The 100 4x09 Recap: “DNR” (Hitting the Ground… Limping) [Guest Poster: Ilene Friedman]

“DNR”

Original Airdate: April 26, 2017

The 100 came back from its spring hiatus, but I wouldn’t say it hit the ground running. We have a ton of delinquents choosing to die instead of going to the shelter, we have a ton of Grounders choosing death over the basics of sharing, and we have Clarke attempting to become the next Commander. Because why not?

Clarke and her group make it back to Polis, with Abby filling in her daughter along the way. What did Clarke miss during her long shower, you ask? Well Skaikru is now allied once again with Trikru and they are only willing to share the bunker if Ice Nation does not. Clarke is upset since she and Roan have become BFFs this half of the season, but Indra has agreed to let him in as long as he goes peacefully. But what about his people?

When Roan attempts to enter Polis, he is captured by Trikru warriors. That lasts all of ten seconds when Echo comes out of the bushes and captures everyone within a twenty-foot radius. Back in the Commander’s chambers, Roan and Clarke have another chat. I don’t know where Roan’s insane amount of faith in Clarke comes from, and I don’t know how I feel about it. Roan believes that if anyone can bring warring clans together, it’s Clarke.

This obviously fails.

Clarke and Roan speak with Indra in the bunker, and Clarke insists that Lexa would not have wanted them to fight. Indra points out that Lexa is not here and without a Commander to rule them, alliances can’t stand. This honestly doesn’t make any sense. Grounders aren’t idiots. The Commander cannot be the smartest human on Earth. At this point, Clarke goes to Gaia and asks to be made the next Commander. She shows Gaia her new nightblood and — without consulting anyone — Gaia sounds the ascension bell. Roan to the rescue! He stops the entire thing from happening, brings Abby in to explain how science made Clarke a nightblood, and now everyone is angry again.

Meanwhile, Octavia and Ilian are getting their domesticity on. They are farming Ilian’s land. That is, until Ankara comes to recruit him for war at Polis. Octavia could not look more excited, but Ilian believes it is pointless to go to war, with the end of the world in six days. I mean, he’s not wrong. Ankara will not take no for an answer. She comes by again to recruit Ilian, but he is nowhere to be found. She finds Octavia and immediately recognizes her as the girl who killed all her friends. Octavia obviously takes them out within a few seconds and tells Illian, while covered in blood, “This is who I am.” I’m actually not mad about this.

Back in Arkadia, everyone is packing for the bunker, but Jasper and a lot of delinquents have decided to ride out the end of the world and die. Monty tries to reason with both Jasper and Harper, but the pair both find no point in living underground for five years. The Jasper cult decides to lock themselves in the bar area, and Jaha and crew are unable to break in. Eventually, Bellamy talks some sense into everyone and tells them to just leave the group to die. You can’t force someone to live. Jaha and his guards agree, but Monty is not having it. When Skaikru is ready to leave, Bellamy says his goodbyes to Harper and Jasper, and Monty is nowhere to be found. Why? Because my fave has stayed behind at the bar. Harper kisses him and she says she’s glad he has stayed. And while I love Monty, I straight-up hated everyone in the underground bar. Monty is giving up his life for Harper which does not exactly make me happy.

While all this fun stuff is taking place, Murpjy, Emori, and Raven are still on the island gathering tech. The problem? Raven is at the hallucinating stage of dying. Becca has appeared to her and she is instructing Raven how to get back to space. Becca tells Raven that she is dying and Raven happily listens to her. Emori watches Raven’s deterioration and says nothing. Meanwhile, Jackson and Miller return to pick them up and go to Polis. However, Raven chooses to stay and Murphy is unable to convince her otherwise.

By the end of the episode Roan proposes a final conclave — one champion per clan, and whoever wins gets the bunker. Yes, let’s kill more people and thin out the human population in a bunker that can fit everyone. GENIUS. Clarke and Bellamy discuss how they can’t use weapons and Skaikru is screwed.

But then in rides Octavia ready to take the charge.

Final Thoughts: 

• I know people are hardcore hating on Octavia, but she is the best character right now. She’s amazing, she’s damaged, and she’s still fighting. Plus, her outfits are on point. 
• Bellamy being Bellamy is always the best. Ten cookies for you, Bellamy. 
• Clarke becoming the Commander? I can’t even. 
• Indra being stubborn is getting old for me. 
• I’m not here for the Monty, Jasper, Raven, and Harper group death storyline.

Read More

Lucifer 2x14 Recap: “Candy Morningstar” (Everything Is Not What It Seems) [Guest Poster: Ilene Friedman]

“Candy Morningstar”

Original Airdate: May 1, 2017

Well, no one can say Lucifer doesn’t keep things interesting. I could not believe my own eyes when I saw Candy Morningstar walk into the room. Not gonna lie, my Deckerstar heart died a little.

This week’s episode picks up two weeks after Lucifer bails on the love of his life. Charlotte is making out with random strangers, trying to come to terms with Lucifer’s disappearance, while Maze mocks her for her terrible life choices. In fact, Maze is convinced that Lucifer is plotting his revenge against Mama Morningstar. And she is definitely not too far off about that. Meanwhile, Chloe is on a rampage. She cannot believe Lucifer left her without a word, and Dan and Ella are equally as baffled.

Now for the case of the week: our dead guy was the front man for an up-and-coming rock band with an abusive ex-wife. Lucifer shows up with Candy Morningstar on his arm just in time to identify the guy. Chloe is shocked at this sight, and I can’t blame her. Lucifer asks her if things can go back to the way things were “just friends” (and this is where I die, folks). Chloe kicks Lucifer out of the precinct and storms off, while Dan looks on sympathetically.

Chloe takes out her aggression on front man’s ex-wife’s interrogation. She obviously denies killing him. Chloe and her actually bond over the immaturity of the male species. Back at Mama Morningstar’s lair, Amenadiel shows Charlotte social media. Turns out, Lucifer and his new wife popped by an ice cream parlor and got their pictures taken. Charlotte is furious and hurt, cannot believing that Lucifer would get married without telling anyone. She truly believes he is broken and that it is completely her fault. Well, I am not disagreeing there.

Lucifer beseeches Dan for help in getting back into Chloe’s good graces. He feels for him and attempts to help him out, but not before Lucifer stops by Chloe’s house with Candy. Maze is ALL too happy to give her approval to Mrs. Morningstar, checking her out from head to toe. I have never seen someone so pleased by the choices of others. Candy ends up meeting Lucifer’s mother who is absolutely determined to figure out what Lucifer sees in her. When Charlotte can’t crack the woman, she rants to Amenadiel.

Lucifer gets a mediation appointment with one of the murder suspects, which Chloe decides to crash by pretending to be Candy. The two have a breakthrough in mediation, where they realize: 1) how much they hurt one another, and 2) that the mediator didn’t kill their victim. The two have another breakthrough as to who the actual killer is — but Chloe is still keeping Lucifer at arm’s length. The lead leads Chloe to a club where Lucifer serenades her on the stage and I died a shipper death yet again. This draws out the real killer — the band’s drummer. He wasn’t too happy that their lead wanted to go solo.

Amenadiel manages to get a heart-to-heart with Lucifer in the middle of all of this. Lucifer confides in Amenadiel that he married Candy to give Chloe choices outside their Father’s manipulation. Amenadiel finally understands where Lucifer is coming from and the two part ways. Charlotte then confronts Lucifer, begging him to help open heaven’s gates.

But the HUGE twist this episode is that Lucifer didn’t marry Candy. I know, folks. I can’t believe it either. She was a friend — a normal human being who was doing Lucifer a favor. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!? Maze was right. Fake Candy then tells Lucifer that he has a good thing going with Chloe and not to mess it up. Lucifer confides that he’s trying not to. At this point, just assume my shipper self is in tears.

Final Thoughts:

• “You’re speaking but I do not know what you’re saying.” That’s the quote of the year. 
• Lucifer trying to protect Chloe is everything I’ve needed, but he needs to tell her the truth.
• Maze is a gift to Earth. 
• Amenadiel being Chloe’s guardian while Lucifer was away was the best thing to ever happen. Actually, Amenadiel having a purpose is all I really needed in this show. I am SO happy he is back. 
• Linda’s reaction to Candy is my favorite. Well, second favorite. Maze still rules my world. 

Read More

The 100 4x08 Recap: “God Complex” (Into the Fire) [Guest Poster: Ilene Friedman]

“God Complex”

Original Airdate: March 29, 2017

This episode picks up where the previous week’s foreshadowed it would: “Baylis” is in the radiation chamber. Luna’s blood transfer worked and he’s producing his own nightblood, woot, woot! The bad news? Well, when Jackson cranks up the radiation, “Baylis” becomes gross barbecue. The group insist that they have to try again, but the only option to try anything on seems to be Emori. Luna says that hunting for people to kill is not the answer and points out Baylis’s bracelet that represented his ancestors. This confuses Clarke and crew considering Baylis was supposed to be Sangedakru. As it turns out,  Emori lied to everyone — which we already knew — hence, the group imprisons both Murphy and Emori and debates whether or not they will become the next test subjects.

Luna finally puts her foot down and refuses to donate anymore marrow. The really messed up part? The group strap her down to extract her bone marrow without her permission. This causes Raven to state the obvious: “Welcome to Mount Weather.” Roan convinces Clarke this is the right thing to do in order to save ALL of humanity.

Miller then drugs Emori and carries her to the radiation chamber while Murphy screams at the top of his lungs, pleading for her life. Abby can’t bring herself to inject Emori with the nightblood, so Clarke takes the needle and stabs herself! Abby completely loses it and destroys the radiation chamber in a pile of tears. “I can’t lose you.” I am not happy. Like, okay, yeah, I didn’t want Clarke getting tested either. But now what are you going to do you idiot? You’re going to watch her die to radiation in a couple of weeks anyway.

Back in Arkadia, Skairkru is having a ceremony for the people they lost to the acid rain. Jasper decides it is time to celebrate life more and wants to take a trip to the woods to get the hallucinogenic berries from the first season. Bellamy is not having it, but decides to follow Jasper anyway to make sure he is safe. I am not okay with this. When Jasper and Bellamy eventually come back, Bellamy has become “lead life to the fullest” Bellamy. I am not pleased.

Meanwhile, Jaha has found a new mission. Apparently the Flame Keepers have a saying: “From the earth we will grow, from the ashes we will rise.” He realizes it’s the saying from the creepy cult and that they didn’t find the right bunker. Jaha convinces Kane to take him to Indra, who will hopefully lead them to Gaia. Monty goes along with them to Polis, where Trikru and Azgeda are in the middle of all-out war. Indra is upset to see them, but begrudgingly helps.

She leads them to Gaia, who has a tattoo that matches Jaha’s medallion. It turns out that the symbol is on Becca’s crypt, which is currently guarded by Azgeda. The group battles their way to the temple because Indra can’t keep her temper in check and find the crypt. The group eventually figures out that by putting the medallion in fire, it becomes a key to the crypt. As the group descends, we get to wait for answers!

Final Thoughts: 

• Anyone think that Raven is looking a bit Becca-ish? And is everyone else concerned that Abby’s brain looks like it is frying too? It seems to be a bit ignored. 
• Clarke’s nightblood is going to come into play, but I’m not okay with her being the new commander. She’s already taken a chip once. 
• Can we please reunite Bellamy and Clarke? Bellamy is doing dumb stuff without her there. 
• Luna and Roan are my favorites and you all can fight me on it.

Read More

The 100 4x06 Recap: "We Will Rise" (Keep Fighting in the Mean Time) [Guest Poster: Ilene Friedman]

"We Will Rise"

Original Airdate: March 15, 2017

This may have been the slowest episode of The 100 yet, but I’m not mad. The amount of plot that these writers need to fit into an hour episode is insanely daunting, and we are obviously building to one huge season finale. Plus, I have to applaud the writers for the very solid and plot-hole-less web they have been building in season four. 

“We Will Rise” starts off with Ilian getting beaten by a mob of angry Arkadians. Do you blame them? Kane appears, weapons blazing, to break up the fight. That leads to Ilian being sent to the med bay, under Octavia’s watchful eye. Ilian attempts to plead with her — he didn’t kill anyone and didn’t realize he doomed humanity. I have to side with Octavia here: this whole Ilian puppy dog routine is VERY annoying. 

Niyla realizes that Ilian’s guards are missing and immediately goes to tell someone. That someone is Monty, who then telephones the news to Jaha who doesn’t seem to really care. Monty then goes off to tell Kane, who rushes to lock down med bay. Bad news though: the mob of angry Arkadians are already pushing inside. It’s at this point that I transferred my anger from Ilian to Octavia as she pushes open the med bay doors to let the mob get Ilian. Kane attempts to protect him, but Miller’s dad shock-batons him. BETRAYAL! 

Octavia tells the mob that the kill is hers. The crowd drags Ilian to the execution area (where Lincoln was killed), while Octavia holds a gun to his head. This is not how Octavia kills, so I am super annoyed at this point. Monty pleads with Octavia to put down the gun, but the mob won’t have it. Luckily, Jaha sounds the black rain alarm and everyone runs inside. Kane tells Octavia this is exactly what Pike did to Lincoln and says, “You do this and you are no better than he was.” Octavia then proceeds to get flashbacks of Lincoln’s death and breaks down crying. She runs away through the gates. Jaha releases Ilian and runs in the same direction as Octavia. It’s all very dramatic. 

Storyline number two in the episode consists of Clarke, Bellamy, and Roan attempting to get the hydrazine to Raven so that she can make the nightblood in space. The problem? Well, there are only 10 barrels of hydrazine left available for all of humanity and losing even one barrel means they can’t save everyone. While driving, the crew runs into a bunch of Trikru warriors. Clarke goes to attend the wounded, but it turns out Azgeda burned down their village. The Trikru warriors ask for a lift, but Clarke denies their request, saying they aren’t going to Polis. Everything is fine... until a Trikru kid sees Roan and Azgeda warriors in the back of the caravan and everyone starts fighting. 

The rovers are able to get out in time, but then run into a stream that wasn’t there a few days ago. Roan says it’s ice melt. So he and Bellamy decide to go find another path. Problem #2: Bellamy and Roan lose contact with Clarke’s rover. The duo jets back to Clarke’s rover, only to find it missing. It turns out that Roan’s men betrayed him and are taking the hydrazine to Polis, because that’s useful. This leads to The 100’s version of a car chase with Bellamy driving, Roan jumping off the jeep onto Clarke’s jeep, while an Azgeda warrior attempts to throw off the explosive barrels. Bellamy then speeds his rover ahead, stops in front of Clarke’s oncoming rover, shoots the Azgeda warrior through the window (who has his knife to Clarke’s throat) and BOOM! Everyone lives. Problem #3: A Trikru arrow hit one of the barrels of hydrazine and they need every last drop. The good news? There was a very cute Bellarke moment, but apparently the two are splitting up again — one to the island and one back to Azgeda (Bellamy wants to talk to Octavia). 

Meanwhile, Raven is struggling through her spaceship simulations. She keeps running out of fake fuel and crashing. Murphy is her babysitter, and apparently makes one too many wisecracks because Raven starts insulting him. Luna hears the commotion and runs to the room to save him. Raven storms back to the simulator for attempt #29. 

Raven fails again, but Luna comes up with a plan — swim away. Murphy also suggests she flies the plane herself. The good news? Attempt #30 works! They can survive, and so can the nightblood. Bad news? Bellamy radios in and tells the group about the empty barrel that was hit by the arrow. This pushes Raven over the edge, and the episode ends with her having another seizure. 

Final Thoughts: 

• STOP HURTING RAVEN. Find something better to do with your time, writers. Go deal with the Octavia problem or Illian problem. NOT RAVEN.
• Clarke and Niylah got it oooon. Clarke also ask Niylah to stay in Arkadia so that she will be one of the first people to get the antidote. 
• Clarke tells Kane that she’ll give Abby his love. #Kabbyfeels
• The Blake sibling problems continue because Octavia blames Bellamy for Lincoln’s death — STILL. 
• The #Bellarke moment in this episode was cute, but what was Bellamy going to say to Clarke? “If I don’t see you again…” Thanks for the interruption, Roan. 
• I love Roan.

Read More

The 100 4x05 Recap: “The Tinder Box” (Back to the Future) [Guest Poster: Ilene Friedman]

“The Tinder Box”

Original Airdate: March 1, 2017

Heading into the midseason, The 100 is still going strong with “The Tinder Box.” But things aren’t looking too hot — or maybe they’re actually looking VERY hot, depending on your perspective — for basically anyone on the show thanks to Ilian. Can we truly call him misguided? Because he truly annoys the crap out of me.

The episode begins with Octavia falling off Helios in the middle of the woods. Ilian conveniently finds her (was he following her?) and brings her to Arkadia, where she is able to warn Clarke that Azgeda is coming. Clarke and Monty immediately bolt off to make a plan, and in the first genius move of the night, leave Ilian alone in a ship filled with tech.

Clarke is convinced this is all some huge misunderstanding and that she can fix things by talking to Roan. In the war room, Monty and the team come up with a surprise attack that will allow Clarke to speak with Roan — hopefully unharmed. Enacting the plan, the team cuts Roan and the Ice Nation off from their path to Arkadia. Clarke is flanked by about snipers in waiting. She asks Roan to talk, but he says it’s too late. Roan then angrily orders that his hostages Kane and Bellamy be brought forward. Clarke, obviously thrown off by the presence of the hostages, asks for ten minutes of Roan’s time. Echo is worried it’s a trap, but as Roan points out: “It is a trap. We’re already in it.” I love this man.

This leads to the second genius move of the night: Miller’s dad tells everyone to let the king pass so that Clarke may talk with him. But dear old sniper Riley isn’t letting up. Because why wouldn’t they bring the kid who was just enslaved by the Ice Nation along to a peace talk? That sounds like a brilliant idea. Luckily, they’re able to talk him down; but it’s obvious this isn’t the last time this issue is going to come up.

Clarke and Roan talk in the cave, where Roan tells her that he knows about the ship. Clarke tells him it can only hold one hundred people. She then explains that nightblood is the cure and they will turn everyone into nightbloods — that’s how they’ll all be saved. Roan isn’t a big fan of this idea because, you know, science. Clarke and Roan then come to a compromise — instead of Arkadia getting one hundred people, they’ll split between their nation: fifty from Skaikru and fifty from the Ice Nation. This is going to go over well.

You know what is also going over well? Riley has broken ranks and has followed Clarke and Roan, intent on killing the king. Bellamy believes he can talk Riley down, so Monty exchanges places with him as a prisoner of the Ice Nation. Bellamy and Echo rush to find Riley before he ruins everything. Luckily, Bellamy is able to talk him down, while Echo keeps her bow and arrow trained on his face. At least all’s well that ends well.

Meanwhile, Octavia wakes up in Arkadia and is being taken care of Niylah. Sidenote: I love Niylah! She tells Octavia that Ilian rescued her and brought her on the ship. Panicked, Octavia immediately realizes the ship is full of tech — heck, the ship itself IS tech! The duo search the ship for Ilian, but it is too late. He has apparently accumulated, without being noticed, all the Ark’s gasoline and brought it in the engine room. He’s ready to blow up the whole ship. Octavia can’t talk him out of it, and boom goes the Ark.

Clarke, Bellamy, and the crew all return just in time to watch in horror as their safety boat burns to the ground. But at least Bellamy and Octavia are reunited? The look of absolute relief when Bellamy figures out she is alive is one for the books.

Back on Becca’s island, Raven has a seizure. Abby and Jackson immediacy go to wake her up. Apparently, a part of A.L.I.E. is still in Raven’s head because of the way they used an EMP to melt her chip. Now her brain is working too fast for her body to handle. Great. But thanks to the super brain, Raven figures out how to make the nightblood — and how to get there, too. We’re going back to space!

Good news, kids: Becca had a handy spaceship, which Raven with her Becca/A.L.I.E. brain knows how to access. Raven is super pumped to head back up to space, but there’s one hitch in the plan: Raven actually had a stroke; there is a black spot on her brain. Going to space could make it worse — or kill her. Jackson points out that Abby should have similar symptoms as Raven, since their chip was removed the same way, but she waves him off. Once Jackson leaves the room, Abby hallucinates a blister-ridden Clarke who says, “We’re running out of time, Mom.”

And that’s where we end!

Final Thoughts: 

• I want to get this nightblood thing rolling already. (And I still lowkey hate Ilian.) 
• I am not looking forward to a bunch of people dying of radiation poisoning. 
• Is Abby’s brain about to get an upgrade?
• ALSO, SHOW: STOP HURTING RAVEN!

Read More

The 100 4x04 Recap: "A Lie Guarded" (Broken Treaties) [Guest Poster: Ilene Friedman]

"A Lie Guarded"

Original Airdate: February 22, 2017

I’m going to let season four finish, but, I’m just saying: this is the best season of The 100 we’ve ever had. The parallels between season one Abby/Jaha/Kane and Clarke/Bellamy/Raven are so strong and so important to these characters’ developments/stories that I could cry. These character arcs are finally getting the justice they deserve!

So, what exactly happened this episode? Well the episode starts with a homage to The Parent Trap, with the delinquents floating Jaha in the middle of a lake. The entire camp is laughing as Jasper screams: “It looks like you got floated.” It seems like the delinquents still aren’t over everyone they love getting killed in space -- fair enough. However, things turn for the worse quickly when clouds roll in and everyone is screaming that it is black rain. The problem? Jasper refuses to go inside and decides to dance in the rain instead. It turns out to be regular rain, but no one is happy with Jasper’s unstable antics (I am also kind of sick of them, even though I get why he is the way he is).

But two crazy moments aren’t enough for Jasper: he and Monty decide to rig up a prank in the Chancellor’s office as well. Bad news bears -- Jasper finds The List. Monty tries to play it off as not a big deal, but Jasper is livid. He can’t let Clarke decide who is worth saving; she’s not God. Clarke enters the room, only to be hit with fire extinguisher foam in the face, and a raving Jasper.

But before he can tell the whole camp about The List, Clarke shock batons Jasper, much to Monty’s horror. This leads to Jasper getting locked up and Monty going against Clarke and reading The List to the entire camp. The crowd quickly gathers and Clarke is forced to explain why she picked who she did -- including herself and Bellamy. She told them she picked strong females who could reproduce, people who were healthy, valuable workers, etc. As the crowd's anger escalates, Jaha quickly steps in before things get out of hand. He then defends Clarke and Bellamy's actions as leaders, but proposes a lottery system. Those who work hard get entered into a drawing to be on The List; those who don’t get cut. They will draw names in two months.

Defeated, Clarke releases Jasper and apologizes for locking him up. He called her “Jaha-Lite” -- OUCH. However, a peek of old Jasper appears, which even causes me to laugh: “Someday, when all of this is over, you’re going to realize that foam bit was funny.” He’s not wrong.

Now back in Polis, Bellamy and his hunting party have been captured by Echo and Roan. Ugh... I’m so sick of Echo. Apparently Bellamy’s hunting partner Steven told Echo that Clarke and crew were reinforcing the Ark to ride out the radiation. Roan is now, understandably, enraged and feels betrayed. Kane tries to explain that the ship is a back-up plan, but it is too little too late: the truce has been broken. Echo slices Steven’s neck and imprisons Bellamy and Kane. Haven’t we moved past this by now? The Ice Nation then goes after Indra -- who escapes -- and Octavia.

Octavia rushes off on Helios to warn Skaikru about the breach in the treaty. Echo rushes after her and the two go into battle against one another. Octavia gets stabbed and falls into the river. Echo heads back to Polis and tells Bellamy that Octavia is dead. That obviously goes over well. Luckily, Octavia survives the fall and has time to go warn Skaikru -- which obviously Bellamy doesn’t know. That’s gonna be an interesting reunion.

Meanwhile, Skaikru group three is heading to Becca’s island to try and find a way to reverse engineer Luna’s blood. Luna feels like she is only being protected because of her blood, but Nyko tells her that the Sky People are good and she should trust them. They arrive at Becca’s island, where drones immediately start shooting at everyone. Luckily, Raven and Luna come up with a plan to save the group. Luna grabs a drone -- FROM THE AIR -- and Raven is able to hack into the system to take down all the drones. Now, it seems that Raven had a little brain glitch, but maybe I was seeing things -- it looked like she got a headache before getting to work on the drones.

The crew then safely arrives in Becca’s lab and the real work begins.

Final Thoughts:

• You know who I think can reproduce? Clarke and Bellamy. 
• I like this version of Jaha, but dude has so many personalities these days that it’s hard to keep up. 
• Monty not being on that list was BS. 
• Murphy will always be my problematic fave: holding Emori’s hand over the line, saving Raven’s butt, etc. 
• Anyone else beginning to ship Luna and Raven? I see it. What are they called? Runa? Laven? HELP.

Read More

The 100 4x03 Recap: "The Four Horsemen" (Flames and Nightblood) [Guest Poster: Ilene Friedman]

"The Four Horsemen"

Original Airdate: February 15, 2017

The 100 is back in full swing with the season we deserved all last year. In this week’s “The Four Horsemen,” we also got some serious reveals and a few touching moments that melted my cold, dead recapper heart. 

In this week’s episode, the flame goes missing from Roan’s chamber. Roan, of course, seeks out assassin Octavia to get it back. But Octavia and Indra come as a package deal. Roan really doesn’t care — he needs them to seek out the female flamekeeper who he believes stole the flame. If word gets out the flame is lost, Roan may lose the throne. And that can’t happen.

Octavia quickly tracks down the female flamekeeper, Gaia, who just so happens to be Indra’s daughter. Gaia almost gets the best of Octavia until Indra intervenes. Indra is not the proud mother she should be though. In her eyes, Gaia is a complete disappointment. She was supposed to be a great warrior, like Octavia, and lead Trikru. But she instead chose to become a follower of the flamekeeper and scour the earth for nightbloods. How disappointing.

Luckily, Octavia comes up with a plan to save Gaia, attempt to keep Roan on the throne, and stop Ilian from destroying the flame. When Illian and his Grounder friends come in to destroy all tech — including the flame — he smashes the flame totem that Gaia wore as a necklace. Turns out, Octavia switched the real flame for the totem. #winning?

Octavia lets Gaia escape with the real flame and reports to Roan that the looters destroyed the flame. Roan does not seem too concerned, but is he ever? He truly believes Clarke is working on a plan to save them all. And that leads us back to Arkadia. 

So, what could possibly be going wrong in Arkadia now, you ask? Well, Luna and the last of her people arrive at the gates, mostly dead or dying, with Nyko in tow. Luna and her people have acute radiation poisoning from eating radiation-infested fish. While Abby attempts to treat them, Raven quickly realizes that they have less time then they thought before the world ends — two months, to be specific. Raven insists that Clarke needs to come up with a list of the 100 people she will choose to survive. But Jaha has another plan. Sidenote: is following Jaha’s plans ever a good idea? I mean, really. Look at the culling, the City of Light, and basically anything he’s ever done. 

Jaha tells Raven, Bellamy, and Clarke that there was once a doomsday cult called The Second Dawn, led by a man named Bill Cadogan, who built a bunker to sustain 1,000 members. Raven thinks the errand to find the aforementioned bunker is a waste of time, but Clarke is determined to find a solution that doesn’t involve her choosing who lives and dies. Therefore, Clarke, Bellamy and Jaha begin what is essentially “Day Trip, Part 2.” 

When the trio arrives in the place the bunker is supposed to be, Jaha tells Bellamy that Clarke is lucky to have him because, “you keep her centered.” Bellamy quickly amends Jaha’s observation, saying he has it wrong, that Clarke is the one that keeps him centered (the #Bellarke feels are too real guys. WAY. TOO. REAL). Interrupted mid-conversation, Clarke finds the steps to the underground bunker. The group eventually opens the door to the bunker, but it is full of dead bodies. No one survived in the bunker. The cult’s motto is “from the ashes we will rise.” Sound familiar, anyone?

Back at Arkadia, Raven is even more pissed off in her leadership role. Abby is still treating Luna and her people, and when she asks Raven for anti-radiation meds, Raven rejects the request citing the fact that it’s a waste of time and resources if Abby isn’t sure the medicine will cure Luna and her people. Unbeknownst to Abby, though, Murphy is on it. He steals all of the medicine (and also some rations) and gives the stash to Abby. Abby then points out that Murphy’s father was floated for stealing meds. I FREAKIN’ LOVE MURPHY. Abby administers the stolen drugs to the child in the group, but sadly she also doesn’t make it. But you know who is shockingly okay? Luna. Her nightblood is able to filter out the radiation. I guess this means that everyone is about to change blood type. 

Back from their excursion, Clarke tries to write out the list of the 100 people who she chooses to survive, while she watches Bellamy nap on the couch. Beginning to break down over the stress of it all, Bellamy comes to Clarke’s side — and sees that slot #99 is his. He tells her, “If I’m on the list, you’re on that list.” Because she is too overcome with emotion and can’t do it herself, he writes her name on the list for her. Clarke then asks Bellamy, “You still have hope?” And his response is, “We still breathing?” 

Ah, the brains and the heart. I can’t even, you guys.

Final Thoughts:

• I am so Bellarke trash — the unyielding support, the grabbing of the hands, the watching of the sleeping forms... this is all too domestic, which must mean that stuff is about to hit the fan soon. 
• Jaha, I still loathe you. 
• Murphy telling Emori they need to make themselves useful is so weasel-y and Murphy-licious. I’m just a little concerned that Emori is not going to make it. Anyone else have that feeling?
• Roan, King Roan, you are the best addition to this show. I feel like he’s a person who — if he actually cared — could take over the entire world. I hope I’m not wrong. 
• I am so down for this nightblood storyline! It’s going to be good, folks!

Read More

Lucifer 2x13 Recap: “A Good Day to Die” (A Very Literal Title) [Guest Poster: Ilene Friedman]

“A Good Day to Die”

Original Airdate: January 31, 2017

I have one word for you Lucifer writers: RUDE! What was that ending? How dare you!

This week’s episode title really did give away the entire episode. It truly was a good day to die for more than one character on the show. I believe Uriel died the most this episode, but Lucifer and Mama Morning Star defiantly came in close second. You know who didn’t die this episode? Chloe!

So, what actually happened this week? Well, the episode picked up right where the last one left off, with Lucifer encountering Chloe in the bathroom. In an attempt to prolong Chloe’s life, Lucifer tries to convince her to go to the hospital, but she refuses because all the victims died in the hospital. This leads the duo on a giant goose chase to find the antidote, which they quickly realize is destroyed.

The good news is that thanks to another hilarious Dan/Lucifer team up, the two got their hands on the list of ingredients for the antidote. The problem? Well, the guy with the formula is kind of rotting in hell — literally. Now this wouldn’t be a big deal, except for the fact that Lucifer isn’t currently in hell and he needs to die to get there.

Maze and Amenadiel (sidebar: I am so happy Amendiel stepped up this episode — boy, how I have missed him) both volunteer to kill Lucifer, but Amenadiel gets stuck guarding Chloe. Lucifer points out that in order for him to remain dead and in hell, with the potential to come back, he must remain near Chloe at all times. A.K.A, Chloe cannot be moved.

Lucifer eventually makes his way back to hell by electrocuting himself while Maze and Linda bicker over who is going to kill him. He gets the formula from the doctor. But only seconds later, he gets trapped in one of his own cells — stuck in the recurring torment that was Uriel’s murder. Now it’s Mama Morningstar to the rescue. Although she’s terrified to return to hell, because she can feel it calling to her, she risks remaining there forever to save her son. I guess she truly does care. Who would have thought?

Charlotte’s rescue is not without its flaws. Once she rescues Lucifer, she also gets trapped in the cell. Uriel convinces her that they can be a family once more. Lucifer is able to drag her away, and the two come back to the mortal world physically unharmed.

This was definitely a team bonding episode. Charlotte and Lucifer went to hell, while Maze and Linda killed them both and brought them back. Amenadiel and Trixie guarded Chloe (like guardian angels), and Dan and Ella found all the ingredients for the antidote. A job well done, team.

But what makes me so upset then? Well, Lucifer is tired of being caught in his father’s manipulations. So he closes down Lux and runs off... WITHOUT TELLING CHLOE. She shows up at his place lost and confused. And that’s how the episode ends.

Final Thoughts: 

• LUCIFER, HOW DARE YOU ABANDON CHLOE, YOU UNGRATEFUL LITTLE WORM! I DO NOT NEED THIS ANGST IN MY LIFE. 
• Everything Maze does gives me life. I aspire to be as flawless as her. Her shock paddling Charlotte was comedic gold. 
• I still do not trust Charlotte. 
• We got Ella backstory!

What did you all think of this week’s episode? Sound off in the comments below!

Read More

Lucifer 2x12 Recap: “Love Handles” (Real vs. Manipulation) [Guest Poster: Ilene Friedman]

“Love Handles”

Original Airdate: January, 23 2017

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD (almost literally). What was that episode? What did I just watch? What is happening to my babies? Why was this episode so stressful?! Someone please explain the horror of that cliffhanger again.

(Also, could we end at least one episode without Chloe’s life being in danger? First the car, then mother dearest trying to blow her up, and now poison. Give our girl a break!)

Okay, I am getting ahead of myself. First, this week’s episode began with a pretty hot dream, where Chloe and Lucifer are about to get it on, horns and all. But before anything good happens, Chloe wakes up to a very amused Maze eating popcorn and enjoying the show. Maze tells Chloe that she should loosen up.

Meanwhile, Lucifer has another therapy session with Linda, where he again misinterprets Linda’s advice, leading to some awkward situations with Chloe. However, once Lucifer leaves Linda’s office, Charlotte shows up and tries to convince Linda to give Lucifer some bad news. Linda, who is the best, doesn’t fall for it and kicks Charlotte out of her office.

The case of the week answers some of the questions that began in last week’s episode: the poison vials. The serial killer, who turns out to be a former professor of the school, is forcing people to relive his own personal hell. What is that, you ask? Well, the professor decided to save his life’s work over a student’s life, when a car caught on fire and killed the student instantly. The professor lost everything. He is now forcing people to choose between cutting off limbs, mutilating themselves, or destroying their careers. If they don’t, a random person gets poisoned. The team realizes it’s the professor and they go off to stop him.

This leads Chloe and Lucifer to an underground lab where the professor is holding his latest victims. The professor releases the one-of-a-kind poison gas into the room and flees. Lucifer, knowing it will not affect him, insists that Chloe leaves and he will save the victims. Chloe chases after the professor, while Lucifer waits for her to get out of range so that his immortality stays intact.

Once Chloe corners the professor, he tells her: “I’m not a monster. I’m human.” He then goes on to say that “choice is an illusion.” But most importantly, he says, “You’ll understand that soon enough.” Then, the professor kills himself. Which now we know is really, really bad.

Lucifer then runs out to find Chloe unharmed. The two embrace (and I die a little) and Lucifer reiterates that this is real — they are real. This all goes to crap when he meets up with Maze and his mother in a bar. However, Maze backs out of her agreement with Charlotte, only for Lucifer to turn around and see a picture of Amenadiel and Chloe’s mother. He learns that God put Chloe in his path and that their relationship may not be real, but manipulated.

Furious, Lucifer storms into Chloe’s house, asking if she knew the whole time. However, he stops instantly when a shaking Chloe turns around and we see that her nose won’t stop bleeding.

Final Thoughts: 

• The season finale is next week and I think there is way too much to resolve. If there isn’t a season three, I may lose my mind. Look at how much there is to still discover! We have barely seen Amenadiel, we know God’s showing up at some point, we have no idea how Chloe is supposed to be used to get to the Silver City... too many unanswered questions!
• Dan being awkward around Charlotte is forever hilarious.
• I still don’t know if Charlotte truly gives a crap about Lucifer, and — although everything she has said has been true — we all know something just isn’t right. 
• CHLOE BLEEDING IS NOT OKAY, WRITERS. THAT’S EFFING RUDE!

Read More

Series: This Week's TV MVPs -- Week 50

Welcome to 2017, y'all! Can you believe that we're already in a new year? For many of us, 2016 was rough and we were eagerly anticipating a new slate with new possibilities. And, of course, escapism with some awesome television shows! Naturally. Over the past week or so, shows have been slowly returning from their winter slumbers and will continue to do so in the weeks to come. As those shows come back — with some new ones premiering this spring, too — we'll be celebrating some of the best performers on television each week. Ready? Let's talk about some TV MVPs! Joining me this week are:

• Julia
• Ilene
• Erin
• Jon
• Chelsea
• Megan

Enjoy!

Read More

Lucifer 2x11 Recap: “Stewardess Interruptus” (Well, That Happened) [Guest Poster: Ilene Friedman]

“Stewardess Interruptus”

Original Airdate: January 16, 2017

GUYS. GUYS! It finally happened. HOW ARE WE STILL BREATHING?! I am so concerned for the future because this is far too good to be true. That was too perfect.

But let me back up a bit to what exactly happened upon Lucifer’s return. Well, the episode picked up where the last one left off. Lucifer and Chloe were about to kiss, but got ridiculously interrupted by a stewardess named Jana. This of course causes Chloe to snap out of their “moment” and bolt out of Lucifer’s apartment, much to Lucifer’s disappointment.

The next day at work, Chloe attempts to act like nothing happened. Maze then shows Chloe that her father’s killer was murdered, much to Chloe’s contempt and Maze’s excitement. And Dan is none-too-happy that Maze is bragging about their involvement in the whole ordeal.

Meanwhile, Charlotte confronts Lucifer about Chloe, saying she was wrong about the detective and that Chloe is worthy of him. Now before Lucifer can go woo Chloe, he needs to figure out why his former lovers keep showing up dead, beginning with Jana and then another flight attendant. The only connection between the two is that they both slept with Lucifer. This causes Chloe to bring in all of Lucifer’s exes and each person relays their story about their rendezvous with him.

This leads to all the exes talking about a girl they all saw at the club glaring at them. Turns out the girl is a very bubbly, but not all-around-creepy Lucifer fanatic. She may be crazy, but it turns out she is not the murderer. This leads the Chloe and Lucifer discovering that Jana was actually a mule for a drug lord who happened to lose one of his packages. The group sets up a sting operation with Maze acting as a very excited stewardess.

The problem? Maze beats up the wrong guy. The real drug lord ends up holding Lucifer at gunpoint, which is not the best idea. Lucifer takes his rage out on the man, yelling that Jana deserved better from both of them. I love when Lucifer gets those red demon eyes. The perp practically begs for Decker to arrest him.

Once the group has left, we see a man limping throughout the cargo bay. He is carrying the missing package. The man is obviously ill and is killed by a cloaked figure. The figure picks up the package, which is a row of vials, containing what? I have no idea.

The episode ends with Lucifer looking fabulous and staring across the ocean. Chloe comes looking for him so that they could wrap up the case. Lucifer then tells her that she was right — that they would never work out because they are simply too different and he is not good enough for her. She is selfless and special, and he is just not worthy. Chloe inches closer, only for her to quickly kiss him. Lucifer stares in awe as she goes to kiss him again, and we all die.

Final Thoughts:

• We still have no idea why Chloe was bleeding, and it is bothering me!
• I am still a little worried that Deckerstar is moving too fast. Will this fundamentally change Lucifer’s character? Will we have to go through the most painful drama on earth when she finds out that he’s the devil?
• How exactly does Charlotte plan on using Chloe to get to the Silver City? As far as we know, Chloe doesn’t have powers aside from being Lucifer’s weakness, and we still have no idea how that works. 
• Maze is forever my favorite, and her and Linda’s friendship is everything. 
• I still don’t see the point of Amenadiel, and I hope he gets a purpose soon. I miss the way he was in season one.
• Also, just in case I haven’t emphasized it enough: LUCIFER AND CHLOE FLIPPIN’ KISSED. WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Read More

Staff Picks: Our MVP-Worthy Christmas Movies

It's hard to believe that today marks exactly one week until Christmas! I don't know about you, but Christmas usually brings back fond memories for me. I grew up in Pennsylvania, so Christmases would involve bundling up and traveling to visit family, where we would eat really good Italian food and open presents in a small living room. I love Christmas. It's my favorite holiday — the food, the music, and the lights all fill me with a sense of hope and joy. And as 2016 draws to a close, those are two things we desperately need before we enter 2017.

One of my favorite traditions is watching certain Christmas movies during the holidays. Perhaps you and your family and friends have a certain film — or films — that you watch every year together. For me and my family, it's the 1966 animated special Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I remember coming home from candlelit Christmas Eve services with my family, only to put on our footie pajamas and curl up on the couches with that movie.

In celebration of Christmas movies and traditions, our staff is changing things up this week: rather than a TV MVP post, our final MVP-style post for the year will revolve not around television, but our favorite Christmas movies. (Thank you, Chelsea, for this idea). So sit back, relax, and enjoy our Christmas discussions!

Read More

Lucifer 2x10 Recap: “Quid Pro Ho” (Chloe is the Key) [Guest Poster: Ilene Friedman]

“Quid Pro Ho”

Original Airdate: November 28, 2016

What is the opposite of the sophomore slump? Because whatever it is, season two of Lucifer has got it. I don’t know what the writers have been drinking, but they have seriously found their groove and I could not be a happier fangirl because of it.

If you’ll remember from last week we had another “Chloe’s life is in danger!” cliffhanger, where Charlotte was seconds away from blowing up the detective’s car. Luckily, Amenadiel stepped in just in time in an attempt to convince his mother not to pull the trigger. He confides in her that killing Chloe would push Lucifer away instead of drawing him closer to help them in their quest to enter the Silver City. Charlotte concedes and off to trial we go.

The warden who killed Chloe’s father is on trial, but no one really has their head in the game. Lucifer and Chloe are super awkward around one another since Lucifer stood her up for their dinner date. Linda phrased her outrage best during Lucifer’s session — we are all pissed and convinced that Lucifer is lying to himself about his feelings. Meanwhile, Charlotte has decided to be the warden’s defense attorney and now everything has gone to hell (pretty literally).

A huge problem arises in the case when the star witness’s head shows up in a box on Dan’s desk. However, it is Lucifer to the rescue. He decides to be the witness and tells the audience that “[Chloe] is truly good. And I don’t mean in bed. I wouldn’t know — that’s how good she is,” only to receive a standing ovation from the charmed court room.

But Lucifer has a slip-up when he mentions that Chloe was the first person to discover the dead body of the man who took the fall for her father’s murder, when the police report says Dan was first on site. Charlotte then questions Lucifer’s integrity, but Lucifer holds to his word and says he is telling the truth. Chloe is obviously mad and feels like Lucifer betrayed her.

To help fix the situation, Lucifer calls on Dan and Maze to track down Boris’ (the headless guy) killer. Maze, using sex jokes, instigates Dan into telling Lucifer that he slept with Charlotte — much to Lucifer’s disgust. I mean, what child wants to hear about THAT? Lucifer then proceeds to tackle Dan through a wall into the Chinese mafia den. Lucifer strikes a deal with the group: Maze must fight one of the gang members to prove their worth, which was EPIC. Give me all the Maze fights scenes for the rest of my life, please. She is too flawless for this world. The gang holds up their end of the deal and are able to locate Boris’ decapitated body, but this leads to another dead-end for the trio.

Charlotte corners Chloe in the bathroom and offers her a deal — she’ll get her client a guilty sentence if Chloe calls Lucifer a liar in front of everyone. Because Lucifer’s word means the world, it is pretty much the worst thing Chloe can do to him. It would be complete and utter betrayal. But when Chloe takes the stand, she tells the world how wonderful a partner Lucifer is and how honest of a person he also is. Charlotte is furious, and her client walks free.

The good news is that Dan and Maze set up the warden to be taken out by the Russians, who are mad that he was behind Boris’ death.

But the highlight of the episode is still to come. Amenadiel runs into Chloe’s mom while attempting to apologize to Maze. He remembers that 30 years ago, God send him to Earth to bless a couple who couldn’t have a child. God had done no such thing before and nothing of the sort since. Amendadiel comes clean with Charlotte, telling them they cannot hurt Chloe because she was put on Earth with a purpose. Charlotte now believes Chloe is the key to going home.

We then see Lucifer with a take-out bag and a bottle of wine leaving his apartment. But he runs into Chloe, who was looking for him. The two sit down for the dinner they missed and lean in to kiss — ONLY FOR THE EPISODE TO END.

Final Thoughts:

• I cannot even with this episode. Do they kiss? Does Chloe have powers? CAN THEY PLEASE KISS?! #Deckstar
• I still hate Amenadiel. Maybe he fell because he became a whiny follower.
• Maze is the best thing to ever happen to television ever. Fight me on it. 
• I can’t believe we need to wait until January 16th for a new episode.
• Also, for those who have seen the promo… WHAT IS THE BLEEDING!?!?

Read More

Lucifer 2x09 Recap: “Homewrecker” (Plans) [Guest Poster: Ilene Friedman]

"Homewrecker"

Original Airdate: November 21, 2016

Oh, Mamma Morningstar, how I loathe you. This week’s episode of Lucifer begins to reveal dear mom’s plan and I have a feeling Lucifer is not going to like it.

It all starts off with the victim of the week: Lucifer’s multibillionaire landlord is murdered. The deceased man’s son, mere hours after his father is murdered, shows up at Lux to evict Lucifer from his home. Lucifer, of course, will not have any of this and is ready to go to war to save the place in which he belongs. This follows the theme from last week’s episode, when Lucifer told off Amenadiel and his mom regarding going back to heaven.

Now how does Lucifer’s mom tie in? Well the first suspect is, of course, Charlotte. But Charlotte quickly points out that if she wanted Lucifer’s home, she would just take it (ominous much?). It turns out, Lucifer’s mom takes this entire situation and uses it to her advantage. She seduces Dan, becomes the defense lawyer for Dan’s case, and recruits the criminal to set up charges to blow up Lux. Have I mentioned how much I hate this woman?

As the episode unfolds, Lucifer does everything in his power to keep his home — having no idea, of course, about his mother’s plan to blow it up. Chloe insists there are legal ways to reclaim Lux from the clutches of real-estate moguls, but Lucifer is determined.

In order to stall the movers and police from closing down his club, Lucifer throws an impromptu party and gets all the workers completely smashed. The bomber, seeing the amount of people he would kill, has second thoughts and refuses to blow up the club — much to Charlotte’s annoyance.

Charlotte appears at the party and attempts to communicate with Lucifer, but Lucifer pushes her onto Linda who is all too excited to meet the Goddess of Creation. However, the chat between the two ends up with mommy dearest discovering Lucifer’s love for Chloe. This is not going to be good.

Due to the illegal party, the cops show up with Chloe in tow. She tells her crew that she will handle it, but then lets loose and allows the party to continue. She isn’t heartless, after all. Lucifer and Chloe then have the most adorable dance known to man with music and lights blazing. These two are the cutest cute to ever cute!

Charlotte then slips away, only for Amenadiel and Maze to follow her. She turns up at a bar to meet Dan, who ends up talking about Chloe the entire time, which is exactly what Charlotte wanted. She then she sleeps with him. Maze obviously takes pics of Dan and Charlotte meeting (along with a selfie of Amenadiel’s disgusted face, which — by the way — is priceless!

The end of the episode reveals that the mogul’s daughter-in-law (along with the son) were the murderers. But that leaves Lucifer confused as to why there is a double confession. Things get more confusing for Lucifer when Chloe shows up at his club with paperwork establishing Lux as a social heritage site. I was so touched that I almost cried. Lucifer cannot believe Chloe would do this for him and Chloe tells him that it’s what friends do. Lucifer tells Linda about the incident and asks him why he hasn’t shown Chloe his true face. Linda brings further insight when she points out that Lucifer came to Los Angeles because he was searching for something. And she thinks he found what he was looking for. (*cough* CHLOE *cough*)

This leads to Lucifer contemplating his session. And, inevitably, the contemplation leads to him standing Chloe up at the restaurant. My heart broke a little at her disappointment. Then, to make matters worse, Charlotte puts a bomb at the bottom of Chloe’s car, and has a detonator in her hand. And... end scene.

Final Thoughts:

• Would it kill the writers to not put Chloe’s life in danger? Also, when do we get to discover why she makes Lucifer vulnerable? I still don’t dig that situation. 
• How far back is the whole “standing up Chloe” thing going to put their relationship? I still don’t know if I’m mentally prepared for Lucifer and Chloe to get together (Lucifer still has some growing up to do) but still. 
• Dan sleeping with Charlotte is all kinds of problematic. 
• I am all here for grossed-out Amendiel and know-it-all Maze!

Read More

Lucifer 2x08 Recap: “Trip to Stabby Town” (Angel of Death) [Guest Poster: Ilene Friedman]

“Trip to Stabby Town”

Original Airdate: November 14, 2016

This week’s Lucifer revolved around my favorite divine object — Azrael’s blade (a.k.a., Angel of Death’s blade)! I have a small obsession with the Angel of Death and this episode hit all the right fangirl notes.

At the beginning of the episode, Lucifer is in session with Linda who is not paying any attention to Lucifer’s latest woes. In fact, she is still trying to get over the whole “he’s the devil” thing. Linda keeps shooting Lucifer question after question about hell and ignoring Lucifer’s problems. The day is saved when Chloe calls Lucifer to the crime scene of the week.

The episode began with a woman being stabbed. Lucifer arrives at the crime scene and realizes his sister’s blade is the culprit. In human hands, the knife demands to fulfill its purpose — killing — and it magnifies human emotions tenfold. Not believing that the blade is out in the public, Lucifer heads to Uriel’s grave site. Lucifer realizes someone dug up his brother’s grave and stole the blade.

Lucifer then asks Ella for help tracking down who took the blade. The two begin to work the case of the missing blade together, causing Chloe to get mad jealous of her partner’s wandering attention. The entire episode shows Chloe’s growing jealousy of Ella and Lucifer’s time together — the question is: is it too soon for those two to get it on? I think so. Give me slow burn, or give me death!

Ella eventually comes through in her investigation and Lucifer discovers that his mother is the culprit. She sent several people to go to Uriel’s grave to retrieve the blade. She was hoping to get God’s attention because she allegedly wanted to mourn with her husband. She assumed a bunch of dead people would do the trick. But it failed.

Lucifer confronts his mother telling her, “Hell wasn’t home and Heaven was hell,” and that Earth was the only place he’s ever felt respected. However, did the blade cause Lucifer to say those things? Also, why was the blade glowing and flame-y? Did Lucifer cause that?

So, how did Lucifer get the blade back exactly? Well, Lucifer and Chloe’s investigation ended in an overlap. At the final crime scene, Dan gets a hold of the blade and almost kills Lucifer. However, Dan can resist it long enough for Lucifer to get the upper hand and take it back. Yay Lucifer (and Dan). Chloe, at this point, is SUPER suspicious of the two of them, but I am totally digging this friendship.

The episode ends with Ella taking Lucifer to church. She feels as though Lucifer is looking for something, and Ella admits her life got back on track when she started talking to God. Lucifer isn’t too pleased, but he does go with her, keeping true to his word.

Final Thoughts: 

• It is 100% too soon for Lucifer and Decker to get it on. I love the slow dynamic they are building and I think it is far more believable she is worried about losing her partner than a potential lover, but that’s just me. 
• Maze is everything I aspire to be and more. 
• I still lowkey hate Amenadiel. This whole “mama’s boy” act and utter betrayal of his father seems out of character to me. I am not a big fan of his current storyline. Give me my powerful angel back!
• I also need to see Lucifer with his wings. How do those wings look on the bloody and tortured body we saw in Linda’s office?
• I am so on board with Linda knowing and being so awesome about the supernatural stuff. I just home dear old mom doesn’t target her. 

Read More

Lucifer 2x07 Recap: “My Little Monkey” (A Chloe Story) [Guest Poster: Ilene Friedman]

“My Little Monkey”

Original Airdate: October 7, 2016

Do you ever feel like you were dropped in the middle of an episode, or that you missed an episode? That’s how I felt going into this week’s Lucifer. I had absolutely no idea what was going on. That is not to say it wasn’t a fascinating and wonderful character building episode for our very own Chloe Decker — but a little lead up next time would be nice!

Anyway, “My Little Monkey” explores Chloe’s father’s murder. It begins with a flashback, where Chloe’s father is at a convenience store talking about how proud he is of his daughter. A man in a hoodie holds both the clerk and her father and gunpoint before the gunman guns Officer Decker down.

We then see, in the present day, that Chloe’s father’s murderer is being released on family leave in order to attend his granddaughter’s christening. Chloe is beyond livid. Chloe goes to the jailhouse to witness the man’s release and follows the transport vehicle — which is obviously a great idea. However, when she catches up with the van — plot twist! — everyone inside is dead. Chloe then decides that she is too close to the matter and removes herself from the case.

Dan then steps up to the plate with Lucifer by his side. Lucifer is currently having an identity crisis of his own and wants to learn from Dan. This is likely because Linda is currently ignoring Lucifer’s calls — you know, she’s still getting over the whole him being the devil thing. Honestly if my BFF was the devil, I’d probably give them a high five and move on, but to each their own.

Lucifer decides that to not be himself, he should be more like Detective Douche. So how did their dynamic go exactly? Well, Lucifer saying, “I need to learn how to douche” and “you’re like duct tape or a favorite socket wrench. I want you to teach me how to be a tool” kind of gives you an idea.

Back at Chloe’s apartment, Maze is trying to find the right career path now that she is on her own. The struggle is real. However, the action really gets going when Maze leaves and Tina Fields — the daughter of the Chloe’s dad’s murderer — holds her at gunpoint. But thanks to Trixie, the situation is quickly defused. Tina shows Chloe a video of Joe, the murderer, that proves he wasn’t actually the one who shot her father.

Once Chloe, Dan, and Lucifer figure out that Joe traded a false confession for regular payments to his daughter, the detectives go find another lead. We learn that Chloe’s father was working a case and got on the wrong person’s radar. Turns out that the prison warden was the actual culprit.

However, when the group goes after the warden, he escapes. Luckily, Maze tracks him down in the funniest moment of the episode. Soon the warden is tied and gagged by Maze is under the scrutiny Luci, Maze, and Chloe. Chloe pulls her gun on her father’s murderer, but chooses to let him rot in the prison he used to run. That should be fun.

Once the case is closed the BEST PART OF THE ENTIRE EPISODE HAPPENS: Lucifer tells Chloe that although he does not have a good relationship with his father, he thinks her father would be proud of her. Then with tears in her eyes, Chloe hugs Lucifer in the most touching moment ever.

Final Thoughts:

• MY LUCIFER/CHLOE SHIPPING HEART IS SO HAPPY IT COULD DIEEEEEEE!
• Baby Decker meeting Baby Douche was hilarious. I may hate Detective Douche, but that entire seen was heartwarming. 
• It was so nice not having Amenadiel this episode. 
• Linda and Maze reconciling and being BFFs again is also the best thing ever. Although, it did feel weird seeing Maze so vulnerable. It seems kind of out of character for a torcher demon. I mean, Lucifer is barely in touch with his emotions. 
• I am so here for Maze being an LAPD bounty hunter!

Read More

Lucifer 2x06 Recap: “Monster” (Guilt) [Guest Poster: Ilene Friedman]

"Monster"

Original Airdate: October 31, 2016

This week’s episode of Lucifer guaranteed one thing — Lucifer is incapable of figuring out his own emotions. Now, this isn’t exactly shocking to any regular viewer; but to watch my favorite devil’s guilt eat him up inside killed me a little.

The episode begins with a zombie-themed wedding, but with the groom getting shot and the bride getting killed right before they say, “I do.” When Chloe arrives on the scene, no one has figured out why the couple was targeted.

Upon Lucifer’s arrival, it is clear he has gone off the deep end. Lucifer refuses to see Linda and he has been drinking and sleeping with everyone in sight. When he arrives at the crime scene, he looks way worse for the wear and he is not acting like himself as the guilt of Uriel’s death consumes him. Lucifer begins eating the wedding cake and then extracting evidence by making out with a bridesmaid. Chloe is not too pleased, but at least he gets results.

Once the suspect, the bride’s ex-boyfriend, is brought in. Lucifer proceeds to lock himself in with the suspect to get them to admit to the murders. He uses his powers to break off the handle so Chloe cannot enter and then scares the crap out of the ex-boyfriend. It turns out he didn’t kill the bride.

Chloe is understandably incredibly upset with Lucifer at this point, and Dan can’t believe Lucifer isn’t benched yet. I mean with that attitude, I would bench him for drunk and disorderly contact alone, plus intimidating a witness. But what do I know? Oh, and did I mention that he assaulted a police officer too? Yeah. Lucifer punches Dan in the face.

Prior to the face punching, Lucifer steals Dan’s badge and gun and then swipes confidential hospital paperwork that the detectives needed for the investigation. Dan then calls out Lucifer, which leads to Dan getting punched and Lucifer getting benched.

The files lead Chloe and Dan to the next victim. Luckily, Lucifer arrives first. He uses himself as a shield for the victim, begging the sniper to kill him instead. The killer, however, does not want to shoot an innocent person, which gives Chloe enough time to arrest him. Lucifer is baffled by his horrible luck and still wracked with guilt.

Lucifer was just so depressing this week. He has never killed a living soul before, so navigating this a first for him. This leads him to finally talk to Linda, who is fed up with Lucifer’s metaphors. She insists he tells her the truth or she will stop their therapy sessions. So, Lucifer decides to show Linda his true face. Linda is shocked into silence, her lip quivering, and he quietly leaves. This is where my heart breaks all over again.

Final Thoughts:

• The bonding between Maze and Trixie was the absolute highlight of the episode. It was a great parallel for the way Trixie reacted to Maze’s true form while trick-or-treating and Linda reacting to Lucifer’s. In fact, the look of relief of Maze’s face was priceless and I almost shed a tear. 
• I do not trust dear old mom and how she is manipulating Amenadiel. There is no way she’s one of the “good” guys and I feel like Amenadiel is going to get screwed ROYALLY. It seems to me mom is turning her sons against God. 
• BUT WE GOT TO SEE LUCIFER’S FACE! It honestly wasn’t that bad (gimme horns) and Linda better get her crap together so she can help our baby out. 
• Also, I am kind of sick of Amenadiel and his whining. I cannot find the ability to care. 

Read More

Lucifer 2x05 Recap: “Weaponizer” (Brotherly Love) [Guest Poster: Ilene Friedman]

“Weaponizer” 

Original Airdate: October 24, 2016

Well this week’s episode of Lucifer has left me paranoid and with a million questions. It really does seem that they are dragging out the mystery this season.

This week’s episode picks up right before Chloe’s horrific car accident that left me a bit dead inside. Lucifer and Amenadiel’s brother Uriel is hanging around. We see him move a skateboard, which leads to a series of events that causes Chloe’s accident.

Lucifer finds out about the accident and is convinced it is divine intervention but is unable to prove it. That is, until the victim of the week — Wesley Cabot — appears. Apparently this infamous fight star was murdered. And, at the crime scene, Lucifer see’s Uriel outside the window.

Lucifer confronts his brother on the roof, leaving Chloe to the investigation. It appears Uriel is very good at finding patterns (I'm getting flashbacks to Final Destination franchise). Uriel cannot kill Chloe outright — no angel can — but he can predict outcomes, and therefore cause her death. He gives Lucifer an ultimatum — either hand over their mother in 24 hours, or Chloe is going to die.

Lucifer seems barely phased, believing that Amenadiel will get them out of this bind. He tries to persuade Amenadiel to intimidate Uriel, so that Uriel will just leave. The plan works, until Uriel realizes that something is off and then proceeds to beat the crap out of Amenadiel. This leads to Lucifer discovering that Amenadiel has become a fallen angel. And I, for one, am incredibly disappointed. Lucifer is now furious, getting ever anxious that he has to clean up Amenadiel’s mess.

This leads to Lucifer becoming livid, because no one knows what God wants. He then goes on to state that God could have opened a portal back to hell because it smelled bad, or it could have been to bring dear old mom back to hell. Who knows? To be fair, Luci does have a point.

It is later discovered that Uriel actually has his own plan in mind, not God's. He does not want mom to return to heaven and for their father to forgive her like Lucifer and Amenadiel had. What exactly did she do, again? The bottom line is that Uriel’s ultimate goal is to kill their mother. And how, you may ask? Well, he stole his sister Azrael’s Blade of Death, which permanently kills any deity. No heaven, no hell — just gone. Who thinks that particular item is going to come back into play?

Lucifer and Uriel begin to brawl, but Uriel figures out Lucifer’s pattern a little too fast. Good thing Maze makes an appearance and is way harder to predict. However, while Maze is distracting Uriel, Lucifer comes charging in with Azrael’s Blade and kills his brother. And just by the look on Lucifer’s face, you can tell this utterly destroyed him. It doesn’t help that Uriel whispered something to Lucifer before he died, that he didn’t understand. I MUST KNOW WHAT IT IS!

When Lucifer arrives home, he is in tears. His mother asks where Uriel is, and Lucifer collapses into tears in her arms. Do you hear that? That’s my heart breaking.

Final Thoughts:

• Lucifer’s attempt at a catchphrase needs to stop like, yesterday. 
• I need to know what Uriel said PLEASEEEEE,
• I am so not here for moody Amenadiel. I need him to be big and powerful again; screw this mopey angel. 
• I am 100% sure God is not gonna show his face this season.
• I bet Ella is the one who finds out Lucifer is the devil this season — or my favorite shrink.

Read More

Lucifer 2x04 Recap: “Lady Parts” (How About That Ending?) [Guest Poster: Ilene Friedman]

"Lady Parts"

Original Airdate: October 17, 2016

This week’s episode of Lucifer was all about the ladies, beginning with two young men discovering a young dead hooker in the forest. Well, we think she is a hooker anyway.

Meanwhile, Lucifer is playing Words with Friends with Maze during his session with Dr. Martin. Martin is not too pleased with Lucifer’s continued distractions. In fact, she tells him that distractions are just keeping him from discovering his deeper issues. Of course, Lucifer hears “a distraction will help him from dealing with his problems.” So, what is Lucifer’s biggest problem? His mother not going back to hell — obviously.

Back at the crime scene, Lucifer is not the only one distracted. It seems Chloe also has a lot on her mind. Lucifer tells her she needs to get out and have a little fun, but she is not in the mood to hear it. The crime scene leads to an interrogation of an Uber driver, and a trip to Ella’s morgue. Ella tells them that the victim was killed by mandrake poisoning. This leads to the victim’s boss’ house — who just so happened to be the last person the victim spoke with. The man in question tells the duo that the victim, Daria, was having a girl’s night and he was nowhere near her. In fact, he was sleeping with a waitress (much to his wife’s distress).

Meanwhile, at therapy, Linda tells Amenadiel that he needs to let loose to solve his problems and get some distractions of his own. Does anyone else sense a theme to this week’s episode? Is it, perhaps, distraction?

Chloe and Lucifer then visit Daria’s apartment, running into Daria’s neighbor who lets them in… only to immediately smell a dead body. It turns out that Daria’s roommate is dead too. What do these dead bodies have in common? A triangular stamp on their wrists.

Chloe later arrives at Lucifer’s club, interrupting his potential rendezvous with two women. She wants to talk about the case, but Lucifer has something else in mind. Maze steps in (thanks to a bet she has going with Lucifer) and takes her to the bar the victims were last scene at to do some “investigating.” Ella also decides to tag along. Linda also shows up because it’s “girl’s night!”

The girls have some bonding time until Chloe spots someone with a triangular stamp on their wrist. A fight breaks loose and Maze kicks some serious butt, holy crap! Chloe is finally able to get information about the stamp (which leads to a club) and they have a new lead for the case. Back at the station, Chloe talks Dan into going to the club. Chloe makes Dan team up with Lucifer, since Dan obviously looks like a cop, but the duo expands when a VERY drunk Amenadiel shows up at the club as well.

At the club, the guys found out there is a third girl missing. Lucifer, distracted by his phone, is laughing at a picture of drunk Chloe. Chloe sees the aforementioned picture and realizes that girl’s night was a set-up by Lucifer.

Lucifer and Chloe finally find the guy who tried to sleep with the girls at the club, thanks to the bartender there. Turns out, he was poisoned too and was trying to protect the girls. The guy brought up a picture of him with his ladies only for Lucifer and Chloe to realize that Daria’s neighbor is the killer! Lucifer and Chloe eventually take her out and bring her back to the precinct.

Maze meets Chloe at the precinct, telling her that she is excited for their new living situation. Maze and Chloe are going to be roomies and I’m so here for this! Maze then walks into Lucifer’s apartment, telling him she’s moving out. Amenadiel, meanwhile, walks into the bar super hung over. But the real kicker is that CHLOE GETS CRUSHED BY A CAR AND THE EPISODE ENDS.

Final thoughts:

• WHAT JUST HAPPENED!? GOD, GET THE EFF OF CHLOE! WHAT IS THIS CRAP!? STEP OFF, ANGEL SCUM!
• I am so here for Maze and Chloe being friends. Also, Maze needs to kick someone’s butt at least once per episode. 
• I want to know if the relaxing did anything for Amenadiel’s wings. I need them fixed, people. I don’t want him becoming human. 
• I need Chloe to discover who Lucifer really is, and I’m hoping that happens by the end of the season. What do you think y’all?
• Also, Maze and Trixie BFFs are coming!
• This was such a good set-up episode!
• Anyone think Mamma Morningstar is gonna take out the angel that hurt Chloe? I think she might. :D:D:D

Read More

Lucifer 2x03 Recap: “Sin-Eater” (Pants on Fire) [Guest Poster: Ilene Friedman]

"Sin-Eater"

Original Airdate: October 10, 2016

Lucifer hits us with another procedural episode in “Sin-Eater,” but this time there are some seriously hot pants involved. 

The victim of the week is a man I shall call Mr. Fire Crotch who is an employee of Wobble, a huge social media company similar to Vine. The episode opens with Mr. Fire Crotch asking for forgiveness for everything awful he has ever done, but it’s too late. As he burns to his death, we change scenes to Lucifer dripping hot candle wax on his newest one-night stand, only to be interrupted by his dear mother. His mother is upset that she has yet to see Amenadiel, but Lucifer thinks that reunion is a terrible idea because Lucy is sure Amenadiel will take his mom straight back to hell. 

Meanwhile, Detective Douche is busy trying to make up for his past wrongs. Apparently he bailed on Trixie, but makes it up to her with chocolate cake. Trixie is still a stripper’s name, but she is still the most adorable creature on the entire show. Trixie wants to know if they are still going on their family camping trip, but things are very complicated in the Chloe/Dan sphere. 

Finally, Chloe and Lucifer arrive at Mr. Fire Crotch’s crime scene and learn that his plea for forgiveness was posted on Wobble before he died. Ella discovers that the fire originated from the man’s… well, nether regions, which triggers Lucifer to make some jokes (“hot pants” and “fire crotch” among more). Lucifer is not too happy someone is stealing his jam of punishing the guilty, so he has a personal investment in the outcome of the case. 

Some clues eventually lead Lucifer and Chloe to Wobbles’ headquarters and Leila Simms. Apparently Leila and Fire Crotch had some issues after they dated. But the case really gets moving when Leila shows a video of Fire Crotch lighting an intern’s crotch on fire. The intern’s life was completely traumatized. Chloe and Lucifer then interrogate the aforementioned intern, and the intern shockingly confesses to the crime. With the confession acquired, Lucifer runs into Charlotte (a.k.a. mommy dearest) at the precinct. He watches as his mother flirts with everyone in sight, while Chloe reminds him that Charlotte is a hottie with a body. 

Lucifer immediately leads Charlotte away from the group and is more than a little upset that she showed up at the station. She really needs to get her own life. The reason that Chloe interrupted though was because there is a new victim video uploaded to Wobble. Chloe and Lucifer arrive on the scene and find that the victim was killed after having apples forced down his throat. Chloe also finds the victim’s phone stuffed in his pocket with a sex tape queued up. Lucifer thinks the victim got what he deserved and heads back to his club. 

Even writing this recap, I’m realizing this episode is a bit slow. Eventually, Chloe and Lucifer discover that one of the moderators of Wobble is the serial killer. They find H.R. guy Ray holding Leila at gunpoint, forcing her to record and then pour gasoline on herself — to eventually light her on fire. Chloe comes up with a plan, which involves Lucifer talking to Ray to figure out why he has chosen to punish people. Lucifer has been having an extensional crisis all episode and tells Ray that he has become someone deserving punishment. Before Ray can drop the lighter to kill Leila, Chloe pulls the fire extinguisher just as the lighter hits the floor. Lucifer then punches Ray in the face for good measure and makes the best pun of the night, claiming that he looks “quite extinguished.”

Upon arriving home, Lucifer runs into Amenadiel and his mother. Lucifer cannot hide his surprise that Amenadiel is going against dear old dad. Meanwhile, mommy dearest is just happy to have her sons back as one big happy family. However, Lucifer has decided on his mother’s punishment — she must remain on Earth among the creatures she despises. She has to live her life like the real Charlotte, complete with a husband and children. 

While Charlotte is heading home, she gets mugged at gunpoint. But the robber is the one who regrets it when Charlotte pushes him away and sends him flying against a building. It seems that Mama Morningstar has her power back. 

Final Thoughts:

• Was I the only one not surprised about Chloe and Dan getting a divorce? I honestly thought they were already divorced. 
• I need to know what is happened with Amenadiel. Why are his wings dying? Is he dying?
• Maze and Mamma Morningstar need more scenes together. Mama Morningstar also needs to get a real name, like Lilith or Gaea. 
• I also need to know what’s up with Chloe. Amenadiel was right telling Lucy that he went back on his word to God. What are the repercussions of that?

Overall, this was a pretty slow episode and I’m looking forward to more Chloe/Lucy hilarity that was seriously lacking this week.

Read More