Alcatraz Season 1 Episode 2 "Ernest Cobb"

          While the Alcatraz’s storyline is progressing smoothly, I am feeling emotionally disconnected from the characters. This is because there has been little to no history on these characters. I believe that it is a character’s past that makes them interesting, defines their actions, and makes you enjoy the overall story. This was successfully done with the show Lost because each character had at least an entire episode devoted to their past. Because it is only the second episode, I cannot judge too harshly, but I would like to see more character development in upcoming episodes. 

          The show’s premise is intriguing, but I feel that in the future, the show will become mundane because each episode is the same. This is the way House and Bones have become. People don’t watch the show for the repetitive storyline, they watch it for the characters whom they love. Each episode in Alcatraz is devoted toward a specific inmate. So far, they are found to be alive at the same age they disappeared, than the prisoner murders a few people, and finally is caught and thrown back in the new Alcatraz. Hopefully, the writers will find a way to keep the show fresh and original in future episodes.

Alcatraz Pilot

          While I had not seen very many trailers or articles about the new show Alcatraz, I was drawn in by the setting (Alcatraz) and J.J. Abrams who is one of the Executive Producers. Because I had little knowledge before watching the pilot, I found myself surprised by storyline which is... SPOILER ALERT... about 302 missing prisoners and guards that vanished on the island in the 60’s. However, they haven’t totally vanished because the inmates seem to be coming back the same age as when they disappeared.  Becuase J.J. Abrams has a hand in this, I figured it would be satisfyingly confusing just like Lost. 

          I must admit that I was a bit skeptical up until half way through the episode when minor plot twists, and intriguing character histories came forward. Now that I finished the  Pilot episode, I found myself craving more which is usually a good sign. 

          The cast seems a little weak due to my unfamiliarity with many of the actors. Although, Jorge Garcia (Hugo “Hurley” Reyes from Lost) seems to be one of the main driving points for watching the show. He plays a character that is once again nerdy and extremely lovable with a sense of humor that has had me laughing multiple times already.  Garcia seems to be playing his role quite well especially during stressful or dramatic moments. 

          The actual island of Alcatraz has been having some problems since the show began. Multiple tourists have been caught trespassing during public tours because the show depicts hidden rooms located on the island. The situation has become so frustrating that signs have been posted saying, “The TV show Alcatraz is fictional, many areas it depicts are not real.” Too bad because for a second there I was hoping they were real.

          They say not to judge a book by its cover, but I found the pilot episode to be successful in creating a desire to watch the show.

Hesher

          I am pleased to say that I found Hesher hilarious and incredibly enjoyable. The character Hesher is a metal-head who does whatever he wants and seems to not care about others. However, Hesher always stands up for his young friend T.J. 

          When I first saw Hesher, I thought that Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character acted much like Tyler Durden from Fight Club. By destroying things in his friends' life, he ends up making their lives better. Along with Tyler Durden, Hesher is hilariously addicting due to his rebellious personality and his comedic dialogue. 

          I thought that the movie was wonderful despite the forced sentimental ending. I personally would have changed the ending to suit the rest of the rebellious themed movie. But overall, I would definitely recommend Hesher to others. The film is a little over an hour and a half but it seems to fly by due to the entertainment.