NEW SHOWS
Brooklyn Nine-Nine – “The Mole” (B+)
A good episode, but one that doesn’t reach for the highest heights. Still, I would watch an entire bottle episode of Holt and Peralta in his lounge in their pajamas, solving cases.
The Mindy Project – “Caramel Princess Time” (A-)
The only reason this isn’t an A is for one anti-climactic scene midway through. It was just inexcusably poor execution. But the rest is pure gold: the lovely Allison Tolman as Peter’s love interest, Danny’s truly terrific therapy scene and even Tamra is getting more tolerable.
CURRENT SHOWS
The Middle – “Halloween V” (A-)
Although Neil Flynn only eats and drinks in this episode, this was a delightful reminder of how good this show can be. Sue Heck remains the most inspiring character on TV and every character is a fountain of different styles of comedy. If I had more time, I’d watch this more often.
Modern Family – “Halloween 3: Awesomeland” (B+)
Three stories and none of them are duds. That’s about as good as you can hope for in Season Six. The Where’s Waldo gag was probably my favorite recurring bit.
OLD SHOWS
The Simpsons (Season 8) – “Bart After Dark” (B+)
“Quit bad-mouthing the house!” Marge’s semi-ridiculous attempt to bulldoze the local burlesque house seems especially quaint nowadays, but this episode is filled with great Bart & Homer moments.
The Wire (Season 2) – “Undertow” (A-)
The dock stuff is actually the most compelling, best written, best acted section of the episode. And this is an episode where Stringer learns a thing or two from the Worldcom scandal (hello, early 2000s!) and Omar contemplates buying a Dreamsicle-colored suit.