Gigi: Paris is Paris Again

Once again, I asked to go see a Broadway musical for my birthday. Unlike last year, I got to see it in my birthday month. I wanted to see Gigi and so we went to the Neil Simon Theater, ready to head back Paris during the Belle Epoque.

Unlike last year, I took forever getting this review out. I did want to get my once upon a time recaps out first.

So this is now being posted almost two months after I saw "Gigi" and on the same day it sadly closes. The Tony bloodbath can be awful some years.

Thank Heaven for SPOILERS!

Once Upon a Time Season 5 Updates

This has been a good week for us Oncers!

On Tuesday, it was announced that both Sean Maguire and Rebecca Mader had been promoted to the regular cast. I was expecting Sean's promotion but Rebecca's took me by surprise. Not that I'm not excited about it, though. With Rumple no longer the Dark One, Storybrooke needs a standing villain. (Though I'm still not sure Blue is on the up and up).

(No more of this though. Robin is Regina's. Got it, Greenie?) 

OUAT: Everything is Upsy Daisy

Last time on “Once:” After we see how Isaac became the Author, he then rewrites everything so that the heroes are the villains and vice versa. It’s heartwarming to see that Regina is considered a hero here as Isaac is determined to keep her from having a happy ending. If she does, everything is undone. So Henry works to get Regina to kiss Robin as she tries to stay one step ahead of Evil Snow and Evil Charming. Regina is determined to leave the Enchanted Forest, especially as Robin is marrying Zelena (ugh), so Henry sets out to find Emma, who is trapped in tower.

A tower that looks taken straight from Tangled.

(Seriously!)

Anyway, Henry has to get to said tower. So what does he do? Seek out Hook, of course! He finds the man on the Jolly Roger but it’s soon clear that Hook is not the captain. No, he’s a lowly deckhand who serves the real captain—Blackbeard. Since this is Rumplestiltskin’s happy ending, Hook is a coward. Which makes sense since that’s why Milah accused Rumple of being and why she left him for Hook. Henry takes charge, knocking Blackbeard out and telling Hook they will sail the ship. Hook isn’t sure he can do it by himself but Henry assures him he had a good teacher. “You,” he says. The cowardly pirate looks a bit confused.

(Aww, they wobbified Hook)

OUAT: Topsy Turvy

Last time on “Once:” Emma and Regina return to Storybrooke with Lily, Robin, an unseen Roland and Zelena. Regina immediately threw her sister into a padded cell in the hospital before going to collect the Author. She’s going to have him rewrite the story and give her a happy ending at last. Which means getting some blood from Lily, who is trying to leave town after her reunion with her mother didn’t go as she anticipated. Namely, Maleficent wasn’t as interested in revenge as Lily was. Maleficent asked the Charmings for help and in the process, Mary Margaret is injured. After a heart-to-heart with Hook, Emma forgives her mother just as Lily gives her mother a chance.

In the Enchanted Forest, Cora Freakin’ Mills returned from Wonderland, saying she wanted to help her daughter find true love. Regina reminded her mother that she killed Regina’s true love. But Cora had a run in with the captain of the SS Outlaw Queen, Tinkerbell, and knows about the Man With the Lion Tattoo. She offered to find him but instead found the Sheriff, disguising him as the Man With the Lion Tattoo. Regina saw through him easily and he admitted that Cora promised him he’d be king if he got her pregnant. Regina believed it was a plot by Cora to steal Regina’s throne and so she took a potion to sterilize herself. As Cora returned to Wonderland, she told Regina that she did want Regina to be happy and she wanted her to have a child to experience the joy of motherhood. She told Regina that she is the only one standing in the way of her happiness.

This finally sank in as Regina was about to have the Author write Zelena out of existence. Regina decided to not stand in her way anymore, revealing her happy ending to be the fact that she finally belonged in the world. And Robin was a part of that world, making for some relieved Outlaw Queen shippers—this recapper included. The Author disappeared, going to Gold’s shop in order to change everything and give the villains their happy ending.

Whew! That was one packed episode, wasn’t it?

Doctor Who: Let’s Rob a Bank

Last time on “Doctor Who”: The Doctor tries to figure out what lives under the bed. Clara and Danny have a disastrous first date. She then gets to meet young Danny as well as a descendant of his. As she tries to save the Doctor, Clara ends up in the Doctor’s past and meets him as a child. She realizes she’s the thing under the bed and assures the Doctor there is nothing for him to find. Clara then goes and makes amends with Danny, setting their growing relationship back on course.

Time Heist or “Bonnie and Clyde and Clyde and Bonnie”

The Doctor leads a ragtag band of bank robbers to steal something they can’t remember. Oops.

OUAT: Happy is What Happens When…

Last time on “Once”: Emma and Regina set out on a Team Mom Road Trip to find Maleficent’s daughter, who happens to be Emma’s old friend Lily, and to rescue Robin from Marilena. They find Lily, who knows all about her past and wants to seek revenge against Emma’s parents. Emma is like “I may be pissed off at my parents, but the hell are you going to hurt them.” Meanwhile, Rumple has Will steal Belle’s heart back. When Regina loses her leverage, she’s like “Call a truce and get in the car. I have to save my soul mate.”

When she gets to New York, Robin doesn’t believe her at first. Then Marilena shows her true colors, shocking him. Regina’s like “Thanks, Greenie. Robin, get Roland and get in the car.” But then Robin reveals that Zelena is pregnant. And this was me:

Outlander: You Got Trouble

Last time on “Outlander:” Jamie and Claire return to Lallybroch and get a cool reception from his sister Jenny. Jenny’s husband Ian was a bit more welcoming. Jamie tries to be a laird like his father but keeps screwing things up. After a talk with Ian, Claire sets Jamie straight and this leads to him having a heart-to-heart with Jenny. All seems well…until Claire wakes up to find several guns pointed at Jamie. Uh oh.

So the dirty, wild men pointing guns at Jamie are the Watch. They are pretty much a protection racket, shaking down the Scots for protection against the British. And it’s time for Ian to pay up and play host for a few days. Yet they don’t know why Jamie is in the house and they are suspicious.

(Jamie's getting used to this view)

Nostalgia Nook: The Pebble and the Penguin

In the 90s, Disney Animation was on fire. It kept releasing award-winning and box office topping movies. Other studies tried to capture the Disney magic…several times. Most weren’t as successful as Disney, though they reached their own success. So we have The Pebble and the Penguin.

March of the SPOILERS!

Outlander: Homecoming

Last time on “Outlander:” Geillis and Claire were put on trial for witchcraft. Ned snuck down from Caste Leoch to represent them and did his best to discredit the witnesses. But the people are determined to burn someone, so Claire and Geillis have to chose between them. Geillis reveals she’s not only a Jacobite but from 1968 and after witnessing Jamie save Claire from a flogging, chooses to sacrifice herself. As she’s led away, Jamie runs off with Claire.

In the woods, he asks her for the truth. So she tells him everything—she’s from the future and that she fell through the stones. Jamie takes her back to Craig na Dun, saying goodbye and leaving her free to go back to Frank. But she doesn’t and instead asks Jamie to take her home to Lallybroch.

Credits! Tobias Menzies’ name appears in them, so we’re going to get some Black Jack scenes. Should be good!

Renewals!

ABC has revealed it's renewed shows ahead of upfronts. I'm excited about this because I realized that most of the shows I watch are on the alphabet network.

Once Upon a Time is getting a fifth season! Earlier, staff writer Jane Espenson said the writers are prepared to go on for up to seven seasons. I'm hoping that in the next couple weeks we get word that Sean Maguire has been added as a regular cast member.

And yes, I'll be back to recap Season 5!

Fear not! Princess Isabella won't be trapped forever because Galavant is getting a second season! Here's how I feel:

Yes, I will be recapping season 2.

Len Goodman may be bidding the ballroom goodbye, but we don't have to! Dancing with the Stars will return in the fall as well.

It was also a good day for Marvel. Both Agents of SHIELD and Agent Carter got another season. Yay!

But it's not all good news. Sadly, Forever has been canceled. Unless it lives on somewhere online, this is me:

Here's to the 2015-2016 season!

New Once Poll!

The Once Upon a Time season finale is Sunday.

Or as social media is now calling it--Heroes and Villains.

So pick your side and vote.

OUAT: Reunited and It Hurts So Much

Last time on “Once:” Cruella became suicidal as she tried to keep her past association with the Author (AKA Isaac) from Gold. She kidnapped Henry, delaying Regina’s road trip to save Robin from Marilena. Gold separates the rescue party, making it so Emma faces Cruella alone. She ends up blasting the villain to save Henry, sending Cruella to her death. Mary Margaret and David show up after finding (and leaving) the Author at Gold’s cabin, revealing that the Author made it so that Cruella could never kill again. Henry wasn’t in much danger. Is Emma going dark now?

(Or a month-long vacation complete with a huge sleeping pill)

So, earlier in the week, I made a post on my tumblr about how I decided to have a drink during the show due to all the Outlaw Queen feels I anticipated. I figured it would be a nice way to end my Sunday night. Turns out I really needed it by the end of the episode.

But we’ll get to that. Though I may need another drink by the time I do.

Outlander: J’Accuse

Last time on “Outlander:” Jamie hopes the Duke of Sandringham will help remove the price from his head. Claire warns him about his suspected ties to Black Jack so Ned works out a plan to force the Duke’s hand. Claire also gives the Duke a little incentive and Jamie agrees to help him with a duel.

Meanwhile, Claire learns from Laoghaire that she got the ill wish from Geillis. Geillis then tells Claire that she’s pregnant with Dougal’s baby and she’s trying to get their spouses out of the way. Claire didn’t even know Dougal had one. But then she dies, then Geillis’ husband dies and Claire doesn’t think Geillis had much to do with the former but knows she was responsible for the latter. Jamie has to go away but he warns Claire to avoid Geillis. But when she gets a summons, Claire goes to Geillis’ and the two are arrested for witchcraft.

Credits! I noticed that they changed the credits a bit. Not in images, but who they credit. Tobias Menzies’ name appears nowhere. Instead, Lotte Verbeek (Geillis) and Bill Paterson (Ned Gowan) appear with Caitriona and Sam. Neat.

OUAT: If She Doesn’t Scare You, No Evil Thing Will

Last time on “OUAT:” We spent most of the time with Robin Hood and his family as they settled into New York City. Robin misses Regina and Marian misses her husband. Then Gold shows up and collapses with heart problems. He tasks Robin with stealing something Zelena sent with Walsh and he does. But in the process, Gold (and the audience) learn Marian is really Zelena. She’s been masquerading as Marian for the entire season in order to ruin Regina’s life. She makes a deal with Gold to save his life and then as “Marian” forces Robin to make a choice. He chooses “Marian” and Outlaw Queen fans everywhere reached for their alcoholic beverage of choice.

In the past, Robin tries to go straight for Marian but the Sheriff of Nottingham makes it difficult. Rumplestiltskin offers to help if Robin will steal something from Oz for him. He agrees and Robin meets Will upon arriving in Oz. Will asks for some of the potion Rumple wants for himself. Robin agrees but is caught by Zelena. He does give Will the only vial of the potion he got, returning home empty-handed. Robin decides to return to thieving, but adopts his “steal from the rich, give to the poor” mantra. Marian agrees to stay by his side through it all.

Also, Gold lets Regina call Robin…but she gets her sister instead. He tells her to help him turn Emma dark or Zelena will hurt Robin. Regina chooses Emma over Robin.

Outlander: Dangerous Moves

Last time on “Outlander:” Jamie, Murtagh and some other MacKenzie men stormed Fort William to rescue Claire. They then froze her out until Jamie punished her for disobeying him and putting everyone in danger. He spanks her and she then freezes him out as they return to Castle Leoch. There, Colum learns that Dougal and Ned have been raising money for the Jacobite cause and he’s not happy about it. But Jamie convinces his uncle to support it, so Colum gives them the money. He also decides to invite the Duke of Sandringham for a visit. Jamie apologizes to Claire and the two have makeup sex. After, Claire discovers an ill wish and Jamie reveals it has to come from Laoghaire, who is heartbroken over Jamie and Claire’s marriage.

Cue the credits!

OUAT: One Short Day

Last time on “OUAT:” We learned more about what Snow and Charming did to Maleficent’s child. Afraid about Emma’s potential for darkness, they agree to let the Apprentice transfer all of it into another vessel. They steal Maleficent’s egg, convinced it’s just a dragon. But during the ritual, they realize it’s a human baby. It’s too late and the egg—as well as Cruella and Ursula who tried to rescue it—end up in another world. Snow and Charming are racked with guilt.

Meanwhile, Regina tries to stall the villains from learning more about the Author but Gold figures it out based off a picture. Maleficent places everybody under a sleeping spell—except Mary Margaret, David and Henry are immune. Regina gets Henry to give her a fake page, allowing him to find the key to free the Author. After debating burning the page, Mary Margaret and David come clean to Emma. She frees the Author—despite August telling her that he was shady and that’s why he was trapped. Gold realizes Regina is playing them and knocks her out, saying he has something that’ll convince her to play by their rules.

Excuse me while I catch my breath.

Outlander: The Rescue

Last time on “Outlander:” After their wedding, Claire and Jamie can’t get enough of each other. Jamie learns there might be someone who can clear his name and he goes out to meet the man. He orders Claire to stay behind but she runs off when she spots Craig na Dun in the distance. In the 20th century, Frank is standing by the stones as Claire runs toward them. Before they can be reunited, British soldiers haul her back to Fort William and Black Jack. As he’s about to assault her, Jamie appears in a window with a pistol, ready to rescue his wife.

Time for season one to continue!

Nostalgia Nook: Murder, She Wrote

We love procedurals. And we love mysteries. I guess it’s trying to solve the mystery along with our sleuth. Or sitting on the edge of our seats, praying they figure it out before it’s too late.

I also believe we love to see sleuths who aren’t our usual ideas of detectives. Sure, we love our cops and our Sherlocks. But we also love our amateur sleuths, the ones who fall into it for other reasons. For my most reason example, I cite the new CW show iZombie. Liv Moore (Rose McIver) just wants to be a renowned heart surgeon and marry her fiancé Major. But when she gets turned into a zombie at a party, her plans change. She takes a job in the medical examiner’s office, which gives her a constant supply of brains to eat. It comes with the side effect of her absorbing the dead person’s memories and traits until she’s done digesting the brain. She teams up with a detective and claims to be psychic to explain how she knows the things she does. Together, they solve crimes.

One of my favorite sleuths though is Jessica Fletcher from Murder, She Wrote. So beware murders and SPOILERS!

OUAT: One Wrong Turn

Last time on “OUAT:” We learned more about Ursula’s backstory—how her father made her use her beautiful singing voice to kill sailors as punishment for humans killing her mother. How Ursula rebelled and ran away, making friends with Hook. How Poseidon offered him a way to kill the Crocodile in exchange for his daughter’s voice, which he believed would take away her reason for running away. How Hook at first remained loyal to Ursula until Poseidon wronged him and so he wronged Ursula in retribution. How a bitter Ursula became the sea witch.

In the present, Hook tries to get Ursula her happy ending in order to get more information about Gold’s plan. Emma and her parents plot to rescue August, who reveals more information about the Author to the Queens of Darkness. Regina has a cryptic dream about Robin, leading her to ask Emma to track down her soul mate. A rescued August reveals that the Author is trapped in the book. Meanwhile, Ursula keeps her end of the bargain when her happy ending is restore. She tells Hook that Gold plans to turn Emma dark.

Are you keeping up?

Good.

OUAT: Mysterious Fathoms

Last time on “Once:” Regina infiltrates the Queens of Darkness and survives their tests: getting drunk, destroying public property, nearly getting run over by a train and kidnapping Pinocchio. David and Mary Margaret tells Emma about the undercover plan and Emma immediately deems it a bad idea. She agrees to help Regina but Regina shakes her off since Emma sucks at being covert. Hook tells Belle about the Queens of Darkness and warns Rumple may come back. So he has her hide the dagger, except it’s really Gold so he has his dagger back. He then meets up with the Queens and turns Pinocchio back into August.

And in the Enchanted Forest past: How Maleficent Got Her Groove Back.

OUAT: Mean Girls Edition

Last time on “Once:” Mary Margaret and David did everything to stop the Queens of Darkness from raising Maleficent from being mostly dead. Of course, they failed. Meanwhile, Emma discovered Hook had a past with Ursula he was unwilling to discuss. Regina threatened Pinocchio for information about the book but then went to apologize to Marco for how she behaved. He helped her by giving her things he found with August’s motorcycle. In the Enchanted Forest, the Queens of Darkness enlist the Charmings’ help in asking Grandmother Willow the Tree of Wisdom for help in defeating Regina’s Dark Curse. But Snow’s pregnancy puts the kibosh on that. Later, Maleficent tells Snow she’s expecting too but Snow still refuses to help her. In Storybrooke, Mary Margaret confides in Regina that she and David did something that caused Maleficent to lose her baby. They then ask Regina to go undercover.

This can only end well, right?

(Well, that's ominous)

OUAT: Secrets, Secrets Are No Fun

Last time on “OUAT:” Storybrooke got back into a somewhat normal groove but Gold was about to disturb that. He got two of the Queens of Darkness back together and tricked Belle yet again. He gave her the translation for a spell to unleash the fairies…and Chernabog. With the demon terrorizing Storybrooke and possibly coming after Regina, she and Emma agree to work with Ursula and Cruella. Chernabog is defeated and they let the two into Storybrooke, over Mary Margaret and David’s protestations. They then let Gold into town, who says they need to resurrect Maleficent and keep an eye on Emma, who has potential to go dark. Meanwhile, Mary Margaret and David threaten Ursula and Cruella to stay quiet about some Dark!Secret! our heroes have. Also: not much movement on Operation Mongoose, Regina hasn’t heard from Robin, and the Queens of Darkness helped Rumple get the Dark Curse.

*Take a deep breath*

Nostalgia Nook: The Magic School Bus

A few months ago, 90s kids everywhere got a real thrill: Netflix announced it was reviving The Magic School Bus. A new generation would get to realize why Ms. Frizzle is the best teacher ever.

And maybe a Time Lord.

So why do we love her? Hop on the Magic School Bus and avoid the SPOILERS!

OUAT: Anyone Have a Giant Flyswatter?

Last time on “Once Upon a Time:” With the Snow Queen’s sacrifice, the Frozen arc was wrapped up as Anna, Kristoff and Elsa returned to Arendelle. Anna and Kristoff finally get married. Regina returned Marian’s heart and Robin had to choose. He chose Regina but when Marian collapsed, still icing over, Regina realized she had to leave Storybrooke to be healed. But she couldn’t go out alone as it was a one-way trip. Robin and Roland cross the town line with her as I yelled at my TV. Gold tried to cleave himself from his dagger by crushing Hook’s heart as Mary Margaret and Emma, tipped off by Anna, try to stop him. But it’s Belle who stops him, finally finding his real dagger. She orders him over the town line, banishing him. Gold finds his way to New York, where he discovers Ursula working at an aquarium. He tells her he has a plan.

Welcome back to Storybrooke!

Once Upon a Time Poll!

To the right, you'll see I've put up a new poll. If you're a fan of Once Upon a Time, go and vote! 

Who is your favorite Queen of Darkness? 

Vote until March 15th! 

Prince Charming: A Campy Fun Fairy Tale

So, I was considering doing this for a Nostalgia Nook as it came out in 2001. But I only watched it recently and wanted to save my Nostalgia Nooks for things that actually make me nostalgic. Since I post my Once Upon a Time recaps here and this does feature a cast member, I suppose this counts.

(I apologize for the quality of the screen caps. They're taken from YouTube.)

Rest in Peace

Former Top Model contestant Mirjana Puhar Dead in Triple Homicide

Mirjana is remembered by Top Model cast and creatives

It's a tragedy. I know I wasn't too fond of Mirjana on the show, but I thought she had a great career ahead of her. She just needed more life experiences. Too bad her life was cut short.

God speed.

Nostalgia Nook: Shakespeare in Love

Confession time! I only just watched Shakespeare in Love. It seems odd that it took me this long, too. After all, the movie has many things I like: history, romance, Shakespeare…But it wasn’t until I got Netflix that I finally was able to watch it. So what did I think of the surprise 1998 Oscar winner? Let’s find out! 

Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou SPOILERS!

“Into the Woods”: Fractured Fairy Tales

Once Upon a Time, in a far off kingdom lived a sad young woman, a lonely lad named Jack and a childless baker with his wife.

This is “Into the Woods,” Stephen Sondheim’s musical about fairy tales. Disney and Rob Marshall have brought it to the big screen, working with Sondheim and James Lapine. And being a musical theater geek, of course I saw it.

I had some hesitation when I saw Disney was going to produce the film. Since I was familiar with the stage show, I knew there was a chance it was going to be changed to fit more with the Disney tone. Especially when fairy tales are so synonymous with “Walt Disney.” But it wasn’t as bad as I had initially feared. In fact, it was still very good.

Into the SPOILERS!

Galavant: It’s Ain’t Over…

With the fight still on, Galavant decides to talk to Richard. Gareth agrees to take him to the king. This should be interesting.

(Spoiler alert: It won't happen)

So Galavant goes into Richard’s room and asks if they can get something to drink. Gareth says that the king needs his rest since they have to fight in the morning. He goes to get some rest…and then Richard sneaks out with Galavant to head to a pub for some alcohol.

Galavant: An Interrupted Moment

Last week on “Galavant:” Our singing heroes reached Valencia’s shores and took a break at the Monastery of the Brothers of Our Father of Perpetual Singing, led by Brother Weird Al. Isabella was racked with guilt over having to lead Galavant into a trap while Richard was giddy over the prospect of capturing Galavant at last. Magdalena decided to take matters into her own hands. And Chef was in love. But he had to stand up his lady love when Magdalena switched him for Galavant on the gallows. She offers Galavant a chance to live in the palace as her boy toy but he refuses, seeing her for what she is. He also starts to see Isabella in a new light as those in the dungeons plot. Richard goes with Chef to see Ricky Gervais and realizes his insecurities stem from his brother, Kingsley. And guess who Magdalena has summoned? Kingsley!

Things are heating up for this finale!

Galavant: Realizing Some Truths

When we last left our heroes before the commercial break, they had been captured by Richard after Galavant and Sid discovered Isabella had betrayed them. Sentenced to death, Galavant is saved when Magdalena switched him for the Chef, who thought he was on his way to a romantic dinner with the queen’s handmaiden Gwynne. Thankfully, the king realized the switch before he hanged his favorite Chef.

Now what?

Galavant: Have Fun Storming the Castle!

Last time on Galavant: Galavant and Isabella spend the night in Sid’s hometown, where they learn Sid hasn’t been truthful about his adventures. The townfolk believe he’s the hero and Galavant is his squire. Galavant reluctantly plays along while Isabella gets a little too involved, claiming she and Sid are betrothed. Sid’s parents throw a ball in their honor. Meanwhile, in Valencia, Richard throws a ball to relieve the boredom he’s feeling. It doesn’t go so well—mostly because Richard has done away with most things needed for a ball while invading Valencia—until he turns it into a roast. The Eunuch finally tells the king that his wife is cheating with the Jester, ending the party. Richard seeks out the Jester, asking to learn how to make the queen laugh. Meanwhile, Galavant helps the Pirate Lord Bonneville’s pirates fix their boat while Isabella grapples with her guilt over leading Galavant into a trap.

With Valencia in sight, let the show begin!

Galavant: A Pirate’s Life for Me

Anyone else disoriented by the start of this episode? I felt like the previous episode needed a better, more proper ending. We go from Sid telling his parents they need to talk to our singing heroes on the road again. It was jarring and I was like “What just happened?”

Our trio starts with a song about how they are the best of friends now and are working well together. Except when they are getting on each other’s nerves. Like how Galavant eats all the raisins out of the trail mix, how Sid feels likes a third wheel and how Isabella snores at night. (She also eats with her mouth open). But otherwise, they’re doing alright as they reach the waterway which will lead them to Valencia. Isabella suggests they go another way due to bandits but Galavant doesn’t listen to her.

(There might be some tension)

Guess what happens? If you guessed they get captured by bandits—you’re right! Congrats!

(Oops)

Galavant: Let’s Have a Kiki

Last week: We are introduced to Galavant, a brave knight quashed when the love of his life willingly marries the king. The king, though, appears to be on the losing end of that deal as she’s demanding and cold to him. Galavant is then charged by Princess Isabella of Valencia to help her free her country from Richard. He agrees, unaware Isabella is working for the king. After a training montage and defeating Sir Uncle Jesse in a joust, Galavant is feeling more like his old self.

Oh, and there’s lot’s of singing along the way.

And that’s what you missed on Glee Galavant.

Nostalgia Nook: Happily Ever After

It’s easy to believe Disney has a monopoly on fairy tales. And in some ways, they do. Yet there are a few who give Disney a run for their money. For example, a few years ago, I covered Shelley Duval’s “Fairie Tale Theater.” And now, I’m covering HBO’s animated take on fairy tales.

We have clear visions of what a fairy tale princess and prince look like: Blond hair, blue eyes, white as Wonder Bread. Of course, most of them are based off the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales, which were German in origin. (Hitler, Nazism and the Aryan belief didn’t just come out of nowhere, after all). But HBO took that and went: “Nah, man. We’re going to make sure every child can see themselves in the fairy tale. So there!”
Thus, we have “Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child.”

Once upon a SPOILER!

Galavant: Hark! It is John Stamos!

ABC has made the decision to air “Galavant” back to back to fill an hour. Not entirely sure why, but hey—time for more Galavant!

We open with Galavant being reunited with Magdalena. Except not as King Richard soon appears. Galavant tries to fight him but he’s not wearing any pants. Everyone starts to laugh and Galavant starts screaming.

It’s at that point he wakes up. Isabelle and Sid are glad—he’s been screaming for a while. They break camp and head out to continue their quest. And they sing about it as well. It’s not as catchy as the title song, but it’s good. Isabella even slips in that she’s working for the king and Galavant thinks he hears her but she keeps singing that he didn’t hear anything.

(A nightmare as old as time)

Galavant: The Mightiest Earworm Ever

It may even be more catchy than It’s a Small World.

Admit it: You’re singing it now.

Yes, that opening song to “Galavant,” ABC’s foray into musical TV shows. In it, we learn everything we need to know: Galavant is the greatest hero in some unnamed faraway kingdom. He falls in love with Magdalena and the two are quite happy together. Until one day the king, Richard, decides to kidnap Magdalena and make her his queen. We open on their wedding day as Galavant rides to rescue his beloved.

There’s just one problem: she’s decided that she’d rather have the fame and fortune Richard can give her over Galavant’s love. So she lets him down and marries the king. Heartbroken, Galavant retreats to his humble cottage and begins wallowing. And that’s where our story truly begins.

(Who doesn't want to be queen?)

Aladdin: Once Again, Genie Steals the Show

Disney on Broadway strikes again! This time, the House of Mouse offers it’s 1992 classic “Aladdin” in live musical form.

My family and I went to go see it after Thanksgiving. We trooped into the city and made our way to the New Amsterdam theater. Our performance played to almost a full house, which was nice. Even if the person a few seats down from me spent nearly the entire show on his or her cell phone until the usher flashed them to put the phone away.

Let’s go ride on a magic carpet into a whole new world of SPOILERS!

A Royal Christmas: Because A Princess for Christmas Was Taken

No, I’m pretty sure that’s why the title was chosen. Because the other one was taken. It’s still an American girl, a small European nation and being out of her element. And of course, Christmas.

So grab your tiara and avoid the SPOILERS!

Top 10 News Stories of 2014

Hard to believe but 2014 is over. It’s been a year. And as we’re bidding it farewell, let’s take a look back. Once again, these are the top news stories as voted on by the monkeys in my head. They look forward to this every year.

Here’s to 2014!

OUAT: Farvel

Last time on “OUAT:” Storybrooke fell under the Shattered Sight curse. Gold got Hook to do his bidding but the pirate failed to bring Henry to him. The Evil Queen and Mary Margaret had an epic fight in the Sheriff’s office. Emma and Elsa try to get Ingrid to stop the curse while her past with Emma unfolds. Anna finds the key on the beach and Ingrid sacrifices herself in order to save Storybrooke. Everything is back to normal.

For now.

A Princess For Christmas

I’m surprised I haven’t reviewed this movie before. Actually, I swore I had until I checked my tags. And my archived posts. So I’m doing it now!

It’s the Christmas season! Which means I’m bingeing on Hallmark. And this movie is a staple of their Christmas season.

Beware royal SPOILERS!

Big Hero 6: More Likeable Heroes Than the Guardians of the Galaxy

My family and I continued our Black Friday tradition of going to the movies. Once again, it was a Disney movie. I had heard great things about Big Hero 6. So we chose to go see it.

Hello, I’m your personal SPOILER robot.

OUAT: The Great Thaw

Last time on “OUAT:” Storybrooke braces for the Shattered Sight curse. Elsa believes she can find her sister and Belle says that if Anna was under the curse, they might be able to make a vaccine. After a few false leads, Elsa manages to find Anna and Kristoff—they had unfrozen in Arendelle and tried to escape Prince Hans. Except Blackbeard two-timed them and threw them overboard. When they get Anna to Granny’s, they discover the fairies are gone. Under Rumple’s orders, Hook has trapped them in the hat. Everyone takes cover and braces for the worst.

Things are getting ugly in Storybrooke.

OUAT: Under Pressure

Last time on “OUAT”: Emma freaked out about her out of control powers and decided to ask Gold to take them away. Regina and Robin had a night of passion followed by a day filled with her helping locate Emma while him tried to find more information about the storybook for her. Hook tries to stop Emma as does Elsa. The latter succeeds while the former loses his heart to Gold. Robin discovers something that could change everything for Regina. In Arendelle, Anna and Elsa plot to take down Auntie Ingrid but she gets the drop on them. She casts Shattered Sight on Anna, which is how Elsa ended up in the urn. Rumple stole the urn back and the Apprentice sent Ingrid into our world to wait for Emma. Now, she’s casting Shattered Sight on all of Storybrooke.

Duck for cover, here comes another curse.

(You think the residents of Storybrooke are used to this by now? Like the rest of them are like “Oh, another curse? Must be Thursday”?)

OUAT: Those You’ve Known

Last time on OUAT: See my recap for Part I.

And now onto Part II!

Emma arrives at the Abandoned Mansion at the edge of town. You know, the one Belle and Gold honeymooned in back in the premiere. She meets up with Gold, who has set up the hat in the ballroom. He tells her all she has to do is walk through the doors. Emma asks him what he would do. He tells her he wouldn’t do it. But then again he’s power hungry and only looking out for himself. He’s not to be trusted. Which should be Emma’s cue to RUN AWAY.

She doesn’t.

(Seriously. Not to be trusted)

ANTM: Let’s Hear It For the Boy

This past cycle on “ANTM”: It was another cycle of girls vs. boys! Romeo seemed to have an eerie power to send people home…until he broke the show’s “no physical contact” rule and got himself eliminated. Mirjana fell in love with Matthew until he rejected her after learning she had a boyfriend. Then she moved on to Denzel while Kari and Keith started flirting before she was eliminated. Chantelle was brought back before the models went to South Korea. Tyra addressed Adam’s drinking while the models didn’t like Chantelle. It’s boiled down to four finalists, but when we last left off only a few minutes ago, someone was about to go—Lenox or Keith. Who will get to walk in the final runway and compete for the (dubious) honor of “America’s Next Top Model”?

Find out!

Wanna be on top?

ANTM: Welcome Back

Last time on “ANTM”: The final five had to learn lines in English and Korean for a challenge with Korean soap opera stars. Adam flubbed up, Lenox let her nerves get to her and Keith charmed Clara for the win. Then the guys imitated Elvis while the girls imitated Marilyn Monroe in their photoshoot. Adam surprised everyone by rising to the top while Lenox and Shei landed in the bottom two. In the end, Lenox would go on to represent the girls in the finale. Four finalists remain, who will be crowned America’s Next Top Model? 

Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Nostalgia Nook: The Santa Clause 2

It’s December! Hopefully you aren’t sick of Christmas yet. We have twenty days to go. Enjoy the season!
A few year’s ago, I wrote about “The Santa Clause,” the movie staring Tim Allen as a man who lost sight of what was really important until he became Santa Claus. It has since become a Christmas classic. But it took some time for the movie to get a sequel. (I think Tim Allen’s legal troubles probably played a large role in the hiatus). So, how’s the sequel? Let’s take a look.

You better not pout, you better not cry, you better not shout, I’m telling you why—SPOILERS are coming to town!

OUAT: The Mirror Blue Night

Last time on “Once”: We learn more about Ingrid and her sisters. They tried to keep Ingrid’s powers at bay and support her though they do pay a visit to Rumplestilskin. After a tragic accident, Gerda traps Ingrid in the urn. In Storybrooke, Emma captures Ingrid, a plot by Ingrid to mess with Emma’s head. Make her doubt her family and their love for her. When her powers go haywire, it looks like Ingrid might be right. Emma flees as her loved ones worry. Meanwhile, Robin gives into his feelings for Regina.

And Marian is still a popsicle.

OUAT: Trapped in Ice

Last time on “Once:” Emma wants to know more about Sarah Fisher and why she’s so obsessed with her. Robin wants to know why Regina’s avoiding him. That answer is that she can’t unfreeze Marian so he’s just going to have to fall back in love with his wife. Belle reveals she knew Anna in the past having met her while on a quest to discover how her mother died. Anna learns that Auntie Sarah is really Auntie Ingrid, who was one of her mother’s two sisters. Auntie Ingrid captures Anna while Belle feels guilty she didn’t help her friend. After a run in with the Snow Queen’s mirror, Belle comes clean to Elsa. They discover Ingrid is trying to replace her sisters with Elsa and Emma.

Whew.

ANTM: LINE!

Last time on “ANTM”: Chantelle continued to rub everyone the wrong way. Kelly set the models loose on Seoul for go-sees. Chantelle didn’t win many people over and Will was too tall for the clothes. Keith and Lenox did the best but Keith won the challenge. After a photoshoot for shoes, Keith continued to stay at the top. Adam and Chantelle fell into the bottom and Chantelle was eliminated for a second time. Five models remain, who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Ms. J pays a visit to the Model Suite! He tells them about Korean soap operas. And the models are going to be in one. Lenox is not thrilled about that, saying she gets nervous. Ms. J then reveals some of the script is in Korean. Keith is nervous about not remembering but he vows to make them like him. Ms. J tells them they are the top 5, the competition is on and they are not friends now. He wishes them luck.

Everyone studies their script. Will says he has to pretend to be straight again and is nervous. Adam is focused and says he can memorize lines easily. He celebrates that he doesn’t need the script and everyone is like “Wha?” Will and Lenox think he’s going to get in his own way.

CREDITS! 

OUAT: Frozen Heart

Last time on “Once”: Emma remembers an old friend of hers named Lily as she works to repair her relationship with Regina. Regina, meanwhile, is trying to find the Snow Queen in order to get her to unfreeze Marian. She teams up with Emma to find her as Elsa falls for one of her aunt’s tricks. David convinces Mary Margaret to join him for a walk to work on her attachment issues to their son. In the process, they discover Will’s escaped and go looking for him. Mary Margaret finds him and gets her spark back. Emma discovers the Snow Queen was once her foster parent as the Snow Queen vows to have a family who loves her.

And Marian is still a popsicle. 

ANTM: Personality is Key

Last time on “ANTM:” The models landed in Seoul! Adam began drinking on the plane and didn’t stop. After Raelia won a dance challenge, the models checked out their new digs. They shot a campaign for MCM where Adam struggled, Chantelle made enemies and Keith had a breakthrough. In panel, Keith rose to the top while Chantelle and Raelia fell into the bottom two. To the models’ dismay, Chantelle got to stay while Raelia was eliminated. Six models remain, who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

The remaining models go back to their suite to see Keith’s best photo. He’s glad he has something to fall back on instead of football. Adam is reeling from being inebriated at panel. He vows to cut back—only beer from now. Will says he’s worried and doesn’t know if Adam is sober or not.

OUAT: Cold as Ice

Last time on “OUAT”: Anna encounters the Dark One and ends up helping him swipe the Sorcerer’s hat from the Apprentice. She learns that her parents intended to trap Elsa, afraid of her powers, and she returns to Arendelle upset. Hook, meanwhile, asks for his hand back for his date with Emma. The date goes well for the most part but Hook’s hand is a bad influence. To get Gold to remove his hand, he has to help him capture the Apprentice in the hat. Meanwhile, Emma chases the Snow Queen and Henry decides to work for Gold in order to get more information for Operation Mongoose.

And Marian is still a popsicle.

Credits!

ANTM: Shake It Off

Last week on “ANTM:” Recap episode!

Two weeks ago on “ANTM:” Chantelle won the comeback challenge! But the models still had to see who would go to Korea. They had to model while going through a haunted house. And then they modeled for a campaign encouraging people to wear condoms to reduce the risk of contracting AIDS. Mirjana struggles with Denzel’s elimination while Chantelle doesn’t endear herself to her fellow models upon her return to the house. In the end, she got best photo while Mirjana fell in the bottom with Raelia. Mirjana was eliminated as the other models got ready to fly to Seoul. Seven contestants remain, who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

The models pack to head out to South Korea. Will explains why this is a big deal while Adam needs some help packing. Namely, he needs a beer. Keith says that his drinking is a bit over the top. Chantelle is celebrating being on top. She tells Keith he needs to take one of her bags and he says she needs to be polite. Lenox continues to despise Chantelle.

Shei talks about going home and says she’s attractive Adam. He sneaks into one of her confessionals (with a beer) and asks if she likes him. She plays it cool and says he’s a’ight. And then they make out. Shei’s like “SCORE!”

CREDITS!

Nostalgia Nook: Chicken Run

There needs to be more Thanksgiving movies. So I’m doing a movie staring chickens because they’re close to turkeys. Right?

So, watch out for feathers and SPOILERS!

OUAT: Snowballed

Last time on “Once:” Elizabeth Mitchell used her magic to set up Elsa by freezing Maid Marian. When Robin’s attempt at True Love’s kiss failed, he confesses it’s because he loves Regina. They still can’t be together and Regina removes Marian’s heart to save her until they can undo the spell. As a mob forms to chase down Elsa, she and Hook ask Mr. Gold for help in finding the real culprit. Meanwhile, Emma and David encounter Will Scarlet in Robin Hood’s camp and he leads them to the same answer: Elizabeth. She explains she was trying to show Elsa that people will only ever see her as a monster and Elizabeth also seems to know Emma. In Arendelle, Hans is preparing to attack. He plans to put Elsa in the urn in order to defeat her. So she and Kristoff go to retrieve first. But Elizabeth Mitchell is in the urn! She reveals she is Elsa’s aunt and that Elsa’s mother imprisoned her in the urn. Is she telling the truth? Who knows? It’s only episode 4 so it’ll be awhile until we discover that.

We open in a strange place a long time ago. An old man sweeps the floor, dressed in plain robes. Is he a Jedi? Anyway, a hooded figure enters the place. It’s the Dark One and the older man is the Sorcerer's Apprentice. He fights the Dark One, saying he’ll never get whatever it is the Dark One wants. But the Dark One overpowers him and approaches the strange box we saw Gold fiddling with in the premiere.

(He doesn't look like Mickey Mouse)

But wait! This Dark One is Rumplestilskin. No, it’s Zoso, the Dark One Rumple defeated in order to become the new Dark One. And he is thrown back from the box by the Sorcerer’s enchantment. The apprentice laughs at how the Dark One thought the Sorcerer wouldn’t make sure to protect it well from all the Dark Ones who keep trying to get whatever’s in the box. They will never succeed. 

(Blast from the past!)

Except clearly Rumplestilskin has. Mr. Gold still has the box in his possession and has unlocked what’s inside. Hmm…

CREDITS! It’s a walking broom!

The Good Witch’s Wonder: Here We Go Again!

It’s Halloween! Which means Hallmark is…actually, they are starting their Christmas movies tonight. So they had their Halloween related movies this past Saturday. Which was just a marathon of “The Good Witch” movies. I watched almost all of them (I took a break to watch America’s Next Top Model) and then caught the newest addition.

Please to enjoy.

Also, SPOILERS!

ANTM: Gloves On!

Last week on “ANTM”: Ms. J showed up for a private lesson with Lenox, Shei and Raelia. He then revealed they would all be going to Style Fashion Week and everyone freaked out. Betsey Johnson was one of the four designers casting for runway. In the end, everyone but Denzel was cast in at least one show. The models than did a photoshoot for some hair products. Mirjana annoyed everyone on set as she fought with partner Keith. At panel, Will rose to the top while Lenox and Denzel fell into the bottom. Denzel was ultimately eliminated. But there was more! Tyra brought in the eliminated contestants, saying it was time to reveal the results of the comeback competition. Social media brought back Chantelle and Ben. But wait! There’s more! Tyra only has one ticket to Seoul, so one of them isn’t really coming back. Who gets to stay? Who has to go? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Ben and Chantelle hug each other as they await to learn their fate. Who stays? Chantelle! I called it! Ben congratulates her with a hug and then Tyra congratulates her with her own hug. Chantelle is so grateful to the fans and vows to win. Adam believes Chantelle is now a threat and Shei agrees. But Shei says Chantelle didn’t even look at the other contestants when she was eliminated and calls her a sore loser. Tyra reveals there is still a challenge and photoshoot standing between them and Seoul. Only seven models will go to South Korea. Someone will be eliminated and there is no second chance. Everyone looks serious.

CREDITS!

OUAT: Ice, Ice Baby

Last time on Once: Elsa put up an ice wall to keep everyone inside until they could find Anna. Then she accidentally encases Emma and herself inside the wall. David and Hook go searching for Anna in order to free Emma, who bonds with Elsa as she slowly freezes to death. Regina hides away after her breakup, even shutting out Henry. He sulks while the town turns to Mary Margaret to be their new leader. First order of business: restore electricity to the town. David learns he knew Anna as Joan, a young woman who helped him defeat the evil warlord, Bo Peep. He knows a way to find Anna and Elsa lets Emma go. As Henry barges into Regina’s solitude, Elsa tries to take the wall down. But it won’t. Does it have something to do with Elizabeth Mitchell, who is running the ice cream parlor?

Robin shows Marian around Storybrooke with Roland. He tells her that she’ll come to love the town as much as they do. He tells her everything that Roland likes and the cutie pie adds that he likes ice cream. He then asks for some but Robin says that Marian’s probably tired. Roland pleads with his mother, using the Regina card. So Roland gets ice cream at Any Given Sundae. Elizabeth Mitchell knows their favorite flavors, but not Marian’s. Robin explains Marian is new to ice cream. So Elizabeth gives her a plain cone with sprinkles. But she adds some ice magic to it.

(You can't deny those dimples anything)

This does not bode well.

ANTM: Betsey Johnson!

Last time on “ANTM:” Everyone but Denzel and Mirjana agree that the relationship is a bit one-sided. Kelly leads another challenge where the models have to model her own clothing line while taking pictures for Nylon Magazine. Denzel gets on Kelly’s bad side when he refused to listen. Then he gets on Mirjana’s bad side when Lenox clues her into how Denzel really feels. She also comes clean to her boyfriend about Denzel but he forgives her. Tyra reveals the results of everyone’s DNA tests before they do a photoshoot with Cory. At judging, Lenox once again rose to the top while Mirjana and Matthew fell into the bottom. In the end, Matthew was eliminated. Eight contestants remain—who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!

Everyone returns home to see Lenox’s photo again on the screen. She talks about how crazy it is that she’s been in the top 3 weeks in a row. Shei’s like “Congrats but stop hogging the top spot!” Lenox receives a card that tells her to pick two friends to share in the Tyra treat—whatever it may be. So she picks Raelia and Shei.

OUAT: Winter Wonderland

Last week on “OUAT”: In Arendelle, Elsa and Anna prepare for the latter’s wedding to Kristoff. But Elsa discovers that her parents died while searching for something about her and feels guilty. Anna decides to investigate further. In Storybrooke, Elsa comes out and wants to find her sister. Meanwhile, Regina deals with the fallout of Marian’s return and goes to visit her mirror, Sidney. Emma and Hook deal with their growing feelings and Rumple finds a mysterious object in the house where he and Belle go on their honeymoon.

Whew!

Elsa is still in Mr. Gold’s shop, holding Anna’s necklace. She vows to find Anna. But when she steps out into the street, though, she sees everyone whizzing by in their cars. Elsa declares that no one will be allowed to leave until she finds Anna. She goes to the town line and erects a giant wall of ice. Wonder how they are going to keep the denizens of Storybrooke trapped in 4B.

(None shall pass!)

OUAT: Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

No, I won’t be using only Frozen songs for this arc. But I will probably be breaking out a bunch of Christmas ones because they reference snow. Enjoy!

In the season finale, Emma and Hook went back in time and screwed up her parents’ meet cute. Disguised as Princess Leia and Prince Charles, they worked to get the Snowing romance back on track. In the process, they rescued a woman from the Evil Queen’s dungeons and decided to bring her back with them to the future. Rumple locked them in his Vault of Things He Can’t Deal With and Emma’s desire to go home reignited her magic. She, Hook, and Mysterious Woman went back to Storybrooke where Mysterious Woman was revealed to be Robin Hood’s wife, Marian. There went Regina’s happy ending and my shipper heart broke. Mary Margaret and David named their new son Neal while Emma decided to stay in Storybrooke. Rumple and Belle were married, though he had yet to reveal she wasn’t in charge of his actual dagger. And an urn that came back with them opened as Queen Elsa emerged.

Once is Frozen.

ANTM: Who Do You Think You Are?

Last time on “ANTM:” Mirjana and Denzel’s relationship annoyed everyone but Denzel and Mirjana. And Kelly, who thought it was cute. Everyone auditions for Lori Openden, head of talent and casting for the CW. Denzel won following his audition with Shei, which brought out Mirjana’s jealous side. Denzel then stuck his foot in his mouth, making a comment about Will and high heeled shoes. After a photoshoot on ice, Denzel is called to task for his comments. Lenox once again had best photo while Raelia and Kari fell into the bottom. In the end, Kari was eliminated. Nine models remain, who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!

LA! The models return home so Lenox can admire her picture again. Will compliments her. Lenox says it’s an addicting feeling while Shei says she loved Adam’s. Raelia is still smarting from Tyra’s 4. It’s still higher than Lenox’s 1 from a few minutes ago.

Meanwhile, time to revisit high heelsgate. Denzel and Will have a tete-a-tete. He explains that he was raised by his old-school grandfather and was trying to move past the biases he was raised with. Will explains where he came from but understands that Denzel is trying to move past his prejudices. He and Denzel agree they are friends. Happy ending!

Wanna be on top?

Nostalgia Nook: Halloweentown

It’s October! You know what that means—time for ghosts, goblins, witches and other spooky things. It means it’s time to discuss a Halloween movie!

Hop on your broomstick and avoid the SPOILERS!

Outlander: Past and Present

Last time on “Outlander:” Wedding bells all around! Jamie and Claire got married and spend time in the 18th century version of the honeymoon suite. They talk about their families and generally get to know each other. Jamie also tells Claire about how the wedding day came together, which is good because she was buzzed for most of it. She warms up to Jamie and the rest of the episode can be summed up in this gif:

CREDITS! Are they going to update the images for season 2, I wonder. Also, another warning—there is some graphic content in this again. I’ll give you some warning. And I won’t post screen caps of them.

ANTM: Frozen is Everywhere.

You can’t escape it. Resistance is futile. Just let it go.

Last time on “ANTM”: The two main couples in the house moved in together. But people—mainly Shei—wondered if Mirjana was more into Denzel than he was to her. Lenox freaked out about having only five frames but nailed the photoshoot. Keith and Ben, not so much. Nina dropped by with Nick Cannon for their challenge. Lenox’s team won the challenge. She ended up with best photo while Keith and Ben fell into the bottom two. Ben was sent home. Ten models remain, who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Outlander: Going to the Chapel…

Last week on “Outlander”: Claire and Dougal are escorted by Lt. Foster to the garrison for a meeting with Lord Thomas. Claire charms him and is thisclose to returning to Inverness when Black Jack returns. He interrogates Claire and then tells her about the time he whipped Jamie. It’s best not to dwell on that. When Dougal comes to fetch Claire, Black Jack orders him to bring her to Fort William for further questioning. To save Claire, Dougal insists she marries Jamie. Claire agrees, grabbing some liquid courage.

CREDITS! Who’s excited? Cause I know I am! BRING IT!