vitoscotti Reviews

Inspector Lewis: Intelligent Design: Part 2 (2013) Season 7, Episode 6

Miranda Raison was superb.

[10/10 · 9 May 2024]

Episodes broken up into two parts is slightly annoying. This episode showcased some very interesting looks at Lewis and Hathaway's changes and growth as "coppers" and more so people.

First part high rating is a no-brainer how a great view it was putting the pieces together. The second part still strong was slightly flat with a bit too predictable ending narrowing down who the villains were.

Stunning Miranda Raison as Stella Drew was certainly the highlight not only with her beauty but a very strong acting performance. Definitely hinting at changes coming up in the series. I had to peak forward like I'm sure many viewers to the next episode summary to see if Hathaway is still part of the series.

Judy Justice: Rims, Barter, and Betrayal (2024) Season 3, Episode 38

No money? Get rims!

[5/10 · 6 May 2024]

Litigants seemingly lacking much sense. Defendant lacking funds, living week to week, in-between jobs to even consider car rim upgrades as Judge Judy pointed out is ludicrous. Top it off the single mother plaintiff getting involved with her friend's car rim financing doesn't speak too highly of her priorities.

The amateur car mechanic defendant actually did a lot of work on the plaintiff's car. But if the car work was a barter why did he accept payment for his labor?

To be silly enough to get involved in such nonsense then even dumber that there is no written contract to protect yourself from just exactly what happened.

A dragged out case should've taken five minutes to decide. Mildly interesting aspect how bizarrely car happy the litigants were. Pretty Sarah Rose is sorely missed with a bland replacement.

Judy Justice: Corgi Custody (2024) Season 3, Episode 35

Zombie like litigants.

[10/10 · 3 May 2024]

Plaintiff Sears was slightly more animated. But the defendant was so bland I was waiting for the bailiff to check her for a pulse. I got the impression they were ex military. Yes or no Judge must have been used three fourths as their responsees. Both strange litigants never showed the slightest of emotion giving their snooze fest side of the story.

Substitute court clerk and bailiff were the first that I can remember. The bailiff plays such a minor role that it doesn't really matter who the bailiff is. But Sarah Rose's keen observations are sorely missed highlighted by a hopefully temporary bland replacement.

Two and a Half Men: Big Flappy Bastards (2003) Season 1, Episode 2

Glad it didn't go down the sappy path.

[7/10 · 2 May 2024]

The pivotal point for me was when Charlie went out on the patio to explain his situation to Jake that it was private and wasn't shown to the viewer. When Charlie went out to the patio I'm thinking oh no not the "life lesson' crutch that so many sitcoms use. Good news is they stuck to strictly comedy.

Highlights were the flock of seagulls in the house which was quite a funny surprise. Also, the sprinkler water perfectly timed between speaking hitting Jon Cryer in the face was well done. The relationship with the mother is a plus to the show.

Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer's comical bad full toupees are a little distracting.

Two and a Half Men: Pilot (2003) Season 1, Episode 1

Decent for a pilot.

[7/10 · 1 May 2024]

Looking for series to watch all the way through. I remember watching episodes here and there at or near its original run. This episode successfully motivates me to go forward watching more episodes of the series. That's a plus. I'm a big classic TV especially sitcoms fan. So it's got to be a quality show for me to even give it any attention. Hopefully they'll be funny episodes coming up to hook me in.

Great chemistry among the main characters. It'll be interesting how the writers will work with what appears to be a winning formula. All the casting of supporting characters seems excellent.

Hopefully the bevy of beauties continue.

Inspector Lewis: The Ramblin' Boy: Part 2 (2013) Season 7, Episode 4

Seems like this has been done before.

[9/10 · 30 April 2024]

"A Touch of Frost" or possibly another classic British detective mystery I'm fairly certain had done something similar to this. Even though the deja vu watching was still enjoyable. Strong casting of unique characters. The story was riveting all the way through. The ending villains reveal with laying out the dastardly deeds timeline flowed nicely.

Stunning Lucy Speed as Louise Cornish caught my eye. Shame she had such a a minor role. Tom Brooke as creepy undertaker Brian Miller was perfectly cast playing a zombie like stereotype. Hathaway's (borderline ridiculous conveniently in Croatia) replacement was only ok mostly due to such a minor role. Really didn't get to see what the actor can offer.

Kevin Whately (with a bad full toupee) and Dr Laura finally show some affection. Overall a strong two part episode.

Judy Justice: Teen's Ill-Fated Run into Traffic (2024) Season 3, Episode 33

Has to be more to the story.

[10/10 · 29 April 2024]

Heard of poor judgment pedestrians cutting in front of a car getting hit by the front of a car. But not running into the side of a car actually hitting the car not the car hitting the pedestrian. What's telltale is despite defendant Keegan doing something incredibly stupid he's still extremely cocky and arrogant.

Judge Judy addressed the possibility of this being a TikTok dare. But she didn't go far enough of how bizarrely stupid the participants are to be this gullible to be led to do something so dangerous.

The true victim here is lovely plaintiff Miss Allen who had to experience such unnecessary trauma from the idiot defendant's actions.

Judy Justice: Scooter Standoff and Dad's Work-for-Debt Dilemma (2024) Season 3, Episode 32

Screwball litigants.

[10/10 · 28 April 2024]

"Judy Justice" case seekers struck gold with the four litigants in the two interesting and entertaining cases. First case the BBW plaintiff wanted exorbitant value for an old broken down scooter. The wacky defendant was shown taunting her riding the scooter in small circles. Both don't do trailer park resident's stereotypes any favors.

The second case the plaintiff gives a transient worker $2,800 to be taken out of his checks for a security deposit on a rental apartment. Very bizarre indeed. People just don't hand out money to people they barely know like this. Of course the defendant shortly quits the job after receiving the what he says was a gift while trying to make himself the obligatory victim.

Judy Justice: Florida Heartbreak (2024) Season 3, Episode 31

What was Mario thinking?

[10/10 · 26 April 2024]

Defendant Diedre Ann Weiser masterfully played Plaintiff Mario Curiale for the world's biggest sucker. The 25-year age difference in the relationship was a hint at something was not right. Reminds me of the "King of Queens" character Arthur Spooner played by Jerry Stiller contemplating a relationship with a younger woman at his old age. He says to himself "It'll never work... or could it"?

Defendant Diedre Ann Weiser doesn't fit the bill just being average looking of the type of woman who could pull this off. She has definitely got a talent for having men support her financially.

Mario for a businessman was definitely ill-prepared not having itemized receipts for the items in question he was seeking reimbursements for.

Inspector Lewis: Down Among the Fearful: Part 2 (2013) Season 7, Episode 2

Well written (2 part) episode after 2 bad ones.

[9/10 · 23 April 2024]

This episode clicked on all cylinders right.up to a good but not great ending. The villain(s) became obvious a bit too early. But, all in all a very enjoyable fast paced story with excellent twists and turns, and unique characters. The red herring classified government experiment was masterfully woven in to throw the viewer off.

Little problem that Sanjeev Bhaskar as Kanan Dutta would subject his wobbly minded basket case wife Lesley Vickerage as Katherine Dutta to a traumatic personal beliefs attack at "The Institute" by egghead wackos.

Stunning Tuppence Middleton as Vicki Walmsley was a highlight who lit up the screen. The Hathaway neck injury playing a part in the climax was brilliant.

Good news the series still can rock after some mediocre attempts.

Inspector Lewis: The Indelible Stain (2012) Season 6, Episode 4

Painfully boring, plodding episode.

[3/10 · 13 April 2024]

The highlight was a surprise appearance of American actor David Soul as Paul Yelland. David Calder as Andrew Lipton gave a decent performance until it hit a brick wall with a less then satisfying story ending.

Two very bad episodes in a row now. Woke political correctness appears to made it's way iinto Lewis. Feels like an order for a politically correct script was placed and this was it. Paired with a weak story was a recipe for boring viewing.

The subplot of Lewis' aching tooth has been used before and better by British detective mysteries. Lewis' mysterious relationship with Dr. Laura got some clarity. Lewis can't pull the trigger.

A near time waster. Hopefully the series hasn't jumped the shark.

Judy Justice: Locked Up and Left Hanging (2024) Season 3, Episode 21

Bottom of the barrel case.

[2/10 · 12 April 2024]

A dreadful case to try to stretch out for a full episode. Playing the pitiful victim plaintiff Julie Wyatt excuses her shoplifting because it was for Thanksgiving. Even with all the food charities available. Totally unlikable defendant John Moore goes into full blown deceit mode throughout the episode.

I'd imagine the case was picked to put Moore on display for his dishonesty, contradictions, and unwavering shiftiness. But the episode was overkill of Moore's annoying stand-up like act.

As Judge Judy implied there's a lot more to these two than was revealed. Of dubious character Moore being the choice by Wyatt to look after her affairs makes her highly suspect. A time waster episode.

Judy Justice: Wage Wars and Golf Cart Goes Rogue (2024) Season 3, Episode 20

Two interesting cases

[10/10 · 11 April 2024]

Judge Judy talks about she doesn't monitor her direct deposits weekly. I would think not when you're a multi-millionaire and you have a lot of funds to fall back on. I'd have to believe most workers with any sense who work irregular hours keep count of their hours weekly. Are well aware of their hourly rate. Then make sure that their direct deposit and online pay stub jive with the actual hours they worked. Not saying here but non union outfits are notorious for wage theft with hours worked cheating workers out of wages..

The golf cart case apparently had no video of the incident. Judge Judy's grocery cart and golf cart comparison are incommensurable. In home settings there is no uniformed designated place for golf carts in a golf cart community. Unlike a grocery store parking lot cart corral. Curious what the amount of alcohol that was consumed during the golf viewing party?

Judy Justice: Bullet-Riddled Betrayal (2024) Season 3, Episode 16

Hard to get to the truth.

[7/10 · 5 April 2024]

Judge Judy was especially cantankerous with all the litigants. She didn't appear to believe anything anymore said. At times literally laughing at testimony. Judge Judy here and in the past will make a definitive judgement call on a part of testimony that could go either way. Here the first pink haired plaintiff saying the defendant took her car after telling him no. Judge Judy gave no reason for not believing her only that he's driven the car previously.

The second case made no sense at all. The plaintiff's car being totalled being tied in to the defendant was never explained. Only that the pink haired now defendant had vandalized it.

Odd cases but still better than other current court shows. It's not even close. Sarah Rose adds a lot with her chambers post case analysis.

The Twilight Zone: The Lateness of the Hour (1960) Season 2, Episode 8

Inger Stevens showcase.

[10/10 · 1 April 2024]

Absolutely sensational performance by beautiful Inger Stevens. Fun seeing her tone down her Swedish accent. Actually sounded very believable with an American accent. The whole episode was fun from beginning to the surprising hilarious ending. I'd seen the episode years ago but honestly couldn't remember how it ended. And I'm sure like me every one who couldn't remember the ending thought "oh yes, that's it" when the ending was revealed.

Good to see John Hoyt as Dr Loren. Always has a creepy but likeable vibe to his acting. I particularly remember his work from a few highly memorable appearances in "Leave it to Beaver". Also good to see veteran classic TV actors Jason Johnson, and Tom Palmer who who were on "The Andy Griffith Show".

Little problem with Jana only now seeing a scrapbook or how a programmed robot could even be rebellious. The series' temporary drop in video quality has little or no impact on viewing enjoyment. Though, just minor flaws to an outstanding fun episode.

Judy Justice: Piglet Wars (2024) Season 3, Episode 11

JJ agitated from the get-go.

[10/10 · 30 March 2024]

The highlight of the episode was stunning plaintiff Karen Garlick. Judge Judy didn't seem to like her throughout. There were hints JJ isn't a fan of pigs as house pets. Defendant Ashley Settimii (who had 2 of 3 pigs bought die) wasn't spared the Judge's ire. Both were constantly scolded for the mildests of rubbing the Judge the wrong way.

Surprising highly educated veteran business woman pretty plaintiff Karen Garlick didn't have a basic written contract for transaction clarity and protection.

Entertaining case with intelligent litigants especially after the previous 2 part stinker with 2 litigants that were way too out there.

Inspector Lewis: Fearful Symmetry (2012) Season 6, Episode 3

Elevated barely from "time waster" with decent ending.

[4/10 · 29 March 2024]

The episode never clicked until the last 10 minutes when the villain is revealed. Lacked the qualities of what makes an outstanding British detective mystery. Quality was American like which I definitely am trying to avoid.

Lewis, Hathaway, and Dr Laura who are usually interesting were all bland. The writer Russell Lewis never tried to develop any side stories with these main characters which is a series staple.

The in and out characters I can live with being unlikable. But, just about all of them were extremely weird. It took me multiple viewings to get through the painfully uninspired episode.

Hopefully the episodes get better than this one.

Judy Justice: The Tenant's Revenge (2024) Season 3, Episode 7

Playing the "victim card".

[9/10 · 28 March 2024]

Plaintiff Keith Pascariello poorly presented an abusive landlord case against tongue tied defendant Brandon Hubbard. Pascariello apparently thought his testimony would be sufficient with no hard evidence to prove his case.

His case crumbled from the get-go. Littered with inconsistencies. Components of his testimony appeared to be made up to tie up loose ends of dead ends he encountered during questioning.

When Hubbard spoke it was a lot of a's and um's seemingly having trouble getting his thoughts flowing.

Classic judge Judy scolding Hubbard's girlfriend for speaking from a chair. JJ has an idea renters can just pack up and move when conditions are bad. Even Sarah Rose chimed in it's not that easy sometimes. JJ's views can be slanted being a multi-millionaire living in the lap of luxury not being in touch with the common man.

Judy Justice: The Love Bomb Loan and Beard Product Heist (2024) Season 3, Episode 5

2 interesting cases

[9/10 · 27 March 2024]

As court cases go couple breakups are my least favorite. As Judge Judy calls them " splitting up pots and pans". They're boring when litigants exchange insults for an episode. But, it gets interesting when there's a manipulator and a self-proclaimed victim of the manipulator as these two cases .

The first plaintiff was "love bombed" to influence her to loan $10,000 to finance a car flipping fiasco. The second case was even more bizarre where the very attractive plaintiff has a complete stranger online acquaintance travel cross country with plans to sleepover on her couch. This is with a man she never met in person and only knew his first name.

The female litigants have a commonality of desperation with many getting conned by "good catches" only to them. Sad these women get hooked up with a revolving door of guys of dubious character. But it makes for good tv.

Judy Justice: Truckstop Video Vendetta (2024) Season 3, Episode 4

Strong start so far to season 3.

[9/10 · 26 March 2024]

One of the series' occasional faults in the past was cut and dry boring cases dragged out too long with repetitive questioning. But, so far season three is crisper, with more interesting cases and litigants.

The litigants here appear brighter than the previous case of the 20 year old mother of five. Another case of an attractive single mom (Miss Perez) getting taken advantage of by a "good catch" guy who probably never intended to repay the loan.

Judge Judy is a shining light bashing political correctness silliness. Her story of the big box store employee arrested for calling the police on shoplifters has to have more facts she's leaving out.

Whitney Kumar and Sarah Rose (sharply white clad) both their usually stunning. No current competition out there comes close to the quality of "Judy Justice".

Judy Justice: Baseball Brawl (2024) Season 3, Episode 1

Adults ruining youth sports

[10/10 · 24 March 2024]

Outstanding start to season three with two totally different accounts to an attack of a youth umpire. Plaintiff Calvin Green gave a believable description of how he was attacked between games he was umpiring. Always smiling defendant Francisco Bagues' well crafted story attempted to present himself as a "nice guy" even though the facts beg to differ.

The defendant though a smooth talker failed to have any credibility with an account that fell apart when questioned by Judge Judy. The plaintiff was lucky to have his son nearby to get involved or he might of been hurt worse.

Very good job by JJ pulling back letting Green present a truthful account and "nice guy" Bagues bury himself with a suspect illogical version where he's the victim instead downplaying his violent actions.

The Twilight Zone: Nick of Time (1960) Season 2, Episode 7

Pat should of got an annulment.

[5/10 · 23 March 2024]

Wonderful seeing William Shatner as odd ball Don. Stafford Rapp (Chief O'Hara) in Batman) here is a generic car mechanic. The highlight of the episode were the actors and their performances in a too simplistic script.

I know these stories will defy logic but this one was way over the top. Pat (Patricia Breslin) we're supposed to believe just is finding out Don has some mental issues.

More imagination in the writing instead of the dry predicability could have made for a more memorable story. Especially the fact a young man is just recently married having his attention stray off his pretty bride to his bizarre obsession so easily had a creepy vibe to it.

Not a total time waster. But, only an ok episode.

Inspector Lewis: Generation of Vipers (2012) Season 6, Episode 2

Ending lacked intensity in a well written story.

[8/10 · 19 March 2024]

A rare British detective mystery that was quite interesting all the way through without a boring buildup leading to the first murder that most have. Also the in and out characters were very unique mostly unlikable which is integral to a quality story.

The introduction of Jason Durr as generic DI Alan Peterson was a bit of a head scratcher that added nothing. Hope he's one and done. The series is on an outstanding roll with mostly excellently written episodes.

All three in and out arrogant despicable male characters were reduced to quivering jelly which was welcome seeing them busted down to size.

The ending though decent and plausible was a touch blase lacking the excitement of many higher rated episodes. Extended screentime for Clare Holman as Dr. Laura Hobson which is always a plus. A low-key toupee for Kevin Whately appears to be settled on.

A solid episode that was a fun view just not one of the series' best. Romance hanging in limbo of Lewis and Dr Laura needs some definition. The possible couple teasing is getting repetitive and feels like a rubber stamp obligatory add-on.

Inspector Lewis: The Soul of Genius (2012) Season 6, Episode 1

Really enjoyed this one

[10/10 · 9 March 2024]

Incorporating "The Hunting of the Snark" by Lewis Carroll was absolutely invigorating to an already brilliantly written episode by Rachel Bennette. Unfortunately this apparently was her only "Lewis" episode.

Should of known from past series illness (implied here by Falconer slipping concoction into tea) usually further into the episode is a key component to putting the puzzle's pieces together. Lewis' leniency and camaraderie to Celia Imrie as Michelle Marber though unprofessional broke down the walls of his sometimes lack of depth.

I especially enjoyed beauty Nadine Lewington as Liv Nash who lit up the screen. Hathaway showed much discipline not pursuing her romantically.

Not much to dislike. The ending played out smoothly with all the tied loose ends making sense. Bit of a surprise all was true about Stevie.

Inspector Lewis: The Gift of Promise (2011) Season 5, Episode 4

Superb episode.

[10/10 · 1 March 2024]

Low-key with wonderful mystery, suspense, and excellent actors. The characters all had a unknown past possibly connected to the murders which is a trait of outstanding writing. Though some of the components of the story probably were used in British detective mysteries before it all seemed fresh in the total package.

I thought Kevin Whately ss DI Robert Lewis gave one of his better performances with seemingly many more lines than usual meeting the challenge.

We're getting to know more each episode what makes Laurence Fox as DS James Hathaway tick. This previously with weaker writing got a touch sappy but was done well here.

Only negative was too little screentime for stunning Clare Holman as Dr. Laura Hobson still stuck in neutral with Lewis romantically.