TV Review: A Week in Review
Tuesday, March 24th, 2009
Ok, not necessarily a whole week. But the amazing television that has come along over the last few days cannot be ignored. So if you are not caught up on the latest episodes of shows like Supernatural, Dollhouse, Battlestar Galactica, Legend of the Seeker, and Heroes, go no further.
The latest Supernatural episode, “On the Head of a Pin,” is arguably the best episode of the series. This episode did more to further the season and the characters than any episode that readily comes to mind. We learned just how Sam has become so strong, how Dean had to learn to survive in Hell, how the Apocolypse began, how it must end, and just how tough Castiel and Anna can be. That’s a hell of a lot to ask from one episode, and this one did it beautifully. Ben Edlund, the writer of such classic Whedon episodes like Angel’s “Sacrifice” and Firefly’s “Jaynestown,” wrote this penultimate episode. Even the stunt casting of Christopher Heyerdahl in the role of Alastair added such darkness and dimension to the show that the viewer is left cringing. Kripke and Co. showed exactly how to come back from a hiatus, and how to do it with a bang, both literally and emotionally.
Speaking of Joss Whedon, this week’s episode of Dollhouse was advertised as the best yet – the one to make you grab hold and not let go. And as expected, he did not disappoint. The latest episode, “Man on the Street,” added more intrigue, suspense, and action to the show than the previous six episodes combined. Dushku continued to amaze with her versatility from frightened housewife to deadly assassin. And we learn that Alpha is not the only one after the Dollhouse. This episode cemented my devotion to the show, and I strongly urge anyone who had given up on the show to treat yourself to a mini-marathon. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
As for disappointed, I’ve heard many say that they felt the Battlestar Galactica series finale was amazing, but overall, disappointing, even lazy. While I can understand that some might feel that way, I thoroughly enjoyed the culmination of four seasons of Ron Moore’s amazing vision for BSG. The show has always been steeped in mysticism and mythology, and I would have been surprised if they had ignored that heritage in the finale, especially since they had not addressed it much this back half of the season. I liked the ambiguity of it all. It made me cheer, it made my cry, it broke my heart and it inspired me – everything this series has always done. And one thing’s for sure: I will never hear “All Along the Watchtower” in the same way.
Legend of the Seeker has continued to impress each week. Every episode draws a little more from the original books, but does so in a new and refreshing way. And they always do it in such a way as to never undermine the integrity of the characters. Bridget Regan continues to impress with her portrayal of Kahlan. I have to say that of all the actors, she is the most perfectly cast. The latest episodes, “Conversion” and “Bloodline” have masterfully incorporated such elements from the book as Kahlan’s Blood Rage and Richard’s Pristinely Ungifted sister, Jensen. Even the incorporation of the Mord Sith, though done slightly differently from the novels, is thoroughly engaging and true to the core essence of the characters.
And most recently, Heroes. This episode, titled “Cold Snap,” marked the return of Bryan Fuller to the series. Fuller worked on what is probably the best of Season One episodes, “Company Man.” So, did his return make for amazing television? He definitely made some major changes. From the reveal of who Rebel is to Angela being saved by an unlikely source, Heroes was undeniably compelling. And tragic. While I understand the need for whittling down characters, I am not entirely happy with who they keep knocking off. But I will continue to watch to see if these payoffs continue. Heroes is definitely heading in the right direction for greatness again, and I am definitely glad to see Fuller’s touch return to the show. He adds a poignancy that has been lacking for far too long.
So there, my fellow TV addicts, some thoughts on what has been some amazing television over the past few days. We’ve said farewell to an epic favorite, found a new Friday night addiction, and are encouraged by what is possibly shaping up to be some great Monday night storytelling, again. One thing is for sure, I haven’t enjoyed television this much in a long time.
And here’s to its continued success.
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I heartily agree with your assessments here. The only show I’m not watching is Legend of the Seeker (mostly because I found it difficult to catch on TV at first, and now I’m far behind). The latest episode of Heroes wasn’t perfect (and I really doubt that everyone will stay dead for long), but it was definitely a compelling episode to watch. I have my gripes with the Battlestar finale, but I still thought it was a fitting end for the series. Dollhouse was everything you said it was, and I hope it continues on its upward trajectory, quality-wise. Supernatural is always great, and this past episode was certainly one of the best episodes of the show.
Great review! I pretty much agree with everything you said as well. Supernatural and BSG being at the top of my list of television excitement. I couldn’t ask for anything better last week.
Dollhouse is starting to draw me in as well, especially after that last episode. It seems to be developing that Joss like vibe.
Seeker was something I watched at first because I was a fan of the books, but the first episodes we a disappointment for me. I am usually pretty good about not being a purest with book adaptions, but this series was so loosely based on the books it drove me nuts. I had read the first handful of SoT books about 10-12 years ago and re-read WFR when I heard they were making the tv show. Big mistake, I am not going to read any more again any time soon. Although I have to say that when the episode Denna aired I started enjoying it more. These past few episodes have been great and I think I can fully say I enjoy it for what it is – something that draws the mythology and characters from the books – but is in itself its own lighter form of entertainment.
I am sad to say I disagree about Heroes. Yes, the episode was better than they have been lately, but not enough to make me want to continue to watch. I am trying to give the show a chance, but (like LOST) it’s not keeping my attention anymore. The revelation of who Rebel was was no surprise and the episode itself was very predictable, IMO.
One show that I was going to give up on that was amazing last week was Terminator:TSCC. I think it has been turning itself around lately. We’re starting really see John become JOHN CONNOR. I love it.
Agreed on T:SCC. As a matter of fact, I’d watched the episdoe up to all of the last 20 mintues then had to stop and come back the next day. In the meantime I’d told my husband how I was getting so ambivilent about the show and I was almost done watching. Then we came back, watched the last 20 minutes and my hubby just looked at me. I said, “Ok, color me interested again.” Silly me. :)
This week’s Dollhouse was, by far, the best yet. The show seems to have turned the corner.
The BSG ending worked for me. I loved the final scene, and some of he lingering ambiguity.
Agreed on the BSG ending, i sort of started watching from the 4.0-4.5 break and caught up in time for 4.5 and loved every minute. But now what do i fill that hole with?
And Dollhouse is greatness
@ But now what do i fill that hole with?
Give Kings a chance.
I guess I’ll have to…
So you do like Kings? I’m kind of half interested, but kind of have a full docket at the present. Worth catching up on over the summer perhaps?
It’s slow out of the gate. But it’s different than anything else on tv right now and it’s got an interesting cast.
Most of my shows have ended so I’m looking for something new.
Ok, so i have two choices, i try not to have my shows too crowded. So shouild i watch the British version of Life On Mars/Ashes to Ashes, or start Kings?
Obviously my endorsement of Kings hasn’t been so enthusiastic. But the reason I brought it up in the first place is that has a sort of BSG vibe. I admit has yet to be great.
I don’t know what Ashes to Ashes is.
I haven’t been able to get into Kings. My hubby got me to watch the first 3 eps and I don’t care to watch any more. I found it kind of boring. I liked the actors though.
It’s so nice to see people who liked the BSG finale too. So many people on my lj friendslist hated it. I can’t help but wonder if some people are choosing to be angry so they don’t have to deal with losing a show they loved.
I had one friend give me a one hour lecture on everything ethically and philosophically wrong with it… o_O… that was kind of a scary thing.
And I’m really excited for Dollhouse. :D That was quite the… to use a term my professor said to me “Wow moment.” My theatre prof is a geek who watches Dollhouse and BSG.. Win!
@ I had one friend give me a one hour lecture on everything ethically and philosophically wrong with it… o_O… that was kind of a scary thing.
Sounds like my kind of people. I wish he’d post in our BSG thread.
Rusty James vs. random guy…there can only be one