Archive | September, 2013

How I Met Your Mother “The Locket”/”Coming Back” Review (9×01/9×02)

24 Sep

627-1As we head into the final season of “How I Met Your Mother”, a season in which everything is revolving around three days, I have nothing but confidence in the ability of the writers to end the series well. The main question coming into this season is whether or not the character of the mother is well done.

Right now? The answer is yes. For someone we’ve never seen before, and especially as someone who’s made Ted the way he is, the way Cristin Milioti smoothly transitions into the show’s universe is a thing of beauty. Whether it be her interactions with Lily on the train or her interactions with Ted, this adorable, endearing woman seems like a staple of the show already. I can see her as a part of the gang, and I can see why she’s the perfect soul mate for Ted. I could not be happier with the character.

Of course, everything isn’t just about the mother. Marshall spends his time having problems traveling, which is good for a few funny moments. In the second episode, Lily gets drunk and thanks Linus a lot. We also have a subplot in which a desk manager lays the pity thick on Ted, and we have a storyline in which James (Wayne Brady) reveals that he’s getting a divorce due to his cheating ways. This particular storyline is clearly a parallel to Robin and Barney, reflecting Robin’s uncertainty about venturing into the unknown. All of these plots are interesting and funny, but do start to show signs of the constraints the time period requirement has placed on the show.

Still, that final scene between Ted and the mother in “Coming Back” is a thing of beauty. It’s well written, directed, and acted, and is one of the most clever things this show has done in terms of playing with time. It’s also quite perfect, and should kick off a great final season.

“The Locket” Grade: B

“Coming Back” Grade: B-

Overall: B

Other thoughts:

-“You really piqued my incest….INTEREST! INTEREST!”

-“Ma’am, it’s not a race.” “That right there is why you lost!’

-Ring bear

-Ted and the locket will probably be one of the more polarizing storylines this season, as I’m sure many people don’t want to see Ted and Robin go through everything all over again. It may seem like wheel spinning to get to Ted’s happy ending, but there are some chances for great character development here.

-This most likely won’t get regular coverage, but I’ll check in once in a while if I have time.

Credit to CBS and How I Met Your Mother for all pictures. I own nothing.

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Breaking Bad “Granite State” Review (5×15)

23 Sep

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“Stay a little longer?”

Walter White is afraid of isolation. He’s always needed something: his family, his money, his business. However, he’s never been more utterly alone; he’s trapped in a cabin in the snow, forced to sit there all day and contemplate what he’s done. It’s the ultimate coffin for Walter White, a man that will be killed by cancer, but destroyed by his own mind.

Walt’s never been the kind of criminal mastermind he aspires to be. I don’t mean that he isn’t a force in his business, but rather, he can never really become Heisenberg. That’s certainly what he wants, but it’s not something that will come to fruition unless he loses everything. At heart, he’s always been Walter White. He’s made poor choices and been overcome with desperation, but none of the actions that result are truly Heisenberg’s. He’s poisoned his mind, deluding himself into thinking that all those around him should be grateful for everything he’s done for them.

In “Granite State”, he’s still reaching out for that one speck of sympathy, paying his caretaker $10,000 to stay for two hours. Cranston is magnificent here, portraying a disheveled and depressed shell of a former man. No matter how hard he tries, he can’t let go of his past. He dons his Heisenberg hat, but isn’t able to leave the property for months. He tries to use his “We’re done when I saw we’re done” schpiel on Saul, but he breaks down coughing. He, one last time, tries to contact Flynn, but is verbally assaulted in a perfect bout of acting from RJ Mitte. This is the final straw. Walt can’t get any money to his family. He can’t feel useful. He can’t feel needed. He calls the police, fully intending to turn himself in. However, he sees something that gives him pause.

The Gray Matter folks surprisingly show up again, and they’re looking to bury Walt. Everything’s changed. Walt’s going to live out his Heisenberg persona for the first time, ready to prove to the world that he’s truly a man to be feared. He’s not weak. He’s not gone. He’s angry. What’s getting him into this is what got him into the situation in the first place: a sense of honor. It’s always been about the chemistry.

Breaking-Bad-515-react

It’s a slow place-setter for the finale, but the theme song closing out the episode makes you excited to see what will happen to the once-great Walter White. The eye of the storm has passed.

GRADE: B+

Other thoughts:

-Jesse’s been so brutalized that we just can’t help but wonder if he’d be better off dead. Andrea’s death feels so cruel, pointless, and terrible, and Aaron Paul’s face after that scene reflects the anguish, the horror, and the gravity of the situation in a brilliant light.

-Jesse’s escape is extremely nerve-wracking, too…here I am, yelling “RUN JESSE RUN!” all Jenny-like.

-Todd has really become a terrifying character. He’s entirely happy to be a pawn in all of this, and his infatuation with Lydia is becoming stranger every day. Lydia’s interesting as well; she expects everything to be handed to her on a silver platter, and she avoids trouble when she can.

-In addition, Todd appears in Holly’s room and threatens Skyler. That’s a no-no.

-“I watched a few Youtube videos..the trick is finding the vein.”

-Ice cream for Jesse

-I hope Huell’s still just sitting in that room.

-If Walt had just listened to Saul, he could’ve avoided all this. What’s terrible is that his seemingly decent phone call last week turns out to be for naught, as Skyler will always be a target as long as Walt stays hidden.

-Walt has Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium...just two of them!

-Congrats to Anna Gunn and the show on their Emmys. They’re well deserved.

-“If you look around, it’s kinda beautiful.” Walter White will never be able to fully appreciate his surroundings.

-Seeing snow in the show is weird. However, it makes sense thematically. Walt’s always been stuck in the  snow, but he hasn’t been able to realize it. Now that he does realize it, he can strip away his Walter White layer and embrace the Heisenberg. Watch out, Carol.

Credit to AMC and Breaking Bad for all pictures. I own nothing.

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Dexter “Remember the Monsters” Review (8×12)

23 Sep

seriesfinaledexterA killer usually pays for his crimes. What has Dexter Morgan paid for? At the end of the 96th and final episode of the series, Dexter’s off being a lumberjack somewhere, Deb is dead, and Hannah and Harrison are living their own lives. Everything has changed, but at the same time, it hasn’t.

Let’s back up a bit. The episode is structured around Dexter’s attempts to get out of Miami, but not before he ensures the safety of Deb and the death of Oliver Saxon. Deb has been shot and is laying in a hospital bed, Dexter and Hannah are in the airport, and Saxon’s on the loose. After Dexter gets the call about his sister’s situation, he immediately rushes back to help her.

Now, this is certainly a promising plot to model the episode around, as the Deb-Dexter relationship has always been the central relationship of the show. However, instead of really honing in on the two of them, we have some contrived tension in the form of Oliver Saxon to deal with; this guy somehow kills someone in broad daylight, holds a veterinarian hostage, and enters the hospital by means of a distraction: cutting off the vet’s tongue. If this isn’t silly enough, Dexter later kills him with a pen, and Batista and Quinn study it, ask a few questions, and move on. This really is emblematic of the whole show, isn’t it? No one ever suspects Dexter, and if they do, he always gets away with it. Also, people are idiots.

It’s maddening, really, considering Season 2 explored that path with Doakes. Even that season ended with a Dexter win, though, setting up the next six years of wheel spinning. So here, after Dexter dispatches Saxon, he returns to a now deteriorating Deb that has no chance of ever living a normal life again. This is such an interesting turn of events, as Dexter has to grapple with the moral value of letting her live. However, it turns out to be just another attempt to vindicate him, making him out to be some sort of hero that is absolved of all sins. The thing is, he’s not!

Anyway, he rides off into the ocean, dumping Deb’s body into the watery grave of his former victims and disappearing. Hannah’s left with Harrison, a boy who is now free to grow up without the influence of a serial killer father. I suppose it’s a decent act, but at its core, it’s just another attempt to escape.

627-1Deb’s death is supposed to be a traumatic one that hits Dexter at his core, causing him to reevaluate his life (which should’ve happened a while ago). However, he doesn’t need to do anything except run away. It’s an easy way out for the writers, and I can only lament at the waste of potentially great storylines: Vogel, the fallout over LaGuerta’s death, and the cracking down of the law. Frankly, it’s not surprising that the show would limp off into the sunset. I just wish that the writers had pushed aside the emphasis on the supporting cast, cut the middling storylines, and really told the story of Dexter Morgan the way it was supposed to be told? This, though? This is not it.

Grade: C-

Other thoughts:

-What’s the point of Masuka and his daughter this season?

-The final shot is of Dexter sitting at a table, pondering the choices he’s made. Or, he could be thinking about what he’ll have for dinner. Who knows?

-How does a hospital hallway go from completely empty, save for a couple of killers, to full of cops in 2 seconds?

-Still, I’d like to compliment Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter. They do the best they can, and they’re both excellent actors.

-Hannah’s storyline with Elway is unnecessarily stupid. First of all, there has to be a ton of plot contrivances to even get to that scene on the bus. Second, who cares about Elway?

-Quinn isn’t all that insufferable in this episode, actually.

-The flashbacks are weird. It’s just a way to show HOW MUCH DEXTER HAS CHANGED!

-Where’s Astor and Cody?

-Deb needs her own bench.

-The CGI hurricane is laughingly terrible. You know what would make it better? Sharks.

-Jamie shows up.

-Thanks for reading, guys. It’s been frustrating, yet enjoyable, covering this show, and I will always maintain that it used to be incredibly entertaining television. It’s a shame it had to turn out this way. You can also check out my Dexter retrospective, which takes a look back at the series as a whole. Thanks again.

Credit to Showtime and Dexter for all pictures. I own nothing.

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Emmys Dream Ballot+Predictions-Outstanding Drama Series

22 Sep

Welcome to my coverage of the 2013 Primetime Emmys. As it’s less than a day away, I’ve decided to start a series in which I offer up my dream ballot for each major category. Then, I’ll look at the actual Emmy ballot and offer a “Who should win?” and a “Who Will Win?” for each. I hope you enjoy! Today, we’ll be looking at….

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES

Breaking-Bad-Logo-2  “BREAKING BAD”

I thought the first half of Season 5 was a step down from seasons 3 and 4, but it was still some brilliant television. Walt’s rise was expertly portrayed, and there were some devastating episodes in there. The acting, writing, and directing continued to be among the best on TV.

hannibal-logo-jpg  “HANNIBAL”

It’s a shame this wasn’t on cable, because it would have a better chance of getting recognized there. I wasn’t keen to the concept of another serial killer drama, but this show evolved into something much more. The character work was brilliant, the cinematography was gorgeous, and the show was violent and intense.

game-of-thrones-free-burning-logo  “GAME OF THRONES”

Season 3 took the show to new highs, showcasing different characters like Jaime Lannister and Catelyn Stark. It’s always impressive how many storylines the show can juggle at once, and season 3 delivered a slow buildup that culminated in one of the best TV spectacles of all time: “The Rains of Castamere”.

Rectify_series_logo  “RECTIFY”

One of the surprises of the TV season, “Rectify” quickly took hold and defied the natural inclinations of other shows. It moved slowly, favoring character focus and examination of everyday life over quick moving storylines, violence, and sex. The acting was as good as you’ll ever see on TV.

The_Americans_logo  “THE AMERICANS”

The spy drama set in the Cold-War era quickly burst onto the scene, delivering one of the best first seasons of any show in recent memory. Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell anchored a wonderful cast, and each episode brought the intrigue, character development, and action that any spy drama requires.

mm_end_frame-0-1280-0-1024  “MAD MEN”

One of the staples of the current television era, “Mad Men” was as good as ever in season 6. It brilliantly portrayed two agencies clashing over business, then combined them and grew into an examination of characters like Don and Peggy. New characters like Bob Benson were the subject of speculation on the Internet. Betty was integrated well. The season finale was a masterpiece. All in all, another great season.

Which should win?

I hate not picking Breaking Bad, but honestly, Hannibal and Rectify might get my pick over it. Mad Men was just as deserving as well.

Others considered: Scandal, Spartacus, Treme, Justified, Homeland, House of Cards, Dexter, Boardwalk Empire, Parenthood, Southland, Bates Motel, Fringe, Orphan Black

On to the real nominations…

Breaking Bad

Downton Abbey

Game of Thrones

Homeland

House of Cards

Mad Men

Which should win?

Breaking Bad

Which will win?

House of Cards

Analysis: This is a strange choice, but I’m going all in on it. I expect House of Cards to be the Homeland of this year, as it has big buzz around it in the form of Oscar winner Kevin Spacey and the Netflix model. However, it won’t sweep the top awards, as Danes is unstoppable. I don’t think it deserves to win, but I’m predicting it will. As for Breaking Bad, that would be my second choice, especially considering the final season is airing opposite the Emmys this year (if Breaking Bad doesn’t sweep all the awards next year, I’ll be angry. This final half-season is the best it has ever been). Homeland could win, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it did, but I feel like the voters recognized the drop in quality this year.

Credit to AMC, NBC, HBO, Sundance, FX, The Americans, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Rectify, Game of Thrones, and Hannibal for all pictures. I own nothing.

 

 

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Emmys Dream Ballot+Predictions-Outstanding Comedy Series

22 Sep

Welcome to my coverage of the 2013 Primetime Emmys. As it’s less than a day away, I’ve decided to start a series in which I offer up my dream ballot for each major category. Then, I’ll look at the actual Emmy ballot and offer a “Who should win?” and a “Who Will Win?” for each. I hope you enjoy! Today, we’ll be looking at….

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES

Louie_logo  “LOUIE”

This was an insanely great season of television, featuring wonderful guest stars in Melissa Leo and Parker Posey, always hilarious situations, and a surprisingly emotional final arc.

images  “30 ROCK”

In the final season of the beloved show, Tina Fey, her writers, and the rest of the cast pulled off one of the best endings of all time. The series finale was perfect, and the episodes leading up to it was full of classic 30 Rock humor, fast paced dialogue, and character moments for the people we’ve come to love.

New-Girl-Logo  “NEW GIRL”

The second season of the show elevated it from good to great, becoming more hilarious than ever. It also deftly handled the Nick-Jess relationship in a way that a central sitcom relationship has never been handled before. Deschanel and Johnson are brilliant, and Greenfield and Morris round out the cast nicely.

Enlightened_logo-300x155  “ENLIGHTENED”

I loved this show. It was realistic, genuine, moving, and hilarious, and Laura Dern and Mike White did some of the most fantastic acting I’ve seen on television, and the ending was pretty much perfect. It’s not a show for everyone, but give it a try. It will draw you in. *Expect TV Classic coverage of the show in the winter.

veep-81  “VEEP”

The biting, satirical HBO comedy was on its game once again last year. It delivered episode after episode of quotable insults, hilarious facial expressions, and cringe-worthy situations. It also sports one of the best casts on TV.

1024px-Girls_logo  “GIRLS”

I had a hard time choosing between this and “Parks and Recreation” for the final spot, but I ultimately went here because I thought it did a better job of telling a complex, cohesive storyline. All the actors did wonderful work portraying people heading down dark paths, and the show was still funny.

Who should win?

It’s between Enlightened and Louie.

Others considered: Parks and Recreation, Archer, The Office, Happy Endings, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Wilfred, The Big Bang Theory, Arrested Development, Raising Hope, The Middle

On to the real nominations…

30 Rock

The Big Bang Theory

Girls

Louie

Modern Family

Veep

Which should win?

Louie

Which will win?

30 Rock

Analysis: I’m feeling it, guys. I’m feeling Modern Family’s streak will end. However, it’s a toss up between 30 Rock and Big Bang for the win, and I’m going with 30 Rock due to possible final season nostalgia. However, Louie is still the absolute best of the six shows, and I’m happy it was at least recognized.

Credit to Louie, Girls, Enlightened, 30 Rock, New Girl, Veep, FOX, HBO, NBC, and FX for all pictures. I own nothing.

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Strike Back “Shadow Warfare, Episode 6” Review (3×06/4×06)

22 Sep

Strike-Back-306IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR MY SEASON FINALE (EPISODE 10) REVIEW, HERE IT IS: https://polarbearstv.com/2013/10/19/strike-back-shadow-warfare-episode-10-review-3x104x10/

Just a couple quick bullet points coming up…

-There seems to be a sense of finality with Scott and Stonebridge, and although I’m sure they won’t exit the show, they’re contemplating a life outside of Section 20. Their conversation in the car, Stonebridge’s injury, Scott’s seeking out of an ex…all are telling signs of fatigue. The diamonds represent their way out.

-Of course, Stonebridge seems to be fine at episode’s end. I feel like they hit the thematic elements a bit too on the nose in this episode, as he’s the one to take out the bad guy in a scene reminiscent of last week’s cliffhanger. His affliction was probably a mental problem, but I wish the storyline gained some more traction.

-Locke’s character seems to be getting explored more, as this episode reveals a deeper connection between him and McKenna’s brother. The episode does a nice job of reflecting Locke’s dangerous position, and we always have that feeling that the show might just kill him off. That won’t happen, at least for a couple of episodes.

-The conversation at the end between Stonebridge and Locke continues the season’s theme of past tragedy, as Locke asks whether killing Hanson satisfied Stonebridge in any way.

-McKenna dies, leaving the show without a formidable Big Bad. Al-Zuhari is waiting in the wings, but it seems like the show is reverting back to its pre-Conrad Knox times by waiting until the end to reveal him.

-The mortar attack on the embassy is really creative, and one of the better action sequences they’ve done.

-I’m extremely intrigued by Kamali’s character, and he’s inherently interesting no matter what side he’s on. However, I love the fact that the show is playing with standard conventions and having him work with Section 20. It’s obvious he has something hidden, and it’s always possible he’s playing the long con. His short-lived dynamic with Dalton was well done, though, and his interactions with the team right now are great.

-Stonebridge turns down Martinez!

-I apologize for the delay in posting.

Grade: B

Credit to Cinemax and Strike Back for all pictures. I own nothing.

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Emmys Dream Ballot+Predictions-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

20 Sep

Welcome to my coverage of the 2013 Primetime Emmys. As it’s less than a week away, I’ve decided to start a series in which I offer up my dream ballot for each major category. Then, I’ll look at the actual Emmy ballot and offer a “Who should win?” and a “Who Will Win?” for each. I hope you enjoy! Today, we’ll be looking at….

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Dream Ballot

Hugh-Dancy-of-Hannibal_gallery_primary  HUGH DANCY, “Hannibal”

In a performance strikingly similar to wife Claire Danes’ Carrie Mathison, Dancy is playing the role of a mentally unstable, workaholic character. He commits to the role with sometimes terrifying resolve, resulting in a character who draws us in to his spiral into madness. His work in the later parts of the season is matched by very few.

Rectify-Aden-Young  ADEN YOUNG, “Rectify”

In an intense, complex, and moving performance, Aden Young delivered Emmy-worthy scenes across only six episodes. It’s a quiet performance, but that just makes it even more impressive. Young was always focused, even during scenes where he was just staring off into the distance.

Bryan-Cranston-of-Breaking-Bad_gallery_primary  BRYAN CRANSTON, “Breaking Bad”

Cranston is always at the top of his game as Walter White, and in the first half of the fifth season, he was just as good as ever, delivering a chilling performance as a mastermind on top of the world. His relationships with Skyler, Jesse, and Mike were all incredibly compelling and heartbreaking, and he was a major part of that.

Jon-Hamm-of-Mad-Men_gallery_primary  JON HAMM, “Mad Men”

This guy deserves an Emmy. The problem is, there are so many other fantastic actors that he always falls by the wayside. Still, his performance in season 6 explored his troubled past, taking him down a dark path as he bounced off people like Peggy, Pete, Megan, and Sylvia. The finale was a masterpiece for both him and the show.

homeland-season-2-episode-5-damien-lewis  DAMIAN LEWIS, “Homeland”

Last year’s winner, Lewis remained superb as Nicholas Brody, delivering one of the best television performances ever in “Q&A” (one of the best television episodes ever, as well). Although the show went off the rails after that, he maintained that steely presence, taking his relationships with Abu Nazir and Carrie Mathison a step deeper.

matthew-rhys-americans-635  MATTHEW RHYS, “The Americans”

I had an extremely difficult time choosing between him and Timothy Olyphant for the final spot, but I chose him. He handled Philip’s character shifts extremely well, interacting with Elizabeth and Martha in different ways. He can portray spy and regular person equally well, and he had a nice wig and glasses.

Who should win?

This may be the toughest category. Both Young and Dancy need recognition, as they’re both in low-rated, but brilliant shows. Lewis had the best episodic performance out of all of them, but the season as a whole wasn’t as great for him as season 1. Rhys was great, but not good enough to win. Hamm should have won already. Cranston should still win. I have no idea.

Others considered: Timothy Olyphant, Steve Buscemi, Kevin Spacey, Michael C. Hall, Jonny Lee Miller, Peter Krause, Clarke Peters, Andre Braugher, Michael Emerson, Joshua Jackson, Jeff Daniels

On to the real nominations…

Hugh Bonneville, “Downton Abbey”

Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad”

Jeff Daniels, “The Newsroom”

Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”

Damian Lewis, “Homeland”

Kevin Spacey, “House of Cards”

Who should win?

Hamm

Who will win?

Spacey

Analysis: I think Spacey can take the crown and be the Damian Lewis of this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if he won; the voters love movie stars. Lewis also could win, considering “Q&A” was a perfect showcase for him, and Cranston was very good as well (I think that “Crawl Space” was a much better episode for him, though, and he didn’t win for that). Again, JON HAMM NEEDS AN EMMY. His work in the finale was magnificent.

Credit to Sundance, AMC, NBC, Showtime, FX, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, The Americans, Rectify, Hannibal, and Homeland for all pictures. I own nothing.

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It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia “The Gang Tries Desperately to Win an Award” Review (9×03)

19 Sep

627

Just a couple quick bullet points coming up….

-The show has been, for the most part, snubbed at the Emmys every single year. This episode marks the first time that Always Sunny has addressed the issue, and it’s an episode-long meta commentary on the nature of what usually gets nominated. Suds represents the saccharine, safe, and pleasant entertainment viewers usually seek out, and there is a multitude of clever references to the type of show Sunny is (“We’re too fringe! I mean, it’s given us a lot of street cred, but we’ve alienated a lot of people in this town.” and “We know we’re cool, and our customers know we’re cool, but the industry doesn’t get it yet.”).

-Charlie Day’s a pretty good singer, and his final, drug induced song is a massive middle finger to the entertainment industry as a whole. Everyone else’s reactions to this, and his first, songs are pitch perfect as well.

-Chad Coleman returns as Z, and he’s as hilarious as ever. The episode also contains a hilarious discussion over black people and stereotypes in the media.

-Dee’s cleverly portrayed as the “pretty and benign” female character that’s rammed down our throats everyday by lesser shows.

-Mac getting confused about the jizz is hilarious.

-“He’s been to Paddy’s and he says it’s just a bunch of people yelling over each other.” “That’s what we do, and if people want to tune in, then…”

Grade: B+

Credit to FXX and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia for all pictures. I own nothing.

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The Bridge “Take the Ride, Pay the Toll” Review (1×11)

19 Sep

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“You will be like me when this ends. That I can promise you.”

Marco Ruiz has gone through pain and suffering that no one should ever have to go through. That’s not to say he isn’t to blame for some of it, but he’s been forced down a descending path of darkness, slipping and sliding to the edge of the abyss. That edge manifests itself right there on the bridge in a standoff between David Tate and Marco, and it’s a satisfying conclusion to a storyline that needed to be wrapped up as soon as possible.

The episode doesn’t stray from the events surrounding that standoff, and it’s a tense, well constructed sequence of events. The main problem I have with it is that it’s essentially a rehash of everything that’s played out so far in the season, whether it be David Tate’s psycho-ramblings or Marco’s anguished screams. However, I’m happy that the storyline has finally come to a close. The show’s been spinning its wheels for a while, and there are two episodes left to head back into the world of El Paso. The thing is, I have absolutely no idea what the writers’ plans are for the rest of the season, and I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.

Anyway, both Bichir and Kruger once again do magnificent work, and where they’re at their best is during moments of silence. When Marco asks Sonya about Gus, it’s heartbreaking to see her struggle to answer the question, and the silence says it all. After Tate is dealt with (good work, Sonya!), we also get subsequent scenes of silence, none better than Marco’s scene in the morgue with Gus. Bichir conveys so much emotion there that it makes the last scene incredibly painful and beautiful to watch. Imagine how much more haunting that final image would be if the song doesn’t kick in.

One other scene I’d like to talk about is when Sonya visits Marco in the hospital. She’s devastated, having failed at the most important thing in her life right now. Marco, understandably upset, pushes her away, stating that they’re not friends anymore. It says so much for Sonya’s character growth that she doesn’t point out the fact that she actually saved him, and that everything could’ve been avoided if not for Marco’s actions. Earlier Sonya might’ve, but this case has matured her such that she’ll go out of her way not to point it out. A couple episodes ago, Marco blew up at her for stating the obvious, asking her to just tell him what he wanted to hear. In this episode’s hospital scene, Sonya goes “I told you what you wanted to hear. What was I supposed to do?”

It’s evident that she’s started to learn from Marco and truly cares for him. She’s not going to kick him while he’s down, so that’s what makes the scene that much more heartbreaking.

bombvest

This is one of the better episodes of the season, and I’m uncertain, yet kind of excited, to see where the show goes next.

Grade: A-

Other thoughts:

-I want the Tate storyline to be wrapped up, but not completely ignored later on. There are so many aspects of his character that are way too mysterious and muddled, and I’d like to glean some more information about his motivations. Right now, the storytelling for him is still absolutely ludicrous.

-I’m pleasantly surprised the show has the guts to kill off Gus. It doesn’t have the emotional impact it should have, but Marco makes it work.

-The cold open consists of Ray disposing of some bodies. That’s an interesting way to start off the episode.

-This episode seriously needs a random cutaway, right in the middle of all the tension on the bridge, to Linder dropping bodies out of a window or something.

-Why wouldn’t Marco just throw the gun over the side of the bridge? He’s just asking for Frye to get shot by basically handing the gun back to the murderer right in front of him. Honestly, though, I’m just happy that Frye somehow survives that. Lillard has done such great work with the character, and it would’ve been a crappy way to go out.

Credit to FX and The Bridge for all pictures. I own nothing.

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New Girl “All In” Review (3×01)

18 Sep

newgirl

Season 2 of New Girl was one of my favorite comedic seasons of all time, unexpectedly becoming a show that I still unabashedly love. Just seeing all these characters back on my television screen is a godsend, so I probably like the premiere more right now more than I will on re-watch.

Anyway, the episode sends Nick and Jess off to Mexico on a honeymoon of sorts, which is a move that makes perfect sense. Their relationship is booming, and like any reasonable people, they don’t want it to end. Sending them to Mexico places them in a fantasy from which they never want to leave. Of course, that’s not realistic in the slightest. Nick eventually gets arrested, and Schmidt and Winston find their way across the border, emphasizing the fact that the loft shenanigans will follow them wherever they go.

It’s really a very layered, complex handling of this relationship, and it’s been pleasantly surprising given the fact that it’s a young-skewing show that tries to appeal to the masses. Nick and Jess are genuinely in love, and the show portrays both the difficulties and the delirious highs of a relationship.

Getting back to the episode itself, the one thing I have a problem with is Schmidt’s character. Season 2 made incredible strides with him, transforming him into a more endearing person due to his relationship with Elizabeth. Here, his “dilemma” is incredibly frustrating, and I wish that he would just pick someone. This isn’t the Schmidt we’ve seen recently.

As for Winston, his plot is hilarious, but has no real substance. That’s been indicative of pretty much all of his subplots, and I wish he had more to do. Still, the revelation that he’s color blind is pretty much the best thing ever.

All in all, it’s a welcome, yet flawed, return for New Girl. However, it’s still the hilarious show we’ve come to love.

Grade: B+

Other thoughts:

-“OH MY GOD PULL OVER! That piñata’s shaped like a monkey!” *Cut to commercial*

-The scene where Winston and Schmidt are mouthing at each other behind CeCe’s back is amazing. “I drove there to seduce her…and I seduced her 2 1/2 times.”

-“A blind man could feel the smooth edge of a corner piece!” I love Schmidt’s frustration with Winston.

-“If you think these shows are brown, what color do you think you are?”

-“DISGUSTING TRASH PERSON GARBAGE CHILD!”

-“He’s color blind, which basically makes him a cripple.”

-“My name is Winston Bishop. I’m color blind and I can’t do puzzles. Now let us go home.”

Credit to FOX and New Girl for all pictures. I own nothing.

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