cmyth007 Reviews

The Terminal List: The Engram (2022) Season 1, Episode 1

Started strong and fell apart at the end

[5/10 · 2 July 2022]

I had high hopes for this show; I really did. It started off great, but in the last five minutes the whole thing fell apart. I get the premise; they want it to seem like the guy has a concussion and therefore everything he says or does is suspect, because of the injury--so we can't trust his memories. He finally agrees to go and get an MRI and that is where everything just gets silly.

He's attached by two masked men, gets in a brutal fight, shoots and kills one of them. In the next scene we see him on the road heading home in a hurry to check on his family. Okay, so--this packed medical facility--where did all the people go? No police there to question him--just nothing? I can already guess what will happen in the next episode which will make me stop watching it. There will miraculously be no evidence of the man he shot and killed. And because he didn't stay there, like ANYONE would have in real life, it will be made to look like he is crazy. Mark my words. Total hack-job, and they started early. If I'm wrong, I'll be back to change my review--but don't count on it.

The Old Man: IV (2022) Season 1, Episode 4

Series just took a big dip...here's why

[1/10 · 1 July 2022]

This show started off SO STRONG. The first three episodes were fantastic, engaging, and left me wanting more. But the fourth episode had an ending that was so--off--that it may have ruined the show for me. It ruined the episode in less than 60 seconds, and I'm not even sure I'll keep watching.

The Zoe character does something at the end of the episode that literally doesn't make any sense for someone in her situation, and honestly, I wanted Jeff Bridges to just terminate her on the spot. She disgusts me.

Stranger Things: Chapter Three: The Monster and the Superhero (2022) Season 4, Episode 3

Another sub-par episode

[5/10 · 16 June 2022]

Seems like the downward trend is continuing. I had hopes that it would pull out of it, but it isn't looking good. Its almost as if the writers just stopped trying, and are just forcing conflict on the characters in every way possible, unrealistically so. For example, in this episode, El gets into a fight and gets arrested. She's grilled by the cops and sent off to Juvie without every talking to a parent, guardian, or attorney, which isn't legal in that state for a minor. I am beginning to think that this is going to be the last season of the show. After such a long break between seasons three and four, it looks like the writers just can't get back into the groove.

Stranger Things: Chapter One: The Hellfire Club (2022) Season 4, Episode 1

Series on the decline?

[3/10 · 16 June 2022]

Totally love this show, but I'm starting to wonder if its on the decline. In fact, I'm wondering if it is going to nose-dive fast and hard. After one of the worst ever episodes with the season three finale, we have to wait a LONG time for season four, and they do NOT start off well.

I get that kids can be mean, but the amount of cruelty from SO MANY KIDS in this episode just completely ruined it. It was far beyond anything believable. We aren't talking about just being mean, but overblown levels of cruelty for basically no reason. I hope this isn't the continuation of what may end up being a downward spiral.

Stranger Things: Chapter Eight: The Battle of Starcourt (2019) Season 3, Episode 8

Love the show, but horrible moment in this ep almost made me stop watching completely

[1/10 · 16 June 2022]

I love this show. I"ve watched it many many times and will again. This episode, though, had a moment that was so stupid and unbelievable that I literally almost stopped watching the show completely.

So they need a code, so one kid is on his radio trying to get it from his little girlfriend who lives far away. She refuses to give it to him, even after he explains that he literally needs it to save the world--until he sings a song with her. So yeah, with all this stuff going on, she's going to hang up on him unless he does it--and he does--and it literally makes my stomach churn. Almost ruined it for me; one of the most idiotic, stupidest, most moronic things I have ever witnessed.

Interceptor (2022)

Good for a bit of a laugh....at their expense

[2/10 · 13 June 2022]

The only reason I watched this, or even knew about it, was that I saw an article online this weekend talking about how this movie dubuted at the number one spot and surprised everyone. So I figured it had to be good, right? Wrong...

It got hyped up in a big way because Chris Hemsworth was an exec producer, had a bit part in it, and his wife is the star. It was based on a hilariously unrealistic premise and right off the bat just kinda ruined it for me.

Then they threw in a huge helping of political wokeness, and kept the unrealistic circumstances piling on until the only reason I finished watching it was because it was just that silly. Here you have this missile defense platform out in the middle of nowhere, and they can't even get a SEAL team there in time to save the day, even with a russian nuclear sub prowling around the area. Apparently there are two--and only two--missile defense sites in our whole country, both of which are instantly taken out. Oh, and the bad guys managed to steal not one, but 16 perfectly capable nuclear missiles too, lol. WE apparently have no ballistic defense subs, or maybe they were all on a coffee break, not really sure there.

Once the fighting starts, all they have is a shotgun that falls apart literally after the first shot. Yeah, you'd think they'd have some better weapons in such an important facility. And every time she put her hands on a weapon, it would miraculously get destroyed, lost, or run out of ammo after a few shots, so she was constantly scrounging for a weapon. Just laughable. It was just too unbelievable, but it was kind of so bad that you can't turn it off.

The star just didn't have the acting chops or charisma to carry a movie on her own. But she has a rich and powerful husband so you get these kinds of opportunities, deserved or not.

Daybreak (I) (2019)

Incredible potential and strong start, collapsed under its flaws.

[6/10 · 18 April 2022]

I absolutely adored this show for the first few episodes, in a big way. I loved the concept, the off-beat humor, and the gorgeous sets. But then, mid-season, a few things happen that change it all.

I can pinpoint the moment that the show lost its way, and it was during a "flashback" episode between Sam and Josh. We learn that Sam has potentially been with dozens of men, and yet she's appalled at the notion that women are considered sluts for such behavior. Let's remember folks, this girl is in high school. In any case, we are treated to this very odd episode where we start to see Sam for what she is--and isn't, and it exposes one of the other flaws of the show, which is that it struggles to find a consistent tone. The show had been funny, quirky and silly up to that point, and suddenly it becomes uncomfortable and far too serious. Sam's borderline manic reactions to their conversation, where she is inexplicably flirting with the delivery man in front of Josh just punctuates the struggles of the show to not only find its audience, but struggles to understand its own characters.

From there, things just fizzled more and more. They start to cram in every woke reference that they could think of. Insert uncomfortable male gay scene so that everyone knows we are woke? Well then two scenes would be better! No...

We are never really left with an explanation of some things, like why all these people follow Turbo, who's only form of leadership comes in the form of an occasional grunt.

The end, when it finally comes, is as painful as it is predictable. One moment Sam is jumping into Josh's arms, thrilled with being alive. The next, after another "you don't know me" speech, and we are given a preview of what would likely have been the big plot element for season two. By this point I was scratching my head at how a show with so much potential could have destroyed itself in only four episodes.

Daybreak groped in every direction trying to find a secure footing, tone, and identity, but seems to have stumbled at every turn. It tried to be too many things, and the resulting loss of focus took a toll.

If you had told me after the first few episodes that there would not be a second season, I would have flipped my lid, but after following every episode to the end, I'm not only calm about it, but I get it. Let's face it, by the end the show failed as a comedy, drama, zombie/apoc, etc. Too bad, because a show like this that was properly done could have immense value to entertain, and sustain itself for many years.

Space Force (2020–2022)

Decent but trouble finding its groove.

[6/10 · 28 February 2022]

I was hesitant to watch this show because I couldn't stand the Office. Just terrible. But this is actually a decent show but it seems a little confused about what it is--a comedy, drama?

Some aspects of it really detract from the enjoyment of the show, like the "father" aspect of the main character. First, they have his wife in prison and never explain it, which they thought was clever, but it is just irritating. Second, you have the daughter--who is by far the most irritating character on the show. She is horribly self centered, whiny, selfish and needs to go. There is so much potential for this show without having to force all of the parenting issues, especially with this terrible character. Every time she shows up on screen I just cringe, before she even opens her mouth.

NCIS: Legend (Part II) (2009) Season 6, Episode 23

Love the show, hate the episode.

[2/10 · 9 January 2022]

Clearly a crossover episode designed to draw audiences into watching the spinoff, this left a bad taste in my mouth and I certainly won't be tuning into NCIS: Los Angeles.

For starters, there was just too much artificial tension manufactured, in an attempt to create some drama. It fell flat.

Another thing that I didn't care for was the use of tech. Something that all NCIS shows are guilty of, to some extent, but they push it over the top here. In LA, the NCIS team can do everything on their fancy equipment and at lightning speeds, to the point that it is ridiculous and ruined the experience.

The thing that pushed it over the top for me was when one of the female characters from the LA team pulls her car over and smashes one of her headlights. This was an on the fly move to create an excuse to make contact with a body shop. While the tactic didn't bother me, what happened next certainly did. These three young men were walking the street nearby, and see her. One of them makes a comment to her, a cheezy come-on, but none of them were being threatening in any way. Her response? She draws her gun and points it at them. Yeah....okay....

Rogue (I) (2020)

So bad that I had to finish it...

[1/10 · 9 January 2022]

This movie is so bad on so many levels that I had to finish it, if only to keep laughing at it.

First we have Megan Fox, who is utterly unbelievable as any kind of soldier. Not just because she wore perfect mascara through the whole thing, but because she didn't sell the audience on the idea of her as a soldier. Her preparations for the part were lacking in a big way.

The dialogue and the characters were all so bad that you had to laugh. But then I see why! The director shares the same last name as one of the writers--who also happens to appear in the film.

So many "woke" moments that it will make you ill, and I can't stand the thought of spending any additional time on this review. Its just bad. The final scene was just so pathetic that it insulted all involved, including the audience.

Virgin Cheerleaders in Chains (2018)

Bot bad, but far from perfect

[5/10 · 13 October 2021]

This was a decent movie, but often times seemed to wander without purpose. The worst part of the movie, for me, was Shane. His acting was atrocious, and at no point did he ever come across as authentic. And the subtitles, which i had turned on, were TERRIBLE.

Freakish (2016–2018)

Awesome premise, poor execution.

[5/10 · 25 September 2021]

I love this genre, the whole zombie/infected/disaster thing, so I was excited when I saw this. But the execution was poor, and after completing the first season, I am dreading watching season two in some ways.

To start, as others have noted, there is an over abundance of teenage angst, petty bickering, and everything that goes with it. It gets old fast.

The other thing is the sheer stupidity of the characters, which in one instance nearly made me stop watching the show--yes it is that bad. I won't spoil it, but I'm sure you'll catch it if you watch it.

I'm certainly willing to suspend disbelief about some things, like why the chemicals don't get to them eventually, inside or not. Or the fact that they send a hitman from the company to murder all witnesses. Please--like you think you'd be able to cover a disaster of this magnitude if you can just waste a few witnesses? Yes, absurd.

Anyway, worth a few evenings if you like the genre, just don't expect a great deal and you may have some fun with it. I'll come back and modify my review after the second season, but after reading many of the reviews, it looks like it gets much worse.

The Big Bang Theory: The Empathy Optimization (2016) Season 9, Episode 13

Sheldon is so irritating, its no longer funny

[1/10 · 14 July 2021]

I truly love this show overall, and I have watched it constantly since I first started. But there are some episodes that are so bad that they make me turn to something else, and this is one of them.

While Sheldon certainly adds some funny moments to the show, he is truly the weakest link in the cast. I have never understood why he is always referred to as the "breakout character." No, he's actually the biggest reason NOT to watch. He is so clueless, so insensitive, selfish and self-centered that it actually isn't funny, and it makes you question why any of these idiots would allow him in their lives, put up with his constant BS, and pander to his childish whims. It truly does ruin the show at times, and by season 9, quite frankly, Sheldon is just exhausting to even watch anymore.

Watching this entire episode is simply painful on almost every level. I hate how we see so little development from Sheldon after NINE YEARS, and everyone just puts up with it, and enables his pathetic behavior. The only part I truly loved about this episode was hating on Sheldon, but as usual, the complete coward writers demand a happy ending for Sheldon, despite the fact that he doesn't deserve it at all. Sheldon is the single reason that this show tanked the last few years. Well, that and how utterly pathetic and sad Raj still is after all these years. Yeah, they should have stopped after season 8.

Truth Seekers (2020)

Love this quirky show

[10/10 · 4 July 2021]

I really love the off-beat shows of these two guys. I've watched and loved everything they've done, and I was thrilled when I saw a series come out, instead of just a movie. I was bummed that there were only 8 episodes, and I'm hoping that in subsequent seasons they will include more.

This reminds me of one of my other favorite shows that was foolishly struck down in its prime, Stan Against Evil. I really hope these guys keep cranking these out because its funny, has a great cast that really works well together, and they have created an atmosphere that is really, really cool. Please make more!!

WandaVision (2021)

What????

[1/10 · 27 January 2021]

How on earth did this show make it on the air and manage ratings above a 1 or 2? Utterly pointless and stupid in every way.

Go-Big Show (2021–2022)

Seriously???

[3/10 · 23 January 2021]

I have watched a few episodes of this show, and it is just so unbelievably dumb. The part that really just makes it too over the top ridiculous is the over reaction of the "judges" to things they see. They have these countless quick cuts to the judges "reacting" to what they see, and it is just not believable. And the choices of judges is a little mystifying. You have a professional wrestler--pretty sure he's not qualified to judge anything except how to act like a complete clown for a living. You have Snoop Dog--yeah. Then you have Rosario Dawson who I really like, and I don't recall the last gal's name. Then you have the last guy who isn't a judge, but he talks with the contestants and stuff, and he adds nothing to the show. The whole thing is just a waste of time.

Arrow: Penance (2016) Season 5, Episode 4

Turning point....

[5/10 · 29 December 2020]

This episode was really a turning point for me. Some of the characters just start to really get irritating. I sat and watched this episode and started to get irritated with how irrational and unbelievable the characters were starting to act. John and Felicity have become very tiresome. And Curtis? I have no idea why they added him to the show. He is beyond irritating. It's like they wanted more of Felicity's "Charming" 'babble when I'm nervous' behavior and for some reason felt like they weren't getting enough from her? The Curtis character was irritating before his first appearance was over.

And John, wallowing in self pity after killing his brother--who just got done threatening to kill his wife and daughter...give me a break.

I hope they make some big changes because at this point, I can't stand Felicity or John anymore.

Arrow (2012–2020)

Good show if you can stomach all the whining

[7/10 · 29 December 2020]

These shows--ALL of them--Flash, Arrow, etc, all follow a pretty specific formula. You can find some enjoyment in the show, IF you can learn to stomach the formula and its limitations. It goes something like this...

An even happens. This inevitably leads to self doubt, crying over things that have "changed", or how someone can't trust someone else because of all the lies and secrecy. It definitely gets old. All the while, the team is faced with a never ending supply of villains with insane levels of resources who are always one step ahead of everything.

Things start to get really tough to watch in season three when Felicity reacts to something that is SO stupid that it really just ruined it for me. The show is more of a teeny bopper soap opera by season 3-4, and by then it gets really hard to watch all of these simpering brats cry about EVERYTHING, and the constant efforts to force romantic tension into the show. Oh, whoa is me, Felicity can't trust Oliver and calls off their engagement. I almost stopped watching right then because I knew what would happen next--and it did. More forced drama and angst.

Don't get me wrong, it isn't just this show; they all have the same limitations. Flash, which I also love, suffers in the EXACT same way. Overall, still a pretty decent show but it will frustrate most of you at times.

The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019)

One of my favorite shows, although Sheldon gets old fast

[8/10 · 19 November 2020]

This is one of my favorite shows of all time. Since I am a lover of all things "nerd", this really was my kind of humor and my kind of show. The only downside to it was Sheldon. While he certainly has his moments, he is so selfish, self-centered, and egotistical that it actually takes me past humor and into annoyance. If they had toned him down a bit, this would have been a perfect show.

Fear the Walking Dead (2015–2023)

Some horrible characters ruin it

[5/10 · 16 November 2020]

I wanted to like this show and keep coming back hoping its changed. Some of the characters are so terrible and implausible that it just ruins it. Virginia is the perfect example. Just bad.

Stan Against Evil (2016–2018)

Unique, charming, and outstanding!!!

[10/10 · 30 August 2020]

I love these types of shows. As others have commented, it is in some ways similar to Ash Vs. Evil Dead--and that is a good thing! This show had so much charm. The actors were fantastic, but more importantly, the chemistry between them was a fantastic mix.

I think this show failed because the seasons were too short, and the episodes were only a half an hour long. With such short seasons, it wasn't on long enough every year for people to get accustomed to it being on, like we would with most regular weekly shows. Ultimately, it got lost in the shuffle, and that is too bad because there are few shows with this kind of magic on the air.

The story and writing was fantastic, and they came up with some great, often off-beat plots but ultimately it was a show with a lot of quirky and unique character. I truly hope that another network picks this up and keeps it alive. I purchased all three seasons and I watch them all the time; I just love it.

BRING IT BACK!!!!

Top Shot (2010–2013)

Silly hollywood trash

[3/10 · 22 June 2020]

I really wanted to like this show, as a competitive shooter. But it was amazing how little shooting there actually was. Or should I say how little useful or realistic shooting there was. How seriously can you take a show where they are sending people home because of how well they shoot a canon, or a flintlock pistol, or an atlatl--yes, seriously. I wanted to see a show about true competitors, the drills that they do to improve their skills and train, and what I saw was mostly a joke. This could have been such a great show, but they alienated their core audience--the competitive shooter--by making it too much of a joke to take seriously. So what does that leave you with in terms of an audience? Yeah--nobody. I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did.

Top Shot (2010–2013)

They tried to hard to make it "Showy"

[3/10 · 22 June 2020]

As a competitive shooter, I really wanted to like this show, but it was more of a joke than any real competitive shooting show. I mean, you are sending people home because they can't shoot a canon--or swing across a gap on a rope like a pirate? They should have made it more focused on competition and the drills that real shooters do to train and improve their skills. This was just silly. It was silly enough that real competition shooters just scoffed at it, so what audience did that leave you with? I think if they had focused it more on true training and competition, it would have lasted a lot longer and been an order of magnitude higher in quality.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Solid but completely over-hyped

[8/10 · 16 August 2010]

This is a solid movie folks, but terribly over-hyped so be ready for it. Excellent directing and a great cast. The one thing I will comment on right away is that the movie was at least 30 minutes too long and they kept putting in silly plot after silly plot with respect to the joker. Mr. Ledger's performance, while certainly solid, was not at all worthy of an Oscar. He had said that the role was so disturbing and troubling that it caused his insomnia, depression etc. If that is the case then he obviously had some serious emotional problems already, because the joker was downright tame from what I was expecting. Jack Nickolson offered up a much better version in 1989.