Author Archives: Sarah Stegall

Rebound—a review of Chuck’s “Chuck vs. the Lethal Weapon”

Chuck comes roaring back with an excellent episode: bad guys, good guys, comic relief, deep characters, conflicted emotions, it's all there, except the ratings... (Warning: this review contains some spoilers.) Read more [...]

The Most Dangerous Game—a review of Dollhouse’s “Target”

A somewhat better episode that might have made a better pilot, we get some backstory and some mysteries, but we're still stuck with the uninformed consent to date rape ambiguity... (Warning: this review contains some spoilers.) Read more [...]

Treading Water—a review of Chuck’s “Chuck vs. the Beefcake”

A great B-line doesn't make up for an entirely retread A-line, and Chuck may be in trouble if the best they can do with the show is tread water... (Warning: this review contains some spoilers.) Read more [...]

Why does Oscar hate SF?

SFScope reviewer Sarah Stegall takes the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to task for an 81-year history of slighting science fiction, fantasy, and horror movies... Read more [...]

The Stepford Neighbors—a review of Chuck’s “Chuck vs. The Suburbs”

Chuck needs to move beyond the same-old same-old unrequited love affairs and get into the good stuff: not-so-super spy agent Chuck still shows promise... (Warning: this review contains some spoilers.) Read more [...]

We Can Forget it for You Wholesale—a review of Dollhouse’s “Ghost”

A less-than-thrilling pilot is not the way to start the new Joss Whedon series, but let's see if he can wrench it around to the quality we know he can produce... (Warning: this review contains some spoilers.) Read more [...]

Devolution—a review of Fringe’s “The Transformation”

With episodes like this one, mixing action, horror, and a few tender moments, it looks like Fringe is hitting its stride with viewers... (Warning: this review contains some spoilers.) Read more [...]

Gettin’ Busy—a review of Chuck’s “Chuck vs. The Third Dimension”

A weaker episode with strong pieces that don't add up to something greater. The 3-D gimmick didn't add much, but it wasn't really necessary... Read more [...]

Oh, HELL No!—a review of Pushing Daisies’ “The Norwegians”

How disappointing. The last show of the year, and probably of the series, should be meatier. It was a good episode, with the usual tight dialogue and acting, but the story just wasn't up to snuff... (Warning: this review contains some spoilers.) Read more [...]

Bitter Sweet—a review of Chuck’s “Chuck vs. Santa Claus”

Chuck grows up and gets a bunch of serious thrown into the comedic mix, as danger is introduced and death becomes a reality... (Warning: this review contains some spoilers.) Read more [...]

Past Imperfect—a review of Pushing Daisies’ “Lighthouse”

Now that the show has been canceled, the episodes are getting better and better, yet for the show's brilliance, how can we be the only ones to see it? (Warning: this review contains some spoilers.) Read more [...]

Orbis pro vox—a review of Pushing Daisies’ “Robbing Hood”

Wonderful writing, incredible Easter Eggs, and a quickly dwindling audience mean only a few of us will be missing Pushing Daisies when it's last bloom is struck, but we will miss it... (Warning: this review contains some spoilers.) Read more [...]

Memories…—a review of Fringe’s “Safe”

Overnight, this show went from ho-hum TV for me, to must-watch TV. I am only unhappy that we have to wait until January for more episodes… (Warning: this review contains some spoilers.) Read more [...]

Return of the Muffin Buffalo—a review of Pushing Daisies’ “Comfort Food”

Some creepiness, and some difficulty with convoluting plot lines and trying to not push some envelopes too far, might signal difficulty for the series. But with its impending demise (and no Ned-like salvation on the horizon), we'll keep watching, and miss it when it's gone... (Warning: this review contains some spoilers.) Read more [...]

Daddy Dearest—a review of Chuck’s “Chuck vs. The Sensei”

The writers have trouble fleshing out John Casey, but the B story is much better, and the ratings jumped... Read more [...]