All Done RAISING HOPE

Article first published as TV Review: 'Raising Hope' - Series Finale on Blogcritics.

FOX’s Raising Hope has always been a really good show with just enough schmaltz to keep it from achieving true greatness. Though, that seems purposeful, and I don’t think it wants to be more than what it is. It has real charm and presents an authentic-feeling, extremely funny family. After four seasons, the series wrapped itself up this past Friday night in much the same vein it’s always been in, providing a touching half hour (or, rather, two half hours), but not going for the closure-filled ending.

The first half hour, which is its own installment, not connected to the second, is called “How I Met Your Mullet.” This is 100% a typical episode, with character-driven segments that illustrate the terrific dynamics, without actually changing who the players are. Burt (Garret Dillahunt) gets the chance to search for his passion since Virginia (Martha Plimpton) is now making “comma money,” only to realize he already has his ideal life. Jimmy (Lucas Neff) and Sabrina (Shannon Woodward) inherit a maid (Downton Abbey‘s Lesley Nicol), only to later realize they’re taking advantage of the help and setting a bad example for daughter Hope (Baylie and Rylie Cregut), so they let her go. None of this is anything spectacular or dramatic, but it’s a wonderfully typical episode.

The second half, “The Father Daughter Dance” goes in a little different direction, not reveling in the show’s personalities, as most entries do. Instead, this is all about Virginia’s father, Arnold (Jeffrey Tambor, Arrested Development), trying to get back in her good graces. He does so by throwing Virginia the dream wedding she never had, complete with a replica of Princess Diana’s dress. But his good intentions start to fall apart when the family realizes Arnold can’t pay for Hope’s college, as he promises to do, and ends up homeless, needing Virginia and Burt to take him in.

I do wonder if this is how the fourth season of Raising Hope would have ended if the show was renewed. After all, I can’t imagine Tambor sticking around full-time, so his crashing with the Chances would likely be only a temporary situation, perhaps Arnold even being gone by the fall premiere. That’s a shame because adding Arnold to the household gives the show a chance to really grow in a new and interesting direction, completely shaking up the firmly established dynamic. I’m not complaining about the mix, as I’ve enjoyed Raising Hope immensely, but almost all series would benefit from growth over time.

Raising Hope does allow change, usually incrementally. After all, Jimmy discovers how to be a good dad, marries Sabrina, and gets his own house in the first few seasons. This provides a lot more Virginia-Burt plots separate from the others, which works well because they are easily the two best characters on the program. But it’s never been a program that would shake things up too much, at least not in any kind of permanent way.

I’m disappointed “The Father Daughter Dance” is the last episode. Like Everybody Loves Raymond, Raising Hope decides to go out without a bang. It may work for the style established, but people want a memorable capper. The series with the best (or worst) endings are often talked about and debated for years to come. A stellar finale can raise the profile of a series significantly. By bowing out quietly, Raising Hope squanders a chance to attract even more viewers in its afterlife. And if there’s something this show has always deserved but never received, it’s more viewers.

The biggest regret about Raising Hope ending now may be that the writers didn’t have more time to explore the chemistry between Maw Maw (Cloris Leachman) and Frank (Todd Giebenhain). I don’t think their February-December relationship is romantic in nature, but we really doesn’t get the chance to figure out what it is, the twosome only being featured together a few times in the past few weeks. I am really interested to see where the show would have gone with this, but I guess we’ll never know.

Overall, I still enjoyed “The Father Daughter Dance” as much as most episodes of Raising Hope, which is a considerable amount. It’s a series that really knows itself, found its groove, and uses it effectively. Some shows flounder, but this one never does, being on very solid footing in tone, style, and sense of humor for quite some time. For those who connected with this spirit, it is a continuous joy, watching week after week, and it will be sincerely missed.

RAISING HOPE Raises My Hope Again

Article first published as RAISING HOPE Raises My Hope Again on TheTVKing.

FOX's Raising Hope got a late start this week with a pair of new episodes, "Deja Vu Man" and "Burt Bucks," that made it worth the wait. This series is goofy in the best of ways, and isn't shy about poking fun at itself or its subject matter before ending up in a warm, love-filled place. Season four gets started right.

"Deja Vu Man" begins with a scene unrelated to the rest of the story in which Maw Maw (Cloris Leachman) forgets Hope's (Baylie and Rylie Cregut) name, as well as many other things. To refresh Maw Maw's noggin, the family and a few friends sing songs about what's happened in the first few seasons, reminding us Maw Maw who the characters are and certain events in their lives. Yes, it's a cheap excuse to recap for the audience, but by building it believably into the fabric of the show in an original way, it really, really works. Especially as Maw Maw hopes that Hope is named Edgar.

In "Deja Vu Man," Virginia (Martha Plimpton) finds out that the guy that hangs around every so often snapping pictures of the Chance family is none other than her father (Jeffrey Tambor, Arrested Development). See, Maw Maw lied about Virgina's dad being dead because he abandoned his family. Now, Virginia has a chance to reconnect with her parent, who claims to have left because Natesville was unaccepting of homosexuals and he is gay.

Of course, it's a line of bull. Tambor's character is charming enough to fool people for a little while, but viewers and Virginia alike soon come to see just how selfish and terrible a person he is. (Burt sees it right away, a credit to how smart he is, even if it's not book smart.) It wouldn't really make sense for a father who loves his child to stay away from them, no matter how hostile neighbors might be, so at the end of the day, we need to see he's a scoundrel, which we do.

That doesn't mean he shouldn't return to guest star in other episodes, though. And no tears for Virginia, who had a great man to take care of her in Paw-Paw (Terrence Beasor, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story).

In the second installment, "Burt Bucks," Virginia and Burt (Garret Dillahunt) find they can barter their services for the finer things in life, then try to get their friends to barter with one another, too, ultimately creating a new currency, which Virginia and Burt keep printing more of so that they can live the high life. As Burt insists, probably necessarily given the IQ level of the town, despite the label not really making sense, this is not a pyramid scheme. Of course, it all collapses.

I love this commentary on our economic system and our government. It doesn't necessarily take a Republican or a Democratic viewpoint, instead, zeroing in on the system itself. This keeps the episode from being controversial, but also illustrates large economic issues in a way that's simple to understand.

I did keep thinking that the new system would catch up with Virginia and Burt, and they would no longer have U.S. currency to get things they need outside of their barter system, but that didn't happen. I guess there's only so much that can be gotten through in half an hour, and the focus was on satire, not keeping the zany characters stuck in the laws of reality.

An interesting thing happens in "Deja Vu Man" and "Burt Bucks" - Sabrina (Shannon Woodward) and Jimmy (Lucas Neff) make a conscious effort to stay out of Burt and Virginia's schemes. I can't say I'm not disappointed, as I love seeing the whole family together. Yet, Sabrina and Jimmy are newlyweds who live apart from Burt and Virginia, so they should have their own things. I'm sure they won't stay divided every week, and I guess the characters have to show growth, but it's a turning point that is still a little sad.

This doesn't mean Sabrina and Jimmy aren't in the installments. They have their own comedic situations, often involving Barney (Gregg Binkley) and the store. And I don't want less of the recurring cast, which has many talented players like Kate Micucci and Todd Giebenhain. I just love it when both groups mix, as they do in the opening of "Deja Vu Man."

Either way, these are still sharp, witty, welcome episodes. Clearly, Raising Hope has lost nothing during its break, and I'm glad to see it back on the air. Raising Hope now airs Fridays at 9 p.m. ET on FOX.

The Good Wife Finds Out "What's in the Box?"

Article first published as The Good Wife Finds Out "What's in the Box?" on TheTVKing.

So much is happening in The Good Wife's season four finale, "What's in the Box?" which aired on CBS this week. Zach (Graham Phillips) thinks he spots voter fraud, sending Lockhardt Garner scrambling into multiple court battles to try to save the election for Peter (Chris Noth). Meanwhile, who will be splitting off to form a new firm is revealed, personal relationships are rocked, and the election results come in.

One of the things The Good Wife does well is build a stable of reliable, fantastic recurring players. Lots of them appear in "What's in the Box?" lending a bit of extra excitement and tension to the proceedings. Among those returning favorites in this episode are Patti Nyholm (Martha Plimpton), Colin Sweeney (Dylan Baker), Judge Arbernathy (Denis O'Hare), Judge Lessner (Ana Gasteyer), and Jordan Karahalios (T.R. Knight).

But while all of these familiar faces are wonderful to see, none are the focus of the episode, as The Good Wife does know how that their bread and butter is the core cast, nearly all of whom get development and plot in this finale.

Zach doesn't always have a lot to do, but he is instrumental in the various legal battles that play out throughout the installment. It's nice to see him have such a vital part, not only starting the trouble, unintentionally, but also getting to share credit for his dad's victory, sort of. It's a good use for the teen, who looks to possibly have an increased role moving forward if he stays involved, maybe working for his dad?

The brilliant maneuvering, as the characters zip from courtroom to courtroom, is highly entertaining and sharpy crafted. The Good Wife has presented many interesting cases in its day, but the ones in this episode are some of the most enjoyable, especially after the flip, when our heroes must argue the opposite side of the previous debate.

I'm not so thrilled with the election outcome. Yes, I'm happy that Peter wins, but at what cost? It seems pretty obvious that his team cheats, whether Eli (Alan Cumming) is involved or not, and he very well may be. It makes the win hollow. If only the 30,000 votes are rigged, it won't change the results, but since we know that some false counts got in there, it opens up the possibility for others. Is this the arc for next year, with the mystery slowly uncovered?

Despite this scandal, Peter's reputation is not damaged in my eyes. He may not tell Will to reveal the secret (who would?), but he doesn't ask him not to, either. It seems obvious that Peter has no knowledge of the rigging, so his hands are clean there.

Of course, that means Will (Josh Charles) does something shady, again. He's been a murky character at times, and the choice to tell the court about the false votes fall to him. I feel like his decision is not an easy one, as Alicia (Julianna Margulies) could be upset at him for exposing Peter, rather than running to him for comfort, so that would shoot himself in the foot with her. Yet, by protecting Peter, Will keeps Alicia's husband looking good to her. Neither choice will get him what he wants, so should he keep Alicia happy, or do what's right? He chooses Alicia's happiness, proving his feelings for her are real, even if he doesn't get her at this juncture.

Peter's other misstep, trying to intimidate and pay off Cristian (Yul Vazquez) to leave Jackie (Mary Beth Peil) alone, can be chalked up to a son protecting his mother. What's more, as funny as Cristian's handling of Peter is, it also hints that Peter's instincts about him could very well be correct.

Alicia is the titular character for good reason, and she has a couple of decisions to make in "What's in the Box?" First, should she renew her wedding vows to Peter, or try again with Will, who shows his continuing interest with a second kiss? Peter promises not to cheat on her again, and he seems sincere. They've spent a lot of time working on their marriage, and I don't think Alicia should throw that away for a guy she hasn't been able to make it work with twice in the past. Which is why I'm glad we don't see her go for Will this hour.

Second, should she stay at Lockhardt Gardner, or split off with Cary (Matt Czuchry) to form Florrick, Agos, and Associates? I think the episode does a great job with the fake out, making us think Alicia might be calling Will in the end, when really, she is telling Cary she is in. I'm glad that is revealed, rather than just showing the cryptic phone call. Alicia needs to do what's best, and that's get away from Will. I figure that's her deciding factor, though there's also the opportunity to begin something new here. I doubt Sweeney's opinion has much weight, even though we see him encourage the move.

With two firms next season, and Diane (Christine Baranski) presumably heading for the bench, the cast is likely to be split. For this reason, I'm glad that new investigator Robin (Jess Weixler) goes with Cary and Alicia, and Kalinda (Archie Panjabi) stay. I hate to see Will left by himself, and we're surely not done with stories set within Lockhardt Gardner. When Cary was by himself, he got far less screen time. I hope to not see that happen to a lead again.

The regrettable thing, though, is that Kalinda feels betrayed by Cary. Say what you want about Cary Agos, but he has handled this whole rebellion with grace and politeness, juggling others' various interests. He doesn't stab Alicia or Kalinda in the back. He does what he can to make everyone happy, while not allowing himself to be pushed around by a firm that hasn't been fair to him. I really hope Kalinda can be made to realize this, and since he won't be her boss, maybe they can even have a romantic relationship. That would be the best case scenario.

I can't help but anticipate next year, the momentum already set for a new and different season, full of surprises and ups and downs. The Good Wife will return to CBS next fall.

Raising Hope Continues to Raise the Bar

Article first published as Raising Hope Continues to Raise the Bar on TheTVKing.

FOX's Raising Hope completed its third season with a pair of new episodes last night, "Burt Mitzvah: The Musical" and "Mother's Day." Both are truly excellent examples of a consistently great series, and unable to choose between them, this review will cover elements of each.

In "Burt Mitzvah: The Musical," Burt's mother (Shirley Jones, The Partridge Family, The Music Man) tells her son that she's recently discovered she is Jewish, and by extension, so is he. She lays in a fitting Jewish mother guilt trip until Burt (Garret Dillahunt) agrees to have a Bar Mitzvah. However, Burt soon learns that his mom is lying, and his parents are trying to get even with all of their friends, whose children they have paid for gifts for all these years. They abscond with his money gifts, and, feeling like a disappointment for not having any celebration-worthy events of his own, he lets them.

Burt is a kind, good man. He has made some mistakes in his life, such as knocking up Virginia (Martha Plimpton) when they were only teenagers, but he takes care of his family, and has a big heart. It isn't fair that his mother and father treat him so poorly and look down on him so much, a theme also present in the second episode concerning others characters' parents. It's no wonder he tries so hard to please his parents now, but he shouldn't have to.

Burt's patience does have limits. He goes along with their scheme because of his love for them, but he also lets them know this will make them even, and not to try anything like this again. He understands and accepts his parents for who they are, but he won't be abused by them. They may still treat him like a child, but Burt is truly a man in every way that is important.

"Burt Mitzvah: The Musical" features three big musical numbers, which are definitely a high point of the series. The tunes are catchy and fun, with a host of upbeat extras dancing their way through. It all fits perfectly in tone with the series, and also adds something special that makes this episode more memorable than most. I love a musical done right, and my only complaint is that there should have been more than three songs, and that the episode should have ran an hour. I could definitely have used more.

Each member of the main cast gets to sing, including a big solo for Barney (Gregg Binkley), but the show is really stolen by Jimmy (Lucas Neff), who turns out to be quite the rocker. Add in Jones and Smash's Jason Kravits as a Rabbi, and the musical talent is quite impressive.

Part two of the season finale, "Mother's Day," finds Maw Maw's (Cloris Leachman) mother still alive at the rope old age of one hundred and four. Burt and Barney bring her back to the house, and Maw Maw and her mom resolve a grudge they've held against one another for seventy years.

I'm not a fan of Maw Maw, and while I like the idea of allowing Leachman to pull double duty in both roles, the humor in this subplot falls short. Leachman is a comic god, and being reduced to gross jokes and farts played for laughs seems beneath her. Yet, there is no arguing that she does such trivial junk with a talent and grace that should put to shame many modern day performers.

The ending, where Maw Maw's mother dies, but Maw Maw remembers the resolution, if little else, is incredibly sweet. I love that there is a peace between them, and that her mom hung around long enough for Maw Maw to make things right. It's a little bit disturbing, seeing what Maw Maw may turn into, but kudos for designing a story that deepens the character, even if the bits aren't particularly funny, in my opinion.

Even better is the plot involving the other women in the household. Hope (Baylie and Rylie Cregut) makes Sabrina (Shannon Woodward) a Mom necklace, which arouses jealousy in Virginia, who has helped raise Hope. Virginia is a grandmother, not a mother, to the toddler, and shouldn't feel left out. However, one can understand, now that Jimmy and Hope have moved out of the house, why she might be sad.

Thankfully, Sabrina not only makes things right with Virginia, but points out how she herself sees Virginia as a mother. Sabrina's own mother can't be reached (see my comments early in this article about parents), and Virginia treats Sabrina well. Virginia may not live in the same house as Sabrina and Hope, but she definitely has positive relationships with both, and that counts. Sabrina even gets Frank (Todd Giebenhain) and Shelley (Kate Micucci), the extended family that could very well be part of the main cast at some point, to help her make Virginia feel better.

Seeing how the Chance family gathers, full of love for one another, is heart-warming and moving. Not every family likes each other this much, and even if they screw up and get into trouble, they always support one another. That's why I like Raising Hope. It shows how a family should be.

Plus, it's super funny. From Barney and Burt walking through a gate where there is no fence, to singing pastrami sandwiches, to Virginia's tendency to get words wrong, there are so many fantastic little touches in these, and every, episode that keep the show amusing and round out the world. Make no mistake, Raising Hope isn't just a family, it's a fully flesh out, very specific universe in which these characters dwell. It's charm is rarely matched.

Raising Hope has been renewed for a fourth season and will return next fall on FOX.

Raising Hope raises the stakes

RAISING HOPE is back for a third season on FOX. Picking up months after the season finale, Sabrina (Shannon Woodward) inherits a house from her dead grandmother that she can only take possession of after getting married. While Sabrina does love her boyfriend, Jimmy (Lucas Neff), and trusts that he isn't just trying to scam a new dwelling from her, she is hesitant to get hitched under these circumstances. Also, she doesn't want Jimmy's parents to move in, and they're already practically measuring drapes. Jimmy does his best to ease her doubt and give her those warm, romantic feelings that she longs for.

It's a bit of a shame that no mention is made of last spring's finale. That episode brought Jimmy and Sabrina to a very fragile, emotionally raw place. A lot could have been built off of that before returning to the comedy roots that anchor RAISING HOPE.

That being said, it makes sense tonally to move on. RAISING HOPE only flirts with drama when it serves the heartwarming message of the episode, and doesn't like to make any stakes too serious. If it had taken time to explore those powerful emotions evoked previously, it would have shifted the course of what they are doing with the show. For that reason, it's hard to be too disappointed that the writers choose just to move on.

Where dark drama may be lacking, a sweet love story takes its place. Jimmy has been head over heels towards Sabrina forever. Once she gets on board in year two, there is no stopping that train. While having these two young people get engaged after so little time spent together as a couple does feel a tad rushed, there is no denying by the end of the half hour that this pair is made for each other. In the face of such a perfect fit, what kind of grinch stands in the way of their happy ending?

Oh, right. The grinch is Sabrina's mommy dearest (Melanie Griffith, Twins, Working Girl). Viewers are introduced to Jimmy's soon-to-be mother-in-law in this season premiere. Griffith brings a fun, exciting new element to RAISING HOPE. Her character is written in such a way that it makes sense that she's been out of Sabrina's life for so long, while her motivation to become involved now is murky enough to be interesting. Plus, she fits really nicely into the ensemble, broadening the world a bit, especially as it pertains to Sabrina.

I hope she sticks around, joining the terrific B team of recurring players, many of whom appear in this episode. She already gets her introduction to the hallmarks of RAISING HOPE supporting character status by appearing in a flashback during Jimmy's goth phase. I can't ever get enough of that era!

The only thing that bothers me about Sabrina's mother is her sudden about face mid-episode. She goes from not caring about Sabrina, to wanting to be back in her life, even lying to Sabrina to protect her. Mom could be trying to stay in Sabrina's good graces so that she can stay in the house, though she seems to have money, so that may not be a huge issue. Or grief over losing her own mother could shift Sabrina's mom's priorities and make her feel really bad about their history together. The character works, but I do wish that we would have seen a bit more of what exactly causes this change in her.

One noticeable shift in RAISING HOPE's return is a sharper, dirtier edge to the humor. It's one thing to have Burt (Garret Dillahunt) want to touch the fake boobs that are now a piece of art on the wall. That actually brings to mind other boob art in an episode from last season. But having Jimmy walk in on Virginia (Martha Plimpton) giving Burt a hand job in the bathtub of someone else's house goes a bit further than I believe the show ever has before. This isn't a good or a bad thing, it's just different enough to be surprising.

The fact that Jimmy stays in the bathtub while his dad rinses off and gets dressed is much more disturbing. I don't think that it's supposed to be noticeable, nor do I believe it means anything. But upon reflection, what this scene implies is disturbing and unwanted. Thankfully, it's probably also an accident.

In all, RAISING HOPE returns just as good as it left, with some new, intriguing arcs set up. The show doesn't take itself too seriously, but as far as a light, family-friendly, quirky good time goes, it fits the bill perfectly, and stands a touch above its peers.

RAISING HOPE's third season begins October 2nd on FOX.

The Good Wife goes up against "The Dream Team"

The season finale of CBS's The Good Wife, entitled "The Dream Team," finds two of Lockhart / Gardner's biggest foes, Louis Canning (Michael J. Fox) and Patti Nyholm (Martha Plimpton), teaming up to try to bankrupt the firm. As the senior partners scramble to prevent this, Alicia (Julianna Margulies) becomes confused once more about her feelings for Peter (Chris Noth), and accidentally stirs up a hornet's nest involving Kalida's (Archie Panjabi) dangerous husband.

First, it must be said that the scene by the elevator, when Alicia sees both Will (Josh Charles) and Peter arrive together, and then others joining them, and finally, a baby scooting through the middle of the group, is one of the best moments ever! There is the perfect build up of tension, clashes happening all at once, a perfect storm coming together, and another recurrence of a joke that runs throughout the hour. Brilliant!

What is going on with Kalinda? She seems on the verge of skipping town in "The Dream Team," but then, after learning Alicia is in danger, she changes her mind. Clearly, Kalinda has put down roots here, and worries about those she would leave behind. It isn't revealed just what her husband is capable of, but it cannot be anything good, given Kalinda's decision to wait for him with a gun. Might the first case for the firm next year involve clearing Kalinda of a murder charge? Or will this new, as of yet unseen, character stay around for a bit to complicate things? The latter is more appealing, and could still lead to the former happening down the road.

Fox and Plimpton are two of The Good Wife's best recurring characters, which is saying something, given the elite company the series keeps. Having them both in the same episode, working together, well, that's a dream come true! Which is probably why this installment is called "The Dream Team." They both prove to be formidable foes in the past, so it's little wonder that once they put their heads together, they are able to deal a crippling blow! And that is accomplished just by a little distraction.

Dragging Andrew Wiley (Tim Guinee) into the mess as well certainly doesn't hurt the episode!

It seems like Lockhart / Gardner is ending the season on the same shaky ground it's been battling to stay off of for a very long time, which is a shame, given the promising start of the episode, in which the firm looks to get a share of a twenty-five million dollar settlement. L/G's finances are not stable, but this is nothing new. However, with Louis and Patti's victory in "The Dream Team," L/G has now lost 20% of its income. This will certainly result in massive layoffs. Who is on the chopping block? Alicia, who recently becomes more highly paid than her equally qualified colleagues, or Cary (Matt Czuchry), who just gets his foot back in the door, and is doing everything in his power to make himself valuable to his former employees? Neither deserve it, but both appear to be top candidates, except for the fact that they are main characters.

Unless Cary's employment at Lockhart / Gardner is a scam. Peter acts genuinely surprised when he learns that Cary is quitting the District Attorney's office. But Cary also later receives that call from Peter that is not shown on screen. It doesn't seem like Peter would be plotting against the firm, considering how friendly he is getting with his wife again, but one never knows. Cary could be involved in a shady plot. And Lockhart / Gardner will be lucky to weather their current attack, let alone a second one!

Please let this not be the case! It's so good to have Cary back where he is, and he is a much more noble character than he once was!

Alicia losing her job might just push her back into Peter's arms. She is independent for now, but with no income, she won't be for long. Might Canning's offer of employment still stand, albeit with a lower pay rate attached? She could probably find a job somewhere, but not one as comfortable as the spot she currently holds. Though, given Eli's (Alan Cumming) sway at Lockhart / Gardner, and his desire to keep her happy so she will help Peter, Alicia is probably safe.

That being said, Peter would probably take her back. He needs her by his side to win the governor's race, and while she's willing to help him already, perhaps entwining more would draw the pair closer together. Plus, now that their separation is public knowledge, a reunion of sorts would greatly improve Peter's chances. There are strong hints in "The Dream Team" that Alicia might be warming to the idea of a reconciliation, especially at the end of the episode, when she glimpses her cozy family through the window. And Peter is working hard to be at good to her, proving he could be worthy of a second chance. Might this be the direction that The Good Wife will go? If Eli senses this is a possibility, his protection of Alicia will be over.

Why, oh why, isn't Noth a main character?

Just as sick as Lockhart / Gardner's balance sheet is Jackie (Mary Beth Peil). She is up to her devious games when she buys Alicia's old house out from under her. But at least that comes from a semi-kind place, in that she is trying to provide a familiar home to her son and grandchildren. Hopefully she will heed Alicia's request to hand the house over to the kids because that will still accomplish Jackie's goal, for now, and the family doesn't need a lawsuit to make things more tenuous than they already are.

But this is not Jackie's greatest sickness in "The Dream Team." She becomes confused, and doesn't know what is going on. She imagines her television set playing a movie, but the power is off. These are not healthy signs, and, perhaps surprisingly, only Alicia picks up on it. Peter isn't too concerned when Alicia raises the issue. Might it be up to Alicia, who loathes Jackie, to do something to help her mother-in-law?

"The Dream Team" is a terrific season finale, with some juicy character bits for many of the leads, some new mysteries and obstacles, and leaving whopping cliffhangers. Anticipation for next year will be high! Though fans of The Good Wife have come to expect such standards, and should not be surprised.


The Good Wife has been renewed and will return to CBS next fall.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! To buy The Good Wife DVDs, please click here. Article first published as TV Review: The Good Wife - "The Dream Team" on Blogcritics.

'Raising Hope' wants its baby back

FOX's Raising Hope presents the second half of a two-part episode as their season finale this week. Entitled "I Want My Baby Back, Baby Back, Baby Back," this installment finds Jimmy (Lucas Neff) and family locked in a court battle for custody over Hope (Baylie and Rylie Cregut) with his "wife," Lucy (Bijou Phillips). This follows an episode of Inside Probe, in which Nancy Grace (herself) tells the family's story, and reveals that Lucy survived her execution. Lucy wins the legal battle, and Jimmy has to leave his parents and Sabrina (Shannon Woodward) behind in order to stay with his daughter.

If a comedy series is hilarious enough, it does not need to follow the rules of realism. This is a relief, because Raising Hope leaves such constraints far behind in the dust during these final two episodes. Not only does Lucy survive the electric chair, there is a jailhouse wedding, complete with a prisoner allowed a knife to cut the cake, a jury made up purely of miners who were trapped underground for six months, and so don't know Lucy is a serial killer, Shelley (Kate Micucci) is allowed to testify with a ukelele, and Lucy will most likely survive being hit by a bus. The last of which is welcome, because Phillips is such a joy during her guest stints on the show. And with Jimmy needing a divorce, she will have to return again.

But honestly, the fact that the events of "I Want My Baby Back, Baby Back, Baby Back" would never happen does not lessen the enjoyment of the episode in the slightest. Part of this is the comedic writing, which is just as sharp, tight, and unexpected as it ever has been, if not sharper. Part of it is nostalgia, as this week's installment and the one before it reference many of the show's earlier events and gags, as well as bringing back a large number of guest stars.

Best of all, most of the cast of My Name Is Earl, a previous show by Raising Hope's creator, Greg Garcia, appears again. Earl is alluded to as well, and the tone of both shows are similar. In fact, the Inside Probe stunt feels just like Earl's Cops episodes! So it all comes across as one big, happy, funny universe, drawn closer together with each crossover, of which there have been many.

Should Raising Hope have concentrated on pathos instead? Sure, there are tears and heartbreak when Jimmy leaves Sabrina so that he can stay with Hope. Viewers would be heartless not to feel for Sabrina as tears stream down her face, and the situation really evokes something inside of oneself. However, instead of capitalizing on these dramatic moments, leaving a heck of a cliffhanger, Lucy is hit by a bus, and Jimmy gets to return home.

Nor does it appear that Burt (Garret Dillahunt) and Virginia (Martha Plimpton) will face legal charges for fighting with law enforcement in the court room, as they are seen to be in their house and doing just fine.

And that's OK. Some sitcoms need the drama to infuse with comedy in order to keep their fans invested. Raising Hope does not. It's tongue-in-cheek style, with meta elements and constant self-referencing, has created a unique world that deserves to be on television. One can drop in to see what the Chances are doing each week, and continuously be very taken in by their spell.

What kind of show dares to have Nancy Grace lampooning herself, Ed Begley Jr. playing both god and the devil, and "introduces" Cloris Leachman each episode? Raising Hope, that's who, and it does so proudly. Never before has white trash been made look so attractive. The show doesn't just play on stereotypes, it redefines them. It will change the way you think about many things, and if the show contributes anything to society, it assists in tearing down the barriers of hate and judgment.

Does this make Raising Hope sound too important? Perhaps. But it deserves the accolades. There is absolutely nothing else currently running like it, and it continues to hit all of the right notes week after week. That is a laudable feat.

Is it the sharp writing or the amazing cast, which includes Gregg Binkley and a slew of talented, recurring players to fill out the world, that makes Raising Hope work so well? It's both, as well as everyone else in the crew who builds this specific place and time. There is really nothing to complain about in Raising Hope. It's that rare gem that knows what it is, and delivers extremely well on a remarkably consistent basis.


Thank you to Raising Hope for an awesome second season, and I am greatly looking forward to years of more terrific comedy. Raising Hope will return to FOX this fall.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! To buy Raising Hope DVDs or streaming episodes, please click here. Article first published as TV Review: Raising Hope - "I Want My Baby Back, Baby Back, Baby Back" on Blogcritics.

Raising Hope engages in "Sheer Madness"

FOX's Raising Hope goes for "Sheer Madness" this week. Sabrina (Shannon Woodward) and Jimmy's (Lucas Neff) relationship is still new, so they hide their embarrassing habits from each other. This doesn't sit right with Virginia (Martha Plimpton), who encourages them to be themselves. To do that, Sabrina goes off her meds, which reveals her irrational fear of spiders crawling into her ears at night, which she solves by wearing pantyhose on her head. As this plays out, Burt (Garret Dillahunt) feels guilty for hiding his own shameful secret from Virginia, but is scared of what she might say if he does come clean. To this end, he seeks advice from Andrew (Ethan Suplee). 

Raising Hope did the bold thing last week by putting Sabrina and Jimmy together. A year and a half is enough dancing around the issue. The series deserves praise for taking the chance, something many shows why away from. While their relationship is only one week old in "Sheer Madness," it is already showing signs of working well for the series. Now that she is with Jimmy, Sabrina gets the chance to reveal a little more of her character. Woodward is a constant delight, and any opportunity for her to be even funnier on the show is appreciated.

How will the couple progress from here? Making it through this first trial is a valid test, though it's a simple, easy one that just covers the onset of being together. Jimmy accepts Sabrina the way she is, which is just a more pronounced version of the personality she has already shown. But he also cares enough to help her try to get over her fear. It's telling that Jimmy doesn't ask Sabrina to go back on the meds, but rather, tries to help her work on her issues in a healthy way. This doesn't end well for Jimmy's face, but it should prove just fine for his heart.

There are signs already that Jimmy and Sabrina's relationship is similar to Virginia and Burt's. Both care a great deal about each other. They overlook flaws, and love the other person for who they are. They understand each other. This is evident on Jimmy's part over the past year and a half, but it's gratifying to witness that, with Sabrina, this just may be a two-way street.

In this story, Virginia is arrogant in her assumption that she and Burt are the perfect couple, with nothing to hide from each other. They have a very open, honest relationship, but that doesn't mean that they are perfect, as "Sheer Madness" soon reveals. This isn't a bad thing. It makes them relatable and normal. The fact that Burt goes to great lengths to hide his foot shaving habit speaks to his continuing desire to be adored by Virginia. When she finds out, she handles it wonderfully. This is certainly a couple in it for the long haul, and one who shares deep love. And if Jimmy and Sabrina continue to follow their example, as they seem to be doing, there could be a second pairing just as good on Raising Hope soon.

Maw Maw (Cloris Leachman) is a strange character, in that the humor she plays up in the series is divisive. This reviewer, for one, does not usually find her character amusing, which is a shame, given the actress's long body of excellent work in film and television. However, in "Sheer Madness," it's hard not to like her. The way that Leachman goes for the gusto in describing the foursome that she lost her virginity to is quite impressive, and it dares anyone not to appreciate her in that moment. She proves once more why the term 'comedy legend' is apropos in describing her. Well done!

"Sheer Madness" is not quite as good as last week's episode, but considering how epic that particular one was, how could it be? Instead, the truly excellent cast and writing staff (and surely everyone else involved) deliver the consistent, funny, touching content that few series can do week after week, and that's plenty.

Watch Raising Hope Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

MORE: If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! To buy Raising Hope DVDs or streaming episodes, please click here.

"Burt's Parents" visit Raising Hope

     On this week's Raising Hope, on FOX, "Burt's Parents" come for Thanksgiving. Burt (Garret Dillahunt) feels ashamed at the lack of accomplishment in his life, and so, to impress them, the family moves into one of Virginia's (Martha Plimpton) client's houses, who are out of town. They even get Barney (Gregg Binkley) to pretend to be a servant. The scheme works, until the real owners of the house return from vacation early and catch the family in their beds. Then Burt's dad (Lee Majors, The Six Million Dollar Man) admits they are broke, and Burt agrees to let them stay in the real house. It's not long before Burt's parents can't take being poor, suck up their pride, and go to stay with Burt's more successful brother.

     The entire plot about taking over another family's dwelling, and then getting caught, is wholly predictable. What sets Raising Hope apart is that they are caught midway through the episode, and "Burt's Parents" goes on from there. Setting aside the completley unrealistic lack of anger or legal charges by the house's owners, it's a great story about trying to earn a parent's approval, and how perspectives change as an adult. Burt realizes that he should be proud of what he has done, and Burt's parents give Burt long overdue credit for just how hard he works, admitting they couldn't possibly do the same.

     Casting Lee Majors and Shirley Jones (The Partridge Family, The Music Man) as Burt's parents is a wonderful get. Both are veteran actors, who can handle comedy, but also the real emotional punch of such a story. Raising Hope treats the situation lightly, per the usual tone of the show, but there is some real heart in a very relatable tale. Dillahunt plays it excellently, proving he can be the heart of the series, and works well with the other two performers. Hopefully Majors and Jones will agree to return from time to time to continue the characters they very successfully begin this week.

     Sabrina (Shannon Woodward) cannot resist getting in on the lie. She enjoys the Chance family very much, and obviously likes their uncooth ways. She jumps at the chance to spin a whole false reality for Burt's parents because of how wrong it is. It is her idea to play Jimmy's (Lucas Neff) wife, because it makes sense with her age and their chemistry. But is there something more to it. Jimmy obiously pines for Sabrina, but can her feelings for him really be so platonic? She spends much of her free time with him and his relations, and doesn't complain about practicing kissing him over and over. Plus, the whopper she makes up about Jimmy losing a testicle treads on pretty personal territory. She clearly feels very comfortable with him. Why can't she go after something more?

     In short, Raising Hope covers a lot of ground already covered in plenty of other sitcoms, but it gives it a unique twist that makes it seem fresh and original. Enhanced by a really fantastic ensemble, which also includes Cloris Leachman, who gets hysterical video chatting with a young man this week, there is something special going on here. Also, it's very, very funny.

     Watch Raising Hope Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To buy Raising Hope DVDs or streaming episodes, please click here.

Raising Hope first season now on DVD

     FOX's Raising Hope recently released its complete first season on DVD. It is a three-disc set containing all 22 episodes that aired last year. The series follows a lower middle class family as they raise a baby. This is refreshing, considering many television characters certainly live above realistic means for many of their viewers. It also focuses on the kooky friends and relatives that surround the primary clan, creating a rich, becoming vast, world of interesting characters. After one mere season, Raising Hope has become TV to watch.

     The series begins when Jimmy Chance (Lucas Neff) unknowingly hooks up with a crazy murderer named Lucy (Bijou Phillips). Lucy is arrested and executed, but not before giving birth to Jimmy's daughter, Princess Beyonce, whom he renames Hope (Bayley and Rylie Crecut). Jimmy is in his early twenties, and lives with his parents Virginia (Martha Plimpton) and Burt (Garret Dillahunt), who had him when they were teenagers. Jimmy really wants to take care of the baby, and Burt and Virginia see a second chance to raise a child correctly; it thus becomes a team effort.

     Adding to the chaos is Maw Maw (Cloris Leachman), Virginia's senile grandmother, in whose house they live. She is only lucid for short periods of time, but resents her family, worrying they are taking advantage of her. In fact, they take good care of her during her crazy periods.

     To help pay for the child's care and feeding, Jimmy takes a job at the local supermarket after falling for cashier Sabrina (Shannon Woodward). They work for enthusiastic, geeky Barney (Gregg Binkley, a recurring character in season one, but promoted to series regular in season two). These two help Jimmy keep his own sanity, and provide some fun, outside-the-home stories. In addition, babysitter Shelley (Kate Micucci) keeps Hope when the Chance family are all working.

     There are many great episodes in this freshman run. "Dead Tooth" introduces Sabrina's cousin, Shelley, and finds Burt helping Virginia to quit smoking. The latter is a necessity, since smoking is now strictly limited in primetime broadcast network television. In "Dream Hoarders," Hope crawls into the maze of a junk-filled shed. "Burt Rocks" lets Burt meet his singer idol, Smokey (Jason Lee). In "What's Up, Cuz?" Virginia's gold digging cousin, Delilah (Amy Sedaris), who has a crush on Burt, visits. And the season finale takes a look at how different life was for all of the characters, main and supporting, only five short years ago.

     The first season DVD set (not currently available in Blu-ray) has quite a few bonus features. There are 20 minutes of deleted and extended scenes, and the essential gag reel. The broadcast "Pilot" has a commentary track with series creator Greg Garcia (My Name is Earl), Neff, Plimpton, and Dillahunt, who talk about the constantly changing babies in the episode. The original, unaired version of "Pilot," with a different actress playing Sabrina, and featuring Micucci as a cousin that lives with the Chances, is also included. Additionally, there is an extended version of the season finale, "Don't Vote for This Episode," with three minutes of cut footage inserted back in.

     As far as featurettes go, "Adorable Stars: Meet the Hopes" gives viewers more than six minutes of focus on the adorable twins that play the titular baby. Fans get a look at their personalities, and their work environment. "Moments with Mrs. Chance" is a package of clips from the first season featuring Virginia in many of her best, and funniest, moments. It's an apt choice, considering Plimpton's vast talent, but one hopes that other performers will be featured similarly in later releases.
     "Taking Chances: Shooting the Season Finale" spends only a little bit of time talking about the season's last episode, but gives lots of attention to the usual environment on the set, and how everyone gets along. It also has Neff and Plimpton complaining of  Garcia's (My Name is Earl) alcoholism and sexcapades on set. Garcia argues in his own interview that he doesn't usually start getting drunk until at least 9 a.m. One assumes this is all a joke, but it is filmed in Hollywood, so you never know. But yeah, pretty sure they are kidding.

     To buy Raising Hope DVDs or streaming episodes, please click here.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first published as DVD Review: Raising Hope The Complete First Season on Blogcritics.

A secret "Prodigy" on Raising Hope

     In the season premiere of FOX's Raising Hope, Jimmy (Lucas Neff) learns that he was a child "Prodigy" when he finds a video of him playing the piano and singing, quite well. Apparently, though, eight months after Jimmy's talent surfaces, he is hit on the head with a golf club and remembers nothing of it. MawMaw's (Cloris Leachman) efforts to reteach him are fruitless. Virginia (Martha Plimpton) feels guilty, wondering if she pushes him too hard. Burt (Garret Dillahunt) secretly feels worse because he is the one that threw the golf club, though the family doesn't know it. A night of drinking makes them thing Jimmy's abilities have come back to him, but really, they're just drunk.

     It's more than a little weird that Jimmy has this ability, and then doesn't. A doctor can't explain it, and there's no sign that any of it ever happened until Jimmy finds the video. While it is nice that Raising Hope doesn't go the Gilligan's Island route and use another whack to the head to fix things, in fact, they mock that shoddy writing, but it's also just a strange plot in general. And why do his parents think he gets his memory back after some drinking? Yes, alcohol might make him sound better, but as good as he once was? Not even close. It's disappointing, after such a brilliant first season.

     Also weird is Sabrina's (Shannon Woodward) infatuation with the young, brilliant Jimmy. She stares dreamily at his video. While this "Justin Bieber-effect" of older women swooning over younger men, it's kind of creepy to see a gal in her twenties drool concerning a thirteen year old. Woodward is a hilarious actress, but this subplot is a clear miss.

     Young Jimmy is played by Greyson Chance, the young boy who got over thirty-six million hits on YouTube singing Lady Gaga. He's a decent enough actor for the role, and certainly has the voice to pull of the part. Plus, he bears a passing resemblance to Neff, and fortuitously shares his character's last name, making his casting a pretty solid choice. The weakness of the episode is not his fault.

     Raising Hope begins "Prodigy" very cleverly. Shelley (Kate Micucci) sings a recap ditty, while scenes from season one and footage of baby Hope (Bayley and Rylie Crecut) are shown. It's clever and touching. Despite the fact that two toy cars are seen in the background of one of the "home movies" of the Crecut twins, it's not noticeable that two children are used. The tune is catchy, and the lyrics are funny in Raising Hope's particular humor vein. As such, the opening is the best part of the episode.

     Strangely, and a little regrettably, Barney (Gregg Binkley) is absent from "Prodigy" even though he has just been upgraded to series regular. But, of course, not everyone can be in every episode. His portion of the story is missed, and I look forward to seeing him again soon.

     Hopefully, next week will be better, as Raising Hope is usually a very, very good show. Watch Raising Hope Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To buy Raising Hope DVDs or streaming episodes, please click here.

Raising Hope asks "Don't Vote for This Episode"

     For the season finale of FOX's Raising Hope, the series goes back in time five years. Jimmy (Lucas Neff) is a goth, attracting the attention of a the new awkward, braces-wearing cashier at the grocery store, Sabrina (Shannon Woodward). Maw Maw (Cloris Leachman) still seems fully lucid, and is tired of supporting her immature granddaughter, Virginia (Martha Plimpton), and Virginia's equally clueless husband, Burt (Garret Dillahunt). So on Jimmy's 18th birthday, which is also Maw Maw's 80th, she kicks the trio out on the street. At the grocery store, a morbidly obese Barney (Gregg Binkley) hunts for the "gypsy" squatting in the shop at night (it's Jimmy), while Shelley (Kate Micucci) and Frank (Todd Giebenhain) are expert shelf stockers until an accident leaves the former with a dead tooth. And Lucy (Bijou Phillips) begins to get awfully tired of her boyfriend.

     An episode like this is purely gratuitous, but it's such fun, so that can be easily forgiven. No plots arcs or ongoing stories are furthered, but the origin of many relationships and familiar characteristics are explored. This episode also bridges the gap between other past exploits that have been briefly shown and the modern incarnations of the characters, helping explain away some major life changes.

     The title is "Don't Vote for This Episode," which can only be a message for Emmy voters. Why the minds behind the series do not want this very special entry to be considered for awards is anyone's guess, but perhaps they want to be judged on their general merits, rather than one, far from representative, effort. It's too bad, because despite all of the perfectly logical arguments against doing an episode such as this, it is wonderfully executed and very entertaining, much as Raising Hope is almost every week.

     Perhaps the neatest thing about "Don't Vote for This Episode" is Sabrina's infatuation with Jimmy. Throughout season one, Jimmy has exhibited feelings for Sabrina that she doesn't return. While some may wonder if she just isn't interested in him, others may point out that her boyfriend could be a deterant, and were he not in the equation, the pair may have a chance. This episode supports the latter reasoning, as under different circumstances, Sabrina is very much attracted to Jimmy. Also, the elaborate goth makeup is a neat device so that Sabrina will not recognize her former crush years later when they meet under more ordinary circumstances.

     It is also nice to see Maw Maw in a transitional state. She appears more vulnerable and layered than the usual one-note jokes the character is often subjected to. Maw Maw used to be a complete individual, and it's illuminating to see some of that spirit before it is tempered by age and disease.

     Finally, "Don't Vote for This Episode" provides very good development for Burt and Virginia. Jimmy always complains about the mistakes they made with him, and they are often shown as irresponsible parents in flashback. Being put in a situation where they have to care for a sick relative, and have thier own safety net removed, is a reasonable explanation for their current (relative) maturity. Their story is actually one with an emotional impact, melding seamlessly with this mostly-for-laughs episode.

     Raising Hope has already been given a second season, and will return to FOX next fall.

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

     To buy Raising Hope DVDs or streaming episodes, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Raising Hope - "Don't Vote for This Episode" on Blogcritics.

Raising Hope raising eyebrows with "Cheaters"

     FOX's Raising Hope presented its first new episode last night in about a month. Called "Cheaters", the half hour outing dealt with two different plots that fit the title. Maw Maw (Cloris Leachman) thinks she is cheating on her husband with new boyfriend, Mel (Jerry Van Dyke), though her spouse has been long dead. Jimmy (Lucas Neff), sensing a chance to move in on Sabrina (Shannon Woodward), offers to drive her up to college and find her boyfriend, Wyatt (Ryan Doom), who they think is cheating on Sabrina. Neither story ends well for the Chances, as is often the case with this hard luck family.


PART ONE: JIMMY AND SABRINA

     It is time for Jimmy to move on. While Sabrina is a main part of the cast, and she and Jimmy will likely be a "will they, won't they?" couple for several seasons, Jimmy is ready for another relationship in the meantime. It is getting too pathetic, watching him pine after a woman he cannot have. He is offered a date this week by Zoe (Kaitlyn Black), and turns it down because he is still thinking about Sabrina.

     But Jimmy is also his own worst enemy. He could have gotten with Sabrina, but instead helps them stay together. Jimmy and Sabrina catch Wyatt making out with another girl at a party, and begins to drive Sabrina home to commiserate. Wyatt follows, and when Jimmy's van runs out of gas, gives them a ride to the gas station. En route, Wyatt begins acting erratically, threatening a car wreck if Sabrina doesn't let him explain that he is just getting even for her accidental kiss with Jimmy on Halloween. While it is understandable for Jimmy to cave and help Wyatt convince her when faced with death, he should have stood his ground. Since he did not, he needs to find someone to occupy his time that is not Sabrina.

     There is a hopeful sign at the end of the episode when Jimmy takes Zoe up on her off to go out. Unfortunately, he also stage whispers to Sabrina, who sees them, that the other woman is "just a friend." While there is no immediate reaction from Zoe, Jimmy's behavior will sabotage any relationship he actually would be serious about. He needs to make a decision to move on before he can successfully see other women.

     It is also possible that once Sabrina sees Jimmy in action as a good boyfriend, she may change her mind about him. Wyatt is no catch. Plenty of women go for the wrong guy, and stay with him long after they realize they could do better. Sabrina is echoing this real life truth. For now, she doesn't even see Jimmy as a possibility. If he makes a real go with someone else, she could realize too late that he is the one for her. And then the characters will spend part of a season with their roles reversed.


PART TWO: MAW MAW

     Maw Maw is senile, so when she meets Mel, who is equally out of it, they both think they are in the 1950's, and Maw Maw is willing to cheat on her husband to be with this new man. This begs the question, did she cheat on him before? Maw Maw does it so willingly, and with no hesitation. Is this a symptom of the disease, or a sign of the woman that she used to be? It wouldn't be all that surprising to learn that Maw Maw used to get around.

     At first, Virginia (Martha Plimpton) is outraged. Since Maw Maw thinks she is cheating, Virginia considers her actions immoral. Burt (Garret Dillahunt), on the other hand, is just relieved that Maw Maw's recent depression is lifting. They argue about the morality of allowing the relationship to go, an actual, interesting debate. While both eventually land on the side of allowing it to happen, Virginia makes some good points before caving. If you are so inclined, this episode might actually give you something to ponder.

     Mel is perfect for her, because he is in the same boat. While it is never mentioned if he is married, he is all for hooking up with Maw Maw, and then going off to war in Korea, as he believes he is about to do, and find a local girl to bed. This makes for an awkward encounter when Maw Maw is taken to his house, only to find him with an Asian woman. Neither Maw Maw nor Mel seems to know what is happening or where they are.

     On a less funny show, jokes like this about people with Alzheimer's would be offensive. Raising Hope avoids that trap because Maw Maw's family genuinely cares for her and tries to make her happy. While her disease is still milked for laughs, she is also treated kindly, and not looked down upon. Caring for a sick relative is a hardship, and Virginia and Burt do it fairly good naturedly, as much as one can be expected to when taking on this responsibility. While things are exaggerated, this series handles things in a light hearted way that sits well with viewers.


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

     Raising Hope airs Tuesday nights at 9:30 p.m. on FOX.