Dead Viewing: Season 8, Episode 8-"How It's Gotta Be"

***WARNING***

***You may want to stop here.***

***There will be spoilers.***

***This is not a review. It is just my thoughts as I'm watching the show.***

***I update during commercials.***
Remember, I'm just writing what I see and reacting.

MID-SEASON FINALE, Y'ALL!!!!!!

I do not like these jump abouts. They are really annoying. Rick and the Heapsters are at the Sanctuary. The Dead have been stacked up. How in the world did they do this.  The Heapsters have run away, and Carol and Jerry have rescued Rick. Back to Rick and Carl talking after they left Sidiqq at the gas station. Carl says that there has to be more to this life than just killing people. Now, back to teary-eyed Rick. With theses flashes of main characters, I'm beginning to believe one of these guys is going to die tonight, and Negan is on the move. It won't be Rick, but Carl, Carol, Ezekiel, Maggie, and Jerry look to have their heads on the chopping blocks tonight, but I think Gabriel is definitely dead as well. 

This is an awkward conversation between Enid and Aaron who are on their way to Oceanside. Where is she going? Liquor? Judith had gotten way big. Daryl thinks their trapped worked, boy is he in for a surprise. Carl is writing a letter to his father. Now, Carl is alive in the comics, but I'm thinking he is not going to make it through this episode. Tara thinks it worked, too. She is wrong, too. Aaron was injured by Cindy's grandma, and Enid shot and killed her. So, I think she is going to bite it tonight. Carl is trying to go to the sewer. Negan is now at the gate. Michonne can't believe the Saviors got out. Rick is no where close to Alexandria. Rick, Jerry, and Carol are driving toward Alexandria, and Jerry's car was just hit!!!! NOT JERRY!!!

Ezekiel is reading Jerry's letter about leaving, and now the Saviors are at the Kingdom looking for Ezekiel. Who has bounced in a hurry for someone with a bad wheel. Now to Maggie and Jesus talking about the Saviors surrendering. There is a tree in the road. She knows things have gone bad. The Saviors have them trapped. Daryl and Tara have messed it up for everybody. Oh, no the Saviors have Jerry. What is in this box? Freaking Simon. Can he die already? Dang it, Daryl. Carl is saying let them have Alexandria...for tonight. This is so messed up. I hate the Saviors so much. Ezekiel has disappeared. They are taking some of the people to the Sanctuary to clean it, the others will stay to continue producing, and the Saviors are moving into the Kingdom.  

Don't hurt Jerry!!! Surrendering their guns to Simon, or they are going to kill Jerry. I'm so sick of the Saviors always coming out on top. Now, Carl is standing up to Negan, telling him that Rick is not there. Carl is giving himself up. He just said kill me. Carl does not want to die, but he says he'll sacrifice himself for all the others. The Heapsters have escaped with their dump trucks. I don't know what is going on. Dwight and another Savior. Now, Carl is gone, and the Saviors are blowing stuff up!!!! (Side note: Khary Payton is going to be on The Talking Dead, and I'm not happy about that at all.)

Sometimes, I think that I'm not cut out to be a fan of The Walking Dead. I really get tired of all my favorites dying. Carl may have gotten hurt during the bombing. Back at the Kingdom, they are looking for Ezekiel. He is asking them to give up Ezekiel, and he is giving them 5 minutes. Eugene helped them get out, and now they are leading the herd. They killed Neal in the back seat?!!! Maggie is standing down, and she asked for the box. I can't with this mess. 

Back at Sanctuary, Eugene is waking up at midnight, and I would like to feel sorry for him, but I don't. Spineless coward. Where is Carl? Is he still inside Alexandria? What is he doing? He almost got blown up again. Tara, you and Daryl, messed up. Y'all messed up.  Daryl and Tara's group have ambushed the Saviors. The female Savior has figured out it was Dwight. Daryl, Tara, and Michonne has taken out the convoy of trucks. Carl has made it to the sewer. Negan is headed to Rick's house, and he wants them to bring him Carl unhurt.

Where are Carol and Rick? What the freak is Eugene talking about? Eugene drugged the guard to help Gabriel take the Doctor to Hilltop. What is Ezekeil doing? HE has set off a bomb and is leading his people out. Carol arrived just as he was locking the gate. He told Carol to save the people. He has been knocked out though.  Maggie is back at Hilltop, and she just capped a Savior, because of what happened to Neal. Well done, Mags! Shut up, Jesus. I feel really bad saying that. 

Tara and Daryl have guns trained on Dwight. The female Savior got away, but she is going to tell Negan. Dwight can't go back He wants to come with them. Maggie is sending the Saviors a message in a box. Wait, Morgan is at the Kingdom gate. The tool in charge is threatening to kill Ezekiel. Michonne's crew is back at Alexandria. Wait, what is Michonne doing? Rick is back at Alexandria. He is looking for Carl and Michonne, but he finds Negan and Lucille. Rick and Negan fighting, and Rick just got away. Michonne is slicing her way into Alexandria. Michonne is chopping the the living crap out of one of the Saviors. Carl got the majority of the people to the sewer safely. Carol and Ezekiel and Morgan are still alive. So is Eugene. Gabriel is barely alive. Carl is bit. He got bit in the woods when he saved Sidiq. Seriously, The Walking Dead?! All of this was for Carl, now he is going to die. I'm drained. I'm so bitter right now. Seriously, Carl has lost so much, now they are going take Carl, too. I'm just...UGH...Guys, enjoyed it, I'll see you on February 25th. Good grief...

Dead Viewing: Season 8, Episode 7-"Time for After"

***WARNING***

***You may want to stop here.***

***There will be spoilers.***

***This is not a review. It is just my thoughts as I'm watching the show.***

***I update during commercials.***
Remember, I'm just writing what I see and reacting.

Of course, we begin with naked Rick in trouble again, because he trusted the stupid trash people again. Jadis is photographing Rick for one of two reasons, she still wants to sleep with him or for ransom. So she could sculpt him? What else did she say? I hate her. 

Eugene breaking out the KWL chart, must have minored in English. Eugene now telling Dwight to stop the back-stabbery. Eugene is a mess. BTW, what is happening with Gabriel, Eugene? Eugene just wants himself safe, he claims he's Negan, but just told Dwight, he will keep his treason to himself. Female Savior says they have a day maybe two. Gabriel has multiple infections. Did he tell Gabriel that he looked like a potato and crap casserole? 

Where is Morgan? He has a bead on Daryl. ONe of Negan's wives, is reminding Eugene that he could have ended this, but he only wanted to keep himself safe.  Daryl wants to break into the sanctuary, but Rosita doesn't want to be a part of this. She thinks its going to fail.

Negan and Eugene meeting. Negan telling him how smart he is and how he knows how smart Eugene is. Tells Eugene that he respects him. What is Eugene doing? What is his speaker leading him to do? They brought Sasha's coffin back? Is he going to use the ipod to fix the boom box? I'm thinking this side trip by Daryl is a mistake. It has fail written all over it. Michonne doesn't think it is a good idea. She is bailing on Daryl, too. 

Eugene is trying to lead the walkers away with his little airplane device, but someone is behind him, is that Dwight? Yep, it's Dwight. Eugene is such a turd. Just former traveling companions. Dwight killed the glider instead of Eugene. This is going to be bad, so bad. Well, maybe not too bad, the walkers are in the building. Eugene you better run dude. Eugene is gone. He only cares about surviving. He is about to give up Dwight. The intercom system? Eugene makes me sick. Now, he's drinking himself sick. I can't with this guy...

Making Rick fight another monster, and he defeated the monster and attacked Jadis. HE has its face right in hers. Took her down a peg. Rick wants to kill Negan by him by himself. He has her agreeing to a fourth of the plunder, but Rick and the Heapsters arrive at the Sanctuary, somebody is hanging from the water tower, no snipers are answering, and the lot is empty thanks to Daryl and Tara.  Mid-season finale next week y'all!!!

Dead Viewing: Season 8, Episode 6-"The King, the Widow, and Rick"

***WARNING***

***You may want to stop here.***

***There will be spoilers.***

***This is not a review. It is just my thoughts as I'm watching the show.***

***I update during commercials.***
Remember, I'm just writing what I see and reacting.

Welcome back, everybody! So it looks like Rick is off to visit the Junkyard Gang. Everybody looks worse for wear. So we are visiting all the compounds tonight. Maggie left a note for Rick, and Carol sent a note to Maggie. They are still talking over everything. Aaron and Gracie have arrived at Hilltop. They are meeting at Sanctuary in two days. Rick Still thinks the plan is working. Why are the heap people walking around naked?  The heapsters have a visitor. I'm thinking it is Rick. They got these Saviors lined up outside, and Jesus is feeding them. Gregory, man, nobody is listening to you. LOL, Maggie putting him in his place, "Go inside, Gregory." Man, Jesus is really still with saving these Saviors. Dude, talking to the wrong person.

Jerry is still on his post. Even though, Ezekiel has told him he can go. I love Jerry. FYI, Cooper Andrews, who plays Jerry, had a small role on S.W.A.T. Thursday night. Zeke still won't come out of his auditorium.  Jadis is so annoying. She is wondering why Rick is there after she shot him. Grazed him, Rick says. Rick is trying to get the heapsters on their side. Who is this clown of a right hand man?  You made your bed, Jadis. 

Gregory, why are you still talking? Maggie cannot stand Gregory, the sell-out. He is trying to turn Maggie against Jesus. Michonne trying to leave. Tara trying to leave with Dwight. The Saviors trying to get into Jesus' head, while they are keeping them outside the walls of the Hilltop. They should really smoke those fools.

Michonne and Rosita out "taking a look." Michonne is worried about Rick. Why are you out of the car? What is this weird sound they are hearing? Where is this music coming from? A Walker shish kebab chasing a bag, and the dude from the gas station kills it. Carl, be careful with this dude, Sadiq. Carl, why are you out here, and when did your sneak out? Sadiq looks like a more buff Aziz Ansari. He has killed 237 walkers and one person. He kills the walkers to try to save their souls to honor his parents. This little kid from the Kingdom is out here practicing. Why do these kids follow Carol? He wants to help Carol kill the people from the Sanctuary. At least he wants to fight unlike Sam. He might gonna die. Carol is like the pied piper of kids. They just willingly follower her to death.

Enid why are you out here? Wait...what? Maggie, what are you doing? That looks like a make-shift pigpen. Gregory, "We can't have people we don't trust running around." "I know." She is putting Gregory in the pigpen with the Saviors. Jared needs to die already. Just die. I hate this dude. What does care see? What Carl, why y'all messing with these walkers. Oh, Lord here come more. Why Carl, why? You just met Sadiq, and you almost got him killed. Where are Rosita and Michonne? This looks like the bullet factory that Eugene and Abraham found. This is an area Rick doesn't know about, and now they know that Michonne and Rosita are there. Really, girl.  Rosita just lost her gun. The girl Savior is fighting Michonne, and Rosita is after the guy savior, annnnnnnnnnd she just blew the other dude to kingdom come. Rosita, just made this dude evaporate with a bazooka. The girl Savior got away, but Daryl took her out with a dump truck, and a couple of bullets. 

Carol is ready to blast her way in to see Ezekiel, but Jerry tells her it's open. Zeke is broken. He just wants Carol to leave him be. Awwww, Zeke said that Carol made him feel real not fiction. She is telling him that it has to be him. He has to lead them to help them grieve and move on. She reminds him. If he can't be the King, then just act like you are the king. He still doesn't feel like he can. Aaron is still grieving Eric. Jesus wants to thank Maggie. Aaron is headed back out, and Enid is headed out with him. Looks like Jadis has Rick captured and naked. Wow... We are going to find out who the cross over character is going to be. Until next week.

Dead Viewing: Season 8, Episode 5 "The Big Scary U"

***WARNING***

***You may want to stop here.***

***There will be spoilers.***

***This is not a review. It is just my thoughts as I'm watching the show.***

***I update during commercials.***
Remember, I'm just writing what I see and reacting.

Yeah, I'm still recovering from last week and the death of Shiva, and now, we have to deal with Gabriel and his stupid decision to help Gregory. Speak of the devil. Flashback to Gregory in the Sanctuary, where I believe he should have died. Simon is an annoyance. Man, Gregory deserves to die. Seriously, this is the dude Gabriel risked his life for. Gregory says he doesn't like to kill people. Negan says he likes to kill people. Oddly enough, Negan and Rick have similar ideas. Dwight leaves the room for a smoke, probably to signal Daryl.  Did Gregory really believe that he was still in charge of the Hilltop?  Seriously, the nickname the Widow is perfect for Maggie. Gregory is the wussiest wuss who ever entered wussdom. Simon is always for kill somebody. I don't think I could work for Negan. He wants to capture the leaders (Maggie, Ezekiel, and Rick) and kill them very publicly. Now, here we are where the season began. Crap, I had forgotten about Eugene. Seriously, Gabriel you had a gun. Negan calls him a big baby.  Please don't tell me this is going to be an hour long rap session between Negan and Gabriel. 

Negan calls Rick an a**hole to which Gabriel responds that Negan is an a**hole. Truth. Thank you! Even Negan thinks Gabriel is stupid for trying to save Gregory. Gabriel feels there was a reason for him to save Gregory. Negan, thinks Gabriel is creepy. For a second time, I agree with Negan. Then, Gabriel gives him a creepy smile and says he's there to take Negan's confession. Boy, bye...

Rick and Daryl look like a raggedy tag team from the NWA days. The Savior who was driving the Humvee, just informed Rick that only Zeke, Carol, and Jerry were the only survivors from the Kingdom. Then, Rick put a knife in his head. Negan believes that a lot of people are going to die without him leading. Negan, of course, is just as creepy as Gabriel by telling Gabe that he pleasured himself where he is sitting. 

The remaining Saviors are plotting, and Regina is plotting to kill some of the workers. Eugene is making better suggestions, so she suggests that they use Eugene. This other random dude has figured out that one of their own has set them up. Dwight has gotten ballsy since the real Negan "maybe" dead. He challenges them to stop back biting and get out of the Sanctuary. Simon buys the bravo, but then again, Simon believed Gregory, but Eugene looks hella suspicious of Dwight.

Eugene and Dwight make a heck of team. He took over from the previous leader by making them "strong." Now, he wants to make Gabriel strong and find his purpose. This dude Gabriel is still trying to get Negan to confess. Gabriel went to far, and now the walkers are breaking through.

Rick and Daryl are fighting now.  Daryl wants to kill everybody, Rick is all nah, we got a plan. Rick is kind of tripping now. Daryl and Rick are really rolling around on the ground fighting while the guns are in a vehicle that is on fire, and nooooowwwww, explosion. Guns are gone.  This cannot end well with Daryl and Rick walking in opposite directions.  Negan is trying to convince Gabriel to come out and walk across the courtyard. Now, he is confessing his greatest sin to Negan. Negan is confessing about his real wife. He is telling how he could not put her down at the end. I love how he just punched Gabriel dead in the face for saying that he is forgiven.  Ugh, I hate it when they do the dead guts thing. I wonder what the fish people are up to...

These are some rank looking walkers. Where have they been? Gabe and Negan are not having an easy time getting through these walkers. Uh-oh falling zombies. The Workers are not playing anymore. The Workers are saying they are tripping. Simon is trying to keep them in line, and Regina killed one of the workers. And who shows up, Negan and Gabriel. Negan has some of the second best lines. Abraham always had the best. I don't know why he always has to talk about his junk, but here we are.  They are taking Gabriel to number 2, and I don't recall that place. I hope it isn't where they kept Daryl, and I definitely don't need to "Easy Street," again.  We only have seven minute left.

Eugene sees the paint on the bag. Eugene knows now that Dwight is the one who is helping Rick and the Crew.  Rick is on the road alone, and wait a minute, where did a helicopter come from? Eugene has been put in charge of finding the mole. Who is this watching Rick? Gabriel is where Daryl was.  Has Gabriel been bitten? So many questions that will not be answered until next week!!! See you then!!!!

Dead Viewing: Season 8, Episode 4-“Some Guy”

***WARNING***

***You may want to stop here.***

***There will be spoilers.***

***This is not a review. It is just my thoughts as I'm watching the show.***

***I update during commercials.***
Remember, I'm just writing what I see and reacting.

Evening, y’all! Is this a flashback to the beginning of the fighting with Ezekiel preparing for battle? This must be a flashback. Ezekiel’s dreads are starting to bother me. Jerry always looks like he began he day with a piece of cobbler. Dude, Ezekiel with these damn speeches. They are great, but man, every week beginning with one of the leaders giving a speech. Back to reality, all of Ezekiel’s crew is dead except him. They protected him. Now, they are turning, and he is surrounded by them.

Where are Jerry and Shiva? Did Carol get into the building okay. Okay, Ezekiel is hurt. There are a few of them still alive. Okay this group of Saviors are not playing. They have military grade machine guns. Carol has made it into the building safely so far. She is hiding in a corner from the Saviors. Carol took out all of those dudes by herself!!! Wait she did not get them all! There are more! Carol is ghosted. Zeke's rescuer is picked off by this weirdo Jeffrey Dahmer looking dude. Ezekiel and Jerry are on The Talking Dead tonight. That's cannot be good...

So, the Jeffery Dahmer creep is holding  Zeke hostage, while Caorl is stalking the Saviors. This dude mocking Zeke's "sheep" while he blindly follows Negan. This guy is going to make Ezekiel go all Morgan in a minute. Carol just going about her business Caroling...

This dude has got to go. He has got to die. I don't know what his name is but Zeke has got to kill him. I'm tired of him threatening Zeke. There's Jerry! My boy!!!! Taking out serial killer!!! Zeke tells Jerry that he does not have to call him your majesty. He says dude yes I Do. Meanwhile, Carol is still Caroling away, taking out Saviors. I love Jerry. Please don't let him die tonight. Carol sees Zeke and Jerry in trouble. During this commercial break, let me say that there are too many commercials. Random thought: I wonder what the fish people on the coast are up to?

Flashback: Carol and Ezekiel talking about fighting. Zeke explaining again how he has become the king he has. If you are asked to be the hero, be the hero. Carol tells him that she decided to be who she is. Jerry is still alive.  So is Zeke, Carol saves them both, but it looks like the Saviors are escaping with the guns. Zeke wants to get a message to Rick, but Carol says that they didn't get the guns, and she is smiling because she hears Daryl's bike. Rick and Daryl have caught up to the gun runners. Rick and Daryl are going to take this Humvee with a motorcycle and a 1990s Jeep Wrangler. The truck goes off the road, but Rick bailed before it crashed. Let's go see if this a**hole is alive, Rick Grimes.

Zeke wants them to leave him, because he is injured and slowing down. What the heck kind of zombies are these? Zeke just broke character, and told Jerry he is just some dude. Shiva saves Ezekiel one final time before the walkers surround her and kill her. Only three return to the kingdom: Jerry, Ezekiel, and Carol. We see into the Saviors side next week. Pouring one out for Shiva, y'all next week. See you, next week...

Dead Viewing: Season 8, Episode 3-"Monsters"

***WARNING***

***You may want to stop here.***

***There will be spoilers.***

***This is not a review. It is just my thoughts as I'm watching the show.***

***I update during commercials.***

Zeke beginning the episode with a speech before they are surrounded by Saviors? Well, that escalated quickly. Temporarily, held hostage before some other part of the group mowed down the Saviors. Seriously, Shiva just wanders around unleashed all willy-nilly.  Zeke scares me sometimes.

Morales doesn't trust Rick. He just called Rick a monster. They don't kill Rick, the widow (Maggie), and the King (Zeke). Don't kill the leaders, I guess Negan is now Voldemort. I just saw a cutie shooting with our guys. Eric isn't dead yet. Eric is telling Aaron that he needs to leave him and go back to the fight. Such sadness, Eric might be a walker by the time he gets back. Aaron and Eric declaring their love before Eric sends him back into the battle. He'll be a zombie later. I just know. Tara pretending to take shots at the Savior hostages. I need Morgan just to kill this dude already. I don't understand why Jesus wants to save these members of Negan's cult. They are psychopaths. Morales' family never made it to Birmingham. Tell him, Rick! Negan killed Glenn in front of his wife. I hate that dude. Morales, you are nothing like Rick. Seriously, Morales. He has killed people who has threatened him with far worse. Daryl dropped Morales like a sack of potatoes. Daryl is like forget that crap dude. He is dead to me-literally and figuratively.

This dude has got to go. Talking crap about Morgan wearing Benjamin's armor. The escapees are just giving Morgan a reason to kill them. Really, Jesus?! Stop it, please!!! Morgan has been to this. Well, I wasn't expecting that!! Morgan attacking Jesus!!! Wow!!

Meanwhile, Zeke and them just taking out Saviors in between speeches. Jesus just beat Morgan, really? Morgan is losing it again. Morgan says he's not right, but he's not wrong, Tara says that he is right. Did the Saviors dip?

I would not let Gregory in, and Maggie says he's not worth killing yet. Gregory is a pain in the behind, but I'm with him on this one. Lots of turned people, where is Eric? Yep, he's a walker. I'm sorry Aaron. Poor Aaron. They saved baby Gracie, and Aaron is taking her to the Hilltop.

Who's shooting at Rick and Daryl? Who is this person? Sounds like a kid. Why is Rick taking all of these pictures. Who is this dork? Did this dude really just ask could he go? Daryl just dropping people tonight. Zeke and Carol. Man...Scattered too late. Several members of the kingdom are dead, but they protected their king. See ya, next week!!

Dead Viewing: Season 8, Episode 2-"The Damned"

***WARNING***

***You may want to stop here.***

***There will be spoilers.***

***This is not a review. It is just my thoughts as I'm watching the show.***

***I update during commercials.***

Wondering if Gabriel has used his pooping pants yet...should have left Gregory. Welcome Back, everyone to episode 2. Here we go....

Are they going to spend the whole season opening on Rick's eyes? Now Daryl's. Now Ezekiel  is down. Something bad has happened. Carol is down, too. The Alexandrians and the Hilltops are not down. These are the Saviors. Uh-oh, somebody's not reporting back. Rick and the Crew are taking our another Savior check point!!! There is so much going on this season, and I still have so many questions. FYI, there is literally not a single Savior I would miss, not one.

Daryl, Morgan, Jesus,Morgan, and Carol are trying to take the weather station again. Morgan is awful damn cocky. Oh, the explosion from the grenades from last week is why they were down. Jerry says protect the king. The king says protect yourselves. Ezekiel with his Medieval  talk, he is a handsome man, but at times, I just want him to shut up, and he sent that kid to get Shiva. Nah, man, I'm good. What place is this where Rick and the others are? What is Morgan...Oh, Diana with the arrows. Bye-bye, Saviors. How did... Seriously how did Morgan get in here? Just found out that the incompetent Savior was the kid who played Minkus in Boy Meets World. This female Savior is talking a lot of noise for someone hiding behind a Cherokee.  THERE IS SO MUCH DEATH AND DESTRUCTION RIGHT NOW!!!!! Luckily, none of our guys.

Daryl and Rick are on the forth floor of the building. Our groups have met up. Jesus was taken hostage briefly by a dude named Dean after Tara said to kill him, and Dean had peed his pants on purpose. What is Morgan doing? I know he was playing dead but...

Jerry is like Gimli in The Lord of the Rings. Zeke is turning into Season 1 and 2 Tony Gonzalez. A little annoying with all the drops, but cute, so I give him a pass. Carol really has a STFU look on her face right now. Be careful, Daryl. Is this where they held Daryl hostage? Is this Negan's brothel? Who is this!!! C'mon Rick!!!! Well, that's one way to take them out. Morgan is just capping everything that is moving? Tara and Jesus's group have captured a group of Saviors. Tara is all for capping them. Jesus is holding them hostage. MOrgan arrives to the bright sunlight with Rick's words from the church playing in his brain. Morgan is about to cap this dude that took his staff. Morgan is right. He tried rehabbing monsters. They don't rehab easily.

Rick is about to lose it over this baby crib. Who was Gracie? Maybe the dude who Rick just killed. Keep it together, Rick. Somebody is bleeding near Carol and Ezekiel's group. There is Shiva. Two Alexandriains have been shot. I think Aaron's boyfriend is going to be next. Way to go with the car, Aaron!!! Oh, no. Eric has been shot. 

Ezekiel and Shiva. Carol and Zeke make a cute couple. Is that a picture of Glenn?  Is this the same guy from season 1? Morales?  What the crap dude? Rick is captured. Looks like Daryl maybe, too. Eric is shot, and Morgan and Jesus are at a stand off. I really don't like all of this staring business. Morales has a gun...See you next week!!!!

Dead Viewing: Season 8, Episode 1-"Mercy"

***WARNING***

***You may want to stop here.***

***There will be spoilers.***

***This is not a review. It is just my thoughts as I'm watching the show.***

***I update during commercials.***

What's up, y'all?! I'm back. Yeah, I'm still not doing football posts, but I am back in action for The Walking Dead! Well, I'm partially back in action. The season change is playing fast and loose with my sinuses, and the Benedryl may kick in at any moment, but I'm going to try to soldier on, guys.

Tonight is the 100th episode of our favorite show, and I have heard that it will be AWE-SOME!!!! Now, there has always been hype before, and it made us go, "meh," but after that last episode (which I'm rewatching now). I have high expectations. Let's hope none of our fair favorites die tonight. Negan's is that a tiger? face will never not be funny. Still miss Abraham, Glenn, and Sasha! 

Here we go!!!! Of course we open on Rick and a cane? Are we at a funeral? I hope this isn't one of those artsy episodes. Everybody getting ready to take out Negan. Are Daryl and Dwight passing notes? Yup. Rick giving one of his speeches. What is Tara writing and where is she getting these Twizzlers? Shiva just chilling in the back of a pickup truck. Rick, Ezekiel, and Maggie leading their people to battle. Are they just gonna talk? Are those Abraham and Glenn's graves or new ones? I hate these artsy episodes. Just tell the dang story.

I forgot that I need Jadis to die, too. Who is this trying to hope that Carl won't shoot him? This calls back to the first episode with the little girl. Carl. Rick is like I don't trust anybody anymore.  Daryl is taking out the lookouts. I guess his is getting intel from Dwight. Well, Morgan is helping to kill?  That's a shocker. Guess Morgan has gone full-Rick. Judith finally aged!!! So, how much time has passed? Rosita is ticked that she could not go. They are just taking out Saviors right and left. Rick just stabs dude who talks smack. They are going to stop threatening Carl. Annnnnnd that is why a walker is now eating him.

Maggie is still not showing? This time line is messed up. They have turned the RV into a tank. Seriously, how much time has passed? They love wasting bullets. Negan kills me the way he walks. How dare you interrupt Negan's meeting. This flashforward stuff what is it?
Now, back to the action. Rick is offering sanctuary to Negan's men. Gregory...that little turd. I hate that dude is a mess. I hate that dude. He really thinks that he is still in charge. No sympathy for Gregory. Yes, Jesus! The Hilltop stands with Maggie! Simon is ticked. Enjoy your trip, Gregory. That tumble is the least of his problems. A countdown Rick. So, Rick has lost all of his chill. Carol is still not entirely with the program. Maggie shooting that pistol reminds me of that Harlem Nights scene with Arsenio Hall. Bye to the RV...Rick is too focused. Don't save that dude. Gregory is going to get Gabriel killed. That son of ....I HATE GREGORY!!!!! 

So Carl went back and took that dude food. Gabriel got left behind. Sanctuary is over run, and Gabriel just ran into Negan. What is this flash forward business? What is this Rick? What is this? I'm so confused. Well, at least no one we loved died tonight...Until next week, y'all...

I am Taking a Knee...

Friends, Americans, Countrymen lend me your ears. I come to support Colin Kaepernick. Now many of you are angry because this man and several other NFL players kneeled during the National Anthem. Even our president has taken time from not talking about the devastation in the American territory of Puerto Rico to take these athletes to task and demanding that owners fire the son of a b****. My fellow Americans, you are mad about their act, but not the act they are protesting. Our country is not perfect and it never has been. There has been many evil things done under the mantel of the flag. I’m not here for that. As Americans, it is our duty to point out and attempt to fix problems in this country. U.S. Police officers have killed over 700 citizens this year alone. 963 were killed by police officers last year. Look at this 2015 stat. In England in 24 YEARS, there were only 55 fatal police shootings. In 2015, American police officers had 54 fatal shootings in the first 24 days of the year. Folks, that is a problem. In many of those cases, nothing outside of termination or suspension happened to them. Some have committed flat out murder and are still on the job. That is a problem. They need better training and support. This is what those men are protesting. To the dude who tried to throw out that Pat Tillman didn’t die for them to kneel, understand something, our government covered up the truth about Tillman’s friendly fire death. His family had to fight for the truth beneath a government created image. At the end of the day, my point is forced patriotism is not patriotism...

So, I will be taking a knee for the remainder of the football season. You really have no idea how hard this is for me to not partake in the watching a sport I love, especially when my team is performing well. I know that some of you will not return to my little site after this. That's okay. No hard feelings. This is larger than that. I will be watching Harry Potter and ID Network tomorrow. I will be back on October 22 for the premiere of my weekly live blog of The Walking Dead.

Until next time, “Nationalism is not to be confused with patriotism. Both words are normally used in so vague a way that any definition is liable to be challenged, but one must draw a distinction between them, since two different and even opposing ideas are involved. By ‘patriotism’ I mean devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one believes to be the best in the world but has no wish to force on other people. Patriotism is of its nature defensive, both militarily and culturally. Nationalism, on the other hand, is inseparable from the desire for power. The abiding purpose of every nationalist is to secure more power and more prestige, not for himself but for the nation or other unit in which he has chosen to sink his own individuality.”― George Orwell

NFL Week 2: Uhm, What Just Happened

Well that was...something. Week one in the NFL was definitely one of those any given Sundays. First the Chiefs smacked the Patriots on opening night. Then, the Rams dropped 46 on the Colts. The Saints struggled on a Monday Night Football against the Vikings. The Bengals didn't even show up against the Ravens.

The Raiders, Cowboys, and Broncos looked really good in their first week, and you really have no idea how difficult it was for me to even say that statement. The Bills and the Lions also played well in week one, and the Falcons did not show much evidence of the Super Bowl meltdown during week one. 

The Dolphins and Buccaneers are both beginning their season after they had to postpone their game due to Hurricane Irma. Then there is this...LA will host not one, but two games today for the first time in over 23 years. Atlanta will open their 1.5 billion dollar stadium tonight on Sunday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers. The Patriots and the Saints are both trying to right the ship and not go 0-2 in New Orleans today.

I didn't perform all that well during week one. First, I forgot to predict the Thursday Night Game, and second, well, my picks left something to be desired. I did a respectable 7-7 in week one, but I have, and I expect better this week.

Sunday, September 17
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore

Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers: Carolina

Arizona Cardinals at Indianapolis Colts: Arizona

Philadelphia Eagles at Kansas City Chiefs: Kansas City

New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints: New England

Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers: Pittsburgh

Chicago Bear at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tampa Bay

Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers: Los Angeles

New York Jets at Oakland Raiders: Oakland

Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos: Dallas

Washington Redskins at Los Angeles Rams: Washington

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: Seattle

Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons: Green Bay

Monday, September 18
Detroit Lions at New York Giants: Detroit

Monday, September 18
Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers: Los Angeles

That's all, folks. Until next week, "Success is not a good teacher, failure makes you humble."-Shah Rukh Khan

NFL Week One: Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!!!

Welcome back, everybody!!! I know that I haven't posted since the 20th Anniversary of the Harry Potter series. Still a little rusty. Plus, I've started a new job for the second time in two years. Why? I'm a mess mostly, but I've also started working at a college which is sooooooo much more awesome!!!

This is the eighth year that I have been writing about a lot of unnecessary stuff. Much like last year, I'll not only be posting about the NFL, but I will be here to live blog my favorites The Walking Dead and Stranger Things.  I'm not one hundred percent certain that I will make it through the entire season of American Horror Story: Cult. I'm starting to lose interest in the series. For now let's talk about the NFL.

The biggest story in the NFL this off season was not so much who moved where, who drafted whom, nor who will be suspended again this season. Nope, the biggest story since last preseason has and continues to be Colin Kaepernick, but I'm not discussing this here today. I will devote another post to that issue.

There are a host of new head coaches hoping to take their teams in a new direction. You have Vance Joseph in Denver, Anthony Lynn in Los Angeles (Chargers), Doug Marrone in Jacksonville, Sean McDermott in Buffalo, Sean McVay in Los Angeles (Rams), and Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco. You have many new faces in new places among the player rankings, too. Brandon Cooks showed his value on opening night as he starts his career in New England. After many years with Minnesota, Adrian Peterson is banking on showing he still has gas in New Orleans. Fans as well as Jeremy Maclin were shocked when the Chiefs released the veteran receiver, but he found a new home in Baltimore. Marshawn Lynch is trying to help his hometown Raiders rise to the top of the AFC West. Victor Cruz left the East Coast for the midwest with a new start in Chicago. Not to mention, Jay Cutler's brief retirement before heading to Miami after Ryan Tannehill went down with an injury. Even former players made some moves in the offseason. Tony Romo is moving to the CBS broadcast booth pushing Phil Simms to the NFL Today who also hired Nate Burleson to replace Bart Scott who was let go. Tony Gonzalez left CBS for FOX who will be joined by Michael Vick. Steve Smith is headed to the NFL Network.

Did you see opening night? DID YOU SEE WHAT MY CHIEFS DID TO THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS ON OPENING NIGHT? I didn't write this post earlier because I didn't want to jinx my boys, but was that an opening night or what? That debut of Kareem Hunt! If you had taken a shot every time Cris Collinsworth reminded us that he fumbled on his first play, you would have been drunk by halftime, but way to go Kareem in overcoming that bumpy start! Also, Alex Smith showing us all his deep ball threat. Patrick Mahomes may be the future, but Alex showed that he is the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. You'll get your chance rookie, but not this year. The only bad news from the game was the loss of Pro Bowl Safety Eric Berry. Best Wishes, EB, we will you back next season.

So, the Patriots began the season with undefeated hopes, which were dashed by the Kansas City Chiefs, but I have no doubt that the Pats and Brady will be making their annual appearance in the post season. Atlanta, what in the world happened to y'all in the Super Bowl? So, who am I picking this year. My annual mistakes that's what. Here we go...

NFC East: Dallas 
NFC South: Carolina (division rarely has a repeat winner)
NFC North: Green Bay 
NFC West: Seattle
Wildcards: New York, New Orleans

AFC East: New England
AFC South: Houston
AFC North: Pittsburgh
AFC West: Kansas City
Wildcards: Denver, Baltimore

NFC Champ: Green Bay                  AFC Champ: Kansas City
Super Bowl Champs: Kansas City

Look I like picking oddly. What better oddly than the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.

Well, traditionally, I do better in the regular season than the post. Last year, I finished the regular season with a 164-89 record. So, here are my Week One Picks.

I finished the regular season 164-89 record.

Sunday, September 10
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills: New York

Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears: Atlanta

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals: Baltimore

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns: Pittsburgh

Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions: Arizona

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans: Houston

Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans: Oakland

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins: Washington

Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams: Indianapolis

Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers: Green Bay

Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers: Carolina

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys: New York

Monday, September 11
New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings: New Orleans

Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos: Denver

Miami and Tampa Bay has been postponed due to Hurricane Irma. Prayers to those in Florida and Houston.

That's it, guys. Until next week, “The beautiful journey of today can only begin when we learn to let go of yesterday.” ― Steve Maraboli

Happy 20th Anniversary, Harry Potter!!!!

"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Welcome back, everybody!!! It has been a while since I have written a post.  I thought that today would be a great day to write one because today is the 20th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. On this day in 1997, Harry Potter and his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger were first introduced to the world, and a mad kind of fandom was  born.  The novel had been rejected by 12 publishers before Scholastic decided to take a chance with J. K. Rowling and her boy wizard. 

“I am what I am, an’ I’m not ashamed. 'Never be ashamed,’ my ol’ dad used ter say, ‘there’s some who’ll hold it against you, but they’re not worth botherin’ with.”

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Frankly, I was much like those rejecting publishers, I had heard of the book, but truly didn't pay much attention, because I was busy interviewing for a job after graduating from college. (Fun Fact: Two of my favorite fandoms were born in 1997:  Tony Gonzalez was drafted by the Chiefs, and Harry Potter was published. 1997 was a great year!!!) Besides, it was a kids novel, and I was beyond that. I was too busy trying to reread Romeo and Juliet, The Crucible, and Of Mice and Men, as I began my career as a High School teacher.  Who had time for a book about a little boy wizard?

“There are some things you can't share without ending up liking each other, and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them.”

– J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Fast forward to 2005, almost 10 years later, I am now four years into my third teaching job (the one that was supposed to last one year but lasted fifteen).  Every year, my senior class would have to write a literary research paper.  I would have them pick from a long list of texts that were pre-chosen by me. The list included works by Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Nathaniel Hawthorne, JRR Tolkien, William Shakespeare to name a few.  One of my seniors (CHS Class of 2006) asked if he could do Harry Potter for his research paper. I actually laughed out loud before I answered him and with absolutely no pretense, told him no.  He asked me why not. I'm scrambling because seriously, you could not BS this group of kids. My legit answer was because it was not yet a part of the highly revered "literary canon." Another student asked why not? I responded that it was too new and not many literary criticisms had been written about them. Besides, I continued, you guys can only write about novels I have read. There was a literal collective gasp, because these students had grown up with Harry Potter and could not fathom that I had not read any of them. Keep in mind, I taught three preps, I was reading approximately 12 novels a year just to keep up with these classes. That, however, did not deter them. They challenged me to read the series. I told them I would, but I really had no plans to until they kept checking up on me.

“Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery.” 

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

So, I relented, and I went to our school library checked out all of the available novels from the library, there was still a waiting list from some of those novels, but as a teacher, I could jump the line. (perks). I left school for Christmas break armed with the first six novels courtesy of the library and another student who loaned me Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I read all 6 novels over Christmas vacation. I literally could not put them down. I devoured ever page as they were my favorite potato chips, just aimlessly, following page after page with Harry, Hermione, and Ron on their various adventures.

“We teachers are rather good at magic, you know.” 

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I met the professors:  Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, Sybill Trelawney, and the revolving door of Defense against the Dark Arts teachers. I identified with all of these teachers at one point of other in my teaching career. I liked Snape because, he always wore black, he was a bit snarky, and he really was the only one who would keep Harry in check. I told someone one time who said that Snape was unreasonably hard on Harry to the point of bullying. First I reminded them of all the stuff Dumbledore did to Harry, then I reminded them, that a lot of times teachers are the hardest on the students they see the most potential in, and they feel like they are wasting it, but I digress. 

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” 

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

By the time I finished Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince, I could not believe there was nothing else, but I was sure of something. I was sure that Harry was a horcrux, and it was one of the few times that I could not wait for vacation to be over, so I could discuss my theories with my students. When we started back, most were impressed that I was finished with all of the books in a two week period. We discussed favorite characters, theories, characters who we were sad to see go, and characters we would not miss. We discussed the horcruxes, and this novice Potterhead discussed my theory about Harry and how Dumbledore more or less tells Harry this in Chamber of Secrets. We all loved the books for different reasons, but in the end, we all loved these books. We also agreed that waiting another whole year for the Deathly Hallows was going to be a misery.

“No story lives unless someone wants to listen. The stories we love best do live in us forever. So whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.” 

― J.K. Rowling

Thanks to the Class of 2006, I have been hooked on Potter ever since. A couple of them, who of course had graduated by then, contacted me on Facebook after I finished The Deathly Hallows. Now, my students have challenged me to read series before Percy Jackson-hated it, Hunger Games-loved it, Twilight-hated it (y'all know that), and Lemony Snicket-hated it.  None of those series resonate with me the way the Harry Potter books do. I do try to read other works every year. I challenge myself to read at least 15-20 books a year, because as a teacher, I have to read so much for work, that reading for pleasure some times takes a back seat. I try to read the series every other year. 

“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” 

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

I love this series for many, many reasons, (and yes, Snape has always been one of my favorite characters), but it teaches young people about standing up for what's right even if it isn't popular. It teaches friendship, love, and acceptance. My favorite characters:

Harry-because of his sheer determination. He overcomes so many tragedies, and on more than one occasion willing to sacrifice himself for others.

Hermione-because I was Hermione in school. Not the know it all, except with my friends, but the girl who always knew the library was the place to go find the answer, and I was fiercely devoted to my friends.

Luna-because she was unabashedly herself. She was not afraid to be different in a world that was already so vastly different. 

Fred and George-the twins who could find humor in a funeral. I was truly heartbroken when Fred died, and I cry every time.

“You're a prefect? Oh Ronnie! That's everyone in the family!"

"What are Fred and I? Next door neighbors?” 

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Snape-Yeah, yeah, yeah, he was a jerk, yes, he was abusive to Harry, yes, he took out his anger over James on Harry. I still liked him. He was snarky, so am I, and sometimes, Harry was little know it all jerk who deserved it. There, I said it!!! In the end though, when you find out about his devotion to Lily, you go back to all those little moments throughout the novel when you knew at the end of the day, he was going to protect Lily's baby.

McGonagall-The stern protector of Hogwarts and her students. She always saw their potential and would not accept anything but the best from them.

My favorite novel in the series: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Even though, we lost a lot of our favorites in this novel, so many secrets were revealed, especially the Lily and Snape storyline. 

My least favorite: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I like to call this one Harry Potter and the Nonstop Teenage Angst. Harry was at his most annoying in this novel. I seriously wanted to punch him myself or at least turn him over to Voldemort. Sheesh. I know he was recovering from the trauma of Goblet of Fire, but geez kid!! Oh, and Sirius was just as annoying, plus I didn't like the writing in this one. I don't know why, it is the only one I feel this way about.

“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.” 

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

You noticed that Dumbledore is not on my list of favorite characters. In my mind, he is like Glinda the good witch, Gandalf the Grey, and Haymitch Abernathy. Why? Hey, inexperienced kid, I'm going to send you on a perilous journey, I may show up from time to time to help you out, you may die to accomplish this mission, and I more than okay with that. You know grand scheme of things and all. I did agree with Dumbledore on one thing. “One can never have enough socks," said Dumbledore. "Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn't get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books.” ― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

“We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.” 

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

In the end, J.K. Rowling masterfully created a world that even in its darkest moments, you still want to visit. She gave a generation of children and adults a wonderful series that when you are reading it, it feels like you are visiting an old friend. Thank you, Ms. Rowling for giving us the most wondrous world of Harry Potter!!! Happy Anniversary, Harry Potter!!!!

“Dumbledore watched her fly away, and as her silvery glow faded he turned back to Snape, and his eyes were full of tears.

"After all this time?"

"Always," said Snape.” 

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows