Lonesome Rhodes

I, too, have the same reaction to the "true story" graphic. They did place such a card for DuJuan Johnson at the end of the previous ep. It does not appear that he had any role in the production of the series, though. The "insider" ESPN article on Belichick is a perfect example of what I mentioned above as to how and why the best available do not get taken by so many teams. The Atlanta executives involved, all of them, did not list him as a Top 3 candidate. Why? Turf. They know darn well that coach would take over the whole operation and they wanted no part of that. The owner stupidly accepted this and went along. Then again, he's a gazillionaire and I am not.

Really good ep. That it was football-field centered is no coincidence that this is true. The practice reps were fascinating. Jordan was making some really excellent throws. He actually looked the part of a pretty fine QB. Spence being allowed to switch to CB was insane and would never have happened (coaches were not at all ignorant over the brewing enmity/anger for Jordan) but I loved seeing Spence out of his element and getting beat. Then, he made a great read and made the interception. It wasn't his athleticism that put him in position. It was his acumen - his football IQ, even at a foreign position. A lockdown CB in the NFL gets a bag. For real. The "business is business" agent did Spence a huge favor. He came with the most precious commodity in "the business" - the truth. Watch the NFL Draft which is coming up very soon. You'll see many teams refusing to see what their lying eyes tell them. Why? Numbers. Analytics. Safety and justification for the executives. If Spence actually made the position switch, or even if he "experimented" as a CB, his value would freaking soar. Any ep that has scenes that reach below the surface level with Karimah Westbrook is an excellent one. She really brought it and the moment she had with Daniel was special. The Peach Pit (club) can go away, along with the Jordan relationship arc. So, too, can Olivia. She is the all-time expert at stirring things up. Spencer insisting that they are a great couple because first, "we are always there for each other" was perhaps the most unintentionally laugh-out-loud line in the show's history. We'll always have London. lol. The Deion arc shows promise. I just hope he proves to be a far tougher nut to crack than previous ones. The harshness of his intro was most welcome. Don't lightly wave off whatever life-long issues brought Deion to that place. Please.

Boy, did I really not like this one. The one thing I did enjoy was the strategy change during the game. If the thing was to win, there is no controversy. But, of course, TV needs draaaaaaama, so it's about egos and stature. Spence can't win for losing. I'll be dogged if I can think of any important decision he's made since we last saw him in the airport, or a single time that he has carried himself poorly. No mention of NIL cash? Mama Spence did not mention it in her spiel? Also, there is no way in Hades that the Head Coach would talk down to Spence regarding his NFL declaration. Why on earth would he chastise his meal ticket? He wouldn't. Not over this. When, exactly, does Asher get to go coach his team? Did they not have a game. as well? This whole prideful parent arc is nuts, imo. Olivia is perhaps more self-absorbed than any character. Not a good look. If writing about her Dad is cathartic and revelatory, go for it! Just don't publish such for all the world to see. Simple. Serious Q: Does Layla still run her music label?

At least they did not name it the Peach Pit.

Well, at least we know the beach hangout is affordable since Spence is no doubt raking in NIL cash. I'm not understanding (except to create draaaaaama on a TV show) how it is that dreamy gazillionaire has no significant others, or super pretty companions. The transformation of Asher's boss was a bit much. It was fine that the "ring ceremony" meeting was warm and fuzzy. The issue is we did not see him bark a single time, about anything. He did object to the fuss being made over the baby in the meeting room, but old coach would have lost it when they all but ignored his wish. Credit to TPTB for introducing the jealousy angle in Jordan. Then, the 180 which was well explained, and reaffirmed. The Spence reversal hinted at in the preview has very real potential. The Miko arc seemed to be based on little. The evidence is still massive and Patience is admired and liked by the likely jury pool. Of course, she'll get bail. Ugh. Nice to have the show back.

Finally saw the final ep. Loved the Mel B "tribute." Other than Paula Abdul, Mel is the one who has most enjoyed and been most effective skewering Simon. She's also been the heavy more than all, except Simon. Simon's shot at the Spice Girls "standing there and not singing" was as funny as anything I've heard from him in decades. It was stunning that the talent costuming did not change for any and all the segments. I've never seen that before. Chapel Hart went out well, with their money song. I do hope they get to do something with Dolly. Nice to see Sheila E. again. Kodi's excitement upon learning he lost was unfortunate. Bless his heart. Whatever misgivings I have about AGT writ large, I am always impressed by the performance production values and editing. Superb. Despite the contrivance of this iteration, a worthy winner was chosen. That ain't nothing.

I didn't get into this ep as I did last week. For whatever reason, my thoughts were more about AGT manipulations (especially placement of the acts in this ep) and how the jidges reactions were ridiculously boilerplate than usual. I don't recall an ep where every single criticism, however minor as most of them were, were couched in positive terms without fail. I thought Unbeatables delivered yet again, but how was that more spectacular than the epic routine we saw last week? Puhlease. I was happily stunned that each jidge spoke only in glowing terms. No shade whatsoever. Given that they won a season, I don't see them getting the nod this time. The blind singer absolutely destroyed (horribly) Queen's anthem. It was criminal. I tried like crazy to escape that reality. Yet, each time I opened my eyes, catastrophe is what I see (saw). He is arguably the most overrated and fortunate contestant in AGT histoire. Mel B pissed me off when she proclaimed that the drum line group never set a wrong foot. When I was watching them, all I saw were missteps and chaotic (not good) choreography. I love that genre and they gave good effort. However, they are not elite. Any number of HBCU drum lines would own them in competition. The "physical" acts pretty much nailed all of their stunts. This genre just doesn't do it for me. No worries, though, if any of them other than the single-legged dancer win. I admire that guy greatly. He deserves a ton of praise for his overcoming his handicap. But, he is up against Cirque-level talent. It just doesn't measure up. I'd be very happy if he goes on and crushes a professional dance career. He just might. The overall "Team" gimmick has been annoying as can be. I get that it was one more needed "story" element they could hammer in a super-contrived format. If only I felt some genuine competitive spirit among the panel. Oh, well. I'm gonna take a flyer on the Gospel choir to win. They were just fine in performance. As the Easter season starts tomorrow, it would be a nice touch of symmetry. My vote goes to Unbeatables, though.

Darci should never have been advanced. She's not turrible as a singer, but she in no way, is special as one. It was surprising to see Simon affect such a bored, frustrated , look as she performed. This is Fantasy League - nobody should see that stage unless they are certifiably excellent. Then he lies about how he rspects/admires artists who ignore advice. This may be the most ironic thing I have ever heard on television. I am convinced that Hurricane did not go through because there just was not enough time to create another vignette. Fabulous act, this is. Nice to see a genuine Simon as he held the pooch. Of course, it was self-serving in brandishing his image. The magician was masterful. But, Mel B was correct - it was impossible to discern the "story." The ending should have gad a much bigger impact (reversing airborne petals into the "original" rose). I hope he makes it in the biz. Chapel Hart were good. Fun song. With the right producer, they can carve out a solid career. The stunt where several Unbeatables are launched straight up to act as "steps" for another cast member to "climb" is beyond tremendous. They have been the best act of this "Fantasy" deal. I fully realize the "voting" is contrived as can be. However, most all the acts are pretty good and worth seeing.

Suspension of disbelief is the currency of the Fargo realm. IRL, Roy would have been prosecuted Federally. No way would the DOJ allow the locals to screw up that process. On top of that, there is the militia aspect to it all. The chances would be overwhelming that Roy would have been sent off to the Supermax prison in Colorado. I would pay a premium to stream the background story on how "Mama" became Oola's mom. Heck, the centuries-long Adventures of Oola would be phenomenal.

Excellent decision to end the siege so quickly. I was dreading a drawn out blizzard of bullets and explosions to show off cinematography chops. Witt had courage for days, but was blind to true evil. I was not happy that the cover for the escape tunnel was closed when Roy reached it. Then, I loved discovering why that was. The Gator outcome with Dot worked, but my vengeful self wanted her to deny him. My best self is very happy that Gator was not fated to be another Munch. The FBI agents' denouement felt undeserved. Not sure they were heroes. They were good guys, to be sure. The wink from Lorraine to Dot was everything. Roy's murder of his D-I-L was also a great moment - followed quickly by an even better one! One of my favorite albums is a re-imagined rock musical of "War of the Worlds." The Martian invaders cry, "Ooooooh-laaaaa!" throughout. Love Much's name: Oola Moonk. I am trying to fully grasp the meaning(s) of "debt" that Hawley is trying to impart. It's a great life question. Well done, sir. A mountain of suspension of disbelief was required of me, but I cherished the final scenes with Moonk. Redemption is probably the central life issue, imo. The man richly deserved it.

Another ep chock full of required suspension of disbelief. The one I'll mention is the time between Bowman's discovery that Dot had flown the coop and the time that this was made known to anyone else. It was seemingly forever. A ton of stuff happened in the meantime. No way in Hades that Bowman would have risked the wrath of Roy by delaying such information. He was not responsible in any way for her escape. The only way he would catch hell is if he were to screw up finding her, in which he would have had plenty of help. The delay in Bowman firing the rifle to kill Dot was ridiculous. At least there was no Bondian villain pithiness about it. It was nice to see Indira looking quite the professional. Yet, other than knowing the specifics of the Tillman case, it was obvious she was in way over her head as Lorraine's Director of Security. With the end of Danish, Lorraine can't afford an intern running point. I'm more than fine with Munch blinding Gator and returning him to Roy with that speech. I couldn't understand why blinding was the equivalent of cleaving off hands. That dude could actually do said cleaving. I loved Roy's coldblooded words to Gator. The juxtaposition of that and Lorraine's declared acceptance of Dot as a "daughter" was great stuff. Once again, we see Wayne being perfectly sharp witted. Hawley has well set up any number of scenarios for the demise of Roy. Who administers the coup de grace? Will it be Dot? Gator? Daddy-in-law? Witt? I think I would put a quid on Roy ultimately taking the coward's way out (suicide).

I caught a bit of fear in Dutch's demeanor from the moment he realized he had to go to chez Tillman. It's partly why he came up with the Spicoli, "I can fix it!" declaration, imo. What I do not understand is why he chose to refuse communication with Lorraine after reporting election success. I think part of his reasoning was that Lorraine had come to a new understanding about Dot. If nothing else, she was good for her Wayne's recovery. So, Dutch went. Indira's conviction that it was time to move on felt as congruent as can be to me. Lorraine's offer was hanging over her head. She comes home, only to witness her car going bye-bye and then her trash spouse cheating. This is also following her conversation with Witt in which she appeared to be experiencing more than frustration. I sensed resignation. This was her mindset before she walked into the bedroom. C ya. The Hamm walk was near-excruciating for me. It was mostly about giving Hamm his "Emmy reel" scene. The discordant Toxic added to my impatience. pleeeeease, let this end!!!! There was basically zero chance anything more than a severe beating was coming. Dot was already feeling massive dread. It was way too early for the character to be taken out because there are too many loose ends that only she can close. More Hawley indulgence. Boo!

Why is it the case that Roy is doomed to lose the election due to the fake Roys? They will each cannibalize the other's votes and I am fairly certain the original would have little trouble letting the voters know which one on the ballot is the current sheriff. He won constant re-election due to the fear of the electorate who were not gung ho about the militia and/or a crazily strict faith stance. No way could support coalesce around one of the opponents to take away a winning plurality from the original Roy in just two weeks. So, a valiant State Trooper is performing a major investigation and making great progress about a local LE leader. What are the chances his superiors would bury his efforts and not send bigtime back-up? The Munch in the backseat reveal was fun. I hope his murder of Gator methodology involves a vaping pipe.

One of the most fantastical instances of episodic television I have ever endured. I wanted and hoped...and hoped...and hoped that the 'explanations" of the goings on, e.g. the whole Linda cabin stuff, would make real world sense. Oh, well. How did Munch know Gator was gonna choose to shoot at him in that manner? It's pushing it quite a bit, imo, to have Munch act as if he knew he were being tracked. Did he really kill that ingrate son, or was it me dreaming a happy moment? It does seem like Wayne is playing it crazy like a fox all the sudden. Maybe more of Lorraine rubbed off on him than he has ever, ever, ever let on. The doll show metaphor of Dot's abuse was artful. it was also gratuitous as hell. We already knew FULL well that Roy beat the crap out of his "properties" all along. We even had pictures! What was the point of spending allllll that time setting it up and then re-enacting? And it was all a dream. Turrible indulgence on Hawley's part. Was I wrong to try to telepathically warn Dot to not use a pink Sweet & Low packet for sweetening when she was in the diner?

Excellent series. I particularly like how the Romans are portrayed. No dummies, they. My main criticism is that the female characters are seen as way more forceful than those patriarchal times would have allowed. Instead of being cowed and ever weary in public, I see confident and strong women. This is a serious anachronism. This is not to say they weren't intelligent and brave IRL. They had to be. To that end, they knew their place (in the patriarchy). Roumie's Christ is the best portrayal I have yet seen. I've just watched the 2023 Christmas special/movie. I very much enjoyed that we saw a slice of the sheperds' lives. The Joseph/Mary dynamic carried on the series' propensity to give us women in charge. This Joseph was certainly faithful and strong. He exhibited serious wisdom, as well. Yet. Mary was always proven out to be the wisest. The reveal at the end of this show seemed reasonable to me. It was fascinating to see a Mary in physical decline as she aged. Here again, TPTB were quite reasonable in their imagining of those scenes. For me, The Chosen is the finest dramatic presentation of those super significant times.

A few asides caught my attention. The first was that Lorraine decided to buy "Mesa Prudential" in Flagstaff. I take that as a shout out to Better Call Saul in which a skeezy bank/financial company in the Southwest called "Mesa Verde," with a slimy CEO like Vivian, was central to the story. Another is a super intriguing line from Munch. He said to Roy they each did not have many words left to speak. That sure seems like an anvil of foreshadowing to me. I also wonder if the mention of throwing someone off a cliff in Wyoming was a reference to the "train station" in Yellowstone. Lorraine has decided to mess with Roy's re-election. Is there a chance she could one day choose to slate Dot for the local school board?

I loved all the exteriors of St. Andrews. 'Tis a magical place. It is literally, "The Home of Golf."

The in-person job reviews were a nightmare, yet entirely ennobling. I detected Elizabeth becoming more and more resolute with each passing one. Imelda crushed these scenes. While the pride being expressed in the "traditions" was certainly self-serving, there was deep truth. This truth was a limb directly from the core trunk that animates this whole series (and, of course, Elizabeth's raison d'etre). I cherished it all. To my ears, the voicing of Blair was much too close to that of JFK. Blair certainly used something very close to the cadence we heard in this series. Yet, I heard a distinct Brahmin tonality. YMMV.

The final moments as Elizabeth strode towards the light were beautiful and perfect. They screamed of reward for a life faithful to something larger than mortality. All I could think was, "Well done, good and faithful servant." To me, this was the ultimate and final word from Morgan as to his take on her. Her wedding reception speech was an absolute hoot. I loved the chastening of the prayer as Charles and Camilla were on the kneelers in front of the world. I also appreciated the crooked, imo, senior clergy who came to meet with Elizabeth. Modern day Pharisees at work. They sure knew how to play it, though. Of course they did. Philip's final appearance was very generous of Morgan. I was glad of it. It was congruent with the aging, and loyal, Philip we had seen.

Another moment I liked was when Lorraine was told Dot had been admitted to the hospital. It totally evoked the Godfather Baptism scene for me: Michael was standing and one of his minions came up to him, bent close to his ear so as not to allow others to hear him, and I am almost certain he said, "It's done." This, in regards to the assassination of five major enemies of the Corleone crime family. Those were the words spoken to Lorraine, in a similar manner.

Way too many impossible escapes, but there were some good moments. Is the Caymus '92 vintage considered better, or worse, than the '93? I'm guessing not as good. I am a bit surprised that Lorraine did not understand that Roy was not shaking her down. We saw examples of how she reads people brilliantly, but not this time. The scenes where Gator was dealing with being other than the leader and had to take humiliating orders were delicious. I hope there are scenes in the next ep where Roy goes berserk on Bowman and the others who brought him the wrong guy. The final scene was sneaky profound. Dot drives off carefully and when she reaches the end of the street, with nobody within a bunch of miles, she turned on the left turn blinker. She has blasted through so many customs and mores of behavior, yet she chose to be a perfect citizen when there was no practical reason or need to do so.

Miss Vicky would make for a perfect Fargo character.

I was thoroughly disappointed by the two home invasions which were presaged at the end of the last ep. For me, it was one, big, Is that all there is? Three things stood out for me. One, Dot did not kill when she had a perfect chance to do so. Two, Gator, despite his awareness of how slick and tough she is, first approached her gently. His clear intent was to avoid hurting her badly. This, despite the fact this was the most important test daddy ever put on him. Are they related by more than her marriage to Roy? Three, I was struck at how neat the Munch symbol on the wall was. It almost seemed like he were using good brushes to apply it. We did see an ultimate Minnesota Nice moment, fully faithful to that Fargo conceit: The tone of the debt collector. Goodness, but he acted as though Dot were his sister.

Fargo has relied on the mystical a great deal. See Malvo, raining fish in Winter, and other physical impossibilities in the known universe. Add Munch. I about fell out of my chair as the police chief explained that a state trooper was murdered and the suspect was still at large. Way too much real world stuff intruding in this ep. Roy insisted that he believed in Gator. Has a bigger lie ever been told in this series?

I'm trying to get past the fact that Dot was allowed to marry Senor Kia. Lorraine would have been all over Dot's background and come to realize Dot had created a personal history that had nothing whatever to do with reality. Now, if it turns out that Lorraine has a past with Roy, we are in for a helluva ride. Another Bisquick note - a scene that bugged was when Dot was preparing a big breakfast for Scotty and going on and on about pancakes and how breakfast is super important. That part was fine. But then, in a matter of seconds, in comes Senor Kia and demands (nicely) to take her to school without having touched the feast Dot had all but finished creating. Not a hint of a whisper of objection or resistance was heard.