A Case of the Mondays

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I’m not sure what information you readers are privy to regarding the website relaunch, but basically with the new format (which I believe is a vast improvement), A Case of the Mondays will not be on the fall schedule. As such, this is my last edition, and also, fittingly, my 60th. Fret not, however, as I’ll still play a part in the television section of Version 3.0, just in a different capacity.

Nevertheless, I’d genuinely like to thank everybody who took the time to read my columns every week, and I especially want to thank those who took the time to write me e-mails with your thoughts on what I had to say. Along with that, I want to thank the higher ups at InsidePulse for giving me the opportunity to vent my thoughts. And I certainly hope any readers I have will continue reading my stuff on the new site.

Anyway, I’ve been meaning to discuss this season of Prison Break, but you guys will have to wait until the television section is previewed later this week (may I also say, I think the countdown to the relaunch has been done magnificently). However, there are some other shows I have to talk about, so this final edition won’t be a complete loss.

Before I get to the television stuff, I was checking out the ECW website earlier this week, and noticed that Vince McMahon wrote a little message apologizing for Matt Striker’s comment on Steve Irwing’s death. While I applaud the gesture (and do think it was genuine), I can’t help but find it bothersome that all the meanwhile, his company is STILL doing an angle on the death of Eddie Guerrero, having two of his closest friends fighting in his name, while having HIS WIDOW portray a heel. This poor woman…

JUSTICE:

The premise of this show definitely intrigued me when I first saw commercials for it, so I really wanted to make sure I gave it a chance. After two episodes, I remain pleasantly entertained. I really enjoy the step-by-step process of trial, from jury selection to media manipulation, to how they want to present the case, all while not knowing whether or not the client is innocent.

I think the pilot did a great job of establishing the pre-trial rituals. They really let you understand why they want certain people on the jury, and the use of the live mock jury to let the lawyers know what the jury is likely thinking. The second episode did touch upon this stuff, but definitely seemed to gloss over it a bit more. The two episodes also had a nice contrast of clients: The wealthy father whose wife was killed was clearly likable, while the young promiscuous woman whose lover was killed was decidedly more suspicious and dishonest.

The show is in a difficult position, I think, when it comes to revealing whether the client is innocent or guilty. Trust me, I think this is an intriguing gimmick and I think, thus far, they’ve done a wonderful job with it. I just hope they can maintain this, and not fall victim to stunt-booking, so to speak.

Anyway, so far, big thumbs up from my end of the computer.

ANIMATION DOMINATION:

The Simpsons – Well, this show is back for its 27th season, and they’re off to a good, if mediocre, start. For a moment there, I thought they were actually going to knock off Fat Tony. Man, who that have sucked. I also know that Simpsons hasn’t ever really been a stickler for continuity, but it really irks me that they never, ever make reference to Bart’s history with Fat Tony. I mean, hell, that WAS his first episode.

Also, what was up with the hostility between Bart and Otto? And speaking of Otto, I loved his line about Kearny still being in elementary school, and how they were in the third grade together. The Kearny being old jokes never seem to get old. Actually, scratch that, the show will soon run that into the ground as well.

American Dad – An alright episode, although the Camp Refugee stuff kinda dragged on. The absolute highlight of the episode was the stuff with Roger and Francine. Francine getting drunk and getting into an argument with Roger was priceless, particularly when he took off his glasses, cleaned them off, took a moment of silence, and then said “remember when you killed our baby?” While brief, Haley at the UN was pretty funny as well, being overly righteous when she thought she would b e there for a short time, but immediately turning apathetic when she realized her stay would be extended.

Family Guy – An enjoyable episode, with some real highlights as well. Particularly, Peter mistaking the evil monkey for Meg, Stewie’s strange fantasy in which Rupert is a well built adult male, and Kermit the Frog as a racist. I also got a real kick out of Peter’s unusual recollection of his prostate exam and Stewie repeatedly calling out to Lois, only to say “hi” and run away giggling. Also, I found it strange that they’d do a Sulu reference, only to do a Dr. McCoy one seconds later, but I was pleasantly surprised that they tied them together. Overall it was a really good episode and probably the strongest one in the line up.

Also, did anybody else notice how Dr. Hartman pulled the complete opposite character direction that Dr. Hibbert did? Dr. Hibbert went from legitimate doctor to almost comedic-incompetence, while Dr. Hartman has always been used as a “shtick” artist, yet this episode was portrayed as more or less completely serious and legitimate.

Well, that’s it for me this week. Actually, that’s it for this column. Keep checking the site for our TV preview, and then come back next week for the big relaunch. The new site is sure to be a vast improvement, and I hope all of you approve.

And now, forever, this Case is Closed!

Matt Basilo has been writing for Inside Pulse since April 2005, providing his insight into various popular television shows. Be sure to visit his blog at [a case of the blog] and follow him on Twitter.