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TV Review | 'Mixology' serves up bitter, disappointing concoction

Mixology" is, hands down, the most astoundingly awful series released thus far in 2014. It is baffling how ABC, a network with a large female audience and a tendency toward mild, family-friendly humor, could unveil a show with such offensive writing and overdone ideas. In the midst of ABC's most recent forward-thinking hits, including "Modern Family" (2009-present), "Scandal" (2012-present) and "Grey's Anatomy" (2005-present), this low-level bar comedy sticks out like a sore thumb.

TV Review | New series 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' shows promise

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." is a very audacious television venture for numerous reasons. The primary one is that the show attempts to mesh the universe depicted in the superhero epic "The Avengers" (2012) with a weekly procedural format. In this case, however, the central focus of the show is not the heroes themselves, but rather the bureaucratic force behind them: the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistic Division. One obstacle facing this new show is its title, a problem of which the show is hilariously self-aware. When asked why the agency has such a long name, one character quips that someone really wanted it to spell out "shield."

TV Review | Meyers is commanding as 'Dracula' lead

NBC's new series, Dracula" - filled with plenty of intrigue, gorgeous mansions and beautiful people - would be a middling success were it not for its star. The handsome and charming Jonathan Rhys Meyers plays the eponymous character, and he brings enough mystery -- and more than a hint of danger - to keep both his character and the show interesting. The talent Meyers possesses is undeniable, and he commands every scene he is in, playing the legendary vampire with intensity and charm.

TV Review | 'Mind Games' more shallow than smart

At the center of ABC's new psychological drama Mind Games" is a puzzling contrast: its core premise relies on manipulation of the mind and moral ambiguity, but somehow it still manages to come off as fuzzy and heartwarming. The series showcases the intrinsic darkness of human nature and how it can be twisted - through lying, cheating and other illegal practices - to help those in need. If these things are done for the good of the underdog, it's all okay, right?

TV Review | 'Grey's Anatomy' still strong in 10th season

When Grey's Anatomy" premiered in March of 2005 as the midseason replacement for "Boston Legal" (2004-2008), hardly anybody could have predicted that the show would still be on the air eight years later. But as the medical drama wraps up the first half of its 10th season, it shows no signs of stopping. Despite several seasons plagued with ill-conceived storylines and unpopular characters, "Grey's Anatomy" has been experiencing somewhat of a creative renaissance in the past few years. Fans who abandoned the show when it went downhill are missing out

TV Review | 'The Americans' returns strong in second season

Television, it seems, is rife with political thrillers of all kinds: from Scandal" (2012-present) and "Homeland" (2011-present) to Netflix's "House of Cards" (2013-present) and the upcoming "Crisis," the genre is clearly in no short supply. These buzzy shows have garnered intense and loyal fans, impressive ratings and frequent critical acclaim (the exception here is "Crisis," which doesn't premiere until March 16). But despite the current popularity of the political thriller, FX's superbly crafted "The Americans" hasn't seemed to be able to capitalize on the trend. To be sure, the spy series, which just recently returned for a second season, is a critical darling and has earned nominations at the Emmys and other smaller awards shows, but it certainly does not pervade the pop culture landscape the way its counterparts do.

TV Review | 'Masters of Sex' delivers complex female characters

Amid the flashy dramas and much-hyped comedies that premiered this fall, a quieter, more adult show also debuted on the small screen - and though it hasn't received the same attention as other notable series like Scandal" (2012-present) have, it is still very much worth watching.

'To the Wonder' marred by nonsensical plot

TV Review | 'American Horror Story' continues to thrill

Ever since the first season of American Horror Story" debuted in 2011, creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk have offered audiences an amalgam of disturbing introductions, music, characters and storylines - all of which occur in equally alarming settings. "American Horror Story: Coven" - the FX show's third installment - is no exception.

Tufts' Indian dance groups bring diverse history, culture to campus

While many students burrow down in the first months of the spring semester, burying themselves in books and bowls of Carm stir-fry, members of Tufts' Indian dance groups will head to the gym and the stage in the coming weeks. Though perhaps lesser known than organizations like Sarabande or Spirt of Color, members of these dance troupes are working hard to polish their performances and gain recognition both on and off campus this spring. Diverse dance culture on campusAmong the over 300 student groups and organizations offered on the Hill, Tufts is home to four distinct Indian dance groups: Tufts Bhangra, Tufts Garba, Tufts Tamasha and Tufts Pulse. All of these groups specialize in different performance styles, with each on carving out a specific niche for themselves and representing a unique element of Indian dance culture - which is itself extremely varied. For members of the Tufts community who may not yet be acquainted with them, here are a few words of introduction:Founded in 2001, Tufts Bhangra is a co-ed team and the oldest of the four groups. Bhangra originated as a folkdance of the Punjab region of Northern India. It was traditionally performed as a way to celebrate the harvest, taking its name from bhang (hemp), one of the region's most important crops. According to current tri-captain Derek Kallarackal, a junior, Bhangra is now known for its athletic and fun style.Tufts Garba Team, which began in 2002, also features male and female dancers in their group. Also a folkdance, Garba was born in Gujarat, a state in northwestern India. Today it is sometimes performed with the use of dandiya sticks, which dancers incorporate into the performance by tossing or tapping them together.Tamasha, formed in 2008, is an all-female dance group and the only one that fuses together different dance forms. The Tamasha women integrate Bollywood, hip-hop and other styles into their performance pieces. The name Tamasha" also refers to a type of Marathi theater, developed in Maharashtra, in western India, which combines dancing and singing, and focuses on female performers.The newest of the groups, Pulse - founded in 2010 - is also an all-women team with a repertoire that includes the eight classical dance styles of India. The team alternates its focus between these styles

Restaurant Review | Yume Wo Katare not for faint of heart

Near the Porter T stop, almost completely hidden in the chilly shadow of a red avant-garde windmill sculpture, one restaurant reigns supreme. There is almost no topping the treasure that is Yume Wo Katare. The restaurant's ambience alone is deeply satisfying - a blend of casual and group effort dining , placed within a colorful setting, marinating visitors in fumes of mouth-watering, heart-stopping ramen.

Theater Review | A.R.T. show explores, critiques aid work in Uganda

The crowd cheered as the lights came up and Griffin Matthews, the co-creator, lead actor and inspiration behind the main character of Witness Uganda," walked out on stage. Matthews seemed to swell - proudly, not egotistically - with the applause. After months of preparation, "Witness Uganda" had finally been brought to life at the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T), and everyone in the packed Loeb Drama Center was there to see him and to hear his story.

The Roaming Fork | Roam on

I can't believe it - this is my last column of the semester. I am sad about this, to say the least. From caterpillars to taro roots to kava, thank you so much for joining me on this culinary adventure. What a long, strange trip it's been. I hope this column, if nothing else, has helped you appreciate the weird, wonderful diversity of food that exists on this planet - and what a remarkable selection of things turn out to be edible. I hope I've opened your horizons, but if you've tuned in each week just to be grossed out and laugh at me, that's fine too. Still, as we part ways, I'd like to encourage you to take the plunge. Eat something you're not familiar with. If it's cooked properly, the worst thing that's likely to happen is that you don't like it.

Theatre Review | Multimedia theater production defies genre, medium

You may look, but do not touch," says the dapper man at the door before taking a sip of his drink and ushering a group of audience members into the OBERON - a theater and nightclub within the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.). From this point onward in "AcousticaElectronica," no matter how close one gets to the performers, no matter how touchy-feely they are with the audience, there is an inescapable sense that everything is happening at a distance. Despite the fact that the performers sometimes weave through the crowded dance floor, the fourth wall is still firmly in place. Nevertheless, "AcousticaElectronica" is perhaps one of the most immersive theatrical performance events out there.

Theater Review | Boston Theatre's 'Burning' tackles difficult issues

When Kate Snodgrass first encountered Ginger Lazarus' work Burning" - in an earlier form, it was part of a series of one-act performances - she recognized that it was powerful. The complete production, currently showing at the Boston Playwrights' Theatre (BPT), is no less. Since her first impression, Snodgrass, the artistic director of BPT, and Lazarus have continued to develop "Burning" over the past few years, taking it through several drafts to create the fully realized piece. The result of their collaboration is a magnificent production that intertwines brilliant acting with modern-day issues and compelling themes.

Theater Review | Boston Ballet showcases five new dances

Fresh from the successful Night of Stars" event which took place Sept. 21 on the Boston Common, the Boston Ballet returned to an indoor stage last Thursday and Friday with "BB@Home." This special performance celebrated the choreography of one of its own dancers in a smaller venue designed to seat just 150. "BB@home" showcased the world premiere of a piece with original choreography from Dusty Button, a Boston Ballet soloist, alongside excerpts from other ballets.

Theatre Review | Drama department production of 'RENT' opens tonight

Take me out tonight!" character Mimi Marquez sings during an iconic moment in "RENT." Mimi and her song are full of life, energy and possibility. Tonight, many students may feel the same as they head to Balch Arena Theater for what promises to be a packed opening night of "RENT," the Department of Drama's winter production. The much anticipated show already broke records at Tufts, selling out only one day after tickets went on sale.

The Artsy Jumbo | Sophie Maki puts culinary skills to test with vegan baking

Freshman Sophie Maki has a rather unique hobby: She runs a blog on Tumblr on vegan baking. When it comes to animal rights Maki isn't particularly political; she instead prefers culinary expertise to activism. I'm not very confrontational," Maki said. "I don't have to comment on these other people who are like, 'Bacon is the only way, vegans suck.'" Despite her diplomatic disposition, Maki claims that it was her desire to challenge herself that led her to becoming a vegan. A vegetarian since middle school, Maki says that choosing to adopt veganism was not a sudden decision, but rather a gradual transition as she cut out more and more animal-product foods from her diet. "Once vegetarianism wasn't even a challenge anymore, I ... [thought], 'Well, I could easily do more,'" she said. According to the amateur chef, it is difficult to bake anything while living in a dorm

Nelly, Yeasayer entertain Tufts crowd with lively, interactive sets

Powerhouse lineup draws crowds to MixFest

MixFest, a free annual concert held by Boston radio station Mix 104.1, drew an impressive audience last Saturday to the Hatch Shell stage on the Charles River Esplanade. The event, which began at 4 p.m., had attendees lining up before the gates even opened at 1 p.m., hoping to be among the first of thousands to enter the venue. Those who were successful received pink wristbands that granted them access to the stage area. Others who arrived later had no choice but to watch from afar - if they were allowed in at all.