NEW SHOWS:
The Simpsons – “Love is a Many-Splintered Thing” (B-)
Certainly not a great episode, but lots of really hilarious throwaway gags. My favorite was Homer and Bart watching the British rom-com Love Indubitably, which featured Hugh Grant as the PM and a break-dancing Hitchcock stepping out of the Tardis. Oh, and a party scene set to the audiobook of a Robert Caro book.
Girls – “One Man’s Trash” (A-)
A real departure from the show’s usual M.O. and I loved it. Read my review here.
The Following – “Mad Love” (B-)
Despite adding some much-needed character development, this episode was mighty silly. F***ing magnets, how do they work?
Modern Family – “Heart Broken” (B+)
By trying out a different narrative format, Modern Family told three (mostly) delightful Valentine’s Day stories. Read my review here.
The Americans – “Gregory” (A-)
Margo Martindale and Derek Luke adding to the cast? Hell yes. This is quickly becoming the best drama on TV, and we’re only three episodes in.
Community – “Paranormal Parentage” (A-)
Even better than last week’s premiere. Too bad it couldn’t air during Halloween when it was supposed to. Like the best episodes, it was extremely funny and subtly touching.
Lost to the time, to get caught up on in a marathon: Legit
BINGE WATCH:
Parks and Recreation – “Ann’s Decision,” “Emergency Response” (average: A-)
For several seasons now, I’ve been complaining how the writers never give Ann anything to do. I’m not sure that I liked what they’ve come up with. Still, after seeing the black-tie affair the crew put together, I want this show to go on forever. The cast and writing are so terrific, the whole feeling so warm, that this is becoming one of the greatest shows of all time.
OLD SHOWS:
The Simpsons (Season 5) – “Homer the Vigilante” (A-)
Much more than the rather silly It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World parody it ends with. This is yet another great example of Springfield’s mob mentality. Homer’s interview with Kent sounds shockingly like Wayne LaPierre.
Breaking Bad (Season 4) – “Problem Dog,” “Hermanos,” “Bug” (average: A-)
A much more intense series of episodes than the last batch. Things are about to get crazy, and I’ll probably be too sucked in to watch at my normal pace.