "Beneath" not being as strong.

T.V. Casual Talk: The Secret Circle on The CW "Beneath"

Faye uncovers a shocking truth in "Beneath" episode 8 of The Secret Circle 

In what was Thursday(November 3, 2011) we see how supposedly strong Cassie's black magic is. For some reason the show's episode was somewhat weaker than its predecessors. What was a highlight rather was the growing development of Cassie Blake and Jake Armstrong's relationship into romantic ground!
So what are you interested in more, Cassie/Jake or more Cassie/Adam seen in this episode (Beneath)?

T.V. Casual Talk: The Secret Circle on The CW "All Witches Are Not Created Equal"

In The Secret Circle's Episode 7, "Masked", of last Thursday we had one of the best exciting t.v. watches concerning the supernatural.

The promo video for The Secret Circle's Episode 8, "Beneath" which is coming up! Looking amazing and should've fans feeling some enthusiasm.

 Official CW Show Overview

Cassie Blake was a happy, normal teenage girl - until her mother Amelia dies in what appears to be a tragic accidental fire. Orphaned and deeply saddened, Cassie moves in with her warm and loving grandmother Jane in the beautiful small town of Chance Harbor, Washington - the town her mother left so many years before - where the residents seem to know more about Cassie than she does about herself. As Cassie gets to know her high school classmates, including sweet-natured Diana and her handsome boyfriend Adam, brooding loner Nick, mean-girl Faye and her sidekick Melissa, strange and frightening things begin to happen. When her new friends explain that they are all descended from powerful witches, and they've been waiting for Cassie to join them and complete a new generation of the Secret Circle, Cassie refuses to believe them - until Adam.  

In Wake (Season 1, Episode 6)
Jake a newcomer to the circle is introduced who was drawn into Chance Harbor, Washington because of his brother's death who is Nick. Jake soon puts two and two together and knows his death was caused by witchcraft.

The episode also highlights Cassie and Jake's instant connection. Which was really reminiscent of sharing good and sorrowful moments.

It's later that Cassie is attacked by a supposed "witch". Who was out for blood. Luckily Jake comes and stops to what Cassie refers to "psycho after us". Which was hilarious because it's all at once serious but gives us full pause at her words.  The Circle rallies to keep together.

Then Jake who is unwelcomed by the circle because of his bad drifter vibe. Although he's disliked  more by Adam than the others for once destroying his father's bar/pub. Then there is Faye that has had a romantic past with him but was later supposedly toseed aside by him.

Jake is later confronted by the psycho witch girl. Then we discover he's part of the scheme. He's trying to kill the circle. Too bad for Jake the witch girl turns on him because he's holding her back. But then, Cassie bursts into the scene and with her magical powers stops witch girl from killing Jake.

As the episode ends, Jake and Cassie seem to have the strongest relationship so far. I mean sure Diana and Cassie are really good friends but to me it seems that Cassie and Jake can talk to each other about anything. They have an easy friendship. I'm not sure how I feel about this because I have always felt that that I love the idea of Adam and Cassie as meant to be since "They're written in the stars". All the while I was thinking go away Jake yet at the same time his strong presence makes things look interesting.

In Masked (Season 1, Episode 7)
It was a fantastic episode. Here is why....
For the episode's start we can see that Faye local Bad girl/ Mean girl of Chance Harbor, Washington is wearing a skimpy almost topless blouse. All while, trying to convince Cassie to have a Halloween party while there shopping at a Halloweeny shop owned by Calvin Wilson.

Cassie agrees only because she sees this as a good chance to get Diana and Adam back together. That's what draws me to Cassie that no matter the situations that are happening she's always trying to put things together. To keep everyone happy, what a leader. It seems she is meant to be the real leader of The Secret Circle.

While Luke is inspired by Faye to go to the party with Cassie. At this point I was so happy because Luke seem genuinely interested in Cassie. Leaving Faye with Jake.

It's soon that the party begins but before that, Cassie has to make sure of who was the witch girl. What she was. She heads for Calvin Wilson's shop. But finds no real answers.
That has to do with Jake he having gotten to Calvin Wilson. And with one of the most delightful performance of "Ding dong, the witch's dead" threat to keep quiet if Cassie came asking for answers.

At the party the Circle is slowly captured by masked boys which Cassie soon finds are really witch hunters. Witches and witch hunters were very unexpected but will sure be interesting to watch especially with Jake working as a double agent. Which is strange since he is a witch! I can guess why he'd do it, though so there may still be hope for Jake yet.
While a lot of things did happen in the series this week what surprised the most was revelations concerning Cassie Blake.
All of which ends with the nice scary but somehow pleasant da-da-da-da-da, Secret Circle theme song. Absolutely look forward to it all the time!

Revelations and Theories

T.V. Casual Talk: The Secret Circle on The CW "Pilot"

                                                             
                                      Official CW Show Overview
Cassie Blake was a happy, normal teenage girl - until her mother Amelia dies in what appears to be a tragic accidental fire. Orphaned and deeply saddened, Cassie moves in with her warm and loving grandmother Jane in the beautiful small town of Chance Harbor, Washington - the town her mother left so many years before - where the residents seem to know more about Cassie than she does about herself. As Cassie gets to know her high school classmates, including sweet-natured Diana and her handsome boyfriend Adam, brooding loner Nick, mean-girl Faye and her sidekick Melissa, strange and frightening things begin to happen. When her new friends explain that they are all descended from powerful witches, and they've been waiting for Cassie to join them and complete a new generation of the Secret Circle, Cassie refuses to believe them - until Adam.  

T.V. Casual Talk: The Nine Lives Of Chloe King T.V. talk "Pilot"

                  Official ABC Family Overview 
In the one-hour scripted drama The Nine Lives of Chloe King, Chloe King is looking forward to celebrating her birthday with her friends and single mother, just like every other year…that is until she starts developing heightened abilities and discovers she's being pursued by a mysterious figure. Chloe soon learns she's part of an ancient race which has been hunted by human assassins for millennia —and that she may be their only hope for ultimate survival. The Nine Lives of Chloe King will be executive produced by Dan Berendsen (Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Hannah Montana: The Movie) and John Ziffren (Melissa & Joey, Make It or Break It) with Alloy Entertainment's Leslie Morgenstein (Pretty Little Liars, Gossip Girl, The Vampire Diaries) and Gina Girolamo. The drama is based on the book series The Nine Lives of Chloe King by Liz Braswell. The series will star Skyler Samuels (The Gates) as Chloe King; Amy Pietz (The Office, Caroline in the City) as Meredith King; Grey Damon (True Blood, Friday Night Lights) as Brian; newcomer Grace Phipps as Amy; Benjamin Stone (10 Things I Hate About You) as Alek; Alyssa Diaz (Southland) as Jasmine; and Ki Hong Lee (The Secret Life as the American Teenager) as Paul.

                                        About The Nine Lives Of Chloe King "Pilot"
Begins as Chloe our protagonist runs away from an unknown pursuer. Soon climbs a high tower. Background apprehension music making things really fit the mood. Switches to Chloe to an earlier day. How unexpected and a huge relief. Chloe is a regular teen girl living in beautiful San Francisco(good times to Charmed the T.V. show on TNT network , that took place there as the setting as well). Chloe has two friends. Amy the quirky outspoken friend. She brings some attitude to the show. Then, Paul the geeky guy friend who always says the wrong thing albeit in a obviously unknown manner to him. Very amusing. Then Chloe is almost kissed in the episode by Alek. She seems to push away. Not before I burst with giggles. She seemed like she wanted to kiss him. As Chloe talks with her friends we see that there is a sense that things are different with her. She seems to of late as her birthday draws out to demonstrate superhuman endurance and strength along with strange abilities which come with some freaky clawed nails. In all this Chloe meets a cute guy at the clothing store introduced as Brian or Kitty ears by Amy. The episode moves into where the beginning left off. Chloe dies but is miraculously revived. Then two of her classmates are revealed. The Mai! They all live as "supposed" humans but they aren't. They have been hunted for long years.  The reason being they stopped being  humans protectors. After that an organizations called "The Order" began to hunt them down. Jasmine and Alek, the Mai, tell her the situation where she is told she's special to the Mai. She's the Uniter who has nine lives to live, and endure. Oh, and her fall was no accident she was pushed by force by one of the coldest members of The Order. And he's still hunting her down.
-ABC Family T.V. Show at 9pm in the U.S.

                                                                    Final Thoughts
 I thought something is definitely going to happen with Alek and Chloe.
Brian looks cute too. Though I'm rooting for Alek he's just so handsome and hilarious. The hunter is a big threat. Though the show has started it does seem like a good watch. Reminds me of another favorite show The Vampire Diaries with its supernatural elements. Has great science fiction atmosphere. So wouldn't be surprised if it becomes a t.v. watchers favorite supernatural show.