(episode review) - The Last of Us: Season 2 - Episode 3

 

After the events of the last episode, this episode was bound to be slower and quieter to let the previous episode breathe a little, and to let the outcome sit with us a little. I mean, although the same thing happens in the game, it does not take away from how devastating the scene was. The difference between the game and the show (and purely because it is a game and storytelling is very linear), the scene at the lodge does not occur while Jackson is being attacked. With that said, there are other similarities and differences in the show in comparison to the game, and this show looks like it is going to flesh out some of the characters and groups a little better than in the game.


Injured and traumatised, Ellie is stuck in the infirmary for 3 months and is eventually released. Before she is released, Gail tries to probe Ellie for an answer that Joel gave to her. Out for vengeance but trying to put on a brave face, Ellie wants to travel and find Abby, but tries to tell the town to rally behind her at the town hall, but with no surprise, there is a 'No' vote, and Ellie leaves anyway, accompanied by Dina. Meanwhile, a group of people walking through the woods are attacked and their bodies are left in a ditch off the side of the road.

(trailer review) - Now You See Me: Now You Don't

Nobody in the history of life has ever asked for a movie! Ok, I kid. I am pretty sure everyone has at least at some point in their lives, has asked for some movie or another with their favourite actor etc, but in all seriousness, I feel like I am back here again, sat here, boggled like the Final Destination: Bloodlines movie trailer and I am thinking, WHO ASKED FOR THIS? This is NOT for me. I saw 'Now You See Me' and 'Now You See Me 2', but this new 'Now You See Me 3', aka 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't', is a clever play on the phrase for the sequel, but it will be interesting if this will be any good as the trailer looks ok, but I am not sold on this as yet.

So first off, this is giving me a fast and furious vibe with magic instead of cars. It looks like a diamond heist from criminals with Jesse Eissenberg's character taking on some young up and coming magicians. Seeing Ariana Greenblatt is cool, as I recognise her from Avengers: Infinity War, Barbie, Ahsoka and Borderlands and also recognising Justice Smith from Detective Pikachu. The frantic running around and fight scenes are giving me chaos, albeit..."organised" chaos and slight-of-hand which looks, simply like movie magic, sonit wil he interesting to see another trailer and see if that sells me more on-board the movie, but chances are, I am not going to see it. Final Destination: Bloodlines I will thoihh. We will see. I'll wait.

(episode review) - Star Wars: Andor: Season 2 - Episode 4-6

 

Having gone through the entirety of season one on a bit of fast forward (I did not watch in double speed, but at normal speed as a refresher, so I was not 100% focused), forgive me for stating Bix as Cassian's friend when in fact they are lovers or married, even...especially as she refers to him as her husband in the last 3 episodes. I thought she was honestly saying that to get creepy-bag magoo off her back, but seeing them kiss solidified that argument, if there ever was one. Anyway, these next 3 episodes are great. This is Star Wars, political intrigue, spies, and boffins. This is the drama behind the dramas, the fights and space battles. The last 3 episodes stood to show you different rebel factions and how unorganised they are, as well as trying to show you Mon Mothma's plight and all the things that are leading to her becoming the Mon Mothma from A New Hope. But these 3 episodes stand to show us the might of the Empire and the tactics they implore to get what they want to become what they become in Star Wars: Episode 4. Who do you trust when there are spies everywhere?

Episode 4
So we start off with Bix having nightmares due to the ordeal she went through back in season 1, and she is haunted by her actions in the last episode. Syril's mother buys into the Ghorman propaganda and thinks Syril has been demoted, but Syril is approached by Ghorman people, so he decides to be a spy for them. Dedra is still looking for Andor but decides to use Syril to get the upper hand on the Ghorman people. Mon Mothma tries to rally support and get votes while Wilmon is asked to create and teach his bomb making abilities to one of Saw Gurrera people.

Episode 5
The Ghorman spies try to devise a plan to but Luthen calls on Cassian to help with the assist. Kleya, listening in on a conversation about Luthen's counterfeit goods, also realises that the Empire may stumble onto their listening devices. Wilmon teaches his student, only to be shown his efforts were in vain because Saw Gurrera is very paranoid. Syril sides with the Ghorman people, but Cassian realises they are not efficient enough. Bix, trying to rest after her ordeal, gets restless.

Episode 6
Cassian gets angry with Luthen over his unexpected visit to see Bix. Cinta returns for the job with Vel and the Ghorman people whilst Syril watches on. Director Krenic arrives whilst Kleya does what she can to remove the listening device before the Empire finds it. Mon Mothma makes a decision. Bix seeks revenge.

These three episodes were a lot better than the last three. As each year goes by, we are given a part of the story that shows us the dynamics between the characters, the setups, the task and/or problem and how they are going to overcome them. In these three episodes, it is the empire that is pulling the strings, having the upper hand. It was mentioned by Cassian, "this is what the empire does" and he is not wrong, so these people are going to learn the hard way. The buildup to the double heist was great. It will be interesting to know what has changed in a year.