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Reviews
The Big Bang Theory: The Stag Convergence (2012)
Seriously, the worst episode of the worst season in all of the five seasons
The beginning was nice, and considering a few good episodes that came out in the 5th season, it actually seemed like the old Big Bang days were coming back (as in the typical Big Bang humor that was). But sadly, after watching the whole episode, I realized that it's still the same..
First: If you watch the first and second season (even the fourth season, for that matter), you will see a very different Sheldon. The Sheldon from those seasons has undergone quite noticeable change- as in he's become less Sheldon, more normal. Is it because this is actually scripted as some sort of weird 'effect' that the normalcy of the surrounding characters is having on Sheldon? Or is Jam Parsons tired of playing the real Sheldon? Whatever it is, it has taken some fun out of the classic Sheldon humor.
Second: In general, the episode is boring and a drag, at best. Sheldon and Raj are having identity crises. I really want to see the old Sheldon back! I am sure it wouldn't hurt at all to have one or two filler episodes that may not move the main plot forward, but at least bring back the original charm. I mean, give me any episode from seasons 1,2, and 4, and I can watch the reruns and still laugh every time! These new ones, they're just not the same.
Verdict: The only reason I give this a 3/10 and not 1/10 is because of its nice ending. Everything else was just a sit-through-to-get-to-the-end.
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated: The Night the Clown Cried (2012)
Excellent, brilliant, delightful
Probably giving in to the demands of millions of other die-hard Scooby Doo fans like myself, this series has been renewed for another season, which is a pleasant surprise. It is an absolute delight to see the beloved characters from my favorite childhood series, having undergone radical character development.
This episode reestablishes Scooby Doo as one of the longest running series ever. It has all the elements of a great story, and continues in the darker vein of the series. I LOVED this episode (the fact that I capitalized 'loved' is evidence). Just loved it, and everything about it. That's all.
It is safe to say that the series has 'grown up' with his fans of the previous decades, and Scooby Doo and the gang have grown up too. This, and the darker mood of the series, make it easier for adults to enjoy watching it.
How I Met Your Mother: The Drunk Train (2012)
Coming back fast to its original awesomeness
MY THOUGHTS: - I was very satisfied at the end of this episode, which I had started watching with high hopes. My favorite series is quickly ameliorating from its quality crisis!
- The much awaited return of some new 'Barney-ism' is what I loved the most. The episode reintroduces, quite strongly, several of the classic elements of the HIMYM vein that make us love this series so much.
- Moreover, after its first couple of episodes, the main story had started losing focus in the seventh season. If I go into detail, I may risk a spoiler, so I'll just say this: the best thing about this episode is that the overarching story takes a more definite shape.
- It seems that for the past few episodes before this one, the writers had lost their heart from this series, because this episode is totally like one of those in the first few seasons that were surprising, amusing, funny, emotional, and replete with 'Barney-ism'. But this episode recompenses ardent fans and general viewers alike for the chaotic departure from the original charm of the show.
CONCLUSION: Go ahead! Watch this episode. I'm not saying it's a perfect 10 like the first and second seasons, but it definitely signals that they're bringing back HIMYM's A-game.
Supernatural: Plucky Pennywhistle's Magical Menagerie (2012)
Superb, funny, thrilling: the usual Supernatural package
This one's a surprisingly 'light-weight' episode with more than the usual amount of humor which I found surprisingly enjoyable!
Before I sat to watch this episode, I was hoping for a continuation of the main overarching plot. But it turned out to be one of those filler episodes that just make you love and enjoy Supernatural even when the main story slows down for a bit.
This episode is one of the many that portray the wonderful balance the writers strike between elements of horror and thrill, and of humor. Sam's bad-cop routine is the funniest part of the episode- narrow eyes, stiff upper lip, and everything! I still cannot suppress a chuckle when I remember it. The episode is of a lighter vein than the general dark mood that was building up slowly in this season. Although the story actually seems predictable at some point, it is still very enjoyable. It is good to see the brothers getting along well and having recovered after the passing away of Bobby and Cass. For instance, I've never seen Dean laugh so freely and loudly in any of the previous seasons, as toward the end of the episode!
Do I even need to say that I cannot wait till the next one comes out?
Fringe (2008)
Like getting a refreshing brain-massage every time I watch!
A thrilling series. A better fusion of sci-fi, thriller elements, conspiracy theory, and to some extent, philosophy, could not have existed! Although there are cheesy moments with drum rolls, timpani, and dark cello tremolos, with corny punchlines, I still give this series a 10 out of 10 precisely because of what I wrote in the summary: Watching Fringe is like getting an internal brain massage for 47 very gripping minutes.
Right from the beginning of the title video (especially the zooming terms), to the excellent character development, to superb acting performances, especially by John Noble and Anna Torv, to the few delightfully surprising episodes set in the earlier decades, this series just 'gets me'. But I can never get enough of Fringe. The mind-boggling plot, the unexpected twists and revelations, and the very theme of the show...wow, I wish it never ends.
The only thing missing is a cross-over between X-Files, Fringe, and Supernatural. One cannot imagine what that would be like. It would be (pun intended) Out Of This Universe.
How I Met Your Mother: The Burning Beekeeper (2012)
Another boring episode. Very disappointing.
I would have rated this episode 2 out of 10. But, considering that this sit-com has been my favorite of all time, I feel truly sad saying that this episode is the most abysmal one in the entire series so far.
'The Burning Beekeeper' was so boring and the 'humor' so hackneyed that I sat through the episode solely because I am loyal to this series. The Barney- humor has been used to exhaustion, and especially in the seventh season, his character remains only a supporting character. We could do with some more Barney. No, we could do with a lot more Barney!
I have seen the first five seasons almost a dozen times each, and none of their episodes would bore me at all even if I had to watch them again! Even the sixth season ain't too bad. But the seventh season has seen a disappointing decline in quality- I can barely watch each episode once.
If the writers do not have awesome new ideas or something really interesting for the upcoming episodes, they should quickly wrap up the story, and bring the elusive 'mother' to light soon before watchers lose their interest completely.