LEGENDS S2 Finale: Episode 210 "The Legend of Alexei Volkov" Summary & Brief Review

Official synopsis: In present day Prague, Martin makes a deal with the Russians to rescue Kate. Meanwhile, President Arsanov's plan for Kate is moving forward in Chechnya. Gabi struggles to decide what to do about her husband. In 2004, Dmitry asks one last favor of Terrence. And in a flashback to 1972, the last pieces of the puzzle to understanding Martin Odum's true identity are revealed.
http://www.tntdrama.com/shows/legends/season-2/episode-10/the-legend-of-alexei-volkov.html

SPOILERS AHEAD!!

WHAT a finale!!! All the currently known pieces are put together, we finally see the whole picture as presented this series, Martin Odum's origins. For this finale, I'm going to do the summary by people instead of by timeframe.

Gabi Miskova: she is disgusted by behaviour of bribe-taking hubby District Attorney Krystof Blazek, has him arrested. Yet it is revealed that she committed adultery with Ballard when she visited the US, told him she had married the wrong man.

Curtis Ballard: now missing a leg, he is relegated to unsatisfactory desk work within the FBI, despite having passed field tests. He was happy that Gabi visited him, finally rejected his Mormon religious hangups and fully enjoyed her company as both of them had wanted from their first meeting.

Terrence Graves: Alexei's MI6 mentor and spy handler. British double agent for the Russian KGB, all because he didn't want to be outed as gay. As already seen, ends up with dementia and put in a nursing home by his family. However, dementia was already onset in 2004. His memory lapses were the main cause of Martin's fail to leave MI6 and his subsequent disastrous assignment in Iraq as John Cameron. He finally confessed all the truth to his wife, but she dismissed it as a figment of his mental degeneration.

Dmitry Petrovich: with Ilyana for 3 years after 2001 events but was tired of playing the part, wanted to tell the truth, get out of spying. Terrence disagreed. Dmitry ended up pushing her away, telling her he never wanted to see her again, that everything he told her was a lie. Yet he tried once more to break free, got money for Terrence to hide for him so he, Ilyana, and Katya could escape.

Ilyana Zakayeva Crawford: reached London safely. After Dmitry left, the Russians threatened her and Kate, to make sure. This is why she was so frightened intially to talk to Martin. At the end, Martin wanted to be with her and Kate, but couldn't because of the Russian deal. And her marriage.

Kate (Katya Zakayeva) Crawford: Kate tried everything she could think of to stop the marriage, including saying she wasn't a virgin. To no avail. Arsanov returned to Chechnya and the marriage was performed, but with consummation looming, she couldn't wait for rescue any longer, took matters literally into her own hands by stabbing Arsanov in the neck with a table knife. Then Martin burst in to help her. They successfully escaped to the waiting helicopter, and she got away safely, went home.

Martin Odum: with the complete file from the Russians in front of him, Martin relearned his past real life as Alexei Volkov, recruited from his family as a young lad by Hugh Sedley, also a British double agent for the KGB. He had this bright idea that the perfect double agent could be created from childhood. Alex Reed was his star pupil, growing up British right through to University, yet expected to be loyal to the KGB once hired by the government and things were explained. That is where Terrence Graves came into the picture as his mentor. Then the Russians tell him he is still a KGB agent over anything else, but they will help him rescue Kate if he kills Arsanov. Martin makes double sure of Kate's safety by telling MI6 & CIA to have a helicopter rescue for her. CIA Nina offers, but no help for himself. When he gets to Chechnya, and into the palace, he finds that Kate has already stabbed Arsanov. He got Kate out cleanly & away, but the Russians insist he remain with them. They put him in prison, but since he wasn't the one that killed Arsanov, say he can go free if he works for them. He will not. And that's where we last see Alexei, whom we've known as Martin Odum.

WOW! So, we are led to believe that Alex/Martin was a Russian KGB agent from the very beginning. While it's true they did do such things, I'm not buying this for a single minute, since Howard Gordon had laid out 7 potential series for LEGENDS. And since we're abruptly introduced to Martin's Irish legend "Kieran," it's clear they intended on doing a Series 3. Yes, I'm still hoping!

I did read the book LEGENDS by Robert Littell, still highly recommend it as a great spy thriller, as the story is entirely different from the TV show.

Until next time!! Thank you so much for reading these reviews!!

Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

LEGENDS Episode 209 "The Legend of Gabi Miskova" Summary & Brief Review

Official synopsis: In present day Prague, Martin and Nina search for Tamir's associate Beslan in hopes of getting answers about the impending threat on the summit, as well as Kate's location. Meanwhile, two Chechen assassins put their deadly plan into action. Malika, Tamir's wife, gives Beslan orders that she thinks will save both of their lives. In 2001 Prague, Ballard confronts a life-altering injury, and Dmitry struggles to complete his mission without breaking his promise to help Ilyana and her daughter.
http://www.tntdrama.com/shows/legends/season-2/episode-9/the-legend-of-gabi-miskova.html

SPOILERS AHEAD!!

Things get even hairier!!
In 2001, Dmitry has just shot Ballard and took off in his car after Ilyana & Katya, who had gone with Arsanov in Dmitry's smuggler truck. He shot the driver then told Arsanov the story, which was mostly true. It was his makeshift plan to rescue Ilyana & Katya from Arsanov, as well as capture him, and it worked. Dmitry drove off with Arsanov hidden in the boot, and told Terrence what had happened. He wanted Ilyana & Katya safe before disappearing.

However, the Russians, alerted by Terrence, were waiting along the road to take Arsanov from Dmitry. Because of rescue of Curtis, Ilyana instead waited for regular police, told them her story, asked to be taken home with Katya. Tamir found out and confronts Ilyana, who tells him Doku is dead. Dmitry is horrified to learn that they went home instead of to safety. He goes there, tells Tamir mostly truth again, says he has to leave Prague because he shot Ballard. He secretly gives Ilyana another meeting point.

Elsewhere, the Russians have Arsanov, who now offer him a forced deal. Power for ending conflict. Oh, and Ballard lives, albeit without a leg. Gabi goes to talk to Ilyana but finds her & Katya gone. They get picked up by MI6, to safety. Gabi & Curtis witness the American 9/11 terrorist attack, he is ordered to abandon his Dmitry chase & return to Washington. Gabi tells him she likes him, but he thought she meant marriage.

In the present, Gabi was following leads in Prague to discover who Tamir had brought in for his apparent terrorist attack plans. They identified a few people, but the person that MI6 & CIA really wanted to shake down for info was the nephew, Beslan. They tracked him, because he didn't know his uncle was dead. Gabi was still angry with Blazek for his dealings with Tamir.

In Chechnya, Kate was desperately trying to figure out how to escape the upcoming wedding plans as well as the house. Tamir's wife Malika was smug, and suggested that she knew about Tamir's plans for Arsanov. Arsanov is in Prague for the world leader anti-terror summit (ironically), obviously he is Tamir's target, which is still unknown to the Czech security taskforce. After being chased, Beslan (a bright lad) guesses that his uncle Tamir is dead & phones Malika in Chechnya, asks what to do next. She says to change the plan, stop the assassination. How? He decides to go to the police himself. Martin finds out, his primary concern is Kate.

Gabi warns Arsanov's security, then she & MI6 Simon lean on Beslan to provide details. They get them but too late, the bomb goes off in the hotel, but Arsanov has already left. Gabi thinks it's just a diversion, asks Arsanov security where their contact point is. She goes there hoping to thwart the assassination. There's a shootout, and they do. Beslan is still being questioned, and Martin bursts in, wanting info on Kate. He roughs Beslan up, and he tells Martin where she is, as well as the plan for her. Kate is panicking that this horrible marriage to Arsanov is now going to happen. She threatens Malika, who threatens her back. Martin is beside himself trying to figure out how to rescue Kate. The CIA doesn't want to officially help. But CIA Nina is sympathetic, leaves him with some important info that he can use to get to Chechnya. He tells Ilyana that he'll find & rescue Kate, still feels something for Ilyana which is why he persists in helping. But Ilyana Crawford has a life, she has to go back. So there's only one thing that Martin can think of to do, armed with the new information- go to the Russians for help.

And... things are becoming clearer!! Will Martin reach Kate on time? We have all the known pieces now, next (and last) episode will bring it all full circle. Please watch for that summary next week! And again...

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

Year In Bean 2015 - Wrapup & Summary of Sean Bean's Great Year!

Brief overview of the major productions that were enjoyed in 2015, one of Sean's busiest screen years ever! The following are listed in order of viewing, with a brief description. If you missed seeing any of these, I highly recommend watching them! And THE FRANKENSTEIN CHRONICLES is still coming to TV in much of the world, hang on, it's well worth your patience! UPDATE: at TCA16 A&E announced it as spring/summer 2016. Well, at least that narrows the field!

JUPITER ASCENDING

 

Sean starred as an ex-military, half bee-man & mentor Stinger Apini alongside Channing Tatum, Mila Kunis, and old friend Eddie Redmayne in this visually gorgeous, ambitious, lavishly expensive science fiction fantasy fairy tale by The Wachowskis, released worldwide in February 2015. It was panned by critics & general audiences, but I really liked it a lot.

ANY DAY (alternate title FIGHTING DEMONS)

Sean starred as Vian McLean, a boxer who had made a mistake early in life & served prison time for it. Older now, he looked to remake himself when he was released, and connected deeply with his young nephew, Jimmy, while juggling his new life's challenges. Made by Rustam Branaman, released to limited screens and DVD in March-June 2015. I liked it ok because of casting which included Eva Longoria, Paul Ben-Victor, and Tom Arnold, but not so much the story or ending.

SEAN BEAN ON WATERLOO

Sean hosted this 2-part documentary made by History UK channel for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo on 18 June 2015. I'm quite certain that Sean asked to to this, primarily because of how much he loved playing Richard Sharpe in Bernard Cornwell's TV movie adaptions for many years, as well as genuine interest in the history subject of it. I immensely enjoyed this, and I hope it gets a wider release.

 
PIXELS

A comedy by Adam Sandler, Sean was briefly seen as SAS Corporal Hill fighting big bad aliens who try to conquer Earth as 80's arcade video game incarnations such as Pacman, Centipede, Frogger, and Donkey Kong. Yes, it was as silly as it sounds, but quite amusing in spots and my opinion was helped by other actor faves in it such as Brian Cox and Peter Dinklage, who all looked like they had a blast. Released worldwide in July 2015.

THE MARTIAN

Sean starred in a supporting role as Flight Director Mitch Henderson in this thrilling and unexpectedly funny science fiction movie by Ridley Scott, about a man unknowingly left behind on an aborted Mars mission. Matt Damon is also excellent in the lead role, I enjoyed it very much. Since it's worldwide release in October 2015, it's received many award nominations as one of the best movies of the year.

THE FRANKENSTEIN CHRONICLES

This was my fave of the year. Sean starred in the lead as John Marlott, an ex-95th Rifle and newly made London police investigator who finds an odd corpse that suggests the fictional Frankenstein and which leads him on a chase for a missing girl and a murderer who has committed multiple atrocities in the eyes of many people. I really loved how it intertwined William Blake, galvanism, and the history of UK law's Anatomy Act with Mary Shelley's famous book that was contemporary to this period.

LEGENDS

The second, and apparently (as of this writing) final, series of Sean's Martin Odum, a super spy whose undercover aliases have become blurred in his mind from a severe accident during one of his assignments. After being accused of murder in the US (in Series 1), he fled to Europe to pursue more answers, and he did get them. Superb acting and supporting cast in a very gripping, tense, and realistic spy story, it was faithful to the spirit of the Legends book by Robert Littell that it was based upon.

Once again, thank you so much for your support in reading this blog & subscribing to our Facebook page for more frequent updates at https://www.facebook.com/nedstarkatrueking. We'll see what 2016 has for us fans in the next update here!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

LEGENDS Episode 208 "The Legend of Doku Zakayev" Summary & Brief Review

Official synopsis: In present day Prague, Martin goes back to work for Tamir, just like he did in 2001, but Tamir has other plans for him. Gabi confronts Blazek about his secret dealings. Kate is a prisoner in the President's compound in Chechnya. In 2001 Prague, Dmitry must convince Tamir to pick up where Doku left off and earn General Arsanov's trust. Ballard and Gabi suspect Dmitry and Ilyana have conspired to commit murder.
http://www.tntdrama.com/shows/legends/season-2/episode-8/the-legend-of-doku-zakayev.html

SPOILERS AHEAD!!

After last week's betrayal reveal, things are explained a bit more.

In the present, Kate is still in big trouble, imprisoned at the Chechen President Arsanov's house, with Tamir's wife watching her. In Prague, Martin is all but pleading with CIA Nina and MI6 Simon to help him find & rescue Kate, but they are reluctant. So that's why Martin revived his Dmitry cover, in order to gain back favour with Tamir, find answers himself. He is unaware that Tamir's nephew Beslan told him that Dmitry killed his brother Doku. Both were mistaken because it was Ilyana who murdered Doku- Dmitry just covered it up. So when Tamir calls "Dmitry" for a job, Martin is unprepared when Tamir attempts to kill him, forcing Martins hand- he ends up killing Tamir in self defense before finding out where Kate was. Kate is still trying to find a way to get a call out.

In 2001, Curtis & Gabi find out about Doku, assume it was Dmitry, have to deal with Blazek as well because of the photos. They question Ilyana, who says nothing, but also get from Tamir that it was Dmitry who killed Doku. Dmitry tries to explain to Terrence what happened without mentioning Ilyana's involvement. They try to figure out what next to do to get General Arsanov, MI6 & the Russians' main target. Dmitry's main concern has become getting Ilyana & Katya to safety. Ilyana finally tells Dmitry that the police think he killed Doku. Arsanov is still interested in Ilyana, wants to take her & Katya with him to Chechnya in Dmitry's smuggler truck. The Russians want Arsanov captured, through Terrence, via Dmitry. But Dmitry thwarts both plans in favour of his own when he finds out about Ilyana & Katya, with the unwitting help of Curtis Ballard, who tracked the truck and gets shot when Dmitry escapes from him.

In 1994, Ilyana and Doku meet for the first time, in the course of the Chechen war. It is also shown that Arsanov was in charge then, too. He tells Ilyana that her father is dead, and also finds out that she favours Doku.

In the present, Gabi confronts Blazek about his dealings with Tamir, follows up in case of a terror plot connection. But she finds nothing, it's the wrong place to look. Both MI6 & CIA Nina don't consider Beslan to be critical to plans, but Martin knows better, tells them to hurry up & find him, that's where the real danger lies plus he's the one who moved Kate. Ilyana blames herself but Martin thinks he's to blame for Doku's death. Ilyana tells him the truth. Gabi follows up on Blazek's bribe story.
Then Arsanov tells Kate that he wants to marry her, because it's what Doku would want.

Things are so tense!! What?? Now Arsanov, denied Ilyana, wants to marry her daughter? Will Martin make it to Kate on time to prevent this?

LAST SURVEY!! Not sure why TNT wants to know, since for now, the show is cancelled? But! I'm glad they are asking, maybe another crumb of hope of seeing LEGENDS elsewhere if not TNT? I wrote them a bloody book about LEGENDS for the questions that allowed it! LINK:  http://spr.ly/6188BVvaK

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

#‎DONTCANCELLEGENDS Twitter Campaign For Saving LEGENDS TV Show Starring Sean Bean!!

There is currently a campaign on Twitter for saving ‪‎LEGENDS‬ - hashtag ‪#‎DONTCANCELLEGENDS‬ - it already has my participation.

I have already written email letters to Turner/TNT, but it seems to me that TNT is done with it.

However, LEGENDS is produced by worldwide company FOX 21 & is shown in many TV markets.

This is a time where other media outlets are looking for quality established shows, so I think LEGENDS is a great candidate for pickup.




This is assuming that ‪‎Sean Bean‬ remains interested in continuing, because I'm not interested in the show without him.

As the sign says, help as you can, let's do what has to be done to let the show know we want it to continue into a Series 3, if not at TNT, then somewhere!

There was already some hope of it being shopped when the official LEGENDS social media accounts posted the image below along with the caption "Martin will be born again" so I AM HOPING!!

Martin will be born again

Stay tuned, I'll be writing a column for each of the remaining episodes 208-210!
Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

LEGENDS Episode 207 "The Second Legend of Dmitry Petrovich" Summary & Brief Review

Official synopsis: In present day Prague, Kate goes missing, and Martin fears she's been abducted. Martin makes a risky proposition to Nina and Simon in an effort to bring her to safety. Gabi discovers that Blazek may have a dangerous connection to Tamir. In 2001 Prague, Ballard and Gabi use questionable methods to threaten Dmitry. In 1985 England, Alex suspects his friend Terrence has resorted to ruthless tactics.
http://www.tntdrama.com/shows/legends/season-2/episode-7/the-second-legend-of-dmitry-petrovich.html

SPOILERS AHEAD!!

Hang onto your hat, this episode nearly blew my 'ead off with plot twists!

In the present, Martin desperately looks for a way to help Kate, after he finds out she is missing. She is on her way to Chechnya with Tamir's family including his nephew, Beslan, who has worked in the Zakayev operation since he was a boy. Kate is still disguised as a boy, and continues to try to contact Martin for help, even from General (now President) Arsanov's house in Chechnya. Martin begins to think that only "Dmitry" can help Kate now, because of his past connection with Tamir. Both MI6 & CIA don't like it, but they have no choice left. But how to do Dmitry when Martin can't remember? CIA Nina wants to bring in Gabi, who knew him. And Martin also thinks Ilyana can help again. They are both summoned. Martin doesn't remember Gabi, but she sure does him, slaps him hard & tells him, "My friend is dead because of you," referring to Curtis' suicide. Ilyana's reunion isn't much better- she is devastated to learn her "Dmitry" was just a covert operation fabrication. And she told Martin that people had threatened Kate in London when he first saw her there, why they couldn't speak.

In 2001, we see Dmitry & Ilyana together romantically in the apartment, which is being surveilled. Gabi & Curtis confront Dmitry with the damning photos & try to blackmail him. He tries to call their bluff, says they will not hurt Ilyana. But they say that it's Dmitry who is in danger from Doku. Dmitry tells Terrence & says maybe they should tell FBI, but instead he gets instruction from his Russian blackmailer to keep Dmitry cover in place, because they still want General Arsanov. Ilyana has a bigger problem. She is now carrying messages between Doku & Arsanov, and letting Dmitry copy them. Doku, however, is suspicious of Dmitry. He confronts her after seeing Katya's toy, and in a dreadful argument, Ilyana grabs his fallen gun off the floor and shoots him. Horrified, she calls Dmitry for help. He decides to stage Doku's death as a hit, and almost carries it off except for Beslan, who discovers Dmitry & thinks he killed Doku. Dmitry threatens him to never tell what he saw to anyone.

In 1985, we see Alex comfortable in life, taking a teaching job, but he has also defied Terrence's advice & married a nice young woman. He buys a new house out in the country- perhaps it's safe there. But it isn't. She is killed in a supposed motoring accident. Terrence's Russian blackmailers had taken action to bring Alex in. Alex guesses the truth, is angry with Terrence, but takes the government job.

In the present, Martin has enough info from Gabi and Ilyana to attempt his "Dmitry" deception with Tamir, using Ballard as the excuse. At first, it seems like it is working. Tamir is shocked to see him, but he invites "Dmitry" in to talk. Martin retrieves computer info for MI6. Tamir is also careful, he calls his old friend Blazek to get more info. Tamir sends his nephew Beslan with money to Martin. Beslan comes back, and tells Tamir what he dared not say all these years because of the death threat- that "Dmitry" killed Doku, Tamir's brother, from his point of view. Now Tamir wants revenge.

WOW these events nearly turned everything on its head! Martin has a real problem now, how will he deal with it? Will the bureaus try to help him or leave him "out in the cold," as the spy vernacular goes?

ICYMI, LEGENDS has been cancelled by Turner/TNT, but hope remains for another media outlet to pick it up & we continue to immensely appreciate Sean's brilliant performances!
Although episodes 208-210 will all be shown at once, I'll still be writing a column for each of them, one week apart as usual.
Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)

LEGENDS Episode 206 "The Legend of Tamir Zakayev" Summary & Brief Review

Official synopsis: In present day Paris, Martin prepares Kate for a dangerous job that Simon isn't sure she can handle. In Prague, Gabi confronts the intelligence agents about Martin Odum. She knows they're hiding something. In 2001 Prague, Ballard and Gabi discover Dmitry has a vulnerability. In 1984 England, Alex is recruited for a distinguished position, but finds that it comes with a demand for a personal sacrifice.
http://www.tntdrama.com/shows/legends/season-2/episode-6/the-legend-of-tamir-zakayev.html
 
SPOILERS AHEAD!!

The episode opens in the present with Gabi's grief & Kate's having to memorise her story for Tamir that explains MI6 custody absence. Kate recites to Martin- she was at a friend of her friend Jamal's house, where the mum was a nurse & stitched her wound. Sounds good. Kate is still sore afraid of Martin's plan of getting her into uncle Tamir's house and stealing info from his computer, but Martin keeps telling her there's no other way & she can do it. She's a brave young woman & understands that Tamir is planning something bad, so she agrees. They give her an emergency phone number & a flash drive disguised as a necklace. How not to get caught? "Stay as close to the truth as you can," says Martin. Kate makes the call to Tamir.

Tamir sends his nephew, Doku's son, to pick up Kate. She has to disguise herself as a boy to get out of Paris and into Prague, where Tamir still lives. They greet her warmly, but Kate is still terrified she'll be found out. She tries to do what Martin said but only manages the signal that she's in- the computer is nowhere in sight. She panicks and runs, but Martin convinces her to go back. She begs Tamir's forgiveness for her fear- and lack of faith. Then he announces that they are all going to Chechnya.

Because of her grief about Curtis & the subsequent unfinished business with Dmitry, Gabi presses harder in her confrontation with MI6 Simon and CIA Nina about Martin. They try to evade again but she's having none of it. Left with no choice, they finally confirm her suspicions.

In 2001, Gabi Miskova, Czech Police, and Steve Ballard, FBI, make a plan to create evidence in order to trap Dmitry Petrovich & arrest him again. They finally discover he has a secret flat and are surprised to find that Ilyana Zakayeva, Doku's wife, is meeting him there. They think it's an affair, so they set up a hidden camera. It turns out they are correct about Dmitry's feelings for Ilyana, who also feels for him.

 

Also in 2001, Doku learns from Ilyana that his messege bearer, Jamilla, has been discovered. He asks Dmitry to take Tamir with him and teach him to eliminate the problem. Tamir does it, hates himself.

In 1981, young Alex, who we last saw in 1975 as a child learning harsh lessons from Mr. Sedley at The Sedley School, has been accepted to University of Leeds. He is a bit of a partier, but he is smart & has natural talent for languages that attracts the attention of government intelligence, namely one Terrence Graves. He makes Alex a proposal which he eventually accepts, but doesn't realise the extent of the committment until he is asked to part with his girlfriend, whose parents are Communist supporters.

In the present, Martin is shocked to learn Tamir Zakayev plans to take his family - and Kate - to Chechnya, where war criminal & MI6 target General Arsanov is now President. What can Martin do now? He looks at all the MI6 files that were delivered to him as promised by CIA Nina, fingers one in particular. Perhaps it was time for Dmitry Petrovich to come back from the grave.

I think I have all the puzzle pieces now! Just don't make him a son of a Lienz Cossack. But it won't surprise me if the show does, LOL, since Sean had a hand in the story development! I love the way this show addresses European security issues at a very personal level.

ICYMI, LEGENDS has been cancelled by Turner/TNT. I've been told that the ratings were too weak to continue it. I'm very saddened & disappointed that the show didn't receive more support. I'll be watching to see if Howard Gordon decides to shop it to another media outlet. Look, the LEGENDS social media accounts posted this graphic with the caption "Martin will be born again" - so I am hoping!!

Martin will be born again

I'll still be writing a column for each of the remaining episodes 207-210!
Written by Donna DeBoer (@DRLDeBoer on Twitter)