Published public reviews
Some of Tyler Perry's best work yet. This was a really good movie, man. Somebody who claims to love you will not deliberately put you or your life in danger. Let's also learn to walk away from relationships that no longer serve us when it's time to leave. But most importantly, there's no shame in starting over!
Episodes 1–3 Review Pretty good start to the show so far. As a longggggggg-time fan of this universe, I'm just happy to be existing in this timeline where it's thriving and we're getting more content. So naturally, I'm happy that we're finally here. I wasn't necessarily opposed to the idea of two Avatars existing at once, but I was particularly curious about how they were going to execute it. So far, so good. Initially, I thought Pavi and Nisha would only be able to bend a couple of elements each, but it turns out they can both bend all four. I'm still awaiting deeper lore surrounding what Korra ACTUALLY did to cause the Cataclysm, how two Avatars can exist at once, and the red spirit and its possible connection to the story. Overall, I've welcomed the characters with an open and warm heart. Pavi and Nisha's dynamic, especially with both of them being Avatars and what that intially means to them individually, is quite gripping. It introduces some interesting ideas for the story, particularly as they grow older and further evolve into their respective Avatar identities. As far as recorded history goes, there has never been a time when two Avatars existed simultaneously. So, what does this mean for the world, for Pavi and Nisha, and for their relationship as sisters? There's a noticeable inconsistency in the acting, with some scenes landing better than others, particularly in Episodes 1 and 2. However, it does get better as the show progresses. As a whole, the show is working with some really good things here, leaving me curious about where the story will go and how these developments will unfold throughout the season.
Some of the best work out of the new DCU. I didn't have any expectations for this show except to be good, have good writing and deliver a good story with well rounded characters and safe to say: that was the case. John's and Hal's dynamic was really fun to witness and seeing them go on that emotional rollercoaster of a journey from episode 1 and then arriving at a more emotionally grounded place, was beautiful. Even if it was ring Hal. Their individual backstories were compelling. I loved the insight we got into their earlier childhood and then seeing that emotional journey they go throughout the show was heartfelt. As for the overall plot regarding the Manhunters: I'd say I wasn't necessarily interested but I was keeping an eye as for how they were going to wrap it up. There were the subplots as well, which I feel contributed well to the story instead of derailing it. The writing of the characters and story is quite nuanced and cohesive which I appreciated. There is strong narative depth with the characters and overall, that adds layers and meaning to the larger story. Every piece of the puzzle came together beautifully, from the layered character writing and deeply rooted motivations to the cohesive storytelling, culminating in a genuinely satisfying conclusion.
Pretty good finale episode. Excited to see where John's journey in Man of Tomorrow takes him next.
They actually did it!!!!!! Twin avatars????????????
A fun and lighthearted period-action watch. It doesn’t require much from you as a viewer besides your attention for about an hour and 30 minutes. The Rock in this role is okay, to say the least. He’s a bit more serious and raw than usual, which was nice to see. The supporting cast is okay too. The plot was easy to follow, although it was losing me a bit in some parts. The writing was okay. The action scenes were the highlight for me rather than the performances, which I was hoping would be the opposite. I do have one or two favourite characters though. Overall, an okay movie.
The insight into Hal’s childhood probably explains where he got a lot of his attitude from, especially with his enabling father. It also explains his need almost obsession , with holding onto things, even when he probably should let them go. That ties in perfectly with the earlier episodes, particularly when Hal was supposed to be replaced and outright refused to give up the ring. But when your father is the way he is, what else can you expect? Hal’s copy and John’s dynamic throughout the episode was interesting too. Especially the way the copy was nice to John and complimented him, in complete contrast to how the original Hal was almost incapable of showing him that kind of acknowledgement. The planet that Hal’s copy and John explore also has me wondering what the original Hal was doing there. What was he up to?! And now we know that Sinestro had been hiding there for the past ten years. Was Hal secretly meeting him there? If so, what exactly was going on between them? Hal’s backstory is actually quite sad, man. He really is a troubled individual, and understanding where some of his behaviour comes from makes him feel much more complicated. Just another good episode. Yet again. Peak DC.
This episode finally delivers on Hal’s death, which had been teased since Episode 1. I found it interesting that Hal had been trying to make amends and start over. Almost commendable, honestly. But his conversation with John at the diner left me wondering who Hal was running from and whether he knew something was coming. His mother mentioning that Hal wanted to apologise only made that feeling stronger. John, meanwhile, seems caught between the future he’s built for himself and being pulled back into the Green Lantern world through Hal’s death. He doesn’t seem completely devastated, but he clearly feels something. Then there’s Sinestro. Did he have something to do with Hal’s death? And if so, why? And is he coming for John? Maggie blackmailing John over being the last person to speak to Hal adds another problem to the pile. And that ending was great. John digs up Hal, takes the ring, and Hal’s backup consciousness is still active inside it. Hearing him say “Goddammit” was hilarious and completely understandable. 😭
John and Hal are officially on bad terms now. Hal knows John kept Zoe’s identity as the Manhunter from him, and he sees John as someone who has been working to replace him. Hal deliberately crashes their car and leaves John trapped inside, essentially taking him “off the gameboard.” The car slowly deteriorating and eventually catching fire made it feel like Hal was genuinely willing to let John die. When Zoe arrives, she initially just watches John burn, which makes the whole situation even more disturbing. She eventually saves him, but only because she has her own use for him. Zoe reveals more about the Manhunters to John. The Guardians originally created them to enforce justice throughout the universe, but they became too brutal and were eventually shut down. Zoe is apparently the last surviving Manhunter. She also explains that she has spent years helping people in Rushville, creating relationships where people essentially owe her their lives, including Kerry and Will. Now she is calling in those debts to protect herself. The town mobilising was another interesting part of the episode. Zoe has built so much influence over Rushville that she can effectively turn the community into her shield. There’s something unsettling about how the town isn't simply afraid of her, many of them genuinely feel indebted to her. The exchange with Hal & Kerry also stood out because it showed how much pressure the town was under. Kerry knows what Zoe is capable of but is still protecting her because of what Zoe did for her in the past. The heavy and serious atmosphere really worked for this episode. Everything felt like it was spiralling toward something inevitable. The Manhunter situation was no longer just a mystery, it was actively destroying the relationships and the town around it. Hal also manipulates the situation by using Antaan and his forces as a distraction, directing them toward the Macon ranch while he tries to get to Zoe. His plan is ultimately selfish: he wants to capture Zoe and prove his worth to the Guardians, while also protecting his position as a Green Lantern. Then everything completely falls apart. John and Hal's confrontation at the motel becomes an actual physical fight. John nearly gets the ring from Hal, but one of Zoe's orbital attacks destroys the motel. Hal uses the little power remaining in his ring to protect them from the explosion, which was an interesting reminder that despite everything, there is still some instinct in Hal to save John. John then uses Hal as bait for Zoe. He takes the sniper position and kills her when she arrives. Afterwards, John takes Zoe's crystallised heart as proof of what happened and takes Hal's ring. And then comes the part that really got me: Hal's ring is finally in John's possession: the thing he's spent so much of his life working toward and he doesn't want it. John puts it on, but the moment feels empty to him. When he later talks to the Guardian at the bar, he basically questions everything he thought he wanted. Hal had betrayed everything to keep the ring, and John seems to realise that he could end up doing the same. So he takes the ring off. After everything we've seen about John's upbringing and his lifelong dedication to becoming a Green Lantern, that decision feels significant. He finally gets the thing he was conditioned to want, only to realise that actually having it doesn't necessarily make him feel fulfilled.
This episode set up some really good stuff to come in the next few episodes, with the biggest thing being the reveal of the true Manhunter. Now that Hal knows about John’s plan, I wonder if he has something up his sleeve or if he’ll let shit slide. We’ll see. The same goes for John: what will his plan of action be when he finds out what Hal and Sinestro spoke about? But I think the more important question is will Hal actually act on it? I did sense some hesitation from him, so I’m not sure. He’s clearly hell-bent on not giving up the ring, but I’d like to believe that beyond the overbearing ego, there’s still some good in him. Time will tell. Their relationship constantly gives me whiplash. There are quiet and somewhat innocent moments where they seem to have some level of respect and cordiality towards each other, and then they immediately go back to trying to backstab one another. Since we already know that Hal eventually dies, I just wonder whether they actually make up before that happens or if their relationship ultimately ends on another bitter note.
My main draw for me this episode was John’s upbringing. John’s dedication towards becoming a Green Lantern stood out to me, especially when looking at where that dedication comes from: • His father was rejected. • The idea of asking a Black man in America if he is afraid. It makes me wonder what that kind of upbringing does to someone’s psyche, and how it affects the other children. If you were conditioned from childhood to want something or become something, do you genuinely want that, or were you simply conditioned to want it? And if you were conditioned, what do you truly want? Who are you? Are you the person you were told to become, or are you somebody you’re still figuring out for yourself? John also seems very sure of himself and his capabilities, which is probably connected to his upbringing. The writing was genuinely some of the best man. It's what's really drove home everything for me.
I’m still confused af about a lot of what Ergo Proxy is doing, but seeing Vincent actually transform and fight as a Proxy was such a huge moment. The whole episode had this strange, almost religious feeling around the Proxies and “awakening,” and I’m definitely starting to feel like there’s a much bigger picture I’m not seeing yet. Still confused, still asking questions, but I’m locked in now.
