Scandal Season 3 Premiere

Scandal's third season returned with a bang rather than a wimper. Last season, we were left with two big revelations. The first was that Olivia had been outed as Fitz's mistress and the second was that Rowan (Byron as I like to call him. Someone here must have seen a different world) was Olivia's father. Nothing quite compares to the opening segment of this premiere. We see Olivia's father lecturing her in the limo about being stupid enough to sleep with a white man and not just any powerful white man, but the president. The scene continues with them in some sort of airplane hanger. He's going at her and its lie watching a bulldog attack my poor livvy. I want him to get out of her face and to back the fuck off. But, even with all his crazy, I can't deny that one of the things he does say to her is the truth "You have to be twice as good, to get half as much." I love that Olivia isn't just a woman of color, she is written like one. She doesn't get things easily. She had to fight and crawl for the scraps. But, her story is not just one that black women can understand its universal to all women of color. I love that we are seeing that on this show. It's not simply a black woman playing the part of a white character, its that she embodies much of what it means to be black in america. Shit ain't easy. You will lose far more and loving outside of your race when you are a woman of color is much harder and carries more stigma than when it is a man.

But, Olivia takes bullshit from no man, not even her father. So she takes that call and while Cyrus ends up proving Byron-Rowan right in the short-term, she realizes that she is not going to just walk away from this with her tail between her legs. Olivia is a fixer and she's going to try and fix her own scandal.

Another powerful scene in this episode to me was the bunker one with Olivia, Fitz and Mellie. This scene was such a contrast to what was happening earlier. She cares far too much for Fitz's well being and career and not enough about herself. She's basically laid out how they are going to play this, but it does nothing for her. Either way she is ruined. Mellie's speech got to some in fandom, but frankly it left me cold. She knew what she was getting into when she signed up for a political marriage and frankly I'm not down with her slut shaming Olivia. She annoys me. While I do understand and sympathize that it can't be easy to be an ornament, but thus is the nature of this show. No one is totally likable. I don't like Mellie, but it has more to do with the kind of woman she represents to me. I'm tired of the bitchy rich girl who feels she can go around shaming other women because of their own insecurities. But, she also gives me hilary vibes and I can't stand Hilary Clinton. I do not like people who allow themselves to be used a ploy all to gain political advantage or maybe its my own internalize misogyny speaking and it only bothers me because they are female. But, like Olivia, Fitz, Cyrus and everyone else bar David, she is a dark horse. She's not totally bad nor totally good. It's just a matter of what appeals to you as an audience member. Mostly she is in my girls way. She is attacking her and getting in her face and I'm not there for that shit, not at all. Also Fitz is funny when he is all like "psst do I look like I give a fuck?"
No one can really accuse him about lying. he has been straight up about his feelings about Olivia and his disdain for Mellie. He's a cruel motherfucker and very naive. Cyrus is a monster who ruins reputations for the heck of it. Olivia engages in cover-ups and doesn't mind throwing people under the bus if she feels its serving the greater good. She is an antihero. She's not your traditional good guy and I wouldn't want her to be. Normally I don't care for those types of characters, but I like Olivia just as she is.

The final moments of the episode were probably the most shocking. The discovery that Fitz outed Olivia so he could get out of the White House. He should have let Olivia in on this and his reasoning doesn't make sense at all. But, he wouldn't be Fitz if he wasn't capable of such darkness. This is Tony Goldywyn after all. Just watch ghost. I don't want to spoil you guys, but once you watch you will understand exactly what I mean.

DARKFEVER
By Karen Marie Moning
Summary: MacKayla Lane’s life is good. She has great friends, a decent job, and a car that breaks down only every other week or so. In other words, she’s your perfectly ordinary twenty-first-century woman. Or so she thinks…until something extraordinary happens.
When her sister is murdered, leaving a single clue to her death–a cryptic message on Mac’s cell phone–Mac journeys to Ireland in search of answers. The quest to find her sister’s killer draws her into a shadowy realm where nothing is as it seems, where good and evil wear the same treacherously seductive mask. She is soon faced with an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to learn how to handle a power she had no idea she possessed–a gift that allows her to see beyond the world of man, into the dangerous realm of the Fae….As Mac delves deeper into the mystery of her sister’s death, her every move is shadowed by the dark, mysterious Jericho, a man with no past and only mockery for a future. As she begins to close in on the truth, the ruthless Vlane–an alpha Fae who makes sex an addiction for human women–closes in on her. And as the boundary between worlds begins to crumble, Mac’s true mission becomes clear: find the elusive Sinsar Dubh before someone else claims the all-powerful Dark Book–because whoever gets to it first holds nothing less than complete control of the very fabric of both worlds in their hands….

My Review

I had been meaning to start this series for over a year now and boy am I glad that I finally bit the bullet and decided to read it. It was one of those books that was difficult to put down. Mac is one of the most interesting and relatable heroines that I've come across in awhile. She has no idea exactly how her life is going to change. Despite her barbie-doll looks she has the tenacity of the fiercest of warriors which is a good thing because that strength will come in handy. When we meet her she's a part-time student and bartender enjoying her lazy summer when her sisters death changes her life. She's transformed from an easy-going southern beauty to a sister bent on getting justice for her sister. Once she arrives in Ireland, she begins to realize that nothing is as it seems. The mysterious phone message her sister left is the only thing she really has to go on. But, from the moment she arrives in Dublin, she starts to see things that are out of the ordinary. 

Jerico Barrons is a wealthy owner of a rare bookstore who comes to her aide, but his gruff demeanor and intimidating nature irritates Mac and they spend most of the book butting heads. It's pretty obvious that something will eventually develop between these two, but I appreciate the slow approach that author has chosen to take. With Barrons help, Mac learns that she has special powers that give her the gift of seeing the Fae. The reader goes on a journey into a supernatural world with Seelie, Unseelie, and vampires. By the time the first book ends, the journey is only beginning. The strengths of this novel really lie in the writing style and how Moning helps the reader experience everything alongside Mac. Her exposition is so detailed that you can visualize creatures as if you are seeing them yourself. 

It's definitely a must-read.

Twisted 108: Docu-Trauma

108: Docu-Trauma

I know I'm late with this weeks review and I apologize. This episode was probably the best one since the pilot. So many things happened that kept me interested, but the main thing that I loved was getting more perspective on Lacey as a character. We discovered via her conversation with Jo that she had actually seen Tara's body. This explains a lot about her character and why she seems to have repressed what happened and had so much trouble with Danny's return. One of my favorite scenes this episode involved the friend-dynamic between Jo and Lacy. Up until this point, we were told about their friendship and I didn't really feel it. It was so nice to see them bonding. Lacey being sweet to Jo and trying to build up her self-esteem was so cute. I loved the way the girls were smiling and happy in that scene. They seem to get each other a lot more than they realize. I am not crazy about the love triangle aspect and rather they focus on the friendship between Danny/Jo, Danny/Rico and Lacey/Jo. I think there is a lot of potential for character driven story there. While I felt awful for Jo, I am kind of glad that Danny mentioned that he saw her as a sister. No matter what happens next at least she won't be holding out false hope. But, her complete obliviousness to Jo's feelings is an interest contrast to what Danny is doing. Rico was a riot this episode. If he wasn't so funny, I might feel really bad for him. He's so funny with his reactions that I have no idea how Jo hasn't figure it out. I did like the little moment at the end of the episode with Danny and Rico. I agree with Danny, Rico should just tell her how he feels.

Now on to Tyler. Chris Zylka as super-douche strikes again. Don't get me wrong, he's very pretty. But, he's up there with Gray Damon in his complete inability to be likable. His setting up the pranks was kind of obvious since his random interest in Jo was not really believable. I do think its realistic for people to still see Danny as this pariah. I think Danny is trying so hard to just get his life back, but he really needs to understand the gravity of what he has done (or may not have done). The dudes with masks were so freaky I nearly jumped out of my seat. It was like the South-Asian version of Children of the Corn.

I felt like this episode really highlighted the fact that Danny can feel emotions. He was hurt by the Prank and he seemed to really care that Lacey wanted to keep them a secret (even though he should have understood how difficult the situation is for her). Also, Karen Desai for Mommy of the year. I love how she was willing to take the fall for her son even though she knows he didn't do it. She will do anything to protect her son and I can't disagree with her. But, the Captain---I mean Kyle probably won't believe her.

Speaking of awkwardness, I was relieved to discover that there wasn't that much . But, the fact that someone was taping Danny and Lacey is probably going to lead to awkwardness all around. I just hope its not used to slut-shame Lacey. There is enough of villanizing the black girl for being sexual on Scandal.

I have other thoughts, but I'd have to re-watch to point them out. I can't wait for next weeks episode. This show is definitely fun summer TV, but the fandom needs to clam their ass down.

Twisted 107: We Need To Talk About Danny

Twisted Episode 107: We Need To Talk About Danny- Review

In this week's episode Jo's magical feelings go from like to love. After a lust-fueled dream of Danny kissing her shirtless, Jo has come to the conclusion that what she feels for Danny is not merely a crush, but full on love. Hold your horses, um when exactly did she fall in love? On the roadtrip where anyone with could notice the sexual tension brimming between Danny or Lacey or was it that awkward dance they shared at fall fest. I can understand falling for this boy. He's a good looking guy, but I feel like there has been zero build up to Jo's feelings for Danny. I suppose her obsession with his case and clearing his name could be construed as build up, but I felt like she went from this-is-my-friend-and-I-will-defend-him to -omg-I-love-him-he's-the-best.

Jo was definitely less annoying in this episode and I do feel bad for her. When she finds out that Danny does not in fact have the same feelings for her, its going to be. She also has been less angry and a lot softer this episode. I really wish they had just toned down her sense of entitlement early on and she could def be a girl the audience roots for. But, then you have Lacey who is having a very natural reaction to Danny. As far as that town knows, he is a murderer. She's not automatically warming to him and you can tell that she really wants to trust him, but he's not giving anything to her. But, she's a teenage girl and these two are brimming with lust.

 I really like how Lacey defended Danny against her douchebag boyfriend Archie. This was the first time you saw her really stand against the harsh comments directed towards Danny and it was definitely nice to see that from her because she can come off as a little cold because Jo has welcomed Danny with open arms. I really do not understand what Archie is thinking. Danny just got out of juvie for possibly murdering someone. In what universe is it a good idea to antagonize a murderer? Is he really that dumb?

I really felt like this episode definitely let you know that while Danny can be manipulative, he isn't a sociopath. Being falsely accused of giving his friend food-poisoning and thus being kicked off the team really got to him. It made him really grumpy and for once he wasn't using sarcasm to lighten the mood and deflect from his emotions.

I like Danny/Lacey and think they have really great chemistry, but making out on the grave of the woman he supposedly murdered his super sketchy. But, these two are really thirsty for one another. They definitely seem to be priming these two for a long arc (if the show continues) but they really need to be more choosy about where they choose to make out. then again, the very idea of a cemetery party was  bizarre.


Other highlights in this episode included Danny and Tess bonding over his problems with Lacey. I love that he pointed out that the girl was not Jo. Tess has been pimping them so hard that its like Danny needed to make sure Tess (and the audience) knew that Jo was his bestfriend and not someone he was interested in getting up on. This conversation led to Tess's face below when Jo confessed she loved Danny.

I think this is pretty much what we were all thinking. Awkward! It certainly will be when she finds out that Lacey has dumped Archie for Danny and is seeing him on the down low. I really wish Lacey would tell her bitchy friends to fuck off or be brave enough to say that she wants Danny in her life. The kids in that school are basically sheep and I'm sure they'd fall in line.

Suits S3 Premiere

301: The Arrangement

Suits ushered in its third season with a bang, both literally and figuratively. The premiere was full of the usual twists and turns. It took us from backroom dealings to bedroom shenanigans. The dynamic at the law firm has been altered with the merger with Darby's British firm. 

We left off with Mike and Harvey at odds over his buckling to Jessica after she blackmailed him with the threat of exposure. Watching these boys be at odds was heartbreaking, but it made for some excellent drama. Harvey was on top of his game and as usual he had Donna in his corner (these two need to happen). He is a master at what he does, striking a deal when it seems impossible. Harvey has earned having his name on the door, but Jessica is unwilling to give him that kind of power. Watching these two bad asses go head-to-head at the beginning of the episode was amazing. She just glides into his apartment ready and willing to intimidate Harvey, but that's not how he plays things. He called her bluff and the ensuing back/forth is what makes suits what it is--a clever, well written show with excellent dialogue. The Jessica/Harvey scene isn't the only one that makes you want to rewind your dvr. The episode was full of scenes like this. 

One of the funniest moments of the night played out between Donna and Louis Litt. Her clever manipulation of him by having him color his face with a Hitler mustache had me rolling on the floor. This scene could have played as distasteful, but it was done in a subtle manner that highlighted that it was all in good fun. 

Other stand-out moments included the Mike and Harvey scene where Mike asks for forgiveness and Harvey is unable to give it to him because he was upset that Mike didn't come to him. It was about loyalty not winning. I totally understand Harvey's pov. All Mike had to do was go to Harvey and he would have had his back like he always does, but they also needed this to create some drama. I love the dynamic between these two. It really is the essence of the show. Mike is still trying to help him on the down low even using Rachel to help him distract Donna.

Speaking of Mike/Rachel---WOWZA. These two were super powerful this episode. Mike has a nightmare about Rachel outing him and this leads him to confront Rachel about what happened with them last season (um file room sex and secrets being revealed). He tells her that the bigger nightmare is not being with her. I had to aww in that moment. Such a cute, heartfelt moment. Rachel prods him to quit which he tries to do but he can't.. Towards the end of the episode, Mike tells her everything. How the whole situation rolled out the way it was and we see them in bed being super sexy. 

So basically this episode was full of awesome. I haven't even touched upon Ava--Game of Thrones Michelle Faraday who is a ball-busting CEO who gives as good as she gets. I recommend this. 

Twisted 106:

Twisted : Three for the Road

This episode really should have been titled Jo is pressed as hell for stupid-ass shit. I recently binge-watched the first five episodes of this series a few days ago and frankly I love it. I love the ambiguity or Danny's character and I especially love that 2/3 leads are people of color. What I don't love Jo Masterson. She started off as kind of sweet and I liked her loyalty to Danny, but she has veered so far into butthurt white-girl problems that I'm losing patience with her. I don't mind characters that like to talk stuff out (I used to love the show Felicity) but usually when its done in a quirky lovable way. The key to the woe-is-me outcast type is quirkiness. Jo has none. She is just as abrasive as her irritating father. She's so self-involved that she can't see beyond her own issues. Also can ABC Family stop with the hashtags trying to get us to feel sorry for Jo. It's irritating as hell.

So, in last night's episode Danny, Lacey and Jo meet at the clubhouse to discuss what to do with the bombshell Lacey discovered. Danny and Jo think they should go to the cops, but Lacey is a little reluctant because she wants to make sure that she doesn't muddy Regina's name. I understand Lacey's reticence. She lost one best friend and she is not really ready to become the best friend of another person who is questionable. Jo continues to give the stink-eye and I really wish she would stop and just say what she has to say. Her passive aggression has reached Def-Con 5 levels of irritating. So you have an issue with her--just spill it. I get the feeling she's really pissed that Danny wants her and not  Jo and she really needs to get the fuck over it. This Danny/Jo stuff is really painful. They have no chemistry whatsoever. He isn't into her and she's just being an obnoxious bitch. But, enough with my Jo hating. This episode also revealed Karen and Tess's mutual past with Vikram. It seems Tess grew up with Karen and Vikram and she used to date him. But, the highlight of the episode was definitely watching them get high as they played with pottery. Those two have some serious sexual chemistry. I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up having an affair with one another.

Back in Connecticut, Danny tires of Lacey and Jo's bickering so he locks them out of the car forcing them to hash things out which results in the revelation that Lacey had Jo uninvited from a junior high birthday party. Apparently she did this after two years of listening to Jo get emo on her ass. Now, I do kinda feel bad for jo, but only for a milisecond. It was a junior high school party get over it. It's not like Lacey immediately dropped her. She did it cause Jo was annoying as fuck. I'm so sick of Lacey apologizing to Jo and Jo making herself a victim. It's dragging down the dynamic between the girls.

Back in Green Grove, Sheriff Kyle continues to be an incompetent police officer and basically blackmails Rico into revealing what he saw Karen do (dump a necklace in the lake). I have a few problems with this storyline. First off, it was dark. How the hell did he see what she was dumping in the lake. Secondly, no way does Kyle have a legal leg to stand on when it comes to blackmailing Rico. You'd think Rico would get that much since he's supposedly smart. I do feel bad for the kid because he does really like Jo. This whole Rico likes Jo who likes Danny who Lacey thing is so boring. I'm more interested in discovering what the connection between Danny's father and Regina is. I have a feeling he is still alive.

 

Race, Youth, and the Zimmerman Trial

I know this is a far cry from my usual blog posts, but I believe that the time needs to be taken to address the tragedy that happened last night. As a black woman it is impossible not to be moved by what happened to Trayvon Martin. But, this goes beyond the presumption of innonence and the legal system, it speaks to how we value human life and the notion of white privilege. I am speaking of white privilege because it is not always the same as racism. I am the last person to speak out about white people. I'm married to one. He is the one that got me to write this blog post because he understands that sometimes these things need to be written down.

White privilege refers to the set of societal privileges that white people are argued to benefits from beyond those commonly experienced by people of color in the same social, political or economic spaces. 

White privilege does not necessarily mean that one is racist (sometimes they are, but most of the time that is not the case) but rather that white people benefit from a system that is racist. They are given preferential treatment not because of who they are and how they behave, but the color of their skin. White privilege means that one won't have to worry about their crimes reflecting upon the entire group, or that their child will be killed simply for being a white guy walking in a neighborhood that is privileged. White skin works like a free pass to opportunities that people of color will never have. Even if they manage to educate themselves, have good jobs and live in a n ice neighborhood they will always have the burden of proof. They must prove that they live there, own that car, that they are not a criminal. The Zimmerman defense was predicated on prejudices ingrained in the culture. Martin was a teenager walking back to his dad's house from the convenience store. He had an altercation with man who profiled him based on race and followed him around and he chose to confront him and the result was that he was shot. If Zimmerman had been black this case would be open and shut and he would be in prison. I find it disingenuous when people have the gall to say this is not about race. It is all about race. His entire defense is predicated on racial stereotypes. Why did Zimmerman feel in danger? Because it was black kid? Then why get out of your damn car? Nothing the defense said made sense. A white mother will never understand the fear a black mother faces (unless the father is a black man). She must teach her child to bow her head and not antagonize the police so they won't shoot you. She must teach her child now to not walk to the store wearing a hoodie because he might be gunned down by some white supremacist nut. This is not right?

What has the Zimmerman case taught us? That we as black people do not matter. Our children's safety is of no value and that someone can indiscriminately shoot them down and they will get off. Racist all over the world are clapping themselves on the back claiming how justice was served. How was it served? By the weakest prosecution? By making sure to not include charges that Zimmerman could actually be charged with? By waiting for public pressure to mount before they even arrested this man? The defense team was doing their job. They fed on the racism of White America to get this man off. Racism killed Trayvon and racism let Zimmerman walk out of that court a free man.