February 1-7, 2015
* New series in CAPS
* Reviews May Contain Spoilers
Note: I will only be reviewing the series premiere of Fresh Off the Boat and I won’t be reviewing NBC’s ALLEGIANCE due to time constraints but that show is amazing!
The Blacklist (NBC) – Episodes 2.09 & 2.10
“Luther Braxton” & “Luther Braxton: Conclusion”
I can’t say that I was all that gripped by the initial return of The Blacklist but it was exciting to Luther Braxton (Ron Perlman, Sons of Anarchy) guest star. The ending of the first episode (which aired after the Superbowl) was quite explosive! But aside from that, I thought the second part was way more interesting. Especially after finding out that Liz’s memories have been tampered with. Yikes! Looking forward to seeing what happens next!
Photo Credit: Jessica Miglio/FOX
GOTHAM (Fox) – Episode 1.14 “The Fearsome Dr. Crane”
What an episode! I loved that Fish Mooney got to Maroni and Maroni went after Penguin. I hate that Selina lied and said she didn’t see anything but it makes sense given how vengeful Bruce becomes. I just really enjoyed the developments this week and can’t wait to see what comes next. Gotham is in a great place right now. Glad to see it!
Castle (ABC) – Episode 7.13 “I, Witness”
When this episode began, it was exciting to see Castle reunite with an old classmate. Then she was murdered and I became frustrated with Castle following the killer without stopping to call for backup. He could have pulled out his phone and made the call when he saw the body being dragged around the house or as soon as he got in the car before following the killer down the road. He could have done so many things. Instead, his adrenaline was rushing and he was being, well, Castle, but not a very smart version and that wasn’t fun to see. You’d think he’d learn his lesson by now about needing backup but no. Not so. Anyway, the rest of the episode was fairly entertaining, especially as Castle kept going on the case that Beckett and the force closed.
Switched at Birth (ABC Family) – Episode 4.05 “At the First Clear Word”
This week, Switched at Birth tackled two very important issues 1) Rape and 2) Women Supporting Each Other in a Man’s World, more specifically STEM. I am neutral on how I feel about the execution of the rape storyline because I want to see how it plays out in its entirety but I will say that I’m glad that this show doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. And whether or not you agree with Regina or like(d) Tank, I think we can all agree that the scene between Toby and Tank was the best. “She’s my sister.” Oh man, right in the heart.
As for Daphne’s storyline, it was important to acknowledge but it was frustrating to see. Because we, women want to be treated as equals but we’re also told that we have to stick together and girl power and all of that jazz and I think that you can do both but that means you need to level up or rise above and don’t kick anyone off the ladder on your way up. And it has a lot to do with perspective.
Who are you competing with? Other people or yourself? I don’t think competing with other people gets you as far as it can if you were competing with yourself, your best in the past and what you need to be your best in the present/future. I think other people can help or harm your progress for sure but there’s nothing like the psychological warfare from within. So did I like this test of women supporting each other? No, because I was disappointed in the results in more ways than one. Great job bringing this topic to the forefront, I just hope this isn’t the beginning and end of the discussion. It’s so much more than that.
Face Off (Syfy) – Episode 8.04 “Royal Flush”
Check out my review here.
New Girl (Fox) – Episode 4.14 “Swuit”
This week’s episode was a miss for me. I feel like the swuit could have been covered in the cold open and the entire rest of the episode could have covered something else. I really don’t think dedicating an entire episode to the swuit worked. But that’s just me. Hey, they can’t all be winners. Hopefully next week will be one though!
Photo Credit: Beth Dubber/FOX
The Mindy Project – Episode 3.14 “No More Mr. Noishe Guy”
“What? Do you have a secret?! Oooo, your secret is safe-ish with me!” – Mindy
I loved this episode. Seeing Mindy and Dan’s San Francisco adventures. Seeing Morgan shame Mindy’s eating habits after checking her blood pressure. Mindy’s reaction when she finds out she’s pregnant! What!!! Great episode. Lots of one liners. I love it. We also said goodbye to Peter (Adam Pally) and he did bring quite a bit of joy to the show so it’s sad to see him go but what can you do? Looking forward to seeing what’s ahead for Mindy and her pregnancy! Ahhh!
Cougar Town (TBS) – Episode 6.05 “Even the Losers”
It was exciting to see Ellie go out of her way to do something for Andy… it’s been far too long since we’ve seen that! It was hilarious watching Grayson get caught up in schooling kids on old school music. And it was quite an entertaining role reversal seeing Laurie be the responsible one and Jules having her head in the clouds when it came to Travis. There was a lot going on this week but it all came together in a really lovely way. What did you think?
Arrow (The CW) – Episode 3.12 “Uprising”
What a great episode! Oliver’s return! It was everything I hoped for and more. I loved when the team brought together the town to go to war! I loved when Oliver reunited with Thea, saying that things got interesting and he ended up in jail for a few weeks, prompting Thea to say, “I thought you grew out of that.” Ha! I loved what Felicity said to Oliver. I just hope Oliver gives Felicity the space she needs at this time. Every moment of this week was so great! I don’t even have the words to accurately describe how happy this episode made me. It was fantastic.
The 100 (The CW) – Episode 2.11 “Coup de Grace”
“You may be the Chancellor but I’m in charge.” – Clarke
What a fabulous episode! Our people were making great progress in leaving Mount Weather. This caused quite a shift in power! Oh my! Meanwhile, Clarke was pulling rank big time! She’s been right more than she’s been wrong so I’m hoping she’s right about the moves she’s making now.
Clarke escaped being killed yet again but this was a close one. I found it comical that Clarke’s mom came to her and was all, “You were almost killed today, it’s okay to be mad.” Umm. This isn’t the first time she was almost killed, mom, but thanks for thinking she needs to hear that long after she was initially send to the ground to DIE. Ha. Anyway, Clarke ends up banking her entire plan on Bellamy. if he dies, they die too. What do you think about that?
The Middle (ABC) – Episode 6.13 “Hecks on a Train”
This week, Aunt Edie dies and the family takes a train to South Dakota to bury her. I loved Axl’s guilt, Brick’s drive to live a little which left him to making a troublemaker friend, and Sue’s passion to get her college application right. And I was entertained by the intimacy storyline between Frankie and Mike. At this point in their marriage, Frankie should be well aware of this lack of intimacy and have already addressed this issue with Mike… but I can understand how this would be brought up at such a time in which Frankie needs a shoulder to cry on so I understood and can appreciate this being brought up at this point in time. So overall, great episode. Quite memorable too since they were confined to the train for the majority of the episode.
Modern Family (ABC) – Episode 6.13 “Rash Decisions”
I am cracking up at the portrait that Phil and Andy took at the mall! Ha! And Jay making Claire tell an employee to cover up her bouncy boobs! Mitchell working with Claire to get rid of the problem. And Luke getting jealous of Andy. The Avatar reference. Alex going too far with her interview. And so much more. Still cracking up at this episode. So good!
Photo Credit: ABC
FRESH OFF THE BOAT (ABC)
Pilot & Episode 1.02 “Home Sweet Home-School”
As someone who moved a handful of times in my childhood, one of those places being a town full of white people and me being one of seven black people in my entire school, I appreciate this show so much. I’m black, I’m not Asian so I can’t relate 100% but I can relate more than I’d like to since it’s basically white people and then everyone else more often than not.
I enjoyed seeing some of my situations acknowledged on primetime TV in a comedic way because comedy tells the cold hard truth in a way that’s easier to face and accept for many and deal with for others. Hopefully, this show will be viewed by enough people who weren’t necessarily cultured before so that their eyes can be opened on some of the ridiculous things we have to hear on the daily and the situations that we find ourselves in. Assimilating to a new town that is not very cultured is not fun. A little comedy to alleviate that stress…man, I would have clung to this show with my everything if it had aired when I was in middle school. I’m just so glad that it’s airing now for all those kids (and adults) who are making a big move now and need a show like this to get through their day. This show is not to be taken for granted. If you haven’t caught it yet, I highly recommend it! So great!
The Vampire Diaries (The CW) – Episode 6.13 “The Day I Tried to Live”
Another stellar episode. I was hoping that Kai would gain empathy after the merge so it was great to see that he did, by him 1) discovering that he can’t kill Olivia with a conscious now and 2) helping them reach Bonnie with essentially nothing in it for him. Aside from that…the only thing that pops into my head… Caroline and Stefan! Boy are they milking this! I need these two to kiss already and get together. I need it to happen this season aka asap, please, thank you very much. What was your favorite part about this week’s episode?
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) – Episode 11.10 “The Bed’s Too Big Without You”
“Just because you’re the only one that can see the end game, it doesn’t mean that you’re wrong. It just means it’s lonely.” – Webber
All of the stories were gripping this week. The tumor that Meredith and Bailey were on. April and Jackson trying to come to a decision about the baby. Arizona and Amelia working on Dr. Herman’s tumor. Episodes like this, quiet but extremely moving episodes are why I still love this show. This was great. So great. Next week is going to be even more incredible.
Scandal (ABC) – Episode 4.11 “Where’s the Black Lady?”
“I love her.” – Fitz
“Then you know what you have to do.” – Mellie
Fitz was up against the wall within the first minute of the show! My goodness! Huck threatened Lizzie big time. Yikes! Got her shook. I would be too in her shoes. But Liv. Oh, Liv. I loved that it took 50 minutes of the 60 minute broadcast to get our Liv back and by back I mean the shock of the situation is over and now she’s at work trying to find a different way to escape under the new circumstances she found herself in at the end of last week’s episode. She’s working it out. And it’s glorious to see. Another stellar episode. Loved every minute!
HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER (ABC)
Episode 1.11 “Best Christmas Ever”
I thought Annalise’s sister-in-law coming into town would cause more waves from the get go and since it didn’t, this storyline felt a bit dull…until towards the end when she came face to face with Annalise’s team. That was really the only exciting part about that storyline. I did enjoy seeing how each of the team spend their Christmas break. My goodness. Talk about rough. The real kicker this week though was the B story as Annalise dealt with a walk in case about two girls being held hostage in her basement! What stood out most to you?
Photo Credit: Greg Gayne/The CW
Hart of Dixie (The CW) – Episode 4.05 “Bar-Be-Q Burritos”
A few things. I’m glad Zoe and Wade aren’t moving off of Lavon’s property. I’m glad Zoe and Wade are stepping up and taking initiative about their finances with a baby coming soon. I hope Zoe gets that raise eventually. She deserves it! I don’t know if I like the idea of Annabeth and George together but Lemon is more than fine with it, so I’m willing to see where the writers go with this and maybe I’ll warm up to it. I don’t know. Well, I think I covered everything? Looking forward to seeing what happens in 2 weeks!
Glee (Fox) – Episode 6.06 “What the World Needs Now”
I missed the first 15 minutes of the show but from what I gathered, Mercedes was on a mission to get Rachel back on track and not stuck in the familiar while Brittany was trying to get Santana’s grandmother to come to their wedding. From what I recall, last week’s episode didn’t do much for me. This week was similar but at least the story lines were more interesting and the songs more captivating. The only thing I didn’t like was Brittany inserting herself into Abuela’s life as a maid and starting with deceit. That’s not cool no matter the situation. Other than that, I’m so happy that the glee family was there for Santana because that entire speech about family is so, so true and it was just what Santana needed to hear, it was beautiful, and I’m just so happy for this glee family. They are truly the best.
Photo Credit: Guy D’Amica / FOX
RED BAND SOCIETY (Fox) – Episodes 1.12 & 1.13 Series Finale
“We’ll Always Have Paris” & “Waiting for Superman”
“You already had my heart, Kara. Now you just need to take it for real.” – Hunter
What a beautiful, beautiful series finale to Red Band Society. In the finale, we went back and forth between life at the hospital, in the aftermath of Hunter’s death and the in between with Hunter and Kara as Kara decides if she will live or die. I loved the exchange between Hunter and Kara, seeing them in Paris, and the words Hunter passed onto Kara. It was so good to see Nurse Jackson take a moment to be human, to let her work as a nurse and the relationships she’s made along the way hit her emotionally in a way that she doesn’t typically allow. It’s always great to see her open up. I didn’t expect Jordi and Dash’s girlfriend to be the ones to get Leo out of his depression funk and that was great how they executed that. I loved seeing
“What did I do for you?” – Kara
“You lived.” – Hunter
It was so good to see Dash and Kara growing up, Emma and her mother finally beginning to truly understand each other, Charlie speaking before the red band society saw him off! It was also so great to have Mandy Moore back in my life on a weekly basis doing her thing on the screen. She is such an amazing actress and I hope we don’t have to wait too long to see her on the small screen (or big screen)again. There’s so much I loved about the series finale but plainly put, I loved it.
“Why didn’t you tell us this before?” – Emma’s Mom
“You never asked.” – Emma
The writers did the finale justice and while I am so, so sad to see this show go, I’m so happy that we got the chance to see the thirteen episodes that we did because they really mean so much and I know they not only lifted me up but so many others who watched so bravo to the cast and crew for making this show so special!