'Dexter' Final Season Recap - Are We There Yet?

Another week, another mediocre to somewhat-good Dexter episode.

I'm still astonished this is the final season of this show.  There has been nothing this entire season so far - unlike Breaking Bad - that screams 'The End'.  Granted, this week's episode was far superior to last week's absolute train wreck, but I still can't get over the fact how far the once mighty has fallen.

As we saw at the tail-end of last week, Dexter believes Zack is the one that killed his neighbor, Cassie.  He has every reason to believe so, especially after he finds Zack's blood at the crime scene, though we are given quite a surprise to challenge this theory in the episode's closing moments.

While Dexter is on the hunt to find Zack (who has gone missing), he is also in the process of rekindling his romance with Hannah McKay.  I have to say, as great as their relationship seems to be in terms of one serial killer connecting with another, you can not replace Julie Benz' Rita.  There was just something about that couple that had more of a believability and authenticity to it.

We're also caught up with Debra and her desire to bring down Hannah once and for all with the help of Elway.  This results in a rather comical exchange between Dexter, Hannah, Zack (who's found in the Florida Keys after committing his 2nd kill) and Debra herself where it's pratically a "Who the fuck are you?" introduction.

After Dexter locates Zack and brings him back home, we learn Zack wasn't the one that killed Cassie, and this is something Dexter can't seem to figure out.  What we're left with is a nice family dinner between Dr. Vogel, Dexter, Hannah and Zack.

Everything seems easy as pie for everyone involved as even Deb is heading back to Miami Metro, though we're given quite the shocker as Dexter returns home to find the lifeless body of Zack sitting in his desk chair with half is head sliced off.  Looks like the brain surgeon isn't dead after all.

I have to say, I actually liked the character of Zack, played wonderfully by up and comer Sam Underwood.  While he started off a bit creepy and annoying, he actually came across as pretty likable and even funny at times.  Sad to see him go, especially since he looked like the spitting image of a young Michael C. Hall.

While I would agree that this episode was actually quite good and entertaining, it presented more 'shock value' than good, quality storytelling.  There's only four episodes left for this series so let's hope things start picking up soon enough, right?

Notes:

 Yeah, there was a sex scene between Dexter and Hannah.  Great, but nothing we haven't seen before.

• I still don't buy Dr. Vogel as the brain surgeon, though I bet she's behind the whole thing.

• Masuka and his daughter...have to love it.

• Is it me or did Aimee Garcia's Jamie age considerably over the past couple seasons?

 Grade: B-

Rambo TV Show In the Works

Remember when they made that Rambo Saturday morning cartoon and how inappropriate it was taking a hard R-rated action film franchise about a psychologically-scarred Vietnam vet and turned it into something for the kids to enjoy? Yeah, that was a better idea than this.

A new live-action Rambo TV show is in the works, courtesy of Avi Lerner and Nu Image. Negotiations are underway for Sylvester Stallone (who had no problem going against his "Rambo IV is it, I swear!" promises for that proposed fifth installment pitting him against genetically-engineered soldiers) to be involved on a "creative level" as well as returning to the role.

Source: Variety

'Breaking Bad' Final Episodes Recap - Buried

After last week's phenomenal season premiere (specifically, it's final five minutes), many expected a bit of a letdown in this week's follow-up episode, a 'fallout' if you will.

While it's safe to say the level of intensity brought to the five-season-long anticipated confrontation between Walt and Hank is hard to top, I felt this week's Breaking Bad was nearly just as good as last week's entry.

For starters, the acting across-the-board is nothing short of exceptional.

Unlike last week where Walt and Hank were really the main focus, this week we get every main cast member (besides RJ Mitte's Flynn) a chance to shine.  Aaron Paul once again proves he's a force on-screen without uttering a single word, Anna Gunn displays a wide range of emotions which still makes you scratch your head of why she has yet to win an Emmy herself, and even everyone's favorite bitch, Betsy Brandt (Marie) kills it in the mere two but vital scenes she's in.

As for the story well...what's there left to say?

Hank now knows Walt's secret, and it's pretty obvious the shit has hit the fan at this point.

I thought it was pretty tactical by Hank to get Marie to coerce Skyler into talking after his blatantly failed attempt.  The reaction Marie had though when she learned the extent of her sister's knowledge and the danger she had potentially (and indirectly inflicted) on her family?  Wow.  That was a hell of a scene of a family literally tearing apart.

Meanwhile, Walt once again exemplifies both the intellect and will that has gotten him this far.  Putting all your money into barrels then digging for hours upon hours in the beating hot sun, then memorizing the location's coordinates to put on a lottery ticket?  Truly amazing.  It's almost understanding to hear Walt tell Skyler (after he's past out in the bathroom from exhaustion) to not give up the money, to not let all that he has done be for nothing.

Finally, we have Jessie.

In probably the most dynamic of developments, Jessie has finally broken down, leading to his arrest by police for throwing (literally) millions of dollars out his car window.  His interrogation is obviously going nowhere until good ol' Hank learns of what's going on.

All we're left with is Hank entering the interrogation room, alone with Jessie, as the door shuts behind him.

Will Jessie turn on Walt?  Will Hank get the evidence he needs?

We'll find out next week.

Notes:

• "I just got to man."  Laying on that stack of money...priceless.

• You know them two took some of the cash.

• How'd you like to be that old man finding all that money on the sidewalk?

• Still have to love the ball-busting between Hank and Steve Gomez even in such dire situations.

Grade: A-

White Pine Bay Gets Some New Visitors In "Bates Motel" Season 2

 

If you've been going through withdrawals like I have, writing erotic fanfiction and dressing your Barbie dolls up as characters from A&E's "Bates Motel" trying to pass the time till Season 2 airs, this won't help; but it'll give you an idea of what to expect:

TV Line got the exclusive heads up that the A&E prequel to Alfred Hitchcock's acclaimed 1960's film PSYCHO, added Kathleen Robertson and Michael O'Neill to the mix of newcomers to White Pine Bay in the prequel's anticipated sophomore season.

Robertson will play Jodi, according to TVLine:

Kathleen Robertson (Boss) is joining the Season 2 cast of A&E’s "Bates Motel" as Jodi, a smart, sexy businesswoman and artist who’s as hard-charging as she is successful.

While it’s not yet clear how exactly Robertson’s character will play into the world of Norma and Norman Bates, one thing is certain: Jodi’s a natural born leader who gets what she wants — personally and professionally — and she’s not afraid to use her arsenal of brains, charm and creativity to make things happen.

Sounds like she'll be in competition with Emmy winning actress and star of the recent smash hit, The Conjuring, Vera Farmiga, who plays Norma Bates. 

Robertson starred in the original "90210", as well as Hollywoodland and I Am Sam.

Michael O'Neill is probably most remembered for his role on the Season 6 finale of "Grey's Anatomy", as the grieving widower who took to mass murder, well, he's basically going to be at that again as the father of Miss Watson, Norman's high-school English teacher who met her grizzly fate in the Season 1 finale.

He’ll play the recurring role of Nick, a smart and potentially ruthless charmer who is mourning the grisly death of his daughter (R.I.P. Miss Watson) and sets out to exact revenge on the perp responsible (watch your back, Norman).

O'Neill also starred as the cool CIA Agent in Michael bay's 2007 film Transformers, as well as Secondhand Lions and Traffic 

Well, well, well. Norman's got him a new waifu and White Pine Bay is getting some new visitors...

"Bates Motel" Season 2 is set not to disappoint, and is still filming, to premier in 2014.

Lindsay Lohan Getting Married (on Eastbound & Down!)

So, the Affleck gig apparently didn't pan out. Hollywood is still going to give Lindsay Lohan her 17th shot at career rehabilitation, before she fucks it up again. Lather, rinse, repeat. I wish no ill-will at her personally (Though she certainly doesn't feel the same given all the times she's gotten behind the wheel of car under the influence). Hope she beats her demons but she's had too many bites at the apple (and pros like Tina Fey and Jane Fonda telling her to get her act together) for some jackass to back her up, just for the sake of bragging they were the ones "brought her back." Was she ever that good during her prime? Not really.

E! Online reports the One They Call LiLo will guest-star on the forthcoming finale season of HBO's Eastbound & Down. She'll reportedly play the daughter of a lead character who's getting married. Not yet specified which character and whether it's a shotgun wedding or not.

'Dexter' Final Season Recap - Dress Code

What a mess.

I'm sorry Dexter fans, if you expecting a great send-off for the show's final season, you are going to be sorely disappointed.

This season is just a jumbled wreck at this point.  Too many storylines (too many pointless storylines), bad writing, choppy editing, nothing at stake, no life; Dexter has become in every sense of the term 'a shell of its former self'.

I was honeslty debating whether to even write a recap considering how bad I thought this week's episode was but I figured I'd do it anyway since I owe it to any of you who have actually been following these.

After sparing Zack's life last week in hopes of turning him into a protege, Dexter's plan backfires in the worst way when - after Dexter is too busy catching up with Hannah - Zack murder's the cute, young neighbor Cassie who probably did us all a favor as this character was going nowhere.

Deb meanwhile is curious about why Hannah is back and is in fear that Dexter still is in-love with her (which he is) and will try and get back together with her (which he basically does).  Deb also is finally facing up to the fact that her boss, Elway (who actually has been a pretty likable, well-rounded character surprise by Sean Patrick Flanhery) has feelings for her.

Oh, and also in this atrocity of an episode, Jamie and Quinn decide to move in together, Masuka realizes his daughter is working at a strip bar, and Dr. Vogel is still around for some reason giving advice to everyone.

Once again, all these storylines - which I'm sure on paper sound great - are just lazy and uninspired.  It's like the writers of the show just hit a roadblock and said 'Let's just throw whatever we can come up with into the final season and hope people still watch'.

Such a sad state of affairs for a show that was once considered the best on TV.  Damn shame.

Notes:

• That was probably the least most attractive topless scene I've watched in a long time

• Elway's insult to Deb where he ends it by calling her a 'fucking bitch'...priceless

• Dexter sneaking into a nightclub?  Really?  What has this show become?

• Honestly, watch this episode again and take notice of the lousy editing job done from scene-to-scene...terrible

Grade: D+

Mob City Trailer Promises L.A. Gangster Goodness From Frank Darabont

What AMC is trash is everyone else's (in this case, TNT) treasure. Frank Darabont got his feet bringing The Walking Dead to television. Hard to believe, that was an honest-to-God risk that could have easily belly-flopped. But it didn't. The opposite results in fact and the cable network showing their appreciation in what the great filmmaker brought them to unsacramouniously fired his ass.

Do not weep for good old Frank, kids. He's sticking with tellie for the time being (The sooner he gets back to directing features, the better) with Mob City, set in post WWII Los Angeles. It's all about the coppers and gangsters. If that's your thing like it is for me, you should enjoy.

And yes, that is Simon Pegg with a pretty-good American accent.

'Breaking Bad' Final Episodes Recap - Blood Money

Wow.

Hey Dexter, that is how you do a premiere for a final season (though your end should have come about four years ago).

What is there to say about Breaking Bad that hasn't been said already?  It is the greatest drama in the history of television, period.  Yes, I've heard all about The Wire, but no show has ever been so concise in it's storytelling that there is never a loose-end or poor plot point; everything is exactly where it should be, encompassed over five, breathtaking seasons.

Here we are though, Part 2 of Season 5 which will serve us the final 8 episodes of the finite journey of Walter White.

In typical Breaking Bad fashion, we open this episode unsure of why we are seeing teenage kids skateboarding around a park.  We realize soon enough though that this park isn't a park, rather an empty pool, Walter White's pool!  We've jump forward yet again to the future to find the White home completely abandoned and left for vandalism (that Heisenberg sign, perfect).

The Walt we saw the beginning of last year on his 52nd birthday, we find back at his old home to retrieve something he left behind... resin!  That little pellet he's been hiding in the outlet is still there.  The question though is who's he after...or is it, who's after him?

Flash back to the present, after Hank nearly has a heart attack once realizing the truth about Walter in the bombshell dropped in the closing of moments of last year, the man gets to work in going over each and every detail of the Heisenberg case, culminating with the episode's explosive final scene.

Before getting to that though, let's catch up on a few other important characters.

Jessie is bottled up inside and wants nothing to do with the money Walt left him.  He tries bringing it to Saul to give to the parents of that kid who was shot last year on the motorbike and Mike's granddaughter, only to be told by Saul - in a pretty rational perspective - it's a bad idea.

Walt visits Jessie to console him, though at this point, Jessie now knows what type of man Walt is, who can't be trusted.  He knows Walt killed Mike, and Jessie isn't going to buy into his BS anymore.

Skyler seems to be getting by with the fact that Walt is 'out' of the business, though we see another side of her completely after Rita shows up at the car wash to try and get Walt back due to a drop in product quality, only to be threatened by Skyler to never come back again.

Finally, we get Walt, realizing Hank is on to him and needing to pay his good ol' brother-in-law a visit to his garage where he's been putting the pieces together.

Just when you think Walter's about to walk out of that garage after tiptoeing around Hank and what he's up to, making us believe we're going to have to wait to see Hank and Walt finally square off, we get it.  That moment when Hank closes the garage door said all you needed to know, "It's on!"

You have to love how Walt is able to go from denying the accusations, to accepting them, to preaching for sympathy now that we know his cancer's back, to ultimately threatening Hank that if he has no idea who he's talking to, he better tread lightly.

Notes:

• The one thing that bugged me about Jessie in this premiere was that, once again, he's back to being his depressed, sad self.  Honestly, we've seen this song and dance before.  Do something!  Take action!  10 bucks says he ends up teaming up with Hank to take down Walt (though I bet somewhere in the process he bangs that Rita...just a hunch).

• Interesting how Walt is trying to revert back to his pre-Heisenberg days, dressing in plain white and tan colors.  We all know that evil son-of-a-bitch is still there though, and he hasn't left, at all.

• Skyler seems OK with her lifestyle now in owning the car wash and taking comfort Walt is 'out', though I anticipate something is still brewing there where she's either going to turn on Walt or, as she stated last year, wait for him to die.

• How great was Badger's Star Trek story?  I mean honestly, I would pay money to see that short scene (which sure enough, someone's already taken the liberty to put an animated segment together).  Gotta love the popularity of Breaking Bad.

Grade: A

You Knew It Was Coming - Star Trek Pitch from Last Night's Breaking Bad Animated

The moment I saw Badger's crazy Star Trek pitch on last night's Breaking Bad premiere, I knew it would animated in short order. 24 hours from then, tops. That's how predictable we online fork are. I say that, this is still damn funny and better than all of Star Trek Into Darkness.

Source: Vulture

Dorothy's Anatomy? St. Emerald Brick Road? Scarecrow, M.D.?

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so they say. Certainly the case in the entertainment industry. The moment one thing hits, everyone else in town wants in on that action (even, or especially, if they passed on the zeitgeist-hitting success story in question. I say this I'm assuming this is CBS' answer to Once Upon a Time. Maybe they’re getting in heat over genre material following this summer’s Under the Dome. *Shrugs*

Wait for it, a Wizard of Oz medical drama. It's called Dorothy and comes courtesy of executive producers Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman and writer Emily Fox. To be fair, it's not the worst Oz-centric idea ever kicked around television. Never forget about Tin Man.

Yeah... Dorothy already sounds a Helluva lot better now, huh?