NEW SHOWS
Brooklyn Nine-Nine – “The Cruise” (B+)
Not as strong as previous installments with the Pontiac Bandit, but nearly any time with Doug Judy and Jake Peralta is a magical time.
CURRENT SHOWS
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
“Chardee Macdennis 2: Electric Boogaloo” (B+)
“Frank Falls Out the Window” (B)
It’s something of a miracle this show is still on, premiering its 11th season. This show recycles plots like any sitcom in its 11th season, but it does so with a little creativity. The former has more laughs than the latter (which is blatant recycling), but the latter is a showcase for Danny DeVito.
OLD SHOWS
The Simpsons (Season 9) – “Natural Born Kissers” (A-)
Manages to pull off the tricky feat of being filthy and funny, but also sweet and filled with actual stakes. Season Nine was fairly uneven – a trend that never reversed – but this is a solid finale and one that I’ll remember even more fondly. This is likely the end of classic Simpsons reviews on this blog, a staple from the very beginning, but it’s been a joy to share my favorite show with you, even in the bad times.
The Wire (Season 4) – “Refugees” (A-)
The best episode of the season yet, though the most depressing as well. It’s just one horrifying fact about Baltimore public schools after another. It’s not any more encouraging in the homicide division either, but at least we get to see Griggs again.