What I’m Watching: Modern Family

Modern Family: Season 3, Episode 23 “Tableau Vivant” (B+)

At first, it seemed like this might be a duplication of the family portrait episode that closed the show’s first season. Instead, it’s a funny and fresh take on pent-up frustration that built between all of the different family members for a variety of reasons. Alex upset that her art teacher didn’t know her name resulted in a failed project that got her an “I expected better” coupled with her real name, giving her just the victory she wanted. Luke getting credit for putting out a fire even though he was the one who started it was amusing, especially since Manny was so upset about it. The best quote of the night came from Manny: “I play by the rules; where’s my medal?” Phil and Mitchell both thinking that the other wanted him too much was amusing, and I liked finding out about Phil’s stress blinking and hearing about how he tried to break up with Claire but he was so nice that she didn’t realize it. Cam trying not to use the word “No” with Lily and pissing Claire off with his innovative parenting strategies was a lot of fun since they’re too of the most easily offended characters on the show. Claire’s reaction to being told that she’s a know-it-all by Phil was perfect, and her garbage disposal stunt was quite funny. Gloria’s observation that “They named you after a sandwich” to Jay was the funniest part of that particular plotline, but even if not every joke is a home run, this show is still a winner.

What I’m Watching: Suburgatory (Season Finale)

Suburgatory: Season 1, Episode 22 “The Motherload” (B+)

Unlike most of the other episodes in this show, this one felt very consequential, in that several revelations really stuck and are sure to have an effect on how things play out next season. The town’s tradition of honoring Mother’s Day above all else led to entertaining plotlines for single mother Dallas and the more familial Sheila. Dalia going to Israel with her father so that her Mother’s Day wouldn’t be ruined was unfortunate for Dallas, but she still performed admirably in the 5K, even if she got injured midway through, which led to an odd hallucination involving a speaking Yacolt. Fred giving Dallas the water meant for Sheila was not a good move, but he redeemed himself with James Ingram, even if that turned out to be more awkward than anything else. Lisa’s blood-assisted discovery that Ryan, and not her, is adopted is sure to prove transformational if she’s ever able to tell him and he actually believes her. The dead snakes and live guns in Jill’s baby nursery were terrifying, and it’s no surprise that Eden went into false labor because of how stressed that made her. She’s still an oddball, playing sounds from Occupy Wall Street for the baby and such. Tessa not getting the internship throws a wrench into her future plans, but something else just happened along at exactly the moment she needed it: a female family member. I’m interested to see where this show, which has become one of my favorite comedies this season, goes when it returns this fall, fortunate enough to remain in this very same time slot.

Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Cheryl Hines as Dallas

What I’m Watching: Glee

Glee: Season 3, Episodes 20 & 21 “Props” & “Nationals” (C+/B-)

This double-decker of episodes came just as nearly every show is ending and this one airs its finale next week. The first episode described itself well by having Rachel tell Tina that her sudden interest in speaking up was awfully randomly-timed, since the genesis for such an episode was truly random. I imagine a whole lot of effort when into Tina’s dream in which each character had someone else’s face, and it was only mildly effective, with more effort clearly put into some body switches than into others. I felt the same way about having Lindsay Lohan and Perez Hilton guest star in the second hour, which must have cost a fortune and added nothing to the show. I’m glad that Sue’s efforts to get Kurt to cross-dress like Unique were unsuccessful, and crowning her MVP while giving New Directions the top trophy was a perfect compromise. Carmen Tibideaux arriving in the middle of Rachel’s performance was more than corny, and Jesse putting in a good word for her just so that she’d remember his failed audition didn’t add up. It was still fun to see New Directions win the trophy and then get to announce Will as Teacher of the Year, and singing “We Are the Champions” only dampened their modesty a little. Bieste finally leaving Cooter and Emma and Will finally having sex were decent subplots on this show that’s headed full force towards graduation, and a fourth season that hopefully won’t suck since the New Directions will look much different after their best and somewhat brightest head off to college.

What I’m Watching: Smash (Season Finale)

Smash: Season 1, Episode 15 “Bombshell” (C)

Not that this was the episode’s most important plotline, but is there anyone out there rooting for Ellis? He’s been snotty and unsympathetic since his first appearance, and his obnoxious threatening comment to Eileen appropriately got him fired. Poisoning Rebecca, however, wasn’t as bad as what Ivy did to Karen by giving her back the ring and revealing her one-night stand with Dev. Karen running away to cry seemed like the perfect chance for Ivy to swoop in, and she took out, only to have Derek cast her out and bring back his preferred girl, creating one of the most awkward moments of the season, in which Ivy already had on the wig and the dress and had to go tell her mother that she wasn’t going to be playing the part. Annoying as she is, Karen actually did a great job as Marilyn, and some of those musical numbers were truly terrific. Ivy’s attempted suicide is sure to bring more bad fortune on the production as it mark the second star to be hospitalized, but it looks like this role will really make Karen a star. I’m not sure what’s in store for next season, though NBC has decided to hold it until midseason so that momentum can build up once again after all the fall shows have had their chance to premiere. This first season often created strong music (I can’t get “Let Me Be Your Star” out of my head), but the writing was always weak and the plot even thinner. Id still watch next season, but let’s hope for a creative renaissance.

Season grade: C+
Season MVP: Anjelica Huston as Eileen

What I’m Watching: Girls

Girls: Season 1, Episode 5 “Hard Being Easy” (A-)

The writing on this show is truly excellent. This installment demonstrates a clear mastery of its characters and a commitment to making them extremely interesting people with complex and dynamic lives. Marnie’s lengthy conversation with Charlie about their break-up was perhaps the most enlightening and intriguing of all, as she clung desperately to the notion of them staying together despite explicitly yearning for that to happen just episodes ago. Her ultimate rejection of him wasn’t surprising, but that didn’t make it any less harsh considering how hard Charlie had fought against their reconciliation only to have his heart broken once again. The flashback to their first meeting was hugely entertaining and highly informative as well. Hannah’s show of power with her boss was honest if nothing else, and she made some valid points despite being laughed at for sticking up for herself in a rather direct and blunt manner. Having some verbal fun with Adam at the end of the episode was good for her, even if he still doesn’t treat her nearly as well as he should. Jessa is an extraordinarily manipulator, first making her employers uncomfortable by being all too seductive in her application of makeup, and then purposely seducing her ex-boyfriend just because she can. Such frivolous behavior may come back to haunt her, as it already did with the pregnancy scare, but she seems to just discard any sense of decency or propriety, living her life, to use an appropriate expression, like all adventurous women do.

What I’m Watching: Veep

Veep: Season 1, Episode 4 “Chung” (B+)

Selina should know by now that she shouldn’t make inflammatory statements anywhere near a microphone or a camera. Gary’s efforts to get the sound guy to disregard what he had just heard didn’t go well when he led with an accusation about the equipment malfunctioning. Somehow, it wasn’t a total loss for Selina, as the families of the victims of the accident proved to be rather right-wing in their attitudes toward immigrants, though Chung contended that he was actually a second-generation Chinese-American, despite what Selina may have said offhandedly after her interview. Selina is clearly stressed, and it’s both interesting and disturbing to see her act on her frustrations with rather public and indiscreet political role play with her secret boyfriend, played by Andy Buckley of “The Office” fame. It’s not often that Amy and Gary find themselves agreeing, but listening to Selina on the phone with Ted gave them some rare common ground. Jonah continues to be a hilarious nuisance, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him come in wearing shorts because it was a Sunday and then return only hours later wearing pants, claiming that he had realized that the shorts were a big mistake. Being told he couldn’t just make up acronyms didn’t seem to phase him, and I’d love for him to keep going since they’re all so funny, though I’m not sure he’ll ever top his matter-of-fact pronunciation of FDOTUS. It’s alarming to think that we’re already halfway through the season, but fortunately this show was renewed for a second season several weeks ago.

What I’m Watching: Mad Men

Mad Men: Season 5, Episode 9 “Dark Shadows” (B+)

With Megan out of the office, Don has gotten pretty mean again. He had two particularly cruel lines in this hour, telling Pete not to call him on a Sunday morning to tell him about his failures, and, in response, to Ginsberg’s remark that he feels bad for him, “I don’t even think about you.” Taking on Manischewitz as a client was a way for Roger to connect with two different Jewish people in his life, one at the office and the other from his former home. Peggy’s jealousy at Roger hiring Ginsberg to do side work for him was interesting, and Roger’s reaction wasn’t exactly comforting. I loved how Cooper checked his watch when Roger told him that he was getting a divorce, from Jane rather than from Mona. Buying Jane an apartment in exchange for her presence at the dinner was quite the gesture, but, as she later pointed it, he had to come ruin it even though he has already has everything, something for which he half-genuinely apologized. The spotlight on Betty showed her time at Weight Watchers but more importantly her loneliness, and the overwhelming reaction she had seeing Don’s new apartment and watching Megan get dressed. Telling Sally about Anna was a bold move, and both Megan and Don handled it very well, and Sally seems to have done extremely well on her report. Perhaps the episode’s most intriguing moment was when Megan was teaching Sally to cry on command, something that is sure to prove terribly destructive sometime in the future.

What I’m Watching: The Big C

The Big C: Season 3, Episode 6 “Life Rights” (B+)

This show continues its parade of guest stars by featuring Allison Janney as zany film producer Rita Strauss, who has plenty in common with her good friend Joy. Telling Paul and Cathy that she wanted to buy their life rights and have Leonardo DiCaprio and Sandra Bullock play them was quite a surprise, but things took a turn for the very negative when she brought up Cathy’s death scene. That kind of talk is morbid even for this show, and it’s definitely going to drive a wedge between Paul and Cathy, and one less literal than the big hole smashed in the wall by Cathy. Having Dave fix the crib and be her contractor isn’t a smart idea since they’re going to get too attached, but it’s clear that Paul isn’t even sure that he wants the baby, which is going to cause more of a problem. Cathy’s secret life as Alexis continues to spiral out of control, as she’s now taken to accepting phone numbers from flirtatious male clients. Sean’s decision to meet a client following a conversation spurred by his desire to make Adam good meals looks like it’s going to lead him down an interesting path. Brian D’Arcy James is the ultimate example of actors being infinitely better on cable since he’s so much more terrific in just a few short scenes here than he is on NBC’s “Smash.” Sean’s in for a wild ride with his new friend and his wife, and he’s hardly going to be in a position to judge Adam for what’s he doing in the bedroom.

What I’m Watching: The Killing

The Killing: Season 2, Episode 8 “Off the Reservation” (B+)

Things got more intense than ever before as Sarah panicked about the phone call she got from Holder and then railed against Lieutenant Carlson for denying the search warrant. She managed to change his mind quickly and the discovery of a bloodied Holder in the woods after the extensive search was haunting. Holder’s sister was sure not happy to meet Sarah, and at least she honored Holder’s wishes and passed along the matches so that Sarah could go meet Mary and find out more about Rosie’s past. Stan’s search for further information about his dead daughter wasn’t fruitful either, as the one potential lead was actually just a psychic trying to get Stan to pay her to be connected to Rosie one more time. Others don’t seem as enthusiastic about his bounty either. Darren still getting questioned about killing Rosie is understandably irritating to him, and going to tell Mayor Adams that he knows that he was responsible for doctoring the photo is definitely a game-changing move. As tends to be the case with this show, things aren’t optimistic by episode’s end, with a furious Lieutenant Carlson demanding Sarah’s badge. Sending Jack off on a plane was far more emotional, and Holder showing up just as the plane was taking off was a good sign of their positive relationship that’s clearly been strained in the recent past, and they both look incredibly determined to get to the bottom of Rosie’s case and finally make a big break that will put them ahead for once.

What I’m Watching: Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones: Season 2, Episode 7 “A Man Without Honor” (B+)

It’s been a while since we saw Jamie, and this was quite a return for him, befriending a fellow prisoner and then bludgeoning him to death so that he could make his own escape. He’s such a fascinating character, and, like his siblings, proved extremely deceptive and manipulative in his interactions with a person of less nobility. He didn’t make it far, of course, and was very incendiary in his comments to Lady Stark, prompting her to grab a sword out of genuine anger. Brienne is an excellent guard, turning the “woman” insult hurled at her into a terrific comeback, using “man” derogatorily in response. Daenerys is definitely in trouble, as Xaro betrayed her and Pyat revealed that the House of the Undying continues to be one of the creepiest things ever featured on this show. Arya did a superb job covering her tracks with Tywin when she nearly gave away her upbringing, and I’m absolutely loving their conversations. Tyrion and Cersei’s dialogue is similarly enticing, and Tyrion’s best quote of the hour was “It’s hard to put a leash on a dog once you’ve put a crown on his head.” Sansa does not have a bright future ahead of her, and she can only hope that her brothers return to reclaim the throne before Joffrey impregnates her. Jon definitely did not have the upper hand with Ygritte as he escorted her through the woods as his prisoner, and now he’s really stepped in it. Theon’s efforts to show his power are not going to pay off especially since he’s now taken to faking deaths to intimidate the people.

What I’m Watching: Desperate Housewives (Series Finale)

Desperate Housewives: Season 8, Episodes 22 & 23 “Give Me the Blame” & “Finishing the Hat” (B-)

After eight years, it’s hard to go out on a high note. There’s nothing objectively wrong with this double-decker finale, but there’s also not much terribly surprising or ultimately fulfilling about it. These episodes contained the three things all but required for a series closer: a death, a birth, and a wedding. All three happened right around the same time, as Mrs. McCluskey died following her excessively predictable and unoriginal decision to take all the blame for Alejandro’s murder and exonerate everyone else in the process. As tends to be the case with series finales, a guest character that has only been present and important in the recent past becomes a crucial part of a regular character’s future, as Tripp marries Bree and moves away with her to conservative Kentucky. Tom and Lynette’s reconciliation was inevitable, and Katherine’s return just meant a new step of their lives, as they moved to Manhattan, something entirely different from their lives in Fairview. Gaby preventing Carlos from entering the courthouse by getting him stopped at security and Carlos hiring a hot young gardener to make Gaby jealous were considerably less dramatic developments than those involving the other housewives, and Gaby creating a home shopping network is a mediocre resolution for the least compelling of the ladies. Julie going into labor on the way to Renee’s wedding was entertaining, and it’s notable that Susan was the first one to leave the lane. What I liked much more about this finale was the flashback to Mary Alice and Martha Huber, and the somewhat eerie return of so many guest stars wearing white as Susan drove away from Wisteria Lane for the last time. Giving the new owner of Susan’s home a secret of her own was a fun way of ending the show on a mysterious, open-ended note. This show was excellent in its first season, and never really returned to that same quality after that. I’m not too disappointed that I stuck with all it all these years, but it wasn’t terribly well worth it. To remember the best (and worst) times, check out my piece on Shockya.

Season grade: B-
Season MVP: Marcia Cross
Series grade: B
Series MVP: Marcia Cross
Best season: Season 1
Best episode: Pilot

What I’m Watching: Once Upon a Time (Season Finale)

Once Upon a Time: Season 1, Episode 22 “A Land Without Magic” (C+)

This episode got off to an intense start as Emma experienced a quick flashback and took out her rage on Regina the moment she entered the hospital, prompting her to confess everything and drop the ball on this secret curse. Almost immediately after that, Regina and Emma were suddenly allies, working hard to save Henry’s life and fighting against the eternally duplicitous Mr. Gold. Emma’s battle against Maleficent, spliced in with Charming’s battle with the beast, was a smidge overdramatic and wasn’t entirely useful in terms of the greater plot. Jefferson going to see Belle and sending her to Mr. Gold to let him know that Regina is endlessly manipulative was far more intriguing, and it seems to have helped prompt him to bring the magic back, which is sure to transform Storybrooke in the show’s second season. There had to be some big finish that would reshape this show for season two, and having everyone remember their past lives, albeit less dramatically than in “Lost,” did just that, only to be one-upped moments later by the reintroduction of magic spreading throughout the land. Though I haven’t been entirely impressed with this show thus far, I’m interested to see how the show changes when it returns this fall with its characters newly aware of their double identities and struggling to cope with using magic in their everyday lives in a bureaucratic system in a small town in Massachusetts. This first season was fun but ultimately unfulfilling, but it’s decently appealing and mildly addictive.

Season grade: C+
Season MVP: Robert Carlyle as Rumplestiltskin

Pilot Review: Common Law

Common Law (USA)
Premiered May 11 at 10pm

I knew absolutely nothing about this show going in other than its tagline, “It’s like marriage, only with bullets,” which has adorned many a subway platform in New York City for the past month or so. Like many USA series, it features two leads with a distinctly entertaining relationship, and in this case, one familiar face that has headlined shows before, and another ensemble player ready for his big career-making role. Michael Ealy was less than enthusiastic as a Muslim FBI agent on “Sleeper Cell,” and then proved more energetic in a recurring role on “The Good Wife.” Now, he’s found a fantastic part in Travis Marks, an off-the-handle police officer who always pulls out his gun to intimidate suspects and has slept with every woman in the police department. Warren Kole, previously a guest star on multiple episodes of “The Chicago Code” and “24,” is like a mix between Michael Westen from “Burn Notice” and Harvey Spector from “Suits,” slightly calmer but just as egotistical. Together, they make a fun pair, and they’re more effective than the supporting cast, which includes Jack McGee from “Rescue Me” as their agonized chief and Sonya Walger from “Lost” and “Flash Forward” as their couples counseling therapist. Mercedes Masohn of the just-cancelled FOX show “The Finder” appears in a great guest spot, and I’d love to see her back here again in this fabulous role, especially since she’s lost her day job. Like other USA series, this one works because of the chemistry of its two leads, and like other pilots, this show needs a bit of work, but I’m convinced it will get there, and in the meantime, it’ll be superb summer fun.

How will it work as a series? I’m not sure the show will need to stay true to its name, and can move away from the therapy aspect to focus on its cases, watching Travis preemptively rob a convenience store or Wes do whatever he does best. This show is going to fit in well with other USA series, providing light entertainment that isn’t meant to be taken entirely seriously.
How long will it last? Completely unknown – USA tends to back its shows and give them a fair shake. The network has had a slew of hits recently, so I imagine that this will just be the latest. That same logic dictates that it could bite the dust without anyone caring since the channel is doing well enough anyway. I suspect it a renewal will be called for soon.

Pilot grade: B

What I’m Watching: Nikita

Nikita: Season 2, Episode 22 “Crossbow” (B-)

Things seem more fatalistic than ever, if that’s even possible, as Nikita and Michael attempt the impossible, to breach Division headquarters to stop Percy from using his weapon to destroy any target he chooses. Such a threat granted Ryan an immediate audience with the president, and let me tell you, this guy doesn’t seem to have it all together, and he’s not a terribly formidable world leader. As with “Scandal,” the President of the United States is deemed by all to be the most powerful man on the planet, ignoring all other world powers and their leaders. That stature doesn’t stop him from caving to Percy’s every demand, and things are not looking good for the future if he lies down so easily. Robbie’s return and subsequent death serves as a wake-up call that some people can’t be saved, and maybe Nikita’s crew has grown large enough. Nikita, whose name is in the show’s very title, can’t be dead, but being trapped so close to Division might spell trouble for her. In somewhat of a surprise turn of events, this show has been renewed by the CW for season three, which means that al this splintered running around that has been happening this year will have lead to a new format for season three, in which things may be just as unstable but will have a different focus since they can’t be on the run forever. I’m intrigued to see what becomes of it all, and I’m hoping that the upcoming finale is appropriately exciting.

What I’m Watching: The Finder (Series Finale)

The Finder: Season 1, Episode 13 “The Boy with the Bucket” (B+)

I knew that this was going to happen, but that didn’t make it any less difficult. FOX dropped the axe on this show on Wednesday, meaning that is the last we’ll ever see of Walter Sherman and his crew of characters. And what a way to leave them, with Willa hitchhicking out of town, Isabel stripped of her badge, and Walter in police custody for killing three men. This was as good a makeshift finale as any, reuniting Walter with his entire family, including his brother Langston, played by Geoff Stults’ real-life brother George, his father Franklin, played by John Ashton, and his mother Elaine, played by Annette O’Toole of “Smallville” motherhood fame. Walter’s aggressive search for and staunch defense of his mother allowed his partners in search to contribute in their own ways, utilizing their abilities to the maximum to find the delusional man so good at forgeries because he thought he was the painter. I enjoyed seeing Patrick Fischler as the man whose business was harmed by Walter, and he’s so great in every seedy role he takes. Willa standing up to Shadrack was bold but ultimately will just get Timo in trouble since he didn’t seem to care, and now she’s on the run. When your own parole officer won’t send you back to jail even when you admit to stealing, it’s time to think of a new solution, and that’s just what Willa did. I’m so sad to see this show go, but I suppose it was a great first season, and I’ll remember the show very fondly, especially for the roles it gave its actors.

Series grade: B+
Series MVP: Geoff Stults