07:30 The Shield
08:30 The Sarah Connor Chronicles
09:30 Scrubs
The Shield. Season 4, Episode 7. "Hurts" Two of the show's (formerly) least interesting characters have been given a real boost this season. Acevada has always been a favourite of mine. During the first season he seemed like he could be a major threat to Vic, but as the show moved on it was less easy to take him seriously as a threat. Basically, for him to win (and catch Vic at something nefarious) then the show would be over. So his character was fleshed out and taken in different directions.
Now he gets almost no screen time and he is more of a threat to Vic than he ever was. How is that? Well, Vic's goals have changed. In the first three seasons, Vic was always up to something. His goals were crimes of one sort or another. And the tension came from putting Vic up against the bad guys he was trying to rob (or whatever). But things have changed. Vic is seeking to clean up his act. He wants to put his past behind him and do the right thing. And, for the first time, Acevada can really destroy what Vic wants. And it's brilliant storytelling.
This episode has to be one of the very best, in a long line of great episodes. Vic and Rawlings are poised on the verge of a big bust when Acevada throws a major spanner in the works. Rawlings is forced to push Vic out of the limelight and the scene between them (their big fight) was painful to watch. Vic's pain and anger was all over his face.
Indeed, it was a tough episode for Vic all round. This is the one where he learned that Shane has agreed to kill him. Their scene together (watching the undercover snitch in the darkness) was rivetting. Not that we believe Shane will kill Vic. But will he try? Will he actually try and kill his (former) best friend? It's such an amazing story. I can't wait to see where it goes.
The b-story is superb, also. And it gives us a great insight into Rawlings (who I adore). She teams up with Dutch and Claudette when they investigate crimes at a foster him. When the show deals with crimes against children it is always at it's most raw and this is no exception. The scenes were Rawlings opens a can of whup-ass on the social workers are some of my favourite-ever scenes on the show.
And then there is Julien, the second of those less interesting characters that have been given a real boost this season. In the beginning he was a great character. The storylines dealing with him dealing with his sexuality were some of the freshest and best ever put on TV, but once he had made his choices there seemed to be little for him to do. Now, however, his concerns over Rawlings plans are making him a fascinating character to watch. This was the episode where he arrested the white guy with bootles CDs in his car to make a point. Good point.
The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Episode 9. "What He Beheld" brings this (short) first season to an end. And what an ending. The best episode? Maybe. After the pilot. I loved this episode because it was framed around the journey of Agent Ellison. He started this series as a skeptic and, by the time the battle at the end is over, he is a believer. He's a good character, I like him, and I've enjoyed this journey. It was predictable, but not any less worthwhile.
I loved this episode because Derek is cool. Possibly the coolest character on the show at this stage. He backstory makes him very interesting. But he gets two of his best scenes in this episode. First, the bit where he takes the child hostage and blows the bad guy away to save John. That was amazing stuff. Jack Bauer amazing. I loved it.
But, of course, his best scene was where he took John to the park. They sat, talked, ate Ice Cream. They watched two kids playing baseball and John realised one of them would grow up to be his father. Such a low key and powerful scene. So so good. Thomas Dekker was great in this scene (and, yes, it did bring a tear to the eye.) but Brian Austin Green was even better. His delivery of the revelation (that he knows who John is) was simply perfect.
My one fear going into this final episode was that the writers would kill Derek in some great moment of sacrifice to save John. I'm glad that didn't happen and I hope it doesn't.
I loved this episode because of the bad guy and the effortless way the show generates it's storylines. This was a kick-ass baddie and it was very satisfying to see our team take him down in fine style. But, again, aside from the visceral pleasures of this show there is a lot to think about to.
Finally, I loved this episode because they showed us the big gun battle from underneath the swimming pool. Seriously? How cool was that?
And they brought Dean Winters back! I loved that.
And Cameron didn't kill the girl in the car at the end. What was up with that? Man, there was a lot to love in this episode.
Scrubs. Season 7, Episode 1. "My Own Worst Enemy" I love Sarah Chalke. Seriously. How does she do what she does. In the scene where Elliot is trying to make Keith laugh she was amazing. Going from one emotion to the next without a pause for breath in-between. Amazing. Scrubs is great. I love it. And, I know I'm not up to date or anything, but - seriously - how long has Kim been pregnant now?
Highlight? The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Wed, May 28th, 2008 - The Shield, The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Scrubs
