“As I fell to the floor...I pooped my pants. I did.” -Abed
Community often walks a fine line between comedy and culture. What I mean by that is that some times Community plays for laughs by putting interesting people in interesting situations and we get laughs. Other times, like tonight, it references moments and images from our pop culture history. It pays respect to certain things that shape creative minds. I don’t believe I ever laughed once during tonight’s Community, but that isn’t to say it wasn’t bad or poorly executed. As I watched the opening scene I thought, “ I’m sure that this Community episode is a nod to something, but I don’t know what it is. That being said, I still applaud the show for its creativity. Everyone is dressed in Pulp Fiction clothing. This is where my lack of knowledge about that movie may haunt me. That and Cougar Town.” Community is so clever, but it can really alienate an audience. If I was a casual viewer or someone who had never seen an episode and I saw that one, I’m not sure if I’d watch another one.
Lot’s of TV viewers crave consistency. This is the reason procedurals and cop dramas are big hits. You know exactly `what you’re going to get from CSI and NCIS every single time out. I’ll admit, I was lost during this whole episode tonight. I kept trying to figure out all the references and it left me not really able to enjoy some of the fine acting that was going on. I had never heard of My Dinner With Andre before tonight, but I did look it up. It stars Wallace Shawn who is the “Inconceivable” guy from Princess Bride and the voice of Rex on Toy Story. It wasn’t until about 5 minutes left that I just decided to stop worrying about the uniqueness of the episode and pay attention to the characters I love,
This was an especially strong episode for Danny Pudi as Abed. That monologue he gave will be stuff of legends in Theatre Arts 1 classes in high schools for years to come. He revealed a lot of flexibility about himself, the actor. I don’t watch Cougar Town, but I understand enough that it’s totally in Abed’s personality to like that show. I bet he also loves Chuck and Fringe. Jeff had another strong episode. If Amy Poehler can get Emmy love for Parks and Rec last season, I see no reason Joel McHale can’t the same love this season. I couldn’t help but notice that Chang fit in particularly well this episode. Aside from the fact that Jeff would never invite him to Abed’s surprise party, he really seemed like a member of the group. However, he was just filling the role of Pierce as someone who antagonized and instigated. Pierce’s only purpose was to make a “balls” and “gay” joke. I’m beginning to really think the show needs to move on without him. Anything that will get Alison Brie more air time I’m favor for. She, again, played a very minor role this episode.
I still absolutely love Community as a show. I love that they DO do episodes like this, but I’m beginning to see why it doesn’t appeal to massive numbers. I know it’s been picked up for a third season already, so let’s hope NBC keeps ignoring its numbers and let us lucky few who watch this show enjoy it for what it is.
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Friday, March 25, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Community - "Custody Law and Eastern European Diplomacy” Review
“Who want’s to take a break and build a birdhouse?” -Chang
Community returned with an all new episode this week after being off the air for what seemed like 8 weeks. Before I get started on a review of this episode, I’d like to congratulate Community on getting renewed for a third season! Community’s ratings are some of the lowest on network TV, but it scores well with the key demographic of 18-39 year olds, so NBC, who’s desperate to stay relevant, picked it up. I’m not sure if this is due largely to the show or that NBC has no real great pilots in development that could do better. We should all be happy Community airs on NBC because on any other network, Community rest firmly in cancellation territory. But when the most watched TV show on your network is Harry’s Law, you’ve got to start taking any show that gives any kind of critical appeal.
This episode wasn’t one of their finest. It wasn’t particularly bad, but nothing stuck with you like in previous episodes. We do get a fine performance from Gillan Jacobs as Britta, which is always good because I feel like she’s been underused since her romance with Jeff has ended. I’m not sure what it is with Britta, but every time I see her on screen, I think she’s fabulous, but when she’s not there, I don’t particularly miss her. I’m not implying the show could go without her, but we’re just not invested in a relationship she has right now. It would become boring and clash with her personality if her only purpose was to constantly fawn over Jeff, but I need her to stay relevant!
This week’s episode proved the show can be just fine without Pierce. Did anybody miss him? Anybody at all? Didn’t think so. His sole purpose was to make a cheap racist joke at the beginning of the episode and then do nothing. If he left the show for season 3, I don’t think anyone would miss him. We also learned that Shirley and Chang can’t carry an episode. The strength of the show lies within the interaction between members of the study group. No matter what the writers try, Chang will never feel like part of the group, so the attempts to humanize him and make us care for him always fall short to me. And it’s not that I dislike Shirley, quite the opposite. I think she’s great at being the moral compass of the group and can always be counted on for a quip about wrong doings of others, but she’s not central plot material. It’s possible it’s because her main story came with the baggage of Chang, but I just wasn’t interested and even Jeff’s charisma could’t help the story finish strong.
In a show where I feel so strongly about the main characters, introducing a supporting character is always hot and cold with me. On one hand I’m curious how the characters will act with an outside force impacting their decisions, but on the other I don’t like losing screen time to some of my favorite episodes. Annie’s lack of presence was definitely noticed at my house. When it came to Lukka, I’m not so sure he served some great purpose, Basically he was just a walking gag that Britta liked some guy who committed genocide and was trying to not bring it up. It wasn’t awful or anything, but I don’t think we revealed anything new about the characters of Britta, Troy, or Abed in this episode.
Community has had a few choppy episodes like this in the past, but they always bounce back. Look for Community to do some allegorical take on Bastille Day done in film noir style or something equally as crazy and ambitious. Nothing would surprise me at this point with show. Congratulations one more time Community on getting renewed, but let’s not get complacent!
Community returned with an all new episode this week after being off the air for what seemed like 8 weeks. Before I get started on a review of this episode, I’d like to congratulate Community on getting renewed for a third season! Community’s ratings are some of the lowest on network TV, but it scores well with the key demographic of 18-39 year olds, so NBC, who’s desperate to stay relevant, picked it up. I’m not sure if this is due largely to the show or that NBC has no real great pilots in development that could do better. We should all be happy Community airs on NBC because on any other network, Community rest firmly in cancellation territory. But when the most watched TV show on your network is Harry’s Law, you’ve got to start taking any show that gives any kind of critical appeal.
This episode wasn’t one of their finest. It wasn’t particularly bad, but nothing stuck with you like in previous episodes. We do get a fine performance from Gillan Jacobs as Britta, which is always good because I feel like she’s been underused since her romance with Jeff has ended. I’m not sure what it is with Britta, but every time I see her on screen, I think she’s fabulous, but when she’s not there, I don’t particularly miss her. I’m not implying the show could go without her, but we’re just not invested in a relationship she has right now. It would become boring and clash with her personality if her only purpose was to constantly fawn over Jeff, but I need her to stay relevant!
This week’s episode proved the show can be just fine without Pierce. Did anybody miss him? Anybody at all? Didn’t think so. His sole purpose was to make a cheap racist joke at the beginning of the episode and then do nothing. If he left the show for season 3, I don’t think anyone would miss him. We also learned that Shirley and Chang can’t carry an episode. The strength of the show lies within the interaction between members of the study group. No matter what the writers try, Chang will never feel like part of the group, so the attempts to humanize him and make us care for him always fall short to me. And it’s not that I dislike Shirley, quite the opposite. I think she’s great at being the moral compass of the group and can always be counted on for a quip about wrong doings of others, but she’s not central plot material. It’s possible it’s because her main story came with the baggage of Chang, but I just wasn’t interested and even Jeff’s charisma could’t help the story finish strong.
In a show where I feel so strongly about the main characters, introducing a supporting character is always hot and cold with me. On one hand I’m curious how the characters will act with an outside force impacting their decisions, but on the other I don’t like losing screen time to some of my favorite episodes. Annie’s lack of presence was definitely noticed at my house. When it came to Lukka, I’m not so sure he served some great purpose, Basically he was just a walking gag that Britta liked some guy who committed genocide and was trying to not bring it up. It wasn’t awful or anything, but I don’t think we revealed anything new about the characters of Britta, Troy, or Abed in this episode.
Community has had a few choppy episodes like this in the past, but they always bounce back. Look for Community to do some allegorical take on Bastille Day done in film noir style or something equally as crazy and ambitious. Nothing would surprise me at this point with show. Congratulations one more time Community on getting renewed, but let’s not get complacent!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Community - "Political Developments and Uncivil Disobediance" Review
“I’m no politician. I’m just a fella. I think that beer should be cold and boots should be dusty. I think 9/11 was bad. And freedom? Well, I think that’s just a little bit better.” -Jeff Winger
Community thrives because of it’s commitment to consistent characterization. There is a strong core group of characters that we all love and an equally compelling group of supporting cast members that service the whole. We love certain things about all of them and we love to watch their relationships grow. This episode dealing with student government was a great chance to show the hierarchy of the group and to gain insight into their wants and desires.
Jeff and Annie are our most three dimensional characters. They both have a past that haunts them whether it be Jeff’s sleazy lawyer career or Annie prescription medicine addiction. Yet, while in the study group they are not only bettering their lives, but are becoming better people. I enjoy watching heart felt introspective moments where they both become self aware of their negative traits. It almost makes me root for them to get together, almost. That would be A) creepy and B) be a bad decision for the show. I don’t think the show has flourished using romance. The Jeff/Britta thing was nice at first, but I think it’s clear a relationship would divide the group and their believable chemistry is necessary for the show.
I particularly enjoyed seeing Abed get as close emotionally to a female as we’ve seen. I love the idea of Abed in the show. A sort of mechanism that Dan Harmon uses to show the audience how much he loves TV and how it effects us. The danger with Abed can be that it just becomes a convention and not a character, so it’s always nice to see his human side. It was smart to not let it be just some regular girl he fancies, but an equally emotionless and sharp Secret Service agent. I wonder if this will come back in the future. I doubt it. The relationship between Troy and Abed can’t suffer. Though I stated last week that it’s nice to see both characters flourish without the other present. I hope we get to see more of Abed opening up.
Community seems to be going to great lengths to make Pierce out to be the bad guy. There was a great moment of self awareness at the beginning where they “welcome” Pierce back into the group. Shirley states, “Well Pierce, we’re very glad to have you back...I’m assuming.” The group unsurely responds that they are. At least Community is acknowledging the issue. In the breakdown of presidential candidates Pierce’s age is “66, dick,” and his rant about what he’s going to do to the other candidate are more reason’s to believe that the show is embracing him as a negative person. All of Pierce’s negativity though is counteracted in this episode by great simple comedic performances by the dean and Magnitude. I’ve been missing the dean lately so it was great to see him back. Not sure what else there is to do with Magnitude, but I have enjoyed his two short spots on the show.
Community thrives because of it’s commitment to consistent characterization. There is a strong core group of characters that we all love and an equally compelling group of supporting cast members that service the whole. We love certain things about all of them and we love to watch their relationships grow. This episode dealing with student government was a great chance to show the hierarchy of the group and to gain insight into their wants and desires.
Jeff and Annie are our most three dimensional characters. They both have a past that haunts them whether it be Jeff’s sleazy lawyer career or Annie prescription medicine addiction. Yet, while in the study group they are not only bettering their lives, but are becoming better people. I enjoy watching heart felt introspective moments where they both become self aware of their negative traits. It almost makes me root for them to get together, almost. That would be A) creepy and B) be a bad decision for the show. I don’t think the show has flourished using romance. The Jeff/Britta thing was nice at first, but I think it’s clear a relationship would divide the group and their believable chemistry is necessary for the show.
I particularly enjoyed seeing Abed get as close emotionally to a female as we’ve seen. I love the idea of Abed in the show. A sort of mechanism that Dan Harmon uses to show the audience how much he loves TV and how it effects us. The danger with Abed can be that it just becomes a convention and not a character, so it’s always nice to see his human side. It was smart to not let it be just some regular girl he fancies, but an equally emotionless and sharp Secret Service agent. I wonder if this will come back in the future. I doubt it. The relationship between Troy and Abed can’t suffer. Though I stated last week that it’s nice to see both characters flourish without the other present. I hope we get to see more of Abed opening up.
Community seems to be going to great lengths to make Pierce out to be the bad guy. There was a great moment of self awareness at the beginning where they “welcome” Pierce back into the group. Shirley states, “Well Pierce, we’re very glad to have you back...I’m assuming.” The group unsurely responds that they are. At least Community is acknowledging the issue. In the breakdown of presidential candidates Pierce’s age is “66, dick,” and his rant about what he’s going to do to the other candidate are more reason’s to believe that the show is embracing him as a negative person. All of Pierce’s negativity though is counteracted in this episode by great simple comedic performances by the dean and Magnitude. I’ve been missing the dean lately so it was great to see him back. Not sure what else there is to do with Magnitude, but I have enjoyed his two short spots on the show.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Community - "Intermediate Documentary Filmmaking" Review
“I told Pierce a thousand times! I never wanted to meet LaVar in person! I just wanted a picture! YOU CAN’T DISAPPOINT A PICTURE! I hate you Pierce! I hate you so much!” -Troy
What I love, and all of us love about Community is just how rich the characters are. They all have a unique voice, a complex set of problems and obstacles, and yet they all seem to work together perfectly in this show. Community celebrates the differences of each character and allows for them to make discoveries about themselves and the other characters in each episode. The show isn’t about them studying for Spanish class, it’s about why they choose to study with each other. Because we like these characters so much, it’s always so nice when we get an episode that is largely just the study group. No ways of trying to figure out how to make Chang fit in or Jeff trying to self-sabotage a relationship he’s in with this week’s current flavor. Just the group.
The use of Pierce in Community is continuing to be interesting. Is he the bad guy? Is he necessary for the success of the show? In this episode they acknowledge that he is the most disliked and even recounts that the idea of shooting a documentary on Pierce wasn’t inherently interesting. However, the writer’s have found a solution to dealing with Pierce. We become interested in his excursions because of the reactions to the other characters circumstances. If you want an actor to come across as crazy, don’t have him play crazy, rather show all the other people react to him like he’s crazy. So with Pierce, we don’t really have to care about him. As long as the others care about Pierce, we will also. It does not give the show carte blanche to do what ever they want with any character, because then we will cease to care about the show as a whole.
It seems like every week we have a new favorite character on the show. That’s a testament to the show’s brilliant writing and the excellent performances of the actors. This week Troy was particularly strong. He played all the emotions tonight. He acted goofy in front of the camera, went on a mad rant about hating Pierce for introducing him to LaVar Burton, and even gave a strangely moving performance of the Reading Rainbow theme while bawling on the floor of the restroom. It was also nice to see him do so well in an episode where he doesn't interact with Abed. We love the relationship they have, but I don't want it to become a crutch for the show.
Community’s ability to be creative and innovative with their story telling all while allowing their actors to flourish is the reason this is the number one comedy on television.
What I love, and all of us love about Community is just how rich the characters are. They all have a unique voice, a complex set of problems and obstacles, and yet they all seem to work together perfectly in this show. Community celebrates the differences of each character and allows for them to make discoveries about themselves and the other characters in each episode. The show isn’t about them studying for Spanish class, it’s about why they choose to study with each other. Because we like these characters so much, it’s always so nice when we get an episode that is largely just the study group. No ways of trying to figure out how to make Chang fit in or Jeff trying to self-sabotage a relationship he’s in with this week’s current flavor. Just the group.
The use of Pierce in Community is continuing to be interesting. Is he the bad guy? Is he necessary for the success of the show? In this episode they acknowledge that he is the most disliked and even recounts that the idea of shooting a documentary on Pierce wasn’t inherently interesting. However, the writer’s have found a solution to dealing with Pierce. We become interested in his excursions because of the reactions to the other characters circumstances. If you want an actor to come across as crazy, don’t have him play crazy, rather show all the other people react to him like he’s crazy. So with Pierce, we don’t really have to care about him. As long as the others care about Pierce, we will also. It does not give the show carte blanche to do what ever they want with any character, because then we will cease to care about the show as a whole.
It seems like every week we have a new favorite character on the show. That’s a testament to the show’s brilliant writing and the excellent performances of the actors. This week Troy was particularly strong. He played all the emotions tonight. He acted goofy in front of the camera, went on a mad rant about hating Pierce for introducing him to LaVar Burton, and even gave a strangely moving performance of the Reading Rainbow theme while bawling on the floor of the restroom. It was also nice to see him do so well in an episode where he doesn't interact with Abed. We love the relationship they have, but I don't want it to become a crutch for the show.
Community’s ability to be creative and innovative with their story telling all while allowing their actors to flourish is the reason this is the number one comedy on television.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Community - “Early 21st Century Romanticism” Review
“For the record, I never thought you were cool. I only thought you were a lesbian.” Paige
Community has always been one of the smartest and most creative comedies on television. However tonight’s episode felt a little forced. It got away from what makes it great, unique ways of showing different people forging unlikely relationships. We saw relationships forged and characters experience events that let us know more about them, but they given to us in a way that I am not on board with. They gave us all this through other people not in the study group.
Annie and Britta learn more about their relationship through a girl named Paige who Britta befriends because she thinks she’s a lesbian. Annie’s naivety is beginning to be less than cute. She can be sweet and hopeful without being dumb. Her asking a million questions to Britta about lesbianism illustrated where we are with Annie. I’m curious when we’ll get to see more of a real side of Annie. We caught a glimpse in the Anti-drug play, but it was dragged down by Pierce using her to get more lines in the play. I think we’ll like Annie even more (if that’s possible) when see her grow up a little bit. Same goes for Britta. We get that she’s trying to be different and has a bleeding heart, so I’m anxious to see when we get to see her with her guard down again.
It may sound hypocritical, but I love seeing Troy and Abed’s relationship be unchangingly awesome. In their wooing of the sexy librarian they learn that their friendship is strong and they’ll need a girl to accept them for who they are. I was scared that the librarian choosing Troy was going to create a rift in their relationship and I just don’t think the show would gain anything by pitting them against each other.
We’re beginning to see Jeff accept what we’ve been sensing for a long time now: he likes being a part of the study group. Jeff Winger is at his best when he tries to be above the group, but his heart ultimately comes out. However, I didn’t think the Chang and Duncan angle worked so well to illustrate this. We care when Jeff cares about those we care about and I just don’t care about Chang and Duncan. And it didn’t help we got a cheesy voiceover to end the episode.
Other thoughts:
-A Britta/lesbian story line and they put her in a cutoff denim and leather vest, yeah, that was totally on purpose.
-It makes perfect sense that Andy Dick is who Pierce hallucinates whilst hopped on pain meds.
-Winger’s apartment looks like he just moved in.
-Magnitude was a fabulous one note joke.
Community has always been one of the smartest and most creative comedies on television. However tonight’s episode felt a little forced. It got away from what makes it great, unique ways of showing different people forging unlikely relationships. We saw relationships forged and characters experience events that let us know more about them, but they given to us in a way that I am not on board with. They gave us all this through other people not in the study group.
Annie and Britta learn more about their relationship through a girl named Paige who Britta befriends because she thinks she’s a lesbian. Annie’s naivety is beginning to be less than cute. She can be sweet and hopeful without being dumb. Her asking a million questions to Britta about lesbianism illustrated where we are with Annie. I’m curious when we’ll get to see more of a real side of Annie. We caught a glimpse in the Anti-drug play, but it was dragged down by Pierce using her to get more lines in the play. I think we’ll like Annie even more (if that’s possible) when see her grow up a little bit. Same goes for Britta. We get that she’s trying to be different and has a bleeding heart, so I’m anxious to see when we get to see her with her guard down again.
It may sound hypocritical, but I love seeing Troy and Abed’s relationship be unchangingly awesome. In their wooing of the sexy librarian they learn that their friendship is strong and they’ll need a girl to accept them for who they are. I was scared that the librarian choosing Troy was going to create a rift in their relationship and I just don’t think the show would gain anything by pitting them against each other.
We’re beginning to see Jeff accept what we’ve been sensing for a long time now: he likes being a part of the study group. Jeff Winger is at his best when he tries to be above the group, but his heart ultimately comes out. However, I didn’t think the Chang and Duncan angle worked so well to illustrate this. We care when Jeff cares about those we care about and I just don’t care about Chang and Duncan. And it didn’t help we got a cheesy voiceover to end the episode.
Other thoughts:
-A Britta/lesbian story line and they put her in a cutoff denim and leather vest, yeah, that was totally on purpose.
-It makes perfect sense that Andy Dick is who Pierce hallucinates whilst hopped on pain meds.
-Winger’s apartment looks like he just moved in.
-Magnitude was a fabulous one note joke.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Community - "Advanced Dungeons and Dragons" Review
“Did someone say Pegasus? A word I understand in every language” -Abed
Community is consistently one of the funniest and most creative on television. Dan Harmon and his writers do an excellent job of weaving character creation and comedy. Community, unlike Glee, does an incredible job creating themed episodes. Tonight was a Dungeons and Dragons episode and boy did it deliver. Full disclosure, I did not like last weeks Community so I was glad to see it return to form this week.
This week, the crew played a game of D&D to help improve the confidence of a new character, Fat Neil. We learned about Fat Neil in a very clever opening sequence, complete with an eloquent voice over lady and custom credits. This really set the tone for the rest of the episode. We learned all of their character names that Abed created for the crew. My particular favorite was Annie as “Hector the Well Endowed.” I thought that the joke was going to end there, but we were treated to a brilliant scene of Annie wooing the Elven Waitress her super powers. I think my favorite was when she counted from 2 to 4 on her fingers and Troy looked on with surprise and amazement. Britta trying to defend the civil liberties of the elves was particularly nice as well. She even got in a great burn at Jeff when he asked, “What am I not good at?” She quickly responded, “Sex.”
What I thought was especially interesting in this episode was how they made Pierce the outcast and villain in the episode with no real attempts at redeeming him. This resonates with me because I, truthfully, could do without Pierce on the show. Jeff’s quote was so appropriate once Pierce joined the game and started turning it into a selfish excursion. “Pierce. You have made your point. You can successfully ruin anything.” So true Jeff Winger. The writer’s also sneakily allowed to Chang to join the group, albeit in black face. The voice over lady explained that they let the Chang stay in the game because they were too embarrassed they hadn’t realized he was there the whole time. I’m seeing a trend where Pierce might be on the outs and Chang might take on a larger role. One can only hope at least.
How did you feel about tonight’s Community?
What are your thoughts on Pierce’s role in the show?
Community is consistently one of the funniest and most creative on television. Dan Harmon and his writers do an excellent job of weaving character creation and comedy. Community, unlike Glee, does an incredible job creating themed episodes. Tonight was a Dungeons and Dragons episode and boy did it deliver. Full disclosure, I did not like last weeks Community so I was glad to see it return to form this week.
This week, the crew played a game of D&D to help improve the confidence of a new character, Fat Neil. We learned about Fat Neil in a very clever opening sequence, complete with an eloquent voice over lady and custom credits. This really set the tone for the rest of the episode. We learned all of their character names that Abed created for the crew. My particular favorite was Annie as “Hector the Well Endowed.” I thought that the joke was going to end there, but we were treated to a brilliant scene of Annie wooing the Elven Waitress her super powers. I think my favorite was when she counted from 2 to 4 on her fingers and Troy looked on with surprise and amazement. Britta trying to defend the civil liberties of the elves was particularly nice as well. She even got in a great burn at Jeff when he asked, “What am I not good at?” She quickly responded, “Sex.”
What I thought was especially interesting in this episode was how they made Pierce the outcast and villain in the episode with no real attempts at redeeming him. This resonates with me because I, truthfully, could do without Pierce on the show. Jeff’s quote was so appropriate once Pierce joined the game and started turning it into a selfish excursion. “Pierce. You have made your point. You can successfully ruin anything.” So true Jeff Winger. The writer’s also sneakily allowed to Chang to join the group, albeit in black face. The voice over lady explained that they let the Chang stay in the game because they were too embarrassed they hadn’t realized he was there the whole time. I’m seeing a trend where Pierce might be on the outs and Chang might take on a larger role. One can only hope at least.
How did you feel about tonight’s Community?
What are your thoughts on Pierce’s role in the show?
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Television at the All Star Break
All Stars
Terriers - Terriers is an example of why I love and hate television. It was my favorite show of the 2010 fall season. Excellently cast, written and directed. Donal Logue brought the right balance of dry sarcasm and recovering burn out to the role of Hank Dolworth. Even though I couldn't stand Michael Raymond-James during his run as Rene on True Blood, I thought he was excellent as Hank's partner Britt on Terriers. The writers did a great job creating an updated version of Chinatown without obviously ripping off the Jack Nicholson classic. Of course, since this was my favorite show of the season FX saw fit to cancel it a week after the season finale. Thanks.
The League & It's always sunny in Philadelphia - Both of these shows started the season slowly with lackluster premieres. Sunny continued a slow run as it wound down the Dennis get married arc but by mid season the shows were producing the funniest hour on television. Taco and Rafi were the the break out stars of the season going away. Taco treated us to modern classics like My Naginata, I'm inside of me and Ghost Monkey. The League added the fear boner, the murder boner and white knuckler to our lexicon this year. Sunny focused outside the bar this season as we got to see the gang buy a boat, Charlie become a school janitor and Sweet Dee teach a high school Drama class. Mr. Shue could learn a thing or two from her. The highlight of Sunny's season was the premier of the gangs version of Lethal Weapon 5 if you haven't seen it, you need to fix that. Mac's turn as Sgt. Murtaugh is worth the price of admission.
Community - The writers finally figured out what to do with Britta and the show was all the better for it. I could have done without the Betty White cameo but Professor Chang's continued mission of becoming a part of the study group has delivered terrific comedic moments. If there is one thing Community does better than any other show, it's a theme episode. Starting with last season's Modern Warfare episode Community has produced a handful of well crafted clever theme episodes spoofing zombie movies, conspiracy theories and animated Christmas specials.
Grey's Anatomy - Yeah, I'm shocked too but this has been the best Grey's season in years. Seems as though the loose gunman in last season's finale opened a wealth of potential character story lines. Dr. Webber is back in his rightful position of Chief. The story lines based around the love lives of the doctors is far less soap opera like since writing off both Izzy and George. The show has been able to get back to the core cast of doctors struggling with the decisions of a demanding career.
30 for 30 - I didn't watch all the 30 for 30 episodes just the ones who's subject interested me. In no particular order my favorite episodes were Run Ricky Run, Pony Excess, Who Killed the USFL?, The U, The Two Escobars, Into the Wind and The Best That Never Was.
Good but not Great
Sons of Anarchy - The season was very uneven and even silly at times. The whole Belfast saga bordered on ridiculous but a great season finale made up of a lot of the disappointments and set things up nicely for next season.
Walking Dead - WD had a great season premier but it's shortened six episode season failed to deliver. The show focused on too many characters we don't care about and really let everyone down with a dud of a finale. Hopefully, a longer run and nearly a year to develop will produce a better season next year.
Modern Family - Season 2 has been a small step back for Modern Family. More Phil and Cameron and less Haley and Alex will go a long way to fixing that.
Todd Margaret- Running Wilde was supposed to be 2010's hit sitcom starring Will Arnett and David Cross but that show has already been canceled. However, over on IFC there is a much better comedy starring David Cross and Will Arnett called The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret. Since it's on IFC and not under the constraints of network television, David Cross is free to let go and do David Cross things.
30 Rock - Another good but not spectacular season from 30 Rock. Alec Baldwin and Tracy Morgan have basically carried this show for a while now. They need to return to featuring the writers like Judah Friedlander more and less Kenneth. I have to wonder what effect Tracy Morgan's kidney transplant will have on the show but if that means more Jenna then 30 Rock could quickly slide off the DVR roster. This season's Reaganing is one of my all time favorites.
Rubicon - Rubicon's season was the complete opposite of Sons of Anarchy. Rubicon had a great season exposing a little bit more of the mystery and conspiracy with every episode. The story evolved at a measured pace but fans of the show expected this. Then they crapped the bed with a hurried, disorganized finale. Ultimately, the bad finale didn't matter since AMC canceled the show after just one season. I would like the creators get another shot to entertain us though.
Mad Men - Weird season for Don Draper and we all know Mad Men goes as Don Draper goes. I think this will turn out to be just transition season as we saw Peggy and Pete step into more important roles with the firm. The most intriguing item from this past season was Sterling's Gold.
Boardwalk Empire - I think I'm more excited for next season than I was happy with this first season. Michael Pitt delivered gold as Jimmy and Stephen Graham was magnificent as Al Capone. Eli, Jimmy and the Commodore plotting Nucky's downfall has me excited about next season but I think I'd be much more excited to learn of a spin off based on Al Capone and the Chicago crew. Make it happen. BTW I think I finally figured out what it is about Lucy that has always bothered me.
Top Chef- The fact that I had to look up who won this last season should tell you all you need to know about last season. Angelo, Tiffany and Ed provided some nice moments but DC was a failure as a location and Eric Rippert was a dud as a regular judge. The All Stars season has already been better than last season even though I haven't agreed with the judges more often than not.
Down Season
Dexter - Oh how you let me down this season Dex. You took up with a terribly uninteresting woman in Lumen. You and Quinn have struck a very strange truce and for whatever reason you let the most heinous killer on the show, Batista and LaGuerta's relationship continue to ruin our lives. The writers turned the most interesting story line, the
Weeds - I have no idea why I haven't cut this show yet. Andy, Doug and Silas are basically the only reasons I keep coming back. Nancy got to whore it up with Zack Morris for a couple of episodes and the traveling evangelical pot show was fun while it lasted but this show has the focus of a High Times staff meeting.
Survivor - Once they voted off Jimmy Johnson and the guy who looked like Moose Johnston the season was exceptionally boring. The positive was I able to watch entire episodes in less than 20 minutes. More conniving, back stabbing players always makes for a more interesting season. Let's try to get it right next time.
Big Bang Theory - The joke has worn thin. We get it. Smart guys living across the hall from hot girl. Sheldon is difficult to live with. Leonard is romantically tortured and they're all big dorks. The addition of Blossom as the female version of Sheldon hasn't added much to the equation. It may be time to wrap this one up.
The Office - I guess we shouldn't call it a down season once it becomes a trend. The Office has been slipping for years and so far this season if appears Michael Scott is going to go out with a whimper. The first half of the season has produced three good episodes. I think most hardcore Office fans wish the producers had decided to end the shows run at the end this season with the departure of Michael. At least we did get to vicariously exercise some of our anger towards Jim's character through Dwight's snowball demolishing of his manhood.
East Bound & Down - The season in Mexico failed on many levels. Mostly it failed by trying to tell the same joke over and over. Don Johnson's stint at Kenny's dad was unnecessary and not particularly funny. They took way to long to get the highlight of the season, Stevie down to Mexico. I'm interested to see if there's anywhere they can take Kenny that will keep us entertained with new comedic situations.
Project Runway - Generally boring cast + unexplained bad judging = bad season.
Cut from the DVR roster
The Big C - This show proved that it takes more than Oliver Platt to keep me interested in a show. Laura Linney was able to create the most unlikeable cancer patient in the history of television. Even Kevin Garnett would agree with me on that.
Glee - Wow. You guys were able to take a fun, interesting show and turn it into a terrible weekly hatefest in record time. Last season, the Glee kids were worth rooting for as the school underdogs. This season I wanted to see them all drown in a giant Slurpee. Want a lesson on doing theme shows? See Community.
No Ordinary Family - Never really got off the ground for me. I hated the kids and wanted more Conrad and Vick Mackey from Romany Malco and Michael Chiklis. I'm not sure crime fighting super heroes can successfully work as a family show. Super heroes inherently require dark sides to balance their powers.
S#*! My Dad Says - The opening credits rolled and the show immediately went from 0 to terrible. I lasted one episode and just barely. A sitcom without a single funny moment might not work.
How I Met Your Mother - Much like Big Bang Theory, HIMYM seems to have run it's course. Get to the part where you meet their mother already. We get it. You have a womanizing friend who wears suits and is played by Doogie Howser. You're friends with a kookie married couple and a struggling news anchor and you really like architecture. Now how did you meet these never aging super patient kid's mother?
The United States of Tara - Maybe I just hate female lead characters or maybe Tara's multiple personalities wore on me almost as much as her ultra liberal hip family. Do television writers have kids? Based on the kids in these shows I would say no, terrible, terrible characters.
Nurse Jackie -I've been re-watching The Sopranos lately and I find that I have to fast forward through all Melfi and most Carmella scenes because I can't stand Edie Falco's voice and face. A hatred for some one's voice and face make it very difficult to enjoy a show centered on that person.
Hung - It's gonna take a lot more full frontal scenes of Lenore and far fewer scenes of Tanya and Ray's kids to get me to watch again.
Terriers - Terriers is an example of why I love and hate television. It was my favorite show of the 2010 fall season. Excellently cast, written and directed. Donal Logue brought the right balance of dry sarcasm and recovering burn out to the role of Hank Dolworth. Even though I couldn't stand Michael Raymond-James during his run as Rene on True Blood, I thought he was excellent as Hank's partner Britt on Terriers. The writers did a great job creating an updated version of Chinatown without obviously ripping off the Jack Nicholson classic. Of course, since this was my favorite show of the season FX saw fit to cancel it a week after the season finale. Thanks.
The League & It's always sunny in Philadelphia - Both of these shows started the season slowly with lackluster premieres. Sunny continued a slow run as it wound down the Dennis get married arc but by mid season the shows were producing the funniest hour on television. Taco and Rafi were the the break out stars of the season going away. Taco treated us to modern classics like My Naginata, I'm inside of me and Ghost Monkey. The League added the fear boner, the murder boner and white knuckler to our lexicon this year. Sunny focused outside the bar this season as we got to see the gang buy a boat, Charlie become a school janitor and Sweet Dee teach a high school Drama class. Mr. Shue could learn a thing or two from her. The highlight of Sunny's season was the premier of the gangs version of Lethal Weapon 5 if you haven't seen it, you need to fix that. Mac's turn as Sgt. Murtaugh is worth the price of admission.
Community - The writers finally figured out what to do with Britta and the show was all the better for it. I could have done without the Betty White cameo but Professor Chang's continued mission of becoming a part of the study group has delivered terrific comedic moments. If there is one thing Community does better than any other show, it's a theme episode. Starting with last season's Modern Warfare episode Community has produced a handful of well crafted clever theme episodes spoofing zombie movies, conspiracy theories and animated Christmas specials.  |
| OK Maybe I have a thing for Lexie |
30 for 30 - I didn't watch all the 30 for 30 episodes just the ones who's subject interested me. In no particular order my favorite episodes were Run Ricky Run, Pony Excess, Who Killed the USFL?, The U, The Two Escobars, Into the Wind and The Best That Never Was.
Good but not Great
Sons of Anarchy - The season was very uneven and even silly at times. The whole Belfast saga bordered on ridiculous but a great season finale made up of a lot of the disappointments and set things up nicely for next season.
Walking Dead - WD had a great season premier but it's shortened six episode season failed to deliver. The show focused on too many characters we don't care about and really let everyone down with a dud of a finale. Hopefully, a longer run and nearly a year to develop will produce a better season next year.
Modern Family - Season 2 has been a small step back for Modern Family. More Phil and Cameron and less Haley and Alex will go a long way to fixing that.
Todd Margaret- Running Wilde was supposed to be 2010's hit sitcom starring Will Arnett and David Cross but that show has already been canceled. However, over on IFC there is a much better comedy starring David Cross and Will Arnett called The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret. Since it's on IFC and not under the constraints of network television, David Cross is free to let go and do David Cross things.30 Rock - Another good but not spectacular season from 30 Rock. Alec Baldwin and Tracy Morgan have basically carried this show for a while now. They need to return to featuring the writers like Judah Friedlander more and less Kenneth. I have to wonder what effect Tracy Morgan's kidney transplant will have on the show but if that means more Jenna then 30 Rock could quickly slide off the DVR roster. This season's Reaganing is one of my all time favorites.
Rubicon - Rubicon's season was the complete opposite of Sons of Anarchy. Rubicon had a great season exposing a little bit more of the mystery and conspiracy with every episode. The story evolved at a measured pace but fans of the show expected this. Then they crapped the bed with a hurried, disorganized finale. Ultimately, the bad finale didn't matter since AMC canceled the show after just one season. I would like the creators get another shot to entertain us though.
Mad Men - Weird season for Don Draper and we all know Mad Men goes as Don Draper goes. I think this will turn out to be just transition season as we saw Peggy and Pete step into more important roles with the firm. The most intriguing item from this past season was Sterling's Gold.
Boardwalk Empire - I think I'm more excited for next season than I was happy with this first season. Michael Pitt delivered gold as Jimmy and Stephen Graham was magnificent as Al Capone. Eli, Jimmy and the Commodore plotting Nucky's downfall has me excited about next season but I think I'd be much more excited to learn of a spin off based on Al Capone and the Chicago crew. Make it happen. BTW I think I finally figured out what it is about Lucy that has always bothered me.
Top Chef- The fact that I had to look up who won this last season should tell you all you need to know about last season. Angelo, Tiffany and Ed provided some nice moments but DC was a failure as a location and Eric Rippert was a dud as a regular judge. The All Stars season has already been better than last season even though I haven't agreed with the judges more often than not.
Down Season
Dexter - Oh how you let me down this season Dex. You took up with a terribly uninteresting woman in Lumen. You and Quinn have struck a very strange truce and for whatever reason you let the most heinous killer on the show, Batista and LaGuerta's relationship continue to ruin our lives. The writers turned the most interesting story line, the
Weeds - I have no idea why I haven't cut this show yet. Andy, Doug and Silas are basically the only reasons I keep coming back. Nancy got to whore it up with Zack Morris for a couple of episodes and the traveling evangelical pot show was fun while it lasted but this show has the focus of a High Times staff meeting.
Survivor - Once they voted off Jimmy Johnson and the guy who looked like Moose Johnston the season was exceptionally boring. The positive was I able to watch entire episodes in less than 20 minutes. More conniving, back stabbing players always makes for a more interesting season. Let's try to get it right next time.Big Bang Theory - The joke has worn thin. We get it. Smart guys living across the hall from hot girl. Sheldon is difficult to live with. Leonard is romantically tortured and they're all big dorks. The addition of Blossom as the female version of Sheldon hasn't added much to the equation. It may be time to wrap this one up.
The Office - I guess we shouldn't call it a down season once it becomes a trend. The Office has been slipping for years and so far this season if appears Michael Scott is going to go out with a whimper. The first half of the season has produced three good episodes. I think most hardcore Office fans wish the producers had decided to end the shows run at the end this season with the departure of Michael. At least we did get to vicariously exercise some of our anger towards Jim's character through Dwight's snowball demolishing of his manhood.
East Bound & Down - The season in Mexico failed on many levels. Mostly it failed by trying to tell the same joke over and over. Don Johnson's stint at Kenny's dad was unnecessary and not particularly funny. They took way to long to get the highlight of the season, Stevie down to Mexico. I'm interested to see if there's anywhere they can take Kenny that will keep us entertained with new comedic situations.Project Runway - Generally boring cast + unexplained bad judging = bad season.
Cut from the DVR roster
The Big C - This show proved that it takes more than Oliver Platt to keep me interested in a show. Laura Linney was able to create the most unlikeable cancer patient in the history of television. Even Kevin Garnett would agree with me on that.
Glee - Wow. You guys were able to take a fun, interesting show and turn it into a terrible weekly hatefest in record time. Last season, the Glee kids were worth rooting for as the school underdogs. This season I wanted to see them all drown in a giant Slurpee. Want a lesson on doing theme shows? See Community.
No Ordinary Family - Never really got off the ground for me. I hated the kids and wanted more Conrad and Vick Mackey from Romany Malco and Michael Chiklis. I'm not sure crime fighting super heroes can successfully work as a family show. Super heroes inherently require dark sides to balance their powers.
S#*! My Dad Says - The opening credits rolled and the show immediately went from 0 to terrible. I lasted one episode and just barely. A sitcom without a single funny moment might not work.
How I Met Your Mother - Much like Big Bang Theory, HIMYM seems to have run it's course. Get to the part where you meet their mother already. We get it. You have a womanizing friend who wears suits and is played by Doogie Howser. You're friends with a kookie married couple and a struggling news anchor and you really like architecture. Now how did you meet these never aging super patient kid's mother?
 | |
| More Lenore please |
Nurse Jackie -I've been re-watching The Sopranos lately and I find that I have to fast forward through all Melfi and most Carmella scenes because I can't stand Edie Falco's voice and face. A hatred for some one's voice and face make it very difficult to enjoy a show centered on that person.
Hung - It's gonna take a lot more full frontal scenes of Lenore and far fewer scenes of Tanya and Ray's kids to get me to watch again.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Are you ready for some TV? pt. 4 NBC
 | |
| Ron Swanson American Hero |
NBC is the only network that doesn't have a new show worth checking out. The Event? No thanks, I'll keep getting my conspiracy fix from Rubicon. The Chase? Jerry Bruckheimer and I'm out. Maybe I'll Netflix Chuck and give it a shot. Although, since I've heard good things about it NBC will soon give it the Friday Night Lights purgatory treatment.
Fall Roster
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| Alison Brie. That is all. |
30 Rock - Thurs 7:30c - 30 Rock still very solid. Alec Baldwin and Tracy Morgan make it a must watch every week.
Veterans trying to avoid being cut
 | |
| More Nard Dog |
Rookies trying to make it
None. Congratulations NBC you suck. Keep running The Apprentice and finding new cities to throw a Law & Order in. No one really expects more from you.
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