jknousak Reviews

Silent Witness: A Guilty Mind: Part 2 (2011) Season 14, Episode 2

Cheeky Skipper wins the day

[7/10 · 28 April 2024]

Having Nikki lose it over the dead girl in the manner the writers chose as well as the direction was very weird. They did have Harry be the voice of reason here and there, though, which was good.

The mystery -- mysteries -- of Who done It were interesting and played out pretty well.

BUT, the best part of this show was the DI who was cheeky, funny, a very-well written character that made the viewing well-worthwhile. His comments sprinkled throughout made a heavy storyline bearable and made it easier to stay with the story to find out the conclusions. Hope they bring that actor and his character back another day!

Take Me Home (2011)

Almost lost me at I-70 out of . . . NY?

[7/10 · 7 April 2024]

I almost gave up having lived in NYC and Maryland. I know where I-70 is and, well, it doesn't go to NY! So the first bit about lost me for the whole of the movie. But the premise and trailer intrigued me so I stayed w/ it. And I'm glad I did.

Even though you have every good idea of where it's going, the script is tight and worthy, and the two leads are engaging and real and I found myself rooting for their . . . Relationship, however that could be. How the "invevitable" did happen was certainly realistic, just well-done and appreicated in the end. I recommend it for an easy viewing experience, worth the time certainly!

Grey's Anatomy: In the Air Tonight (2017) Season 13, Episode 20

Lots of Martin at last!

[7/10 · 27 November 2023]

But! While the other commenters dismissed the aviation issues -- number of flight attendants, FAs not in charge, but the doctors are, unrealistic medical-saving situations (passenger helping w/ doctoring), e.g. What stood out for me -- in error -- was the fact that Nathan, who had doctored in war zones, was negative about using "seat of the pants" procedures to 'get things done' medically. HE should have been the one to come up w/ how to drain the head, not Mer! Also, annoying now how hard Nate has to work to reel her in toward him. She won't let 'him' go, well, Nate should let her go!!!!! Thanks.

Grey's Anatomy: Civil War (2017) Season 13, Episode 15

More Nathan bashing

[6/10 · 27 November 2023]

I came to view these episodes (2013-'15) to watch a great actor, Martin Henderson. Unfortunately, Ms. Rimes gave his character, Nathan, a relatively poor story arc, w/ the character being disliked by just about everyone and/OR he's given miniscule moments of work in an over-crowded field of actors. That the whiney and tiresome April character should have so much on-air time at this point rather than give a new doc decent air time is very-disappointing. It may have been better to sign Martin to shorter contract and give him a role w/ some heft rather than this piecemeal "he's a jerk" nonsense!!

Judging Amy: Between the Wanting and the Getting (2001) Season 2, Episode 19

and 22 years later . . .

[6/10 · 22 June 2023]

I really just want to comment on the gender identity issue presented in this episode. I've been binge watching this show for several days now. This is the first episode that has a judicial family/child moment and, importantly, decision by Judge Amy that is clearly wrong. Sasha should have been able to be herself. Gods bless her parents!

The brain is formed separate from from the genitalia, something that was known in 2001 when this episode was created. Most of the episodes and especially the trials and the decisions are really good. The writing for this show is excellent in my view. But I just couldn't resist commenting on the Error of their ways in this round, although the presentation of Sasha and her parents was lovely and respectful.

ER: The Storm: Part 1 (1999) Season 5, Episode 14

Yeah, but . . .

[8/10 · 18 October 2022]

Green morphining the cancer-dying woman in season 1 or 2 quietly and in the ER no less was OK.

Clooney was leaving the show, so this whole mess was written to help him leave w/ reason. However, the dad coming in at the last minute to "save his son!" was a very-weak note, IMO. Additionally, the mother saying she couldn't take it anymore . . . C'mon. Hospice was around then, no reason to leave that aspect out of the story, giving humane end-of-life treatment.

Now I'm writing a sentence that will give me 138 more characters so I can submit this review without making more up abou the show. Byebye.

The O.C.: The Party Favor (2006) Season 3, Episode 23

can't watch it all . . .

[6/10 · 3 June 2022]

We saw Eddie, we see Theresa. Both black hair and dark brown eyes. The little boy? Sandy-colored hair. Hmm.

Retread of many other moments -- good guy, bad-bad guy, criminal activity, fighting. *SIGH*

The O.C.: The College Try (2006) Season 3, Episode 22

Can't let that man be happy for 2 minutes

[6/10 · 2 June 2022]

Honestly, the writers were just determined to have Ryan be unhappy, worried, fighting, having to protect someone, having to help someone ALL THE TIME, w/ very-few breaks. They could NOT let that character be happy for even 5 minutes of an episode.

This is my first time through this series and Lord, it's only #3, but I couldn't resist getting this complaint off my chest. You know, I was a teenager once. Yeah, I had my angst moments, tough relationship moments, but they weren't NON-STOP like the characters here. Geezo peet, it's very saddening. Course, I'm viewing this in something of a binge fashion vs. Once/week, but still . . . Sheesh!

The O.C.: The Countdown (2003) Season 1, Episode 14

She says "i love you" but . . .

[6/10 · 27 May 2022]

Doesn't know what "love" is/means. Love is verb, it means to do for, to sacrifice for, to compromise.

Here, Ryan is asking her to spend a quiet night w/ him. And she wants to party, to "help" Oliver, to "show Ryan up" because he didn't say the WORDS in return. For Marissa, it's "words" of "love", for Ryan it's ACTIONS/behavior of love. And he's shown it time and time again and Marissa . . . Is clueless.

The couple is doomed . . . And many of us out here have and had rooted for Ryan's success -- in Life and Love and Work. Indeed.

The O.C.: The Best Chrismukkah Ever (2003) Season 1, Episode 13

It's already over!

[8/10 · 27 May 2022]

Wow, a whole episode and 1/2 where R and M were a happy couple. The last of episode 11 (ferris wheel), episode 12 and the first bit of 13 now . . .

What I realize on viewing for the 3rd time or so is that Marissa is more damaged than Ryan. Which goes to show, having little and living through rough times (Ryan) gives One strength (he's smart and able to rise above his parental circumstances) that can better prepare One for life's ups and DOWNS better than some who had it All, were spoiled w/ everything -- home, gifts, not working, etc. As Marissa was/is. She's open and capable, but is not able to handle the downs of Life or, maybe is too-needy.

Endeavour: Icarus (2018) Season 5, Episode 6

Good mystery, but . . .

[8/10 · 22 March 2022]

Why kill the guy, why not call the police with the evidence of drug smuggling that you have at hand, knowledge of student-teacher (Ivory) interactions, students taking drugs w/ overdose obvious, and certainly a bigger way to solve the dilemma you so passionately want to stop? No way does the final reveal seem realistic.

I agree with other commenters, though, that this series is among the best and the writing and story line(s) in this particular episode are worthy.

Finally, viewing this 5th series w/in a week, I can't help but realize how "cool" the Brits are to/for one another in times of, well, caring. Could be a product of the 50s and 60s being shown, by my goodness, there isn't a "warmth" moment (e.g., a hug) in all of the episodes. There is that one "pat on the shoulder" by Fred to Morse, but C'MON! (ya, I'm not British!).

Endeavour: Harvest (2017) Season 4, Episode 4

Mystery pretty-good; Joan's story not so much

[6/10 · 19 March 2022]

Mostly I, here in the 21st century, am really not liking Thursday's confrontation w/ his daughter, w/ her man and also Mrs. Thursday's trip down a rabbit hole about Joan going off on her own. Maudlin. Parents don't own their children!!!!

Series made in 2014 or '15 and though it takes place in 1967 or so, why they had to make Morse's life so bleak and then ADD to it, Joan's bleak life along w/ her parents'. Apparently, no one in the 60s was happy in their family/love relationships, a point stressed ad nauseum in Endeavour.

Grantchester: Episode #3.6 (2017) Season 3, Episode 6

Thank goodness

[8/10 · 26 February 2022]

The selfish needy Amanda is finally gone. It seems her yell at the end to Sidney "you're never gonna be there (for Grace, HER daughter)" sums up the fact that she didn't really love Sidney because love as a verb means To Sacrifice. And in that line, it is clear she is all about her and what she wants and needs (and her daughter), and not about Sidney's pain and suffering, his wants and needs as a person.

This is not a series to watch on binge (like I have been). There are good parts though and leads, Robson & James and Al and Tessa -- all good actors and worthy of a viewing whatever story they are telling.

Grantchester: Episode #3.2 (2017) Season 3, Episode 2

Ahh, relationships in the 1950s

[7/10 · 26 February 2022]

Others have made cogent comments about this episode which I enjoyed. I thought the mystery of who poisoned and why wrapped around the several No-No/awkward relationships and the judgements about them was well done.

My main comment, though, is about the music during the cricket match. It's almost the same as the music played in the Downton Abbey cricket-match episode in season three. Music composer for both episodes is John Lunn.

Grantchester: Episode #1.3 (2014) Season 1, Episode 3

A taboo subject dealt with in 1953

[7/10 · 23 February 2022]

Wonderful truths and Getting On about those who suffer at the end of a long life and look to those who can help them end it. This is a good presentation of the take on assisted suicide w/ a bit of mystery and expunging of regrets tossed in to make it a "meaty" episode as another commenter put it. Well done.

Poldark: Episode #4.8 (2018) Season 4, Episode 8

Really, Elizabeth?

[7/10 · 1 November 2021]

Elizabeth only had to SAY the baby was due in January to have a supposed 8-month baby (really, full-term) in December. Yet another unrealistic plot point proffered by either Winston or the producers/writers of this show. IDK.

All the SECRUDS of this soap opera, the "I see what you did" moments of this soap opera, well . . . They just don't work for seasoned viewers nor seasoned story readers. I mean, C'mon!

Still and all, the lovely denouement for Drake and Morwenna in this episode is worth the slog through the last these last episodes. Nary a more horrid tale of woe than that of Morwenna . . . Anywhere, anytime, any day!

The Crown: Fairytale (2020) Season 4, Episode 3

If any of this is true . . .

[8/10 · 4 March 2021]

If any of the pre-wedding story is true -- engagement 'tween Chas and Diana at behest of queen, Margaret telling it like it is (Chas loves Camilla & shouldn't marry Di), the luncheon w/ Di and Camilla, the bracelet, that Chas left for 6 weeks before the wedding and took no/too-little time to get to know Di -- well, Diana should have run for the hills. I have less sympathy for and regard for her for being so weak -- here and in future when she is not strong enough to be on her own and w/ her boys, but must have lovers. Yes, she was young at 19 and 20, but c'mon.

And if Edward Viii couldn't have the crown for marrying Wallis, then Chas should not get the crown for having married Camilla.

The whole monarchy thing is anachronistic.

Chicago Fire: Smash Therapy (2021) Season 9, Episode 3

Considering the pandemic . . .

[7/10 · 17 February 2021]

All these poor reviews about CF being a 'soap opera'. Hey, they're working in the middle of an ACTUAL crisis, like, you know, the pandemic. They're giving you the best they can under the circumstances of 2020 and 2021, for goodness sake. Stop whining. They're bringing to the fore important Life points that, yes, mostly have to do with relationships. We're all struggling to figure out How to Do Our Family and Friend Relationships during this pandemic and economic crises. Sheesh!

The Kindness of Strangers (2019)

Right, What would you do?

[9/10 · 1 January 2021]

A thoughtful movie. Pretty much any movie w/ Bill Nighy (as actor and producer no less) is worth a consideration at the least and a viewing as well. And so it is w/ this gem.

I especially like an international cast --- British, Arab-French, Indian, American, Danish, Canadian -- that's always a surprise that a cast can be cobbled together from 'afar' to create and participate in an 'international' story -- displaced/journeyed people in unfamiliar settings/surroundings, hopeful for a better future. Ahh, the immigrant story, eh?

Chicago P.D.: Breaking Point (2018) Season 5, Episode 17

primary plot is fine, secondary not so much

[7/10 · 6 November 2020]

The main plot of the killing and the intelligence work done to get to the murderer and reason for it was well-plotted, conceived and played out.

The secondary plot about Bingham and O's involvement in his disappear was not good in my estimation; I've viewed Chicago Fire before watching PD. When a firefighter like Benny Severide can disappear Keeler the bad guy, it doesn't make sense that three police (Voight, Lindsay and Olinsky) are unable to do the same w/ Bingham. That they were unable giving rise to (i) Bingham's find and then (ii) DNA of L or O, well, it provides tension and a thread of a subplot through several of this season's episodes. But that's about all I could give it credit for; weak, but can't be solid every go, eh?

As for magmullins tirade about an AR-15 not being an assault rifle --> take a pill, man. And take your rightist slant and assault on imdb readers of reviews and Go to Bed.

Chicago P.D.: Fallen (2017) Season 5, Episode 6

Yes and Oh No . . .

[7/10 · 30 October 2020]

I liked the "find" by Upton about McGrady; Yes to Hailey as part of the team.

That last w/ Ruzek, oh No, they have to find some corruptness for just about everyone, don't they. I like the character, I'd take jaded and more mature, but not corrupt. Can't stand the woods character from the git go and esp. how the actor plays him --> Mr. Hesitation before and on every line of dialog. Grrrr.

Chicago P.D.: Fork in the Road (2017) Season 4, Episode 23

writers turned to into pretzels to devise a Bush exit

[6/10 · 29 October 2020]

The "she's my mother" mantra by Lindsay got very-old considering the Bunny character did not possess one iota of motherhood as most of us know it to be.

Coming in late and after reading about why the character Lindsay was written off the show -- due to the actress' unhappiness w/ working in cold weather/Chicago and w/ some of the other actors' reported (by her) behaviors -- it's "be careful what you ask for" in signing a seven-year contract. The exit is quite convoluted and letting bunny off entirely is . . . awful to this viewer. But glad both characters are gone as Upton will make a strong team player, much less damaged than Lindsay. It's tough enough to view the damaged figures who routinely are shown to break the law, but to have main characters be so damaged as Lindsay is makes for tough viewing.

I like Al and Kim and Trudy and Adam and Jay and now Hailey. With these principals I can continue to watch.

Chicago Fire: Always (2014) Season 3, Episode 1

yes, but . . .

[8/10 · 10 October 2020]

Not a fan of Dawson, so when she says to Casey while in his embrace "you're always there/here for me" my first thought is: 'Yes he is (which shows true love), and you're never there for him'. That after review coming from viewing all 8 episodes, so now I'm on reruns, but only the good parts, most of which do not include Dawson.

Sylvie coming aboard now makes me wonder What Will Be re: her and Casey w/ a 9th season, this after the pandemic lull. A much better fit IMO.

Chicago Med: Fallback (2015) Season 1, Episode 3

No, no . . . not correctly diagnosed. Oh dear.

[7/10 · 6 October 2020]

Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors. I.e., non-life-threatening. NF is treatable; for tumors on the left side only and post-surgery, she may lose hearing ONLY on the left side. She can still hear normally on the right, though some binaural (two-eared) abilities (localizing a sound source, e.g.) are forever changed if one side is gone. Thus, an error in Dx, probably for dramatic effect, which is fine. On the second review of this episode, I just noticed they are operating on her RIGHT ear!!!! That's a goof not noted; I have no success in making editorial corrections, so this will have to do.

And . . . However, in all the many years I worked w/ hearing-impaired people, the interactions with musicians who lost any aspect or portion of their hearing were some of the saddest/toughest moments . . . For both me and the patient!

Rectify: Mazel Tov (2014) Season 2, Episode 6

To Know One

[9/10 · 9 September 2020]

Daniel's meet w/ Lezly and his interactions with Charlie the Chaplain -- both really good by allowing the viewer to get to know Daniel better. The character Daniel is stunning, if I may say -- or at least the writing of it/him; and Aden's portrayal is other-worldly almost, certainly masterful. The lovely connection Daniel has with Tawney is so delicate and true.

I growled, though, at the Sheriff's betrayal of Ted Jr by telling Foulkes about what he promised to not tell. Brings about a tension, conflict, keeps the 'bad guy' (Foulkes) in the picture and used as a mechanism to elongates the tale which is overly obvious. SIGH.

The near-final moment when Daniel's hand reaches to the music box . . . Wow, just wow. And then his 'hearing' Hannah call to him -- the last "deepening" he had, so to speak -- just brilliant storytelling.