Finale Roundup

Here are some thoughts on some recent finales and the seasons accompanying them:

Community Season 4

I have...mixed feelings on everything involved with Community this season. I wanted to like the Harmon-less era. I really really did. But while the show wasn't terrible, it really wasn't the same. It just wasn't. And as such, while I kept an open mind and tried to like every episode, there was only so much I could do before each episode left me with a feeling of 'meh'. I was obsessed with Community last year. I rewatched every episode multiple times. I don't think I rewatched a single episode this season. I think the finale really demonstrated where the season went wrong. There were quite a few laughs throughout the episode (mostly brought on by Troy. In fact, Donald Glover has been one of the few consistently awesome things about this season), but the episode was also trying so hard to be like the past seasons that it was just too much. The darkest timeline AND paintball AND Jeff's existential crisis about graduating were all competing for time, that nothing got the attention it deserved. They didn't even give Pierce a proper sendoff! Just one line about how he decided to graduate. The episode wasn't bad, but it also wasn't what I wanted either.
When Community got renewed for a 5th season, I was surprised at my reaction, because it wasn't immediately joy. I go into next season with trepidation and that makes me sad. Last year if Community had been cancelled, I would have been devastated. Now, I just hope that the writers all learned that they don't need to recreate the Dan Harmon-era. They are never going to be able to. They need to create their own vision for the show and run with it. And preferably give Jim Rash A LOT of episodes to write.

Vikings Season 1

Vikings! Yeah! *breaks stuff*
I started watching Vikings because I had the History channel on and a commercial came on for the show and it looked like a historically-accurate-Game of Thrones and I was like, "Self, how are you not watching this show?!" So I did. And I liked it!  It's a good show. Often really good when it lets itself. It also does remind me of Game of Thrones, although not quite as violent and naked-y. That's not to say it isn't without violence of course. Turns out vikings were pretty hardcore, and the action scenes on this show reflect that and are kind of incredible. It's also visually gorgeous and just really well put together (and that credits sequence! My god!).  Huge huge props also to Travis Fimmel's Ragnar Lothbrok who carries the show with a constant mischievous grin and an intensity that makes him one of the most fascinating lead characters on TV right now.
As for the actual finale, well....it felt a little rushed. Actually, kind of a lot rushed, which I'm assuming was because there were only 8 episodes and they didn't know if they were going to get another season or not (they are! Yay!). As such, Ragnar seemingly choosing Aslaug over Lagertha felt like it happened too fast and was also super disappointing. So much of the reason why this show is so great is because of Ragnar and Lagertha and their strong relationship, and now I'm super bummed. And the finale could have used a lot more Athelstan, who has had such an interesting arc, and I was still kiiiiind of holding out for that Ragnar/Lagertha/Athelstan threesome that was teased at in the earlier episodes. And now it might never happen! Also, I wish Rollo would stop making terrible decisions because he is really hot, and I would like to just like him without feeling guilty about it. In conclusion, the finale wasn't that great, but the rest of the season was, and I am highly recommending it if you're looking for just some pure entertainment.

New Girl Season 2

I can't be objective about this show at all. I just love it so much and it brings me so much joy and I totally loved the finale. I always enjoyed New Girl in the 1st season, but it wasn't until towards the end of that season that I think it really started to live up to its potential, and Season 2 has just been fantastic pretty much all throughout. It might be the best live action comedy on television right now and Nick Miller may be the funniest character on TV. And Nick/Jess so far has been handled extremely well.  Their scenes together are often serious and emotional, but they also are frequently dysfunctional and hilarious, much like the characters. There's a good balance there. And I think the finale demonstrated that balance well. I was kind of annoyed at their initial misunderstanding (although laughing my ass off at all "Cotton Eyed Joe" humor), but they moved past it pretty quickly, and their actual fight later in the vents was realistic and ultimately made them uncalling it at the end that much sweeter.  Besides that though, I laughed consistently throughout the episode mostly because Winston being terrible/over-enthusiastic about pranks is one of the best things in the entire world. Actually Winston killed this entire episode. The character doesn't really have much to do most of the time, but the actor is consistently hilarious and I loved everything that came out of his mouth this episode. I kind of couldn't care less about Schmidt/Cece at this point, but I really like Elizabeth and I thought that the resolution of Cece's wedding was well done, with a surprisingly hilarious Taylor Swift cameo. I'm going to miss this show this summer.

Bob's Burgers Season 3

I had to put that New Girl was the best "live action" show on TV right now because Bob's Burgers is probably the best comedy on television at the moment period. I'm not sure I can think of another show that makes me happier than Bob's Burgers. Not only is it consistently hilarious, but the characters are appealing, good people, who genuinely like each other. I think one of the best things about the show is it's not mean-spirited at all. The Belchers may be kind of dysfunctional, but they love and support each other no matter what. Not to mention the show is so weird and creative! There are always tons of things going on in the background (the reveal of the "Burger of the Week" is half the fun of every ep), and now every episode incorporates both a new song AND a brand new end credits sequence.
As to the finale, it was another great episode, incorporating wackiness, like Tina becoming addicted to espressos (which was so great. So. Great), with heart, as the family came together to help Gene succeed at baseball. And omg how happy was I that Regular Sized Rudy showed up again in the finale?! He instantly became my favorite supporting character when he was introduced in the field trip episode, and his positivity and perseverance in the face of crippling asthma has brought me so much joy.

Once Upon A Time Season 2

I'm not even sure what to do with this show. Weirdly enough, I thought the first half of this season was kind of good. And some of the middle episodes with Cora were interesting. But I don't know, this back half has just been so...dumb. It's frustrating however, because there have been little glimpses of good. Peter Pan being an evil shadow monster was interesting and I kind of like Emma/Neal? I think. And the best part of the finale was surprisingly the relationship between Hook and Baelfire. I liked seeing the softer side of Hook, even when I always expected it was there. But when every answer to every problem is "MAGIC!" it gets really repetitive, really fast, and just so so dumb and cheesy. And is Regina evil or not?! Every time the show looks like they're leading her towards redemption, they have her do something so horrible it seems like no one could possibly forgive her. Yet all of the characters continuously cut her so much slack. It's just so frustrating! And I totally screwed myself because I kept waiting and waiting for Mulan and Aurora to come back every episode and was continuously disappointed. So when we finally had confirmation that they would appear in the finale, I got really really excited and then was HORRIBLY LET DOWN when they only had one tiny scene and Mulan didn't even get a line and fucking Phillip was there. Sigh. At this point I'm kind of on the fence on whether or not I'll continue with this show next year. We shall see.

Supernatural Season 8

Wow, I really really liked that finale. Actually I've really liked this entire season. It's a general consensus that the best seasons of this show were the first 5, as they followed the original creator of the show's, Eric Kripke, overall story-arc. And I definitely agree, as while there have been moments of Seasons 6 & 7 that I've enjoyed, there was a lot of wheel-spinning going on and it felt like there was just...something missing. So imagine my surprise at how much I've really enjoyed Season 8! It started off kind of shaky with the brothers not getting along again, but they saved it with the introduction of Benny the vampire and a mind-controlled Castiel. And I've always been very interested in the show's dealings with myth and religion and fate, so everything with the angels and the tablets and Kevin and Crowley and the trials was fascinating to me. Finally, the boys had a clear-cut goal to strive towards, and finally they were both working together and were functioning in a healthy relationship. Not to mention the Men of Letters thing was an ingenious addition to the show, and their new home-base was much needed.
So I'm glad to see the season end on a high note. There were twists and turns and excitement throughout the episode, but of course the most affecting scene was Sam & Dean's teary confession and hug at the end.  They still get to me! It's why I'm not sure I'll ever quit this show. As long as Sam & Dean keep eliciting these feelings in me, I'll be there to the end. Also, a potentially sorta-redeemed Crowley helping out the boys and Human!Cas next season would make me so so happy. Make it so!

The Office Season 9

If I attempted to write out all of my feelings on the The Office and just how much the show has meant to me throughout the years, I would never stop writing. So I'll try and keep this short and to the point. I love The Office. I've loved The Office since I watched my first episode back when Season 2 was airing. Between Seasons 2 and 5, The Office was one of my favorite shows on television, and not only was it appointment viewing for me, I pretty much got everyone I knew into the show as well. Yes, The Office declined in quality. Yes, some of the later seasons you could even describe as "bad". But I still loved The Office. Even through all of that. Even after Michael Scott left and they kind of ruined my favorite secondary character Andy and all the weirdness with Robert California. I still loved it. Because The Office consistently brought me so much joy throughout those earlier seasons (which spanned the entirety of my college career), that I forgave it everything. I loved it. And I always will.
The Office is over now. And I can't argue that it wasn't time. The show's been past its prime for a while. But I'm still sad. And it was still hard letting go this Thursday night, even though it ended so perfectly. Each character beat in this episode felt right, and I cried because I was so happy to see everyone get a special moment, but also because I was going to miss everyone so much. It was sappy and emotional and there was an overabundance of montages, but dammit, it was so good! If nothing else than because Michael came back. And him and Holly had kids! And he was so proud of his other "kids" for growing up and marrying each other. And he got to deliver the greatest "that's what she said" joke in the history of the series. It was perfect. And everything I wanted. And I'll never forget this show and what it meant to me ♥

2.18 New Girl: "First Date"

As if it weren't awkward enough between Jess and Nick, he feels her up when the two are left alone as Winston and Schmidty argue about the shared charger. And Nick being Nick seeks out his mentor, an older Japanese gentleman who I'm pretty sure doesn't speak a word of English.

But he's Nick and constantly does weird, lovable things. So in the midst of working out his feelings about the tension between him and Jess he beautifully explains how he feels and expresses that life is short, concluding that he will ask Jessica out on a date.

When he's face to her face with her in a towel, he asks her with out with one word and basic gestures. So of course Jess is confused when he shows up in a suit (which is a "Schmidty"--what I really loved about this is that he cared. And there's just something so specially about Nick caring. But he went to his friends all nervous for advice and help-freaking adorable!<3 font=""> and in turn Nick pulls into his shell and they turn it into drinking at the bar as friends and then eventually decide to go back to the date at a table with food and everything. 

They're a mess but admittedly a perfect pairing because Jess has to be the only girl in the world turned on by Nick gargling beer.

As if their date isn't hard enough Russell (Jess' ex--the one both her and Nick love) shows up and asks them to define the relationship. Which is obviously impossible for them, cause they cant decide if they want to be just roomies, friends, or in a relationship. 

So when faced with speaking it aloud, Jess decides on middle school rules: no full body hugs, 3 feet on the ground at all times--so basically nothing. It's totally agony and I am completely pissed and wishing that Nick would have said what he said in the park. I wish he would have just said something. I know it's scary to be honest about your feelings--believe me I know. But all it takes is 20 seconds of insane courageous to find your way. And yes a drum-roll and crazy angsty build can be the best part of a story...but come on!

This roadblock is unnecessary. Neither of them has a significant other. They have great chemistry--obviously I mean I'd make out with Nick Miller for Pete's sake. They just get each other and as I said they can be weird and odd together. Okay yes they live together but its pretty clear they're "meant to be."
All well, at least his still crush-able and if Jess can't reconcile her feelings, I love him for her :)  Overall it was an excellent and entertaining episode as always and I look forward to see how the season ends but next up we get to see I'm assuming Cece's Bachelorette party--that has to be a hoot!

Man he can wear a suit :) 

Nick & Jess' KISS!!

This episode was perfect! Advertising promised us a kiss but the viewers received so much more when they tuned in on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 for "Cooler."

The episode starts with the guys making a decision to go out on a mission of hooking up. Jess is left at home because in Nick's words she is his cooler--every time he's got a girl hooked, somehow Jess sends them away. Quickly the guys' comradery is squelched when they happen upon a woman that interests all of them. As Nick is winning the battle for her attention, Jess calls rambling about some danger waiting outside the apartment door and with three simple words, "I need you," brings Nick and the newly acquired company back to the loft.

In an attempt to apologize for dousing the progress that Nick had made with the lady in question, Jess brings back everyone's favorite incomprehensible drinking game: True American: The Clinton Administration; essentially the same game with the twist of stripping. A long the way, as part of the game Jess institutes an "Iron Curtain" in which two people have to go behind it and kiss, with a threat of tongue.

Because the game is confusing and the rules are unclear Jess and Nick end up behind the iron door, stuck until they kiss. So Jess and Nick prolong the kiss so much so, that Cece and Sam, Jess' current boyfriend have time to come, assess the situation and join in the childish chant for the two to kiss.

Jess is urging Nick to just kiss her so they can get out and soon learns Nick's true feelings. While she thinks nothing of it, Nick tells her above all the clamoring on the other side of the iron door that he doesn't want to kiss her, not like this.

As this sinks into the viewers and Jess alike, the next thing you know he's stammering one moment and the next climbing out the window. And that's the end of it, at least it seems to be that way until the "danger" returns. Nick and Jess find an energetic dog and its owner at the door. As they are saying their goodnight  Nick delivers the hottest kiss on the TV landscape--leaving us just enough time after he retreats to his bedroom to see Jess' reaction.

"HOTT"-Lea

Ultimately the immature attitude associated with the game/kiss and our favorite nonsensical drinking game makes this episode great on its own. But the writers gifted us with Nick in a women's trench coat and refusing to take it off for the entire episode, claiming it brings him confidence.  They also give us Schmidty fainting for fear that Nick will jump when he climbs out the window. And of course, Jess' being bored in the apartment, which leads to the naked robot, a silver medal race and frantic messages to the people she cares about. On top of all this, they gave us perfect timing with the relationship between Jess and Nick.

Its clear from season one that these two have chemistry, but the writers didn't rush it and still aren't rushing it, they just gave us enough to know that eventually, they will get there. It may not be next week, month or even at the end of the season--but it came to a point where Nick no longer could hold off his feelings. So now Jess has some hints about them. In fact, in the next episode opening scenes, Nick and Jess are both freaking out. Lastly, I don't think fans could ask for more.


Here's what goes down in "Table 34":

Nick apologizes to Jess and tells her it meant nothing because he can't admit it to her and doesn't want to break up her and Sam. Unfortunately, Jess felt something and doesn't respond to this well. And after a series of activities during an Indian meet &ngreet, Jess eventually tells Sam who decides to end their relationship.

The second thing you need to know before Tuesday, Schmidty and Cece have regressed back to their original relationship. Cece still wants to marry an Indian, who shares her heritage but she also misses fun times in the bedroom.

New Girl returns February 19!!

Oops, it's already 2012

But let's talk about our favorite TV things of 2011, shall we? Not too much text in this one, just lists and some crappy photoshopping. All in no particular order:

5 Favorite TV shows of 2011:

1. Game of Thrones (Favorite episode: 1.09 "Baelor"*)
2. Doctor Who (favorite episode: 6.10 "The Girl Who Waited")
3. Breaking Bad (favorite episode: 4.13 "Face Off")
4. Parks & Recreation (favorite episode: 3.13 "The Fight")
5. Community (favorite episode: 3.04 "Remedial Chaos Theory")

*Favorite episodes are just those aired THIS year

5 Favorite TV Characters of 2011:

1. Britta Perry "Community"
2. Jesse Pinkman "Breaking Bad"
3. The Doctor "Doctor Who"
4. Rory Williams "Doctor Who"
5. Jimmy Darmody "Boardwalk Empire"

5 TV Boyfriends of 2011:

1. Matt Smith and Arthur Darvill (Doctor and Rory "Doctor Who") - yes, I cheated
2. Richard Madden (Robb Stark "Game of Thrones")
3. Donald Glover (Troy Barnes "Community")
4. Michael Pitt (Jimmy Darmody "Boardwalk Empire")
5. Aaron Paul (Jesse Pinkman "Breaking Bad")

5 TV Girlfriends of 2011:

1. Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen "Game of Thrones")
2. Gillian Jacobs (Britta Perry "Community")
3. Karen Gillan (Amy Pond "Doctor Who")
4. Zooey Deschanel (Jess Day "New Girl")
5. Amy Poehler (Leslie Knope "Parks & Recreation")

5 Favorite TV ships of 2011:

1. Amy/Rory "Doctor Who"
2. Troy/Abed "Community"
3. Leslie/Ben "Parks & Recreation"
4. Jimmy/Richard "Boardwalk Empire"
5. Sam/Jon "Game of Thrones"

Yeah! Now it's Zozizzle and Good Grief's your turn! What were some of your favorite TV things of 2011?

12/8/11 Week In TV Podcast: No Longer Living Under a Rock

The Ashitaka's Angels: Week in TV podcast 12/8/11 by Ashitaka's Angels

Nay, reader, your eyes do not deceive you. THE OTHER TWO THIRDS OF THE ASHITAKA'S ANGELS ARE STILL ALIVE!!! Many thanks to Good Grief, who has been holding down the fort while Lea and I were living under a rock. Well, living under a rock and watching lots of TV. Last night, we decided, "Hey, we should probably talk about all this TV we're watching. Now, if only there was some place on the internet where we could discuss all the shows that we watch....like... a TV blog. Oh, wait!" Then, we made this podcast. Warning: it is a bit of a WHOPPER. In terms of length, that is.
It is not, unfortunately, a chocolate-covered malt ball or a hamburger.

For those brave souls who end up listening to the whole thing, there's a digital hug waiting for you.
For those who do not want that and want to skip around, here's the rundown on what we discuss:

00:00-04:59 Boardwalk Empire: S2E11 "Under God's Power She Flourishes"

05:00-09:18 The Walking Dead: Season 2 in general

09:19-12:00 New Girl: overall impressions

12:01-13:50 Modern Family: S3E10 "Express Christmas"

13:51-18:00 The Office: S8E10 "Christmas Wishes"

18:01-24:00 Parks & Rec: S4E10 "Citizen Knope"

24:01-35:15 Community: S3E10 "Regional Holiday Music"/ Doctor Who Christmas Special Flail/ Inspector Spacetime Christmas Wish

35:16-40:00 Breaking Bad: Its similarities to Glee, how it has shattered Lea's life, and how she wants it to shatter mine

Enjoy :)