Monk: Season 7, Episode 5 "Mr. Monk is Underwater" (B+)
Psych: Season 3, Episode 5 "Disco Didn't Die. It Was Murdered!" (B+)
Monk getting stuck on a submarine is a fantastic plotline which plays perfectly to his phobias. His conjuring of Dr. Bell on the ship to cope with his fears of boats and claustrophobia is wildly amusing, and utilized just to the breaking point so as not to become tedious or annoying. I thought that Casper Van Dien was supposed to be a bad actor - what with his starring in the straight-to-video "Starship Troopers 3" - but he's actually well-cast for the role of Natalie's wannabe lover. On the "Psych" side of things, I'm happy that Corbin Bernsen continues to be deeply involved in each case, and I especially liked the scene with Shawn, the bomb, and Lassiter and O'Hara making themselves out to be far more heroic than they really are.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
What I'm Watching: Burn Notice
Burn Notice: Season 2, Episode 6 "Bad Blood" (B+)
This episode is a perfect combination of Michael's in-service-of-Carla job and his off-hours side job, especially when the two converge and Michael is made out to be under surveillance by the FBI (go figure) to scare off the guy he's trying to con. I was thoroughly impressed with how Michael dealt with the situation of having his cover nearly blown and still pulling it off incredibly. It was good to see Rob Benedict from "Threshold", even if his role was a bit weird. The operative from Carla's organization who Michael was assigned to work with grew on me, but I really hope this isn't the last we'll see of Tricia Helfer on this show.
This episode is a perfect combination of Michael's in-service-of-Carla job and his off-hours side job, especially when the two converge and Michael is made out to be under surveillance by the FBI (go figure) to scare off the guy he's trying to con. I was thoroughly impressed with how Michael dealt with the situation of having his cover nearly blown and still pulling it off incredibly. It was good to see Rob Benedict from "Threshold", even if his role was a bit weird. The operative from Carla's organization who Michael was assigned to work with grew on me, but I really hope this isn't the last we'll see of Tricia Helfer on this show.
What I'm Watching: Weeds
Weeds: Season 4, Episode 9 "Little Boats" (B+)
This is a terrific episode to follow up on last week's great installment. Nancy's dual-meaning conversation with both of her sons about an Oedipal complex is hilarious and all three actors play it incredibly well. I'm a huge fan of Esteban, who may well be Nancy's most dangerous boyfriend, but he is rather charming and a very likable character for a corrupt politician in the drug business. Lisa and Silas I can do without, as it's clear that's heading nowhere good, but the praise for good coyote El Andy makes the whole episode more than worthwhile.
This is a terrific episode to follow up on last week's great installment. Nancy's dual-meaning conversation with both of her sons about an Oedipal complex is hilarious and all three actors play it incredibly well. I'm a huge fan of Esteban, who may well be Nancy's most dangerous boyfriend, but he is rather charming and a very likable character for a corrupt politician in the drug business. Lisa and Silas I can do without, as it's clear that's heading nowhere good, but the praise for good coyote El Andy makes the whole episode more than worthwhile.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
What I'm Watching: The Closer
The Closer: Season 4, Episode 5 "Dial M for Provenza" (B+)
I like the idea of starting the episode in media res, with the undercover Provenza op already underway, though the show does always feel like it starts in the middle with its credits sequence ("The Shield" does a similar kind of thing). I would have loved Jennifer Coolidge's guest spot were it not for that horrible accent (think Nicolas Cage in "Con Air" or Zeljko Ivanek on "Damages"). I wish there had been more with the drama between Brenda and Fritz from last week, but seeing one of my favorite characters take the spotlight is always a treat. Well done to G.W. Bailey - I especially enjoyed his flamboyant shirt and his final scene with Pope.
I like the idea of starting the episode in media res, with the undercover Provenza op already underway, though the show does always feel like it starts in the middle with its credits sequence ("The Shield" does a similar kind of thing). I would have loved Jennifer Coolidge's guest spot were it not for that horrible accent (think Nicolas Cage in "Con Air" or Zeljko Ivanek on "Damages"). I wish there had been more with the drama between Brenda and Fritz from last week, but seeing one of my favorite characters take the spotlight is always a treat. Well done to G.W. Bailey - I especially enjoyed his flamboyant shirt and his final scene with Pope.
What I'm Watching: Mad Men
Mad Men: Season 2, Episode 3 "The Benefactor" (B+)
I'm starting to realize that Don Draper can really be an unlikable character, but there's something that's continually appealing about him. Watching him fire that secretary and tell her she's completely incompetent is difficult, yet seeing him at home and dealing with that insulting comedian shows a different, wickedly impressive side of him. I'm amused by the relationship he has with Joan and how she feels both honored and qualified to be his fill-in secretary. Patrick Fischler was perfect as Jimmy - abrasive but not too showy while fitting in seamlessly with the time period. Don's dinner and his wife's reaction to it were quality dramatic scenes matched by the special spotlight on Harry and his sudden drive to improve his status, as well as the subtle interaction between Salvatore and the executive who propositioned him during dinner last season. What a terrific show.
I'm starting to realize that Don Draper can really be an unlikable character, but there's something that's continually appealing about him. Watching him fire that secretary and tell her she's completely incompetent is difficult, yet seeing him at home and dealing with that insulting comedian shows a different, wickedly impressive side of him. I'm amused by the relationship he has with Joan and how she feels both honored and qualified to be his fill-in secretary. Patrick Fischler was perfect as Jimmy - abrasive but not too showy while fitting in seamlessly with the time period. Don's dinner and his wife's reaction to it were quality dramatic scenes matched by the special spotlight on Harry and his sudden drive to improve his status, as well as the subtle interaction between Salvatore and the executive who propositioned him during dinner last season. What a terrific show.
What I'm Watching: Swingtown
Swingtown: Season 1, Episode 10 "Running on Empty" (B-)
All this cabin stuff is pretty ridiculous, but I'd rather focus on the far more intriguing and juicy subplot this episode. Janet's realization that she's attracted to Tom is both amusing and dramatic at the same time, and her interaction with the therapist is classic. I'd love to see her and Roger become swingers, though I doubt that will be the case any time soon. Trina and Tom seem to be having quite a bit of trouble keeping themselves entertained while staying faithful, but their fidelity didn't last too long. Bruce's acceptance of Laurie's dalliance with the teacher is a somewhat touching moment, but having him lunge after her one second before is a bit sloppy. That's a rather speedy change of heart. In any case, I just read about a DVD release for the show's first season. That's impressive considering a lot of my favorite recent summer shows haven't gotten such a treatment (The Inside, Hidden Palms), but I can't possibly imagine they'll translate this one over to the regular TV season. It just has that summer feel - nice and relaxing, but much more of a guilty pleasure than an actual satisfying legitimate experience.
All this cabin stuff is pretty ridiculous, but I'd rather focus on the far more intriguing and juicy subplot this episode. Janet's realization that she's attracted to Tom is both amusing and dramatic at the same time, and her interaction with the therapist is classic. I'd love to see her and Roger become swingers, though I doubt that will be the case any time soon. Trina and Tom seem to be having quite a bit of trouble keeping themselves entertained while staying faithful, but their fidelity didn't last too long. Bruce's acceptance of Laurie's dalliance with the teacher is a somewhat touching moment, but having him lunge after her one second before is a bit sloppy. That's a rather speedy change of heart. In any case, I just read about a DVD release for the show's first season. That's impressive considering a lot of my favorite recent summer shows haven't gotten such a treatment (The Inside, Hidden Palms), but I can't possibly imagine they'll translate this one over to the regular TV season. It just has that summer feel - nice and relaxing, but much more of a guilty pleasure than an actual satisfying legitimate experience.
What I'm Watching: Monk & Psych
Monk: Season 7, Episode 4 "Mr. Monk Takes A Punch" (B+)
Psych: Season 3, Episode 4 "The Greatest Adventure in the History of Basic Cable" (B+)
This is exactly the episode "Monk" needed right now to sustain itself after a somewhat lackluster start to the season. I especially love when guest stars form a friendship bond with Monk, such as this episode with the boxer calling Monk "Mr. M". Watching Monk try to pull it together and get in shape was highly amusing, and the finale with him running to stop the bad guy was a great capper. This is my favorite kind of "Monk" case resolution, when it's something small that you have to pay attention for - the guy who stole the paintings in that one scene where they were filming the commercial. The attention to detail is truly terrific. "Psych" could have stopped itself short a bit earlier before getting so incredibly ridiculous, but I still enjoyed the episode. Corbin Bernsen is a lot of fun, and I'd really like to see more of Maggie Lawson's Jules, who's been sidelined a bit this season in favor of the deserving and funny Lassie. It was also great to see Steven Weber, who impressed last year with a more dramatic turn on "Monk", though I do wish he had been given a bit more to do. Part of me suspects that this isn't the last we've seen of him.
Psych: Season 3, Episode 4 "The Greatest Adventure in the History of Basic Cable" (B+)
This is exactly the episode "Monk" needed right now to sustain itself after a somewhat lackluster start to the season. I especially love when guest stars form a friendship bond with Monk, such as this episode with the boxer calling Monk "Mr. M". Watching Monk try to pull it together and get in shape was highly amusing, and the finale with him running to stop the bad guy was a great capper. This is my favorite kind of "Monk" case resolution, when it's something small that you have to pay attention for - the guy who stole the paintings in that one scene where they were filming the commercial. The attention to detail is truly terrific. "Psych" could have stopped itself short a bit earlier before getting so incredibly ridiculous, but I still enjoyed the episode. Corbin Bernsen is a lot of fun, and I'd really like to see more of Maggie Lawson's Jules, who's been sidelined a bit this season in favor of the deserving and funny Lassie. It was also great to see Steven Weber, who impressed last year with a more dramatic turn on "Monk", though I do wish he had been given a bit more to do. Part of me suspects that this isn't the last we've seen of him.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
What I'm Watching: Burn Notice
Burn Notice: Season 2, Episode 5 "Scatter Point" (B)
The central case plotline this episode isn't too terrific, though it's always a treat to see Oded Fehr and be reminded of his glory days on "Sleeper Cell" - rent that now if you haven't seen it. Especially if you like this show. It's far more serious, of course, but it's still a great series. As far as "Burn Notice" goes, I'm really starting to love the dynamic between Fiona and Sam and all the stuff they do together while helping Michael out on the job. This show has turned out to be far more entertaining than the semi-satisfying fluff I initially took it for.
The central case plotline this episode isn't too terrific, though it's always a treat to see Oded Fehr and be reminded of his glory days on "Sleeper Cell" - rent that now if you haven't seen it. Especially if you like this show. It's far more serious, of course, but it's still a great series. As far as "Burn Notice" goes, I'm really starting to love the dynamic between Fiona and Sam and all the stuff they do together while helping Michael out on the job. This show has turned out to be far more entertaining than the semi-satisfying fluff I initially took it for.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
What I'm Watching: The Cleaner
The Cleaner: Season 1, Episode 4 "Chaos Theory" (B)
Man, Jeff Fahey is everywhere! He was just on "Psych" a few days ago, preceded of course by his recurring role on "Lost" this past season. He's starting to seem a lot like Alan Dale or Eddie Cibrian, who combined together have probably frequented every show ever to hit the airwaves (obviously an exaggeration). Fahey doesn't have much to do here, but he does a few key scenes where he really bonds with Melissa, but then undoes it all by shooting up in William's house. Interesting to see William and Melissa getting along so well, and then have her pull away because it's too soon. I'd like to see a different kind of case come along, something unexpected and surprising, but for the moment, I'm satisfied enough.
Man, Jeff Fahey is everywhere! He was just on "Psych" a few days ago, preceded of course by his recurring role on "Lost" this past season. He's starting to seem a lot like Alan Dale or Eddie Cibrian, who combined together have probably frequented every show ever to hit the airwaves (obviously an exaggeration). Fahey doesn't have much to do here, but he does a few key scenes where he really bonds with Melissa, but then undoes it all by shooting up in William's house. Interesting to see William and Melissa getting along so well, and then have her pull away because it's too soon. I'd like to see a different kind of case come along, something unexpected and surprising, but for the moment, I'm satisfied enough.
What I'm Watching: Secret Diary of a Call Girl
Secret Diary of a Call Girl: Season 1, Episode 8 (B+)
This is a fitting finale for a consistently good first season. I'm eager to see season two, which I believe begins as early as next month in the UK, and I'll attempt to provide reviews based on whether I can get my hands on the episodes as they air overseas. Billie Piper is a terrific lead, and I'm continually impressed by her ability to carry the show and dwarf all the guest stars with her performance. Ben is a fine supporting character, and I suspect that this new position which Belle holds won't suit her as much as she initially thought, and she may revert back to her old job, which may not turn out to be much of a downgrade. All in all, this is a good show which is far better than I might have imagined.
Season 1 grade: B+
This is a fitting finale for a consistently good first season. I'm eager to see season two, which I believe begins as early as next month in the UK, and I'll attempt to provide reviews based on whether I can get my hands on the episodes as they air overseas. Billie Piper is a terrific lead, and I'm continually impressed by her ability to carry the show and dwarf all the guest stars with her performance. Ben is a fine supporting character, and I suspect that this new position which Belle holds won't suit her as much as she initially thought, and she may revert back to her old job, which may not turn out to be much of a downgrade. All in all, this is a good show which is far better than I might have imagined.
Season 1 grade: B+
What I'm Watching: Weeds
Weeds: Season 4, Episode 8 "I Am the Table" (B+)
Hands-down the funniest moment of the season thus far - Shane hitting the other kid in the face with the lunch tray. That kid is going to grow up to be one messed-up person, but for the moment his antics are hilarious, especially because he gets his advice from a drug kingpin's underling after being told he has to go to school instead of helping to sell drugs. Seeing a bit less of Celia might be nice, as she adds little at the moment with her constant nodding off and whining about needing drugs. I'm thoroughly enjoying Andy and Doug's coyote business, especially giving matzoh to the Mexicans and his whole speech comparing himself to Moses. Silas' cheese shop drug front could go somewhere, and it's a good plotline for him after strong storylines with Megan in season one and Mary-Kate Olsen last season. Now, to Nancy and the mayor - their relationship is a bit messed up with all that blood everywhere, but it's nonetheless a fascinating interaction with great performances from both actors.
Hands-down the funniest moment of the season thus far - Shane hitting the other kid in the face with the lunch tray. That kid is going to grow up to be one messed-up person, but for the moment his antics are hilarious, especially because he gets his advice from a drug kingpin's underling after being told he has to go to school instead of helping to sell drugs. Seeing a bit less of Celia might be nice, as she adds little at the moment with her constant nodding off and whining about needing drugs. I'm thoroughly enjoying Andy and Doug's coyote business, especially giving matzoh to the Mexicans and his whole speech comparing himself to Moses. Silas' cheese shop drug front could go somewhere, and it's a good plotline for him after strong storylines with Megan in season one and Mary-Kate Olsen last season. Now, to Nancy and the mayor - their relationship is a bit messed up with all that blood everywhere, but it's nonetheless a fascinating interaction with great performances from both actors.
What I'm Watching: The Closer
The Closer: Season 4, Episode 4 "Live Wire" (B+)
I'm happy to see the show trend itself towards a more serious tone, with all the tension brewing between Brenda and Fritz, sure to come to a head sooner or later. The brilliance of this show is its seamless integration of the drama and the comedy - evident earlier with Fritz waiting outside Brenda's interrogation room, the break-up of Sergeant Gabriel and Detective Daniels, and that bumbling reporter's continual interference in the departmental investigations. I've heard there's a Provenza-centric episode coming up - I'm rather excited for that. This is one of the best casts on television, and I especially love when characters are zeroed in on for specific episodes (season two did a tremendous job of that).
I'm happy to see the show trend itself towards a more serious tone, with all the tension brewing between Brenda and Fritz, sure to come to a head sooner or later. The brilliance of this show is its seamless integration of the drama and the comedy - evident earlier with Fritz waiting outside Brenda's interrogation room, the break-up of Sergeant Gabriel and Detective Daniels, and that bumbling reporter's continual interference in the departmental investigations. I've heard there's a Provenza-centric episode coming up - I'm rather excited for that. This is one of the best casts on television, and I especially love when characters are zeroed in on for specific episodes (season two did a tremendous job of that).
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
What I'm Watching: Mad Men
Mad Men: Season 2, Episode 2 "Flight 1" (B+)
This show really knows how to utilize history to its advantage. A sad note is that the actor who portrayed Pete's father did in fact pass away recently, but this seems like a fitting tribute to his performance on the show. Pete's relationship with Don is especially fascinating, and watching Don let down Mohawk is extremely compelling. That Duck Phillips is sure to make many more problems for Don in the coming weeks, but I suspect he won't be around for long. It's also interesting to see more of the characters' home lives in this episode, specifically Paul and his "open-minded" girlfriend.
This show really knows how to utilize history to its advantage. A sad note is that the actor who portrayed Pete's father did in fact pass away recently, but this seems like a fitting tribute to his performance on the show. Pete's relationship with Don is especially fascinating, and watching Don let down Mohawk is extremely compelling. That Duck Phillips is sure to make many more problems for Don in the coming weeks, but I suspect he won't be around for long. It's also interesting to see more of the characters' home lives in this episode, specifically Paul and his "open-minded" girlfriend.
What I'm Watching: Monk & Psych
Monk: Season 7, Episode 3 "Mr. Monk Gets Lotto Fever" (B)
Psych: Season 3, Episode 3 "Daredevils" (B)
The first two installments of the current seasons of these shows were fine, nothing too exciting, but at this point I'm getting a bit fed up. "Monk" proceeds at such a slow pace, with rather predictable results, and the jokes are so deadpan it's hard to burst out laughing (and ruined in the previews, which I can't help seeing watching "Burn Notice" the night before). I long for the cleverness I found in last year's episodes, and especially the original episode which drew me in, long before I ever started watching the show on a regular basis - the season two premiere, "Mr. Monk Goes Back to School". I'd like to see more of that quality in this show. I was thrilled to see Greg Pitts' name in the guest credits, but thoroughly disappointed after he was given nothing to do in the episode. This man was uproariously hilarious in ABC's short-lived but superb comedy "Sons and Daughters" a few years back. It indicates that perhaps "Monk" only knows how to use its high-profile guest stars well, and treats the rest as mere extras. Luckily, things are quite different on "Psych", as guest star Jeff Fahey pulls out all the stops and gives a truly amusing performance. After seeing him shout a lot and fly helicopters on "Lost", it's refreshing to see him let loose. "Psych" would do well to keep itself more grounded, as there's hardly any basis for them to enter into this episode's plotline, and it's not quite as funny but rather sadly repetitive. I think these shows do have some energy left in them, and if not, they only have a few more weeks before they disappear off the air until December.
Psych: Season 3, Episode 3 "Daredevils" (B)
The first two installments of the current seasons of these shows were fine, nothing too exciting, but at this point I'm getting a bit fed up. "Monk" proceeds at such a slow pace, with rather predictable results, and the jokes are so deadpan it's hard to burst out laughing (and ruined in the previews, which I can't help seeing watching "Burn Notice" the night before). I long for the cleverness I found in last year's episodes, and especially the original episode which drew me in, long before I ever started watching the show on a regular basis - the season two premiere, "Mr. Monk Goes Back to School". I'd like to see more of that quality in this show. I was thrilled to see Greg Pitts' name in the guest credits, but thoroughly disappointed after he was given nothing to do in the episode. This man was uproariously hilarious in ABC's short-lived but superb comedy "Sons and Daughters" a few years back. It indicates that perhaps "Monk" only knows how to use its high-profile guest stars well, and treats the rest as mere extras. Luckily, things are quite different on "Psych", as guest star Jeff Fahey pulls out all the stops and gives a truly amusing performance. After seeing him shout a lot and fly helicopters on "Lost", it's refreshing to see him let loose. "Psych" would do well to keep itself more grounded, as there's hardly any basis for them to enter into this episode's plotline, and it's not quite as funny but rather sadly repetitive. I think these shows do have some energy left in them, and if not, they only have a few more weeks before they disappear off the air until December.
What I'm Watching: Burn Notice
Burn Notice: Season 2, Episode 4 "Comrades" (B)
This show always makes things seem a wee bit too simplistic, but it's certainly a fun ride. Like Myles, it took me the whole episode to figure out exactly who their captive was, and I finally realized that it was the eye patch guy from "Lost", in a far less serious role here. I'm lost in reference to Michael's brother and wherever that plotline might have come from due to my absence from this show in its freshman season, and nothing in the episode really clued me in too much, but it's not a big deal. As I said before, this show is all about the fun. And Bruce Campbell is indeed quite hilarious.
This show always makes things seem a wee bit too simplistic, but it's certainly a fun ride. Like Myles, it took me the whole episode to figure out exactly who their captive was, and I finally realized that it was the eye patch guy from "Lost", in a far less serious role here. I'm lost in reference to Michael's brother and wherever that plotline might have come from due to my absence from this show in its freshman season, and nothing in the episode really clued me in too much, but it's not a big deal. As I said before, this show is all about the fun. And Bruce Campbell is indeed quite hilarious.
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