March 1-7, 2015
* New series in CAPS
* Reviews May Contain Spoilers
Note: I will not be reviewing Agents of SHIELD, The Following, CSI: Cyber, or American Crime due to time constraints.
Photo Credit: ABC
Once Upon a Time (ABC) – Episode 4.13 “Darkness on the Edge of Town”
“Love how you underestimate me. Adorable.” – Rumpelstiltskin
Villains teaming up to get their happy endings? Yes, please! I am so, so, so, so, so, so excited that Ursula, Cruella, and Maleficent are the recurring characters for the back half of the season. So excited, I can’t even put it into words and properly describe it. Merrin Dungey plays the villain so well (Hello, Alias!) so seeing her as Ursula makes me so happy! I love that based on what Rumpel said at the end, that we’re probably going to get to see a very dark side of Emma soon! That is super exciting!!!! So. To Recap. Amazing return. I am so pumped for the second half of the season! How about you?
The Walking Dead (AMC) – Episode 5.12 “Remember”
They are in Alexandria!!! Rick was shaving! They were getting clean! Warriors… who look like they did in the beginning before they were all that they are now. It has been so long since they could do this. Shed the unclean. Wonder about what appears to be clean here in a new safe haven. I am so happy for them. And they stayed together their first night. A family. Oh, man, that warms my heart to the moon and back to see it. To see it. There was one shot that really just, man. If I had paused the TV, I probably would have cried.
Handing over the guns. Picking the houses. Exploring the safe zone. Carl meeting other kids! Seeing the comic come to life never ceases to amaze me. It never does. And then the audition interviews of Rick, Michonne, Carl, Carol, and Glenn… it’s so good to see Rick given such power in a place that has just accepted them and can clearly see the advantage in doing so. And really awesome to see Carol’s survival instincts level up in a way we haven’t seen in awhile. We’ve seen a lot of action from her but psychological warfare is still very much a huge part of this world that they live in so her playing innocent is brilliant. Another fantastic episode in the books. Can’t wait for next week!
THE LAST MAN ON EARTH (Fox) – Series Premiere
Check out my review of the special one hour series premiere here.
GOTHAM (Fox) – Episode 1.18 “Everyone Has a Cobblepot”
“Nice talk. Do we have a deal?” – Fish Mooney
This week’s episode was solid but looking back, I don’t have a favorite moment or anything. I’m just really enjoying Fish Mooney’s story and am so excited to see what happens next. I love that the people underground were doubting her with good reason as it seemed like she went over to the other side. I can’t wait to see what Fish does next to keep everyone right where she wants them. I love how bold she is and how fast she calculates people and situations and she’s just so much fun to watch. Fish Mooney has come a long way since the Fish we saw in the series premiere just a few months ago.
Face Off (Syfy) – Episode 8.08 “Dressed to Kill”
Check out my review of this week’s episode here.
Switched at Birth (ABC Family) – Episode 4.09 “Player’s Choice”
I am SO not a fan of Daphne rushing for a sorority. Ugh. I’m glad she didn’t get in. She would have caused way too much drama that I don’t want to see. If I did, I’d watch Greek again. I am also not a fan of Toby wanting to move in with Lily. Too fast, bro. Too fast. I’m glad Kathryn expressed her concerns and Toby saw the light after Lily handed him the truth. That’s tough though because she led him on and I thought they were in a relationship, only for her to say that she has feelings for someone else when confronted with taking the next step??? What. Not cool. How long was she going to keep that information to herself?
Anyway, I am a fan of Bay and Emmett though so I really hope they can get through this rough patch. One of many in their relationships but they’re all meaningful and hold actual weight so however much time they need to get through it, take it, so long as they come back to each other. Next week is the Spring Finale! Wow, that came quick! I don’t want a break! Ahhh!! Can’t wait to see what happens though.
Photo Credit: Ray Mickshaw/FOX
New Girl (Fox) – Episode 4.18 “Walk of Shame”
“You know who’s hair I admire? Jesus. Man. Dude’s hair gets overlooked because of all the miracles and stuff.” – Winston
One of my favorite episodes of the season aired this week. Yep, New Girl was that good again. Absolutely hysterical in every single line! Every single one. Jess and CeCe’s walk of shame was legit! Ha! And the guys weren’t all that interested in attending an exhibit of Coach’s girlfriend. That didn’t end well. Man, the physical comedy on this show never ceases to make me laugh. Not ever. And it was great to see Meaghan Rath again as well as Josh Gad (Frozen) and get some singing out of him. Awesome episode!
The Mindy Project – Episode 3.18 “Fertility Bites”
I loved this week’s episode. Both the A and B stories were equally entertaining and for once, the team at the office did the right thing meanwhile, Mindy, on the other hand, has dug herself another whole – during the opening of her fertility clinic to make matters worse. Ha! Honest. Hilarious. Fantastic episode.
Cougar Town (TBS) – Episode 6.09 “Two Men Talking”
Jules tries to get Grayson and her dad to bond, meanwhile Ellie and Travis do some bonding of their own. I don’t remember the last time we got to see Ellie and Travis have a moment so that was exciting to see. And there’s Andy who gets caught up in a cool mom group after shenanigans with Laurie. Ha. This episode was alright. I wanted more Laurie and Andy and less Jules, Grayson, and dad. Which story line was your favorite this week?
The 100 (The CW) – Episode 2.15 “Blood Must Have Blood, Part One”
What incredible developments this week! Octavia is no longer a right hand. The people Clarke thought she could depend on completely abandoned and betrayed her. The Mt. Weather mission was an absolute mess. So much happened in part one of the season finale, I can’t imagine what’s in store for part two!
The Middle (ABC) – Episode 6.16 “Flirting With Disaster”
I feel like Sue would have had more fun at the sci fi convention that she had to take Brick to than she did and I feel like we’ve seen Frankie crush on Axl’s cute friends before?? So while this episode was entertaining, it wasn’t as strong as it could have been. What did you think?
Modern Family (ABC) – Episode 6.17 “Closet? You’ll Love It!”
This week, Mitch and Cam are nervous about Lily who has no talent when she has to perform in a talent show. Mitch and Cam being nervous about anything is entertaining. Claire and Jay attempt to make a commercial at work. Claire at work doing what nobody else wants to do, standing up to Jay, is also always pretty funny.
But Haley takes the cake this week. Haley has feelings for Andy whose girlfriend comes to town when he ends up in the hospital! Oh, man! I wonder where this leaves Andy, who turns out wasn’t sleeping when she poured her heart out to him! What do you think of Haley and Andy as a couple? I think it’s great for Haley whether it lasts or not. They balance each other out nicely. Looking forward to next week to seeing how this story line progresses!
BLACK-ISH (ABC) – Episode 1.16 “Parental Guidance”
When Rainbow and Dre find out the church who married them had fake credentials, they realize they were never legally married! This story line was hysterical as is but even more so since I personally know someone who was duped in a similar fashion. But anyway, this episode was great and I loved everything about it, including seeing Rainbow’s parents come to town and Dre’s parents as well.
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) – Episode 11.14 “The Distance”
“You’re not alone, do you hear me?” – Callie
Amelia took the tumor out of Dr. Herman! But with a small stroke, there was some concern. Arizona was understandably freaking out about the surgery and it was so good to see Callie there for her. Dr. Herman is blind now but like Amelia said, she defeated death. Fantastic episode. And wow, the promo for next week looks amaziiinnnng!!!! I cannot wait for next week!
Scandal (ABC) – Episode 4.14 “The Lawn Chair”
Guest star, Courtney B. Vance did a magnificent job in this episode as a father who just lost his son to police brutality. Ferguson, anyone? Man, this episode was TENSE. It touched on so much. On privilege. The very problematic black card. Olivia being almost powerless in such a powerful situation. I thought Olivia being kidnapped and almost trafficked was incredible but THIS is just….WOW. White police men sacrificing so much only to be looked at always as the villains by POC. On people acknowledging their privilege. Yeah, this episode covered all sides of the problem so wonderfully.
It covered power and how people want just enough to make a difference but not so much that they’re almost so removed from it all and no longer in the front lines. There was so much that was covered in this week’s episode. Wow. I am just so proud of the Scandal writers for speaking up and covering this issue. It was easily the most powerful episode of the series. Thank you, writers. Ava DuVernay said it best on Twitter when she said, “An episode like this isn’t easy. Isn’t easy to write. Isn’t easy to direct. Isn’t easy to get on air. I appreciate the effort.” So thank you, writers. I can’t thank you enough. And the cast was magnificent. Bravo.
Finally, it was so great to see Artemis Pebdani (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) again! So proud!
Photo Credit: Netflix
UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT (Netflix) – Season 1
I was highly anticipating this series since it’s co-written by none other than Tina Fey. I’m happy to say that it delivered1 I really enjoyed binge watching this half hour comedy and am looking forward to season two (which is hopefully more than 13 episodes). As a 90s kid, I absolutely loved the 90s references. I loved Ellie Kemper’s energy and endlessly positive demeanor (so proud of her! #TheOffice) as well as the entire cast who really brought it.
I love that the cast is not only diverse but also is led by so many amazing women. Smart and talented. Magic on the screen. Everyone shines. Yes, Jane Krakowski’s character did reminder me of 30 Rock but as the season goes on, she grows into her own character which was a relief (though the backstory is quite stereotypical. Sigh). Tituss Burgess was a delight and Carole Kane is divine and I’ll watch anything that she’s in though she picks all of the right projects so chance usually are that I’ve already chosen to watch it before finding out she’s in it haha.
Back to Kimmy though, I love the relationships she forms not just with people but with time and I love the challenges she faces whether it be something as simple as technology to the more difficult conflict of getting your former cult sisters to see that they were brainwashed and they need to acknowledge what pain it’s done for them in order to heal. This is a comedy but it’s the perfect balance of lighthearted and heartwarming, inspiring story.
I did enjoy the first half of the season more than the second but the finale was great and I am looking forward to more Unbreakable next year which I’m hoping leaves the NBC feel that it had (since it was initially going to air there) and frees itself even more. Tina Fey goes there already but now she can go there without limits. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for next season. What did you think of the first season of Unbreakable?
Hart of Dixie (The CW) – Episode 4.08 “61 Candles”
I loved this episode! Watching Zoe and Lemon bond, like really come to an understanding and bond…oh man. My eyes watered with tears when Lemon gave Zoe the duck at the end. I loved the build up to that moment. The tension beforehand and the respect and love and humanity. I loved it. It was also great to see the town come together and help out the new parents in town. I wish that happened more in this world. And I can’t forget the forgotten birthday. I loved the way this storyline was handled and loved the grace that was extended. Anyway, absolutely fantastic episode. One of my favorites this season. I’m really going to miss this show. Only one episode left until the finale (most likely series finale).
Glee (Fox) – Episode 6.10 “The Rise and Fall of Sue Sylvester”
What an episode! It started off strong with the Glee rendition of Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be” which I loved, and then BAM! We find out that a fire burned Dalton Academy burns to the ground. Wow. It was so great to see the Warblers and New Directions come together in this difficult time. It it brought upon an original song from Glee, “Rise” which is my absolute favorite Glee song ever. What a fantastic song. I love it so, so much.
Meanwhile, Sue’s Hurt Locker was found by the higher ups, so Sue was fired. I did not expect that because Sue seemed so untouchable but I’m really satisfied that it went this route and we get to see the “villain” defeated. But she’s human and we do really love Sue so instead of simply hoping for her demise, we hope for her growth and we’ve seen her growth over the seasons but this…
This is a whole new level of change for Sue and I’m glad in the final season she’s finally forced to face the consequences of her actions and hit rock bottom so that she can indeed rise. I know the song, “Rise” played more towards the fire but it plays toward so much in this episode which is why it is so perfect. Anyway, fantastic episode. Can’t wait for next week!