bennet_7: (Jaye smiling)
bennet_7 ([personal profile] bennet_7) wrote2011-01-21 06:35 pm

Some TV thoughts

So, I kind of want Off the Map to be cancelled quickly so that Caroline Dhavernas, Mamie Gummer (so good on The Good Wife!), and Zach Gilford can work on better shows. It's just some of the worst writing I've seen on TV in a while. Full of clichés and anvils and "LET'S TELL EACH OTHER OUR TRAGIC BACK STORIES RIGHT NOW". If it improves dramatically then please let me know and I'll pick it up again because I really do like those actors but right now I'm not going to download any more eps.

It's nice to have Community back but I am sick of the romantic plot lines. I think the show is much stronger when it focuses on the friendships and family aspect of the group. It would be nice to go a couple of episodes without Dan Harmon ship teasing either Jeff/Annie or Jeff/Britta because unless he's going to actually go there and handle it in a thoughtful manner, it doesn't feel like he's really developing those relationships and acknowledging their evolution week to week. It would also be great to see Britta have an actual storyline and, hey, not flashing some guy for concert tickets. That was really jarring to see in an episode where she was otherwise being concerned about and sensitive towards Shirley.

The Good Wife continues to amaze and delight. These past two episodes have been less about using the law or evidence to get people off and more about the wheeling and dealing and rhetoric and manipulation, both inside and out of the courtroom - and that's fabulous. I love that Will and Diane are teaming up to take down Bond because I didn't want to see the firm split up. That would have meant less screen time together and they are so much fun when they're getting along. I'm also in awe of Kalinda: HOW BADASS WAS SHE? She played Alicia to manipulate Will to get Blake off her back and to get a $50,000 raise. That was pretty epic. I'm also really intrigued by her relationship with Will now - I wouldn't quite call them friends but there is a pleasing level of mutual respect.

Also: Cary's crush on Kalinda is getting more and more obvious. She was the first thing he asked about when Diane made him the offer!

Finally, Parks and Recreation is back! My joy is as great as Ron Swanson's moustache! This was such a feel-good episode (much more than The Office, this is a feel-good show) and I think it did a great job of reuniting everyone, humanising Chris, and introducing new viewers to the world of Pawnee. Speaking of Chris, I love that the reason he's funny is because he's so positive - there's nothing caustic or sarcastic about him - and I don't think the show is really mocking him because of it. No, his positivity and kindness is generally shown to be a good thing that also happens to be hilarious.

[identity profile] afrocurl.livejournal.com 2011-01-21 05:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Based on the spoilers I've been seeing, I think Britta's getting something good soon, but she was never the reason I watched the show in the first place.

[identity profile] bennet-7.livejournal.com 2011-01-21 06:45 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm glad to hear that. I like Britta a lot (I totally get her 'acting compassionate because she's worried she's not' thing) but Harmon has said some weird things about her in the past, like that he based her off an ex-girlfriend. It's never healthy when show runners use their shows to work out their past relationships. *glares at Sorkin*

[identity profile] afrocurl.livejournal.com 2011-01-21 06:48 pm (UTC)(link)
I mean, I don't take much of what Dan says to heart (mostly because maintaining some idea of the separation between fandom and them should be maintained), but *snork* at your Sorkin comment.

Oh Studio 60 you were so awkward...