What I’m Watching: Chuck (Series Finale)

There are certain things that you can expect from a series finale, especially one that has been given ample time to prepare for such an event. Usually, one hero finds him or herself in a state totally unlike normal, and often a minor villain from the show’s history becomes a major player to defeat in the show’s final hours. That was the case here, with Sarah unable to remember her past and Quinn suddenly identified as the number one threat against humanity. What’s sad in some ways is that Sarah still isn’t herself by two-hour-episode’s end, which is somewhat sweet since Chuck is working so hard to make her remember but also disappointing since their fairy tale home doesn’t happen in the way any expected it would. It was endearing that Chuck put the glasses on one last time so that he could save Beckman, but it really should have been used to restore Sarah's memory. There was also a strange reference to futuristic technology, much like the Intersect itself, actually, with Morgan’s discovery of the invisibility cloak at DARPA, which was fun if not rather unprecedented on this show. Ellie crashing the car with Sarah in it and Casey telling Beckman to shut up because they were saving her were amusing moments that had probably been building for a long time. This finale did exhibit other welcome telltale signs of characters being aware of the end as Ellie and Awesome were wooed by a Chicago hospital, Morgan and Alex moving in together, and Casey heading off to find Gertrude. Jeff and Lester’s fate was particularly fun, as they got to prevent the bomb from going off by making horrible music, resulting in a visit from a VIP that forced them to consider leaving the Buy More. And, though it will be a long time before they’re back to normal, Chuck did get the girl, and a few choice flashbacks to their important moments were sweet. As a finale, this was a fun episode, though maybe not the greatest one the show has ever produced. I’ve enjoyed this show thoroughly throughout its five years, and looking back, I’ve actually reviewed almost every episode (with a few missing) since the pilot, way back on September 24, 2007. A retrospective feature could well be in order for this show that hit its high point in the middle but never slipped back down after that. It’s been a great five years.

Series finale: B+
Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Yvonne Strahovski
Series grade: B+
Series MVP: Adam Baldwin
Best season: Seasons 2 & 3
Best episode: “Chuck Versus the Colonel”

Take Three: The Finder

The Finder: Season 1, Episode 3 “A Cinderella Story” (B+)

This show continues to be a blast, featuring genuinely intriguing and complex cases, with Walter using his token peculiar methodologies to uncover a surprising villain in this shoe-centric serial killing spree. I’m thrilled to report that this show is improving steadily in the ratings, and I do hope that FOX deems it worthy of staying on the air since I’m definitely enjoying it immensely. I was pleased to see Ian Reed Kesler, usually cast as a womanizing slimeball, as numbers geek Ira, and I didn’t even recognize Jodi Lyn O’Keefe, seen in the later seasons of “Prison Break” as bad girl Lisa. This episode was functioning on multiple levels, which made the search for Cinderella hardly the most interesting part of the hour. Leo is a great comic character, especially as played by the deep-voiced Michael Clarke Duncan, evident in the reenactment of what happened on the boat, but I like the fact that he also has some depth to him. His chance encounter with the man responsible for the death of his wife and daughter led to some real rage on his part and an elaboration of his relationship with Willa. Her literal “going to bat” for him was endearing in its own violent way, and I like that Walter is fully aware that she’s only sticking around until she figures out how to get into his safe. If I’ve learned anything from this episode, it’s that saying your password out loud while typing it isn’t a terribly good way of preserving security.

What I’m Watching: Parks & Recreation

Parks & Recreation: Season 4, Episode 13 “Bowling For Votes” (B+)

Only on this show could a focus group come up with comments so ridiculous, and only Leslie Knope could become so obsessed with something insignificant like a person saying that she wouldn’t be great at bowling. The free bowling night was highly amusing for both games that it presented, and I love how Ben and Leslie consistently manage to get themselves into silly situations that become far too public. Ben punching Leslie’s bowling buddy was completely unexpected, and it was great how they spun it, with Leslie jokingly threatening reporters that she would have her boyfriend punch them. Ron and Ann’s horror at Tom’s bowling form was terrific, and Tom’s reaction to Ron crushing his finger was priceless: “Owwww! My fingie!” Jerry running the phone campaign was an odd choice, and it was great to hear how each person managed to mess up their calls. Jerry giving someone his social security number and Andy saying that they couldn’t accept donations over $50 were particularly humorous. April wanting to beat Chris to ruin his happiness was entertaining, and it’s always a treat when April gets serious and actually shows some affection for someone. Giving Chris the three movie tickets and a slight hug was very endearing, and I’m glad that Chris is able to have some happiness after not being able to find a positive spin on his breakup with Millicent, a plotline that was good for a few laughs but didn’t ultimately produce all that much story material in the long term.

Final SAG Winner Predictions

Tonight on TNT and TBS, we have the SAG Awards, which tend to be more exciting for their film picks but also have some value for TV for the ensemble awards they hand out. The two big questions are: which show is going to win Best Ensemble in a Drama Series, and can Steve Carell dethrone five-time reigning champ Alec Baldwin? It’s sure to be a decently enjoyable ceremony, and here are my final predictions. Film picks can be found here.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Jessica Lange (American Horror Story)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Steve Carell (The Office)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Julie Bowen (Modern Family)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
James Woods (Too Big to Fail)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Kate Winslet (Mildred Pierce)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
Game of Thrones

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
Modern Family

What I’m Watching: 30 Rock

30 Rock: Season 6, Episodes 3 & 4 “Idiots Are People Three!” & “The Ballad of Kenneth Parcell” (B)

This double-header was entertaining if a bit wacky in the style that this show often employs. The first episode, following up on last week’s cliffhanger, had some truly funny moments, highlighted by Liz negating all of Criss’ comments, particularly the fact that Yale, not, Wesleyan, is the Harvard of central Connecticut. Learning that she says cholesterol wrong and doesn’t use tab closures on cereal boxes was amusing, and I enjoyed Jack’s invocation of the Titanic as the highest-grossing movie of all time rather than a sinking ship. Devon Banks’ appearances are always fun, and his attempted blackmail and visit to Cathy with Jack were enjoyable. The Kelsey Grammer plotline didn’t do much for me other than a few chuckles at his one-man Abraham Lincoln show. Tracy and Denise writing Liz’s apology proved to be less funny than her actual rant, which berated idiots for being responsible for the Golden Globes and the fact that there will likely be an “Entourage” movie. In episode two, Jenna’s MLK movie trailer was preposterous, and having Liz get splashed by PETA so that she could pose in front of the Outback sign was a little ridiculous too. Liz hanging out with herself was a welcome wake-up call to the fact that she needs vain idiots in her life, and the same was true for Jack’s attempt to replace the program with a computer system completely familiar with failed NBC sitcoms. Tracy’s misinterpreted “Give to charity? Please no! Presents!” was hilarious, and I also smiled at the fourth-wall reference to Maulik Pancholy’s role on “Whitney,” though we haven’t seen him in a while as Jack’s frazzled assistant now that he has so many other parts.

What I’m Watching: Royal Pains

Royal Pains: Season 3, Episode 12 “Some Pig” (B+)

This episode was all about relationships, with Jill trying her best to move on while being courted by Jack, Hank and Divya being passive-aggressive with each other, and Evan and Paige both freaking out a bit about the impending start of their lives. I’m consistently impressed by Tom Cavanagh’s grace on screen, so comfortable in the energetic roles that he tends to play. His flirtation with Jill was entertaining, and he also does drama well, as he did on “Scrubs” with the death of his father and here with the discovery first of his lupus diagnosis and then that it was much more serious than they had initially thought. For the sake of the show, I’m glad it means that Cavanagh will likely be around for a while, and I hope things don’t end too tragically for him. Jill doesn’t seem to be getting any closer to leaving, though I’d be happy if they brought back Anastasia Griffith’s Dr. Emily Peck to be Hank’s love interest. It made sense for Hank and Divya to be made at each other due to their close relationship, but I’m happy that it lasted just one episode, so that they can get back to working together well and healing sick people. Evan getting hives because he’s nervous was highly amusing, and Paige realizing that she too was nervous because she was getting too into playing house was cute. Those two make a fabulous couple, and I’m eager to see their relationship progress as their wedding looms closer.

Pilot Review: Touch

Touch (FOX)
Premiered January 25th at 9pm

Many expected this show to be just like one of two popular series from the past decade: “24” or “Heroes,” one with the same star, the other with the same creator. Somewhat fortunately, it’s neither of those, and instead it’s something completely different, intriguing in its own right but in need of a bit of tweaking before it becomes fully engaging. Having the silent Jake narrate his life and explain that he’s never spoken a word is a strong device, permitting some clarification of aspects that confuse his father and the rest of the world without giving too much away. Despite being unable to resist some fighting in Grand Central, Kiefer Sutherland proved quite quickly that baggage handler Martin Bohm is no Jack Bauer, describing his fear of heights and taking a punch without properly defending himself. Kiefer is great in the role, though I’m less impressed by the part that’s been given to Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who was entertaining both in her stint on “Undercovers” and in her supporting turn in the film “Larry Crowne.” This episode was all over the place in many ways, featuring guest stars such as Titus Welliver, also underused as the lottery-winning fireman, and it’s completely unclear just where this show is heading. What I do like is the energy of the show, with Kiefer’s Martin and Gugu’s Clea becoming enthralled by whatever it is that Jake’s doing in bringing people together. I’m not sure what kinds of staying power this show will have, but I’m definitely intrigued to see another installment.

How will it work as a series? There were so many unconnected threads in this episode that only partially came together that I think it’s going to be hard to follow it on a weekly basis, and I’m not sure it’s enticing enough just yet to commit on a long-term basis. It actually seemed like a supernatural type of procedural, and hopefully will have the opportunity to feature an extraordinary guest cast.
How long will it last? The pilot opened strong, and though it won’t be back until March when it assumes the post-“House” slot on Monday nights, I’m sure that FOX will want to invest in another Kiefer hit. Even if it doesn’t turn out to be the most critically-beloved show, I think that FOX will let it see out the rest of the season, and maybe even a second one depending on how it does.

Pilot grade: B

What I’m Watching: White Collar

White Collar: Season 3, Episode 12 “Upper West Side Story” (B+)

The fears that I expressed last week have been fully assuaged by this fantastically fun hour, in which the rapport between Neal and Peter is generally back to normal, with only fleeting and flickering mentions of Keller. To kick off this week’s especially terrific plotline was Graham Phillips, best known as troublesome child Zach Florrick on “The Good Wife,” here considerably more buttoned-up but ready to raise trouble by revealing an illegal side operation within the bursar’s office at his prep school. He also brought with him an Emmy-nominated guest star from that show, Dylan Baker, to play the suspicious party, and it’s always a pleasure to see Baker on screen, albeit this time in a much less vicious role than the one he recently played on season four of “Damages.” Neal’s decision to pose as a substitute teacher was great, and I loved Peter’s layered back-and-forth with him in front of the class. Pulling off a caper – or rather, not quite pulling it off – during the tutoring session with Chloe was a superb use of this cast, and I fully enjoyed every moment of it, especially the incorporation of Evan. With the treasure out of mind, Mozzie was much more fun than he’s been in a while, excitedly running off to get his quill and then refusing to admit that he was in the room when Peter was there. His comments on Evan’s presentation style (positive) and clothing style (negative) were amusing as well. A thoroughly entertaining and worthwhile installment!

What I’m Watching: Justified

Justified: Season 3, Episode 2 “Cut Ties” (B+)

This episode didn’t feature a single appearance by Neal McDonough’s shady character introduced last week, but what a handful of guest stars in his absence! I like how Carla Gugino got to play a character named Karen who is generally assumed to be Karen Sisco, another Elmore Leonard character who had her own short-lived TV show several years back. If Winona weren’t in the picture, Karen would be a perfect romantic fit for Raylan, and I hope she returns for another guest spot. Mykelti Williamson, an alumnus of Graham Yost’s “Boomtown” just like McDonough, is a fantastic follow-up villain for the series after Mags Bennett, so calm about his cruelty that it’s alarming. I look forward to seeing how everything comes together with both villains later this season. Other familiar faces included Frank John Hughes, a “Boomtown” guest star and recurring player on the final season of “24,” as the duplicitous Terry Powe, and FX regular Todd Stashwick as the prison guard who allowed Boyd some face-to-face time with a terrified Dickie. Raylan was smart about getting Boyd released after realizing his plan, though now Boyd has learned enough to be directly involved in the malicious business dealings sure to take place this season. I enjoyed Boyd’s response to Raylan’s sincere request for advice, reminding him that he is sleeping with his dead wife’s mistress and murderess. The most compelling and unexpected component of this episode was Art’s anger over the death of his friend and his methodical intimidation of his captive to discern the truth. Rachel also did a strong job of keeping her charges safe and taking out the bad guys.

SAG Winner Predictions: Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series

The competition: The Big Bang Theory, Glee, Modern Family, The Office, 30 Rock

For your information: “The Big Bang Theory” is the only new nominee, and each of the other four nominees has won before: “Modern Family” last year, “Glee” in 2009, “30 Rock” in 2008, and “The Office” in 2007 and 2006. “Modern Family” has four performers nominated, “30 Rock” has two, and “The Office” has one.

Who should win: “Modern Family”

Who will win: I expect that “Modern Family” will repeat.

SAG Winner Predictions: Best Ensemble in a Drama Series

The competition: Boardwalk Empire, Breaking Bad, Dexter, Game of Thrones, The Good Wife

For your information: “Boardwalk Empire” is the only one of this bunch that has ever won, for its first season last year. “Dexter” is on its fourth nomination, and “The Good Wife” is on its third. “Breaking Bad” is here for the first time for its fourth season, and freshman series “Game of Thrones” is another newbie. Last year, “Boardwalk Empire” joined “The Sopranos” as exceptions to the rule that freshman series don’t win this award.

Who should win: “Breaking Bad,” but they’re all great except for “Dexter”

Who will win: I said “The Good Wife” last year, and it doesn’t seem that it’s going to win this time either, so I’ll go for “Game of Thrones.”

SAG Winner Predictions: Best Female Actor in a Comedy Series

The competition: Julie Bowen’s frazzled mother (Modern Family), Edie Falco’s pill-popping nurse (Nurse Jackie), Tina Fey’s nerdy TV writer (30 Rock), Sofia Vergara’s Colombian wife (Modern Family), and Betty White’s wise-cracking scene-stealer (Hot in Cleveland).

For your information: White won this award last year. Fey won three times in a row before that. Falco won three times in the drama category for “The Sopranos” and returns in this category for the third year in a row. Vergara was nominated last year, and she’s joined by costar Bowen, who won the Emmy last year. Supporting actresses do sometimes win in this category, like Christine Baranski, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lisa Kudrow, and Megan Mullally.

Who should win: Bowen or Vergara

Who will win: I’m thinking it will be Bowen.

SAG Winner Predictions: Best Male Actor in a Comedy Series

The competition: Alec Baldwin’s conservative TV boss (30 Rock), Ty Burrell’s goofy dad (Modern Family), Steve Carell’s wacky manager (The Office), Jon Cryer’s excitable chiropractor (Two and a Half Men), and Eric Stonestreet’s flamboyant stay-at-home dad (Modern Family).

For your information: Alec Baldwin has won this award for the past five years, creating a fearsome precedent. With Carell’s sixth nomination, this is his final chance to win the award. Emmy winner Burrell is back for round two, while both Stonestreet and Cryer receive their first-ever SAG nomination. Both have won Emmys for Best Supporting Actor. This award does sometimes go to supporting actors, as Jason Alexander, David Hyde Pierce, Robert Downey Jr., and Sean Hayes have won in the past.

Who should win: Carell, Burell, or Stonestreet

Who will win: I think Carell may finally be able to dethrone Baldwin.

SAG Winner Predictions: Best Female Actor in a Drama Series

The competition: Kathy Bates’ strong-willed lawyer (Harry’s Law), Glenn Close’s vicious lawyer (Damages), Jessica Lange’s creepy neighbor (American Horror Story), Julianna Margulies’ hard-working lawyer and mother (The Good Wife), and Kyra Sedgwick’s deputy police chief (The Closer).

For your information: Margulies has won the past two years, and also won in 1997 and 1998 for “ER.” This is Close’s fourth consecutive nomination, and she won for “The Lion in Winter” in 2004. She is also nominated for her lead performance in the film “Albert Nobbs” this year. Sedgwick has been nominated every year since 2005 but has never won. Bates won in the miniseries or TV movie category in 1996 and won a film SAG award in 1998. She has been nominated once more for both TV and film work. Lange has been nominated twice before, once for film and television. Since its inception in 1994, only two supporting actresses have won this award, and both were from “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Who should win: Margulies or Sedgwick

Who will win: Supporting actress Lange, but it could be any of them.

SAG Winner Predictions: Best Male Actor in a Drama Series

The competition: Patrick J. Adams’ degreeless law genius (Suits), Steve Buscemi’s Atlantic City gangster (Boardwalk Empire), Kyle Chandler’s devoted coach (Friday Night Lights), Bryan Cranston’s meth cooker (Breaking Bad), and Michael C. Hall’s kind-hearted serial killer (Dexter).

For your information: Buscemi won this award last year, and Hall won the year before. This is Cranston’s third nomination, and though he has won three consecutive Emmys, he has yet to win a SAG award. Chandler won the Emmy last year for his performance in the final series of “Friday Night Lights,” and this is the first nomination for freshman series star Adams. Since its inception in 1994, this award has gone to the same performer twice on many occasions - Dennis Franz, Anthony Edwards, James Gandolfini (three times, actually), Martin Sheen, Kiefer Sutherland, and Hugh Laurie, so don’t count a repeat win by Buscemi.

Who should win: Buscemi, Cranston, and Hall are all great choices

Who will win: Given that “Breaking Bad” finally cracked the Best Ensemble category and had arguably its strongest season yet, I think it’s time for Cranston to win.