Network: CBS
Time: Thursdays, 8:00-8:30pm
Cast: Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Kaley Cuoco, Melissa Rauch, Mayim Bialik
Summary: The gang deals with the fallout from Penny and Raj's night together. Amy counsels Penny when she considers moving back to Nebraska due to her failing acting career. Sheldon takes charge of the paintball team.
Review: I know critics were tough on her, but I think the addition of Amy Farrah Fowler was one of the best things that happened to Big Bang Theory. I love the way her character interacts with both Sheldon and Penny, supporting their stories while still developing as a character in her own right. I also love that the girls' story balances the boys' without changing the basic premise of the show. At its heart, BBT is about nerds (and Penny), and that doesn't change just because now they're sometimes girl nerds (and Penny).
This episode was yet another wonderful use of Amy, who really seems to be growing and evolving in her role as Penny's "bestie." Mingled with somewhat heartbreaking hints at her childhood ("I wish I could tell 13-year-old me it does get better!"), she acted as Penny's confidante while the latter tried to sort through the mess she'd made of her relationships with the guys.
Penny's side of the conversation felt more real to me than most things that happen on this show. Upset that she'd managed to hurt several of the guys she's come to really care about, she makes a decision to return to Nebraska, giving up on the idea of becoming an actress. While a last-minute commercial job eventually changes her mind, they actually had me a little worried that Penny might leave. Also, was I the only one who felt unbelievably happy that Penny got that part? I feel like we've been working towards her acting career since the show started, and even a little progress made me grin.
Meanwhile, Raj was also dealing with the fallout from the season finale. Both Leonard and Howard are mad at him, Leonard because Raj slept with Penny, and Howard because he found out Raj wrote poems about Bernadette ("marionette" also rhymes with Bernadette, BBT writers. I'm just saying). The strained friendship took its toll on everyone, and ultimately Sheldon paid the biggest price, when he stepped unarmed onto the field during the interdepartmental paintball game and insulted...everyone. The reunited friends raced forward to avenge his death.
I liked the way this story was handled, from Raj's belief that he and Penny were now a couple to the kicked puppy look on Leonard's face whenever he thought about it to Sheldon's on-field promotion of himself. But the real shining moment of both this story and the episode was the conversation Leonard had with his mother. His voice when he told her he didn't want to be with Penny (though is there anyone who actually believes that?) but that he didn't want Raj to be with her either was so sincere. I feel like they underused Leonard in the beginning of season 4, and it's nice to see him get to really shine every so often. And it's also good to see Christine Baranski reprise this role.
This was a solid episode to kick of season 5. In some ways, BBT reminds me of a geekier version of Friends, with the way the characters interact with each other. I'm looking forward to seeing the continuing evolution of these relationships as the season progresses.
Rating: 4/5
Favorite line:
Leonard (after telling his mother about Penny and Raj): Got any advice?
Beverly: Yes ... buck up.
Leonard: Excuse me, you're a world-renowned expert in parenting and child development, and all you've got is "buck up"?
Beverly: I'm sorry. (pause) Buck up, sissypants!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Glee - The Purple Piano Project
Network: Fox
Time: Tuesdays, 8:00-9:00pm
Cast: Matthew Morrison, Jane Lynch, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Chris Colfer, Amber Riley, Kevin McHale, Jenna Ushkowitz, Mark Salling, Dianna Agron, Heather Morris, Naya Rivera, Harry Shum Jr., Darren Criss, Jayma Mays
Summary: Its fall and that means back to school for the students and faculty at McKinley High. The New Directions clan returns after a devastating loss at Nationals, so Mr. Schuester assigns a project to get them back on track. Meanwhile, Sue Sylvester starts her congressional campaign.
Review: Oh, Glee.
I don't understand how a show can be so simultaneously frustrating and wonderful. There were moments in this episode that reminded me of every reason I began watching. And there were moments where I just shook my head at the disaster.
Let's do a pro-con list for this one. Pro: The music. I feel like Glee tried to be so poppy last season that the music began to suffer (Justin Bieber? Come on...). This episode went back to its roots: Broadway and classic pop/rock. There were songs from the Wiz, Anything Goes, Hairspray, Tom Jones and the Go-Go's. Don't get me wrong, I like when they do (some of) the modern stuff too, but this is the stuff that made me first fall in love with this show. Also, unlike in other episodes, I felt like all the songs worked in this episode. They were well-sung, well-choreographed (come on, tell me Rachel and Kurt's broom dance didn't make you smile just a little), and well-produced.
Con: Quinn. Ugh, girl, get it together. While I dig the smoke-raspy voice (which I'm sure won't make her singing voice anymore interesting) and the pink hair, I'm not feeling the Quinn-as-a-bad-girl vibe. She's just too... vanilla. For a girl who got pregnant with the guy she cheated on her boyfriend with, then cheated on a new boyfriend with the old one, she really can't pull off "bad girl" that well (I reread that sentence three times to make sure it was right. This show is a soap opera). I appreciate the direction they're trying to go--and I like focusing on something that isn't the Glee club (ironic) or the Cheerios--but Dianna Agron isn't a strong enough actress to own this story.
And sending Rachel to appeal to her was just silly. "We were friends once." Really? Was this just before she stole Finn from you, or when you stole him back from her?
Pro: Kurt and Rachel. Honestly, if they do make a spin-off where they move to New York and start musical theatre careers, I'm there. I love their new best buddy relationship, I love their voices when they sing together, and I love how they can be totally cheesy when they're supporting each other and it doesn't make me want to punch either of them. The combined scenes where they sang "Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead!," went to the NYADA mixer, and cried in the car were my favorite parts of this episode. (Side note: I only watched a couple episodes of The Glee Project, so I didn't realize until these scenes that Lindsay Pearce had such an amazing voice.) I like that Rachel has at least one relationship where she's not competing. Even with Finn (who had blissfully little focus this episode), she seems to always be competing against something for his attention. With Kurt, the relationship seems easy. They can both be talented and driven, but not be at odds with each other (anymore). However, Emma did stress how difficult it is to get into NYADA, so I hope they don't go back to making them competitors.
Con: Sue. Sue went from "that's ridiculous" in season 1 to "I can't believe I'm still watching this" in season 3. Running for Congress on the platform of cutting the arts makes for a funny storyline, but watching Sue destroy the purple piano was almost painful to watch (especially because poor Tina never gets to finish a song). At some point you start to wonder how she's never been arrested for the way she abuses those kids. The only redeeming point of this story was that she made Becky a co-captain, which means we'll get to see more of Lauren Potter this season.
Pro, with a side of con: Kurt and Blaine. While I'm happy their relationship is flourishing (and should continue to do so, now that Blaine is a full-fledged New Direction), they're a little too sappy for me. That being said, I guess they get a few episodes, since I'm sure an openly gay couple at McKinley isn't going to see sunshine and roses for long. Plus, I'd rather see them together than not. (Side note: Emma handing Rachel the Hag brochure was comedy gold.)
Con, with a side of pro: Mercedes and Marcus. First of all, woah, that is one big dude. Secondly, I need a little more convincing on this relationship. I'll admit, I was a bit of a Samcedes shipper, but I am glad Mercedes has a man. However, they've been dating for... what, two to three months? And he's talking babies? At seventeen? Give me a break.
Pro, with a side of con: Wemma. I love the idea of Will and Emma as a couple, I really do (OK, I'm secretly a Sue/Will (Swill?) shipper, but that's not realistic just yet). She's better for him than pretty much anybody else on the show, he's patient with her (his breakdown in Figgins' office was fun), and they're all-around adorable. Or maybe a little Stepford. They make each other's lunches. And were those matching superhero lunchboxes? It's just a little creepy is all I'm saying.
Con, with a side of...con: Sugar. Yes, because if there's a group of people Glee still hasn't made fun of that they really should have, it was people with Asperger's. Not only didn't I see any comedy in this story, but I found it downright offensive (and in the world of Glee, it was really hard to find something more offensive than usual). Yes, she was a spoiled rich kid who was a really bad singer (though the "trying not to be smug" look on Rachel's face when she realized that made me laugh). Who cares? She was as annoying as Rachel without any of the (few) redeeming qualities.
All things considered, this episode was better than many of last season's, but it has the potential to head downhill. Hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised as the season continues on.
Rating: 4/5
Favorite line:
Kurt [about the YouTube video of Finn kissing Rachel at Nationals]: The comment section is just full of pithy banter, like “Why is that T-Rex eating the Jew?”
Time: Tuesdays, 8:00-9:00pm
Cast: Matthew Morrison, Jane Lynch, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Chris Colfer, Amber Riley, Kevin McHale, Jenna Ushkowitz, Mark Salling, Dianna Agron, Heather Morris, Naya Rivera, Harry Shum Jr., Darren Criss, Jayma Mays
Summary: Its fall and that means back to school for the students and faculty at McKinley High. The New Directions clan returns after a devastating loss at Nationals, so Mr. Schuester assigns a project to get them back on track. Meanwhile, Sue Sylvester starts her congressional campaign.
Review: Oh, Glee.
I don't understand how a show can be so simultaneously frustrating and wonderful. There were moments in this episode that reminded me of every reason I began watching. And there were moments where I just shook my head at the disaster.
Let's do a pro-con list for this one. Pro: The music. I feel like Glee tried to be so poppy last season that the music began to suffer (Justin Bieber? Come on...). This episode went back to its roots: Broadway and classic pop/rock. There were songs from the Wiz, Anything Goes, Hairspray, Tom Jones and the Go-Go's. Don't get me wrong, I like when they do (some of) the modern stuff too, but this is the stuff that made me first fall in love with this show. Also, unlike in other episodes, I felt like all the songs worked in this episode. They were well-sung, well-choreographed (come on, tell me Rachel and Kurt's broom dance didn't make you smile just a little), and well-produced.
Con: Quinn. Ugh, girl, get it together. While I dig the smoke-raspy voice (which I'm sure won't make her singing voice anymore interesting) and the pink hair, I'm not feeling the Quinn-as-a-bad-girl vibe. She's just too... vanilla. For a girl who got pregnant with the guy she cheated on her boyfriend with, then cheated on a new boyfriend with the old one, she really can't pull off "bad girl" that well (I reread that sentence three times to make sure it was right. This show is a soap opera). I appreciate the direction they're trying to go--and I like focusing on something that isn't the Glee club (ironic) or the Cheerios--but Dianna Agron isn't a strong enough actress to own this story.
And sending Rachel to appeal to her was just silly. "We were friends once." Really? Was this just before she stole Finn from you, or when you stole him back from her?
Pro: Kurt and Rachel. Honestly, if they do make a spin-off where they move to New York and start musical theatre careers, I'm there. I love their new best buddy relationship, I love their voices when they sing together, and I love how they can be totally cheesy when they're supporting each other and it doesn't make me want to punch either of them. The combined scenes where they sang "Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead!," went to the NYADA mixer, and cried in the car were my favorite parts of this episode. (Side note: I only watched a couple episodes of The Glee Project, so I didn't realize until these scenes that Lindsay Pearce had such an amazing voice.) I like that Rachel has at least one relationship where she's not competing. Even with Finn (who had blissfully little focus this episode), she seems to always be competing against something for his attention. With Kurt, the relationship seems easy. They can both be talented and driven, but not be at odds with each other (anymore). However, Emma did stress how difficult it is to get into NYADA, so I hope they don't go back to making them competitors.
Con: Sue. Sue went from "that's ridiculous" in season 1 to "I can't believe I'm still watching this" in season 3. Running for Congress on the platform of cutting the arts makes for a funny storyline, but watching Sue destroy the purple piano was almost painful to watch (especially because poor Tina never gets to finish a song). At some point you start to wonder how she's never been arrested for the way she abuses those kids. The only redeeming point of this story was that she made Becky a co-captain, which means we'll get to see more of Lauren Potter this season.
Pro, with a side of con: Kurt and Blaine. While I'm happy their relationship is flourishing (and should continue to do so, now that Blaine is a full-fledged New Direction), they're a little too sappy for me. That being said, I guess they get a few episodes, since I'm sure an openly gay couple at McKinley isn't going to see sunshine and roses for long. Plus, I'd rather see them together than not. (Side note: Emma handing Rachel the Hag brochure was comedy gold.)
Con, with a side of pro: Mercedes and Marcus. First of all, woah, that is one big dude. Secondly, I need a little more convincing on this relationship. I'll admit, I was a bit of a Samcedes shipper, but I am glad Mercedes has a man. However, they've been dating for... what, two to three months? And he's talking babies? At seventeen? Give me a break.
Pro, with a side of con: Wemma. I love the idea of Will and Emma as a couple, I really do (OK, I'm secretly a Sue/Will (Swill?) shipper, but that's not realistic just yet). She's better for him than pretty much anybody else on the show, he's patient with her (his breakdown in Figgins' office was fun), and they're all-around adorable. Or maybe a little Stepford. They make each other's lunches. And were those matching superhero lunchboxes? It's just a little creepy is all I'm saying.
Con, with a side of...con: Sugar. Yes, because if there's a group of people Glee still hasn't made fun of that they really should have, it was people with Asperger's. Not only didn't I see any comedy in this story, but I found it downright offensive (and in the world of Glee, it was really hard to find something more offensive than usual). Yes, she was a spoiled rich kid who was a really bad singer (though the "trying not to be smug" look on Rachel's face when she realized that made me laugh). Who cares? She was as annoying as Rachel without any of the (few) redeeming qualities.
All things considered, this episode was better than many of last season's, but it has the potential to head downhill. Hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised as the season continues on.
Rating: 4/5
Favorite line:
Kurt [about the YouTube video of Finn kissing Rachel at Nationals]: The comment section is just full of pithy banter, like “Why is that T-Rex eating the Jew?”
Criminal Minds - It Takes a Village
Network: CBS
Time: Wednesdays, 9:00-10:00pm
Cast: Thomas Gibson, Joe Mantegna, Paget Brewster, Matthew Gray Gubler, Shemar Moore, Kirsten Vangness, AJ Cook
Summary: In the seventh-season opener, the team's actions in the aftermath of the loss of Prentiss are questioned by a Senate committee, and a familiar person unexpectedly appears to rally them.
Review: So far, I've felt the premieres were only mediocre this season. Apparently this is the one I was waiting for.
This episode jumped back and forth in time. In the present day, the team was on trial (well, on hearing) for actions taken over the last few months, actions that ultimately brought down Ian Doyle, the man responsible for Emily Prentiss's "death." In the flashbacks, we got to see what the team has been up to since we last left our heroes in May. Apparently Hotch has been in Pakistan, but the rest of the team, led by Morgan and aided by Garcia, were hard at work on Doyle's trail. Morgan had made it his mission to get the guy who hurt one of theirs. He followed Doyle's son Declan around until Doyle caught up with them. When he and the team caught Doyle, they found out Declan had been snatched too. Which is when Hotch called Prentiss to return so they could find out who took the boy and save his life.
There was almost nothing I didn't like about this episode. I spontaneously burst into tears three times (once when Emily first walked in, once when she was apologizing to Morgan, and once when she was reciting the FBI oath at the end). I sat on the edge of my seat waiting to see if Doyle was going to get away, or if they were going to save Declan (because Criminal Minds is so not above killing kids if it suits their needs). I sympathized with Morgan's anger and felt like both Prentiss and Reid needed hugs through most of the episode.
In short, this episode had what almost every episode was lacking in season 6: watchability. I had a desire to keep the TV on, a desire to get through commercials as fast as possible to get back to the action.
It also had the full team back.
And maybe I was just so happy to see AJ Cook and Paget Brewster back (and to see them finally using AJ Cook) that I'm glossing over problems with the episode. There were some. I would have liked to see more of the team's reactions besides Morgan's, particularly Reid's, since he and Prentiss were so close by the end of season 6. The episode also felt a little rushed, probably because they crammed so much into one hour in their desire to wrap up this story. They went from finding out that Declan was alive to catching Doyle in the blink of an eye, and I honestly felt that if both Morgan and Doyle could find the kid in less than a month, maybe Prentiss didn't do such a great job hiding him.
But these problems were small in the grand scheme of the premiere. The team is back together, and that seems to have been the missing piece. Season 6 wasn't exactly bad, but not one of those episodes held my attention the way this one did. I was hooked right from the beginning, and I wasn't disappointed by how it all played out. I can't wait to see where the season is going to go.
For more crime TV news, follow NewarkCrimeTV on Twitter.
Email me at NewarkCrimeTV@gmail.com.
Rating: 5/5
Time: Wednesdays, 9:00-10:00pm
Cast: Thomas Gibson, Joe Mantegna, Paget Brewster, Matthew Gray Gubler, Shemar Moore, Kirsten Vangness, AJ Cook
Summary: In the seventh-season opener, the team's actions in the aftermath of the loss of Prentiss are questioned by a Senate committee, and a familiar person unexpectedly appears to rally them.
Review: So far, I've felt the premieres were only mediocre this season. Apparently this is the one I was waiting for.
This episode jumped back and forth in time. In the present day, the team was on trial (well, on hearing) for actions taken over the last few months, actions that ultimately brought down Ian Doyle, the man responsible for Emily Prentiss's "death." In the flashbacks, we got to see what the team has been up to since we last left our heroes in May. Apparently Hotch has been in Pakistan, but the rest of the team, led by Morgan and aided by Garcia, were hard at work on Doyle's trail. Morgan had made it his mission to get the guy who hurt one of theirs. He followed Doyle's son Declan around until Doyle caught up with them. When he and the team caught Doyle, they found out Declan had been snatched too. Which is when Hotch called Prentiss to return so they could find out who took the boy and save his life.
There was almost nothing I didn't like about this episode. I spontaneously burst into tears three times (once when Emily first walked in, once when she was apologizing to Morgan, and once when she was reciting the FBI oath at the end). I sat on the edge of my seat waiting to see if Doyle was going to get away, or if they were going to save Declan (because Criminal Minds is so not above killing kids if it suits their needs). I sympathized with Morgan's anger and felt like both Prentiss and Reid needed hugs through most of the episode.
In short, this episode had what almost every episode was lacking in season 6: watchability. I had a desire to keep the TV on, a desire to get through commercials as fast as possible to get back to the action.
It also had the full team back.
And maybe I was just so happy to see AJ Cook and Paget Brewster back (and to see them finally using AJ Cook) that I'm glossing over problems with the episode. There were some. I would have liked to see more of the team's reactions besides Morgan's, particularly Reid's, since he and Prentiss were so close by the end of season 6. The episode also felt a little rushed, probably because they crammed so much into one hour in their desire to wrap up this story. They went from finding out that Declan was alive to catching Doyle in the blink of an eye, and I honestly felt that if both Morgan and Doyle could find the kid in less than a month, maybe Prentiss didn't do such a great job hiding him.
But these problems were small in the grand scheme of the premiere. The team is back together, and that seems to have been the missing piece. Season 6 wasn't exactly bad, but not one of those episodes held my attention the way this one did. I was hooked right from the beginning, and I wasn't disappointed by how it all played out. I can't wait to see where the season is going to go.
For more crime TV news, follow NewarkCrimeTV on Twitter.
Email me at NewarkCrimeTV@gmail.com.
Rating: 5/5
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Castle - Rise
Network: ABC
Time: Mondays, 10:00-11:00pm
Cast: Nathan Fillion, Stana Katic, Jon Huertas, Seamus Dever, Susan Sullivan, Molly C. Quinn, Penny Jerald Johnson, Tamala Jones
Summary: In the fourth-season opener, a wounded Beckett fights to stay alive as Castle investigates her shooting. Meanwhile, Victoria Gates (Penny Johnson Jerald) takes charge as the precinct's tough new captain.
Review: Castle was one of my three most highly anticipated premieres (the other two being Criminal Minds and The Mentalist, in case you were interested), and it really never could have lived up to my expectations. This certainly wasn't a bad way to kick off the season, but it also left a lot of room for growth as we go on.
The episode focused on three things: the aftermath of Beckett's shooting, the introduction of the new captain, and the investigation of a celebutante's murder in a hotel room. After beginning the premiere just minutes after last season's finale ended, we jumped forward three months in time to Beckett's return to the precinct, where things aren't exactly as she left them. Captain Montgomery's been replaced by Victoria "Iron" Gates, a former Internal Affairs investigator who was made detective just six weeks after Beckett. Gates plays by the rules, as she's quick to prove by refusing to let Beckett have her gun back until she re-qualified (which, needless to say, thrilled Beckett). Gates also closed the investigation into Beckett's shooting after three months and no leads. Plus, she clearly terrifies Ryan and Esposito, who speak in hushed tones and hide around corners when she's near.
While Ryan and Esposito are sent to a crime scene, Beckett and Castle continue to investigate her shooting and her mother's murder, right up until the point where Castle receives a phone call from the mysterious man who received the package Montgomery mailed at the end of last season (who else thought that package was going to Castle?). In a conversation we don't get to see, the man tells Castle that he has compromising documents that he can use to protect Beckett... as long as she stops investigating. Castle, who is surprisingly confident for a man who went three months without talking to Beckett, is sure he can convince her to stop. And, sure enough, he has a short conversation with her and keeps her from falling down the rabbit hole again. No problem. All in a day's work for Super Castle.
Meanwhile, Ryan and Esposito (and eventually Castle and Beckett) are tasked with solving the high profile murder of a celebutante (which is a word my dictionary doesn't recognize). This case was such a low priority, it was almost a joke. And the fact that the killer was literally hiding under the bed the whole time? That was a bit ridiculous, even for Castle reality. But, as with most Castle episodes, the case wasn't really the main focus of the episode. It seemed like this one was mostly here to a) give Ryan and Esposito something to do, and b) give Beckett something to do after Castle convinces her to stop investigating her mother's murder.
The one thing this episode was really lacking was the humor that makes Castle such a fun show. Obviously, the episode after a shooting isn't going to be all laughs and smiles, but the solemnity was almost overwhelming. Castle is a better show when it doesn't take itself too seriously, so hopefully next week will get back to the lightheartedness we all love.
There were still a lot of bright moments in this episode. The look on Beckett's face while she listened to the mayor order Gates to keep Castle was priceless (was that the only time we saw Beckett smile this episode?). I liked how neatly Josh was disposed of in the first fifteen minutes of the episode, and I was really hoping Alexis would take a swing at him when they were fighting in the hospital. I think Gates has the potential to turn into a decent character if she can learn to loosen up, though she also has the potential to be a real witch (we're trusting you, Andrew Marlowe!). I loved that Alexis was so worried about her dad, even if she showed it by acting a little bratty.
And I really, really liked the honesty in Castle and Beckett's relationship so far. Aside from the one big, whopping lie she tells him--did anybody really believe she didn't remember anything about the shooting?--there's a sincerity between them that just shows how far their relationship has come since season one. Castle may not have told her he loved her in words again, but he said it a million times in his actions in this episode. And Beckett's revelation about the walls she's put up made my heart break just a little. Of course Castle is able to talk her into tabling her mother's case; anyone with eyes could see how he was only telling her those things because he cares about her. I challenge anyone to watch this episode and not root for these two people at least a little.
So it was a bit of a slow start for the season, but I think there's a lot of potential here. Obviously the big storyline is still open, but more important in the next few episodes will be getting back to the familiar rhythm of Castle, with the banter and the chemistry that's made this show a hit. I'm looking forward to seeing where the season leads.
Rating: 3/5
Favorite line:
Ryan (during interrogation): "So what are you saying, Dale? You sleep-shot her?"
Time: Mondays, 10:00-11:00pm
Cast: Nathan Fillion, Stana Katic, Jon Huertas, Seamus Dever, Susan Sullivan, Molly C. Quinn, Penny Jerald Johnson, Tamala Jones
Summary: In the fourth-season opener, a wounded Beckett fights to stay alive as Castle investigates her shooting. Meanwhile, Victoria Gates (Penny Johnson Jerald) takes charge as the precinct's tough new captain.
Review: Castle was one of my three most highly anticipated premieres (the other two being Criminal Minds and The Mentalist, in case you were interested), and it really never could have lived up to my expectations. This certainly wasn't a bad way to kick off the season, but it also left a lot of room for growth as we go on.
The episode focused on three things: the aftermath of Beckett's shooting, the introduction of the new captain, and the investigation of a celebutante's murder in a hotel room. After beginning the premiere just minutes after last season's finale ended, we jumped forward three months in time to Beckett's return to the precinct, where things aren't exactly as she left them. Captain Montgomery's been replaced by Victoria "Iron" Gates, a former Internal Affairs investigator who was made detective just six weeks after Beckett. Gates plays by the rules, as she's quick to prove by refusing to let Beckett have her gun back until she re-qualified (which, needless to say, thrilled Beckett). Gates also closed the investigation into Beckett's shooting after three months and no leads. Plus, she clearly terrifies Ryan and Esposito, who speak in hushed tones and hide around corners when she's near.
While Ryan and Esposito are sent to a crime scene, Beckett and Castle continue to investigate her shooting and her mother's murder, right up until the point where Castle receives a phone call from the mysterious man who received the package Montgomery mailed at the end of last season (who else thought that package was going to Castle?). In a conversation we don't get to see, the man tells Castle that he has compromising documents that he can use to protect Beckett... as long as she stops investigating. Castle, who is surprisingly confident for a man who went three months without talking to Beckett, is sure he can convince her to stop. And, sure enough, he has a short conversation with her and keeps her from falling down the rabbit hole again. No problem. All in a day's work for Super Castle.
Meanwhile, Ryan and Esposito (and eventually Castle and Beckett) are tasked with solving the high profile murder of a celebutante (which is a word my dictionary doesn't recognize). This case was such a low priority, it was almost a joke. And the fact that the killer was literally hiding under the bed the whole time? That was a bit ridiculous, even for Castle reality. But, as with most Castle episodes, the case wasn't really the main focus of the episode. It seemed like this one was mostly here to a) give Ryan and Esposito something to do, and b) give Beckett something to do after Castle convinces her to stop investigating her mother's murder.
The one thing this episode was really lacking was the humor that makes Castle such a fun show. Obviously, the episode after a shooting isn't going to be all laughs and smiles, but the solemnity was almost overwhelming. Castle is a better show when it doesn't take itself too seriously, so hopefully next week will get back to the lightheartedness we all love.
There were still a lot of bright moments in this episode. The look on Beckett's face while she listened to the mayor order Gates to keep Castle was priceless (was that the only time we saw Beckett smile this episode?). I liked how neatly Josh was disposed of in the first fifteen minutes of the episode, and I was really hoping Alexis would take a swing at him when they were fighting in the hospital. I think Gates has the potential to turn into a decent character if she can learn to loosen up, though she also has the potential to be a real witch (we're trusting you, Andrew Marlowe!). I loved that Alexis was so worried about her dad, even if she showed it by acting a little bratty.
And I really, really liked the honesty in Castle and Beckett's relationship so far. Aside from the one big, whopping lie she tells him--did anybody really believe she didn't remember anything about the shooting?--there's a sincerity between them that just shows how far their relationship has come since season one. Castle may not have told her he loved her in words again, but he said it a million times in his actions in this episode. And Beckett's revelation about the walls she's put up made my heart break just a little. Of course Castle is able to talk her into tabling her mother's case; anyone with eyes could see how he was only telling her those things because he cares about her. I challenge anyone to watch this episode and not root for these two people at least a little.
So it was a bit of a slow start for the season, but I think there's a lot of potential here. Obviously the big storyline is still open, but more important in the next few episodes will be getting back to the familiar rhythm of Castle, with the banter and the chemistry that's made this show a hit. I'm looking forward to seeing where the season leads.
Rating: 3/5
Favorite line:
Ryan (during interrogation): "So what are you saying, Dale? You sleep-shot her?"
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
2 Broke Girls - Pilot
Network: CBS
Time: Mondays, 8:30-9:00pm
Cast: Kat Dennings, Beth Behrs, Matthew Moy, Jonathan Kite, Garrett Morris, Noah Mills
Summary: Max and Caroline, two struggling waitresses at a Brooklyn diner, try to save money to open their own cupcake shop. In the opener, Max is disgusted when once-wealthy Caroline starts working at the diner, but the two soon hit it off and become roommates.
Review: Well, this was a pleasant surprise.
I put 2 Broke Girls on my schedule reluctantly. After hearing both EW.com and TVLine.com rave about it, I figured it couldn’t hurt to watch the first episode. Worst case scenario, all I’ve wasted is a half hour.
Instead (and a little unfortunately, considering how many shows are on said schedule), I found myself sucked in right from the first moments. Maybe it’s because I’m a sucker for a show with a smart, sarcastic female lead (yes, I still miss Gilmore Girls). Maybe it’s because Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs have oddly fantastic chemistry. Maybe it’s because the cast of characters featured in this show is wonderfully eclectic. Or maybe just because it’s a good show.
The premise is this: Max (Dennings) is a waitress/nanny, living with her boyfriend in Brooklyn and baking fantastic cupcakes. Caroline (Behrs) is a trust fund baby from Manhattan who lost everything when her daddy’s ponzi scheme was discovered and now has to support herself somehow. When Caroline gets a job at the diner, Max is… less than impressed. But Caroline’s earnestness wins her over (somewhat), and Max lets her spend the night, during which time Max’s boyfriend hits on Caroline, has sex with another woman after Caroline turns him down, and gets kicked out by Max. Max, looking for a new roommate, offers to let Caroline stay with her.
There were a lot of bits that made this series premiere enjoyable. Dennings’ Max is tough, responsible and confident, though she let some vulnerability show. Behrs’ Caroline looks like Trust Fund Barbie, but it can’t be forgotten that she went to the Wharton School of Business (it really can’t be forgotten… they said it four or five times), and she clearly has quite of bit of her conman father in her. The supporting characters are quirky, with the potential to turn into downright funny, especially when combined with their obvious chemistry with Max. And there’s a horse in the backyard of a Brooklyn apartment.
Sure, the episode was a little stiff at times, and some of Behrs’ lines felt forced, but it did everything it needed to do as a pilot episode: it hooked me. I’ll be back next week to see how much more money they earn towards their cupcake shop.
Rating: 4/5
Favorite line:
Caroline (after tasing Max): "Sorry, I didn't think it'd hurt so much, it's pink!"
Max: "It didn't feel pink!"
Time: Mondays, 8:30-9:00pm
Cast: Kat Dennings, Beth Behrs, Matthew Moy, Jonathan Kite, Garrett Morris, Noah Mills
Summary: Max and Caroline, two struggling waitresses at a Brooklyn diner, try to save money to open their own cupcake shop. In the opener, Max is disgusted when once-wealthy Caroline starts working at the diner, but the two soon hit it off and become roommates.
Review: Well, this was a pleasant surprise.
I put 2 Broke Girls on my schedule reluctantly. After hearing both EW.com and TVLine.com rave about it, I figured it couldn’t hurt to watch the first episode. Worst case scenario, all I’ve wasted is a half hour.
Instead (and a little unfortunately, considering how many shows are on said schedule), I found myself sucked in right from the first moments. Maybe it’s because I’m a sucker for a show with a smart, sarcastic female lead (yes, I still miss Gilmore Girls). Maybe it’s because Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs have oddly fantastic chemistry. Maybe it’s because the cast of characters featured in this show is wonderfully eclectic. Or maybe just because it’s a good show.
The premise is this: Max (Dennings) is a waitress/nanny, living with her boyfriend in Brooklyn and baking fantastic cupcakes. Caroline (Behrs) is a trust fund baby from Manhattan who lost everything when her daddy’s ponzi scheme was discovered and now has to support herself somehow. When Caroline gets a job at the diner, Max is… less than impressed. But Caroline’s earnestness wins her over (somewhat), and Max lets her spend the night, during which time Max’s boyfriend hits on Caroline, has sex with another woman after Caroline turns him down, and gets kicked out by Max. Max, looking for a new roommate, offers to let Caroline stay with her.
There were a lot of bits that made this series premiere enjoyable. Dennings’ Max is tough, responsible and confident, though she let some vulnerability show. Behrs’ Caroline looks like Trust Fund Barbie, but it can’t be forgotten that she went to the Wharton School of Business (it really can’t be forgotten… they said it four or five times), and she clearly has quite of bit of her conman father in her. The supporting characters are quirky, with the potential to turn into downright funny, especially when combined with their obvious chemistry with Max. And there’s a horse in the backyard of a Brooklyn apartment.
Sure, the episode was a little stiff at times, and some of Behrs’ lines felt forced, but it did everything it needed to do as a pilot episode: it hooked me. I’ll be back next week to see how much more money they earn towards their cupcake shop.
Rating: 4/5
Favorite line:
Caroline (after tasing Max): "Sorry, I didn't think it'd hurt so much, it's pink!"
Max: "It didn't feel pink!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
