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IMDb member since May 2017
    Lifetime Total
    10+
    IMDb Member
    6 years

Reviews

Star Trek: Discovery
(2017)

Romance over Logic
The Star Trek franchise has always impressed me with the idea of space exploration. Spock and his Vilcan Logic were a cornerstone of the original series. However, it appears that Star Trek Discovery has replaced Vulcan logic with romance and emotion.

Emotion isn't limited to certain crew members. Even the captain chooses a renegade space trader over her duties as a leader. Is it a poor clone of Princess Leah and Hans Solo in the Star Wars franchise?

With a large representation of minority and gay crew members, one imagines an effort to right the perceived "wrongs" of earlier franchise series. Even one of the few straight, white, male leading characters is in a multi-racial marriage. If Discovery has a "rainbow" crew then it must be the superior starship in the galaxy?

The gradual destruction of logic and exploration, in favor of social justice reform in Star Trek has turned Discovery into the Love Boat of Science Fiction.

The Season Four Finale had to go even a step farther by placing a controversial political candidate into the role of President of their equivalent of Earth. Stacey Abrams just got a political endorsement and blessing from Hollywood and the powerful Star Trek franchise, Will the fan base follow? To think Roseanne was criticized for being a Trump supporter.

Now that Star Trek Discovery has become involved in Leftist politics, we can only wonder if the next Ferengi president will be Hunter Biden.

Sea Patrol
(2007)

The Ship is Slowly Sinking
Sea Patrol - As I watch the series years after it was broadcast, I find myself searching for life vests for the poor crew of a slow sinking ship. Don't get me wrong, as a former U.S. Navy Veteran, I love anything to do with the sea. However, as the series continues, the plots worsens, sending the once mighty warship deeper into the abyss.

The captain and crew of the HMAS Hammersley, do their best to keep the ship on course and from sinking into Davy Jones' Locker. Yet, I see the boarding parties as destined to surrender their weapons and fall victim to criminals almost every episode. It is a wonder that many don't get killed by their captors. Maybe, they have the fortune of 007 who is captured by ruthless villains only to cheat death at the last moment. To think that trained members of any military would surrender their sidearms is scary.

It is too bad that this show was not more like the original Mchale's Navy, based in comedy not "realistic" scenarios. I feel sorry for the actors who must constantly lose the opening battle to criminals, pirates, and other scounderals.

Being an Old Salt, I watch the show to recapture my love of the sea. However, I must resist the urge to fall prey to sea sickness from bad story lines (I never got sea sick, even in the North Atlantic in winter.)

Oh well, we can't always have what we desire. At least, it is better than staring at the wall during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Is Genesis History?
(2017)

Frame of Mind
Perhaps the greatest contribution of this program is reminding us that we often make judgments based on our own beliefs and experiences. Often, it is difficult for us to think outside "the box," trying to objectively look at the ideas and theories of others. Those who believe in Creator, may view Science as a by product, not an independent variable. Likewise, Evolutionists might see Religion as something that exists in a world before scientific discovery, dismissing faith as superstition and myth.

IS GENESIS HISTORY, offers scientific based arguments to support Creation. To the believer, it reinforces their beliefs, while to others, it may be dismissed as bias. One needs to watch the program with an open mind and form their own opinion.

Greenleaf
(2016)

Christian Homosexuality Meets Soap Opera
If I was rating the show based on the cast, it would be 10 out of 10. However, Greenleaf is not about entertaining the viewers. Instead, it appears to be an attempt to lobby for total acceptance of a gay lifestyle in the church.

The show seems to toss the Ewings' of "DALLAS" into the stew pot, add a couple of Megachurches, and stir in an LGBT Rally. The result is "Greenleaf" a modern soap opera with an all star cast and the controversial topic of Homosexuality at the forefront.

The first season kept me mesmerized as I followed the life of the Greenleaf Family, amid the aftermath of a suicide that brought a prodigal daughter back to the family mansion. As the family sat at the dinner table, I recalled the dinners of the Ewing family and the rivalries between siblings. While there was no JR, Grace, the lead character, came through as a Bobby Ewing character, beloved by all, but unable to overcome the influence of her powerful mother.

As the season progressed, we learned of a deeply buried secret of a perverted uncle who preyed on young girls. This appeared to be one of the main story lines through the first and into the early part of the second season. However, it would be only one story line, soon overwhelmed by possibly the primary agenda of the writing staff; homosexuality in the Christian Church.

The number of characters who were gay seemed to grow from week to week. In the end, one of the son-in-laws, a family friend, a church choir director, his spouse, and a counselor all "came out of the closet."

While the introduction of gay characters is nothing new, the idea of battling the traditional church stance of frowning or even opposing homosexuality, became center stage. Even a meeting of local churches turned into a lobbying effort to overcome any opposition to the full inclusion of homosexual individuals and relationships, into the church.

Even if the story line stopped there, it would hardly be the first time that gay relationships entered our living rooms. However, the main plot now seemed to focus on a wide variety of caveats. There was the divorce of one of the Greenleaf family members because the husband was gay. A choir director was fired because they were in a same-sex marriage. But, alas it didn't stop there. Each episode brought the main story line deeper into the clash between Biblical Verses opposing a gay lifestyle and the New Testament concept of "Love" covers sin. I believe that this was not a creative accident by writers, but the main purpose behind the series. When Bible Verses are reinterpreted by characters portraying ministers, it is not just part of a larger plot, but the very theme itself.

While I enjoy a strong performance by a highly-talented cast, it seems that homosexuality in the Christian Church, has become a rallying cry of the writing staff. When any subject overpowers the show, it turns from a medium of entertainment to a protest rally.

I must step aside for a moment and add a personal dimension to this review. As a Christian, I do not believe that anyone is sinless. I also believe we should love one another. However, when any drama style show attempts to interpret scripture, it leaves the realm of entertainment and enters Theology.

Overall, the show is interesting but it is overshadowed by an effort to mold the writers view of the Bible into a soap box for gay rights. Please return the show to a story of a family who struggles with a variety of social issues. Leave lobbying for interpreting the Bible to religious venues.

Teen Wolf
(2011)

Great Acting but Declining Script starting in Season 4
I can't help but recall the "Scooby Gang," from the series BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER.

Yep, we have several "Giles" or advisers of some kind supervising a collection of monsters and close friends. Hunters and monsters form social and romantic bonds like "Angel" and "Buffy" did. Interesting.

So far, I have watched this show up through the first episode of Season 5. I was curious how it would come out, but they dragged the plot out into a universe, too far away.

I originally wrote the review during season 4, but after finishing that season and starting season 5, I gave up on the show. Thus, the revised rating I gave this show reflects this.

High Points:

Linden Ashby plays Sheriff Stillinski, a law enforcement officer with an impossible job to contain werewolves, sociopaths, and other characters from the root cellar. Excellent job of being a "Howard Cunningham," mixed with a bit of "Sheriff Andy Taylor" and "Sheriff Bill Gillespie." Hats off!

Melissa Ponzio plays Melissa McCall, the mother of the main character Scott. Here is a character that one would want as their own mother or for us older gents a significant other. Hats off!

Holland Roden plays "Lydia Martin," a beautiful and smart student who finds out she is a banshee. I can't help but think that the writers are holding back Lydia, who is supposed to be highly intelligent. Hats off to a great performance, but poor script for this talented actress.

Stiles (played by Dylan O'Brien) who I believe is among the strongest actors/actresses on the show. Dylan portrays a loyal friend, amateur detective, problem-solver, demonic character, and hero. He is the kind of comic necessary among all the stress and gore. I think Dylan is the key part of Teen Wolf! hats off to a great actor but again, a poor script as the show went into Season 4.

Low Points:

The show went into decline in season 4 and died in the first episode of season 5, where I raised the white flag and turned it off.

The Plot has drifted away from the school into an insane asylum and a former Aztec worship site. Characters who die keep coming back and this has gone beyond the absurdity of "Bobby Ewing" being the in the shower during the whole previous season of "DALLAS."

The show is supposed to be about a "TEEN WOLF." Instead, it is the revamped "Buffy Scooby Gang." who don't attend enough classes to be high school students.

Stick to Werewolves who are teenagers. How many teenagers can cross the border into Mexico without adult supervision or permission?

Overall: Good job: Actors! Bad Job: Writers!

Stick to reruns of "Buffy!"

How to Get Away with Murder
(2014)

Sex, Murder, Sex
Okay, I realize that this review is about a show that has already been on for a few years. I am overseas and depend on Netflix for my western drama so am behind a bit with North America.

I am as far as early season two and already see two main consistencies in each episode: murder and sex. While I do not pretend to be a prude, gay and lesbian sex scenes seem to be a main element in each plot. Are we to assume that all lawyers, or people in general, are gay or bisexual? This show seems to suggest this to the audience.

As for the murders, I believe the writers believe that lawyers are also homicidal maniacs. Hopefully, this is not true, but the episodes thus far seem to suggest it.

Yes, the plots are interesting in some ways, but, do our lawyers and law students need to rely on sex as a replacement for research and investigative skills?

Decent show, but way too much sex. Other law shows seem to hold our interest without such a large dose of hedonism.

Unacknowledged
(2017)

Unacknowledged - The Truth will shock you
If you haven't watched this presentation, than this review will be a SPOILER.

Being an amateur Conspiracy Theorist myself, I am interested in any thought-provoking piece that challenges the status quo. UNACKNOWLEDGED did just that. With clips from former Presidents, Defense officials, former military, and so forth, it presents "truths" that could redefine the very fiber of our society. One of the most disturbing revelations is that JFK and Marilyn Monroe, might have be killed to keep them from telling the public about UFO's. But, there's more.

Perhaps, the most sinister aspect of this documentary/film is the suggestion that our government has and will continue to stage attacks on our own people/interests to provoke the American people into demanding war.

If you are looking for an interesting film/documentary on UFO's, you will find it here. However, the questions raised are beyond the existence and cover-up of UFO's. Be prepared to hear information that might leave you wondering who really runs the United States government.

The ultimate Conspiracy Theory! Is it fact or fiction? The decision is yours to make.

Suits
(2011)

What is the Message?
If you haven't watched SUITS before, this is review contains Spoilers! Yet, it is my intention to review what I perceive to be the overall message of the series. not individual story lines.

What is the message the writers are trying to share with the viewers? Here is my take on two major issues on the television series SUITS:

1) Are most lawyers corrupt and self-serving?

2) Should people desiring to practice law be required to graduate from law school?

Corruption - I have watched this series, up through the beginning of Season 6. A message I have seen repeated over and over again is that almost every lawyer is corrupt. Jessica, Harvey, Louis, Daniel...and their staff, Donna, Rachel.... Even many of the government attorneys are willing to look the other way to serve their own agenda.

Self-serving - The more you watch the show, the more you get the impression that each attorney's personal agenda is more important than respecting the law or helping their client. Instead, they seem more interested in protecting the firm or allies. We see many rivalries taken to extremes, which often hurts the person or client company they are supposed to represent. Why do Harvey and Jessica believe it is more important to win than serve justice?

Law School - Mike, is the one of the man characters in this series. He has a photographic memory and is well-versed in the law, but didn't attend law school (or finish his undergraduate degree). Are we to believe that Harvard Law School isn't that important with regards to practicing law?

Bar Exam - A few states (not New York, where this series is set), allow for people to take the bar exam without graduating from law school. Are the writers of SUITS, trying to make a statement that law school should not be required? In the case of Mike, it appears it wouldn't help.

Overall, the show held my interest for a while. However, when I looked at what I consider to be the agenda of the writers, the constant corruption, negative portrayal of the law, and story lines that are just a bit unrealistic, I gave up by Season 6.

Hats off to some stellar performances but that isn't enough to overcome a plot that seems more interested in painting most lawyers as demons and our justice system as totally corrupt.

Just my opinion.

Line of Duty
(2012)

Somethings's Missing in Season One
First of all, the acting was superb, but the story-line was hard to follow at times.

Season One had early promise but after watching it I decided that it just wasn't for me. (SPOILER ALERT):

* A seasoned cop can't find a way to dispose of a wine glass? Smash and bury, throw in any number of dumpsters in a giant city, or find another location in the river.

* Isn't even a person with innocent, child-like qualities going to show police the dead, chopped up, body in their freezer?

* No convictions? At the end of season one, the crime boss walks? Can you imagine tuning into an entire season of LAW AND ORDER, CSI, or NCIS, if the bad guys prevailed every time?

If this series a political statement or designed for entertainment? if the former, tell us it is a true story. If the latter, make it more positive.

If the series is fictional, why does the epilogue to season one have to be so depressing?

I won't be giving season two a chance. I'll stick to quality shows like BLUE BLOODS!

House of Cards
(2013)

Season 5 and Season 6 (Updated)
Spoiler Alert - Season 6 (New Posting)

After watching Season 6 in a matter of a few days, I wanted to add to my review of House of Cards. I lowered my overall rating to 7/10 and didn't fall further due to the previous five seasons.

First, I am not addressing the merit of the accusations against Kevin Spacey. That is best left to our justice system and public reaction. As for the character of President F. Underwood, the show is but an empty shell without him. Imagine continuing the storyline of Dr. Jekyll, without Mr. Hyde.

If the show Scandal is the TV series West Wing on steroids, then, House of Cards is Scandal on LSD. I can't think of any other way to demonstrate the pure madness of the entire storyline.

If House of Cards had continued, perhaps we would have found President C. Underwood facing a similar fate to that of Julius Caesar in the Roman Senate. The only question being: Who is Brutus?

Spoiler Alert - Season 5 Overview

From a distance, House of Cards bears some similarities to The West Wing television series. But, when examined more closely, President Bartlet was a saint, and President Underwood is a devil. (I wonder if Frank Underwood should be spreading Underwood Deviled Ham Spread instead of peanut butter and jelly on his bread.)

But seriously, Kevin Spacey is the show. As Frank Underwood, he controls every aspect of Washington politics, appearing to win the war, even when he loses a battle. President Underwood seems more interested in the challenge of a fight, then in whether he wins or loses.

If you are looking for peace of mind after watching all of Season 5, as I did over the last two days, forget it. While the plot will keep you at the edge of your seat, once a problem gets resolved, another presents itself.

I believe that no matter how many more seasons this series runs, Frank Underwood will face and overcome any challenges to his authority, even those by his better half.

While there are some scenes that don't seem necessary for the plot, the overall episodes continue to shine.

Strengths: The cast, especially Kevin Spacey.

Weaknesses: At times, a complicated set of subplots. You might need a scorecard to keep up.

Continuum
(2012)

Great Cast, Great Plot
Continuum is an example of a perfect mix of cast and plot. It is clear from the first through the last episodes what the main plot of the series is. While I do not wish to reveal a major SPOILER, I will say that there is little doubt that the story goes full circle.

I watched the show on Netflix, so I was able to watch all the episodes within a matter of a couple of weeks. I looked forward to the next show and was not disappointed by any of them.

Strengths: Many, including cast, story line, action, relationships, cop story, crime, and unexpected twists.

Weaknesses: The series should have run another season so we could see how everyone's individual story line finished. Of course, this is not reality, but a dream of sorts.

I highly recommend this series, although it is clearly not for the young.

The 100
(2014)

Great cast, disappointing plot
To protect against spoilers, I am writing in general, not providing specific examples.

First of all, The 100 has a great cast. I just wish the plot was better written. I watched season one and two within a week, then started season three. If they had concluded the show after two seasons, I would have rated it much higher.

Strength: The actors

Weaknesses:

* story lines are too long * lack of a clear main plot * too many events running simultaneously * unrealistic survival of injuries/accidents

Overall, this television series seems more interested in gore and horror than science fiction. A more focused sustained plot and less butchery would make it a better television series.

Sorry, but I gave up watching this frustrating show.

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