Rebels Recap: Star Wars Rebels “Twin Suns”

Welcome back Rebel fans to another exciting recap of Star Wars Rebels, “Twin Suns” which depicts the conclusion of one of my favorite Star Wars characters. This episode is the last one before the season finale which airs today so stay tuned for one epic finale. So, without further a due let’s dive into this recap and from this moment on SPOILER ALERT is in effect for the remainder of the recap you have been warned.

The episode opens with Darth Maul in the deserts of Tatooine wandering around searching for Obi-Wan Kenobi, and he is wasting away and the only thing keeping him afloat is his hatred for Kenobi. So, with no point continuing to wander aimlessly, he devises a plan to call Kenobi out by using Ezra as bait.  The next scene shows Ezra being awoken by a familiar voice coming from Kanan’s room. The Holocrons are calling out to him. First the Jedi Holocron plays a message from Kenobi and then the Sith Holocron has Maul yelling out which leads Ezra to believe Kenobi is in danger.

 

 

Once he brings it to Hera and Kanan’s attention they believe it to be a trap and that he should remain here on Chopper Base for preparation to liberate Lothal.  But of course, Ezra disregards the warning because he believes Maul is his responsibility and proceeds to take a ship to Tatooine. Ezra is accompanied by Chopper who sneaks onto the ship to watch out for Ezra.  He uses the Holocrons as a tracker to find Kenobi, but once he lands he is ambushed by Tusken Raiders. The ship is destroyed, and Mauls helps by taking out the Tusken Raiders but keeps hidden from Ezra.

 

Ezra is now left to wander as Maul did along the deserts of Tatooine. He tells Chopper to find help, but Chopper refuses to leave Ezra alone to the mercy of this unforgiving sandstorm.  So, the two venture out into the storm and eventually Chopper shuts down, and Ezra passes out but not before he sees a glimpse of a figure. That figure being the one only Obi- Wan Kenobi who as rescued both Ezra and Chopper from the storm.

 

When Ezra comes back to consciousness the first thing, Kenobi says, “You’re in the wrong place, Ezra Bridger.”  As soon as I heard that line spoken two things stood out, the first being the voice which sounded so much like Alec Guinness, and the second was this character is Ben Kenobi and not Obi-Wan Kenobi.  This scene transported me back to New Hope and had to be one of the most satisfying scenes in Star Wars Rebels thus far.

 

 

Once Ezra knows it to be Kenobi they are interrupted by Maul and Ezra says he will finish him for he was the one to lead Maul to Kenobi. But Kenobi tells Ezra to go back home and that this is not his fight. Ezra leaves with Chopper and Maul, and Kenobi start to talk, but you know tension are high. When Maul begins to question that being here was not just to hide but to protect something or someone. Kenobi unleashes his lightsaber right away because the secret that we all know must remain secret. So, there is momentary standoff where they were starting intensely at each other before they both attack.  Then rather quickly Kenobi gives the final blow and Maul who then falls into his arms. Interesting fact Maul tried to use the same move that Killed Qui-Gon Jinn on Kenobi.

 

The battle is over, and the next line of dialogue reveal Maul's final words. Maul ask, “Tell me… is it the chosen one?” Kenobi replies, “He is.” Maul's last words, “He will avenge us.”  It makes me wonder if the one Maul hated could it be the Emperor the one who has been pulling strings since the very beginning. Maul can now rest knowing that the Emperor will meet his end. It has been quite a journey with this character, and I will never forget all his memorable moments especially his introduction in Phantom Menace.

On a lighter note, Ezra returns to Chopper Base and is ready to free Lothal.  The episode ends with Kenobi looking at a familiar homestead and a young Luke Skywalker running home in the distance. Another interesting fact is that Luke and Ezra are the same age give or take a day.  The episode ends on a hopeful note but the season finale which airs today looks very dismal.  The season finale will show the rebellion go up against Grand Admiral Thrawn head on at Chopper base.  So, stay tuned the episode will first air today at 11:00 am on Disney XD Star Wars Rebels, “Zero Hour: Part One & Two.”

 

Photo Credit: Star Wars.com, Purefandom.com, Disney, Lucasfilm

 

Created by: Jasmine Yard

Here’s a preview for the next episode of Star Wars Rebels: #Geektified #StarWarsRebels #StarWars #Rebels #Empire #Force #Jedi #Sith #DisneyXD

 

 

The Geekcap Roundup

Supergirl "Star-Crossed"

An alien ship arrives in National City demanding the release of Mon-EL. After Mon-El agrees for the city’s safety, Kara sneaks with him and finds the ship run by King Lar-Gand and Queen Rhea of Daxam, Mon-El’s parents. From the revelation that Mon-El is the prince, he is forced to admit to Kara how his escape only came from a guard killing a Kryptonian ambassador and stealing his pod. Furious at Mon-El’s deception, Kara leaves him with his parents, but Rhea later contacts Kara to help her convince Mon-El to return to a restored Daxam with them. Meanwhile, Winn is framed for stealing an art piece after Lyra tricks him on one of their dates. With Maggie and James’s help, Winn soon discovers Lyra to be an art thief and smuggler for an alien gang lead by one named Mandrax. However, Lyra reveals to Winn that her crimes are only to help protect her brother.

Although Mon-El attempts to reconcile with Kara, Kara refuses to accept his apology. Instead, she advises him to meet up with his parents since she herself would never have the chance to see her family and her world again. In the meantime, Winn and Lyra confront Mandrax and his gang with the help of Guardian and Maggie with the NCPD. Although Lyra betrayed him, Winn offers his forgiveness, and the two reconcile. Despite meeting with his parents, Mon-El refuses to leave Earth and rebukes his parents for their rule on Daxam. Returning to the DEO, Kara plans to visit Central City to get away from her thoughts. However, she is then struck down by a new DEO prisoner who steals Winn’s new device and escapes to Earth-1. In a new world, Kara finds herself the new act at a music club.

Notes

• Mon-El’s father is named Lar-Gand, the real name of Mon-El from the comics.
• Kara references her love of musicals, hinting at her part in The Flash’s musical episode.

Photo Credit: DC/CW

The Flash "Duet"

In STAR Labs, J’onn and Mon-El appear with an unconscious Kara warning about the Music Meister in their world. The Music Meister soon shows up and incapacitates Barry, transporting him into the same world as Kara. Finding each other, they soon discover they are without their powers in a world with doppelgangers of Malcolm Merlyn, Cisco, Winn, and some of their other friends. The Music Meister then warns them that they are in a musical world that can only be escaped by finishing the story. As they continue the songs, Barry is knocked out by Martin Stein, who appears as an opposing mobster to Merlyn. Joe, a fellow mobster and romantic partner of Stein’s, demands Barry help him find his daughter Iris who has been seen with Mon-El’s doppelganger, the son of Merlyn’s character. Meanwhile, Wally, J’onn, and Cisco attempt to stop the Music Meister from wreaking havoc in Central City after he apparently displays both Kara and Barry’s powers.

Despite Wally’s initial apprehensive back in the field, the three successfully subdue the Music Meister and take him to STAR Labs. Meanwhile, Barry and Kara return Iris to her father, but the reveal of her secret relationship begins a turf war between the mobsters. In the midst of the fighting, Barry and Kara are shot, spiking their vitals in the real world. Cisco successfully vibes Iris and Mon-El into the musical world just as Barry and Kara near death. The two then kiss their respective partners which brings the musical to an end. The Music Meister escapes his captivity, revealing his plan was only to teach Barry and Kara a lesson on love before disappearing. Back at home, Barry puts his feelings into a song to express himself to Iris, ending with another proposal that she accepts.

Notes

• Various musicals are referenced including The Wizard of Oz, Singin’ in the Rain, The Fantasticks, and West Side Story.
• Songs performed include “Moon River,” “Put A Little Love in Your Heart,” “More I Cannot Wish You,” and two original songs “Superfriends” and “Runnin’ Home To You.”
• Mon-El is named Tommy Moran in the musical world, after Malcolm Merlyn’s real son Tommy. Similarly, Iris is named Millie after Stein’s real daughter Lily.

Photo Credit: DC/CW

Legends of Tomorrow "Fellowship of the Spear"

The Legends plan to take on the Legion and retrieve the remaining pieces of the Spear from their location in The Vanishing Point. While they regain the pieces and reform the Spear, they learn that they can only destroy it with the blood of Christ. Fortunately, Nate believes they can locate a supply of the blood with the help of workings by writer John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, the future author of The Hobbit who would be serving in World War I at the time of his research. The team reclaims Tolkien, but after witnessing the war and another vision of Snart respectively, Amaya and Mick begin feeling tempted to use the Spear for their own purposes. Fortunately, the team locates Sir Gawain’s tomb where Tolkien believes the blood of Christ to be. Meanwhile, after being outdone by the Legends, the Legion plan to even their odds.

At the tomb, Darhk and Snart confront the Legends, revealing Snart to have been brought back from the past and revealed the Legends’ secrets from his relationship with Mick. With Tolkien’s help, the team uses the Spear to locate Christ’s blood in the middle of the WWI battlefield after Rip successfully calls the battle to a brief truce. However, when about to destroy the Spear, Mick instead turns the Spear over to Snart and the Legion, leaving with them as Thawne speeds the group. Though Amaya is tempted to leave for the Spear, she remains with her team, though she openly disagrees with Sara’s methods. The Legends escape but soon lose Christ’s blood when Nate drops the vial. Without the blood, the Legends are helpless as the Legion activate the Spear.

Notes

• J.R.R. Tolkien’s works The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are referenced.
• Snart returns despite his death in the season one finale.

Photo Credit: DC/CW

Arrow "Kapiushon"

Chase continues to torture Oliver for killing his father and several others while waiting for him to confess a secret. After reminding Oliver of all his victims, Chase then brings in a tortured Evelyn to force him to fight or have her be killed. Though she is willing to fight to survive, Oliver refuses to fight her despite her betrayal, leading Chase to snap her neck in front of him. In Russia five years ago, Anatoli becomes leader of the Bratva which gives him access to Kovar and his plans. From a meeting, he discovers that Kovar is partnering with Malcolm Merlyn to help overthrow the Russian government and take control. Oliver uses this information to interrupt a trade of sarin gas by killing several of Kovar’s men and later torturing some for information, though Anatoli warns against his methods. To move closer, he works with Taiana’s mother to enter Kovar’s building, though her act leads to her being tortured by Kovar’s men.

Unfortunately, Kovar plans to trick and kill several members of the Bratva by poisoning them and framing the crime on the group in his building, setting off the sarin gas inside a casino. Oliver then fights Kovar and, against Anatoli’s advice, stabs Kovar in the chest. Though Oliver gains a tattoo for his work in the Bratva, Anatoli warns him of the man he may become. However, as Merlyn later looks over Kovar’s body, he soon discovers Kovar to be alive. Oliver finally confesses to Chase that he secretly enjoyed killing all his victims. After divulging this information, Chase reveals Evelyn to be alive and lets Oliver go after burning his Bratva tattoo. Oliver then returns to the base and officially ends his role as the Green Arrow by dumping his quiver.

Notes

• The title “Kapiushon” translates to Hood in Russian.
• Chase references Oliver’s killing of Count Vertigo from the season two episode “State v. Queen.”

Photo Credit: DC/CW

Review: Looney Tunes #236

Review: Looney Tunes #236
Submitted by: Theresa Stier
24 March 2017

I grew up watching The Looney Tunes and reading these three short comics made me feel like I was reliving my childhood. Even though I am not a fan of these reality T.V. dating shows, the "Single Mingle" comic was my favorite. I found it very comical and the ending is definitely something you would see if this comic was in animated form on T.V.  I did enjoy the second comic as well though. Tweety Bird has always been one of my favorite characters, so I was glad to see a comic with Tweety in it. The third mini comic was also comical too, but I did enjoy the first two better. That's mainly though because I'm not as big of a fan of Tazz, Porky Pig, and Sam as I am Tweety, Bugs, and Granny.

 I think anyone that enjoys, or grew up watching, The Looney Tunes would enjoy these comics as much as I did. I would definitely recommend it, even if you haven't watched or read anything involving The Looney Tunes (If you haven't, what rock have you've been hiding under all these years?). I also would recommend this if you're looking for a comic that you can just pick up and not have to worry about starting with the first issue. This isn't based off of a previous comic and as long as you have heard of The Looney Tunes, I think you would be able to know which character is which and their personality.

And before I end this review, I do have one question for you....Who is your favorite LooneyTunes character?

The Verdict: I would definitely recommend this comic to anyone looking for something different or to take them back in time to their childhood. These are funny, but cute, comics. It's definitely not something for you if you're looking for Batman to beat up some thugs on the street. It is something though if you're looking for just a feel good quick read.

Follow Theresa on Twitter @Smallville0628 and @Geektified for the latest comic reviews!  

The SmackDown Files: No Ring, Straight Chaser - The John Cena and Nikki Bella Story (As Told By The Miz and Maryse)

By: Keila Cash

Hello everyone and welcome to another installment of The SmackDown Files. Tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live emanated from The Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. AJ Styles punched his ticket to WrestleMania in the literal sense when he attacked Shane McMahon in the parking garage last week. However, his hopes and dreams were almost dashed when Daniel Bryan fired him on the spot only for Shane to overturn the decision before the show went off the air. How did the boss-employee dynamic play out as the Road to WM comes to a head? The answer to that pressing question can be found throughout this blog. Without further ado, let’s dissect tonight’s episode of SD Live in no particular order.

·       AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon is officially set for WrestleMania as Styles cut an entertaining promo about how he had no regrets about attacking McMahon last week. In fact, Styles wanted to do a repeat performance once his boss arrived at the arena. Something tells me that history won’t repeat itself. Just a hunch...

·       The Usos defeated American Alpha to become the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions when Jey Uso nailed Jason Jordan with a Superkick thanks to an assist from Jimmy when he pulled Jordan’s leg between the ropes. The Usos and American Alpha had a very good match, but the crowd was solidly behind the heels. I guess name recognition carries some weight along with the fact that Chad Gable and Jason Jordan were ice cold as Tag Team Champs due to a lack of television time which has caused a disconnection with fans who are unfamiliar with their NXT work.

·       Despite these minor criticisms, both teams put on a show that featured great action and dramatic near falls. The fans were amped for a title change when Jey Uso delivered the Frog Splash to Chad Gable only for Gable to kick out at 2 and three-quarters.

·       The craziness continued when Gable and Jordan dropped Jey with a Bulldog from the top rope. Jordan was about score the victory when Jimmy pulled him out of the ring. Jordan laid out Jimmy with a Belly-to-Belly Suplex on the floor while Gable finished things off with a Moonsault onto the outside.

·       Jey threw Gable over the barricade, but Jordan tackled Jey against said barricade moments later. He tossed Jey back in the ring and was about to take care of business when Jimmy grabbed his leg which led to the finish.

·       I question the title switch 12 days away from WrestleMania, but The Usos have been on the other side of the coin when they won the Tag Team Titles on an episode of Raw a few weeks before Mania three years ago. The show emanated from Chicago that night which didn’t hurt their pop heading into the big show.

·       In this instance, I understand the booking logic because Gable and Jordan have been floundering since become Tag Team Champions last December. Being in chase mode for the Tag Titles will help them get over if they are given a chance to flesh out their characters in a believable way.

·       Alpha’s in-ring game is always on point, but they need a spark in order to get over as a babyface team the crowd can fully get behind. This match is a prime example of how great the Tag Team Division can be if it is showcased properly. After weeks of neglect, the Powers That Be woke up and smelled the coffee. It’s about damn time. Let’s hope they can keep the momentum going heading into WM.

·       The Total Bellas parody was amazing. From Maryse mocking Nikki and Brie’s Bella Speak to The Miz acting like a robotic John Cena who lays down the law when it comes to abiding by his house rules, everything was pitch perfect. The popping the question gag with Faux Cena popping an actual balloon was the icing on the cake.

·       Due to a brief power outage, I missed the second half of Randy Orton vs. Baron Corbin which prevented me from reviewing the match properly. To fill in some of the blanks, Ambrose distracted Baron Corbin when he rolled into the arena on a forklift which allowed Orton to nail Corbin with an RKO for the win.

·       After the match was over, Ambrose made his way down to the ring and agreed to face Corbin for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania. He sealed the deal by dropping The Lone Wolf with Dirty Deeds before heading backstage.

·       Orton was jumped by a bunch of Bray Wyatt followers wearing sheep masks. Wyatt thanked Orton for making his one flaw his greatest asset as Sister Abigail’s spirit runs through his veins like the world’s greatest energy source. The Wyatt-Orton feud has done the unprecedented by jumping the shark twice. Their WWE Championship match at WrestleMania should be good from a wrestling standpoint, but the storytelling has fallen off a cliff over the past couple of weeks which makes the feud too hokey to take seriously.

·       Tyler Breeze dressing up like Nikki Bella is a sight to behold...

·       Nikki Bella spearing Tyler Breeze was pretty damn impressive. The referee actually allowed Nikki to stay in the ring as she dropped Breeze with the Rack Attack 2.0 while Cena delivered the AA to Fandango.

·       Cena made Fandango tap out to the STF for the win while Nikki made her cosplay doppelganger tap out to the Fearless Lock for good measure.

·       Numerous rule violations aside, this was a cute nod to Cena and Fandango’s recent turn as zany 80s-style co-hosts on Southpaw Regional Wrestling which can be found on WWE’s YouTube channel.

·       Becky Lynch vs. Carmella ended via disqualification when Natalya got in the ring and laid out Carmella with a clothesline. All hell broke loose as Mickie James and Alexa Bliss joined the melee.

·       Lynch delivered a dropkick to James Ellsworth when Carmella shoved him in Lynch’s direction. She couldn’t avoid a Suplex from Lynch, though. James “nailed” Lynch with the Mick Kick, but it appeared that she missed the mark which didn’t create the best visual from both an in-person and television perspective.

·       Bliss was the last woman standing when she drilled James with a wicked forearm as she stood over her WrestleMania opponents.

·       The Total Bellas “Lost Episode” was outstanding. The DDP Yoga Proposal Fake Out was ingenious. From Miz giving Maryse a toy-sized WWE Wrestling Ring to tying up his tennis shoes in bunny knots to play up the proposal shtick, it was a great way to poke fun at John Cena and Nikki Bella’s relationship. Tremendous work from everyone involved.

·       Shane McMahon channeled his inner daredevil when he laid out AJ Styles with an elbow drop from the top rope through the announce table at ringside. McMahon called out Styles as The Phenomenal One tried to apologize to Shane. Styles was about to shake his hand when Shane walloped him with a series of bad punches. Things got better once Styles got back on the attack and suplexed Shane into the barricade.

·       Shane recovered and delivered a suplex to Styles onto the floor. The elbow drop soon followed as the crowd erupted in “Holy Shit!” chants as SD Live went off the air with Shane pointing at the WrestleMania sign.

·       This was a hot way to end the show. The crowd was lukewarm during Shane’s promo, but they came alive for the physical confrontation. Shane’s punches were ugly, but he held his own against Styles. This was a nice sample of what’s to come at WM. If Shane can keep the shadow boxing to a minimum, he and Styles could have an entertaining match if it’s booked in a smart and safe way.

·       Overall, I thought tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live was solid. The show had a clear sense of purpose that has been missing over the past couple of weeks. The Tag Team Title match between The Usos and American Alpha set the tone for the evening while the rest of the show zipped by with some fluff segments mixed for good measure.

·       The Miz and Maryse did a great job mocking John Cena and Nikki Bella’s relationship while the Bray Wyatt-Randy Orton feud continues to run on fumes heading into Mania. Also, Luke Harper will face Wyatt on the go-home show next week. Maybe it’s a red herring, but Harper needs to be a singles star instead of being Wyatt’s henchman. At least he changed his tank top for the first time since WrestleMania XXX.

·       Next week’s go-home episode is a rarity for the blue brand because it is not going to be a clip show spectacular with live footage spliced in from WWE Fan Axxess. The show will probably be light on in-ring action and heavy with talking segments hyping the key Mania matches. That’s the norm when it comes to promoting the biggest show of the year. The creative team has to make the SD Live side of the card look strong on paper. Let’s hope they can get the job done as we are 12 days away from the Super Bowl of Professional Wrestling. Fingers crossed!

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!

The Raw Exposé: The Authority Throwback Monday Reunion Tour Edition (3-20-2017)

BY: Keila Cash 

Hello everyone and welcome to another installment of The Raw Exposé. Tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw emanated from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Brooklyn has been a notoriously hot crowd in recent years and tonight’s show should be no different as we are a little under two weeks away from WrestleMania. After Mick Foley and Seth Rollins were taken out by The Authority last week, did the Triple H and Stephanie McMahon continue their reign of terror or did someone mercifully rain on their parade? The answer to that question can be found throughout this blog. Without further ado, let’s dissect tonight’s episode of Raw in no particular order.

·        Triple H handed Mick Foley a prepared statement written on index cards to announce his leave of absence as Raw General Manager. Foley got through the speech, but he flipped the script by tearing up the cards and tried speaking from his heart. Triple H had the production crew cut off Foley’s mic as Stephanie McMahon made her way to the ring.

·        Stephanie read Foley the Riot Act before firing him in front of the live crowd. Sami Zayn came out to his mentor’s defense, but Stephanie had an ace up her sleeve in the form of Samoa Joe. She booked Zayn in a match against Joe as a form of punishment. Zayn laid out Joe with a flip dive over the top rope as the opening segment came to an end.

·        This was a good way to kick off the show. Foley’s firing was expected for a while because he needs time off to get hip replacement surgery. Stephanie was deliciously wicked while Zayn tried his best to be the moral compass in a tough situation. The Brooklyn fans were hot as they couldn’t resist throwing in a “CM Punk” chant to get under Steph’s skin. Their plan backfired, but I digress.

·        Sami Zayn put up a good fight, but it wasn’t enough as Samoa Joe made Zayn tap out to the Coquina Clutch.

·        Zayn and Joe had a much better match than the one they had at the Fastlane PPV two weeks ago. Joe dominated most of the match, but Zayn had more moments to shine which kept things interesting down the stretch.

·        Zayn nailed Joe with a beautiful Tornado DDT through the ropes onto the outside. Joe got back in the ring and tried to catch his breath in the corner which allowed Zayn to attempt the Helluva Kick for the win.

·        Joe caught Zayn in mid-stride with an Uranage Slam before making him tap out to his submission finisher.

·        Mick Foley saying goodbye to Sami Zayn, Cesaro, Sheamus, and Bayley was very heartfelt until Triple H pissed in his Corn Flakes by telling Foley to “Have A Nice Day!” in the most condescending way possible. It was hilariously cruel.

·        Charlotte defeated Dana Brooke with a big boot in a decent match. Brooke showed fire, but the outcome was never in debut. The fans decided to chant “We Want Paige” to the tune of “New Day Rocks” during the match. This is clearly in reference to Paige’s nude photos and sex videos leaking on the internet this past Friday. Paige is currently recovering from neck surgery which would prevent her from being on television in the first place. Stay classy, Brooklyn... *Insert Sarcasm Here*

·        The Highlight Reel was very informative as Chris Jericho revealed some interesting tidbits about his former best friend. Jericho showed a picture of Kevin Owens when he was sixteen-years-old wearing a Y2J t-shirt while doing Jericho’s signature pose for good measure. What pushed the photo over the top was the posters plastered on Owens’ wall. He had a picture of Jericho on the left and a pic of Pamela Anderson to his right. It was the perfect mix of 90s awesomeness and Canadian religiosity when it came to paying homage to Anderson’s peak hotness on Baywatch.

·        Jericho even revealed a real-life direct message exchange on Twitter as Owens asked his hero for some advice shortly after signing with WWE in 2014.

·        Y2J noted that Owens viewed him as a hero which transcended their status as best friends. Jericho planned to take advantage of Owens’ fandom at WrestleMania by psyching him out mentally before taking him out physically.

·        Jericho called Owens a stupid idiot and was about to put him on The List when Samoa Joe came out. The distraction allowed Owens to attack Jericho from behind.

·        KO dropped Y2J with a Popup Powerbomb before ripping up the List of Jericho in an act of sacrilege as the segment came to an end.

·        This was a great way to add another layer to the Jericho-Owens feud by making things more personal. Owens’ hero worship of Jericho as a teenager is a smart nod to history which adds an extra thread of realism to their match at WM. Jericho has yet to one-up Owens in a brawl, but I expect that change on the go-home show next week.

·        The Brian Kendrick dropped TJ Perkins with Sliced Bread #2 for the quick and decisive win. The match was too quick to judge it properly, but the action was solid while it lasted.

·        Kendrick called out Akira Tozawa, but he knew that Tozawa wasn’t in the building because he stole his passport while it was laying on the floor in the locker room last week. It was a cute lesson, but Kendrick was too winded to pull off his promo effectively. Who knew that a two-minute match could a wear a wrestler out so fast?

·        Nia Jax punched her ticket to WrestleMania after she pinned Bayley with a Samoan Drop. The Triple Threat match for the Raw Women’s Championship is now a Fatal Four Way featuring Jax, Charlotte, Sasha Banks, and Bayley.

·        Jax vs. Bayley was fine, but it was completely marred by the crowd going into business for themselves. Something happened in the audience that triggered the fans to go nuclear on the match. They did The Wave and it’s not even the night after Mania yet!

·        If someone told me that the crowd would turn on a Bayley match two years ago, I would have called him or her crazy. Unfortunately, I witnessed the unthinkable which sucks because Bayley is such a wonderful character that has been dragged through the mud in recent weeks. Her match dying on the vine was a sad sight to see. L

·        After much hemming and hawing, Triple H offered Seth Rollins the chance to face him in an unsanctioned match at WrestleMania. All Rollins had to do was show up to Raw next week and sign a hold harmless agreement. By doing this, he couldn’t sue WWE if Triple H ended his career at Mania.

·        Triple H’s promo was good, but he had to fight through “CM Punk” and “What?” chants in order to get his point across. The final sell job was nice, but it was a chore to get to the finish line.

·        Cesaro and Sheamus kept their WrestleMania dream alive when Sheamus nailed Karl Anderson with the Brogue Kick for the win. Enzo Amore & Big Cass and Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows weren’t on the same page which allowed Cesaro and Sheamus to take advantage of the situation. This was another match that was too quick to judge properly. I am starting to sense a pattern here...

·        The New Day was safely kept backstage during their backstage shill for WM. They got the biggest pop of the night for obvious reasons.

·        Austin Aries nailed Tony Nese with a Discus Forearm for the win in a solid match. The crowd heat was muted because the bout was slotted in the 10:30 P.M. Lull Period of Death which prevented both men from getting over in a meaningful way.

·        Aries’ promo exchange with Neville salvaged things as he encouraged The King of the Cruiserweights to believe the hype for the next thirteen days because he was about to face someone who was above his level at  WrestleMania. This was a nice way to forward their Cruiserweight Championship match at the biggest show of the year.

·        Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman ended without a finish when The Undertaker’s Gong went off towards the end of the match. Undertaker appeared in the ring as he stood between Reigns and Strowman, Taker dropped Strowman with a chokeslam only for Reigns to nail The Dead Man with a Spear moments later.

·        As Reigns headed up the ramp, Taker sat up and did his signature throat slash to send a message to Reigns that he wouldn’t go down that easily at WrestleMania as Raw went off the air.

·        Reigns and Strowman had a decent match, but it wasn’t on the same level as their previous encounter at Fastlane. It was slow in spots, but the action picked up towards the end. Strowman getting choke slammed by Taker was questionable because Strowman should be protected as the next big monster in the making.

·        His loss to Reigns stunted his growth a bit. Throw in Taker bitching him out in the middle of the ring and it’s been a rough few weeks for Mr. Strowman. Here’s hoping that Strowman moves on from being a sideline player in the Taker-Reigns feud by winning the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania. It would do him a world of good by reasserting himself as a force to be reckoned with heading into the spring and summer months.

·        As for Taker and Reigns, the Battle of the Yard continues as the Original Big Dog and New Big Dog battle for Alpha Male supremacy. Reigns is trying to maintain the balance of being a babyface while acting heelish towards The Dead Man. This dance will continue as Raw emanates from Philadelphia next week. It should be interesting to see how their final encounter plays out heading into Mania.

·        Overall, I tonight’s episode of Raw was pretty run-of-the-mill. The in-ring action was ho-hum once again with Sami Zayn and Samoa Joe having the best match on the show by default. The Highlight Reel wins best talking segment honors while the rest of the show was so-so at best.

·        The fans were absolutely terrible during the Bayley vs. Nia Jax match which turned the broadcast upside down for a bit. They were disrespectful to both ladies which is a shame because this was the same crowd that begged for change two years ago. If the women start having two-minute matches again, we can look back on this moment as to why the bathroom break segments are back. I don’t want to speak that scenario into existence, but perception is everything in this day and age. Let’s hope my typed words don’t become reality.

·        Next week is the go-home episode of Raw before WrestleMania. It’s a huge show that needs to be hyped to the fullest. The Road to WM has been bumpy in spots and the creative team needs to be on their A-Game as we take the I-4 towards Orlando. Here’s hoping they can get the job done. Fingers crossed!

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

Comic Book Review: Batman #19 "I Am Bane, Pt. 4"

By: Jerry Montgomery
March 17, 2017

Batman # 19
“I am Bane, Part Four”

Written by: Tom King
Pencils by: David Finch

Bane is angry and he’s in Gotham City. Looking to retrieve the Psycho Pirate, he has let nothing or no one stand in his way to get him back. He’s beaten and hung all three former Robins in the Batcave. He’s kidnapped Comissioner Gordon, Batwing,  Bengal Tiger and Catwoman and held them for ransom. What's his price? The Psycho Pirate for them all. You see, the Psycho Pirate had allowed Bane to detox his Venom addiction. Sure, you can kick the Venom. Batman did... a long time ago, but Bane? His body has been wracked with unbearable pain since. What can you expect from being on the highest dose of the drug that a body could withstand? The only thing that took the pain away was the Psycho Pirate but Batman came, took the Pirate. Why? To fix Gotham Girl.

To Batman’s estimate,  it will take five days of sessions for the fractured Gotham Girl to be made whole again.  Five sessions with the Psycho Pirate and then Batman will destroy the Pirate’s mask.  He knows Bane has come to Gotham and he’s prepared for him, waiting for him at Arkham Asylum’s  belltower.  When Bane reveals himself to Batman, he is clear of his intentions. Surrender the Pirate, or the Cat, the Boy, Gordon and the Tiger will die. Batman tells him no. What?! Didn’t he hear him?! Bane reacts the same way and hes not going to let it go. Batman taunts the enraged Bane who is clearly back on the juice...back on the Venom and he’s already pissed off. Pissed that his home was invaded. Pissed that his back was broken. All by this rich boy who plays dress up. Batman is beaten up by this Venom engorged hulking beast, yet can still tell Bane to shut up. Bane calls his men to kill the hostages but is greeted by Catwoman on the other end. It’s especially satisfying to hear her purr, “I just loved breaking your back in Santa P. Hope we can do it again sometime.” It was all just part of the plan. Batman’s defeat in order to distract Bane, so that a seemingly captured Catwoman could turn the tables on her captors.

       

Issue # 19 begins with Bane entering Arkham Asylum, not knowing what awaits him, but sure of what he wants. If you have read the past Batman storyline, Knightfall, which detailed Batman’s and Bane’s first encounter, you know that Batman had to run the gauntlet of battling his entire rogues gallery before meeting up with Bane…and, well, we all know how that turned out. This time, its Bane’s turn to run the gauntlet,  only this time, the inmates are still in the asylum. Did I also mention that they’re armed? To think this is all part of Batman’s plan. There’s still one more day left until Gotham Girl is cured.

The Verdict: If you’ve been a faithful reader of Batman since the “I Am Gotham” storyline, then you know that this issue is a must read. There’s only one more issue to end this arc and thus, the big showdown between these two giants. The story by Tom King remains solid and art by David Finch is nicely detailed and appropriately dark for the mood. It’s a pleasure to see so many of Batman’s villains under one roof and one cover,  though my only complaint is that we didn’t get to see more interaction between each with Bane. Also, Batman has been on the wrong end of the beatings when facing Bane thus far, so I’m sure everybody is ready to see Bane get what’s coming to him. It is interesting to have a front row seat in witnessing the struggle between these two uncompromising and willful men, whose lives have been shaped in similar manner from an early age.

Comic Book Review: Gotham Academy Second Semester #7

By: Jerry Montgomery
March 12, 2017

Gotham Academy Second Semester  #7
Second Semester,  Pt.6

Written by: Brenden Fletcher
Artwork by: Adam Archer & Msassyk

Olive Silverlock’s mother is insane. Once a Gotham super-villain , Sybil Silverlock aka Calamity now resides in Gotham’s Arkham Asylum, in a  coma. Put there by Batman. As Bruce Wayne, he provides a scholarship to Olive to attend prestigious Gotham Academy. She is greatful to Bruce Wayne.  She is resentful of the Batman... as a matter of fact, she hates him.

Alone at the school before the second semester begins, Olive finds herself  with a new roommate,  the rebellious and brash Amy who shows up in her room one day over the winter break. Amy always hasn’t been the best influence on Olive. Breaking into and vandalizing the old Wedgewood Mansion and seriously jeopardizing fellow student, Eric Jorgenson’s health by snatching his bookbag away and along with it, his inhaler…and that’s just on her first day! She’s been pretty negative about Olive’s other friends, drawing her away from them and the Detective Club she is a part of, seemingly to monopolize all her time. Amy doesn’t seem to like much about life at Gotham Academy and always has something negative to chirp in Olive’s ear. It’s a good thing her other friends are there for her.

The Detective Club resumes it’s adventures as the school’s second semester begins. Members, students and Olive’s friends, “Maps” Mizoguchi, Pomeline Fritch, Colton Rivera and Kyle Mizoguchi have all returned and are feeling the pull of Amy on Olive. They continue their investigations however, helping to take down a revenge bent, mind controlling witch, helping out a near expelled friend and all the while, exploring the big mystery of Gotham Academy and it’s connection with the Arkhams. Strange symbols, secret passages and cryptic writings are uncovered. Clues are followed the mystery of Cobblepots, Arkhams and lost books deepen. The Club’s search has led them to a mysterious round room beneath an empty sarcophagus.
Now, the crap’s about to hit the fan...

Issue #7 picks up from 6 as the secret floor continues to descend. Tristan Grey, who has been infected with the Langstrom Virus, causing him to become a half-bat creature has been pushed over the side by Eric, now calling himself the Symbolist. Olive, whose pyrokinesis has been slowly developing over several issues is egged on by Amy to burn Eric alive. What follows next has her friends stunned and Olive left to question her own sanity. Is she following her mother’s footsteps? Is she going mad? In the meantime, Pomeline and Colton finally find what she has been looking for, The Old Book of Gotham, deep below the school and uncover the most shocking information yet! Olive, confused and distraught seeks out the only person she trusts on campus, Professor Macpherson for guidance and comfort. Instead, she finds the Professor with the Batman. How could she? Why is she with HIM? Batman may only be on the last page of this issue but something tells me, he’s going to be in the next one a lot.

The Verdict: I really like this title. It’s not your conventional super hero comic book but it does take place in Gotham City, so there’s bound to be some connection. The artwork is pretty awesome and reminds me of an animated cartoon. Very anime-like. The title’s themes are 1 part Scooby Doo, 1 part Goonies and 1 part Hardy Boys. If you grew up on Saturday morning cartoons watching the many mystery solving group shows, you’ll really enjoy this one. It goes up a notch in maturity level with the occultism thrown into it so it may be a little scary for younger readers. I never read the first volume of this title so, it’s  pretty fresh for me and I enjoy the characters plus, you cant go wrong with an appearance by the Batman in your comic book! I recommend this one for a good read!à