The Flash S01E18: "All Star Team Up"

Rating: 7

In A Nutshell

Ray Palmer and Felicity pop in on our gang from Starling City (exactly what is the distance between these two cities?) in order to help Ray sort out his Atom suit. This is simply a story writing excuse to merge the shows a little but also to play on Barry's current concerns about Dr Wells and whom he can trust. Our badass of the week is a mad female scientist who spent thousands of someone's well-earned money making robotic bees and then killing off those who had wronged her. There's a brief team-up with Atom and Flash to give us all a quick buzz (pun intended) whilst meanwhile in B-Plot land, Iris has had enough of Eddie acting all weird (no, not the actor's abilities) and threatens to break things off if he doesn't spill his secret.

What I liked

A little bit of Ray helps every show, but certainly not an overdose, and thankfully this was just the right amount of his OTT mannerisms. He certainly fits in better in the undoubtedly more subtle comical land of Flash than Arrow.

The Dr Well's Reverse-Flash plot continues as Cisco and Caitlin join the fold although we learn very little more, except perhaps that by the looks of Dr Wells, he's starting to notice people acting odd.

Eddie is ridiculously daft and just far too likeable!

What I Didn't Like

Cisco reclaiming memories from the alternative universe come timezone that never was a few episodes ago. He now recalls Dr Wells killing him, although I've no idea how all that is possible for him to even remember. They don't make any attempt to explain it. How he remembers it all is also highly staged. He's been having these dreams for weeks apparently but this was the first reference to them.

So, the head of the mercury company turns up near the end of the show to see Barry and apologize to him that she didn't take up the police's offer of protection from the bee villain who was after her? Right ... of course she'd go see him wouldn't she? Highly contrived so that Barry could quiz her about Dr Wells.

Huh?

Admittedly Eddie is still new to The Flash/Barry reveal but surely he and Barry/Joe should have come up with a suitable cover by now rather than leaving him to just look like a rabbit caught between the headlights?

Genius Bees, but an underutilised villain and use of those bees really. Her story was weak and of limited explanation.

Barry can't outrun bees?

And Finally

So, just a good excuse to progress the Barry/Joe/Dr Wells subplot a little bee, I mean bit, by having Felicity convince Barry that Caitlin and Cisco can be trusted. Also, an excuse to make sure Flash viewers know about the Atom, ahead of his spin-off show no doubt.

Rating: 7 out of 10 (Totally ridiculous, but the interaction with Ray/Atom and Felicity just about managed to scrape this episode above average)

Arrow: S03E19: "Broken Arrow"

Rating: 6

In A Nutshell

Roy is in jail, and there are multiple discussions (ludicrous ones, quite frankly) about breaking him out and multiple references (like a stuck record) to Oliver needing to accept people helping him. When Roy is attacked though in jail for a second time by inmates, he's fatally stabbed, but as it happens this pitiful scene was just a rouse as he's actually fine. It was an elaborate trick to fool the police. Anyhow, then Roy decides that as everyone thinks he's dead, he's going to leave the city anyway, so off he goes. Meanwhile, everyone's favourite kick-ass guy (no, not Arrow) but Ra's al Ghul, attacks and knives Oliver's sister, Thea. Lastly, in a continuation of the grating flashbacks, Ollie and Co are still on the run from multiple factions, whilst also attempting to steal an antidote to a very potent virus.

What I liked

It's a mixture of enjoyment and cringing seeing Ray Palmer in the Atom suit. Very cocky guy, with a suit that sounds like it needs some high-tech oil to stop those squeaks.

Rha Ga Gua; the ultimate fighting machine. This guy is just perfection in terms of fighting and being in human form.

What I Didn't Like

Roy is killed ... but not really. His stabbing was so tame and haphazard that it didn't seem like enough of a send-off, so when it was found to be a trick, we got all that supposed tear-jerking proper send-off for real as Roy drove off into the distance. Sigh.

Are we really supposed to believe Thea is dead? It'll be good for the show if she was. It'll really kick things up a notch into genuine tension but alas I can't help but think this was designed to draw Oliver back to Ra's al Ghul's temple and his resurrection pool.

The flashbacks; tiresome.

Huh?

Sergeant Lance really seems to have had a dramatic recovery from his heart issues, as he struts about now in full 100% stress mode 24/7, 365 days a year.

Where was Malcolm Merlyn when Thea was attacked? Has he been kicked out that flat?

What was the point of the meta-human? Easily dealt with. Well, in the grand scheme of things. The intrigue about him not being anywhere near the Star Labs explosion though was interesting. Potentially more a Flash storyline than Arrow?

Ray asks the question on my mind for the last few months; how do they go toilet and get fed in these cells?

And Finally

So, Roy leaves the show. Sad, I could tolerate him, although he did a lot of moping around and flashing those large eyebrows about. Bet ya he's back at some point. This show could however do with a serious clearout of characters and freshening up though.

Rating: 6 out of 10 (Dull flashbacks continues, and a up/down main plot with Roy that feels watered down).

Game of Thrones: S05E03: "High Sparrow"

Rating: 7

In A Nutshell

Jon Snow wields out commands for some of the night's watch at his first big meeting, whilst also wielding the sword on Janos Slynt who refuses an order. He's also got to consider King Stannis's request, even if he's already sort of refused him. Sansa Stark returns to Winterfell, with littlefinger's plan for her to wed Ramsey Bolton, with a bigger picture in both their eyes. Brienne and Podrick are still in pursuit. New King Lannister Tommen get's jiggy with Queen Margaery. Cersei gets to know more about those Sparrow folk in King's Landing. Tyrion's desire to see someone other than Varey's leads them both to a brothel and eventually his capture by a seriously sulking Jorah. Arya ditches all traces of her former self and starts to learn how to become a faceless man.

What I liked

Poldrick and Brienne are fast becoming on a par with Tyrion and Varys for comedy and bromance. Still following Sansa at a distance, we now know more than ever that Brienne is set on revenge for her former King and wants Stannis to pay; this is going to get awkward soon one would think because ...

Stannis gets Jon Snow's answer and turns him down to return to winterfell but Stannis is set to go anyway. Bet he'll be pleased to find Sansa there! But we all know Briene won't be. Oh, it's set to get very complicated soon!

Jon's doing very well as new lord commander. Get's his adversary Ser Alliser's respect by giving him a top role, whilst the coward that is Ser Janos Slynt finally pays for his weakness with his head for refusing his new role. And he begged for mercy just before the head fell :/ Couldn't help but feel for the guy.

"Sucking a Dwarf's C**k is supposed to bring good luck too", says Tyrion in a true LOL moment for me.

What I Didn't Like

Everything in the house of black and white is very grey ... but not in a good way. I'm quite frankly bored of all that story arc.

That's about it. I really enjoyed this episode. No Dany the dragon lady! Woohoo! Well, except the prostitute dressed up as her.

Huh?

No White Walkers this season thus far ...

How old is the new King Tommen supposed to be anyway? In bed with Margery? Well, who wouldn't want to!

And Finally

This is much more like it. The previous two episodes of setting scenes and people have paid off. This episode can crank up the tension and intrigue even more, setting off paths of collision you'd think. Briene and Stannis, Stannis Versus Boltons. Will these be the battles of the season or will the white walkers show a hand yet?

Rating: 7 out of 10 (Tension finally cranks up a notch)

Vikings: S03E10: "The Dead"

Rating: 7

In A Nutshell

A very ill Ragnor prepares for his own funeral, as the French heap lots of gold on the vikings in return for them leaving. Instead, Ragnor asks for a Christian funeral, which they grant. But alas, it's an elaborate ploy, as Ragnor kidnaps the princess so as to allow the vikings to raid Paris! After the raid they do leave, but Rollo stays behind to keep a small force for the winter and finds himself offered a title, land and the princess's hand in marriage in return for their protection.

What I liked

An episode of two halves. I, like everyone watching and the other characters (except Bjorn), was led to believe Series 4 might be Ragnor-less, for the 1st half of the episode was very much an ode to Ragnor as he wasted away, was mourned, carted to the cathedral, before "rising again". The oldest trick in the book, but it would not have worked half as well as it did were we not to be so duped like the French were. I joked to myself just before that scene that maybe Ragnor could rise again, and indeed it did happen, but of course he was never dead in the first place.

One last battle for the series! Very brief but a great return on Ragnor's comeback. Great to see the faces on Ragnor's closet who even they didn't know the plan and had given their confessions to his casket.

Rollo's entry into the cathedral, and the princess outburst of disdain, followed by his "Hello" in French was amusing.

What I Didn't Like

I was initially annoyed that we were duped but it was done so well I don't mind now.

Is it going to be another Rollo versus Ragnor in Series 4? We've been here far too many times.

So, was all Ragnor's Christian conversion a ploy? I don't think so. So, where is the line? I find it hard to believe Ragnor would attack the priest like he did.

Huh?

If looks could kill ...

Princess Gisla; does she ever smile? She looks so miserable almost continuously. All the windows in France would shatter if she perked those cheeks up.

Kinky Count Odo, whipping that lady for sexual pleasures! Some women will submit to anything it seems! It's not like it didn't hurt!

And Finally

So, Ragnor's not dead yet, which keeps to the "facts" of history, and we are set up for Rollo versus Ragnor, Round 158, it seems next season. I hope though that we instead see them "make up" even more and the start of the Normans and Christian Vikings begins.

Rating: 7 out of 10 (Episode of two halves, but the long con was oh so worth it!).

12 Monkeys: S01E13: "Arms of Mine"

Rating: 7

In A Nutshell

In 2015 Cole and Cassie get to do what we've all been wanting to do for ages ... punch Aaron ... many times. He reveals who he's been talking to from the 12 Monkey's Gang. Cassie and Cole find crazy Jennifer, now CEO of Markridge, and find out who has been investing heavily in her company, aka Ramsee/12 Monkeys. This leads them to where the time machine has just been built for a showdown that is over in seconds as Cassie and Ramsee are seemingly fatally shot. Cole sends Cassie to the future to Katerina before Cole decides to "save" Ramsee by dragging him off. The white pasted men successfully invade the facility in the future and are surprised to see Cassie appear in the time machine chair.

What I liked

I still like seeing the red ivy. Is it just to do with original experiments or carries a deeper meaning?

I enjoyed the build up and mystery ... well, up until the showdown between Ramsee, Cole and Cassie.

I largely enjoyed the mystery of the white pasted men. Super human? But to what end?

Ramsee isn't the Witness! Mystery continues!

What I Didn't Like

So, we had both Ramsee and Cassie fatally shot, only for the old time trick and lazy plot to revive them and make mincemeat of the shock of them being shot. Sigh. Seems no one really dies in this show.

For the white-pasted men and the 12 Monkey Scary Lady to not know the changes that happened at the end of this episode, wouldn't something have had to change the timeline? Surely something else must have happened to make people do things differently this time round? There's little evidence of it though?

It's Goines, no it's not. Yes it is. No it's not. It's his daughter. No it's not. Yes it is. No it's not. Now it seems we are settled on "Yes it is her" ... her who unleashes the virus, that is. But is she just crazy, given it was the 12 Monkeys who raided the lightroom for the virus originally? Now she's off to infect the world? Just mad or is there a plan? She also knows a lot about the 12 Monkeys, so what does she know and what's that got to do with it all?

Ok, that's not all reason to dislike this episode, but I find myself more annoyed and fed up that we're now labelling Jennifer as the culprit but still with no idea if she will turn out to be for sure, nor exactly why she is doing it all. I'm guessing because she loves animals and wants to bring them back?

Huh?

Who then is the Witness if not Ramsee? It's got to be someone we know. Only one left is Cole!

I'm really confused. Ramsee did all he did so he could see his son? Essentially he aided the 12 Monkeys?

So, scary 12 Monkeys lady created the 12 white faced men, but none of them were expecting the end part of episode?

So, now Katerina has finally had enough of all that time machine stuff? Well, up until the last 5 seconds perhaps.

Wouldn't Cole/Ramsee already know where the time machine is being built?

And Finally

Somehow the show managed to shot itself in the foot by building mystery and tension, only to save the two shot characters (Cassie and Ramsee; ok, we don't know for sure but it's a reasonably safe bet they are ok). The episode was building nicely but, given the upteenth chance for Cassie/Ramsee to survive, and no real revelations other than the white pasted men being the 12 babies from the 12 monkeys, this wasn't that much of a shocking cliffhanger finale.

Rating: 7 out of 10 (Tension built for most of the episode and then sort of never climaxed).

Arrow: S03E18: "Public Enemy"

Rating: 6

In A Nutshell

Arrow is a wanted man, and tries to apprehend his former friend who is masquerading as fake-Arrow. That all goes pear-shaped after Ra Gha Gual names Oliver as the Arrow to Sergeant Lance, who then uses the evidence of an assassin as all the reason he has to issue an arrest warrant for Oliver, who later hands himself in, before Roy takes the biggest sacrifice one could (almost) by having himself caught in Arrow gear. Meanwhile, in the flashback, Oliver meets Shadow's twin sister ... sigh.

What I liked

Well, it was an interesting development. Arrow was a wanted man as usual, but this time it was Oliver Queen who was outed as the "villain". Yeah, we've been here before, see below. Anyhow, the twist that Roy does is the oldest trick in the book by donning the green suit to masquerade and get caught in action, was a welcomed development. It was at least ... different.

It was a little tense perhaps seeing Oliver's world closing in on him, with less places to run or hide. I even started to imagine a scenario where the "public" knew the Arrow was Oliver and accepted him. That's gone out the window now.

What I Didn't Like

What's your first thought when you want to evade the cops and you're on the roof of a tall building? Yup, jump off it. One can understand Arrow doing that, and Roy, but Laurel does it without any leverage of knowing she's going to survive. Both the suited and hooded men have their arrows and rope to swing to safety. Laurel, she just jumps on some blind faith that all three of them are singing off the same hymn sheet!

The "Oliver Queen is the Arrow" revelation and public broadcast carries little weight when we've been here before and we also sort of know it'll not last.

So, Ray got shot by an arrow in the chest and is ok, but for a blood clot that is all cleaned up by his nanotech within the space of ten minutes? Yeah, that was all so dull, rushed and a pointless attempt at tension.

Har, Yar, that's a lot of kicking and tripping that these fighters do.

The flashback stories are getting more pointless, dull and ridiculous by the minute. Let's just admit they've run out of ideas and bin them, ok?

The new Queen; of annoying characters that is.

Felicity's Mum ... need I say more?

Huh?

Weren't they all League of Assassin fighters that the Arrow team were fighting? I can get Arrow doing well against them, and maybe Roy, but Laurel with her limited training should have been clobbered? I'd be sacking some of those hooded assassins by now for their failings.

Shadow's twin sister, May, is now thinking of employing a housecleaner.

So, Shadow's twin sister believes Oliver's news just like that? One can get she might help Oliver and the kid at least initially based on little information, but for her to then trust the word of a complete stranger that's brought merry hell down on her flat is hard to really fathom.

And Finally

Well, those eyebrows are behind bars. What next? Surely he's in the clear the next time Arrow stops some crime somewhere? Or will Roy go down as an accomplice? This all seems so strangely familiar as to feel annoying.

Rating: 6 out of 10 (Saved from it's own lack of originality and pointless flashback by seeing Oliver on the run and that final end twist).

Game of Thrones: S05E02: "The house of black and white"

Rating: 6

In A Nutshell

Jaime hires Bronn to go on a secret mission with him to Dorne to get his and Cersai's daughter back. Tyrian and Varey's have a chat on way to wherever it is they are going. Brienne tries but fails to convince Sansa to allow her protection. Dany sentences one of the former slaves to death for murdering one of the rebels they'd finally captured, thus leading to riots. Tension is also heating up in Dorne where there is no love for the Lannisters. Finally, Jon Snow gets appointmented Lord Commander.

What I liked

We all wanted Jon Snow to accept Stannis's offer to rule Winterfell as Lord Jon Stark, although we also all figured that was unlikely to happen. We very infrequently get what we want in this show. I still hold hope of Starks ruling Winterfell again before this show is over.

Still, nice to see Jon become the man in charge at the night's watch, probably leading to some peaceful solution with the wildings? The only other wilding we've seen in any prominence was Tormund, the ginger haired angry looking guy. Unless someone new arrives, he's odds on to lead the wildling army you'd think.

Nice to see Dany get some balls and hold true to principles of law. Was even happier to see a riot afterwards. But remember, I'm no fan of hers so anything that goes wrong for her I like.

Podrick provides the comedy relief this week, proving he's not particular good at anything, apart from recognising people.

What I Didn't Like

Off with her hand! No? Ok, how about her head? No? Darn ...

I was disappointed that Drogon's return didn't see him bite Dany's head off. Ok, maybe that was unlikely, but a little nibble of her finger perhaps? How long do I have to wait until that woman gets it?

So, there was no one in at the house of black & white, but then it turns out there was. Not sure what the point of that was. Guess we'll find out perhaps. All it did was make Arya's scenes rather boring.

Didn't get to see "Jaqen H'ghar" change face. It was the classic camera shift that did it. Do they rip off their faces Mission Impossible style?

Not enough Tyrion and Varey's. One scene in the "box" cart was far too brief.

Huh?

Still thinking about a Season One mystery; didn't Jon Snow's cousin/uncle go missing in the far North? Did we ever hear about him?

Speaking of which, where are those white walkers? They sure are taking their time to walk on the wall that we saw them doing seasons ago.

Alexander Siddig  (Doran 'Prince' Martell) is fast becoming the Alan Dale of fantasy TV. He's literally everywhere currently. Who's his agent?

And Finally

Lots of subplots going on in this episode and previous. Tinges of more action here but there's really little to talk about really.

Rating: 6 out of 10 (The intrigue builds slowly)

Atlantis: S02E07: "A fate worse than death"

Rating: 6

In A Nutshell

Just as we'd all managed to rid ourselves of painful memories of this show, it is back like a scab that won't heal. Hopefully you won't have remembered anything about the previous episodes, all those months ago. I'd forgotten thankfully. Anyhow, Jason is to wed Ariadne, so to stop that happening, Pasiphae kidnaps The Oracle and, to avoid being condemned by the Gods for murdering her, she gets Medusa to unwittingly do the deed, in return for a cure. Amazingly Pasiphae wasn't lying on that deal. So, the Oracle is stoned, literally, but Ariadne is determine to go ahead with the marriage, so the now revealed tratorious High Priest concocts an elaborate charade in which Jason is arrested of The Oracle's murder and sentenced to death.

What I liked

The bromance between Jason, Pythagoras and Hercules is easily the best character driven aspect of this show. Quite possibly the only thing the producers have got right.

Nice to see Medusa, even if she spent all her scenes sobbing and waffling.

A main character is killed off! Un-bel-iev-able. Certainly this is a darker season two. Well, more like Season One with a shadow over it.

What I Didn't Like

So, the High Priest is the traitor. As if that wasn't obvious. There are only a handful of central characters. It was never going to be someone we've only seen once. The only other obvious possibility was so made out to be against Jason's marriage that you knew it couldn't be him.

That's one heck of a ceremony for the blood offering; yawn.

Medusa and Hercules lovey dovey is as cringeworthy as Anakin Skywalker and Padme in the Star Wars films. Ugh.

Cliffhanger has us biting our nails that Jason is to be put to the death; cause that's so likely isn't it ...

Huh?

That walk through the forest to Pasiphae's hideout was so umm simple second time around, right? They made a whole episode out of that walk last time. Still, at least we were saved from that experience again.

Does Pasiphae's hideout have a map or signposts within it? The ease at which they hobble about through the facility and locate the only cell with the door ajar was like bloodhounds sensing the scent.

Hercules says he's searched the whole temple and not found Medusa and Pythagoras and Jason just accept that. That's some feat for Hercules to have searched such a big temple in a few minutes. They believed him?

And Finally

Well, there's no doubt that season two is made of more solid intriguing stuff than the first dull bland season, but even so, this rarely approaches even being classed as "good". This however was acceptable stuff for a saturday night, just. No doubt the gap since the last episode in the schedule has helped us all forgive the show a little more.

"A fate worse than death"; watching this show feels quite like that.

Rating: 6 out of 10 (A decent "return" for the show which has the creativity of a 5 year old and the intrigue of a dog that can't smell)

Food: Sainsbury's Belgian Chocolate Egglets Stickpack

Food Rating: 9
Value for Money: 7
Overall: 8

In A Nutshell

In this rectangular shaped box, there are 6 egglets; half are white, half milk, but all Belgian chocolates with Almond and Hazelnut praline filling.

What I liked

To any chocoholic, just the smell and sight of chocolate is good enough to like a product, but we do have our standards. Thankfully, these sweets combine some lip-licking chocolate delights, with being both Belgian and having Praline in the middle. Oh ... sweet ... goodness combined! Truly these chocolates have that classic nutty taste but without any hint of little bits crunching in your mouth. The chocolate is smooth and silky, melting with delight in your mouth.

At around 60 calories per bite/egglet, that's enough to enjoy a few of these at one time and feel like you are eating something and not piling on calories/fat.

What I Didn't Like

Aside from a little misleading advertising (see below) there are only 6 of these in the packet with an unnecessary extra cardboard panel that pulls off the front adding to minor overpackaging. I don't think we needed that there to be able to see and read the back of the packet to find out what they were made out of.

Huh?

These are not little eggs, despite it being Easter when they are on sale. These are egglets. Thus you'll be very disappointed when you take them out of the packet and realise that these are all show, and literally with no spine or back to them. Only egg shaped on the front, with half the egg missing.

It's an Egglet, not an Egg!

And Finally

At £2.50 a pack, this is just about right in the modern world of value for money. Sure, a little cheaper would seem better but these are seen as luxury chocolates by Sainsburys and they sure do taste like them. 50p per egglet would be seen as within reason.

Vikings: S03E09: "Breaking Point"

Rating: 7

In A Nutshell

The Vikings perform a second siege of Paris, leading to the French wishing to discuss terms with them due to the suffering on the city's citizens without food and falling ill. King Ragnor, ailing with an internal injury, agrees to meet the French to discuss terms, asking only to baptized. In Wessex, King Ecbert makes his son's wife his mistress in return for protecting her. Meanwhile, back in Kattegat, a Christian Wonderer arrives, fails a test, and is ordered to be killed.

What I liked

Limited action here this episode. We do get a good 10 minutes though of Round Two of the Vikings trying but failing to siege the city. Some truly gruesome deaths suffered by the Vikings by another ingenious French defence weapon; the barrel of spikes! I really should not have been eating my lunch whilst watching this week, especially with Ragnor coughing and urinating blood. I can stomach people being stabbed by swords etc, but coughing up blood etc really makes me cringe.

You can't help but still feel the bro-mance of Ragnor and Athelstan in this show, even with the latter gone. True to form, it was no great surprise to see him return in a vision.

What I Didn't Like

In case we were in no doubt, Christianity is coming to the Vikings, and indeed they don't like it. I imagine this was the reason for the scene back home with the wonderer. Likewise, as much as I love King Ecbert, it feels a little like a sideshow when you've got Paris as the main action. I didn't mind these Ecbert scenes as he's an amazing character, and one can be sure that we're hanging around there to see Alfred become the great.

Huh?

It's #GameofThrones all over as the Viking tricks the guard. Gotta hand it to him ...

Slightly obnoxious French King yes? He's undoubtedly not very brave. Sort of confused why he didn't just have his daughter (I think she is?) go back out to inspire the troops instead of making himself look the coward.

And Finally

With Season 4 confirmed, will we be Ragnor-less when it starts? He believes the end is nigh and he might well be right, but will they do a fourth season without him? We've got Rollo's story still to tell, as well as Alfred in Wessex, but Vikings has always been about Ragnor. Given his story is the mythical one, it's hard to tell which direction the show will take with him.

Rating: 7 out of 10 (Little action, but there's a sense that it's nevertheless building to something in Wessex, Kattegat and in Paris. The intrigue and suspense holds this episode up).

Arrow: S03E17: "Suicidal Tendencies"

Rating: 7

In A Nutshell

Fake-Arrow, Ra Gha Gual and Co, are in Starling City killing criminals for fun so to make sure Arrow gets a bad name. Ray Palmer suits up as Atom Man to catch the Arrow, having figured out it's Oliver. Meanwhile, Diggle chalks up those Air Miles once more, by joining the suicide squad, and his wife, on their honeymoon night to sort out a hostage situation.

What I liked

Thankfully, despite the two main storylines going on, this wasn't the hectic Arrow of Season 3 which has had far too many superheroes and inter-connected plot lines than anyone needed.

Ray Palmer is highly likeable, even if he looks very awkward in that suit; both Atom and traditional shirt and tie.

Nothing beats a frantic last 30 seconds!

What I Didn't Like

Well, I sort of figured that giving us Death-stroke's back story via flashbacks was highly hinting he was going to go out in this episode. That was kind of predictable that aspect.

Atom Man versus Arrow; umm, that was brief. Complete flaw in that suit also if it can be turned off that easily.

Huh?

The explosions of the building Deathstroke sacrificed himself on were ... a little meh. Sure, it would have killed everyone inside, but I can't help but feel that Deathstroke himself stood a decent chance of surviving that. Hardly suited his sacrifice really. That's if he really is dead. We all know it's hard to kill off people in this show.

Did Arrow just walk off at end of the Atom fight in a different direction to where poor Roy lay? Umm, he was just shot with some electrical discharge and he's not got any mention or attention in rest of episode!

And Finally

All the better for two reasonably simple and concise storylines going on, and less of everyone deciding to don a superhero mask. Easy to follow and enjoyable action.

Rating: 7 out of 10 (Less is More; the action was a little brief but at least it was a darn sight easier to follow than some other episodes).

12 Monkeys: S01E12: "Paradox"

Rating: 6

In A Nutshell

In the future, Katerina, her scientists and (strangely enough) some military, all start again with their investigations, whilst also investigating some red ivy growing on the time machine. Meanwhile, Cassie looks to help Cole live past the next few days by getting the 2015 versions of Katerina and Cole's dad onboard.

What I liked

The mystery of the red ivy was brief, and although we can sort of guess where it's from, given last week's episode, it was curious enough to stimulate my mind.

Aaron seems to have turned into a bumbling fool, intent on ignoring his missus' wishes and trying to thwart them. Admittedly he's got his brains and logic all screwed up, but at least it gets the bad guys involved and livens things up.

Well, the very pale faces army at the end raised a few eyebrows.

What I Didn't Like

This episode won't win any awards for originality or for lacking of contrived plotwork. I could just have got past 2015's Katerina being reasonably easily convinced to take part in proceedings, but Cole's dad was far too easily in on the swing of things. I guess they have to keep the plot moving, and maybe the 12 Monkeys Army was enough of a name drop from Cassie to have him do all that based on very little to start off with.

Lots of contrived plot here including, disappointedly, with the milk glass dropping on floor flashbacks of the last 3 episodes all relating to a small moment in this episode. Hardly really seemed worth all the effort to get us thinking about what they could mean.

Huh?

I was sure that the last scientist left the facility last week along with the military. Now it's swarming with white coats and a splattering of military?

Is the 12 Monkey's bad guy the master of avoiding bullets?

And Finally

With contrived get-togethers and cheese having a heavy load in this episode, the quality naturally diminished. I guess they needed to sort out Cole's health for the sake of next season, but it was sort of unoriginal in it's undertaking.

Rating: 6 out of 10 (Sprinkling of curiosity in amongst some of the most unoriginal contrived work ever seen).

The Flash: S01E17: "Tricksters"

In A Nutshell

The trickster is back after almost 20 odd years to reign terror through a deadly combination of comedy and bombs. Eddie and Barry try to figure out Dr Wells' motives in Barry's mum's death whilst trying to focus on the trickster. Meanwhile, flashbacks explain more about that night when Barry's mum was killed and the arrival of the reverse-flash.

What I liked

Mark Hamill was AMAZING as the older original trickster. The "I AM YOUR FATHER" quote was classic and worked well, despite the obvious Star Wars link. Likewise he was absolutely convincing and cunning as the trickster, which is obviously a reference to his Batman villain character, The Joker.

I somewhat felt I knew all Dr Wells' backstory even before all this flashbacking. Maybe I'd read too much Flash comics etc when young? Don't think so. Did he mention his wife's death before? Anyhow, we now know what we suspected, that Dr Wells is Dr Wells, but with someone else inside him ... sort of.

What I Didn't Like

Was the only way to get Eddie to tell Iris porkies about the reporter's disappearance to reveal The Flash as Barry? I'm not sure about that. As much as it's nice to have him in on things, it's very much turning into an annoying situation of everyone being in on it except Iris. I also wonder if this sets things up for Eddie to go out in glory in the finale?

Huh?

I couldn't help but think of Fringe with Dr Wells getting transformed into the other Dr Wells via the contraption. Only thing missing was that it was connected to the chest and not the mouth.

And Finally

Wondering if Dr Wells is likely to defeated in finale but be a background threat in Season 2 whilst Dr Allen, whose Doctor skills we were subtly reminded of in this episode, joins the gang at Star Labs? Seemed to suggest that he was a doctor scientist rather than a medical one.

Rating: 8 out of 10 (Great villain of the week and backstory filler)

12 Monkeys: S01E11: "Shonin"

In A Nutshell

Cole & Ramse tangle in 1987 Japan (or is it China?). Ramse fatally stabs Cole in the nightclub with Groines present, believing him dead, but Katerina's last act before the project is disbanded is to send Cole to 2015 where Cassie finds a seriously blooded Cole. Meanwhile, the majority of the episode explains what happened to Ramse next in 1987 and who he became ...

What I liked

Even though after 10 minutes in you could figure out instantly that Ramse will turn out to be The Witness, they did well to hide this until this episode. Mind you, one should have figured it out, as once Ramse went rogue a few episodes ago, the only way he could retain presence in the show was to become a big bad guy. Watching what happened to him was fascinating, and a genius to see all the flashpoints of the previous 10 episodes being explained more from Ramse's point of view as we went through the years 1987 to 2015.

Leighton Groines; legendary actor playing a captivating character.

What I Didn't Like

Crazy Jennifer is hard to really care about to any degree.

Huh?

So, Leighton knew Jennifer didn't murder the scientists but wants her kept in the psycho ward. There must be something else that she knows, especially given she said she knew all his secrets.

Not sure why Ramse played the long game of many years with the oppressor in the jail. He could have turned the inmates against him years beforehand.

Still not convinced that Ramse is happy to do all this so he can have a son and meet his missus? Technically he could track her down now, or nick that Time Machine and bring her back? Well, he'd have to wait for the Time Machine to be made.

And Finally

The show hits new levels by finally making the time travel and background plots very relevant and revealing. Thoroughly enjoyed seeing everything pieced together.

Rating: 8 out of 10 (Captivating reveals, although largely still uninteresting characters).

Game of Thrones: S05E01: "The Wars To Come"

In A Nutshell

Most people are licking their wounds from those affected by last season's finale. Cersei and Jaime are both feeling vulnerable now Tywin is gone, and also feeling somewhat upset by matters, despite both having their issues with their father. Tyrion and Varys are living it up in a posh get-up over the other side of the sea, where Tyrion is enjoying the wine and Varys reveals some of his political past and future. Stanis is keeping himself warm at The Wall, where the ever grumpy bitter looking Mance Rayder refuses to bend the knee and goes out in a blaze of glory. Daenerys feels a rebellion coming on, especially with her dragons feeling much like the slaves she just freed. Sansa and Littlefinger go on a journey. Podrick meanwhile is left to feel pretty useless.

What I liked

The opening credits don't have Winterfell smouldered in ashes anymore, but the Boltons have tidied it up and are ruling. Nice to see it looking like it did back in Season One. Almost everyone must have given a gentle cheer when Stannis said he wants to reclaim Winterfell from the Boltons, surely?

Any scene with Varys and Tyrion in is always a joy to watch.

What I Didn't Like

I'm probably one of the few not doing backflips over Daenerys' progress and scenes. I find her obnoxious and a little dull, although pretty to look at. I'm sort of hoping she doesn't get to power. Her mission to the throne is a long plot-arc, and feels like an obvious direction for the show to go, but this is a show that throws spanners in the works (Or crossbows/arrows) so I am hoping that things will go pear shaped for her one day.

Huh?

That was Lancel Lannister dressed up like a mini-Varys talking with Cersei, so I read elsewhere. I didn't have a clue who he was. Sometimes I think this show could do with a "Previously On ..." before the opening titles.

A new Game of Thrones book coming out, based on "Where's Wally?". It's called "Where's Drogon?" I barely knew those dragons had names until recently.

"My bit is missing, but honestly I do have a bit there."

Did the Daario actor pay the director to strategically place items in all his scenes to hide his manhood? It was so obvious that his "bits" were being put out of sight, that it was strange. They don't usually withhold all the human body bits. Not that I missed seeing them. I just noticed the oddity of it all.

And Finally

So, it was a tame episode, sort of like a stroll into the shopping centre on a Wednesday afternoon; everyone going about their business quietly. Not a lot to get one's teeth in or go "WTF!?" about but we all need a break from that every so often don't we?

Rating: 6 out of 10 (Solid, if somewhat unspectacular opener)

Vikings: S03E08: "Up The Gates!"

In A Nutshell

The Vikings attack Paris in an epic battle that doesn't go to plan. Meanwhile, back home, Bjorn's lady Thorunn goes walkabouts, leaving baby behind.

What I liked

Vikings is at its best when there are battles, and this episode is largely dedicated to the siege of Paris. There's fighting everywhere. Arrows raining down. Bodies falling like flies. Blood around every corner. This is fantastic stuff on a grand scale, that the obvious CGI really enhances to gorgeous proportions.

It's great that the French aren't just people there to make up the numbers in this show, but are characters we get to know about and understand.

What I Didn't Like

There wasn't too much to dislike, other than the pointless Thorunn scene which added nothing to what we already knew. Was slightly classic misleading storytelling to show Rollo and Bjorn both in what you would think was death's tight jaws but indeed they are both "ok".

Whereas in the first season I liked the charismatic Floki, I've long now been waiting to get rid of him. Hopefully that's coming soon.

Huh?

What was the point of that Thorunn scene? Why do arrows always narrowly miss the main characters?

And Finally

Interesting now to see what happens next. One might just need to read the history textbooks perhaps but as Ragnor himself I believe was not proven to exist, this show could have an interesting take on proceedings. Certainly we know where Rollo is heading but will there be one more battle, or an alliance?

Rating: 8 out of 10 (Bloody Good)

The Flash: S01E16: "Rogue Time"

In A Nutshell

Remember last week's episode? Well, forget it, because that either didn't happen or happened considerable quicker than the 45 minutes an episode takes. This week Barry learns the lessons of time travel the hard way, Cisco gets some brotherly love and creates some funky guns in half the time it takes to do your weekly shopping, whilst that reporter who was going to expose Doctor Wells gets bashed about seriously.

What I liked

The subtle humour, and more obvious humorous interactions between the main characters is certainly cute and affectionous, even if, of course, a tad cheesy at times. But this is what I like about the show. It mostly blends seriousness with comical interludes and makes no excuses for it.

Reverse-Flash bashing up the reporter, before ending his life with that shaky hand through the heart finishing move.

What I Didn't Like

Yup, it was a time reset of sorts. I wasn't looking forward to it as I'm not fan of resets but thankfully it soon became apparent that this was going to be an interesting creative play on the reset without all that stupidity you get usually where most events never took place. Things were considerably as interesting as last time round.

The Cisco "I'm leaving as I failed you all" routine was clunky at best, and predictable.

Huh?

Got to hand it to Doctor Wells, he gets to the heart of matters ...

How did Doctor Wells know about the reporter was about to expose him? His time machine I guess? Would he have done the same last time round if not for the reset? Or did Barry really tell him absolutely everything about the previous timeline, including that very brief scene he had with the reporter last time round?

Surely Cisco could have told Mr Freeze that anyone was The Flash? I was sure he'd say it was Doctor Wells, but alas no.

I'm confused over the Mr Freeze and Flash/Barry deal. Why would Mr Freeze agree to that? Think I've lost the plot there.

And Finally

Interesting how that one mysterious disappearance of the reporter was enough to bring Barry around that Doctor Wells might be evil. Seems like a minor incident to me without any real facts to support it but I guess it's the commulation of oddities that have been building up that swung it for him.

Rating: 7 out of 10 (Very Good Pop-Corn Fantasy)

12 Monkeys: S01E10: "Divine Move"

In A Nutshell

Ramse decides it's his turn to go on a rampage and torches the evidence room before nicking the injections Cole needs to time travel. Ramse discovers stuff about the 12 Monkeys, so goes back to the camp, kills a few people and then jumps himself back to 1987. Cole spends most of the episode lying down getting drug treatment. Cassie and Aaron go searching for the creator of the virus to stop him making it for the 12 Monkeys, because no one thought about doing that the first time round ...

What I liked

Let me think ... it wasn't as bad as last week. That's a good start. Less stupid jumping about thankfully. Ramse's action cameos will quite decent too.

We also have Ramse's motivation handed to us on a plate; he wants to have his son and meet his missus, so needs to stop that time travelling from saving mankind. Obviously Ramse didn't know about Spock's theory of "The needs of the many outweigh those of the few".

What I Didn't Like

Suddenly Ramse is the bad guy, disrupting the time machine and going back to 1987 to ... actually, I'm not sure. I think he's going back to stop Cole who jumps back also at the end to 1987. However, why would he want to stop Cole when it's obvious that thus far Cole hasn't succeeded. His logic is well screwed up.

Why didn't Ramse just destroy the injections? Ok, he wanted one, but that wasn't his original plan. That was the bomb. Wasn't it?

The stupidity of the virus creator was like primary school childish dialogue. Very staged to cheese levels.

Huh?

Wicked Witch Jennifer

Ding Dong, the witch is back. It's Jennifer in the future of 2042 ish dressed as the wicked witch of the west. Is she the 12 Monkey leader? Seems unlikely given what she tells Ramse, which also makes me wonder that Ramse is likely to use this information for good. His interest in it all was not belittling so he believed her and wanted to do something with that information. Yet going back to stop the 12 Monkeys wouldn't bring his son or misses back as they'd probably not meet without the plague. So, despite all that, Ramse will obviously use that information with Cole to do some "good". Which brings me to think, "Why didn't he just tell them the information?"

And Finally

Aaron meeting one of the 12 Monkey bosses was interesting. We can only guess he's made some sort of deal with her that'll seem to save Cassie's life but ultimately annihilate human kind. Sigh.

Devoid of logic and full of cheese, but the action did rescue the episode from dropping below a rating of 5.

Rating: 5 out of 10 (Average).

12 Monkeys: S01E09: "Tomorrow"

In A Nutshell

This episode was more jumpy than a kangaroo on steroids. Primarily 3 timelines to bounce between; 2017 where Cole is stuck, and 2041 ish (When Cole and Ramse joined the militia) and 2046, which is where Katarina and that pesky time machine operate from. Speaking of which, she spills more blood than a pathology department in this episode, going on the path to being psycho by literally walking through the building killing people and taking the core that she needs. Meanwhile, Cole and Ramse square up in different timelines, and in 2017 Cole gets a free ride to see Cassie again where she dies in his arms. Typical ...

What I liked

The forced taking of the core was action packed, if somewhat procedural. Oh, and also very dark lighting. But not as little as the lighting around the core. How the heck do they see what they are doing in that room?

What I Didn't Like

Wham Bang, thank you man. As said, this episode jumped forward, back, more forward, back etc frequently. Certainly wouldn't be a good episode to start watching from.

Why was everyone so quick to believe Katerina when she said the other guy didn't have the cure? Don't get that. Especially as they know she'll do anything to get her way, and is a bit nutty.

At start of episode, Ramse's son was not as important as Cole for Ramse. He wanted the core, however, despite being fully aware Katerina might be lying and that a bloodbath was coming. Then at end of episode, despite not having any more evidence, he's now not on Cole's side (or seemingly that happy to see him) and now is more determined to leave the compound with his missus and son. Go figure!

Huh?

Jennifer is out on the streets in 2017 sitting everyone up, about creating an army of the 12 Monkeys! What?

So, soldier guy, who had walked out on his dad ten years ago, manages to patch things up and get his dad to work on their behalf in the flash of a coin? Well, in a flash we never saw, because all of a sudden he was helping them.

No milk glass falling to floor this episode!

Cole conveniently see broadcast of Cassie saying where immune people should go, then gets whisked there, only to see Cassie greet him with open arms, and then suddenly die with a whimper within ten minutes? No nose bleed? Sneezing? etc? What?

As if those people in Chechnya know where Baltimore is!

And Finally

Not as bad as the really rubbish episodes this season, but not too far above. Too much jumping, seemingly only to create unity between Cole and Ramsee, and then suddenly at end see that go tits up suddenly.

Rating: 5 out of 10 (Average).

12 Monkeys: S01E08: "Yesterday"

In A Nutshell

Cole is stuck in a hole. No, not the overall hole that is the complicated plot in this programme but a literal hole. Remember that drone strike near the end of last week's episode? Good. So does Cole, as he survived it. Cassie & Aaron do a little sub-plot work to get Cassie to the scene of the explosion to check Cole is dead. And she finds out that noone is there, so all is ok. Except, it's not, because whilst Time Machine Guru Katerina used the last of the juice to fail to get Cole back, she ended up pushing him forward a couple years to 2017 where, you guessed it, that virus is ravaging the Earth.

What I liked

This is probably the first time so far that the future world storyline has seemed interesting. Sure, it's pretty basic stuff; Katarina needs a new core for the time machine, and so obviously isn't just going to get it handed to her. However, it's played at a nice slow pace that at least gives us time for a change to actually care about the newly introduced characters.

A nice little twist at the end was handled reasonably well, although I did wonder for a moment if they'd overdone the camera angles or Cassie wasn't in the same place (or time as it happens) as Cole.

What I Didn't Like

"Previously on 12 Monkeys" reminding us of Ramse talking about his ex was timely, so it made more sense when she turned up in the episode. Not that I didn't like that. It's just when a show has to remind us of things, you wonder how much they think we're playing attention in the first place. Mind you, I'd forgotten about her.

It was so obvious that Ramse and Co were not just going to turn up and retrieve the core/stabilizer just by asking. It was however quite refreshing that in true 12 Monkey style they didn't just blow up the joint and snatch it without giving us a chance to focus.

Huh?

Seems there is someone with a worst shot than that marksman last week; the US military and the drone that kills everyone except Cole.

What's with those flashbacks to that glass of milk crashing to the floor? That's been going on for weeks now. I guess they are setting us up for something significant, perhaps in the finale?

And Finally

I'd almost convinced myself that the army of the twelve monkeys were the people really up top of the hole talking to Cole and maybe 12 Monkeys Man was just doing some ventriloquism.

So, not anywhere near the level of some rubbish this season I've witnessed on this show, but not on a par with the last episode. Solid, if not that much noteworthy stuff.

Rating: 6 out of 10 (OK).

12 Monkeys: S01E07: "The Keys"

In A Nutshell

Let's see ... Cole, Cassie & her smart looking suited and booted fella, Aaron, all combine to find out that the virus is about to be used by the CIA in Chechnya to take out an ex-CIA leaker of fabulous inside information. Cole "jumps to it" and make sure the virus isn't released.

What I liked

Slightly more emotion in Cole this week, which is much better than his usual "Leave me alone" grumpy persona.

Team CAC (Cole, Aaron and Cassie) all combine very well together, carry serious impact and weight in their separate missions, and play off each other in a rewarding comradery way.

What I Didn't Like

I'm not fan of "x hours earlier" jumping about sequences during episodes, especially near the beginning, but thankfully this was more half-way through and very brief in filler. I'd say that's acceptable.

Look, we all know this is only episode 7 of the series, so we aren't stupid enough to think it's all over and everyone is ok. They should really have introduced the realisation of this obvious fact before the credits went up.

Huh?

Possibly a marksman still with a big L sign on his back, for he misses Cole with a clear shot opportunity

Given we also know Cole hasn't met Goines in 1987 yet and that got mentioned in this episode, it's even more stupid for them to paint the picture that all is ok.

Didn't Aaron kick the USB stick under the table when he finished it, yet his boss just found it beside the desk on floor?

Aaron's boss said it was a security stick, so I doubt Aaron could just plug it into that Apple Mac and it open up the files without it being encrypted already.

And Finally

I'm a big fan of opening sequences, but most shows seem to think they are so 1990s these days. 12 Monkeys is one of them. A mere 10 or so seconds music intro. However, it kind of is correct for this type of show.

This show is a roller-coaster of quality, but thankfully this week we're at the top of one of the sections of the ride. Let's hope it stays up there until the finale.

Rating: 7 out of 10 (Very Good).