Two Four SIX Eight

Article first published as SIX Review on Seat42F.

History Channel begins its eight-episode series tonight entitled SIX. A fictionalized account of the activities of SEAL Team Six, a.k.a. those guys that took out Bin Laden, it covers a bunch of men who serve hard in the field, and the homes they come back to. In the central thread, a former member of their squad, now working in the private industry, has been captured by terrorists, and his comrades must get him back before the bad guys do something horrible to him. But it’s also about their relationships with their wives and one another, too.

The Seal Team SIXers are Bear (Barry Sloane, Revenge), Alex (Kyle Schmid, Copper), Buddha (Juan Pablo Raba, Narcos), and Robert Chase (Edwin Hodge, Chicago Fire). Each of the first three has some slight differentiation, but are pretty much bearded white guys who aren’t young any more, but aren’t old either. They care about brotherhood, they care about children, and they care about their country. Robert is the new guy, because there’s always a new guy, and some of the plot deals with him integrating into the group.

The problem with SIX is, this is not a lot to hang a show on. I know military dramas aren’t exactly meant for everyone, but the very good ones, like HBO’s The Pacific, are enjoyable to a broad audience. SIX has much less complex characters, lacks the development of the moral conflict, and reduces its bad guys to one-note stereotypes of its better forbearers. Subject matter aside, in the age of peak TV, that isn’t the way to make a show that people will want to tune into. It’s shallow and boring.

I applaud that two wives, Lena (Brianne Davis, Hollywood Heights) and Jackie (Nadine Velazquez, The League), are part of the main cast. But neither is interestingly sketched enough to hold much attention. They are pretty much just there to have emotional conflict with their spouses, with few characteristics to set them apart as individuals.

That’s too bad, because the idea of showing families of the soldiers is a strong one that helps humanize them and draws the very stark contrast between their professional and personal lives. The nature of this groups’ work is such that they aren’t on the long deployments, instead sent on targeted missions, and they get to spend a lot of time back in the U.S. The dichotomy is rich territory to explore that SIX underuses majorly.

The show does pick up a bit when it focuses on Rip (Walton Goggins, Justified, The Shield), the former team member who has been captured. Part of this is because there’s more action and depth to Rip’s scenes, and part of it is because Goggins is a magnificent, magnetic actor who captures audience attention easily. Rip is far from a saint, but I would expect nothing less from this actor, who excels at playing shady characters whose redemption you root for, even while knowing there’s a fifty-fifty chance, at best, he will come to the light.

Still, that’s not enough to save a series that drags and is only thinly drawn. I think the concept of SIX is a good one, and I am definitely in favor a television program that shows the reality of war and deals with the mental state of the modern United States serviceman or woman. Something like that is important in this age of long, drawn-out conflicts that mostly go on to the ignorance of the American public, who know very little about the reality of the situation. Unfortunately, SIX isn’t that, it’s a mediocre series, and it will do little to shine the spotlight where it needs to be shone.

SIX premieres tonight at 10/9c on History Channel.

KILLER WOMEN Typical Genre Series

Article first published as KILLER WOMEN Review at Seat42F.

ABC’s new series, KILLER WOMEN, adapted from an Argentina drama, follows Molly Parker (Tricia Helfer, Battlestar Galactica), the daughter of a sheriff who has managed to make it as a Texas Ranger, despite the organization being male-dominated. She’s tough as nails, having survived a horrible marriage to a senator (Jeffrey Nordling, Body of Proof), but still has sympathy for her fellow women, and relaxes while playing the trumpet.

If that sounds like a perfectly crafted television character, you’d be right. She’s a bit too perfectly crafted, to be honest, verging on a stereotype. While it’s true that most law enforcement procedurals star men, Molly is exactly what we’d expect a girl to be in this situation. Tough, but vulnerable, fair and dedicated to justice.

Which makes her a bit boring. It’s likely a good vehicle for Helfer, because she plays the part to a tee, but the show itself cannot be sustained in an interesting way on this character’s shoulders. She’s too pure and easy to root for, without the unexpected layers and unpredictability that would make her a fascinating study. Basically, Molly is bland.

Those in her life don’t do her many favors in that regard, either. Molly has been living with her brother, Billy (Michael Trucco, Battlestar Galactica), his wife, Becca (Marta Milans, Valientes), and their daughter, Lulu (Siena Agudong, Second Chances). They are plain old, what-you-see-is-what-you-get ranchers. The only scene involving them that made any impact being the brief one in which Molly gets mad at her sibling for talking to her niece about the divorce.

Molly also has a love interest in fellow law enforcement officer Dan Winston (Marc Blucas, Necessary Roughness), but like her, Dan lacks edge. Sure, they step over the line together, but only in the noblest of causes, and it all works out. They also lack the heated chemistry that most viewers will be looking for, seeming far too tame a pair, unsurprising for Blucas, but disappointing all the same.

In the “Pilot,” a woman (Nadine Velazquez, My Name Is Earl) shots a bride at her wedding point blank. It takes only a little bit of the episode’s running time to catch her, but that isn’t the end of the story. While the regular cops want to put the case to bed, Molly takes it upon herself to not only see something else going on, but to pursue it without support. Which, no surprise, leads to a happy ending.

I believe this plot is meant to illustrate exactly who Molly will be. Everything from the initial car chase, an action-packed scene in which Molly is somehow the only one who can stop the vehicle, to a touching moment behind bars, shows us what Molly is like, how she will stand up for her ideals, and how her colleagues will seek to stand in her way.

Again, this is pretty basic crime drama stuff. Molly’s experience is nothing new, woman or not, as many a cop faces the exact same circumstances. The fact that she is a girl is not nearly fresh enough to save the series itself.

What’s more, KILLER WOMAN will very clearly be a case-of-the-week program. I understand that there are a number of such shows that get high ratings, and perhaps that’s why networks keep making more and more of them. At the same time, it’s frustrating when a cookie cutter is used over and over again, rather than straying from the worn path to deliver something fresh and new. Since this show doesn’t have anything unique to offer, it will not be added to my TiVo’s Season Pass list. I’ll probably never watch it again.

As far as the genre goes, KILLER WOMAN is a decent effort. But the genre is bloated and tired. It’s time to put it to the rest. KILLER WOMEN premieres Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.

TV Review: ‘The League’ – ‘Baby Geoffrey Jesus’ and ‘The 8 Defensive Points of Hanukkah’

Article first published as TV Review: ‘The League’ – ‘Baby Geoffrey Jesus’ and ‘The 8 Defensive Points of Hanukkah’ on Blogcritics.

FXX’s The League ended season five with a two-part episode this week. In the first, “Baby Geoffrey Jesus,” Ruxin (Nick Kroll) is upset when his young son, Geoffrey, is chosen to play the part of Jesus in his Catholic school play, insisting that Geoffrey practice Judaism like his father sort of does. This battle continues in “The 8 Defensive Points of Hanukkah” as Ruxin tries to bring the holiday into his home and vanquish Christmas.

There are other subplots happening in these two episodes, as The League is about an ensemble cast, but Ruxin is certainly a fan favorite, in that viewers love to hate him, so it’s kind of fun to let him be front and center in the final hour of the year. He earns many a laugh, as usual.

Ruxin isn’t exactly a faithfully practicing Jew, but he does tend to think differently of himself than others do, and gets very upset when people question those characteristics he claims to have. He uses Judaism to get his way more than actually honoring the faith. This is obvious when his rabbi calls him out on his ill behavior towards his friends, and also when he manipulates his brother-in-law, Rafi (Jason Mantzoukas), into converting.

Ruxin’s intention is not to help Rafi bed Ruxin’s sister (Lizzy Caplan, Masters of Sex), which he unintentionally does, but rather, to have Rafi influence Ruxin’s son, Geoffrey (Adam Karchmer), since Geoffrey looks up to Rafi. Ruxin has to go through Rafi because he stands no chance in talking Geoffrey’s mother, Sofia (Nadine Velazquez) into anything, and she wants their child to be Christian.

Ruxin and Sofia have a very strange relationship, and for the longest time I wondered what she gets out of the deal. She’s hot, so that’s Ruxin’s reason for wanting to be with her, but Ruxin, while making a comfortable living, isn’t rich, he’s pretty much a total jerk, and she actually seems to care about him. Maybe she likes getting her way, though, and knows she can with Ruxin, who is vulnerable to the power of her charms.

As usual, Ruxin’s plot fails, though he does get a happy moment when he is able to pass off the Sacko Ruxin trophy to Kevin (Stephen Rannazzisi). The League must toss Ruxin some victories periodically, and his inappropriate dance backed up by a gospel choir in a church is one of his more memorable gloats. It’s moments like these, horribly offensive, and yet terribly funny, that make The League so enjoyable to watch.

While Kevin loses the fantasy football league, thanks to his wife, Jenny’s (Katie Aselton), advice, Jenny wins it all after listening to Kevin. Honestly, who wins and loses isn’t super important, and five years in, it’s hard to keep much weight on that outcome, which is probably why the story point is dropped late in the hour and not the center of the full two episodes. I have to hand it to The League, though; having Kevin and Jenny take home the trophies the way they do is clever and fresh, making this season finale have impact.

Kevin and Jenny do have some martial strife in “Baby Geoffrey Jesus” when Jenny asks her ex-boyfriend, Ben (Ryan Hansen, Party Down), for help with her lineup. Kevin takes this worse than he would learning Jenny has cheated in him, and temporarily crashes with Pete (Mark Duplass) while he pouts. I find it very funny that Kevin lets such a betrayal affect him so deeply, but I also am not surprised, based on the characters, and am glad this is resolved in “The 8 Defensive Points of Hanukkah,” thus leaving the couple intact once more. They seem so good together, overall.

In the last subplot that really counts, Andre (Paul Scheer) stupidly partners with his rival (Parks and Recreation‘s Aziz Ansari) without reading the contract, which results in Andre being sent overseas. At least, that’s what would have happened if Taco (Jonathan Lajoie) and Rafi didn’t accidentally crush the guy’s hand, saving Andre’s job and home. So he has a happy ending, too.

I actually am disappointed by the quick save here. The League walks a delicate balance between allowing their characters to grow but not losing the amazing cast dynamic. In doing so, it is usually conservative in big changes. Yes, only a year ago Andre was facing major upheaval, which took several episodes to work out. But I still would have liked to have seen this go further. After all, there is always a many-months-long break in the action, so Andre could easily just be returning home when the next season begins. And it wouldn’t ruin the show like a Kevin / Jenny divorce would.

Along those lines, it would also be really cool if we had a spring run some time, with installments that weren’t beholden to fantasy football. Much of the regular season has nothing to do with the game, and I’d like some more of that.Maybe six episodes would be appropriate? Though this seems unlikely to happen.

Other than the one minor complaint, both “Baby Geoffrey Jesus” and “The 8 Defensive Points of Hanukkah” are great episodes. The show remains as hilarious as ever, not having lost anything with age, and still finding new ways to go with its story. Andre running a long con on Kevin is fantastic, and so are just about all the other small moments within.  I look forward to whatever they cook up next.

The League has already been renewed will return to FXX for a sixth go-round next fall.

THE LEAGUE Destination "Draft" and "Wedding"

Article first published as THE LEAGUE Review Season 5 Premiere on Seat42F.

FX’s THE LEAGUE, now on FXX, returns for a fifth season this week with “The Bachelor Draft,” followed by the second part of an hour-long story next week, “The Von Nowzick Wedding.” These two episodes find the gang heading out to California for a destination draft / destination wedding. Which is most important depends on who you talk to, and there is one person who is not at all pleased the two are happening on the same weekend.

I don’t know how THE LEAGUE does it, but it seems to get funnier with each and every season. I think it’s because the chemistry between the ensemble has just gelled so well at this point that it feels like catching up with old friends when you sit down to watch an episode. Old friends who mercilessly pick on one another in the best way possible.

We are introduced to another long-time member of the league in “The Bachelor Draft.” Ted (Adam Brody, The O.C.) used to hang with the others, prior to the show’s beginning, but moved to the West Coast. We know he participates remotely, his name having been mentioned before, but this is the first time viewers see him.. Having won last year’s tournament, Ted bids the others come to him for the new draft.

I like Brody’s character. It’s easy to see how he fits, and the relationship he had with the others when he still lived near them. It’s a natural part of life that some friends may move away, but the manner in which Brody picks up with Kevin (Stephen Rannazzisi), Pete (Mark Duplass), Taco (Jonathan Lajoie), and the others feels incredibly natural, as if no time has passed since he’s seen them. I hope he guest stars again soon.

Trixie (Jayma Mays, Glee) doesn’t understand this chemistry. She is marrying Andre (Paul Scheer), the scapegoat of the group, and doesn’t appreciate what fantasy football means to these guys. It’s not hard to imagine how Andre and Trixie might get along away from Andre’s friends; after all, it often seems like Andre doesn’t belong in the gang, having different interests than the others. But Trixie has got to figure out a way to enjoy these people if she wants to stick around, because they are important to Andre.

Will Trixie last as a character? I’m not sure. It’s certain she won’t be another Jenny (Katie Aselton), a valuable main character who appears in each and every episode. But she could be a Sofia (Nadine Velazquez), one who tolerates her husband’s obsessions and just shows up occasionally. She certainly is given numerous reasons to hate the guys in these installments, including during some very odd wedding toasts, but there’s always the chance she may re-occur. Maybe.

Poor Andre is caught in the middle, between the woman he loves, but who is allergic to his sperm, and the friends he loves, but who seem to be allergic to his presence. The latter is hilarious as Andre tries to pick a best man, and each keep trying to shove off the duty on one another. This doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t like Andre, and they would probably be at the ceremony even if the draft wasn’t taking place, but they don’t want to do the things they know Andre will make them do in that role, and it’s not in them to pretend for his sake.

As much as Andre sticks out like a sore thumb among the others, so does Ruxin (Nick Kroll), the heartless, cruel bastard of the group. But through Ruxin in these two new episodes, we see just how important each element is, even if it’s not obvious at first glance.

See, Ruxin is the holder of the Sacko, and being who he is, he does not want to accept the Sacko punishments doled out by his friends. In a pout, he actually quits the league in “The Bachelor Draft,” joining Rafi’s (Jason Mantzoukas) Ultimate League, whose members include some familiar faces I won’t spoil here, instead. But from the moment Ruxin makes this announcement, fans know the situation is temporary.

The other characters will never tell Ruxin that they care about him; it’s just not in their nature. However, we see how they still include him in their gags through the two half-hours. We also see how desperate Ruxin is not to be left out, despite what he says. This illustrates the emotional makeup of the gang far better than words would, anyway.

What this means, though, is that viewers are treated to a number of over-the-top jokes at Ruxin’s expense, eventually leading to, as we know it must, sweet revenge had by Ruxin. That’s just the way THE LEAGUE works, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

One thing both “The Bachelor Draft” and “The Von Nowzick Wedding” do effectively is use their celebrity athlete cameos with wonderful results. Normally, I am not a fan of football players showing up on the series. While I’m sure there are many football fans watching out there, including those that make THE LEAGUE themselves, I hate sports and these bits don’t do anything for me, especially because it usually feels like the appearances are gratuitous and the players can’t act. I have to believe I am not alone in that opinion. However, in this two-part season premiere, THE LEAGUE finally makes the spots work for them in a wonderful way, so this should satisfy both types of fans, those who like football and those who do not.

Basically, what I’m saying is that both of these installments are incredibly amusing, with several laugh-out-loud scenes and some interesting developments. Enjoy them as THE LEAGUE helps launch new network FXX, airing Wednesdays at 10:30 p.m. ET.

The League attends "The Funeral"

     FX's The League completes their fantasy football season and their television season with "The Funeral." The second of two half hours airing last night, "The Funeral" finds Andre (Paul Scheer) struggling to manage stroke victim Ruxin's (Nick Kroll) team, even though Rafi (Jason Mantzoukas) has knives and other ideas. The others asks Pete (Mark Duplass) to throw the Sacko Bowl, lest Ruxin invalidate the season and keep the Shiva, but Pete cannot bring himself to do so. Which throws into jeopardy Kevin's (Stephen Rannazzisi) win of the Shiva. 

     The League is one of the most realistic portrayals of a group of male friends in entertainment. They give each other large amounts of guff, and don't wear their emotions on their sleeves, but they still care. Sure, they all still debate fantasy football and go about their days while Ruxin lies in a hospital bed. But an earlier scene, as they all await news of Ruxin's condition in the waiting room, reveals that they have real concern. It's only after they are assured Ruxin will be fine that they go back to treating him the same way they always have.

     The only weakness is the characters that become chariactures. All of the principal cast members are complex and well defined, even Taco (Jonathan Lajoie), to a certain degree. But Rafi and Ruxin's wife, Sofia (Nadine Velazquez), are not, which hurts the show a little, especially in an episode like "The Funeral" where these supporting players are called upon to give it their all.

     As far as endings go, one might think The League reaches its darkest point at the end of season two when Ruxin laughs fiendishly, having won the title. Yet, it almost seems worse as he declares his continued reign in season three. Perhaps it's the burning pyre, or Pete getting a Sacko brand accidentally burned into his back (this looks like a job for Andre!), but whatever the reason, The League gets into some pretty twisted humor. Which is not necessarily a bad thing.

     Happy news does temper the end of the episode as Kevin learns of Jenny's (Katie Aselton) pregnancy. Only after he is assured that he will soon be a father again does he turn his true focus onto the Shiva, swimming into the frigid water after the burning boat. This says something real and serious about Kevin's character. While not new information that Kevin has a joyous, solid relationship, any example of it is welcome. It turns the end of "The Funeral" from depressing into hopeful. And hopefully the baby will provide some pretty funny stuff for Jenny in season four, especially if she gives birth during the football season, which she likely may, early in the season.

     All in all, "The Funeral" is far from the funniest episode of The League, but it sets up a couple of interesting things, and ties up a decent story.

     The League has been renewed and will return for a fourth season on FX.

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

     Please click here to buy streaming episodes, DVDs, and Blu-rays of The League.

Hart of Dixie is "In Havoc and in Heat"

     The newest episode of the CW's Hart of Dixie, "In Havoc and in Heat," finds a heat wave striking Bluebell. The residents lose inhibition, and begin to act a bit crazier than normal. Zoe Hart (Rachel Bilson) resists, but is soon overcome by her attraction to Wade Kinsella (Wilson Bethel). Similarly, Lemon Breeland (Jaime King) has trouble keeping her mind off of Lavon Hayes (Cress Williams), who she spies on a date while trying to create the perfect evening for George Tucker's (Scott Porter) parents.

     On a quick side note, Nancy Travis's presence in Hart of Dixie is already missed sorely. Please let Last Man Standing be canceled quickly so she can return!

     Having never lived in the south, it's impossible to know if this heat wave effect is legitimate. Based on personal experience, it's odd that the characters are wild and drunk-like, rather than slow and sluggish. Is this real? Or is this just something created for a television drama? After all, none of the people on screen can stop talking about the effect, mentioning it over and over again throughout the hour. Even if the phenomenon exists, it's overdone in "In Havoc and in Heat." A little less heavy dialogue about it would have made for a better episode.

     While still not a fan of Bilson, who seems to be trying too hard to express emotion, the character of Zoe in Hart of Dixie is progressing nicely. Upon arriving in town, she is reviled and pressured to leave by many of the citizens, most notably Lemon and Lemon's father, Brick (Tim Matheson). Brick even finds a clause that will get Zoe removed as his partner if she can't bring in enough business. If he can run her off, he gets the entire practice to himself. This is a major focus of the first few episodes, even after viewers get a chance to witness Zoe doing selfless things, and really helping patients.

     But those things have eased up. Brick isn't giving Zoe too much trouble anymore. Sure, there's the token grumbling when Zoe pulls him from dinner to help her with a mentally unstable woman in "In Havor and in Heat." But he goes, and together, they solve the case. In fact, he seems less resistant to working with her every week. They are beginning to act as a team, a welcome respite from their bickering. Brick tosses Zoe patients. He doesn't seem to be following up on the clause mentioned above. It seems Zoe may finally be settling into Bluebell, and not at such a risk for being run out of town so much anymore.

     Lemon still hates Zoe with a vengeance, but that is probably just jealously. After all, Zoe is stealing away part of Lemon's father's business. Lemon's fiance, George, won't stay away from Zoe, even after being expressly told to. Lavon makes her breakfast. The men most important to Lemon, the ones she cares about, are sharing their attentions with the new doc. Zoe is not just the central character in Hart of Dixie, but also a fixture in these men's lives already. Perhaps one day Lemon and Zoe can be friends, but not until Lemon learns to share a little better.

     Speaking, of Lemon's inability to share, she needs to pick one man and stick with him. Presumably her main squeeze is George, and yet she can't seem to let go of Lavon, who it is hinted at is her ex. Lavon says she ended things between them six months ago, prior to the series start, but Lemon is already planning a wedding with George. Was there overlap? Either way, watching Lemon get flustered when seeing Lavon with Didi (Nadine Velazquez, My Name is Earl, The League) reveals that the blonde is not over the town's mayor. Given that this is a drama, it would not be surprising if Lavon and Lemon are heading towards a renewal of their relationship, especially if it comes on the eve, or just before, Lemon's wedding to George.

     Which will make George's mom (Ilene Graff, Mr. Belvedere) happy. She takes an instant liking to Zoe, unlike her obvious distaste for Lemon. Lemon has her faults, but she is working very hard to please Mrs. Tucker. Why does Mrs. T. hate Lemon so much? Is it the airs Lemon puts up? Her insincerity? If this is the case, surely she can see just how much Lemon is trying? It's nice that the woman likes Zoe, as hopefully Zoe and George will date, for awhile, at least. But her hating Lemon while Lemon is showing her absolute best self is sad, and makes Mrs. Tucker an unlikeable character.

     George may have some competition for Zoe. At first, Zoe sees her neighbor, Wade, as a pesky annoyance. Viewers know that Wade is sweet on Zoe, but it's not in his personality to show it in the traditional way. This may be why it takes a little while for Zoe to start to see Wade as a potential love interest. Yet once she does in "In Havoc and in Heat," and they share the moment on the porch, before the rain cools down Zoe's head, it will be hard to go back. She even smiles at him after, when he catches her skinny dipping. This is one cat that will not be put back in the bag.

     The only question now is, will George or Wade get to Zoe first? Most likely, it will be at the same time, and she will have to choose. But her choice is anyone's guess. Ah, Hart of Dixie. Quite fun, but still an angsty CW drama.

     The heat lets Zoe loosen up in more ways than just considering being a looser woman, sexually. As mentioned above, she strips off her clothes and jumps in a dirty pond. Probably unwise, given that Lavon owns an alligator. Still, nice to see, and not referring to a lecherous manner. It's a continuation of the mellowing that begins in the "Pilot," when Zoe leaves New York City to move to Bluebell in the first place. While she still maintains some of the uptight facade, anyone willing to take such a big risk is well on their way to a personality change. In this case, it's a positive thing.


     Watch Hart of Dixie Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on the CW.

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

     Catch up on streaming episodes of Hart of Dixie.

Article first published as TV Review: Hart of Dixie - "In Havoc and in Heat" on Blogcritics.

New Charlie's Angels is an "Angel With a Broken Wing"

    ABC has rebooted Charlie's Angels. In the first episode, "Angel With a Broken Wing," one of the Angels, Gloria (Nadine Velazquez, My Name is Earl, The League) is killed. The remaining two, Abby (Rachael Taylor, Grey's Anatomy) and Kate (Annie Ilonzeh, General Hospital), must team with Gloria's childhood friend, Eve (Minka Kelly, Parenthood, Friday Night Lights), to take down the man that killed her (Carlos Bernard, 24). A man that wants Eve dead, too, and doesn't mind if other Angels end up as collateral.

     This series is a popcorn drama, pure and simple. There are plenty of action packed fight sequences, and hot girls wearing sexy outfits. Even Bosley (Ramon Rodriguez, The Wire) has been made younger and much more attractive in this newest version. Considering no incarnation of Charlie's Angels is high brow drama, this works just fine. It's an updated version that stays true to the spirit of its origins. On that level, the show works pretty well, and fans should not be disappointed.

     Too bad that's really the only level it has. Taylor, Ilonzeh, and Rodriguez are very decent actors, and Kelly is no slouch. Add to that that Victor Garber (Eli Stone, Web Therapy, Alias) is Charlie, a last minute addition, and there is potential here for something really great. Just because a show is remade doesn't mean it needs to confine itself to limits of the source material. With the ingredients present, a much more delicious, satisfying recipe could come out. But it doesn't. That's not to say that Charlie's Angels isn't worth watching. It's light fair, but it's still tasty. It's just regrettable that it doesn't go the extra mile that it could. It doesn't even keep the cheeky humor of the film versions that made them work so well.

     That being said, the pilot is pretty decent. Kudos to the show for not naming the first episode "Pilot," like almost every other series. Having a title is more interesting. Add to that a nice little origin story of how Eve gets to join the team, and a great guest villain played by Bernard, and it's an entertaining hour of television. There is a definite feel that Charlie's Angels will soon settle into a boring formula. However, given that it airs on ABC instead of CBS, hopefully the writers will embrace some ongoing arcs for the characters.

     Honestly, the best thing for Charlie's Angels would be a swift cancellation, allowing Taylor to return to Grey's Anatomy and the others to seek more worthwhile employment. It's not what's in the show that doesn't work, but what isn't.

     Charlie's Angels airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter

The League Shows Modern Masculinity

Although FX's The League airs on Thursday nights, it was not on last night. In fact, I can't tell you the next time it will be on, though my guess is in about nine months. The fact that The League takes that long a break is probably the most disappointing thing about this awesome, hilarious show, though it's a typical hiatus for a FX program.

Season two ended last week with "The Sacko Bowl" (even though imdb only lists "Kegel the Elf" last week, which was one of two new episodes). It was thrilling to get thirteen episodes, considering season one only had six. The characters are now fully defined, as I have mentioned in past reviews, the show is strongest when the lead characters are all together, usually giving each other grief. This season had plenty of that, including in the finale. It's just a bunch of guys hanging out, interacting as men do. Usually the show stays away from cheesy, though I was amused by the solar eclipse that ended the season when Ruxin won the Shiva Bowl.

The series is a fine example of modern men. Many of us are not the uber-macho, tough guys of old. I am not knocking men that are that old model, as they are still the dominant image, and a number of the men less-so still aspire to be like them. Plenty of us are not blue collar, and don't want to be, though, and masculinity has had to find new ways to exhibit itself in addition to (not replacing) the original. What I love about The League is, though I don't like football, these are my kind of guys. How many of us viewers would not love to spend the night at the bar with Kevin (Stephen Rannazzisi), Taco (Jon Lajoie), Pete (Mark Duplass), and even Ruxin (Nick Kroll), helping them pick on Andre (Paul Scheer)? There is real affection in the group, and it's nice to see those types of guys on TV in such an authentic way.

Although not appearing in every episode, Jenny (Katie Aselton, Duplass's real life wife) fits right in with the boys. Sure, there's the girl thing, and occasionally there may be some slight conflict because she is Kevin's wife, so they may get a little chummy. However, she can trash talk with the rest of them, and they don't censor themselves when she's in the room. I like the element she brings, which was upped a bit as she joined the league partway through this season. In fact, she had one on one scenes with some of the guys, without her husband around, and it was fantastic. It helps that she is cute, smart, and potty mouthed. One of the highlights of this season was when her daughter's teacher played a foul rant back to Jenny that she had posted online. Hopefully next year she will be a full fledged member of the gang, and get more interaction with everyone else.

I also enjoy Ruxin's wife, Sofia (Nadine Velazquez, My Name is Earl), who got more screentime this year. She obviously isn't the type that would be in the league, but it would be nice if they would upgrade her to series regular. She's a nice addition, and she and Ruxin have a very entertaining relationship. Who knows? Maybe down the line Jenny could even persuade her to join in the online fun, even if Sofia will never be the football fan the others are.

I also give kudos to the inclusion of Ruxin and Sofia's son and Kevin and Jenny's daughter in plot. Often, they aren't seen. However, both got some story and screen time late in the season, and it was well handled. Yes, a couple of these guys are father, and it's a very important part of them that isn't always paid attention to. I like that The League was not afraid to address it, and retain their brand of funny at the same time.

I will miss The League during its long absence, and will be very excited for its return. For now, season one has been released on DVD, so I'm looking forward to reliving those original episodes.