Smile by Korean hip-hop duo Mighty Mouth featuring Insooni is an upbeat song from their mini album of the same title. Lovely chorus and an uplifting song.

Baneling
In the search for the Stone of Tears, Richard and company, find a D'Haran prison where they encounter banelings.

Cara needs to explain something
I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. It exceeded my expectations because last season the episode after the premiere was really mediocre (also by the same writers: Fiveash and Stoteraux). Kahlan kicking Lilly was the only highlight. But then again, this episode is directed by Michael Hurst who directed my favorite season 1 episodes. It's rumored that he directs three more episodes.

The body count and blood in this episode seem to exceed the entirety of season 1 mainly because the setting is a death camp and I liked it. The fight scene at the beginning is brutal and epic. I missed team Seeker kicking butt. My favorite as usual was Kahlan because she's just fierce. Surprisingly, Zedd joins the melee too. Cara was alright but my opinion of her fighting dampened because they reused a sequence. Hopefully they develop her fighting choreography so that it differs from Kahlan. Although it's the darkest episode so far, I was amused at some points and it was all due to Cara. Her attempts to fit in is priceless. Be more compassionate says the Mother Confessor and tone down on the torture says the Seeker and surprisingly she considers their requests. Since her attempts at being compassionate backfires, I don't think her opinion of Kahlan has changed. They're still going to clash.

As for the Seeker, Richard is more aggressive in this episode. He's broody too. I think the Keeper's mark greatly worries him and I can't wait when his frustration is more apparent in future episodes. There are hints like when his anger explodes at the D'Haran when he finds out that the abbot is dead and also when he doesn't hesitate to have the thief be touched by Kahlan's power. Cara approves of his decisions too. I did like that he is willing to make difficult choices to get things done. The one that sticks out involves Abbot Henry killing some D'Harans so that he can explain about the Stone of Tears. The Seeker is finally learning about the bigger picture and it's about time because he really needs it to survive the Keeper.

The main plot of the baneling was well done. It's a good interpretation of Goodkind's baneling because it's intriguing and works for TV. It also emphasizes the hard road that's ahead of Richard because he has more than his enemies to deal with. Eleanor is just another example of how dangerous the Keeper is to the world of life.

One other thing I liked, Ulrich had snow! I want to see Aydindril as snowy too when Kahlan finally gets there later in the season. Maybe there's an episode where it's raining which would be a vast improvement from last season's always sunny or overcast weather

Revelations
• Banelings
• Stone of Tears
  Richard now knows the location of the artifact and that a key is needed. But, he still doesn't exactly know how to seal the veil. The abbot did say something about rituals he had to learn so there's some sort of clue.

LOLs
• If Cara's in the scene, there's a level of humor present.
  It's not laugh out loud funny but more of the humor in ironic situations.

Dislikes
• Breath of Life
  It seems like a Mord-Sith can use it on anyone. I was hoping that it would only be useful to those they kill using an Agiel or any member of the House of Rahl. It's too much power for Mord-Sith to revive someone with the cause of death obliterated.
• Overuse of underworld scenes
  Specifically the writhing naked bodies. Hopefully it's only this way in this episode since banelings were introduced. Oh, if it's supposed to be the "no undies world", why was Darken Rahl wearing clothes?

Next episode is Broken and the antagonism between Kahlan and Cara worsens.

 

[01 Marked]

Luis Manzano, Billy Crawford, Vhong Navarro, & John Lloyd Cruz
I've been neglecting the Kanto Boyz of late. Back in the summer, they had an F4 tribute where they performed songs from the dramas Meteor Garden (Taiwan) and Boys Over Flowers (South Korea). It's my favorite performance because of the changing background set. ASAP is really utilizing those huge LCD screens very effectively.

I love the little skits to separate the two dramas in the performance. Toni can be Sancai or Jandi as long as these 4 guys are the F4. All the guys look great, with Billy as my favorite because he looks really good in that white attire. Overall, a great and funny performance from the Kanto Boyz.

 

[Return of the Kanto Boyz] [Kanto Boyz Music Video] [Kanto Boyz Is Back] [Sexy Kanto Boyz]

 

Lonely Tree by Moonstar88 (vocalist: Acel Bisa)
I'm a lonely tree
Standing in a corner still
Waiting for the summer days
But i can feel the rain
But who cares, if i cry, a thousand cries
Nobody would even try to talk to me
Para, papara ra...papararara, papaparara
I hope someday, that my life
Will be okay
Even if for just one day
For just one day
Would you even try to have a cup of tea with me
Would you even dare to talk about my misery

Marked
Richard's defeat of Darken Rahl has dire consequences.

The Seeker with more hair.
A very thrilling season premiere! There were three noticeable subplots that converge by the end of the episode. Quite ambitious for the show and it worked for me. It was what I expected which sets up the season very nicely. It's full of new information and struck a balance between action and exposition with quite a dark tone. Here's hoping that the tone stays consistent the whole season. I really like that the episode starts with the screeling and ends with the mark, all signs that the Keeper is the main problem.

It's interesting that before trouble begins, Zedd and Richard intend to escort Kahlan to Aydindril, the seat of power of the Mother Confessor. During the episode, Richard, Kahlan, and Zedd are separated from each other doing specific tasks. It was odd that even though Zedd was headed for Aydindril, Richard asks Kahlan to protect the citizens of Ehrengard from the screeling. I guess he wants to escort Kahlan personally. I get the feeling that the show is already planting seeds of the eventual separation of the original trio.

Richard is vastly different from the boy in the first episode of season 1. He is taking charge and Zedd and Kahlan are both so proud. His actions may confound both but they go along with it if it's reasonable. His characterization in this episode is similar to the books because he's doing things that makes sense only to him to the frustration of everyone else. I can't wait for he's character's development because it was a bit understated last season.

I like the addition of Cara because of the friction between her and Kahlan. As Craig Horner said in an interview, they're going to be frenemies. She also adds snark to the show. I'm not too worried about the supposed triangle that I've heard about since the summer. It's going to be all in Kahlan's head with additional help from Cara because she is Mord-Sith. They love playing mind games. I'll be very disappointed if Richard makes a move on Cara because the whole of season 1 concerning his relationship with Kahlan would be a sham. In that case, I'm all on Team Kahlan, who cares about the Seeker and his washboard abs.

As for Shota's new prophecy, I'm surprised that Zedd took it to heart since he notices all three signs by the end of the episode. I think he let his fear of the prophecy coming true cloud his perception. I'm curious if he's going to tell Richard or Kahlan about this prophecy. Of the three signs, I think the Keeper's mark is the only one that has come true.

The premiere solidifies that Richard's task is going to be froth with challenges. There's the Keeper, D'Hara, and add in his relationship with Kahlan. The best part, it was all his doing because he killed Darken Rahl. I can't wait for the rest of the season!

Revelations
• Wizard's Second Rule
• The veil between the underworld and the world of life was torn when Richard used the Boxes of Orden to kill Darken Rahl.
• Richard Rahl
  So, Darken Rahl wasn't lying about the sibling conversation with Jensenn in episode 1.21. His relationship with Jensenn is still dubious at this point.
• Panis and Tarralyn
• Shota's prophecy
  I'm looking forward to what she's going to actively do so that the fork that will mean victory happens.
• The Keeper speaks!
  It's a relief that the voice isn't overtly evil.
• Darken Rahl introduces us to the underworld aka "the no undies world" featuring a multitude of "writhing naked bodies". I specially liked that arm moving around while Rahl converses with the Keeper.

LOLs
• Kahlan has skills
  I just find it comical that the ruler of the Midlands is hammering away. I spotted some men in that room so I don't see why she had to help board up the window.
• Triana, the Mord-Sith wannabe
  Her scream when Cara throws her in the water always makes me giggle. That's why I wasn't bothered by Charisma's portrayal as Mord-Sith.
• Richard
  The jump attack at the screeling with the huge moon behind him reminds me of numerous anime shows. It looks cool in anime but not so much in live action.

My favorite show, Legend of the Seeker, returns this weekend! It seems like the promotion is much bigger. The premiere episode is already available to about a million people who went to the theatre to get a free iTunes promo card. I've seen it and it's much better than the season 1 premiere even if it's only 43 minutes. Then tomorrow night, 6 selected episodes from season 1 will air on SyFy.
Craig and Bridget are doing a slew of interviews this week.

Bridget Regan on Attack of the Show

I love this interview and it's even better than her previous appearance. "No undies world" will catch on real quick in the fandom. I've seen the Legs Legs Legs 3 video but I couldn't get through it because it was so bad.

Bridget Regan on KTLA

Another fun interview and the hosts are right, she's really glowing. This is really reminiscent of Craig's appearance back in May with all the exuberance. Love the part where Craig dishes on Bridget.

Finally an interview with both Craig & Bridget on Fox40

The two of them are adorable as usual. Matching attire too. Peas and carrots are back!

Let It Out by Miho Fukuhara is the second ending song of the anime Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood. I haven't paid close attention to the anime's songs but this one caught my ear instantly. FMA doesn't disappoint with this ballad relating closely to the situations in the story.

LET IT OUT by Miho Fukuhara
translation by sayaka_sama@livejournal.com

Let it all out, let it all out
You don't have to act so brave
The graffiti flower that someone painted on the wall sways

Nobody knows who their real selves are
Losing and finding things in the middle of this long, long road
There are days where we feel alone and we feel like crying, but...

Change these tears and this pain into stars
Turn on the light that will shine on tomorrow
I may lose my way a little
But together, we'll create stardust and search for an eternity that glows so brightly

Let it all out, let it all out
I'm so full of weaknesses
Because I've met you, it's alright to not be good enough

What will happen "for certain"? That's what I want to know
I hid a small knife in my sock
It always hurt more to put on a brave face and lie

It's really frightening, but regardless we'll keep on living
The wind gently caresses your smiling face
We'll hold out our small hands and together
We'll create stardust and search for an eternity that glows so brightly

What should I do if I misjudge what is right?
If sad things are what's right, should I just accept it?
I thought I was lost, but then I knew you
I really am glad that you're here

Change these tears and this pain into stars
Turn on the light that will shine on tomorrow
We'll hold out our small hands and together
We'll create stardust, an eternity that glows so brightly...

Farewells may come one day
But still, the seasons will come and go
I may lose my way a little But I'll walk, I'll walk with you
That's the one thing I'll never change

It has been months since I've logged on to play and I'm so glad I was just in time for the Seeker promo. I remember AQ promoting upcoming movies before but not DVD releases (there's one for the Coraline DVD too). The best part of this Seeker promo is that it's incorporated into the game! That's right, Westland is accessible from the world of Lore! The quest involves helping Richard save Kahlan and Zedd.

Arrive in Westland and battle some D'Harans

Very nice animation on the D'Haran soldier with his 2 different attacks. He can pass off as Fane from the show.

Meet the Seeker

Fun part about the above pic is that Richard breathes!

We fight some more D'Harans, a freaky deer, and a random dragon before we arrive at the mansion where Zedd and Kahlan are held captive. Richard has an underhand and overhead strike in one turn. Oh, his sword glows but I like my sword better because it can stop time and looks much cooler.

Meet Kahlan and Zedd
Richard's friends are held captive in the mansion's stable.

Before we can get them out of their wooden cage, a gar must be defeated.

I'm fighting the gar by myself because I ran out of SP. Another nice animation on the gar. It also has 2 different attacks: a headbutt and a jump & slash. I also like that the gar uses its claws when defending.

Freeing Kahlan & Zedd

Of course the cage is magical, that's why a wizard couldn't even get out of a wooden enclosure. Thankfully, Richard's magical sword is handy.

Then back to the world of Lore with nifty rewards

The Sword of Truth is just a copy so it doesn't glow like Richard's. The Heart Hound's long and lively tail can be annoying because it makes my computer lag. I bought all the rewards but the fire spell and aum plant will probably just end up in storage.

Overall, a very nice promo quest. I was surprised though that the final enemy was a gar. A Mord'Sith would have been a better choice.

Anyways, just waiting for my DVD to arrive which I bought for $12. I love gift cards!

Sun Red Sky Blue is from Kenna's second album entitled Make Sure They See My Face. I can listen to this song all day. I'm so glad I watched an old VHS video that had the Hell Bent (another great song) music video (go Toonami: Midnight Run!) or I wouldn't have rediscovered Kenna.

Prosperity
It's the day to sign the peace treaty between Gilboa and Gath.

I consider this Silas' bad day. Even Rose's penchant for perfection doesn't ensure peace between Gath and Gilboa.
Rose: "We can change the world today so long as we provide perfection."
I believe it starts when Silas orders Abner to kill David. Silas' day turns for the worst once David is invited to the peace treaty talks. David couldn't keep his mouth shut during the luncheon but at least the Gath official was pleased with his answers. David is still full of optimism despite his mother's warning about the nature of politics. Speaking of his mother, she tells Michelle something that screams foreshadowing:
Jessie: "People with destinies, things don't go well for them. They die old and unhappy or young and unfinished."
Back to the treaty, it falls apart after the luncheon and the blame lands on David because he tries to stop the Gath officials from backing out. Silas has to deal with the consequences of the failed peace talks in addition to a problem with the treasury courtesy of William when he executes his threat in the previous episode.

Another Benjamin also has a bad day. Jack is shut out of the luncheon because of David's invitation. He reacts by inviting his buddies to go on an exorbitant shopping spree since he has access to Gilboa's treasury. I love the way he says this: "My card's been declined. Uh oh, I hope there's no problem with the treasury."
Silas solves the problem with the treasury by talking to an imprisoned former ruler in Gehenna. Abbadon used to rule half of the present kingdom of Gilboa. Their conversation is my favorite of the episode. Silas uses his great manipulative skills by showing Abbadon a picture of a woman to get what he wants. I have a suspicion the woman is Michelle. Queen Rose also tries to solve the treasury problem. She visits William and reminds him that there can be a chance for his exiled son to return. The queen and king are perfectly matched.

A new mystery crops up from a conversation between Silas and Michelle. The topic of their talk is David. He reminds Michelle of her vow which she insisted he witness. By the end of the episode, she ignores David.

As for David's assassination, I like how it's resolved. His escape from death cements that he is blessed. He doesn't even know that his life was in danger or that those two guards may have helped save his life. I should pay more attention because the scenes with the guards and the pigeons seem inconsequential but they actually have an important impact in the story. Another recurring aspect is the "Don't go" messages David keeps noticing. It easily pertains to his assassination but has a very different meaning to him.

 

[01 Goliath]