The Grinder Season 1 Episode 9 Review: Grinder Rests in Peace
Stacy Glanzman
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Well, we finally had an episode that didn't begin with someone watching an old episode of The Grinder.
Instead, The Grinder Season 1 Episode 9 started out with the family watching a new episode of The Grinder: New Orleans.
Timothy Olyphant returned playing himself as the star of the new spin-off series, but how did he do in Dean's role?
Of course, Dean's family and friends were quick to assure him that the original show was by far superior, adding that Timothy was less attractive for good measure.
Stewart had a harder time with the comforting words, but gave it a solid effort.
Claire didn't even attempt to hide her feelings about Timothy and the new show. After spending so much time refuting Dean's efforts, she had no problem jumping into bed with Timothy.
It definitely looked like it was going in the direction of a one night stand, however. Claire clearly had no real interest in him other than physical attraction.
How great was Stewart?
He was absolutely hilarious. I could not stop laughing throughout the entire courtroom scene when he interrupted the taping. I love seeing him come through for his brother and pushing his own selfish motivations aside, but seriously, you just have to feel for the guy sometimes:
Dean Sr: Stu, that was terrible, what makes you think you can do what he does? You're a lawyer, you can't just become an actor.
Dean: It's true, I did go to school for this.
I don't know how he puts up with his frustrating family all the time.
Dean staying in character throughout and helping Stewart make up a back story for his improvised character was also pretty great.
I also loved watching Stewart listen to Dean go on about how a part of him would die if Mitch did. His sarcastic comments and facial expressions of pure disbelief were spot on.
The opening was great too. Of course Stewart would be the only one who thinks there could be an audience for a show about the less cool, less attractive brother. As much as I love Rob Lowe, this series would not work without Fred Savage pulling off the perfect straight man.
It does feel like Stewart has to concede a lot to his brother, and this time I don't really think he was in the wrong. Sure, his motivations were selfish, but keeping the option open for Dean to play Mitch again in the future is not a bad idea.
Honestly, why would Jason Alexander's Bemis want to kill Mitch off at all?
Wouldn't it be better to keep the option open for future potential guest appearances? The West Wing and Parks and Recreation didn't kill off Rob Lowe, and he returned to both series in their final seasons. Just sayin'.
Plus, think of the ratings gold he could bring to a very special sweeps episode.
The whole thing with Ethan has been done before. We've already seen the brothers disagree in their advice for him, so that felt a little unnecessary.
Your turn, what do you think of The Grinder: New Orleans? Who's more attractive, Rob Lowe or Timothy Olyphant?
Don't forget, you can watch The Grinder online any time!
Stacy Glanzman was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. She retired in March, 2019.
