Sunday, June 28, 2015
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
"A.D. The Bible Continues" (Season Finale) Ep. 12 Review (6/21/15)
Well, this past Sunday was interesting. By interesting... I mean, WTF? Well, I'll tell you why I say WTF? to this episode. Anyway...
Hi, I'm the Whatsoever Critic. I review just about anything.
This past Father's Day was the season finale of A.D. The Bible Continues.
This should be where the rumored abomination should come to pass- the statue of Caligula going to the Temple, and people trying to stop the abomination from happening. However, how the abomination is handled is not the way that many of us had anticipated. So today, I will go through this episode in this review.
This is the season finale of A.D. The Bible Continues.
The episode begins with word spreading that the statue of Caligula has arrived. And Pilate orders that the statue be put into the Temple, whether Caiaphas wishes it or not. Pilate also tells Caiaphas that Leah was the one that told him about how the Ethiopians were helping the rebels that are wanting to kill Romans. Caiaphas immediately lies that he knew about Leah having info about the Ethiopians, despite not being amused by her actions.
So Pilate and Caiaphas have already drawn a line between them... What about everyone else?
The disciples debate on whether or not to flee from Jerusalem. Simon refuses to abandon the Temple, but John and the others say otherwise, saying that Jesus had warned them about this day, saying that it was to bring destruction and havoc.
Just then, James is called to come see Caiaphas. Some of the disciples still question Caiaphas offering them sanctuary of religious freedom, but James doesn't want to jump to conclusions just yet.
-Yeah, remember Caiaphas' public speech to band together as allies against the abomination that was to come? That speech was made in the previous episode. Therefore, I can understand that there's so much urgency to bring everyone together at a time like this.
Meanwhile, at a large house (somewhere), we learn that Pilate's centurion Cornelius (I wasn't too sure of this guy's name at first) lives here, as he kneels in front of his altar. And then he recalls what Johanna had said to him before he was ordered by Pilate to execute her:
Johanna: "In the name of Christ, I forgive you."
Just then, an angel appears to Cornelius, knowing of his repentance, and then saying to have Peter come to his house. And on that same day, Peter is given word that three men are to escort him to Cornelius. And of course, three of Cornelius' men arrive for Peter.
So we then cut back to Cornelius' house, where Peter and Mary Magdelene are escorted, and they meet with their host.
Cornelius tells them about the vision, and that he wants to repent from his sins, even though he had killed Johanna. Peter and Mary find it in their hearts to forgive him.
Peter: "Stand up. Don't kneel before me. I'm just a man like you."
-Now I will admit that this scene got me to tears, because you can tell by this episode, and the previous one where Cornelius breaks down after killing Johanna, that he wants to change and to not kill anymore. So I feel the emotional part of all this.
James is called to Caiaphas again, but only this time, James says that he and the other followers are staying away from the Temple, because they are following Jesus. Caiaphas, now betrayed that he had offered them safety and entrance into the Temple, is outraged, and vows, once again, to have them destroyed. And after accusing them of being selfish, Caiaphas has James sent away...
-...in the most angry form possible (Sheesh.)...
...and then later, he confronts Leah about going behind his back, disobeying his direct order to keep quiet. But Leah defends that she had to tell Pilate. Despite Caiaphas' theory that he has no control over his wife, Leah still persists.
Leah: "I did it for us..."
Caiaphas: "And you broke my heart in the process."
Then Leah is ordered to return to her family and stay there, which she, in turn, scolds Caiaphas for sending her away.
Leah: "Without me, you would never be High Priest."
But Caiaphas gives her a verbal equivalent to an "F--- you," and she leaves.
Back at Cornelius', the Holy Spirit arrives, confirming that Cornelius be baptized through Jesus.
Then, Cornelius is baptized.
So Leah is sent back home to her father and this other guy (his right hand man or brother or relative? I still don't know). Leah tries to lie about Caiaphas, but her father and the other guy think she's plotting to remove him from High Priest. They say that he's trying to unite a city, not ruin it, and they see nothing wrong with him. So, with Leah now failed to lie about her husband, is sent back to him. When she leaves, her father and the relative begin to question what they should do, since Leah has became out of control for anyone.
-Now, if these two are going to plot to kill her, then that would be something worthy of a Lifetime movie. Just saying. I mean, think about it:
A young woman was living a lavish lifestyle as the wife of a High Priest... but her husband wants to tighten her leash. What's a girl to do... but plot his destruction, and let nothing stop her. But will her own family betray her? And how far will she go to get her way?
High Priest's Deviant Wife
Coming this winter on Lifetime Movie Channel. (It'll be a cold day in hell for this woman.)
Things aren't going too well for Claudia either, as her husband comes into her room and lectures her about having responsibilities as governor. It turns out that Claudia is still mad about the execution of Johanna, of which Pilate sees nothing wrong with, other than to show her that she needs to respect him more.
-Now, I've mentioned before that Pilate seems abusive to his wife. So this next scene is the real candle on the cake:
Claudia refuses to be his wife, and she slaps him... only for him to strike her back and tell her that they're in this together no matter what.
-And I'm lying about him being abusive?
Anyway, on a lighter note, Cornelius feels well, since he has turned to Christ. But then, he is called to lead the march to the Temple with the statue of Caligula. Despite Mary's uncertainty, he says that he'll go, and that he prays that the Holy Spirit would look after him.
-This is just to not rouse any suspicion that he's a changed man. I get it. In fact, the thing kind-of, sort-of, was the case for Saul. By the way, Saul is NOT in this episode. Sorry, guys. (Spoilers.)
As Cornelius returns to his duties, Leah visits Eva, but only this time, Eva has her at knife-point. Leah explains that her husband doesn't care about the rebels, and that he only wants to save the Temple.
-So, she can't lie about her husband to her family... but she can lie about him to the rebels. This'll be interesting.
We then cut to Cornelius meeting up with Claudia, saying that he had found Christ, and that he understands the disciples now. Claudia is confused by this, but then he tells her that the faith can be their escape. But she wants to think about this, since Pilate has already become mad with power.
-Really? What is there to think about, Claudia? Your husband's abusive- verbally and physically. He offers nothing, but abuse. How can you stay with a man like that? Just because he's governor and all, doesn't mean that he's stay in power for long. I can totally sense his downfall, lady! It's that obvious!
Meanwhile, the disciples continue to have their debate on whether to stick around or leave as the abomination approaches. Then another theory slips in: abandoning the Temple would mean abandoning the building that Jesus called his Father's house. The debate moves towards the idea that they shouldn't leave, but to try and take a stand to defend the Temple.
While that's going on, Simon is choosing his weaponry. Also, Caiaphas receives word that the Nazoreans will help out. Plus, Pilate trusts that Cornelius will make sure that the statue makes its safe voyage to the Temple, not knowing about the centurion's conversion to Christ. Pilate orders that Cornelius kill anyone that tries to stop them.
After the commercial, we see Leah open the door to someone.
-We don't see who she meets at the door. How come?
Well, we don't see what happens to Leah, because we then cut to people crowding to see the statue make its journey to the Temple. The rebels, including Simon, make their way into the crowd with concealed weapons, as well as Eva and her mentor.
As the statue finally arrives at the Temple, Caiaphas and the priests stay where they are, the crowd hushes, the rebels wait for their signal, and the soldiers don't budge. Cornelius asks for the priests to move aside, but they don't budge.
-Now, remember, Cornelius doesn't want to hurt anyone, even though he has his orders.
Just then, Peter steps in and kneels down. Then James joins him, and then the other disciples.
And then Caiaphas and the other priests join in, with Caiaphas warning the centurion, saying that a high priest can be replaced no matter what happens.
Caiaphas: "Do what you have to, centurion."
And even Simon drops his dagger and joins in.
-Ooooookay. At this point, I can really care less on whose side Simon is on.
But before anyone can react, the rebels strike, all hell breaking loose. But among the chaos, the priests and the disciples start chanting prayers: the Lord's prayer coming from the disciples, and the priests' prayer. Cornelius, seeing the bloodshed around him, puts away his sword, kneels down, and says the Lord's prayer. We see many people die, including Eva.
Afterwards, one soldier sees that Cornelius is alive and well. Cornelius orders that no more killings should take place today, but the statue (now in ruins) be taken back.
The disciples and the priests are unscaved as they collect themselves. As the disciples leave, Caiaphas sees that one of his servants didn't survive the attack- with two arrows to his body.
-That was a downer.
We then see the rebels' leader had survived the attack by playing dead.
-Well... that's a shame, because that means more rebellion.
As the disciples survey the damage, they see that Jesus didn't come, as some of them thought he would.
Peter: "The prophecy would not be fulfilled today."
They then talk about the centurion who didn't fight but knelt before them amidst the chaos. Peter tells them that he baptized him, which was a shock to the rest of the disciples.
Pilate, on the other hand, isn't happy with the outcome of the statue, but Claudia doesn't want to put up with him anymore. But Pilate keeps making plans to control Jerusalem's people. Claudia is disgusted by his ignorance.
Claudia: "Were you not listening?"
-Yeah, were you not listening to your wife, Pilate?
Claudia threatens to leave him, and she walks out of his chamber. Pilate sees that he's now losing his wife.
Outside in the lobby, Claudia meets up with Cornelius, who tells her that he didn't kill anyone, and that he risks being executed for disobeying an order. He then asks her to leave with him, and to join him in his new faith. But Claudia starts to have second thoughts, because she realizes that leaving Jerusalem would meet leaving her lifestyle. So as soon as Pilate screams her name, she leaves.
-(pause) What a bitch.
We then see a few of the guards looking at Cornelius.
-I don't get it. Did they overhear the conversation between Cornelius and Claudia? Do they now know about Cornelius not killing anyone? Do they now know about his conversion?
But we suddenly cut to Caiaphas, who finds his wife Leah dead, because apparently the someone (that was at her door earlier) had slit her throat.
-I have a couple of theories on who killed her. (Expect an editorial about this in the future.)
But we don't get to stick around there either, because we jump to Peter and the disciples, who get confronted by the soldiers, and then... the episode stops there.
-WTF?!
-See? I told you this episode was worth the WTF? bumper.
Now let me explain. This is supposed to be the season finale. And apparently, the season decides to end with a cliffhanger. What does this mean, other than we're in for a second season?
And plus, so far, there are still so unanswered questions:
1. Will Cornelius the centurion be punished?
2. How far will Pilate go to control all of Jerusalem and place Caligula's statue inside the Temple?
3. Who killed Leah?
4. What will the rebels' leader do now that his followers have been killed?
5. What will the soldiers do to Peter, since they confronted him at the end of this episode?
6. How is Claudia going to keep putting up with her abusive husband?
7. BTW, How is Saul doing?
You know what? There's so much to talk about in this series, even though season one just ended this past Sunday! There's so much to talk about, that I'm willing to take any requests, regarding this series, whether you want me to give any theories or do Top 10 list, etc., I will do it.
-Besides, I'm still here all summer.
So, again, feel free to suggest any ideas for a blog post in the comments section below, because Season 1 may be over, but there's still a lot to discuss.
Whatsoever Critic
Source: A.D. The Bible Continues
Courtesy: Lightworkers Media
Hi, I'm the Whatsoever Critic. I review just about anything.
This past Father's Day was the season finale of A.D. The Bible Continues.
This should be where the rumored abomination should come to pass- the statue of Caligula going to the Temple, and people trying to stop the abomination from happening. However, how the abomination is handled is not the way that many of us had anticipated. So today, I will go through this episode in this review.
This is the season finale of A.D. The Bible Continues.
The episode begins with word spreading that the statue of Caligula has arrived. And Pilate orders that the statue be put into the Temple, whether Caiaphas wishes it or not. Pilate also tells Caiaphas that Leah was the one that told him about how the Ethiopians were helping the rebels that are wanting to kill Romans. Caiaphas immediately lies that he knew about Leah having info about the Ethiopians, despite not being amused by her actions.
So Pilate and Caiaphas have already drawn a line between them... What about everyone else?
The disciples debate on whether or not to flee from Jerusalem. Simon refuses to abandon the Temple, but John and the others say otherwise, saying that Jesus had warned them about this day, saying that it was to bring destruction and havoc.
Just then, James is called to come see Caiaphas. Some of the disciples still question Caiaphas offering them sanctuary of religious freedom, but James doesn't want to jump to conclusions just yet.
-Yeah, remember Caiaphas' public speech to band together as allies against the abomination that was to come? That speech was made in the previous episode. Therefore, I can understand that there's so much urgency to bring everyone together at a time like this.
Meanwhile, at a large house (somewhere), we learn that Pilate's centurion Cornelius (I wasn't too sure of this guy's name at first) lives here, as he kneels in front of his altar. And then he recalls what Johanna had said to him before he was ordered by Pilate to execute her:
Johanna: "In the name of Christ, I forgive you."
Just then, an angel appears to Cornelius, knowing of his repentance, and then saying to have Peter come to his house. And on that same day, Peter is given word that three men are to escort him to Cornelius. And of course, three of Cornelius' men arrive for Peter.
So we then cut back to Cornelius' house, where Peter and Mary Magdelene are escorted, and they meet with their host.
Cornelius tells them about the vision, and that he wants to repent from his sins, even though he had killed Johanna. Peter and Mary find it in their hearts to forgive him.
Peter: "Stand up. Don't kneel before me. I'm just a man like you."
-Now I will admit that this scene got me to tears, because you can tell by this episode, and the previous one where Cornelius breaks down after killing Johanna, that he wants to change and to not kill anymore. So I feel the emotional part of all this.
James is called to Caiaphas again, but only this time, James says that he and the other followers are staying away from the Temple, because they are following Jesus. Caiaphas, now betrayed that he had offered them safety and entrance into the Temple, is outraged, and vows, once again, to have them destroyed. And after accusing them of being selfish, Caiaphas has James sent away...
-...in the most angry form possible (Sheesh.)...
...and then later, he confronts Leah about going behind his back, disobeying his direct order to keep quiet. But Leah defends that she had to tell Pilate. Despite Caiaphas' theory that he has no control over his wife, Leah still persists.
Leah: "I did it for us..."
Caiaphas: "And you broke my heart in the process."
Then Leah is ordered to return to her family and stay there, which she, in turn, scolds Caiaphas for sending her away.
Leah: "Without me, you would never be High Priest."
But Caiaphas gives her a verbal equivalent to an "F--- you," and she leaves.
Back at Cornelius', the Holy Spirit arrives, confirming that Cornelius be baptized through Jesus.
Then, Cornelius is baptized.
So Leah is sent back home to her father and this other guy (his right hand man or brother or relative? I still don't know). Leah tries to lie about Caiaphas, but her father and the other guy think she's plotting to remove him from High Priest. They say that he's trying to unite a city, not ruin it, and they see nothing wrong with him. So, with Leah now failed to lie about her husband, is sent back to him. When she leaves, her father and the relative begin to question what they should do, since Leah has became out of control for anyone.
-Now, if these two are going to plot to kill her, then that would be something worthy of a Lifetime movie. Just saying. I mean, think about it:
A young woman was living a lavish lifestyle as the wife of a High Priest... but her husband wants to tighten her leash. What's a girl to do... but plot his destruction, and let nothing stop her. But will her own family betray her? And how far will she go to get her way?
High Priest's Deviant Wife
Coming this winter on Lifetime Movie Channel. (It'll be a cold day in hell for this woman.)
Things aren't going too well for Claudia either, as her husband comes into her room and lectures her about having responsibilities as governor. It turns out that Claudia is still mad about the execution of Johanna, of which Pilate sees nothing wrong with, other than to show her that she needs to respect him more.
-Now, I've mentioned before that Pilate seems abusive to his wife. So this next scene is the real candle on the cake:
Claudia refuses to be his wife, and she slaps him... only for him to strike her back and tell her that they're in this together no matter what.
-And I'm lying about him being abusive?
Anyway, on a lighter note, Cornelius feels well, since he has turned to Christ. But then, he is called to lead the march to the Temple with the statue of Caligula. Despite Mary's uncertainty, he says that he'll go, and that he prays that the Holy Spirit would look after him.
-This is just to not rouse any suspicion that he's a changed man. I get it. In fact, the thing kind-of, sort-of, was the case for Saul. By the way, Saul is NOT in this episode. Sorry, guys. (Spoilers.)
As Cornelius returns to his duties, Leah visits Eva, but only this time, Eva has her at knife-point. Leah explains that her husband doesn't care about the rebels, and that he only wants to save the Temple.
-So, she can't lie about her husband to her family... but she can lie about him to the rebels. This'll be interesting.
We then cut to Cornelius meeting up with Claudia, saying that he had found Christ, and that he understands the disciples now. Claudia is confused by this, but then he tells her that the faith can be their escape. But she wants to think about this, since Pilate has already become mad with power.
-Really? What is there to think about, Claudia? Your husband's abusive- verbally and physically. He offers nothing, but abuse. How can you stay with a man like that? Just because he's governor and all, doesn't mean that he's stay in power for long. I can totally sense his downfall, lady! It's that obvious!
Meanwhile, the disciples continue to have their debate on whether to stick around or leave as the abomination approaches. Then another theory slips in: abandoning the Temple would mean abandoning the building that Jesus called his Father's house. The debate moves towards the idea that they shouldn't leave, but to try and take a stand to defend the Temple.
While that's going on, Simon is choosing his weaponry. Also, Caiaphas receives word that the Nazoreans will help out. Plus, Pilate trusts that Cornelius will make sure that the statue makes its safe voyage to the Temple, not knowing about the centurion's conversion to Christ. Pilate orders that Cornelius kill anyone that tries to stop them.
After the commercial, we see Leah open the door to someone.
-We don't see who she meets at the door. How come?
Well, we don't see what happens to Leah, because we then cut to people crowding to see the statue make its journey to the Temple. The rebels, including Simon, make their way into the crowd with concealed weapons, as well as Eva and her mentor.
As the statue finally arrives at the Temple, Caiaphas and the priests stay where they are, the crowd hushes, the rebels wait for their signal, and the soldiers don't budge. Cornelius asks for the priests to move aside, but they don't budge.
-Now, remember, Cornelius doesn't want to hurt anyone, even though he has his orders.
Just then, Peter steps in and kneels down. Then James joins him, and then the other disciples.
And then Caiaphas and the other priests join in, with Caiaphas warning the centurion, saying that a high priest can be replaced no matter what happens.
Caiaphas: "Do what you have to, centurion."
And even Simon drops his dagger and joins in.
-Ooooookay. At this point, I can really care less on whose side Simon is on.
But before anyone can react, the rebels strike, all hell breaking loose. But among the chaos, the priests and the disciples start chanting prayers: the Lord's prayer coming from the disciples, and the priests' prayer. Cornelius, seeing the bloodshed around him, puts away his sword, kneels down, and says the Lord's prayer. We see many people die, including Eva.
Afterwards, one soldier sees that Cornelius is alive and well. Cornelius orders that no more killings should take place today, but the statue (now in ruins) be taken back.
The disciples and the priests are unscaved as they collect themselves. As the disciples leave, Caiaphas sees that one of his servants didn't survive the attack- with two arrows to his body.
-That was a downer.
We then see the rebels' leader had survived the attack by playing dead.
-Well... that's a shame, because that means more rebellion.
As the disciples survey the damage, they see that Jesus didn't come, as some of them thought he would.
Peter: "The prophecy would not be fulfilled today."
They then talk about the centurion who didn't fight but knelt before them amidst the chaos. Peter tells them that he baptized him, which was a shock to the rest of the disciples.
Pilate, on the other hand, isn't happy with the outcome of the statue, but Claudia doesn't want to put up with him anymore. But Pilate keeps making plans to control Jerusalem's people. Claudia is disgusted by his ignorance.
Claudia: "Were you not listening?"
-Yeah, were you not listening to your wife, Pilate?
Claudia threatens to leave him, and she walks out of his chamber. Pilate sees that he's now losing his wife.
Outside in the lobby, Claudia meets up with Cornelius, who tells her that he didn't kill anyone, and that he risks being executed for disobeying an order. He then asks her to leave with him, and to join him in his new faith. But Claudia starts to have second thoughts, because she realizes that leaving Jerusalem would meet leaving her lifestyle. So as soon as Pilate screams her name, she leaves.
-(pause) What a bitch.
We then see a few of the guards looking at Cornelius.
-I don't get it. Did they overhear the conversation between Cornelius and Claudia? Do they now know about Cornelius not killing anyone? Do they now know about his conversion?
But we suddenly cut to Caiaphas, who finds his wife Leah dead, because apparently the someone (that was at her door earlier) had slit her throat.
-I have a couple of theories on who killed her. (Expect an editorial about this in the future.)
But we don't get to stick around there either, because we jump to Peter and the disciples, who get confronted by the soldiers, and then... the episode stops there.
-WTF?!
-See? I told you this episode was worth the WTF? bumper.
Now let me explain. This is supposed to be the season finale. And apparently, the season decides to end with a cliffhanger. What does this mean, other than we're in for a second season?
And plus, so far, there are still so unanswered questions:
1. Will Cornelius the centurion be punished?
2. How far will Pilate go to control all of Jerusalem and place Caligula's statue inside the Temple?
3. Who killed Leah?
4. What will the rebels' leader do now that his followers have been killed?
5. What will the soldiers do to Peter, since they confronted him at the end of this episode?
6. How is Claudia going to keep putting up with her abusive husband?
7. BTW, How is Saul doing?
You know what? There's so much to talk about in this series, even though season one just ended this past Sunday! There's so much to talk about, that I'm willing to take any requests, regarding this series, whether you want me to give any theories or do Top 10 list, etc., I will do it.
-Besides, I'm still here all summer.
So, again, feel free to suggest any ideas for a blog post in the comments section below, because Season 1 may be over, but there's still a lot to discuss.
Whatsoever Critic
Source: A.D. The Bible Continues
Courtesy: Lightworkers Media
Thursday, June 18, 2015
"A.D. The Bible Continues" Ep. 11 Review (6/14/15)
Hi, I'm the Whatsoever Critic. I review just about anything.
And first of all, NBC confirmed that by "finale," they meant SEASON finale. That means that the show is up for another season- this means that the series isn't over.
But anyway, let's talk about this week's episode.
While the big statue that everyone's been talking about is now on its way to Jerusalem, Caiaphas pleads to the public to unite and try to fight the abomination that goes along with the statue being placed inside the Temple.
Meanwhile, the Ethiopian treasurer is meeting with Boaz's wife Eva...
-I wasn't sure whether or not that's her name, but after seeing the end credits in the previous episode... Yeah, I'm ashamed to admit that I wasn't positive about this sooner...
along with the leader of the rebels, as they plot to surprise Rome with an attack to where it would cripple the Romans.
-Well, good luck with that...
In the next scene, we learn that Tabatha, not Joanna, is with Mary Magdelene...
-Sorry, for the mix up.
... as Mary advises her to get some rest, because she's still losing blood from the wounds inflicted from being whipped in front of Pilate in the previous episode. However, Tabatha insists that she's well enough to help with the cause, since learning about Jesus was what changed her life.
The disciples and James are talking in the other room. James wants to go to Caiaphas to negotiate something, to ensure that the disciples are free from persecution and can worship whoever they wanted. However, Peter doesn't like this idea, because he knew of Caiaphas' involvement with Jesus' death.
-I figured Peter knew about forgiveness this time around. I guess... not yet?
-By the way, at a time like this, where something bad is going to happen, and the whole city is in danger, you'd think Peter would take Caiaphas' advice on banding together as brothers and all that. On the contrary, back a few episodes ago, Caiaphas had the disciples imprisoned and whipped for speaking Jesus' name- so yeah, I understand Peter not wanting to confront Caiaphas at all.
While things aren't great with the disciples, the rebels, on the other hand, are having a meeting somewhere, saying that they have not only weapons, but also the Ethiopians' help to take down Rome. One of Caiaphas' servants is discovered and is taken away for spying.
Meanwhile, as Pilate grants his centurion permission to double the patrol in the city, Claudia makes a request to her husband to set Joanna free, but he refuses.
Pilate: "Empathy breeds weakness, Claudia; and we are not weak."
Outside, James talks with Peter and John. Peter admits that James is a better speaker than he is, and that forgiving Caiaphas is not an option right now.
Peter: "I cannot forget what that man did to Jesus."
-Forgive and forget, anyone?
But John reminds him of what Jesus said, as he was dying on the cross: "Father, forgive them. They know not what they do."
-Well said.
So Peter agrees that James goes to Caiaphas to negotiate. Peter, on the other hand, says that he's leaving Jerusalem to preach outside of town.
So James goes to Caiaphas to ask to end persecutions on Jesus' followers. Caiaphas agrees to end the persecutions, but sets some ground rules. James assures him that they "won't be censored."
-Geez! This is like the First Amendment issue of Jerusalem, only Jerusalem isn't a democracy during this time.
Afterwards, James tells the disciples that they'll no longer be persecuted and that they can enter the Temple without persecution. But Tabatha falls, due to becoming fatally weak. She begs Mary to take her to her family in Joppa so that she can see them before she dies.
Meanwhile, Claudia visits Joanna in her prison cell. She reassures Joanna that she, as Pilate's wife, should have some kind of power to free her.
Claudia: "He doesn't get to decide everything."
-Hmm... I don't know. I have a feeling that that statement will backfire on her, seeing that this is a time period where men are powerful over women- sorry, feminism speak (actually, it's Senior Seminar and Women's Writing classes talking).
Later, we see Eva questioning the Ethiopian treasurer on being seen in public, instead of being undercover. He assures her that no one can get to him; and then he questions her reliability.
Anyway, outside Jerusalem, one of the rebels is sent to kill Caiaphas' servant, but the servant fights back and kills him.
Back at the Caiaphas hospital, the servant returns battered and bruised; and Caiaphas continues to scold his wife Leah for not following up on his campaign to bring the people together to fight the upcoming abomination.
Meanwhile, Peter meets up with Phillip again. During their time together, Phillip is visited by an angel, who directs him to preach in the south. So Phillip and Peter continue their preachings.
And while that's going on, Mary finally arrives at Joppa to take a fatally-sick Tabatha to her family.
Back in Jerusalem, Leah makes a request to Claudia that she needs to see Pilate about the Ethiopians aiding the rebels. Thus, Pilate hears this news, and he has his soldiers apprehend the Ethiopians. So the Ethiopian treasurer, unfazed from being captured, is confronted by Pilate for giving the rebels weapons. Pilate orders that the Ethiopians become the town's slaves, and that the treasurer he tied and ridden out of town.
The zealot army starts to grow antsy, and they find Simon. They ask him if he's still for their cause, and Simon assures him that he is...
-...even though he had previously told Saul that he was being targeted, and Saul had already left town. Uh... just a recap, guys: Leah is a whistleblower/snitch, and Simon is seemingly trying to back out on helping the rebels. Okay, the rebels are looking at two traitors now...
Later on, Claudia asks once more that Joanna he freed, but Pilate still won't let up. So Claudia decides to free Johanna herself, but the two women get caught by Roman soldiers. Moments later, Pilate orders the immediate execution of Johanna in front of him and Claudia: either she be hung, or be crucified on the cross. Johanna bravely chooses to die here. So she is hung by the centurion. Claudia, in turn, is outraged and disgusted by her husband's actions.
And even the centurion himself is moved by Johanna's sacrifice, because before she dies, she says she forgives him.
-Sorry for the last-minute changes on spelling for the names "Johanna" and "Tabitha." I'm still learning this...
In the wilderness, the Ethiopian treasurer is found by Phillip, who agrees to baptize him, after the treasurer repents.
However, the weird thing about this is that as soon as the treasurer is baptized, Phillip vanishes.
-Why is that?
Later, we find out that Tabitha is dead, and Mary looks for Peter, so that he could bring her back. Peter tries his best in bringing her back,
and sure enough, Tabitha is brought back to life.
But the joy doesn't last long, because that night, the statue of Caligula arrives in Jerusalem; and Pilate seems to admire its "glory."
So now, we have one more episode left- the season finale. So what do you guys think? What will the abomination do to the city? Will the disciples go their separate ends to avoid the abomination, or will they come together at their darkest hour?
But just know that this isn't the end of the world. I remember them mentioning an "eternal war," in consequence to the abomination brought upon by the statue of Caligula.
But hey, we have June 21, 2015 to figure out how Season 1 will end. I'll be sure to tune in Sunday.
Whatsoever Critic
Source: A.D. The Bible Continues
Courtesy: NBC/Lightworkers Media
And first of all, NBC confirmed that by "finale," they meant SEASON finale. That means that the show is up for another season- this means that the series isn't over.
But anyway, let's talk about this week's episode.
While the big statue that everyone's been talking about is now on its way to Jerusalem, Caiaphas pleads to the public to unite and try to fight the abomination that goes along with the statue being placed inside the Temple.
Meanwhile, the Ethiopian treasurer is meeting with Boaz's wife Eva...
-I wasn't sure whether or not that's her name, but after seeing the end credits in the previous episode... Yeah, I'm ashamed to admit that I wasn't positive about this sooner...
along with the leader of the rebels, as they plot to surprise Rome with an attack to where it would cripple the Romans.
-Well, good luck with that...
In the next scene, we learn that Tabatha, not Joanna, is with Mary Magdelene...
-Sorry, for the mix up.
... as Mary advises her to get some rest, because she's still losing blood from the wounds inflicted from being whipped in front of Pilate in the previous episode. However, Tabatha insists that she's well enough to help with the cause, since learning about Jesus was what changed her life.
The disciples and James are talking in the other room. James wants to go to Caiaphas to negotiate something, to ensure that the disciples are free from persecution and can worship whoever they wanted. However, Peter doesn't like this idea, because he knew of Caiaphas' involvement with Jesus' death.
-I figured Peter knew about forgiveness this time around. I guess... not yet?
-By the way, at a time like this, where something bad is going to happen, and the whole city is in danger, you'd think Peter would take Caiaphas' advice on banding together as brothers and all that. On the contrary, back a few episodes ago, Caiaphas had the disciples imprisoned and whipped for speaking Jesus' name- so yeah, I understand Peter not wanting to confront Caiaphas at all.
While things aren't great with the disciples, the rebels, on the other hand, are having a meeting somewhere, saying that they have not only weapons, but also the Ethiopians' help to take down Rome. One of Caiaphas' servants is discovered and is taken away for spying.
Meanwhile, as Pilate grants his centurion permission to double the patrol in the city, Claudia makes a request to her husband to set Joanna free, but he refuses.
Pilate: "Empathy breeds weakness, Claudia; and we are not weak."
Outside, James talks with Peter and John. Peter admits that James is a better speaker than he is, and that forgiving Caiaphas is not an option right now.
Peter: "I cannot forget what that man did to Jesus."
-Forgive and forget, anyone?
But John reminds him of what Jesus said, as he was dying on the cross: "Father, forgive them. They know not what they do."
-Well said.
So Peter agrees that James goes to Caiaphas to negotiate. Peter, on the other hand, says that he's leaving Jerusalem to preach outside of town.
So James goes to Caiaphas to ask to end persecutions on Jesus' followers. Caiaphas agrees to end the persecutions, but sets some ground rules. James assures him that they "won't be censored."
-Geez! This is like the First Amendment issue of Jerusalem, only Jerusalem isn't a democracy during this time.
Afterwards, James tells the disciples that they'll no longer be persecuted and that they can enter the Temple without persecution. But Tabatha falls, due to becoming fatally weak. She begs Mary to take her to her family in Joppa so that she can see them before she dies.
Meanwhile, Claudia visits Joanna in her prison cell. She reassures Joanna that she, as Pilate's wife, should have some kind of power to free her.
Claudia: "He doesn't get to decide everything."
-Hmm... I don't know. I have a feeling that that statement will backfire on her, seeing that this is a time period where men are powerful over women- sorry, feminism speak (actually, it's Senior Seminar and Women's Writing classes talking).
Later, we see Eva questioning the Ethiopian treasurer on being seen in public, instead of being undercover. He assures her that no one can get to him; and then he questions her reliability.
Anyway, outside Jerusalem, one of the rebels is sent to kill Caiaphas' servant, but the servant fights back and kills him.
Back at the Caiaphas hospital, the servant returns battered and bruised; and Caiaphas continues to scold his wife Leah for not following up on his campaign to bring the people together to fight the upcoming abomination.
Meanwhile, Peter meets up with Phillip again. During their time together, Phillip is visited by an angel, who directs him to preach in the south. So Phillip and Peter continue their preachings.
And while that's going on, Mary finally arrives at Joppa to take a fatally-sick Tabatha to her family.
Back in Jerusalem, Leah makes a request to Claudia that she needs to see Pilate about the Ethiopians aiding the rebels. Thus, Pilate hears this news, and he has his soldiers apprehend the Ethiopians. So the Ethiopian treasurer, unfazed from being captured, is confronted by Pilate for giving the rebels weapons. Pilate orders that the Ethiopians become the town's slaves, and that the treasurer he tied and ridden out of town.
The zealot army starts to grow antsy, and they find Simon. They ask him if he's still for their cause, and Simon assures him that he is...
-...even though he had previously told Saul that he was being targeted, and Saul had already left town. Uh... just a recap, guys: Leah is a whistleblower/snitch, and Simon is seemingly trying to back out on helping the rebels. Okay, the rebels are looking at two traitors now...
Later on, Claudia asks once more that Joanna he freed, but Pilate still won't let up. So Claudia decides to free Johanna herself, but the two women get caught by Roman soldiers. Moments later, Pilate orders the immediate execution of Johanna in front of him and Claudia: either she be hung, or be crucified on the cross. Johanna bravely chooses to die here. So she is hung by the centurion. Claudia, in turn, is outraged and disgusted by her husband's actions.
And even the centurion himself is moved by Johanna's sacrifice, because before she dies, she says she forgives him.
-Sorry for the last-minute changes on spelling for the names "Johanna" and "Tabitha." I'm still learning this...
In the wilderness, the Ethiopian treasurer is found by Phillip, who agrees to baptize him, after the treasurer repents.
However, the weird thing about this is that as soon as the treasurer is baptized, Phillip vanishes.
-Why is that?
Later, we find out that Tabitha is dead, and Mary looks for Peter, so that he could bring her back. Peter tries his best in bringing her back,
and sure enough, Tabitha is brought back to life.
But the joy doesn't last long, because that night, the statue of Caligula arrives in Jerusalem; and Pilate seems to admire its "glory."
So now, we have one more episode left- the season finale. So what do you guys think? What will the abomination do to the city? Will the disciples go their separate ends to avoid the abomination, or will they come together at their darkest hour?
But just know that this isn't the end of the world. I remember them mentioning an "eternal war," in consequence to the abomination brought upon by the statue of Caligula.
But hey, we have June 21, 2015 to figure out how Season 1 will end. I'll be sure to tune in Sunday.
Whatsoever Critic
Source: A.D. The Bible Continues
Courtesy: NBC/Lightworkers Media
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
WC Reads- "LarryBoy and the Emperor of Envy" (Ch. 5-6)
Today we read Chapters 5-6 in LarryBoy and the Emperor of Envy.
Monday, June 15, 2015
WC Reads- "LarryBoy and the Emperor of Envy" (Ch. 4)
Today we read Chapter 4 of LarryBoy and the Emperor of Envy.
WC Reads- "LarryBoy and the Emperor of Envy" (Ch. 2-3)
Today we read two more chapters from LarryBoy and the Emperor of Envy.
WC Reads- "LarryBoy and the Emperor of Envy" (Ch. 1)
Today I get to start my reading of LarryBoy and the Emperor of Envy!, the first book of the LarryBoy chapter books!
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
More WC READS Segments
Since my first "WC Reads" segment was a success, I'd thought I do more of them. This time, we'll tackle the LarryBoy chapter books!
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
"A.D. The Bible Continues" Ep. 10 Review (6/7/15)
Hi, I'm the Whatsoever Critic. I review just about anything.
Welł, we're down to the wire in this series. And the word is that after this episode, we'll only have two episodes left until the finale. Do they mean the "season" finale or the "series" finale? That's one of the things that the show needs to emphasize more.
Other than that, that was something worth mentioning. Anyway, let's get started with the review.
We start in Galilee where a man has a dream about a boy calling for Jesus. The boy finds Jesus... a young Jesus (similar to his age)... talking to a group of Pharisees. And we know that it's him, because the boy calls to him. And we learn that the boy we're following is his brother James, as young Jesus tells him that he is in his Father's house.
Boy Jesus: "You will always know where to find me, James."
And then the dream ends.
-That seems okay, but where are the parents? Didn't they find the boy Jesus in the temple? That's what I've always learned growing up.
We then see James leave Galilee the next day to... I guess Jerusalem.
We then cut to the disciples, where Peter plans to go to the Temple to plead for the release of Saul and Simon... even though we've seen that Saul was captured and imprisoned, while Simon is doing shady business with the rebels.
But that's okay, because we see Saul be released from his jail cell, but on one condition from Caiaphas.
Caiaphas: "Welcome back, Saul."
(and then we cut to another scene)
-Really? That's it? No talk. No explanation from either side? Just a "welcome back"? Really?
So the next scene gives us...
(Caiaphas and Saul talking)
-Oh, okay. Then we are going to get explanation.
So Caiaphas talks calmly with Saul about his actions.
Saul: "I wanted to impress you."
-Sure. Kissing up to the High Priest was one thing, but going around proclaiming the word of Jesus... well, to Caiaphas, that's bad publicity. (That's just how it feels in this scenario.)
Saul: "But now I understand the truth."
-Bingo! Understanding the truth? Now how much you want to bet that Caiaphas will listen this time? Bets, anyone?
Yes: 0%
No: 100%
Great. Thanks for playing! So let's see how this will turn out: Will Saul be considered an outlaw now? Or will Caiaphas open his mind a bit to realize that "Well, the disciples do have a point..."
Caiaphas: "You have a chance right now to confess your sins before God and turn back. Come back, Saul. Come back to the Temple, and do not betray those who love you. You're here in the center of the universe. How can you leave? Cut yourself off from God? This is your faith here. Right here. I want to forgive you..."
-(pause) Nope.
Saul doesn't seem to accept Caiaphas' offer.
And we then cut to Herod's wife being helped by her seamstress Tabatha, who we learn is the girl from the previous episode, asking Joanna about Jesus. So Joanna and Mary Magdelene continue to teach her about Jesus.
Caiaphas: "Now say that again."
-Oh, we have a new scene now? Now I know why there are only a couple of episodes left after this one, because they want to speed through scenes that were of lesser value to the script.
Caiaphas continues to interrogate Saul in hopes of getting him back on their side. However, Saul still insists that Jesus is the Messiah and that the Temple is meaningless to still exist. Angry, Caiaphas tries to slap some sense into Saul (literally and metaphorically), and he orders that Saul spend some more time in a jail cell.
-Well, there went the calm-and-collected Caiaphas...
Next, we see Peter come out of hiding to attempt to free his brothers in Christ, until he runs into James, who he's clearly missed, seeing that the two know each other.
-Well, Peter had to have known James at some point, because he's Jesus' brother... well, the series didn't explain that earlier, I don't think...
Right after commercial break, James tells the disciples about his dream of finding young Jesus in the Temple, and that the dream was a sign that he himself should come to Jerusalem. During the reminscing, James learns about the hardships that the disciples went through as they preached about Jesus, and how Peter wants to plead for Saul and Simon to be set free. But James offers to do the task for him, because he knows that Peter has already suffered imprisonment, and he wants to help the cause.
Meanwhile, a tribal parade of men from Ethiopia, along with their queen's treasurer, come into town, searching for their weapons (I guess?)...
-I don't know. They just came... We don't know about these people yet.
Meanwhile, we see Leah praying silently... while among a large crowd.
-Really?
Leah: "Blessed Lord, I have shut my ears to your teachings, and ignored your commandments. I have closed my eyes to the..."
-Uh, no. You can't get away with that. You've already established that you wanted to kill Saul. Unless you're repenting right now...
But she sees that Saul is out and about, which she later finds out from her husband that Saul was freed because of his "madness." But Leah doesn't like this, but Caiaphas spazzes out:
Caiaphas: "I HAVE SPOKEN!"
-Geez, man! Cool down! But then again, Leah deserves it, because she's the one plotting evil stuff right now.
Caiaphas explains that the abomination on the Temple is coming, and that everyone must band together in order to overcome it. But Leah makes it clear that she doesn't give a shit, and she leaves.
Meanwhile, Simon has returned to the disciples, explaining that he was out drinking the night before... but he doesn't tell about his shady deal with the rebels.
-I sense another Judas on the horizon(?)
And then we learn that Pilate is finding out about the Ethiopians' arrival. Pilate decides to treat the Etiopian treasurer as an important guest by inviting him to dinner, and to bring in Herod and his wife as well, so that the Temple issue isn't obvious to anyone visiting the town.
Meanwhile, Leah visits Boaz's wife and asks for a favor: to kill Saul.
-Yep, who would've known that Leah would sink to this low.
After the break, Saul returns to the disciples, and they're amazed that he was able to walk free.
Simon: "Well, isn't that unbelievably lucky..."
-Oh great. Now what is this moody disciple gonna say now?
Simon: "We've all been beaten, arrested, imprisoned, or stoned... and this man just walks free."
-Dude. Chill out. And what about what happened to you the other night? Talking and conspiring with the rebels? Why don't you tell the disciples that?
Anyway, James visits Caiaphas at the Temple and wants to tie any loose ends to the predicament with the disciples. James asks for the release of Saul and Simon, but Caiaphas informs him that Simon was never here, and Saul walked free; but he assures James that they're not enemies to each other. But James still warns him to stop persecuting his people; thus, Caiaphas offers him sanctuary to pray to whoever he wanted.
Later, Caiaphas meets with the Ethiopian treasurer,
but the meeting is cut short when Pilate's centurion orders that the treasurer and his men dine in the Pilate household.
Later, we see Leah meet with the head of the rebels. She explains her case. The leader insists that he husband has the power to remove someone like Saul, but Leah explains otherwise. But she better be care with what she says, because the leader makes it clear that he's not to be messed with.
Him: "I would not advise you to question my faith."
-Well, as long as she's put in her place...
The leader, though, reluctantly agrees to go along, but on one condition: that she gives him "the blood of a thousand Romans."
-(pause) I doubt she'll follow through on that promise...
Anyway, back in the palace, Joanna is caught by Claudia and Herod's wife trying to convert Tabatha to Christ. Thus, Joanna and Tabatha are brought before Pilate. Pilate has Tabatha whipped, while he has something else in store for Joanna. We then learn that Joanna is imprisoned...
-Okay, apparently this series wants to end itself as quickly as possible. So let's not waste time beating around the bush. I'm wrapping this up.
The rebels are now keeping tabs on Saul...
Claudia somehow aids Mary and Joanna, so that Pilate wouldn't punish them more.
Joanna is somehow brought to the disciples.
Simon somehow confesses that he's betrayed Saul to the rebels.
-About time...
And I guess.., the episode somehow ends with Saul leaving the disciples, so that Saul can avoid the people that want to kill him.
-That's sad... especially when there's only a couple of episodes left... and the series is winding down as we know it.
So what will be in store for the final two episodes? We'll soon find out!
Whatsoever Critic
Source: A.D. The Bible Continues
Courtesy: NBC/Lightworkers Media
We start in Galilee where a man has a dream about a boy calling for Jesus. The boy finds Jesus... a young Jesus (similar to his age)... talking to a group of Pharisees. And we know that it's him, because the boy calls to him. And we learn that the boy we're following is his brother James, as young Jesus tells him that he is in his Father's house.
Boy Jesus: "You will always know where to find me, James."
And then the dream ends.
-That seems okay, but where are the parents? Didn't they find the boy Jesus in the temple? That's what I've always learned growing up.
We then see James leave Galilee the next day to... I guess Jerusalem.
We then cut to the disciples, where Peter plans to go to the Temple to plead for the release of Saul and Simon... even though we've seen that Saul was captured and imprisoned, while Simon is doing shady business with the rebels.
But that's okay, because we see Saul be released from his jail cell, but on one condition from Caiaphas.
Caiaphas: "Welcome back, Saul."
(and then we cut to another scene)
-Really? That's it? No talk. No explanation from either side? Just a "welcome back"? Really?
So the next scene gives us...
(Caiaphas and Saul talking)
-Oh, okay. Then we are going to get explanation.
So Caiaphas talks calmly with Saul about his actions.
Saul: "I wanted to impress you."
-Sure. Kissing up to the High Priest was one thing, but going around proclaiming the word of Jesus... well, to Caiaphas, that's bad publicity. (That's just how it feels in this scenario.)
Saul: "But now I understand the truth."
-Bingo! Understanding the truth? Now how much you want to bet that Caiaphas will listen this time? Bets, anyone?
Yes: 0%
No: 100%
Great. Thanks for playing! So let's see how this will turn out: Will Saul be considered an outlaw now? Or will Caiaphas open his mind a bit to realize that "Well, the disciples do have a point..."
Caiaphas: "You have a chance right now to confess your sins before God and turn back. Come back, Saul. Come back to the Temple, and do not betray those who love you. You're here in the center of the universe. How can you leave? Cut yourself off from God? This is your faith here. Right here. I want to forgive you..."
-(pause) Nope.
Saul doesn't seem to accept Caiaphas' offer.
And we then cut to Herod's wife being helped by her seamstress Tabatha, who we learn is the girl from the previous episode, asking Joanna about Jesus. So Joanna and Mary Magdelene continue to teach her about Jesus.
Caiaphas: "Now say that again."
-Oh, we have a new scene now? Now I know why there are only a couple of episodes left after this one, because they want to speed through scenes that were of lesser value to the script.
Caiaphas continues to interrogate Saul in hopes of getting him back on their side. However, Saul still insists that Jesus is the Messiah and that the Temple is meaningless to still exist. Angry, Caiaphas tries to slap some sense into Saul (literally and metaphorically), and he orders that Saul spend some more time in a jail cell.
-Well, there went the calm-and-collected Caiaphas...
Next, we see Peter come out of hiding to attempt to free his brothers in Christ, until he runs into James, who he's clearly missed, seeing that the two know each other.
-Well, Peter had to have known James at some point, because he's Jesus' brother... well, the series didn't explain that earlier, I don't think...
Right after commercial break, James tells the disciples about his dream of finding young Jesus in the Temple, and that the dream was a sign that he himself should come to Jerusalem. During the reminscing, James learns about the hardships that the disciples went through as they preached about Jesus, and how Peter wants to plead for Saul and Simon to be set free. But James offers to do the task for him, because he knows that Peter has already suffered imprisonment, and he wants to help the cause.
Meanwhile, a tribal parade of men from Ethiopia, along with their queen's treasurer, come into town, searching for their weapons (I guess?)...
-I don't know. They just came... We don't know about these people yet.
Meanwhile, we see Leah praying silently... while among a large crowd.
-Really?
Leah: "Blessed Lord, I have shut my ears to your teachings, and ignored your commandments. I have closed my eyes to the..."
-Uh, no. You can't get away with that. You've already established that you wanted to kill Saul. Unless you're repenting right now...
But she sees that Saul is out and about, which she later finds out from her husband that Saul was freed because of his "madness." But Leah doesn't like this, but Caiaphas spazzes out:
Caiaphas: "I HAVE SPOKEN!"
-Geez, man! Cool down! But then again, Leah deserves it, because she's the one plotting evil stuff right now.
Caiaphas explains that the abomination on the Temple is coming, and that everyone must band together in order to overcome it. But Leah makes it clear that she doesn't give a shit, and she leaves.
Meanwhile, Simon has returned to the disciples, explaining that he was out drinking the night before... but he doesn't tell about his shady deal with the rebels.
-I sense another Judas on the horizon(?)
And then we learn that Pilate is finding out about the Ethiopians' arrival. Pilate decides to treat the Etiopian treasurer as an important guest by inviting him to dinner, and to bring in Herod and his wife as well, so that the Temple issue isn't obvious to anyone visiting the town.
Meanwhile, Leah visits Boaz's wife and asks for a favor: to kill Saul.
-Yep, who would've known that Leah would sink to this low.
After the break, Saul returns to the disciples, and they're amazed that he was able to walk free.
Simon: "Well, isn't that unbelievably lucky..."
-Oh great. Now what is this moody disciple gonna say now?
Simon: "We've all been beaten, arrested, imprisoned, or stoned... and this man just walks free."
-Dude. Chill out. And what about what happened to you the other night? Talking and conspiring with the rebels? Why don't you tell the disciples that?
Anyway, James visits Caiaphas at the Temple and wants to tie any loose ends to the predicament with the disciples. James asks for the release of Saul and Simon, but Caiaphas informs him that Simon was never here, and Saul walked free; but he assures James that they're not enemies to each other. But James still warns him to stop persecuting his people; thus, Caiaphas offers him sanctuary to pray to whoever he wanted.
Later, Caiaphas meets with the Ethiopian treasurer,
but the meeting is cut short when Pilate's centurion orders that the treasurer and his men dine in the Pilate household.
Later, we see Leah meet with the head of the rebels. She explains her case. The leader insists that he husband has the power to remove someone like Saul, but Leah explains otherwise. But she better be care with what she says, because the leader makes it clear that he's not to be messed with.
Him: "I would not advise you to question my faith."
-Well, as long as she's put in her place...
The leader, though, reluctantly agrees to go along, but on one condition: that she gives him "the blood of a thousand Romans."
-(pause) I doubt she'll follow through on that promise...
Anyway, back in the palace, Joanna is caught by Claudia and Herod's wife trying to convert Tabatha to Christ. Thus, Joanna and Tabatha are brought before Pilate. Pilate has Tabatha whipped, while he has something else in store for Joanna. We then learn that Joanna is imprisoned...
-Okay, apparently this series wants to end itself as quickly as possible. So let's not waste time beating around the bush. I'm wrapping this up.
The rebels are now keeping tabs on Saul...
Claudia somehow aids Mary and Joanna, so that Pilate wouldn't punish them more.
Joanna is somehow brought to the disciples.
Simon somehow confesses that he's betrayed Saul to the rebels.
-About time...
And I guess.., the episode somehow ends with Saul leaving the disciples, so that Saul can avoid the people that want to kill him.
-That's sad... especially when there's only a couple of episodes left... and the series is winding down as we know it.
So what will be in store for the final two episodes? We'll soon find out!
Whatsoever Critic
Source: A.D. The Bible Continues
Courtesy: NBC/Lightworkers Media
"The Pinch" Literary Mag Review
Hi, I'm the Whatsoever Critic. I review just about anything.
It was a privilege to be sent a copy of a literary journal called The Pinch.
I've never heard of this literary journal before, but I was interested to learn more about it.
Now the idea for reviewing literary journals spawned when I had a school assignment, which had us reviewing a literary journal of our choice. So I was scrambling to find a journal. I even asked at least three journals via email to send a review copy for me to review on. However, as the deadline for the assignment approached, I had to resort to the literary journals that were in my school library. And since then, I've gotten journals from two of the companies that I've asked.
However, so that there's no misunderstanding, I decided to review the journals that I've gotten late... ON THIS BLOG!!!
-Yay!
So the review of The Pinch is, in fact, my first review of a literary journal for this blog. So let's dive in.
At first glance...
I was given the Vol. 34 No. 1 (Spring 2014) issue of The Pinch from the editors themselves. On the front cover, it features some objects that one may associate with as something from a museum. The background had some kind of atlas or map, which adds onto the museum-like theme.
On the back cover, you'll see a list of contributors, as well as a "funded by" and the university that supported the journal. In this case, the journal is said to be funded by The Hohenberg Foundation, and is sponsored by The University of Memphis.
-Funny thing: On the bottom of the journal on the back cover, there's some words saying, "Keep this slip. It is the only itemized copy you will receive."
Either this is real or coincidence, because I was asking for a review copy of this journal.
Opening the book...
The first pages contain the masthead (the editors and co.), acknowledgements, the mission statement ("A Note on The Pinch"), and the table of contents.
Now, if you look at the table of contents, you'll see that the journal features fiction (short), creative nonfiction, poetry, visual arts, and a section for the Pinch Literary Award Winners. Now, the good thing about the selection is that even though the genres are divided into sections in the table of contents, they're spread out throughout the book, which increases viewership on the journal itself, versus dividing the audience.
Looking through a literary work...
Let's say I'm reading through a poem. (We'll use a poem as an example.)
First of all, the font. The title is in bold, capital letters. Plus, the name of the writer is on top of the title of the work. The font of the literary work itself seems like a 12-pt. font, though it's not Times New Roman...
-Sorry. That was computer literacy for you guys.
Moving on, the page itself is white (not an off-white). There's space between the gutter line and the text, which is effective, because who wants to try and pry the book further open to not miss a word of text?
The visual arts
Now, as promised, the journal does feature artwork from some of its contributors. For artworks like the huge one by Keiko Gonzalez called "Two Hand Clap," they're displayed with two full pages. The work is a pretty good size, especially for individual artwork that only require one page.
The Winner's Section
Also, as promised, the journal has a section that features contributors that gained recognition for their works. (We'll get to submission processes and guidelines later on in this review.) There's only one winner for different genre. And, just like the other works, the winning works are scattered, instead of being restricted by a set section.
Contributors' Notes
The journal takes the initiative in recognizing its contributors: their name, their education, their occupation, their bio, etc.
Afterwards, the journal has some advertising for future contests, announcements, etc.
Pricing
At first glance, you'll see the U.S. pricing for this book: $15. That seems pricey for a literary journal. Then again, the resources had to come from somewhere. Plus, the glossy cover, the number of pages (157 at least), the dimensions of the book itself (a 9.5" x 6.75", I think), and the binding... I could tell that a lot of effort was put into this journal.
If you look on the page before the masthead, you'll see the prices, when it comes to subscribing to the journal. (They can be bought online.)
$28 a year
$50 for 2 years
$60 for 2 years (for organizations buying)
-Again, very pricey.
Submissions Process
Now, as I promised earlier, the submissions process. Well, if you look at the page before the masthead, you'll see that the journal claims to publish twice a year.
-Good point, seeing that the issue that we have here is the spring edition.
You'll also see that the publishing is overseen by the English Department of the University of Memphis. The journal calls for submissions from August 15th and March 15th; and the works have to be mailed to the address provided, or online on their website in the website provided. (We'll get to the website later on in this review.)
-However, the word is that the journal is now accepting online submissions starting March 15, 2015. Times have changed.
-Plus, you have to submit online on their website.
And, as usual, submissions have to be original and never been previously published... oh yeah- and be ready to send a cover letter.
-I feel that this is starting to become a job application, instead of submitting a literary work. I mean, it's hard enough for writers, because the job market can be a cruel mistress. I'm just saying we don't really need a submission process to emphasize that. However, if it's for the sake of being professional, then cool.
So now, I'm curious when it comes to books and journals. So what if I wanted to learn more about this journal? That's where the journal's website comes in.
The website
The website itself seems simple. This is good, but can use something more. Here, you have black and white colors as a background, even though it features visual artwork and sections on where to find each genre. There's not just online content, but there's also news (where to see the list of winners, upcoming events, etc.), submission guidelines and faqs, and info on summer workshops.
Plus, this website reminds me of something that one would see on a Local Coffee website.
-It's like this website is saying: Eh, we want the website to be simple, so any other business can do the same. But I'm thinking: If your journal calls for originality, then why not emphasize it on your website?
And finally... a little background:
Once upon a time, this journal was founded by William Page in 1980 under the name Memphis State Review. The journal has featured works from well-known writers like Phillip Levine, Mary Oliver, etc. (more writers featured in the mission statement) As time went on, the journal became successful, and is being run by graduate students.
-That was a good start.
Consensus
So, what do I think about The Pinch? Well, to say the least, this journal was a pretty-good book to get my hands on.
Despite their website feeling generic, the prices for subscriptions seem like a bit of a concern, and not much of a history to display... the journal does let itself to good content. With an appropriate size, theme choices, considerable length of the book, and the genres that it's open to, The Pinch would be somewhere where I can submit work to.
So, if you like an interesting read that features award-winning and recognized content, then why not give this journal a try?
Whatsoever Critic
Sources:
The Pinch (both Vol. 34 No. 1 Spring 2013 issue, and website)
Local Coffee (as an example for website comparison)
Courtesy: The Hohenberg Foundation/The University of Memphis
It was a privilege to be sent a copy of a literary journal called The Pinch.
I've never heard of this literary journal before, but I was interested to learn more about it.
Now the idea for reviewing literary journals spawned when I had a school assignment, which had us reviewing a literary journal of our choice. So I was scrambling to find a journal. I even asked at least three journals via email to send a review copy for me to review on. However, as the deadline for the assignment approached, I had to resort to the literary journals that were in my school library. And since then, I've gotten journals from two of the companies that I've asked.
However, so that there's no misunderstanding, I decided to review the journals that I've gotten late... ON THIS BLOG!!!
-Yay!
So the review of The Pinch is, in fact, my first review of a literary journal for this blog. So let's dive in.
At first glance...
I was given the Vol. 34 No. 1 (Spring 2014) issue of The Pinch from the editors themselves. On the front cover, it features some objects that one may associate with as something from a museum. The background had some kind of atlas or map, which adds onto the museum-like theme.
On the back cover, you'll see a list of contributors, as well as a "funded by" and the university that supported the journal. In this case, the journal is said to be funded by The Hohenberg Foundation, and is sponsored by The University of Memphis.
-Funny thing: On the bottom of the journal on the back cover, there's some words saying, "Keep this slip. It is the only itemized copy you will receive."
Either this is real or coincidence, because I was asking for a review copy of this journal.
Opening the book...
The first pages contain the masthead (the editors and co.), acknowledgements, the mission statement ("A Note on The Pinch"), and the table of contents.
Now, if you look at the table of contents, you'll see that the journal features fiction (short), creative nonfiction, poetry, visual arts, and a section for the Pinch Literary Award Winners. Now, the good thing about the selection is that even though the genres are divided into sections in the table of contents, they're spread out throughout the book, which increases viewership on the journal itself, versus dividing the audience.
Looking through a literary work...
Let's say I'm reading through a poem. (We'll use a poem as an example.)
First of all, the font. The title is in bold, capital letters. Plus, the name of the writer is on top of the title of the work. The font of the literary work itself seems like a 12-pt. font, though it's not Times New Roman...
-Sorry. That was computer literacy for you guys.
Moving on, the page itself is white (not an off-white). There's space between the gutter line and the text, which is effective, because who wants to try and pry the book further open to not miss a word of text?
The visual arts
Now, as promised, the journal does feature artwork from some of its contributors. For artworks like the huge one by Keiko Gonzalez called "Two Hand Clap," they're displayed with two full pages. The work is a pretty good size, especially for individual artwork that only require one page.
The Winner's Section
Also, as promised, the journal has a section that features contributors that gained recognition for their works. (We'll get to submission processes and guidelines later on in this review.) There's only one winner for different genre. And, just like the other works, the winning works are scattered, instead of being restricted by a set section.
Contributors' Notes
The journal takes the initiative in recognizing its contributors: their name, their education, their occupation, their bio, etc.
Afterwards, the journal has some advertising for future contests, announcements, etc.
Pricing
At first glance, you'll see the U.S. pricing for this book: $15. That seems pricey for a literary journal. Then again, the resources had to come from somewhere. Plus, the glossy cover, the number of pages (157 at least), the dimensions of the book itself (a 9.5" x 6.75", I think), and the binding... I could tell that a lot of effort was put into this journal.
If you look on the page before the masthead, you'll see the prices, when it comes to subscribing to the journal. (They can be bought online.)
$28 a year
$50 for 2 years
$60 for 2 years (for organizations buying)
-Again, very pricey.
Submissions Process
Now, as I promised earlier, the submissions process. Well, if you look at the page before the masthead, you'll see that the journal claims to publish twice a year.
-Good point, seeing that the issue that we have here is the spring edition.
You'll also see that the publishing is overseen by the English Department of the University of Memphis. The journal calls for submissions from August 15th and March 15th; and the works have to be mailed to the address provided, or online on their website in the website provided. (We'll get to the website later on in this review.)
-However, the word is that the journal is now accepting online submissions starting March 15, 2015. Times have changed.
-Plus, you have to submit online on their website.
And, as usual, submissions have to be original and never been previously published... oh yeah- and be ready to send a cover letter.
-I feel that this is starting to become a job application, instead of submitting a literary work. I mean, it's hard enough for writers, because the job market can be a cruel mistress. I'm just saying we don't really need a submission process to emphasize that. However, if it's for the sake of being professional, then cool.
So now, I'm curious when it comes to books and journals. So what if I wanted to learn more about this journal? That's where the journal's website comes in.
The website
The website itself seems simple. This is good, but can use something more. Here, you have black and white colors as a background, even though it features visual artwork and sections on where to find each genre. There's not just online content, but there's also news (where to see the list of winners, upcoming events, etc.), submission guidelines and faqs, and info on summer workshops.
Plus, this website reminds me of something that one would see on a Local Coffee website.
-It's like this website is saying: Eh, we want the website to be simple, so any other business can do the same. But I'm thinking: If your journal calls for originality, then why not emphasize it on your website?
And finally... a little background:
Once upon a time, this journal was founded by William Page in 1980 under the name Memphis State Review. The journal has featured works from well-known writers like Phillip Levine, Mary Oliver, etc. (more writers featured in the mission statement) As time went on, the journal became successful, and is being run by graduate students.
-That was a good start.
Consensus
So, what do I think about The Pinch? Well, to say the least, this journal was a pretty-good book to get my hands on.
Despite their website feeling generic, the prices for subscriptions seem like a bit of a concern, and not much of a history to display... the journal does let itself to good content. With an appropriate size, theme choices, considerable length of the book, and the genres that it's open to, The Pinch would be somewhere where I can submit work to.
So, if you like an interesting read that features award-winning and recognized content, then why not give this journal a try?
Whatsoever Critic
Sources:
The Pinch (both Vol. 34 No. 1 Spring 2013 issue, and website)
Local Coffee (as an example for website comparison)
Courtesy: The Hohenberg Foundation/The University of Memphis
Thursday, June 4, 2015
"A.D. The Bible Continues" Ep. 9 Review (5/31/15)
Hi, I'm the Whatsoever Critic. I review just about anything.
Welcome back to another review of A.D. The Bible Continues! So let's get going.
So now that Saul has converted to Christ, people are after him in Damascus. But fortunately, Saul escapes by being lifted inside a basket over the town wall, and he flees with Barnabas back to Jerusalem.
Speaking of Jerusalem...
Caiaphas and his clan are still shocked to learn that Saul has turned against him. Leah then demands that Saul be severely punished.
-That involves killing him.
Now say, remember when Caligula took over as emperor in the previous episode? Well, our next scene is him trying to get Pilate's wife Claudia to like him. And then the deceased emperor's adviser is called upon and is given a test: to prove that he would die for Caligula (since he's the new emperor and all).
-I mean, the adviser literally kills himself in front of everyone in the room! Talk about kissing someone's ass that badly!
Anyway, the guy dies, and Caligula realizes that he's bored...
-Really? It took someone dying to make you realize that you intimidated Jerusalem long enough? As proven in the previous review, that's politics in a nutshell.
Caligula: "I am bored with Jerusalem..."
-... Whatever.
Anyway, after bitching briefly about the food and the un-hospitality, Caligula presents a parting gift: having a statue of him built and putting it in the Temple for people to see and recognize who their emperor is. But Pilate is unsure about the statue, because...
-In case you missed it in the previous episodes, Pilate and Caiaphas would butt heads when it came to what was good for the Temple. There had to be some common ground: having rule and religion work together. Well, as the series progresses, we learn that the ruling and the religious don't always go hand-in-hand. I betcha that would be Pilate's and Caiaphas' next argument...
So, as Saul returns to Jerusalem, we see Pilate in conflict once again.
-Doesn't surprise me. He's always like this.
Then Caligula's crummy sidekick Agrippa enters the bedroom, and Pilate requests that he talk Caligula out of putting his statue into the Temple, because it would cause a violent war. Reluctantly, Agrippa agrees to talk to his friend once they return home.
-I don't buy it. He's too much of a kiss-up to ask his friend Caligula the emperor for anything.
As Agrippa leaves, Pilate is still worried.
Pilate: "How do you control a madman?"
-Um... look up Wikipedia on Caligula... IDK.
Meanwhile, Caiaphas receives word that Saul is back in Jerusalem. The Caiaphas orders a search party to apprehend Saul.
Speaking of Saul, Barnabas is uncertain whether or not to tell the other disciples about Saul and his conversion. But Saul is excited and can't wait to be accepted into the brotherhood.
And, wouldn't you know it, the disciples are distrustful of Saul, because of what he has done to them. Saul tries to convince them that he's a changed man, but they don't want to hear his testimony.
But then Peter and John arrive; and Peter wants to talk to Saul privately.
-Okay, good. Maybe they can sort this out, or...
Peter: "We'll start on the road to Damascus... I want to hear it from your mouth... You are going to tell me everything from the beginning."
Saul: "But I'm your brother in Christ."
Peter: "From the beginning."
-So you can tell that this was when Peter first didn't trust Saul, because Saul had done bad to him, and Peter finds it hard to forgive. Um... I sense a focal point here.
So Saul explains his story to Peter...
-Well, after a commercial break, because this is television...
-...and we don't get all the explanation, because of the jump-cut...
...but Peter is still not trusting him.
-Just listen to Peter's ranting to emphasize that he doesn't trust Saul:
Peter:
"You wanted me dead!"
"...don't start lecturing me."
"[Jesus] was my best friend, and my teacher, and my brother, and my Lord and master. He was, he is pure life. I miss him."
-Um, keep talking about Jesus, but please listen let Saul speak already. It's like you want to punish him, instead of welcome him. This is where unconditional love is supposed to come in. Again, focal point, guys.
Meanwhile, Caligula and Agrippa leave Pilate's palace; and we learn that Joanna was sexually assaulted(?) by Caligula in one room, and Mary comforts her.
While that's going on, Caiaphas is invited into Pilate's chambers, where Pilate and Herod explain the situation with Caligula's statue. Caiaphas thinks that it's a bad idea, but Pilate shows that they have no choice. Caiaphas quotes from the Book of Daniel, which prophesies that such an act on the Temple would lead to death and destruction.
-So Pilate, what do you have to say to that?
Pilate: "Well, you have a new god, and he is Roman."
-Whoa. Pilate so doesn't care, that he's willing to reject God, in order to kiss up to the emperor Caligula. I mean, think about it. Throughout the series, we see people jeopardizing morals in order to make another person happy. That's unethical!
And wouldn't it make it better? Pilate even makes Herod and his family stay longer in Jerusalem in order to keep his alliance strong...
-Wow. Talk about throwing your most-trusted ally under the bus.
Caiaphas recalls trying to meet common ground with him before, but Pilate still stands by the emperor's parting gift to the Temple, and suggests that it's Caiaphas' problem.
Pilate: "This isn't my problem. It's yours. Deal with it."
Then we cut to a scene where the women: Claudia, Leah, and Herod's wife, are conversing on what they should do to keep the statue a secret from the public. Leah then shows her ambitious side to the other women by suggesting that since Caligula is usually bloodthirsty...
-...as proven in the first scene of him... with the adviser killing himself to prove his loyalty...
...that they need to find Saul and kill him, so that it would please Caligula. Claudia is appalled by Leah's ambition, but Leah has her think: What would she do?
-Okay, who's being devious here? So many people have guilt in them. It's sort of hard to tell who the bad guy is in this series. Or is there more than one villain? What do you guys think?
Anyway, back to Peter and Saul...
Peter still doesn't believe Saul...
Peter:
"Because of you, we've been hiding!"
"It's not that easy!"
"You went after my daughter!"
-Uh, Saul. Why not say something to...?
Saul: "Will you never let this go?"
-Okay. Well, yeah. Why doesn't Peter let this go? He's too mad at Saul because of the mistakes he made, and what he's done to hurt people. And Saul even admits to his wrongdoing. So yeah. I have to side with Saul. Why doesn't Peter let this go? (Not to be confused with Frozen's "Let It Go" song.)
Then Saul goes on to ask, basically beg, Peter for forgiveness. And Peter says...
Oh.
We cut to the guards still searching for Saul.
-So? Well, at least we know that they're still onto him.
For the next scene, we see Mary secretly listening to Herod's talk with his wife about what's to come for Jerusalem and that they can't leave, because Pilate said so.
However, Herod's wife sees opportunity: she says that Pilate can't survive such an event when Caligula's statue is put in the Temple, because of the fortelling backlash from the people. She suggests that she and Herod stay in Jerusalem, and as soon as Pilate falls, Herod would be there to take his position and claim what's "rightfully his," and then get rid of the Jesus followers permanently.
-Okay. Now we have more ambitious women in our midst. (sarcasm) Whoop-de-doo.
Meanwhile, John and another follower (Thomas, I think) are in the marketplace, as they talk about Saul and debate whether or not he has changed. But then the guards rallying up the crowd to find Saul confirms... or seems to confirm... that Saul is telling the truth.
-We can't be sure, guys.
We then cut back to Mary, as she tells Joanna the bad news, about Jerusalem being in grave danger. Joanna insists that she help the cause, and she gives Mary a box...
-I don't know if it's money or gold... Some kind of currency, or something of value... IDK.
Joanna makes it very clear to her that she wants to help, but as Mary leaves, Joanna's husband arrives.
Joanna's husband: "Joanna, did I just see that woman take money?"
-Oh. So that box was money...
So the husband confronts her about it, but Joanna insists that she had to help out.
Joanna: "I cannot be silent."
Well, as soon as the husband leaves, another woman in the room questions how she spoke to her husband the way she did, and Joanna explains herself.
Joanna: "Jesus gave me the strength."
Other woman: "Who is Jesus? Tell me about him."
And Joanna... the way she smiles at the woman... seems more than happy to tell her about Jesus.
-Now, I'm not gonna lie: Joanna really stands out right now, because she's sticking up for herself, despite having a controlling husband and being called insane by everyone else.
In the next scene, Mary has already told the other disciples about what was going to happen with the new statue and the Temple, and that it holds serious consequences for Jerusalem.
John: "The Book of Daniel foretells this moment."
-Oh great, it's that book again. It's been mentioned a few times already. Well... tell us, what does the Book of Daniel say? I mean, really. I want to know. I'm curious.
John: "At the temple, he would set up an abomination that would cause desolation..."
-Oh, you mean like the Desolation of Smaug? (pause) Oh no, sorry guys. This show isn't that kind of series. (pause) Dragons aren't in this series either. (pause) Even if dragons talked, they're still not in this series.
The disciples go on to discuss that Jesus had told them about this; and they all come to the conclusion that this "eternal war" would lead to the return of Jesus.
We then cut to Leah telling her husband Caiaphas to make a spectacle of Saul for betraying them. But Caiaphas wants to be civil when confronting Saul, because he feels that he can change Saul back to the way he was before. He also tells his wife to not seek revenge but to love one another.
Meanwhile, Peter is talking with Barnabas about the fate of Jerusalem and about Saul. Barnabas tries to persuade to trust Saul, because guards are out looking for him, and that that's prove in itself.
Barnabas: "Why don't you welcome him in?"
-Yeah, Peter. Why don't you welcome him in?
Peter: "Why him?"
-As in Why did Jesus choose Saul to be an instrument in spreading the Word? Well, you'll see when we get there. Spoiler alert: In the Bible, he'll write many letters to different nations to spread the Word... Sorry. Sorry. This is coming from my studies of the Bible.
So that night, while guards are still looking for Saul, Pilate and Claudia have a meeting with the centurion to discuss how to prepare for the worst that's to come to Jerusalem. Both men assume the worst, but Claudia insists that they-
Claudia: "...have to stop it coming!"
-I was about to say that. But anyway...
Pilate: "But how?"
Claudia: "We think. We plan."
-Okay, I feel like there's a tug-of-war between over-the-top-ambitious women and the women that are trying to stand up for themselves and make a difference. Why is that?
Pilate tells her that there's nothing they can do to stop what's to come.
Meanwhile...
Simon: "I can't believe that this could be the end of the Temple."
-Yeah, we're still on about that. Yeah, as soon as Caligula makes known that he wants a statue of himself in the Temple, it's like "Hey everyone! Check this out!" Wouldn't the news go faster if this time period had social media? Probably would, since pretty much everything is digital now. Just saying.
But Simon is unsure about this, and insists that they can't just sit and do nothing.
-And I thought Thomas was the doubter of the disciples...
But anyway, Peter comes in to make an announcement.
Peter: "Good news! We welcome Saul as our brother in Christ."
-(mimicking Peter) And it took us 3/4 of this episode to get to that conclusion.
But Simon still isn't buying it, and he leaves. Saul leaves to go after him, despite Peter and Barnabas warning him about the guards outside, but Saul goes anyway.
Then Saul makes the mistake of shouting to Simon to come back, which gets the attention of the guards. Soon, the guards capture Saul, and he is whisked away, before Barnabas can get to him.
Then we cut to Simon... who's at a bar or something... as a guy serves him with a drink. Simon is also looking to meet someone.
Simon: "I have information, and it is vital that I get it to them. The city would be destroyed otherwise."
-Okay, if you thought Judas was shady, then you haven't seen this. I mean, what is this? Simon is wanting to exchange information with the rebels now? But why?
Meanwhile in the Pilate household, Claudia meets again with the centurion. Claudia then takes the time to share her thoughts and concerns with him.
Claudia: "How do you prepare yourself for something like this?"
The centurion: "I'm sure it won't come to that."
-I don't know. I have a feeling that Claudia wants to make out with this guy. Why? Because we've already established that she's one of the ambitious women in this series, and she's always suggesting ideas to people, advising for crying out loud! So yeah. I think she would be that ambitious to where she can be lustful. It happens all the time in Lifetime movies!
We then cut back to Simon, who's still hitting the sauce. But then he gets drugged, and after he wakes up, is confronted by... Boaz's wife(?)... who tells him that she and the rebels want to help him and the disciples, on the condition that he exchange the information with them.
-Oooooookay...
So Simon agrees, and he gets to meet with the rebels' leader.
And then the show ends with Saul in prison.
Caiaphas watches as Saul recites the Lord's prayer in his cell.
And that was episode 9. So are we getting somewhere? Yes we are.
In fact, there's talk of the end. What's that going to be like for our characters? For me, if this is to indicate the end of the series, I don't think so. Why not? Because Saul just became a brother in Christ. We still need to find out what will happen to the Pilate clan, the Herod clan, the Caiaphas clan, and the disciples. There are still some unanswered questions here and there. Maybe the next few episodes would shed more light on the situation about "the end."
Whatsoever Critic
Source: A.D. The Bible Continues
Courtesy: NBC/Lightworkers Media
Welcome back to another review of A.D. The Bible Continues! So let's get going.
So now that Saul has converted to Christ, people are after him in Damascus. But fortunately, Saul escapes by being lifted inside a basket over the town wall, and he flees with Barnabas back to Jerusalem.
Speaking of Jerusalem...
Caiaphas and his clan are still shocked to learn that Saul has turned against him. Leah then demands that Saul be severely punished.
-That involves killing him.
Now say, remember when Caligula took over as emperor in the previous episode? Well, our next scene is him trying to get Pilate's wife Claudia to like him. And then the deceased emperor's adviser is called upon and is given a test: to prove that he would die for Caligula (since he's the new emperor and all).
-I mean, the adviser literally kills himself in front of everyone in the room! Talk about kissing someone's ass that badly!
Anyway, the guy dies, and Caligula realizes that he's bored...
-Really? It took someone dying to make you realize that you intimidated Jerusalem long enough? As proven in the previous review, that's politics in a nutshell.
Caligula: "I am bored with Jerusalem..."
-... Whatever.
Anyway, after bitching briefly about the food and the un-hospitality, Caligula presents a parting gift: having a statue of him built and putting it in the Temple for people to see and recognize who their emperor is. But Pilate is unsure about the statue, because...
-In case you missed it in the previous episodes, Pilate and Caiaphas would butt heads when it came to what was good for the Temple. There had to be some common ground: having rule and religion work together. Well, as the series progresses, we learn that the ruling and the religious don't always go hand-in-hand. I betcha that would be Pilate's and Caiaphas' next argument...
So, as Saul returns to Jerusalem, we see Pilate in conflict once again.
-Doesn't surprise me. He's always like this.
Then Caligula's crummy sidekick Agrippa enters the bedroom, and Pilate requests that he talk Caligula out of putting his statue into the Temple, because it would cause a violent war. Reluctantly, Agrippa agrees to talk to his friend once they return home.
-I don't buy it. He's too much of a kiss-up to ask his friend Caligula the emperor for anything.
As Agrippa leaves, Pilate is still worried.
Pilate: "How do you control a madman?"
-Um... look up Wikipedia on Caligula... IDK.
Meanwhile, Caiaphas receives word that Saul is back in Jerusalem. The Caiaphas orders a search party to apprehend Saul.
Speaking of Saul, Barnabas is uncertain whether or not to tell the other disciples about Saul and his conversion. But Saul is excited and can't wait to be accepted into the brotherhood.
And, wouldn't you know it, the disciples are distrustful of Saul, because of what he has done to them. Saul tries to convince them that he's a changed man, but they don't want to hear his testimony.
But then Peter and John arrive; and Peter wants to talk to Saul privately.
-Okay, good. Maybe they can sort this out, or...
Peter: "We'll start on the road to Damascus... I want to hear it from your mouth... You are going to tell me everything from the beginning."
Saul: "But I'm your brother in Christ."
Peter: "From the beginning."
-So you can tell that this was when Peter first didn't trust Saul, because Saul had done bad to him, and Peter finds it hard to forgive. Um... I sense a focal point here.
So Saul explains his story to Peter...
-Well, after a commercial break, because this is television...
-...and we don't get all the explanation, because of the jump-cut...
...but Peter is still not trusting him.
-Just listen to Peter's ranting to emphasize that he doesn't trust Saul:
Peter:
"You wanted me dead!"
"...don't start lecturing me."
"[Jesus] was my best friend, and my teacher, and my brother, and my Lord and master. He was, he is pure life. I miss him."
-Um, keep talking about Jesus, but please listen let Saul speak already. It's like you want to punish him, instead of welcome him. This is where unconditional love is supposed to come in. Again, focal point, guys.
Meanwhile, Caligula and Agrippa leave Pilate's palace; and we learn that Joanna was sexually assaulted(?) by Caligula in one room, and Mary comforts her.
While that's going on, Caiaphas is invited into Pilate's chambers, where Pilate and Herod explain the situation with Caligula's statue. Caiaphas thinks that it's a bad idea, but Pilate shows that they have no choice. Caiaphas quotes from the Book of Daniel, which prophesies that such an act on the Temple would lead to death and destruction.
-So Pilate, what do you have to say to that?
Pilate: "Well, you have a new god, and he is Roman."
-Whoa. Pilate so doesn't care, that he's willing to reject God, in order to kiss up to the emperor Caligula. I mean, think about it. Throughout the series, we see people jeopardizing morals in order to make another person happy. That's unethical!
And wouldn't it make it better? Pilate even makes Herod and his family stay longer in Jerusalem in order to keep his alliance strong...
-Wow. Talk about throwing your most-trusted ally under the bus.
Caiaphas recalls trying to meet common ground with him before, but Pilate still stands by the emperor's parting gift to the Temple, and suggests that it's Caiaphas' problem.
Pilate: "This isn't my problem. It's yours. Deal with it."
Then we cut to a scene where the women: Claudia, Leah, and Herod's wife, are conversing on what they should do to keep the statue a secret from the public. Leah then shows her ambitious side to the other women by suggesting that since Caligula is usually bloodthirsty...
-...as proven in the first scene of him... with the adviser killing himself to prove his loyalty...
...that they need to find Saul and kill him, so that it would please Caligula. Claudia is appalled by Leah's ambition, but Leah has her think: What would she do?
-Okay, who's being devious here? So many people have guilt in them. It's sort of hard to tell who the bad guy is in this series. Or is there more than one villain? What do you guys think?
Anyway, back to Peter and Saul...
Peter still doesn't believe Saul...
Peter:
"Because of you, we've been hiding!"
"It's not that easy!"
"You went after my daughter!"
-Uh, Saul. Why not say something to...?
Saul: "Will you never let this go?"
-Okay. Well, yeah. Why doesn't Peter let this go? He's too mad at Saul because of the mistakes he made, and what he's done to hurt people. And Saul even admits to his wrongdoing. So yeah. I have to side with Saul. Why doesn't Peter let this go? (Not to be confused with Frozen's "Let It Go" song.)
Then Saul goes on to ask, basically beg, Peter for forgiveness. And Peter says...
Oh.
We cut to the guards still searching for Saul.
-So? Well, at least we know that they're still onto him.
For the next scene, we see Mary secretly listening to Herod's talk with his wife about what's to come for Jerusalem and that they can't leave, because Pilate said so.
However, Herod's wife sees opportunity: she says that Pilate can't survive such an event when Caligula's statue is put in the Temple, because of the fortelling backlash from the people. She suggests that she and Herod stay in Jerusalem, and as soon as Pilate falls, Herod would be there to take his position and claim what's "rightfully his," and then get rid of the Jesus followers permanently.
-Okay. Now we have more ambitious women in our midst. (sarcasm) Whoop-de-doo.
Meanwhile, John and another follower (Thomas, I think) are in the marketplace, as they talk about Saul and debate whether or not he has changed. But then the guards rallying up the crowd to find Saul confirms... or seems to confirm... that Saul is telling the truth.
-We can't be sure, guys.
We then cut back to Mary, as she tells Joanna the bad news, about Jerusalem being in grave danger. Joanna insists that she help the cause, and she gives Mary a box...
-I don't know if it's money or gold... Some kind of currency, or something of value... IDK.
Joanna makes it very clear to her that she wants to help, but as Mary leaves, Joanna's husband arrives.
Joanna's husband: "Joanna, did I just see that woman take money?"
-Oh. So that box was money...
So the husband confronts her about it, but Joanna insists that she had to help out.
Joanna: "I cannot be silent."
Well, as soon as the husband leaves, another woman in the room questions how she spoke to her husband the way she did, and Joanna explains herself.
Joanna: "Jesus gave me the strength."
Other woman: "Who is Jesus? Tell me about him."
And Joanna... the way she smiles at the woman... seems more than happy to tell her about Jesus.
-Now, I'm not gonna lie: Joanna really stands out right now, because she's sticking up for herself, despite having a controlling husband and being called insane by everyone else.
In the next scene, Mary has already told the other disciples about what was going to happen with the new statue and the Temple, and that it holds serious consequences for Jerusalem.
John: "The Book of Daniel foretells this moment."
-Oh great, it's that book again. It's been mentioned a few times already. Well... tell us, what does the Book of Daniel say? I mean, really. I want to know. I'm curious.
John: "At the temple, he would set up an abomination that would cause desolation..."
-Oh, you mean like the Desolation of Smaug? (pause) Oh no, sorry guys. This show isn't that kind of series. (pause) Dragons aren't in this series either. (pause) Even if dragons talked, they're still not in this series.
The disciples go on to discuss that Jesus had told them about this; and they all come to the conclusion that this "eternal war" would lead to the return of Jesus.
We then cut to Leah telling her husband Caiaphas to make a spectacle of Saul for betraying them. But Caiaphas wants to be civil when confronting Saul, because he feels that he can change Saul back to the way he was before. He also tells his wife to not seek revenge but to love one another.
Meanwhile, Peter is talking with Barnabas about the fate of Jerusalem and about Saul. Barnabas tries to persuade to trust Saul, because guards are out looking for him, and that that's prove in itself.
Barnabas: "Why don't you welcome him in?"
-Yeah, Peter. Why don't you welcome him in?
Peter: "Why him?"
-As in Why did Jesus choose Saul to be an instrument in spreading the Word? Well, you'll see when we get there. Spoiler alert: In the Bible, he'll write many letters to different nations to spread the Word... Sorry. Sorry. This is coming from my studies of the Bible.
So that night, while guards are still looking for Saul, Pilate and Claudia have a meeting with the centurion to discuss how to prepare for the worst that's to come to Jerusalem. Both men assume the worst, but Claudia insists that they-
Claudia: "...have to stop it coming!"
-I was about to say that. But anyway...
Pilate: "But how?"
Claudia: "We think. We plan."
-Okay, I feel like there's a tug-of-war between over-the-top-ambitious women and the women that are trying to stand up for themselves and make a difference. Why is that?
Pilate tells her that there's nothing they can do to stop what's to come.
Meanwhile...
Simon: "I can't believe that this could be the end of the Temple."
-Yeah, we're still on about that. Yeah, as soon as Caligula makes known that he wants a statue of himself in the Temple, it's like "Hey everyone! Check this out!" Wouldn't the news go faster if this time period had social media? Probably would, since pretty much everything is digital now. Just saying.
But Simon is unsure about this, and insists that they can't just sit and do nothing.
-And I thought Thomas was the doubter of the disciples...
But anyway, Peter comes in to make an announcement.
Peter: "Good news! We welcome Saul as our brother in Christ."
-(mimicking Peter) And it took us 3/4 of this episode to get to that conclusion.
But Simon still isn't buying it, and he leaves. Saul leaves to go after him, despite Peter and Barnabas warning him about the guards outside, but Saul goes anyway.
Then Saul makes the mistake of shouting to Simon to come back, which gets the attention of the guards. Soon, the guards capture Saul, and he is whisked away, before Barnabas can get to him.
Then we cut to Simon... who's at a bar or something... as a guy serves him with a drink. Simon is also looking to meet someone.
Simon: "I have information, and it is vital that I get it to them. The city would be destroyed otherwise."
-Okay, if you thought Judas was shady, then you haven't seen this. I mean, what is this? Simon is wanting to exchange information with the rebels now? But why?
Meanwhile in the Pilate household, Claudia meets again with the centurion. Claudia then takes the time to share her thoughts and concerns with him.
Claudia: "How do you prepare yourself for something like this?"
The centurion: "I'm sure it won't come to that."
-I don't know. I have a feeling that Claudia wants to make out with this guy. Why? Because we've already established that she's one of the ambitious women in this series, and she's always suggesting ideas to people, advising for crying out loud! So yeah. I think she would be that ambitious to where she can be lustful. It happens all the time in Lifetime movies!
We then cut back to Simon, who's still hitting the sauce. But then he gets drugged, and after he wakes up, is confronted by... Boaz's wife(?)... who tells him that she and the rebels want to help him and the disciples, on the condition that he exchange the information with them.
-Oooooookay...
So Simon agrees, and he gets to meet with the rebels' leader.
And then the show ends with Saul in prison.
Caiaphas watches as Saul recites the Lord's prayer in his cell.
And that was episode 9. So are we getting somewhere? Yes we are.
In fact, there's talk of the end. What's that going to be like for our characters? For me, if this is to indicate the end of the series, I don't think so. Why not? Because Saul just became a brother in Christ. We still need to find out what will happen to the Pilate clan, the Herod clan, the Caiaphas clan, and the disciples. There are still some unanswered questions here and there. Maybe the next few episodes would shed more light on the situation about "the end."
Whatsoever Critic
Source: A.D. The Bible Continues
Courtesy: NBC/Lightworkers Media
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
2 EVIL EYES (fan-made FNaF video)- WC Reacts
Today we react to another video. This time, instead of the humor of "Fazbear and Friends," we get a dark twist from the side of Springtrap.
Original video: https://youtu.be/xRuVTFqaE0M
(Inspired by Scott Cawthon's Five Nights at Freddy's series)
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