Constantine: Reasons NBC Should Keep It

John Constantine is the new Burning Man

          I know everyone's panicking because NBC has halted production on Constantine, but don't fret. Halting production does not mean cancellation. It's more likely NBC wants to see if ratings will go up before they invest any more money into the project. Personally I don't think Constantine needs 22 episodes. It would cost less to do 13 episodes a season and this is a WB production so it ain't cheap. But the show's future is still up in the air. Here are reasons I think NBC should renew this edgy, dark show:

What a great looking cast!

1. The actors were very well chosen. Liv was a new character but I didn't feel she fit well. She was too "damsel in distress". I see her more as a guest star but then Angelica Celaya comes in as the psychic wonder with a dark past, Zed. This girl has bite but she has an empathy that allows her to connect with total strangers. Matt Ryan was an excellent choice for the lead. It's not just the resemblance to the character, he seems to have brought John Constantine to life with his dark humor, charisma, some self loathing and all around morose charm. With supporting characters like Charles Halford (Chas), Michael James Shaw (Papa Midnite), Harold Perrineau (Manny), and Emmett J. Scanlan (Jim Corrigan) the world of Hellblazer has been brought to the small screen successfully.

Manny's that annoying angel on John's shoulder

2. Ambiguity. You don't have a sense of black and white here. There's a total gray area. Just because Manny is an angel doesn't mean he has John's best intentions at heart. I feel like there's a deeper story there. As for Constantine himself? Well he's no knight in shining armor. He's not in it to save the world but he ends up doing so anyway. And people are still a bit hung up on whether or not the producers will make John bisexual or not but personally I don't really care. His sexuality means little to me but I suppose you can say that just falls in with the show's vague style. It's no fun to just figure out everyone's simple desire within an hour or even in 2 episodes. The beauty in ambiguity is it keeps you guessing long enough to hold your attention but not too much that you get confused and lose interest. 

"I respect everyone I sleep with." There he's bi; can we move on?

3. Every week something new. There's so much mythology to explore here. The Well of Ideas will never run dry. It's not exactly a creature feature like Supernatural or Grimm where each episode has a new creature or demon to defeat. The murder mysteries here are more human driven mayhem with just the Rising Darkness to give them more juice. 

I bet John has woken up in worse places

       4. Other than Grimm, Constantine is the only fantasy/horror show on NBC worth watching. The only other show I watch on there that doesn't have a ghost or creature in it is The Blacklist and that's because it's a psychological thriller which keeps you thoroughly entertained with deep, intriguing characters playing the spy game. Other than that NBC has too many crime procedurals that bore me to death. 

Smoke 'em if you got 'em

       5. The film Constantine was a HUGE let down. I read up on Hellblazer and thought: "What the hell? Why didn't they use this? This John Constantine seems far more captivating and dark than the one in the movie!" However, the TV series has been more faithful to the comic book series than most of the comic book to TV series I've seen and that includes Arrow and Smallville's Superman. Constantine holds true to it's edginess and provocative content. 

Creepy...I love it!

         I feel after the Pilot, the writers found their rhythm and each episode of Constantine gets better each week. Unfortunately because I work in retail I can't always be there to watch and tweet live when the show airs. So I ask other passionate Hellblazer and new Constantine fans to tweet double for me. TVTag helps and streaming the show on the network's website increases chances of renewal. Let's make this holiday extra special by getting Constantine a season 2 where I'm sure it can only get better and more compelling.

Is there any law or rule John hasn't broken yet?

Reign & TVD: Klaroline Deja Vu

 

It's like looking at a mirror

               Is it me or am I getting a Klaroline Dejá Vu feeling every time I watch Narcisse flirting with Lola? It can't be just me? Let's look at the similarities:

 

They both have that swagger

Klaus & Narcisse:

           1. Both Narcisse and Klaus have caused problems for our main heroes. They come off as villains in the story but we know there's more to their stories. Plus we can't take our eyes off of them and melt every time they speak in their sexy accents.

           2. Narcisse and Klaus have a hard time making friends. People fear them because anyone who crosses them ends up dead or worse. 

           3. Deep down they just want to be loved and when they find a girl like Lola and Caroline they're up for the challenge and end up finding their soul mate. 

 

Both are strong, beautiful women

Lola & Caroline:

           1. Both fierce friends that you want on your side.

           2. Lola and Caroline have gone through some tough events but have come out alright. Not unscathed but they're stronger for it. I know some people say Lola broke the girl code but think about it: If Francis had slept with any other girl and she had his son, that woman would have probably given Mary an extremely hard time. Lola and Mary are close enough that Lola would never seek to outshine her best friend.

            3. Feisty girls both of them. Though Caroline is more high strung prom queen and Lola more laid back and prefers to let others have the spot light, people tend to underestimate them. Soon Lola and Caroline realized they have a strength they never knew they had and when backed into a corner they fight back with amazing fire.

           4. Now in their new romances, Lola and Caroline find themselves intrigued and attracted to these trouble making bad boys. They're thinking and doing things they never thought they would be doing. They're confused about who's in the right. 

It won't be long until Narcisse & Lola have their
scandalous romp in the woods hopefully

            These two ships challenge each other in incredible ways that encourage spiritual and emotional growth on both sides of the relationship. Lola and Narcisse are hitting the same kind of road bumps that Klaus and Caroline had gone through but they found themselves together eventually and pretty soon Lola will find that she cares deeply about Narcisse; more than she thought she could. Also Narcisse will find that Lola's in his blood and he'll have a hard time quitting her. Let's just hope none of Narcisse's one night stands don't end up with those "You're the father" calls the next day. 

The 100: Welcome to the Dark Side, Finn

Someone take that thing away from him.
It's loaded and so is he!

                   Season 1 Finn was all about keeping the peace with the Grounders and tried to keep Clarke on the same page with him because he believed they shared the same vision of a better world. However, this last passing episode showed Finn at his darkest. 

Bellamy is so relieved! He has his princess back!

              Bellamy used to be the one ready to use violence but thanks to Clarke's influence he thinks before he acts and what consequences come with them. Now it seems Finn is the one who is acting without thinking. Finn is so hung up on Clarke that he didn't think about what she would think of him if she knew all of the terrible things he was willing to do to get her back. Hard to believe that while Finn was searching that village like a mad dog Murphey was the level headed one. He told Finn that this was just a village full of scavengers which turned out to be true but Finn was convinced that their people were there. Still Finn went all Rambo and shot up some innocent villagers, which makes peace between the Ark and the Grounders almost an impossibility. Working with the Grounders is the only way to get their friends out of Mount Weather but after this tragic mess the Grounders may just continue clashing with the Ark People. 

Yes! Look how happy Clarke is to see Bellamy!

          I think Finn loves Clarke so much that the thought of her dead drove him crazy. We do insane things for love but Finn has gone too far. The look on Clarke's face was one of horror at Finn's actions while Finn's face was full of relief. "I found you" Um more like Clarke found you and she doesn't look happy to see you, Finn. I'm okay with this. This just means Clarke will move closer to Bellamy who is becoming a perfect match for her emotionally and mentally. I mean did you see that hug when they reunited? No hugs for Finn at this bloody reunion.

Just slow your roll, Finn

Constantine: So Far Getting Better

Put the kids to bed and turn out the lights if you dare
because "Constantine" is on!

                     Like a fine wine some things get better with age and that goes double for TV Shows. With new NBC show Constantine, hell is just gaining more fire.

Just another Friday night I guess

               The horror aspect is becoming more stimulating. The monsters and demons are terrifying and the violence is gruesome. Both great qualities you want with a horror genre show. I'm into dark content and Constantine is filled with it. Although I'm not really loving Manny as a name for an angel, he is a bit entertaining. I'm very curious to see more angels. Is Manny the only angel that cares that the Apocalypse? There is so much mythology about demons and the occult that can be used and explored in this show. There's really no end to scary ideas to frighten viewers, keeping them coming back week after week.  

This really is a dirty business

               Actress Lucy Griffiths who played Liv made a quick exit stage right after the Pilot. She was cute but the chemistry between her and Matt Ryan's John Constantine just wasn't flying well. However, just when we thought it was going to be a sausage fest repeat of Supernatural, in walks in another lovely yet tough as nails psychic Zed Martin. I like to think of the second episode as a second Pilot. Fans took immediately to the new girl. Zed is the perfect girl to run with Constantine. She takes the initiative, has street smarts, and knows how to throw a punch or two but she's not entirely bitter. Despite a dark past (of which I hope we dive into before the season is over), Zed maintains a sort of innocence. She has a great amount of empathy and has a ready ear to listen to your problems. An amazing, interesting character that can keep up with the boys. 

Why have a lighter if you're not a smoker? That's all
I'm saying. Otherwise you're an arsonist

             However, the only peeve I have is: if you're gonna have a character smoke then show it stop teasing. I know NBC said they wouldn't show John Constantine smoking, but we've seen glimpses of some of those Marlboros. We haven't seen John light up because NBC doesn't want to send a supportive message of smoking. But I would like to argue that even if we did see him smoke a few Camels, it wouldn't really send a message encouraging smoking. People are intelligent enough to decide for themselves and there are warning labels including hundreds of commercials warning against the nasty habit. John Constantine is no boy scout, golden hero. He's done and seen a lot of horrible things. Hell he's done worse things. Many people have different ways of coping and one of John's is smoking. He's an anti-hero with a nasty habit. It's very human. So lighten up a little, NBC. But whatever they decide to do about that it won't make me stop watching.

No he's alive. He's just playing dead

              Someone did circulate that NBC cancelled the show but I can assure you no such announcement exists. NBC has so far made no official statement on the show's future. They're probably waiting to see how the show does in the coming weeks before winter break where TV takes a holiday. I do hope Constantine gets renewed. I see great potential in this show. Matt Ryan is perfect for the role, the chemistry of the cast is fantastic, and the story can only get more intense, dark, and exciting! 
          

The Originals: How Will Klaus Take the Truth About Tatia's Death?

Don't care if he has blood all over him, Elijah is sexy shirtless

                After his long stay in nightmare land, Elijah is awake and bringing sexy back in his fine suit and ready to continue the fight against Esther but he isn't entirely unscathed from his mother's torture. Esther revived a horrible memory that traumatized Elijah so much he blocked it out entirely. Turns out it was Elijah who murdered Tatia not Esther. What would Klaus do if he found out?

Of course she chooses Elijah! I would! Sorry Klaus...

           Elijah was still getting used to his vampire abilities. He thought he compelled Tatia to forget what she saw but turns out he sunk his teeth into her sweet neck and fed until she was on Death's doorstep. We know Elijah didn't mean to hurt let alone kill his first love, Tatia. I mean she chose him after all! Klaus and Elijah had been fighting over the girl next door and it almost destroyed their relationship. 

Let him down easy. You know how Klaus gets
when he's angry

      I'm sure Klaus wasn't thrilled to hear that Tatia chose his brother but if Elijah had turned her into a vampire they probably would have turned out like Stefan, Damon and Elena... maybe... Still you never forget your first love. We know that Elijah is a man who struggles with his humanity; what's right and what's wrong so he may have a real difficult time on deciding whether or not to tell Klaus the truth about Tatia's death.

You got a little something on your suit...and face...

          One of the reasons Klaus hates Esther is because he believes she killed his first love. If he finds out it was really Elijah, Klaus will still hate Esther but he may have a thing or two to say to his brother. No doubt this will be a Mikaelson Brother brawl for the record books. Or maybe Klaus will be more forgiving? Let's hope so.

"Can you say 'Uncle Elijah'?"

Dominion: Who is Michael's Mystery Healer

So who's our healer in black?

                   There is still major debate on who Michael's mystery healer is. Personally I think it's Raphael BUT there are still some interesting theories out there. I'm not going to tear down anyone's theories but I will present both sides.

Uriel loves her pranks

           Theory #1: Uriel 

          Very possible...

    1. FOR: Uriel just happens to show up after Michael recovers. Seems too much of a coincidence. Arika was Uriel's inside informant and could have signaled her with those flashy earrings that Michael was fatally wounded. But how did Arika know? I feel she has a way of getting information out of people without any real problem. Uriel is a higher angel so she could get in undetected. She would never allow her brothers to kill each other as she has said, she loves them both.

If only daddy were here

        AGAINST: Uriel comes off as a very calculating person who accounts for everything. Her smile is basically a wordless brag that she knows more than you. Uriel doesn't know the city well enough to know how to avoid detection. Even if she did get a map and use her photographic memory to navigate the corridors and passageways she couldn't account for how many soldiers would be guarding the door way. And she would have been detected earlier instead of on Michael's rooftop. Uriel doesn't seem the type to wear all black for any reason. She likes to hide in plain sight so sneaking around doesn't really seem in her nature. Also she probably would have told Michael that it was her who healed him. 

Noma is consumed by Alex

      Theory #2: Noma

             2. FOR: An extreme possibility. Noma is Archangel Corps and has the access, she could get in without a problem. She's Michael's Lieutenant and very loyal to him. If he's in danger she would certainly rush to his side and help him. Noma would make it her business to know how the Archangel was doing so she would certainly discover if he had been attacked. 

You used all the hot water

                AGAINST: Given Noma's status it's hard to believe that she would feel the need to dress all in black just to get to Michael when since she's Archangel Corps she could just slip past the guards without them thinking anything amiss. Also it seems that everything happened so fast that Noma wouldn't know in time to try and help. Michael tasked Noma to watch Alex and being a loyal soldier, she would be doing just that. Though she didn't know where Alex was, the anxiety over his disappearance seemed to consume her so much that Michael was the last person on her mind.

Nice blade...

       Theory #3: Lucifer

            3. FOR: Another extreme possibility. Lucifer hasn't been seen for centuries but that doesn't mean he's not lurking around somewhere. He may have been in hiding while Gabriel waged war on the humans. He could want Michael alive for some sinister purpose. Since he's technically an Archangel (fallen or not) he would be hard to detect. Not many people know him or even know what he looks like. It would be a huge twist.

           Way too many unanswered questions to make an argument but an argument there is...

            AGAINST: Lucifer was kicked out of Heaven for rebelling against God and hating humans. He has the most to gain if Michael dies so there would be no angel left to fight for the humans. Gabriel would solve Lucifer's problem basically. If Gabriel succeeds then perhaps Lucifer could be welcomed back into God's good graces. Saving Michael even though they are brothers just doesn't feel practical. 

Let me just take a peek

        Theory #4: Raphael

        This is the strongest theory so far but no more important than the rest... 

              4. FOR: Raphael is so far the only one of the four Archangel siblings that hasn't made an appearance and he's the Archangel of healing so of course he would know just how to do the feather healing trick. No one knows who he looks like either so he could definitely get into Vega since he's also a higher angel and they can't detect higher angels. Raphael would have the time to get to know Vega for a quick in and out mission. Given that Raphael stayed out of the first war like Uriel and it's only through his love of his hard headed brothers that he would save Michael's life.

          Too many unanswered questions for an argument but every theory has one or two holes in it...

            AGAINST: Like Uriel, Raphael's sudden appearance is questionable. How would Raphael had known that Michael was fatally wounded if he hasn't been seen for 25 years? Why has he been hiding himself this entire time while Uriel has joined in the fray? How could he have known where to go to find Michael? These questions are few but no less true. Just because we haven't seen Raphael in season 1 doesn't mean we are going to see him right away. It just seems too coincidental. 

Comfortable are we?

          Theory #5: Gabriel

             Very strong arguments can be made but also against...

          5. FOR: Gabriel felt really bad about what happened to Michael. He didn't order the attack but in a way he feels responsible. He doesn't want his brother dead although it would make winning the war much easier. The mystery healer was wearing black, which we know is Gabriel's signature color. He has many Black Acolytes in the city in practically every department, even the military so he could sneak in with their help and heal Michael then slip out without anyone noticing.

            There are some issues though...

Don't worry he's still okay to fly

          AGAINST: Michael was in critical condition and most likely would have bled out no matter what the doctors did. I don't know how fast an angel can fly but I don't think it's fast enough to get to Michael in time to heal him. Plus the mystery healer wasn't wearing Gabriel's signature leather pants or the leather straps on his hands. Gabriel doesn't really seem the type to wear gloves. He also likes taking credit for things. He took credit for the attack on Vega, shouting to the roof tops about Michael's bloody past, etc. He's the bragging kind who's very proud of his actions. Very vain. So why wouldn't he take credit for healing Michael? A brother he loves and took revenge on the guy who hurt him but doesn't brag that he fixed the situation? He didn't say he punished Furiad but as we've seen, Gabriel also isn't the type to admit to failure.

YOU'RE ALIVE!

        Everyone is right until the mystery is solved. If I'm wrong about my theory I would be okay with that. The best part about Dominion is that it keeps you guessing and always finds a way to surprise you. We'll see more wonders to make our jaws drop next season I'm sure!

Grimm: How Long Will Nick Be "Blind"?

   

We need to get your mojo back Nick!

         Personally I think Nick is feeling a bit frustrated being without his powers and frankly so am I. So here's a list of reasons why he needs to get his mojo back. 

        1. It's still too much for Trubel to handle. She's basically a baby Grimm in need of a guide and all Nick can do is hover like an anxious parent. 

A clue! A clue!

     2. Nick is flying blind! He's come to rely on his powers to see the secret world which helps him solve cases.

That face not even a mother would love

     3. There's a new secret underground organization in town and they have their eyes on Trubel for what I have no idea. Not sure if they're Resistance or just an even more secret society which are always shady. Nick would be better equipped even if he has no idea who these people are.

    4. Reynard needs Nick. He needs him more than ever actually to help protect Diana. If or when Adalind finds out that Kelly took her baby and everyone knew about it, she will rain hell on all of them worst than before!

Wu is getting wise! The jig is up!

    5. Wu is getting wise and it's going to be hard to convince him of anything if it's just Trubel who can see Wesen. She'll just seem like a lunatic whereas Wu has known Nick for years and so would kind of trust him a little more. Well... maybe not if Nick convinced Wu that he was crazy. I think Hank is going to break and tell Wu first. 

     6. If any new dangerous Wesen visited Portland (and I feel that's a huge possibility) then it doesn't matter how skilled Trubel is, two Grimms are better than one. 

Here comes trouble... Not you, Trubel

       I know Juliette is reluctant to get Nick his powers back because of what happened with Adalind. It would be weird if she didn't have a problem with it but this is the life Nick was born into. He's changed the way Grimms have been perceived for centuries as the bad guys chopping everyone's heads off. He's one of the few good Grimms out there and we need him back in the game.
      

       

The Originals: The Family That Preys

Hello Mommy Dearest

          The Family that preys, indeed! So many jaw dropping moments! I don't think there has ever been such drama in one family in history. But let's get to those eye popping moments shall we?

When in doubt, burn mom's corpse.

        First off, Esther feels it's time for some one on one with her most wayward son after she mentally and emotionally tortured our stubborn, faithful Elijah. Needless to say, it did not go well. The entire time Esther was telling Klaus the truth (or her version) I was thinking: Stop it! It doesn't matter because there's never going to be a deal! I'll admit I did love that part where Klaus called his mother a "whore" and she slapped him hard across the face. Sometimes magic can't compare to a good old slap.

Looks like Finn keeps the "Bootlicker Award"

      But what really kind of had me piqued was when Esther promised to strike Mikael down if he ever tried to hurt Klaus. Bitch! Why didn't you do that the first time he hit Klaus? A bit late now to play protective mother. I suppose her defense was that Mikael wasn't always a demon (aha! so you agree!) and that maybe he'd change. He used to be a pretty good, doting father. It's just after their first born Freya "died" that he became a ruthless, unforgiving monster. We'll get to that "death" later though. I was very proud of Klaus when he had Esther up against that wall. I knew he would never accept her crazy offer because despite what she's been saying: that he's alone, unloved and vicious, Klaus is surrounded by people who love him. That vicious thing is true but when it comes to Rebekah, Elijah, and anyone Klaus considers family he becomes very vicious indeed; to the party that threatens his own. Klaus has come a long way and I feel that he managed to kind of change for the better (enough to warrant praise for that). 

Cami has the worst luck in men they just seem drawn to her

         That awkward moment when you discover that your advisor is really your friend's brother inhabiting a witch. Cami is full on team Klaus and so Finn has become the enemy. For once Cami becomes a willing distraction; no need for compulsion. Marcel didn't see but Cami slipped a nice little dagger into her pocket...just in case. I thought Cami was going to screw up for a second. She was practically a fish out of water dancing on the deck. However, she found her footing and Finn doesn't suspect a thing. Count on a Mama's Boy to be unsuspecting when a pretty girl plays damsel in distress. Bonus: Finn seems to have a thing for Cami. Isn't that unprofessional and unethical? Then again Finn isn't really a therapist. To be honest I'm tired of single Finn hanging onto to Esther's apron strings. He needs a good romp even if it's a trick. We really need to dive deeper into Cami's back story because she keeps talking about these bad boys she got involved with, very bad damaging relationships and yet she still managed to beat that bitterness and come out strong. Hopefully we get into that more this season.

Hansel? No Ansel? Definitely Ansel

            The biggest jaw drop was seeing Klaus's biological father for the very first time. My heart stopped! After a thousand years of wondering what his father would be like and what could have been if he had been raised by him, Klaus finally came face to face with Ansel, in the flesh. And what does Klaus say? Go to Hell that's what. I kind of expected that. Mikael has done some serious damage to Klaus making him abhorrent to any father-like relationship. Some may believe that Ansel knew Esther was back or that she pulled him back from the Other Side before it collapsed but I believe he genuinely had no idea. What Ansel really seems to want is to get to know the son he never got to raise. Can't help but wonder though, he didn't really like Hayley being half-vampire and full vampires he probably likens to leeches that need to be burned, will Klaus being a Hybrid be an issue? Hope not.

Meet the Wicked Witch of the East

         Now we've come to the biggest bomb drop of the episode. Quick flashback, remember Esther said her first child, Freya "died" from plague? Surprise it was just another lie. Esther turned out to be barren and went to her bitter older sister, Dalia, for help. But big sis never told Esther the price: Dalia will take the first born of each generation of her sister's bloodline and if that price isn't paid then Dalia would come back and take all of her children. Kind of sad and makes me think that maybe Esther turned her children into vampires so they wouldn't have to pay such a high price. But still she should have told Klaus. Doubtful that would have changed anything but nevertheless it would have cleared a lot of things up. Why would Dalia do such a horrible thing? She didn't seem to like the Vikings very much. The Vikings weren't known for their politeness. Could be revenge. Isn't it always about revenge?

Someone call Liam Neeson Freya's been taken!

             Some minor tidbits, we found Jackson. He's been hiding this entire time in the bayou with Klaus's dad, Ansel who is teaching him the purity of being a werewolf (whatever that means). I wish he'd stop calling Hayley his betrothed or in this case the girl who would have been his wife. "Would have been"? Really? Doubtful Elijah would have let that happen. Oliver kind of redeemed himself tonight. If not to anybody else at least to the werewolves he betrayed. He managed to part the sea of wolves so Hayley didn't have to ruin her nails or those awesome jeans. He was loyal in the end. And I don't care what people say, Hayley will always be the Alpha to me. She kicks ass. Final note, since Hayley is a hybrid now it's a crime for her to kill werewolves but since Ansel is a werewolf it's okay. It's no big deal. Epic Eye-roll!

        In the end Elijah was saved but will he be the same when he wakes up? Will he take Esther's offer? Hopefully he's in the same mindset as Klaus: you mess with my family you're dead. Next week we see that Ansel tries to reach out to Klaus but the Hybrid King is having none of that. And looks like there may be a bigger, badder witch on the way. There's always a worst more powerful witch.