Category Archives: Television

TV Time: Castle 5.02

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Title Cloudy with a Chance of Murder

Two-Sentence Summary The murder of a local TV news personality provides the backdrop for Castle and Beckett’s first case together after her suspension is over. Their plan to pretend to be single (because of the NYPD’s rules about partners dating) backfires when a flirtatious talk show host sets her sights on Castle.

Favorite Line “Excuse me, it was you that was trying to sleep with me…Don’t tell me you dress like that for Esposito.” (Castle)

My Thoughts I think I summed up my thoughts on last night’s episode of Castle in the most succinct way I could on Facebook after it aired: “Another Monday night, another perfect episode of Castle.” There really is nothing else that needs to be said. I know this season is only two episodes old, but I really feel like the writers and the actors are operating on another level right now. Not only are they working to disprove the “Moonlighting Curse” and the belief that a show’s quality deteriorates once you get your will they/won’t they couple together; they’re working to prove that the opposite is true: If put in the right hands, a show can actually improve once the unresolved tension becomes blissfully resolved.

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TV Time: Once Upon a Time 2.01

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Title Broken

Two-Sentence Summary With the curse broken and all kinds of emotional reunions experienced, the citizens of Storybrooke face a new threat when Rumplestiltskin unleashes a powerful wraith meant to suck out Regina’s soul as punishment for what she did to Belle. In a portion of Fairytale Land untouched by the curse, a wraith is also responsible for the (possible) demise of Prince Phillip, leaving Sleeping Beauty and her new companion Mulan alone to travel to a “safe haven”—until they discover Snow White and Emma, who fell through the Mad Hatter’s hat in their attempts to lure the wraith back to Fairytale Land.

Favorite Lines
Snow: We talked about things we probably shouldn’t have even talked about…One-night stands and the like.
Charming: One-night stands?
Snow: Whale.
Charming: Whale?
Snow: We were cursed!

My Thoughts I have a serious case of mixed emotions about this premiere. I’m torn between liking it more than my sense of logic says I should, and not liking it as much as my sentimental heart wants me to like it. Overall, I loved the performances we got out of the actors in this episode, but I thought the plot was pretty weak.

In my opinion, a season premiere should set up the upcoming season in a fairly clear way, answering more questions than it asks. The time for asking questions is the finale; I like my season premieres to have a sense of clarity of purpose about them. I thought the pilot episode of Once Upon a Time did just that, but this premiere threw me off balance from the start and never quite righted itself.

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TV Time: Parks and Recreation 5.02

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Episode Title Soda Tax

Two-Sentence Summary As Leslie struggles with whether or not to vote for a tax on soda in Pawnee, she leans on Ann for support, and Ron motivates her with some surprising information about his impression of her during her first year working for him. Ben has struggles of his own with his interns in Washington, and helping Andy train for the police academy brings back feelings of loneliness for Chris.

Favorite Line: “I’m never gonna be a cop. I’m gonna have to be a robber.” (Andy)

My Thoughts Though it was funnier than last week’s premiere, this episode showed me that Parks and Rec still has some growing pains to work through before it reaches the near-perfect levels of television comedy it was consistently producing for the last two seasons. The show still feels too fractured, too segmented. I love Parks and Rec the most when all of the characters have the opportunity to interact with each other, and that’s still missing right now. I especially miss the warmth and humor between Leslie and Ben. The wonderful chemistry (both comedic and romantic) between Amy Poehler and Adam Scott was one of the things that really got me hooked on the show, and I missed getting to see that in any capacity this week.

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TV Time: Castle 5.01

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Episode Title After the Storm

Two-Sentence Summary As Castle and Beckett begin a romantic relationship four years in the making, they have bigger things to deal with than just keeping the change in their partnership a secret. The estranged duo of Ryan and Esposito help them finally track down the man who orchestrated the murders of Beckett’s mother, Captain Montgomery, and many others, but when Beckett finally confronts this senator with presidential aspirations, she chooses to seek justice instead of vengeance, deciding to take back control over her own life and shifting the balance of power in her favor.

Favorite Line To represent the expert blending of comedy and drama in this episode, I have two favorites.

Comedic: “Just act normal – if that’s even possible for you.” (Beckett)

Dramatic: “I’m done being afraid. It’s your turn now.” (Beckett)

My Thoughts In the last few years of my media-consuming life, I’ve tried really hard to keep from labeling things I’ve just watched/read/experienced my “favorite.” With that being said, this was my favorite episode of Castle to date. I’ve been religiously watching this show (and re-watching it during hiatuses) since the pilot episode in 2009, and I can honestly say that I don’t think there has ever been a better example of what Castle is as a show when it’s firing on all cylinders than “After the Storm.”

When Castle is at its best, it mixes comedy, drama, and romance in a way that no other show on TV can do as successfully. The best Castle episodes are the ones that make you laugh out loud one minute and wipe away a tear the next minute. This episode did all of those things, and it added an element of suspense that rivaled anything I used to see during my days of watching Alias and other action-driven TV shows.

The major question people had going into this season was: Could Castle break the dreaded (and ridiculous, if you ask me) Moonlighting Curse? I think by the first commercial break that question was answered with a definitive yes. Those opening scenes took everything that makes Castle and Beckett such a dynamic pairing (their smart banter, their humor, and the indescribably potent chemistry between Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic) and turned it up to 11.

The dynamic between Castle and Beckett at the start of this episode was filled with the sparks and sharp dialogue that made the show so enjoyable in its first two seasons. But as the episode went on, we got to see that there is now another layer to their relationship that we finally get to explore. We’ve seen the spark, we saw the heat, and now we get to see the warmth.

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TV Time: Parks and Recreation 5.01

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Episode Title Ms. Knope Goes to Washington

Two-Sentence Summary Leslie experiences “small fish-big pond” syndrome when she and Andy visit Ben and April in Washington, but a pep talk from a surprising source reminds her that, despite the condescension she was treated with during her visit, she’s “Kick-Ass Leslie,” and she’s an important person who works tirelessly for the town she loves. Back in Pawnee, the annual Parks Department barbeque goes awry when Ron takes the reins, and Tom and Ann try to hide the fact that their relationship ended in order to win a bet with Donna.

Favorite Line “Could we just real quick stop at the nearest place that has free pants?” (Andy)

My Thoughts Though this wasn’t my favorite episode of Parks and Rec, it did what needed to be done in order to set up major story lines and conflicts for the beginning of this season: the challenges Leslie is going to face in her new role as city councilwoman and in her long-distance relationship with Ben (especially with Ben in such a high-profile line of work); the new responsibilities Ron is going to have to deal with now that Leslie has taken on her new role; and the adjustment period everyone is going to go through after the big events of last season’s finale.

It broke my heart to see how Leslie was treated in Washington, and so much of that came from Amy Poehler’s typically brilliant performance. This is an actress who can put tears in my eyes from both emotion and laughter within the same scene—and maybe even within the same line of dialogue. In the moment where the woman in the Secretary of the Interior’s office names the list of different states that have cities named Pawnee you could almost see Leslie lose a little of that light that makes her such a beautiful, admirable character. Leslie and Pawnee are so intricately linked on this show, and to see the city be treated as nothing special only added to the pain of seeing Leslie treated as nothing special. But Leslie’s feelings of inferiority also brought about two of my favorite comedic moments in the episode: petite Leslie unleashing her jealousy about all of the tall women Ben is surrounded by (mainly because I have felt that same height envy often) and Leslie’s breakdown in a closet being interrupted by a perfect cameo from John McCain.

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Once Upon a Time Season 2 Wish List

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Nerdy Girl Contributor Leah shares with us her hopes for the upcoming season of Once Upon a Time (premiering September 30 at 8 p.m. on ABC).

As we’re getting closer to the Season 2 premiere of ABC’s Once Upon a Time, I’ve become more and more excited for what the cast and crew have in store for us this year. While there are many things I’d love to see in Season 2 (more magical creatures, more of the dwarves, more of the female friendships), here are a few of the big things that I’m wishing on a star to see in this sure-to-be magical second season.

Number One: A Charming Family Reunion
One of my favorite things about Once Upon a Time is the importance it places upon families and parent-child relationships. We’ve seen throughout Season One that being abandoned by her parents has had a profound effect on Emma, and her tearful confession in the pilot to Henry that “[…] at least she [Regina] wants you” makes us hurt with her from the start. Between that scene and the sequence (also from the pilot) that depicts Snow White and Prince Charming making the gut-wrenching decision to give the newborn Emma “her best chance” by sending her to safety through the wardrobe, I can’t help but yearn for a tearful, happy reunion for my favorite fairytale family. I know that the scene may not come right away, as Emma undoubtedly still has hurt and anger over being abandoned for all these years, but I trust that, with these writers, the payoff will be more than worth it.

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TV’s Top Musical Moments

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I love television, and I love music. When those two things are put together in the right way, they create magic and have the potential to elicit incredibly strong emotions. The right song choice has the ability to enhance a scene in a way that even the best writing or the most talented actors can’t accomplish.

Today at NGN, I want to take a look at five of the television shows I’ve watched over the years that I feel best use music to advance the story and enhance the emotional resonance of a scene. For each series, I’ve picked three musical moments that best represent why the show made my list. You never know—maybe you’ll find some new music to add to your iPod thanks to these shows (I know I have!).

The O.C.:
“California” (Phantom Planet) – 1.01 (“Pilot”): This song will always remind me of The O.C. It was the show’s theme song, but it was also used brilliantly in the pilot episode, with the intensity of the song growing as Ryan leaves Chino and enters the world of Orange County. That moment perfectly set the tone for the show, and the use of this song plays a huge part in that.

“Maybe I’m Amazed” (Jem) – 1.27 (“The Ties That Bind”): There is something hauntingly sad about this stripped-down version of such a classic love song. This makes it the perfect accompaniment to a scene of love and loss for Marissa and Ryan. The song is simple, and this moment is simple—free of the over-the-top drama this show was famous for but still heartbreaking in its own quiet way.

“Hallelujah” (Jeff Buckley) – 1.27 (“The Ties That Bind”): This episode of The O.C. clearly had some phenomenal music choices. This is one of those moments where all that an episode needs is the right song to reduce audiences to a weeping mess. The pure longing in this song (which is one of my all-time favorites) perfectly encapsulates the mood of each character in the closing minutes of the finale. No dialogue is needed, just the voice of Jeff Buckley reminding us all that “love is not a victory march.”

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Starting on a Good Note: My Favorite TV Pilots

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It’s TV pilot season—the time when we are introduced to the shows that stick with us forever and also the time when we can see which shows won’t make it past midseason.

Let’s be honest; most pilots are not as good as the shows they end up becoming. There’s a lot that writers, directors, and actors have to get across to the audience in a pilot, and oftentimes the story suffers as a result of so much exposition. The actors haven’t had the time to really understand their characters and develop memorable chemistry with their costars. And the look of the show is often less polished than it becomes with later episodes.

However, every season there are at least a couple of pilots that stand out from the pack. Some even transcend the stereotype and become beloved episodes for fans of the show, and an even smaller group can be considered some of the best episodes of television as a whole.

As we get closer to the time when we discover which of this year’s pilots are winners or losers, I’ve been thinking about my personal favorite pilots. Some introduced shows I have always considered must-see TV; some introduced shows I stopped watching somewhere along the way. But they all have a few things in common: They seamlessly blend exposition and entertainment; they introduce the characters in a way that made me care about them right from the start; and they reflect the best of what the show ultimately ended up becoming.

NGN’s Top 10 TV Pilots

10.) Grey’s Anatomy (“A Hard Day’s Night,” 2005): This pilot did a great job of introducing a large cast of characters and making us feel invested in their lives before the first hour was over. Meredith Grey is a deeply flawed but relatable (and intelligent) female protagonist, which is a rare viewpoint through which to tell a successful pilot. The chemistry between Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey burns from the very first scene of the episode, drawing viewers to the relationship between Meredith and Derek even before much is known about them. This pilot also manages to elicit strong emotions after such a short time with these characters. I dare you to watch (or re-watch) the final scene with Meredith and her mother without getting a little choked up.

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What Are You Watching?: Fall 2012 Edition

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September is right around the corner. For some people, that means the taste of apples, the sight of fall leaves, and going back to school. For me, September means the taste of pumpkin spice lattes, the sight of fashionable fall coats, and going back to my regular schedule of television shows.

With promos for new and returning shows all over the networks and the latest seasons of my favorite TV shows finally coming to DVD, my excitement for all of the upcoming series and season premieres is starting to rise exponentially.

In order to channel this excitement in a productive way (aka instead of watching the newest Castle promo for the 50th time), I’m sharing with you my TV viewing schedule for the start of the Fall 2012 season. Any new shows on my list are noted with pink text.

MONDAYS:
Dancing with the Stars (8 p.m., ABC): While I don’t agree with some of the “All Stars” that were cast for this season (Bristol Palin and Pamela Anderson? Really?), I am excited to see some of my favorites return to the dance floor. I’ve been watching this show since the end of its first season, so I’m eager to see the high quality of dancing that I know the majority of these celebrities are capable of achieving.  – Season Premiere 9/24

Castle (10 p.m., ABC): My favorite television show is known for its witty banter, deft mixing of comedy and drama, and blinding chemistry between its leads. Now, it’s looking to build on a strong, game-changing season finale, in which Castle and Beckett finally answered the “Will they or won’t they?” question. The next step for this show is to prove that getting the characters together was just another way to keep its trademark spark alive. If any cast and writing team can pull it off, it’s the ones behind the most entertaining procedural on television.  – Season Premiere 9/24

Revolution (10 p.m., NBC): J.J. Abrams and a dystopian American setting? Count me in!  As a longtime fan of Abrams from his work on Alias, I will always try a show that has his name attached, especially a show with a premise this original and interesting. However, the fact that it’s on at the same time as Castle means that it’s most definitely a DVR show for me. – Series Premiere 9/17

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The Legend of Korra: Anti-Feminism or Bad Writing?

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Nerdy Girl Contributor Jo takes a close look at the writing of female characters (especially the titular one) on The Legend of Korra: 

Earlier this year, I absolutely devoured the series Avatar: The Last Airbender. I watched all three seasons in about a week in anticipation of its sequel, The Legend of Korra. As a feminist, I was incredibly psyched about a series about a female Avatar. She would undoubtedly be awesome and kick-ass and “I am woman hear me roar.” Right?

After the first few episodes, I was disappointed. We are introduced to Korra when she already has three out of four bending abilities already under her belt – just handed to her by the writers. This is justifiable, I suppose. The writers didn’t want to just rehash Ang’s learning in ATLA again with Korra. However, despite being a powerful bender, she was not as strong as I had hoped, and she definitely didn’t have it all together. But Ang needed time to get it together too, so I gave her a few more episodes to get really in the swing of this whole ‘Avatar-thing.’

What unfolded in the remaining episodes seemed to be a story that happened around her rather than being her story. Supporting characters stole the show from the its supposed lead. Those most notable ones for me were:

Lin Bei Fong – inventor of metal bending*, daughter of Toph Bei Fong (from ATLA), and all-around kick-ass woman.

Bolin – sweet, silly, loyal Bolin. Powerful fire bender*. Dork extraordinaire.

Yes, Korra did things. Yes, her bending was good and she kicked butt in some fight scenes. Yes, she saved the day most days, but she never did it alone (until the finale – and even that is questionable). Ultimately, her struggles never really felt like struggles to me: Gee gosh, I can’t air bend. Darn.

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