What I’m Watching: Legion

Legion: Season 3, Episode 4 “Chapter 23” (B)

Now this was one trippy episode that demonstrated just how incredible the vision of the universe is as expressed on this show. I don’t even really know how to break it all down other than to express how mesmerized I was by the disjointed portrayal of time and how each character realized that something was wrong around them. Syd was right to realize that this is how David destroys the world, and that was evident when he was somehow able to set one of the time demons on fire with his mind and scare the rest of them away. The trippiest moment was when a clip from “The Shield” started playing and then jumped forward, which apparently was explained as a way to disorient viewers the same way that all the characters were feeling displaced by what was happening around them. Farouk taking them to a “time between time” was also astonishing, constructed with still photography and giant subtitles in the style this show likes so much. Cary realizing what was going on and bringing Switch with him after rebooting Ptonomy is certainly going to anger David, and he’ll likely stop at nothing to get her back, especially after his reunion with his mother back during World War II. Syd meeting her younger self and trying to switch places was intense, though I’d argue that Lenny endured the most as she watched a life come into the world and then progress so rapidly that she couldn’t possibly keep up with with

What I’m Watching: House of Cards

House of Cards: Season 2, Episode 10 “Chapter 23” (B+)

Things are getting serious on this show, and the final three episodes of this season are sure to be turbulent at best. Frank and Claire didn’t seem too shaken up by the idea of a bomb being planted on their doorstep, though Claire was clearly devastated that it was meant for her because of her very public stance on abuse in the military. Jackie is taking extreme steps to show that she won’t fall in line, first disappointing Claire and then incurring Frank’s wrath, which is never a good thing. Her actions also prompted Frank to reveal Remy’s ulterior motives, which are sure to negatively impact their already dark and secretive romance. Walker was understandably angry at Frank for keeping him in the dark when everything about Tusk came to light, but Frank seems to have talked his way out of another disagreement quite smoothly. Doug’s treatment of Seth is rather demeaning, and Frank’s loss of confidence in his former go-to number two is going to impact Doug’s self-esteem greatly, which might make him more dependent on Rachel rather than the other way around. I’m relieved to see that the current reporting on Tusk is being handled in a much smarter and better-supported fashion than any of Zoe and Lucas’ previous coverage was. Frank and Claire’s relationship is endlessly fascinating, as Frank cheerfully told Claire about Meechum walking in on him watching porn and subsequently asked Claire if she missed being with Adam. Most intriguingly, Gavin returned at the end of the episode in hot cyber-pursuit of Doug, which makes me and many other viewers, I’m sure, very curious about what happens next.

What I’m Watching: Eastbound and Down

Eastbound and Down: Season 4, Episode 2 “Chapter 23” (B+)

It’s hard not to enjoy this show, and that’s because it knows its characters so well. April and Stevie in particular were on fire in this episode, each standing their ground but ultimately giving in to their love for Kenny Powers, but showing it in an appropriate and effective way. April saying that she wasn’t worried about Kenny failing but was worried about him abandoning her was sweet, and I like that she showed up to encourage him to take down the bully on the show, which instantly gave him the courage he needed to withstand the lights. Stevie coming to Kenny to grovel only momentarily and then whip him into shape for his appearance on the show was also great, and a spectacular use of a sometimes stupid character. Guy being nice to Kenny rather than mocking him only made Kenny’s early predicament worse, and it was truly awkward to watch Kenny get skewered on the show. But that’s what’s best about it, that we were rooting for Kenny to burst, because we wanted to see his anger. Kenny’s mean streak is often one of the most appalling things about this show, but getting to see it emerge, especially when directed at someone who’s been equally vicious without being likeable, is a majestic thing. The notion of Kenny being on TV swearing his ass off and insulting lots of people on a regular basis is actually perfect, and I’m sure it will be a bumpy road, but that just makes the payoff so much better and funnier.