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 comments
  5. Are We There Yet? Retrospective: Black Sails – “IV.” — 1 comments

Author's posts

Feb 01 2015

Black Sails – “X” Retrospective. Raise the Black!

<i>Black Sails</i> – “X” Retrospective. Raise the Black! 1

Grab a drink and hold on tight because Black Sails is a doozy this week. If “X” is any indication of how dark and disturbing the season will be for the characters in Black Sails, then no one is safe.

Jan 25 2015

Black Sails – “IX” Season 2 Premiere Retrospective. It’s About Time!

<i>Black Sails</i> – "IX” Season 2 Premiere Retrospective. It's About Time! 2

Black Sails is back with a vengeance in the season two premiere “IX.” Well worth the wait, Starz’s pirate saga doesn’t disappoint as it gets down to the nitty-gritty events left in the wake of season one’s finale, “VIII.” Full of impressive action sequences and sharp dialogue, “IX” leaves you wanting more by the end.

Jan 24 2015

American Horror Story: Freak Show – “Curtain Call” Retrospective. Life After Mars.

<i>American Horror Story: Freak Show</i> – "Curtain Call” Retrospective. Life After Mars. 3

After a season of watching nightmarish clowns, psychopathic killers, and a homicidal ventriloquist terrorize the town of Jupiter, my expectations going into the finale of American Horror Story: Freak Show (AHS: Freak Show) were pretty high. So imagine my surprise when what I expected to see—abundant gore and a literal blood bath—evolved into something poignant and heartfelt by the end.

Jan 16 2015

American Horror Story: Freak Show – “Show Stoppers” Retrospective. It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over.

<i>American Horror Story: Freak Show</i> – "Show Stoppers” Retrospective. It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over. 4

American Horror Story: Freak Show (AHS: Freak Show) has had many defining moments this year, but none as significant as in the latest episode, “Show Stoppers.” As the penultimate episode for the season, “Show Stoppers” is a major turning point for the dear “monsters” in Elsa’s (Jessica Lange) Cabinet of Curiosities. The episode also marks the time we say goodbye—or good riddance—to some key characters whose impact will definitely be felt during next week’s season finale.

Jan 09 2015

American Horror Story: Freak Show – “Magical Thinking” Retrospective. Magic and Mayhem

<i>American Horror Story: Freak Show</i> – "Magical Thinking” Retrospective. Magic and Mayhem 5

Now that the holidays are over, American Horror Story: Freak Show (AHS: Freak Show) bounces right back to the center of the drama unfolding at Elsa’s (Jessica Lang) carnival of curiosities. “Magical Thinking” is a far cry from the emotional rollercoaster witnessed in the last episode, “Orphans.” Instead, we return to the core story lines revolving around Elsa’s fame game, Stanley’s (Denis O’Hare) sinister scheme, and the consequence of Dell’s (Michael Chiklis) involvement with Ma Petite’s (Jyoti Amge) death.

Dec 19 2014

American Horror Story: Freak Show – “Orphans” Retrospective. Best of the Best

<I>American Horror Story: Freak Show</i> – "Orphans” Retrospective. Best of the Best 6

I always find the strength of an episode rests in how long it leaves an impression. It’s been more than 24 hours since I saw “Orphans,” and I can still feel the ache in my chest from how much it caught me off guard with its brilliant writing and amazing performances; not to mention some of the most heartbreaking, poignant, and memorable moments you’ll see in television this year.

Dec 13 2014

American Horror Story: Freak Show – “Tupperware Party Massacre” Retrospective. Blood, Sex, and Lollipops?

<i>American Horror Story: Freak Show</i> – "Tupperware Party Massacre” Retrospective. Blood, Sex, and Lollipops? 7

In the aftermath of “Blood Bath,” where viewers said adieu to several favorite characters, I felt several things going into watching “Tupperware Party Massacre” – fear, curiosity, and excitement.

Nov 21 2014

American Horror Story: Freak Show – “Test of Strength” Retrospective. A Time to Kill.

<i>American Horror Story: Freak Show</i> – "Test of Strength” Retrospective. A Time to Kill. 8

Is it possible American Horror Story: Freak Show (AHS: Freak Show) is the series’ best and most thought provoking season to date? After watching “Test of Strength,” I’m starting to believe it is.

Nov 14 2014

American Horror Story: Freak Show – “Bullseye” Retrospective. It’s All About the Love…Or Not.

<i>American Horror Story: Freak Show</i> – "Bullseye” Retrospective. It’s All About the Love…Or Not. 9

So far, American Horror Story: Freak Show (AHS: Freak Show) has been a rollercoaster ride with some highlights and lagging dips among its pacing, story lines, and character development. However, if the season has any points of consistency, it’s definitely with the performances by its cast members. This week, “Bullseye” is light on the bloodshed but heavy on the drama.

Nov 07 2014

American Horror Story: Freak Show – “Pink Cupcakes.” Retrospective. Madness, Mayhem, and Modern Mutations.

<i>American Horror Story: Freak Show</i> – "Pink Cupcakes.” Retrospective. Madness, Mayhem, and Modern Mutations. 10

After spending two weeks with the ghost of Edward Mordrake (Wes Bentley), American Horror Story: Freak Show (AHS: Freak Show) returns to sadistic clowns and their sidekicks in “Pink Cupcakes,” following up on the aftermath of Dandy Mott’s (Finn Wittrock) dark descent into madness. Meanwhile, in the land of the living, Esmeralda (Emma Roberts) and Stanley (Denis O’Hare) keep their eyes on the prize, focusing on their plot to capture the “freaks” in Jupiter, Florida’s carnival for a black market fortune.

Oct 31 2014

American Horror Story: Freak Show – “Edward Mordrake, Pt. 2” Retrospective. Sins of the Past.

<i>American Horror Story: Freak Show</i> - "Edward Mordrake, Pt. 2" Retrospective. Sins of the Past. 11

In true American Horror Story (AHS) fashion, this week’s Halloween episode, “Edward Mordrake (Part 2),” is full of scary and disturbing tales enough to leave you with nightmares. As the conclusion of the two-part story of infamous carny legend Edward Mordrake (Wes Bentley), “Edward Mordrake (Part 2)” pulls out all the stops, taking viewers further down a murky path with a sinister phantom as their guide.

Oct 24 2014

American Horror Story: Freak Show – “Edward Mordrake (Part 1)” Retrospective. The Ghost of You.

American Horror Story: Freak Show – "Edward Mordrake (Part 1)" Retrospective. The Ghost of You. 12

‘Tis the season of Halloween, and FX’s American Horror Story: Freak Show (AHS: Freak Show) takes every advantage of the ghostly holiday in its “Edward Mordrake (Part 1)” episode—an episode surprisingly not as gory as it is more chilling in its depiction of violence.

Oct 15 2014

American Horror Story: Freak Show – “Massacres and Matinees” Retrospective. Darkness on the Edge of Town.

American Horror Story: Freak Show – "Massacres and Matinees" Retrospective. Darkness on the Edge of Town. 13

Unflinching, eerie, and disturbing are just some of the words that best describe “Massacres and Matinees.” In yet another fascinating attempt to explore the depths of the human experience through violence and horror, the fourth season of American Horror Story (AHS) continues doing an admirable job of putting a lot of twists in its 1950s era freak show subject matter.

Oct 07 2014

Witches of East End – Season Finale “Box to the Future” and “For Whom the Spell Tolls” Retrospective. All Good Things.

Witches of East End – Season Finale “Box to the Future” and “For Whom the Spell Tolls” Retrospective. All Good Things. 14

After watching the Witches of East End season two finale, make no mistake about it. In the world of the supernatural genre, the writers know how to weave a well-driven ensemble piece with evolving characters and storytelling that pushes boundaries. In the aftermath of the thrilling two-hour season finale (episodes “Box to the Future” and “For Whom the Spell Tolls”), I’m still processing the weight of the surprising turn of events, as well as the impact they will have on the future of the series as a whole. ‘Darkness is rising’ is not only the theme for season two, it’s the foundation for so much that transpires in the finale. Episodic writers Richard Hatem and Maggie Friedman go all out with shocking revelations and heartbreaking losses.

Sep 30 2014

Witches of East End – “Poe Way Out” Retrospective. The Telltale Witch

Witches of East End – “Poe Way Out” Retrospective. The Telltale Witch 15

There’s only one week remaining until the two hour season finale of Witches of East End and crazy doesn’t even begin to describe the amount of game changing moments and sad departures experienced these past few weeks.

Sep 23 2014

Witches of East End – “The Fall of the House of Beauchamp” Retrospective. Dead Witches Walking.

Witches of East End – “The Fall of the House of Beauchamp” Retrospective. Dead Witches Walking. 16

There’s never a dull moment in East End as “The Fall of the House of Beauchamp” picks right up from the heartbreaking ending of “Smells Like King Spirit,” showing the impact of Frederick’s (Christian Cooke) actions. But it’s not just sorrow saturating the first half of the episode. Resurrection, Santería, and a royal arrival are merely some of the big events following the aftermath of Freya (Jenna Dewan Tatum) and Ingrid’s (Rachel Boston) untimely departure.

Sep 16 2014

Witches of East End – “Smells Like King Spirit” Recap. Dark Side of Destiny.

Witches of East End – “Smells Like King Spirit” Recap. Dark Side of Destiny. 17

Witches of East End has a habit of balancing the darker elements of its story lines regarding the cursed Beauchamp family with some lighthearted moments. Yeah, not so much in “Smells Like King Spirit,” where the clear and present danger of Frederick (Christian Cooke) and Tarkoff’s (James Marsters) mission takes a sinister turn.

Sep 09 2014

Witches of East End – “Sex, Lies, and Birthday Cake” Retrospective. Shake Ups and Sexy Time.

Witches of East End – “Sex, Lies, and Birthday Cake” Retrospective. Shake Ups and Sexy Time. 18

Shocking revelations, angst-filled romance, and suspense surround East End in “Sex, Lies, and Birthday Cake” when Freya and Frederick’s (Christian Cooke) birthdays create all kinds of tension.

Aug 26 2014

Witches of East End – “Art of Darkness” Retrospective. Guess Who’s Coming to East End?

Witches of East End – “Art of Darkness” Retrospective. Guess Who’s Coming to East End? 19

Just when it appears there may be some down time after the defeat of the mandragora, Witches of East End manages keep up the drama with some unexpected new characters with all too familiar faces. “Art of Darkness” sets up the next phase of danger for the Beauchamp family, making the threat of the mandragora bite size in comparison to the king size problem awaiting them courtesy of Frederick Beauchamp (Christian Cook).

Aug 19 2014

Witches of East End – “When a Mandragora Loves a Woman” Retrospective. How To Slay A Mandragora.

Witches of East End – “When a Mandragora Loves a Woman” Retrospective. How To Slay A Mandragora. 20

Witches of East End just gets better and better. Without a doubt, “When a Mandragora Loves a Woman” serves as one of the season’s best episodes, hitting a high point with the quality of its storytelling. The continuity is solid, and the emotional intensity from the entire cast of characters is spot on without skipping a beat.

Aug 12 2014

Witches of East End – “Boogie Knights” Retrospective. What Goes Around Comes Around.

Witches of East End – “Boogie Knights” Retrospective. What Goes Around Comes Around. 21

Witches of East End pulls out all the stops in “Boogie Knights,” starting with flashbacks to one of Freya’s (Jenna Dewan-Tatum) past lives in the 1970s, as well as the harrowing dilemma Ingrid (Rachel Boston) faces with the tentacle beast called a “mandragora.”

Aug 09 2014

Dominion – “Beware Those Closest to You” Season Finale Retrospective. No Easy Way Out.

Dominion – “Beware Those Closest to You” Season Finale Retrospective. No Easy Way Out. 22

It’s not with a whimper but a bang that the season finale of Dominion concludes the series’ debut season. In an extensive 90-minute showdown, “Beware Those Closest to You” places all the core characters at a standstill.

Aug 02 2014

Dominion – “Ouroburos” Retrospective. Whom Can You Trust?

Dominion – “Ouroburos” Retrospective. Whom Can You Trust? 23

Sex, death, and exorcisms—it’s all in a day’s work when you step into the world of Syfy’s Dominion. Once again, the supernatural series about humanity’s war against angels takes viewers through a number of twists and turns in “Ouroburos.”

Jul 22 2014

Witches of East End – “The Old Man and the Key” Retrospective. Sign of the Times.

Witches of East End – “The Old Man and the Key” Retrospective. Sign of the Times. 24

After an excellent showing in “The Old Man and the Sea,” Lifetime’s Witches of East End paves their way toward a great season with surprising revelations and non-stop action. Fledgling warlock Dash (Eric Winter) continues to discover more about his inherited powers, all of which leads to devastating consequences.

Jul 19 2014

Dominion – “Something Borrowed” Retrospective. Chasing Shadows.

Dominion – “Something Borrowed” Retrospective. Chasing Shadows. 25

Everyone has secrets, and many of the characters in Syfy’s Dominion are no exception. In “Something Borrowed” a majority of the episode reflects on the human characters, and often, their relationships with one another. Although there are not nearly enough scenes with the higher angels like Michael (Tom Wisdom) and Gabriel (Carl Beukes), “Something Borrowed” compensates with strong performances by its actors, and fascinating plot points.

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