Saving Grace: Season 1, Episode 2 "Bring It On, Earl" (C-)
Grace actually wrestling with the angel? No good. This show is too out there without being grounded in enough enticing dramatic material. The cases are boring and unimaginative, the supporting cast is lackluster, and there just really is not too much to write home about here. Guest star James Marsters is not used terribly well here, but it is reassuring that the two leads, Holly Hunter and angel Leon Rippy, are reliable and fun.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
What I'm Watching: The Closer
The Closer: Season 3, Episode 7 "Four to Eight" (B+)
Brenda's mysterious ailment is amusing with a slight air of foreboding seriousness. The gang war case is intruiging, not nearly as real or gritty as on "The Shield", but Sanchez serves as a good liaison for the gangs and one with a personal connection. That is one of the best aspects of the show, taking turns highlighting a specific character and giving a member of the cast the opportunity to take the spotlight and shine. Corey Reynolds (Gabriel) has already had his shot this year, and now Raymond Cruz gets to give Sanchez some great character background.
Brenda's mysterious ailment is amusing with a slight air of foreboding seriousness. The gang war case is intruiging, not nearly as real or gritty as on "The Shield", but Sanchez serves as a good liaison for the gangs and one with a personal connection. That is one of the best aspects of the show, taking turns highlighting a specific character and giving a member of the cast the opportunity to take the spotlight and shine. Corey Reynolds (Gabriel) has already had his shot this year, and now Raymond Cruz gets to give Sanchez some great character background.
What I'm Watching: The Kill Point
The Kill Point: Part 3 "No Meringue" (B-)
I do not know a great deal about hostage-kidnapper relations aside from what I have seen on TV and in movies ("The Nine", "The Negotiator"), but it seems that all the hostages and the hostage-takers seem just a bit too chummy. I am glad that Kelly was able to get himself back into play and that this show has now passed over the mandatory negotiator-loses-authority part of the show, though it was fun seeing Susan Misner (Lou's crazy nun from "Rescue Me") try a serious, no-nonsense approach and get completely shot down. The ending seems more than a bit abrupt, especially since I thought two parts were airing. This mini-series may end up being a bit longer than it should have been, but it should get pretty intense once Wolff's buddies on the outside try to help them.
I do not know a great deal about hostage-kidnapper relations aside from what I have seen on TV and in movies ("The Nine", "The Negotiator"), but it seems that all the hostages and the hostage-takers seem just a bit too chummy. I am glad that Kelly was able to get himself back into play and that this show has now passed over the mandatory negotiator-loses-authority part of the show, though it was fun seeing Susan Misner (Lou's crazy nun from "Rescue Me") try a serious, no-nonsense approach and get completely shot down. The ending seems more than a bit abrupt, especially since I thought two parts were airing. This mini-series may end up being a bit longer than it should have been, but it should get pretty intense once Wolff's buddies on the outside try to help them.
What I'm Watching: Psych
Psych: Season 2, Episode 3 "Psy vs. Psy" (B+)
I love this show so much. James Roday and Dule Hill are the best duo on television right now, and the supporting cast is just great. Guest star Lou Diamond Phillips is fantastic, and the dynamic between FBI psychic Lindsay Leikin (Bianca Kajlich) and Shawn is amazing. The writing is so sharp and quick, and the irreverent nature of this whole counterfeiting plot in this episode makes the show hilarious. And bonus points since Shawn called Lassiter Lassie!
I love this show so much. James Roday and Dule Hill are the best duo on television right now, and the supporting cast is just great. Guest star Lou Diamond Phillips is fantastic, and the dynamic between FBI psychic Lindsay Leikin (Bianca Kajlich) and Shawn is amazing. The writing is so sharp and quick, and the irreverent nature of this whole counterfeiting plot in this episode makes the show hilarious. And bonus points since Shawn called Lassiter Lassie!
What I'm Watching: Monk
Monk: Season 6, Episode 3 "Mr. Monk and the Naked Man" (B+)
Ah, it is nice to see Diedrich Bader ("The Drew Carey Show") getting some work, especially in such a fun role like this. "Monk" continues to expand upon Monk's phobias without making them seem trite and overdone, additionally utilizing its high-profile guest stars like Alfred Molina without flashing their presence, but rather weaving them into the plot and giving Tony Shalhoub more great actors and actresses with whom to interact. The nudist colony plot in this episode is priceless, especially Natalie's admission that she was once a member.
Ah, it is nice to see Diedrich Bader ("The Drew Carey Show") getting some work, especially in such a fun role like this. "Monk" continues to expand upon Monk's phobias without making them seem trite and overdone, additionally utilizing its high-profile guest stars like Alfred Molina without flashing their presence, but rather weaving them into the plot and giving Tony Shalhoub more great actors and actresses with whom to interact. The nudist colony plot in this episode is priceless, especially Natalie's admission that she was once a member.
What I'm Watching: Mad Men
Mad Men: Season 1, Episode 2 "Ladies Room" (B)
While the storyline remains fascinating and the performers are right on key, I cannot help feeling that this show is getting pretty dense. It is hard to get excited about simply because it proceeds at such a slow pace. The writing is good, and everything looks great, but this is one of those period shows that just takes some patience to get through (the reason I did not watch "Carnivale", "Deadwood", and "The Tudors" after their pilot episodes). I hope that future episodes may pick up the pace just a bit. I realize it is a stylish aspect of the show, but I still would love to see just a bit more excitement every once in a while.
While the storyline remains fascinating and the performers are right on key, I cannot help feeling that this show is getting pretty dense. It is hard to get excited about simply because it proceeds at such a slow pace. The writing is good, and everything looks great, but this is one of those period shows that just takes some patience to get through (the reason I did not watch "Carnivale", "Deadwood", and "The Tudors" after their pilot episodes). I hope that future episodes may pick up the pace just a bit. I realize it is a stylish aspect of the show, but I still would love to see just a bit more excitement every once in a while.
Second Run TV: Smallville
Smallville: Season 6, Episode 14 "Trespass" (D-)
Was it not blaringly obvious that Lana's stalker was one of the security guards? And they are really terrible at doing their job, staying so far away from her and giving her so much space to be attacked. Since when did Lana become this arrogant and commanding person? Lex remains his usual creepy self, watching Lana while she sleeps, and in the best moment of this episode, inviting Clark to the wedding so that he can see what he lost. This episode is an example of a "Smallville" hour without a freak-of-the-week and pretty much absent of any superpowers at all, and it shows why the show often needs to inject a bit of super power to give it some life.
Was it not blaringly obvious that Lana's stalker was one of the security guards? And they are really terrible at doing their job, staying so far away from her and giving her so much space to be attacked. Since when did Lana become this arrogant and commanding person? Lex remains his usual creepy self, watching Lana while she sleeps, and in the best moment of this episode, inviting Clark to the wedding so that he can see what he lost. This episode is an example of a "Smallville" hour without a freak-of-the-week and pretty much absent of any superpowers at all, and it shows why the show often needs to inject a bit of super power to give it some life.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Coming Soon...
"TV with Abe" will be taking a brief hiatus, but will be fully updated on Tuesday with reviews of the most recent episodes of "Smallville", "Mad Men", "Monk", "Psych", "The Kill Point", "The Closer", and "Saving Grace". I am also making my way simultaneously through three very different TV shows on DVD, including "Weeds", "The L Word", and "Battlestar Galactica", so thoughts on those coming as soon as I am finished with them.
TV on DVD: Battlestar Galactica (2003 Miniseries)
Alright, I am hooked. I watched about a third of this miniseries about a year ago, and cannot remember why it was that I stopped watching. I liked it pretty much from the start. While there is an awful lot of seemingly random making out, it is made up for by the excellent characters and impressive writing. I understand why this show has such a cult following, and I am eager to become a full-fledged member as soon as I make my way through the rest of the show so far. My hope is that I can finish the first two seasons before the end of the summer and that the third season will be released before the premiere of the fourth and final season of the show at the end of November. This is truly great science fiction and I love it.
Battlestar Galactica Miniseries: A
Battlestar Galactica Miniseries: A
What I'm Watching: Rescue Me
Rescue Me: Season 4, Episode 6 "Balance" (B+)
Garrity accidentally setting Mike's house on fire is probably the highlight of this episode. Additionally, the nicknames the firemen give each other are hilarious. The new chief is a fun character who gets in on the fun yet does not impede any of the plotlines, though I would not object to giving Jerry Adler a bigger role on the show. And this whole probie thing, while amusing, is sure not to last. It is pretty funny that Tommy is terrible at basketball. Nice to see Sheila some more, but she seems to be getting a bit too crazy to be remotely believable. But absolutely hilarious that Sheila's new boyfriend has a Tommy shrine.
Garrity accidentally setting Mike's house on fire is probably the highlight of this episode. Additionally, the nicknames the firemen give each other are hilarious. The new chief is a fun character who gets in on the fun yet does not impede any of the plotlines, though I would not object to giving Jerry Adler a bigger role on the show. And this whole probie thing, while amusing, is sure not to last. It is pretty funny that Tommy is terrible at basketball. Nice to see Sheila some more, but she seems to be getting a bit too crazy to be remotely believable. But absolutely hilarious that Sheila's new boyfriend has a Tommy shrine.
What I'm Watching: Damages (Series Premiere)
Damages: Season 1, Episode 1 "Pilot" (B-)
The pilot of "Damages" finally airs after I have seen probably a thousand commercials. I definitely like the style of the show, and the central case depicted involving Ted Denson's Arthur Frobisher. It is the main good guys who I think need a little work. Ellen (Rose Byrne) is overly cheery and not seemingly very skilled, contrary to what we are led to think. Her amazing and immediately likeable lawyer charm has yet to work on me. I do not see what Patty Hewes sees. Speaking of Ms. Hewes, her character is far too hard to read. Many will argue that this is a good thing, all the better for her character to be more mysterious and therefore dynamic and multi-layered. Yet I see her rather as underdeveloped and flawed character whose ideal purpose on the show is unclear and often changing. I am willing to stick with it, and see how it plays out, but it could fall off my radar if other more uniformly good shows are airing in the same time slot.
The pilot of "Damages" finally airs after I have seen probably a thousand commercials. I definitely like the style of the show, and the central case depicted involving Ted Denson's Arthur Frobisher. It is the main good guys who I think need a little work. Ellen (Rose Byrne) is overly cheery and not seemingly very skilled, contrary to what we are led to think. Her amazing and immediately likeable lawyer charm has yet to work on me. I do not see what Patty Hewes sees. Speaking of Ms. Hewes, her character is far too hard to read. Many will argue that this is a good thing, all the better for her character to be more mysterious and therefore dynamic and multi-layered. Yet I see her rather as underdeveloped and flawed character whose ideal purpose on the show is unclear and often changing. I am willing to stick with it, and see how it plays out, but it could fall off my radar if other more uniformly good shows are airing in the same time slot.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
What I'm Watching: Saving Grace
Saving Grace: Season 1, Episode 1 "Bring It On, Earl" (C)
I somewhat like the idea for this show, but the execution comes off as a bit slow and kind of out-there. The angel Earl, perfectly played by Leon Rippy, walking around with his very fake-looking wings, is a fun character but his purpose and mission, as accepted by Grace, seem strange. Everyone so readily accepts the presence of this angel, even selfish drunk Grace. Holly Hunter gives a great performance as the title character, and she is surrounded by a bizarre and adequate ensemble including Laura San Giacomo and Kenny Johnson (Lem from "The Shield"). All in all, the combination of a less-than-riveting crime drama and a fancy angel presence does not mesh together so well here. I am willing to tune in again next week, but after that...?
I somewhat like the idea for this show, but the execution comes off as a bit slow and kind of out-there. The angel Earl, perfectly played by Leon Rippy, walking around with his very fake-looking wings, is a fun character but his purpose and mission, as accepted by Grace, seem strange. Everyone so readily accepts the presence of this angel, even selfish drunk Grace. Holly Hunter gives a great performance as the title character, and she is surrounded by a bizarre and adequate ensemble including Laura San Giacomo and Kenny Johnson (Lem from "The Shield"). All in all, the combination of a less-than-riveting crime drama and a fancy angel presence does not mesh together so well here. I am willing to tune in again next week, but after that...?
What I'm Watching: The Closer
The Closer: Season 3, Episode 6 "Dumb Luck" (B+)
Brenda's mysterious cold and the WMD training come together for a very funny episode. "The Closer" incorporates extremely well all these truly dumb people, like the clueless wife and useless henchmen, and makes them seem believable, all the while making the audience laugh with the antics of Brenda and the shocked look continuously on Pope's face. Highlight of the episode: Buzz pretending to be Lt. Tau.
Brenda's mysterious cold and the WMD training come together for a very funny episode. "The Closer" incorporates extremely well all these truly dumb people, like the clueless wife and useless henchmen, and makes them seem believable, all the while making the audience laugh with the antics of Brenda and the shocked look continuously on Pope's face. Highlight of the episode: Buzz pretending to be Lt. Tau.
Monday, July 23, 2007
What I'm Watching: The Kill Point (Series Premiere)
The Kill Point: Parts 1 & 2 "Pilot, Parts 1 & 2" (B-)
This Spike TV hostage drama miniseries is certainly action-packed and entertaining. Donnie Wahlberg stars as a hostage negotiator bent on correcting everyone's grammar (not an endearing or sophisticated trait), and he is surrounded by a generally able and sufficient cast. Tobin Bell clocks in also as a powerful father of one of the hostages willing to do whatever it takes to get his daughter out alive. The idea is fun, execution pretty good, but the overall dialogue and writing needs work. The best thing about this show is John Leguizamo, who is excellent as the primary hostage taker, Mr. Wolf. I think I will tune in for the remaining installments.
This Spike TV hostage drama miniseries is certainly action-packed and entertaining. Donnie Wahlberg stars as a hostage negotiator bent on correcting everyone's grammar (not an endearing or sophisticated trait), and he is surrounded by a generally able and sufficient cast. Tobin Bell clocks in also as a powerful father of one of the hostages willing to do whatever it takes to get his daughter out alive. The idea is fun, execution pretty good, but the overall dialogue and writing needs work. The best thing about this show is John Leguizamo, who is excellent as the primary hostage taker, Mr. Wolf. I think I will tune in for the remaining installments.
Welcome to TV with Abe!
Welcome to TV with Abe, the brand-new spin-off from my original blog, Movies with Abe. Here you will find all the same TV-related reviews and awards coverage. Older posts have been imported to this blog. I look forward to being able to devote an entire site to my enthusiasm for television.
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