THE COMPLETE 2014-15 SEASON REVIEW
From June 2014 - May 2015
Total Shows: 67 Complete + 14 to Catch-Up
Written by Gavin Hetherington
I don't know about other people, but I consider a television season (as I watch so many summer shows) to span from June to May. So any show that premiered in June 2014 (or sometimes late April/May if there will be more episodes airing after June) will be a part of my complete 2014-15 review. That means quite a few shows that ended before December 2014 that were included in my 2014-15 mid-season review will reappear here, but to avoid repetition I've included new thoughts and feelings, and the shows that were still in the middle of airing now have a complete season that I can properly review. I will keep reviews shortish too as I watch a bazillion shows (overstatement).
But to also differentiate from the mid-season review, I have sorted the shows out so they will be in sections of my absolute favourite shows of the season, to the middle and finally the ones that I perhaps didn't enjoy so much. I don't watch shows to hate on them and I do love a lot of the shows here, but I know even my favourite shows have some rough patches and a couple of shows found that rough patch here. I also found it hard to sort comedies into these sections so they get their own section.
Remember these are all just my opinions. I love differing opinions so let me know your thoughts in the comments, whether you agree, disagree, or have your own thoughts - I'd love to hear them! My mini-reviews are only there to spark discussion, so no doubt I'll have a lot more to say in the comments.
The orgasm-inducing shows of the 2014-15 season.
(In alphabetical order, not preference order)
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 2nd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "THE LYON'S ROAR"
Hakeeeem! I wasn't going to watch this show at first. I already had so much to watch and I wasn't sure I would like it as it didn't initially appeal to me, but when I would check out the Nielsen ratings every week, I would always be so impressed. The rise of Empire fascinated me so when about 3 or 4 episodes aired, I took the plunge. Do. Not. Regret. Once I got started, I got so addicted that I had to tell all my friends to watch so I could talk about it. I love a good drama and the representation of family and the struggles of acceptance resonated nicely with me. Cookie has to be the best new character of 2015 with some of the best lines - "if you want Cookie's nookie, ditch the bitch." I also felt really connected to Jamal too and his story, and I loved his coming out moment. The songs were pretty great, some of my favourites being You're So Beautiful and Conquerer among others, and I hope season two will have more catchy up-beat songs. Also, really loved Raven-Symone's appearances too. The actors did a fantastic job in this by creating three-dimensional characters in a pretty crazy world. All-time favourite moment? Cookie's and Anika's fight - "Tell me why I shouldn't throw this drink in your bitch-ass face." "'Cause you'd never get up off the floor, bitch."
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 2nd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "FAST ENOUGH"
There are so many words to describe The Flash's premiere season that I just don't think I could fit them all in this mini-review. First of all, there was quite a fast-paced momentum building which, as I write this, I realise suits the very theme of speed from within the show, but still, first seasons can be so hit-and-miss. The Flash mainly hit though, and only had the odd one or two sore episodes. The storylines reached, for me, a satisfying climax, though the death of Eddie Thawne was very sad. Heroic and sad. I also loved the crossover episodes to begin with but felt they became unnecessary by the end of the season (though Oliver's appearance in the penultimate episode was awesome). Grodd was so well done too, and I felt the show handled its heavier storylines very well. I liked that every buggar basically knows about Barry being the Flash, whereas Arrow took 3 seasons for everyone to find out and Smallville took a lot longer. All in all, a very stellar first season, one that excited me from the very beginning and kept it up until the end.
See also: I reviewed four episodes of The Flash for SpoilerTV. Be sure to check them out - "Crazy For You", "Tricksters", "All Star Team Up" and "Who Is Harrison Wells?"
SHOW STATUS: CURRENTLY AIRING 5th SEASON / RENEWED FOR 6th SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "THE GIFT"
Maybe season five hasn't been the absolute best of the show, but I'm still loving it. I usually can't keep my eyes off the screen and I'm still enthralled by all the conflicting storylines going on. Characters just get more and more interesting and I can never predict what they're really thinking or going to do next (I haven't read the books yet). I loved season four so I went into season five with high hopes. So far it hasn't really blown me away but the show continues to deliver despite being at a slower pace. Everything is so interesting - Arya's independence has been awesome, Sansa's storyline has been painful yet enchanting and I really want her to break free and Tyrion's has become pretty orgasm-inducing since appearing before Dany. There are many other storylines obviously but not enough to cover right now. And, after five years, I'm still finding it hard to remember some characters' names. I'm just really bad with names.
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 2nd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "IT'S ALL MY FAULT"
Season one of How to Get Away With Murder was a never-ending escalation of insane goodness. I thought once the mid-season finale aired, it would just be downhill from there as the mystery of Who Killed Lila was pretty much solved as we knew Sam did it. Then the show started playing with our minds, making us think Rebecca could have had something to do with it until, shock horror, Frank did it under Sam's orders. It was a really neat wrap-up of Who Killed Lila and I wonder if Annalise is ever going to find that out - and her reaction when she does will be priceless. Was a shame Rebecca died, but I am so intrigued by who and how it happened! So many questions and I hope season two can continue that. The lawyer-procedural aspect of the show is so very enjoyable too as I love to see the team crack the case, and the Keating 5 - Wes, Connor, Michaela, Laurel and Asher - have great chemistry. They're all fantastic to watch and I like seeing how they handle cases. But out of all new shows that were renewed this season, I worry more for HTGAWM for season 2. I worry that they set the bar high in season one, one that won't be reached in its 2nd season because the main mystery was basically wrapped up. It will take a lot for the show to keep up the momentum but I'm hoping it will.
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 2nd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "THE DEVIL'S MARK"
The biggest surprise for me this season was how much I ended up loving Outlander. Really wasn't sure about this one but it intrigued me, especially due to how popular the show is on this site. Decided to check it out in January and caught up with the first half of the season and oh my, I felt like I'd been pounded multiple times. This show plays on my emotions so much because I absolutely adore Claire and Jamie. They are amazing. The writing of this show is stellar and the acting is, well, there are no words at how amazingly portrayed these characters are. Even at its most shocking, such as the events inside Wentworth Prison, the show manages to handle it all beautifully. I loved the witch accusation storyline and Claire being imprisoned with Geillis was so exciting. There is so much I want to say about Outlander that I simply cannot here but this really is one of the best shows I've watched in such a long time, especially in terms of quality. And I cannot end this without saying I have a deep love for Jamie. That is all.
SHOW STATUS: SERIES FINALE AIRED MAY 10th
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "TWO GRAVES"
I might get some grief for putting Revenge in my elite section of the 2014-15 review. I do apologise to those who were let down by Revenge in its final year, but to me, I never stopped loving the show. Season four gave me basically everything I could want from the show before it ended, including a happy ending for Emily/Amanda and even Nolan, continuing the cycle of revenge that gives this show a unique infinity-times-infinity quality by series end. Sure, if you compare season four with season one, there's a discrepency in quality. But I got to see Amanda reunite with her father and even come out to the world that Emily Thorne is actually Amanda Clarke. Moments I had been waiting for years to see happened. I was shocked to my core when Victoria blew the manor up with her inside, until it turned out that was just a trick. Even then, I was still reeling from being deceived in such a huge manner and I loved it. It was so over-the-top and made Revenge a pretty much kitchen-sink drama. I was never bored with season four at least and I don't think they could have handled the season any better. I am so going to miss this show now. I was hoping for a short 5th season but the way season four went down, I'm glad this was the last season. No need to drag it out any longer, Revenge can now rest in peace.
See also: I reviewed one episode of Revenge for SpoilerTV, be sure to check it out - "Aftermath".
SHOW STATUS: CURRENTLY AIRING 2nd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "ILL MET BY MOONLIGHT"
Hands down my absolute favourite show of this season. I am currently reviewing the second season for SpoilerTV and I am having so much fun doing so. Somehow, the bar rises every single episode and there is never a dull moment in Salem. I don't know how the writers do it but they make me froth at the mouth at the end of every single episode. The way it is portrayed on screen too by the actors and the settings are incredible and they make me believe I'm seeing Salem in the 17th century. I love Mary, she is my favourite character, and to see her struggles as she tries to keep everything in control is a delight. The introduction of Lucy Lawless as the Countess truly elevates season two over season one as she is a foe just as fantastic as Stephen Lang was as Increase (and his 2-episode appearance in this season was brilliant too). The sense of betrayal behind every corner, danger threatening every single character makes this season so edge-of-your-seat that I just cannot anticipate what is to come next. I love the prospect of the witches opening the gates to Hell and allowing the Dark Lord to emerge and with 7 episodes down so far, I just know the last 5 are going to solidify Salem as my favourite show of 2014-15.
See also: I review Salem for SpoilerTV. Check out my review of the latest episode "Dead Birds" and use the episode guide to navigate the reviews.
SHOW STATUS: SERIES FINALE AIRED OCTOBER 5th
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "SMELLS LIKE KING SPIRIT"
I can't tell everyone how perfect I thought Witches of East End was. Season two of Witches built on the great first season the show had and went so much further. I loved that more mythology was being implemented as well as deeper characterisation of the characters and a stronger sense of family. Not only was this just a fantastic season all round, but there were also some really amazing standout episodes too, such as The Brothers Grimoire, When a Man Loves a Mandragora, For Whom the Spell Tolls, and my favourite - Smells Like King Spirit. This show managed to be so deliciously good throughout and I just wanted way, way more episodes. Like 100 more, at least. I sound like a broken record but I still hate, hate, hate, hate, hate that this show is cancelled. Just no Lifetime! No! We are never ever getting back together Lifetime, I'll continue watching Devious Maids but me and you are over. Anyway, without the black spot of the cancellation ruining things, this was a great sophomore season that promised so many brighter things for the future. I love you Witches of East End.
See also: I had an amazing interview with the show creator (Maggie Friedman) half-way through the airing of season two. Also, my Ultimate Renew Witches of East End Guide was a hit with fans.
The still-entertaining shows of the 2014-15 season.
(In alphabetical order, not preference order)
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 2nd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "THE IRON CEILING"
I really preferred Agent Carter over Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. at the time this aired, mainly because I was starting to get bored of S.H.I.E.L.D. at that moment. I loved that this was a show with a small episode count as it felt like more action was condensed and the story was told better in 8 episodes than it would have been with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s 22. Hayley Atwell as Agent Carter was perfection. I loved her in the Captain America: The First Avenger movie so when this show was announced I was thrilled. I'm glad she got more development and her character really elevated with her own show. She could hold this show on her shoulders and I am very happy we are getting a second season (10 episodes too so not too long and not too short).
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 3rd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "S.O.S. Parts 1 and 2"
I really was starting to become quite bored with this show around the middle. Well, I enjoyed the first several episodes, then I fell out of it a bit, then I loved the mid-season finale, started to become bored again, but then the show came back in its last string of episodes which also elevated this show to the Delightful Division rather than the Tasteless Treaty. I fell behind on the last 5 episodes too so being able to watch them back-to-back was quite a delight and I felt I enjoyed it more as a binge show rather than a wait-one-to-twelve-weeks-for-new-episodes kind of show. I do love the characters - though I really missed that sense of unity this season. Of course that can't be helped as Ward betrayed them and it scarred them all, but still I missed the fun chemistry that Leo and Jemma had in season one and I hope they can return to that (though the cliffhanger of season 2 was quite shocking - if someone wants to explain what the hell happened, please do). As much as I do have reservations, I do really like this show and things did pick up by the end of the season.
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 4th SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "THE CLIMB"
Had this been the mid-season review and I had these little categories, this show would have made the Elite Expeditioners. Unfortunately, the second half of the season kind of let me down. I loved the first half, though it was a little disproportional. The second half came back pretty strong but there was a string of episodes in the middle to end that were a bit rocky, then I started to enjoy it again, then the finale kind of let me down again. I think episode 22 would have been the better finale as I wasn't a big fan of ending the season with Oliver and Felicity driving off together. I have nothing against the couple, I do kind of ship them, but it's not how I wanted to end the season. I don't focus on romantic relationships in this show and I like it better when this show focuses more on story and action, so to end the season this way was a little disappointing. I was sad when Sara died, but was shocked when it turned out to be Thea (though she was under Malcolm's control) and I loved that Laurel took her place to become the Black Canary to honour her. I love seeing her early struggles as she gets to grips with her new role so I'm looking forward to seeing her develop. I hope they develop Felicity more too. They started to at the start of the season - such as when she sort of saved herself when she and her mum were kidnapped - but she fell back to being a little whiny. I understand why though as the situations were presented to her, but I hope moving forward she will break out a bit more. As a side note, I kind of love her friendship with Laurel - I need more of that please!
SHOW STATUS: 4th SEASON YET TO BE CONFIRMED
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "NORMA LOUISE"
Until the last half of the season, I was seriously considering putting this in one of the lower ranks, but boy did this season turn itself around. I wasn't the biggest fan of season two as a whole, and even the start of season three didn't interest me too much. But, having said that, I was totally hooked by the time the characters got some hugely-driven development. When Norma snapped and left her family, I think that was a huge turning point and something the show needed. It meant that Norman became a little more psycho, and when he dressed as his mother and started making breakfast for Dylan, I really got chills. Season two stalled, I thought, but season three revved things back up to what made season one so great. I couldn't have really cared too much about the flash drive storyline but as a B-side, it was decent enough. I just loved the focus on our main characters and how much they've developed since season one. I was glad to see Bradley back too, though I am so sad Norman killed her - the only person she had left in the world. So tragic, but what a great moment too. I am hoping this show is renewed soon so I can look forward to a fourth season.
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 2nd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "ONE DAY"
Chasing Life is the best show on ABC Family, for me at least. I caught up on the first half before the second half aired (and the Christmas episode) and I literally sat there for 10 hours watching non-stop. This isn't an adrenaline-pumping show by any means, but what this show does best is the drama and how the characters deal with the drama. April Carver is a brilliant main character and, after that fantastic season one finale, shows just how powerful and strong females can be, especially in dire circumstances. I honestly can't get that scene out of my head when she has the sledgehammer and she just lets it out. Perfection. The cast do a wonderful job here and I am anticipating the second season so much. So many storylines moving forward that are going to be interesting to watch, such as April's and Leo's engagment and how they both deal with that.
SHOW STATUS: SERIES FINALE AIRED SEPTEMBER 22nd
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "BOXED IN"
No new episodes aired since my 2014-15 mid-season review, so this is what I said about the third and final season of Dallas:
Another show where I am totally furious it's been cancelled. I thought Season 3A was pretty boring, but 3B aired during the summer and really picked up the pace. It involved the drug cartel and I think some people criticised it but I enjoyed it. After the cliffhanger of 3A with the burning of Southfork Ranch and Rebecca catching John Ross and Emma having sex, only to say "May I join you?" then be revealed to have overdosed on drugs and began a reaction while in the middle of some sexy stuff with her husband and his mistress. Juicy! There hadn't been anything so juicy since early Desperate Housewives. Season 3B really got going when Ann and Emma got kidnapped and John Ross ended up saving them. There is so much I want to talk about this show but can't. Maybe a full series review is in order. But that ending. That god-damn cliffhanger where Christopher got killed in a car explosion, now we will never ever ever ever see the reactions of his family. I wanted to see reactions. Come on, do you know how great Season 4 could have been. TNT, why?!
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 3rd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "LOOK BACK IN ANGER"
I missed this show out in my mid-season review for some reason, and I have included it here because it aired half the season in what I consider my 2014-15 season. Devious Maids is my guilty pleasure and I have a deep love for Marc Cherry's work, especially since I always gush about Desperate Housewives at every given opportunity. I found that the mystery of season two was weaker than season one's, but I felt like season two had more direction and the writing became tighter this time around. I preferred some things over the first season, and vice versa. I wasn't sure what they wanted to do with Marisol and at first, I thought her storyline was a little forced. But she also found her footing by the end of the season. The show continued to be funny and Evelyn was, of course, on point throughout. The finale was quite the episode too and the cliffhanger was huge. I was fortunate enough to see the season three premiere before airdate and knowing what happens next makes me so excited for season three which could potentially become the best season yet. Season two still stumbled a little but I believe Devious Maids may have found its voice.
See also: I had the chance to preview the season three premiere before its original airing, be sure to check it out.
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 2nd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "IT'S ALL IN THE EXECUTIONS"
Way back to the month of Jan, I had a crazy plan, to watch a funny show called Gaaaalaavant. If I was that creative, I would write this whole paragraph to the theme of Galavant, a song that I really do love, but unfortunately I am not creative enough. This show gets major brownie points for being one of the most entertaining shows of this season and I really wasn't sure what to expect from this when I saw this advertised. I managed to see the first six episodes through screeners and watching them back-to-back gave me so much joy. I always feel happy watching this show, and the characters truly make it one of the funniest shows of the season. King Richard was just magnificent and Madalena was wickedly delicious. The main trio - Galavant, Sid, and Princess Isabella Maria Lucia Elizabetta of Valencia - had electric chemistry and their songs together, such as "A Hero's Journey" and "Togetherness" were both funny and catchy. And I can't leave Gareth out either who surprised me at every turn - "EVERYBODY SING!" Also his knock-knock joke was hilarious and we don't even get to hear it all. Mixed with bizarre humour in a crazy medieval world, I would truly recommend Galavant to anybody in need of some happiness in their life.
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 2nd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "THE STORM"
Hands up if you watched Good Witch? Those who didn't raise their hands, I would definitely recommend this show if you fancy something very feel-good and enjoyable. This isn't a show where there are evil witches and demons and situations where you need a spell to get out of it - rather this about a mother, who happens to be a witch, living in a small town and applying small touches of magic to the people in her life. Cassie Nightingale has to be the wisest character I've ever known on television, and I love her relationship with her daughter, Grace. The family and friendship aspects of this show make this a pretty unique experience. They are indeed witches but that's not all they are and the show is about more than that. I never watched the Hallmark Channel movies of the show (and it's not through lack of trying, it's hard to find them when you live in the UK) but I really hope I can, though I managed to jump right into this show without ever having seen them and still enjoy it. I think you can count this as a sort of seperate entity without the need to see the movies. If you have seen the movies, let me know in the comments about what you thought of them!
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 2nd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "PENGUIN'S UMBRELLA"
I am so useless, I haven't seen the last 4 episodes of the season. Come on Gavin, get your head in the game! But I have enjoyed Gotham this season and thought it was an awesome first season of a show. A bit patchy here and there but so captivating at the same time, so interesting. I really enjoy the portrayals of Penguin and Fish, I think they're both just amazing. Not sure I want to watch season two to be honest, I mean as much as I liked the first season of this show, not sure I want to commit to another season. Not just because Fish isn't going to be in it anymore but I feel like in the middle I was starting to lose a little interest. Not sure if it turns it around at the end but it was getting so good when I stopped watching for time issues.
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 12th SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "THE DISTANCE"
I really enjoyed this season of Grey's Anatomy. I don't think I've liked a season overall as much since the first 6 seasons as I found season 7 quite boring, season 8 to be inconsistently good and not-so-good, season 9-10 decent enough, but season 11 I thought was a great season. I loved the Dr. Harmon storyline with Geena Davis who is incredible, and the resolution of her storyline was pretty awesome - both happy and sad. I want to see her again, see how she's coping with her blindness. The biggest thing to happen though was the death of Derek Shepherd. Must admit, wasn't a big fan of the way he went out and the doctors in that other hospital were stressing me out. While I didn't really like how he died, I did love that Ellen Pompeo had some great, raw material to work with. She gave Meredith a whole new depth - a feat I thought was impossible after 11 years playing the same character. Loved how Amelia handled it too and the resentment she showed Meredith. I liked the finale and that they made up. I thought this was going to be a bad season with the absence of Cristina but it was the complete opposite.
See also: Grey's Anatomy celebrated 10 years this year in March. Check out my 10th Anniversary article on SpoilerTV!
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 2nd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "PILOT"
I knew as soon as I finished watching the screener for the first two episodes I was going to love this show. And I really do. Unfortunately I'm a little behind on this show but I've seen most of them, just need to catch up on the last few, but I do really love what I've seen so far. I love the whole zombie situation and how normal it can be, and I sometimes get lulled into that false security until the show reminds us that these zombies can be dangerous. I feel like we're building to something big and important though so I look forward to seeing what comes next. I was worried the show wouldn't be renewed after the CW hastily renewed most of their shows at the beginning of the year but they saw sense here. Not only is this show respectably stable in ratings with or without The Flash, the show is just so enjoyable.
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 2nd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "AND THE LOOM OF FATE"
This show is just crazy good fun. I find myself enthralled with the mythology introduced in each episode and their own modern take on it. The cast of characters are fantastic and I really do like each and every one, though I have a soft spot for my Rebecca Romijn (Eve). I enjoyed the finale quite a lot and found it very exciting with the alternate realities and seeing these characters in different environments and ways. Cassandra's alternate reality was bewitching and Ezekiel's was terrifying! I hope in season two they develop Jake a little more - though with each of the librarians doing their own thing, I wonder how season two will work. It was a perfect finale that could have been a perfect series finale too but I'm glad TNT renewed this show to sort of make up for cancelling Dallas though they haven't been fully forgiving.
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 3rd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "'TIL DEATH DO US APART"
No new episodes aired since my 2014-15 mid-season review, so this is what I said about the second season of Mistresses:
The second season of Mistresses aired this summer and I began reviewing the show from episode nine for SpoilerTV when I joined the site in August (be sure to check them out if you haven't already). Mistresses is the perfect little summer show and the second season continued that. It's nowhere near the sheer perfection of one of my all-time favourite dramedies, Desperate Housewives, but I do like a lot of the storylines and developments that happen on the show. The characters can be enjoyable though in this season, Savi was on the backburner due to her pregnancy. It makes it all the more devastating that she will not be returning for the third season where she could have had a bigger presence and returned back to top form. Dammit! I was so hoping for a Season 3 and when I got it, I was overjoyed. Now? Not so much. I do want to see what happens next with Joss and Harry as I have conflicting emotions about that couple even though they can be so cute together and find they have great chemistry, I just wanted to see Savi's reaction to it. Karen had more of a juicy storyline this season while April had a half-decent one, but her situation definitely heated up by the end when her daughter found out her father was really alive all this time - a secret April had been keeping. Season 2 has set some big things in motion for Season 3 so I hope, even with Savi's absence, the show will keep up the momentum.
See also: Need a little catch-up of the season two finale before the season three premiere on June 16th? Read my review of "'Til Death Do Us Apart" to refresh your memory.
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 5th SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "SHATTERED SIGHT"
I surprised myself when I didn't put this show in the Elite Expeditioners category, especially with how crazily in love I am with Once Upon a Time. I was starting to like the split-season-arcs until this season showed just how inconsistent it can make the structure of the season as a whole. I loved the Frozen-arc and I loved the Queens of Darkness-arc but they kind of both didn't live up to their full potentials. I feel like both could have done so much more with the material they had. But I still did love each arc, so this show just confuses me because I don't know how I'm supposed to feel sometimes. Now I wrote in my mid-season review that I thought the Frozen arc didn't disappoint and I don't feel disappointed but reflecting on the season made me realise it wasn't perfect. The Queens of Darkness arc, including the story of the Author, is similar where I enjoy it at the time but looking back I think so much more could have been done. I loved that the villains were given such big stories and I cannot stress how perfect Victoria Smurfit was as Cruella de Vil. I also really enjoyed Merrin Dungey as Ursula and it was great to have Kristin Bauer back for a visually-improved Maleficent. All in all it was a great season with so much going on and I liked a lot of it, but it still leaves me with a not-perfect-enough taste in my mouth. Great finale though and I look forward to seeing what happens next in season five.
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 3rd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "WE HAVE MANNERS. WE'RE POLITE"
No new episodes aired since my 2014-15 mid-season review, so this is what I said about the second season of Orange Is the New Black:
Totally excited for this to return, especially after the great second season. And what a great second season it was. I thorougly enjoy this show so much. The characters are totally insane but in a way that's watchable and makes this show a truly unique experience. The last prison show I watched was Bad Girls so I like how different this show is compared to other shows right now. Season two was great with the introduction of Vee. She was evil!! Was glad she got her commupence. I really missed Alex Vause in season two though, I was totally shocked she got out in the premiere and Piper was left inside jail. Totally unexpected. I loved the conflicts and occassional teams this season. I was actually scared for the safety of some of them, so I hope season three can remain funny but dramatic.
SHOW STATUS: CURRENTLY AIRING 2nd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "GRAND GUIGNOL"
I haven't watched any of season two yet so this is a mini-review of the first season that ran from May to June last year, so I'm taking you all back a bit here. I'm still not entirely sure what to make of Penny Dreadful as it's so crazy and weird but I loved watching it earlier this year as a binge. I'm a huge fan of Eva Green and I think she is perfect in the role of Vanessa. I really like Reeve Carney's portrayal of Dorian Gray as well and I think the cast does a wonderful job. I really don't have a lot to say about Penny Dreadful other than it was a good first season that drew me in and I'm glad I don't have just one episode to watch next.
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 6th SEASON AND FINAL 7th SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "TAKING THIS ONE TO THE GRAVE"
I still love Pretty Little Liars. Yes, it gets a little weird and yes, it's going around in circles but I am still always wanting to tune in. I feel better knowing there's an end in sight too with season seven being confirmed as the final season, so it's nice to know we have answers coming. Season five was pretty mixed. I felt it had an alright start, got a little boring, then got really exciting in the mid-season finale, trailed off a little then slowly returned to being really good by the finale. The finale was awesome too, I loved the whole dollhouse aspect and that it's going to continue into season six. It was definitely one of PLL's best cliffhangers. Once Hanna got arrested, the show got more interesting and I was so glad to see Mona was still alive! I was a bit disappointed when the Big A Reveal was that Charles is A when we don't even know who Charles is. Love the theories though and if you have any, let me know. I am looking forward to season six.
See also: I review Pretty Little Liars for SpoilerTV. Check out my review of the season five finale, "Welcome to the Dollhouse".
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 3rd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "ACTS OF WAR"
There were a lot of problems with the second season of Reign though I don't believe the criticism this show has had has been entirely fair. I much preferred season one, but even so I still looked forward to seeing the next new episode. The show went a little weird with the Catherine seeing the ghosts of her children and Henry, even if it did serve a purpose it was still a little bizarre, and I wasn't a fan of the love triangle with Conde as I felt it was dragged out far too long. Mary's rape was so well done though, I thought, and her pain and suffering afterwards felt very realistic to Mary's character. I really enjoyed the last several episodes and the strained relationship between Mary and Francis but they both overcame it to come out a little wiser. It's going to be so good to see Catherine working with Elizabeth to take down Mary - Mary better watch her back!
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 5th SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "RUN"
I'm disappointed that I physically couldn't put Scandal into my Elite group. I debated it but I knew in my heart that it didn't belong up there, to me. There was a point in this season when it could have but I felt the show seriously derailed a little after the Lawn Chair episode. Who really cares for B613 at this point anymore? I felt they put too much emphasis on it in the second half of the season that I got a little bored. They brought it back round for the final few episodes and made it pretty good to watch, but it was a storyline that needs to buried. I liked that Olivia finally won over her father though. I did enjoy Olivia's kidnapping even if it was so melodramatic but it was written beautifully and I have no complaints there. Just a shame Scandal seems to have peaked, but I hope season five proves me wrong.
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 2nd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "PILOT"
I'm quite taken back how much I enjoyed Scorpion. I thought I would like it, that's why I started watching it in the first place, but I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. I loved Katherine McPhee from Smash so I kind of started watching for her but I stayed for all the characters. I love their brilliant little team and even though it follows the same kind of CBS procedural, it feels so different at the same time. The characters bring something different to the table and when they come together, magic really does happen. The situations they get put in can be a little too much melodrama (Walter's cliffside crash for instance) but it keeps the show exciting so I hope that does continue into season two. Also, I love Happy, I find her hilarious.
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 3rd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "THE AKEDA"
Oh Sleepy Hollow. How did you deteriorate so quickly? Why are you still in my Delightful Division then? Well, I still enjoyed watching this season and I always enjoy watching the amazing due of Ichabod Crane and Abbie Mills. Their relationship did lose a bit focus this season which was a shame but they brought it all back by the end. Some really standout episodes within this season, some great gems, but amongst them are episodes that really drag the season down. I was beginning to like the Dark Katrina storyline until its resolution which left a sour taste in my mouth, and I feel weird knowing that Orlando Jones isn't going to be in it anymore. I'm seriously wondering how this show is going to save itself because it's in desperate need of fixing right now. A lot was wrong with this season but it still remained interesting and entertaining, just sometimes not the right kind of entertaining.
See also: I review Sleepy Hollow for SpoilerTV. Check out my latest review of the season two finale, "Tempus Fugit".
SHOW STATUS: SERIES FINALE AIRED MAY 18th
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "FUN AND GAMES"
Why was this show cancelled (besides rubbish ratings)?! I really liked watching Stalker, not just for the case-of-the-week but for the main storyline with Beth, Perry and Ray. I was surprised they resolved that a few episodes before the finale which was all kinds of crazy good in the woods, but then the show decided to end on an unresolved cliffhanger. I probably wouldn't have minded the show being cancelled as much if it didn't have that cliffhanger. I don't feel like this show changed my life in any way so I won't really miss it but it bugs me with that ending now. Best thing about this show though was the music and the creepy covers of popular songs at the end of each episode - those were brilliant.
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 2nd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "THE MASTER"
No new episodes aired since my 2014-15 mid-season review, so this is what I said about the first season of The Strain:
The pilot felt like a thrilling movie and it made me glad this wasn't made into a movie as there is so much the show explores to this mythology of these ancient creatures. I was on the egde of my seat a few times and I love the whole take on these creatures. I was shocked by Samwise's, I mean Jim Kent's (Sean Astin) death. The show is sort of like the demonic spawn of The Walking Dead and True Blood. There is some dark humour to be had here too but so far I'm taken by the tension of this show. Corey Stoll does a great job leading the show and I hope we get some more interesting characters. I can't wait to see where this pandemic takes them. Just how much worse can it get? Plus, the Master is pretty ugly. Good luck defeating him!
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 6th SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "NO SANCTUARY"
I still put The Walking Dead in my Delightful Division even though this is my least favourite season of the show. The premiere was fantastic and the follow-up episode was great, still kept pretty interesting but I was really bored by the second half for a few episodes in the middle. It got better by the end with the group at Alexandria but I already feel a little bored of that environment. I was a little bugged by Beth's death and how it happened, and then I was so very bugged by Tyreese's death and how it happened, all because of flaming Noah, but he got what he deserved so yay! That was when I started loving the show again. I am disappointed because Walking Dead is one of my favourite shows and I just felt like this season just didn't quite hit the mark of 1-4. I can never criticise the writing for this show though because it's still unreal and the characterisation is still of a very high quality. I feel attached with the characters more than ever that I even felt a little attached to Rick's beard. I can't wait to see how Morgan incorporates into the group, as well as seeing who will live to see the end of season six. Still really excited for season six though as the season did have a very good last string of episodes.
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 2nd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "RESURRECTION Z"
No new episodes aired since my 2014-15 mid-season review, so this is what I said about the first season of Z Nation:
I never thought I'd like this show, at all. I am a huge fan of The Walking Dead and this just looked like a total knock-off to cash in on the zombie genre, but this show is probably more entertaining than The Walking Dead is right now. It's so hard to take Z Nation seriously which is a very nice change but it can be pretty dramatic when it wants to be. The show does a fantastic job at the comedy mind, I never expected to ever see stoned zombies on television, or a zombie bear, or zombies that had been taking viagra. Just bizarre but totally enjoyable. There have been some really captivating storylines and the main characters have come across some interesting people and gotten themselves into some very tricky situations. I've also been surprised by a couple of deaths too. I also love the Murphy storyline and that he's literally turned into this Zombie God who has control over Z's. That's a cool power.
The funny shows of the 2014-15 season.
(In alphabetical order, not preference order)
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 5th SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "AND THE FUN FACTORY"
As I mentioned in my season retrospective in my season finale review, I thorougly enjoyed 2 Broke Girls' fourth season. Not hating on the show's third season, which was fine, but season four was altogether funnier. I remember so much more from season four, not because it was most recent, but because I think there were more genuine stand-out episodes that filled the season. There were some stinkers hidden among the gems, but even those episodes didn't disappoint me and still had something funny within them. The dissolution of the cupcake business following the "cupcake catastrophe" was both sad and hilarious. The focus on the cupcake business slipped by the end, but the finale promises a fifth season filled with cupcake business goodness. The characters remained on point this season too, despite repetitive comedic traits, it all kept within the still-hilarious world of 2 Broke Girls. I could never, ever, fault Max and Caroline. They are two of the best comedic females on television.
See also: I review 2 Broke Girls for SpoilerTV, be sure to read my review of the finale "And the Disappointing Unit" complete with season four reflections. A season guide is also available on the review to check out my reviews of all episodes of the season.
SHOW STATUS: SERIES FINALE AIRED JANUARY 22nd
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "JUDGE AND JURY"
No new episodes aired since my 2014-15 mid-season review, so this is what I said about the first season of Bad Judge:
I began reviewing this show for SpoilerTV and my first official post on this site was the advanced preview of the original pilot, which I really enjoyed. But then they changed the format of the show and I didn't enjoy it as much. I dropped reviewing the show after episode four but I kept watching and funnily enough, after I dropped reviewing the show, Bad Judge actually got a little better. In fact, episode five was my favourite of the show so that was a big slap in the face after episode four was my last review. I kind of kicked myself for that. The first few episodes were clunky and I wasn't convinced until around episode five or six where I started to get the characters' humour. There would always be random funny moments sprinkled here and there but I think the show finally found its footing when it was too late. I really enjoyed Judy actually. She wasn't a big player in the show but when she appeared, she was usually pretty funny. I enjoyed the wacky court cases too. So much potential was here but I think it just needed better material, and as always, I love Kate Walsh.
See also: I reviewed the first several episodes of Bad Judge for SpoilerTV. Including an advance preview of the first episode, "Pilot", "Meteor Shower" and "Knife to a Gunfight".
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 9th SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "THE INTIMACY ACCELERATION"
I don't think I really have anything more to add about The Big Bang Theory after I said there were better comedies out there in my mid-season review. I do find some enjoyment in watching this show, even though it lost that spark ages ago. I do still really like the characters but at this point - at this late in the game - the show needs to stop relying on their character traits to provide the comedy when it's been all been-there-done-that and start branching the characters out a little. I like when the show does something different with the characters as I do often find myself a little bored by them. I do like that Raj has a girlfriend, and I was so sad when Howard's mother died (and may the actress, Carol Ann Susi, rest in peace). I hope season 9 starts to do things differently and make me excited again.
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 3rd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "HALLOWEEN II"
Brooklyn Nine-Nine continued to deliver the funny in its second half of the season after Christmas. I am in mad love with this show and I am looking forward to season three for more mad antics from the crazy characters at the precinct. The cliffhanger too has me on edge, I seriously need to know who the new Captain will be since Raymond is going to be in a new role. It was a cruel way to end the season but good too. I loved Holt's and Wuntch's relationship too and their petty remarks to one another, and they were extra funny in the last few episodes. I remember Holt saying something like "I never thought I'd see you so high without a broom" or similar and it had me laughing for ages. I'm not yet bored of Brooklyn Nine-Nine and I don't think it will get boring anytime soon.
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 3rd SEASON
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "DANNYDONNIEJOEJONJORDAN"
The Goldbergs is just such an underrated comedy. I love it so much and I am so glad it's found its home on Wednesday nights before Modern Family. This show just never brings out an unfunny episode. There's always at least one bad episode in a sitcom these days where you just didn't laugh at all, but The Goldbergs was just fantastic throughout its sophomore season. Don't think I could emphasise just how much I love Beverly Goldberg and the way she goes on. This show makes me sad that I never lived in the '80s (I'm a '90s kid) but I'm glad we are going to get so much more of this show since we have a season three, yay! Also, one little part that stuck out for me this season that kept me laughing for ages so I ended up doing it in real life - when Erica spends time with each of Barry's posse and they briefly touch and all you hear is "'til now I always got by on my own, I never really cared until I met you." So now whenever I touch someone I crush on, or I touch food, 'Alone' now plays in my head, so thanks The Goldbergs!
SHOW STATUS: RENEWED FOR 2nd SEASON TITLED "HOTWIVES OF LAS VEGAS"
EPISODE SPOTLIGHT: "SAY YOU, SEANCE"
No new episodes aired since my 2014-15 mid-season review, so this is what I said about the first se