Justified is nearing its end, and everyone’s jostling for a piece of the pie. Deals are being made, plans are being put into place, and some people are getting ready to leave Harlan behind. All that stands between them and an open road? Each other. It’s a tricky situation that’s getting tricker by the minute, and it’s clear that these characters aren’t just going to sit back and let others take control; they are going to do what they have to do to survive, to maintain some semblance of control over their surroundings, and it sure is damn exciting to watch.
Shameless “Carl’s First Sentencing” Review (5×09)
15 Mar“Livin’ life to the fullest. I wouldn’t trade a day.”
“Carl’s First Sentencing” is yet another masterclass in balance, in giving us the Gallagher hijinks that we know and love while also delivering poignantly beautiful moments throughout. It features some questionable writing choices, but as we near the end of another season–which is going by so fast–it’s hard not to get swept up in the constantly unfolding tapestry of the Gallagher universe. I simply can’t tear my eyes away from this hilarious, messed up, and wonderful show.
Banshee “We All Pay Eventually” Review (3×10)
14 Mar“You know, being the sheriff never really suited you.”
For three seasons, we’ve watched Lucas Hood attempt to be a sheriff, to find some semblance of an identity, to balance the lifestyles of an outlaw and a lawman. At the same time, we’ve also seen him grow increasingly tired with the lifestyle, with all the loss and destruction and violence around him. Sure, he’s the kind of guy who always gets drawn back into the fray, but ever since Siobhan’s death, there’s been an emptiness in him that has slowly reached the surface; avenging Siobhan brought closure for Hood regarding her, but it also served to muddle the waters of who exactly he is and who he wants to be.
Shameless “Uncle Carl” Review (5×08)
9 Mar“Gallaghers: it’s kind of a diagnosis, though, right?”
No matter how far apart they are or how many wedges are thrown between them, the members of the Gallagher family will always be tied to each other in one way or another. It’s a big family that is just so damn compelling to watch, and “Uncle Carl” seems to be about emphasizing the connections that all these characters share, about highlighting the positives and negatives of a family tree that is like no other. It’s not the easiest time for the Gallaghers–when is?–but there’s a reason they all share the same name.
Saturday Night Live “Chris Hemsworth/Zac Brown Band” Live Blog and Review (40×15)
7 MarHILLARY CLINTON: SNL‘s political cold opens are more miss than hit these days, but this one is great because of Kate McKinnon’s performance. Amy Poehler did a good job as Clinton, but McKinnon already seems comfortable in the role, and I look forward to seeing more of the impression as we move into election season. GRADE: B+
MONOLOGUE: This is a fairly bland monologue, and although Chris Hemsworth brings his brothers up there–including Kenan Thompson as Callum–there isn’t much to find funny about the bit. Thankfully, it ends just as soon as it starts. GRADE: C-
Banshee “Even God Doesn’t Know What to Make of You” Review (3×09)
7 Mar“We got a lot of history, you and me. Maybe that’s all it should be: history.”
Before Banshee‘s truly brilliant third season comes to a close, it takes a quick breather–relatively speaking, of course–with “Even God Doesn’t Know What to Make of You”. It’s an episode that focuses on aftermaths and consequences, on relationships and endings and new beginnings, and it clearly highlights the positions that all our characters find themselves in. It’s not the best episode of the show, but it’s an hour filled with wonderful human moments, moments that remind us, before the inevitable explosion next week, how well-written and well-acted these characters are.










