GRChereck

Seems some of Tandy's stupidity rubbed off on Melissa and Gail this time. :D And yeah, I was glad to see Pamela reunited with li'l Jeremy. :) "He's reassembling!" xD Bye-bye, Pat... RIP Roy; we hardly knew ye. :\ (As an SNL geek, though, I thought it was extra-sweet that Jack was brought in for a cameo here, since he hosted the 2005 SNL episode on which Will finally got to do his beloved "Spelling Bee" sketch from his Groundlings days...) Guess we already know what sort of relationship / interpersonal dynamics Pamela's going to have with the Tandy Crew -- she may share Tandy's sense of humor (similar to how Tandy was the only one who tried to bond with Pat in the s.3 premiere), the rest of the group considers her as much of an annoyance, a liability and ultimately a possible threat as they had seen Phil/Tandy as throughout s.1. Which makes sense: Like Pamela, Phil 1 had spent years on his own with little-to-no hope of finding another person, and was caused by an extended period of isolation to go a bit crazy and become extremely selfish upon eventually reentering "society." (Also, just as Phil 1 was torn between his loyality to Carol and his lust for Melissa at first, it sounds like Pamela had a similar situation given her story about having coupled with Pat until the more appealing Roy came along.)

Well put, guys. :) I got that feeling during the episode's closing tag, with how Ray cooly handled Taylor (who turned out to be as neurotic as him, if not more so); by then, he's pretty much learned to embrace the chaos of his family because it gives him a sense of purpose he otherwise wouldn't have (after having had a taste of what life would be like if his parents and sister were more like him); and I could see how Jimmy's words, despite sounding unlike any other stock/cliche sitcom-dad pep-talk, actually did more to help Ray roll with the punches, be realistic and keep things in perspective than any "think positive" or "believe in yourself" speech ever possibly could have. YES! :D Maya nailed it when she gave "credit" to JJ for making the family who they are, reinforcing what their best qualities really are and bringing them out when it really counts (rather than "blame" for "holding [them] back"). Beautiful little moment. That was cute. xD At first I had to wonder how he wasn't fired from the airport a long time ago for his regular lateness, but I imagine: 1) His having a disabled son for as long as he's worked there likely gave him a lifetime pass (plus, I would think his missing out on coffee and good parking was punishment enough ;) ); 2) the quality of his work over the years has been good enough to make up for the 20 minutes or so he's lost every morning; and/or 3) if that particular airline, or the airline industry (especially baggage-claim) in general, sees a lot of turnover, his sheer loyalty to the airline may be his most valuable asset.

Apparently, Bobrow has left LMOE for B99 this season. :\ https://mobile.twitter.com/abobrow/status/913481284466249728?p=v

xD Considering that the first season didn't even tell us whether Jimmy works (let alone what exactly he does) until 5 or 6 episodes in, I loved getting to see some insight into his work-life right off the bat in s.2 (and we should be getting more soon, especially in 2x3)... Yep. :) Overall, I saw the episode as kind of a meta, direct response to one of the biggest criticisms leveled at the show throughout s.1 (how the family uses JJ's disability to excuse all the other chaos in their lives); and as refreshing as it was to see that Maya, Jimmy and Dylan were capable of change with a little more effort, I found it rather sweet how, through their willingness to drop everything to help JJ, they were able to restore the DiMeo family dynamic to its unique balance* and reinforce the importance of his role in it. (*- including Ray as the critical voice of reason, much to his delight. I thought he would just be such an insufferable ass based on the press-release synopsis for this ep -- even more so with the family ultimately proving him right about their inability to keep up their self-improvements -- but he still found ways to be funny by briefly losing his sense of purpose.)

First of all, that "Brandy" parody... xD I wouldn't necessarily call it a callback, but I thought it fitting that both "Road Trip" (1x11) and this episode (which ended up being about a road trip) featured classic-rock parodies -- in the former, Kenneth dug Maya and Jimmy's take on "Born to Be Wild" explaining their annual spontaneous-road-trip tradition ("Ray ob-jects e-e-every ye-e-ear!"), while the latter had him schooling them in song about their messy lifestyle. (Also, I could watch a whole episode of nothing but Kenneth and Jimmy performing karaoke, I seriously could...) As for the episode itself, man, they had a LOT of ground to cover -- what JJ did at camp and how the experience affected him, how the family was affected by JJ's absence and how they managed to fill their time, what Kenneth did and how involved he still is in the DiMeos' lives -- and for the most part I thought it did a very good job touching on all of it while keeping things light, fast and funny. :) I found it especially appropriate that Ray would be the only family member not to feel like he needed any self-improvement, and all the more hilarious that no longer being able to feel superior to his family would send him into an identity crisis of sorts. I was a bit puzzled by Jimmy's things-will-get-worse advice at first -- that's supposed to make Ray feel better when he's freaking out about meeting Taylor again? -- but I think it's ultimately pretty much in keeping with the "bulletproof" dad's worldview (not just wanting to keep other people's expectations of him and his family low, but also his own expectations in life -- to both minimize the inevitable disappointment, and make it easier to focus on what matters most to him rather than sweating-the-small-stuff).

"J-J's D-R--Dream" (2x3, Oct. 11) In guessing what the main plot might be about based on the title, I would not have guessed that. Jeez, Ray... xD Nice to see a Jaya Mimmy Jimya plot -- especially with her taking an interest in his work. :) (And another Dylan/Kenneth plot so relatively soon after "R-U-N--Runaway"!) *** Zach Anner (s.1 consultant / guest star, and s.2 staff writer) chats about his involvement on the show: https://www.scpr.org/programs/the-frame/2017/09/26/59353/speechless-writer-zach-anner-says-people-with-disa/ (11:32) And a very nice s.2 review from IndieWire (based on "We're Back" and next week's "First Second First Day"): http://www.indiewire.com/2017/09/speechless-season-2-review-minnie-driver-abc-1201880821/

"Skeleton Crew" (4x3, Oct. 15) -- press release and promo pix Looks like Tandy is already reunited with the rest of the group. :D (Can't wait to see what Zihuatanejo has in store for them...)

Minnie attended an Emmys-related party the night before; and I don't know if he was at the ceremony itself, but Cedric attended the Netflix Emmy party :) *** Today's Parent had a brief chat with Micah: https://www.todaysparent.com/family/special-needs/micah-fowler-of-speechless-talks-disability-representation-on-tv/ And UPROXX just did an excellent behind-the scenes piece: http://uproxx.com/sepinwall/speechless-great-family-comedy-season-2-preview/ EDIT: Also, we finally got the first TV promo for s.2 (during tonight's rerun of "C-A--Camp"):

New s.4 trailer -- http://tvline.com/2017/09/19/last-man-on-earth-season-4-trailer-kristen-wiig-video/ *** EDIT: Will teased s. 4 during yesterday's LMOE "booze cruise" -- http://variety.com/2017/scene/vpage/the-last-man-on-earth-will-forte-kristen-schaal-season-4-1202564584/ A couple tidbits: -- Besides the unstable Pamela immediately wreaking havoc, "[f]ans can also look forward to a cameo in the premiere episode from a well-known comedian*, who Forte requested not be named." -- Forte says, "We try to keep switching things up and moving forward and doing things we haven’t tried before... [We have] a special episode where another old friend* makes an extended appearance and that’s very exciting. And then you know, end of the season, who knows if we’re coming back for a fifth. We might be looking at the last few episodes, which have all of us and another pretty exciting surprise." (* - I guess that's why they already spilled the beans on the Chris Elliot casting -- sounds like the show has a couple other surprises up its sleeve.)

Not yet, but I've been keeping an eye on Bobrow's Twitter feed these past few weeks. :) He'll probably wait at least until after the season premiere...

"Stocko Syndrome" (4x2, Oct. 8) -- press release and promo pix Yup, looks like Tandy and Pamela get separated from the group, while Carol and the others stumble upon Chris Elliot's character. :)

Lots of stuff today: Spoiler TV: Updated cast promo pix -- love the smiles on Kenneth, Jimmy and JJ; and Ray has grown up so much! :) TV Insider: See the cast channel Queen in new promo art -- I loved the cast pic they did last year inspired by the Ramones' first album cover (see the header pic of this article), but I'm glad they got to do something different for s.2 "F-I--First S-E--Second F--First Day" (2x2, Oct. 4) -- press release and promo pix (LOL @ that look on Jimmy's face...)

Transcribed from Entertainment Weekly's Fall TV Preview (Sept. 22, #1482/1483): Speechless Season 2 8:30 p.m. (ABC) Now that we know the DiMeos, creator Scott Silveri says Speechless can "open up their world" a bit. He teases that we'll learn more about Maya's (Minnie Driver) extended family as well as what Kenneth (Cedric Yarbrough) does outside of work.* But, of course, the heart of the show is still JJ (Micah Fowler), who has learned how to be independent at summer camp. Driver says this throws the rest of the family into a bit of an identity crisis. "They're constantly stumbling through life," Driver says. "And it's often JJ who brings them back on course." Sept. 27 (* - emphasis added) Yay! I was hoping for both these things... :)

A pair of brief Q&As, with John and Micah: WebMD: 10 Questions with Micah Fowler One on One (1:17) -- JRB spills the beans about a few developments for s.2, including possibly more time with Jimmy at work and the kids at school :) *** And a musical message from Cedric and Minnie: :D

Yeah, I love those Jimmy/Ray heart-to-heart moments. :) (I hope they get to have some "robe talk" this season, too! :D ) Looks like they had a night shoot in the woods, as well: *** First press release / promo pix of s.2! "W-E--We're B-A--Back!" (2x1, Sept. 27) Sounds promising -- "Maya Decides the Family Can No Longer Use JJ’s Disability as an Excuse to Let Their Lives Fall Through the Cracks" -- and I'm excited to find out more about the parents' and Dylan's "dramatic changes" / self-improvement projects." (Hopefully, we'll find out a bit about how Kenneth spent the summer, too...)

Ah. :) I figured either that, or maybe a little flashback if Pam explains to the rest of the group how she followed Pat... Sorry, force of habit. :D Fixed it!

Seems like ABC has been really dragging its feet in promoting its shows, but this show's new key art was finally released couple days ago: http://www.spoilertv.com/2017/09/speechless-season-2-key-art.html http://www.disneyabcpress.com/abc/shows/speechless/ Also, the press release for 2x1, "W-E-We're B-A-Back!", could be out by Monday or Tuesday... :)

First press release of s.4! "M.U.B.A.R." (4x1, Oct. 1) -- updated with promo pix :D It'll be interesting to see how Pamela gets along with Tandy & Company, but I'll be even more curious to find out why Pat is listed as a guest star, considering how s.3 ended... :p

Presumably, since it was mentioned in the second episode and the season finale that she literally wrote the book on how to care for him (in the latter ep, Kenneth even said he had disagreed with her method of putting him in the bath and found a better way.) :) I imagine she was doing the lion's share of it, but I'm sure she also had to have taught Jimmy and (as they got bigger) the two younger siblings some of this stuff (like in one of my favorite episodes, "Sick Day," they would've had to pick up the slack with caring for JJ so Maya or Kenneth wouldn't risk infecting him). Ray actually brought up that issue in "Cheater" (another fave of mine), though he was thinking of it in terms of having enough money to both support himself and make sure JJ will always be taken care of; and in the follow-up, "Runaway," Jimmy and Maya gave him and Dylan a (somewhat) reassuring talk about how they're aware that they're all eventually going to die, including JJ (Jimmy: "But until then, the not-dead one of you will be there... Or, after that, your children." Maya: "Who will also die"). As for Maya, I think she definitely seems to have toned down from the first few eps or so, but she still has her moments where she has trouble letting go of this child around whom she has spent the last 16-17 years building her life; hopefully, s.2 will find her trying to figure out who she is outside of him, which I think would help her all the more with letting JJ be his own person. Despite their having had to take a backseat to their brother's needs their whole lives, I think both Ray and Dylan -- and their relationships with each parent -- have been wonderfully developed. :) Dylan admires and wants to emulate her mother, and she loves scheming and indulging in her more playful side with her father, but she's learned a long time ago to be her own strong, independent person; as for highly intelligent but high-strung Ray, this whole first season has seen him go through a much-needed learning curve of balancing his own needs and desires with those of the rest of his family, though he shares surprising bonds with his mom (including organizational skills and a taste for fine things) and has benefited from the calming influence and simple wisdom of his dad.

I know, right? :D (I'd forgotten about Chris getting his start on 'Late Night with David Letterman' -- Forte also had one of his first big breaks working for Letterman, as a writer for 'The Late Show' during its 1997-98 season...) *** Season 4 cast promotional pix are here! http://www.spoilertv.com/2017/08/the-last-man-on-earth-season-4-cast.html I especially love the Tandy ones with Carol and "Gary." :)

Cast and crew taking a break to catch the eclipse...

I caught the rerun, but I just had to go on Yahoo! View to rewatch the scenes in question. When Ray asked Maya to drive him and JJ to the mall, it did kinda sound like he wanted to get Dylan's present right away (or at least as soon as possible), but then JJ said he wanted himself and Ray to do it on their own* -- I got the impression they might have gone back to their room to discuss and plan the trip (since they wouldn't be relying on Mom to know how to get to the mall or how much money they would need), in which case that was probably when Ray could've decided it would be better if they waited until the actual day of the party to get the sneakers (and surprise Dylan with them). :) * - Which I think could explain why Ray would be more likely to put off the trip (perhaps he needed to feel a little more mentally prepared first) -- as opposed to JJ, who tends to push the limits of his independence and who had no qualms about going off alone -- and which would also explain why he needed to be taught to be more "bold."

Besides KWiig continuing her recurring role for at least a few more episodes, Chris Elliott will have a guest role: http://ew.com/tv/2017/08/11/last-man-on-earth-season-4-chris-elliott-kristen-wiig/ Loved him on Get A Life! :D

We finally got some episode titles released: http://www.spoilertv.com/2017/08/upcoming-episode-titles-various-shows_9.html Last Man on Earth - Episode 4.01 - M.U.B.A.R. (kinda sounds like something Carol would say... :D ) Last Man on Earth - Episode 4.02 - Stocko Syndome Last Man on Earth - Episode 4.03 - Skeleton Crew And a couple pix from the first week or so of shooting: :)

It won! :D AV Club: 2017 TCA Award Winners (Also, TIU picked up Outstanding New Program, while OJ: MIA won for News & Information.) :) *** Some pix from the red carpet and the awards: And a set pic from the first day of filming s.2: