CurbUrEnthusiasm

Love this show! Although I think it tries a teensy bit too hard to be wacky/silly (particularly with Anne's many rare ailments), it definitely reminds me of my favorite workplace ensemble sitcoms like Brooklyn Nine Nine, The Office, and Parks & Rec - nice mix of sweet and zany. The cast is terrific, particularly Steven Boyer as Dwayne. Sherri may have some questionable views but she's always had great comedic chops (with a lengthy resume to boot). Plus it combines two of my favorite genres - "true" crime and comedy/mockumentaries. And given Nicholas D'Agosto's role as another east coast lawyer on Gotham, part of me just likes to pretend this show is really about Harvey Dent's origin story before becoming Batman's nemesis. Between that and a previous mention of them supposedly "destroying a condom", it appears some sort of pregnancy storyline (or at least a scare) may be in the works? Carol Anne has grown on me (kind of like a fungus), but I'm not too sure how to feel about that as I'm not particularly fond of that coupling. However, this would definitely give Josh another reason to stick around... Awesome that Larry has a twin! That potentially means another role for John Lithgow to play on this show, which is always a good thing. He's such a brilliant, versatile actor. Can't wait to see how the story unfolds and really hope this show gets renewed for a second season.

While I realize Mark can be slightly obnoxious, tacky, and quite the showboat in his dances, I think he deserves significantly more praise for his choreography and teaching skills. From the very beginning, I've always admired his creativity (sometimes it can go awry, but he definitely has some interesting ideas). Granted Paige seems innately talented, but I'm particularly impressed with his body of work this season (I've already watched the jive an embarrassing number of times this week and thought the paso doble was stunning). I'm definitely rooting for them this season!

Not sure how I feel about Lance's addition to the cast just yet but I certainly welcome his beauty on my TV screen. I am beyond thrilled Joe Corbin/Zach will become a series regular - I've wanted that since his short appearance on the show. The character makes perfect sense as a member of the team and the casting folks did a truly great job (Zach looks just like a younger version of Clancy Brown). I think I'm feeling a bit more optimistic about the season now.

Given her truly disgusting history and past behavior, she's hardly a "nice" lady. Derek bugs me from time to time but I do think he's talented and even he deserves better than that. All in all, I think her inclusion in the cast is pretty gross but I've learned not to expect much from the show anymore. I swear I'm such a glutton for punishment. Anyway, I know DWTS is desperately trying to be "hip" and appeal to a younger demographic and all that jazz...but I just wish they'd just stop (for my sake). Watching some of the pros attempt the nae nae and whip in the recent promos made me alternately cringe and laugh for all the wrong reasons. Please stick to ballroom (and I say that as someone who absolutely adores all genres of dance). I totally agree with this post. I'm actually not too far removed from that 18-25 demographic but even I feel embarrassed by some of the tactics the show is using. So many of the changes in recent years have been utterly unnecessary and ridiculous.

A REAL Backstreet Boy on the show! FINALLY! The preteen in me is also screaming and rejoicing. As a BSB fangirl, I am so beyond happy and I've wanted this for soooo long (seriously I've already creepily choreographed intricate dances to "The Call" and "Everybody (Backsteet's Back)" in my head). I wanted Kevin or AJ but Nick will do (I don't recall being impressed by the BSB as dancers but his nae nae didn't exactly make me want to vomit like some of the others). I hope he does well and gets a great partner (so pretty much anyone but Allison please). Can't wait to see the boys supporting him in the audience and I'm sure he'll get to dance to one of their hits. *Squee*

Angela's just not part of the GMW universe. She was a bit more than just "Shawn's ex-girlfriend" but it is what it is. That is not the crux of the problem at all (for me). I'm pretty sure most people with a lick of sense realize this show is about the new generation of kids and they are the central focus - as it should be. Otherwise, I can't imagine putting up with this show for too long. However, it's also extremely silly to think that absolutely no one in the audience is watching for the slight nostalgia factor, particularly if the show makes a concerted effort to bring back old BMW characters time and time again. So when they are brought back, I don't think it's at all unreasonable to ask for some half-way decent writing, respect for the characters' previous history (along with some semblance of accuracy), and adequate, sensible integration of them into the main storyline. I don't care how much you personally like or dislike the character - the same principle should apply. That's partly why Eric's appearance was so much more enjoyable.

Great post! Very well-written. Really enjoyed your assessment of the episode and I agree with many of your points. Actually I find that incredibly disappointing since I thought the episode was a huge mess for the most part and nothing about it worked well. The lessons on BMW were typically much more organic and "real"...but this is a Disney show, so I should know to lower my expectations (I will aways be bitter this show ended up on Disney and not ABC family). I just wish this show would rely a teensy bit less on all these parallels and BMW nostalgia to create its "lessons". But it's sweet to know the likes of Ben, Rider (and his brother), and the "old vanguard" are so intimately involved with the show. It was so bizarre and poorly executed - her appearance was pointless and disappointing. Whether or not you like Angela or her pairing with Shawn, that was just weakly developed story-telling and questionable writing. In many ways, Michael Jacobs was in a tough position - not bringing Angela back at all would have been disappointing for many. However, TPTB could have found infinitely better ways to write this storyline and integrate the character into the episode (and without rewriting BMW history - I'm still in awe they seriously had Shawn ask Angela why she "left" him and how Cory barely acknowledged his old friend/acquaintance). I won't get into the absurdity of giving Shawn this forced, saccharine insta-family but his bond with Maya is so very sweet. For the umpteenth time, I just wish the writers would realize he can be part of Maya's life and a "father figure" without actually dating her mom. Actually that could potentially be a great storyline for Maya. Lastly, great post, spanana! Actually, I aways thought him falling in love with her via the items in her purse was a charming, sweet part of their relationship and more than adequate "backstory".

I absolutely cannot stand the way this show handled Angela's return on a number of levels and hated pretty much everything about Girl Meets Hurricane - it was awful use of the character and terrible, poorly developed, sloppy writing, and I have already resolved to pretend the episode never happened. However, Trina needs to shut up and move on. She's truly not doing herself any favors - it's just desperate and tacky at this point. STOP. With that said, I'd really appreciate if this show did not rewrite BMW history to suit its agenda (BMW did enough of that itself) and left "canon" alone from now on - it's beyond insulting. Angela did not just "leave" Shawn high and dry because she wasn't ready (him asking her why she left him was such an incredibly bizarre, idiotic moment - Shawn's penchant for self-pity has always been annoying). She went to Europe to spend time with her father and Shawn gave her his blessing. End of story. Do they think we're stupid? I swear to God I will never understand the praise for Chet. The actor is great but I don't ever want to see that loathsome character back - he has no real, appropriate place on the show. However, more Feeny is always welcome!!! Always. More Eric too - Will's still got it and did a wonderful job. I kind of feel bad for Rachel fans (is this a thing?). I wonder if she'll make an appearance because it would be nice and fitting for the show to acknowledge one of Topanga's past female friendships, particularly since they ignored that opportunity with Angela. Lastly, as I said, that last episode really left a bad taste in my mouth for many reasons, especially that Shawn/Katy/Maya mess. I certainly don't want Maya to be in a constant state of misery but I'd like for her to maintain her edge - something about trying to give her this lovey dovey insta-family with Shawn felt so forced. We don't need a Riley clone and I hope the character remains interesting. It would also be nice to focus on other characters like Farkle.

I would really need to know how one defines "normal" but I think Angela had many great, diverse hairstyles (and yes admittedly quite a couple of truly bizarre failures, particularly in season 5...but that BMW Reviewed blog isn't exactly objective when it comes to Angela).That's actually one of the things I loved and appreciated about her character (and related to myself) - the ever-changing hair. Yes her hair looks bad this time around (Trina is still a pretty woman but doesn't seem to grasp that blonde hair is not a good look for her). We get it. Big whoop. I'm more intrigued by what actually happens in the episode and I am crossing my fingers it isn't as cringe-worthy as some of the spoilers appear to be thus far. All I ask for is some decent, respectful writing and story-tellling.

Ha! I rebuke that monstrosity sitting on Trina's head in those preview pictures. I know she hasn't worked steadily in recent years but there's no excuse for that tragic wig. Angela was creative with her hairstyles but she never looked so awful. You have perfectly described what's bothering me most about Angela's return - the tone is so different and not an accurate/respectful reflection of the character's history. Whether or not people like/dislike Angela, she did eventually become an integral part of the cast in the later seasons. She wasn't just Shawn's girlfriend/appendage. She was one of Topanga's closest friends, formed a special bond with Cory (I absolutely loved that storyline in season 6), and generally got along with the rest of the characters. I'll fully admit the 12-year old Shawn/Angela shipper in me is heartbroken and crying but I promise I'm not entirely delusional. I know this show is about the kids. I realize people move on and you don't always end up with your first love - that's life (although I do scoff at the writers' insistence on being "realistic" on a fictional show like this). However, Angela's return appears to be very unnecessary and disappointing on a number of levels - no need to bring her back for this nonsense and to "prop" Shawn/Katy. Just put those two together and leave well enough alone. Heck I'd wish the writers would realize that Shawn can be part of Maya's life and a father figure to her without actually pairing up with her mother (and I'm so petty that every time I look at Katy, I can't help but burst out laughing, thinking about the actress' SYTYCD audition - I love/hate when my fandoms collide). It's such a contrived (and downright corny) storyline. Anyway, it will be great to see Jack back. He looks great!

LOL! I clutched my pearls during that scene! I couldn't dare think about speaking to my mom like that at her age (or now and I'm a mostly grown ass woman). Zoey is definitely my absolute least favorite Johnson kid but I guess she is indeed a realistic portrayal of teens these days (which is why Sue Heck is the only teenage character on TV I can stomach). However, the actress is absolutely beautiful and seems like the total opposite of her character in real life. I hope we get to see more dimension/depth to Zoey as time goes on. Nonetheless, I'm still very impressed by the casting for the kids on this show - they're all promising, charming little actors.

As much as I like Artem, Patti's presence this season sort of makes me wish Maks was back on the show because I imagine he and Patti would have been hilarious and entertaining as hell in the rehearsal clips. He would have met his match. Miss Patti does not hold her tongue and is the queen of shade - diva all day. She's probably an acquired taste but personally I have nothing but respect and love for her as she's a true living legend. She probably won't go too far in the competition but I wish her all the best.

I thoroughly, fully enjoyed that scene between Pops and (D')Alicia and I wanted it to go on for MUCH longer - I could watch those two all day. It was the highlight of the episode for me - so touching, nuanced, and beautifully acted by Laurence and Anna. Moreover, it brought some insight into the characters and the social issues they've had to encounter. That glass ceiling remark from Alicia really hit home. I also really appreciated that crazy dinner scene. Beyond the chaos and histrionics, there was essentially an underlying debate about "blackness", respectability politics, and whether there are "good" or "bad" types of black people, which is a very relevant topic concerning the black community (and something I've grappled with myself). I thought the AV Club's take on the scene was quite interesting: On a random note, I ADORE the music on this show. Where else do I get to hear Jagged Edge on a TV show?! Much love.

Late to this topic but I just wanted to add that I think Marcus Scribner (Andre Jr.) is doing a really fantastic job. I know most people fawn over Diane/Marsai (rightfully so) but I'm always impressed by him in particular as A LOT of his scenes (especially in this episode) could be disastrous in the hands of someone less talented. I got some good laughs from him yelling "It was your mom!" after getting punched and his completely deadpan reaction to Dre revealing he used to be fat. He's obviously still a little green but he has some really great comedic timing and never fails to make me smile - really great casting there. Plus I love seeing black "nerds" on TV other than the Steve Urkel variety!

As much as I love this show, I don't think I'll ever understand why the writers think the Garry/Terry/Larry jokes are funny. They were indeed somewhat enjoyable at first but after a while, the gag became stale, juvenile, and just plain mean. I know I shouldn't be so darn sensitive and I realize this is a comedy but it's the one aspect of the show I've vehemently hated and has somewhat ruined my enjoyment. In fact, it has made me grow to slightly resent a few characters, particularly April (I'll save my thoughts about that hateful piece of work for another time). I hate that even Leslie joins in on that nonsense. I definitely don't mind certain characters being the target of jokes (it works really well for Scully/Hitchcock on Brooklyn 99 and Jonah on Veep) but Garry is such a kind sweetheart (albeit a bit dopey) that it comes across as bizarre and cruel on an otherwise pleasant show. Above all, it's just plain unfunny (which is perhaps the more egregious "offense" on a comedy). With that said, it does make me happy that Garry has a stunningly gorgeous wife and does seem to have a terrific home life. Of all the characters, I think I like seeing him triumph the most so I thoroughly enjoyed those sweet moments with Donna this season and his glee upon becoming mayor. Hope he gets a really happy endng during the finale!