Joint Discussion: Shadow and Bone (Season 1)

This month we went a little rogue. Instead of a book or movie, we decided to review the 1st season of Shadow and Bone. 

Blodeuedd is in red and I am in purple.

Title:  Shadow and Bone
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

Released: April 2021
Season: 1 - 8 episodes
Rating: TV-14


Dark forces conspire against orphan mapmaker Alina Starkov when she unleashes an extraordinary power that could change the fate of her war-torn world.

TRAILER: 

DISCUSSION:

***SPOILER WARNINGS***

 I had the lowest hope, YA fantasy, ha, omg this would be so bad. So cliche, everyone would look like models, and boom, ooops, i fell in love ;)

I was worried too bc YA fantasy is a tough genre. It is easy to fall into the cliche circles. I’ve wanted to read the books but was too scared. Same with the show...I was scared. BUT I am glad we took the risk and watched it (*cough* thanks for forcing me hehehe  *cough*). I fell in loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee too!

I mostly fell in love with the Darkling though *happy sigh* Omg Ben Barnes and that scruff, that is what dreams are made of. Were there other actors? Where?

Hahaha he was indeed dreamy! I liked Mal too, not AS dreamy, but def the guy you would take home to meet your parents. The Darkling is the bad boy you never take home because you know mom would fall in love too ;) 

LOL. True. I know falling for the bad boy is so cliche, but OMG that scruff. Fine, yes I have a huge Barnes crush. Mal, meh, I had actually none feelings, I was mostly confused why he and Alina never had acted on their feelings, I did not really buy their, omg we suddenly love each other thing.

Barnes is dreamy and the Darkling’s powers ROCKED! Scary but awesome. BF really wants/thinks Mal has a secret power because of how well he can sense things and track really well. I can buy that. But I agreeeeeeeeeee….I don’t understand their relationship. It’s like they both have feels but don’t act on it and then they get mad at each other. I don’t understand it. I was so mad at them both about being so DENSE about the letter thing. Like...come on! Use your dang heads. 

Yes, what so they never got drunk, never sat in a tent on a campaign and thought omg tomorrow we die? I can in the end believe that, but I can’t believe that they both had feelings. Why never say so then?

Hmm, powers? Interesting

RIGHT? I have a hard time imagining they never once accidentally kissed or something. Hopefully we see more in season 2 or Alina gets with the Dream Boat. IDK. SOMETHING.

And yessssss BF thinks he has a power that he doesn’t know about. Did he ever get tested? They didn’t really show it. He was always hurt WHICH BF thinks he might be like Wolverine because he has been so close to death SO many times and hasn’t died and heals relatively quick….so who knows?!

I was so caught up in my crush that I did not consider that. It does make sense!

I didn’t consider or think it either, but he’s convinced (I think he has a mini guy crush on Mal hahaha). 

I do hope we get to see more powers in the next season. There are some powers we really didn't see in action. I want to learn more about the Darkling powers too. 

More powers please.

But first, some negative things, I was confused coming into this world. It made no sense. The fold? The world? I had to check some maps to get a handle of things. Like how they could not go around the fold. How the Gang came there, what ship? I thought they were like the next town over or something.

I agree. I was a little confused too. I re-watched the first episode and I did some research to understand this world. As far as I know you CAN go around it (which was mentioned quickly by someone) but you have to cut into the enemies’ territory in order to do so and they are at war with them. As for the other country I think they are not on good terms with them either (that is the country Alina’s parent is from). Sooooo I’m beginning to think that this country doesn’t get along with anyone so they rather take their chances and go through the dark fold. 

Here it’s where it does not make sense. You only need a thin patch of land. You take your army, conquer and hold it. And then people can go through. Like do it!

But if you’re at war with like 2 other countries and they ripped in half….they are not making good decisions. And now the one half wants to ditch the other half and be its own country. They have a lot of problems. They have a dumb king who makes dumb decisions. 

But they only ever showed that army on two sides of the fold. Like why? I know you hate your neighbors, but think how they could prosper, they could demand a tax for going around. But yes I still think brute force. You just need to go around, not an entire country

That would be smarter but that one country is crazy witch haters and wants all the witches to burn so I can see them not caring about getting extra money from them because they harbor the witches and employ them. Dumb rulers the lot of them. I don’t blame the Darkling for just wanting to be in charge. Heck...I think they need a strong hand. Dumb humans. 

Same, I get why the Darkling wants to change things, and omg all countries suck. Kill all humans!

Sometimes I found myself siding with him. Those humans are terrible and have no loyalty and are terrible to the grisha. Humans always fear what they do not understand. Such a pity because it’s so cool that some people have these powers. 

Right, what did you think of the kidnapping gang? I was not at all interested in them. The goat thing was cute though.

I got more interested in them as the story went on and especially when I realized that their actions really were going to play a huge role in the events about to happen. Especially in the last episode but it did take me a bit to be interested in them. I really did adore the gunslinger. That is going to be interesting in the next season. He is awesome. And that goat! Bring the goat back!!

I just found it so hard to believe they could pull it off. Like hello, everyone hates you, up your security! And Inej, dunno what to feel, like I can’t kill, and then kill! Also those grishas did nothing! So I kind of hated them there.

I thought it was so impossible it might be possible that they COULD pull it off. I bet they are going to be game-changers in the next season. I feel like this was a warm-up for them. OMG the security in that place shocked me….how could the Darkling allow for weak borders like that? No background checks? No heartranders double-checking? I did want to see more Grishas siding with Alina….I was disappointed in them but they were so blinded by the Dream Boat….which….can you blame them?

I’d be blinded. What else, I can’t remember now. I did like when we learned about Darklin’s past, I got him then. From what  I understand Alina was not half Shu in the book, and it had me confused here. Like how did she end up here then? Did one of her parents dump her there? Was Mal half Shu too?

From what I gathered her parents and his parents died in the fold. I wonder if they were soldiers too? I do want more backstory of HOW they ended up orphans and what not. I am curious about reading the book (at least book 1) and seeing how different and maybe getting more backstory about the world. 

Oh right, I forgot! But yes how could one of her parents be Shu then? Questions! It was weak on backstory.

That is my biggest issue was the lack of backstory. You get small snipbits here and there but I really think we needed more. 

Omg it is getting late here. Awesome show! I binged it. I am team Darkling. I do NOT want him to end up with ALina, the rest can die. I want him to rule, mowuahahahahahahahaha

Sameee. We have to do the last bit of yard work. But yess...I binged it twice. It was a really good show. Just wanted more backstory, but it works overall. I adore the Darkling and Mal...maybe Mal and Alina will switch sides and join him. MWUAHAHAHAHA. Let the Darkling rule the world ;) But yes - I for sure recommend. I do want to read book 1 now. 

I do NOT want to read the books. You can try that. Watch it!

The end?

I’ll let you know how book 1 goes hehe.

The end!

Time for TV Tuesday: The Orville (Season 1 & 2)

Recently Finished:

The Orville (Season 1 & 2)

Through: Hulu

I've never really been one about space stuff. I'll watch it...but I'm not crazy about this genre. However, I was convinced to watch this. I do adore Seth Seth MacFarlane so it didn't take too much convincing to give the show a try.

The show takes place 400 years in the future. Captain Mercer and his crew travel the galaxy to explore and help where they are needed. 

What I love about this show is that it is not a complete spoof. Sure they poke fun and make a few jokes, but this is a serious show. Serious topics and serious character development. It was the perfect blend of seriousness and comedy. Some jokes fall a little flat and can be dry. BUT I do love dry humor so I enjoy it and the awkward flat jokes make me laugh even harder. 

Honestly, the first couple of episodes are just okay. However, every week the show gets better and better and better. I can't wait for season 3. 

Where is everything going to lead? I am worried Ed and Kelly will get back together. I love both characters BUT not together. You got a divorce for a million reasons (the cheating number 1), and it just won't work. I just want them to be friends, but I do see some hints they will end up getting back together. SIGHS. We shall see. 

In the end, this a really good show. I can't wait for season 3. I shall stamp this with 4 stars. 

Time for TV Tuesday: The Mandalorian (season 1)

Recently Finished:

The Mandalorian (Season 1)

Through: Disney +

Okay...I will admit it...I am not crazy about the 'Star Wars' movies and universe. I've watched them and I appreciate them for what they are. Some movies have been fun and exciting. Some? Meh. I didn't anticipate watching this...but...I randomly just put it on and I was hooked. 

So - this does not follow the increasingly annoying Skywalkers (too many movies...let them be at peace and move on to other places in the university and other characters). We have a legit Mandalorian who has become a bounty hunter. He is tasked with bringing in a valuable bounty. Things happen and he becomes attached to the little one. He becomes his father-like figure. 

I love, love Mando. He is badass, but humble and smart. He knows when to go blasting in and when he needs to be more careful. I would want him on my side. Plus...I am with him with being anti-droid/robot. I wouldn't trust them either especially after when we learn what happened to his family and village. Poor guy. 

Loved the baby. Soooo cute. Hopefully we will get more of a glimpse into the history of this creature's species. It has been such a mystery. 

We had a lot of characters that we met along the way. Some good. Some bad. Some a little of both. Some even surprise you! I loved going around to different parts of the universe. It was very fun! It really made me like this universe more. My favorite character was Kuiil and his little friends. I HAVE SPOKEN!!!!

The naming of each episodes were a nice touch. We got to see Mando grow into the Father role and protector. We see the creature get a little stronger with the Force. Bless that little creature!

OoooOOOooooOOOooo those last two episodes. My heart! SOBS! Will not say...but just rip my heart out YOU MONSTERS!!!!!!! SOBBBSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! I am not amused how it ended at all. Nope. Nope. I still love the show, but I wasn't happy. It broke my heart. I will watch season 2 when it comes out...but I will need them to redeem themselves. 

Overall, the show was really good. It made me want to watch more. I hope they follow this path and we go more like this. Boo to the Skywalkers...YAYY to Mandalorian and the baby! 4 stars (sorry - had to take one star away for what they did to my heart). 

Time for TV Tuesday: The Bold Type (Season 1-3)

Recently Finished:

The Bold Type (Seasons 1 - 3)

On the recommendation (and persistence) of a couple of my gal pals, I watched this show. I rarely watch chick flick TV shows. Not because I don’t like them, but because they normally bore me. Thus, is why I rarely read chick lit unless I really can’t resist. 

The show follows three friends in New York. They met at this famous woman’s magazine in all different departments. They became best friends. We have Kat, Jane, and Sutton.  

Sooo I started this journey not sure. I had really low expectations and I was expecting to be bored by episode 2. However,…I was pleasantly surprised by this show. 

There are three seasons and I finished ALL pretty quickly. Season 1 took me a little longer, but I still went through it in about 2 or 3 days. Season 3 I got done in a single day. Yep. I couldn’t stop. I totally binged that last season and I am SOOOOOOOOOO mad. I want season 4 NOW! I NEED TO KNOW! HOW CAN THEY LEAVE ME THUS! MONSTERS! Ugh…yes….it was a huge cliffie at the end there and I am SO mad. It was a good cliffie. But ugh. 

Let’s talk about the characters. 

We have Kat. I like her but she is too rash and immature in some of her decisions. Drives me nuts. But I love how she is really opening up and being honest with herself. She is easy to tell it how it is for everyone else, but she is becoming so well-rounded as a character. But she still makes DUMB decisions. I guess you can’t control who you love. 

We have Sutton. I simply adore her. She is SO funny and SO fun. I really relate to her in so many ways. She is so brave and confident. Sometimes she needs a good kick in the romp, but I adore her. There was a part in season 3 I was annoyed with her. C’mon lady…get your head out of your ass, but I get WHY she was the way she was about certain things…but still…don’t be dumb. 

Speaking of growing on me….there is Jane. I hated her season 1 and season 2. Okay hated is a strong word, but I really wanted to kick her. She is so self-centered and so dramatic about EVERYTHING. Like take a chill pill lady. Jacqueline was right and she really needed to grow up. It took nearly a full 2 seasons for me to like Jane. Near the end of season 2 I found myself actually liking her. She really developed during a certain phase of time. She needed it for sure. 

I did not care for Richard at first, but he grew on me. LOOOOVVEEEE HIMMMM the most. Pinstrip is okay…but….there is something that bugs me about him; I can’t pinpoint it (ha). I like Alex too. Dr. Ben was fun. Honestly? I woulda picked him. He was sweet and smart and funny and that accent. EEEE Adena…no. I loath her so much. I liked the other girl WAY better. Booo. Gods, I hate Adena. She doesn’t really care about Kat. Not at all. She is SO selfish and SO rude. Ugh. SUPER UGH! I do not even have the words to express my dislike of this character. Kat deserves the sun darnit! 

I wish I had a boss like Jacqueline. *green with jealousy*

Oooo what to say without spoilers?

This show is SO funny and SO heart-warming. It is also a show that tackles real, modern day issues like sexism, racism, bodyisms (not a word, but they go over all aspects of self-love), love, friendship, technology, politics, fashion, and becoming the best version of you. Such a good show. I highly recommend it if you like people stories. I’ll give this 5 stars.  

Saturday Movie Night (TV EDITION): Anne with an E

Hello everyone! This month Blodeuedd and I decided to shake it up a bit and watch Season 1 and Season 2 of 'Anne with an E'.

Blodeuedd is in red and I am in orange.

Title: Anne with an E 
Genre: Drama
Running Time: Season 1 & Season 2
Rating: TV - PG
Released: 2017 - 2018


The adventures of a young orphan girl living in the late 19th century. Follow Anne as she learns to navigate her new life on Prince Edward Island, in this new take on L.M. Montgomery's classic novels.

DISCUSSION: 

Mmm, your text was hidden from me just now. Sigh. Not my day! Let us start

Very weird! But yesssss. I am so glad we watched this. I’ve had this on my list for a while. So long that season 2 already came out. LOL I am so bad.

Same! I am glad I finally watched it, all thanks to the book Marilla of Green Gables. Which also made me realise many have not read or watched the previous series. OMG I loved that series as a kid. Canadian tv rocks! It was so sweet.

I never watched it as a kid! D: I heard of it and I wasn’t really interested. Not sure what was wrong with my kid mind.

Well to be honest, there wasn’t much on when I was younger. Things I remember was Anne of Green Gables, Flying Doctors (best show ever), MacGyver and Little house on the Prairie. So those were always on re-runs ;)

I remember Little House on the Prairie. That was fun. I was a Full House and Prince of Bel-Air kid. I also liked the anime shows (nerrrddddddd kid). So yes. This was a first for me. I wasn’t sure what to expect. LOL. Anne is a handful D: IDK if I could handle her as my kid.

Lol. I like to think that I have a good imagination, but Anne’s head is always in the clouds. And at that time when chores had to be done and houses not burned down ;) Well, I can imagine her being quite the handful.

I feel like I would have a hard time being her friend at first. Not that she is a bad person, but she is clueless and embarrassing. She is also pretty darn selfish. Bless Diana’s heart. Took her in right away even though all the others were like “ew red-headed orphan!” Which. I like red-heads...I am jealous I don’t have red hair. >_>

Yes, why the hate on red-heads?  Always wanted red hair! And why the hate on her being an orphan?! Privileged two parents assholes!

But yes Anne is, more fun to read or watch then to have as an actual friend. I guess you grow used to her and then I imagine she is quite wonderful. Always thinking of new games. But she is also THE BIGGEST DRAMA QUEEN ever.

Yesss that town needed to have a reality check. HOW MANY TIMES DOES ANNE HAVE TO SAVE THE DAY FOR YOU PEOPLE TO AT LEAST TOLERATE HER!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! I wanted to scream. Like….c’mon she is learning the proper ways to act in society. She was a damn orphan. Give the girl a break. That one boy (can’t remember his name) was such an asshat. I wanted someone to beat him. Terrible kid. No reason for it. He has a good home and friends. UGH

And yessss she was a huge drama queen. She really needs to see a therapist. Things got overly dramatic at the end of season 2. I was a little meh about it. Like….I don’t know what to say without spoiling. But c’mon. Everyone chill.

I liked season 1, it was nice. But in season 2 I felt they took on too much too fast. Race, social differences, gender, women’s role, sexuality in different forms, bullying. Every issue there is they wanted to bring forth. Too much at once.

Yes, they did take on too much in the last season. I get all those are important things especially back then. But focus on a couple of things. Save some plot line for the next season.

I guess that if they did not know they would get a 3rd then they wanted to discuss everything! But it was all too fast. Spread it out! Like now I felt the whole Dash thing so weird. What kind of grown man follows a 14 year old boy home and lives with him? And then his romance, also too fast!

I feel like they went around the whole thing wrong. Maybe Dash comes to town with him and then gets a house in the town. Meets his girlfriend. The boy is lonely and asks Dash and the wife to move in. I think I would’ve felt better that way. It just felt awkward. Don’t get me wrong. I adored the Dash character, but like you said...it felt rushed and awkward. Season 1 was soooo good and Season 2 felt so rushed and jam-packed with all these social issues.

Dash was wonderful, but yes his story should have been spread out over more and now just have them move in and..weird! And then they had those other things too. Like I would have liked the Miss Stacy thing to have its on time too. She was interesting. A woman in pants. Shocking! But like all other things it was thrown in there. S1 was much better. Sad but true.

They were prolly worried that was the last season. Not sure if they even announced another season or not. But I wished they did spread things out. I was happy to learn more about Anne’s adopted parents. Poor things. Gave up so much. I am so glad that Matthew got to have his moment of anger. He really held it all in with his silent ways. He was so resentful and I don’t blame him! I would’ve been too. He lost his brother too!

It does make me wonder, how did the brother died? Did I miss it?

They only allude to it. I don’t think they actually say HOW he died. How they talk about it was that it was just an accident of some sort.

At least they did not throw that in also, maybe it can be said in s3. Which I hope is more calmed down.

Have they announced s3 yet? I want to watch it! Even though S2 was rushed, I still enjoyed it overall. LOL. I want to see what happens next to these characters. *does research* Yesss looks like S3 is confirmed. Cool.

I meant to have so many things to say and now...siiiiiilence. Ok, so yes it is a fun series. I always like historical and it is fun to watch. Even when rushed.

There are a lot of topics they bring up but I feel like some of them will spoil the storyline. And again I apologize for the small spoiler I gave you a while back ;). It is a good show to watch and discuss. This town sucked at first but they are better now.

Well, that town is meant to suck, hehe. And they will grow and accept more things…*coughs* ANd there will always be asshats!

UGH the queen of having a closed mind is Marilla’s friend. I wanted to smack her! But then there were times she was awesome and then she would suck again. Ugh!!!! Maybe she won’t suck in season 3.

All people have ups and downs I guess. But she was being a b*tch at times

She was the worst. She was just as dramatic as Anne. LOL

Oh no, she is Marilla’s Anne! Like DIana to ANne

Oh dear god. Does that mean Diana is going to end up a spinster??????!!!! LOL

 Do you want me to spoil it?

Nooooo. LOL I’ll have to wait like a good girl. But I doubt Diana would be a spinster.

Oh now I remember. The teacher romance..that was weird too. I felt like they started it like one thing and then made it another thing.

Ewwww that whole thing was gross. Maybe if the teacher was actually good looking it wouldn’t have been gross? IDK but he looked like a child molestor (which in fact he was). He was a mean werido.

But at that time no one thought it would be weird if that girl married him. I guess she was like 17? Totally ok if he had a future. But it was so strangely done. Like with the whole season

True. It wouldn’t have been super weird...but HE made it gross. He looked gross, sounded gross, just ew. If he had been even remotely pleasing to the eye I think I wouldn’t be so grossed out. I’m glad it ended the way it did. He was an ass.

He was the worst kind of bully. I wanted to kick his arse.

Me too! Me too!

So, do we have more to add?

Without spoiling anything major??? Mmmm. Nothing but...Watch this show. It is good. At least watch s1.

Too bad s1 ends with a spoiler so you have to watch more!

LOL yesss it was a good way to end it. I couldn’t help but start s2 in a rush. OH THOSE GUYS! *shakes fist*

So long Avonlea then!

Can’t wait for s3!!!!!!! 

Time for TV Tuesday - Versailles (Season 1)

Recently Finished:

Versailles (Season 1)

Season 2 is finally arrived! It has been SO long since I watched Season 1, so I had to re-watch the season just to brush off the dust. It was so good the first time that I honestly did not mind. 

Ooooooh Versailles. This is the number 1 place I want to visit. I have many reasons….for the history, for architectural reasons, for the gardens, for personal reasons, and so many other reasons. Whenever I see or hear about Versailles I feel so connected with it. I can see it in my mind’s eye. So beautiful. So naturally I had to watch this show. 

The show follows King Louis on is voyage to build a new city for his court. This came to him in a dream and he realized that this is the New France that he wanted to build. He wanted this to be his pyramid. His mark upon the world. Along with this, he has to deal with jerky nobles who are all jerks and with all the intrigue of people trying to kill him or the ones he loves. It is not easy being a King. Sure you get all the food and women you want. All the riches are yours. But you also become a glittering target and sometimes friends become enemies and you love your loved ones through death or betrayal. Life is never easy. 

I adore the actor who plays King Louis. He is wonderful. He certainly embodies the man and I couldn’t think of someone better. I also adore his head of Security, Fabian. Oh! And I love the Gardner. I also love poor Sophie. Bless her little heart. Honestly, the whole cast does well. My only nick pick is that the vast majority of people have the English accents (which whatever – I’m used to it by now), but the ONE English character has a Swiss-French accent. I like her a lot, but it is a little confusing. There were times she was able to care off an English-French accent, but the majority of the time it was heavily a Swiss-French accent. She was a wonderful Henriette, but it took a minute to get used to the accents. I just wish everyone would share one accent in these films. Like everyone do French or do English or do Swiss. Just want some continuity lollll. 

Anyways….yes, the cast did wonderful overall. 

I have no real complaints about Season 1. I started Season 2 the other day. I’m trying not binge watch it since I just binged watched season 1, but it is hard. 

This is a really good show. I highly recommend it for my fellow History Buffs. Some big and small inaccuracies, but nothing annoyingly untrue that is just too much. 

FYI – be warned…the last episode will drive you to continue to season 2. It drove me mad for a long time and then they finally saved me by coming out with the next season. Thank goodness.  

I’ll give season 1 a 5. More so a 4.5, but I rounded since I don’t give decimals. 

Time for TV Tuesday: Salem (Season 1)

Recently Finished: 

Salem (Season 1)

Just finished watching season 1. It took me super long to finish this season. Why? It is a lot to take in. It really isn't a binge watching type of show. Two episodes is my max. Not because it is bad...it is intense. There is a lot to soak in and think about. In a way, I think it is extremely good. 

This is extremely historically inaccurate. But I do not think they were even trying. This is super paranormal so they just went nuts with the story and just made it entertaining. I took off my historical hat and put on my paranormal hat. Doing that made this show so much better. Yes, they do drop some real people's names, but don't let that fool you. For example, Mr. Hale is a witch from an ancient line...so yeah...you can't take it serious. The show does not at all claim to be going for historical accuracy here, so one has to pretend this is all a work of fiction. 

But yes...this is dark. Super dark. Mary is our main character. She is recruited to be a witch after a terrible blow when her lover, John, is sent away to fight in a war. She decides to become a witch to get her vengeance on the evil Puritans. Years go by and she has become wife to the head selectman in town and is starting her devilish plan. And like a bad love song, John comes back to shake things up. 

What I really loved about this show is the fact that there is no good or evil. Just different shades of grey. Where the witches really the evil ones? Yes and no. They did bad things, but also good things. Where the Puritans really the good ones? Yes and no. They did good things, but they did bad things. 

I think my favorite character was Isaac. Poor guy. Great actor for sure and I think he was the best written character on the show next to Mary. Mary is my second favorite so far. I did like Tituba, but she really did something bad and now I can't stand her. If I was Mary......mmm

I also REALLY love the concept that the witch trials in Salem was orchestrated by witches to kill innocents so they can attempt the dreaded Grand Rite and bring darkness to the land. Simply love it.

I can't wait to start season 2. Season 1 ended with a huge reveal which makes me hate Tituba more and feel even worse for Mary. She is just a pawn and it makes me sad. I can't say more. I need to get to my TV. 

Soooo this show is off to a great start. I recommend it so far.