I had so much fun watching TV last week, and I’d normally owe it all to February sweeps. Unlike May sweeps, we’ve got no dramatic cliffhangers and no ‘will they be back’ tension. November sweeps usually bring us two-parters, or some ‘very special episodes.’ But February sweeps seem to deliver just plain fun.
But since February sweeps have been moved to March this year (because of the digital switchover), I guess it was just a fluky week of fun. So what did I find so enjoyable on TV last week? Supporting characters that shined in their own spotlight, an ensemble team doing their thang, notable guest star performances and… hair bands.
I thought it was pretty funny that both Life and Life on Mars featured not just hair bands, but the good ol’ throwback to the likes of Kiss, complete with full makeup, wigs and the like. For me, it was all about Life though. We got so much of the random Charlie Crews goodness, my favorite being the whole “Doc” nickname monologue at the beginning, which carried through the whole episode. Classic Crews and infinitely enjoyable. Add the painted car, Ted confessing his love for Olivia to Charlie’s dad and the Sharpie jokes and we had a winner. I always enjoy Life, but this episode hit it out of the park for me.
And I always enjoy The Mentalist, but “Crimson Casanova” kicked it up a notch, thanks to giving a little of the spotlight to Cho this week. Heck, Keith liked it so much that he wrote a rap about Cho; he was ‘da man.’ Normally, I resent anything that takes the spotlight away from Simon Baker, although I embrace any character development of the team members that takes place with Jane’s involvement. Cho, though, was welcome with or without Patrick Jane. His usual dr… no, deadpan delivery was front and center, but he didn’t take crap from anyone, and he went undercover as a Casanova with style. I cannot count the times I laughed out loud during this episode — well done!
Leverage‘s “The Juror #6 Job” was another example of the fun of February sweeps. I wrote about the Star Trek reunion and Brent Spiner‘s nailing of the earthy, crunchy supplement company owner. But Parker as Alice White the juror was hilarious. It’s always a good time when Parker is challenged to act remotely human, and faced with the challenge of winning over her fellow jurors, well, that was some inspired writing. And just when I think I’ve seen Hardison reach his maximum abilities in undercover work (you know, running a meeting as a fake employee and actually getting the employees to throw him a birthday party) he poses as a lawyer and actually wins the case. Too. Much. Fun.
The one bit of non-fun I experienced was the Grey’s Anatomy / Private Practice crossover. My love affair with the crossover started way back in the ’80s, with Magnum PI and Simon and Simon, and I was hoping for that same big fun wrapped up with some medical degrees. I was disappointed and bored. Blah.
So was it just me, or was watching TV last week kind of like getting a new sports car?
Clacked by Debbie McDuffee
on Feb 17, 2009 @ 14:00 EST5EDT
I was wondering why there were so many repeats. I mean The CW is all repeats and monday CBS was repeats and coming up The Office and 30 Rock are repeats. I hadn’t heard that sweeps were moved to March and was so confused why the networks were going with repeats.
I really enjoyed the Grey’s/Private Practice cross over. Leverage just continues to be such a fun show. The characters are great and the stories are so much fun. Cho was great on The Mentalist. Watching him picking up those women was hilarious. And I just so happy Life is finally back on NBC – I’m crossing my fingers that they let it continue.
I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to uncap a Sharpie again without remembering “Life”. Man I love Charlie Crews!
Do you get the RTN Deb? They are currently running Magnum P.I. and Simon & Simon back to back on weeknights. And I agree, it was a fun week.