Tag Archives: best thing on tv this week

The Best Thing I Saw on TV This Week (4/13 – 4/20)

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This week in television started off with another emotionally draining Sunday night, which included a look into the effects of Hook’s year without Emma on Once Upon a Time; a dramatic confrontation between Alicia and Peter on The Good Wife, and another wedding for the ages on Game of Thrones. Monday’s Dancing with the Stars provided some relief in the form of “Disney Night.” On Tuesday, New Girl attempted to deal with the fallout from Nick and Jess’s breakup, and The Mindy Project showed us Mindy and Danny struggling to move on from their brief time together. Thursday’s Parks and Recreation ended on one of the happiest notes in the show’s happy history, while Scandal‘s season finale used a variety of means to break audiences’ hearts. And Saturday’s Orphan Black season premiere hit the ground running and never looked back, with more twists and intrigue than ever before.

There were a plethora of great moments on television this week—from Joffrey finally meeting his end on Game of Thrones to Sarah knocking out Rachel on Orphan Black. However, there are times when my favorite thing on TV isn’t so much one moment but rather what an actor does over the course of an entire hour. That’s how I feel about Colin O’Donoghue’s work in this week’s Once Upon a Time. His ability to make a charming swashbuckler so earnest has always been one of the things that’s drawn me to Hook as a character, and he was at his best in “The Jolly Roger.” The scene where Hook begs Ariel/Zelena for a chance to atone for his sins and confesses his love for Emma was O’Donoghue’s finest work on the show to date. It was a heartbreaking picture of raw vulnerability, and it was another example of the fact that Once Upon a Time‘s most compelling moments occur when its talented cast is allowed to tap into very real emotions in the middle of the fairytale action around them.

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

 

The Best Thing I Saw on TV This Week (4/6 – 4/13)

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This week in television started off on Sunday with a trip into Zelena’s past on Once Upon a Time and the triumphant return of Game of Thrones. Monday’s episode of Dancing with the Stars shook up the show’s partnerships with varying degrees of success, and Tuesday’s hour of The Mindy Project broke all of our hearts but may have featured the comedy’s finest acting to date. And Thursday provided a trifecta of excellent episodes: A new addition to the Knope-Wyatt family was revealed on Parks and Recreation; the Suits season finale saw the end of both Scottie and Mike’s time as Pearson-Specter lawyers; and the lives of multiple important characters are hanging in the balance after Scandal‘s penultimate episode of the season.

I was going to choose Mindy and Danny’s terribly realistic breakup scene as the best moment of the week because Mindy Kaling and Chris Messina were just so good in it. However, it’s time I chose something uplifting again—and I am so thankful for Parks and Rec‘s happy pregnancy reveal, which took what could have been an ordinary episode and elevated it to one of the show’s turning points. Leslie revealing her pregnancy to Ben (just by saying she had good news for him) was the perfect showcase for Amy Poehler and Adam Scott’s warm chemistry and underrated talent for handling emotional moments with realism and sincerity. The subtlety, love, and genuine happiness in that scene was like comfort food for the soul after so many weeks of depressing television.

Because NBC doesn’t like to let me share their videos, relive the joy again by watching this scene over at EW.com! 

What was the best thing you saw 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?