Nikita Review: "Inevitability"

Division with Ryan at its helm has headed to the edge of the slippery slope of becoming the Old Division again. The original decision to apprehend the Dirty Thirty and shut down Division was easily expanded when the President called upon him to use Division's resources to help out the nation with sticky situations. And, again when Amanda starting causing problems.

In "Inevitability," Nikita and Alex disagreed over Division's mission and future. It was fortunate for both of them, the battle was fought with words and not fists. Ever since Alex returned from her three days with Amanda, she thrived on her independence and used every opportunity to go against Nikita, Ryan and Division. 

Read full Nikita review

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Psych 100th Episode Contest!

Psych is celebrating its 100th episode with a special Clue-themed hour, which will have a fan-picked ending!

And, here at TV Diehard we are throwing a party! We will be giving away two prizes for Psych fans. Each prize includes a special Psych 100th Episode T-shirt and a Psych i-Cade (iPad not included) valued at $120.

There are three ways to enter:

1. Complete the below entry form by Wednesday, March 27 at 11:59 pm PT.

2. Follow @TVDiehard and tweet the following once:

I love #Psych b/c _________. #Psych100 contest via @TVDiehard http://bit.ly/11KCavF

3. Follow @TVDiehard and answer questions on Twitter during the episode live-tweet that are tagged #TVDiehardContest. 




One winner will be picked at random from all eligible twitter entries and the other winner will be randomly selected from eligible website entries. Contest ends March 27 at 11:59 pm PT. Only one entry per person per method and you must have a valid U.S.-based mailing address. The prize was provided by USA Network, but USA Network is not a sponsor, administrator, or involved in any other way with this giveaway. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents of 18 years of age or older only. Not following these guidelines voids your entry.

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Smash Review: "The Bells and Whistles"

It's a challenge to direct a musical whether it's a Broadway show or a small not-for-profit production. While creativity is necessary, it's just as much a management role.

In "The Bells and Whistles," Tom's lack of management experience threatened his ability to successfully direct Bombshell. He learned that being the director required more than just his creative vision, but the ability to make difficult decisions, manage his cast, and be a leader. In contrast, Derek was having difficulties of his own. He's always been confident and a strong, definitive leader as a director, but in his new production he needed to be open to others' ideas, especially those of his writer, Jimmy.

Read the full Smash review.

Check out Jimmy and Karen's performance of "I Hear Your Voice in a Dream." It's a great song and the staging worked well.

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NCIS: Los Angeles Review: "Red, Part II"

After last Tuesday's disastrous introduction to Team Red, I didn't have high expectations for "Red, Part II." I hoped it would focus a little more on the new team members and really wanted to see the action that makes NCIS: Los Angeles stand out from other procedurals.

The conclusion to the two-part NCIS: Red backdoor pilot succeeded in providing both, but neither made me excited for the potential new series.

I've been fans of both Kim Raver (Paris) and John Corbett (Roy) on other shows, but their characters were too bland here. I've written before that Raver exudes so much chemistry, she could have a relationship with a wall and it would be believable. I missed that in her performance here, but that's because of the character not her. Paris is awkward. Hetty was pushing for a relationship between Paris and Callen, but their interactions felt forced rather than natural. 

Read full NCIS: Los Angeles review

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Lost Girl Review: "Delinquents"

The usually light-hearted Lost Girl brought sadness this week, as Lauren broke up with Bo without even a kiss goodbye.    

While there was a investigation-of-the-week in "Delinquents," it didn't add much to the episode or provide insight into the Fae world. This continues to be the weak point of the series. The show would be better served if the cases related better to what else was going on in the hour or if it shed light on the greater Fae world.

I wish the writers would use those perimeters to do a litmus test with each script. 

Read full Lost Girl review.

On next week's Lost Girl "Adventures in Fae-bysitting," Bo and Kenzi go undercover in the suburbs. Check out the Syfy preview.

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The Good Wife: "Death of a Client"

"Death of a Client" was unlike any other episode of The Good Wife. It was St. Patrick's Day in Chicago and craziness ensued everywhere.

Instead of focusing on a legal case or matter, the hour revolved around the death of Alicia's litigious client, the political campaign and ultimately to the past and present of Alicia's love life. It was a whirlwind of activity and even when it got rather convoluted it was still entertaining. 

The murdered Matthew, played by the brilliant John Noble, was seen only in flashbacks through Alicia's memories of her client. While he drove her nuts with his numerous lawsuits and repeated Bach tune, she had a friendly relationship with him. The lawsuits provided his life with purpose and a much adored relationship with Alicia. Unfortunately, it also cost him his life.

Read full The Good Wife review.

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Beauty and the Beast Spoiler Preview: Tess is a Wild Card on "Partners in Crime"

Vincent was shot! Tess knows that Catherine is in love with the vigilante! What huge cliffhangers! At least we only have to wait a week to find out what happens now. Will Tess be a friend or a cop first?

Here's the official Beauty and the Beast  "Partners in Crime" synopsis:

Cat (Kristin Kreuk) is forced to reveal things that she had been keeping from Tess (Nina Lisandrello) to salvage their relationship, and to protect Vincent (Jay Ryan).   Gabe (Sendhil Ramamurthy) is suspicious of everyone in the department, while Evan (Max Brown) witnesses Cat doing something that changes his opinion of her, making him even more determined to track down the beast. 

Check out the preview:

Highlights from the "Partners in Crime" preview:

• Tess calls for back-up despite Cat's pleas.
• Vincent must get away because Cat is concerned that Tess may give them up.
• "What if I can't convince her?" -- Cat
  "Then we run." -- Vincent 
• "He isn't a monster. Trust me." -- Cat
  "I can't be your friend." -- Tess
• It looks like after Tess calls for back-up she runs back through the tunnel the way that she came with Cat chasing after her. Maybe she didn't put through the call?

From the preview and the released pictures, fan can rest in knowing at least Vincent wasn't seriously injured when Tess shot him. And, none of them are captured by the police. The big question remaining: What will Tess do with the information? 

In the below sneak peek, we get a little insight into how Tess is handling the situation. 

Gabe questions Cat about what happened at the warehouse and then about Tess' whereabouts. Since Cat and Tess are officially no longer partners, Cat brushes off his inquiry. He is one suspicious dude!

Gabe says he will send officers over to check on Tess since the vigilante could still be on the loose. When Cat offers to go check on Tess herself, Gabe invites himself along. Awkward!

As much as I want to dislike Gabe, he's rather charming when he wants to be. Then I remember that he killed the loan shark and then killed another guy pretending to the be the vigilante/Vincent. What is Gabe's agenda? He clearly wants Vincent for something, but for what reason?

We'll have to wait until next Thursday to find out!

Beauty and the Beast returns on March 28 at 9 pm ET on the CW.

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The Americans Review: "Mutually Assured Destruction"

After a string of increasingly intense episodes, "Mutually Assured Destruction" was rather subdued. While it was enjoyable, it didn't hold my attention as much as previous hours of The Americans. The hunt for the KGB-hired assassin felt more like a procedural investigation, rather than a high-stakes spy chase. 

After eight episodes of the show, the use of sexual manipulation for information is starting to feel overused and stale. The assassin, of course, changed it up by hiring a prostitute to sex up the FBI agent, so he could plant the bomb. Though, I have to wonder if FBI employees were really that gullible in the 1980s? 

Read full The Americans review

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Smash Review: "Musical Chairs"

The worlds of the three musicals on Smash all righted themselves on "Musical Chairs," with Jerry the one left without a place to sit.

Bombshell returned to Eileen's control with Tom directing and Ivy as Marilyn. And, The Hit List got a production deal from a non-profit theater with Jimmy and Karen as the leads with Derek directing. And, Liaisons got put out of its misery, but not before an epic performance.

Read full Smash review.

Check out Jimmy and Karen's performance of "Rewrite This Song." Love the music from The Hit List.

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NCIS: Los Angeles Review: "Red"

Well, that was a disappointing launch to the potential new series NCIS: Red. 

This week's NCIS: Los Angeles, "Red," was used as a backdoor pilot for a new series in the franchise that initially started with JAG. The Red Team is an elite, mobile unit that can be dispatched to anywhere in the world, living quarters included. As a fan of Kim Raver and John Corbett, I had high hopes for their new series. I'll withhold a final judgment until after next week's conclusion to the two-parter, but it wasn't off to a good start.

Read full NCIS: Los Angeles review

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Lost Girl Review: "Ceremony"

On "Ceremony," Bo finally faced her Dawning. Only it wasn't nearly as dangerous or scary as everyone made it out to be. Perhaps, because she had Dyson with her.

When the Dawning was talked about, I expected it to something similar to the tests the Morrigan put her through in the Lost Girl pilot, but more intense and dangerous. Instead, Bo was forced into an alternative reality. And, then had to kill Dyson.

Read full Lost Girl review.

Here's the Syfy preview of next week's "Deliquents." 

Dyson, Bo, and Kenzi go undercover at an urban camp to catch a serial kill Fae who preys on at risk youth. Linda Hamilton guest stars as someone from Tamsin's past. She tells Tamsin "Deliver the succubus or I will." And, the Wanderer card makes another appearance. That does not sound good for Bo.

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The Good Wife Review: "Invitation to an Inquest"

The Good Wife shook things up when the legal proceedings moved out of the courtroom and into the Coroner's Office in "Invitation to an Inquest."

This was an odd hour of the legal drama. The Coroner's Inquest was an intriguing idea, but the almost endless theories about what happened to Judge Ludwig were too much.

Negligence, drinking, drugs, mobile phone use, black ice, bad lighting, suicide, scorned lover, scorned wife... and it all came down to a random drunk driver running him off the road. Did I forget any of the theories? There were so many of them.

Read full The Good Wife review.

The Good Wife preview "Death of a Client"

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Nikita Review: "The Life We've Chosen," Plus Next Episode Preview

"The Life We've Chosen" were appropriately Ari's last words and summed up the episode well. Though, it could just as easily have been titled for what Alex said, "Because you say it is?" The mission to get Alex back was full of difficult choices and conflict, which likely will stick with the team members.

In the new Division, the management structure is complicated with Ryan running the joint, but both Nikita and Michael are in leadership roles too. Alex's question could have been poised by and to several members of the team throughout the hour. While this new organization is supposed to be better, one area that it lacks is in command and obedience. Perhaps, the lack of blind obedience is a good thing though.

Read full Nikita review.

Check out a preview of next week's Nikita. In "Inevitablity," Nikita goes on a mission to assassinate the president of Chad and runs into a rogue Division agent.

Nikita airs Fridays at 8 pm ET on the CW.

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The Big Bang Theory Review: "The Closet Reconfiguration"

It's not often that The Big Bang Theory gang is together for most of an episode. "The Closet Reconfiguration" was a pleasant surprise with laughs, but also serious moments when everyone was there to help Howard through an emotional situation.

I doubt there is a single person out there, even the most organized, who hasn't thrown stuff in the closet ahead of having guests over to their house. Howard's method of picking up in preparation for the dinner party was a universal, non-geek exclusive situation. Though, Sheldon's love of organizing was not a punishment for bringing his own food, though at least Bernie got reparation for his wrong.

Read full The Big Bang Theory review

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The Americans Review: "Duty and Honor"

The Americans continues to impress with its tight storytelling, compelling characters, and ability to be unpredictable at the right times.

In "Duty and Honor," Philip was sent to work with his former love to discredit a Polish dissident, while Elizabeth was left at home to contend with a troubled asset. After being tortured by their own people and Philip finding out that Elizabeth betrayed him, it probably wasn't the best time for them to be apart. Was the KGB conniving enough to set this up on purpose? Perhaps.

Read full The Americans review

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Smash Review: "The Fringe"

Smash finally got where it needed to be on "The Fringe" ... almost.

With the introduction of The Hit List, it was inevitable that Derek and Karen would leave Bombshell behind to join the soon-to-be smash hit from Jimmy and Kyle. With Derek there and direction changes at Bombshell, it shouldn't be long before Karen joins him.

At this point, the new show has me more engaged. The music is better (loved "Heart-Shaped Wreckage"), the people involved still have their innocence and passion for the project, and it is struggling in its infancy.

Read full Smash review

Check out the full performance of "Heart-Shaped Wreckage." It's such a beautiful song.

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Lost Girl Review: "Fae-ge Against the Machine"

"Fae-ge Against the Machine" was an unusual episode of Lost Girl and with this show that's saying a lot. 

From the moment Bo left the restaurant with Tamsin until about the time she got drunk, I wasn't sure what the heck was going on. It was a confusing scavenger hunt of sorts that she didn't even know she was on. Was she fulfilling her promise to Balzac? And, how did that tie in with what Trick was doing? Then, all of a sudden it was as if the fog lifted and the sun began shining. There was a point to this game and it was potentially a life-or-death situation.

Read full Lost Girl review

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The Good Wife Review: "Runnin' with the Devil"

How far are lawyers willing to go to win a case? Limits were pushed by both sides on "Runnin' with the Devil." Or were they? Sometimes, ignorance really is bliss.

Both sides in the Lemond Bishop case seemed to have entered unethical grounds during the evidentiary phase. Bishop is without a doubt a criminal, but does that excuse using false testimony to try and convict him for murder? And what was Lester's job if not witness tampering?

As Bishop said, the hilarity of the situation came down to: "Can you believe it? They might convict me for the one thing I didn't do."

Read full The Good Wife review

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Nikita Review: "Reunion"

It was a "Reunion" indeed when Nikita and Amanda finally came face-to-face again. 

After a slow start to Nikita season 3 - with the search for the Dirty Thirty and Amanda as a foe - the show has regained its season 2 momentum these last few episodes.

Amanda started out as a weak replacement for Percy, but she has developed into a challenging nemesis for Division and Nikita. Initially, her resentment and focus on Nikita didn't really make sense, which muddled the story. But her motivation is finally clear now, even if highly convoluted. 

Nikita broke Amanda. I didn't see that one coming, did you? Amanda's behavior certainly has been worthy of a trip to the loony bin and Alex figured it out why. When Nikita spared Amanda's life, it didn't spark a renewed humanity, instead it awakened the worst within her.

Read full Nikita review.

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The Big Bang Theory Review: "The Contractual Obligation Implementation"

Hilarious, non-stop laugh producing sitcom episodes are enjoyable to review. During the process of writing about the episode, it's an opportunity to laugh all over again. A horrible episode provides plenty of fodder to discuss.

"The Contractual Obligation Implementation" ended up being a bit of both. The idea of the sometimes socially challenged guys convincing young girls that science is cool and a career path to pursue started off with such great potential. And instead of flourishing in the funny, it diminished into an awkward and painful to watch display.

Read full The Big Bang Theory review

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The Americans Review: "Trust Me"

It's not easy being a spy. Though, life isn't easy, is it?

Trust is a tricky thing. It can be earned through hard work and time spent together. Or, it can be bought with intimacy or a necklace. Either way, trust can be undermined with a few wrong words, a look, or a wrongful interrogation with torture.

After being married for years, Elizabeth and Philip finally fell in love with each other. In the season premiere, Elizabeth pulled a knife on Philip when he suggested intimacy. In contrast, on "Trust Me,"  when she was leaving for the day, she passionately kissed Philip goodbye in that same kitchen.

Philip's devotion in her time of need allowed Elizabeth to see him in a new way and fall in love. From there, her trust in him deepened both personally and professionally. That dedication followed through when they were being tortured.

Read Full The Americans review

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Smash Review: "The Read-Through"

It was judgment day for Julia and her new book. Bombshell's fate would be determined by "The Read-Through." A simple, yet crucial step to getting the show to Broadway.

After the journey that Julia and Peter went through to finish the new story, it was surprising to see that she wasn't nervous at all. At the same time, it was revealing that Peter gave her the confidence that she had been lacking for so long. The range of emotions that Julia went through from excited about the new story, to resurfaced doubts about Peter's loyalty, to dreading the read-through felt authentic.

Read full Smash review

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NCIS: Los Angeles Review: "Wanted"

Sam's wife, Michelle aka "Quinn", was back and forced undercover again in "Wanted." It was inevitable that Isaak Sidorov would eventually return and insist that Quinn complete the assassination of Anatoli Kirkin. That day arrived and provided NCIS with an opportunity to find out where Sidorov was keeping the three stolen nukes.

Of course, Sam wasn't thrilled to see Michelle back at work and putting herself at risk. I have mixed feelings about this. I understand that Sam wants to protect his wife, but at the same time he feels it's okay for him to put his life on the line every day. It's definitely a double standard, but one that at least makes sense. There is a difference between one parent risking their life and both parents doing it. And, they decided that Michelle would be the one to give up the job.

Love will make people do crazy things and for Sam that meant breaking out of jail. He had to be there to protect his wife. It wasn't that she couldn't take care of herself, but he felt a duty to be there there for her. And, in the end, that was a good thing.

Read full NCIS: Los Angeles review

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The Following Review: "Let Me Go"

The Following changed things up in "Let Me Go." The hour wasn't nearly as shocking as previous ones partially because the show has taught the viewers that anything is possible at any time, but also because the shocks shifted to thrilling suspense.

It's All About Ryan
Joe has spent 9 years working on his masterpiece and Ryan is his muse. With nothing else to do in prison but put together his plan, it's not surprising that he is able to stay ahead of the FBI. Joe's utter disregard for the lives of his followers and seemingly endless supply of people who will willingly or forcibly help him only makes it more difficult.

When the series first started, it was surprising to see how easily to was for Joe to escape from prison and then shocking that he purposefully allowed himself to be caught, but almost nothing he is able to do is unbelievable any more.

While that removed the shock factor from The Following, it's been replaced by an intriguing, complex  thriller that remains full of suspense. It was immediately clear that Joe requested a transfer as part of his plan, though the purpose remained a mystery.

Read the full The Following review 

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Lost Girl Review: "There's Bo Place Like Home"

"There's Bo Place Like Home" was Anna Silk's episode. For the first time, Bo opened up about her past and by doing so released years of guilt and anger.

Silk was absolutely amazing during Bo's final sit down with her mother. Bo's emotional reflection of her past and love for her new family was intense, while touching to watch. The Bo that entered town was filled with long suppressed dark feelings, while the Bo that left was happier and freer. 

Read full Lost Girl review

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The Good Wife Review: "Going for the Gold"

The Good Wife was all over the place in "Going for the Gold" with bits of serious business, fun and creepiness.

The case against Eli may have been weak, but Josh pulled out every option he had in order to bring down the campaign manager. It was a trip down The Good Wife season 4 memory lane, going back to Jackie's unfortunate campaign speech at the retirement home, the straw poll, the firm's bankruptcy and the tenuous relationship between Peter, Eli and Frank. 

Josh should have cut out of the case after the wiretap was ruled inadmissible, but he couldn't bring himself to give up. I couldn't help but think it was waste of government resources to go after a case when the result was a landslide victory in the straw poll over a 25% legal fee discount. Even if Eli was guilty, there were no damages since Peter won the straw poll by over 95%.

Read full The Good Wife review

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Nikita Review: "With Fire"

After over 20 years of spying, conspiring and sleeping with each other, Amanda turned on Ari over a single failed mission. 

Now, she only has one thing left to live for and that's to cause Nikita as much pain as possible. Amanda's days on earth are finally coming to an end. Nikita may have spared her former teacher's life before, but Amanda destroyed any hope for a long life after she decided to kill innocents.

"With Fire" presented Division with one of the greatest acts of terror the country could face with random acts of violence: a grenade in an elevator, a mass shooting at a farmer's stand, and the shooting of a family outside their home. With no pattern and no geographical restraints, the Crimson Resistance spread terror across the nation and all with weapons Amanda procured through Division contacts.

Read Full Nikita Review

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Vikings Interview with George Blagden

On Sunday, a new, epic drama, Vikings, will premiere on History. The show follows the adventures of Ragnar (Travis Fimmel), a warrior, who wants to set sail to the west in conflict with his chieftain, Earl Haraldson's (Gabriel Byrne) wishes. Though, the series is about much more. It's about Ragnar's family, the Viking society, religion, and the aftermath of Ragnar's first journey.

I recently spoke with George Blagden who plays the Christian monk, Athelstan. He discusses why he was drawn to the project, the brutality and humanity of the Vikings, and the role of women in this culture.

What was it about this show or role that inspired you to take on this project?

I wanted to be part of something that I thought, "Why has this not been done before?" The Vikings story must be such an exciting one to tell and why have people have not done this yet. 

And, when we actually got on the project and started filming, I had no idea the educational experience I was going to have in learning about these people. It's very epic. It's everything I dreamed the Vikings would be and more. I loved learning about them.

Read Full George Blagden Interview

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