What I’m Watching: The Killing

The Killing: Season 3, Episode 4 “Head Shots” (B+)

Linden certainly isn’t doing much to get people to like her, as evidenced by how she speaks to Skinner and her particularly harsh comment to Carl. It’s interesting to see Holder in the position of defending her to others, while she buries herself even deeper in the investigation. Her meetings with Kallie’s mom are getting even more miserable, and kudos to her for not backing down when she tried to dismiss her rather than acknowledge that something is seriously wrong and that her daughter is in serious trouble. I hadn’t recognized Jewel Staite of “Firefly” fame before this episode, but it’s good to see her around, and I hope that she’ll have a more major part to play throughout the rest of the season. I was extremely concerned for the well-being of Hill after he baited Seward to get a rise out of him, but what resulted instead was one biting comment from Seward about how he knows that Hill is guilty and an unexpected and rare moment of laughter shared between the two of them. As if the detectives weren’t obsessed with bringing work home, it’s staggering to see how Becker lives his home life and how his wife describes his demeanor and habits to Henderson, who isn’t all that much less involved. Seeing Joe Mills at the end of the episode was a predictable if still haunting way to end, and I’m sure this show is only going to continue to get darker as it delves into this gloomy mystery.

What I’m Watching: Falling Skies

Falling Skies: Season 3, Episode 3 “Badlands” (C)

After last week’s promising start, this episode is a stern reminder of just how much this show can miss the mark. I watched a portion of the episode and then took a break for a few hours, only to realize that I wasn’t even a third of the way in, despite the fact that Grace’s demise and the rest of the episode’s events already felt impossibly endless. Grace getting her head impaled by a stake was treated as an awfully minor and simple injury by an unconvincingly caring Pope, and her ultimate death was far from surprising given the extent of her wound. Most disappointingly, this episode didn’t feature a single appearance by the new alien allies we met last episode, and instead only offered glimpses of Tom and Ann’s most definitely alien baby and an unexpected human enemy who turned out to be quite gruff. The notion of the President being alive is an enticing one – and not dissimilar from another sci-fi show which just aired its season finale – yet I assume it will take far too long for Benjamin Hathaway to surface. This predictable attack is sure to get in the way of Hal’s misguided admission of unknowing guilt which will surely get him ostracized from the camp, though ideally they’ll feed him false information to get Karen on the wrong track. The idea of that memorial tree is a good one, but this show doesn’t have the dramatic impact it needs to make that kind of emotional plotline work. I'm not sure I'll have the patience to finish the next episode.

What I’m Watching: True Blood (Season Premiere)

True Blood: Season 6, Episode 1 “Who Are You, Really?” (B+)

We didn’t even have a week off between the not-so-grand finale of one HBO fantasy epic and the premiere of another. Now in its sixth season, this show still has a distinct appeal, and it’s not yet clear where this season will be headed. With all of the outrageous vampire intoxication business finished, it looks like this world is headed for all-out war between humans and vampires. I like that Bill’s new state is far more complicated than mere furious possession by Lilith, and that Jessica finds herself drawn to be with him aside from the strong pull he has on her as her maker. Sookie rescinding Eric’s invitation to her home after he signed the deed back over to her was also an important step, and Pam is only going to continue to be alienated by Eric’s investment in Nora, which will in turn frustrate Tara. Two prominent new cast members should definitely prove to be formidable additions to this show’s already diverse ensemble. Rutger Hauer is a great choice to portray Worlow, who made a mesmerizing impression in one haunting extended scene which might leave Jason more than a little wounded. Arliss Howard’s Governor seems extremely duplicitous, and I’m intrigued to see how he figures into the silent funding of the Tru Blood factory and his execution of the vampire curfew. Luna’s death and Alcide’s V trip are minor subplots that may or may not lead somewhere since neither Sam nor Alcide is terribly connected to the main storyline at the moment, while Andy’s breed of quickly-grown children is a predictably humorous and somewhat creepy diversion from the more serious primary plot.

Round Two: Graceland

Graceland: Season 1, Episode 2 “Guadalajara Dog” (B-)

In its second installment, this show reaffirms its status as a USA summer offering, fully capable of delivering light dramatic entertainment. It’s not as easy to get attached to these characters as it has been some of the network’s previous charismatic protagonists, but that’s not to suggest that both Aaron Tveit’s Mike and Daniel Sunjata’s Briggs don’t possess their fair share of charm. Mike continues to cement his role as the incredibly resourceful and knowledgeable newbie with demonstrations of intellect like his cop-shooting course, which salvaged an operation Briggs has all but abandoned. Of course, Mike getting close to Briggs seems to have backfired, though Briggs suspecting Mike of turning on him so early suggests that what will surely be exposed as false information will only lead to Briggs trusting Mike more going forward. Mike does seem to be loyal to his superiors and intent on watching Briggs as he was tasked to do, but I’m sure that their experiences together will shift his perspective and he’ll soon be an unintentional ally of his current target. These episodes are certainly packed with many high-stakes situation, though they do seem to be mostly focused on Mike and Briggs, while the rest of the cast doesn’t get the opportunity to take the spotlight. Trying far-out food isn’t quite enough for a supporting player to stand out, and I think this show could be well-served by engaging Mike’s attention in affairs involving all of those around him and not just the man he’s supposed to be watching closely.

What I’m Watching: Burn Notice

Burn Notice: Season 7, Episode 2 “Forget Me Not” (B+)

It’s uncomfortable to see Michael surveying his friends, mainly because they’ve sprung into action to help him without any idea that he’s keenly aware of what’s going on and content to leave them in the dark. He made up for that deception somewhat by stopping Sam, Jesse, and Carlos from heading straight into a trap, but none of them were terribly happy to see him, and the damage appears to be done. Splicing in flashbacks to the very Irish first union of Michael and Fiona made Michael’s use of a warning signal all the more dramatic and Fiona’s ultimate rejection of Michael all the more heartbreaking. Without Fiona to pine for, what will motivate Michael? His mother was also inconsolably furious at him, and it’s going to be difficult for Michael to cope with those he cares about hating him so much, which should make it easier for him to get deeper and deeper in his cover and possibly lose himself in the process. Unlike Max or Pearce, Strong doesn’t care about Michael as a person, and is intent on punishing him for his desolate reputation by forcing him to sacrifice everything that is important to him for the sake of the mission. That will make this year a darker one than ever before, as evidenced by the quick and brutal elimination of Gamble and Michael’s new role as an assassin. I think it will be an extremely effective way to end this saga, and I’m eager to see how this final season plays out.

What I’m Watching: Royal Pains (Season Premiere)

Royal Pains: Season 5, Episode 1 “Hankwatch” (B+)

Since we last checked in with the Hamptons, HankMed has certainly changed. Watching Divya dispel the legion of Hank substitutes was quite impressive, as was the code-violating medical center Evan built in his Boris-given home. Hank recovering and not being able to drive puts everyone else on edge but it also frames the show in a different way, since Hank is always the nonchalant, reasonable one who has to talk other people out of doing things they shouldn’t. Asking Jeremiah to write him a prescription crossed a major line, and it’s a sure sign that Hank is far from true recovery. Of course, HankMed has more than enough obstacles to prevent its productivity, starting with Divya’s pregnancy and the fact that an actress like Frances Conroy wouldn’t be wasted in a bit part and instead seems intent on taking down the kindly doctor who was nice enough to help her. Evan not wanting to move out is completely in keeping with the tradition of his relationship with both Hank and Paige, and it’s a good thing that he decided to move into the castle across the street to create some semblance of distance so that Paige won’t think that he’ll never leave his brother. Jeremiah’s Icelandic beard and online girlfriend make him look and seem different, but it’s clear that he’s not over Divya and that his feelings for her will continue to hamper his career, particularly now that she’s presumably pregnant with Rafa’s baby. While I’ve ditched other USA shows because they weren’t as gripping as other fare, I think this one has a good summer appeal that should keep it on my watch list in its fifth season.

What I’m Watching: Longmire

Longmire: Season 2, Episode 3 “Death Came in Like Thunder” (B+)

This episode featured guest appearances by three actors that I might describe as TV royalty, as in people you’d recognize from their frequent and assorted TV appearances but whose names you likely wouldn’t know. Xander Berkeley, of “24” and “Nikita” fame, was nearly unrecognizable as the green-card matchmaker who did just about everything to make himself look guilty. The two surviving Vayas brothers were portrayed by Henri Lubatti, who was terrific on “Sleeper Cell,” and Brad William Henke, most recently seen on “Justified.” This multicultural business battle was very interesting to watch, and, as always, the road to the truth was filled with compelling twists and turns. Branch is getting himself in over his head with Jacob Nighthorse, and Branch’s conversation with Walt about his information was yet another instance of Walt rightfully lecturing to Branch about the ethics of the office. Ferg apologizing awkwardly to Walt about his presence at the campaign event was also interesting since we don’t usually see Ferg’s more serious side. Cady’s trip to Denver proved expectedly unproductive, but it did result in a shocking revelation, all but confirmed by Detective Fales’ prime suspect himself: Henry was the one who hunted down and killed the murderer of Walt’s wife. We’ve only ever seen Henry be there for Walt, and, though he disapproves of what Henry did for legal reasons, I have no doubt that Walt will step up and make sure that he does whatever it takes to ensure that his friend doesn’t go to jail for killing a bad guy.

Pilot Review: King and Maxwell

King and Maxwell (TNT)
Premiered June 10 at 10pm

It’s always a gamble when you sit down to watch a show that has two people’s last names in the title, both of which tell you absolutely nothing about the show. TNT has done this before, with two of its most successful efforts, no less – “Rizzoli and Isles” and “Franklin and Bash.” Here we have a show designed to pair with “Major Crimes,” one of the network’s biggest hits and a successful example of how to spin off a show when its star is leaving while keeping most of the ensemble. Transplanted from the original which spun off that show is Jon Tenney, who trades his FBI badge and gentlemanly nature for a Secret Service past and a private investigator present. Joining him is Rebecca Romjin, whose most recent TV stint was the CW’s miserable “Eastwick.” Theoretically, the two might make a good pair, but this show is lifeless. Tenney isn’t as charming as he thinks he is, and Romjin is far from charismatic, a shame considering her fine work in “Ugly Betty” and her irritating but still slightly endearing turns in “Eastwick” and “Pepper Dennis.” The strangest cast member is Ryan Hurst, last seen as the bearded, muted Opie on “Sons of Anarchy” and here cast as a kindly, socially awkward savant. I’m not sure what his role in the show going forward will be, but the series as a whole has an odd tone, switching behind light-hearted comedy and serious intrigue. I’m not impressed, and I’ve already forgotten most of the pilot. This show just isn’t worth it.

How will it work as a series? That’s not clear, since Hurst’s vindicated serial killer suspect Edgar Roy is a series regular, and King and Maxwell are being targeted by the FBI for their sometimes less-than-legal actions. This show might actually prove to be disappointingly formulaic if Edgar ends up being the behind-the-scenes man while King and Maxwell go on the road together to pursue moderately interesting cases.
How long will it last? TNT got rid of the last show in this timeslot, “Monday Mornings,” and this show fared much better in its debut airing. It didn’t match the numbers of “Major Crimes,” but it’s probably going to go in the successful category and shouldn’t have much trouble earning a second-season pickup.

Pilot grade: C-

What I’m Watching: Major Crimes (Season Premiere)

Major Crimes: Season 2, Episode 1 “Final Cut” (B+)

I wasn’t all that excited about this show’s second season premiere mainly because I had forgotten how clever and entertaining this show is, even without taking its ensemble into consideration. What was strongest about this episode was its focus on the celebrity culture of Los Angeles, utilizing its filmmaker as the ultimate example of someone who literally marries the same woman over and over and then cheats on her when she is pregnant with his child. Provenza chiming in with his thoughts on ex-wives was amusing, and I liked seeing his friendship with Flynn spotlighted by Flynn’s rather ridiculous-looking walking routine. Even Rusty was in good form in the hour, being irritating as always but showing some depth by agreeing to testify in the end with the condition that both Raydor and Provenza not be present. I’m not too impressed with new cast member Nadine Velazquez as Deputy D.A. Emma Rios, since, like Sykes in season one, she doesn’t seem to possess much intelligence and, also like Sykes, contrasts the strong female character of Raydor and Brenda before her by appearing less than capable. All in all, I’m very pleased to have this ensemble back, and while some of the supporting players, like Tau and Sanchez, didn’t get the opportunity to shine in this episode, I think there’s plenty of time for that over the course of this show’s much-expanded second season, which will feature a whopping nineteen episodes, up considerably from the show’s first season total of ten episodes.

What I’m Watching: Family Tree

Family Tree: Season 1, Episode 4 “Country Life” (B-)

This episode was a bit erratic for me, which is saying something considering how this entire show has been thus far. Journeying out to the country to visit some distant relatives who might not actually be nearly as distant as they’re supposed to be (and I don’t trust Tom’s calculations of how the genealogy he thinks he understands connects one bit) could be fun, but it was just a little too weird and unfulfilling in this hour. There was too much of a spotlight on Luba, whose stories about Moldovan customs were far from entertaining and just off-putting. Bea didn’t get a chance to do much with Monk, which was a shame, and instead it was all about Tom nearly having to perform a crude neutering while Pete spent the entirety of the episode doing his best to initiate a cross-breeding of his own at his work. I like the fact that this show is offbeat, but this episode just wasn’t on the same page as the rest. Tom Skyping with his American cousins, one of whom looks an awful lot like Ed Begley Jr., a trusted Christopher Guest regular, was a bright spot, since it foreshadows a trip by Tom to the United States, which might prove just a bit more worthwhile than this particular voyage to the countryside. On a positive note, it was fun to see Keith bond with his cousin about their love for similar TV shows after an uncertain start to their conversation while their children were outside getting their hands dirty.

What I’m Watching: Veep

Veep: Season 2, Episode 8 “First Response” (B+)

It should come as no surprise that Allison Janney fits into this show’s universe so well. The Aaron Sorkin regular is well-equipped to handle the fast-paced and highly sarcastic dialogue rattled off on this show. What I actually enjoyed most about this particular event was Amy getting angry and yelling at the cameraman, who in turn swore back at her. Jonah dropping by in the middle of the interview was terrific, and his complete obliviousness continues to be among his most entertaining traits. Catherine and Andrew also had crucial roles to play in this very staged family portrait interview. Gary writing a sign to tell both Selina and Andrew that Catherine was a vegetarian was hilarious, and her continued emphasis of vegetables prior to this was great. Andrew’s impressive ability to make any situation worse and his attempt to insult Selina’s lack of knowledge of the CIA spy as a way of deferring his guilt related to his e-mail was low. But, somehow, and not likely due to Dan’s aggressive pep talk, Selina managed to come out ahead and deliver a rather stirring and honest confession which might have consequences in the episodes to come but at least managed to show her old classmate that she has what it takes to make the right call sometimes. Selina has had a few momentous successes in this season, and it’s really because of other things, like her weakness for Andrew, that she can’t always stay on top and has to be relegated to her often irritating office.

What I’m Watching: Mad Men

Mad Men: Season 6, Episode 11 “Favors” (B+)

It’s so interesting how something that begins as a favor for Don’s friend Dr. Rosen quickly turns into a grand romantic gesture that reunites him with his mistress Sylvia. It’s rare to see Don get so passionate about something and actually devote energy to trying to get it accomplished. His position paved the way for Ted to burst into his office and actually speak his mind, something that occurs almost as rarely as Don asking for something, and to leave with the upper hand. Throwing Sally into the mix and having her catch Don with Sylvia after her initial attraction to Sylvia’s son was an enormous opportunity for Sally to see what her father is really like, and to see Don caught in a situation he knows he simply can’t talk his way out of, with Megan clueless as usual. One of the early scenes of the episode presented an unexpected reunion between Peggy and Pete after Pete’s mother visited the office, and a potent moment of jealousy from Ted as he saw the two of them laughing together. It’s strange to remember how they first interacted at the beginning of the show, and to see where they are now. I guess Bob’s relationship with Joan isn’t entirely genuine, and it’s difficult to imagine that, whatever feelings he might possess, Pete would ever think of engaging in a romance with Bob. This show is full of drama, and this office really is a revolving door of sexual encounters and mistakes.

What I’m Watching: The Killing

The Killing: Season 3, Episode 3 “Seventeen” (B+)

As this show launches deeper into its new mystery, the part I’m enjoying most is the partnership between Holder and Carl. Holder and Linden were always an odd pair, but their dynamic, particularly the “Dial 1-900-LINDEN” bit, was surprisingly endearing. Carl, played by the always terrific Gregg Henry, is a fantastic foil for Holder, able to play a creep convincingly while still helping to push the investigation along and show himself to be reasonably interested in getting to the truth and serving justice. Holder’s rapport with his new CI needs work, of course, as Bullet doesn’t seem keen to the idea of working with the lawman who just wants to help her find her friend. Things are looking increasingly grim for Kallie, and it’s difficult to watch Danette discuss her situation with such detachment and cruelty. For Linden to call someone else the mother of the year is really saying something. Linden is burrowing herself back into police work, and finding out that Adrian just wants to see her father is an intriguing development. I was very concerned about what the continually terrifying Seward was going to do to Becker, especially after his disturbing story, and injuring himself severely in the neck is still plenty unsettling. The slow burn still exists in a major way on this show, and I hope that it won’t take nearly as long as it did in the first two seasons for the plot to unfurl as it heads in what might be its most simultaneously appealing and unnerving direction yet.

What I’m Watching: Falling Skies (Season Finale)

Falling Skies: Season 3, Episodes 1 and 2 “On Thin Ice” and “Collateral Damage” (B)

I debated whether to tune into this show after being sincerely disappointed by it during its first two seasons. I’m glad I did since there were a few terrific plot developments which I think are truly exciting, and, unlike, say, “Revolution,” this show is actually doing a decent job of living up to its potential story-wise even if the writing is reliably miserable. The seemingly infinite explicit references to “the past seven months” were obvious and tiresome, but the fact that there is now an alien, played by none other than Doug Jones, a very talented actor who likes playing creative creatures, is riding side-by-side with Tom in battle is simply fantastic. The presidency suits Tom, and having him be above Weaver also makes sense. I don’t see the logic in killing off Terry O’Quinn’s character, but I suppose it was only a recurring arc from the start. Hal being in a wheelchair is a major thing, especially considering he can actually walk, but only when he’s compelled to do so in the middle of the night when Karen beckons him. I’m far less impressed by Matt blowing up buildings instead of doing his homework and having trouble accepting Ann as his mother, and I’d love to see a whole lot less of Pope. The superhuman baby Ann has given birth to seems like a handful, and the technology used to take off the harnesses is cool. This show could be headed for greatness this season, if only the dialogue would improve and the writers would focus on the sci-fi elements that are most compelling.

What I’m Watching: Game of Thrones (Season Finale)

Game of Thrones: Season 3, Episode 10 “Mhysa” (B+)

This was a perfectly competent finale, but there’s so much going on on this show that it was understandably impossible to cover everything to a satisfactory level. It feels like this season is over way too soon, mainly because the third book of the series is being adapted into both the third and fourth seasons, meaning that there exists so much material for season four. After the shocking events of last episode, this installment returned to focus on the Lannisters, providing a perfect tease of what’s to come for each of the siblings, as Shae managed to resist Lord Varys’ efforts to get rid of her, Jamie was briefly reunited in an unspoken scene with Cersei, and, most memorably, Tywin sent Joffrey to bed after Tyrion riled him up when he announced his plan to have Robb’s head served to Sansa at his wedding, an event which I guess is still to come. The fiercest remaining Stark made quite an impression with her act of vengeance for her brother, and it looks like Jon is going to survive his tearful encounter with Ygritte. I’m glad to see Davos proving his worth and surviving, and I wonder just how much Stannis will continue to be a player in the struggle for power. Though she only appeared in the episode’s closing moments, Daenerys appears to be doing quite well, and I certainly hope that these plotlines will all start to converge in season four. This was a good year, but I’m ready for more, and not having it for a number of months is going to be severely disappointing.

Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Peter Dinklage as Tyrion