The Flash Zips Into Viewers Hearts

Warning: this review of the series premiere of The Flash has mild spoilers that would be more enjoyable if left unexpected. You might want to wait until after you’ve watched before you continue reading. Thank you.

The Flash premiere was last night on CW, and I have to say that it impressed me right from the start. You’d think the beginning would be boring for those who watched the same events on Arrow (where they first introduced the character) but Barry is so lovable that it’s hard to picture ever being bored watching him. Side note: who else loved the fact Jesse L. Martin from Law & Order is currently playing the main cop on Flash now. Guess he just fits the type. All jokes aside, it’s great to see him again after L&O was canceled just shy of making it to longest running show. I’m also enjoying that The Flash feels like it’s own show while hinting at its connection to the Arrow universe without simply feeling like a spinoff series. There are enjoyable references to Barry’s time on Arrow, but overall the show has it’s own flavor that I quite enjoy (and certainly has piqued my interest more than Gotham has so far). Even the conversation he has with Arrow feels like a respectful nod more than a push to connect it to an already established winner. I definitely think this is going to be high on the list of new series to stay tuned with this season.

Not So Happy Town

After reading a slew of negative reviews of the new series, Happy Town, I was worried that it would prove to be a disappointment and not meet my previously high expectations. I would like to take this opportunity to thank ABC for proving me wrong. Sure, the first episode didn’t blow me away, but it had its moments. At the very least, it met its question quotient for the evening. There were so many of them that I actually had to make a list to be sure I didn’t miss any.

Who is Chloe? (was answered at the end, but more on that later). And why does the Sheriff keep mentioning her and then not remembering when he does? By the end of the episode he seems to have some kind of mental break. What’s up with that?

What secrets are hidden in the house with all the widows? Especially curious is what could possibly be on the third floor that Henley (the mysterious visitor) isn’t supposed to see.

Who is the Magic Man and what did he do with all the missing kids? And why did the disappearances suddenly stop?

Who killed Mr. Friddle? I’m assuming it’s this mysterious “Magic Man” but that could prove to be wrong. Also, why did everyone see Friddle as the “town weirdo”? It seems to me they all thought he deserved what he got. (Sorry, but I have a hard time believing ANYONE deserves having a hole drilled through their skull).

Final question is mostly for me: Was anyone else creeped out by Merritt Grieves? (the guy staying in the house with all the ladies)

For all these questions, Happy Town gave us one answer… sorta. It turns out that the mysterious visitor is the aforementioned Chloe. But what is she doing in town? She seems to be there to investigate something… but what? We leave her as she is about to go to the forbidden corridor that is the third floor.

Well, that is what you missed on the series premiere of Happy Town. The show looks to have potential, so News on Shuffle will be keeping tabs on the townsfolk for the time being. Hope some of you will join us.

Trust Him, He’s The Doctor

Amy: Who are you?
Doctor: I don’t know yet, still cooking.

Sizzling is more like it.

After weeks of speculation as to whether or not Matt Smith would be a suitable Doctor, I can honestly say that we need not worry. Matt makes the character his own from the moment he jumps out of the TARDIS and into the life of his new companion, Amy Pond. Speaking of the TARDIS, it’s new and shiny too, as is the sonic screwdriver. Even the opening titles have a slightly new theme, although it is essentially the same tune we have grown to love over the years. If anything it is just slightly edgier and darker than what we are used to. Overall I would say stop worrying about Matt Smith and Steven Moffat and just let the show be what it is: a timeless adventure that will make you feel as if you had been running right alongside your beloved Doctor.

Every episode is followed by a special Doctor Who Confidential, which can be found on the BBC America website along with other behind-the-scenes features.

So, all of time and space. Everything that ever happened or ever will. Where do you want to start?