This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on May 14, 2014.
It’s hard to keep coming up with fresh ideas year after year.
TV shows have this problem annually. Many second seasons aren’t as good as the first, so much so that shows often are talked about in terms of “sophomore slump.”
“The Big Bang Theory,” a consistent ratings darling, avoided a sophomore slump and has managed to keep the ideas flowing for seven seasons … for the most part.
If you love Rachel with her much-younger assistant Tag, then you might rank this episode higher.
The beginning of their relationship is the highlight of this episode, along with the realization that Chandler isn’t allergic to dogs…he just doesn’t like them.
Chandler and Joey rarely fight…but when a girl, Kathy, got in the way, it got ugly.
Desperate to get Joey to talk to him and forgive him, Chandler agrees to stay stuck in a box for a time. Without the holiday food.
Meanwhile, Monica needs to go to the eye doctor, but she’s embarrassed after her failed relationship with Richard, her old eye doctor. But that goes away when she sees Richard’s son…but then it gets awkward. Fast.
When Rachel’s sister (played by Christina Applegate) comes to town, the topic of who will become Emma’s godparents hits.
All the fighting ends in the china from Monica and Chandler’s wedding breaking all over the apartment floor. But at least Chandler steps up and realizes he can be a parent.
When the old Gellar Cup resurfaces from Ross and Monica’s childhood days, the gang goes outside for a game of football. It doesn’t go well as sibling rivalry takes over.
Also, Joey and Chandler try to flirt with a Dutch girl.
We all know holidays never go as planned, but this episode features a big fail.
As the friends all recall why they’re not with their families, one of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade balloons gets loose.
It’s fun to watch all the friends watch the balloon float away together, but it’s even better to laugh when the group of six eat mac and cheese after their dinner burns.
Fat Monica! Seahawk hair Chandler! And one big turkey!
This episode featured a lot of the past and problems between Rachel, Chandler, Ross and Monica…but it also featured a glimpse into the future of Monica and Chandler.
What more could you want? Oh wait, how about the first “I love you” spoken between Monica and Chandler. Aww.
Major Buzzkill! A slap countdown! What more could you want from this show?
Robin and Ted are always confused about where they stand in their relationship/friendship (which makes more sense if you know that they end up together in the end), and this episode is no different.
But in the end of the episode (after a guys vs. girls debate about what to do), they remain friends as they continue to connect with an inside joke (saluting while saying “Major Buzzkill”)
And who could forget the slap countdown Marshall made for Barney? Lilly almost stops it from happening, but in the end, Barney got too cocky, of course.
It’s hard to choose just one Thanksgiving-themed episode from “Friends,” since there is one in every season except for season 2.
This is the one where the gang recalls their worst Thanksgivings, including the time when Chandler (who is secretly dating Monica at this point) called Monica (Courtney Cox) fat when he went to the Gellars’ house with his roommate, Ross (David Schwimmer).
At the end of the episode, Chandler (Matthew Perry) tells Monica “I love you” for the first time … as she wears a turkey on her head.
The flashbacks provide entertainment, but the “I love you” moment provides a sweet and hilarious moment.
For one, Sookie (Melissa McCarthy) drinks way too much in this episode since her husband’s family decided to deep fry everything, including the turkey. And she’s one funny drunk.
Next, we see the beginnings of Rory (Alexis Bledel) and Jess (Milo Ventimiglia), including the town members making fun of them for a “weak” kiss.
And of course, Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory, not wanting to disappoint anyone, go to four Thanksgiving dinners. But really, who could handle that better than this mother-daughter duo?
This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on March 15, 2016. NOTE: “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life” premieres Nov. 25. All four 90-minute episodes will be released at once.
Is TV really TV anymore?
With Netflix, Hulu, On Demand and more, it’s no surprise people are overwhelmed with options.
So how do people watch? It depends. But binge-watching has become a norm.
I just got into watching Netflix. I know, I’m really behind. But the main reason definitely has something to do with “Gilmore Girls.”
I’ve wanted to see more “Gilmore Girls” for years, so I’m conflicted about having to wait any more than I already have. But I also think it’ll be nice to savor the episodes.
As with most things in life, there are two sides to this story:
3 ADVANTAGES OF BINGE-WATCHING
More continuity. You can clearly see how events, relationships and more unfold throughout a show if you binge-watch.
Easier to follow. Watching episodes one after the other makes you less likely to forget something since it stays fresh in your mind.
Satisfaction of finishing a show. There’s something rewarding about finishing a show after days of binge-watching … or even making it through a season in a weekend. Though there might be other things to do …
3 ADVANTAGES OF WEEKLY WATCHING
Builds suspense. Cliffhangers stay cliffhangers when you have time between shows. You can think of all the possibilities and then be surprised when something changes.
Satisfaction of waiting. Waiting for something gives it more value. Nothing is spoiled, it’s cherished. Plus you’ll have time to do other things. I mean, really, 30 minutes of one show weekly vs. four hours of one show in one day … you do the math.
Less chance for spoilers. If you’re binge-watching a show, chances are it aired in real time a while ago. Which likely means there are lots of articles and social media posts and friends who can spoil the plot for you. Watching in real time lessens the chance of spoilers because you’re watching plots unfold as the show airs.
When it comes to “Gilmore Girls,” I’ll take what I can get … as long as it’s sooner rather than later. In the mean time, I’ll keep binge-watching and watching shows weekly.
Which do you prefer: binge-watching or weekly watching? Why?
This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Dec. 4, 2014.
It’s about time powerful women were portrayed on TV.
But with CBS’ “Madam Secretary,” new this year; ABC’s “Scandal,” which is in its fourth season; and NBC’s “State of Affairs,” which premiered Nov. 17 and airs at 10 p.m. Mondays, it somehow has become one note.
All three of these shows have strong women — all played by A-list actresses — in Washington, D.C., grappling with life, love and lofty politicians.
But in a time when we should be embracing strong lead roles for women, why are they all so similar?
“State of Affairs” feels like NBC’s desperate attempt to plug in to the market of women in politics. It makes sense given the success of “Scandal,” and the drama definitely has plotlines that toe the line of morality.
But with these three shows so similar in idea, it doesn’t make sense to have all three.
I will admit Heigl does good work and her show, of which she is also a producer, so far has been as terrifying as it is tear-inducing. Heigl plays Charleston Tucker, who briefs the president daily on the United States’ top threats. Oh, by the way — the president, played with just the right amount of heart and dignity by Alfre Woodard, is Charleston’s fiance’s mother. And another thing … Charleston’s fiance was killed by a terrorist.
But like “Madam Secretary,” it’s a show that uses current events for plotlines and has a woman trying to solve problems using skill and heart, despite what any man tells her.
Does a strong woman have to work in politics? No. There are strong, confident women in numerous occupations. Doctors, journalists, teachers, social workers, professors, chefs, hotel managers … just to name a few.
Does every confident, powerful man on TV work in politics? Far from it. So why is politics the only field powerful women can work in?
While I applaud seeing women in power on TV, let’s strive for variety. It’s time.
People were shocked, and some wondered if it meant the show was on the outs.
But it was a smart move.
For one, the show saves money because they don’t have to hire as many performers to fill up the hourlong results show.
Besides, who really wants to watch an hourlong results show? They are always filled with fluff, and the results really aren’t announced until the last five minutes of the show.
Yes, it can make it harder on dancers to have an elimination looming over their heads, but at least the dancing would be a good distraction.
It was a good ending to show, featuring so many of the great characters of Stars Hollow, all coming together to honor Rory (Alexis Bledel), who’s about to go take a job traveling for Barack Obama. (Side note: That’s a pretty cool parallel.)
Plus it features a reuniting of Luke (Scott Patterson) and Lorelai (Lauren Graham), giving us all hope for the future.
There is always tension between Lorelai and her grandparents, but in season 1, it was very apparent since they were seeing each other more often.
This tension seeped into Rory’s life when she turned 16. Emily throws her granddaughter a fancy party…with all her Chilton friends, whom Rory hadn’t formed friendships yet.
Then the grandparents come to Lorelai’s house for Rory’s other party, and it makes Emily (Kelly Bishop) realize she doesn’t know her daughter (or granddaughter) at all.
Also, this is the episode when Dean gives Rory the bracelet she wears throughout their relationship.
Lane (Keiko Agena) gets married! Twice! To Zach (not Dave)!
Showing another family with generational differences, Lane’s Buddhist grandmother comes to the wedding, so Lane and Zach have to take part in a Buddhist ceremony.
Then, everyone smashes into the church for the Christian wedding (58 seats and 62 Koreans!).
And lastly, after Mrs. Kim and her friends leave, Lane and Zack have the reception they want, with booze, hot dogs and Hep Alien…oh yeah, and a very drunken toast from Lorelai about not getting married.
Now, I don’t think Max Medina, one of Rory’s teachers, was the guy for Lorelai. I don’t even like how he proposed (in a fight).
But the thousand yellow daisies was a beautiful sentiment.
What I love most about this episode is that Rory finally has the courage to tell Dean she loves him…and even the “idiot” part is perfect to her character. And Tristan, who toyed with Rory often, has to watch it.
Lorelai and Rory never seem to turn food away, but this Thanksgiving episode puts their stomachs to the test.
With four dinners to attend, the mother-daughter duo make pit stops at Luke’s, the grandparents, Sookie’s and the Kim’s. And each place has its own set of quirks and goofs…and a fight about Yale.
After so much back and forth, Luke and Lorelai finally get together in the season 4 season finale.
The plot centers around the practice weekend at the Dragonfly Inn, so everyone is on edge.
Richard (Edward Herrmann) and Emily are fighting, so Lorelai uses family obligation to get them to come, but then Emily and Lorelai fight in the lobby.
Rory and Dean rekindle their romance, for better or for worse. And Kirk runs out of the Dragonfly naked and screaming.
As much as I love Luke and Lorelai (how could you not?), the vow renewal of Richard and Emily is perfect for them.
Emily bosses people out of jobs and rooms, while Richard woos his wife with jewelry, song and dance.
Of course this wedding also includes some meddling, so thanks Emily and Christopher for breaking Luke and Lorelai up…and catching Rory and Logan in an inopportune moment, bringing out the protective qualities in Luke and Christopher.
“How I Met Your Mother” star Neil Patrick Harris has hosted the Tonys, Emmys and Oscars. Now he takes on the variety show, though it plays out more like a staged game show.
The show has stunts, prizes, quizzes and pranks. Some bits were a bit boring, while others were fun.
This family comedy, with many actors viewers may recognize, told its first story in four parts. Moments were cliche, exaggerated and hilarious. So far my favorite couple is the one who just had a baby.
I hope not every episode is told in four parts. The show could be overly cliche, but it also might have heartfelt moments to come.
Who is Jane Doe? How did she end up in a duffel bag in Times Square? What does her whole body tattoo mean?
Hopefully this drama will answer these questions by the end of the season. With all the high stakes in the premiere, I’m guessing it will. And it seems from the first episode that some people do know …
Doe (Jaimie Alexander) is a character I want to root for. Alexander balances the fear and strength she has to portray well.
Under the premise of running a late-night talk show, with Miss Piggy as host, of course, this comedy will give you a feel of nostalgia in the best way.
It finds humor that works for adults, but not in a crude way. Plus, they poke fun at celebrities such as Tom Bergeron of “Dancing with the Stars.”
It’s tough to watch Kermit and Miss Piggy now that they’re broken up, but we’ll see how long that lasts.
McDorman brings a boyish arrogance to all his roles, which makes him less enjoyable to watch.
Cooper makes a cameo in the pilot, which I’m guessing is to help connect the movie and show (I’ve never seen the 2011 movie.)
McDorman narrates a good portion of the episode, which felt heavy-handed. And the motivation of Brian Finch (McDorman) and FBI agent Rebecca (Jennifer Carpenter) of family seems hokey and unnecessary.
