What I’m Watching: The Shrink Next Door (Series Finale)

The Shrink Next Door: Season 1, Episode 8 “The Verdict” (B+)

Opening with a flashback of Marty helping Phyllis and her kids escape her previous relationship was a fitting introduction to the final encounter with these characters. It was sad to think about how much Marty missed in terms of time with his family, and his niece was understandably upset at him reaching out without apologizing. Phyllis made quite the entrance when she nearly broke down the door shouting for Marty to open it, and it was sweet to see them slowly reconnect as Phyllis commented about all the absurd changes Marty had made at Ike’s behest. Not wanting to burn Ike’s manuscript showed that he still felt a connection to him, but that changed when Ike showed up and reacted in the worst possible way. After seeing how Marty spoke to Bruce in the way that Ike spoke to him, it seemed like he was never going to escape, but showing Marty at a Passover seder with his family a year later was indicative of how he had broken free but was continually worried that Ike might show back up. Ike was still delusional during the hearing that took place almost in the present, and he was acting as if nothing had changed. Marty was right to point out that it wasn’t all good times, and having him end by saying they were out of time was perfect. This was an exceptionally well-done show, and I hope it earns plenty of acclaim come Emmy time for all its performances and production elements.

Season grade: A-
Season MVP: Paul Rudd as Ike

What I’m Watching: Modern Family

Modern Family: Season 7, Episode 5 “The Verdict” (C)

This is one case where the sum of the parts just doesn’t add up to much, since nearly all the plotlines fell flat because of this show’s typical tendency to exaggerate for no discernable reason. Gloria’s enthusiasm about being called for jury duty was funny at first, but telling the judge that she knew the accused was guilty would have been a red flag for anyone, and seems like it could even have occurred to Gloria as something that might get her dismissed (I just finished my own jury duty, as it happens). Spotting another guilty man in the courtroom who then ran was amusing, but the plotline was too far gone by that point. Jay having to serve as a parent volunteer was negated by the obnoxiousness of the coordinating teacher, who could have been annoyed enough at Jay for bringing his assistant without having to be so earthy and over-the-top. Claire trying to make decisions in Jay’s absence was painful to watch, and while I’m glad that Haley and Alex respect their mother for taking so much abuse, I didn’t need to see any of that. Mitchell inviting the ex of one of their friends to the party was an unnecessary development that should have been avoided and could have erased that whole plotline from existence. The one remotely decent thread was the one involving Phil’s optimistic worldview which was shattered by a conveniently vague conversation with the man who turned out to be the doctor who had delivered Luke.