Hung goes for "The Whole Beefalo"

     HBO's Hung brings season three to a close with an unusually short titled episode, "The Whole Beefalo."  Ray (Thomas Jane) learns that because Charlie (Lennie James) jumped bail, he and Tanya (Jane Adams) will be losing Happiness Consultants. That is, unless they can come up with $40,000. Lydia (Ana Ortiz, Ugly Betty) helps them track down the pimp, and Ray decides stealing Charlie's cattle is the best way to get their money. Impressed by Tanya standing up for herself, Charlie lets them do it.

     Tanya is the growing character. Slowly she has morphed from a timid, scared woman into a confident, brave fighter. Part of this can be attributed to her success in business, and her belief in the concept she is selling. Another part is because of Charlie, who teaches her how to be the best pimp that she can be. Thus, it's hard for him to get angry when she only demonstrates the things he instructs her to do. Tanya doesn't immediately think to confront and fight Charlie to get what is rightfully hers. But when pushed, she doesn't back down either. This is to her credit.

     Ray, on the other hand, is understandably angry that Tanya would risk their business for a guy. But he's also sympathetic to the pain she is feeling after Charlie runs out on her. So instead of lecturing and yelling, or at least not much, he steps up to help her solve the problem. At times, it feels like Happiness Consultants is really Tanya's business and Ray is just an employee, since her motivation and ideas fuel the practice. Whoever, in "The Whole Beefalo," Ray does his share as partner, and takes a vested interest in the company. It's nice to see, and the chemistry between these two leads is finally settling in nicely.

     The threat hanging over Hung since episode one is that Jessica (Anne Heche) will discover Ray's "side job." She does, in the episode before "The Whole Beefalo," and with little fanfare. It may help that she figures things out herself, in her own time, instead of being told and forced to deal with it. However it goes down, though, she takes it in stride. Is she proud of him for doing something so unexpectedly bold? Or is she over him so much that she no longer cares how many women he sleeps with? This is now the major question concerning Jessica going forward, and her confrontation with Matt could be fueled by frustration or inspired by Ray's braveness. It's hard to tell.

     Jason (Stephen Amell) makes a very important choice, deciding to go back to Lenore (Rebecca Creskoff), rather than staying with crazy Sandee (Analeigh Tipton). This might be a mistake, especially because Jason dumps her while her grief over losing her grandmother is fresh. It's terrible timing, and Sandee is already pretty unstable prior to this development. As such, she goes to Lenore's with a gun, looking for revenge. Hung allows the gun to go off, but doesn't show if anyone is shot or hurt. It's a tantalizing cliffhanger that must be resolved, and means that HBO has to renew Hung now!

     One question remains from season three of Hung. Why is Lenore working a suicide prevention hotline? Is this a hint of humanity, and a sign that her character is not destined to be the continuous villain?

    Hung airs on HBO.

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Hung - "What's Going on Downstairs? or Don't Eat Prince Eric!"

     HBO's Hung continues its unstable year with "What's Going on Downstairs? or Don't Eat Prince Eric!" Ray (Thomas Jane) feels insecure when Jason (Stephen Amell) pulls more clients than he does, so he very reluctantly agrees to take the transsexual Kyla (Jamie Clayton, an actual transsexual) to her high school reunion. Ray is extremely uncomfortable, until Kyla's former classmates get judgmental, and then he springs to her defense. Meanwhile, Charlie (Lennie James) helps Tanya (Jane Adams) puts Jason and Sandee (Analeigh Tipton) in their place, then takes the money and runs. And Lenore (Rebecca Creskoff) sends Jessica (Anne Heche) to Tanya's business in revenge for Tanya poaching Jason.

     Lenore is always going to be the villain on Hung. No matter what arrangements Tanya and Ray may work out with her, the series is just more interesting when Lenore is at odds with the pair. That's why her partnership with them couldn't work, and she feels betrayed, once more. Yet, they only cut her out when she becomes intolerable to work with. And amazingly, in this season Tanya and Ray finally seem to be getting the upper hand. Lenore attempts to run them out of business by hiring Jason, but he soon goes to work for them because they pay him more fairly.

    While Lenore outing Ray and Tanya's business to Jessica is an extreme measure, it's a little surprising she hasn't done so before now. Perhaps it's because she never felt threatened enough to need to. Don't back an animal into a corner, or they turn on you, which is what Lenore has done. Hung has flirted with Jessica finding out a couple of times, so it's about time she actually learn Ray's secret at this point. Hopefully, the series will not wimp out of the reveal again.

     What would Jessica finding out really do? Might she be so disgusted that she tries to get sole custody of her and Ray's children? That's about the only consequence she could mete out, given that she and Ray are divorced. Sure, it almost seems like a reconciliation will be possible between them, and finding out what Ray does would set them back a whole lot. But it probably wouldn't permanently separate them. It will be just one more obstacle to overcome.

     Charlie doesn't choose to stick around and work on obstacles. He is growing more and more frustrated that Tanya never listens to his advice. Her horror at his actions towards Jason and Sandee probably do not endear her to him anymore. Not only does he leave Tanya, though, and puts her on the hook for his bail, but also steals her money, leaving her with no financial means to cover him. This is a very bad thing for Tanya, putting her in a deep legal and economic hole.

     The story between Kyla and Ray is predictable, though sweet. The entire high school reunion plot is straight out of a rom-com, and things play out exactly as one would expect. The only major difference here is that it is a transsexual who goes through the pain, and must be comforted. Perhaps Hung could be applauded for bringing some needed diversity to the worn-out story, and finding someone to play the role that can realistically connect to it. But then again, the premise is pretty worn out by this point.

    Hung still has three episodes left in the third season. Watch it Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on HBO.

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Hung - "Don't Give Up on Detroit or Hung Like a Horse"

     HBO's Hung returned for a third season last night with "Don't Give Up on Detroit or Hung Like a Horse." Ray (Thomas Jane) and Tanya (Jane Adams) now have a successful Happiness Consultants store. In flashback, viewers get to see how the pair convince a couple of bank employees to give them the loan. With the new income, Ray is able to fix up the house, though he doesn't admit to Jessica (Anne Heche) just how he is doing so well. Jessica resists moving in with Ray, citing that she signed a lease, which is not yet up.

     If Jessica really wants to be with Ray, a lease will not stop her. After all, with the amount of income that Ray is bringing in, she can afford to pay off any broken lease penalties. More likely, she is just not ready to commit to him. Which is a pattern for her, considering how she leaves Ray for Ronnie (Eddie Jemison), and then goes back to Ray. Jessica needs some major reflection before she fully dives into another relationship, considering how the last couple end.

     Another consideration, although Ray doesn't mention it, is that if Jessica moves in with Ray and forges a real romantic reunion with him, Ray will have to give up his major income. Sure, he can still work with Tanya, but take away his biggest "asset" (his penis) from the mix, and his contribution will be much smaller. Plus, another guy will have to be hired to take his place, and it will spread out the money coming in between three people instead of two. This means he could very quickly end up poor again, especially since he is only substitute teaching about two days per week, a very small addition to his bank account.

     It is really, truly nice to see Ray and Tanya making it. They struggle for so long, and have their ups and downs with their business. But now they have got it together. Ray has everything fixed, and he's buying expensive cars and furniture. Tanya seems satisfied and fulfilled with her career, something more important to her than wealth. How long this will last is anyone's guess, but surely not long.
     That's because Lenore (Rebecca Creskoff), permanent pain in their side, is not pleased with their success. Only moments after Lenora sees an ad for their business, she beds a waiter named Jason (Stephen Arnell, Heartland) and begins the process of recruiting him for a rival venture. Tanya and Ray are not ripping Lenore off, but she has contributed to their business before, and feels like they have. She has been cut out, but only because of her own actions. She has no one but herself to blame. Unfortunately, she usually bests the pair, at least temporarily, so they are likely in for a rocky road.

     Finally, the scene where Ray gets the bank employees, Judy (Michaela Watkins, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Saturday Night Live) and Joanie (Arden Myrin, MADtv, Working), into a consultation, where they show more interest in each other than him, is hilarious! It's an interesting and bold choice to use two comedic women, rather than hot models. They are definitely more than attractive enough to pull this off, but it's not often you see comedians willing to take off their shirts and make out. Kudos to Hung for such a great score, Without the talent of the actresses, if their only contribution were looks, it would not work half as well as it does. The way it is executed manages to be well acted and hot!

     Don't miss Hung, Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on HBO.

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Justified will "Save My Love"

     I should review FX's Justified more often, as it is one of the best shows currently running. Quite arguably, the best. I don't, though, because it is so, so good, and I like to just relax and enjoy it, without sparing to effort to analyze too much. And how much fun is it to read a review that keeps repeating, 'perfect!'? But we're halfway through season two, so it is time for some sort of update, so time to put on my thinking cap and do my best to lend some insight. I can tell you, this review will be sort of a love fest. I can't think of anything negative to say about the series, one of the few shows on the air that holds that special status.

     This week's episode, "Save My Love", involves almost a comedy of errors, though without any obvious comedy. Winona (Natalie Zea) admits to Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) that she has stolen not just one hundred dollar bill, as she told him last week, but a whole bag full. He helps her sneak the cash back into the courthouse, but a series of events keeps the noose tightening around both of their necks, as they are delayed time and again from returning the money. Raylan's marshal co-workers and some federal agencies become aware of, and curious about, the money, making the urgency more desperate, and culminating in a finale that leaves open the possibility that the story is not yet over. Though it may be finished. I just don't know. Art's (Nick Searcy) face is inscrutable!

     The chemistry between Olyphant and Zea is flawless. I think they make a better pair than Ava (Joelle Carter), whom Raylan was with for much of last season. Ava represents Raylan's past, as she knew him when he was much younger. Raylan was married to Winona in the past, yet Winona gets who Raylan currently is better. Raylan went way back to childhood in romancing Ava, and now is moving up to his young adult life with Winona. Is it a cycle he is trapped in, or will they move forward? Winona's bad deeds further helps the pairing, as up until now, she sometimes seems too good for Raylan, who crosses legal lines frequently. Now, Raylan is almost too good for her, as he would never steal money. Only Winona's regret saves her, and her want to put the money back, and not just so she stays out of trouble.

     This is also an enjoyable outing because Tim (Jacob Pitts), Rachel (Erica Tazel), and Art all get involved in the missing cash caper. Oftentimes, one or more of Raylan's fellow marshals are not featured in any episode. To have all three, and to see them interact so much with Raylan, even being his opponents in this instance, though they don't know it, is a special treat. Each brings something unique to the table, and they are not interchangeable. It's almost a shame to waste such talent on characters not present every week, except they really inform a complete world for the series, even when they are not on screen.

     Adding to the good times, Judge Mike Reardon (the great Stephen Root), who was in one episode of season one, is the one stealing away Winona's opportunities. Raylan's co-workers are main characters, but to keep the other half of the couple busy, the series chose to use a truly fantastic actor, playing a somewhat eccentric judge. Any chance to see Root is a pleasure, and he does not disappoint here. In fact, I cannot think of anyone better to bring in. He is comic relief, but also a driving force. I hope to see Root pop back up more often.

     Boyd (Walton Goggins) is added to the mix when he arrives at the courthouse, too, now serving as a security guard for Ms. Jones (Rebecca Creskoff, Hung), after having lost his job at the mine. Apparently, Ms. Jones intends to use Boyd to help her take down the Big Bads of this season, the Bennett family. This means Boyd and Jones will likely soon be in conflict with Raylan, who is keeping his own eye on the Bennetts. Please, please don't let this ruin Raylan and Boyd's sort-of friendship, which is my favorite relationship on Justified, showing serious growth and change constantly. But until then, Boyd gets to escort her to court. Jones asks Raylan if Boyd is trustworthy, and his answer will be a high point of the season, if not the series. It certainly is a memorable segment of this episode, attempting to vocalize Raylan's murky feelings for the former con.

     Boyd and Jones happen to be in Judge Reardon's court, where Winona is serving as court reporter, and Raylan's co-workers lurk just down the hall, bringing all the characters in the same vicinity. A bomb scare has the marshals protecting Reardon, and looking for his would-be killers. The twists to get every single one of the featured players into the same story would seem unrealistic and unnecessarily acrobatic in most shows. Somehow, Justified accomplishes this effortlessly, every bit falling into place completely naturally.

     There is not even the slightest urge to call anyone involved on any trickery here. Brilliant writing, backed up by amazing actors who bring to life such specific, well defined characters keep all the moving parts running smoothly. It's why there is nothing negative to write about in this review. Everything is so top notch, that try as I might, I can't even find one little fault to pick at. If that's not a glowing enough recommendation to get you to tune in, I have failed as a TV reviewer.

     Watch Justified Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

Article first published as TV Review: Justified - "Save My Love" on Blogcritics.

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Hung up on Hung

     HBO's Hung is about a single father slash high school basketball coach who goes into prostitution to pay for the rebuilding of his house after it pretty much burns down.  Ray (Thomas Jane) is an interesting character, balancing family life, romance, and being a male whore.  He fell in love with a client last season, and clearly pines for his ex-wife, Jessica (Anne Heche, Men in Trees), who isn't exactly happy with her second husband, Ronnie (Eddie Jemison, Ocean's 11, 12, and 13).  This almost came to a head last season as Jessica sat waiting for a male hooker in a hotel room, but Ray, realizing who he was going to meet, couldn't bring himself to go through with it.  It's frustrating, because Ray and Jessica have great chemistry, and they belong together, now that Jessica is developing into a full grown human.  They just had a case of bad timing the first time around.

     Their kids, twins Darby (Sianoa Smit-McPhee, UK's As the Bell Rings) and Damon (Charlie Saxton), are far less than well adjusted, and wish Ray would finish his construction so they could go back to living with him, which hurts Jessica quite a bit, as she's genuinely trying.  They are both interesting, though rarely get much plot.  Darby's campaign last week to make fat acceptable was nice, and Jessica's attempt to support her, though awkward and a complete failure, was sweet.  My biggest question about the kids, though, is how did two such beautiful parents make two completely average, normal looking children?  I would have never suspected Damon and Darby's biological lineage had it not been spelled out explicitly.  In fact, I'm still waiting for the plot twist to explain it.  I'm not trying to be mean; I like them both.  They just don't match.

     Tonight will be the third episode of the second season.  This year, Ray is being fought over by two pimps.  His first, Tanya (Jane Adams, Frasier), doesn't quite know how to build the business, but is trying her hardest.  Lenore (Rebecca Creskoff) is already a lifestyles coach for wealthy broads, and is just trying to add Ray to her list of offered services.  Lenore is winning on the income, but Tanya is determined to prove herself, so it's still anybody's game.

     Hung doesn't get the attention, praise, and award nominations that many HBO shows get and have gotten, but it is very good.  It's a unique story, told in a compelling way.  I don't really see where it's going to go long term, but twelve episodes in, I'm very pleased.  I think it just needs to find its audience, and with HBO waiting two weeks after the season premiere to air the second episode, that may be difficult.

     Hung airs Sunday nights at 10pm.