Monday, October 13, 2014

Breaking News: Civil War in the MCU? Robert Downey Jr. to appear in Captain America 3

           


SPOILERS FOR CIVIL WAR DOWN BELOW


       Robert Downey Jr. has just been confirmed to appear alongside Chris Evans in Captain America 3. According to an article published by Variety, Downey’s appearance would apparently bring the famous (or infamous in my opinion) Civil War storyline from the comics to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The announcement goes along with Marvel’s plans to reboot the Civil War arc into a miniseries in 2015.


       This also might confirm the rumors that Sony and Marvel are in talks to make a deal regarding Spider-Man. Spider-Man is one of they key players in the Civil War storyline, being one of the “casualties” (in a way; he doesn’t die) of the war. The confirmation of this arc might mean that Steve Rogers might die (we do already have crossbones), and Bucky will take on the role of Captain America (yay Buckycap).

       Marvel still hasn’t officially confirmed the arc, so maybe we’re completely overreacting. The movie is set to premiere on May 6, 2016. 

       Even so, I’m making a list of my problems with this announcement:



1. Key players and the Super Human Registration Act (SHRA):




       Contrary to popular belief (tumblr), Civil War isn’t just Cap vs. Iron Man. There are so many more important characters that are necessary into making the storyline into what it is. Also, the whole point of the Civil War was that Iron Man was in favor of the SHRA, where super humans had to register their secret identities to the government, and Cap was against. As of right now, there are 6 Avengers, whose identities were never secret, or are now as of the events in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Basically, why fight for the right of secret identities if there are none?

Some key players for the Civil War that aren’t currently in the MCU are:

· Spider-Man

· Ms. Marvel

· Mr. Fantastic

· Black Panther

· Luke Cage

· Wolverine

To know who was on what side, click on this link.



2. What about the Infinity Stones (Gems)?




       Since Captain America: The First Avenger, Marvel has been setting the stage for Thanos to be the villain in Avengers 3. We’ve been shown 3 Infinity Stones so far: The Tesseract (Cap I, The Avengers), The Aether (Thor 2), and The Orb (Guardians of the Galaxy). With Civil War taking the spotlight, it makes me wonder what’s going to happen to this arc.

       I trust Marvel and it’s continuity, and I know they won’t just throw this away, but I’m concerned as to how this is going to fit in with Civil War.



3. The Winter Soldier:





       At the end of Cap 2, Natasha (The Black Widow) hands Steve a file containing the facts of the Winter Soldier (a.k.a. Bucky) and it’s implied that Steve and Sam are going to go look for him. We know that Avengers 2 is going to be all about Ultron, and there hasn’t been any confirmation of the Winter Solider appearing in the movie, which means (or so I thought) that he’d be returning in Cap 3. 

       If Cap 3 is going to be about the Civil War, where does that leave Bucky? Will Steve die in the end like he did in the comics and leave the mantel of Cap to Bucky? Is Bucky even ready for that?



4. Steve and Tony’s relationship:


       One of the things that make the Civil War so great is the fact that Cap and Iron Man are at odds, and basically the only way it ends is by death. In the comics, Steve and Tony have been friends for years, best friends, and that friendship is what complicates the Civil War and makes everything (and everyone) emotional.

       In the MCU, we see how Steve and Tony don’t get along at the beginning of the Avengers, and even if they don’t hate each other by the time the movie ends, they’re not skipping across a meadow singing. If they do make Civil War, it won’t be as emotive or significant as in the comics. 



All that being said, I’m still not completely opposed to the idea and would definitely watch the movie (in a heartbeat). I’m very curious as to how this is going to happen, and all of the consequences that come due to it. 



If you have any comments regarding the news or suggestions to add to the list, write a comment down below or message us at our tumblr page.



Sources:






Thursday, October 9, 2014

Arrow Season 3 Premiere Review




       Finally, after five months of waiting (more like torture) Arrow is back! The season three premiere delivered so much story development and action that we’re having a hard time putting our thoughts into words. But here we go...

       The season starts with Team Arrow on a mission to stop an illegal shipment of RPG’s from leaving Starling City. We’re shown the usual team badassery, that includes Felicity directing behind the computer, Diggle high-speed driving, the Arrow running and flinging around with his new high-tech bow, but most importantly (and probably the whole purpose of the scene) we see Roy fully suited up in his awesome red hood and mask, showing off his new and impressive bow and arrow skills (seriously Oliver, you need an upgrade). They easily chase and take out the chump driving the truck, and we’re pleased to once again hear the Arrow’s famous one-liner “You have failed this city!” 

       Back at the Arrow Cave (insert Harley Quinn joke) a news reports shows that since the Arrow’s contribution to the city as a vigilante, crime rates have plummeted in the last five months. The team celebrates, “If we keep this up there’ll be only two types of criminals in Starling City - the ones we put away and the ones that are running scared!”. Apparently things are finally looking up for them! At least when it comes to criminals… So much in fact that Detective Lance gets promoted to Captain, and during a press conference, disbands the anti-vigilante taskforce. We learn that Oliver is broke now that he lost Queen Consolidated, and in effect is hoping to win it back at a board meeting where he’ll make his plea to be reinstated as CEO. Roy has earned the trust of everybody on the team and now patrols on his own, Diggle’s ex-wife/girlfriend, Lila, is 9 months pregnant and almost due, and Oliver realizes that he deserves to be happy and should ask Felicity out.

       Through flashbacks of Oliver’s time in Hong Kong, we see that he’s forced to stay, in communicated, and with his own life on the line, to serve A.R.G.U.S.’ Amanda Waller. Not a lot is explained, but we do get a cameo of Katana, who is married to one of Waller's employees, Maseo Yamashiro. After multiple escape attempts, Oliver is put in the care of the Yamashiro's and is told that he cannot escape because if he does, Waller will hurt the family.

       This episode’s villain is Count Vertigo, a new criminal who took ahold and modified the vertigo drug formula. This new formula shows you hallucinations of your greatest fear, while also creating an addiction to it. This new count has it out for the Arrow, and wastes no time in attempting to kill him. Unfortunately, he does so by shooting an rpg in the restaurant where Oliver was on his first date with Felicity. This all happened split seconds after Oliver has professing his love to her, and telling her that he was wrong about not being able to be with someone he could really care about because of what he does (RIP Olicity S03E01 - S03E01). Oliver realizes its not safe to pursue Felicity because he loses his focus and puts her and others in danger. The Arrow suits up, and along with Captain Lance, goes after Vertigo. During the confrontation the Arrow gets shot with the vertigo serum and realizes his biggest fear is himself - Oliver Queen, and Captain Lance has another heart attack. The team (including Sara - Black Canary!) regroups, tracks and locates Vertigo and takes him down before he could do anymore harm!

       There is also a new (and pretty) face in Starling City, and that is Dr.Ray Palmer (Brandon Routh; yeah, the guy who played Superman in 2005) who has his sights set on two things: Queen Consolidated and Felicity Smoak. After hacking into the company’s computers (Felicity unknowingly helped), he presented his vision for the future of the company and Starling City, and even proposes the name be changed to Star City (the actual name of the city in the comics). Regarding Felicity, Palmer is attempting to persuade her so she can come work for him, but Felicity is loyal to Oliver and turns him down. The Flash himself Barry Allen appears for like, five seconds, when he calls and asks Oliver for help, tying in the timeline of both shows. 

       The final scene is pretty gut-wrenching and surprising, and nobody was expecting it. After Sara helps Oliver with Vertigo (and his love life) she goes to visit Laurel. They agree to keep her visit a secret and have a quick conversation. When Laurel leaves, Sara is startled by an off-screen voice, and when she asks what they are doing in Starling City, she get’s shot with three arrows to the gut, causing her to fall over the edge of the building and right into the alley Laurel was walking in. The episode ends with Laurel crying over Sara’s body. 


-Isabel- 


       This episode went beyond my expectations, and created a perfect base for, possibly, the best season of Arrow so far... The hype is real! Personally, I basically enjoyed it all, and have little to no complains. I really liked how Roy was finally fitting into the team, and covering his own responsibilities - actually helping. And even though I ship Olicity, I’m glad and understand that they can’t be together. I guess I appreciate that the writers finally addressed the amorous tension between them... even if it was just to clarify that it’s not going to happen any time soon, or maybe not at all. I especially don’t mind because of the introduction of Ray Palmer, a possible distraction for Felicity… that attractive man… I’d say the only complaint I have was the villain, Vertigo, and just the fact that that damn drug keeps coming back. It’s been done, and it was slightly boring… but honestly the whole thing was overshadowed by everything else that was going on.

       I am so excited for this season, it has so many confirmed villains and cameos, and a very promising story arc that’s dark and gritty. Sara’s death has proven that anyone can die, no matter how awesome they potentially are. I honestly wasn’t bothered by Sara’s death (although slowly it’s sinking in that she was pretty cool), except the fact that it means Laurel is probably going to be Black Canary, and Laurel… well, let’s just say I don’t like her very much at all. I’m really interested to know who killed Sara and why, and the repercussions of her death (which will be partly addressed on next week’s episode!) I’m guilty of snooping through some forums, and it’s rumored that the primary suspects are Ra’s Al Ghul and Komodo. I honestly don’t think Ra’s Al Ghul’s first appearance would be this unsatisfying in terms of reveal and wow factor since he’s a big bad villain. I think his appearance will be more associated with his daughter and the repercussions of Sara’s death, and looking for revenge or something of the sort. 

       They have so much material to cover this season - Sara’s past with the league of assassins, her death and killer, Oliver’s time in Hong Kong, Thea’s disappearance, Laurel’s potential vigilante role, intertwining Flash into the mix... I don’t even know how they’re going to pull it off, but I’m so excited to find out. I also find it curious that they’re slowly making the series a lot more like the comics...

I give this episode a 9!


-Talia-


       This has been the longest recap we have written so far, but so much happened in the episode that we felt like no detail should be left out. I am honestly still in shock because that ending scrambled my brain, so I will try to be as coherent as possible. 

       First of all, the episode in general was amazing. I loved that Team Arrow is working as a very functional team and that their work is paying off in the betterment of Starling City. I remember thinking that last season’s reveal that Diggle was going to be a dad was too much and I had omitted it from my brain during the summer, but I feel like now it makes sense and it’s adorable. That being said, I’m terrified that Diggle’s role in Team Arrow will be diminished, because Diggle is resident team badass and he is the only one who manages to keep Ollie in line. As for the baddie of the week, when I heard that they were dealing with vertigo yet again, I literally rolled my eyes, but I do love being proved wrong, because the new effects of Count Vertigo’s formula brought a very interesting element to the table. Speaking of Count Vertigo, although I slightly enjoyed his predecessor, this guy was much better at the job. He was fun to watch, and his motivations and actions helped give the episode a good plot.

       I adored Ray Palmer, and jealous a Ollie is always fun to watch. I like the fact that in there is a breath of fresh air in the flashbacks, because after two seasons stuck in the Lian Yu, the show was in danger of getting repetitive. I'm curious about Oliver's history with Amanda Waller and I know we're going to be getting a lot of insight on her. Back in the present, I do think that Roy’s character needed more screen time, but I guess that if they had, the episode would’ve been too crowded. 

       Now to the part that I’ve been dreading since I started typing, but I guess I have to talk about Sara’s death. Not even in my wildest dreams did I think that they would kill Sara off. I don’t even know how to feel, I mean, Sara was such an amazing character (and much more than a love interest) who added depth to the show. It’s thanks to her that the League of Assassins is even in the picture. I really can’t come up with anything to talk about Sara right now, it’s too soon. 

       Anyway, the premiere was fantastic, and it foreshadows a very promising and successful season. I'm looking forward to Ra's Al Ghul (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and the rest of the new characters. 

Talia’s score: 9.5!



Geek Femme’s Overall Score: 9.3


Check out the trailer for next week’s episode below!




The Flash: Pilot Review


            The moment we were all waiting for finally arrived! The Flash premiered last night on the CW and it was well worth the wait. Consisting of a good plot, a good cast and awesome graphics, the debut of The Flash promises a bright future for the "Arrowverse". The fact is, the pilot episode exceeded all of the expectations and provided an entertaining episode that kept comic fans, Arrow fans, and new fans glued to the TV.

            The show starts with a quick glimpse into who Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) is. We’re taken back in time where Barry’s mother is murdered by a strange yellow and red mass, and how his father is accused of the crime. In present day, Barry is working for the Central City Police CSI, alongside his adoptive father, Detective Joe West (Jesse L. Martin). His best friend and kind of sister (and the love of his life) Iris West (Candice Patton) whisks him away from work to go to S.T.A.R. Labs (as seen in Arrow) so that he can witness Dr. Harrison Wells turn on a particle accelerator. After failing to stop a thief, Barry heads back to his lab and sees through the window how the particle accelerator is affected by the ongoing storm and explodes, creating the lightning bolt that strikes him. Nine months later, Barry wakes up in what’s left of S.T.A.R. Labs and finds out he’s been in a coma after being struck by lightning. After leaving the lab to reunite with his family, he discovers that the lightning gave him much more than abs.

         We later discover Barry isn't the only one affected by the particle accelerator explosion (GASP!). Among other meta-humans, appears this week's villian, Clyde Mardon, who got weather controlling powers and uses them to rob banks (yes, very cliché). After having a couple of existential crises about his powers and potencial dangers of other meta-humans, Barry (with the help of Oliver) realizes that he needs to become a hero in order to help Central City. If you ask me, it was pretty clear that Barry showed hero instincts throughout the episode, he only needed a little push and assurance.

           Inspired and decided, Barry suits up, with the help of S.T.A.R. labs, in order to stop Clyde Mardon. When Mardon creates a tornado that could destroy Central City, Barry has to run against it  to try to stop it. Through some failed attempts and determination, Barry clocks overdrive, faster than they ever thought he could go and unravels the tornado. He has a quick moment with Mardon, where they exchange the typical "I didn't know there were other like me..." and "I'm NOT like you.". Mardon points the gun at Barry, and Detective West shoots him before he could pull the trigger.

           After his victory, Barry goes to visit his father at the prison to assure him he knows he's innocent. The moment is quite sweet, to be honest. Barry tells him he's finding his way forward, and promises he's finally closing in on what or who killed his mother.

           The episode ends with Dr. Wells entering a secret room within S.T.A.R. Labs, where he stand off his wheelchair and walks over to a newspaper hologram which appears to be from the future. The newspaper hologram's headline is about Flash's disappearance in 2024. There is also a glimpse of a headline about a Wayne Enterprises/Queen Consolidated merger.

-Talia-

            I have to confess… I might have seen the episode when it leaked about two months ago. Nonetheless, I had absolutely no problem watching it again. At first, a lot of people were scared that Grant Gustin was way too young to be playing Barry, but I feel it’s safe to say he was the perfect choice. He was able to embody perfectly the smart, cheeky nerd that is Barry Allen, all while bringing a breath of fresh air into the character. As for the show, I loved the cast, I loved the dynamics between Barry and Iris; Barry and Joe West; Barry and his S.T.A.R. Labs caretakers… basically anything with Barry. The graphics in the show were also really good, and it’s kind of a relief that that part of it won’t suck. Nothing worse than a show that requires lots of graphics to have terrible graphics (*cough* Once Upon a Time *cough*). I loved all of the Easter eggs I was able to catch, and I’m sure comic fans are happy about those, and the faithfulness of the story.

            The only thing that comes to mind right now that I didn’t like was the villain. Arrow, the show’s counterpart,  has a history of good plot but crappy villains. Hopefully, the show improves on this. Another concern for me was Barry himself. I was scared that I wasn’t going to like Barry because the Flash I grew up with was Wally  West (Justice League was my childhood. I was very traumatized when I found out there was more than one Green Lantern and that they weren’t black) and the only knowledge I had of Barry was what I had seen in Young Justice (R.I.P.) and Flashpoint Paradox.

            In the end, Barry proved himself to me and to all of the fans. I’m very excited for what’s to come (especially the Arrow crossover episodes) and I hope the spark the show has doesn’t die.

Talia’s score: 8.5!!!!

P.S.


            I am VERY curious as to how Grodd is going to fit into this, I really am. (Marvel pulled off Rocket Raccoon, so, anything is possible).

-Isabel-

        I have really high hopes for The Flash series! The pilot definitely delivered a good opening, for me, and with the success of Arrow, I'm sure Flash is going to live up to the standards... maybe even surpass them? Who knows.

         I thoroughly enjoyed Grant Gustin's performance, like Talia said, he fit perfectly well with his scrawny, nerdy and adorably awkward persona. (Although Talia recently sent me a performance he did on Glee, and it's becoming hard to erase that from my mind now). I think the pilot makes an effective attempt at making you feel for Barry - his mother's death, his father's wrongful imprisonment and his unrequited love for Iris. All of which will keep developing throughout the story, promising us very good plots! (Not to mention the possible villains, and even allies.)

         Every scene sequence where Barry showcases his super speed powers was exciting for me, from the slow motion scene at the coffee shop to S.T.A.R lab's little experiments! It was just fun to watch. And that Arrow appearance! I think every Arrow fan can admit it was awesome.

I give it an 8.5 as well!!
         
Geek Femmes Overall Score: 8.5

Check out next week promo for episode 2, "The Fastest Man Alive".




Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Top 10 Arrow Moments

Happy Arrow week!



The day we've all been anxiously waiting for is so near we can almost taste the sweat on Stephen Amell's six pack abs as he flings around and beats criminals to a pulp - wait, no. You know what I mean...

In celebration of the season three premiere, we've counted down our top ten favorite moments thus far! This is going to be very hard, but here we go!


10. Felicity Smoak, the "bitch with wifi" (Season 2 Ep. 21)

       We know, it's just one line, in a seemingly filler episode, but that one line is able to capture the essence of Felicity's character. In the scene, Felicity and Diggle are interrogating one of Sebastian Blood's security guards, and her way of threatening someone is hitting them where it truly hurts: their wallets. The security dude gets angry and calls her a bitch, and she proudly states that, yes, she is a bitch, a bitch with wifi, meaning that with a single touch she can control him.


9. Comparing scars (Season 2 Ep. 14)


      This scene is just fun and silly. Felicity is absolutely awkward and adorable and her attempt at fitting in as the group compares battle scars - whether they're from grenades, bullets, or arrows - just embodies that, and makes you feel a little repeatable.

8. Shado's death (Season 2 Ep. 9)

       Since the first time she appeared, Shado was, in my opinion, a tremendous asset to the show. We all know there is a noticeable lack of good female characters in television, and Shado was the perfect mix of badass martial artist to caring friend. It's no surprise that both Slade and Oliver fall for her, and it's not just because she was pretty. That being said, her death, in my opinion, was something I did't see coming at all, but understand that it's a necessity towards the furthering of the plot (she kinda got fridged).  
        After Slade was injected with the Mirakuru to save his life but was presumed dead after no visible effect, Ivo captures Sara, Oliver and Shado, and gives Oliver an ultimatum. He has to choose between Sara and Shado, or they will both be killed. In the end, Oliver's history with Sara outweighs Shado's, and Ivo kills her. Although he's relieved Sara is okay, Oliver takes Shado's death personal, and years later he still felt the guilt of it.


7. Barry Allen: All of the Scenes!

     Barry Allen is basically the second cutest Oliver fangirl (after Felicity, of course) and every second of his performance makes you giddy for the premier of "The Flash"! 
The scene where we're teased about Barry Allen actually becoming the Flash is definitely the best. From the moment he walks into his lab, stepping on water puddles, with a storm brewing outside his window, you know whats going to go down!


6. Green Arrow vs. Dark Archer (Season 1 Ep. 9)

       One word: Ow! This moment definitely belongs on the list because of two things: Malcom Merlyn (even though he still hadn't been revealed at this point) showing off his amazing skills, and Oliver getting his ass kicked. The fight was intense from start to finish, and it just shows you how unprepared Oliver was for dealing with an archer much more skilled than him. We do know that in the long run, Oliver is victorious, but how about we just enjoy the moment when Merlyn defeats him.


5. Slade Wilson in Oliver's home chatting with Moira (Season 2 Ep. 15)


      Slade visits Oliver's home under the pretense of donating a sizable contribution to Moira's campaign. From the moment Moira says the words "Oliver, I'd like you to meet Slade Wilson." the tension builds up, and Oliver's face just tightens up completely. Slade blatantly shows Oliver how easily it is for him to impose in to his life - caressing Moira's shoulder, commenting about the accident and the island... He wanted to take Oliver by surprise, and surely piss him off, and it was obvious he achieved that. I love Slade as a villian, and moments like these, where he just flaunts his maliciousness just make my heart flutter. Also, he works that eye patch and accent!

4. Slade's Return (Season 2 Ep. 9)

       Throughout the start of the second season, we see Sebastian Blood claiming the public eye and commencing his campaign to be mayor of Starling City, and we know that he's working for someone. That someone is revealed to be Slade, who is seeking revenge on Oliver for letting Ivo kill Shado (by choosing Sara over her). This is the first time we see Slade donning the famed eyepatch, and he makes his intentions very clear. He doesn't want to kill Oliver, but instead thinks he's unworthy of death and deserves to suffer and see all of the people he loves suffer too (a promise he unfortunatley keeps).


3. Moira's death sacrifice (Season 2 Ep. 20)


     Oliver is forced to, once again, choose who lives and who dies between the two people he cares for most; his mother, Moira, and his sister, Thea. This time it was Slade who held the weapon against them, as revenge for Shado's death since he blamed Oliver for making the wrong choice that first time. The scene builds up tension since the moment they're in the limousine, and Moira is about to tell them Malcolm is Thea's biological father, when suddenly a car crashes against them. Oliver wakes up tied up and beside his crying mother and sister, while Slade, holding a gun, tells him he must make the right choice. The exchange contains a lot of screaming between those two, up until Moira stands up and sacrifices herself for her family - "There's only one way this night can end. We both know that... don't we, mister Wilson? Both my children will live." She says. Slade points the gun to her head and says "You posses true courage... I'm truly sorry you did not pass that on to your son." as he turns around, pulls out a sword and stabs her through the chest.

    Up until that point, I didn't appreciate Moira's character very much, you never knew for sure how good she actually was, but slowly she proved how much she loved her family and at that point she made the ultimate sacrifice for them - her own life. The scene is suspenseful and sad, but delivers

2. Tommy's death (Season 1 Ep. 23)

    We know what you're thinking, how could we possibly enjoy this scene? We didn't, but God, it was such a good scene. Oliver arrives at CNRI to look for Laurel, and learns that Tommy is inside, and when he tries to rescue him, he finds that Tommy's been impaled with a rebar, and well, they both accept his fate. In his last moments, Tommy makes sure to ask Oliver if Laurel is safe, if his father is alive (meaning if Oliver killed him, and he lies saying he didn't) and he reassure's Oliver that he's proud of him and that he's not a murderer. By the time the scene ends, Oliver and every person with a heart was crying, and Tommy dies.

     The reason this scene is so amazing is because Tommy's death impacts Oliver's life in a big way. In season one's opening theme, Oliver explains that the reason he's become "the Arrow" is for undoing his fathers death, but Tommy helps him realize that he's doing it for the wrong reasons. After Tommy dies, Oliver says in the opening theme that he's doing it for Tommy, and he's vowing to never kill again. Basically, the title of the episode "Sacrifice" is extremely appropriate.



1. Slade vs. Arrow (Season 2 Ep. 23)

    The epic final battle between Slade Wilson and Arrow in the season two finale. I don't even think I should explain why this is our top "Arrow" moment. The fact is, this scene was so incredible in how it was shot, how it was acted and ugh, just everything about this scene was perfect. It was a two in one package, with Oliver and Slade hashing it out in the past and present, and the transitioning between time was fantastic!

    In the past, Slade and Oliver are having their (seemingly) last fight aboard the Amazo (Professor Ivo's prison boat) and even though Oliver is getting his ass kicked by Slade, he takes the oportunity when Slade is incapacitated to put an arrow through his eye (and that's how it happened folks!). In present time, Oliver, having cured Slade from the Mirakuru, has to stop him before A.R.G.U.S. nukes Star City. At some point the fight is even, and as hardcore DC fans we didn't really want Slade to get defeated, but Oliver manages to subdue him and saves the city, concluding one of the greatest fight scenes in the history of anything. If you haven't seen it (dishonor on your cow), check out the scene down below!


BONUS!

If you haven't checked out Arrows bloopers, do it now! Turn out they're human too, and make pretty hilarious mistakes.

Season 1

Season 2

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Gotham: The Ballonman


      This week's episode revolved around the first vigilante taking the law into his own hands! The Balloonman targeted high profile and corrupted people in Gotham who held powerful positions. One by one he'd strap them to a weather balloon and off they floated away into the sky, to later fall dead (possibly on top of old ladies walking dogs - not cool!) In this episode we're shown different relationships between characters; Gordon and Bullock, Bruce and Alfred, Selina and Gordon, Barbara and Montoya... and they're almost all as satisfying as the next.

      Gordon and Bullock start to show a sort of chemistry, or rather functional working relationship that adds humor to the show, and a depth into Bullocks character. He's the kind of cop who gets dirty (when it benefits him of course) and knows his way around Gotham's streets, something that Gordon desperately lacks. As for Selina, this week we see her taking advantage of the information she holds over Gordon, and she's going to try and stretch that as long as necessary in order to not be sent upstate. Unfortunately for Gordon, this means that in order for him to keep his promise to Bruce, he's going to have to play along with Selina.

       Bruce and Alfred dynamic are certainly a favorite! We're shown as Alfred struggles to take care of Bruce, who doesn't even want to eat much anymore, and instead spends his time going over his parent's murder pictures looking for clues. Much of the episode hints at Bruce developing the interests that later will help him in becoming Batman. I've read and heard about people being a little annoyed at this, but I actually enjoy it. I understand how it feels like they're maybe trying too hard at foreshadowing Batman, and possibly even trying to use this as a technique to keep some people interested, but for me it's just a genuine look into Bruce's mind and development, and it honestly ends up being interesting and making us giddy!

    Meanwhile, Cobblepot is back in Gotham and brewing trouble - just slowly and steadily! He finds himself in desperate need of a job, and there's no better place to get back on your feet than at a restaurant that caters to famed mob boss Sal Maroni, who is Falcone's enemy. This gives Cobblepot an advantage to squirm his way back into Gotham's crime scene. The last thing we see in the episode is Oswald paying a very confused Gordon a house call, which brings to question, how the hell is Gordon talking his way out of this one?

-Talia-

       I'm really enjoying where they are going with Cobblepot's character, and I'm really looking forward to how Gordon is going to deal with him. I also adore the team dynamic between Gordon and Bullock, because it's giving them character development, while giving the show a comedic relief. Bruce and Alfred's "fight scene" was flat out adorable and it had me grinning from ear to ear for like five minutes. Another good dynamic was Gordon's and Selina's, but I have to agree with my brother with the fact that her presence in the show right now is unnecessary.

       One of the negatives to the episode would have to be Fish Mooney. I feel as though Jada is way overacting. Like, yes, we get it, for the past three episodes you have established that Falcone is going down. They really need to do something new with her character, because she got old real quick. Regarding the "villain" of the week, at first I was very confused because I though it was Professor Pyg but it turns out I was so very wrong. I enjoyed his M.O. mostly because it was hilarious, but I still think the show needs to up the villain game. I'm not asking for The Joker (they wouldn't dare to), but something that can make the show more interesting.

       I'm glad the show is getting better with every episode, and hope that in the end, they exceed all of our expectations.

I give the episode a 7.5

-Isabel-

    I really appreciated all the hints of Bruce's development to becoming Batman, and the story of the first vigilante - especially the moment these two intertwine and Bruce says "He killed people, he's a criminal too." (or something of the sort) CHILLS.

    In essence, I think this episode showed us that the people of Gotham are sick of the double-faced law that only protects those in high places, and turns it's head to people in need. I really hope more vigilantes continue popping up - sticking fear and insecurity in to those who thought they were safe, and bringing hope to those who thought they were defenseless.

   The series is definitely getting better, and I'm so happy about that. The final scene, where Cobblepot comes to Gordon's apartment ended the episode on a very good and suspenseful note! What's going to happen now?! I'll stay tuned.

I give it a 7.5!


Geek Femmes Overall Score: 7.5

Check out next week's promo for episode 4, "Arkham", below!


   

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Gotham: "Selina Kyle"

            


                  A new week, a new episode, and there are two words we have for it: much better. After last week’s clumsy and overcrowded episode, we’re glad that this week took a turn for the better, with an episode centered on Selina Kyle (or Cat, as she likes to be called). The plot revolved how Selina managed to escape from a super creepy pair of kidnappers that were targeting street kids. Another kid called Mackey (played by Kyle Massey a.k.a. Corey from That’s So Raven) also got away from the creeps, but not without being drugged and chased into a restaurant window. Detectives Bullock and Gordon are assigned to the case when the couple shot and killed a homeless man in the process of taking three street kids, and while interrogating Mackey, they discover that street kids are disappearing. They almost catch the creeps and but get to save the kids, and the city decides to rid the streets from runaways and sends them to foster care and/or juvie (depending on how pretty they are). This backfires when the creeps take one of the busses full of kids, including Selina, to the docks so they can be shipped out to the Dollmaker (tan tan taaan). In the end, Gordon and Bullock (kind of) save the kids and arrest the creeps. Also, while getting away from the baddies, scratches a guy’s eyes out. Penguin hitchhikes, gets picked up, kills one of the two guys in the car (the one that relates him to a penguin), rents a trailer and holds the other one hostage. Something different and interesting was that we got to meet his mother, a very (very) odd lady with a lot of love for her son. We also get to see Bruce being a masochist and Alfred having to turn to Gordon for help because he has absolutely no idea on how to raise a child. So, yeah, an interesting episode indeed.

-Talia-
            Like it’s mentioned before, this episode was muuuuuch better than the pilot. Contrary to the last episode, this week they managed not to overcrowd it. The plot was simple, the creepy baddies were creepy, not all that great, but still creepy, so, basically they did their part well. They found a good way to reference a character without it sounding weird, and we’re all looking forward to how they are going to develop the Dollmaker. The dynamic between Gordon and Bullock was much better, and I guess they’re just learning how to get along with each other.
            Regarding the “star” of the episode, I’m still a bit confused as to what they are trying to do with her character. They’ve made it clear that she’s going to be vital to the development of the show and her relationship with Gordon is important, but even with an episode centered on her, I’m still unclear. I do like the way she interacts with the other characters, specifically Gordon, and I’m very curious as to why she’s so interested in Bruce. Speaking of Bruce, what the hell is he doing? I didn’t think this kid was going to be a constant character in the show, and I can live on a Batman show with no Batman; so I feel like they’re trying to make him be a substitute for the fact that they can’t have Batman (maybe?). I also feel bad for Alfred, because in contrast to the nurturing and wise Alfred we’re used to seeing, this guy has absolutely no idea on how to raise a child. I mean, he was their butler, but he never planned on raising Bruce, and I think that’s why he’s so blunt and rough (but hey, at least he’s trying).
            As for Penguin, last week I wrote that I was very confused by his character. This week, I feel like instead of rushing things, his brief appearances teased how much he’s changed since the first episode, and how he’s ready to do whatever is necessary in order to get revenge. The scene where the Major Crimes detectives are at his mothers house show us the reason behind his odd behavior, and I actually want to see more into his past. The parts with Mooney and Falcone were in a way unnecessary for this episode, but probably necessary for others, and I feel like Mooney is biting off more than she can chew.
            In retrospect: although the villains of the week were, well, weak, they managed to be creepy and stir up quite a commotion in Gotham City. Selina Kyle still has me confused, but, again, she has potential to develop. Overall, it was waaaay better than last week, and if the show keeps improving, we might have a hit on our hands.

I would give it a 7.3 :)

P.S.
I love Barbara and she reminds me a lot of her daughter <3.

P.P.S.

I recently discovered alongside my mother how much Camren Bicondova (Selina Kyle) looks a lot like a young Michelle Pfeiffer, I mean, it’s creepy.