Late 'Defiance' Review . . . Again

We expect our 'Defiance' review to be a bit late again this week, as we're going out to-day (our usual day to type that post) & don't know when we'll be back. Also, when we do get back, we plan to devote the rest of the day to working on our next book . . . 

Review: 'Defiance: I Just Wasn't Made for These Times'

'Defiance: I Just Wasn't Made for These Times,' 2013, SyFy Channel. Written by Clark Perry. Directed by Allan Kroeker. Starring Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, and Stephanie Leonidas. Rated TV-14 for language, sexual situations, and violence. Airs 9.00 p.m. Mondays on SyFy Channel, or catch up on full episodes at http://www.syfy.com/rewind/.


In this episode, Nolan (Grant Bowler) and Tommy (Dewshane Williams) go to the Arkfall and discover a man (Brian J. Smith) in cold sleep still alive in the Ark. The man turns out to be famed NASA astronaut Commander Gordon McClintock, who was presumed dead in 2013. No-one seems to know what a human was doing aboard a Voltan ship, and McClintock doesn't remember anything about it, either. 

Meanwhile, Datak Tarr (Tony Curran) is gently rebuffed by Kenya (Mia Kirshner) -- something which doesn't go over well at all. And while everyone is busy fawning over McClintock, Mayor Rosewater (Julie Benz) gets a business proposition from her ex (Gale Harold).

But all is not well with McClintock, happy as everyone is to see him. Not only does he miss his wife (who must be in her 60's by now), but he's having flashbacks which turn him violent. When he attacks the mayor, Nolan has him brought in; but McClintock gets violent again and begins hurting himself. It's then that a secret is discovered, one which involves Doc Yewell (Trenna Keating). 

This is a good episode, not only for the twist with McClintock, but for the bits with Yewell, who's quickly becoming one of our favourite characters. The scene with Kenya and Datak just adds spicy flavour to the mix -- and we're sure that's building to something bigger.     

Review: 'Defiance: Good-bye, Blue Sky'

'Defiance: Good-bye, Blue Sky,' 2013, SyFy Channel. Written by Anupan Nigam and Amanda Alpert Muscat. Directed by Andy Wolk. Starring Grant Bowler and Stephanie Leonidas. Rated TV-14 for language and violence. Airs 9.00 p.m. Mondays on SyFy Channel, or catch up on full episodes at http://www.syfy.com/videos/Defiance/Full%20Episodes.


Irisa (Stephanie Leonidas) is the focus of a good portion of this episode, along with Stahna Tarr (Jaime Murray) and Quentin McCawley (Justin Rain). For Irisa's part, she has a vision that Sukar (Noah Danby, pictured) is in trouble and goes into the badlands to help him, only to find that he was killed in a razor rainfall. 

What happens next is startling, not just for the viewers, and Irisa is quickly drawn into a scheme she doesn't understand, for reasons she -- at least at first -- doesn't entirely believe in. 

The McCawleys get a visit from former mayor Nicky Reardon (Fionnula Flanagan), who is suspicious about her missing aide, Mr Birch (Steven McCarthy). She comes under the pretense of needing a place to wait out the storm, but in reality she's doing some digging. 

Stahna, meanwhile, visits Kenya (Mia Kirshner) with a concern of her own: she wants her son, Alak (Jesse Rath), to get to know the human female body before he marries Christie (Nicole Munoz). What follows allows the viewer a glimpse into Stahna's life and personal problems. There's also a (somewhat unexpected) sexual scene for which the episode is for some reason not rated. 

Alak and Christie are also having difficulties, theirs brought about by Christie's discomfort with the idea of a group bath, a ceremony Stahna wants her to participate in once Christie and Alak wed.  

Review: 'Defiance: Brothers in Arms'

'Defiance: Brothers in Arms,' 2013, SyFy Channel. Written by Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer. Directed by Andy Wolk. Starring Grant Bowler,  Julie Benz, and Stephanie Leonidas. Rated TV-14 for language and violence. Airs 9.00 p.m. Mondays on SyFy Channel, or catch up on full episodes at http://www.syfy.com/rewind/.


In this episode, a man from Nolan's (Grant Bowler, pictured, third from right) past comes to Defiance. The man, Eddie Braddock (Rob Stewart) is a bounty hunter come to claim one Paul Maddis (Daniel Kash), a Castithan war criminal. But there's a hitch: Mayor Rosewater (Julie Benz, pictured, third from left) wants to deliver Maddis to the Earth Republic in exchange for rights to a railway system. 

Then Maddis escapes (with help; the episode doesn't tell from whom), and all bets are off. He goes to Datak Tarr (Tony Curran, pictured, far left) for help, but Tarr wants nothing to do with him, so Maddis forces the issue. 

Trouble is also brewing on the romantic front: Irisa (Stephanie Leonidas, pictured, second from right) refuses Tommy's (Dewshane Williams) advances, and Kenya (Mia Kirshner, pictured, center) is getting antsy about her relationship with Nolan. 

Then there's the artifact and the ex-mayor's interest in it . . . 

A good episode with a little more insight into Nolan's past as well as a teaser about Doctor Yewll's (Trenna Keating) past. We do have one major complaint about the series so far (and our brother has mentioned this, as well): the writers are taking too long to explain things, like exactly how rollers get around when Earth has been practically destroyed. We don't think it's right for them to expect us to play the Defiance game or look it up online; the show should stand on its own. 

But we're still looking forward to the next episode, scheduled to air in two weeks.    

Review: 'Defiance: The Serpent's Egg'

'Defiance: The Serpent's Egg,' 2013, SyFy Channel. Written by David Weddle and Bradley Thompson. Directed by Omar Madha. Rated TV-14 for language, sexual situations, and violence. Airs 9.00 p.m. Mondays on SyFy Channel, or catch full episodes at http://www.syfy.com/videos/Defiance/Full%20Episodes.


This episode deals in part with Irisa's (Stephanie Leonidas) past as she recognises a man coming into Defiance; the man (we apologise for not getting his name) once tortured Irisa, and she wants to know why. So she kidnaps him and keeps him in a basement, torturing him to find out what she wants to know. 

Of course, Nolan (Grant Bowler) wouldn't stand for this if he knew about it; but he's out of town, escorting an Irathient prisoner (Kaniehtiio Horn) and the money Mayor Amanda Rosewater (Julie Benz) has collected to build Defiance its own railway. Along with the prisoner and Nolan are Amanda and a few other passengers, including Olfin Tennety (Jane McLean), the ambassador of the Earth Republic. Amanda has been avoiding Olfin's messages as a way of telling her she's not interested in doing business with her. 

In fiction (and so often in real life), things do not go as planned, and the roller transporting passengers and cargo is suddenly attacked. Two men arrive to steal the money Amanda has collected along with any money Olfin has. Not only that, but the prisoner, Rynn, keeps trying to escape. 

Things only get worse from there. As for Irisa, Deputy Tommy LaSalle (Dewshane Williams) follows her and finds out what she's up to -- but that isn't the end of it. 

There are a few twists and turns to keep you guessing in this episode, as well as the usual action and character development. All in all, a rousing good time!

Review: 'Defiance: A Well Respected Man'

'Defiance: A Well Respected Man,' 2013, SyFy Channel. Written by Craig Gore and Tim Walsh. Directed by Michael Nankin. Starring Grant Bowler, Tony Curran, Julie Benz, and Mia Kirshner. Rated TV-14 for suggestive dialogue, language, sexual situations, and violence. Airs 9.00 p.m. EST on Mondays on SyFy Channel. Or watch full episodes at http://www.syfy.com/videos/Defiance/Full%20Episodes.


Stahna (Jamie Murray, pictured) figures neatly into the background of this story, and we're pleased not only with Murray's performance, but with the character depth this adds. 

The main characters in this tale, however, are Amanda Rosewater (Julie Benz), mayor of Defiance, and her prostitute sister, Kenya (Mia Kirshner). We get a bit of backstory on the two of them which helps explain their relationship. We're also told why Kenya always wears that necklace she's got (though that duct tape bra is another thing altogether). 

We're also given a deeper look into the seedier side of Defiance (which, let's face it, is never far below the surface). This seedier side bleeds into the political arena (how true to life . . . ) when Amanda discovers the town council has made a deal with Datak Tarr (Tony Curran) for illegal arms. 

Further complications arise when Kenya is kidnapped by BioMan Ulysses (Rob Archer), who we all know works for Datak. Turns out someone is draining adrenaline from people to create an illegal drug -- and Kenya may be next.   

Note: our next 'Defiance' review may be a bit late (again); we're taking an(other) extra writing day next week. Cheers!

Review: 'Defiance: The Devil in the Dark'

'Defiance: The Devil in the Dark,' 2013, SyFy Channel. Written by Michael Taylor. Directed by Omar Madha. Starring Grant Bowler, Stephanie Leonidas, and Julie Benz. Airs 9.00 p.m. EST on Mondays on SyFy Channel; or catch up on full episodes at http://www.defiance.com/en/series/video/2639565.


Irisa (Stephanie Leonidas, pictured) is having visions which she and Nolan (Grant Bowler) put off as post-traumatic stress disorder. Her visions have been going on for some time, and became stronger after she and Nolan came to Defiance. Now she faces the truth, that the visions are actually psychic: she can see the past. (There's a nice, if brief, scene in which she admonishes Nolan for making her think the visions are PTSD; she says he makes her afraid of being who she is.) 

Murders are being committed, and an unusual weapon is being used: the pheromones of Hellbugs. Hellbugs will attack anything with their pheromones on it, and someone has been soaking people's clothing with the stuff. 

Meanwhile, the Irathient spirit riders are creating some discomfort among the town's residents. Datak Tarr (Tony Curran) struggles with accepting Christie (Nicole Munoz) as one of his own; she's staying with the Tarr family, but doesn't adhere to their customs. Stahna (Jaime Murray) continues to try to smooth things over, and suggests that she and Datak need to try and mend things between Christie and her father (Graham Greene). 

In this episode, we get to find out a bit more about the Irathients, or at least about those with the sight. Personally, we'd like to see more, and hopefully this won't be the last of the episodes in which Irisa has visions. The Hellbugs are effectively creepy, and the CGI on them is quite well done. It must cost a fortune to do the show's special effects; it would be nice if that didn't mean a quick end to the show. 

Review: 'Defiance: Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go'

'Defiance: Down in the Ground Where the Dead Men Go,' 2013, SyFy Channel. Written by Kevin Murphy and Anupam Nigam. Directed by Michael Nankin. Starring Grant Bowler, Julie Benz, and Stephanie Leonidas. Rated TV-14 for language, sexual situations, and violence. 


In this episode, we're surprised to find out that Ben (Douglas Nyback) isn't dead, after all. He's 'jump-started' by a dangerous drug known as vrytex and given new orders: he's to follow the 'old plan.' This means stealing some gulamite, going underground, and setting off a bomb (created by the gulamite) to release radiation to kill the townspeople of Defiance. Nolan (Grant Bowler, pictured far left), Rafe (Graham Greene), and some other miners go underground to stop him.

Meanwhile, the Castithans are having a cleansing ceremony for Elah Bandik (Robert Clarke), an admitted coward. The ceremony, which involves torture, unsettles a number of people, particularly Irisa (Stephanie Leonidas, pictured far left). But Mayor Amanda Rosewater (Julie Benz) is reluctant to stop it due to a previous tragedy. So Irisa takes matters into her own hands. 

Will Rafe get revenge for his son's death? Will Elah survive the torture? Will Irisa get away with trying to save Elah, or will convention rule out? These questions are answered, but we're still left with unfinished business, like why is former mayor Nicky trying to kill everyone in Defiance? Guess we'll just have to keep watching to find out. 

  

'Defiance' and 'Bates Motel' Review Update

Because it's our birthday, we're taking an extra day off for writing this Saturday, during which we also plan to enjoy Free Comic Book Day at our local comic book shop with our brother. Therefore, our reviews for 'Defiance' and 'Bates Motel' may be a bit late. 

Review: 'Defiance: Pilot'

'Defiance: Pilot,' 2013, SyFy. Written by Rockne S. O'Bannon and Kevin Murphy and Michael Taylor. Directed by Scott Stewart. Starring Grant Bowler, Stephanie Leonidas, Graham Greene, Tony Curran, and Julie Benz. Rated TV-14 for language, sexual situations, and violence. Airs 9.00 p.m. Mondays on SyFy Channel, or watch full episodes at http://www.defiance.com/en/series/episodes/pilot.


Set in 2046, this series takes place after the Votan races have terraformed Earth and settled there. There was a war (the Pale War), but the pilot doesn't go into that too much, so we're likely to be treated to more information as the series goes on. We do know that there are eight races living on Earth now (presumably this means humanity, along with the seven Votan races). 

We also know that the hero of the show, Joshua Nolan (Grant Bowler, pictured on the right), fought in the Pale War as part of the 9th Division, 'the Defiant Few.' There was a battle called 'Defiance,' and it's from that battle that the town in the show got its name. 

Travelling with Nolan is his adopted daughter, Irisa (Stephanie Leonidas, pictured), an Irathient who was rescued by Nolan during the war. We don't know exactly what sort of trouble Irisa was in, but she says Nolan saved her by murdering her parents. 

Nolan and Irisa are wanderers and scavengers, taking what they can get from wherever they go in order to eke out a living and try to hit the big time. Their goal is to get to the beaches of Antarctica (remember, Earth has been terraformed), which they've heard is 'paradise.' They finally have a chance to do that when they find a terrasphere, which will sell for a hefty price. 

Unfortunately, they get separated from their prize when they're forced into the  woods by spirit riders (think alien bikers) and Irisa is injured. They're saved from becoming lunch for some creatures that give new meaning to the term 'wolf spider' by a man named Gary Clancey. Clancey is the lawkeeper of a nearby town called (you guessed it) Defiance. 

Defiance is run by the new mayor, Amanda Rosewater (Julie Benz). Rosewater is unsure of herself and her abilities to be mayor; she's stepping into some big shoes. Her predecessor, however, is only too happy to step down. 

Other characters include Deputy Tommy LaSalle (Dewshane Williams); Kenya (Mia Kirshner), the keeper of the town bar/brothel NeedWant; Datak Tarr (Tony Curran), a Castithan and the leader of Defiance's underworld; Stahna (Jaime Murray), Datak's wife, also a Castithan; Alak (Jesse Rath), Datak's son; Rafe McKawley (Graham Greene), a mine owner and Defiance's richest, most powerful human; Christie McKawley (Nicole Munoz), Rafe's daughter, who is in love with Alak; Ben (Douglas Nyback), an Indogene and Amanda's assistant; and Doc Yewll (Trenna Keating), also an Indogene. 

The relationships between all the characters is fascinating, as are the numerous races. There's also plenty of action, CGI, and other special effects. The aliens' makeup must take hours to accomplish, but it's worth it, and there are really cool weapons and methods of transportation, such as the roller Nolan and Irisa had at the beginning of the episode. And the storyline and back story keep one interested. We were sorry to see the first two hours end.  

Review: 'Bates Motel' and 'Defiance'

Our reviews for 'Bates Motel' and 'Defiance' this week may be a bit late; we decided to take an all-day writing day. 

Cheers!