Tenshinhan

I really enjoyed this. There was a lot that worked and a lot that didn't work, but I would definitely watch more of it. I love how faithful it is to the original series, while also going its own way. I noticed right away that much of the dialogue was taken directly from the manga/anime. Same with the visuals throughout. The Yusuke/Keiko relationship was my favorite part. The acting and writing definitely delivered in that area. I liked Kuwabara's role in this and thought they got his characterization just right. Hiei and Kurama I wasn't feeling so much, and Kurama's look *really* bothered me. The Hiei actor really sounds just like his anime counterpart though. I'm not sure about the decision to adapt the Dark Tournament in the way that they did. I thought that in some ways it worked, but in other ways it didn't. The Genkai/Toguro story feels rushed, and I'm not really sure why they decided to do it this way. Maybe if it had been more like ten episodes instead of just five? I liked what they did with the Sakyo character. The actor was very good in the role and well written. His scenes were all strong. Toguro's actor was good, but needed more to work with (and better cgi!) His older brother was really hamming it up though lol. Also, kudos to the actor who played Tarukane the gambler. He really embodied the role in such a small part. I thought Botan/Koenma were both well done. Also liked the Yukina actress. The first two episodes and the last one were probably my favorites. The final battle was emotional and I liked seeing the gang being friends together at the end. Overall it was rushed but had a lot going for it so I hope it gets renewed, and with a higher episode count next time. I can see them doing at least two more arcs. There was a reference to Sensui in the first episode, and I'm wondering whether they might be saving some of the Dark Tournament contestants for a possible Demon Realm season later on. Miscellaneous: Nice easter egg with "Smile Bomb" playing on the truck driver's radio in the beginning. The subtitles had some odd translations at times. For example makaichuu (Demon World insects) are called "Roundworm Monsters" in the subs. And whenever the characters refer to Genkai as baasan (a term for elderly women), the subtitles say "Master". It's not really a big deal and I understand them taking certain liberties, but just something I noticed.

Marshall/Stella is a lazy and poorly written plot development. With everyone celebrating over at Portia's house I can't help but wonder if Taggert is drunk off his ass somewhere. The dialogue writing on this show is awful. Especially the casual stuff like between TJ/Molly and Kristina. I'm happy to see the Esme story pick up again.

I agree about not using Magneto at all, but the Green Goblin comparison isn't quite fitting. The Goblin's presence in the Spidey mythos isn't as strong or integral as Magneto in X-Men.

Looks like they are merging multiple arcs into one new storyline. I like that they are going their own way with it. The various Yokai designs all look cool.

Most of those characters only ever died starting in recent years of comic book history. Superman dying was a huge event that was never going to last. Although it may be a popular trope in present day, for the majority of comic book history characters dying was never really a thing.

This isn't really true, at least in regards to the main characters and protagonists. It's more like those characters rarely ever die in the first place. Villains and supporting characters maybe, but even then it's usually only after years and years that they return to life. Also, movies are not comic books. The difference between mediums means that the nature of storytelling will not be the same, and the audience's expectations will also be different.

Like they have always done in the comic books? And in every other genre of fiction ever? Any directors or actors in particular that you are referring to?

Spyglass can fuck right off.

Say what you will about the quality of those films, but I would argue that Schumacher's films displayed a greater understanding of the source material than Tim Burton's. I don't think that the issue is with long-term comics fans. You can ignore the source material and still make a good film that general audiences will enjoy. The problem is bad filmmaking when directors and writers have bad ideas and churn out mediocre stories. There's a lot to like about it. It's a fun and entertaining movie, in spite of its overall negative qualities.

I think that may have been deliberate because Kristina followed up with a line about how she never thought she would ever hear those words from Molly. I can't really remember whether they elaborated on it or not.

I don't really think so. I think they are just trying to establish them as a unit or "team", focusing on the bond between all of the women. That seems to be what the movie will be centered around. I recognize them from various 2000s-era Spider-Man stories, but I'm sure general audiences won't have any idea who they are. I think Sony will be betting on "looks like a Spider-movie" to draw audiences in, judging by the trailer.

Yeah, I didn't like that. Good actors, bad writing it seems. But who knows, maybe it will take off with audiences.

The Japanese live action Yu Yu Hakusho series from Netflix is set to premiere on December 14th worldwide. Based on the popular manga/anime from author Yoshihiro Togashi.

Valentin is horrible with children. All of his scenes this week have been weird and awkward. I hope that Harmony is warning Willow about Michael. That would be an interesting direction for this story, and it might explain the Vader costume. I think it's cool that Anna shot Charlotte, but hopefully won't turn into some big secret thing.

LW and her fake laugh got a workout today. The child actors are horrible. JPS's acting in those scenes was odd and I'm not sure what they were going for.

Had no idea that Tyler was cousins with the Cheetwood Bros (Max/Milo).

Moll was very good, but I don't think it's fair to compare his character with other versions. The show created a whole new backstory for Harvey, and the writing leaned heavily into the tragedy as it typically did, so Moll had a lot more to work with compared to others.

I haven't read Peanuts in years but saw the newer collections really cheap on eBay a couple years ago and almost considered it. I agree that they are a must read for fans. For something like Peanuts, chronological is always best in my view. As a child I would spend hours reading through all of the many collected editions that were available back then. I would consume as much Peanuts related media as I could find, such as the television series, holiday specials, movies etc, and try to find as much information about Charles Schulz as possible. I was a fan. I think I always preferred the earlier years, back when Snoopy was just an ordinary beagle, and Patty and Violet were around.

For a soap character, that's not *too* damning. At least not something she can't climb back from. Gladys was too close to Brando for Sasha to ever truly stay mad at her forever. And the way she supported Sasha after his and the baby's deaths probably counts for something. Sonny and Sasha bonding always scares me into thinking she will end up pregnant by him.

I'm sorry to see Gladys go, if she's gone. The character was entertaining. I don't really think that Gladys is irredeemable or anything like that. I'm sure Sasha would be angry with her for a while, but then eventually come around.

They can do it, yes, but because of their races, it's going to send a certain message to the viewers. Regardless of whether it fits the storyline or not.

I know exactly what you mean. And, yes, it is an unfortunate thing to have play out on screen. I was half-afraid they might have Carly take over as the new Warden, the way these stories have been going.

It will be interesting to see how long this new Molly sticks around. Cool that they hired another Greek actor, like Haley. I'm not sure what the point of that whole chickenpox thing with Sprina was, but it feels like it was all more about Esme than anything else.

I agree with this. One of the reasons that the Chris Nolan films are so good is because of Nolan's talents as a filmmaker and the writing. Those are what elevate his films above the others. Also, they were the first films to really delve into the comic book mythos of Batman and explore it respectfully. As for the character himself, I enjoy Bale in the role, and don't really mind his Bat-voice. Also, it seems like the earliest live action versions of Batman are often forgotten. The film serials Batman (1943) and its sequel Batman and Robin (1949) are worth a watch for anyone who hasn't seen them.

I don't like Maxie's son James. His acting is like right out of an Our Gang comedy or something. I can see Gladys sticking around after this. She may be at odds with Sasha for a while though.