SciFi TV Rewatch

The introduction of the Bootstrap Paradox theory into the story raises several questions not the least of which addresses the true creator of the time travel device. From whom did Claudia obtain the original blueprints she gives to H. G. Tannhaus in 1953? Dave and Wayne break down season two’s third episode “Ghosts” which narrows the focus to 1954 and 1987. While the episode centers itself on the activities of Claudia Tiedemann and her father Egon, it’s the side of the policeman we’ve rarely seen that drives one aspect of the narrative.  Having left Ulrich Nielsen in 1953 after his journey through time, we must now wrestle with the events and the mindset that cause his thirty-four year confinement in a psychiatric facility. Though his meeting with Egon Tiedmann reveals his son Mikkel’s fate after his 2019 disappearance from the Winden woods, Ulrich’s reaction that “you knew and didn’t tell me,” speaks to a disconnect that likely keeps him from being released. 1987 Claudia, now in possession of the portable time machine, decides to travel to 2020, and the scene in which she watches her cancer stricken adult daughter Regina marks one of the series’ most poignant exchanges the mother’s comment to her teenage daughter in 1987 now becomes even more meaningful. Arguably the episode’s biggest reveal occurs when we learn that Noah and Agnes Nielsen are actually brother and sister, and her involvement with Sic Mundus Creatus Est has been an ongoing event. Now, however, she seeks to return to Adam’s good graces, but as always, individual motivations remain murky. Fred from the Netherlands checks in with pointed feedback and awesome screenshots. He reminds us that the parentage of Charlotte Doppler, Helge Doppler, and Regina Tiedemann are still to be revealed, and also suggests that the hosts refer to the actors by their names rather than “the actor who plays Ulrich.”  Episode Grade: A

Jonas cracks the God Particle problem in 2053 and looks to return to his time, hoping to prevent the looming apocalypse. Jonas shows his mother the truth about Michael's past, and 1987 Claudia now has one of the time machines in her possession. However, it's the insertions of Adam and Clausen into the mix that adds to an already complex mystery. Episode Grade: A

The German Netflix production Dark returns for a second season with glimpses of 1921 and the early days of the Winden caves and its time portals. Teenaged Jonas navigates life in 2053 with a band of holocaust survivors, and his adult self returns to his childhood home for a confrontation with his mother. We still don't learn what happened to Winden, but it's clear that Adam, Noah, both Jonas's, and elder Claudia have their own agendas which may or may not operate at cross purposes. Episode Grade: A  

In the season one finale, Eliot becomes Fillory's High King and crowns Quentin, Alice, and Margo, but Team Brakebills must still find a way to kill The Beast whose identity has finally been revealed. Though Julia temporarily joins the quest to stop Martin Chatwin, the revelation about her encounter with Reynard the Fox sends the story in a new direction.  Episode Grade: A

Our Lady Underground meets Julia and Team Beowulf while the Brakebills Five heads to Neitherlands and an eventual trip to Fillory. Quentin gets left behind, re-establishes his relationship with Julia, and the two employ time travel to follow Jane Chatwin to Fillory. Episode Grade: A-

As the showdown with The Beast draws closer, Team Brakebills hones their battle magic skills with help from some unlikely places. Kady and Julia continue to work together with Richard's group, but Julia's religious experience may change her approach. Episode Grade: Dave A-  Wayne B+

Patron and frequent feedback contributor Fred from the Netherlands submitted a list of ten films and television series, and we take a look and comment on each. There were some surprises, most notably the 2008 film Doomsday, and in the end, there is something for everybody.

When Penny travels to Neitherland and is unable to find his way back, he "inceptions" Quentin, who enlists Alice's help to show him the way home. Kady and Julia cross paths once again, and this time work together on a time magic project meant to give Richard the opportunity to rewrite part of his tragic history.  Episode Grade: Dave A  Wayne A-

Quentin learns a shocking truth about Christopher Plover and his connection to The Beast. Julia comes face to face with the consequences of her magical actions and takes another step in her education. Episode Grade: A-

Quentin, Alice, Penny, and Kady travel to Brakebills South to study with Professor Mayakovsky whose unusual teaching methods draws the best out of his students. However, Kady receives the news of her mother's death and leaves Penny behind. Meanwhile, Eliot begins a relationship with a Brakebill's graduate, but the arrival of The Beast puts Brakebills on high alert. Episode grades: 107 Dave A- Wayne A    108 A-