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TV Review: The Strain: S2E3 Fort Defiance

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the strain s2 imageThe third episode of the second season of The Strain continues to build and touches upon numerous different plot points, bouncing between the present and the past. This episode though suffers a bit for doing so.

This is an episode that shows some of the issues with the show as far as special fx and makeup on some of the characters. Ansel, the rocker from season one, is back, and his makeup just looks horrific at time. It’s weird as things bounce around when it comes to this. It’s not universal, but at times, things just look really off and rather cheep.

Lets go through the various storylines. The Mayor does a press conference that’s a bit shocking. Abraham reveals something that’s rather interesting and answers a question I have had for a while. Vasiliy and Dutch continue their messed up relationship. The Master doesn’t trust Eldritch, and the good vampires make a move. And Ephraim’s son goes all Carl from The Walking Dead. There’s a lot here, and while it might be needed to get things moving for the rest of the season, none of it gets the focus they all need.

None of it is bad, but it all feels rather short. It might have been more interesting to focus on fewer, but it’s hard to say until we see the rest of the season and what’s included.

The thing that’s really interesting is the subtle focus on the relationships between the characters. That’s a priority this year, they’re making an effort to flesh them all out, as opposed to just looking at the spread of the vampire menace.

The season is interesting, especially with the story of either denial or compliance of the New York City government. That to me is the most interesting aspect of the season so far.

Overall, not a strong episode, but it’ll likely be an important one.

Overall rating: 7

TV Review: The Strain: S2E2 By Any Means

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the strain s2 imageThe second episode of the second season of The Strain continues to build and touches upon numerous different plot points, bouncing between the present and the past.

The past focuses on a young Abraham as he searches for more information about the vampires and at the same time hunting for Nazis. To me, this is one of the more fascinating aspects of the television show, in that the flashbacks shows how intertwined the history of some of the characters is. It’s a very cool aspect, that’s rather entertaining.

In the present so much is going on, it’s almost too much to go over. Ephraim and Nora continue to search for a cure, and debate about the ethics of what they’re doing. Vasiliy and Dutch get closer and go on some vampire hunting. And what I think is some of the most unique and best aspects of the show, Eldritch makes his move for control by using the chaos to provide needed services.

It’s that failure of services and government that I personally enjoy about the show. We actually see the argument happening within the government as to the response and lack there of. We see a private corporation stand in for the government, gain control, and then abuse their position. It’s an aspect we don’t see too often in these types of stories. Being a political nerd, it’s not too much of a shock this is something I’ve focused on. It makes me want to see an entire show focused just on the government response in this sort of situation.

The second episode builds nicely from the first, and continues what so far is a solid second season, much better than the first. The Strain stands out in a summer that’s been rather slow for television.

Overall rating: 8

TV Review: The Strain: S2E1 BK, N.Y.

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the strain s2 imageThe second season of The Strain kicks off with Agent Ephraim investigating new cases about Master in NY City. It misses no beats, continuing a dreaded build… to something. It’s unknown how much the series will deviate from the books or comics, so there’s still something hanging out there as far as where it’ll all go.

What’s interesting to me in the first episode that the focus is mainly on the characters and their personalities. It isn’t a reintroduction so much as an enhancement of what was in last season, where the characters themselves were a little bland. Interesting, but bland.

The other thing that stood out in the first episode is the building of the tension and setting of the atmosphere. This is the start of a vampire outbreak, and people still don’t quite know what’s happening, only something isn’t quite rite. Much like some of the character’s quirks (think a conversation about baseball as an example) the scenery and small details have been amped up as well. The settings, the lighting, there’s much more of a focus on the small details. That helps up the ick factor. While the episode (and series as a whole) is never scary to me, there was always a sense of unease. That unease is very much present in the first episode, and hopefully continues.

While the first season of the series was enjoyable, you could tell there was still a bit of a learning curve. The first episode of the second season has shown they’ve clearly learned a lot and are applying those lessons. It’s noticeable in every way.

While there’s still quite a while to go until the end of the second season, but this first episode is a solid return that’ll keep the rest of the summer pretty cool.

Overall rating: 8

SDCC 2015: FX Networks Staging Massive “FX Fearless Arena” Fan Experience

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FX NetworksFX Networks’ considerable presence at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con will take on historic proportions with the first-ever, large-scale “FX Fearless Arena” fan experience consuming the Hilton Bayfront Park next to the Convention Center. Building on the popularity of last year’s The Simpsons-based “Homer Dome,” FX Networks will build a theme park featuring massive activations for The Strain, American Horror Story: Hotel, Fargo and The Bastard Executioner, as well as numerous other on-site features including contests, collectibles and more. The “FX Fearless Arena” will be ideally situated between the Convention Center and the Hilton Bayfront Hotel, the two leading locations for SDCC panels and presentations.

Fans will be able to register for the activations early by going to www.fxsdcc.com beginning July 7th. The first 2,500 pre-registered fans who visit the Arena will receive a free, exclusive FX Fearless giant tote bag in the Welcome Area. Must be 18 or older to participate in activations for The Strain, The Bastard Executioner and American Horror Story: Hotel.

The Strain

Prove your fearlessness by entering a live-action virtual reality experience inspired by The Strain, the vampire thriller from Carlton Cuse and Guillermo del Toro, based off the best-selling book trilogy by del Toro and Chuck Hogan. Using the Samsung Gear VR – powered by the Galaxy Note 4, fans will be taken on a two-and-a-half-minute adventure created exclusively for Comic-Con and featuring series regular Kevin Durand (“Vasiliy Fet”). It’s the perfect preview for the second season of The Strain, which premieres on FX on Sunday, July 12th at 10 PM ET/PT.

American Horror Story: Hotel

Ryan Murphy’s hit anthology horror series American Horror Story is back this fall with its fifth installment, Hotel, and FX is building a two-story model hotel to give viewers a taste of the era. Then fans will be able to venture inside one of eight “gifting suites” in order to capture the most flying bills and earn prizes.

The Bastard Executioner

“Escape the Forest” is the ideal duel inspired by Kurt Sutter’s upcoming medieval drama The Bastard Executioner. Visitors don the mantle of “warriors” and square off against each other to prove their prowess with a high striker, a cross-bow, and a final puzzle challenge that will help them escape the “forest” and win a TBX-themed hooded t-shirt. The Bastard Executioner will debut on FX this fall.

Fargo

Aw jeez, a blizzard in San Diego? Step inside a giant 20-foot inflatable snow globe featuring snow flurries and a façade of a Waffle Hut – a key location in the second installment of the award-winning limited series Fargo which returns to FX this fall.

Numerous other on-site installations and opportunities for prizes, collectibles and more are available:

  • Archer-themed water fountain shaped like Pam Poovey’s Dolphin Puppet.
  • It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia sunscreen station.
  • Concert button giveaways for Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll.
  • The Kwik-E-Mart Truck will be on-site on Saturday, July 11th offering free Squishees in honor of The Simpsons, whose entire 26-season run is available exclusively on FXX and FXNOW.
  • Sweepstakes featuring a grand prize trip to a luxury hotel in Los Angeles or New York City.
  • A mega LED wall showing clips of FX Networks shows, as well as a live social-media scroll featuring #FXSDCC.
  • Premiums including The Bastard Executioner t-shirts, American Horror Story key chains, and waffle-scented Fargo air fresheners.
  • Complete limited edition collectible trading card sets – and complimentary carry cases – with cards from American Horror Story, Fargo and The Strain. Cards include code for a 12-day trial access to FXNOW.
  • A massive – 238 feet wide x 226 feet tall – wrap on the Hilton Bayfront Hotel promoting the new season of The Strain.

TV Review: The Strain S1E13 The Master

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the-strain-logo1The Strain wrapped up its first season tonight, returning in 2015 to continue the battle against The Master and his vampire minion. In this episode Eph and Fet recon for an all-out assault that Setrakian assures them will finally kill the Master. Gus aligns himself with a strange new force, one that may swing the fight in an unforeseen direction.

This season has been interesting, with a nice roll into the vampire spreading, as opposed to having it happen like a hammer, and the vampires attacking quickly. At the same time there’s been some great build up as to what’s really going on when it comes to the Master and his plan. Tonight, a lot of that build up pays off.

There’s an outright assault on The Master by Eph and his team, winding up with some interesting results that makes next season very interesting. Then there’s Eldritch, whose renewed health, leads him to make a move. Then there’s that mystery group of vampires. We learn what that’s all about.

The finale is a good one with lots of action, lots of answers, and a some great set-up for the next season. This first season has been good, and as a whole is much better than each individual episode. With a second season, I can’t wait to see how the show will change with a bit more safety as far as its fate. If you’re a fan of the comic, or vampire stories, this is definitely worth checking out.

Overall Score: 8

TV Review: The Strain S1E12 Last Rites

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the-strain-logo1Dutch returns with a plan to broadcast Eph’s warning about the vampiric plague. However, they face a new threat when Eichhorst launches his own attack against the pawn shop. Palmer receives a special visitor, and Gus gears up for the on-coming fight but discovers there’s another mysterious factor involved.

The Strain continues to bounce around multiple plot lines giving more than enough of each so as to not feel shorted on any of them. What’s impressive though, with it bouncing around, we learn so much that adds to the impetuous behind the oncoming battle. While the series is focused on The Master’s plan on taking over the world, it’s as much about Eichhorst and Abraham’s history dating back to World War II and the Holocaust.

A lot of the episode, even for as much as it bounces around, gives us more insight in what Abraham has gone through as far as his battles. Both he, and another team member are forced to say good-bye to something they love. It really brings a nice touch of humanity to all that’s going on.

Overall, the episode on its own was so-so, with some solid moments. But, as part of the larger narrative, it adds a lot.

 

Overall Score: 7.75

TV Review: The Strain S1E11 The Third Rail

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the-strain-logo111 episodes in and The Strain decides to channel Blade 2!? How do you deal with vampires in sewer tunnels? For anyone that’s seen Blade 2, you know where I’m going with this. But while some are building weapons and planning on killing, others are having issues with the mission, especially due to the fact that Eph and Nora are doctors and supposed to help.

But, even with those apprehensions Vasiliy, Abraham, Eph, and Nora head into the tunnels in hopes of killing the Master, and ending the scourge. But, it’s pretty clear the “focus” of the episode is the slow crumbling of civilization. All around them, people are looting, and as they go into the tunnels, they are greeted by trinkets the vampires are dropping as they retreat into them. It’s some solid symbolism, and mixed with what’s going on in the streets, solid detail.

While they’re on their mission, the story of Gus continues, as he attempts to deal with how the vampire outbreak is affecting his family, friends, and everyone he knows. And Gus finally crosses our main cast, in the form of Zach who has decided to venture out from safety to do a task for Nora’s mom. In other word, Zach is quickly turning into the Carl Grimes of this show.

The episode also brings Eph face to face with the Master, something I didn’t expect for quite a while. What the meeting does really well is set up the Master’s obsession with Eph and why he decides to take a focus on him.

The episode isn’t the strongest, but there’s more than enough to keep the story moving and small details to keep us focused and debating. The series continues its solid narrative, keeping us on our toes. After the ending, it’s kind of hard not to be.

Overall Score: 7.75

TV Review: The Strain S1E10 Loved Ones

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the-strain-logo110 episodes in and The Strain continues to surprise with twist and turns. The beginning of the episode flashes back and forth a bit, finally giving us an idea of what has happened to Eph’s ex-wife Kelly. For those who have read the comic, we know what to expect, but here we get some solid detail and creepy scenes. I found myself squirming. The episode bounces back and forth following Kelly’s story, mixed with Eph’s search for her.

A lot of the episode focuses on Kelly, but some is focused on Dutch and Vasiliy who are attempting to fix the mistakes that Dutch made by helping Eldritch Palmer. That whole segment is interesting, in that we learn what Palmer was planning on getting out of the deal with the Master, and some loyalty isn’t quite what we thought it was.

But really, the episode is about Eph and his search, and in that, he’s forced to do some pretty brutal stuff. He also shows his human side, something nice to see since Eph has been such a dick throughout the series so far.

Through the scares, and the chills, the series does a good job at showing the human side of things, and that’s the focus of the episode. It pulls us back in to remind us about the people involved in the story. In a show about vampires, this episode was about the human side of it all.

Overall Score: 8

TV Review: The Strain S1E9 The Disappeared

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the-strain-logo1The Strain‘s ninth episode kicks off with a moment that fans of the book or comic have been waiting for, Eph’s return home. I really don’t want to ruin what happens, but it’s a great way to kick off the show and leads to some great conflict to come.

From there though, the series splits off a few ways. Eph entrusts his son with Abraham and Visiliy, who head out with the hacker Dutch. They deal with various issues on their end, but mostly bond.

But overall, the episode bounces around a lot, packing in tons into an hour. There’s Abraham’s crew. Eph dealing with events at his home. There’s Abraham’s past experience with The Master, and the continuing drama of Gus in jail. Gus’s story especially gets tragic, leading to a moment where you feel a lot of sympathy about his plight.

Overall, the episode’s (and series’) strengths are also their weakness. Though individual moments are amazing, some get short shrift. For example, Regina King’s PR character has been MIA, along with her rock star client. That’s a big names actress to not appear in more episodes. Where some might complain The Walking Dead is too slow in its stories, The Strain at times is ADD all over.

But, the series does a lot with it’s short focus. Eph and Nora have a big moment in this episode, and Abraham’s time in a concentration camp is especially heart breaking. Any of this could be an entire episode unto itself.

The episode is a good one, with important moments. Overall though, the series is much stronger than any individual episode.

Overall Score: 8

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