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.

Castle: Season 3, Episode 1 – A Deadly Affair

Amy says:

5 STAKES out of 5

Character of the episode:  Beckett, no Castle, no Beckett, yes Beckett.  She was great, I loved that I knew just how heartbroken she was to not hear from Castle and then show it with her usual trying-too-hard-to-be-gruff style.

This week’s cast off: No one.  I loved just about everything about this episode.

Standout moment: The opening scene was great, but I’d have to pick the moment where Ryan sees the cardboard cut-out stand of Castle and the team thinks Castle is back.  I love that they all look up like excited puppies and then are dejected and mad by the fact that he isn’t there.  Then, to end the scene, Ryan stares at the cut-out and says, “He really is ruggedly handsome” and walks away.

Here’s what worked for me:

• The opening scene.  The tension, the mirror images, the echoes, the shattering glass, the confusion, lead character in peril.  Great scene!
• The fact that Beckett’s feeling for Castle are (for once) so transparent and the tension she feels by his complete oblivion.  The tension between these two characters is hard to come by in tv land, fantastic chemistry!
• The fact that not only is Beckett heartbroken by Castle’s disregard, but so are Esposito and Ryan.
• The writing on this show is fantastic, so smart.  I’m not sure it’s ever been more apparent than it has been in this episode.  The line by Ryan, “He really is ruggedly handsome,” made me laugh out loud!
• I enjoyed the slight nod to the breakout hit show, “Breaking Bad”, during one of Castle’s brainstorms.  I always love when shows reference other shows, it’s a fun tv world thing to do.

Here’s what didn’t work:

• The fact that New York City has yet another secret club hidden in an alley way that you need a secret code to get into.  How many of these underground fantasy land places actually exist?  Plus, Beckett has to add that it’s nothing compared to some of the clubs she’s been to! Somehow that seems a little out of character for her.

This episode was so fantastic!  I love that without doing an entire recap, the emotions that ended last season’s finale were hard to forget just by the acting and writing that started off tonight’s episode.  Plus, the writers didn’t feel the need to hit us over the head with it like other crime shows would have(ahem, CSI, NCIS).  Smarty written, every plot twist connected, every line connected to the characters and the relationships between them.    I would definitely say it was one of the best eps to date, 5 out of 5 stakes from me.

Chuck Season 4, Episode 1 – Chuck Versus The Anniversary

Francis says:

3 STAKES out of 5

Character of the episode: Chuck (DUH!) Sarah (seriously, most likely I’ll pick her every time, plus it was so cute how in love with Chuck she is)

This week’s cast off: Ellie.  As annoying as Morgan was, at least I get why he’s there.  You and your soon to be baby bump are sort of pointless right now.  Morgan!  He was far more annoying and I get that they are setting up why Chuck still has to be secretive with his sister, and plus babies are so awesome (just look at mine)!

Standout moment: When Sarah and Casey thought Chuck was gunned down.  Both of their reactions showed me just how much both of them really care about Chuck.  My favorite moment was an homage to what is perhaps the best sitcom ever, Seinfeld.  Chuck was interviewing at “Vandalay Industries” which is an infamous George Costanza storyline/crisis.  I got a HUGE kick out of that.  Go Chuck writers!!

Let’s get one thing out of the way very quickly.  The blogosphere was a buzz with Linda Hamilton playing Chuck’s mom, Mary, this season.  Well, seeing her on screen for the first time was still super exciting.  I don’t know about you, but when I think Linda Hamilton, I think of her as Sarah Connor and not the one who frolicked around with the Beast before he was SAMCRO’s president.  While she isn’t seen much in the episode, her screen time counts, especially the tease at the end of the episode of the ass-kickery we have in store this season from her.

Here’s what worked for me:

• Sexting!  Great they found a way to integrate it into the story and still make it funny, not gimmicky. Frankly, I would put this in the “what didn’t work for me”, just more annoying Morgan moments here.
• Chuck telling an interviewer of his other experiences that day was pretty hilarious.  Totally!  Plus the whole Vandalay Industries thing.
• Casey showing yet again just how much Chuck has gotten under his skin.  Awww.  He cares! Now here’s a guy who NEVER gets enough screen time and is ALWAYS entertaining, bring on more Casey!
• Sarah.  She’s still one of the hottest characters on TV.  Why Yvonne Strahovski hasn’t blown up beyond Chuck is a mystery to me.  Ditto!  How awesome is she?!

Here’s what didn’t work:

• Morgan.  I dig Morgan in the funky situations he gets in, but not so much as the useless sidekick.  Get the guy out of the “spy” game and into some awkward dating/work situations again, please.
• The new Buy More.  Really?  General Beckman?  I need me some Big Mike, Jeff and Lester!
• Chuck and Sarah’s “no more secrets and lies” stuff.  Let’s not allow this to venture into Hart to Hart territory, writers. Wow, how old are we? Hart to Hart…..hahaha.

So, 3 stakes out of 5.  I know Amy doesn’t agree and maybe she can explain why, but I think this is a solid jumping off point for the season.  The writers did a good job establishing the underlying “mystery” for the season, but I’m going to wait and see how it all plays out.  I’m confident that it gets there, but it’ll have to get there before I throw another Mr. Pointy Chuck’s way.  I vote 4 out of 5 stakes, but I think it’s primarily because Chuck is back and I couldn’t be happier about it.  It was just a solid episode and they neatly set up some of the season’s plots and characters, so I can see your 3.

Monday Night (Premiere Week)

Just a quick intro here, I promise.  So, Francis and I have been talking lately about the upcoming tv season.  In fact, we were so stoked that Francis made a spreadsheet of which shows he would TIVO and which he’d have to find online, just so we knew what we were up against.  They really should make a DVR capable of doing 4 or 5 HD shows at once…….because this is getting ridiculous (see above for my personalized chart).

So, we’ll be watching and posting and learning as we go.  The one thing that is definitely sticking around is our rating system.  We’re using stakes as a nod to the greatest show in silver screen history, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”.  If you have a problem with that, then you’ll have  a problem with us.  Otherwise, let us know what you think of our style, format, opinions, and especially what you thought of the episodes in general.  We’ll be going in and commenting on each other’s posts, so I’ll be commenting in this pinky color and Francis will be commenting in this royal blue color.

Day 1 of Premiere week: It’s a little hectic in here.  Tonight we’re watching, Chuck, House, The Event, Lone Star, HIMYM, Rules of Engagement, Mike & Molly, Hawaii Five-0, Castle, Chase, Weeds and The Big C!!!  More than likely, we will only have time to watch and post a few of these shows.

Happy NEW TV week everyone!