In a few days, many of us will gather around a table full of high-fat, high-carb goodies, argue with our loved ones, then take about five minutes to discuss what we're thankful for.
Well, not me. I'm taking time right now to list a few things in the TV landscape I'm thankful for. After all, TV this season has given me much cause for gratitude. A few strong new shows, some great performances, and an excellent episode or two (or three. or four.)
Below is my list of some things in TV land I'll give thanks for this year.
* "The Good Wife": Confession -- I'm one of, like, eight people on earth who doesn't regularly watch "The Mentalist," "NCIS," or any of the "CSIs." CBS dramas are solid and dependable, but a bit predictable for my taste. But I love the network's freshman series "The Good Wife," about a politician's wife whose life is torn apart by a sex scandal. As scorned wife Alicia Florrick, Julianna Marguiles is sympathetic, complicated and unforgettable.
* Sue Sylvester on "Glee": Yes, this Fox musical comedy has its clumsy, pedestrian moments, but none of them come from the ever-reliable Jane Lynch as hilariously wicked cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester. That's partly due to the dialogue ("You think this is hard? Try auditioning for 'Baywatch' and being told they're going in a different direction. THAT was hard!"), and partly due to Lynch's lemon-tart delivery. As a bonus, we learned in the "Wheels" episode that the prickly Sue has a bigger heart than we ever imagined. It was a risk to show this titan of a character tenderly reading to her developmentally disabled sister -- but the fact that Sue has an actual human soul makes me love her even more.
* Roger Sterling's one liners: "Don't act like a stranger. We've got tea."
"Are you kidding?" "Yes. Yes we are. Happy Birthday."
"Most interest that girl's ever had in a book depository."
And those are just from the season finale. Can you imagine what a verbal smackdown between Sue Sylvester and Roger Sterling would be like? Heaven. That's what it would be like.
* The fact that Hilary Duff's arc on "Gossip Girl" is apparently over
* The fact that Keith Carradine is being employed by as many TV shows as humanly possible
* The "Phoenix" episode of "Breaking Bad": This penultimate episode of AMC's brutal drama was one of the most affecting hours of the year as Walter White (the utterly amazing Bryan Cranston) abandoned what little soul he had left, and let his business partner's junkie girlfriend die. It was ugly, horrifying and tough to watch. It was also -- in a TV landscape now devoid of "The Sopranos," "The Shield," and "The Wire" -- arguably the most powerful TV moment of the year.
* Tim Riggins, Eric Northman, Don Draper and Sawyer: Because, let's face it -- looks do matter. The fact that these hot fellas are also fascinating characters is really just a bonus.
* Jack Donaghy's plea for directions on the subway: Because I've ridden a lot of subways, and that was spot on.
* The fact that "Dollhouse" aired at all: Look, I'm bummed we won't get a third season of Fox's smart, compelling drama. But shouldn't we be glad that Fox even gave a show like this two seasons?
* John Lithgow tearing it up on "Dexter": Whether you love this season or hate it, you've gotta admit that Lithgow is killin' it as the Trinity character. Perhaps one of the creepiest characters on TV. Ever.
* And, last but not least, I'm thankful for this. Because who wouldn't be?
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Giving thanks for "Dexter"
NOTE: SPOILERS ON SUNDAY'S EPISODE OF DEXTER BELOW
I don't usually do a recap of Showtime's "Dexter," but tonight's episode was so creepy, intense and downright terrific, I was compelled to write something.
On tonight's episode, "Hungry Man," we got quite a bit more insight into this season's Big Bad, Trinity (played marvelously by that master of the icky, John Lithgow). Like Lyla in season two and Miguel in season three, Trinity, aka Arthur Mitchell, represented an ideal for Dexter. But whereas Lyla seemingly represented the perfect mate (someone who not only accepted, but was turned on by, Dexter's darkness) and Miguel represented the ideal friend, Arthur represented Dexter's ideal for himself. Like Dexter, Arthur is a father and husband. But, unlike Dexter, Arthur seemed affectionate to and connected with his family. Though Dexter knows he has to kill Trinity/Arthur, he is fascinated by the older, more experienced killer. Dexter sees Trinity as a mentor, a teacher.
Like his other ideals, Arthur was bound to disappoint Dexter, but I don't think Dexter has ever seen an idol fall quite so hard. For tonight, Dexter learned that Arthur is not the man he thinks he is. He isn't hiding his monstrosity from his family. They know exactly who he is -- well, they don't know he's a serial killer. But they know he's a violent, horrible man who physically and emotionally abuses them all. Dexter's misguided attempt to protect the Mitchells from Arthur by attending their Thanksgiving meal was both darkly comic and gut-wrenchingly creepy. They all respond to his presence in different ways. Sally, who has, presumably, been exposed to Arthur's evil the longest, is completely cowed by her husband, and follows his lead in his acceptance of Dexter. Jonah sees Dexter as a protector, the buffer that will keep dear old dad "on his best" during the holiday. And Becca sees Dexter as a means of escape, which she's willing to pay for with her body.
Dexter's ever-building terror at what Arthur's family is really like climaxes at the Thanksgiving table, when Arthur attacks Jonah and Dexter attacks Arthur.
Dexter has, in effect, blown his cover. It will be harder for him to kill Trinity now. But he can't control his disdain and disillusionment.
Of course, as Harry points out, Dexter could become Arthur in few years. Indeed, tonight we saw cracks in Dexter's family, as Elliot made a play for Rita, assuming that she's lonely and vulnerable.
Could Dexter's perfect life implode as easily as Arthur's has? It's an interesting question.
Dexter clearly seems more human and self-aware than Trinity. After all, even before meeting Trinity, Dexter had real feelings for his adopted sister, Debra, and for his wife and family. Even Dexter's crimes operate at a higher moral level than Trinity's, targeting criminals as opposed to innocent, random people who fit a certain pattern.
It's possible that Dexter has already achieved a deeper level of humanity than Arthur has. But who knows the toll time will take?
It would have been enough if this episode only gave us the portrait of Arthur's deranged family and its effect on Dexter. But we got another whammy tonight -- we learned that Christine, Joe Quinn's seemingly disposable love interest, is actually Trinity's daughter! And, she probably shot Debra and Lundy! Wow. I totally didn't see that coming. I'm glad that the Christing/Quinn storyline is actually going somewhere interesting, and relevant to the larger concept of the season. The LaGuerta/Angel storyline continues to be filler, but that's all right. There was enough good stuff in this episode to compensate. There are only three more episodes left and, while I don't see how they can drag the Trinity storyline out that long, I am eager to see where this is going.
Thoughts?
I don't usually do a recap of Showtime's "Dexter," but tonight's episode was so creepy, intense and downright terrific, I was compelled to write something.
On tonight's episode, "Hungry Man," we got quite a bit more insight into this season's Big Bad, Trinity (played marvelously by that master of the icky, John Lithgow). Like Lyla in season two and Miguel in season three, Trinity, aka Arthur Mitchell, represented an ideal for Dexter. But whereas Lyla seemingly represented the perfect mate (someone who not only accepted, but was turned on by, Dexter's darkness) and Miguel represented the ideal friend, Arthur represented Dexter's ideal for himself. Like Dexter, Arthur is a father and husband. But, unlike Dexter, Arthur seemed affectionate to and connected with his family. Though Dexter knows he has to kill Trinity/Arthur, he is fascinated by the older, more experienced killer. Dexter sees Trinity as a mentor, a teacher.
Like his other ideals, Arthur was bound to disappoint Dexter, but I don't think Dexter has ever seen an idol fall quite so hard. For tonight, Dexter learned that Arthur is not the man he thinks he is. He isn't hiding his monstrosity from his family. They know exactly who he is -- well, they don't know he's a serial killer. But they know he's a violent, horrible man who physically and emotionally abuses them all. Dexter's misguided attempt to protect the Mitchells from Arthur by attending their Thanksgiving meal was both darkly comic and gut-wrenchingly creepy. They all respond to his presence in different ways. Sally, who has, presumably, been exposed to Arthur's evil the longest, is completely cowed by her husband, and follows his lead in his acceptance of Dexter. Jonah sees Dexter as a protector, the buffer that will keep dear old dad "on his best" during the holiday. And Becca sees Dexter as a means of escape, which she's willing to pay for with her body.
Dexter's ever-building terror at what Arthur's family is really like climaxes at the Thanksgiving table, when Arthur attacks Jonah and Dexter attacks Arthur.
Dexter has, in effect, blown his cover. It will be harder for him to kill Trinity now. But he can't control his disdain and disillusionment.
Of course, as Harry points out, Dexter could become Arthur in few years. Indeed, tonight we saw cracks in Dexter's family, as Elliot made a play for Rita, assuming that she's lonely and vulnerable.
Could Dexter's perfect life implode as easily as Arthur's has? It's an interesting question.
Dexter clearly seems more human and self-aware than Trinity. After all, even before meeting Trinity, Dexter had real feelings for his adopted sister, Debra, and for his wife and family. Even Dexter's crimes operate at a higher moral level than Trinity's, targeting criminals as opposed to innocent, random people who fit a certain pattern.
It's possible that Dexter has already achieved a deeper level of humanity than Arthur has. But who knows the toll time will take?
It would have been enough if this episode only gave us the portrait of Arthur's deranged family and its effect on Dexter. But we got another whammy tonight -- we learned that Christine, Joe Quinn's seemingly disposable love interest, is actually Trinity's daughter! And, she probably shot Debra and Lundy! Wow. I totally didn't see that coming. I'm glad that the Christing/Quinn storyline is actually going somewhere interesting, and relevant to the larger concept of the season. The LaGuerta/Angel storyline continues to be filler, but that's all right. There was enough good stuff in this episode to compensate. There are only three more episodes left and, while I don't see how they can drag the Trinity storyline out that long, I am eager to see where this is going.
Thoughts?
Friday, November 20, 2009
Oh and by the way...
Also, from the "I'm sure I'm absolutely the last person to tell you this" files, ABC has announced the premiere date of the final season of "Lost" -- it's Feb. 2, at 9 p.m. That's right. Feb. 2. Groundhog Day. Sigh. If only this meant we were getting a guest shot from Bill Murray. Also, the premiere date is a Tuesday, meaning "Lost" is shifted from its regular Wednesday night slot. You can read all about the new season and time slot here in Maureen Ryan's "The Watcher" column.
Top 10 shows of the 2000s: I want your vote!
The end of the year is when TV geeks like myself start compiling lists of the best shows of the year. But this year is special. The end of this year also marks the end of the first decade of the 21st century.
With that in mind, I'm compiling a list not only of the 10 best shows of 2009, but the 10 best shows of the 2000s. Sure, I have my favorites ("The Wire," "The Shield," "Lost"), but I also want to hear from you.
What shows made this decade special for you? When the decade ends, what series will stick in your head as standouts?
I want to know!
So please, feel free to put your suggestions below -- or, e-mail me personally at iscreenyouscreen@gmail.com (you can also use the "Click here to e-mail me" feature on the "contact iscreen" link on the right).
I want to hear from you!
With that in mind, I'm compiling a list not only of the 10 best shows of 2009, but the 10 best shows of the 2000s. Sure, I have my favorites ("The Wire," "The Shield," "Lost"), but I also want to hear from you.
What shows made this decade special for you? When the decade ends, what series will stick in your head as standouts?
I want to know!
So please, feel free to put your suggestions below -- or, e-mail me personally at iscreenyouscreen@gmail.com (you can also use the "Click here to e-mail me" feature on the "contact iscreen" link on the right).
I want to hear from you!
"Life on Mars, Series 2" released on DVD
Oh America -- how could you?
How could you take a British series that ended on such a dark, strange, emotionally powerfull note and completely neuter it? Don't get me wrong -- our version of the limited run British series "Life on Mars" was pretty solid, with Jason O'Mara ably taking over for John Simm as Sam Tyler, a cop who wakes up in 1973 after getting hit by a car. In fact, some aspects of the American version were even better than the British version. For example, I much prefer Michael Imperioli's performance as surly 70s cop Ray to that of Dean Andrews in the original.
But that ending! America, why did you change the ending?
Well, fear not, British "Life on Mars" fans. The second season of the show comes out on DVD on Tuesday, and you can enjoy the original in all its dark, twisted glory. The DVD also includes a series of featurettes, including an entertaining documentary on the making of an animated sequence featured in one episode. There's also a very insightful featurette on the show's stunning ending, featuring interviews with the writers, directors and actors (note -- it's also kind of a kick to see everyone in contemporary dress in these documentaries).
But, additional features aside, the show itself is the star here. This "Life on Mars" is both vastly entertaining and a thought-provoking meditation on life, death, friendship and love. It's good stuff. Accept no substitutes.
"Life on Mars, Series 2" will be released on DVD on Tuesday. Season one is already available. Also, if you'd like to hear a great interview with Philip Glenister, who played Gene Hunt on the series, click here.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Jack&Liz = Don&Peggy: Think about it
When "30 Rock" debuted, lots of people were comparing the relationship between independent but vulnerable career gal Liz Lemon and her imperious but good-hearted boss Jack Donaghy to classic TV pair Mary Richards and Lou Grant.
But a few years have passed, and another show has emerging with a core relationship that's eerily similar to that of Jack and Liz: "Mad Men." Seriously -- aren't "Mad Men" protagonist Don Draper and his foil/protegee Peggy sort of the dramatic version of Jack and Liz?
On both shows, the male character considers himself a guide to the female, and she considers him a mentor who is more experienced in the ways of the world than she. Both pairs have an odd -- but platonic -- bond that unites them, and makes them each other's touchstone in times of trouble. Don shepherds Peggy through the aftermath of her unplanned pregnancy. Jack is there for Liz when she learns that her unplanned pregnancy isn't a pregnancy at all, but a reaction to some cheap cheese curls.
Peggy picks Don up in the middle of the night after he gets in an accident with an extramarital paramour. Liz once picked Jack up from night court.
Of course, neither pair is immune to conflict. This week, on both shows, we saw both pairs reach a possible turning point in their relationship with the man. In this week's "30 Rock" episode (titled "The Problem Solvers"), we saw Liz wrestling with something that Peggy struggled with a lot this season on "Mad Men" -- Liz wanted to be independent, and act like an adult businesswoman, while Jack wanted to keep her under his thumb. When Jack proposes that Liz have her own talk show, she agrees. But her friends tell her she should shop around before accepting Jack's offer. She does, and Jack isn't happy, freezing her out and threatening to replace her with Padma Lakshmi ("Then who will host 'Top Chef?'" Liz wails.) Liz is angry that Jack doesn't respect her enough to let her be independent. Jack is hurt that Liz doesn't trust him. In the end, they realize that they're happier together than apart, and that they do really care about/trust each other.
In a much more emotional episode, the season finale of "Mad Men" had Peggy finally standing up to Don, refusing to follow him on his new venture "like a nervous poodle," because she feels Don doesn't respect her. But, like Jack, Don realizes he needs Peggy, and wants to be a positive force in her life. He tells her he needs her for his new venture and that, if she says no, he'll spend the rest of his life trying to hire her. Yes, it's more of a tear-jerker than Liz and Jack reuniting in Rockefeller Plaza, but you get my point.
Watching the "Mad Men" finale and "The Problem Solvers" just days apart, it's hard to ignore the similarities.
Of course, there is one major difference: In no language does "Peggy Olson" translate into "Lesbian YellowSourFruit."
But a few years have passed, and another show has emerging with a core relationship that's eerily similar to that of Jack and Liz: "Mad Men." Seriously -- aren't "Mad Men" protagonist Don Draper and his foil/protegee Peggy sort of the dramatic version of Jack and Liz?
On both shows, the male character considers himself a guide to the female, and she considers him a mentor who is more experienced in the ways of the world than she. Both pairs have an odd -- but platonic -- bond that unites them, and makes them each other's touchstone in times of trouble. Don shepherds Peggy through the aftermath of her unplanned pregnancy. Jack is there for Liz when she learns that her unplanned pregnancy isn't a pregnancy at all, but a reaction to some cheap cheese curls.
Peggy picks Don up in the middle of the night after he gets in an accident with an extramarital paramour. Liz once picked Jack up from night court.
Of course, neither pair is immune to conflict. This week, on both shows, we saw both pairs reach a possible turning point in their relationship with the man. In this week's "30 Rock" episode (titled "The Problem Solvers"), we saw Liz wrestling with something that Peggy struggled with a lot this season on "Mad Men" -- Liz wanted to be independent, and act like an adult businesswoman, while Jack wanted to keep her under his thumb. When Jack proposes that Liz have her own talk show, she agrees. But her friends tell her she should shop around before accepting Jack's offer. She does, and Jack isn't happy, freezing her out and threatening to replace her with Padma Lakshmi ("Then who will host 'Top Chef?'" Liz wails.) Liz is angry that Jack doesn't respect her enough to let her be independent. Jack is hurt that Liz doesn't trust him. In the end, they realize that they're happier together than apart, and that they do really care about/trust each other.
In a much more emotional episode, the season finale of "Mad Men" had Peggy finally standing up to Don, refusing to follow him on his new venture "like a nervous poodle," because she feels Don doesn't respect her. But, like Jack, Don realizes he needs Peggy, and wants to be a positive force in her life. He tells her he needs her for his new venture and that, if she says no, he'll spend the rest of his life trying to hire her. Yes, it's more of a tear-jerker than Liz and Jack reuniting in Rockefeller Plaza, but you get my point.
Watching the "Mad Men" finale and "The Problem Solvers" just days apart, it's hard to ignore the similarities.
Of course, there is one major difference: In no language does "Peggy Olson" translate into "Lesbian YellowSourFruit."
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Shall it go now?: "Dollhouse" reportedly canceled
As you may have heard, Fox has reportedly opted not to renew its fine, but abysmally rated, drama "Dollhouse" for a third season. The series will finish out the 13 episodes of its second season, with the last episode reportedly slated to air Jan. 22 (according to the Chicago Tribune's Maureen Ryan).
Well, it's not a tremendous shock, is it? Everyone and his mother has been reporting how crummy the show's ratings are, and Fox pulled the series off the air for November sweeps (it returns Dec. 4). But it's a shame nonetheless, because "Dollhouse" has really hit its stride creatively this season.
"Dollhouse," as fans know, is about a company that provides "dolls" (human beings imprinted with customized personalities) to wealthy clients for everything from sexual encounters to philanthropic pursuits. One "doll," called Echo (Eliza Dushku), is slowly discovering traces of her true identity, and the Dollhouse itself is under attack from a crusading politician. That's a pretty basic description of what's come to be a very a complex show.
Though the series, created by "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer" mastermind Joss Whedon, started slow, it's matured into one of the most fascinating shows on TV. The last episode aired before the pre-sweeps yanking was the excellent "Belonging," which showed us how Echo's fellow doll Sierra (Dichen Lachman)came to the Dollhouse. It was everything good TV should be -- emotional, exciting and quietly devastating. If the remainder of the season's episodes are anywhere near as good, well, I'll just be grateful that Fox has agreed to air the whole second season.
But I'll miss it. A lot.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)