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safenoe
Daria
Parker Lewis Can't Lose
Community
M*A*S*H
Degrassi Junior High
Turning Point with David Jeremiah
Facing the Canon (interview series with J John)
Degrassi High
Charles Stanley
21 Jump Street (the ones when Johnny Depp was still invested in the series)
As Time Goes By
Monk
Duckman
New Tricks
Inspector Lynley
Touch of Frost
Midsomer Murders
Shakespeare and Hathaway
The Coroner
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Diagnosis Murder
The Simpsons (the first 10 seasons)
Rosemary and Thyme
DCI Banks
Vera
Lewis
Tales of the Unexpected
Tales from the Darkside (but only the opening theme)
Bergerac
Backup (an underrated British police drama)
Saturday Night Live
Ratings
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Reviews
Glee: Pilot (2009)
Don't stop believin'
I remember being a fan of Glee not long after it debuted to much fanfare, and anyway, the Pilot episode was amazing with the rendition of Journey's Don't Stop Believin' which did much to give the song a new lease of life soon after it already had a lease of life with The Sopranos's series finale, Made in America.
Believe it or not, I actually bought some CDs of Glee songs (this was just before CDs became wiped out of the market) because I liked Glee, especially the first three or so seasons init.
Stephen Tobolowsky guest stars as Sandy Ryerson in this episode. He always adds value to any movie or TV episode.
Glee (2009)
Uplifting
I became a fan of Glee soon after it debuted, and there was a lot of buzz and excitement to this series that injected new life into glee clubs. In fact I even bought some CDs of Glee songs (this was just before CDs became extinct pretty much), and there was so much energy and all, especially with Don't Stop Believin'. I must admit the first three or so reasons were strong and worth watching, but my interest kind of tapered off after that, but maybe I need to do a binge of the rest of Glee. Anyway, the, Dan Harmon pretty much put Glee on the table for parody with the episode Regional Holiday Music and "regionals!!". Anyway, Iqbal Theba, who played Principal Figgins in Glee also appeared in Community as Abed Nadir's father.
Fresh Off the Boat: Where Have All the Cattlemen Gone? (2018)
Trevor Larcom guest stars
Trevor Larcom was one of the major breakout supporting stars in Fresh Off the Boat, which boasted a deep bench of talented supporting actors in addition to the talented main cast of course. Trevor Larcom starred as Trent, and over time his role grew so that he became part of the Cattleman's Ranch Steakhouse, but also part of the Huang family. Anyway, I know Magic Motor Inn, featuring an Indian-American family, was supposed to be the spin-off from Fresh Off the Boat, but really Trent deserved to have his own spin-off series. Anyway, it's good to see Trent in this episode, and in all he appeared in 70 episodes.
Fresh Off the Boat: The Fall Ball (2015)
Randall Park can dance
Randall Park as Louis Huang can certainly rap his way on the dance floor, as he amazingly demonstrated in The Fall Ball, during the end credits. We see Louis display his rap dance skills at the school ball, with the kids watching on in awe, as they should. Anyway, I became a fan of Fresh Off the Boat when it debuted, and seeing the ensemble cast, and seeing the career of Constance Wu pretty much explode, was so encouraging for sure init. Anyway, I miss this fine series, but I guess after six seasons it had to wrap up eventually, and it did so on a high that's for sure, so definitely worth watching.
Fresh Off the Boat: Commencement (2020)
It's a wrap
I became a big fan of Fresh off the Boat when it debuted, and after six seasons, Fresh off the Boat wrapped up in 2020, and in many ways the series (which had a controversial title) was groundbreaking for sure with the way it told the stories of the people whose faces were often marginalized on TV, so all credit to the network for going with Fresh Off the Boat. Anyway, all credit to the actors who made Fresh Off the Boat what it became, a sitcom to watch, and all credit to the writers for the ideas in each episode and the ongoing storylines that kept us in front of out screens for six seasons.
Fresh Off the Boat: The Magic Motor Inn (2020)
Spin-off maybe
The Magic Motor Inn is not only the name of this sixth season episode of Fresh off the Boat, but also the name of the putative spin-off that was suppose to arise, but sadly the spin-off didn't come to pass, which is a shame because it would have provided the perspective of an Indian-American family who run a hotel, and such a spin-off could have guest starred famous Indian-Americans such as former Louisiana Governor Piyush "Bobby" Jindal to give it a boost. Anyway, I became a big fan of Fresh off the Boat when it debuted, and it did much to bring creativity and freshness to faces that aren't ordinarily see on TV.
Fresh Off the Boat: The Gloves Are Off (2017)
Guest starring Heather Locklear
The amazing Heather Locklear plays Sarah, Marvin's ex-wife, and it ain't pretty when Jessica Huang (Constance Wu) gets involves and all, and it makes quite a sizzling episode with three's company and all. Anyway, I enjoyed very much watching Fresh Off the Boat when it debuted, as it was very groundbreaking and poked fun at stereotypes for sure, knowing when to laugh and when to kind of wonder why do we laugh at stereotypes.
The alternative title to this episode, The Gloves Are Off, could be Marvin, Honey and Sarah Too because of the triangle aspect and the romantic tension and all init. Worth watching.
Vanessa Williams: Save the Best for Last (1991)
Was in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
It's hard to believe that Vanessa Williams's Save the Best for Last debuted over 30 years ago, and being a pop hit from the 1970s, no doubt it lives on as an anthem for perseverance and strength against the odds. Save the Best for Last garnered a new following when it was featured in the movie Priscilla, Queen of the Desert from the 1990s. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert starred Julia Cortez as Cynthia Campos, with supporting performances by Hugo "V for Vendetta" Weaving, British actor Terence "Kneel before Zod" Stamp, and Guy "Memento" Pearce. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was directed by Stephan Elliott, who persisted as a director but nothing that is quite as memorable as this movie, so a one hit wonder.
The Rehearsal (2022)
The reality of reality TV
I can't believe I forgot to post an imdb user review for The Rehearsal, which was amazing, groundbreaking stuff from Nathan Fielder (who I sometimes get mixed up with Nathan Fillion), but anyway, for me it was the first three or so episodes that were awesome, and all credit to the performers, the writers, the production crew, everyone involved for pulling off what they did, especially as the world was pulling itself out of the pandemic. Anyway, the way the cast interacted with each other was second to none, and I wondered at times what was real, and what wasn't, and how did Nathan Fielder (not Fillion) manage to get inspired to do this.
Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist: Lil' Helper (1997)
David, Ken and Lizz Too
David Juskow's impression of British-English singer Elvis Costello was hilarious and so real. Anyway, Juskow is one of the few guests stars who doesn't appear to have a therapy session with Dr Katz, as we see him doing his spiel in front of Laura. Also joining Juskow in this episode, Lil' Helper is Ken Rogerson and Lizz Winstead, and this makes for a funny episode. Dr Katz also suffers back problems, and thankfully he recovers. Also, the trademark "You know what the music means" doesn't occur at the end of this episode, but about three minutes before. I'm enjoying watching Dr Katz now thanks to the internet.
Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist: Studio Guy (1997)
Bobcat, Fred and Joan Too
Three's a crowd with Bobcat "Police Academy" Goldthwait, Fred Stoller and the legendary Joan Rivers, and anyway, normally I like every episode of Dr Katz, Professional Therapist, but here it got too crowded. Anyway, the game show that Goldthwaite referred to was a game show he appeared in when he was in tour in Australia, Sale of the Century, and you can read more about his experience online in the Seattle Times in their article A Conversation With Bobcat Goldthwait dated 11 November 1994, three years before this episode Studio Guy aired. Anyway, I'm enjoying finally catching up on the episodes I missed out on when I discovered this fine series in the 1990s.
The Drew Carey Show (1995)
Drew and Friends
I can't say that I watched the majority of episodes of The Drew Carey Show, but the ones I watched were quite fun, and you could tell it wasn't trying to take itself way too seriously, and it had elements of the sitcoms Friends, Roseanne, Cheers, and mixed with Drew Carey's friends. It's worth noting the friendship continued, with Drew Carey hosting Whose line is it anyway which featured Ryan Stiles, who is a very masterful improv performer. Anyway, I liked the live episodes, and also the opening song, Moon over Parma. Maybe The Drew Carey Show can be rebooted for a new audience who would this show init.
Players (1997)
Underrated gem
I became a fan of the series Players when it debuted in 1997, so almost 30 years ago, and it's a real shame that the network axed Players well before its time, and why? Seriously why would NBC do such a thing, because the chemistry was perfect with Ice-T as Isaac Gregory, Greek-Australian actor Costas Mandylor as Alphonse Royo and Frank John Hughes as Charlie O' Bannon. I loved the fast pace, the action, the storylines, the sense of satisfaction that I was watching a fine series that deserve to run at least four seasons init. Thankfully some episodes are on social media so at least we have that.
TV 101 (1988)
Ahead of its time
I became an instant fan of TV 101 when it debuted in 1988, and it was way ahead of its time, with a teacher (played by Sam Robards) returning to teach a class about TV production, so with social media and all, TV 101 was way ahead of its time. Is it possible for TV 101 to be rebooted please, because the cast was energetic and some had big things awaiting them. Alex Desert ended up starring in Becker, and a young unknown actor by the name of Matt LeBlanc ended up starring with a bunch of other unknowns in a sitcom about a bunch of New York City friends. I would love to see TV 101 again for sure.
Spin City (1996)
Spin City
I became an instant fan of Spin City when it debuted nearly 30 years ago, and it was wonderful to see Michael J "Family Ties" Fox return the the world of sitcoms following his explosive popularity from the Back to the Future movies. Anyway, one curious aspect of politics and pop culture is how prominently New York City Deputy Mayors feature in movies and TV series. So here Fox plays a deputy mayor of New York City, in the movie City Hall, John Cusack played a deputy mayor, and in the Law and Order episode Deadline, a deputy mayor was central to the plot. Anyway, I pretty much stopped being a regular viewer after Michael J Fox left, along with Connie Britton and Alexander Chaplin.
Becker (1998)
Here's Cheers
I saw a few episodes of Becker, and it kind of allowed Ted "The Good Place" Danson to show his range following his memorable stint on Cheers. Anyway, here in Becker Danson plays Dr. John Becker, with the Dr. For his work as a doctor, not a PhD in visual arts (not that there's anything wrong with a PhD in visual arts). There were some funny moments, and the supporting cast of Hattie Winston, Shawnee Smith, Alex Desert and Terry Farrell were top notch. Anyway, it's good to see Ted Danson continue his acting work in CSI, The Good Place and Mr Mayor and hopefully we'll see him in more TV series init.
33 Postcards (2010)
We belong
I saw 33 Postcards on DVD a few years ago, and all credit to Guy "Memento" Pearce for his role as an Australian prisoner Dean Randall, who sends financial support to Mei Mei (played by Lin Zhu). Guess what, Mei Mei travels to Australia in a choir, and she learns the unsettling truth about Randall's accommodation arrangements, and she gets caught up in the things she shouldn't be caught up in init. Anyway, this is an entertaining and moving movie, and Pauline Chan does an impressive job directing this movie, and shows the cultural boundaries can be pierced for sure for greater cultural understanding.
Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive (1979)
Featured in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
It's hard to believe that Gloria Gaynor's song I Will Survive debuted 45 years ago, and being a disco hit from the 1970s, no doubt it lives on as an anthem for perseverance and strength against the odds. I Will Survive gained a new following when it was featured in the Priscilla, Queen of the Desert movie soundtrack from the 1990s. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert starred Julia Cortez as Cynthia Campos, with supporting performances by British actor Terence "Kneel before Zod" Stamp, Hugo "V for Vendetta" Weaving and Guy "33 Postcards" Pearce. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was directed by Stephan Elliott, who persisted as a director but nothing that is quite as memorable as this movie.
Alicia Bridges: I Love the Nightlife (1978)
From the Priscilla, Queen of the Desert soundtrack
It's hard to believe Alicia Bridges's I Love the Nightlife is nearly 50 years old, and being a disco hit from the 1970s, no doubt it lives on. I love this song, and it gained a new following when it was featured in the Priscilla, Queen of the Desert movie soundtrack from the 1990s. That movie starred Julia Cortez as Cynthia Campos, with supporting performances by British actor Terence
"Kneel before Zod" Stamp, Hugo "The Matrix" Weaving and Guy "Memento" Pearce. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was directed by Stephan Elliott, who continued as a director but nothing that is quite as memorable as this movie but maybe he will keep trying.
The Simpsons: Homer's Enemy (1997)
Divided opinion
I saw Homer's Enemy when it debuted all those years ago, and I don't know whether Homer's Enemy is an episode I can keep on watching over and over again, but once is enough. Mike Reiss, former Simpsons executive producer described Homer's Enemy as one of his least two favorite episodes, so that's saying something init. Anyway, you either like it or you don't, but maybe Homer's Enemy goes beyond the accepted conventions of The Simpsons and many people have posted rapturous reviews, so I guess the overwhelming majority fans embrace Homer's Enemy, so certainly this episode has much acclaim amongst the base.
The Simpsons: The Simpsons Spin-Off Showcase (1997)
Spin-off fun
Definitely one of the best episodes from season eight, and also one I would rank highly from the golden years of The Simpsons, being the first 10 seasons pretty much. Here The Simpsons Spin-Off Showcase parodies the spin-off mania that some TV series have (in real life some of the spin-offs work quite well, e.g. Frasier from Cheers, Lou Grant from The Mary Tyler Moore Show, but who can remember Joey from Friends). Anyway, here we get three hilarious parody spin-offs, and you wonder if they could actually work in real life give the current state of television now with streaming and all init right.
The Simpsons: A Milhouse Divided (1996)
Van Houten v Van Houten
Definitely A Milhouse Divided is really one of those very special episodes that is the hallmark of many series like Diff'rent Strokes an The Facts of Life, and I think the separation of the Van Houtens really hits hard on fans who went through the divorce of their parents init. Anyway, if you were to introduce The Simpsons to someone who hasn't watched it before, I wouldn't recommend they start with A Milhouse Divided, as it's a bit too depressing and it could trigger init. Anyway, I guess The Simpsons wanted to focus on reality and they did so very much with A Milhouse Divided and the social impact.
The Simpsons: The Homer They Fall (1996)
Homer and Moe
The Homer They Fall is from season eight, and for me, this falls within the golden era, which in my humble opinion is the first ten seasons. Here we see Moe's character developed beyond his tavern and being on the receiving end of prank calls from Bart. Here Moe is Homer's boxing manager, and there were so many poignant aspects to this episode, especially when Moe rescues Homer from being punched to a pulp by the dreaded Drederick Tatum, and then the end credits where Moe helps people around the world. Only The Simpsons could get away with that, and certainly I recommend you watch The Homer They Fall.
The Simpsons: You Only Move Twice (1996)
007
Here Homer and his family are caught up in a James Bondesque adventure with Albert Brooks returning as the super villian, more fearsome than the ones you see in the 007 movies for sure. Anyway, it's interesting upon reflection to see just how far the writers can move the plot into a different genre, and it's amazing that we kind of move on afterwards. What's interesting is that this episode spiked with imdb user votes, with around 6,000 votes, compared to the average of around 3,000 votes, so that says something init about what appeals to Simpsons fans and what doesn't. You Only Move Twice is worth watching.
Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist: Mourning Person (1997)
It's mourning
I became a fan of Dr Katz, Professional Therapist when I discovered it in the mid 1990s, and I was thankfully able to watch a few episodes from seasons one to three, but thankfully now with the internet I'm able to finally watch the episodes I missed, and also re-watch the episodes I first watched all those years ago. Andy Kindler and Margaret Smith guest star, and Dr Katz has trouble holding back his laughter at the passing of an elderly relative. At the memorial service, when the music played, Dr Katz knew what it meant, so that was a nice twist for sure to wrap up the episode of a fine series.