I thought the word Hank used was acceptable to the gay community. We hear it all the time during Gay Pride week in Toronto, at any rate. Maybe it's different, and less acceptable elsewhere.
As the series goes, this particular episode served to move the story forward. Nice that for once Hank wasn't in the doghouse. Have you noticed that the writers don't let him actually try to explain himself all that much? I mean, ever? He just seems to shrug and accept the criticism. The man has less of a sense of personal justice sometimes than the rest of us. I'd be hopping all over the place if my well-intentioned actions were maligned as much as his is.
Tyler is messed up - but no less messed up than what we now know is his hero Hank. And...he appears to be a decent guy (like Hank), often falling into his own vices (like Hank), and he's' a decent writer (like Hank). I liked the ending of the episode, where it appears the student may have outshone the teacher. We sort of knew that once Charlie showed interest in Tyler's script. (Loved Hank's warning voice, and his use of the word "AGENT!" - which got the message across to Charlie right away). However, the life of the script is out of Hank's hands - now that Eddie Nero has taken an interest. Good times - with the up and coming Ken doll. *brr*
I just saw this episode and absolutely loved it. I'm amazed at the consistently excellent writing. Throughout the series Frank is constantly being pressured to move away doing things by the book, and he remains an absolutely rock, refusing to bend any rules, knuckle under to political pressure or even interfere with his anything related to his kids on the force. Yet witness Jamie's heated discussion with his boss, with the latter's opinion about how things "really work" if Jamie isn't happy. Great great writing - gritty and true to life.
I just about died laughing at the teasing of Frank and Danny - and Erin's delight in both. It was so good to see them laughing. Yes, I'd like to see Melanie come back for more episodes.
It's understandable that some might not appreciate it (I really liked it) - this first episode was largely concerned with setting the premise. It has all of the ingredients to be a great series. Thw writing and direction were good -you only need to see the strong, established characters to see that that's true. And I mean all of them, including the two therapists. The acting was top-notch, with established, engaged actors, none of whom "phoned it in". Every one of them committed. It was great entertainment - I can't wait for more.
Thanks for letting me know, Chris. I'll watch for it. The show - and your reviews of it - are too good to miss. (Would be great if it aired in Canada the same night as the U.S., instead of a day later - but I can't have everything.) :)
The more I see this new mayor, the more I like him. Like his predecessor, the man is political. But he isn't ruled by his politics, is he? The man has integrity too. I think he deliberately went out of his way not to seek special favours for his daughter - he kept that secret to himself. Just as he visited her at the site of her community service and continued to keep the information of their biological relationship secret. So good that Frank doesn't have to keep fighting with him.
Wow. Those scenes between Haley and Phil kind of made my eyes leak a bit. This manner of understating the obvious has a power all its own - and speaks to the great writing for this series.
Just when you think an episode is going to be predictable (ref: Claire not wanting Gloria to join in her "yoga") it comes up with something completely out of left field. I love the fact that Clair de-stresses by firing off guns. And it fits perfectly with her character. It's great that Gloria could join her in this too.
I guess there's something wrong with the indexing. I went through 20+ pages and wasn't able to find this particular page - again, could only get to it via the search. (I did find last week's review though in the rotation). I also notice that it doesn't show up in the regular email updates. This show is *very* conspicuous by its absence.
This show just never disappoints does it? I mean there are definite downer moments in some of them, like when Becca tore an unfair strip off of Hank, and when Karen figured out something wasn't kosher with Richard and she *still* chose to put the blame on Hank. Yet, for all that (and when have we ever seen Hank go to such great lengths to preserve a friendship at his own expense?) we keep wanting to come back for more. Or at least I do.
A techmical side note about these reviews: they don't seem to be showing up in chronological order in the list of articles. The only way I got here at all was by using the search function. What's up with that? If it were in the list, I'm certain you'd have more comments - because this show is very popular. Is it because it's not on regular network TV stations?
I admit: the ONLY reason I keep watching this show is because of Rebecca. If she wasn't in the show I would have bailed after the second episode. Sean is right - they've got to find a way to liven the show up, if they want to even keep their ratings, nevermind increase them.
Colour me relieved. Don't know why but I just couldn't buy Ted and Robin getting back together again. I like how the writers let us off of the hook almost from the start, when they cut to the scene where Ted says "I love you" to the mother of his kids, "but before that" - and then cuts to the scene of him saying it to Robin.
This show is living up to its promise - and I agree emphatically with Chris O'Hara: Barney and Robin will end up together. Know how you can tell? When he explained the dynamic and history of his time with Robin, he didn't crack a smile or make a joke. The man was (for once) dead serious. He wasn't even in denial to himself, as we so often saw in earlier episodes. I like that Barney - and it's the reason I think he'll end up witih Robin.
So weird, reading this review, and knowing that those in the U.S. haven't seen any of seasion 2 yet, as we in Canada have (it was produced here). So the comments in the review made me smile...... While not giving anything away, let me just tell you: you're in for a treat. This is a good series - the writing, acting and direction are done well enough to allow the viewer to suspend disbelief, sit back and enjoy. Oh, and the characters stay true to themselves throughout. Sort of - when Other Things don't cause character flaws. You'll see.
I don't think I can ever get enough of rock, paper, scissors, lizard, Spock. Or of hearing Sheldon explain it. That's some brilliant writing right there.
No. Only because we've seen the Ted-Robin dynamic before, and even back then he assured his kids that she wasn't the mother. It would be inconsistent to bring her back into the picture.
Also, didn't she and Barney have a sub-text going on?
P.S. was anyone surprised that we didn't see the end of the previous episode's police car joy-ride, after another police dude pulled them over? I think that would have been interesting to see: one famous rapper, one writer, one crying agent and one drunk naked guy. Tell me that's not a scene in itself!
This show continues to be my all-time favourite. I'm amazed by the writing, and by the persistently electric acting. Great review, Chris. I keep wondering what's going to happen when Samurai finds out about Hank and Kali and decides to bring the hammer down.
Prediction: someone will kill Samurai in self-defence, and somehow, Hank will get the blame, and the publicity for it, once again.
Fear not, Chris. Your observations this week are spot-on (or at least in my opinion they are). While I think this week's episode was better than last week's.....I really didn't like the ending. Someone else mentioned that surely Ted would have matured since his failed attempt to win Robin - but that ending had him pretty much regressing. Plus, I sort of expected/wanted Barney to end up with her.
Ah well. The show keeps me guessing - and therefore wanting to come back. The "writers from the deepest hells of the Black Lagoon" have done their job.
Leenokinnee: are you kidding me? Susan's character is the *only* reason I stuck around to watch this show. The other characters all have some ridiculous flaws and self-serving motivations going on. Susan is the only one who is consistently messing up - yet doing it in support of others (including, in this case, her unborn grandchild). I could do without Linette and a few others. Would love to see more of Mrs. McCluskey (sp?) though. She is a crusty and wise old woman who's fun to watch.
Is anyone else *really* curious about why they're all afraid of grimms? I really am curious as to whether he has an undiscovered power. There's a legend in there somewhere.
Very sorry Chris but I too disagree with your praise for this episode. I actually really enjoyed all of them this season, except for this one. It felt way too scattered, disconnected. Perhaps that's the fault of the story's presentation, as it back skipped each scene. Sometimes it can work (like, in a very long movie). This time it didn't
The Chris Elliott character is uncomfortable to watch, almost always. I get the sense he's re-hashing every character he has ever played. He might actually be a good actor, but I can't determine that from the evidence so far.
I gave it 4 stars because the writing has been so great in earlier episodes.
@Jim G.: Siri is a guy in some countries, but a girl in others. The voice of Siri in this episode is exactly the same voice that shows up on my iPhone.
Was it just me or did it seem that Finch was quite aware that Fusco was tailing him? That kind of ratchets up the tension between Reese and Dinch doesn't it?
Sean - great analysis. I like the fact that we are able to see growth in character development. And I would suggest that, in addition to Reese's need to protect himself, he is also trying to find out more about Finch because he's hyper-aware of the fact that new players introduce an element of danger for their work. And we got a peek into his mindset when told Cater that paranoia just makes good sense. (Wish I could recall the exact quote)
Phil's confession/defense of Clair had me absolutely howling. I loved it! It was right up there with his famous explanation of WTF means. ("Why the face?") I also laughed at those extremely tacky flashing-LED bridal dresses too. Because you KNOW someone out there has already had that idea, right?
Pretty Little Liars
Comments by Douglas Wolfe (Page 9)
Californication Review: Raw I'm Gonna Give It To You
I thought the word Hank used was acceptable to the gay community. We hear it all the time during Gay Pride week in Toronto, at any rate. Maybe it's different, and less acceptable elsewhere.
As the series goes, this particular episode served to move the story forward. Nice that for once Hank wasn't in the doghouse. Have you noticed that the writers don't let him actually try to explain himself all that much? I mean, ever? He just seems to shrug and accept the criticism. The man has less of a sense of personal justice sometimes than the rest of us. I'd be hopping all over the place if my well-intentioned actions were maligned as much as his is.
Californication Review: Raw I'm Gonna Give It To You
Tyler is messed up - but no less messed up than what we now know is his hero Hank. And...he appears to be a decent guy (like Hank), often falling into his own vices (like Hank), and he's' a decent writer (like Hank). I liked the ending of the episode, where it appears the student may have outshone the teacher. We sort of knew that once Charlie showed interest in Tyler's script. (Loved Hank's warning voice, and his use of the word "AGENT!" - which got the message across to Charlie right away). However, the life of the script is out of Hank's hands - now that Eddie Nero has taken an interest. Good times - with the up and coming Ken doll. *brr*
Once Upon a Time Review: Dare To Dream
Blue Bloods Review: What Makes Danny Blush?
I just about died laughing at the teasing of Frank and Danny - and Erin's delight in both. It was so good to see them laughing. Yes, I'd like to see Melanie come back for more episodes.
Awake Promo, Poll: What Did You Think?
Modern Family Review: Cam's 10th Birthday
Dair is right: the glue that makes this show work so well is the constant backdrop of genuine affection among all of the characters.
Californication Review: Born To Walk Alone
Cheers!
Blue Bloods Review: The Spirit Of the Law
Modern Family Review: Dirty Little Secrets
Just when you think an episode is going to be predictable (ref: Claire not wanting Gloria to join in her "yoga") it comes up with something completely out of left field. I love the fact that Clair de-stresses by firing off guns. And it fits perfectly with her character. It's great that Gloria could join her in this too.
Californication Review: Born To Walk Alone
I guess there's something wrong with the indexing. I went through 20+ pages and wasn't able to find this particular page - again, could only get to it via the search. (I did find last week's review though in the rotation). I also notice that it doesn't show up in the regular email updates. This show is *very* conspicuous by its absence.
Cheers!
Californication Review: Born To Walk Alone
A techmical side note about these reviews: they don't seem to be showing up in chronological order in the list of articles. The only way I got here at all was by using the search function. What's up with that? If it were in the list, I'm certain you'd have more comments - because this show is very popular. Is it because it's not on regular network TV stations?
Alcatraz Review: Do Prisoners Dream of Electric Train Tracks?
How I Met Your Mother Review: New Hobby
This show is living up to its promise - and I agree emphatically with Chris O'Hara: Barney and Robin will end up together. Know how you can tell? When he explained the dynamic and history of his time with Robin, he didn't crack a smile or make a joke. The man was (for once) dead serious. He wasn't even in denial to himself, as we so often saw in earlier episodes. I like that Barney - and it's the reason I think he'll end up witih Robin.
Great show - and a top notch review, Chris!
Lost Girl Review: Be Careful Who You Eat!
The Big Bang Theory Review: A Painting and Basketball
How I Met Your Mother Boss Warns of Changes, "Turbulence" to Come
Also, didn't she and Barney have a sub-text going on?
Californication Review: More Than Words
Californication Review: More Than Words
Prediction: someone will kill Samurai in self-defence, and somehow, Hank will get the blame, and the publicity for it, once again.
How I Met Your Mother Review: Slam-trak
Ah well. The show keeps me guessing - and therefore wanting to come back. The "writers from the deepest hells of the Black Lagoon" have done their job.
Desperate Housewives Review: Welcome Back, Julie and Orson!
Grimm Review: Assassination and Anxiety
How I Met Your Mother Review: Was It Gouda For You?
The Chris Elliott character is uncomfortable to watch, almost always. I get the sense he's re-hashing every character he has ever played. He might actually be a good actor, but I can't determine that from the evidence so far.
I gave it 4 stars because the writing has been so great in earlier episodes.
The Big Bang Theory Review: The Siri Love Connection
Person of Interest Review: The Justice League
Sean - great analysis. I like the fact that we are able to see growth in character development. And I would suggest that, in addition to Reese's need to protect himself, he is also trying to find out more about Finch because he's hyper-aware of the fact that new players introduce an element of danger for their work. And we got a peek into his mindset when told Cater that paranoia just makes good sense. (Wish I could recall the exact quote)
Modern Family Review: Dropping the F-Bomb
This is such an amazing show.