kemority Reviews

Masterchef: Winners Mystery Box - Gerron Hurt (2022) Season 12, Episode 15

I repeat... how is Joe a credible judge?

[26 August 2022]

This isn't the first episode where a fellow judge has needed to explain an ingredient to Joe. In an earlier season, Bastianich didn't know Chinese cuisine had pasta.

If this was Master Italian Restaurant Owner, then yeah, judge all you want.

Bring back Graham or Christina Tosi.

Masterchef: Tag Team (2022) Season 12, Episode 12

Sad. The flaw with team challenges...

[20 August 2022]

I was desperately wanting to see Gabriel in the finals (hopefully with Derrick). Gabriel's departure during his first season was heartbreaking but iconic, due to Ramsay's departing offer.

If either of them should have gone home, it should have been Emily. I don't agree with Joe's qualifications as a judge, but he still is one. And to try to negotiate his feedback is an insult to Ramsay's respect for him. Teams should either win together, or in this case be eliminated together.

Good episode; bad outcome. No ratings, just an opinion.

Next Level Chef (2022– )

Too early to tell, but...

[10 January 2022]

I'm not sure what to make of this show so far, but the only thing I'd reevaluate is the order in which the three levels choose their ingredients. I think it would be more challenging if the basement was given first choice of food since they're cooking in the Little House on the Prairie. The top level should have last dibs since they're already cooking with the finest equipment Earth has to offer.

Love Ramsay; love Blaise (from his HK appearances as a guest judge)... but who is Nyesha Arrington?

I look forward to watching more.

Bull: Under the Influence (2021) Season 5, Episode 14

Um... jury selection?

[5 May 2021]

Maybe all the jury selection scenes were left on the cutting floor, but this show continues to forget its premise. The entire reason behind TAC is using brains and tech to choose juries. Another episode where they completely skipped over that part. This series is becoming just another courtroom drama, losing its originality. I would say this is because of "social distancing" but they brought the jury back weeks ago. I wish they would remember selecting the jury was half (okay maybe 1/4) of the show. Anyone remember the last time a "mirror jury" was featured?

It takes away the element of surprise when a testimony completely changes the tone of the trial, and jurors who were once chosen by Bull have changed sides.

It's also sad watching all these "last minute" monkey wrenches (evidence, witnesses) get thrown at the defense and every judge allowing it.

No rating, just some thoughts.

Curb Your Enthusiasm: Thank You for Your Service (2017) Season 9, Episode 5

As both a veteran and a combat vet...

[17 February 2021]

I enjoyed how they treated this topic. When the fiancee is introduced and everyone is thanking him for his service, I hate that. Unless it organically comes up in conversation, I usually "hide" my vet status. I don't need people "acknowledging" the fact I wore a costume and played army for 9 years.

Anymore when someone thanks me, I just say "thanks, but I didn't serve, I got paid. They all do." Hell, something Larry would probably do. It might be an otherwise nice gesture, but plenty of professions play vital roles in our daily lives but we don't thank them. They signed up for a job, and get paid. Just like the military.

And don't get me started about "protecting our freedom". That's pure propaganda from when the "war on terrorism" kicked off.

Life hack from someone with PTSD: if you know you suffer from certain conditions, please do NOT volunteer for something like a damn war reenactment. There's a time for patriotism (whatever that means anymore) and there's a time to protect your mental health.

Walker: Don't Fence Me In (2021) Season 1, Episode 4

The subplot with the daughters is....

[12 February 2021]

... getting really old. Yes, I get it... they "BrOkE tHe LaW". But if you base your morality off legality, history is not on your side. Threatening to deport a girl's parents because she was in "possession" of the wrong plant is so un-American it's actually embarrassing in 2021.

Now, if they had STOLEN the weed then that would be different (but also weak story-wise). An actual crime has occurred. But c'mon... Prohibition is so 1920s.

Texas is supposed to be as 'Murican as it gets. They glamorize drinking alcohol at the bar in every episode, and alcohol is FAR worse than marijuana.

The most dangerous thing about marijuana is what happens if you're caught with it.

Magnum P.I.: No Way Out (2020) Season 3, Episode 3

Loved the episode, but the ongoing subplot...

[12 January 2021]

... which lasted all of a few episodes, was dumb.

The US government loves to preach about good, moral behavior and common decency. The problem is the US government is delusional and has a moral superiority complex. It is the last entity who should be lecturing people on "correct behavior". Marriage licensing has racist roots; given it was first intended to deter interracial unions.

There are PLENTY of horrible citizens out there who, if were foreign and applied for a "green card", would be denied on the spot.

Government should not be in the "business" of marriage to begin with. The green card idea was particularly insulting given that people wanting to become citizens are often better people than those born as citizens.

I love how when government lies to us, it's "politics". When we lie to them? Well, that's wrong and cannot be tolerated. Hello felony.

/rant

Bull: Fallen Idols (2021) Season 5, Episode 5

"I think they just don't care..."

[6 January 2021]

When Marissa said that to Bull about the jury, here I am thinking "yeah that makes 13 of us". The entire premise of this series is jury selection/manipulation, then adapting when things go awry. This episode spent a total of zero minutes doing that.

I'm hoping producers go back to storylines actually in-tune with what TAC is all about. But if this is the "new-standard" in the Covid era, that's sad. I've really enjoyed this series. If actors are healthy enough to work, and indoor sets are 99% controlled... there is no reason they can't carry on business as usual.

Just an overall weak story that felt forced by religiously-steered plot points.

As usual, no rating. Just some thoughts I wanted to share.

Supernatural: Carry On (2020) Season 15, Episode 20

Could have learned a thing from the "Suits" finale.

[24 November 2020]

The way SPN ended was similar to how "Suits" ended last year. However, Suits succeeded using only one episode, where SPN used two and still missed the mark.

(To catch non-Suiters up... the series finale was basically two parts: the first half wrapped up the season and the second wrapped up the story.)

Granted a show about lawyers and a show about brothers with friends hunting things aren't the same. But the responsibility of writing a good ending is the same. After 15 years of development, endless lore, and tons of alliances... perhaps the ideal "ending" wasn't possible because the brush stroke was too wide. Then again, Marvel managed to do it with "Avengers: Endgame"... so what do I know?

Not only was killing Dean wrong, but it also meant Castiel sacrificing himself to protect him was all for nothing. And then seeing a Cliff's Notes version of Sam carrying out his life, to then die too... just felt forced and is evidence Andrew Dabb had no idea what to do. No wonder Jensen had to be convinced it was the only way.

The decision to end the show how it began (just the bros) was stupid and threw away 15 years of storytelling. "Inherit the Earth" should have been the finale.

When when it's all said and done.... still better than GoT. So, there's that.

No rating, just some feedback.

Hell's Kitchen: Welcome to Vegas (2020) Season 19, Episode 1

That's one way to cut the budget.

[10 November 2020]

Hell's Kitchen season 19 is being filmed on a soundstage inside Caesar's Entertainment Studios, a mere block away from the actual restaurant at Caesar's Palace.

1) Christina is back as red team Sous Chef, and Jay (season 7's runner-up) has taken over blue team Sous Chef duties. I do miss Jocky though. So far Jay doesn't seem to have much of a presence.

2) Now whenever the chefs win a challenge and the prize is in Vegas, the producers don't need to charter a plane (unless they never had to?) to fly them first class.

It's too early on to review the season so far, but I will say I'm not diggin' the updated Chef Jackets. I prefer when both shoulders were red/blue.

To the reviewer who complained this show is too vulgar now.... it's always been that way. It was simply getting bleeped out. HK is definitely not a "family friendly" show.

The Good Doctor: Frontline, Part 1 (2020) Season 4, Episode 1

Think I'll skip Part 2 next week.

[3/10 · 10 November 2020]

31:52 - 32:42

Are the 50 seconds of this episode I did enjoy.

1) Dr. Lim ignoring the rude woman in the elevator. I would have added "No jackass, I have a job to get to. How about we trade spots and YOU wait for the next one?"

2) When Debbie told off Glassman and went for a walk with her friend.

I'm hoping this two-parter is where the covid arc ends. Th writers chose to focus on the .01% of "cases" where patients die from this so-called virus. All the daughter wanted to do was see her mom, and thanks to draconian policies, she was denied of even that.

First Melendez dies last season, and now this. Not a good start to season 4. Let's just hope when "The Resident" and "New Amsterdam" return they don't do the same thing.

Supernatural: Drag Me Away (From You) (2020) Season 15, Episode 16

Please don't let this be another GoT

[7/10 · 23 October 2020]

Given the direction this episode took, "Drag Me Away From You" seems a rather appropriate title in the grand scheme of things.

This episode wasn't terrible, so the 1-5 star ratings are out of pure frustration. But its placement in the SPN canon is suspect at best. With 14 years of build-up, season 15 should be using nothing but closure-type material to work with instead of more monster-of-the-week stuff. Unless Dabb and Singer are under contract to complete 20 episodes, why drag it out? At least in the Wood Nymph episode we learn information hopefully useful in the final battle against Chuck. But back-to-back filler episodes makes me worry this stupid Flu-on-Steroids "pandemic" extinguished the writers' motivation and/or creativity.

So far the only saving grace is Jared and Jensen both stating they were satisfied with the ending. So, there's that...

Supernatural: Last Holiday (2020) Season 15, Episode 14

I don't see this as a "filler" episode. Here's why...

[9/10 · 9 October 2020]

First off, it's great to be reunited with the beloved Winchester bros, and Jack. This is an incredibly fun episode with ties to Scooby Doo and the Ghostbusters. I will say Sam going on a date felt a little forced, but they needed to split the trio up in order to trap Dean and Jack.

The reason I don't view this as a filler episode is because it's revealed that without Butters, the bunker hasn't been operating at full capacity. So given all the things the boys HAVE been able to accomplish on "stand-by" mode so far, imagine what all regular mode could enable (e.g., monster radar). That surely has to tie into the next (final) six episodes. It's also revealed there's an interdimensional geoscope... and the fact Dean couldn't see anything through it means something's wrong. That has to be a teaser for a future arc.

Carry on, boys. See you next week!

Hell's Kitchen: A Fond Farewell (2018) Season 18, Episode 2

So, let me guess this correctly...

[6 October 2020]

Scott had to CLOSE his restaurant to come here? He didn't have the staff and/or budget to operate in his absence? That says a lot about his "executive leadership" right there.

Good choice in sending him home.

The Wire: Backwash (2003) Season 2, Episode 7

I've said it before, I'll say it again...

[8/10 · 28 September 2020]

Hauk and Carver have no business being on any police force. They're the very epitome of what constitutes "bad cop". As much as their shenanigans piss me off though, I'm glad they're characters. If they weren't included, I'd question the show's overall authenticity. I'm so happy Karma caught up to them and that bug was crushed by the semi.

While human trafficking should absolutely be a crime, prostitution should absolutely not be. Porn is legal. The "hook-up" culture is insane with people sleeping together after having met at a bar hours before..... but when it becomes a monetary transaction, the IRS ain't having it. They're not getting T-H-E-I-R-S (get it?) and the feds can't allow that. World's oldest profession - illegal here in "freedom land" America.

That was a terrific scene between Frank and Bruce. Some really great dialogue, and delivery. "Acting is reacting" and Chris Bauer nailed it.

Man with a Plan: Into the Weeds (2017) Season 2, Episode 4

Saved By The Second Half

[9/10 · 22 September 2020]

As someone with common sense and who adheres to basic logic, I found the first half of this episode borderline insufferable. It wasn't until the twist with Joe's candy that this episode hit a home-run. And now, I understand the need for Adam's 1980s-era mentality in the first half.

I was really hoping the writers would change gears, and thankfully they did.

Alcohol is FAR worse than marijuana. And that's proven fact, not merely an "opinion". If you oppose the Devil's Lettuce but are okay with the Devil's Juice, please return to my opening sentence.

Masterchef: Holy Cannoli (2017) Season 8, Episode 9

But, but... but

[14 September 2020]

I thought if a contestant doesn't complete a challenge then it was grounds for automatic disqualification? Anyone remember Andrea? She had the best dish but was three seconds late.

Neither Jeff nor Brien completed the required six cannolis. Both should have been sent home... especially when mere seconds before, Ramsay emphasized "at least one" will be going home. Turning into an empty threat.

Freaks and Geeks: Smooching and Mooching (2000) Season 1, Episode 16

The type of episode where 88 minutes would have been as enjoyable as 44.

[10/10 · 10 September 2020]

To date, this has been my favorite episode of the series.

Martin Starr truly is a gem, and is given some really great scenes to shine. I audibly cheered when he told off Vicki in the closet. Like "get off your Ivory Tower, I'm not any happier about this than you" -- and they end up making out the longest... initiated by Vicki.

Nick is becoming just painfully annoying to watch. The relationship between him and his dad, sadly, counterbalances the one between Lindsay and Harold.

Cindy finally comes to her senses (for now?) and realizes Sam is who she wants. She obviously represents the exception to the rule where at that age Nice Guys rarely get the girl.

Poor Neil. Between previous family drama and his Spin the Bottle Scheme failing, he ain't doing too well.

It's amazing how, at 39, this show takes me back to that age and is completely relatable. Damn, only two more episodes remain.

Las Vegas: It's Not Easy Being Green (2007) Season 5, Episode 8

Character arcs

[1 September 2020]

At this point, oddly, Cooper is the only reason I find myself still watching this show. Thankfully he kindly put Delinda in her place at the end explaining how going "completely green" is ridiculous from a business angle.

I mentioned in an earlier review Delinda is getting insufferable. This episode is no exception. If Sims' portrayal of a pregnant woman's irrational hormones is even partially accurate to real-life... holy hell. Fathers-to-be, I tip my hat to you guys.

Sam's arc is getting plain nasty. Her character used to be balanced by some redeeming qualities. Those seem to have vanished. And Vanessa Marcil's looks are beginning to not even be enough in the "at least she's hot" department.

Las Vegas has simply lost too much of its original "fun" factor. What a shame.

Las Vegas: Run, Cooper, Run! (2007) Season 5, Episode 5

Liking Selleck as Cooper, but overall feel -- jury's out

[31 August 2020]

Delinda Deline.

First off -- someone like Ed would never give his daughter a name almost identical to his last name. I'm glad they poked fun at themselves in an earlier season.

Season's 1 - 4 Delinda:

Slightly insufferable, well intended, but deeply insecure.

Season 5's Delinda: "Hold my beer."

At least now they can blame it on her hormones. I still think Danny and Sam were the ideal couple that never was. Or... not insisting on having co-workers date each other. I'm glad Sam seems to be over her trauma and is back to being a normal pain-in-the-ass. Because that, in addition to Hormonal Delinda, was bordering on too much at once.

I'd forgotten enough about this show to where watching it again remains enjoyable. Well, as long as this season finds its groove.

Community: Comparative Religion (2009) Season 1, Episode 12

Nice blend of humor and awkward controversy.

[8/10 · 20 July 2020]

Yvette Brown does a great job portraying Shirley as the type of Christian people like me (once Catholic, now Atheist) try to avoid during December. She has an insecurely difficult time "coping" with her classmates' various religious backgrounds. One thing about Christian zeal is they often choose to "love thy neighbor" only when it conveniently fits their narrative. I have a cousin who genuinely believes Christian doctrine is the only way to save America (Revelations/Apocalypse, anyone?). The subplot with AMH felt like pointless filler with no real purpose other than to give the episode some action at the end.

I personally relate to this show because 1) I'm their age, and 2) I'm also attending junior college. Though I'm now in a Bachelor degree-level program, but it's a 2-year college nonetheless. And thanks to Rona, I now consider these characters my vicarious classmates.

Hell's Kitchen (2005– )

This show works for one reason...

[8/10 · 14 July 2020]

Gordon Ramsay.

You might be thinking "no kidding", but it's not that simple. There are plenty of chefs out there considered "celebrity", and plenty with their own accolades. But without Ramsay's perfect blend of mastery, personality, hilarity, and humanity... this show could not work.

Obviously it's not a real kitchen; it's a soundstage. I'm not sure they COULD do this in a real working kitchen with all the food Ramsay throws on the ground and walls when someone messes up for the 7th time.

During service, Ramsay is one tier above god, with the temper to match when necessary. But he isn't mean just to be mean. He only flips his lid when it's appropriate. During challenges and rewards, he's one happy and funny bloke. My favorite line so far is a tie between 1) when the Jenner's meal was delayed he remarks "I don't want my guests eating on an installment plan." Their reaction was gold. And then when a cook mentioned cameras he barked: "mention a camera one more time and I'll shove a Go-Pro up your a** to show you what s**t you are."

I have two main critiques of HK: 1) When food makes it out into the dining room and is sent back for one issue or another, Ramsay is wrong for then blaming the contestants. Those mistakes are on him, or the Sous Chefs. 2) When certain people are able to skate by either on their cooking alone and/or the ratings their drama brings in. Elise (seasons 9 and 17) had a cancerous attitude. Ramsay isn't looking for a line cook. He's looking for a leader. So "being able to cook" isn't enough. Not all drama is entertaining. (Dis)honorable mentions: Josh, Frank, Russell, Johnny, Paulie, and Jackie.

Hell's Kitchen: Five Is the New Black (2018) Season 17, Episode 12

The moment we've all been waiting for.

[9/10 · 9 July 2020]

Finally, arguably the most hated person to ever (dis)grace the halls of HK is gone. When a contestant is more annoying and insufferable than even Jackie, Frank, Johnny, Paulie, Josh, and Russell... you know they're there for one reason. This person kept saying "I'm not the weakest cook!" That might be true, but their attitude should have been tossed during Recycling Day. This person was beyond delusional and had the maturity of that spoiled bratty girl from Willy Wonka.

The fact this person was asked to return to All Stars AND kept beating elimination just goes to show the producers aren't idiots. No contest is complete without drama, and this person brought that in spa-

No, that's ALL this person brought.

Dynasty: Dead Scratch (2018) Season 1, Episode 22

Hey, IMDB...

[9/10 · 26 April 2020]

What's the point in having the "Does this review contain a spoiler?" disclaimer at the bottom if you allow spoilers in the HEADER. It defeats the purpose.

Dynasty: Use or Be Used (2018) Season 1, Episode 19

Love to hate or hate to love?

[8/10 · 25 April 2020]

Alexis is REALLY starting to ruin for this show for me. I understand the need for dramatic conflict, but this show already had it in spades before she showed up. I used to loathe Fallon, but with intro of Liam she was growing on me. I used to loathe Sam, but same with him. Now he's actually one of my favorites.

As for Anders, I've only ever seen that actor as John Ellis in "Entourage" so seeing him as a family servant here is, while believable, still weird.

One more thing -- does anyone else think the actress who plays Cristal (Nathalie Kelley) look damn near identical to a younger version of Teri Hatcher? I feel like she should be arguing with Dean Cain instead of Grant Show.

Love this show, but damn...