NEW SHOWS
The Mindy Project – “Leland Breakfast Is the Miracle Worker” (A-)
The best episode of Season Five yet, even though it’s utterly ridiculous. Jack Davenport (the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise) is stupendous as the egotistical British thespian who hits on Mindy, berates Jeremy and generally acts like an asshole. This is the show in its groove and even if I’m not thrilled about where the show’s heading romance-wise, it’s the most laugh-packed episode in a long time.
This Is Us – “Career Days” (B+)
Randall’s Career Day performance is one of the most cringe-worthy moments I’ve seen on TV outside of The Office. But this is another sweet episode of the show. It’s consistently good, but hasn’t been great yet. But I think it’s getting there.
Atlanta – “The Jacket” (A-) / season finale
The season ends with an episode that’s both fitting and also has almost nothing to do with the “plot” of the first season. It’s just another misadventure for Earn, and while he has finally earned some money by managing Paper Boi, he’s still living in a storage unit. This season has been one of the most confident debuts I’ve ever seen. The show can truly go anywhere, which is thrilling.
Triumph’s Election Special 2016 – “The Home Stretch” (B)
Not nearly as sharp as his other installments, but it’s still shocking to hear real Trump supporters excuse a fake Trump asking the real O.J. Simpson to kill his wife.
CURRENT SHOWS
Modern Family – “Halloween 4: The Revenge of Rod Skyhook” (A)
Halloween brings out the best in this show. Its multiple storylines don’t feel disjointed here. It’s just all goofy costumes, sight gags and way too many puns.
OLD SHOWS
Chappelle’s Show (Season 2) – “Episode 13” (A-)
That Lil Jon sketch has not aged well. But the first black man to use a white man’s toilet? Both provocative and juvenile, which was Dave’s specialty. And the Black Bush segment excels at every type of humor.
Happy Endings (Season 2) – “Spooky Endings” (A)
Still the gold standard for modern day Halloween episodes. It doesn’t get better than this, folks.