East Los High finale: Are You Not Entertained?

It seems like a lot of East Los High fans are disappointed with the series finale. Some say it ends on a cliffhanger. Some say it’s sloppy and all over the place in regard to plot. Let’s not pretend that East Los High was ever more than a PSA masquerading as a high school based soap opera. It always had an element of messiness, packing numerous messages in each episode, and giving some entertaining dance scenes along the way. No, the finale wasn’t perfect, but the only thing people should be disappointed about is that the finale gave us a glimpse of what could have been.

As an African American male, East Los High gave me an inside look at latino culture. The show was the first tv series with an all latino cast that I really dug into. (Well, maybe after The George Lopez show.) The teen drama and occasional dance sequences offered something interesting as far as entertainment. Yet, truth be told, the subliminal PSAs helped me respect what was going on with the show from a critical perspective. East Lost High did its best to present scenarios that high school students face, while showing both positive and negative outcomes in a real way. 

East Los knocked out tons of issues in its 4 season plus one run! Domestic abuse, sexual health, immigration, incest, LGBT issues, dance competitions, teenage parenting and so much more got tackled on the show. That’s what I loved about it! It could speak on so many topics through characters that you could relate to or grew to understand.  

Overall, the writers of the finale did their best to close out the character stories in a way that was true to their established storylines. Should Camilla have died? I think so. However, she represents the person who has been through major trauma as a child and adult, yet kept fighting. Should Ceci never have hooked up with Prince Royce and stayed with Jacob? YES (we know what that was about, aka cross-promo money grab). But Ceci went from being an underling to being a boss literally on equal footing with Vanessa. There are plenty of missteps, but the reason we’re mad at the finale’s shortcomings is because we were invested in the characters. That should say something.

Here are some of the characters I grew to love:

Gina: Gina is the girl you take home to mom. Ride or die from the beginning, Gina only grew in her greatness as the seasons moved forward. She was probably the most level-headed and likeable character. She didn’t stay mixed up in beef and wasn’t looking for trouble. She knew what and who to fight for and when to fight for it. Plus, Alexandra Rodriguez could do a lil’ something something on the dance floor! Can’t beat that.

Eddie: Eddie was my eyes into the plight of the undocumented in America. He was the kind-hearted guy that everyone liked in high school. He was talented but humble and hard working. He just happened to not be an American citizen. His character gave me a better understanding of something I didn’t know much about, or maybe care about before. I’m more empathetic now.

Ceci: Ceci did the most adulting in the series. If someone were to watch the book ends of the series alone, they wouldn’t recognize the person Ceci became as opposed to who she was. Having a child forced her to grow up and be responsible. Being in an abusive relationship forced her to be strong and stand up for herself. Yet, she was able to still make mistakes along the way, and that’s life. Danielle Vega always brought the emotion to the dance sequences. That final black and white wardrobe dance scene is memorable because of the look on her face alone!

Vanessa De La Cruz: Vanessa is another character who had a nice arch over the series. She went from Queen Bee to living with HIV (something that used to be a death sentence back in the day). Regardless, Vanessa used every bit of her scrappy, must win at all costs attitude to continue to evolve herself. While she didn’t get as much love with screen time post season 1, but I dare you to name a line Tracy Perez didn’t nail. Perez made Vanessa an atmosphere changer on the show, demanding you pay attention to her. I want to know what she’s doing next!

Here are the characters I missed:

Season 1 Mya: Ya’ll just wrote her out? Strong as she was, ya’ll just weakened her character post season 1 and wrote her out eventually. Come on bro!

Season 4 Jacob: The dude was Ceci’s match. He was looking out for her. Just when his character gets a good arch w/ dealing w/ alcoholism...War for The Planet of The Apes comes through and mucks it up. I won’t blame that on the writers, but I missed that dude!

Jocelyn: She started out with so much promise. She put the act in activist. Andrea Sixtos brought a grounded calm to Jocelyn that would have been nice to see more of in the land of East Los High. I’m starting a theory that the Sixtos sisters got written out because they were just too good. I dunno, somebody tell me what happened to Mya and Jocelyn?

Conclusion:

Sometimes a tv series doesn’t find its’ rhythm until a few seasons in. I really feel like East Los High didn’t come into its own until this series finale. Why? The ride was over, so there wasn’t a subliminal push to promote sex education, immigration, domestic abuse, etc. The writers wrote to the strengths of the characters they had and tried to round out everyone’s story to the best of their ability. The issue is, the simplicity in this feature film was what East Los High should have been all along and I wish we could see more of the world they put before us in the finale.

As the lowrider pulls off into the sunset in the final scene, so did the possibilities. I’ll have to find a new guilty pleasure to watch. Hopefully, Hulu will continue to give us some diversity in what it has to offer in viewing, but we’ll always have Skonkas, the Bomb Squad, and the fight that people of color constantly live but don’t get to see lived out on the big or small screen as much as we should. Thanks for the good times East Los! May your legacy inspire some kid who was watching to tell their story!

Let me know your thoughts, favorite characters, and what you loved about East Lost High below!

Empire: "Without A Country" Review

Empire
Season 2 Ep. 2
“Without A Country”

Building off of “The Devils are Here”, it’s all about set up in this episode. Empire is laying the foundation of the warring factions in the Lyon household. We’ll give it another episode or two, but the pink elephant in the room is the clutter of distracting cameos and slow brew storyline. This could be, however, the set up to an incredibly dramatic face off or plummeting story. We’ll see.

The episode starts off with Lucious still in jail and is the king of the jungle, fresh off his Frank Gathers kill. His medication has been mysteriously misplaced so he’s showing signs of fatigue in this episode. He looked like he was seizing up trying to rhyme in the yard. This week’s major feature was Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and he was doing too much in his first scene as the overbearing Officer McKnight, but came around as the episode went on.

Jamal meets with dear old dad in prison to give him the scoop on what’s happening with the company. The cameos were cool last season because each episode had a new artist guest star, but that was it. This season there are so many cameos I can’t keep up with everyone in their bit roles. However, Andre Royo steps in as Thirsty Rawlings, a shady lawyer who seems to have an interest in being Lucious’s lawyer. Royo seems like a good casting choice and an interesting addition to the drama.

Never the one to roll over, Cookie goes to the old recording studio (you remember the one where they “tried” to kill Jamal) to set up shop. Booboo Kitty is already there trying to mold an artist, but now that the alliance is no longer needed Cookie kicks her out. The studio is meager in comparison to the Empire and is visually setting up the David vs. Goliath companies through the settings of the show.

Jamal is stepping into a zone as the sensitive leader. He still isn’t fit for the throne because he’s too sensitive for the ring, but Jussie Smollet is doing his thing as an actor. He’s molding Jamal into a character that you root for, because his heart is in the right place as an artist and family member. Hakeem still desires the crown and tries to put together a three woman group to prove his A&R abilities, while leaking his album online to shake things up at Empire.

Lucious managed to record another banger for the streets behind bars. Was it just me or did it seem like Lucious was about to get got when he opened that closet door? Maybe I’ve seen too many prison shows. The “Hustle & Flow” reminiscent throwback in the prison was dope though!

Andre is going to go crazy if you don’t let him back in the fold Lucious! After meeting his father at the prison, Andre got the cold shoulder. Honestly, this is all too familiar as Lucious continues to use his son’s blind ambition and desire to please him to do his bidding...which I’m sure will happen next week.

Lyon Dynasty, Cookie’s record label, is a nice wink at the tv series this one happens to be similar to. Here’s to hoping episode 3 shakes things up a bit. As the ratings have slipped slightly, it needs a pick me up!

Cookie Crumbs:

Andre hasn’t shown his crazy yet this season, but I have a feeling it’s coming soon. Lucious’s emotional manipulation of his son’s is starting to age.
Hakeem is showing himself to have a mind of his own, which will likely be an advantage for him down the line. Leaking his album to the world was a bold move.
Jamal is going to have to step aside once pops gets out. That, or Lucious is going to play puppet master.

Best Empire Tweets This Week:

@Jax_Fab_Life THIS!!!! @leedanielsent @terrencehoward @EmpireFOX #Empire #empirefox pic.twitter.com/wnwTP5jmDN

— Turkesha McIvy, MPA (@Naturalbabydol) October 1, 2015

#EmpireFOX #EmpireSeason2 pic.twitter.com/zHAKAN70f5

— brosia marie (@marie_babygirll) October 2, 2015

#EmpireFOX pic.twitter.com/bQ42NR7yfP

— brosia marie (@marie_babygirll) October 2, 2015

Empire: "The Devils Are Here" Review

Empire
Season 2 Ep. 1
“The Devils Are Here”

“Empire” is back and is steam rolling ahead to continue its’ juggernaut status on prime time television. It’s obvious when a show is doing well, and last night’s episode had too many cameos to count! This show is here to stay!

Three months after Lucious’ arrest Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) throws a Free Lucious (Terrance Howard) concert, not because she wants to but because Cookie is that business woman! Always making moves, Cookie brings on lesbian mogul, Mimi Whiteman (Marisa Tomei), as a potential investor of Empire Entertainment in an attempt to create a hostile takeover. Jamal (Jussie Smollet) is still in control of the company, and Hakeem (Bryshere Y. Gray), Andre (Trai Byers), and even Anika (Grace Gealey) can come together to see that that changes in this episode.

The show flexed its’ muscles with social commentary; interweaving current events in the real world and the world of “Empire”, the writers know that it has a platform and people are listening. While at the concert, Jamal says“Bill Clinton is out there”  to which Cookie responds “He need to be. If he want his wife to get elected.” Cookie dresses as a guerrilla and is locked in a cage while making statements on the current prison and policing system in a beast mode monologue! I’m interested to see how the influence of this show will manifest in the real world.    

If you remember last season, Cookie snitched on Frank Gathers, the drug kingpin that Cookie and Lucious used to deal for. In perhaps the worst casting ever, Chris Rock showed up as the highly feared man. I’m sorry, but not enough building his character up by everyone else, and big dudes standing around him can make Chris Rock scary. Yet, there he was as Frank Gathers the cannibal.

Once Frank found out Cookie snitched, he sent flowers to the house and included the head of her cousin, putting everyone on alert and on lockdown at Lucious’ home. Cookie finally goes to see Lucious in prison to get him to handle Frank. As much as I didn’t like his casting, it was a dope exit for Chris Rock as Lucious turned the tables on him and had him murdered. While Porsha had to booboo, Booboo Kitty had to dance with Mimi and some. As the attempt to takeover the Empire went south, Lucious proved that he still runs things, even from a federal prison. With one visit from Mimi, Lucious talked her into siding with him and kept control of the company.

After Frank’s death, Jamal kicks everyone out of his father’s home. It’s interesting to see Jamal’s loyalty to his father after last season. Cookie slaps the mess out of him twice before leaving. The possibilities for this season’s storylines are endless!

Cookie Crumbs:

• Jamal ain’t fit for the thrown! He’s not ruthless, and his heart is divided between music and the business. We’ll see where this goes.
• The music is still on point in this show. I’m looking forward to hearing the soundtrack for this season.
• If I may geek out for a second. The hero shot of Cookie, Andre, Hakeem, and Anika walking toward the board meeting was dope. Simply because it was the typical set up with the characters turning the corner and walking in slow motion, but the kicker was Hakeem on the scooter! It said so much about his character and the show’s knowledge of bucking the norm at the same time.
• It’s obvious Lucious is getting out soon from the previews for next week! Let’s see what happens.

Best Empire Tweets This Week:

Uhm @chrisrock being a gangster on #EmpireFOX is about as believable as #DonaldTrump supporting undocumented Mexicans into the U.S. #BeReal

— Mandela (@MandelaJ) September 24, 2015

RT _LexxKnows: RT DCisChillin: Started from the bottom now we're here #empire #empirefox pic.twitter.com/B2QGstqOIj

— Usp Alfy (@uspalfy) September 24, 2015

My thoughts after watching #Empire last night: Did Boo Boo Kitty really try to twerk? #EmpireSeason2 #EmpireFOX pic.twitter.com/VQz3pDOPGd

— LadyofInspiration (@AlyseLady) September 24, 2015

“ are you done now lady?” #EmpireSeason2 #EmpireFOX #Empire pic.twitter.com/i1z4A8nzxM

— NUBIE (@nobbshie) September 24, 2015

East Los High: "The Bi+ch is Back" Review

East Los High

Season 3 Ep. 2

“The Bi+ch is Back”

Starting where "La Virgen De East Los High" left off, Pedro catches Ceci’s hand and prevents her from killing him, but thank God for neighbors who don’t just ignore sounds next door. Another life lesson taught by East Los High (don’t ignore the rumble next door, even if you have to call the police to keep yourself safe), as the next door neighbors saved Ceci from another abusive encounter with Pedro. Camila tries to call Nick and clear things up. In his eagerness to drive away from home, Nick gets picked up by the cops for driving a stolen car. 

Mean while, back at the bachelorette party, the bomb squad girls enjoy dancing the night away (are they in college or high school?). JACOB’S DAD!!!! He’s back, and I still don’t know his name. As one of the solid character actors from Season 1 (video right) in my opinion, it was great to see him back for season 3. Ceci interrupts a father and son moment as she turns to Jacob to help her in her current predicament. (I told ya'll Ceci only having high school girl friends is a problem!) Being the good man that he is, Jacob gets a hotel for Ceci and Isela (Julianna Gamiz) and stays the night. 

As Camila’s world seems to be coming to an end over being caught with Jocelyn, I can’t help but think of how quickly she flipped on Jocelyn. The girls wake up from the bachelorette party in a somewhat funny stupor. Jacob wakes up to a cup of coffee from Ceci, who has already got the ball rolling for going to a women’s shelter (good job Ceci). 

Camila meets Nick in a face to face convo behind prison glass. (Increased budget to be on location or at least make a new set! Whoop whoop!) The fact that Nick is so worried about Camila and Jocelyn’s fling, rather than how he’s going to get out of jail is a little strange to me. I mean, I don’t ever want to go to jail, and my first thought in his situation would be how do I get out. (Although he deserved it...he was riding around with and knowingly dealing drugs.) If the conversation between them had been anywhere else it would have been more riveting, but it felt out of place. Shout out to Ray Diaz on the heartfelt scene though! 

Unfortunately, Camila feels extremely guilty about Nick’s arrest...because he was carrying drugs and got caught it was her fault?. Hello! That’s his fault! Her misguided guilt leads her to move out of Jocelyn’s place. Ceci is also dealing with misguided priorities as well, as she is more concerned about being at the almighty regional dance competition with the Bomb Squad. When the squad finds out that Ceci won’t be making it, they flip out. Which brings one of my favorite ELH characters, Vanessa (Tracy Perez), back into the fold to step in as interim Bomb Squad coach.

Maya (Alicia Sixtos) comes home after being in Sante Fe for a month for a chef bootcamp. She tells Jacob that she got a job and wants him to come with her. That would force Jacob to say goodbye to East LA. Does he love Maya enough to do that? After getting some good eats in his belly, and a semi-valid story from Maya, he decides it is!

Of course with Vanessa in, Ceci can’t be left out. As the Squad gets ready to perform at regionals, Ceci loses her mind and decides it would be a good idea to head over to the competition after receiving a text from her biggest little influencers. Guess who shows up in the crowd?! 

East Los Addict Geek Out:

• What I love about ELH is that it educates while entertaining. In the past, many of the educational moments feel like PSAs. While this season does have those moments, the scene with Ceci talking about the women’s shelter educated me and I barely noticed it! I learned about what women can do to be safe in abusive relationships, which is beneficial for victims and friends being able to instruct. As always you can find helpful links on their website: http://eastloshigh.com/take-action/
• I hate to say it, but I have a love/hate relationship with the bomb squad. Although the dancing in East Los is dope (most of the time), I can never quite wrap my head around why the Bomb Squad is “life” to all involved. I mean, it’s not giving out scholarships and it isn’t putting them on a platform to be professional dancers. So why is regionals so important that it could break up friendships or is worth Ceci exposing herself to her abuser? Ya’ll fill me in in the comment section below please! "message!"
• I loved seeing Vanessa back on screen. She always has the good one liners. “1985 wants their dance moves back”! lol. I’ve got no desire to wear them, but those shoes looked killer! Were they a special pair of somethings? 
• That older woman in blue playing the competition assistant was hilarious!  “Don’t trip. Tuck your butt in hon.” She certainly played her role and got her 15 seconds in! 

East Los High: "La Virgen de East Los High" Review

Check out East Los High on Hulu!

East Los High

Season 3 Ep. 1

“La Virgen De East Los High”

The much anticipated season 3 of “East Los High” starts off right where Season 2 left us, yelling at the TV screen! Your favorite cast is back with some fresh faces. Most importantly, “East Los” has now entered a new realm with Emmy nominations under its belt, a seasoned cast, and a clear vision for where it’s heading.

“La Virgen De East Los High” opens with Ceci (Danielle Vega) answering Pedro’s question (Rene Alvarado) with a yes. We all probably threw up our hands and debated shutting off the TV, but that was followed with Camila (Vannessa Vasquez) seated with her “keep it on the DL boo” Jocelyn (Andrea Sixtos) and fresh cuts on her arm. Last season’s incest/molestation reveal was a shocker, and took the show to a serious level. Nick (Ray Diaz) is dealing with the fallout from Remy’s (Robert Paul Taylor) death.

The episode jumps forward a month and doesn’t spell out what we’ve missed. Ceci gets fitted for her dress with her bomb squad girls: Filli (Vivian Lamolli), Tiffany (Ashley Campuzano), and Jazmine (Olivia ‘Cachi’ Gonzales). I still kind of question why she hangs with high school girls when she clearly is a couple years removed from them.? The bomb squad girls make it clear that they’re family though, even equipping her with a jacket.

Camila attempts to tell Gina (Alexandra Rodriguez) the truth about their father. Gina thwarts her semi-admission. Camila finds herself face to face with her father in the school parking lot. While her father acts like he doesn’t remember molesting her, Camila makes it clear that she’ll kill him if he touches Gina. 

It’s clear that Jacob (Gabriel Chavarria) is still a thorn in Pedro’s side as Ceci avoids Jacob at school. She stops by Tio Pepe’s to pick up food, and has an awkward conversation with Jacob as Pedro enters the restaurant. Pedro puts on the machismo performance and throws a couple low blows Jacob’s way and proceeds to make it clear that Ceci is his girl physically by wrapping his arm around her on the way out. Insecure much?

Later that night, the bomb squad surprises Ceci with a bachelorette party fitted with a cute dance number, but we all knew it would probably come back to bite her. Camila and Jocelyn have a moment in the powder room, letting us know that Jocelyn still has a soft spot for Camila that's likely mutual. As the two leave the party to go home, we see Pedro creeping outside of the dance studio, watching Ceci. 

Nick gets a call that the Vegas deal is off, which sends him back home. Camila and Jocelyn are in the midst of getting "reacquainted" when Nick busts in on them, sending him off in a huff. Ceci returns home to Pedro asking how things went. After telling him a lie, he beats her, but Ceci comes at him with a knife to end the episode with on a cliffhanger.

East Los Addict Geek Out: (This is where I get to go a bit deeper for the episode.)

• Rene Alvarado gets the acting salute on this episode. After seeing Ceci in the dance studio, Pedro looks like a lost boy in his thoughts sitting on the couch when Ceci comes home. I gave him a shout out for his performance and character arch last season, and his crazy this season is full throttle. He truly appears to have issues, and you can see them on his face.
• The budget has gone up for season 3! With new locations, a beefed up cast, and a clear advancement in cinematography/camera moves, “East Los” seems to be in its zone and on a grander scale. 
• Camila has matured, and now that the truth is out you can tell that her past is sitting on her shoulders. Vannessa Vasquez has had some time to live with the character in between seasons and it shows.
• I didn't know who Chachi Gonzales was until I was looking at various ELH YouTube videos. Come to find out she's kind of a big deal (almost a million subscribers on YouTube for starters...can I borrow a couple..hundred...thousand Chachi? LOL), and it looks like she'll be talking a lot more this season! So her fans should be excited about that!

Empire: "Sins of the Father" Review

“Empire” 

Season 1 Ep. 10

Sins of the Father

After Andre’s dramatic breakdown in “Unto the Breach,” I wasn’t quite sure how this week’s episode would unfold. It’s clear that the family had known about Andre’s disorder since his first incident in college. Of course Cookie had no idea due to her seventeen years of incarceration. Yet the opening scene showed how much the family (albeit minus Lucious) cares for their brother/son/husband. 

There was a heavy handed  PSA in the therapy scene that I didn’t care for. I know Lee Daniels has been quoted saying that with "Empire" he wanted to "blow the lid off of homophobia in my community” and I think this is the approach that was used here with Bi-polar disorder. Cookie’s line about it being “white people problems” was so early ‘90s that it lost some of the emotional appeal to me. Yes, she’s been locked up for a while, but I think we’re above that level of that type of scripted ignorance. Jennifer Hudson and Mary J. Blige had brief cameos almost not worth mentioning but they are both amazing talents.

Cookie and Malcolm’s relationship is starting to kick off strong after last week. As much as Malcolm likes to tout his principles, messing with Cookie is going to come back to bite him. At the end of the day, “Empire” is about Lucious Lyons and I don’t see Malcolm lasting through next week’s two hour finale if it came down to it. 

Camila actually seems to care for Hakeem, or she has a really good scheme planned that requires her saying all the right things. After Lucious offered her hush money and sent her to the airport never to return, she vowed to come back. We’ll see how that turns out.

The majority of the episode focused on Lola. Yeah, Lola. You remember, the little girl whose paternity I’ve questioned since she showed up in “Out, Damned Spot!”. Just as Jamal was starting to write songs about Lola and consider having her live with him, Olivia comes back in town with a crazy ex holding her hostage. Props to Raven Symone’s performance in making us believe he was a scary guy, because outside of some tats he really didn’t do much the entire episode that would cause us to be alarmed. 

After an embittered Vernon leads Olivia and Loco to the Lyon’s estate, crazy pulls a gun on the family, which gets Lucious open and honest. He claims paternity for Lola in an effort to save his son. We’ll see if it’s true or not, but this came as a shock to the family (You guys really thought Jamal was the daddy?) and has created an obvious rift in the family.

Cookie Crumbs:

• Lucious’ enemies are too many to count right now. Anika, Beretti, Vernon, Jamal, Cookie, Andre, and so on. I’m hoping he takes some kind of a hit in the next episode because his character has earned it. 
• That’s a wrap on Lola! At least in my opinion. She’s served her purpose in the storyline, but she could appear throughout Season 2.
• Was it just me, or did you notice the soap opera-esque music that played throughout this episode to build tension? Music has been the core of this show, and I hope they don’t bring that sappy element into it. 

You can buy the hit soundtrack here:

Best Empire Memes This Week:

ROTF LMAO!#Empire #EmpireFOX pic.twitter.com/xQFG3ZyAMD”

— Reign (@Coldaseyce) March 13, 2015

I think I'm onto something! #EmpireFOX @EmpireFOX pic.twitter.com/TnTBg3rt4Z

— Lou Sputhole (@GummyFredo) March 13, 2015

😭😭“@HoSitDown: In the case of Lola, Jamal, you are NOT the father #Empire #EmpireFOX @EmpireWriters pic.twitter.com/ERlTHvyb1a”

— Nikes & V-Necks (@ShortyMamba24) March 13, 2015

Empire: "Unto the Breach" Review

Empire

Season 1 Ep. 9

“Unto the Breach”

“Empire” is back to incredible, unexpected openings! I mean, was this an episode of “24” or “Empire”? Honestly, if this was the ‘90s you wouldn’t have been able to get up for a bathroom break on the commercials. Thank God for DVR! 

If this episode could be summed up in one word, it would be urgency. The urgency that every character had to save the label after Anika crossed Lucious by going to Baretti was palpable the entire episode. With one move from Anika, suddenly Empire Records went crazy. Terminology was used that hadn’t been before, like Lucious belting  out “Lock down the empire!” What is the empire? I don’t know, but it sounded great.

The key to “Unto the Breach” is that we never really find out what Anika said or did, but the entire Empire team knows that she could crumble the business with the information she has. Therefore, everyone scrambles to secure artists already on the roster and gain new ones in an effort to counter whatever Baretti has. 

Cookie does what Cookie does and drank an artist under the table to keep him on the roster. She also teamed up with Hakeem to prevent Anika from getting to Tiana in a smooth move that once again highlights the tender, emotional beats in the show that continue to build. In fact, Jamal secured Delphine (Estelle), a major artist who will keep Empire on top, but Lucious had to swallow his pride and work with his son to make it happen. 

Pressure doesn’t help everyone in the family thrive, and Andre cracked under it. Trai Byers finally got to show serious range in his performance all night. The ending was perfect in that even though Empire seems like it will survive, there is a big issue inside named Andre that has to be addressed. We’ll see how they get him the help he needs next episode. It looks like it’s going to be a prescription of Jennifer Hudson!

Cookie Crumbs:

• Was it just me or did Trai Byers channel the “Denzel Mumble” in the elevator scene?
• The Cookie/Malcolm connection is growing stronger. He may be breaking his rules soon!
• Andre may have gone crazy this episode, but mentioning that Lucious chose the son that knows he’s a murderer is key. That’s going to come back in some way.

Best Empire Memes This Week: 

YALL HAVE ME CRYING EVERY WEEK #EmpireFOX #Empire 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/1wqF5SDO1t

— kdyReggie (@___shootahhhh) March 5, 2015

Post by The Tasha Mac Page.

#Empire ....👀😩😩😂😂😭💀🌹 #EmpireFOX pic.twitter.com/UL5RfOIguo

— NYoBitchGuts!!! (@KillaLordDee) March 5, 2015

Pretty Little Liars: “To Plea or Not to Plea” Review

Pretty Little Liars
Season 5.23
“To Plea or Not to Plea”

Previously on Pretty Little Liars…

Alison is offered a plea bargain as her prison hazing reaches dangerous new heights. Spencer gets duped (by guess who) in London. Emily wins the “Fearless PLL Sleuth Award” as she uncovers “A Big” clue. Aria finally comes to her senses! Hanna, poor Hanna, learns that orange is not a good color for her.  This episode definitely had undertones of deceit and drama as A pulls a fast one on the girls.

Ali almost tells her lawyer about Mike’s revelation that Mona faked her death.  When her lawyer asks “does this person know for a fact where you where at the time of the murder?”, Alison says no. Her lawyer tells her that this can’t help her case, so Alison does not share any further information about Mike.  It’s very interesting, because she actually could have shared it anyway.  Her lawyer tells her that the DA is offering a plea bargain agreement if Ali pleads guilty and tells who her accomplice was. She can get fifteen years and could be out in ten versus life without parole.  After all, the police have been building a case around the person they believe helped Ali...Hanna Marin!!! Alison has a big decision to make and that decision will let us see more clearly into Alison’s motives.

Spencer is still in London. Even though her mother has supposedly set up another college interview for her, she is trying to book a flight back to Rosewood. Melissa convinces her to stay by sharing how different her life is since she moved to London. The first-born Hastings fills Spencer’s head with so much “I want to be a real big sister to you and share hair and make-up tips” garbage, that Spence falls for it and stays. Conveniently, Melissa and Wren’s flat mate, Collin, asks Spencer on a date to the Royal Shakespeare Company. Melissa follows through and gives Spencer the perfect dress for the date and Spencer goes off with Collin to see Hamlet and “legally” buy her first beer/pint.  Hastings’ money, scheming, lies and a handsome guy to kiss Spencer prevail once again! Spencer later learns that there is no interview.  Her mother thought Alison was going to name Spence as her accomplice, so they decided to conspire to keep her out of the Rosewood.

Well the word is out about Aria and Andrew.  Emily sees the note that Andrew left in Aria’s locker about their upcoming date. Aria brushes all of that aside because she is focused on passing her History test and finding a way to help her brother stay out of trouble.  So Emily goes to Ezra and asks if he found any information about Varjak when he was researching for his book.  STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN Emily! Can’t you see that Ezra is still up to his neck in shady behavior!!! He has been out of town so much, mysteriously buys the Brew even though he is jobless, and he is just too shifty eyed and fidgety to be trusted! Oh well, she trusts him anyway and goes with him to James Neilan’s office.  How ironic is it that Neilan was the attorney that gave Hanna the envelope from Mona in the Christmas episode?  They go to his office but only Ezra goes inside.  He thinks Neilan is working for A, and when he demands that he tell him who he is working for or tell the police….the camera cuts outside to Emily who has been joined by Aria and when never learn what Neilan says.  As soon as Ezra leaves Neilan jumps in his car and of course the liars follow him to a remote gated property equipped with cameras.  Hmm…. this place looks familiar.  Yes, I think the PLLs have partied there  in the past!

When Ezra sees the text from Andrew, “Congrats on killing the test, beautiful” on Aria’s phone it slows he and Aria down. But Emily shows us that she is no longer the weakest link, as she is the only one that gets through the gate before it closes.  She searches the garbage and hits the Jackpot when she finds a pizza receipt with the name Varjak and the phone number 727 242 7839. Compare that number to the Letters on you phone’s key pad and you will find a major clue!!! (or just check out my blog at cdjack11cdjack11.tumblr.com where I re-blogged an anonymous blogger who  shared how another blogger cracked the code!) Emily then spies Neilen taking money from a safe while getting instructions from someone (Varjak??) on the phone. Great job Emily!!!

Back at the Women’s Correctional facility Alison’s jail cell gets trashed and the words Take The Plea are painted on her wall.  That’s not all. The one who bullied so many in the past gets bullied prison style as she is burned on one arm with an iron in the laundry room and is cut on the other.  This really scares Ali!  She calls her lawyer and asks if she can be moved to a less dangerous facility if she take the plea.

Before I conclude with the saddest news ever to air on PLL let me share some good news: Ezria broke up!!!! Get your life, Aria!!! I know you love him, but please stay away from Slim Shady!!! He may not be A, but I feel he is still lying to you all about some big things.

It is with a heavy heart that I must share that the last couple standing, my OTP (One True Pairing), is now separated by the bars of a jail cell.  Caleb was right by Hanna’s side when she took his advice to share all the evidence she had on A with Lt. Tanner.  Of course, just as she is ready to meet with Tanner, A remotely hacks her phone and removes all the evidence! (Later Em and Aria’s phones are erased too)

When Hanna sees Ali in jail, she gives her the Stare of Death!!!

But, wait a minute Hanna, Ali did not take the plea after all.  Ladies and gentlemen, Alison DiLaurentis has turned a corner. Instead of lying and giving up her friend, she has decided to go to trial. With just two more episodes and then the season finale, I think we better all strap in folks.  This is going to be one wild A ride!  Until next time, remember to keep you friends close and your secrets closer!!!

Empire: "The Lyon's Roar" Review

“Empire”

Season 1 Ep. 8

The Lyon’s Roar

If someone were to ask you, “what’s “Empire” about?” You would automatically answer “It’s about a family...”. The show is centered around the Lyons family, the record label is centered around family, and the IPO is all about family. So “Empire” is at it’s best when it hits familial themes, and this episode certainly did!

Most of the characters are motivated by love. Whether it’s love of money, or family, it’s usually one of the two. Hakeem and Jamal’s brotherly bond is really starting to become palpable. Watching them squash their beef, that stemmed from “Dangerous Bonds”, in the beginning of the episode was a nice moment. It’s the genuine, emotional moments that pull you in to the relationships of the show. So when Hakeem tells Jamal “that was the bravest thing I’ve ever seen” towards the end of the show (we’ll get to why in a second), it almost got a little dusty in my house! 

Cookie  and Hakeem had a break through in their relationship. Hakeem finally said why he was so mad at Cookie. Cookie explained that she didn’t love Jamal more than him, but she just understood Jamal better. It was nice to see them finally working at their relationship. In fact, Cookie read Camilla (Naomi Campbell) and put her in check for messing with her son! 

About time Hakeem and Cookie #EmpireFOX pic.twitter.com/fLPqZYwZNA

— Wilson Morales (@blackfilm) February 26, 2015

The Cookie/Lucious affair seemed like it would last at least a few episodes. NOPE! I guess the network said that’s for average shows! One of the things I love about “Empire” is that, while predictable at times, it knows when to go in another direction. Lucious was calculated the entire episode. His dismissal of Cookie was stone cold, especially after she gave him the idea for the legacy album and documentary to help with the dynasty hand off.  Lucious is showing his true colors as we get toward the end of the season. Jamal told Cookie not to love him because “he’s only capable of loving himself”.  

Regardless, Terrance Howard knows how to knock the emotional beats out of the park, helping us to love him and hate him from scene to scene. Lucious didn’t do a good job of juggling both Cookie and Anika. After Anika convinced him to push the date of their wedding forward, she also pushed for him to make the announcement during the all white Legacy party. Of course Cookie wasn’t going to be shown up, and she made sure that Anika knew about her and Lucious’s hook up in the studio that morning. I’m glad that rivalry will keep going!

"@AdoptedByNicki: Nothing was the same #EmpireFOX pic.twitter.com/1P978KW41q" LMFAO 😂 😂 @zhughes94

— Joss ❤ (@jxsse26) February 26, 2015

Jamal came out in style during the legacy white party! He changed the words to “You’re so Beautiful”, which was his father’s song, to fit his personal self expression. Everybody was on board with Jamal’s admission except Lucious. We’ll see how that goes. 

Andre is about to go off the deep end. After being shut out by the board from being made CEO of Empire Records in case Lucious was incapacitated, Andre took it hard. (Lucious’s nay in the vote was a dope scene!) It’s sad enough that he is struggling with his Bi-polar disorder, but he admitted to feeling inadequate in comparison to the rest of his talented family. Those two combinations pushed him to what seemed like a suicide attempt. 

I have to geek out on the production of the episode for a moment. During the all white party, people walked in and out of frame in handheld shots with other characters in a beautiful choreography that supplemented the emotions of the environment. Like opposite ends of magnets, one person would come into the frame and someone would leave. For instance, as Cookie was talking to Jamal, Lucious approached which sparked Cookie’s exit. They also took advantage of the spacing of the room. After Cookie dug into Camilla, the camera tilted up to show Vernon and Andre coming together to talk in the balcony above. We then cut to their conversation. It’s these cinematic touches that “Empire” infuses that make the show great.

Cookie Crumbs:

• Lucious is really proving to be a racist homophobe to the point that it’s not a good look. How marrying a white woman shows you can’t be trusted is beyond me. I hope they give his character redemption in those areas, or at least dial it back a bit before making him Walter White unloveable.
• Although “Empire” probably could go on without Andre, he is going to have to get help or he’ll destroy himself. As in, only be back in Season 2 in flashbacks! lol
• Cookie and Lucious are still destined to be together, and the writers are giving us more rope to be strung along with their relationship. 
• Anika is about to be outted for her treacherous activity with drugging Elle, likely by Cookie because she wants to be with Lucious deep down and Anika messed up her hard work with that move.
• Will they kill the whole Jamal's little girl story please!? I mean, these "smart" people don't believe in a paternity test at least? 

Pretty Little Liars: "Bloody Hell" Review

Pretty Little Liars

Season 5.22

“Bloody Hell”

Previously on Pretty Little Liars…

A went on a rampage!!! Spencer, Ali, and Cyrus/Hank Mahoney took the biggest hits, while Aria’s nosiness may have saved her brother’s life.  It is official, Ashley and Ted are engaged. Unfortunately the madness that is Emily and Talia continues, and Hanna had a face-off with Ali. This episode was fast, furious, and filled with clues, so let’s get to it!!!

Aria, Emily and Spencer visited Ali in prison, giving her watered down apologies and the details on Mona’s plan to stage her death and bring A down.  Ali is very angry about Mona’s “failed” plan and tells Aria that she will have to tell her lawyers about Mike’s involvement in order to save herself.  Aria talks Alison into waiting on this in order for Aria to find Cyrus to get some information on A.

Mrs. Hastings tells Spencer to pack her bags for London because her plane leaves in a few hours.  Mrs. H finally swallowed her pride and asked Wren to get Spencer an interview at Oxford.  When the girls come over to say goodbye to Spencer, Aria hires Mrs. Hasting to be her attorney for $1.  What could have been a ridiculous scene was made cute due to the fact that Aria was dressed like an innocent little girl. 

After hearing Aria’s questions about a nameless person (Mike) who has withheld information from the police in a murder case, Aria’s new attorney tells her this is a very serious crime. No Kidding!?!?!

Emily rehearses for the Glass Slipper pageant and Miss Fields is very talented indeed. Talia, who has quit her job at the Brew and separated from her husband, gains Emily’s sympathy and is offered to stay with Em for a few days while her mom is out of town.  Emily please give yourself some time in between relationships!!! You are constantly choosing unavailable, closeted, unsure of who they are women.  Hmmm…that’s probably because you don’t have time to know who you are because A is constantly terrorizing you!!! However, I really really loved your dance routine this week.

Aria and Hanna visit Hank Mahoney (Cyrus) in a hospital burn unit.  Whoops, he had an A accident that has left him incapacitated! But when the girls ask him for his contact he writes this: 

Which reminds me of this: 

After the girls leave the burn unit, A does this:

Spencer’s interview at Oxford was going so well…until A showed up and all the blood oozed out of her handbag in front of the professor!!!!!

Finally Hanna goes to visit Ali in prison and to my surprise it is Ali who gives the apology! Now we know that Ali is the Master PLL, but I must admit that this most genuine apology I have ever seen or heard from Miss DiLaurentis. But I’ve still got my eye on you Ali!!!

Not much good news for the PLLs in this episode.  Well, at least  Andrew got a kiss. He is so suspicious though…

…and Ashley is officially engaged and happy for now.  

Next week will not be so happy for Mama Marin, because it looks like Hanna is going to jail! Until next time Liars, remember to keep your friends close and your secrets closer… and check out  my Tumblr blog, “A Liar’s Secrets” at cdjack11cdjack11.tumblr.com

Empire: "Our Dancing Days" Review

“Empire”

Season 1 Ep. 7

Our Dancing Days

Well this episode should have been called “At Last” because of the truths that were told.  For “Empire”, this was subdued, filler built off of "Out, Damned Spot". Every TV series has these slowed down episodes, but it’s also going to ramp things back up.

Looking for investors in the IPO, Lucious throws a big party to exhibit Empire Records. Prior to the party, Lucious faints and is hospitalized due to the experimental drugs he’s been taking. As he is rushed to the hospital, Lucious has to make a decision between Cookie and Anika as to who will ride with him. He chooses Anika after a few seconds of struggle, and even though she’s hurt Cookie stays ride or die for Lucious. Honestly, the memes that came out of this scene were hilarious!

When you find out Sallie Mae took your Tax return #EmpireFOX pic.twitter.com/cKplvoqJeg

— Petty LaBelle (@HoSitDown) February 19, 2015

Prior to the investor exhibition, Anika drugs Elle, likely to try and sabotage Cookie. Jamal and Hakeem take to the stage as the headliners instead of Elle. During the performance, Lucious’s ALS symptoms stirs up and he looses his voice. He then asks Cookie to give the closing speech to the investors over Anika and Andre. Cookie does what Cookie does, and gives a fantastic, from the heart speech. Lucious finally confesses his love for Cookie out loud and in front of Anika by saying “I love you Cookie” right after the speech. 

With so many health issues manifesting with Lucious, he calls a meeting amongst his family after the exhibition. He informs the family that he has ALS, and each react in their own way. Andre’s Bi-polar disorder flairs up in an odd, “don’t ya’ll think this is more than someone being upset at the news?” kind of display. Hakeem and Jamal both seem to care more about their father’s health, unlike Andre who was more worried about the IPO and all of the work that he’s done. 

The biggest moment of all, was when Lucious and Cookie got some alone time after the family announcement. Cookie was obviously effected by Lucious’s announcement and told him he has to fight it because “I can’t lose you twice”. Lucious wanted to take advantage of the moment and the two finally got back together...just as Anika comes back in from a trip.

WARNING: I screamed A LOT but I was pressed for this to happen 😭😭😭 #EmpireFOX pic.twitter.com/zlrZuodJOS

— Nichelle (@Nichelle___) February 19, 2015

Cookie Crumbs:

• Lucious finally showed some fatherly love to Jamal during this episode. He expressed interest in Jamal’s failed relationship with Michael, and his (we’re still waiting to find out) little girl.
• Anika drugging Elle is sure to come to light down the road, and when it does, there’s gonna be smoke in the city!
• The Lucious/Cookie hook up was bound to happen since episode one, but of course this will stir the drama for the Cookie vs. Anika fight.

Pretty Little Liars: "Pretty Isn't the Point" Review

Pretty Little Liars

Season 5.20

“Pretty Isn’t the Point”

Previously on Pretty Little Liars…

Aria continues to be tutored by Andrew and once again enlists his help in following Mike.  Spencer assists Jonny in retrieving what is rightfully his. Emily meets the third part of the triangle and helps Hanna prepare for a scholarship pageant.  This week’s highlight scene is definitely Mike’s big reveal! 

When Talia’s husband Eric stops by the New Brew, he tells Emily that he doesn’t mind if Talia experiments and has a one time thing with Emily. This makes Emily realize that Mrs. Mendoza has told her husband a different story from the one she told Em.  Thank goodness! Finally Emily comes to her senses and tells Talia she is not into girls to be trendy!!!

While tutoring Aria, Andrew witnesses Mike being very aggressive toward his sister.  Aria has already asked Andrew to follow Mike to find out if he is meeting someone at the gym.  What Andrew learns and later tells Aria is that Mike hid something in a tree in the woods behind Mona’s house.  

Spencer and Jonny are having coffee at Hollis when they see Toby.  Toby is still distant and very rigid with Spencer.  When she tries to suggest that they get together later, Toby says he can’t.  As Spence and Jonny walk home, Jonny spots his  rabbit vandalism artwork in the window of an art gallery.  This leads to the two of them breaking into the gallery that night to get Jonny’s paintings.  Officer Toby finds them at a nearby gas station and arrests Jonny.  However, Toby tells Spencer that Tanner is still watching her and trying to use their relationship to get information on Spencer.  He tells Spence to walk away and gives her a stay out of jail card. 

The episode’s title and most of its scenes are devoted to Hanna’s scholarship pageant dreams.  She hires a pageant coach who asks Hanna a few questions from last year’s pageant like, “how would you reverse the extinction of today’s endangered species”, and “what is your opinion about our countries current foreign policies?” I found it really interesting that Hanna has been admitted to some very prestigious colleges, but can’t think of a single response to these questions.  She finally tells her coach that she can dance for her pageant talent and enlists Emily to be her dance instructor for the weekend. So we get to watch her practice the dance that Em choreographed to “Bang Bang”.  When she finds out that her stepsister, Kate, is enrolled in the same pageant Hanna becomes very angry. Later on she shows her coach her routine and her anger morphs her dance moves into something I just don’t understand. 

Her coach was very blunt and may have come across as a Gargon, but she was right. Poor Hanna! A set you up again, because Kate wasn’t signed up for the pageant.

Aria goes to Mona’s backyard at night to find out what Mike stashed in the tree.  She finds a foiled packet that holds a tube of blood.  Mike catches her in the act and tells her that the blood belongs to MONA!!! (Congrats to all the bloggers who correctly nailed the fact that Mona was saving her blood to fake her death!) Mike confirms that he walked in on Mona and saw all the blood that she had harvested in the mini fridge in her bedroom.    A wanted Ali behind bars and Mona had to fake her death to prove her loyalty to A.  She planned to take A down and return to Rosewood and be a hero to all the Liars.  

Mike was suppose to meet Mona on several occasions, but Mona never showed up and he fears that A double-crossed her and killed her.  Mike only had one vial of Mona’s blood as her promise to return to him.  This scene really touched me.  Mike and Mona really loved each other! (I ship Mikona!!!)

When Aria shares what she’s learned with the girls, they realize that they are partly to blame for Alison being in jail and debate whether they should inform Ali about Mona’s plan. Meanwhile, in the closing A scene we see the black hooded one in Mike’s bedroom with a wrench heading toward Mike’s new exercise equipment. Let’s hope that Mike only works out at the gym for a while. Until next time Liars! Keep your friends close and your secrets closer!!!

Empire: "Out, Damned Spot" Review

Empire

Season 1 Ep. 6

“Out, Damned Spot”

“Empire” never ceases to please with explosive openings. We find Cookie getting dolled up to meet with Lucious. She walks into a ritzy restaurant wearing her best fur. As she meets Lucious near the entrance, she quickly learns that he invited her not for the date that she thinks, but to tell the family he’s engaged to Anika. Never to be bested, Cookie spills the beans on the rose Lucious sent her in “Dangerous Bonds”, and reveals the lingerie she had under her coat for everyone, and especially Lucious and Anika’s eyes. 

What I’m starting to enjoy about Cookie is not only that she’s real, but she doesn’t mind speaking up and acting a fool! While it is becoming a bit one note, Taraji P. Henson slays the role with every Cookie tantrum and pep talk. This week she hooked Jamal up by getting a big sports star to tweet about Jamal’s song, helping it get buzz.

Jamal’s slow rise to success is already weighing on his paranoid boyfriend. While it’s good to have vision and awareness, Michael is doing too much. At first I thought his insecurities were going to rip their relationship apart, but Cookie didn’t help much informing him that he should be prepared for Jamal to be busy. Jamal didn’t help his relationship either in not telling the world that he had a boyfriend during a Sirius radio interview with Sway. Honestly, Jamal looked like he was over Michael the entire episode. 

Remember how I talked about Andre covering for his father in “False Imposition“? It came back to haunt in this episode. As Vernon confronts Andre with a choke hold to get the truth about his false alibi, Andre confirms his role as his father’s eternal way out whether Andre knows what he’s covering for or not.

Hakeem is dealing with Tiana’s side chick in the only way someone with something to prove would. Looking like a fake Nelly, Hakeem shows up drunk in the club. He once again asks for Jamal’s help and is rejected for what seems like the final time. He does, however, manage to put out another banger to combat Jamal’s music.  

Vernon gets a little more screen time and new layers to his character are added. We find out that he’s a recovering alcoholic. We also learn that Vernon and Andre have a coup in the works. Although, I find it hard to believe that Vernon is really going to play second fiddle to Andre after he questioned Bunky giving his life to serving Lucious. 

This week had lots of cameos. Courtney Love came in as Elle, one of Empire’s first artist, a former chart topper now broken and strung out. Derek Luke came in as the new head of security. Yet perhaps the most out of place cameo was Raven-Symone as a (distant?) friend of the family, claiming the girl with her was Jamal’s daughter. We know how this is going to go! I’m predicting blood tests next week, and the next episode will be Michael’s last! 

Cookie Crumbs:

• Anika is actually starting to stand her ground against Cookie. She still isn’t the head honcho though.
• Raven-Symone was doing a little too much in her role. I hope we won’t see too much of that character. How about Courtney Love’s appearance as Elle? It wasn’t a stretch for her to play a version of herself, but it was a decent performance.
• What do you think Vernon is cooking up? I’d say a double cross on Lucious and Andre. Why go from serving the devil to serving the devil’s bi-polar seed? 
•  As a recovering alcoholic, Vernon has a weakness. I think Lucious is going to use it to his advantage down the line.

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Pretty Little Liars: "Out, Damned Spot" Review

Pretty Little Liars

Season 5.19

“Out, Damned Spot”

Previously on Pretty Little Liars.....

The Liars give blood!!! (OMG). Andrew tutors Aria and protects the girls. M&M meets Hank Mahoney (aka “Cyrus the Virus”). Hanna goes in search of financial aid for college and this leads the entire PLL Fandom to asks the question: Who is Hanna’s Daddy!!??!!

Ashley Marin is in charge of the blood drive, and she recruits the PLLs to donate.  Hanna (O negative), didn’t  you learn in season 2....never ever let someone have your blood! While waiting the girls see Mike crash into the blood cart and apparently steal a vial of blood.  Aria is still in denial that her little brother is involved in some big secrets in Rosewood. 

In fact, Aria is so upset that she can’t complete her math test.  So she copies from Andrew Campbell’s test as he conveniently holds his paper up for her to see. Now Andrew is the class Valedictorian, so I know he knows better.  This all seems like a set up to me.  Andrew later confronts Aria about cheating and suggests that he can be her tutor.

Emily and Talia.... such repeated characterization of Miss Fields.  Yes, she always goes for the closeted or unavailable (Paige)!!! This week she learns Talia’s full name.  Talia Sandoval  Mendoza. Talia is married to Eric, her best friend that she married after high school, who knows that she is attracted to women.  Emily please wake up!!! Your life is complicated enough!!!

Ashley says yes to Ted’s marriage proposal and then tells him about Jason.  Ted tells her he needs to think!  I really have my eye on these two.  It would not surprise me if either of them have a very big part to play in this season’s finale.  Stay tuned.

Spencer helps Jonny paint a mural at Hollis during the middle of the night.  The next day the mural is front page news with the Headline: Vandalism at Hollis College. Spencer, you are suppose to be the “smart one”. Stay away from Jonny. He is up to no good. Who paints murals in the middle of the night anyway?

Aria discovers that Mike has been getting phone messages from Hank Mahoney at the Chester Women’s Correctional Facility. *cough,  Ali, cough* When she confronts Mike he  tells her, “next time don’t answer my phone.”  He slams the door in her face and then goes to the mini fridge in his room and pulls a vial of blood from a Power Mass energy drink container.  The next day Emily sees Mike withdraw money from an ATM and retrieves the forgotten receipt.  He only withdraws $400.00, but the balance of $18,000.00 puts Emily on high alert.  She interrupts Aria’s tutoring session with Andrew to show Aria the receipt.  As they are talking they see Mike take off in the family car.  How convenient that Andrew is there and agrees to drive them to follow Mike since neither Aria nor Emily can drive a stick shift.  They follow Mike to Jonah’s diner. 

Aria thanks Andrew and tells him he can still make batting practice.  Mike  goes inside the diner and meets with Hank Mahoney, aka Cyrus Petrillo, aka Ali’s fake kidnapper. Mike gives Cyrus/Hank a small yellow envelope. (The Blood??? I think not...) Meanwhile Spencer arrives at Jonah’s to spy and provide transportation to follow Cyrus. But Cyrus confronts the girls in the parking lot on his motorcycle.  Luckily good old Andrew stuck around and is there to scare Cyrus away with his baseball bat! Question: whose team is Andrew playing for? A Team or B Team?

Poor Hanna misses out on the excitement because she had to visit her “father” to ask for financial assistance to pay for college.  Tom tells Hanna that her stepsister, Kate, is attending Dartmouth in the fall and he is paying for it, but he can’t afford to pay for two private school tuitions.  Apparently he and Ashley had an agreement for $10,000.00 per year for Hanna included in their divorce decree.  I believe that Ashley’s secrets will start to be revealed soon....and one of them is that Tom is not Hanna’s biological father!!! He even has her sit across the desk from him as if he is talking with a business associate! 

The episode ends with Mike stalking the girls at Spencer’s house.  Mike you are creepy, scary, and probably about to get into serious trouble in the upcoming episodes.  Did Mike give money, Hanna’s blood, or false blood to Cyrus?  

Until next time Liars! Keep your friends close and your secrets closer!!!

P.S. In addition to my reviews here on Picture Lock, I am starting a new PLL Theories Page. Follow me at cdjack11cdjack11.tumblr.com for “A Liar’s Secrets”.

Pretty Little Liars: "Oh, What Hard Luck..." Review

Pretty Little Liars

Season 5.18

“Oh, What Hard Luck Stories They All Hand Me"

Previously on Pretty Little Liars.....

Detective ShadyBrook is back and finally ready to admit that Ali got her hooks in him. We also meet Mona’s friend, Lesli, who leads Hanna to Mona Flashbacks and big clues hiding in the spine of Poe. We  also learn about Mike’s mysterious activities that may link him to Mona and Alison.  However, it is Hanna the Rebel, who gives the performance of the week!

Hanna and Caleb are called into the police station to be questioned about the storage unit.  While they are there they see ShadyBrook get fired.  He is irate as he storms to his desk to box up some of his belongings and yells, “This department has screwed up the investigation from the start, and now you’re trying to blame it on me? You have no idea what’s really going on here, do you?  Not a clue” Wow, I guess I can call him former Detective Holbrook now, because that is the first true statement I’ve heard from him in a while!

Aria is in disbelief when Spencer let’s her know that Mike has been visiting Ali in jail.  Oh Aria, you are living up to your name of “Suzy Clueless” this week. First, you don’t know that Ezra is in Harrisburg for the weekend and now you can’t seem to grasp or admit that your brother is not little Mike anymore.  Think Aria! Think!

Lesli is the girl that Mona spoke to the night before she was “murdered”. (I am still holding out that Mona faked her own death) She comes to town to visit Mrs. Vanderwaal and goes to find Hanna at the Brew.  Now this newcomer is one suspicious character! She tries to lift Mona’s copy of The Unabridged Works of Edgar Allan Poe. As Hanna talks with Lesli in Mona’s bedroom she has a flashback of the night Mona told her about her wish to have a stopwatch that could stop time and allow her to spy on people and control them. ​

Later at the New Brew, Mike notices Lesli walk in with Hanna.  He makes a beeline to Lesli, who is still carrying Mona’s book. (how weird) He commands Lesli to give him the book.  Hanna promises Mike that she will make sure the book is returned to Mona’s room.  But this interaction clues Hanna in on the importance of the book.  When she returns it, Hanna has another Mona flashback that causes her to check the book and find that Mona had hidden one of Bethany’s Radley tape recordings in the spine.  

Hanna leaves Mona’s with the Bethany tape and is pulled over by none other than from detective ShadyBrook, who still has not turned in his police car.  Hanna pulls out her crow bar before she exits the car. (Good for you Hanna! I always keep a baseball bat in the car with me for such a time as this.) In the most gripping scene of the night, Holbrook admits that Ali used him and that he lost his career because of her.  Yet he tells Hanna that he had been with internal affairs investigators for the last two weeks.  He told her two other important facts: 1. Tanner knows everything.  2.  There must be another fall guy who almost killed Caleb, Spencer, and Aria.  Hmmm….

When he grabs Hanna, she whacks him and says what we all have been thinking, “you’re the grownup police officer”  why are you messing around with a girl? *applause* Bethany’s tape does inform the girls that Bethany was very angry with someone (Ali?) and she is going to set a plan in motion.

Meanwhile, Aria follows Mike to a remote location and sees him leave a small plastic bag of candy.  Is this candy for Bethany, A, or Mona? Did Mike secretly help Mona fake her death or is he following A’s instructions in order to get clues about what happened to Mona? During Mike and Aria’s argument, he tells his sister that he is not taking orders from anyone anymore and warns her to be careful going through the woods. 

This really reminded me of Mona singing Teddy Bear Picnic in Season 3 as she is painting a puppet head before going to the Halloween Train.  One of the lines of the song is “Every Teddy Bear who’s been good is sure of a treat today” and it goes along with Mike leaving the candy. The part that talks about hide and seek…gives me hope that Mona may be alive!!! Let’s hope so.

Until next time Liars…keep your friends close and your secrets closer!!!

Empire: "Dangerous Bonds" Review

Empire

Season 1 Ep. 5

“Dangerous Bonds”

This episode, unlike “False Imposition”, was full of surprises, twists, and hurry back from your bathroom break during commercial moments that didn’t let up until the end! Empire is almost Shakespearian in the drama and conflict it creates...almost. “Dangerous Bonds” seemed to set more splinter stories in motion that could be interesting down the line.

From the jump we get the Takeem relationship shoved down our throats. It can’t be by chance that just like mainstream media, the show insists that we care about the two shallowest artists as it continues to call out “the biz”. Yet, Tiana reveals she’s got a side chick, giving a little more depth to her character and making Hakeem on edge. It forces Hakeem to step up and handle his business in order to get his over budget music video made with Tiana costarring.

Lucious proposes to Anika who accepts. She may have said yes because of love, knowing Lucious has ALS, but her father cuts an unethical side deal with Lucious due to the same reason. As Lucious’ wife, Anika will come into billions once he passes. Can you say, “We want pre-nup, we want pre-nup!”?

Lucious continues to be the puppet master. He constantly strings Andre along with his desire to be head of the company, but more importantly his “almighty approval” that Andre desires so much. In fact, Andre is willing to put his brother’s life in jeopardy by making sure Hakeem’s leeches overhear him talking about Jamal being alone in his studio with thousands of dollars in valuables on him. As one of Jamal’s engineers are shot due to Andre’s purposed deed, it magnifies the rift between Jamal and Hakeem. 

Cookie is proving to be one of the most layered characters on the show. In one moment she can say “The name’s Cookie, ask about me!” and the next be scared of a rose dropped on her front door. In this episode Taraji continues to show her acting prowess as she flips from in control BOSS to fearful woman from moment to moment. It’s her fear and drive to survive that incites her to put in motion something that will definitely come back to bite her down the line.

Cookie Crumbs:

• Andre’s wife is quite possibly the biggest snake on the show. The Tiana set up was proof enough that she does not play and could just as soon be Andre’s downfall in the long run. 
• Is Hakeem stepping into his own lane? This episode showed a more confident and independent thinking Hakeem than we’ve seen in the past. 
• Is “Empire” going to have a soundtrack to go along with this season? As much as music is central to the show, if they release a soundtrack with it I think it will be a chart topper. It’s a smart business move, especially with the success of the show. 
• The Jamal/Hakeem fight was epic in foreshadowing the conflict that may pop up later this season. 

Empire: "False Imposition" Review

Empire

Season 1 Ep. 4

“False Imposition”

The race for the throne is still on at Empire Records. Yet, this week, Lucious (Terrance Howard) reveals why he’s been riding everyone so hard in a tender moment with Anika (Grace Gealey). Lucious letting the truth about his ALS out to Anika is likely going to come back and bite him with the feud Lucious allows to persist between his two loves.

The competition between Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) and Anika is still burning strong. Cookie continues to establish herself as a true manager, scoring Tiana by promising to protect her music and make her a star, and talking to Titan’s (a new rapper character) mother to get him on Empire’s roster. While Anika has enabled Takeem to get a spot at the Teen Choice Awards, Cookie’s reach is still apparent as Tiana texts for approval. At every turn “Empire” is showing that Cookie is the better woman for Empire records and Lucious.

This episode also reveals more of Andre’s relationship with his father. As Andre gives an alibi to the cops for Lucious on the night that Bunkie was murdered, we realize that this is a pattern stemming from childhood. It simply cements why Andre will go ham when he doesn’t get kinged. Bi-polar disorder to the side.

Jamal proves himself to be the man that his homophobic father doesn’t belief he is by returning a check sent to him after playing for Hakeem. Jamal’s stance also shows that he’s the better artist. He believes in himself, knows his worth, and isn’t afraid to stand alone in the struggle to make the world know. As he finds inspiration in the projects where he’s now living, we know he is going to have some hits soon. 

Wrapping things up we’re introduced to Lucious’ rival and old boss, Baretti (an almost unrecognizable Judd Nelson). He promises to dig up old dirt and bury Lucious if he continues down the path of securing Titan as his artist. Unfortunately, this felt more like a filler episode with fragmented storytelling. 

Cookie Crumbs:

• The Nation killed Lucious’ father. Cookie specifically mentions this in the episode which means his father has some sort of importance to the show, and we’re going to likely find out how the two relate.
• Hakeem is a spoiled brat. When he’s not in a hot tub with Naomi Campbell, he’s still salty about his mommy issues while lampin’ in his $2 million dollar apartment that his father pays for. 
• Takeem’s performance. While Tiana sounds like Empire’s Rihanna, Hakeem can barely be heard. The musical performances continue to feel so forced and staged, while the show still speaks to the current state of authenticity (and the lack there of) in hip hop.
• Lucious and Cookie’s tango. It’s super obvious they should and possibly will hook back up as a power couple, but this is going to get dragged out to the end of the season.

"Bin of Sin" Review

Pretty Little Liars

Season 5.17

“Bin of Sin"

This week’s episode of Pretty Little Liars put a great deal of added stress on many relationships. If it was A’s plan to divide and conquer, he/she/shim was successful with Ezria, Spoby, and Hannah/Spence. However, ain’t no mountain high enough, valley low enough, or jail cell wide enough to keep Caleb from Hanna! Awww Haleb!!! 

Aria finally tells Ezra about her letter to Jackie that described how she squandered her high school experience with an older guy.  After reading the letter Ezra tells her it was a brilliant move because it got her into Talmadge.  Later he recants and tells her she should consider leaving him and moving on to enjoy her college experience.  This is the best advice I’ve heard all season. Leave him Aria!  He’s probably hiding something else from you and sees this as a way to separate from you before you find out the truth! (This relationship just bugs me...I have no tolerance for older men dating high school girls!!!) Maybe Aria is starting to see the light through her yearbook.

Meanwhile, Talia finally lets Emily know she is interested in her. Nothing that we didn’t already know Talia!

But wait, the episode is called the Bin of Sin! So when Caleb, Spence, Emily, and Aria tell Hanna to leave the barrel alone, Hanna takes matters into her own hands.  She researches, purchases all the needed equipment, and recruits Caleb to help her break into the storage unit and remove all the evidence of Mona’s murder.  Surprise!!! A has already removed everything except the barrel.  As Haleb walks out to get the dolly to transport the barrel they run into Tanner and Toby who are coming to check out unit 1017 too. Busted!!! (good thing you returned everything to your blue bag Hanna!)

So what’s inside the barrel?!?! When Tanner and Toby open it, the smell is too much for Toby, and Tanner sends him out to call the HazMat team.  That’s when she finds the droplets of blood beside the barrel.  Hmmm....what did that note Alison found inside her orange jumpsuit say?  Oh yes, “your friends will be joining you soon”.  Well it looks like Hanna could be first in line.  Remember how easy it was for A to get Hanna’s O negative blood on the Ouji board?  

Meanwhile, Spencer, Aria, and Emily follow Mona’s Lo-Jacked computer.  It leads them to an old ice cream factory that is full of little clues.  The ice cream clown logo is very reminiscent of the clown A had in his/her/shim’s lair. The dead rat that Emily finds with the freeze dried nuts reminded me of the dead rat that was found in Paige’s locker. But the biggest find was the computer that was in the freezer playing a video of Hanna telling Caleb all about her plan to break into the storage unit. So the computer was A’s way of spying on Hanna through her own computer. Of course as soon as Sparia grabbed the computer to leave, the Black Hooded One locks them in the freezer and turns on the liquid nitrogen.  This was by far the scariest and most gut wrenching scene of the night.  Thank God for Emily’s quick thinking and physical strength that got them out just in time!!! But of course they leave the computer in the freezer.  Liars have you learned nothing in 5 seasons!!!???

Now let’s wrap this episode up with the rest of the relationship tension.  When Hanna and Caleb hear about their video on Mona’s/A’s computer Hanna tells Caleb he should stay away from her because A is trying to take her down.  But Caleb assures her that will never happen....even if they both go to jail.  HALEB = Solid as a rock!!!

Hanna confronts Spencer about the day’s events and asks her when Toby’s job became more important than his friends.  In an argument that resembles a Spencer/Alison clash of words, Spencer yells “you can’t blame this on Toby!” But Spencer and Toby may be the relationship destined to crack under A’s pressure.  Toby calls Spencer and lies to her about his whereabouts and refuses to tell her what they found in the barrel. Cue the final A scene please... Guess whose fingerprints Black Hoodie finds when he/she/shim returns to the factory? Now there is evidence that can be used against all four liars!

This episode did not answer many questions, but it sure did leave us with a lot of clues to investigate.  As always, until next time Liars keep your friends close and your secrets closer!

"Over A Barrel" Review

Pretty Little Liars
Season 5.16
“Over A Barrel"

Previously on Pretty Little Liars....Aria was afraid Ezra would find out that she had written a secret letter to his ex, Jackie, that gained her admission to Talmadge College. Emily was pining over Paige leaving and not communicating with her.  Spencer and Caleb were sleuthing around Rosewood to destroy A’s planted evidence from Mona’s murder. Hanna walked in on her mother’s hook-up with Jason.  This week, they pick up right where they left off.

Aria buys coffee at Ezra’s new Brew, and a copy of her letter to Jackie is printed on the receipt!!! Aria continues to worry about how she will break the news to Ezra as she follows mysterious messages to meet Holbrook all over town.  Of course she never meets the shady detective, but  thanks to A she does manage to have lunch with Jason and eventually deliver flowers from young Mr. Dilaurentis to Ashley’s house.

Emily decides to pack up the remnants of Paige’s belongings that were left in her car. She is still hurting over the break-up, but I don’t think she will be in pain for long.  Even though her work relationship with Talia has had a choppy start, in this episode, Talia seems to want to smooth the waters with our little barista.  Did anyone else think that her question to Em about Ezra’s buns was testing the waters to find out if Emily was into   guys or girls?  Personally, I hope Talia is just what Emily needs to get over Paige for good!!!

This week’s most intriguing moments belonged to Hanna, Caleb, and Spencer.  Hanna wasn’t the only one who surprised Ashley by coming home early.  Pastor Ted came back from his mission trip to Peru with the intention to build a family in Rosewood.  After gaining Hanna’s approval, he proposed to Ashley with a gorgeous ring inside a peanut butter cookie that was similar to the one they shared when they first met.  Ashley’s response, “ I need a minute to think”, was definitely not what Ted expected.  However, I loved, loved, loved the way Hanna was able to soothe his fears and give unconditional love and support to her mom as well.  Why do all the good ones fall for the liars and cheaters?  Hopefully Ashley will tell Ted the truth, wedding bells will still ring, and Hanna will finally get the decent father figure she deserves.

Detectives SpenCa were back in action following a LoJack alert from Mona’s computer that led them to a storage facility across town.  When Spencer and Caleb arrive they run into one of their teachers, Mrs. Horowitz, who alerts Spencer to the horrible smell coming from unit # 1017.  She told Spence that she once saw a blond girl hurrying away, but did not see her face.  Caleb makes a shim to break their teacher’s lock and they crawl through the air ducts to 1017. (I can see it now... Horowitz will be a witness for the prosecution when the Liars go on trial!) Once inside they find Mona’s bloody clothes in plastic bags, denatured alcohol, antacid tablets, and water beside a large barrel.  SpenCa deduces that Mona is either preserved or has turned to sludge inside the barrel.  After wiping the room clean of any fingerprints they return home and decide that Caleb should find out who rented the unit.  Of course it was rented to none other than Hanna Marin.  Looks like Ali won’t be the only PLL locked in a jail cell.  A has decided it is Hanna’s turn to be tortured.

In the final A scene, the black-hooded one enters Gabriel Holbrook’s office and logs on to his Rosewood PD account.  Who is that masked man/woman....ShadyBrook, Toby, Mike, Paige, or another A Team member? My guess is Holbrook because they have the key, the password and know where the caramels are stashed, along with some other interesting things in that desk! Whoever it is, they sure do love candy!

Hopefully, we will get the answers to these questions and more before the end of season 5.  Until next time Liars, remember to keep your friends close and your secrets closer!!!

"Fresh Meat" Review

Pretty Little Liars

Season 5.15

“Fresh Meat"

Last night’s episode of Pretty Little Liars was all about sleuthing and relationships. Old relationships, some interesting and surprising new ways of relating, as well as some  brand new relationships that will affect the future of our PLLs. Two new characters were introduced, Thalia Sandoval who will be working in the kitchen at Ezra’s bookstore and Jonny Raymond who will be moving into the Hasting’s backyard loft. Thalia and Ezra seemed mighty friendly while Spencer has had interesting relationships with every man who has lived in the loft so far.

Let’s jump right in with one of the old relationships,Toby and Alison. Toby conveniently drops off paperwork for Tanner at the Chester Women’s Correctional Facility. While there he sees Alison “Fresh Meat” Dilaurentis sporting her new to prison bruises. Ali may not be A, but I for one was so happy that she is finally getting some payback.  After she tries to guilt Toby about how he should have empathy for what she is going through, he reminds her that she was the one who lied to have him put behind bars. Score for Officer Toby!

But Toby has plenty of other things to worry about besides Alison.  After finding a bloody knife behind Mona’s house, he panics and covers up the evidence because it was from his parent’s cabin.  Spencer and Caleb want to destroy it, but Toby is struggling with his new commitment as an officer of the law.  By the end of the episode, it is clear that his new job will be a major stressor for Spoby.

It was great to see Spencer and Caleb (SpenCa) in so many scenes together. Being two of the wittiest liars on the show, it was good to see some depth to their relationship. Caleb confessed to Spencer that he had once been arrested on suspicion of murder! After recovering the bloody knife from Mona’s backyard they took it to the kiln at  Rosewood High to destroy it. Spencer should have known not to leave her buddy alone because  A is always lurking the schools halls at night.  Caleb gets locked inside the kiln to be destroyed along with the knife. Spencer pulls him to safety just in time, and makes sure to re-start the fire.

Aria and Emily were both spiraling out of control. Aria over her college rejection letters and Emily over Paige’s lack of communication since leaving for California. Emily get a grip...this seems too familiar! (identical response when Mya left you for California) She left you because she is hiding something! The hand writing from the note that Alison received at the end of the episode looked a lot like Paige’s handwritten note to the police when she found out Alison was alive.  

Aria on the other hand takes action and drives to meet her former nemesis and Ezra’s former fiancee, Jackie Molina, at Talmadge College.  Jackie works in admissions and received Aria’s ill-advised letter asking to be removed from the Talmadge’s wait list and confessing how she let her relationship with Ezra ruin her high school years. Jackie actually surprises Aria by siding with her and even getting her freshman acceptance in order. Aria, did you email that letter? You know that A has been hacking your email for years! Sure enough, she gets a book marker with a quote from her letter inside a book at Ezra’s bookstore event that night.  Spencer and Hannah should not leave Emily or Aria home alone ever again!

Hanna went on a week long visit to Ballard College. But when she learns about the bloody knife and that Detective ShadyBrook has taken a personal leave to be with his ailing father, she goes to find him at Poppa Holbrook’s home in the mobile park. Of course Poppa is healthy and has not seen his son in weeks. But he mistakes Hanna for Alison (or maybe CeCe) by saying he thought that if anyone would know where he was, he thought she would. He then asks her if she was out on bail. So was Ali hiding out with ShadyBrook and his Dad while she was missing? Who was that boy on the bike? Hanna then pays a visit to Alison in jail and listens to Alison claim that she was waiting for hours to meet Cyrus on the day Mona was killed....only to find out it was a trap set by A. Hanna wasn’t buying it, and basically told Ali she was done with her.

The most shocking part of the night was seeing Ashley “Cougar” Marin hooking up with Jason DiLaurentis.  Poor Pastor Ted! He loves Ashley and even posted her bail when she was falsely accused of Wilden’s murder and thrown in jail.  

Mama Marin got busted when Hannah came home early from her college tour and saw the remains of dinner for two in the kitchen, and Jason getting dressed as he came down the stairs. However, in the midst of Jashley’s reveal, the writers threw in a big clue.  Jason asked Ashley to look over a file that didn’t make sense to him. “We still have a tenant whose lease expired three years ago.” That would be the year that Alison went missing. So who is this tenant? Bethany, CeCe, or was it Alison? Can’t wait to find out who this tenant is!

Until next time liars, remember to keep your friends close and your secrets closer!!!