Sat, Apr 12th, 2008
05:00 Samantha Who?
07:00 Dexter
08:00 Battlestar Galactica
09:00 Columbo
10:30 The Office
11:00 Corner Gas
Samantha Who? Episode 10. After a very funny start the episode gets too crazy to be believed. A crazy plot-device means that Samantha must move in with her ex-boyfriend and his new girl! Too silly for me. And, sadly, not funny at all. Definitely the weakest episode so far.
Dexter. Episode 11. Another killer episode. Dexter finally figures out who the Ice Truck Killer is. The way they did it was very clever. As much as I loved the storyline with Dexter I was really impressed with the other two storylines. Angel's marriage finally coming to an end in a low-key way and, in the episodes best scenes, Rita taking her kids to see their father in prison. Powerful drama.
Battlestar Galactica. Season 4, Episode 2. Another winner. Focus shifts to the Cylons in this episode. Tricia Helfer (playing her third ongoing character) is simply superb. And has never looked more beautiful. The developments within the Cylons are stunning. As are all the scenes between Adama and Starbuck. Some of the most intense drama this show has ever delivered. Likewise, the scene between Adama and Roslin. Who am I kidding? Every frakkin' scene was intense and dramatic!! Particularly the end with Adama and Starbuck. I loved it.
Columbo. Episode 3. Our hero goes up against an egotistic writer for the first episode that aired as part of the regular series. Columbo faces many kinds of foes, but my favourites are the arrogant ones. The ones that underestimate Columbo and try to bombard him with misleading imformation. Jack Cassidy gives a flawless performance as this type of foe, particularly in the jaw-dropping (when you first see it) final seconds. This is widely-regarded as the best-ever Columbo episode. I don't think it is. It's certainly not my favourite, but it is as flawless an episode of Columbo as you are ever likely to see, and serves as a perfect introduction to the character/formula.
The Office. Season 4, Episode 9 is disappointing. In striving to create the most awkward, uncomfortable dinner party ever seen, the show has crafted an awkward, uncomfortable episode instead. Jim and Pam raise laughs, yes. So does Dwight when he arrives (making a great entrance). But, in general, the endless scenes of Michael and Jan fighting were more sad than funny.
Corner Gas. Season 4, Episode 13. Another classic. The highlight being the storyline where Hank and Oscar are asked to take the town census (Hank and Oscar??). Aside from being completely incompent at the job, they end up acting like clichéd buddy cops (one tough, one a rookie). And it all ends with an inspired gag: "So how many people in town?" "About... 500." "Yeah, this town does have about 500 people."
Highlight? Dexter
Samantha Who?, Dexter, Battlestar Galactica, Columbo, The Office, Corner Gas
