Scenes from a man watching a soccer game played by young boys are cut with scenes of Annie playing soccer. The dusty street is a strong counterpoint to the beautifully manicured field. The man approaches another and asks who is winning, only to be told that the government always wins. More men block his escape. A man pulls a gun on him and he nearly escapes before being overtaken and garroted. The instrument used to kill him is his very own necklace, which makes an appearance later in the episode.
After the soccer game is over, a handsome man named Diego flirts with Annie, first in English and then in Spanish. He thinks she works at the Smithsonian and is surprised when Annie asks him to help her connect with his sister Julia.
Julia is the mistress to a man named Victor Ponce. A banker, she has access to funds and has helped to skim many millions of dollars from US oil interests. It is believed that Ponce is attempting to destabilize the region. Annie needs Diego’s help to convince his sister to help them get more information. Diego’s future in America is at high risk, and if he refuses to help, he’ll be sent home permanently.
Annie is to be Diego’s escort. When they arrive in Venezuela, she’ll hand him over to the field agent there. A Smithsonian ID is created for Annie, as well as a fake reason for her to be in Venezuela. She is to procure a letter President James Monroe wrote to Simon Bolivar. The carefully laid plans all unravel when it is revealed that their contact has not been heard from.
Annie is faced with frustrations and dangers on all levels. Julia is very suspicious of Annie’s motives, branding her a cougar and accusing her of distracting her brother. She sees right through Annie’s motives. With Auggie and Joan helping her work out the logistics and providing advice from home, Annie faces the task of convincing Julia to help them.
Even when Julia is faced with the truth of Victor, she is resistant to hearing anything but the best from her boyfriend. She is convinced that Victor will find out what she’s done and even the promise of an American passport and relocation doesn’t sway her. She has responsibilities to her homeland, her family, the neighborhood children. And she is in love with Victor and refuses to be swayed.
Auggie is frustrated by the wait for information and even Joan’s gentle words can’t pull him out of his funk. When Annie gets in touch with Auggie, she explains that there is a sophisticated security system of passwords that changes every minute. Auggie is familiar with the technology. All bank managers have this technology, which means Julia possesses an item just like it.
Annie devises a plan to switch Julia’s and Victor’s security key devices and uses the knowledge from Diego to arrange a get together. Victor is very friendly to Annie and expresses a wish to go with her as she collects the Monroe letter. While Annie and Diego are dining with Julia and Victor, a local operative sees Julia wearing a necklace that their missing operative owned. It is revealed that his body has been found in several pieces.
Has Annie been made? The domestic security folks scramble to determine if Annie’s identity has been compromised, but they agree that she does not fit the physical profile of a foreign operative. Furthermore, their data and intel doesn’t show that she has been made. They have agents surrounding her, and she should be safe at lunch—for the moment.
Annie and Julia split off to go to the power room and Annie questions Julia about her necklace. Julia is surprised by Annie’s determination and claims she has said nothing to compromise Annie’s identity. Annie reminds her of the time of their flight and Julia says that it is Annie’s flight and not hers. She has no intention of leaving.
Victor postures by driving at incredibly high speeds, quizzing her about her relationship with Diego. His conversation is laden with sexual innuendo. Victor offers to let Annie drive and she complies after laughingly sayings he can’t drive. She jams the gears a bit. When she is starting to get up to speed, Victor opens up the glove compartment and pulls out a book on Monroe. He’s had his minions search her car and has discovered her brand new Smithsonian ID as well. With Victor’s encouragement, Annie drives faster and exposes her skills.
It is then that Victor pulls a gun on Annie, ordering her out of the car. He calls his men and tells them where to pick Annie up. With some great hand to hand and driving techniques, she manages to dump him—bruised and bleeding—at the side of the road.
Annie contacts Auggie, who tells her Diego and Julia are at the bank and the CIA has a man just outside. Annie strides into the bank and tells Julia she has to act now. Julia is worried about Victor, but Annie assures her that he is alive. She uses the security info Annie has provided and gets the information up, where the CIA can access it.
Victor and his minions arrive at the bank and Diego watches them advance toward his sister and Annie. Julia and Annie flee out a side door of the bank, tripping the alarm. A CIA operative screeches to a halt beside them, but Julia hesitates for a few moments, torn between her love and the belief that Victor is innocent. Diego makes his way to the front of the bank and the CIA man there.
Annie and Diego have a chat about Julia and his future. He tells Annie that they’ll be relocated tomorrow and that his sister isn’t doing particularly well. Annie and Auggie chat about being field agents. The way Julia looks arouses suspicion in Annie and she and Auggie look up Julia’s bank accounts. They discover that the accounts were partially funded by Victor, who has allowed her to skim off some of the profits to help the neighborhood children.
Julia and Diego settle into the safe house with their agent and Julia takes his cell phone from him when his back is turned. Annie heads for the safe house just as Victor clears US Immigration. She says she is going to get some coffee and waves off the agent’s suggestion that he accompany her. Diego and their agent can’t find her and have searched in and around the buildings.
The CIA tracks Julia to East Potomac Park via taxi records and the agent hops out, gun drawn. Annie and Diego are to wait for him, but Diego jumps out of the car and starts racing to find his sister.
Julia and Victor have a reunion where he assures her he doesn’t blame her. They have a flight in an hour, he tells her, and escorts her to a car. As she spies Diego running toward her, Victor calmly tells her there is no going back, and one of his minions begins garroting her with her own chain. She manages to fight him off long enough for the agent to get some shots into the car. Victor starts driving, aiming for Diego and Annie, who dive out of the way just in time. Julia is found sobbing over Victor’s body, jumps out of the car, and hang on to her brother for dear life.
At the end of the episode, Annie stares at the bracelet her lover gave her and places it on a picture frame.
This was a rather complex episode that suffered by being far too predictable. From the opening moments of meeting Julia, I had her story arc figured out. While the twists and turns were done well, the episode lost significant impact because I knew they were coming
Lana Parrilla plays Julia with aplomb and ease, and I’m reminded of what a talented actress she is. I’d love to see her in a show with some staying power. She managed to convey Julia’s anguish well without overacting, and was the highlight of the episode.
While I appreciated that Annie was doing a foreign op, I found my need for believability stretched a bit. I’d like to know more about why the newcomer is being given such plumb assignments so soon. I don’t feel that has been adequately covered yet.
While this was an interesting episode, "South Bound Suarez" wasn’t a favorite for me.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
So You Think You Can Dance: The Top 4 Perform by Kara Howland
I think SYTYCD fatigue is finally setting in for me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m really enjoying this season. I’d be enjoying it more if Alex and Ashley were still around but I think we’ve still seen a lot of great dancing in Season 7. But only 3 can make it to the finale. Will your favorite make it through?
But, first we need to get some housekeeping out of the way. How does the wonderful and fabulous Cat Deeley fare? The hair is a bit too messy for me and I’ve seen her in dresses I’ve liked more. I do like the strange black webbed detailing on the bodice but the colorbands on the top are a bit much and the bottom of the dress is too loose.
Sigh. Why is there a panel of 4 judges now? I know it was instituted the week Kenny Ortega was on the show (so 2 weeks ago?) but I don’t like it. If they want us to hear different opinions swap a regular judge out and put a guest judge in. Wow. I am pretty opinionated tonight.
Group Routine
Lauren, Kent, Adechike, and Robert
Tyce DiOrio / Broadway
Rehearsal: They’re gamblers. The excitement takes over their bodies and they go crazy. They’re down to the last lap so it’s time to enjoy it. The top 4 should be like the 4th of July, fireworks.
The Crapshooter’s Dance / Guys & Dolls (50th Anniversary Cast Recording)
Performance: Nice interplay between Lauren and the guys. Adechike looks like a bit of a weak link here to me. I’m enjoying everyone else.
Judge’s critiques:
Tyce liked working with them. Kent stands out. Adam thinks it’s fun. What’s not to love? They’ve given us a lot of joy. Nigel says everyone is bidding for a place in the finale and one of them will be disappointed.
Further comment: Meh. It was a serviceable routine for me.
Lauren
All-star partner: Pasha
Miriam Larici & Leonardo Barrionuevo / Argentine Tango
Rehearsal: The most important thing is the relationship between the man and woman. It’s a conversation without any words. They’ve broken up and the guy is very sad in the nightclub. The female is seductive, manipulative, and sexy.
Oblivion / Astor Pizaaolla
Performance: I’m loving that it’s slow. Great connection. Very sexy. Great lifts and cool tricks. Really nice job. I barely had time to type anything because I am so engrossed.
Judge’s critiques:
Nigel’s eyes steamed up. The intensity and passion. The control is magnificent. Lauren showed why she’s here in the top 4. Tyce gives her props. The silence is golden and she uses it. Mia says the choreography is unbelievable. She just became a woman. So mature. It is simmering. Adam quotes Sting and says everything she does is magic.
Further comment: It was immensely enjoyable. I don’t think we’ve seen a tango like this before (well, I can’t remember one). Lauren can be sexy and she finally seems to be owning it.
Adechike
All-star partner: Lauren
Sean Cheeseman / Afro Jazz
Rehearsal: Sean’s throwing a little Afro Caribbean in as well. The story is the path to freedom. They’re looking for that Promised Land. They see it and start to rejoice.
The Path / Ralph MacDonald
Performance: Great quality of movement. It seems so natural for both of them. And they look like they’re having a blast although Adechike looks just a bit tight. Nice ending.
Judge’s critiques:
Nigel thinks it’s fun. Thanks Sean for the choreography. Wants Adechike him to relax his back. Tyce wants Adechike to look, find and discover. He could have taken it further. Mia didn’t care for that. It isn’t the piece, it’s the execution. Adechike can’t expand to the heavens. She wants to feel full body, mind, and heart. Adam thinks it’s about losing your center. He wants Adechike to forget the judges are there and dance for his life.
Further comment: I also feel like Adechike is holding back. We’ve seen him more exuberant and more engaged.
Robert
All-star partner: Anya
Jonathan Roberts / Viennese Waltz
Rehearsal: It’s very technical with complicated steps. Jonathan doesn’t think Robert is a ballroom expert yet.
Lost / Anouk
Performance: I like the Viennese waltz. I think Robert is doing a great job but it looks like he’s counting or something even though he’s performing it well. There are a lot of lifts, which they’re doing a great job with. I wanted to love it just a bit more.
Judge’s critiques:
Nigel thanks Jonathan for a beautiful routine. Robert has the beautiful carriage and he worked hard on the rise and fall. Excellent. Tyce thinks Robert invested wholeheartedly tonight. He wears it like a suit. Mia says it is so romantic, he’s the prince of the season. She wants him to relax and enjoy the ride. If there is ever a night to be brilliant, it’s tonight. And Adam calls Robert brilliant. He owns it.
Further comment: I’m with Mia. If Robert had really relaxed into it, it would have been gorgeous.
Kent
All-star partner: Courtney
Doriana Sanchez / Disco
Rehearsal: The story is inspired by love on the dance floor. Kent knows that Disco is very upbeat in shiny clothes.
When Love Takes Over / David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland
Performance: I’m enjoying it so far. Great energy. Some of the transitions in Disco can be rough and there is no exception here. I thought there would be more lifts. They did a great job.
Judge’s critiques:
Nigel asks Kent if he’s done anything like this before, and he hasn’t. They lost some lifts. Kent didn’t make it cheesy. Tyce’s recommendation is for Kent to do research on a style he doesn’t know. He did well. Mia thinks it was a little rough. It wasn’t the partnering. Movement felt compact; the worst performance from Kent this season. Adam agrees with Mia. His performance is too youthful.
Further comment: I would have liked to see more lifts. I think Kent got a big break here and it’s not fair to the rest of the dancers. I didn’t want to see him drop Courtney but if there’s something he doesn’t do well we need to see it.
Lauren
All-star partner: Ade
Sean Cheesman / Jazz
Rehearsal: It’s about Lauren trying to seduce and lure Ade. Lauren has to be vampy, sexy, and enticing. The catch is Lauren is a deadly black widow. The movement is kind of animalistic.
Hide U (John Creamer & Stephanie K Remix) / Kosheen
Performance: Cool opening. I’m loving it. That lift was strange and cool. Great job. My eyes are on Lauren almost the whole time.
Judge’s critiques:
Nigel thinks that upside down lift is amazing. Strong work. It is masculine and Lauren is sexy doing it. He hopes people will think she deserves to be in the finale because she does. Tyce snaps at her. He wanted a bit more ferociousness. Her dancing is spectacular. Mia calls Lauren a beast. She loves strong female dancers. The sexual chemistry wasn’t as evident. It is amazing. Adam says he wants to hire her.
Further comment: I agree about the chemistry. Lauren and Ade just don’t have any. But I’m ok with it because the dancing is so strong.
Adechike
All-star partner: Kathryn
Dwight Rohden & Desmond Richardson / Multiple styles
Rehearsal: They’ve worked with Adechike before and they’ve watched him grow. They wanted to give Adechike a challenge and to showcase his gifts.
Fearless Love / Melissa Etheridge
Performance: I’m seeing the exuberance and power. I think he’s really letting himself go. And Kathryn has been so amazing this season. The ending was a bit rough but great job.
Judge’s critiques:
Nigel thinks Adechike has showcased his talents across the season. He loses a little bit of wind at the end. He’s got to keep that strength. Tyce wants to celebrate where Adechike’s at. Adechike put a piece of himself on that dance floor. Mia wanted more. Adechike has the potential for being a superhero dancer. She sees moments and glimpses of Desmond coming through in Adechike. He’s moving and growing. Adam thinks Adechike really lays it all out there. He’s super proud.
Further comment: I totally agree with the judges. He’s tired and he can’t hide it. He’s giving it his best and there are some great moments coming through, but not always.
Robert
All-star partner: Dominic
Tabitha & Napoleon / Hip Hop
Rehearsal: Two clowns have just found out their big top is closing. By nature clowns want to be happy. The clowns are aggravated when they find out. NappyTabs wants this routine to be different.
Scars / Basement Jaxx feat. Kelis, Meleka & Chipmunk
Performance: It’s so strange but I like it so far. Robert is doing a great job of keeping up with Dominic. Strange. But cool.
Judge’s critiques:
Nigel loves it. Creative choreography. Tremendous. Whatever they throw at Robert, he just does it. It’s hard to critique it. He’s brilliant. Tyce loves the Tab and Nap. Robert really shows up to this piece. He takes it on and makes it magic. Mia likes the concept of Hip Hop Theater. Robert commits to everything, perfect. He’s had an amazing evening. Adam says Robert out danced Dominic. He’s brilliant. This night is Robert’s.
Further comment: Robert didn’t out dance Dominic. I think he’s done an amazing job tonight but he DID NOT out dance Dom. Didn’t happen.
Kent
All-star partner: Neil
Travis Wall / Contemporary
Rehearsal: It’s about two guys who are best friends. Neil isn’t the friend that Kent thought he was. Neil stabs him in the back and after fighting back Kent realizes he just needs to walk away.
How It Ends / DeVotchKa
Performance: I love that they’re so connected. Great lifts. Amazing technique. Great jumps. Travis is brilliant. Brilliant. It looked like a bit of a lovers quarrel at the end but it was pretty impressive.
Judge’s critiques:
Nigel calls the piece inspirational. Stunning. Kent danced it brilliantly. Outstanding. He just booked a place in the finale. Tyce asks if Kent’s kidding him. Excellence was just delivered by the choreographer, dancer, and all-star. Mia thinks it’s the first time that she can’t find words but she is crying. So real, so uncomfortably awful. That’s what true genius is. The combination of the three of them is perfect. Adam calls Travis brilliant. If tonight had been the finale, Kent would have just won the show.
Further comment: What a great story. I’m sorry Travis got stabbed in the back but without that he wouldn’t have given us this amazing piece. Kent, butch it up just a little. But great job.
What did you think? I’m a bit disappointed in the structure of tonight’s show. I didn’t get it. I would have liked to see each dancer perform a solo and I would have loved to see them dance together – but not in a group dance. I didn’t watch the little recap moments so I can’t tell you whether or not those were good.
I think Kent has it in the bag. He’s just too popular with those tweens and teens. But who do I think will make it into the top 3? Kent, Lauren, and Robert. Robert was a bit of a dark horse before tonight but he really stepped it up. Adechike will still get a lot of votes but he disappointed in all three of his dances tonight. I hope Lauren gets the votes she needs because she deserves to be in the finale.
Thoughts? Who do you think belongs in the finale?
But, first we need to get some housekeeping out of the way. How does the wonderful and fabulous Cat Deeley fare? The hair is a bit too messy for me and I’ve seen her in dresses I’ve liked more. I do like the strange black webbed detailing on the bodice but the colorbands on the top are a bit much and the bottom of the dress is too loose.
Sigh. Why is there a panel of 4 judges now? I know it was instituted the week Kenny Ortega was on the show (so 2 weeks ago?) but I don’t like it. If they want us to hear different opinions swap a regular judge out and put a guest judge in. Wow. I am pretty opinionated tonight.
Group Routine
Lauren, Kent, Adechike, and Robert
Tyce DiOrio / Broadway
Rehearsal: They’re gamblers. The excitement takes over their bodies and they go crazy. They’re down to the last lap so it’s time to enjoy it. The top 4 should be like the 4th of July, fireworks.
The Crapshooter’s Dance / Guys & Dolls (50th Anniversary Cast Recording)
Performance: Nice interplay between Lauren and the guys. Adechike looks like a bit of a weak link here to me. I’m enjoying everyone else.
Judge’s critiques:
Tyce liked working with them. Kent stands out. Adam thinks it’s fun. What’s not to love? They’ve given us a lot of joy. Nigel says everyone is bidding for a place in the finale and one of them will be disappointed.
Further comment: Meh. It was a serviceable routine for me.
Lauren
All-star partner: Pasha
Miriam Larici & Leonardo Barrionuevo / Argentine Tango
Rehearsal: The most important thing is the relationship between the man and woman. It’s a conversation without any words. They’ve broken up and the guy is very sad in the nightclub. The female is seductive, manipulative, and sexy.
Oblivion / Astor Pizaaolla
Performance: I’m loving that it’s slow. Great connection. Very sexy. Great lifts and cool tricks. Really nice job. I barely had time to type anything because I am so engrossed.
Judge’s critiques:
Nigel’s eyes steamed up. The intensity and passion. The control is magnificent. Lauren showed why she’s here in the top 4. Tyce gives her props. The silence is golden and she uses it. Mia says the choreography is unbelievable. She just became a woman. So mature. It is simmering. Adam quotes Sting and says everything she does is magic.
Further comment: It was immensely enjoyable. I don’t think we’ve seen a tango like this before (well, I can’t remember one). Lauren can be sexy and she finally seems to be owning it.
Adechike
All-star partner: Lauren
Sean Cheeseman / Afro Jazz
Rehearsal: Sean’s throwing a little Afro Caribbean in as well. The story is the path to freedom. They’re looking for that Promised Land. They see it and start to rejoice.
The Path / Ralph MacDonald
Performance: Great quality of movement. It seems so natural for both of them. And they look like they’re having a blast although Adechike looks just a bit tight. Nice ending.
Judge’s critiques:
Nigel thinks it’s fun. Thanks Sean for the choreography. Wants Adechike him to relax his back. Tyce wants Adechike to look, find and discover. He could have taken it further. Mia didn’t care for that. It isn’t the piece, it’s the execution. Adechike can’t expand to the heavens. She wants to feel full body, mind, and heart. Adam thinks it’s about losing your center. He wants Adechike to forget the judges are there and dance for his life.
Further comment: I also feel like Adechike is holding back. We’ve seen him more exuberant and more engaged.
Robert
All-star partner: Anya
Jonathan Roberts / Viennese Waltz
Rehearsal: It’s very technical with complicated steps. Jonathan doesn’t think Robert is a ballroom expert yet.
Lost / Anouk
Performance: I like the Viennese waltz. I think Robert is doing a great job but it looks like he’s counting or something even though he’s performing it well. There are a lot of lifts, which they’re doing a great job with. I wanted to love it just a bit more.
Judge’s critiques:
Nigel thanks Jonathan for a beautiful routine. Robert has the beautiful carriage and he worked hard on the rise and fall. Excellent. Tyce thinks Robert invested wholeheartedly tonight. He wears it like a suit. Mia says it is so romantic, he’s the prince of the season. She wants him to relax and enjoy the ride. If there is ever a night to be brilliant, it’s tonight. And Adam calls Robert brilliant. He owns it.
Further comment: I’m with Mia. If Robert had really relaxed into it, it would have been gorgeous.
Kent
All-star partner: Courtney
Doriana Sanchez / Disco
Rehearsal: The story is inspired by love on the dance floor. Kent knows that Disco is very upbeat in shiny clothes.
When Love Takes Over / David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland
Performance: I’m enjoying it so far. Great energy. Some of the transitions in Disco can be rough and there is no exception here. I thought there would be more lifts. They did a great job.
Judge’s critiques:
Nigel asks Kent if he’s done anything like this before, and he hasn’t. They lost some lifts. Kent didn’t make it cheesy. Tyce’s recommendation is for Kent to do research on a style he doesn’t know. He did well. Mia thinks it was a little rough. It wasn’t the partnering. Movement felt compact; the worst performance from Kent this season. Adam agrees with Mia. His performance is too youthful.
Further comment: I would have liked to see more lifts. I think Kent got a big break here and it’s not fair to the rest of the dancers. I didn’t want to see him drop Courtney but if there’s something he doesn’t do well we need to see it.
Lauren
All-star partner: Ade
Sean Cheesman / Jazz
Rehearsal: It’s about Lauren trying to seduce and lure Ade. Lauren has to be vampy, sexy, and enticing. The catch is Lauren is a deadly black widow. The movement is kind of animalistic.
Hide U (John Creamer & Stephanie K Remix) / Kosheen
Performance: Cool opening. I’m loving it. That lift was strange and cool. Great job. My eyes are on Lauren almost the whole time.
Judge’s critiques:
Nigel thinks that upside down lift is amazing. Strong work. It is masculine and Lauren is sexy doing it. He hopes people will think she deserves to be in the finale because she does. Tyce snaps at her. He wanted a bit more ferociousness. Her dancing is spectacular. Mia calls Lauren a beast. She loves strong female dancers. The sexual chemistry wasn’t as evident. It is amazing. Adam says he wants to hire her.
Further comment: I agree about the chemistry. Lauren and Ade just don’t have any. But I’m ok with it because the dancing is so strong.
Adechike
All-star partner: Kathryn
Dwight Rohden & Desmond Richardson / Multiple styles
Rehearsal: They’ve worked with Adechike before and they’ve watched him grow. They wanted to give Adechike a challenge and to showcase his gifts.
Fearless Love / Melissa Etheridge
Performance: I’m seeing the exuberance and power. I think he’s really letting himself go. And Kathryn has been so amazing this season. The ending was a bit rough but great job.
Judge’s critiques:
Nigel thinks Adechike has showcased his talents across the season. He loses a little bit of wind at the end. He’s got to keep that strength. Tyce wants to celebrate where Adechike’s at. Adechike put a piece of himself on that dance floor. Mia wanted more. Adechike has the potential for being a superhero dancer. She sees moments and glimpses of Desmond coming through in Adechike. He’s moving and growing. Adam thinks Adechike really lays it all out there. He’s super proud.
Further comment: I totally agree with the judges. He’s tired and he can’t hide it. He’s giving it his best and there are some great moments coming through, but not always.
Robert
All-star partner: Dominic
Tabitha & Napoleon / Hip Hop
Rehearsal: Two clowns have just found out their big top is closing. By nature clowns want to be happy. The clowns are aggravated when they find out. NappyTabs wants this routine to be different.
Scars / Basement Jaxx feat. Kelis, Meleka & Chipmunk
Performance: It’s so strange but I like it so far. Robert is doing a great job of keeping up with Dominic. Strange. But cool.
Judge’s critiques:
Nigel loves it. Creative choreography. Tremendous. Whatever they throw at Robert, he just does it. It’s hard to critique it. He’s brilliant. Tyce loves the Tab and Nap. Robert really shows up to this piece. He takes it on and makes it magic. Mia likes the concept of Hip Hop Theater. Robert commits to everything, perfect. He’s had an amazing evening. Adam says Robert out danced Dominic. He’s brilliant. This night is Robert’s.
Further comment: Robert didn’t out dance Dominic. I think he’s done an amazing job tonight but he DID NOT out dance Dom. Didn’t happen.
Kent
All-star partner: Neil
Travis Wall / Contemporary
Rehearsal: It’s about two guys who are best friends. Neil isn’t the friend that Kent thought he was. Neil stabs him in the back and after fighting back Kent realizes he just needs to walk away.
How It Ends / DeVotchKa
Performance: I love that they’re so connected. Great lifts. Amazing technique. Great jumps. Travis is brilliant. Brilliant. It looked like a bit of a lovers quarrel at the end but it was pretty impressive.
Judge’s critiques:
Nigel calls the piece inspirational. Stunning. Kent danced it brilliantly. Outstanding. He just booked a place in the finale. Tyce asks if Kent’s kidding him. Excellence was just delivered by the choreographer, dancer, and all-star. Mia thinks it’s the first time that she can’t find words but she is crying. So real, so uncomfortably awful. That’s what true genius is. The combination of the three of them is perfect. Adam calls Travis brilliant. If tonight had been the finale, Kent would have just won the show.
Further comment: What a great story. I’m sorry Travis got stabbed in the back but without that he wouldn’t have given us this amazing piece. Kent, butch it up just a little. But great job.
What did you think? I’m a bit disappointed in the structure of tonight’s show. I didn’t get it. I would have liked to see each dancer perform a solo and I would have loved to see them dance together – but not in a group dance. I didn’t watch the little recap moments so I can’t tell you whether or not those were good.
I think Kent has it in the bag. He’s just too popular with those tweens and teens. But who do I think will make it into the top 3? Kent, Lauren, and Robert. Robert was a bit of a dark horse before tonight but he really stepped it up. Adechike will still get a lot of votes but he disappointed in all three of his dances tonight. I hope Lauren gets the votes she needs because she deserves to be in the finale.
Thoughts? Who do you think belongs in the finale?
Burn Notice: Where There's Smoke by BJ
In "Where There’s Smoke," the women in Michael’s life face danger in very different ways, with somewhat surprising revelations along the way.
When Michael and Jesse need Madeline’s help to infiltrate a bank, they find she’s reluctant to help without a great deal of information. The two men work together to set her at ease, figuring she will only get a slap on the wrist. Madeline’s task is to set up an account at the bank, and the light a cigarette inside the safety deposit area and set the sensors and alarms off, thus giving Michael and Jesse time to acquire vital intel.
While Maddie’s smoking does set the alarm systems off, she is subsequently taken into custody. Michael worries that he might be compromised, but Madeline is able to wiggle out of any potential problems by turning her emotions on. Now that Michael and Jesse have the intel they need, they can put their plan into action.
Fiona and Sam are set to be security at a very exclusive luxury party. Businessman Christian and his wife, Sarah, are distantly professional and the husband explains that he’s worried that his company’s new project might be stolen. Fiona and Sam are tasked with watching over things so that nobody at the party gets near the new item—a very high-end battery.
Things don’t go quite according to plan. As Sam and Fiona are familiarizing themselves with the layout and information, Fiona spies some intruders moving in. She takes Sarah and hides in the bathroom, warning Sam of the impending trouble. But instead of the gunmen going for the battery, they make a beeline for the women, taking first Sarah, and then Fiona, who assures them her husband is quite wealthy.
The gunmen lay down such fire that Sam can only retreat for his own safety.
Sam calls in Jesse and Mike and asks for their help. The men are unsure if this is a targeted attack against Fi or a more generalized kidnapping attempt. In any event, they need more information before they can determine what individuals have the ladies and what they might want.
When a webcam call comes in from Sarah, Fiona is able to get a coded message to Michael and company that after a ransom is paid, the kidnappers plan to kill the ladies. This makes the situation all the more dire.
Fiona uses her cool under pressure to manipulate the kidnappers and gathers some items that could assist in their escape. She also convinces Sarah to role-play along with her and create some angst between them, to further distract the kidnappers.
It becomes clear that Christian has set up payment for his wife’s freedom, going directly against Michael’s orders. Michael and Jesse have a heated exchange, where Jesse learns Christian played him. Christian’s move has put both women in even more danger.
Fiona continues to use ingenuity and thinking outside the box to get the men the information they need to find her. She continues to bond with her captor, getting him to let his guard down. In a tense moment, she asks him to shoot her and get the act over with, but has rigged an explosion to pull his attention away. She gets the upper hand, just as Sam walks in and greets her.
Michael uses one of the kidnappers as leverage to get Sarah’s freedom. When the job is done, and Fiona is home safely, she and Michael share a passionate kiss, a non-verbal declaration of their feelings. Madeline gives Jesse some gentle advice about hiding his feelings for Fiona and explains gently that Michael and Fiona are in each other’s blood.
The episode ends with Jesse and Michael getting into the bank and discovering a Bible with a mysterious message, pointing to a man named Simon. While Jesse has no idea who this is, Michael knows Simon’s identity.
I found this episode to be a bit uneven. The build-up was great, but the episode lost momentum about two-thirds of the way through, and the payoff was quite unsatisfying for me. I felt that Christian and Sarah faded into the background too easily and that the ending was rather rushed.
The notion that Jesse has feelings for Fiona does add an interesting layer to the group dynamic and is not altogether shocking. I’d like to see this dealt with in a mature manner by all parties in future episodes.
I really enjoyed Madeline’s inclusion into the B storyline and loved that she has again been relied upon to think on her feet. Steven Culp as Christian was a delight to see on my TV again, but I felt he was a bit underused.
While "Where There’s Smoke" offered some thrills, it wasn’t one of my favorite episodes of the season.
Monday, August 2, 2010
White Collar: Copycat Caffrey by Claudia Charles
I was a little mixed on this episode of White Collar. The opening scene was pretty fascinating because we saw that although Neal is now helping the FBI, he still has the heart of an excellent thief. That’s what they need from him but there still seems to be that genuine desire to complete the perfect theft that Neal seems to crave. The banter between Peter and Neal continues to be enjoyable. They are becoming almost yin to each other’s yang. The bromance continues.
Alex returns in this episode. Don't know if you remember but Alex (Gloria Votsis) came in during the end of the first season as one of Neal’s con-man friends. She seems to have a lot of feelings for Neal but because he was in love with Kate, they never got together. I wish I saw better chemistry between these two actors but I really don’t. Thankfully, her return engagement was more about wrapping up her storyline and then providing a missing piece to the music box angle of the story.
I have to say I found Neal being so proud of his very own copycat a bit annoying. I felt like they overplayed this aspect throughout the episode and that was part of the reason I felt mixed about enjoying it. However, I liked that they continued to deal with Neal’s dubious scholarly past. Peter seems to be intrigued with the fact that the con artist doesn’t have any education but has managed to get himself to where he is in his life.
I particularly enjoyed the introduction of Aidan Quinn as Professor George Oswald teaching the criminology course. I would have loved for him to be my professor. I don’t think I would have missed a class. A trio of students made themselves quite evident from the beginning of the scene. It did leave me wondering though that if they are studying Neal Caffrey, is it not common knowledge he is now working for the Feds?
I wish the professor's minions had been more compelling to watch. Eric came off exactly the way he was supposed to but it didn’t hold my attention. As for Neal, he set up the Professor and his minions quite easily. Although I love that Oswald got the jump on Neal and stole the Krugerrands himself.
The scene with Peter being a representative of the Detroit mob was fun. Mozzie cuing him on what to say was hilarious. Peter seems to be having trouble not laughing while he was playing his role. Love Tim DeKay!!
Overall, it's a decent episode but it isn’t my favorite. I will note that in this episode they did have the perfunctory scene with Peter talking with Elizabeth with a totally fake background. Hopefully they will realize that this doesn't work and will wait until Tiffani Thiessen is able to return.
One More Thought
Alex returns in this episode. Don't know if you remember but Alex (Gloria Votsis) came in during the end of the first season as one of Neal’s con-man friends. She seems to have a lot of feelings for Neal but because he was in love with Kate, they never got together. I wish I saw better chemistry between these two actors but I really don’t. Thankfully, her return engagement was more about wrapping up her storyline and then providing a missing piece to the music box angle of the story.
I have to say I found Neal being so proud of his very own copycat a bit annoying. I felt like they overplayed this aspect throughout the episode and that was part of the reason I felt mixed about enjoying it. However, I liked that they continued to deal with Neal’s dubious scholarly past. Peter seems to be intrigued with the fact that the con artist doesn’t have any education but has managed to get himself to where he is in his life.
I particularly enjoyed the introduction of Aidan Quinn as Professor George Oswald teaching the criminology course. I would have loved for him to be my professor. I don’t think I would have missed a class. A trio of students made themselves quite evident from the beginning of the scene. It did leave me wondering though that if they are studying Neal Caffrey, is it not common knowledge he is now working for the Feds?
I wish the professor's minions had been more compelling to watch. Eric came off exactly the way he was supposed to but it didn’t hold my attention. As for Neal, he set up the Professor and his minions quite easily. Although I love that Oswald got the jump on Neal and stole the Krugerrands himself.
The scene with Peter being a representative of the Detroit mob was fun. Mozzie cuing him on what to say was hilarious. Peter seems to be having trouble not laughing while he was playing his role. Love Tim DeKay!!
Overall, it's a decent episode but it isn’t my favorite. I will note that in this episode they did have the perfunctory scene with Peter talking with Elizabeth with a totally fake background. Hopefully they will realize that this doesn't work and will wait until Tiffani Thiessen is able to return.
One More Thought
- I enjoyed seeing Michael Boatman in this episode. His character (Russell Smith) was looking into Alex because of the music box. His role seemed surprisingly small, however. Michael has been around along time. In everything from Arliss and Spin City, I'm glad he found his way onto White Collar.
True Blood: Hitting the Ground by Kara Howland
Wow. My fingers are practically falling off from all that fast and furious note taking. Talk about non-stop action. Let’s get right to it.
Lorena Dies a True Death
I don’t know about you but Tina Charles and I are very glad she finally met her demise, and at Sookie’s hand. Not only did I dread her every appearance but she polluted Bill in my opinion. I still have trouble believing he had sex with her earlier in the season – which, I think, in True Blood time was last week. It still makes me shudder. Thank God She’s Dead (TGSD). I don’t know if she met her demise this way in the books but I say good riddance.
Alcide Kills Cooter
Debbie is looking like such a crack whore these days. Not only is she going through serious V withdrawal when she stumbles upon Alcide, Sookie, and Tara trying to make a getaway with their vampire burrito but that little encounter gives us some good back story on the two former lovebirds. Alcide refused to get Debbie pregnant because he didn’t want his kid to be a wolf. Very interesting. And where did that gun come from? It’s very telling that he refuses to pull it until Cooter shows up. When Alcide kills Cooter Debbie vows to hunt him down. I can’t wait to see that.
Russell Beheads the Magister, But Not Before He Gets Married
Just as the magister is about to pierce Pam’s eyelid with a sterling silver earring from Tiffany’s – and don’t you know it Pam is a Tiffany’s kind of girl – Eric barges in. It is so nice to see Eric come to her rescue, finally. Pam was definitely a trooper and managed to keep her sense of humor throughout her confinement. The magister learns Eric is now loyal to Russell after he turns on his Queen. When the magister tries to arrest Sophie-Anne, Russell will have none of it. As the magister threatens to report Russell to the “authority” the magister finds himself on the very table he used to torture Pam. Russell claims he’s the new authority in town and demands that the magister marry him. After a bit of torture from his own device, the magister relents and weds the King of Mississippi to the Queen of Louisiana. Russell states that he only recognizes the law of nature right before beheading the magister.
Tara Thinks She Turns Bill Into Ash
Sookie opens up her arm and gets Bill to drink. But she gets more then she bargains for when Bill overpowers her and nearly drains her dry. And the kick is that he doesn’t even remember it. When Tara discovers Sookie motionless in the back of the truck she kicks Bill to the curb. And what’s strange is that he doesn’t start steaming up immediately. It shocks Bill too but as the truck pulls away, he starts to get crispy and quickly takes shelter.
Sookie Discovers a Bit More About Her Powers
That might be overstating things but we do seem to learn a little more. In her strange dream state (heaven?), Sookie meets Claudine. She tells Sookie she’s in the hospital and that they must refill her cup. Sookie has had this drink before. A woman emerges from the pond and we learn the pond is deeper then we can imagine. After some dancing, Sookie needs to take a break. Claudine doesn’t want Sookie to go back. When Bill shows up in Sookie’s hospital room, day turns into night in the dream and all the other people (or beings) quickly get into the water. Sookie can’t swim so she can’t join them. When she collapses in the dream, Sookie wakes up in real life after Bill has given her his blood intravenously. And she starts screaming. The last thing Claudine said to her in the dream was that “he” would take her light. Can she mean Bill or is there something else out there that wants it?
Sam Saves His Brother From Their Parents
Sam finds the location of the dog fights and approaches a man who is guarding a dirt road. I have to admit to liking the persona Sam adopts when he has talking to that back road hick. I didn’t like the words coming out of his mouth but I did like his cocky attitude. It made him hotter. And that only made me want to see him in a better story line. I’m just not appreciating this one. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad Sam put an end to that dog-fighting ring. Now I’d like to see Tommy stop being so bratty and I’d love to see a new love interest for Sam.
Jason Is A Love-Sick Puppy
Even though Jason claims he was in love with Lizzie Caplan’s Amy, I think this is truly his first time. He was a love virgin before now. I had to laugh when Jason wondered aloud of Crystal was named after the champagne. First of all, Jason, that’s Cristal not Crystal. Hoyt (oh, it’s so good to see him) thinks maybe Crystal’s middle name is Meth. I had to laugh. So as not to watch Jason mope around the house, Hoyt suggests Jason pay a visit to the drug dealer Jason apprehended when he first saw Crystal. It turns out the Tdub is Crystal’s cousin. And he’s happy to give Jason information on Crystal if Jason will get him some meth. He’s jonesing bad.
Summer Makes Her Intentions Known to Hoyt
She’s adorable. While I kinda want to hold out hope for a Hoyt and Jessica reunion, I have to admit to warming up to Summer. Her little vampire joke at the door is so cute and I love that she’s baking for her man. Well, the man her man could smell like. Sorry, I was thinking about all those awesome Old Spice commercials. She’s thinking about the man she wants to make hers. Summer wants Hoyt to be her boyfriend. Now that she’s made her intentions clear she goes about sprucing the place up.
Other things I found interesting:
- I think it’s kinda awesome that Hadley whispers something about Sookie in Eric’s ear that we don’t hear. And it’s so interesting that Queen Sophie-Anne really doesn’t want Eric to know that secret. I can’t wait to find out what it is and when he’ll talk to Sookie about it.
- Sookie’s parents didn’t die in the flood. What? If they didn’t die in the flood, how did they die? And why?
- Sookie doesn’t have a blood type. Her body rejects O, the universal donor. She also wasn’t born in a hospital.
- Lafayette prays over Sookie, using words from the Inuit.
- Andy knows he’s made a huge mistake in letting Jason become a cop in training. Like, duh.
Is this really the end for Sookie and Bill? I hope not although I have to admit to wanting to see her with Eric or Alcide or both. And Halleluiah and we’ve gotten our Tara back. It was fun watching her be so scared by Franklin – who, by the way, can’t be dead yet. Tara didn’t stake him or cut his head off. But it’s nice to see Tara fighting for her friend and being pissed when Jason undermines her authority. And what do you think will happen when Russell discovers that Sookie is gone? It’s gonna be awesome.
Lorena Dies a True Death
I don’t know about you but Tina Charles and I are very glad she finally met her demise, and at Sookie’s hand. Not only did I dread her every appearance but she polluted Bill in my opinion. I still have trouble believing he had sex with her earlier in the season – which, I think, in True Blood time was last week. It still makes me shudder. Thank God She’s Dead (TGSD). I don’t know if she met her demise this way in the books but I say good riddance.
Alcide Kills Cooter
Debbie is looking like such a crack whore these days. Not only is she going through serious V withdrawal when she stumbles upon Alcide, Sookie, and Tara trying to make a getaway with their vampire burrito but that little encounter gives us some good back story on the two former lovebirds. Alcide refused to get Debbie pregnant because he didn’t want his kid to be a wolf. Very interesting. And where did that gun come from? It’s very telling that he refuses to pull it until Cooter shows up. When Alcide kills Cooter Debbie vows to hunt him down. I can’t wait to see that.
Russell Beheads the Magister, But Not Before He Gets Married
Just as the magister is about to pierce Pam’s eyelid with a sterling silver earring from Tiffany’s – and don’t you know it Pam is a Tiffany’s kind of girl – Eric barges in. It is so nice to see Eric come to her rescue, finally. Pam was definitely a trooper and managed to keep her sense of humor throughout her confinement. The magister learns Eric is now loyal to Russell after he turns on his Queen. When the magister tries to arrest Sophie-Anne, Russell will have none of it. As the magister threatens to report Russell to the “authority” the magister finds himself on the very table he used to torture Pam. Russell claims he’s the new authority in town and demands that the magister marry him. After a bit of torture from his own device, the magister relents and weds the King of Mississippi to the Queen of Louisiana. Russell states that he only recognizes the law of nature right before beheading the magister.
Tara Thinks She Turns Bill Into Ash
Sookie opens up her arm and gets Bill to drink. But she gets more then she bargains for when Bill overpowers her and nearly drains her dry. And the kick is that he doesn’t even remember it. When Tara discovers Sookie motionless in the back of the truck she kicks Bill to the curb. And what’s strange is that he doesn’t start steaming up immediately. It shocks Bill too but as the truck pulls away, he starts to get crispy and quickly takes shelter.
Sookie Discovers a Bit More About Her Powers
That might be overstating things but we do seem to learn a little more. In her strange dream state (heaven?), Sookie meets Claudine. She tells Sookie she’s in the hospital and that they must refill her cup. Sookie has had this drink before. A woman emerges from the pond and we learn the pond is deeper then we can imagine. After some dancing, Sookie needs to take a break. Claudine doesn’t want Sookie to go back. When Bill shows up in Sookie’s hospital room, day turns into night in the dream and all the other people (or beings) quickly get into the water. Sookie can’t swim so she can’t join them. When she collapses in the dream, Sookie wakes up in real life after Bill has given her his blood intravenously. And she starts screaming. The last thing Claudine said to her in the dream was that “he” would take her light. Can she mean Bill or is there something else out there that wants it?
Sam Saves His Brother From Their Parents
Sam finds the location of the dog fights and approaches a man who is guarding a dirt road. I have to admit to liking the persona Sam adopts when he has talking to that back road hick. I didn’t like the words coming out of his mouth but I did like his cocky attitude. It made him hotter. And that only made me want to see him in a better story line. I’m just not appreciating this one. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad Sam put an end to that dog-fighting ring. Now I’d like to see Tommy stop being so bratty and I’d love to see a new love interest for Sam.
Jason Is A Love-Sick Puppy
Even though Jason claims he was in love with Lizzie Caplan’s Amy, I think this is truly his first time. He was a love virgin before now. I had to laugh when Jason wondered aloud of Crystal was named after the champagne. First of all, Jason, that’s Cristal not Crystal. Hoyt (oh, it’s so good to see him) thinks maybe Crystal’s middle name is Meth. I had to laugh. So as not to watch Jason mope around the house, Hoyt suggests Jason pay a visit to the drug dealer Jason apprehended when he first saw Crystal. It turns out the Tdub is Crystal’s cousin. And he’s happy to give Jason information on Crystal if Jason will get him some meth. He’s jonesing bad.
Summer Makes Her Intentions Known to Hoyt
She’s adorable. While I kinda want to hold out hope for a Hoyt and Jessica reunion, I have to admit to warming up to Summer. Her little vampire joke at the door is so cute and I love that she’s baking for her man. Well, the man her man could smell like. Sorry, I was thinking about all those awesome Old Spice commercials. She’s thinking about the man she wants to make hers. Summer wants Hoyt to be her boyfriend. Now that she’s made her intentions clear she goes about sprucing the place up.
Other things I found interesting:
- I think it’s kinda awesome that Hadley whispers something about Sookie in Eric’s ear that we don’t hear. And it’s so interesting that Queen Sophie-Anne really doesn’t want Eric to know that secret. I can’t wait to find out what it is and when he’ll talk to Sookie about it.
- Sookie’s parents didn’t die in the flood. What? If they didn’t die in the flood, how did they die? And why?
- Sookie doesn’t have a blood type. Her body rejects O, the universal donor. She also wasn’t born in a hospital.
- Lafayette prays over Sookie, using words from the Inuit.
- Andy knows he’s made a huge mistake in letting Jason become a cop in training. Like, duh.
Is this really the end for Sookie and Bill? I hope not although I have to admit to wanting to see her with Eric or Alcide or both. And Halleluiah and we’ve gotten our Tara back. It was fun watching her be so scared by Franklin – who, by the way, can’t be dead yet. Tara didn’t stake him or cut his head off. But it’s nice to see Tara fighting for her friend and being pissed when Jason undermines her authority. And what do you think will happen when Russell discovers that Sookie is gone? It’s gonna be awesome.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Random Thoughts on Mad Men: Christmas Comes But Once a Year by Kara Howland
What I Want vs. What’s Expected of Me
Dr. Faye Miller. She takes her work in the science of consumer evaluation very seriously. When Don decides not to take the quiz – by claiming he has another engagement – that is saying something about him. The way she keeps eyeing him, I was certain she had a romantic interest in Don. And perhaps she does. It certainly doesn’t hurt to keep him guessing. If you give in too quickly and easily – like his secretary – it doesn’t get you very far.
Nothing makes old ladies look good.
Freddy Rumsen is back. He’s clean and sober now and apparently a sponsor. I say good for him but nothing can save him from being old-fashioned. I like the dynamic between him and Peggy. He’s got a fascination for older screen legends but Peggy doesn’t think he’s doing any favors for Ponds. According to Peggy young women have no interest in taking beauty advice from older women. But Freddy is kind of their savior right now. They needed another account desperately.
Poor Don. He’s pathetic.
But at least he’s not paying prostitutes for sex. Well, at least not this week. His down-the-hall neighbor Phoebe makes a point to tell Don she’s noticed him noticing her but when he makes a pass, he’s rebuffed. When he leaves his keys at the office and his secretary has to bring them to him, he makes another pass. At first she resists but eventually gives in. This is Don Draper we’re talking about. They have a nice post coital moment and he genuinely seems to want her to stay but she can’t; she’s meeting someone. The next morning Don doesn’t handle the situation well at all. The Christmas bonus he gives her now seems like some kind of payoff.
Don’t you want to know why I said my name Is Stanley?
Sally hates living in that house. Every time she comes around a corner she thinks she’s going to see her Dad. It’s interesting that Sally feels comfortable enough with Glen to admit that to him but that kid gives me the creeps. I don’t know why Sally likes him. I think he’s going to grow up to be a serial killer.
I thought you came in to flirt but you came in to fight.
Who is Don without a woman in his life? There are plenty of woman clamoring for their shot with him but he’s not ready for anything series. Dr. Miller thinks he’ll be married again in a year but Don takes offense to that. He’s not “type” and he doesn’t appreciate being treated like that. At the rate he’s going now, I’d be surprised if he not married sooner. He desperately needs someone to take care of him. Whoever he does marry shouldn’t expect for him to be faithful. That’ll be the day when Don starts valuing the people who pay the bills. Even though Roger has to do what Lee Garner Jr. says Don isn’t about to be ordered around by a client.
Dr. Faye Miller. She takes her work in the science of consumer evaluation very seriously. When Don decides not to take the quiz – by claiming he has another engagement – that is saying something about him. The way she keeps eyeing him, I was certain she had a romantic interest in Don. And perhaps she does. It certainly doesn’t hurt to keep him guessing. If you give in too quickly and easily – like his secretary – it doesn’t get you very far.
Nothing makes old ladies look good.
Freddy Rumsen is back. He’s clean and sober now and apparently a sponsor. I say good for him but nothing can save him from being old-fashioned. I like the dynamic between him and Peggy. He’s got a fascination for older screen legends but Peggy doesn’t think he’s doing any favors for Ponds. According to Peggy young women have no interest in taking beauty advice from older women. But Freddy is kind of their savior right now. They needed another account desperately.
Poor Don. He’s pathetic.
But at least he’s not paying prostitutes for sex. Well, at least not this week. His down-the-hall neighbor Phoebe makes a point to tell Don she’s noticed him noticing her but when he makes a pass, he’s rebuffed. When he leaves his keys at the office and his secretary has to bring them to him, he makes another pass. At first she resists but eventually gives in. This is Don Draper we’re talking about. They have a nice post coital moment and he genuinely seems to want her to stay but she can’t; she’s meeting someone. The next morning Don doesn’t handle the situation well at all. The Christmas bonus he gives her now seems like some kind of payoff.
Don’t you want to know why I said my name Is Stanley?
Sally hates living in that house. Every time she comes around a corner she thinks she’s going to see her Dad. It’s interesting that Sally feels comfortable enough with Glen to admit that to him but that kid gives me the creeps. I don’t know why Sally likes him. I think he’s going to grow up to be a serial killer.
I thought you came in to flirt but you came in to fight.
Who is Don without a woman in his life? There are plenty of woman clamoring for their shot with him but he’s not ready for anything series. Dr. Miller thinks he’ll be married again in a year but Don takes offense to that. He’s not “type” and he doesn’t appreciate being treated like that. At the rate he’s going now, I’d be surprised if he not married sooner. He desperately needs someone to take care of him. Whoever he does marry shouldn’t expect for him to be faithful. That’ll be the day when Don starts valuing the people who pay the bills. Even though Roger has to do what Lee Garner Jr. says Don isn’t about to be ordered around by a client.
Drop Dead Diva: Queen of Mean by Kara Howland
I love Cybill Shepherd and I am so glad she had a meaty role. She plays a Queen of Mean, nicknamed CruEllie Deville. Her former assistant Dawn is publishing a tell-all book and Ellie wants to put a stop to it. This brings to mind a real life incident. As I’m sure a lot of you remember, Lauren Weisberger used to work for Anna Wintour. After she quit or was fired (I don’t really remember the details) she published a tell-all book in the form of a novel. If you didn’t read it, you may remember a little movie called The Devil Wears Prada. Now, I used to work in publishing and I’ve heard Ms. Wintour is tough. And after seeing The September Issue (put it in your netflix queue immediately if you have any interest in fashion) I don't dispute that. But I also think she’s a genius. Don’t get me wrong, I’d never want to work for her but I can certainly respect her.
And back to the case. When Jane gets the real story out of Dawn we learn that the only reason she went to work for Ellie in the first place is so that she could write a tell-all. And after Ellie publicly dumps Jane and drops the case, Jane discovers that Ellie wanted the publicity from the trial. She’s launching a discount line and suddenly she’s relevant again with the court case. When Ellie finds out Dawn is planning to expose her medical history she returns to Jane. And since the charges were never dismissed, the trial resumes. It turns out Dawn forged Ellie’s signature to get access to Ellie’s medical files. She knows that Ellie has a degenerative eye disease – she’s going blind – and Dawn is putting that in her book. The judge won’t prevent the book from being published but she awards Ellie’s damages that will prevent the publisher from printing it. And when Dawn threatens to write about it anyway, Jane reminds her that she could file charges with the D.A. to get Dawn thrown in jail for the forgery. Somehow, it doesn’t seem so worth it now.
In the meantime, Kim and Grayson have taken on a very tricky case. Their client Alison, the wonderful and talented Candis Cayne, is being sued by her spouse’s parents. Melanie died and her parents want all of Melanie’s things. Even though Alison was a man when she married Melanie, they have a problem since the state of California doesn’t recognize same sex unions. Since Kim has DNA evidence that Alison is still a man she wants to use that in court to win their case but Alison won’t allow it. Alison feels it negates all she went through and all she’s become. And even though the federal government and multinational corporations recognized their union, the state of California won’t.
Seeing that Grayson is distressed, Jane gives him the ammunition he needs to win the case and the judge rules in Alison’s favor. But the more important consequence of this case – at least for this show – is that Grayson sees that Alison and Melanie were soulmates. He recognizes that true love knows no boundaries. And just as Jane finds the courage to tell Grayson that she’s Deb, Fred interrupts. He tells her that if Grayson is her soulmate, he has to fall in love with her as Jane. She just needs to give him a chance.
I thought I’d save the most fun part of the show for last. You know what I’m talking about: The Thunder From Down Under. It’s funny because a few of my friends have been mentioning The Thunder From Down Under to me and I’ve been at a loss. I do remember them visiting The Ellen Degeneres Show (before she became an Idol judge and then I had to give it up because it seemed like she talked about Idol every freaking day; I’m so glad that chapter’s over). And what a welcome surprise they are in Jane’s dream. The not-so-welcome surprise is Hank, the bailiff who has a thing for old-Jane. Stacy somehow convinces Jane to invite Hank to a spontaneous dinner party. They are all pretty surprised when Hank shows up with Jasmine, his girlfriend. During the course of dinner Stacy and Hank do Pee Wee Herman impressions back and forth across the table but Stacy (thanks to a few too many drinks) lets it slip that Jane had a dream about Hank. The night ends rather abruptly after that. But I do have to side with Stacy here. She has the right intentions if not the right execution. It is time for Jane to start dating again. It’s no fun to watch her pine after Grayson (which, thank God, she didn't do this week) and even though I enjoyed her relationship with Tony immensely, it’s time to get back out there. I know I mentioned it before but I’m mentioning it again. I’d love to see her land a sexy older man. I hear Harry Hamlin might be available.
Lately there always seems to be a few things I don’t really enjoy about the show so I’ll get them off my chest here:
- Why is Mrs. Walters so hateful? I know there are people who can’t accept same sex couples. But just because she doesn’t seem to get what Alison and Melanie meant to each other doesn’t mean she has the right to be so spiteful. I know there would have been no case without her, but I didn’t like the way her character was written. And I’m sure I’m not alone when I saw Mr. Walter’s feeling were apparent from the first camera shot.
- Was I the only one who absolutely hated that Ellie Tannen scarf? I didn’t find it fashionable at all. I can’t image Angelina, or any high profile personality, wearing any of Ellie’s clothes.
Thoughts? Share them below.
And back to the case. When Jane gets the real story out of Dawn we learn that the only reason she went to work for Ellie in the first place is so that she could write a tell-all. And after Ellie publicly dumps Jane and drops the case, Jane discovers that Ellie wanted the publicity from the trial. She’s launching a discount line and suddenly she’s relevant again with the court case. When Ellie finds out Dawn is planning to expose her medical history she returns to Jane. And since the charges were never dismissed, the trial resumes. It turns out Dawn forged Ellie’s signature to get access to Ellie’s medical files. She knows that Ellie has a degenerative eye disease – she’s going blind – and Dawn is putting that in her book. The judge won’t prevent the book from being published but she awards Ellie’s damages that will prevent the publisher from printing it. And when Dawn threatens to write about it anyway, Jane reminds her that she could file charges with the D.A. to get Dawn thrown in jail for the forgery. Somehow, it doesn’t seem so worth it now.
In the meantime, Kim and Grayson have taken on a very tricky case. Their client Alison, the wonderful and talented Candis Cayne, is being sued by her spouse’s parents. Melanie died and her parents want all of Melanie’s things. Even though Alison was a man when she married Melanie, they have a problem since the state of California doesn’t recognize same sex unions. Since Kim has DNA evidence that Alison is still a man she wants to use that in court to win their case but Alison won’t allow it. Alison feels it negates all she went through and all she’s become. And even though the federal government and multinational corporations recognized their union, the state of California won’t.
Seeing that Grayson is distressed, Jane gives him the ammunition he needs to win the case and the judge rules in Alison’s favor. But the more important consequence of this case – at least for this show – is that Grayson sees that Alison and Melanie were soulmates. He recognizes that true love knows no boundaries. And just as Jane finds the courage to tell Grayson that she’s Deb, Fred interrupts. He tells her that if Grayson is her soulmate, he has to fall in love with her as Jane. She just needs to give him a chance.
I thought I’d save the most fun part of the show for last. You know what I’m talking about: The Thunder From Down Under. It’s funny because a few of my friends have been mentioning The Thunder From Down Under to me and I’ve been at a loss. I do remember them visiting The Ellen Degeneres Show (before she became an Idol judge and then I had to give it up because it seemed like she talked about Idol every freaking day; I’m so glad that chapter’s over). And what a welcome surprise they are in Jane’s dream. The not-so-welcome surprise is Hank, the bailiff who has a thing for old-Jane. Stacy somehow convinces Jane to invite Hank to a spontaneous dinner party. They are all pretty surprised when Hank shows up with Jasmine, his girlfriend. During the course of dinner Stacy and Hank do Pee Wee Herman impressions back and forth across the table but Stacy (thanks to a few too many drinks) lets it slip that Jane had a dream about Hank. The night ends rather abruptly after that. But I do have to side with Stacy here. She has the right intentions if not the right execution. It is time for Jane to start dating again. It’s no fun to watch her pine after Grayson (which, thank God, she didn't do this week) and even though I enjoyed her relationship with Tony immensely, it’s time to get back out there. I know I mentioned it before but I’m mentioning it again. I’d love to see her land a sexy older man. I hear Harry Hamlin might be available.
Lately there always seems to be a few things I don’t really enjoy about the show so I’ll get them off my chest here:
- Why is Mrs. Walters so hateful? I know there are people who can’t accept same sex couples. But just because she doesn’t seem to get what Alison and Melanie meant to each other doesn’t mean she has the right to be so spiteful. I know there would have been no case without her, but I didn’t like the way her character was written. And I’m sure I’m not alone when I saw Mr. Walter’s feeling were apparent from the first camera shot.
- Was I the only one who absolutely hated that Ellie Tannen scarf? I didn’t find it fashionable at all. I can’t image Angelina, or any high profile personality, wearing any of Ellie’s clothes.
Thoughts? Share them below.
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