The Psychic Vortex

The Big Bang Theory S03E12 Review
by ManicallyDepressed

For this episode, Penny and Leonard argued about Penny’s belief on psychics while Raj and Sheldon went to a university mixer with Sheldon acting as Raj’s wingman.

Finally, Raj gets the airtime he deserves. Although as expected, Sheldon delivers most of the punch lines, Raj and Sheldon has good chemistry. Last time we saw them together was in The Creepy Candy Coating Corollary (S03E05) wherein they joined a trading-card competition. Their good chemistry was also undeniable in that episode, though this was more effective in terms of comedic opportunities because their situation is of non-geeky nature (“wingman”-ship). It also introduced some female characters that we might see again. The Penny-and-Leonard plotline was lame. It is simply forgettable and bland. I think it might have been funnier if there was a scene where Penny and Leonard actually met with the psychic.

In summary, it was a good episode, all thanks to Sheldon and Raj. The Incredible Hulk impression of Sheldon is the funniest thing I’ve seen on TV so far this year.

Close to You

 By Starman

 "Close to You" is the 14th episode of the fourth season of Heroes. There are only five episodes left before the season ends so expect stories to get wrapped up.

 This is a great episode for me because the plots that were introduced to us in previous episodes are starting to get entangled to each other. We get to see Samuel in action again. I was disappointed though that he just used the dust for his escape. He is a very powerful man and I can't stand seeing his powers get wasted. Emma's importance to the story comes out in this episode through a brief glimpse of the future. Peter will also be revealed as the man that could replace Joseph. No details were given to the latter's power, but I guess we could safely assume that Joseph has that empathy thing. The main entanglement in this show was between Hiro, Ando, Dr. Suresh and Noah Bennet. They are now together, physically, and have a unified goal. Nothing much to say about Sylar, who still doesn't know where his going.

Expect resolutions and revelations as the latest season of Heroes approaches its finale.

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"You know some days, maybe you just can't save the whole world. Some days you're better of just getting your house in order."

- Matt Parkman to Noah Bennet

5 Reasons Why We NEED to Watch Chuck Season 3

by ManicallyDepressed

In less than 24 hours, our favorite geek is back! It seems like it was only yesterday that TV executives are debating on continuing the series. Although with budget cuts, I am excited for the 2-hour premiere and the rest of the season. In this article, I give you 5 reasons why canceling this great series may start World War III. These are the things we may be expecting for this season.

If you are not into the series, do NOT continue reading. This article includes big spoilers.

Upon This Rock / Let it Bleed

 By Starman

"Upon This Rock" and "Let it Bleed" is the 12th and 13th episode of the season 4 of Heroes. It aired as a back-to-back episode on January 4, 2010.

The series has turned to a much darker tone these past few episodes. It has already killed one of its main characters, Nathan Petrelli, and death is now possible to any of the other heroes. But this change did not help in making this episode a great one. The plot is either confusing or it makes no sense at all. Take for example Edgar going to Noah. He asks for his help to take down Samuel and gave him information. Realizing Noah would destroy his family, he escaped with all the information he just gave. This made no progress to the plot and now were back with Noah knowing nothing about Samuel and the carnival. Sylar's plot is also starting to look like the one he had during Season 3. He has no direction at all. Hiro's condition will take a lighter tone now that his mind is all jumbled up. Peter, however, would still remain in his be-a-hero state. It's only a matter of time before he starts to get entangled with the carnival.

The one thing that I liked about this episode is the confrontation between Samuel and Sylar. Though it was a very brief one, it showed what Samuel is capable of. I can't wait for him to use his powers against some of our heroes.

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"And I thought freedom was just another word for nothing left to lose."

- Samuel discussing with Claire

The Maternal Congruence

The Big Bang Theory S03E11 Review
by ManicallyDepressed

This episode marks the second appearance of Leonard’s mother, Beverly Hofstader (Christine Baranski). It revolves around Beverly’s visit for the holidays. Dilemma arises for Leonard on whether or not he will tell his mother about his relationship with Penny. What Leonard didn’t know is that his mother is bringing far serious news.

Frankly, I didn’t enjoy this episode. I found the main plot to be dull, and there was no subplot to support it. The episode presents no development to any character, even to Beverly. Beverly’s character had too much focus for this episode, disregarding most of the main characters, especially Raj and Wolowitz. For its humor content, it hardly presents something new. Most of the jokes in this episode are recycled from the episode of Beverly’s first appearance. Beverly’s character was well received on its first appearance. In fact, Christine Baranski received an Emmy nomination for her performance. It is perfectly logical to put Christine Baranski back on the show, but to repeat everything she did the first time, and capping it off with a “Fa-la-la-la-la la-la la-la” (to let you know that this is the last episode before the holidays), will surely not earn her another nomination.

There is really nothing to look forward to in this episode, except if you think a kissing scene between Sheldon and Beverly is funny. Personally, I might have two or three sleepless nights.

Sectionals

 By Starman

Sectionals is the 13th episode of the first season of Glee. It is the mid-season finale of the show and will continue airing next year on April. The cover songs performed by New Directions are the following: "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going"(Dreamgirls), "Don't Rain on My Parade"(Barbara Streisand), "You Can't Always Get What You Want"(Rolling Stones) and "My Life Would Suck Without You"(Kelly Clarkson).

Lea Michele impresses everyone again with her broadway-like performance of "Don't Rain on My Parade". Their choreography for their final song("My Life Would Suck Without You") is also a collection from their previous performances (in case you miss it). There is emotion attached to it and it just fits the moment everyone was in. This is definitely one of their best performance. Storywise, there are a lot of development in everyone. Though I think they cramped up too much of the plot in this one episode. It was a satisfying ending now that all of the previous conflicts are now resolved. This episode will show us more of the lovely Jayma Mays. Her portrayal of the myosophobic Emma Pillsbury is just great.

Sectionals is definitely the best episode, as of now. Overall, it has great performances and resolutions in the plot that will surely make you crave for more Glee. I can't wait to see how things will turn out for the next episode which, unfortunately, will air next year.

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"Just left your wife. Exactly... you just did."

-Emma Pillsbury

The Gorilla Experiment

The Big Bang Theory S03E10 Review
by ManicallyDepressed

The main plot of the episode revolves around Wolowitz being jealous because of his girlfriend’s growing interest on Leonard’s work. This is the third episode we have seen the character of Bernadette (Melissa Rauch). The subplot involves Sheldon trying to teach Physics to Penny.

Admittedly, the subplot overshadows the main plot. The best thing about the main plot is that it grants a huge buildup on Bernadette’s character. I guess we will be seeing more of her in the future. A common-themed humor presented in the episode is the one about the shoes which I didn’t find funny at all. The subplot is simply ingenious. The very thought of having a student-teacher relationship between Sheldon and Penny is hilarious. The subplot paved way to the closing scene, and despite the last joke being predictable, it still turned out funny as Penny delivered it, and was redeemed by the Fig Newton bit.

In summary, the episode was good but not great. I just hope there will be more of Raj in the upcoming episodes. We miss those Raj's one-liners.

Mattress

 By Starman

"Mattress" is the 12th episode of Glee. The plot revolves around the Glee club being left out of the yearbook because of budget cuts and other issues. Cover songs include "Jump" (Van Halen), "Smile" (Lily Allen) and "Smile" (Charlie Chaplin).

Best. Episode. Ever... Simply because the fake pregnancy plot is finally over. We get to see the other side of Will Schuester. Matthew Morrison provided some intense acting in his confrontation with Jessalyn Gilsig's character, Terri. I have never seen him that angry before. Revelations will be seen in how Will and Terri individually see their relationship. Nice timing for the end of this plot because Emma and Ken's wedding is drawing near. I am excited to see how things will turn up. Most of the performances were lead by Rachel, now the official captain of the club. Their tiring performance of "Jump" was great.

"Mattress" is an episode that has few performances and a large development in the plot. This is what we need especially now that Sectionals is right around the corner.

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"You're too busy chasing tail and loading your hair with enormous amounts of products."

-Sue Sylvester on Will Schuester

Hairography

 By Starman

The title of the 11th episode of Glee is "Hairography". Prepare to see more of Terri in this episode. Nevertheless, it is still a great, though not the best, episode. True Colors (originally sung by Cyndi Lauper) and Imagine (John Lennon) were some of the cover songs in this episode. Another mash-up was performed which included the songs Hair (cast of Hair) and Crazy in Love (Beyonce Knowles). The mash-up was a forgettable performance but they were able to redeem themselves by following this with a tear-jerking performance of Imagine. It was nice to see and hear Tina as the lead for the final performance. I think we all need a break from Mercedes and Rachel's voice.

Sue Sylvester is back with her old antics. She will surely bring twists to the New Directions' road to the sectionals. Emma is starting to lose screen time. In the last few episodes, she is reduced to giving advices. I hope we see more of her soon. Terri is back in this episode and along with her pregnancy plot, she will surely annoy you. I hope they end this plot soon. The main topic of the episode, however, was the many distractions presented to the different characters. Finn with Rachel, Mr. Schu with a car, Quinn with her kid's future, and the whole Glee with hairography. A solid episode with great performances.

Hairography is a solid episode and I can't wait for the next episodes as the Sectionals draws near.

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"Never let anything distract you from winning... Ever."

-Sue Sylvester

Christmas Is Early In Madagascar

 By Starman

Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman are back in this special TV broadcast of Merry Madagascar. Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett-Smith and David Schwimmer are all back to reprise their voices in the film. The story in here takes place in between the first and the second film.

Alex and the gang accidentally caused Santa Clause to lose his memory. Worried that Christmas will be ruined for everyone, they took over Santa's goal of delivering every gifts. Meanwhile, Santa is left to deal with King Julien's behavior with his subjects.

Merry Madagascar offers plenty of laughs whether they would come from the penguin's quick-witted conversations or Mort's annoying voice, thanks to Andy Richter. They did an orchestra-like opening for "I Like to Move It" which was great. You would not know what they were singing until they burst into their dancing mode. King Julien and his self-worship attitude is the main focus here. We all know that Christmas is a season of giving and the king of Madagascar is infamous for his abusive, yet funny, treatment to his subjects. Watch the credits so you could listen to King Julien's funny "Santa Clause is Coming to Madagascar".

This is a must-see show for the family. It has the laughs and the moral story that the children will surely love.

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"What's so special about Julianuary if everyone gets to have something?"

-King Julien on his subjects