For years, Don Draper has kept his past a tight-locked secret, revealing it only when he was backed into a corner completely (such as when Betty found his stash of mementos). However, this week, a combination of alcohol, exhaustion, and tragic circumstances leads to rare moment of emotional honesty with Peggy, in which he admits to, amongst other things, his time in the Korean War, his father’s death-by-horse kick, and that he never knew his mother.
It took eleven years, three networks, millions of letters from fans, more millions in DVD sales, four movies, and ninety-nine other episodes, but Futurama has finally hit number 100. It has been a long and unpredictable road, so before I get into the review, we should take a moment to appreciate what we have been through……ok with that out of the way, The Mutants are is a solid episode. While one can’t help but feel a bit let down, this is just because we had unfair expectations for the centennial episode.
I have a question for you Leverage viewers. Remember that guy Damien Moreau? The one who was built up earlier in the season as being the big bad guy? The one who the gang was going to spend the entire season going after, only taking jobs that lead to him? The one who was going to finally give the show an overarching plot, making it seem less episodic? The one who was then never mentioned again? Well, apparently now that we’re only one episode away from the season finale, they’ve decided to finally bring that plot back, like we thought they’d be doing all season.
So Annie finally comes face to face with the man she loved and the reason she is in the CIA. What Is and What Should Never Be is the first episode that focuses on the overall arc of the story, instead of a part of the whole. You could say it is a macro episode, as opposed to the micro episodes we have seen in the past. Ben Mercer come out to Annie and lays a lot at her feet in the first few minutes. Annie, and the audience, are given two competing ideologies and this split will most likely make up the crux of conflict in the future.
Last week, I rejoiced at the fact that Don Draper seemingly had his work mojo back. That despite his personal struggles, he was still able to pull it together enough to maintain his façade for the sake of the business. That when push came to shove, he could still bring out the Don Draper of old and impress a potential client. I thought perhaps this was a sign that he had turned a corner. That success in the office would lead to success in life.
True Blood is like an incredibly convincing transvestite. On the outside it looks great and the teasing promises of a climactic event are incredibly exciting. However, when you get to the crunch, all you’re left with is a bunch of bits you didn’t ask for and a confusing moment when you decide whether or not to continue.
To anyone who has been a fan of Entourage since its inception, please join me in asking, “What’s up with Vince?!!” He’s been spending the entire season attempting to prove his machismo – first with the “daring” car stunt in episode one and now with his newfound cocaine habit and triple-x love interest.
Eureka pulls out all the stops this week, with the return of some old characters, the beginning of a global conspiracy, and even some bedroom antics with Carter and Allison. The character development is extremely welcome and enjoyable throughout, but the introduction of a new mysterious rival organization is decidedly un-sinister.
Futurama is good at using their extended cast in ways that not only make you laugh, but also develop their characters. Much like Matt Groening’s other show (you know which one I’m talking about), the periphery characters are all interesting and add something to the show. Lrrr, the ruler of Omicron Persei 8, has a unique place in the shows structure. Most of the time he is trying to conquer Earth for a variety of reasons. However, on some situations, he becomes part of the main characters group and takes on a more “frienamy” role. This episode made Lrrr a relatable guy and for a giant reptilian dictator, that is a pretty impressive feat.
Since it began, Leverage has been a fun show about a group of slick thieves planning and executing expertly crafted heists. It’s damn entertaining stuff, except there are always those victims weighing it down. Every episode begins with someone being hurt or robbed or even killed, so our group can later on help them out. It’s a fine concept, but those scenes with the victims are always done in such a serious, heavy-handed way that it seems like you’re watching a different show entirely. If I wanted to be taught “inspirational” lessons by my television shows, I’d be watching reruns of 7th Heaven, not a show about thieves and con artists.
