Loveable Freak Reviews Elementary- Episode 20: "Dead Man's Switch"

 
(Ohmygosh! I've hit 10,000+ Views? Hooray for little joys!)



Allow me to show you the dance of my people... 

  Whelp, my TV signal was being a bit rude last night, going off when I'm trying to pay attention to important and/or potentially funny parts. (*sigh* And Hannibal was on, too. But I missed watching something about a guy this week making his victims' bodies into angels because I WILL PERSERVERE!) But I still watched and I'm still going to review and have something to show for it!

 

  Okay, so this week, Alfredo (hey, this makes three appearances, now) calls Sherlock and Joan in to help a friend of his. The friend's daughter was raped months ago and now a mysterious person is blackmailing them with video of the heinous act, threatening to release it on the Internet (along with videos of other girls victimized by the same man). Sherlock agrees, since he hates blackmailers, apparently. So he and Joan track down the blackmailer. His name?

  Charles Augustus Milverton.

  The master blackmailer! The king of blackmail! A canon character! They actually used a canon story and another canon character! :D

Ponies best express my happiness at their efforts...

  ...Buuuuut then Milverton is killed by one of his blackmail victims while Millerlock hides in the house, watching... (And this is all before the theme song, mind you...)

Easy come, easy go...

  But Millerlock knows Milverton had an accomplice, so he and Joan have to find this accomplice before he realizes Milverton's dead and releases the videos.

  Oh, and it's Millerlock's 1-year "sober-versary", but he doesn't want the chip commemorating it because of a certain detail...

  Okay, I can't really describe my feelings about the big thing this episode: actually sort of doing a canon story. I have no idea how to describe what they've done here, first of all. On one hand, it's a reinterpretation/adaption. But that doesn't last long. It's sort of an expansion, in that the stretch the plot to after Milverton's death, but at the same time it's kinda abridged, in that the canon stuff only happens in the few minutes before the theme song. It's a reinterpreted expansive abridged adaption! A ReExAbAd! They tried, I guess...

  (Also, I'd complain about another extra canon character being disposed of/dead/"put on the bus", but technically, Milverton did die in his story (at one of his victim's hands, as well), so... five points Elementary, I guess.)

 
Also, I think this Milverton's a bit more despicable in this, as the Canon one pretty much only blackmailed women with compromising letters and such, not THE FAMILIES OF FREAKIN' RAPE VICTIMS! The accomplice kind of sickened me, too. And NOT in the "love to hate them" way.

  It was nice to see Alfredo again. He even got a bigger role! Heck, he appeared more than Bell this episode! (Though, given how short Bell and Gregson's appearances can be in this show, that does mean a little bit less...) I liked the quick little speech he gave Millerlock when Millerlock gave his fake reason for not wanting to celebrate his sobriety anniversary.

  I thought Millerlock did good to. I liked his monologue about the real reason he wasn't accepting the chip.


  Not really much to say, here. It was decent, and I appreciate the attempt at adapting a story. Wasn't too mind-blowing, but it wasn't a complete failure. It was standard Elementary. From what I could SEE, no thanks to my antenna...

  I put my recap early because of something I'm gonna get into later, but let's still have some last minute thoughts:

• As far as scenes go, I liked Millerlock's details monologue, Alfredo's calling out of Millerlock for being selfish, and Joan and Millerlock's license deduction. (Honorable mention goes to the "regression" scene, because it looked like it was funny, but the TV was bein' a jerk at that point...)
• Favorite lines from Millerlock include: the "sea monkies" one, the line he says to the rapist, the and "good news" line.Also, I swear I heard him call someone "A liar who lies." XD
• Where do they get the clothes for Lucy Liu to wear as Joan? Seriously, I loved that black shirt she was watching...
• I was NOT loving the other accomplice of Milverton's dead, fat body in the tub. DID NOT WANT!
• I wish they'd actually work more on the relationship of Gregson and Sherlock here, besides just the assurances that he's someone Millerlock respects.
• Besides the fact this was a ReExAbAd (This is a fun acronym word I made up...) of "Charles Augustus Milverton", we also have Millerlock saying he's an expert on tattoos (a throwaway detail from "The Red-Headed League"). TOTALLY called the latter...
• Joan seriously needs to start locking her bedroom door or something...
• ...I need cable...

  Okay, so this one could've been better (It wasn't a disappointment, as I'm used to this quality for Elementary...) But the preview for next week got me excited.

*ahem*

Guess who's back,

 back again.

 Seb is back, (At least)

tell a friend

 Guess who's back,

guess who's back,

guess who's back, guess who's back, guess who's back, guess who's back... DANANA!

This gif just brings me joy...

  Yup, Moriarty's coming back into the plot (and maybe appearing? Please?) and Moran's back! Yay! Squee! Joy! I've been waiting forever to see these guys again! Sebastian's been one of the awesomest characters so far, and I want to see their version of Moriarty, here. It's been so empty without them. So yay!

  Also THERE'S ONLY FOUR MORE EPISODES LEFT TO REVIEW! YAY! Until next week (unless I do an earlier post or get the project I have for next month started before that, too), have a "happy crying" Andrew Scott...

I have more gifs of Andrew Scott than I think I should...

Loveable Freak "Reviews" (Well... More Like Discusses) Hannibal

(Ugh. Hate when I do my "serious"/ranty posts... Moving on...)

Good evening, readers. Well, it's not evening here... It's the afternoon here in the US... Dang it! I ruined the shout-out! DX

...

...

…I'm gonna talk about Hannibal... (may have some spoilers for the first episode, mostly because a lot of what happens appears to be important to know for later on...)

 

  Yes, I've started watching the new show on NBC. I gotta say, I really dig it.

 

  First of all, I'd like to point out I have NEVER seen Silence of the Lambs. The most I know comes from pop culture. That Hannibal's a cannibal and not a good person, the "good evening, Clarice" quote, and the "I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti" line. That's it. And now, having watched the show, I think I want to see it.

 

  The story is about a FBI investigator named Will Graham. Graham has a unique talent in that he can empathize with the serial killers he's hunting. On one of the cases, a psychiatrist named Dr. Hannibal Lecter is called in to help. Anyway on said case (the disappearance of several college girls), Graham is forced to kill the kidnapper/murderer when the killer, Hobbs, attacks his (Hobbs's) own family. (This is because of Hannibal, who secretly tipped off Hobbs that they were onto him...) The rest of the series seems to have to do with Graham dealing with the repercussions of this case (while solving the murders of the week), as Hannibal seems to take in interest in Graham and his head. Maybe even toying with him a little...

 

  Anyway, I really like this show. Graham is an interesting character. I think his empathy is an interesting idea. It's portrayed visually as him conducting the murders himself (in his head), getting into the shoes of the murderer. It's pretty cool; though as it's shown in the show, it seems like a blessing and a curse. Especially after he kills Hobbs. And, as with all gifted characters, he's not exactly a "people person".

 

  Hannibal is cool, too. He's kinda subtly creepy. And sophisticated. He does seem to be dissecting Graham's mind. The writers so far seem to be having a field day with playing with the fact we know Hannibal eats people. Like whenever he makes food for another character, you have to wonder if he's giving THEM human flesh and organs, too. And there was this one line, where he's having dinner with Jack Crawford, and he states that he'd love to have "him (Crawford) and his wife for dinner". >:)

 

  The show has had some pretty interesting murders so far. Though, admittedly, they are pretty creepy. Like last night's one involved some people who were being kept semi-alive, but unconscious for a while so their killer could grow mushrooms from their decomposing bodies. One of them (who's mouth had been partially peeled off!) suddenly grabs Graham. HE WAS POSSIBLY STILL ALIVE! Yeah, sweet dreams for all the little children! >:D (Actually, little children shouldn't watch this, what's wrong with you, you sick, twisted monkey/) However, it's not a bad thing. They don't do it in an over-the-top, "solely for shock value", exploitative way. If anything, it's more atmospheric than anything else. It works. To me, it's a good creepy. And, I'm not suffering nightmares yet, so...

 

  Anyway, I highly recommend it. The only problem I have is with when it airs. It's the same time as Elementary. And while admittedly the current schedule for new episodes of Elementary is... schizophrenic, it's still going to air at the same time as some of the new ones. But fear not! I have a way to get around this! I have a way to finish up my Elementary reviews while still keeping up with this new show.

 

 Last Minute Thoughts:

• Yes, as seen in episode two, when women go onto the computer after showering, we go without bothering to get dressed first... *eyeroll* Just like how we get dressed in the living room with open windows...
• The fact Graham takes in lost dogs is sweet...
• I wonder if Hannibal will beat the current record held by Supernatural for "moments that creep me out..."

  So, yeah, it's a good show I'll definitely keep watching that's worth a try. Again, I warn you it can get a little intense in the creepy department, so if dark, macabre, gory stuff isn't your thing, you may want to avoid it. And if you're cool with gore but still get creeped out, be sure to have your favorite pillow to bury your head into when things get scary on standby... >:D

 

*insert some appropriate for the end of this post, creepy Silence of the Lambs quote here*

Dear Recent Writers For Irene Adler: Why, Just Why? Sincerely, A Sherlockian

 Okay, so I'm trying to expand my horizons and write more than just Sherlock-related stuff. I really am. In fact, I have a post planned about a recent show and my thoughts on it tomorrow in lieu of an Elementary review. But I felt the need to say this. To get this out there…

What is up with two of the recent Adlers?

There's something I've noticed about two of the recent ones: a sort of double-standard that's employed. Allow me to explain...

I've made it no secret that I dislike BBC Sherlock's Irene Adler. Seriously, Moffat? You've written/created girl characters I like:

 Amy,

  Clara,

River,

Molly,

Madame Vastra and Jenny...

 

 Why'd you have to drop the ball on the classic female character I already like?

Sorry.

I could talk about how I felt she was over sexualized, and about the possible unfortunate implications I've read regarding her sexuality (Eek! Who'd have thought I'd be using those words and "prostitute" so many times? Talking about SHERLOCK HOLMES!? Ye gads). But I wanna talk about something I realized. It has to do with when Irene is escaping her house, the authorities, and our favorite duo...

When Irene tries to get her phone back, she stabs Cumberlock with a giant needle full of drugs, and beats him with a riding crop until he goes down. She then strokes his face with said riding crop, saying she wants him to remember her as the woman who beat him. this is treated as not too terrible a thing.

Totally No Big Deal...

 

So what's the problem? Well, let's just picture this scene with the genders switched. With Sherlock as a "Sherline" and Irene as an "Ian". Had it been that way, I think the scene wouldn't be treated lightly. It'd be treated for drama. There may have been an outrage. But no, since she's a woman, he's a man, it's no big deal. It's pretty much the double standard that men don't get abused, let alone by women. Or that they don't get raped, either.

Speaking of which...

I realize I neglected to mention something I noticed, but kinda sidestepped about the Rachel McAdams Adler. But since I'm going here, I can't ignore this. The scene where she and Downeylock are in the hotel. She drugs him and it's strongly implied, if not outright stated, that she and him... Did it. Yeah. Let's face it, she pretty much raped him. Seriously, think about it.

Again, if they were different genders, it probably would've been a bigger deal. I admit, I found the following scene with Downeylock, his pillow, and the chambermaid funny. But still! If nothing else, he treats it as a minor annoyance. (which probably has it's own issues) Who knows? Maybe for him and her, that's normal... I know Downeylock has feelings for her, but we never see him give consent. Rape is rape...

Don't get me wrong, I still like a lot of things about Movie!Adler, but I really wish they hadn't done that. It's unnecessary and has double-standards...

My lord! No WONDER Millerlock is a man-tramp into that sorta thing! These previous Irenes' actions to his predecessors must've messed up his psyche! (Though I still believe it's because they didn't want Joan Watson to be labeled a tramp if they kept the "three continents" trait from the original male version, so they just gave it to Millerlock instead. Which would be, in itself, a double standard...)

Now, I may not be the best person to talk about this. I may not be qualified. Someone could put this into words better. I'm just some random young woman on the Internet who fangirls and is to much of a shy, introverted nerd in real life that it's a wonder I can function in society. In fact, maybe I'm coming off as some whiny soapbox sadie. But I felt this needed to be said. To be put out there for thought...

So, Elementary writers, please, do not pull this sort of thing with your Irene Adler (who recently got cast. Please for the love of Conan Doyle let her be better than Pulver's). So far, the only bad thin is her being a "woman in the refrigerator" for Millerlock to give him pathos. Please don't make it "worse".

In fact, any future Sherlock Holmes writers, don't pull this crap with Irene. She never did ANYTHING like this in the canon! Who thought that needed to be a thing with her?

That's all I have to say. If anyone out there cares to discuss, please kindly do so.

Loveable Freak Reviews Elementary: Episode 19 "Snow Angels"

    Well, it's back again. For this week. Time to talk about this week's Elementary.

   Okay, so what happens is on the eve of a huge blizzard in New York, some people break into a huge technology company and steal some soon-to-be-released phones. The woman among them shoots the security guard and he dies, but not before he shoots her. Sherlock and Joan come in to assist, of course. At first, Millerlock is skeptical the NYPD will even need his help, though he thinks that the electrical problems that come with the storm could make it interesting. Little does the detective realize that the stolen phones are but the mere tip of the iceberg of a greater scheme...

  Oh, and also, our heroes allow an old friend of Millerlock's, a transgender woman who's recovering from a recent break-up. And who's this woman?

 Ms. Hudson.

My reaction.

  Yes, it's admittedly a bit odd, but it's also kind of awesome and I like this version of Ms. Hudson. She was a very nice lady. I can't wait to see her again (which we will, since Sherlock hired her as a weekly housekeeper). Though, I'm not holding my breath for her reappearing anytime soon.

  Speaking of liking, I liked this episode. There was a lot going for it. Take, for example, the mystery. It was really quite clever. The antagonists really had a good plan. The twists felt natural, there was no "Dirty Laundry'-ing (I'm so making that a verb...) here. They were clever. Heck, even Millerlock says, quote, "If they hadn't killed someone, I'd have half a mind to let them get away with it." They were pretty impressive. I'd put them right under Adam as far as Elementary antagonists go.

   I loved seeing Joan and Millerlock boucing deductions off each other. They were pretty in-sync. And I got a giggle out of their roommate bickering over stuff like paying the phone bill and cleaning. It's the simple things...

  Actually, everyone seemed like they were in top form. Especially Bell, who finds a key piece to the mystery on his own while Joan and Millerlock are trying to stop the real crime the phone theft was covering.

  And the best part is:

Pictured: World's Most Adorable Ambulance

 CLYDE LIVES!!!

How often have I abused this gif?

  That alone
 made the whole episode worth it. I know it's stupid to get all squee-y over a tortoise, but... GAH! I got the stupidest smile on my face when he showed up. Especially since Millerlock was doing stuff you probably not do with tortoises! Eek! Besides, I'm a BBC Sherlock fangirl, I squeed over unfinished walls, this is normal in comparison...

   Okie-Dokie! Final thoughts:

• Lot of scenes I like. Millerlock had great lines, there was the awesomeness all around, Clyde's one scene wonder, sweet moments like the kinda "d'aww" moment when Millerlock wins over Pam the Snowplow Driver... You know, it's weird, but I'm going to say watch the whole episode...
• Apparently, Millerlock likes taking The Tenth Doctor approach to new things: if you don't know what it is, taste it...
• Cumberlock may have his "Mind Palace", but Millerlock has his "Warmth Tent"...
• Everyone loves Joannie. No exceptions.

  Overall, this was a really good episode. It had a mix of good elements, was enjoyable to watch, had characters I love, old and new, and was one of those not mediocre episodes! I think I'll even be so bold as to say it's my fourth favorite. It just did so many things right. THIS is what a typical episode should be like. At least as good as "Snow Angels". I like it. I'm almost disappointed that we won't have a new episode next week, as I'm hoping that the show bounced back to the "M-Deductionist/Gun Full of Drugs" portion of the season's quality. I may be jinxing it, yes, but still, positive thoughts!

  ...Like this: only five more episodes to go this season! I've come to far to give up now! :D