Archer Review: “A Going Concern” (2.2)
What is a highly trained agent to do when he discovers the mind-control chip implanted in his brain by his could-be father? Re-plant it in another could-be father, obviously.... read more
Portlandia Review
(Ep. 1.03 - Aimee)
Portlandia—the original IFC comedy series created, written by and starring Fred Armisen (Saturday Night Live) and Carrie Brownstein (Sleater-Kinney’s singer/guitarist)—is midway through its six-episode run. And that’s such a shame because the show is just hitting its sublimely funny stride.... read more
Ricky Gervais Show Review: "Onion" (2.4)
One of the most interesting things about Karl Pilkington is that he’s occasionally so shallow that he almost becomes deep. Almost. His strange way of viewing the world can at times lead him to some interesting conclusions, and “Onion” was an episode particularly rife with them. Of particular interest to me here was his fundamentally idiotic, yet still fascinating, question of “Does the brain control you or do you control the brain?” It’s hard to not find the premise of what’s being asked here rather dumb, particularly when it’s being phrased in such an odd manner. But the way Karl,... read more
The Office Review: "The Search" (Episode 7.14)
You can only run so far with an “Office cast as The Beatles” comparison before it starts to fall apart. You’ve got to mull over whether Jim’s biting wit makes him a John or if the cuteness factor makes him more of a Paul. Then there’s the question of where all the others fit in (after all, with such a large cast, an Arcade Fire analogy might be more apropos). One thing is certain, however: Michael Scott is the Ringo of The Office, and tonight was his Hard Day’s Night.... read more
Community Review: "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons" (2.14)
There may be no form of comedy more delightful than a perfectly executed parody. It’d a rare thing, especially these days when the standards for what “parodies” are have been stretched to the point of breaking by Family Guy and Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer of Date Movie infamy. The ones that work, though, from the early Python movies to Shaun of the Dead have become cult classics for a reason. Community’s “Advanced Dungeons & Dragons” got every note of its parody so correct that it managed to outdo even “Modern Warfare” or “Epidemiology.” It just clicked in a certain... read more
Beavis and Butt-Head Return to MTV
MTV confirmed rumors yesterday that popular ’90s animated series Beavis and Butt-Head will be making a return to the network this summer. It was announced that creator Mike Judge will be crafting new episodes for the rejuvenation of the series; however, an exact premiere date has not yet been confirmed.... read more
Watch the McBain Short Film From The Simpsons
The Simpsons sure was funny in the ’90s. In addition to landing witty jokes roughly every two or three seconds, it had recurring characters such as McBain, the action-movie star that spoofed Arnold Schwarzenegger. Now, CollegeHumor.com has discovered that when those classic McBain clips are put together, they create a short film with main characters and an actual, logical plot.... read more
The Decemberists Reveal New Song Via Yo Gabba Gabba
After hitting the top of the Billboard charts with their latest album The King Is Dead, Colin Meloy & Co. have announced an upcoming appearance on Yo Gabba Gabba. The Decemberists will have a new song featured on an episode of the Nick Jr. kids show. Thanks to Rolling Stone, you can listen to the jangly Decemberists tune “The Great Outdoors” now before the episode airs. Check out the video below.... read more
Watch The National on Letterman
In addition to a recent ACL performance and a string of upcoming tour dates, The National performed on the Late Show With David Letterman last night.... read more
Skins Review: "Chris" (Episode 1.03)
“Chris” may have been a better story than last week's episode, but didn't really give the audience anything they hadn’t seen before. The episode plays out a lot like Chris’s introductory chapter in the original British version of the show, but unlike the premiere, this rehash doesn’t feel like a rehash. read more
Arrested Development: The Board Game!
Critically-acclaimed (and perennial Paste headline generator) television show Arrested Development has been made into a board game by the people at Pleated-Jeans.... read more
Californication Review: "Monkey Business" (Episode 4.04)
As much of Californication’s appeal on the surface comes from the sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll it portrays, the show’s strong suit has always been its characters. Once you got beyond all the careless debauchery and self-destruction by Hank and company, there has been a certain authenticity exuded throughout the show’s storyline. Throughout Season 4, however, the writing has started to turn away from the formula Californication was so successful at. The character depth is still present on some levels, but in “Monkey Business,” a noticeable void emerges.... read more
The King's Speech and The Fighter Win Big at Screen Actors Guild Awards
The 17th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards took place last night, and The King’s Speech and The Fighter were the biggest winners, relatively speaking, each taking home a pair of awards.... read more
Archer Review: “Swiss Miss” (2.1)
The last season of Archer left the ISIS team in utter shambles. Archer had a mind-control chip embedded in his skull, Malory was busy dealing with the escalating repercussions to her affair with the head of the KGB, and Cyril was balls deep in a French secretary. In other words, business as usual.... read more
Shameless Review (Episode 1.04)
Every episode of Shameless begins with William Macy, as Frank, telling the viewing audience to watch what they missed last week, usually in Frank’s inimitable style: “For those of you who are too fucking busy here’s what happened last week on Shameless.”... read more
Ricky Gervais Show Review: "The Fly " (2.3)
In pretty much every way “The Fly” was a a typical episode of The Ricky Gervais Show. That’s not a bad thing, especially since consistency is one of the show’s high marks. After an episode or two you pretty much know what to expect from the entire series, it’s just a matter of topics that changes. Karl Pilkington will always be just as dumb and Stephen and Ricky will always be there on the side to navigate viewers through his thoughts, and there’s little plot or real substance to get in the way of humor. It’s incredibly simple entertainment, but... read more
MTV Announces Digital Music Awards Show
MTV recently announced that they are developing a digital music awards show expected to debut this spring. The cable channel already plays host to its own European Music Awards, Movie Awards and the Video Music Awards.... read more
NBC Universal Gets Rid of the Peacock
NBC Universal is doing away with their iconic peacock and globe logos. The broadcasting company is also getting rid of the space in the company’s name. NBC Universal will henceforth be know as NBCUniversal. Soundslikeaplantous.... read more
Community Review: "Celebrity Pharmacology" (2.13)
With all of Community’s non-stop meta-commentary it’s a surprise that the show wears its heart so very much on its sleeve. Early commercials for it mentioned The Breakfast Club, and while that’s not really what Dan Harmon and company are going for, there’s a lot of that earnestness going into the show. Characters are really supposed to work out their issues and improve as people, which immediately sets the show off from the kind of nihilism of Seinfeld or meandering repetition of The Office. There’s an element of the show that, for better or worse, is a bit didactic. In... read more
The Office Review: "The Seminar" (Episode 7.13)
We knew this day would come.... read more
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