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Showing posts with label Amy Poehler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amy Poehler. Show all posts
Saturday, 6 August 2011
Note to self, when you’re organising a blog-a-thon it’s probably best to choose the subject of your write-up more than a day before the submission date. Not that I haven’t ruminated on great episodes of the past TV season (I did devote a significant amount of time to publishing my Emmy ballot) but it’s one thing to strip thing downs to six submissions for things best writing and so on. I was torn between shows like The Good Wife, Boardwalk Empire and even Modern Family and for a time I thought I’d write on something from Dexter, and then I realised that Parks and Recreation and its almost faultless third season was the obvious contender. Then, it turned into a chore deciding which of the sixteen episodes to focus on...
I say that “Indianapolis” is the best written episode of the lot, and “The Fight” is the best directed but when it came to all-round goodness I couldn’t ignore the season’s second episode “Flu Season” (incidentally, the episode Amy Poehler submitted for Emmy consideration).
Sweet, beautiful Ann opens the episode,
“There’s a crazy flu going around.”And really, it’s all uphill from there...
As much as I love Paul Schneider, the addition of Rob Lowe and Adam Scott to Parks and Recreation was one of the greatest things of the last season and this episode is so early on, we’re only now getting to know them (and conversely they’re only now getting to know Pawnee). Leslie’s still in the early stages of the Harvest Festival, and it’s only her luck that would have her get sick on the day she’s to make the submission to potential sponsors. Unlike a number of shows with expansive ensembles Leslie Knope actually is the greatest thing about the show and she’s got some great moments – ingesting overdoses of her medicine chronically, wearing ridiculous get-ups to fight the “cold”.
With three members of staff out we get to see the beginnings of two friendships which are a major part of the season for me – Ron and Andy’s friendship and Tom and Ben’s, and the quasi-development of the season’s three romances Ben and Leslie, April and Andy and Ann and Chris. It’s weird to imagine that all of that could fit into a 21 minute episode, that’s still overflowing with comedic one-liners and which allows Leslie to show us how much like superwoman she is, but that’s just how good Parks and Recreation is.
The episode’s iconic scene occurs near the end when Leslie steals the medication of everyone on her floor, apparently and turns up at the Chamber of Commerce (or Secrets as her drug induced self calls it) to make the presentation. She kills it of course, because she’s Leslie Knope but what’s proof of the show’s hold on reality (in the face of hilarity) is immediately after the flawless presentation – which Leslie probably spent weeks planning she goes into a Q&A.
She turns to the guy and goes,
“That’s a very good question and I would counter with my own question. Why is half of your face all swirly?”
And as Ben comes up to take over, “Everybody give it up for Scott Bakula from Quantum Leap.”
It’s difficult to describe the brilliance of a character like Leslie to someone who’s never seen Parks and Recreation. Ben tries to use sports to describe her:
“That was a flu ridden Jordan at the 97 NBA finals. That was Kurt Gibson hobbling up to the plate and hitting a homerun. That was Leslie Knope.”
Indeed, and that’s Parks and Recreation. What I find most appealing about the episode is that as good as Poehler is, this episode could just as easily work as a showcase for Rob Lowe, Rashida Jones, Nick Offerman or Chris Pratt. Few shows manage to weave their ensemble as well into a single episode. (If I don’t stop, I’d take screen-caps of the entire episode.)
Greg (Screen Ramblings) on The Office "Classy Christmas"
Which brings me to "Classy Christmas", and the one key scene I'd like to discuss. And that is of course the office turning on Holly after Michael confronts her about his feelings. What's remarkable about this scene is that despite Michael's rather delusional and immature behavior (which he does make up for in the end)...(link)
Alex (Alex in Movieland) on 30 Rock "Everything Sunny All the Time Always"
The screenplay is very funny, probably the best of the season, next to Double-Edged Sword. I always love Jack & Avery and their Republican jokes, and this episode delivers a lot of incredibly funny one-liners. (link)Ryan (Sorta that Guy) on Sherlock "The Great Game"
Like any good mystery story "The Great Game" keeps its audience on its toe. In fact, the whole conceit of the episode is keeping the title character Sherlock on his toes as he tries to solve various murders with only a clue left to him by a mysterious person threatening to kill more people if he doesn't solve the murders in time. (link)
Nicholas (Cinema Romantico) on Parks and Recreation "Time Capsule"
"Parks and Recreation" is an embodiment of that term you so often hear tossed around - character comedy. And that's critical, and it's critical because I like these characters. I like all these characters, even the unlikeable ones because, God bless 'em, they are who they are and make no bones about it. They are defiantly themselves, which, in a way, is the whole point of that lone video tape placed in the time capsule.(link)
(The Oncoming Hope) on Doctor Who "The Doctor's Wife"
We learn, once and for all, that despite the commitment in prior series to the Doctor's eternal loneliness, that he does in fact have one constant companion. Gaiman takes us right back to the beginning, when the Doctor enters this Tardis and runs away on his many adventures. She has been there the whole time, through the best and worst times of his life, always silent but always there. And you must have a heart of steel if you can't see the beauty in being able for once in your life... (link)
Thanks to this great quintet for telling me about their favourite episodes. What were yours?
ADDENDUM: I should not encourage Paolo, but he talks about Web Therapy and I know it's not a TV show (it's a web series) but, well, Kudrow is awesome. And, it's recently begun its television tenure and she's STILL awesome. (link)
Thursday, 14 July 2011
These are not good times. Things are insane at work and I'm under the weather, physically not emotionally. Well, the Emmy nominees didn't exactly cheer me up. But, I'll live. I shall return...soon...but for now -
Saturday, 9 July 2011
...there's always a woman...so, we're on to the Lead Actress predictions. The field looks good, but it seems a bit simple predicting who Emmy is going to fall for. Ryan and I are back with more predictions....
Andrew: Lead actress is always interesting because, women on TV are usually given opportunity to do much.
Ryan: Except in comedy apparently. Because wow, was that submission list short.
Andrew: That's actually what I was coming to, because my shortlist for comedy (and my own personal ballot) is horrendously short.
Ryan: And that's even including those Showtime shows that aren't really comedies! I mean it was easy enough to narrow down my list, but wow, that's crazy.
Andrew: Even though there are rarely repeat winnners for lead actress in a comedy, the nominees are often fairly predictable.
Ryan: Which again makes it easy to predict, but not as much fun.
Andrew: It's really a case of five actors who're assured nods and one who's probably going to get in, I think.
Ryan: Yeah, I think it's all about who we think that last person will be. Looking forward to seeing your picks, but before we reveal so quickly... Showtime should make a big showing, no? Two of the most recent winners + newcomer and Emmy beloved Laura Linney. They're guaranteed 3 spots right there.
Andrew: Yeah, and I don't mind. For me, United States of Tara is the one that's least funny and it's still funny enough to not be a straight drama (even if I called it a drama in my own personal ballot). So, I'm fine with the showtime ladies getting love.
Ryan: For me, I would be happy nominating them in Drama, so it's not about me not wanting to nominate them. I just feel for non-Showtime ladies that aren't really asked or get the opportunity to do something such as the Bryce storyline in United States of Tara.
Andrew: The reason I'm essentially fine with it is because I see it as as best performance in a comedy, not funniest performance. Some comedies have actors who have the straight roles (people love Colfer, but his humour is not what they love) or some dramas have comic relief (Alan Cumming in The Good Wife). So, overall, I'm fine with it.
Ryan: I've started to come around to it, but it still bugs me. In any case, thoughts on the Showtime odd-woman out (possibly) Mary Louise Parker?
Andrew: I have not watched Weeds in years so I'm neither here nor there on that.
Ryan: Well after getting nominated 3x in a row, they skipped her last year. Death knell. And she didn't really offer up anything new last year, except for perhaps the finale.
Andrew: Shame that Courteney Cox might have zero chance of getting in.
Ryan: You read my mind. I was just going to ask you if there was somebody you wanted to make it in that won't. She's my pick, too.
Andrew: But, I'm really okay with who I THINK will make it. Care to go first with your predictions?
Ryan: Predictions:
Toni Collette United States of Tara
Edie Falco Nurse Jackie
Tina Fey 30 Rock
Laura Linney The Big C
Lea Michele Glee
Amy Poehler Parks and Recreation
Andrew: My predictions:
Toni Collette United States of Tara
Edie Falco Nurse Jackie
Tina Fey 30 Rock
Laura Linney The Big C
Lea Michele Glee
Amy Poehler Parks and Recreation
Yup, we've got the same bunch.
Ryan: I actually picked Martha Plimpton over Lea Michele, but I just changed my mind last minute. Predictable indeed.
Andrew: I actually don't mind Lea getting in...it's predictable, but I think the lineup is golden. I want Lea to be nominated not just because I like her but she manages to overcome some harrowing bits at time.
Ryan: It is, but other than Collette and Poehler, I'm OKAY with a few surprises in the mix.
Andrew: Who knows, maybe Plimpton could make it in - what with The Good Wife / Company goodwill.
Ryan: Though I feel that if she does, Poehler will be punished. Which is just all kinds of wrong.
Andrew: But, Andrew: Really, Poehler getting snubbed...that would be J$O%TJ$Y^O^#$J%OTJ%YOR!!!!!!!
Ryan: I'd throw something at the TV, because the whole medium would become literally useless at that point if that were to happen.
Andrew: That would be horrific. We'd get Robert, Jose, Luke, Nathaniel and a slew of others to protest. I'd fly out illegally if I must.
Ryan: That'd be beautiful. So since we're being all melodramatic now, let's jump to Drama!
Andrew: Do you watch The Closer?
Ryan: I do not.
Andrew: One of my favourite procedurals on air, Kyra's the defending winner so I warrant that she'll back for her seventh nomination...along with the love of your life...
Ryan: She's hardly the love of my life.
Andrew: Tut, tut, tut. Don't make me pound my gavel.
Ryan: I do enjoy Julianna Marguilies performance though so yeah she's in.
Though to be honest, I'm much more in love with one Elisabeth Moss who upgraded to Lead after submitting and getting nominated for Supporting last year.
Andrew: Well, she's been nominated in lead before so she's more than just a contender. I've never watched a season of Sons of Anarchy but Katey Segal is flirting with chances of a first time Emmy nomination after her Golden Globe win.
Ryan: It all depends on what they think about the show I think. It'd be a great story if she and Ed O'Neill were to both be nominated this year.
Andrew: Umm why (he asks embarrassedly.)
Ryan: Both starred in Married with Children back in the 80s? 90s? The decades are starting to blur. I'm old.
Andrew: (PS. Was Married with Children the one with Christina Applegate?)
Ryan: Yup. Back to Mad Men for a second, it's so weird January Jones didn't category hop like Moss. She belongs in Best Supporting.
Andrew: I know. It sort of sucks for January because the writers don't know what to do with her, and she's done fine good work this past season but then, supporting actress is even more packed and she’s sort of half-and-half. If they go batshit for Mad Men...you never know.
Ryan: It definitely is, but I think she'd have a good showing there too. Oh well. Speaking of lead-supporting roles, I know you don't watch it but it's also weird for Lena Headey to submit herself here rather than supporting for Game of Thrones.
Andrew: Whereas I'm more willing to bet on Chandler being nominated, I'm not as certain that Connie Britton is in.
Ryan: Well when you're saddled with a non-starter storyline like Epyck or however you spell her name, yeah Britton didn't have much to do.
Andrew: Hahahaha. (*Applause*)
Ryan: (I'm here all night!) Any thoughts on Sally Field and Jeanne Tripplehorn for their last seasons? Field is a former winner while they don't know Tripplehorn exists.
Andrew: Field. Brothers and Sisters was so weak and Big Love was so strong. Even though Sevigny will always be MVP in the latter Barb had a powerful year, but you're right. They don't know she exists...and they hardly care for the show.
Ryan: And speaking of non-existent show and performance, I'm clinically depressed knowing that Anna Torv's exception work on Fringe will 100% be ignored.
Andrew: I'm actually sad that Anna Paquin will be ignored, Globe win in 2010 and all.
Ryan: Yeah, but at least she has been recognized somewhere. Torv is getting much love from critics, but that's not the same.
Andrew: I'm praying that Mariska Harigaty doesn't make it back. It's so weird how they'll keep nominating her, but after her win Patricia Arquette was virtually ignored for Medium.
Ryan: Hargitay is such a perennial favourite though and it helps that her show will give her a gut wrenching episode here and there for her to submit.
Andrew: But the nominees are based on overall seasons, they don't submit episodes until they're actually nominated (or shortlisted). Still. aaargh.
Ryan: Well that's even more confusing then. WHY DO THEY KEEP nominating her then?
Andrew: I DON'T KNOW...but, let's ignore her. And finally, 3 lawmakers in series premieres: Dana Delaney Body of Proof, Kathy Bates Harry's Law and Mireille Enos The Killing.
Ryan: Enos if they appreciate that kind of quiet performance. Bates if they go for name recognition.
Andrew: Having seen only three episodes, what did you think of Enos?
Ryan: I think I need to see more. She didn't get to do much, at least relatively. Plus I'm still trying to get used to her as someone who isn't a polygamist's wife.
Andrew: Episode 11 (Missing) takes a break from the case and she's brilliant in it.
Ryan: And if being a movie star helps in the Comedy section (see above for Linney), thoughts on Oscar winner Melissa Leo's chances? Don't watch her show though.
Andrew: She didn't get love last year, but I'm wondering if The Fighter love AND Mildred Pierce love could help her.
Ryan: Well she wasn't an Oscar winner last year, was she?
Andrew: True. So, ready for me to p-p-predictions (pretending I'm wrapping, don't ask). RAPPING. Good lord, Andrew.
Ryan: Nice. I'll wait to see your picks.
Andrew: Random order:
Julianna Margulies The Good Wife
Kyra Sedgwick The Closer
Elizabeth Moss Mad Men
Mireille Enos The Killing
Mariska Hargitay Law and Order SVU
January Jones Mad Men as a surprise inclusion
Ryan: VERY interesting. My predictions:
Connie Britton Friday Night Lights
Mariska Hargitay Law and Order: SVU
Julianna Margulies The Good Wife
Elisabeth Moss Mad Men
Emmy Rossum Shamless
Kyra Sedgwick The Closer
Ryan: And I just realize we didn't talk about young Emmy Rossum.
Andrew: That's what happen you don't watch quality shows Andrew (head to table).
Ryan: I think she has a good chance, if they watch the show.
Andrew: Is Shameless really that much of a threat?
Ryan: Only if they watch the show.
Andrew: What's it about?
Ryan: A group of kids with a drunk dad and an absentee mom, trying to raise themselves as lower middle class family in... Chicago? Detroit? Whatever. Rossum plays the oldest child and acts as the mom to the rest. It's a remake of a British show.
Andrew: I guess I should give that a watch sometime. Added to Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead.
Ryan: She gets to be fun, fierce, sad, angry, sexy, everything.
Andrew: oooooh, oooooh before I go or forget...did you watch the preview for Smash?
Ryan: If by preview, you mean that long-ish trailer that NBC showed the TV crix a few weeks back... then yeah. If it's something new they released recently... no?
Andrew: I don't know. Saw it on you-tube (it's like 5 minutes long). Did you like it? I have a feeling it could seriously bomb, but I watched it like ten times.
Ryan: LOVED IT. Glee for adults... with brains.
Andrew: and by ten times, I mean 50.
Ryan: It's one of my favorite new fall show preview. Probably second to Awake. You should see that.
Andrew: I'll get on that. Are there any shows premiering this summer that I should keep an eye on?
Ryan: I honestly don't know. Only thing I can think of is Torchwood: Miracle Day.
Andrew: Cool.
Ryan: Oh and there's this new show, Wilfred, starring Elijah Wood. Heard it was supposed to be good.
Andrew: Ah, yeah - that I've got to check up on. (A/N: Reviews coming tonight.)
Ryan: I didn't mean to make that rhyme.
Andrew: Ha. Now I'm thinking of Pushing Daisies, I was watching "Girth" earlier, the Halloween episode where the narrator was rhyming.
Ryan: Aw. Miss that show. My DVDs are circulating around my friends so I can't immediately re-watch.
Ryan: Yeah. I don't know. I mean it could be okay, but doesn't feel like the type of show I'd be into.
Andrew: It seems a bit drab, but I shall watch for Kristin. So weird seeing her being mean.
Ryan: BTW I'm pretty sure I saw most of the new fall shows previews. I made that a priority a few weeks back. Yeah, I'd totally check it out for KC. Hope it surprises.
Who are you hoping is going to get a Best Actress nomination?
Thursday, 8 July 2010
Despite the title, I'm actually quite content with the nominees for the most part, I'm busy at the moment so I can't analyse the nominees as I wish so I'll just break it down quickly, and be back LATER with an in-depth look. Maybe.
THE GOOD
*Amy Poehler has her Emmy nomination. I cannot explain to you how happy this made me. It is easily my favourite nomination in a year of mixed stuff.
*Sharon Gless has an Emmy NOD!!! Burn Notice only gets one nod, but this nod makes me happy (even though I wish it had gotten more).
*My usual favourites are back again - Dexter, Damages, Tony Shalhoub, JANE KRAKOWSKI!!!!
THE BAD
*One nomination for Entourage, two nominations for Grey's Anatomy, one nomination for Desperate Housewives? Piven? Wilson? Oh? Cross? My heart bleeds, not really but you get the point. Those snubs hurt me.
*Two and a Half Men is still getting love, and I don't know WHY!
* No love for supporting players in The Office and Parks & Recreation? Really?
THE BLAH
* The Big Bang Theory. I just don't get it.
*Mad Men. Other than Slattery I'm really not interested any more...I can't say why?
*Lost...ummm, I don't know. I don't get this one either, and no Naveen Andrews? Le sigh.
Okay. You go? Good? Bad? Blah? Shout it out below.
FULL LIST HERE
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
I knew it wouldn’t be Glee I’m not obsessed with it (yet) and I’m more obsessed with Chenoweth (and the music) in Glee than the actual show – which is a delight. It couldn’t be Grey’s Anatomy. Yes I love (with the DVDs to show) but it’s heading south and they need to stop making everyone have sex. It’s a hospital, for god’s sake. It couldn’t be Dexter because that’s mostly about the excellence of Michael C. Hall and it couldn’t be The Office because I want more B.J. Novak. In a time of such indecision there really was only one person to turn to – Leslie Knope.
When Parks & Recreation first premiered it was received with mix reviews – a strange premise, stodgy writing and an unproven cast. Somehow I’m not sure what the issue was because I was there from the beginning and I’ve always been a believer. The first season focused on the Parks & Recreation departments attempt to turn a horrible pit into a park – that didn’t pan out too well for the department but it led to a whole lot of hilarity for me. I won’t say much about. I already have (and I’m tired), but rest assured it’s one of the greatest things on TV right now. Just check my fake Emmy nominations...
The penultimate post of the meme, sigh.
Friday, 7 May 2010
Another entry in my irregular series on NBC’s Thursday’s comedy slot: LAST WEEK'S ENTRY
I haven’t seen Community in some time. It emerged last year as a somewhat off kilter lead-in for Parks & Recreation. Like any show, it has its good and it’s bad but when it’s bad it’s really bad and for me last night was one of those “bad” episodes. The entire episode"Modern Warfare" centred on the community college students engaging a series of paintball face-offs in hope of gaining priority registration. One of the conceits that sometimes fail on the show is their tendency to veto the belief of there being a real college with students and the resultant being the main characters being the only students. Of course any show focusing on school has this issue but whereas others pull it off (see Glee) Community often fails. The entire premise of the school engaging in a paintball fight was just a bit too ridiculous, even by the standards of TV Land. I figure that Community aims to be a satire, but I’m never sure if their incessant use of clichés is lazy writing or some attempt to make a point (whatever that may be).
Parks & Recreation fared better. In another strong episode this time we saw Leslie dealing with an all night telethon in Pawnee. Amy Poehler continues to give some of the best comedic performances on any TV show; I’m really hoping Emmy remembers. Nick Offerman's attempts to liven the telethon with his chair making skills were indeed funny. The subplot dealt with Mark’s imminent proposal to Ann, but it seems as if the relationship may be heading south. (Honestly, the Ann and Mark relationship is one of my less favourite things on Parks & Recreation. Both Schneider and Jones are actors I like, but they just seem too normal together, combating the whole ridiculousness that should be Parks & Recreation.) However, the person who ended up stealing the show was Aziz Ansari's Tom. His meeting Detlef Shcrempf and ensuing drunkedness (after two lite beers) was golden, and nothing last night precipitated as loud a laugh as when he got up to do an impromptu version of “Turn My Swag On”. I’m going to be missing this when the summer comes.
The Office followed up a good episode last week with a very good one last night. It had much of what I liked, and less of what I didn’t. I’m wondering if my telepathy is working because I’m getting more and more of Ryan and Kelly, easily my favourite two people on the show. It makes sense that it was these two who planted the seed in Michael’s thoughts that his new girlfriend was cheating. Kelly’s awareness of pop culture (and her lack of awareness in everything else) never fails to amuse me, and Ryan’s tips on finding out if your girlfriend is cheating were quite helpful (Does she shower after sex? Does she shower before sex?). Even the iffy subplot of Daryl and Andy managed to work. Even though I didn’t expect it, I wasn’t too shocked to find out that Donna was married. Michael’s delivery was classic, “I’m the other woman?” The episode was filled with small cute moments like Michael’s mayonnaise and black olives (fake ice-cream) or Dwight’s attempt to pickup Donna at the gym in his sweaty repulsiveness.
30 Rock was back on the uphill, somewhat, even if it took a theme episode to bring out – celebrating Mother’s Day. The thing is, as enjoyable as the episode was the one thing that keeps preventing me from loving 30 Rock is the lack of character development – especially with the secondary characters. I’m guessing, though, now that Liz has realised that there’s no such thing as the perfect man she’ll stop setting her standards so high. The episode had some cute moments, though. Jack’s mother attempts to make Kenneth forget his name (which worked) were quite entertaining. It actually was quite fun seeing the cast interact with their “mothers”, though some were fake. All in a pleasant episode, but not quite stellar, but Jane Krakowski continues her excellence.
RATINGS
Community, "Modern Warfare": C
30 Rock, "The Moms": B/B-
Parks & Recreation, "The Telethon": B+
The Office, "The Cover Up" B+
Quotables:
#3 Amy Poehler on Parks & Recreation: There are two types of diabetes, but only one type of caring: type 1 caring, and I hope you'll all be stricken with it tonight. (It works better in context, but still cracks me up.)
#2 Nick Offerman on Parks & Recreation: Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day…don’t teach a man to fish and you feed yourself.
#1 Jane Krakowski on 30 Rock (in response to Tracy’s belief that we all have our faults): Yes, sometimes I sing too beautifully.
What did you watch last night?
Friday, 30 April 2010
I am never particularly interested in the machinations of NBC, as a network they’re usually apt to annoy me or at least bore. Of course, all their faults (or whatever we wish to call them) are all eviscerated on Thursdays when week after week they give us a strong line-up of good old-fashioned (sort of) comedies. The thing is, I never count Community as part of this somewhat impenetrable line-up. It’s not that the show doesn’t have its good points, but I more than often end up missing its episodes. That leaves us with three. There’s the granddaddy of them all, The Office now in its sixth season. The (relatively) new and eccentric Parks & Recreation and the “cool” (I use the word loosely) one 30 Rock. Not to knock at 30 Rock, a show with a number of excellent units, but I’m often nonplussed as to why it usually ends up being the show with the most critically acclaim of the three.
Last night’s episodes for each show, though not the best of the season, perfect encapsulate the merits (and demerits) of each show and I wonder if 30 Rock will be the only getting any Emmy love when summer comes around. Parks & Recreation, I suppose I should admit, made a dubious last year – but I was a believer form the inception. I can’t say it is, but few shows on television are as glee inducing (pun unintended) as the exploits of Leslie Knope and her flawed workmates. Amy Poehler’s Leslie strikes me as a more subtle (but less self-aware) incarnation of Kristin Chenoweth’s Olive. I’m nowhere near as avid a TV lover as some are (here and here) but Poehler constantly does excellent work and is continually ignored. I probably have some sort of chip on my shoulder since her Saturday Night Live alumni Tina Fey manages to be continuously praised for her sometimes good (but often uninspired) work on 30 Rock. I don’t what my issue with Fey is, she’s a good writer – an excellent one even – but I’m never completely willing to believe her as actor, at least not continuously. To throw The Office into the group, each show’s protagonist Leslie, Michael and Liz (and no, Alec Baldwin is not a protagonist on 30 Rock, no matter what those awards say) is an extreme neurotic. Carrell’s Michael often moves between shades of excellence and hilarious (but cringe worthy) moments. Luckily, last night’s episode was more of the former. The thing is, Fey might be playing herself but I’m often feeling as if something’s missing.
Another thing the three shows shake hands on is in their necessity of peculiar supporting characters to balance the scales. Last night’s Office episode played it just right. So often I want to see more of the silly office employees and last night, though it wasn’t as expansive, it was fun. B. J. Novak continues to be one of the best comedic actors on TV with the least lines. Everyone loves Jim and Pam, or Andy and Erin but it’s Ryan and Kelly’s flawed and perverse relationship that I find most hilarious. They’re a bit like Jenna and Tracy on 30 Rock. Yes, they’re not a real couple, but those moments when the two come together to increase their craziness exponentially are some of the most fulfilling. Last night wasn’t one of those, though. I only find Tracy humorous when he’s combated by someone less over-the-top. The thing is Krakowski’s Jenna is not exactly sedate, but the woman has such a talent for holding back that I’m always blissfully aware that Jenna is playing every one in the room as if she’s in a prolonged TV show (pun intended). Like her cross-dressing boyfriend last night? Like she didn’t see that coming. Speaking of seeing things coming, who’d have thought Chris Pratt would be the Everwood actor to go on to biggest success (unless you count Marcia Cross’ guest roles as her being an Everwood alumni, too). Where Parks & Recreations edges in front of its ancestors (by just a smidgen) is that any pairing of the cast could result in comedy. The chemistry between the actors is just that good. It’s always a difficulty thinking how they’ll get Rashida Jones involved in the plot, since she doesn’t work in the office, but it’s always more hit than miss.
Each show had their issues last night, though. I could have done without Don Geiss’ peacock, as the main plot of the evening it felt really dull and when did Pam turn into such a…peppy person. I suppose it’s the baby, but it’s still weird and I wish the writers would examine Leslie's take on Mark and Ann's impending marriage a little more, still each was good in its own rite.
30 Rock, Argus – B–
Best Moment: Jenna kissing her boyfriend (who just happens to be made up like Jenna)
The Office, Body Language – B
Best Moment: Kelly and Ryan trying to sabotage a teenage foe on facebook.
Ryan: Tell her everyone in homeroom thinks she’s fat.
Parks & Recreation, 94 Meetings – B+
Best Moment: Leslie chaining herself to the gate and her ensuing embarrassment. “When a couple get married, two single people die.” It’s classic.
Did you watch any last night? Which impressed you most?
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Comic relief is usually a good way of becoming a remembered in films, but comic relief in a comedy that’s already funny is no guarantee that you’ll be remembered. I’m not sure if I’m the only one who remembers this entry, but I know quite a few who don’t. Unfortunately so, since she’s a top notch comedienne. So, here’s a look at a funny lady who’s become forgotten:
Amy Poehler in Mean Girls
As Mrs. George
Amy Poehler is too young for the role of Rachel McAdams’ mother; that much is obvious. However, in Mean Girls with the aid of a fake breasts and a plastic-like makeup we have her transformed - kind of. We first meet her on our visit to Regina’s house where she brings drinks to the Plastics and Cady. An apprehensive Cady asks if any liquour is involved to which Poehler deadpans: No. What kind of mother do you think I am? Do you want some though? Because if you’re going to drink, I’d rather you do it in the house. Cady smiles dubiously and we can’t help but laugh. As an SNL stalwart Amy is notorious for her comedic timing. However, her speaking lines are not what sell me on her character - it's her expressions. At the Christmas concert as the Plastics do their annual dance of Jingle Bell Rock, the camera alternately cuts to Amy in the aisle dancing in tandem – every gyration, every twist of the hip. It is one of the funniest moments of Mean Girls and it works because we completely believe that this woman is living vicariously through her daughter and friends. It’s as she tells them, You keep me young.Do you remember Amy? Or did all the funniness in Mean Girls obscure her
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