Big Little Lies: Season 1, Episode 3 “Living the Dream” (B)
This show continues to be enormously interesting without providing all that many answers. We got one important, devastating nugget of information, which is that Jane doesn’t want to tell Ziggy what his father’s name is because he was conceived as a result of a rape. Her opening up to Madeline about it was a bit surprising considering that they’re not all that close, but I guess that Madeline has made it her personal mission to support this newcomer town to ensure that she gets a fair shake against the bully that is Renata. Planning an epic trip to go see “Frozen” on ice to rival Amabella’s party was a low move in a lot of ways, but Madeline isn’t going down without a fight when it comes to anything, especially her prized play. Abigail deciding to move in with her dad is a blow to Madeline, and I think she’s going to take it out on the world. At least Ed is being supportive, though his unfriendly encounter with Nathan didn’t help things at all. Bonnie doesn’t seem to be all that innocent either, as her dancing at the party was looked down on by several interviewees after the big murder we still don’t know much about. Celeste and Perry going to therapy was an intriguing development, especially since Perry pretty much confessed to physical abuse but managed to make it sound much sweeter and more harmless than it really is. Things may be improving slightly but they’re stuck in a volatile and unsafe cycle.
Showing posts with label Living the Dream. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Living the Dream. Show all posts
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
What I’m Watching: Dexter (Season Premiere)
Dexter: Season 4, Episode 1 “Living the Dream” (B+)
After what feels like an excruciatingly long wait, Showtime’s popular serial killer drama returns. Though I wasn’t an exuberant fan of last season compared to the show’s previous seasons, I still think that the character of Dexter, arguably the main reason to watch the show, remains intact and fantastic. This season opens with another traditionally terrific title for the episode: “Living the Dream,” following the previous premieres cleverly called “It’s Alive!” and “Our Father.” We find Dexter in a somewhat unusual state, worn down to his core with fatigue at being a father and all the responsibilities that come with it. The riff on the opening credits with Dexter lazily going through the motions of getting ready is pretty inspired, and another fitting mimicking of the title sequence by a Showtime show (“Weeds” did this in when it famously burnt down its opening credits in the season three finale). This premiere is, however, different from previous ones in that it’s not exactly clear where the show’s headed. Obviously Dexter can’t really get discovered, but it sure looks like that’s about to happen since he drove off the road with a dead body in his trunk. John Lithgow’s decade-spanning serial killer is going to play a major part this year, but it’s unclear whether Dexter will actually meet the man or merely idolize and try to find him. While many decry the notion of having a foil present for Dexter every season, and I’m not sure I’m fully on board myself, it’s important to note that “Dexter” needs something to drive it forward, and Dexter’s continuous fatigue isn’t going to cut it. Bringing Lundy back, awkward as it may have been this episode, is a great idea since Keith Carradine is excellent and his relationship with Dexter is fascinating. It’s about time Laguerta and Batista shacked up, and I couldn’t really care any less about whatever’s happening with Deb’s relationship. All in all, this season opener showed that this year should have a different feel to it, possibly a more sedated one as all the characters are becoming more disgruntled and tired, but I’m still very excited, and that’s one hell of an episode ending.
After what feels like an excruciatingly long wait, Showtime’s popular serial killer drama returns. Though I wasn’t an exuberant fan of last season compared to the show’s previous seasons, I still think that the character of Dexter, arguably the main reason to watch the show, remains intact and fantastic. This season opens with another traditionally terrific title for the episode: “Living the Dream,” following the previous premieres cleverly called “It’s Alive!” and “Our Father.” We find Dexter in a somewhat unusual state, worn down to his core with fatigue at being a father and all the responsibilities that come with it. The riff on the opening credits with Dexter lazily going through the motions of getting ready is pretty inspired, and another fitting mimicking of the title sequence by a Showtime show (“Weeds” did this in when it famously burnt down its opening credits in the season three finale). This premiere is, however, different from previous ones in that it’s not exactly clear where the show’s headed. Obviously Dexter can’t really get discovered, but it sure looks like that’s about to happen since he drove off the road with a dead body in his trunk. John Lithgow’s decade-spanning serial killer is going to play a major part this year, but it’s unclear whether Dexter will actually meet the man or merely idolize and try to find him. While many decry the notion of having a foil present for Dexter every season, and I’m not sure I’m fully on board myself, it’s important to note that “Dexter” needs something to drive it forward, and Dexter’s continuous fatigue isn’t going to cut it. Bringing Lundy back, awkward as it may have been this episode, is a great idea since Keith Carradine is excellent and his relationship with Dexter is fascinating. It’s about time Laguerta and Batista shacked up, and I couldn’t really care any less about whatever’s happening with Deb’s relationship. All in all, this season opener showed that this year should have a different feel to it, possibly a more sedated one as all the characters are becoming more disgruntled and tired, but I’m still very excited, and that’s one hell of an episode ending.
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