Take Three: Dark Matter

Dark Matter: Season 1, Episode 3 “Episode Three” (B+)

Part of me wishes that this show had a larger cast and numerous guest characters who could interact with the primary seven players on a regular basis. Yet there’s something fascinating about building a show around just a small base of people and setting it in one place. This hour was relatively intense and didn’t even involve leaving the ship, save for a few brief treks out onto the deck to repair some problematic issues with the ship. I like the Android as a character very much, since she’s extremely matter-of-fact but also possesses a personality, displayed most prominently in reminding them that she did in fact do the same for them by risking her life to save theirs. Not that their guns were going to do much, but I did enjoy Five pointing out that her allies should aim their guns at Four because she had taken all the bullets out of Three’s guns because she didn’t trust him. The end of the episode’s big revelation was hardly a surprise, but it does underline just how much these characters have been transformed from the criminals they once were. The casting of One as the true culprit who pursued the Raza and then presumably wiped their memories clean, erasing his own in the process, is brilliant since he’s the show’s moral compass, arguing for the preservation of life above all else in the strongest possible way, more belligerently even than the mission-minded Two. I’m very intrigued to see what comes next.

What I’m Watching: Episodes

Episodes: Season 4, Episode 3 (B+)

I have to start this review by saying that I am a huge fan of Andrea Savage, who plays Helen Bash. I didn’t know her before episode two of this season, and I just had the opportunity to see her in a scene-stealing role in the very funny Sundance comedy “Sleeping with Other People.” She’s terrific in it, and I think she’s a fantastic fit for this show too. She handled the terrible pitch from Merc very well, and I like that, even though this means that Carol has now slept with three consecutive bosses, it didn’t feel the same this time, since they had a romantic seduction that caught Carol by surprise since she had no idea that Helen was a lesbian. I’m eager to see where that relationship goes, though it will probably create more trouble than anything. Matt taking Beverly to the free expo was a thoroughly entertaining disaster, and the mess that Beverly came home to was even worse, as Sean’s old colleague seems to have a pretty good case that their new script was actually co-written by him. I enjoyed Matt’s plotline best since we rarely get to see much of Diane, and here we got to see her yell at him for teaching their children lewd art and then get tempted into putting on the rubber dress. Sleeping with Matt is a terrible idea, but it’s going to make things all the more enticing as, for once, Matt didn’t sleep with someone else’s wife but instead may be falling for someone he hasn’t cared about in a long time. I can’t wait to hear what Sean and Beverly have to say about it.

What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey: Season 5, Episode 3 (B+)

This season’s threads are becoming clearer and clearer the more we get into it, though there are a few surprises along the way too. Those come mainly in the form of Russians who much prefer tea and relics of their past to modern criticism by the likes of their leadership by one Sarah Bunting. It’s hard to decide who is more predictably prickly, Robert or Sarah, since the former always gets angry about anything new or untoward and the latter seems to incite furor whenever she shows up and happens to be invited to crash a party. The big shock of the hour was discovering that Violet had a forbidden flirtation much in the style of Cora with a Russian royal back in the day, and this just after she gave Mary such a hard time for being caught by her valet after her night of passion with Tony. I didn’t mention last week just how fantastic Richard E. Grant, who I first saw in “Gosford Park” over a decade ago and who this past year was one of the main reasons to see “Dom Hemingway,” was as Cora’s admirer who got Robert to boil over when he kept her out for the majority of the evening. Mary isn’t letting anyone tell her what to do, and I really like her relationship with Tom as he peruses his different options of how to upset the balance of things. It’s no surprise that Edith came on too strong and has now been barred from seeing her child, and no one is particularly sympathetic since they don’t know the circumstances. Thomas left rather abruptly to go see his dying father, and things seem to have returned to a comfortable place with Mosley and Baxter that hopefully won’t be upset by his impending return.

Round Two: Doll and Em

Doll and Em: Season 1, Episode 3 and 4 (B+)

Technically, this is actually round three and four, but, because of how HBO is airing the installments of this British series, I’m looking at these two together as one whole. I was pleasantly surprised to find some sense of continuity in between episodes, namely that the injury Doll sustained as a result of her awful attempt to justify her handicapped parking spot lasted into the next episode. Doll starring in the funeral scene with Em definitely made things much more awkward than they needed to be, namely because she happened to be amazing at crying while it was not one of Em’s strong suits. Em was understandably upset with Doll milking her success and stealing some of the spotlight, and Doll didn’t help matters by calling up MasterCard pretending to be Em and describing her abilities in a less than complimentary manner. Doll going in first to see Em’s casting agent was immensely uncomfortable, and Em having to be Doll’s chauffeur was also unfortunate. Doll has absolutely no self-awareness, and Em much more often has to be the outwardly vindictive one, letting Doll know that she has to treat him with a sort of respect that she isn’t necessarily expected to show to her. We got to see much more of the filming process than ever before, showcasing Em’s actual skills while she parodies herself and her hatred of her hat and inability to cry. In a subtle and far from memorable guest spot, we had John Cusack, who was much more interested in socializing with Doll than with Em. I did enjoy the writer’s dislike of the comparisons to “The Godfather” that everyone kept making.

What I’m Watching: Episodes

Episodes: Season 3, Episode 3 “Episode Three” (B+)

This was a rollercoaster of an episode, and surprisingly little of it had to do with Beverly and Sean’s relationship. In fact, their interactions with two of the offending parties were entirely work-related. I enjoyed Morning’s enthusiasm about her ability to skate, and her perspective on how making a woman the coach would be quite progressive. It seems like no one wants to work on “Pucks” these days, and it’s been so long since the production of the show has played a role in this show’s drama that I had all but forgotten how truly bad the series is supposed to be. I recognized Sam Palladio, Gunnar from “Nashville,” as Stoke, whose movie-inspired schedule changes got all of the uproar started, and I liked Matt’s reaction to him gesturing at him when he said fifty (LeBlanc, it turns out, is a few years younger than that in real life). Matt asking Beverly and Sean to be killed off so that he could do their old assistant’s pilot was a bad idea, and there’s no way that would work out anyway. Castor started things off poorly with his team by calling a 6am meeting he then forgot to attend, and he’s definitely certifiably crazy, which makes Carol seem sane by comparison. Carol coming to the defense of “Pucks” when Carol literally threw it in the trash was noble, but it seems that Beverly doesn’t know Carol well enough to place value on their friendship, which is going to spell trouble and likely doom for the show going forward.

What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey: Season 4, Episode 3 (B+)

The effects of Anna’s devastating rape last episode were felt throughout this hour, and it’s clear that it’s going to severely affect Bates, even though he doesn’t know what happened and shouldn’t find out because it would likely send him right back to prison and to the gallows, as Anna predicted. It’s nice to see that Mrs. Hughes is fully supportive of her and determined to keep her secret, and I hope that Carson notices that something is wrong and offers his own form of support without asking questions. I love how Mrs. Hughes handled Edna telling Tom that she was pregnant, accusing her of lying without being sure and having it pay off incredibly. Edna was always going to be trouble, and which I'm not positive that she's out of the picture it's completely, it's good to see that Tom has others watching out for him and aware that she's manipulative. The family seems to like Tony, though it’s probably for the best that this engagement is going to go through, since it would like have been just as long as her engagement to Matthew, which is not what anyone needs. Telling Mary that he never met Matthew but that he is dead and Tony is alive was perhaps his strongest selling point, and something Mary should truly consider. It's good to know that the kitchen staff is going to have some new opportunities for growth, and let's hope that they’re able to pull themselves away from the drama of their romantic interests for long enough to earn themselves some education.

What I’m Watching: Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey: Season 3, Episode 3 (B+)

It’s a real shame that it took so long for Edith to get to this day, and then Sir Anthony decided that he just couldn’t go through with it. Robert and Violet might not have approved, but the truth is that it would have made Edith happy, and therefore it’s quite unfortunate that it didn’t work out. Let’s hope there’s some happiness for Edith ahead at some point in the future. To her credit, Mary was nice for once, acknowledging that she’s not always nice and that it probably won’t change, but still trying to be sweet to her sister on her wedding day. I enjoyed Edith’s comment about Sybil being pregnant and Mary probably being pregnant. It’s a good thing that Matthew got that letter, which was authenticated by Daisy, since Mary telling him that she’s still mad at him every week was getting somewhat tiresome. I’ll admit that I did think that she had written the letter herself to try to ease Matthew’s guilt, and it’s reassuring to know that it was in fact real. The trip to Downton Place was fun, and I guess we won’t be seeing much of that from here on. Violet saying that she’d take the food if the poor didn’t want it was hilarious. It’s nice to see Carson express such care for Mrs. Hughes and to hear him singing gleefully at the end of the episode. Thomas hit a new low by telling Mosley that O’Brien was leaving, and I can’t wait to see what she does to get revenge.

What I’m Watching: Episodes

Episodes: Season 2, Episode 3 (B+)

This episode was entertaining because, unlike those that came before it, it was structured around one single event, which drew everyone’s attention and led to some rather hilarious side conversations. Jamie getting the news while in the middle of an untoward act with Matt was quite a way to start, though he made it considerably worse by positing that she continue doing what she had been doing before they got the call. Beverly and Sean’s assistant is truly amusing, and I’m surprised that she even managed to get something right amid all of her constant requests to leave for the day. Matt’s enthusiasm about getting in on whatever Beverly and Sean were doing for Merc resulted in some less than considerate comments about one charity that helps homeless people get tattoos removed and another that does something involving Canadian geese. Morning’s accidental remark to Beverly that she had been in Sean’s bedroom produced expected awkwardness, though Beverly seemed more upset by the notion of never being with Sean again than she did by the actual act. I’m glad that she found out about Matt’s infidelity as well since it’s always fun to hear him try to justify his adulterous actions. Though he initially seemed upset about his father’s passing, Merc is just the kind of man who would interrupt the rabbi at his funeral to make – not just take – a call about Matthew Broderick so that he can snatch him up before another network does, which may or may not jeopardize the future of “Pucks.”

Take Three: Life’s Too Short

Life’s Too Short: Season 1, Episode 3 (B+)

It’s about time we got to see some of the other little people that Warwick represents in his Dwarves for Hire business. It’s no surprise that they’re frustrated with him for taking all the good roles instead of recommending them, but it seems that overconfidence doesn’t always work out for the dwarf with the big ego. In another understated celebrity cameo, Helena Bonham Carter managed to be more demeaning to Warwick than he is to anyone else by forcing him to climb into a trash can because he doesn’t look like the child he’s standing in for and then exclaiming that he smells and that she can’t possibly do the scene. The episode’s most uncomfortable moment was Warwick’s visit to the school, but that was a bad situation to begin with that was never going to get any better. Rosamund Hanson continues to steal scenes as Warwick’s assistant Cheryl, consistently being unhelpful and often detrimental in almost every case, particularly when Warwick is asked if he has time on his calendar, which happens quite often. This show is turning out to be exactly like “Extras,” which I’d say is a good thing. It’s most definitely not for everyone, but there’s something to be said for a show that doesn’t mind being politically incorrect. Opening with a shot of a dwarf actor being used as a bowling ball makes a statement of sorts, and it’s exactly what this show is trying to say. I, for one, am enjoying myself thus far.

Take Three: Luck

Luck: Season 1, Episode 3 (B)

I’m still having trouble keeping track of just how everyone in this massive complex of characters is connected, but it’s definitely getting more interesting, and I’m inclined to stick around and find out just exactly what’s about to happen. I was pleased to see Patrick J. Adams, who earned himself a surprise SAG nod for his performance as a fake lawyer on “Suits,” as a much more by-the-book numbers guy who both infuriated and impressed Ace with his courage to speak up and say what no one else would. Being offered a million dollars isn’t something many would easily turn down, and I have a feeling that Nathan is going to get himself in way over his head, and Ace is not someone you want to cross. That final scene with both Ace and Gus falling asleep while they were talking was very powerful, and a great way to end the episode. I’m quite intrigued by the relationship between John Ortiz’s hotheaded trainer Turo Escalante and Jill Hennessy’s Jo. Their walk to the bedroom at his place was exquisitely filmed. If nothing else, this show has exceptional cinematography, and it’s not just about the horses anymore. Slowly but surely, the ragtag crew of winners is trying to do the most productive thing with their winnings, but Jerry can’t seem to get anywhere on time, and he also still has this gambling addiction that’s going to get him and everyone else in trouble. Horse breeding and racing is hardly a simple or safe craft.

Take Three: Outcasts

Outcasts: Season 1, Episode 3 (B+)

I’m glad to see that the sudden and fascinating whiteout that preceded Karina’s death in the pilot hasn’t been ignored altogether. It’s much worse than anticipated, of course, leading to some unfortunate danger for our main characters and the death of a fringe character. Though it was hard to see anything throughout this entire hour, I am impressed with this show for devoting almost an entire episode to such chaos and pulling it off quite admirably. It’s also intriguing to see how all the characters are coming together, particularly when it comes to Tipper’s presence at Forthaven and Cass managing to earn himself a wedding invitation thanks to his life-saving bravery. It’s good that Lily isn’t completely resenting her mother, and it’s extremely interesting to see how Julius is taking a role in fostering that relationship. Julius certainly didn’t waste any time getting himself an official position, and I liked how quickly Richard initially snapped at him that he couldn’t speak to the people. The most fascinating relationship, of course, is that between Rudi and Fleur. He clearly sees a different type of person, human or not, in her, and he’s willing to give her a chance. The fact that the utterance of her name saves Cass’ life is something else altogether, but it’s a relief that at least someone is able to set aside violence for the sake of friendship and love. Rudi walking around carefree in the midst of the massive whiteout is always something not to scoff at, as he and his people have clearly proven much more resilient than the humans.

What I’m Watching: Secret Diary of a Call Girl

Secret Diary of a Call Girl: Season 4, Episode 3 (B-)

It’s tough to watch a show after things have been changed for the worse and it doesn’t seem like it will ever be possible to get back to the way things were. This happened with “The L Word” when it started its third season, and for the next three years, it couldn’t hope to recapture the same quality it had before that. This show isn’t quite there yet, but I’m still disappointed every time I see this new Belle with a giant ego and a sarcastic mean streak that she never used to have. The introduction of this police officer interested in romancing Belle is decently intriguing, but it seems as if he just came out of nowhere and is inserting himself into Belle’s life in a way that she would not deem acceptable, making her lack of protest all the more puzzling. The discovery of her mother’s true business by Poppy was something that was going to have to happen eventually, but did Belle need to be so careless about it? She had escorts coming by the house and discussing business with whoever answered the door, had photographers coming by to hand-deliver seductive pictures, and went by her escort name rather than her real name. The acting Lily James as Poppy, however, was quite strong, and that counts for something. It’s nice to have one bright spot on an otherwise (currently) unimpressive show, and I do hope that her latest realization doesn’t mean an imminent departure for her from the show.

Take Three: Episodes

Episodes: Season 1, Episode 3 “Episode Three” (B+)

It’s about time we had an episode where we got a chance to get to really know Matt LeBlanc, the fictionalized version of the well-known “Friends” actor. I don’t think I expected Sean to actually bond with Matt, but it does make sense given Matt’s lifestyle and Sean’s status as the one in the marriage who lets himself get carried away with ideals rather than emphasizing common sense. Of course Sean openly defying Beverley by telling her outright that he agrees with Matt about the librarian not being a lesbian so that she and Matt’s character can have some hope of a relationship in season four is a bigger and far more serious deal. Merk is quite a funny character, and I enjoyed him telling Sean and Beverley that the table read was “bloody fantastic” and then being considerably less committal when asked privately by Carol as they were walking to their next meeting. I absolutely love Kathleen Rose Perkins, who plays Carol, and she did a marvelous job of handling herself when Merk came in and wanted to get frisky, and her response to Merk suggesting Matt LeBlanc for a lead role in a pilot other than “Pucks” was pretty great. The funniest part of the episode, by far, was Matt’s own explanation about his extraordinary endowment. He set it up brilliantly by positioning himself to be able to condescendingly (and somehow with a straight face) say “My eyes are up here - I’m not a piece of meat” to Beverley. Entirely hilarious.

What I’m Watching: Secret Diary of a Call Girl

Secret Diary of a Call Girl: Season 3, Episode 3 “Series 3, Episode 3” (B+)

The start to this episode was nowhere near as beautifully choreographed and musically accompanied as the previous two installments of this show, and it was fantastic. Belle’s narration of her exploits where she mistakenly counted three feet was hilarious and had me laughing out loud. As she says, she’s much better with the actual actions than with her words. There was such clever editing in this episode, like when Belle and Bambi were talking over the phone looking into mirrors and the two frames were placed across from each other and positioned as if they were looking at each other. Belle’s animal-obsessed client was quite weird, and Belle’s confusion at his command to make the sound made by a ewe was funny. Jackie’s continued presence is not an annoyance but rather a guilty pleasure, and though it’s taking her an awfully long time to deduce Belle’s true profession, what she’s doing in the meantime is plenty amusing enough. Her asking Belle if Ben ever did a specific something and Belle getting unbelievably grossed out was great, and Belle’s realization that she should have thrown them out instead of herself since it really was very cold was extremely funny. It’s nice that she still has her friendship with Bambi, even if the less experienced call girl is beginning to blur the lines between client and boyfriend. Belle’s end-of-episode declaration that she doesn’t fancy her editor which quickly turned into an admission that she did a bit, but only in the same way that you might fancy one of your teachers, was wonderful, and it’s lovely to see her finding a kindred spirit who’s well aware of her profession before they ever jump into bed together.