TV Review: Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 7 "The Traitor" [Emz]

So this episode takes you in so many different directions with all the stories happening. One part definitely tests President Kirkman's negotiation skills.

Here is the Synopsis:

An American track-and-field coach's trip to Russia forces Kirkman into a hostage exchange involving the CIA and the Russian government; Agent Wells and Deputy Director Atwood's investigation uncovers dangerous information

Review:

We begin with the arrest of Team USA's Gymnastics Coach in Russia and learning that he is a spy for the the CIA.

Kirkman has his work cut out to make a deal with Russia to release him.

President Kirkman's wife Alex. makes a trip to Jail to meet with her ex boyfriend who is making accusations about being Leo's father.

Hannah Wells of the FBI is digging deeper into Catalan and McLeish's involvement.

All the stories kept me on edge and I didn't know what was going to happen next. The way Kirkman dealt with the spy stuck in Russia was interesting and finding something Russia wanted to help free the Coach was a smart move.

Also the way that as Wells keeps getting closer to the truth, some people are determined that she is silenced. They go after her boss Atwood.

The pace never really slows down through each episode. I'm glad that the whole story doesn't just rely on the bombings and finding the culprit, but sub stories form throughout each episode. 

I can't wait to see where the story takes us next.

Till next time

Emz x

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TV Review: Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 6 "The Interrogation" [Emz]

This episode is quite deep. It's starts out with informing MacLeish that the Vice Presidency is an option for him. 

Here is the synopsis:

A shooting at the White House during a governors' summit throws President Kirkman's plans to elect a new Congress into turmoil; Agent Hannah makes a shocking discovery in her investigation of the capitol bombing.

Review:

So This episode covers the beginning of MacLeish being vetted for VP (Vice President) and it is looking promising.

The FBI are Interrogating Majid Nassar and he eventually caves and gives them information on the real Terrorist "Catalan." Of course no one is able to work out who this person is.

Finally President Kirkman is dealing with 2 situations. He is throwing a governors Ball and whilst this is happening someone shoots at the White House. The only person injured in this attack in President Kirkman's Bodyguard Mike Ritter who was off Duty.

Following this, President Kirkman starts to attempt  to put together Congress. with difficulty.

I enjoyed this episode. It was full of twists and turns. From the Governor Ball, the interrogation and the shooting to the death of Majid Nassar, the interupted reveal about MacLeish and working out a way to form a Congress.

Nothing ran smoothly, but answers we formed by the end in some way, shape or form. It keeps you in suspense, on the edge of your seat.

I look forward to the next episode.

Till next time

Emz x

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TV Review: Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 5 "The Mission" [Emz]

Now this is where it's continues to get interesting.

This episode is mainly about the search & capture for Majid Nassar, who is suspected of the capital bombing.

Here is the synopsis:

Kirkman dispatches a team of Navy SEALs to Algeria after learning that the government helped Majid Nassar, one of the terrorists claiming responsbility for the Capitol bombing, elude custody; Wells learns the truth about MacLeish's movements on the night of the bombing; Alex finds out someone from her past has made a damning allegation.

Review:

This episode was really good. The fact that the majority of the episode is about the Navy SEAL's going to Algeria to capture Majid Nassar. This was the main focus of the episode, but it didn't detract form other issues that arose during the episode.

Hannah Wells FBI (Maggie Q) is continuing to uncover information surrounding the Capitol Bombing and surrounding Congressman McLeish's survival and the major possibility that he had/ has a role to play within the group responsible for the bombing . There still does not appear to be enough evidence to show that someone else was behind the bombing and to be able to share this information with the President.

There is a huge story unfolding that Leo may not be Kirkman's son and may be his wifes ex partner's child instead.

Kirkman has been trying to find a job for MacLeish and originally offers him speaker of the house, which he turns down.. just for Kirkman to think about offering him the Vice Presidency.

I enjoed all the twists this epiosde takes and that fact that it didn't miss out any other drama unfolding. Looking forward to seeing how this will progress in episodes I have yet to watch.

Till next time

Emz x

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TV Review: Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1 "Pilot'' [Emz]

I discovered this Series on Netflix last year, I haven't quite finished it so I decided to re-watch from the beginning.

The series stars Keifer Sutherland, Maggie Q, Kal Penn & Italia Ricci.

Here is a synopsis:

A low-level Cabinet member becomes President of the United States after a catastrophic attack kills everyone above him in the Presidential line of succession.

Review:

I found this episode quite gripping. What seem like a normal day in the characters lives, turns around in an instant. The whole change happens in the blink of an eye as the whole cabinet including the President is killing in a bombing at the Capital. 

With Tom Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland) being the Designated Survivor, he is suddenly launched into a world he is not used to. It also comes a huge shock for his family.

I like the way no one is sure what to make of him to begin with and at the end of the episode we are not sure that the people behind the attack are finished and everyone seems to be a suspect.

I look forward to remembering how this season progresses and continuing to watch.

Episode 2 coming soon.

Till then

Emz x 

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DVD Review: Hidden Figures [Emz]

So I first saw this film at the cinema and I absolutely loved it. I now have it on DVD and thought I would review the film.

Here is the premise:

Three brilliant African-American women at NASA -- Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) -- serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn (Glen Powell) into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation's confidence, turned around the Space Race and galvanized the world.

Review:

I loved this film. With it being based of a true story and set in a time where you were segregated because of your skin colour. In other words Racism was the norm. These three women were brilliant in their own way and all of them has skills that could equal or outsmart the men at NASA. They fought hard to get what they deserved and it was moving to see all the struggles they went through to get there.

I would recommend this film to anyone. 

That's it for now

Till next time

Emz x

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September 2017: What to watch! [Emz]

So It is now the 1st September and there are a few new and returning shows on our screens this month.

I will be posting three shows that I am looking forward to watching and perhaps some that i'd recommend.

1. Strike: The Silkworm

So this Sunday (3rd September) is the conclusion of The Cuckoo's Calling, based of the book by Robert Galbraith (pseudonym of J.K. Rowling.)  There is only three episodes in this series.

But, the good news is that if you have been watching the series, the second book, The Silkworm, has been adapted alongside the Cuckoo's Calling and will be on our TV screens the following Sunday.

I have been enjoying this series and would recommend it.

Strike: The Silkworm airs Sunday 10th September 2017 on BBC One at 9pm.

2. Timeless - Season1

So this Series has already aired it's first season in the USA on NBC.

I have heard of this series but never watched it as yet.

Here is the Premise:

When an experimental time machine is stolen, a history professor, a soldier and an engineer are tasked with capturing the culprit only to learn that he plans to rewrite American history and that each of them has a connection to his plan as well as the mysterious organization that funded the machine's development.

The show stars Abigail Spencer who has previously starred in films such as Cowboys & Aliens and This Means War, along with TV series Rectify.

Also starring in this Show is Matt Lanter who appeared in the TV show 90210 and Star-crossed. He has also appeared in a few films including Vampires Suck and The Roomate. He also voices Anakin Skywalker for Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Ward Rebels.

The show was cancelled after one season in the USA but due to the fans being angry at the decision, they reversed the cancellation and renewed it for a second season.

Timeless lands on Netflix on the 1st September (today!)

3. Designated Survivor - Season 2

For anyone who hasn't seen or heard of the show, yes that is Keifer Sutherland.

The first season is brilliant I am not too far off finishing it.

Here is the premise from the first season:

On the night of the State of the Union, an explosion claims the lives of the President and everyone in the presidential line of succession, except for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Tom Kirkman, who had been named the designated survivor. Kirkman is immediately sworn in as President, unaware that the attack is just the beginning of what is to come.

The series also star Maggie Q who previously starred in Nikita and Italia Ricci who starred in the TV show Chasing Life and appeared in five episodes for Supergirl.

If you like thrillers and a whole load of drama, then you will enjoy this! 

Season 2 of Designated Survivor lands on Netflix on the 28th September.

Thats all for this post

Till next time

Emz x

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What i'm currently Watching #1 [Emz]

I have a few shows that I am currently watching. I'll give you a quick rundown so you know what other reviews i'll be writing in the near future.

1. Daredevil - Season 2 

Now I had been trying to complete season 1 for a long time and have only just managed to finish. Not because I didn't like the show, just life got in the way and then I ended up watching other shows, including Jessica Jones.

The best thing about this being a Netflix original is that the series is not going anywhere so you can take your time.

I am almost at the end of the first episode where we are introduced to a new villain.

Once i have finished this season I will review it.

2. Strike: The Cuckoo's Calling

So this is a brand new series on BBC One in the UK. It follows a private investigator being hired to look into the death of a model who fell off a Balcony.

The twists in the episodes are enough to keep you hooked. Monday night's cliffhanger was one that you saw coming but left you wanting answers straight away.

I will be reviewing this after next Sunday's episode.

3. Designated Survivor - Season 1

This show is kind of a post apocalyptic type of show.  The twists and turns throughout the series have really kept me hooked. i am currently on episode 10 but as the series is exclusive to Netflix in the UK I am able to take my time with the series. Definately worth a watch if you have seen films like Olympus has Fallen... and the other two like it.

Once I have completed this series, which I hope is before the end of the year, I will review

What are you currently watching? Anything to recommend?

Till next time

Emz x

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Movie Review: Suffragette [Emz]

I went to see this film at the cinema not long after it was released. I teared up many times throughout the film and it reminded me how lucky we are as women that we are in good strong job and we are able to vote.

Meryl Streep, Carey Muulligan and Helena Bonham-Carter are all brilliant in the film.

Here is the Premise:

In early 20th-century Britain, the growing suffragette movement forever changes the life of working wife and mother Maud Watts (Carey Mulligan). Galvanized by political activist Emmeline Pankhurst (Meryl Streep), Watts joins a diverse group of women who fight for equality and the right to vote. Faced with increasing police action, Maud and her dedicated suffragettes must play a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse, risking their jobs, homes, family and lives for a just cause.

Review:

This film was the most emotional film I had seen for a while. With it being based around the true story of the Suffragette movement and all they wanted was the right to Vote and men thought that was a ridiculous idea. they were in prison multiple times, they starved themselves in protest and one was killed after being trampled by a horse.

The main character lost her son through the process as he was adopted. 

I will never take for grated the right to vote as so many women worked so hard to make sure we had that write.

I can't even begin to rate this film as it is so powerful and emotional. If you haven't seen, but want to, I would say go for it.

Hoe you enjoyed this review.

If you have see this film, what was your opinion?

Till next time

Emz x

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TV Shows I'm Looking Forward To 2017-2018 #1 [Emz]

As I've posted a few reviews lately and I will have at least two more after Saturday, I thought I'd post about what shows i'm looking forward to seeing that are coming during the 2017-2018 Season. So that is from September 2017 to August 2018

So we shall begin from 2017 then go into early 2018 for this first post. I will post again a bit later with the second half. 

Fuller House - Season 3

Now there is no synopsis for this season but it will be split into 2 parts. I never watched Full House as  kid but I watched a lot of it once it was on Netflix.

I have really enjoyed both seasons so far, it is really funny!

The Third Series begins on the 22nd September 2017 on Netflix

Victoria - Series 2

So this is a series I have been enjoying. It is obviously about Queen Victoria. The first series saw her ascension to the throne and the troubles she faced, it also followed her marriage to Prince Albert.

The second series will see her become a mother and also continue her role as Queen.

I think Jenna Coleman does a brilliant job portraying Queen Victoria.

The premise is as follows:

The first series depicts the first few years of the reign of Queen Victoria, played by Jenna Coleman, from her accession to the throne at the age of eighteen, to her intense friendship and infatuation with Lord Melbourne, to her courtship and early marriage to Prince Albert (played by Tom Hughes) and finally to the birth of their first child, Victoria.
The second series will follow Victoria's struggles on managing her role as Queen with that of her duties to her husband and children.

The second series begins on the 27th August 2017 for 8 episodes followed by a Christmas Special on ITV in the UK

The Crown - Series 2

So The Crown is another Series I have been enjoying. I watched the first series when it aired on Netflix last year. It is the earlier life of Queen Elizabeth II. It starts with her marriage to Prince Philip and continues through the first so many years of her life after that and then on to her becoming Queen after the death of her father King George VI.

Here is the Premise: 

The Crown traces the life of Queen Elizabeth II from her wedding in 1947 to the present day. The first season depicts events up to 1955, with Claire Foy portraying the Queen in the early part of her reign. The second season is intended to cover from the Suez Crisis in 1956 through the retirement of the Queen's third Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, in 1963 following the Profumo affair political scandal. A third season will include Princess Margaret's five-year affair with baronet and gardening expert Roddy Llewellyn.

I really enjoyed the first series as it shows that it wasn't as easy as it may have seen for our Queen ascent to the Throne and beyond.

I feel that the cast for the show are brilliant. I knew of Claire Foy and Matt smith and quite a few others but I haddn't heard of Vanessa Kirkby but she plays the role of Princess Margret very Convincingly.

Series 2 airs on the 8th December 2017 on Netflix.

The Gifted

So this series seems interesting, Until today I didn't know an awful lot about this series but this is the Premise:

Two ordinary parents take their family on the run from the government when they discover that their children have mutant abilities, and join an underground community of mutants who have to fight to survive.

So the series stars stars Stephen Moyer, Best known for his role in True Blood, he has been cast as Reed Struker, one of the Parents.

It also stars Amy Acker and Jamie Chung.

The series Premieres in America (FOX) on the 2nd October 2017. 

No UK Release date or channel has been announced yet.

Black Lightning

 So, another DC comics hero receiving their own TV show on The CW in the US. This series will sit alongside, Arrow, The Flash, Legends Of Tomorrow and Supergirl.

I think it's been mentioned that it won't cross over butt i'm sure that will change at some point.

Here is the Premise:

Jefferson Pierce, who retired from his superhero persona Black Lightning nine years ago after seeing the effects it had on his family, is forced to become a hero again when the rise of the local gang The One Hundred leads to increased crime and corruption in his community.

So i'm not familiar with any names in this series except one. China Anne Mcclain portrays one of Jefferson's daughters. China has appeared in many Disney Channel shows, including the Disney Channel Original Movie this year called Descendants 2.

Now there is not release date yet for this show, but it will air in 2018 on The CW.

I wouldn't be surprised in Sky One pick up this show in the UK, they currently air all of the others.

That is all i'm posting for now.

If you know of any upcoming shows that you are looking forward to let me know

Till next time

Emz x

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