As all know, Big Brother is a game of strategy.  Well, I’ve seen some big strategists in my day. There was Evel Dick who used the veto on his daughter and then proceeded to annoy the houseguests with pots and pans until he won.  There is Dan Gheesling who held his own funeral and still lost.  Cop Derrick never revealed his occupation and used Frankie Grande as his second in command.  Let’s not forget the Cook-Out who never let anyone know about the alliance until the end that they were working together and using others as shields.  This year, though, we may have seen the ultimate Big Brother player of all time – Angela.

Now, don’t get me wrong.  I thought during the introduction of players that she was a good addition.  We had two older players, Angela and Kenney, and my hope was that they would team up.  Instead, Kenney was scared of a woman’s alliance which created a means for his departure.  Angela – well, she was in it to win it (and I don’t necessarily mean the prize).  Angela has become (what I consider) a major drama queen. Let’s break it down.

First, Big Brother isn’t her first stint in television.  I’ve seen the videos.  Turns out that some fans found out that she played on Let’s Make a Deal.  Her costume saluted some of the Big Brother talk show hosts and wasn’t really a costume.  But that’s not her “big event!”  She also allowed Dr. Phil into her home for a therapy session and allowed cameras placed throughout her house to record the family interaction.  Who does that except someone really wanting attention!  Well, she got it and the Big Brother viewers have the evidence.  It also made many of us ask the question:  What is her real motive.  Let’s look at her game strategy.

During Angela’s first week, she was Head of House.  That still didn’t make her happy. Matt said something she didn’t like and she enacted a scene worthy of a Shakespearean comedy.  She came down the steps from the HoH in full drama mode making a speech about Matt.  She targeted Matt’s “strange eyes.” Angela put him up for eviction and by the Thursday vote had the votes to get him out.  Most houseguests who voted for the eviction were either tired of her rants or his ego.  Thus, he was gone.  My thought at the time was that Angela saw a kindred spirit and wanted Matt gone.   Matt saw her schemes subconsciously and Angela knew it!  Since Matt had no strong alliances (none of them did at the time), she and her drama got him out.

Angela is a snope.  She has found that some walls are thin and she listens through them.  She listens at doors.  Angela also knows how to hide or appear asleep.  She knows secrets.  She knows alliances.  More importantly, she knows showmances/friendships and uses these as means of getting what she wants. She knew of the blossoming showmance of Tucker and Rubina.  She broke that up quick.  She now is silently targeting Quinn.  Quinn is a strange situation.  She had a final two with him from like day one, but she destroyed that during her HoH and pity party the next week.  I’m surprised that she hasn’t used the threesome on T-Kor and her crew.  Oh, that’s s right.  When T-Kor’s gang formed an alliance with Tucker, she ran in, asked to join, got the PoV from Tucker, then got him out.

This has been Angela’s course of schemes.  Unfortunately, that makes her an easy target for eviction.  She quickly redirects her antics as the need arises.  Angela’s on the block, no one loves her and she doesn’t want her grandchildren to see her evicted.  She’s in power and it’s who has more power than me.  We always see her either as a HoH or on the block.

The funny thing is that she never saves herself.  She leaves that to the  circumstances of HoH or PoV winner.  During the Power of Veto session, the PoV winner always saves her.  For this, she pledges her undying love and support.  Yeah, her gratitude only lasts until the following week.  Poor Makensy may be her next target as she saved Angela and Angela called her a daughter.  Yet, the tears of gratitude quickly changed to a view of her planning her next move as she watched others.  She has been on the block and saved by the Power of Veto more than any other player that I can recall since I started watching Big Brother in season six.

Angela knows what makes “good television.”  She has shown that during her two HoHs by the speeches and attacks she makes on players she wants out.  When she’s not in power, she uses her “acting skills” by playing a damsel in distress character with pleas like “no one protects me” or “you are like a daughter/son to me” (not verbatim but you get the gist).  She will sulk like a child outside while planning the perfect strategy.  She has been known to pray in the confessional and also to plead to join an alliance.  When she gets an alliance or final two, she figures out a way to take the player out (Tucker and now Quinn).   She will accuse people and runs to the HoH with rumors and stories that can’t necessarily be checked or verified.  When the PoV is used on her (like every week), she seems so thrilled and surprised with tears flowing.  She promises her undying support, then stabs them in the back.  I’m not sure why or how but Angela has figured out how to “play” each houseguest.  The only ones that she can’t figure out are Tucker and Quinn.  Quinn had a final two with her early in the game which she spilled immediately.  Tucker, well he gave her a PoV medal and she then managed to get him out on stories and the showmance.

Okay, the question is why.  This is my assumption but as of now I don’t have proof. First, she wanted jury.  Well, she got that but she’s still angling for a final three.  But maybe that’s not the real story.  The real angle may be a television role on a CBS show.  Bold and Beautiful, a CBS soap, usually uses players from Big Brother as bit actors in the house.  Maybe, as many X users have suggested, that’s what she wants.  She wants one of those roles and a chance at the “big time.”  My thoughts are that if Angela wants a big role on television, she will show herself on the set hoping for a starring role.  If so, I have one word of advice.  Forget it Angela.  Soaps are a dying breed of television.

There are some other characters that need to be watched on this year’s Big Brother including the trio of T-Kor, Kemo and Rubina.  I’m watching them for trends.  And, as anyone who knows me will tell you, I’m almost at my breaking point with the show.  Only time will tell when I have had enough.

Okay, Big Brother!  What kind of show have you got for us this year?  With this group of house guests, I hope that your interviewing process is better than usual.  I know you can’t give a group like last year or even a Cook-Out, but we deserve some entertainment.  I hope all that pre-training you give about appropriateness works, and we see a good cast that seem to know the rules, know the show, and want to play a good game.

Alas!  With the introductions, I don’t have much hope.  Granted, there aren’t as many this year that want to (or admit to) using the show as a launching pad for their next move into modeling or acting.  If so, they forgot to make themselves stand out.  Why, half of this cast, I can’t tell apart from each other.  So, I’m going down the cast list noting first opinions.  Here goes!

Angela – an older (50s lady) entered the house full of gusto. She has been wanting to play Big Brother since “forever.”  Why is it that she reminds me of Kim on Deal or No Deal Island?  They’re both big mouths and full of energy.  Kim, though, showed who she was gunning for immediately (Boston Rob) while Angela took her time (first day as HoH) to show who she wants out.  Is this a record?  So funny.  I learned on X (formerly Twitter) last night that Angela loves to be on television.  I understand she has played a CBS morning game show and allowed Dr. Phil to put cameras in her house to analyze her family.  Is she still seeking 15 minutes of fame?  Well, her “gusto” may have gotten it for her.

Matt – Matt’s smile seems to be stapled on his face.  His grin reminds me of the “rigor mortis” comments that often find their way into my X feeds.  I think he really doesn’t know the show or he wouldn’t be off in his office (the storage room) in long meetings and making deals.  I mean if you are just a player with no power or HoH, do you need to have a location where you can interview your employees (I mean competition).  He wants alliances, but I honestly don’t think he knows what alliances are.  Now, he’s the renom thanks to the Power of Veto.  Instead of winning votes, he’s going around pitying his fellow nominees because he KNOWS he has the votes. 

Lisa – Lisa apparently is a celebrity chef.  I’m not sure if that is good or bad.  She does seem to have control of the kitchen.  This makes some of the house guests mad as they think they’re just as good as she is in food preparation.  An early elimination?  In the past, I’d say no but this year, I’m not sure.

Kenney — Kenney (an older player) stood out and not because of his age.  He stood out because he is a cop. If he had played like Derrick and hidden the fact, he could have the potential for a longer stay.  Instead, a tattoo gave it away almost immediately, and it marked him as a target and “scary.”  Sure enough!  He is on the block and thought to be leaving Thursday (by Matt).

Leah – If asked, I couldn’t necessarily pick Leah out of a line-up with the other girls.  What sets her apart though is that she seems to know she needs  to keep on the good side of Angela (HoH) and remembers everything.  This could help her but already has drawn attention to  the fact that she “tells everything.”   She’s one to watch if she can make it to week three.

T’Kor – T’Kor is memorable for her head wear.  She’s a crocheter and evidently has turned it into a successful business.  I bet she wishes she had her needles and yarn with her.  She’s not really a player yet, but she’s taking notes for the future.  She also feels it is too early for alliances.

Quinn – Quinn is a super fan.  He and Angela bonded over that.  He’s smart.  He’s a thinker but he forgot a cardinal rule.  He won a secret power – a Secret Deep Fake HoH – where he can control one person’s HoH within the first four weeks of Big Brother quietly.   No new power really.  The same power has existed with a different name.  Of course, he broke the rule and told one person.  I’m betting more know it now.  He’s actually a player to watch as he can take a situation and turn it to his advantage.

Joseph – Joseph’s occupation (a video store employee) and mustache set him apart night one.  Most people online asked:  “Do video stores still exist?”  Evidently, they do in Florida.  He made me think of the “Perils of Pauline.”  He’s a quiet player who seems to go along with everyone, but he sees through Matt.  He could turn out to be a good player or a villain.  He’s the first to mention a showmance. 

Cedric – Cedric is notable because he seems to be very observant.  He’s ex-military (I believe) and should have formed a friendship with Kenney.  But, like the usual BB player, he got sucked into the Matt world.  He might be good if Matt is shown the door.  He’s staying safe this week as an AI mascot (pet).

Brooklyn – Brooklyn admits to being a winner.  This is the wrong attitude at this stage of Big Brother, my dear.  You hide your desire to win!  She’s not memorable to me because she hasn’t made herself known for anything yet.  Sure Brooklyn has been in the mix but that’s about it.  Is she a floater?  I don’t think so but time will tell.

Cam – Cam is a follower apparently.  He listens to Matt but I’m not sure what he is capable of yet.  He is part of the weightlifting crew.  He’s going to be a threat is endurance comps.

Chelsie – Chelsie seems sweet but isn’t a threat in the comps.  In fact, she’s an AI mascot for the  week. She doesn’t compete in anything but can be nominated.  She’s playing a quiet game. 

Kimo – Kimo is a nom this week.  He’s from Hawaii and that’s about all you can say.  He’s not been a stand-out player.  He seems to fade into the house.  He’s definitely a floater but in a negative way as he did get the nom this week.

Makensy – Makensy. Makensy – what can I say? I thought during the first comp you stood a chance at being a good player.  What do you do?  Immediately, you announce to a group that you have got a power. Bad move.  You will be kept only as long as you don’t use the power.

Rubina – Rubina, in many ways, is the sweetheart of this group.  She doesn’t seem to be in your face.  She’s a floater but I’ve got a feeling that won’t last long.  She knows what she wants and who to watch.

Tucker – Tucker to me is interchangeable with Matt or Joseph.  That changed somewhat as soon as Matt started his meetings.  The problem with Tucker is that Matt thinks he controls him due to their weightlifting in the back yard.  I’m seeing some things in Tucker though that could change my opinion (If I watch the season).  The one good thing is that he knows the curse of first in loses all and plans to beat the curse.

This cast is not as strong as Big Brother 25 and doesn’t have the personalities that came from the Cook-Out.  It seems middle of the road.  They have no alliances although one may have formed last night.  They seem to have Matt set as the villain because he thinks he’s in charge.  He’s followed closely by Angela who already had the first major house fight with Matt (first or second day).  Those two will always be at logger heads. 

Overall, the twist is a question mark.  They have Ainsley, the AI host.  Presented as a possible contestant, she begged to receive the votes to enter the game.  She lost and revealed herself as the one running the “game.”  With Quinn and Makensy having special powers and Cedric and Chelsie being mascots and given a bye by fellow house guests from noms, no one but Matt has shown his hand. On another note:  Will I give up the Olympics for this?  Very doubtful unless the updaters imply there something to watch.

I just saw the rundown on what will be on network television and let’s just say I am not pleased.  Most of the  shows will either be sports or reality/game shows.  The level of creative thinking at the networks seem to center on only doing tried and true variations or remakes with no changes (even the names) from the 1980s.  They had all during the Writers’ and Actors’ Strike to come up with plans for great television.  Instead, they stuck to the crime-like, mob related shows with a few comedies thrown in.  Do we really need that with what is on the news?  My question also is why the need for sports almost every night.  When there are no pro or college (and really a whole football season of only one conference), we get wrestling. 

I watched the new Doctor Who episode, “Maestro.”  Suddenly, I realized that we can apply that episode to network television.  In the episode, the Maestro character comes and steals all the music leaving the world a dull and void place.  The Doctor and Ruby find out what is happening when they visit the Beatles recording studio in 1963.  The songs that made the Beatles popular are replaced by a repetitive song about a dog.  Another studio is recording a different childhood song and the orchestra is recording “Three Blind Mice” (I believe). 

London is a sad place.  The world is also because Maestro has spread it’s lack of music to all quarters.  There are no residents on the street.  No music, whistles or church bells ringing.  Maestro appears to the Doctor and Ruby when Ruby sings an original song.  Just for a moment, London had woke up as Ruby sang on the roof tops.  Maestro’s goal is to steal all music.  For the earth, it means a nuclear winter.  For the universe, all “The Music of the Spheres” will be gone.  The universe is gone!  Of course, the Doctor and Ruby (with the help of John Lennon and Paul McCartney) find the right cord to play to defeat her and return music to the land.   Song and rhythm break out and happiness, dance and joyful noise return.

This got me thinking of the programming I’ve seen listed.  Under 45% of all new shows on networks are scripted (or so they say) television.  The rest is sports, game shows, and reality.  Have we lost our creativity and imagination? Are we fast approaching the era of new imagination or originality.

Now, don’t get me wrong.  I’m sure some people like crime shows but are we overdosing on it?  We have a steady stream of the same thing night in and night out.  The most original show I’ve seen is Ghosts and it’s an import from England.  I haven’t watched Abbott Elementary but I understand it is a good show.  Other of the comedy venue are leaving television.

I’m honest!  I love shows that make you question what is going on in the world around you.  I love a good romance which shows like Once Upon a Time gave us.  I love a mystery that doesn’t have a shooting every five minutes.  Maybe that’s why I found Wild Cards so enjoyable.  It was entertaining and witty.  More than anything else though, it took an old idea from Remington Steel and even Castle and gave it a new twist.  It just felt like the kind of program I would watch and I did.

I know originality is hard to find.  We’re losing that to AI and writing bots but the streaming shows have no problem finding original or book-based television.  They stealing viewers because of the unique programming.  Network didn’t think people would flock to Bridgeton or Downtown Abbey.  Yet Bridgeton will have a new season on NetFlix this year and Downtown Abbey is going back into production.

On another note.  Have we lost the sense of everyday life.  Could we do an original family based program not based on Roseanne or an older show?  Has our life become so consumed with sports, computer games and even dance that we’ve lost the joys of doing things as a family. 

This is all food for thought.  I will say with the rate of crime shows on national networks, I have often wondered if they are promoting the violence to such a level that it is spilling out into the population.  When guns appear before the credits run, it is a problem.  Are networks, like the Maestro of Doctor Who, trying to turn us from creativity to mind numbing violence or pretend.  Don’t we get enough of that on nightly news. 

My question is:  will networks have to shut their doors as more and more creative shows are showing up on NetFlix, Disney+, Prime, Apple, etc.?  Have the minds of the populace only wanting the violent crime shows?  Remember!  The best new programming from the Spring of 2024 with Wild Cards.  The CW in the past have always seemed to have the most unique programming with shows like Riverdale, Smallville, Dawson’s Creek and even the DC comics.  Their president says the Fall schedule is not for all year.  He proved it by renewing Wild Cards for the Spring 2025 season.  Sure it is crime  but it was fun, creative, and made people smile.  Can you say that of some of the returning other network drama shows and will they buy a clue and make things more original?  Say, that’s a idea.  Have a scripted show based on Clue.

I use to watch network television faithfully.  The programs I liked were a mixture of comedies, drama, the mixture of comedy and drama.  But, alast!  Network television is taking the easy way out with their programming.  I expected it for fall after the strike, but Spring gave me only two shows that I liked — Wild Cards and Deal or No Deal Island.  Oh, sure there have been some surprises like the 60^th anniversary of Doctor Who (I haven’t watched both shows of the new season yet).  But from what I’ve seen of renewals and prospective shows, I’m not hopeful. 

Let’s get this straight.  I am by my own admission, a history freak and literature lover.  I want a story (preferably ending in one episode).  I want characters I can identify with and care if they make it to the next show.  I don’t want to see a gun fight or murder with blood everywhere within five minutes of the show starting.  I want to see caring, love, and, if a crime’s involved, said crime solved.

I don’t see that promise so far with renewals.  I will admit, I went to an old soap acquaintance’s TV Line website for the listing of cancellations/renewals and it doesn’t look promising.  Here is the breakdown:

ABC:  2 comedies, 3 crime and the perennial Grey’s Anatomy

CBS:  2 comedies, 7 crime (of which Elsbeth may be different)

FOX:  1 comedy, 4 cartoon/comedies, 5 crime or mob oriented shows (Cleaning Lady)

NBC:  9 crime/911 shows, 1 comedy

CW/NexStar:  only 1 drama so far.  The rest is unknown.

Granted there are some comedies but I have found that the inventive, funny comedies have died.  With the departure of Riverdale, fantasy is gone.  Family centered drama are a thing of the past.  And I know I didn’t list the reality shows because they are still in development.

So what would I suggest?  Here are just some of my dream programming. 

Reality/Game Show

You are bringing back Hollywood Squares with Drew Barrymore in the center.  So why not bring back Match Game with Leah Remini as host.  She has played the game and was excellent as a player.  Make her the host changing this up from Alec Baldwin (she’s definitely funnier).  Center bottom (Richard Dawson’s seat), needs someone with charisma.  Good luck finding that.

“Monopoly Square Off” —  I don’t think a Monopoly show has  been done.  Select 12 people to play a one hour version of Monopoly in four parts.  Use a large board but change it up so that chance cards mean tasks.  Each episode the person in jail or with the lowest money is disqualified.  All money earned during the game is put in a contestant’s bank account.  Every game starts with a clean slate.   Ultimate winner:  the one with the most money in the bank at the end of the game.

Comedies

This is the hardest category.  We have no one who wants to create shows like Cheers.  Here is just a few of my examples.

“Taking One for the Neighborhood” — A small town neighborhood becomes the home of an out of state  social climbing couple.  The community doesn’t suit their criteria for they know what’s best.  Each week the community must muster their resources and wits to teach the newcomers what life is really like in suburban America. 

“College Life” —  A young freshman must navigate the world of life on an university.  From missteps like getting the wrong books, running afoul of a frat, getting the wrong teacher, he and his friends navigate through the social structure.  Comedy ensues as they discover what real life is like.

Dramas

Let’s spin this away from NCSI, CSI, or SWAT.  We have too much in the real world.  Once again, my suggestions.

“Wealth Hunt” — An American detective and an Interpol agent must catch a Mastermind.  Each week, the duo are faced with money, jewelry, artwork potential heists.  They must not only catch the thief but solve the ultimate question of who is the Mastermind.

Fantasy

This genre is sadly lacking.  It use to include Once Upon a Time, Riverdale, Orville and so many others!

Bring back Orville.  That show was a wonderful mix of comedy, fantasy, and science fiction.  It made me laugh as it questioned the world we live in now.

Buy the rights to Jennifer Estep’s series which begins with To Kill The Queen.  After a royal party that sees the heir to the throne kill all her relatives but one, we will follow the survivor as she tries to protect the kingdom and stay alive.  After joining a gladiator (part knights/wrestlers/circus) performance squad, she trains and finds she has a magical skill that will defeat the murderer of the queen and court and by book three saves her kingdom.

“High School Hijinks” — All have heard of senior pranks before graduation.  What is similar pranks begins happening throughout the year?  And these are not being done by present students but by a ghostly crew.  How can a simple group of students solve the pranks before they get out of hand?  When the principal’s car is found on the second floor, things start to escalate.

These are quick suggestions I have come up with.  I know similar themes have happened before (I love Ghosts).  Have the networks chosen to take the “easy way out?”  Is streaming (Disney+, Paramount+, Peacock) the only networks willing to take the risk and spend some money?  Can networks become more imaginative or borrow from their streaming line?  Oh, and I have more suggestions but ran out of room!  If I can come up with these off the top of my head, why can’t the big wigs at the network?  Enquiring minds asks!

Last night we got the reunion episode from the Original Girls (plus three) of Dance Moms.  For those who don’t know much about the show, it began as a documentary that would showcase the mother/daughter bond of dancing on a competitive team.  It swiftly changed as producers observed Abby Lee Miller’s teaching style and focused the show around her.  So let me put it this way.  I know others have used the same tone, but it tells the story of Dance Moms.

This is the story of seven little girls (Brooke, Paige, Maddie, MacKenzie, Chloe, Nia and Vivi-Anne.  The oldest was Brooke, the youngest was MacKenzie.  The star, in Abby’s eyes, was Maddie.  Slowly the girls started to leave.  Vivi-Anne and her dance studio mom, Cathy, left first before season one ended.  Cathy didn’t like the travelling on a bus as a team (until she started competing against Abby).  Brooke, Paige, and mom Kelly were the next to leave after a fight in New York City with Abby pressing assault charges against Kelly (but I saw it the opposite way).  The Hyland’s would sue (and lose) Abby for her treatment of Paige.  Then Chloe and her mom Christi left after another fight with Abby.  Though they aired a vague hint of return, Chloe never did.  She had a condition called sinus eye. Abby insulted Chloe and they were gone.  Maddie, MacKenzie and their mom, Melissa, left for greener pastures (better programs and money).  This left of the original girls, Nia and her mom Holly who decided to stay until their contract ended.  Although from season one on, Abby would try to make the Fraziers leave, but they stayed because they felt they needed to fulfill their contract.

With the “original girls” gone, new girls entered. Most notably were Kendall and her mom Jill (season two),  Kalani and her mom Kira (roughly season four), and JoJo and her mom, Jess.  This is the group who came to the reunion except for three.  Maddie, Mackenzie, and Nia decided they did not need to relive this part of their lives.  So, what we got last night were those seeking closure, and this was the best way to go forward.

Let’s just say — when the girls (and some moms) arrived, they had sexy wardrobes and found champagne waiting.  I found this odd as JoJo and Kendall are not of drinking age yet,  But, hey, this IS California.  JoJo seemed to think she was the host of the show.  In the green room, both JoJo and Kalani came across a little catty.  This was evident when the talk turned to who “didn’t show up” or not invited to Paige’s birthday party hosted by the Ziegler’s.  When JoJo started in on “the others should have come,” Paige put JoJo in her place saying:  “They didn’t need” to talk about it.  Kendall seemed jealous of Maddie and it came out during this program.  Surprisingly Kalani had not been invited to the party (JoJo never knew Paige until the reunion).  Chloe admitted she almost didn’t come to the reunion due to mixed feelings. 

The “original” girls were called to the stage.  Chloe was asked about the rivalry Abby created with Maddie.  Chloe said she realized that Abby wouldn’t support her after the show started.  Brooke and Paige had never talked about Abby or their time on the show since the New York incident.  As the clip is shown, Brooke starts crying (as did Kelly in the green room).  Kelly came out to reassure her girls and told all that she would do it differently if she had it to live over.  Kalani is asked if she knew what Abby planned and from her hesitation, I knew she had a clue.  During the Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition, Maddie and MacKenzie were introduced to Kalani by Abby with the words:  “Maddie, meet your new partner.”  Kalani says Melissa knew and Kira.  Kalani felt bad because Paige, Brooke and Kelly had no idea.  This incident changed Kelly’s world.  The girls stopped dancing and she separated from her husband.  After Kelly apologized publicly to Paige and Brooke, hugs happened.

Kendall was next up.  In many ways, Jill and Kendall are alike.  Kendall thinks of herself as an “original” since she started in season two.  Brooke and Paige point out that she went to the rival school, Candy Apples, and Kendall tells them this was what Jill wanted.  Kendall knew the stakes were high when she returned to ALDC.  Kendall cries after the clip where Ashlee made her cry,  (Ashlee turned out to be Jill.2).  Jill joins the girls on stage.  She tells us that the show made Kendall stronger to face life now.  Jill says she wouldn’t change anything that happened (why aren’t I surprised).  Kendall is now studying political science and pre-law (at James Madison University).

Kalani agrees that her family were treated well by Abby.  Kira was liked because she did what Abby wanted, but Kalani paid an emotional price.  When people attacked Kira, the hurt was personal.  I’m going to put this here.  Kalani has had problems since the show aired.  She has been body shamed and she didn’t state by whom.  Having worked at a university with a strong dance program, I have known many students whose body changes in their early 20s.  It’s part of puberty (as Kalani) says.  Later, during the favorite dances, producer, Bryan Stinson, mentioned “Suicide Hotline” and we find out just how bad the body sharing was for Kalani.  She ran offstage to the restroom and let JoJo and her mom in.  It seems Kalani has had a hard time dealing with some issues.  The number helped Kalani through a rough patch of her life as she called and got help.  I admire Kalani for telling her story and hope that Kalani’s experience helps others.  The dance did as the organization received a large number of calls after the show aired. 

JoJo is next.  She states honestly that all the names that Abby called her (obnoxious, “greedy little monster”) were true.  It toughened her up for Hollywood and taught her how to survive. Jojo had an advantage having watched the show.  She knew what to expect. She wanted to be there, but Kendall wants to know why JoJo left.  Jess comes out for this discussion.  Deals were coming in for JoJo with Nickelodeon and Abby would have (basically) meddled.  All communication was cut.  When Kendall asked about the decision, Jess tells her that JoJo and she made the decision jointly.  Jess also wouldn’t have changed what they went through.  JoJo has a good relationship with Abby because she appreciates what Abby did. 

The talk turns to Abby.  Chloe then says something interesting.  She tells all not to give Abby credit because she played everything for drama.  Kelly tells people that she still thinks of Abby to this day.  Chloe’s feelings toward Abby are complicated.  She wants to forgive Abby but now is only in the stage of forgiving.  Paige has chosen closure.   Abby’s cancer shocked them.  JoJo got in to see Abby at the hospital. (I have been told that Abby refused to see Nia when she tried to visit.)

During Abby’s hospital stay, Paige looks at Brooke who is crying (as is Kelly).  Kalani has no emotion.  As the Hilliker’s feel, Abby had karma returned to her.  During the indictment discussion, Jill tells us about Abby’s behavior.  Abby was a screaming banshee and a complete mess.  Jill points out she tried to warn Abby but Abby wouldn’t listen

To JoJo, Dance Moms has life left in the show.  It’s inspiring young dancers. While JoJo calls out Christi (Chloe’s mom) for bad-mouthing Gianna, JoJo calls Gia was a rock for the girls.  The others disagree.  Chloe tells JoJo that Christi has rights to her own opinion.  Chloe points out that JoJo never met Christi.

Stinson asked about the Pyramid.  None of the girls liked it.  Paige though says it helped make her confident now.  She also knows it wasn’t always about dance.  It was hard to grow up on the show.  In a lighter moment during this segment, JoJo proposes to Kalani and all laugh. 

Today, Chloe is happy with her life in college and the world.  She talks about her relationship with Brooklynn (3 years together) and that she is proud of herself.  Christi wasn’t accepting at first and had a hard time accepting the same-sex relationship.  Stinson shows Chloe a clip filmed by Christi who tells Chloe how proud she is of being kind and strong.  Christi is accepting of Chloe’s choices.  As the show winds up, we learn that Chloe already has her next chapter planned – a dance competition call Releve.  Paige tells that “The Last Text” makes her think and turn off her phone when she gets in the car.  I’ve already mentioned Kalani’s.  We also learn that JoJo has been working on 23 songs (and a new image).  Kalani acknowledges the girls as her sister and the show ends with a reenactment of “Boss Ladies.”

The  reunion episode did clear  up some drama but there is more that should have been told.  Abby body shamed the girls all the time.  It was mentioned on the series (and known in the Pittsburgh community) that the girls weren’t allowed to compete if they gained 10 pounds.   I will be honest. I know more about the ALDC than I can tell from former dancers, college teachers and Pittsburgh natives.  I don’t blame Nia, Maddie and MacKenzie for not doing the show.  They have adjusted and moved on.  Both Nia and MacKenzie are dancing again (as is Kendall), acting, and singing.  I see Kalani becoming a spokesperson and hope she writes a book.  And Kendall, oh please, not president!

CW please renew Wild Cards!  This program is the type of dramedy that keeps people coming back week to week.  The development of the characters and relationships over six episodes gives hope for its future.  Want more reasons!  Here you go.

Let me state this first.  As an English major and a lover of books, I like a good plot.  I love British drama and mysteries.  The reason is simple.  They have the best plot like an Agatha Christie novel.  You start with the crime developing.  It may just be a hint of the visual thief or murder.  You move to the suspects and motives.  You start the elimination process until the end of the episode where all comes together to solve the case.  No “until next week” or season finale!  All done up with a bow in the episode.  It’s like the shows you can get on PBS or BritBox.  The plot is the central focus of the ending finale.  And, as an extra bonus, you don’t have to know that happened for the year to get pure enjoyment from the program.

The Plot Itself:  We have too many violent gun and chase shows on television right now.  I accidentally left on one of the shows one night and saw a person gunned down within five minutes of SWAT starting and they started running around with weapons looking for the criminal.  Where’s the story build up from there?  Why the murder?  This is why I like Wild Cards.  It starts with the murder or investigation and follows through with weapons only as necessary.   If they can find the criminal in an unusual setting, so much the better.  The graveyard scene from “Con with the Wind,” was enjoyable and having the killers confess on film was so much fun.

The Tone of the Show:  My favorite shows are dramedies.  They try to play it serious but gives the viewer a chance to smile and laugh.  We get this sometimes from scripts but often from just the action of the characters.  Wild Cards has this down to a “T” with the way Elliott looks at Max when she comes up with an idea.

I’m the first to say this.  I’m getting tired of using the same theme (CSI, NCSI, SUV) and just changing the city.  I’m tried of them running out a popular show of the 1960s, 1980s, 1990s with new actors as a reboot.  With both, I’ve often think — ‘Haven’t I seen this plot before’ and then remembered it was on a sister’s show or realize it’s an original script slightly changed.  By beginning a new series, we see different stories playing out.  Who would think that so many scraps of evidence or coincidence can lead to an arrest.  For that I say “bravo” to the writers of Wild Cards.

The Lead Characters:  Elliott and Max make this show!  I doubt they have worked together before and didn’t check the IMbD to see.  Vanessa Morgan, who plays Max, had a good following from Riverdale. Giacomo Gianniotti is known for roles on Reign and Grey’s Anatomy.  Where Reign was a CW show, it wasn’t filming when Riverdale started.  I know – I watched Reign.  Their chemistry on camera makes you want to pull for them.  We want them to solve cases and we especially love their friendship.

The Unlikely Pairing:  This in itself puts this show above others of the type.  Usually, it is the woman who owned the business or was the cop.  By having Max busted for illegal use of a credit card and being seen in the police station, we know that she’s up to something.  By having Elliott wishing to return to his old job as a detective after maritime duty, it somehow seems right that this diverse pair becomes a team.  And that’s where the show catches people.  The crimes are solved by her ability to think like a criminal and see evidence, while he uses procedure.

The Show’s Location:  I have never been to Vancouver, yet the location was reminiscence of New York City.  The actual location of the city doesn’t matter, it’s the filming of the aerial shots that sets the tone for the show.  The varied locations make it interesting plus you have the river.  Setting Elliott’s home on an older yacht is so much more original than the dull apartment or studio usually chosen.  It also brings a feeling of relaxation when the two meet there in the evening to discuss the case.  It’s off duty but still on duty.

Supporting Characters:  I’m wasn’t too happy with the ex-girlfriend’s entrance, but I am happy that we have Elliott’s former partner (Detective Simmons, played by Michael Xavier) now working and not sniping at Elliott.  It gives it a feeling that all are on the same page.  Seems Detective Simmons felt that Elliott was making cases too personal and letting his emotions get into play.  I didn’t really care for Detective Yates (Amy Goodmurphy) character, but she has grown on me.  Terry Chen as Chief Li lends an even hand to the four players he must deal with.

The surprise casting for the show though is Jason Priestly as George.  I wonder if it has dawned on Vanessa yet the ties that unite Jason and Luke Perry from Riverdale.  George is Max’s con father who offers advice and wisdom.  While sitting in jail, he provides that same wisdom that Luke gave as Fred Andrews on Riverdale.

CW, I know you are owned by NexStar now wo has all the news show.  I ask as a viewer and fan that you please continue programming like this.  Keep Wild Cards (and Family Law) because the show(s) have characters you can care about, and which are relatable to people.  We have too many crime shows that want to echo the world today.  We need a break from the guns/gang theme.  Keep Wild Cards so we have hope!

Wlld Cards has much going for it.  It’s new.  It’s different.  Well, Wild Cards has much more than that going for it.  In a world full of CSI and NCSI, this show goes back to the original concept of a mystery much like Murder, She Wrote.  They don’t rely on gun fire and court rooms.  They rely on brain work (from Max, a street smart con) and the crime solving skill of cop in disgrace, Ellis.  This is what makes the show.  Let me explain how.   Note:  This is not a recap.  With all that went on last night in the episode, I could not have broke it down if I tried.

The Premise (old versus new)

When I saw the description, it reminded me of such noteworthy series as Moonlighting and Remington Steele.  In many ways, Wild Cards may share some of their tendencies but has taken the genre and made it their own.  While we knew both of those series had cons, there was no visible connection to the cops.  In Remington Steele, the woman, Laura Holt (plaed by Stephanie Zimbalist) makes up the character of Remington (the con, played by Pierce Bronsan) as the owner of the private investigation agency.  In Moonlighting, the employee David (played by Bruce Willis) convinces Madelyn (played by Cybill Shepherd) not to sale her agency and run the company herself with his help.

Wild Cards has taken this theme and turned it on its ear.  Sure, it is still a man/woman team, but it is the cop (Ellis) who gets help from a street smart con (Max) in solving the crimes.  He needs her to get his rank back.  She needs him to stay out of jail.  Who cares about their back history (which we learn slowly).  The two of them make a remarkable team.  While Ellis goes by the book, Max sees angles and goes for it.  Sure, she breaks rules by touching things and finding something that others miss and picking it up (scrap of paper).  Sure, she hacks into a computer (legitimately I say because she was given the password), but this makes the show interesting.  It also ensures that all the facts of the case comes to bear on the final criminal.

The Mystery Element

I have always loved a great mystery – be it Agatha Christie or Knives Out.  Wild Cards delivers this and makes it a hard show to recap (especially watching only once).  For me, Wild Cards is the type of show that I watch once for the story then get a cup of hot chocolate (in most cases, it would be wine) and watch again for the nuances.  From the noisy neighbor hearing a “ghost” in the apartment next door to the female boxer, to the sport agency owner, to the adulterous couple, all of these characters play a part leading to the rewarding ending. 

Let’s face it.  Their first “suspect” of who did it, the bike racer, was set-up with the knife in her truck.  Most people would have arrested her on the spot (which Ellis did) but Max points out the obvious.  Sure enough, she didn’t do it leaving a case wide open.  This is a true mystery … who do you blame.  Each of the suspects has an alibi.  Max figures out that the answer lies with the Flaire Sports Management Agency (a nod maybe to wrestler, Ric Flair).  Posing as a secretary, she finds out that Flaire now demands that all Jake’s mail come directly to him.  With that knowledge, Max offers to deliver the mail in her secretarial guise to Flaire’s office but goes through it first.  This is what leads to the clue.  It also gives us the reasons that some of Jake’s last actions before death now makes sense.

Through this, we learn that Jake had represented a client once who died when force to appear in a sports event.  The guilt of this has haunted Jake.  He and Summer, a very well-known woman boxer, had come up with a video game but she has symptoms of the same condition that Jake’s earlier client had.  Knowing that he and Summer are sitting on a multi-million dollar deal, Jake takes money from his ex-wife’s account and gives it to the widow of his first client.  Generous, right!  I call it getting a dose of good karma for the bad.

The Solution to the Mystery

After running through various scenarios, the letter from a doctor leads Max and Ellis to who caused the death.  Flaire, the owner of the sports agency, knew of the break through on the game.  He was going to let Summer fight although she had symptoms of the earlier client.  Why:  Flaire wanted all the money from the video game his employee had developed. Ellis and Max warn Summer that her life is at risk but Flaire wants her to fight.  When confronted with the report, he denies any knowledge and yet confesses to killing Jake while in the bathroom.  Max, thoughtfully, had a microphone set up that broadcasted the news to the arena and Ellis had cops waiting for the arrest.  Summer does fight but when she develops symptoms during the match she stops.  She later acknowledges her illness and friends helped her make the decision.

What Makes This Show Work!

I’ll be honest.  I’m a Vanessa Morgan fan.  In Riverdale, as Toni Topaz, she was an after thought character, but she always gave the role 100%.  I still cry thinking of her haunting portrayal of La Llorona to save her son on that show.  She brings energy, charisma, and style to her role of con artist, Max.  Her star is rising.  She could bring the style of Cybill Shepherd back!

Giacomo GIanniotti’s casting as Ellis surprised people.  I admit, I knew very little about him except that people were surprised he took the role after Grey’s Anatomy.  To me, this is definitely a wise move.  Not only does he have a showcase role, but a co-star that allows him to shine while she could have stolen every scene.  He’s no longer just an “ensemble” player but can really establish himself as a name actor to those of us who gave up on Grey’s years ago. 

Vanessa and Giacomo work very well together.  This show can easily gain traction and be a contender in the future and I’m glad for both performers.  More importantly, I’m glad for the people who like good characters and a good plot.  It gives us hope for adventure and style.  I’m so tired of the “shoot them up” within the first minute that we get from SWAT, CSI, NCSI.  Let’s solve a mystery and I’ll be happy.

The Con’s Kind Heart

I’d be remiss without noting this.  Max and Ellis had been speaking to a group at the “ghost” apartment about missing packages as the show starts.  That’s what Ellis’s boss wants – to make him a non-entity.  Max figures out over the course of the show who was taking the packages – the noisy neighbor.  Instead of turning her in to the cops, Max pulls one of her cons and finds the missing packages.  Max convinces the neighbor to return them to the rightful owner and didn’t turn her in to the police.  This kind-hearted treatment just endeared Max to me more.

The Only Complaint I’ve Heard

The only complaint I’ve heard so far was the robo-vacuum that ran through the blood leading to the dead body.  To me, this wasn’t an issue as we didn’t have to watch someone run and chase the villain and then the bangs of bullets.  The gore was really at a minimum.  Sure there was gore, but it’s not as much as a bullet wound.

My Prospective

Wild Cards is worth a weekly view.  Will I try to recap – no way!  This show does not really give itself to a honest recap.  Each show seems self-contained.  Why recap?  With these characters and the way the story develops, just take your favorite beverage and have a seat in front of the television.  I’ve been waiting for more programs like this on network television.  I was tired of going to streaming to get them!  With Wild Cards, I get this!

(Yes, spoilers are included in this review!)

Doctor Who —  you’ve done it again.  I thought the three specials with Tennant and Tate were good but I have high hopes for your franchise now. Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor has new skills, a new home, and a new sonic screwdriver.  Notice, I didn’t mention wardrobe?  I’m not sure exactly yet what this Doctor Who’s style will be.  It’s going to be interesting, especially since we’ve seen a kilt.  Maybe Gatwa’s character will have multiple outfits.

I’m going to start with the “big bad” for this episode – the Goblin King and his minions.  Look, I’m a David Bowie fan.  I loved his movie, Labyrinth.  Thus I’m not a big fan of these Doctor Who goblins’ plans and their cute look.  They “eat” children. They actually look like they’re kin to the Star Beast!  What is scary is this king and goblins are much worse than the Goblin King and goblins that existed in Labyrinth.  At least, the worst that Bowie’s King did was turn the babies into goblins.  Yet, I must say that once again Davies is echoing the world and times we live in. Well I won’t go there but need to ask: Does Davies have a TARDIS?

Now on to the Goblin King creature himself.  I loved Bowie in his flamboyant shirts in Labyrinth. Of course, with the Muppet creatures, he needed to be able to move and due to his songs perform.  Did anyone get a sense of the Jabba the Hutt here from Star Wars:  Return of the Jedi.  It is a fit because Jabba liked to send people to a holding cell in the bottom of his ship. And both ships looked like pirate vessels. Hutt’s ship was a step above this one.  But more on that in a minute because it’s construction led to its downfall.

Let’s get to the rest of the story and The Doctor’s development.  We’re seeing new skills with this incarnation of the Doctor.  He has a sense of the magic surrounding him.  First, we see him figuring out the goblins before anyone else.  He’s got their number and knows that they like to cause mischief.  Did anyone see that our “bad luck” could be coming from those little imps?  I know I always heard “the goblins will get you if you don’t watch out.”  I attributed that to myth of our past when our parents try to scare us.  For Ruby and other orphans, it is a given.  This ability to see the situation makes this Doctor interesting (and slightly more fun as he figures things out).

Now, we all know that some people can “trace” problems with electricity.  Our power company basically knows where the power failure happens after the second or third call.  But tracing ropes to through the knots? How ingenuous!  And interesting because it adds another dimension to the Doctor’s skills and where he could be going.  Reading the rope, I’ll call it, and tracing the origin of the problem usually isn’t this easy.  I’m sure it won’t be this simple in the future, but it added a touch of fun to an otherwise tense scene.

I found it interesting that he did guess that all could be tied to Ruby.  Could Ruby have been an orphan they wanted originally who got saved too quickly.  That might count toward the mishaps that she inadvertedly caused others.  Then why the focus of the story on Ruby, and why was the Church a focus.  Yes, I know that’s where the “mom” abandoned Ruby but it’s also served as the place for the Doctor to destroy the Goblins and save baby Ruby.  Will future ties to this play out?  Also, applause to Davies for using the Hindenburg imagery.  Loved it.

I loved the music.  The only thing that I didn’t like was “The Goblin’s Song.”  Yes, it was cute and memorable.  The music and singer of the lyrics were fantastic but as I said earlier, it’s too much in this history that we are seeing now.  I know that no one knew of what we’ve seen playing out this year, but it just shows how much television can reflect the world around us. 

One other question for the fans:  Did any of you get the “what’s happening” when the crack appeared in the walls when the goblins came for the baby the second time.  To me, it echoed back to Smith’s regeneration and how he met Amy Pond.  Remember the crack in her wall which led to a different dimension (wasn’t it)?  I guess I need to go back and rewatch that!

We can’t leave this review until we address the big question left at the ending.  Just who is Mrs. Flood.  I’ve been tagged asking my opinion based on Dr. Who lore.  Well, it’s hard for me to say as I missed one recent Doctor completely and only caught a few of Jodie’s episodes.  Also, we’re not sure how this bi-generation works or whether it is an older Doctor that we have never seen.  I speculate that it could be Amy Pond but he’s visited her grave.  Could it be Ruby’s mom?  It’s possible but is a little far-fetched as how would she know about a TARDIS?  The Master?  Please, Davies said not this season.  Do I really believe him?  NO!  So we will see how it plays out.

I think I will stick around and see how I like Gatwa’s portrayal of the Doctor when his season begins in May, 2024.  Some friends have already tuned, out but I will give him a chance.  I wasn’t a big Smith fan when he joined the franchise, but he grew on me.  I’ve also had issues with Davies’s Torchwood.  I’ll give it a chance and see where it goes.

Doctor Who, thank you!  You have given us  –a wild ride of fun and terror.  This is what I have been missing with Doctor Who — the drama and the comedy.  It’s what we need in the world today and very few shows in the last five years have moved me from laughter to tears.  In fact, I’ll say this.  In some ways it reminds me of the move from the Fifth Doctor to the Sixth Doctor.  That’s when you lost me initially. 

Doctor Who’s “The Giggle” had something for everyone.  The opening echoes the time we live in (scary right).  Then we got the return of our old friend (and The Doctor’s formal employer) U.N.I.T. with Lethbridge-Stewart.  We have the Toymaker which echoes back to the very first doctor.  The TARDIS being transported by helicopter to the 11^th Doctor.  And all along the way, we have our Doctor and Donna taking the trip. 

Let’s get real for a moment. The Toymaker played by Neil Patrick Harris is one of their best villains of all time.  He not only held our attention, but he brought the story into focus with a crazy style (dancing to Spice Girls, really).  The maze house in which he trapped the Doctor reminded me of old horror movies, but the remembrance done of Amy and Clara also brought a touch of sadness. The Toymaker showed his true colors here when The Doctor reminded him that in a way they survived. I think it was the second game that was telling.  Would the outcome have been different if The Doctor had cut the cards?

Let’s move to UNIT.  UNIT was strictly military force with scientists.  Without even checking Donna’s background, Lethbridge-Stewart gave her a job at 150,000 pounds and five weeks of vacation.  Wow!  What a lucky break Donna got.  Then, she was the one who could stop the Toymaker’s diabolical laugh that was causing trouble by a computer program.  Did this all come from her time with the Doctor or was it meant to be?  It was also great that we get another former companion in the mix.  Mel was a wonderful addition to the team.  Oh, and let’s not forget.  The Doctor can order weapons fired to destroy satellites over the Presidents (who were going crazy).

“The Laugh” was the controlling feature that turned EVERYONE into a person that fought for what they wanted (be it a road or London).  The victimhood turned on everybody was unnerving because it’s what the world looks like sometimes today (especially with some discussion groups on X).  Everyone has an opinion, and you don’t dare disagree.  In the case of “the laugh,” it turned normally sane people into control freaks wanting more.  “I’m right!”  “This is mine!”  We see that in our world today.  Yes, it is wrong, but we must deal with it and live, as Donna says, “day to day.”

Okay, let’s get to the big story – the regeneration.  We should have expected something new and fresh from Russell T. Davies. We got it! Had anyone thought of bi-generational Doctors before.  Well, now that it has been done, I’m going to have to rethink the ending of the 50^th anniversary show.  If you remember, the eleventh Doctor met the Curator at a gallery.  The Curator reminded the old-time fans like me of Tom Baker, the beloved fourth doctor.  Of course, it could have been because Tom Baker was playing a role.  Now, I have to wonder if it was the bi-generational effect.  And we have found out that the bi-generational effect is a myth that our Doctor has proven true.

The way The Doctor regenerated was amazing in itself and very unique.  He had Donna and Mel pull an arm, and the new Doctor (the 15^th) appeared, making the two appear as Siamese twins.  The 14^th Doctor and 15^th Doctor pushed until both stood side by side.  The 14^th Doctor did not die or disappear but remained to fight The Toymaker.  Even the Toymaker was confused but saw it as a new game he could play for hundreds of years.  Of course, causing the Doctor to split over and over might not have had the same effect.  What this regeneration meant is simple.  It would take both of the Doctors to play catch with the Toymaker who would cheat.  With the direct mention of “I want to play a game” by both of them, the fans knew the Toymaker didn’t stand a chance.  And two getting their own TARDIS made it all the more special when the second appeared as a prize.  But that seems trivial now when you look at the potential for the show over the next years. 

Why did the Doctor double?  Doublemint Gum has a slogan of “double your pleasure, double your fun.”  Well, let’s face it.  Doctor 10/14 always seemed care worn and intense.  The fourteenth Doctor returned to solve the final problem of The Toymaker started with the first Doctor.  He also had to reunite with Donna, his best friend.  As the 15^th Doctor tells him, he has carried so many of the troubles of the universe and deaths he seen on himself that 14 was getting thin (sick).  When the Doctor came back as the 14^th Doctor, he had to see Donna to get rid of the cares.  Somehow Donna brought out the best of Doctor 10.  And, it was with Donna that he finally let the sorrow and what he had seen go.  As the 15^th Doctor tells 14, he’s healed the 15^th Doctor who can now go back and do the business he should do with fun and joy. 

Which brings me to the ending.  Did you ever think you’d see a Doctor be part of the family?   The sheer joy that was in the final scene of the 14^th Doctor sitting down and becoming a member of Donna’s family was one of joy. I can see him sneaking off with Donna’s daughter, Rose, to show her the world.  Sean seems to have accepted the other man in Donna’s life.  Sylvia says the Doctor hasn’t seen evil stepmother yet.  And the extended family continues with the addition of a former companion, Mel, as an aunt.  We see the set-up for the Doctor having friends, an extended family, and a life away from saving the world and mankind.

Now on to the hint of the future.  The Toymaker had played against The Master and won.  In winning, the Toymaker put The Master into a gold tooth crown. When the Toymaker was defeated, he lost the tooth.  So, who was the woman with red nails who picked it up.  And did this remind anyone of another episode in the 10^th Doctor’s years with something similar happening.  I replayed that scene several times and even went back and looked at the scenes in UNIT.  I could not tell who had red nails.  The only two options that I could find was Lethbridge-Stewart and Sylvia (Mel and Donna appeared to have clean nails).  Could one of them be responsible for the return of The Master?  Better yet!  Will The Master also have a bi-generation regeneration to deal with?  What possibilities that could give!  I have a feeling it is Sylvia who we saw stand up from her wheelchair.  I’m going to be watching her carefully.

To finish, I want to say that David Tennant and Catherine Tate should be given acting awards for their performances.  They did a tour de force of every emotion there could be.  Russell T. Davies, thank you for bringing the Doctor full circle.  You started it with the casting of Eccelston and Tennant.  While I do have issues with you, Davies, over Torchwood, I’ll stand back and watch this with joy – something that has been missing for while with Doctor Who.

Doctor Who, you didn’t disappoint.  I will admit I wasn’t sure what was happening when the TARDIS ejected them to the American Air Force song “Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder,” but that was soon forgotten as we got into a hair-raising story.  You know, these scary stories are the ones I have missed the most.  Davies can make scary stories, but they always have a point.  This is what Doctor Who is really good at and is the mark of a good science fiction show.  They leave you questioning what is to be and if it could happen.

I’m going to go with the major story first.  What do you do when confronted with the worse evil there is?  What is the worst evil, you ask?  It’s the evil that comes from within yourself.  Let’s face it!  The Doctor and Donna had no clue what they were up against when suddenly another pair or version of themselves appeared.  They knew that something either entered or left the ship due to the opening of an air lock.  The evil had caused the captain of the ship to choose to die in space.  Why – he saw the evil from within.

The Doctor and Donna weren’t left to question this for long.  Each ends up in a different area with an entity that is an exact match for their missing partner.  It’s the old separate and conquer except these entities did some very interesting convulsions with their bodies.  Their arms were too long. They scampered like dogs.  Their faces chased the real Doctor and real Donna.  The Doctor and Donna have seen some strange things and soon realized that the two entities were copying their looks for ulterior purposes.  Of course, they had questions which quickly became clear.  Why did they mock The Doctor and Donna and want to read their brains? The answer:  they feed on the information within your brain to see what you know.  By knowing what you have seen and done, they pick their next destructive path.

Now the entities just didn’t want to take The Doctor and Donna lives.  That’s too easy.  They wanted to become The Doctor and Donna.  In the ongoing story of Doctor Who, evil always wants to destroy.  The Non-Doctor/Donna team had seen the wars and enemies that our Doctor knew.  Non-Doctor and non-Donna wanted to be a part of the destruction.  By the non-beings taking over The Doctor and Donna, they thought they would wreak havoc on all just for the fun of it.  The nice twist is that The Doctor, as always, figured this out and told Donna not to think. 

Now, if someone told us “Not to think,” of course our minds would probably run amok.  Donna showed that traveling with The Doctor had shown her the wisdom of Zen, but like always, The Doctor’s brain couldn’t shut down.  In finally seeing what was going on, he won the battle and set the self-destruct robot to work.  In thinking, though, the non-entities saw the destruction coming.  The TARDIS reappears and the “real” Doctor gets aboard but has non-Donna is with him.  He also found a clever way to circumvent the evil.  He checked his partner’s arm length and non-Donna’s arms were “too long.”  By doing that, the TARDIS ejected non-Donna and saved the real Donna.

The captain of the ship had seen this and began to set things in motion.  The captain had sent a robot to push the self-destruct button.  Unfortunately, the non-beings had slowed that down in the hopes that somehow, they could hitch a ride on another unknowing ship.  With a repaired TARDIS appearing, The Doctor set the pace and the race to the end was set.  My question is:  was more damage done to the edge of the universe?  We’ll have to wait and see.

But let’s move on shall we.  This episode gave David Tennant (The Doctor) and Catherine Tate (Donna) award winning performances.  I love these two together, but when there are four of them – well what more could we ask for as the skills show through.  That two were evil gave us a chance to see just how exceptional the actors were.  It’s fine to step into a character but it’s hard playing opposite your own character while in a different perspective (in this case evil).  Add to that they were supposed to convince their other selves that the non-beings were the real person.  So much to dissect with this but let’s say it was hard for the viewer at times to see whom was whom.

And now on to the “elephant in the room” since Jodie Whittaker left the role.  We have had a big controversy arise ever since The Flux and The Timeless Child were introduced.  Was the Doctor’s history unknown to himself?  Would The Doctor’s history be erased with a new Doctor.  We don’t even know exactly how many Doctors there were before William Hartnell’s Doctor.  We had the appearance of a woman Doctor with ties to a mysterious group called The Division.  We had hints that The Doctor wasn’t even Gallifreyan, but an orphan found and tortured to give the Time Lords an opportunity to have extended lives by regeneration.  Would Russell T. Davies ignore this story as so many wanted or would it become a part of The Doctor Who verse.  And how could The Doctor allow The Flux to really destroy part of the universe. 

Well, Davies isn’t ignoring it as we learned last night.  During the non-Donna conversation on the TARDIS, she gave herself away.  She questioned The Doctor’s history and the destruction that the Flux caused.  She had read it in his mind.  Only this all happened after our Donna returned from her adventures in time and space.  She did not absorb these memories of the Doctor, and the others were hidden even from him.  Since this had happened three Doctors later, there was no way that “our” Donna could have known.  Thus, that was a telling point for him.  Non-Donna was reading his thoughts, and he was still trying to come to terms with what had happened.  In the end, it saved our Donna’s life. 

Another nice twist is that the TARDIS can now repair itself.  By inserting the sonic screwdriver in the keyhole, the TARDIS read the evil and departed until it had repaired itself.  Yet, does this mean that the TARDIS is completely fixed?  New set and idea yes, but we have always had a TARDIS that had a mind of its own.  Could Clara’s memory have fixed that or another quirk?  That’s for time and space to tell.

I also loved who was waiting (two days later) when the TARDIS returned to earth.  It seems appropriate that Wilfred “Wilf” Mott, Donna’s grandfather, was the one waiting.  Donna was worried about her husband (Shaun) and Rose but had thought that Wilf would stay until they returned.  Well, he had done much more.  Wilf had sent Shaun and Rose to safety as the world was running amuck with violence and destruction.  Wilf stayed behind to wait for the Doctor and Donna’s return. 

It was so appropriate that Wilf was the one to be there.  He’s had his own experiences in the TARDIS and The Doctor admired and loved him.  Wilf, Donna and Sylvia are the ones that seem to represent family to The Doctor.  Wilf explains what has happened as more damage starts to happen with a plane crashing.  The Doctor pushes him into the TARDIS.  Will he make an appearance in ”The Giggle?”  I only wish that Bernard Cribbins had not died.  This is a nice eulogy to a man who always added spice to the Doctor Who history.  The legacy of the episode being dedicated to him shows the high regard that the series holds for him.

So next we have “The Giggle” with the Toymaker.  I have to admit I love Neil Patrick Harris and know just how evil he can be.  After all, I saw him in Doctor Horrible made during the last writer’s strike!