Necrotongue

The tenth episode kicked off with some promising vibes, making it seem like it was about to unfold a storyline that could really grab my attention. The letdown was real, though, as the creators went for annoying moralizing, lectures, and explaining the only right way instead of actually writing some good jokes. / Lesson learned: Birthday parties are overrated.

Well, what do you know? The creators managed to write an episode that I had fun watching for the second time this season. Admittedly, the plot veered completely off the main storyline — it was pretty much a dead-end. Yet, you had to enter this dead-end through a fortress constructed out of blankets, all the while getting shot at by fake guns. Assuming they were fake. And was there even a dead-end? Who knows? Heck, maybe this episode doesn't even exist. / Lesson learned: Embracing conspiracy theories can be quite fun.

It started off like your typical, breezy American comedy, so I was mentally prepared for cringe jokes and a plot I could see coming from a mile away. But the outcome was nothing like what I expected. While it didn't hit the "amazing" mark, this movie landed some laughs because the humor was spot-on. The creators even managed to weave in some drama, turning what I thought was just another simple comedy into something with a deeper level. I'm a fan of Sam Rockwell, and my current rewatch of Community definitely added to the enjoyment, especially with Gillian Jacobs playing a role. And let's not forget the invaluable contribution to skin cancer prevention — thanks to a simple piece of advice, many blondes can significantly boost their defenses against this sneaky disease. In the end, what I anticipated as a laid-back comedy turned out to have depth, proving I jumped the gun in my judgment. I acknowledge my mistake by awarding four stars. / Lesson learned: Don't let your past hold you back.

I get it, the creators used Betty as a nod to strong, proud women, and so far, I've been cool with her — especially with Juno Temple rocking the role. But in this episode, they kinda overplayed it, with moments that felt a bit forced. Just throwing that out there, so I don't seem too uncritical since I consistently give the series high ratings, as if I was getting paid for it. This show has definitely got me hooked. / Lesson learned: Sometimes, wishes do come true.

Even though it was just another run-of-the-mill episode, it turned out slightly better for me than the previous one. It revolved around a low-budget search for a gel grip pen, and I enjoyed it more than the previous trampoline adventure. The crucial takeaway is that I finally found out something more about the situation around Annie's Boobs. / Lesson learned: Always look under the plaster.

Watching the second season feels like the creators are on a mission to drown me. Last time, I managed to come up for air momentarily, catch my breath, but now I'm attempting to grow gills again because this episode offered little humor, except for the saving grace of the great Abed and the racist gardener. Instead, it went heavy on the moralizing again, and honestly, I'm just tired of it. / Lesson learned: Become a menace.

My first four-star rating of the second season. That's cause for celebration.  The creators nailed it with the Halloween party, infusing humor and a zombie infection into the sixth episode. This episode certainly stands out and feels almost out of place. Abed deserves props for the best costume, but gotta give credit to the creators...Shirley and Chang hooking up, not even I would have come up with that! :-) / Lesson learned: Zombies are dangerous, but they can't compare to the tax office.

Even in this case, the creators failed to do a good job. This episode was completely off. The only star goes to the great Abed, and I'm finally clear on who the most annoying character is. The gang of uncontrollable retirees was shamelessly ripped off from Monty Python, except instead of grandmothers, they mostly used grandfathers. / Lesson learned: Anything but religion!

After giving it another go today, this movie struck me as one of those where Americans try to make an effort at self-reflection, but the notes of this tune sound false when you put them in the context of real politics. Setting the theme aside, I'll review the movie as some sort of detective story. As such, it felt mediocre because it lacked tension and a well-developed atmosphere. However, I did appreciate the character of Sergeant Deerfield, who showcased the skills of a Native American tracker. Detective Emily Sanders, played by Charlize Theron, didn't disappoint either, even though she masochistically pressed her injured nose against her palm and touched the victim's body without gloves. So, the characters were decent, but the story left something to be desired. I had the feeling that the creators geared up for a big drama, but then lost their courage, exhaled, and did a very sloppy job. / Lesson learned: Even an experienced investigator can be betrayed by intuition. 3*-

I can't imagine giving a lower rating. The seventh episode really hit the spot. It doesn't happen very often, but every now and then, a series comes along that I just can't fault because it seems downright perfect to me. With each new episode, The Offer solidifies its spot as exactly that kind of gem. Once again, I reveled in the finely crafted atmosphere and a world where the film industry and organized crime seamlessly intertwine. It's still blowing my mind how I can feel the suspense, even with the knowledge of how it all plays out. The creators really know their stuff. / Lesson learned: Every supper can be the last.