"Boston" Beginning of the End for THE NEWSROOM

Article first published as THE NEWSROOM Review Season 3 Episode 1 Boston at Seat42F.

HBO’s stellar series THE NEWSROOM begins a six-episode third and final season this week with “Boston.” I know THE NEWSROOM polarizes people, and many viewers either strongly love or hate it. You can probably tell from the first sentence of this review that I am in the former category, seeing it as a brilliant piece of television that has been killed too early and will be sorely missed. But if you fall into the latter, stick with me briefly, if you would, and I’ll tell you why “Boston” and this show are fantastic.

As some may have already guessed from the episode title, the premiere takes place in the days immediately following the bombing at the Boston Marathon. Explosions go off, killing and injuring many innocents, and the country goes into panic mode. Our team struggles to balance expediency with rebuilding a sterling reputation, refusing to jump the gun in reporting rumors and tweets.

If you watched season two and stay up on current events, you can probably put the pieces together about where “Boston” is going. CNN gets out in front of a story, reporting misinformation, and it causes waves. Remembering the Genoa incident last year, in with ACN made a similar blunder, the staff takes pride in not falling into the trap again. However, with everyone else rushing to cover the latest Twitter and Reddit items, ACN begins losing their ratings share.

This presents a possible end-game for the series. The whole premise of News Night With Will McAvoy is to return to TV journalism’s roots, only reporting well-sourced, fact-based, non-biased information. This goes against the current trend in cable news, and without the immediate feedback that other networks practice, involving the public in the story, News Night risks being a dinosaur. That could kill it.

The depressing thing is, News Night is doing the right thing and everyone else is doing the wrong thing. We need a show like News Night, which currently only exists in this fictional world that Aaron Sorkin has created. It’s commentary on our current system, and those watching it should take note and demand better news. We deserve as much.

There’s another threat looming, too, but I feel like I can’t go into it here without spoiling one of the episode’s beautiful twists, several of which come together at the end of this initial hour to set the stage for the season and provide a driving force.

One thing not hampering the show any more is Reese Lansing (Chris Messina). He remains committed to his people with the newfound respect he develops for them last season. “Boston” very much represents a coming together of the cast with an us-against-the-world attitude. It may end in their version of The Alamo, but it’s one that is inspiring, nonetheless.

Besides Boston, THE NEWSROOM begins an Edward Snowden-esque plot when Neal (Dev Patel) receives thousands of leaked government documents, many of them classified. Another important debate of our time is how much the public has a right to know and if whistle-blowers should be protected. Since the Snowden saga hasn’t finished up in real life yet, Sorkin will have to bring us his version of how this story should end. I look forward to his take on such a complicated issue.

There are tons of moments and touches that make “Boston” a fine example of THE NEWSROOM’s proud run. MacKenzie (Emily Mortimer) and Will (Jeff Daniels) are planning their wedding and not understanding twitter, Sloan (Olivia Munn) uses her considerable genius to solve a puzzle no one even knows needs solving yet, and one of the primary players, who has only worked from the sidelines, finds themselves unexpectedly in front of a camera, with surprising results. And, of course, Will makes an impassioned, blood-pumping speech. These and more get me super excited about the coming season.

I’ve pounded out this review in ten minutes flat mainly because I am so excited that I cannot wait to get back to the other two episodes HBO was kind enough to send with this one. I hope the above illustrates how THE NEWSROOM is maintaining its gripping style, and gets you as anxious for this final run as it has me. There really is no better show on television.

THE NEWSROOM airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

THE NEWSROOM - "Election Night: Part II" Review

Article first published as THE NEWSROOM - "Election Night: Part II" Review on TheTVKing.

With the fate of HBO's The Newsroom officially still undecided, despite what star Jeff Daniels tweets, this week's season two finale, "Election Night: Part II," may very well serve as a series finale for the Aaron Sorkin drama. If it does, it will be a great loss for television, a medium that is bettered by such intelligent writing, bold characters, and inspiring stories, showing the media how they should be reporting. But in terms of closure, the episode satisfies pretty well.

"Election Night: Part II" has the team covering the results of the 2012 election, while waiting for the hammer to drop after the Genoa fiasco. Will (Daniels), MacKenzie (Emily Mortimer) and Charlie (Sam Waterston) are trying to resign to spare their colleagues' careers. Yet, the rest of the senior staff plans on leaving, too, showing their solidarity. This angers Will, but insults the others when he insists they not do this folly. They stick together and do the right thing; he taught them that.

One fantastic element of The Newsroom is the cohesion of the gang who work at ACN. These are not just co-workers, these are friends. They are united in a noble mission, and without the heads of the organization, the mission would fail, making the job not worth having. It is essential for everyone to stay together, and even after losing all credibility for Genoa, they can only recover by remaining on the job, working to build themselves back up.

This is the decision both Leona (Jane Fonda) and Reese (Chris Messina) come to, too. The heads of the company will not accept any resignations because they've studied the evidence and know that even though Genoa was false, the newsroom did as thorough job as possible given what they had. The snake Jerry Dantana (Hamish Linklater) screwed them; they didn't screw themselves.

I don't know why Charlie can't be gracious with Reese when Reese decides not to accept their resignations. Yes, Charlie has already decided that they will withdrawal their offers to quit, but he and Reese so rarely see eye to eye, he should celebrate, not fight, when this occurs. Yet, perhaps emotions are just running unusually high, as Charlie spends much of the episode yelling, faced with losing the profession he loves deeply, and so he can't bring himself to make nice with someone he considers so despicable.

It's funny how Reese and Leon have changed sides this year, now supporting those they tried to fire not so far in the past. I think crisis have a way of bringing people together, and also ACN being disgraced personally shames the Lansings, so they want to fight back, for their names as well as the network's. Even if their motivations are selfish, it's sure nice to see the pair of them in the room at the end, joining our beloved heroes.

We know The Newsroom's crew is righteous because even the lawyer who takes their depositions, Rebecca Halliday (Marcia Gay Harden), thinks so, and she seems a tough one to win over. She vows to defend them and argues against settlement. I hope she sticks around for a possible third season, as she will be needed to help with the major hanging thread of the Dantana plot, Don's (Thomas Sadoski) defamation lawsuit.

The Newsroom can never just do one thing at a time, though, so "Election Night: Part II" is about more than just the decision of who should stay and who should go. They also get to cover the 2012 election results, which is done in a very entertaining way. From Will constantly cutting off Sloan (Olivia Munn), to Neal (Dev Patel) being tasked with helping Sloan and MacKenzie with trivial things, to the bickering with the D.C. anchor, to Will gleefully sparring with Taylor Warren (Constance Zimmer), there's a lot to watch, and all of it very, very fun.

Taylor is another familiar face I'd like to see return. She ingrains herself in several characters, and her inquiry about having Jim (John Gallagher Jr.) work for her appears to be sincere. She's a sassy, combative type who unintentionally causes trouble, but her heart is in the right place, and she's a fair judge of character, even amongst people she disagrees with. She makes quite the impression this season, and the show could use more of her in the future.

Alas, any episode of The Newsroom would not be complete without some romantic stuff. Sloan and Don finally share a kiss in a spectacular, public fashion. This has been simmering all year, even if it usually is a very minor part of the subplot, and it's gratifying to see them get together, especially if this is it for the show.

Will and MacKenzie have an even better story, getting their feelings and secrets out in the open. MacKenzie is able to get the chance to explain her actions, with Will actually paying attention, and Will admits to wrongdoing, too. The viewers get to understand where both have been coming from, which leads to even more of an urge to see them put the past behind and get this couple together. They do, as Will produces the ring he lied about returning and proposes!

I don't think the dynamic of The Newsroom will change at all with Mac and Will married. They will still disagree and do all the things they normally do because they are passionate about their jobs and have always been united on that front. This doesn't change that. Unlike other shows where adjustments must be made for such a development, the only thing different will be them not pining over one another. Very cool.

The third couple fans root for is Jim and Maggie (Alison Pill), but they are not in a good place to be together, and any union at this point would seem false. That's probably why "Election Night: Part II" just has them bonding as friends over a screwed up call, and has Jim working to fix things between Maggie and her estranged roommate, Lisa (Kelen Coleman). Besides, Jim is happy with Hallie (Grace Gummer), as he should be, as it is a healthy relationship. Maybe, seasons down the line, this could change, but for now, they are where they should be.

Is The Newsroom the perfect show? Of course not. Characters frequently deliver parables instead of answering questions. The succeed as heroes when realistically they would fail. Personal moments happen most often in their place of business. And sometimes people devolve into caricatures. Yet, these aren't complaints because they are done so well, and are part of the charm of the fabric. The things that make it schmaltzy also make it awesome, and so while it isn't perfect, it is pretty darn good, and I sincerely hope it comes back, as it ranks among my favorite shows on the air right now. Even if Charlie acts a little too one-note in this episode, and I disliked knowing Genoa was a bomb from the start of the season.

HBO will likely announce the fate of The Newsroom soon.

THE NEWSROOM Declares "Let's Kill All The Lawyers"

Article first published as THE NEWSROOM Review Season 2 Premiere on Seat42F.

Grade: 91%

HBO’s THE NEWSROOM is back for a second season with “First Thing We Do, Let’s Kill All the Lawyers.” The main part of the story takes place two weeks after the events of last year’s finale, and the various characters must deal with the consequences of their actions, both professional and personal. If you have not yet watched the episode, I recommend viewing it before reading this review, to avoid anything being spoiled, as the various story points will be discussed below.

Will McAvoy (Jeff Daniels) is a subdued man in “First Thing We Do, Let’s Kill All the Lawyers.” Although he is fired up and passionate when dubbing the Tea Party ‘The American Taliban,’ he now must pay the price for doing so, namely, being pulled off of the network’s 9/11 tenth anniversary coverage. He deals with this by drinking and smoking and becoming a wimp on-air again.

While it is absolutely in keeping with his character to go back and forth between fearless crusader and appeasing ratings-whore, one must wonder how long the see-saw can continue. Will’s spirits are already bolstered multiple times in the first year alone, and it would suck if none of those efforts have lasting effects, always returning him to the same sad state in their aftermath. Will must find a way to break this cycle, committing to the persona he wants most.

It is my opinion that the way for him to do this is to be with Mackenzie McHale (Emily Mortimer). She still doesn’t know what is in the voice mail Will leaves her while high, but it’s obvious that she is sensing his anger towards her cooling, and is intending to reform as much of a bond with him as he will let her. She calls him in the middle of the night, and shares a drink with him at the bar. It can’t possibly be much longer before they are a couple again, and in that relationship, Will might finally stabilize.

Though where is Lonny (Terry Crews) during this installment? Why do we not see him guarding Will in the bar? Hopefully, Lonny’s absence is temporary, just an oversight caused by not needing the actor enough to warrant an appearance in this particular episode.

In keeping on the romantic track, Jim (John Gallagher Jr.) is unwilling to be friends with Maggie (Alison Pill) after she chooses to move in with Don (Thomas Sadoski), and so takes an assignment following the Romney campaign, where he is shunned for Will’s Taliban comment. This doesn’t seem like the environment where wounded Jim can heal, certainly not a comforting, supporting one, but maybe concentrating on work is what he needs. And if he finds victory in reporting the story, that could help. Running may seem cowardly to some, but Maggie has made her choice, so it’s understandable why Jim would find it hard to be around her, and perhaps he’s wise to get himself out of that environment.

Except, Jim may actually still have a chance with Maggie, as Don finds a YouTube video of her rant about Jim, and promptly decides they are over as a couple. I am very dissatisfied with this quick evaporation of their romance. Don and Maggie have plenty of ups and downs, but two weeks is all they can make it? Maggie chooses Don; that should count for something. And it seemed so fresh and realistic that Jim and Maggie weren’t going to ever be together because Maggie would be with Don, no matter what viewers thought should happen, and this has been ruined. Though, Maggie clearly won’t just have a happy ending with Jim, given her appearance in future scenes, which I’ll get to shortly.

This does leave open the possibility of a Don / Sloan (Olivia Munn) pairing now. Things are plenty awkward between the two, since Sloan confesses her feelings for him, even though Don isn’t holding it over her in any way. But now that he’s single, maybe after a short, respectful pause, he may pursue Sloan, thus solving at least one rocky dynamic in the workplace. Although is Don gets with Sloan too quickly, that could screw up Maggie even more.

Because of Jim’s absence, a producer out of Washington D.C., Jerry Dantana (Hamish Linklater, The New Adventures of Old Christine), is tapped to fill in for him. Jerry is immediately a hindrance, vaguely appearing to be a team player, but also having his own ambitions. We don’t know all of the details yet, but Jerry and the guest that he brings onto a panel will definitely set off a huge mistake involving Genoa.

Genoa is a secret military that has landed the staff in very hot water, as evidenced by the fourteen-months-later framing scenes in “First Thing We Do, Let’s Kill All the Lawyers” in which Will, Mackenzie, and Maggie are seen with a team of lawyers led by Rebecca Halliday (Marcia Gay Harden, Damages). Our beloved characters are in trouble after a string of unfortunate events, one of which leads Maggie to Africa and a terrible hair cut and coloring. Bringing in Jerry is a huge mistake they will all regret. Too bad, he seems so nice-ish.

I’m a little tired of television shows doing the flashback to death. THE NEWSROOM is only the latest in a long line of series using that technique lately, and it’s been being done way too often. I’d rather see the Genoa disaster unfold slowly, not realizing that there’s trouble until it’s too late, like the characters do, rather than getting a puzzle piece by piece. I know this trope can be implemented effectively when done right, and THE NEWSROOM is brilliantly written, but in this case, I feel it is a big, easily avoidable misstep.

There are two smaller plots unfolding, too, that may have some big impact. In the first, Neal (Dev Patel) gets involved with Occupy Wall Street. For Neal, this story is both a far-out, unlikely movement, and something playing to his prowess with social media, so it straddles the two interests we’ve known him to have. Those who remember the protests know that they get lots of attention for a short time, but don’t go anywhere, so this is both an opportunity for Neal, professionally, and another dead end for him to pursue, the perfect plot for the character.

In the second, Charlie (Sam Waterson) chooses to pull Will off of the 9/11 special. This is something very uncharacteristic, in that he chooses to bench Will with nearly zero pressure from Leona (Jane Fonda) and Reese (Chris Messina) to do so. Weird; Charlie always defends Will. Did Reese getting kicked out of SOPA scare Charlie that much? It doesn’t seem like it should, in keeping with Charlie’s established personality. I wonder what’s going on there?

THE NEWSROOM is a fantastic series that deftly balances character-driven drama with real-world events and a commentary on the state of journalism. It takes the big stories we’re familiar with, and makes them personal to people we watch on screen and care about. There are a number of new arcs introduced in this season premiere which promise a great season, even if the episode itself lacks any of the stellar, inspiring moments that were a hallmark of the first year. Once we get past the weird flashbacks, I think that will sort itself out.

THE NEWSROOM airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on HBO.

The Greater Fool rules The Newsroom

HBO's The Newsroom presented a season finale this week entitled "The Greater Fool." This episode is so layered, and jammed with so many references, that it's surely worth watching repeatedly to catch everything. The gist of the plot: Will (Jeff Daniels) loses hope, Mackenzie (Emily Mortimer) tries and fails to cheer him up, Charlie (Sam Waterston) saves the day in more ways than one, Neal (Dev Patel) oversteps and makes things worse, the Jim (John Gallagher Jr.) / Don (Thomas Sadoski) / Maggie (Alison Pill) love triangle comes to a head in an unexpected way, and News Night finds its voice. So, basically, another fantastic episode, written amazingly, visually pleasing, and with wonderful acting that sells the piece.

As "The Greater Fool" begins, we learn Will is in the hospital and wanting to quit the program. Interspersed are flash forwards showing him in a tour de force tear down of RINOs (Republicans In Name Only) on the air. At first, I want to gripe that The Newsroom kills the suspense of the drama they're trying to build up. But upon reflection, every viewer tuning in knows that Will will get back on television. This in of itself ruins any suspense. So why treat the audience like they're dumb? Fans know Will will rally and this episode will show what it takes for him to do so, so there's no reason to pretend at anything else. The Newsroom knows its viewers are smart, and acts accordingly.

One of the awesome things about "The Greater Fool" is all of the callback to the first episode of the series. The Don Quixote comparison returns in a big way, Will finally realizes that Mackenzie was actually at his college speech, and the girl who asked the dumb question that day is hired as an intern. Nearly a year and a half after it began, there's a pleasing symmetry that ties this freshman run up in a neat bow.

Of course, there are some things left hanging. Can Will admit that he still loves Mackenzie, as we're pretty sure the voice mail says, when he's not high? Is someone really going to try to kill Will? These are questions left for season two, which I cannot wait for!

People who regularly tune in to The Newsroom often do it to be inspired. It paints a picture of what reality could be, if we're lucky. There are naysayers, of course. Charlie and company's effort to turn Leona (Jane Fonda) around to their way of thinking, breaking through her cynicism, speaks to that nicely. In "The Greater Fool," we get to see Leona begin to give her blessing through a combination of blackmail and canoodling. Are the methods worth the outcome? Absolutely. Good has beaten evil, and News Night 2.0 will be allowed to go on. Talk about inspiring!

I like that The Newsroom does not feel confined to play by all the rules of the traditional television love triangle. In any other show, Maggie would wake up to Jim's interest in the season finale, finally ditching Don, who is an inferior mate. But that's not the way it plays out in "The Greater Fool." Sure, there's the terrific Sex and the City scene, where Maggie and Jim find each other. But as Sloan (Olivia Munn) points out, Don is not a bad guy. And when he makes a grand romantic gesture, Maggie stays with him, as most girls would. Jim's decision to keep things going with Lisa (Kelen Coleman), whom he likes but doesn't love, much as we've seen in Don with Maggie, makes Jim no better than Don. Though Don chooses to commit himself to Maggie in a real way, perhaps making him just a little bit man than Jim. For now.

These are merely the highlights of "The Greater Fool." It would be easy to go on for page after page about this episode, the meaning of the title, all of the supporting characters, breaking down each action or word for meaning. The Newsroom is designed to be chock full of substance. But who has time to do that? And even if I did, aren't I just robbing you of the joy of figuring these things out? So in keeping with the show's theme of knowing your audience is smart, I'll leave it here for now. Feel free to comment on the article, or tweet me @JeromeWetzelTV and I'll be happy to discuss any element further.

The Newsroom, my favorite show of the summer, will return to HBO in 2013.

Article first posted on TheTVKing

The Newsroom doesn't put up with "Bullies"

HBO's The Newsroom is generally about a crusader and his gallant team championing the facts, standing up to those who would deceive and mislead the American public. But what makes the kind of man who becomes this kind of leader of the righteous army? That is the question at the heart of this week's episode, "Bullies."

Will McAvoy (Jeff Daniels) can't sleep. He doesn't know why, and he doesn't want to know. But viewers do, and the only way Will can conquer his problem is to open himself up to inquiry. It's funny, but wholly authentic, how someone who can be so brave on the air shudders at the mere hint of personal analysis. Yet, that is exactly what happens. Luckily, Will does have some sense and wisdom, which is why he visits a mental health professional.

The doctor is named Jack (David Krumholtz, Numb3rs, The Santa Clause), a quirky prodigy, like just about every other character on The Newsroom, and Will has been paying him for two years without visiting. Actually, Will has been paying for four years, having previously been treated by Jack's father. It's as if, no matter how much Will protests, he knows he needs help, but just can't bring himself to ask for it, at least not until today. Jack sees right through the facade, and despite Will's attempts to just get a prescription for sleeping pills and get out, Jack makes Will confront those demons keeping him up at night.

The source of Will's issues? He has become a bully himself. Will is the son of an abusive alcoholic. The need to fight back is what drives him, first to become a prosecutor, and then to become the king of news. But there is a point where Will is no longer acting in self defense. Rather, he has become the bullier of bullies, kicking a man long after he goes down. Will might not want to admit to the bully label, but he knows what he's doing is wrong, and cannot live that way.

The subject of Will's attack this week is the former chief of staff for Rick Santorum, who happens to be a gay black man. Santorum is famously against homosexuals, and Will uses that angle. The staffer almost breaks, pleading with Will, near tears, to stop defining him by a simple label, and realize that his gayness is far from the only part of him. Will refuses, assaulting him over and over again. There's a moment where viewers think Will will back down, as the interview subject gives a wonderful speech. But Will can't resist one final blow, and respect for himself goes out the window.

This is a complex topic, both the conversation being had, and the psychology behind Will's actions. Will is right in that this man should not be working for someone who doesn't respect him. But the man is also right in refusing to be put into a box, and in defining his own priorities the way he wants to. That's what American freedom is about. Both are right, and yet, because they focus on different points, they can't reach an agreement. The Newsroom's masterful writing balances both opinions, as well as the way they are portrayed, so expertly, it leaves one in awe of "Bullies."

The question going forward is, now that Will knows his weakness, what kind of man will he be? Surely he will not slip back into the aggressor when it is unwarranted, checking himself. However, he also can't hang his head and be a passive anchor. So he must find his balance, being a protector, but not delivering unnecessary blows. Under the powerful skills of Daniels, this character is likely to remain intriguing and deliciously layered.

While this war rages within Will, a number of other significant events are going on around him. He rails on the internet, demanding a stop to anonymous posting. One commenter strikes back, delivering a death threat. This means Will now has a bodyguard (Terry Crews, Everybody Hates Chris, The Expendables). Adding the new guy into the mix changes the office chemistry slightly, and hints at a larger arc. Will anything come of this story, or is it just an excuse to bring in the talented, funny Crews to the ensemble? Either is totally acceptable.

Also, Will buys an engagement ring to gain the upper hand with Mackenzie (Emily Mortimer). He's not proposing, he's just messing with her so he can avoid embarrassment.

Or is he? A scene at the end where Will tears up the ring receipt, rather than returning it, might be a sign that he is forgiving Mackenzie for her past indiscretion. A year spent working together, seeing her passion, has rekindled something within him. It might take a bit longer, but he's thawing towards her, and there is definitely some spark left for the pair. One day, as cruel as this ploy might be now, he may actually give her the ring with all sincerity.

A year working together. Only six episodes in, The Newsroom has already covered an entire year in the lives of these people. This is an extremely rare pace for a show, and it's a little sad that so many news events get skipped over. It also means that the characters are soon going to reach present day, meaning season two (and any more after) will, by necessity, be more condensed. I don't know if I wish they'd started the timeline earlier, so they could keep up this rate, or if I'm looking forward to the series slowing down a bit, even if that means having to play into television drama conventions a bit more.

Another casualty of Will's unhinging is Sloan (Olivia Munn, Perfect Couples, Attack of the Show). She asks her trusted mentor for advice soon before going on air herself, and he urges her to not back down, turning her into a bully, too. Without the gravitas and reputation Will has, Sloan is called to task by Charlie (Sam Waterston), resulting in her suspension. Charlie does manage to fix things, but Sloan suffers a huge personal blow, and Will is feeling mighty guilty.

Sloan's story in "Bullies" is interesting because it proves the kind of woman that she is, and that Mackenzie chose very well in finding someone to sit alongside Will. It also shows that Sloan is still green and stubborn, unwilling to back down to Charlie, even though she really should to protect her career. She makes a mistake, but rather than apologizing and being humbled, she doubles down, yelling at her boss. Sloan will be a fine reporter some day, but she definitely has some growing to do in how she fits into the business.

An interesting result of the Sloan story is the revelation of Don's (Thomas Sadoski) vulnerability and compassion. He is deeply upset at Sloan for going off on her guest on his show. But knowing that she will get enough anger from Charlie, he holds himself in, and instead offers her support. This is a side of Don we haven't seen too much of, and makes him a much more sympathetic character. Credit The Newsroom for not just demonizing the man, who we've been rooting for to be dumped since day one.

There have definitely been hints that Don's girlfriend, Maggie (Alison Pill), might be interested in another man, Jim (John Gallagher Jr.). Amid the Sloan fiasco, Don still worries about that as much as anything. Are these feelings making him softer in his work, as his priorities shift? He really does seem to love Maggie. And while in most shows Maggie leaving Don for Jim would be a given, I'm not so sure The Newsroom will go down that path. It will probably still happen, but how interesting, and true to life, would it be if it didn't?

The Newsroom is an exemplary show with very realistic characters in an exploration of justice and shades of grey. It is brilliantly written and executed, with a team, yes a team, not a cast, of truly gifted performers. I dare anyone to hold up any show against The Newsroom, no matter their political beliefs, and find this series lacking. It will not happen. "Bullies" shows yet another side of the story, going in another direction from past episodes, and still upholds the expected level of excellence.

Watch The Newsroom Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on HBO.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com! Article first published as TV Review: The Newsroom - "Bullies" on Blogcritics.

Perfect Couples goes out with a "Perfect Wedding"

     Once more, an extremely funny sitcom has failed to find an audience. Definitely one of the best in recent years, NBC has pulled Perfect Couples from its schedule beginning next week. That means that this week's episode, "Perfect Wedding", will likely serve as a series finale. It's not fair, when Outsourced got an entire season and Perfect Couples only aired ten episodes. In a perfect world, quality would be the most important factor in choosing which TV shows live and die, but that is sadly not the case. I just wish there was some way to better highlight quality where it is found, other than relying on networks to promote it.

     Several episodes have dealt with Vance (David Walton) and Amy (Mary Elizabeth Ellis) getting ready for their wedding, so perhaps it is appropriate to end the series on the day of their nuptials. That way, a major arc is not left hanging. This being Vance and Amy, who can both be downright insane, things do not go smoothly. Amy worries that Vance will split, and Dave (Kyle Bornheimer) and Rex (Hayes MacArthur) spend their time trying to keep Vance calm and not let him over think things, as he has a tendency to do. This culminates in Amy seeing Vance fret, and both end up running out on the wedding. Finding each other at the airport, they agree they are not ready to get married.
     I applaud the series for this level of thinking. Many shows in their ilk would marry off the characters, and then deal with things as they come, either changing them to make it work, or allowing divorce later. Vance and Amy are smart enough to realize their weaknesses, and work on them. It makes very much sense in the story for them to call off the wedding, even after everyone has gathered at the church. That is not to say they would not revisit matrimony down the line, should the series get picked up, which doesn't look likely. But they aren't ready now.

     As much fun as Amy and Vance are, my favorite couple is Dave and Julia (Christine Woods). They are the best man and maid of honor, and both want to tell the same story during their speech. That simply will not do, and Julia gloats when she finds out that she will be talking first. Dave won't give up loosing the story to Julia, and goes around telling everyone ahead of time. She doesn't get angry. They both know all is fair in love and war, and they love each other despite their competitive contests. It's a very healthy relationship, without grudges.

     Woods's evil laugh is so good in this episode, it bears rewinding for instant replay. And no one can ugly cry like she does. Woods, while a decent dramatic actress, has shown unexpected comedy chops on this series that easily belong in any future clip reels she sends out. Bornheimer has already proven his worth in other failed sitcoms, and he continues to be magic. Woods and Bornheimer are the rare genuine geniuses in the comedy world, that praise cannot be heaped too highly on them. Both will find new work soon enough. But I want to see them together! They are fantastic!

     Rex and Leigh (Olivia Munn) are no slouches either, of course, though they are less complex than Dave and Julia, the 'real', 'normal' couple. Leigh, the wedding planner, actually hires a professional calmer for the wedding to soothe the nerves of anyone who freaks out. She herself got to make use of his services. Rex, on the other hand, is the only one who doesn't have a job. He feels so left out, he gladly volunteers to be 'flower man' when the flower girl gets sick. You'd think the concept would be too goofy, but watching Rex practice dropping petals in the hallway is priceless! 

     Perfect Couples has some of the best writing and acting in current sitcom land. Though it got off to a rocky start, recent episodes have been an absolute joy from beginning to end. I beg of you NBC! Renew this show!

Article first published as TV Review: Perfect Couples - "Perfect Wedding" on Blogcritics.

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Does Chuck belong on the A-Team?

      We didn't have to wait very long to see what Jane Bentley (Robin Givens) is up to: she is heading up a new Intersect program! I was wondering what the rest of this season of NBC's Chuck is going to be about, and now I have my answer. Bentley is turning other agents into new Chucks, tweaking and downloading the computer program into more heads. Anyone else see a creepy parallel to Dollhouse and its series finale, where brains could be taken over remotely? Scary stuff!

     Bentley's operations are revealed when Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) and Chuck (Zachary Levi), bored at not getting any missions, spy on their own teammate, Casey (Adam Baldwin), steal his hand print, and break into the new super-secret lair within Castle. They are as surprised as viewers may have been to discover Chuck's father's laptop and two new Intersects. It seems the Greta program has a deeper purpose, as two Gretas (Stacy Keibler and Isaiah Mustafa) have already been loaded with a tweaked version of the program. Sarah and Chuck are reduced to B-Team status, picking up a puppy, while Casey and his new co-workers do the dangerous stuff. Until Casey gets both teams together, the Gretas screw things up, and Chuck has to save the day.

     Keibler and Mustafa were welcome to see again, though I wish the other Gretas, Olivia Munn (Perfect Couples, The Daily Show With Jon Stewart) and Summer Glau (Firefly, The Cape), had been included. I know both of the latter ladies have busier schedules than the ones used, but I still want to see more of them. I was disappointed that the Greta conceit seemed to be abandoned last fall after only four Gretas, so it's nice to know there is a larger plan, and the possibility for returns.

     Even better, I like when the Gretas are relieved to get the computer taken out of their heads. It gives a small insight into what Chuck deals with, having been the Intersect for four years now. Early in the series, we used to see Chuck struggle with what was going on, and for awhile, he was even experiencing pain from the cpmputer. I'm glad the show took time to remind us that, as easy as Chuck makes things look, being the Intersect is no walk in the park.

     That being said, I am completely enthusiastic about Chuck taking control of the program. Next week, Chuck will be training a number of other possible Intersect candidates. We've gotten to see Chuck as a spy, and now a new side will be revealed as he becomes a leader and a teacher. I have no problem with new Intersects coming into the equation, as long as Chuck remains the best. After all, this reminds Chuck's bosses just how valuable he is.

     As to what Bentley will do next, that is anyone's guess. She steals the laptop and takes it to Ellie (Sarah Lancaster), hoping that a Bartowski will be able to figure out the programming, as Bentley cannot. I assume, based on what we've seen of Ellie's interaction with the device so far, Chuck's sister will be able to help Bentley, albeit without knowing what Bentley is really wanting. Is this Ellie's reintroduction to the spy world? And how will Bentley use what she finds? I think Bentley is bent on taking back the Intersect training program, and she is willing to cross some lines to do it.

     Ellie and her husband, Devon a.k.a. Captain Awesome (Ryan McPartlin), flirted with the spy world earlier in the series, but have been away from it for awhile. Their main interest has been in raising their baby daughter, and that provides some comedic moments. Even put together, successful doctors like the two of them have trouble taking care of an infant. It is sweet, sweet justice that the only sounds that will keep their baby quiet are those of Jeffster, the amateur band formed by Jeff (Scott Krinsky) and Lester (Vik Sahay), two almost subhuman Buy More employees. They played baby Claire into the world, and now she is drawn to them. Best. Development. Ever. How soon til they babysit?

     I like that Casey gets some focus this week, as he sometimes doesn't get enough plot for my taste. There is never any doubt in my mind that the Colonel is still loyal to his old partners, as we had seen a couple of week's ago Casey's refusal to leave Burbank. I understand why he feels like a third wheel and wants a new, independent assignment. Bentley is right about Casey's talents being wasted. However, Casey is happy with this group, and happiness sometimes means more than career aspirations. Casey has always put career first, but he's never had such strong reasons not to. I predict even more drama, as I think Casey will soon be revealed to his daughter's mother, whether he wants to be or not. Will that give him another reason to stay, or push him away?

 

     Morgan (Joshua Gomez), too, is showing more of a striking out on his own individualism streak, allowing much personal development. While his screen time may have been limited this week, the last few episodes have found him finding a new apartment and getting pretty serious with his girlfriend, Casey's daughter, Alex (Mekenna Melvin). And this week, Morgan stands up to Chuck and Sarah, showing off the spine he has been slowly growing. They are unable to get any information from him about Casey's activities, which they assumed would be easy enough. Our little Morgan has become a man!

 

     One of the current best shows on television, Chuck airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

Article first published as TV Review: Chuck - "Chuck Versus the A-Team" on Blogcritics.

For an alphabetical list of all of Jerome Wetzel's Current Season Reviews, please click here.

 

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Perfect Couples - "Pilot"

     NBC's newest addition the their Thursday night sitcom lineup is Perfect Couples. I'm not sure how I feel about the show. It has a talented cast, many of whom I already liked before the series went to air. It's fairly funny. I just don't know if its original and clever enough to really stand out as something that needs to be watched.

     Like ABC's Better With You often does, the episode began with highlighting similar situations and how three different couples handle them. Unlike BWY, where the couples are alike, and the differences are determined by length of time together, these couples just have different types of chemistry and styles of communication. Rex (Hayes MacArthur, Worst Week) and Leigh (Olivia Munn, The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, Attack of the Show) are in counseling and read relationship books, so they use therapy jargon and discuss feelings. It works about as well as you think it will. Vance (David Walton, 100 Questions) and Amy (Mary Elizabeth Ellis, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) fight with lots of passion, and then make up sexually with the same level of energy. The 'normal' couple in the center is Dave (Kyle Bornheimer, Worst Week) and Julia (Christine Woods, FlashForward).

     I love Bornheimer, and I know he just needs the right sitcom to really take off as a star. He is great in understated humor and broad physical comedy. Playing the mostly even, straight man to the zaniness around him works just as well as his goofy turn in WW. For him alone, I want this show to succeed. Munn is also pretty funny, as she has proven playing varied versions of herself in news-like entertainment. Ellis has always been wickedly funny in Sunny, and she basically kicks up that same character a notch. Woods was lucky that FF ended after only one season, because even if this series gets canceled, she will be better for it, broadening her range and cast-ability. Walton and MacArthur I don't know as well, but they round out the ensemble just fine. All six actors commit completely to the characters they play, and do it with talent. As such, I don't think any issues I have with the show relate to casting.

     In the pilot, Dave and Julia agree to a game night with the others so that they can have their anniversary free to themselves. As you might expect, things go badly, and soon their four friends are in their bedroom. Vance and Amy's plot makes sense, and their entanglement with the evening. However, Rex and Leigh just constantly show up, presumably so they get as much screen time as the rest. It's not that the couple is less funny, but they just weren't as involved in the story this week. Rather than allow the other characters room to breathe and work, it seemed like they were forced into scenes they needn't have been.

     This is just a pilot, so I won't delve too deeply or read too much into things. Every new show has bugs, and how good the series is depends on how quickly and well they work out the kinks. I will try Perfect Couples again next week and I hope you do the same, because despite some missteps, there is potential here.

     Perfect Couples airs Thursday nights at 8:30 p.m. on NBC.

Article first published as TV Review: Perfect Couples - "Pilot" on Blogcritics.

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Chuck is one not to miss, so stop missing it

     NBC's Chuck is one of the smartest, most action-packed, most enjoyable shows on television.  Yet, since day one it has struggled to stay on the air.  Season four began two weeks ago, and 'Save Chuck' campaigns are already in the works.  After the third season, when viewers had to wait until winter for the premiere, and only thirteen episodes were ordered, I was thrilled when Chuck got six additional episodes made last spring, and an early pick up for this year.  Finally, the fight was over!  But clearly, it's not.

     If you've never seen Chuck, then here are some things you need to know.  The central character is name Chuck Bartowski (played by Zachary Levi).  At the start of the series, a computer known as the Intersect was downloaded into Chuck's brain, making him super smart.  The NSA and CIA quickly sent agents to protect him, and use him for their own purposes.  Those agents were John Casey (Adam Baldwin) and Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski), the latter soon providing romantic chemistry for Chuck.  This connection was resisted, because Sarah couldn't date someone who was not a spy, and though Chuck longer for that life, his training was slow and awkward.

     At the end of season two, the Intersect was removed by Chuck's father, Steve (Scott Bakula), who had disappeared on his children years ago, but Chuck discovered was also a spy.  Sadly, later that same episode, a new version of the Intersect was downloaded, and Chuck now possess abilities as well as knowledge.  Chuck became a full-fledged spy.  Steve was killed.  Chuck and Sarah finally got into a serious relationship.  And Chuck discovered that his mother, Mary (Linda Hamilton), who had also disappeared long ago, was still alive, and was also a spy.

     Over the years, slowly members of Chuck's regular life have found their way into the spy game, as well.  Chuck's best friend, Morgan Grimes (Joshua Gomez), who is more bumbling and nerdy than Chuck ever was, found out and joined the team in season three.  In season two, Chuck's soon-to-be brother-in-law, Devon Woodcomb, better known as Captain Awesome (Ryan McPartlin) found out, but managed to keep the secret from Chuck's sister, Ellie (Sarah Lancaster).  Devon, however, surprisingly could not handle any spy work at all, and so asked to stay in the dark about Chuck's activities.  Ellie eventually found out, but Chuck promised her that he would quit the business, which he did, briefly, though she doesn't know that he has now resumed his dangerous work.

     The show stays light by surrounding Chuck at his cover job with a bevy of very odd characters.  Chuck (and Morgan and Casey) works at the Buy More, an electronics superstore.  The weirdest of the weirdo co-workers are Jeff (Scott Krinsky) and Lester (Vik Sahay).  The place is run by Big Mike (Mark Christopher Lawrence), who has yet to show up in season four, but remains in the theme song with the principal cast.

     At the end of season three, the Buy More was blown up, but it was rebuilt by the time season four began.  There was one big change, however: The CIA and NSA had taken over the store, staffing it with an elite team of undercover agents.  General Beckman (Bonita Friedericy, finally upgraded to full-time cast member), Chuck, Sarah, and Casey's supervisor, wanted Chuck to rejoin the team, and so sabotaged every new job interview he had until he agreed to come back.  She also allowed Morgan to return to the Buy More.

     Morgan quickly realized that the store was running far too well, and it's efficiency was attracting attention.  When Captain Awesome came in, he immediately knew that something was up.  Morgan convinced General Beckman to allow Jeff, Lester, and the other weirdos to come back, replacing the agents.  Beckman made Morgan the new manager for his great catch, which leaves how Big Mike will return to the series up in the air.

     If the above seems like a lot to you to pack into such a short-running show, it is.  And most of what I have written occurred in just the last few episodes.  The show started more like a procedural drama, with a different mission for Chuck to go on each week.  But by season two, with renewal far from certain, show runner and co-creator Josh Schwartz (best known for, funnily enough, creating The OC and Gossip Girl, which are totally different than Chuck) decided to lay all of his cards on the table.  He packed all of the twists and turns he had envisioned for the rest of the series into less than a season.  It's made season three and four unpredictable and fast-paced, deftly keeping up with the excellence of the end of season two.  It's also let Chuck do the unexpected, which not something a lot of shows get to do.  How many series can you think of that let their leading couple settle into a long-term, serious relationship by season four?

     Season four is pulling out all of the stops, with Dolph Lundgren, Lou Ferrigno, Harry Dean Stanton, Olivia Munn, Steve Austin, Summer Glau, Nicole Ritchie, Timothy Dalton and Eric Roberts are all among the signed guest stars already.

     The bottom line is, Chuck is a wonderful show, beloved by critics, but little-watched among television viewers.  It shouldn't be that way.  The show combines drama, romance, humor, and action in a way that is rarely seen, and has allowed Chuck to stand out among it's peers.  Please, please tune into Chuck before it's too late.  Only thirteen episodes have been ordered this year, but there is a nine episode pick up option, which Chuck needs ratings to earn, so please give it to them.  The series certainly doesn't deserve to be canceled now, or anytime in the near future.

     Chuck airs Monday nights at 8pm on NBC.




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Article first published as TV Review: Chuck is one not to miss, so stop missing it on Blogcritics.