Longmire 6.1 "The Eagle and the Osprey" Review

                                         
The final season of Longmire doesn't appear to pack in any surprises at this point in time as it continues on from season 5 with Walt (Robert Taylor) still facing the civil trail and the prospect of losing his job.  So he sets out to 'bury' his assets, the money that he had at home.  As a bank robber hits the local bank.  Asking for money by calmly giving the cashier, Paula (Alyssa Gabrielle Rodriguez) a note and standing by.  Until Paula signals the security guard, Al (Michael Weaver) that there's been a robbery.  He gives chase and a blogger, Brooks Cameron (Harry Katzman) does the same with his phone.  Vic (Katee Sackhoff) finds Walt burying the money and says they should've been at the bank robbery ages ago.  He's not going to get his land taken away and used for building.

As he questions Paula, she's already on the blog and interview and she tells Walt about the note and how he had a gun.  She can't find the note but recalled everything it said.  Walt tells her if he sees it on eBay then there's going to be trouble.  She hands him the note and he also wants to close his bank account.  The robber didn't ask for any twenties and that's how Walt gets his money.  Mayor Sawyer Crane (Eric Ladin) approaches him telling him about how the robbery is all over the news and he had to hear it from his friend and it took so long for them to get on the case.  Putting his foot in it as he mentions the shot guard and his wife turns up right then.  Yeah Mayor what's eating his arse?  I mean this isn't the first time the robber has struck, known as 'Cowboy Bill' he has hit the West coast too as Walt says and also the East coast cos of the news bulletin.  Vic doesn't notice anything on the blogger's video footage cos she was only looking at it casually when she should've scrutinized it more.

Cady (Cassidy Freeman) is rescued by Mandy (Tamars Duarte) and brought back to the office.  She was out of it enduring the sweat and she punched her.  She had weird dreams about Mandy cleaning up blood and seeing Henry (Lou Diamond Phillips) hanging, as well as an owl.  Which Mandy says is probably Cady's spirit animal but she should talk to someone about it.  Mathias (Zahn McClarnon) finds Henry's abandoned and overturned truck and knows something is wrong as he tries to look for Darius (Joseph Daniel Havenstar).  Cady says she can't tell Mathias cos he's her client and he asks her whether she wants him as a client or finding Henry.  In actual fact, Cady doesn't know where Darius is.

As Darius heads out into the desert to throw some burgers in Henry's face and not give him any water.  Tormenting him further.  Later Marilyn/Crow Medicine Woman (Tantoo Cardinal) shows up and doesn't let him go either cos he brings trouble here.  She knows Henry's Cheyenne and that's all.  Laying down some bags next to him letting the spirits decide if he's worthy to be saved or not.  Mathias talks to Walt about Henry who has to delegate solving the robbery to Vic even if his job is on the line as he has to find him.  She doesn't think she can fill his shoes, well how many times has she actually taken on a case before.

As Walt and Ferg (Adam Bartley) spoke with the guard before, he tells them he saw nothing and he gave chase only to be shot.  Vic tells Ferg if they don't find out what's happening then Walt could lose his job and she won't let that happen so he should ask Meg (Mary Wiseman).  She says it's unethical but does so anyway.  As he goes to apologize to her for asking, she tells him that the guard lied and feels guilty about it.  Vic says they need to recheck the footage and notices a man standing in the road across the way and then heads back in instead of checking on the shot guard or 'gawking.'  Meaning he was the one who shot the guard.  Ed Nardo (Joel McKinnon Miller) thought the cameraphone was a gun and so he shot him thinking he was the bad guy.

Vic takes the results of the solved case to the Mayor and tells him she came here to punch him and Walt told her to take the higher ground like him which is what she's doing.  He asks if she wants to speak like that to him cos she's going to be alone and Walt is going to lose the trial. 

Walt follows Cady as she meets with Darius telling him she has his money and Walt traced her phone.  He notices the burger bag from the Crow Res in is car and knows someone who can help.  Yeah Marilyn who only wants to look out for herself telling him the same thing about bringing trouble here.  He replies it's trouble that brings them.  She wants something in return and he gives her the money he withdrew from the bank.  Huh all of it!! She takes him to Henry but he's not there.  Henry having visitors like Hector (Jeffrey De Serrano) who tells him it's not his time to die and shoots at the rattle snake.  Then also by Elwood (Eddie Spears) who gives him the bag in his hand.  Henry was sorry he couldn't help him.

Marlilyn doesn't stay when Walt finds Henry and asks for water, thought he would've brought his own.  He helps Henry by making a makeshift gurney and drags him away; getting bitten by a rattler in the process.  Making it out alive.  Cady berates herself for not helping and it's her fault he's missing.  Telling Walt about her dream.  Not much of an exciting intro to the final season but you could have slapped a few people in here with some legal technicalities!!  Firstly Meg says she can't tell Ferg what the guard said about the robbery.  Well it's not unethical to divulge anything relating to a crime.  Even lawyers are required to do this in certain circumstances.  Also Marilyn and giving her all his money, even if he had good intentions, Walt should've saved some of that cos all she did was just run out.  Not very deserving or worthy!  All she could do was compare Walt to an eagle preying on the osprey.  They've been here so many times she can't tell which is the fish and which is the eagle.  Walt tells her he's not an eagle.

Henry asking "are we there yet?" in typical child fashion.  But also telling Walt he needs a cellphone.  Walt replying he wouldn't get a signal out here.  But kudos for seeing it through and taking Henry out all the way even with a snake bite.  In season 2 he had to do that in the snow with the criminal he was after and here it's in the sweltering heat with Henry to save.  Don't know about you but seems it's Cady who always seems to do the wrong thing lately and for a lawyer that sort of behaviour isn't good enough.  She has ideals but she must weigh those up with doing the right thing, that's obvious but she keeps falling into the same trap of not thinking through the consequences of her actions and Walt must help her out as she's still a little girl.  I know as his daughter, she always will be but she needs to make more informed choices.

The Mayor deserved a good hiding with his attitude, if the FBI haven't caught Cowboy Bill and have no leads where's the shame in a small county not being able to do the same.  But of course it will be Walt who breaks the case or I'll eat his hat!! ha.

Constantine 1.5 "Danse Vaudou" Review

                                            
New Orleans - my favorite city, though this was filmed in Atlanta.  For the first time Constantine actually lights up a cigarette.  He uses a zoetrope here which was used in seance's by Queen Victoria.  Saying that there's a psychic connection between Zed and the map "which is what I wanted."  Yeah always what he wants - for the greater good of course, he's the master after all.  Running into Jim Corrigan and his line of "occult investigators."  Isn't as funny since there are paranormal investigators out there.  Constantine still hasn't got new cards printed, but why bother, he won't really need them and who's to know they're incorrect.

Constantine: "I'm flattered luv, but we really oughta keep things professional...I respect everyone I sleep with but I usually like to get to know something about them first, you know what I mean."  Well, 'usually' being the operative word cos in all probability he doesn't really get to know them if he can help it.  Too many complications involved in that.  Zed tells him to ask her anything, he asks, where she comes from? Why she's running and why why she's risking "your life seems a better alternative."  Zed doesn't like champagne - now he knows something about her.

Little by little we got the character development evolving and that simmering chemistry.
Constantine: "two at twice the trouble."  Two cases that is.  Jim arrests him for murder.

Ghost killing on the road Supernatural 2.16 Roadkill.  The DB was a hitchhiker.  

Spirits with unfinished business are formed of the energy from a soul of a once living person who is not evil.  A spirit that remains behind and refuses to move on is known as an ‘intelligent’ spirit.  These maintain or reflect the qualities of the human soul.  But if the person was bad or evil, the spirit will also retain such a character trait.
See his hair's more strawberry blond there's so much involved in brunette hair going blond, the shade doesn't work out right.  As I can tell ya, it looks more reddish blond.

Chas loses another life and Constantine releases himself from the handcuffs (like Dean) only he's a magician.  Now if ever Dean Winchester and John Constantine got together, we'd see them as one entity.  Constantine is Dean and vice versa.  No coincidence that Sam and Dean's Dad was named John.  Or as I like to think!

Constantine:"...wouldn't kick that out of bed!"  And the references in this ep too, at least I prefer to say that.

Jim asks how Constantine can live with the knowledge that this is all real.
Constantine: "it marks you for life but it doesn't change who you are."  Unless you're like that to begin with.
Constantine: "sounds like your hell - but on a path for redemption luv."  (That theme again see elsewhere.)
Constantine: "a lot of my clients are haunted by the people they've hurt by their crimes."
Actually haunted.   He was like a medium.
Papa Midnite returns.
Constantine: "voodoos nothing but a magical excuse for a party."  Who brings up the acetate and losing it.  Constantine overpowered again by his dust, happens a lot to him.  Constantine says it took him so long to notice the Rising Darkness and if he erases his debt, then he's got questions for Midnite's sister.

Jim works out what Zed is running from which is more than Chas could do after he said she doesn't show on any databases.  But Jim is a detective and it's his job.

Matt: "Jim and I cross paths on a case and I think what's interesting is Jim is into this world which he doesn't believe;" what's interesting about their relationship is they both want the same thing, ultimately, but they come at it from different angles and they're willing to sacrifice different parts of themselves, and I think that ultimately, Corrigan wants justice, but that comes from a form of rage and a form of anger. With John, it's complicated. There's those things as well, but there's a lot of other stuff going on as well."

Midnite calls him "jackass of no trades - master of none."  Ha, I said that but not a jackass.  As they head to the cemetery Midnite doesn't want a lecture from Constantine on "gullibility.  Making reference to his ego, he's a magpie of magic and steals from other cultures.
Constantine: "whatever works."  Midnite's one to talk about stealing with his reputation and stealing the acetate for himself.  They need to burn the corpses.  And great to see Constantine doesn't throw his lighter into the fire, cos heck there's not that many made (in reality) and it's far more valuable than to just throw away.  Constantine doesn't have a phone.

Constantine: "guilt is a very powerful emotion."  Speaking from experience, he gives Midnite the lecture anyway.  There's a lot of energy involved as the three women can't forgive themselves for the deaths of their loved ones, thus driving their ghosts.  Jim tells her she's been reported missing by her family and he can't forget a face like hers.  He worked in missing persons once.  Zed said she shoplifted an apple and a stale cheese sandwich.  She doesn't exist anymore.  She has a vision of what Jim will become.  See Constantine had more to worry about here with Jim entering the picture than he ever did with Gary, in a personal capacity of course.

Constantine wants to find out about the Rising Darkness and is told his efforts will be in vein as the Darkness is controlled by someone close to him, "someone will betray you."  No narration from Constantine at the end.

Meets with Papa Midnite again who's got plenty of bones to grind about losing that vinyl from 1.3 (see Constantine didn't use it to bargain with the devil - his integrity remains intact and always will.)
A tentative truce in that he gets to find out Constantine will be betrayed by someone close.  So we (some) immediately jump to the conclusion that it will be newcomer Zed.  Since we don't know much about her and another reason why she perhaps wanted to stay with Constantine.

Zoetrope from the Greek: translation - "wheel of life" and an excellent hypnotic device.  Yet more flirtation on the part of Constantine and Zed - particularly relevant here as we get the introduction of Jim Corrigan and Zed's visions of him now.  She sees him 'die' very clearly here but visions may appear to show one 'fate' (no pun) and end up meaning or turning out completely different in reality.  Strangely she's never had visions of Constantine (aside from the sketches) but I mean in the sense of his impending doom, damnation to hell.  Apparently perhaps showing this eventually might be avoided.

Zed was quickly fitting in already and proving she's capable of holding her own.  Possessing the psychic abilities Constantine so desperately needs in his continuing fight.
Constantine: "she's a regular smorgasbord - picks up impressions from tactile stimuli which I'm guessing is kind of a buzzkill in the sack."  Yeah first thing he'd think about!  Especially when he sees her with Jim in 1.13 which wold have been such foreshadowing here, you know he wants Zed all to himself and for himself!

Matt: "I think that Jim's world is very much based in the real world and John obviously knows about the world beyond ours, so there's whole other kinds of levels to what's going on with John and John uses his humour as a defence mechanism...He's become really good at kind of just hiding it, whereas Corrigan is someone who I think is – you can kind of see more on the surface, he's a little bit more scarred, but I think that John's problems are probably more deeper rooted, if that makes sense, but he hides them.  He hides them well."

[NB these musings of mine have no reference to the comics and what goes on therein - but strictly limited to the TV show - which was filmed in this way to satisfy both fans of the comics and novices.  You really don't have to have read a single issue of Hellblazer to understand the premise of this series and the stories!]

Hellblazer Special #1 Confessional
#151 Good Intentions Part 1 had Constantine hitchhiking too.

Supernatural reference here from Roadkill where Molly died in a car crash but she didn't know she's dead and that's why she hasn't passed over and won't do that until she accepts this truth. ****

 Supernatural 2.4 Children Shouldn’t Play With Dead Things
Necromancy “actively seeks out the spirits of the dead” who have knowledge of information, not available to anyone else; or the conjuring the dead for divination, practiced by magicians, witches in Persia, Rome.  It was outlawed in Elizabethan England under the Witchcraft Act 1604.  (Perhaps something Parliament still needs today.)  A practice commonly used in Voodoo.  Where it involves either conjuring the spirit of the dead body; or summoning the corpse itself. 

Zombies are present in cultures ranging in India, China, Japan, Native Americans.  Are also associated with medieval Norse mythology where “dravgr” were the dead bodies of warriors brought back to wage war on the living.

This concept of relevance for the LOT Necromancing the Stone ep most likely but won’t know until I see it.

Daniel Cerone tweeted:
"I forgot we lost my Hitchcock moment in the final act.  Ah well, season 2.  Fingers crossed. #Constantine #SaveConstantine 25/4/2015 Cameo
Was this for 1.13??
Look for David Goyer and I sitting at end bar when John walks out.
My Hitchcock moment. #Constantine. #SaveConstantine #Hellblazer"

Redemption
Constantine mentions redemption here again as recurring theme.  Redemption  being one way for Constantine to salve or assuage his conscience over Astra.  His own Achilles Heel in some respects.  His turning to the dark arts was his own way of struggling and giving his life meaning.  However, it is a wonder that he didn't sign or sell away his soul at this early stage of his 'sorry' life.  But suicide did enter the equation. See Redemption.

Another scene indicative or implying  Constantine doesn't have a phone (mobile/cell).  Jim gets to the nitty gritty of Zed's past which is something Constantine didn't get to do - in honesty he had problems of his own with Midnite and now the new reveal.

Blood Moon a reference to the New 52 Future's End also included Constantine.
Gary's death was like in the comics and he 'haunts' John' any chance he gets; as well as coming to his help.
Some tweets from Matt:
"I would run I mile from that house. But John would prob run towards it ha #Constantine 14 Feb 2015 But  personally I'd be like John love the scary paranormal world!!"

"What I love about john is you can put him in any situ and he will find a way through.  #Constantine #SaveConstantine"

My Matt Ryan book.  Yeah I know a lot of you are fans in name only which is fine but this was a labourious one to write so do check it out!!

https://www.amazon.com/Matt-Ryan-Behind-Becoming-Constantine/dp/0244677557/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1526609115&sr=8-4&keywords=mila+hasan

"In Quest of the Indescribable: The Artistry and Life of a Gem Carver" by Glenn Lehrer Review

                                                       
I received Glenn's book last June when it was first sent out by Gemporia and had put it aside after reading, intending to write a review as there were many interesting aspects to it, not least of which had nothing to do with the jewellery side of Glenn's life, but more the aesthetics.  I picked it up again lately when I had a little more time (a year later go figure ha!  But it was my third read) and finally decided to get down some thoughts on it.  Firstly you don't have to be a jewellery lover or even like or own any of Glenn's exquisite pieces of jewellery which are works of art; of and within themselves.
Each one is masterfully crafted with precision, dedication, creative flair and years of lapidary experience.  Each one is also unique as each is handcrafted.  My first purchase was the Torus ring.  Again a work of beauty mirroring the iris of the eye and found in many patterns of mother nature's splendorous creations.

Who is Glenn Lehrer?
Gem crafter, lapidarist extraordinaire, jewellery creator and fascinating carver of wondrous gem art.  With many of his carvings being especially commissioned and adorning pride of place in many museums as well as the GIA.  (Gemological Institute of America)

Getting to what I enjoyed about the book was the freeflow of thoughts and concepts.  It wasn't clogged up with useless facts, or formal in having to follow a specific chapter or order and I also liked how Glenn kept referring to different areas and aspects of his life and then would veer away to another topic before returning to write and explain some more about the first thing he was describing.  It may seem haphazard to some, but it all made sense.  Especially as I sometimes do the same, jump about from page to page expressing varied views before returning to the topic at hand and digressing.  It keeps the writing and chains of thought fresh and on point.

I especially enjoyed and was fascinated by the areas on astral projection and his dreams.  How he was led to this career, guided if you like, and never giving up on his dream, no matter the obstacles in his way.  As well as the dangers he met whilst travelling and how he overcame them.  Being honest in his approach and writings, even calling his book perhaps a little "vain" in having to write about himself.  It is more of a memoir of his life's adventures and how all the facets slotted into place enhancing his love of gems and gemology.  In Glenn's own words, he saw it as a "fantastic opportunity...to share with the world the life, art and inside view of a Gem artist's mind and studio."

Glenn's gem journey began in 1975 after his brother, Wayne handed him a Quartz crystal and how this had a physical impact on him as the surge of energy shot through his body to his head,  he wasn't aware of the impact of crystals at the time, indeed as he says no one did.  This included himself not having an interest in jewellery at all.  This monumental piece of crystal led Glenn to buy lapidary equipment for the very first time and the rest as they say is history.  As well as the fascinating history of crystals and how "our consciousness is a mirror of the very symmetry of the mineral kingdom, which forms with exacting crystallography."

To me and for me the most interesting part of the book was Glenn's experiences with the mystical and the paranormal, having an interest in the paranormal too and its impact on our lives and not just through mere beliefs but also experiences.  Which for Glenn began when he was 18 and when he started having 'out-of-body experiences' and how these were the catalyst and enlightening him to "discover my muse in Gem Art."  As his lucid dreams led to his understanding the world of science as it pertains to the universe more.  And I can relate to that in part, having such vivid and intense dreams on certain objects and themes, including the paranormal.  It is such a surreal feeling at times.
These mystical experiences impacted on Glenn's life as a jewellery designer and lapidarist as being his "inspiration and moral compass" in his life and designs.

Even getting to be on TV and The Oprah Winfrey Show.  Have to agree with Glenn's views on being on that since there was just chaos for ratings and not to understand what the particular issue/concept meant and how it could be interpreted and given meaning in other's lives. If you've got a guest on; it's professional courtesy to hear them out and not cut them off!  Glad Glenn walked out of there in disgust and protest and as they say or I do, it's not worth even dwelling on something that has such a negative impact!  But at least speaking up and being vocal was the right thing to do and we must all be like that especially in today's society and world!

A staggering and perceptive read including chapters on his early life, finding his muse, historical aspects of art and gems.  Including an overview of his own Lehrer Studio in San Francisco.  His  European journey into meeting the gem masters of Idar-Oberstein in Germany who helped him hone his craft.  His love and fascination of gemstones and his appearance on Gemporia on TV.  As well as an eye opening chapter on crystals: their inner workings in an exceptionally annotated chapter on Transformational Crystallography: The Seven Systems of consciousness in Nature and the Geometry and Color of Consciousness.  I found this section fascinating and it brought back my late father's love of gemology. Oh and there are plenty of wonderful pictures too!

However Glenn's journey doesn't end with the close of the book or the final chapter, as he commented writing this after how he has only experienced at least two thirds of his life.  Which means he has much more to explore and create still and learn.  But it is such a masterful and unique insight to this world not all of us can enter.  Do read it as it is far more revealing than anything that can be written or reviewed about it.  As said you don't even have to to be a part of the jewellery world or have an interest in it.

In Quest of the Indescribable: The Artistry and Life of a Gem Carver Glenn Lehrer (2016) 
Published by Gemporia

Constantine 1.4 "A Feast of Friends" Review

                                             
Zed and Constantine just enjoying a day out talk of the powers of dabbling, not in magic but drugs of course.  Okay it wasn't just a normal day out!  Where Constantine tells her that seriously psychic energy is all about letting go and she must lower her wall first, what of inhibitions.  She sees coins.  Her visions are too much to allow her to 'dabble.'
Constantine: "pennies from heaven - subtle as a snake."  As Manny appears.  Constantine says that Zed can go her own way after they find out about the Rising Darkness.  Manny mentions how people are scared to be around him.  But she's not afraid and once again why bring that up when he's the one who's big on free will and making their own choices.

There's been a break in at the mill
Constantine: "well bugger me, Gary bloody Lester."  Newcastle and Astra are mentioned.  Newcastle being a town in North East England (for those whose geography has never been a strong point, heck forget geography it's just general knowledge!)  With the most horrible weather and the worst footy team!  Talking of "dabbling" (which of course has more than one meaning) and in walks Gary who has dabbled cos of Astra.  He tells them about the demon in Sudan and of  "power patterns for binding...containment markings" on the boy.  This is Gary's "chance to atone."  Someone put the demon in the man and he must get the demon back into the bottle.

Zed thinks Gary's lucky to have Constantine as a friend, saying also that "nobody's hopeless."  Strong guyliner on Constantine going on in this ep"  Forget about the Rising Darkness!  Ha.

Constantine: "Gary's is a life wasted."  Which is ironic.  The demon has an urge to devour everything related to food and is a 'Hunger Demon.'  Matt's accent was strong in some scenes than in others and this was obvious.
Constantine: "bollocks we are who we are!"
Gary: "charging head first into the face of danger."  Most of the Newcastle Crew just wanted to be around him and to learn some "black magic with John Constantine - who could say no."  Fear not Constantine has a plan which will backfire in some Constantine manner.  Think he was already fully aware the vessel wouldn't work and was just trying it out to humour Gary, buy some time, cos deep down he knew it wouldn't work.

Guess the black tie was appropriate in this ep again and he heads for the meat plant a little flashback to Matt's appearance in Torchwood.  Bringing back memories with the meat suit, ha!  Where you got to ride in that Pontiac Firebird!  Really jealous as it's one of my fave cars!! [The Rockford Files!] This was another one of those eps where you watch it, think of the outcomes/message and then see cute guy in bad mode!! You of course, gosh you stood out so much in these 'little' parts and lodged (ha!) or should that be squatted!?! in my subconscious and mind.  Cos that's where I saw you first, in these Brit shows and somehow you just stood out for me, even in such scenes!  Even after being tasered on the head!!  Shallowness aside, you didn't pull any punches in your portrayals and appearances and that just showed you had a long way to go but that you'd make it!  But as I said the real impact came with Criminal Minds:Suspect Behaviour cos it was hey it's cutie pie again from those shows!! But glad I got to see you in our home grown shows and leading to the future impact you had on me, not just as an actor, but also as a sweet, wonderful, friendly person. Cute Guy person!! ha.
The alien manatee was much like the Doctor who ep with Doctor eleven and the ship that was being carried by ?/ The United Kingdom transport??  Dale's line of wanting to make money and nothing but was so on topic even more these days.  Doing nothing wrong cos he didn't see it as sentient but just a piece of meat, hence the title!  Of course this could be applied to Dale: piece of greedy meat that he was!!
Another Supernatural reference from me of course, literally when he has to cover himself with it, to save himself from the demon.  But that jar was already too small and not strong enough to hold it, let alone blaming it on the Rising Darkness being too powerful.  And stronger than any demon he's come across.

Constantine in his crass way only picks up how Zed "touched" Gary in that way, yeah one track mind and here we thought it was all about dealing with evil.  Zed gets Gary's withdrawal symptoms and heads for help leaving her alone.
Constantine hasn't taken psychedelics for a while.  Once the mist is taken the effects last forever.

Gary says he betrayed Constantine and Astra wasn't his fault.  Gary was high and during the seance he ran and hid.  Constantine tells him it wasn't his fault as he never should've gotten them involved, "because not your world - never was."  Constantine never blamed him and he was right to be afraid but "everyone has the capacity to change."  Gary hasn't heard him say that before.
Constantine: "exactly.  He says the demon needs a living human body and Gary realizes that was Constantine's plan after all.  "You sneaky bastard - my chance to make my life mean something."  There's no going back and it will be painful.
Constantine: "there's no better way to go out and rage?? than  John Constantine." ?? He's proud of Gary as he saved lives even if Constantine tricked him.  It was his choice and his atonement.  Zed doesn't approve and she has to deal with it but on the other hand, she doesn't want to leave Constantine either!  Manny was by Gary's side but what help was he.  Gary exercised his free will and yet there was no help for him to ease his suffering.

Zed and Constantine have a conversation on doing drugs and she doesn't need them and she rightly says they would interfere with her visions.  Conversely she'd also be affected since she needs a clear head, seeing as her visions are always cryptic.  (Yeah like they were sent by Manny being Cryptic Angel.)  Nicely leading onto the appearance of Gary "Bloody" Lester - who incidentally has 'dabbled' and mainly cos of Astra, but in the ep towards the end, he says he already was high and ran away.  Astra's death only made him continue this path of destruction and self-pity.
See in contrast to Constantine's treatment of Ritchie later.

Constantine's comment of Gary's life being wasted is ironic in lots of way as that's what Constantine would've been doing too - had he not turned to the Dark Arts and Magic.  Not something teens should be involved in, but do it anyway.  But in his case, it was something that saved him and how he uses that knowledge to save others.  Gary sees capturing the Hunger Demon as a way of finding atonement and salvation.  Again ironically Gary's mention of atonement is exactly what he'll end up doing.  But unbeknownst to him, he too will become a sacrifice.  Thus the twist: his life will no longer be wasted and would've meant something after all.  Even if Constantine has to bare the slack and amass more guilt knowing sacrificing a friend is the only way the demon can be vanquished.

Also an allusion to the title since his sacrifice is 'fittingly' a 'feast of friends' as one by one the Newcastle Crew pops up and ends up meeting their doom.  But also a double meaning in the demon causing people to devour people?? by its acute urges to gorge itself.

Hunger Demon: possesses a bloody human and gorges on food and then leaves the body - and all sorts of destruction in its wake.  One for the Dean Winchester books if ever he encountered it.  The containment spell can only work on a human and not a jar as was demonstrated by Constantine - the demon was too powerful.  Another consequence of the Rising Darkness.  Yet it leaves Gary in pain for days before the end with Manny standing by and watching, as said.  There at least could've been something he could've done to speed up the process since this surely wouldn't have been seen as an interference with human free will.
You'd think Manny would show some quid pro quo as he was the one who initially came to Constantine for help!

Going back to that opening conversation between  Zed and Constantine - she now experiences the effects of Gary's withdrawals when she touches him.  Funnily enough Constantine can't move past the moment they "touched".  Like Zed would actually do that with someone who he's a friend of, for starters and in the millhouse!

More importantly this ep took me back to Matt's appearance in Torchwood ep Meat, when he was involved in procuring and selling 'alien' meat!  Yet more foreshadowing in many ways for this ep in the future .
The Leviathan in Supernatural season 4?? were into eating humans and they were their primary food source.  This Hunger Demon feeds on food and humans in a roundabout way.

The episode was inspired by Issue #1 Hellblazer (1988) and is one of Matt's fave episodes.
Hellblazer  #1 Hunger and Hellblazer #2 A Feast of Friends.

Nommo was an East African mystic.
Mnemoth: the Hunger Demon.

One review stated Zed did nothing in this but lie on the couch; well she was suffering Gary's symptoms and let's not forget this episode had to be about Gary and Constantine; as Gary was going to be killed off, so they had to settle old scores; so to speak and forgive.

The spell that Constantine uses in the hose to see what happened: phonetically from the script:
"Alworood min alawbee-aa Menemoth walamrad, meltahema min alnefoos, weh-yak nastaa-een fi talqe-hey hathehy alneaam min minwey-et walarad walhawah walnar walmeh.
Soltet al-arady almouqdesa tacht alsamah fowq tamkeen hathehy altahara wa-ahsar aley alabad ra-yeea Menemoth raheeb!"

In English translated.
"Mnemoth, great lord of epidemics, pandemics, devourer of souls, we beseech you to receive these blessings of the spirits, the earth, air, fire, and water"

Gotta give a massive shout out to my friend Ali for helping me when my head wasn't in the right headspace, cos man that English written as Arabic did my head in!! Spelling was not on par at all!  Kudos for rescuing me when I needed it!
In Arabic:
Mnemoth ، رب عظيم من الأوبئة ، والأوبئة ، الملتقط من النفوس ، ونحن نطلب منك أن تتلقى هذه البركات من
الأرواح والأرض والهواء والنار والماء

Alworood min alawbee-aa Menemoth walamrad, meltahema min alnefoos, weh-yak nastaa-een fi talqe-hey hathehy alneaam min minwey-et walarad walhawah walnar walmeh.
Soltet al-arady almouqdesa tacht alsamah fowq tamkeen hathehy altahara wa-ahsar aley alabad ra-yeea Menemoth raheeb!

Read more: https://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/view_episode_scripts.php?tv-show=constantine-2014&episode=s01e04

Alworood min alawbee-aa Menemoth walamrad, meltahema min alnefoos, weh-yak nastaa-een fi talqe-hey hathehy alneaam min minwey-et walarad walhawah walnar walmeh.
Soltet al-arady almouqdesa tacht alsamah fowq tamkeen hathehy altahara wa-ahsar aley alabad ra-yeea Menemoth raheeb!

Read more: https://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/view_episode_scripts.php?tv-show=constantine-2014&episode=s01e04

Supernatural 3.10 Dream a Little Dream of Me Sam and Dean add Bobby's hair to the tea consisting of African Dreamroot (or Serene Capensis-  cool name and how I recall it, well it just rolled off the tongue!) to enter his dream,  see 1.13 where Constantine eats some of the missing girl's Vesta hair to find info on what happened to her.  Yuk forget the gore with Grams in 1.1, this was worse!
In this ep of Supernatural, Dream Dean (or Dreamy Dean ha!) sees himself and his past comes catching up - with his other self berating him.  Dean manages to shoot him and Dean doesn't deserve to rot in hell.  Finally he gets a Demon Dean version of himself; complete with black eyes and he's transformed into this due to his deal with the Crossroads Demon and this version taunts him with, "this is what you're going to become."  In much the same way as the demon Nergal showed himself as Constantine in 1.1 telling him to take a look at his future.
Dean admitting to Sam he doesn't wanna die and got to hell - in much the same way Constantine does in 1.9?

Here Dean says Dad was an "obsessive bastard" Dean’s looking out for Sam now, he always has and says the same thing in 1.18, Dean is the one who bears the responsibility and burden of looking after him, always has, always will.  (For as long as he is around.)
Get the part about Dean not having an original thought in his head – true for where he saved Sam (2.22) would he have thought of doing this if Dad hadn’t done it first.  Anyway, that’s for you to ponder.  See, Dean dreams about becoming a demon, but as I said, only after the thought’s been planted in his head by Ruby and Sam.
 Dean takes the easy way out even in his dreams by shooting Demon Dean. That’d help, so he doesn’t have to listen to the truth.

African Dreamroot, also known as Xhosa. Is used in South African spiritual rituals – containing a “psychoactive” mixture leading to lucid dreams.  In traditional terms, was used to make contact with ancestors.  Xhosa shamen call the plant silene ubulau meaning, white paths.

Gary seems to garner approval from Constantine for what he learned from him in some sort of  schoolboy fashion: "you should have seen me John, I trapped a demon in a bottle."  A reference to Gary's addiction - but also how it's one place where demons can be drowned.  We've seen it with Constantine on many occasions when he needs that drink and to just pick up that "bottle."  Aka 'demon drink.' - it's not called this for nothing you know"
Demon in a Bottle Tony Stark's alcohol addiction story in Iron Man shares this title too.  Thanx to my friend for that.  Massive RDJ fan!!

Daniel Cerone this ep was "literally ripped from the pages of Hellblazer.  It brings back Gary Lester - it's a fantastic story that translated so well to screen...we're breaking episode 17 right now [14 January 2014] and we have a fantastic ride ahead.  Before the end of the season you're going to meet and get tho know everyone of John's friends from Newcastle involved in the exorcism of Astra [leading] to the eternal torment of John's soul."

Apt stage for their 'acting out' at the end where Gary's ready for the sacrifice and to "go out a mage - like John Constantine."  Still in an attempt to impress or atone more likely at this point.  Filmed at Atlanta's Fox Theatre.  Matt would've felt right at home on the stage here, as would Jonjo as Gary.

1.4 & above  "[Zed] did not understand that Gary wanted to go out doing something positive for a change.  He needed to do this - to go out on a more positive bang - than under the bridge doing some drugs.  She starts to understand John has a bigger load to carry than she thought, and there's a deeper side to him than what he lets people see.  That just bought Zed closer to him."  Yes that's what John said.  He's very complicated and what you see is not what you get with him.  It's much more intertwined and multi-faceted.

Zed and Constantine: "I'm waiting for that relationship to evolve 1.9.  Anne Marie comes in and Zed doesn't like it.  She's extremely territorial and vice versa.  There are a couple of guys that come into Zed's life and John isn't happy about it.  I like that we're stretching it out.  That's what happens in the real world.  You don't just jump into bed with someone. [Tell it to John!] You sort it out but Zed is infatuated with John."

Angelica was pleased the show was getting such a response.  Especially with the creative licence of writers.  "The stories are getting crazier and we're really pushing the envelope towards the end of the season."

They had 15 episodes already for season 1 which Angelica said would be re-worked for season 2 (and there's that mention again).  She was contracted for 13 eps - not 15,19 or 20.  They were in uproar over cancellations and fans wondered what happened.  "There are other series that started off slow trying to see what they were doing."
The fan support was humbling.  Especially the #SaveConstantine and on set they thought "we have got to make this good.  Forget whatever the actors want.  No - we have fans to please so we better step this up."

It's in the comics yes.  But it's different on TV since it needs to be brought out before hitting on it for real and how they do have a mutual attraction as soon as they meet in the comics.  They did have that chemistry in 1.2.  Even if they were strangers there was plenty of flirting going on - even if Constantine didn't know her or trust her yet.
Matt on Constantine and Zed's burgeoning relationship and romance.  "There is definitely a sexual chemistry between them, as well as the fact they need each other.  He uses her but he becomes attached to her."  Such as in 1.2.
Matt: "they're flirting (as I said).  There's always stares - these things you - when you really like someone, you don't have to tell them.  When it's there you don't have to say not one thing.  You just feel it - you look at each other - you have a pause - a moment - you might touch."

Angelica "to Zed, she's been waiting for John for years.  He's finally there and she can't let him go."

That Matt Ryan book available here now

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0244677557/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1526177247&sr=8-7&keywords=mila+hasan

Once Upon A Time 7.20 "Is This Henry Mills?" Review

                                                
As Gothel (Emma Booth) continues her quest on ridding humans, Lucy (Alison Fernandez) tells Reggie (Lana Parrilla) that the curse isn't broken and true love's kiss didn't work, as a fierce storm approaches.  She also tells her Facilier (Daniel Francis) gave her the magic but nothing happened.  Leading Reggie to try her own magic harnessing the power of the storm in an attempt to aid her.  Rumples (Robert Carlyle) approaches and gives her the magic he took from Nick/Hansel's blood and apologizes for taking her magic.  He was wrong and thinks he will never reunite with Belle.  It's about time he thought about his own family here such as his grandson, Henry.  As well as Lucy being his great granddaughter but that's never mentioned. 

Jacinda (Dania Ramirez) packs for the Island along with Lucy and Henry (Andrew J West) as Sabine (Mekia Cox) comments she hasn't seen Drew (Jeff Pierre) in ages.  Lucy shows her the tarot card she go from Facilier and they think he might be there as Jacinda and Sabine head on over there.  Reggie takes the potion to try and jog Henry's memory and pours some in his coffee as she takes him over some grilled cheese, his favourite.  But it doesn't work.  After she thinks that the real story book, the second version will perhaps make Henry remember who he is.  Victoria will have taken it to the grave with her so she's going to dig up the book herself, not dig up the alleged DBs of Henry's family.  Telling Lucy that's why she kept all her secrets in a crypt cos you take them to the grave with you. 
Lucy later gets a message from Reggie to get Henry over to the bar. 

In Storybrooke Reggie gives Henry (Jared S Gilmore) her car to drive as he's now in Senior year and he must be thinking about going to college at Storybrooke, but Henry says SBC isn't for him.  He wants to leave and go somewhere else cos he's not a child of the curse but was born in the city.  Reggie is disappointed as she doesn't want to see him leave home.  but realizes she has to let him go cos he's growing up.

At the bar Reggie shows Henry their photo together and that she researched it and found Reggie did adopt a boy named Henry.  That she is Reggie and the photo isn't a fake.  Henry still refuses to believe event though he's meant to have "the heart of the truest believer."  After touching the book he doesn't remember and Lucy runs away.  In Storybrooke Henry gets offers to every place he applied to but he tells Reggie it wasn't the real Henry they accepted.  A made up one who didn't send them his essay on Storybrooke but something else so he doesn't want to leave now.
Henry tells Reggie in Hyperion Heights that he has all this pain he carries around after losing everything in the fire.  If he's not really this Henry then he just carries it around for nothing and it isn't real.  He is still leaving.  This scene between the two was a memorable and moving one and is one to watch a few times over.  The most powerful, in my opinion, in this entire season! 
Henry: "I'm done searching for answers in our imaginery past."
Also Henry's fire reference and losing his family in part appeared to be a foreshadow to Gothel meeting her end in a fire.   Retribution for making him believe his own family perished in this way all this time cos of the curse making him forget everything.

At the coven ritual the witches are turning into trees after completing what must be done and returning to nature.  Tilly (Rose Reynolds) refuses to stop the ritual when Hook (Colin O Donoghue) asks her to.  He gets out of his ropes and gets away going to Rumples; who tells him magic is real.  He has to believe that or believe he is mad.  He had that connection to Tilly which means he knows she's his daughter.  He always had this shock to his heart whenever he was near her.  They try to help her using Margot's (Tiera Skovbye) help.  She tries to help Tilly but she refuses to listen and Tilly repels her to the other side of the cave and shrinks all three of them.  Hook recalling they all turned into trees.

As Henry heads to the apartment he guesses the trip's off and he recalls what advice he was given about "home isn't a place.  It's the people in it.  They'll always  be with you."  He looks at the file that miraculously turned up in hie bag and he dials the number.  After Reggie had explained to him that Gothel made them appear here in the land without magic, but in Storybrooke they are still in the past and Henry finally picks up the phone in Storybrooke on his graduation day.  He speaks with his younger self and wishes him luck, reminding him of the home line.  Also that he should open the gift that fell behind the dresser as well.  It's a magic bean from Tiny.  Older Henry recalls that conversation.

In Hyperion Heights, Reggie faces Gothel with her trusty baseball bat, but doesn't get very far as she's knocked out by Gothel.  Henry turns up though how he knew where she was is anyone's supposition.  Reggie doesn't wake up but he kisses her.  YES!  This was the moment I was waiting for true love's kiss was valways Reggie and Henry.  No not in that way: mother and son!  Cos as said, Henry and Jacinda just didn't have that chemistry and weren't suited to each other romantically!  Reggie wakes and gets her magic back but it's still not enough to defeat Gothel.  That was left up to Tilly and she says she doesn't want to be like her but better than her and to use her magic for good.  As she turns Gothel into a tree, a rather burnt out tree and makes flowers grow around her.  Well Gothel always wanted soil and a garden.  Hook is still in pain and he finally recalls he's Captain Hook and calls Rumples "Crocodile." 

Sabine now Tiana and Jacinda/Ella go after Facilier but he makes his escape and she calls him Naveen again after they find him at Facilier's.  Rumples goes to retrieve his dagger but it's gone.  Turning up at Facilier's he finds his photo album with Belle and Facilier gets his comeuppance as Rumples: the Beast returns.  Telling him he can't escape Wish Rumples dearie!  Yay cue Rumples v Rumples for that final showdown in the final episode of this show.  Rumples wants the dagger.
Jared returning to play Henry in giving him some meaning and purpose behind who Henry is in Hyperion Heights.  Also how he wasn't worthless and did he get his adventures courtesy of the magic bean.

Rumples also hinting at Hook and calling him "captain" in a bid to make the truth a little easier for him.  Captain didn't necessarily have to refer to a ship's captain they were meant to be police officers after all, so in Hook's confused mind still could've meant anything.  Heck he could've had a bad day like Tilly but he refused to think he was mad otherwise everything he saw and experienced with Tilly would've been all in his mind too.  As well as what Naveen told him about Hansel over the past two episodes.   But what will happen when he finds out he's not an original Hook only a copy.  Will it really matter?  Yet it's kinda a little like Rumples and Gold/Rumples/Wish Rumples and their showdown.  Just like Henry had a conversation with his younger self which was a nice ploy showing that there is real magic and it transcends lands.

Henry and Reggie's kiss was a nice harkback to season 1 when Emma did the same for Henry, so from one mother to another in many ways. 

It took a long time to finally break that darned curse and everything will get to a head now as everyone remembers.  Some ups and downs in this but let's hope everyone gets their happy endings otherwise seven years would've all been for nothing.  But it can't be that easy and someone must be sacrificed!  Also we didn't get much on Alice and how she was Alice or her journeys and it was taken for granted we'd just accept who she was.  Would've loved a spin off with Rumples and Belle or Rumples and Wish Rumples, but then that'd be too much for some!  Also Reggie loses another potential love interest, she was better off as Evil Reggie in many ways at least she didn't have to keep dealing with those setbacks!

Constantine 1.3 "The Devil's Vinyl" Review

                                                
Chas comments how 'Zed' means 'zero' and she's cryptic about her parents naming her cos she didn't say they did.  Constantine's naked and covered in blood here.  Referring to the comment Matt made in enough interviews about being this way and what the producers put him through.  What price being Constantine?  ha.
Sacrificing the chicken naked - well  Zed got an eyeful (even though she wasn't expecting to) but what was the chicken sacrificed for?  We do know he was trying out a new ritual.  But you really weren't completely in the buff whilst filming cos that'd be a shock to anyone's system!  Ha.
Yet again the chicken sacrifice reference - once again - I direct you to future foreshadowing in in Knives In Hens and if I've said it too much, well I don't apologize for it.
Chas takes Zed on a tour of the millhouse (couldn't we just call it mill.)  Which was foreshadowing (see elsewhere.)
He mentions "supernatural bushfires" and he doesn't believe in coincidences.  Zed: "this is my education" as he's leaving when she's here.
Constantine asks Chas to check her out, she may be "legitimate or may have more unsavoury motives."  So she goes with him and makes comment on his purse, which is a laugh in itself cos it's large!  Just as well we don't call them purses but bags, cos our use of purse signifies wallet size!!
He shows her the nails of St Padua: the patron saint of lost souls and so the nails follow one another, which of course will be used otherwise there'd be no need for him to show her.  He doesn't need any technology here.  Appears he's not a great believer in tech, a Luddite in many ways.

The dead man, Bernie was a friend and manager of the Mucous Membrane: his punk band.  He wasn't always a warlock as he tells Zed.  Referring to himself as such here. Is it now.  He translates his band as "a bunch of wankers trying to get laid." If the shoe fits!
He shows her the Hand of Glory.  "Every soul has a price - this one cost him his immortality.  Uses his magic card which is charmed and takes on the appearance of whatever the holder requires, like Doctor Who's psychic paper.  mentions?? who sold his soul and whilst he was recording, the acetate recorded something when he dies, the voice of the devil.
Marcus sees Manny who says the soul is the purest expression of God's love: God's spark of creation and the devil payment to God for casting him out, thus he takes them.

Zed: "isn't that illegal?"
Constantine: "almost everything I do is love...smug tosser."

Constantine: "I didn't see that one coming."  As in the pilot ep!  He didn't see dying and talks of the soul breaker and the First of the Fallen was the devil.  (Soul breaker being the equivalent of Supernatural's crossroads demon.)  "Lose their parlay with the underworld."

Papa Midnite wants the recording and kidnaps Constantine to get it and injects him.  "I don't use zip ties without a safeword."  'Bollocks' that' d be his safeword!  Constantine being tied down again that's twice now.   The acetate is a jail free card that Constantine wants but not for himself.  And no one questioned the blood on his shirt in public.
Chas tells him Zed's not on any database and he thinks she could be useful.  Constantine and his black tie, well it looked more black on my screen than blue, and in the previous episode signifying the darkness, no, okay I said it instead.  Zed berates him for not seeing the boy is deaf showing his arrogance.  When he enters the building he uses headphones and listens to Johnny Rotten and the Pistols, but he should've used ear plugs instead.

Midnite turns up with a Winchester, if that don't beat all adding it was forged by a mystic in the west.

Supernatural 3.6  Red Sky At Night
The Hand of Glory must be the dried and preserved hand of a hanged man.  It must be the left hand, or if not, then if the crime committed by the dead man was murder, then it must be the hand which did the killing.  The hand was reputed to have been able to open any locked door.
The Hand of Glory was named for mandrake root, since the French word for this is maindegloire = hand of glory and mandragore = mandrake root.  Mandrakes are known to grow under the bodies of hanged criminals.  A hand pickled with the blood and fat of a hanged man, with a candle placed between the fingers.  When a thief enters a house he would chant, “Hand of Glory, shining bright, lead us to our sports tonight.”  As the candle burns – the householders were said to be undisturbed by the thief.

Another version of the chant was, “Hand of glory, hand of glory, let those who are asleep remain asleep – in a sleep that is fast and deep. But those who are awake, be wide awake.”

In the US TV series, Poltergeist, season 1 episode The Substitute, the Hand of Glory is also mentioned, here a variation of the chant was used; “Hand of glory, hand of power, conjured in the witching hour…”

Constantine sends the recording back to hell using its own dark magic.

Then deals with the soul breaker and gets him to eat his own words, viz the contract and his name is as old as the Aramaic on the rune and where the saying 'eat your own words' comes from.

Constantine: "we all negotiate deals with forces bigger than us but who are we truly negotiating with - the divine.  It's only natural prayer is one big negotiation with a higher power but in times of true crisis, people make a pact with whichever force it takes and pay whatever price."

Midnite makes a voodoo doll of Constantine, more as a way to vent his anger than use against him.  Well I have a Constantine ragdoll I made!!

Here Constantine repeats his line from 1.1 where he says he didn't see that coming again.  Perhaps by now he should, now that he has Zed helping him and since he's been doing this a long time he needs to be on top of the uncertainties and unexpectedness.

This legend of Robert Johnson selling his soul to the devil. 2.8 Crossroads Supernatural ep See below.
At least it saves me from rewriting all over again and researching!  All Supernatural references from my book are in italics.

This third episode takes that legend and turns it on its head.  Robert sold his soul to become a legendary singer.  Here we see how the bargain impacted the devil and in short - what was his reward?
Constantine uses his psychic paper - no that was Doctor Who but in similar fashion, it's a psychic playing card.  Jasmine got a good deal for her soul - 20 years, as opposed to Supernatural's 10 years.  Either way time goes by way too fast anyway.
Manny appears to Constantine but doesn't help him - always citing how free will means he can't interfere to help him.  Although he warns that Constantine may be losing his moral compass (well there are more than four points on a compass) and thinks Constantine might use the acetate (couldn't they just call it vinyl like we do).  Acetate sounds like such a crafting word and nothing to do with witchcraft either and he may use it to bargain with the devil instead and retrieve his soul from its intended damnation.  That was uncalled for since Constantine is not one who gives or takes bull and calling him out on this whilst he's in a vulnerable position (tied up) is not only untimely, but downright insulting.  I mean way to kick a man when he's down.  But after that, wouldn't have blamed Constantine at all for doing just that, bargaining with the devil; perhaps for Astra instead.

At least Constantine did get one over on Papa Midnite who was gunning for the acetate.  Bollux I'm calling it vinyl.  So at least he was able to exact revenge by not letting him have it.  This ep carried on with the damnation theme and how the recording was returned from whence it came.  Also demonstrating how evil gets a foothold in our world and how people are to blame for it; no matter how good their intentions - such as Jasmine saying her husband (my English Literature teacher at school used to call me Jasmine.  Strangely my dentist used to call me Jemima!)
Only things get out of hand, in contrast the Rising Darkness mentioned in 1.1 is a future occurrence and gathering momentum.  Didn't see anything wrong in nothing further being said about it considering it couldn't be rushed.  Especially since no one knew then how long the series would last.

Back in a tweet for a paranormal Q&A I mentioned how my mum told us a story she'd been told when she was little, where someone used listening equipment/recorders in a grave; curious to know what happens.  He went deaf listening to the playback.  Not the same thing as the recording here I know - but it does make you think of all the unknown things that are out there and how they could affect our world and probably do if you're a firm believer in all this.  And how there are some things perhaps we are not meant to find out in this world.

Mucous Membrane was in Hellblazer #11, #77; #162-163  Reference to Mucous Membrane which was a smalltime punk band formed by Constantine and Gary.  One single Venus of the Hardsell to which they also created a music video.  No longer remembered by anyone aside for their occult affiliations - the band that is.  Matt disappointed he didn't get to sing this song!

Annual #1
Papa Midnite: "a Winchester never misses.  Forged by a mystic in the Old West."

Supernatural 2.8 Crossroads
Rootwork’ is not a religion, but spells referred to for healing. ‘Rootwork’, also known as Hoodoo in Southern US, derives from the African word, juju, meaning, ‘magic’ or ‘voodoo’. Voodoo is also a corruption of the word ‘vodirn’, meaning ‘spirit’. Rootwork is also the African-American version of shamanism using herbs, rocks or organic material as a way to heal the mind or body and to solve problems.
In the early twentieth century, rootwork focused in many rhythm and blues songs.  Musicians felt they could sing about any topic thus performers did the same until the late 1970’s…songs such Muddy waters’, I Got My Mojo Working.’  Robert Johnson’s songs of mojos, curses, well known rootworkers and hot foot powder.  This was a mix of red pepper, black pepper, sulphur and salt.  It was sprinkled on the doorstep to make a foe move.  Robert Johnson never shared his music with anyone, as he considered it to be his livelihood. Rumours abound that Johnson sold his soul and that explained his great talent as a musician.  He was a strong believer in hoodoo and also used it.  He didn’t become a master guitarist by using the crossroads ritual.  However, Tommy Johnson, a contemporary of his, is claimed to have used the ritual.
Dean’s hangover cure: greasy pork sandwiches, served on an ashtray, all to make Sam feel even sicker.

The above Supernatural section leading nicely onto the LOT episode 3.14 Amazing Grace
In this episode about Elvis, they found that his guitar had the death totem which Constantine spoke about.  Seen as an allusion to 1.3 ep of Constantine itself when they referenced the legend of Robert Johnson.  Also tying this up with Constantine and LOT they found that Johnson's guitar contained the death totem and this subsequently became Elvis's guitar.  Sara adding she had been in contact with Constantine about the guitar and he stated she was dealing with the death totem.  No more details though and nothing was made of this Devil Vinyl's episode.

Constantine 1.2 "The Darkness Beneath" Review

                                              
Heading for Pennsylvania but Chas can't come cos of that succubus case and the outstanding warrant.   Zed is pissed by Constantine and this was no chance meeting.  "It's you...you're you...I dream about you."  Not exactly the first thing you wanna tell a stranger.  He's not that impressed and commenting on her looking at him from behind the window "like some long lost lover (!) tongue in his ear and in his pocket I bet."  Yeah okay, steady on with all this stuff now it's only your first meeting!  Ha.
Constantine: "that observation always ends the same way and it's never in my favour."  In response to her dreaming about him.

Zed: commenting on the picture she drew of him says how his "eyes are much darker in this one."
Constantine: "in light I always find mine..." answers that is.  Poking holes into the eyes "from one artist to another." (!)  That was pretty spot on.  Well he didn't find his wallet that's for sure and for such a master of most everything, didn't even realize it was missing.
She looks at his driving licence: UK
1) C. 2. J,3, 10-05-82
4a - 01-12-06.
4b. 01-12-15
4c DVLA
5 CONSTANTINE 10-1-ABFC!"!-1
7
8 England - UK
9 B,BE,C1,CIE,D1,DIE
F,K,I,n,P with a triangle
As for his licence picture, he looks like that?!! ha. Of course all these letters and numbers stand for various?? meanings and restrictions involving vehicles etc.  Had to laugh at his licence picture!  Yeah typical UK licences have loads of numbers to classify different categories. Also there's always a signature which happened to be missing on his one.

Irony that the man died in the shower leaving behind scorch marks since the town symbol is a dragon.  Constantine breathed more coal air than fresh in Liverpool.  Beware Tommy Knockers is what I said as he gets three knocks back.   As well as bringing a ready meal to a wake as only Constantine could.  See more strawberry blond hair colour than just blond.
Zed finds there's good energy to the honeymoon suite  She says he dropped his wallet and the $90 are missing from it.  Not like he's rich or anything so he really did need that money.  But he can win it back in some poker game somewhere.  They check out each other's trash.  A good view of Matt's triangle tat on his back in that scene and going shirtless for absolutely no possible reason!! Though I can think of many!

Zed has more visions concentrating on pain, and desperation.  And you can see their chemistry here being so up close and personal.  Here we go, Constantine being wet again.

Zed: "leave when I want you and show up when I don't want you."  He tells her who he is and she's on the run and he comments on the demons, "things in your paintings are real...They answer with something far more deadly than a charcoal pencil."  Ooh I don't know, pencils can be pretty deadly.
He talks of Coblynau the spirits of dead miners.  (See later.) As well as the Rising Darkness.

He's all muddied now which will call for getting wet some more and his "piss off nothing to look at here!"  Also Constantine gets very wet in this scene and episode and oh, let's not forget the shirtless scene and dirty too with all that mud that is!  Uses his wits to ward off evil.  "Darkness is spreading everywhere."  He works alone cos that's how he works best and obviously everyone who trusts him dies.  Zed says she was waiting for him, he found her and she doesn't know exactly what he's found.

Constantine: "I suppose it would be liberating to take a leap of faith, to shrug off the burden of proof - of the promise of hope...it takes trust to turn darkness to light and those who trust risk putting their faith in their own hands.  And there are those who'll pray for you and then there are those who'll prey on you and no matter how careful you are, sometimes you just can't tell the difference."

'ere be dragons as a warning.  We get to meet Zed finally and it's a tumultuous encounter in many ways since she's been drawing him vigorously and this meeting must've struck like lightning to find him here.  Of course Constantine's taken aback by her - not just by the look s of this beautiful stranger.  But also the mystery surrounding her and more importantly her interest in him.  She could be a nemesis after all.  Yet the sparks flew between them reinforcing the producers choice in casting Angelica - that fiery temperament too.  Zed is someone who can spar with Constantine, keep him in line as much as possible; but also be that 'new' friend he needs in this Rising Darkness fight, which won't be easy.  Battles with evil never are.

Beware the Tommyknockers - three knocks back - hey I said "knocking".  Superstitious characters more like imps and are the Cornish version of leprechauns.  They first came to light when the Cornish mined the Western Pennsylvania coal mines in the 1820's.  "Knockers" aka "knackers" signified the knockers on the mine walls before cave ins occurred.  They were thought of as both good and bad.
Constantine talks of Coblynau - in Welsh myth they are also gnome-like (akin to knockers) aka mine fairies and described as extremely ugly.  In this episode the description of these is more akin to (Tommy) knockers.  Yay me being spot on again.  St Asaph: Bishop and Abbot of Elvae (Elwy) in Wales - for whom the see is named.  (Also a city in Wales.)
Heddwich, Pennsylvania is a Welsh mining town.   Hence the numerous Welsh references such as the flags, St Asaph and being set in the Welsh Barony of Western Pennsylvania.

Zed won't leave his side even if she is running away from her own past and future in some ways and he does try to put her off in all fairness.  She doesn't take the hint or advice.  Needing to know what her visions and sketches mean and yes she is mad enough to walk this path with him; someone has to and she's sassy and badass enough.
Chas has won his bet on the horses - how they earn a living.

Zed's broom will ward off evil, the on he gives her by the campsite, as long as the bristles point up.  Constantine recites St Patrick's Breastplate aka a prayer of protection.

Most of the paintings are close reproductions of the comic covers art.  Zed obviously wouldn't look mush like the comics, if at all, but her visions are the key.

Also Constantine gets very wet in this scene and episode and oh, let's not forget the shirtless scene and dirty too with all that mud that is!

Obviously with Zed and their 'bumping' into one another; of course.  "John thinks she's stalking him, she's got a picture of him that she's been drawing, and he's like, 'who is this woman?'  Then he find s out she's got some kind of that abilities going on.  He's got this case and he feels that she could be useful."

Zed in Matt's words: "she's feisty.  She's someone with this special ability, with a secretive past who's slightly tormented."  {As is he.]  But driven - John inspired her in many ways and she's also very intrigued by him and what he does.  Especially as the questions come thick and fast - not only who she is - but why was she the "chosen" one - getting visions of him now - a complete stranger and obviously the Rising Darkness would be the pointer to finding out answers about this.  [If only we could have had answers.]

As for Zed seeing stuff at the mill, Angelica's answer was entwined with a double meaning: "Zed sees more that she likes to see."  Yeah John naked!!
Her fave location was the Army surplus store in 1.10.  Her fave scene was "John and Zed on the couch.  Being real."  I won't go there!  Ha.
"Zed sees more of Constantine than he would like."  That was just in 1.2 alone!  More to come.  Her fave scene when "John turns into Zed's drawing in the pilot."

Angelica on Lucy being replaced in the pilot episode: "I don't like this whole thing of replacing people - I don't think anybody replaces anybody else.  Everybody brings their own magic to the show.  The executive producers said maybe Liv will return in season 2.  I don't think Liv was replaced - it was more of the direction of the story they wanted to go in."  That's similar to what Bruce Greenwood said for the Dirty Dancing remake when he took over Jerry Orbach's role of Dr Jake Houseman in the original movie.  Each actor brings a part of themselves to any role they play.  Be it the same character role or a new character.  No two actors can play in a scene the same way especially if those roles are relatively different.

Get the feeling season 2 may have been a little jinxed, what with everyone from the producers to Angelica mentioning it in interviews.  A case of don't count your Constantine before season 2 was actually in the works and confirmed.  It's not really a superstitious thing cos sometimes things just are fated to play out that way.

Angelica didn't like the snakes - the two boas around her in art class and she wore a dress for that scene.  Rather snakes than spiders!  "I was feeling the ice cold blood of the snakes all on my skin - one boa - didn't want to constrict."  They tied it around her waist, it fell to the floor and she thought it would bite.  It did nothing.

Angelica: "it's a crash - a crash of emotions - thoughts - a crash of everything - a big WTF moment for Zed and Constantine is such a master of talking his way out of things and manipulation...but Zed is prepared for that."

"There's big tension there.  They can't keep their eyes off of each other with everything that's going on with both of them, Zed feels protection, camaraderie and admiration for Constantine...within that it's tough when you're battling life and death and heaven and hell to have something going on there!"

The show could be classed as having two pilots as Zed had to be introduced in 1.2.  But 1.4 was the definitive ep for the show - where it all clicked and fell into place.  Reinforcing the crux of who Constantine is and these characters.  Humour masking his darkness and guilt.  Demon hunting comes at a cost and one that Constantine paid over and over and continues to do so.  But not in monetary worth - but human loss.  That at the expense of his friends too!  Everything comes down to budget and money cos money talks to networks!

Reviews from My Matt Ryan book posted here cos not everyone will read that!