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Will & Grace (December 28)
    When I put this series on my "worst of" list, I was concerned that I had made a mistake. But now I know that I haven't. Tonight's episode involved Jack and Will going to the Hamptons for a gay old time, only to realize that it's a PC gay old time, about gays bringing up babies. Later, Will realizes that her won't be a good father, thanks to Jack's harsh (and just plain mean) critisms. In a measly sub-plot, Karen is sadden by something or other, so Grace tries to cheer her up, with the help of her boyfriend. Just one question? Just who's throwing the crabs in everybody's shorts? The characters on this show are sooo mean to each other, bordering on the never-never land of cruelty. Even in the land of Seinfeld, you knew Jerry, Elaine, Kramer and George would be there for each other, even if only for their own selfish needs. On W&G, being there for each other is an after-thought.
                                                             C-
 
Cursed (December 28)
    After reading numerous reviews of this series, I was fully prepared to see the worst thing I have ever seen in my life. But, to my surprize, it wasn't actually that bad. Read that again if you have to.
In this one, the title character (Steve Weber) sprains his thumb and in unable to give the thumbs up to his boss, which he thinks may cost him his job. Sure it sounds simple, but it's a plot device straight out of Seinfeld. Another sub-plot involves two other characters competing over who can be the most "yogic." Not bad for a series I was supposed to hate.
                                                            C+

Friends (December 28)
    Thisis one of the episodes I missed when I was in my early season "Friends-strike." I have taken the position that Friends has turned to drivel this season, but this episode really surprized me. Monica freaking out over her parents spending her "wedding money" was hilarious, as was Joey tapping into Rachel's porn supply. Yes, RACHEL's. The sub-plot involving Phoebe moving in with Ross, however, went nowhere and seemed more like filler. But overall, nice.
                                                            B+

Whose Line Is It Anyway? (December 26)
    Hello. We'll return you to the movie "Baggy, the anorexic elephant" in just a moment, but boy have we got a deal for you. And that's just one of the many jems you'd find on this classic best of "Whose Line?" episode. Is this the funniest show on tv or what?
                                                            A

Dharma & Greg (December 19)
    Chalk one up for the dippy: after trying to unravel it's entire first season's work of making Dharma a little kooky, the series tried for the next two years to make her normal. Tuesday night's episode reversed all that, when Dharma finally let's lose and expressed what anger she's feeling, instead of just letting it float away. She ends up punching some woman at a bar, then later punching her sister.
Elfman's portrail of Dharma in this episode was truly to the hilt, especially in expressing the feelings Dharma didn't want to let out. And apparently viewers were biting: "Dharma" finally beat "Frasier."
And alas, I finally remember why I fell in love with this series in the first place.
                                                            B+

This Simpsons (December 17)
    Finally! I knew it was going to happen sooner or later: an episode of "The Simpsons" reminicent of the best years. In this one, Springfield is overcome by a storm and all the kids are snowed in at school. Eventually bored out of their collective minds, they take it over. Meanwhile, Homer tried to devise a plan to get them out. The best thing about this episode was that it took the focus off of Homer. We all love our Homer, but week after week, season after season of Homer schemes have become tiring. The funniest part: Homer, after breathing in way too many car fumes, is listening to Lisa warn him about something. Half-way through her sentence, she turns into a donkey and starts hawing. I thought I'd die.
                                                             A

The Drew Carey Show (December 13)
    I can tell you right now that I did miss the first 20 minutes of the show (I got home at 9:30, thought Spin City would be airing, so I didn't both). But what I did catch of this was pure gold, between people mistaking Mimi for a clown (to which she scream at some kids- "I'm not a clown!"), to when Mimi leads the bear to the beer convention and Oswald notes: "This is just like the ending to a Disney Movie." If you watched this show a few season ago, but have since stopped, I urge you to come back. You're missing one hell of a ride.
                                                            A-

Dharma & Greg (December 12)
    After seeing too many mediocre episodes of this series, last week would be the first time I have ever missed an episode. But tuning in this week was no better. In this unwealming effort, Dharma tries to organize a birthday party for Greg, only to have it fall apart right before her eyes. When it repeats, don't watch it. This I can truly recommend.
                                                            C

The Simpsons (December 10)
    Is it just me, or have The Simpsons gotten really strange this season. I mean, the laughs are there,
but the plots are ridiculous and incomprehensable. This one starts off with Marge getting drunk at some show, and ends with the whole town getting in on teaching Bart & Homer a lesson about conning people out of money. My favorite line: (Homer to Bart) I told you I don't come to your baseball games because I find them boring. But even that line can't save this confusing episode from
the abyss.
                                          Hilarity: A    Comprehensablitity: C-

Friends (December 7)
    After not watching the series for a number of weeks, this episode made me remember why I had
stopped. This one has Rachel doing up a sexed-up evaluation of her secret screw/secretary (including one way-below-Friends shot of his ass), Monica making candy for all the neighbours, and Phoebe trying to ride a bike. As I watched this, two things became obvious to me: 1) this series is no longer funny, and 2) The only actors who appear to be having any fun in their roles are Courtney Cox-Arquette and Matt LeBlanc. Too bad. This series was once a classic.
                                                             C-

The Drew Carey Show (November 29)
    Now the total opposite of "Kate & Allie:" almost all sex jokes. But when a series structures them this funny, you have to given them credit. This one has Drew trying to get over Kate, so he sleeps with Mimi's cousin... almost. Until he finds out that Kate wants to get revenge by sleeping with Carey's new hubby, Mr.Wick. Definitely an A- episode, lifted by Mr.Wick played some hilarious songs on his "gay" harp.
                                                            A
Kate & Allie (WTN, November 29)
    Okay, so it's a bit odd for me to be reviewing an episode that first aired when I was 4. But this being the first time I have seen "K&A" since I was 7, I must admit that I am amazed at just how good this series was, and ahead of it's time. It's a few months after Allie moved in with Kate, and to avoid a rent increase they pretend that, well, they're gay. This just tickles their landlord, who is in fact gay. Big problems insue. It was refreshing to watch this because the raciest it got was Allie saying "Kate, kiss me!" Not one sex joke. And you know what? That is soooo refreshing.

                                                            A
Dharma & Greg (November 28)
    I'm glad this show was "D&G"s most watched yet against "Frasier," because it was an fine example of this series. Dharma wants to help out with the baby, buts end up doing everything. Eventually she becomes exhausted, but the journey there is a hilarious one. And her breaking point? I didn't think Dharma had it in her.

                                                            B+
Third Watch (November 27)
    It seems that everyone on the third watch is disintigrating this season, but none more than Faith. Giving the underappreciated Molly Price something to do this season was an excellent tactic by the writers, and it's working. In the episode, she finally confesses to her husband that she had an abortion, not a miscarrage. Of course, recovering alcoholic hubby is mad, and kicks her out. The onyl bad point on the episode- a stupid side-plot involving Bosco and poison ivy. But other than that, this is the Monday night show you should be watching.

                                                            B+
The Simpsons (November 26)
    Well, at least this one was funny. Coming off an underwealming episode where Lisa tries to impress a PETA spokeguy, anything would look good. In this one, Homer goes bankrupt, earing extra money by becoming Mr. Burns jesture. Not brillant, but the "panda love" scene was golden.
 
                                                            B-
King of The Hill (November 26)
    Good news for Peggy, she finally gets her chance to shine when she gets handed over a class. But as this series always does, it manages to mix comedy and commentary when Peggy decides to fail the star football player. I will admit that I haven't watched "King" much lately, but this episode reminded me how much I should.
 
                                                            B
Dharma & Greg (November 21)
    It's a shame that "D&G" is getting slammed by "Frasier" this season, because the show is just getting so good. In what maybe the shortest pregnancy in tv history, Abby gave birth, leading her to decide who should be her mid-wife: Dharma or a professional. As Dharma explains, "I should be your mid-wife, I know the way through your cervix," a line that cracked me up. In the end, both
lost out on the job, leading to a surprizing choice.

                                                           A-
Spin City (October 25)
    In yet another stunning episode starring Charlie Sheen, the mayor gets a tooth knocked and and Charlie (how'd the writers come up with that one?) has to find a new dentist for the big-guy. An ingenious subplot had Paul taking a shining to Cate's new assistant while Carter gets road-rage.
Sorry Spin City, but after 4 seasons of faithful watching and so many great episodes, this will ebt he last time I watch the show. Like the Mayor put it best in this episode, "All the people I like are gone."
                                                            D-

The Drew Carey Show (October 25)
    As the new credits roll by, I only come to realize how "Carey" is one of the best and most innovative sitcoms around. Original story ideas are abound in this hilarious series, and especially this season. In order for Drew to inherit $10,000 from his uncle, he must marry within 72 hours. So he turns to Kate. They do their darndest to fake-up a wedding, theyr even hire an alcoholic Santa to be priest. But it all falls apart in the end as most of Drew's schemes do, and he himself ends up the loser.I am now honestly convinced that this is one of the funniest shows on tv. To paraphrase the buzz-beer logo- "watch it and laugh all over again."
                                                            B+

Dharma & Greg (October 24)
    Take that, Frasier! D&G's opening gig against NBC's giant gives us a sparkling example of what this show can be. Dharma gets real dippy when she decides to go to Mexico, which upsets straightlaced Greg because he doesn't want her to go. Greg ends up going in the end, only to "try to go with the flow," but he misses the point. It may sound simply, yes, but at least it's a return to "Dharma"s roots that the show was sorely lacking last season.
                                                            B+

Third Watch (October 23)
    Okay, so not every "Third Watch" is going to be a picasso, I'm gonn have to learn to deal with that. After a blow-out start to the season, episode 4 brings us down to earth a bit. "Another World"s Amy Carlson joins the cast as a new firefighter with a past, but we barley know this because she never says anything. Meanwhile, Jimmy tries to deal with the fact that no, he isn't 100 percent after his shooting, and no, he can't do his job properly. Generally, it was still good, but a letdown nonetheless
                                                            B
 
Bette;  Welcome To New York;  The Drew Carey Show;  Spin City (October 17)
    A tale of four very different shows all lumped together under one night: Wednesday. To start off the night, "Bette," is a mix so far. Midler, playing, well, herself, seems oddly awkward in that role, sometimes really pushing jokes to the limit. And this sitcom's got it all: from lowbrow boob jokes to in Hollywood references, it's a full mix. And sometimes the show vers deep into sitcom-ville, leaving the show feel stale. Tonight was no exception, as the lackluster beginning where Bette failed to thank her husband at an awards exceptance barely made up for the sparkling end: a hilarious scene where Bette accepts an award from the AMI. BTW, it's not what you think.
    Eight-thirty brought me a funny dose of "Welcome to New York," a refreshing sitcom that cleanses the palate of the sometimes saccarine "Bette." Everybody on the show seems to be sinking into their roles rather well, especially newcomer and series star Jim Gaffigan. Sarah Gilbert is a constant hoot, and Christine Baranksi is in fine form as always. A definite treat. Which leads us to the real treat of the night: "The Drew Carey Show."
    Entering it's sixth season (already?), the writers threw Drew out of his milieu and got him fired from the department store. Sure, this meant much, much less face-time for the supporting players of the store (aka- Mimi), but this has proved to be a good thing. Add in a flash-back to high school where each of Drew's gang tries to figure out how they ruined his life, and it's pure gold. And finally- Ryan Stiles is given something to do!
    Not given something to do are the supporting players on the current run of "Spin City." To add to the loss of Michael J. Fox, the show has also lost a good half of it's supporting roles, leaving a big empty feeling in the cast. Adding on to this is the energy of Charlie Sheen... which is none. With the frantic pace of Fox gone, co-star Heather Locklear can do nothing but throw insults at Sheen's
playboy life. And the writing- what a dive! Last year "Spin" sparkled, this year it's drowning. And another pet peave? Why, producers, did you waste the Kimberly/Amanda reunion? That's right, ex-Melroser Marcia Cross (aka- the really crazy one), guested on the show, but former castmate Locklear and her didn't even trade a line, not even a glance. Why? Why? I would watch all season if they would have.

Bette:  B            Welcome: B+          Drew Carey:  A         Spin City: C-

Dharma & Greg (October 16)
    So maybe last season wasnt' as bad I remember: this one was pretty good. Dharma & Greg were in fine, funny form as a couple who realizes they have no friends. In the process of trying to make friends, they look in all the wrong places, only to scare off the couple they finally snare. This was pretty funny, something you would expect from "Friends," not "Dharma."
                                                            A-

Third Watch (October 15)
    Okay, so "Third Watch" is officially on the top of my drama list. Three new episodes, three homeruns. This ep takes another dark twist into the life of one of the ensemble, this time Doc's, who tries to deal with racism within the NYPD. As with last week sparkler involving Faith, the rest of the cast fades into the background and the show becomes about one single character. The result is
breathtaking. I only hope "Watch" can continue to walk this auspicious line.
                                                            A

Dark Angel (October 10) Airs Fridays on Global in Canada
    I really don't know what to say about this series. It is fast paced, quick, but not always smart.
Star Jessica Alba is very good looking, but comes across dumb. That could be due to her sub-par acting skills, or it could just be that this series has it's kinks to iron out. I'm hoping it's the latter.
                                                            B-
 
Bette (October 11)
    The best thing about "Bette" ? Not Bette. The writing is definitely there, but at times the star
tries to hard, which ultimately takes away from her character and the show. I can imagine that
as she settles into sitcom life, her acting will be more natural, but right now it's not all good. That will not, however, stop this show from becoming on of CBS's highest rated, mark my words.
                                                            B

Welcome To New York (October 11)
    On the flip side, here's an example of a series that doesn't try too hard and exceeds exceedingly well. Christine Baranski is wonderful in aher role as the bitchy boss, and the New York characters not caring about newcomer Gaffigan is quite realistic. Funniest of all, I found, was Sara Gilbert's
zoned out assistant. She more than proves she can more than just angst ridden teen.
                                                            A-

Dharma & Greg (October 10)
    In this emotional premiere, pregnant Abby tells Dharma that her childhood was riddles with
mistakes and she doesn't want to do the same with the new baby. This sends Dharma into her
very first crises of faith. Not bad overall, and it delt with the emotional issues rather well.
But it just didn't gel.

                                                            B

Everybody Loves Raymond (October 9)
    So what, it didn't have a plotline. And so what, the jokes were pretty predictable. Bet is won't stop critics from touting this tiring series.
                                                            C

Third Watch (October 9)
    What, suddenly "Third Watch: is the thinking man's series? Apparently so, but who knew the
transformation would be so smooth? In this gripping episode, Faith takes center stage as she
tried to come to terms with her pregnancy. Should she have an abortion? Ultimately, she gets
whacked with a pipe by a perp, and she lies about having a miscarriage. The finale scene shows
her in the clinic, ridding herself of her problem and lying to everybody. Absolutely awe-inspiring.
                                                            A

Titus (October 3)
    As a first time viewer to this crass series, I wasn't too mused to hear multiple references to genetalia. But I was mused to see a well written series outside of those choice comments, with some good acting too. In this one, Chris is disowned by his dad when he finds out that Chris set up the practical joke that have him a heart-attack. This one episode sets up the entire season very well; I just hope there are fewers remarks about "balls." I meant basketballs. What were you thinking?
                                                            B
That 70s Show (October 3)
    I must admit to not really liking this series, but I was pleasantly surprized when I tuned into the
season premiere. In this one, Hyde takes the heat for Jackie's bag of dope, only to have Eric's
dad kick him out of the house. This leads Eric to confess to smoking up too, which all leads to
a damn fine episode.
                                                            A-
 
The Drew Carey Show (September 27)
    Here we go, the real gold. In what was perhaps the best episodes of any sitcom last season,
"A Very Special Drew" mocks all those "special" episodes series do in order to win emmy's.
Drew is illiterate, Lewis is has self-esteem problems, Oswald is a cleptomaniac, Mr. Wick
is bulimic, Mimi is obsessive-complusive and Kate gets cancer. It all works together in some magical way, offering chokingly hysterical moments in the process. And if you think that's funny, wait 'til you see the little girl "hoped up on pain killers."
                                                            A

The Drew Carey Show (September 13)
    This an example of what "TDCS" can be when it really tries. A very funny episode in nearly all aspects of the word, Drew challenges brother Steve to a baseball game, only with beer. They all get drunk, Drew proves he can do something better than Steve, and I got a bunch of good laughs.
                                                            B+

Norm (September 13)
    I have never been a huge fan of this series, but was quite surprized to see this intelligent and very
funny episode. Norm finally decides to marry this girl just as she is about to marry somebody else.
Thanks to a sparkling performance by Ian Gomez, this one is a definite keeper.
                                                            A-

Dharma & Greg (September 5)
    In a very confusing and pointless episode: Dharma needs money, and finds Kitty and easy outlet.
But did she sign a deal with the devil? Apparantely so, as by the end of the episode Dharma is running through the streets to prevent Greg from signing some piece of paper, what we are not told.
It is a funny episode, but pointless nonetheless.
                                                            C+

The Simpsons (September 3)
    And this is an example of the crap from last season: Bart becomes a faith healer, but ultimately is not. And that's all there is too it.
                                                            D+
Dharma & Greg (August 15)
    Hey, a rarity from last season, this episode was actually pretty funny. Dharma did her 7 year karmic unburdoning, but when she lied to Kitty about not doing some things on prupose, old hell started to break lose. This episode showed just how adept Jenna Elfman is to physical comedy, perhaps one of the best since Lucy. Watching her lanky arms fly as she gets bowled over by a swinging door is a hoot!
                                                            B+

The Simpsons (August 13)
    In this very offensive episode, we get a glimpse into the future via an Indian Gaming Casino. Bart gets to see that Lisa is president, Homer is looking for Lincoln's gold in the White House and Bart is still a slacker. An already done premise (remember when Lisa went to the carnival tent to see her future husband?) and some very offensive (read: bad; inaccurate; LAZY) jokes about natives makes this episode D worthy.
                                                            D

The Drew Carey Show (August 9)
    This repeat of the annual April Fool's episode was so bad, even I was embarassed to watch it. Way too many in-jokes for a not in-sitcom and Fool's jokes so abound that they were ultimately distracting. The one real funny part- Deitrich Bader (Oswald) trying to pass himself off as Kate, only to deliver the line "You won't put me on Whose Line? but you'll make me do this."
                                                            D+

Malcolm In The Middle (August 6)
    This was yet another gut-buster from the junior series, as Malcolm ends up beating a 7 year old who won't stop picking at him. Laughs galore, but not one of the season's best. Which says alot for the other episodes.
                                                            B+

The Simpsons (August 6)
    Arguably the worst episode of last season, this one has Homer and Bart teaching a horse to be a racer. It ends up in the other jocky's at the race-track being elves (?) and threatening to kill Homer if his horse wins. Some good jokes in there, but elves?
                                                            C-

Will & Grace (August 3)
     I must admit to not watching "W&G" simply because it was up against my fav "Dharma & Greg,"
but I have started watching since it moved to Thursdays. And what an absolute delight! In a repeat of the season opener, Grace tries to cope with moving out (across the hall), and Will tries to get rid of
her by going nude. Add in some awesome one-liners by Karen (ex- [to Grace] Nice outfit Lucy,
where's Ethyl?... [on Will & Grace) God, they're like siamese twins joined together at their boring personalities). Let's just hope Ms. Mullally is rewarded with an emmy for her stunning efforts.
                                                             A

Survivor  (August 2)
    For all of those who absolutely knew Geravse was the ultimate Survivor, boy were they wrong. He got voted off in what was the biggest shocker of the series yet. Add to that the unveiling of Sue as the brains of Rattana, and we have a can't miss episode.
                                                A+

Dharma & Greg (August 1)
    Dharma and her honey find new friends, only to get jealous when their friends find new friends. Definitely not "Friends" material, but a cut above the rest of what D&G offered this season.
                                                            B-

Mysterious Ways (July 31)
    Tell me why this show is a hit again? A physic who thinks her husband is coming back to see her,
uninteresting problems in Rae Don Chong's characters life, and an extremely annoying Adrian Pasdar. All of this adds to nothing, and no chance that I'll ever tune in again.
                                                           D-