Ready for DIVORCE

Article first published as DIVORCE Review on Seat42F.

DIVORCE is coming to HBO. This dark ‘comedy’ created by Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe) is about a long-married couple with a pair of kids who realize that their relationship just isn’t working any more. As they try to disentangle themselves, they find no shortage of complications and complicated feelings, the idea of dissolution a lot prettier than the reality of it. But, presumably, they’ll have plenty of time to figure it out, assuming the show runs for a few seasons.

At the center of DIVORCE is our couple, Frances (Sarah Jessica Parker, Sex and the City) and Robert (Thomas Haden Church, Wings). They aren’t as screwed up as their friends, the violent Diane (Molly Shannon, Saturday Night Live), her cruel spouse Nick (Tracy Letts, Homeland), or the sad single Dallas (Talia Balsam, Mad Men). But they are dissatisfied enough to engage in infidelity and lack of communication, which culminates in the pilot in a decision to go their separate ways. If only it were that easy or quick, the choice one they will have to make repeatedly before they can fully get out.

One may be forgiven for thinking that Sarah Jessica Parker’s return to HBO is simply a portrayal of the next evolution of her Sex and the City character. After all, Carrie Bradshaw was neurotic and annoying, never sure what she wanted, and self-sabotaging. That SJP made the character likeable anyway is a testament to the fully fleshed out being that she created, because on paper it’s hard to sympathize with Carrie, and it’s very possible Carrie and her end-game beau, John, a.k.a. Mr. Big, headed down a similar path as Frances and Robert sometime in their future.

Yet, DIVORCE isn’t a treated as a continuation. Part of that is the much more melancholy friends surrounding Frances, and part of it is the utter lack of cheeriness that pervades the series. At Carrie’s lowest, one knew she would pick herself back up. Frances doesn’t have the same guaranteed rebound, definitely in a tailspin that will take awhile to work itself out, if it ever does. There’s no happy ending or even happy middle on the horizon in this show.

To some, that might be a turn off, and I’d understand that. But HBO viewers are probably, on the whole, a little more discerning, in search of the higher quality programming that makes them think and feel and surprises them, not just a joyous formula. So I think it has a shot at finding its audience.

DIVORCE is good. Not surprisingly so, just as good as expected. It gives a realistic portrayal of something society usually shies away from delving too deeply into. It does so by painting a portrait of a couple that is at once both authentic and dramatic. Neither of the duo are one thing, building years of unseen backstory and emotional history into every conversation, every word chosen. There is a bond here that is formed in a thousand ways over the years, and each of them show in every line of dialogue.

I think Frances sees herself as both a very average, normal person who anyone could understand, and as a victim of a situation she isn’t completely sure what she wants to do with. It’s egotistical, but not any more so than most people, and the contradictions are of the most natural variety. SJP isn’t one of my favorite actresses, but she can do amazing things with the right parts, and this is one of them for her.

At the same time, THC perfectly balances her and brings so much more to the table with Robert than a blank slate for Frances to play off of. He is just as important, even if he’s not as in focus, and the combination is a winning one.

DIVORCE premieres October 9^th at 10/9c on HBO.

Enlightened may not be the "Agent of Change" it hopes

Article first published as Enlightened may not be the "Agent of Change" it hopes on TheTVKing.

HBO's Enlightened brings its second season (and possibly series) to an end this week with "Agent of Change." The proverbial crap hits the fan as Jeff's (Dermot Mulroney) article about Abaddon becomes public knowledge. Amy's (Laura Dern) part in it is fully exposed, costing her her job. Before she goes quietly or triumphantly off into the night though, she burns a few more bridges.

Amy is a polarizing character you tend to either love or hate. Despite enjoying the show, I don't like the lead very much. I don't know if this is a testament to Dern for creating such a specific persona, one who is realistic and recognizable, even if not very likeable, or if they series' writers misjudge just how far Amy can be taken. I feel like this is why the show struggles to build a following.

That being said, I do still want Amy to have a happy ending. She is the protagonist, and we've spent enough time watching her. She is a pain and her self-righteousness causes more harm than good. But, at the end of the day, she should still find her niche. "Agent of Change" doesn't get her there, but it does leave her in a place of success, at least on certain fronts.

It's funny when Amy gets a meeting with the head of Abaddon, Charles Szidon (James Rebhorn, White Collar, Homeland). It takes no time at all for Szidon to convince Amy that he's a good guy who's trying his best. His earnestness and apparent sincerity could sway fans of the show, too. Yet, Amy should not be moved, given the evidence she's seen. She should be able to look past his words and remember his crimes, figuring he only offers her the dream job because it makes him look good. The fact that she doesn't, changing her mind at the drop of a hat, exposes the flimsiness and weakness of her personality, a lack of utter conviction about anything.

This wishy-washiness extends to Amy's romantic life, too. She is plenty willing to blow off Levi (Luke Wilson), a man who has gone to great lengths to get his life together for her, and whom she has strung along for awhile, when she is sleeping with Jeff. Yet, when Jeff asks for a break, whose house does she go to for comfort? Yep, Levi's. Her actions are not fair to either man.

I don't believe that Jeff doesn't care for Amy. I'm not convinced he's in love with her, but it does seem like he's asking for the time apart for professional reasons, not because he is using her for information. The glowing way in which he writes about her in his article, as well as his query as to whether she is OK after everything blows up, shows us this. If Enlightened does get a third season, it could be interesting to watch Jeff and Levi fight over Amy, especially when the "winner" who gets her could, in actuality, end up the loser.

The most uncomfortable thing Amy does in "Agent of Change" doesn't come from her guy troubles, or her final showdown with Szidon, where she grows a backbone at last. No, the worst scene is when Amy ruins her fragile relationship with Krista (Sarah Burns). Just when they rebuild a friendship, Amy storms into Krista's hospital room, not long after Krista gives birth, and lobbies angry accusations and profanity against an innocent woman. It's totally in character, but it's exactly why Krista has distanced herself from Amy in the first place. There is most likely no coming back from this for Amy.

The best moment of the episode, in my opinion, is when Dougie (Timm Sharp) tries to help Amy get out of the building with her evidence against Abaddon. He tells her that she's been a terrible employee, but he still wants to hang out with her, and he supports her mission. Friends can be found in the most unlikely of places, and to see them come together is heartwarming.

It's also nice that Amy salvages Tyler's (Mike White) budding arrangement with Eileen (Molly Shannon, Saturday Night Live), and, after kicking her daughter out of her home, Helen (Diane Ladd) finds something to be proud of Amy for. These are the touches that makes Enlightened worth watching, even at its most uncomfortable moments.

What would a third season of Enlightened look like? Obviously, Amy would not be at her job any longer, and that would make it hard to keep all of her co-workers in the cast. Tyler and Dougie, at least, lost their jobs, too, so maybe they would latch on to whatever Amy does next. But Krista would likely be gone, which, while I liked her, would not be a big loss, since her arc comes to a close so neatly this week. And obviously Amy would have another cause to go after in some half-thought out way.

"Agent of Change" is nice because it really brings things to a close in a way that makes sense. There may be some things that end uncomfortably, and plenty of balls left up in the air, but if Enlightened should be done, there is enough finished to not be too disappointing.

"Dream On" Glee!

     This summer, I'll be going back to review the season one episodes of FOX's Glee. These are fresh reviews, not reposts, and I hope you will enjoy reliving the first season with me.

     The season one Glee episode "Dream On" is about dreams, obviously. An old nemesis of Will's (Matthew Morrison), Bryan Ryan (Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother) is the newest member of the school board. After having his own dreams of being a performer dashed, Bryan decides that the glee club should be cut, as a favor to the kids who are in it. Will fights him on it. Jesse (Jonathan Groff) encourages Rachel (Lea Michele) to seek out her mother, while Artie (Kevin McHale) struggles anew with his crippling condition.

     Neil Patrick Harris is amazing in "Dream On," even when given a mediocre character, which Bryan is. This is because Bryan changes his opinion and motivations every few hours on a number of whims. Some people are flighty, to be sure, but to go from wanting to cut the arts, to championing them, back to cutting, then to ambivalence, in a few short days does not a realistic character make. Yes, Bryan has more than a few issues to work out. In the end, trading his favors for a part in a community theater production? Not acceptable. Which begs the question, how did such an unstable man get onto the school board, and why is he given any power at all over which programs get money, and how much, at McKinley High?

     Thankfully, Harris saves the Glee appearance from being a waste with his duets with Will. While Bryan makes a great friend or foe to Mr. Schue, but can't make up his mind which he is, his plot falls flat. But his musical ability soars. The two first sing together in a bar to the classic "Piano Man." Later, they war with "Dream On," trying to get the same part in a production of Les Miserables. Both songs, even with such different tones, are great numbers, with terrific vocals. As such, Harris's guest spot in "Dream On" is at least partially a success.

     Also, in a too brief sequence, Bryan goes up against Sue (Jane Lynch). He defends the actual merits of arts education, something that is far too often forgotten about in school budgets. Sue argues the pros of athletics. Both get their facts right on the benefits research touts for both of these extremely important fields. Unfortunately, Sue gets reality completely wrong when she claims districts are much more likely to cut sports than music. It's far more often the exact opposite, a real shame in this reviewer's opinion. With an obesity epidemic happening, yes, physical education is important. But so is nourishing one's mind and soul, and the pluses the fine arts add to other academic areas are extremely valuable. Schools need to realize that these things are core, not extracurricular, and they should not be pawns on the chopping block.

     Plus, angry sex between Sue and Bryan! It's both regrettable and charitable that the carnal acts they engage in, or are hinted at engaging in, are never shown on Glee in any manner. While such a scene would be hilarious, and likely well handled by the wonderful Lynch and Harris (funnily enough, both homosexual in real life), it would also be deeply disturbing. It's probably a good thing that Glee backs off from showing too much, especially at the relatively early time of the evening at which the series airs. It's still a family-friendly show, for the most part, after all.

     Slightly confusing is, why is Will able to give Bryan his part in Les Miserables? We're talking a lead handing his reigns to an extra with no input from the people making the show. It couldn't happen. "Dream On!" Not only that, Bryan is almost as good as Will, if not even with him. Why is Bryan given such an unimportant role instead of one of the other leads? While both may want Jean Valjean, it makes sense, given their levels of talent, that one gets that part, and the other is given Javert, an almost equally important role. Plus, the two characters are foes, so it works for Will and Bryan, storywise. It is just not possible Lima is teeming with such talent that Bryan should be regulated to a nothing part.

     Ironically, it's not Will nor Bryan that end up singing any songs from Les Miserables in "Dream On," but Shelby (Idina Menzel) and Rachel that do. Their "I Dreamed a Dream" is both memorable and stunning. No less than one would expect given both ladies' statures in the Broadway world. It's a bold, brilliant choice for their first duet together. While not actually being in the same room, continuity-wise, despite appearances, it's a cool way to show mother and daughter in that relationship for the first time on Glee, and emphasize what Rachel has inherited. Great job!

     Backing up slightly, the story leading to Rachel finding Shelby is actually quite interesting. It now makes sense why Jesse gives up Vocal Adrenaline for the New Directions - he's being loyal to a director that has helped him win several national titles. His falling for Rachel is convincing, too. There clearly is a definite attraction between the pair, and while Shelby only asks Jesse to "befriend" Rachel, a reasonable request, it's funny how Jesse twists that into "seduce" when he begins to have feelings for his fellow show choir star. This gives weight to Jesse's later argument that his love for Rachel is real, not an act.

     Somewhat confusing is why Artie allows Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz) to reawaken hope in him in "Dream On," long after he gives up believing he will ever walk again. Artie's dream of dancing seems to come out of nowhere, since he seems accepting of his fate up til now. Tina's looking into promising medical research, sparking Artie to hope, is even more confounding. Which is it? Is Artie OK with how he is, or not? If he's not, and dancing is his dearest wish, than he would already be doing the research himself. If he is, as appears more likely, given the character's overall arc in Glee, why allow himself to be swayed so quickly and completely? The only possible explanation, flimsy as it is, given the weight of the situation, is that Artie is entranced by Tina, and for a pretty girl, men will do almost anything.

     That being said, Artie's "The Safety Dance" is an incredibly moving scene. At first, it may seem bizarre that, one day after Artie's doctor starts "all" of the experimental treatments, he is able to get up and dance around. However, as more of Artie's friends suddenly show up and join in on the flash mob, it quickly becomes apparent that this is Artie's dream. And in a perfect world, one in which a dream lives, things would go exactly like that. As the music stops, and Artie falls dejected back into his chair, one's heart breaks in sympathy. It's quite a well done bit, made even better by the lack of special effects, since actor McHale can actually walk and dance just fine.

     It's really a shame that McHale and Ushkowitz are not very good actors. Their inability to express the emotions in a dramatic way take away from the episode, and make the whole thing less effective than it should be. Artie's number succeeds because of the music and direction, not McHale's acting ability, or lack thereof. It really baffles that these two continue to be main characters on Glee when the awesome Lauren Zizes (Ashley Fink) and fun Sam (Chord Overstreet) are cut from the New Directions in season three, and their portrayers can't get full-time contracts, leaving the latter to depart the series. Loyalty is noble, but giving fans the best should also be a goal of Glee.


Random Bits:

• Dream On" is directed by the legendary Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, Dollhouse). Joss also directed Neil Patrick Harris in his internet musical sensation, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along-Blog.
   
• Seeing Bryan and Will in flashback may be slightly gratuitous, but it is more than welcome. That hair! Those clothes!
   
• In the flashback, Bryan does a brief magic trick. Neil Patrick Harris is a known magician.
   
• As will talks to Bryan in the bar, trying to convince him that dreams are worth believing in, "Dream Weaver" plays in the background. Perfect!
   
• Brenda Castle (Molly Shannon, Saturday Night Live) makes her second and last appearance on Glee in "Dream On." It's very brief, and she doesn't even get to interact with any of the main characters!
   
• Brenda does interact, though, with Russell, who is played by John Michael Higgins (Happily Divorced). This is cool because Higgins played Shannon's love interest in her failed sitcom Kath & Kim the year prior to this episode.
   
• Rachel hypothesizes that Broadway great Patti LuPone might be her mom. Funnily enough, in the season two finale, Rachel meets LuPone in New York City, guest starring as herself.
   
• Making Quinn's (Dianna Agron) biggest dream "No stretch marks," and Puck's (Mark Salling) "3some" may be funny, but it trivializes two characters Glee has tried to give depth to. It's not surprising they want those things, but the writers could do better with their "biggest dreams."
   
• In the sweet closing number of "Dream On," Tina dances with Mike Chang (Harry Shum Jr.). Perhaps this is the moment she begins to fall out of love with Artie, and into it with Mike?
   
• Worst line ever, in the cheesy department. Will says, "I'm trading my one dream for the chance that all thirteen of you might find yours." I'm sure this is supposed to be touching, but instead, it's gag inducing.
   
• Glee finally gets something about Ohio right! Lima IS in Allen County! Also, while Cedar Point is much closer to Lima, and a far superior theme park, King's Island does have the better shows, so Bryan's tenure there also works.

     Check back for the final three Glee season one reviews later today!

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

     To purchase Glee DVDs, streaming episodes, music, and more, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Glee - "Dream On" on Blogcritics.

Glee has a "Bad Reputation"

     This summer, I'll be going back to review the season one episodes of FOX's Glee. These are fresh reviews, not reposts, and I hope you will enjoy reliving the first season with me.


     Season one's "Bad Reputation" finds the characters on FOX's Glee either wanting to attract or shed their bad reputations. Sue's (Jane Lynch) mojo is hit hard when Kurt (Chris Colfer) steals and uploads a self-made music video of her singing "Physical," which quickly goes viral. To get even, when no kids steps forward to take the blame, Sue tells Emma (Jayma Mays) about Will's (Matthew Morrison) trysts with Shelby (Idina Menzel) and April (Kristin Chenoweth), and encourages her to stage a public confrontation. Rachel (Lea Michele) is so desperate to get some cred that she drives away all three of the guys that care about her in the process.

     This episode of Glee perpetuates the "high school never ends" theory, as the adults act just as catty as the kids when insulting each other. Between Sue, Emma, Will, Ken (Patrick Gallagher), Figgins (Iqbal Theba), and new teacher Brenda Castle (Molly Shannon, Saturday Night Live, Kath & Kim), they snip at each other in a way that normally only children do. It makes them look downright foolish. Perhaps their behavior can be blamed on being around actual teenagers all day, but it's not becoming on a single one of them.

     Will really is kind of a man slut, though, and Emma has every right to be angry at him. While he is still one of the main characters of the series, and thus beloved, his behavior hasn't exactly been loyal to the girl he says he cares about. As such, it's nice to see him called out on his bad behavior, even if done in a juvenile way.

     That Rachel, Kurt, Mercedes (Amber Riley), Artie (Kevin McHale), and Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz) all seek to destroy their own good image, is a crying shame. Realistic for someone their age, yes, but regrettably so. Sure, by the end of the episode Rachel learns her lesson. Sort of. But the others don't, as they continually fail in their schemes to look bad. What kind of example is this to set for the kids that tune into Glee? Example setting aside, it's frustrating to watch. A "Bad Reputation" is not something one should seek out. The only place it serves any positive purpose is in high school, but many adults eventually regret those past mistakes. You get more flies with honey than vinegar, every time. I guess in that metaphor, attracting flies is a good thing.

     Everyone struggles with who they are in high school. Quinn (Dianna Agron) is exposed as the maker of the dreadful "glist" without being hated for it, by Will and viewers, because it allows her to show a really vulnerable part of herself. Similarly, Puck (Mark Salling) complains about how people think he's behind anything bad that happens, even though he's got lines that he doesn't cross. As such, while sometimes it is hard to like these characters, a little insight makes them much more sympathetic.

     I guess Glee's attempt to teach a lesson comes when Sue, the victim for once, gets good fortune, instead of bad. Olivia Newton John (herself) is so impressed with Sue's homemade video that she asks Sue to help her re-shoot a new version of "Physical." This brings Sue much positive attention and fame, turning around an embarrassing situation. While most times fans will root for Sue to fail, this time only, she deserves a little success. As the popular saying goes, two wrongs don't make a right, and what Kurt and his friends do to Sue is not right.

     It's worth wondering if the "Physical" video isn't a direct result of the heaps of positive attention piled on Sue's previous video effort, "Vogue," in "The Power of Madonna." This second one is not nearly as fresh and entertaining, at least to a straight man. But it feels very much in the same vein. Obviously, "Physical" did not attract as much internet attention as "Vogue," and the two are not followed up by more Sue videos in the near future. A shame, as the first one is really something special.

     Or perhaps this video is done because Olivia Newton John, as she says in "Bad Reputation," just really wants to remake a terrible video, as her original version is. Glee provides a good platform to do so.

     Besides "Physical," production value is up in other performances in "Bad Reputation," too. Rachel's "Run Joey Run," whatever message it sends, it a great piece of artistry. Casting this love song with three guys, Jesse (Jonathan Groff), Finn (Cory Monteith), and Puck, changes the meaning of the lyrics, and makes fans consider the piece a whole new way. It also looks fantastic, with its elaborate sets and alternating picture qualities. Trouble, it may be, but it's a wonderful bit for Glee as a series.

     "Total Eclipse of the Heart" is nice. The image of everyone walking away from Rachel at the end works well. The segments of her and Jesse dancing ballet fit in really nicely, too, with the melody. While not particularly stand out, it is well executed, and appreciated. Also, a toned down piece is kind of a nice ending for an episode so filled with high energy performances.

     "Ice Ice Baby" is lots of fun! It's great that the New Directions split up into three small dance groups. Will is right; even a song whose reputation has been trashed can most definitely be good again.

     "Can't Touch This" is entertaining, as well, but not as good as "Ice Ice Baby." Perhaps this is because of the small number of performers. It could also be because the Ancient Librarian (Jean Sincere, The Incredibles) calls it "cute," which ruins it for the audience, as much as it does the kids performing it.


Random Bits:

• I don't know if it's necessary to have Rachel break character at the end of "Run Joey Run" with her signature smile, but it feels incredibly fitting for the character.

• What a cute touch to Rachel's video in "Bad Reputation" to use Santana (Naya Rivera) and Brittany (Heather Morris) as angels! Is it just a visual nicety, or is Rachel attempting to look as slutty as they are know to be when she eventually joins them?

• Also in "Run Joey Run," look for the cameo by Sandy Ryerson (Stephen Tobolowsky)! It doesn't make much sense that Rachel would ask him to take part in her project, but Tobolowsky is always a fun addition.

• Mercedes, when speaking about her reputation as an angry girl, asserts that she's "not angry," but instead, "sassy." Gotta love it! And it's accurate.

• While most of Olivia Newton John's brief appearance is mostly a positive image of her, it's kind of fun that Glee goes over the top with mentioning all of the charities she works with. It actually starts to backfire for her image when she is portrayed as THAT good.

• Watch closely in the library and choir room for curly-haired ginger Jesse Heiman. He does not have any lines, and is only in one episode of Glee, but serves a similar purpose on other shows, often uncredited, most notably recurring on Chuck. America's favorite extra of the past decade?
   
• "Bad Reputation" introduces Brenda Castle. Sadly, like many guest stars passing through the halls of Glee, Brenda is only in two episodes, and then disappears. Too bad. Shannon is a fine actress.
   
• Ancient Librarian, as she is credited, will also appear in two more Glee episodes in season two, played by the same actress: "Duets" and "Silly Love Songs."

     Check back for another season one Glee review soon!

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

     To purchase Glee DVDs, streaming episodes, music, and more, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Glee - "Bad Reputation" on Blogcritics.

Neighbors From Hell is hell to watch

     I hate to bash two new TBS show's within one week, especially because with Neighbors From Hell they really seem to be trying something news.  The problem is, it sucks.  I had a hard time getting through the first episode, which premieres tonight at 10pm.  I don't plan on giving it a second try.  None of the jokes landed, the animation was unpleasant, the voices were annoying, and some of the sight gags were pretty sick.

     This disappoints me because this was a show I was looking forward to.  It's got talent behind it, including producers from South Park, one of the best animated shows on television.  The voice cast includes such greats as Kurtwood Smith (That 70's Show), Molly Shannon (Saturday Night Live), and Patton Oswalt (The United States of Tara), although the last is unrecognizable.  Unfortunately, these ingredients do not gel into something watchable.

     The premise is simple enough:  Balthazar (Will Sasso) is sent to earth with his family to stop a drill from boring into hell.  Balthazar was chosen because he watches a lot of television, so it is assumed he will be able to blend in.  Unfortunately for Satan, Balthazar likes humans too much to really hurt them.  One wonders what the charm is, though, when the humans in the show act at least as rude and hate-filled as the demons, often more so.  Are we supposed to be amused that we're stupid and mean?

     If you want to check it out, tune in tonight at 10pm on TBS.

SNL: Betty White is not too old for this s***

     Last night's special Mother's Day edition of NBC's Saturday Night Live was a ratings hit, and an audience's delight.  Despite the over three decades the show has been on the air, and the nearly twice that that Betty White has been active in show business, the two had never come together until the 88 year old hosted last night's show.  She had been offered the gig several times, but turned it down, and so SNL had stopped asking.  Then came a recent facebook group, pleased with White's Snickers commercial during this year's Super Bowl, and she decided she couldn't let down the half a million fans petitioning for her.

     The show started surprisingly rocky.  The opening sketch before the theme song was one that has been done on the show before, and despite featuring white and all six SNL female alum who joined her on screen, it stunk.  However, once that was out of the way, the episode was quite good.  White played a nursing home cop in CSI: Sarasota, was McGruber's disturbing grandmother, and, along with several great movie references, made the recurring sketch "Scared Straight" actually funny!  A touching tribute of the current and guest cast singing "Thank You For Being a Friend" to her turned into White donning a ski mask and beating the hell out of them.  In segment after segment, White proved that she should have taken the job years ago.

     The outpouring of emotion directed at White by both the actors sharing the stage and the audience was apparent.  Jay-Z dedicated a touching rendition of "Forever Young" to her, and as she was handed multiple bouquets of flowers at the end, surely tears came to many an eye.  Unfortunately, Jay-Z did not appear in any skits, despite rumors that he would.

     Joining White were a slew of female alum, which, unfortunately, didn't leave room for the current cast to do all that much.  However, they certainly showed that they were missed.  Ana Gasteyer and Molly Shannon brought back their famous NPR radio show sketch, Shannon also appeared as Sally O'Mally, and Maya Rudolph brought back Whitney Houston.  "Really With Seth (Meyers) and Amy" (Poehler) was resurrected, and added to as "Really With Seth, Amy, and Tina" (Fey).  Rachel Dratch didn't reprise any popular characters, because her Debbier Downer sketch was sadly cut (it can be seen at this link), but she's always welcome in good comedy.  Also cut, but on Hulu, are a Bronx Beat, Joyologist Helen Madden, and C-SPAN's coverage of the Times Square Bomber.  The night ended with Tina and Betty doing a hilarious U.S. Census questionnaire.  Betty was sweet, with plenty of profanity.

     All in all, it was a great night for the show and a triumph for Ms. White.  I certainly wouldn't call in the funniest episode of Saturday Night Live ever, or even of this season, but it was familiar, emotionally moving, and what it needed to be.  Kudos to all involved.

     Saturday Night Live airs Saturday nights at 11:30pm on NBC.

Neil Patrick Harris's role on Glee sure to be Legen - wait for it - dary, and that's not all!

***WARNING!!!  THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS MANY SPOILERS ABOUT UPCOMING EPISODES OF GLEE. ***
    Neil Patrick Harris, currently co-starring in the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother, and formerly of Doogie Howser, M.D. and Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, is coming to Glee!  It's been a big week for NPH news, as it was also released that he would star as a human who meets tiny blue creatures in the new Smurfs movie.  The movie will begin shooting next month in Central Park.
     But what of NPH on TV's most popular new show?  Word is that Harris will appear in an episode of Fox's Glee, which is taking a far too-long break while American Idol runs, during May sweeps as a former classmate and rival of Will's (Matthew Morrison).  Apparently, Neil's character, named cheekily 'Bryan Adam', not only competed with the current glee club director for parts, but bested him often.  Now Bryan is a member of the school board for the high school, and wants to get rid of the arts program, blaming his success in it as ill preparing him for later life.  The episode will feature plenty of flash back fun and a huge duet between the two men.  It will also be directed by Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon, who cast Harris in his internet sensation Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, and who is rumored to be planning a sequel.
     Setting aside just how awesome that will all surely be, Glee has had plenty of other excitement.  For instance, President Obama is having the cast over to the White House on Easter Monday for the annual Easter Egg Roll.  Saturday Night Live vet Molly Shannon has joined the cast in a recurring capacity, beginning in May, as an enemy for Sue (Jane Lynch), playing an alcoholic, pill-addicted, badminton coach who teaches astronomy.  Olivia Newton John (Grease) will make an appearance.  Terri (Jessalyn Gilsig) will sing and try to win Will back.  The Puck (Mark Salling) / Rachel (Lea Michele) pairing will be revisited.  There will be an entire Madonna-themed episode, with many, many songs.  And best of all, Sue will sing!!!
     The show, unsurprisingly, has already been renewed for a second season.  This coming summer, kids will compete in a reality show to fill three new roles in Glee next fall, including a boyfriend for Kurt (Chris Colfer), an R&B singer who is also on the football team, and a brand new diva.  And this May, the current cast will do seven concerts in Phoenix, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.   Whew!  That's a lot of Glee dish.  Tune in on Fox Tuesday, April 19th at 9pm to catch the next new episode of Glee.

Betty White: hotter than ever

     And by hotter, I mean in demand.  No offense to the former Golden Girl, and sure, she looks great for her age, but senior citizens aren't really my thing.  :)  However, big news on the heels of her Superbowl commercial success:  Betty White may soon be hosting Saturday Night Live!  This is more than a rumor, but it's not yet a done deal, either.  Yet, being the key word, as talks are currently in progress.
     The hub bub started with a facebook group. which at the time of this writing, had over 425,000 fans and is steadily climbing, started petitioning for her.  The 88 year old actress has surprisingly never hosted the long running sketch comedy.  However, with SNL in a slump, and White as amazing as ever, when would be a better time for the two to unite?  To help the aging star handle the workload of hosting the 90 minute program, it has been suggested that she bring out other Ladies of Comedy to assist.  Rumor is that former SNL cast members Molly Shannon, Amy Poehler, and the fantastic Tina Fey would be on board as her entourage.  As giddy as I would be for a White-hosted episode, imagining all of these wonderful comediennes together seems even better.
     White, who starred in such comedies as The Golden Girls, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Boston Legal certainly has the comedic chops to pull off such a project.  Fey (30 Rock) has been reportedly thinking about bringing back the hugely popular Sarah Palin impersonation.  Poehler's Parks and Recreation may easily be the most improved show this year.  And despite the failure of last season's Kath & Kim, we all know Shannon can handle the laughs.