Comic Book Review: Nightwing #8

By: Jerry Montgomery
November 4, 2016

Nightwing #8
“Rise of Raptor, Finale”

Written by: Tim Seely
Artwork by: Javier Fernandez

In the past several issues of Nightwing, Dick Grayson had teamed up with the mercenary,  Raptor to take down the Parliament of Owls in the “Better Than The Batman” storyline. Raptor kept his promise to Dick by taking down the Owls but did so by crossing the line. “Rise of the Raptor” continues  the “Better than” story as Dick pursued Raptor all the way to Istanbul to capture him but in the ensuing confrontation, was drugged by Raptor, who explained that if their partnership was to continue, Dick  would need to need more mentoring and in the process, lose everything. While Nightwing is unconscious and half a world away, Raptor then abducts Bruce Wayne publicly and reveals that he knows that he is the Batman.

In “Rise of the Raptor Finale”, the story concludes. Raptor’s past is revealed to have direct relation to Dick Grayson, seen through flashbacks to when he was a child. His past is both surprising and eye opening. Eye opening to the point that the motivations of Raptor towards Nightwing all make perfect sense.  It is this and Raptor’s warped sense of honor that have driven him to this point. For him, Bruce Wayne represents all that is bad with big money and the corruption it sows. He tainted Dick Grayson with his money and his lifestyle. He took him away from his people to serve the wealthy and the privileged and for that, Bruce Wayne must pay with his life. So, like any good villain, Raptor has devised an ironic death for Bruce to coincide with the moment to one of Wayne Enterprises greatest successes.

Enter Nightwing and he’s not a happy guy. It is here that Raptor reveals to Dick what their connection is-boiling down to the one person who will always link them together for the rest of their lives. Nightwing has a moment of clarity about Raptor’s relationship with that one person and confronts him with the truth, sending Raptor into a rage and ultimate defeat at the hands of a ferocious Dick Grayson. One of the most brutal beatings I’ve seen in a comic in a while! Bruce, who has escaped his bonds on his own, puts himself in a position of peril, confidently knowing that Dick will save him. Thus, he restores Dick’s knowledge that Bruce’s trust in him, is and has been, ever present.

The Verdict: A great ending to a great story arc. Nightwing is emerging from the shadow of Batman and coming into his own as a mythic hero. Dick Grayson ‘s persona has become much more complex and interesting than his role of being a sidekick. The artwork has been awesome throughout and the storytelling by Tim Seely has been great. If you’re just jumping on this title, it would be well worth it to get the several previous titles to read this storyline in its entirety.

The Geekcap Roundup

 Supergirl "Survivors"

Mon-El explains his background as a Daxam palace guard to Kara before requesting permission to leave the DEO. Kara and J’onn deny his request, leaving him to work with Winn in developing his powers. In the city, Sawyer and Alex discover the body of a once peaceful alien who was apparently caught in a fight before his death. After tracking his alien killer, they then find him being taken by mysterious guards. Through Sawyer’s underground sources, the two soon discover the alien being taken for an underground fighting ring meant for National City’s elite. There, disgruntled alien or alien prisons are forced to fight each other in a cage match lead by a woman named Roulette. Meanwhile, J’onn tries to get closer with M’gann, offering to share a Martian bond. However, she rejects his plan, preferring to be alone. Eventually, he soon discovers that she is also a fight in the underground ring.

While trying to reach out to M’gann, J’onn is also captured and forced into the ring to fight. M’gann fights back, but J’onn recognizes that she is only displaying her anger and self-despising rage from being a survivor of Mars. The two are then saved when Supergirl arrives with Alex and Sawyer behind thanks to a location tip by Lena Luthor. Although they arrest Roulette and free the alien fighters, a higher-up on the force apparently bails her free. Alex offers to cheer Sawyer up with a coffee, but Sawyer reveals that she has found a new girlfriend. After a newsworthy night out with Winn, Kara then agrees to help bring Mon-El into National City, recognizing their kindred connection in being survivors of their worlds. Finally, J’onn returns to make amends with M’gann and once again admits his desire to know her better. As he leaves, she then reveals her true form as a white Martian.

Notes

• M'gann is revealed to be a white Martian much like her comic counterpart.
• Unlike his comic counterpart, Mon-El is a former palace guard. Originally, his name was Lar Gand.
• Roulette makes her first live-action appearance.

Photo Credit: DC/CW

The Flash "Monster"

With no option, Caitlin travels to meet her mother, Dr. Tannhauser, to try and understand her new abilities. Although cold, her mother begins testing her powers, finding new possibilities in Caitlin’s other ability to absorb energy. In Central City, the team deals with an actual monster making its way through downtown. When Barry tries to confront it, however, it disappears. Under trouble, they try to turn to HR for advice, but he appears distracted when trying to discuss any technical procedures. Also, to distract Julian’s growing distrust of Barry, Barry offers to work with him when trying to figure out the monster’s disappearance. Meanwhile, Iris discovers Joe turning down the date offer from the district attorney. From her own experiences, she encourages her father to seek her out.

As tests proceed, a scientist reveals his plans to use Caitlin for his own purposes. Caitlin nearly freezes his arm off until her mother calms her down and encourages her to return to Central City. After a plan fails to stop the monster, Barry learns that the creature is, in fact, a hologram created by a teenager looking to feel powerful. Barry and Joe manage to stop the effect before the CCPD and Julian are preparing to endanger civilians. From that rescue, Julian admits to Barry about his past and reveals a growing trust for the Flash. In the aftermath, HR admits that he was simply the face of STAR Labs rather than the brains and agreed to the position for a new adventure to write a novel. However, he manages to convince the team to keep him as an assistant for a few more weeks. In the end, Caitlin receives a message from her mother who warns her that the more she uses her powers the less likely they can be reversed. Beyond her control, Caitlin freezes her computer.

Notes

• In the comics, Earth-19 is actually in the middle of the Industrial Revolution.

Photo Credit: DC/CW

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. "The Good Samaritan"

Daisy picks up Gabe after Eli’s kidnapping to meet up with his brother Robbie. However, the Director demands a meeting with Coulson, forcing Daisy, Gabe, and Robbie to hide in the containment unit. In that space, Robbie admits his secret to Gabe, revealing how he became Ghost Rider. He took Gabe in Eli’s charger on the road for a drag race when they crossed the gang members hired by Joseph to kill Eli. The car is thrown aside when Robbie begs as he dies for whoever will hear to help him save his brother. A figure with a flaming skull head rides up on a motorcycle and gives Robbie the power of the Ghost Rider. Though the Director is eager to take Robbie and Daisy into custody, Coulson convinces him to let them go as they locate the ghosts. In the meantime, the Director sends Simmons on another mission, one that he doesn’t disclose the location of to her.

The team tracks Lucy and Eli at a Roxxon power plant planning to recreate their experiments to bring Lucy back to life. While Coulson locates the Darkhold, Robbie finds Lucy and threatens to kill her for targeting his uncle. Lucy reveals that Eli had in fact betrayed them time ago. While Joseph was driven insane by the power to create matter from the Darkhold, Eli tried to steal Joseph’s work by reducing the others into ghosts. Now, Eli is recreating the experiment to gain the power himself. Robbie incinerates Lucy as the other race out the building. The machine goes off, causing a rift throughout the building that make Coulson, Robbie, and Fitz to seemingly disappear. Eli, however, emerges from the machine with the new ability to create matter from thin air.

Notes

• The titular "Good Samaritan" is revealed to be Johnny Blaze, the previous Ghost Rider.
• The Roxxon power plant and Mack and Fitz's research is a reference to the zero matter studies from Agent Carter.
• Eli is revealed to retain his comic history as a villain, the one who ultimately transformed the scientists.

Photo Credit: Marvel/ABC

Arrow "Human Target"

As the team attempts to locate Church, Oliver contends with a councilman over a new zoning proposal. Fortunately, Felicity manages to find Church for Oliver to rescue Ramirez, only to discover Ramirez revealed to Church that Oliver Queen is really the Green Arrow. While they try predicting Church’s next move, Felicity soon learns that Detective Malone is considering joining the Anti-Crime Unit while Diggle tries reassuring Ramirez back into the field. In the meantime, Oliver meets with reporter Susan Williams to convince smooth out her recent attack articles for a proper chance. She agrees to his offer while also giving him her personal phone number. Meanwhile, five years ago, Oliver deals with being a new member of the Bratva where a fellow mobster refuses to accept him. In the present, Church hires an assassin who kills Oliver in the city.

However, the assassination was a ploy conducted by a man disguised as Oliver named Christopher Chance, also known as the Human Target who helped him in Russia five years ago. With Ramirez’s intel, the team discovers Church’s plan to consolidate the drug lords of multiple cities. Together, they take down the ring and apprehend Church who warns Oliver about Prometheus searching for the Green Arrow. Oliver also reveals to Felicity that he has learned about her relationship with Detective Malone and agrees with her to move on, taking Chance’s advice to call Susan. Susan, however, discovers through a federal agent a photo of Oliver in Russia from five years ago. In the end, as the police transfers Church to prison, Prometheus arrives to kill the squad. Church divulges to Prometheus on the Green Arrow’s secret identity, but Prometheus kills the crime lord anyway.

Notes

• Human Target makes his first live-action appearance appropriately disguised as Oliver.
• Oliver and Felicity agree to move on from their relationship, but will they?

Photo Credit: DC/CW

Legends of Tomorrow "Abominations"

The Legends track a time pirate’s ship escaping 2263 landing in Mississippi 1863 at the height of the American Civil War. As the team investigates the stolen ship, they come across Union spy Henry Scott being attacked by a horde of Confederate zombies who were infected by the rogue traveler. He dies in the struggle, causing a time anomaly that leads to the Confederates winning the Civil War. Rory is also injured in the attack, forcing Ray and Stein to stay with him on the Waverider. Jax and Amaya then seek to complete Scott’s missions while Sara and Heywood go to meet with General Ulysses S. Grant to find a way to hold back the zombies. Unfortunately, Rory is also infected by the zombies and begins lashing out against the others. Jax is also captured by plantation owners.

Overcoming his fear of zombies, Stein is able to give Rory a cure for his infection. While captured, Jax finds additional slaves held prisoner and becomes determined to save them. Amaya breaks the others free, allowing Jax to bring them back to the Union base. When the base is surrounded by zombies, Heywood leads the horde out of the base and plants an explosion. Once detonated, Heywood uses his powers to survive the blast, albeit being covered in zombie guts. Jax delivers Scott’s information to General Grant, ensuring that history remains Scott’s sacrifice and protecting the Union’s victory. The group return to the Waverider as Sara continues to adjust to her role as captain. Rory also chooses to move on and gives Ray Snart’s old gun, deigning him to be his new partner. 

Notes

• One of the slaves is revealed to be of the same tribe as Amaya also known as Vixen.
• The message from future Barry describes a "war" coming. Could this have something to do with the "Invasion" story line coming up in the crossover?

Photo Credit: DC/CW

Comic Book Review: Frostbite #2

By: Jerry Montgomery
October 30, 2016

Frostbite #2
“Part 2”

Written by: Joshua Williamson
Art by: Jason Shaun Alexander

Imagine the planet Earth well into the throes of the second Ice Age. Man has adapted to live in this frozen element. Heat is power. Heat is currency. Outside of the ten big cities that survived in the US, roving gangs roam the icy wastelands, ala’ Mad Max, to seek it out or anything else they can get. To make matters worse, a new disease, nicknamed “frostbite” has surfaced which literally freezes you from the inside out. There is no cure, there is no prevention. It is fatal. The good news is that Dr. Henry Bonham and his daughter Victoria have the cure. All they have to do is to get from Mexico City to Alcatraz  to fix things. The bad news is that Dr. Bonham has been murdered. Now, only his daughter can provide the cure.

A young woman by the name of Keaton and her crew have agreed to get Victoria to Alcatraz through this treacherous frozen world. Issue 2 begins with Victoria,  Keaton and her crew arriving in Los Angeles, ever on the lookout for the villainous Feugo’s men. Keaton’s crew splits up to procure supplies and transportation for the next leg of their journey, taking them into the dark underbelly of the city. While Keaton and Victoria visit a heat shop (a sort of tanning salon/space heater shop, complete with surfer dude salesman).  It is here that a few secrets are revealed about Keaton while she shops alone…secrets that could change everything for her and Victoria.

The overcrowding of the city of Los Angeles,  the harsh weather conditions and the dangers that exist everywhere are all put on display here, giving a glimpse of a possible bleak future. Keaton is brutal, no doubt,  but she has had to do so to survive. She is street smart and savvy to what makes this harsh world click in contrast to the seemingly naïve Victoria.

The Verdict: This entry in the Vertigo titles is another fine addition in this line of comics that deal with more mature themes. The idea of a Earth gripped in ice with mankind hanging on is truly a frightening one. The depiction in word and art capture this post apocalyptic world with frightening realism and make it easy to immerse yourself into it.

Review: The Good Place "Most Improved Player'

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you. - Matthew 7:1

“Most Improved Player” wastes no time in setup. Picking up almost directly after last week, this entire episode is devoted to a single purpose: judging Eleanor Shellstrop. Bell and Danson are fantastic as Eleanor’s ultimate fate is decided.

This episode was funny, clever, and the cliffhanger left plenty of space for new stories. The twists were well-timed, the guest star casting of Adam Scott (channeling his character from Step Brothers) was spot-on, and the flashback was surprisingly good. But despite all of that, I didn’t find myself really loving “Most Improved Player”. 

As a reviewer, sometimes it is difficult to separate what you wanted from an episode and the merit of what you were shown. As I said above, this episode had intelligent plotting and there were some hilarious exchanges —  Janet repeatedly assuring Michael that she had Eleanor’s file only to hand him a cactus was a perfectly executed classic bit. But what this episode wasn’t (and I think this was a big missed opportunity) was a more serious indictment of the utilitarian morality displayed in the show. 

In the words of Eleanor herself, “I want to say… this whole good-bad system is bullshirt.” And that really is the crux of this episode: it is not easy to judge. People are endlessly complicated and they can learn, change, grow, improve. This episode pays lip service to that idea, but refuses to really engage with it in a meaningful way. 

The Good Place wants us to believe that the Good-Bad system makes some kind of sense. And on many levels, it does. Perhaps Eleanor and others should be judged by what they did during their lifetime. This is the tenant of several major religions and makes instinctive sense to us. Bad actions should receive justice, and good actions should be rewarded. The entire premise of the show hinges on this and a large chunk of this episode is dedicated to Eleanor’s flashback. While the dress stuff is funny, it’s also useful, underlining that Eleanor was a Bad Person. 

The show has also been clear in the past that there are flaws in that system. Eleanor may have been a Bad Person in her lifetime, but in this episode we see her show genuine remorse for her past actions. She also refuses to give up Chidi or Jason to Michael. She even thanks Tahani for her friendship! By and large, this is also in keeping with what we know. Justice should be tempered with mercy, trusting people with second chances can be rewarding, comprise isn't inherently bad. Eleanor's actions help muddy the waters, introducing a lot of grey area into the overly simplistic Good-Bad framework. 

Where this episode missteps, in my mind, is that it treats all of this as too much of a joke. It wants us to be seriously invested in Eleanor’s moral improvement and the overall system of Good vs. Bad, but it also wants to make jokes about the Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Bachelor. The Good Place wants to have it’s cake and eat it too — have us believe that Eleanor should be judged by Michael, but also show his judgement to be pretty worthless (through silly jokes and throwaway lines). 

This balance has worked in the other episodes, but it felt off to me here because of how serious the situation was. At it’s heart, “Most Improved Player” was an Old-Testament style judgement and that just doesn’t gel with a bunch of jokes about churro dogs and cacti. 

That being said, this is a sitcom, and while I would have liked something a little different, “Most Improved Player” was very good at what it set out to do. There was a lot of good lines (see below) and Adam Scott was great as Trevor, head of The Bad Place. The cliffhanger was also fantastic (although I don’t see why they can’t just keep both Eleanors). Overall, another good episode from Michael Schur and company. 

Grade: B+

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

• Tahani is hilariously terrible throughout “Most Improved Player”. Calling Eleanor an “imposter who soiled our paradise with her moral turpitude,” implying that she would be generous with Eleanor, but the inferior (angelic) Michael should probably send Eleanor to hell, and name-dropping countless celebrities. 

• “You’re a giant chunk of spinach in the teeth of the universe” 

• Jason backs Eleanor up when she says that snitches get stitches: “That is true. I read that once on the back of my boy Peanut’s tricep.”

• After Jason’s interview, you can spot him using the fountain to water his new cactus. 

• “Well that’s the risk you take when you keep your clothes clean” 

• Love The Bad Place people. One has a selfie stick, another has a Bluetooth headset, all have huge obnoxious sunglasses. They’re not so much evil as extraordinary annoying and juvenile.  

Photo Credit: NBC

Review: The Good Place "The Eternal Shriek"

Wow! An escalating plot, a bunch of hilarious lines, and a brilliant final moment. All of this, and more, make this my favorite episode of The Good Place so far. 

But let’s talk about that last reveal. Faced with Chidi’s imminent confession and Michael’s headlong fall into eternal damnation, Eleanor finally stands up and admits that she doesn’t belong. A powerful character moment and a selfless act, it’s also a fantastic (and ballsy) choice for the show. 

We are only seven episodes into the season and the initial premise, evil Eleanor learns to be good while hiding her identity, still has some mileage in it. I expected for Eleanor to get caught eventually, but perhaps at the end of a season. A lesser show could easily stretch out that premise for a few years. So how wonderful to blow up what we know and move into the next phase of The Good Place. I’m very impressed with this decision. 

So Eleanor stepping up is a great choice for future episodes, but it’s also a great choice within this episode. Trouble starts when we learn that Michael isn’t so much retiring, as... well, I’ll let him explain it: 

“My soul will be disintegrated and each molecule will be placed on the surface of a different burning sun. And then my essence will be scooped out of my body with a flaming ladle and poured over (unlovely) hot diamonds. And then what’s left of my body will be endlessly beaten with a titanium rod for eternity. Like the piñata — except you have the string around my waist and it will most definitely be around my genitals.”  

Danson delivers these lines so well and the reactions from the cast, especially Harper as Chidi, are spot-on. Last week, I mentioned that Michael was a little too bland, but this week he gets to play with a few new emotions: bitter and resentful. He careens between his love for his humanity and his resigned despair that he will be torn from them and tortured for all time.

The plot has real stakes here on both a plot level and a personal level. On a plot level, who knows what will happen with Michael gone, and Eleanor knows that she can’t be a good person if she allows Michael to be murdered for her mistakes. On an emotional level, Michael has really come to mean something to both the principal cast and us as viewers. As Tahani notes, he’s been the loving family she never had - a warm embracing sun (“Like the one I kicked the dog into or the one I will burn on for all eternity?” he peevishly replies).

This leads to a great escalation as Eleanor determines that she has to kill Janet to save Michael, a fact that was neatly set up in the teaser. The entire bit with Janet begging not to be killed was hands-down the funniest moment of the series (Her repeated “LOOK AT THEM” had me rolling on the floor). D'Arcy Carden has shone as Janet throughout The Good Place, wringing laughs from little lines, and here we learn that you can't have too much of a good thing. She owns this episode from start to finish.

William Jackson Harper as Chidi also has a standout episode. The only negatives for this episode were his flashbacks, which dragged on to make a simple point and a single joke (lies are bad, those boots are ugly), but Harper sold them as best he could. I also didn't quite buy that lying would be the moral sticking point for the episode where the plot revolved around killing Janet. However, after Janet re-awoke (“Hello!”) the theme made a lot more sense.

Overall, the episode did a really great job intertwining the emotional arc with the narrative. “The Eternal Shriek” uses all the character traits that have been built up over the show: Chidi’s inflexibility, Eleanor’s growing conscience, Tahani’s need for affection, and makes real use of them.

For example, Tahani exercises her primary skillset, throwing galas, in an attempt to help Michael feel better. The Good Place also makes it clear, though, that this is also something of a selfish act. Even though Michael expressly asks her not to, she throws a party anyway in bullheaded belief that if she just does this one thing perfectly, Michael will shower her with the affection she craves. Unsurprisingly, this backfires and the gaity only makes Michael upset. Her emotional consistency, built up over the last few episodes, is therefore directly responsible for pushing Michael to comc clean about his retirement.

This is truly wonderful character work. And it is true of other castmembers as well - later, Chidi’s emotional reaction to keeping his secret leads directly to Eleanor’s decision to stand up and declare herself the problem. It’s difficult to dovetail the emotional with the plotting, but “The Eternal Shriek” really pulls it off. 

Easily my favorite of the season, “The Eternal Shriek” was great in its own right, but the final moment is what really impressed me. Burning down your initial premise takes chutzpah that most shows don't possess. We will see how it pays off going forward, but the "The Eternal Shriek" has easily earned my first ever A-grade. Keep it sleazy, folks!

Grade: A 

Memorable Moments

• Enjoyed Harper's reading on the Chinese parable and Bell’s pronunciation of the word “cigars” in the first scene. 

• Eleanor’s reasoning that killing Janet did not comprise murder reminded me quite a lot of Descartes Animal Automatism theory. 

• “Why do bad things always happen to mediocre people who are lying about their identities?” 

• “Listen, man. I’m dead, you’re dead, we all died. And now we’re killing her. Pay it forward.”

• “Pretty dry. And too salty… Well, going out on a real low note here. Goodbye, everyone.” 

• Like Eleanor’s return to Machiavellian form here. It’s a good detail that when the alarm pops up declaring that Janet has been murdered, Eleanor says, “Chidi, you just killed Janet. We have to flee your crime scene.” Note the “you” and “your”. 

• While everyone else is dressed casually, Tahani wears a fancy funeral gown complete with veil for Janet’s sendoff. Because of course she does.

Photo Credit: NBC

Tips For Playing Battlefield 1 Online

With the newly released Battlefield title, many are struggling to keep themselves alive long enough to make any progress. What's nice is that they've actually simplified the multiplayer experience by giving less customization for weapons, therefore putting all players in the same boat.

This creates difficulty if you're used to having the upper hand through sheer power. But in this game the upper hand is tactics. Having had a chance to play Battlefield 1, we've come up with some tips that may aid you in the trenches.

1. Study the maps

Especially the trenches and underground bunkers. Many of the maps are also made up of hilly countryside, so knowing the best sniper positions or the secret ways to an enemy outpost will give you that upper hand. Also knowing how to flank that sniper position is essential to your team's survival.

2. Weigh your options when using war bonds to buy weapons

Although this game doesn't have unlockables in terms of attachments, your war bonds can still be used to buy new guns for each class. Generally weapons cost about 200, so spend wisely because some guns have different perks.

3. Not every class is for everybody

Don't fret if you want to snipe but can't shoot the side of a blimp. It might just not be your class in this game. There are semi-automatic rifles in the medic class that have great accuracy and range.

4. Know your class

If you're the medic, don't just use health kits for yourself. Reviving other players will not only help you, but it will help your team, especially for team death match and operations game types. If you're the support class, drop ammo every place you make your stay. Someone will need it. Some classes are also better for close quarters combat whereas others are better long range. Know what you can and can’t do, but also what you should and shouldn’t do.

5. Pursue the challenges

There are several timed challenges that will give you medals. These challenges are designed to make you better in different ways. Whether that's laying down support or mastering a sniper rifle.

6. Work as a team

Battlefield is a team based game. Unlike other shooters, Battlefield's design is about helping your teammates achieve one goal. Each class is also designed to aid your army. Don't be selfish and look for kills to up your K/D ratio. That'll happen naturally, especially on larger game types like operations. If you want kills for yourself, play team death match.

7. Take the high ground

Some maps, especially on smaller game types, have a lot of buildings flooding the environment. Take the high ground in this case, otherwise you'll be a sniper's growing kill ratio.

8. Do the campaign

Generally Battlefield hasn't been amazing when it comes to campaigns, but this one has a lot to offer. It prepares you for multiplayer in different ways. One short campaign is solely about planes, one is about tank warfare, another about using the armored suit, and yet another is all about run and gun combat. If you haven’t played Battlefield before, it might be best to check out the campaign to get the mechanics down.

9. Don't stay in one place

This is especially true for snipers. If you're getting a lot of kills and destroying the other team, someone on their side will notice. Don't get overzealous. Get a few kills, then move on. Momentum is always a good thing.

10. Play with your friends

Playing alone isn't a bad thing, but being in constant communication with your team is essential. This will guarantee stronger defense or offense, and give you more chances for a win. Telling your team that you need to revive over chat is much faster than giving the request order. No one generally looks at those requests.

Hopefully this helps you progress in skill and give you the upper hand. If you have any other tips to add, share with us.



By David White

The SmackDown Files: The As The Ellsworth Turns Edition (11-1-2016)

By: Keila Cash 

Hello everyone and welcome to another installment of The SmackDown Files. Tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live emanated from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The James Ellsworth Saga continues as he tries to make amends for costing Dean Ambrose a shot at the WWE World Championship. Was it an honest mistake? Is Ellsworth on the up and up or is he a devious mastermind playing Ambrose for a fool? The answer to these questions can be found throughout this blog. Without further ado, let’s dissect tonight’s episode of SD Live in no particular order.  

·        James Ellsworth apologized to Dean Ambrose for costing him another chance at the WWE World Championship. Ambrose accepted Ellsworth’s mea culpa but warned him never to do it again because Ellsworth would be a dead man walking.

·        AJ Styles came out and tried to turn Ellsworth against Ambrose by saying that the Lunatic Fringe was using him for his own purposes. Styles claimed that Ellsworth owed his entire career to him because he made The No Chin Wonder a household name. T-Shirts adorning his image are selling like hotcakes on wweshop.com. Therefore, Styles wants a piece of the merchandise pie.

·        Things got physical as Ellsworth tried to hold back Styles and Ambrose. Styles knocked Ellsworth into Ambrose which allowed Styles to toss out the former and deliver the Phenomenal Forearm to the latter as the opening segment came to a close.

·        This was a solid way to kick off the show. Ellsworth comes off as such a sad puppy in need of a hug. Ambrose was in a forgiving mood, but he was running short on patience. Styles did a great job stirring the pot and planting seeds of dissension between Ellsworth and Ambrose. Is the fix in when it comes to The Chinless One’s true motives? We shall find out soon enough.

·        Daniel Bryan booked Ambrose in another match against Styles. If Ambrose wins, he will become the number one contender for the WWE World Title. If he loses, this will be his last opportunity despite any controversies that might transpire during the match. Bryan also warned Ellsworth to stay backstage during the main event to ensure that the match has a decisive finish. Ellsworth agreed as he continued to apologize to Ambrose.

·        I have a feeling that Ambrose vs. Styles will have a screwy ending.

·        The most notable thing about the No Disqualification Match featuring Randy Orton and Kane was Bray Wyatt & Luke Harper giving The Viper a helping hand as they attacked Kane. Orton picked the bones by hitting the RKO for the win.

·        After the match was over, Harper laid out Kane with a Discus Clothesline. He was about to finish the Big Red Monster off, but Orton tossed Kane to Wyatt instead. Harper looked pissed off as Wyatt nailed Kane with Sister Abigail. Harper still had a pensive look on his face as Orton did his signature pose while Wyatt told everyone to follow the buzzards to wrap up the segment.

·        Despite this feud taking a sharp turn last week, I like how Orton is trying to assert himself as the number two guy in the Wyatt Family as he fed Kane to Wyatt. Wyatt is the Alpha Male of the group and any amount of brown-nosing is appreciated when it comes to pleasing the leader. Orton took that to heart while playing mind games at the same time by trying to rattle Harper. It’s an interesting twist. I will give the creative team credit for trying to breathe life into this never ending feud.

·        Nikki Bella and Becky Lynch vs. Carmella and Alexa Bliss was decent, but it was too short to really judge it accordingly. Alexa knocked Nikki and Becky into each other which allowed her to rake Becky’s eyes behind the referee’s back and nail her with a DDT to pick up the win.

·        She proceeded to cut a mean girls promo with Carmella as they dissed the women representing Team Raw at Survivor Series. Alexa called herself the Wicked Witch of WWE who was going to beat Becky and take her SmackDown Women’s Title next week in Glasgow, Scotland. Both ladies cut solid promos that showed off their bratty personalities. The written material could have been a tad better, but Carmella and Alexa held their own on the mic.

·        Naomi is the final female member of Team SmackDown at Survivor Series. Plus, Natalya was named the official coach of the team as she recited the chorus of “Respect” by Aretha Franklin. At least she has something meaningful to do at the PPV.

·        American Alpha punched their ticket to Survivor Series as they made quick work of The Spirit Squad as they qualified for the Tag Team Elimination Match at the November Classic later this month. Chad Gable and Jason Jordan dropped Mikey with Grand Amplitude and that finisher lived up to its reputation because Mikey caught a lot of air as he came crashing down to the ring.

·        Daniel Bryan and The Miz had another intense verbal confrontation during Miz TV as Bryan revealed the five men representing Team SmackDown at Survivor Series. Randy Orton, Baron Corbin, Bray Wyatt, Dean Ambrose, and AJ Styles made the final cut while Miz was snubbed because he didn’t accept Dolph Ziggler’s challenge to a rematch for the Intercontinental Championship. Bryan wanted men who were willing to fight when called upon to do so. Miz blew a gasket which was reminiscent of his stellar promo on Talking Smack from a couple of months ago. Miz called out Bryan for no longer being a fighter and said that all he does is mope around John Cena’s house on Total Bellas. Bryan fired back by saying that Miz should let the actual wrestlers compete in the ring and stick to running his mouth on guest commentary.

·        Miz and Bryan bring the best out of each when it comes to cutting promos. I thought Bryan was going to punch Miz in the face at one point but opted to throw some chairs around instead. That would pop the crowd something fierce because The Awesome One deserves a paddling for being an obnoxious jerk for all the right reasons. This was easily the hottest segment on the show so far.

·        Thanks for coming, Curt Hawkins. Dolph Ziggler nailed Hawkins with a Superkick to retain the Intercontinental Title in quick fashion.

·        Dolph Ziggler issued an IC Championship Open Challenge to any Superstar on Monday Night Raw as Miz lost it at ringside. Miz did it to himself because he wanted a rematch on his terms, but Ziggler flipped the script by putting his title on the line against the opposing brand. This could potentially be idiotic because it would give Raw two secondary titles, but a part of me hopes that Sami Zayn accepts Ziggler’s challenge. It would give Zayn something meaningful to do at a PPV for the first time since Battleground in July.

                                                                        

·        Lame ass special effects side, Orton’s initiation into The Wyatt Family is complete. Orton’s magically glowing eyes was a tough pill to swallow, but the segment worked for the most part.

·        The Usos qualified for the Tag Team Elimination match at Survivor Series by defeating The Headbangers when Jimmy Uso grabbed a handful of Mosh’s kilt to pick up the win. The match was fine while it lasted.

·        Dean Ambrose defeated AJ Styles thanks to an unwanted assist from James Ellsworth. Before the match got underway, Ambrose escorted Ellsworth out of the building and told him to call Uber. However, Ellsworth didn’t get a ride to the nearest airport because he managed to get back in the building. He made his way through the crowd as he cheered on Ambrose from ringside. Ambrose was in shock which allowed to Styles to nail Ambrose with a Pele Kick for a near fall.

·        Security chased Ellsworth through the crowd as they disappeared backstage. The focus returned to the ring as Styles had Ambrose in the Calf Crusher. Moments later, Ellsworth ran back to ringside as security tried to catch him Benny Hill style. Styles broke the hold and tossed Ellsworth over the announce table. Styles set up Ambrose for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Ambrose countered with Dirty Deeds to pick up the win.

·        Ellsworth was dragged away by security, but he was happy that he made things right with Ambrose. Ambrose acknowledged Ellsworth’s good deed as SD Live went off the air.

·        The Ellsworth/Styles/Ambrose Saga is the best storyline on SD Live. It is fun to watch and Styles and Ambrose continue to deliver the goods in the ring. Their main event match was easily the best thing on the show. Their chemistry is on point as both men bring something fresh to the table when it comes to their matches.

·        Ellsworth did a great job trying to will Ambrose to victory even though the Lunatic Fringe didn’t want or need his help. It worked out in the end because Ambrose gets another shot at Styles’ WWE World Title.  Styles will probably throw a hissy fit about Ellsworth getting the best of him for the third time in four weeks, but it will provide great comic relief heading into Survivor Series. I tip my cap to all three men for making SD Live worth watching because they are saving this show from a wrestling and storytelling standpoint.

·        Overall, I thought tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live was okay. This show was filled with short matches until the main event. I guess WWE wanted to get the hell out of New Jersey and catch the red-eye to Saudi Araba without any delays. However, it doesn’t mean that they have phone it in wrestling-wise. Outside of Ellsworth/Styles/Ambrose and Miz-Bryan, everything else on the show felt lightweight at best.

·        The good news is that the show should be hot next week as SD Live emanates from Glasgow. Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss for the SmackDown Women’s Championship should be good and it will be interesting to see the reception Ellsworth receives if he makes the trip to Scotland. SmackDown is in the same boat as Raw as they have one more live show to promote Survivor Series. The battle lines between both brands have been drawn. Who will come out on top? Most importantly, will fans care about Brand Wars 2016 besides WWE Management? We shall find out soon enough.

On that note, this wraps up another edition of The SmackDown Files. I hope you enjoyed it and I will be back next week with a brand new installment of The Raw Exposé. See you later, boys and girls!