What is truly fascinating about the entertainment industry as a whole, is how quickly it shifts with the tastes of the public. Because just like that, romance stories are out, and detective stories are in. Or country music can take a backseat to the hottest new pop artists and this is a cycle that certainly keeps things interesting, since you never quite know what’s going to be the next big thing. But of the many genres from the many platforms out there, one that continues to defy this particular shift; is horror. Because this particular genre, always finds a new way to captivate modern audiences and that’s largely due to the fact that it makes its own rules and evolves with the times to stay relevant. But while it is fascinating to know that horror genuinely adapts to the times, its dynamic ability to do so really wasn’t properly noticed until the modern era of storytelling and it is understandable as to why.

Simply because we've only recently started to take the time to properly examine the impact of pop culture on the modern world and how it reflects the times. Which means that there are people out there, that are eager to really explore horror and how exactly its managed to defy the norms and stay relevant at all times, so that we can properly understand the intelligence and majesty of this particular genre. And it just so happens, that AMC and horror director Eli Roth have been determined to bring this analysis to the masses by way of Eli Roth's History of Horror. A television show that is actually about to kick off its second season on October 10. But rather than wait to see what the season two premiere has in store for us, and only discuss that particular journey, we thought it would be fun to return to the beginning of this series to count down the days to its return and boy are we glad that we did.

Because the series premiere of this show started its phenomenal journey through the fascinating past of the horror genre by examining the evolution and history of one of the hottest monsters on the market right now, the zombie. For ‘Zombies’ are simply everywhere in popular culture and this opening chapter really did do a phenomenal job of examining every single facet of how this creature came to be something we celebrate on a near weekly basis. For it took the time to examine its humble beginnings by way of Mary Shelley’s iconic work, and how the zombie evolved into a creature of servitude. But the best part of this shamble down memory lane, is how it took the time to recognize that the zombie didn’t become the creature that is today, until George Romero felt the need to step behind the camera to film a little independent picture entitled, Night of the Living Dead.

For that particular movie not only gave life to the modern zombie, it also forged a path for filmmakers everywhere to use the living dead as an allegory for who we are as a society and what we fear, something that Romero refined with the greatest zombie film ever made; Dawn of the Dead. For that movie truly encapsulated the zeitgeist of the era by examining the power of consumerism, and truly, those two films are what allowed for this particular creature to evolve with the times and stay relevant for the past century or so. Because they can truly be whatever we need them to be. For if we need them to help us process death, they certainly can, since that’s central to the plot of Re-Animator. Or if we need them to offer some laughs while examining humanity's ignorance during a crisis, then films like The Return of the Living Dead are there to provide that. Which makes this creature perhaps the most versatile monster of the genre when all is said and done.

But what truly makes this particular series so compelling and downright fascinating is the sheer fact that Eli is able to get input and observations and history lessons from the people that helped to shape these films. And it really is an incredible treat to hear Tom Savini speak upon what the zombie means to him, or Stephen King for that matter as well and that particular format just sucks you in, since these folks truly are the experts and their insight here is supremely unique and compelling and it definitely motivates the viewer to continue along in this journey. For it means that no stone is going to be left unturned in this documentary and the viewer is truly going to get an enriching lesson on the most versatile genre out there and this reviewer cannot wait to see where this series takes us next. Because what it accomplishes in its first hour is powerful and magnificent and chances are, it’s only going to get better from here on out. Until next time.      ​

When an opportunity comes your way that you cannot pass up, it is difficult to look away. Even when you know that what you are about to do may be wrong, the appeal of it reels you in and there is no way to keep yourself from walking away. Most people are able to weigh the options put in front of them and while some will overlook all of the issues that may come with it, others take a step back and try to figure out what is the right move for them. There is always a way to see the moral issues of what is front of you and while it may seem right to back away, if you don’t have any other option, prepare to be in for one heck of a ride.

Waiting for her boyfriend to be released from prison, PJ sits patiently in the car. Seeing that the time away has not changed the way that she feels for Perry, she is open to new things that might be coming their way. Perry however is having a hard time after getting out of jail, mainly because he has joined the normal working class at a low level and cannot see himself wading through other people’s trash to make a living.  While a job is a job, Perry believes that there hast to be other opportunities out there that will pay him much more for a heck of a lot less work.

Meeting with Gina, PJ gathers her girls to hear what the master thief has to say about her new plan. Hearing stories that there were fortunes buried underneath the city in an old crypt, she needs help in order to get all of the goods back up to the surface. While Dorian, Morgan, Adrianna and PJ are all against grave robbing, Perry sees that this is his chance to get some fast money and needs to do some convincing. Knowing that PJ will do anything that he asks of her, he is able to get the gang of thieves to unite as they all listen to the full pitch of what they will be doing underground. 

Entering the crypt underneath the city, Gina has a map and knows where the big loot is hidden, but while everyone is creeping around in the dark, they are starting to hear and see things that don’t appear to be there. Finding one of the most loaded burial sites, Gina opens up a coffin and everyone sees that the stories were true. With jewels and money in their hands, Gina is ready to explore deeper into the depths of the old burial ground, but Dorian, Adrianna and Morgan are ready to call it a day as grave robbing has unsettled them. Seeing her friends leave, PJ has mixed emotions but will stay by Perry for as long as he needs her. But the group are not the only ones hidden in the darkness of the crypt as the deceased are rising and looking to take revenge on those who are trying to take their money away from them, even in death.

As far as a killer ghost movie goes, I rather like how it played out when all was said and done. I liked the addition of why there would be so much money hidden with the dead as the Great Recession was cited and brought into play. With nobody wanting the government to get their money after they died, they just took it with them to the grave and will never let it go. The group of thieves were pretty fun, until they started to get killed off. Not knowing what or who they were up against, the battle for survival was really key for everyone and showed what they were made of, which was not that much. The feeling of greed runs rampant throughout the film, and while it is nice to have money, it should be earned and not taken from those who have spent a lifetime amassing it. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the final season of ‘Supernatural’.
​
Once we all finally stopped crying after the announcement that season 15 of Supernatural would be the last, the #SPNFamily reluctantly settled in last fall for a shorter, 20 episode season with the normal mid-season break. Then we collectively suffered through what we thought would be our last Hellatus. But, only a few episodes in post-Hellatus, the entire world took a break as the Coronavirus became a global pandemic. That’s when the true Hellatus began!! With no start up in sight, the fandom went from mourning the shows end to wondering when it would actually end.

In the meantime, thanks to technology, fans have been able to get a closer view of our boys, not as their characters, but at themselves. Things like Zoom meetings, political action, charity engagement, and endearing photos and videos at home ALL INCREASED keeping us even more connected than we might have thought possible. I mean. Can you imagine what a pandemic would look like without technology??  

Now that we have an actual date for our beloved show to return (FINALLY, am I right?) – Thursday, October 8th for those of you not awake (LOL) – and before I dive back into my weekly reviews, let’s revisit The Road So Far…

From the beginning, season 15 hit the gas and scarcely let up since. In 15.01: ‘Back and to the Future’, we pick up where season 14 left off. Jack (Alexander Calvert) is dead and Sam (Jared Padalecki), Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Cas (Misha Collins) are surrounded by the undead horde produced by Chuck’s (Rob Benedict) Thanos-like snap. We get to see the more comedic talents of Calvert as Jack’s body is possessed by the, I know he’s up to no good, but I want to love him anyway, demon Belphegor. We also start what will be a running theme in the coming episodes, returning characters and cameos – YES!! Not to mention we have strong tension between Dean and Cas, billions of ghosts have been released from Hell, and oh yeah… Lucifer’s cage is open!! Plus, Sam’s gunshot wound lingers as Cas struggles and fails to heal it. Feeling that Chuck is gone, the episode ends with one of the best full circle moments of the entire series – a recreation of “We got work to do,” from the series pilot – OMC!!!
​
Picking up the pace even more, 15.02: ‘Raising Hell’, brings Rowena (Ruth Connell) and Ketch (David Haydn-Jones) back into the fold with flirty playfulness and I loved it!! Chuck finds Amara (Emily Swallow) who, with sufficient eyeroll annoyance, dismisses his plight. We also find out that Sam and Chuck are connected by The Equalizer gunshot wound and for what’s likely the first time ever, Chuck appears afraid. It’s about damn time!! By the end, with help from the ghost of Kevin Tran (Osric Chau), the other spirits wreaking havoc on the town are contained in a magical crystal. Including Rowena’s ex (LOL!), Jack the Ripper (Lane Davies). And though it’s wonderful to see Kevin, Belphegor points out that once a soul graces Hell, they cannot pass on to Heaven without the exception of God. *SIGH* When will Kevin get what he truly deserves?

By the time, 15.03: ‘The Rupture’, wraps up, Team Free Will is forever changed. Just as he’s beginning to redeem himself, Ketch is needlessly (seriously… needlessly!!) killed by Ardat (Sharon Taylor). Belphegor had secret plans all along, and though we all knew it, this fangirl loved how surprisingly it all played out. Unfortunately, the hardest fall for our heroes culminates in the absolutely devastating loss of Rowena. And, just as predicted by Death (Lisa Barry), at Sam’s hand as well. Everyone, including us viewers, were devastated! But, the moments between Sam and Rowena leading up to her death are now some of my favorites throughout the entire series. Grief stricken, Dean lashes out at Cas – blaming him for everything, including Mary’s (Samantha Smith) death. In the end, Cas not only reveals that his Angelic powers are failing, but he also leaves the group altogether; making the already very heart heavy episode weigh even more. 

Directed by Jensen Ackles, 15.04: ‘Atomic Monsters’ opens with an action packed, “John Wick style” yet, confusing vision for Sam. In typical Winchester fashion, he neglects to tell Dean about this or any of the other visions he’s been having. Overall, the monster of the week takes a back seat to the bigger picture and will again in future episodes, as we now have bigger fish to fry. However, even with all of its heavy lessons, this episode has a lot of fun with itself. Chuck, wanting to feed his inflated ego, seeks out an old flame – R.I.P. Becky Ros (Emily Perkins)! We see plenty of meta references on display with actual Supernaturalverse merchandise as well as dialogue poking fun at fan fiction, Leviathans and even writers in general. We also hear “Sounds of Someday”. A song from Jensen’s real life band, Radio Company. By the end, Chuck, tied to Sam and by extension, this universe, decides to change the story – of course!!
​
Keeping the surprises coming, 15.05: ‘Proverbs 17:3’, directed by our favorite Trickster (Richard Speight Jr.), starts out basically as a typical monster of the week story and ends with anything but – a freshly meat suited Lilith (Anna Grace Barlow)!!! As if mentioning her early on when the gang is in search of her Crook wasn’t enough, she returned! And to do Chuck’s bidding no less. WHOA! Not only has she been sent to collect the Equalizer, melting it in the process (NOOO!), but she also spills information regarding Chuck’s “stories.” They always end with one brother killing the other. Every time! This disheartening news puts Dean at a loss causing Sam to re-think his visions. He comes clean to Dean – a much welcomed reprieve from the norm. Sam explains that rather than seeing these visions as some deranged form of PTSD, he now sees them as a connection to God himself via the gunshot wound. Now we’re all on the same page and it’s fascinating…

Revisiting fresh wounds from Rowena’s (Ruth Connell) death, 15.06: ‘Golden Time’, opens with witches trying to raid her apartment. It doesn’t end well for them… LOL! But despite our pain, the writers find new and interesting ways to give us hope. Including the fact that Rowena warded her apartment so no one but Sam or Dean could enter. In effect, bestowing them all of her magical possessions. Awww!! Additionally, Eileen Leahy’s (Shoshannah Stern) ghost appears to Sam and in his attempt to help her, they discover a resurrection spell. Yay!! On the B-side, Castiel, with his powers still fading, is working his own case in Wyoming. He saves the day while having a personal realization about his fight with dear old dad and positions of authority. Before it’s all said and done, we do learn a few nice tidbits. One. The Witch Mother (Karen Giles), in regard to the resurrection spell, points out that Death will close loopholes such as these. Interesting!! Also, Dean, referring to Sam as “Ginger Junior (LOVE THIS!!),” along with other witch references throughout, easily sets Sam up as Rowena’s apprentice. This HAS TO mean something, right??

Next, and quite literally one of my favorite episodes of the whole series, 15.07: ‘Last Call’, gives us a hodgepodge of information. Including some romance brewing between Sam and Eileen, Cas returning to the fold and a reference from Sergei (Dimitri Vantis) regarding a key to Death’s Library. That seems important… LOL!! Not to mention, Dean, or should I say Jensen playing Dean, giving us all the feels with a musical duet with guest star (and real life friend), Christian Kane. I’m pretty sure I’ve re-watched this scene at least 20 times. The “Eye of the Tiger” (Survivor) reference gets me every time!! You? By the end, Dean, having learned some lessons on his solo hunt, is back with purpose. We also find out that Chuck is weaker than they once thought – HECK YEAH! And let’s not forget that Cas, who’s impressively taken on a much darker tone overall, mentions Angel Radio has been silent for months – something I expect to come back around at some point.

In 15.08: ‘Our Father, Who Aren’t in Heaven’, Richard Speight Jr. comes back to direct once again lacing the episode with his “Trickster magic,” as Team Free Will seek answers to defeating God via the Demon Tablet. We get to hilariously see the return of Donatello (Keith Szarabajka). Though seeing him Bluetoothed by Chuck is… well… disturbing to say the least (LOL!). We also find out that Rowena is now the Queen of Hell (of course!!). Plus, picking up on Dean and Castiel’s tension, she tells them to get over it or risk regret. As she does for Napoleon (yes, that one!) and Mick Jagger (yes, that one too!)… LOL!! OMC, I love her!! And sadly, by the end, Sam and Eileen get tricked by Chuck and end up captured. But despite all that, this episode gives fans the world over a whole new set of memes for the long lost Winchester – Adam Milligan (Jake Abel)!! And boy did the writers handle this epic return with simplistic yet impactful style. Expecting a crazy blow out after all these years, instead we see a calm and symbiotic Adam/Michael. And the closure for past grievances – namely, leaving him in The Cage since season 5 – is touching. Overall, this storyline is so well done that I was actually a bit stunned. You? Ohh, and let’s not forget Michael vanquishing Lilith with just a look… WHOA!! His powers are off the charts!

Picking up with a captured Sam and Eileen, 15.09: ‘The Trap’ shows us even more of the once beloved Chuck’s selfishness as he pits the two against one another and proceeds to tear down Sam’s hope with scenarios of death and despair. On the B-side, Dean and Cas, despite not being able to reach Sam, continue on to Purgatory because it’s the only place the key spell ingredient to trap God – a Leviathan Blossom – can be found. Not to mention the clock is ticking as the rift torn by Michael won’t stay open for long. Things go awry via some Leviathan retaliation in honor of Eve (Julia Maxwell) – the Mother of All Monsters. Boy, I’d sure love to see her come back before the end!! In my full recap, I discuss some of the inconsistencies in this episode, but they pale in comparison to the revelations. Including seeing Dean frantic and breaking down as he prays to Cas, admitting his anger and how bad it can truly be. A moving scene to say the least. We also learn that Sam’s visions are actually alternate endings for other universes. Other Sams and Deans!! Wow, my predictions were right! By the end, even though Dean gets to punch Chuck in the face (YES!!!), Sam’s hope is lost which breaks the gunshot wound bond. Chuck also crushes the magic sphere created to trap him. So, now with NOTHING tying him to this world, away he goes. Finally, we see Sam and Eileen part as she steps back to prevent a weak spot for the boys. A heavy episode is putting it mildly for this one! But… Jack’s back – YES!!
​
Taking a more comedic approach from the previous episode, 15.10: ‘The Heroes’ Journey’, shows our boys getting slapped with everything from cooking fires, tooth pain, declined credit and parking tickets to straight up clumsiness and getting sick. We eventually find out, thanks to Chuck, the boys have lost their mojo and are now seemingly “Average Joe’s” rather than the heroes of journey’s past. And it’s fracking hilarious!! But what really places this episode quite high on my favorites list is the much needed return of Garth (DJ Qualls) – YES!! He’s just what the doctor ordered to not only fix Dean’s 17 (yes, 17!!) cavities, but also help the boys get back in the fight. Not to mention, he gets to resolve his own personal issues as the hero who saves the day. But not before we get absolutely gut busting scenes with Dean’s lactose intolerance, Sam drinking a cayenne fiery cure all, a Monster Fight Club that’s exactly what it sounds like and an oh so fitting commercial for a monster and a Winchester match up no one will soon forget – am I right?? And we can’t forget that anesthesia filled dancing dream sequence – SPECTACULAR!! Finally, as an obvious nod, we also get a bit of Scooby-Doo-like antics to round out the laughs. By the end, after one last hug from Garth, Sam and Dean are headed to Alaska to seek out a mojo cure. But before they go, we get to see Garth at his happiest – giving us all much needed closure.
​
A standard filler episode, 15.11: ‘The Gamblers’, still manages to clear up a few existing storylines while raising new questions at the same time. Dual tales show Sam and Dean in Alaska putting their pool skills to use against magic coins cursed by the Goddess of Fortune, Fortuna (Lynda Boyd). Conversely, Castiel, posing as Agent Lizzo (LOL – YES!!) follows up on a suspicious murder case and a missing person’s sighting in Cushing, Oklahoma – Jack Kline! And he’s feeding on the ancient human soul-sucking Angels, the Grigori. WHOA!! Overall, the whole episode is filled with throwbacks and tie-ins. Including a particular curiosity of mine. Would other Gods play a role in the final battles to come? Fortuna answers this by explaining that Chuck, who created this universe and the other Gods in it, betrayed them too! However, as Fortuna tells it, most of the other Gods let this go. Bored of Chuck’s apocalyptic threats and caring little for the struggles of man, they shrugged their shoulders and moved on. It’s a quick yet fitting way to wrap up this lingering storyline – am I right? Realizing heroes still exist, Fortuna gives Sam and Dean the luck they came for. But not before leaving them with some advice regarding Chuck: “Don’t play his game. Make him play yours.” By the end, we learn that God fears Jack which is why Billie kept him in The Empty until Chuck left earth. Now, she has set him on a path to become even stronger for the inevitable battle ahead. The eating hearts is part of this and overall, I’m skeptical and happy at the same time. You??

Wasting no time, 15.12: ‘Galaxy Brain’, starts with Chuck on Earth 2. “Pop Tart Heart”, a song from Rob’s real-life band Louden Swain, plays in the background. And after a bit of egomaniacal theatrics, Chuck admits that all the other Sam and Dean’s don’t “spark joy,” like our Sam and Dean and eventually decides to dismantle his other universes via mass destruction. YIKES! Adding more shocking moments, Dark Kaia (Yadira Guevara-Prip) returns with a few surprises of her own. She can see that her world is being destroyed and fears for our Kaia, who’s alive – NICE!! And returning for a third time to direct, Richard Speight Jr. seems to take a darker tone this time around as the boys contemplate revenge, a soulless heart eating Jack and just exactly what Billie is up to. Additionally, Jack’s new babysitter, Merle (Sandra Ferens), the very rude and annoying Reaper, reluctantly helps them restore the Bunker’s Cosmic Warding once stripped by Amara and was never fully restored. This helps keep Jack off Chuck’s radar and allows him to open a rift to Dark Kaia’s world. In the end, they save our Kaia – YAY!! – while Dark Kaia stays behind to perish with her world – BOOOO!! Not to mention, Cas and Jody (Kim Rhodes) finally meet for the first time. NICE! In the end, Billie surprises them all by reaping Merle and revealing that EVERYONE has a book in Death’s Library. Even Chuck!! And, in order to create other universes, Chuck built himself into the framework of this universe meaning, he can die too!! But the biggest surprises of all, NO ONE can read their own book without Billie’s say so and The Winchester’s are “the messenger’s of God’s destruction.” WHOA!!  

The episode 15.13: ‘Destiny’s Child’, was the final one to air before the pandemic shut down production. Ironically, some superstitious folk might think the show stopping production just after the 13th episode is weird, no? Personally, I think it fits right in to the Supernaturalverse!! Regardless, come back and see me for a full recap of this episode posting on October 8th before our show resumes for the final leg of this 15 year tour. Until then… Go Team Free Will!