Mom's Minute

Introduction to Blindspot TV Show Review, Season 4, Episode 2

Blindspot Season 4, Episode 2 continues its winning formula in my purview. Once again, Jaimie Alexander is at the forefront, with actions centered around her -- including of course her famous tattoos. There is a minor side story dealing with an ex-agent -- but it does not take away from Jaimie Alexander’s place in the spotlight in Blindspot.

Changes (For the Better) From Previous Episodes of Blindspot

Since this is the second episode of the fourth season of Blindspot, I think now is a good time for me to point out some major changes (for the good) that I’m noticing about the current season of the show -- so far.

For starters, the women seem to be driving the action of these episodes. Of course, some of the actions are not particularly heroic, but in the normal scheme of things, there will be good guys or girls as well as bad ones.  Additionally, I noticed that Patterson is taking a more active role in the field, while she continues to solve puzzles, do research etc.

Storyline of Blindspot, Season 4, Episode 2

The gist of Blindspot, Season 4, Episode 2  is that Jaimie Alexander is no longer the Jane Doe that everyone thinks she is.  She is known now by Remi -- however, her team and coworkers have no knowledge of this. As such, she is working as a double agent.  This is an interesting turn of events which is a positive for Jaimie Alexander. Now that she is a double agent, there are a myriad of ways the investigations can go -- with Jaimie Alexander’s character at the center of the action. Plus, with this television series -- you never know if she will eventually return to  being Jane Doe.

The Plot Thickens in Blindspot, Season 4, Episode 2

In this particular episode of Blindspot, Season 4, Episode 2, Patterson and Jaimie Alexander work as a team to try to get information about a person of interest.  Jaimie Alexander, who is not really who she professes to be, has taken an antidote that makes her immune to gas that emits from an ATM machine -- unknown to Patterson. While Patterson is out from the gas, Jaimie Alexander meets the main protagonist and from there the action really begins.

In the meantime, back at the FBI office, there is a humorous competition between two consultants -- one of whom seems to be gunning for the other’s job.

Jaimie Alexander Major Decision in  Blindspot, Season 4, Episode 2

My concern is the deceitful relationship Jaimie Alexander (Jane Doe - now Remi) is having with her husband.  She is hallucinating as she talks to Roman on why her husband has to be eliminated. As you may know, Roman is not known to have honorable character traits -- so I’m skeptical about her listening to his advice -- even if he is an hallucination. The show ended on a cliff hanger -- Will she or won’t she follow through on the elimination plan?  This is a decision that only Jaimie Alexander 's character Remi can make. Let’s wait and see what happens!

Assessment of Blindspot, Season 4 Episode 2

If Blindspot continues on this path -- with Jaimie Alexander being out front and the nucleus upon which the actions revolve, I may become a regular watcher of the series again.  However, only time will tell. In the meantime -- Blindspot writers, directors, actors and especially Jaimie Alexander -- Keep up the good work!

Rating of Blindspot, Season 4, Episode 2

Based on a rating of 1 star sto 5 stars with 5 stars being the highest, I rate Blindspot, Season 4 Episode 2 -- 5 stars.

Introduction

Did you see the royal wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry?  If not, don’t fret. There will be lots of videos of the wedding online.  However, I saw the wedding live, as it unfolded and would like to share my review of the royal wedding with you -- hot off the press!  As an aside, the royal wedding was held at St. George’s Chapel, Winchester Castle, Winchester, England on May 19, 2018.

Celebrities at the Royal Wedding

Many well known celebrities were at the royal wedding.  Of those that I saw, the most striking couple to me was handsome George Clooney and his stunning wife Amal Alamuddin.  Next in line was David Beckham and his wife Victoria Beckham, followed by Serena Williams and her husband Alexis Ohanian.  I’m sure there were other celebrity couples there as well. These are the ones I actually saw during the live broadcast. To give you some background -- 600 guests are allowed in the chapel as well as the lunch that followed.  Later in the evening, the number of guests will be reduced to 100 to enjoy the reception festivities.

Massive Crowds at the Royal Wedding

Have you ever planned an event, and hoped someone would show up?  Well that was not the case for the royal wedding. There were an impressive showing of people at the wedding, hundreds to thousands lined the streets,  including all the royal ponce and circumstance (soldiers/horses). Some people were waving American flags, others were waving the flag of the United Kingdom.  What they all had in common were smiles as they experienced this historic moment.

The Bride’s Walk Down the Aisle

Unfortunately, Meghan Markle's father was unable to attend the wedding due to health problems; however, her mother attended.  What stood out for me when Meghan Markle walked down the aisle was the gorgeous while gown she wore, complete with a 16 foot train.  The train was so long, she had little helpers to hold it up as she walked down the aisle.

Meghan Markle broke tradition and chose to walk down the aisle by herself, part of the way, since her father was not there to give her away.  I liked that she did this, because it looked like she made more of an entrance when she appeared alone in the aisle. About a third of the way down the aisle, Prince Charles met her and walked with her the rest of the way to the altar.

Changes in Tradition for the Royal Wedding

Here are a list that include changes I noticed. As I alluded to before, when Meghan Markle walked down the aisle alone part of the way, she broke tradition --in a good way.  I think it was an excellent gesture for Prince Charles to walk her the rest of the way to the altar.

This is the first time there was an African American bishop at a royal ceremony.  His name is Michael Curry from Chicago. His style and method of preaching I’m sure was a starsk change to what the royal family was used to hearing.  But all in all, I believe he gave a powerful message.

An African- American choir sung exquisitely the song, “I Will Stand By You” which was an appropriate song for the newlywed royal couple.  

A 19 year old cellist, Sheku Kanneh-Mason played solo at the wedding with the back up of a full orchestra. He played a number of songs on the cello.   By and large, to me, his performance was one of the highlights of the wedding and one that I’m sure made a positive image for young black African-Americans.

An American patriotic song was sung by all during the royal  British wedding.

The major change of course is that Prince Harry’s bride is a beautiful bride of mixed-race, which is a first for the royal family.  

Assessment of  the Royal Wedding

Everything from my vantage point was well organized and went according to plan.  The crowd was orderly, friendly, smiling and waving. I liked that Harry and Meghan exited the church and was able to ride in an open top carriage -- just like in the fairytales!  In a word -- the wedding of Harry and Meghan -- now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was beautiful.

Rating of The Royal Wedding

Based on a rating of 1 star to 5 stars with 5 stars being the best, I rate the Royal Wedding 5 stars.

Introduction to Blindspot, Season 4, Episode 1 TV Show Review by Ms. H

Due to poor viewer experience on my part, I discontinued watching Blindspot awhile back.  When I found out it was returning on October 12, 2018, I was on the fence about watching Blindspot again.  Previously, I reviewed Blindspot, and for the most part gave the series, starring Jaimie Alexander low ratings.  In fact, the last episode that I rated -- Season 3, Episode 12 -- I gave it only 1 star-- mainly because the series pushed Jaimie Alexander further in the background. Here is my review of that particular episode below.

http://www.moms-minute.com/index.php/ms-h-news/1234-blindspot-season-3-episode-12-jaimie-alexander-is-back-in-the-background-that-is

Read on to find out if Blindspot is worth watching this season.

Jaimie Alexander is Back Out Front in Blindspot, Season 4, Episode 1

Hooray! Finally the Blindspot TV show has returned to its roots with Jaimie Alexander as Jane Doe and the center of attention -- as it should be.  I was impressed by the number of scenes that showed Jaimie Alexander in her element as an action star -- starting at the beginning scenese of this episode. If you want to see some impressive combat choreography-- you must watch the opening scenes of this episode of Blindspot that has a setting in Tokyo or like Tokyo with TV magic. I do not think you will be disappointed.

Storyline of Blindspot, Season 4, Episode 1

If you missed some of the previous episodes of Blindspot like I did, don’t fret.  You can easily catch up with what’s going on, mainly by the conversations between the few people on the show who are really who they profess to be.  Additionally, quite a bit has happened on the previous episodes, including the demise of some of the people who were close to Jane Doe. Looks like there is also a change in Jane herself -- which I discuss below.

Characterization of the New Jane Doe in Blindspot, Season 4, Episode 1

Did you know Blindspot was one of the lowest rated shows from last season?  If you read some of my previous Blindspot reviews, you probably can find out why.  However, to bring the ratings up, I think the writers may be doing a disservice to Jane by making her out to be villainous -- which, in my opinion goes against her character.  In fact, she is referred to by a new name -- Remi by some. But if this is what it takes to get a storyline around her -- then so be it.

Also -- if it takes quirks in her personality to put her out in front on screen, dominating most of the storylines as well as the action scenes -- I have no problem with that.  Just as long as whatever she is going through is temporary -- which is usually the case for these type television series. However, Jaimie Alexander must remain out front -- and not hidden in the shadows.

Major Changes (For the Better)  Detected in Blindspot Season 4,  Episode 1

1. 1. Lots of appearances by Jaimie Alexander in a myriad of action scenes. She is no longer playing second fiddle to her husband.

2. 2. Her husband is not as active as he was in previous seasons -- which gives Jaimie Alexander more opportunities to stay out front.

3. 3. More action scenes with Jaimie Alexander again -- front and center. Additionally there is a humor aspect with the return of one of the regulars from previous episodes.

4. 4. Jaimie Alexander is displaying traits that seemed natural for an action tv star.

5. 5. She is sporting a new look -- which may or may not stay during the season -- but in my opinion is an aesthetic change. 

My Advice for Future Episodes of Blindspot

1. 1. Make sure Jaimie Alexander is the star of this television series -- regardless of the storyline. This advice will go far to keep her in the limelight, as well as the show.

2. 2. Quickly get her cured of whatever she has that was displayed in this first episode of season 4.  This ailment is a nuisance -- when everyone knows she will eventually be cured of.

3. 3. Reduce or eliminate the appearances of the character Roman in scenes.  If she hears hirm -- just let her listen to his voice. There is no need for him to appear in person on screen when he is really not there -- even if she is supposed to be hallucinating.  Of course, there may be contract stipulations which requires him to appear.

4. 4. I liked the prevalence of action scenes in this episode where Jaimie Alexander took control of the situation.  Keep it up.

5. 5. The storyline may be pointing to discarding her husband -- however, I think their partnership will work -- as long as he does not try to steal her thunder -- like he did in the previous episodes of Blindspot.  Remember, Jaimie Alexander is the action star of this show!

Rating of Blindspot, Season 4, Episode 1

Based on a rating of 1 star to 5 stars with 5 stars being the highest, I rate Blindspot, Season 4 Episode 1 -- 5 stars.  Hopefully my high rating will hold up as I continue to watch subsequent episodes -- and maybe you will watch too. Stay tuned!

Hodgepodge of Stories in Blindspot, Season 3, Episode 12

Blindspot, Season 3, Episode 12 seems to be a hodgepodge of stories, leads, undercover operations, interrogations that should, but does not come together.  First we have the case of Jane Doe overtly not trusting her daughter to tell the truth and you have her brother engaged in some sort of operation that he knows nothing about supposedly.  As if this was not enough, we have Jane’s husband pretending to be some sort of weapons expert -- which of course he is not. This show is beginning to be quite a maze so, hopefully the writers can follow these stories and most importantly, keep the viewing audience from becoming confused.

Blindspot Script Mantra - Do not Trust Anyone

As I reflect back upon this and other episodes of Blindspot, I’m realizing the vast majority of the plots deal with conniving, thievery, dishonesty and the inability to believe what anyone says. This does not make for a suspenseful script because whenever someone new arrives on the scene, I have doubts if the person is really who they say they are. Case in point, Jane Doe’s brother is involved in some type of caper and was  found out that he is not who he says he is by someone he supposedly his partner. However, interesting enough, he continues to work with him even after he finds out he is not who he says he is.  

In the meantime a big fight occurs where Jane Doe’s husband manages to save the day with Jane Doe making a last minute appearance when all the actions of the scene are all finished. Also it looks like the criminal mastermind eliminated the wrong person who he thought betrayed him, while looking into the eyes of the person who did -- Jane Doe’s brother.

Blindspot Formula

 Similar to the previous episode, Blindspot Season 3 Episode 12 has twists and turns and a major catastrophe that had to be diverted -- So it looks as if the writers are keeping to the same formula of writing for every show -- which is not  a good thing.  The biggest fallacy behind doing this, is sometimes the story seems to run in circles-- which it has with Jane Doe’s brother now seeking to destroy the main characters in Blindspot.    The good news is at least in this episode (unlike the last one)  the Jane Doe tattoos which are the basis for the show in the first place was discussed.

Hopefully the writers can turn this show around and devise better stories, especially those that would push Jaimie Alexander in the forefront instead of further in the background.

SInce this story is getting to be even more convoluted as ever with Jaimie Alexander continuing to be pushed aside, I  rate Blindspot, Season 3, Episode 12 one (1) star.

Disclaimer:  Mom’s Minute is a part of the allgames.com network. The views expressed here are mine alone and do not represent those of allgames.com.

Introduction to the Miami Vice Movie Review by Ms. H

Unless you have been sleeping under a rock, you may already know that back in the day there was a popular TV detective series starring Don Johnson as Sonny Crockett and Philip Michael Thomas as Ricardo Tubbs. The series was Miami Vice and the two worked as detectives for the FBI. Crockett was known for wearing white or light color suits, and no socks, while Tubbs was known as his partner in fighting and investigating crime in Miami.

To be clear -- I will not be reviewing the Miami Vice TV show episodes.  Instead I will be reviewing the 2006 Miami Vice movie starring Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx as Crockett and Tubbs respectively. The 2006 Miami Vice movie is based upon the TV show, albeit with different actors playing the parts of Crockett and Tubbs.

First Impressions of the Miami Vice Movie

In my opinion, the movie started off as a regular type action detective show.  In fact, I was ready to watch how the movie was going to unfold -- not expecting to really be entertained. However, the longer I watched the movie, the more interesting the Miami Vice movie became.

Your Undivided Attention Is Required for the Miami Vice Movie

In my opinion, you can easily get misguided unless you pay close attention to what is happening in the movie.  For example, during one of the early scenes, one of the females played by Naomi Harris is shown talking rather negatively in my opinion about what was going on.  Later I found out she was the romantic interest of Jamie Foxx’s character, so I knew she was not a villain or a criminal.

Action Scenes in the Miami Vice Movie

I think there is a fair amount of action scenes in the Miami Vice movie to keep your interest. That being said, I liked how the movie seemed to build up to probably one of the most dramatic action scenes in the movie.  

Since I watched the Miami Vice movie using Amazon Prime, I was able to rewind and rewatch some of the scenes. I think this is one of the benefits of watching a movie using a streaming service -- instead of at the movie theaters.  Of course you can re-watch a movie scene on probably youtube, but since this movie was being streamed, I could instantly take control of any scenes that I wanted to play back -- especially if I wanted more clarification about what was going on in the movie.

Highlight of the Miami Vice Movie

Again, most of the highlights to me happened towards the middle and the end of the movie. For example there is a part where a female is given a major role of accosting a criminal face to face.  I liked that this scene was not given to one of the major stars such as Jamie Foxx or Colin Farrell but to one of the lesser known stars of the movie -- Elizabeth Rodriguez. I also liked how as an FBI agent, she had an active role in the take-down of the criminals, even though prior to these scenes, her lines as well as actions were sort of few and far between.

Assessment of the Miami Vice Movie

As with any movies, there are a few less than favorable scenes -- for example, it was interesting to me how the color of Colin Farrell's hair kept changing;  how there did not seem to be any chemistry between him and his female protagonist Li Gong and how the director thought the audience would be naive enough to think that the criminals would release one of their hostages back to Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx so easily.  However, to me, these were minor infractions and did not take away from the entertainment value of the movie. On the positive side, I found the Miami Vice movie to be worth my time and if I might say so myself -- rather entertaining.

Rating of the Miami Vice Movie

Based on a rating of 1 star to 5 stars with 5 stars being the highest, I rate Miami Vice Movie 5 stars.