Michael And Michael Have Issues, In Plain Sight, Burn Notice, Community

Friday, August 14th, 2009

06.30 Michael And Michael Have Issues
07.00 In Plain Sight
08.00 Burn Notice
09.00 Community



Michael And Michael Have Issues. Episode 1. "Greg The Intern"

A mixture of The Larry Sanders Show and a straight-up sketch comedy. With characters as unsavory as the gangs on Seinfeld or It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia.

I love it.

Original and funny.

Michael & Michael are two huge TV stars with a comedy show who get completely obsessed with an interview from one of their office interns (who wants to interview them for his high school newspaper). Highlight? The 'physical' fight on the lawn outside Michael's house.



In Plain Sight. Season 2, Episode 13. "Let's Get it Ahn" Sherilyn Fenn and Kelly Hu as lovers. Best! Story! Idea! Ever!

Thank you, In Plain Sight, for giving me the mental image of Sherilyn Fenn and Kelly Hu as lovers. I will be forever grateful.

And thank you, also, for breaking my heart with this episode. For this is the one where Marshall finds out that Mary is engaged to Rafael. That scene alone would cause me to rate this episode as a total A+ all the way. And the whole business with the ring getting stuck on Marshall's finger? Inspired.

Story-wise, this was a strong case-of-the-week. Complex (maybe too complex) but fast-moving and fun to watch.

Burn Notice. Season 3, Episode 8. "Friends Like These" Recurring character Barry needs help.

Too often, in an effort to create conflict in the (male) hero's life a show will turn his (female) partner into an unsympathetic bitch. Yes, it creates conflict and drama but it writes the female character into a indefensible position. How many medical shows have had the Doctor-Hero fighting with his wife because she wants him to spend more time with her and stop running off to save lives. Same thing for cops shows. "Your job is coming between us" or some such crap.

One of my very favourite things about Burn Notice is the way the writers have created genuine conflict between Fiona and Michael without turning her into a one-dimensional pain-in-the-ass. In this fight both sides of the argument are easy to understand and the constant fighting this season only demonstrates how much these two really love one another. Fiona wants him to stay because she wants him to be with her, AND she genuinely believes that he is making the wrong choices.

The absolute highlight of this episode came when Michael (while undercover) slapped Fiona on the face when she wasn't expecting it. That moment, and their exchanges afterwards, are a prime example of why Burn Notice is more than just a fun action-adventure show. It's got superb central characters and writers who know how to bring humanity and depth to these people.

Story-wise, this was a fun tale with a predictable twist (involving Callie Thorne's character).

Community. Episode 1. "Community" Fast-talker lies to hot girl that he is forming a study group in community college, but word spreads and... he forms a study group in community college.

A simple idea, perfect for a long-running situation comedy series, and a group of funny characters.

Joel McHale is a great lead and many of the others (particularly Chevy Chase and Danny Pudi) are worthy scene-stealer's.

I laughed and I liked. And I want to see more.

Highlight? In Plain Sight (Mary, Marshall & The Ring)
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