The Catch: Season 2, Episode 10 “The Mockingbird” (B+)
It’s not all that fair to expect a show that filmed its season finale and only found out hours before it aired that it was its last-ever episode to provide true closure. I think this show did the best it could, sending its characters on one final adventure and leaving the future somewhat unknown. It could have gone on, sure, but this was a pretty fitting way to close it out. This installment was full of twists, sort of like “The Departed” without all the head shots, and it’s almost dizzying to keep track. Tessa being in league with Felicity was a genuine surprise, but the charm of her family members managed to win her over. I also didn’t see – and don’t buy quite as much – that Rhys has been a bad guy all this time, working with Tommy of all people to take over the Kensington firm and build a new empire for himself. Somehow, in all of this, Ben got branded a violator of his deal, and therefore having him leave on Ethan’s private jet – a nice way to involve the man who won’t win Alice back – with Margot and Tessa seemed fitting. I can’t comprehend how Margot and Danny worked out, and it’s a good thing that Danny didn’t decide to go with them since I don’t think he would do well in England. I would have been more than happy to see this show continue on for a while – I think that it’s more than sufficient fun, and seemed to be providing more casual entertainment than most other shows on the air even if it did go a little overboard sometimes.
Season grade: B
Season MVP: Philippa Coulthard as Tessa
Showing posts with label The Catch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Catch. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Sunday, May 14, 2017
What I’m Watching: The Catch (Penultimate Episode)
The Catch: Season 2, Episode 9 “The Cleaner” (B+)
One of the advantages about being over a week behind on TV is that you know what’s coming, which in this case was the announcement just hours before the final episode of this show’s second season aired that it was going to be its last ever. I never expected to be all that into this show because I thought that Mireille Enos, who I had previously seen on “The Killing,” was incapable of smiling, yet it provided some sincere entertainment. It even came back from a truly soapy detour to find itself in a positive way, with this episode offering Danny asking Margot, who has literally slept with every character except for Alice on this show, to be his girlfriend and then having Tessa call him “stepdaddy” just moments later. While one of the reports about this show’s cancellation described this second season as retooled to be a romantic comedy, there were more serious moments in this episode, namely Sophie getting shot by Felicity when she came to the room to take Tessa hostage as a way of really getting back at the murderous siblings who tried to get rid of her. We finally got to see Rhys and Tessa meet, and now we may never see them together again, and even if we do, it will be just briefly because this show is dead. I’m hoping for an enjoyable finale that offers a strong conclusion to this show, even if the creative forces behind it didn’t know that the end was coming.
One of the advantages about being over a week behind on TV is that you know what’s coming, which in this case was the announcement just hours before the final episode of this show’s second season aired that it was going to be its last ever. I never expected to be all that into this show because I thought that Mireille Enos, who I had previously seen on “The Killing,” was incapable of smiling, yet it provided some sincere entertainment. It even came back from a truly soapy detour to find itself in a positive way, with this episode offering Danny asking Margot, who has literally slept with every character except for Alice on this show, to be his girlfriend and then having Tessa call him “stepdaddy” just moments later. While one of the reports about this show’s cancellation described this second season as retooled to be a romantic comedy, there were more serious moments in this episode, namely Sophie getting shot by Felicity when she came to the room to take Tessa hostage as a way of really getting back at the murderous siblings who tried to get rid of her. We finally got to see Rhys and Tessa meet, and now we may never see them together again, and even if we do, it will be just briefly because this show is dead. I’m hoping for an enjoyable finale that offers a strong conclusion to this show, even if the creative forces behind it didn’t know that the end was coming.
Monday, May 8, 2017
What I’m Watching: The Catch
The Catch: Season 2, Episode 8 “The Knock-Off” (B+)
It definitely doesn’t make sense to me that Felicity could have been shot by Rhys in his hotel room and somehow she wouldn’t have died – and could have managed to get away – but I suppose it’s possible that he had a minion do his dirty work for him and dispose of her body, which may have been what saved her life. Either way, she’s back in a big way, not backing down when Tessa showed up and tried to insult her before participating in a major con with Margot and then taking what she wanted for herself anyway. Rhys is completely clueless about it, and with the big reveal about Agent Diaz’s husband, I think that he’s going to finally make his move on her just as Felicity returns to make things especially complicated. It’s amazing just how duplicitous people can be on this show, with Ethan’s new fiancée turning out to be a con woman of the lowest order, using Alice to make it seem like she had a huge investor pull out that made it so that Ethan had to come in and save the day. Wanting to put Alice on exclusive retainer is a big deal, and Ben tried to be reasonable with him and got the answer about just how much Ethan is willing to fight. Danny wasn’t too bright to not bother to let the elevator doors close before he started going at it with Margot, and now she seems completely ready to be done with him just as he’s starting to feel slighted and embarrassed. I think Sophie is a much more appropriate choice for him.
It definitely doesn’t make sense to me that Felicity could have been shot by Rhys in his hotel room and somehow she wouldn’t have died – and could have managed to get away – but I suppose it’s possible that he had a minion do his dirty work for him and dispose of her body, which may have been what saved her life. Either way, she’s back in a big way, not backing down when Tessa showed up and tried to insult her before participating in a major con with Margot and then taking what she wanted for herself anyway. Rhys is completely clueless about it, and with the big reveal about Agent Diaz’s husband, I think that he’s going to finally make his move on her just as Felicity returns to make things especially complicated. It’s amazing just how duplicitous people can be on this show, with Ethan’s new fiancée turning out to be a con woman of the lowest order, using Alice to make it seem like she had a huge investor pull out that made it so that Ethan had to come in and save the day. Wanting to put Alice on exclusive retainer is a big deal, and Ben tried to be reasonable with him and got the answer about just how much Ethan is willing to fight. Danny wasn’t too bright to not bother to let the elevator doors close before he started going at it with Margot, and now she seems completely ready to be done with him just as he’s starting to feel slighted and embarrassed. I think Sophie is a much more appropriate choice for him.
Monday, May 1, 2017
What I’m Watching: The Catch
The Catch: Season 2, Episode 7 “The Birthday Party” (B)
There’s a very interesting and, I’d argue, disturbing, lack of regard for things like human life on this show, where what Ben might casually object to as potentially dangerous for his newfound daughter actually involves killing a few random people just to make a point. I think it’s clear that Philippa Coulthard, who plays Tessa, has very smoothly transitioned into a vital part of this show, having a blast putting on an American accent and pretending to be someone’s cousin to plant bugs at a Kensington rival, and even if the near-perfect family unit that involves Margot, Ben, and Tessa doesn’t stay together, they’re still a masterful team that can operate just fine in business. There was a whole lot of sexual tension in this episode with a number of romantic considerations, with Alice wondering what it would be like to be with Ethan, who met Ben, who’s picturing life with Margot and Tessa. Agent Diaz tracking down her husband led to the conclusion that he’s very dedicated and determined to finish an undercover job he’s been taken of was most helpful because it cleared up her relationship status enough for Rhys to be able to move in on her. I like how Alice and Val helped Ethan, with assistance from Sophie, of course, to take down one of his biggest competitors who put out the hit on Heather, and it’s a far less violent way to get something done than, say, Margot likes to do every time she gets mildly offended.
There’s a very interesting and, I’d argue, disturbing, lack of regard for things like human life on this show, where what Ben might casually object to as potentially dangerous for his newfound daughter actually involves killing a few random people just to make a point. I think it’s clear that Philippa Coulthard, who plays Tessa, has very smoothly transitioned into a vital part of this show, having a blast putting on an American accent and pretending to be someone’s cousin to plant bugs at a Kensington rival, and even if the near-perfect family unit that involves Margot, Ben, and Tessa doesn’t stay together, they’re still a masterful team that can operate just fine in business. There was a whole lot of sexual tension in this episode with a number of romantic considerations, with Alice wondering what it would be like to be with Ethan, who met Ben, who’s picturing life with Margot and Tessa. Agent Diaz tracking down her husband led to the conclusion that he’s very dedicated and determined to finish an undercover job he’s been taken of was most helpful because it cleared up her relationship status enough for Rhys to be able to move in on her. I like how Alice and Val helped Ethan, with assistance from Sophie, of course, to take down one of his biggest competitors who put out the hit on Heather, and it’s a far less violent way to get something done than, say, Margot likes to do every time she gets mildly offended.
Saturday, April 22, 2017
What I’m Watching: The Catch
The Catch: Season 2, Episode 6 “The Hard Drive” (B)
Okay, so at least we’re away from all of the crazy sexual stuff and other ridiculousness that has defined this show for the past few episodes. Instead, we’re treated to flashbacks to a version of Alice that is pretty shocking, and that may be more because it’s not all that credible than anything else. Her first meeting with Val was quite memorable, and it’s hard to imagine that she would fall so hard for Christopher after having this unfortunate experience with Ethan which clearly led her to partner up with the former detective to start a private investigation firm. What’s most interesting is that, to keep up the soap factor, Ethan isn’t out of the picture, and Alice going to him to apologize for not believing him the first time around led to him showing up at her door just as she was reminded of the dishonest way in which she and Ben, who are now blissfully happy, came about. Ben’s right that it was an old version of him and he hasn’t done anything wrong in the present, but I suspect nothing will be quite that simple, especially in light of his newly revealed paternal status. I enjoyed seeing Rhys’ excitement at the fact that Ben was a father, and Margot made her move pretty quickly to get rid of her mother and find a way to bond with the daughter that she apparently sort of knew she had. It seems like Tessa is definitely going to be sticking around, and I’m eager to see how she contributes to the dynamic. I’m particularly looking forward to what’s sure to be an extremely awkward family dinner with Ben and Alice.
Okay, so at least we’re away from all of the crazy sexual stuff and other ridiculousness that has defined this show for the past few episodes. Instead, we’re treated to flashbacks to a version of Alice that is pretty shocking, and that may be more because it’s not all that credible than anything else. Her first meeting with Val was quite memorable, and it’s hard to imagine that she would fall so hard for Christopher after having this unfortunate experience with Ethan which clearly led her to partner up with the former detective to start a private investigation firm. What’s most interesting is that, to keep up the soap factor, Ethan isn’t out of the picture, and Alice going to him to apologize for not believing him the first time around led to him showing up at her door just as she was reminded of the dishonest way in which she and Ben, who are now blissfully happy, came about. Ben’s right that it was an old version of him and he hasn’t done anything wrong in the present, but I suspect nothing will be quite that simple, especially in light of his newly revealed paternal status. I enjoyed seeing Rhys’ excitement at the fact that Ben was a father, and Margot made her move pretty quickly to get rid of her mother and find a way to bond with the daughter that she apparently sort of knew she had. It seems like Tessa is definitely going to be sticking around, and I’m eager to see how she contributes to the dynamic. I’m particularly looking forward to what’s sure to be an extremely awkward family dinner with Ben and Alice.
Friday, April 14, 2017
What I’m Watching: The Catch
The Catch: Season 2, Episode 5 “The Bad Girl” (B-)
This episode wasn’t quite as outlandish, and while this show is never going to return to a semi-legitimate state in which all of its plotlines aren’t way over-the-top, it’s calming down a little bit. One area in which that’s definitely not true, however, is in its use of sex and its showcasing of not-quite-seen nudity when it comes to some of its criminals. Danny and Margot are taking a break since Margot has more than enough things to worry about at the moment with both her mother and the daughter she never knew she had, but Chloe Jackson is a force to be reckoned with. She doesn’t care whether it’s a man or woman that she’s toying with or enjoying, and Rhys was all about it. Missi Pyle is an actress who has played many roles all across the spectrum of genres, and I’d be hard-pressed to select a signature part that immediately comes to mind when I think of her. She was great as Chloe, having a blast and providing plenty of entertainment, and Gina Torres played right into it as Agent Diaz, who continues to be an enigma whose brand of law enforcement could only exist on this show. Margot got some quick confirmation both in the form of her mother’s testimony and a strand of hair yanked from her daughter’s head that Tessa is indeed her spawn, and apparently Ben’s the father! I think he was more interested in starting a family with Alice when she called him up, but it looks like, all of a sudden, both Tessa and Margot may not be villains after all and could well team up with Val and everyone else on a regular basis. Val looking into Nick’s history probably isn’t a great idea, and I’m sure that, despite her initial promise to Alice to drop it, there’s no way she will.
This episode wasn’t quite as outlandish, and while this show is never going to return to a semi-legitimate state in which all of its plotlines aren’t way over-the-top, it’s calming down a little bit. One area in which that’s definitely not true, however, is in its use of sex and its showcasing of not-quite-seen nudity when it comes to some of its criminals. Danny and Margot are taking a break since Margot has more than enough things to worry about at the moment with both her mother and the daughter she never knew she had, but Chloe Jackson is a force to be reckoned with. She doesn’t care whether it’s a man or woman that she’s toying with or enjoying, and Rhys was all about it. Missi Pyle is an actress who has played many roles all across the spectrum of genres, and I’d be hard-pressed to select a signature part that immediately comes to mind when I think of her. She was great as Chloe, having a blast and providing plenty of entertainment, and Gina Torres played right into it as Agent Diaz, who continues to be an enigma whose brand of law enforcement could only exist on this show. Margot got some quick confirmation both in the form of her mother’s testimony and a strand of hair yanked from her daughter’s head that Tessa is indeed her spawn, and apparently Ben’s the father! I think he was more interested in starting a family with Alice when she called him up, but it looks like, all of a sudden, both Tessa and Margot may not be villains after all and could well team up with Val and everyone else on a regular basis. Val looking into Nick’s history probably isn’t a great idea, and I’m sure that, despite her initial promise to Alice to drop it, there’s no way she will.
Friday, April 7, 2017
What I’m Watching: The Catch
The Catch: Season 2, Episode 4 “The Family Way” (C)
We’re continuing in the realm of totally unbelievable developments here, with not quite as much wild sex – but still some – and some completely incredible resolutions to the problems brought up last episode. Ben spelled things out properly when he told Alice that of course they weren’t going to shoot each other, yet somehow they managed to work it out that everyone got the money they needed and the FBI was able to arrest both the targets of their original investigation that Ben and Rhys participated in and the mafia boss who wanted to kill Tommy. That’s a whole lot of wins, and they even had time for Val to lead the pursuit of the mysterious woman who has been trying to kill Margot. It makes no sense that Margot would have a daughter she didn’t recognize, though I suppose she could have given her up for adoption and that’s one of the reasons that she’s so mad. We got to meet Ethan, which was a big nothing, mainly because Alice’s debt that she was so worried about seems to already be paid even though Tommy just incurred it. Ben didn’t even try to hide the fact that he’s now working for the FBI from Margot, which seems like an unnecessary and potentially damaging revelation, but it also appears that everyone has forgotten that Margot is a bad guy, as is Rhys, in theory. This show is still entertaining, but I think it’s lost sight of any claims to being legitimate or credible.
We’re continuing in the realm of totally unbelievable developments here, with not quite as much wild sex – but still some – and some completely incredible resolutions to the problems brought up last episode. Ben spelled things out properly when he told Alice that of course they weren’t going to shoot each other, yet somehow they managed to work it out that everyone got the money they needed and the FBI was able to arrest both the targets of their original investigation that Ben and Rhys participated in and the mafia boss who wanted to kill Tommy. That’s a whole lot of wins, and they even had time for Val to lead the pursuit of the mysterious woman who has been trying to kill Margot. It makes no sense that Margot would have a daughter she didn’t recognize, though I suppose she could have given her up for adoption and that’s one of the reasons that she’s so mad. We got to meet Ethan, which was a big nothing, mainly because Alice’s debt that she was so worried about seems to already be paid even though Tommy just incurred it. Ben didn’t even try to hide the fact that he’s now working for the FBI from Margot, which seems like an unnecessary and potentially damaging revelation, but it also appears that everyone has forgotten that Margot is a bad guy, as is Rhys, in theory. This show is still entertaining, but I think it’s lost sight of any claims to being legitimate or credible.
Thursday, March 30, 2017
What I’m Watching: The Catch
The Catch: Season 2, Episode 3 “The Dining Hall” (C+)
If there was ever a more appropriate time to use the phrase “jump the shark,” this would be it. I don’t think it represents an enormous reduction in quality; more just a recognition that this show isn’t meant to be taken seriously at all anymore. There is so much flirtation on this show it’s unbelievable, and it’s hard to decide what’s the most ridiculous. It’s also impossible to determine what allegiances there really are, since Rhys teamed up with Tommy, who was then indebted to the cartel, who Alice agreed to get money for, while Ben agreed to get that same money to save Rhys’ life from a very angry son of a diplomat who also just happens to be in the drug-running business. That ending scene showed me that not everyone should be allowed to hold guns, as I think no one’s under any illusion that Ben or Alice would actually shoot each other, no matter how dedicated they are to their respective figurative and real brothers. Going back to the love world, I can’t fathom why it is that Danny and Margot needed to get together, but apparently some combination of her calling him the B-team and wanting to lash out at Sophie compelled him to get into bed with the number one criminal on this show, and something about his boyish innocence charmed him? I’m not so sure about the latter. And the Hammer, who all of a sudden works for Margot, was so overwhelmed by the kindness of Sophie’s gift of a finger from a morgue that he stopped by her office to give her a $3,000 bottle of bourbon as a thank you. Not only that, but Agent Diaz, who insisted that she couldn’t be part of Ben and Rhys’ operation, not only showed up but was flirting off the charts with the two men to the point that they were shocked when she revealed she had a husband. I’m not giving up on this show right now, but it’s a lot to take.
If there was ever a more appropriate time to use the phrase “jump the shark,” this would be it. I don’t think it represents an enormous reduction in quality; more just a recognition that this show isn’t meant to be taken seriously at all anymore. There is so much flirtation on this show it’s unbelievable, and it’s hard to decide what’s the most ridiculous. It’s also impossible to determine what allegiances there really are, since Rhys teamed up with Tommy, who was then indebted to the cartel, who Alice agreed to get money for, while Ben agreed to get that same money to save Rhys’ life from a very angry son of a diplomat who also just happens to be in the drug-running business. That ending scene showed me that not everyone should be allowed to hold guns, as I think no one’s under any illusion that Ben or Alice would actually shoot each other, no matter how dedicated they are to their respective figurative and real brothers. Going back to the love world, I can’t fathom why it is that Danny and Margot needed to get together, but apparently some combination of her calling him the B-team and wanting to lash out at Sophie compelled him to get into bed with the number one criminal on this show, and something about his boyish innocence charmed him? I’m not so sure about the latter. And the Hammer, who all of a sudden works for Margot, was so overwhelmed by the kindness of Sophie’s gift of a finger from a morgue that he stopped by her office to give her a $3,000 bottle of bourbon as a thank you. Not only that, but Agent Diaz, who insisted that she couldn’t be part of Ben and Rhys’ operation, not only showed up but was flirting off the charts with the two men to the point that they were shocked when she revealed she had a husband. I’m not giving up on this show right now, but it’s a lot to take.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
What I’m Watching: The Catch
The Catch: Season 2, Episode 2 “The Hammer” (B-)
There’s a certain silliness to this show that doesn’t quite feel appropriate for the rather serious and deadly content that does happen on this show, both with the assassination of Margot’s most loyal henchman and Tommy’s precarious predicament. I can’t understand why Margot would think to hire Alice and Val, and I’m just as puzzled by the fact that they didn’t try to ensnare her in a trap so that they could send her back to jail. Somehow, they pulled this off without the FBI catching on or even noticing that anything was up since Justine was too busy mocking Ben and Rhys for thinking that they knew better regarding how to execute a job. They’re both being awfully casual about this informant-undercover work they’re doing, and just as unsubtle with impromptu dinner parties complete with Rhys wearing an apron and preparing a home-cooked meal. I’m not growing too fond of Tommy the more we get to know him, and tracking down Rhys to do something illicit with the money that we’ve just learned is very dangerous is a twist that just serves to complicate matters. Their plan to smoke out the sniper was admittedly pretty cool, and it worked very well even if he did get off a few shots at the decoys. Sophie being mad at Danny for not checking in on her might have been more compelling if the two were more fully-established characters, and instead we just got to see Sophie jump way in to an ill-advised romance with Tommy.
There’s a certain silliness to this show that doesn’t quite feel appropriate for the rather serious and deadly content that does happen on this show, both with the assassination of Margot’s most loyal henchman and Tommy’s precarious predicament. I can’t understand why Margot would think to hire Alice and Val, and I’m just as puzzled by the fact that they didn’t try to ensnare her in a trap so that they could send her back to jail. Somehow, they pulled this off without the FBI catching on or even noticing that anything was up since Justine was too busy mocking Ben and Rhys for thinking that they knew better regarding how to execute a job. They’re both being awfully casual about this informant-undercover work they’re doing, and just as unsubtle with impromptu dinner parties complete with Rhys wearing an apron and preparing a home-cooked meal. I’m not growing too fond of Tommy the more we get to know him, and tracking down Rhys to do something illicit with the money that we’ve just learned is very dangerous is a twist that just serves to complicate matters. Their plan to smoke out the sniper was admittedly pretty cool, and it worked very well even if he did get off a few shots at the decoys. Sophie being mad at Danny for not checking in on her might have been more compelling if the two were more fully-established characters, and instead we just got to see Sophie jump way in to an ill-advised romance with Tommy.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
What I’m Watching: The Catch (Season Premiere)
The Catch: Season 2, Episode 1 “The New Deal” (B)
I almost forgot entirely about this show, one of the midseason surprises from last year, and it’s nice to have it back. I’m not sure I’m totally on board with all of its developments, but it’s undeniably fun. Ben surrendering himself to serve his three to five years in prison wasn’t nearly as simple as he wanted it to be, with the government offering him the chance to get out right away and go undercover and his old pal Reese, who is suddenly one of the good guys, getting him stabbed so that he could break out of prison. I don’t think that Margot engineering a hostile takeover negates the fact that Reese is a violent psychopath who shouldn’t be trusted and certainly shouldn’t be given the information about Ben’s undercover assignment. After a season of playing cat and mouse, Agent Dao is now firmly on the side of Anderson Vaughan, but now we have Agent Justine Diaz, played by Gina Torres of “Firefly” fame, to go toe-to-toe with the private investigators and continue the dance. I’m less taken with the other new character, Alice’s brother Tommy, played by Shonda Rhimes regular T.R. Knight, who seems like bad news all around and ready to make lots of trouble for everyone involved. Margot showing up asking for Alice’s help at the end of the episode was quite the twist, and I really am curious to see exactly what she wants to propose and in what way they’re going to be able to work together.
I almost forgot entirely about this show, one of the midseason surprises from last year, and it’s nice to have it back. I’m not sure I’m totally on board with all of its developments, but it’s undeniably fun. Ben surrendering himself to serve his three to five years in prison wasn’t nearly as simple as he wanted it to be, with the government offering him the chance to get out right away and go undercover and his old pal Reese, who is suddenly one of the good guys, getting him stabbed so that he could break out of prison. I don’t think that Margot engineering a hostile takeover negates the fact that Reese is a violent psychopath who shouldn’t be trusted and certainly shouldn’t be given the information about Ben’s undercover assignment. After a season of playing cat and mouse, Agent Dao is now firmly on the side of Anderson Vaughan, but now we have Agent Justine Diaz, played by Gina Torres of “Firefly” fame, to go toe-to-toe with the private investigators and continue the dance. I’m less taken with the other new character, Alice’s brother Tommy, played by Shonda Rhimes regular T.R. Knight, who seems like bad news all around and ready to make lots of trouble for everyone involved. Margot showing up asking for Alice’s help at the end of the episode was quite the twist, and I really am curious to see exactly what she wants to propose and in what way they’re going to be able to work together.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
What I’m Watching: The Catch (Season Finale)
The Catch: Season 1, Episode 9 and 10 “The Happy Couple” and “The Wedding” (B+)
I had a few issues with certain developments during the second of these two hours, but ultimately this show managed to win me over and end on a very positive note heading into season two. What I can’t comprehend is why Alice and Ben felt the need to let all sense of control and sensibility go and start making out on the dance floor in full view of both their marks and Sybil’s. Otherwise, it was a great delight to see the number of compounded cons being pulled, and it was quite unbelievably impressive that Alice and her crew managed to score such top positions as wedding singer and waiter after they had been sent to the wrong location by Ben. The casting of Lesley Nicol, best known as Mrs. Patmore from “Downton Abbey,” as Sybil was superb, and the opportunity to get her in a kitchen couldn’t be resisted. I like that Rhys felt so much allegiance to Ben despite his betrayal that he wanted to save him, and the idea of Rhys joining Ben and Alice on a romantic getaway to Togo was pretty appealing. Margot pulling one over on Sybil and then sending in the FBI to target Alice was clever, and it threatened to really make things look bad for Alice and company. Ben showing up at the last minute to take full blame for framing Alice was very sweet and awesome, and that gesture is a mark of great things to come in season two on this much better-than-expected show.
Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Mireille Enos and Peter Krause
I had a few issues with certain developments during the second of these two hours, but ultimately this show managed to win me over and end on a very positive note heading into season two. What I can’t comprehend is why Alice and Ben felt the need to let all sense of control and sensibility go and start making out on the dance floor in full view of both their marks and Sybil’s. Otherwise, it was a great delight to see the number of compounded cons being pulled, and it was quite unbelievably impressive that Alice and her crew managed to score such top positions as wedding singer and waiter after they had been sent to the wrong location by Ben. The casting of Lesley Nicol, best known as Mrs. Patmore from “Downton Abbey,” as Sybil was superb, and the opportunity to get her in a kitchen couldn’t be resisted. I like that Rhys felt so much allegiance to Ben despite his betrayal that he wanted to save him, and the idea of Rhys joining Ben and Alice on a romantic getaway to Togo was pretty appealing. Margot pulling one over on Sybil and then sending in the FBI to target Alice was clever, and it threatened to really make things look bad for Alice and company. Ben showing up at the last minute to take full blame for framing Alice was very sweet and awesome, and that gesture is a mark of great things to come in season two on this much better-than-expected show.
Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Mireille Enos and Peter Krause
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
What I’m Watching: The Catch
The Catch: Season 1, Episode 8 “The Package” (B+)
The little summary of the events that happened to set Margot up as Alice’s therapist was helpful since I was concerned that she was so omniscient that she had always been Val’s therapist, and it turns out that’s not the case at all. It does seem highly risky since Val could easily spoil the whole thing by describing any physical feature of her doctor that doesn’t match Margot, but the professional con woman is getting so much out of the interaction that it’s well worth it, asking every single question she wants to about how much Alice knows and how much Ben shared with her. Margot is far more conniving and manipulative than Rhys, who is more sinister but much poorer at keeping it all under wraps. It took him no time at all to reveal to Ben that he was well aware of Alice’s existence and to threaten her life should he deviate from his every instruction. That was a huge mistake, since it compelled Ben to do something totally surprising and choose a side, going straight to Agent Dao to align himself with him and Alice and take down the real bad guys. I’m curious to see where Margot will fall in all of it, and I hope that Alice is smart enough not to talk about the latest twist in therapy. Learning about Sophie’s singer past was fun, and I enjoyed guest stars Nia Vardalos from “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” as the package and Kevin Alejandro from “True Blood” as the seedy producer.
The little summary of the events that happened to set Margot up as Alice’s therapist was helpful since I was concerned that she was so omniscient that she had always been Val’s therapist, and it turns out that’s not the case at all. It does seem highly risky since Val could easily spoil the whole thing by describing any physical feature of her doctor that doesn’t match Margot, but the professional con woman is getting so much out of the interaction that it’s well worth it, asking every single question she wants to about how much Alice knows and how much Ben shared with her. Margot is far more conniving and manipulative than Rhys, who is more sinister but much poorer at keeping it all under wraps. It took him no time at all to reveal to Ben that he was well aware of Alice’s existence and to threaten her life should he deviate from his every instruction. That was a huge mistake, since it compelled Ben to do something totally surprising and choose a side, going straight to Agent Dao to align himself with him and Alice and take down the real bad guys. I’m curious to see where Margot will fall in all of it, and I hope that Alice is smart enough not to talk about the latest twist in therapy. Learning about Sophie’s singer past was fun, and I enjoyed guest stars Nia Vardalos from “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” as the package and Kevin Alejandro from “True Blood” as the seedy producer.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
What I’m Watching: The Catch
The Catch: Season 1, Episode 7 “The Ringer” (B+)
I’m glad that Ben fought so hard to get Rhys to bring Margot into the job he wanted to pull, though it seems that it was always Rhys’ plan all along. It’s a thrill to see them pull off these jobs, baiting the gambling addict wine baron with a shiny briefcase and then staging an elaborate poker room to take three million dollars from him. Rhys getting drunk and nearly sabotaging the entire operation, forcing them to rely on having literal tricks up their sleeves, was very troubling, but not nearly as much as the reveal that Rhys was in control all along and was playing his sister so that he could score an even more lucrative deal. Alice’s point about picking sides fails to comprehend the complexity of everything, especially since Margot and Rhys aren’t technically allied. The fact that Val’s therapist is Margot is crazy, and she’s well aware that Ben is in frequent contact with his former mark, which can’t be good. On the guest star front, I recognized Vik Sahay from “Chuck” as money-obsessed father Vincent and Annie Wersching from “24” as his wife Karen, who turned out not to be insane but instead to be a human being far more capable of emotion and love than her ex-husband, who could only think of how much keeping his son would cost him. In the wake of so many other cancellations, this show managed to snag a surprising renewal from ABC, a development I’m very happy about considering how much I’m enjoying the show.
I’m glad that Ben fought so hard to get Rhys to bring Margot into the job he wanted to pull, though it seems that it was always Rhys’ plan all along. It’s a thrill to see them pull off these jobs, baiting the gambling addict wine baron with a shiny briefcase and then staging an elaborate poker room to take three million dollars from him. Rhys getting drunk and nearly sabotaging the entire operation, forcing them to rely on having literal tricks up their sleeves, was very troubling, but not nearly as much as the reveal that Rhys was in control all along and was playing his sister so that he could score an even more lucrative deal. Alice’s point about picking sides fails to comprehend the complexity of everything, especially since Margot and Rhys aren’t technically allied. The fact that Val’s therapist is Margot is crazy, and she’s well aware that Ben is in frequent contact with his former mark, which can’t be good. On the guest star front, I recognized Vik Sahay from “Chuck” as money-obsessed father Vincent and Annie Wersching from “24” as his wife Karen, who turned out not to be insane but instead to be a human being far more capable of emotion and love than her ex-husband, who could only think of how much keeping his son would cost him. In the wake of so many other cancellations, this show managed to snag a surprising renewal from ABC, a development I’m very happy about considering how much I’m enjoying the show.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
What I’m Watching: The Catch
The Catch: Season 1, Episode 6 “The Benefactor” (B+)
This was another great episode, further developing the ever-changing Ben-Alice alliance as other factors in both their lives threaten to get them both into serious trouble. Alice was being awfully flirtatious when she stole the bracelet and then tried to make him play her game, and it wasn’t long before she almost got shot and Ben arrived just in time to save the day. It was great to see Alice participating fully in the latest con to steal the bracelet and leave its temporary owner knocked out and waiting for the police, and I suspect that this won’t be the last time they work together to outsmart both the good guys and the bad guys. Agent Dao’s obsession with Alice seems to have been redirected for the moment towards Valerie, which is an intriguing and unexpected turn that has me thinking that Valerie is playing him, or maybe the other way around. It was fun to see Samara Wiley, best known as Poussey from “Orange is the New Black,” as Captain Nia Brooks, who gave Danny a nice plotline of his own. Nia’s situation was a far cry from the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” helicopter that Rose Rollins’ army character on “The L Word” rode in with her girlfriend Alice. Margot’s brother Rhys is quite the loose cannon, and the casual attitude with which he shoots people is very disconcerting. The most unfortunate casualty of all was Felicity, who managed to make Margot sympathetic and seemed to be choosing the right side. Now Margot of all people is going to have to help Ben save Alice from the giddy wrath of her very dangerous brother.
This was another great episode, further developing the ever-changing Ben-Alice alliance as other factors in both their lives threaten to get them both into serious trouble. Alice was being awfully flirtatious when she stole the bracelet and then tried to make him play her game, and it wasn’t long before she almost got shot and Ben arrived just in time to save the day. It was great to see Alice participating fully in the latest con to steal the bracelet and leave its temporary owner knocked out and waiting for the police, and I suspect that this won’t be the last time they work together to outsmart both the good guys and the bad guys. Agent Dao’s obsession with Alice seems to have been redirected for the moment towards Valerie, which is an intriguing and unexpected turn that has me thinking that Valerie is playing him, or maybe the other way around. It was fun to see Samara Wiley, best known as Poussey from “Orange is the New Black,” as Captain Nia Brooks, who gave Danny a nice plotline of his own. Nia’s situation was a far cry from the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” helicopter that Rose Rollins’ army character on “The L Word” rode in with her girlfriend Alice. Margot’s brother Rhys is quite the loose cannon, and the casual attitude with which he shoots people is very disconcerting. The most unfortunate casualty of all was Felicity, who managed to make Margot sympathetic and seemed to be choosing the right side. Now Margot of all people is going to have to help Ben save Alice from the giddy wrath of her very dangerous brother.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
What I’m Watching: The Catch
The Catch: Season 1, Episode 5 “The Laragan Gambit” (B+)
I’m liking this show more and more, and this episode illustrated just how complicated a web has been created involving the many characters in play. Regarding the case of the week that the agency took on, they hacked into a man’s company to try to isolate a weakness, and they did exactly what they needed, which was to get his attention and to be able to plant a bug on him. Exposing his corruption and threatening to go public with it was a solid play, though they do risk making him a major enemy. The bigger stakes, however, involve Ben and Margot and their efforts to keep themselves alive. Enlisting the woman sent to kill them to help with the job after their smooth safe-hacking didn’t pan out was a bold plan, and those were real bullets flying at Ben as he ran from the dance floor following his partners’ impressive routine. Alice showing up to save the day and drive him to safety was a nice surprise, and I love that she headbutted him while she was trying to get his name. Putting the bracelet on her wrist so that Ben would be in very bad shape when he snuck out before she woke up was a great move, since now she’s in control. Val and Alice could have played Agent Dao a little longer after Ben called to tip her off about the bug he planted, but Val wanted to really mess with him and ensure that he wouldn’t feel entitled to come back after them anytime soon. Everyone feeling left out that Alice was investigating Christopher without them was fun, but she’s still only being so honest with them about what she’s really doing.
I’m liking this show more and more, and this episode illustrated just how complicated a web has been created involving the many characters in play. Regarding the case of the week that the agency took on, they hacked into a man’s company to try to isolate a weakness, and they did exactly what they needed, which was to get his attention and to be able to plant a bug on him. Exposing his corruption and threatening to go public with it was a solid play, though they do risk making him a major enemy. The bigger stakes, however, involve Ben and Margot and their efforts to keep themselves alive. Enlisting the woman sent to kill them to help with the job after their smooth safe-hacking didn’t pan out was a bold plan, and those were real bullets flying at Ben as he ran from the dance floor following his partners’ impressive routine. Alice showing up to save the day and drive him to safety was a nice surprise, and I love that she headbutted him while she was trying to get his name. Putting the bracelet on her wrist so that Ben would be in very bad shape when he snuck out before she woke up was a great move, since now she’s in control. Val and Alice could have played Agent Dao a little longer after Ben called to tip her off about the bug he planted, but Val wanted to really mess with him and ensure that he wouldn’t feel entitled to come back after them anytime soon. Everyone feeling left out that Alice was investigating Christopher without them was fun, but she’s still only being so honest with them about what she’s really doing.
Thursday, April 28, 2016
What I’m Watching: The Catch
The Catch: Season 1, Episode 4 “The Princess and the I.P.” (B+)
This was a pretty solid episode, finishing a few plotlines in ways that weren’t expected. I’ve been particularly impressed with the princess as a character thus far, and it was good to see that, when her brother showed up to take charge and knock her down a gender peg or too, she didn’t succumb to his influence. Instead, she forged ahead and managed to come up with the hefty sum of $15 million with no trouble at all. And she even gave Ben a parting gift expressly designated for him to give to the woman who got away. Speaking of said woman, it was great to see Alice catch Ben by surprise and show up as a wealthy philanthropist. Working with Agent Dao means that she realizes that she needs to catch him the right way to make him pay, and she obviously wrestled with whether it was what she wanted to do. Her decision to put her finger to her lips and unbutton her shirt to reveal the wire at the very moment that Ben was about to incriminate herself was a wonderful moment, one that indicates that these two are going to have a very complicated relationship going forward that isn’t going to be shared fully with their respective colleagues. Margot dealt with her latest obstacle in an interesting way that does seem to have successfully bought her more time. The case of the week had an unexpected ending, but the good guys appear to have won, which is a plus.
This was a pretty solid episode, finishing a few plotlines in ways that weren’t expected. I’ve been particularly impressed with the princess as a character thus far, and it was good to see that, when her brother showed up to take charge and knock her down a gender peg or too, she didn’t succumb to his influence. Instead, she forged ahead and managed to come up with the hefty sum of $15 million with no trouble at all. And she even gave Ben a parting gift expressly designated for him to give to the woman who got away. Speaking of said woman, it was great to see Alice catch Ben by surprise and show up as a wealthy philanthropist. Working with Agent Dao means that she realizes that she needs to catch him the right way to make him pay, and she obviously wrestled with whether it was what she wanted to do. Her decision to put her finger to her lips and unbutton her shirt to reveal the wire at the very moment that Ben was about to incriminate herself was a wonderful moment, one that indicates that these two are going to have a very complicated relationship going forward that isn’t going to be shared fully with their respective colleagues. Margot dealt with her latest obstacle in an interesting way that does seem to have successfully bought her more time. The case of the week had an unexpected ending, but the good guys appear to have won, which is a plus.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Take Three: The Catch
The Catch: Season 1, Episode 3 “The Trial” (B+)
This episode was a positive one for this show, upping the intrigue factor and presenting an unexpected communication between Alice and Ben that suggests that neither of them are fully invested in finding him and getting away from her, respectively. Having a separate case each week is a helpful distraction, and it’s good for Alice to dive into those so that she’s not constantly bogged down by the fact that she got conned. Introducing Valerie’s husband and his sister made things much more personal, especially since Christopher was apparently the one who got her a job. Things got pretty crazy after Alice went undercover to test the drug’s effects and then ended up nearly passing out when she couldn’t see straight in the restaurant after she tracked Ben there. Him calling her to tell her to leave was a surprise but an understandable one, and it was their end-of-episode conversation that was really intense. Ben finishing with the warning that she shouldn’t push so that she wouldn’t end up in the trunk of a car even though he wasn’t the one who would put her there was important, especially since we’ve seen that Margot is more than willing to use lethal force in an instant. Killing Qasim was a shock since I expected that he’d be a big part of the story for a while. Instead, Ben has now earned the princess’ full trust, but he’s also exposed himself considerably. I wasn’t sure if I’d get into this show, but now I feel like I’m itching to find out what’s going to happen.
This episode was a positive one for this show, upping the intrigue factor and presenting an unexpected communication between Alice and Ben that suggests that neither of them are fully invested in finding him and getting away from her, respectively. Having a separate case each week is a helpful distraction, and it’s good for Alice to dive into those so that she’s not constantly bogged down by the fact that she got conned. Introducing Valerie’s husband and his sister made things much more personal, especially since Christopher was apparently the one who got her a job. Things got pretty crazy after Alice went undercover to test the drug’s effects and then ended up nearly passing out when she couldn’t see straight in the restaurant after she tracked Ben there. Him calling her to tell her to leave was a surprise but an understandable one, and it was their end-of-episode conversation that was really intense. Ben finishing with the warning that she shouldn’t push so that she wouldn’t end up in the trunk of a car even though he wasn’t the one who would put her there was important, especially since we’ve seen that Margot is more than willing to use lethal force in an instant. Killing Qasim was a shock since I expected that he’d be a big part of the story for a while. Instead, Ben has now earned the princess’ full trust, but he’s also exposed himself considerably. I wasn’t sure if I’d get into this show, but now I feel like I’m itching to find out what’s going to happen.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Round Two: The Catch
The Catch: Season 1, Episode 2 “The Real Killer” (B)
While I’m not yet committed and fully entranced by this show, I think that my eagerness to see these actors cast in unusual roles succeed may just keep me around. The performances thus far are pretty solid, as it’s clear that neither this top notch private investigator or this con man are as smart as they think they are, namely because the former got conned by the latter and the con man is playing right into the revenge trap set for him by the private investigator. Agent Dao’s interest in catching Ben has led him to circle Alice and trace her every move, even stopping by to pretend to apologize so that he could plant a listening device on her door. Posting an obituary too good for Ben to resist was a brilliant move, and he’s too entranced by his latest mark to notice, which in itself suggests a problematic tendency to go after attractive, powerful women. It’s good that Reggie has his back since he’s drifting far too much towards getting himself caught by Alice without even taking the bait she dropped, and Margot’s reputation of being swift, harsh, and unforgiving seems even more threatening because of her own personal attachment to her number one con artist. I like that there are other plotlines simultaneously at play on this show, like the murder suspect and Ben’s latest mark, making it a layered drama ripe for plenty of soapy storytelling with twists and bombshells around each and every corner.
While I’m not yet committed and fully entranced by this show, I think that my eagerness to see these actors cast in unusual roles succeed may just keep me around. The performances thus far are pretty solid, as it’s clear that neither this top notch private investigator or this con man are as smart as they think they are, namely because the former got conned by the latter and the con man is playing right into the revenge trap set for him by the private investigator. Agent Dao’s interest in catching Ben has led him to circle Alice and trace her every move, even stopping by to pretend to apologize so that he could plant a listening device on her door. Posting an obituary too good for Ben to resist was a brilliant move, and he’s too entranced by his latest mark to notice, which in itself suggests a problematic tendency to go after attractive, powerful women. It’s good that Reggie has his back since he’s drifting far too much towards getting himself caught by Alice without even taking the bait she dropped, and Margot’s reputation of being swift, harsh, and unforgiving seems even more threatening because of her own personal attachment to her number one con artist. I like that there are other plotlines simultaneously at play on this show, like the murder suspect and Ben’s latest mark, making it a layered drama ripe for plenty of soapy storytelling with twists and bombshells around each and every corner.
Saturday, April 2, 2016
Pilot Review: The Catch
The Catch (ABC)
Premiered March 24 at 10pm
If you asked me to cast a show with these two lead characters, I can’t imagine these are the choices I would have made. I don’t think I ever saw Mireille Enos smile during all four seasons of “The Killing,” and for her to play a confident, charismatic private investigator wouldn’t have struck me as a great fit. Peter Krause, on the other hand, usually plays affable types in shows like “Six Feet Under” and “Parenthood,” but he’s far too likeable to be a con man. Despite the strangeness of these castings, both seem to be pretty well-suited in actuality for the parts that they’re playing. I’m equally surprised to see Rose Rollins, who was extremely serious and in a bad mood for most of “The L Word,” just as happy as Enos here in a sympathetic and jolly role. Sonya Walger from “Lost” and “Flash Forward” is a more understandable selection as the woman who is sure to come after Krause’s Ben for not fully disappearing out of Alice’s life. The premise here is intriguing, and I wouldn’t have pegged it as a Shondaland production had I not known about the connection ahead of time, which I consider a good thing since I didn’t make it very far in Shonda Rhimes’ previous series. The early sequence in which Ben pulled off a drop and walked right by his fiancée without her noticing was well-structured, and this show has a fun, light vibe that I think could make it worth watching. We’ll see!
How will it work as a series? Ben showing back up at the end of the pilot was a game-changer, and the notion of him playing both sides should be complicated, confusing, and hopefully interesting. I’d like to see Krause succeed on this show, and even Enos deserves the chance to enjoy herself once in a while. I’m up for at least another episode to see where it goes.
How long will it last? Ratings for the pilot weren’t great, and the second episode has already aired and performed even worse. Reviews, somehow, were poorer, and so I think this one might last the rest of the midseason but that’s about it.
Pilot grade: B
Premiered March 24 at 10pm
If you asked me to cast a show with these two lead characters, I can’t imagine these are the choices I would have made. I don’t think I ever saw Mireille Enos smile during all four seasons of “The Killing,” and for her to play a confident, charismatic private investigator wouldn’t have struck me as a great fit. Peter Krause, on the other hand, usually plays affable types in shows like “Six Feet Under” and “Parenthood,” but he’s far too likeable to be a con man. Despite the strangeness of these castings, both seem to be pretty well-suited in actuality for the parts that they’re playing. I’m equally surprised to see Rose Rollins, who was extremely serious and in a bad mood for most of “The L Word,” just as happy as Enos here in a sympathetic and jolly role. Sonya Walger from “Lost” and “Flash Forward” is a more understandable selection as the woman who is sure to come after Krause’s Ben for not fully disappearing out of Alice’s life. The premise here is intriguing, and I wouldn’t have pegged it as a Shondaland production had I not known about the connection ahead of time, which I consider a good thing since I didn’t make it very far in Shonda Rhimes’ previous series. The early sequence in which Ben pulled off a drop and walked right by his fiancée without her noticing was well-structured, and this show has a fun, light vibe that I think could make it worth watching. We’ll see!
How will it work as a series? Ben showing back up at the end of the pilot was a game-changer, and the notion of him playing both sides should be complicated, confusing, and hopefully interesting. I’d like to see Krause succeed on this show, and even Enos deserves the chance to enjoy herself once in a while. I’m up for at least another episode to see where it goes.
How long will it last? Ratings for the pilot weren’t great, and the second episode has already aired and performed even worse. Reviews, somehow, were poorer, and so I think this one might last the rest of the midseason but that’s about it.
Pilot grade: B
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