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matt_zimmerAlso reviews for the latest episodes of Mickey Mouse and Planes Shorts, The Looney Tunes Show, MAD, Transformers Prime, Ultimate Spider-Man, Futurama, the premiere of Under The Dome, Defiance, Cult, the Hannibal finale, 666 Park Avenue, and I'm playing catch-up with Power Rangers Mega Force.
Upcoming reviews include Doctor Who:Series 7 - Part 1, Doctor Who: The Snowmen, Doctor Who Series 7 - Part 2, Doctor Who: The Doctor's Revisisted 1-4, Monsters, Inc., Gargoyles: Season 2 - Volume 2, Talespin: Volume 3, Taz-Mania: Who Let The Taz Out?!, Duck Dodgers: Deep Space Duck, Young Justice Invasion: Game Of Illusions, Arrow: Season 1, Grimm: Season 2, and Star Trek Into Darkness (Blu-Ray).
Disney's Mickey Mouse "New York Weenie"
Mickey Mouse is NOT Ren and Stimpy. I really don't like these new shorts so far. They are the anti-thesis of everything Mickey stands for. True, Mickey wasn't always a goodie-goodie (as shown in the Floyd Gottfredson comic strips) but he wasn't a raving maniac either. Ick. **1/2.
Planes "El Chupacabra"
Saw this little promo before the Mickey Mouse short and thought I'd review it. It was okay. I look forward to the movie even if it isn't Pixar. ***.
The Looney Tunes Show "Shell Game / Wonderful Bugs"
Shell Game: I loathe Cecil so it was a real treat to see Bugs get the best of him at the end of the episode. I also really loved Daffy's story about why he was so attached to the recliner and how infuriated Bugs was when he FINALLY got over it just when Bugs got it back. Some funny jokes here (like Cecil looking like the Grinch) too. ****.
Wonderful Bugs: I don't need to see a musical number from Lola's father. Just...no. *.
Episode Overall: ****.
MAD "Jaws, The Great And Powerful / Off Their Spockers"
Note to Mad: Just because two titles can make a good pun, it doesn't mean they can make a good parody. There is literally NO good way to put Jaws and Oz together so the parody sucked. I also didn't like Off Their Spockers. I do NOT want to be reminded of Leonard Nimoy's mortality! As far as I'm concerned the dude should live to be 105. Psyduck was funny though as was the Tootsie Pop parody. **1/2.
MAD "Jacks The Giant Slayers / The Most Beautiful Voice"
The Flapjack slam was SO funny and I loved the Crate and Arrow sketch, particularly the trick mop arrow. I also loved the Little Mermaid sketch which actually followed the plot of the movie pretty well. ***1/2.
Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters "Evolution"
Starscream's idea was a great one (even Shockwave approved) and I can't believe Megatron didn't think of it himself. I guess Megatron WAS right to keep Starscream around.
I don't blame Megatron for not trusting the Predaking. I didn't buy his story that he wasn't keeping his secret from Megatron on purpose. Him spying on Starscream a few episodes back belies that theory.
The stuff with the Autobots was less successful and made me see this as a filler episode. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. Still, since this IS the best cartoon currently on TV it was still better than most other cartoons. ***1/2.
Ultimate Spider-Man "The Incredible Spider-Hulk"
Superb. This season has only been so-so but this was a rare highlight. They need to do more Marvel team-ups this year as the best episodes of season one were pretty much all of the team-ups. This year's team-ups have been less successful. Heck, even as good as this was I could of sworn I was watching a rerun for the first five minutes. The show has done a million cold openings like that before.
I like how Spidey was protecting Hulk all throughout the episode and learned that Hulk has it even harder than he does in the bad PR department. That was really cool. I also like how they upped Hulk's IQ a few points at the end although he was acting a bit smarter at the beginning of the episode too.
I enjoyed this. ****1/2.
Futurama "T: The Terrestrial"
Sorry, Futurama, not only did American Dad beat you to the punch but they did it a million times better. Reminds me of The Simpsons' "Reaper Madness" from Treehouse of Horror in being such a Johnny-Come-Lately. Bob's Burgers also did a better E.T. homage and that was also more in the spirit of the movie.
The Feces Pieces pellets being turds was predictable and the touching butts gag at the end was maddeningly stupid (at least Bender got upset for a good reason this time). There is nothing that will beat the kid throwing a ball into the shed on AD and Roger throwing a wine bottle out. Nothing.
And I'm sorry, but they didn't end the Omicron embargo at the end! How will Lrrr get to see his TV shows now? That's the most fun part of the character and they change it? Maybe they should just pretend this episode never happened. I know I will. *.
Futurama "Forty Percent Leadbelly"
I was bored with this. It was a bit better than the past three weeks but I think the show is starting to run out of ideas. I hate to say this but I think the show is past its prime and that it's a good thing this is the last season. I wouldn't be opposed to a feature film or DTV to wrap things up but I think the show has pretty much run its course. **1/2.
Under The Dome "Pilot"
I am not happy.
I am well aware that Under the Dome is hardly as iconic or famous a Stephen King novel as Carrie, 'Salem's Lot, The Dead Zone, The Shining, The Stand, It, or The Dark Tower and I can excuse some changes to the story. What I cannot excuse is the sinking feeling I get that the entire premise of the series will be completely watered down or changed so as not to offend delicate conservative sensibilities.
Under The Dome, the book, is a searing indictment of the Bush/Cheney Administration. There is nothing subtle about the parable or its paralells to real-world events. King is righteously p***ed off at that Adminstration's combination of incompetence and evil and doesn't mince words about how just a few people with bad intentions can destroy an entire country (or in this case town). This take's "even-handed" approach to the characters makes me feel a bit queasy.
Big Jim Rennie is quite possibly King's most outright evil, non-supernatural villain ever to spring out of his pen (or at least second to Annie Wilkes). He should NEVER be portrayed as someone even remotely likable or sympathetic. Yeah, we got a taste of his evil in one short scene in the Pilot. The rest of the time it almost seems like he has the town's best interest at heart. That is unacceptable. If anything he should be MEANER on the TV show because we don't have the book's narrator being able to convey what is going on in that warped mind of his. We need it explicitly spelled out right off the bat and the series completely sugar-coated it.
And I KNEW they'd water down Junior but keeping Angie alive was hardly the way to do it. Yeah, I doubt they could actually get into his "predilictions" on network television but it needs to be made clear at the outset that there is something seriously wrong with Junior's brain. MORE wrong with his brain than just being an abusive stalker. The guy is supposed to be a special level of crazy and the kid actor (way too young by the way) doesn't deliver. And I don't see HOW the series can reveal Junior has a tumor in his brain that makes him so sick since that plot point was only revealed to the reader in the book. And Junior and his father would NEVER hug or have a "Special moment" together. They can barely stand each other. In fact when they first share a scene together in the book Junior plans to kill his father when completely surprising circumstances change his mind at the last second. NONE of that is shown or even hinted at here.
And Barbie killing Julia's husband? Also unacceptable. Barbie may have been a slightly boring character in the book but that was the whole point. Rennie smeared and tried to destroy a completely innocent man to cover up his own crimes and enrich and empower himself. By making Barbie a murderer at the outset, no matter WHAT the circumstances turn out to be, any persecution Rennie gives him will seem borderline justified. Especially since he's keeping the truth from Julia. Under the Dome is not a story that needs "balance" to have us make up our own minds about the characters. There is nothing subtle about it and I resent the idea that the series will try to make it that way so as not to cheese off flyover country.
There were some changes that worked. Aging Joe to someone in his teens was smart because if the series DOES run more than a season he won't be sprouting up ten inches over the hiatus. Also smart was making Angie Joe's sister. That is an idea I'm surprised King didn't come up with himself.
I can also get with the producer's claims that the cause of the Dome will be something completely different from the book. Frankly, the cause of the Dome is pretty much irrelevent. If it weren't, King would have come up with a better explanation than (spoiler alert!) aliens. It's what the Dome DOES to the town that drives the action, not the other way around. So I think the series will do better to have a different cause as long as they don't turn it into the driving force of the story. I can get behind that.
But I can't help the sinking feeling in my stomach. Network gutlessness is surely going to water down the staunchly liberal message of the book which was the whole reason the book was written in the first place. King is an executive producer on the series which frankly surprises me. I know the guy doesn't mind loose adaptations but completely watering down and/or ignoring the main point of the entire story? I don't understand how he could be cool with that.
We'll see what happens. As of now, I'm not optimistic. **.
Under The Dome "The Fire"
No, no, no, NO! Big Jim Rennie CANNOT save the day! Rennie is INCOMPETENT. He isn't smart enough to think of that idea. Unless the series uses this moment to have the town explicitly trust him, Rennie just doing it as a one-off is the biggest mistake I can think of. Even if they do use it as a "Reichstag Fire" I think there are MANY better ways for him to assume power that don't make him look good.
Barbie's murder plot was even worse than I feared. It wasn't even self-defense. He went to that guy looking for trouble and he found it. Any persecution Rennie gives to him down the road is now justified. That is just plain wrong.
I know I am WAAAYYY harder on this show than I am Haven (which is arguably a lower quality production) but it's only because the stuff they are changing is for the worse. Far worse. And I tend to like the characters on Haven better too. These past two weeks haven't gotten the show off to a great start. *.
Under The Dome "Manhunt"
Better. Not perfect but I don't have too many objections this week. Still hate what they are doing with Barbie but everything else was okay.
The Simpsons Movie shout-out was BRILLIANT! That was a perfect in-joke.
Those homophobic barflies hint at the kind of place Chester's Mill is and exactly WHY it is ripe for Rennie's plucking. I was glad they had that scene even if the lesbian couple with a daughter wasn't in the book.
Did not care for the scene of Julia bonding with Junior. The kid who they got to play Junior is still WAAAAYYYY too young and not heavy like I always pictured him. He is no threat to Barbie whatsoever and that won't work.
The best episode so far. ***1/2.
Defiance "The Bride Wore Black"
I think I figured out why I don't like Datak. There is no subtley to his character and considering the way he carries himself there really should be. Stahma is the one with the brains in that family and it shows. I can't believe that nimrod won that election. He's no Gaius Baltar.
Surprised they killed off Nicolette. I figured her to be the Big Bad of if not the series then at least season one. Maybe they couldn't negotiate a better contract for Fionnola Flanagan?
Not bad. ***1/2.
Defiance "Past Is Prologue"
Great episode. The only thing that surprised me about Nolan's racist ratings caught on tape from years before was how unsurprised I was by them. I REALLY do not have a high opinion of the guy. And Amanda standing behind him after that? She deserved to lose the election if she is THAT politically stupid.
The thing that disappointed me most about Stahma wasn't the fact that she betrayed Kenya. It's that she supposedly loves her husband for his wicked mind. Now, on some sick level that may be true. But Stahma is FAR smarter and crueler than her idiot husband and her elevating such a crass cretin really does her no favors in comparison. It makes her sound whipped, when really SHE should be the one doing the whipping. It lowered my opinion of HER considerably.
Say one thing for Nolan: he's a smart fighter. He knew he couldn't whip Datak's ninja moves in an open area so he closed them both in. Nice.
Can't wait for next week. ****1/2.
Defiance "Everything Is Broken"
I had previously predicted Doc Yool would be the person killed off in the finale but the second Kenya said her goodbyes to Amanda I knew it was her. Stahma really isn't as smart as I previously gave her credit for. See the idiotic murder Datak commited and is now on the hook for. She just gave up potential happiness for guaranteed misery. Datak is a moron. At least it looks like he won't actually be mayor next season.
Knew Irisa would cure Nolan with her alien powers. They did the same thing with Rose and Captain Jack in the first season finale of Doctor Who.
This was a very good finale. ****1/2.
Cult "The Devil You Know"
It seemed to me to be about the right time to kill off Rosalyn Saklik. There was only so much they could do with her.
I'm a bit surprised the Cult leader despises Roger Reeves. Maybe Roger wouldn't have been as untouchable as I would have though had the series continued.
Decent. ***.
Cult "Off To See The Wizard"
I knew that probably wasn't Steven Rae but it still was a disappointment (albiet a predictable one) when he turned out to be a fake. I bet if we DO see Rae in the season/series finale they'll hire a "name" to play him. But I fully expect them to pull a Sydney Bristow "Mom?" moment in the finale. Grimm did the same thing but at least it was renewed.
I wish they hadn't canceled this show. It had potential. ***1/2.
Cult "The Prophecy Of St. Clare"
Wow, this gave me some answers I didn't expect. And considering how predictable this show usually is, that really impressed me.
Didn't expect Roger and Kirsten/Stuart to flame out so quickly and spectacularly. They tried buying it back a bit in the next episode but I still think that even if Reeves is thinking with his "Lil' Roger" regarding Kirstie that he still will never trust Stuart again.
Loved the cat and mouse game Nate was playing with Jeff and his captors. It was so well done I'm saddened that they didn't get away with it in the next episode.
Good one. ****.
Cult "Flip The Script"
Roger is SUCH a tool. My God, how he could forgive Kirstie for that no matter WHAT the sob story boggles the mind. I didn't think he was exactly stupid but I think I was wrong about that. I love him smashing the car windshield. Even when playing a normalish guy Robert Knepper is freaking scary!
Best part about the episode was Skye getting freaked out that actual guns were fired. Ever notice in every other action/sci-fi/thriller show gunplay is no big deal? In the real world that would freak somebody the eff out. I admired Buffy The Vampire Slayer's gunplay stance for the same reason.
I figured Jeff and Skye would lose the book but Stuart finding out Nate helped them makes it even worse. He lost his one bargaining chip. Bummer.
The series seems to be heading towards a Big Sci-Fi Idea of television turning people into slaves and using it to controll the masses. Wouldn't it be interesting had the series continued to find out Stephen Rae was searching for this universe's version of The Anti-Life Equation? Answer: yes.
On the TV show: loved the revelation it was Meadow's parents' killer that she tortured last episode. I would totally watch a regular TV show about Billy Grimm.
And I freaking LOVE Micheal Hogan. That is all.
Pretty dang great. ****1/2.
Hannibal "Savoureux"
Well that changes things. Graham will obviously not being going to prison next season but him believing rightly that Hannibal is the real killer will change up the dynamic of the show. And Lecter's therapist obviously knows WAAAYYY more than she lets on. In fact I'm betting she's complicit in a few ways too.
I have never thought of Jack Crawford as stupid but this version might be changing my mind about that. We'll see.
If this WAS a gamechanger I loved it. If they buy it back in the premiere I won't. ****.
666 Park Avenue "The Comfort Of Death"
Louise's confession to Alexis was the most interesting part of the episode for me. I was having a bit of a hard time getting back into this after so many months but that really helped.
Predictions: My guess that Jane would NOT have an affair with Cooper was right. But my prediction that he was working for Gavin was wrong.
Henry is the biggest tool alive. Dave Annable has made a career of playing tools so this is not unexpected.
Better than you'd think. ***1/2.
666 Park Avenue "Sins Of The Father"
Sasha is really incompetent. I saddened that this is her last episode but since the show is canceled we didn't really need her anymore anyways.
Henry is SUCH a stupid tool. Unfortunately that just means that the audience cannot buy him as a rising politician at all. He's too dumb.
About the only REALLY interesting thing for me was the stuff with Jane trying to undercover the mysteries of the Drake. That was probably the most successful thing about the series. ***.
666 Park Avenue "The Elysian Fields"
The stuff with Jane and the Conspirati (WTF?!) was pretty great and I was pleased at what Cooper's backstory actually turned out to be. But that was a BLEAK ending.
I was totally shocked when they killed off Alexis like that. Because of the summer burn-off they didn't even tease it in promos so it seemed to come out of nowhere. Well played, writers.
I liked the scene between Henry and Jane's father. I love William Sadler.
Let's hope next week's finale isn't TOO much of a cliffhanger. ***1/2.
Power Rangers Mega Force "Mega Mission"
Pretty stupid. Super Samurai wasn't as dumb as this. Every single thing about it was a cliche. How on Earth can the Rangers be reciting their oaths so flawlessly and in unison the first time out? That's always bugged me.
Good things? It looks like we will be getting a TON of old Rangers (see the massive battle scene in the theme song). The bad news is that I'm not sure they will bother bringing in the old actors.
Lame. **.
Power Rangers Mega Force "Going Viral"
This show is so stupid. Explain to me like I'm dumb how possibly violently taking an axe to a rock structure and having it rain down on the people inside will save and free them and NOT wind up as an Angel Grove version of 9/11. Talk slow, if you must.
On the plus side it's refreshing that some of the Rangers themselves are goofy and are part of the unfunny slapstick. The old Rangers were so freaking boring so that's at least is a step up. **.
Power Rangers Mega Force "United We Stand"
This show REALLY hasn't improved all that much twenty years later. I'm kind of embarrassed I'm dipping back into it. At least the old show was SO bad I could enjoy it on a campy level. This is JUST decent enough to be boring and not worth watching. **.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Season 3
I said in my last review that the series was all downhill after Jason left and I was right. I didn't see all of these episodes over the air but they were just as mediocre as I remembered. The multi-parters weren't bad or anything but none of them were gamechangers. Even the annoying series ending cliffhanger was bad by the show's former standards.
Some things to note this season:
- I will forever miss Kimberly. Thanks to Amy Jo Johnson for giving the kids in the audience a proper goodbye (the only original Ranger to do so).
- Skull and Kimberly's burgeoning friendship was great and I was bummed we didn't get a goodbye scene between the two.
- I can't decide WHY I like Bulk and Skull as Junior Cops. Is it for the positive message that they are growing as people and settling into young adult lives? Or the unintentional negative message that all bullies are secretly Authoritarians? Hmmm.
- Rito Repulso is the laziest the character designers have ever been.
- I still don't like Rocky, Aisha or Adam that much. I forgot to make this joke in my last review but in the episode last season where Zordon praises their skills and worthiness to be Rangers I couldn't help but think to myself that they were Rangers for the same reason Greg Brady was Johnny Bravo: they fit the suit. Kat follows this mold too but at least she has a colorful origin (and Catherine Sutherland is super hot).
- They finally properly creditted Jason Narvy and Paul Schrier and Skull and Bulk. I can't believe it took them so long to do that after an entire season of screwing it up.
- Ninjor is this series' Jar-Jar Binks. He's immediately a nuisance. I'd say the show jumped the shark with him but that ship sailed a long time ago. This series easily has the most amount of shark jumps I've ever seen with it getting progressively worse as it goes on (although I don't watch Pokemon so I could be wrong).
- One way this series improved this season: they have managed to make the Japanese and U.S. footage fit together more seamlessly. Before it seemed like this was two different shows clumsily editted together but now it feel like one. Some of the monsters (like the Taxi monster) even have English writing on them and Rita interacts with the main cast more. This is the first time they've done that.
The only really great episodes this year are "Changing Of The Zords, Part III" (for the conga party), and "Ninja Quest Part III" for Bulk and Skull's haircuts. Worst episodes are the Rocky football one (Fourth Down And Long) and the Patridge Family one (Sound Of Dischordia). Season Overall: **1/2.
A Friend In Need, Part I:
Masked Rider crossover! I'm get into my feelings on Dex in the next episode (we don't really see him much here) but the episode isn't bad. ***.
A Friend In Need, Part II:
That guy who plays the Masked Rider is terrible. I can see why the show didn't last very long. Dex is such a morose drip that there is nothing to root for about him. As for the costumed fights on Edenoi I'm reminded of what Hobbes from Calvin And Hobbes stated about Japanese rubber monster films: "And they say foreign film is inaccesible." ***.
A Friend In Need, Part III:
Decent conclusion. Not much more to say on the subject. I'm loving the Blooper Reels in the end credits though. ***. Three Part Average: ***.
Ninja Quest, Part I:
This episode kicks Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie directly out of Power Rangers canon. I'm okay with that. Rito seems to be channeling a bit of Micheal Keaton's Beetlejuice. ***1/2.
Ninja Quest, Part II:
Ninjor is a grade A annoyance. Can't believe they made a character this stupid. Well, actually I can. **1/2.
Ninja Quest, Part III:
Bulk And Skull's haircuts were the highlight of the season. I know that sounds bad but it is SUCH a fun scene. I have never enjoyed watching someone getting shorn more. ****1/2.
Ninja Quest, Part IV
Ho hum. Not that great. **1/2. Four Part Average. ***1/2.
A Brush With Destiny:
God bless Amy Jo Johnson. She gave the creators plenty of notice ahead of time that she was leaving so that they could devise a proper send-off arc. Kimberly is awesome! ***.
Passing The Lantern:
So-so. **1/2.
Wizard For A Day:
Is "trading places with you teacher day" even a real thing? It sounds like a totally made up idea like when they seperated Springfield Elementary based on gender on a recent episode of The Simpsons. It's basically bases an entire plot around a problem that doesn't actually exist. **.
Fourth Down And Long:
I never liked Rocky but that may be because he replaced Jason. His spotlights DID tend to suck though. *.
Stop The Hate Master, Part I:
This didn't need to be two parts. At all. **.
Stop The Hate Master, Part II:
Seriously. At all. **. Two Part Average: **.
Final Face-Off:
Those "stolen face" masks are probably the cheapest looking prop of the season. I can't get horrified by plaster of Paris. **.
The Potion Notion:
Am I the only one who is REALLY happy with the idea that Lord Zedd is no longer under Rita's spell and that he actually loves her? I am, aren't I? Take note: Bulk macking on Aisha is pretty much the first interracial "romance" the series has ever done. By the way, I REALLY love the friendship between Skull and Kimberly this episode. In the first couple of seasons Kim wouldn't have really cared that she hurt Skull's feelings but here she was decent enough to apologize to him. Good message for kids. ****.
I'm Dreaming Of A White Ranger:
Sappy, but that's this show. ***.
A Ranger Catastrophe, Part I:
Cat has hands-down the most interesting origin of any of the Power Rangers including Tommy. That said, I will never be a shipper between her and Tommy. Tommy and Kimberly 4Eva! ***1/2.
A Ranger Catastrophe, Part II:
Rare group of episodes where Zedd and Rita pull off wins. Refreshing change of pace. ***1/2. Two-Part Average: ***1/2.
Changing Of The Zords, Part I:
I hate it that they powered down Kimberly for her last few episodes but I'm guessing that's what happened to the Pink Ranger on the Japanese show so the writers were stuck. Oh well. At least we got rid of Ninjor for awhile ***.
Changing Of The Zords, Part II:
Lord Zedd in the Command Chamber! Excellent cliffhanger. The show was great at those. ****1/2.
Changing Of The Zords, Part III:
That monsters party was hilarious. I love seeing Zedd and company dancing the conga. ****. Three Part Average: ***1/2.
Follow That Cab:
I'm SO becoming a Skull and Kimberly shipper. A FRIENDshipper but all the same. ***1/2.
A Different Shade Of Pink, Part I:
This is why they should never hook up Tommy and Kat. She's pretty much the other woman and she shouldn't get her way with Tommy. Good cliffhanger though. ***.
A Different Shade Of Pink, Part II:
I liked the second part a little better than the first. ***1/2.
A Different Shade Of Pink, Part III:
Did I mention Amy Jo Johnson is awesome? It was SO nice of her to give the kids and the fans one last Kimberly arc. Most Power Rangers don't leave so gracefully. One thing bugs: I wish we had gotten a goodbye scene between her and Bulk and Skull. She was the closest to them of all of the Rangers (especially to Skull) and that fact shouldn't have been ignored. ****. Three Part Average: ***1/2.
Rita's Pita:
All of that food was disgusting. Sent the proper message, this episode did. ***1/2.
Another Brick In The Wall:
Imagine if Floory from Pee-Wee's Playhouse broke loose and went on a rampage (which is weirdly one of my greatest fears from that show). That's this episode in a nutshell. ***1/2.
A Chimp In Charge:
The chimp is cute but I'm always leery of having animals work on TV shows. I guess it's okay for dogs and cats but I've heard horror stories about other kinds of animals, Humane Society watching or not. **1/2.
Master Vile And The Metallic Armor, Part I:
Does it bug anyone else that neither Rita, Rito, or Vile look anything alike? SUCH laziness on the monster designer's part. I'm reminded of Tom Tucker's query to the Huxtables on Family Guy: "So how come none of you are the same shade of brown?" I know. I'm terrible. ****.
Master Vile And The Metallic Armor, Part II:
Worst. Action Figure Variants. EVER. ***1/2.
Master Vile And The Metallic Armor, Part III:
Well, they finally rescued Ninjor. I can't tell if I'm happy about that. ***. Three Part Average: ***1/2.
The Sound Of Discordia:
I hate the "Rangers As Pop Stars" episodes. They are neither the Brady Bunch nor the Partridge Family. And the series' original songs are terrible. *.
Rangers In Reverse:
Worst cliffhanger ever. Stings that it's the series finale. True they resolved it later but the show starting to do season ending cliffhangers bugged me. The episode wasn't TOO bad though even if the problem it set up in the last scene was stupid and had been done before. ***.
DVD Menus: Animated. ***1/2.
Upcoming reviews include Doctor Who:Series 7 - Part 1, Doctor Who: The Snowmen, Doctor Who Series 7 - Part 2, Doctor Who: The Doctor's Revisisted 1-4, Monsters, Inc., Gargoyles: Season 2 - Volume 2, Talespin: Volume 3, Taz-Mania: Who Let The Taz Out?!, Duck Dodgers: Deep Space Duck, Young Justice Invasion: Game Of Illusions, Arrow: Season 1, Grimm: Season 2, and Star Trek Into Darkness (Blu-Ray).
Disney's Mickey Mouse "New York Weenie"
Mickey Mouse is NOT Ren and Stimpy. I really don't like these new shorts so far. They are the anti-thesis of everything Mickey stands for. True, Mickey wasn't always a goodie-goodie (as shown in the Floyd Gottfredson comic strips) but he wasn't a raving maniac either. Ick. **1/2.
Planes "El Chupacabra"
Saw this little promo before the Mickey Mouse short and thought I'd review it. It was okay. I look forward to the movie even if it isn't Pixar. ***.
The Looney Tunes Show "Shell Game / Wonderful Bugs"
Shell Game: I loathe Cecil so it was a real treat to see Bugs get the best of him at the end of the episode. I also really loved Daffy's story about why he was so attached to the recliner and how infuriated Bugs was when he FINALLY got over it just when Bugs got it back. Some funny jokes here (like Cecil looking like the Grinch) too. ****.
Wonderful Bugs: I don't need to see a musical number from Lola's father. Just...no. *.
Episode Overall: ****.
MAD "Jaws, The Great And Powerful / Off Their Spockers"
Note to Mad: Just because two titles can make a good pun, it doesn't mean they can make a good parody. There is literally NO good way to put Jaws and Oz together so the parody sucked. I also didn't like Off Their Spockers. I do NOT want to be reminded of Leonard Nimoy's mortality! As far as I'm concerned the dude should live to be 105. Psyduck was funny though as was the Tootsie Pop parody. **1/2.
MAD "Jacks The Giant Slayers / The Most Beautiful Voice"
The Flapjack slam was SO funny and I loved the Crate and Arrow sketch, particularly the trick mop arrow. I also loved the Little Mermaid sketch which actually followed the plot of the movie pretty well. ***1/2.
Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters "Evolution"
Starscream's idea was a great one (even Shockwave approved) and I can't believe Megatron didn't think of it himself. I guess Megatron WAS right to keep Starscream around.
I don't blame Megatron for not trusting the Predaking. I didn't buy his story that he wasn't keeping his secret from Megatron on purpose. Him spying on Starscream a few episodes back belies that theory.
The stuff with the Autobots was less successful and made me see this as a filler episode. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. Still, since this IS the best cartoon currently on TV it was still better than most other cartoons. ***1/2.
Ultimate Spider-Man "The Incredible Spider-Hulk"
Superb. This season has only been so-so but this was a rare highlight. They need to do more Marvel team-ups this year as the best episodes of season one were pretty much all of the team-ups. This year's team-ups have been less successful. Heck, even as good as this was I could of sworn I was watching a rerun for the first five minutes. The show has done a million cold openings like that before.
I like how Spidey was protecting Hulk all throughout the episode and learned that Hulk has it even harder than he does in the bad PR department. That was really cool. I also like how they upped Hulk's IQ a few points at the end although he was acting a bit smarter at the beginning of the episode too.
I enjoyed this. ****1/2.
Futurama "T: The Terrestrial"
Sorry, Futurama, not only did American Dad beat you to the punch but they did it a million times better. Reminds me of The Simpsons' "Reaper Madness" from Treehouse of Horror in being such a Johnny-Come-Lately. Bob's Burgers also did a better E.T. homage and that was also more in the spirit of the movie.
The Feces Pieces pellets being turds was predictable and the touching butts gag at the end was maddeningly stupid (at least Bender got upset for a good reason this time). There is nothing that will beat the kid throwing a ball into the shed on AD and Roger throwing a wine bottle out. Nothing.
And I'm sorry, but they didn't end the Omicron embargo at the end! How will Lrrr get to see his TV shows now? That's the most fun part of the character and they change it? Maybe they should just pretend this episode never happened. I know I will. *.
Futurama "Forty Percent Leadbelly"
I was bored with this. It was a bit better than the past three weeks but I think the show is starting to run out of ideas. I hate to say this but I think the show is past its prime and that it's a good thing this is the last season. I wouldn't be opposed to a feature film or DTV to wrap things up but I think the show has pretty much run its course. **1/2.
Under The Dome "Pilot"
I am not happy.
I am well aware that Under the Dome is hardly as iconic or famous a Stephen King novel as Carrie, 'Salem's Lot, The Dead Zone, The Shining, The Stand, It, or The Dark Tower and I can excuse some changes to the story. What I cannot excuse is the sinking feeling I get that the entire premise of the series will be completely watered down or changed so as not to offend delicate conservative sensibilities.
Under The Dome, the book, is a searing indictment of the Bush/Cheney Administration. There is nothing subtle about the parable or its paralells to real-world events. King is righteously p***ed off at that Adminstration's combination of incompetence and evil and doesn't mince words about how just a few people with bad intentions can destroy an entire country (or in this case town). This take's "even-handed" approach to the characters makes me feel a bit queasy.
Big Jim Rennie is quite possibly King's most outright evil, non-supernatural villain ever to spring out of his pen (or at least second to Annie Wilkes). He should NEVER be portrayed as someone even remotely likable or sympathetic. Yeah, we got a taste of his evil in one short scene in the Pilot. The rest of the time it almost seems like he has the town's best interest at heart. That is unacceptable. If anything he should be MEANER on the TV show because we don't have the book's narrator being able to convey what is going on in that warped mind of his. We need it explicitly spelled out right off the bat and the series completely sugar-coated it.
And I KNEW they'd water down Junior but keeping Angie alive was hardly the way to do it. Yeah, I doubt they could actually get into his "predilictions" on network television but it needs to be made clear at the outset that there is something seriously wrong with Junior's brain. MORE wrong with his brain than just being an abusive stalker. The guy is supposed to be a special level of crazy and the kid actor (way too young by the way) doesn't deliver. And I don't see HOW the series can reveal Junior has a tumor in his brain that makes him so sick since that plot point was only revealed to the reader in the book. And Junior and his father would NEVER hug or have a "Special moment" together. They can barely stand each other. In fact when they first share a scene together in the book Junior plans to kill his father when completely surprising circumstances change his mind at the last second. NONE of that is shown or even hinted at here.
And Barbie killing Julia's husband? Also unacceptable. Barbie may have been a slightly boring character in the book but that was the whole point. Rennie smeared and tried to destroy a completely innocent man to cover up his own crimes and enrich and empower himself. By making Barbie a murderer at the outset, no matter WHAT the circumstances turn out to be, any persecution Rennie gives him will seem borderline justified. Especially since he's keeping the truth from Julia. Under the Dome is not a story that needs "balance" to have us make up our own minds about the characters. There is nothing subtle about it and I resent the idea that the series will try to make it that way so as not to cheese off flyover country.
There were some changes that worked. Aging Joe to someone in his teens was smart because if the series DOES run more than a season he won't be sprouting up ten inches over the hiatus. Also smart was making Angie Joe's sister. That is an idea I'm surprised King didn't come up with himself.
I can also get with the producer's claims that the cause of the Dome will be something completely different from the book. Frankly, the cause of the Dome is pretty much irrelevent. If it weren't, King would have come up with a better explanation than (spoiler alert!) aliens. It's what the Dome DOES to the town that drives the action, not the other way around. So I think the series will do better to have a different cause as long as they don't turn it into the driving force of the story. I can get behind that.
But I can't help the sinking feeling in my stomach. Network gutlessness is surely going to water down the staunchly liberal message of the book which was the whole reason the book was written in the first place. King is an executive producer on the series which frankly surprises me. I know the guy doesn't mind loose adaptations but completely watering down and/or ignoring the main point of the entire story? I don't understand how he could be cool with that.
We'll see what happens. As of now, I'm not optimistic. **.
Under The Dome "The Fire"
No, no, no, NO! Big Jim Rennie CANNOT save the day! Rennie is INCOMPETENT. He isn't smart enough to think of that idea. Unless the series uses this moment to have the town explicitly trust him, Rennie just doing it as a one-off is the biggest mistake I can think of. Even if they do use it as a "Reichstag Fire" I think there are MANY better ways for him to assume power that don't make him look good.
Barbie's murder plot was even worse than I feared. It wasn't even self-defense. He went to that guy looking for trouble and he found it. Any persecution Rennie gives to him down the road is now justified. That is just plain wrong.
I know I am WAAAYYY harder on this show than I am Haven (which is arguably a lower quality production) but it's only because the stuff they are changing is for the worse. Far worse. And I tend to like the characters on Haven better too. These past two weeks haven't gotten the show off to a great start. *.
Under The Dome "Manhunt"
Better. Not perfect but I don't have too many objections this week. Still hate what they are doing with Barbie but everything else was okay.
The Simpsons Movie shout-out was BRILLIANT! That was a perfect in-joke.
Those homophobic barflies hint at the kind of place Chester's Mill is and exactly WHY it is ripe for Rennie's plucking. I was glad they had that scene even if the lesbian couple with a daughter wasn't in the book.
Did not care for the scene of Julia bonding with Junior. The kid who they got to play Junior is still WAAAAYYYY too young and not heavy like I always pictured him. He is no threat to Barbie whatsoever and that won't work.
The best episode so far. ***1/2.
Defiance "The Bride Wore Black"
I think I figured out why I don't like Datak. There is no subtley to his character and considering the way he carries himself there really should be. Stahma is the one with the brains in that family and it shows. I can't believe that nimrod won that election. He's no Gaius Baltar.
Surprised they killed off Nicolette. I figured her to be the Big Bad of if not the series then at least season one. Maybe they couldn't negotiate a better contract for Fionnola Flanagan?
Not bad. ***1/2.
Defiance "Past Is Prologue"
Great episode. The only thing that surprised me about Nolan's racist ratings caught on tape from years before was how unsurprised I was by them. I REALLY do not have a high opinion of the guy. And Amanda standing behind him after that? She deserved to lose the election if she is THAT politically stupid.
The thing that disappointed me most about Stahma wasn't the fact that she betrayed Kenya. It's that she supposedly loves her husband for his wicked mind. Now, on some sick level that may be true. But Stahma is FAR smarter and crueler than her idiot husband and her elevating such a crass cretin really does her no favors in comparison. It makes her sound whipped, when really SHE should be the one doing the whipping. It lowered my opinion of HER considerably.
Say one thing for Nolan: he's a smart fighter. He knew he couldn't whip Datak's ninja moves in an open area so he closed them both in. Nice.
Can't wait for next week. ****1/2.
Defiance "Everything Is Broken"
I had previously predicted Doc Yool would be the person killed off in the finale but the second Kenya said her goodbyes to Amanda I knew it was her. Stahma really isn't as smart as I previously gave her credit for. See the idiotic murder Datak commited and is now on the hook for. She just gave up potential happiness for guaranteed misery. Datak is a moron. At least it looks like he won't actually be mayor next season.
Knew Irisa would cure Nolan with her alien powers. They did the same thing with Rose and Captain Jack in the first season finale of Doctor Who.
This was a very good finale. ****1/2.
Cult "The Devil You Know"
It seemed to me to be about the right time to kill off Rosalyn Saklik. There was only so much they could do with her.
I'm a bit surprised the Cult leader despises Roger Reeves. Maybe Roger wouldn't have been as untouchable as I would have though had the series continued.
Decent. ***.
Cult "Off To See The Wizard"
I knew that probably wasn't Steven Rae but it still was a disappointment (albiet a predictable one) when he turned out to be a fake. I bet if we DO see Rae in the season/series finale they'll hire a "name" to play him. But I fully expect them to pull a Sydney Bristow "Mom?" moment in the finale. Grimm did the same thing but at least it was renewed.
I wish they hadn't canceled this show. It had potential. ***1/2.
Cult "The Prophecy Of St. Clare"
Wow, this gave me some answers I didn't expect. And considering how predictable this show usually is, that really impressed me.
Didn't expect Roger and Kirsten/Stuart to flame out so quickly and spectacularly. They tried buying it back a bit in the next episode but I still think that even if Reeves is thinking with his "Lil' Roger" regarding Kirstie that he still will never trust Stuart again.
Loved the cat and mouse game Nate was playing with Jeff and his captors. It was so well done I'm saddened that they didn't get away with it in the next episode.
Good one. ****.
Cult "Flip The Script"
Roger is SUCH a tool. My God, how he could forgive Kirstie for that no matter WHAT the sob story boggles the mind. I didn't think he was exactly stupid but I think I was wrong about that. I love him smashing the car windshield. Even when playing a normalish guy Robert Knepper is freaking scary!
Best part about the episode was Skye getting freaked out that actual guns were fired. Ever notice in every other action/sci-fi/thriller show gunplay is no big deal? In the real world that would freak somebody the eff out. I admired Buffy The Vampire Slayer's gunplay stance for the same reason.
I figured Jeff and Skye would lose the book but Stuart finding out Nate helped them makes it even worse. He lost his one bargaining chip. Bummer.
The series seems to be heading towards a Big Sci-Fi Idea of television turning people into slaves and using it to controll the masses. Wouldn't it be interesting had the series continued to find out Stephen Rae was searching for this universe's version of The Anti-Life Equation? Answer: yes.
On the TV show: loved the revelation it was Meadow's parents' killer that she tortured last episode. I would totally watch a regular TV show about Billy Grimm.
And I freaking LOVE Micheal Hogan. That is all.
Pretty dang great. ****1/2.
Hannibal "Savoureux"
Well that changes things. Graham will obviously not being going to prison next season but him believing rightly that Hannibal is the real killer will change up the dynamic of the show. And Lecter's therapist obviously knows WAAAYYY more than she lets on. In fact I'm betting she's complicit in a few ways too.
I have never thought of Jack Crawford as stupid but this version might be changing my mind about that. We'll see.
If this WAS a gamechanger I loved it. If they buy it back in the premiere I won't. ****.
666 Park Avenue "The Comfort Of Death"
Louise's confession to Alexis was the most interesting part of the episode for me. I was having a bit of a hard time getting back into this after so many months but that really helped.
Predictions: My guess that Jane would NOT have an affair with Cooper was right. But my prediction that he was working for Gavin was wrong.
Henry is the biggest tool alive. Dave Annable has made a career of playing tools so this is not unexpected.
Better than you'd think. ***1/2.
666 Park Avenue "Sins Of The Father"
Sasha is really incompetent. I saddened that this is her last episode but since the show is canceled we didn't really need her anymore anyways.
Henry is SUCH a stupid tool. Unfortunately that just means that the audience cannot buy him as a rising politician at all. He's too dumb.
About the only REALLY interesting thing for me was the stuff with Jane trying to undercover the mysteries of the Drake. That was probably the most successful thing about the series. ***.
666 Park Avenue "The Elysian Fields"
The stuff with Jane and the Conspirati (WTF?!) was pretty great and I was pleased at what Cooper's backstory actually turned out to be. But that was a BLEAK ending.
I was totally shocked when they killed off Alexis like that. Because of the summer burn-off they didn't even tease it in promos so it seemed to come out of nowhere. Well played, writers.
I liked the scene between Henry and Jane's father. I love William Sadler.
Let's hope next week's finale isn't TOO much of a cliffhanger. ***1/2.
Power Rangers Mega Force "Mega Mission"
Pretty stupid. Super Samurai wasn't as dumb as this. Every single thing about it was a cliche. How on Earth can the Rangers be reciting their oaths so flawlessly and in unison the first time out? That's always bugged me.
Good things? It looks like we will be getting a TON of old Rangers (see the massive battle scene in the theme song). The bad news is that I'm not sure they will bother bringing in the old actors.
Lame. **.
Power Rangers Mega Force "Going Viral"
This show is so stupid. Explain to me like I'm dumb how possibly violently taking an axe to a rock structure and having it rain down on the people inside will save and free them and NOT wind up as an Angel Grove version of 9/11. Talk slow, if you must.
On the plus side it's refreshing that some of the Rangers themselves are goofy and are part of the unfunny slapstick. The old Rangers were so freaking boring so that's at least is a step up. **.
Power Rangers Mega Force "United We Stand"
This show REALLY hasn't improved all that much twenty years later. I'm kind of embarrassed I'm dipping back into it. At least the old show was SO bad I could enjoy it on a campy level. This is JUST decent enough to be boring and not worth watching. **.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Season 3
I said in my last review that the series was all downhill after Jason left and I was right. I didn't see all of these episodes over the air but they were just as mediocre as I remembered. The multi-parters weren't bad or anything but none of them were gamechangers. Even the annoying series ending cliffhanger was bad by the show's former standards.
Some things to note this season:
- I will forever miss Kimberly. Thanks to Amy Jo Johnson for giving the kids in the audience a proper goodbye (the only original Ranger to do so).
- Skull and Kimberly's burgeoning friendship was great and I was bummed we didn't get a goodbye scene between the two.
- I can't decide WHY I like Bulk and Skull as Junior Cops. Is it for the positive message that they are growing as people and settling into young adult lives? Or the unintentional negative message that all bullies are secretly Authoritarians? Hmmm.
- Rito Repulso is the laziest the character designers have ever been.
- I still don't like Rocky, Aisha or Adam that much. I forgot to make this joke in my last review but in the episode last season where Zordon praises their skills and worthiness to be Rangers I couldn't help but think to myself that they were Rangers for the same reason Greg Brady was Johnny Bravo: they fit the suit. Kat follows this mold too but at least she has a colorful origin (and Catherine Sutherland is super hot).
- They finally properly creditted Jason Narvy and Paul Schrier and Skull and Bulk. I can't believe it took them so long to do that after an entire season of screwing it up.
- Ninjor is this series' Jar-Jar Binks. He's immediately a nuisance. I'd say the show jumped the shark with him but that ship sailed a long time ago. This series easily has the most amount of shark jumps I've ever seen with it getting progressively worse as it goes on (although I don't watch Pokemon so I could be wrong).
- One way this series improved this season: they have managed to make the Japanese and U.S. footage fit together more seamlessly. Before it seemed like this was two different shows clumsily editted together but now it feel like one. Some of the monsters (like the Taxi monster) even have English writing on them and Rita interacts with the main cast more. This is the first time they've done that.
The only really great episodes this year are "Changing Of The Zords, Part III" (for the conga party), and "Ninja Quest Part III" for Bulk and Skull's haircuts. Worst episodes are the Rocky football one (Fourth Down And Long) and the Patridge Family one (Sound Of Dischordia). Season Overall: **1/2.
A Friend In Need, Part I:
Masked Rider crossover! I'm get into my feelings on Dex in the next episode (we don't really see him much here) but the episode isn't bad. ***.
A Friend In Need, Part II:
That guy who plays the Masked Rider is terrible. I can see why the show didn't last very long. Dex is such a morose drip that there is nothing to root for about him. As for the costumed fights on Edenoi I'm reminded of what Hobbes from Calvin And Hobbes stated about Japanese rubber monster films: "And they say foreign film is inaccesible." ***.
A Friend In Need, Part III:
Decent conclusion. Not much more to say on the subject. I'm loving the Blooper Reels in the end credits though. ***. Three Part Average: ***.
Ninja Quest, Part I:
This episode kicks Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie directly out of Power Rangers canon. I'm okay with that. Rito seems to be channeling a bit of Micheal Keaton's Beetlejuice. ***1/2.
Ninja Quest, Part II:
Ninjor is a grade A annoyance. Can't believe they made a character this stupid. Well, actually I can. **1/2.
Ninja Quest, Part III:
Bulk And Skull's haircuts were the highlight of the season. I know that sounds bad but it is SUCH a fun scene. I have never enjoyed watching someone getting shorn more. ****1/2.
Ninja Quest, Part IV
Ho hum. Not that great. **1/2. Four Part Average. ***1/2.
A Brush With Destiny:
God bless Amy Jo Johnson. She gave the creators plenty of notice ahead of time that she was leaving so that they could devise a proper send-off arc. Kimberly is awesome! ***.
Passing The Lantern:
So-so. **1/2.
Wizard For A Day:
Is "trading places with you teacher day" even a real thing? It sounds like a totally made up idea like when they seperated Springfield Elementary based on gender on a recent episode of The Simpsons. It's basically bases an entire plot around a problem that doesn't actually exist. **.
Fourth Down And Long:
I never liked Rocky but that may be because he replaced Jason. His spotlights DID tend to suck though. *.
Stop The Hate Master, Part I:
This didn't need to be two parts. At all. **.
Stop The Hate Master, Part II:
Seriously. At all. **. Two Part Average: **.
Final Face-Off:
Those "stolen face" masks are probably the cheapest looking prop of the season. I can't get horrified by plaster of Paris. **.
The Potion Notion:
Am I the only one who is REALLY happy with the idea that Lord Zedd is no longer under Rita's spell and that he actually loves her? I am, aren't I? Take note: Bulk macking on Aisha is pretty much the first interracial "romance" the series has ever done. By the way, I REALLY love the friendship between Skull and Kimberly this episode. In the first couple of seasons Kim wouldn't have really cared that she hurt Skull's feelings but here she was decent enough to apologize to him. Good message for kids. ****.
I'm Dreaming Of A White Ranger:
Sappy, but that's this show. ***.
A Ranger Catastrophe, Part I:
Cat has hands-down the most interesting origin of any of the Power Rangers including Tommy. That said, I will never be a shipper between her and Tommy. Tommy and Kimberly 4Eva! ***1/2.
A Ranger Catastrophe, Part II:
Rare group of episodes where Zedd and Rita pull off wins. Refreshing change of pace. ***1/2. Two-Part Average: ***1/2.
Changing Of The Zords, Part I:
I hate it that they powered down Kimberly for her last few episodes but I'm guessing that's what happened to the Pink Ranger on the Japanese show so the writers were stuck. Oh well. At least we got rid of Ninjor for awhile ***.
Changing Of The Zords, Part II:
Lord Zedd in the Command Chamber! Excellent cliffhanger. The show was great at those. ****1/2.
Changing Of The Zords, Part III:
That monsters party was hilarious. I love seeing Zedd and company dancing the conga. ****. Three Part Average: ***1/2.
Follow That Cab:
I'm SO becoming a Skull and Kimberly shipper. A FRIENDshipper but all the same. ***1/2.
A Different Shade Of Pink, Part I:
This is why they should never hook up Tommy and Kat. She's pretty much the other woman and she shouldn't get her way with Tommy. Good cliffhanger though. ***.
A Different Shade Of Pink, Part II:
I liked the second part a little better than the first. ***1/2.
A Different Shade Of Pink, Part III:
Did I mention Amy Jo Johnson is awesome? It was SO nice of her to give the kids and the fans one last Kimberly arc. Most Power Rangers don't leave so gracefully. One thing bugs: I wish we had gotten a goodbye scene between her and Bulk and Skull. She was the closest to them of all of the Rangers (especially to Skull) and that fact shouldn't have been ignored. ****. Three Part Average: ***1/2.
Rita's Pita:
All of that food was disgusting. Sent the proper message, this episode did. ***1/2.
Another Brick In The Wall:
Imagine if Floory from Pee-Wee's Playhouse broke loose and went on a rampage (which is weirdly one of my greatest fears from that show). That's this episode in a nutshell. ***1/2.
A Chimp In Charge:
The chimp is cute but I'm always leery of having animals work on TV shows. I guess it's okay for dogs and cats but I've heard horror stories about other kinds of animals, Humane Society watching or not. **1/2.
Master Vile And The Metallic Armor, Part I:
Does it bug anyone else that neither Rita, Rito, or Vile look anything alike? SUCH laziness on the monster designer's part. I'm reminded of Tom Tucker's query to the Huxtables on Family Guy: "So how come none of you are the same shade of brown?" I know. I'm terrible. ****.
Master Vile And The Metallic Armor, Part II:
Worst. Action Figure Variants. EVER. ***1/2.
Master Vile And The Metallic Armor, Part III:
Well, they finally rescued Ninjor. I can't tell if I'm happy about that. ***. Three Part Average: ***1/2.
The Sound Of Discordia:
I hate the "Rangers As Pop Stars" episodes. They are neither the Brady Bunch nor the Partridge Family. And the series' original songs are terrible. *.
Rangers In Reverse:
Worst cliffhanger ever. Stings that it's the series finale. True they resolved it later but the show starting to do season ending cliffhangers bugged me. The episode wasn't TOO bad though even if the problem it set up in the last scene was stupid and had been done before. ***.
DVD Menus: Animated. ***1/2.
