rutherford-27210 Reviews

The Walking Dead: A (2014) Season 4, Episode 16

Season 4

[8/10 · 20 April 2021]

This will be a review of the finale and the season as a whole. If you like this review, stay tuned for more reviews of each season until I stop watching.

Hmmm. Ok, this was a very bizarre season. Season three has been the best yet but had the worst ending, putting season four in a weird position. First off, it was a very mixed bag. It was established early that everyone is starting to feel cozy at the prison, so it was only a matter of time before something horrible happened in the form of a virus killing the prison's inhabitants. The virus, while kind of just another wrench in the gears, did result in some great character moments with Hershel. It also resulted in a great conflict between Carol and Tyreese later on. My least favorite part of the season is the story involving the Governor, following him after the massacre of his people and the destruction of his town with even his trusted soldiers leaving him only for him to be reunited with Martinez in a couple of episodes 😅. While it was interesting seeing the Governor interacted with the family, it all felt pointless at the end, making me think all this could have been finished in the third season somehow. However, despite my complaints, it did result in Hershel's brutal death and the most extensive action sequence of the show thus far. Funny enough, the most significant addition from the Governor's story was Tara, the wannabe cop, who I liked in the latter half.

Now on to the second half, which I enjoyed more. The second half was lower stakes and maybe less eventful but was much more intimate and character-centric. I would say the characters are the biggest strength of this season. With Rick and Carl's relationship being explored and Michonne joining them. Glenn and Tara running into The fun newcomers Abraham, Eugene, and Rosita. Bob was strengthened with his determined tracking of Maggie with Sasha. Beth also came into her own in one of the best character-centric episodes of the show with Darryl. Last of all, Tyreese, Lizzie, Mika, and Carol took the spotlight in a highly intense and heartbreaking episode. Eventually, the instant family Rick, Carl, and Michonne ran into Darryl with the Claimers, and some violent stuff ensued. The finale was much better than season 3. After the other gang got to Terminus, I sensed something was off, and boy, was I right. Rick, Darryl, Carl, and Michonne arrived and realized something was wrong. After a pretty well-directed chase through the compound past some human remains, they are eventually captured and forced into a train car. While it was a good cliffhanger, it did feel a little frustrating as a season finale. Also, Rick's dramatic line was somewhat lame but, at least he had the foresight to leave some weapons for when they hopefully escape.

Overall, season 4 was very good, with an explosive end to the prison and further improving the characters-the ending, while a bit up in the air, is raising the stakes further For next season.

Favorite episode: Internment/Still/The Grove Least Favorite episode: Indifference/Dead Weight Season Rating: 7.8.

The Walking Dead: Four Walls and a Roof (2014) Season 5, Episode 3

Just this dead mans opinion

[9/10 · 2 April 2021]

This episode was great. A benefit of last season being relatively character-focused is I am starting to care about this group. The cannibals finding out Bob was bitten made a compelling scene. It also makes sense and justifies why he was outside. His being in the Graveyard at the end of the last episode was a good foreshadowing I didn't pick up on until now. The priest also finally had his nice confession but, I am not that interested in him as a character. Rick killing the Cannibals was surprisingly easy but well handled. Rick slaughtering Gareth was excellent; I should have guessed that would happen but, I thought he died back at Terminus. I'm a little mad Bob had to die; he surprisingly became a character I liked. His death was well handled, if not a little dragged out. His conversation with Rick was one of the few times in the show where I was moved. My biggest problem with the episode was Abraham being so eager to go; I know the mission is essential, but the group saved him and Eugene, and I think he would realize he doesn't have much of a chance on his own. Also, the episode ended kind of strangely.

Episode rating: 8.5.

The Walking Dead: Welcome to the Tombs (2013) Season 3, Episode 16

Season 3

[7/10 · 31 March 2021]

This will be a review of the finale and the season as a whole. If you like this review, stay tuned for more reviews of each season until I stop watching.

I can confidently say this was the best walking dead season yet. It is the best-paced other than a few issues not being too quick like season 1 or slow like season 2. This season had some new additions, including a new location, the sword-swinging Michonne, and psychotic eyepatch-wearing Governor, Tyreese, and friends; also Merles back! We also got to see Morgan again in the fantastic episode Clear. The prison was fun, providing some threats and shelter. The most considerable praise I can give this season is I am starting to be invested in these characters. Maggie and Glenn's relationship strengthened, and we got to see Darryl with Merle again, which was fun.

The biggest surprise to me this season was Lori; if you read my last review, you know how much I disliked her, and while she didn't become a good character, she wasn't around for too long. Her death was surprisingly emotional and significant. Not only was I surprised by how effective it was, but it also resulted in a baby, caused Carl to become a stronger character, and resulted in Rick becoming more interesting with him starting to lose sanity. When it comes to other deaths, T dog's death was well executed and upsetting, but Merle stole some of the spotlight going out as a badass on his terms with Darryl finding and killing him in a tragic scene. When it comes to new characters, Michonne, while very badass, was bland and one note at first. However, she developed in the latter half of the season, becoming a welcomed addition to the crew. The Governor is the first human villain, and he didn't disappoint while being very intimidating and twisted. Tyreese and his sister, while not given that much screen time, I can see eventually becoming welcomed additions to the group. When it comes to characters I don't like, I think Andrea was poorly written, and her obliviousness throughout got on my nerves; her death also wasn't that great. While not a huge problem, the prisoners introduced this season were killed off before the season ended, not providing anything new. The finale was strange; I expected a massive confrontation at the prison and was left disappointed. However, Governor Snapping was great. Andreas's death, while very messed up on the Governor's part, wasn't handled that we'll. While Rick taking Woodbury's citizens back with him was nice to see, the ending left Me feeling unsatisfied.

Overall, season 3 was really good, raising the stakes, improving pacing and character. The only thing keeping this season from greatness was The anticlimactic finale. However, leaving things up in the air makes me curious to see how they unfold next season.

Favorite Episode: Made to Suffer/Clear Least Favorite Episode: I Ain't a Judas Season Rating: 7.9.

The Walking Dead: Made to Suffer (2012) Season 3, Episode 8

Midseason finale!

[9/10 · 26 March 2021]

Perhaps my favorite season 3 episode yet. It's either this or Killer Within. This episode is notable for introducing some new characters, having a very creative fight scene, and where the Governor is starting to come into his own as a villain. I enjoyed Merle being blamed for the assault because he didn't kill Michonne, and Darryl was left behind. My only real complaints are Andrea is irritating me. The guy had a zombie in his room, for god's sake! Also, Michonne is very badass, but hopefully, she will be given more depth by the end of the season. Overall amazing episode! Episode rating: 9.

The Walking Dead: Beside the Dying Fire (2012) Season 2, Episode 13

Season 2

[9/10 · 24 March 2021]

This will be a review of the finale and the season as a whole. If you like this review, stay tuned for more reviews of each season until I stop watching.

Huh, ok, this was a departure from the first season, both in good and bad ways. In my season 1 review, I stated how I thought season 1 was much too fast-paced. This season fixed that problem but created the opposite; On the one hand, this season didn't feel rushed. Pivotal moments were built up nicely, but on the other, I think the season could easily be a couple of episodes shorter, spent too much time in this location, and had far too much unnecessary character drama. It would be annoying if my review were entirely about how it was slow, they looked for Sophia too much, and everyone was at the barn too long. Those are issues, but, once again, the biggest issue this season was the characters. Since the first season was so short, I haven't had time to warm up to these characters, yet it wants me to be involved in the drama and heavily invested. For example, the writers put a lot of time into the search for Sophia, which resulted in a compelling moment. Sophia coming out of the barn as a zombie may have been effective but, the impact was softened because I didn't have time to get to know her well in the first season. Also, where's the love for T-Dog? The best things character-wise this season were: Shane's descent and eventual conflict with Rick. I also enjoyed delving more into Darryl's past, giving him some room to develop. Most of the new characters are solid; Hershel was frustrating initially, but after the barn massacre, he came around and is a welcomed addition by the end. When it comes to his daughters, I don't care about the youngest, but Maggie is interesting because of more screen time with Glenn. The finale was compelling and set up well; despite it being silly, one gunshot caused the walkers to come after all the shootings that happened previously. The action in the first half at the farm was tense and fast. After the characters reunited is where most of my problems came. Lori and Carol being angry at Rick, were stupid, and I'm glad he put everyone in check. At this point, I am starting to roll my eyes whenever Lori comes on screen, but from what I remember, she dies next season, so at least I have that to look forward to. Michone's introduction was cool, and I was excited to see the prison at the end. One more thing the season did well was subtly introducing human villains, adding something else to the pot for next season.

Season 2 of the walking dead was another binge-worthy season of television that had similar things wrong with the first season but kept everything substantial and has me looking forward to next season.

Favorite Episode: Save the Last One Least Favorite Episode: Judge, Jury, Executioner Season Rating: 7.6.

The Walking Dead: TS-19 (2010) Season 1, Episode 6

Season 1

[8/10 · 22 March 2021]

Ok, first off, I'm finding myself rewatching the Walking dead mainly out of curiosity. I used to like it but eventually stopped watching and heard it got terrible. I want to rewatch and see for myself. If you like this review, stay tuned for more reviews of each season until I stop watching.

For those interested and who have read this far, this will be a review of the finale and the season as a whole.

The first few episodes Were surprising. I was shocked at how much I enjoyed the pilot episode. I loved that it was a slower, more suspenseful episode straight into the apocalypse that sparked my curiosity. It also had a very likable father and son, which I was a little disappointed not seeing the rest of the season. It also had moments that surprised and brought smiles to my face army of zombies in the city. The second episode was also fun, having to escape the zombie-infested city only to return a few episodes later 😩. It also introduced the very colorful Merle, unrealistic but fun and felt a little like a comic/game character, along with some new characters. The rest of the episodes are good but a mixed bag. I like certain things like the very cliche vatos, only for them to be sweethearts running a nursing home, but I thought it was lame that a couple of episodes after leaving, they came back just for them to be gone and zombies attack the camp. The episode count was also a mixed bag having it be a quick, enjoyable binge-worthy season but sacrificing pacing and character. The characters would probably be my biggest problem with the show so far. I like certain characters, but others are killed off before I can start to care. For example, two characters who were more fleshed out and given a lot of screen time were only in the first episode. I mean, I didn't even get to know or remember some of the characters in the family who left. As much as I like Rick, he is very one-dimensional, which isn't a good thing to notice after six episodes. I like most of the characters, but I can see this being a more significant issue as time goes on.

The finale was surprisingly engaging to me. I heard some people complain about how slow it felt, which I can agree with but was refreshing after how fast-paced most of the season was. The problem I had was how rushed it felt getting to the facility. First off, the scientist was funny, relatable, and sympathetic. His speeches about the outbreak were riveting and bleak. The survivors trying to escape had tension, but unfortunately, I didn't care all that much about the nice lady who stayed or Andrea trying to kill herself. It was a good finale but, it had me questioning how the show got there so fast, which is never good.

The overall season was good; other than some pacing and character issues, it was a binge-worthy television season that accomplished what it needed to.

Favorite Episode: Days Gone Bye Least Favorite Episode: Wildfire Season rating: 7.6.

About a Boy: About a Godfather (2014) Season 1, Episode 3

Pop goes the Weasel

[8/10 · 26 February 2021]

I am surprised by the low rating of this episode. It is one of my favorites. Rewatching About a Boy now I'm older; some of it doesn't hold up. It's somewhat mushy, contrived, and rushed at times, but its heart Does shine through. This episode is an example of how endearing and funny the show can be; in an admittedly cheesy Way. Overall a very good episode 7.8

Cobra Kai: King Cobra (2021) Season 3, Episode 6

Best episode of season 3 so far!

[8/10 · 3 January 2021]

Season three's first couple of episodes were rocky and a little concerning to me. In the last few episodes, there were some changes, and I started enjoying it much more. The previous two episodes and especially this one, were excellent and are beginning to feel like prime Cobra Kai again. I am enjoying it right now, and I hope it can keep The ball running.

The Twilight Zone: Where Is Everybody? (1959) Season 1, Episode 1

Ok

[6/10 · 8 December 2020]

Not a bad episode, but it's a little disappointing. Maybe I shouldn't have, but I expected more from the twilight zone pilot. There is nothing to complain about in this episode but, there isn't anything particularly good or memorable either.

Malcolm in the Middle: Lois's Birthday (2000) Season 2, Episode 3

You decorated my life

[10/10 · 28 November 2020]

Malcolm, in the middle, is one of my favorite shows. It also happens to be, in my opinion, one of the best sitcoms to air on television. And this is one of my favorite episodes. This episode starts with a great cold open and proceeds with an interesting concept to start. The boys get 30$ to buy their mom a birthday present, and from here on, the ride begins. The boys screw up and buy candy, Hal comes home and forgets Lois's birthday, Francis comes home with a beautiful girl to wish his mom a happy birthday but is lumped in with the others, bonus points for Craig dropping off the present, and Hal trying to steal it. I love even though Francis would instead make out with an African goddess at Richie's party, he still goes back for his mom. Eventually, the whole family comes together to find Lois in a batting cage, thanks to Francis. Shortly after an employee insults Lois, a giant brawl with multiple clowns goes down wonderfully, accompanied by Kenny Roger's You Decorated My Life, which happens to be one of my favorite tv moments of all time. Despite its absurdity, it still warms my heart, seeing Lois's reaction to her family, showing they love her the only way they know-how. This episode has it all; it is hilarious, fast-paced, and in The end, heartfelt.

Berserk: Kuroi kenshi (1997) Season 1, Episode 1

The Black Swordsman arrives

[9/10 · 6 November 2020]

Berserk starts with an edge in this episode. What I like most is how it captures the tone of this world. It also sets up the mysterious protagonist well; the master knows him, and we can assume he has a past integral to the story. The people in the town live in fear of thugs who abuse their power, and even our supposed hero isn't exactly a beacon of hope. If you don't know anything about Berserk, just about everything in this episode is very vague; who is this Griffith, what are those beings the black swordsman kept seeing, why did the town lord turn into a giant snake demon, what's a Behelit? What is that brand! It keeps it vague enough to sell the mystery but tells you enough not to be frustrating. The episode has cool moments of action, cannon arm to face! I also love seeing how the black swordsman is just a sadistic as the demon; this show is not going to be a walk In The Park. This episode was a promising start to a series I am very excited to continue!

Berserk: Toutoi mono (1997) Season 1, Episode 10

Here we go

[9/10 · 6 November 2020]

I had enjoyed berserk so far but thought it progressed a little too quickly and left something to be desired when it came to character. This episode was a significant improvement. I like how our foils Guts and Griffith's relationship is progressing. It was cool seeing guts relive his past through the boy being trained by the general only to end up killing both of them. We also get a little hint of a relationship that will blossom with Casca. Griffiths admittedly over the top speech made me question how he views his comrades and especially Guts. Not to mention how sinister he was this episode giving a taste of what's to come. All that said, I think some things were too on the nose and could have been handled with a little more care and patience. Despite some problems I have, this is one of the best episodes yet.

I Saw the Devil (2010)

Not for the faint of heart

[8/10 · 18 October 2020]

First off, this is one of the best revenge movies I've seen. I knew I was in for a ride from the opening scene, which set the tone for the rest of The film well. The movie's action is visceral, fast, and violent. Something that I think Grounded some of the more bizarre aspects is the performances of the two Leads. They bring a sense of realism and tragedy to the film. And while it may not be wholly original, it put a great spin on the genre and kept me on My toes. If you like revenge movies today's, your lucky day, but if your squeamish, I recommend something else.

Instant Family (2018)

Pleasant suprise

[8/10 · 6 October 2020]

This is a feel-good movie with a lot of heart that will be an excellent time for the whole family. I have seen it twice now, and its nothing remarkable but, its better than you think it will be. It can be cheesy, and in some parts, the melodrama falls flat, but, in others, I was genuinely moved and had a smile on my face. I recommend this to someone who wants to have a good time with critiquing it too much.

Survivor: Long Hard Days (2000) Season 1, Episode 11

Ugh!

[8/10 · 3 October 2020]

I should have seen this coming, but I didn't. Survivor is doing a pretty good job keeping me guessing, and I can't deny that I was upset at how things turned out in the council.

Megalo Box: The Man from Death (2018) Season 1, Episode 5

Best episode yet!

[8/10 · 1 October 2020]

This episode began differently from the start, with a haunting scene that genuinely got me interested. This episode provided necessary depth to the show's characters that haven't been there previously by introducing an exciting antagonist that happens to tie to Gansaku Nanbu/coach's backstory. My two problems with the episode are the progression, all though nice to see, is happening a little soon, and I am not a fan of how the flashbacks are structured randomly throughout the episode.