RANDOM THOUGHTS:
The following were on my mind between Monday, April 16th and Monday, April 23rd:
- "Parks and Recreations" returned this past Thursday. Not only was it the show's first new episode since it went on a mini-break in early March, but it's return marked the first time in 11 months that all of the Big Four NBC Thursday night comedies (this show, "Community," "30 Rock," and what's left of "The Office") aired at the same time and on same night. Not only that, but they were all on one two hour block back-to-back! It was like 2010 all over again!
I bring this up because around this time last year, I did a little power rankings of these four shows every week during "Random Thoughts." And even though this line-up will only occur for three more weeks (both "Parks and Rec." and "The Office" air their season finales on May 10th, while "30 Rock" and "Community" don't wrap up until slightly later than that), my happiness over this whole thing has made me decided to bring back the segment for old times sakes (but with no points total this time). There's a good chance that these four shows may never be paired together again after this season.
1. "Community"- "Virtual Systems Analysis"
This episode reminded me a lot of "Critical Film Studies," the classic from season 2. Like "Critical Film Studies," the episode focused a lot on Abed, specifically his fear of alienation and not being friends with any of the study group members in the future. Like "Critical Film Studies," the episode was pretty light on the laughs compared to other episodes (although if you didn't laugh at the Duali-Dean, or Troy's truth serum rant, than you and I need to talk). And, like "Critical Film Studies," I enjoyed the hell out of this episode, and I instantly felt watching this that it will be something that I will look back with greater respect and enjoyment the more I re-watch it. Ambitious, motivated, powerful in its delivery, enriches its characters, and well acted by both Danny Pudi and Alison Brie (who each had one of their finest moments this season). If there's any complaint that I have it's Abed much more annoying than he was in the past, although I'll let it slide (for now).
2. "30 Rock"- "Murphy Brown Lied To Us"
The show has really had a bit on a late-run Renaissance lately, and this episode was a good example. I thought both the Liz and Jenna storylines were great. Really enjoyed the appearance of Liz's 11 year old self. Laughed a ton (my favorite gag was probably Stacey Keach as a Clint Eastwood-esque spokesman for both Kouchtown and Bazooka Joe Gum). I also liked how this episode was oddly sweet at the end, with Jack saying how there should be more Liz Lemons in the world, something that you normally would not have seen in the show's earlier years. Hopefully this recent stretch of quality episodes continue with the show's 2nd live episode this week.
3. "Parks and Recreations"- "Live Ammo"
Consider this to be one of the show's "solid, but not really special" episodes. I will admit, though, this episode was a very good one for the show to have after their month-long hiatus. Plus, after a season that hasn't had as much stakes as year's past, it was nice to actually see Leslie in a pickle involving her job that featured actual consequences. Also, yes, that "West Wing" reference was, indeed, pretty cool.
4. "The Office"- "Angry Andy"
4. "The Office"- "Angry Andy"
Just hated it.
- Yeah, so, the early 97% rating that "The Avengers" have on Rotten Tomatoes has definitely not made me more excited about the film than I already am
- I don't know if Saturday was the finest day in Chicago sports history, but it sure was pretty damn memorable. For only the second time in twelve months, the Blackhawks, Bulls, White Sox and Cubs all played a game on the same day, and on that day all four of them ended up winning. The Blackhawks defeated the Phoenix Coyotes in overtime to take game five of their 1st round playoff series, keeping their season alive for at least one more game. The White Sox not only won against the Mariners, but their pitcher, Phillip Humber, also happened to have pitched a PERFECT FREAKIN' GAME, only the 21st in the history of MLB's modern era. The Bulls also helped themselves closer to getting the Eastern Conference's #1 seed in a moral-boosting win against the defending champion Dallas Mavericks that saw the return of Derrick Rose from injury, while the Cubs...well, a win is a win, and that's always a good thing no matter how uneventful it was. So, yeah, a day for the ages in Chicago pro sports.
- NBC is going to air "The Voice" in the fall in addition to the winter and spring. Because if there was ever a time to potentially create their own "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?," it's now when they're at their most desperate.
- Weekly "Mad Men" thoughts: Somebody on the show this season is going to die this season, at least that's what I think will happen. The message is on the wall, what with Don's dark nightmare in "Mystery Date," the general unhappiness of several characters including Roger and Pete, all the references to the various murders that occured in the show's time period, and now more recently Don worrying that something happened to Megan in last night's (outstanding) episode.
On a more random note, I like how this happened on the show right after this exchange last season. It's Chekhov's movie theater (albeit 1.5 years too soon)!
-I think that all of the things that happened to the Saints this offseason (Bountygate, Brees and the contract dispute, and now Loomis and the headset tappings) was just a way for the football gods to go "OK, Saints fans. You had you're fun these last six years. Now, let's try to make you miserable again."
-I can't wait for all the unintentionally hilarious "World Peace suspended" headlines for when the Lakers forward is punished by the NBA.
More of the RTs to come next Monday! Until then, have an enjoyable week.
Sincerely,
Your pal: mj15
If you have any opinions on today's post, or if you just have any suggestions or tips for my next blog entry, e-mail me at: mj1599@aol.com. Your e-mails are greatly appreciated.
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