Parenthood ends season two

     NBC's Parenthood kicked off season early last night as its second season came to an end with "Hard Times Comes Again No More." The episode picks up with Sarah (Lauren Graham) getting a late night phone call telling her that her daughter, Amber (Mae Whitman), has been in a car wreck, as seen at the end of last week's episode. The entire Braverman clan gathers at the hospital to support each other in a scene reminiscent of the movie with the same title. But that resolves quickly, and Amber goes home, mostly fine. A number of other threads tie themselves up over the next hour, leaving only a handful of unanswered questions for viewers awaiting a fall return.

     A synopsis of the episode may make the car wreck seem trivial, as Amber is deemed fine fairly quickly. However, just because she survives the event does not mean it will not have lasting effects. Sarah tries to get through to Amber, but her daughter is unreceptive, far from rock bottom. Luckily, grandfather Zeke (Craig T. Nelson) steps up, chewing Amber out, but also letting her know that his concern comes from a place of love. Tough grandpa makes Amber realize what her mother cannot, and she pledges to behave from here on out.

     It's an age old story that children just will not listen to their parents. For whatever reason, even though parents have the most influence and control over kids as they grow up, a life lesson coming from another respected source, such as a grandfather, just hits home a lot more than from a parent. Perhaps this is because parents teach so much that kids grow numb to the lessons, while, when someone else steps up, it's a unique occurrence, and they take more notice. Either way, it's nice that the Amber problem is dealt with, and not left hanging for next season. By the time the episode ends, it appears Amber will be returning to the good girl she has been for most of the year.

     Somehow, Sarah still handles her play, despite what is happening with her daughter. Sarah attends rehearsal, where she snaps at actors during a read through, and then before you know it, the show opens up. The actors apologize, by the way, because Blount (Richard Dreyfuss) tells them Sarah's daughter has died and they feel bad. None mention that they see her daughter at the show and are angry at being lied to. That would only have taken a few seconds, and should have happened.

     The play is the most out of place part of the episode. While it is understandable that the writers would want to wrap up Sarah's play plot by the season finale, a full performance does not happen days after a read through. It seems inconsistent, and time frame is confusing. Sarah can be forgiven for not dropping out of the program, because Amber is all right, but it still feels like too much happened too soon. This should have carried into next year.

     The actors playing the family members are brilliantly cast, each looking quite a bit like the characters they represent. The father figure is the most similar, of course, because Zeke plays a version of himself. Yet, the other five people on stage look remarkably like their counterparts. Did looks factor more into casting than talent? Because that has not been my experience with theater.

     Max (Max Burkholder) has a very hard time dealing with the Amber situation because of his Asperger's, so he cannot show empathy. His father, Adam (Peter Krause), tries talking to him about it, but like many things, it is unclear if the words hit home with Max or not. He obviously has some small grasp, as he does apologize to Sarah for his insensitivity, albeit blaming his syndrome. She takes the apology with the grace of an understanding aunt, even though Graham's expression and demeanor uncharacteristically do not back up the words. Strange.

     While it is laudable that Adam is working with Max on connecting with people, it should also be noted that letting Max blame his Asperger's is not a good way to go about it. If Max lets himself believe in his limitations, he will not grow. If he uses the disorder as an excuse, he will not learn to behave. Since his knowing about the syndrome is new, and this is his first lesson with such a serious event, it can be overlooked, as long as it does not become a pattern in season three. Given the excellent writing shown thus far, it likely won't.

     At the same time, Adam is also dealing with his other child, Haddie (Sarah Ramos), who recently started having sex with her boyfriend, Alex (Michael B. Jordan). Things between Adam and Haddie have been strained, but are recovering. Adam's wife, Kristina (Monica Potter), handles communicating about this tricky issue a bit better. Kristina tells Haddie she will be visiting the doctor and going on birth control, and then makes her an appointment. Adam tells Alex to wear a condom. It's awkward, but then, what parent isn't awkward when dealing with their children becoming sexually active?

     A small subplot where Adam searches for Max's lost retainer feels out of place and forced. While it is an expensive item, Adam obsessing over it, as he does, feels out of character. The pressures Adam is dealing with in the episode make it a bit more understandable, but the whole thing feels concocted when Adam discovers the positive pregnancy test in the trash. Given that that twist is spoiled in previews for the episode, the whole story feels contrived and false, which is not the norm for the series. Thank goodness the baby isn't Haddie's, or it would deserve even more derision.

     Kristina being pregnant comes out of the blue, but is not entirely unrealistic. The question is, what does this mean for Adam and Kristina? Their kids are pretty far apart, age wise. Just as one will soon be leaving the house, a new one will be entering it. There actually are no complaints about this, because Potter handles the revelation so well. The question now is, will the baby be like Max?

     Things will surely be complicated because Adam no longer has a job. It isn't surprise, as once his new boss came into the picture, it seemed like only a matter of time before Adam would have to find other employment. In this economy, he could be out of work for quite awhile, but because this is TV, his family will not suffer any undue hardship because of it. The writers should go the opposite way, and really make it a serious struggle for at least the next year. It would be a very relatable plot, and while some people use television as escapism, others would appreciate the realism.

     It's a shame Kristina gets pregnant without even trying, since Julia (Erika Christensen) has been trying so hard and failing. Julia's plot is the weirdest this week, as she comforts her daughter's former teacher through labor. It's a totally random happenstance, bringing back a forgotten guest star, who only did one episode over a year ago. The story is there just for Julia to try to come to terms with not being able to have a baby, and then decide to adopt one.

     Crosby (Dax Shepard) is finally giving up trying to win Jasmine (Joy Bryant) back when Joel (Sam Jaeger) brings her to him at the end of the episode. Poor Crosby! He works so hard to get her attention, and she keeps dissing him, but then Joel is able to talk her into coming, a scene that should have not been cut, or if it was never filmed, should have been. If Bryant was not a main character, she would likely disappear after this episode, perhaps to pop up again briefly down the road. Since she's in the theme song, despite her numerous rejections, there is never any real doubt they won't be trying to work things out next year.

     This is a very odd episode of Parenthood because the overall arcs are wonderful, and some scenes are very emotionally moving. Yet, there are lots of odd details that don't quite add up when looked at too closely. The most logical conclusion that can be drawn, from an overall truly delightful series, is that the finale is rushed, and should have been given another hour to play out.

     One last note: the exterior of the hospital featured in the show Scrubs is extremely recognizable, no matter how different series have lately tried to redress it, as Parenthood does this week. It's time to retire that particular location, as it will always invoke Scrubs for a lot of people, and takes viewers out of the moment when it is tried to be passed off as something else.


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

     Parenthood has not yet been renewed, but its season finale ratings were great, and it's very likely it will be picked up soon for another season on NBC.

Article first published as TV Review: Parenthood - "Hard Times Come Again No More" on Blogcritics.

Glee hosts "A Night of Neglect"

     FOX's Glee returned last night with an all new episode. In it, the members of the New Directions decide to stage a "Night of Neglect" to raise money to get themselves to Nationals, as well as to pay for several of their group to participate in an academic contest. Sue (Jane Lynch), newly determined to destroy the club, forms a Legion of Doom to combat them. Meanwhile, Will (Matthew Morrison) and Holly (Gwyneth Paltrow) have problems when Holly suspects that Will is still in love with Emma (Jayma Mays).

     It is about time Will and Emma moved along! She is now free of husband Carl (John Stamos), who is seeking an annulment after months of living in an unconsummated marriage. Will is dating Holly, but Holly always says their relationship will be temporary. She is a "wandering, wild substitute," which, by the way, is not a real thing. There are no substitutes anywhere who live and travel like Holly Holliday. But the writing is on the wall, because Paltrow is a big name movie star, and while she has been kind enough to do three episodes this season, her intentions were never to stick around long-term.

     Will and Emma are the on-again, off-again couple that just can't seem to make it work. She likes him when he's married, then he likes her when she is with Carl. Both pine for the other while they are unavailable. Now, both are single, and with the season finale fast approaching, it's finally time to see how they work as a couple. Best guess is that will be the beginning of season three. Can't rush into it too quickly.

     The most likely obstacle for Will and Emma at this time is Terri (Jessalyn Gilsig), missing for most the season, despite her name remaining in the opening credits. As a member of Sue's band, and someone who is still very fond of Will, look for her to stir up trouble just when it appears Will and Emma are heading for a happy ending. Terri is not something that cannot be overcome, but she will toss up some drama for a bit first. This is great news, because as much as Terri might be unlikable, Gilsig is great fun, and it will be enjoyable to watch her in action again.

     As for Holly, she may be back in season three. The writers and producers would love for her to return, and why not? She doesn't even have to come in to start trouble, but rather, just as a returning friend in town for a warm visit. Her performance of "Turning Tables" is a perfect ending for now, but it is likely we have not seen the last of her.

     Anyone who was excited to learn that Charice would be joining Glee this year may have been disappointed by her long absence after only one episode. She returns as Sunshine Corazon, member of a rival club, in last night's episode. After convincing the New Directions that she is serious about helping out with their benefit by delivering a powerful version of "All By Myself" and promising to pack the house, she and her fans are a no-show.

     It's easy to see from a mile away that Charice is part of Sue's evil scheme, asked to participate by her vocal coach, Dustin Goolsby (Cheyenne Jackson), a.k.a. Mr. Handsome, in the Legion of Doom. Why only Rachel (Lea Michele) can see that is a bit mind boggling, especially after Rachel brought another spy from the same group in last year. Yet, somehow, all hopes for the event hang out Charice, and not even Glee Club parents show up.

     Songs at the benefit include Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz) singing "I Follow Rivers" and Mike Chang (Harry Shrum Jr.) showing off his dancing skills to Jack Johnson's "Bubble Toes." Tina's song is a little boring, but Mike really has moves, as we've seen numerous times before.

     The only people in attendance are Kurt (Chris Colfer) and Blaine (Darren Criss), making their weekly, brief appearance, and Sandy's (Stephen Tobolowsky), a.k.a. The Pink Dagger, all-familiar heckling club consisting of recurring characters Becky Jackson (Lauren Potter), Jacob Ben Israel (Josh Sussman), and football bully Azimio (James Earl). While the hecklers could have had their own episode, the four actors being so fantastic, a bit of taffy and a talk from Holly handily defeats them, leaving only a couple of cheering fans by the end of the show.

     Sure, Sue's choices of fellow baddies are slim, as most adults in the series, unlike fellow students, adore the New Directions, but did she have to go with Sandy, of all people? Tobolowsky is worth adoration, but his character is never much of a threat. The former glee club director, turned pot dealer, is brought to his knees as soon as Mercedes (Amber Riley) belts out Aretha Franklin's "Ain't No Way," and he ends up donating all of the money for the academic trip himself.

     Mercedes rarely gets a chance to shine. This episode addresses head on how, though Mercedes talent matches Rachel's, the former is never in the spot light. It is extremely welcome for Mercedes to get her due with a killer musical number, while Rachel takes the entire week off of singing, a true rarity in the series. While both are fantastic characters, it would be nice if Mercedes got several episodes of focus, not just this one.

     Lauren Zizes (Ashley Fink) continues her streak of awesomeness by appointing herself Mercedes's manager, and making diva-level demands on Rachel, who is assigned to handle the talent for the event. While Mercedes is generally a kind diva, it is easy to see why she would embrace Lauren's big plans when having her ego stroked a bit, a long overdue occurrence. Lauren and Mercedes are great fun together, and perhaps the two can be chums, since Quinn (Dianna Agron) seems to have abandoned her former gal pal.

     Another highlight in this episode is Santana's (Naya Rivera) verbal take down of Dave (Max Adler) in the hallway as the bully threatens Blaine and Kurt. Santana seems to be embracing her homosexuality, as the whole confrontation has a "stick together" vibe to it. Dave, who earlier in the season admitted he is gay to Kurt, has backtracked into the homophobic crowd, understandable in the setting where he dwells, even though it is also regrettable. While Kurt and Blaine don't seem to be of much help to Dave embracing himself, perhaps Santana's method of kicking butt can turn the tide?

     Lastly, the brief cut scenes of the academic team, consisting of Mike Chang, Tina, Artie (Kevin McHale), and Brittany (Heather Morris) is hilarious! Who'd have thought that Feline Diseases would be a category, making Brittany invaluable in a thinking challenge? The pay off at the end, with Holly's teaching coming in handy, is a nice trough gag. While outside of the normal plot of the show, the connections made, as well as the superb humor, makes this bit memorable.

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

     Glee airs Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET, and next week will present a special 90-minute episode! Quinn and Lauren will battle it out for prom queen.

Article first published as TV Review: Glee - "A Night of Neglect" on Blogcritics.

Raising Hope raising eyebrows with "Cheaters"

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


PART ONE: JIMMY AND SABRINA

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

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

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

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


PART TWO: MAW MAW

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

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

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

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


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

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

The Hellcats "Woke Up Dead" last night

     The CW's Hellcats has had a break, and begins its final run of new episodes in its freshman season tonight. Promos and the episode title refer to Dan's (Matt Barr) application video to get into film school, which has the Hellcats running around fighting zombies. Dan begins to question his resolve to show it, though, when he learns that other applicants, including last year's winners, take a more artistic approach. Luckily for him, Savannah (Ashley Tisdale) turns Dan's video in anyway, and it is met with much enthusiasm by the gathered audience. Dan (and viewers) will have to wait for an official acceptance, but it appears likely he will be at Lancer next season as a student.

     It's almost a bit of a tease, as the zombies were actually in very little of the episode. Those expecting some serious screen time for the undead did get an extended dance sequence / trailer, but fantasy stayed fantasy, and reality stayed reality. The separation is likely a good move. While some shows can get away with mixing a bit of hyper-reality into their stories, Hellcats already satisfies that with all of the cheer leading stuff. It's not that their competition routines are unrealistic, but it does fall into the pure entertainment category more than straight drama, so extra is not needed.

     Marti (Alyson Michalka) finds out that Wanda (Gail O'Grady) lied to her about her father, Rex, being dead for all these years when she goes to a guitar store and finds one of Rex's set lists dated five years after Wanda said he died. Marti is deeply hurt, but Wanda tells her not judge without having been in the situation. Marti was a young child, and Wanda removed her from a drug-addicted parent. While perhaps Marti would have liked a dad growing up, not having one is likely better than having Rex.

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      This is a sticky issue with no clear right side. Marti has every right to feel betrayed and lied to, but at the same time, Wanda had the best of intentions when making the decision. Plus, Wanda's choice likely made both of their lives much better. A toxic childhood has been avoided. Marti can be hurt, but she should apologize and forgive Wanda before too much time passes.

     Lastly, Alice (Heather Hemmens) helps Kelsey (Holly Elissa Lamaro) expose a cheating ring at Lancer, only to later be asked to kill the story by Lewis (Robbie Jones), who is part of it. Dishonesty is not part of Lewis's current character, but since the misdeed happened his freshman year, it fits his backstory. Poor Alice is torn between career and wanting to help someone she still cares deeply about. While she tells Lewis no, she does make a tentative effort to protect him, which is dropped as soon as Kelsey laughs at her. It's not likely Alice will be winning Lewis back anytime soon, so she should try not to lose too much sleep over it. As she says, Lewis has stellar grades. He can recover from this.

     What did you think of the episode? Should Wanda have told Marti the truth? Will Alice stand up a bit more strongly to Kelsey? Is Dan's entry into film school a done deal? Were there enough zombies for you? Does Aly Michalka look just as hot as a decapitated corpse? Sound off in the comments!

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

     Hellcats airs Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. ET on the CW.

Article first published as TV Review: Hellcats - "Woke Up Dead' on Blogcritics.

Chuck Versus the Wedding Planner

     Although last night was NBC's Chuck's 21st episode this season, three more outings remain: Chuck's longest season to date. Not many shows get 24 episodes anymore. In last night's, "Chuck Versus the Wedding Planner," Chuck (Zachary Levi) and Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) are swindled out of over $20,000 by their wedding planner. On advice from Sarah's con man father, Jack (Gary Cole), they use CIA resources to track down the woman, earning them both a suspension. But when Chuck flashes while looking at the planner's client list, General Beckman (Bonita Friedericy) doesn't believe him. So Chuck, Sarah, and Jack stage their own con to save the world and restore the two spies to duty.

     It is an absolute delight to get Gary Cole on screen in any capacity. Since it doesn't look like he will be returning for Chuck and Sarah's upcoming nuptials, it is awfully kind of the writers to build him into such a nice story, and provide a sweet moment for he and Sarah on the dance floor during a wedding reception. A con man with a heart of gold is still a con man, so he's just not that reliable. Plus, despite the fact that he so obviously loves his daughter, no one ever said Jack has a heart of gold.

     In flashback, we see Sarah's childhood. Her grandmother tells her father to stay away, and he reluctantly agrees. Young Sarah is heartbroken, and gives her daddy all the money she saved from the schemes they pulled together, hoping he will take her with him. He does end up disappearing, with the money, and without Sarah. While these bits are not particularly important to the overall series plot, as we already know the type of relationship the two have, but they are so well put together, it's easy to just enjoy them and not worry if they are necessary. And the actress playing young Sarah is adorable! Also, Jack leaving Sarah her money, of which he spent not a dime over the years, is a nice bookend, and solves the problem of Sarah and Chuck being hoodwinked.

     Of course, last time Jack showed up on Chuck, it is revealed that he has money stashed away for Sarah. Is that what his purpose is going to be? Every time Jack is on screen he is bringing money? Is this some sort of commentary on absentee dads?

     Parents are an important element on Chuck. Not one of Sarah or Chuck's parents are in the picture when the series begins. Chuck has tracked down both of his by this point, who happen to be spies, like him, although his father is now dead. Sarah's father has popped up a couple of times, but her mother has not been shown. Is it too much to hope for, that with three episodes left in the season, a suitably recognizable actress puts in an appearance? Or if not before the wedding, then next season? That may just be wishful thinking, and admittedly, I'm still hoping for a miracle resurrection of Scott Bakula.

     While Beckman's anger at Chuck and Sarah for misusing agency resources is certainly understandable, it stinks that she doesn't at least let them recover their missing money. After all they do in the line of duty, they should have just asked Beckman for help with the con woman, and she should have granted it. What good is having a job with such resources, and not getting to use them?

     This is not the first time Chuck or Sarah have crossed the line of professionalism. Both have used the tools of their job to hunt for Chuck's family, which ends up tying into their missions. While blind luck is probably partially to blame, Chuck must be given credit for good instincts. Not only did his hunt for mother and father help bring down bigger criminals, but the arrest of the wedding planner once again led to another mission. If we are to suspend disbelief and assume these are not coincidences, which is viable given the massive computer in Chuck's head, and its effects not completely all known or understood, Beckman needs to start learning to trust Chuck's actions, even when he himself doesn't realize a bigger motive.

     It is nice that Morgan (Joshua Gomez) and Casey (Adam Baldwin) assist in the faux wedding that Jack helps Sarah and Chuck throw. Morgan is, of course, Chuck's best friend, so he will willingly get involved in anything illegal if Chuck thinks it's best. Casey has been an obstacle before, but he has softened so much, and warmed up to the others, to the point where he barely questions them before lending a hand. It's a tight knit team built on trust, and they all realize they have something special here.

     Just because there are so many relationship movements in the episode doesn't mean that Chuck disappoints those looking for action. The wedding showdown, where the team has to stage an elaborate event, and then subtley take out not one, not two, not even three, but four bad guys is very cool! Comedy is mixed in with the action, such as Morgan rushing frantically into the backroom so that someone else can take down his mark. But fans who care more about the spy stuff than feelings should not be let down.

     No funny side plots with the Buy More this week. Due to a limited budget, Big Mike (Mark Christopher Lawrence), Lester (Vik Sahay), and Jeff (Scott Krinsky) only do certain episodes. (Sarah Lancaster's Ellie also sits this one out.) While it is a hallmark of the show to keep the CIA agents grounded with retail jobs, and also keep the more light hearted plots in for comic relief, it doesn't need to be every week. Buy More is not missed at all in this episode. Should it be missing for the next few, too, now that would be a problem.

     Devon (Ryan McPartlin) is the lone "side" main character that shows up, when he ends up catching Jack breaking into Chuck and Sarah's apartment. Did anyone else believe him when he said he could chase Jack down, even though he has a baby strapped to his chest? Classic Awesome! Devon ends up entertaining Jack for awhile, and while, like the flashbacks, not strictly needed, other than to let out to Jack know that his daughter is getting married, the two provide some of the most enjoyable moments in the hour.

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     It is finally time for Casey to come clean to Kathleen (Clare Carey). This arc took a huge leap forward this week when Kathleen catches a glimpse of the supposedly dead father of her child at the Buy More. Following him, at first she thinks he's just lying to their daughter, Alex (Mekenna Melvin), about being a hero spy. Then she sees him in action. Baldwin insists in a recent interview that Kathleen and Casey will not be picking up their romance where it left off, at least not this season, but that seems a shame. These two have wonderful chemistry.

     Now that Casey is out of the bag, does that mean he can be more actively involved in Alex's life? No more sneaking around? That would be a breath of fresh air, as Casey has become very important to Alex, and it's visibly wearing on her that she has to keep two sides of her life separate. Casey is a good father who realizes that, which is why he tells her in the previous episode not to lie to her mom. While there may be some resistance on Kathleen's part to Casey being around, he did leave her and lie to her after all, Casey is a genuinely good man. The sooner Kathleen sees that, the better for the show.


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

     Chuck airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

Article first published as TV Review: Chuck - "Chuck Versus the Wedding Planner" on Blogcritics.

Cougar Town back with "Walls" on a special night and time

PART ONE: HEART

     ABC's CougarTown returned last night after a ten week break. It normally airs Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m., and will be on then this week, but last night's episode aired in a special slot after Dancing With the Stars. In last night's episode, "Walls," Travis (Dan Byrd) is sad his girlfriend, Kirsten (Collette Wolfe), is going to take a job far away, so he begins digging in the yard for a time capsule that contains his grandmother's engagement ring. Travis's mother, Jules (Courteney Cox), tries to fight her nature and not butt in or try to talk Travis out of it, afraid he may hate her if she does.

     Jules has always been the type to butt in, and always will be. But getting married is a huge decision, and if she goes against Travis here, she may lose him. This fantastic advice is given by neighbor Ellie (Christa Miller), Jules's best friend, who loves her dearly. As such, Jules rightly listens to Ellie, and does her best to contain herself. What's more, she discovers that she is able to, with a little encouragement, and refrains from making a scene.

     This represents a big step forward from Jules. She is never shown trying to curb this personality trait, until now. The difference here is the high stakes involved. She loves Travis more than anyone or anything else in the world, and seeing Ellie and her mother's toxic relationship, she is able to force herself to act outside her nature to preserve her bond with Travis. Travis likely realizes that, because he gives her a sincere hug and an "I love you." Usually, Travis just rolls his eyes at Jules's antics, and so this is evidence that he notices and appreciates her effort.

     Grayson (Josh Hopkins) can be a bit cold. While hanging out with Andy (Ian Gomez) this week, Grayson shoots down Andy's notion that girls are all over him because he's married. He's a harmless fantasy, as Andy just likes shooting the girls down, and has no intention of ever cheating on his wife. Yet, Grayson cannot let it go, even confronting a woman, which gets them in trouble. Andy teaches Grayson that being friends means sometimes letting others have their elusions, a valuable lesson for a loner character still trying to make connections and fit into the larger group.

PART TWO: COMEDY

     ABC's CougarTown returned last night after a ten week break. It normally airs Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m., and will be on then this week, but last night's episode aired in a special slot after Dancing With the Stars. In last night's episode, "Walls," Bobby (Brian Van Holt) and Laurie (Busy Philipps) start a penny can business to raise money. Ellie (Christa Miller) is terrorized by a ghost truck. And Grayson (Josh Hopkins) and Andy (Ian Gomez) try to escape the husband of a woman they insulted.

     Every single member of the CougarTown cast is hilarious, and so favorite characters change from week to week. This episode's Comedy MVP is Laurie. First, she talks about making a movie about a puppy that blows up if it crosses town lines. Then, she mouths along to a radio ad that she recorded. Later, she is sad because her name has no B's in it. Finally, her selling the Penny Cans "One for $19.95, two for fifty!" cinches the deal. All around, Philipps plays the sometimes ditzy, but always loveable, Laurie with charm and grace. In a lesser actress's hands, Laurie may seem stupid. But Phillips lets you know that she's in on the jokes, and that's the happy persona she likes to exude to cheer up those around her. She is a true joy.

     Christa Miller gets runner up. It took until almost halfway through the episode before her predicting Jules's dialogue and saying it with her earned Christa's first laugh of the night. Her exclamation of "Draino!" as she scores a difficult Penny Can throw excites. Then she faked a phone call argument to her mom to make a point, and freaked out when her "ghost truck" kept moving by itself. The fact that she never figured out that Jules is the one putting the truck in different places is great fun, and hopefully it is a gag that will carry over to other episodes, as many of CougarTown's best do.

     Speaking of gags that run on, Penny Can is a game where one throws a penny into a paint can. It started as a simple gag, but like the game itself, becomes addictive. Now Penny Can is featured heavily once more as Bobby and Laurie make it a full blown business to help Bobby raise money. What's more, it hasn't gotten stale in the slightest. Fans of the show are making their own Penny Cans, and it's becoming a popular pastime. This may be the series's single greatest contribution to society. And the thing is, it's just such a no-brainer idea! Thank you to the writers who had the brain to put it on screen and make the rest of the country say, "Why didn't I think of that?"


     CougarTown airs Wednesday nights at 9:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

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

Gossip Girl demands "The Kids Stay in the Picture"

      The CW's Gossip Girl just returned tonight from a six week hiatus, but unfortunately, unlike many earlier episodes this season, tonight's has quite a few problems and disappointments. Gossip Girl thrives on drama, but it is not known for letting exciting stories peter out without a satisfying conclusion. Yet, that is exactly what it seems like is happening between Blair (Leighton Meester) and Dan (Penn Badgley).

     When last the show aired, Blair and Dan were sharing a kiss, their first. The feelings that have been bubbling up between them all season come to a head, and they decide a smooch will determine if there are real feelings between them, something more than friendship, or not. But tonight's episode is set a week later, and Blair is not returning Dan's calls. In fact, she has already moved on, and is back to wanting to be with Chuck (Ed Westwick). Did all her quality time with someone who shares her interests mean nothing to her? Blair has become a character with real feelings, not just motivated to get ahead at all costs, as she used to be, and that seems to vanish suddenly.

     At the time Blair and Chuck originally split, it was beyond disappointing. Every episode brought another frustrating bout of 'why won't they get back together already?'. And then Dan comes along, completely unexpected, and the years of hate between he and Blair begin to cool. Spending time one on one together, with no ulterior motives, allow them to really reveal who they are, and learn just how much they have in common. Now, Blair and Chuck barely seem compatible. While Chuck changes first, Blair changes more, and now she belongs with a man of substance, like Dan.

     It is acceptable, of course, for Blair to have reservations about committing to Dan. He is below her station, and it may affect her career. However, the effect will be minimal and temporary. Looking around, there are other powerful women who married men from lower income upbringings and have managed to still succeed with flying colors. Blair's hesitation should be only temporary. Worse, the series teases, with Blair calling the kiss life-changing. But the change she refers to is a reversal. Good characters do not backslide so completely.

     Lily's (Kelly Rutherford) family is in town, supposedly to support her in her time of need while she faces criminal charges. William (William Baldwin), CeCe (Caroline Lagerfelt), and even the never-before-seen-as-an-adult Carol (Sheila Kelley) arrive. They are not there just to offer moral support, however. In fact, their main purpose seems to be to have a picture taken. This is important to Lily, which is understandable, given the upheaval her life is going through. But did none of her relations care enough to stay beyond that?

     It is nice to finally see Carol, Lily's sister, who was previously introduced as a teenager in flashback for a spin-off that never happened. However, once Carol and Lily reconnect, and a small secret slips out, she really isn't that important to the plot. Carol's daughter, Charlie (Kaylee DeFer), who will be sticking around, is even more uninteresting. An attempt to give her a mysterious back story falls flat, and unlike many other supporting characters who drift in and out of the show, she is completely forgettable. Only Rufus (Matthew Settle) is the slightest bit interesting in this plot, as he and William begin to make a sort of peace.

     Will Charlie end up adding anything to the show? It's unlikely, given what she has contributed so far. The problem is, a generic actress who easily fades into the background is portraying her, and what little she has been given has not been punched up to gain attention. This could be writing or acting or a combination, but it's just not working. Instead, she is a mousy girl who will be eaten alive by the upper east-siders in no time. If she is going to be a fixture for any length of time, changes need to be made fast.

     Why is Vanessa (Jessica Szohr) still on the series? She skulks in the shadows, barely popping up, except in some half-hearted attempts to reconnect to the other characters. She can't decide whether she should apologize or cause trouble, as she keeps doing both, so neither work very well. Either Vanessa needs to make her presence felt and fight for her place in the group, or she should just go away. Szohr could be doing better things with her life.

      Despite an unsatisfying episode, the series, and the season, overall have been plenty good enough to retain viewers through the rough patches. Gossip Girl airs Monday nights at 9 p.m. on the CW.

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

Article first published as TV Review: Gossip Girl - "The Kids Stay in the Picture" on Blogcritics.

Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe

     USA's Burn Notice is a popular series that finished its fourth season this past December. While fans wait for season five, a TV movie prequel premiered last night. Called Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe, it follows Sam (Bruce Campbell) on his last mission for the armed forces, before he winds up in Miami for the series. The special is directed by Jeffrey Donovan, who stars in the regular show, and puts in a cameo in the movie.

     Campbell is easily believable as a slightly younger Sam, the only noticable differences being a trim uniform and the grey dyed out of his hair. Perhaps because Sam engages in a bit more action than during a typical episode of Burn Notice, there is also an extra liveliness. As such, the team behind this new production does a superb job of making it feel like a few years ago.

     The beginning is awkward, as Sam gets lost several times on the way to meet his commanding officers. While Sam is often the comic relief on Burn Notice, it does not make sense for him to appear bumbling while in uniform. He has never this goofy. The whole sequence comes off as silly and unrealistic. As such, the movie gets off to a bad start.

     Things pick up as Sam begins to relay the story of a recent mission to two superiors. Sam inadvertently sleeps with an admiral's wife, and earns himself a transfer to an observe and report mission in Columbia. Sam tries to do as his orders command, but after only a brief stint in the jungle, he realizes that the people he is stationed with are not on the up and up. As such, Sam must betray his instructions to save a clinic, the people it treats, and the nearby "terrorists" he is supposed to be against.

     The "terrorists" are actually farmers, and only one has any real military experience. In order to get to do whatever they want, the leader of the squadron Sam is ordered to, Veracruz (Pedro Pascal, The Good Wife), plans on blowing up a clinic and blaming it on the farmers. Sam fakes his own kidnapping and evacuates the people Veracruz intends to hurt.

     Soon after Sam flees, Veracruz figures out what is actually going on, and sets his men after Sam and the farmers. Aided by local kid, Beatriz (Ilza Rosario), who doesn't really look like a kid, the farmers flee towards a secret CIA base that Sam knows about. It's a lot like the 24 TV movie, Redemption, where a well known hero is self-sacrificial and on the run with a group who is not really ready to defend themselves. Because of this, the special does not feel new or fresh.

     This is also not in character for the Sam presented at the beginning of Burn Notice, who informed on Michael to the feds. Perhaps that Sam is a bit defeated because of the events explained by this movie, and so he isn't as courageous as he is shown to be later on. That's the easiest explanation, as the Sam in this special is more like the Sam shown in the fourth season of Burn Notice, well after he has committed to a team that is always helping people.

     Sam and the others make it to the base, but they are badly outnumbered. Sam must stall by talking, something he has been shown time and again to be very good at. He does so long enough for help to arrive, but his previous actions are enough to earn him the threat of court martial. Only his resourcefulness saves him, having arranged for Beatriz to have blackmail material that Sam uses to negotiate himself an honorable discharge.

     The story started out slow and not very well written, but by the end, Sam has morphed into a more familiar figure, as he has come to be known to fans. This special is far from fantastic, but it does give a little bit of unknown back story on a popular character, and keeps the tone (and often, the music) of the series, so fans will probably enjoy it.

     The capable, but not stellar, supporting cast includes RonReaco Lee (The Good Guys) as the clinic doctor, and Kiele Sanchez (Lost, The Glades) as the doctor's assistant, Amanda. Sam has a brief romantic notion to be with Amanda, but a couple of kisses is all the further the special takes it. While it is unlikely Sam would have a permanent love interest in such a brief movie, his interaction with Amanda is so tame that it proves unneeded and feels out of place with the rest of the show.

     Burn Notice, back to its present day story line, will return to USA this summer.

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

Article first published as TV Review: Burn Notice: The Fall of Sam Axe on Blogcritics.

Game of Thrones tells us "Winter Is Coming"

     Last night, HBO premiered the first episode of its adaptation of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. Called Game of Thrones, the tale centers on a power struggle for control of the Seven Kingdoms. Various characters and factions engage in covert and overt rebellion, each trying to win the Iron Throne. Among the contenders are the current king and his protectors, the queen's brother, and an army supporting the disposed prince, who wishes to reclaim his hertiage. The series will follow the various factions until one ends up in power.

     It may be a bit daunting to jump into HBO's Game of Thrones, with its very large cast of characters and varying allegiances. Yet, the first episode takes things slow enough that it is fairly simple to identify the varying players, even if their names and tribes escape. As such, please forgive, and feel free to correct in the comments, should mistakes be found, though care will be taken to try to avoid any. Should the effort to watch be made, the potential for reward is great, if the premiere, "Winter Is Coming", is representative of the high quality and extremely entertaining story that will unfold.

     The episode opens with a deadly attack by very creepy creatures. Be warned, this scene should not be watched just before falling asleep. An entire band of men is killed, save for one lone survivor, who rushes back to Winterfell, the land controlled by Lord Eddard 'Ned' Stark (Sean Bean). The babbling, frightened man's story sounds unrealistic, so according to law, Stark executes him for deserting his group. In attendance to watch the beheading are Stark's children, including ten year old Bran (Isaac Hempstead-Wright).

     Venturing into the woods, Stark finds the body of a great wolf, with five cubs crawling upon it. The cubs are given to his five children, and a later discovered runt goes to the illegitimate son, Jon Snow (Kit Harington). It's a valid metaphor, of the children Stark claims and the one he doesn't. Stark cares for them all, but Snow's place is a little bit lower than the others.

     No sooner, does Stark return to his home, than he receives word that his king, Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy), is coming to visit. Only one goal could spur the ruler to come all the way up north, and that is that he wants Ned to return to the capital as his right hand man. Ned is reluctant, and his wife, Catelyn (Michelle Fairley) begs him not to accept. But when Ned discovers that the previous holder of the position, a beloved mentor of his, has been murdered, he feels it his duty to protect the king, also a friend. Plus, Stark's daughter will marry Baratheon's son, bonding their families

     The murder and backstabbing are easy enough to follow. There's a king, and others want to take control of the kingdom. Thus far, Stark is presented as a fair, noble man, and so it is likely viewers will root for Baratheon to retain the throne, at least as long as he is still in Stark's good graces. As Stark is set up to be the central character of the series, it is also possible that something will happen, either through betrayal or death, where Stark may sit on the throne instead. Either way, lots of good sword fights and medieval glee will surely abound.

     Perhaps the biggest exterior threat to King Baratheon is Viserys Targaryen (Harry Lloyd), an exiled prince, who feels he deserves to gain power back. To do so, he marries off his sister, Daenerys (Emilia Clarke), against her will, to a ruffian with an army, Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa). Drogo is the warlord of the Dothraki people, who will now assist Viserys with his quest.

     Viserys comes across as a slimy wretch, seeing his sister, whom he claims to care about, as a tool or good that can be bartered. In fact, Viserys tells her he would let '40,000 men and their horses' have intercourse with her if that would get him back on the throne. So, obviously, do not root for Viserys. He's evil.

     There is also an interior threat to the King, in the form of his wife, Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey), and her brother, Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau). Cersei and Jaime are sleeping together, and when caught by young Bran, Jaime pushes him off a tower. It's a shocking cliffhanger, and one that firmly cements the Lannisters as villains, too.

     Well, at least Cersei and Jaime are bad guys. They have another brother, Tyrion (Peter Dinklage), who, while rude, seems to take pleasures of the flesh far more seriously than political power. Jaime supports this, perhaps because it provides him one less threat to worry about. Tyrion is clearly present for comic relief, welcome with all of the other dark events surrounding.

     Other reviewers more familiar with the book series have stated that nothing much happens in the first hour, and its mostly an introduction to some of the many, many characters. But it's possible to disagree. Not about the introduction, of course, as that certainly happens, but about nothing happening. True, there are no large scale battles, but that doesn't mean things don't flow. Ned's consideration of the job being asked of him, as well as Jaime and Viserys lying the foundation for their own attempts at a power grab, are not nothing. It may not be fast paced, but there is more than enough intrigue to keep attention, and learning who people are is an important first step before undertaking such a large, sweeping drama.

     Game of Thrones airs Sunday nights at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

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

Article first published as TV Review: Game of Thrones - "Winter Is Coming" on Blogcritics.

Smallville explores what it means to be a "Kent"

     Four weeks are left until the CW's Smallville series finale. The show has been on there air for a decade. Ten full years. There aren't many series that can boast such a long run, and the show now is drastically different from the way it began. With a primary cast of only four characters (five, if counting Allison Mack's Chloe, though she is only doing a handful of episodes this season), the focus has shifted fully into Clark Kent (Tom Welling) becoming Superman. Sure, that has always been the understood journey of the show, but with the end fast approaching, it is more prevalent than ever.

     This week, in "Kent", Clark is sent back to the alternate universe by his doppelgänger, Clark Luthor. Luthor is hunted in his world, and everyone knows how to kill him, thanks to the now deceased Oliver Queen (Justin Hartley). Clark Kent runs into Oliver's widow, Lois (Erica Durance), and then finds the shell of a man that is Jonathan Kent (John Schneider). Jonathan captures Clark, intending to hand him in for the reward money. But would-be father and son bond, and Jonathan lets Clark go, both having new perspectives on their lives.

     Jonathan Kent died in the regular universe years ago, but having Clark face his father once more, right before the end, is not just a throwback to who he was. Jonathan has shaped who Clark has become. He also helps his son see that things in life aren't nearly as important as the people. Clark does know Lois is the most cherished element in his life, but this bit of advice gives him the courage to go through with a momentous event in his life: selling the Kent family farm.

     Giving up his boyhood home may not seen like a major step to many. In fact, many origin Superman stories on screen have dispersed with the farmhouse early in the movie or series. But as the entirety of Smallville takes place prior to Clark putting on the cape and tights, getting rid of the homestead reminds us that the end is very near, and he will soon become the hero he is meant to be. This particular Clark's journey is finishing, as he is about to become the character beloved for decades.

     Back in the 'real' universe, Lois quickly realizes the imposter. She enlists Emil's (Alessandro Juliani) assistance in repairing the one device that can bring her love back home again. Unlike other incarnations of Superman, where Lois is a fiercely independent woman who doesn't 'need' Clark, this Lois has known him since his geeky days, and understands the role they play in each other's lives. It does not detract from her strength to be so bonded to Clark. Rather, it makes them both more complex, interesting individuals as they balance the duality of individualism with their romance. Smallville shows this better than any other version of the story told before. This may be the closest look at Lois and Clark's relationship ever shown on screen.

     Clark Luthor has come to the commonly considered standard reality to find Lionel Luthor (John Glover), his adopted father, who escaped to this side months ago, and kill him. It is a really well illustrated example of nurture winning out over nature. Yet, while Clark Luthor does not accomplish his wicked goal, Clark Kent sees something in his counterpart that may be redeemable. When Clark Luthor is sent back to his universe in the Fortress, it appears he may finally consider Jor-El's (Terence Stamp) wisdom. Even after everything that has happened, a good father figure, as well as a peek into what might have been, could still save his soul. If nothing else, it's a comforting idea. And a reminder that Superman is, at his core, optimistic.

     Caught up in Clark Luthor's games is his half sister, Tess (Cassidy Freeman). Recently realizing she is a Luthor, and struggling over how to deal with her biological father, Lionel, Clark Luthor tells Tess she must help him kill their daddy, or face death herself. She pretends to go along with Clark's wishes, but betrays him, almost resulting in her death. Thanks to a timely rescue, which is never assured so close to a series' end, Tess will breathe for at least another week.

     The fact that Tess chose good shows a real character development for her. Ever since her introduction, she has straddled the line between good and evil, much as Lex (Michael Rosenbaum) used to. As his replacement, that is appropriate. But she is making the opposite decision than her brother did. While Tess's ultimate loyalty may still be up in the air, it seems likely she will stick to the right choice.

     Tess, more than anyone, is not given her due. She is a complicated person, with deeply dark hues. Freeman is an excellent actress, managing to do much with what little she is given. With only four weeks left, Tess will be the one character that provides the least satisfaction. She could be taken so much further than she will be. Freeman deserves much gratitude from the fan base for her contribution to the show.
  
     Smallville still airs Friday nights at 8 p.m. ET on the CW, though not for much longer.

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

Article first published as TV Review: Smallville - "Kent" on Blogcritics.