RamiMalek

(E05) Another week and another wholly different experience in the Pacific front of World War II. Whereas Guadalcanal was an island oasis, and eerily quiet when the 1st Marines landed, the island of Peleliu was a far different story. From an ocean of cannon-fire and ships to a sea of the dead, dying and injured on the beach, it was warfare from the word "Go!"

Eugene Sledge finally made it into the war, joining Leckie and company in the 1st Marines Division. He hooked up with them on the island of Pavuvu, where we left them last week. Leckie returned as well from his stay at the hospital, and they got to enjoy some wartime camaraderie before shipping out.

Sledge even got some time with his friend from back home, Sid Phillips. The care in which the producers of 'The Pacific' have given to each of these very different wartime experiences has helped to create one of the most diverse and thorough looks at war that I've ever seen.

Three actors have joined the cast of 24: Rami Malek, Julian Morris and Hrach Titizian have landed multi-episode arcs on the eighth season of the Fox drama.

After last season, I've been hoping that Jack gets back to being the kick-ass agent I fell in love with during the first few seasons. I understand that storylines and characters need to evolve over the course of several seasons, but I don't like seeing Jack weak and dying. I like seeing him kick ass and take names.

Hopefully, these characters -- a suicide bomber type, a SWAT agent, and a security guy for President Hassan -- will bring the series back around to its early-season goodness, while still letting the characters evolve (the ones who haven't perished along the way, that is).