This week:
- How I Met Your Mother
- Modern Family
- The Big Bang Theory
- The Office
- Parks and Recreation
Brover!
How I Met Your Mother – “The Autumn of Breakups”
I’m glad this episode finally arrived, because knowing that both Ted and Robin would end their current relationships soon made investing in any storyline with them difficult. I have mixed feelings about this episode. I thought aspects of it were very funny, like all of Barney’s bro/dog puns (and I’m always a fan of pets in costumes) and Lily training Marshall to dole out sage advice. (Also, I thought it was a funny and interesting take on the cliché movie and TV character of “wise black woman”. I hope I’m not giving them too much credit. I’m pretty sure that’s what they were doing.) But I had a big problem with the heart of the episode – Ted and Robin were both being really selfish.
I don’t think the clock was necessarily on pause when a couple breaks up and gets back together – I mean, both Ted and Victoria would have grown and changed in the six years they were apart – but since when has Ted been a commitment-phobe? The basis of his character has been his wanting to settle down, so it felt like he was treating Victoria unfairly. And Robin, well she was so insensitive to her boyfriend’s feelings that I just kept thinking how he could do so much better.
Then the end really bugged me. How is Robin the thing that was holding Ted and Victoria back? That might hold Victoria back, but Ted was the one stalling – until he proposed, because that’s what Ted does when he’s confused. So Ted chose Robin over his girlfriend, and Robin chose Barney over her boyfriend (they didn’t break up, but, yeah). And we’re in exactly the same place we were with this show, like, what…three, four, seven years ago? I’m tired.
Best moment: “How could Squirrelock Holmes turn on us like that? Eight weeks of training down the drain.”
Honestly, though, what IS she wearing?
Modern Family – “Arrested”
This week on Modern Family, Haley got thrown in jail for underage drinking and the whole family went into chaos. Mitchell tagged along to try and help Haley through the legal trouble, while Cam gave Luke an allergic reaction with disgusting soy bacon. And Jay had a rather unpleasant surprise when his ex showed up and, instead of once again attacking Gloria, teamed up with her against Jay. All the storylines worked really well – funny, sweet, and there were even some unexpected moments, like DeDe and Manny’s unlikely friendship. It’s a bummer that Haley got kicked out of college, but I like the idea that she screwed up and has to officially get it together now. Plus, it means she’ll be on the show more, and I missed her.
Best moment: “Where are you going?” “To get that man a waffle!” (Phil Dunphy as a strict dad? Kinda hot.)
Runner up: A lawyer for a panda! That is adorable.
2nd Runner up: “What’s that supposed to mean? You can’t even remember killing your cat.”
Fun with flags!
The Big Bang Theory – “The Habitation Configuration”
I wasn’t a huge fan of last week’s episode, but this week I found The Big Bang Theory to be quite delightful. Unfortunately, the Leonard/Penny storyline is doing nothing for the show right now, so focusing on Howard/Bernadette and Sheldon/Amy did only good things. It was nice to see Howard finally leave home, and Sheldon’s fight with Amy over, of all things, Wil Wheaton, was a treat for fans of the show who’ve watched Sheldon’s friendship with Wil develop. And honestly, what’s better than drunk Sheldon? Nothing, that’s what.
Best moment: As I said, drunk Sheldon. Vomiting in a bush. “You were so good in Stand By Me.”
You raise me up?
The Office – “The Boat”
I feel like I had a hard time staying focused while watching The Office this week, but I did think it was funny. Particularly, I liked the big radio show prank the gang pulled on Dwight. The titular boat storyline, I was less invested in that – until Josh Groban showed up, because I find him delightful.
Best moment: “I totally forgot about the affair for a minute!” Oh, Kevin.
Best TV couple ever.
Parks and Recreation – “Ben’s Parents”
Sometimes I hate reviewing Parks and Rec because I’d rather just sit back and enjoy how funny and great it is. I loved everything about this episode. Ben’s dad is Mike from Breaking Bad! That is so amazing! Ben’s awful family was the perfect foil for positive, can-do-spirit Leslie Knope. I also loved the stuff with Ron investing in Tom’s business, and anytime Jean Ralphio shows up things get even funnier. Parks is moving along at a good pace this season, and I’m looking forward to Joe Biden next week.
Best moment: Oh, goodness. There were many. Because of the excellent delivery, I’m going with “Leslie, we’re a Twizzlers family.”
