How I Met Your Mother: Rally and Vesuvius Reviews and Theories For the Future.

How I Met Your Mother made its return from a final hiatus with two amazing episodes. I’ve just finished watching them back to back and have so many feelings and theories brewing. So let’s get started shall we:

Rally 9x18

• Ah, Ted and the mother so adorable. Chills run down my spine every time there is a flash forward scene that involves them. They are so perfect for each other and it’s such a joy to watch Josh and Cristin act together.
• My darling Barney. This gang has been drinking and not sleeping for days; it was just a matter of time before someone became hung over… or died. I found myself getting a little irked at Ted and Robin being mad at Barney for being drunk, especially when, they shoved the drinks down his throat in the first place.
• Hello, Marshall Eriksen winning the New York Supreme Court race. THAT’S HUGE. I’m so proud of him.
• Robin and Lily trying to wake Barney up from his basic coma, was the best. Throwing him down the stairs, drowning him with water, all excellent. BUT them kissing was just what everyone needed, and you’re lying if you didn’t like it. Unless you’re a homophobe then I’m sorry about your life.
• Hello College Marvin, damn the Eriksen genes are the ones that keep on giving. Head canon a spin-off of Marvin and his college friends, it would be amazing.
• How I Met Your Mother does this thing to me sometimes… it see my weakness and attacks it. Barney and Robin being married and living in Argentina (or vacationing). Robin in red which is lovely also bulls hate red so maybe she became that bullfighter. BOOM baby cries. My heart started racing, tears started to stream down my face and I was yelled NO.
• I think Robin would be a great mother. I think deep down she probably has that natural instinct, with that being said I don’t want her to have a child (unless they adopt). HIMYM does such a great job at continuity and not really changing where they are going, which is more than I can say about other shows. Robin not being able to have kids was such a pivotal moment for the character and the show, as a whole. By giving her a miracle child it is not only a misrepresentation of her character but it is a jab at the women in the real world, who have connected with Robin’s infertility.
• When Barney told everyone he loved them, there was this beat and pause that this show was coming to an end. That we would never see these five people on our screens again, that it was coming to an end. And nothing was ever the same again.
• TED AND THE MOTHER AND THEIR LITTLE CHILDREN IS EVERYTHING I WANTED.
• Robin is now in love with the idea of her and Lily, and now everything has come full circle. Goodnight.

 Quotes:

• “Bloody Mary sounds more like a bloody scary.” “….” “I’m gonna say it again.” - Marshall
• “Bitch?! Walk out that door and I tag in Zabka as my maid of honour.” – Robin
• “Nothing good comes from hanging out in a bar.” “But every one of your stories takes place in a bar!” – Lily and Marvin
• “I’m just allergic to a lot of stuff: bacon, donuts, Halloween candy… Not saying thank you? – Ted
• “I have found the one and her name is Bacon.” – Ted
• “Why did you lie?” “I… love you guys.” – Lily and Barney

Vesuvius 9x19

• Ted and the mother flash forwards is what every episode from here on out needs. The boring old married couple has made it.
• Katie Scherbatsky, oh how I’ve missed you. I hope that wasn’t Lucy’s only episode because she didn’t really say much. But I am so glad they brought her back.
• Lily and Robin’s fighting was pretty much pointless for me, like I understand how it tied into the episode and everything but, it wasn’t that necessary. Lily was trying to get her to budge but Robin is almost too carefree. I think something may set her off next week, with her mom and all but it didn’t need to be fabricated.
• Ted’s speech to Barney was emotional and moving, it was a basic homage to Barney and Robin shippers. It let us know that there are so many new journeys ahead for the couple, and that Barney made the right choice. Not that we ever doubted it for a second.
• It was all emotionally downhill from here, when the gang realized that this might be their last time hanging out together, the audience felt it too. With only four episodes remaining, you can feel the air in the room shift, and it makes me so sad.
• The Ted and the Mother scenes took some DRAMATIC TURNS. The first one when the Mother told Ted that he was the love her life. It was sweet, then you felt the beat and she almost seemed choked up when she said “Life only moves forward.” Like basically coming out to tell Ted he does not enjoy the present nearly enough.
• Rewatching this for a second time I theorize with divorce. Like they love each other so much but, Ted’s inability to move forward has left them with a mutual end. When they were talking and Ted said: “…In a moment like that when a moment is too intense to deal with sometimes its best….” And the mother responded: “To leave it unspoken, and just enjoy each other’s company instead.” Something clicked with me on the second watch, like why is she saying this.
• Theory #2 is sadder and more unpleasant, that being the mother is dying or eventually does die. This show is going to drive us all to drink on March 31^st, I can already see it. The death component never made sense to me until the “45 days” speech from 8x20 and now the: “What mom wouldn’t be there on her daughter’s wedding day.” The beat changed and when Ted started to cry I realized what the show was doing. And I curse the day I started watching. Killing her off would be so overwhelming and I don’t even want to think about it. But all signs are leading there. Unless the Mother’s mom died before Ted and the Mother got married and Ted is sensitive about it still. It all hurts and nothing is the same. They seemed so keen on continuing to talk about the past because the present is too painful to deal with.
• Robin’s mom getting over her fear of flying to go to her daughter's wedding was everything that needed to happen; I’m still so happy and sad about it.

Quotes:

• “Did Lily tell you that story?” “Yeah, because Lily used the word ragamuffin.” – Ted and the Mother
• “Barney and Robin lovers forever and ever and ever?” “Sounds cheesy, I’m gonna go barf forever and ever and ever.” – Robin and Katie
• “You’re the love of my life Pooh Bear but I worry about you. I don’t want you to be the guy who lives in his stores. Life only moves forward.” – The Mother
• “…In a moment like that when a moment is too intense to deal with sometimes its best….” “To leave it unspoken, and just enjoy each other’s company instead.” – Ted and the Mother.
• “Yeah Swarlize Theron take it easy.” “Oh man, this was supposed to be my special day.” – Marshall and Barney

I will admit that it took me about 2 hours to figure out what the episode title had to do with the episode. I forgot about “Vesuvius” was the word Ted was being all showboaty about in 9x02. He promised himself that he was coming back and bringing the mother, and he did; more than once. This show is going to ruin me one way or another. I can’t believe it is ending. I can’t believe I’ve only been watching for like 15 months. This has been such a journey and I cannot wait to ride out the last 4 episodes with you all. Let me know what your theories are on the whole Ted/Mother ordeal. Until next time.

Oscar Sunday is Finally Here

The most exciting day of award season is here everybody, happy happy Oscar day. If you are a television and film junkie like me you live for award season. And even though the Oscars usually bore you to tears you sit through it because you care. With Ellen DeGeneres slated as the host you know it is bound to be fun. With twenty four awards to be given out tonight I am here to talk about eight of them. I am very passionate about these eight categories and have my plans for if my favourites win or lose, and the way most of the shows are going my favourites are probably going to lose.

Best Picture:

• American Hustle
• Captain Phillips
• Her
• Dallas Buyers Club
• Gravity
• Nebraska
• Philomena
• 12 Years A Slave
• The Wolf of Wall Street

For the first time this year I decided to attempt to watch all of the films nominated for Best Picture. Out of this list of nine, I managed to watch 7. I have not seen Nebraska or Philomena. I think 12 Years A Slave is one of the best films to ever come out of Hollywood in the past 10 years. It told a true story, and was gritty, compelling and heart-wrenching. The cast ensemble is outstanding, Lupita Nyong'o is a rising star, and Steve McQueen is a visionary. It has not been getting the love that it deserves in my opinion. If things do not go my way, which I will be shocked if they do, I will accept Gravity or The Wolf of Wall Street as well. If American Hustle wins, I will riot in the streets.

Best Actor:

• Christian Bale (American Hustle)
• Bruce Dern (Nebraska)
• Leonardo DiCaprio (The Wolf of Wall Street)
• Chiwetel Elijor (12 Years a Slave)
• Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club)

It's Leonardo DiCaprio's time to shine. This needs to happen, I need it to happen. Leo needs it to happen, the world needs it to happen and Tumblr needs it to happen. Leo carried the film, the content was extreme and his performance was incredible. As a long time Leonardo fan he has been snubbed before by the Academy but he is the clear choice. Don't get me wrong, I loved Chiwetel in 12 Years a Slave and he has been getting snubbed left right and center. As for Matthew McConaughey, I adore the man, I think he is a great actor, but he was not what sold the film for me. Alright? Alright? Alright? Give the Oscar to Leonardo, thank you.

Best Actress:

• Amy Adams (American Hustle)
• Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)
• Sandra Bullock (Gravity)
• Judi Dench (Philomena)
• Meryl Streep (August: Osage County)

This female category is full of talent and one of the only categories where I am indifferent to who wins. My front runner for the win is Amy Adams. Though my disdain for American Hustle is extreme, Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence kept me awake. Amy has been killing it this year, she was also my favourite part of Her. So if she wins I will be extremely happy. I believe Cate Blanchett might walk away a winner tonight, though I have not seen Blue Jasmine, I hear she is excellent. So we shall see.

Best Supporting Actor:

• Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips)
• Bradley Cooper (American Hustle)
• Michael Fassbender (12 Years A Slave)
• Jonah Hill (The Wolf of Wall Street)
• Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club)

Jared Leto for the clean sweep please and thank you. This category is filled with talent and exceptional performances, but it was Jared Leto who gave the performance of a lifetime. He was the major draw for me in Dallas Buyers Club and I cannot put into words how much is performance moved me. Rayon forever.

Best Supporting Actress:

• Sally Hawkins (Blue Jasmine)
• Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle)
• Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years A Slave)
• Julia Roberts (August: Osage County)
• June Squibb (Nebraska)

If Lupita does not win I will shut down. Her performance was exceptional and for her first feature film, I was blown away. She played such a fragile character in such a fractured time era. She deserves all the awards, love and success in the world. I literally have nothing more to say other than GIVE HER THE DAMN OSCAR. Please.

Directing

• David O. Russell (American Hustle)
• Alfonso Cuaron (Gravity)
• Steve McQueen (12 Years A Slave)
• Alexander Payne (Nebraska)
• Martin Scorsese (The Wolf of Wall Street)

Besides having Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as the leading actors made this movie amazing was its directing and cinematography. In a category for the most talented directors in Hollywood, I believe Alfonso Cuaron will take this one. I would however be ecstatic if McQueen pulled out with this one. So we shall see what happens tonight.

Writing - Adapted Screenplay:

• Before Midnight (Written by: Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke)
• Captain Phillips (Screenplay by: Billy Ray)
• Philomena (Screenplay by: Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope)
• 12 Years a Slave (Screenplay by: John Ridley)
• The Wolf of Wall Street (Screenplay by Terrance Winter)

Roll Johnny Roll. 12 Years a Slave was phenomenal, like I said before it was gritty and heart-wrenching. The dialogue was outstanding and the way everything flowed together always kept me on the edge of my seat. John has been getting nothing but praise for his writing, so let's hope the streak continues tonight.

Writing - Original Screenplay

• American Hustle (Written by: Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russel)
• Blue Jasmine (Written by: Woody Allen)
• Dallas Buyers Club (Written by: Craig Borten & Melisa Wallack)
• Her (Written by: Spike Jonze)
• Nebraska (Written by: Bob Nelson)

In the perfect world American Hustle would not walk away with this award. The world is not perfect so I think my prediction and wish is completely skewed but I will stick with it. Dallas Buyers Club again was an amazing film, it dealt with such an interesting and difficult situation during an era where this was common. I think they handled the situation with truth and honour. I would love for them to pull off the upset.

I honestly wonder out of the eight I chose how many will walk away with a little Oscar for their mantles. I am hoping to go at least 5 for 8 but Hollywood seems to worship American Hustle, so I will probably be miserable. I hope you enjoy the awards tonight and good luck to your favourites. May the Academy be with you.

How I Met Your Mother: 9x17 Sunrise

Good Afternoon my fellow himymers, I hope you are surviving this Tuesday with pride. It is time to talk about last night's mess, which might be putting it lightly. But the hatchet of the romantic relationship between Ted and Robin was finally buried, and I say god bless and good riddance.

• So going into this episode I knew what was coming but not like this. I will be very vocal in this review as I am a Robin Scherbatsky advocate and she just got dumped on throughout the entire episode and then flew away. 
• As Ted and Robin strolled the beach to "find" Barney and I put quotation marks around the word find because neither of them gave a flying balloon where he actually was. The groom is missing but let's just talk about Ted's exes and watch the sunrise together.... sure, sounds good.
• Barney was off being Barney, teaching people how to live and passing the torch of his legacy that was 9 seasons in the making. I probably should have felt a little weird about him being in a strip club on his wedding morning but he was the least of my problems and it's Barney so, it's too be expected.
• We got to see some of Ted's exes and I was happy actually mostly to see the faces of the actresses like Sarah Chalke (Stella) is adorable as is Ashley Williams (Victoria). I loved Ted and Victoria until season eight but leave it to his exes to be smarter and less crazy and then him. When you want to give Jeanette a hug for being the sane one, you know the writers are messing Ted up.
• Back in the Farhampton Inn we had Marshall having a conversation with ghost present Lily and ghost San Francisco Lily. Which was weird because Lily is alive and ghosts are usually the deceased, but whatever. When Marshall's dad showed up I was so happy because that was such an important relationship. And leave it to his dad and ghost present Lily to talk some sense into him.
• I'm glad Marshall and Lily made up in a way that paralleled their make up in the Swarley episode of season two. I am also left wondering what was the actual point of making them fight when you knew they would stay in New York? Back in season eight there was the flash forward about Marshall becoming a judge. So besides to add drama because there was nothing else to do why blow this up in the faces of Marshall and Lily fans? I love this show so much, but thinking about this is exhausting and aggravating.
• Speaking of aggravating it's time to talk about the elephant in the room, that being the once romantic relationship between Ted and Robin. I used to love them oh so much and believed they would end up together even though in the pilot she was referred to as "Aunt Robin" and then season 6-8 happened and I grew up and started thinking logically which some of y'all need to do. I'm glad Ted let her go finally but this should have happened so long ago. Like after she got engaged he should have sat Barney and Robin down and just been like look this is how I feel, but oh no.
• What makes me mad is that Robin's feelings are never actually considered or taken with sensitivity ever. Ted is being selfish end of discussion. He dropped three bombs into her lap the morning of her wedding, didn't help her find her fiance or get the sleep she needed to be ready for her wedding day.
• And the speech, lord help me with the speech. People were praising it and I was like no, it made him sound crazy. And I love Ted but when it comes to this crazy notion that him and robin are made for each other when they are toxic and self destructive drives me INSANE. When Robin met his parents for the first time, Ted's mom said that they reminded her of her and Ted's dad, and how did that end... IN A DIVORCE.
• This episode was just so frustrating. The show is coming to an end and I should be sad but I'm more mad that this is how's it's going. We are supposed to believe that Ted and the Mother are soulmates which they are. But the writers are setting it up that the Mother is a second choice because Robin doesn't love him. And it just sucks. 

Quotes:

• "That isn't the filthiest trash he's ever slept with... my future husband folks." - Robin
• "Ted... sorry force of habit, boys. Suits are cool." - Barney
• "Whatever you do in this life, it's not legendary unless your friends are there to see it." - Barney
• "When we went out on our first date, at the end of the night, did you want me to kiss you?" "Yeah, I did." "Dammit." - Ted and Robin

I apologize for this being so long and rant filled, I will now float away like Robin did until February 24th. Enjoy the Olympics if you plan on watching and see you soon :)

How I Met Your Mother: Unpause & How Your Mother Met Me

Good evening or afternoon depending where you live. We had some BIG HIMYM episodes to absorb. After the catastrophe that was Slapsgiving 3, I was looking for episodes to restore my faith and the writers brought the show around so fast, it made me wonder if 9x14 was just a bad dream. With that being said "Unpause" and "How Your Mother Met Me" were two of the best episodes of the season, which I seem to say a lot but it continues to get better and better.

9x15: Unpause

• I screamed when the episode started off with a Ted and the Mother flashback. It's always a treat to see Josh and Cristin play off of each other. Their chemistry is so natural and fantastic, it seems like they've been together for years. A part of me wish the show wasn't about Ted's search for love so we could see more of Cristin throughout the years.
  
  
• The gang is back, the gang is back. And the crowd rejoices. I missed the five of them acting ridiculous together. It was so nice to see them bonding and Marshall showing them everything he got at Ted's childhood home was the greatest. Picking on Ted, back to the basics.
  
  
• Truth serum drunk Barney was hilarious, finding out all those questions we've wanted to know. Ted finally found out what happened between his mom and Barney. Robin is apparently rich which I found was interesting, just because I thought we knew almost everything about Robin. AND we finally found out what Barney did for a living. I always hoped his job would have been an acronym for PLEASE and I was right. The fact that he's been plotting to ruin Greg's life for stealing Shannon from the beginning was perfect continuity. I was so happy and surprised by it. This show has one of the best senses of continuity I have ever seen on television.
  
  
• And on to the topic that makes me irrationally angry but first... What I love about Marshall and Lily is that they have the pause and unpause in their relationship. But this unpause was so unfortunate. I am team Lily and everyone should be I still do not understand how people are saying they hate her and she's wrong, please. Marshall was acting ooc and was such a dick to her. Not telling her about the job, taking the job without first discussing, basically telling her that her dreams were unimportant and just a hobby. He needs a good kick in the head and to come down from that high horse he is apparently sitting on and learn how to communicate better. Bringing up San Francisco was like the worst thing he could do; it's a low blow, and he's better than that. Considering they were young, afraid and he already forgave her this should not have been used to hurt her. I'm glad Lily ran away from him because he's being a terrible person. And you know because of the flashforward in season 8 Marshall's dreams squash Lily's so it's so disappointing.
  
  
• In happier news Barney was wearing his ring the flashforward scene with Greg which is the first time we see him wearing one. As a Barney and Robin superfan it made me happier than anything. The last scene between Ted and Barney tugged at the heartstrings because not only did it showcase how far Barney and Robin have come as a unit but it showed how far Barney has come as a character. In season one nobody could have guessed that he would be monogamous or find the love of his life and sure it took 7.5 seasons but he did.
  
  
• The final scene between Ted and the Mother was so great I was in tears we finally found out the kids names. Now I know Luke and Leia have always been the headcanon idea. But Penny is a very important name. In season 2 the episode entitled "The Lucky Penny" Ted stays in New York because he misses his flight to Chicago. If he would have never found the Penny he would have never met the mother and this story would have a dead end. The Penny was the reason he met the mother and is the perfect reason why their daughter's name should be Penny, I loved it.

Quotes

• "The phrase talk to the hand because the face ain't listening, doesn't work for you, because the hand is on yo face." "A simple yes would suffice." - Robin and Barney
• "I want to see that picture more than I want to get married." - Robin
• "I got thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double." - Barney
• "Do you know how much money you cost me?" "What am I a prostitute?" "You are not a prostitute?" "No a prostitute would have been cheaper." "Depends on the prostitute." - Ted, Robin and Barney
• "Who are you?" "Who am I? Just a guy who served you coffee once. Peace out loser." - Greg and Barney
• "You're getting married tomorrow, how are you doing?" "Good, I mean... I'm a little nervous but, I love Robin more than I've ever loved anyone and I'm going to do everything I can to make her happy. For a long time deep time I felt sort of broken? But I don't feel that way anymore Robin.... has made me 100% awesome." - Ted and Barney

9x16: How Your Mother Met Me

• THEY KILLED HER BOYFRIEND ON HER BIRTHDAY???? Sometimes I really don't know if Carter and Craig understand what comedy means. Because like how many times do I need to cry show? How many people need to die? AND ON HER BIRTHDAY. It was so cruel, I was already crying like a baby TWO MINUTES into the episode.
  
  
• Mitch, the naked man. Everything is perfect and nothing else hurts. The naked man only works 2/3 times and the mother was the one who rejected him. I hope in the future the Mother and Robin bond over Mitch and laugh about.
  
  
• Cindy and the Mother were so great. I love Rachel Bilson so having her back was such a treat. When she kissed the Mother I was like this happening right now. I loved seeing them interact because we've known for awhile how important the relationship was between the two.
  
  
• Seeing how the near misses between the Mother and Ted played out was actually amazing. Like she's always been right around the corner. And in the present day she's in the room right next to Ted literally right around the corner. it's been such a long time coming. They are soul mates, nerds and so perfect for each other and I am so happy we are privileged to see it.
  
  
• More heartbreak, when Louis proposed and the Mother excused herself to talk to Max. My heart was breaking when she asked for a sign. A lot of people wanted the sign to be rain. But rain is a sign between Ted and Robin, the Mother and Ted are different and their sign is the wind and it is so beautiful. Side note: When the Mother was asking Max if she could move on it was the exact same music playing when Ted asked "the Mother" for those extra 45 days, which got me thinking.
  
  
• BARNEY STINSON WHERE DID YOU GO THOUGH?
  
  

Quotes

• "It's St. Patrick's Day, the holiday of my people." "You're not Irish." "Binge drinkers." - Kelly and the Mother
• "Can I tell you an embarrassing story?" "Is it this one? Taking place, right now." - Mitch and the Mother
• "I might have some stuff to figure out." "You might." - Cindy and the Mother
• "Why would you call a bar Puzzles... Unless... that's the puzzle." - The Mother

This damn episode I feel like I had been waiting 9 years to see it. But it's only been like 12 months, I'm still a newbie to this show but it's been worth the wait this episode was so good, it however flew by so fast. I can't wait for this season to continue but I'm also starting to feel sad because it's coming to an end.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Seeds Review

In this week's Seeds episode the team goes back to the Academy where it all began. The Academy or S.H.I.E.L.D. Hogwarts as I like to call it, was experiencing some weird occurrences when an indoor pool started to freeze over. What we thought at first was one student trying to get ahead in the force turned into something more:

• My heart continues to break for Coulson as he continues to analyze his own photos of his dead body. And when the promo revisited last week's episode I felt like screaming "COULSON YOU WILL BE AVENGED." Like Cobie Smulders in the Avengers gag reel. On one hand you want Coulson to get over this soon but then you can't really imagine what it would be like finding out you for one thing were dead, and wanted to die AND that you "family" changed who you once were.
  
  
• Getting an insight on the Academy was on of my favourite things this week. Seeing where FitzSimmons and Ward came from. Learning that there was kind of a rivalry between the Sciences and Operations and in this case Science prevailed. FitzSimmons were the cool kids on the block and everyone wanted to be like them. For one student maybe too much.
  
  
• What was originally thought as an attack on one student to get ahead in the force and move into the field in the Sandbox, turned into two students creating an idea for trade. Donnie was manipulated and in turn lured and manipulated Fitz into fixing his idea causing a massive super storm. Which in my opinion was super cool, the storm; not the manipulation. Donnie was playing on selling his invention to Quinn who returns to make every thing miserable again.
  
  
• On the other side of the spectrum and really the meaty stuff of this episode  and season was finding out that Skye was an 084. Coulson and May found someone who used to protect Skye and he told them that she has powers; and that death follows. We all originally thought she was given up and unwanted. But it turns out people were murdered trying to protect her. I'm intrigued to find out what will happen now that Skye knows the truth. And I am curious to know what her powers entail, because other than her gifts of hacking she has yet to discover who she truly is.
  
  
• I thought Chloe Bennett nailed the scene between Coulson and Skye and the discovery. Between her tears and the voice over I was in tears. I hope that nobody on the team dies because of her, but in the hands of the Whedon's it won't be over looked.
  
  
• The ending got me a little bit for two reasons: one Donnie turned into like an iceman due to the kick back of his device. And Quinn talking with Coulson saying the clairvoyant says hi. I need to know who the mysterious and elusive clairvoyant is.

Favourite Episode Quotes

• "You'll be jealous of me when you're wrinkly old hags." - Fitz
• "What a beautiful idea." "He has one of them every now and then." - Simmons and Fitz
• "Agent Ward and I have been having sex." - May

The next episode which airs February 4th looks, really good. Also hello Stan Lee.

How I Met Your Mother: Slapsgiving 3: Slappointment in Slapmarra

If you enjoyed this episode, you can probably exit this recap / review and enjoy your evening because our opinions will not be the same. So just a warning not to continue if you thought this was AND I QUOTE "one of the funniest episodes in years" OR "hilarious". If you thought the episode was not funny, boring and didn't advance the plot then you may proceed.

This review is going to be short because no part of me enjoyed it. Which is disappointing because it is my favourite show on television right now, as you all know. The slap anticipation had been building since the end of 9x13 and I like everyone else had been checking the slap bet countdown online seeing how many more days remained until this aired. The idea of slap using the tennis cam was a cool concept but it dragged on for what felt like 14 years. 

When Barney Stinson the King of made up stories was not buying any of Marshall's crap for lack of better words, you know there is a problem. The only parts I enjoyed were Barney and not giving a flying sun about Marshall's story because I felt the same way and him asking Robin if she loved him enough to take the slap for him. OH, and Boyz II Men at the end because I was a 90s kid so that brought back a lot of feelings. A part of me is disappointed they aren't singing at Barney and Robin's wedding, but I cant get everything in life that I want.

I love this show to death but this was probably the worst episode that's ever been written AND the one that has received so much negative backlash. If you are on twitter then you know exactly what I am talking about and have probably seen the hash-tag and reacted to it. Carter and Craig released a statement today apologizing to anyone who was offended by the episode.

Here's my two cents and my closing remarks: I didn't take offense to it because I am not of an Asian decent. I thought oh they are just making parodies of kung-fu movies, no big deal. But some people were offended by it within the Asian community and it's their right to feel how they feel. To the people who are not Asian and believe they are being ridiculous and irrational; you are out of place. People are entitled to their own opinions and if they were hurt by the cultural references and "racial" stereotypes then they were. You have no right to tell them what they can and cannot be offended by.

I'm hoping next week's episode showcases what we love about the show and we forget this ever happened. With only a few episodes left until the series finale I would like to enjoy them without backlash and drama. If you liked the episode that's fine, I'm not here to criticize you for liking. I'm just voicing my opinion. Happy Wednesday y'all. 

Catching You Up On How I Met Your Mother.

Good evening, or good afternoon depending where you live around the world. It's Monday night which is usually a drag but How I Met Your Mother is back so that is always a plus. I know I slacked behind with my reviews last year, but I am here and ready. HIMYM ended off the year GREAT. It's all starting to come together piece by piece with the mother and I can't wait to see how it continues to play out. As we prepare for tonight let's catch up on the past three episodes.

9x11 Bedtime Stories

• This episode was weird. Clever as hell but weird. So much rhyming in so little time. It took me a lot out of me to muster up the courage to watch to watch again. I almost planned on writing this all in rhyme but then I figure you guys did not have the time. To read what I wrote in rhyme, like a terrible English crime. Okay I'm done.
  
  
• It was so nice to see Marshall in the present day for such a long time. I sometimes he feels like he ceases to exist. I'm so glad he has made it to Farhampton at the end of 9x13, I was going crazy. The end of the episode set up Marshall vs. The Machines Part 2.
  
  
• DAWSON LEERY CAME BACK AND LOOKS FINE AS HELL. oops I mean Simon, but still hot as hell. The fact that he actually did get engaged to Louise Marsh makes life come full circle. Post breakup slob Robin looks better than I do in every day life. She's so beautiful it's hard to believe we co-exist in this life.
  
  
• Barney Stinson in the Players Club. He has twins. Just kidding, but I wonder how much Neil loved this part. He is so good at accents I thought, Barney the King Player of New York City was the best bit until he killed them all. Then it got hella weird. Robin was not having any of it, but even as the scene played out you could still see how much she cares about him.
  
  
• The random man on the bus dropping all the mad rhymes was great and also the man responsible for Neil's closing raps at the Emmy's. He's basically my hero.

9x12 Rehearsal Dinner

• I think we can all agree to that this episode was probably one of the best ones for Barney and Robin since the Final Page part 2. Maybe not full episode but at least one of the best moments for the couple FOR SURE. Barney is so sweet bless his heart.
  
  
• We start off with Barney arrested in a Laser Tag place which does not seem out of the ordinary considering he pushes kids around like a man child while playing. Robin is less than enthused with the situation but loves him anyways.
  
  
• Oh Canada jokes how I love thee. As a Canadian I just love when Americans make fun of us. Mostly because the stereotypes are hella wrong but still hilarious. I loved that in the bar scene there was a couple in the background getting engaged, having a child, the child graduating and the husband dying. Classic.
  
  
• PUPPIES. At first I was crying with Robin because Cobie is so pretty when she cries, but I thought the scene was funny. Their like children and I think they should raise the puppies, considering Ted made Robin give away her dogs in s2 and Barney was the one that went with her.
  
  
• Poor sweet Lily. Now before we get into this I am team Lily and I can't see how anyone can be on Team Marshall but I'm sure there are people out there who believes he's right... ((he's not)). She's trying to hold it in to not take the focus away from Barney and Robin but she had to let it out. Robin and Ted do the best that they can to try and comfort her.
  
  
• The whole episode Barney played us in his ways just like the Playbook and in the end it was one of the most romantic gestures. He's always going to lie to Robin if in the end it is an elaborate surprise and that's just who he is and what she loves about him. We should talk about his character development for 30 seconds because Barney has voiced his hate about Canada since the early days and when he discovered he was 1/4 Canadian he thought it was the end of the world. But it turns out he loves Canada more than anything because without Canada he would not have Robin.

Favourite Episode Quotes

• "Hey you said fiance, that's a good sign." - Barney
• "The time you ran for mayor." "I still have 12,000 buttons that say the only poll I care about is in my pants." - Marshall and Barney
• "Canada, are you registered at Tim Hortons?" - Ted
• "You also told me you didn't want a ring bear at the wedding.." "RING BEARER." "We all know how great that'll be." - Barney and Robin
• "A marriage has to be built on honesty and trust and all that Marshall and Lily crap." - Robin
• "Every now and then I am going to lie to you. I just am. If it's in the interest of an amazing surprise that is..." - Barney
• " I know how much you wanted to be in Canada this weekend, so I brought Canada to you." - Barney.

9x13 Bass Player Wanted

• Marshall vs. The Machines part 2. FANTASTIC START. It's one of my favourite things so when they brought it back, I yelled for joy. And when the van came rolling down down the road I thought could it be? And it was, and that's how Marshall met the mother. Their scenes together were SO GREAT. The mother had the opportunity to mess with Marshall and she took it and it was gold. She is adorable and will fit right into this group. 
  
  
• As I am watching the current season I also decided to rewatch the series during Christmas break because why not. And upon first watching the scene where Robin is like super weirdly turned on by the fact Barney has so many public urination citations I asked myself but why? Until I watched 4x20 and Robin said a man telling you when you can and can't pee that's the dream. And in this episode they brought back the "that's the dream." bit so, good work HIMYM.
  
  
• Ted and Barney make me really emotional like on a scale of 1 to 10, they sit on a 12. Sometimes I think I care more about Ted and Barney then Barney and Robin. Barney loves Ted so much it's upsetting. To see how hurt Barney was about Ted moving away really got to me. When Ted tried to say Marshall was his best friend which has been a running gag for a long time, Barney was didn't want to hear it. Ted stealing the Glenn McKenna killed me because it was grand larceny. The hug was everything AND Barney realizing that Ted was moving away because of him and Robin he was gutted. You can tell how much he cares about Ted and it pains him that his happiness compromises Ted's and he wish it didn't, but you can't help who you fall in love with.
  
  
• Marshall finally showed up and THE CROWD REJOICED. I love how Marshall and Lily say "pause" to enjoy a big moment together as a family. That's what I love about them. However the episode title "Unpause" is going to be a big old emotional mess.
  
  
• And it's all coming together, the mother buying Ted the first drink in their "relationship" is the beginning of the end. It's starting to come full circle meaning the show is drawing to a close and we are about to get super emotional, if you are not already.

Favourite Episode Quotes

• "And that's how Marshall met your Mother." - Future Ted
• "You need to steal this douche monkey's van and then run my husband over with it." - Lily
• "You're moving to Chicago. Is that even a real place? It's a style of pizza, Ted you can't live in a pizza." - Barney
• "Ted that's grand larceny, you really could go to jail for this." "That's the dream." - Barney and Ted 
• "And kid's that's the first drink your mother ever bought me." - Future Ted

Tonight is the big slap and according to Carter and Craig it won't be the last one, so prayer circle for Barney Stinson's face. Happy Slapsgiving y'all.

Golden Globes 2014: Predictions

It's the most wonderful time of the year... for me anyways. Award Season just brings out the best in people, and the worst when your favourites lose. Last night my best friend Kayla and I decided we would do our predictions for this years Globes. We did this for the Emmy's and chose maybe three correct winners. I have been watching movies and television like crazy this break and I think... keyword being think I might have better luck today. 

Best Motion Picture (Drama)

• 12 Years A Slave

Collectively we both chose 12 Years A Slave because it was one of the best movies of the year. Steve McQueen captured this heartfelt and gritty tale about slavery in the 1800s. It's such an intense subject and the portrayal onscreen was compelling.

 Best Performance By an Actress (Drama)

• Sandra Bullock - Gravity

Granted we both only saw this movie, but Sandra Bullock's performance was outstanding. I don't think this movie is given enough credit. I know when I first heard about it, I was not interested by I gave it a try and am so happy I did. Sandra managed to take such an interesting concept of a storyline and really connect with it. The movie was 90 mins of an anxiety attack, at least for us it was.

Best Performance By an Actor (Drama)

• Chiwetel Ejiofor - 12 Years A Slave

No question about it. His performance was OUTSTANDING. If and only if he does not win I wouldn't mind seeing Idris Elba win, his portrayal as the late Nelson Mandela was really amazing. I was moved to tears.

Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical

• The Wolf of Wall Street

Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese have done it again. I saw this movie a few weeks ago and was quite intrigued by the number of people who walked out because of the adult content of the film. I thought it was fantastic, Leonardo really went all out in his performance not that that's a surprise. I'm hoping he walks away with Best Actor as well AND finally gets an Oscar.

Best Performance By an Actress (Comedy or Musical)

• Meryl Streep - August:  Osage County

Up until 15 hours ago I had Amy Adams for American Hustle, while Kayla chose Meryl Streep. At about 1am I decided to watch August: Osage County and was blown away by her performance. Meryl played a woman with cancer who was heavily medicated extremely well. She was sick throughout the movie but portrayed more mentally unstable than anything else. Meryl Streep is such a phenomenal actress.

Best Performance By an Actor (Comedy or Musical)

• Leonardo DiCaprio - The Wolf of Wall Street

I don't even know if I have to explain myself, I mean it's Leo. His portrayal of a corrupt man working his way up Wall Street was just superb. I will be really dumbfounded if he does not win.

Best Animated Feature

• Frozen

One of the best movies to come out of Disney in a LONG TIME. If you have not seen Frozen get off your butt and go do it. The music alone is the reason to watch, not to mention the ensemble of actors who are behind the voices. I have had the songs stuck in my head for WEEKS, and would be shocked if it did not pull out the victory.

Best Supporting Actress

• Jennifer Lawrance - American Hustle

The year of JLaw. I do not think there is one movie she is not exceptional in. For me American Hustle was very slow which was strange for content of the plot but JLaw kept me interested in the movie when I felt myself starting to flat line. Who didn't love her singing while vacuuming? You know you did.

Best Supporting Actor

• Jared Leto - Dallas Buyers Club
• Michael Fassbender - 12 Years A Slave

The first category in which we disagreed on something. I chose Jared Leto in Dallas Buyers Club, he was just outstanding. It was the first time I had seen him act before, i am a huge fan of his music so it was interesting to see him as an actor. But he played the role of a transgender man living with HIV in a time where it was looked down on SO WELL. I will be rooting for him all night.

 My darling Kayla chose Michael Fassbender in 12 Years A Slave, and I can understand why because he too was outstanding. 2013 was such a great year for film. Fassbender played a slave owner and he was INTENSE. I think this race could go either way and I will be happy for either one but I am really pulling for Leto.

Best Director

• Steve McQueen - 12 Years A Slave
• Alfonso Cuaron - Gravity

Both movies were EXTREMELY well done from a director stand point. For me I thought McQueen did an exceptional job capturing outstanding performances from all of his actors. Especially with the content of the storyline he needed to make sure everyone delivered and the did.

Gravity was different in the sense that it only dealt with one actor most of the time, and Sandra did deliver but I still think 12 Years A Slave will walk away Globe in hand.

Best Screenplay

• 12 Years A Slave

My reasoning are probably becoming redundant. But I will continue to say this film was outstanding and compelling.

Best Original Song

• Let it Go - Frozen

I have had the song on repeat for weeks, it is beautiful and SO CATCHY. The fact that there are two versions of the song alone is enough justification for it to win.

Best Television Series - Drama

• Breaking Bad

One of the best television series of our time, if it does not win I will riot the streets.

Best Performance By An Actress in A Television Series (Drama)

• Tatiana Maslany - Orphan Black

She plays multiple characters and each are different, what other actress in Hollywood is doing that right now? The answer... none. Orphan Black is one of the BEST new shows of the year and Tatiana Maslany blew me away, We are proud members of the Clone Club.

Best Performance By An Actor in A Television Series (Drama)

• Bryan Cranston - Breaking Bad

He's Walter White, yo. Bryan is an amazing actor and the final season of Breaking Bad was probably his greatest work. I will be surprised if he does not win.

Best Television Series (Comedy)

• Parks and Recreation

It may be a long shot because critics are OBSESSED with Modern Family and the Big Bang Theory but Parks and Recreation is one of the smartest and funniest shows on television right now. 

Best Performance By An Actress in A Television Series (Comedy)

• Amy Poehler

She deserves it. THE END.

Best Performance By An Actor in A Television Series (Comedy)

• Jim Parsons - The Big Bang Theory
• Micahel J. Fox - The Michael J. Fox Show

No matter your feelings towards TBBT you cannot deny that Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper is extremely hilarious. Michael J. Fox could be the wildcard that steals it from him.

Best Mini Series or Motion Picture Made For Television

• American Horror Story: Coven
• Behind the Candlabra

American Horror Story continues to be a force to be reckoned with. The cast is outstanding and although this season is not my favourite it continues to be for millions of others around the world.

Behind the Candlabra could walk away with the Globe for this category. The cast is outstanding with Matt Damon, Michael Douglas and Rob Lowe.

Best Performance By An Actress in Mini Series or Motion Picture Made For Television

• Jessica Lange - American Horror Story

The leader of the American Horror Story series, she is phenomenal and deserves to walk away with a Globe.

Best Performance By An Actor in Mini Series or Motion Picture Made For Television 

• Michael Douglas - Behind the Candlabra
• Al Pacino - Phil Spector

Best Performance By a Supporting Actress in A Series, Mini Series or Motion Picture Made For Television

• Monica Potter - Parenthood

Parenthood is a feel good show that flies under the radar. It is one of the best shows on television and not many people give it the chance it deserves. Monica Potter is SO underrated and I hope that she pulls out the win and everyone starts to watch Parenthood because it is FANTASTIC.

Best Performance By a Supporting Actor in A Series, Mini Series or Motion Picture Made For Television

• Aaron Paul - Breaking Bad

Jesse Pinkman for the win, Aaron has come such a long way and puts everything into his performances and deserve to be recognized. 

Enjoy the Globes tonight everyone :)!

y

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D: The Magical Place

It has taken me over 24 hours to partially wrap my head around what the hell happened last night. Nothing like starting 2014 off with a bang. What happened to Coulson after being killed by Loki in the Avengers, was finally revealed and my jaw is still on the floor. The episode was awesome, the acting by Clark Gregg was outstanding and my anxiety levels skyrocketed through the duration of the episode:

• Can we take 30 seconds to talk about how Ward was shot at in the winter finale AND NOBODY SPOKE OF IT THIS WEEK. I spent all winter break wondering if he was critically injured and nothing. Was I just seeing things or is this just another plot hole floating in space, I tweeted Brett like three times and was like ummmm sir. Not that he writes Ward's scenes but come on now. Literally the only thing that bothered me in this episode... minor details I'm sorry.
  
• Agent Hand was back this week and I went into the episode not excited about her return and her actions furthered my complaints. I don't know what her issue was but I felt as if she did not care about Coulson at all. Like I understand she is higher up in S.H.I.E.L.D. but Coulson is probably one of the most important people in the force. Let's be real here. And when she kicked Skye off the plane I was super upset because ... it's Skye.
  
• Poor Coulson never gets a holiday (bad pun I know), he wakes up to see Poe wanting to know what happened in Tahiti. Everyone wants to know, Coulson however does not... which when we find out what happened in Tahiti, we regret wanting to know what happened in Tahiti.
  
• My love for Skye grows every week, I'm waiting for her initiation as a S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent. Even though she's better at hacking than being "in the field"... we can make it work. Her acting as Agent May was the cherry on top of the sundae of amazing that was this episode. They look alike for one thing which helps with my theory that May is her mother. Which seems predictable but then why is May trying so hard to cover up the truth? (Now you're thinking about it too, don't lie).
  
• Ah, the Girl in the Flower Dress I'd love to get rid of you. By the way I apologize for calling her Rena in my recap yesterday when her name is clearly Raina. That was just lazy research skills on my part.. So I do apologize. She is wrapped around the finger of the clairvoyant, which we need to figure out who that is asap, because we just do. Raina took some LOW BLOWS at Coulson. Bringing up the cellist was just sad, you could see Coulson's heart literally breaking. I think this episode was AMAZING for Clark Gregg, I was crying along side him.
  
• The truth was revealed about Coulson and we are left wondering WHY NICK FURY WHY. Coulson was dead for DAYS not seconds like they've shoved in our faces since the pilot. DAYS. What a huge difference, if you're jaw was not on the floor you're lying to me. Technology that was unheard was used to operate on his brain. It was a very scary scene with Coulson losing his will to stay alive which was heartbreaking.
  
• I saw a theory on tumblr floating around with the beliefs that Coulson is a clone. That the real Phil Coulson died and because he was the best agent Fury had they recreated him.  The more I thought about it, the more I started to believe it. That our he's a robot. A real realistic robot. Whichever would be really interesting.
  
• So I figured the Coulson twist would be the biggest one... but it wasn't, MIKE PETERSON IS STILL ALIVE. And missing his leg, and burnt all over AND has the technology behind his eye that controls him and if he disobeys he dies. So that's just great.

Favourite Episode Quotes

• "Is that a Rumba?"
• "Dolla bills yo." - Skye
• "No special agent is that important." "Coulson is." - Hand and Ward
• "I bet there aren't any flower dresses where she's going." - Simmons
• "I wanted to die." "We should have let you." - Coulson and the Doctor
• "You lost your will to live, we tried to give it back."

This episode was amazing, I just can't even believe what transpired and I've watched it twice. I might watch it again before Tuesday's episode which also looks AMAZING. This show is quickly becoming my favourite television show on the air right now, and I hope it continues in the direction that it's going.

And because this is how we all we're last night....

New Girl 3x11: Clavado En Un Bar

New Girl was back in action last night and I felt my love for the show slowly starting to resurrect. For me, this season has been pretty slow and dismal with only "awh" worthy Nick and Jess moments generating any sort of response from me. Tonight's episode gave us a look into the characters' past and I loved everything about it:

• Jess had about 21 minutes to decide whether she wanted to still be a teacher or not. The pressure was on and the guys opted to help her out to the best of their ability. As one of the most indecisive human beings in the entire world I praise Jess for figuring her life out in such a short period of time. Television makes everything seem possible.
• The flashbacks of the earlier years of the guy's lives really made me laugh. Schmidt the candy stripper turned Christmas tree seller. Winston the worst Denis Rodman look alike in Latvia. And Nick the white Bob Marley look alike turned high class society law student. We also discovered how Ernie became Coach. I loved the direction and the tone of the flashbacks this week.
  
• When Jess feels like she's lost hope CeCe comes and saves the day and it was a true heartfelt moment. I don't know why it hit me so hard but I will admit to tearing up at that flashback. There was something so sweet and so special about finding out the CeCe was the first person Jess ever taught and how they're friendship has blossomed from that moment on. Sometimes I believe they are the true otp of the show. (one true pairing if you're a slang newbie... it's okay)
  
• I felt like throwing confetti upon learning that Nick actually passed his LA Bar Exam. The first two seasons he always wanted to be more than a bartender. Everyone believed he was capable of so much more. Now that he has the possibility to be a lawyer I wonder if they will go down that road with him. The fact that he's teaching CeCe how to become a bartender warms my heart too. That friendship can develop more if it wants to.
  

Favourite Episode Quote

• "She's looking for career advice, your job could be done by a vending machine." - Schmidt

This week's episode was such a step up, I am hoping the rest of the season continues down this road.

Here's What You Missed On Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

In preparation for tonight's highly anticipated return of Agent's of S.H.I.E.L.D let's review what happened in the past two episodes leading up to the winter hiatus.

Repairs 1x09

Nothing like a little supernatural S.H.I.E.L.D. episode to make are heads spin. This episode was really intense and left us all to wonder if people with supernatural powers were real or just a myth.

• Ward and May actually did the deed: the plot twist of the last episode which made it look like Ward would end up with Skye after she offers her comforting services to him. However it was Agent May that won the lottery of Ward's fine abs that night. I still can't get over it (#TeamSkyeWard)
  
  
• FitzSimmons believe that they should prank Skye because she has never been to the academy and is basically the freshman of the clan. What at first seems like fun and games bites Fitz on the ass later down the road. They also contract a far fetch story about Agent May and how the name "The Calvary" came to be.
  
  
• We finally learned where the name "The Calvary" which was given to Agent May came from. While on a mission with Coulson she took it upon herself to save her men. She entered with no guns and killed approximately twenty trained assassins. None of her men died that day because of her, but a part of her died which explains partially why she is the way she is. May has always been this person with a cold exterior, protecting herself. At the end of the episode when we learn she was the one who put the shaving cream on Fitz' face you can see that she is still who she used to be deep within,
  
  
• The main victim of this episode Hannah Hutchins believes that God is out to push her and that Demons are the ones destroying everything / one around her. And she wasn't ... entirely wrong. Tobias who worked with Hannah and developed a crush on her caused a workers accident killing himself and three others. Tobias goes on to haunt Hannah protecting her from all the bad in the world. Tobias was stuck between Earth which was almost like his purgatory and Hell. In order for him to stop jumping from one dimension to another he had to let Hannah go.

 Favourite Episode Quotes

• "It's a delicate situation so you're bringing in warm AND fuzzy?" - Skye
• "I get it, I didn't go to your stupid S.H.I.E.L.D. Hogwarts." - Skye
• "1990's technology at it's best." - Coulson

The Bridge 1x10

In the explosive Winter Finale so much happened that we were left saying "OMG, did that really just happen?" The answer is "Yes, it really did." After rewatching the episode today after a few weeks I still can't wrap my head around what happened, but hopefully tonight will relieve my worries or intensify them... guess we shall see.

• Ah centipede super soldiers how wonderful. You knew this wasn't going to turn out good at all. The centipede technology nearly killed Mike in the pilot. Also, Edison and Rena are the definition of bad news. But I can't help but think these Super Soldiers are badass even though they work for the wrong people.
  
  
• Speaking of Mike Peterson, seeing him again brought a smile to my face. Seeing him in a S.H.I.E.L.D. facility alive and stronger than ever was a nice thing to see. There was literally no better person to bring to help with Rena than him... or so I thought.
  
  
• My heartaches for Skye because she is trying so hard to find out who her real parents are. Coulson and May are doing everything to SHIELD (I had to) Skye from the truth. Apart of me thinks Agent May is her mother but then that kind of seems too good to be true so it might not happen. BUT if it does, I called it ... so you're welcome. I love the dynamic between Coulson and Skye he's like her protective father and she needs that in her life. 
  
  
• Rena takes away Mike's son as all bad characters do. She needed the leverage for what we assumed was for Mike. But plot twist they wanted Coulson. You're lying to me if your heart wasn't racing for the last 5 mins of the episodes. When Mike hands over Coulson in exchange for his son, he leaves his son in Skye's hands and returns to take Coulson back. Rena has the surrounding areas blow up and it looks like Mike is dead in the fire. I sincerely hope not... but it DID NOT look good for him. On the other side of things there was Ward camping out as a shooter on top of a tower and the helicopter that counts Coulson and Rena shot at him and Ward goes down. AND NOBODY KNOWS ABOUT IT. I'm a pretty emotional person when watching television and I was screaming. It's not a good look for me.
  
  
• The following questions remain like why did Rena take Coulson when apparently Mike was the key to step 3. What actually happened to Coulson in Tahiti because I really need to know. When is Maria Hill coming back because she knows what happened in Tahiti and I need her back. 22 minutes of Cobie a week is not enough you guys... it's not.

Favourite Episode Quotes

• "Did I beat Captain America's time?" "Not even close." - Mike
• "When did you stop talking?" "3 embarrassing sentences ago." - FitzSimmons

The winter finale was EXCELLENT and tonight's episode could not come any faster. Happy 2014 everybody I really have a good feeling about this year. See you soon.