The Crazy Ones 1.11 Review: Privilege vs. What is Earned

All those that have yet to watch Thursday night’s episode of The Crazy Ones, entitled ‘The Intern’, than you’re getting to the party even later than I am with this review, so I suggest you go watch it now. For this is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! Proceed at your own discretion.

This is going to be short and sweet, so here goes. I really do love this sitcom, I say this every week and it really is true. The actors work together so well, the comedy is smart and funny, and the characters seamlessly fit together like a family. This is definitely one show I look forward to every week.

During this week’s episode, Ashley Tisdale (of Disney Channel’s The Suite Life of Zach and Cody fame, as well as the short-lived series Hellcats) guest starred as the daughter of a multi-million dollar company CEO that our friendly advertising people at Lewis, Roberts and Roberts did ads for, and thus scored a three-month intern position. She also turned out to be terrible for the job. While I did watch this with my sister, who believes Tisdale is a terrible actress, I’d disagree with that in that she did decently well in this episode. I think she’s definitely one that fits supporting, or minor roles. She certainly played her character best at the Jewish Frat party, where I found her most enjoyable.

All in all, this series has yet to fail to make me laugh. Each week is just so much greatness found in all of the characters stories that I just love. I absolutely adored Zach and Andrew together this week and loved when they stood up to Lauren’s using them both. It was just fantastic. Sure, someday the kind of run on gags could become annoying if they’re used to an extreme level, but at the moment they’re rather enjoyable.

My rating: 7.5 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“But as a follower of your Tumblr, I say change the names and go for it.” – Simon cautions Zach against an office romance as his boss, but then says otherwise.

“I could’ve been here with Zach?” – Simon remarks, after Andrew says Zach is the one that’s actually Jewish.

“You just got ‘grammed, bitches.” – Kelsi exclaims.

“We’re in advertising. We sell people stuff they don’t want everyday.” – Sydney states.

“Zach and Andrew. Zandrew.” – Lauren joins the two men’s names. “Zandrew?” – Sydney questions. “Andrach, I don’t know?” – Lauren responds.

“That is so Sagittarius of you.” – Kelsi’s roommate yells.

Stay tuned for my review of The Vampire Diaries, coming up next.

American Horror Story: Coven 3.09 Review: Witch Hunters

Anyone that has yet to watch Wednesday night’s episode of American Horror Story: Coven, entitled ‘Head’, then you’re taking longer to watch it than I am to review it, I suggest you do that now. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

So, three episodes left until the season finale, in which this series of characters wrap themselves up. With that in mind, I’m not sure the progression of this story is being done quite as well as the first season was. This whole dedicating flashbacks to Hank business this week was a tad boring, and wasn’t really necessary to complete his story. So, basically there’s an entire company dedicated to taking witch-kind down, and yet they supposedly have very few left? It seems a little ludicrous to me. Also, the fact that Hank was merely “placed” in the coven as eyes, when it was made to look like he took the initiative to get into bed with Marie Laveau in order to take these witches down. Sloppy writing right there if you ask me.

Basically, what I found is that this week’s episode was terribly slow. We were back to horribly done camera angles. I’m sorry, it’s not artsy, it’s nauseating; please stop it so I can enjoy this program. They go through all of this struggle with Kyle and stuff, only to have Fiona swoop in and fix him to the best of her abilities. And yet, he’s still not fully there; he’s just around as an attack dog. I have to say, of all the characters this season, I’m most disappointed with Kyle. I’d thought by now he’d at least be mostly back to who he was, but now he’s apparently just their attack dog? What? It made sense that he’d kill his mother, but that other dog? Also, what was this whole business of having the council members cut up? I’d understand Myrtle’s desire for revenge, but that seemed a bit over the top if you ask me.

All in all, while I was happy to have Cordelia get her sight back, as well as watching Marie Laveau go crawling to the witches, I’m not sure this season is shaping up to be anywhere near as good as I’d hoped it would be. The villains of the season seem pretty pathetic when you look at it, and it appears as if there is no overarching story developing at all this season. This really is a mess of a season, and I don’t see how it thinks it could get any better. That’s two disappointing seasons in a row; if next year isn’t better, I’ll probably be done.  The writing is just nowhere near as tight and well-developed as it really should be, and it makes me incredibly disappointed in the showrunner for this season. Sure, that song was beautiful at the end, but about half of each episode could be cut out and it would still be enjoyable. It’s dissatisfying.

My rating: 6.5 out of 10 (and that .5 is merely for the last five minutes).

Best Lines:

“No, bitch, she’s clairvoyant.” – Madison states.

“You’re one stubborn old lady head, you know?” – Queenie remarks.

Okay, my apologies for the lateness of this, but I’ve just had a long couple of days. I have a few more reviews to catch up on, but probably won’t get to those tonight. Maybe The Crazy Ones, but I’m not sure yet. So check back later to see.

Nashville 2.10 Review: Following Your Heart

For all those that have yet to watch last night’s episode of Nashville, entitled ‘Tomorrow Never Comes’, now is your last chance to do so before venturing ahead into spoiler territory. This not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

This week’s episode, in my opinion, was very good. The beautiful friendship between Avery and Juliette is so strange in the way that it came about, but it is something that I love so dearly about this series. The very fact that it’s so obvious that they love each other is such a tender thing, particularly after the rough time Juliette’s been having with the always gorgeous Charlie Wentworth. That moment near the end between Juliette and Avery, where she seems to go over to confess something to him (her feelings of love for him, perhaps?), was so sad to watch when it was broken up by Scarlett’s pants-less entrance into the scene. Now, I know Avery thinks he’s in love with Scarlett - who’s being a bit of a whiny brat at the moment - but I really feel like he could have something far more genuine with Juliette, and I really look forward to watching how this all progresses. Although, I can’t fathom that Scarlett wasn’t able to pick up on the tone between Juliette and Avery when the latter had tears in his eyes, but you never know.

In other news, Raina is going ahead with the buyout of her contract and Highway 65, by gambling basically everything on the record she wants to put out. This is definitely something that could revitalize the series and send it down different avenues for more seasons to be built on. I’m just a little worried that they may be setting Raina up to fail, and the queen of country will be dethroned. But, I do look forward to seeing Raina try and grow other artists under her company, and am excited to see what other talent she hopes to sign.

Elsewhere, Will’s hatred of himself and his desire for a man of the same sex came to a head this week. He both slept with the man he has tried so hard to deny feelings for, and seems to have come to the decision that death would be better. I’m thinking that Will will be killed by that train, because it was so close I can’t see how he would make it out alive, unless he had second thoughts in his final moments. This is definitely a subject that is worth telling, and I find myself hoping Will didn’t go through with it, because his character has actually grown on me. With this marking two possible deaths of the winter finale, I’m intrigued to learn what was this series takes this.

All in all, this was a good episode. This definitely appears to be treading soap opera territory, but it’s alright because I am quite enjoying this series. They’ve definitely bumped up their characters progressions, and added a lot of heart to the story, making this season a step up from last. They seem to be getting their act together, writing wise, and making it possible for all of these characters to interact in natural ways. I am really curious to know if Peggy is dead for certain, although I find it a little odd that she would be killed off so soon after their wedding. This character seemed to have a bit more direction to go in, but I guess that’s what death brings. Basically, I feel that this is a rather beautiful series, with masterfully acted characters.

My rating: 7.5 out of 10

Best Lines:

“I’m the face of this festival, and I practically just snuck in through a basement window.” - Juliette gripes.

“We’ll talk about this later, as in never.” - Deacon says to Gunnar.

“I will literally come over there and rip your face off.” - Juliette tells Avery what she’ll do if he responds incorrectly.

Okay, so here’s this one. I’m off to go see Thor: The Dark World. Check back later for reviews of American Horror Story: Coven, Once Upon A Time in Wonderland, The Vampire Diaries, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Crazy Ones.

Nashville 2.10 Review: Following Your Heart

For all those that have yet to watch last night’s episode of Nashville, entitled ‘Tomorrow Never Comes’, now is your last chance to do so before venturing ahead into spoiler territory. This not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

This week’s episode, in my opinion, was very good. The beautiful friendship between Avery and Juliette is so strange in the way that it came about, but it is something that I love so dearly about this series. The very fact that it’s so obvious that they love each other is such a tender thing, particularly after the rough time Juliette’s been having with the always gorgeous Charlie Wentworth. That moment near the end between Juliette and Avery, where she seems to go over to confess something to him (her feelings of love for him, perhaps?), was so sad to watch when it was broken up by Scarlett’s pants-less entrance into the scene. Now, I know Avery thinks he’s in love with Scarlett - who’s being a bit of a whiny brat at the moment - but I really feel like he could have something far more genuine with Juliette, and I really look forward to watching how this all progresses. Although, I can’t fathom that Scarlett wasn’t able to pick up on the tone between Juliette and Avery when the latter had tears in his eyes, but you never know.

In other news, Raina is going ahead with the buyout of her contract and Highway 65, by gambling basically everything on the record she wants to put out. This is definitely something that could revitalize the series and send it down different avenues for more seasons to be built on. I’m just a little worried that they may be setting Raina up to fail, and the queen of country will be dethroned. But, I do look forward to seeing Raina try and grow other artists under her company, and am excited to see what other talent she hopes to sign.

Elsewhere, Will’s hatred of himself and his desire for a man of the same sex came to a head this week. He both slept with the man he has tried so hard to deny feelings for, and seems to have come to the decision that death would be better. I’m thinking that Will will be killed by that train, because it was so close I can’t see how he would make it out alive, unless he had second thoughts in his final moments. This is definitely a subject that is worth telling, and I find myself hoping Will didn’t go through with it, because his character has actually grown on me. With this marking two possible deaths of the winter finale, I’m intrigued to learn what was this series takes this.

All in all, this was a good episode. This definitely appears to be treading soap opera territory, but it’s alright because I am quite enjoying this series. They’ve definitely bumped up their characters progressions, and added a lot of heart to the story, making this season a step up from last. They seem to be getting their act together, writing wise, and making it possible for all of these characters to interact in natural ways. I am really curious to know if Peggy is dead for certain, although I find it a little odd that she would be killed off so soon after their wedding. This character seemed to have a bit more direction to go in, but I guess that’s what death brings. Basically, I feel that this is a rather beautiful series, with masterfully acted characters.

My rating: 7.5 out of 10

Best Lines:

“I’m the face of this festival, and I practically just snuck in through a basement window.” - Juliette gripes.

“We’ll talk about this later, as in never.” - Deacon says to Gunnar.

“I will literally come over there and rip your face off.” - Juliette tells Avery what she’ll do if he responds incorrectly.

Okay, so here’s this one. I’m off to go see Thor: The Dark World. Check back later for reviews of American Horror Story: Coven, Once Upon A Time in Wonderland, The Vampire Diaries, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Crazy Ones.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 1.10 Review: Making the Choice

Anyone that has yet to watch Tuesday night’s episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., entitled ‘The Bridge’, now would be your last chance to do so devoid of spoilers before proceeding ahead. For this is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

Well, I have to say that this week’s episode was the strongest it’s had in a long time. No, it wasn’t the most spectacular piece of television I’ve ever seen, but it was a big improvement from past endeavours. It may have even been the best episode they’ve had since the pilot, and that’s not just because Gunn – I mean Mike Peterson – was back on my screen this week.

The characters, I think, really improved this week. We even got to see Melinda May crack a smile or two. Most notably, I found an improvement in Melinda May and Ward. I actually managed to see a bit of chemistry between the two bedfellows during workout session. Also, I was actually able to catch snippets of seemingly genuine emotions on May, as well as Ward. Skye, as always, was top notch, and Coulson also managed to do well. Fitz and Simmons were pushed a bit to the side this week, but I was even able to see some reality in their characters interactions over such brief moments. Basically, the characters, while nowhere near as good as they could be, were a lot more natural this week then they have been overall. They’re actually appearing to become characters that could be real people.

This all-encompassing arc that the villains are taking is something I’m hoping is typical Joss, with his season long big bads. Otherwise, I’m not sure this popping up now and again thing is working as well as it managed to do on Buffy. It kind of seems like it’s inconsistent storytelling, and not feeling very worthwhile, in my opinion. Maybe it’s that these people don’t really feel as evil as they could be, and that they’re still a little superficial in our dealings with them, despite them having kidnapped Coulson, and possibly killed Mike. Oh, man, I hope he’s not dead; I really missed having J. August Richards on my television screen every week. I mean, the man’s forty but so doesn’t look it, despite having a thinness in his face.

All in all, I feel like they’re finally moving towards a place where this series could manage to last. The characters are developing into more well-rounded people, and while there do seem to be so many strings of stories that it’s hard to remember them each week, especially when having to deal with which one will be involved this week, they are doing well. Also, the music managed to be a little better this week, and not completely superhero feel to it. This series still needs to become a tad more grounded – and that’s not to say they literally need to be on the ground – because the heart isn’t always there in each episode every week. Also, some shots are a little too close-up at points, and that could definitely be worked on.

My rating: 7 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“He’s standing right behind me, isn’t he?” – Ward asks, regarding Mike. And a classic line at that.

“When did you stop talking?” – Simmons questions. “About three embarrassing sentences ago.” – Fitz replies.

“Having powers is cheating. But the suits pretty cool.” – Ward remarks.

Okay, now I’m caught up with Tuesday. I have watched Nashville and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., but those reviews won’t be up until tomorrow. Check back then.

Trophy Wife 1.10 Review: A Christmas Fiasco

For all those that have yet to watch last night’s episode of Trophy Wife, titled ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas… Or Twas It?’, then now would definitely be a good time to go and do that. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

Well, I have to say that this was most assuredly the funniest, best episode this series has done to date. This isn’t the most realistic sitcom out there, but they were really able to come together this week and make a hilarious Christmas episode that I’m actually saving on my DVR to rewatch.

From the opening, this episode was fantastic. It began with a perfectly fitting Christmas tune playing over the one-shot of a still-burning Christmas tree in the pool, and the continuous shot kept going to encompass all the incredible disarray the previous night had brought. That was definitely the best way to open this chaos-filled episode.

What was really great about this episode was the way really got to see the break down of the completely wasted four adults of this series. It was refreshing to see, for once, all of them more or less cooperate and just have fun with each other. Sometimes the mess that alcohol brings can be hilariously fantastic, and this was one of those instances.

One thing that was also perfect with regards to this series, was the way they were so easily able to address the issue of consumerism, and how Christmas really shouldn’t be all about the presents. Sure, it was done in a very off-the-cuff sort of way, but in the end it didn’t matter so extremely to the kids that their gifts had basically melted. I loved the fact that it was more about family being together, in all its chaotic glory, and that is one thing this show is great with, managing to keep the entire mess of family revolving around each others lives.

Probably my favourite thing about this episode was that song! That was the most hilarious moment in this entire episode, and there were a fair amount at that. Not only did we get to see them all interact in a fantastic way, we were able to see a comical dance done to it at the very end of the episode. All of them being able to sing a song, and one as hilarious as that, was something that will likely not happen again.

All in all, this was the best episode this series has done to date. I loved how very Christmasy it felt, despite it airing two weeks before, and how it was able to incorporate my favourite wild animal, just randomly in the episode (that would be a wolf for all of you not paying attention). Also, when Jackie was stealing the Mary’s, the brilliant way in which that house was brightly decorated was phenomenal and honestly makes me wish I saw that more often, although probably not with three nativity scenes. About the only issue with this episode would probably be with the kids, and how much they didn’t quite fit in during some scenes, and that it didn’t quite click with the overall episode. Otherwise, this was fantastic.

My rating: 8 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“Good idea. Smart. I remember I had eyebrows.” – Jackie remarks.

“One Christmas we only had a picture of a Christmas tree. It was this big. It was really, really small.” – Kate recalls a past Christmas memory.

“And Black people being awesome.” – Bert finishes his list of what the different holidays taught him.

“I remember when I learned to walk, it was instant.” – Diane states.

“Hey Dough, it’s 1:48. Why didn’t you call me back?” – Pete calls his boss, one minute after the first call.

Okay, that’s all for tonight. Check in tomorrow for my review of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as well as Nashville and American Horror Story: Coven. Goodnight.