The Exorcist: Episode 8 Brings A Miracle and A Curse

Fans of The Exorcist received the most dramatic crescendo of the series thus far in Episode 8: "The Griefbearers" - yet it came with a price.    The stirring scene where Casey Rance is ultimately released from the hold of the demonic played out on the screen like a somber symphony, with well-timed musical accompaniment and chanted liturgies.  After Casey's mother, Angela, along with the rest of the family, is brought inside the convent, the demon attempts its trademark antics of personally addressing the weaknesses of each individual present.  Looking for a crack in their psychic armor, the demonic talks through Casey with personal knowledge of each person's most hidden, shameful secrets, hoping to worm its way into the spirit and take hold.  And one point, the force of hatred and evil finds leverage with Marcus and Tomas, as the two fathers suddenly devolve into an adolescent fist-fight.  Realizing what has happened, Father Marcus recalibrates the two of them, and they conclude the ritual by confessing their own faults.  The act of contrition, and the humility of admitting one's faults before God seem to be the final piece that allows good to prevail across the threshold to cleanse the evil entity from Casey.

However, during the process - and unbeknownst to the others at the time - Angela (or, Regan) has been lured into the devil's trap.  Finding its way into her consciousness, the demon takes Angela back in time to the possession experience of her teenage years.  There, he traps her.  Enamored, tricked, hypnotized by her mother's love, by some semblance of the past that she has refused to grieve and release, her soul is locked down.  On the surface, her body is now host to the demon that infected Casey,  having literally jumped from one Rance to another. 

It's momentarily refreshing, later, watching Father Tomas and Marcus celebrate their victory in a blues bar - kicking back a few beers, as if the Cubs just won a game at Wrigley Field.     But, alas, there is more serious drama to come. 

The harvesting of human organs by the evil infiltrators in the church - while noticed and called out by Father Bennet - is apparently an even more widespread operation than viewers might have believed.  One location is dismantled by police, and the Pope's visit is diverted; but the very Archbishop to whom Father Bennet pleas for help turns out to be on "the dark side" himself.   Moreover, Father Tomas' lover has been discovered by her spurned husband, who threatens to destroy the career of our childlike protagonist. 

All in all, though, this episode turned the volume up even higher in an already spell-binding series that has captured the imaginations and sensibilities of a large adoration of fans.  Some fans of the show, on social media, have even noted that this series has brought their faith back.  While it may sound cheesy to have a TV show do the work of a sermon, in this case, it is not an overstatement.  The show has captured the human angle of the age-old battle between good and evil, the one story, according to Steinbeck in East of Eden, that remains central to all stories.  Rather than glossing over recent problems in the Catholic Church, this series may even exaggerate them, but in doing so, it lends itself a credibility to modern viewers who have been disillusioned by organized religion.  The protagonists, here, are indeed very flawed (as all humans are) but one cannot help but see their earnestness of heart, especially in the two priests, Casey's father, and the nuns. The task of trying to do good, righteous work in a tainted world is given new breath and expression of the screen. 

Personally, one of my favorite aspects is the inclusion of the feminine aspects of divinity.  The nuns at the convent use a somewhat different method of exorcism.  Rather than commanding and expelling the demonic with masculine effort, they embrace and forgive evil: in essence, they love evil until it dissolves back into the good.  After all, it was Jesus who said, "fight not evil," and this, literally, is the new strategy presented here. This feminine approach is Father Marcus' key lesson from the sisters and their Mother Superior, and he immediately incorporates it into his own religious arsenal, growing in his vocation as an exorcist. 

Nothing in this series is static.  People change.  People get changed.  Broken, redeemed, and then broken again.  The refusal of the show to succumb to trite trivialities is praiseworthy.     Let's just hope it gets renewed  for another season.   -CLINT SABOM   [Clint Sabom also runs a blog and podcast on spiritual themes at The Graveyard Cowboy.]

Book Review: How the Ghost Was Won, by Erin Hayes

Synopsis: There are ghost stories. And there are ghost legends.
From orphan to saloon girl to ghost whisperer, Hattie Hart has been and seen a lot of things in her time. Her new job as a detective with the Tremayne Psychic Specters Investigations Agency takes her out to the remote town of Carolina City, Nevada, on a vague assignment to investigate the disappearance of a US Marshal.
Except, when she arrives, she meets the devilishly handsome Grant Madsen, a US Marshal who is alive and well. Certainly not missing, but certainly the man of her dreams. So why did her boss send her out to this small boomtown when there’s nothing for her to investigate? She soon discovers that in Carolina City, there are strange happenings from the afterlife that threaten to kill her or worse. She’ll have to race against time to save her life, the town, and the US Marshal she was sent to find—and maybe, if she's lucky, her heart.
Review: How the Ghost was Won was the first book by Erin Hayes I have ever read, and I will not stop here! I loved this book so much I purchased a copy for my mother-in-law who loves ghost stories. Erin's world was carefully built, and Hattie Hart is a strong character with the past that is believable.
Hattie sees ghosts. She has seen them ever since an accident took her sister from her early in life and her sister's ghost came to her. AND HASN'T LEFT HER SINCE. Hattie was sent on assignment to a silver mining town in Carolina City, NV by her employer Tremayne Psychic Specters Investigations Agency. Once close to town she was left by the train stop proprietor with a mule and a hasty goodbye. Ordinary people would think again, but not Hattie.
She then she meets the good, the bad and the incredibly handsome (Grant, the US Marshall to be exact) occupants of the town. Most of them just see her as the brothel worker she once was, noting the scar on her face and her fancy clothes. But she does get to make some friends. One unusual event after another leads her to her task at hand, but those events truly make for a captivating storyline. My hat is off to you Erin Hayes!! 5 stars for an excellent book!!

-GLADYS ATWELL (ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN NERDGIRLOFFICIAL, REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION)

Book Review: The Shifter Romances the Writer by Kristen Painter

Synopsis: Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town that celebrates Halloween 365 days a year.

The tourists think it's all a show: the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better.

Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all.

For romance writer Roxy St. James, living in Nocturne Falls also means a fresh start. And as soon as her unbearable ex signs the divorce papers, that new beginning will be a reality. Unfortunately, her ex doesn’t seem ready to let her go and the subtle threats he’s been making leave her no choice but to confide in her oh-so-handsome neighbor, who just happens to be a deputy with the sheriff’s department.

But Officer Alex Cruz isn’t just the law. He’s also a panther shifter, a secret he’s sworn to keep (along with the truth about Nocturne Falls) from the very foxy Roxy. Humans aren’t supposed to know the town is filled with supernaturals. Then she starts seeing things she shouldn’t and thinks she’s losing her mind. His attraction—and concern—for her wars with the promise he’s made.

Will his truth be more than she can handle? Or will it cause her to write him out of her life?

Review:  This is, I believe, the 15thbook I have read from Kristen Painter, and my love for her grows and grows. We all know I love shifters and that The Werewolf Meets His Match is among my top favorite books. But this book tops it!!

Not only is Alex Cruz a shifter but Roxi St. James is a ROMANCE WRITER!! In this book, Roxi relocates to Nocturne Falls for a new life. With a lingering divorce from a horrible ex in the horizon. All she just wants is to focus on settling down and finishing her work in progress. Well true to form, Kristen has thrown in a melee of difficulties her way. Including a totally delicious man in uniform fit to grace her next romance novel!!

I am delighted to tell you this is by far the best of the best and my favorite. Shame on you for not reading it. So download it today. The romance novel lover in you will NOT be disappointed. Now my disclaimer. Read the books in order. Not really necessary but I suggest it since the characters intermingle!! You will love everything there is to LOVE about a place where Halloween is celebrated 365 days of the year!!

-GLADYS ATWELL

(ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN NERDGIRLOFFICIAL.COM, REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION)


 

Book Review: THE BLACK ROSE by K.L. Bone

“May the Black Rose protect you in life and avenge you in death.” – Vow of the Black Rose

Synopsis: Six hundred years ago, the Muir Court was wiped from existence, destroyed by an elite group known as the Black Rose Guard. Their Captain, Mara, has a reputation of being a harsh woman who leads the guard with a fierce formality. During her long years, she has known pain, loss, heartache…and one great love. Edward was the Captain of the Royal Guard. He loved her once. However, it was a love that faded the day he met young Liza, the Princess who stole the heart he had once sworn belonged to Mara alone. Liza was also the woman that Mara was fated to protect. When the Queen learns of her daughter’s forbidden love for Edward, she devises a series of punishments, torturing Edward while her daughter is forced to watch. In a an act of desperation, Mara takes Liza’s place and looks on helplessly as Edward endures the torments which break his body and Mara’s soul. All of their pain is put aside when Liza is murdered by the rulers of a rival court. Haunted by her failure to protect the Princess and adhering to tradition, Mara takes the vow of the ‘Black Rose.’ It is an ancient oath which ties those under its power to abandon the lives they knew for the sake of a single goal: vengeance. Her quest leads her on a dark path of violence, rage and bloodshed. Tormented by a fate they can neither accept nor escape, Black Rose is a tale of retribution, love, and above all, honor—at any cost.   

Review: I have read one of K.L. Bone's book before but the poetic beauty, darkness and desperation in Black Rose overshadows anything I have read from her. Raw emotions, violence and utter rage tackles you and pins you down until you have finished the book. There is no looking back, you just desire the next word, phrase, chapter and ultimately the next book. Black Rose follows, Mara's life as royalty in her Aunt's court, how she was able to rise above the politics, and, ultimately, how she was able to avenge the death of of the beloved jewel of the kingdom, Princess Liza. Along the way you will meet her love, the Queens Captain, Edward. Mara's skill, power and royal blood makes her a formidable soldier, BUT it doesn't take away from her humanity. No matter what has been done to her, her heart stays loyal to those she cares about. It makes her vulnerable but also grants her your heart. I feel so strongly for Mara. Black Rose is just the beginning. Just the tip of the iceberg. Dive in head first and try your best to pace yourself. I didn't and devoured the three books in the series in four days. If you love the dark gothic tragedy and beautiful wordplay of Sarah J Mass, you will enjoy K.L. Bone's as well. Exquisitely well written.  

-GLADYS ATWELL  

(book review originally published in NerdGirlOfficial.com, reprinted with permission)

The Good Place Surprises With Intelligent Creativity

When ads for the premiere of The Good Place began to first run, I dismissed it as some middle-America-quirky-sitcom that normal people might think was funny, but that I just wouldn't quite "get" - meaning, I wouldn't get why anyone would want to watch it.  Refreshingly, I proved myself wrong when I decided to binge watch the first nine episodes on Hulu.  The TV show wastes no time in setting up the premise: Kristen Bell's character, Eleanor, has died and wound up in "the good place."  It's sort of like heaven, except apparently the world's religions have only gotten about 5% right about the afterlife.  This, she learns from her neighborhood's architect, who welcomes her into his office much like a shrink going out to the waiting room to fetch a new client for an initial evaluation.   She also learns that a stoner kid from Calgary got about 92% right while tripping on mushrooms in the 1970s.  He launched into a rambling dialogue while talking to a friend that absolutely shocked the beings in heaven who, apparently, are always eavesdropping on us.   

As the story unfolds - and I won't spoil any more for those who have yet to check it out - the surreal scenario remains just light-hearted enough not to offend the devoutly religious but also witty enough to entertain those who feared clichéd cheese.  The reasons for people ending up in "the bad place" are often the annoying pet peaves we have with our peers of today.  For instance, things like posting about the bachelor or bachelorette on facebook are the equivalents of sins, and virtues are things like maintaining your calm in traffic jams.  However, what makes the show great are the many creative ways in which its creator and writer, Michael Schur, works with the basic premise.  It is intelligent and accessible at the same time.  At first, characters appear like gross caricatures, yet over time the viewer learns of the many subtleties and "grey" areas of each individual's conscience.  The series remains funny enough to be called comedy, but creative enough to still hold the attention of contemporary listeners accustomed to darker entertainment.  -CLINT SABOM  [Clint Sabom also runs a blog and podcast on spiritual themes at The Graveyard Cowboy.]

Genre: Fantasy, Comedy

Created By: Michael Schur

Starring: Ted Danson, Kristen Bell

Is The Exorcist series becoming too ridiculous? A critical examination.

Art Bell on his late-night show, Coast to Coast, once said that the original horror movie, The Exorcist, out-performed others in its genre because it felt real.  Whereas stories of vampires and werewolves clearly belong in the realm of dark fantasy and cultural imagination, stories of demonic possession maintain analogues in the world's religions.  So when The Exorcist franchise extended itself into a TV series, building off of the original novel and accompanying film, the appeal to fans still remains the subject matter's loose sense of realism.  However, in Episode 6 (oh yes! spoliers ahead!), we learn that the Catholic Church has been infiltrated by the demonic, as elite societal power-players gather for what is called Vocare Pulvere, a ceremony of ash.  And while many across the screens of the web love writing on this series, every show critique I've read thus far claims the ceremony is entirely invented for the series or makes no claim at all.  Granted, the ceremony seems absurd, and to think of a bunch of high-ranking Vatican officials secretly running official church business under the name of Lucifer probably strikes most contemporary viewers as ridiculous, even though the show itself continues to brilliantly convince the viewer, at least in a literary sense. 

     But there's more.   I mention it here not to make metaphysical claims on the nature of existence, rather, I want to defend the show's artistic integrity.    If and when the series slips into pure fantasy fiction -or a cheesy paranormal horror - rest assured I will be the first to call it out. But we're not quite there yet.  A conspiracy theory?  Yes.  A conspiracy theory that some "respectable" intellectuals believe? Yes.  Pure hogwash? Not entirely.

     A well-studied and high-ranking Jesuit priest named Malachi Martin was released from his vows sometime in the 1960s. To earn a living, the well-skilled wordsmith worked a variety of odd jobs until finding success as a writer, most notably with his non-fiction description of five exorcisms in the 1976 work, Hostage To The Devil.   Yet he didn't stop there; he also penned a series of Vatican novels under the pretense of fiction, though he claimed over 95% of the content was true.   Among other things, the books mentioned an actual Satanic ritual that had taken place in the Vatican in the 1963, and Martin later claimed that the third secret of the Fatima appearances (a notable event in Portugal in the early 20th century), was the revelation that the Church would be compromised by Lucifer-exalting Satanists, much in the same way The Exorcist TV series depicts.  Among black rites undertaken in his 1996 book, A Windswept House, is something fairly similar to the Vocare Pulvere ceremony seen in episode 6. 

     But rather than digressing on some elaborate theological tangent, I will simply say that I remain a die-hard fan of this show.  What they continue to do with the material is fantastic.  I can't wait for more episodes.      -CLINT SABOM [Clint Sabom also runs a blog and podcast on spiritual themes at The Graveyard Cowboy.]

Look Away, Leonard: World Mourns Death Of Leonard Cohen, 1934-2016.

Though some of his die-hard fans were probably wondering if their hero really did have some magical ability to live forever, the great poet and singer, Leonard Cohen, died this past Tuesday.  On this week, of all weeks, the news enters an already emotionally heavy global landscape, as many of his fans are still struggling to process the surprise election victory of Donald Trump.  Fellow musician Beth Orton put it best:

"Leonard Cohen dying this week is a grief I can process. His leaving makes perfect sense when so little else does. One last poetic statement. A full stop. He is our spiritual leader and one I can follow. In his death, he feels closer than ever. He embodies love and kindness, peace and power. His voice has always been the salve for my broken spirit. His final act of kindness was to be present by his passing this week when we need a voice of reason in the face of mounting insanity and confusion. To remind us of the beauty that exists alongside the imperfection in this world. I am eternally grateful for his existence and his music. He has always resonated on the astral and the earthly planes. Now more so than ever. Beautiful man … you will be deeply and endlessly missed and you will always be with us."

Some other thoughtful words on Leonard Cohen from  Nick Cave, Beck, and actor Toby Stephens are printed below.

"For many of us Leonard Cohen was the greatest songwriter of them all. Utterly unique and impossible to imitate no matter how hard we tried. He will be deeply missed by so many." -Nick Cave

" So long Leonard, thank you for your words, your songs, your life-- a gentleman a master a hero-- thank you for looking so deeply, for sharing your time giving us your finely wrought diamonds, for lighting the dark corners where the soul lives, for translating the otherness we recognize but fail to express, tonight we celebrate you and send you our gratitude." - Beck

And.... a bit of dark humor the bard no doubt would have appreciated:

"#LeonardCohen - When the barbarians broke down the gates, you snuck out the back door. Good timing. RIP. I will miss your honest voice." -tweet by Toby Stephens

Here is some audio from David Remnick of The New Yorker, who spent several days with Leonard this past summer.  His article about Cohen and his last album You Want It Darker shares wonderful new stories and anecdotes from the poet's life.    Below is a wonderful audio segment   from his time with Leonard Cohen, sessions that turned out to be the great poet's last interview:

-CLINT SABOM