Connie Allen

I'm a writer, cinephile, avid reader, and pop culture enthusiast. I love historical dramas, and fantasy/sci-fi series. Currently living in SoCal.

Most commented posts

  1. The Bitter End. Retrospective: The White Queen “Long Live the King” — 4 comments
  2. Black Sails – “XII” Retrospective. War Games — 2 comments
  3. EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Screenwriter Kayla Alpert About Flowers in the Attic and Petals on the Wind — 2 comments
  4. Season Of The Witch. Retrospective: Witches of East End “Today I Am A Witch” — 1 comment
  5. Are We There Yet? Retrospective: Black Sails – “IV.” — 1 comment

Author's posts

Black Sails—“XXXVIII” Series Finale Review. Legends and Legacies

<i>Black Sails</i>—“XXXVIII” Series Finale Review. Legends and Legacies 1

The series finale of Black Sails, “XXXVII,” is a brilliant masterpiece that leaves its fans a lot to ponder afterwards. I don’t think there are enough positive superlatives to describe how satisfying this episode is to watch from start to finish.

Black Sails—“XXXVII” Review.  Let the Games Begin!

<i>Black Sails</i>—“XXXVII” Review.  Let the Games Begin! 2

As the penultimate episode to the series finale of Black Sails, “XXXVII” seamlessly bridges together events from Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel “Treasure Island” with the major plot lines originated within the show; it’s downright brilliant.

Black Sails – “XXXVI” Review. Until the Bitter End.

<i>Black Sails</i> – “XXXVI” Review. Until the Bitter End. 3

“XXXVI” signals the beginning of the final story arc for Black Sails, and if it’s any indication of what to expect for the series finale, I might have to get a bottle of wine to calm me down.

Black Sails—“XXXV” Review. A Woman’s Worth.

<i>Black Sails</i>—“XXXV” Review. A Woman’s Worth. 4

Black Sails easily has one of the best written story lines for women and it thoroughly shines in the latest episode, “XXXV.” Wow, I am so impressed with the way the series has been dedicated to creating well-rounded female characters. “XXXV” uses the fate of Madi (Zethu Dlomo) and Eleanor (Hannah New) to illustrate the power they wield over the men in their lives.

Black Sails—“XXXIV” Review. Death Comes to Nassau.

<i>Black Sails</i>—“XXXIV” Review. Death Comes to Nassau. 5

Shocking, devastating, suspenseful, and tragic are some of the words running through my mind after watching the latest episode of Black Sails. “XXXIV” follows up quickly after the suspenseful end of “XXXIII” when Woodes Rogers (Luke Roberts), along with the aid of a Spanish fleet, invades Nassau.

Black Sails – “XXXIII” Review. Risking It All.

<i>Black Sails</i> – “XXXIII” Review. Risking It All. 6

Whom can you trust? I asked myself that question several times while watching the latest episode of Black Sails. Just when I thought things couldn’t get any grimmer for the pirates of Nassau, I am proven wrong—again.

Black Sails – “XXXII” Recap. All Roads Lead Back to Nassau.

<i>Black Sails</i> – “XXXII” Recap. All Roads Lead Back to Nassau. 7

History has a complicated way of repeating itself in “XXXII.” The latest episode of Black Sails is a powerful one where life and death seem easily interchangeable in any given second.

Black Sails – “XXXI” Review. A Time for Dark Deeds.

<i>Black Sails</i> – “XXXI” Review. A Time for Dark Deeds. 8

After several battles fought both on land and on sea, prepare yourself for an explosive episode where the first major losses and victories occur.

Black Sails – “XXX” Review. New Foes, Old Friends, and Some Dead Bodies.

<i>Black Sails</i> - “XXX” Review. New Foes, Old Friends, and Some Dead Bodies. 9

At one point in this week’s episode, “XXX,” John Silver (Luke Arnold) declares, “I am a new beginning for Nassau.” Silver’s words best describe the whole concept of this latest installment of Black Sails.

Black Sails Season 4 Premiere – “XXIX” Review. Vengeance Never Looked So Visually Epic.

<i>Black Sails</i> Season 4 Premiere - “XXIX” Review. Vengeance Never Looked So Visually Epic. 10

As cliché as it sounds, all good things must come to an end, and Black Sails is no exception. After several seasons of harrowing tales with mesmerizing sea battles, season four marks the last time viewers will raise the black with the pirates of Nassau. But have no fear, I always believe if you have to make an exit, it should be memorable; the Black Sails season four premiere, “XXIX,” sets the stage for what I can assure you will be an unforgettable season!

Channel Zero: Candle Cove – Season Finale “Welcome Home” Review. What’s Done is Done.

<i>Channel Zero: Candle Cove</i> – Season Finale “Welcome Home” Review. What’s Done is Done. 11

“Welcome Home,” the season finale of Channel Zero: Candle Cove (CZ:CC) is a fitting end to the first installment of creepypastas for the Channel Zero anthology series. The story of Dr. Mike Painter’s (Paul Schneider) return to Iron Hill has been a disturbing journey—at times, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.

Channel Zero: Candle Cove – “A Strange Vessel” Review. The Crossroads.

<i>Channel Zero: Candle Cove</i> – “A Strange Vessel” Review. The Crossroads. 12

After watching “A Strange Vessel,” the mere concept of sleep was the last thing on my mind. When I did manage to get some shuteye, I had the oddest dreams—that’s how much the latest episode of Channel Zero: Candle Cove (CZ:CC) impacted me. “A Strange Vessel” is a wonderful follow-up to the events from “Want to See Something Cool?” in that it reveals surprising twists to the main story lines.

Interview: Showrunner Nick Antosca Talks about Creepypastas and Inspiration for the Most Haunting Hour of Television

Interview: Showrunner Nick Antosca Talks about Creepypastas and Inspiration for the Most Haunting Hour of Television 13

If you’re still unsettled by Channel Zero: Candle Cove’s “A Strange Vessel,” don’t worry the feeling is mutual. I never thought I’d be so terrified of puppets until I started watching the show. Originally, when I learned the Syfy network planned to air a horror series based on creepypastas, I couldn’t wait to see it! Recently, YEC interviewed Nick Antosca, the showrunner for Channel Zero: Candle Cove.

Channel Zero: Candle Cove – “Want to See Something Cool?” Review. Thanks, But No Thanks.

<i>Channel Zero: Candle Cove</i> – “Want to See Something Cool?” Review. Thanks, But No Thanks. 14

Channel Zero: Candle Cove (CZ:CC) picks up the pace this week in “Want to See Something Cool?” as it delves further into the supernatural goings-on in Iron Hill, leaving the audience with a slew of new questions but only vague answers.

Channel Zero: Candle Cove – “I’ll Hold Your Hand” Review. The Kids Are Not All Right.

<i>Channel Zero: Candle Cove</i> – “I’ll Hold Your Hand” Review. The Kids Are Not All Right. 15

Some of your worse childhood nightmares unfold in “I’ll Hold Your Hand.” The latest episode of Channel Zero: Candle Cove, the creepypasta TV series, is as unnerving as the series premiere, “You Have to Go Inside.” There are some twists I did not see coming, which is a pleasant surprise.

Channel Zero: Candle Cove – “You Have to Go Inside” Review. In a Mad World.

<i>Channel Zero: Candle Cove</i> – “You Have to Go Inside” Review. In a Mad World. 16

I dare you to try sleeping with the lights off after watching Channel Zero: Candle Cove. After weeks of seeing TV promos and trailers for the new horror anthology series on Syfy, I expected gore and mayhem.After all, there is a monster literally made up of teeth, life-size puppets that are the stuff of nightmares, and creepy children. Instead, what unfolds in the premiere, “You Have to Go Inside,” is a psychological thriller mixed with story elements reminiscent of the Konami horror game Silent Hill 2.

Lifetime Movie: Mother, May I Sleep with Danger? Advance Review. Erotic Horror or Campy Cliché?

Lifetime Movie: <i>Mother, May I Sleep with Danger?</i> Advance Review. Erotic Horror or Campy Cliché? 17

When I learned the 1996 Lifetime movie Mother, May I Sleep with Danger? (MMISWD) was getting a reboot, I didn’t understand why because despite its somewhat debatable cult status, MMISWD is the standard, cautionary love story Lifetime is known for in its programming, emblematic of its brand of storytelling. Then I learned James Franco is one of the executive producers and it began to make sense.

Black Sails — “XXVIII” Season Finale Review. How Legends Are Born.

<i>Black Sails</i> — “XXVIII” Season Finale Review. How Legends Are Born. 18

Each season finale of Black Sails has proven to be a mesmerizing spectacle full of action and frustrating cliffhangers. “XXVIII” is no exception, but what makes it special is the way all the story lines enrich the context of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island,” the source material from which the series draws its inspiration.

Black Sails — “XXVII” Recap. Neither Sheep Nor Shepherd.

<i>Black Sails</i> — “XXVII” Recap. Neither Sheep Nor Shepherd. 19

I am going to choose my words carefully with my review of “XXVII” because Black Sails shows a dark side that serves as a sobering reminder—no one is safe on the show, and I don’t know how I feel about that.

Casting News: Emily Browning Cast as Laura Moon in Starz and FremantleMedia’s AMERICAN GODS

Casting News: Emily Browning Cast as Laura Moon in Starz and FremantleMedia's <i>AMERICAN GODS</i> 20

#AmericanGods Starz and FremantleMedia North America announced Emily Browning (“Sucker Punch,” “Legend”) has been cast as Laura Moon, in the upcoming adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed contemporary fantasy novel, American Gods. The series will begin shooting in April.

Black Sails — “XXVI” Review. Too Big to Fail.

<i>Black Sails</i> — “XXVI” Review. Too Big to Fail. 21

Tensions mount as Captain Flint’s (Toby Stephens) plans to take control of Nassau put lives at risk, while the threat of war inches closer to home for everyone in New Providence.

Black Sails — “XXV” Review. No Risk, No Glory.

<i>Black Sails</i> — “XXV” Review. No Risk, No Glory. 22

All roads lead to Jack Rackham (Toby Schmitz) in “XXV” after his plans to steal Spain’s treasure from the wreck of the Urca de Lima prove successful. Unfortunately, those plans alter the course of some lives and dissolve once strong partnerships. If there’s a lesson to be learned from this week’s Black Sails, it’s that nothing in life is inevitable except for death.

Casting News: Starz and FreemantleMedia’s American Gods Casts Ian McShane as Mr. Wednesday.

Casting News: Starz and FreemantleMedia's <i>American Gods</i> Casts Ian McShane as Mr. Wednesday. 23

Ian McShane has been cast as Mr. Wednesday in the upcoming TV adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed contemporary fantasy novel, “American Gods.”

Black Sails — “XXIV” Review. Call of Duty.

<i>Black Sails</i> — “XXIV” Review. Call of Duty. 24

I’ve run out of superlatives in describing how gripping each episode of Black Sails has been this season. It’s amazing how much can transpire over the course of a few episodes yet somehow, all the story lines are full of great depth without missing a beat in their continuity.

Black Sails — “XXIII” Recap. War and Pieces O’ Eight.

<i>Black Sails</i> — “XXIII” Recap. War and Pieces O’ Eight. 25

After watching “XXIII,” I am left thinking of the words of Bertrand Russell, a famous British philosopher, logician, mathematician, historian, social critic, and political activist. “War does not determine who is right, only who is left.” Since the beginning of the season, the subject of war has been a constant theme. As Black Sails reaches the halfway mark of season three, “XXIII” represents a pivotal moment where, once again, political alliances shift, loyalties are tested, and the lives of various characters are on the line.

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