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Showing posts with label Brothers/Sisters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brothers/Sisters. Show all posts
Saturday, 16 April 2011
So, there’s an interim of one week to wait until I Cougar Town finally returns – I can’t wait. It’s been a generally good week of TV, no I still haven’t tuned into see what The Borgias has to offer, and I still have that final instalment of Mildred Pierce to watch. But, what I’ve seen has been good enough.
Brothers & Sisters: “Olivia's Choice” “Never Say Never”
It seems like such a waste of time for there to be a dual episode of Brothers & Sisters when both episodes are so terribly trite. I don’t even care to actually speak about the plot. One focuses on Olivia’s adoption and the other on Nora’s mother’s death. And I’m not sure if its poor storylines or just a general lethargy to the entire thing but both episodes seem to have no gusto. I’m really worried about where this series is going. Between this and Desperate Housewives, ABC on Sunday is not must-see TV. But at least the latter manages to sidle out sporadic bursts of laughter every now and then.
[C+]
[C/C+]
Nurse Jackie: “Play Me”
[B+/A-]
United States of Tara: “The Full Fuck You Finger”
[B+/A-]
Parenthood: “Slipping Away”
[B/B-]
The Good Wife: “Foreign Affairs”
I do wonder if, with the loss of her campaign, if Wendy Scott Carr (i.e. the excellent Anika Noni Rose) will return to The Good Wife. This episode was a fairly good one – excellent on some fronts, but only competent on others. The albatross of the episode, sort of, was incidentally the main case which had Will and Diane defending Hugo Chavez. It was just a bit too ridiculous to be taken in honest, even if it saw the return of that “in-my-opinion” hilarious presiding judge. Everything else was good, though. Those bits with Natalie and Eli were lovely, America and Alan make for such an odd coupling but it works, nonetheless. On that note of good coupling, Czuchry and Panjabi’s chemistry continues to be one of the best things on the show – and it is interesting seeing Kalinda asked for favours this time around. Of course, it all comes down to this final few moments and props to Margulies for selling that silent reaction to the uncovering of that bit of information. Naturally, they leave us with this cliff-hanger and then go on a hiatus – well played.
[B+]
Modern Family: “The Musical Man”
This episode seemed, sort of, like a throwback to 90s sitcoms. Everything that happens depends on a significant amount of happenstance and chance. It’s not particularly inspired, but it’s funny enough and as obvious as Phil’s ads turned out to be it was hilarious seeing Claire deal with it in her typical silly fashion. The most interesting arc was the Cam debacle and the school play. He got the best storyline, but it seemed to slight – every scene with him was golden. I especially loved how he was proud of “Sondheim-izing” the middle-school children, just golden. I didn’t much care for the storyline with Jay, though the resolution was sweet in its schmaltzy way. Not perfect, but more than just competent.
[B/B+]
Community: “Competitive Wine Tasting”
[B]
The Office: “Training Day”
[B/B+]
Parks & Recreation: “Fancy Party”
[B+]
30 Rock: “I Heart Connecticut”
The episode was not brilliant, but it was consistently hilarious despite the presence of a few glitches. And, for that, I’m grateful. The main arc was Kenneth and Liz searching for Tracy, and I’d just like to mention that despite my inherent loathing of Tracy Jordan of TGS his appearance at the end was hilarious – from the portmanteau of their names “Clement” to his confusion between ketchup and mustard it made me realise how Tracy – when tempered – could be successful. Of course, though, the most interesting arc was the unholy alliance between Jenna and Jack which was perfectly played. I’m always ready for more digging in Jenna’s messed up psychological inclinations and even though it wasn’t an A plot for her it was enough. Everything else felt essentially extraneous – but it was good enough.
[B/B+]
Standout Performances
Edie Falco in Nurse Jackie B+/A-
Julianna Margulies in The Good Wife: B+/A-
Toni Collette in United States of Tara: B+/A-
Jane Krakowski in 30 Rock: B+
Chris Pratt in Parks & Recreation: B+
Brie Larson in United States of Tara: B+
Alan Cumming in The Good Wife: B+
Amy Poehler in Parks & Recreation: B+
Meritt Wever in Nurse Jackie: B+
Rosemarie DeWitt in United States of Tara: B+
Eric Stonestreet in Modern Family: B+
Lauren Graham in Parenthood: B/B+
What did you watch this past week?
Friday, 11 March 2011
It’s another week of slim pickings –in the number of shows up for perusal. On with it...
Desperate Housewives: “Searching”
It’s an odd episode, this one. For the most part it’s nice to see that – for the part – a consistent movement forward in plot and character development has returned to the show. So, even if the episode is not a seismic one it’s still generally pleasing one. The issues of Gabby and Lee and Renee and Lynnette are filler arcs, but they work. I do wonder how Renee as a mother would have turned out, that could have been an interesting arc and true the realisation that children don’t have to be perfect has some clichéd characteristics, but they both work. Susan and her bucket-list of sorts don’t exactly thrill me and that final confession with her and Mike is all too trite but it is nice when Hatcher gets to do something other than be the damsel in distress. Of course it’s Bree’s transplant that becomes the major arc especially when it becomes tied to Beth. I’m still trying to fathom the logic behind that decision, but regardless of actual logic Emily Bergl offers up a fine guest performance. I wonder what will happen next...
[B/B-]Brothers & Sisters: “Home is Where the Fort Is”
It’s a strange thing: this episode retains none of the quickness of the previous instalment – and it’s definitely not one of the show’s best moments. But, Brothers & Sisters manages to be that show which, even on its lesser moments, retains a definite humour and personal nature where there’s always something to enjoy about it. On one end I’m glad that David Anable is actually getting some work to do, it’s a vaguely interesting arc I admit – although I’d like an arc where Justin isn’t playing victim to some neuroses of his. I’m not at all interested in the fatherly bonding that’s going on with Scott and Kevin or Marini's character who's name I'm too lazy to remember; in the case of the former I’m worried it could soon get trite, and in the case of the latter Giles Marini continues to be such an awful actor I cringe through his entire scenes. What’s even weirder is that the main arc of Kitty’s return – at least – isn’t that striking. Yet, the episode for its issues retains that Walker charm that makes it neither great nor terrible, just fine. And, well, that’s fine.
[B-]Big Love: “The Noose Tightens”
[A-]
Glee: “Sexy”
[B-]
Standout Writing
Big Love A-
Standout Performances
Chloe Sevigny in Big Love A-
Ginnifer Goodwin in Big Love B+/A-
Jeanne Tripplehorn in Big Love B/B+
Jayma Mays in Glee B/B+
Vanessa Williams in Desperate Housewives B/B+
I'm interested in what you saw this week, did you like sexy Glee, biting your nails about the cliffhangers on Big Love?
Saturday, 26 February 2011
So, I went sort of wild with the reviewing this week. I don’t usually review all the shows I watch – laziness, and I still didn’t but twelve paragraphs is a lot for a lazy old me. There were some poor ones, but the good ones were excellent (I'm one week behind on Brothers & Sisters, I know)
Desperate Housewives: “Farewell Letter”
It’s so weird that one of the two pressing issues of the episode gets dovetailed into a sort of silly plot point – Keith is leaving. This is a shame actually, because I did love Brian Austin Green opposite Bree, maybe he’ll turn up again. Who knows? You’d think that they’d make this more important, but alas no. Keith’s child is in Florida, Bree refuses to moves and urges him to do so without her, because you can fall in and out of love with people but never with your children. It’s so weird that Bree, of all people, hasn’t fallen out of love with her children – they used to be absolute demons (and on that note, I miss Shawn Pyfrom). The only genuinely good storyline was Paul Young’s drama. I for one am happy to see Cody Kasch back (one of the reasons for the epic brilliance of season one) – and he looks so old and non-creepy now. The final blowout between Paul and Zack, and then Beth and Paul were both well played which makes me wonder how interesting a show a spinoff about Paul would have been since Cherry keeps reverting to the same old storylines with the actual main characters of the show (robbing them of much significance). You have to wonder where Beth is going to go now. It’ll be sad to see Emily Bergl leave the show (she’s turned into such an asset), but she probably won’t officially leave until the end of the season. I wonder if she’ll team up with her insane mother again...that could be interesting...
[C+]Brothers & Sisters: “The One That Got Away”
Balthazar Getty is not my favourite actor on the show, but I didn’t realise how much I missed him until now. True, he doesn’t get the A storyline here, but watching him interact with the cast (especially Griffiths) makes me remember why I used to love this show, way back when. It’s not perfect this episode, but it is interesting. I’m still vaguely annoyed at how redundant a character Justin has turned into, and the presence of Giles Marini continues to exasperate me. It seems like such a colossal waste having Anable’s sole contribution of the episode be ways to help Giles be romantic. Ugh. Still, the A-plot of Sarah’s paternity, though a little too deliberate, does work well – even if I miss Kitty. I wasn’t as sold on the issues of Saul and Jonathan, but it’s not as cringe worthy as you could expect. What’s more, the second half of the episode gets better and makes good on what could have been turgid storylines for the most part.
[B]Big Love: “D.I.V.O.R.C.E”
Let me just say, power to Chloe Sevigny for churning out a brilliant performance this episode. Sure, it was more of a sidelining supporting than a co-lead – but I can’t complain, and the episode was something good, too. With only four episodes to go, I really have no idea where the show is going to go – and I have this awful feeling that somebody’s going to end up dead. Ugh, me and my active imagination. Bill and Barb are drifting further and further apart, and it’s a bit unfortunate because you can understand where both parties are coming from. That final scene with the wives, Bill, Barb’s mom and the "lesbian" (too funny) was something special and a perfect close to the episode (and Jeanne, too, offers up a fine performance this episode). I’ll admit that I don’t like the idea of Cara Lynn falling for her teacher or Ben falling for Rhonda – both of those liaisons just seem weird, in addition to be being all wrong. Nicki was responsible for the best moments, though. Watching her trying to understand Cara Lynn’s math was a beautiful moment and that blow-up with Barb and Bill about the “finances” was well played. There again, you get where Barb is coming from, but it’s difficult not to feel a little badly for Nicki. I don’t want this season (and thus, the show) to end. I’m going to miss these characters.
[B+/A-]Glee” “Blame it on the Alcohol”
I don’t know what it is, definitively – was I so worried about Glee tackling alcoholism that my low expectations turned the episode into even more of a delight? I’d hate to think so, but either way this is easily the best episode of the back half of Season Two – and for the oddest of reasons. There was a surprising lack of pretentiousness in the way that they decided to let the students go full out drunk which made the inevitable moral at the end a whole lot less preachy than you’d have expected. Brennan doesn’t get enough praise for his writing credits, and it’s impressive how the arcs all coalesce. Sue goading Will into drunkenness isn’t exactly inspired – but Sue publicly humiliating him was priceless. Not because I don’t love Will (sorry, Ryan, I do) but because Jane is the queen of deadpan humour – and Becky Johnson is awesome. Then, there’s Rachel who was all around great in this episode: from the headband, to the bantering with Puck and then the Blaine issue. Each time I think I’ll let up on Kurt he pulls something ridiculous, case in point: this episode where his melodrama is evident twice. Even though the ending was a bit too pat, Blaine’s conversation with him was a smart move in highlighting hypocrisy, though I’m not sure if they get how hypocritical he was being towards his dad – who’s just trying to do what any sane parent would do (avoid their teenager having drunken sex). I’m neither here nor there on the ultimate payoff – it’s a bit too pat having the issue raised turn into a non-entity, which left a vaguely bitter taste in my mouth. Still, who knew “Blame it on the Alcohol” could make for a great group number?
[B+/A-]Parenthood: “Never Sleep With Your Autistic Nephew's Therapist”
Oh, Crosby just stepped in it – did he not? The thing is, I’m not his biggest fan but I feel he’s getting the short end of the stick, especially in relation to Adam who’s even more judgemental than Kristina with the issue. We get that he’s worried about Max, but it’s a bit unfortunate that Crosby will be getting 0 supporting from his older brother. I love everything about Sydney, Julia and Joel (even if I miss them having an actual A plot) so Sydney’s vegetarian stint was fun to watch. More important, though, watching Connie and Zeek bond was just great. Again, I say Bedelia is such a great actor who makes do with her minuscule amount of screen times. I love the Amber and Drew sibling pairing, so their issues were well received and I’m so glad that Sarah actually stepped up in the parenting department. I don’t feel as if Amber should feel badly for laying into Seth, but I guess you have to choose your battles. I don’t know how Max will react to having Asperser’s and I don’t know what will happen with Jasmine and Crosby (hopefully, they don’t breakup) – but it’s a more than solid episode.
[B+]Modern Family: “Regrets Only”
I’m not sure if I prefer this episode to last week’s but it easily wins points for being excellently written. We get three converging storylines which actually do justice to each of the main relationships in the show. It’s all fuelled by Claire and Phil’s marital issues which are just hilarious without being contrived. I really do love watching Ty and Julie opposite each other – easily one of TV’s best married couples. This interacts with Gloria and Jay and Cam and Mitchell, both of them having issues with communication. Stonestreet doesn’t exactly wow me (he’s #6 of the six principals) and he doesn’t exactly shine in this episode – but it’s so much fun watching him mug the camera especially in Cam’s interactions with Luke. Gloria shows up for a few moments to be absolutely ridiculous, and what’s more the children are shirked in this episode. Watching the Dunphy girls be silly is always appreciated and we still manage great random moments like Claire getting her massage at the mall or Luke’s stupidity. The second half of season two is looking much better than the first half.
[A/A-]Community: “Into to Political Science”
I wasn’t crazy enough to think that Community was going to offer up another near perfect episode like last week’s instalment – and they didn’t. But, I wouldn’t call it regression. It’s not a brilliant episode, but it’s infinitely better than the first half of the season – though some of the gags don’t soar as well. They’re back to their on-the-nose yarns and Jeff and Annie getting into a political battle is nice to watch, even if wrapping it up with Jeff’s audition for “The Real World” didn’t impress as much as I think it was supposed to. The other significant arc was a dual one: Troy trying to come to grips – somewhat – with Abed’s “faux” life and Abed and the secret agent. The Troy stuff delivers; the other portion? Not so much. Glover and Pudi are great together, but the secret service is just a little too pat – even if the closing gag was a beaut.
[B]The Office: “Todd Packer”
The main arc of Packer’s return fell flat, the suplot of Pam and Andy and Jim and Dwight were both brilliant. We’re preparing for Michael’s departure and this episode felt way too much like a filler episode. Yes, Amy Ryan continues to be one of the shining stars in the show (oh lord, PLEASE let get that Emmy nod). It sucks, in a way, that Jenna Fischer hasn’t gotten much material this season but she’s working with what she has and I especially loved the closing with her and Darryl – she’s so much fun when given the chance. See how little I have to say about the episode? Not bad, but unsubstantial.
[B-]Parks & Recreation: “Indianapolis”
Dear Parks & Recreation Department: why are you so continually brilliant? In some ways this episode shouldn’t turn out so great because the set-up seems decidedly mundane even for the Parks&Rec crew, but it ends up being so delightfully sanguine and irresistible only reaffirming the notion that this is the best comedy on television at the moment. I love how subtle the entire arc about Ben finding friends in the department was delivered, all the while underscored by Tom and his ridiculous ambitions. I’m really not that invested in Andy and April, but their “first date” was excellent – going around trying to get free stuff. And the fact that it ended with them giving all the money away was just perfect. Then, there’s Ron and his beloved steak – a plotpoint that Nick Offerman sold time and time again, and of course Ann and her breakup with Chris (which I hope is temporary). And then it wraps up with a montage of Leslie giving us some of the worse ways to get dumped which mirrors Poehler’s brilliant comedic timing from “The Hunting Trip” last season. Why, oh why, is this show so great?
[A/A-]30 Rock: “TGS Hates Women”
This episode is a trick one, it’s coming off a couple of top-notch episodes and there’s a moment at the end with the big reveal with the new writer on TGS that’s ridiculous – and not in the usual good way, but then there are some great things too. The issues with TGS hating women are far from riveting, but to an extent it works, especially when you remember how brilliant Krakowski and Fey are opposite each other – when given the chance. Moretz and Baldwin seemed to be a tad too trite, until that showdown at the end which we sort of should have seen coming – and it sets itself up for something good. It’s sort of uneven in the way it delivers on the jokes – but it’s a fair episode, and I’ll take it.
[B/B+]Grey’s Anatomy: “Not Responsible”
There’s plot development, but the episode feels far from earnest. I surely don’t mind having Loretta Devine back, and Meredith dealing with her eyesight is interesting – if vaguely silly. The fact that I have to think so heavily for an episode I saw so recently probably means that it didn’t have that much to offer. It was an episode of moments, though. Watching Mark, Owen and Derek playing golf on the rooftop was brilliant. Seeing Bailey getting through to the Chief about his wife? Perfect. Everything involving Alex, Cristina and Meredith (together and separate) was so evocative of early seasons. I’m not sure I care for April and Dr. Stark, and though I hate that Arizona and Callie keep having these roadblocks that’s an arc worth looking into. Jackson and Lexie? I don’t care for them. But eh, it’s fine.
[B-]
Private Practice: “Two Steps Back”
It’s so weird having episodes of the show without Addison, but it’s a generally solid effort all round. Liza Weil (of Gilmore Girls’ fame) appears as a patient who may or may not have dissociative disorder. It’s an interesting arc in itself, even if the payoff seems a bit obvious from a mile away it actually manages to work. This arc develops against three others – Sam and Naomi working with a mother who’s teenager daughter with Downs’ may or may not be pregnant, Cooper and Charlotte in therapy and Violet’s (apparently slanderous) novel-to-be. I’m all for any arc with Audra, and though it’s not exactly a piece-de-resistance, it’s an interesting dilemma and one that’s handled with more realism than you’d expect. Cooper and Charlotte have problems that seem rote, but actually end up interestingly and even if Violet’s dilemma is silly it does lead to some nice moments with the entire group (sans Addison) playing off each other – which are always some of the best parts of the show.
[B/B+]
Interesting Things
- Honestly, why are Lynette’s children so retarded (excuse the political incorrectness)? It’s borderline ridiculous, and not even in a funny way. Absolutely weird.
- Why does Alby have to be so creepy? Is it the hair? And that kiss between he and Verlan – good lord, that was sort of disturbing – no?
- I swear, every time Gloria and Phil have scenes together I die inside. Vergara and Burrell are so fun together.
- Who didn’t the reveal with Chris and the pink razor coming a mile away? I loved Lowe’s line-reading of “I’m human. I have blemishes.”
- More than ever, this week I really felt like Audra and Taye were going to break into song on the balcony. Oy.
- Don’t Mae Whitman and Lauren Graham show their emotion (with reference to physicality) in the same way? They’re such a good mother/daughter pair.
Standout Writing
Modern Family: A/A-
Parks & Recreation: A-
Big Love: A-
Glee: B+
Standout Performances
Julie Bowen in Modern Family: A
Chloe Sevigny in Big Love: A-
Nick Offerman in Parks & Recreation: A-
Lea Michele in Glee: B+/A-
Adam Scott in Parks & Recreation B+/A-
Jane Krakowski in 30 Rock: B+
Amy Poehler in Parks & Recreation: B+
Jeanne Tripplehorn in Big Love: B+
What stood out this past week in TV for you?
Saturday, 13 November 2010
I’ve been vaguely remiss about blog upkeep as of late, but I think I’m doing fairly well in returning and this week in TV actually made me interested for the sake of watching. A number of shows stepped up in particular arcs and actors or just stepped up overall – and that’s always good to see.
Desperate Housewives: “A Humiliating Business”
There’s a lot of forward movement of plot that takes place in this episode. The most notable developing arc was the Paul/Beth saga. Emily Berg turns in a great performance this episode, even if I now have legitimate reasons to doubt her mental state. Her attempts at scaring Paul’s prison mate into confessing the secrets were chilling and freakish all at once. Naturally, though the big moment was the revelation that the other psycho – Felicia Tillman – is her mother. It’s going to be really interesting to see what the writers decide to do with that, it could go horribly wrong, but it could go well. We’ll see. It was kind of ridiculous seeing Gabrielle worry that Bob would “flip” Carlos – but Bob and Carl are hilarious so as silly as it was it was still amusing. And Bob’s intimation that Tom Scavo was two beers away from being “flipped” was hilarious. It’s difficult for the writers to make Susan’s plight sympathetic. A middleclass woman becoming poor is not the stuff you get compassionate about (remember Diane Keaton in Mad Money), but they’re doing a fine job thus far. It was tough watching her be the Nanny while Rene and Lynette were the businesswomen. I’m not sure if they’ll make her inevitable return to the middle-class believable – I should hope so, but I don’t see how it can be done in the near future without being ridiculous. I feel a bit like a soothsayer, because as soon as Bree went into the hospital for menopause I just knew that her doctor would end up being Keith’s mom. What really made that arc interesting, though, was the emotional confrontation at the end of the episode. I suppose I’ve been underestimating Brian Austin Green.
[B/B-]
Brothers & Sisters: “Resolved”
I’m actually glad I started watching this show again. This episode is sort of like a blueprint for a typical Brothers & Sisters episode with all the dysfunction and craziness of the Walker family. I’m impressed how the writers have decided to handle the Scott/Kevin storyline – a lesser show would have dragged it out for half the season but it works better with them deciding to settle it immediately because we don’t need any added drama to their already insane lives. What’s more I liked the fact that they took the arc and made it the B plot this episode, although I’m not certain what the A plot was – but that’s the way I like it. (Paige is a vaguely annoying child, but I’ll let that go.) Kitty and Sarah dredging up old wounds for the umpteenth time had to be the highpoint of the episode. Calista Flockhart and Rachel Griffiths are just great together and that sisterly dynamic will never get old, add Sally Field to the argument and it’s just too hilarious for words. I’m not especially fond of Sally’s new beau – but unless he becomes a regular it’s not an issue, and the promise of Sarah becoming Nora’s boss is something that seems destined to be excellent. I do wish that Kitty and Sarah had decided to work together, but that probably would have been disastrous. I’m a general fan of Dave Anable on the show, but Justin has turned into something of a bore – that’s one character that needs some serious development, but no storyline with Patricia Wettig is ever unsalvageable. And no Saul? Even better. (PS. Happy Belated Birthday to Calista Flockhart who turned 45 this past week.)
[B]
Dexter: “Circle Us”
So Dexter is determined to continue its streak as the best show on TV (that I’m watching at least). Another brilliant episode is delivered and there’s some much information given it’s striking that they never make it into too busy of an episode and once again make me bemoan the fact that Dexter never wins the top awards. The revelation of Boyd’s accomplices is turning into another interesting arc. I had doubts about how they’d manage to take it through the season but it’s turning into a more than serviceable main arc. Plus, it’s great watching Julia Stiles and Michael C. Hall together (again I say, an Emmy for each please). It’s a bit sad, though, because Dexter – who’s already fatalistic – is already developing feelings for her. They perform well together, but we all know that that cannot end well. Debra and Quinn still manage to be nice together and I’m developing an interest in Quinn as a character on his own. I’m curious if there’s something we’re missing with the arc on the Fuentes brothers. And the apparent degradation of Maria and Angel’s marriage is not easy to watch. Either way, the showdown in the club was one of those high adrenaline moments and the fact that we get it just before another tense moment – Dexter almost getting caught – just made the episode that much better. I’m still hating on that Nanny because she gives me the creeps, her statue didn’t help any but Harrison is such a weird baby....he’ll probably love it. After all, his father is Dexter.
[A]
Glee: “Never Been Kissed”
Aw, Glee. Where to start? I think that, perhaps, I’ll never love Kurt. I just can’t get completely on board with his character in large doses and as much as I’ll appreciate Colfer’s work (he did make my shortlist last season) his general lack of subtlety at times always has potential to prevent me from being completely involved in his character. Kurt doesn’t get the A plot this episode – there is no A plot, parts of his arc work brilliantly, others not so much. I’ll qualify that by asking what the big deal with this Blaine guy is. Was I the only one uninterested in the “Teenage Dream” cover? Yikes. Darren Criss is a good actor though, so I’m not uninterested in the character. Usually I’m all for Colfer the comedian, but his comedic portions with Blaine don’t land well – it’s the dramatic moments where he actually delivers. And Karofsky? Yowza. Didn’t see that coming. I’m afraid that Murphy may be laying it on too thick with his anti-bullying campaign, but thus far it’s working – I hope it doesn’t self destruct, the potential is there for it to go either way. The Beiste issue is ridiculous beyond belief, and yes I laughed at a portion of it because Glee IS ridiculous. I love that sometimes. Dot Marie Jones is doing such a lovely job and I’m loving how they’re developing her character. Can we keep her? Is it nepotism that makes me think that the Puck/Artie arc is the strongest? I don’t think so. It doesn’t have any correlation with the “Never Been Kissed” title – but that’s Glee for you – bipolar, just like me. I was a bit worried that they were deciding to do some regression of Puck’s character who was almost a carbon copy of him in the pilot episode for the first few moments. Salling’s ability to switch temperaments in seconds is weird, but kind of brilliant. To make their decision work the writers really do need to tell us why Puck stole that ATM? Is he lacking his attention at home? The fact that that the scene in Figgins’ office works is something of a miracle – we really shouldn’t. In theory we don’t know enough about Puck to know what the issue is, but it manages to succeed. And though it’s more evidence of its inconsistencies I’m glad that the whole Puck/Quinn issue wasn’t addressed. I’d be fine if it never is because this way I’m free to not like Quinn. Dianna Agron is lovely, but Quinn is just annoying. But, Santana? Kind of awesome, and Santana and Puck. A no-brainer.
[A-/B+]
Parenthood: “If This Boat Is A Rockin'”
An episode where Crosby gets the A plot doesn’t make me jump for joy. Dax Shepherd is serviceable, but sometimes he’s just seems so obtuse – that may be the character, but either way it gets tedious to watch him on occasion. Still, I understood his plight with the boat and something I’ll always treasure this show for is its sedateness. Another show would have dragged the potential for a fight between Crosby and Jasmine through an entire season. Parenthood knows better. I’ve said it once, and I shall repeat it – that Baldwin guy is unnerving me and every time Sarah shares screentime with him it seems like an omen. Her arc doesn’t exactly resound, but it does well and she has the best children on the show so extra points for that, speaking of which her son is someone in need of a real arc. Having Haddie ground an actual arc on her own may not have been the wisest decision, but she tries. I’m not loving it, but I like Sarah Ramos so I’ll settle. It’s unfortunate that my favourite couple Julia and Joel don’t get a real arc but I love that moment where Joel and Jasmine have a one-on-one. We never see these characters together so it’s nice when he warns her that the Braverman’s change all their future inlaws. And her response, “To what? White?” Brilliant. If there’s one thing Parenthood lacks is the chemistry. Perhaps it’s because they’ve only been on for below a year, but unlike Brothers & Sisters that palpable feeling of filial chemistry is lacking among the four. Lauren Graham and Peter Krause work, or Krause and Shepherd or Graham and Christensen. But when they all come together it’s not as on point as I’d hope. Adam has the strongest arc, though, him dealing with Asperser’s is an issue and I prefer when the show decides to examine the difficulties instead of making it seem simple.
[B]
Community: “Cooperative Calligraphy”
I’m still trying to get in on the Community bandwagon because I refuse to believe that I don’t have the right funny bone to enjoy it. One thing I noticed about this episode that sort of clued me into some of my issues with the show is Community’s incessant need to use parody to carry out their points. The first rule about parodying concepts, though, is that your point needs to work even if you’re not aware of what’s being parodied and that’s something that Community often fails at. I will applaud the producers for not having Ken Jeong in this episode – I’m so tired of him and Shirley having his baby. Easily the most disgusting thing of the season. Kudos too to Alison Brie for milking her role for all its worth and turning to the MVP for this entire season. Really, the entire pen thing is ridiculous – just ridiculous but compared how much of a miss this season has seemed so far this is more of a hit. I’d have liked them to actually do more with a bottle episode, but it was not awful. And for that I’m thankful.
[B-]
30 Rock: “Brooklyn Without Limits”
30 Rock has never been the best in cold-openings, but I found this particular one particularly funny. A dynamic on 30 Rock that never gets enough notice is the Jenna/Liz one. Tina and Jane work well together and they sell the opening. From a technical standpoint the A-plots of Liz and Jack don’t amuse as much as the Jane and Tracy plot. I generally loathe Tracy but he works with Jenna and their attempt at making a good “Oscar worthy” movie and then Jenna’s attempt to derail him were hilarious. Jenna’s crazy in jokes will never not be funny and the shameless emotional drivel in Tracy’s movie was too funny for words. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to take the political implications of Jack and Tina literally true Tina’s ass did look great in those jeans (was that a body double?) but the end of the arc doesn’t resound quite as much as I’d hope. I will say that John Slattery was brilliant as the kooky would-be politician. After all the years of snubbing him on Mad Men perhaps an Emmy is in the near future. Altogether the episode was a fairly satisfying one, 30 Rock may not be at its peak – but it’s far from the pits
[B]
The Office: “Viewing Party”
How awesome is that what is arguably the best episode of The Office this season is one tangentially linked to Glee. Of course if you don’t like Glee it won’t be awesome, but what can you do? It’s not Glee that makes this episode works, seeing all the cast together doing something not at the office is the real treat of the episode – which incidentally is what Michael was pushing for last week. I did miss Meredith, but otherwise it’s a good use of the ensemble. Michael acting in the register of a petulant child is actually one of Carrell’s strongpoints and his insecurities are always interesting to assess. The end of that arc with the paternal relationship between Erin and Michael was unexpected, but was probably the most interesting thing to happen; not that Dwight, aka The Baby Whisperer wasn’t fun. It’s simulatenously ridiculous and believable that Dwight would be the one to get Cecee to calm down and watching him milk Jim for the service was hilarious. I’m still not fond of Gabe so I’m all for Andy and Erin getting back together. But not soon, watching Andy on edge is kind of hilarious. I’m a big fan of Mindy Kalling so seeing her be front and centre more than usual is fun to watch. It’s episodes like these that remind why Angela was once a favourite of mine and Ryan gets key lines so that’s even more to shout about. Phyllis still annoys me profusely, but I’ve come to realise that perhaps she’s supposed to. I’ll chew on that thought.
[ B+]
Grey’s Anatomy: “Something's Gotta Give”
Whoa. I have to say it, I might be falling back in love with Grey’s Anatomy and I hate to say it because I still feel guilty for loving it when it’s so different (damn you Katherine Heigl and your busy “career”). This is a pertinent time as any to point out that I love Sandra Oh in comedy, so seeing her out of her usual register and behaving almost like a spaz was hilarious. I’ll always be indebted to the Cristina/Meredith friendship but Sara Ramirez will always be brilliant so watching Callie and Cristina tussle was a fine arc with two actresses I adore. Turns out, that was the weakest arc. So, yes, the episode was good. Even when she’s not given A material Chandra Wilson still manages to show her chops anyway she can and yes Jesse Williams did a good job this episode. I really want to keep hating Jackson, but he’s growing on me – damn the writing. Speaking of hating, I don’t hate Teddy anymore. I’m almost certain that it’s because she spent most of the episode pitted against the insufferable Patrick Dempsey/Derek Shepherd/McDreamy/good hair but Kim Raver did a fine job this episode even if I could have done without the slight political undertones of the episode. And of course Alex and April. Ugh, called that last week and here it is. Aaaargh. Okay, fine I’m at peace. Izzie is out of the picture, and April is interesting in her freaky way – the blowout at the end was actually well executed even if it seemed like Alex was being more than just a little douchey. But seriously what is with Alex and crazy people? Everyone around him really does go nuts. I guess they’ll spend the rest of the year dancing around each other in time for him to apologise by Christmas. Eh, whatever. At least we get some nice moments with Pompeo and Chambers – always a plus in my books.
[B+/A-]
Other Musings...
- I swear, I know that everyone hates Rachel but how is Kurt liking the competition any less unsalvageable than Rachel and Jesse?
- I’d have no complaints for Kathryn Joosten submitting this episode for a guest spot, Mrs. McCluscky was on fire.
- Best line of the week on The Office when Gabe says Michael, you are making this harder than it has to be. Michael’s response, “That’s what she said.”
- Okay, broken record yes...but too early for FYIs for Julia Stiles?
- I love how Kelly has her issues with Glee being “irresponsible” but loves it anyway.
- So Jenna’s exercise video: “Jenna Gets Hard”, anyone buying that?
- I miss Lea Michele. Episode 6 and no real Rachel arc yet? WTF? But no Rachel means no Finn, which I don’t mind.
Standouts
Michael C. Hall in Dexter A+
Peter Krause in Parenthood B+/A-
Justin Chambers in Grey’s Anatomy B+
Mark Salling in Glee B+
Rachel Griffiths in Brothers & Sisters B+
Chris Colfer in Glee B+
Jane Krakowski in 30 Rock B+
Regale me with your comments? What took your fancy this past week?
(PS. Supposing I do end up dropping Community - a possibility, what show should I pick up for actual reviewing? Something I already follow like Cougar Town or something new? Give me your ideas.)
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