SUPERGIRL - Season 4.5

REVIEW:  SUPERGIRL - SEASON 4, EP. 5:  "Parasite Lost"

Our Girl of Steel certainly lives up to her cousin Kal's values of finding the good in everyone---and everything, despite the opposite staring her right in the face.  This latest installment has some people questioning their stance on the current issue of alien immigrants, and their place in the world.  Some have ulterior motives, some are unsure, and we see that for her generous and caring heart---her tremendous strength and goodwill, for all her powers---Kara Zor-El still has MUCH to learn about the world around her.

When we last checked in, Lockwood pulled a Wrath of Khan by sticking the Parasite worm inside Agent Jensen's ear, thus giving Jensen the powers of the Parasite.  However, he soon finds out there's a time limit on those powers.  When he's spotted by the DEO and Supergirl, they find out that he's gotten those powers when he zaps our heroine, thus rending her powerless for a short time.  The DEO is now, for all intents and purposes, pretty much run by Col. Haley---who is now Alex's boss.  Surprisingly, they manage to work well together for the short term this episode, but we'll get to more of them shortly.  Anyway, Kara is getting healed, and they inform Haley about the Parasite worm.  They realize they need to find a way to neutralize him.  They decide that by creating a shield with plutonium, in hopes that it will keep Jensen at bay long enough for them to neutralize him.  

Jensen, after his encounter with Kara, finds his strength sapping, thus making him weak.  Liberty goes to work in finding a way to help Jensen maintain his powers for longer periods of time.  Thus, they manage to find the stone of an alien named Amadei..who's a healer, and a much respected being of the community.  He wishes to be able to not only heal the aliens, but normal humans as well.  Thanks to his ex-girlfriend (who happened to be broken hearted because he ended things with her, but not before she gave birth to their child, Elizabeth), she had become a member of the Children of Liberty---a group radicalized by Lockwood, to end the so-called "alien threat", (I'd use the term "roaches" as Elizabeth's mother did this episode, but I find it so derrogatory---which I guess means they got the point across to ME well).  Armed with the healing powers of Amadei, Jensen goes out to create havoc among the alien community again.  This time, the DEO manages to encompass the area in a shield, but it will not hold up long against Parasite.  Supergirl manages to perform a rescue mission to save many of the innocent bystanders before they get hurt and the shield goes out.  Alex---who was ordered to put Jensen down, manages to use her head, and logic, to convince Jensen that his way is wrong, and that he's doing more harm than good.  Alex manages to get get through to him, though he said, "they won't stop", before the removes Amadei's stone, and the Parasite power peters out, thus immobilizing him.  He's captured, the day is saved, and Amadei is saved with the stone back with him.  Later on, we see Haley and Alex having a one-on-one, with Haley saying that Alex needs to follow orders, but likes that she's in charge.  Turns out, Haley is just as anti-alien as the rest, what with her wanting J'Onn OUT as the the head of the DEO, and that they're "going back to basics"---meaning that they're going to CAPTURE aliens, instead of having them be allowed to have normal lives.  Alex takes offense to this, but says nothing, other than supporting J'Onn.  Haley expects Alex's loyalty.  Of course, we don't get to see Agent Jensen again, as he's whisked away to a secret location before Alex can question him.  Coincidence?  I think not!

The sad part of this tale thus far is that of Amadei.  A man who has become someone of great peace an importance in the community.  He is a healer who wishes to heal all, but cannot heal everyone---especially the humans who are prejudiced against him and the rest of the aliens.  Nonetheless, he preaches peace.  Kara and Nia feel that if they talk about the accomplishments he has made in the community, that it would bridge the gap between aliens and humans.  Kara had held a party, thinking that things had calmed down, and that they will get better.  What Kara doesn't understand is how naive that thought is---but that's what makes her our heroine---she sees the best in everyone and everything---even to a fault.  She and Nia go and do an interview with Amadei---the first he's had in 20 years, and then write the story up, praising his goodwill towards everyone.  However, it has a negative backlash when it turns out that the stone that's a part of him is stolen, thus hurting him and beginning to kill him.  Kara and J'Onn investigate his background (after J'Onn uses his powers to read Amadei's mind, and seeing the face of what would turn out to be his daughter, Elizabeth).  They seek Elizabeth out and question her, and she hasn't anything good to say about dear old Dad.  Her mother comes in and berates J'Onn and Kara.  Kara feels awful that Amadei would spurn his child.  While doing more digging, they discover that Liz's Mom is a part of a group called the Children of Liberty.  She was the one who got the stone off of Amadei, and wanted to kill all the aliens.  She hid all the letters that Amadei had written his daughter, and she prevented him from seeing her---making sure that her daughter would turn against her father.  After the day is saved and Amadei is safe once again, he is reunited with his daughter, and their healing begins.  Kara realizes that she must do better in telling the story of those aliens in the community who wish peace, but make sure to show their frailties and flaws as well.  Maybe with that approach, she feels, she can broker peace through her stories.  Nia agrees.

Another interesting backdrop of this episode was Jimmy.  As last episode showed, Lockwood was using his website to bolster Jimmy's identity as Guardian, making him the "hero" everyone needs---the HUMAN hero.  Jimmy isn't down for that, and feels he should be going after the Children of Liberty site, but Lena assures him that making this speech at this media gala.  There, Jimmy and Lockwood meet, and immediately lock horns.  As fate would have it, though, Parasite's attack on the city causes issues, and Lockwood uses this chance to further his cause using Jimmy as bait.  It works, as he feels it's time for the Guardian to step in and help out, before innocents get hurt.  Jimmy does head out, and saves some people from falling debris, while Parasite battles the DEO and Supergirl.  Though the battle is short-lived, it somehow causes Jimmy to start re-thinking his stance on the issue.  He calls Lockwood to arrange a meet, and discuss things (maybe, perhaps, Jimmy is going to use HIM in much the same way Lockwood is using Jimmy).  You can tell Lena ISN'T thrilled with the idea.

I enjoyed this episode because everyone had to find alternate ways to get their respective voices across.  Lockwood continues to manipulate behind and in front by using his Liberty identity to stir up the radicalism, and using people like Jensen to create terrorist attacks against the citizens and the alien population to stir up his message, all the while using his actual identity to spread his word in a "peaceful" manner---earmarks of a good villain.  He's certainly a terrific puppet master in his role, and he's only getting started.  It will be interesting to see the chess match between him and Jimmy, as we see whether or not Jimmy is truly swayed by Lockwood's words (which I doubt---if Jimmy needed ANY true thought on the subject----there's always a phone call he can make to Clark in Metropolis), or how well he plays Lockwood to expose him.  This will be a test of Jimmy's skills as a reporter AND a hero to expose the truth.

I've known from the start that Colonel Haley was a "By the book" soldier, who will put country first above all else, but ISN'T afraid to hide her own prejudices against the alien races...especially in the wake of former President Marsdin's exposure as an alien herself.  And I'm NOT totally unconvinced that she's a part of the "Children of Liberty" much like current President Tron there (sorry...what else am I going to call Bruce Boxleitner in this series?).  So, I expect more machinations from them two, and seeing how well Alex can play ball before she just ups and quits.  I will hand it to Alex, though---SHE was the true hero of the week by finding a non-violent way to stop the Parasite.  By appealing to Jensen's own morality and humanity, it was great to see her get through to him.  Shows that NOT every problem has to be resolved with a gun--much to Haley's dismay.  This tug of war I feel may tear the DEO apart, and at some juncture, Haley and Alex will go at it.  But Alex was truly the smart one this week, and props to her---that's freakin' leadership.  And with Haley's anti-alien bias---wonder how long it will be before she figures out Brainy is one?  What will THAT do to the dynamic?

Kara...as much as we love her, and she IS the hero of the show...shows her true naivety with her article.  True, her heart will ALWAYS be in the right place, but she is still learning "on the job" so-to-speak that not everything can be sunshine and rainbows---much as she wants it to be.  Nia and her working together is awesome to see---and hopefully, at some point, we not only see Nia embrace her hero self as Dreamer (she has demonstrated her powers---unbeknownst to most of us---by her premonitions.  IF you pay attention), but that she will finally reveal her true self to Kara as a transgendered woman.  She may very well become a huge focal point of this conflict before it's over.  Her gender and, of course, her powers, will bring her into the limelight before this season is out.  But this combo will find a way to bring a sense of balance back---at least, so we hope.

It was sweet to see Amadei reunited with his daughter.  That was a painful reminder about parents who cannot get along, using their children as collateral damage in their disagreements.  It's heartbreaking that children---regardless of age---have to become victims in their parents' struggles.  They're the ones that suffer the most, and have the worst psychological consequences because of it.  But thankfully, Elizabeth and Amadei have a chance to bond and form that loving relationship between father and daughter.  It was a shame Elizabeth's mother's hate for Amadei because of simple heartbreak (trust me, not trying to trivialize heartbreak--I know just as many of you out there how crappy hearbreak is), but to use that to further a terrorist agenda isn't the answer---and preventing your own child to know the other parent is just wrong on so many levels.  That truly got to me this week.

The one humorous part of this episode---because there wasn't really any---was the interaction between Brainy and Nia.  We see romance on the horizon, but I find it funny how Brainy is still stuck in half Spock mode, suppressing his emotions, but I feel Nia will find a way to get through to him, and bring it back out.  It was the one sweet moment we had in an episode that was, while good, was also sad and heartbreaking in its own way.  But the story is fleshing out just fine, and I do like the way the writers are doing their best to present a very balanced story for both sides.  

That wraps up this week's review.  I do appreciate you all viewing, and, as always, please don't be afraid to comment---I appreciate the feedback!

Until next week...Up, up, and away!

IMPACT! WRESTLING - November 8, 2018

REVIEW:  IMPACT! WRESTLING - November 8, 2018:  Final Hour

This edition of IMPACT! was billed with the "Final Hour" portion of the show, and had some big matches built in for tonight's show.  The OGz looked to rattle Konnan some more by taking out the Lucha Bros., Brian Cage travelled to Ohio to face Callahan with the X-Division Title on the line, Eddie Edwards and Moose continue their feud, and Johnny Impact defends the IMPACT! Title against Killer Kross.  Plus, the debut of Jordynne Grace.

The OGz /w King v. The Lucha Bros:  This match got off to an early brawl that spilled outside.  As Hernandez runs over Fenix, Homicide tries to stab Pentagon.  They continue to brawl outside, as Fenix and Hernandez make the ring.  Everybody gets settled on their sides, and Fenix hits a springboard headbutt, King pulled Pentagon off the apron, and  Fenix moonsaults everyone on the floor.  Hernandez then does a flying cross body dive over the ropes onto everyone.  OGz in control as they work over Pentagon.  But the Luchas come back and get a superkick on Hernandez.  Hit  Lucha Wassup for a near fall.  Pentagon launches Fenix in the air, who lands a splash on Hernandez.  King tries to interfere, he gets superkicked for his troubles.  Fenix then lands the 450 splash for the pin and the win.

We see backstage Konnan and LAX give props to the Luchas for a job well done.  

Was a decent match, and had plenty of back and forth action.  Have a feeling that these two teams are far from done.

Katerina v. Jordynne Grace:  Thick Mama Pump makes her IMPACT! debut as she faces Katerina in a solo match.  Not any real offense by Katerina, as she's tossed around by the much more powerful Grace.  Katerina did manage to hit a DDT, but Jordynne bounced back nailed Katerina with a forearm, then polished her off with a bearhug.  Pretty much a squash match to introduce Jordynne Grace to the crowd.  In time, she'll be on Tessa Blanchard's radar.

X-DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP - Sami Callahan v. Brian Cage (C):  Cage said he'd travel to Dayton, Ohio to battle Callahan, and he did just that.  He arrived at the arena, and beat up a the Crist Bros., and a few more of Callahan's cronies before hitting the ring.  He calls out Callahan, and Sami comes out with a fake belt.  The two go at it, but it's all Cage, pounding down Callahan, and not allowing Sami much offense.  Cage delivers a sit down slam and is ready to do more, when the Crist Bros. arrive to lead the attack.  The bell rings, and the match is ruled a no contest, as Cage starts destroying everyone in the ring.  As he disposes of Callahan and the Crist Bros., more of Callahan's local cronies come from the back to attack Cage.  Cage fends them all off for awhile, but eventually the numbers game gets the best of him, and they put on a huge beatdown.  Callahan hits Cage with the belt, and stands strong with the local crowd cheering as Cage is left helpless in the ring.  I didn't care for the overabundance of interference from Callahan's cronies.  He and the Crist  Bros. should've been enough.  Didn't like the way this match was shot, either.  Wasn't sure what they were going for, but it didn't turn out all that well.  Regardless, the heat between these two will not be cooled anytime soon

We get Taya Valkyrie calling out Tessa Blanchard again.  Taya calls Tessa a coward, and when Tessa is ready to step up, Taya will be waiting.

Moose & Kross have an interview, saying what they'll do to Eddie Edwards and Johnny Impact, respectively.

KM & Fallah Bahh come across Scarlett Bordeaux.  They state their case about being the talent that she's seeking.  Bahh is about to go "Full Monty", when she states that if they win her something nice when the show is in Vegas, she'll consider them.

Eddie Edwards v. Moose:  One of the big matches of the night pit these two former pals against each other.  Edwards on the attack early with the kendo stick, and the match is on the outside as Edwards begins working over Moose.  Edwards pours an ice bucket over Moose.  Back in the ring, Moose lands a dropkick on Eddie to drop him to the floor.  Moose back out to work on him.  Moose stomps on him, and Eddie's head is under the ring.  Moose does the slingshot with Eddie's head connecting with the ring.  Moose with a bucket on Eddie's head, lands a huge kick.  Both men are back in the ring, and the match actually starts officially.  Moose continues to work over Eddie.  Eddie tries a comeback, and gets to the top turnbuckle, but Moose dropkicks him off to the floor.Moose tries for a power bomb, but Eddie does a head scissors roll on him.Moose goes for a kick, but his foot lands on the apron, Eddie grabs it, and pounds on Moose.  Eddie gets a sitting power slam, but Moose kicks out of the pinfall.  Up on the rope, Moose lands a chokeslam on Eddie, but only gets a 2 count.  Eddie lands a sit down slam of his own for the pin, Moose kicks out.  Back and forth they both go with chops and elbows.  Eddie clotheslines Moose.  He gets back up, more blows exchanged.  Eddie goes to the rope for a flying hedscissors, but Moose catches him and powerbombs him out onto he ramp.  Alisha comes out to save Eddie.  Moose goes for a spear, but Eddie moves out of the way, and Moose hits into the ring.  Eddie can't avoid another one as Moose lands the spear and the pin for the win.  Decent match, though both Eddie and Moose just come off slow in the ring.  But otherwise, not a bad match.

Father James Mitchell shows up behind Allie and Kiera as they're talking in the stairway.  Mitchell says that when he embraced the darkness, it made him the man he is...and that Allie should follow the darkness as well, and let it consume her. It's then Su Yung appears behind Mitchell.  Allie takes their hands and is led away, eyes turning black, as Kiera can only watch on.  It finally appears that Allie is embracing the darkness, having lost her soul in the Undead Realm.  What will this mean for Kiera...will she have to battle Allie to save her---and where will Rosemary fit into all this?

Backstage, Alisha is trying to get Eddie to smarten up and forget about Moose...Eddie will have none of it.

Eli Drake comes out with Joseph Park.  He again complains about how Abyss took him out on a table at Bound For Glory, says he's part of a dying breed.  And because of all the objects strewn about the ring, Drake feels that him getting hurt made it an "unsafe working environment", and there is suing IMPACT!.  Park reiterates Drake's words, but then Drake lowblows Park and starts pounding him. He starts looking under the ring for a chair, nails Park with it, and pounds him with it as well.  All this segment did was make Drake look like a whiny baby, and hasn't done anything to draw him anymore heat than he already had.  There's no one coming out to challenge him, or getting in his face and calling him out.  How much longer do they expect this to go on---where's the payoff?

The champ is getting interviewed before the match, and he said that if Kross wanted a match, all he had to do was ask.  Johnny vows to take Kross down.

IMPACT! CHAMPIONSHIP - Killer Kross v. Johnny Impact (C):  Kross and Impact get face to face, Kross shoves Johnny.  Johnny with a take down into an arm lock.  Kross goes to work.  Tries to suplex Johnny of the top, but Johnny block it.  Moose get sup to cause interference, but the ref tells Moose he outta there, and it told to head to the back.  Forearm exchange until Kross hits Johnny in the throat.  Johnny is thrown outside.  Kross gets him back into the ring.  Leg takedown, and Kross goes to work.  Johnny with a few deft moves and is about to leap off the rope onto Kross, but Kross catches him, and eventually slams him to the mat.  Suplex attempt by Kross, but Johnny counters it, hits a shining wizard.  Goes for a piledriver, and Kross tries to block, but Johnny hits it.  Can't score the pinfall.  Johnny attempts another pinfall, Kross kicks out.  Swining neckbreaker by Johnny, still can't put Kross away.  Johnny tries another move from the middle of the rope, but Kross pushes him off, and Johnny lands on the walkway.  Both battle up the walk way, and Kross gets him onto his shoulders and gives him a razor's edge powerbomb.  Johnny kicks out of the pin attempt.  Kross with a semi Boston Crab, but Johnny gets to the ropes. Kross had the legs again, but Johnny reverses it into a cradle, Kross kicks out.  Johnny lays a kick on Kross, and Kross slides out of the ring, his feet hooked on the ropes.  Johhny goes to the apron and delivers a flying footstomp on Kross.  Johnny gets him back into the ring, and tries for his finishing move, but Kross gets the knees up, and Johnny misses.  Kross for a pin, but Johnny kicks out.  Johnny sees that Kross is limp, but he's only playing possum, as he nails Johnny with consecutive suplexes. Kross tries for his clutch hold and Johnny gets out of it.  Johnny with a hurricanrada.  Johnny quickly delivers the Starship Ender, and scores the pinfall.  Match was alright...didn't match the pace of the the OGz and Lucha Bros., and didn't have the brutality that Moose and Edwards had, but it's a good title defense for Johnny Impact, and we'll see where they go from here.  

Was definitely a match heavy show, with very few segments, which I liked.  No Desi Hit Squad this week, which was a bonus.  My disappointment was the Cage/Callahan match, which I thought was poorly shot, and having every single one of the local talents pound Cage was a bit much.  Allie's descent into darkness takes an interesting turn, as we have seen her with darker hair, darker clothes, and now, her joining up with Su and Father Mitchell, leaves Keira as our only hero, as we have seen the Slayer fall.  Will we see an Evil Allie in the next few weeks?  And what of Rosemary?  When will SHE return to save her Bunny?  I like that we get more of Taya and Tessa...knew THAT feud would be far from over.  What can be done to up the stakes with Moose and Eddie Edwards?  They'll have to have some huge stipulation match at the next PPV...that's the only way I see that program ending.  With Kross being the first to fall to the Champ---who's next that will challenge Johnny Impact?  

That's all this week.  Please comment and spread the word.  I appreciate it!

DC'S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW - Season 4.3

REVIEW:  DC'S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW - SEASON 4, EP. 3: "Dancing Queen"

I will say this about our Waverider Gang---they are NEVER at a loss for giving us a little action, a little drama, and A LOT of humor!  I love that this show just tosses the rulebook out the window, and just has fun with itself.  Don't get me wrong---there's a couple of plot lines we're seeing fleshed out this season, but for the most part, this show is a raucous romp, and just a good time.  This week's installment was no different.  After a killer unicorn, and a disgruntled Fairy Godmother---what could they throw at us next?

We go to one of my favorite times in history---1977.  The height of the Punk Rock Movement in both America and the UK (where this tale takes place).  We see the Queen hopping around a punk rock club dancing to the Sex Pistols' Anarchy In The UK, (which, I have to say---to set the stage for this week's episode---I thoroughly enjoyed!), throwing about the Crown like it was a balloon or something, and she's getting smashed.  The Legends see the magic anomaly through the headlines in the British papers, and know they have to find the magic voodoo behind it.  There seems to be a punk band behind the mischief:  a band called The Smells.  Constantine points out one of the band members to be a leprechaun, and off they go...as the more rebellious members of the team:  Sara, John, Mick and Zari find joy in this mission, poor Ray---Mr. "Straight as an arrow", is there to be the getaway driver juuuust in case things go south---and they do...by their own hands.  

In the club where the Smells are playing a set (seriously...with the musical numbers we're getting the past two episodes...just make a damn musical themed show already!), Mick and John get into a scuffle about who is and isn't rebellious.  Mick thinks anyone with a tie and a button down shirt can't be trusted, and John feels Mick is just a joke, get right down to brawling, and--in turn---cause a full blown club riot.  The band, wanting NO PART in it, escape out the back only to bump right into Ray in the van.  They pile in, and Ray takes off with them.  They wind up back in their little hidey-hole, where Ray tries to "get in" with them by calling himself "Rage" because he HATES disco music, (though, mind you, while the wails of Punk were emanating from the club, Ray's got freakin' DISCO playing from the radio---and he's groovin' to it!).  The team then let's Ray know he's now undercover and running point on this gig.  He ends up befriending the female member of the group, Charlie.  But Ray's gotta go through initiation to be a part of the gang.  That means that he has to help them pull off their next prank:  stealing one of the royal dogs from the Queen.  

Knowing Ray isn't exactly the thieving type, Sara helps him out by intimidating the dog walker AFTER disposing of the Queen's guards.  The walker then just has Ray take one of the little porgis, and off he goes, when the guards give chase.  He succeeds in his mission, and gets a tattoo for his efforts, thus becoming one of the gang, (and Zari, when finding out about this, was hoping it was a Tramp Stamp...comedy, I tell ya!).  Ray then talks to Charlie to find out why and how they do what they do, when he discovers she's a shapeshifter.  She's not necessarily evil, just hates to see the little guy suffer.  Their next caper is to make off with the Queen's jewels.  At this point, the team knows they need to stop her.  Ray, who's convinced she isn't as bad as they're making her out to be, gets exposed when they discover the disco music in the van (oops!).  Charlie sticks by him, though.  And he lets her know that his friends will come after her to stop her.  He then shows her his Atom suit.  

We then see Ray attack the team, trying to help Charlie, when we suddenly find Ray stumbling from behind some curtains, and realize that Charlie knocked him out, and stole his suit, and she's impersonating him, trying to escape.  He manages to get the suit to stop functioning with a command, and Charlie is busted.  Constantine is ready to send her to the depths of Hell, when Ray intervenes on her behalf.  She shapeshifts into different members of the team to convince them she's not horrible...just wants to fight the system.  She then shapeshifts into the one member of the team that's one---Maya.  It's then that Sarah puts a halt to the attack, and Constantine goes up to her and strips her of her powers.  They then take her to the Waverider, where she's put in containment until they know what to do with her.  Ray is in trouble, but not just for sticking up for Charlie.  Because he finally confessed to being the one who let Nora Dhark out of prison...because he believes she CAN be a better person.  Sara realizes that Ray IS a bit rebellious in his own right, and tells him he BETTER be right about Nora.  They then head back to the Time Bureau, where Sara tries to enlist the aid of Nate in figuring out what to do with Charlie.  Nate also confesses that the reason he wanted to stay at the Time Bureau is that the Waverider reminded him too much of Maya.  As Sara hears this, she realizes it's a bad idea for Nate to come back with her at this time, knowing Charlie has taken on Maya's form and is now stuck in it, thanks to John's spell.  

Speaking of Nate---his time at the Bureau has been anything but exciting.  In talking to Gary and Ava, he realizes how by-the-book they are, and that they do A LOT of nothing but paperwork....loooots and looooots of paperwork.  Quite the contrast from his hero days aboard the Waverider.  Gary himself tries to get Nate to see the "fun" side of the Bureau (Taco Mondays?!  Blasphemy!), and seems to have been smitten with the lunch lady.  They find out there's an anomaly out there, and Nate urges Gary to go with him to investigate.  They travel to a forest where upon they spot a sabretoothed tiger.  They manged to escape back to the Bureau to avoid being attacked.  Just as a side note---I KNOW these shows only have so much in a budget for special effects---and for the most part---they do pretty damn well.  But this tiger Nate and Gary stumbled upon---looked WAAAAY too fake and WAAAY to cheesy.  But I digress.  Anyway, they managed to resolve said problem, and to celebrate, Gary gets Nate a plant for his desk.  Now, the plant looks VERY familiar.  And when they grab lunch from the lunch lady again (who, sadly has to get the Men In Black zap treatment when she starts giving ideas about how to fix daylight savings time), the plant starts macking down on Gary's sandwich, and Nate notices.  The plant then goes all Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors, takes off out of the plant bowl, and bolts.  Nate and Gary give chase, and we later see them, covered in plant goo, hi-fiving for a job well done, though the office is a mess, what with plant goo all over the place.  Gary feels more like a member of the team, and Ava shows up, curious as to WHY the office is a disaster area.  Sara, having come back to try and get Nate back aboard the Waverider (as mentioned above), ends up providing distraction for Ava, by wisking her away for some girlfriend time.

The real serious aspect of this episode lies with John Constantine himself.  He's been wrestling with his own private demons (literal AND figurative), and made off for the bar where he sees his mother.  He never got to know her, because she died in childbirth---something his father never let him forget about.  This gave John a TON of animosity towards his old man, and as Zari catches up to him, we see his mom chatting with his dad.  John, harboring hate for his pops, goes to give the man his own mastectomy, only to realize he can't do it.  Apparently, the time paradox won't allow him to destroy himself.  However, didn't stop him from giving his father a good old right cross across the jaw.  Zari...who is able to sympathize with John's frustrations, having dealt with that in last week's episode, DID manage to give John a gift for his troubles....a picture of him and his Mom chatting before she sat down to talk to him, and before he laid out his old man.  

Once more, Legends gives us another entertaining episode that gives us some more depth to our heroes, but also doesn't bog down in too much seriousness.  John's story is obviously the heavy handed one, and we'll see what his internal struggles will do to the team as we progress through this season.  The fact that Zari was the one who came to chat with him and explain her own situation about her family, allowed the two to bond, which was nice.  This episode allowed us to see Ray handle some difficult situations with not only his usual humorous aplomb, but showed just how much the heart of the group he is.  Despite his bumbling good nature and overall goofiness---it plays well off the other members of the team, and when the situation calls for it---he shows he can hold his own, and be the voice of reason.  I like how much Sara has lightened up....it's been good too see.  Despite having such demons of her own to deal with, she's seemed to have found a balance.  Ava certainly helps, but it's like Sara has come out of her shell.  It's good for the team.  She can lead and kick ass with strength and conviction---but shows she has a heart, too.  

I swear...I don't think I've seen an episode in the last year and a half (if not longer), where at least ONCE in the show, Mick isn't sucking down a long neck.  It's got to be like Linus and his blanket from Peanuts.  It so totally fits with his character.  As much as we enjoy the goofball antics of Ray and Nate---Mick holds his own in the comic relief department.  As for Nate...he's still got his own humorous side...and now he has a new sidekick in Gary to get into more mischief with.  Will be interesting to see how well THAT dynamic continues to grow.  Lastly---it was probably for the best that Nate stayed behind---not sure how he'd take seeing Charlie morphed as Maya at this moment---especially when he's still trying to get over her.  Felt it was a good call for Sara to backpedal on that.  How Charlie will fit into the rest of this season will be interesting...unless they dump her off somewhere quickly.  

The other thing I just love about this show is not being afraid to go with the corny jokes (which, of all people, Sara was notorious this episode for), or the fun pop culture references.  It's just made this show so much fun to watch.  I laughed pretty much through the whole thing---it's like a comic book version of a Marx Brothers movie...one liners, sticky situations, and TONS of slapstick.  They're telling a story, and there WILL be some high drama coming soon, no doubt, but boy they aren't afraid to go tongue-and-cheek with this show.  One other thing....DAMN if Zari and Sara didn't look totally hot dressed up like punk rockers....gave me a drool moment lol!

Once again, immensely enjoyed the show, and can't wait to see what trouble awaits them this next week.  They've done such a fantastic job of giving us a theme to work off of each show.  STILL won't rest until they give us a musical, lol.  And hey---maybe they'll give us a John Hughes 80's teen like adventure---I'd be all down for that---wouldn't you?

Okay, kids---that's all I have for this week.  Love to hear from ya, so don't be afraid to drop a comment on me---I'd be eternally grateful.

Same time, next week....

ARROW - Season 7.4

REVIEW:  ARROW - SEASON 7, EP. 4:  "Level Two"

The Emerald Archer's 7th season has certainly brought some twists and turns, as well as highlighting the importance of the vigilante presence in Star City.  It's also shedding a light on just what lengths some will go through to not only protect their families, but to bring about justice as well.

This week's show gave us a new face on the Arrow canvas:  Dr, Jarrett Parker.  A psychiatrist  with the prison who is there to help Oliver gain more clarity...or so we are led to believe.  He's played with a bit of ambiguity----and I was left wondering just what his true motives are.  He spends the entire episode trying to convince Ollie to let go of his past so that he can be a better person.  Ollie is forced to face the incident with his father, where his father not only killed the one surviving crew member on the raft, but himself in order to have Ollie survive.  The good doctor tries to convince Ollie that his father burdened him with his demons, and Ollie took them on.  As much as Ollie tried to resist, Parker went about drugging Ollie with truth serum (I'm pretty sure that's what it was), to get the truth out of him about how he became Green Arrow, and why he shouldered his father's sins in order to correct them.  Parker also wasn't against using Felicity and especially William to dig into Ollie some more, saying that how can Ollie be a good father and set a good example if he's parading around as Green Arrow.  He gave Ollie the picture of Felicity and William, just to "motivate" Ollie in to giving up his quest to bring down Diaz.  To Ollie's credit---while he faced a lot of his past---he wouldn't relent.  Even when Parker was set to all but lobotomize him, when asked his name (which he did repeatedly in this episode), Ollie, towards the end of the episode, referred to himself as "Inmate 4587".

Felicity's walk on the dark side takes another turn as she goes to the one person who's walked that side of the street---Laurel.  When her attempts to get info about Diaz's location hits a wall, because Silencer refuses to give Diaz up, Felicity is willing to go so far as to commit acts of torture to her in order to get what she wants.  As much as Rene, who's been willing to help Felicity out, wants to help her nail Diaz, and break the rules to do it....he warns Felicity that torture is not the way.  He tells her of his regret when he committed the same act while he was in the Navy.  It cost him dearly, as he still has nightmares about it.  Felicity---who at this juncture feels she has nothing left to lose---spurns him and heads right to the person who owes a bit of revenge on Diaz for using her AND his killing of the one person who believed in her---Quentin.  Once Felicity lets Laurel know that she has Silencer, Laurel is all to willing to see if she can get that same info out of Silencer.  Laurel goes so far as to use her sonic scream on Silencer, but the girl won't budge...she's loyal.  Felicity isn't satisfied, and is willing to go the extreme, when Laurel actually stops her.  Laurel reveals that someone killed her father and her Ollie on Earth 2, and she went out for blood and got it.  As much as she likes this side of Felicity (who, as it turns out, reminds her of the Felicity on her Earth---who apparently is ruthless as hell), she tells her to be patient, and use her head.  Felicity actually takes that to heart, as Silencer breaks her bonds and escapes, but not before Felicity put a tracker on her, to lead her and Laurel to Diaz.

Rene and Zoe attend a Town Hall Meeting in the Glades with Dinah to discuss why police response is slow when it comes to crimes committed in the Glades, and the sightings of the new Green Arrow.  Dinah tries to assure the townsfolk that the police are doing what they can (but are underbudgeted---thanks to the lack of city funds---courtesy of Laurel and Diaz), but that just isn't enough for the citizens.  Rene---who has been on the side of the new Green Arrow---actually tries to stand up for Dinah in this episode.  The people feel things were better when the Green Arrow was protecting them, and don't mind the vigilantes patrolling the streets.  This issue has been one of the underlying stories this season, and has put Rene and Dinah on opposite ends.  As the meeting is going on, however, an arsonist named John Cortez sets the community center ablaze, and everyone scampers to escape.  However, Zoe is caught in a separate room in the building, and the new Arrow helps rescue her and everyone else.  We later see Zoe in the hospital, where Curtis shows up with a Beebo Doll for her (This is the SECOND sighting of Beebo in as many weeks, considering he was featured in Supergirl as well.  That makes two things that all these Earths have in common:  Beebo and Big Belly Burger!).  

Rene, Dig, and Dinah all discuss the vigilante issue, and it's clear where both Rene and Dinah stand.  As much as Dig tries to be the mediator, it's not enough.  Later on, Rene gets info about Cortez setting another fire in the Glades, and goes to put a stop to him.  He runs into the Arrow yet again, and just as he lets this new archer know he's on his side, Dinah shows up to arrest him.  Rene and Dinah face off just enough for the new Arrow to escape.  Dinah is pissed off, and has Rene arrested.  Diggle comes to Dinah to discuss what's going on, and gives his own insight, as well as helping Dinah follow up a lead on Cortez.  Turns out whatever info Rene got on him through Felicity was on the money, and Dinah was willing to let Rene out---providing he did things HER way.  Rene wasn't looking to suit up as Wild Dog...but this is personal to him because Zoe was hurt.  He thinking like a father.  They find out through the file Diggle provided that a developer named Pat Bowin, who hired Cortez to torch the Glades, so he could get the land cheap, for redevelopment purposes.  Rene and Dinah head to a theater in order to stop Cortez from setting the building ablaze.  They get into battle with Cortez and managed to defeat him, but the Arrow shows up to help, but gets hurt.  Dinah decides to let him go...realizing that in order to get some justice, she's going to have to paint outside the lines a bit.  She sends Rene and the injured Arrow off before they're caught.  Towards the end of the episode, she checks in on Zoe, and gives her a Canary pin.  

We get back to the Flash Forward story with Roy and William.  We see them in Star City, tracking down the coordinates left by Felicity for William to find.  Star City looks like a war zone, and the streets are empty.  They make their way to Smoak Industries, where they break in and use the clue she left William to find something she left for him...which turns out to be a Rubik's Cube.  Just as he and Roy are about to leave, they're busted by guards who were on patrol.  As they're about to be taken away, another archer shows up and takes them down.  Turns out this new vigilante is---Dinah!  She informs both Roy and William that the city fell apart, and that they should've never left Lian Yu.  William then uses the clues from the Rubik's Cube to discover Felicity's secret:  a map of the Glades.  We also get to meet Dinah's partner:  The new Black Canary---Zoe!  Dinah let's them know that the Glade are being heavily guarded by the police these days.  There are secret tunnels going in and out of it, however.  Dinah asks how he got here, and he let her know about Felicity's clues.  She lets him know, however, that Felicity is dead.

I liked this episode, because we're getting deeper into this dark future that seems to plague Star City.  What happens with Roy, Dinah, and William will be an interesting journey...and how it will tie into the present (which it HAS to, at some juncture...otherwise...what was the point of it all?).  I find it rather funny that of all the ways future Felicity could leave a clue for William...its in the form of a Rubik's Cube.  The new face on the scene, our dear Dr. Parker, is a character who's true motives have yet to be revealed.  On one hand, you can feel that he's there to help Oliver...on the other, he's toying with Ollie, and he might be this "Demon" that Brick had talked about (last week my guess was Stanley, but hey---no harm in finding other "suspects" to this guy's identity).  I question his motives as to how he "heals" Ollie from his troubled past.  I honestly feel there's more to this guy than being just a psychiatrist.

The underlying story of vigilantism in Star City (which, unlike Central City, who honors and praises The Flash for his noble deeds), is somewhat a long running theme throughout the series.  While the new Mayor and police are hell bent on capturing this new Green Arrow (so much as to blame him for the arson jobs), they're in no real position to do much to enforce the law considering limited resources---no thanks in part to Diaz for having corrupt cops and officials on his payroll, and the city funds that were purloined by him and Laurel.  While the rest of Team Arrow has needed something to do, Rene and Dinah have been the token characters to show the yin and yang of the issue.  Dinah wants to have justice, and as much as she liked being a part of the team, she understands full well the law, being a cop.  She's trying to play by the rules, but is finding it harder and harder.  Rene is all aboard having the new Arrow around.  He feels that his presence is needed to keep the peace...even if it means operating outside the law.  Rene isn't just coming from having been a vigilante himself---his motivation was protecting his daughter---who has his full support on the issue.  Diggle also finds time to give Dinah a pep talk about crossing lines, and trying to stick to the rules.  

It's fascinating to see the darker side of Felicity---who's desperation is worn on her sleeve, and her quest for revenge (because, let's face it:  it's FAAAR beyond justice now for her), and the lengths she is now willing to go to free Ollie and keep William safe.  Her willingness to not only work with Laurel, but encourage Laurel to use whatever means necessary to get what she wants give us insight of a woman who's lost it all (she feels), and there is no depth of low she won't sink to get the job done...even if it means crossing a line that she may not be able to come back from.  Having Laurel, of all people, to give her a moment of clarity on the issue, but also give us a peek into Laurel's desperation to redeem herself for Quentin's sake.  

While some may think that a lot of these characters being jammed into the episode clutters it up, it gave them each a part to play in the story---even if it's minor.  Diggle has his own issues to deal with, but he keeps tabs on everyone.  Honestly, I think he does it for Ollie's sake, and to keep the team "together" in a sense.  He is the voice of reason, even though he's got to deal with a wife who's walking her own fine line between light and dark to bring about justice.  Dinah and Rene are our eyes into each side of this vigilante issue.  And Laurel is in the background, occasionally giving us some delicious little tidbit to move the story along..,and to either help or antagonize our heroes in some manner.  She isn't so much integral to the plot right now...it's nice to see her once in awhile...just to keep things interesting.  Ollie's time in prison shows us the hardships he's enduring while trying to keep Felicity and William alive from Diaz.  Curtis' role is down to just a cameo here and there.  He's comic relief, and seems content on just being the tech guy for ARGUS.  But he also shows he's pretty much close to being the team's heart as anyone.  He doesn't have to be in every episode, but it's good to know that when you need to lighten things up, and get a good laugh, he's there when you need him.  

The show is keeping the intrigue up with this flash forward story.  We got more this episode with the revelation that Dinah and a now adult Zoe are running around as the new Green Arrow and Black Canary.  My question is this:  if this is supposedly the future...I wonder when we'll find out about Ollie.  We just found out Felicity is dead in the future, but no word on Diggle or Ollie.  My other thought was that, since this IS the Arrowverse, it makes me wonder if what has been happening in The Flash with Nora altering the timeline a bit with her presence, that it altered the future for Team Arrow as well?  And that THIS is that new reality?  And what will the Elseworlds crossover play into it?  

That's all for this week.  As usual---feel free to leave questions or comments---I'll be glad to help answer them or enjoy anything you guys gotta say.  I appreciate the love.

Until next week....keep your sights on the bullseye!

SUPERGIRL - Season 4.4

REVIEW:  SUPERGIRL - SEASON 4, EP. 4:  "Ahimsa"

The Girl of Steel's practically relegated to a backup role in this week's installment of the show, as we see Agent Liberty's machinations start to take form, more badness from Mercy & Otis, Alex not only struggling to lead the DEO, but having her own doubts about her ability to do so, and J'Onn on the hunt for Fiona.  Plus---a little Brainy/Lena teamwork, and James defying the court order to suit up as Guardian once again.

When last we left off, Agent Jensen had betrayed the DEO in lieu of finding out Brainy was an alien, and he wasn't too thrilled with that.  So, he helped Mercy and Otis Graves escape back underground, where he met Agent Liberty.  Now, Mercy would've killed him to tie up loose ends, but Liberty had other ideas for the ol' boy.  This episode saw more agents of the DEO betray Alex and steal more alien hardware and whatnot for the cause of Liberty.  This one particular item, an alien parasite, allowed Agent Liberty to control the minds of others.  The agent that brought the parasite to Agent Liberty was met in the manner to which Otis and Mercy had planned for Agent Jensen--a loose end tied off.  He gets killed, and the plan moves forward.  Liberty's plan starts becoming more clearer this episode.  Planning on using the parasite to control the minds of the aliens, and send them on a rampage, thus swaying more public opinion against them until there's a full out war.  He manages to control one alien who could make multiple versions of himself, and sent him to a police station to kill.

Meanwhile, Alex, Lena, and Brainy are trying to figure out how to get the Kryptonite out of the atmosphere that Otis & Mercy spread loose in last week's show, thus rendering Kara incapacitated.  They managed to get her into a Power Ranger looking suit to keep her alive until they can get the "K" (too tired to type out the name, you get the idea what it is), out of the air.  Kara manages to wake up, and realize she's in a super suit to keep her alive.  Alex tells her she's benched until they solve the "K" problem.  Meanwhile, they're looking to see what the Graves' next move is.  

J'Onn, having seen Agent Liberty's little rally, left him with a bitter taste in his mouth, feeling angry.  The anger is messing with his mojo, because he can't focus, and he's feeling a connection to Fiona, who he's been trying to find.  He's in her apartment looking around until he stumbles upon her boyfriend, Manchester Black.  Black's been looking for her as well, and J'Onn informs him that she's missing.  They team up to try and find her.  Blackie manages to get a guy drunk enough to find out the next attack Liberty has planned.  At a police precinct downtown.

James, seeing the problem arise out there with the fallout of race relations, decides it's probably time to don the Guardian gear again to help out, but Nia (whom we did not see last week), warned him that if he does, she forsees things ending badly.  James lets her know that---good or bad---it's what heroes do.  With that, he's off.

Alex and the DEO arrive at Precinct 4 to do battle with the alien guy who can make duplicates of himself.  Kara feels the urge to interfere, and she does, while not at peak form, and gets beat up.  The suit was not designed for battle specifically.  J'Onn shows up to help out, as does Black.  Just as J'Onn is about ready to nail him, and take him down, Black holds him up, and the guy escapes.  The President (or, should I call him "President Tron"?), chastises Alex for her performance at the precinct, and instructs her that Supergirl is NOT to go into battle without HIS consent.  He cuts the convo short when a Colonel Hayley whispers in his ear, and communications are then cut.  Alex starts fearing for her job, and doubting she can lead this group.  J'Onn has a heart-to-heart with her, and the pep talk seems to have worked.  He also blames himself for not stepping in sooner.  Alex assures him that he's there now, that's all that matters.  He continues to focus on finding Fiona, because she's a telepath, and they have been using her to cause the trouble.  

Brainy and Lena are growing frustrated that they can't figure out how to get the "K" out of the atmosphere, and Brainy breaks down, feeling emotional and feeling that he's worthless.  Lena, being a strong, stern type, gives him the "put on your big boy pants" speech, tells him to lock them up in a box in his mind, and get on with it.  Brainy does, and realizes that nanites can be used to get rid of the "K".  They go to work on it.

Liberty, Otis, and Mercy are arguing about what to do next, since the precinct attack failed, and Liberty decides that it's time to up the ante---by going after the human's children by controlling the aliens, it would be the straw that broke the camel's back, and their chaos would ensue.  They take the parasite, and put it in a central location with Agent Jensen, and, using Fiona's telepathic powers, manage to get control of the aliens in the vicinity of the National City Fairgrounds.  They go to attack, and, having gotten wind of this attack with the help of J'Onn and Black, having used his ring as a "grounding device" to help use his telepathic powers to locate Fiona.  They all head to the Fair.

Now Alex, having been pissed off at Kara when she defied Alex's orders, got downright rude and big sister on her, telling Kara in straightforward fashion that SHE is the boss, SHE runs the show, and that Kara is to do what Alex tells her to do.  Alex later comes back, and apologizes...now listening to her gut (which J'Onn told her to do), she decides to let Kara help.  She also had to have a pep talk with the DEO staff...reminding them of WHY they enlisted.

At the fair, the battle ensues, and Supergirl holds her own just long enough until the atmosphere is clear, and she can return to normal.  She does, and puts down the alien she's fighting.  J'Onn and Black find Fiona, but she's weak and dying.  Agent Jensen, seeing defeat coming, grabs the parasite, thus breaking the mind control, and bolts.  The one alien Kara was fighting uses his powers to send sharp objects into Mercy and Otis..killing them (which kinda sucks).  

The day is saved, but not without consequences.  Fiona dies in her lover's arms.  Black is upset at the loss, and we see him later purchasing bigger weapons....I think we're seeing him ready for war.  Back at the DEO, Alex gets applause from the staff, but is soon interrupted by Col. Hayley...who will now watchdog over Alex and the DEO.  Back with Agent Liberty, he has Agent Jensen on a lab table, as he takes the parasite, and puts it to Jensen's ear, pulling a Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan deal, and the worm slithers into Jensen's ear.  

In the final scene of the show, we finally get the reappearance of the Red Daughter, who also happened to be effected by the Kryptonite atmosphere.  They tell her that it's okay to come out, and she responds that she is ready to continue her training.

One last thing of note was that James DID make a brief appearance as Guardian to quell the attack at the Fair, and felt that he wouldn't be put back in jail, but---as Nia pointed out---it had bad consequences.  One of the independent sites online (which happen to be run by Agent Liberty), made James out to be one of his cronies.  Not a good sign for Mr. Olsen.
What effect this will have on him remains to be seen.

I have to admit---this episode was good.  It moved at a pretty steady pace, had a good balance between the main plot with Liberty, Supergirl's issues, Alex's issues, and J'Onn's investigation and issues.  Everyone got just enough screen time (even though our stalwart hero was relegated to pretty much a backup role this week), and didn't bog down the story.  Liberty's plot to expose and destroy any goodwill between aliens and humans keeps coming into focus, and his usage of Agent Jensen to be the Parasite (and old Supes villain who can suck out the powers and energy of any living thing), kept Agent Jensen relevant.  The introduction of Manchester Black to the mythos was nice, and we'll see what extremes HE is going to go to, now that Fiona is dead.  J'Onn overall is still the father figure and the voice of reason, but this episode, we got to see an angry J'Onn J'Onzz, which is unlike him.  Nice change of pace.  My big disappointment was the killing off of Mercy and Otis.  Otis I would've been okay with...just would've motivated Mercy on further...make her MORE devious.  Also, would've been nice to eventually see a power struggle between her and Liberty for control of this plot.  Showing dissent among the ranks would've been a nice plot twist.  But for both of them to die....didn't like that.  Especially with Mercy, since they just now bumped off Lex's "His Girl Friday".  Again, another plot twist we could've seen down the pike at a later date.  Jimmy aching to put on the Guardian suit again was something we knew we'd see down the road, an a nice plot point to show that it was, in fact, a VERY bad idea, as Nia pointed out.  Still not sure when we'll see Nia eventually break out the superhero powers, but we know it's coming.  Brainy showing emotion comes off a little too Spock-like...but then again---he's not Spock.  A poor man's Data, maybe...but it shows just how often times, an emotional high---good or bad---can effect one's decisions and ability to think logically and clearly.  Lena was the hardass in this episode---good for her!   She kept a level head throughout the entire episode.

I was wondering when we'd get a Red Daughter reappearance, and they didn't disappoint.  Good to know they're keeping continuity by having her shielded from the "K Cloud" that encompassed the atmosphere.  Still don't know much more other than she's a Kara clone in Kaznia, and who KNOWS what purpose THEY have for her.  By the way...love Bruce Boxleitner's President---he plays a dick real well.  He makes you WANT to dislike him, insomuch as blasting Alex for her handling of things, and treating Supergirl like she's the US's personal weapon, only to be used at the government's disposal.  I DO dislike Col. Hayley, who's arrogant smile comes off like a bitch who is going to ENJOY busting Alex's chops at every corner.  

I had been worried the first few weeks that, in light of recent events in our own country surrounding immigration and the effect it has on all of us, the show would get too preachy, and get away from the comic book superhero aspect of it, and become to embroiled in this political dance.  With this episode, the topic is still there, but the plans by Liberty gave it a very comic book villain kind of feel to it----what with his plan to slaughter innocents using aliens to further his agenda---it's what a villain does.  Sacrifice whatever and whomever in order for the greater cause.  What a bastard, lol!  Have a feeling Manchester Black is going to go obsidian dark before this arc ends.  He's pissed and wants revenge, and I don't think he cares how it gets done.  It may take J'Onn to reel him in.  

That's all there is for this week.  As always, feel free to leave a comment, I'd appreciate it.  I thank all you guys and gals for checking this page out!  

Until next week....Up, up, and away!

IMPACT! WRESTLING - November 1, 2018

REVIEW - IMPACT! WRESTLING:  November 1, 2018 - Knockouts Title Match, Pentagon Looking For Revenge

This week's edition of IMPACT! had it's share of highs...but just as many lows.  They start the promotion for next week's Final Hour edition with a couple of match announcements, a Knockouts Title rematch, more on the OGz/LAX feud, and Pentagon looking for some payback from last week's attack.

I have to say this right off the bat...NOT enamored with the announcing of Josh Matthews & Don Callis.  Callis, trying to be the "heelish" color commentator, just comes off as sounding stupid.  He just feels very scripted and unoriginal.  He's not funny, and his attempts at jokes are just awful.  Matthews isn't much of an improvement...he comes off as bland...almost to the point of sounding bored.  Anyway, the matchcard this week went down as follows:

Rich Swann v. Willie Mack

Desi Hit Squad v. The Beach Bums

Taya Valkyrie v. Tessa Blanchard (C) for the Knockouts Championship

LAX (C) v. Matt Sydal & Ethan Page

Pentagon Jr. v. Homicide

Rich Swann beats Willie Mack via pinfall:  These two buddies faced off in Mack's first IMPACT! tv match, and it was a back-and-forth affair that showed off both the agility  of the high flying Swann, and the much larger Willie Mack.  Mack is incredibly agile for a big guy.  Mack got some control early enough in the match where he got Swann on the top turnbuckle and went coast to coast on him, but Swann kicked out.  Once Swann got some offense in, he managed to get in a 450 splash, but Mack kicked out.  Boots to the face from Mack, hits a samoan drop, but Swann kicks out.  Mack hits a stunner, still no pin.  Swann hits and RKO type move, lands the Phoenix Splash to land the pin and the win.

Desi Hit Squad beats The Beach Bums via pinfall:  The only thing meaningful about this match was that it debut Gama Singh's son, Raj, as the new member of the team.  Raj and Rohit pick up the easy win.  Later on, we see them backstage where Scarlett Bordeaux shows up looking impressed.  She says to have them send their demo tape to her.  Gama obviously looks interested (who wouldn't), but Rohit reminds her he's a 65 year old man and happily married.  I've seen the Hit Squad for weeks now...and I'm really not impressed.  And all Bordeaux provides is eye candy.

We get a promo hyping up the match between Eddie Edwards v. Moose at Final Hour next week.  We get a brief history of their rivalry.  Not sure how long that match goes without either interference from Kross, or foreign objects are introduced.

Sami Callahan challenged Brian Cage to a match in Dayton, Ohio---Callahan's hometown.  Callahan shows up at the pre-taped segment, only to have a fake Brian Cage come out.  Callahan mocks the phony before dropping him with help from the Crist Brothers.  Later on in the show, Brian Cage responds to Callahan's challenge by saying next week for Final Hour, he'll show up in Dayton and destroy Callahan.

We had the OGz bashing Konnan about how he hung Juventus Guerrero and Psykosis out to dry, and thinks that using Pentagon to get to Konnan will get him one over and the former Lucha star.  LAX & Konnan respond in their own promo, saying that Pentagon can handle his own business.  They know the bosses said that peace must be kept, and that LAX is upholding their side of the bargain.  Konnan reminds LAX to just focus on Sydal & Page.

Eli Drake is looking for a lawyer, and comes upon a janitor's closet where he finds Joseph Park.  Park has the idea of having Drake file a class action suit against IMPACT! for an "unsafe working environment".  These storylines never seem to work out for the wrestler filing the lawsuit.  Just filler stuff that sorely underutilizes Drake's abilities in the ring.  

Taya Valkyrie beats Tessa Blanchard (C) by DQ:  After Taya suckered Tessa into a rematch for the Knockouts Championship last week, they locked horns this week in a rematch from Bound For Glory.  There was a bit of back and forth before Taya took control.  Tessa eventually gets Taya to the outside apron, where she drags her off onto the floor.  Tessa with a suicide dive.  Taya back into the ring, Tessa in control with a submission hold.  Taya powers out, elbows Tessa, and lands a front dropckick for a pin, but Tessa kicks out.  Taya goes for a clothesline, but misses, and Tessa nails her with a neckbreaker.  Tessa tries for a dive off the top, but Taya moves, Tessa lands feet first and rolls.  Action goes outside again, and Taya lands a cross body block on Tessa, and rolls her back into the ring.  Tessa uses the ref as a shield, and shoves him towards Taya.  Taya stops midmove, and as the ref turns around, Tessa clocks him with a right hand, and gets herself disqualified.  Not as good as their match from Bound For Glory, but still not bad.  Tessa proves what a quintessential heel she is by taking the chicken way out by decking the ref.  If there was two things I hated about this match, it was the fact that Taya took too much time to high five the crowd after she rolled Tessa back into the ring, and there was one point in the match where Taya had a pin on Tessa, and the ref botched the count...taking a pause between the two and three count (his timing being off, since he was counting faster than Tessa could get her shoulder up), before Tessa kicked out.  A big glaring mistake that if you've watched wrestling enough, it's a horrible botch.  But with the DQ, it gives them a chance to have these two continue the feud, with Taya having leverage against Tessa going into the next PPV.

We get another Jordynne Grace promo...she makes her IMPACT! debut next week.

LAX(C) beats Matt Sydal & Ethan Page:  LAX had most of the control in this match.  At one point, Santana and Sydal were outside the ring, and Sydal tagged Santana, rolled under the ring as to surprise him, only to roll out and find Konnan waiting for him.  He gets thrown back into the ring, and the punishment continues.  Quick tags between Santana & Ortiz.  Sydal and Page eventually get some offense in, but it's not enough as LAX hits the X-Factor for the pin and the win.

There's a promo for next week's Final Hour IMPACT! Championship Match between Johnny Impact and Killer Kross.  Kross comes off like a ranting lunatic, and Johnny states that if the guy is after the title, that's one thing---but his "just to inflict pain" mantra---he doesn't get it.  Kross feels the title would just be icing on the cake.

We get a moment with Allie---as she's still wrestling with her internal demons, in the wake of coming out of the Undead Realm.  Keira Hogan goes to check on her, and Allie apologizes for not being there for her, but assures Keira she's fine.  Keira calls her on it, and Allie admits there's something wrong.  She's losing control, and she's freaked out.  Keira blames Su Yung, and says one way or another, she's got Allie's back.

Pentagon beats Homicide by pinfall:  In a revenge match from last week's attack on Pentagon's brother, Fenix, Pentagon took on the OGz member Homicide.  Pentagon got on the attack early, and the match spilled outside.  Pentagon hit a couple of chops, slammed Homicide's head onto the ring apron, and tossed him into the ring.  While Pentagon was schmoozing with the crowd, Homicide lands a suicide dive, and takes control.  Action gets back into the ring where it goes a little back and forth.  Pentagon hits a DDT for a pin, but Homicide kicks out.  Homicide gets some control, but Pentagon turns a death drop around to score the pinfall.  After the match, The OGz numbers game takes over as they lay down the attack on Pentagon and Fenix, who was outside watching his brother's back.  The OGz stand tall at the end of the episode.  

I will say this in closing---I get the production value isn't anywhere near the quality of WWE, and I commend them for working with what they got.  But outside of Allie's segments, which have a supernatural feel to them, some of the other segments (such as Callahan's "camcorder" promo that kept fizzing out---lame as effects), seem a little TOO overproduced for this show.  Simple promos work best.  They have a few that get the point across and drive the stories they need to tell fairly well (Allie's story---while fairly unbelievable at times, as well as cheesy), is still compelling.  Eddie Edwards and Moose's feud has a good blood rivalry to it, and I feel that Taya and Tessa's story is faaaar from over.  The LAX/OGz thing adding Pentagon and Fenix to it is kind of a tired way of keeping a blood feud going that LAX had already won.  This story should not continue on further...especially when LAX needs new tag teams to compete against for their titles.  If you're going to use the Desi Hit Squad at all, this would be the time to use them, instead of dragging out a feud that has lasted far beyond its expiration date.  The promo packages were good, helping to promote the matches for Final Hour next week.  But I didn't see any Knockout matches scheduled for that portion of the show.  Missing out on an opportunity here to feature your ladies in something fairly high profile.  I would've saved Taya & Tessa's match for next week instead of having it this week.  We'll see if there's anymore matches added to that before next episode. 

 All in all, an alright week with at least ONE good match, but the others were fair to just move storylines along, or in the case of the new Desi Hit Squad, to put over the new member in a squash.  

That's all this week, please leave a comment, I appreciate you guys checking me out!

Until next week....