TV Bloggers: Quick TV Season Recaps VIDEO!

Our little season recaps for our weekly TV Shows is now up for our ISYS100 video project..

Hope use enjoy it as much as we did filming it, also check out our little blooper reel below.

BLOOPERS

Homeland: Season 2 Episode 1

After Season 1 proved to be an overwhelming success (picking up multiple Golden Globe and Emmy Awards) Homeland is back in action, with Season 2 shaping up be even more explosive and scandalous than what was an already minding-blowing first season.

 

For all those Homeland fanatics, unfortunately we won’t be treated to Season 3 until late September (2013). But fear not – a recap of all the thrilling action from Season 2 is coming your way to (hopefully) try and pass that time a little quicker!

Whilst the Season 1 finale left viewers on the edge of their seat and answered a few lingering questions, it created even more questions and suspicions about Brody’s intentions as well as Carrie’s ability to focus solely on the terrorism issue at hand.

Having attempted to treat her bipolar disorder through the use of electroconvulsive therapy, Carrie seems to be adjusting back into a regular pattern of life with the assistance of her immediate family following her dramatic dismissal from the CIA.

All seems well until her former colleague Saul receives news of possible intel from a woman in Lebanon – the only issue is that the agency has no idea who the woman is (having contacted the agency it would be assumed she would have some form of connection, but as Saul quickly finds out this isn’t the case). Having dodged unwanted company in order to meet her in the hostile streets of Beirut, Saul’s attempts to find out more information are cut short by a hesitant and fragile source who is only willing to speak to Carrie (this woman turned out to be one of Carrie’s previously hired agents who was “run off the books” to ensure her safety). Therefore David Estes (CIA Counter Terrorism Director) is forced to move beyond their falling out and gain the services of Carrie once again.

Back in the United States, the possibility of running for Vice-President is offered to Brody by Vice-President Walden himself. Having already been hailed as both a war hero and inspirational political figure, the scene could not be set more perfectly for Brody to make his impact. Having been approached indirectly by Abu Nazir in relation to potential targets for terrorism activity, Brody claims he is not a terrorist and only intends on using his position of power for political law enforcement. However after breaking into Estes’s personal safe and retrieving classified documents it becomes quite obvious which side Brody is pledging his allegiance to.  

However Brody’s so far smooth run in politics could soon be coming to an abrupt halt, following comments made by his daughter Dana at school that he is a Muslim. Although shrugged off at school, Brody is forced to tell his wife Jessica who is extremely against the idea. Through her frustration, Jessica (and as many viewers would) questions Brody on the basis of what Carrie claimed that afternoon on their front lawn – that Brody was in fact a terrorist plotting against the United States. Yet, as always, Brody manages to get himself out of the controversial situation by placing the blame on Carrie – reminding Jessica that she was not only fired by the CIA but locked in a mental institution.

 

Having agreed to join forces with the CIA again, Carrie makes her way through Beirut for a planned meeting with Saul. However the situation quickly turns sour and, just like Saul, Carrie is forced to content with unwanted company. In what looks to be the end of the line for her, the Carrie-of-old reignites and defuses the situation with a promising look of satisfaction and desire for more.

The episode concludes with Brody burying the Qur’an in his backyard after his wife had damaged it in her temporary rage. The fact that his daughter Dana comes out to help him leaves viewers with conflicting perspectives – will the general public be just as gullible to Brody’s antics as his innocent daughter or will the power of family be enough to swing his decision?

 

 

Stayed tuned and be sure to check out next week’s posts for more Homeland material!


- Written By: Mike Duffy

Homeland Season 2 Is Coming!

Although Season 2 of Homeland may have already come to a conclusion, fanatics are well aware of the agonising wait they must endure until Season 3 hits our screeens later in the year.

With this painful realisation in mind, let us reminisce on the events of Season 2 that have you all eagerly waiting in anticipation for a compelling and all-revelaing third season.

For those catching up and just starting on Season 2, check out the Season 2 trailer below to see what's install for the weeks to come!

- Written By: Mike Duffy

Video Source: Youtube

Game of Thrones Season Three Episode Three: There was a lot of Blood Tonight

Those of you who saw this weeks fresh installment of Game of Thrones will probably remember two things: blood and breasts featured prominently in this weeks episode, and often times viewers cringed even without the blood. But it was definitely an episode that should be remembered for more than these bodily wonders. So for those that missed out on catching the latest dose of hardcore fantasy, and for those who still have boobs and blood on the brain, we can offer you a recap of what happened, and what should be noted for later on.

In Westeros things are still being set up. Game of Thrones is a busy business with many plots and many parts all working at once to come together in the end for one beautifully formed finale that gives you that warm sense of satisfaction and 'the tingles'. But as has become the norm for Game of Thrones, the first few weeks leave us hungry for more as the characters establish themselves and their plans carefully. We should note that this season appears to be somewhat of an exception, with things moving much quicker than before. But this has perhaps been a poor choice this time around, with the introduction of several new characters and backdrops that the audience must quickly learn in order to keep up. At least now, by episode three, things are starting to slow down, especially when compared to the bits-and-pieces that made up episode one.

Tyrion is back, and seems more like himself to our relief. The comedic relief and crucial cog in the King's Landing plot line has bounced back from his war wounds, and after last weeks emotional confrontation with his father, Tywin Lannister, has recieved the position he was promised. He has replaced Little Finger as the Master of Coin, putting him back on the Small Council though we are unsure about his ability to budget; being a Lannister. At least he will pay all of his debts. Little Finger is sent away to marry the widowed Lysa Arryn (sister of Lady Stark and widower of the Hand of the King that served before the late Eddard Stark). We have a hunch that the crafty Little Finger who seems to care so much, so often, for so many will have little difficulty wooing the emotional disaster that is Lysa. As for Tyrion he brings back a laugh to our lips with his cheeky presence at the council meeting, and later when he treats his virgin squire Poderick to a roomful of prostitutes. The squire returns with the money left by our favourite lion, claiming the women had enjoyed the pleasure of his 'company' so much they didn't want the pay. Of course Tyrion demands details. All of the details.

Rob is still the King in the North, and is maturing by the minute. Already he appears to have joined the ranks with the others who claim royal rights and we see not a boy anymore buy a man. He takes a particularly harsh tone with one of his dear Uncle Edmure who appeared to value pride over patience, and lost Rob his chance at having the Hound's head on a spire. His anger at his mother seems to have laxed significantly since the death of Lord Hoster Tully (Lady Stark's father) and the episode in fact opens with a ceremonial burning of Lord Tully's body. Lady Stark is in want of good news, as she also believes Bran and Rickon to be dead after the taking of Winterfell by the two-faced Theon Greyjoy. We are introduced to Lady Stark's uncle, and Rob's great-uncle, Brynden 'Blackfish' Tully, who we suspect might be a crowd favourite before long. He has a gruff personality, but shows all the signs of being a wise and useful character later on. In particular he seems to understand the growing wolfish hunger in Robb, and the cunning it will take to win the war. He has already impressed us with some precise archery and cutting wordplay. Lets hope he makes some reappearances.

Daenerys is across the seas, but her presence and importance in the story has become just as real at the King in the North, and her maturity even more pronounced. Since season one, the Mother of Dragons has shown significant potential for leadership, and a bloodthirsty craving to return to the Iron Throne, despite never holding it for herself. This week she has great pity for the slaves she sees tortured and executed, who don't seem to understand they have a choice. Bluffing and feigning her way through a bargain as much as the ill-spoken vendor himself, Daenerys offers one of her dragons as payment for every slave - trained and untrained - to the slimy slaves salesman that seems to unjustifiably want to call her a 'whore'. Viewers were shocked to see her so readily and happily give away a dragon for 8000+ Unsullied fighters, but her ultimate goal becomes clear as she cuts down her good Sirs with confidence. Its pretty evident that she has a plan, and the way the Mother of Dragons has been working it as of late, we don't feel inclined to question her. As she said to her new slave-girl; "All men must die. But we are not men."

A small word does need to be said here with relation to some more minor plot movements, such as poor Ser Mormont and Ser Selmy, who seem to be barracking to be Daenerys' number one fanboy. Each holds a very different view on the world, and both are eager to please and advise. It is only the sale of the dragon that they can come together on, and a dramatic tension seems to be setting itself up within this new group dynamic. Theon Greyjoy also deserves a mention, as he has escaped his mysterious captors with an even more mysterious savior who offered an open hand to the confused and desperate Greyjoy. His savior's identity may be a mystery, but he offered his hand with the words 'Winter is coming' which lends itself to the Starks. Why a Stark would help a Greyjoy at this point in the plot is a mystery in itself, but the trailers for next week's episode promise us some answers. Beyond the wall, the White Walkers have taken another batch of crows into their army of the undead, and Jon Snow is sent to attack his brothers at the Wall. Whether he will find it in himself to murder his once fellow crows; only time will tell.

Jaime Lannister is a strange character. At every turn he appears to be the quintessential Knight; well spoken, polite, watchful for damsels in distress, witty, infamous with a sword and lets face it not too shabby looking either. And then you remember that in season one he tried to kill Bran. On principle you feel you have to hate him, but at the same time he is such an amazing character that you can't ignore some of the great things he does. Today's episode was no exception. The King Slayer and his escort, Sir Brienne the lady-knight, have been captured and are to be taken back to the King in the North; a destination neither wants to reach for different reasons. Having knowledge about captors, Jaime warns Brienne that they will rape her come nightfall, and tries to warn her not to struggle. Sure enough, come nightfall, they take her into the woods to rape her, and her screaming suggests that she is indeed struggling. A few quick words and name-drops, and suddenly Brienne is saved by none other than the man she was holding captive; Jaime Lannister. The lion takes of more than he can chew however, and finds himself at the mercy of the men himself. The show ends quite abruptly, with the final scene including the most dramatic moment of all; Jaime Lannister has his hand cut off.

This week's episode has left us wanting more; much more. How Jaime will cope without his sword hand is a mystery, and what Daenerys will do about her sold dragon has us biting our nails over next weeks episode. We hope you're all just as excited as we are. Be sure to catch it again next week, Monday nights straight after the US.

~ Written by Jessica Sheridan

Image Sources: Screenrant.com and Geekbinge.com

Downton Abbey Season Three Episode Nine

To those that missed last night’s episode of Downton Abbey; fret not. The best is still to come next weekend with the season finale that is bound to be a tear-jerker, with last night’s episode setting the scene for a truly spectacular conclusion to the season, in true Downton style.

The finale has already aired quite some time ago overseas, so some are already aware of the tragic ending of the third season of this wonderfully dramatic period piece.  But we won’t give away too much of what the few of us already know about the season finale just yet, for the sake of those who still thrill in the excitement of the unknown (and people without decent internet access!)

Last night’s episode saw the staff of Downton pack up their masters and send them off to the Highlands of Scotland, leaving poor ole Tom Branson back at home to watch the house with his young daughter named after her deceased mother Sybil. He is somewhat interrogated by a cheeky new maid in the manor, Edna, resulting in Tom questioning who he is now that he is seen as a Lord of the house and no longer a valet. In Scotland, Lord Grantham has gathered together fishing nets and hunting rifles for a pleasant trip in the Highlands to visit the MacClare family as men did in those days. Lady Susan, otherwise known as Mrs MacClare, is the niece of Lady Violet Crawley (played by Maggie Smith), and so the two families are linked. Little drama occurs at all with respect to the Lords, who seem cut off from it all during their day trips out in the wild.

And oh how the time flies; Lady Mary is shown to be very pregnant at the start of the episode – eight months in fact. Quite a leap in time since the last episode, as is Downton convention, and the episode warns viewers at the beginning of the episode that we are now 1 year further along in the story. Her pregnancy doesn’t stop Mary from continuing her snide jests at Edith, who is joined by her magazine editor, Mr Michael Gregson, who of course seeks her hand in marriage. Edith generates much sympathy, particularly in this season, and especially when compared to the much crueller example she played in season one. Viewers can expect to again be rooting for the underdog in Edith. There is perhaps less sympathy to be felt for Rose MacClare who has become a constant within the show, and is trying to cope with the somewhat angsty issue of being a teenager. She is helped by the fan-favourites Anna and Bates who accompanied the family into Scotland. Can’t forget to pack your maid and footman for a hunting trip, apparently.

Meanwhile back at Downton, the servants are left to their own devices somewhat, though remain under the watchful eye of Carson who insists upon continuing work while the family is away. This doesn’t stop some playful drama from unfolding, with Mrs Patmore attracting a rough-around-the-edges bloke from town, and a certain kind of tension held between the still-employed Thomas and Jimmy. The drama surrounding Thomas and his homosexuality appears to have died down somewhat, and the tension that remains doesn’t appear hostile at all; if anything, it seems quite the contrary between the two men. Nothing in impossible at Downton. The episode ends with a plan for the house staff to go to a local fair, to be joined by poor widowed Tom. It’s also interesting to note that the kind-hearted and liberal Mrs Crawley will also attend the fair, escorted by the equally kind Dr Clarkson. Fingers crossed a romance is blooming between these two well-meaning characters!

Downton Abbey is advertising a life and a death for next week’s season finale. Of course we can expect that Lady Mary will give birth to her child, but the death still raises some questions. Here at TVBloggers we are already aware of what’s to come, and can promise a bitter-sweet ending to the season. We can confirm for you that a character does indeed die, and for the sake of your sanity it won’t be Mary to die as a result of childbirth. Unlike her sister Sybil who tragically died after the birth of her daughter only a few episodes ago. If that episode had you sniffling but still composed, then be prepared to blubber next week. Have some tissues ready, as Downton says goodbye to a much loved character. It’s certainly not to be missed!

Stay tuned for more reviews and TV gossip, and don’t forget to tune in tonight for Game of Thrones!

~ Written by Jessica Sheridan.

Downton Family Tree info: Downton Abbey Wiki