In “Cardinal”, the second episode of the current season, paranoia grasped ahold of Elizabeth Jennings and would not let go. It was at the time immediately following Emmett and Leanne’s murders, when Philip and Elizabeth were given a harsh dose of reality about the dangers that could potentially befall their kids. We’ve come full circle, and as we continue to explore the circumstances surrounding their murders, Elizabeth continues to grow more protective.
“This was never about winning. It was just about surviving.”
No one can definitively “win” in a world that’s constantly changing, making room for new technologies and new beliefs and new lifestyles; like Root says, one can merely survive, protecting those you love and keeping yourself safe. So, as we’re ushered into the age of Samaritan, that’s exactly what Reese, Finch, Root, Shaw, and co. have to do.
“Look, if you were over there, looking at us, what you’d see is that we’re a perfect match.”
There’s always been an emotional truth to Louie, an honesty that’s truly a marvel to watch unfold; CK is a masterful writer, whether it be for a cringe-worthy comedic scene or a serious, genuine conversation like the one we get at the end of “So Did the Fat Lady”, and here, he continues to craft what is looking like an excellent season.
After a quick-moving premiere, 24 eases up on the throttle a bit as it starts to shade in the various characters and their places in this world. “1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.” starts to fall back into some annoying patterns, but it’s still an enjoyable episode.
“Get out while you still can!”
Michael Ginsberg warns Peggy and the rest of SC&P as he’s being wheeled out of the office, one nipple missing and downward spiral complete. Although the breakdown doesn’t have the effect it could’ve had, it’s still an incredibly sad situation to witness: here’s a man who’s unable to run away from the circumstances, who feels like he’s on the outside looking in, so much so that paranoia sets in and sends him hurtling over the edge.
“The spirit of man is in fact a thing variable and full of perturbation, and governed as it were by chance.” –Francis Bacon
As much as organizations like the Dyad Institute or people like the Proletheans seem to have a “master plan”, they are in fact governed by the spirit of man, their own desires and perspectives that play a role in the idea of chance. Chance is a dangerous thing, and when your personal goals are intermingled with what you believe to be your destiny, chance can tear down any foundation you’ve built up.
The opening moments of “Ko No Mono” convey an image of Will being reborn from the stag, emerging under the guidance of Hannibal Lecter and transforming into the very thing the doctor’s always wanted him to be. This rebirth, however, is through Hannibal’s eyes, as he believes he’s acting as father, as friend, as mentor.
NBC, you are a wonderful network. Oh, the drama. Oh, the comedy. Oh, the singing competitions and football. And to have the gall to cancel Community after you’ve screwed it over countless times before? I commend you, you beautiful mishmash of broken dreams and awful decisions, you excellent schedule-makers that net you almost–almost!–1.0 ratings in the 18-49 demo. As we all know, 1.0 is two times 0.5, and double of anything is always good (See: The Voice). Continue reading
As we head toward the end of season 2 of The Americans, the dominoes are being set up as everything hangs by a thread, ready to crumble at any second. In “Stealth”, all our characters are feeling trapped in some way, looking to break free from the grip of their current lives. Can they, though?
“Lots of stuff happens after you die. It’s just that none of it includes you.”
Louie has always been a simultaneously hilarious and a bit depressing, portraying a man pretty much just living his life, performing sets at the Comedy Cellar and taking care of his daughters and dealing with his myriad problems. In the fourth season premiere, it’s all about age, and from the show’s simplicity comes some rich, compelling television.
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