Despite the ambiguity of the rockers’ ages, the songs on About Time are almost catchy. From the upbeat Kissed (this song highlights the drums and percussion) to the quote-worthy Queen Of The Sun, you’ll quickly learn that their voices are hardly Grammy-material. The lyrics are good and memorable, especially those from the song Things You Said That Day: “World in your hands, you through it away, you stuck to what you believed in. The things you said that day,” which the band has dedicated to John Lennon.

The first song, Jenny McDowell, and the title song, About Time, are arguably the best songs on the album. Jenny McDowell is most likely the song that you’ll be singing after listening to the entire album; however, About Time has a catchy and creative chorus with slower verses in-between, “The clock keeps speeding around the bend, The days they race into a blend. I fear that soon my time will end. Life’s too short–I know my friend”. Overall I’d say that some songs are better than others. The album is a good one- worth buying if you are into older rock bands.

Rating: 3

The whole gang opted to visit the Ivy League school, so when Dan enters his interview, he receives the news that he will need more than one recommendation letter. This puts him in a complicated situation when he learns that Nate used his name when he met a student. This new girl turns out to have connections to the English Department, which will help Dan score another recommendation.  Chuck is also switching names when he has secret meetings with an “underground” group called Skull and Bones. He tells the group that Nate is really Dan, ultimately ending with Dan nearly-stripped and tied to a column outside the school.  All of the name swapping originates because of Nate’s father, who is now famous on every campus for how much money he lost.

Rufus still argues that Jenny should be attending school, but she won’t let her fashion designer-dreams slip away. She offers to have Rufus shadow her for a day, and see what her life is really like. Finally, after seeing Lily in a “Jenny Creation”, he decides to give homeschooling an opportunity.

As the visit to Yale comes to a close, Blair and Serena battle one last time. They agree to end their friendship, but not until after they attack each other. Fortunately, the following day, the girls realize their immaturity, and agree to work things out and take things as they come.

Compared to previous episodes, I really enjoyed this one. I found this to be very relatable in terms of applying to college and the stress factor each character went through. I did not think it was predictable, and the ending was simple yet pleasing. Although Lily is married, I still hope for her to have a reconnection with Rufus. Also, I can’t wait to see what happens with Jenny’s new life which will be solely focused on fashion. Lastly, Chuck still has a lot up his sleeve, and his clever charm is never put to rest.

More to come. XoXo.

Spotted: Rating for “New Haven Can Wait”: A-

Movie star Christian Slater tries to make the transition to the small screen in NBC’s latest new series, “My Own Worst Enemy”. Slater stars as Henry Spivey, an “average Joe” with a wife, kids and a decent job. Edward Albright is a secret agent killing machine. What do Edward and Spivey have in common? They are one in the same.

Thoughts:

This high concept thriller has a pretty confusing plot, but it still delivers some high quality action thrills for a TV show. This pilot episode was not great, but was enough to get me excited for the rest of the season. Following the demise of NBC’s “Bionic Woman”, a similar action based series, I was really hoping that “Enemy” would not crash and burn as well. Ironically, the executive producer of “Bionic Woman” holds the same role on this show. While that may seem to hinder this show’s potential, this pilot episode excited me enough to think otherwise.
After seeing Robert Downey’s return to superstardom, I think everybody is rooting for the same thing for Christian Slater. Kiefer Sutherland made the transition to TV with his iconic role in “24” as Jack Bauer, and Slater has a chance to do much of the same. From the get-go, his acting talents are in full display and I don’t know if the show could have worked without Slater leading the way.
Slater kicks off the episode as the secret agent, Edward Albright. After some brief dialogue with a female counterpart, Albright preemptively kills her as part of his mission for a secretive government agency he works for. The major portion of the first half of the show is spent attempting to explain how Albright came to have multiple personalities. While Edward is fully aware of Henry Spivey, Spivey is never supposed to know about Edward. Something malfunctions and the barrier between the personalities is broken.
In sessions with a psychiatrist (played by Saffron Burrows), Spivey implies that his dreams have become real. He wakes up to find a card from a hotel he has never been to in his life. It just so happens to be the location of Albright’s earlier mission. The glitches worsen when Henry awakens in Russia, holding a sniper rifle aimed at a man named Uzi, whom Edward was on a mission to terminate. Henry inadvertently fires the gun, drawing attention to himself and causing gun fire from all angles. After he is knocked out, he is awakened and tied up, being readied for interrogation by Uzi and his men. Slater perfectly portrays a man dumbfounded by his current status and insistent that he has no idea who Albright is or what he does. As could be expected, Albright’s agency comes to rescue him. Once he is finally rescued from interrogation, the agent sent to save him turns out to be his good friend Tom Grady (played by Yes Dear’s Mike O’Malley). Henry is confused when Grady keeps being referred to as Raymond, but as it turns out Raymond is the alter ego of Tom Grady, so basically the same situation as Henry’s.
O’Malley was interesting casting choice, as he is the last person one would expect to be a multilayered, secret agent. On “Yes Dear” and various episodes of “My Name is Earl”, O’Malley displayed an innate comedic ability and he perfectly blends his humor with a quality dramatic performance. Also in this star studded class is Alfre Woodard, of “Desperate Housewives” in the role as the leader of the government organization Edward works for. After eventually dicovering that Henry inhabits the same body as someone else, the show’s intentions for the rest of the season became clear. If Henry wants to live, then he and Edward need to work together, which is pretty confusing if you think too hard about it. In an otherwise serious episode, there is some comic relief after Edward writes on his arm “Never drive my car” (after Edward slept with Henry’s wife). Anyway, for the rest of the season look for the show to explore Edward’s background, specifically why he chose to undergo this operation and develop his new persona. I like to think of “My Own Worst Enemy” as Jeckyll and Hyde meets Jason Bourne, which is a very intriguing combination if you ask me. All in all, there were great performances all around. However, the intricate plot slightly dismissed the quality of the pilot episode. There is much more to be explained, but I expect the rest of the season to be spent doing just that. I can’t wait to see what Christian Slater does for the rest of his television debut.

Grade:B

The club was founded by Dan Perlman (’10), Jordan Fox (’10) and Jared Widman (’10). According to Fox, the idea came to the trio in Latin class last year when they took found great amusement in making Sean Connery impressions on a daily basis. While at first a joke, the idea gained more attention amongst the three boys and they decided to make a real club. Their Latin teacher, Ms. Nora Smaldore, who underwent the daily Sean Connery banter, agreed to be advisor of the club. “They’re my boys. I do what I can for them,” she said.

While girls are always welcome to attend, the group is a real man’s man kind of club. The boys bond while playing cards, talking quietly and commenting on the beloved Sean Connery movie pick of the day. Each movie involves some sort of engaging spy, action, “shoot ‘em up” type of plot.

“It’s something that you have to experience,” said Perlman, “Some element of his work embodies what it means for a human being to create art.” When asked about their fascination with Sean Connery, the members of the club echoed similar responses of “He’s just awesome,” “Why not love him?” and “He has a really cool accent.”

The club will meet every Monday after school to bond through the common admiration of Sean Connery’s work.

Graded B

The story depicts Alan Strang (Radcliffe), a deranged boy under the care of psychiatrist Dr. Martin Dysart, played by Richard Griffiths. Strang becomes one of Dysart’s patients after committing a crime the authorities cannot understand: he blinded six horses in the barn he worked at. Schaffer wrote the play based on this incident; however, all the details surrounding the crime are fictional. The only truth is that a troubled boy did in fact commit the crime. 

Alan is a 17-year-old, and troubled by his conflicting childhood. Raised by both parents, yet receiving a warped love from them, Alan is forced to deal with their conflicts as well as his own internal problems. For example, his mother reads him the Bible, as his father despises religion, and his mother permits Alan to watch television, as his father forbids it. More details unfold about the boy’s home life as Dr. Dysart examines him. Through careful methods of psychology, and many interviews with Alan’s parents and others who know him, Dr. Dysart solves the mystery of Alan’s reasoning for attacking those horses, and begins to understand the troubled boy. 

Richard Griffiths does a stunning job portraying Dr. Dysart, with just enough wit and charming humor. His character leads the audience through his path to cracking the case, with frequently occuring soliloquies. Dysart’s own life permeates his medicinal abilities, and Alan tries to manipulate Dysart through confronting him about his own life. Dysart’s life and Alan’s case eventually intertwine, for Dysart reexamines his personal life after understanding Alan’s perspective, especially his relationship with his wife. Dysart learns that there are some things in life worth believing in, as he discovers Alan’s self-proclaimed religion to the spirit within horses, called Equus, (the Latin word for horse). 

Playing in the Broadhurst Theatre, the set of “Equus” consists of lighting, four wooden boxes that are maneuvered by characters throughout the play, six muscular men wearing horse head masks and stilt-like attachments on their feet and the actors themselves. In other words, much of the imagery of the play is left up to the imagination, and enables a more open thought process while analyzing the significance of the play. 

“Equus”, with the same cast members, played in London’s Gielgud Theatre before moving to Broadway for a 22-week run. Special previews of the show began on September 5th; however, the official opening night was September 25th. Children under the age of four are not permitted into the theatre, and children under the age of sixteen are cautioned due to the play’s content. The show has one, ten-minute intermission, and overall is 2 hours and 35 minutes long. 

The controversy over the play revolves around Daniel Radcliffe’s nudity scene. He is only naked for one scene, and the scene is the pivotal moment of the play, for it is just as Alan is about to attack the horses. Although Broadhurst Theatre offers seating above and behind the stage, hence very close to the actors on it, specifics of Radcliffe’s figure cannot be clearly seen from most of the seats in the theatre. The publicity the play gets should only focus on this element of the play if the writers are showing this element as a rite of passage for Radcliffe as an actor. 

The story of “Equus,” although very much fictional, allows a deeper meaning, as discussed through the character of Dr. Dysart. The play, ultimately captivating, allows reflection upon one’s morals, and teaches the age-old lesson of trying to walk in someone else’s shoes, and not judging a book by its cover. Alan Strang’s crime was not out of malice—it was a cry for help that Dysart eventually fulfills, although Dysart comments during the last scene of the play that Alan will perhaps never be whole again, and that there will always be something missing.

Grade: A

Overall Grade: B-

T-Bag, who was threatened and tortured by Gretchen, is also trying to get Scylla. He managed to trick Bellick and took Michael, Mahone and Bellick hostage before Mahone escaped. Michael had to help him decode Whistler’s Bird Book. Mahone immediately found Self and told him what happened, and they rescued the group while trapping T-Bag underground. But Michael later found out that T-Bag was working for Gretchen, the woman who held Sara hostage, and he was threatened to get T-Bag out of the place he was trapped. 

Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, the phrase still held true. “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”  The fifth cardholder was found. The plan went awry when Sara attempted to use her charm to get into his room, but found out that the man was gay. So the guys sent Sucre to do what Sara couldn’t, and he got into the cardholders room, only to find the man’s wife inside.  Sucre was able to get the card downloaded onto Roland’s Wi-Fi device, and he got something more than he expected. 

After the card was downloaded, Roland got a little sidetracked by his gambling addiction, and messed up the group’s plans using the device to cheat the slot machine. Unfortunately for him and the group, he was banned from playing in any Vegas casino for life. The casino found out, confiscated his device and kicked him out. The sixth card was still at large, and without that device, it seemed almost impossible to get it. 

All in all, the show this week had some good twists. T-Bag and Gretchen working together was a nice change of pace. They are the two best villains on the show, and them working together was something the show has been hinting at for a while now. 

Losing Roland’s Device could not come at a better time. If they had kept it, the season would have been over in less than three weeks. Having to improvise prolongs the season and still keeps the shows at high quality without dragging things out too much. The shows will now become a little less predictable, which is very good. The season’s finally starting to reach its potential, and the quality of the episodes are starting to become much better. 

Grade: B+

New families will be formed in four years. Matt is now married to Daphne, with whom he has daughter Danielle and raises Molly. Also, Sylar is evil no more. He is Gabriel Gray once again, but with a twist. He has a son, Noah, who seems to be about four years old, and lives in the Bennet House in Costa Verde. It is confirmed that Peter, Gabriel and Nathan are brothers. Also, Nathan is now married to Tracy, and they are President of the United States and First Lady, respectively. 

Mohinder’s formula is wrong and he “fear[s] what [he is] becoming.” He is developing a strange rash and his nerves run thin. In the future, he is only shown in shadows wearing a cloak and he has a distorted voice, implying the formula has gone terribly awry. Also, present-day Mohinder discovers that he can never remove anyone’s abilities. 

Peter is told to obtain Sylar’s power, as it will help him prevent this terrible future world. Gabriel doesn’t want to give his awful ability for how things work to Peter, as it also comes with an unstoppable hunger which he fights everyday for his son. Claire, Knox and Daphne show up in Costa Verde, holding little Noah hostage. A battle ensues among the three evil characters, and Peter and Gabriel. Sadly, little Noah is killed. This causes Gabriel to become enraged, digging up powers he’d long forgotten. Gabriel radiates in rage, causing a city-wide explosion. It is reported that no one in Costa Verde survived. No one, that is, except Claire and Peter, who cannot die. 

Interestingly, we learn that not all of our Heroes were born with their powers. Some of them were given the abilities. The big zinger, however, was when Angela Petrelli asked Hiro and Ando to unbury the uber-evil Adam Monroe. 

First off, there was certainly not enough Molly in this episode. But, I was appreciative of the fact that she returned, although I still would like to know about the status of West and Caitlin. 

Secondly, I absolutely love this show’s obsession with waffles. It’s seriously something to look forward to, ever since Hiro’s classic “Waffles! Wahoo!” quote back in season one. 

Following the timeline of events we’ve been shown, it’s obvious that the death of his son is what returned Sylar to his evil ways. However, I’m still confused and curious as to who Noah’s mother is/was. And why did Sylar name his son after Noah Bennet? Likewise, why does he live in the Bennet House? At first, signs point to the possibility that Claire could be the mother, but A) that’s too strange a pairing considering their histories, and B) if Gabriel Gray is Angela Petrelli’s son, then Gabriel Gray is Claire’s uncle. 

Honestly, what could possibly convince Angela that unburying Adam Monroe is a wise act? Whatever it is, I’m sure it will be interesting and backfire at least once. Despite this, I am glad to see David Anders back as a guest-star, as it is my personal opinion that he is the most talented actor who is typically cast as a Brit on television, regardless of the fact that he is from Oregon. 

Rating: A 

A+: Episode is nearly perfect. It doesn’t get any better then this
A, A-: Excellent Episode with only minor flaws or imperfections, a must-watch episode for anyone who enjoys TV
B+, B: Good but not great episode, has flaws in a few key areas but still a great television experience
B-, C+, C: Enjoyable show that has some obvious flaws, but has certain aspects that make it a decent show
C-, D+, D: Episode with more weaknesses than strengths, barely watchable. But, worth a look if one is a fan of the genre
F: Episodes receiving this grade are not worth the time. These have numerous shortcomings and flaws. Minimal to zero entertainment value 

Dexter is going through a crisis, dealing with many tough dilemmas. His sister, Deb, is trying to find the drug-dealing killer Freebo, so Dexter needs to find him first. Also, Dexter has to deal with the shocking news that he may be a father. Dexter keeps having these random “dreams” that his future child will turn out just like him, a killer. Meanwhile, Miguel and Dexter find themselves tracking down the same killer, Freebo.  Deb, on the other hand, has found a very useful lead, an informant named Anton (David Ramsey), hoping to find Freebo so she can receive her “shield” (a.k.a her promotion). 

 Thoughts:  

Following last week’s episode I didn’t know how this show could get any more interesting. First, Dexter broke Harry’s “code,” then we find out Rita is pregnant with Dexter’s child, and that Dexter is on the brink of getting caught for killing renown prosecutor Miguel Prado’s little brother. However, Dexter always seems to find a way out of his troubles. When Dexter and Rita were invited over to the Prado house for dinner, Miguel presses Dexter for more information on his brother’s case, and tells Dexter that his other brother, Ramon, has acquired some of his own information– Freebo’s mother’s cell phone number. Dexter gets worried that this information may lead Prado to find Freebo before Dexter has a chance to get to him. So Dexter does anything and everything he can to track down Freebo. He even goes to a college sorority party to find information on Freebo’s ex girlfriend, whom Freebo killed recently, and to find out where she lived to see if Freebo is hiding there. It turns out that Freebo was actually at the house that belonged to his ex girlfriend. As Dexter leaves the house to retrieve his “supplies,” Rita is there at his doorstep wanting to talk about their baby. She decides to keep it, and Dexter, still in shock, goes back to where Freebo was to continue his “killing process”. 

As Dexter begins his “routine,” we find that Miguel arrives at the house with his gun drawn searching for Freebo, as Dexter is completing the task. Dexter, with his blade in hand and covered in blood, gets confronted by Prado and immediately begins to panic and say it was self-defense. Prado recognizes the knife and gives Dexter a hug, telling Dexter he wasn’t sure if he would have been able to follow-through with killing Freebo himself. Dexter urges Prado to leave the scene without going into the garage to allow him “plausible deniability” so he won’t realize that Dexter had intended to kill Freebo. Prado grabs Dexter’s face and gives him a heart-felt “thank you,” just as we see that some of Freebo’s blood has gotten on the back of Prado’s shirt. It will be interesting to see if anyone notices the blood on Prado’s shirt and if he will get framed for Freebo’s murder. 

Grade: B+