NEW SHOWS
Community – “Laws of Robotics and Party Rights” (B+)
A solid, if overly long episode. The line about the 14th Amendment provided the biggest laugh of the night and represents the kind of bold but nerdy joke that only this show would pull off.
The Americans – “One Day in the Life of Anton Baklanov” (B)
After last week’s bombshell, very little happens here. It’s almost a filler episode, but even this show manages to make its lesser episodes keep their tension.
Louie – “Pot Luck” (B+) / season premiere
A return to the more typical awkward humor that Louie made its name on. It’s fairly standard stuff, but it’s last-minute detour into the humane and hilarious reminded me why Louie is unlike any other sitcom on TV. It manages to mix gross-out humor and a tremendous amount of empathy without ever feeling phony.
CURRENT SHOWS
The Following – “New Blood” (B-), “Boxed In” (B)
Surprisingly watchable compared to last season’s train wreck. I’m not excited about keeping up with this show again (which might be in its death throes, no pun intended). But at least it hasn’t been out-and-out terrible yet.
Saturday Night Live – “Michael Keaton/Carly Rae Jepsen” (A-)
Easily the best episode I’ve seen this season, with only one dud sketch (the “Smart Home”). Keaton is as wild as he’s ever been, bringing a commitment to every role, no matter how small. They pulled out the “Creepy Neighbor” sketch for the first time since Edward Norton hosted in October 2013, and it was perfect.
OLD SHOWS
The Simpsons (Season 8) – “In Marge We Trust” (A-)
I think you can make a strong case for this being the best Marge-centered episode, though it cedes its third act to Rev. Lovejoy, whose entire backstory is devoted to a brilliant two-minute montage. Anyone who disagrees with me? Get back, you heathen baboons!