Doctor Who Review "The Girl Who Died"

It's episode 5 already and I have to say it's the one I've been waiting for ever since the teaser trailer, well, teased!

HERE BE SPOILERS

We meet the Doctor and Clara at the climax of another adventure, she's floating around in space, her brain about to be sucked out by something. The Doctor is pushing a lot of buttons and pulling some levers, and lo and behold, the day is saved. Only for the two to emerge from the Tardis and be captured by historically inaccurate Vikings.

As they enter the Viking village the Doctor recognises Ashildir, the amazing Maisie Williams, he knows that they haven't met before, but something feels familiar... Suddenly, a vision of Odin, cough cough, appears in they sky, and a group of armoured aliens appear to take the strongest of the village to "Valhalla", not only do they seize the warrior men, but Clara and Ashildir as well. One thing leads to another, Clara, in a way that echoes the reckless Eleventh Doctor, attempts to convince the Mire to leave, only to be interrupted by Ashildir, who declares war on the deadliest army in the galaxy in a fit of rage. 

The Doctor doesn't even have a whiff of a plan, he has one day-ish, to turn a bunch of farmers and fisherman into an army. The training sequences are funny, until they're not. The fumbling fools are played for laughs, of course, right up until the reality of the situation sets in. There are moments that could have easily been mockable, The Doctor's ability to speak baby, for example. However, this is played in a different light, and instead we are given something so raw and gut-wrenching, that I tip my hat to the writer, Jamie Mathieson, and to Capaldi's performance. 

Only in the dark of night, pacing and pondering, does the Doctor finally come up with a plan, a plan requiring a blacksmith, a story teller and something "rubbish." The plan succeeds, but at the cost of Ashildir's life. The Timelord decides to reprogram a Mire medical chip and use that to "repair" Ashildir, a consequence of which is, that it will continue to repair her, and she may be functionally immortal. At this point we are left with an unconventional cliffhanger, knowing only that they shall cross paths again, very soon....

Fan Theory

I'm not going to lie, I was disappointed that Maisie didn't turn out to be Susan, I really really want Susan to return, come on Moffat! It may be too soon to tell, but maybe, just maybe, Ashildir is in fact, the Minister for War!

Answer Me These Questions Three

1. What will the Doctor do now that his Sonic sunglasses are broken?
2. Who else have the Mire been harvesting?
3. When will Susan return, WHEN?

Final Thoughts

Mathieson managed to layer each of the secondary characters in this episode. Nearly every villager, has a spectrum of emotions, usually these types of characters as of late, are just given an emotion and they run with it, grumpy smurf is grumpy, idiot smurf is an idiot, etc, etc. Here though, each character has such depth, that you will them to survive. Clara, always self assure and headstrong, is even more so in this episode, but I can't help but feel the wedge growing between the Doctor and his companion, as she increasingly adopts more of his ways. Capaldi though, he has moved on from playing the Doctor, to being the Doctor in this episode, he plays the comic moments perfectly, and then subtly breaks your heart. This has been my favourite episode of the series so far and I am extremely excited for the next one! 

Katie Charlwood

Doctor Who Review "Before the Flood"

So we're at episode 4 of the series... Was that anti-climatic for everyone, or was it just me...?

HERE BE SPOILERS

We are greeted with a very different type of opening this week, with the doctor, seemingly alone in the Tardis, looking directly into the camera and telling us, the viewers, of a quaint tale of Beethoven, a time traveller, and the Bootstrap paradox. Which he bluntly tells us to google. This in itself, gives us the gist of what's going to happen next...

The Doctor, O'Donnell and Bennett arrive in the Military Town, in 1980, and we discover that the town had a rather Soviet feel before it became the aquarium decoration at the bottom of a lake. The sexy black spaceship from the previous episode, well, turns out that was a hearse, carrying the 'corpse' of the Fisher King, a creepy bony mantis-type alien who deserved far more screen time if you ask me. It was also piloted by Prentis, the most irritating of aliens ever to grace the screen, and I am including Jar Jar in this. Granted this Tivolian's purpose is to be so unbelievably grating that we are applauding when he finally meets his end.

So Clara, along with Lunn and Cass, await the Doctor's rescue, while dealing with the elephant outside the room, which is of course the ghost Doctor. The scenes in the Drum gave Clara some breathing room as a character, showing her in a take charge role, instead of jumping through the Timelord's hoops constantly. Miss Oswald solves the very simple mystery of why Lunn is the only one not being attacked by the beacon ghosts, which she decides is a perfectly good reason to test her theory (mirroring the Doctor, in more ways than one) by throwing him into harm's way. When Cass calls her on her actions, it reminded me of the moment Donna met Martha and Mickey, when she asks/accuses the Doctor, does he turn all of his companions into soldiers?

Back in 1980 there's a time loop, and then a time loop within that time loop, but you know, never mind because of wibbly wobbly timey wimey supercalifradgilisticexpiallidocious... Anyway, O'Donnell, a character who I very much would have loved to see more of, because I love the fangirls. I loved Osgood, I loved O'Donnell, and they were both stolen from me. Yes, me personally, I feel betrayed. That being said, it gives Bennett, the opportunity to be the human aspect of the situation and call the Doctor out on his actions. 

Bennett gets sent back to the future to give romantic advice because, of course any man and woman who are in close proximity must end up in a relationship in Steven I don't know the meaning of the word platonic Moffat's world.  Naturally, the Doctor monologues the Fisher King to death, almost, causing the destruction of the dam and sealing himself in the stasis pod only to pop out at the opportune moment. A point that was glaringly obvious from about ten minutes in.

Unsurprisingly, the Doctor saves the day, somebody proclaims their love as everyone else looks at their shoes and tries to avoid the PDA in front of them. Oh and Clara, well, Clara just sort of continues. 

Fan Theory

The overt theme of war has been woven into the very fabric of the series so far. The Doctor meets little baby Davros during the war, the Daleks are warmongering cyborgs, the military are based in the Drum, and finally, a Scottish town dressed up like a soviet ghost town, during the Cold War. Me thinks there is a battle coming, a big one. We know Jenna Coleman is leaving, so Clara is on her way out, but with the way she's going at the moment I can see that way out in a box. That's right, death, actual death, not a fake death, not another, oh look paradox, she's fine now death, a straight laced, gut wrenching, no coming back from it death. Or you know, she becomes the minister for war and the Doctor has to *cough* remove her....

Answer Me These Questions Three

1. Who is this Minister for War, and is he/she/they important or just another off the cuff remark, created to make the internet whisper?
2. What did you think of the guitar fuelled theme?
3. O'Donnell could have easily known his companions, but how did she get them in the right order?

Final Thoughts

As much as I loved the attempt at making an episode (or two) in the same vein as classic Who, it just didn't quite hit the mark. As much as I love smacking my head against a wall can we please stop using paradoxes as a get out of jail free card whenever we feel like it. The best scene was hands down, between Cass and the axe wielding ghost, ooft, talk about tension and setting the scene! The sonic glasses are okay I suppose, but please, bring back the screwdriver.

 Katie Charlwood

8 of Best Geeky Girl PJ's!

I love pyjamas, I do, I really do. In fact, I have always loved pyjamas, they are the epitome of comfort, nothing in this world feels as lovely as a new pair of pyjamas. Even as a child, after enduring 8 hours in starched collars and polycotton pinafores at school, to running about in "durable" play clothes, all I wanted to do was have my mermaid Matey bubble bath, complete with bubble beard, and climb into my pink and white striped flannel pjs. I looked like Bagpuss, it was adorable. I would have happily spent all day in my pyjamas, I still would. Thankfully, in recent years it has become more socially acceptable to loll about in pjs with the concept of loungewear, which, let's face it, is a word we made up to make us feel better about not wearing real people clothes for three days.

I can't deny it though, nothing hits me right in the nostalgia quite like a Disney nightdress! The Snow White nightshirt from Topshop is simply beautiful. The framed silhouettes, almost retelling the story, the birds flying towards Snow White, the bitten apple, and let's not forget the dwarves! I love it so much, I really do. The retro/worn style of New Look's Little Mermaid nightshirt reminds me so much of 6 year old me singing Part of Your World in the bathtub. Mucho love for these designs!

    Snow White Nightdress +Topshop                  The Little Mermaid Nightdress +New Look 

I love me some Harry Potter, I love it more that Hagrid loves horrifically dangerous creatures. When one can't read Harry Potter, one should wear Harry Potter. These are awesome,  not only are these Hogwarts pyjamas, but each one is specific to your house quidditch colours! So far these are my favourite HP pj sets on all of etsy!

Quidditch Loungewear by AlisonWunderlandAcc on Etsy

As much as I enjoy Minnie Mouse, nothing beats the original lovable rodent. Time for some retro Mickey, or is it Vintage, wait... is Mickey Mouse an Antique? Anyway, I digress, these beauties are from H&M. I wasn't too keen on the bottoms that were part of the set in the first picture, but I did find the Mickey print, fleecy bottoms that were so much cooler anyway! You know, I would actually wear that top, in real life, as outside clothes. Oh but do you know what I need to see? Some Steamboat Willie, or Sorcerer's Apprentice pjs kicking about!

Mickey Mouse Loungewear & Mickey Print Bottoms by +H&M 

Now, I don't want to sound biased, but, I think Penneys might have the best nerdy/nostalgic pyjama section. Oh, in case you didn't know Penneys in Ireland=Primark in the UK. It took me an unusually long amount to time to whittle down my favourite sleepy-time  selection. I love the Cookie Monster fluffys, they are so fuzzy and cosy, and they really make it feel more authentic when I stomp through the kitchen yelling "COOKIEEEEEEEEEES!!" Just look at the Little Miss loungewear, I mean really, there's even a Little Miss conga line down the leg, now that's dedication! I can't lie, I literally made a high pitched squealing noise when I clapped my eyes on the Care Bear pyjamas! The Care Bears were my childhood, and HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE THAT FLUFFY ADORABLE FACE YOU MONSTERS!?!? 

Cookie Monster, Little Miss & Care Bear Pyjama Sets +Primark 

I need all of the money, so that I can acquire these pyjamas, every, last one. The only way that pjs could get any better, is if they start making Xena nightwear. You know it's true, you do, deep down in the very pit of your soul! Although, I do have to say, that I'm extremely happy that companies have discovered that women also enjoy geeky nightwear, and that I am no longer required to purchase all of my bedclothes from the men's section! 

I used to have nightwear emblazoned with Animal from the Muppets, it was my favourite pair of pyjamas, which I inevitably destroyed while chasing a kitten that I found under a sink. (Long story) Oh and I'm pretty sure that I lived in a My Little Pony nightdress until  it crawled off of my body and died in the corner, when I was eight. Ha, and my big brother had to be wrestled out of his Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles pjs every morning. Did you have a favourite pair of pyjamas growing up? Do you have a favourite pair now? I have a Batman onesie, and I must say it's pretty awesome.

Katie

Doctor Who Review "Under the Lake"

So we have reached episode 3 of season 9, and I have to say, there was definitely less lake than anticipated. This week's episode was certainly a slow burn, but certainly more in keeping with tradition Who. Although, I can't help it.... Sigh. I miss Missy.

HERE BE SPOILERS

This episode begins in the year 2119, in The Drum, an underwater mining facility, in Scotland. The base crew have salvaged a gleaming black ship, and all but one of the crew are investigating the mysterious vessel. Suddenly, a hollow eyed, creepy Victorian, ghostly figure skulks across the screen, and by what appears to be a freak accident, to the crew anyway, their leader Moran is flame grilled by one of the vessel's engines. Danger Will Robinson Danger! Oh and would you look at that, Moran is now also, a hollow eyed, creepy ghostly figure.

The Doctor tenderly caresses the Tardis, which is upset, as Clara bounces out, demanding an adventure, seemingly uninterested, it seems we have an adventure junkie, looking for her next hit. They explore the base, discovering that the crew had left in a hurry. Greeted by the ghosts, they follow the apparitions to the vessel, only for them to silently chant, and of course try to murder them. Surprise!

Luckily the  Timelord and his companion are rescued by the crew, O'Donnell, who to my delight, completely fangirls over the Doctor, Cass, a deaf crewmember who is first in command, after Moran got barbecued, Lunn, Cass' sign interpretor, Bennett, a scientist and Alien nut, and last but not least, the smarmy Pritchard, who is the smarmy representative for Vector Petroleum, who owns the facility. Oh and the Doctor completely denounces the concept of ghosts/life after death.

The ghostly things only come out at night, so naturally they turn the facility onto night mode in order to murder the smarmy Pritchard, who totally deserves it, the capitalist pig! We know he's dead because we have the joy of seeing his ghostly form inside, and his lifeless body floating outside the Drum, Definitely dead, yes definitely dead. Lunn, surprisingly is left alive, yet he is the only member, not to step inside the mysterious vessel and read its markings.

After lot's of running, and a little bit of lip reading, we discover that the spectres are sending out a signal, Dark, Sword, Forsaken Temple. Which leads to a church within the "freaky flooded village" under the lake, in which they discover a stasis pod. A deadlocked stasis pod, that wants to be found. 

The Doctor does a U-Turn, and very excitedly spouts on about the sudden reality of ghosts, the afterlife, oblivious to the pain of losing a colleague could be affecting the group. Luckily nudged by Clara to use his empathy cards, he, well, he tries to be consoling.

The spectres cause the facility to flood, with the attempt to kill more people for their spirit distress call. Everyone runs back to the Tardis but unsurprisingly they are separated.  Clara in the Drum, the Doctor in the Tardis, travelling back to before the flood to uncover the mystery and save them all. As Clara waits for his return, she nonchalantly states that the Doctor will be back to save them, because that's just what he does. However she spots something in the water, she realises that something has changed in the past, a spirit appears in the water, the spirit of the Doctor!

Fan Theory

Well, for starters, I think that Vector Petroleum will show up again somewhere in the series. The Tardis wouldn't translate the message, but also removed sign language, hmm, something's afoot. If the Doctor has died, then there is life after death, which means, we might be able to find Danny again! The Doctor told Clara, not to "go native", methinks that Clara, has replaced her grief for Danny with a roller coaster of excitement on death-defying feats. That being said, Clara was always a bit of an adventure junkie, a fact noticed by her former love. I think this is going to be a sticking point for the Doctor, and either the adventure is going to kill her, or the Doctor is going to let her go.

Answer Me These Questions Three

1. Is there something fishy going on with the TARDIS language library?
2. What the frack is in that pod?
3. What cards are missing from the Doctor's selection?

Final Thoughts

This was a very so-so episode, the claustrophobic theme combine with the ominous score, set the atmosphere perfectly. however some of the supporting characters felt like cardboard cut outs and clichés. The supporting cast's talents just feel wasted here. When any episode is a two parter, you really have to ensure that the first part doesn't drag. With this season consisting of two episode long stories, I hope that the others realise that setting the scene for the finale, should not be a detriment to the previous episode. That being said, I am looking forward to next week's show. 

Doctor Who Review: The Witch's Familiar

Artwork by Stuart Manning

We were engulfed in a cornucopia of twists and turns, in this week's episode of Doctor Who. The cliffnotes version of  the second episode of season 9, "The Witch's Familiar" is; Missy is insane yet strangely endearing, The Doctor enjoys a cuppa, and the Daleks will probably live to fight another day, because, well,they are Daleks!

HERE BE SPOILERS!

We left off with the Doctor on Skaro, seemingly in a state of despair, as his closest friend, and latest companion have been exterminated. Okay, let's cut to the chase, Missy & Clara, not dead, big surprise. Instead of being death blasted, they were transported outside the city by the sadistically effervescent Time Lady. Clara, bound,  is dangling upside down, under the watchful gaze of Missy, nonchalantly whittling a stick for an unknown, yet undeniably important purpose. The next few minutes are full of exposition and many questions are answered, well many teleportation/fake death questions are answered.

The Doctor, assuming that Clara has been exterminated by his mutated foe, decides that his best course of action is to go for a joyride in Davros' mobility scooter. I'm not sure about you, but playing dodgems with Daleks is not my idea of a good time. The Doctor, being the Doctor, with his last glimmer of hope, demands that Clara be returned to him, alive and unharmed, only for Clara's untimely demise to be confirmed by the cyborgs. The Doctor's opportunity for vengeance is ripped away as he is suddenly restrained by the agents of Snake-Face, who had been covertly hiding in the chair.

The Doctor awakens back in the infirmary with Davros, however, not punished, but rewarded for his actions, with the only other chair in Skaro. The confrontation between the nemeses, examines and investigate the major themes of the episode, you can't judge a book by it's cover, and what it means to be a good man. We also discover that Davros is connected to the Daleks via some tubes, wires and probably a couple of scart connections. He is dying, barely surviving on the energy from his cyborg powered battery.

In the mean time, Missy and Clara trudge through the Dalek sewers, which as it turns out, is full of the congealed remains of fermenting Daleks, except, they're not quite dead. Lest we forget, Daleks were engineered to survive. Missy skips through the jellified catacombs, stabbing the walls with her pointy stick. Causing the undead creature to destroy a fully fledged Dalek. With not so much of a nod, as an elbow to the ribs to Jenna Coleman's first appearance, Clara almost willingly encases herself in the leftover Dalek shell. The dynamic duo continue on their way to save the Doctor, as he treats the terminal Davros, as the Time Lord is nothing if not compassionate.

Davros attempts and fails to have a heart to heart to heart with his arch enemy, eventually resigns himself to the fact that he will never see another sunrise, with his own eyes, before his death. The Doctor obliges this last request, only to discover that Davros is far too weak to open his eyes. With moments to spare, the Doctor uses regeneration energy to help Davros' dying wish. Suddenly, as before, Snake-Face's agents were hiding amongst the Skaro HDMI cables, trapping the Doctor and draining his regeneration energy in order to revitalise the dying race. Davros and the Dalek's have been restored by the power of the Doctor.

Unfortunately, every Dalek has been restored, including the forgotten & deteriorated from within the sewers, and the sludge decided to revolt, attacking their caged friends and flattening the city of Skaro. Oh and as it turns out, the Doctor apparently knew the intricacies of Davros' plan and for some reason, went along with it anyway.

Missy and the Doctor meet Clarek, trapped and unable to communicate who she really is. This was bordering on my favourite part of the episode. The Time Lady tries to convince her friend, that the creature before their eyes, was the very same creature that murdered Clara. The sadistic side of me really wanted the Doctor to destroy his companion. Partially because I like the idea of coming full circle with miss Oswald, arriving as a Dalek, and leaving as a Dalek, and partially because I would love to see the Doctor deal with the weight of those consequences. Long story short, Clarek manages to shout the word "mercy" a word unknown to the Daleks. The Doctor figures out that it's her, sends Missy away, and they call the Tardis back with sonic sunglasses. Yes Really.

Fan Theory

Missy has been surrounded by Daleks, so unless she lied to Clara, she won't be able to teleport her way out of this one. The Time Lady has a clever idea, and I have a sneaking suspicion that this idea may just be an alliance with her foe. With Missy as the leader, of course. The sunglasses will lose their charm soon and The Doctor will revert to his trusty screwdriver. Davros now knows that Galifrey still exists and it's going to be a race against time to find the Doctor's homeworld? That confession dial is important, I can feel it in my bones!

Answer Me These Questions Three

1. What will be the Doctor's personal repercussions for losing a chunk of Time Lord regeneration pixie dust?
2. Will the rejuvenated sewer Daleks not only annihilate their more mobile kin and hijack their wheels?
3. Where did the Doctor get that cup of tea?

Final Thoughts

The opening scene sets the dynamic for Missy and Clara throughout the episode, Clara is bound, restricted, Missy on the other hand, is in control, three steps ahead of the game, equal parts sagacious and sadistic. We definitely haven't seen the end of Davros, he's like a cockroach. There is something not quite right sitting with me this episode, I'm not sure what though. I definitely enjoyed its predecessor more. Hmm, anyway, I will see you next week, same bat-time, same bat-channel.

Katie

Doctor Who Review "The Magician's Apprentice"

Image by Lemonhead118 +DeviantArt.com 

I don't know about you but the Season 9 premier of Doctor Who set both of my hearts racing! Jumping from horror, humour, drama and superfluous frivolity, yet behind the smoke and mirrors, forcing the audience to pay attention.

HERE BE SPOILERS!

We open on a grim and ghastly warzone, a child runs amidst the smoke and gunfire, catching the eye of a valiant soldier. Sending his comrades on, the soldier attempts to save the young boy,be ripped into the earth. There he stands, a defenceless child in a mine field, all alone, with no chance of escape. BUT landing at his feet is a sonic screwdriver, and a man in the smoke calls out to him, to help save him, all he asks is the boys name. Who is this innocent child? Davros, creator of the Daleks and the Doctor's future arch enemy.

Then we are left with a bone chilling conundrum, do you save the child who will become a harbinger of destruction, or do you destroy him first?

Leaving that ethical quandary, a snakey man is searching for the Doctor, venturing out to the Shadow Proclamation, the Sisterhood of Karn and a bunch of other nods to nostalgia. Davros is looking for the Doctor, Davros remembers. Although does Davros only now remember because it is something that the Doctor did recently, or was this something that he simply forgot as he created emotionally stunted murder cyborgs?

Dalek by Scarecr0w13 +DeviantArt.com 

What could have easily filled an entire episode, lasted but a few minutes, the #planeshavestopped was but a message from the eccentrically divine and masterfully deranged Missy. The only reason for which is to get Clara's attention, The Doctor is in danger, and Missy requires Clara's aid in order to find him. Missy has been sent the Doctor's confession dial, which I feel will have some greater significance later on the series.  Missy also point out that it was sent to the Doctor's closest friend, Missy, not Clara. Which means of course, that the Doctor suspected that Missy had not, in fact evaporated after all.

In Medieval times, the ROCKtor makes his entrance, shades on, playing a guitar, while riding a tank, because of course he does. The snap, crackle and pop wacky antics are cut short here as snakey man shows up to take the Doctor to Davros. Being the spunky young go-getter Clara demands that she and Missy shall be accompanying them, at which point they too are bound by snakes.

The Doctor and Davros have a natter while Missy and Clara go exploring, only to discover that they had not been brought to a spaceship after all, but they were walking on the surface of Skaro, home of the Daleks! Davros, still holding on to the screwdriver that was thrown to him as a boy, shows the Doctor the extermination of his friends. Ending on a cliffhanger, in anticipation of the second episode of this two parter, what will the Doctor do next..?

Fan Theory:

Missy and Clara are not dead, but have in fact been transported somewhere with Missy's teleporting doo-hickey bracelets. The confession dial will have a greater impact later on in the series. Missy will be a temporary companion, in order to shift the relationship dynamic.This is the second season premiere that Capaldi's face has been mentioned, I can't help but think that it is relevant somehow. The TARDIS hasn't been destroyed otherwise this would be an extremely short season of Doctor Who.

Answer Me These Questions Three

1. How did Davros escape the Crucible in "Journey's End"?
2. Did Davros re-create Skaro, or has it been in a pocket universe all this time?
3. Did the Doctor create Davros?

Final Thoughts

It's good that Clara is doing something, and not just sitting on her hands, waiting for the Doctor. Even shredding an axe, astride a tank, the scene is stolen by Missy. Capaldi may chew on the scenery with every take, but Michelle Gomez takes a bite and swallows it whole. Episode One was a fast paced, exhilarating kick up the arse that the show needed. I am so happy that we've moved past the constant questioning of is the Doctor a good man? I love Peter Capaldi, I prefer him to Matt Smith. Give me more, give me more! 

Katie

Marriage Equality in America

As parents you always hope the best for your child. Whether it be in work or in life you want the best for them and you will always want them to succeed. But sometimes no matter what you want for your child laws or prejudice will always hold them back. It is not fair and it is not right but it it the world we live in. Thankfully here in Ireland we were the first country ever to introduce marriage equality by a public vote. Other countries have done it though government and laws but today America did it across the whole continent in their highest court in the land.

This is a great day for all LGBT people. I am not one of them but I can sympathize with the unfairness that comes along with not being able to marry the person you love. It is not a big ask. You will love that person hopefully until the day you die and you want to be able to celebrate that love and have all the rights that come along with being a married couple. These are peoples children who their parents wanted only the best for them. Now at least one hurdle has been taken from their road and they can live their lives a lot better.

Today happiness wins.

Steam Summer Sale Day 1 Suggestions

Its upon us. The great credit card destroyer of the year is here.

Daily deals.

Look at all these wonderful titles on the first day.

Metro Franchise - Buy???? Yes this is a great offer with the Metro Redux bundle only €7.99. I loved this game and I am sure you will also.

Naruto Storm - Buy???? Nah skip this not worth it.

Hotline Miami 2 - Buy???? Yes. Fun and great racing game. Definitely recommended.

Tales from Borderlands - Buy???? Yes. Katie just finished this on Xbox One and it is a fun return to the franchise.

Farming Simulator 15 - Buy??? Hell yes. My Pick Of The Bunch today. Amazingly fun game. Hard to get on consoles so PC version is fantastic.

Darkest Dungeon - Buy??? Pass.

Xcom Franchise - Buy???? Yes. Another great franchise on offer for only €6.79 for The Bureau and Enemy Unknown.

Valkyria Chronicles - Buy???? Yes yes yes. Amazing game and well worth €4.99. Hell buy 4. One for your friends each to enjoy.

Homeworld - Buy????? Yes. Amazing RTS and one that I can say for sure redefined it.

Wreckfest - Buy??? Nope just an early access.

The Binding of Isaac - Buy??? Yes brilliant game. So much fun to be had.

Sniper Elite Franchise - Buy????Buy Sniper Elite 3. Its only €13.79 which is a great game at a great price.

X Plane 10 - Buy???? Yes only if you like flight sims.

Dont Starve Together - Buy??? Early access again. So nope.

GTA - Buy??? Maybe. €55.79 for GTA V and San Andreas aint bad I suppose.

Some great buys in the first round. But more to come so stay calm and steam on.

In Defence of Supergirl

I caught the trailer for the new Supergirl series, and I have to say, I'm actually looking forward to it. Naturally, many people have been spewing negative comments and reviews of this "fluffy" trailer so far.

I for one, do not need yet another gritty, dark reboot, I deeply appreciate a bright, hopeful Supergirl, saving the day because she wants to, because she feels like it, not because she has been forced into this position by whatever Big Bad looms over her existence. Granted, my first thoughts were, "oh she looks a bit like Felicity Smoak!" and "ha, it's a younger boss from the Devil wears Prada."

A lot of the negative comments are based on this upbeat Supergirl doing typically "girly" things. These are actual comments people have made on the trailer so far. Bare in mind, that the trailer is made from the first episode.
"Eugh, she's trying on clothes."
"She's going on a date!?!"
"What's with the lipstick?"
"This thing is a stillborn turd that will only appeal to 8-12 year old girls."

OH MY GOD, how dare she want to go out, on a date, who does she think she is? Make-up, on a girl,  shocking, simply shocking! I mean how dare she be a superhero and have inherently female qualities. Of course, there are plenty of female secondary characters in other shows, they get to help and/or love the hero. Male heroes get to go on dates, they can have love interests, they can discuss their appearance, or have troubles at work without anyone batting an eyelid. So it makes you wonder, why are these problems when a female is placed at the centre of this scenario? Why do people have a problem with Supergirl?

A lot of criticism relates to concept that young girls will enjoy this show, personally I think that's great. Michael's daughter is 7 years old, and I love the idea that maybe she will enjoy the show, maybe she'll ask questions about Supergirl, start reading comics, learning about other female characters, and who knows what else.

I just love that guys are complaining that this show is being marketed towards girls, as if 99% of all superhero media isn't aimed at them.

There isn't an issue when a female lead has typically masculine traits; strong, stoic, etc. Katniss kicks ass, and Arya Stark isn't someone you want to meet in a dark alley, and that's cool, but you don't have to be strong woman, by stripping away your socially suggested female traits. You can have flowers in your hair and kick all of the butts in Halo, you can wear lipstick and quote Judge Dredd, you don't have to be pigeon-holed, embrace all parts of your personality, be proud of you.

Remember, if you perceive Supergirl as anything less than excellent, isn't the real problem you?

Katie