This week’s journey through the magical realm of my DVR is a short one. Time is, unfortunately, constantly moving no matter how often I try to use my Jedi powers to slow it down (I am actually a Jedi, by the way. I have the paperwork to prove it.). Family, friends, super secret projects for the site, all these things take time and there’s no time, there’s never any time…sorry, had a Jessie Spano moment there. Which leads me to this. One of the shows in this week’s roundup counts one of her former co-stars as a cast member. Which one? Read on to find out. Here we go.
Modern Family
First on the list is Modern Family (episode “Me? Jealous?”). Another excellent episode from one of the best comedies going right now. The cast is a true ensemble where each member has their moment to shine week after week and the guest stars are typically impeccable. This episode was no exception, with Greg Kinnear showing up to play a potential client for Phil who, on multiple occasions, kisses Phil’s wife (and Wife Pretty Hall of Fame member) Claire (Julie Bowen) on the lips and “lingers” (lucky S.O.B). This show never disappoints. If it weren’t for Parks and Rec and Community (miss you!) this would be my favorite comedy going. But for it to even be mentioned with those two shows is high praise indeed and this episode proved it with two words. Betty Luke. Watch and laugh.
Archer
I couldn’t be more thrilled to write about this next show. This is another week-after-week-er (as in I look forward to it week after week and it never disappoints). I speak of the one, the only, Archer (ep. “The Limited”). I. Love. This. Show. It has it all. Great cast? Yup. Clever writing? You betcha. Pop culture references both arcane and broad? Double check. There’s comedy, action, sexy sex. All the things I want from a show. If you don’t watch the show I would highly recommend going back to season one and watching from the beginning. Mainly because then you will understand why the ocelot jokes are so funny. Oh, I almost forgot: this episode also makes fun of Canada. A lot. So that’s pretty awesome too. Much love for this show. In one word, amazing.
Cougar Town
Our next show is finally back after a bit of a hiatus. I am speaking of Cougar Town (ep. “Ain’t Love Strange”). I know people have mixed feelings about this show, but I am here to tell you it is well worth watching. As with Modern Family this cast is also a true ensemble. And the fact that show creator Bill Lawrence pokes fun at the name of the show every week during the opening credits is just fantastic (this week the title read “Yeah it’s still called Cougar Town. We’re not happy about it either”). Since this was the season premiere I won’t spoil it for those who have yet to watch, but a situation that could have been written cheesy and cloying was handled with heart and their trademark brand of lunacy. And there is a nice little easter egg for fans of Mr. Lawrence’s previous hit Scrubs, in the form of a CoffeeBucks sighting. Please give this show a shot. It is worthy of your time and will reward you for it with a multitude of laughs. Watch it now, thank me later.
White Collar
At last we come to the show who boasts a former co-star of Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley). I give you White Collar (ep. “Neighborhood Watch”) starring Matt Bomer, Tim DeKay, and co-starring one Tiffani (no longer Amber) Thiessen. I know there are plenty of USA Network programming haters out there, but trust me, this show is one hell of an enjoyable hour. What’s so good about it? Well, the actors work well together, the writing is good (and sometimes great), and they take full advantage of the fact that the show is set in New York City without making it seem like a tourism film. And, let’s face it, I am still in love with Ms. Thiessen (sorry wife). And also with Mr. Bomer’s wardrobe (I would literally kill for his suits). So to all you USA Network haters out there I say this. Get over your prejudices, get over yourself and give this show a chance. You might like what you see.
Well folks, that’s it for this week. I apologize once again for the brevity of this article. I am apparently a very important, in demand gentleman. I can’t keep this up much longer. I’m lazy.
Until next time, stop hating USA.
Christopher “Googs” Gadawski is a wise, handsome, worldly man. He is also a massive geek who devours anything Star Wars related. He loves beer, books and lots of television and can often be found wandering the streets preaching about the greatness of “Community” to all who will listen. He also loves his beautiful wife (just covering my bases here). Hi dear.
Does it get any better than Archer? I remember when they were advertising for this show before it came out and it took about 5 of those commercials for me to even become remotely interested. Threw it up on the DVR bc there wasn’t much else being recorded at the time (was holding steady at a solid 45% capacity), and watched it one night when there literally was NOTHING else on. Haven’t looked back since. Lisa hates it. Which makes me want to watch it in front of her.
Yet another reason I love my wife, she loves Archer almost as much as I do. I got turned on to the show by a good friend from Myrtle who one night after we were done watching Monday Night RAW at his place told me I had to watch this show called Archer. He threw it up on Netflix and I had planned on watching the first episode and heading home. Several hours (and beers) later we had watched the entire first season. I also never looked back.
I finally watche Cougar Town for the 1st time this week. I was a huge Scrubs fan, but for some reason neve got around to watching it. I’ll be chcking it out from now on though.