formerlyfreedom

Fairly predictable episode, I think. Did anyone else think that Juliette would be able to resist making a statement? Maddie acting out? Teddy being shady? Scarlett being helpless? Luke offering help? Megan is an idiot? Rayna is strong and wise? Layla being annoying? Will making yet another bad choice despite solid advice from Gunnar? Shocked, I tell you. About the only storyline that isn't completely predictable is Avery. A year ago, I was ready for him to disappear. Now, I'm actually interested in his decisions - he's not taking a typical path here... And wasn't it Luke (played by Will Chase) who offered Deacon the opportunity?

And again about my eternal love for Terry Crews. Please sing the cantaloupe song again, Terry!

Classic Bert in that opener. "Argh! How do you make your legs stop?!?!?!" I have been there, Bert.

This pilot has it's moments. I actually really like the two leads, and I think they have good chemistry. But there is a lot of drag in the storytelling. Can't put my finger on what exactly, but again, pilots are hard (see; Resurrection). I'll probably hang in there for a few more episodes, but I'm not sure if this is going to be my cup of tea. And since it's going to be on opposite of Resurrection, it just may be the "Battle of the Really Big Idea Shows that Aren't Under The Dome and Are Hoping To Get The Second Season Pick Up, Too." Too many words?

Very valid option there. But who did the drugging? Conrad? Daniel would be a good choice, but doesn't seem to be playing his hand properly if that's the case. Victoria would be playing the whole scenario differently, I think? Of course, I'm trying to make sense of this, and that's just silly, right?

Okay, AWWWWW. Not the greatest episode, but for me, the good was 1) finally meeting Robin's mother (probably because she's played by Tracy Ullmann), and 2) Daisy. The not so good - Ted telling yet ANOTHER long around story. And no Mother.

Well, Emily, all that Revenge-ing is biting you on the nether regions about now. I liked the addition of Gail O'Grady as Stevie Grayson - she might keep me watching a bit longer. And it was nice to see Jack got a haircut. Conrad is as slimy as ever. And Charlotte and Daniel continue to be TSTL. But Nolan and Emily do nothing for me anymore. Patrick feels like an afterthought. I think Stevie and Victoria just need to be on screen most of the time for me to be happy. I'm really starting to get a bit bored with this show, and it's starting to turn into the 'show that's just on the tv' like much of HGTV often is for me. And to be honest, The Property Brothers, fake as it is, can give me as good or better drama then this on some days...

It was awesome to see Christopher Gorham here as Walsh, and I was totally unspoiled, so when he said he was sorry Emma drank the potion, there was a definite exclamation from this living room. And yep, I'm guessing she totally did it with a flying monkey! Nice to see the show back - can I just say how HAPPY I am that they didn't do the ole 'no one remembers what happened in Storybrooke' storyline? I was so happy when David remembered Emma, and I think this will make it much more interesting - in essence, they have the chance to turn Season 1 on it's ear, since everyone will believe EXCEPT Henry! And my, but it was nice to see Killian back on my screen - 'Why are you dressed like that?' 'Why are YOU dressed like THAT?' Adorable.

I'm intrigued. I haven't seen "The Returned," so it sounds like that may be a plus, I'm not colored by that experience. Frances Fisher and Kurtwood Smith were great in the pilot. Always love seeing Matt Craven get some work, and the role he is playing is exactly the type I'm a sucker for. And I always enjoy Omar Epps. I thought he did a good job, and as Matt said in his piece, pilots are hard. Again, I think from all I've read around the web, it's a plus for me that I'm going into this fairly blind. Now, to avoid all the reviews of "The Returned..."

I hope it's not wrong, because I too am liking Andrew a lot more than Fitz. I am so ready for Fitz to disappear, along with Quinn. Olivia could be salvageable, but only if she comes to her senses. And soon.

So is involved? That was my initial thought...

Yes, I imagine it's got to be exhausting for Nina Dobrev - she's quite good at giving Katherine and Elena such different personas that i have to remind myself sometimes it's the same actress.

Kinda sad to see Nadia go. Is Dr. Wes dead, or will he come back with a pirate patch? Where the heck did Enzo go? Not that I was fond of the character, but he was pleasant enough to look at. Wonder how long we have to wait for Katherine to show back up.

Pete's platoon is assigned Doody Duty.

I found this episode to be interesting, and not just because of BILL PAXTON! There was his sidekick, Agent Triplett (who has a thing for Simmons, apparently. Hmm.), who was a character I could see fitting in here on a recurring basis. I liked Fitz getting to go with the 'away' team; I've always liked the actor, and now I'm really liking the character as well, nice development of his role. May giving the beat down to Quinn was a definite highlight; and I'd love to learn a little more of Ward and Garrett's back story. And what exactly DOES T.A.H.I.T.I. stand for? Oh, and yes - Kinda gross, that's for sure. Next week,

Bill Paxton!

I'm hoping so hard that this is a misdirection. Because otherwise, I'm going to be really, REALLY angry about hanging in there with this show, and you wouldn't like to see me angry, Misters Bay and Thomas.

He really is the sweetest guy - I credit Parker Young for making what could have been a very one dimensional character to the next level.

Well, in all fairness, they DID, but he has an aversion to skinny jeans...

No apology necessary, Portia! Just offering a different perspective; I actually kind of got a kick out of the bunk bed story line, since it was something from my experience. And to be honest, my niece and nephew love having bunk beds at their dad's, so much so that my sister now has them at her place. I liked Joel from the get-go on this show, and have pulled for him more than I think any other character, but I have been frustrated with him this second half of the season. I don't understand what caused him to decide that he was done, I'm with you there. Guess we'll just have to see where this goes...

This. I too like that they have fleshed Hank out more this season. His interactions with Max and with Adam are great. And any reason to get Tom Amandes on my tv screen on a more frequent basis is something I welcome. Definitely agree that it was time for Drew to give Amy that encouragement to move on. The Joel story hits a little close to home for me - my sister split with her ex about two years ago now, and when he moved out, he got bunk beds for their daughter and son at his new apartment. Of course, my sister and former brother-in-law didn't have all the silly drama with Penny and Roy going on, but the kid stuff, I can relate to...