2 Broke Girls - Quirkilicious!

Just to prove to everyone that I can be fair and diplomatic when I need to be, let me draw your attention to what I believe is the only right thing Whitney Cummings has done that his fit for human consumption. 2 Broke Girls has actually emerged as my favorite new comedy of the season. There have been mixed reviews about this show, but I can wholeheartedly accept that I look forward to watching it every week.

I was reasonably skeptical about this show when I first heard about it. The obviously cliche elements associated with it didn't help to sell the idea at first. But after watching the first episode, I was genuinely surprised at how funny it was! Although it still has a long way to go, each episode has been consistent with respect to comedic delivery and timing. Kat Dennings is the perfect choice to play Max. She's definitely a breath of fresh air and lights up the screen with her presence. And although her compulsive gum chewing might be annoying at times, it interferes in no way with her flawless performance. Her presence in itself is probably enough to draw a huge male demographic (self included!). Great casting decision, guys!
Beth Behrs is a surprise hit as far as I'm concerned. It was imperative that whoever got the role of Caroline should be sympathetic, yet snooty, but not overly so. Her subtle mannerisms are a treat to watch and she gives off a friendly vibe that fits in perfectly with her character. She's cute and funny, and an equally strong reason to watch this show.

There is a grey area as far as the supporting cast is concerned. Well not so much the cast, as the writing associated with the characters. The guy who plays Oleg (Jonathan Kite) is FREAKIN' HILARIOUS! You can either love or hate him. I actually crack up every time he appears on screen. His one-liners like "And you may call me Sir Oleg with the amazing party in my pants" are a pleasure to watch. But yeah, it's not for everyone. Garrett Morris (from the SNL of old) as Earl does a decent enough job, although he appears a little detached and his lines feel rehearsed.

My only concern with this show is the character of Han (Matthew Moy). There are a lot of shows and movies out there that have stereotypes associated with Asians. I've read in some forums that people are on the fence with this one. I personally don't think this is an accurate portrayal, and although Han Lee will probably stick around for comedic value, I can understand if people are offended. That being said, I have nothing against Matthew Moy. He's done the best he could with what's been given to him. Blame the writers!

The story is very different from what we would normally expect. 2 girls working in a diner, looking for a break by starting a cupcake business may not be an award winning idea. But adding other factors like the lovable nature of the protagonists, the weekly insults hurled at richly deserving patrons at the diner, Oleg and a champion pet horse named Chestnut, we have a winner. At least for now.

Tidbits

- Max's love interest Johnny. Probably the worst character on the show. He's not funny, not even remotely. The guy's a douche.
- "Listen, Battlefield Earth!" (Episode 7). Loved it!
- There are way too many vagina references in this show. Tone it down a notch, will ya?
- I hear Oleg is selling his air conditioner on Ebay. Any takers?

American Horror Story is on tonight, folks! Depending on how it turns out I may or may not return my gimp suit tomorrow.

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Whitney - It Sucks

Ever felt curious enough to watch a show just to confirm how bad it really is? I found myself having a couple of hours to kill tonight and decided to go ahead and give Whitney a shot. I've read numerous reviews about how horrible it is, but past instances have taught me that I tend to be entertained by the weirdest of shows.

So here's my verdict - It SUCKS BAL--well, it's not good.

I'll be honest. I've never seen Whitney Cummings do stand up. So my opinion is purely based on the show. And when I say it's not good, I don't mean it's bad. Charlie's Angels was bad. The mediocrity associated with this piece of crap, sorry-excuse-for-a-sitcom stands in a class of it's own. The characters are unlikable and forgettable, the laughter in the background is forced and mechanical, and the show is just BORING.

My viewing experience did not elicit a single laugh, snicker, chuckle or guffaw. Not a one. I looked like Ron Swanson throughout the entirety of the three episodes I saw. If Ms. Cummings expects the viewers to crack up after hearing terms like 'Spongeboob squarepants' and 'When in need, show your cleave', she appears to be under the misguided impression that NBC caters to an audience of morons. It's difficult to understand how the same individual can also give us 2 Broke Girls (which I find hilarious).

In order for a sitcom to work, the characters need to be funny. They weren't. The delivery was just awful. Whitney's performance on it's own merit, was cringeworthy. And I'm saying that because I'm in a good mood.
I'm pretty sure her co-star (the hairy dude with no talent) had to brace for impact every time she opened her mouth. I don't doubt her abilities as a comedian, but as an actress...uh, NO.
Hairy dude, her boyfriend (played by comedian Chris D'Elia. Don't remember where you've seen him before? Glory Daze. Nothing?) is equally bad if not worse. His character has zero personality, and he's basically a walking hairball. So this show has 2 comedians with no sense of comedic timing. Not exactly a recipe for success.
Then there are 2 more dudes and 2 more gals to round off the cast. And they all suck.

The show is supposedly 'shot in front of a live studio audience'. I'm pretty sure the audience (all 3 of them) were forced to laugh at gunpoint.

"Be a lively studio audience or you will be shot!!"
Okay. That was lame.

All joking aside, it ticks me off to see garbage like this getting picked up for a full season while shows like Prime Suspect get laid off. Yes, the show wasn't groundbreaking. But it was light years better than this! NBC has a pattern of making bad choices, and this has to be one of the worst.

In the age of comedic gems like Modern Family, Community, The Office (the Michael Scott years) and Parks & Recreation, this show has no business being in the vicinity of the same time-slot, or even the same dimension as these shows.

I hope the show gets better with time and the people involved don't squander this God-given opportunity. If it does get better, let me know. I'm still not gonna watch it.
To quote Raylan Givens - "I'd rather stick my dick in a blender".

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Hell On Wheels - Hell Yeah!

Hell On Wheels is here to stay. We are four episodes in and after the initial awkwardness of following a new show, 'Jamais je ne t'oublierai' proved to be a solid enough episode to seal the deal. Although the episode wasn't flawless, it kept me entertained long enough to want more.

So this was Lily Bell's first visit to Hell On Wheels and it didn't take O'Brie--uh, Durant too long to pounce on the opportunity to wheedle the information about his beloved maps out of her. Durant has had his knickers in a bunch ever since Lily's late hubby Robert ran off with the surveys (of the Rocky Mountains) he needed to finish his project. Lily appears to be perfectly aware of Durant's intentions. I expect her to string him along for a while. It will be interesting to see what her motives are, whether it be revenge or something that hasn't materialized yet.

Cullen continued his search for the elusive Sgt. Harper and almost caught up with him. It got his horse shot in the process, and he ended up putting it out of it's misery. It was a subtle, yet touching scene. The writers have made Cullen the everyday hero. He's on a quest for vengeance. Always strives to do the right thing. And yes, he drinks like a fish. But if I was ever in a gunfight, I would prefer a drunk-ass Cullen on my side instead of 10 members of the Miami Metro Police Department (yes, I'm still pissed off about last night's Dexter). He had a couple of badass moments this week, the ones of note being the skunk-drunk crotch punch (loved it!) and later saving the crotch-punchee from getting blown up. Good stuff!

Elam finally hooked up with the tattooed babe (we knew he would) this week. Every western needs the proverbial forbidden romance subplot, right? Other than that, he was his usual mopey self.

I did find the conversation between Cullen and Reverend Cole (Tom Noonan, yay!) interesting. For about half a second, I thought the Reverend might turn out to be one of the Union stiffs Cullen was gunning for. Thank the Lord he wasn't!

The gunpowder blowing up was an interesting way to end the episode. I'm not exactly sure if the powder that blew up was in the cart being hauled away under the radar or the main shipment. Trust Doc Durant to get to the bottom of this.

Tidbits

- Christopher Heyerdahl (The Swede) owned every scene he was in. This guy needs his own show!
- Anson Mount's acting was a little disappointing this week. Crappy voice over work didn't help. Bring your A-game dude, you have a good thing going here!
- Skunk drunk crotch-punch. I came up with that.
- Fuzzy dude from the brothel and Elam will probably have a showdown next week. Expect Elam to get jumped.
- I'm gonna spend my next vacation at Hell On Wheels. Beautiful scenery.

Has this show been picked up for a full season yet? If not, fingers crossed!

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Dexter - Swiss Cheese

Gellar is dead!! Big woof.
Along with the rest of the Dexter universe, this 'revelation' that Gellar has been dead all along didn't come as much of a surprise. Seriously guys, what was the first thing that popped into your head when you saw that freezer?

It was so irritating to watch Dexter and Travis prance around trying to stop Gellar from killing Professor Atheist.  Our friendly neighborhood serial killer has never looked this dumb in the show's six season history. Now we know (or we already knew) why Dex hadn't sliced and diced Travis yet. The writers would have been left with 6 episodes and no story. That being said, the question now arises. There are still 3 episodes left. We know Travis is the one and only baddie this season. It took Dexter a single episode after his showdown with Trinity to bump him off. A similar situation has arisen where both Dexter and Travis are now aware of each other's intentions. It will be interesting to see how the cat and mouse game plays out between the two.

I had remarked in my last post 'Lost In Translation' that there was something about nerd dude Louis Greene which made me think he had an important role to play. Spotting the Ice Truck Killer specimen in his apartment was a genuine OMG moment. Now THAT would be a story arc the writers should pursue with renewed vigor. Because let's face it, folks! Unless Brother Sam miraculously comes back from the dead, this season has no hope of providing the zing it so desperately needs.

The most significant and welcome development in this episode was Debra's thirty second screw you speech for LaGuerta. This was a long time coming and it couldn't have happened at a better time. One thing this season has done well so far is develop Debra's character. I'm totally rooting for her to get out of self-destruct mode.
We also found out that Matthews was the mystery john who tried to give the dead prostitute CPR. Really? Could this police department get any worse?

Tidbits

- The details of Quinn's one night stand didn't serve any purpose as far as the story was concerned. But it was FUNNY! Hold onto her, Quinn. She's a keeper.
- I desperately wanted Batista to clean Quinn's clock. Maybe next episode. Quinn has a punchable face.
- Did anyone else catch a glimpse of the bloodstain on the back of Batista's shirt?? Was it just me? It may be nothing, but it doesn't hurt to be observant.
- So how long was Dexter stuck in the elevator? Travis must have worked his ass off to make such good time. It usually takes me a good 3 hours to chop off a hand, scoop out someone's internal organs, and suspend them in giant buckets.
- Nerd dude and the Ice Truck Killer. What's the connection?

Muse on that for a week!
(I named this post 'Swiss Cheese' to signify the number of plot holes in this episode, if you hadn't already figured it out)

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American Horror Story - Mixed Nuts

After watching the most recent episode of American Horror Story, I was left with the impression that the writers are just as confused as we are. Don't get me wrong, I'm still going to keep watching it every week. But 'Rubber Man' left a bad taste in my mouth.

To begin with, may I say that the Harmons are the WORST FAMILY EVER. It's a wonder they've tolerated each other for this long. Here are my character sketches:

Ben Harmon - Husband, Father, Egomaniacal dick. Inspite of personally seeing his dead mistress Hayden hovering around the house, he would much rather believe that Vivien has gone bat-shit crazy than be open to the possibility that she's telling the truth. That being said, maybe his actions were deliberate, and he wanted Vivien out of the way (although he genuinely looked concerned for her well-being). Multiple sources including crazy Larry have repeated that the house has bad mojo. So he's either dumber than an intellectually challenged brick, or he has a hidden agenda yet to be revealed.

Vivien Harmon - Wife, Mother, Brain-eater. Yes, she's undoubtedly loony. But not straight-jacket loony. I've hated her character ever since the show began. Not for any specific reason. She's just....well, IRRITATING. Ben was an asshole for cheating on her, but his reasons for doing it are quite obvious. This was the first time I felt a tinge of pity for her. Maybe because she has the spawn(s) of Satan as her future AND current offspring. Besides, she WAS violated by a deranged teenage ghost in a gimp suit. I'll cut her some slack.

Violet Harmon - Yes, she's a teenager. Yes, she's pissed. But seriously, what could Vivien have possibly done to be royally screwed by her own daughter like that? So let me get this straight. She would much rather lie through her teeth to stay in the house with her dead, rapist-murderer creeper boyfriend, than back up her pregnant, emotionally vulnerable mom, who just found out that her cheating bastard of a husband was still in touch with his mistress. Talk about being a cold-hearted bitch! There are feelers going around that she might already be a ghost (the bathtub scene where she tried to commit suicide). But that's no excuse. That's still your Mom! Despite whatever that's happened, Ben and Vivien haven't been the worst parents. She just became my new worst character on the show.

The big reveal for this episode was of course, the identity of rubber man. It wasn't much of a surprise to see Tate revealed as the gimp ghost. But again, it's difficult to figure out what the writers are thinking. This show actually seems to have 2 Tates. Let's call them Tates 1 and 2.

Tate 1 - Gimp suit ghost, butchers people for pleasure and approval, completely aware of his actions
Tate 2 - Has no clue that he's dead, is in love with Violet, doesn't remember slaughtering his fellow schoolmates.

Both Tates however, are aware of the existence of the ghosts around the house. There are so many discrepancies in his character that it's bordering on stupid!

Tidbits

- No Constance or Larry in this episode. Maybe that's why I felt a little underwhelmed.
- Ok. So we saw how the gay couple got killed. What was the point?
- The problem now arises - Who do we root for? There isn't anyone on the show left to like. I'll probably keep watching just to catch a glimpse of young Moira. Woof!
- We saw how the Harmons spent their Thanksgiving. Here's to hoping you have a better one!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Hell On Wheels - First Impressions

I've been following AMC's new western, Hell On Wheels since it began a couple of weeks ago. Although I felt a little shortchanged after the first episode, 'Immoral Mathematics' and 'A New Birth Of Freedom' have since started to win me over. I'd like to present a little analysis of my own.


First of all, the cast. Anson Mount plays Cullen Bohannan, a former confederate soldier on a quest to knock off all the people (Union soldiers) responsible for his wife's death, the circumstances of which haven't been revealed yet. Honestly, I've never seen Anson Mount before this show. He seems a good enough actor although his character is a little wooden, but that might be deliberate. 
Then there's Colm Meaney as Doc Durant. There was a time when Colm Meaney would pop up in every other movie. I'm not complaining. I think he's perfect for the role. It's still weird to see Chief O'Brien dressed up as a businessman.
The rapper Common (Smokin' Aces) plays Elam Ferguson, a freed slave working on the railroad under Bohannan. I was actually quite impressed with his acting chops. Especially the last episode. 


A special mention for Christopher Heyerdahl as the Swede. I still remember him from Supernatural as one of the vessels for the demon Alastair, but he is probably more recently known for his role in Sanctuary as John Druitt. I hope he becomes a recurring character. He's fun to watch.


Two other main characters round off the show. Lily Bell (played by Dominique McEligott.....I think I got it right), holds her own as the damsel in distress. I see a future relationship on the cards between her and Cullen.


And hey.....there's Tom Noonan! He was actually one of the main reasons I wanted to watch this show.


The setting and atmosphere are magnificent. The opening sequence is pretty cool. The groundwork has been set. I hope the show follows through on it's promise. A good western should always grace our TV screens every week.


Tidbits


- It was sad to see Ted Levine get killed in the pilot. I wanted to see more of him. He needs to be on television.
- I'm not going to say the 'D' word. Deadwood. There I said it. Could this be the next Deadwood?
- The gunfight in episode 3 was pretty kickass. Check it out if you already haven't.
- I half expected Jean-Luc Picard or Benjamin Sisko to show up and take Chief O'Brien back to Federation space. The big reveal being this was one of those subspace disturbances that sent O'Brien back in time. 
Humph.....disappointing.


More on the show next week. 

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Dexter - Lost In Translation

Just watched Dexter last night. Is it just me, or are there way too many loopholes in the plot this season? Amidst moments of brilliance, there are times in the show when Dexter's behavior is inexplicable. The Dexter from seasons 1 & 2 would have dumped little Travis Marshall pieces into the drink by now. Yet time and again Travis seems to be getting off the hook...as if the writers are going out of their way to hammer it into our heads that Gellar is in Travis' head. 


Could it be more obvious?? Unless this season is going to pack the biggest punch in TV history, I don't see this season going anywhere but down. 


That being said, I will give credit to the writers for bringing back big bro Brian for a couple of episodes. It was nostalgic if nothing else. 


The death of Brother Sam deserves a separate paragraph. This was probably the biggest blunder of the season. If Mos Def (or Mos or Yasiin Bey...make up your mind, dude!) doesn't get an Emmy for his fantastic, if short lived performance, I will watch every episode of Charlie's Angels (the new crappy one) twice...for a week.  But somehow in the back of my mind, I feel we haven't seen the last of Brother Sam this season (maybe a comeback is in order...like Harry and Brian, Brother Sam might be the newest inhabitant of Dexter's subconscious. Now that would be awesome!). 


Here's how I think this season can salvage itself:


1. Gellar is real...oh snap!
2. More screen time for detective badass aka Mike Anderson.
3. Quinn gets run over by a truck...twice.
4. Debra finally bitch slaps LaGuerta.
5. BRING BACK BROTHER SAM!


Tidbits: (Spoiler alert)


- I felt sorry for Debra this episode. Dexter is the worst brother ever!
- Did anyone else wish Quinn would end up as the whore of Babylon? When is Dexter gonna kill this guy already? Maybe next season.
- Batista is becoming more comical every week. Nice way to butcher a character.
- Sad to see the chick from Deadwood go, she deserves better roles.
- I don't know why, but I have a feeling Masuka's nerd dude intern will be playing an important role this season.


Gotta go. Cheers guys! 

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Person Of Interest - The Pinnacle Of Badassdom

I am a guy with simple needs. Give me a couple of kickass shows a week, and I'm happy. So when primetime television started to feel like it was trying too hard to please, my thirst for that one show that brought out the teenager in me increased with each passing day. 


Person Of Interest started on CBS 2 months ago....and life is GOOD!


Right from the premise to the cast, the show has captivated and intrigued my sensibilities. Jim Caviezel is brilliant as John Reese. There are people who would disagree, but consider his character. Reese is a broken man, with nothing left to live for. Although it isn't clear as yet why he broods the way he does (I don't think his girlfriend's death is the only reason), he possesses a specific skillset. Take away a craftsman's tools, and he becomes obsolete. So when a certain reclusive billionaire named Harold Finch gave him a purpose, a reason to do what he does best, along with unlimited funds and access to some really COOL weapons, the most badass character on primetime television is born. He's mechanical and has a glassy stare, but each week the writers peel off a layer from Reese's shell to reveal an increasingly complex and interesting character.


Now we come to Harold Finch.....MICHAEL EMERSON IS FREAKIN' AWESOME!! I loved him in Lost and his portrayal of Finch is nothing short of genius. His detached and awkward personality is a surprisingly comfortable fit to John Reese. We've been given a few snippets of information about how Finch created the machine, but I am eager to learn more about Finch himself. I have complete confidence in the writers that they won't disappoint.
After 8 episodes, the fun is just beginning. 


The Elias storyline sounds promising and I hope to see more of Enrico Colantoni (We will....right??). I will be prattling on a lot more about this show as it progresses. Keep checking in!!

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Couch Potato Paradise!

Hi Folks! Ever had the urge to leap into the TV screen and throttle all the members of the Shannon family for being such complete morons?? Still feel pissed off with FOX about the cancellation of Firefly?? Raise your hand if you feel Mad Men is the most boring show on the planet!! If these questions and thoughts ignite a fire in your belly, then you've come to the right place. Feel free to express your opinions. Rant about how The Walking Dead is so mind numbingly slow this season. Call me an idiot for showering disparaging remarks about your favorite show! This blog is yours!

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