What I’m Watching: Will and Grace (Season Finale)

Will and Grace: Season 9, Episode 16 “It’s a Family Affair” (B)

It’s hard to believe that this show has already aired a full season since returning after its long break off the air. More incredible is the fact that it really didn’t change that much, catching up on current politics but keeping its comic timing and its general format the same. Grace inviting Will’s mother to come to their apartment as a way of getting revenge on Will for accidentally suggesting that her father move in with them did manage to backfire pretty quickly, mainly because she forgot that she too lived would be affected by her presence. It wasn’t at all surprising that the two parents decided to sleep together, and it wouldn’t be a season finale without an impulsive decision like a marriage proposal after just one night of passion. I’m more okay with that than with Jack asking Estefan to propose to him since he’s managed to be extremely irritating after just one episode, and he’s the kind of character who goes for much broader comedy like pretending that he doesn’t know that Grace is a woman. Karen making the choice to stick with Stan was also a bit predictable even if it’s relatively illogical, and having both her and Malcolm plant kisses on Smitty instead of on each other was silly but moderately entertaining physical comedy. I’m not sure I would have brought this show back, especially over the many other series that I’ll one day list which would be my top picks for resuscitation, but some time away has made this show enjoyable again in a harmless way. With two more seasons already ordered, I’m happy to keep watching for the time being.

Season grade: B
Season MVP: Sean Hayes as Jack