mtv – The Chamber of Spoilers

Finding Carter: “Half Baked”

Posted on August 21, 2014April 21, 2015 by rachelfinston

This episode probably picks up the day after Carter’s big choice- because it was a choice. It could be argued that she gave the key and the phone to her dad because she couldn’t make the choice, but in giving it to him, she chose her blood kin. She severed all ties to her mother, and gave David the opportunity to incarcerate Lori, if he and Elizabeth had chosen to. To be fair to Carter, she did chose that course of action at the end of an emotionally exhausting day, having spent months being exposed only to people who really hated Lori (with good reason). So, I’m curious to see the emotional fallout in this episode, especially given what we saw in the preview.

So the episode opens on a meeting with Lori that David set up for Carter. This already feels suspect. Lori doesn’t show, and David’s speech to his daughter sounds way too rehearsed. How would he have even contacted Lori after he hung up? She said the phone was only good for one call. I’m guessing that David made up the whole meeting thing to get Carter to move on.

Fashion side note: Okay, I’ve been lenient before about making exposed bra straps a thing again, but I count one racer back lace bra, a magenta camisole and a black camisole. Seriously, Carter. You barely need a bra to begin with, let alone two. I’m going to start counting the bra straps I see in every episode, with each set of straps counting as one and including the ones in the intro song.

“I hate you!” Wow, Grant. Harsh. But he’s just a kid, not even a teenager yet. No matter how independent he’s had to be, he isn’t able to handle this. But seriously, what kind of mother lets her son talk to her like that? Also, David being nice. That totally means he’s up to something.

Max watering plants, because he’s perfect and loves the earth. Also, his diatribe on the carbon cycle is amazing. And wow, everyone knows about mommy’s dirty little secret in pretty quick succession. gotta say, so far, my favorite reaction is Carter’s. Though Grant’s little comment about the doughnuts is adorable. And mom’s been having said affair for three years! Hot damn. And Gabe’s mom was dying of cancer. Well, that explains where she is, and his issues with attachment to women. Also, wow. That must have been a sucky adolesence. I can’t see this confrontation ending well, although I also didn’t think it would escalate this quickly. Supportive Max is supportive.

Also, they both look crazy uncomfortable. Like, they said, let’s cross our arms. Oh, never mind, we shouldn’t. Oh damn, they’re here, cross your arms. Wow, more brand names. Adidas must have given them way less money than Macy’s. Also, the girls keep their arms crossed.

Lol, “Carter did most of the talking, and she’s really good at that.” XD Taylor knows what’s up. I love that Taylor speaks her mind and doesn’t hold back on telling her mother how she feels, because she seems like she tries to spare other people’s feelings a lot, and she’s been way bolder lately. “I’m so not used to this family drama.” Girl where you been the last few months?

Why does Carter suddenly care about going to school on time? She never actually goes to class.”Nobody’s going to get lost in the system.” What is this now, foster care? They’re all skipping school to day-drink at Max’s apartment? And smoking weed. Well, why the hell not? They’re already truant, let’s add to it by consuming an illegal substance.

Max being respectful of Taylor even when she says she wants him, but he knows her judgement is impaired is top notch. Awesome boyfriending!

Ugh, I knew they wouldn’t be on time to pick up Grant. Shame on them.

Also, Taylor is a follower. Lol, Elizabeth is observant. And where has David been all this time? Does he not understand that he’s gotta pick up the parenting slack if he kicks his wife out?

Ooh, I’ve figured it out. David needs to manipulate Carter into telling him it’s okay to publish the book about her, and thus keep his relationship with his daughter intact, hang on to his wife, publish his book, and make some money. Obviously, he’d rather not be in the situation in the first place, but if he had to be, best get something out of it. It’s sad that I’m beginning to understand David’s twisted mind.

Huh, a motel? Well, that explains where she’s been staying. My guess is that she doesn’t have a lot of friends with a couch she can crash on. Also, has she broken up with Gabe’s dad yet? She probably hasn’t been to work, so is she just avoiding him and hoping he’ll take the hint?

Wow, David is a really good actor. Also, really manipulative, and kind of a bad dad. Wonder if Elizabeth is in on her husband’s emotional manipulation of their daughter? Well, he didn’t get everything he wanted, I guess. His relationship with his daughter looks kind of damaged from here. She figured out that he lied about making a meeting with Lori. She looks pretty upset.

Okay, I counted 9 bra straps in this episode. We’ll see how that stacks up with the next one. Time for the secrets rundown!

David and Elizabeth know that they are in foreclosure, but the kids aren’t in the loop. Also, they just used their daughters to get money from her parents. Also, David got a huge check from his publisher, but his agent took it back so that Elizabeth won’t get half when they separate. But now that they’re working on their marriage, perhaps they’ll get the check now after all.

Dad started to write the book about Carter secretly, even though he promised he would not. He then manipulated her into allowing him to write the book, though on her terms.

Carter and Dad are the only ones who know that Carter nearly got caught with Crash in a stolen car.

Carter appears to be the only one who knows that someone abused Bird. We’ll probably hear more about this later.

Carter is dating Crash. She has kissed pretty much every other guy on the show, except Ofie. They seem to be happy, but he’s starting to kind of creep me out. He played average supportive boyfriend in this episode, which was a bit out of character.

Gabe used to be into Carter, but then he wanted Taylor, but they mutually decided that they’re more like family. So now he’s kind of in love limbo. But he also seems to be jealous of everyone. It’s now apparent that he probably developed emotional attachment problems due to his mother’s slow death due to cancer and his father’s subsequent detachment from reality.

Taylor wants Max, and used to want Gabe, but she got over him. She and Max are together now, and are adorable.

Bird screwed Crash in her closet, and appears to be a bit jealous of Carter and him. Plus she has that mysterious abuser in her past that we don’t know much about yet.

Crash is now dating Carter. He seems to fully reciprocate her feelings, but is starting to freak me our a bit and act a little cray cray.

Teen Wolf: Time of Death

Posted on August 19, 2014 by rachelfinston

Well, that title isn’t ominous at all.

Okay, adorable with the sleepy Malia sass and the whole old married couple thing going on. And then Stiles is alone. That’s actually so sad. I’ve started to really like them together, albeit against my will.

Agent McCall actually giving a shit about his son is nice. There are so many shitty parents on this show, we deserve at least one redemption story. I also appreciate the moment of fatherly advice, because while Scott is a grown up, dealing with grown up wolf stuff, he also still needs his parents. Wow, observant FBI agent. Nice. I can’t wait to see what Scott decides to tell him.

Man, does Doc get this emotional about every guy who comes into the ER? Oh, great. Scott’s dead again. Wow, I can’t wait to hear how they explain it this time.

“What are you doin’?” Bless you Derek.

“You’re not inspiring confidence” “Good, this is a terrible idea.” XD love the mother-daughter dialogue. And what happened to that stupid “we’re moving” storyline? Maybe they just dropped it, because they realized no one gives a shit about something they know won’t happen.

“What happens after 45 mintues?” Duh, dude. He fricking dies. The episode is called Time of Death.

Ooh, sexy bandaging scene. Is it just me, or are his muscles smaller than usual? Also, I love Braeden. Obviously, as she is both a POC and a woman, her time on the show is limited, but I’ll enjoy her while it lasts. She’s got a lot of power, despite not being supernatural, and lots of confidence. Though, like every other female character on the show, she appears to be wearing a Halloween costume. “Sexy Banshee,” “Sexy Kitsune,” “Sexy Assassin,” ect. COSTUME DESIGNERS, ATTENTION! Maybe actually have the characters wear things that their characters would wear. Instead of what you think would draw a male audience. Thanks.

And Malia’s adopted. Nice. Really, considering she’d been missing for years, couldn’t her dad have found it in him to tell her when she returned to him miraculously? Are we ever going to see her dad again? Also, Peter, as usual, prioritizing the important stuff.

And Stiles is his usual self

Also, Malia’s perfectly understated facial expressions are amazing. I kind of think Malia will do fine with the news. After all, she’s been a Coyote most of her life, and she values pack over blood any day, right? Though she’s years behind the other in terms of math, she has intuition and cleverness on her side. Peter is conniving ass, and she’ll realize that.

Oh, there’s Lydia. Twenty minutes into the episode and I wondered if she was sitting this one out.

Okay, I like this. Derek seems to be lightening up around Braeden. Oh, Derek. Good, you just fall for her, work together and hang out in the loft, bench pressing and wearing tank tops, and come crying to us when she gets killed.

Okay, Liam conveniently learns to control his powers.

Also, as I predicted, Peter and Malia have become the sass dream team. Also, why did Talia take so many apparently crucial memories from her family members? Wtf Talia? Or, overused plot device of Talia taking memories from someone to extend the mystery.

Oh, I like the team work with the moms- Melissa and Noshiko should hang out.

This episode definitely has too much going on. We have flashbacks, dream sequence Scott, Lydia and her mom, Peter and Malia, and the whole mess of tiny groups at the hospital.

Wow, poor mama Yukimura. Hope she’s okay. The way Scott and Kira hold hands is the most awkward.

I love the Lydia storyline we’re heading towards, because we might actually get some answers about her, and she might get more than two seconds of screen time.

Side note for any Disney/Pixar fans, the Edna Mode tag on tumblr is just fantastic.

Finding Carter: Midseason Trailer Analysis

Posted on August 15, 2014March 24, 2017 by rachelfinston

After the bombshell that was episode seven of Finding Carter, a pretty great episode following an iffy few, we got this great mid-season trailer to give us an idea of what’s to come. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch it here.

Okay, the beginning of the trailer (the first few seconds) covers everyone being grateful for Carter’s decision. Then, with everyone all cheery and bright-eyed, Grant drops the bombshell about Elizabeth’s affair. As a result, apparently, Elizabeth doesn’t want her marriage to end and wants to make things good with David? Despite the fact that until the end of episode seven she’s been on the verge of leaving him for a while now, at least a year, given her “anniversary” with her boyfriend, Gabe’s dad. This will probably complicate their relationship further, as we see his sad face for like one frame.

It also seems like, in happier news, Taylor and Max may consummate their relationship. He didn’t get to be her first kiss, so this should make Max happy. I’m in support of this plot point, because Taylor has really grown on me, and Max is awesome, definitely my favorite character. If they can just be happy for a few episodes, I’ll be glad. Maxflower forever! I mean, probably not. Max is sweet for a first love, but he’s not the long-term type. I just really ship them right now.

It appears that Bird is a shoplifter? Probably got a five finger discount on that fancy bracelet she gave Carter as a goodbye present. Hopefully she’ll come clean instead of letting her friend take the fall. I’m really conflicted about Bird. I’m pretty sure she’s actually bipolar, her character is so inconsistent.

We get a second of Carter yelling at Elizabeth, possibly related to her affair, or David’s book, which it is implied that she finds out about.David coming clean about the book would make me like him way more. His character initially gave me the impression of a good guy in a bad place, but now with his possible relationship to Lori, writing Finding Carter secretly, and manipulating his guilty wife, I’m getting more of a sinister vibe from him.

Carter and Max argue, possibly related to Crash, whom he doesn’t seem to like, or because she is talking about running away again. It’s probable that after Elizabeth and David’s secrets come out, that Carter will regret her choice. She placed her trust in them, or at least in her father, and they both lied to her unrepentantly and repeatedly. So she’ll probably have a lot to say about that.

Crash appears to be on the decline, which I was kind of expecting. Things got so serious with Carter so fast, and he seems really impulsive so it would figure he’s a basket case. I have no idea how to explain the blood or the gun at the end, but I guess we’ll see soon.

Can’t wait to see the next episode, hopefully with less product placement! Read my review of episode seven here in the mean time.

Finding Carter: Throw Momma From the Train

Posted on August 15, 2014August 20, 2014 by rachelfinston

So we left Carter literally holding a new life in her hands. She has been ripped away from all she knows once already, but now she has the chance to take her life into her own hands, and make the choice to be with her mom, or stay with her family.

And we start with a sweet morning wake-up call by the fam for their birthdays. It’s kind of a sin of convenience that their birthday falls on the day Lori has proposed to run away, but I’ll let it slide, since it appears to be working.

I love the silent communication between Carter and Taytay. They have bonded pretty well, despite having been separate most of their lives, and the way they act together now feels way more natural than in earlier episodes.

Okay, the family in this scene is actually perfect. Gammie and Grandad both are great. Grant does his thing perfectly. Macy’s product placement! I also love how well Gammie knows her girls- “Something without holes in it.” and “Slinky, sexy.”

Also Sassy Gammie is my new fave. “unload this loser” “Please tell me you’re seeing someone else.” Kind of a rich parents disapprove of their daughter’s husband cliche, but whatever.

Oh, Carter’s birthday is obviously the day Lori took her. And how many of them are drinking mimosas? The girls are only seventeen!

Ooh, Taylor inherited the sassy genes from Gammie.

Fashion side note: When did Tay pick up her sister’s exposed bra straps thing? Also, what is with these girls and sleeping in their bras? There’s this thing called comfort.

MACY’S PRODUCT PLACEMENT!

Sassy Taylor is on point this episode! I love that eyeliner on her. Also, they both actually pull the dress off pretty well. Similar body types.

“I can’t remember the last time I was this happy.” Really, about to break up her marriage catastrophically? Elizabeth seriously has low standards for happiness.

LOL Max. In every scene, Max is the best ever. “That’s a trick sentence.” Also, “I’m not talking to you, I’m talking to Taylor.” I swear, Max is the best, I freaking love him. I also love the way he acts around Taylor. While he and she call Carter out on her BS, he also has so much respect for Taylor, which I really love about him.

Okay, this party looks very adult friendly, which means it can’t possibly be any fun. Also, poor Grant taking coats.

Not exactly graceful going down the stairs, but eh. It’s a party. Also, sweet moment between Crarter- I’m starting to warm up to them, but they still seem like crazy rushed and more than a little forced on Carter’s side. She also appears to be becoming less and less sure about her decision though.

Also, asides with Bird and Ofie. they are the rosencrantz and guildenstern of Finding Carter.

Nothing is more awkward that your girlfriend’s husband being overly polite and welcoming to you.

And more awkwardness appears to run in the family, with Gabe having a brief moment of Maxflower jealousy. I thought you guys had a mutual agreement! Dude, make some decisions. Also, Max remains fabulous.

Poor Grant! Being the replacement child’s gotta be hard when the original is getting so much attention. Seriously, Gammie, cut the little dude some slack.

Also, Crash is so clearly in love with Carter, and she just wants him to chill a little. I get why he’d want to run away from his shit life, but it’s a bit overboard. Okay, this moment where Crash suggests that he and Lori could be everything for Carter is so weird. No one can be everything for someone- she has all of this family now, how could they possibly be that for her? Also, does no one notice that two out of three of the Wilson children are missing from the party?

Okay, Gabe. You have no right to feel bad for yourself. You pursued both sisters pretty half-assed, so just chill out and go mack on Bird. Okay, sweet moment with Gabe and Grant followed by them shutting themselves in a closet together. That’s not weird.

Okay, Bird is acting OOC, by being a supportive friend. Also, Ofie, a Bop It is way more entertaining that diamonds. Seriously, Bop It is a girl’s best friend. Also, Sassy Ofie is sassy.

And Sassy David is sassy. Rawr. Okay, let’s just say that no one noticed him grab her and drag her up the stairs. Ooh, the Grant & Gabe cheese puff extravaganza was just a ploy to get them both somewhere they could secretly overhear their parents loudly discussing their extramarital affair. #sin of convenience

Poor Grant, he feels so on the outside. At least Gabe is there to make him feel a bit less alone. In a darkened, tiny closet.

More product placement! Macy’s must have given them a crapload of money. Also, Lori is looking crazier and crazier.

Thing is, in a twisted way, I get what Lori did. Lying to Carter, calling the day she took her a birthday. I mean, the kidnapping is completely inexcusable. Who just does that and expects a normal kid? But she appears to really love Carter, and lying to her about their past is something she had to do. Still, the jokey hospital scene is like, okay. Not a red flag? Well fine then.

And David is up late into the night typing his contraband. It actually shows which parent Carter feels trusting towards and connects with best, because she brought all of this to her Dad. Also, this is why you don’t kidnap people. They get f’ed up in the head. It’s good that David’s all there for her and stuff, but I’m really not sure what he’s going to do about it.

Oh, poor Grant. Suffering under the weight of secrets concerning his mother’s sex life. That kind of beat most of the stuff everyone else is dealing with. Except for maybe Carter and Lori. NO CARTER. YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS INFO. DO NOT LET IT SLIDE. YOUR YOUNGER BROTHER IS CLEARLY TROUBLED. BE A FUCKING SISTER.

Oh, man. This is actually a pretty good scene with Elizabeth and David. Elizabeth is a little more human, David is a little more cryptic. Seems likely that he and Lori had an affair or something way back when, and maybe she took Carter for revenge? Okay, also, weirdest foreplay ever.

And that’s the end! Wow, okay.

Mom has had an affair with her old partner, who is also Gabe’s dad. She ended it, but now it’s back on and she said that it’s over between her and her husband. Daddy David actually has known about it this whole time, he was planning to divorce her, now he seems to be unsure, because he kind of confronted his wife’s boyfriend, and now they seem to be doing it again. But Gabe and Grant overheard his dad and Elizabeth arguing, so they might actually blow the lid off the big secret.

Dad is secretly writing the book about Carter, though he promised her he wouldn’t. That’s where he got the big bucks. Seems like she may find out pretty soon though.

Carter and Dad are the only ones who know that Carter nearly got caught with Crash in a stolen car.

Carter appears to be the only one who knows that someone abused Bird. We’ll probably hear more about this later.

And now the complicated romantic entanglements!

Carter is dating Crash. She has kissed pretty much every other guy on the show, except Ofie. They seem to be happy, but he’s starting to kind of creep me out.

Gabe used to be into Carter, but then he wanted Taylor, but they mutually decided that they’re more like family. So now he’s kind of in love limbo. But he also seems to be jealous of everyone.

Taylor wants Max, and used to want Gabe, but she got over him. She and Max are together now.

Bird screwed Crash in her closet, and appears to be a bit jealous of Carter and him. Plus she has that mysterious abuser in her past that we don’t know much about yet.

Crash is now dating Carter. He seems to fully reciprocate her feelings, but is starting to freak me our a bit and act a little cray cray.

I’ll also be doing an analysis on the mid season trailer, so I’ll post a link to that here once it’s up. This episode was actually pretty good, it exceeded my expectations. A-, because of all the suspension of disbelief due to the whole convenience of the entire episode.

Finding Carter: “The Fugitive”

Posted on August 6, 2014 by rachelfinston

Okay, Kathryn’s acting isn’t exactly on point this episode. While I kind of figured we were veering into a Crash direction, that doesn’t mean I have to like it! I think Carter doesn’t actually like him, he’s put her in bad situations. She likes that guys like her, she gives a little attention to the guys who worship her. Which kind of speaks to her daddy issues.

Okay, awkward but kinda friendly scene with Gabe and Taylor. Suddenly Wallflower’s the belle of the ball, sought after by every suitor! What’s with the bandana, dude? Leave the eighties where they belong. I kind of like their conversation, they’re both really honest and Gabe is really sweet, but he keeps bouncing between sisters, which is weird. He seems the loyal type, but he keeps making these rookie mistakes.

Okay, Carter. What’s with the rookie errors going on in this episode? Never do you show up at a guy’s house when he clearly doesn’t want to see you there TWICE? Also, when your friend has given you a cryptic warning. LISTEN TO CRYPTIC WARNINGS, GIRL!

While I do not ship the disaster that is Crarter, that kiss scene was kind of cute. But since that’s resolved, I’m guessing some other conflict is going to arise.

The “Quick n’ Easy”? The pun opportunities are endless. Even when Maxflower is awkward, they are the cutest couple. Still, it seems like they’ve moved backwards, rather than forwards.

Okay, Crash has a tragic past involving sad younger sibling death which he blames himself for. That’s actually really sad, but lots of people lose people they care about without turning to a life of poorly executed crimes. But it looks like he won’t be around a whole lot longer, if that charge goes through.

I really am no longer invested in the plot with the dissolution of the Wilson’s already shitty marriage. Elizabeth doesn’t feel bad about cheating on David, clearly. So there’s three ways this can end: One, she doesn’t confess, stays with him, he keeps her because sentimentality. Two, she confesses, they divorce, she moves in with Bad Cop. Three, he confronts her, messy divorce.

Wow is Elizabeth a terrible liar. Also, why use a lie that is so easily traced? Elizabeth and Carter connecting is good. Her putting Crash in jail is not.

Okay, I like that Taylor and Gabe both have a realization that they’re like siblings, having known each other all of their academic lives and just being in the same place for so long. It seems relatively organic, though they do have all of those childhood stories shoehorned in that one scene. That mini golf course looks a little shifty too, like some creepy dude is just gonna be hanging out around the fourth hole. Plus, who takes a girl for mini golf any more? Not a way to create romantic sparks. The cliche is so real.

Alan Rickman Blackeyesandbowties animated GIF

And Carter and Crash get sexy! Great, give a man a last cigarette before he gets tried. But never do you make a commitment to wait for a guy for three years in prison! You barely know him. And they have a post-coital fight about his going to jail- you know, usual after skipping school activity for sixteen year-old girls.

Okay, why does all of the sisterly bonding in this house always take place in the bathroom?

And Mama Bear Elizabeth pulls a fast one- can’t say I’m shocked. Crash says it all-she loves Carter more than she hates him. Getting the boy her daughter cares about out of jail time is definitely the most generous thing she’s done on the show.

Okay, now David is actively sabotaging his wife’s affair. This was not one of my predicted outcomes! Elizabeth is lying so much – what exactly is her timeline for breaking up her marriage, which, at this point, more resembles a game of Battleship?

And we get a nice Lori/Carter reunion, before she tells Carter that they have Russian passports. Russian passports? That just seems like a poor plan. As far as we know, neither of them speak Russian. Plus Russia’s kind of . . . Russian. That might be a culture shock for two Americans. Also, the feds have gotta be watching the flights. Just get on one of those shifty cargo ships and go to Australia, or Ireland! As long as you’re far from American authorities, it really doesn’t matter where you are. But maybe go somewhere where they speak the same language as you? How is it that I can come up with a more practical escape plan than a kidnapper?

What a dilemma! Carter is kind of settling in, she has this boyfriend she is somehow making plans for a future with, despite having just gotten together, and good relationships with friends and siblings. She can stay – and live the life she might have lived. Or, she can leave with the woman who brought her up, who she loves and misses. And they can start over, and she can get the answers she’s been longing for. Which would you pick?

Side note: All of the ads during breaks for his show are for condoms or acne wash. That says something about the audience for this show.

This episode, in SECRETS!

Carter is trying to get back with Lori, her “real” mom. And now she has that option. Max is less than thrilled, but knows. So does Crash.

Dad is secretly writing the book about Carter, though he promised her he wouldn’t. That’s where he got the big bucks.

Carter and Dad are the only ones who know that Carter nearly got caught with Crash in a stolen car.

Carter appears to be the only one who knows that someone abused Bird. We’ll probably hear more about this later.

And now the complicated romantic entanglements!

Carter is dating Crash. She has kissed pretty much every other guy on the show, except Ofie.

Gabe used to be into Carter, but then he wanted Taylor, but they mutually decided that they’re more like family. So now he’s kind of in love limbo.

Taylor wants Max, and used to want Gabe, but she got over him. She doesn’t know how Max feels about her.

Max likes Taylor. He’s just trying to keep the Lori situation under control, and is not very confrontational.

Bird screwed Crash in her closet, but appears to not actually have feelings for him. Plus she has that mysterious abuser in her past that we don’t know much about yet.

Crash is now dating Carter, which may effect her decision about whether to leave or not. He seems to fully reciprocate her feelings.

Finding Carter: “The Heat”

Posted on August 1, 2014August 1, 2014 by rachelfinston

As usual, just to start, Max is his delightful self. And Carter reminds us that she is a bossypants. Has anyone else noticed that Carter is a brat? I mean, she’s had a shitty hand dealt her, but would it kill her to be pleasant?

Carter is blatantly using Crash, and he calls her on it, whereupon she uses her womanly wiles and brokeness to get him to help her. She’s not leading him on here at all. Great job keeping us in suspense, writers.

Grant having adorable twelve-year old problems is just great. 🙂 I really like his relationship with Carter. While she’s just plain objectionable around most characters, she’s good with him.

Nice one on worming your way into Elizabeth’s trust, Carter. She’s unnervingly good at manipulating people. Considering how many people keep trying to control her, it’s a surprise. Also, Elizabeth is pretty self aware about how Carter feels about here. And David is suspicious. Didn’t see that before. This episode shows us a more conniving David than we’ve seen before.

Oooh, David wants a divorce. And he knows that Lizzy’s gettin busy with Bad Cop. Wow, he is going to burn her hard.

Carter and Elizabeth having actual fun. Maybe bonding is possible! And then they’re at a crime scene, and they have a deep conversation. We even get to see Elizabeth act a bit like a human being, and talk about her feelings.

Okay, little thing, but if you’re married to a guy for upwards of sixteen years, why are you surprised he knows your sandwich preference? For real, we can see the distance between these two right then.

And Max picking up Taylor and just carrying her is amazing. Because everything Max does is amazing.

I kind of like the report between Taylor and Carter here, the nicknames “tough Taylor” it’s cute. And she’s trying to make Taylor feel welcome with her friends. And then they walk into a room in which zero of the occupants are wearing a shirt. And Taylor loses her shit. The wallflower literally walks into a wall. Or a glass door. Taylor’s just adorable.

And there’s a cozy moment between Elizabeth and David, which is totally broken up by Bad Cop calling her cell. This scene was nice, it gives us a good idea of why they’re a couple, despite being abjectly miserable together. It shows us that there was love there, that there’s history that justifies their lives now.

And man does Taylor move fast! Go girl, lose that lip virginity. Contrasting her kisses with Ofe, Gabe, and finally Max, we see the way she feels about each of them. Ofe is kind of her friend, but mostly a nice stranger, and he teaches her the basics. Then she kind of goes crazy lust monster on Gabe, who she had a big yen for, and then she kisses Max, who’s been super sweet and caring towards her, and it’s romantic. Then they non-literally blow the joint.

Taylor not getting that Gabe is totally into her now is amazing, because she is so cool. And then Max putting his foot down and being strong about not wanting to be involved with Lori’s master plan. Max is overall going above and beyond this episode, A+.

Wow, Bird is really aggressively going after Crash. She’s just made things super awkward. Something is up with that girl.

And suddenly everyone except Carter is getting some! Seriously, this may be the first episode in which she does not kiss someone. And we round off the episode with her and Elizabeth reconciling in a small way, and Lori and Max having a small confrontation. Max is clearly anti-Lori at this point, and I do see his point of view. In fact, I see what the show is trying to do with making us want her to stay with her bio family, but at the same time, Lori is her mother. For as long as she can remember, Lori was her only family, and you can’t just snap out of that.

Secrets!

Mom has had an affair with her partner, who is also Gabe’s dad. She ended it, but now it’s back on and she said that it’s over between her and her husband. Daddy David actually has known about it this whole time, and is planning on divorcing her.

Carter is trying to get back with Lori, her “real” mom. Everyone kind of knows this, though.

Dad is secretly writing the book about Carter, though he promised her he wouldn’t.

Carter and Dad are the only ones who know that Carter nearly got caught with Crash in a stolen car.

Max told Carter that Lori is secretly in town, working on a way for them to be together again.

Carter appears to be the only one who knows that someone abused Bird. We’ll probably hear more about this later.

Carter is trying to keep it from her parents that she and Crash are still friends, though nothing more, but they’re pretty much the only ones who don’t know.

I may have to start a separate list on romantic entanglements, this is getting complicated!

But here’s a brief summary on the romantic side of things.

Carter isn’t into anyone right now, but she’s sad? The crying at the end of this episode confused me. She’s so far kissed Max, (though that’s clearly over) Gabe, and Crash, who she is trying to stay away from, and who Bird is really into.

Gabe used to be into Carter, but since the kissfest now he wants Taylor. Bad timing, dude. Also, kind of a dick move, first he tried to get Taylor to help him hook up with Carter and now the reverse. Never do you bounce off sisters like that.

Taylor wants Max, and used to want Gabe, but she got over him. Irony. What’s gonna happen now that Gabe wants her back?

Max likes Taylor. That’s pretty simple, like him. 🙂

Bird really wants Crash, and they appear to have done the deed in her closet. While her friends were outside. Bad manners.

Crash still wants Carter, but will take what he can get. Really, not good judgement on his part. Never do you get between a girl and her best friend. Even if said bestie is kind of emotionally disturbed and always acting weird.

Moment of appreciation for this scene:

Teen Wolf: “Orphaned”

Posted on July 31, 2014 by rachelfinston

Well, that title isn’t ominous. And the return of Krazy Kate! How we missed you. Though she apparently is unaware of who the benefactor is either, so that makes things more interesting. Personally, I think the benefactor has to be Gerard. It has to be someone we know, or else there would be no point in keeping his identity a big secret. I initially thought it might have been Kira’s mother, Noshiko, but then her name appeared on the list, so nah. But it would explain them wanting to get out of town. Still, if it’s Gerard, then you’d think he would have reached out to his daughter.

But back to discussing Kira! While I really want to like her, she’s really underdeveloped. Especially coming after a character like Allison, who was so vibrant and interesting. She and Scott had amazing chemistry, whenever they were together, no matter the context of the situation. With Scott and Kira, that energy just isn’t there. Unless the writers really want us to like her, writing scenes just to make us root for them, like the one down by the lake, there’s no energy between Scott and Kira.

Krazy Kate is scary, for sure, but not nearly as interesting a villain as Peter. He’s got precise evil on his side, she’s just sloppy and murderous. Together? I’m not going to lie, I have no idea where they’re taking this.

What is with the old NPR programing on the Hale family? Who could possibly have recorded that? These tapes are just another weird plot thing, like that insane thing with Lydia and the record player. The whole time I’m just like.

Okay, so they’re orphans. How does Agent McCall know about that? How in the know is he?

Okay, new beta boy gets saved. And Peter is doing something weird. Never trust Peter, Derek. He might be one of your only family members still living, but he’s not even in the same county as trustworthy or the came country as reliable. The only constants in Peter are a lust for power, and a disregard for the lives of almost everyone else.

Scott finds a ton of money, and lies to Baby Scott about it. I thought he was turning over a new, more truthful leaf? And why would anyone keep that in a gym locker?

Malia delightfully being herself, and someone is whispering her name. Okay, Derek. That’s a little creepy. Man, he is really losing his touch. I’m actually a bit worried for Derek. I’m almost never bothered about anything physical happening to Scott, he’s pretty much invulnerable, at least in theory, as an alpha, though he’s pretty emotionally vulnerable. Derek is losing his power, and he’s pretty damn messed up, considering the amount of emotional torture that has been inflicted on him over the years.

teen wolf animated GIF

And Liam’s captured. Great. Just what this episode needed.

Exactly how much does Deputy Parish know? I’m always suspicious of newcomers to Beacon Hills, but he’s kind of unnerving. Handsome, but unnerving.

Oh, good. I hated that Garret kid. So cocky, and just generally irritating. Plus, I bet he’s killed a bunch of people, which, while typical in the Teen Wolf universe, isn’t very nice, especially for a young kid.

Liam climbing out of the well on his own? Initiative. Finally. Is that character development? Who knows, I’m pretty sure I’ve forgotten what it looks like!

Oh, shit, Violet’s dead too. Too bad. I figured we were supposed to learn about these mysterious “orphans” through them. Oh well, they were both pretty annoying. Why did Scott and Chris not bring more ammo to this party? Also, why can’t Scott just sniff him out with his potent alpha powers? Liam’s fear has to be pretty smelly, plus he and Scott are bonded now. With like brotherhood wolf-type stuff. Great moment after Scott rescues Liam, I almost thought they would kiss. Lol. Love the trust building between them.

Okay, evil Peter makes a comeback. Creepy. Wondering if any of this is going to effect his relationship with his daughter? Maybe he should, IDK make a plan.

Teen Wolf animated GIF

Finding Carter: “Now You See Me”

Posted on July 23, 2014July 24, 2014 by rachelfinston

I’m going to be so mad if Carter gets back with Hot Vintage Car Thief! Seems like he’ll be in this episode from the preview, though. I’m starting to like Gabe more, but his dad has gotten on my bad side. I’m also looking forward to this episode because it looks like we’ll be getting some more Lori, and her relationship with Carter is by far the most interesting on the show.

Why am I not surprised that Wallflower takes Latin? Bless her. “Gunsie knivesie.” Bless you too, Max. “You are surprisingly quotable.” “If you pick right, one’s enough.” Yes this ship must sail so hard. Every scene with these two is gold.

Okay, in what world would anyone think that painting is flattering? Never do you paint your friend with half of her face falling off.

Max’s explanation of evolution is amazing, I just hope it won’t effect ratings on the Bible Belt.

Why is Bird doing this? Carter has proven herself to be a dramatic character who likes to make a scene, but she knows that. Why wouldn’t she try to be the level headed one? She seems the calm, collected artistic type. Carter has already shown that she doesn’t want people capitalizing on her recent fame. So this overall does not seem like a good move.

Man, does Carter never go to class? Also, their parents are police people, shouldn’t they keep their kids from practicing truancy? They’re only at school in the technical sense. Wow, he must really like her to spend all day yanking down fliers.

“Did the world stop revolving around you for a second?” Considering the way you’re treating her, spending hours putting up posters of her face, clearly not. Also, WTF is going on with Bird? While I kind of agree that Carter is a bit bratty, Bird is completely out of line.

While I appreciate the wisdom of Sassy Art Teacher, this task should be all Bird. She screwed up, let her clean up. This is just a ruse to make them do a boring chore and make up. “Don’t bitch at me, I was here all night putting them up.” Girl, you’re the bitch in this scenario. And then they just make up. This random thing had literally no effect on the overall plot, except to push Gabe and Carter together in an awkward stairwell kiss. I’m kind of lukewarm about them now- he seemed to be really into her, but that kiss was really weird. Carter is not good at making choices about intimacy. The only guy she’s kissed at a time when it wasn’t weird was Max in the pilot on the Ferris Wheel. And we’re all behind him and Taylor. So that’s done.

There in nothing more conspicuous than wearing a hat and sunglasses. Isn’t she supposed to be good at disappearing? Well, at least she has a plan. Lori and Carter have a really unique mother-daughter relationship, unlike any other parent and child on the show. Lori has lied to Carter her entire life, and kept her from her biological parents and siblings, but she still loves and trusts her mother completely. I could totally see them having a season like Archer Vice where they have different identities or they’re on the run. That would actually be really great, I could see them using this first season to really ground Carter in her new life, then they run away over the season finale. Then the beginning of season two, assuming the show gets renewed, they’re on the run for five or six episodes before they get caught or Carter has a crisis of conscience. Then the rest of the season would be fallout. Alternatively, they could have a falling out because Carter gets used to her new old family, which would be less interesting, but at this point far more likely.

“Tasteful abandonment” no wonder their daughter is terrible – no attention at home, will seek it elsewhere. Though what bird did was idiotic, I like her again. Still, her actions seem a bit out of character and unnecessarily over-dramatic.

He bought them a car! Poor David, trying to assuage the guilt of publishing. Although apparently they aren’t so secretly broke, huh? Guess that secret goes off the list. Or, I guess, it’s modified, because now Elizabeth knows about it, but no one else does. And the marital troubles continue! Fun with the Sassmouth gammie and pop pop. Naturally, they’re the same grandparents as in Gilmore Girls, they have to be mean to be rich.

The way he talks about her is not like an accountant- it’s like he’s the creative type and she’s the boys in corporate!

Detective Gabe’s Dad says, “You can still talk to me.” Aaand they’re making out in the closet. Is that what talking looks like now? Man, Carter must be a great conversationalist. Every guy wants to talk to her. It really must be over with David, because they’re not even trying to hide. I’m totally betting he gets the check at the end of the episode and they stay together. She’s just buckling under money pressure and their completely dysfunctional family.

Elizabeth’s response to the spontaneous sleepover: “Looks like fun- not too much noise.” That, ladies and gents, is the attitude of a mom who either a) is on Xanex or b) just got laid. Carter and Taylor know something’s up. Their relationship is developing nicely. #Partnersincrime!

Oh, sexy cooking with Taylor and Max. Maxflower for the win! Good thing he improbably moved to town. Independent teenager fallacy!

Oh, poor Bird. So deep, so wounded. I knew there was a reason they had her acting so out of character. Since her parents neglect her so much, it makes sense that she was put in a position where she was abused. This actually makes everything make way more sense. Like, I don’t get why someone as blunt as Carter wouldn’t call her on her weird behavior earlier, but it all makes sense in retrospect.

And then it finishes with Carter having a momentary lapse in memory, and feeling terrible about it.

Next episode, seems like she’ll be talking to Cute Felon again, and trying to find Lori. Looks like Carter will be trying to get close to Elizabeth to find her, which should be funny. Also, looking forward to when Elizabeth decides to tell her husband that they’re splitting up.

And the secrets so far!

Mom has had an affair with her partner, who is also Gabe’s dad. She ended it, but now it’s back on and she said that it’s over between her and her husband.

Carter is trying to get back with Lori, her “real” mom.

David and Elizabeth know that they are in foreclosure, but the kids aren’t in the loop. Also, they just used their daughters to get money from her parents.

Dad is secretly writing the book about Carter, though he promised her he wouldn’t.

Carter and Dad are the only ones who know that Carter nearly got caught with Crash in a stolen car.

Max is the only one who knows that Lori is still in town, getting ready to run away with Carter again.

Carter appears to be the only one who knows that someone abused Bird. We’ll probably hear more about this later.

Finding Carter: “The Drive”

Posted on July 23, 2014 by rachelfinston

Well, we’ve established our main characters, a few secrets and some minor subplots! Let’s watch episode three.

Ooh, cute blond guy in the police station. Thank God the FBI picked up Carter’s kidnapping, I swear the local police already made enough fools of themselves. Why on earth is Carter apologizing to the whole police force? Carter does not seem the kind of girl to apologize. Also, Carter, play nice to the cop lady, who happens to be your biological mother, who can further ruin your life. You have no credibility right now. YOU JUST GOT OUT OF THE HOSPITAL. FOR DOING DRUGS. STOP TESTING HER LIMITS.

Oh, Crash is good with words. Does anyone ever not manipulate this girl? Seriously, these kids are bad for Carter. She meets the local rich kids and it all goes downhill. And why was Wallflower friends with that guy she likes? She’s opposite of intense. He’s all buddy buddy with the local underage bookie (I just call him Eyebrows, I have no idea what his name is.) She’s probably on the Yearbook Committee.

Speaking of the Rich Kids, man does Carter inspire loyalty fast. They’re trying to help her find her fugitive mother. That’s loyalty.

Love the rapport between the parents “Not the surfer dude- the surfer dude?” Well, Denisof saves the day! Maybe there’s hope for this dreadful marriage after all. I mean, they do seem to be able to have a conversation about the future of their delinquent daughter without fighting.

Okay, teaching the preteen to roll a joint? I’m less than pleased with you, golden boy.

Now that’s awkward. Carter really wants to drive these people away, huh? Making out with a guy in front of all of those people, at least half of which are related to her? They all know how weird it is. Man, Carter is just needlessly rebellious.

LOL, when Carter says her mother told her that her father was some “Beautiful Stranger.” Alexis Denisof is beautiful, you dummy.

Carter seems to have no social skills. Like, thou shalt not discuss thy parents’ marriage with thy parents. Still, she and Daddy David seem to be doing pretty well.

Can we just talk about how adorable and lovable Max is? He’s just like a well-meaning, not too bright puppy. He’s way cuter with all of that hair out of the way, and Wallflower knows it. Get it girl! Your sister basically has every other eligible bachelor in town in the palm of her hand. And he is literally the sweetest person alive. Okay, I’m done. I ship it.

“That’s not a real job!” He’s so adorable. From the first episode, I kinda thought Max would be kind of a dirt bag, but so far he’s the least douchey, most forward person on this show. Team Maxflower!

Oh, and Elizabeth has an evil plan! Poor Taylor. She seems so sweet, I hope she doesn’t have her heart broken twice in as many episodes. She’s dull, but she has a pretty face, and she certainly doesn’t dress as boringly as earlier. She means well, give her a break!

Papa Gabe, or The Guy Elizabeth is Cheating With has a heart to heart with his son. Also, he looks about thirty years old. And don’t be stupid, telling him not to go out with her will make him want her more. We’ve already seen this with Crash. Don’t make the same parenting mistake twice in one episode! Besides, he probably only wants to keep them apart to make it less awkward when they become step-siblings. That’s gonna be a fun time.

Do Not Want Firefly animated GIF

Wow, Elizabeth really knows how to act. She is a bit evil, isn’t she? Forcing Max our of the house during dinner? Cold. She takes another turn at the Let’s Manipulate Carter table. Who tries to coerce their teenage daughter to sleep with another teenager? Creepy.

Also, love the cute bathroom scene with Carter and Wallflower. Very sisterly. Where does Carter get off telling her sister that she likes every male person? “When it comes to boys, you win.” Well said, Wallflower! Impressive.

And Gabe is on the hook! Carter just friendzoned yet another guy. But she has so many on the hook at this point, I don’t know what to think.

Wow, Carter. I’m not sure that qualifies as a skirt. More a wide belt. But Cute Felon has a cool vintage car. Why the hell not? What’s the worst that could happen, in a car alone with a guy you barely know, who you know is unafraid of breaking the law, and has a record? Again, not a great show of judgement from Carter. Strike two!

Not Amused Overly Attached Girlfriend animated GIF

“Seems like there’s a lot of guys filling in that application.” Cute scene with Max and little Bro. Also shows that Max is actually completely self-aware. Okay, he’s actually perfect. Max is adorable.

Oh, he stole the car. Damn. Crash! Why you gotta lie to a sister? Yeah Carter, admit you were wrong. Work on being more responsible while you’re at it.

Oh, cute scene with Daddy David. New secret! And just when they’re having a nice hug, Lori drives by. Gasp! Fin.

This episode did a great job developing David’s character better, and making the audience a little more sympathetic to Elizabeth, but it further explored the flaws in Carter’s characterization. While her sister Taylor is the girl next door, she’s the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. She’s a rebel, and has a dark past, a pretty face and nice legs. And that’s pretty much it. Add a little sarcasm, and mix. What are her passions? What does she do for fun, aside from underage drinking and making her parents miserable? What did she even talk about before she became a news story?

I’ve decided to keep a tally of big secrets that make it through each episode, since Carter claims everyone is lying to her, and they pretty much are. Basically, only stuff people are intentionally keeping from each other out of malice or to save themselves from consequences. So, Taylor crushing on Max doesn’t count.

Mom has had an affair with her partner, who is also Gabe’s dad. She ended it, but the preview for the next episode makes it seem like they might get back together.

Carter is trying to get back with Lori, her “real” mom. (This isn’t really a secret, but I felt it qualified.)

Dad is the only one who knows that they are in foreclosure.

Dad is secretly writing the book about Carter, though he promised her he wouldn’t. Though he does appear to regret agreeing to write it, so there’s that.

Carter and Dad are the only ones who know that Carter nearly got caught with Crash in a stolen car.

Teen Wolf: “i.e.d.”

Posted on July 22, 2014 by rachelfinston

Firstly, where do all of these supernaturals just come from for them to kill? I get the whole “Beacon” Hills thing, but is it like a magic glowing neon arrow pointing to Beacon Hills? Doesn’t anyone else know what’s going on?

Ooh, pretty blonde is a werewolf. How many ladies did Peter dabble with in this town? Eh, probably she’s related to that beer delivery dude. Aw, and she’s dead. I kind of liked her. What’s with the cryptic whispers though?

Ooh, I like bossy Scott. “I’ve got a beta” So close to the reality, that Scott is a mom now. Good for him. Baby Scott kind of feels like an Isaac replacement. I’d kind of like him and Scott to get buddy buddy, considering Liam so far is defined by being a punk ass bitch and having anger issues.

Coach is adorable. We’re disturbed too, man. For real, we know Stiles’ free time is limited, but bringing crime scene photos to school seems like a bad idea all around. Seriously, get this boy some more therapy.

What do I love more than Papa Argent and Derek working together? Very little. But I don’t buy Papa Argent turning to the dark side. While he has lost a lot, his Father, Wife, Sister and Daughter, in quick succession, he seems pretty sane. He and Scott have had a few good scenes together since his return last episode, and I don’t think he would turn so quickly on him in favor of a murderous Latina woman from a different family of hunters, who is so clearly using him. We’ve already seen the Calaveras do some pretty terrible things, they seem to be more in the Original Kate state of mind, kind of bloodthirsty and more than a little ruthless. Before she was turned, and before he was diagnosed as terminal, Grandpapy Argent and Kate were both on the same page as Victoria, basically that werewolves were the devil’s handmaidens. Only difference between Gerard and Kate, and Victoria, is that when Victoria was bitten, she held on to her beliefs, sacrificing her life to protect her loved ones. While I really hated Victoria, since she was pretty damn immoral, Gerard and Kate are worse than she was. They change their beliefs based on self preservation, and show no regard for the safety of others who they claim to care about. Thinking on it, I would believe Chris turning on our heroes if there had been a scene with Peter earlier, but Chris seems weirdly okay. Not that character development has ever been consistent in this show. So we’ll see.

More on character development! These last few episodes have been crazy plot heavy, which has made them a bit clunky. While I like the way things have been moving, the plot has been escalating at the expense of character development, which has already been weak as of late. With the exception of Malia, these first few episodes of season four have been relatively disappointing. Scott has been doing pretty well, with his new control of his power and his attempt at controlling his life (remenicent of the beginning of season 3), but I’m less and less happy about his relationship with Kira. With what happened to Allison, Scott’s first love, one would think his feelings for another girl would fall by the wayside as he tries to deal with his shit. Scott has a lot of baggage, and he has no business trying to get with Kira right now. While I was initially on board with Scira, this episode made up my mind for me. While there was a scene specifically meant to endear Scira to viewers in the last episode, down at the lake, this episode just has them acting as teammates. It’s undeniable that the chemistry just isn’t there for Kira and Scott. Whenever Stiles and Malia are in the same room together, they have chemistry. Whenever Lydia and Stiles are in the same building, they have chemistry together. Without all of these dynamic and interesting relationships around them, Scira could be normal, even likable, but as it is they’re dull. Kira has yet to develop more personality traits, and Scott’s interest in her continues to be extolled. Lydia claims in an early episode that Scott is “totally into” Kira, and he may well like her, but she is clearly far more interested in him than he is in her.

While I still logistically find Malia and Stiles problematic, I can’t help but root for them, at least for now. They have such great chemistry, and Malia’s been developing so well. While she’s supposed to be technically eight years old mentally, she seems more practical than the others in some ways. Even in an episode like this one, with more plot than structure, she still shines. Shelley Hennig is amazing. One of the struggles of a show that runs more than three seasons is keeping original characters, and while Teen Wolf has a lot of character turnover, with deaths, it can be hard to integrate new characters successfully. Malia has had no such difficulty. While she may have some trouble fitting in with the others, she obviously belongs.

Random Thoughts

– Derek! No. You’re very attractive, but human would not be your best color. this could be interesting. I’m wondering what Krazy Kate did to him. The big mystery of the season is this benefactor, and I’m starting to think it has to be someone Kate really trusts.

– So if anger = strength, Peter must have it in spades. It also totally explains why Scott is less powerful, he’s too chill. Smoke less pot, Scotty!

– Gotta love the dance music in every lacrosse game sequence.

– And again where is my boy Danny? Are they just gonna replace him with the other gay guy? That’s not how it works, Jeff. Give us Danny or give us death! On second thought, he might actually take that seriously. Never mind that, but we miss Danny. Come on.

– Ooh, Deputy Parish is one of them! Actually seemed pretty likely from the beginning.

– Yeah bad ass Scott and bad ass Scott music. Finally using some of that Alpha power.