TV Loves and Hates: October 5, 2013

Disclaimer: Some shows I watch live and with others, I tend to be fairly behind on my tv watching. Even so, consider the fact that there could be spoilers ahead. All I can do is lead in with the show and episode. You read at your own risk!


**(The Blacklist, S1E1 "Pilot") James Spader back on my tv. There hasn't been enough of him in my life since the conclusion of Boston Legal. He is brilliant in a role that is tailor-made for him. What's not to love about Red, sitting in the most luxurious hotel room, calling all the shots? I cannot wait to see where this show goes! Also love the twists and turns, such as Zamani showing up in Liz's dining room and that interesting box of goodies her husband was hiding under the dining room floor.

**(Modern Family, S5E2 "First Days") Sometimes you just need predictable comedy. Like Lily running into that pole.

**(How I Met Your Mother, S9E3 "Last Time in New York") Classic HIMYM. Flashbacks providing explanations. Ted being dorky but sweet. Life lesson lecture from Lily. Major shenanigans (I cannot believe what Lily and Robin did to that bottle of Scotch!). Miscommunications leading to accidental confessions. But in perfect final season form, what a cliffhanger at the end! I'm sure it won't play out the way they are leading us to think, but Barney saw Robin and Ted at the carousel?!

**(Person of Interest, S3E1 "Liberty") This show manages to make me laugh within the first three minutes. Mr Reese with his "they never say thank you" and Fusco's costume beard half falling off his face. And the laughs just keep coming. Shaw: "In the arm, through a brick wall, in the dark." ::body falls out a window:: "Oops."

**(The Bridge, S1E12 "All About Eva") I love seeing Sonya figure out how to express the way she feels. Admitting she misses Marco. Showing up at his house with pastry. Telling him she doesn't have people and that she knows he cares about her even though he's grieving. I don't think "Episode One Sonya" would have done that.

**(The Michael J Fox Show, S1E1 "Pilot") A pilot that has minimal awkwardness or stiff delivery? Who knew? Also, Michael J Fox still has it. Big time. What a fabulous actor.

**(The Big Bang Theory, S7E3 "The Scavenger Vortex") The Neil Mobile! Pure awesome!

**(Elementary, S2E1 "Step Nine") "Exercise requires energy and ambition. You've never had either." That introduction to Sherlock's brother was hilarious! That is exactly what this show was missing was a well-placed dose of humor.



**(Low Winter Sun, S1E4 "Catacombs") I suppose it's necessary to set the scene, but they sure find a lot of depressing and creepy places to venture on this show. There isn't a moment of levity.

**(How I Met Your Mother, S9E3 "Last Time in New York") No Mother in this episode. I am sad.



**(The Blacklist, S1E1 "Pilot") How is it that I can see "emergency roadwork" is a trap, yet the FBI, even being forewarned that a kidnapping had been planned, totally falls for it?

**(Modern Family, S5E1 "Last Summer, Suddenly") When did Luke turn into a teenager? Taller and a deep voice in like two months?!

**(Person of Interest, S3E1 "Liberty") How on earth did that sailor not so much as flinch while Shaw removed a bullet from his arm and stitched him up?? He just carried on a conversation as if he were kicked back in a beach chair, sipping a fruity drink.

**(Top Chef, S11E1 "Soiree in the Swamp") Hold up. The cheftestants are going to *hear* the discussion at Judges' Table while they are in the Stew Room?! Ouch. I wonder if that was a one-time deal or a new aspect of the show?

**(Low Winter Sun, S1E5 "Cake on the Way") At one point, Michael told Mya she looked worse than "last time." Last time *what*??? Is there going to be an answer to this? Am I already supposed to know what this means?