With server problems halting the delay of several MZP shows - the back-up servers have kicked in and I we finally have a brand new episode of Slayer Academy to unveil! Now if you read Snafu, the last episode - ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE (to para-quote Ian Austin) and now it's time for Pieces- the aftermath of the events... 

Written By: Alden C. Caele and Brian L. Lamkin

So after possibly the best episode Slayer Academy had to offer...just how the hell can you follow up an episode like that? Well logic suggests a quieter episode to slowly pick up the pieces to gather momentum up to the next major check point in the season - leading to the finale. And as if it was virtual-series-by-numbers - this is what we get.

I remember reading somewhere - I think it was from Chrimes' himself - that The New Kid, was more a mid-season finale than an actual season finale - and from the way things are going at the moment, I'm beginning to see that now as things are beginning to slowly click together...some characters are beginning to have bigger roles, while some are victim of circumstance. A lot of fans will probably be a bit annoyed with the lack of Greg/Aidan stuff for a while - but I think that not including them majorly this episode was a good thing due to the reaction of characters that needed it. From Sofia and Skye's little talk on the roof - to some clarification of the motives - and the...shock return of Jaz (although I can't get my head over the logic of how she escaped from the academy) - this was the epilogue of Snafu. 

Moments that shone were Debbie's character actually doing something and contributing now. She's probably the head of the medical ward now - and considering the pressure she's under it should be worthy for her character to try and cope with the stress that's occurred. There's a lovely touching scene with Alita as she looks through several bodies and finds Tyson. What's also interesting is clues towards the whole Slayer power-thing. The Scythe has packed in - Debbie mentions that Slayers aren't healing - while it appear that Kira is manipulating the Slayer Line and it's powers. Bryce calls Hamish "Mr. Watcher" in a line that caught me...and while Barbara isn't fired - we're going to get two unlikable new heads. 

Now I'm going to make a personal appeal to Chrimes - please make at least one of them have likable traits. I point to Cassandra Hurst from Ravenshill - a Divine member that was actually likable that contrasted with the smarmy git that was Iain McGaskett (although I will defend his motives - I liked him). That's one thing that's going to worry me - that we'll get two Delores Umbridge's arrive.

Now - some of the negatives...there's the strange logic hole around Jaz joining Kira; the slight dragging of Barbara's hearing and some uncharacteristic mutterings under her breath. A slightly cringe worthy speech from her at the end does make you wonder what is the point of her actually saying all that when she knows that it's not going to make one bit of difference. Also - it would've been nice to have had names from the pushy Watchers from the council...instead of just FEMALE WATCHER. The final twist - while (finally) the show is beginning to tie up it's lose threads - there's a certain "huh?" factor here. There had to be a connection between Roland and Kira...I just can't grasp any connection before. On one hand that could be a positive reaction. 

I'm guessing this episode will polarise the view of the series. Those that are enjoying the change in (the right) direction for the series and others that miss the core four on missions. I for one am glad to see the mission structure gone - this is more engaging that Slayer Academy has ever been in a long while.

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