Sunday, November 8th, 2009
05.00 The Big Bang Theory
05.30 Dexter
06.30 Legend Of The Seeker
07.30 Supernatural
12.00 Parks And Recreation
12.30 The Office
The Big Bang Theory. Season 3, Episode 6. "The Cornhusker Vortex" Leonard tries to fit in with Penny's friends.
Now that Penny and Leonard are dating, I would prefer that the show keeps their relationship in the background. I like them as a couple, and want them to stay as a couple, but I'm sure the show can generate stories on a regular basis from the fact that they are dating. Also, I'm not sure I want to tune in every week and see stories about them as a couple. Fact is: the show has a great ensemble and it's never had any problem creating stories about these people as a group. I want that to continue.
Having said that...
This one - which is very much about the Leornard/Penny couple - is very good. It's easy to relate to, also, with Leonard trying to fit more into Penny's world. And completely failing. Which I like. There's no sickly-sweet ending, like some sit-coms might resort to. Instead, he gets fed up of trying (and failing) and eventually gives up and leaves. Much to Penny's relief.
That, to me, is a very honest way of ending the story. It works.
BBT theory reminds me of Frasier. A typical Frasier episode would, at some point, have Frasier and his brother discussing the details of some wine, or some opera, and yet - just like BBT - the audience was never excluded, even when we didn't understand the references, because the writing kept the characters honest and, thus, relatable. Same goes for this show. And how much more honest/real can you get than this episode? Which is just about a guy trying to fit in with his girlfriend's friends.
Dexter. Season 4, Episode 6. "If I Had a Hammer" Dexter befriends Trinity.
Superb. The show successfully flips the formula it used for previous seasons and raises everything to a whole new level. In the past we've seen Dexter befriend a 'normal' person and - as the season has progressed - we have learned that they are, in fact, a 'bad guy'. This time out, the season opens up by revealing a 'bad guy' and, then, as a twist we find Dexter tracking them down and befriending them.
Knowing ahead of time, and knowing that Dexter knows, too, lifts the drama to a whole other level.
The show is funnier, too. I certainly don't remember Dexter having so many one-liners and quips as he has had this season and - in the closing shot this week - he is pretty much breaking the fourth wall and addressing the viewers at home.
I love that. Not quite as much love for this new, nagging Rita.
Legend Of The Seeker. Episode 19. "Cursed" A king who transforms into a savage beast.
Superb! Back on track for a truly superb episode. The story is fast-moving, and moves in unexpected directions on more than one occasion. The writers seem keen, in the latter stage of the season, to explore darker ideas and sadder tales. And it makes for a darker, more adult show.
Supernatural. Season 5, Episode 3. "Free to Be You and Me" Sam has quit, Dean works alone.
I didn't buy the events in the Sam storyline. Him being befriended by the comely waitress and the other hunters turning up and - then - turning nasty was all a tad predictable. Sam's turmoil throughout was superb and made everything worth watching.
Dean's storyline, however, was a total hoot. As he teams up with Castiel and they hit a brothel.
Great downbeat ending, too, with Sam chatting with Lucifer.
Parks And Recreation. Season 2, Episode 8. "Ron and Tammy" Ron's ex-wife.
Throughout this second season (except for one unfunny episode) the show has been consistently funnier, better and more likable than in season one. Here's a perfect example of that.
Ron (Nick Offerman) is a great background character. A textbook example of a great supporting character in a sitcom, when you see just enough to leave you wanting more. Turns out he works as a great lead character, too, as we get an episode devoted to his complex feelings for his ex-wife.
All the scenes with Megan Mullally are hilarious and Ron's various insults (both to her face and behind her back) are hilarious.
Amy Poehler has several great moments, too. I love the scene where she arrives in Ron's office and sits down, gleefully waiting to hear about his reunion and then has to do a quick retreat as his talk of that reunion turns x-rated. Poehler's body language makes the scene every funnier.
The Office. Season 6, Episode 8. "Double Date" Michael dumps Pam's mother.
And it's a painful as can be. Don't think there are any laughs in this one. Sigh.
Highlight? Legend Of The Seeker (truly superb)
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The Big Bang Theory, Dexter, Legend Of The Seeker, Supernatural, Parks And Recreation, The Office
