tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post5682009006988997631..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: The best show on TV just got betterBy Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-91364551813085718102013-11-03T16:40:10.842-08:002013-11-03T16:40:10.842-08:00Someday, I hope the term "the best show on TV...Someday, I hope the term "the best show on TV" describes a comedy. Please.VP81955https://www.blogger.com/profile/11792390726196611188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-3571120018454689352013-11-02T05:42:14.853-07:002013-11-02T05:42:14.853-07:00Corporate civil war never covered?
It seems like ...Corporate civil war never covered?<br /><br />It seems like most every law show has had plenty of that...and even as i'm typing, also a long arc on Entourage...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-78064933995794158902013-10-30T10:56:46.265-07:002013-10-30T10:56:46.265-07:00Looking at the picture,
Don Draper appears on The...Looking at the picture, <br />Don Draper appears on The Good Wife?<br />Talk about trolling for Emmys.Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-21360848789185225802013-10-30T08:27:19.674-07:002013-10-30T08:27:19.674-07:00I don't have an opinion on Homeland. I watche...I don't have an opinion on Homeland. I watched an episode early on and it just wasn't my cup of tea. I admit that I am drawn more to character driven shows. I'm not against having stuff blow up once in a while, but banter is what really grabs me. <br /><br />Which is why TGW does keep me coming back. I agree that the suspense this week was great. And as I kinda like all the characters, I wasn't even sure who to root for. It's been fun to see Baranski in the kind of role she deserves. McAlvienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-23545517371998148712013-10-30T08:03:32.738-07:002013-10-30T08:03:32.738-07:00Clennon was outstanding in "ThirtySomething&q...Clennon was outstanding in "ThirtySomething". And I loved when Zwick & Herscovitz brought him back ten years later in "Once and Again".<br /><br />Credit where due: these are the guys who introduced us to a young Claire Danes and a young Evan Rachel Wood.Dan in WNYnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-60208373949872973352013-10-30T03:31:25.869-07:002013-10-30T03:31:25.869-07:00Given your familiarity with David Clennon, if you&...Given your familiarity with David Clennon, if you've never seen the two-part "Towers of Zenith" episode of "Thirtysomething," you should try to find it.<br /><br />I still remember being gripped by the drama of Michael and Elliott finding themselves in a position similar to the current "Good Wife" arc. chalmersnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-27369136619775382702013-10-30T01:44:30.755-07:002013-10-30T01:44:30.755-07:00Have loved The Good Wife from Day One. This seaso...Have loved The Good Wife from Day One. This season is especially great (so far, anyway).<br /><br />I also love Suits. It's gone over-the-top a bit too much (like 2-3 times per a season), but the characters - and casting - is so good, I'm happy to forgive them for it.Dave Arnottnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-3419255268313698872013-10-29T22:55:41.530-07:002013-10-29T22:55:41.530-07:00Whoops...screwed up the encoding...
Best Cheers C...Whoops...screwed up the encoding...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/28/cheers-halloween-costume_n_4169894.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular" rel="nofollow">Best Cheers Costume</a>Codyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15244519478946026617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-44480275780969214892013-10-29T22:49:50.043-07:002013-10-29T22:49:50.043-07:00Found the best Cheers Halloween costumer ever. I t...Found the best Cheers Halloween costumer ever. I think you'd agree:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/28/cheers-halloween-costume_n_4169894.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular</a>Codyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15244519478946026617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-55443348262693432712013-10-29T21:29:18.106-07:002013-10-29T21:29:18.106-07:00All previous seasons of TGW are avail. on Amazon -...All previous seasons of TGW are avail. on Amazon - free to Prime members. Very good show.Buck Pearlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-54538172880643643332013-10-29T20:11:04.087-07:002013-10-29T20:11:04.087-07:00I have watched this show twice, the last two weeks...I have watched this show twice, the last two weeks, even though I've been aware that some of my favorite actors have been guesting, including Cumming, Fox, and Lane, and co-starring, namely the triple-talented Christine Baranski. Isn't she something! I, too, noticed how they let scenes run long which interfered with my habit of multi-tasking because I was completey drawn in.<br /><br />Also, I love the way the writers handle exposition. They write so economically and to the point, managing to concisely provide just enough relevant historical information, without slowing the pace, so a new or casual viewer doesn't feel completely lost. That's tricky, and they are really good at it.<br /><br />OT: So "Mom" was moving along nicely last night until Anna Faris' character had to say, "My farts smelled like butterscotch." C'mon, Chuck. I buy it on "Men" (but still don't think it's funny) because of the adolescent-level characters, but do ALL of your characters have to be crude? Is EVERYONE you know crude? Give me a break.Lorimartiannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-49988938919788674022013-10-29T17:01:29.864-07:002013-10-29T17:01:29.864-07:00I could not agree more, Ken. This show has been gr...I could not agree more, Ken. This show has been great from day one, but it feels like a completely new show, and I am looking forward to where this goes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-45678577961254635242013-10-29T16:59:36.650-07:002013-10-29T16:59:36.650-07:00How good is British TV? So good that The Best Show...How good is British TV? So good that The Best Show on <i>American</i> Television is relegated to a reality television subchannel, airing in the early hours of the morning between <i>24 Hours in A&E</i> (which is an Emergency Room) and <i>Big Fat Gypsy Weddings</i> (which are weddings between big, fat gypsies).<br />(And the Captcha was Radscum.)Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06248182899977033579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-66531380051284117762013-10-29T15:17:46.293-07:002013-10-29T15:17:46.293-07:00I agree with you completely. The Good Wife and Hom...I agree with you completely. The Good Wife and Homeland are the only two shows I'm following right now. Homeland only because I'm kinda hooked on it, but it leaves me hoping that one of the main characters will slip up and kill everyone, just to put them out of their misery.<br /><br />With The Good Wife, even in its fifth season, when many shows are jumping the shark, this one only gets better. I'm amazed at how much comedy they manage to squeeze into the intense drama of it all, so effortlessly. It's different from the usual "dramady" formula -- it's like nothing I've watched before.<br /><br />That said, when I've re-watched episodes of The Good Wife, I've found the second viewings insubstantial, unlike Mad Men or The Wire, which become different shows the second time round. Regardless, it is quite an amazing show considering it's on a basic network.<br /><br />Marty Fufkinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-10075908770248203722013-10-29T13:52:12.718-07:002013-10-29T13:52:12.718-07:00You people should be watching Suits if you love TG...You people should be watching Suits if you love TGW. Three seasons of internal politics, backstabbing, firm against firm, firm against itself intrigue. Definitely one of the top shows on TV.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04263138486490360168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-60593887177603152142013-10-29T13:51:25.225-07:002013-10-29T13:51:25.225-07:00Lon Helton
Always enjoy your insights Ken. The on...Lon Helton<br /><br />Always enjoy your insights Ken. The only thing that bothered me in Sunday's episode was Peter's decision to tank Diane's judgeship. It would be FAR better for Alicia's new firm if Diane was gone from L-G. She returns to the firm a woman scorned (and we know what that means) and makes L-G much stronger than if she weren't there .... and much bigger competition for Alicia's new firm. Of course, it's much more intriguing for TGW this way.Lon Heltonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-74842066549677290222013-10-29T12:11:02.164-07:002013-10-29T12:11:02.164-07:00Two points: 1) LA Law actually did something simil...Two points: 1) LA Law actually did something similar, when Harry Hamlin, Susan Dey and Jimmy Smits' characters all left McKenzie Brackman. But as the actors were all leaving the series (Dey returned for 1 more season) we didn't get to see anything that happened in the new firm.<br />2) Suspense is measured by perceived risk. You weren't particularly worried about Carrie in Homeland, because you know (at least you're pretty sure) they won't kill off the main character.<br />But on, say, Breaking Bad, they had incredible suspense by threatening secondary characters. Like Hank in the parking lot, about to be attacked by the twins. Or Gail's murder. Or even Gustavo Fring. Was there a more gasp-worthy moment in any medium than (SPOILER) the seconds after the bomb blast where Gus seems to walk out of the room intact?RockGolfnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-57744273252424935042013-10-29T12:09:59.588-07:002013-10-29T12:09:59.588-07:00Ken, Did you see this yet? The 'Cheers' Ha...Ken, Did you see this yet? The 'Cheers' Halloween costume. Fantastic! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/28/cheers-halloween-costume_n_4169894.htmlStevenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-4585885560292359812013-10-29T10:49:57.995-07:002013-10-29T10:49:57.995-07:00I second all the accolades above and would like to...I second all the accolades above and would like to add one more line of praise: the themes covered in the show. We’re talking office politics, local politics, party politics, money, religion, morality, sex, love, friendship, raising kids, adults dealing with their parents, the Internet, and so much more. <br /><br />I love every minute of this show, but it’s been a long time since I’ve prioritized watching it live. But I simply had to watch it in real time this past Sunday, and I was richly rewarded. So many great twists and turns. I can’t believe Kalinda fooled Carey AND me. Damn you Kalinda! Seriously, I couldn’t ask for more.Uncertain Womanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12123915657797299263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-63182306435981277152013-10-29T10:22:36.477-07:002013-10-29T10:22:36.477-07:00Ken, great piece - loved this! The Good Wife IS a ...Ken, great piece - loved this! The Good Wife IS a fabulous show. Interesting to read the dynamics/antics mimic your experience in the Hollywood world (agents!)but among friends/colleagues who work in various "worlds" (from the restaurant business to running high level departments at Ivy universities) ALL say it's "just like THEIR world," Certainly the dynamics are familiar in radio/TV seem very familiar... what's great about this is that it's PEOPLE - human themes always a winner - like Shakespeare - love, lust ambition, hunger, power and money - always interesting...Valerie Gellerhttp://www.beyondpowerfulradio.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-5707306045296119112013-10-29T10:01:29.845-07:002013-10-29T10:01:29.845-07:00The Good Wife has been incredible this season (and...The Good Wife has been incredible this season (and it was never anything less than excellent before). Episode after episode keeps you guessing and they never take the easy or predictable way out. It's easily the best written show on TV (broadcast and cable) and is a living lesson on how to move characters and story together. Great work. -Marvw Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-32305010609279550992013-10-29T09:45:30.337-07:002013-10-29T09:45:30.337-07:00Friday question: There have many examples over th...Friday question: There have many examples over the years of sitcoms of couples where the wife is much more attractive than the husband but hard-pressed to think of any cases where reverse was true. I always assumed it was some sort of wish-fulfillment on the part of male sitcom writers. Do you see this changing as more female writers become showrunners or is this something the networks would resist?Michaelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-6215154951711730502013-10-29T08:37:55.788-07:002013-10-29T08:37:55.788-07:00I only started watching The Good Wife this past sp...I only started watching The Good Wife this past spring. I was able to binge watch up to the 4th season finale. I agree with Ken that this is the best show on tv right now. I only remember one commercial break in the show Sunday night.(i'm sure there were more) but I think the first act lasted well past the 20 minute mark and it was amazing. I love it when I show picks me up and takes me away for an hour. The Good Wife never fails.<br /><br />I think one of the most interesting things about The Good Wife is how not only have they created compelling main characters that you feel empathy for, they have also single handedly created the absolute best recurring guest-actor troupe ever.<br /><br />From Martha Plimpton's Patty Nyholm, to Carrie Preston's Elsbeth Tascioni to Michael J. Fox's Louis Canning all are different, well-rounded, multi-dimensional characters that they use regularly. And the thing is, these are just a few regular guest stars. I think the writers deserve as much credit for creating these characters and using them effectively as the main characters.<br /><br />I really think ultimately, when The Good Wife reaches its end, people will remember the show not only for Josh Charles, Julianna and Christine Baranski but for the memorable guest roles that were created and allowed to flourish. Much the same way Ed Winter and Allan Arbus are remembered for M*A*S*H.<br /><br />croquemorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16835621069711705161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-27136614227533617652013-10-29T08:30:13.577-07:002013-10-29T08:30:13.577-07:00Been a big fan of Josh Charles since Dead Poets So...Been a big fan of Josh Charles since Dead Poets Society. Hamidnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-19531020661650284622013-10-29T08:29:19.430-07:002013-10-29T08:29:19.430-07:00Great episode of The Good Wife, a show that could ...Great episode of The Good Wife, a show that could have gone the other way and wallowed in soap opera plot lines. Particularly liked the elevation of Chris Noth's character Peter Florrick. Good to see him getting in the action.Dave Logannoreply@blogger.com