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jknousak
Reviews
This Is Us: Forty: Part Two (2020)
Two words and a date: Rodney King 1992
The Three were 12 y.o. In '92 when Rodney King asked: "can't we just all get along?"
That was national, that was about race, and I am betting dollars that, were it in the real world and not television, Jack and Kate would have addressed the national news of that day and included all three of their children.
We do, however, see what Stuck looks like (Randall; and we've known some of those adults) and what Evolve/Mature looks like (Kevin though a loooooong-time waiting) and what weight-damaged CAN look like (Kate). I can relate to the last when the story centers on 7, 12 and 17 y.o. Kate, but not adult Kate cuz I chose to lose weight, keep it off and feel/look/interact better cuz of it, like MORE of us than the possible Kate's of TIU, including Adele. Rebel Wilson, Pauline Quirke, Zach to name a few of the many.
This Is Us: Changes (2020)
I had the greatest most connected parents . . .
And they missed SO much" says Kev to Madison
Well, each of the those three kids missed SO much, too, growing up.
Hmmm, How could that be? Because everyone lives their lives, observes and interacts as they will from their POV, and cannot see and know and understand everything, including OTHERS' POVs.
What a horrible assessment. It is mind bogglng how messed up these three people are like, pretty-much forever, it seems.
Also, that Tess would do a total 180 from happy and sweet to nasty and ugly, holy cow, I'm not buying it. Some of this writing is just . . . Off, way, way, way off. Period.
Character, character character.
Downton Abbey: Episode #3.5 (2012)
Solid episode w/ just one downer
The advancement of Mr Bates' case is well played and depicted, including Mr Murray, the lawyer's part.
As others have noted, the drama over the birth of Sibbie was well-played by all the family member actors; the new doc was a pompous a$$ and that Dr Clarkson's knowledge of Sybal as well as his expertise were dismissed was and will be ever more a terrible error of judgement on both the other doc and Lord Grantham.
But I must say, Mary turns in yet another beyatchy moment when she schools Mr Murray and her husband at not including her worshipped father about his erroneous running of the estate. Cannot stand the character from the git go, but this write up by Mr Fellows really takes the cake, Horrible, horrible, Mary Crowley. Cannot wait for her to suffer as she should.
Chicago P.D.: Doubt (2019)
Voigt is a PITA
These idiot reviewers that say Halstead should go need a brain re-alignment.
Voigt is constantly a One-Man Show, he is NOT a team player AT ALL. He keeps Halstead et al in the dark about his thoughts, ideas and plans, and then has the temerity to get POd when his solo plans go awry.
After this, I want Halstead to transfer out; Voigt will think All if Fine, I can live w/o him, but the team will show him that is NOT so.
This whole premise that One Man can do it All is just . . . Annoying cuz it is SO not true!!!!! And the yoyos who say V is right and H should be gone (instead of V being gone) are, well, just that, yoyos.
I Am: Celine Dion (2024)
PSA for SPS
I give Celine kudos for allowing the camera and sound to provide viewers with the many issues she has faced with SPS, especailly the contraction moment late in the doc. For that very-small population of people who acquire the disorder, I'm sure this documentary means a whole lot to them.
I didn't like the film though. It was slow and drawn out, and the "captures" of her onstage success moments were just that, moments (or seconds if you prefer) that seemed to reduce the 40+ years of her perfomances, the hundreds of concerts and her tremendous success to what seems to me a measly snapshot.
This being a year after filming, it was 18+ years ago when the first signs of the disorder were apparent to her and her husband. She's 56 now, so she was 37 or 38 when that first high-pitched voice occurred. And now she cries for the lies re: cancelled concerts and what seems like denial for many years considering her report of "one pill, then two pills, then another" to allow her to sing. There is no acceptance, at least none that I could discern.
Celine was given/blessed with such a great gift and then, cruelly, yes, it is lost to disease/disorder. Then . . . Move on with help -- PT but also talk therapy. Her mental and emotional health do not seem to have been . . . Taken care of over the years and certainly not during this filming. And at 56 years, she may have many more miles to go.
ER: Viable Options (2000)
Doug so lambasted by Carrie and now . . .
This is my first time viewing this episode. How is what Carrie did in this episode different from the things Doug Ross did for the children in HIS care that Carrie found so offensive and wrong and that led her (the character) to be a major bayotch toward him episode after episode after episode back in '98 and '99.
How DARE they allow this nonsense story line to occur!
Romano comes across very-negatively all along, but in this episode w/ his decision to not provide extensive care on that patient and then to suspend Carrie, well, that all worked for me.
The kidney fight was not a very-worthy story line in my opinion.
ER: They Treat Horses, Don't They? (1998)
Even for '98 standards of care the Audiology/ENT recs are woefully ill portrayed
By now we know Reese Benton is deaf. Audiology was poorly presented in the previous episode including the testing, the presentation of findings and the recommendations. People born w/ severe SNHL -- sensorieural hearing loss -- will never hear like normal-hearing people. W/ a cochlear implant planted w/in the first 3 years of life, they may talk/speak very-well/clearly.
In this episode, the ENT doc saying "we can teach him to hear and speak" -- really? Those docs don't know most of the time! And the many decisions to be made by the parents (96% of babies born severely or profoundly HI have normal-hearing parents) about treatment options should not be given flippant, opinionated and judgemental advice/recommendations as depicted here.
Finally, health insurances do not/did not pay for hearing aids NOT because they don't want to pay for the elderly's devices (!!!!!), but because those very elderly of 1998 who were 25, 35 and 40 years old in 1965 did not vote for/include in Medicare hearing aid services and products. Also, there aren't enough working people (ages 20 to 65) who demand to have hearing aid coverage in insurances provided by their employers.
Just sayin' . . .
Silent Witness: A Guilty Mind: Part 2 (2011)
Cheeky Skipper wins the day
Having Nikki lose it over the dead girl in the manner the writers chose as well as the direction was very weird. They did have Harry be the voice of reason here and there, though, which was good.
The mystery -- mysteries -- of Who done It were interesting and played out pretty well.
BUT, the best part of this show was the DI who was cheeky, funny, a very-well written character that made the viewing well-worthwhile. His comments sprinkled throughout made a heavy storyline bearable and made it easier to stay with the story to find out the conclusions. Hope they bring that actor and his character back another day!
Take Me Home (2011)
Almost lost me at I-70 out of . . . NY?
I almost gave up having lived in NYC and Maryland. I know where I-70 is and, well, it doesn't go to NY! So the first bit about lost me for the whole of the movie. But the premise and trailer intrigued me so I stayed w/ it. And I'm glad I did.
Even though you have every good idea of where it's going, the script is tight and worthy, and the two leads are engaging and real and I found myself rooting for their . . . Relationship, however that could be. How the "invevitable" did happen was certainly realistic, just well-done and appreicated in the end. I recommend it for an easy viewing experience, worth the time certainly!
Grey's Anatomy: In the Air Tonight (2017)
Lots of Martin at last!
But! While the other commenters dismissed the aviation issues -- number of flight attendants, FAs not in charge, but the doctors are, unrealistic medical-saving situations (passenger helping w/ doctoring), e.g. What stood out for me -- in error -- was the fact that Nathan, who had doctored in war zones, was negative about using "seat of the pants" procedures to 'get things done' medically. HE should have been the one to come up w/ how to drain the head, not Mer! Also, annoying now how hard Nate has to work to reel her in toward him. She won't let 'him' go, well, Nate should let her go!!!!! Thanks.
Grey's Anatomy: Civil War (2017)
More Nathan bashing
I came to view these episodes (2013-'15) to watch a great actor, Martin Henderson. Unfortunately, Ms. Rimes gave his character, Nathan, a relatively poor story arc, w/ the character being disliked by just about everyone and/OR he's given miniscule moments of work in an over-crowded field of actors. That the whiney and tiresome April character should have so much on-air time at this point rather than give a new doc decent air time is very-disappointing. It may have been better to sign Martin to shorter contract and give him a role w/ some heft rather than this piecemeal "he's a jerk" nonsense!!
Judging Amy: Between the Wanting and the Getting (2001)
and 22 years later . . .
I really just want to comment on the gender identity issue presented in this episode. I've been binge watching this show for several days now. This is the first episode that has a judicial family/child moment and, importantly, decision by Judge Amy that is clearly wrong. Sasha should have been able to be herself. Gods bless her parents!
The brain is formed separate from from the genitalia, something that was known in 2001 when this episode was created. Most of the episodes and especially the trials and the decisions are really good. The writing for this show is excellent in my view. But I just couldn't resist commenting on the Error of their ways in this round, although the presentation of Sasha and her parents was lovely and respectful.
ER: The Storm: Part 1 (1999)
Yeah, but . . .
Green morphining the cancer-dying woman in season 1 or 2 quietly and in the ER no less was OK.
Clooney was leaving the show, so this whole mess was written to help him leave w/ reason. However, the dad coming in at the last minute to "save his son!" was a very-weak note, IMO. Additionally, the mother saying she couldn't take it anymore . . . C'mon. Hospice was around then, no reason to leave that aspect out of the story, giving humane end-of-life treatment.
Now I'm writing a sentence that will give me 138 more characters so I can submit this review without making more up abou the show. Byebye.
The O.C.: The Party Favor (2006)
can't watch it all . . .
We saw Eddie, we see Theresa. Both black hair and dark brown eyes. The little boy? Sandy-colored hair. Hmm.
Retread of many other moments -- good guy, bad-bad guy, criminal activity, fighting. *SIGH*
The O.C.: The College Try (2006)
Can't let that man be happy for 2 minutes
Honestly, the writers were just determined to have Ryan be unhappy, worried, fighting, having to protect someone, having to help someone ALL THE TIME, w/ very-few breaks. They could NOT let that character be happy for even 5 minutes of an episode.
This is my first time through this series and Lord, it's only #3, but I couldn't resist getting this complaint off my chest. You know, I was a teenager once. Yeah, I had my angst moments, tough relationship moments, but they weren't NON-STOP like the characters here. Geezo peet, it's very saddening. Course, I'm viewing this in something of a binge fashion vs. Once/week, but still . . . Sheesh!
The O.C.: The Countdown (2003)
She says "i love you" but . . .
Doesn't know what "love" is/means. Love is verb, it means to do for, to sacrifice for, to compromise.
Here, Ryan is asking her to spend a quiet night w/ him. And she wants to party, to "help" Oliver, to "show Ryan up" because he didn't say the WORDS in return. For Marissa, it's "words" of "love", for Ryan it's ACTIONS/behavior of love. And he's shown it time and time again and Marissa . . . Is clueless.
The couple is doomed . . . And many of us out here have and had rooted for Ryan's success -- in Life and Love and Work. Indeed.
The O.C.: The Best Chrismukkah Ever (2003)
It's already over!
Wow, a whole episode and 1/2 where R and M were a happy couple. The last of episode 11 (ferris wheel), episode 12 and the first bit of 13 now . . .
What I realize on viewing for the 3rd time or so is that Marissa is more damaged than Ryan. Which goes to show, having little and living through rough times (Ryan) gives One strength (he's smart and able to rise above his parental circumstances) that can better prepare One for life's ups and DOWNS better than some who had it All, were spoiled w/ everything -- home, gifts, not working, etc. As Marissa was/is. She's open and capable, but is not able to handle the downs of Life or, maybe is too-needy.
Endeavour: Icarus (2018)
Good mystery, but . . .
Why kill the guy, why not call the police with the evidence of drug smuggling that you have at hand, knowledge of student-teacher (Ivory) interactions, students taking drugs w/ overdose obvious, and certainly a bigger way to solve the dilemma you so passionately want to stop? No way does the final reveal seem realistic.
I agree with other commenters, though, that this series is among the best and the writing and story line(s) in this particular episode are worthy.
Finally, viewing this 5th series w/in a week, I can't help but realize how "cool" the Brits are to/for one another in times of, well, caring. Could be a product of the 50s and 60s being shown, by my goodness, there isn't a "warmth" moment (e.g., a hug) in all of the episodes. There is that one "pat on the shoulder" by Fred to Morse, but C'MON! (ya, I'm not British!).
Endeavour: Harvest (2017)
Mystery pretty-good; Joan's story not so much
Mostly I, here in the 21st century, am really not liking Thursday's confrontation w/ his daughter, w/ her man and also Mrs. Thursday's trip down a rabbit hole about Joan going off on her own. Maudlin. Parents don't own their children!!!!
Series made in 2014 or '15 and though it takes place in 1967 or so, why they had to make Morse's life so bleak and then ADD to it, Joan's bleak life along w/ her parents'. Apparently, no one in the 60s was happy in their family/love relationships, a point stressed ad nauseum in Endeavour.
Grantchester: Episode #3.6 (2017)
Thank goodness
The selfish needy Amanda is finally gone. It seems her yell at the end to Sidney "you're never gonna be there (for Grace, HER daughter)" sums up the fact that she didn't really love Sidney because love as a verb means To Sacrifice. And in that line, it is clear she is all about her and what she wants and needs (and her daughter), and not about Sidney's pain and suffering, his wants and needs as a person.
This is not a series to watch on binge (like I have been). There are good parts though and leads, Robson & James and Al and Tessa -- all good actors and worthy of a viewing whatever story they are telling.
Grantchester: Episode #3.2 (2017)
Ahh, relationships in the 1950s
Others have made cogent comments about this episode which I enjoyed. I thought the mystery of who poisoned and why wrapped around the several No-No/awkward relationships and the judgements about them was well done.
My main comment, though, is about the music during the cricket match. It's almost the same as the music played in the Downton Abbey cricket-match episode in season three. Music composer for both episodes is John Lunn.
Grantchester: Episode #1.3 (2014)
A taboo subject dealt with in 1953
Wonderful truths and Getting On about those who suffer at the end of a long life and look to those who can help them end it. This is a good presentation of the take on assisted suicide w/ a bit of mystery and expunging of regrets tossed in to make it a "meaty" episode as another commenter put it. Well done.
Poldark: Episode #4.8 (2018)
Really, Elizabeth?
Elizabeth only had to SAY the baby was due in January to have a supposed 8-month baby (really, full-term) in December. Yet another unrealistic plot point proffered by either Winston or the producers/writers of this show. IDK.
All the SECRUDS of this soap opera, the "I see what you did" moments of this soap opera, well . . . They just don't work for seasoned viewers nor seasoned story readers. I mean, C'mon!
Still and all, the lovely denouement for Drake and Morwenna in this episode is worth the slog through the last these last episodes. Nary a more horrid tale of woe than that of Morwenna . . . Anywhere, anytime, any day!
The Crown: Fairytale (2020)
If any of this is true . . .
If any of the pre-wedding story is true -- engagement 'tween Chas and Diana at behest of queen, Margaret telling it like it is (Chas loves Camilla & shouldn't marry Di), the luncheon w/ Di and Camilla, the bracelet, that Chas left for 6 weeks before the wedding and took no/too-little time to get to know Di -- well, Diana should have run for the hills. I have less sympathy for and regard for her for being so weak -- here and in future when she is not strong enough to be on her own and w/ her boys, but must have lovers. Yes, she was young at 19 and 20, but c'mon.
And if Edward Viii couldn't have the crown for marrying Wallis, then Chas should not get the crown for having married Camilla.
The whole monarchy thing is anachronistic.
Chicago Fire: Smash Therapy (2021)
Considering the pandemic . . .
All these poor reviews about CF being a 'soap opera'. Hey, they're working in the middle of an ACTUAL crisis, like, you know, the pandemic. They're giving you the best they can under the circumstances of 2020 and 2021, for goodness sake. Stop whining. They're bringing to the fore important Life points that, yes, mostly have to do with relationships. We're all struggling to figure out How to Do Our Family and Friend Relationships during this pandemic and economic crises. Sheesh!