Johnny Simmons

I haven’t had a chance to catch up on Damages, which is unfortunate because no one’s week should be devoid of Glenn, but most of the other shows seemed intent on upping their game, so the week wasn’t a waste.
     
Breaking Bad: “Open House”; Season Four, Episode Three [B+]

Third time’s the charm. This week Breaking Bad offers up an episode that’s excellently realised. It touches on those gritty dramatic issues that make you wince even as you hold your breath. Walt notices the surveillance camera in the lab, and Jesse continues to be creepy and tragic as he finds the wrong avenues for his pent up emotion. But, it’s about the women. As psycho as she is, I still feel badly for Marie (who reminds me of Terri Schuester, oddly) and watching her faux house-hunting managed to be both humorous and tragic. Hank is really annoying and Brandt is so good dealing with all those issues. Skylar’s underhand machinations to attain the carwash were all brilliant and it’s going to be interesting to see what happens now that they have a “legit” business to front with. I’m glad to see the season picking up.
[Writing: B+; Directing: B]

True Blood: “I Wish I Was the Moon”; Season Four, Episode Six [B+]
Oh, Sookie Stackhouse you wanton woman...but, I digress. I’ve said it elsewhere over the past week and perhaps alluded to it here but I’m actually feeling now that the show is becoming oversaturated with supporting characters and the machinations of the important ones are becoming a bit diluted. But, even with those superfluous bits this week’s episode was excellent. The concept of possession was examined again and again as the full moon came. Eric is still possessed and Nan and Bill (via Skype) decide he should be punished with the true death, as a precaution of course. But, that’s nowhere near as riveting as what’s going on elsewhere. Evil Baby (a name coined from Mark over at Critical Condition who gives great weekly commentary) burns down his parents’ house, but some spirit ensures that he’s out of the house safe from harm. Meanwhile, Tommy shifts into Sam (confusing me even further on this shifting thing) but giving Trammell a chance to absolutely rock the episode. And I haven’t even gotten to Marnie being possessed by Antonia and Jason realising that he wants to become a were-panther. True Blood is always best when characters interact (stop dividing and conquering Alan Ball) so I’m game for Pam vs Tara and Jason and Jessica (even if that plot point seems a bit too...tawdry?)
[Writing: B+; Directing: B+]

Entourage: “Out with a Bang”; Season Eight, Episode Two [B/B+]

Okay, fine. Perhaps Entourage isn’t quite imperative TV for these first two episodes (even though last season picked up around episode four and turned into something brilliant), it’s still going well though. On the downside, they’re back to making Vince absolutely trite but great things go on elsewhere – I’m particularly loving any scenes which involve Lloyd and Ari. Really, Ari has his despicable traits but I don’t find him anywhere near as jerkish as the writers seem to think he is. I’m also not certain what to make of the Johnny’s Banana’s issues. Dillon was in peak form last season, so I’m hoping the arc will pick up. Plaintive Eric is not exactly fun, but Connolly has improved as an actor – hopefully Sloan hasn’t gone for good. The show’s in need of a level-headed woman.
[Writing: B/B+; Directing: B]

The Closer: “Under Control.”; Season Seven, Episode Four [B/B+] Last week we had Flynn and Provenza (along with Buzz) getting their arcs, and this week we get to meet Tao’s son. Tao and Sanchez are my favourite of the supporting cast, and Chan is a fine actor so it’s nice seeing him get something new to do. I wasn’t a fan of the main case this week, it just seemed a trifle too ridiculous and it sort of sucks that Mary McDonnell only shows up at the bookends of the episodes. BUT, she shows up and does excellent work. It seems the season is going to be a dramatic one, so it’s going to be interesting to see what Brenda decides to do.
[Writing: B/B+; Directing: B/B+]

The Big C: “The Little c; Season Two, Episode Six [A-]

I’ve probably enough superlative rumination on The Big C this season, but the show has turned from a very good comedy into an essentially flawless one. This week cancer takes a backseat to crabs – which Adam brings into the house courtesy of his hooker from last week. To address the elephant in the room, it’s weird seeing how much of a jerk Adam is turning into and hopefully it’s addressed soon because it’s unfortunate seeing him return to his boorish behaviour of season one. Still, it makes for good TV. Linney is back in top form, as Cathy takes on the swim team and that final scene as she lays into those parents is one of those uplifting things the show manages to do without being all mawkish. Paul and his craziness at work makes for good comedy, especially when Andrea shows up at the store. I can’t believe we’ve only got four episodes left.
[Writing: A-; Directing: A-]

Web Therapy: “Shrink Rap”; Season One, Episode Three [B/B+]

Lilli Tomlin shows up this week and for the first time we manage to understand that, perhaps, Fiona isn’t as terrible as she pretends to be. It’s a fine thing opening the episode with Fiona receiving a grilling from her mother, which only goes to show just why she’s as messed up as she is. And, as everything happened in the episode you couldn’t help but think how screwed up her childhood was. I’m becoming more and more interested in finding out just what happened at the Lachman brothers, but the episode depended on Bob Balaban’s showing up to evaluate Fiona and I’m still a bit shocked that Fiona actually managed to break him with her shameless attempt at pretending she came up with “word association” but Kudrow continues to be brilliant and the show continues to be rewarding.
[Writing: B+; Directing: B/B+]

Wilfred: “Pride”; Season One, Episode Seven [B/B+]

 

I have to admit that there was something awkward this week watching Ryan essentially whore himself out to get out of a debt, and I’m starting to wonder how the influence of the potentially diabolical Wilfred is going to affect him in the long run; it seems that each week Wilfred gets more bawdy and unhinged. Still, it’s always fun watching Elijah Wood battle with morality issues and Ryan is a character that we want to root for despite everything. Wilfred and his craziness with Bear is so hilariously disgusting, and the fact that Ryan almost got sucked into it only make it more priceless.
[Writing: B+; Directing: B+]

Standouts
Laura Linney in The Big C A-
Lisa Kudrow in Web Therapy A-
Oliver Platt in The Big C B+
Sam Trammell in True Blood B+
Anna Gunn in Breaking Bad B+

Betsy Brandt in Breaking Bad B+
Elijah Wood in Wilfred B+
Jason Gann in Wilfred B+
Gabriel Basso in The Big C B+
Lilli Tomlin in Web Therapy B+
Jeremy Piven in Entourage B+
     
Next week I’ll have a double dose of Damages. Did anyone see Glenn this week? What did you watch on TV?

We’re almost at the halfway mark for a number of the summer shows. I always find the shows during the summer to be more performance based than regular network shows and we get some fine performances this week.

Breaking Bad: “”; Season Four, Episode Two [B/B+]

This episode is a step up from last week’s good, but not great premiere. For one, it’s an episode that’s Jesse centred which is never a bad thing – Aaron Paul is a fine actor. The thing is, I can’t help thinking that Paul’s Jesse is a lesser version of Joel Kinnaman’s Holder on The Killing. I’d definitely watch a spin-off where the two of them have a clash, baggy jeans and all. Watching Jesse try to inject enthusiasm into the life around him is disturbing especially in those quiet moments like that brilliant closing scene. I’m not as interested in [ ]’s own machinations, although Cranston does manage to make everything that he does work. Truly, Walt is turning into such an insufferable douche I actually feel bad for Marie. I’m still wondering, though, exactly where this current season is headed. The first two episodes haven’t given us any indication as to the season’s arc.
[Writing: B/B+; Directing: B+]

Entourage: “Home Sweet Home”; Season Eight, Episode One [B/B+]
I know Entourage has lost its fans over the years, but I’m glad to have it back. It’s been three months since last year’s finale and Vince is out of rehab, Sloan has terminated her engagement with Eric and Ari is still living out of the house. For me, Entourage never delivers unparalleled brilliance with their premieres, and true to form this episode is good but not faultless. But, it sets up the story for what’s going to happen in this final episode. The filial relationship between Vince and Drama is always fun to watch and watching him trying to de-drug the house is fun. Vince is still being something of a dick, especially to Eric who I’m feeling badly for – broken engagement and all. It’s a true shame, though, that Jeremy Piven has lost his streak of Emmy nominations. His expression when his wife tells him that she’s seeing someone is brilliant as is his tearful gaze as he watches Vince’s house go up in flames. What does the future hold for this motley crew? Well…we’ll see, I guess – but it’s a solid start.
[Writing: B+; Directing: B/B+]

True Blood: “Me and the Devil”; Season Four, Episode Five [B]
This week the folks at Bon Temps offer up what’s probably the weakest episode of the season, which is not to say that it’s a bad episode in itself – it’s just a bit of a fall from the first month of goodness. Recently the great number of characters on the show has been turning into more of a crutch than a blessing and it’s becoming a bit difficult to focus on the goodness of characters like Pam when people like Alcide keep turning up to annoy me for no reasons. I’ve no idea what will become of Arlene’s demon baby, but the arc seems decidedly forced this time around And, of course, I have a right to resent any episode of True Blood where Sam doesn’t turn up until the halfway mark. On the upside, though Marnie is becoming even more interesting of a character and it’s nice to see just what those witches can do to the vampires. It’s nice to have Jason back in the human world, although I’m undecided as to what I think of his dreams. The episode is marked by some great duo moments, though – Sam and Tommy bonding over the death of their parents (none too soon) was a nice moment. Amidst the occasional confusion, though, Paquin holds down the episode with great moments opposite Skarsgård, Shaw and Wesley. And, on that note, it’s great that Tara’s gets more to do in this episode. Still, the overall episode is lacking in bite, a bit.
[Writing: B/B-; Directing: B]

The Closer: “To Serve With Love”; Season Seven, Episode Three [B/B+]
We’ve had episodes where Finn and Provenza have been the cause of craziness but this episode was interesting in that Brenda is relegated to almost supporting status. It’s fun watching the men interact with each other, and it becomes even more fun when Buzz is added to the mix. The case is an interesting one, and it’s great how everyone keeps ignoring Commander Taylor and it’s even more hilarious watching Brenda trying pull one over Fritz and the FBI. It’s a filler episode of sorts in that the major plot-points like Captain Raydor’s investigation are absent, but as far as filler episodes go it’s a delight.
[Writing: B+; Directing: B]

The Big C: “Cats and Dogs”; Season Two, Episode Four [B+]
Honestly, The Big C is being absolutely brilliant in its second season. It’s the fifth episode in and every episode has been stellar, and it’s all because the show keeps surprising you. Watching Cathy bond with her fellow cancer patient is nice, and when I saw the previews I was dubious about Cathy having another potential adulterous dalliance. But, we’re thrown a curveball and it’s just great that her new friend turns out to be gay. It allows Linney to breathe a little and have a little fun. On the topic of fun, Hickey is just hilarious playing Sean and it’s good to see that the drugs haven’t made him lose all his peculiarities. I loved the arc with him and Adam (and Adam’s hooker). Adam is being a bit of a dick, recently, but Basso always makes him come off as at least sympathetic. What’s more is the show has managed to make strident dramatic moments work in a comedic register. Paul’s job troubles are sad, but Platt’s final scene is lovely and wanly comedic. I love this show.
[Writing: B+; Directing: B+]

Web Therapy: “Desperate Measures”; Season One, Episode Two [B/B+]
RASHIDA JONES!!!! Sorry, I love Rashida and that’s two weeks in a row she pops in her awesomeness on great TV shows (first Wilfred then Web Therapy). She gets way more to do this time around playing the girlfriend to Fiona’s patient and the arc is great to watch especially when Fiona has her freak-out. The first beats of the episode felt a bit reticent, but by the midpoint it was back to ridiculous humorous bits. Kudrow is still true brilliance to watch and even though there’s something decidedly uncomfortable in watching Fiona control Richard it’s still funny as hell.
[Writing: B/B+; Directing: B/B+]

Damages: “I’d Prefer My Own Office”; Season Four, Episode Three [B+]
Glenn’s back. Sure, Close has been putting in good work since the season began but this episode depended on the virtuoso of Patty Hewes. In theory, her search for Michael shouldn’t be that riveting but Close is always great with quiet bouts of emotion. I especially liked the scene between her and Goodman, even though I haven’t been especially moved by Goodman on the show, yet. Byrne continues turning in effective work and the drama of this season’s case continues to unfold. I really hope Messina doesn’t die (well, at least not soon) he’s turning in fine work and making me rethink his ability as an actor. I have to significant props to the show for managing to be such a riveting drama with such a low interest in romantic hijinks.
[Writing: B+; Directing: B+]

Wilfred: “Conscience”; Season One, Episode Six [B+/A-]
What is there to say about Wilfred? It’s one of the best comedies on television at the moment and this early in the season (it’s little over a month old) I’m wondering if any male actor is going to top Elijah Wood’s fine work on the show. Even as a ridiculous concept like a talking dog to develop its narrative, the show is so brilliant in the way that it touches on significant issues despite all the silliness – even if the silliness is excellent. Will Ryan and Jenna eventually hook up? I can’t say, I don’t really care. The show’s great either way.
[Writing: B+; Directing: B+]


Standout Performers
Aaron Paul in Breaking Bad B+/A-
Glenn Close in Damages B+
Elijah Wood in Wilfred
Lisa Kudrow in Web Therapy B+
John Benjamin Hickey in The Big C

Laura Linney in The Big C B+
Jason Gann in Wilfred B+
Rose Byrne in Damages B+
Chris Messina in Damages
Rashida Jones in Web Therapy
Dan Bucatinsky in Web Therapy
Jeremy Piven in Entourage B+
Gabriel Basso in The Big C B+
           
What did you watch this past week?

It's a good week of TV this week and a number of shows are doling out some brilliant episodes.

Breaking Bad: “Box cutter” Season Four, Episode One [B]

I have to admit, just like my feelings on Mad Men I don’t love Breaking Bad (and well, at least Mad Men has a kick-ass female ensemble). That preamble was just in the vein of full disclosure because as good as Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul are the show sometimes tends to get a bit self-indulgent – the season premiere a case in point. The episode spends about half of the time dawdling, and true this is AMC so the dawdling is sophisticated but it’s still dawdling. And, true, the last half hour are so brilliantly intense it sort of makes for it. In the midst of the somewhat disjointed first half, though, Anna Gunn manages to turn in a surprisingly good performance. More often than not, it’s like the show doesn’t care for [ ] but she offers something vaguely close to comedic relief which gives the episode a little time to breathe and find itself. I’m not ecstatic to have the show back, but I’m not mad either.
[Writing: B/B+; Directing: B+]

True Blood: “I’m Alive And On Fire” Season Four, Episode Four [B/B+]
Maybe it’s because I watched the first three seasons of True Blood in a massive three week marathon earlier this year, but even as this season goes along with arcs developing it seems as if we’ve covered little ground for a season that’s already a third through. For the first time I feel as if the show’s playing with too many characters and I just wanted to excise Alcide from the storyline promptly, but really the episode is a solid. I was getting a bit annoyed with Tommy’s visit to Jolene, but that arc ended on a high note reminding me that for all his boorishness that Tommy isn’t completely unsalvageable. The season’s still is especially low on Sam, so I’m getting anxious to see where his arc is going to go. The hijinks of the coven continue to impress even though I want Tara to get something more to do that point a gun. And, finally, Jason is up and running – giving Hoyt and Jessica something to do this episode. Of course, Arlene’s demon baby steals the episode though. The baby’s adorable – devil or no.
[Writing: B/B+; Directing: B+]

The Closer: “Repeat Offender” Season Seven, Episode Two [B+]
“The king is dead, long live the pope.” Even if the supporting characters on The Closer don’t get ample screen time, they are well developed and highly quotable – that previous one comes from Lt. Flynn. So, with the death of Chief Delke, Chief Pople becomes interim Chief and he decides to keep Captain Raydor on performing that investigation on Brenda. McDonnell is, as always, fabulous but I’m getting a bit antsy for her to get more material. Still, this episode was a good one spending a surprising amount of time on a suspect who ended up being not guilty. In an excellently written scene a wife and husband go through a difficult spousal that becomes difficult to watch. Brenda is a bit low-key during the first half, but she’s great as usual as it comes down to the time for closing.
[Writing: B+; Directing B/B+]

The Big C: “Boo!” Season Two, Episode 4 [A-]
The Big C deserves resounding props for the goodness that’s been occurring since the season began and this episode is probably one of the series’ best. Cathy begins her clinical trial but the day is wrought with madness despite Andrea’s attempts at putting her in a good mood. But, it’s Paul who takes control of the episode – Platt is doing a fine job playing “cancierge” to her and his firing was a nice twist to the episode. It’s going to fun watching how Cathy deals with her annoying co-patient. The series finally seems to be able to use Linney’s talents at being bitchy for good. Sidibe is still fun as Andrea managing to interact well with Hickey who had a good episode too dealing with what seems to be Marlene’s ghost. The arc was both funny and poignant and is proof that Hickey IS a brilliant actor. The concept of Adam acting out at school isn’t especially profound but Basso is a whole lot of fun to watch – even in his more jerk-y moments. And, everything unfolds with a strong comedic quotient.
[Writing: A-; Directing A-]

Web Therapy: “Click to Start” Season One, Episode One [B+/A-]
My heart did a little happy dance when I saw that image of Lisa Kudrow come on to the screen and Web Therapy began. I follow the actual web series intermittently, but Kudrow is such a brilliant actress and the concept of the show allows her to be at the front and centre of it all. I didn’t expect the actual episode to be a string of therapy sessions put together and I have to admit that it took some getting used if only because talking heads make my head hurt. Yet, the series premiere was brilliant. The writing is outstanding and Kudrow is phenomenal. The tone of the series depends on those moments of awkwardness where Fiona’s eccentricities are just over-the-top but the strongest beats were the moments with Victor Garber, playing her husband. The set-up is done brilliantly, though, and I can’t wait to see how all her “patients” fare. Thank you, Showtime, for giving us Lisa back.
[Writing: A/A-; Directing: B+]

Damages: “I’ve Done Way Too Much For This Girl” Season Four, Episode Two [A-]
What a difference a year makes. I’ve always found Rose Byrne a trifle lacking in Damages but she’s doing excellent work this season and this episode is proof of that. Ellen’s getting trouble trying her case at her firm and she concocts a delightful sting operation to get Patty to help her. Patty has her own issues with her new shrink. It’s beautiful watching how the relationship between the two women has grown over the years. It’s just brilliant watching them play opposite each other. But, it’s Chris Messina who steals the show. He’s being duped by High Star into going back to Afghanistan in order to prevent him from helping Ellen bring a suit against the company. Messina is excellent, managing to play Chris’ instability without making it ridiculous. This season of Damages is looking to be a winner.
[Writing: A-; Directing: A-]

Wilfred: “Respect”Season One, Episode Five [B/B+]
And this week Rashida Jones guests as the coordinator of a hospice Ryan decides to volunteer at. It’s so weird how interesting the show is even though I sort of loathe Wilfred. Gunn is excellent, but Wiflred is exasperating and I can’t stop fêting the work that Elijah Wood is doing on the show. The bond between the two is growing, but it’s also nice to see things like more of Jenna who is apparently not as crazy as she seemed in the pilot.
[Writing: B+ ; Directing: B/B+]

Standouts
Lisa Kudrow in Web Therapy : A
Oliver Platt in The Big C : A-
Chris Messina in Damages : B+/A-
Rose Byrne in Damages : B+
Elijah Wood in Wilfred: B+
Glenn Close in Damages : B+
Kyra Sedgwick in The Closer : B+

Laura Linney in The Big C : B+
John Benjamin Hickey in The Big C : B+
Victor Garber in Web Therapy : B+
Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad B+
          
What did you watch this week?