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Showing posts with label Parenthood (TV). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parenthood (TV). Show all posts
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Remember two years ago when Mad Men took up four of the five writing nominations at the Emmy? We sure do. Ryan (of Sorta That Guy) and I started Emmy predictions with the guest performers early in the week. We return, this time focusing on the potential writing and directing nominees. These categories are notoriously difficult to predict, but this conversation was a lot of fan to predict.
Ryan: But off the bat, I've never even tackled predicting Writing/Directing nominees before because it's hard.
Andrew: It IS hard to predict. You were saying on twitter that it’s exasperating when shows submit like a dozen episodes, and even though I know they want to give themselves as much chances, I wonder if they really expect double nods.
Ryan: It doesn't help that the Emmys LOVE to give multiple nods. I remember two years ago how ridiculously it was that Mad Men got 4 of the 5 nominations. Love the show, but that is excessive.
 |
| How many nods is Mad Men getting this year? |
Andrew: Well, imagine what it's like for people like me who DON'T love the show. They get a wee bit out of hand when they love you.
Ryan: Well with that said, shall we dive into Writing for a Drama then?
Andrew: Indeed, and since we're talking about Mad Men, they've won each year for the past three years. 2 nods the first season, 4 the second, 2 the third. How much do we see them getting this year and for what?
Ryan: At most 3 nominations for "The Suitcase" "Walfdorf Stories" and "Tomorrowland." I'm confident that "The Suitcase" will get nominated though.
Andrew: Really, because if we have any legitimate precursor for this category it's the WGA and the nominated MAD MEN episode there was "Chrysanthemum and the Sword"...which they won for...
Ryan: Hm. Maybe I should've paid more attention to the precursors! Well, then it'll be that and "The Suitcase." Or you know, maybe they'll get 4 nominations. Who knows anymore? The thing is there are a lot of new shows that they might want to honour.
Andrew: If there's a third, I'm thinking either "Tomorrowland" or "Beautiful Girls", but really they go crazy over some episodes. My favourite episode of the season was "The Good News", but I'm not a true fan. Sigh.
Ryan: Well as for new shows, Boardwalk Empire is the big one, but there's also Game of Thrones, Shameless, and The Walking Dead.
Andrew: Has Shameless been well received? That one seems to have escaped me.
Ryan: I'm not sure how well-received Shameless is actually, but it's HBO so it almost feel automatic for it to be in the running. And The Killing, which submitted almost every episode ever.
 |
| Any chance of The Killing making it in? |
Ryan: Especially since Boardwalk Empire's "Pilot" is the front-runner for Directing. Um, Martin Scorsese thank you very much.
Andrew: (Yup, he's the frontrunner. But, you're pre-empting me. ha. ha) I figure the season finale is the best bet for a nod.
Ryan: I agree, but I don't really watch the show so I don't know. Also I was wrong about Shameless, it's on Showtime, not HBO. Its chances actually dropped because of that.
Andrew: You are mean.
Ryan: I'm going purely by nominating history of the Emmy's. They love HBO.
Andrew: Friday Night Lights and The Good Wife both got writing nods last season. Are they coming back?
Ryan: That's funny since I was going to ask you if there are any non-cable shows that would make it in.
Andrew: Let me get this out of the way now, I don't get Friday Night Lights. I'm trying so hard to get through the final season, and it's well made but I just can't love it. I'm barely mustering up a liking.
Ryan: I actually quite love it, except for the final season. Something's just been off about it, but then again I saw all of Friday Night Lights in 2 weeks a few months ago.
Andrew: Well, they submitted one episode which means all the fans have one horse to bet on. A nod you think?
Ryan: It's a great strategy definitely, but who knows. Everyone else does seem to love it, so its finale "Always" has a shot. As for The Good Wife, I'd say "VIP Treatment."
Ryan: The episodes you mentioned are damn good, but that's the thing about this show, almost every episode is perfectly written. That's why I actually respect that they took the "less is more" route over the alternative.
Andrew: I do respect them for that. I'm a Dexter fan but it's never gotten a writing nod. Odd isn't it?
Ryan: Yeah and I have no idea how to explain it. They're okay with violence (The Sopranos), so who knows?
Andrew: I don't get that; and some critics weren't a fan of this season so I guess it's not a lock for a nod. I think it's time we show our hands; this is going to be fun. I'll go first.
Ryan: Do we really have to predict now, because I have 12 episodes on my long list and I have no idea how to pick 5-6 of them. I really, really don't. Guess I'll look at yours and decide.
Andrew: Pick blindly. (And you only have 5 choices.)
Ryan: Even better.
Andrew: My picks:
Boardwalk Empire “A Return to Normalcy”
The Good Wife “VIP Treatment”
The Killing “Pilot”
Mad Men “The Chrysanthemum and the Sword”
Mad Men “The Suitcase”
Ryan: My predictions are actually the exact same as yours, except I'm wavering on The Killing's Pilot. BUT my alternatives to that would be episodes from genre shows aka Game of Thrones"Baelor" and The Walking Dead"Days Gone By." So... I'm going to go with…
Boardwalk Empire “A Return to Normalcy”
The Good Wife “VIP Treatment”
Game of Thrones “Baelor”
Mad Men “The Chrysanthemum and the Sword”
Mad Men “The Suitcase”
Andrew: I, too, am wavering on The Killing, people have started to hate it so it could easily get ignored. And I don't see Game of Thrones getting love. I'd be pissed on principal if they do, because they ignored The Tudors back in the name which I find criminal.
Ryan: That's exactly why I'm wavering on The Killing. The buzz just seems to not be on its favour now, while Game of Thrones is riding some good ones.
Andrew: But the Emmy's are weird, they kept nominating Two and a Half Men without a care in the world. So, who knows?
Ryan: I'm predicting a shut out for that show this year. But maybe its wishful thinking. Also, that's jumping ahead a bit. Shall we go to Directing? Any front-runners?
Andrew: Hah. I'm already dreaming about how awesome Martin's speech will be.
Ryan: He's so locked, it's funny. I'm looking forward to seeing it. And I will definitely see that episode before the Emmy's. This category is a bit more forgiving on genre shows, so I'm predicting Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, and maybe even Fringe could get in. The latter is DEFINITELY wishful thinking on my part.
Andrew: I have Game of Thrones there too.
Ryan: Three episodes though. Which one has the better chance?
Andrew: I say the pilot, for obvious reasons. Dexter will probably make it too. It won last year, and Shill directed "Everything is Ilumenated" which seems to have a good chance.
Ryan: I was thinking the pilot, too. And yes, definitely on "Everything Is Illumenated" since as you said, it’s last year's winner.
Andrew: Although, I'd think "Hop a Freighter" is a more obvious choice...
Ryan: And how about the perennial winner Mad Men? I keep saying "The Suitcase" because it was my personal favorite episode of the season, but I'm not sure. Especially since Matt Weiner did "Tomorrowland" and last year nominee Lesli Linka Glatter did "The Chrysanthemum And The Sword." Also I say "winner" though it hasn't won a directing award, has it?
Andrew: They've never won for directing, and probably might not...it could be any number of nods for them, though...but one is what I’m assuming...
Ryan: Any thoughts on the chances of "These Arms of Mine" for Grey's Anatomy? The direction of that episode was front and centre as they had to make it look like a documentary.
Andrew: But they've started hating on the show, they didn't even nominate Sandra last year. So I don't want to be hasty.
Andrew: I concur. Emmy's are really random that way.
Ryan: Another nominee last year, Agnieskza Holland could be nominated for her work on The Killing. But who knows?
Andrew: Show your hand, sir. Before you do, though, the DGA nominated Dexter, Mad Men, Lost, Game of Thrones and Boardwalk Empire.
Ryan: Thank you sir for that. Okay...
Boardwalk Empire “Pilot
Dexter “Everything is Illumenated”
Game of Thrones “Winter is Coming”
Mad Men “The Suitcase”
The Walking Dead “Days Gone By”
Andrew: Seriously? That's my line-up which is really random.
Ryan: So you were thinking The Walking Dead, too, though? That one was the surprising consensus to me.
Andrew: (I erred it was actually The Walking Dead and not Game of Thrones which got DGA love. Game of Thrones hadn’t come out yet.) I'm going crap it up and say "Hop A Freighter" instead of “Everything is Illumenated” instead for DEXTER.
Boardwalk Empire “Pilot
Dexter “Hop A Freighter”
Game of Thrones “Winter is Coming”
Mad Men “The Suitcase”
The Walking Dead “Days Gone By”
And...Darabont (The Walking Dead) is an Oscar nominee. But, really who knows?
Any predictions on the writing and directing for drama categories? Scorsese for the win? Mad Men to rule and conquer?
Saturday, 21 May 2011
It was a week of finales, the on ABC, CBS and NBC I got packed with a slew of finales some were perfect closers to great seasons and others were surprisingly disappointing. But before, I’ve got two overdue reviews from the week before.
Cougar Town: “Damaged By Love”
Watching Ellie deal with Andy’s family – particularly his officious sister-in-law ends up being a left-field arc for a show that’s often so insular but one which is also quite hilarious. Moreover, it ends up leading to a brilliant moment of niceness between Laurie and Ellie. Their relationship is an interesting thing to watch, and it’s great seeing how much they’ve grown over the two seasons. Jules father is always good for a laugh, and his strip club antics were great to watch especially when it led to the softer moment at the end. Grayson’s arc was a bit silly, but in a good way. I have to give props to Josh Hopkins who I often used to think of as the show’s albatross. He’s been bringing the funny recently.
[B+]
Parks & Recreation: “Road Trip”
I missed the second of this, and it was a great one. Not as enjoyable as “The Fight” but it saw two important things happy. Ben and Leslie’s relationship finally got on track (a whole year after he arrived and I noticed their brilliant chemistry) and it’s fun watching Chris be the ultimate cockblocker, naturally oblivious to everything. The arc of Tom’s gameshow wasn’t as joyfully hilarious as his other ideas, but it’s great how the writers are treating the April/Andy marriage with sincerity and her showing up at Ann’s house was a nice touch.
[B+]
Desperate Housewives: “And Lots of Security...”
Desperate Housewives: “Come On Over for Dinner”
Well, the seventh season of Desperate Housewives wrapped goes out in a decidedly disappointing double feature. I couldn’t help but wonder why the second episode couldn’t have been tightened up and used as the next season’s premiere. The Felicia and Paul drama came to a whimpering close (not even a return of the great Cody Kasch) and so does Lynette and Tom’s marriage. The divorce plot seems tired but I don’t see it as especially terrible because that entire relationship has become awfully annoying to watch. The Gaby drama is vaguely random but not overly so and the rotating dinner is a nice touch. The latter episode is superior, but something still feels off although I do give props to Vanessa Williams for being the episode’s MVP working hard with the silly storylines she’s given. I keep praying that this show can rein itself in and find some structure. I don’t know, though...
[C/C+]
[B-]
United States of Tara: “Chicken ‘n’ Corn”
Well, things are definitely reaching to a head and it sure is turning into something chilling. Tara’s new alter is distressing, but it was the early scene with Chicken which was more upsetting. It was an episode of things being troubled, though, like the usually calm Max being derailed by that plain right or Kate being similarly ill at ease with Evan’s demon-son or Marshall feeling badly because of Max’s ostensible lack of support. Marshall’s really annoying me this season, go figure. Even Charmain’s attempts at a day out were capsized first by her worrying about Wheels and then her returning home to Hatteras in her house and a palpably upset Tara there.
[B+]
Nurse Jackie: “The Astonishing”
This episode was filled with some great small bits featuring things that you wouldn’t likely see. O’Hara looking at her bruised chest in the bathroom was deep and then there was that awkward lunch with her, Jackie and Zoey and then a somewhat random but surprisingly effective moment with his toys. Jackie was running on a single pill today and that’s probably why her mood was so sour. I feel badly for Gracie, but she’s such an annoying character that I wasn’t that invested in her saintly plight. Gloria and Thor bonding was a genius move as was the conversation between Kelly and Zoey which led to the latter reminiscing on her days of being jailbait. Wever is such a trooper.
[B+]
Glee: “Funeral”
I’ve stopped reading reviews of Glee because I end up almost always liking the hated episodes or hating the liked episodes and what not. “Funeral” was a lot more placid than you’d expect, and maybe it’s because I’ve been feeling a bit downer for the entire week (what with the rapture, and what not) but with its attention to the softer side of the show it ended up being less cloying to me and surprisingly moving. The arc of Sue’s sister dying on its own doesn’t move me as much but Lynch turns in a fine performance, and I did love the season’s opener when she and Will were “friends” so I’d love to see that return and it ties in nicely with Terri’s exit which saddens me. I’m a fan of Jessalyn, she’s had sinfully little do this season but she’s Morrison’s best acting partner and I will miss her when (if?) she leaves. The smaller relationship drama was a bit eclipsed, but Jonathan Groff brings the funny (without singing) and as harsh as his comments were every single one of them made sense if you put serious thought into it. Don’t care for the Finn/Quinn drama, I keep hoping Rachel and Finn don’t hook up and destroy the show – but it seems inevitable (them hooking up, not the show’s destruction. Ha.)
[B+/A-]
The Good Wife: “Closing Arguments”
I've come to love The Good Wife, I think my general antipathy towards Julianna Margulies (don't ask) made it difficult for me to initially love the show in its premiere season. Still, I've grown to love it and I was highly anxious to see the season's closer. The set-up is excellent. Fresh of their "break-up" Alicia and Kalinda must work together on judge murder which their client is charged for. Just as closing arguments for the case are given new evidence (in the form of a bloodied glove) ends up on Alicia's desk leading the team into a fresh new investigation. It sounds good, but the episode is something of a let-down, a fine episode - certainly, but it sort of fizzles in contrast to last week's episode. For me, The Good Wife is always at its best when it touches on the concepts of friendship - Kalinda/Alicia, Diane/Will, Eli/Peter or general politics and as a viewer the Will/Alicia dynamic is decidedly secondary for me. So, even though we get some suggestions of brilliance like Cary and Diane's cutesy banter or Eli and Alicia's pseudo face-off or Cary noticing Kalinda's coldness the fact that the end-all of all that could be is a lip-lock between Will and Alicia
[B/B+]
Modern Family: “See You Next Fall”
It’s a solidly fair episode and it’s great when the entire comes together – this time for Alex’s graduation. Hyland was great this episode helping Alex to see how terrible her original graduation speech would have been. The Claire/Phil arc wasn’t as precise as I’d hope but Bowen and Burrell (the MVPs on the show, for me right now) really can make anything work. Jay’s Botox seems a bit out of left-field but I love Mitchell’s reaction. The Cam/Mitchell arc was a bit silly, but Ferguson is hilarious when he comes as vaguely insensitive and the best part of the episode was him trying to convince everyone how Cam’s fall could have been funny.
[B/B+]
Cougar Town: Free Fallin'
This was an episode of classic greatness and even the potentially freaky arc of Grayson, Ellie, Tom and the chalk children didn’t end up hindering. On one hand Jules and Travis have concurrent bonding and sparring when he decides to drop out of college. This leads to a hilarious gag where Grayson pretends to be Travis and he and Jules end up making up. It is as weird as it sounds, even Ellie agrees. Then, Penny Can went national as Lou Diamond Philips became the face of the new and improved Penny Can and though in theory it’s Bobby’s arc it leads to a string of hilarious Laurie moments. It will be interesting see Bobby in an apartment now, and Travis on the boat.
[A-]
The Office: “Search Committee”
Krasinski, I always maintain, is a brilliant actor because he knows how to react to the madness around him and having him on the search committee responding to a host of madness and giving the camera his wan expressions was just great. This one hour didn’t top the Christmas episode – nothing this season did. But, in its placidity it was a fine close to the season. One of the surprising arcs which hit home was the potential for Phyllis and Erin to be mother and daughter. I’ve never been a fan of Phyllis but the arc ends up being funny and moving. Little things were excellently done, like Pam having to be the one to save the office from Creed or every bit character have their moment from Kelly and Ryan (I will always love those two) to Oscar and Darryl. It was perfectly orchestrated which serves as fine proof that as brilliant an addition Michael was the office is filled with a host of brilliant members. They can handle another season...but who will lead them? I hope it’s James Spader. He was brilliant!
[B+/A-]
Parks & Recreation: “The Bubble”
Parks and Recreation: “’Lil Sebastian”
A double episode closing for the greatest comedy on television at the moment seems about right. Ben meeting Leslie’s mother was all sorts of great. Scott is doing such great work on the show, I keep praying at least one cast members get Emmy love but damn they’re all worthy. That’s why the concept of them working like crazy on the funeral of ‘Lil Sebastian is both silly and fantastic. The cliff-hangers are striking but not exasperating because they’re so realistic. Leslie running for office is an excellent idea, which could be a problem with the Ben liaison. Tom leaving the office is logical, although I wonder how successful he would be. And then we get added pieces of greatness like Ron’s moustache burning off along with the return of Megan Mullally and Tammy I (whoever that is) and Chris mourning the loss of his youth which is too funny. Here’s an even better season four, but before that here’s praying for some Emmy love. Fingers crossed.
[A/A-]
[A-]
Grey’s Anatomy: “Unaccompanied Minor”
I swear I’ve been crazy emotional this week, it’s like all my aloofness has worn off over time and it’s all gone and that scene with the room waiting for that solitary minor made me really, really, really sad. It’s been a while since a one hour season finale and this one seemed especially un-seismic but still excellently solid. It’s a sensitive closing to a season that’s seen the show trying to find its way and by ending on softer note it works excellently. I’m worried about Alex, and I wish he and Meredith could have had it out. Hopefully next season doesn’t see him get crazy because I’d hate it if April got chief resident over me. But there’s bigger fish to fry, like Meredith’s suspension, Derek’s leaving and the baby’s arrival. All things handled sensitively and with great skill. But this week it’s Sandra Oh who delivers home. Her conflict makes sense to me, but I can see Owen’s point and it’s just all complicated for her – just as Meredith keeps stressing about her issues. It’s not black-and-white, it’s a murky deluge and I can’t wait to see what they do with the next season. I feel as if, finally, they’re back on track.
[A-]
Private Practice: “To Change the Things I Can”
Naomi’s departure wasn’t as big a thing as I’d hoped; I suppose having Audra leave quietly is the best thing for the show and Addison already has her issues of semi-depression. The practice’s move to a change is interesting, although I wonder if that’s going to be as big a change as they’re making it out to be. It’s weird, I don’t have much to say about the episode but it’s a good one. Violet and Pete’s drama is an interesting problem and Charlotte and Coop’s troubles at works makes for an interesting arc. The thing about this show, though, is that it’s so dedicated to being calm that sometimes it can come off seemed anaesthetised. This episode avoids that, hopefully season 5 continues on that.
[B+/A-]
Outstanding Writing
Grey’s Anatomy: A/A-
Parks & Recreation: A/A- (“The Bubble)
Cougar Town: B+/A-
Glee: B+/A-
The Office: B+/A-
Outstanding Performances
Amy Poehler in Parks & Recreation B+/A-
Sandra Oh in Grey’s Anatomy B+
Adam Scott in Parks & Recreation B+
Eve Best in Nurse Jackie B+
Jane Lynch in Glee B+
John Krasinski in The Office B+
John Corbett in United States of Tara B+
Nick Offerman in Parks & Recreation B+
Ty Burrell in Modern Family B+
Kate Walsh in Private Practice B+
Courtney Cox in Cougar Town B+
Toni Collette in United States of Tara B+
Busy Philipps in Cougar Town B+
Vanessa Williams in Desperate Housewives B+
Dan Byrd in Cougar Town B+
Christa Miller in Cougar Town B+
Rosemarie DeWitt in United States of Tara B+
What did you think of all these finales? Any stood out?
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, 8 April 2011
It’s a generally slight run of television this week, so many shows are on hiatus and I just didn’t have the time to catch the two hour premiere of The Borgias, I’m not even sure I have the longevity to add another show to my line-up, although I do miss The Tudors. Nonetheless, on to what I did see.
Desperate Housewives: “Everything's Different, Nothing's Changed”
I honestly have no solid reason for the time I put into this show weekly, because as much as they’ll get an occasional burst of invention they constantly keep regressing and bringing up old storylines. This week, Bree and Lynnette both seem to be part of plot-lines that are straight out of season two. Why is it that they only bring up issues as it suits them? It’s become so exasperatingly contrived that there’s little chance to enjoy the reappearance of old guests like Shawn Pyfrom. Even Paul’s response to Beth’s death feels too on the nose, especially when measured against the realisation that Felicia is just not going to bury that hatchet. After seven years this is easily the least interesting journey to the finale for the show...the title of it is way on the nose, though.
[C]United States of Tara: “Cracerjack”
As I expected, Tara’s return to college acts as a fine springboard for plot development. Collette does fine work in this episode, which manages to retain its comedic nature while maintaining a sensible hold on the issue of D.I.D. That final showdown between T and Kate was just excellent. Larson too was in good form this episode. Marshall and his filmmaking was an enjoyable, if vaguely extraneous plot-point. It will be interesting what becomes of Tara’s spats with her lectures, if Kate will really leave for Japan and what will become of the now jobless Neil.
[B+]Nurse Jackie: “Enough Rope”
It’s another solid episode from this show, though I must admit I really don’t care for Eleanor or her friendship with Jackie. As with United States of Tara there’s constant movement forwards, although I can’t help but wish for more because there are so many issues to cover the half –hours bits always seem like too little. There were a surprising wealth of comedic bits, most of it coming from Coop and his ridiculously half-assed apology. Then there was Zoey and her glove-stealing and Gloria learning to skip rope. Like the best of medical dramas, though, Nurse Jackie always manages to retain the importance of its patients. As I said, a solid episode – not excellent but more than just a little good.
[B/B+]Parenthood: “New Plan”
This we get a very good episode from the folks over at Parenthood, plot development isn’t sacrificed for entertainment or vice versa. I’m glad to see that Adam has chosen to stop being such a giant dick and has actually reconciled with Crosby, Lauren Graham turns in this episode and Sarah’s speech to Adam was well done. I still feel that they could bestow more time to Erika Christensen and Sam Jaegar, that’s a plotpoint that seems to deserve more than ten minutes of screentime – although the time they do have is well spent. Oddly, the prom turned into a highpoint of the episode. The meeting at Adam’s house with the parents, grandparents and children was incredibly well played.
[B+]The Good Wife: “Wrongful Termination”
This episode feels decidedly filler-ish, but not necessarily in a bad way. We know we’re headed for a big fallout, and in a big way and this episode is all about that transition. Things are happening, and they’re happening quickly – and in a way it’s necessary for Cumming’s Eli to be a beacon for this episode. Bringing Cumming on as a leading character was one of the best decisions the series made in its second season (which has been a big improvement over the first, which was quite good). Margulies does a fine job with her character this episode and I do love seeing things like Kalinda and Cary bonding. A fine episode, but I can’t help but be anxious for when the fireworks really start.
[B/B+]Standout Performers
Toni Collette / United States of Tara: B+/A-
Alan Cumming / The Good Wife: B+
Julianna Margulies / The Good Wife: B+
Lauren Graham / Parenthood: B+
Mae Whitman/ Parenthood: B/B+
Brie Larson / United States of Tara : B+
Edie Falco / Nurse Jackie: B/B+
Anna Deveare Smith / Nurse Jackie: B/B+
What did you watch this past week?
Saturday, 2 April 2011
TV Week in Review: 27th March-3rd April (and leftovers from last week)
0 comments Posted by 2011 at 11:11It’s been a fairly good week, a few episodes that are quite good but a TON of brilliant performance which always makes me glad. I’ve got some left over comedies from last week that were worthy of note, somewhat, so here goes.
Modern Family: “Boys' Night”
Only now caught up on the latest episode of Modern Family, and it’s fairly solid but nothing special for me. It’s a series of interesting arcs, but they don’t pack as much as a punch as I’d hope though it gives Mitchell a nice chance to get some actual character development done. Seeing Jay “bond” with the guys is hilarious and that entire sequence is funny, even if the “resolution” is a bit too on the nose from the Gloria. It’s the same way that Luke’s new friend turns into a not-so-grumpy old man. It’s sweet, but a bit saccharine at times. But, that closing was a killer. Nice to see the very funny Reid Ewing back as Haley’s boyfriend and I love those moments where characters you don’t usually see together bond – like her and Cam.
[B/B+]
Community: “Critical Film Studies”
Another stellar episode from the Community crew. Jeff’s been so bland as a character lately so I like that he has this episode that serves as an interesting delve into his characters which has Danny Pudi (who was formerly my favourite supporting player) doing fine work. The one-sided commiseration of Cougar Town (which I miss terribly) was hilarious. I admit, at first the machinations of the group weren’t working for me, I was antsy for more Jeff and Abed – and then Troy went berserk, Abed went sane (which is actually berserk) and the episode ends with a brilliant close. Good stuff.
[B+]
30 Rock: “Plan B”
Well, Tracy’s coming back. Yay. If you know me, you know I’m less enthused about this and it’s a bit of a limp episode for me – the main arc, at least. Will Arnett’s return is fine and he does some good stuff upset Jack, but otherwise feels especially filler-esque. Tina is being a trooper, and she does try but it ends up feeling a bit too full of gags and without real hooks.
[ B-]
Nurse Jackie : “Game On”
As much as I’ll continue to admire the steps that Nurse Jackie makes in terms of taking the half hour-serial to a higher level, I’ll never understand why it’s considered to be a comedy. Its return is a case-in-point – a fine episode, a great way to return but one that thrives so brilliantly on the dramatic beats. Falco is in her usual good form and the rapport among the supporting cast is strong as usual. The second half doesn’t pack as strong a punch as the first, but it’s ultimately a top-notch return even though, nothing much really happens which is something I like about the show, usually – it always does take it slowly. Still, four minutes of recapping what happened last was a bit too much.
[B+]
United States of Tara: “...youwillnotwin...”
It’s not the same with United States of Tara, there’s a host of plot development but the episode isn’t brilliant – although it is a good episode. Tara’s return to college will be interesting to watch, and Collette shines in little moments like that meeting with the professor. As per normal, though, it’s Rosemarie DeWitt I’m more interested and she’s in fine form as usual even if [ ] is still ridiculous. There’s not an excess of focus on the children but both shines in their little moments – Larson is especially on-point in a funny interview scene. It’s the ending that strikes the strongest chord – a nice moment of “unity”.
[B+/B]
Parenthood: “Taking the Leap”
It’s an episode of good and not-so-good. Julia and Joel were the highlight of the episode, even if they still don’t get the A storyline (which is exasperating). That closing scene with the two is so brilliantly played, and I wish they’d given Christensen more to do to bring it home. Still, the two remain as the show’s most authentic pairing. Mae Whitman, too, is especially good this episode and I love that her college searching doesn’t turn into something too fanciful. The Crosby/Jasmine arc is become really awkward, as is the one with Adam/Kristina. I’m not sure how Sarah story is going to pan out, it could go either way – but I was hoping that Jason Ritter would return. I’m still waiting.
[B/B-]
The Good Wife: “Killer Song”
I recently caught up to speed on this show, but I wasn't sure if I'd watch this week episode...then I saw it open with Archie Panjabi (who easily wins for series MVP for me) so I continued watching. Julianna Marguiles aside – I just can’t love her - The Good Wife succeeds because it’s more serial in nature than every other CBS procedural. There’s a striking sense of continuity and the acting is excellent. America Ferrera’s guest turn this episode is well executed, and the court scenes continue to have that zing that used to mark the original Law & Order and its peak. And of course the focus on Kalinda is much appreciated by me, though it’s worrying what will happen when Alicia finds out. To get ethical, though, so the guilty man gets 30 years in an institution for one murder where he gets “mentally better”. I can’t help but feel he shouldn’t be tried for another murder he may not have been found guilty of before. Am I alone?
[B+/A-]
Grey’s Anatomy: “The Song Beneath the Song”
I didn’t even get wind that there was going to be a musical episode of the show until Wednesday – which goes to show that I should probably start paying attention to previews. Well, I love Sara Ramirez – I continuously play her numbers from “Spamalot” so it’s nice to see her work with those pipes – but the episode isn’t quite spectacular. It’s biggest issues is too much singing, so the episode ends up being obstructed and buttressed by the musical numbers, for the most part. Only Sara (and Wilson to some extent) ends up making the song work as a “acting” exercises and not just good singing. It’s an interesting plot, so I almost wish there wasn’t any singing so we could have seen more of Capshaw and Dane doing fine work – the latter of who I never thought had it in him.
[B]
Private Practice: “The Hardest Part”
It’s another fairly good episode of Private Practice sorely lacking in Audra and Addison. It sort of functions as the episode that should be Tim Daly’s calling card, but I find him terribly bland of an actor. So, the episode ends up getting its goodness from the guests mostly – the best of which is the piano prodigy who offers up an interesting arc. Nothing significant happens, but this episode makes me think that whenever Audra does leave the show for good (sigh) Kadee Strickland will be my MVP – she’s just so good, even in her small scenes.
[B-]
Standout Writing
Nurse Jackie: A-
The Good Wife: A-
United States of Tara: B+
Standout Performances
Rosemarie DeWitt in United States of Tara A
Edie Falco in Nurse Jackie A-
Archie Panjabi in The Good Wife B+/A-
Toni Collette in United States of Tara B+
Joel McHale in Community B+
Alan Cummings in The Good Wife B+
Jesse Tyler Ferguson in Modern Family B+
Sara Ramirez in Grey's Anatomy B/B+
Sam Jaegar in Parenthood B/B+
Sam Jaegar in Parenthood B/B+
Peter Facinelli in Nurse Jackie B/B+
Brie Larson in United States of Tara B/B+
What did you watch this past week on TV – new HBO premieres? ABC Thursday? Joe Reid’s tweeting (he’s hilarious) made me tune in for Idol this week, but I’m really disinterested in the shown and couldn’t care to recap...should I tune in again next week?
Friday, 4 March 2011
Why are all the shows I watch on a break. ABC continues to exasperate me by holding off on new episodes of Cougar Town and opted for no Grey’s Anatomy or Private Practice either AND there was no Thursday comedy nor any Glee. So, it was a dry week with only three new episodes – none of which was exceptional.
Big Love: "Till Death Do Us Part"
I’m not sure what prevented this episode from sticking its landing as much as you’d expect it to. It’s not that the plot developments don’t work, they do – and well, too. But, the overall end product is not exactly stellar. Margene’s underage liaison with Bill will soon be revealed – of course, we all knew that that secret was never going to keep. I know Bill has many haters, but I usually understand his take on things – not so much this time. His dismissal of Barb’s feelings is annoying, and though his war with Alby his unfortunate he seems to be taking the wrong approach. Even Cara Lynn, usually so fine, annoys me this episode. I’m worried about how Nicolette is going to take that revelation when the inevitable fall-out occurs. The episode serves its basest purpose, though, in that it sets us up for a gamut of great scenes to occur in the final three episodes.
[B/B-]Parenthood: "Qualities and Difficulties"
On the note of main characters annoying you, I just wanted to consistently slap Adam during this episode. It’s almost as if he’s become imbued with all the annoying traits that Kristina had in earlier episodes (and now Kristina is awesome). The less said about his arc (which dominated the episode) the better. That being said, I cannot overstate how brilliant Craig T. Nelson and Bonnie Bedelia are. They’re such fine actors working so excellently on the sidelines, Bedelia continually sleighs me with just an expression. Then…Crosby, he’s such a mess and that final scene with him and Zeek was great. Can I just ask: when did Jason Ritter grow up? I still remember his wheel-chair bound brother on Joan of Arcadia – a show I was vaguely fond of. I hope he’s back soon – he and Graham are hilariously awkward opposite each other (in a good way). And Julia and Joel are absolutely brilliant. But, God, can Jaegar and Christensen have an actual storyline? Yeesh.
[B/B-]Modern Family: "Two Monkeys and a Panda"
This episode doesn’t pop for me, a few laughs here and there but there’s something underwhelming about the actual storylines. It seems like a bit of regressing having Claire go back to her nut-so ways, even if the continuous swapping of gender roles in that marriage make me delighted. O’Neill and Vergara are great opposite each other, but the storyline is just too on-the-nose even if Gloria gets to bring out her brilliant logic (the proper uses of “ta-da”) and it leads to a sweet moment with Jay and Manny. Even Cam and Mitchell with the main plot don’t quite deliver. Correction: Ferguson and Stonestreet are great, but this storyline, too, seems heavy-handed. It’s not a terrible episode, but it’s somewhat disappointing.
[B/B-]Standout Performances
Eric Stonestreet in Modern Family B+
Jesse Tyler Ferguson in Modern Family B+
Chloe Sevigny in Big Love B/B+
Ty Burrell in Modern Family B/B+
Monica Potter in Parenthood B/B+
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?
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