frank

(S04E15) It's starting to feel very final isn't it? I'm really impressed with the way the series is wrapping itself up. Some of the cheese factor still exists (Seth getting help from the homeless folks again), but for the most part the characters and their paths are falling into place.

I think this may have been the first episode of The OC that took place entirely at night. As a result, the whole episode was lit in shades of dark and light blues. It reminded me a lot of a season one episode of CSI: NY.

Overall though, what the episode really emphasized for me is how far Ryan has come. This is probably the biggest tragedy that could have possibly occurred in Newport Beach and despite that, the group remained intact with Ryan right in the middle of it. Not bad for someone who came into their lives as an outsider.

(S04E14) It's the end of the world as we know it. Well... not really, but it might be the end of Newport Beach. I have to say, I kind of like the idea that the finale Josh Schwartz "always planned to do" for The OC involves an earthquake. It's the ultimate closure for a show that takes place in California and depending on how bad you want to make it (it looked pretty bad), it can immediately force everyone into a situation where they're forced to start over.

Closure is key though. With only two episodes to go now, a lot of the broad ideas that have been lingering since the beginning of the season were brought back into play. Seth's indecisiveness, Ryan's emotional awkwardness, and Sandy's dislike for Newport all manifested themselves in some pretty creative ways. It was a satisfying episode.

(S02E10) Since Jonathan's pesky day job is keeping him busy, I've gladly volunteered to review the season finale of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, a show that's perfect for summer. Why? Because, while it's not perfect, and it's not exactly highbrow, it's always good for a few good belly laughs per episode. The finale followed suit for the most part: There were uncomfortable moments, lots of arguing, behaviors that would make the Seinfeld four cringe, and a surprise ending. Oh, and there's a good demonstration how to smuggle heroin in your colon. But that's just there for laughs.

(S02E09) Another instant classic. This is the only show on right now that I frequently pause while watching. Why? Because I'm laughing so hard. Tonight's episode focused on Charlie vs. Mac and Dennis. Charlie wanted a smoking ban in the bar and Dennis thought it was un-American. Charlie didn't buy it though. So he recruited Dee, put on a jean jacket, and decided to be a patriot who "goes America all over everybody's ass."

(S02E08) Once again, another impressive episode. I'm pretty convinced this show can do no wrong. Well... everything about it is wrong, but you know what I mean. Now that they're done exploiting religion, politics seemed like the next best target. Mac started complaining that liquor taxes were killing Paddy's profits and Dee suggested that the guys vote for lower taxes next time the polls are open. Vote?!? What a terrible idea. And politics? "One big ass-blast" according to Mac. But Frank points out that any lowlife can run for office, solicit bribes, and then take the money and run. Genius.

(S02E07) "So if you like the Virgin Mary and you like beer, c'mon down to Paddy's Pub. We got 'em both."

There is nothing this show won't go after. The latest victim? Organized religion and the fanatics who take advantage of those with strong beliefs. I can only imagine what it must be like to sit in on a pitch meeting for episode ideas and topics. Offensive ideas, racist notions, biased thoughts. And everyone can't stop laughing. Seems wrong doesn't it?

(S02E06) Hi, everybody! Rich Keller here on behalf of Jonathan Toomey, who is currently without electricity. So, while he takes cold showers and eats all of the remaining ice cream in his freezer so it doesn't melt I will be reviewing this week's episode of Sunny in Philadelphia.

Now, I haven't watch the show from the beginning, so I'm not familiar with the whole "flaming poo" incident where the gang actually burned down a building and were charged with arson. However, it seems to be biting them on the butt now as they have been given several hours of community service to accomplish. For most of the gang its over to the gym to coach the youth basketball program. For Charlie, who actually threw said bag of flaming poo, its garbage pickup on the highway and sessions at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting to see if he can be redeemed.

I've read Jonathan Toomey's very positive reviews of this show, and heard the comparisons of Sunny to Seinfeld. Yet, I didn't see any comparison to the classic series. Furthermore, I must have hit a weak episode, because I didn't find it very funny.

(S02E05) "All during the 60's before I met my whore wife, I was a boxer. They called me Frankie Fast Hands."

Danny DeVito is an absolute riot. This show is a perfect fit for him. That line right there had me on the floor. I'm not sure if I enjoy the whore wife part or his ridiculous fighting name more, but no matter how you look at it... funny. This episode was originally titled "Sweet Dee Takes Steroids" (that's what it was called on the screener I got), but somewhere along the line it got changed to what we have here. So based on that you can assume there's going to some sort of spoof on the film (Clint Eastwood crying... don't get me started), and there was.

(S02E03/S02E04) If I had to guess, this show probably offends a lot of people. I think it offends me a little which is probably why I like it so much. So let's dive right in. I will say that I like this two episodes in a row thing but I'm pretty sure it slips back to just one episode next week. Anyway, the first episode was a little misleading. Dennis and Dee didn't actually go on welfare. They tried and ended up becoming crack-heads. Hence they're sunken eyes and saddened faces in the above picture. I believe the saying goes, "crack is whack." Ahh, if only they had known.