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Mark Baker

Castle 5-14: Reality Star Struck

One thing I love about Castle is the ability the writers and the cast have to go from drama to comedy and back again without missing a beat. Last week? Very serious drama. Next week? Looks like the first half of the annual two parter is going to be high stakes suspense. (I’m already dreading the cliffhanger.) But this week? Pure comedy gold. Granted, most of the comedy came from the sub-plots, but the mystery was light and fluffy as well.

Before we get to the episode, let’s discuss guest star Gina Torres, who co-starred with Nathan Fillion on Firefly. I was only a marginal fan of that show, so did I miss any references to it? I know Gina better for her amazing work on Suits on the USA Network. This character, one of the wives of Wall Street, was so different from her character on that show, and she was amazing here.  (Not that I was expecting anything less.)Read More »Castle 5-14: Reality Star Struck

Once Upon a Time 2-13: Tiny

After two weeks, we’re back. Back to the magic. Back to the intrigue. And back to Storybrooke. So gather round because we’ve got a tale of giants to weave.

The flashback portion of the episode revolved around Anton, the giant we meant earlier this season as played by Jorge Garcia. When we first see him, he is late to dinner and trying to deal with his life as the runt of his giant brothers. They are excited because the bean harvest is almost ready. Anton wonders why they continue to grow magic beans since they don’t give them to anyone and don’t travel to other realms, but he is told they are giants – that’s what they do.Read More »Once Upon a Time 2-13: Tiny

Castle 5-13: Recoil

You can count on two things during February sweeps. We’ll get another development in Beckett’s mother’s murder case and there will be a two parter. Last night, we got the first. It was certainly more serious than some, and I really enjoyed it.Read More »Castle 5-13: Recoil

Castle 5-12: Death Gone Crazy

You know, when I saw the premise for this episode, I was actually surprised. This is something that is just screaming for a Castle mystery, so I’m a little surprised it hasn’t been done already. But yeah, better late than never, right?Read More »Castle 5-12: Death Gone Crazy

Once Upon a Time 2-12: In the Name of the Brother

Oh, we’ve got trouble, right here in Storybrooke. And I think the schedulers at ABC have been taking lessons from Cora and Regina. Yes, tonight was a good episode. It set some nice balls in motion while being very entertaining.

The back story was interesting but not really providing the usual twist I’d expect. It revolved around Frankenstein and took place completely in his black and white world. We first meet him at Christmas as his father gives presents to Victor and his younger brother. The brother, a war hero, gets a family heirloom watch. Victor gets a commission to be a doctor for soldiers on the front line. His father has been supporting his research, and he’s not going to do that any longer.Read More »Once Upon a Time 2-12: In the Name of the Brother

Castle 5-11: Under the Influence

While it’s hard to argue with the fact that Castle is the star of the show (his name is the title after all) with Beckett right behind him, every so often, they do give the rest of the cast chances to shine. Last night’s episode was definitely a showcase for Esposito. Gates, Martha, and Alexis didn’t even appear. And the plot had some breaks in formula as well.

It started out like any other case. The opening scene is at a music release party, but the star is being upstaged at her own party by a young upstart who not only crashes but is releasing her own album the same day. After we witness this, we float to the DJ who puts a flash drive in her computer and then heads out after someone.Read More »Castle 5-11: Under the Influence

Once Upon a Time 2-11: The Outsider

Wow. A plot I thought was going to go for several weeks just ended tonight. And that ending? So not a fan. So really, really not a fan.

But before we get there, maybe we need to get through the rest of the episode. So let’s get going, shall we?

As always, let’s start with Enchanted Forest, which focuses tonight on Belle with cameos by some very interesting special guests.Read More »Once Upon a Time 2-11: The Outsider

Castle 5-10: Significant Others

A divorce lawyer gets murdered the same week that Castle’s ex comes to town. Actually, I expected a bit more of a cross over between the two theme wise, but the show was still quite fun with a good mystery to boot. And I have to give my roommate credit for figuring out the big twist half way through.

The episode opens with our victim in a parked car. The back door of her car suddenly opens, she gets a horrified and shocked look on her face, and she is stabbed.Read More »Castle 5-10: Significant Others