Category Archives: Best Thing on TV This Week

The Best Thing I Saw on TV This Week (3/30 – 4/6)

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This week in television kicked off with another emotional Sunday night, as death returned to Storybrooke in devastating fashion on Once Upon a Time and the grieving process began on The Good Wife. Monday night’s episode of Dancing with the Stars featured a stunning performance from Meryl and Maks that earned the first 10s of the season. Tuesday gave us the triumphant return of The Mindy Project, which made all of us fall even more in love with Danny Castellano. Wednesday’s episode of Nashville featured huge moments of emotional confrontation between Scarlett and her mother as well as between Rayna and Deacon. Thursday’s episodes of Parks and Recreation, Suits, and Scandal continued to set the stage for their April season finales, as Once Upon a Time in Wonderland had its series finale. And Anna Kendrick’s turn as Saturday Night Live host last night was one of the most purely entertaining hosting performances of the season.

This was another week where the best thing I saw on TV was far from the happiest. And, once again, it came to us courtesy of the brilliant actors on The Good Wife. All of “Last Call” was stunning and compelling—from Cary’s deposition outburst and David Lee’s private moment of grief to Diane unleashing her righteous anger on an unsympathetic client and Kalinda’s showdown with Will’s killer. But the scenes that have continued to haunt me were the scenes between Diane and Alicia, the two women who loved Will more than anyone. Their first hug was punctuated by brutally realistic sobbing, and their moment of quiet, shared grief in Diane’s office was a beautiful showcase for the talents of Christine Baranski and Julianna Margulies. Their performances in this episode should land both of them on the list of Emmy nominees this year, if there’s any justice in this world.

What was the best thing you saw on TV this week?

The Best Thing I Saw on TV This Week (3/23 – 3/30)

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For as emotionally draining as this week in television was, there’s no denying that it was also one of the most compelling in recent memory. Sunday night began with an episode of Once Upon a Time that introduced us to Rapunzel and forced Charming to confront his fears about fatherhood and his guilt over putting Emma in the wardrobe. In the next hour, The Good Wife gave audiences a twist so unexpected and devastating that it’s still haunting fans a week later. On Monday, Castle shed more light on the character of Captain Victoria Gates. Tuesday’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine finale opened new paths for Jake’s career as well as his relationship (professional or “romantic stylez”) with Amy, and New Girl also featured a new path being taken by Nick and Jess (although this path looks far less hopeful than anything on Brooklyn Nine-Nine). Wednesday’s Nashville brought a host of secrets out into the open, and Thursday’s Suits provided opportunities for both Mike and Louis to think about their futures.

Often, my pick for the best thing I saw on TV in any given week is the moment that made the happiest. But sometimes, the best thing you see is the thing that breaks your heart the most. That’s exactly what happened this week. Although the Brooklyn Nine-Nine finale made me the happiest, nothing else I saw on TV this week (and maybe nothing else I have seen this entire TV season) had the impact on me that The Good Wife had.

(Warning: There are MAJOR spoilers for last week’s episode of The Good Wife ahead.)

I watched this episode on Monday, so I had already been spoiled for Will’s death, but the lack of complete shock didn’t mean I still wasn’t emotionally destroyed by the loss of one of my favorite characters and a partner in most of my favorite relationships on that show. Watching Kalinda and Diane discover Will’s dead body in the hospital made me sob as I watched it unfold from my couch. Archie Panjabi and Christine Baranski gave such raw, horrifyingly realistic performances in that moment. There was such a sense of disbelief in that scene, and it mirrored what the audience was going through so brilliantly. I’m ready to have my heart broken by these two incredible actresses (and Julianna Margulies) once again tonight.

What was the best thing you saw on TV this week?

The Best Thing I Saw on TV This Week (3/16 – 3/23)

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This week in television kicked off with another great episode of Once Upon a Time that brought some self-aware humor to balance out the show’s emotional storylines, as well as an episode of The Good Wife that flashed back to Alicia’s struggles before Will hired her at Lockhart/Gardner. Monday’s Castle reminded everyone that Castle and Beckett could never be boring, and Tuesday’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine gave us a jealous Jake and showed us why Amy’s dedication to dental health turned out to be her downfall. On Thursday, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland shocked everyone with the death of a major character, Ann had her baby on Parks and Recreation, Louis and Scottie squared off on Suits, and Scandal made everyone cry by revealing who was on the receiving end of the shot from last week’s cliffhanger. 

There were some great moments for TV fans to experience this week—some depressing, some joyful. My favorite was a decidedly happy scene: Leslie visiting Ann in the hospital after little Oliver was born on this week’s episode of Parks and Rec. There was such a real sense of warmth, comfort, and familiarity in that scene. Sometimes it’s fun to watch huge plot twists unfold, and sometimes it’s incredible to watch brutally emotional moments. But often, I’m drawn to the simple moments between characters who love each other. Leslie and Ann curled up on a hospital bed—talking about TV and using that to talk about what makes each friendship in our lives special—was one of those simple, beautiful moments. The fact that it was between two female friends was the icing on a warm and wonderful cake.

Leslie Ann 617

What was the best thing you saw on TV this week?

The Best Thing I Saw on TV This Week (3/9 – 3/16)

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This week in television began with the return of Once Upon a Time on Sunday, featuring memories restored, memories lost, and mysterious to be solved. Another triumphant return from hiatus came to us courtesy of Sunday’s episode of The Good Wife, and Monday featured the end of a very controversial (and confrontational) season of The Bachelor. Tuesday’s New Girl brought Nick and Jess into the realm of power couples (at least in Nick’s mind), and Brooklyn Nine-Nine allowed Boyle and Jake’s friendship to take center stage. On Wednesday’s Nashville, both Maddie and Juliette acted recklessly, which will surely have major consequences for the rest of the season. Thursday featured a Parks and Recreation episode that highlighted Ben and Leslie’s wonderful, supportive marriage; a Suits episode that raised the tension between Louis and Mike to a new level; and a Scandal episode with a cliffhanger that still has me guessing. 

Upon its return from its midseason hiatus, Once Upon a Time stepped right back into its place as the provider of some of my favorite television moments each week. While “New York City Serenade” had plenty of contenders for the best of the best, my favorite was the moment when Snow convinced Regina to put her heart back.These two mothers bonding over the loss of their children was something that I was happy to see the show address. They have such a complicated relationship, but they’re the only people who can truly understand what the other is going through without Emma and Henry.

I also loved the way Snow was written in this scene. She had the strength that I’ve always admired in her character—a quiet but ever-present strength that comes from hope and an open heart. Snow has learned from experience that closing yourself off to feeling any emotion doesn’t solve anything; vulnerability is scary, but it’s the only way true love is possible. I loved the sense of genuine but subtle bonding between these women, and I hope that this scene is a sign of things to come.

What was the best thing you saw on TV this week?

The Best Thing I Saw on TV This Week (3/2 – 3/9)

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This week in television started with Monday’s tense Castle episode, which moved the show’s mythology forward and showed immense character growth for Kate Beckett. Tuesday’s New Girl gave us the conclusion of Abby Day’s arc, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine featured a jealous Jake and introduced us to everyone’s favorite addicting app: Kwazy Cupcakes. On Wednesday, Nashville featured a shocking (or not so shocking) hookup and an equally shocking (or not so shocking) business proposal. Thursday’s episode of Parks and Recreation saw Leslie get some major recognition for her hard work and showed us Ron’s son for the first time. Thursday also featured the return of Suits, which tested Scottie and Harvey’s relationship already and forced Mike to confront new facts about his parents’ death.

This was a week filled with strong episodes and great performances, but no performance was greater than Stana Katic’s work in this week’s episode of Castle. Beckett’s fear, determination, and ferocity were on full display throughout the episode, and Katic made each emotion not only feel believable but palpable. In an episode filled with standout moments, her torture scene allowed her to run the gamut of emotions in such an impressive way. To know that she did all of these torture scenes herself just makes me admire Katic’s dedication even more.

The Best Thing I Saw on TV This Week (2/23 – 3/2)

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After the Sochi Olympics ended with their stirring closing ceremonies last Sunday, many television shows returned from their hiatuses to join shows that were still airing in competition with the Winter Games. Monday’s Castle gave much-needed depth to Beckett and Alexis’s developing relationship. Tuesday’s New Girl continued to explore the effects of Abby’s presence on Jess and the rest of the characters, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine featured revealing performance evaluations and a great look at Jake and Gina’s friendship. Nashville returned on Wednesday with some amazing musical performances. Thursday’s Parks and Recreation gave us competing anniversary gifts from Ben and Leslie, and Scandal was back with more twists and turns than ever.

There were some really great TV moments that aired this week—from Nashville‘s newest band playing their first gig at the Bluebird to the introduction of a much-needed romantic interest in Mellie’s life on Scandal. But the best of the best came from Parks and Rec. Leslie’s anniversary gift to Ben was perfect, but not even the gift could top Ben’s reaction to it. I’m not sure anything will ever be better than Adam Scott sitting on a replica Iron Throne.

What was the best thing you saw on TV this week?

The Best Thing I Saw on TV This Week (2/16 – 2/23)

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This was another week where the television landscape was dominated by coverage of the Olympics. Monday’s Castle was the week’s only new episode, taking Castle and Beckett back to high school and ending with one of the show’s most romantic moments to date. The rest of the week featured some excellent moments from Sochi—from an ice dance final for the ages and new faces atop the podium in both men’s and ladies’ figure skating to medal-round hockey games and plenty of exciting action on the ski slopes.

While the Olympics provided some incredibly memorable moments, nothing I saw this week could top the beauty of Castle‘s final scene. That scene’s sweepingly romantic feel was made even better with the inclusion of Andrew Belle’s iconic “Caskett” anthem “In My Veins.” It was a beautiful nod to the show’s fans and a moment that will surely be ranked among this season’s best.

What was the best thing you saw on TV this week?

 

The Best Thing I Saw on TV This Week (2/9 – 2/16)

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With the Winter Olympics in full swing, there weren’t a lot of new TV episodes to contend with the hours of sports coverage airing from now until the end of next week. Tuesday was the only night to feature new episodes of shows I watch, and both of them were entertaining. New Girl introduced us to Jess’s sister, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine introduced us to the concept of going “full-Boyle” and the organization AAGLNYCPA.

The real star of the television landscape this week was the Olympics. From T.J. Oshie’s incredible shootout performance in the U.S. hockey team’s victory over Russia to the U.S. slopestyle ski team earning a medal sweep, there were some excellent winning moments for Team USA this week. And Maxim Trankov and Tatiana Volosozhar’s euphoric reaction to winning gold in pairs figure skating on their home ice was a gold medal moment I won’t soon forget.

My favorite moment of the week, however, wasn’t one that led to a gold medal. In fact, it didn’t lead to a medal at all. When Jeremy Abbott took a brutal fall during the men’s figure skating short program, I thought he was going to have to quit. But not only did he keep skating, he finished his program with skill, style, and a huge smile on his face. That emotional performance was followed by a free skate that was truly beautiful. Abbott may not have won a medal in Sochi, but he gave us what was perhaps the most inspiring moment of the games so far. He reminded everyone that true strength comes not from doing something perfectly but from getting back up after you fall down. I might not remember who won gold in the event years from now, but I will always remember what Abbott did at these Olympics.

Because the official NBC website doesn’t like to make embedding Olympic videos easy, here’s a recap of Abbott’s short program skate. 

And here’s his free skate. 

What was the best thing you saw on TV this week?

The Best Thing I Saw on TV This Week (2/2 – 2/9)

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February sweeps got off to a strong start this week with a handful of great episodes of television and some equally great sports moments. Sunday kicked off with the Seattle Seahwaks huge Super Bowl victory over the Denver Broncos, and it continued with strong post-Super Bowl episodes of New Girl and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Monday’s Castle was an excellent exploration of Kate Beckett’s character growth and moved Castle and Beckett’s wedding plans along in some major ways. Tuesday’s New Girl used both Nick and Jess’s exes to bring Nick to a confession almost two years in the making, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine introduced us to Captain Holt’s husband, wine drink, and the wrong way to eat crab. Wednesday gave us an episode of Nashville featuring some excellent music (from Deacon and Will), genuinely sweet romance (from Avery and Juliette), and a crazy cliffhanger (from Teddy and Lamar). Finally, the Winter Olympics began on Thursday, and there have already been plenty of great moments to watch and discuss already—from the new team figure skating competition to the pomp and circumstance of the opening ceremonies.

Both New Girl and Brooklyn Nine-Nine had two chances to impress viewers this week, and I think both shows made the most of those opportunities. In fact, I have to especially commend Brooklyn Nine-Nine for using these two chances to so clearly show its voice, which is remarkably well-developed for a freshman comedy.

“The Party,” Tuesday’s episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, was full of the show’s awkward charm and genuine humor throughout, but it was the episode’s ending that was my favorite TV moment of the week. I was surprisingly moved by the reveal that Captain Holt’s husband didn’t want to warm up to the Nine-Nine team because of the prejudice that had been directed at Holt during his time with the NYPD. In giving such a peripheral player real, human motivations for his behavior, this show once again proved that it has more of a handle on its characters than some sitcoms that have been on TV for ages. And the episode’s final scene, with the team joining together to give their captain and his husband a romantic dinner was something so warm and unashamedly kind that it felt like an ending to Parks and Recreation (and I mean that as the highest compliment), while still using each character in just the right way to maintain this show’s unique tone.

I couldn’t find a video of the end of “The Party,” but here’s another highlight of the episode—and my favorite line—”Stop eating crab wrong!”

What was the best thing you saw on TV this week?

The Best Thing I Saw on TV This Week (1/26 – 2/2)

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This was a relatively slow week in terms of new episodes of my favorite shows, which was fine with me—because one episode used up an entire week’s worth of feelings for me. Sunday’s Grammy Awards showcased some memorable performances—from Beyonce and Jay Z’s too-hot-to-handle opening to what was quite possibly my favorite Taylor Swift performance ever. Wednesday’s episode of Nashville pushed Scarlett to her limit and brought Avery and Juliette together at last. Thursday’s Parks and Recreation allowed us to say goodbye to Ann and Chris. And last night’s episode of Saturday Night Live brought back the incredible Melissa McCarthy for yet another hilarious turn as host.

If you thought anything I saw on television this week would be better than Parks and Rec‘s perfect little tribute to the love stories we create with our friends, then you must be new to NGN. From Ben and Chris’s heartfelt farewell to April admitting she loves Ann, everything about the way this episode handled the friendships between the show’s characters was perfect. And then there was Leslie and Ann’s perfect sunflower of a friendship, getting one last glorious moment in the spotlight—a place where it has been much more often than female friendships on most other television shows. Their conversation while waiting to break ground on Pawnee Commons was such a beautiful, honest look at female friendship and the way our platonic soul mates can change us for the better just by being our friends. Even more than the episode’s conclusion, this moment—when Leslie tells Ann, “You totally changed me, you know?”—makes me cry every time I watch it (which has already been more times than I should probably admit).

What was the best thing you saw on TV this week?