I agree on the comment of the $2500 theft the writers just ignored.
I liked the House and Rachel much! And Chase storyline and Amber Tamblyn's take on it and that the father son conflict was right up her alley -- including her being the House "Lackey" who got the info that made the diagnosis.
I liked this Cuddy-House a lot more than whether House lies to her about a patient!
I get what everybody is saying about Brennan and Hannah -- and do think the objections would ring true if Brennan were a normal human being. I'm just not sure, despite realizing that the feelings she has, which she compartmentalizes with about as much involvement as she might organize a kitchen drawer, are both real and don't go away by her "I'll worry about that tomorrow" kind of detachment. Still, I can see her saying, "Booth told you," thinking to herself, "Boy, does this hurt," and then intellectually moving on with the reality facing her. What is new is that she may have been too detached to realize the Guido tribe was real people, but now she is facing that her feelings aren't something to examine in a documentary, but are hers.
And I'm not sure what else Hannah can do but what took place at the end. Booth has over and over made it clear to her that Brennan is his partner in as close a sense as could be. How could she feel completely sure of herself with him without figuring Brennan in ... and now this?
I liked Montague too. The knitting was about the 2 victims both having something knit by the same person. I didn't think Cho was over what Rigsby had done as much as much as pragmatically taking steps to get Rigsby to leave him alone about it (in part because Rigsby bringing it up at innoportune times like he was would eventually lead to the truth coming out) -- of course, I'm probably giving too much credit to what the writers expected us to figure out about it??
I like Reid a lot, so I liked this episode -- since he was so central. I also noticed (or my opinion is) thatis that much of the dialogue could have been said by any of the other characters, like Hotchner and Morgan are individuals, but that what Seaver and Prentiss said could have been said by either of them or Hotchner or Morgan (it really seemed obvious to me when they were giving the profile, they were all so wooden).
Yes, I guess I still miss JJ (and Gideon too), but still enjoy the show for Reid!
Lately, the Cam and Mitchell story lines have been what used to be called "shaggy dog stories" (I think from Thurber), where the setup is long and involved and then the punchline isn't very funny for all the work to get there. Their gardener's wedding was funny (although mostly by it tying into the dog butler storyline), but the hot tub and guy living in the princess castle was creepy and sad ... or making a play date to get a restaurant reservation at a fancy restaurant (isn't that a little gay)? Are they becoming caricatures?
I liked that DiNozo missed partnering into dangerous situations, where he and his partner have to work together and anticipate and all, with Ziva. The jealousy might just be Tony being Tony, but McGee isn't the field agent the other two are and I liked how that was pointed out. They're all a team, but each brings a certain something special!
I never much cared for Brewster -- but still think the JJ character played a role unlike anything on any other crime show and that made her interesting to me. I like Reid, but there are other geniuses. I can't help but think there is more to the JJ thing than anyone will ever know!
In the first season especially, but thereafter also, the characters on the team just seemed so perfect as foils for what makes Jane such a fun character -- like they're impressed by him and go along with him, almost like they're pleased to be in on the joke. Maybe there's a problem, though, in stretching their character backgrounds and story out into some attempt to make them real members of the team. Rigsby being so frat house in his mentality has been fun often ... but I find myself agreeing with the comments that it's getting a bit annoying and Rigsby's character is definitely the least enjoyable anymore.
I think LaRoche is creepy too -- and not just like all cop shows seem to dislike internal affairs/investigations guys, but like there really is a Satan and this is his representative on earth kind of creepy ....
But Blaine is the one who wants to "cage" Kurt. It would be nice for Kurt to have a reciprocated relationship, but isn't this stretching the compatability thing? What pops to mind is Sarah Palin and Barack Obama running off together because they have in common that they are both politicians.
I'm not sure Brittany's the best character because I liked how they used her last year as comic relief (so many great quotes!). I suppose how good she was last year earned the actress more screen time. Anyhow, do mean to agree Will is the worst character -- you definitely have that right, and can't imagine what they mean to do with him. All I can think is that classic musical comedy uses a lot of stock characterizations on the periphery (probably because so much of the story time is taken up by musical numbers) and that Will has become some kind of caricature (but not sure of what).
And what I would like to see is more story lines that involve Rachel -- and not as the dumpee for everyone else!
Chase has always been untrustworthy and a real backstabber to put himself ahead. I liked Chase better when he was no longer on House's team but still involved with the cases as surgeon and consultant to the current team. Foreman is just too grating -- like he really hates House and is longing to see him fail. Maybe the show needs someone like Foreman on the team for inner conflict, but sure wouldn't mind if he left the show. I like the idea of Tamblyn's character (the young idealist versus House's cynical pragmatism) but am not convinced that's how it will play out, or can play out for long before someone's corrupted ....
I always liked Tony and run into many people who do ... but I also run into people who love the show and hate Tony. One comment I've heard from a couple of the Tony haters is "How can this guy ever get any work done," like he's coasting and McGee and David have to do everything. Except Tony's always been on top of everything and does "lead" the others in Gibbs absence or when he specifically wants something from them for an idea he has. Well, this show hopefully showed the haters that Tony can do his work, if they've kept doubting it. Hurray!
I'm glad Lea Michele was nominated for best actress as maybe it will convince the producer that she is the star of the show and not there only to be abused by the supporting cast!
I don't know that there's no hope for the two (although partners can be such close friends that they do actually love each other more than they might a mate ... without becoming mates). What I keep wondering is which series regular is going to be killed by the sniper. This episode makes me suspect it's Hannah.
I think it's important too that Brennan realized she's not the doctor and unlike her in many ways. Brennan may realize she might have regrets before her life is over and that she does have feelings that can't very easily be compartmentalized intellectually ... but she isn't in live with danger and dangerously tossing her life out there in the way of petty harm to see if the fates take it ... which of course, if you cross enough streets without looking on purpose or hang out of helicopters often enough, it will. Brennan knows she's not like that. In fact, just speaking up to Booth, I believe, allows the character to look at others who might come into her life with eyes open rather than for what niche she can fit them in in her comfort zone.
I watch Glee because of Rachel. I loved and sympathized with her character from the pilot on. If they graduate her, I can't imagine the show being the same anymore. That said, I maintain that she caused everyone jumping on her in "Special Education" (except, please note, Santana was downright evil driven by her own egotistical nihilistic agenda).
In a management seminar I attended, a section on interviewing touched on problem idiosyncrasies, the message of which was that people know when they have a problem -- like, for instance, if someone is a non-stop talker (the kind that even start repeating themselves), it's Ok to straight out tell them to shut up (in politer words) because they've been told to shut up all their lives and long ago stopped taking it personally. Remember Rachel's singing and dancing lessons (and supposedly winning her first dance competition when she was one-and-a-half)? I kind of think Rachel falls into the category of idiosyncratic personalities that others have had to stand up for themselves against since she was one-and-a-half!
Also, on nobody besides Puck speaking up when Santana says everyone just pretends to like her ... it kind of rang true that most people wouldn't speak up -- in part to stay out of it, but in part because they haven't even thought about what their feelings are for Rachel, in this instance, as she isn't really a hang-with friend of any of them. What I would like to see as a fan of Rachel is an episode that shows she still has her mojo where her ability to run, control, and influence the Glee Club is concerned (as she has so often in the past). Somebody commented that Rachel needs to have a friend like the others seem to -- and I agree. It seemed when Quinn and Mercedes went with her to spy on Vocal Adrenaline, that friendship was forming ... but guess not.
The pilot/first episode was such a hit due to Lea Michele. I know she's not listed above everybody else, but it's her show. I suppose Murphy wishes it weren't (I like Kurt, but it really isn't Kurt's show).
Anyhow, the ratings will probably kill the show off before Lea leaves. I'll miss it!
I read all of the comments and am not sure I have the same sense as is general. I didn't like much of what happened in the episode -- but that was because bad things happened to the characters I care most about, Rachel and Kurt. I have to admit, however, that they both brought their problems on themselves in this episode. Yes, Santana is unrepentantly evil and only went after Rachel out of malice, Finn is the same jerk he's been of late, and Schuster really isn't as good of a teacher as the show keeps kind of implying he's supposed to be, but Rachel did start things and a teacher would most likely react to a student coming into the class with duct tape exactly like Schuster did -- even to yelling at her (I know that from a couple of my own shortsighted actions in high school, including one where a teacher told me, "Why don't you do what you always do -- whatever the hell you damn well please!" which made me re-think my actions-arguments-protest because the only one who was really listening was the one I was ticking off). I don't know if the producers-writers have had such experiences to draw on themselves, but perhaps there will be some growth.
Rachel was never so much liked as appreciated by the others ... as the best of them and the most dedicated to the glee club (rather than like those who just enjoying singing) and she was the one the others could stand to listen to (as captain) because she could solve their problem and change the assembly number and get away with it (as in the 2nd episode) or get them a mattress commercial or lead them to victory in sectionals (she stood up and called a meeting in the green room and they all came) -- but to gripe about Quinn getting a chance at a lead vocal like it's ridiculous or duct tape your mouth in protest or try to sleep with Puck to get back at Finn is going to get some reactions that hurt us fans watching, but which she brought on herself. I didn't see it as bullying Rachel, either ... and I suppose I can conceive of the others still appreciating her in the future for the things she does well as they have in the past ... but maybe she can become a leader instead of just good at certain things. Grow, I mean (like her relationship with Kurt has grown a lot, starting with Duets).
I liked the new member.
I would lastly like to note that Vocal Adrenaline and the Warblers always put their best leads out front doing the lead vocals.
I liked this episode because it seemed to go back to what made the show interesting in the first season -- using the science to get at the truth and a whole team of interesting characters working together to do it (not screwing each other and stabbing each other in the back or hanging out with all of Lightman's criminal buddies, etc. -- like a really shady organization, which I understand is some kind of changing the show to get ratings???)
I think it's an interesting problem with Amber Tamblyn -- her realizing that if she had known about House's lie-to-get-treatment to the patient, he'd be dead. It's a little different ethics-dilemma-debate than House's "Everybody lies."
"The Substitute" was Ok. It wasn't at all the best episode of Glee of this season ("Duets" was probably the best, "Grilled Cheesus gets consideration for what it tried to do with the symbolism and fun of the grilled cheese, which in the end Finn eats, while Kurt and his love and pain for his dad goes on, plus "Never Been Kissed" for all the discussion it generated, whether or not it choked on bullying, and "Rocky Horror" for the fun of it). Paltrow's character was interesting (I actually even know an athletic blonde who's student teaching was so sexually intimidating from some of the more thuggish students that she actually changed majors at that late date). So, it was a worthwhile theme to utilize the high school setting to talk about teacher personalities and responsibilities (don't spray jock itch, cafeteria food, or being "afraid" to stand in the way of a student going out to wreck another teacher's car, or even being proud of tweeting with your students instead of teaching them) -- but then, if you're going to theme that, then why ... well, maybe it's just keeping it light to do it with a cartoon villain like Sue, who's "As Sue Sees It" for instance (no matter how many school board members were corrupt enough to be snared in her web and blackmailed to the point of perverting their positions and thereby harming children for the sake of their reputations) would make her too controversial for just about any community anywhere to not just tolerate but allow to be promoted, even temporarily.
Some of the best moments were diva Rachel being such a caricature of herself, Mercedes blinking out on Kurt being such a caricature of himself, and the startling and very realness of Kurt being threatened with murder by someone he should very much believe is so turmoiled they are capable of doing it. Talk about bullying ....
In the first episode (of the first season), Rachel said she was a sophomore. I think in the "Like a Virgin" episode, Rachel made a conscious decision not to have sex, that up until then, she was exploring who would be the right person and under what circumstances to lose her virginity. That is, there sort of is continuity; however, the show's writers have always thrown out any continuity that would interfere with "the message" in each show.
I thought Will was rather patronizing with Beiste and that her willingness to go along made it hard to believe her feelings. I also can't imagine a teacher who's feelings would be hurt by finding out the kids in high school found them to be a turn off and didn't want to have sex with them. Don't teachers often joke to their students about the students' perceived divide between teacher-student generations? I don't see it as students bullying teachers for being homely in their eyes.
I also think, from personal experience, that the normal reaction of those bullied in school is to avoid conflict and confrontation by avoiding any unnecessary contact and distrusting any unavoidable contact. One learns to keep one's head down and to never look at anyone to avoid accidentally meeting their eyes and thus coming to their attention. I don't believe Beiste would either let on how much she was hurt and I don't believe she would have allowed Will to discuss the matter with her because she wouldn't trust it or want to hear it and I don't believe she would allow him to patronize her, thus stripping her of any sense of being a human being in her own eyes.
Bullies are dangerous only when they have an audience. If they're dangerous in private, they are sociopaths and not bullies. There is a difference. I suppose there's a chance Kurt would get a kiss in private from a bully -- but I suspect it was the wishful suspicion of the show's executives that all homophobes are closet homosexuals.
I'd also say, lastly, that just because a school has a zero tolerance policy doesn't mean that everyone embraces and celebrates diversity! But, as Hemingway said, isn't it pretty to think so.
I was surprised to like what they did with Amber Tamblyn. I've liked her in both her "God" show (can't think of name) and thought she had the perfect role in "The Unusuals." I couldn't see her playing a doctor, though -- but a brainiac medical student still figuring out ethics in the real world, someone who can appreciate House intellectually while being too naive to decode him as a real person in the real world ... and too shy to know what to say to Taub ... was all actually suspend belief believable to me.
In fact, unlike all of the others, her character doesn't seem likely to bend herself and her principles and medical methodology so contritely and thoroughly to fit herself into the House team jigsaw puzzle ... but might, over several episodes, force the team to include her as the person/genius/"young" thinker she is!
Pretty Little Liars
Comments by Keith Vlasak (Page 17)
House Review: "Carrot or Stick"
I liked the House and Rachel much! And Chase storyline and Amber Tamblyn's take on it and that the father son conflict was right up her alley -- including her being the House "Lackey" who got the info that made the diagnosis.
I liked this Cuddy-House a lot more than whether House lies to her about a patient!
Bones Review: "The Body in the Bag"
And I'm not sure what else Hannah can do but what took place at the end. Booth has over and over made it clear to her that Brennan is his partner in as close a sense as could be. How could she feel completely sure of herself with him without figuring Brennan in ... and now this?
The Mentalist Review: "Bloodhounds"
The Mentalist Review: "Bloodhounds"
Criminal Minds Review: "Corazon"
Yes, I guess I still miss JJ (and Gideon too), but still enjoy the show for Reid!
Modern Family Review: A Zesty, Hilarious Performance
NCIS Review: Gibbs Does Ask. He Does Tell.
CBS President Defends Criminal Minds Casting Moves, Says Paget Brewster's Return is Actress' Call
The Mentalist Review: "Bloodsport"
The Mentalist Review: "Bloodsport"
Who is Falling in Love on Glee?
TV Fanatic Mid-Season Report Card: Glee
TV Fanatic Mid-Season Report Card: Glee
And what I would like to see is more story lines that involve Rachel -- and not as the dumpee for everyone else!
TV Fanatic Mid-Season Report Card: House
NCIS Review: False Witness, False Tony
Golden Globe Nominations Honor Glee, Boardwalk Empire and More
Bones Review: Brennan's Universe Turned Upside Down
I think it's important too that Brennan realized she's not the doctor and unlike her in many ways. Brennan may realize she might have regrets before her life is over and that she does have feelings that can't very easily be compartmentalized intellectually ... but she isn't in live with danger and dangerously tossing her life out there in the way of petty harm to see if the fates take it ... which of course, if you cross enough streets without looking on purpose or hang out of helicopters often enough, it will. Brennan knows she's not like that. In fact, just speaking up to Booth, I believe, allows the character to look at others who might come into her life with eyes open rather than for what niche she can fit them in in her comfort zone.
Glee Review: You're a Sweet One, Sue the Grinch
In a management seminar I attended, a section on interviewing touched on problem idiosyncrasies, the message of which was that people know when they have a problem -- like, for instance, if someone is a non-stop talker (the kind that even start repeating themselves), it's Ok to straight out tell them to shut up (in politer words) because they've been told to shut up all their lives and long ago stopped taking it personally. Remember Rachel's singing and dancing lessons (and supposedly winning her first dance competition when she was one-and-a-half)? I kind of think Rachel falls into the category of idiosyncratic personalities that others have had to stand up for themselves against since she was one-and-a-half!
Also, on nobody besides Puck speaking up when Santana says everyone just pretends to like her ... it kind of rang true that most people wouldn't speak up -- in part to stay out of it, but in part because they haven't even thought about what their feelings are for Rachel, in this instance, as she isn't really a hang-with friend of any of them. What I would like to see as a fan of Rachel is an episode that shows she still has her mojo where her ability to run, control, and influence the Glee Club is concerned (as she has so often in the past). Somebody commented that Rachel needs to have a friend like the others seem to -- and I agree. It seemed when Quinn and Mercedes went with her to spy on Vocal Adrenaline, that friendship was forming ... but guess not.
Glee to Graduate, Replace Cast Members?
Anyhow, the ratings will probably kill the show off before Lea leaves. I'll miss it!
Glee Review: Drama, Drama, Drama!
Rachel was never so much liked as appreciated by the others ... as the best of them and the most dedicated to the glee club (rather than like those who just enjoying singing) and she was the one the others could stand to listen to (as captain) because she could solve their problem and change the assembly number and get away with it (as in the 2nd episode) or get them a mattress commercial or lead them to victory in sectionals (she stood up and called a meeting in the green room and they all came) -- but to gripe about Quinn getting a chance at a lead vocal like it's ridiculous or duct tape your mouth in protest or try to sleep with Puck to get back at Finn is going to get some reactions that hurt us fans watching, but which she brought on herself. I didn't see it as bullying Rachel, either ... and I suppose I can conceive of the others still appreciating her in the future for the things she does well as they have in the past ... but maybe she can become a leader instead of just good at certain things. Grow, I mean (like her relationship with Kurt has grown a lot, starting with Duets).
I liked the new member.
I would lastly like to note that Vocal Adrenaline and the Warblers always put their best leads out front doing the lead vocals.
Lie to Me Review: A Major Challenge for Lightman
House Review: Seriously, Everybody Lies!
Glee Review: Don't Leave, Gwyneth Paltrow!
Some of the best moments were diva Rachel being such a caricature of herself, Mercedes blinking out on Kurt being such a caricature of himself, and the startling and very realness of Kurt being threatened with murder by someone he should very much believe is so turmoiled they are capable of doing it. Talk about bullying ....
Glee Review: A Beiste of an Issue
I thought Will was rather patronizing with Beiste and that her willingness to go along made it hard to believe her feelings. I also can't imagine a teacher who's feelings would be hurt by finding out the kids in high school found them to be a turn off and didn't want to have sex with them. Don't teachers often joke to their students about the students' perceived divide between teacher-student generations? I don't see it as students bullying teachers for being homely in their eyes.
I also think, from personal experience, that the normal reaction of those bullied in school is to avoid conflict and confrontation by avoiding any unnecessary contact and distrusting any unavoidable contact. One learns to keep one's head down and to never look at anyone to avoid accidentally meeting their eyes and thus coming to their attention. I don't believe Beiste would either let on how much she was hurt and I don't believe she would have allowed Will to discuss the matter with her because she wouldn't trust it or want to hear it and I don't believe she would allow him to patronize her, thus stripping her of any sense of being a human being in her own eyes.
Bullies are dangerous only when they have an audience. If they're dangerous in private, they are sociopaths and not bullies. There is a difference. I suppose there's a chance Kurt would get a kiss in private from a bully -- but I suspect it was the wishful suspicion of the show's executives that all homophobes are closet homosexuals.
I'd also say, lastly, that just because a school has a zero tolerance policy doesn't mean that everyone embraces and celebrates diversity! But, as Hemingway said, isn't it pretty to think so.
House Review: Meeting Martha M. Masters
In fact, unlike all of the others, her character doesn't seem likely to bend herself and her principles and medical methodology so contritely and thoroughly to fit herself into the House team jigsaw puzzle ... but might, over several episodes, force the team to include her as the person/genius/"young" thinker she is!