The Vampire Diaries 4.2 "Memorial" Review

Stefan  (Paul Wesley) knows Elena (Nina Dobrev) won't be able to handle it if she hurts anyone.  Damon (Ian Somerhalder) thinks Stefan is delusional, Elena needs human blood.  She can't live on a 'bunny diet.  Damon wants her to be who she is and be a part of the natural food pyramid, otherwise she'll be miserable.  Elena likes Stefan holding her, er, enough with the 'heightened emotions' already!

Damon meets up with the sheriff (Marguerite MacIntyre) and claims he "always takes credit for killing people."  She reminds him his friends tried to kill her daughter.  Stefan wants to celebrate Elena's first feed, she did it and survived and brings a bottle of champagne dated for her birthday.  Damon didn't blow up the town council but can help.

Elena doesn't want human blood and Damon tells her blood sharing is personal.  Connor (Todd Williams) turning up at the Lockwood (Susan Walters) house wasn't an accident and she tells him she wasn't at the meeting cos it wasn't official town business.  He shoots Tyler (Michael Trevino).  Stefan finds he has specially carved bullets and if Tyler was a normal vampire, he'd be dead.  His gloves were also soaked in vervain.

Bonnie (Kat Graham) is still grieving, the bullets weren't magical but have some sort of writing on them.  Elena needs Damon's help.  Well, considering the mess she made of the bathroom.  Damon doesn't shake Connor's hand, he's a "germaphobe."  He brings Elena a clean dress after the blood incident and he tells Connor they've got "scenery to die for...pun too soon?"  Nah Damon wouldn't care whether it was soon or not.  Damon thinks Elena's doppelganger blood could be stopping the transition.

Stefan fears if Elena hurts someone she could turn off her humanity and thinks she's more like Damon. But she couldn't even keep Damon's blood down, as he blabs to Stefan.  Connor arrives at the service with more bullets.  Damon crosses himself with holy water when he enters the church and remarks, it makes him smile for some reason.  All the vampires smell blood, dripping from the ceiling from April (Grace Phipps) and Damon warns it's a trap.

Matt (Zach Roerig) says Elena should feed from him.  Tyler speaks out about Young and is shot.  Caroline (Candace Accola) stops Elena from feeding on April and Elena must compel April to forget what's happened to her.  Connor notices Matt's bite on his neck and Jeremy (Steven R McQueen) comments on his tattoos which Matt didn't see.

Stefan's not happy, he's in hell cos of Elena and still she goes to Damon for help and feeds on him.  This meant a lot to Damon.  Liked Stefan punching Damon for sharing his blood with Elena, but it's not like he hasn't done that before in season 3.

They need to finish the memorial so they can begin to heal.  Damon doesn't want to stick around for that sentimentality and will find out who he hunter is.  Stefan says goodbye to his uncle Zack, Lexie and Alaric.  Matt says goodbye to Vicki.  Caroline to her father.  Jeremy to his parents, Vicki, Anna and Jenna, Alaric.  Bonnie says goodbye to Grams.  Elena to her mother and father, Jenna, Alaric and all those they have lost, releasing the paper lanterns.

Leaving Damon to say goodbye in his own way, well not really goodbye but share his feelings at Alaric's grave, ruing they're not children or even Japanese.  He doesn't want Elena to end up like the rest of the murdering vampires.  The only thing left is a hole in his life where someone used to be.  Alaric appears, he left Damon in the lurch and alone here and Alaric owes him.  Alaric misses Damon too.
Damon: "...in the end when you lose somebody, every candle, every prayer is not gonna make up for the fact that the only thing you have left is a hole in your life where that somebody that you cared about used to be."  Ahh, Damon babysitter!

Memorial was a bit of a hit and a miss episode in that it was geared specifically to a teen audience in some respects as paper lanterns is something not very many adults would associate themselves with.  As was Damon's criticism at the end when he spoke to Alaric, hey forget spoke, he had a manly heart to heart and really misses the only friend he ever had.  Who accepted him for who and what he is, flaws 'n'all.  Easily the best scene in the entire episode.  Damon grieves, of course he does but he prefers to do it alone (with a bottle) and not have to share the moment, sometimes it's just better that way.  Grief is private and personal and doesn't need to be ritualistic like lighting lanterns.  Damon venting for being left alone and not getting the girl.  He's better off without her.

It was difficult for Elena to make the transition but you'd wish she'd do it already.  She can't decide whether she's with Stefan or if she should contact Damon to help her out, why the hesitation. She's made her choice, Stefan is there for her, yet she pulls Damon back in causing more trouble between the two.  Okay Stefan would have 'mothered' her and she didn't want to disappoint him but as said she made her choice, now live with it.

The Mentalist 5.1 "The Red Glass Bead/The Crimson Ticket" Review

Finally The Mentalist returned for UK viewers but we weren't expecting much of anything to be tied up, just more loose ends, more of Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) running around starting trouble, as only he does best and then disappearing. This episode began with the double murders of a 'couple' in a woman's apartment and the arrival of the CBI team.  With not much to go on, Patrick notices the photos of Callie (Mandy Kowalski) on her bedside table and how did we know he would take it. Really nothing is safe or sacred when Patty's around.  The title here was The Red Glass Bead, but other sites have it listed as The Crimson Ticket.  Not sure why there were two titles.

Hot on their heels is the arrival of the FBI, Agents Mancini (Ivan Sergei) and Smith (Drew Powell) who were told to cover all of the CBI cases.  Too late Lisbon (Robin Tunney) tells them, they've been cleared to be back at work,  the brass "made a deal" and even Patrick was cleared of his 'crimes.'  Agent Darcy (Catherine Dent) would not be returning and as the FBI Head Alexa Shcultz (Polly Walker) tells Bertram (who is back presumably to clear up Patrick's mess, as he's a stickler for the press, or maybe for other reasons) Darcy is beside herself after the killing of Luthor.  Patrick is back cos it was the FBI who messed up, bringing a smile to Cho (Tim Kang) and Rigsby (Owain Yeoman) who adds they captured Red John's accomplice Lorelei (Emmanuelle Chriqui).

Thus a battle ensues over whether the FBI or the CBI will interrogate her.  It did seem that Patrick began the fighting between the agents and then promptly drives away but it was Lisbon who was the cause this time round and naturally Cho and Rigsby would accommodate her and run to her defence.  Betram (Michael Gaston) warns Patrick this is his last chance and they can't get rid of him now cos it would be "evidence of a scandal we're trying to conceal."

Lisbon and Patrick or shall I do what everyone else does and call him Jane, then I won't get to call him Patty. Anyway they pursue enquiries at the hotel where Callie worked and Lisbon thinking out loud to Patrick, always dangerous, gets her wish when she wants the FBI to just go away.  Patrick plants the photo in the manager's pocket, making the FBI believe they got their suspect.  Lisbon venting her frustrations with "bastards."  With Patrick calming her down, or either being surprised at her choice of words, ha.

Cho and Rigsby talk to neighbour who tells them about the man who came to visit Callie and she heard a noise but thought it was more a cry of passion.  Oh and watch put for the lottery ad on the side of the bus which was a clue.  Van Pelt (Amanda Righetti) finds out the Vic, Rex (Anthony Martins) changed his name and his cousin paints him out to be a good man which is contradicted.  Thus Rigsby concluding Rex was a creep but not a criminal.  Whilst talking to Callie's sister, Betram calls Patrick to say they've been given access to Lorelei and Patrick buys a bead charm bracelet, not for Lorelei as Lisbon thinks but cos he liked it.  Nah, it was to help him in his plan.

Lisbon warns him to be weary of Lorelei cos she was the first woman he was with since his wife, but he harbours no romantic notions towards her.  It's all in the game.  Lisbon looking a tad jealous there.  Patrick doesn't want her to listen in but she does so anyway.  Not that much is said, Lorelei comments on Patrick wanting her to do what he says but he refuses to kiss her when asked, thus he's complicated.  So he kisses her.  He can get her out and make her go somewhere far from here if she talks.

Lisbon clearly doesn't hold back showing she did exactly that, and listened in and is livid he kissed Lorelei.  Of course plenty could have been made about Patrick's true intentions when he slept with Lorelei, was it just for the game and to reel her in, get her on his side or did he think he could go this far to get his hands on RJ.  Especially as Lorelei tells him she thinks he's "a little in love with Teresa Lisbon."  There we have it spelt out but whether it's true or not is another matter.  Since it's difficult to say with Patrick, he has feelings for the whole team really, one of his reasons for staying put at the CBI.  The other he tells Lorelei is to pass the time.  Lisbon: "Don't be childish I am not your girlfriend, I am an officer of the law."  By the way why come up with the girlfriend line directed to Patrick of all people.  We know his stance with women particularly in light of what Lorelei just said to him about being in love with Lisbon.  Lisbon goes for that analogy.

The FBI get a warrant to take Lorelei and Patrick implores Betram to convene a hearing otherwise he will blab, squeal about the entire deal.  Where he once again continues to play the FBI, I would like to say at their own game, but it's not really their game.  To gain access to Lorelei he tells the judge (John Rubenstein) Lorelei told him things such as RJ's people having a secret greeting.  Carrying around a red glass bead which is found in Mancini's pocket.  Leading Mancini to chase after Patrick, throw a water bottle at him too as Rigsby asked if he really did that.

Oh and whilst all this was happening the case, well it was all about greed, lottery money, see the clue.  Callie won big on the lottery $56 million.  The police officer, Yannick (Jon Curry) on the scene discovered this and finished her off with a pillow whilst she had been strangled by Rex, who was a criminal after all, as well as a creep.

There were a few plot holes here like asking Patrick what proof he has that RJ has someone inside the FBI.  They forgot O'Laughlin, who would have been a major name to drop in the CBI's favour.  Lorelei was genuinely afraid that the FBI were going to take her away, another point in their favour since this also shows RJ has someone higher up the chain in the FBI.  Either that or she wanted the FBI to do exactly this so she could escape.  Either way it still shows FBI involvement with RJ.  Funny part was Lisbon and Patrick at county jail waiting for Lorelei when the camera's showing this big, burly woman being led out by the guard, of course she was going to be passed off as Lorelei, that's what you get for RJ/FBI interference.  It was obvious Lorelei wouldn't be heard from again when Patrick said they could pick her up in the morning.  Too late - again.

Also Betram revealed at the press conference that the charges against Patrick weren't real and were fabricated in order for him to go undercover.  What will RJ make of all this, or was he already aware that Patrick hadn't lost the plot after all and suffered a breakdown?  And that's why he sent in Lorelei and all that stuff about wanting Lisbon's head in the season 4 finale.  Perhaps another reason for RJ taking down Luthor, revenge, or was Luthor involved with RJ?

Think people could get tired of the RJ story if the same thing continues to happen every season with only a few cursory episodes directed at the RJ mystery with his accomplices continuing to escape or get away.
Simon Baker now becomes credited as a Producer on the show.

CSI:NY Season 9 Lady In The Lake Photos

These photos are great, lots of Eddie Cahill too.

Ooh Flack losing his cool again as he arrests another suspect!

Also Sela Ward looking as good as ever, as the CSIs investigate the death of a woman found by a pond wearing a ball gown in Central Park.  Could this be CSI:NY's foray into fairytale realm in 9.6 The Lady In the Lake.

Hey this photo I'll be keeping, the enlarged versh that is!!  Strategically placed away from the dartboard, ha.

Scandal 1.2 "Dirty Little Secrets" Review

Well it had to happen, being set in Washington, home of politics and all things 'illegal' or just above the legal limit and so there had to be an episode on sex 'scandals.'  The whole Madam being in trouble, having a little black book, or list in this case has been done before but this time we were meant to see events merge in a different light.  This time Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) had personally vetted the President's (Tony Goldwyn) candidate for Supreme Court Justice, so it remained for her to spill and for the Pres to find another candidate.

Underpinning all this, or 'pining' were Olivia's feelings for the Pres which she still holds onto even though can't or won't act on them.  Hell he wants to, is that typical male behaviour or just cos he's the president? ha ad can get away with it.  It's been asked oft enough and even the Pres himself told Cyrus (Jeff Perry) in this ep that he's the leader of the free world, but he can't have what he wants.  Going so far as admitting Livvi "is the love of his life."  But you know given the nature of her job, Olivia will not stay away even if her pass was revoked and then reinstated.  She brought the security guard red velvet cupcakes and he remarked, he doesn't want to know what cupcakes she gave the president.  Talk about innuendo moment.

What was entertaining about this episode wasn't so much the Madam storyline or the fact that Keating got onto her list as a client cos of his wife, she was the mysterious call girl, Stacey (Megan Gallagher) everyone was looking for.  Nor was it Abbey (Darby Stanchfield) having the hots for Steven (Henry Ian Cusick) it was actually the storyline continuing from last ep re the intern, Amanda slashing wrists.  With so much to-ing and fro-ing from the hospital to office, someone was bound to find a story there. Cue reporter Gideon, who just happens to be out to make a name for himself, in the long run and find the story.

At this point in time he has a blog, one that hardly anyone reads but a simple line in that blog would make people sit up and take notice.  Olivia taking on Amanda's case would add even more curiosity into the picture and Quinn (Katie Lowes) leading Amanda right back to the front door with Gideon in tow was bound to happen.  Granted he hasn't done much yet and yes there were plenty holding out to see Brendan Hines in this role, which you can't even describe as sleazy, but as more opportunistic and he seems like he has morals, for a blogging journo that is.  Quinn also has morals, she's new and naive, maybe that will change overtime, but it's easy to see why she would be 'attracted' to someone like Gideon.  She's often left out of the loop on important matters and is sent running around like a headless chicken.

She convinced Amanda to return to the office with her so Olivia could help as she wears a "white hat."  Was that initself enough to make the scandal want to go away, did Olivia just add more fuel to the flame, especially by leading Gideon straight there.  Especially considering how Olivia wanted the press kept out of the story last episode with the war hero accused of killing his friend, but eventually had to give in.  But also she didn't want the Madame story to be picked up by the press.  So although she tried her best to ensure she could keep the President's dalliance quiet and deal with the fall out, it didn't work out that way.

Appears in wanting to help Amanda, she is also secretly covering up her own 'dirty little secret' in the process.  Olivia's 'gladiator suit' has signs of cracking or being exposed.  She does love the President, she has to protect him like a reflex reaction, but she can't be the other woman, even if to her chagrin he went and found Amanda.

The Closer 7.21 "The Last Word" Review

Brenda (Kyra Sedgwick) is driven to the CS where at least 3 women have been dug up, there could be more as Provenza (GW Bailey) tells her.  A boy called 911 but didn't ID himself.  The phone belongs to Douglas Grand (Adrain LaTourelle) and he reported it stolen.  Kendall (Ransford Doherty) tells her the women were raped, strangled and the killer of this Vic was interrupted.  Her name was Karen.  TOD was between 8-10.30.  Tao (Michael Paul Chan) says she was murdered last night but the grave was dug at least two days ago as there's still rainwater on the bottom.

Sanchez (Raymond Cruz) found tracks where two men disturbed the killer.  He chased one of them and he got close to the killer, who then called 911.  Grand tells them he was at a restaurant when his phone was stolen and that the coat, glasses and pen doesn't belong to him.  Gabriel (Corey Reynolds) finds it strange that he knows the boy's age but not his name.  Provenza adds he's surprised he left the teen behind.  His name is Rusty (Graham Patrick Martin).

Flynn (Tony Denison) finds Karen bought perfume and they have a video from the store.  A man approaches her with his back to the camera and doesn't show his face.  He gives Karen his card and Brenda recognizes him as Phillip Stroh (Billy Burke).   She recognized his walk from behind.  He never went near the CS in his own car and she stayed away from him for 7 weeks.

DDA Hobbs (Kathe E Mazur) is only here to observe and Raydor (Mary McDonnell) agrees to sign off on Brenda's investigation.  Fritz (Jon Tenney) tells them how Anna, another Vic, was also approached by a man whilst shopping.  Flynn says they should get a search warrant as the MO of the women fits Stroh.  He also adds no one would tell Stroh about the warrant since Gabriel isn't around.  Brenda doesn't want to listen to that.  Taylor (Robert Gossett) tells them Gabriel isn't a suspect today and Sanchez declares he didn't say anything about Gabriel. Flynn can't wait to also posit that if he did what Gabriel did he'd leave.

Rusty's last name is Beck and he's only 16.  Taylor says they won't be able to get a warrant on Stroh cos of what he can tell them.  He will help if Brenda finds his mother.  Gabriel tells him the killer saw his face.  Brenda wants Tao to take a photo of Rusty as if he's out in the night and she will give it to the press.  Fritz will go to Washington to see if he can expedite the case.  Brenda tells him Rusty said two things which made her think about her own life.  Her mother isn't coming back.  That's Brenda.  Also she makes her living listening to bad men.  Brenda thinks she won't get to arrest Stroh anyway.  She was right about that.

Tao et al conduct surveillance on Rusty and Taylor comes to look at their licence recognition system.  Gabriel has to sit in the van with Tao and Buzz (Philip P Keene).  There are 7 hits on the same car, belonging to Stroh, who is arrested as he approaches Rusty.  Brenda tells him they have a witness and DNA from his cap but they'll need a sample to confirm it.  Brenda will discover his mistakes overtime with the "entire justice system at my back."  Which he doesn't think much of.  Stroh tells her the killer considers trouble foreplay.  He's sorry about her mother.  Brenda beats him up in the lift and knows she's suspended pending an investigation.  She has his blood on her hands for DNA but they can't use it.  She did that cos she knew she was leaving and wouldn't be back so she had nothing to lose but to get this killer off the streets, being the last thing she does at Major Crimes.  The one that eluded her thus far.

She tells Morales (Jonathan Del Arco) she's not here officially but he needs to put the hair follicles from under her nails and the DNA onto the cap so they can get Stroh back in for an interview.  Hobbs tells him they can't use the evidence in court.  Hobbes also makes Brenda a job offer, her chief would like to make Brenda the new Chief for the Bureau of Investigation.  She'd only be in an administrative position but Brenda wants to bring along her own own team member.

Brenda feeds Rusty and he wants to prove to his mother that he can change.  Then accuses Brenda of only caring about dead people.  Brenda notices the open window and finds Stroh has Rusty hostage.  She doesn't have any DNA on Stroh but he doesn't listen.  They fight and Brenda manages to shoot him.  She stops herself from finishing the job.

SID can clear Brenda for the shooting but Brenda objects to the reprimand for beating Stroh.  Taylor wants to restructure Major Crimes and wants Raydor to be a part of that.  Gabriel will be transferred as Brenda's LAPD Liasion officer as Brenda states in her letter where she says goodbye and thanks them for letting her carry out her work as Deputy Chief.

Fritz thinks it's better if Brenda leaves whilst taking confessions rather than giving her own.  The only gift she wants from them is their friendship, as she names each one of her former team by first name.  Tao asks if she has to leave?  They give her a new bag as she shot through her old one, filled with her fave treats; Ring Dings.  Brenda thinks the bag "looks like love."  Cue her final scene in the lift where she eats with a smile on her face.

"Looks like love" where Brenda's first words spoken in the Pilot and her last words spoken in the series finale.  At least the show left off on a good note without any animosity or ill feeling shown towards Brenda.  She also managed to get a job out of the entire situation only down the street.  Though Flynn and Sanchez won't be best buds with Gabriel again, she made sure she took him with her.

Brenda: "I came here to arrange surveillance of the suspect not me.  This is what comes of settling lawsuits putting my name on a Special Order.  We have to worry more about what the suspect will do to us than what we're gonna do to the suspect.  Didn't think of that, did you?"  No they didn't.
Brenda moving to the DA's office, they thought they could do better with her there, well she was good at what she does and if the LAPD don't want her.  Anyway she was taking a leaf out of what she told Fritz and that it's time she lived for the living and thought of them, instead of the dead.

No goodbyes from any of the senior officers though since well she was closer to her team anyway so it's understandable.  What could they have said anyway?  Brenda attacking Stroh may have been a little out of character but as I said she was going so she may as well have taken him down with her, especially since she let all of her pent up anger out on him, which turns out to be a good thing, instead of bottling it up and holding onto it.  Also Brenda not shooting him in the end, even if she would have gotten away with it reinforces her strong character.  After everything she's been though she wasn't going to let him have the last word or be the stain on her conscience.  And the way she told him she didn't want to hear what he had to say; again it was about the dead so she didn't want to hear it.

Seven seasons later and The Closer ended as it began with Brenda walking away this time and taking Gabriel with her, the only one she got on with as soon as she arrived.  Her right hand man, so to speak.

Liked the way she drove up in the beginning looking at her team's faces one by one, as if she knew she was going to say goodbye to them and then calling their names out at the end, except for Provenza's first name of course.  Shame the only thing Pope (JK Simmons) could only do was order her to stay away from the case not wanting another lawsuit on his hands and wanting a smooth transition to his new position.

Brenda having the last word.

The Vampire Diaries 4.3 "The Rager" Review

Tyler (Michael Trevino) is attacked in hospital and is paralyzed whilst his blood is taken.  Damon (Ian Somerhalder) comments on Stefan's (Paul Wesley) midlife crisis, but since it's been 164 years, he's due one. He knows the vampire hunter, Connor (Todd Williams) has poison in a bottle and Damon just wants to eat him.  But Damon knows he's not wanted here anymore.  Stefan reminds him he blood shared with Elena (Nina Dobrev) and so Stefan punched him.  It's almost as if Elena is being drawn to bad boy Damon now that she's become a vampire herself.  She's struggling to retain Stefan's fave word, her "humanity."

Elena drinks Matt's (Zach Roerig) blood.  It's her senior year and she wants to be here.  The town is under a curfew.  Klaus (Joseph Morgan) heard of Tyler's attack and duty calls.  He's brought hybrid bodyguards for him since he can't make any more hybrids.

Elena is ready to cry for Alaric during first period until Rebekah (Claire Holt) shows up inviting everyone to a curfew party.  Elena and Rebekah engage on some bitch, er I mean pencil fighting, stabbing.  Really?  Elena hates Rebekah.  That dislike was apparent before but now she's become a vampire it's intensified and become hatred.

Elena sees Connor at school and Rebekah sends in Heather (Nicci Fairies) to tempt Elena with blood.  Jeremy (Steven R McQueen) saw the Connor's tattoo, it's a "hunter's mark" and it's invisible to all except a hunter.  He knows Jeremy's family history.  That'd be a story wouldn't it, pitching Jeremy against Elena, if it ever transpired.  The hunter agrees to train Jeremy.

Damon shows up at Connor's trailer and is caught in a trap, a bomb trap, er so vampires can be blown to smithereens, I jest.   Stefan suggests they skip school and head to the party.  He tells Caroline (Candace Accola) how Elena must channel her emotions into rage and confront it before she can let it go.  Wouldn't Caroline already know this if Stefan helped her when she became a vampire.  Seems Damon has the right intentions on how to make Elena became a vampire.

Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin) shows up to see Tyler and he's keeping her a secret from Caroline, so much for hybrid honesty.  She helped him break his sire bond.  Damon calls Meredith (Torrey DeVitto) for help and she tells him to stop "being proud and stubborn" and make up with Stefan and Elena before he's left alone;  instead of calling her, Damon: "...oh look you're already here."  He shows her Young's letter stating, "a greater evil is coming."  As we get all cryptic again.

Connor threatens Matt and he tells her Rebekah is a vampire.  Elena pretends to look for Damon's bourbon to give her the strength to go to the party,  he's no fool.  He knows she's looking for the ash stake.  Jeremy told him about the hunter. As once agian Damon proceeds to undress!!  Tyler gets rid of Caroline when she wants to get way with him.

April tells Elena her father's death was no accident and Rebekah takes Elena's daylight ring making Elena even more angry. Stefan can't stop her staking Rebekah but she'll kill every vampire Rebekah ever turned in  the process.  He thinks guilt will destroy Elena and he's a big one on guilt.  Klaus and Damon go after Connor and lure him into a trap at the hospital with Jeremy's help.  He's trapped in his own bomb and this hunter has werewolf in him.

Rebekah hallucinates at the party and sees Matt telling her she had a thousand years to learn and she threw it away.  She's alone now and doesn't deserve love.  Damon mentions the "great evil" and didn't think there was anything more evil than Klaus.   Klaus sees a sign on his stake and remarks he's "one of the five."  Elena thinks of Damon and being more like Damon as a vampire than Stefan.  Klaus arrives to heal Elena who was infected with werewolf blood when she drank beer at the party.  He doesn't want anything from Stefan but Elena can be of use to him still.

Lockwood (Susan Walters) calls off the curfew after Damon tells her the hunter was killed in the explosion and Stefan tells Caroline of how he enjoyed the rush and fears becoming the ripper.  He doesn't want to hold Elena back.  Caroline is a good vampire cos of Stefan and she won't let him lose control.

Elena has violent thoughts driven by hunger and can't stop feeding off Matt, causing Damon to rescue him.  Then compels him to forget.  She must learn how to be a vampire and he'll teach her.  Klaus is surprised Connor doesn't know his own history but he'll be the most well protected vampire hunter in town.

Elena understandably will be raging all over the place, to use the title, in comparison to how Elena the human used to be.  So at the first sign of being taunted by Rebekah Elena overreacts.  Her first 'heightened' emotion is one of hate and being new to the vampire game and how to be one, she reacts by wanting to stake Rebekah.  Not thinking about anyone else, the vampires she's turned and all the rest of it and well, that only affects them cos they're vampires, humans wouldn't care.  Stefan wants to teach her his way and Damon wants to teach her his own way so once more we're still getting that triangle.  Even if Damon did compel her to choose Stefan, he can't stay out of it.

For more, season 4 seems to be a little slow finding its feet and storyline direction, as we seem to be covering old ground now with Elena as the vampire.  How to feed, when to stop, control herself.  With the brothers still at odds with each other over her.  Another vampire hunter in town, what took him so long?

Breast Cancer Care Show With QVC

October marks a very important event in the calender referring of course to Breast cancer Awareness Month.  So every year the Breast Cancer Care fashion show is held, with survivors of this terrible disease attending and having a chance to shine in the limelight and also a time to raise awareness as well as funds.

October 3rd saw the star studded event take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London's Park Lane.  QVC gave some lucky viewers the opportunity to attend this amazing event during lunchtime.

Hosted by Olympic champion Denise Lewis,

Here's Denise rehearsing;

With Joe McElderry providing the musical entertainment.

Also taking part in the fashion show itself was QVC presenter Ali Keenan.

Also present were the wonderful and funny QVC presenter Debbie Flint.  Along with Pippa Gordon and Will Gowing.  Had a great chat with Debbie as she was seated near us but not with Will, which was a shame.

It was an exceptional day with Silent Auctions, raffles, to ensure we all do our bit for this worthy cause.

Downton Abbey Series 3 Episode 7 Review

Bates (Brendan Coyle) was released this week and finally arrived home, much to the pleasure of Robert (Hugh Bonneville) who was overjoyed to welcome him back and agreed to get him a cottage and to settle him back in quick smart.  Seeing as he'll be returning to his valet duties now.  Leaving Thomas (Rob James-Collier) in the lurch.  Thus he had nothing to lose when passion finally overcome him.  That and O'Brien (Siobhan Finneran) telling him how much James (Ed Speleers) talks about him.  Thus he snuck into James's room, just as Albert (Matt Milne) was arriving back from the pictures and caught the two of them kissing.
Actually it was one sided and of course, James won't be telling anyone, not until he gets found out obviously.

The Dowager (Maggie Smith) took it upon herself to tell Isabel (Penelope Wilton) that Ethel (Amy Nuttall) should go her own way and should find another job.  With her repeat remark of Ethel having many suits to "fit all occasions."  This was further reinforced by her seeing Ethel in tears when she came from the grocer's shop.  Edith's (Laura Carmichael) job came up again as it would and she got the Dowager on side by saying she wanted her to do something and this is it.  The Dowager agrees only in return for a favour. This being advertizing a position for Ethel.  Anyone could tell Edith and the editor would have an attraction.  Wonder if he's married, no one said.

Obviously Robert was still against the job offer, as well as many other things, including Matthew's (Dan Stevens) proposals which resulted in the resignation of foreman, Jarvis (Terence Harvey). A man who has been around since the time of the Dowager's husband.  So naturally Matthew couldn't put a foot right, as he once again accused Robery of letting the estate being left to fall to pieces.  Robert once again convincing him it was the result of bad investments.  Matthew reminding him, not too subtly, that he also used up Cora's (Elizabeth McGovern) money in the process.

Matthew thought of having the farm up and running and Robert refused to go into competition with the other farmers.  With Branson (Allen Leech) reminding us again that his grandfather was a sheep farmer.  When Cora and the Dowager decided he should work at the farm instead of living above a garage with his daughter.  Cora saying it was what Sybil would have wanted.  Robert accepting on the condition that Cora and the Dowager would admit they were wrong if things go haywire.  With the Dowager adding, that's easy as she's "never wrong."

Speaking of Branson his brother, Kieran (Ruiari Conaghan) turned up this week showing just how uncouth the rest of the family is, ha.  He even wanted to have dinner with servants instead of with Cora and the family and Branson sopke up for his mother-in-law which was music to Carson's (Jim Carter) ears!

Alfred took Ivy (Cara Theobold) out, much to Daisy's (Sophie McShera) chagrin and Ivy told him if James doesn't have any feelings for her, then maybe the two of them could have something. Which led Albert to Jame's room at that time of night and chancing upon Thomas there too.  Of course Albert would tell Carson what he saw, leading him to have yet more moral judgements to make.  Last time it was about Ethel, this time about Thomas and his 'alternate' lifestyle, which as we know was a criminal offence at that time.  Carson leaving it up to James to decide whether to call the police or not.  Er, seems just as one Downton servant has no sooner got out of prison that another one's fate hangs in the balance.  Being the last episode next week, seems the police will be called, not to mention Thomas will be out of a job anyway, so that was 'convenient.
But what of O'Brien let's see her get her comeuppance too for all her scheming otherwise it hardly seems fair.

Matthew thinks they can't have children cos of his war injury with Mary (Michelle Dockery) trying to convince him it's not.  The looks on her face somehow gives the feeling it might be her.

So much for the women standing by Ethel last episode over their luncheon and this episode, the Dowager insists on sweeping Ethel under the carpet and having her shift off to London or somewhere, just so the village can get back to normal.  It seems that way.  Didn't like the way in which Thomas just burst into James's room and kissed him when he's sleeping, if  O'Brien, kept telling him how James was raving about Thomas, wouldn't he have woken him up, or at least spoken to him, instead of charging in there without thinking.  The same with Albert bursting in on James like this just to ask about his intentions with Ivy.  Albert and James aren't friends, they don't even like each other, so Albert could have waited until morning.  Seems all of O'Brien's scheming has worked in her favour, not to mention the added bonus of actually having Albert walk in, without this being planned.

Seems the Crawley's were scheming themselves as far as Branson and the job of estate manager was concerned. Just to give him the position so Sybil would be raised in an environment they approve of.  Not to mention Branson accepting the job to begin with even if Robert turned up at the christening.

CSI:NY Clue:SI in Pics

The November 9 episode of CSI:NY, Clue:SI leads the CSIs on a game of Clue, or as we know it here, Cluedo.  Thought the show would have dome something along these lines a long time ago.  This time they investigate the murder of a psychiatrist's patients.  Wonder if they'll have us guessing whether it's Patient X in the park with a branch, ha.

Anyway some Eddie Cahill for our ogle-ment (okay no such word).

                                   

Just squint and you can just about see him alone. Ha

                                     
At least we'll also get to see Sela Ward, she's great and Gary Sinise.

Merlin 5.4 "Another's Sorrow" Review

Odin (Fintan McKeown) captures Rodor (James Fox) and Mithian (Janet Montgomery) with Morgana's (Katie McGrath) help.  As they plan on raiding Camelot as well as exacting revenge on Arthur (Bradley James).  Odin wants him for killing his son.  Which works both ways as Arthur seeks revenge on Odin for killing Uther.  Of course, let's all forget that Morgana had a hand in killing Uther too.  Mithian arrives at Camelot with her servant, Hilde.  Now anyone could recognize Morgana's chin, oh please.  She thought she'd do a 'Merlin' and don an old disguise with the use of magic, just as Merlin does with Dragoon.

Mithian arrives at Camelot, as said, doing her fainting act in the process, to be rescued by Leon (Rupert Young).  Mithian is attended to by Gaius (Richard Wilson) and then receives her audience before Arthur and Gwen (Angel Coulby) where she recounts her tale of escape and how her father needs help.  Of course Arthur won't resist the chance to help but also to exact revenge.  She later tells them she was captured too.

Merlin (Colin Morgan) once again warns him that this is too dangerous and once more Arthur ignores him.  Morgana has Mithian under lock and key literally and ensures she's not able to speak to anyone.  Even when Mithian manages to get away by taking the key from under a sleeping Morgana's hand, she is still caught.  Even Gwen can't help her.  Mind you, Gwen also has her reservations about Arthur and his rescue attempt and clears the air with him, reassuring herself that as long as he's going to help Rodor and not for any other reason, like say revenge again!  Does Morgana really need all this sleep?

Morgana accompanies them every step of the way and yet no one is oblivious as to how the old hag can keep up with them.  At one stage, her magic almost gives as she succumbs but manages to keep her old wig on and face!  Gaius examines her and finds she's in perfect health for an old hag and that she's in even better condition than he is, which he tells Merlin. still nothing dawns on them though.  Other than Merlin having his reservations before about the fear in Mithian's eyes and she and Hilde not being right.

Mithian tries to tell Merlin but Morgana doesn't let her guard down, always sneaking up on them.  Whilst in the woods, Leon also tries to tell Arthur to wait until Odin's patrol passes them as they are outnumbered, again Arthur refuses to listen to anyone else's counsel.  So where did Gwaine (Eion Macken) pop up from, as he wasn't seen with the others when they left.

Mithian gives Merlin her water bottle to fill and insists he fills her one up.  At the river, he sees 'Morgana' scrawled on a rock but too late, Morgana is already there and knocks him out with her powers, funny she still had any left.  Oh and Merlin rushing to warn Arthur like that, talk about giving the game away.  Arthur leaves Merlin behind with Gaius and Gwaine and continues with the rescue.

Gaius uses his magic to heal Merlin after sending Gwaine for firewood.  It takes him a lot of power and plenty of the lighting up of his eyes, but finally Merlin recovers and they head off to warn Arthur, with Gwaine following his trail.  Arthur enters the cave with Percival (Ian Hopper) and they are trapped by Odin.  Morgana revealing herself, "dear brother."   Merlin manages to get into the cave after a little use of magic and some sword fighting and sends Gwaine for the others.  Would've thought he'd be using a bit more magic.  Anyway he sets another quake in motion, seems to be his speciality and Arthur and Percival manage to fight them off.  Morgana once again being knocked back against the wall by Merlin.

Arthur and Merlin split up allowing Rodor and Mithian to take the other route and they fight Odin and his men.  Arthur wants a ceasefire and for him to return Nemeth to Rodor.  Finally setting this piece of an old story to rest, though to be honest many fans wouldn't even have remembered it or have been bothered with it.  But at least we got to see Arthur and Odin reach a tentative truce, let's see how long that lasts when Morgana finds out.  if she does.  Merlin is still weary of Morgana and her power growing with Gaius once again hoping it won't come to that.

It was a shame nothing more was made between Arthur and Mithian especially since Arthur was enamoured with her last season 4.11 The Hunter's Heart and was going to marry her.  He doesn't talk to Gwen about it and neither do the writers take it any further.  Clearly this is one story just about revenge.  Which is a pity as it's a wasted opportunity for Arthur's other feelings to be explored and it would have given Gwen something more to do than just walking about in her cleavage-revealing dress at court and then in her nightgown.

Morgana delighted in her antics this week in being just as cruel as ever, keeping a tight reign over Mithian, wonder if she knew about Arthur's intentions towards Mithian last series, also.  She could have made more of that to run waves between Gwen and Arthur.  The contrast between Morgana and Merlin when they disguise themselves in older attire and physique is enormous.  We see Merlin with still the strength of a young man and yet Morgana was practically stuck inside the body of an actual old woman, it appeared.  Thus probably highlighting their varied power.

Also another chance for Merlin and Arthur to have another heart to heart with Merlin once more telling Arthur he should not be on this rescue and Arthur saying much the same as always.  Think they need to move beyond this now and lay down some defining character points for the two.  Mithian telling Arthur the same thing Merlin does about Camelot being a stronger kingdom for having Arthur as king.

Yet it seems pointless that Morgana constantly requires help to come up with some sort of a plan to kill Arthur and ruin Camelot, or take it over, why not branch out on her own now anyway.
The death of Odin's son was in 2.2 The Once and Future Queen and Odin was meant to have killed Uther in 4.3 The Wicked Day.

Merlin giving Arthur an order that Mithian is not to be disturbed.
Arthur: "did you just give men an order?"
Merlin: "yes Sire."
Arthur: feels good does it?"
Merlin: "it's not unpleasant."  Merlin also calls him Arthur showing he's more confident in his friendship with Arthur who lets it go or doesn't say anything about him not calling him Sire.

Fintan McKeown was in Game of Thrones.  some good sword fighting scenes in this episode and Merlin asking Arthur to think about killing Odin.  He did that last season in 4.5 His Father's Son and Arthur went ahead and killed Annis's husband.  Here he actually stops and listens to Merlin.  Though he doesn't admit this to Merlin but tells Gwen that Merlin made some valid points and input.

CSI:Miami 10.15 "No Good Deed" Review

A surfer returns from surfing but as he is about to reach the shore, he is attacked from below and his board overturns.  He calls out for help from an oncoming speedboat, but the boat drives over him, twice.  The Vic is Henry (Patrick Breen) and ME Tom (Christian Clemenson) states the injuries were no accident.  He was attacked on his stomach first as he was trying to swim away and then he was attacked on his neck, with it being cleaved by the propeller, so his head barely hung off.  Horatio (David Caruso) says it was murder and they're looking for the boat, the boat was the murder weapon.

Delko (Adam Rodriguez) arrives when the boat is found and Horatio points to the presence of human flesh on the propeller.  The owner, Dylan Perez (Diego Serrano) turns up and says he left the keys in his boat when drunk and reported it missing this morning.  Delko finds grease on the steering which Dylan knows wasn't there in the night.  This grease is used in cars and trucks and not boats.

Calleigh (Emily Procter) and Delko arrive at the Vic's house to break the news to his son Sean (Matt Angel).  He is a speed racer and he was heard to argue with his father.  His father was a stickler for rules and didn't want Sean to cheat in the race.  He directs them to their neighbour, Connie (Cassidy Freeman) who tried to poison his dog with chocolate.  When they arrive at her house, Delko notices the chocolate wrappers in the bin and she tells them she wouldn't hurt Henry.  He was sweet but she had enough of the dog barking.

Connie is also a prostitute and tells them she has an alibi, Henry's colleague Will Kingsley (Danny Nucci).  He tells Ryan (Jonathan Togo) that Henry was good at his job and he was working on something that affected him.  They should talk to their boss, Jane Caldicott (Reshma Shetty).  Will also tells them they never throw anything away so they have a lot of files to check through.

Calleigh goes to Henry's house again and finds a bag which contains his shoes covered with green paint.  Ryan and Sam (Taylor Cole) analyze the files and Ryan suggests instead of going through each file they should see which one has most of Henry's prints on it.  They narrow it down to one file, Henry's prints and Jane's are on the file.  But only Jane's prints are inside the file, so she's been replacing papers.  Sam analyzes the paint to find it has a compound of copper, chromium and arsenic.

The owner Bob Scherner (Wolfgang Bodison) tells them to leave but Sam has a search warrant enabling them to collect soil samples.  Bob calls in his lawyer who tells him not to answer questions. So they set their sights on Jane. Bob bought land cheaply and then sold the houses for a premium.  Jane denies all this but she was about to make a deal with him and thus the paperwork in the file was altered.  Henry found out but she claims she would have written him a cheque.  Don't think Henry would have been bought at all.

Walter (Omar Miller) and Tripp (Rex Linn) bring in Henry's car and they hear a phone ring.  Funny how each of them looked at each other, do they all have the same ring tones on their phone.  The phone is Henry's and he has a voice message from a boy claiming he's been taken. All surveillance videos are checked by Dave (Wes Ramsey).  Henry spoke to a boy outside a cafe after he was sick. The boy was taken by a man who said he was his father and Henry followed them.  He was cut off by a driver.  Dave and Walter manage to make out the last numbers on the plate.  Henry also uses his bluetooth and a 911 call was made to report the boy's kidnapping.

Walter manages to find the number plate on the video and the car is found.  It belongs to another car and then he and Horatio notice the truck taking away another car.  Inside is a bag with the boy's ticket, a one way flight from Nicaragua, laxative and a phone.  Horatio posits the boy is being used as a drug mule and they must find him before he is skilled.

The tow truck driver at first claims not to remember, then says the man had a tattoo and drove into a diner.  Walter and Horatio find the boy and Horatio threatens to shoot the kidnapper.  Who refuses to tell them anything; with Horatio in his threatening stance once again.  Delko gives the name of a friend who can help him find work, since the driver was fired.  Then notices grease on his sleeve.  Delko finds that this was the same driver who had gotten in Henry's way and Henry had reported him.  The driver was fired for his driving and followed Henry since he gave his name.  He took the boat out and killed him, cos he lost everything.

Well he's lost even more now, didn't think of that.  Horatio tells him he murdered someone he didn't even know. Ryan catches Sam looking at his bracelet and suggests they go for a drink as they closed the case.  However her boyfriend arrives from the State Attorney's Office and she suggests they go for a drink together.  Ryan is clearly heart broken.  Well that's another blow for him,  first it was when he thought Delko was after Sam and now this.  So why'd she take the bracelet when Delko told her it was from Ryan and not even thank him for it.

Calleigh visits Sean and tells him his father was a hero.  He saved a boy, he saved the lives of people who would have lived on that development.  Sean is proud and finally finds tears for his father which he couldn't before.

The title of this episode says it all, 'no good deed,' goes unpunished.  So for all Henry's good deeds he had to have one catch up to him.  Turns out it was being killed by someone who he didn't even know, cos he was trying to help save a boy's life.  Natalia (Eva La Rue) was missing this episode.

Felt like this episode was a nit disjointed with the team running around separately ad having less interaction that usual.  Ryan and Walter didn't have any scenes this episode together.  Also Calleigh playing her 'caring' mother role again this episode as she tells Sean about his father being a hero in an attempt to get him to grieve.

Without A Trace 3.15 "Party Girl" Review

A rich girl talks with her publicist in her limo before disappearing from a party.

1 Hour Missing

Jack checks out the limo.  The driver, Tony Marcus was taken to hospital after being beaten up.  The missing girl was Chelsea Prince (Sofia Sokalov) the publishing heiress.  The driver called for help on the Onstar system.  On this he claims to being attacked by a lot of people, the window is smashed and one puts a gun to their head.  Jack )Anthony Lapaglia) says it sounds like a contract.  Sam (Poppy Montgomery) comments she was worth half a billion dollars.

2 Hours Missing

Her publicist, Liz Murray (Kali Rocha) isn’t sure what happened.  Everyone knew Chelsea would be here.  She was promoting their new make-up line, Gliteratti.  Chelsea didn’t attend the birthday party.  She sold her apartment and was living out of hotels.  Martin (Eric Close) asks if she had a boyfriend.  She was seeing  Mansoor (Marc Casabani) for a few months.  He’s married and owns various nightclubs in New York.

Chelsea taped the two of them together and he wanted the tape from her, if it got out it would ruin him.  He tells her people only hang out with her because she’s famous.  He’s married to millions.  Chelsea didn’t have any security since last week.

Danny (Enrique Murciano) talks with the man (Gregory Hinton) in charge of her security.  He was hired by her parents in 1989 as a private consultant.  Her parents died in a plane crash.  Danny asks him if she could have done this for publicity.  He doesn’t believe so.  Liz only had Chelsea as a client.  He also asks about obsessed fans and stalkers.  They brought in truckloads of fan mail.

12 Hours Missing

Chelsea’s finance manager tells Jack they have $200,000 million for a ransom demand.  Chelsea was in her uncle’s custody until she’d be 18 but he didn’t pay attention to her.  He’s also dead.  She used to do drugs.  Chelsea wanted money from Roberta, $100,000 and said it was important.  She gave it to her.  Jack asks if she’s being blackmailed.  Roberta says no but she’s been spoilt.

13 Hours Missing

Viv (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) reads magazines and fan mail.  The financial records of her driver don’t reveal anything.  Viv finds it unbelievable how Chelsea is idolized by so many young girls.  Martin comments it’s because she’s rich and beautiful.  Viv says she’s famous for being rich and beautiful.

Martin notices the live feed on the TV news showing Chelsea tied up.  The files on the Net were sent 15 minutes ago.  Her kidnapper has her saying a message:
"My name is Chelsea Prince and I don’t deserve to live – I’ve done nothing in my life, created nothing or accomplished nothing.  I’m only here now because I don’t exist unless I’m on camera."
Martin says the file was sent through an anonymous account running through a server in Ukraine.  They have other problems to deal with and so won’t be of help.  Jack notices asbestos so she’s in an old building, pre 1970’s.  She’s still wearing her ring which is worth $2 million.  The tech notices a pulsating light but doesn’t know what it is.  Jack comments this isn’t a professional kidnapping.  Martin calls it a personal vendetta.

Danny questions Mansoor and asks who kidnapped her?  He says she’s bad for society and bad for his marriage.  A few days later, Chelsea gave him the tape.  She told him to take her word there weren’t any copies.  She told him something happened today.  He recalls the date was Friday 28th January.

15 Hours Missing

Sam says she was at a book signing on the 28th, for her book, Looking Like A princess: A Girl’s Guide to Make-Up.  Viv can’t believe she also has a book out.

16 Hours Missing

The girl at the bookshop tells Danny and Sam that Chelsea was 2 hours late.  Scott (Keram Malicki-Sanchez) says a weird man spoke to her.  He showed her a photo of a girl, his sister.  Chelsea never answered her letter so she committed suicide by slitting her wrists.  He gave her copies of letters to read and asks if the girls there have heard of Maya Angelou or the Brontes and not every girl can look like Chelsea.  So what happens then?  Danny checks Chelsea’s hotel room for the letters.

17 Hours Missing

Sam sees Viv taking pills and asks her if she’s found any letters from a desperate 12 year old.  She says she’s found hundreds and thousands. Martin shows them a web site posting:
Chelsea Prince
Should Live or die
Deadline 09:00Am
Time Remaining  19:55.
They should make an informed decision by clicking onto clips from her life.  Viv comments the exploits of her life aren’t her best moments.  Martin says it could be the man from the bookstore seeking revenge, “an eye for an eye.”  They come in twos, such as Leopold and Loeb.  The tally begins:            
Die       59%        Live  49%

Sam says she's losing.

18 Hours Missing

Liz gives a press conference telling everyone she’s a real persona and she’s good..  Jack wants her to stop.  Danny and Jack question the driver.  He can’t think of anyone who’d want to kidnap her.  Danny asks how many knew her itinerary.  The two of them and her security.  He blacked out.  Danny replies he doesn’t recall how many there were.  He says they were wearing masks and was in and out, he doesn’t recognize the bookstore man.  Jack tells him he was attacked by one man.

Viv tells Liz only family members are allowed to make a plea in public.  She couldn’t let this happen.  Martin says they’re working on a programme where they can rig the voting and Liz asks why all the young girls aren’t voting?  She tells them when Chelsea get back to the car she was acting strangely.  She didn’t want to go the party and wanted out of this life.  She blames herself for what happened.  Liz asks Chelsea “where’s the party girl?”  She wanted to do something different 4 days ago.

Danny tells Sam about a letter she received from a school girl thanking her for reading to them.  Danny says she received letters from a South Bronx school within the last 2 weeks.  Sam thinks maybe the dead girl went to school there.

19 Hours Missing

Her former sixth grade teacher, Mrs MacPherson, at the Phillips Academy tells them she was here yesterday.  She tells themChelsea she wasn’t a brat.  Chelsea gave $100,000 to the girl’s brother by way of an apology.  He was angry and called it “blood money”.  She left it in the mailbox.  Chelsea gave her the letters so she could help other girls like her.  She suggested Chelsea should read to them as they idolize her.

23 Hours Missing

The voice on the Net asks her if she’s ever done anything of value and worthy of fame?  She doesn’t know.  Viv tells Martin there won’t be a live feed until her execution.  Sam calls Jack to tell him the dead girl’s name was Stacey Reinecker form Albany.  The name Reinecker rings a bell for Viv.  The driver called a Doug Reinecker (Joshua Harto) 2 days ago.  The sketch matches his photo.

24 Hours Missing

The driver tells Danny and Jack Doug planned this, he’d ask for a ransom and they’d share it.  He followed him and gave him the $10,000.  In return he told them where they’d be.  Doug told him about Stacey and he wanted to make things right.  He didn’t want to know where Doug would take Chelsea.

36 Hours Missing

Sam wonders how the votes are swinging back so fast.  Danny asks if anyone knows what the real count is.  Viv says someone is fixing it.  Danny suggests it could be the kidnapper.  Sam asks why he doesn’t just kill her?  Danny replies he needs justification.  They narrow the votes down to Albany County with a population of about 200,000.  76% are in favour of death.  Danny says there’s a total of 427,000 votes all coming from the same place; Microjava Internet Café.

ALBANY, NEW YORK
37 Hours Missing

They show Doug’s photo around the café.  Viv says there’s a wireless connection to an unknown source.  Jack tells them they’re looking for a building pre 1970’s, which are most of them there.  Sam calls him and tells him the final score: Die 56% and Live 44%.  He’s killing her.  She tells him there’s a fan behind her, a window fan.  He cuts her wrists.  They find a fan in the window of one of the buildings and search it.  Viv keels over with pain.  Danny notices a light.  Danny and Jack tie her wrists with their ties and Danny holds them down.  Viv tells Martin to go after Doug.  Martin asks her if she’s okay.  She needs a few minutes.

Outside the press take photos of Chelsea and Doug.  One woman reports they’re uncertain as to his motivation.
As to Doug’s motivation, it’s apparent from the end that prima facie it appears he wanted revenge as Martin says in the beginning; but by the way he was looking at all the cameras at the end, it’s clear he craved attention and clearly enjoyed his 15 minutes of fame.  Remember what he told Chelsea to say, about not existing unless she’s on camera, well that’s what it looks like he’s doing too.

You could’ve been mistaken for thinking you were watching a famous celebrity in Chelsea Prince, someone along the lines of a teen star.

Danny finds the missing person again, in distress, this time with Jack.  They’ve all been on camera now, so much for going undercover in later episodes!  They got onto the case quick smart after she’d only been missing an hour.  probably pressured cos she was a celebrity.

Jack: I didn’t interrupt a big date or anything?”
Sam: “No, just an intense game of solitaire.”  A likely story, do you think that was just a passing comment from Jack or is he curious to know what’s happening with her?

Martin: “We could make a sextape.  Post it online here, then you wouldn’t have to tell anybody about us.”
Sam: “Cute.”  Er, no, we’ve already been subjected to that re the season opener!

Viv clearly doesn’t like the sort of attention Chelsea receives from young girls and definitely not her being the centre of attention.

Of course the other problems Martin mentions in The Ukraine were the elections and the new president.
The pulsating light was from the fan of course, but would’ve been too easy if we found that out already.

Viv: “looks like our beauty queen grew a conscience.  I wonder why?”
Danny: “come on Viv, she’s just a young girl with too much money and no one to look after her.”
Viv: “That’s no excuse.”
That’s true many people find themselves alone but don’t have money to fall back on.
Danny and Viv are the only ones who actually form  an opinion or part of an opinion about Chelsea; with Viv playing the strict disciplinarian saying she’s spoilt which she is.

As for Danny checking Chelsea’s hotel room for letters, wouldn’t her room have already been searched?

Also the publication of her book and the make-up collection is true to life where celebrities and a bunch of wannabee celebrities bring out endless products and endorsements to boost their net worth.

Viv now has a photo of herself with her husband on her desk now.
Martin is right when he correctly assumes it’s the man from the book store.

Jack: “If he’s conscious, he’s ready to talk.”  Obviously the driver had a lot to hide as he can’t get his story right.  If he had been held up by a gun, chances are he wouldn’t be left alive to tell the police.

Danny says he needs justification before he kills her but in a roundabout way he’s the one fixing the votes to get this justification , so as Sam said he could’ve just killed her anyway, which he tries to.
The part where Danny commented perhaps he’s voting himself to increase the tally on the Net, and then he goes on to say he needs justification before he can kill Chelsea: that didn’t make sense – if you think about it, albeit in a roundabout way – if he’s the one rigging the voting then he doesn’t need to justify his actions as he’s going to decide’already, has decided the outcome anyway: that he’s going to kill her regardless.

When he’s paraded” in front of the press he’s clearly lavishing in his 15 minutes of fame and lapping it all up: which makes you think did he want all this to begin with rather than revenge for his sister, i.e kidnap someone famous, get some glory.

Couldn’t they have downloaded the image of her and pan across to see what pulsating light was, i.e the fan as they did that in the missing boy episode of CSI:NY season 1 episode 2 American Dreamers when Danny (Carmine Giovinazzo)) took the CCTV tape and panned across to the man re the guitar.  But then he used the NTSC image from the tape which probably works on a different principle to the Net.  But there's lots of technology.
Oh I always used to remark on the character names in CSI:NY and Without A Trace, there was Danny Taylor in this and in NY, we got Danny and Taylor, for Mac's (Gary Sinise) last name.

At least Danny and Viv actually commented about Chelsea’s life whereas Sam was strangely quiet.

The Closer 7.20 "Armed Response" Review

The Major Case squad are called to the scene of a shooting but turns out there is no officer down.  Provenza (GW Bailey) tells Flynn (Tony Denison) they're still taking the case Kendall (Ransford Doherty) says the shooter shot the Vic in the face.  Sanchez (Raymond Cruz) tells him a woman saw a man on the lawn but she's been drinking.  DDA Baldwin (Amanda Mason Warren) arrives at the CS.  The Vic had a gun.  Provenza is ruling it a murder.  Pope (JK Simmons) wants Baldwin here and Provenza tells her to "stand over there."

Tao (Michael Paul Chan) finds the Vic called in a suspicious report of a possible break in.  Where they find sleeping bags and other items.  Including "biological evidence" in the bathroom as Tao calls it.  Buzz (Phillip P Keene) thinks that's disgusting.  Luke (Scott Michael Foster) left behind his iPod.  Baldwin proceeds to give them orders which Provenza objects to.  The security guard was a war hero, at which point Brenda (Kyra Sedgwick) arrives and tells them, "...shot down on the streets of Los Angeles.  Doesn't seem right at all."  Harking back to the entire Tyrell case once more and the shootings of some soldiers, which led to the whole sorry debacle of the lawsuit against her.

Timely mention as this is the episode where the leak is discovered and how Tyrell rears his ugly head again.  She thanks everyone for the food, flowers and cards they sent.  Brenda needs to think about all that later.  Caroline (Jane Carr) bought the iPod and Raydor (Mary McDonnell) asks if Brenda is taking the entire Division out with her.  Provenza asks who she wants left behind?  Pope speaks with Brenda and admits he made some compromises to keep Major Case, this included having DDA Baldwin here and making Taylor (Robert Gossett) Assistant Chief.  He was afraid if he told her about the compromises, she'd leave and be angry at him.  Well she already was that.

Raydor has worked out the leak but will need a bit more time.  Brenda requests SIS officers, patrol cars, as she needs to return the iPod. Caroline bought it for her grandson, Luke.  Who is arrested at the shoe store.  Raydor watches everyone in the Tech room.  He was with his underage girlfriend Jenna, (Kira Sternbach) don't know about you, but Jenna didn't look underage to me, ha.  She had a key.  Provenza advises Tao to ask Jenna if he should being her in with or without her father?

Raydor wants Gabriel (Corey Reynolds) to  see Pope, with her leaving Brenda to wonder if Gabriel is the leak.  Gabriel doesn't know what the meeting is about.  Raydor is sorry he must deal with things this way.    Turns out his girlfriend, Anne (Shanti Lowry) is the leak.  Should have known they'd come up with something like this, especially since it could never have been someone from the squad (re the new show, Major Case).  But she was only introduced a few episodes ago and we only saw her once.  She was paid for info by Goldman who paid off her student loan.  Raydor recalled she gives Gabriel her point of view on everything, including work.

Gabriel shared his doubts with her.  Anne joined the church which Taylor says was her plan.  Gabriel wasn't subpoenaed like everyone else.  As we were shown over several episodes, leaving everyone to wonder why, again thinking he could be the leak, even Sanchez though that.  Raydor wants his statement before he explains to Brenda et al.

They need to find where the gun went.  Fritz (Jon Tenney) shows up and wants to discuss where why he didn't bring her shoes for her.  She should go home if she's uncomfortable.  She can't go home yet and even thinks about moving.  Her mother isn't at the house, but Fritz tells Brenda she needs to be.

Jenna says her friend lived at the house and she had the key. Provenza refuses to listen to Sanchez about Gabriel being the leak.  Raydor understands that people discuss confidential work issues with significant others, Brenda does that all the time.  Gabriel waived his right to counsel to speak with Brenda.  Gabriel reminds her he spoke to her about Tyrell.  He was upset that day, even Sanchez will remember.  Brenda wanted him to come to her.

We knew Gabriel always had strong feelings as to how Brenda ran things and wasn't always happy, shown by the times he went behind her back to Pope, etc, to complain about her methods.  Also I said before a few episodes ago, that Gabriel could be a likely suspect in being the mole since he has a strong relationship with Brenda, being one of the first ones to accept her when she arrived in season 1.  Then I changed my mind for the very same reason, he would have been too obvious.

Gabriel tells the others and how he mentioned other occasions of dissatisfaction too.  Where he felt the spirit of the law wasn't perfectly upheld.  He wasn't the leak but he was the source, as Flynn tells him.  Provenza wants Flynn to let Gabriel finish.  Provenza, Taylor, Tao, Buzz all accept his apology, and so does Flynn reluctantly, then tells him he should transfer.  Sanchez doesn't even acknowledge him.

The gun is found at Jenna's house and Pope says she can claim self defence.  DDA Baldwin needs two confessions.  Bateman (Matt Malloy) doesn't answer any questions.  Jenna told him Danny tried to rape her.  Which was a lie, so he shot him.  Brenda tells Jenna about mitigating circumstances and she was protecting Luke.  She says he was holding the gun in his right hand.  Brenda adds the State of California will treat her like an adult, which she doesn't get.  She says "cool."  Flynn adds "way cool."

Gabriel resigns.  Brenda doesn't want him to quit but he says Tyrell ruined his life.  Brenda knew Gabriel was upset and apologizes.  She ignores people she cares about and she's responsible for it all.  Brenda goes home with Fritz.  She needs a minute with her mother, but she's not here.  Brenda meaning she ignored her mother and now she's gone.  She did the same thing to Gabriel too.  Also does that to Fritz a lot.

Brenda: " Last time I saw mama, she asked me if I had a minute and I didn't have time just then.  And now I'm the one who could really use a minute...and she has no time at all."  One more episode to go...

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Downton Abbey Series 3 Episode 6 Review

No actual scenes of Sybil's funeral but the episode began straight after.  Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) still blames Robert (Hugh Bonneville) for not listening to Dr Clarkson (David Robb).  Thus their marriage was still in pieces and Cora refused to let Robert back into their marital bed.  This led to the Dowager (Maggie Smith) intervening and practically asking Dr Clarkson to reach the point of no return by telling the Crawley's that Sybil would have died anyway and could not be saved.  Of course only after he had gathered all the evidence and research to prove this was medically viable.  Never let it be said that the Dowager would actually stoop to allowing anyone to blatantly lie.

I thought this was an affront to Sybil's memory really and what all the family had endured, especially Branson (Allen Leech) when they had so much hope if she had the Cesarean that she could have been saved.  It just showed that Robert, the man, lord and master was right once again and that he had nothing to feel guilty about, except only grieve for his daughter.  Also giving that pompous doctor a green light for making life and death decisions without having the necessary insight or medical expertise to do so.

At breakfast Edith (Laura Carmichael) brought up the question of the christening and having the Anglican reverend round to discuss it.  Branson being adamant he wants to name the baby Sybil and christen her a Catholic, being Irish.  Leading to yet more outrage for Robert.  However this was not the end of his woes, since Matthew (Dan Stevens) is still 'hounding' him as Robert would put it about the affairs of Downtown and how it has been left to fall to smithereens, financially.

Matthew showed Branson the rundown farm with Branson admitting he's from a line of farmers.  Do we think he may be sticking around to go into farming?  That would give the Dowager plenty to talk about, from chauffeur to farmer.  Mary (Michelle Dockery) firmly sides with Branson on the issue of the christening since Sybil wanted it that way. She loved Branson and was happy for the baby to be a Catholic.

Isobel (Penelope Wilton) invites the Crawley women to luncheon and that includes the Dowager, who invites herself really since Isobel didn't see her sitting on the sofa when inviting Cora.  Isobel isn't game for Ethel (Amy Nuttall) to cook though and wants her only to prepare some cold meats and salad.  Leaving Ethel to beg for help from Mrs Patmore (Leslie Nichol) re cooking tips.  As you know Carson (Jim Carter) having banned the staff from the house, spies Mrs Patmore leaving.  Mrs Patmore asking if he thinks she'd be corrupted by Ethel.

The ladies attend and enjoy the meal until Robert is told of this by Carson, who thinks it's his duty to forever interfere in such affairs and interrupts, fury in his eyes and his tone.  Cora and the others refuse to leave when he asks them and the Dowager commenting the dessert looks good.

Downstairs the drama continues as Thomas (Rob James-Collier) can't keep his hands to himself, making James feel even more uncomfortable and O'Brien (Siobhan Finneran) enjoying every moment of it.  Ivy (Cara Theobold) can't get enough of James who doesn't want anything to do with her and Albert (Matt Milne) wants Ivy who is hated by Daisy (Sophie McShera).  As Mrs Patmore says they've all got feelings for the wrong people.  Daisy thinks she has a chance with Albert when he asks her to teach him the Foxtrot, until she learns it's just to impress Ivy. Daisy gets an offer to work on the farm with Mason (Paul Copley) wanting to leave it to her when he dies.  He doesn't think houses like Downtown will survive forever.

Bates (Brendan Coyle) manages to threaten Craig (Jason Furnival) that unless he and Durrant (Neil Bell) stay put of his business, he'll go to the governor and tell them they're bringing in drugs and wanted him involved.  Mrs Bartlett changes her story after Murray (Jonathan Coy) threatens her with police action.  Thus allowing Bates to be freed.  News which Robert finds pleasing.  Seems the Dowager's ploy works and upon hearing Clarkson's news Robert and Cora both manage to reconcile.

Seemed a bit of a filler episode with many issues covering old ground, the christening, the love triangle and Robert and Cora being so easily brought together again.  It would have been better if he had been left out in the cold a little longer, especially since he couldn't admit his real feelings over Sybil's passing to Cora, like the analogy with the rose, her favourite flower and it's in bloom, but he can't tell her that; with Mary encouraging him to tell Cora all this.  It seemed hurried and rushed.  Though the line with the rose, or not being bale to tell Sybil he saw something funny in the paper, ensures the audience is still on Robert's side as far as a grieving father goes.

Same thing with Bates being released with Murray and Anna (Joanne Froggatt) having to do very little, seems Bates and his bully tactics saved his bacon.  The issue of Edith's job at the paper was raised and Cora once again stated that Robert refuses to move with the times.  Also finding fault with naming the baby Sybil, which he considers "ghoulish."  Of course he would name her after her mother, she's all he has left of her.  The Dowager at luncheon, commenting how Ethel has an 'outfit for every occasion.' When Robert was debating, one-sidedly, the 'virtues' of being in the same house with a fallen woman.

The Vampire Diaries 4.1 "Growing Pains" Review

A voiceover now accompanies season 4:
Stefan: "Mystic falls.  I was born here. This is my home."
Damon: "And mine."
Elena: "And mine."
Stefan: "For centuries supernatural creatures have lived among us."
Caroline: "There are vampires, werewolves, doppelgangers."
Bonnie: "Witches."
Klaus: "And even hybrids."
Bonnie: "There are those who protect them."
Jeremy: "And those who want them dead."
Elena: "They're our friends."
Klaus: "Our enemies."
Elena: "The ones we love."
Klaus: "And the ones we've lost."
Elena: "And then there is me.  I'm human.  At least I was."

Elena (Nina Dobrov) is pulled out from the accident and wakes to ask if Matt is alive.  Damon (Ian Somerhalder) suggests she should ask Stefan (Paul Wesley) "the hero."  Jeremy (Steven R McQueen) finds out at the hospital that Meredith (Torrey DeVitto) used vampire blood to heal Elena.  Stefan thinks Bonnie (Kat Graham) could still help.  Damon however thinks Elena should feed and complete the transition, "feed or die."  Elena strongly rejects this, she can't "be a vampire."
Damon: "your choice Elena, as always."  Meaning she'll always choose Stefan over him and she'll always get her her own way.  Stefan regrets the choice he made to save Matt (Zach Roerig) and now he regrets it and needs to fix it.

Jeremy needs his sister and not another vampire.  Bonnie feels the witches may be able to help like they helped him.  Elena experiences heightened emotions of going through the motions of becoming a vampire. The same emotions she asked Stefan about in season 3?? when they spoke of her becoming a vampire, she decided she wanted to grow up an  live and get past her birthday.  In the same way Caroline (Candace Accola) didn't have a choice when she became a vampire too.  Now she'll always be 18 and Elena won't grow older either.  Klaus (Joseph Morgan) is still in Tyler's (Michael Trevino) body and Bonnie can't put him back into his own dessicated body.

Pastor Young (Michael Reilly Burke) arrives at the hospital to find blood is missing.  Alaric told him everything.  Matt feels guilty about Elena and Caroline is a fugitive and reminds him of this.  Carol Lockwood (Susan Walters) is arrested and the sheriff (Marguerite MacIntyre) no longer has a badge, even when she pleads that Young doesn't know what he's getting into.  Young has all the vervain.  Elena can't eat food and is sick at the sight of it, she craves blood.  Stefan made the right decision cos if he saved her then Matt would be dead.  Adding they will "cross that bridge when they come to it."  Inadvertently using that phrase of course.  Well she's already been over that bridge. She laughs uncontrollably and then cries.

Elena recalls Damon giving her back her necklace and she recalls everything.  He tells her something once: that he loves her, he's not selfish with her but she can't do this.  Damon doesn't deserve her but Stefan does.  He compels her to forget.

Damon sneaks up on Rebekah (Claire Holt) and tells him he knows "better than to sneak up on a lady."
Damon: "...can you see one?"  Damon tries to stake her. Klaus rescues Caroline  from the van and Caroline thinks Tyler really is alive, which he is, but it ain't him.  He leaves Rebekah behind.  Damon asks why Matt got to live. Young tells Elena about her parents coming up with this plan of holding them here and Caroline finally realizes it's not Tyler after kissing him and contemplating much more in her undies!

Bonnie tells Jeremy Elena's spirit still exits on both sides, if she can stop her heart then she can find Elena and bring her back.  Bonnie has new sources of power.  Matt thinks they could be at the cattle ranch.
Bonnie dies after the spell is complete and joins Elena in her cell.  Grams (Jasmine Guy) breaks the connection.  Bonnie must keep away from "the sword of darkness."  The magic she is using is too dark and the spirits will make her suffer.  Stefan is shot in his cell.

Klaus begins to rip out Tyler's heart form his body unless Bonnie helps him.  Stefan regrets Elena not feeding in the morning and she tells him it's cos he still had hope.  She was returning for Stefan and that's why she was on the bridge: she chose him.  Damon bites Matt when they arrive at the ranch as they need bait.  He wants to exchange him for Stefan and Elena.

Bonnie can't stop the magic and she can't let her go, she made her choice and Grams is being punished.  Elena feeds on the guard after Stefan knocks him out.  Damon tries to kill Matt and Elena stops him as  a vampire.  Stefan saved Matt at the bridge but he wasn't his first choice, so he must "get to live with that."  Elena put her life before him.

Elena recalled Damon's compulsion, that Damon met Elena first.  He should have saved Elena on the bridge, not Matt.  Damon wanted her to have a life, to grow up and yes he was being selfish (but that's just Damon so there's nothing new in that.)

Klaus wants to move on and Rebekah takes his blood bags, squeezing the blood out.  She loves him through everything and Klaus says he doesn't care, she means nothing.

Stefan and Elena atop of a roof, the counsel knows who they are and so everything's changed.  Stefan comments Damon will have a revenge plan for that.  She will crave blood and feel pain.  She will get to live and be with Stefan forever.  Bonnie made a daylight ring for her.  As Stefan says they'll take it "one day at a time."  Young tells everyone of the vampires escaping and turns on the gas, blowing everyone up.  They will reunite in eternity.  Is this Damon's revenge plan, compelling him to do that, the witches, Bonnie's black magic, or just Pastor Young.

Perhaps this episode should have been entitled Elena's Choice(s).  Her choosing Stefan was nothing new, knew that was bound to happen since last season, which is good, cos Damon and Elena as a couple just wouldn't have worked.  They are just completely different. Damon will always be Damon and won't get past who he is, it's always about his need for revenge and the need to always bring out the worst in people, and to hurt them cos he gets hurt.  Retribution, retaliation and the need to cause misery.  Then again he wasn't being selfish when he compelled her to choose Stefan.  Thinking she wouldn't recall this, cos he had no idea she would turn into a vampire.  On the other hand Damon was being selfish when he said what he did at the ranch.

Didn't know if this was a good path to go down, specially since that talk Stefan and Elena had about her choices and Elena wanting to live in 3.20 The Last Day when Damon tried to turn her into a vampire to save her life.  Which is exactly what happened now anyway.  Yet becoming one will bring her more closer to Stefan, they'll never be apart for one thing, not in the immediate future anyway.  Also she will always retain her humanity.

Klaus as Tyler pulled in some laughs, especially the call from his mother, "that incessant woman" and having to sound like Tyler when talking with her.  Then trying to get one over on Caroline in the woods.  Elena feeling for fangs practically every minute.