REVIEW: ‘The Walking Dead’ S7 Ep 12 “Say Yes” [SPOILERS]

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The Walking Dead has built a relationship around its leads in recent seasons. Rick and Michonne has been survivors for years, but only recently became romantically involved. It’s a relationship that hasn’t been given a lot of time to shine in the series. However, that all changes with “Say Yes,” the latest episode. It’s a strong episode, not just because it’s a break from The Walking Dead’s bleak norm. “Say Yes” also presents a brilliant character study more focused on the stars than the gore.

Rick and Michonne have been great protagonists for years. Their relationship hasn’t always felt natural or fully earned. It’s been more like a way to wring romance from the show that doesn’t rely on Glenn and Maggie. Now that their romance isn’t alive, Rick and Michonne’s relationship feels like a welcome comfort. “Say Yes” is like an answer to a proposal, as if The Walking Dead wants our blessing – and I accept. It’s about hope and perseverance over Negan’s brand of hopelessness. Especially as this episode comes off the heels of Eugene’s transformation to a Negan-ite. It’s an episode that doesn’t get bogged down by cheesy romance.

The fact that it’s the two protagonists leading the episode makes it all the more welcome. These are characters that deserve a spotlight more than Morgan or Eugene. Rick and Michonne give The Walking Dead its heart – now literally, I suppose. The episode may feel like a cheesy romantic episode, but it’s still packed with good action. “Say Yes” shows the series knows how to build towards an endgame without writing pure filler.

While the protagonist relationship is sweet, Rosita is still incredibly sour. Her plot line gets interesting by the end, but it’s been rather one note. Rosita’s dynamic with Gabriel hasn’t changed a bit, and her hatred of Tara feels misplaced. This angsty Rosita is getting tired very quickly. The idea of Rosita and Sasha teaming up for a 2-person strike force is cool. However, it feels reminiscent of the Carl & Daryl episodes with Negan. They may say “we won’t be taken alive,” but it’s unlikely we’ll see both – or maybe either – die in this conflict.

The Walking Dead still has its problem with relying on new colonies. These new survivors with their improper English still feel like an unneeded gimmick. Tara planning to bring the Oceanside colony into the fold also feels pointless. Clearly, Rick and the group are capable of tracking down weapons for a fight. It’s been more fun to watch them talk The Kingdom into battle, rather than recruit random newbies.

“Say Yes” may be the best episode of TWD’s seventh season. It’s about the characters we love the most, kicking Walkers’ teeth in. The fact it also incorporates romance makes it all the better. After weeks of thriller and promises of action, The Walking Dead really delivers this time around.

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Todd McFarlane Promises ‘Spawn’ To Be More Violent Than ‘Logan’ and ‘Deadpool’

By

EJ Moreno

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March 6, 2017

Spawn Creator Todd McFarlane Says The Film Is Going To A “Dark R-Rating”

Todd McFarlane is fighting hard to get a remake of ‘Spawn‘ off the ground and this pitch is something that will grab attention. Speaking with the crowd at Emerald City Comic Con, McFarlane further hyped the project.

“If here’s PG-13 and here’s Deadpool and here’s Logan, we’re going to be here,” McFarlane stated. He then used his hands to show just how far he plans to take it.

It seems like the box-office success of other R-Rated superhero films is allowing ‘Spawn‘ to gain some steam. Todd McFarlane doesn’t seem to want to compromise his vision of how the project should go and I applaud that.

McFarlane earlier said that he’s looking to make the titular character a real boogeyman.

In the background, there’s this thing moving around, this boogeyman. That boogeyman just happens to be something that you and I, intellectually, know is Spawn. Will he look like he did in the first movie? No. Will he have a supervillain he fights? No. He’s going to be the spectre, the ghost.”

Everything about this project sounds amazing! Hopefully there is some producers out there listening because fans of comics and horror are clamoring for this.

What do you think? Let your feelings known in the comments below!

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Big Finish Releases Trailer for The Lives of Captain Jack

By

Merinda Brayfield

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March 6, 2017

Big Finish continues their releases of new material in the Torchwood and Doctor Who universes with The Lives of Captain Jack. Following Captain Jack Harkness across four new adventures, the series arrives in June. Big Finish has just released a trailer for the audiobook series.

The stories range across Jack’s many lives:

The Year After I Died by Guy Adams

Set in the year 200,101, on an Earth ravaged by the Daleks, Jack struggles to save humanity from its oldest enemy.

Wednesdays For Beginners by James Goss

Jack and Jackie Tyler must unite to rescue the Powell Estate from a force whose name Jackie can never say.

One Enchanted Evening by James Goss

Captain Jack and Alonso Frame have only just met. But why did the Doctor want them to be together?

Month 25 by Guy Adams

He’s the young star of the Time Agency, and his whole life is about to fall apart. But that’s not going to stop him winning.

John Barrowman reprises his role as Jack Harkness. Russell Tovey returns as Alonso and Camille Coduri returns as Jackie Tyler in their respective adventures. The stories are written by James Goss and Guy Adams, directed by Scott Handcock.

The Lives of Captain Jack is available for preorder from Big Finish.

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Ten Movies That You Need To Check Out In March (From ‘Boss Baby’ To ‘Kong: Skull Island’)

By

Dewey Singleton - Film Critic

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March 6, 2017

With Logan poised to be the #1 movie in America earning over $80 million at the box-office this weekend, March is set up to be a great month for movies. If you are at a loss over what’s else is coming out this month, let’s take a look at all the major releases for this month.

1Kong: Skull Island- March 10th

The producers of Godzilla have reframed the origins of one the most powerful movie monsters of all time. The film is believed to be the first in what will be a series of films reintroducing this movie universe with these iconic beasts.

two-new-kong-skull-island-posters.jpg (696×464)

Here’s the trailer!

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‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Getting New 2D Cartoon; CG Show Ending After Next Season

By

Aric Sweeny

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March 6, 2017

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are getting another rebooted series.

Titled Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the show will be replacing the current 3D cartoon in 2018.

Variety talked to Cyma Zarghami, president, Nickelodeon Group, about the project:

“’Turtles’ has been an incredibly important franchise for us since we reignited it five years ago, and we’re excited for the new series to take the characters in a different direction with more humor, a younger and lighter feel and all-new dimensions to explore.”

The current series will starts its new, and final, season on March 19. The outlet is also reporting that Nickelodeon has ordered 26 episodes of the new series.

What are your thoughts on the TMNT getting a fresh new reboot? Are you looking forward to it? Comment below!

“Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” will follow Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo on all-new adventures as they seek to unlock the mystical secrets of New York City. From the tallest skyscraper to the dankest sewer drain, the Turtles will encounter absurd new mutants and battle bizarre creatures all while enjoying their favorite slice of pizza. Tapping into mystic, ninja powers they never knew existed, the four brothers must learn to work together and navigate the perils of the modern age and hidden realms in order to fulfill their destiny to become a team of heroes.

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hits Nickelodeon in 2018.

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Faith #9: A Study in Narrative Device and Storytelling

By

Karen Walsh

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March 6, 2017

Every so often, a comic issue creates a daring narrative, and this month that was Faith. Just like the Hawkeye issue that wrote from the perspective of Pizza Dog, Houser has Faith Herbert’s friends voicing over her story thus sidelining the protagonist in her own story.

At first glance, the reader doesn’t even notice this narrative device. The opening page shows Faith’s friends going about their morning routines, but the first dialogue page is written normally. As we ease into the story, nothing seems out of the ordinary from the storytelling point of view.

On page five, however, we start to see the narrative unfold. The first to voiceover is Faith’s boss Mimi. Her thoughts show up in an orange box, no different from the traditional types of thought boxes often seen in comics. On page six, however, Marguerite Sauvage treats us to Mimi’s daydream in conjunction with the orange boxed private thoughts. Although Mimi’s thoughts are about Faith, they are undeniably about how she views her role in Zephyr’s fame.

Cutting back to Faith’s regular day, Faith works with her friend Paige. In the last panel, a green thought box narrates Paige’s private thoughts. Much like the previous chapter, Faith’s actions are the plot but Paige’s thoughts provide the motion for the story. Like Mimi’s daydream, we have Paige’s daydream that shows her as the heroine in Faith’s story.

Next up is Jay. In the middle of a staff meeting, he suddenly engages in an out-of-character enraged outburst. At the end of the outburst, the chapter closes with another set of voiceover thought boxes showcasing Jay’s inner thoughts of heroism. Finally, the segment closes with him imagining himself in an Iron Man-esque suit, Zephyr relying on him to help save the world.

Despite the overall plot being about Faith, these voiceover narratives act to subvert her role in her own heroism. In doing so, the issue highlights the importance of having a gang that helps the superhero act. Every superhero needs their Scooby gang. Most of the time, however, these characters are treated as secondary or even tertiary to the main hero. This particular issue uses a novel narrative format to showcase the importance of friendship and teamwork.

In the end, the last voiceover we read is Faith’s. As she talks about the way in which her coworkers have become her family, she also tells the reader that she relies on them and that they are her heroes. This ending would be trite but for the way it has been set up throughout the issue. Her friends’ daydreams show how they imagine themselves at their best, equals in Faith’s world saving. Faith recognizes their heroism, even if they don’t. The truth is that all of them are heroes, each with their own powers – be they super or not.

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The Online ‘Deadpool’ Teaser’s Small Print Summarized ‘The Old Man and the Sea’; Read It Here

By

Aric Sweeny

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March 6, 2017

The Deadpool 2 teaser, formally titled No Good Deed, took the internet by storm a few days ago. If you’ve seen it, you know the end of the short features a block of text that can’t be read by the naked eye. Now, however, the fine print has been officialy released, and it’s as great as anyone could have hoped.

“The Old Man and the Sea” is the story of a fight between an elderly accomplished fisherman, Santiago, and a really big fish. Like… HUGE. The story opens with Santiago suffering eighty four days without catching a fish because he’s the unluckiest son of a bitch on planet earth. Honestly if you were in a boat for eighty four days, it’d be hard NOT to catch a fish… even by accident. Santiago was so unlucky that his apprentice, Manolin, was forbidden by his Ma and Pa to fish with him. But as The Fresh Prince used to say, “Parents Just Don’t Understand.”

So the boy visits Santiago’s shack anyway, ignoring the inherent risks of unsupervised playtime with an elderly man who talks to himself. Manolin helps out, moving Santiago’s fishing gear, making food and talking about baseball. Especially Joe DiMaggio, who used to bump fuzzies with Marilyn Monroe. The next day, Santiago tells Manolin that he’s going out into the Gulf Stream, WAY OUT north of Cuba. Lady lucky is returning!

On the eighty fifth day of his crappy luck, Santiago drops his lines, and by noon, gets a bite from what feels like a big ass fish. He’s sure it’s a winner. He fights and fights and fights but can’t pull the monster in. Santiago’s leaky old boat is pulled by the fish for two days and nights as he holds on for dear life. Even though he’s bloody and beat, Santiago begins to appreciate this mighty adversary. He starts calling him “brother” or maybe even, “bro.” It’s sort of a love story if you really think about it. And like most romantic comedies, the reader pictures a delightful outfit changing montage, followed by the inevitable interspecies wedding.

But on the third day, Santiago is freakin’ EXHAUSTED, and decides he just wants the fish to do what he says and not always swim wherever it wants. So he stabs it. With a f—ing harpoon. It’s a mess. Super gross. Blood everywhere. Because, like many men his age, Santiago has difficulty expressing his emotions and fears with words — instead giving into base desires — and imposing his gigantically terrible positions on any given subect through unblinking violence. Typical. Anyway, he straps the marlin to the side of his skiff and hit the road home, ready to act like a total show off to everyone and probably gouge people on the price.

But guess what? Pretty soon sharks begin to attack the bleeding marlin’s carcass, because as we all know, life is a tragic opera and just when you think you’ve finally found something good and true, sharks come along and rip it all to f—ing shreds while dry humping your dignity with their crazy weird shark dicks. Sure, Santiago tries killing a few of them, but drops his harpoon because his hands are just as old as he is. By nighttime, the sharks have pretty much eaten the entire marlin. Only a bleach white skeleton remains, silently mocking him in the murky darkness.

Santiago realizes he’s still unlucky. Really unlucky. (Duh!) He calls the sharks “dream killers.” Which isn’t really all that fair, I mean, the sharks were just doing their job and the marlin… Jesus, don’t even get me started on the marlin! It was just hanging out one day, minding its own business, maybe thinking about ways it could be a better provider for its family and WHAM! Harpoon in the brain. Who’s the “dream killer” now, f—face? The hypocrisy is pretty much boundless at this point. Eventually Santiago makes it ashore. Leaving the bones of the marlin and the boat, he hobbles to his shack. He makes it home and crashes, like I said — he’s super tired.

The next morning, a group of fishermen gather around Santiago’s boat. One measures the skeleton, and, holy shit shingles! It’s over 18 feet! The head of the fish is given to Pedrico (strange that this is the first mention of him) and the other fishermen ask Manolin to send their glad tidings to the old man. Manolin brings Santiago newspapers and coffee when he wakes and they decide to fish together again.

Many years later, there’s a Red Lobster Restaurant in nearly every city in America, offering a casual dining experience and convenient parking.

Deadpool 2 is slated for a 2018 release date; Logan is in theaters now.

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DC on CW: Week in Review – Someone’s Getting Married!

By

Jon Barr - TV Editor

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March 6, 2017

This series will be a brief, semi-comedic review of the CW superhero shows. You can check out last week’s review post here, or see the tally of winners below. The only shows discussed will be ‘Arrow’, ‘Flash’, and ‘Supergirl’. There WILL be some spoilers discussed, so only look at the reviews you’re up to date on!

Supergirl, “Homecoming” (Feb 27)

Dean Cain flies back in for one of the most predictable episodes of CW’s Supergirl. The episode has some great action, but the plot is very predictable. All of the characters go too hard on Mon-El for it to feel right. Cara and Mon-El’s relationship hasn’t gotten any less giggly, but it hasn’t gotten worse, so that’s a plus. I had forgotten about CADMUS, so it was great to see them roped back in. Is Jeremiah now Cyborg Superman II? Is he Cyborg Winter Soldier? The plot wasn’t all that great. But there were shining moments with the action, and the return of CADMUS, that made it worthwhile.

SCORE: 7.5/10 Awkward Slow Clap

The Flash, “Attack on Central City” (Feb 28)

My goodness, Barry must be broke after this episode. Have you thought about how extravagant those double-surprises for Iris were? Heck, the proposal was only SLIGHTLY more extravagant than the breakfast! The episode spent too much time harping on how Flash won’t kill people. Why not show more fighting with the gorillas? The kiss between Cisco and Gypsy was a lot, and feels like a forced relationship. Likewise, the possibility that Wells-2 is dying came out of nowhere. That would be one hell of a soap opera nonsense plot line. There wasn’t much of a battle with the Gorilla army, but the Grodd vs Solovar battle was cool. Has anyone brought up how similar the names Solovar and Savitar are? There was a bit of a let-down with the climax, and there was a lot of cheesy storylines. But overall, it wasn’t that bad.

SCORE: 7/10 Friends Day Cards

Arrow, “Fighting Fire with Fire” (Mar 8)

Ah yes, politics. Love ’em. Same reason I love the ‘Star Wars’ prequels.

WHOA, the Prometheus twist was pretty cool. I was confident Adrian Chase was Vigilante, but the reveal of his actual double-life is astonishing. The love plot with Susan is, in my mind, played out. So the fact she may die in the Prometheus crossfires doesn’t worry me. This twist of a “darker” Thea is dumb. It’s also come largely out of the blue. At least her violence from seasons past felt earned, unlike this random hatred of all politicians. Likewise, Felicity is still too bubbly and awkward to buy as a sinister hacker. Curtis gets a good amount of screen-time, but he’s relegated to an unrequited love plot and testicle jokes. I wish they would bring Diggle back into the foreground. But hopefully Oliver will get impeached, they’ll take on Prometheus, and Arrow can go back to basics. Also, stop the flashbacks.

SCORE: 8/10 Terrific Spheres

WEEKLY WIN TALLY:

Arrow: 6 Weeks

Supergirl: 4.5 Weeks

The Flash: 3.5 Week

What show did you think won the week? Does Legends of Tomorrow take your vote? Do you think A.o.S. or Gotham outshines all the CW shows? Let us know in the comments below!

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Marvel Comics’ Miles Morales & Hobie Brown Need To Meet

By

Brandon J. Griffin

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March 6, 2017

After Secret Wars, Miles Morales was permanently introduced into the main Marvel universe. Even with Brian Michael Bendis still writing the title, it doesn’t feel the same. There are a lot of unanswered questions in this merger of continuity. In order to address the transition I believe Miles Morales and Hobie Brown need to meet.

In the Ultimate universe, Prowler played a major part in Miles’ Spider-Man origin. Aaron Davis was the uncle of Miles, and directly caused his being bit by the radioactive spider. They had a complicated relationship, littered with betrayal and blackmail. This ultimately lead to Uncle Aaron being killed, as Miles looked on in horror.

This was a major moment in the making of this Ultimate Spider-Man, it haunted him much like Uncle Ben’s death did to Peter Parker. Prowler’s last words to his nephew were that he was very much like him; which terrified the young hero.

The Prowler of the 616 universe is Hobie Brown, a longtime ally of Spider-Man. He’s recently become an employee of Parker Industries, in addition to getting his own series. Hobie is a more active member of Spidey’s supporting cast now than he had been for in a long time. This is the perfect time for he and Miles to interact.

While the Spider-Man series hasn’t been terrible, it hasn’t come close to recapturing the magic of Ultimate Spider-Man. This may be more about the lack of clear guidelines following the destruction of the “multiverse.” At this point, Miles doesn’t remember the previous universe. He also has his family restored, which was not the case by the end of his time in the Ultimate universe.

Unclear rules aside, Bendis should want to recapture that magic from his original run. Jessica Jones #5 recently started touching on that previous universe’s existence. Jessica encounters a person that remembers the pre-Secret Wars continuity, and he’s not the only one. How would Miles react to this revelation?

Remember that Spider-Men mini-series about Miles and Peter meeting each other in a universal crossover? That unresolved (seriously what the hell) cliffhanger ending was Peter discovering there was in fact a Miles in the 616. Now what if Miles started doing the same thing? Researching important people from his universe that he has yet to come into contact with? Don’t you think he would be a little curious as to whether or not his uncle exists?

Looking into Prowler, would lead Miles to Hobie. As the two heroes investigate their connection, they could move the universe-wide narrative forward. This presents an opportunity to help tie together the two previous worlds and solidify the current status quo. It’s not a fully formed synopsis, clearly, but it’s an idea that could be explored. They’re also two great characters that could easily develop an entertaining chemistry.

Brian Michael Bendis needs to make these two meet and give fans a little bit of nostalgic satisfaction. Simply putting Miles and Prowler in a room together would be enough to make veteran Miles fans smile.

What do you think of this idea? How would you address the post-Secret Wars elephant in the room? Do you care about Miles and Hobie ever meeting? Let us know in the comments!

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Get a New Look at The Batmobile From ‘Justice League’

By

Aric Sweeny

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March 6, 2017

Director Zack Snyder has released a new look at the Batmobile from this year’s highly anticipated Justice League film.

The caption read, “Upgrades…what are you worried about Wayne.”

What are your thoughts on the latest look at the Batmobile? Will we see the vehicle get any substantial upgrades in Justice League or The Batman? Comment your predictions below.

“In Justice League, fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.”

Justice League hits theaters on November 17, 2017.

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