Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Seinfeld: 8.14

I have heard tons of Brady Bunch references today--whether it was a picture of the Brady's on network television or seeing Christine Taylor who played Marcia in the movies on this episode! She plans a first date on her birthday (which of course bothers Seinfeld--what doesn't?). Just so you know, this has nothing really to do with the episode--just some NOTHING to put at the beginning of the episode. He keeps finding clues that she may be a charity case, but he can't figure out what may be wrong with her.

In addition to having Christine Taylor in this episode, there is also another appearance with John O'Hurley who wants to write his autobiography. I think that I am most like Mr. Peterman (O'Hurley) in that he is obsessed with his cable channels being in disarray. It's terrible, and I totally understand!

Aren't we all a little like George Costanza? We find someone like ourselves, and we take an interest in helping them out, being their friend, etc. In this case, George's average Joe, who is his younger twin, TURNS on him and poor George is in the dust. This happens to us too when we allow a new friend in our group and they end up being better friends with our friends than we are (has that ever happened to you?)

I say all of this about Seinfeld to point out that Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld did an awesome job at relating the characters to regular, everyday people. What they learned from watching us and portraying on TV, we can learn by seeing ourselves mirrored back to us.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Frasier: 3.2

I have to say, I totally understand Frasier's discomfort in having to deal with Daphne's love interest. Daphne is an employee, and without proper boundaries these encounters can get ugly.

Shout out to a character that doesn't have an actor to portray her--Maris! I like to think that the writers did such a great job with creating the person of Maris that they didn't need to put a person in place to describe her more. Plus, I have this view of Maris that no Hollywood type can do justice! haha!

What is with Frasier wearing retarded shorts? Niles gets to wear pants (and he's off of the high society list since he is separating from his richity-schmitchity wife Maris), so those in costuming should not have put Kelsey Grammer through this!

The title of this episode is "Come Lie with Me." There is a Frank Sinatra song with a similar name, but the subject matter of this episode doesn't even compare to the popular song from the fifties.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Bonanza: 2.34

I watched this episode to say this: Michael Landon is the only reason why I've ever watched a Western.

I really do hate them, but there is a sense of honor and respect for country that this and other shows like it brings. The banjo that is playing right now gets on my nerves, the stringy bow ties make me shield my eyes at the fashion faux pas of the decade's rendering of the 1800s, and the homage to the various horses that each of them ride doesn't do anything for me. While some may seem to appreciate the scenery of Westerns such as Bonanza, I find my appreciation in the uplifting spirit that this town has. Granted in this episode, that is not quite present because come on, the show has to deal with a man trying to square away with Hoss for killing his brother--even though it was in self-defense.

Oh, one special note: They were singing songs about the prairie...I have a feeling it was that very song that put Little House on the Prairie in the heart of Michael Landon. Melissa Gilbert (and the rest of the cast that had their careers jump started from Little House on the Prairie) need to thank their lucky stars for Herschel Bernardi singing about the prairie in the episode "The Smiler."

Little House on the Prairie: 5.1

I believe "As Long As We're Together" has diverse viewpoints on how viewers accepted this episode. The same crowd is involved in this episode, but they are saying goodbye to the most constant characters that the show has seen for five seasons (Walnut Grove) and introducing the Ingalls and the rest of the cast to a busier way of life.

Of course SHOUT OUTS go to the best stars in the show never in Laura Ingalls Wilder's books: ADAM and ALBERT! Adam and Mary reunite, while Albert is introduced and questions arise as to what will happen to this little thief who lives under a porch. Just so you know, he bares a striking resemblance to Charles Ingalls and even looks like the kid who plays him when Caroline is reminiscing of her school days. ...Okay, I'll go ahead and let on that it is the same guy-- but it's very strange to see this little kid make eyes at Laura knowing the future of the two. GROSS!!

Even in a rough economy, Charles and Caroline still found jobs. For those who feel distressed in today's economy, rest assured in tough times that the right things come along at the right time--and many times they are what we don't expect or plan for. Times do get better and we can rest assured that during hard times, we learn the most and grow the most, and in the case of Little House on the Prairie, get close to those we care about.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Saved by the Bell: 3.9

I am so glad that "Fake ID's" didn't really show everything that goes on in night clubs (I mean, it is only rated Y7) because I was mad enough that Jeff was cheating on Kelly...okay, I was THRILLED that Jeff was cheating on Kelly! Who I really hurt for was Zack--he was going to come across as jealous either way!

Saved by the Bell fashion did not disappoint, with plenty of floral and even a douse of pink and grey stripes on some geeks (Did anyone see Screech's patriotic ensemble with tie-dyed pants?). Color coordination was not really implemented as well as with other reruns, but it is almost impossible with a larger cast and being stuck in the early 90s.

I HATE Jeff! ...But he is really cute (though if you look him up--he hasn't really aged well). He has really good hair, and he is usually not suckered into the current fashion. Of course, what is really hard to swallow is how he is able to date a high schooler. Even though he may be attractive, he will ALWAYS be a villain because of his terrible role in breaking up the prom king and queen!

I'm only glad to be able to say that I'm glad that Jeff is out of the picture after this episode, and that Kelly got to see it for herself!

Oh, and PS-Zack has a really cool mom!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Golden Girls: 2.9

DId you know that Betty White is a die-hard pet fan? At least this time Rose's obsession was just a dog! Rose has cared for a pig with tons of money, a chicken, the neighbor's dog (Dreyfuss from Empty Nest), and other strays that she has seen along the way. Little piece of trivia: the dog's real name is Inky.

The problem with this dog is that it came into the picture at the wrong time. Dorothy-who hates dogs!-is having a hard time with work and doesn't have the patience to deal with a new pet in the house...it's on commercial now and I can only imagine the rage she is going to have since this is a long haired dog!

I can completely understand Blanche's frustration when Dorothy seems to outshine her. Dorothy handled it well, but sometimes it is hard when a friend seems to be betraying you. While most people would not have such an outburst in "real-life", Blanche does vocalize the same kinds of emotions that any of us in that position feel.

JUST SO YOU KNOW--usually the Golden Girls are very meticulous in color coordination. There were several occurrences where two people wore very similar colors. That is definitely a Golden Girls sin!

Golden Girls: 2.8

"Vacation" is an episode that does not rate high on the radar of favorites for me, yet there is much to appreciate in the realm of guest stars. These notable visitors may not have been A-listers at the time of taping, and we may not recognize them as we flip through the channels, but they have made a mark in television history (has ANYONE heard of Earl Sinclair? Dinosaurs? The voice of Chico from Beverly Hills Chihuahua?!?)

I have had to stay in the same type of flea-bag hotel as Rose, Blanche, and Dorothy, yet I did not have to share a bathroom with three single men (sadly). I also did not have the option of a vibrating bed OR a hispanic singing Guantanamera instead!

Rick: [about having to share a bathroom with the girls] How do you think we feel having to gargle next to Grandma Moses and the Mosettes?
Rose: You, you, you rude person!
Dorothy: Go easy on him Rose.

The main reason why this episode does not list high on my list of favorites is because it is a location episode that isolates Sophia. Sure, she has a story line, but it doesn't offer us the chance to see her throw cracks at Rose, Dorothy, or Blanche. She does get a good line in at the beginning when she is going over the rules before they leave, but it doesn't quite satisfy.

Oh, and PS this episode shows Rose looking very nautical, and is a nice little throwback to Gilligan's Island...I wonder if that comes on anymore...

Who is your favorite Rerun pet?