Sleepy Hollow made me Sleepy

After it’s stellar premier, tonight’s episode of Fox’s Sleepy Hollow was absolutely underwhelming.

Me throughout the first 40 minutes of this episode

As usual this review will contain minor spoilers that are necessary for an informative review.

I’m not sure what I was watching this week, but it was not at all the show I saw last week, this week’s episode was fairly dull by comparison to the action packed premier. By just about all standards this episode was just not as good as last weeks, it was altogether predictable. For example early on in the episode Ichabod and Abbie are in some conveniently placed secret tunnels that connect the police station to the city archives, and they find some convenient gunpowder that they just sort of ignore for now. They then proceed to conveniently find Sheriff Corbin’s items within a minute of looking in the impossibly disorganized archives.

It was all just very predictable. If you have a guess as to how the main arc of the episode is going to end by the time they leave the archives its probably correct.

The episode also tried to do a massive reveal about Ichabod’s wife being trapped between worlds, but I personally think it falls flat on its face because I pretty much assumed that’s what was going on when we first saw her last episode.

So the episode was altogether predictable in the sense of plot, and that’s why most people watch television. I will say, however, that the make up this week was fantastic, especially on Andy’s neck.

Additionally as usual the sound track, and videography was lovely, too.

I am going to be called a nerd (even by the most nerdy members of Fandomverse) for this next part, but, I also want to praise the show for an absolutely flawless, and perfect-in-ever-way opening title sequence. Seriously, it was absolutely gorgeous and perfect in ever way, I still can’t get over it. Good opening title sequences are hard to find anymore and Sleepy Hollow nailed it.

I guess I should finish the review by saying the episode is not a complete wash by any stretch of the imagination, it was still an entirely adequate hour of television, and if you factor in the last five minutes, after they wrap up the monster-of-the-week portion of the show and the little bit of season arc information they threw in I’d give the episode a solid B.

I will say I was also talking to Fandomverse writer Elena and she said that she preferred this episode to the opener, and I’m not sure why that is. If I had to guess it’s because this episode seemed to focus less on developing the mythology of the show and more on developing characters themselves.  Ultimately the jury is out on which of the first two episodes of Sleepy Hollow have been the best so far, so sound off in the comments. All I have to say is that before I can officially pass judgment on the show I will give it a full season’s worth of episodes.

Stay tuned here for more news from across the Fandomverse, and feel free to check us out on twitter, tumblr or reddit!

The Fandomverse’s Emmy Choices and Winner Disputes

So nerds, geeks and fangirls are you done fan raging over the natural disappointments and blatant (WTH) winners from the Emmys?

Around this time of year, we the true fans are at the mercy of a most upsetting occurrence…not the rise of Godzilla but the Emmys. This knife wrecking night stabs our beloved shows and fandoms during the ceremony. We here at The Fandomverse feel your pain  but none the less here is a run-down of tonight’s winners followed by our winners and why.

1. Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Winner: Claire Danes from Homeland
A good solid choice to be honest even though her performance in the first season was more Emmy worthy than this one. Besides Ms. Danes has long been the quirky and edgy sweetheart of the TV community since her time on “My So-Called Life”.

The Fandomverse choices:  A tie between Kerry Washington for Scandal or Michelle Dockery from Downton Abbey. Both of these shows have huge loyal fandoms. Downton Abbey has long a bit of its traditional fanfare when it introduced more American characters losing its authentic English feel. The women (and yes men) who watch Scandal are uber devoted with celebrities and late night TV shows commenting on the show almost weekly. The storyline, drama and suspense along with the original concept makes it a delight to 25years old + demographic.

2. Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Winner: Jeff Daniels for Newsroom (The Fandomverse backs this win)
He deserves this win without a question. If you dare contest this win then feel free to check the strong but reserved Newsroom fandom. They are witty, large and informed…often cited with arguing with real life news casting. This show is a brilliant example of what good writing, research and perspective could accomplish in TV.

3. Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Winner: Anna Gunn from Breaking Bad
People are feeling an especial nostalgia for Breaking Bad since it set to end soon. Walt’s wife went through a lot last season so this is an understandable win. We consider this one a last hooray to the show.
 
The Fandomverse Choice: Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen aka (Daernerys Stormborn or Khalessi or Mother of Dragons).
I mean come on this should have been a no brainer for the academy. Daernerys dealt with everything from betrayal, racism, sexism and slavery last season. Yet like the fire from her children’s breath she rose to meet ever challenge and grow as the clever regal leader she is today. Her metamorphosis into the warrior queen will soon shake the halls of King’s Landing.

4. Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Winner: Bobby Cannavale for Boardwalk Empire.
This show is huge with 25+ male demographic and has a surprising large fandom behind them. The writing and casting for this show is beyond superb which give us here at The Fandomverse no reservation in this choice. This show, which in the beginning many thought would not last a season has proven its grit and worth tenfold.

The Fandomverse Choice: Peter Dinklage for Tyrion Lannister
Tyrion is so made of win there is not parameter for the infinity absurd wit and nerve of this fan favorite. Most of the staff here are at The Fandomverse are huge fans or Tyrion particularly with his handling of his idiotic nephew Joffrey and overbearing father Tywin. We are more than confident he will win an Emmy in the seasons to come.

5. Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series

Winner: Homeland
Yeah just no,….nope… sorry….do not pass go…do not collect two hundred dollars.

The Fandomverse choices: Breaking Bad
Walter became a cold hard killer and start executing people mafia style to save the last bit of his makeshift family all while dealing with his inevitable death due to cancer.

6. Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Winner: Julia Louis-Dreyfus for Veep
Funny, informative and thought provoking. We the audience are emerged into the backstage of large political moves, motives and mishaps. This show invites us to recognize the human face and fallibly of those, we appoint to lead our nations. Besides Julia Dreyfus and her staff have a large meme/ fandom that are very loyal even our own Vice President.

Honorable Mention: Lena Dunham for Girls
Lena Dunham scares the living crap out of TV executives and the academy as a whole. A true representation of the intelligent X generation with talent, resources and real life savvy writing skills to boot. We predict it her genius will need a few years to marinate or the shows fandom will scream so loudly they will have to recognize her genius.

7. Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Jim Parsons for The Big Bang Theory.  (The Fandomverse agrees)
Bazinga!!! A well-deserved win for Mr. Parsons who’s Shamy fandom has become the fun and hilarious quoting of the year. Long live Shamy!!

8. Outstanding Directing For a Comedy Series
Winner: Modern Family
Honestly and this is a personal issue…I do not get the appeal of this show. Being an interracial hybrid family is not such a big deal where I come from.

The Fandomverse choice: Louis C.K. for Louie
This man is hilarious and an independent director. Major kudos for not compromising f his vision of what he considers to be funny. He rather start a kickstart to fund his project rather than let advertisers dedicate his show.

9. Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie
Winner: Laura Linney for The Big C Hereafter

The Fandomverse choice: Sigourney Weaver for Political Animals
A short-lived hit that had every fan at the edge of their seat every week. Sigourney the matriarch of her political family invited us into the difficulty of being powerful women, being the partner to a President, and raising a family in the midst of evil influences.

10. Outstanding Costumes for a Series
Winner: The Borgias
We have no complaints…now put down the knife Lucrezia.

The Fandomverse Choice: Once Upon a Time
Regina aka the Evil Regal herself costumes are extravagant enough to win in this category for us.
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Shout out to NCIS (Hang in there Gibbs), The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, Da Vinci Demons, Adventuretime & World without End for their wins as well.

The Unforeseen Sacking of Copper, the Anti-Cop

Everyone’s favorite underdog Detective Kevin Corcoran also known as Corky will save the people of the Five Points for the last time tonight September 23, 2013 during the series finale. The show Corky which begun just August 2012 had a run of two seasons where it aired to much acclaim. However, with its late schedule and unfortunate competing with BBC fellow breakthrough hit Orphan Black the show will not see a concluding season three.
                                     

The show sets in the 1864 amongst the American Civil War era a fresh-scripted exemplary first for BBC. The story takes places amongst the backdrop of an tense, corrupt, political driven and racial divided nation whose populous. The show is set amongst the backdrop of an unsettling, corrupt, political driven and racial divided nation whose citizen cry out for a hero.

In the developing NYC, three communities (Irish immigrants, free African Americans, and old uptown Society) vie for power and place during cusps of a new America. The people cry out for an anti-hero incorruptibly from the greed or politics of the time, which they find, for better or worse, in Corky. Copper is the prototype for a new type of police force who will solve crimes based on science (aghast) derived from the brilliance of African American physician Dr. Martin Freeman.

Copper constantly fights to maintain balance between dealing with the expectations of uptown Manhattan socialites like Robert Morehouse and the gritty Five Points townsfolk like his partner Detective Francis Maguire. We the audience empathizes with Corky who must walk a chaotic tight walk between world while trying to find clues about his wife who has become lost amongst the filth of New York City.

Fighting against the ambitious characters such as Police Captain Sullivan who cares little for the citizens of the Five Point and far more about his reputation with the Uptown socialites who are affected by Corky’s investigations. Corky during his time unveiled a world of child prostitution, drugs, liquor running, kidnapping and of course murder. The show dealt with numerous adult themes, which immersed its fandom into the grit of the 19th century.

The show’s cancellation was not a huge surprise to many fans who noted the departure of former child prostitute and somewhat ward, Annie, that the show had lost a major arc of the story. The controversial relationship between Annie and Corky became the spark of much debate amongst the fandom. Annie, the former victim of prostitution save by Copper had a childlike possessive/crush on Corky whom many viewers deemed as disturbing. (Even though to be honest, Corky never even slightly humored her at ALL).

With the killing off of the General & the downward spiral of Maguire becoming a murder (Phinbar the cop, the abortionist, her sister and now as for hire murderer) saw the loss of two instrumental characters. Two characters foils to Corky,  whose actions helped him maintain an ethical judgment, which allowed him to remain sane. Fans often noted the raw grittiness of the show and its mirroring of issues we face now in modern times.

The second to last episode of this season ended with the assassination of President Lincoln, a pivotal figure often cited as the problem or solution for the issues we encounter in the show. All the characters are left astounded and baffled for what exactly the death of this figurehead means for their lives.

Does this spell the end of justice? The victory of evil? The uncertainty of future prosperity and freedom? A return to the fear and violence of the past?


In tomorrows post will be write a through review of the last episode and our feelings about the show as a whole. As always, be sure to subscribe to The Fandomverse. Be sure to leave us your comments, questions and theories.
If you’re going to miss Copper, feel free to share your favorite memories down below.

Broadchurch: One Case is Solved, but what About Danny?

Tonight got us one-step closer to finding the murderer of young Danny Latimer for those of us in the states. The show Broadchurch, which captured the U.K.'s attention, has been showing once a week on BBC America and has had us all on the edge of our seats.

WARNING: THIS IS NOT A SPOILER FREE POST
TW: Mentions of child abuse and rape

We opened tonight's episode with Alec Hardy in the hospital where we soon find out that he has a heart issue, and was supposed to have a pace maker put into his heart some months ago, and hasn't because of taking on this case. Ellie Miller is pissed of course; she can’t have a boss who passes out on her. In return, Alec leaves the hospital without the permission of his doctors. Surprised? Not even, close.
 

Ellie is interrogating Susan Wright when she says that she won't answer anything unless the dog is found, in return Ellie says that she'll kill the dog herself if Susan doesn't start talking.

She admits that she saw Danny's body while she was walking her dog on the cliffs above where he was found about three or four in the morning. She then tells the story of her own family that was torn apart by her husband who had raped her oldest daughter and then killed her after she tried to save her sister from the same fate. Her husband says that Susan knew that her daughter was being raped, and because of this, social services took the baby away that she was pregnant with, citing that she was an unfit mother. Susan hopes that her daughter looked that peaceful when she was killed, but she thinks not.
 
While this is going on, the head writer of the local newspaper finds out that Alec had spent time in the hospital and hands the story over to Olly Stevens, Ellie's nephew saying, "You should be the one to nail him." Afterward Olly confronts Alec and demands a story, which he'll get later on.

Ellie gets Susan to admit that she saw more than just the body on the beach that night. She reports that she saw a boat come up to the beach with a man in it who got out, and laid Danny's body down before getting back in and taking off due west. When asked who it was, she admits that it was Mark Latimer's coworker, Nige Carter.

Nige is brought in for questioning, and when interrogated by Alec he admits that he wasn't at home the night that Danny was murdered, but says he was out hunting pheasants also saying that the truck ran out of gas, and he siphoned some out of the tractor that we saw in the first episode. (Hey, but at least one case is solved) When asked about how he knows Susan, he says that she was harassing him about something. Moreover, when pressed by Alec, we find out that Susan tracked Nige down because he's the son she was forced to give up by social services. When Nige finds out about his biological family, he has a breakdown and cries in the interrogation room.

Alec and Ellie find out that the killer phoned them himself to lure them to the house, and a phone call draws Alec away to Reverend Paul Coates who hands over a beat up laptop that he found Tom Miller destroying in the woods the night before. When the Reverend confronted Tom about it, Tom threatened to tell police that the Reverend had been abusing Danny with whom he had had a falling out with some months earlier that the Reverend had also witnessed. Because it's Ellie's son, Alec hides the laptop from her and has it taken in to be looked at without her knowledge.

We finally get the interview with Alec and Olly where we find out more about the Sandbrooke murders, which Alec has become infamous for. We discover that the pendant that the whole case rested on was stolen out of a DS's car when she stopped at a hotel for a trist with another DS, not stolen from Alec like the reports had said before. He admits next that it was his ex- wife who had left the pendant in her car, and had taken the wrap so that their daughter wouldn't know that her mum had been the one to do it. Alec says that they can print the article, as long as his ex's name is kept out of it.

That night the Latimers have dinner with Chloe's boy friend, Dean Thomas who says that the Nige could've never done it since he got on so well with Danny when they went hunting together on Dean's land. When the Latimers are visibly surprised, Dean mentions that Danny had said they approved and Mark admits they hadn't.

By the end of the episode Susan is ran off by Nige, we find out that the killer wore size 10 shoes, and Ellie had no idea of Tom and Danny's falling out, and Alec receives an email about the emails found on Tom's laptop.

This is where the episode leaves us with us all on the edge of our seats, and left for another week wondering whom it was exactly that killed Danny Latimer. Maybe next week dear readers? Until then, keep guessing.

Booth (trying) to save Bones and the possibly of a Buffy-esque Reunion!

In last night’s episode of Bones, we return to our favorite quirky forensic duo Booth/ Bones who are experiencing anything but post-baby bliss. Booth has become obviously distant from Bones whose logical mind is convinced he has lost all interest in her. After the last season’s cliffhanger with Bones mustering the courage to ask Booth to marry and his acceptance before the untimely threat by the duo’s newest nemesis Pleant. (Bones shippers all over could burn that guy at the stake for what he interrupted). 

Pleant, is the hacker turned serial killer mastermind, Bones encountered in the previous season is back to torment her in an undermined way…through Booth himself. He outwardly threatens Booth unbeknownst to Bones that if he accepts her marriage proposal he will frame her for some unspeakable crime. A crime, which he ensures, Booth their team despite their forensic expertise will be unable to combat.

As a result, the duo along with their baby Christine are feeling the strain of Booth’s newly found preoccupation with work. This conflict escalates causing tension within the group with members picking sides. Angela, of course, sides with Bones and Sweets on Booth’s side.

Furthermore, Booth’s boss has noticed his detachment and unexplainable hiatus, which she causes her to believe perhaps that he is drinking (nee gambling) once more. (Could this spell career conflict for Booth in the future?) However, it is revealed  mid-episode the reason Booth smells of booze is because he has been frequenting the bar cellar of his once Catholic confessor Coulter (played by comedian Mather Zickel). He has been consulting the reluctant Coulter for advice about how to handle Pleant and how to mend his relationship with Brennan.

During this episode, we also encounter a new CIA agent and former army friend of Booth the elusive Danny (played by Freddie Prinze Jr.). Yes Freddie Prinze Jr. as in Sarah Michelle Gellar's hubby (squee). One can only hope for a Buffy reunion via Bones.

 
We here at The Fandomverse can only wish and fan fiction about the endless possibilities.

By the end of the episode Bones meets Coulter who encourages her to trust Booth who loves and is trying to protect their family. She believes him despite her better nature to allow Booth leeway as he pursues Pelant in the manner he see’s fit. For now, Bones is giving off the impression of being content with standing on the sidelines while Booth takes on the defensive…how long that last only time will tell.

So what do you think might be Booth’s plan against Pelant? Could Danny the CIA agent possibly help Booth defeat this mastermind…and at what price? Will Coulter the confessor reveal demons from Booth’s past?

(Leave us your answers, questions and comments below. As always, be sure to subscribe and be sure to share us with all your fandoms pages.)

Sleepy Hollow: Initial Review

Good evening, and truly, what a good evening it was. I just had the pleasure to see the premier of Fox’s new Supernatural-Cop-Conspiracy-Treasure Hunt-Drama Sleepy Hollow. Going in I’d had a friend tell me, ‘It’s a supernatural cop drama.’ Which I was already excited enough about, but upon watching it I can tell you with all confidence that it was oh so much more. Before going any further I should mention there are minor spoilers peppered throughout this article, I’d also like to mention that this might not be the best show for young viewers or those who are easily frightened.

Okay, that's your warning (and I promise they're not even massive spoilers, it is a review though...)

The only foreseeable problem I can see with the show is that it was, so much more than just a supernatural cop drama. I love tv shows that make me think, and that I really have to pay attention to and that can have me theorizing about them all the way to Neptune and back (rest in peace pluto…), but I know that, that’s not necessarily what the average viewer wants to see. Unfortunately I can see this show only lasting a season or two, instead of the seven that it eludes to wanting in its own script.

All that said I truly have nothing but good things to say about the show, the actors playing Ichabod Crane (Tom Mison) and Abbie Mills (Nicole Beharie) had excellent chemistry, the story that was weaved; although complicated, is brilliant, the scenery and cinematography were both stunning, and it was appropriately creepy.

From the beginning of the episode I thought my only criticism was going to be ‘How could the Headless Horseman see the people it’s hunting for.’ But the show even acknowledged its own absurdity in a clever bit of humor near the end of the episode.

All in all this show seems to have something for everyone, there is a little bit of romance, a lot of action, some conspiracy, obviously the supernatural element, and even manages to tie together supernatural lore and Christian scripture. This show is certainly shaping up to be one of the most interesting shows of the year, and if I had to guess I would say fans of shows like Lost, Fringe and Revolution are going to drool over it, while those looking for something they can mindlessly float in and out of watching will likely be disappointed. Despite all the positive things I’ve said about Sleepy Hollow, Fox is to cancel shows, and judging by how complex this show actually is I have my doubts, that it will make it past two seasons, but this is one time I will be happy to admit that I am wrong.

Newt Scamander and the Waking of the Fandomverse

Welcome Whovians, Cumberbabes, Oncers, Twi-hards, Merkins, Tributes, Browncoats, Olympians, Nerdfighters and all the other awesome fandoms out there in the fandomverse. Did we forget anyone....hmm let us ponder on this for a moment.


Oops, sorry Harry.

Potterheads, well of course. How could we neglect the Potterverse which we all hold true to our hearts? It is afterall, our midnight Potterverse crackpot (we'll explain this term in another post) theorizing which led to the creation of the fandomverse.

We here at Fandomverse are (you might want to grab a pillow to fangirl into) happy to announce on September 12, 2013 at 6:00am PST Warner Brothers in collaboration with   THE GODDESS herself, J.K. Rowling, has announced the greenlighting for a new Wizarding World inspired movie series (Yes you did read it correctly...series).

The movies will be based on the adventures of     

  NEWT SCAMANDER.

For those muggles, out there wondering who in Merlin's beard is Newt Scamander??? Be sure to check our next post where will sharing lighting scar quick facts about this mysterious character. Facts and theories we ensure you will wreck, amaze and humor your HP hearts.

The movie announcement was a surprise to the entire Potter community who for quite some time since the last movie premiere in 2011 had slumped into a term the fandom coined as "Post-Potter Depression". Potterheads, one of the original 20th century modern fandoms (sorry,...we can feel the intense heat of Jedi lightsabers and the arrows of Tolkien slowly circling us) has been deemed the patriarch of modern social media fandom. Stemming back to the mid 90's the fandom has grown exponentially from books to movies and even its own theme parks. 

The movie series has propelled the acting careers of once amateur actors like Tom Felton, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson into stardom. As well as it has refueled an interest in the both the previous work and veteran actors such as Richard Harris, Gary Oldman and Dame Maggie Smith.

Both die-hard Potter fans and newcomers now have the opportunity once-more to experience the anticipation of additional installments into their beloved Wizarding World. 

Rowling wrote in a press release from Warner Brother "Although it will be set in the worldwide community of witches and wizards where I was so happy for seventeen years, ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ is neither a prequel nor a sequel to the Harry Potter series, but an extension of the wizarding world,” Rowling said in a press release. “The laws and customs of the hidden magical society will be familiar to anyone who has read the Harry Potter books or seen the films, but Newt’s story will start in New York, 70 years before Harry’s gets underway."


The exact explanation and movie details have yet to released. Nevertheless, we here at The Fandomverse are overtly thrilled with the news and excited to give you more details as they unfold.


So what next news about the movie will be revealed before the end of the year? Do you have any theories about what the plot could be about? Are you excited with the prospect of another movie or dreading the potential of its failure?

(Leave your comments, theories, questions down below. Be sure to subscribe to this blog and share the link to your friends).