Just to be clear, it takes very little to disturb me when it comes to TV shows. I have watched Criminal Minds, Bones, Castle, and Law and Order SVU for years. The few times I have been seriously freaked out by these shows is unusual. I usually don't freak out much over shows because people are acting out a story. I can't handle watching true crime shows because I know it is actually happening to real people. This being said, the episodes of shows that have scared me a bit are different that those that creep me out. If you have ever watched the Criminal Minds episode "lucky", I still have issues with this as it freaked me out so much. So to say that this weeks episode of Criminal Minds entitled "Mr. Scratch" very much creeped me out. It was so disturbing that I have to stop half way through to watch a comedy in order to recoup for a minute. Yes, I know this is just a show, but when you become invested in characters and story lines, it can prove a bit emotional. I even knew in advance that this was going to be a creepy episode and still was quite shocked by how horrific it was. Why did I continue to watch? It's one of my favorite shows!
So here are my thoughts about tonight's episode...
The talons on the creepy guy and the shadows on the wall were frightening and were meant to be, but the fact that those people killed their loved ones without knowing it makes everything seem so sad (and creepy). The guy at the beginning who killed his wife without remembering it was sad, but the girl who wasnt saying anything and started scratching her face and thinking she was 4 years old was the icing on the cake in terms of disturbing.
As I have said before, I love this show! It is the perfect new show in my book. Here are my thoughts on the season finale...
First of all, watching Walters cling to life while his car hangs off a mountain is not my definition of good. As we saw in the last episode everything comes crashing down for "Team Scorpion" and as founder and team leader, Walter decides to call it quits, which means that the rest of the team is left in limbo. Cabe resigns from Homeland, Paige prepares to move to be with Drew and everyone else is at a loss.
As Walters life hangs in the balance, the whole team ends up being there to help their friend. Paige and Ralph finally get there in time to watch the car completely crumble towards the ground as Cabe rises up holding walter (a dramatic conclusion)
I loved that Ralph was so sad and knew Walter was in trouble. I loved how Cabe came within moments to help the man he thinks of as a son. I loved how the whole team works together. I loved how Walter is telling them memories because he thinks he is going to die. Pretty much, I loved this episode and am so grateful it will be on for a second season.
I have yet to post about this extraordinary new show/miniseries, but after Sunday night's episode, I thought I would do a post about it. The shows centers around what looks like a normal, child friendly neighborhood that is suddenly the root of a murder investigation. The murder victim is a 6 year old boy named Tom who was found dead in the woods by a man named Ben. The whole series centers around finding Tom's killer and is as much of a psychological thriller as it is a mystery. There is much room for character development since each aspect of the case is displayed. Most think that the killer is Ben, who found out that Tom was his son from a long ago affair. The detective is constantly around the corner watching to see if it really is Ben they need to be worrying about. Other people have been suspects, but for whatever reason have been omitted. Of course, it is not Ben that is the killer, and the real killer will be revealed next week, but this show has done such a good job of making you think and trying to look at the clues that would lead to the real murderer. I would highly recommend this to anyone!
Ok...not gonna lie this is probably the most disturbing episode I have seen of OUAT. They usually have some darker moments, but this week was the icing on the cake. Here are my thoughts...
-You think Cruella has a heartbreaking past...she was locked away most of her life by her evil mom and you feel sorry for her. That cruelty is real and we see that later.
-I knew from the beginning that Emma would end up turning "dark" in this episode, mostly because she looked like she was ill throughout the episode because she was so pale and her eyes were dark.
-Yay Regina and Belle getting to Rumple!
-Back to Cruella...most of the villains on the show have a past that includes unfair treatment and them being the victim of something horrible. This episode with Ms. De Vil is different...she is the one who started with cruelty at a young age. I would say that she is most likely a sociopath...after she kills her mom by using the Dalmatians and then then wears her coat.
-I felt bad how she tricked the author, but I was grateful he turned the story so that she would never be able to kill anyone.
-I know that heroes are not supposed to be able to kill (which separates them apart from the villains), but Cruella was truly going to try to kill Henry (regardless if she can or not) and as a mother Emma was protecting him. Regardless of whether or not she was trying to do something good, she is going to face the consequences in the long run.
Okay, I know I was the one who said months ago that if you don't enjoy watching American Idol, you're watching it wrong, and I stand by this, but I haven't really been watching American Idol. No one is more surprised by this than me. So what's different? As far as the contestants go, not much. Our top 12 gave us all the usual suspects: quirky-artsey, pretty-face-pretty-voice-pretty-boring, better in Hollywood rounds, and country. The judges panel is one of the best, if not THE best they've ever had. The more I thought about it though, the more I realized why the show isn't grabbing me this year. While American Idol has always been cheap, it's now cheap, dirty, and sad. American Idol is that Facebook friend who has low self-esteem and dates down, in front of everyone, on Facebook.
Reason #1: Contestants have the same number week to week, so you don't even have to watch the episode to vote. Ideally, this seems like a good idea, right? Because what if you can't watch one night, or what if you're distracted and don't catch the number when it flashes on the screen? I think what I don't like is that it makes itself look desperate. I know you won't watch, Idol says, but I'll still get some votes this way. You don't have to give me the attention I deserve as long as it's some, because some attention is better than none.
Reason #2:American Idol isn't asking us to wine and dine it anymore. Each week is now a cheap one-night stand. I thought that I would really like this change, because dedicating two nights to one show is challenging. In an age where people RARELY watch TV live, everything is a question of "how much time do I want to give this?" But what's being sacrificed is the natural pacing. There's no separation between "showcase night" and results. Everything is high-intensity all the time. Every SINGLE episode, the contestants and the audience are jolted. The chairs light up. It's sort of disorienting, like too much is going on. Wow, I sound like an elderly person right now. But seriously, it ain't like back in my day.
Reason #3: The Twitter save. Okay, I hate this. At first, it seems MORE fair, right? Because their last performance can count. But I feel like it's sort of a cheat. We ALREADY decided who was going home. Why are we deciding again? What if a large chunk of the audience doesn't have a Twitter, but they voted a million times the week before? It's like that doesn't even count. And speaking of which, the two-hour-power-dailing frenzy is part of the Idol culture. The Twitter save kills that part of the urgency while adding this weird you-have-to-hashtag-bomb-in-this-little-window-of-time urgency. This is what you said you wanted from me, Idol tells us, but are you sure? I'll give you one more chance-- during a time when I doubt you're even listening anyway.
I got your back, girl.
I don't know, maybe this analogy is wrong. Maybe I just don't like change and the producers are doing the best they can to keep the show relevant. Maybe it IS the contestants after all. I must admit, the only albums I'd buy are Joey's and Jax's. I'm actually surprised that those two made it as far as they did considering the show usually talks big about "making things your own" but then discourages risks at the comment table. I thought for a moment maybe the show was changing in a way that could be good, in a way where a Joey could win, but nah. That part of the show is the same. (Joey will certainly have a post-Idol future though, which I'll follow.) If Jax leaves, it's going to be seriously difficult for my interest to stay at all.
People treat you the way you expect to be treated. Idol expects you not to care, expects you to lack patience, expects you to be bored, and gives you second chances you didn't want or earn. The show has turned into a flashy, two-hour apology. And I, in turn, am feeling like the show is less valuable.
So what do all of you think? Is this season not grabbing you either, or are you totally feelin' it? Do you think the producers are doing the best they can with the changing television climate? Do you think Idol's time is up no matter what?
I've been watching Dance Moms for a few years, and I've got so much to say about it that it overwhelms me. What was once a reality show/documentary about stage moms in Pittsburg has turned into a crazy-ass-Disney-child-star-launching-circus-what-the-hell-am-I-watching fiesta. I'm not going to say that these kids are being abused or that their childhoods are being stolen. I have no idea what a "perfect" childhood even looks like or what circumstances create a well-rounded person. But I do have things to say. It's possible, but not certain, that I will answer the following questions: 1) who is actually crazy on this show? 2) should we be worried about any of these girls? 3) what is real in this show, and what is real in all of our lives?
Here we go.
The Crazy Mom Edit of it All
Every episode, stream of episodes, or season, there's a crazy mom. Who the crazy mom is at any given time shifts, and the fact that your feelings towards the moms change is not by accident; it's all about the edit. So as a viewer, it's hard to attach yourself to any one perspective, and without a clear perspective, how do you know what "really" happened in any given situation they find themselves in?
Back when Christy was around, I assumed she was a voice I could trust, but then she diss-Tweeted Maddie in "Chandelier" and completely destroyed her credibility in my eyes. Holly used to be the most sane, together, and drama-free, but she's getting the crazy-edit this season, making seemingly unnecessary speeches about how she won't be silenced and screaming "how DARE you" at Abby in every dressing room. What's shocking me is that I'm actually finding Kendall's mom to be the most likable. Again, I know this isn't an accident. "Voice of reason" is just Jill's purpose right now. Maybe the producers will find another purpose for her next season, and I'll think she's nuts again like I did when we first met her.
Are the moms complacent in the crazy-edit because they have no choice? Before Christi and Kelly left, they always said, "I'm here because my daughters want to dance!" but in their own Twitters, they'd say it was because of the contract with Lifteime. So either the moms are being "forced" to say certain things in their talking heads, or they're acting from time to time, or the environment is making them legit crazy. My guess? It's all three!
I must say, I never really understood what the big deal was about Maddie until "Chandelier." I thought her dances were all the same, but "Chandelier" kind of made me lose my shit. I mean, I watched that dang thing a million times, and I still don't get sick of it. It tells a story that you don't quite get, and it makes you emotionally exhausted, but you don't even completely know what you're feeling. (Except I do know during that part in the living room, I feel like I'm flying.) So now I get what the big deal about Maddie is.
(side note: what music video has been as famous as "Chandelier" in the past 15 years? It's "Dick in a Box," right? Nothing else comes to mind, does it?)
I find it annoying how Abby takes complete credit for Maddie. It's not like Abby's doing awesome "Chandelier"-esque choreography herself. I think Maddie is just a good dancer, and a different teacher could have gotten the same out of her, to be honest.
Should we worry about Maddie? I just don't know if she has anyone in her life telling her that she doesn't have to be perfect. I don't know if she feels unconditional love from anyone. I'm not saying she doesn't; I'm just saying I don't know. I haven't really seen evidence to the contrary from watching the show.
One moment that struck me came during an episode where Maddie called Abby from a Sia rehearsal. Maddie seemed upset that her Mom wasn't there and annoyed that she had to call Abby. When they hung up, Abby said "I love you" and Maddie said "love you too," so casually, like they said it all the time. Many may find this sweet, but I found it a little disturbing. There's just a lack of boundaries. Abby's like, "nothing's personal. You're all replaceable. This is a business. Except you. I love you. You're like the daughter I never had. I see you as an extension of myself. I'm your manager though, so I'm in charge of when and how you work. Also you're 12."
Just listen to how Abby talks to Maddie about the other girls right in front of them and try not to be uncomfortable.
I don't know though, I mean, a new thing that's been happening is that all the girls say "I love you" to Abby. I'm seriously wondering if this is something they all agreed to do so that Abby would look softer. Like, I'm wondering if there was a meeting about it.
We love you, Miss Hannigan!
Anyway, I'm a little afraid that Maddie, or any of these girls actually, could someday self-destruct a la Black Swan, but I hope I'm wrong. I hope they have a lot of support and a solid sense of self-worth (as much as 12 year olds can have anyway). I do I feel like their confidence overall is on the rise. None of the girls seem as fragile as they did even a year ago. Kendall doesn't get a rash anymore when Abby yells at her. Are they getting better at faking everything and being "good celebrities," or are they genuinely having fun, enjoying their fame and opportunities? I guess we'll know in ten years!
They all seem super healthy and vocal here, yeah? Why don't we ever see *these* girls on the show?
Most Admirable Child Lately, I find myself really impressed with Nia, not because she's an underdog, but because of how articulate and confident she's become. She "talks back" to Abby in a way that isn't like talking back. She's respectful, fair, her voice doesn't shake, and she handles Abby better than any adult has ever has. It makes sense that this terrifies Abby, because Nia is basically smarter than her now. Nia Sioux for president.
The Abby Lee Miller of it All
Is Abby crazy? Obviously yes, but the real question is HOW crazy? (Remember when she stuffed her dead dog?) Recently, they did a series of episodes where they went to LA., and Abby was unprepared, in way over her head. There was a sequence where she talked to herself in her car while binge-eating candy and fast food. She also looked like she rolled out of bed at one of the competitions. I couldn't help but wonder if some of this was staged. I feel like Abby holds Lifetime in the palm of her hands. There are certain things that she says and does that don't air (like the last fight with Christy was because Abby made fun of Chole's skin problem, which we didn't see. Wait though, that's according to Christy. What's real?!) So it's weird that Abby would have allowed the documentation of this meltdown, but maybe it happened.
Baby Abby
Most people really hate Abby, but I don't. Sometimes, her point of view makes sense to me. This doesn't mean I think she's a good person. I think she wishes she were bffs with Donald Trump (as evidenced by the way she pronounces "huge"-- UGE) and anyone who idolizes him is kind of evil. But the thing about Abby is that she honestly fascinates me, and it's hard to hate a character who fascinates you.
I want to know about Abby's childhood and her relationship with her parents (her mom seemed so much sweeter than her, which confused me). I want to know who hurt her in her life to make her so unforgiving and at times just nasty. I feel like Abby is a deeply lonely person. I don't even know if she has any real friends. I feel like all the "friends" of hers we see are business associates, and the relationships are always conditional. I want to know why she used to be cute and then got so huge and why sometimes she's less huge and then she's huge again. I want to see inside her BRAIN.
I also desperately want to give Abby a copy of Daring Greatly by Brene Brown, because she needs to read it more than any person in the whole world. Of course the book would probably terrify her, and if she took it to heart, she may die, since she's basically all ego, but seriously, not an episode goes by where I don't think "Abby, you need to read Daring Greatly right now."
Beating a Dead Horse: The Kelly Hyland of it All
Kelly when she danced for Abby
So I know Kelly left a while ago, but I gotta talk about her. When the show started, she was one of the most likable, but towards the end, she seemed WAY crazy, like unstable, like she needed to be committed. When Paige started having panic attacks at the studio, I couldn't help but feel like it was because Kelly modeled the behavior. Is it possible she was getting the crazy edit, or was all that way too intense to be from editing?
I know the producers played up the Abby/Kelly feud quite a bit, but I'm actually surprised that they didn't do more, since there was like 30 years of back story that I would have been more than happy to listen to. During one of the "confession shows," Kelly said she loved Abby as much as she hated her, but then fast forward a year or two and Kelly sues Abby for emotionally abusing Paige. Where'd the love go? I feel like there's a lot of truth never shown with that whole thing, and we'll never know what it is. Damn.
The Singing Thing. What the Hell.
So now everyone sings? It started with Brooke, then Brooke left, and Abby decided Mackenzie was going to be a singer, and now Nia is singing, and so is Kendall. Do you guys remember how The Brady Bunch did a singing thing and ended up going on tour? I mean, I wasn't alive when that happened, but I watched the E! True Hollywood story and read Barry Williams's book, and I feel like that qualifies me enough to say that it was weird, and that's what this reminds me of. A few years ago, these were normal little midwestern girls going to dance competitions, and now they're all being groomed to be Hannah Montanas.
This is kinda adorable though.
There are so many music videos. You don't see them on the show, but they exist. All the girls did a song with Toddrick Hall. Kendall has a music video, which I can actually picture on MTV. Nia recently preformed LIVE in Australia. And let us not forget Mackenzie's rise to the kiddy pop charts. (I like how whenever Abby mentions that Mackenzie is #1 on iTunes, she doesn't specify the category.)
I think all these girls do have good voices, but I can't really tell how good because there's so much manufacturing and electronic manipulation going on. I find that to be irritating, because I think of all the sound mixers making money off them, and also because the girls are already on a show that's at least partially fabricated, and now their "singing careers" are too. I don't know, but it's weird. It's just weird.
(Speaking of weird, did you guys know there's an Instagram account that consists of Dance Moms fan fiction? I'm not gonna find it for you and post it here, but I saw it once and it's real, okay?)
The Ghost of Dance Moms
I just want to say a side note about Dance Mom's Miami, whichaired a few years ago following a studio ran by Victor Smalley and Angel Armas. The moms on this show were insane too, but Victor and Angel weren't. They were encouraging and fun, and the kids clearly felt empowered with them. The show had a totally different vibe, much more supportive and warm. It was cancelled.
One of the stars on that show, Lucas, ended up dancing for Cathy this season. I wondered how he felt about leaving Miami for a crazy lady in Ohio. Recently, him and his mom stormed away, and Lucas screamed about how Candy Apples was stupid. It sure is compared to what he's used to. This was a dance from Victor and Angel's studio before Lucas left, and just watch the whole thing because you will CRY.
The more genuine Dance Moms Miami didn't make it, and the plasticy Dance Moms thrived, and it's our own faults for watching, and it's my own fault for writing this, too. What Dance Moms Has Given Me
I'm not kidding, I think it's made me better at confrontation. I just gotta make sure I don't go too crazy with this and start calling people bitches or looking up their police records on my phone as they sit right next to me. What I Want to Get Into But Am Not Even Going To
Cathy and Vivi. Like, this whole dynamic is too good. They're complete opposites, and I think they're both surprised and horrified that they belong to each other. I might steal it and use it in a book or something. I'm not kidding.
What's real in this show and in our own lives?
I don't know. The only thing I know for sure is that the kids work. They are working all the time. More than most adults work. Is that okay?
Believe me when I say this this post of mine is showing great restraint. I could go on forever, but I'll stop myself. How are you guys feeling about Dance Moms? Any thoughts on certain characters or how crazy everyone's life has become or what this show even is?
I love this show so much! It is so cleverly written and the acting is amazing. What other show could take you into the modern world of fairy tales while at the same time projecting to an enchanted fortress where the magic and mysteries of life (pre-storybrooke) unfold. Instead of talking about the episode so much (which of course I loved, tonight is all about the top ten reasons I love this show...
1} There is such a wide variety of stories that can be told, which enables the characters varying plot lines.
2} The family tree is crazy! First off, you have Snow and Charming who are the same age as their daughter is currently, which is crazy in itself. Then Mr. Gold happens to be Henry's grandpa and of course Peter Pan is Gold's dad. That is just come of the family dysfunction that occurs.
3) I have said this before, but will say it again, I love how sometimes the villains want to be heroes and have a happy ending.
4) I think Hook and Robin Hood are extremely attractive.
5)There is always a huge plot line that is revealed d in a crazy way (i.e. the Peter Pan thing)
6) The character I love most use to be the "Evil Queen"
7) How cool are the costumes???
8) No matter how evil a person may seem, it is always different when you get a glimpse of their past and understand why they are the way they are.
9) There are happy ever afters even for those who have made mistakes.
10) They cast the most amazing people to portray our childhood favorites.
Too tired to put all the TV show pics on here so for tonight I'm just putting a pic of a TV
As pretty much everyone knows, I watch too much TV. Although I know this fact, a comment last night from my sister-in-law made me realize that I not only watch too much TV, I know way too much about it. My brother was mad because his shows haven't been on the past few weeks, and I nonchalantly respond with "Well, they just had February sweeps so they are taking a break for a little while before spring finale season arrives." Everyone just kinda looked at me and my sister-in-law started laughing and shaking her head. Ok, so it is very true that I watch TV and that I know A LOT about it. So instead of my usual blog post about one specific show, I decided I would talk about all the shows I have been watching lately...
First off, let me say that my favorite new shows of this year are as follows... Scorpion, Forever, The Mysteries of Laura, and Fresh off the Boat. I like them all for varying reasons, but the commonality they all share is that they are brilliantly written and unique. What makes them unique??
Scorpion is about a group of social awkward geniuses who work for homeland security. In order for them to do their job, they need Paige (Katharine McPhee) to be their voice of reason as well as show them how to react to aspects of life in an empathetic manner. No, this is not a dramatic version of "The Big Bang Theory" (although I love that show), it is based on a true story and is brings something unique to the 2014/2015 season.
Forever is one of my new faves because it combines mystery, medical, and historical fiction simultaneously. Henry is the main character in this, and is played by the very attractive Ioan Gruffudd. It centers around the fact that Henry does not age and has been alive for over 200 years. Combining his life now, with his life in the past is like a brilliant version of "Cold Case".
Both of these new shows is getting renewed (I'm constantly looking this stuff up on the "renewal scorecard"), but my 3rd favorite getting renewed is looking like a long shot. Why do I like "The Mysteries of Laura"? First of all, it is hilariously real, quirky and authentic. Second, it has one of my favorite actresses Debra Messing in it. Why is this not getting renewed?
"Fresh Off the Boat" is a comedy based on true life. It is about a family who immigrated from China and are raising their 3 young boys. I don't know why this show cracks me up so much, but it makes me laugh hysterically every time I watch it! It is also set in 1995, so it gives me some feelings of nostalgia. The kids that act in it are amazing and have perfect comedic timing.
In other TV show news, I have been fully intrigued with the spring seasons of "Once Upon a Time", "Bones" and the return of "Castle" since it's winter hiatus. Here are my thoughts on these 3 amazing dramas...
Once Upon A Time
Until I began to watch this show when it premiered, I was always such a fan of happy endings. I wanted what most people thought of when they read/watched/thought of Fairy Tales, which is that the heroes win and the villains lose. As I have watched the current season of OUAT however, I am surprisingly reveling in the fact that this show has proven that people can change, forgiveness is essential, and that regardless of the mistakes you make, you can still have a "happy ever after".
Bones
So glad that this show it back! I love last weeks episode with Dr. Brennan getting a Twitter account and taking selfies. I also love the fact that I happen to have her on my Twitter feed, and that she actually tweeted. One of the main reasons I love Bones is that it never ceases to be anything different. Although they made me sad this year by killing off Sweets (FYI John Francis Daly wanted to pursue other things), they stay consistent with their storylines, characters, and relationships which I appreciate.
Castle
Last weeks episode of Castle "Habeas Corpse" was so entertaining that I actually have watched it multiple times. What made it so funny? Esposito and Ryan dancing completely made that episode. They made me laugh so hard when they were practicing in an interrogation room, and also when they were finished at the end and Espo had light up shoes. I also really love the Beckett and Alexis dynamic this season because it seems very authentic.
As much as I would like to write more, it is going to have to wait because I am exhausted. I will however update very soon!
Recently, I decided I was going to re-watch every episode of Sunny and start a list of data for absolutely no reason. Then I remembered I had this blog.
One reason I wanted to re-watch was because this past season, 10,reallymade me reflect on how the show has evolved and taken risks over the years. Critics often say that Sunny "pushes the envelope," but they're always referring to story lines that could be offensive. While this may have been true in the beginning, I realized that the real risks Sunny takes now are when they do anything that is #1) experimental or #2) even slightly emotional. But more on that when we hit seasons 6-10.
For now, I'm focusing on the first five seasons. The show definitely took a minute to find itself. In the beginning, the characters were much more normal-- especially Dee-- which is also why the show was way darker. I know increasingly demented stuff happens as the show goes on, but the characters also become more dimensional. We know their vulnerabilities and their pasts, and even though they probably all fall on the sociopath spectrum, we feel affection for them, making the world of Sunny cartoony-dark instead of reality-based-dark.
I would say mid-season 2 or maybe even season 3 is when the show becomes what we know it for. Season 3 is also when they stop telling consecutive story lines (although they cannot escape that entirely-- more on that later too.) Sunny has been called "Seinfeld on crack," which I would agree with in these first five seasons. What I think it ends up becoming, though, is something a little more dynamic than that.
While collecting my data, I realized pretty quickly that my list of favorite episodes could get out of control if I was marking every episode with a scene I loved. ("Hello, fellow American. You should vote me." Or Pepe Silvia, anyone?) So as painful as it was to leave so many good ones out, I based my list on how much I enjoyed the entire episode. Now, without further ado, here are my selects:
Season 1 winner: episode 3, "Underage Drinking"
This is a favorite for most people, and for me, it was the episode that made me decide I liked the show. I was one of the few who actually started watching when it first aired back in 2005, and I couldn't tell how I felt at first. I mean, everyone was so loud. But this episode was just consistently fun. It played on everyone's "redo high school" fantasy while showcasing who these characters really are: if they didn't look so much older, they would have fit right in with those teens. Add Dee's back brace reveal and that ending where Charlie is dancing by himself to "Forever Young," and I was in.
Runner up: episode 6, "The Gang Finds a Dead Guy."
Season 2 winner: episode 7, "Hundred Dollar Baby"
I don't think I've watched any episode of Sunny more frequently than this one. Not only does it have so many funny moments (Mac & Dennis massaging Charlie) and great one-liners ("You look like a Holocaust victim in pageant make-up") but we see both Dee and Charlie go through a transformation, thanks to illegal female steroids. ("Can I meet you later? Can I meet you later?") This episode is the first time we see Dee go completely nuts, which may be another reason why it works so well. Let's be honest-- Kaitlin Olson is the funniest person on this show, Charlie Day a close second, and the two of them at the center of the merging story lines is pure magic. Also, the "You're the Best Around" montage is probably one of my favorite montages ever (next to the "Most Popular Girl" montage from Teen Witch). Can you believe they added it last minute? Just, come on.
Runner up: episode 4, "Dennis and Dee Go on Welfare"
Season 3 winner: episode 9, "Sweet Dee is Dating a Retarded Person"
This episode is an example of how the writers introduce "offensive" material without actually offending anyone. Dennis tells Dee her boyfriend, Lil' Kev, is actually retarded, and she honestly can't tell if he is. The show makes fun of them, not him, and in the end, it's Dee with the egg on her face when Lil' Kev slams her in his rap in front of everyone. (When she walks by, people think she's Godzilla/ Straight outta Compton? Naw, straight outta Thriller!) This episode also gave us the creation of Day Man. Let us not forget that this all led to season 4's "The Night Man Cometh," which led the cast getting in a tour bus and performing the whole episode, plus extended songs, live, to sold out crowds, city to city. What other sitcom cast has done that, ever?! (Don't say Glee.)
Are you guys aware of how famous "Day Man" is? Asian school children sing it for like, no reason.
Runner up: episode 4, "The Gang Gets Held Hostage"
2nd Runner up: episode 15, "The Gang Dances Their Asses Off"
Season 4 winner: episode 7, "Who Pooped the Bed?"
This is one of those episodes of Sunny where every single line is funny. It also has a great balance of male/female energy; with the Waitress and Artemis (who both always make the show better), this episode was almost demented-Friends-esue. There's too much good in here: the "got turd" guy, the reveal that both Frank and Charlie eat credit cards, Dee running head first into the car, when the art gallery turns into a poop gallery, Artemis's dramatic reenactment of events which lead to the "turd merger." And speaking of which, just every single thing Artemis says. I know the "I've got a bleached asshole" line is classic, but for some reason what makes me laugh the hardest is, "I got it at Burlington Coat Factory. It's irregular." I've seen this episode many times, so I was surprised when for the last ten minutes, I couldn't see the screen because I was laughing so hard that I was crying. It's just THE BEST.
Runner up: episode 13, "The Night Man Cometh"
Season 5 winner: "The Gang Hits the Road"
Something about this episode feels "classic," but it took me a while to figure out why. Everyone is together, with the same goal-- to get to the Grand Canyon -- and they' re in a cramped space. We learn that Charlie eats stickers all the time and that he's never eaten a pear. Dee opted for the tape deck in her new used car to save $50. Mac explains his "ocular pat-down" for the first time. Dennis "expertly" puts a grill in the back of the U-Haul and tapes the door open. Dee sings "Runaway Train" to a runaway teen while she pees in a jar. All this is why the episode feels iconic-- there's so many great character moments. And the best part is that they're actually just driving around town for hours and end up right back at the bar after they fall asleep in the attached U-Haul (the runaway driving off with Dee's car)-- symbolic of their entire lives.
Runner up: episode 10, "The D.E.N.N.I.S. System" (aka, the episode featuring everyone's wife.)
Other Data:
First hint at CharDee: Season 3's "The Aluminum Monster Vs. Fatty McGoo."
After Charlie unknowingly tells Dee about his fantasy of the lady in Dennis's drawing, he looks her up and down and says, "So what have you been doing lately? 'Cus you look pretty..."
Fist hint Mac is gay: Aside from him dating the tranny, in season 4's "Mac's Banging the Waitress," Charlie asks Dennis, "You still get the feeling he wants to bang us?" To which Dennis replies, "Oh yeah, definitely."
First time Dennis goes full psychopath: Season 5's "The Gang Reignites the Rivalry." Dennis destroys the house of the frat who rejected him and then screams about them to the gang, his voice sounding like an old witch.
Thing I noticed that comes into play later: In season 5's "The Gang Exploits the Mortgage Crisis," Dee decides to make money being a surrogate and the guys ruin it for her, which completely explains why she never tells them she was a surrogate for the tranny, which we learn in season 6.
Random thing that I feel compelled to share:
I have two very distinct memories where I was shocked at how hard I laughed watching this show: the first is when Dee threw up at the nursing home in "The Gang Finds a Dead Guy," and the second was when that guy on the bus threw up on Dee in "Mac and Charlie Die, Part 2." Vomit, you guys.
Best season so far: Definitely 3. I had to stop myself from writing down every episode as a favorite. Worst season so far: Definitely 5. None of the "favorites per season" are all-time favorite contenders.
Favorite episode so far: "Who Pooped the Bed?"
Stay tuned for Part Two of this very important project where I analyze seasons 6-10, AND THERE'S SO MUCH TO SAY. Until then, how would your rankings of the first five seasons look? Agree or disagree with my selects? Any interesting observations on seasons 1-5 that you're just itching to share?
