As Cosmonaut Marcus writes, "It was whatever."
There are some important messages but no revelations, lessons or challenges. Falcon just hears Bradley say, "don't do it", and does it and does fine, because...? So he had self-doubt, hears more doubt from someone else, but does it anyway?
SCORE 5/10
"I've been trying to get them into counselling." — T'Challa
Wakandan guard: "My friend, that sounds an awful lot like genocide."
Thanos: "No, no, no. Because it's random."
[Clicks his fingers]
What an episode! I'm loving this one more than Captain Peggy's since it's not trying to hit the same beats as "The First Avenger," and they can really do some whacky things here! It's a pleasure to hear Chadwick Boseman's voice again, and the set-up for this T'Challa is very interesting! When T'Challa was just a child, he wanted to see the world. But because of Wakanda's secrecy, his father forbids it. But after Yondu found him, he was free to roam the universe.
Thanos' character here was charming and hilarious, and the cameos by Howard the Duck and Cosmo the Spacedog were great, too. This episode is so different from the first, and I hope it continues this trend! Sticking to the beats of a better story (in my opinion) isn't ideal when we could have this original blend of an adventure!
7/10
With an extra 14 minutes (including the credits), "The Book of Boba Fett" decides to use its time to show Boba Fett attack some thugs, take down a train, and do a dance around a campfire. Yes, I like the message that Indigenous people (the Sand People) shouldn't have to hide. Yes, I enjoyed the confrontations in Mos Espa. But with no character development, plot or conflicts, I'm worried about this series' trajectory.
Once again, the concept art looks cooler than the actual show (unlike "The Mandalorian", which looks as cool (if not cooler) than its concept art).
Edit: The flashbacks feel like sidequests since Boba's never morally questioned. He's just positioned as the good guy (even though he's had questionable morals in the comics, movies and "Star Wars: The Clone Wars"). He just takes down monster, takes down train, gets a staff and dances.
6/10
Again, I like the episodes with Boba Fett barely in it (this is again just "The Mandalorian" Season 3).
7/10
The Star Wars reference, though. They had the "Rogue One" music and everything. XD
7/10
I'm getting tired of this show now.
5/10
Mogami: "So what you're experiencing is a parallel world that could've easily come to pass had your circumstances been slightly different. I'll just sit back and observe how you fare in this environment without your powers."
Mogami: "You had many relationships in real life, and you were fortunate enough to be surrounded by good people. But situations like that are rare."
Mogami: "You're extremely talented brother is just a stranger here."
Mob: "It'd be so much easier if I was stronger."
Mogami: "I'm sure this seems incomprehensible to you,"
Mogami: "But she's bullying you to secure her position in society."
Mogami: "But after living in this world for six months without your powers,"
Mogami: "After my demise, I became an evil spirit and decided to use my powers for myself this time..."
Mogami: "You are allowed to use your powers for yourself. You should use them for yourself."
Dimple: "You're not staying here? Shigeo's done for. You gotta accept that. Why not run away?"
Reigen: "Because I still have faith in him."
Dimple: "In this situation? You're not really that stupid, are ya?"
Reigen: "Yup, actually, I am. Let me guess: this is the first time someone's placed so much trust in you too, right?"
Mob: "Apologise."
Mogami: "And that's why I didn't want you to travel the same path I did."
Dimple: "Yo."
Mogami: "The six months you spent here are forever etched into your heart and mind."
Mob: "I'm surrounded by good people. I need to be more thankful for them."
Mob: "When you interact with other people, it can have an effect. And because of that, I was able to change. Thanks to them, I'm stronger. Much stronger than if I'd been on my own."
Mob: "Wait... That's right."
[Grabbing hand.]
Mob: "I remember now. I came here to save someone."
Dimple: "He really has changed huh?"
Narrator: "The powerful blast created from Mob's positive emotions at 100 percent annihilated the great and powerful evil spirit Mogami."
Mogami: "No matter how much you struggle, your path will lead you to the same place mine did. To ruin."
But he's doing the opposite of yours, Mogami. Yours led to ruin because you started using your powers for yourself (to save your mother). Mob is using them to help people (which you did before you went down the ruinous path)
God damn, the animation though
Mob: "That people are able to change. Mogami and Minori both taught me it's possible. The people around me changed me as well. Now I understand I can do the same thing for others too."
Mob: "I don't get it, Master. Why aren't you claiming your reward?"
Reigen: "Just look at how many people got hurt. Not exactly a big success. You should never accept money that you feel you haven't earned. If you do, you'll start taking the easy way out every time."Reigen: "You know... You're better off working part-time for me than becoming famous or powerful. I hope this serves a good lesson for ya."
Dimple: "Come on, give me a friggin' break..."
Review
I know that all sounds like a bunch of nonsense, so let me make this simple. I interpreted this episode's message as, "positive emotions will trump negative emotions and that people and positivity can enable you to change." The problem is that this is what the episode propagates in the second half, but in the first half, it's exploring way more ideas like privilege, bullying, and selfishness. But it's forgotten in the second half? Also, the final message still disregards the earlier one on privilege. I guess it's addressed by Mob pledging he'll use his powers to help people?
This episode is really convoluted, unfocused and confused. It's trying to juggle all these different ideas under the guise of "positivity beats negativity" but it comes off as undercooked.
6/10
Look, not the best episode, but with three seasons to back up their friendship, Adora, Bow, and all the other princesses' words of support and encouragement do mean a lot. It's pretty wholesome, even if it is bittersweet. Again, it's not the best episode, but it's got good intentions.
SCORE: 7/10
This episode is alright. Not as strong as the others, but it's still fun. The action scenes are cool, and Loki and Sylvia's banter is fun to watch. Although I enjoyed them venturing down this planet , some scenes seem either too easy or like a waste of time. They could pay stuff off later, but I'm unsure.
Anyway, I'm still invested, but I'm not in as much suspense as I was in the previous two episodes. Wondering "who is this variant Loki?" and "where did they go?" is a lot more intriguing than "how will they survive?!" Like, I don't believe they'll die, or that they'll use character instead of plot convenience to get them out. We'll see.
SCORE: 7/10
You know, as time passes, the more I fall in love with... INVINCIBLE. Maybe my rating is too harsh because my feelings for it are immense. I love this show, it's one of my favourite pieces of media already, and I'm pumped for Seasons 2 and 3.
I hope the animation improves! It's great already, but if it gets better, I can't imagine what kind of images we might be getting! More frames, maybe? More detail or shading? Who knows?!
Aw man, that final episode is crazy, and I really want to see more from this universe. Not only does it flesh out Mark and Omni-Man, but they introduce and follow characters that leave their orbit. I want to see more of the new Guardians of the Globe! I want to see more of Atom Eve! But most importantly, I want episodes that focus on individual characters other than Mark.
Anyway, that's my ramble. Again, maybe my rating is too harsh, but it's an arbitrary number anyway, so who cares?! What I care about is how much I enjoyed it. Hopefully, these feelings will stay with me for a while. Also, after looking at the show's IMDB page, I can't believe who's in this cast! J.K. Simmons, Walton Goggins, Zachary Quinto and Mark Hamill are in this series! How did I not notice!?
SCORE: 8/10
Notes
Review
Now that I'm 3/4 of the way through this show, I think I'm ready to spew some thoughts before I finish it.
Right now, no matter how unremarkable the writing is, this series will always have me hooked. Just the premise and the animation is enthralling enough; I will watch it until it's cancelled (I hope there's a Season 2)!
After all the Marvel and DC superhero stuff these days, a show like this is refreshing. There's no "make the funny joke and move on" bull crap; these characters go through crises and grow. And it isn't like the DC universe with its edginess and gore for indulgence's sake, but for character development that emphasises its impact. Yes, the animation's limited budget shows itself now and then, but other times, it impresses.
I really like this show, and it's becoming one of my favourites quite quickly. And yes, my ratings for it aren't that high, but they're still respectable. I respect this show. Anyway, that's enough for now, I can't wait to see how the season ends, and I hope season 2 is green-lighted soon.
Yours truly — C. Clobsters
SCORE: 8/10
SCORE: 6/10
Notes
Review
Man, that was a wild ride. I was half-expecting there to either be a disaster or a feel-good ending that would make me cheer or something. Instead, this episode presents it like real life. There's no melodrama, no drama at all, really, just catch-up, cocktails and closure. It's beautiful, and I'm glad BoJack doesn't have a closed ending.
I expressed my fear in my previous review that once I finish this show, it'll feel like these character's lives are over. If I never reach the end, it seems like they're living their lives without me. Thankfully, the series is open-ended, and so there are unlimited possibilities. Unlimited. Anything could happen from here on out, and it isn't overly optimistic, sappy or depressing, but it's more hopeful than when the series started.
BoJack Horseman is good at depicting human emotions and real-life moments. Despite 3/5s of their main cast being anthropomorphic animals, each one feels distinctly human. With each meeting and chat with the other four—Mr Peanutbutter, Todd, Princess Carolyn, and Diane—the closure they all share is so mundane that it's relieving.
This ending is perfect. BoJack's finally ready to reintegrate into society, Princess Carolyn has found happiness, Todd has rebuilt his parental relationships, Mr Peanutbutter has looked inward, and Diane has found someone she trusts. They've all grown, changed, and are ready to move on with their lives. Man, I can just imagine what amazing things they will do in the future.
Well... it was nice while it lasted. :)
SCORE: 7/10
With BoJack's perceived death in his own TV show, it leaves me shocked. Not because they actually did it, but because I can't imagine how this show will end. How will everyone else react after everything BoJack's done? Will they see it as only a matter of time? Will they feel sad or happy? What if someone ignores it completely?
I took a long break between seasons, so not every episode is fresh in my mind. I binge-watched the last two seasons, too, so I'm on a BoJack high but haven't given the series much thought. At this point, I think it's time to reflect.
BoJack Horseman is an unusual series that pushes animation and TV's boundaries to the brink. Its storytelling prowess is unimaginable, and the feats it pulls off leave me speechless. Even though I know nothing is like something else, I will never see anything like BoJack Horseman, again, ever.
To follow five characters, develop them and explore their backstories to see how they inform each character is rare. Few shows, movies or books can pull off such a feat, but this show makes it look easy.
I'll never see another show like BoJack Horseman, and I can't wait to hold on to it, forever. I can rewatch this series, entire episodes, and I will, but once you finish a show for the first time, it feels like the journey's over. When I refuse to finish it, it's like their lives are still happening without me. But once I reach the end; that final chapter, this delusion shatters and it feels like a goodbye. Whenever I rewatch an episode and know how it ends, it reminds me of my absence, how I'm a viewer taking a peek into a snapshot of their lives.
SCORE: 8/10
IS IT MY FAVOURITE EPISODE SO FAR? IT'S MY FAVOURITE EPISODE SO FAR.
After being grounded by her mum, Hilda discovers her neighbour mysteriously disappears and reappears in the blink of an eye.
This episode was a thrilling time travel tale about regret, reminiscing on what could've been and the consequences of your actions. Because GOD DAMN, HILDA DIED TWICE. Speechless noises. It was just so sudden, distressing yet heartfelt. You can see Hilda means well, but since she doesn't think it through, it all goes to hell. I mean, and I can't stress this enough, she got herself killed, twice, as well as several versions of Mr Ostenfeld, as well as Tildy! This episode has so much death!
I like how they imbued the episode's themes with the other two characters, and it was exciting to see Trolberg back in the 20s? No, the themes & premise aren't anything new, but the way the episode presented them struck a chord with me. Bella Ramsey gives another charming performance, and Rasmus Hardiker's Alfur is just as endearing. Seeing the contrast of second-trip Hilda and the third one, hardened and bitter by time, was heartbreaking; I won't forget her sacrifice.
Hilda: "And all things considered, it didn't work out too badly."
Alfur: "We saw our selves die... twice!"
It's heartwarming, tragic and powerful. I've no issues with this episode, and I think it encapsulates what I love about Hilda so much. This episode is beautiful in every sense of the word.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 8.5/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 9/10
NOW THAT WAS AN EPIC MID-SEASON EPISODE!
Ahlberg's back at it again, with a devious scheme to install an automated bell system all over Trolberg. But in doing so, every creature—woffs, elves, nisse and trolls—are struggling to live in peace. So Hilda and the gang set out on a daring mission to shut it down, once and for all!
This episode had a fun operation that brings together Hilda, Frida, David, Alfur, Tontu and the lost clan! But not only that, we learn more about the bell keeper. We get a little glimpse into his psyche and what's made him so bitter after all these years. After he saves Hilda's life, he convinced me he was someone we could trust. I loved seeing that character's growth and Hilda unite a group of her friends to come together to stop a common enemy: Ahlberg.
Bartell Bragga, the leader of the lost clan, has a few fun little gags, involving Alfur and combat!
Bartell: "We've declared war on the bell tower. We'll take it down brick by brick. Or die trying!"
It's just all-round fun, epic and satisfying to see Ahlberg crushed by one of the bells he had installed, much like Ernesto de la Cruz from Coco. Except Ahlberg doesn't die.
David: "The pigeons are in the coop. Bartell and Agnes look ready for battle. Alfur... not so much. Over."
It's vast in scope, fun and gathers a large cast to fight for the wilderness' creatures. That twist at the end is very menacing. I also hope Hilda gives Johanna more attention in future episodes; she seems worried all the time.
TECHNICAL & ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
POOR MYTHROL!
Another fun episode following Mando and the Child back to Nevarro. I've got to say: I like how Nevarro has changed. Not only has Cara Dune cleaned up the town, but they've established a school in place of the cantina! How awesome is that?
Baby Yoda's (the Child) shenanigans were fun. First Mando gets him to help rewire the ship (I'm surprised he didn't die from the electric shock) and later steals some macaroons from a kid at school. Just all-round hilariously cute!
This episode also gave us some insight into Moff Gideon's plans. He's got some weird science experiments going on and when Doctor Pershing says "M-count", I'm guessing he was talking about Midichlorians. I mean, they're stealing midi-chlorians from Baby Yoda and injecting them into other people?. Is Moff Gideon trying to make force-sensitive super-soldiers?
My only complaint about this episode would be the conflict. Although the episode delivers a crap ton of new mysteries, our heroes kill stormtroopers way too easily, with the sense that there wasn't any tension and I never felt they were in any peril.
Overall, it's a fun episode, with new mysteries that I can't wait to find the answers to in future episodes. Also, I haven't forgotten about Ahsoka! PLEASE, SHOW ME AHSOKA!
IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK ON NEVARRO.
TECHNICAL SCORE: 7/10
ENJOYMENT SCORE: 8/10
Notes
Fennec Shand: "That was fast."
Boba: "We'll lockdown at the palace."
Skad: "It's a bad idea."
[Boba turns.]
Boba: "Is that so?"
Skad: "...it is."
Boba: "And where do you propose we wait for reinforcements?"
Skad: "...here."
Boba: "...here? In these ruins?"
[Skad nods.]
Boba: "Nonsense."
Boba: "The palace offers greater protection."
Drash: "If you want to abandon Mos Espa and hide in your fortress, go ahead. We're staying. The people who live here need our protection."
Mok Shaiz: "Does Fett have any other resources to call upon? He used to live in a Tusken Raider tribe in the desert."
Peli Motto: "It's an X-wing. What's an X-wing doing here?"
Peli: "Well look who it is!"
Boba: "I thought I smelled something."
Cad Bane: "Before you get any ideas. I've got back shooters too."
Drash: "Hey... Thank you."
Fennec: "Manners. I like it. You're welcome."
The Mandalorian: "It's against the Creed. I gave you my word. I'm with you until we both fall."
Boba: "You really buy into that bantha fodder?"
The Mandalorian: "I do."
[Boba nods.]
Boba: "Good."
The Mandalorian: "We got real problems."
The Mandalorian: "Our energy weapons can't get through, and our kinetic weapons have too much velocity."
Pyke: "Sleemo!"
The Mandalorian: "Okay, little guy. I'm happy to see you too."
Drash: "Can you pick off some of the fighters?"
Freetown fighter: "I'm used to desert hunting. Can't miss at this range."
Peli: "Peli's got you covered."
Cad Bane: "What's your angle?"
Boba: "This is my city. These are my people. I will not abandon them."
Cad Bane: "Like the Tuskens."
Cad Bane: "Let's find out."
Boba: "This is my city!"
Cad Bane: "You tried to go straight."
Cad Bane: "I knew you were a killer."
Freetown Bartender: "The rancor's on the loose!"
The Mandalorian: "It's gonna be okay."
Peli: "Where'd you go, kid?!"
Boba: "Thank you."
The Mandalorian: "All right. But this is the last time."
"Directed by ROBERT RODRIGUEZ"
Review
Btw, I still like this episode. And I've gotten complaints that I'm just being negative for no reason, but to preemptively combat this, let me say it's because I'm trying to study the shows I'm watching because I'm a screenwriter. I also criticise stuff I like.
6/10
Funny how the episode with the least amount of flashbacks is my favourite. Unfortunately, I've come to ask myself a pressing question: Why should we (or Boba) care whether he keeps control of Mos Espa? In "Star Wars: A New Hope", we cared whether the Rebellion destroyed the Death Star because we knew the Rebellion was stationed on Yavin IV—lives were at stake.
Why should we care if Boba loses Jabba's empire? What's at stake?
7/10
Jeff: "Hey, it's the 'Aw couple.' "
Annie, Britta & Shirley: "Aw."Abed: "And she knows my Netflix password, Jeff's Netflix password."
Jeff: "Damn it. I'm changing that."
Abed: "I changed it."
Jeff: "To what?"
Abed: "Nice try."
Dean: "Payday is postponed until next week. So this..."
[Rap music playing.]
Dean: "Is my freestyle rap apology."[Dean's sobbing.]
**Dean: "I don't know what that was, I don't. I don't know what that was."
[Dean hyperventilating before leaving.]
Annie: "Anthony said he could fix our cabinets."
Abed: "Rachel used to mop floors at Kmart. She mops good."
Rachel: "Is this a real conversation or are we being bugged by the feds?"Chang: "Hey. Look, if something sketchy is happening, I don't care. So I'm just gonna back out of the room now and..."
Shirley: "He can't leave."
[Jeff running after Chang. Chang running away, screaming.]
Chang: "No! No!"
Chang: "I love textbooks. That's why I stole these."
Britta: "All right, knock it off."
Chang: "What?"
Buzz: "You gotta make it sound believable or you're not getting outta here."
Chang: "I'm trying!"
Buzz: "Try harder!"Jeff: "I can't do this anymore."
Shirley: "What?"
Jeff: "I'm out. It's gone too far, it's too... Evil. Look, you guys can split the money. I'm just gonna leave quietly. Goodbye."
[Jeff walking away. Shirley nodding at Buzz. Buzz ropes Jeff.]
Jeff: "Ow! Oh! What the hell?!"
[Rachel looking at Anthony. Anthony looking back with concern.]
Rachel: "Abed, I don't like this side of you, and I do not like that side of VCR technology. I am glad that it's a dead medium. That was very uncomfortable."
[Rachel leaves.]
Annie: "You're packing?"
Anthony: "Yeah."
Annie: "You're leaving?"
Anthony: "Yeah."
Annie: "Because of last night?"
Anthony: "Yeah."Man: "Where'd you get these?"
Against all odds, Netflix's "Arcane" pulls off an incredible feat. Through stunning animation, competent storytelling, and a heartbreaking score, the series paints a tragic world. It's full of loss and hardship. It deals with themes like progress, time, and civil war. But in the middle of this civil unrest is a tale about betrayal and sisterhood.
I'm ashamed I enjoyed this series less than others, but maybe after a rewatch, my mind will clear. If there's one thing I'm confident about, it's the series' visuals. Continuing the trend born from "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse", "Arcane" is 3D animated with a 2D aesthetic. The studio designed its characters this way, and it overlays 2D elements as well. If there's one reason to recommend this series, I assure you it's because of the visuals.
"Arcane" reminds us that our world is fractured. There are no "good guys" or "bad guys", simply those who are more fortunate and those who are just trying to get by. But it's difficult for both to create positive change, and this show displays that with grace and finesse.
Btw, Caitlyn is my favourite character. Don't @ me :P
Both: "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
Min Gi: "Yeah, we're fine."
Ryan: "We're great."
It pains me to say I didn't like this one that much. :/
Iroh: "Well, ever since I lost my son"
Zuko: "Uncle, you don't have to say it"
Iroh: "I think of you as one of my own.""You rise with the moon, I rise with the sun." — Zuko
8/10
Annie: "In fact, what are you doing for lunch?"
Abed: "It's Wednesday. Sometimes I eat in Jeff's car. Don't tell him."
"CLASSIFICATION: BITCHES"
Troy: "Why are you doing this?"
Donald Glover's performance, omg
Troy: "I hate you. I hate you."Girl: "What are these?"
Abed: "Destruct codes."
7/10
"I'm hoping we can move away from the soapy relationship-y stuff and into bigger fast-paced self-contained escapades." — Abed
Uh-oh, only Jeff is screwed this episode
"Sorry, man, I gotta go where the heat is. Jeff Winger, you're a jerk." — Troy
Abed: "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you cancelled."
Abed: "TV makes sense, it has structure, logic, rules, and likeable leading men. In life, we have this. We have you."
OMFGChang: "Ha! Gay."
The meme has been found
This is quite the step-up from last season already.
8/10
- Wait, where were Sea Hawk and the other princesses last episode?
- No way
- But why does Prime want to destroy the universe? I'm confused
- Spooky Light Hope
- Dang, Catra, speak your truth
- Yo, this is epic. Go team!
- "Perforation"? Okay Sea Hawk
- Bow, did you say "A whole new world"?
- Wait, when did Prime discover this?
- Wait, what about Shadow Weaver?
- Yo, Glimmer and Bow, let's go
- I still don't like Mara's blond hair
- Wait, why is Mara here to tell her this? Who is this? Isn't she dead? What? The place looks beautiful, though
- Yo, Glimmer did THAT?
- Nice work, Bow!
- Wtf happened to THEM? WTF?
- MICAH, CALM DOWN
This episode is okay. I don't know, I thought it would pick up in Season 5, but it's losing me. I miss Seasons 2 and 3. Well, let's see how it all ends anyway.
SCORE: 7/10
Entrapta: "Sorry, what door?"
Catra: "What do you mean "what door"? The one you told us to go through."
Entrapta: "That wasn't me. This is the first time we've talked since the last floor."
WtfEntrapta: "By the way, who's your new friend?"
Glimmer: "What are you talking about? It's just the four of us."
Entrapta: "Hate to disagree, but there's a definite heat signature right behind you."
WTF IS THIS HORROR SH—
SCORE: 7/10
"My body is betraying me." — Adora
"Wait! But it's for science!" — Entrapta
"A robot? Where?" — Entrapta
We're not declining, thankfully, but we aren't great. We'll see how it goes.
SCORE: 7/10
"I fear they poisoned Ivy."
Even with so many deus ex machinas, this show is still sweet.
"Asks the guy who fucks bats" — Harley LMAO
"And we're murdering everyone in Gotham in three, two..."
"Joker never loved me. He only loves Batman."
Wow, that was amazing! "Harley Quinn" is the best thing I've seen today! It's laugh-out-loud hilarious and steeped in character! I hope it keeps up this quality or gets better! Wow, this is fun. Thanks for the tip, Sarcastic Chorus!
SCORE: 8/10
