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?