THE LAST MAN ON EARTH Deserves to Live

Article first published as THE LAST MAN ON EARTH Review on Seat42F.

I just wanted to get that out there before this review even starts. It is the most wholly original sitcom on television, taking a premise that seems unlikely to work and building something really cool on it. Having viewed the first two episodes, I’m not sure where exactly the show is going, but given the beauty of the premiere, I can wait and see.

THE LAST MAN ON EARTH begins in 2020, two years after a virus wipes out all of humanity. For some reason, there are no corpses or sign of anyone. The world is in pristine condition, as if everyone and every living creature in it just disappeared one day. I hope that’ll be explained further because that seems very unrealistic for what we’re told, and there is no mention of where the animals have gone. But that doesn’t matter for now because none of this is the focus of the series, nor should it be yet.

Enter Phil Miller (Will Forte, MacGruber, Saturday Night Live, Nebraska). Phil is the lone survivor, and he begins the pilot by searching the entire country for another human being. His search, as the title THE LAST MAN ON EARTH suggests, comes up empty. There’s no one left. What’s a guy to do?

Well, Phil isn’t just any guy. He’s a very specific type of guy. He isn’t the type of guy I am, nor the type most people would be, I suspect. However, the portrait Forte creates is an authentic, complex individual that I could absolutely see existing in the real world. He cares about a set number of things, and others, he won’t worry about until he has to. Hence why an examination of the premise can wait.

The first half hour is a really cool look at this character and how he deals with the situation he finds himself in. There’s a lot for Phil to do, being the only character in every single scene, and he gets through quite a few things in that initial episode. I don’t want to spoil much, but suffice it to say, as soon as you get to know the character a little bit, he acts exactly as one expects him to.

The thing is, there’s an emotional depth present that elevates THE LAST MAN ON EARTH above the typical sitcom. It’s known that Forte can do drama, even if he’s more familiar in comedy circles, and I wouldn’t call the first half hour a comedy any more than I would many of the thirty-minute programs on HBO and Showtime. There is funniness in it, to be sure, but there’s also real human pathos. THE LAST MAN ON EARTH does better than just deliver laughs. This is a tour de force for a deserving actor.

Because of an event at the end of the pilot, which I will not spoil, the second half hour is completely different. The second episode could possibly be more of a picture of what the series is going to be, and if it is a structure to be copied, I don’t think I will continue to love it for too long. But as a second episode, it’s highly appropriate and still very good. If the series moves on and grows from this point, then this is fine. I say this because I applaud the bold risk taking THE LAST MAN ON EARTH accomplishes and I don’t want it to get trapped in a box, which is a possibility, but not one I seriously think will happen.

Looking at the IMDB page of the show, or even the official site (which teases), it’s pretty clear that Forte will not remain alone in the series. Among those credited are Kristen Schaal (Bob’s Burgers), January Jones (Mad Men), Mel Rodriguez (Getting On), and Cleopatra Coleman (Step Up Revolution). Only one of these four appear in the first installments, and I’d prefer not to say who or under what circumstances. It’s because of this list, though, that I am optimistic about the show’s future, meaning it should continue to morph over time as it works its way through the realities of this post-apocalyptic world.

I’m sold. I hope you will be, too. THE LAST MAN ON EARTH premieres this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET.

DVD Review: ‘Wilfred – The Complete Third Season’

Article first published as DVD Review: ‘Wilfred – The Complete Third Season’ on Blogcritics.

FX’s Wilfred doesn’t like to give us answers. A weird ‘comedy’ about a man, Ryan (Elijah Wood), who sees his neighbor’s dog, Wilfred (Jason Gann), as a guy in a dog costume; the show has never yet attempted to explain its premise. They dance around the issue, sure, but only the tiniest progress has been made in tying everything together.

The Complete Third Season, now out on DVD, starts to push the show in that direction, though. Serving as the penultimate batch of episodes, this run begins with Ryan probing Wilfred’s roots for information. Then, as per usual, most of the rest of the installments ignore the bigger picture entirely, providing interesting side adventures and character development without giving much away, before touching on the mystery again at the conclusion of the year.

I don’t have any predictions for exactly what the end of Wilfred, whose final season is airing right now, will be. What does seem certain is that the answer has as much to do with Ryan as Wilfred. The Complete Third Season looks into our human protagnoist’s past as well. His relationship with his father (James Remar) helps bring Ryan to this place on the edge of sanity. And while there is a heck of a finale that seems a huge setback, with Wilfred’s owner, Jenna (Fiona Gubelmann), forbidding Wilfred and Ryan to spend time together, it’s easy to figure out that the new rule can’t last, the fates of the two leads closely intertwined.

There are two types of fans of Wilfred: those fascinated by the enigma and who long for answers, and those who just enjoy the buddy comedy of two friends, no matter that one is dressed as a dog, getting high and getting into trouble. The Complete Third Season strives to satisfy both those sets, though gives more screentime to the latter. The installments in this release are almost uniformly good, but as someone who definitely falls more in the former category, I am disappointed by the incremental movement forward on the mystery front.

Among the elements of the third year are Ryan finding a new roommate (Kristen Schaal, Bob‘s Burgers), Ryan’s crush, Jenna, now living as a married woman with Drew (Chris Klein), Ryan finally trying to get to a good place with his sister, Kristen (Dorian Brown), Bruce (Dwight Yoakum) making a return appearance, and a handful of half hours where Ryan doesn’t know if Wilfred is sinister or not. These are all solid, entertaining stories, even if they don’t quite get into the meat of what I’m looking for. At least the plot is serial, with the events of one week affecting the others, and the character of Ryan undergoing much examination and reflection, rather than just participating in stand-alone stories.

Wilfred also seems to attract a terrific array of guest stars. Besides those mentioned above, which include several recurring characters, season three boasts the likes of Angela Kinsey (The Office), Zachary Knighton (Happy Endings), Gina Gershon (Rescue Me), Barry Watson (What About Brian), Lance Reddick (Fringe), Mary Steenburgen (The Help), and more. I feel like when a short, thirteen-episode cable season can assemble a guest list that rich, it says something about the quality of the show. Wilfred deserves to be included on such a list.

Sadly, like other recent Fox releases, Wilfred  – The Complete Third Season has no bonus features whatsoever. I’m not sure why the studio is doing this now, but it’s a huge disappointment. While not everyone makes use of the extras, some of us do, and to ask us to buy a set that includes no fresh material, having already watched the episodes as they air, is kind of a jerk move, in my opinion. I hope this company reverses course on this decision in the near future.

Wilfred – The Complete Third Season is available now.

DVD Review: ‘Bob’s Burgers – The Complete Third Season’

Article first published as DVD Review: 'Bob's Burgers - The Complete Third Season' on Blogcritics.

FOX’s Bob Burgers has slowly made its mark in the Sunday night Animation Domination lineup. While it is neither created by Seth MacFarlane nor Matt Groenig, it does feature a familiar, five-member family unit and their wacky adventures, so in a way, it sticks to the tried-and-true formula. Yet, the humor in the series feels more edgy and current than its multi-decade peers, and it has become a beloved favorite. The Complete Third Season, featuring episodes from the 2012-2013 television season, has finally recently been released on DVD.

Season three is probably where Bob’s Burgers finds its stride. It had a good freshman run and a solid sophomore series, but by the third year, it knows what it is and can really start to pay off running gags. We know Linda (John Roberts) will break out into weird songs at inappropriate times. We know the kids will get into trouble based on hormones, curiosity, or selfishness. And we know Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) will serve as the anchor that keeps everyone grounded, ineptly managing to clean up the messes when necessary.

Which is not to say it has become completely predictable. Bob’s Burgers follows a certain pattern for most episodes, one that is different from The Simpsons or Family Guy stories, but it still manages to come up with situations that feel original and fresh. I love the varying end credits that call back to a great part of that week’s plot. Its zany, recurring cast are a different make up of people than those other shows, and its installments feel more realistic, rather than so cartoonish. Most importantly, the trademark brand of humor it has carefully cultivated frequently lands.

Yes, many of the female characters are voiced by men (and occasionally boys are voiced by women), which seems odd if you are first discovering the show. However, after spending many hours with the parts, it’s hard to even notice such things, so convincing is the talent.

There are some great episodes among season three’s 23 offerings. In “Ear-Sy Rider,” Louise’s (Kristen Schaal) signature bunny ears are stolen and a biker gang shows up in town. “Bob Fires the Kids,” features Bob’s attempt to give his children a normal childhood, which backfires when they begin working on a pot farm. “Mutiny on the Windbreaker” has Gene (Eugene Mirman) falling in love with a stuffed manatee. In “An Indecent Thanksgiving,”Mr. Fischoeder (Kevin Kline) hires Bob’s family to pose as his own, and in “The Deepening,”  the family must stop a haywire mechanical shark. “Lindapendent Woman,” finds Tina (Dan Mintz) thinking that an arm near the milk shelf must be her soul mate; and, “The Kids Run the Restaurant,” is exactly what it sounds like.

The release has no extras, which is a huge disappointment, especially given the very long wait for the DVD to come out. Although I’m not sure exactly what kind of bonus features I expect from a prime-time animated series, with such a funny creative team, I would imagine the writers and actors would have at least a few things to share.

But, even without extras, the episodes themselves provide enough great material for a worthy purchase. Looking over the episode list from The Complete Third Season, I still vividly remember a number of the installments. That should indicate what a terrific series it is if, more than a year later, the jokes are fondly recalled and one can be amused all over again, before it is even re-watched. I can’t emphasize enough how good the material here is, which slightly lessens the sting of the crappy, late, weak release. Slightly.

Bob’s Burgers – The Complete Third Season is available now.

GLEE Not True to "Rachel Berry"

Article first published as TV Review: 'Glee' - 'The Untitled Rachel Berry Project' on Blogcritics.

FOX’s Glee ties up its fifth season and the New York-centric era with “The Untitled Rachel Berry Project.” It is an emotionally satisfying hour, though artificially so. The characters go their separate ways, but splitting away from the Big Apple isn’t what makes sense for several of their arcs, so it forces a false conclusion, allowing a reset for the sixth and final season. I guess the writers just wanted a clean break.

Obviously, Rachel (Lea Michele) is front and center, though one of only five characters featured this week. FOX sends writing genius Mary Halloran (Kristen Schaal, Bob’s Burgers, The Daily Show) to catch Rachel’s essence and write a pilot around it. The result is an absurdly weird show that feels nothing like Rachel. To correct this, Rachel sings “Glitter in the Air” to Mary, who is moved and writes exactly what Rachel wants. It’s time for Rachel to leave Broadway behind and move to LA!

Except, the whole time we’ve known Rachel, Broadway has been her dream. She gets a fantastic opportunity starring in a stellar role, and she is now burning all of her bridges and leaving it behind for a pilot that may or may not make it on the air. It seems a huge mistake, not only in abandoning her job, but in salting the earth so that she can never return to it. It would be one thing if Rachel’s ego got the better of her and led to this, but she doesn’t even seem to be approaching this from a place of supreme arrogance. What happened to Rachel?

Blaine (Darren Criss) is also faced with a choice between two things he loves: his fiance, Kurt (Chris Colfer), and performing. It’s time for Blaine’s showcase, but June (Shirley MacLaine) won’t even discuss allowing Kurt to participate, insisting she knows best. Kurt is hurt when Blaine breaks the news to him, and they have a big fight. So Blaine defies June and brings Kurt up for his finale, an “American Boy” so great that even June has to admit she is wrong.

I absolutely get Blaine’s emotional arc in “The Untitled Rachel Berry Project.” We see his pain as he laments through “All of Me.” Kurt’s anger is also understandable, as is his apology and their subsequent sweet reconciliation. This feels like something that has needed to happen between them for awhile, and once they get past it, Blaine moves back into the loft and they are happy together.

What I don’t get is June’s forgiveness. Sure, she shoots glaring daggers at Blaine, but once the number proves to be a success, she’s happy for the couple. Shouldn’t she be holding a grudge at Blaine’s defiance? Maybe she would take credit for the song and move forward because it works, but without any animosity? Her explanation, telling Blaine to stay true to himself, ignoring detractors, including herself, feels out of character for her.

Finally, Sam (Chord Overstreet) and Mercedes (Amber Riley) contemplate their future together. Their friends try to convince them to break up, since Mercedes will be on the road and everyone thinks Sam will cheat on her. Yet Sam proves his mettle in “The Untitled Rachel Berry Project” when confronted with a lecherous photographer (Beau Garrett, TRON: Legacy), crying when she kisses him and immediately confessing to Mercedes. Mercedes sees how hard things are for Sam and breaks it off with him, promising to revisit him in the future should it all work out.

Sam is a good guy and it’s a shame his friends keep underestimating him. He is loyal and true, and while he has made mistakes in the past, he’s only gotten more steadfast in their wake. Why is everyone so down on the model? I’d say Mercedes doesn’t deserve him if she can’t see that, but she’s the only one of the cast who does eventually understand Sam, believes in him, then lets him go anyway so they can pursue their own careers.

For Mercedes, this means touring with Santana (an unseen Naya Rivera) and back-up dancer Brittany (Heather Morris, who is great to see again, but seems out of place in this episode), which we see the start of in “Shakin’ My Head.” But for Sam, despite a successful shoot, a good performance of “Girls on Film,” and his naked body on a bus, he opts to go back to McKinley High. Why? Are his goals so short-sighted? What’s waiting for him in Ohio? It makes absolutely no sense at all.

But now all the plots are wrapped up and all the kids mentioned above, along with Artie (Kevin McHale), who’s also in the episode, but is at his most useless, declaring strong bonds of friendship without really contributing to the group, end with an excellent “Pompeii.” It’s the finale fans want, a big send off to the next stage of the characters’ journeys, and it is satisfying. Unfortunately, it’s a glittery cover for a stinky story, not earned.

Glee‘s sixth season, which will likely be cut down to a smaller number of episodes and won’t premiere until at least next January, should be interesting. It has the job of tying up the loose threads and sending each player to their final destination. I expect it will be heavy on feelings, and that’s a good thing. However, if they keep failing to make the story cohesive, it will be as disappointing as most of the run of the series has been, and that’s unfortunate.

Glee will return mid-season next year.

TOY STORY OF TERROR Scary For Its Weakness

 Article first published as TOY STORY OF TERROR Scary For Its Weakness on TheTVKing.

Toy Story is a classic, beloved film, which spawned two sequels, one decent, and one amazing. It's this high standard that any future spin-off or extension must love up to. (Yes, I'm ignoring early expansions, such as the Buzz-centric project, which I haven't seen, and seems already forgotten from the public consciousness.) Unfortunately, this week's ABC special, Toy Story of TERROR, falls very short.

Disney has a history of weak sequels and specials, but for some reason, I thought Toy Story would be immune. For one, it has the Pixar connection, and Pixar stuff generally rocks. For another, even though they have made a series of TS films, the third one was absolutely every bit as good as the first, providing serious emotional heft and development for the characters. Thus, I hoped the reputation would not be tarnished.

Right away, Toy Story of TERROR fails because it only follows a small group of characters from the movies, which seem put together randomly. Buzz (Tim Allen), Woody (Tom Hanks), Jessie (Joan Cusack), Mr. Potato Head (Don Rickles), and Rex (Wallace Shawn) are present, but absent are classic characters like Slinky Dog, Hamm, and Bullseye. And tossed in are two recent additions, Mr. Pricklepants (Timothy Dalton) and Trixie (Kristen Schaal).

Now, from a story standpoint, I can see why little Bonnie (Emily Hahn) would take a couple of her old favorite playthings with her, as well as some newbies, but it just seems so random in the episode, as if the producers locked down their main players, and then just kind of picked a few supporting ones based on actor availability or whose star is currently rising. And granted, in twenty minutes, there is not time to include everyone, with many of those who are present getting little to do. I just wish there had been more of a sense that this was planned out and each particular personality is included for a reason, as several seem to serve no purpose.


The main plot involves the group going to a motel. Mr. Potato Head is not content to sit in the luggage, and explores the room, looking for free amenities. The other toys venture forth to rescue him, are quickly separated, and fall into the hands of an evil desk clerk (Stephen Tobolowsky, Californication), who sells them on eBay. Jesse must overcome her fear of being in boxes to rescue them all before Bonnie leaves them behind.

The desk clerk arc definitely feels like a retread of Toy Story 2's toy man, and not in a good way, that being the worst of the three films. It's nice that this villain gets his comeuppance when one expects he won't. However the story would work with just an animal stealing toys, not needing this unnecessary man. Given the short running time, I wish he would have been cut.

The story involving Jesse's fear is OK, but a much lighter version of the drama present in the movies. And rather than being inspired by her friends to overcome her fears, she meets Combat Carl (Carl Weathers, Arrested Development), which feels unnecessary, especially when Carl and the other new toys introduced don't end up with Bonnie, doomed to be a forgotten footnote, even if the series continues past this. Given the very small role most of the main characters have in this installment, one of them should have stood in for Carl's part. Buzz seems a good choice.

Another main element of Toy Story of TERROR is that Mr. Pricklepants seems an expert on horror films, and in this spooky, Halloween-themed plot, he tells them what to look out for, sort of like a certain character in Scream. I guess this is in place for the kids watching, who wouldn't know many of the elements of a scary movie yet. But it does kind of drag down the proceedings.

There are some nice elements. I really liked the desk clerk's pet iguana, which hilariously acts like a dog. The shower curtain rip and Mr. Potato Head's arm hopping around on its own are a good play on the horror genre. It's not truly frightening, which is good for the little kids who will invariably watch. The original voice cast returns; I didn't pick up on any recastings, which always detract from the overall enjoyment.

Toy Story of TERROR is a misstep, though, and hopefully, if the Toy Story saga is going to continue, more thought and effort are put into the next installment. These toys deserve better.

WILFRED Has Few "Regrets"

Article first published as TV Review: 'Wilfred' - "Regrets" on Blogcritics.

FX’s Wilfred is an odd series. Most episodes take the fact that Ryan (Elijah Wood) sees Wilfred (Jason Gann) as a man in a dog suit, while everyone else sees Wilfred as a normal dog for granted. But the ones in which the mythology of the show is explored – what is Wilfred and why does Ryan see him differently – are what make it special. Season three, which culminated in “Regrets” this week, explores this mystery much more than the first two years combined.

A long-standing clue plaguing fans is the drawing we now know Ryan’s sister, Kristen (Dorian Brown), made as a child, depicting their family with the human Wilfred in the background. Kristen remembers the character as “Mr. Floppyears,” even though the resemblance to Wilfred is uncanny. But she doesn’t remember why she drew it.

At the end of “Regrets,” Ryan finds a broken statue in the foliage of Wilfred / Mr. Floppyears. This explains what Kristen drew, and it also might provide the origin of Ryan’s hallucinations, if in fact Wilfred is a hallucination, which seems likely. There is some connection to the family’s past in this statue, and it will certainly combine with the drawing to merit further unraveling next year.

It’s really cool that Kristen is part of this now. Although she doesn’t know Ryan’s secret, she clearly has an important role to play. Since she originally appears as an unnecessary side character, this is gratifying to see her interwoven with the family’s thread, along with their mother, Catherine (Mary Steenburgen), who had a cat similar to how Ryan sees Wilfred.

The odd person out, and by “odd” I mean sane, in the family is Ryan’s father, Henry (Dexter‘s James Remar), who thinks Catherine and Ryan are just plain crazy. This season has focused on Henry trying to get Ryan back in his life after a two year separation, and “Regrets” brings that to a head. Henry confronts Ryan with footage that makes Henry think Ryan is talking to a dog like a person. But instead of locking Ryan up right away, as he did Catherine, Henry offers Ryan the chance to work in his office, where Henry can keep an eye on him.

Henry is not a bad person. His concern for his son is understandable, and while he does resort to secret video taping and blackmail, his end goals are kind. He doesn’t want to hurt Ryan; he wants to help him. Henry is hoping that working together will refocus Ryan, and maybe Ryan won’t need to end up as Catherine has. This is a noble gesture, proving Henry is not a bad father, and I found myself hoping Ryan would take the deal.

Sadly, this is not to be, as Henry falls down a staircase and dies. I must say I am disappointed by this turn of events, even as it neatly solves the corner Ryan is backed into. I wanted to see Ryan have help struggling with his sanity, something lacking from the show so far, and was hoping Henry could either understand or explain what is going on. Instead, removing Henry means Ryan can continue as he is, preserving the basic story of Wilfred, but taking away a very interesting, potentially major change to the tale. I do love that Henry’s story ties in Anne (Kristen Schaal, Bob’s Burgers), who was utterly wasted this season.

With Henry dead, Ryan’s more pressing issue, since he doesn’t have to worry about hiding any more, is how to resolve his relationship with Jenna (Fiona Gubelmann). After a shared kiss, Jenna pulls away, wanting to avoid further infidelity, since she is married. Ryan respects her wishes, stopping short of confessing his feelings, but the real victim is Wilfred, who doesn’t get to hang out with Ryan all the time any more.

Whatever Wilfred is to Ryan, the dog helps Ryan work through his issues. Maybe Wilfred is a symptom of Ryan’s craziness, but the way Wilfred pushes Ryan and Jenna together all season, despite seeming Wilfred’s disgust at the pairing, is part of Ryan trying to assert himself. Should Ryan be the one behind Wilfred’s actions, as many viewers suspect, this year is about Ryan trying to take a chance with Jenna, despite her marital status, and Wilfred is key to that movement.

Jenna deserves the chance to make an informed decision. I am not in favor of wrecking a marriage, and Drew (Chris Klein) is a nice guy and better friend to Ryan than Ryan is to him, but Drew and Jenna don’t quite seem right together. They’ve made it work, as many do in the real world, but that doesn’t mean they should keep at it indefinitely. If it’s not right, it’s not right, and there’s nothing they can do about it.

Which is not to say that Jenna should be with Ryan. Ryan is mentally unstable, and a tad creepy at times. While most want him to have a happy ending, I just can’t see Jenna being part of that right now. However, Ryan must confront his feelings for her and work through them, rather than fighting against them, if he wants to move forward, and that’s what is regrettable that the writers don’t bring out fully.

Presumably, next year will find a way to get Ryan and Wilfred back together, Kristen will expound upon Mr. Floppyears, and Jenna will finally figure out what man she wants, if any at all. But the wait shouldn’t be too hard, as long as the series gets renewed (it has not been yet), because “Regrets” is an excellent half hour, answering and raising questions, and exploring the dynamics at the heart of the show.

Wilfred is done for the year, and will hopefully return next summer to FX.

Archer - "Sea Tunt: Part 2"

Article first published as TV Review: Archer - "Sea Tunt: Part 2" on Blogcritics.

FX's Archer completes its fourth season with "Sea Tunt: Part 2." Archer (H. Jon Benjamin) and the other ISIS agents journey to Sealab to stop crazy Captain Murphy (Jon Hamm, Mad Men) from firing weapons at the United States and other world powers.

How appropriate that Archer's fourth season, which begins with a major play on Bob's Burgers, ends with another cartoon spoof, this time of Sealab 2012. While the first three seasons didn't have winks at other shows this blatantly, this new element has slipped in effortlessly, especially as cartoons with a similar type of humor are single out as the targets. I hope next year sees more of the same kind of gag.

While the man who voiced Captain Murphy on Sealab 2012, Harry Goz, was not available to reprise the role, having died before Sealab ended, Hamm does a fine job. For those doubting Don Draper's comedy chops, have no fear. As he did in 30 Rock and Childrens Hospital, Hamm hangs with the actors more accustomed to getting laughs, and does so with skill and charisma.

Murphy is killed off in this episode. This may be a bit satisfying for fans of Sealab, as the character never got a proper send-off, and the series was considered inferior after that. Now, they finally get their closure.

"Sea Tunt: Part 2" actually corrects a slight from the first episode of this season. Kristen Schaal (The Daily Show) and Eugene Mirman (Delocated), both main characters in Bob's Burgers, did not lend the voices to the season premiere. Both get to guest star in "Sea Tunt: Part 2," as well as the first half of the two-part episode, making up for their previous absence. Now, if only a role can be found for Dan Mintz next year, the  crossover be complete.

As for the story of "Sea Tunt" itself, it's a pretty good one. Archer, Lana (Aisha Tyler), Cyril (Chris Parnell), and Ray (Adam Reed) go after Murphy. The half hour is full of their bickering and personality clashes. It's a pretty typical episode of the series, because of the way they interact, and how it gets in the way of doing their job. The mustache bit is funny, as is Archer's incessant alcoholism. Classic Archer.

In the end, Ray loses the use of his legs. Again. Will there be no end to his suffering? Actually, I hope not. The fact that this is something continually solved and then becoming an issue again, over and over, is very funny.

I am undecided over the twist of learning that Lana is pregnant. Sure, it will be interesting to watch someone who is the opposite of maternal take care of a child. But Archer thrives on the chemistry of the cast, and despite some character development prior to this, a baby may shake things up in unexpected and major ways, unprecedented for the series. I worry what it could do to the show.

At least neither Cyril nor Archer are the father. By using a donor, Lana does avoid much typical sitcom fodder as the guys try to guess who the baby daddy might be. Though, knowing Archer, the donor may still end up being someone we've seen before. Which could be fun, if done right. Since this is Archer, I'm relatively certain that it will be.

While the mission plays out, Malory (Jessica Walter) searches for booze, hanging out, though not really by choice with Pam (Amber Nash) and Cheryl (Judy Greer). Again, the interactions between the characters make this series, and while nothing major happens with these three, every moment they are on screen is joyous.

I like that Cheryl's family is worked into the episode, and we learn more about her. Any chance to uncover the backstory of any of the characters is welcome, and Cheryl's is done in a cool and clever way. And of course, her last name, teased in the episode title, makes for the punchline of many jokes, though Archer wisely avoids overdoing it.

I am glad that Cheryl's brother (Mirman) ends up getting his own money back, though, so he isn't a recurring villain. He works better as an amusing side character, rather than a bad guy.

The fourth season of Archer maintains the comedy's quality, and I will miss it until it returns for season five next winter.

Bob's Burgers gets "An Indecent Thanksgiving Proposal"

Unlike the Halloween special, which aired almost a month before the holiday, FOX let Bob's Burgers put out their Thanksgiving episode at an appropriate time, the Sunday before. Of all the animated comedies the network has on this night, Bob's Burgers is my current favorite. To see the family celebrate a holiday that is so much about family is heartwarming. And, this being Bob's Burgers, also funny.

The story, "An Indecent Thanksgiving Proposal," begins with the landlord, Mr. Fischoeder (Kevin Kline), bribing Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) to cook a meal for himself and a lady friend, and also hiring Bob's family to pose as his own. See, Mr. Fischoeder's love interest only goes for married guys, so he plans on using Linda (John Roberts) and the kids to hook her in.

Bob is very resistant. Thanksgiving is his favorite holiday, and he has traditions with each child. To him, preserving these rituals is more important than money. Unfortunately, the children don't feel the same, and are excited to escape their father's corniness to get involved in a scheme. This is not only a typical portrait of a clan, painting Bob as the family man he truly is at heart, but also illustrative of the generational divide, parents being more sentimental than their offspring.

This, in of itself, would be a good enough tale. Bob grows ever jealous in the kitchen, while his kids compete for Mr. Fischoeder's affections, and Linda horribly overdoes things, as she is wont to do. But "An Indecent Thanksgiving Proposal" adds in a twist when Bob finds a bottle of absinthe in the kitchen. Suddenly, he is hallucinating and talking to the turkey, whom he has named, which makes things spiral even quicker out of control, and in very humorous ways.

Bob's Burgers works because of so many elements. One, it has a unique sense of humor that isn't found in practically any other series I can think of. Two, the characters are incredibly well defined, and are always played to their strengths. A fine balance is walked between repeating already known character traits, and overusing the same jokes, and it is pulled off expertly. Third, the show and its vocal cast can really land a joke, over and over again. Like when the family is naming holidays in the order of importance and Gene (Eugene Mirman) says the season premiere of Game of Thrones, though quickly admits to never having seen the show. Fantastic!

Louise (Kristen Schaal) remains the best part of Bob's Burgers. The fiendish young girl with her pink bunny ears is as clever as she is ornery. She will do whatever she must to meet her goals, and her brain just thinks on a different wave length than everyone else. And yet, when combined with her siblings, Gene and Tina (Dan Mintz), as she so often is in many a story, she works well in the group, too, without stealing too much focus.

"An Indecent Thanksgiving Proposal" has a happy ending for the family, of course. Like The Simpsons, no matter what happens during the episode, they can all come together in the end, and there is deep love between them. Bob's Burgers may be a little quicker to show it than The Simpsons, though, and only three seasons in, it still feels fresh and original, definitely designed for the modern sensibility.

Bob's Burgers airs Sundays at 8:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

"The Beginning of the End" of 30 Rock

With the final season of NBC's 30 Rock upon us, it's hard not to try to assign importance into everything that happens, looking for clues as to what the last arcs of the series will be, and trying to figure out how it will all end. This week's season premiere, "The Beginning of the End," leave ample opportunity for this (almost completely frivolous) exercise.

At the start of the episode, there is a fake out with Liz (Tina Fey) and a baby. Is this just a gag? The revelation that Liz doesn't have a baby the last we'll ever see of this story? Or is her life just in a really good place, and we can see how she wants things to be, which is what she will be working towards?

Jack's (Alec Baldwin) motivations are far more clear. Liz quickly figures out that he is trying to tank NBC so that he can be fully in charge of the network. It's not a terrible plan, but as anyone who has ever seen The Producers knows, one must be careful with this strategy? What is things backfire, and as terrible as the shows Jack is making are, including one in which he plays God, but can't explain the rules of God, what if they prove popular? As with the real life NBC, being a last place network, there isn't much to lose.

So is this how TGS will meet its demise? A victim of Jack's machinations? Doomed to be forced off the air as it is replaced by even more drivel? Or will the show within a show prove terrible enough to fit within Jack's new business model? Or maybe Jack will have the chance to truly rebrand the network the way he would like, and TGS just don't fit into that outlook? Though Jack will surely have a job offer for Liz to replace the one she will lose.

As serious as Jack might get, there is plenty of goofiness left in 30 Rock, still funny after all of these years. Tracy (Tracy Morgan)  and Hazel (Kristen Schaal) are warring over Kenneth (Jack McBrayer), Jonathan (Maulik Pancholy) is back at his desk, and Jenna (Jane Krakowski) is going to be her own maid of honor, after Liz fails to live up to the task. All of this is a recipe for more over-the-top shenanigans of the sort that has kept viewers tuning in year after year.

Trying to end any series is hard, especially one as original and creative as 30 Rock. There will have to be a sentimentality to it, and yet, 30 Rock is much more a comedy than a drama, never taking itself too seriously. "The Beginning of the End" demonstrates an awareness of this, and is definitely moving in the proper direction.

30 Rock airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

30 Rock poses the question, "What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year?"

NBC's 30 Rock is drawing to a close, with only thirteen episodes left to air next year before going off the air forever. This knowledge hangs over last night's season finale, "What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year?" Several of the major characters begin new stories, or reaffirm old ones, that could lead to a complete ending for them. It's bittersweet, as it's great the series is going out before it loses what makes it so good, but it will be missed.

With Avery (Elizabeth Banks) home, she and Jack (Alec Baldwin) decide to renew their vows. But neither heart is really in it, so they have Liz (Tina Fey) officiate, knowing that she will likely screw it up, and they refuse to let her remove the part of the ceremony when she asks if anyone objects. No one does, as the three people in attendance who have reason to butt in all back down at the last minute. But that just sets Jack and Avery off, and they end things themselves.

It's sad to see Jack and Avery's marriage come to an end, even if it is never built on a solid foundation in the first place. They seem like such a terrific match, but because both are uber stubborn and competitive, their daring behavior goes right up to the edge, with neither one being willing to step in and be the reasonable one. In a way, it's a more extreme version of Jenna (Jane Krakowski) and Paul's (Will Forte) relationship, strange as that may seem.

So will Jack find a happy ending? Maybe in the arms of Avery's mother (Mary Steenburgen), as creepy as that would potentially be to date his daughter's grandma? Will we even see Avery again, as she is not a main character? And will she find love, as both the man she adores and her Korean "husband" Kim Jong-Il (Margaret Cho) are not right for her?

In contrast to Jack's dissolving union, Liz breaks her terrible cycle in "What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year?" Instead of dropping Criss (James Marsden), she affirms her commitment to him, and starts actually talking about having a baby, instead of a plant, as she has been saying. It's a healthy, mature step that shows major growth in the character of Liz Lemon. It's also one that sets her up to finally achieve her dreams. If the fictional TGS gets canceled at the same time as the real 30 Rock, that might even be better for her, allowing her to pursue a project that doesn't drive her crazy!

This new dynamic, of Liz having her life together, while Jack's is falling apart, makes for a big change between this central pair. Despite Kim Jong-Il's assertions, the two should not end in a relationship, something not even hinted at regarding them since early in the show's run. But it's hard for Jack to be a mentor to someone who is doing better than he is. Liz understand this, but with her new wisdom, asks for his advice anyway. Now she is the propping Jack up, but she is doing so in a way that lets him maintain his pride and dignity. Smart, and sweet.

Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) finds love, too. Hazel (Kristen Schaal) may originally try to sabotage Kenneth, but before the episode ends, they are making out. Has Hazel come around, or is she just desperate to keep living with Kenneth, rather than be out on the street? How will having physical relations change the uptight and super conservative Kenneth? This is a rich mine to dig in!

Tracy (Tracy Morgan) also faces a crossroads in "What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year?" Cornel West (himself) visits and tells Tracy that he needs to find a black role model to look up to. Dot Com (Kevin Brown) and Grizz (Grizz Chapman) try to lead Tracy towards some historical figures, but, in the end, Tracy is more drawn to Tyler Perry. Is that such a bad thing? True, Tracy may not live up to his potential doing cheap comedy. But then again, Perry makes a good living, and provides black-centric entertainment that fills a serious void left in pop culture. Tracy doesn't usually stick with things anyway, so this could all be for naught. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Lest anyone think otherwise, "What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year" is incredibly funny, on top of all the other stuff that's been discussed in this review. Kim Jong-Il really is the best waiter in the world. Liz has a fantasy sequence where she raises a plant, and even sees it have its own plant grand babies. Criss claims to have seen everything James Van Der Beek has done except for Dawson's Creek, yet names his van after the series, and basically quotes the theme song to Liz. Hilarious!

30 Rock will return next fall to NBC to complete its final season.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here to read every 30 Rock review I've ever written. To catch up on 30 Rock with DVDs and streaming episodes, please go to amazon.com. Article first published as 30 Rock poses the question, "What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year?" on TheTVKing.com

30 Rock goes live again

This week, NBC's 30 Rock is "Live from Studio 6H." Jack (Alec Baldwin) decides that he will save the company a lot of money if they stop filming TGS live. Almost everyone agrees to the scheme except for Kenneth (Jack McBrayer), who locks twelve of the staff in a room and reminds them of the heyday of live television, shown to viewers in clips acted out by the cast. Meanwhile, Jenna (Jane Krakowski) disagrees with Paul (Will Forte) over the perfect proposal, and Hazel (Kristen Schaal) plans a stunt to get herself on air, a la Sinead O'Connor.

Quick question: Is the picture of Sinead that Hazel rips ups actually Tina Fey as Sinead?

This is the second time 30 Rock has gone live, and there's a big difference from the first time. "Live from Studio 6H" feels more like a series of skits than a cohesive story. This is bringing many of the performers back to their Saturday Night Live roots, of course, and they excel at funny shorts. But it does not really feel like an episode of 30 Rock, despite keeping much of the same spirit and tone.

Continuity is not that important this week. Last time a live show was done, Julia Louis Dreyfus (Seinfeld, Veep) played a semi-convincing Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) in a cut scene. This time, Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation) plays Liz without even changing the color of her blond hair! Also, twelve major cast members are locked in a room, and yet somehow they keep slipping out to put on different costumes and perform various bits of "classic" NBC shows. What's up with that?

Yet, story cohesiveness is not the point of "Live from Studio 6H," so it's hard to get upset. The episode is meant to be nostalgic and humorous, and it does both rather well. The various bits play on a number of famous shows such as The Honeymooners and Laugh-In. These are comedy gold. Everything else in the episode is fluff, except for the proposal.

The cast of 30 Rock is fantastic. For "Live from Studio 6H," all the stops were pulled out in bringing even more talented people on board, most having appeared on the show before. Sadly, this means that some of the best supporting players are relegated to background status. However, all of the guest actors are terrific. Jimmy Fallon (Late Night with Jimmy Fallon) kills as a young Jack, and Donald Glover (Community) is the perfect earlier version of Tracy (Tracy Morgan), getting the mannerisms spot on. Jon Hamm (Mad Men) returns, but not as his recurring 30 Rock character. Instead, he participates in a very memorable sketch. Chris Parnell (Suburgatory) is the familiar Dr. Spaceman, and Fred Armisen (Portlandia) manages to stand out without any lines at all. Brian Williams (NBC Night News and a 30 Rock veteran) is great as an old-timey newscaster on the West Coast (Hamm takes the part for the East), and Cheyenne Jackson finally returns to the series!

And 30 Rock manages to single-handedly kill the "Zou Bisou Bisou" craze started by Mad Men only a few short weeks ago.

Because the show is live, two versions are done, one each for the East and West coasts. Thankfully, in the era of internet, both are freely available to everyone. Only a handful of jokes change, and Cheyenne and Jenna again split the theme song, which makes more sense in the East because Cheyenne's character doesn't return until mid-episode. But the East coast broadcast has a major leg up over the West, because in the East, Sir Paul McCartney gets a fantastic cameo. The West, though, is left to suffer through Kim Kardashian instead.

30 Rock is what it is. "Live from Studio 6H" is not typical, but it will not disappoint long-time viewers who delight in the zany slapstick the series thrives on. Credit must be given to the show for taking such a big chance and playing in such an unexpected sandbox.

30 Rock airs Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here to read every 30 Rock review I've ever written. To catch up on 30 Rock with DVDs and streaming episodes, please go to amazon.com.

FOX serves up 'Bob's Burgers The Complete 1st Season'

Now on DVD is The Complete 1st Season of the FOX animated series, Bob's Burgers. From the mind of Loren Bouchard (Home Movies) comes a series about an odd family that runs a hamburger joint called, appropriately enough, Bob's Burgers. All thirteen episodes from last spring's initial run are collected on this two disc set, along with bonus features.

Husband, Bob (H. Jon Benjamin, the star of Archer), is the boss and owner. He's a stubborn, ignorant, loving family man, who does the best that he can, which isn't always all that much. Benjamin plays this character wonderfully, getting to be both the butt of many a joke, and the guy who is as close to normal as this family gets. He keeps them grounded, and cares deeply about his loved ones.

Bob may struggle with moral dilemmas himself, but when it comes to his kids, Bob has a pretty strong moral compass. Not only is he willing to do anything to protect them and raise them correctly, he is also willing to let his business suffer because of it. Unlike other fathers in the Animation Domination block, Bob is genuine and sweet almost all the time, without being overbearing. He gives his kids good advice, but allows them room to make mistakes and their own decisions.

Wife, Linda (John Roberts, no, not the Supreme Court justice), falls into the traditional sitcom wife role, never really getting too mad at Bob for forgetting their anniversary, and being happy with her mediocre lot in life. As the episodes go on, Linda does get the chance to pursue some of her own interests, but they never last more than an episode. The impression is that, while Linda sometimes plays second fiddle to Bob, it's good that she has his steady presence in her life.

Eldest daughter, Tina (Dan Mintz - what's with the guys voicing the girls?) is in love with the boy across the street. The middle child, Gene (Eugene Mirman, The Flight of the Conchords), is as dumb and as in a world all his own as his father is, but still has that youthful, naive joy about it. He will certainly grow up to be just like his dad.

Youngest daughter, Louise (Kristen Schaal, The Daily Show, 30 Rock), is definitely the funniest character. She makes up wild stories, would like to be a criminal mastermind, and just tries to keep life interesting. Louise seems to live in a world all her own, but unlike other characters in that vein, say Stewie from Family Guy, Louise is bound by reality. Still, if you need a lock picked, or an idea that no one else would think of in a million years, Louise is your girl. She is also the youngest of the clan, but not a toddler, which is refreshing.

The family dynamics are realistic. The show demonstrates humor in characters that are odd, but not as over the top as their peers on other FOX animated shows. They go through the typical tribulations of a sitcom, but don't let anything discourage them too much, and there is often a nice lesson, even if the characters don't always learn it. While not preachy, Bob's Burgers is certainly the most wholesome of the Sunday night cartoons, and definitely evokes the warm love of a close clan.

The series is not all about the heart, though. There are plenty of great jokes. The humor is smart and quick, and the characters are quirky and funny. For instance, when Gene wins a gold medal in the race, Linda wants to have it bronzed. This is just one example of the off-beat brand of humor that Bob's Burgers brings to a night full of the same type of show, setting it apart.

The recurring cast includes movie and stage legend Kevin Kline as Bob's landlord, Mr. Fischoeder. How many animated shows can boast that much gravitas? Also, Sarah and Laura Silverman play twins.

The animation is crude in the first episode, making it harder to enjoy than later installments. This is not unusually for a cartoon, so it can be forgiven. Bob's Burgers is created by Loren Bouchard (Dr. Katz, Lucy the Daughter of the Devil), and uses his style from Home Movies, which isn't for everyone. It's the weird torso-neck-head shapes that really seem off. It makes the characters look non-human, and not in a good way. But because of the writing and voice talent level, it's worth getting past.

Among the episodes worth mentioning in this set are "Human Flash," which finds Bob's Burgers being accused of serving human flesh because Louise tells her class this is so. In "Bed & Breakfast," the family turns their small living space into a retreat for guests. "Hamburger Dinner Theater" has some fun twists when the family tries to stage a murder mystery production in their restaurant. In "Torpedo," Bob gets to meet his hero, who does not live up to the image Bob has of him.

There are plenty of extras on Bob's Burgers The Complete 1st Season. There are more audio commentaries than episodes, with certain half hours having multiple options. Writers and actors contribute to these. There are seven minutes of audio outtakes. Steve Agee (The Sarah Silverman Program) and Samantha Shelton (Judging Amy) do one of the most bizarre music videos ever for "Lifting Up the Skirt of the Night." There is also a two minute short of Louise arguing with the restaurant's chalk board, and making up Burgers of the Week for each of her family members.

Best of all is the twenty-two minute look at the evolution of Bob's Burgers with series creator Loren Bouchard. He talks about putting together the cast, how the family were originally envisioned as cannibals, and shows a rough sketch scene. Also included is the full animated ten minute demo presented to FOX to see the show, which features a son named Daniel instead of Tina, though the voice and the personality of both characters are identical. The look of the series is also a little different. It's very cool to see a glimpse at the process from early work to making it on the air.


Bob's Burgers is a gem of a series, and I highly recommend buying The Complete 1st Season, on sale now.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! To buy streaming episodes of Bob's Burgers or pre-order the DVD, please click here. Click here to read every review of Bob's Burgers I've ever written. Article first published as DVD Review: Bob's Burgers - The Complete 1st Season on Blogcritics.

Grill up a new Bob's Burgers

FOX's Bob's Burgers returns for its second season last night with "Belchies." Hearing that there might be treasure in a taffy factory that will soon be torn down, Louise (Kristen Schaal, the true star of the show) convinces her siblings to accompany her on a late night search. Tina (Dan Mintz) invites along Jimmy Jr. (Jay Johnston, The Sarah Silverman Program), who brings his brothers and friend, to Louise's dismay. The kids don't actually find anything, but luckily parents Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) and Linda (John Roberts) come looking for them, because Louise gets stuck, and the demolition crew begins work without checking the structure first.

Bob's Burgers is great because it is not only funny, but unlike anything else in the Animation Domination programming block. It seems a wholly original family comedy, with a typical dumb father who cares, and a less typical loving, supportive wife who happens to be pretty weird. And the kids are weird, too. So here is this pretty normal guy trying to do right by his very odd family.

If one questions just how weird Linda is, one only needs to look at "Belchies." Bringing sex dice into their scheduled Sunday night romp is fine, though awkward, but secretly slipping Bob boner pills, causing him to try to hide an erection for the rest of the episode, isn't exactly normal behavior. She does it because she loves him and thinks she is helping, but as if often the case, her help isn't exactly wanted or needed. And Bob continues to love her anyway, because she is a good person, at heart. Even after she hints that she might slip him more pills next week. It's a great couple formula that just seems fresh.

The oddness continues behind the scenes. Both Linda and daughter Tina are voiced by men. Guest stars don't always stay along gender lines, either. While it is not unusual for an animated series to make some occasional change ups, the sheer number of times Bob's Burgers does it is astounding. It also fits very well with the offbeat tone, keeping the voices humorous and unexpected.

After a short first season, the recurring cast is just beginning to build. Three veterans of The Sarah Silverman Program give life to the Pesto kids, with Sarah Silverman and her sister, Laura, handling the twins, Ollie and Andy. These may not be the best known comedians working in showbiz (with the exception of Sarah), but they are some of the funniest, and fit right in with the cast.

The story of "Belchies" works because it involves the three kids getting into trouble. While the series is titled Bob's Burgers, and there is some fun to be had at the titular establishment, any story with the sibling trio off without supervision ends up soaring. This can be attributed to wonderful chemistry and well defined characters. "Belchies" is no exception in this arena, with bold, crazy Louise dragging lovesick Tina and idiot Gene (Eugene Mirman) along for the ride.

Even better, with the mystery of the taffy factory left unsolved at story's end, Cyndi Lauper sings a reveal over the ending credits. Cyndi Lauper! It's a totally out-of-left-field spot that works extremely well. This move caps a high quality return for the wonderful, under-watched series.

Don't miss another minute of Bob's Burgers, airing Sundays at 8:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

MORE: If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! To buy streaming episodes of Bob's Burgers or pre-order the DVD, please click here. Click here to read every review of Bob's Burgers I've ever written.

Nothing is wrong with 30 Rock

NBC's 30 Rock presents a special, one hour, holiday-themed episode this week entitled "Hey, Baby, What's Wrong?" Liz (Tina Fey) thinks that she may get her first ever happy Valentine's Day with new boyfriend, Criss (James Marsden, X-Men). But derailment occurs during an ill-fated trip to IKEA to pick out a dining room table together. Meanwhile, Jack (Alec Baldwin) battles his primal urges when Avery's mother, Diana (Mary Steenburgen, Bored to Death, Curb Your Enthusiasm), comes to town, and finds himself attracted to her. The feeling is mutual.

"Hey, Baby, What's Wrong?" may be the most disturbing episode of 30 Rock ever written. This falls squarely on the fault of Jack's plot, which is horrible. Jack sees many of the same things in Diana that he sees in kidnapped wife, Avery (Elizabeth Banks), so it's natural that there might be some connection. But raising that attraction to a sexual level is beyond wrong. While it's true that Jack and Diana are closer in age than Jack is to his wife, and Diana is just as lonely as Jack, that doesn't excuse anything. The fact that the two characters struggle so hard not to hook up is just plain icky. Forget trying to be funny, at least just be decent. There is something incredibly wrong with Jack's marriage if he considers sleeping with his mother-in-law under any circumstances. Ditto for Diana's mothering ability.

That being said, the rest of the episode is not bad. Liz's relationship with Criss is actually quite a nice development. Criss isn't perfect, having little ambition and no job, but he cares about Liz. He also pulls some weight, cooking a romantic dinner for her, and building a table when they can't agree on one at the store. Liz isn't used to a healthy, balanced relationship, and doesn't know how to act. Yet, with Criss, she just might get to be happy. This is fantastic, and should be explored further. Hopefully Marsden's schedule will stay open for awhile so he can continue to appear on 30 Rock.

Liz's joy comes at the best moment for her, given that she has just realized that she is the female version of Lutz (John Lutz). Both are awkward, and do not know how to react towards the opposite sex. While Liz is a tad bit more graceful, and certainly more attractive, both of their personalities do share some similar characteristics. For "Hey, Baby, What's Wrong?" to end on that realization would be beyond depressing. Thank goodness Criss salvages things for Liz in the end.

Why does IKEA allow 30 Rock to treat it so poorly? Are fighting couples really a standard for the retailer? Having never shopped there personally, it's impossible to know, but it seems unlikely. IKEA just comes across so badly in this episode, it is sad. To make up for it, go watch some Easy to Assemble, a funny, pro-IKEA web series. Speaking of, how could 30 Rock, given its penchant for tons of guest stars and insider-style jokes, do such an IKEA heavy episode without bringing in a single actor from Easy to Assemble in a cameo role?

Pete (Scott Adsit) is perhaps the most underused character on 30 Rock. Luckily, this is not the case in "Hey, Baby, What's Wrong?" Not only does he prove himself worthy of the producer's job that he does, but back story is given, too. It turns out that Pete used to be an Olympic-level athlete. While this isn't exactly realistic, any chance to see Pete out of his element, or in a new light, is welcome. Adsit is a capable comedian that should be better utilized in this series on a regular basis.

Lastly, where is 30 Rock going with the creepy, Liz-obssessed Hazel (Kristen Schaal, Bob's Burgers, The Daily Show)? She is somewhat humorous, but it's a bizarre turn for the character, and only dark things can come from her continued presence. Surely 30 Rock wouldn't go so far as to kill off a character, even Criss, would they? As delightful as Schaal is, and as much potential as Hazel could have on 30 Rock as a recurring character, whether used as a replacement or companion for Kenneth (Jack McBrayer), new direction needs to be given if she's going to last.

"Hey, Baby, What's Wrong" is a rare, disappointing outing for the show. Watch 30 Rock Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

MORE: If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here to read every 30 Rock review I've ever written. To catch up on 30 Rock with DVDs and streaming episodes, please go to amazon.com.

Bob's Burgers meets "Torpedo"

     Last night marks the first season finale for FOX's Bob's Burgers. In the episode, "Torpedo," Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) takes his family to the minor league ball park, where they meet Bob's idol, Torpedo (Robert Ben Garant, Reno 911!). Torpedo seems nice enough to the family, even praising Bob on his burgers and asking for one at the start of every game. But then Bob finds out that Torpedo is using the burger grease to cheat on his pitching, and becomes disillusioned. Worse, Bob's son Gene (Eugene Mirman) thinks that cheating is now OK, and does it himself in a mascot race. Bob tries to convince Gene to do the right thing. Meanwhile, Tina (Dan Mintz) becomes the team's ball girl, and falls in love with every single player while hanging out in the dugout and slapping their butts.

      The start of Bob's Burgers is mediocre, but the series has certainly earned its place among the other Sunday night, adult-oriented cartoons by now. The humor is smart and quick, and the characters are quirky and funny. Besides Benjamin, who also voices the title character on FX's Archer, the recurring cast includes movie and stage legend Kevin Kline as Bob's landlord, Mr. Fischoeder. How many animated shows can boast that much gravitas?

     Last night's episode is true to the series, demonstrating that Bob is a great parent. He struggles with moral dilemmas himself after seeing his idol exposed, but when it comes to his kids, Bob has a pretty strong moral compass. Not only is he willing to do anything to protect them and raise them correctly, he is also willing to let his business suffer because of it. Unlike other fathers in the Animation Domination block, Bob is genuine and sweet almost all the time, without being overbearing. He gives his kids good advice, but allows them room to make mistakes and their own decisions.

     The kids on Bob's Burgers really make the show. Each is bizarre, but in a very defined, consistent way. Tina is currently obsessed with boys, Louise (Kristen Schaal) dreams of being a criminal mastermind, and Gene is up for anything, and has simple, easily achievable dreams. Louis may be the best, but she gets little to do this week. Instead, the focus shifts to the other children, who usually are overshadowed by Louise. It is nice to see Tina interested in a boy other than Jimmy Jr., though the two do make a cute couple. Gene, despite still being dim, manages to learn a lesson. Somewhat.

     Sadly, doing right does not always pay off. While Gene does listen to his father and stops cheating, another mascot has no such qualms, and Gene loses. This is realistic, and the way the characters don't let it discourage them too much provides a nice lesson. While not preachy, Bob's Burgers is certainly the most wholesome of the Sunday night cartoons.

     The series is not all about the heart, though. There are plenty of great jokes. For instance, when Gene wins a gold medal in the race, his mother, Linda (John Roberts), wants to have it bronzed. This is just one example of the off-beat brand of humor that Bob's Burgers brings to a night full of the same type of show, setting it apart.

     Thankfully, Bob's Burgers is being given a second season, and will return next winter, mid-season, to FOX.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.

     To buy streaming episodes of Bob's Burgers or pre-order the DVD, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Bob's Burgers - "Torpedo" on Blogcritics.