Other TV 2 - 8 May

Posted by The TV Critic on 4 May 2010 | 0 Comments

Tags: Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad - 307 - One Minute

This was a classic case of why I avoid all spoilers including even the vaguest description of an episode. On the Firewall and Iceberg podcast last week they talked about how insane this episode would be and so somehow I was expecting a bloodbath beyond anything that could be delivered. It's a shame because nothing should take away from the terrific final scene where the cousins came to take down Hank and that beautiful final shot of a parking lot with bodies littered around it.

But in the moment the searing adrenaline I felt when Jesse was breathing his final breath under Tucco's gun (202) wasn't quite present. I guess in the moment I expected Hank to die and Breaking Bad to wade into even darker and more miserable territory. To kill Hank off would have been very brave and it almost felt like a shame that the writers didn't go all the way with it. But then again perhaps Hank is the male hero of the piece and he is destined to recover and bring down Heizenberg in the end.

While I am picking at an otherwise superb show, I have to say I thought Jesse's desire for bitter vengeance on Hank was something of an overreaction. Yes Jesse was venting and letting his immature anger pour forth but even under those circumstances his grandiose revenge plan sounded a little too dramatic.

But really those were my only two moments of disappointment in yet another impressive episode. The opening scene was excellent showing us Tio before he became too old and ill to speak. It also gave us the kind of brief Tarrantino-like origins of the cousins which is all we need to believe that they could be such ruthless killers. Saul suggesting to Walt that they might kill Jesse was a subtle moment. Walt plays his part so well and you could see the horror of that thought crossing his mind. Even after all the bad things he has done he still recoils like his old self when something so cold blooded is presented to him. Hank crying on Marie's shoulder and confiding in her on the bed were lovely moments bringing home all he has lost thanks to Walt.

The Jesse and Walt relationship was explored really well here. Walt feels responsible for Jesse's damaged life and face. Walt does take his parental responsibilities seriously and clearly Jesse is like his surrogate son. We should also remember that Jesse is the only one who knows all that Walt has been through, don't underestimate the bonds between them. You have to wonder though whether Walt likes having a junior partner who can't do what he does. He gets Gale fired to provide work for Jesse but perhaps he also didn't like the thought that Gale was getting so good at cooking. Being the great Heizenberg has given Walt more prestige, respect and money than he has ever had and we have seen him jealously protect that status before.

Was it Gus Frings who warned Hank? It's difficult to think who else it could have been. That is an interesting twist and makes you wonder what Frings true feelings are about Walt and the Cartel. 

Modern Family - 122 - Airport 2010

Another really enjoyable episode. The whole ensemble got to work on their own little gags and there were more hits than misses. I particularly liked Cam and Phil sympathizing over a style of communication while Mitchell and Claire complained about it. It makes such sense that the siblings would have that style of interaction in common and that misunderstanding of what your partner needs is such a relatable idea. I liked the Dylan subplot a lot as he remained trapped in the house and Manny being questioned by airport security was a fun idea. It could have been stretched out for much longer. The overall story was tied together by Jay's disappointment that his family were coming along (on his dime) and the conclusion to that was excellent. Just simple, logical, good values television which fitted the characters. 

Community - 123 - Modern Warfare

I didn't laugh. And that does matter because a comedy should make you laugh. Now I'm the kind of guy who likes a nice punch line and this wasn't about that, which is fine. But in general Community presents really fun situations and often I don't really laugh. I'm always entertained but I don't always laugh. I think that may be one reason Community doesn't please some, it's very clever but it's not always funny in a broad general-appeal sense.

Now having got that out of the way this may be one of the best produced episodes of comedy you will ever see. After the mafia parody I didn't think the show would produce another so soon but when it is as detailed, as clever, as thorough and as fun as this, I will not complain.

No action movie cliché was spared and the little touches were so good. I love how the show finds those slithers of plausibility to explain its crazy stories. Priority registration was such a good way to make you believe that all the students would take paintball so seriously. We had the wounded in action sequence, the guy who doesn't know he's been shot bit, the wounded soldier sex scene, the betrayal, the missing clip, the villainous laughter, the showdown, the bomb strapped to the chest and the final showdown.

The writing was so strong to fit all the characters into the action scenes and to time those scenes so the show's pace was about perfect. The direction was excellent with music and effects to make it all fit together. The show really went all out and did an even better and more encompassing parody than they managed with "Contemporary American Poultry" and I was already very impressed by that episode.

The best bit of all was working Jeff and Britta's relationship into the story. That is what makes Community a real show. It's no Family Guy making references just for the sake of them, at its core are the seven main characters. Again the show's mastery of its own storytelling was terrific. I loved how Britta and Jeff were mocking the predictability of their own hook up as they hooked up. It was so fitting for two characters who like to look cool and in control rather than admit to their feelings.

Bottom line is that "Modern Warfare" is such a unique and memorable episode. You don't need to know the specific references to enjoy them all and marvel at what Community is doing with the 22 minute sit com format.

Parks and Recreation - 222 - Telethon

So Ron Swanson is sleeping and pumping his fists as if punching someone. Leslie wakes him and he explains that he suffers from a rare condition called "Sleep Fighting." Leslie comments "That must be terrible" to which Ron replies "Only when I'm losing." And I laughed. So dumb and surreal but to have a character react to something surreal in a serious manner and make it seem even more surreal is funny to me. Just a little insight into my sense of humour (see the above post on Community for the full picture).

It was another good episode all round for Parks. The show seems to thrive on episode long issues which engage all of the staff. The ensemble is comedically strong and so that makes sense and it suits Leslie to be in the centre of things panicking and slightly missing the point of things. Tom claiming he's a big fan of an obscure German sit com made me smile as did Jerry's talents being ignored again. Gotta love Ron saying "What the f*ck are you doing Perd Hapley?"

The creepy guy hitting on April so Andy could step in was a bit lame. And speaking of dragging relationships out for a long time, poor Mark was further humiliated as Ann takes another slow step toward putting him out of his misery. But other than those two moments, I enjoyed this a lot. 

Party Down - 203 - Nick DiCinto's Orgy Night

There was always fun to be had with a guy trying to throw an orgy and a bunch of guests who didn't know it was one. It was nice to see Henry sympathizing with Ron for once and seeing them have a bonding moment. It was also interesting to see Kyle's relentless optimism checked for once. Kyle adds a very necessary tone of optimism to the show and he plays the wide eyed roll really well. I liked how he went to Roman for comfort, he's such an optimist that he sees a friendship where one doesn't really exist.

I'm still not laughing too much during Party Down. And there is a degree of tension while watching the staff get into trouble. I have that desire to shout at characters and tell them to stop putting their own selfish desires ahead of work, particularly Casey who should know better.