The Walking Dead Recap: It's Hard Out Here for the Living

If you haven't yet watched this Sunday's The Walking Dead finale, you should probably turn away from the screen now. Otherwise, read on.

This was a finale full of death, not unlike past finales of this show. Almost too many to count. There were a bunch of walkers meeting their deaths, Milton, Walker Milton, the Woodbury Soldiers, the walker versions of the Woodbury soldiers. The biggest shocker of all: Andrea met her doom.

Something bad was going to happen when the Governor left a handcuffed Andrea in a room with a dying Milton. Milton would turn and try to eat her dead. As the Governor said: "You kill or you die, or you die then you kill." While Milton did try to help Andre by leaving a wrench close to her feet, she wasn't fast enough to finish him off before he took a bite out of her. Of course, the audience wouldn't find this out until the end of the hour, when Rick, Michonne, and Daryl find Andrea close to turning. Michonne stays with her in the end while Andrea does the suicide deed herself. The scene was heart wrenching  Rick calling Andrea one of us, the season one callback quote about the safety, and Michonne crying throughout. It was a tough scene to get through.

In other news, the Governor is crazy. Well, we already knew that. But now we really know that. After a wildly unsuccessful attack of the prison, the Governor breaks. When some of his soldiers suggest that they just leave the prison be, the Governor snaps, pulls his gun up, and guns down almost everyone. Only one target survives, and she lives to bring the aforementioned prison trio into Woodbury. The Governor drives off with Martinez and another soldier, not to be seen for the rest of the episode. In related news: David Morrisey, aka the Governor, will officially be back for season 4 as a series regular. Where will he go? And what craziness will he be up to when next we see him?

Other notable aspects of the hour: Carl is starting to turn crazy and kills a teen soldier trying to surrender. Carol and Daryl have a teeny moment when she mentions Merle giving the group a chance. The poncho was back! Woodbury moves in with the prison. And probably a lot more I can't even think about right now.

Next season cannot come soon enough.

The Walking Dead Reactions: Goodbye Mr. Devil

Every once in a while, I need to write down my thoughts while watching an episode of one of my favorite shows. Here they are for your viewing pleasure. Spoilers ahead.

• Can I just say, Daryl's hair looks more professionally done each and every episode. Not that I'm complaining.
• All Merle needs is some good pot. Then he can be a reasonable person.
• Don't you even think about giving Michonne up, Rick.
• Wait wait wait.... How did Merle just all of the sudden become part of the inner circle at the prison?
• Carol is beginning to become such a sassy mouth and I love it.
• Merle, I'm pretty sure Daryl has balls. He just has more sympathy for the people who have been the most like family to him.
• I'm not quite sure what my feelings are towards Merle are sometimes.
• Lori, please go away. Please. Rick needs to make some big decisions.
• So I guess it's time for Merle to go do the dirty work. I mean, I guess that can be his role in the prison...
• And that right there is why we don't leave Merle alone. Poor Michonne.
• Merle has got the jokes this week: "You gotta play the hands you're dealt. And I only have one."
• Glenn, you little romantic you. Asking Herschal for permission and everything. I guess we know who the sweetheart of the group is.
• Damn car alarm causing all sorts of trouble.
• Michonne makes some valid points, but there is no way in hell that is going to get through Merle's thick skull.
• I stand corrected. 
• Merle and his whisky and radio. The way I think Merle partied before the zombie apocalypse.
• Apparently, getting his fingers bitten off was not the worst punishment. Merle needed to be shot as well.
• "How you live and how you die is not up to me. I'm not your governor." - Rick
• YOU LEFT HIM TO BE A WALKER YOU SICK SICK SICK BASTARD?!?!?!
• Time to go cry my eyes out now. Norman Reedus delivers again. I just can't right now.... I just can't.

Stay tuned next Sunday for the season finale, where I am sure some big and terrible things are about to happen.

How I Met Your Mother's Return to Legendary Status

Tonight's episode of How I Met Your Mother reminded me of why I got so into obsessive television watching.

It's no secret that this season has been less than perfect. However, tonight the show proved that it can rebound in the best way possible. There were callbacks to classic episodes (Okay, Awesome), dance-offs, Marshall making girly drinks, and so much more. Jayma Mayes finally made her return as the coat check girl. Really, just perfect call back references to past seasons.

What really made this episode stand apart was the end with Ted rushing to meet his future wife. Well, not actually meet her, but his twenty year older self imagining the scenario. Only 45 days people. That's how long Ted has to meet the love of his life. 45 days. Not long at all, though he has all but given up on love. There are only 45 days left until he meets the mother of his children and then he will never be as lonely as we saw him tonight ever again.

Speaking of Ted's loneliness, can I just give a round of applause to Josh Radnor? For almost eight seasons he has been the heart of that show, and he reminded viewers of Ted's earnest wish for happiness tonight with a performance so heart wrenching and hopeful and lost that me and other HIMYM devotees could not help but shed more than a few tears.

On a lighter note, can I give props to the person who came up with the future Ted and Barney storyline? Especially the one who came up with their beautiful harmonizing. That was pulled off to perfection. Sure, the show has always been fairly quirky, but this pulled it to a whole new level. While the audience obviously knew it was not happening to Ted, it was still real in a way that most sitcoms would never be able to pull off.

This has been my love letter to a perfect episode of How I Met Your Mother. And I pray that the trend continues because, if it does, this show will get the respect it deserves.

5 Reasons to Catch Up on Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is a hit on HBO. If you are not caught up, or have been living under a rock and have not watched yet, here are some reasons to get yourself caught up before the season 3 premiere on Sunday, March 31.

• Season 3 is based on arguably the most exciting of the books, A Storm of Swords. Actually it's the first half of the book. And trust me when I tell you, this is the most exciting book with the biggest twists and turns of the entire series.
• There will be an event this season. An event that will change the lives of many of the character involved. Maybe even kill some of the characters. I would say it's name, but that would give it away.
• There will be death. That's not really a spoiler, but there will be many important deaths.
• Even though Tyrion Lannister, played to perfection by Peter Dinklage, plays a somewhat small role this season, by season 4 his role will be beefed up to the max. So catch up now before he gets another Emmy-worthy season in him.
• This is one of the biggest cross-over hits around. There's intrigue, mystery, violence, romance, murder, vengeance, sex, drama, comedy, and anything else you can possibly imagine. There is something for everyone. Trust me, you will like this show. And if you don't, you obviously don't have good taste in television. No offense.

So there you have it folks. Please watch this marvelous show. Please. You will enjoy it and won't regret it. And this season and the next are poised to be the best yet.

Is Bates Motel Worth the Hype?

Short answer: Yes. Slightly less short answer: Hell yes.

Bates Motel is a prequel to Psycho, arguably Alfred Hitchcock's most famous film. But only kind of. Instead, it takes place in the present day with the young Norman Bates and his loving mother, Norma. And no Mr. police man with great eyelashes, it's not weird that a mother can name a boy after her. There is nothing yet about Norman stabbing women in showers, but I'm sure that will come later. Instead, this show is meant to be one where everyone can follow along, even those who have never seen the original cinema classic.

Vera Farmiga plays the mother who Norman will someday grow to love a little too much. She is strong, tough, and seems to already have murdered at least two men. So I guess we know where Norman's killer instincts come from. Speaking of Norman, Freddie Highmore plays the infamous member of the Bates family. Norman as a teenager is a little naive and not quite at his murderous rage yet. However, Highmore's performance suggests something deep buried inside this somewhat calm facade. This two actors bring such incredible performances to this show. In fact, I believe they are both highly worthy of being in the Emmy race, at least as nominees.

Bottom line: This show has incredible potential, and this may just be because of the outstanding depth that the two leads give to their characters.

Grade: A

The Walking Dead Reactions: Get Outta There

Every once in a while, I need to write down my thoughts while watching an episode of one of my favorite shows. Here they are for your viewing pleasure. Spoilers ahead.

• I've been wondering about all of these lonely nights that Andrea and Michonne had while they were on the road.
• Fans of the comic will know what those chains mean for Michonne.
• Just shoot that son of a bitch, woman!
• Just listen to Andrea, Tyrese. Trust me, you will be better off to get the heck out of Woodbury than staying in that place of hell.
• This guy who came with Tyrese to stupid and crazy.
• While running through that building, Andrea just needs to be more quiet and find a good hiding place.
• Well Philip is not going to be quiet, is he?
• Now I have learned how to cut someone's face in half with a shovel.
• I bet one billion dollars that the Governor is going to get out of this walker trap.
• The Governor is definitely going to put Andrea in the rape/torture chamber right? Yes, I thought that would happen.
• My money is on Milton for burning up the pit walkers.

Veronica Mars Movie is a Go!

Thanks to Kickstarter and the awesome Mars fans out there, the Veronica Mars movie will officially happen! The website was set up to raise $2 million in 30 days to make the feature. All it took to raise the money? Less than one day.

Due to start shooting this summer, the film is set to be released early 2014 and will feature the return of show favorite Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring, Enrico Colantoni, Ryan Hansen, etc. The project will also be written by Mars creator Rob Thomas (also known for creating the short-lived Party Down).

Get ready for one of the most anticipated films of 2014 Marshmallows!

A John Hughes Movie Marathon

Quick thoughts on my impromptu John Hughes movie marathon:

Pretty in Pink: Just an all around perfect 80s romantic comedy with great characters played by Molly Ringwald, Andrew McCarthy, and Jon Cryer. And by the end, you will be in love with McCarthy's Blane. Trust me.

Some Kind of Wonderful: I know this is Hugh's answer to what he considered not the best ending to Pretty in Pink, but Pretty in Pink is much better. Just saying. The story doesn't seem to much in this one. But still not a bad movie, just not as great as some of his other ventures.

She's Having a Baby: It is just weird to see Elizabeth McGovern in any setting that is not Downton Abbey. But I will like any movie with Kevin Bacon, so this movie was just fine. Though Bacon's character is pretty unlikeable throughout most of the film.

Weird Science: This one is for the nerd in all of us. Plus, there's Bill Paxton! And Robert Downey Jr.! So yea, it's pretty damn good.

The Breakfast Club: Basically the best high school movie ever. There's really nothing else to say here.

Sixteen Candles: Pretty much the second or third best high school movie ever. Depending on where I decide to place Pretty in Pink in the list.

Movie Review: Pretty in Pink

The classic 80s John Hughes movie, and I had never seen it before this point in my life. Why? I really cannot answer that question. All I know if that AMC was promoting its showings of Sixteen Candles and the Breakfast Club and I just had that urge to watch this movie.

Molly Ringwald plays the protagonist of this story, Andie, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Duckie, the role Jon Cryer became famous from, is her longtime friend who seems to be desperately in love with her. Of course, people over the years have also said that the character was gay, but that's not for me to decide. And Andrew McCarthy is Blane, the rich boy who falls for Andie. Of course, when that happens, all of his rich friends turn on him and make him rethink his choice in the young, poor woman.

The whole thing is centered around the last few weeks of the characters' senior year with the approach of prom on the horizon. Once Blane asks Andie to the prom, things start to get awkward. Steff, played by James Spader, is Blane's best friend who basically tells him to stop hanging out with Andie or he will have no friends left at all. This gets to his head, and he essentially stops talking to her for a little while. All the while, Andie's relationship is tested with Duckie as he hates everything that rich Blane represents.

The heartbreak between all the characters continues for quite some time of the movie until the prom. Andie decides to go despite the awkwardness and sadness that she feels. And of course, like every great 80s movie, all is resolved.

Bottom line: A quintessential John Hughes classic that lives up to and exceeds its romantic and corny premise.

Grade: B+

The Walking Dead Reactions: Just Hit Them with a Baseball Bat

Every once in a while, I need to write down my thoughts while watching an episode of one of my favorite shows. Here they are for your viewing pleasure. Spoilers ahead.

• Creepiest slow walk ever.
• I have to say, the Governor is a very charming man, no matter how evil he is.
• Just kill him Rick. Just shoot that motherf***** in his good eye.
• Looks as though Andrea is the only one in both groups who does not know what the Governor did to Maggie.
• This is the most intense negotiation since Carrie interrogated Brody on Homeland.
• I am so nervous while watching this show.
• Yea, you don't call yourself the Governor. Sure thing buddy.
• Way to bring Li'l Asskicker into this. And man does Andrea have loose lips in the bedroom, telling the Governor all that.
• A baseball bat is one way to kill the walkers.
• Herschel has got the jokes this episode.
• I felt bad for the Governor for about two seconds. And then I remembered that everybody has that same type of story, if not more tragic.
• Don't you trust that man Rick! And don't you dare hand over Michonne to that sociopath.
• You can just go ahead and put that eyepatch on whenever you feel up to it.
• Ah young love in what I will now call the sex garage.
• Damn the Governor is cold blooded with that plan. But I guess Rick is too. But if that man does anything bad to Daryl I swear to god....

Movie Review: Moulin Rouge!

This is not my first watching of this movie. This isn't even my tenth watching of this movie. But I believe this is one of the best musical and romantic movies of all time.

At first glance, this is a very strange film. Especially the first half. It's filled with absinth  Argentinians with narcolepsy, music from This Sound of Music, and lots and lots of colorful strippers/prostitutes. What you might not necessarily notice is the heart of this movie. It's a movie about hope and love and beauty. As the characters subscribing to the Bohemian lifestyle constantly say, this movie is about "freedom, beauty, truth and love."

The curtains open. They literally open. We see Christian (Ewan McGregor) typing away on his typewriter about the woman he loves. We learn right away that she is (SPOILER) deceased. Thus, the audience knows right away the end game of this movie. Of course, by the end of the film, you will be hopelessly wishing that Christian was lying in his voiceover. In between this revelation and the end, the movie is filled with beautiful people, dancing, singing, and love.

Christian meets Satine (Nicole Kidman) at the Moulin Rouge where she mistakes him for the Duke, who we learn is going to invest at the theater and develop a show. After some awkward encounters and flustering, Christian is assigned to write this play and Satine will play the main character. Of course, through the writing of the play, Christian basically writes about their story. Satine is supposed to end up with the Duke eventually, but after a duet between the two, they realize their love. Of course, she is still entrusted to the Duke, but making up every excuse in the book to not sleep with him. So the illicit affair begins. There are bumps along the road, but it's nothing that cannot be fixed with a song.

The music in this movie really is phenomenal. I applaude the one who made the music arrangements and especially the one who wrote Come What May. That may easily be the best music made for a movie ever, in my humble opinion. It is used as the lover's secret song, when Satine and Christian want to let each other know that they love each other. Elephant Love Medley (where Satine and Christian realize their love) is a well arranged mash-up. Nature Boy is the perfect beginning and end song of the movie. And one of the best of the film is Christian's version of Your Song, originally sung by Elton John. This song on its own is wonderful, but in the context of the show, when Christian is wooing Satine, it is one of the most romantic songs in cinema.

Botton line: One of the best, if not the best, movie musicals of all time. And one of the best romantic movies. Perfect casting, perfect songs. All in all, just a wonderful movie that I can watch over and over.

Grade: A+

Why Glee Can be Awesome

This song explains why this show can still be awesome, especially with its music choices and who sings what.

A New Normal Halloween

After a long, long wait, The New Normal Halloween episode was brought to televisions across the country. This made the Community Halloween episode (which aired on Valentine's Day) seem to air at a more appropriate time. Reminder: this episode was pushed back because of the many areas of the Northeast US without power from Hurricane Sandy. Now, here's a list of the best and funniest parts of this episode.

• Rocky as Matt Lauer. And her having no idea who he was.
• George Takei playing Brian's makeup artist. Pure perfection.
• "So you're son is going as George Falange?" "No I wouldn't let him."
• The Honey Boo Boo costume. Oh. My. Lord.
• Shania and her speech about them being a Frankenstein-ian family.
• The dad dressed up as a fairy with his son. So sweet and funny and adorable.

While this show will continue to be corny and full of cliches, it really is a sweet show. And maybe, just maybe, it can show people some semblance of tolerance.

Fox Renewal Update

Fox was a little busy today sharing the love with its renewals for next year. The four lucky shows you may ask? Well here they are.

• The Following
• Raising Hope
• New Girl
• The Mindy Project

While I don't really have much to say about Raising Hope as I don't watch the program, the other renewals are just making me all giddy inside. The Following has proven to be as captivating and thrilling a show as we were all promised. New Girl is just as quirky and sweet as ever, and also layering in juicy plot bits for Nick and Jess to play out. The Mindy Project gives the audience a nice and long look into the mind that is Mindy Kaling's, and we are all the better for it.

Now if only NBC would start announcing their renewals soon, me and the rest of the TV aficionados can sleep easy. Or badly, depending on how they go.

The Walking Dead Reactions: Welcome to Crazy Town

Every once in a while, I need to write down my thoughts while watching an episode of one of my favorite shows. Here they are for your viewing pleasure. Spoilers ahead.

• This is just about the most awkward car ride ever.
• Carl: getting more and more badass by the day.
• Oh my God it's Morgan! I've been wondering where he went since he has been off the show!
• I feel like Duane definitely died.
• Yup. Knew it.
• Michonne is probably the most practical character on this show. Maybe on all of television.
• I guess Rick is starting to trust Michonne. Either that or he doesn't really care about Carl's safety enough to protect him against someone he thinks is bad for the group.
• Calm the heck down, Morgan.
• OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SNAP!
• Why hello there shirtless Andrew Lincoln.
• Way to stop checking up on the people that saved your life, Rick. Might have been the teeniest trigger in his craziness.
• Rick, take notice. This is your future.
• Oh man, Morgan's wife was the one who ate Duane? Oh no..... No wonder this guy is living in n intense version of Home Alone.
• Now Carl, what are you up to?
• Slowly but surely, Michonne is winning me over. Especially with that colorful cat.
• Apparently no one is going to worry about that stab wound. I guess that's the point these people are out now.
• Poor random hitchhiker man...

Quick Review: Chicago

Well I finally got around to rewatching this Oscar winning movie. When I first saw it years ago, I hated it. Which is weird, because I love pretty much all musicals, even the super corny ones. But watching it this many years later, I can see why it won the Oscar.

It is a fun and sexy musical. The acting is phenomenal, especially by Catherine Zeta Jones and Jon C. Reilly. Renee Zellweger still looks like Renee Zellweger, and she does a good job as the lead of the movie. And they all have better singing voices than I thought would be the case. Of course Queen Latifah rocked it, but Zeta Jones knocked her songs out of the park. After a semi-weak performance during this past week at the Oscars, I wasn't quite sure how her singing and dancing would be, but it was wonderful. Great choreography, cool staging. It is just a solid movie all around, and a great musical to add to the list of mediocre ones.