The Originals: Any Hope For Haylijah?

Can they get the magic back?

             Since season 1, Elijah and Hayley were my favorite couple and it seemed that they would go off on a romantic adventure but in "Rebirth" we see how things between them have drastically changed. Hayley is going through a very rough time after she had to give up her daughter and pretend that she's dead. But is this a minor set back?

The brooding Elijah is smoldering

         Why must Elijah be so self sacrificing? Also why does it make him even hotter? Elijah's been around a temperamental, immature, emotionally infantile person for a thousand years to know what they need to cope, but given that Hayley has a bit of nobility of her own I suppose he thought she would mourn then get back up on that horse but instead she's eating said horse and a few witches. Not to say that Elijah is sexist but he's old fashioned. He's used to being the knight in shining armor but he sees that Hayley is not the damsel in distress type. Elijah's right to be concerned that perhaps Hayley's baby daddy is being a bad influence (despite the fact that it was Elijah who told Klaus to grieve with Hayley instead of alone).  

Hayley seems very forgiving

       As for Hayley she's having an identity crisis and it doesn't matter if she's now half vampire she's still going to fight for the wolves. Even if that means partnering up with Oliver, that traitor. Klaus is the same way. He's fighting for the wolves of his biological father's pack so he and Hayley are going to bond more closely. By the way where the hell did Hayley's betrothed Jackson go? Did he die or runaway? Can we clear that up? 

Perfect rebound for Elijah

       So Elijah is the only Original Vampire left in New Orleans that is pure vampire (besides Mikail). Like Hayley, Elijah may gravitate towards his own kind rediscovering the "purity" of being a vampire. I just know that Elijah seems pretty lonely. He loves his family but he's becoming the odd man out. Marcel asked Elijah to tutor new vampire Gia. Maybe being a mentor to a young, pretty vampire is the rebound Elijah needs. Since Elijah and Hayley are immortal they have all the time in the world to get the magic back. Hayley and Elijah just need some space. Hopefully absence makes the heart grow fonder.  

Best not to ruin that nice suit

Dominion: Favorite Scenes: Ouroboros

Let's try this eviction thing again

               "Ouroboros" was probably one of my top favorite episodes. There were so many great, memorable scenes but also because we got to a see a rattled, angry Michael that made him a deeper character who's past is coming back to haunt him. The symbol of Ouroboros represents eternity but William's interpretation is that it symbolizes greed. Both definitions can be true as the symbol is unique to some characters. For Michael it's his lies coming full circle and for David it's greed. Both are trials that our characters fail.

Yes be very afraid

          1. Ready, set, Flash Back to Babylon: The production value was just incredible. All those bodies, blood, and dismembered limbs scattered across the sand. Then the city with rising black smoke in the background kind of completed the image of carnage. Tom Wisdom proves his acting skills adding different more malicious intensity to Michael's persona. I actually felt a chill run down my spine as I saw Michael with a few blood splatters on his armor and face. This wasn't the Michael we knew from the Pilot who was zen and compassionate. 

Red Riding Hood wasn't creepy enough?

          2. A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing: "Little Pig, Little Pig"... Was that meant to sound creepy? It worked. What's more sinister than a villain chanting a children's nursery rhyme about a predator ready to go in for the kill? Kevin Otto who played Louis matched Carl Beukes perfectly on Gabriel's mannerisms. Throughout the whole episode really. In the Pilot Gabriel possessed a lower angel but the whole time he stayed in his lair but this time we got to actually see him walk around "in someone else's shoes". It conveyed that we know that it's really Gabriel but others only see Louis. 

Mmmmm fresh peaches

No possessions in the champagne room

          3. That's Not My Name: This scene was kind of funny. Despite the dark task at hand, it felt a bit light between Michael and Alex. They've reached an accord where Michael is gently supporting Alex in his efforts to evict eight balls while still expressing some healthy reasonable doubt. Also the setting kind of helped with the humor. A trashed strip club and did Michael add the chain for the eight ball or was that already there? I laugh at the thought. As far as detail into Alex's powers goes it was interesting to see that he could perform evictions however they weren't successful so far despite some coming back to the surface of consciousness but then suddenly dying. If Alex had more time he could probably perform one successfully. I did love the blood splatter after Alex put a bullet in Durge's head. The violence in this show is better than any zombie movie, but instead of just gore there's a bit of class when Alex apologizes to the man possessed by Durge.

               Alex: "Sorry."

           Durge: "Oh are you?"

          Alex: "Wasn't talking to you, Durge." 

Maybe we need a funnel

          4. David's Stockholm Syndrome hasn't kicked in: William just keeps trying to force that kool-aid down his father's throat. Luke Allen-Gale continues to hit home runs with his character as William genuinely expresses concern for his father's spiritual health despite David's insistence that all of this was about revenge for I suppose abusing him in his childhood (either verbally, physically or both). David's bed was a bit over embellished with the canopy and a royal bed post; gaudy but I feel that coincides with his personality where he has to have the best of everything and show it off.  

Glad it's not awkward being naked with your ex

Get ready for the slap

          5. Getting Slap Happy: I loved Kim Engelbrecht and Christopher Egan in this scene. Aside from the nice booty shots there's a casual chemistry here dispelling awkwardness that comes from sharing a shower with your ex. Noma isn't the bitter ex type of girl though. Good on the make up artists for the water proof of those designs all over Chris's body. They better be because they take a few hours to apply. Loved the lighting in the supply closet where Alex and Noma had their hot hook up. The lamp swinging illuminating but then swaying back leaving darkness. It helped to cover up certain body parts but also added an accent where this couple was back making a tryst in the shadows again.  

If this were New Orleans they'd be headless chickens

          6. Catch of the day is freshly butchered angel: Tom Wisdom and Rosalind Halstead were a good match. Not only did they click romantically but they really did give a sense of post break up tension in this scene where Michael is severely agitated and Becca is very upset to find that he was keeping this kind of secret from her. What did she expect? Besides she's not exactly honest about a few things either. 

This is awkward...

     I suppose their tension comes from their similarity in the desire to protect their own species. An instinct that is now driving a deeper wedge between them. Despite their issues, Becca still cared enough to lie for Michael although Riesen wasn't fooled. Jonathan Howard adds some depth to his character by surprising us with his hatred of angels. It's surprising how many citizens of Vega trust Michael, an angel, but despise all others which kind of puts Michael in a difficult position. Although Alex pointed out that these higher angels never hurt anyone, Ethan still maintains like most people that angels are not human but monsters that need to be eradicated. 

She already went through 20 gallons of ice-cream 

          7. A Beautiful Disaster: I loved this scene mostly for its production value. The crew did a perfect job of wrecking the library. A library is a symbol of civilization and it's being abandoned sort of reflects how the world was turned upside down and the world abandoned all reason. Trashing the library, the last fortress of culture and thought, was symbolic of the current state of the world as devoid of the knowledge it once possessed. The angels destroyed human perception of the divine so why not abandon the old world? Also good on the detail of Michael taking off to glide up to a very drunk Uriel then having a soft landing despite the usual powerful take off. Uriel has sophisticated taste so of course she'd be listening to Chopin on an old record player. 

How to pass as a Vega citizen...

...wear the face of someone else

I think we've found the new Devil

          8. Gabriel plants the seeds of doubt: This scene was flawless in editing making the change from Carl Beukes to Kevin Otto fluid as they played each other's character as Kevin acted out Gabriel's mannerisms to still hold that it was the evil Archangel in disguise. I don't know if anyone else noticed but the decor of the room spoke volumes about Louis who may have been a minor character but we got to know him very well this scene that took place in his apartment. Louis really did love fruit! We know Alex isn't dumb. He's not going to fall for someone trash talking Michael but that doesn't mean he's not curious. Michael doesn't talk about his past much and keeping a secret as big as mass murder is enough to cause someone to stay for beer to talk about it. 

I'm betting PETA doesn't exist or Will would be
in trouble

          9. William teaches David about humility: Does anyone else feel that William is cruel to animals? Basically he forced his father to shoot a poor caged lion. Animal abuse aside, this was a powerful scene in terms of character. David finally sees that William was formidable for which he wasn't prepared before. The fight to stay strong and keep his dignity was taking it's toll on him mentally and somewhat physically. Anthony Head was fantastic here with David's drastic character change as he gave into William. The dialogue really glued this whole scene together. First David is condescending then angry and finally broken as he shot Samson. David didn't just kill a lion, he killed a part of his soul; the part that was full of pride but also in killing Samson, David killed his willpower. He gave up his power allowing William to finally dominate him. What gets me is that when David said William's mother would have been ashamed of him and that William agreed. So he knows that his actions are shameful but I suppose William feels he's doing something bad for a greater good. That excuse usually helps ease someone's guilt.

"This is the safest place for me to be..."

"....because I know who the killer is."

I want that laugh for my ringtone

         10. The Proof is Always in the Pudding: I had a theory that Noma was a higher angel! The hints were there but even if she wasn't I knew she was connected to Michael somehow or that she was important. Carl and Kevin once again nail it by being perfect mirror images of each other. The way Kevin was sitting in the chair so relaxed just as Carl was. The best line was: "I suppose the proof is always in the pudding, isn't it?" Gabriel really loves pudding. The search light emphasized the scene. The Black Acolyte's church is lit with only candles to detail their need to hide from the world but in the stratosphere the bright beam of light was meant to put a "spot light" on the truth that Gabriel was wickedly trying to show Alex. So it was finally revealed that Noma was a higher angel the whole time! I was worried for a second when that search light had Noma in its sights as she flew off. Thankfully no shots were fired and Noma got away but things between her and Alex have definitely changed.

Louis you have some explaining to do

         11. The Truth Will Set You Free: An epic scene where we have two powerful Archangels and the Chosen One in one room and reaching a boiling point. The tensions between all three characters just sizzled on screen. After Michael and Alex discover that Louis was being possessed by Gabriel there was no need to show Louis anymore because now we're not the only ones who know. Tempers exploded in this room. Earlier Michael was finally talking to Alex to reach an understanding but in this scene Michael took a step backward and starting talking down to him. 

Michael can't stop getting in Alex's face

    Alex and Michael once again butt heads and yes Alex can be reckless and impulsive but he knows who he is as a person while it's clear that Michael is having trouble with his identity. We see Michael's dark side; he's knocked off that pedestal that we placed him on in the Pilot and we see his own insecurities: his anger, his guilt, and his own self-destructive nature hanging on a thread of control that was ready to snap. But great news! Alex performed a successful eviction of Gabriel. He was laughing at first but that smile faded suddenly as Gabriel began to feel himself slipping away. I guess for angels possessing angels is more simple.

Hmm follow a misguided angel or a maniacal one.... hmmmm

               Michael: "This isn't a war of humans vs angels. This is about what's right and what's wrong."

How's the view from up there?

         12. Surprise! It was Uriel the whole time: Remind me, who's side is Uriel on again? So that scene where Uriel was drowning her sorrows in champagne was all an act? I loved how Katrine lounged on those pillows it really gave me the image of a cat enjoying its game with the many mice before her. 

Soft landing at least

   I wonder how many times Carl had to land on his face in this scene. Luckily there were pillows surrounding that throne. Gabriel was surprisingly happy that Alex performed a successful eviction. Something about Alex being the true Chosen One. You mean there were pretenders? Either way, Gabriel was extremely confident that he could train Alex to end mankind and bring his Father home. Uriel seemed pleased also but I feel for different reasons. 

Michael looks ready to kill someone

         13. Michael walks in on a slaughter house: I appreciate the work that went into those mangled bodies and a wing sticking out of a body back. The sight evoked some disgust at the human violence and the pity for the neutral angels.  I've never seen Michael's feathers so ruffled in this episode but this scene is where we see him ready to kill someone. I actually half expected him to do so, but the Archangel decided to leave before he committed more violence. It infuriated Michael to see his fellow angels who never harmed anyone to be butchered so senselessly. Instead of lashing out with his blades, Michael chose to snap at Alex and just storm off. In Michael's defense, Alex was pressing for an answer as Michael looked on his slain kin. Give the guy room to grieve, Alex!  

What the hell happened to this guy???

         14. Another flash back & personality switch: Filming in the desert is no picnic. Luckily Carl and Tom managed to stay cool. Tom was wearing something light with less fabric but Carl was fully covered with armor and a cape. This ending scene just blew up everything we thought we knew about Michael. It was so shocking to see that Gabriel used to be the sensible brother and Michael the blood thirsty psycho. What stood out for me was Tom's line: "Father taught us never to leave our chores unfinished." In episode 2, Gabriel was quoting Michael verbatim. It makes you wonder how these two suddenly switched personalities so drastically. 

    Now for some Honorable Mentions:

Whatever happened to those drive through chapels?

          1. A true Vegas wedding quickie: I liked Claire in this scene. She's so casual despite what she's been through. The way she turns over each drinking glass carefully as she tells William about her good news. She's in a hurry to push her father out of office by moving the wedding up a week but plays it cool. Poor William doesn't suspect a thing. 

How did he get in?

"Umm personal space please..."

          2. Hello, Nurse: It was an amusing scene. It's not often you get to hear how others perceive you and Gabriel didn't seem too offended. "You know he's not such a bad guy once you get to know him." Yeah I'm sure he's a psychopath but he does throw the wildest parties so he can't be all that evil can he?

You should try Orbit to clean that dirty mouth, Michael

          3. Need to know: Still not sure why Michael accused Alex of killing three higher angels. Alex could barely defeat Felicia. However I'll just knock that up to stress. I'd be angry and frazzled too if someone strung up my family members like chickens. I like the shots in the alley way. Close ups then far away shots for us to get a better picture of Michael's rage. Also to see a place of privacy for our characters.

Yes, David, shiv that guy!

          4. Jail Bird is thrown to the lions: Karma is such a bitch, David. David is a stubborn survivor. He managed to pick a lock with only a metal lining of a lamp shade. Unfortunately David escaped one cage to be thrown into another, more dangerous one. Perhaps David should learn his body guards' names next time.

"Roger that, sir"

          5. Will they, might they: Ethan is as curious as the rest of us. Was the Alex/Noma hook up a one time thing or a step forward into a romantic relationship. But Alex doesn't want to talk about it. Wow, Ethan must have been awake or Alex and Noma need to do better at keeping it down a bit. My favorite part of this scene was perhaps the call Alex received from Gabriel. First we hear Louis and see him talking on the radio but then we hear Gabriel and see him talking. Afterwards we go back to Alex and hear Louis's voice again. A tango of identities. 

Say "Ahhhhh"

          6. I surrender: I loved the make up that made Anthony Head look like a glassy eyed broken mess. It really helped sell David's broken spirit. We wonder if he'll ever recover but for now he's a mute obediently eating his soup.

Cheers to a wonderful episode!

Dominion: Favorite Scenes: Black Eyes Blue

I was blind but now I see & it ain't pretty

                 Vaun Wilmont has announced on Twitter that filming for season 2 should start the second week of February. Excellent! Now onto my favorite scenes of "Black Eyes Blue".

What DO we use these vaults for anymore?

         1. Alex makes a deposit in the vault: Alex's compassion is what makes him great at being the Chosen One but this time Michael finds it to be a hindrance. The setting was very unique in that we got to see in a subtle way that paper money was of no value anymore in the post Apocalypse. Instead they collect dust in a Vegas vault, which is still the most secure place to hide things like a rabid eight ball. It was interesting to see how some legends can be over exaggerated especially when it came to the powers available to the Chosen One. Alex read in some Savior Bible or whatever that the Chosen One could evict the angels from the possessed but Michael quickly squashes that theory with the fact that humans like to make up stories about things they don't really understand. I feel in this episode that Alex has managed to get his emotions under control. Enough that he's able to insist calmly that Michael help him to at least try an eviction.

A little game of cat and mouse
to start David's day

         2. David is on the scent but plays with his prey: David has a thing for mind games. But really where's the fun in David just outing William? Anthony Head and Luke Allen-Gale just crackle with chemistry as their characters' tensions reach a fevering pitch. David makes William sweat in this scene with his innuendos and hints at his son's true allegiances. Before when we saw William address the masses at the holy statue everybody was standing so it filled in space. Having Luke rehearsing with empty white lawn chairs gave me personally a sense of William being on an island. Beyond the chairs is the outside world, which seems to be closing in on him but the chairs of his flock of the Savior Church keep him safe even if it's a deception. David is just a single war ship and he has just fired a warning shot.

Welcome to the family, Alex.

         3. This is uncomfortable: That line was hilarious! Some true Alex/Michael bonding in this scene with humor as Katrine sets it on fire with her character's impish charm and vitality. 

          Alex: "Your sister is making me uncomfortable."

          Michael: "Welcome to my world." 

       Since no one else in Vega is aware of Uriel's presence, it only makes sense that the meeting should take place in the stratosphere where they would have privacy. I just realized there aren't really any chairs in Michael's suite. But with a bed that takes up half the room who needs them? We discover some interesting tidbits such as angel possessions have been happening for millennia. Given that the eight balls are more demonic than angel it would make sense that humans would make that mistake. The tattoos continue to amaze by bringing back to life the pages of the Apocrypha. Funny how it showed the spell in English. Could be the book adapts to who ever is reading it like the tattoos. 

If phones were still around she'd be reading a tweet

         4. Arika meets with the Riesens: Arika just walks right past Lord Riesen onto Claire. Clearly Arika knows who's the real power in the room. Adored Shivani's outfit. For the past 4 episodes, Arika would wear purple: the color of royalty which fits because she has a regal air about her. But this episode Arika switches up a bit in wearing a more demure color: cream colored lace to make herself seem more approachable. Shivani Ghai and Roxanne McKee had interesting chemistry. Their characters seemed to click where on one hand we have a very experienced female politician who knows how to play the game while on the other we have a novice with great potential, a quick study and able to think on her feet. Curious as to see their interactions in the future of season 2. 

Romantic image of mom: shattered

         5. Claire meets her mother: Claire was the last person that needed convincing that her mother was still alive inside the Eight Ball. We gained huge insight as to the complicated, mysterious relationship between the angel and the host. While other angels take over the host completely, Clementine managed to somehow coexist with the angel although she never fully resurfaced. Clementine would usually speak in a normal voice but the editors added great FX on Amy's voice to add that malevolent whisper that Eight Balls speak to show us that truly two souls inhabit one body. Loved the camera work where sometimes the camera was placed behind trays of money inside the vault to give us that sense of "being on the outside looking in" feeling. This is an emotionally traumatic event for Claire and a desperate moment for Clementine and although we know these characters on a personal level, the camera shots made it seem like this was meant to be a private moment where we were left on the outside of it all. I didn't expect Claire to full on embrace Clementine, letting Clementine hold her arm was Claire's sign to her of trust. 

Arika, you sneaky devil

         6. Riesen sees through Arika's deception: Just because Riesen is old does not mean he's senile. Alan and Shivani didn't have much screen time together so I was a bit surprised at how they matched each other. Both characters know the dance of politics and Riesen proved his shrewdness in knowing all the facts. Shocking how David didn't know that Helena's air force was nothing more than 3 air crafts. I suppose because David is the impulsive type where as Riesen is more patient. Loved Arika's line too: "A legend is more powerful than the truth." That's a perfect tagline of the show; hell it sort of touches on the episode where Alex is concerned given his confidence that he could save everyone like the possessed based on theories of the Chosen One's power. You see that Arika had to apply some extra charm to Riesen in their conversation. It's clear that Arika needs to be extra dextrous with the general because he has all the power and the Senate follows his lead. 

The power of the Savior compels you!

         7. Clementine gets an eviction notice: Amy Bailey was fantastic! I half expected pea soup vomit but thankfully no one had to clean up afterwards. That stunt double was brave. That fall from the ceiling onto a metal tray must have hurt. Ouch! I heard that the chain holding Clementine broke accidentally during one of the takes. Please let that be in a gag reel on the DVD set! The scene was very dramatic. I discovered that I was holding my breath once the eviction ended and presto: doll black eyes turned to pretty blues. For a minute there we thought that Clementine was back but she suddenly collapsed becoming a husk of a human being; a vegetable. Claire went from tears of joy, to dismay then to anger not only at Michael but at Alex. She wouldn't even let Alex hold her hand. Claire felt betrayed and maybe a bit used by the Archangel who was only teaching Alex a lesson in failure; he used her emotions to do so.

Didn't see that coming...

David, you got served

         8. Riesen crushes David's plans: The look on David's face! The look of defeat was so delicious not only for Riesen but for the audience as well. For once we see that David, the guy who always schemes and believes himself to be a step ahead of everyone else, is out smarted by "the crippled Riesen." Don't be fooled by the cane, guys! In fact I didn't see a cane I don't think making the blow much more stinging with Riesen standing tall. The setting took place in the Senate room; anywhere else wouldn't have had the same effect on the scene with it's political intrigue. The room is always dimly lit where both men are kind of stuck in shadow. Anthony is draped in shadow as Alan is more illuminated. It showed us who was the winner with one man standing in triumph in the light where as the other is defeated in the shade. The dialogue was superb showing that when he wants to, Riesen can over rule David and put him in his place. The biggest blow I think for David was hearing that with his "confidence" vote, the choice to allow Riesen to stay in office, ended up being unanimous. I still doubt Arika would let Vega (a patriarchal society by her standards) "help" rule anything in Helena but we'll see how she out smarts Riesen.

The cape comes off of super dad

         9. Claire takes charge and kicks daddy off the chair: Just as Riesen was starting to enjoy his victory, Claire rains on his parade. I really loved this scene where Alan Dale and Roxanne McKee alter their characters' positions where Claire takes charge, becoming the dominant persona and Riesen is now at the mercy of her command. Riesen couldn't get a word in unless it was to agree with Claire. I feel the irony in that David failed to dethrone Riesen but Claire succeeded if only after the wedding her father practically pushed her into. But good on Claire she doesn't raise her voice once. I think she had enough of outrage for one day. You see Claire's shining warmth somewhat cools. I don't see her becoming all icy but she definitely isn't the idealistic girl from before. In the beginning Claire was not interested in being the next leader of Vega but in this moment the romanticized image of her father shattered and she began to see him for all his flaws and resolved to do things better. Claire giving back the music box was a sign of that if you think about it. No more "nice daddy's girl."

Paging Dr. Phil

Don't miss!

        10. William pistol whips his dad: Like the Riesens the Whele family reaches a boiling point but it's a lot darker. The Riesens' argument took place in a more illuminated room where as the Wheles' argument takes place in a room only lit by the fireplace. One family in light but the other is drenched in darkness. William completely changes in this scene. Even his voice becomes deeper while his eyes are on fire. David is so full of bravado that he doesn't even fear the gun pointed at him. He just goads William into trying to kill him, but instead William just pistol whips him into submission. I didn't expect William to kill his own father anyway. William may like cracking ribs but he's not a real killer. 

CRACK! That's whack, dude

         11. David is tortured: A very intense scene full of creepiness. David is once again a hostage. I realize that he has ill luck in negotiating his way out of these dangerous situations and always gets seriously injured. As you would expect from someone about to be tortured, David would bounce back and forth between pleading and insult. Really liked the POV shots in the beginning of the scene where we see what David and William see. The picture had a fish eye effect making the room feel a bit surreal. It gave me a bit of the jitters. I actually felt sorry for David... for a second after his ribs cracked. Then William cradles his injured father with a look of sick triumph on his face. Wow! William seems extremely confidant that he can turn his father into an Acolyte for Gabriel. 

It's like waking from a dream....

        12. Claire does a mercy killing: This was a pivotal moment for Roxanne's character, Claire. Before we could describe her as the noble, pure hearted princess with no trace of blood on her hands. Now? Claire's hands are dirty but we don't hate her for that. It sent chills through my stomach that while Claire was smothering her mother's vegetable body she hummed that song "Beautiful Dreamer". I guess it was a way for her to block out the sounds of her mother struggling to breathe. And Alex just stood and watched. It's not like he could have argued the morality of this. Alex saw just as we did that this was a mercy killing that needed to be done. Claire looked on the verge of breaking which kind of made me misty eyed. 

       Here are some Honorable Mentions:

Thank you for the deceiving gift!

        1. Claire thanks dad for his "gift": The lies just keep pouring out of Old Man Riesen's mouth. In the end of the episode Claire's innocence is completely destroyed but before that we see Claire just glowing with girlish excitement at receiving the music box. And Riesen just eases into the lie. It kind of hurts him to lie but it's so easy now so I guess he's convinced himself that he was protecting his baby girl.

So angels have orgies, drink, and practice
the arts in their free time

       2. Uriel's ballet recital: I hear that Amy Bailey lent her ballet talents to this scene. Amazing! I did find it funny that Katrine and Tom have this rapport reminiscent of a regular brother and sister of their characters. It was like having your baby brother spy on you while your singing into a hair brush in the bathroom. Embarrassing when you see the rascal then throw the brush at him but this was much more civilized. Besides Michael knows just how to appease his big sister. Funny how Uriel has searched the world for a painting that was in some hotel (I assume in Vegas) the whole time.

If there are onions on my burger so help me, Savior,
you'll regret it

       3. William visits Brother Paul: I applaud William of his talent for making threats with a sinister whisper while keeping a sunny smile on his face. From afar it looked nothing more than a casual conversation but up close you would notice that the smile was kind of forced given the desperation of the tone of William's voice. 

Stop poking at the dog, Michael

       4. Michael & Clementine argue redemption: After Gabriel's cryptic accusations into Michael's bloody past, this was the second time we've discovered that perhaps Michael wasn't always the good guy. It was also entertaining to see just how scared some Eight Balls get when in the presence of an Archangel. But after the initial shock, Clementine managed to take on Michael verbally and call him out on his hypocrisy. We also gain some sympathy for Clementine as we get a background into what it means to be a dog of heaven. But also we grow a bit suspicious of Michael and what he's trying to redeem himself for.

O...M...G. We still use that term right?

       5. Claire learns the horrible truth: Think of meeting your mother as a black eyed, veiny, beast-like creature after you thought she was dead for years. Very traumatic I'll bet. While Claire is usually calm and collected, this time she was freaking out and ready to bolt. Well done, Roxanne. Also well done for Amy Bailey who really stepped it up with her jittery movements and erratic outburst trying to reach out to Claire like a chained animal.

Daddy is going to be pissed at you when he finds out!

       6. William sees the mess he's made: William has made a mess of things hasn't he? This scene kind of reminds me in points of my childhood where when I made a mess I was sure my parents would get pissed at me and punish me in some way. So like most kids who find a huge mess they bargain that "daddy" doesn't need to know any of this because they are going to fix it. This is the first time I see William resolve to stand up to one at least one father figure to show that he's not whiney kid. 

Uriel goes "Beautiful Mind" on us...

       7. Uriel does some art sketches: Uriel is a huge fan of artwork. She's not too bad herself with her photographic memory. I just loved seeing all of those sketches laid out in a big circle as Uriel quickly arranges them in "order" and deepens some detail on certain symbols. You could see the gears turning in her head as she did so.