The Breakup
First Aired: Monday April 10, 2000
Due to Titus' upbringing, he believes the only way to be happy is to have something fall apart in order to make it whole again. And so it goes with his relationship with Erin.
A bit of a prerequisite for situation comedies, especially ones dealing with relationships, is the breakup episode. Titus looks to get it out of the way early. In no so typical fashion, Titus is actually looking to have the relationship end so there can be something to fix. He has become too happy with Erin and, in his eyes, this is so very wrong. Titus accomplishes this feat by talking about how great his ex-girlfriend was, leading to Erin dumping him. In response, Titus ends up sleeping with a waitress at a diner. Returning home to pack, Erin grovels in order to get him back and Titus relents. However, in his joy to "seal the deal", the waitress calls and Erin gets the phone. She and Titus go at it again, with Titus being the one to grovel now. Before it can go further, an ex-boyfriend of Erin's calls and it revealed that she had slept with him. After 12 hours of fighting, the two agree to end the relationship, but Titus actually ends up prosing with Erin saying yes.
The thing that saves this episode from the typical mediocre breakup episode is the one-liners from Titus and the flashback, especially Ken's where he deals with past wives. I really like the little twist at the end. I had expected that, with how messed up the two are, that they would come to the conclusion to end it, but Titus would say something like "We staying together". I didn't expect him to propose though. It was very sweet, in a very Titus-like way.
Score: 7.9 / 10
Friday, July 27, 2007
Picket Fences - S1E20
Rights of Passage
First Aired: Thursday April 15, 1993
The local Chippewa tribe takes the county to court over plans to expand a golf course on the ground where their ancestors had been buried. When things don't go in their favor, the Chippewa take over the courthouse in an act of war.
The last couple of episodes are really taking big strides in this show. After the local Chippewa tribe fails to get Judge Bone to rule in their favor about a golf course, sixteen tribesmen take over the courthouse in a formal declaration of war. The golf course would unearth the ancestral remains of Chippewa people and the chief has had enough of being bullied. Jimmy at first defies the city council by not trying to violently take back the courthouse, but after negotiations don't work out, both by him and then by Judge Bone, he has no choice. The Rome sheriff's station, much to their misfortune, must reclaim the courthouse. Just as the police after about to win, the chief comes out, trying to invoke the officers into shotting him. Kenny wounds him, but the chief suffers a stroke and dies at the end.
Also, in a side story, a classmate of Zach's is getting bullied, most likely due to his small size. The mother of the child requests that Jill try using the hormone enhancing drug to speed up his grow process. Ginny takes an exception to this, however, and rallies a group of little people in protest. In defense of his brother, Matt decides to fight the bully and ends up winning.
Like I mentioned, the last couple of episodes have ended on very dramatic scenes, and this one is no exception. The writers again take another subject which is a tough one and tackle it head on. They try to evoke emotion for both sides of the argument and allow the viewer to make their own decision instead of shoving something down their throat. As always, Judge Bone and Wambaugh play their characters with grace and dignity. This was more or less a Jimmy-centric main story, and Skerritt does it again, making it easy to see the problems facing Jimmy. While certainly nothing this extreme has ever happened, it shows what could possibly, and maybe should, happen.
Score: 9.1 / 10
First Aired: Thursday April 15, 1993
The local Chippewa tribe takes the county to court over plans to expand a golf course on the ground where their ancestors had been buried. When things don't go in their favor, the Chippewa take over the courthouse in an act of war.
The last couple of episodes are really taking big strides in this show. After the local Chippewa tribe fails to get Judge Bone to rule in their favor about a golf course, sixteen tribesmen take over the courthouse in a formal declaration of war. The golf course would unearth the ancestral remains of Chippewa people and the chief has had enough of being bullied. Jimmy at first defies the city council by not trying to violently take back the courthouse, but after negotiations don't work out, both by him and then by Judge Bone, he has no choice. The Rome sheriff's station, much to their misfortune, must reclaim the courthouse. Just as the police after about to win, the chief comes out, trying to invoke the officers into shotting him. Kenny wounds him, but the chief suffers a stroke and dies at the end.
Also, in a side story, a classmate of Zach's is getting bullied, most likely due to his small size. The mother of the child requests that Jill try using the hormone enhancing drug to speed up his grow process. Ginny takes an exception to this, however, and rallies a group of little people in protest. In defense of his brother, Matt decides to fight the bully and ends up winning.
Like I mentioned, the last couple of episodes have ended on very dramatic scenes, and this one is no exception. The writers again take another subject which is a tough one and tackle it head on. They try to evoke emotion for both sides of the argument and allow the viewer to make their own decision instead of shoving something down their throat. As always, Judge Bone and Wambaugh play their characters with grace and dignity. This was more or less a Jimmy-centric main story, and Skerritt does it again, making it easy to see the problems facing Jimmy. While certainly nothing this extreme has ever happened, it shows what could possibly, and maybe should, happen.
Score: 9.1 / 10
Thursday, July 26, 2007
8 Simple Rules - S1E01
Pilot
First Aired: Tuesday September 17, 2002
The pilot episode of 8 Simple Rules follows Paul Henesey through the day as he has to deal fully with his children while his wife Kate works a full day at the hospital. Problems ensue as Carrie gets suspended and Bridget has boy problems.
The other day, I decided to check out this comedy again because I remember it begin really good when John Ritter was a still alive. I was in college at the time, so I didn't get to see them all, so it is nice to see them. In this first episode, Paul has to care for the kids all day by himself while Kate is at the hospital. Of course as the standard for this sort of sitcom, things don't go right. Off the bat, Carrie is suspended from school after skipping school, which seems harsh for missing only one day. Later, Bridget is shot down by the boy she is interested in, though she was just looking at his a replacement to her current Homecoming date. She is then grounded by Paul. During the conversation, it is revealed that Carrie wanted to go to the dance, but no one asked her and she now thinks she is not pretty enough. Paul assures her and things seem to be neutral again in the household. As Kate returns home, Paul is still a bit of mess, but both of the girls come to say goodnight and embrace him.
The pilot episode for the show is good, mostly because of the acting of Ritter. I had only see small bits of his other works before this show and known him as more of a physical actor, ala Threes Company buffoonery. However, his quips and one-liners in this show were very comical. Because of this, the show stays afloat when it might sink without some his acting. While I see the characters progressing further so that the show doesn't have to rely so heavily on Ritter, it is still in its growing phase at this point. That is not a surprise, though, since it is the pilot. Look forward to more good Ritter acting in coming episodes.
Score: 8.2 / 10
First Aired: Tuesday September 17, 2002
The pilot episode of 8 Simple Rules follows Paul Henesey through the day as he has to deal fully with his children while his wife Kate works a full day at the hospital. Problems ensue as Carrie gets suspended and Bridget has boy problems.
The other day, I decided to check out this comedy again because I remember it begin really good when John Ritter was a still alive. I was in college at the time, so I didn't get to see them all, so it is nice to see them. In this first episode, Paul has to care for the kids all day by himself while Kate is at the hospital. Of course as the standard for this sort of sitcom, things don't go right. Off the bat, Carrie is suspended from school after skipping school, which seems harsh for missing only one day. Later, Bridget is shot down by the boy she is interested in, though she was just looking at his a replacement to her current Homecoming date. She is then grounded by Paul. During the conversation, it is revealed that Carrie wanted to go to the dance, but no one asked her and she now thinks she is not pretty enough. Paul assures her and things seem to be neutral again in the household. As Kate returns home, Paul is still a bit of mess, but both of the girls come to say goodnight and embrace him.
The pilot episode for the show is good, mostly because of the acting of Ritter. I had only see small bits of his other works before this show and known him as more of a physical actor, ala Threes Company buffoonery. However, his quips and one-liners in this show were very comical. Because of this, the show stays afloat when it might sink without some his acting. While I see the characters progressing further so that the show doesn't have to rely so heavily on Ritter, it is still in its growing phase at this point. That is not a surprise, though, since it is the pilot. Look forward to more good Ritter acting in coming episodes.
Score: 8.2 / 10
Picket Fences - S1E19
Sightings
First Aired: Thursday April 8, 1993
The Brock boys find a dead body near the trash outside their home. Carter's examination leads to finding out the man was at a supposed UFO crash. Afterwards, Carter rules that spaceship radiation may have caused the death .. and is fired for his beliefs.
This is an episode where the storyline encompasses both the silly and the thought provoking. After Matt and Zach find a dead body in their trash, Carter Pike first believes that something strange is going on with the body; weird tattoo, severe radiation, and that the man is of Jewish faith. When a traveling UFO troupe comes to town to claim the body, they find out that this Jewish man was at a supposed crash site several decades before. While Carter fights with his UFO urges, Wambaugh is questioning how his Jewish faith is being tested. A local rabbi confronts Wambaugh about making sure then body adheres to strict Orthodox Jewish laws when Carter can't release the body. He later confronts Miriam Wambaugh about how, when he was young, he claimed not to be Jewish so he wouldn't be beaten up. This emboldens him some, but he decides to take Carter Pikes case after Carter was fired for saying there was a possibility that the man died from radiation poisoning from a UFO. Having fallen for one of the ufologists, she pushes him to fight his wrongful termination. Jimmy had fired him because of his odd habits and his recent outbursts. Things change during the case, though, when it is found out that the woman had perpetrated all of the weird stuff, including the marks on the dead body and making Carter think he saw a UFO. Jimmy asks Carter to come back because he was duped into doing what he did. As the episode ends, Carter is confronted by the woman one last time and says that he doesn't know if he will ever be able to truly trust anyone again.
Like I said, this was a semi-serious/silly storyline about the possibility of UFOs with a very convincing case for pro-UFO existence. I enjoy Carter-centric episodes, but I really feel for the guy (which I am sure the writers want) and hope that things can possibly get better for him. Skeritt played a really good part in have to fire Carter and it was good to see his conflict of emotion, though you can tell that he always had questions about Carters methods. The other side of the story about respecting the Jewish faith was also very moving. It is easy to see why Wambaugh won so many Emmy's for his portrayal, since he goes from hilarity to stark seriousness the next moment. And he's a damn good lawyer, besides his wackiness. I like how it ended at a middle ground of emotion; Carter had his job back but he was crushed emotionally and romantically. I just hope things get better for him.
Score: 9.2 / 10
First Aired: Thursday April 8, 1993
The Brock boys find a dead body near the trash outside their home. Carter's examination leads to finding out the man was at a supposed UFO crash. Afterwards, Carter rules that spaceship radiation may have caused the death .. and is fired for his beliefs.
This is an episode where the storyline encompasses both the silly and the thought provoking. After Matt and Zach find a dead body in their trash, Carter Pike first believes that something strange is going on with the body; weird tattoo, severe radiation, and that the man is of Jewish faith. When a traveling UFO troupe comes to town to claim the body, they find out that this Jewish man was at a supposed crash site several decades before. While Carter fights with his UFO urges, Wambaugh is questioning how his Jewish faith is being tested. A local rabbi confronts Wambaugh about making sure then body adheres to strict Orthodox Jewish laws when Carter can't release the body. He later confronts Miriam Wambaugh about how, when he was young, he claimed not to be Jewish so he wouldn't be beaten up. This emboldens him some, but he decides to take Carter Pikes case after Carter was fired for saying there was a possibility that the man died from radiation poisoning from a UFO. Having fallen for one of the ufologists, she pushes him to fight his wrongful termination. Jimmy had fired him because of his odd habits and his recent outbursts. Things change during the case, though, when it is found out that the woman had perpetrated all of the weird stuff, including the marks on the dead body and making Carter think he saw a UFO. Jimmy asks Carter to come back because he was duped into doing what he did. As the episode ends, Carter is confronted by the woman one last time and says that he doesn't know if he will ever be able to truly trust anyone again.
Like I said, this was a semi-serious/silly storyline about the possibility of UFOs with a very convincing case for pro-UFO existence. I enjoy Carter-centric episodes, but I really feel for the guy (which I am sure the writers want) and hope that things can possibly get better for him. Skeritt played a really good part in have to fire Carter and it was good to see his conflict of emotion, though you can tell that he always had questions about Carters methods. The other side of the story about respecting the Jewish faith was also very moving. It is easy to see why Wambaugh won so many Emmy's for his portrayal, since he goes from hilarity to stark seriousness the next moment. And he's a damn good lawyer, besides his wackiness. I like how it ended at a middle ground of emotion; Carter had his job back but he was crushed emotionally and romantically. I just hope things get better for him.
Score: 9.2 / 10
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Titus - S1E3
Dave Moves Out
First Aired: Monday April 3, 2000
Ken Titus had Dave arrested while Dave was trying to move out, saying the stuff he was taken was Ken's. Titus arrives at the jail to reason with his father ... only to end up arrest along with Dave.
Titus gave his brother Dave the idea that he should finally move out of the house their father owns. In the process, Ken has Dave arrested. At the station, Ken tells Titus this is because the VCR he was moving was Ken's and Dave was committing a crime. Tommy shows up to help, but only ends up angering Ken further and Titus ends up arrested as well after he comments he helped Dave with the moving. When Erin comes, she helps Ken talk with his boys so that he will drop the charges. Erin and Titus then realize that if Dave does move out, Ken would spend more time with the couple. They quickly come up with a plan to trick Ken and Dave into wanting Dave to stay in the house.
A very good episode like the last one, the one-liners and cut-aways are top notch. They made me choke-cough more than once while watching. Of particular note were the parts where Titus translated the conversations at the beginning and the end of the episode. The three Titus family members are perfectly cast, especially Keach as Ken, and make this a memorable episode.
Score: 8.7 / 10
First Aired: Monday April 3, 2000
Ken Titus had Dave arrested while Dave was trying to move out, saying the stuff he was taken was Ken's. Titus arrives at the jail to reason with his father ... only to end up arrest along with Dave.
Titus gave his brother Dave the idea that he should finally move out of the house their father owns. In the process, Ken has Dave arrested. At the station, Ken tells Titus this is because the VCR he was moving was Ken's and Dave was committing a crime. Tommy shows up to help, but only ends up angering Ken further and Titus ends up arrested as well after he comments he helped Dave with the moving. When Erin comes, she helps Ken talk with his boys so that he will drop the charges. Erin and Titus then realize that if Dave does move out, Ken would spend more time with the couple. They quickly come up with a plan to trick Ken and Dave into wanting Dave to stay in the house.
A very good episode like the last one, the one-liners and cut-aways are top notch. They made me choke-cough more than once while watching. Of particular note were the parts where Titus translated the conversations at the beginning and the end of the episode. The three Titus family members are perfectly cast, especially Keach as Ken, and make this a memorable episode.
Score: 8.7 / 10
Monday, July 23, 2007
Titus - S1E02
Dad's Dead
First Aired: Monday March 27, 2000
The true show grabber, this episode of Titus revolved around whether or not Ken, Titus and Dave's father, is dead. The group, hesitant to check, instead remembers the good and bad times ... mostly the bad.
The episode begins when Dave tries to explain to Titus that he thinks their dad is dead after not coming out of his room for four days. Titus brushes this aside until Dave tells him their father didn't even come out for a beer. As the two try to cope with the potential loss, Erin shows up in a huff. Apparently, her pager message reading "dads dead" didn't me her own father, which she realized after walking in on her parents during sex. She reveals that a few days prior, Ken had given her his will for safe keeping. While the three contemplate opening the will, Tommy shows up for more consoling. As the four eat cake and discuss Ken, he shows up, interrupting Titus berating him. He yells at them to keep quiet and that he is trying to sleep.
While the first episode aired was more of the sitcom feel then this subject matter deserved, this second episode, the true pilot, is where it really shines. The quick wit and one-liners are present, as well as the voice-overs by Titus that add more of the grim, dark humor that the show thrives on. It features many of the lines I told to people over the years about this great, under appreciated show and it is good to be watching this shows again.
Score: 9 / 10
First Aired: Monday March 27, 2000
The true show grabber, this episode of Titus revolved around whether or not Ken, Titus and Dave's father, is dead. The group, hesitant to check, instead remembers the good and bad times ... mostly the bad.
The episode begins when Dave tries to explain to Titus that he thinks their dad is dead after not coming out of his room for four days. Titus brushes this aside until Dave tells him their father didn't even come out for a beer. As the two try to cope with the potential loss, Erin shows up in a huff. Apparently, her pager message reading "dads dead" didn't me her own father, which she realized after walking in on her parents during sex. She reveals that a few days prior, Ken had given her his will for safe keeping. While the three contemplate opening the will, Tommy shows up for more consoling. As the four eat cake and discuss Ken, he shows up, interrupting Titus berating him. He yells at them to keep quiet and that he is trying to sleep.
While the first episode aired was more of the sitcom feel then this subject matter deserved, this second episode, the true pilot, is where it really shines. The quick wit and one-liners are present, as well as the voice-overs by Titus that add more of the grim, dark humor that the show thrives on. It features many of the lines I told to people over the years about this great, under appreciated show and it is good to be watching this shows again.
Score: 9 / 10
Picket Fences - S1E18
Fetal Attraction
First Aired: Thursday April 1, 1993
An patient of Jill's has advanced Parkinson's disease, leaving him unable to walk and now to speak. In frustration, she decides to contact the leading neurosurgeon in the country. He also turns out to be an ex-fiance.
Bill McGrath is now unable to speak after his Parkinson disease has taken a turn for the worse. Jill decides it is time to call her ex-fiance, Dr David Williams played by Jamey Sheridan, who happens to be a master on the subject. He has been called the "cowboy", since he has performed procedures in China that involve putting cells from aborted fetuses directly into the brain. When he informs Jill that this may be their only solution, she tries to get the local hospital to allow them the use of their operating room. When the head of the hospital declines, Bill and his wife take the case to court. During the trial, Jill kisses David after they had been out to dinner. Jimmy sees this and is taken aback. Jill tells him that the kiss happened because she wanted to "regret something I did, instead of regretting what I didn't". To this, Jimmy understands in a way and comments that "No matter how strong we get, we still stay so fragile." Judge Bone rules that there is no law that says a hospital must relent to such a procedure. In response, Jill's ex-fiance trumps up a fake aneurysm in Bill in order to get him to the OR where a fetus is waiting. He and Jill perform the procedure without any problems, but are held in contempt for a week.
After the previous episodes storyline of mystery/action, it was fun to go back to the courtroom. The superb acting of both Wambaugh and Bone make watching this so much fun. The writers are also good at evoking feels for both sides of the case. They eloquently make Bone's ruling sound, though it might not be what the audience truly wants. I also like how this episode shows that real-life relationships can become incredibly strained. Even though they make up, Jill and Jimmy have problems from this episode and previous episodes, and I believe this makes the show more believable. Again, the show does not shy away from the controversy, especially for its time. That's what makes this show a wonder to watch.
Score: 9.1 / 10
First Aired: Thursday April 1, 1993
An patient of Jill's has advanced Parkinson's disease, leaving him unable to walk and now to speak. In frustration, she decides to contact the leading neurosurgeon in the country. He also turns out to be an ex-fiance.
Bill McGrath is now unable to speak after his Parkinson disease has taken a turn for the worse. Jill decides it is time to call her ex-fiance, Dr David Williams played by Jamey Sheridan, who happens to be a master on the subject. He has been called the "cowboy", since he has performed procedures in China that involve putting cells from aborted fetuses directly into the brain. When he informs Jill that this may be their only solution, she tries to get the local hospital to allow them the use of their operating room. When the head of the hospital declines, Bill and his wife take the case to court. During the trial, Jill kisses David after they had been out to dinner. Jimmy sees this and is taken aback. Jill tells him that the kiss happened because she wanted to "regret something I did, instead of regretting what I didn't". To this, Jimmy understands in a way and comments that "No matter how strong we get, we still stay so fragile." Judge Bone rules that there is no law that says a hospital must relent to such a procedure. In response, Jill's ex-fiance trumps up a fake aneurysm in Bill in order to get him to the OR where a fetus is waiting. He and Jill perform the procedure without any problems, but are held in contempt for a week.
After the previous episodes storyline of mystery/action, it was fun to go back to the courtroom. The superb acting of both Wambaugh and Bone make watching this so much fun. The writers are also good at evoking feels for both sides of the case. They eloquently make Bone's ruling sound, though it might not be what the audience truly wants. I also like how this episode shows that real-life relationships can become incredibly strained. Even though they make up, Jill and Jimmy have problems from this episode and previous episodes, and I believe this makes the show more believable. Again, the show does not shy away from the controversy, especially for its time. That's what makes this show a wonder to watch.
Score: 9.1 / 10
Picket Fences - S1E17
Be My Valentine
First Aired: Friday February 12, 1993
It's near Valentine's day, it the episode starts with a twang as Jimmy is shot in the ass with an arrow. It turns out that the serial killer known as Cupid has apparently come to Rome.
After Jimmy is shot with a bow and arrow, Maxine realizes that it might be the serial killer known as Cupid. She worries that she may be a target due to her specific personal ad which mentions liking poetry. She and Kenny decide to stake out a date where they nope to lure out the killer, whom the FBI believes they already killed. In the process, they meet Barry Jennings, the man who lead the case for the FBI. Unfortunately, he went a bit crazy after the killer killed his wife and was fired from the FBI. The FBI and the Rome Sheriffs station believes that he is in fact the killer and set up a sting using Maxine. Playing on Jenkins' trust, Maxine agrees to go out with Ben, who Jenkins seems to be trying to use as a suspect for when he kills Maxine. Chaos ensues during the sting, with the police actually thinking the killer is Ben. It turns out that both Ben and Jennings are accomplices. Maxine barely survives with the help of her illegal pen gun. The episode ends with the FBI capturing the men and Maxine being fine.
This was a very good whodunit and a mystery episode. There are multiple twists, with none of them being easy to figure out, IMO. I liked the fact that it was a Maxine centric episode and she really shined in this one more than the recent others. Also, Kurtwood Smith (That 70's Show) as Special Agent Jennings played a good villain, as is typical for him to do. A very interesting and original Valentine's episode.
Score: 8.4 / 10
First Aired: Friday February 12, 1993
It's near Valentine's day, it the episode starts with a twang as Jimmy is shot in the ass with an arrow. It turns out that the serial killer known as Cupid has apparently come to Rome.
After Jimmy is shot with a bow and arrow, Maxine realizes that it might be the serial killer known as Cupid. She worries that she may be a target due to her specific personal ad which mentions liking poetry. She and Kenny decide to stake out a date where they nope to lure out the killer, whom the FBI believes they already killed. In the process, they meet Barry Jennings, the man who lead the case for the FBI. Unfortunately, he went a bit crazy after the killer killed his wife and was fired from the FBI. The FBI and the Rome Sheriffs station believes that he is in fact the killer and set up a sting using Maxine. Playing on Jenkins' trust, Maxine agrees to go out with Ben, who Jenkins seems to be trying to use as a suspect for when he kills Maxine. Chaos ensues during the sting, with the police actually thinking the killer is Ben. It turns out that both Ben and Jennings are accomplices. Maxine barely survives with the help of her illegal pen gun. The episode ends with the FBI capturing the men and Maxine being fine.
This was a very good whodunit and a mystery episode. There are multiple twists, with none of them being easy to figure out, IMO. I liked the fact that it was a Maxine centric episode and she really shined in this one more than the recent others. Also, Kurtwood Smith (That 70's Show) as Special Agent Jennings played a good villain, as is typical for him to do. A very interesting and original Valentine's episode.
Score: 8.4 / 10
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Titus - S1E01
Sex with Pudding
First Aired: Monday March 20, 2000
In the very first episode of Titus, Christopher Titus believes that his long time girlfriend Erin is cheating on him. After finding revealing clues, he decides to confront her co-workers.
The first episode of Titus showed up on the Fox network in early 2000 and, strangely enough, it felt like a real life version of the Family Guy. Only better.
Titus has taken his brother Dave and friend Tommy to his girlfriend Erin's workplace. He has a sneaking suspicion that he is having an affair with someone. The plan immediately back fires when Erin sees them get off the elevator. She sends them to her office to wait, but they can't help but sniff for clues. Finding emails and a pair of panties, Titus confronts Erin. She tells him that she is actually being sexually harassed and asks him not to get involved. As the three are leaving, Titus changes his mind and confronts Erin's whole floor. After a rousing speech, several guys come forward, but the real "pudding" is Erin's female boss, who had believed that Erin was gay. The entire problem is resolved at the end and everyone is happy ... except for Dave, because he started a fire.
I only remember a few passing episodes of the show since I was starting college at the time it premiered. I did, however, remember catching an episode or two and being amused. Like I said, it reminded me a of a live action Family Guy, with the numerous cuts to past events. This is a good thing, since these weren't terrible (like some of the FG flashbacks have become lately). Like a typical sitcom, the characters and the audience are presented with the premise of the episode and it is usually resolved at the end. This episode follows that formula easily, but the little comments by Erin, Titus and Dave make it funny. From what I can remember, Dave gets funnier as time goes on, but this was a prime place to start. A decent show that I can see myself watching every now and then.
Score: 8.3 / 10
First Aired: Monday March 20, 2000
In the very first episode of Titus, Christopher Titus believes that his long time girlfriend Erin is cheating on him. After finding revealing clues, he decides to confront her co-workers.
The first episode of Titus showed up on the Fox network in early 2000 and, strangely enough, it felt like a real life version of the Family Guy. Only better.
Titus has taken his brother Dave and friend Tommy to his girlfriend Erin's workplace. He has a sneaking suspicion that he is having an affair with someone. The plan immediately back fires when Erin sees them get off the elevator. She sends them to her office to wait, but they can't help but sniff for clues. Finding emails and a pair of panties, Titus confronts Erin. She tells him that she is actually being sexually harassed and asks him not to get involved. As the three are leaving, Titus changes his mind and confronts Erin's whole floor. After a rousing speech, several guys come forward, but the real "pudding" is Erin's female boss, who had believed that Erin was gay. The entire problem is resolved at the end and everyone is happy ... except for Dave, because he started a fire.
I only remember a few passing episodes of the show since I was starting college at the time it premiered. I did, however, remember catching an episode or two and being amused. Like I said, it reminded me a of a live action Family Guy, with the numerous cuts to past events. This is a good thing, since these weren't terrible (like some of the FG flashbacks have become lately). Like a typical sitcom, the characters and the audience are presented with the premise of the episode and it is usually resolved at the end. This episode follows that formula easily, but the little comments by Erin, Titus and Dave make it funny. From what I can remember, Dave gets funnier as time goes on, but this was a prime place to start. A decent show that I can see myself watching every now and then.
Score: 8.3 / 10
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - S1E7
Charlie Got Molested
First Aired: Tuesday September 13, 2005
The gang finds out that a teacher at Mac and Charlie's old school is being brought up on molestation charges. Afterwards, Charlie's strange behavior tips the gang off that he may also have been molested.
Rude and crude: just like the Sunny crew, and the viewers like me, likes it. Nothing says hilarity like molestation, huh? While reading a paper, Mac sees that a former elementary school gym teacher from his and Charlie's school is being charged with molesting two brothers. However, it turns out that the brothers at the McPoley brothers, oddballs who came up with the plan after hearing Charlie mention it one night of drinking. Dennis, Dee and Mac suspect that perhaps Charlie was also molested, so they try to plan an intervention. Mac also tries to make a move on the teacher, played by Dennis Haskins (Saved by the Bell), but is shot down. Everything turns out okay in the end when Charlie finally gives in and rats out the brothers.
In one of the smartest episodes the show has seen, this season ender is just the tip of the iceberg that is Sunny. As always, Mac and Charlie's acting is top notch, and it is interesting to see Charlie appear to be taking the high road for once. Even the storyline involving Dee and Dennis trying to help him is great. Another prime example of the witty and crass writing this team can do.
Score: 9 / 10
First Aired: Tuesday September 13, 2005
The gang finds out that a teacher at Mac and Charlie's old school is being brought up on molestation charges. Afterwards, Charlie's strange behavior tips the gang off that he may also have been molested.
Rude and crude: just like the Sunny crew, and the viewers like me, likes it. Nothing says hilarity like molestation, huh? While reading a paper, Mac sees that a former elementary school gym teacher from his and Charlie's school is being charged with molesting two brothers. However, it turns out that the brothers at the McPoley brothers, oddballs who came up with the plan after hearing Charlie mention it one night of drinking. Dennis, Dee and Mac suspect that perhaps Charlie was also molested, so they try to plan an intervention. Mac also tries to make a move on the teacher, played by Dennis Haskins (Saved by the Bell), but is shot down. Everything turns out okay in the end when Charlie finally gives in and rats out the brothers.
In one of the smartest episodes the show has seen, this season ender is just the tip of the iceberg that is Sunny. As always, Mac and Charlie's acting is top notch, and it is interesting to see Charlie appear to be taking the high road for once. Even the storyline involving Dee and Dennis trying to help him is great. Another prime example of the witty and crass writing this team can do.
Score: 9 / 10
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