Kaiju Ballet

I hated it. I used to like Alexa PV but was her voice always this high-pitched? Or was she aiming to make her character super chirpy and it came off as too much caffeine? I'm also not a fan of married couples in the lead roles, especially when there just isn't any chemistry that comes across on-screen. They're also not at the same level, acting-wise, which didn't help because the script gave them cringeworthy lines and situations. (Or maybe that's why Alexa PV was overacting, to compensate for Carlos?) Really the solution for a no-show English celebrity chef is to pretend to be him (complete with terrible attempt at an English accent) in front of people who presumably knows what the chef looks like? Even if they explained that away, seeing the terrible impression was something I fast-forwarded through. Carlos' character also did some kind of offensive Asian stereotyping thing, which I can't recall, because I deleted the movie as soon as the credits started. And pretty sure a cruise director's solution for another no-show Broadway-level performer isn't to take the spotlight for themselves. And who was the woman in an officer uniform who seems to be in charge yet micromanaging everything? To tell someone on probation that they were in jeopardy because they needed to "go the extra mile" to make sure that everyone knew of a single event's location change was unbelievable, unless they wanted to set up a case for creating a hostile work environment. And ITA with The storyline with the mother's boyfriend was semi-decent, but come to think of it, it made Alexa PV's character even more unlikeable so nvm.

I liked both of them, although admittedly I was multitasking during the second one so I had to rewind a few times to catch what I had missed. The writer posted on Twitter that he had based a lot of the Puzzle Box episode on the Shakespearean play, Titus Andronicus (hence the name of the family). I think I caught the name of one of the producers Phoef Sutton on one of the doors in the second movie. I enjoy little touches like that--as well as consistent characters like the coroner with his lame jokes (but sweet delivery) and Dani with her endearing eccentricities. The actress who played the storage unit manager was really good (Chloe or whatever her name was not so much) There were times when I felt I was watching a network procedural, because it seems there's always at least one episode set in a storage unit. I do like the cop in the first movie was around in this one too. I'm meh about the family stuff, but they're occasionally resources for Jennifer, as in the Puzzle Box where the son searched phone numbers for a major piece of the mystery. Or maybe they're there to keep the 50s vibe of the show going (Jennifer and her husband might as well be in separate twin beds) since the entire Tiny Houses thing had some kind of moral lesson that lost my attention.

Psycho-bio: we had so much backstory that I would have been livid if she wasn’t advanced. A lot of the banter was useless too. I give her a pass on not being able to explain what psychobiology is at that moment when she’s probably focused on dance. Plus, it’s not like I was all that interested in hearing her answer anyway. Girl, dance! JayJay was pretty amazing. The minute he said he was a part of “Shaping Sound” was there any doubt he would get in? The Hair Bros/Dance Fighters probably won’t survive the academy, but it was really sweet to see tWitch say they should be given the chance. It was interesting that Vanessa was the only one to vote no for them. I doubt she would have done so if Mary had gone first. tWitch has become my favorite judge on the panel. His handling of CJ’s critique was sympathetic yet constructive. As critical as I am of Vanessa, I did like her rushing onstage with bare feet to hug the dancer. Peed Onstage was really beautiful in movements and presence. Her backstory was way too long, and it was hard not to keep from thinking about her peeing in the middle of her dance as a five year old. Anim8R was definitely a “smart dancer”—but in all the detailing about his 9 to 5 life, I was waiting to hear that he had taken some ballroom classes. Benji and Partner. Cute to see her age 7 at SYTYCD , the early years. I was holding my breath while watching, scared that there was going to be an accident any second. That seemed less dance and more of a sideshow act, though entertaining. Good crop, and like everyone else would have loved to have seen more of the other people who made it through—especially if they inspired comments like the ones shown.

Yes to all of this. ALL of this! I did like the first one, because of the homage to P+P. I'm a sucker for different "takes" on Austen. Ryan Paevey's stiff delivery worked as a character based on the original recipe Darcy. It was closer to the Matthew MacFadyn version rather than Colin Firth, but it was still recognizable Darcy. Plus the dude is hot. Lizzie Not-Bennett in the first movie also worked. But here? she was totally shrill, unlikeable and ugh, so entitled. She was worse than the female "villain" in the first movie. The one who in retrospect really was better suited for Darcy. I had to keep telling myself that offscreen Donovan Darcy was brainwashed into believing he was in love with this awful, spoiled brat. And his conditioning was reinforced every time they "danced" --poor Frances Fisher had to look at them as if they were a couple in love each time, and not that they were picking the oddest times to go sway together with no music playing. I get that she was pretty much ambushed into being at the Board Meeting, but she's also in the middle of job interviews. You'd expect her to be able to switch into interview/sounding intelligent mode. She should have been able to handle it with a lot more poise than giving her best Jim Carrey impression. It was a rushed script, but the actress wasn't all that great either. With someone like Rachel Boston or Autumn Reeser we might have gotten glimmers as to why Darcy was so in love with her. With this actress all we got was pouting, whining or making an ass of herself. Which is a problem with many of the movies featuring the "girl-next-door" among the very wealthy/royalty in the Post- Crown for Christmas Hallmark era. The movie where the chick sleeps through dinner? I was already cringing when she first stepped out of the car and bowed or curtsied to the butler. I've been scrubbing the movie from my memory--there were many cringe-inducing moments like that. It only makes the prince/love interest who looks on her exaggerated gaucheness with heart emoji eyes seem like he's either taken ecstasy or otherwise lost his mind. I might not have even finished that particular one. I did watch Marrying Mr. Darcy to the bitter end, though, because I was genuinely curious how they were going to solve this "dilemma" (we should all have such dilemmas!) and the dafuq?-edness of the ending did not disappoint. On a positive note, I caught The Good Witch's Charm or something like that and liked it a lot. It had many different subplots going on, some really deft writing and dialogue, and almost everyone had some sort of issue that led them to evolving in some way.

I was happy to see (or hallucinate) Jennie Livingston's name among the producers, as she's the filmmaker behind "Paris is Burning." The dance audition was cringeworthy, but there were many scenes throughout the pilot that seemed to be references to other iconic 80s movie scenes, so I'm hoping it was that. Definitely the school was made up, as was the museum. The actual New School in the 80s was in less sparkly digs and went by "The New School for Social Research" --the dance schools that were in existence then probably didn't want to have their names attached. I handwaved the ability to get an audition called just for this one person who Aunt Viv had never heard of before, along with the display of historic costumes out in the open. I missed any of the promotions for Pose, I came upon it accidentally and after that amazing opening (which I made sure to see!) Angel is already my favorite character, alongside Pray Tell. I did wonder at Blanca's source of income and what it takes to start/run a house, which I'm sure will be revealed in more details like their acceptance of the kid who offered to get food for the house from his bodega job. I like the fact that it didn't start as a result of a windfall, but more out of an urgent need to create a legacy.

I was cringing when the jidges were talking, because they were totally skirting the line of sounding insincere. I am thrilled for another season of Cat Deeley! There can never be too much Cat Deeley. tWitch was the surprise -- what a great addition to the judges' panel! And of course that battle was everything. It seemed like Miss Naranja was the only one to speak with the judges and introduce herself before her audition, and then afterwards as well, while xenormorph-stripper girl benefited from coming out silently with her face hidden and starting her dance that way. I hope we get to see what Sonya Tayek does with her. Or that choreographer duo that created the wardrobe/spinning hanger piece last year? Vanessa Hudgens was tolerable because of tWitch sitting next to her, and at one point they were chair-dancing in sync which is cute. Which might be my way of asking the show to please keep tWitch on the panel. That ballroom trio was kind of .....reminding me of why I couldn't stand Kiki last year. Bajillion Youtube Views Girl--thanks for reminding me to come onto the forum. Where else am I going to find other people who yell "HMV!!!" at the screen when you dance?

OMG, me too. I expected to find out that she not only lives out of her duffel bag, but sleeps in it too. She also looked like she was going to have another panic attack or meltdown while prepping for her case. I called her selfish in a previous episode, here she is again going without sleep (working on an appeal) while in the midst of an entirely different case. It's a good thing they keep telling us over and over what a great lawyer she is, otherwise I'd pity any client that got her. I also wish it wasn't a foregone conclusion that she would win (pitting her up against someone who's not Knox or Littlejohn) which also made her shrillness in court even more unbelievable. Or as @vibeology said so much better: I totally agree that Kate has become the center of the show for me. I really wish they would do more with Alison but I was soooo happy with her choice. It was interesting that Jay said he had a phobia of florescence due to Kate's sticky notes, but Leonard gifted her with silver (not florescent but also distinctive) binder clips. The Leonard/Kate friendship is something I hope is explored further. When Sandra was told she was "worthy" I went--ugh, don't encourage her! To me she's the weak spot of the show -- I agree with @UNOSEZ that her character should be re-tooled if not excised altogether.

Dom looked so much better on the island. One of the things I look forward to on the Reunion is to see how the cast looks, months later. This was severely lacking....especially since it was already difficult to recognize them as being on the cast to begin with! I would have loved to have heard more about why jurors voted the way they did, if they would have voted differently now that they've gotten to see it play out in the crappy edit. You know, stuff that should happen in a real reunion.

The firemaking doesn’t bother me, because it does create a huge decision for the IC winner. I liked seeing Dom go through all the various scenarios. Angela lost it the minute she let Wendell move from the spot that was freaking him out. Ugh, never give up an advantage! Glad that it was as obvious to the jury as it was to the TV audience that Laurel was a goat.

Dang. She sure does!

The finale was so underwhelming, my DVR spontaneously wiped it before I had a chance to finish ffing--I mean, watch the show.

I thought it was incredibly selfish of her to take the case, knowing that she would likely have a panic attack. If it weren't for the serendipity of Jay not having anything to do and the backlog/delay in getting CT scans, that client was more hampered by having Sandra defend him. Hope/Ben -- yes, you're right. It's as if they tried to graft a different show onto this one. On the other hand, anything with Kate is gold. But I'm back to wishing that the pacing was less frenetic when it comes to the case(s) of the week. Well, if they renew this show that would be one major area of improvement.

That was really hard for me to believe--could the Twins really be ok with the possibility of Robert's death due to their machinations? Helena I can see rationalizing that for the good of the monarchy. The suspense was really well done--I kind of expected either of the Twins to have a last minute change of heart and fling themselves in front of Robert. Or even worse, that Willow would be shot instead. I was also hoping that Jasper's willingness to actually kill Robert to come between Eleanor and him. That scene with the "proposal" was so wasted on him. Lol at @EarlGreyTea's comment about them needing poker faces--I agree, except for Jasper. That's the only expression Jasper has. YES x10. I've been noticing the camerawork this season, and the way they've been structuring the shows so you have opening scenes that are artistically done. Was Royals always like this, or has it been happening since Mark Schwahn's.....departure? One notable instance was the episode that had Helena flinging her wine glass across the banquet table. In this episode there were those loving continuous shots through the church (what was that location? gorgeous!) past the choir, attendees, architecture and then the end of the bridal procession at the altar. The clothing was also on point. And yes, the music. Aside from Creep, the more "traditional" song was close captioned with a line in the chorus as "Among these dark Satanic Mills". I looked it up, and it's a William Blake poem where "Satanic Mills" could be referring to the factories of the Industrial Revolution, or priesthood in general. Which makes it all the more funnier when that priest blessing the rings turned around! (So I guess the Duchess wasn't invited to the Royal Wedding.....) Me too! I have to rewatch, I missed out a lot with that same anticipation. I forgot about that! And YES. Who's to say that Hill didn't plagiarize himself for Robert? I did like Helena understanding immediately why Hill didn't just say "I'm in" and respecting him for it. Hill remains one of my favorite characters.

Heh. My first thought too! It's not just his looks, it's that the actor can't bring more personality, spark, SOMETHING to admittedly crappy writing for his character. Like, even Kelly Rutherford can make us believe that she has inexplicable hots for Steven...then the camera pans back to his reaction and its bland on bland. I really want to like him (been trying to all season) but one of the first mistakes is that they had faceoffs between him and the actor playing Culhane. Culhane is so much better at conveying nuance and depth, and believable that Fallon could legit be in love with him, whereas Jeff's apology to Fallon seemed to come out of nowhere. That being said, it almost feels like the show realizes this, and have turned Jeff and Monica into fashion spreads as opposed to characters. When they walked in with their matching metallic outfits I think I laughed out loud. I'm all for camp, but it has to be better integrated into the show. The actress playing Monica is gorgeous, but is essentially a model with lines. So much wasted potential, since their characters could be used more to explore race, class, ambition in an otherwise over the top soap. He's fine when he's not being made to do stupid things like confront Blake at the construction site (if you're trying to get the corporation to do the right thing AND you've taken a job to do so from the inside, why do something counterproductive like that?) But then again, this is the same stupidity that has everyone forgetting to insist on DNA tests. Fallon being made CEO makes a lot more sense considering how she acts like it more than Blake does. And showing Crystal on the rampage like that was why it never made sense that she was COO. Although I did laugh when they showed Blake's back with DOUCHE emblazoned on it. Claudia's escape was super graphic but well-done. I am loving the Liam storyline, wooF the chemistry! That's an example of an actor bringing more to his character than the writing gives. I'm cool with Sammy Jo and the actor who plays him. He's far more interesting than Steven, and I like the fact that the family has more or less accepted him, which allows for intriguing story possibilities like the weird standoffishness that people upthread picked up from Hank towards him at their first meeting. Alexis is also a lot more interesting with this Hank twist. Especially as it leaves the possibility that Adam is still out there somewhere.

I love the scenes between Cookie and her mom. And that introduction of her to her grandsons. Alfre Woodard is killing it. I never saw Crash, so I didn’t realize the movie set/Hakeem scenes were direct lifts. Those scenes didn’t ring true for me – the director was too much of a caricature (and yes, the Board Members are too). In fact, didn’t Thirsty already collect dirt on the Board Members some time ago? I thought there was a missed opportunity in drawing a parallel between Blake being a white boy trying to make it as a rapper while the Director was a white dude trying to make an actual rapper be more of a white dude’s vision of a rapper. Haven also seemed like a caricature too. It seemed like a different show/writer than the scenes with Cookie and her mom, or between Andre and ...pastor dude? The exchange between them about forgiveness was really well done. Another part that did make sense was Nessa being Shine’s successor, and her treatment by the Lyons coming back to haunt them. Getting really tired of Tiana’s divatude. And I really hope Eddie’s and Annika’s downfall will be sweetly satisfying.

Nope, not just you. I don't remember what it was he said during one of the closeups, but it was something you'd normally hear a self-deprecating laugh after and....there wasn't one. I also noticed that he didn't have as much mom-time on camera as the others did. I missed how he was a dick (I also find myself multitasking a lot more this lackluster season) but I did feel bad that his mother was telling some embarrassing story about him. ITA. I want to like him, he's got tons of personality, but I feel exhausted watching him run around and ...I dunno. It just seems like he's trying to will the audience to "LIKE ME!!!! PLEASE JUST LIIIIIKE MEEEE!!!!" through sheer force of personality. I'm being performed at, instead of that precious connection that judges use as generic praise. Looking forward to the imminent wipeout of Adam's team, although it's almost a given that Rayshun will perform some gospel classic next week. So true. I liked Christianna in the beginning, but then she turned into a novelty singer. As in, how much can she "artistically interpret" (mangle) a well-known song? I liked Jackie V. but that stage set for her the night before really didn't do her any favors. She was a bit lost in all of the visual clutter, which was a shame because her voice really is pretty. This is the first season where I'm not particularly rooting for or against anyone in the final eight. I wonder if Spensha has any acting ability--she's the one IMO with post-Voice potential regardless of whether or not she wins, if she expands to acting. Brynn also, if she has a good original song written for her (and a brilliant producer backing her) and maybe Britton. They both have generic, moldable pop star potential.

Lol, I have the exact opposite experience, @AriAu. I thought the first four or five episodes really rushed, and the pacing's finally calmed down enough for me to feel invested enough in the stories they're trying to tell. My appreciation of Knox was helped by the contrast of Tina's moment with Jay, when she says something about how he's a brown man who didn't go to an Ivy League so that's already two strikes against him. This episode made a huge point of how Knox probably has never experienced any of that, although he's been given a clear motive as to why he's trying to prove himself. It's just a less compelling motive to root for, than that of other characters. Or maybe Jay is just more relatable. Who doesn't want Anna Deavere Smith as a grouchy but protective mama bear? The Yankees season ticket thing didn't bother me so much, probably because there was another contrast, in Sandra's whole skirting around the breakup between Seth and Allison--another set of opposing lawyers. The way the season ticket thing was handled is how I would imagine lawyers in a relationship to treat it --especially as was pointed out, season tickets are even more exrteme than marriage. (I agree to this, even though my only experience of what season tickets are worth is based on the Drew Barrymore/Jimmy Fallon movie, lol) It also led to that really sweet moment where mean head ADA guy shows up with the contract all signed. Lastly, Kate rocks. She is my favorite character since she steals every scene she's in, even if she's not one of the featured cases. I liked her argument for letting Knox take the case, and how canny of Knox to know she wields that kind of clout.

I think he's really shrewd, and looks at contestants as a total package. He's made note of audience reaction before, and with the inexplicable success of Pryor based on this season alone I would say Blake really knows what he's doing from a marketing standpoint. I've got the impression that the majority of his positive comments are rational and relate to the impact on the industry (Country music needs YOU! Or You'll shake things up, you're the future!) and less vague or histrionic (like, say, Adam's) and that might be what really drives his fan base to vote they way they do. Especially since song choices were "fan-selected" --that might give an important clue in picking songs for future rounds. Blake seems to be the type to look at data that way moving forward. Adam and Alicia--the two whose artists were at the bottom--might sometimes be "too artistic" to be that pragmatic, especially since they have wins under their belt. I'd argue that Christiana's appeal (and choice of Alicia) was all about being a unicorn, and not about being a pop sensation (Alicia's Britton, who's not going anywhere any time soon) And while I always appreciate creative arrangements, "Umbrella" was a mess. It wasn't helped by Alicia overselling it, and makes me worry that she'll continue pushing for more of the same. What were the other choices? When Carson announced "Blake's team is unscathed" I saw it as more a testament to Blake's ability to win the Voice over that of the actual team members themselves.

I forgot to add that Kaleb's performance seemed to be a really great showcase for the house band, which actually worked against him (IMO). They were more memorable to me than his singing.

Show, please make this happen!

I appreciate insights like this, as I don't have access to a lot of fan comments. It's evident that more goes into winning on this show than actual performances. Also re: iTunes. When I saw the video of the huge auditorium filled with Caleb's "fans", I saw each attendee as several email accounts worth 10 votes apiece for the NBC website. Despite his sales not in the top 10, I think he'll make it through the next few rounds handily. Thank you @SunnyBeBe for the Brooke Simpson update. Yes, that's a huge contrast with the people this season. The ones I rooted for have already been sent home.

Lol, that's EXACTLY what I thought when I saw Gothel conjure up plant life to attack people--especially since they keep switching up the actress who plays Poison Ivy. You're also not alone in your dislike of how Tilly is portrayed. It's the acting on top of already horrible writing. If it weren't for Hook, I'd FF through all her scenes. As it is, their encounters tend to include at least one "You don't believe me!/ You DO believe me!" per episode. Agree with ALL of this. Lucy is SO EARNEST in all her emoting, I'm wondering how "precocious" the other kids they auditioned were . In contrast, the kid who plays Trixie on Lucifer is amazeballs, although admittedly she has a far better script to work with. At least the actor playing Dr. Facilier seems to be having a fun time with with his role, as nonsensical as his character motivations and actions are. I get that the mean girls were supposed to be wearing the "real life" equivalents of Disney cartoon dresses, sort of like those pre-made Halloween Costumes they sold in boxes for kids. Did they change the designer for the show? Because I imagine the same guy that created all those fabulous Evil Queen outfits weeping at his sewing machine.

Thanks, this made me LOL. At this point whenever Sebastian’s onscreen, it’s like another closeup on native wildlife doing their own thang and part of the scenery. ITA I’m happy with Desiree’s ouster—I too have wanted her to go ever since she rifled through Spandex’s bag. Didn’t quite understand what she said on the way out, but kind of expected her to give everyone the finger. As @fishcakes said, Kellyn’s smugness taking a hit is a good substitute for her getting booted out, for now. And no, Angela, your no-vote didn’t make a difference. So she actually did make the right choice to play. But other than that, GI is boring (although I was happy that she "lost") Donathan—yeah, I feel like we’re really missing something in why he chose to tell others as @Nashville said. Just to have people act as a shield seems pointless when you’re now at the mercy of those people to keep it a secret. There had to have been other creative ways of digging there—it’s not like anyone else knew to look in that spot. What led to that decision? He's been otherwise pretty smart. Dom, he does seem to have upped his social game since Chris got booted. His paranoia is keeping him in the power position right now. It’s interesting that he’s seen that way by others as a way to manipulate him (unsuccessfully). I didn’t like him at the beginning, but now I’ve got to respect his play.

It definitely underscored that she wasn't the sophisticate that Helena was, and was closer to the story that Helena was trying to create for her. Didn't Willow wear clothes closer to Helena's style when we first met her? And I agree that it seemed bizarre that Willow, who was so well-spoken in the press-conference that StalkerListCandidate saw, would let herself get rolled by the press like that. Yes, she was always so frightened-looking. I'd say it was out of character except she wasn't really given much of one to begin with. I was so relieved when it turned out to be Robert's plan and not that he was playing Willow. Although I would hope that Willow was let in on it, otherwise that could have gone so terribly wrong (although that might yet happen) So...the Robin Hood thing. I was ok with it until this ep, when I see how it actually is a shitty thing to do. Aside from how stealing is wrong, one of the "bluebirds" could have lost her job over being accused of thievery. Certainly being reprimanded and then placed under scrutiny can't be pleasant for any of them. Also, as we see from the pen, these items could have historical value, not to mention be worth an exorbitant amount that could help a lot of people, not one. The "Fight" with Jasper was disgusting --his attempts to forbid her from continuing her Robin Hood act, along with his daydreaming about having a normal life with Eleanor in a surburban house where she made his dinner and learned how to use a dishwasher (cute that she was so unfamilar with the machine). Even if she weren't a princess, Eleanor is still Eleanor, and attempts to change who she is fundamentally or deride what she's passionate about as naive are why I can't get behind Jaspenor, although it was nice that moment they shared hiding in the closet under the stairs. The theme this episode seemed to be how regular life is not possible for a royal or their partners, and torturous for ex-royals. Helena understands that full well, as does Robert. Elizabeth Hurley and Max Brown were the MVPs this episode in what they brought to the characters--we're watching Helena hold onto her "Old Ways" relevance while making way for a new Queen who thinks she knows better, and Robert sold me not just on the reveal of Kathryn, but what he said to Liam afterwards. Dang, I wonder if the writing has improved because Mark Schwan is gone. I loved this episode! I also teared at the speech Eleanor gave when she showed up with the pen. She's really evolved since we met her in the first season, while Liam has regressed.

I think what I’m most angry about is how I came to love these characters in first few seasons, feel for why they did the horrible things they did, and then see them become unrecognizable (and unfathomable) vehicles for the off-the-rails writing. The past two seasons in particular, culminating in this half-assed watered down finale. You can almost hear Shonda congratulating herself every time the camera zoomed in on the earnest expressions of the two little black girls making their way through the National Portrait Gallery. I feel betrayed. The first few seasons promised me characters to root for as they had to navigate through the shark-infested waters of DC politics. What would the price be for success (or at the very least survival), what compromises would they have to make along the way? We saw seemingly weak people find their strength, broken people repaired and even privileged people make their way from underneath the weight of their past. Mellie – the story of the political wife who was even smarter than her husband becoming President. But told every step of the way that she was a puppet. Her own inner circle didn’t take her seriously. The last time we see her is her fulfilling a promise Olivia had made. Message to me? Still Olivia's puppet. Abby – Not gonna lie, I never really cared for her. But there was an interesting story in how she had been a battered woman finding her way, ultimately becoming Chief of Staff and letting that power get to her head, to realizing her strength lay in not being a wannabe-Olivia, but her own person. Message to me? You don't get a happy ending, except you don't go to jail and you DO get a job being the next Olicia's lackey. Charlie – the only one who made out well. From scary BS-whatever free agent to a guy who will sacrifice everything for love and his child. Plus, he provided comic relief in a plausible way and the wedding scene was a bright spot. Kudos to the actor. Quinn – Never really liked her, sorry Quinn fans, but wow did they bungle her story. I did appreciate the arc from how she was an Olivia rescue to being entrusted with running OPA but her character was totally assassinated this final season. I get how overhearing that your friend’s seemingly ok with your death would piss a regular person off, but she’s a trained BS-whatever and trained in OP stone-cold strategic thinking. From that point on, she started making decisions based on emotions – not choosing to do things just because OP suggested it, and kneejerk reacting to everything OP-related. That was a real betrayal of the leadership ability that she had developed. What a huge regression. At least they gave her a nice acknowledgment of what she was giving up (being there for Robin) by doing the right thing. And the insensitivity to Abby’s loss as pointed upthread was a character consistency and part of the reason I never liked her. Points for that I guess? Huck – I was ok with him, the homeless guy that OP rescued. That was the beautiful thing about the first seasons—OP’s rescues and why they’re so loyal to her--but this character this last season was absolutely inexplicable. I was always ok with his very simplistic way of speaking and seeing the world (he was broken in Papa Pope’s conditioning) and it worked to make him a Frankenstein-like character. But this last season he seemed developmentally challenged, with his childlike insistence that Olivia be “good’ or however he phrased it. It just didn’t feel organic, more of a plot contrivance as to why certain problems couldn’t have been dealt with before they became problems, as they had been in the past. Jake – This character has see-sawed all over the place the last few seasons, and just these last few episodes alone are ridonk. It’s as much a fault of the BS-whatever storyline (I agree, it ruined the series) as it is that the character is really there for whatever plot contrivance is necessary. Love triangle? Check. BS-whatever FOR Olivia? Check. BS-whatever AGAINST Olivia? Check. Boy-toy? Check. I can buy him “suddenly” realizing that he’s got all this power as BS-whatever, but wouldn’t his first move be to off Papa Pope, who now reveals that HE’S got all the power, except for random other organizations that pop up out of nowhere? Especially since its Papa Pope’s magical testimony that brings down the entire plan and organization. Oh, and thanks to that last histrionic overacted speechifying, we now have the definitive answer to why he’s Eli AND Rowan, four seasons after I stopped caring. In addition to Papa Pope’s speechifying which I have cringed through for however long he’s been doing it, I also won’t miss Olivia’s odd strut. Is it supposed to be a runway walk? I noticed that Annelise has it too in HTGAWM, so is it a Shonda thing? I don’t mind the series ending with Olivia and Fitz back together (because that’s been telegraphed since the premiere). But I really doubt the writers intended my response to the reveal of Olivia’s portrait to be: WTF? What an insult to Michelle Obama.