06:00 My Boys
06:30 The Closer
07:30 Flashpoint
01:30 The Sentinel
My Boys. Season 2, Episode 8. "Jack and Bobby" I love My Boys because it is usually the funniest show on the air and unlike The Office (which I prefer) doesn't devote story time to heartache and sadness. Until now. And I love it. But I'm conflicted. This is awesome stuff, but this is not how I want My Boys to be. At least not every week.
The Closer. Season 4, Episode 4. "Live Wire" Less of the "breaking the rules to do what is right" and more of the "deeply flawed" this time out. The final fight between Brenda and her boyfriend was painful to watch. Painful because she was so so wrong. Oh Brenda, how can you put this right?
It was also painful to watch all the fighting between Gabriel and Daniels. It's been building all season, in little glances and comments here and there, but now that it is out in the open: I'm sad. And saddened also by Brenda's treatment of Gabriel. He used to be her favourite, once upon a time.
Soap Opera elements aside, this was another superb crime story and the whole team got a chance to shine.
Flashpoint. Episode 2. "First In Line" An honest-to-goodness genuinely wonderful hour-of-television. Wow, but I loved this. And if Hugh Dillon owned the first episode, then this one was completely supported by the considerable talents of Enrico Colantoni (how I love that man!). His work, and the work of the lead guest star (Henry Czerny) made this a beautiful hour of TV. Two fathers, two very different lives. And I loved the story, too. And I loved the fact that the show went all out and gave us a truly happy ending. I wanted it. And I needed it. I don't want all my TV to be dark. I want some good guys to win, really win. And I want to see shows where there are stories of nobility and self-sacrifice.
I am really blown away by how good Flashpoint is.
The Sentinel. Season 3, Episode 12. "Prisoner X" Another reliable old action-adventure-show chestnut: the hero goes undercover inside a prison where (it is later revealed) that the inmates are being forced to fight to the death. Good performances and a fast pace make this better than it has any right to be. It's also cool to see The Seninel using his powers inside a prison (trapped in his cell, he is able to listen to pretty much everything that is being said in the whole place). Some elements don't make sense (why have Jim and Blair got such an elaborate method of communication when they can - in fact - meet face to face) and some elements are corny (the guy in the final battle not being able to kill Jim). But I enjoyed seeing an episode that completely departs from the show's usual formula and the fight at the end was cool. Not the worst episode.
Highlight? Flashpoint (tearjerker)
Yet Another TV Review Podcast
Tue, Aug 5, 08 - My Boys, The Closer, Flashpoint, The Sentinel
