Avaleigh

ITA. I never thought I'd dislike a season as much as I disliked Roanoke, but this season is by far the worst. No humor, pointless gore, repetitive scenes, characters making inexplicable choices, bad acting, and boring set design. A lot of people were worried that Kim Kardashian would be the problem with this season, but she might be one of the least terrible parts about this production.

Another hot mess of an episode. I didn't fall asleep, but I don't think I can give a reliable summary. The main character in this episode was the first wife of Anna's husband. We find out that she and her twin sister were born almost 2000 years ago and their mom is the Cara Delvigne character. They're all a part of some cult. At some point the first wife leaves the cult and they see her as an apostate. They eventually find her, cut her open, and set her on fire. Oh, and the husband found out she was pregnant an hour or so before she was killed by the women in the cult. Did I miss anything?

I will say that the book has definitely picked up steam now that I'm more than halfway through. I just got to the part where they told Egwene that she's going to be Amyrlin. It's strange that they'd want someone so young in the role. I'm not sure how much time has passed at this point, but it feels like it's been no more than two years since the events in the first book. Her experience level is certainly unique, but do they even know how much time she's spent with the Wise Ones and do the Aes Sedai even value the training that she received with them? One thing that seems to be in Egwene's favor is the fact that she didn't get the chance to choose an Ajah. They don't have to worry about her being loyal to any specific Ajah. She hasn't really spent enough time with the Aes Sedai to have formed preferences or attachments. I'm just wondering how this is going to effect her relationship with Gawyn. Will she even have time for him now that she's Amyrlin. Are they even allowed to marry?

There were definitely a few things that made me laugh in this episode. The ministers were particularly funny. I enjoyed the scene where they were mulling over the idea of having Elena declared mentally unfit. Also, the way they were basically holding their breath as they wait for her decide whether or not she'd go through with killing herself. I definitely got satisfaction from them leaving in the helicopter without her. That moment was well earned especially from the guy who suggested that she make some concessions to the rebels. I guess she's wishing she'd followed through with their suggestions now.

So, I'm still getting through the Lord of Chaos. The story took awhile to get into, I have to admit. I actually read two other books because I felt like I needed a break from WoT. Anyway, I'm finally back into it and got to a very interesting development: Nynaeve figured out how to heal Logain and ended up healing Siuan and Leane too! So now I'm wondering what role Logain has to play now that he's been healed from his gentling. Is he going to team up with Rand? Will he end up on the farm? What will Taim make of him? I had a feeling there was going to be more with his character based on how he's been portrayed on the show, but I wasn't expecting this. I'm curious how powerful he is now considering Nynaeve said that she had difficulty holding him. Regarding Siuan and Leane (I can't recall if Leane is a character on the show), I wonder what this will mean for them going forward especially since they kind of gave Moiraine the storyline of an Aes Sedai losing her powers. Maybe Siuan won't be stilled on the show? Also, now that Nynaeve has learned how to do what no other Aes Sedai has been able to figure out, shouldn't that fast track her to being raised to full Aes Sedai? Is it really necessary for her to continue to have to scrub pots and pans at this point? Their organization really sucks at times. The Tower is fractured, they're lucky to have the people they do have on their side, but they persist in treating two of their most loyal and hardworking members like shit. Makes no sense. I'm curious too if Nynaeve can heal women who have accidentally burned themselves out or can she only heal the ones who were stilled? Either way, she seems like she's on track to being the best healer they've ever seen.

Seriously, lol. That was such an OTT, pointless moment. What did it accomplish apart from telling the audience what they already know? That Anna doesn't respond to situations the way most people would. I feel like even the most mild mannered person would have at least decided to leave the table in that moment.

I'm annoyed at myself for continuing to watch this season. Anna really just shakes off the fact that she has the marks of a baby Freddy Kreuger on her belly? She just moves on from that moment and doesn't even consider going to the hospital? She says she can't swim very well but just happily jumps into a pool even though all this weird stuff has been going on? She has almost no reaction to her "best friend" bitch slapping her in the face, and in public no less? This character does not handle situations the way the average person would. Same. I didn't even realize that the actress playing Anna's assistant was the same one who played the singing nurse in the opening of this episode. I guess it was supposed to be a big reveal that she hasn't aged in 30+ years, but since I didn't even remember that the actress was in last season until it was pointed out to me, the moment where she turns around as she's singing to the baby didn't have the impact that I think it was supposed to have. Of all the seasons to have a long break in between the episodes, this was the worst one for that to happen. All of the characters are bland and/or cartoonishly OTT. Siobhan is the only other character name I remember and it's because it's Kim K, not because she's a particularly good or memorable actress. Maybe this series could do with a break for a couple of years? Give the writers some time to really get inspired. This season feels like they phoned it in.

I got a good chuckle watching the behind the scenes stuff from this episode. When the actor who plays Nicky was talking about the tragedy of his character being that, when confronted with the moment where he's about to watch another man have sex with his wife, all he can say is "Heyyy...!" Also, it says a lot that the best laugh for me came after the actual episode. For a so-called satire, this show should be a little funnier, shouldn't it? I really liked the Hugh Grant character and thought he was taken out of the story too soon. Interesting how Elena would periodically trot him out to make the masses think that he's living comfortably in a mansion somewhere. It must have worked since people like Zubak never thought he was in prison. I wonder though if there were at least any rumors that he was imprisoned? If no one has seen him in person and there's only the occasional pic of him in a villa looking comfortable, isn't that suspicious enough to get people whispering? Nobody is going to know anyone who works for him or lives near him. People would notice if a high profile former politician was completely absent from society. If nothing else I feel like rumors could have started and been spread by the people who oppose Elena. That last scene was weird. How does it help her to have an uncontrollable moment like that in front of her cabinet? Elena seems to blow these easy opportunities. Like the scene with the kids. She could have at least faked sympathy, but she can't even do that right. Really, she doesn't have enough common sense to not tell that one kid he smells terrible as if it's a joke that will land given the seriousness of why she's visiting them in the first place? Then she brings up the death of the pregnant protester out of nowhere. The whole point of the exercise was to con people into thinking she gives a damn. How has she lasted in power this long? She only seems to have decent political instincts when the story calls for it. There's a lack of consistency in her characterization that I'm not understanding. I'm intrigued by Elena and Zubak and thought Hugh Grant's one episode character was interesting. As for the other characters...this is another area where the show needs to improve. As a comparison, there were multiple supporting characters in Succession that I wish had more scenes because they were so well written in the scenes they were in. Gerri, Frank, Carl, Stewy, Matsson, Hugo, etc. In The Regime, I can barely remember the names of the supporting characters. I like seeing David Bamber here, but he doesn't really get any good lines. The character who Elena went to in order to take down the unions is good at conveying how unsettled he is by Elena but he too doesn't really get any good lines. Oh, it has to have been. I can't understand how she got elected otherwise. Also, I can understand why certain rich people in the country would have wanted her in power so they could line their pockets, but surely there's a better person they could elect who isn't as unstable as Elena is? Her father must've been genuinely loved or feared (possibly both?) for that to carry over enough to make anyone want to support her given how unsuitable she is in this job.

I know Dave is controversial, and I understand some of the criticism, but I applaud the deep dive he's done into Russia and various skating topics over the years. I don't always agree with him, but I absolutely love that he loves skating and does his best to get others excited about it. I love Jonathan and will miss him too. I can't justify spending money for his commentary on OnlyFans Patreon, but I absolutely wish him the best and hope he and Jonathan are successful with it.

The only reason I can think of is, for whatever reason, Elena still wants Zubak alive. That was the most interesting scene in the episode for me. He really did a number on her as a parent. I'm curious to learn more about her mother. Did she really go mad or did the father just tell Elena that because he needed to give her a reason for why her mother was no longer present? Not many comments. It's telling that it took me an extra week to get to this episode. It's not exactly must see TV for me the way that Mildred Pierce and Mare of Easttown were.

Ilia was awesome! Hopefully the world takes notice and some young people will be inspired enough to give skating a try. Adam jumped from 19th to third! I never thought he'd finish on the podium. Proud of him for not giving up.

I don't follow Donovan--did he have an injury? I think he's really improved the past three years. As far as the skating countries that don't get as much attention, I feel Italy and Estonia both have a nice group of skaters right now. Georgia is basically Russia lite, but collectively they seem like they'll be competitive in the team event.

Wow, Adam!! I really enjoyed that. Such a fiery second half. He definitely brought it. I hope he's able to have that same energy level next season. Piper and Paul were amazing. I'm a huge Chock and Bates fan, but I'm glad Piper and Paul won the long.

Isabeau!!! How exciting for her! Her first world medal. It's a beautiful program. I'm glad she got to end her season with such an awesome skate. I don't think the Americans have had a silver medal since Ashley. So proud of her! Amber...I just want her to realize one day that she can do this. She's has so much potential, it's hard to see her miss jumps that are so easy for her in practice. Chaeyeon Kim's jumps are fabulous. I thought she had one of the best combos of the night. Loena falling was heartbreaking. I actually yelled an expletive when she fell on the flip. Hubby thinks I'm nuts. I was really hoping this would be Loena's year, but Kaori really threw down though. Kaori! How amazing to have three in a row. She just proves year after year what an incredible competitor she is. Very happy for her. Yeah, I didn't miss the Russians one bit. This worlds has been so fun to watch.

It was really frustrating during the pairs. There were at least three times where the cameras didn't catch both skaters during the side by side jumps. With Deanna and Maxime, I didn't see her land the triple toe, she was completely out of the frame. I only caught it when they were showing the replay before the scores. That happened a couple of other times that night, I think with Miura and Kihara too. So annoying. Watching the ladies now. Maddie's dress is gorgeous. Lots of wonderful skates so far. Gubanova, Kurakova, Kimmy, and Mone Chiba were all great. I'm getting ready to hold my breath during Amber's program.