Test Pattern #12

America's Next Top Model (Cycle 18) - Cycle 18 seems to be the death knell for this long running guilty pleasure. The theme this time was "British Invasion" where Tyra pits British models against American girls. Unfortunately, the scale seemed a little tipped because all of the British girls had been on previous cycles of Britain's Top Model, while the Americans had little to no experience. Honestly, all though my picks came in the top three, this season was so boring, with really lame photo shoots. I think it may be time to pull the plug.

Community (Season 3) - This show seems to be particularly divisive amongst my friends - I enjoy the pop culture references and playing with genre conventions, even if the show doesn't really go anywhere with a plot. I think it's a shame that Dan Harmon, the showrunner is no longer attached.

Fringe (Season 4) - Who can even keep straight what is going on in this show anymore? In addition to the two worlds (ours and an alternate) now I believe we are supposed to keep at least two different timelines in mind. It's not that I don't like the show, because I definitely do, but I often have to consult with my roommate to work out logic, characters, plot, etc. because it does seem like the show expects you to have an excellent memory.

Game of Thrones (Season 2) - While not quite as good as the first season, things are still getting exciting in the 7 Kingdoms. Everyone wants Joffrey dead, Daenerys gets her dragons stolen for a time, Theon acts like an idiot, while Tyrion may have found his calling. Oh, and Jon Snow almost loses his virginity and Arya poses as a boy. War has broken out this season, and of course, winter is coming...

Girls (Season 1) - My favorite debut of the year caused quite an uproar online and amongst reviewers. The basic premise is that four girls live in Brooklyn. They are all white, 20-something, fairly educated, and definitely part of the "leisure class." The show gets criticized for its lack of diversity, but I think if you are honest when examining most people's close circle of friends, you will find a lot of homogeneity. I found this show incredibly relatable, being an aimless 20-something myself for a time. The friendships and even the relationships with the guys in the show are really truthful and sadly funny.  I'm glad it'll be back on in the Fall because I can't wait to spend more time with these ladies.
 
In Treatment (Season 2) - Now that Dr. Paul Weston is separated from his wife and being sued by a patient's family, he starts his practice up again in Brooklyn. He treats a middle-aged woman who used to be his patient 20 years earlier and regrets not settling down; a young woman with cancer; a boy whose parents are undergoing a divorce; and old man who starts out the CEO of a big company but stress and guilt force him to step aside; and Paul's own treatment with Gina where he is still dealing with his father issues and acting like quite the asshole in his sessions.

the Killing (Season 2) - When this show first started, it had a lot of promise and perhaps too many Twin Peaks  references, but I found myself attracted to the dynamic between the two detectives. This second season did little to redeem itself after the season 1 finale that left so many people feeling angry. I was willing to go along for the ride, but what was presented was a lot of fairly uninteresting red herrings, and B-plots that I could have done without. I guess they finally wrapped up the case this season, but its conclusion was far from satisfying.

Mad Men (Season 5) - The ladies are growing up, moving on, and getting what they want this season. I felt bad about "Fat Betty" and how much of a villain she has become, but am always interested in life through Sally's eyes, and am looking forward to seeing their mother/daughter relationship evolve. Don seems to have gained a bit of a conscience this season, but I think it's just because he's getting older, and he's starting not to fit in with mainstream society.

the Office (Season 8) - Why do I even keep watching this show? I'm not that into Robert California and found Nellie an even more irritating character. Jim and Pam may as well not exist...I really just want to see Kelly and sometimes Ryan, which is unfortunate, since I don't think either of them will be on the show much anymore.

Parks & Recreation (Season 4) - I think this was a really good season! Leslie running for office makes her even more of a stress case than ever, and I like Ben (Adam Scott) as her boyfriend. Ron and April always bring the straight-faced laughs and the secret hearts of gold. Tom and Ann as a couple is too weird, but I like them both so much individually that I'll allow it if it means they are still vital to the show.

30 Rock (Season 6) - Liz has a boyfriend - weird! Jack has a lot of sexual tension with Avery's mom and then she comes back from Korea. Kenneth is no longer a page - weird! There is not nearly enough Tracy in this season, and while there are certainly some funny episodes or gags, it's probably for the best that there is only one more season.

Veep (Season 1) - Started watching this on HBO streaming as a time killer.  The episodes are really short, but it took a few for it to find its stride. It's nice to see Buster Bluth again and Julia Louis-Dreyfus is a great comedic talent. Worth watching for a few hours.

Test Pattern #7 - Part 2

America's Next Top Model (Cycle 16) - The one good thing about this cycle compared to last, was that there really wasn't a clearcut winner from the beginning (I love Ann from last season, but total lack of tension or surprise). The problem is that I don't feel like anyone was really really strong. One of my favorites won, but overall this will be a forgettable season.

Chicago Code (Season 1) - Really great show that is like a hybrid of Law & Order but heavily influenced by the Wire. The new Chicago police superintendent is trying to crack down on corruption, a widespread epidemic in Chicago's political system. In particular, she is trying to convict one alderman who has his hands in the Irish mob, and pays off people all over the city. However, he is good at what he does, so it's hard to get anything to stick. Meanwhile, there is still everyday crime to deal with in the town. We get to know a handful of the officers and one undercover agent, all the more sad that Fox did not decide to renew this show for another season. I guess, I will just have to watch the show creator's previous project, the Shield.

Community (Season 2) - Community was a really interesting show this season. While there were general plot arcs, mainly it seemed as though the show was more focused on being "meta" about genre and television/film conventions. There's the animated Christmas special, the revisionist Western paintball finales, a Pulp Fiction/My Dinner with Andre tribute, and an episode about making documentaries. I think this show is so fun and smart, and really not like anything else on television.

Glee (Season 2) - Nowhere near as strong as the first season, but still some tearjerky moments and attention paid to the life of queer teenagers. The group finally makes it past Regionals, so the driving force this season is to win at Nationals. Relationship-wise, lots of boyfriend swapping, and one of the students realizes she is a lesbian, even if she is not ready to come out yet. The Britney Spears episode was a highlight, and any episode dealing with Blaine (especially the "Teenage Dream" performance. I'm fine with the addition of big girl Lauren, but I don't necessarily feel like she brings light to anything, and the only time you really hear her sing is the Waitresses "I Know What Boys Like"...a favorite of mine, but still. I'm pretty over the Finn/Rachel/Quinn dynamic which is sure to continue next season. Also, Gwyneth Paltrow was fun for one season, but I think she had too much screen time - Bring back Uncle Jesse!

the Office (Season 7) - the Office is a show that I wish would have ended somewhere around Jim and Pam's wedding, and yet I still have to watch. This was Steve Carell's last season, and the last half of this season seems to focus on saying goodbye in one form or another...really a perfect place to stop, but instead, apparently a new boss is going to take over and the show will continue. I liked having Holly Flack (Amy Ryan) back for a few episodes, and the addition of creepy Gabe was a good call in my opinion (all though it seems like he might be gone now). As usual, I wish the supporting characters would have more developed storylines, since this can be such a funny cast. In particular Kelly Kapoor (Mindy Kaling) should be on screen way more because she is the best. I also always want more Darryl, and occasionally more Creed and Kevin.

30 Rock (Season 5) - This show used to be the highlight of NBC's Thursday night line-up, but this year that honor definitely has been handed over to Parks & Recreation. That isn't to say that this show isn't funny anymore, but when you go back and look at the episodes from Seasons 2 & 3, there just really isn't a comparison. The main problem this year was the disappearance of Tracy Jordan. Also, the show made Kenneth do too many stupid things...I think everyone is fine with him being a naive hillbilly, but he shouldn't be made to look like he suffers from a mental health condition. Alec Baldwin as Jack is great as always, but Elizabeth Banks as Avery just can't possibly live up to some of Jack's old love interests (I'm thinking specifically of Salma Hayek), all though, thank God Julianne Moore and her horrendous Boston accent are no longer around.

Walking Dead (Season 1) - AMC is doing a great job of presenting a variety of quality shows. The first season of Walking Dead does a get job of setting up a group of characters in a really high stakes world. A zombie epidemic has been unleashed, and the apocalyptic tone is fantastic. I didn't realize there were only 6 episodes, and things move along quickly. I feel like everyone knows that the end of the season really sucks...it's like the writers wrote themselves into a corner, but I have faith with the return of producer Frank Darabont, and a more hands-on approach, the story can be salvaged next season.

Test Pattern #4

America's Next Top Model (Cycle 14) and RuPaul's Drag Race (Season 2) - These are essentially the same show...lots of make-up, photo shoots, eliminations, etc. The end of ANTM was pretty anticlimatic since you knew who was almost certainly going to win four or five episodes before the finale. On the drag race, there was a similar lack of excitement because the front runner from the very beginning never got knocked off her throne. Lastly, I just wanted to mention that Season 1 of RuPaul is vastly better than this second season. The prizes may be jankier, but the contestants were much more creative and almost anyone from last season's top five could have beaten anyone on this season.  

Breaking Bad (Season 3) - This has to be my current favorite show. Walter and Jesse are still making meth and still having to ward off members of the cartel. The DEA is mostly out of the picture this season, but the drama with Skylar and with their employer has skyrocketed. I'm still impressed by how good this show looks and it's almost impossible to not get sucked into the action, even when it gets totally over the top.

Fringe (Season 2) - I never regularly watched X-Files growing up, but I am pretty sure that Fringe is the modern equivalent. There's some sexual tension between the two main characters Olivia and Peter, both of which are part of the "fringe unit" of the FBI and investigate unusual or supernatural homicides, events, etc. I did not see all of the first season, but it seems like the show has really hit its stride during this second season. The episodes can mostly stand alone, but there is a really interesting overarching plot involving Peter and an alternate universe.

Glee (Season 1) - So, I know many people treat this show like a guilty pleasure. I for one have never felt too guilty about it. Sure the acting can be bad, or the songs can fall into cringe territory, but I think this show does have a lot of heart. At times the social agenda can be a little overbearing, but I love the teenage drama, and several episodes made me get a little misty. Sue Sylvester's insults are a treat and performance of "the Boy is Mine" are standouts.

Homicide (Season 3, 4, & 5) - This show is so good. Basically Law and Order with less time in the courtroom and better characters. I still have a season and a half before I finish the entire series, but so far seasons 3 and 5 have been my favorites. In season 3, three of the detectives are shot at and critically wounded when they go to the wrong address. That season also addresses the suicide of one of the detectives. In season 4, Frank Pembleton's stress finally takes its toll. Seasons 4 and 5 focus a lot on Luther Mahoney, a drug kingpin, and the frustrations regarding not being able to make any charges stick to him. Season 4 also brings about the new detective Kellerman, and Season 5 introduces Medical Examiner Julianna (played by Michelle Forbes aka Maryann from True Blood and Admiral Cain from Battlestar Galactica). 

Justified (Season 1) - Timothy Olyphant plays Raylan Givens, a U.S. Marshall that might be a little trigger-happy. For a while, Raylan shoots someone in every episode, each time the shooting is "justified." A central part of the story is that Raylan has been stationed in his home state of Kentucky against his wishes. His father often falls on the opposite side of the law, as do any former friends. Unfortunately the women in this show are a little irritating. Ava in particular. I like his ex-wife Winona, especially her wardrobe, but even she is a little lame. Apparently, white trash is kinda in as far as television is concerned. 

the Office (Season 6) - The Office is something that I definitely only watch out of habit these days. The tension is long gone. I'm so bored with Pam and Jim and their baby, and I miss the days when Michael was actually kinda a jerk...now he's just too nice. Kathy Bates is good most of the time, but I really wish more time was spent with the supporting characters. I miss Kelly and Angela and Kevin. Plus, I'd like to know what happened to Ryan now that he dresses like a full-fledged hipster instead of the bleach-tipped imbecile from last season. 

30 Rock (Season 4) - By far the weakest season yet, but still has its moments of hilarity. Mainly I think the show could have been much better had they done the following: 1.) Gotten rid of Julianne Moore much sooner...that Boston accent was terrible. Actually, I'm not a big fan of the Avery character either. I miss Salma Hayek. 2.) Spent way less time with the Wesley "Future Husband" plot line. 3.) Spent way more time with TRACY! 

Treme (Season 1) - David Simon's return to the screen after the Wire probably came with unreasonable expectations. This series is set in New Orleans, just months after Katrina. Since it is David Simon, the characters are great, but I found myself having two regular complaints. 1.) Too much music. I know N.O. is a music town, but sometimes close to a third of the show is just performances. 2.) Related to too much music is the feeling that the plot barely exists or progresses. For the most part there aren't very tangible conflicts. The main problem is LaDonna's search for her missing brother, and probably the second most visible problem is the tumultuous relationship between Annie and Sonny. Things admittedly picked up towards the end of the season, and I look forward to what lies ahead.

Test Pattern #1

For over a year, I have been writing my brief weekly reviews of the films I have watched in the previous week. Admittedly, I am a film junkie, but sometimes my film-watching habits get derailed by another related pastime: TV. After this week, I will probably return to my usual format, but every once in a while, I would like to share my other viewing activities.

There are a couple shows that I watch as the episodes air on television, but many others that are consumed in giant chunks via DVD. I really don't think that I actually got a chance to watch a real film this past week, and I primarily chalk that up to my Mad Men obsession (my roommate and I watched 7 episodes on Sunday). Here are the series that I have enjoyed in the past months:

Breaking Bad (Season 1) - A high school chemistry teacher realizes that he has cancer and potentially has only a couple more years to live. He is worried about leaving his family with enough money to survive and begins to look for an easy way to make some more cash. The answer: making meth with one of his former students.

Flight of the Conchords (Season 2) - Honestly, the first half of the first season of this show will probably always be the best, but I enjoy watching Bret and Jemaine be hipsters around New York. Supporting actors get to contribute a lot more to the songs this time around (to mixed success). I think the episode about Bret buying a new cup is a highlight. Silly and at 20 minutes a sitting, why not give in?

Friday Night Lights (Season 3) - This is the show that I am probably most embarrassed to admit watching to other people. However, I will easily stand by the opinion that the first season is really good. A football game probably does happen every episode, but takes up 5 minutes out of 45. And yes, the actors playing the high school students are all in their 20s and ridiculously attractive. That being said, production-wise, this show looks great. Story wise, it's more about life in a small town--regular drama, racism, sexism, community, etc. The second season took some unbelievable/cheesy turns, but I cannot say the same for this third season; if anything it is a return to form. By now, I have quite a bit invested in these characters and it was hard to hold back the tears some episodes...it is a show that I wish some people would give a chance.

Mad Men (Season 2) - Still continuing the stylish loose storylines of the first season... I love the clothes, I love the characters, and I even love how the show makes drinking and smoking look so appealing. As the audience, we still don't know much about Don Draper's secret life, and things are shaking up in the office. Peggy is learning how to deal with the boys' club and we see a less bitchy side of Joan on the occasion (all though I love her sass). I think if people have any complaints about this show, it's that it can seem like not much happens plot wise...I think it's deliberately paced and enough to grab onto, and really, such a great piece of television.

the Office (Season 5) - A popular favorite, and one of the only shows I watch when it airs. Season 5 has its moments, but ever since Jim and Pam have gotten together, I think a lot of the tension this show thrives on is missing. The side plot around Michael Scott's Paper Company made for some laughs, but ultimately seemed a bit like filler. I like what's (not) going on with Holly, and I appreciated the presence of Charles Minor for his brief tenure as the straight-man. I'm still looking forward to watching season 6, but I think it's possible that the show has already passed its peak.

30 Rock (Seasons 1,2, & 3) - I just started watching 30 Rock this year, originally because it comes on directly after the Office, but now it makes me laugh more consistently than the other show. I caught up with the first two seasons online. There is really no point in summarizing the plot or storylines of this show...really, you just need to see how Kenneth views the world in Muppets. If that doesn't make you crack up, then there probably isn't much here for you.

Transgeneration - This was a Sundance channel documentary series that aired a few years ago. It follows four college students that are identified as transgendered, and observes their process of taking hormones, or prepping for sex reassignment surgery, and probably most fascinating--coping with being in college, dealing with family, making friends in a society still mostly afraid or hostile to their presence.

True Blood (Season 1) - Vampires are now a part of society, fighting for their rights, and living mixed in among humans. Sookie Stackhouse is a waitress who falls in love with Bill, a 200+ year -old vampire. Not all vampires are interested in conforming, and many are scapegoated for murders and violent crimes. During the first season, a series of murders takes place in Bon Temps, Louisiana. I love the campiness of this show, and the Southern Gothic element. The magical stuff, and the feeling that nearly every one in this town has supernatural powers, at times puts me off, but ultimately I couldn't watch this season fast enough. I'm in the middle of the second season now, and while I still enjoy it, something seems off, but I'm reserving complete judgment until the end.

Twin Peaks (Season 1 & 2) - Classic David Lynch creepiness combined with humor, visual dreamlike sequences, characters to attach to, and a decent murder mystery that jumps the rails sometime during the first season. Laura Palmer was a 17 year-old homecoming queen, murdered at the outset of the show. Special Agent Dale Cooper is brought in to solve her case, as the local police department might have 3 employees. Even though it's clear that the show gets super weird while David Lynch was away filming Wild at Heart during the second season, it shouldn't feel like an abrupt change considering how bizarro this show gets on a regular basis...you just have to go with it. I loved it, but could not stop being amazed that this ever actually aired on prime time network television.