Glee: Season 2, Episode 3 Grilled Cheesus

Glee: Grilled Cheesus

5 STAKES out of 5!

Character of the episode: Kurt Hummel, you gotta hand it to the boy; he’s so believable as the vulnerable yet tough teenager.  Chris Colfer’s Emmy nod was definitely justified and don’t be surprised if it happens again.  The anger, pain, and confusion was palpable in almost all of Mr. Colfer’s scenes.  I was blown away………

This week’s cast off: Mr. Schuster, where were you?  What were your opinions on the whole spirituality thing?  I know you stated them, but they seemed recited and dull.  Why did Sue make so much more sense than you and you barely responded?   If I had written a review last week, this answer would have been the same.  Schuster seems lackluster lately, I hope they bring back some spirited teachery or competitive rivalry or angry ex-husband or smitten co-worker storylines for you…….

Standout moment:

1. Song wise……Okay, Kurt you might have been the character of the episode, but I have to hand this to Rachel’s “Papa, can you hear me?”  Barbra music is a perfect fit for Lea Michele’s amazing range and demeanor.  The scene started out as a cheesy spirituality assignment but ended up in an entirely heartwarming group scene around Mr. Hummel’s bedside.  And of course, the way she sang it, oh wow, she kills me every week!!

2. Plot/message wise……Sue Sylvester was, for once, the most sane and rational person on the show!!  Her objections to the spirituality theme not belonging in the public schools were sound and her religious objections were beautifully written and eloquently stated.  She calmly explained her questioning faith in prayer and religion to Emma Pilsbury, “Asking someone to believe in a fantasy, however comforting, isn’t a moral thing to do, it’s cruel.”  Her response to how arrogant that might be is even better, “It’s as arrogant as telling someone how to believe in God and if they don’t accept it, no matter how open hearted or honest their dissent, they’re going to hell. That doesn’t sound very Christian, does it?”  This is obviously the message of “Grilled Cheesus” and I have never witnessed such honesty surrounding religion on network TV.  Go, Ryan Murphy!

Here’s what worked for me:

• “Thank you, Grilled Cheesus!”  Finn’s Jesus grilled cheese seemed cliché in the preview last week, but they subtly placed it into the episode and it fit right in.  I’m glad it didn’t become a huge “miracle” to the school and Finn praying about the stupid things that teenagers pray for was pretty funny too.
• “I see God everytime I make out with a new chick……”
• So many songs this week, I couldn’t have been happier!!  7 in an ep has to be a record, doesn’t it?  I know the musical haters are going to be complaining about that, but really, I have always wondered why they even watch the show at all!?!  “I Wanna Hold your Hand” was so amazing and made me cry so much that it upset my 2 year who had to come and tickle me during it.
• Kurt talking, in French, to the bullying football player (right as Emma runs in to tell him about his dad), “I’m going to sing-a-long “Sound of Music” and in two hours I will experience more culture and artistry than you will in your entire life.”  SO FRAKKING FUNNY!  I would have laughed out loud, had I not been tearing up at the time.
• After a week of anti-bullying campaigns online, this Kurt quote sums it up entirely, “God’s kind of a jerk……I mean he makes me gay and then he has his followers going around telling me it’s something that I chose.  As if someone would choose to be mocked every single day of their life”.
• A questioning Brittany:  “Is God an evil dwarf?”
• The fact that Puck’s prayers were a billion times more mature than Finn’s.
• “I Look to You” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” were both pretty damn amazing!  Go, Amber Riley, you are overlooked and amazing!
• Sue’s scene with her sister and her sister’s unquestioning faith was pretty emotional.

Here’s what didn’t work (maybe for some people):

• I can’t think of anything, I kind of hope that it becomes a controversial episode like Ryan Murphy predicted.  The voice of rationality and science exists and is often stifled by the religious majority.  I hope this lets kids see that it’s okay to question……..

Week 2: A quick rehashing.

Okay, so last week Francis and I were too busy (I was in Chicago and he claims that he was working too much) to review things, but I wanted to do a quick rundown of Week 2.  I haven’t watched everything yet, so here’s what I know:

Monday stuff,

Hawaii 5-0:  3 stakes out of 5!! This show pulled off a pretty fantastic feat.  Last week, I deemed it to be a waste of 44 minutes.  However, with episode 2, I found myself really enjoying the banter, tension and acting.  Alex O’Loughlin finally stood out as the leading actor he hasn’t been since Moonlight aired on CBS!  I loved the scene with a trapped family in an elevator, “Do you like hippos?”  So great!  I am glad I stuck around; I know it’s hard to make a pilot and introduce characters, but making them likable would have helped.  This week, the writers pulled it off!

The Event:  3.5 stakes out of 5!! Would you believe that two of my least favorite pilots became so much better this week!!  We found out more about who “they” were, we found out what sort of man Blair Underwood as the president is, we became concerned with Sean’s predicament, but we still have a lot of questions.  Perfect planning here!  I don’t want to spoil too much, because I know Francis hasn’t watched the pilot yet…..but I’m really interested to see how all those people in the end are actually faring…….

Mike & Molly: 2 stakes out of 5 Momentum is not on the side of this one…….What was proven this week is that Mike & Molly is more up the alley of Raymond and not Modern Family.  Boo.  Can laugh tracks get any more annoying?  Do they ever make a show funnier?

Lone Star:  Haven’t watched episode 2, but I will eventually….Still pretty sad FOX pulled the plug on this one.

House, Chuck, HIMYM, Gossip Girl and Chase are on my to-do list……….

Tuesday,

No Ordinary Family: 2.5 stakes out of 5. I’ve watched this pilot twice now, the first time I liked it quite a bit more than the second.   Things that are great:  the sidekick characters (Romany Malco and Autumn Reeser) are great, very fun and easy going, the leads are pretty great too (especially Julie Benz aka Darla), the premise is interesting and could provide endless twists and stories.  What doesn’t work:  the kids!!!  They are so flat, their dialogue is textbook teenage telelvision, so boring.  I am definitely checking this one out for a few more episodes because there is potential, but I hope there are less of the kids or that more interesting people pop out of them……..

Glee:  3.5 stakes out of 5. It’s Glee, what’s not to like?  Standout character of the episode was definitely Britney S. Pierce…….her storyline of always hiding in the shadows of Ms. Spears, her insistence of having all the solos, the one line quips (“This room reminds me of where I was probed”), her hallucinations during nitrous oxide, so hilarious.  Santana and Britney tore the house down!  Best song of the episode was Rachel’s version of Paramore’s “The Only Exception”, it was very fitting and there’s no competing with Lea Michele’s voice. Here’s what didn’t work:  there were so many unknown backup dancers in the Britney numbers—please keep the Glee kids in the numbers, even during dream/hallucations!!  The Schuster/John Stamos completion was so mid-life crisis boring, who would pick a bright yellow car anyway?!  Lame.  I miss the rest of the cast.  Francis has a theory that Glee this season will be more in the style of Lost…….where certain characters are featured and others take a back seat.  I’m not sure how I feel about that, but I can’t wait to see more of Kurt this week.

Parenthood:  3 stakes out of 5.  Always solid!  I love this show, we watched it in the hotel last week, can’t remember too many specifics.  But, I really liked Lauren Graham flirting with the sleazy Baldwin and am so glad that Jabar is back even if he can’t live in the houseboat.

The Good Wife:  4 stakes out of 5.  I wish I had more time to write a full review, because this is one of the best dramas on television.  Things I loved this week, the merger tension between partners and investigators was fantastic (especially when it comes to Kalinda because she’s really the most interesting character), the “Lie to Me” style story that the feet bare all the emotions of a person – pretty laughable,  and Cary vs. Alicia in the courthouse.  Can’t wait for more…….bring on a more complicated love triangle too, please!

Weds:  I haven’t watched any of them yet. L

Thursday:

Grey’s Anatomy:  3.5 out of 5. Week 2 of Season 7.  A solid week:  a mature Meredith, a messed up Christina, interesting storyline about the lightning strike, a sad Sloane push-off, Korev/Bailey bonding.  I liked almost everything about this episode, EXCEPT, the hairstylist for the men needs to lay off the gray streaking and poofiness!!  Derek (horrible gray swoop #1), Sloane (horrible gray swoop #2), and the shrink (soooo poofy), ick!  I hope these hairstyles are gone next week.

That’s it, I haven’t watched anything else yet…….Francis, have you?

#Capricaisback

Just got back from the Caprica 1.5 premiere event here in LA.  It was held at the Globe Theatre at Universal Studios.  Funny thing is that the last time I was at the Globe Theatre was for the Serenity movie premiere.  Enough of that though…

The episode TOTALLY delivered.  You need to make sure to watch the show this Tuesday, 10/5 @ 10pm on Syfy.  There is just so much stuff revealed and teased to in the episode that I can’t wait for more.  No spoilers, but let’s just say that Alessandra Torresani KICKS @$$.  Speaking of Ms. Torresani, here’s a picture of her at the event holding up a copy of the season 1.0 dvd set signed by her, Ron Moore, and David Eick.

We didn’t get cancelled…

Amy’s travelling and I got super busy at work, but rest assured, we will have some new posts for this TV week (Dexter and Amazing Race start this week!).  Stay tuned!

Rapid-fire Sitcom Reviews: Mike & Molly, Raising Hope, Running Wilde

Amy says:

Mike & Molly: Season 1, Episode 1, Pilot

2.5 STAKES out of 5

Once you get over the instant barrage of fat jokes, some decent characters are introduced.  Mike & Molly are both likable and funny, and they come alongside some pretty decent sidekicks.  Molly’s sister is a slutty stoner and since Mike and his buddy are both cops, I found it amusing that they ignore her smoking some mary-jane out of an apple whilst standing alongside them.  It’s an amusingly harmless sitcom, I think it’ll do well because it’s not too strange (like the third in this review).  The most annoying thing about this show is the grating laugh track……

_____________________________________

Raising Hope: Season 1, Episode 1, Pilot

3 STAKES out of 5

Even though I had already witnessed most of the jokes during commercials, I still found quite a few of them laughable.  At first, I found it hard to believe Martha Plimpton was the mother of a 25 year old, but eventually it grew on me and it actually surprised me that his dad is the boss he walked out on earlier in the day.  I love that the mother of Princess Beyonce/Hope is out of the picture entirely, so there’s no going back…….Maybe I’m just a sucker for babies, but I actually liked this one.  Give it a try, why dontcha?

______________________________________

Running Wilde: Season 1, Episode 1, Pilot

2.5 STAKES out of 5

Strange show, interesting cast (who doesn’t love Will Arnett and Keri Russell?), only slightly decent premise.  Not sure the general public will fall for it……must sleep……no more reviewing tonight.

Monday night – NBC’s Chase Premiere

Amy says:

3 STAKES out of 5

Character of the episode:  Annie Frost.  As the main character of the show, she does a fantastic job carrying the lead role.  Plus, she had some kick-ass chase/fight scenes……some of the best since the chick with the all-time best fight skills put down her wooden stake.

This week’s cast off: Jesse Metcalfe, I don’t even know your character’s name.  Perez Hilton might be onto something with his constant badmouthing………I mean, I don’t know anything about your man-whore, alcoholic ways, but now I understand why you haven’t been getting much work since your gardening days on Desperate Housewives.  The robotic style in which lines were delivered made me think someone was pushing a button each and every time something was muttered.  Wow.

Standout moment: The chase/fight scenes at the beginning and the end of the show were fantastic action sequences.  Also, the villain of the week did an excellent job being creepy.

What works:

• Quite a decent cast (other than Metcalfe):  Amaury Nolasco is fantastic (as he was in Prison Break) and it was a nice surprise to see Tasha (Rose Rollins) from the L word as well.   Cole Hauser seems to be fitting in well as Frost’s #2…..his most memorable role to me is as Mark in 1997′s All Over Me, in which he played a douchebag boyfriend.   I’m glad he isn’t reliving that role this time.
• The depth in which they attempt to figure out the villain is very interesting and doesn’t always happen in similar shows.
• Chase/fight scenes are done beautifully.

After watching a lot of new TV in the past couple days, I’m glad I gave “Chase” a chance.  Definitely worth checking out if you’re into crime type shows.

More Monday night tv…..The Event: Season 1, Episode 1: Pilot

Amy says:

2 STAKES out of 5

Character of the episode: Sophia Maguire (played by Laura Innes).  I know we’re supposed to be liking Sean Walker but he left me apathetic, at best.  I guess I have more questions about Sophia.  Who is she and what does she know?  But, I’m not even really sure I care.

This week’s cast off: Leila Buchanan (in more ways than one).  First things first, make me like her before you tear her away.  NBC, you have to do that first!!  I mean, she’s cute and her dad really loves her, but is there anything more there?

Standout moment: The scuba diving moment, where you know it’s too good to be true and that it’s the wrong girl there with Sean Walker. Who is Vicky Wallace and who is making her become a distraction?  I knew the second you saw Sean Walker seemingly happy that something else was going on and I was HAPPY about it.  Finally, something was going to happen……..bring it on.

Here’s what worked for me:

• Not a whole lot.  I guess that Laura Innes states, “They saved us” was sort of interesting and is just barely enough to keep me tuned in next week.
• Luke from the Gilmore Girls is in it!  His career is alive!!  (maybe)
• Blair Underwood is convincing as president but seems as clueless as the rest of us, and he seems like he doesn’t ‘really’ care.
• The production quality is great, but that isn’t always enough (but it got you 2 stakes this week).

Here’s what didn’t work:

• Um, the fact that I still don’t even really care what happened to Leila, who “they” are, or what the event is.  Pretty much a big FAIL on NBC’s part.
• Jason Ritter.  Come on, man!!  You’re the lead of the show!!  Make me like you, I dare you!!

I don’t have much more to say.  I know “The Event” is trying to be the next Lost.  The question is, do we need another?  Do people want one?  We’ll see by how long this show makes it and how many people tune in.  Please, please make me care a little more next week…..I mean it’s pretty bad when someone abducts a 7 year old and this mom couldn’t care less!!  I guess I care just as much that her bike could get stolen sitting outside like that.  Harsh?  Maybe, but NBC, I really wanted to like this one and I can’t say that I did, at least not so far.  I’ll give you two more weeks to hook me.

Glee: Season 2, Episode 1: Audition

Francis says:

5 STAKES out of 5 (Amy wouldn’t let me give it 6!) Totally, 5 out of 5.

Character of the Episode: This is a tough one because the writers did a great job of showing off the ensemble cast.  In the end (and due to the end of the episode), Rachel Berry gets it.  Her rendition of “What I Did For Love” shows why she’s the star of the show. Agreed, I’m not sure I’ll ever pick anyone else.

This Week’s Cast Off: Mike Chang.  Sure, he finally got to speak a line (two whole words!), but they’ve made it perfectly clear he’s Solange to the group’s Beyonce – Just a background dancer for a super group.  No!  Mike Chang was hilarious, I love all the Asian community remarks he made, pretty hilarious stuff, the summer camp, “Are you two dating? //Why, because we’re both Asian?” If there was a cast-off, I think I’d say, Artie.  He is all mopey and sad about Tina, but takes no responsibility in playing a role. Man up, Dude!!  His vocals were spot-on this week though.

Standout Moments: 1. The scorching opening act featuring actual fodder from blogs and forums was masterful.  The writers and cast showed that not only are they paying attention to what everyone is saying out there, but they can and will address it.  2.  B-E-I-S-T-E.  It’s French.  ‘Nuff said.  3.  I’m not a big Charice fan, but FILIPINOS REPRESENT!  Not to mention I love the plot twist with her character toward the end of the episode.  Rachel trying to speak to someone who “Doesn’t speak English” was HILARIOUS.  4.  “I don’t know… I’ve never had balls in my mouth.  You?” and the ensuing reaction was classic.  5.  The Vocal Adrenaline situation with Sunshine Corazon.  6. Rachel’s performance of “What I Did For Love” just killed. 7.  Finn’s Cheerios try-out!!

What worked for me:

• Pretty much the whole thing.  I, like Rachel in the show, was worried about the new cast and how they would be integrated successfully.  Thankfully, each of the new characters worked.  And what do you know, each of them is a foil to a returning character.  Coach Beiste to Sue, Sam to Finn, and Sunshine to Rachel. Agreed, “You’re all coffee and no omelet!”.  Although I couldn’t have been happier that Sunshine won’t be singing with New Directions, I so did not want Rachel to lose any more solos because the second half of last season had far far far too few.
• The music numbers were refreshing.  Clearly the numbers were set up to answer the whole “Your Glee Club song selections come from a drag queen’s iPod.”  I heard the songs prior to the show airing and wasn’t sure how they would work within the context of the show, but they did.  “Telephone” was freaking awesome, why’d they have to cut it off so early?

What didn’t work for me:

• There was so much going on that there was hardly any love for Dianna/Quinn.  That’s just my own thing since Dianna’s the only one on the cast that I know personally, but they’ve got the entire season to rectify that.
• Super skinny Rachel.  I mean, we all saw it in the off season with all of the events that Lea attended, but that blue dress for the finale number really showed just how skinny she’s gotten.  Maybe most people are into that, but totes not my thing.  If you didn’t, I was going to post that her navy blue Polka-Dot dress was awful…….but yeah, I don’t know why she’s trying to be all SMG (Season 7) and get way too skinny for her own good.  Just watched a second time and are those polka-dots, little bears or flowers?  Stop dressing her in pre-teen clothing, please.
  

This episode was a roller coaster.  Hilarious highs and dramatic lows.  If this episode is any indication, we’re in for a wild ride this season.

Just a note……Where was Emma?  And why didn’t Kurt or Mercedes get a decent moment?  Mike Chang got more than they did.  Why can’t be Glee be 1:30 minutes every week?  I can’t wait to see all the drama and Britney looks off the hook next week.

More Monday night….Lone Star: Season 1, Ep 1: Pilot

Amy says:

4 STAKES out of 5

Character of the episode: Bob Allen, of course.  This main character is a fully developed and interesting character.  He’s a con man with a conscience, who doesn’t love that?

This week’s cast off: Clint Thatcher aka Jon Voight – this over-actor can exit the show at any time.  He always plays the same guy and this is no different.  Father-in-law who is scary yet holds power over the main character so you have to play nice with him.  Been there, done that, Jonny Boy, time to move along.  Boo.

Standout moment: 1. The moment in the gas station where Bob decides he might not be able to have it all and throws away his 2nd cell phone and wallet before breaking down.  2.  The very end which only happened because Cat convinced him that people who want it all are the people who can have it all……so the final moments where Bob Allens decides against giving up his 2nd life and says, “I make my own luck.”  Loved that ending scene, because really no one wants to be done with Lindsay, she’s as adorable as they come.  But, still you gotta feel bad for the girl and the wife too (since, in a roundabout way, it’s her fault this second wedding is happening).  What a mess!  Can’t wait to see how sticky it becomes.

Here’s what worked for me:

• The main character is a fantastically written character.  He has depth of character and is just an all around likable guy for a sleazeball.  I mean really, if you knew someone with a wife and a girlfriend, they would be a sleazeball, but for some reason Bob Allen is still so likable……I love it, it’s a perfect mix of great acting, casting, writing and directing.  Way to go, Lone Star!
• The idea of “real family”.  Is Bob Allen’s dad his real family?  Is his wife his real family?  or his girlfriend?  I love this confusion and the idea that someday he might just figure out which one it is or isn’t.  Great premise.
• Mark Deklin plays the brother of Cat (Bob’s wife) and seems like he might be the one to get to the bottom of the beloved con man.  He questions something and really doesn’t seem to believe the answers he gets.  I love it.  Plus, he played the hilarious Mordor on Better Off Ted!
• This quote:  ”All marriage really means is you take a person you used to want to tear the clothes off of and agree to exchange daily reports on minutia.”

Here’s what didn’t work:

• Jealous boy tantrum – How many more times do I need to see a boy hit another boy for talking to his girlfriend?  The answer is zero.
• The whiny scene with dad (Bob Allen) at the diner.  Does he really need his daddy’s permission to move on and take a real job?  Suck it up and make a decision.

Okay, FOX, the ball’s in your court.  Great beginning, now let’s see if you can keep it up!  I’ll be tuning in and I hope lots of other people will as well……..A very solid 4 stakes out of 5 from me.  Any opinions?

Hawaii Five-0: Season 1, Episode 1 – Pilot

Amy says:

1 STAKE out of 5  It’s at least 2 STAKES out of 5

Character of the episode:  Danno, so far the only guy who seems like there is more than one side to him Agreed.

This week’s cast off: Det. Steve McGarrett, I hope you start singing a new tune so we can get to know another side of you that isn’t so gruff and boring.  I’m going to say Jin, erm, Chin Ho Kelly.  Daniel Dae Kim showed in LOST that as a non-native Korean speaker, he can get down with accents, but his pidgeon was downright awful.

Standout moment: um……..I guess I kind of liked the team scene at the end, where they establish their “scooby gang”.  Umm, I’m going with what to me was essentially a fight of two vampires – Spike and Mick.  Except it was in broad daylight.  On a shipping container.  On second thought…

Here’s what worked for me:

• The cast.  I think this is the only reason I’ll keep tuning in.  I miss the under-appreciated “Moonlight”, so I’ll keep watching Alex O’Loughlin in this one.  Plus, Boomer and Jin too!  Oh and Spike!!  James Marsters, why can’t you ever play a good guy?!  I’m just happy to see you.  Out of all these actors, I think the only one who is doing a great job is Scott Caan (aka Book-em Danno).  Too bad I don’t think Mr. Marsters is going to be back.

Here’s what didn’t work:

• So predictable!!  The dad dies, big surprise. Another character on a mission to figure out who killed his family? So original.
• A toolbox!!  He takes the job because of a toolbox!  Come on.  I get that it was going to be taken for evidence, but what a lame plot device.
• The acting.  I know I said I liked Alex O’Loughlin but you can only act angry and tough for so long.  Even Daniel Dae Kim isn’t faring so well.  Maybe it’s………..
• The writing.  ”Think twice before you wanna drop in on someone’s wave.*punch*”  ’Nuff said.

CBS has big aspirations for this one, they produced a giant scale, movie like, opening scene, which never quite lives up to the hype it was meant to.  Sure, the action sequences look cool, but do people actually connect with the characters?  I love most of the cast and they are why I watched tonight’s episode and why I’ll give it a few more before I quit.  I predict 9 episodes before they pull the plug.  Only a few shows with movie-like beginnings actually become big hits (Lost and Heroes with the latter dying fast in it’s second season) while most end up on the bubble when the time comes (Fringe and Flash Forward).  1 stake out of 5 from me, maybe Francis can let me in on something I missed………..  This goes the full season AND gets renewed.  For once CBS made a show that wasn’t meant to be about writing or acting or anything like that. This is their FLASHY show and unless it tanked, which I’m sure it didn’t, it’s not going anywhere.