09:00 It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
11:00 The Sarah Connor Chronicles
12:00 Knight Rider
01:00 90210
It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia. Season 2, Episode 10. "Dennis and Dee Get a New Dad" One of the best episodes. There are several highlights in this one: Danny DeVito going nuts in a very public place after being told that his kids aren't really his kids, Charlie & Mac attacking Stephen Collins in a car park and Dennis & Dee going onstage to sing with their real father are three of the best sequences the show has offered so far. Hilarious.
The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Season 2, Episode 3. "The Mousetrap" One of the best episodes. Unlike last week's case-of-the-week type story this one is completely driven by how the characters react with one another. Cromartie kidnaps Michelle which sends Charley to Sarah for help. She and Derek respond but all is not what it seems. Meanwhile John tries to find distance from Sarah and Cameron, which means more time with Riley and - unfortunately - leaves him wide open for an attack from Cromartie. Ellison, meanwhile, finds himself face-to-face with Catherine Weaver for the first time.
So... here's a show where all the conflict/drama comes from within. The character's relationships are enough to drive the show at the moment and that is a fantastic strength in any television series.
John continues to be my favourite character. Watching him grow into manhood continues to be great television. I love having Busy Philipps on the show. I've adored her ever since her awesome Love, Inc. sit-com and she seems to be a great addition to the mix on this show. Her baby, I assume, will have some sort of impact on Cameron's continuing growth. Gonna be cool to see that. It's cool watching Cameron here, too. What is really going on in her head, now, with regard to John?
This episode, however, is devoted to Charley, Michelle and Sarah. Cromartie's plan is very, very clever (except for the last part, of course. Why did he choose the pier?) and there is some great drama to be had from watching Charley, Michelle and Sarah deal with the trap and it's horrible aftermath. Rarely has a show managed to impact on me so much with the death of a minor recurring character. There is no dialogue from any of the regulars in any of the final scenes, you'll notice. Images tell the story. It's a sad story. And this is a supremely skillful television series.
Knight Rider. Episode 2. "A Knight In Shining Armor" Appalling television. Seriously. This is, like, some of the worst TV I have ever seen in my life. The story is badly constructed and non-sensical. Changes in tone are jarring and un-natural (as if we are watching clips from different episodes). Minor-characters (plus attempts at comedy) are absurd and hateful. KITT defies the laws of physics at every turn and the whole show is inept and embarrassing.
90210. Episode 5. "Wide Awake and Dreaming" One of the best episodes. Driven by three strong stories and a really likable cast this one is a real pleasure to watch. Jessica Lowndes is amazing as her character's drug problems come to a head and force her out of the school show. Fascinating character (finally) taking center-stage and - wow - can that lady ever sing!!
Naomi's family falls apart around her and... I care. AnnaLynne McCord has made me like the character and want to see how things go for her.
Harry Wilson is no Coach Taylor but I enjoyed seeing him come to terms with his daughter's awakening sexuality. Annie's hasty decision to sleep with Ty, her quest for a condom and the sad end of her evening all made for good viewing.
Sure, it's a far cry from Greek or Friday Night Lights but it's not trying to be either of those shows and it's a pretty good sequel to the original. I'm a fan. I'm in this for the rest of the season.
Highlight? The Sarah Connor Chronicles (death in the cast)
Yet Another TV Review Podcast
Yet Another TV Review Book
Thurs, Sep 25, 08 - It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Knight Rider, 90210
