"The Amazing Spider-Man 2" Review (Major Spoilers)
Also reviews for the latest episodes of Arrow, Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.D., Once Upon A Time, Revolution, Believe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Simpsons, Bob's Burgers, Family Guy, American Dad, the season finale of Bates Motel, the latest episodes of Fargo and The Boondocks, the season premiere of Louie, and the latest episodes of Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey and Jim Henson's Creature Shop Challenge.
Upcoming reviews include Son Of Batman, The Wolverine: Extended Edition, Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher, The Spectacular Spider-Man: The Complete Series, Frozen, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Extended Edition, The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug (Blu-Ray), The Veronica Mars Movie, Power Rangers: Zeo: Volume 1, Power Rangers: Zeo: Volume 2, Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie, Power Rangers Turbo: Volume 1, Power Rangers Samurai: The Complete Season, Samurai Jack: Season 2, Samurai Jack: Season Three, and Earthworm Jim: The Complete Series.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
I had free movie tickets for this. Otherwise I would have waited for the Blu-Ray.
It was all right. I still am a bit miffed they killed of Gwen at the end, but I expected it to happen. I have really grown to love Emma Stone's version in a way I didn't the comic book one, who was a bit bland for my liking. Stone's Gwen had a personality, and I really hate that they kept with the comic book tradition for that one thing.
Electro is totally the Riddler from Batman Forever. If the character wasn't written gay, Jamie Foxx played him that way.
This is easily the most evil Harry Osborn has been portrayed on-screen, cartoon or live-action. And I don't see him redeeming himself the way James Franco's Green Goblin did. Truly vile character.
Looking forward to the Sinister Six. Lots of great Easter Eggs. Who is Mr. Fierce? Is that the same guy from the end of the first movie? Was he played again by Michael Madsen? Is he possibly Otto Octavious?
Why was Alastair Smythe able to walk in this movie? Has his accident not happened yet?
Loved Flash kissing Gwen at the graduation. She digs him.
Loved George Stacy's cameos too. I guess Denis Leary's campaign to bring him back for the sequel was successful!
What was with the X-Men: Days Of Future Past trailer in the middle of the credits? That's not even the same studio! And Marvel isn't allowed to use the Spider-Man/X-Men/Fantastic Four characters, but that was all right? Jeez. What a rip-off.
The movie was all right but I'm glad I didn't pay to see it at the theater. I'll still be getting the Blu-Ray though. ***.
Arrow "Streets Of Fire"
That was a great ending. They wouldn't kill of Malcolm like that, would they? Because he'd be a serious asset in the fight against Deathstroke. Him and Oliver potentially teaming up in the finale is an irresistable idea.
I'm predicting that Slade thinks Sarah is Oliver's true love. And that he will succeed in killing her in the finale. Unless he thinks it's Laurel. In which case he won't.
Didn't you just love the look of disgust Oliver shot Blood over his delusional idea that he was still going to be mayor? Honestly, I wish Blood had lived. I have a feeling he is NOT the kind of guy who would fare well in prison and I kind of wanted to see the look on his face when he realized he was going down for this and what fresh hells that would entail.
Does this whole plot sort of have shades of Bane's plan in The Dark Knight Rises? That is not a favorable comparison since I didn't like that movie too much, but the parallels are there.
I'm surprisingly light on commentary for this episode, despite a lot happening. All I can say is I loved it. *****.
Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. "Ragtag"
As admittedly cool as the stuff was in the present (loved Coulson geeking out over the Howling Commandos gear) as a flashback episode to establish a villain's motives, it is a miserable failure. It could have been written by the writers of Once Upon A Time, although that show has never given us an origin as bad as this.
This flashback should have shown us exactly WHY Ward was loyal to Garrett, and chose him over Skye and Coulson, just so the audience could understand it a little better. If anything, I'm even MORE perplexed than I was when Ward was shown to be Hydra. Garrett spends the first three minutes of the episode telling Ward that no-one will abuse him or make him feel weak and powerless ever again, only to proceed to spend the entire flashback being abusive to him and making him feel weak and powerless. Why on EARTH would Ward choose the guy who shot his dog? Seriously. I. Do not. GET IT.
And this clearly wasn't brainwashing. Ward made a deliberate choice to stay with Garrett despite what a dirtbag he is. And that just doesn't make any sense to me. If anything, he should have been trying to KILL Garrett long before this.
This stuff in the present was awesome, and I can't wait till next weak, but the lousy flashbacks mean the episode as a whole was a wash. **1/2.
Once Upon A Time "Kansas"
Too soon, Once. WAAAAYYY too soon.
As much as I love the idea of Regina being the new White Magic Savior, they needed to wait a few more seasons to do it. Two at the least. I can believe that her love for Henry could count as true love's kiss. It tracks. But she JUST tried to destroy the town one year ago. That is NOT enough time for her to get where the episode is wanting me to believe she is.
Unless they are going to treat her like Sylar from Heroes and keep jerking us around for seasons on end. Frankly, that would annoy me even more.
I love that Hook was horrified that Emma saved his life. I'm with him. She shouldn't have. It was lucky Regina was there, because if she wasn't, they would have been screwed.
Emma effed that up. Her agreeing with David to let Hook to go with her was beyond stupid, especially because if he had known about the curse Hook was under, and the fact that Zelena could probably force it to happen, he wouldn't have. The heroes need to compare notes, and Emma needed to TELL David this crucial fact. If he had known, not only would he have not let Hook go with her, he'd probably threaten him to stay away from her. Which would have been the smart thing to do in that scenario.
Wait, did David learn about Hook's curse last week? If he did, HE is the stupid one in that scenario. I honestly don't remember.
Do you know what I loved? Rumple killing Zelena. There will no doubt be dire consequences (as the cliffhanger warned) but I don't believe for one second he would just sit back and let the person who killed Baelfire live. Even if it would mean he would lose Belle forever, he would NEVER let that stand. I think the reverse is true too. I think he would have been willing to lose Neal forever to avenge someone who killed Belle. And frankly, I'm not so sure he was wrong to do it. Belle is gonna be REALLY P.O.ed, but having Zelena simply sit in a jail cell was an unteneble situation, especially if Regina's idea to give her a second chance ever happened. If Regina ever killed Baelfire or Belle she'd be dead, no matter the cost with the survivor. And I'm sure Gold would be willing to live with that.
I have to give the episode credit for something: in the Fairybacks Zelena was more sympathetic than she was in her first appearance. By far. At first you kind of think it is stupid for Zelena to be threatened by this kid who stepped out of the wreck of a house, but honestly? The behavior of Glinda and the other witches was disgusting. The fact that Glinda switched horses IMMEDIATELY upon learning the Wicked Witch "died", just showed how completely insincere her intitial offer to Zelena was, and that she was just using her to lure out the true Savior. Being banished to the Enchanted Forest for too good for Glinda. What a witch.
But I like that the show is blurring the lines between good and evil. I wish they had taken this tack last season. Even if Regina turning into Jesus was unbelievable, the rest of the episode worked. ****.
Revolution "Tomorrowland"
I'm not going to say Monroe's plan to revenge-mustard-gas the Patriots was a bad one. It was serviceable and competent enough. Its just that Miles' plan was way better. I really wish Miles had explained himself better. He shouldn't have come up with the spy plan because fewer innocent people would die. That just happens to be a bonus. He should have sold it to Bass as what it was: High risk, high reward. That's Monroe's language and if Miles is going to try to pretend that less innocent people dying is the selling point to having a spy in Truman's bed...well, I can't help him. Because it's not. And even if his girlfriend is found out, they'll still have leverage since the President was one nodded head away from executing Truman anyways. Now they may have to eventually compare notes with Neville to see exactly how precarious Truman's position actually is, but if they ever find out, they own that sucker. He'll probably be forced to defect to the rebels. He will have no choice. And the intel Truman could supply could win them the war. The Rebels hold all of the pieces to winning, they just need to get together to solve the puzzle.
One kink: the AI. Honestly, unless something amazing happens in the finale, I am as fed up with this plot as Aaron is. Zak Orth NAILS frustration, fear, anger, and cynicism is the space of ten seconds. And the AI KNOWS it isn't telling Aaron anything he necessarily disagrees with. Despite Aaron saying he believed in helping people all last season, I can tell, he doesn't actually like them since the Blackout happened. With good reason, in my opinion. But I'm guessing one of the reasons the IA chose Aaron to be one of the few thousand people it chose to converse with, is that deep down, Aaron doesn't disagree with what the AI is saying. And yes, I think the AI has been planning something like this for awhile. It strains credibility that a single mustard gas attack fifteen years after the most barbaric moment in history, would be the thing to set it off. It is LYING and has had this plan from the start.
One note about Tom Neville: if you try to kill Tom Neville, you'd better be sure you actually kill him. Because failing would be the worst mistake of your short life and he'll not only kill you slow, he'll rub it in. You see the look on that guy's face? Fifteen years after the Blackout, this guy STILL can't believe how crazy someone like Neville is. It SHOCKED him, and I'm guessing he was one of the ones living soft down in Cuba. He didn't seem to understand the way the world worked now, and that guys like him were cannon fodder, and that guys like Neville are the top dogs. I really dislike Neville as a person, but I cannot deny he (along with Monroe and Miles) are some of the only people who have adapted to life after the Blackout better than they did before it. Neville could have the world, should he give up his crazy revenge plots and actually sit down and come up with a real plan with Bass and Miles. Guys like Neville were born to rule a terrible place like this. That he no longer does is a testament to the fact that he has been making some terrible decisions. And yes, that includes not listening to Jason after him warning him repeatedly about the Patriots.
I'm glad Neville isn't top dog though. If he was, a LOT of people would get killed because he is so crazy. Bass is crazy too, but he's at least somewhat well-intentioned. Neville is only about looking out for himself, and he puts his family way down on his list of priorities. And he just plain loves killing people. I don't get that sense from Bass. Monroe just doesn't think it's a big deal. Tom actually enjoys it.
I really hope NBC renews the show. Its gotten back on track after a couple of shaky episodes. Possibly because this ep featured the return of Gene and Truman, but I really enjoyed it. ****1/2.
Believe "Prodigy"
Oh, Ronan. That was NOT smart. I get that's he's desperate, but now the government KNOWS he's hiding something big, and will probably find it out before Winters even gets a chance to blab. If there is a season two (which is admittedly a big if) my prediction is that Skourous goes the way of Balair Crais on Farscape, and William Mahone on Prison Break: he'll become a fugitive himself and wind up teaming up with the heroes in an uneasy alliance. That is my prediction if the show returns. Doing something as crazy as trying to kill Winters in front of the authorities, just sent up huge red flags. Which would not have happened if he decided to just hold on for a moment and think things through. I'm sure he could have come up with something. But doing something that crazy means the police are going to go digging. And if Winters is right about him committing treason, he is in an even worse spot than Tate. Beginning of the end for Ronan, man. I just fear that there may be someone even worse than him out there. Farscape DID give us Scorpius who was a thousand times smarter and more dangerous than Crais. I'd hate to think who's worse than Skourous.
I like that Tate and Bo are still trying to figure things out as far as the parenting situation. You know he's right that she needs to practice, but she is ALSO right that her helping people is the best kind of practice there is. There has to be a happy medium somewhere.
Anyone else feel all warm when Tate called Bo "Baby"? That was SO sweet.
I predict this series is getting canceled. But if by some miracle it isn't, season two should be VERY interesting. ****.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Mazes & Mutants"
SO glad that Paul Reubens continues to get work. There were a couple of things I will note, but I don't have much else to say about this episode. The first thing is that the revelation that Ice Cream Kitty lives in the Turtles' freezer is a level of awesome and merriment I cannot describe. I am almost swooning over that joke.
The second thing is wondering if I'm the only one who remembers the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles role-playing game froms the 80's. It was one of the few pieces of Turtles merchandise from that era that was solely based on the original comic book instead of the TV show. I never played it, but I used to pour over the book, especially since it substituted the characteristic "selfish" for "neutral", after correctly pointing out that there is not a person alive who is truly neutral in any given conflict. I think that piece of insight is something that should have occured to Gary Gygax when he created Dungeons and Dragons.
Cute episode. It made me nostalgic for my childhood and hungry for kitten flavored ice cream. ***.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "The Lonely Mutation Of Baxter Stockman"
Turtles, all is forgiven. Truly. I mean that. I'm not going to pretend that the first half of the season wasn't an infuriating mess, but by curing Kirby, the show has basically let us know that the second half of the season won't be. I'll always hate the first half of the season. But because of this episode, I don't have to hate the series in general anymore.
Honestly, it was the WAY they cured Kirby that impressed me. If it had been down to luck or random chance that Kirby was the one of who got the anti-mutagen, I'd be less than impressed, but the Turtles went above and beyond the call of duty here. They were COMPETENT. They knew what they were doing, and got the job done.
And things were dire and tense. At various points I was not convinced they'd be able to pull it off, but they did. They kept me on the edge of my seat right until the end of the episode.
The nitpicker in me would object to the idea of turning Baxter Stockman into a fly, which was one of the worst developments of the old show, but do you know what? Eff him. At this point, I could care less. He deserves it after his behavior this episode. Long may he wind up puking on his own food.
I liked the references to both Bebop and Rocksteady, who I would love to show up, and Ace Duck (!) which is easily the most obscure Turtles references the series has ever made. And it's made some beauts. Seriously. Ace Duck makes Irma sound mainstream.
Best episode of the season. By far. *****.
The Simpsons "Brick Like Me"
Whenever The Simpsons does a non-Treehouse/Trilogy gimmick episode they ALWAYS knock it out of the park. And I kind of get why they do it so rarely, maybe every other season or so. Because if they did as many gimmick episodes as Family Guy often does, they would dillute their impact. The fact that the Simpsons were Lego was STILL visually interesting and new was because that the show rarely experiments with different art styles outside of the Cough Gags and occassional Halloween Specials. If we were getting different version of the characters week after week, it might not look as funky and cool. I believe (and I could be wrong) that the last time we got a show this different was in the Christmas episode where they were all puppets for a segment. And like that, this worked like gangbusters.
Unlike that segment though, the episode was NOT flawless. The micengation joke REALLY offended me and would probably have been more at home being bleeped on Family Guy. This completely fun Lego experiment was brought to a crashing halt to make me feel REALLY icky for a couple of minutes. Also, I think they spent too much time in OUR world in the second act, and the conclusion in Legoland could have been better. But I still loved almost everything about the episode.
And even though it wasn't Lego, the end of Homer being VERY unhappy at The Hunger Games knock-off was spot-on. It is true, that even though it is the book's gimmick, the fact of the matter is that children fighting to the death isn't what the book is really about. It was about the CONSEQUENCES to something that horrible happening, and the amount of damage it would do to the victims and suvivors alike. But Homer is also right: the book isn't about the romance either. The fact that female fans have glommed onto it as if it is the second coming of Twlight makes me very sad. The romance seems to be the least credible and well written thing about the book. It shouldn't be treated as if it is the BEST thing, or the only thing worth getting excited over. Because it's pretty much the LEAST successful part of the book, and you get the feeling Suzanne Collins reluctantly tagged it on to appeal to the young adult crowd. She seems much less interested in writing about ships that she does politics and ethics. That's just my two cents.
I look forward to the next gimmick episode in 2017 or so. Stuff like this proves it will probably be worth it. ****1/2.
Bob's Burgers "Gene It On"
I think the reason I enjoy adventures episodes for the kids (which this sadly was not one) was because in this universe, it is literally the kids against the world. ALL of the adults, outside of Bob, Linda, and Teddy, are irredeemably corrupt and use the kids for their own sick amusement. And frankly, Linda's hands are not entirely clean in that department. No, every adult besides Bob and Teddy is despicable on some level. It is no wonder Tammy, Jimmy Jr., and Zeke are as horrible as they are. It is learned behavior.
I liked the stuff with Tina, Louise, and Jimmy Jr., although I stand by my opinion that Tina is too good for that twerp and should just move on. Louise was just saying what we all were thinking.
This show really doesn't think much of parents or teachers. I can't say I necessarily disagree with that idea, but it is VERY unusual, even for an animated Fox comedy. King of the Hill had bad parents and teachers too, but the difference there is that they were all misguided, and Hank was there to set them right in the end. Here, the adults screw with the kids to get a sick thrill and learn nothing by the end. That teacher "saving" those kids lives was literally the least he do for them. They wouldn't have been in that mess without him (and Linda).
The episode was pretty well put together, and I laughed a few times at some of the Gene zingers, but it unfortunately left a little bit of a bad taste in my mouth. ***.
Family Guy "Meg Stinks!"
Definite mixed feelings about this episode. It had some fabulous jokes, but I dunno man, that skunk character REALLY irked me in the same way the black rappers voiced by white actors in The Simpsons' "Pranksta Rap" did. It's getting ridiculous as this point. Hire some black actors, Family Guy. It's not like Seth is incapable of it. Every single black character on American Dad (even the joke characters in just a scene or two) is voiced by a black actor. It makes even the more controversial stuff seem funny, rather than offensive. JUST least week I accused Seth MacFarlane of being an irredeemable racist. He's having a REALLY hard time with proving me wrong.
But like I said, there WERE a ton of great jokes. I was mad all throughout the episode after the skunk, but I DID laugh many times too. Scrappy Brian was genius (can you imagine how P.O.ed Scooby Doo's sister must be at him for putting Scrappy in that much danger on a weekly basis?) as was Brian magically vanishing into thin air when the lightning struck. Adam West liked that last joke too. I also laughed at the joke of Peter stealing the giant teddy bear from the kid who actually won it.
Do you know what made me sad? "You DON'T smell good, Joe." Can you imagine what kind of living hell that marriage is for both of them? As effed up as Peter and Lois are, they sort of compliment each other, and can more or less make things work. Joe and Bonnie are not only deeply unhappy but they are trapped. Bonnie is Joe's caregiver and would feel too guilty to leave him, and Joe depends on Bonnie too much to leave her. So their only real option is to be miserable with each other. That REALLY bums me out, but I found that line so funny because it was so sad.
I'm giving this a middling grade that would have been higher if I weren't so ticked off. **1/2.
American Dad "Permanent Record Wrecker"
The thing that has driven me most nuts about Stan from Day One is that he never understands that there are very real consequences to his actions. His getting Steve fired for spite WAS something that could seriously damage the kid's future, and he didn't understand it until after it happened. I get that the writers are trying to say that because Stan is a Republican he is stupid, but there AREN'T ever any consequences for his actions. He seems to learn the same lesson at the end of every episode, and winds up doing the exact same thing wrong at the beginning of the next one.
I guess you could argue that the same thing has been true for Homer Simpson for the last 25 years, but I don't agree. There are more facets to Homer's character than being the screw-up, and unlike Stan, his isn't usually the antagonist of most Simpsons episodes. But American Dad (and Family Guy for that matter) always expect me to forgive an awful lot of characters who keep making the exact same mistakes.
There were some things I loved about the episode. Like most episodes where Bullock appears, the episode seemed to go out of its way to evaporate the huge amount of respect Patrick Stewart banked from me from Star Trek and X-Men. And Stewart ENJOYS doing it so much, that I kind of love him for it. I don't quite think Picard or Professor X are as cool as I used to, but I definitely think Stewart, the actor, is way cooler than the stern characters he built a career playing suggests.
I also thought the episode came up with an extremely clever way for Roger to get out of his soul debt. It was smart enough to work in a Twilight Zone episode, and so obvious in hindsight, you wonder why no-one ever thought of doing something like that before. Where was Roger for Sam when "Reaper" was on the air?
As much as I (and the writers) rag on Stan for being a conservative, do you know what I loved? That he thanked the army recruiter for his service. He showed in that one moment, more class and decency than the entire 2012 Republican Presidential Primary field when the crowd booed that gay soldier and they stood by and let it happen. Stan's a Republican butthole, but he does have SOME sense of decency, and came to his positions through ignorance rather than PURE malice. That's kind of cool.
Was I the only one cackling evilly when I saw the revamped Red State Grocery sign? I've been waiting for that store to return since Obama was first elected, and the joke was worth the wait and did NOT disappoint.
Better than tonight's Family Guy at any rate. ***1/2.
Bates Motel "The Immutable Truth"
That passionate kiss Norma gave Norman shocked even me. It was one step away from open-mouthed and using tongues. I stand by my earlier prediction that Norma and Norman will wind up having consensual sex by the time the series is over. Whether it will be a one time thing or not is the only question in my mind. After seeing her kiss Norman like that, part of me wonders if her relationship with her brother was consensual too, or if it merely screwed up her with her boundary issues. I don't think we've heard the last of it.
Norman's scene with Emma was incredibly sweet. As messed up as Norman is, he has always been super awesome with Emma. You can tell by the look on her face that she realized her asking Norma about her first time must have nearly killed her. It was like "That explains a lot!" She was totally horrified. Olivia Cooke nailed it.
I loved Norma reconciling with Dylan. And I kind of figured out the reason ahead of time why Romero was giving Dylan a free pass and a light touch. He thinks he has a future in the town.
But Norma doesn't. Her outburst last week was super embarrassing, as was her lame excuse that people say things they don't mean when they're angry. That really isn't true. People just use that as an excuse to not take responsibility for the things they DID say. If Norma didn't really feel that way, she wouldn't have said it. I don't blame her friend for ditching her after that.
Norma watching Norman from the rocking chair was even creepier than her kissing him. Norman staring into the camera wasn't quite on that level but it gave me the willies too.
Excellent finale. *****.
Fargo "Eating The Blame"
That was some fine television. If Lorne is taking advantage of the cops' incompetence, it is only because they are ASKING to get took. I kind of get the feeling that if the good sheriff who Lorne murdered in the Pilot had lived, this would have all been over by now. Poor Molly and Gus.
Loved Lorne predicting Gus' exact words. That was awesome.
I also really loved the last scene of Lester and the Mobsters in the prison cell. That was excellent.
I predict that if Lorne manages to get away with it by the end of the series, (which he might) Lester won't. Lester is too stupid and weak, and shouldn't have foolishly followed Lorne's advice in the pilot. He isn't the kind of guy who can keep up with this kind of life.
How did Lorne know about that guy's God fixation? Because raining a plague down on him had to be the most effective use of psychological torture ever.
I loved this episode. *****.
The Boondocks "Breaking Granddad"
Aaron MacGruder went there with hair straightening products. Dude is fearless.
On the other hand, something this cartoony and unrealistic would have NEVER happened in the comic strip. I think I kind of prefer the reality of the strip, as inventive and funny as the series can be at times.
But there is no denying this is one of the half of the episodes on the series (alternating between good and terrible) that was good. This series does nothing halfway. ****.
Louie "Back"
I loved Charles Grodin as the unhelpful doctor. He didn't even suggest painkillers, or a chiropractor, or massages, just "Live with it." What a tool. The secretary's solution was hilarious.
And how awful would it be to have a medical emergency in a sex shop? I love that the clerks were portrayed as non-embarrased professionals. That was cool.
The decrepit old lady helping Louie off the sidewalk into the cab was not only funny but it was really awesome and sweet too. This show often shows the worst of humanity, but unlike Curb Your Enthusiam or Seinfeld, it also shows the best of humanity. As bad as Louie's life is, total strangers are just as likely to help him as give him grief.
Todd Barry is a garbage human being. That was hilarious.
The garbagemen at the beginning were hilarious too. I live in a high traffic area, and that's what it often seems like when you are trying to sleep. Louie only breaks reality once in awhile, but when it does it's hilarious.
Great premiere. ****.
Louie "Model"
I hate to say it, but Louie had that punishment coming. And I think the episode was kind of trying to tell us that. Every decision Louie made in this episode was not only wrong, but totally obviously wrong if he had stopped to think about it. Victor Garber telling him sympathetically that he was able to talk the rich family down to five million due to the extenuating circumstances, and that the rich have no problem suing the poor, was truly sad.
I hate Jerry Seinfeld as person, and think his self-named sitcom was vastly overrated. But I kind of love how he's always willing to portray himself as a total d-bag on every show he guest stars on as himself. Even more unlikable than he was on Seinfeld (which was pretty unlikable). You know, you kind of think he could have showed Louie some professional courtesy on stage, but honestly? It would have been comedic malpractice NOT to go after Louie after that disaster. If he didn't, he wouldn't have been doing his job. The looks on his face as the camera panned back to him during Louie's routine weren't so much embarrassment, as anger. Louie REALLY made him look bad, and the fact that it didn't occur to Louie to dress up and come early from a benefit concert in the Hamptons, shows that as funny as Louie is on stage, he is also completely lazy and doesn't seem to put much effort into his routine. Which is a VERY funny moral because of how involved he is in every aspect of production to this show, but since it sort of covers the five years before this show, it is also a little bit believable. Louie shows the audience all of his growing pains, and how he has had to learn lessons about show business the hard way. Because he isn't very smart and is really lazy, which you think is normal in show biz, but apparently it really isn't.
This was a great episode too, that really showed that Louis C.K. is as hard on himself as anybody. But considering he reflexively punched a woman this episode, he is totally right to be. ****1/2.
Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey "The Lost Worlds Of Planet Earth"
That was a bit humbling. Seriously. I feel kind of small now.
But yes, this series is tackling global warming. I cannot believe Fox is allowing this air. It flies in the face of everything they stand for. Honestly, there is no upside to them airing this series. Fox made a mistake and walked into Seth MacFarlane's trap. And I love it. Please proceed, Rupert Murdoch.
I'm loving this show and the headaches is seems to be causing Fox with the mouthbreathers. Who could POSSIBLY have forseen that riling up a bunch of paranoid, racist, conspiracy theorists using the most violent and harsh language allowable by law, would cause them to hate science and turn on Fox with a vengeance for airing a series about it? No-one could have predicted... ****1/2.
Jim Henson's Creature Shop Challenge "Alien Press Conference"
This episode was a first: all four creatures were excellent. Jake was absolutely correct in noting it must have been a REALLY tough decision on who to eliminate this week.
And Ben's magnificent creature was exactly why I'm betting the judges spared him last week. His creature last week was MUCH worse than Russ', but he was spared because his high-risk / high reward style can pay off dividends. The judges almost admitted that there are other factors deciding who is eliminated, by remarking how much Melissa has grown as a puppet designer in only two weeks. That was probably the deciding factor for why she made the final three, because I honestly think Jake's creature was slightly better than hers. But only slightly.
Two other things struck me: Barry Sonnenfeld was a VERY refreshing judge. Seriously. As much as I love Brian Henson and Kirk Thatcher, Sonnenfeld was the first judge EVER to point out that each of the contestant's tasks were nearly impossible, and would have taken a professional designer five months, rather than three days. The fact that a couple of them were camera ready is a miracle. I never really realized before how much those two judges seem to nitpick, but now I do.
The second thing is that this seemed to be the first week where all of the contestants liked each other. I got a feeling the final four didn't dislike Russ as much as some of the other contestants who were eliminated earlier, but I never got the sense that he fit in with them either. It really devastated everybody when Jake went home. With Lex gone, he was the one I was rooting for most. Now my top choice is Ben. Unlike Lex or Jake, I'm betting Ben pulls it off. I was rooting for Jake and Lex because I liked them so much personally, but in the back of my head I knew they probably weren't going to make the final show.
Can't wait for the finale. The show has gotten MUCH better as it has gone on, because it has gotten rid of all the annoying and untalented contestants by now. It is much more fun to watch the show (and nerve-racking) when you are rooting for all four people on some level. *****.
Upcoming reviews include Son Of Batman, The Wolverine: Extended Edition, Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher, The Spectacular Spider-Man: The Complete Series, Frozen, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Extended Edition, The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug (Blu-Ray), The Veronica Mars Movie, Power Rangers: Zeo: Volume 1, Power Rangers: Zeo: Volume 2, Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie, Power Rangers Turbo: Volume 1, Power Rangers Samurai: The Complete Season, Samurai Jack: Season 2, Samurai Jack: Season Three, and Earthworm Jim: The Complete Series.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
I had free movie tickets for this. Otherwise I would have waited for the Blu-Ray.
It was all right. I still am a bit miffed they killed of Gwen at the end, but I expected it to happen. I have really grown to love Emma Stone's version in a way I didn't the comic book one, who was a bit bland for my liking. Stone's Gwen had a personality, and I really hate that they kept with the comic book tradition for that one thing.
Electro is totally the Riddler from Batman Forever. If the character wasn't written gay, Jamie Foxx played him that way.
This is easily the most evil Harry Osborn has been portrayed on-screen, cartoon or live-action. And I don't see him redeeming himself the way James Franco's Green Goblin did. Truly vile character.
Looking forward to the Sinister Six. Lots of great Easter Eggs. Who is Mr. Fierce? Is that the same guy from the end of the first movie? Was he played again by Michael Madsen? Is he possibly Otto Octavious?
Why was Alastair Smythe able to walk in this movie? Has his accident not happened yet?
Loved Flash kissing Gwen at the graduation. She digs him.
Loved George Stacy's cameos too. I guess Denis Leary's campaign to bring him back for the sequel was successful!
What was with the X-Men: Days Of Future Past trailer in the middle of the credits? That's not even the same studio! And Marvel isn't allowed to use the Spider-Man/X-Men/Fantastic Four characters, but that was all right? Jeez. What a rip-off.
The movie was all right but I'm glad I didn't pay to see it at the theater. I'll still be getting the Blu-Ray though. ***.
Arrow "Streets Of Fire"
That was a great ending. They wouldn't kill of Malcolm like that, would they? Because he'd be a serious asset in the fight against Deathstroke. Him and Oliver potentially teaming up in the finale is an irresistable idea.
I'm predicting that Slade thinks Sarah is Oliver's true love. And that he will succeed in killing her in the finale. Unless he thinks it's Laurel. In which case he won't.
Didn't you just love the look of disgust Oliver shot Blood over his delusional idea that he was still going to be mayor? Honestly, I wish Blood had lived. I have a feeling he is NOT the kind of guy who would fare well in prison and I kind of wanted to see the look on his face when he realized he was going down for this and what fresh hells that would entail.
Does this whole plot sort of have shades of Bane's plan in The Dark Knight Rises? That is not a favorable comparison since I didn't like that movie too much, but the parallels are there.
I'm surprisingly light on commentary for this episode, despite a lot happening. All I can say is I loved it. *****.
Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. "Ragtag"
As admittedly cool as the stuff was in the present (loved Coulson geeking out over the Howling Commandos gear) as a flashback episode to establish a villain's motives, it is a miserable failure. It could have been written by the writers of Once Upon A Time, although that show has never given us an origin as bad as this.
This flashback should have shown us exactly WHY Ward was loyal to Garrett, and chose him over Skye and Coulson, just so the audience could understand it a little better. If anything, I'm even MORE perplexed than I was when Ward was shown to be Hydra. Garrett spends the first three minutes of the episode telling Ward that no-one will abuse him or make him feel weak and powerless ever again, only to proceed to spend the entire flashback being abusive to him and making him feel weak and powerless. Why on EARTH would Ward choose the guy who shot his dog? Seriously. I. Do not. GET IT.
And this clearly wasn't brainwashing. Ward made a deliberate choice to stay with Garrett despite what a dirtbag he is. And that just doesn't make any sense to me. If anything, he should have been trying to KILL Garrett long before this.
This stuff in the present was awesome, and I can't wait till next weak, but the lousy flashbacks mean the episode as a whole was a wash. **1/2.
Once Upon A Time "Kansas"
Too soon, Once. WAAAAYYY too soon.
As much as I love the idea of Regina being the new White Magic Savior, they needed to wait a few more seasons to do it. Two at the least. I can believe that her love for Henry could count as true love's kiss. It tracks. But she JUST tried to destroy the town one year ago. That is NOT enough time for her to get where the episode is wanting me to believe she is.
Unless they are going to treat her like Sylar from Heroes and keep jerking us around for seasons on end. Frankly, that would annoy me even more.
I love that Hook was horrified that Emma saved his life. I'm with him. She shouldn't have. It was lucky Regina was there, because if she wasn't, they would have been screwed.
Emma effed that up. Her agreeing with David to let Hook to go with her was beyond stupid, especially because if he had known about the curse Hook was under, and the fact that Zelena could probably force it to happen, he wouldn't have. The heroes need to compare notes, and Emma needed to TELL David this crucial fact. If he had known, not only would he have not let Hook go with her, he'd probably threaten him to stay away from her. Which would have been the smart thing to do in that scenario.
Wait, did David learn about Hook's curse last week? If he did, HE is the stupid one in that scenario. I honestly don't remember.
Do you know what I loved? Rumple killing Zelena. There will no doubt be dire consequences (as the cliffhanger warned) but I don't believe for one second he would just sit back and let the person who killed Baelfire live. Even if it would mean he would lose Belle forever, he would NEVER let that stand. I think the reverse is true too. I think he would have been willing to lose Neal forever to avenge someone who killed Belle. And frankly, I'm not so sure he was wrong to do it. Belle is gonna be REALLY P.O.ed, but having Zelena simply sit in a jail cell was an unteneble situation, especially if Regina's idea to give her a second chance ever happened. If Regina ever killed Baelfire or Belle she'd be dead, no matter the cost with the survivor. And I'm sure Gold would be willing to live with that.
I have to give the episode credit for something: in the Fairybacks Zelena was more sympathetic than she was in her first appearance. By far. At first you kind of think it is stupid for Zelena to be threatened by this kid who stepped out of the wreck of a house, but honestly? The behavior of Glinda and the other witches was disgusting. The fact that Glinda switched horses IMMEDIATELY upon learning the Wicked Witch "died", just showed how completely insincere her intitial offer to Zelena was, and that she was just using her to lure out the true Savior. Being banished to the Enchanted Forest for too good for Glinda. What a witch.
But I like that the show is blurring the lines between good and evil. I wish they had taken this tack last season. Even if Regina turning into Jesus was unbelievable, the rest of the episode worked. ****.
Revolution "Tomorrowland"
I'm not going to say Monroe's plan to revenge-mustard-gas the Patriots was a bad one. It was serviceable and competent enough. Its just that Miles' plan was way better. I really wish Miles had explained himself better. He shouldn't have come up with the spy plan because fewer innocent people would die. That just happens to be a bonus. He should have sold it to Bass as what it was: High risk, high reward. That's Monroe's language and if Miles is going to try to pretend that less innocent people dying is the selling point to having a spy in Truman's bed...well, I can't help him. Because it's not. And even if his girlfriend is found out, they'll still have leverage since the President was one nodded head away from executing Truman anyways. Now they may have to eventually compare notes with Neville to see exactly how precarious Truman's position actually is, but if they ever find out, they own that sucker. He'll probably be forced to defect to the rebels. He will have no choice. And the intel Truman could supply could win them the war. The Rebels hold all of the pieces to winning, they just need to get together to solve the puzzle.
One kink: the AI. Honestly, unless something amazing happens in the finale, I am as fed up with this plot as Aaron is. Zak Orth NAILS frustration, fear, anger, and cynicism is the space of ten seconds. And the AI KNOWS it isn't telling Aaron anything he necessarily disagrees with. Despite Aaron saying he believed in helping people all last season, I can tell, he doesn't actually like them since the Blackout happened. With good reason, in my opinion. But I'm guessing one of the reasons the IA chose Aaron to be one of the few thousand people it chose to converse with, is that deep down, Aaron doesn't disagree with what the AI is saying. And yes, I think the AI has been planning something like this for awhile. It strains credibility that a single mustard gas attack fifteen years after the most barbaric moment in history, would be the thing to set it off. It is LYING and has had this plan from the start.
One note about Tom Neville: if you try to kill Tom Neville, you'd better be sure you actually kill him. Because failing would be the worst mistake of your short life and he'll not only kill you slow, he'll rub it in. You see the look on that guy's face? Fifteen years after the Blackout, this guy STILL can't believe how crazy someone like Neville is. It SHOCKED him, and I'm guessing he was one of the ones living soft down in Cuba. He didn't seem to understand the way the world worked now, and that guys like him were cannon fodder, and that guys like Neville are the top dogs. I really dislike Neville as a person, but I cannot deny he (along with Monroe and Miles) are some of the only people who have adapted to life after the Blackout better than they did before it. Neville could have the world, should he give up his crazy revenge plots and actually sit down and come up with a real plan with Bass and Miles. Guys like Neville were born to rule a terrible place like this. That he no longer does is a testament to the fact that he has been making some terrible decisions. And yes, that includes not listening to Jason after him warning him repeatedly about the Patriots.
I'm glad Neville isn't top dog though. If he was, a LOT of people would get killed because he is so crazy. Bass is crazy too, but he's at least somewhat well-intentioned. Neville is only about looking out for himself, and he puts his family way down on his list of priorities. And he just plain loves killing people. I don't get that sense from Bass. Monroe just doesn't think it's a big deal. Tom actually enjoys it.
I really hope NBC renews the show. Its gotten back on track after a couple of shaky episodes. Possibly because this ep featured the return of Gene and Truman, but I really enjoyed it. ****1/2.
Believe "Prodigy"
Oh, Ronan. That was NOT smart. I get that's he's desperate, but now the government KNOWS he's hiding something big, and will probably find it out before Winters even gets a chance to blab. If there is a season two (which is admittedly a big if) my prediction is that Skourous goes the way of Balair Crais on Farscape, and William Mahone on Prison Break: he'll become a fugitive himself and wind up teaming up with the heroes in an uneasy alliance. That is my prediction if the show returns. Doing something as crazy as trying to kill Winters in front of the authorities, just sent up huge red flags. Which would not have happened if he decided to just hold on for a moment and think things through. I'm sure he could have come up with something. But doing something that crazy means the police are going to go digging. And if Winters is right about him committing treason, he is in an even worse spot than Tate. Beginning of the end for Ronan, man. I just fear that there may be someone even worse than him out there. Farscape DID give us Scorpius who was a thousand times smarter and more dangerous than Crais. I'd hate to think who's worse than Skourous.
I like that Tate and Bo are still trying to figure things out as far as the parenting situation. You know he's right that she needs to practice, but she is ALSO right that her helping people is the best kind of practice there is. There has to be a happy medium somewhere.
Anyone else feel all warm when Tate called Bo "Baby"? That was SO sweet.
I predict this series is getting canceled. But if by some miracle it isn't, season two should be VERY interesting. ****.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "Mazes & Mutants"
SO glad that Paul Reubens continues to get work. There were a couple of things I will note, but I don't have much else to say about this episode. The first thing is that the revelation that Ice Cream Kitty lives in the Turtles' freezer is a level of awesome and merriment I cannot describe. I am almost swooning over that joke.
The second thing is wondering if I'm the only one who remembers the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles role-playing game froms the 80's. It was one of the few pieces of Turtles merchandise from that era that was solely based on the original comic book instead of the TV show. I never played it, but I used to pour over the book, especially since it substituted the characteristic "selfish" for "neutral", after correctly pointing out that there is not a person alive who is truly neutral in any given conflict. I think that piece of insight is something that should have occured to Gary Gygax when he created Dungeons and Dragons.
Cute episode. It made me nostalgic for my childhood and hungry for kitten flavored ice cream. ***.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "The Lonely Mutation Of Baxter Stockman"
Turtles, all is forgiven. Truly. I mean that. I'm not going to pretend that the first half of the season wasn't an infuriating mess, but by curing Kirby, the show has basically let us know that the second half of the season won't be. I'll always hate the first half of the season. But because of this episode, I don't have to hate the series in general anymore.
Honestly, it was the WAY they cured Kirby that impressed me. If it had been down to luck or random chance that Kirby was the one of who got the anti-mutagen, I'd be less than impressed, but the Turtles went above and beyond the call of duty here. They were COMPETENT. They knew what they were doing, and got the job done.
And things were dire and tense. At various points I was not convinced they'd be able to pull it off, but they did. They kept me on the edge of my seat right until the end of the episode.
The nitpicker in me would object to the idea of turning Baxter Stockman into a fly, which was one of the worst developments of the old show, but do you know what? Eff him. At this point, I could care less. He deserves it after his behavior this episode. Long may he wind up puking on his own food.
I liked the references to both Bebop and Rocksteady, who I would love to show up, and Ace Duck (!) which is easily the most obscure Turtles references the series has ever made. And it's made some beauts. Seriously. Ace Duck makes Irma sound mainstream.
Best episode of the season. By far. *****.
The Simpsons "Brick Like Me"
Whenever The Simpsons does a non-Treehouse/Trilogy gimmick episode they ALWAYS knock it out of the park. And I kind of get why they do it so rarely, maybe every other season or so. Because if they did as many gimmick episodes as Family Guy often does, they would dillute their impact. The fact that the Simpsons were Lego was STILL visually interesting and new was because that the show rarely experiments with different art styles outside of the Cough Gags and occassional Halloween Specials. If we were getting different version of the characters week after week, it might not look as funky and cool. I believe (and I could be wrong) that the last time we got a show this different was in the Christmas episode where they were all puppets for a segment. And like that, this worked like gangbusters.
Unlike that segment though, the episode was NOT flawless. The micengation joke REALLY offended me and would probably have been more at home being bleeped on Family Guy. This completely fun Lego experiment was brought to a crashing halt to make me feel REALLY icky for a couple of minutes. Also, I think they spent too much time in OUR world in the second act, and the conclusion in Legoland could have been better. But I still loved almost everything about the episode.
And even though it wasn't Lego, the end of Homer being VERY unhappy at The Hunger Games knock-off was spot-on. It is true, that even though it is the book's gimmick, the fact of the matter is that children fighting to the death isn't what the book is really about. It was about the CONSEQUENCES to something that horrible happening, and the amount of damage it would do to the victims and suvivors alike. But Homer is also right: the book isn't about the romance either. The fact that female fans have glommed onto it as if it is the second coming of Twlight makes me very sad. The romance seems to be the least credible and well written thing about the book. It shouldn't be treated as if it is the BEST thing, or the only thing worth getting excited over. Because it's pretty much the LEAST successful part of the book, and you get the feeling Suzanne Collins reluctantly tagged it on to appeal to the young adult crowd. She seems much less interested in writing about ships that she does politics and ethics. That's just my two cents.
I look forward to the next gimmick episode in 2017 or so. Stuff like this proves it will probably be worth it. ****1/2.
Bob's Burgers "Gene It On"
I think the reason I enjoy adventures episodes for the kids (which this sadly was not one) was because in this universe, it is literally the kids against the world. ALL of the adults, outside of Bob, Linda, and Teddy, are irredeemably corrupt and use the kids for their own sick amusement. And frankly, Linda's hands are not entirely clean in that department. No, every adult besides Bob and Teddy is despicable on some level. It is no wonder Tammy, Jimmy Jr., and Zeke are as horrible as they are. It is learned behavior.
I liked the stuff with Tina, Louise, and Jimmy Jr., although I stand by my opinion that Tina is too good for that twerp and should just move on. Louise was just saying what we all were thinking.
This show really doesn't think much of parents or teachers. I can't say I necessarily disagree with that idea, but it is VERY unusual, even for an animated Fox comedy. King of the Hill had bad parents and teachers too, but the difference there is that they were all misguided, and Hank was there to set them right in the end. Here, the adults screw with the kids to get a sick thrill and learn nothing by the end. That teacher "saving" those kids lives was literally the least he do for them. They wouldn't have been in that mess without him (and Linda).
The episode was pretty well put together, and I laughed a few times at some of the Gene zingers, but it unfortunately left a little bit of a bad taste in my mouth. ***.
Family Guy "Meg Stinks!"
Definite mixed feelings about this episode. It had some fabulous jokes, but I dunno man, that skunk character REALLY irked me in the same way the black rappers voiced by white actors in The Simpsons' "Pranksta Rap" did. It's getting ridiculous as this point. Hire some black actors, Family Guy. It's not like Seth is incapable of it. Every single black character on American Dad (even the joke characters in just a scene or two) is voiced by a black actor. It makes even the more controversial stuff seem funny, rather than offensive. JUST least week I accused Seth MacFarlane of being an irredeemable racist. He's having a REALLY hard time with proving me wrong.
But like I said, there WERE a ton of great jokes. I was mad all throughout the episode after the skunk, but I DID laugh many times too. Scrappy Brian was genius (can you imagine how P.O.ed Scooby Doo's sister must be at him for putting Scrappy in that much danger on a weekly basis?) as was Brian magically vanishing into thin air when the lightning struck. Adam West liked that last joke too. I also laughed at the joke of Peter stealing the giant teddy bear from the kid who actually won it.
Do you know what made me sad? "You DON'T smell good, Joe." Can you imagine what kind of living hell that marriage is for both of them? As effed up as Peter and Lois are, they sort of compliment each other, and can more or less make things work. Joe and Bonnie are not only deeply unhappy but they are trapped. Bonnie is Joe's caregiver and would feel too guilty to leave him, and Joe depends on Bonnie too much to leave her. So their only real option is to be miserable with each other. That REALLY bums me out, but I found that line so funny because it was so sad.
I'm giving this a middling grade that would have been higher if I weren't so ticked off. **1/2.
American Dad "Permanent Record Wrecker"
The thing that has driven me most nuts about Stan from Day One is that he never understands that there are very real consequences to his actions. His getting Steve fired for spite WAS something that could seriously damage the kid's future, and he didn't understand it until after it happened. I get that the writers are trying to say that because Stan is a Republican he is stupid, but there AREN'T ever any consequences for his actions. He seems to learn the same lesson at the end of every episode, and winds up doing the exact same thing wrong at the beginning of the next one.
I guess you could argue that the same thing has been true for Homer Simpson for the last 25 years, but I don't agree. There are more facets to Homer's character than being the screw-up, and unlike Stan, his isn't usually the antagonist of most Simpsons episodes. But American Dad (and Family Guy for that matter) always expect me to forgive an awful lot of characters who keep making the exact same mistakes.
There were some things I loved about the episode. Like most episodes where Bullock appears, the episode seemed to go out of its way to evaporate the huge amount of respect Patrick Stewart banked from me from Star Trek and X-Men. And Stewart ENJOYS doing it so much, that I kind of love him for it. I don't quite think Picard or Professor X are as cool as I used to, but I definitely think Stewart, the actor, is way cooler than the stern characters he built a career playing suggests.
I also thought the episode came up with an extremely clever way for Roger to get out of his soul debt. It was smart enough to work in a Twilight Zone episode, and so obvious in hindsight, you wonder why no-one ever thought of doing something like that before. Where was Roger for Sam when "Reaper" was on the air?
As much as I (and the writers) rag on Stan for being a conservative, do you know what I loved? That he thanked the army recruiter for his service. He showed in that one moment, more class and decency than the entire 2012 Republican Presidential Primary field when the crowd booed that gay soldier and they stood by and let it happen. Stan's a Republican butthole, but he does have SOME sense of decency, and came to his positions through ignorance rather than PURE malice. That's kind of cool.
Was I the only one cackling evilly when I saw the revamped Red State Grocery sign? I've been waiting for that store to return since Obama was first elected, and the joke was worth the wait and did NOT disappoint.
Better than tonight's Family Guy at any rate. ***1/2.
Bates Motel "The Immutable Truth"
That passionate kiss Norma gave Norman shocked even me. It was one step away from open-mouthed and using tongues. I stand by my earlier prediction that Norma and Norman will wind up having consensual sex by the time the series is over. Whether it will be a one time thing or not is the only question in my mind. After seeing her kiss Norman like that, part of me wonders if her relationship with her brother was consensual too, or if it merely screwed up her with her boundary issues. I don't think we've heard the last of it.
Norman's scene with Emma was incredibly sweet. As messed up as Norman is, he has always been super awesome with Emma. You can tell by the look on her face that she realized her asking Norma about her first time must have nearly killed her. It was like "That explains a lot!" She was totally horrified. Olivia Cooke nailed it.
I loved Norma reconciling with Dylan. And I kind of figured out the reason ahead of time why Romero was giving Dylan a free pass and a light touch. He thinks he has a future in the town.
But Norma doesn't. Her outburst last week was super embarrassing, as was her lame excuse that people say things they don't mean when they're angry. That really isn't true. People just use that as an excuse to not take responsibility for the things they DID say. If Norma didn't really feel that way, she wouldn't have said it. I don't blame her friend for ditching her after that.
Norma watching Norman from the rocking chair was even creepier than her kissing him. Norman staring into the camera wasn't quite on that level but it gave me the willies too.
Excellent finale. *****.
Fargo "Eating The Blame"
That was some fine television. If Lorne is taking advantage of the cops' incompetence, it is only because they are ASKING to get took. I kind of get the feeling that if the good sheriff who Lorne murdered in the Pilot had lived, this would have all been over by now. Poor Molly and Gus.
Loved Lorne predicting Gus' exact words. That was awesome.
I also really loved the last scene of Lester and the Mobsters in the prison cell. That was excellent.
I predict that if Lorne manages to get away with it by the end of the series, (which he might) Lester won't. Lester is too stupid and weak, and shouldn't have foolishly followed Lorne's advice in the pilot. He isn't the kind of guy who can keep up with this kind of life.
How did Lorne know about that guy's God fixation? Because raining a plague down on him had to be the most effective use of psychological torture ever.
I loved this episode. *****.
The Boondocks "Breaking Granddad"
Aaron MacGruder went there with hair straightening products. Dude is fearless.
On the other hand, something this cartoony and unrealistic would have NEVER happened in the comic strip. I think I kind of prefer the reality of the strip, as inventive and funny as the series can be at times.
But there is no denying this is one of the half of the episodes on the series (alternating between good and terrible) that was good. This series does nothing halfway. ****.
Louie "Back"
I loved Charles Grodin as the unhelpful doctor. He didn't even suggest painkillers, or a chiropractor, or massages, just "Live with it." What a tool. The secretary's solution was hilarious.
And how awful would it be to have a medical emergency in a sex shop? I love that the clerks were portrayed as non-embarrased professionals. That was cool.
The decrepit old lady helping Louie off the sidewalk into the cab was not only funny but it was really awesome and sweet too. This show often shows the worst of humanity, but unlike Curb Your Enthusiam or Seinfeld, it also shows the best of humanity. As bad as Louie's life is, total strangers are just as likely to help him as give him grief.
Todd Barry is a garbage human being. That was hilarious.
The garbagemen at the beginning were hilarious too. I live in a high traffic area, and that's what it often seems like when you are trying to sleep. Louie only breaks reality once in awhile, but when it does it's hilarious.
Great premiere. ****.
Louie "Model"
I hate to say it, but Louie had that punishment coming. And I think the episode was kind of trying to tell us that. Every decision Louie made in this episode was not only wrong, but totally obviously wrong if he had stopped to think about it. Victor Garber telling him sympathetically that he was able to talk the rich family down to five million due to the extenuating circumstances, and that the rich have no problem suing the poor, was truly sad.
I hate Jerry Seinfeld as person, and think his self-named sitcom was vastly overrated. But I kind of love how he's always willing to portray himself as a total d-bag on every show he guest stars on as himself. Even more unlikable than he was on Seinfeld (which was pretty unlikable). You know, you kind of think he could have showed Louie some professional courtesy on stage, but honestly? It would have been comedic malpractice NOT to go after Louie after that disaster. If he didn't, he wouldn't have been doing his job. The looks on his face as the camera panned back to him during Louie's routine weren't so much embarrassment, as anger. Louie REALLY made him look bad, and the fact that it didn't occur to Louie to dress up and come early from a benefit concert in the Hamptons, shows that as funny as Louie is on stage, he is also completely lazy and doesn't seem to put much effort into his routine. Which is a VERY funny moral because of how involved he is in every aspect of production to this show, but since it sort of covers the five years before this show, it is also a little bit believable. Louie shows the audience all of his growing pains, and how he has had to learn lessons about show business the hard way. Because he isn't very smart and is really lazy, which you think is normal in show biz, but apparently it really isn't.
This was a great episode too, that really showed that Louis C.K. is as hard on himself as anybody. But considering he reflexively punched a woman this episode, he is totally right to be. ****1/2.
Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey "The Lost Worlds Of Planet Earth"
That was a bit humbling. Seriously. I feel kind of small now.
But yes, this series is tackling global warming. I cannot believe Fox is allowing this air. It flies in the face of everything they stand for. Honestly, there is no upside to them airing this series. Fox made a mistake and walked into Seth MacFarlane's trap. And I love it. Please proceed, Rupert Murdoch.
I'm loving this show and the headaches is seems to be causing Fox with the mouthbreathers. Who could POSSIBLY have forseen that riling up a bunch of paranoid, racist, conspiracy theorists using the most violent and harsh language allowable by law, would cause them to hate science and turn on Fox with a vengeance for airing a series about it? No-one could have predicted... ****1/2.
Jim Henson's Creature Shop Challenge "Alien Press Conference"
This episode was a first: all four creatures were excellent. Jake was absolutely correct in noting it must have been a REALLY tough decision on who to eliminate this week.
And Ben's magnificent creature was exactly why I'm betting the judges spared him last week. His creature last week was MUCH worse than Russ', but he was spared because his high-risk / high reward style can pay off dividends. The judges almost admitted that there are other factors deciding who is eliminated, by remarking how much Melissa has grown as a puppet designer in only two weeks. That was probably the deciding factor for why she made the final three, because I honestly think Jake's creature was slightly better than hers. But only slightly.
Two other things struck me: Barry Sonnenfeld was a VERY refreshing judge. Seriously. As much as I love Brian Henson and Kirk Thatcher, Sonnenfeld was the first judge EVER to point out that each of the contestant's tasks were nearly impossible, and would have taken a professional designer five months, rather than three days. The fact that a couple of them were camera ready is a miracle. I never really realized before how much those two judges seem to nitpick, but now I do.
The second thing is that this seemed to be the first week where all of the contestants liked each other. I got a feeling the final four didn't dislike Russ as much as some of the other contestants who were eliminated earlier, but I never got the sense that he fit in with them either. It really devastated everybody when Jake went home. With Lex gone, he was the one I was rooting for most. Now my top choice is Ben. Unlike Lex or Jake, I'm betting Ben pulls it off. I was rooting for Jake and Lex because I liked them so much personally, but in the back of my head I knew they probably weren't going to make the final show.
Can't wait for the finale. The show has gotten MUCH better as it has gone on, because it has gotten rid of all the annoying and untalented contestants by now. It is much more fun to watch the show (and nerve-racking) when you are rooting for all four people on some level. *****.