Remembering “Surface”: Sea Monsters, Dragons, and Lake Bell

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“Surface” is the definition of a series with a one note concept that would have worked much better as a mini-series when all is said and done. Around the mid-aughts, NBC television began working their way in to science fiction and began airing the quite ambitious “Surface.” During 2005, ABC’s “Lost” was taking America by storm and dominating pop culture with its mysterious storylines and baffling plot twists, so every network attempted to build their own franchise in the same vein. “Surface” is a valiant attempt with misguided writing.

And yes, I sat through the whole thing.

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Northpole (2014) (DVD)

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Part one in an apparent movie series from Hallmark Entertainment, “Northpole” is a cute film about Christmas, and trying to preserve the happiness. Literally. It’s a simple and down to Earth movie that celebrates the more entertaining aspects of the holiday, while also building on a new hero in the form of elf Clementine. Bailee Madison is the definition of adorable as the rambunctious cherubic elf, desperately trying to keep the North Pole from dying what with the happiness of Christmas fading away in a sea of unfortunate cynicism. “North Pole” depends on Madison’s enthusiastic performance, and as always, she steals the movie. “North Pole” has its fair share of silliness, but it’s a fine Christmas movie with amusing quirks that I sat through with ease.

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The Walking Dead Season 5 Episode 7: Crossed

If anything, Rick and Carol have shown that grief in the zombie apocalypse is for suckers. Two characters in this episode are suffering grief and commit really stupid mistakes that end up becoming liabilities to everyone around them. While Sasha’s big mistake in the final scene was the definition of gullibility, you have to laugh at Father Gabriel escaping the church only to be stuck by a nail on his foot.

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The Walking Dead Season 5 Episode 6: Consumed

As is typical with “The Walking Dead,” much of the fans’ petty bitching and nitpicking about past episodes are addressed in what is one of the more haunting episodes of the season yet. “Consumed” is much more low-key and disquieting than the last five episodes and I appreciate how the focus is now pitted on Daryl and Carol, while also expanding on Carol Peletier’s back story. It’s a great thing too that Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride have excellent chemistry, as this episode could have immediately jumped in to filler territory. McBride has been fantastic on the series since day one, and Reedus can work off of anyone, so their dynamic is priceless.

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100 Things to Do Before High School

You really have to give it to Nickelodeon. They’re in no position to mock Disney, since their programs are superior and garner bigger ratings, but they waste no time in ridiculing the company. The TV movie for “100 Things to Do Before High School” which is supposed to open the door for a series next year, spoofs “High School Musical,” and most of the movie rips on “Star Wars” big time. That said, while it’s derivative, “100 Things to Do Before High School” is a fun tween dramedy that might be the teen oriented hit Nick has been looking for, for a while now. I got shades of “Ned’s DeClassified School Survival Guide,” but I really enjoyed the TV movie for “100 Things to Do Before High School.”

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The Walking Dead Season 5 Episode 4: Slabtown

I’m not sure I entirely enjoyed “Slabtown” if only for the fact that while Beth has always been an interesting character, she’s not really going to go anywhere. I don’t really see this arc with Beth ending on a light note. In fact I foresee this being the final episodes with Beth in this zombie apocalypse. While it will suck not seeing the utterly gorgeous and talented Emily Kinney anymore, I think it might just be the sacrifice that’s worth it. While I don’t particularly agree with the methods that are practiced in this dictatorial and exploitative safe haven, the leader of the pack Dawn makes some interesting points about Beth’s survival. Ever since we met Beth, everyone’s priority has been about saving her and placing her in a higher priority. Beth has always been rescued, but she’s barely done anything to really pay people back.

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The Walking Dead Season 5 Episode 5: Self Help

“Self Help” belongs to Abraham Ford, and it’s a good thing too. Michael Cudlitz is a ridiculously underrated character actor, and his performance as Ford has been stellar. We didn’t just need someone who looked the role, but portrayed the immense charge of the militant character, and Cudlitz brings his A game for this episode in particular. Another great episode in a (so far) fantastic season, we meet Abraham’s group, now on the road only hours after the confrontation at the church. Everyone is still rattled from the vicious slaughter. Eugene in particular is grief stricken about Gabriel and how his cowardice really wasn’t that much of a sin, all things considered.

For fans of the comics, this episode was a long time coming.

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