That 70s Show and 90s Show comparison

I know it has been a while since I posted here.

I watched all three parts of That 90s Show on Netflix and watched all episodes of That 70s Show, I am rewatching it on Peacock. A lot of fans have compared That 90s Show to Girl Meets World, which had characters from the original show but focused more on the young characters. That 90s Show has also been called "Disney sitcom" in a disparaging way. Would make sense since Mace Coronel was in Nicky, Ricky, Dicky, and Dawn, a Nickelodeon show. Here are a couple reasons why it is not working and a couple things that can make it a bit better, maybe it won't fix it all right but something. 

Why it's not working: 

1. Sex

Sex was not a casual thing in the first seasons of That 70s Show, it might have been later on. Eric and Donna's first time was a big deal in season two and many episodes dealt with "Will they or won't they?" And that anticipation made it authentic. It dealt with it how teenagers do. But in That 90's Show, Leia and Jay wanted sex, they just went with it. It was two episodes of anticipation and that was it. It could've been blamed on Netflix's episode count but it doesn't feel authentic. There are no stakes and no fallout. 

2. Family Background

At least in the first seasons, we saw everyone's families, we met Fez' host parents, Jackie's father, and Hyde's mom, here we hear about Ozzie and Nikki's parents but we don't meet them or see family life. Knowing more about their family lives, we get to know them more about them. We only see home life for Gwen, Nate, and Leia We have seen Jay's parents and his sister Betsy. Kelso we never saw a lot of his family life in the original show, only his brother Casey. 

3. Adversity

Eric had a real antagonist in Red, they tried having Red say his classic line a couple of times in That 90s Show but it is not the same dynamic with his granddaughter Leia. There is no real antagonist. They tried with Mitch being a boss to the girls but that lasted one episode. 

4. Gender Wars

The "gang"'s gender was outnumbered, there were more boys than girls and the first season felt more like boys versus girls. Many conversations were Hyde, Eric, Kelso, and Fez trying to figure out the female sex. The gang in That 90s Show is more even, even though the girls hang out and the boys hang out separately, there is rarely the boys not getting the girls and the girls not getting the boys. Part of the comedy was the misunderstanding of gender. They have Ozzie, who is gay, would be interesting for him to be in the middle of a disagreement and can speak to both sides. Now, I get that That 70's Show was made in the 90s-00s, and the characters spoke more like that era. And that 90's Show is now made in 2020's and they speak like us and the overall theme of gender is to accept everyone and not have machoism. But having gender wars doesn't mean there has to be machismo. 

Ways to make it Better:

1. Split Screen

I am surprised That 90s Show hasn't tried this iconic style. Four characters, two characters in one location and another two in another, their conversations having a parallel. Some share lines and reactions. 

2. PSAs-Film Strips

In the first season of That 70s Show, there were film strips tied into the episode, it would be interesting if there were PSAs from TV. One PSA from the 90s that is so iconic is penguins saying "Stay in School." There was an 80's PSA about drugs that had a father asking about his son with his drugs and the son would say "I learned from watching you," it would be cool if there was a parody of that with Eric and Leia or Donna and Leia. 

3. Have 90's References be Organic

People have been saying the 90's references have been forced, but they forget how many 70s references That 70's Show had, they name-dropped so many shows like Rich Man, Poor Man, Dynasty, Love Boat, Charlie's Angels, etc. But a lot of things felt organic like when they played Twister or Candyland. That 90's Show has had some clumsy references but also some weird ones like Leia's fantasy with Doug, which was organic, weird but great. They need more of that. 

4. 70's = Me Me Me, 90's = Disillusionment and cynicism

The 70's was the selfish era and the overall theme of That 70s Show was "me, me, me" and it was seen mostly in the characters of Midge and Bob. They were both selfish, Midge wanted to be a feminist and wanted more than just be a housewife. Bob just wanted a wife to cook and clean for him and be hot. Also, Kelso and Laurie were pretty selfish, only thinking of their own needs and not Jackie. The 90's overall feel was disillusionment and cynicism. The best example of this was Daria, the MTV show. Ozzie shows some disillusionment and cynicism but it is not the overall theme of That 90's Show. I am not saying everyone has to be cynical but to have a theme close to the 90's overall theme would be cool. Also, the original show That 70's Show had a focus on vehicles, Eric had his Vista Cruiser, Hyde had the El Camino Leo gave him and Kelso had 2 vans. Leia did get her license in That 90's Show and the Vista Cruiser does still exist, it would be interesting if they had a similar motif. 

 

Cobra Kai Season 4 Review

Wow, I haven't posted here in six months. I should have talked about this show earlier but I don't think I have enough space or time to go over how great this show is. I am not all about violence or action shows but I do sometimes like action movies. I did grow up with the Karate Kid movies. I love how Cobra Kai balances comedy and drama, and not everyone is a clear-cut hero or villain. But one thing we can agree with is almost everyone has been a bully (except for maybe Miguel and Demetri--if not on purpose). For those who have not seen the show, it was on YouTube Red but now on Netflix. It is set years after the original Karate Kid movies. Karate Kid was about Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) being trained by Mr. Miyagi, a Japanese martial artist that was like his father figure. His rival was Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), who started it as the protagonist in Cobra Kai. Daniel has been pretty successful in running a car dealership with his wife and they have two children Samantha (Mary Mouser) and Anthony (Griffin Santopietro). While Johnny, unfortunately, has not been so lucky, having an estranged son Robby (Tanner Buchanan), living single in a rotting apartment, and being a caveman stuck in the 80's. There will be spoilers ahead if you haven't seen the season. 

 

SPOILERS AHEAD

Season 4's premise is that Ying and Yang have joined forces... I mean Daniel and Johnny, who are basically day and night, or The Odd Couple. One is neat and the other not so neat. One practices defense and meditation while the other doesn't---he basically has his students beat each other up and jump between building roofs. It goes stupendously bad as imagined. Johnny and Daniel quit almost every episode and the kids actually get along and want to work under both sensei. Some critics have said this season has been holding back a bit. It does seem at times they are holding back to expand the universe and keep stuff for season 5. Even Xolo Mariduena (Miguel) has expressed he thought season 4 would be last but Netflix has renewed for Season 5 and they are currently shooting it, even shooting in Puerto Rico. Cobra Kai has exclusively shot in Georgia, except for some parts in California for movie legacy locations and Japan for Season 3. That being said, I did like this season I don't see the writing waning at all, it is still crisp. 

The secret is keeping things fresh and this season definitely has. The first three seasons deal with the circle of violence, the cycle of non-bullies becoming bullies and bullies becoming non-bullies and it going around and around again. This is more evident with newcomer Kenny (Dallas Dupree) and Anthony. Kenny is a sweet new kid but he is quickly bullied and tormented by Anthony (who Johnny finally comments on Anthony's weight loss). Kenny goes for help---ending up at Cobra Kai with Robbie, who takes him under his wing. Robbie, at first didn't want to join Cobra Kai but ends up doing so, wanting to get revenge on his father Johnny, Sam, and Daniel. Spoilers of course and Robbie ends up creating a monster. But going back to Anthony, Daniel finally trains his son and learns he created a monster as well. Daniel realizes he can't deal with him like he does with his other students and probably unintentionally learned something from Johnny. It is a harrowing scene where Daniel has to be threatening to his son, later his wife gives credit to Mr. Miyagi but Daniel doesn't correct her. 

Another thing I like is the attention has been given to the women this season. Sam needs help with dealing with Tory (Peyton List) so she goes to Aisha (Nicole Brown)--who gives a special guest appearance, since last appearing in season 2. Aisha gives her solid advice, to make friends and be peaceful, reusing the advice Johnny gave her (Strike First). The subversion is that Sam misinterprets this. Sam ends up striking first and attacking Tory instead of making amends. Tory is made more three-dimensional by actually trying to change. Amanda (Courtney Henggler) actually gets through to her and tries helping her but Sam is not so forgiving. Amanda has Tory agree not to harm Sam in the final battle. A lot of focus is given to the women's final in the tournament at the season finale. I like that we spend more time in the tournament, in 2 episodes. Speaking about women---Unfortunately, Moon (Hannah Kepple) and Yasmine (Annalisa Cochrane) only appear for glorified cameos. More girls are even added to the schools--Devon (Oona O'Brien) and Piper (Selah Austria) respecively. I am almost done and I haven't mentioned Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith). I never saw Karate Kid 3 but from what get from the flashbacks, he was a crazy dude. Here is a charismatic shark, not exactly the subordinate Kreese wants. 

As for the cycle of violence, it does get repetitive. This season there are some beats that did seem old and used like Miguel hurting himself once again. The great parts have to be Hawk (Jacob Bertrand) and Demetri (Gianni DeCenzo). For sure Demetri has gotten taller and much more confident (especially with his girlfriend Yasmine) and he has become less annoying. Hawk has his own mini-arc which is great to kept at a minimum. Hawk and Demetri can easily be saved for a spin-off in college. 

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Season 2-3 Review (SPOILERS)

SPOILERS

Fans of the old series and not so much of the new one, the new one does have a direction and is using other characters they hadn't used before in interesting ways. Does Season 2 shows the vast cast and not focus on the main 3? No, sorry, it's mainly the main 3. The new series suffers from what the first series did, hard to juggle so many characters that it focuses on a few. Plus, the villains are way more interesting. Season 2 does concentrate more on stand-alone adventures. Season 3 sort of has an arc. It is more continuous like season 1.

SEASON TWO

"The Frozen Forest"

Summary: The Princess Alliance members face internal dispute owing to diverging attitudes while Catra deploying robots deter the group's attempt to restore the Whispering Woods. Bow suggests capturing an intact Horde-Bot to install a kill-switch program which could take all the Bots out, while Entrapta develops an advanced type of Horde-Bot utilizing First Ones' technology. The gang encounters the four prototypes, who thrash them before retreating to salvage more technology from the Beacon. Adora re-encourages her companions; they succeed in working together in destroying the Horde-Bots, and their inspiration triggers a magical force in them which revives the damaged woods. But while taking the remaining Bot apart, Bow discovers that Entrapta is still alive and working for the enemy.

Review: Not what I was expecting of a season 2 premiere. It could have taken anywhere. It is a stand-alone episode that pretty much fills time.

2 out of 5

"Ties that Bind"

Summary: The Horde has taken Dryl, Entrapta's home. Light Hope informs Adora that she and Swift Wind must form a special connection with each other, and asks Adora to seek out the ruins of the Watchtower, a First Ones' relay station destroyed by the first She-Ra, whose restoration would improve her technical functions. Adora and Swift Wind discover the ruins, but Swift Wind's excited prattling makes it hard for Adora to ask for his assistance until they find a common understanding and thus establish their bond. Upon learning that Entrapta is still alive, Glimmer decides to mount a solo rescue mission with Bow, but they end up capturing Catra instead.Catra exhausts Glimmer's powers with her antics before activating her tracking beacon for Scorpia to find her. Catra then bluffs Glimmer and Bow into releasing her and reveals that Entrapta is helping the Horde willingly, Glimmer and Bow able to escape capture.

Review: Swift Wind is an interesting character, his personality is all over the place. Him talking was like an after-thought last season. It depends on the writer I guess because he isn't consistent. The stuff between Catra, Bow and Glimmer is pretty good. 

3 out of 5

"Signals"
Summary: Catra faces Hordak's growing displeasure about her performance, driving her to seek the imprisoned Shadow Weaver's aid. In her search for a tool she needs, Entrapta sneaks into Hordak's laboratory and witnesses him conducting a failing experiment to create a multidimensional portal, impulsively deciding to perfect the process before being discovered. To Hordak's surprise, the next activation succeeds and he accepts Entrapta's offer to assist him. In the meantime, Adora, Glimmer, Bow and Swift Wind investigate the loss of communication with Alwyn, a farming outpost for the Rebellion. There, they meet several ghostly apparitions which Bow eventually identifies as holographic recordings of the First Ones, which are produced by an ancient communication device which has self-activated.
Review: This episode builds the relationship between Entrapta and Hordak which is vital to season 3. The episode makes good use of its 'ghost' motif but yet again it's a trio episode and seems pretty standalone.

3 out of 5

"Roll With It"

Summary: The Rebels prepare to retake a Horde-controlled fortress controlling an important passage, but the operation gets stuck in its planning stage when Adora, Glimmer, Bow and the other Princesses begin arguing about the procedure. While Adora assumed Catra was overseeing the fortress, it was actually entrusted to Scorpia—who is alerted to the group's presence by Glimmer activating her teleportation power and spies on them. Adora, frustrated over the others not taking the planning seriously, is encouraged to trust her friends in watching her back as proceed to take the fortress despite Scorpia's precautions.

Review: A fun episode with different animation styles, includes the 80's version. 

3 out of 5

"White Out"

Summary: Catra, Entrapta and Scorpia are sent to Etharia's north pole region to excavate First Ones' technology, pursued by Adora, Glimmer, Bow and Sea Hawk. Having learned of the First Ones' virus disc which Entrapta restored, she uses it to infect Adora with the intent of making her a tool for the Horde. But giant worm robots that the First Ones created to guard the site were also infected and attack the excavation camp, forcing the two groups to work together despite Catra's refusal to allow the disc to be destroyed. Scorpia ultimately destroys the disc, restoring Adora and the worms to normal. In the course of the fracas, Entrapta revealed to have acquired First One tech prior to the Rebels' attack, Catra first recognizes Scorpia's affection towards her.

Review: Fun stuff with Seahawk and Scorpia and drunk Adora.

4/5

"Light Spinner"

Summary: Hordak decides to send Shadow Weaver to Beast Island to prevent her knowledge from becoming of use to the Rebels, much to Catra's dismay because she still feels for Shadow Weaver despite her mistreatment in childhood. In her cell, Shadow Weaver reminisces about her past as Light Spinner in mentoring a young apprentice Micah until her pursuit of dark magic to end the war corrupted her and led to her joining the Horde where she became the infant Adora's guardian. In the present, Shadow Weaver tricks Catra into aiding her escape. In the meantime, Bow is able to decipher the message Adora activated in "Signals", which concerns Mara (the previous She-Ra), the name Serinia, and a portal.

Review: A great episode, the best of the season.

5/5

"Reunion"

Summary: Trying to find out what the mysterious message means, Bow leaves Bright Moon and seeks out the library of his fathers George and Lance. When Adora and Glimmer track him down, they find out that Bow was supposed to follow in his fathers' academic footsteps, but since they abhor the war against the Horde, he decided instead to become a freedom fighter without telling them. Following the accidental activation of a First Ones' monster robot, Adora transforms into She-Ra, which blows Bow's cover story. Bow pacifies the robot, and after witnessing this, his fathers give him their approval. George and Lance subsequently decode the message as a star constellation bearing the name Serinia which will soon appear above the Crimson Waste. In the Fright Zone, Catra desperately tries to track down the fugitive Shadow Weaver, but Hordak finds out about the escape and punishes Catra after giving her a chance to admit her failure. The same night, Shadow Weaver appears in Bright Moon at Adora's bedside.

Review: Everyone was aghast about this episode, it is pretty much a stand-alone episode within an arc. With the arc ending just tacked on. A good episode but pretty unbelievable that bow could leave his dads in the dark.

3/5

Season 2 Review: Like I said, it is all stand-alone and guideless. It doesn't have the overall arc. I am sure this is done on purpose in order to have a break. But unfortunately, since the first season didn't have a break established, it seems ingenious. You can't just go running to all of the sudden stop to smell the roses and then go running full throttle again. It would've made more sense to have season 2 and season 3 be one long season.

SEASON THREE

"The Price of Power"

Summary: Near-death, Shadow Weaver collapses and is captured before she can approach Adora. Adora sneaks into Shadow Weaver's cell, and after using her powers to heal her, Shadow Weaver tells them about Hordak's plan to open an interdimensional portal to bring the rest of the Horde armies to Etheria for total conquest. She also reveals that Adora has actually come from another world through an experimental portal. Confused, Adora seeks out Light Hope, who confirms Shadow Weaver's tale and reveals her as a First One. To find answers, Adora decides to follow Mara's message to the Crimson Waste, and Glimmer and Bow volunteer to come along. Catra faces public punishment by Hordak, but with Entrapta having located a vital component for the portal and spoken on Catra's behalf, Hordak instead assigns her to retrieve the part from the Crimson Waste - or die trying.

Review: So we finally hear the name of Eternia, Adora's home but hear very little else about it. Fans of the 80's series know that Adora came from Etheria and was twin sisters to Prince Adam/He-Man. Unknown if he will appear in this series. A good opener to season 3, now this is a premiere!

4/5

"Huntara"

Summary: Entrapta learns that Hordak is a defective clone of Horde Prime who was accidentally teleported to Etheria and conquered it to show Horde Prime his worth. Entrapta improves Hordak's life-sustaining armor, thus gaining his respect. In the Crimson Waste, Adora, Glimmer and Bow stumble upon an outlaw abode and are saved from them by Huntara, whereupon Adora hires her as a guide. However, Huntara leads them into a trap and steals Adora's sword. The three friends track Huntara down and recover the sword; when she learns that Adora is She-Ra, Huntara reveals that she is a rogue Horde Soldier, disillusioned by Hordak's evil. She joins Adora's group and leads them to their destination: The wreckage of Mara's ship.

Review: A so-so episode that makes it better with Geena Davis guest-starring as HUntara, gives it gravitas. Huntara was a little known character from the 80's She-Ra series that wasn't a toy and smart the new series uses her here.

3/5

"Once Upon A Time in the Waste"

Summary: Arriving in the Crimson Desert, Catra and Scorpia learn of Adora's presence and take up pursuit, but are ambushed by Tung Lashor's horde; Catra defeats him, however, and takes control of his gang. While exploring the ship, Adora's group finds a holographic recording of Mara's last moments. The message reveals that Mara used the sword's power to draw Etheria into another dimension to hide it from the Horde, and warns Adora not to use it herself. Just as the message ends, Catra and her army arrive and capture Adora, although Huntara escapes with Bow and Glimmer. Questioning Adora, Catra learns that Shadow Weaver is still alive in Bright Moon, which evokes her decision to go along with Hordak's plan.

Review: I'm not sure how I feel about the use of Tung Lashor as he was originally meant to be a He-Man character and was used in the 2002 revival of He-Man. He was one of the Lizard Men in the Masters of the Universe toyline but since He-Man was canceled, he was used in She-Ra in order to promote his toy. So He was part of the horde. Anyway, in this new series he is not part of the horde but a nomad. Still a great episode dealing with Adora finding more about Mara and She-ra and Scorpia's relaitonship with Catra. 

4/5

"Moment of Truth"

Summary: Catra returns with Adora to the Fright Zone and presents the sword as the key needed to open Hordak's portal. Glimmer, Bow and Huntara return to Bright Moon, but cannot persuade her mother to help, so she frees Shadow Weaver. Shadow Weaver helps teleport Glimmer, Bow and the other princesses right into Hordak's base, but they are soon discovered and forced to fight their way through. In the meantime, Entrapta discovers that opening the portal would annihilate reality, but Catra, obsessed with vengeance, hides this fact from Hordak, and the portal is activated.

Review: Interesting to see Entrapta and Hordak's relationship blossom. With some hinted romantic love and then when Catra lies to him about Entrapta, he seems hurt. Shadow Weaver's use of Glimmer is kind of iffy but interesting. Good to see the other Princesses involved but wished they were used more before.

4/5

"Remember"
Summary: Adora awakens in the Fright Zone, again as a member of the Horde in a "perfect world"; but as she goes on with her life, several peculiar happenings and strange memory flashes quickly begin to tell her that something is seriously amiss. As her realization grows, the false reality begins to disintegrate. Adora flees with Catra to the Whispering Woods, but Catra willingly lets go of their friendship instead of trying to rectify the catastrophe. Adora is then met by Madame Razz, who tells her that Mara had triggered such a cataclysm before when she displaced Etheria, and gives Adora the advice to "go back to the beginning". As she leaves to seek out Glimmer and Bow, she is followed by Catra, half mutated by the reality warp.

Review: A good episode going back to the beginning and using an altered reality. Some good character moments but doesn't do anything to expand the mythology or character arc. Only to Adora's.

4/5

"The Portal"

Summary: Arriving in Bright Moon, Adora is promptly taken, prisoner. Her curiosity piqued by the new arrival, Glimmer drags Bow into questioning Adora, who manages to revive their memories. The three manage to get in touch with Entrapta, who has determined that the portal's debilitating effects are centered on Adora, and that she must remove the sword to fix it. As reality collapses further and her friends disappear before her, Adora is confronted by Catra but manages to overcome her former friend and her doubts. But instead of Adora, Queen Angela, with her memory returned, removes the sword, forever trapping herself between realities. With true reality thus restored, Adora's group returns to Bright Moon; but the interdimensional disruption has enabled one of Hordak's clone brothers to track him down.

Review: A good episode. Great ending! Interesting finale but wish we got more answers out of this season. Apparently, we are getting a fourth season or even longer because of this slow pace. Or a fast pace? Why so little episodes in each season? At this pace, we will get 12 seasons in 5 years. 

5/5

Stranger Things Season 3 Review/Analysis

If you love Stranger Things, you probably already saw season 3. this is do an analysis of it.  If you are not a fan, this is to draw you in. I only recently got  into it. I binged season 1 and 2 and then saw 3 when it debuted July 4th. Stranger Things is basically about pre-teens that love playing Dungeons and Dragons and one of their friends (Will) is kidnapped by a monster. This monster is from the Upsidedown, either another dimension, a mirror dimension of the real world or the future of the hometown of Hawkins. So basically there is a sheriff (Hopper) involved and when he thinks he is looking for Will, he finds Eleven, a test subject. Not to spoil much, it's a fun ride.

 First, for the ones not familiar:

SUMMARY

If you have not seen Stranger Things, you may have seen pieces or heard of it. It has been accused of pointless nostalgia and focusing on Steven Speilberg-ish idealness. The Duffer Brothers grew up in the 80s like me and they studied film but they use stuff from the big blockbusters and mainstream media (Jaws, ET, Aliens, John Hughes movies, etc.) but also Super 8. What draws you into the show is the great story telling and character development. 

Without Spoiling: It's summer and the kids are coupled up. A person gets invaded by the Mindflayer and wants revenge on Eleven, recruits unwillingly participants. A new mall opens. Steve works at Scoops Ahoy, an ice cream parlor with Robin, a former classmate. Dustin hangs out with Steve and stumble into a secret thingy. While Nancy and Jonathan both have a job at a local newspaper, Jonathan is a photographer but Nancy is a go-for. She wants to be a journalist. Hopper and Joyce also team up when her magnets fall off the refrigerator. And that's all I can say.

Spoilers: So it's summer, Hopper is bugged with Mike and Eleven making out and goes to Joyce for help and she notices magnets are falling off the refrigerator. Joyce and Hopper try to see if the old lab is working--it's not. They stumble unto the mayor and a quid pro quo situation. Everyone is in on the mystery. Steve, Robin, and Dustin stumble unto a Russian conspiracy in the mall. Eleven and Max stumble upon Billy being possessed by the Mind Flayer. Nancy and Jonathan investigate about weird acting rodents (which I will touch about in the Review.)  Then all the groups eventually converge, the adults being the last. The big showdown occurs in the mall.

REVIEW

Without Spoilers: Fun, entertaining, funny, perspective on old fashions, gross and I don't know, for some people scary. CGI is not so scary for me. They did do some practical effects. But everything just starts looking the same. Duffers did their homework, took notes about season 2 and took it to heart. In season 2, they skewered away a bit, this time they didn't. Season 3 stays in one spot, the kids are growing up and the show embraces it. They know which actors work best together and others don't. 

With Spoilers: The majority hated season 2 because they went off-ramp and Eleven left Hawkins and went to visit her sister. It was like a hidden pilot spin-off. I actually liked the episode. This season stays in Hawkins. It feels very insular. If you wanted answers about what Mind Flayer is, what the Upsidedown is, forget it. It's just about fun. I liked the parts with Steve, Robin, Dustin and Erica the best. The Party, the teens was okay, pretty run-the-mill stuff and the others have to get powers soon because they all rely on Eleven and Lucas' slingshot is not always going to work. The references to New Coke was hilarious. People call it advertising or rosy glasses view of the past. I think have a critical eye to the past is interesting. Maybe they aren't negative. 

I do not like Nancy and Jonathan were strapped with just the Rat problem. Also, she and her mom had that heart-to-heart and was told that Nancy will make a newspaper article. It would have made more sense for Nancy to stumble upon the Russian conspiracy and try to reveal it in an article. But because that was Steve's storyline, I guess they couldn't have them together. If they flip-flopped and Steve was an exterminator and found the rats, it wouldn't be the same. Robin could've been his co-worker and Dustin could've stuck around. But it would've been similar to Season 2 with them hunting the Demidogs so probably why they didn't do that. I still wish Nancy got something published for the end of season 3. I guess they are leaving that for later. 

Critical Analysis: 

What were the Russians up to? They clearly wanted to use the Demodogs and creatures against the United States. As in Season 1, Eleven was created to spy the Russians. It is not clear. Also, it is not clear about Alexi. what he knew of the Upsidedown or what he was told. What was the goal. As for Hopper, I think he's alive but he's not in Russia. At the end of the last episode, the Russians mention an "American." If he is alive with the Russians, then he should be full of scars and stuff. I think he probably ended up in the Upsidedown. For Season 4 (which will be filming soon), Will, Jonathan, Joyce and Eleven have moved. So if the action starts in Hawkins, it would be that the Party will have to go look for Eleven. Or maybe the action goes to Eleven. Finally, I love the show. I will keep watching. I'm looking forward to Season 4. 

Tyrus: Disney Channel's first official gay couple

 It has been a while since I write on this blog and it mostly go to the fact that I speak my mind more on Twitter. Recently my Surface shut down and had to switch the battery and screen. The second, my laptop lost its wifi combability. I'm trying to fix that while I have teaching workshops for work during the summer. Anyway, enough about me...

Andi Mack is/was a Disney Channel program about pre-teens and their trials and tribulations. A coming of age story that was controversial with the bible belt and conservative parents because Andi finds out her sister is really her mother. The show deals with gun violence, bullying, unplanned pregnancy and other topics. Anyway, after three seasons Disney decided to cancel it. No real reason was given. Some suspect it has to do with Stoney Westmoreland (Andi's grandfather), being arrested for attempted sexual liaison with a minor. He was fired and all scenes of him were removed from new episode. I don't think it has to do with the LGBT storyline.

In the last episode "We were here," one of the main characters Cyrus (Joshua Rush) developed a friendship with his friend Buffy''s former bully/rival T.J. (Luke Mullen). Throughout season 3, their storyline is about their blossoming friendship and underline romantic love. The creator of the show Terri Minsky (who also did Lizzie Maguire) says the majority of their storyline was subtext. TJ hung out with Kira, who seemingly seemed romantic but he assured Cyrus it wasn't romantic. Cyrus seemed left out. In the last episode, they are at a party and Buffy tells Cyrus that there is a reason why TJ is with Kira. The reason is not revealed. Kira makes fun of Cyrus' dancing and TJ calls him out and she gives him an ultimatum. He says Cyrus wouldn't give him an ultimatum. This answers her question and she leaves. TJ, Cyrus and gang sing Lady Gaga's "Born this way." Then TJ and Cyrus sit on a bench and Cyrus bugs him to learn his real name. he tells him, Cyrus tells him he loves the name. TJ asks Cyrus if he wants to know any more and it becomes a loop of them asking themselves those questions. And they hold hands.

I only seen a couple episode of Andi Mack, mostly of when Cyrus came out and his interactions with TJ. It is a good episode. I am sad the show ended. I wish we could see the rest of Cyrus and TJ's journey. I did initially wanted Cyrus and TJ to kiss like Buffy and her love interest in the episode. But Terri Minsky spoke about it saying it was appropriate for their story/journey that they touched hands and not kiss. And their relationship was subtext. My perspective of it is that if the show was ending, it was their last chance to go all out and they could have just kissed. The show was already cancelled. 

The future I see is different spinoffs or a reunion movie. When I say movie, it could a TV movie.

• Andi Mack reunion TV Movie on Disney Channel
• Andi Mack reunion TV Movie on Disney+
• Andi Mack mini-series on Disney+
• Cyrus + TJ Spin-off on Disney+

The following are my ideas only, they are not real---yet:

Andi Mack TV Movie

Andi has entered the Art high school and still hangs out with Buffy and Cyrus. Buffy and Cyrus cope with being Andi-less. Cyrus and TJ cope with the relationship becoming public. 

Andi Mack Mini-Series
Same as the TV Movie but more drawn out. A couple episodes like 6 or 8. Andi has entered the Art high school and still hangs out with Buffy and Cyrus. Buffy and Cyrus cope with being Andi-less. Andi struggles making friends in school and makes a new friend who is a girl and Buffy becomes jealous. Cyrus and TJ cope with the relationship becoming public. 

Cyrus + TJ Spinoff (Tyrus)

I think this would be better for Disney + because it wouldn't have the scrutiny of Disney Channel. They could have the Andi Mack TV movie or mini-series to continue her story so this would be the whole focus of Cyrus and TJ. The reason I say Cyrus and TJ, not only Cyrus because TJ wasn't a main character in Andi Mack. We can learn more about TJ and his family. I foresee them having a strong relationship but having some outside influence. Not that all the kids would bully them but there would be people like Kira that might sneer. Also there might be things that take their time like basketball  movie making or what not.

I think the reason "Tyrus" is fascinating is it is the jock/arty kid relationship you rarely see on TV or gay movies. It usually is the bad boy and arty kid or the macho guy and the feminine guy. It is rare to have relationships like that. TJ and Cyrus is just a completely cute relationship. 

Heroes from the Arrowverse/Flashverse/Berlanti-verse

The DCTV/Arrowverse started with Greg Berlanti started Arrow back in 2012. DC Comics has vast heroes and some double up with the TV universe and the movie universe such as The Flash and Superman. Here I try to put which heroes have been adapted. Some characters don't come directly from comics, some recast and others changed. This is a guide to which series they have appeared in. There is probably more, I'll add when I remember.  

Oliver Queen/Arrow

Actor: Stephen Amell
Series: Arrow
Has appeared in: The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow

Roy Harper/Arsenal

Actor: Colton Haynes

Series: Arrow Seasons 1-3

John Diggle/Spartan

Actor: David Ramsey

Series: Arrow

Has appeared in: The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow

He is an original creation, not from the comics.

Laurel Lance/Black Canary

Actress: Katie Cassidy

Series: Arrow, The Flash

Thea McQueen/Speedy

Actress: Willa Holland

Series: Arrow

Has Appeared in: The Flash

She took over Roy's place and then retired but helped in "Heroes vs Aliens."

Sarah Lance/White Canary

Actress: Jacqueline MacInnes Wood and Caity Lotz (Season 2 onward)

Series: Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow

Has appeared in: The Flash

She technically doesn't exist in the comics but mostly based on Black Canary. She was recast in season 2 of Arrow and now a regular in Legends of Tomorrow.

Lyla Michaels/Harbringer

Actress: Audrey Marie Anderson

Series: Arrow

Has appeared in: The Flash

Where she has taken the name of Harbringer, she is not an active hero. She did appear in the "Heroes vs. Aliens" teamup.

Barry Allen/The Flash

Actor: Grant Gustin

Series: The Flash

Has appeared in: Arrow, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow

Catilin Snow/Killer Frost

Actress: Danielle Panabaker

Series: The Flash

Has appeared in: Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow

While a villain in the comics, she has been mostly a hero in the series. In Season 2 of Flash, she met Earth-2 Killer Frost who was a villain. Now in Season 3, her powers have arose and her evil personality. Even though she didn't use her powers, she was useful in the "Heroes VS Aliens" crossover.

Cisco Ramon/Vibe

Actor: Carlos Valdez

Series: The Flash

Has appeared in: Arrow, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow

He is the only one from the Arrowverse other than Flash that has appeared in Supergirl.

Jesse Wells/Jesse Quick

Actress: Violette Beane

Series: The Flash

In the series, she comes from Earth-2 and daughter of Harrisons Wells. She returns to Earth-2 in Season 3. In the comics, she is the daughter of Johnny Quick.

Wally West/Kid Flash

Actor: Keiynan Lonsdale

Series: The Flash

He first came in season 2 and got his powers in season 3.

Jay Garrick/the Flash Earth-3

Actor: John Wesley ship

Series: The Flash

season 2

Martin Stein/Firestorm

Actor: Victor Garber

Series: The Flash/Legends of Tomorrow

He was part of the Heroes vs Aliens teamup.

Ronnie Raymond/Firestorm

Actor: Robbie Amell

Series: The Flash

He was killed off in Season 2. He appeared in season 3 as Deathstorm in Earth-2.

Jefferson Jackson/Firestorm

Actor: Franz Drameh

Series: Legends of Tomorrow

Seen in: The Flash

He was not in the comics, Ronnie's replacement in the comics was Jason Rusch.

Mick Rory/Heatwave

Actor: Dominic Purcell

Series: The Flash/Legends of Tomorrow

Was part of "Heroes vs Aliens"

Leonard Snart/Captain Cold

Actor: Wentworth Miller

Series: The Flash/Legends of Tomorrow

"Killed" off in Season 1 of Legends but later reappears.

Ray Palmer/The Atom

Actor: Brandon Routh

Series: Arrow Season 3/Legends of Tomorrow

Appeared in: The Flash

Rip Hunter

Actor: Arthur Darvill

Series: Legends of Tomorrow

Carter Hall/Hawkman

Actor: Falk Hentschel

Series: Legends of Tomorrow

Appeared in: The Flash (Season 2), Arrow (Season 4)

Killed off but later reappeared again.

Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl

Actress: Ciara Renee

Series: Legends of Tomorrow

Appeared in: The Flash (Season 1), Arrow (Season 4)

Curtis Holt/Mr Terrific

Actor: Echo Kellum

Series: Arrow Season 4-on

In the comics, his name is Michael. Part of Heroes vs Aliens, he met the Flash and Supergirl

Tobias "Charon" Church/Ragman

Actor: Joe Dinicol

Series: Arrow Season 5

Part of Heroes vs Aliens, he met the Flash and Supergirl

Rene Ramirez/Wild Dog

Actor: Rick Gonzalez

Series: Arrow Season 5

Part of Heroes vs Aliens, he met the Flash and Supergirl

John Diggle Jr/Green Arrow

Actor: Joseph David-Jones

Series: Legends of Tomorrow

His storyline is of Connor Hawke but in the series, he is the son of John Diggle and Lyla Michaels, being made from Flash's Flashpoint.

Marie Jiwe McCabe/Vixen

Actress: Megalyn Echikunqoke

Series: Vixen (animated)

Appeared in: Arrow Season 4

She was in an animated series online and then moved to a guest spot on Arrow.

Amaya Jiwe/Vixen

Actress: Maisie Richardson-Sellers

Series: Legends of Tomorrow (Season 2)

When they couldn't get  Megalyn Echikunwoke, they hired Maisie and made the character her grandmother.

Stargirl

Actress: Courtney Whitmore

Series: Legends of Tomorrow

Appears as part of the early JLA.

Henry Heywood / Commander Steel

Actor: Matthew McCaull

Is grandfather to Nate, part of early JLA

Nate Heywood/Commander Steel

Actor: Nick Zano

Series: Legends of Tomorrow Season 2

Has appeared in: Arrow

Kara Danvers/Supergirl

Actress: Melissa Bensoit

Series: Supergirl

Has appeared in: The Flash, Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow

In her own Earth, which Cisco calls Earth-31, there only exists Superman and her. And perhaps Batman, as Gotham has been mentioned.

J'onn J'onzz/Martian Manhunter

Actor: David Harewood

Series: Supergirl

Clark Kent/Superman

Actor: Tyler Hoechlin

Series: Supergirl

Jimmy Olsen/Guardian

Actor: Mehcad Brooks

Series: Supergirl

The Guardian was Jim Harper in the comics but he already appeared on Supergirl so now Jimmy Olsen is the Guardian on the show.