TV Week in Review: 31st July – 4th August

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?

TV Week in Review: July 24th-28th

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?

TV Week in Review: 17th-21st July

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?

TV Week in Review: 11th – 14th July

Three cheers for the return of Patty Hewes and Brenda Lee Johnson. Yeah, I still haven’t gotten around to officially commenting on the Emmy nominations which inexplicably snubbed Kyra Sedgwick’s work on The Closer but it’s been a great week of television otherwise. All five shows brought greatness to the table.

        

True Blood, Season Four; Episode Three: “If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin'?” [B+]

If last week’s episode of True Blood, this one was oestrogen. After the acmes last week the characters deal with the fallout – Eric’s missing memory being the primary one. The episode is most valuable for me just for the opportunity to see Skarsgard playing in a different register. As interesting a performer as he is, I find Erik to be the most static of the main cast and there’s a great amount of humour to find the thousand year old vampire reduced to infantile mannerisms. But, along with the humour comes the darker facets. Erik’s in palpable and it’s nice seeing Pam and Sam Sookie dealing with it. And as Erik’s shifts personalities, it seems so does Bill. I’ve never been a fan of Bill, but with this undertone of darkness he’s become far more interesting and Ball does an excellent job of blurring the lines as to right or wrong in his plight as King of Louisiana. The B plots succeed in differing respects. Kwanten is a good enough actor so that he can make the werewolf storyline work, thus far, but I’m already getting exasperated. Fiona Shaw is still being remarkable as Marnie but I’m hungry for more combat even if I did love the trio of Tara, Lafayette and Jesus teaming. I’m a fan of Wesley, so more Tara makes me happy and her conversation with Sam managed to be both humorous and touching. As far as poignancy goes, Jessica and Hoyt. This show has such a humongous cast that the actors have to convey significant aspects in little time and Parrack and Woll are both brilliant in that pivotal scene, only reiterating the difficulty of life as a vampire. Sure, it’s a more sedate episode but it’s still good stuff.

[Writing: B+; Directing: B/B+]

         

The Big C, Season Two; Episode Three: “Sexual Healing” [B+]

Andrea moving in with Cathy and her family is going to be something interesting. The show is smart enough to make Andrea more than the random sassy girl, and she’s always fun interacting with Linney. She also manages to forge believable chemistry with Oliver Platt, who was particularly excellent in this last episode. It revolved around sex and it’s great to see how Paul has developed as a character since the show’s season premiere. Rebecca and Sean are having their own sexual tryst, as is Adam who’s growing up before our very eyes. It shall be interesting to see what becomes of Sean’s current state of normalcy prompted by his bipolar medicine.

[Writing: B+/A-; Directing: B+]

The Closer, Season Seven; Episode One: “Unknown Trouble” [B/B+]

The Closer lives and dies by its leading lady, Brenda Lee Johnson. The modus operandi of the show is as basic as ever on procedurals, but the writing is more often than not surprisingly pervasive and Sedgwick is always a trooper. As far as premiere’s go it’s not faultless but, like a number of like-minded procedurals – things get interesting when we leave the procedure. Changes are afoot at the LAPD and it seems that Pope may be leaving and Mary McDonnell (now a series regular) is back to investigate Brenda’s conduct. The actual murder of a would-be rapper is standard ilk, but watching Brenda sidle around her superiors is fun to watch. Still, those last three minutes which could have felt like an unnecessary curveball ended up being as surprising and full of serendipitous madness as one could hope. Changes are afoot, but probably not those we anticipated...

[Writing: B+; Directing: B]

Damages: “There's Only One Way to Try  a Case” [B+]

As much as I enjoyed The Killing towards the end of last year’s television season no other shows handles season long mysteries, morally ambiguous leads and broody atmosphere as well as Damages and now that they’re off network TV we can actually hear swearing. Patty Hewes is back in full form with a granddaughter. It’s three years since we last saw her and as is wont to a show like Damages there’s no time wasted on exposition. We’re immediately thrust into the now and Ellen is trying to build a case against potential war profiteer (played by John Goodman). I have to give props to Byrne who’s finally grown up. I found her so bland in some season one episodes I was watching last week, but she delivers a fine performance especially opposite Chris Messina – her friend who could be the key to the case. (Remember how that worked out for her in the first season?) Patty dealing with her granddaughter is interesting, although the episode is curiously low on giving her much to do. It’s a great premier, though. Let’s see what this season is going to offer us...

[Writing: B+; Directing: B+]

Wilfred: “Acceptance” [B+]

This week’s episode is even more ridiculous than the first three, but Wilfred is turning into must-see television for me. Ryan’s sister turns up yet again, but this time her interactions are much more interesting and even essential to the plot. Because Ryan’s helping her Wilfred gets put in doggy day-care which features a ridiculous arc of him being potentially molested by the owner (played by Ed Helms). It’s absolute craziness, but that is – essentially – what this show is, crazy. And, it works excellently. The comedic beats on this show are priceless, and it’s so surprising seeing how brilliant Elijah Wood here. I never thought he’d have had such a gift for comedy.

[Writing: B+; Directing: B+/A-]

Stray Thoughts

• I’ve been watching some random True Blood episodes and as good as the season is going I miss old pairings like Jason/Tara, Sam/Sookie.
• I hate to be that person, but doesn’t Patty’s granddaughter freak anyone else out?
• Who’s watching Breaking Bad tonight?

   

Standout Performers

Kyra Sedgwick in The Closer B+/A-

Elijah Wood in Wilfred B+

Oliver Platt in The Big C B+

Rose Byrne in Damages B+

Alexander Skarksgard in True Blood B+

Glenn Close in Damages B+

Jason Gann in Wilfred B+

        

What did you watch this past week?

Encore Emmy Ballot: Comedies (Pt. 2)

Two more days until the actual Emmy nominees are announced, so I need to get my actual Emmy ballot in before they're disqualified. Bear with me, and let me pretend I have a say. So, back with my ballot - part two of the comedy. (go see Part One: Drama, Part One: Comedy)

OUTSTANDING WRITING
 Nominees
Cougar Town / Ryan Koh & Sam Laybourne for “Lost Children”
Nurse Jackie / Ellen Fairey for “Orchids and Salami”
Modern Family Abraham Higginbotham for “Regrets Only”
The Office / Mindy Kaling for “Classy Christmas”
Parks and Recreation / Amy Poehler for “The Fight”
Parks and Recreation / Katie Dippold for “Indianapolis”

Nurse Jackie is excellently written, even if I figure that the actual Emmy's will ignore it. “Orchids and Salami” is sort of a standout episode, writing wise at least. It mixes all those witticisms of the show with some astute, if subtle, pop culture references. And, it cashes in on how good the main cast are together, which is something that “Lost Children” does brilliantly. The madness of the cul-de-sac crew playing their childish games was great, but it was Ellie and Bobby's TV show Beef and Bubbles which got the biggest laughs. As much as I love B. J. Novak I have to give props to Mindy Kaling for being the best writer on The Office. Her episodes always manage to recall that great ensemble nature that makes the show so good and the return of Holly is worthy of mention.  “Regrets Only” does some interesting thing with the flashback motif and stands out as my favourite episode of the show, this season. Then Parks and Recreation - “The Fight” has that hilarious drunken gag and “Indianapolis” has Leslie's gag about being dumped. And those are just two examples of how brilliant this show is.
Runners-Up: The Big C for “Pilot” / / Modern Family for “Caught in the Act” / Nurse Jackie “Mitten” / Entourage for “Stunted” / Episodes for “Episode Two” / Glee for “Original Song”


OUTSTANDING DIRECTING
Nominees:
Cougar Town / Michael McDonald for “Lost Children”
Entourage / David Nutter for “Lose Yourself”
Modern Family Dean Parisot for “Regrets Only”
Nurse Jackie / Tristram Shapeero for “Rat Falls”
The Office / Rainn Wilson for “Classy Christmas”
Parks and Recreation / Randall Einhorn for “The Fight”

The finale wasn’t the best episode of the last season of Entourage, but it was more than skilfully directed. As the walls started crumbling around Vince it was interesting how it was the direction and not the writing which ended up being the effective way in which it was showed. The choices from Cougar Town and Modern Family both exist as my favourite things on both shows this past season. The former is brilliant because it sees the appearance of the entire gang in one place being ridiculously childish. The time flies by and it makes the potentially tougher issues develop in such a natural, comedic way. The latter is great because it’s one of those episodes where the three arcs are balanced so well not only because of the script, but because of how they’re showed to us. For, Nurse Jackie just the image of that rat falling on Zoey’s lunch makes it worthy of consideration. Both, The Office and Parks and Recreation have episodes featuring celebrations, the first for Christmas and the second for Tom’s club. The latter wins just for that drunken montage.

Runners-Up: Modern Family for “Halloween” / Parks and Recreation for “Harvest Festival”/ 30 Rock for “Christmas Attack Zone / The Big C for “Pilot” / Cougar Town for “Walls” / Glee for “Furt” / The Office for “Garage Sale”


OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR
Nominees:
Alec Baldwin in 30 Rock for “Everything Sunny All the Time Always”
Ty Burrell in Modern Family for “Mother Tucker”
Steve Carell in The Office for “Garage Sale”
Matt LeBlanc in Episodes for “Episode Two”
Stephen Mangan in Episodes for “Episode One”
Jeremy Piven in Entourage for “Porn Scenes from an Italian Restaurant”
   
I was back and forth on where to categorise LeBlanc, but I decided I’d lodge him here. Sure, he’s the least impressive of the six nominees, but he IS hilarious on Episodes, hardly the MVP but well balanced and subtle enough to be garishly caricature-like. Mangan works well opposite him, but even better opposite Greig who plays his wife. Carrell and Baldwin are both default nominees, it seems, but both had great seasons. One gained a wife, one gained one – then lost her. But, it’s all about Piven and Burrell for me. Curiously, both men submitted themselves in the supporting category but it’s outstanding Lead Actors I think of when I see them in top form. One’s bathetic, the other’s a bit of a bastard but both manage to be interegrated with their co-stars and still be the best-in-shows without hogging the camera. Goodness.

Runners-Up: John Krasinski in The Office /  Adrian Grenier in Entourage / Kevin Connolly in Entourage /  Matthew Morrison in Glee / Joel McHale in Community
         
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS
Nominees:
Courteney Cox in Cougar Town “You Don’t Know How It Feels”
Edie Falco in Nurse Jackie for “Game On”
Laura Linney in The Big C for “Pilot”
Tamsien Greig” in Episodes for “Episode Two”
Lea Michele in Glee for “Comeback”
Amy Poehler in Parks & Recreation for “Eagleton”
For me, it’s a generally weak field but I like each of these six well enough to consider them seriously. It’s an even split, though, between the incomparable and the good. Cox, Michele and Falco are at the bottom, if only because they’re shows both work best as ensembles for me. Even though Lea is the MVP for her show the writers aren’t as dedicated to making her lead it, she still succeeds for the most part though. It’s the converse thing with Falco and Cox, the writers want it to be their shows, but they keep getting derailed by the far more interesting (and dare I say, outperformed?) by her supporting cast. Greig is phenomenal in Episodes. True, she can’t touch the top 2 but she plays excellently. It’s wrong to call Linney’s Cathy a revelation, we know she’s brilliant. When she nails those scenes on The Big C, I still can’t help but feel like I’m seeing her be brilliant for the first time and it’s sort of the same thing with Poehler who’s grown over the past three years into the finest female lead on television for me.
Runners-Up: Tina Fey in 30 Rock / Marcia Cross in Desperate Housewives

OUTSTANDING COMEDY
Nominees:
The Big C
Cougar Town
Entourage
Episodes
Nurse Jackie
Parks & Recreation
    
I think this is an eclectic bunch. Episodes and Entourage are probably the ones that least people would consider mentioning, the former because few have started watching and the latter because few have continued watching. They both had good seasons, both examining the difficulty of show business but in different beats. The two showtime series are next, both focusing on a woman but with good ensembles to back them up. For the first two seasons Nurse Jackie felt decidedly more dramatic, but it’s found its comedic bone and worked it well in season 3. And, sure, The Big C has a main character stricken with cancer but it’s never mawkish and rarely overdramatic – always consistently humorous, even if morbidly so. Cougar Town managed to find itself, then top itself continuously in its sophomore season becoming ABC’s best show and…thenParks and Recreation. It’s in a class of its own, really.

Runners-Up: Modern Family / The Office / Glee /Community
           
What would your choices look like?

TV Week in Review

True Blood, The Big C and Wilfred.
            
Just some short write-ups this week, all of which are egregiously late.

I caught the first three episodes of FX’s zany new series Wilfred last week. It’s one of the oddest shows I’ve ever gotten the opportunity to see. Elijah Wood is Ryan, who seems to be something of a manic depressive and he forges a friendship with his neighbour’s dog whom he sees as a man – in a dog suit. As I said – difficult to explain. It’s going well so far, though. I’ve always liked Elijah Wood and this role encapsulates a great deal of his appeal.

There’s a sort of bathetic charm about Ryan which is excellently expressed. Obviously, the concept of a man playing a job is a bit illogical but other than the first three episodes are doing a good job of studying its protagonist’s character.

The pilot opens with Ryan printing the fourth draft of a suicide note and as he attempts suicide on what are (unbeknownst to him) sugar pills the writing does much to examine this confusing man. The writers are doing much to reconcile Ryan’s view of Wilfred as a man in a dog suit with some of the more obvious dog actions is used for all the hilarity it could allow. Episode one ends with a riotous hook of Wilfred humping a teddy bear. Fiona Gubbleman as the girl-next-door is affable, but she’s being underused so far. Much more interesting is
Ethan Suplee who plays the neighbourhood jerk. He’s much better used here than he was in My Name Is Earl and watching his short-lived friendship with Ryan in episode three was nice.

There’s no telling where Wilfred is headed, but it’s nice seeing Wood have the opportunity to play such a character and Jason Gann is brilliant as the dog.

Episode 1: B+
Episode 2: B/B+
Episode 3: B+
       
True Blood: “You Smell Like Dinner” [A-]

Even with the fairy land and the sinking in of Sookie’s departure the season premiere of True Blood felt easy and even light, this episode digs a deeper and everything’s looking skewed and dark. Tara returns to good old Bon Temps and of course things are as crazy as usual. We get to see how Bill became the king of Louisiana and the beginning of another arc immediately arises as he continues to keep the secret of Sookie’s blood. I love that Trammell is getting more work to do, but so far I don’t love the arc, although I’m glad to see him and Tommy getting back on track. Despite their supporting status, I like the Hoyt/Jessica relationship and the developing of their issue is well-handled. Of, course the big bombshell is the power of the Wiccan cult which seems to have made Erik lose his memory. Let’s see where that goes...
[Writing B+; Directing A-]

The Big C: “Musical Chairs” [B+]

The second episode of the show’s second season is not as faultless as the first. There are times when the show’s just too happy with Cathy’s bitchiness, but it still makes for good TV. We’ve never gotten the opportunity to see Adam at school, so with the appearance of fall on the show we’re probably going to get some more opportunities to see him with children his own age. Alan Alda is a nice addition as Cathy’s new doctor, and the appearance of the patient who ends up dying is nice way to remind us that at the end of the fourth season Cathy’s probably going to be dying too. Rebecca’s baby-shower gives Nixon the opportunity to be golden, which she succeeds in doing and it’s nice that Cathy and Sean and have reconciled.
[Writing B+; Directing  B+]

Standout Performers
Cynthia Nixon in The Big C B+/A-
Elijah Wood in Wilfred B+
Jason Gann in Wilfred B+
Alexander Sarsgard in True Blood B+
Laura Linney in The Big C B+
Gabriel Basso in The Big C B+

TV Week in Review: Summer Premiere (x2)

Who knows? Maybe two shows don’t deserve a caption of “tv week” in review, especially when they occur on two nights only. But, when those two shows are The Big C and True Blood, and their season premieres which were great, I say they’re both worth it.
               
True Blood / SHE'S NOT HERE [B+/A-]

The best thing to say about this finale was how well integrated and organic the shift in time felt. It feels neither gimmicky nor overwrought. The glossy fairie manages to come off well, too, because it turns out that it looks unnecessarily gaudy for a reason. It IS gaudy and unnatural. Sure, it’s a bit like a roll-call in the way the characters are lined up so we can see what’s changed but it’s handled well. Woo always writes great episodes and it reminds me that True Bloodis one of the best directed series on television right now. Even when writing beats are a bit splotchy, the direction thrives. I didn’t care too much for Tara turning into a lesbian, even though I do give them props because it’s a logical occurrence. Oh, and YAY – Fiona Shaw.
[Writing: B+ / Directing A-]
                     
The Big C / LOSING PATIENTS [A-]

While I was watching the season two opener of The Big C I couldn’t help but remember that EW article claiming that the show is rarely funny. I’m not sure if the writers have decided to come back with a vengeance, or if I’m actively looking this time around but this episode is permeated with excellent comedic beats that make it in an incomparable premier. Things aren’t shrouded with secrets because Paul and Adam both know of Cathy’s sickness and then Rebecca and Sean do. Cynthia Nixon’s reaction is excellent; I’m really hoping they turn her into a regular. It’s great seeing Cathy and Paul bonding and it’s really fun watching where this show decides to go. It’s nice to that the show plans on covering each of the four seasons for the four years of its tenure, but I have to wonder how they’re going to keep Gabriel Basso looking young. Ah well, they’ll cross that bridge when they get there. In the interim, more please?
[Writing: A- / Directing: B+]
               
Standout Performers
Laura Linney in The Big C A-
Oliver Platt in The Big C B+
Anna Paquin in True Blood B+
Ryan Kwanten in True Blood B+
Cynthia Nixon in The Big C B+
                
 I can’t wait for July to get episodes of Damages, The Closer and Breaking Bad to add to my line-up. Did you watch either of these season premieres?

“I want more”

You don’t need to tell me that I’ve been neglecting the blog, I know. It’s not that work is that stressful, but I do spend in excess of nine hours there per day and my faithful steed (aka my laptop) refuses to play nice – as per normal. And that list of films to review keeps piling up (Win Win, No Strings Attached, Kung Fu Panda 2, X Men: First Class, Green Hornet and more).

           

See how out of whack my brain is? I’ve already spiralled off topic – apologies. I’m working on a “project” in anticipation of the Emmy nominees (more on that later) but I do want to do some TV talking. The television season is officially over and some cable shows are beginning their new seasons as early as this week, and those primetime giants will be back in late September. Soon we’ll be getting retrospective and making best-of lists, but for now I want to look ahead. It’s been a good season for some shows, mediocre ones for others but it seems that almost every show, good and bad, keeps dropping the ball on some potentially great characters. Here are some recurring on regular characters on television shows who need to get better or increased material, or in some cases both. Because I’ve been so lazy lately, I’m giving you a two-in-one: two top 5 lists. First, the men…

      

Sean in The Big C (John Benjamin Hickey)

Hickey recently won a Tony for his work in The Normal Heart and if he’d had only a few more killer scenes in The Big C he’d have been a shoo-in for Emmy consideration. He’s the brother of Linney’s cancer patient, and he just happens to be living on the streets – by choice. Hickey paints his intrepid character in broad strokes, but those strokes are hilarious and he’s an absolute delight to watch. He’s great opposite Linney, but even better opposite Cynthia Nixon (a friend of Cathy who he recently impregnated). The Big C just happens to be about someone with cancer, it’s ensemble is brilliant. Hickey needs to get more.

Puck in Glee (Mark Salling)

The amount of things I want to change on Glee…. Musically, Salling is my favourite supporting player on the show and for some time in season one Puck was my favourite character. As of late, though, he’s become one random ball of confusion – like a number of things on the show. It’s not that I object to the presence of Lauren, I just wonder if the writers have any legitimate interest in Puck since they’ve managed to turn him into an overly trite mess. Remember how funny he was dreaming about Rachel in “Mash Up”? Or how surprisingly deep he was offering Quinn that money in “Wheels”? Give the guy something to do. When he’s going to get another Jewish artist to cover?

Mitchell in Modern Family (Jesse Tyler Ferguson)

When the nominations are announced in a few weeks pundits predict that Ferguson will be the lone adult of Modern Family not among the list of nominees. In fact, last year when he was nominated the consensus seemed to be that he’d stolen Ed O’Neil’s nomination. Truthfully, disregarding the actual material given, I think Ferguson’s the most talented of the cast but Mitchell continues to be the one given the worst material. I’ve realised more and more that the entire show revolves around broadly painted stereotypes, but Ferguson (and by extension Stonestreet) deserve more than spilling juice on rugs or worrying about going to a Gaga concert.

David Lee in The Good Wife (Zach Grenier)

Somewhere around the middle of the last season I feel in love with Grenier’s acerbic family law representative of Lockhart/Gardner. Whether he was insulting Derek Bond or advising Alicia on her prospective divorce Grenier was continually excellent offering a brand of caustic humour that the show lacks on occasion. The show already has Eli Gold for random humour, but I’d love if David Lee got a more prominent role in the show next season. He's another theatre alum (Tony nominated for 33 Variations), so far he’s been brilliant opposite Alicia, Diane and Will. Let’s see him face off with Kalinda and Cary.

Lane Pryce in Mad Men (Jared Harris)

Apparently every real Mad Men had orgasmic reactions to “The Suitcase”. I’m not a “real” Mad Men fan (though, I did like the episode). Still, my favourite scene of the last season involved neither Peggy Olson nor Don Draper it was Lane and Joan who defined the season for me. Case in point, that scene in “The Good News” where Lane’s incompetent secretary mixes up his flower orders and Joan and him have that argument. Jared Harris is just perfect as Lyle, whether it’s fending off his abdominal father or dealing with his marriage problems. He’s a great addition to the cast, and I’m hoping that when the show returns he’s given more to work with. More great scenes opposite Hendricks would be great.

And the women…

Kelly in The Office (Mindy Kaling)

Kaling writes for the show, so I figure that they’re not too intent on going overboard with her and, true, I miss Ryan (BJ Novak) just as much. Consider this a nomination for both of them. Kaling was so funny in the season finale, applying for the job of manager, and her ditzy charm works brilliantly especially since she’s so certain that she’s not ditzy. The departure of Carrell has not made me lose interest in the show, but giving Kaling more to do would make me love it even more.

Gillian in Boardwalk Empire (Gretchen Mol)

Mol’s not a regular on Boardwalk Empire and the show boasts such a large ensemble that I could pick out any number of characters who’re worthy of more screen time. Still, Mol is so fantastic in her role that she’s all but begging for a promotion to a regular player. She plays the mother of one of our protagonists, Jimmy. (Ignore the propaganda; Michael Pitt and Steve Buscemi are co-leads.) Her son is 13 years younger than she and she maintains a good relationship with him even as she plays her leading role in a burlesque club. Other than Kelly MacDonald the show is lacking in strong female performers, more of Mol would not be a bad thing.

Diane in The Good Wife (Christine Baranski)

All Diane Lockhart, one of the name partners of Alicia Florrick’s (the eponymous good wife) firm needs is a withering glance and she steals a scene and as much as I love Kalinda (in superlatives) I wish there’d be more for Baranski to do with the role. After the power-play last season by Derek Bond the show sort of lost interest here, and the season finale was egregiously low on Diane witticisms. Hopefully Panjabi will win a second Emmy this season, so the writers need to put all their effort into ensuring that Baranski wins it next season, and for that to happen they need to give her better material to work with.

Donna in Parks and Recreation (Retta)

I’m loathe to say that there’s anything wrong with Parks and Recreation, it’s about as perfect a TV show as there is at the moment but I can’t deny that the opportunity for Retta’s delightful Donna having more screen time would make my day. One of the most surprisingly great arcs last season on the show was Ann and Donna going on speed dates and bumping into each other and the two’s chemistry was brilliant. It’s only proof that Retta is just all around greatness. Give her and her Mercedes more!

Pam in True Blood (Kristin Van Bauer)

Thanks to Jose I’ve fallen truly, madly, deeply in love with True Blood and as expansive as the cast I always feel as if everyone gets enough love – except for Pam. Pam is Eric Northman’s (Alexander Skarsgård) protégé and is one of the best female vampires – ever. There are lot of things I want in season 4 (continued storylines for Sam, a little more Tara and Sookie) but increased Pam is one I want desperately. Kristin Van Bauer deserves something more than occasional one-lines (even if she’s brilliant doing them).
             
Any TV characters you want writers to pay more attention to?