I grew up watching late night television as it aired during my lifetime, and I never really stopped watching from the antics of Conan O'Brien (I love the introduction portion of his podcast and his shenanigans with Jordan Schlansky) to the countless parodies of Jimmy Fallon's Late Night/Tonight Show; the wicked-smart satire of Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart; the witty and sharp John Oliver to the silly Jimmy Kimmel and the kookiness of Craig Ferguson; and even the classic Letterman. I'll admit it, as much as I've watched classic television shows and movies on repeat, the talk shows of the early days of late-night aren't really on that list. Interestingly enough, the first late night talk show was led by a woman: The Faye Emerson Show in 1941. 

 Overall, I love watching late night TV, especially the monologues and travel moments and hilarious creative segments. For instance, when Kimmel's show would ask people questions, and they would answer in the dumbest ways. And Kimmel's Unnecessary Censorship segments are such a silly and immature concept yet it's still hilarious. And then, there are moments that were so good, they became their own show. Conan's remotes (when he would go to different places outside the set, and just be himself in those spaces) were so popular, that he now has quite a few different TV specials and series that have built upon that concept. 

I have referenced and written about only a few of my favorite moments in late night television and comedy in my Video Mash-Up: Late Night Talk Shows post and even in SNL and JT. But there are so many moments that still stick with me, and thank goodness YouTube exists so that I have the ability to look back at some of these memorable, hilarious creations.

Like this:

 Or this:

The LATE (LOST parody) was my favorite one from Jimmy Fallon's Late Night, which wasn't included on their YouTube playlist. But I did find this: https://www.tiktok.com/@fallonathome/video/7250639331428273426.

 

 Theses comedians, and so many more, help get their audience through difficult and/or annoying times. They make us laugh and remind us to enjoy life when it can be pretty easy for life to feel stale, meaningless and devoid of joy. It's unfortunate how in American society, it's easy for people (myself included) to see life as an endless routine of work and tasks, obsessive productivity-on repeat-for means of survival. It can be surprisingly easy to forget that moments of joy are not only allowed, but they are necessary. And comedy reminds us it's not that hard to remember! 

These shows allow us to have a good laugh at even while also paying attention to current events. 

 

These comedians and their teams have a way of telling the truth, setting stories straight, and making sense of the nonsense while also inspiring their audience to think and laugh! Comedy and laughter has a pretty cool way of bringing people together and keeping us from being consumed by the insanity that seeks to harm and/or destroy us.

 

In recent years, I have been enjoying making YouTube playlists. In the past year or two, I've binged-watched Conan's podcast intros and created a Conan favorites playlist (which I have watched/listened to repeatedly, it's that good!) It has been interesting to see him from this perspective after having seen him in the late-night-show style for so many decades.

 

 I also found Josh Johnson, who has become one of my very favorite comedians, next to Wanda Sykes. He was also a writer for the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and is a correspondent on the Daily Show. I binged-watched all of his stand-up videos on YouTube this past year, and also created a Josh Joshson favorites playlist. His storytelling is so compelling with so many visual and intricate details that he so seamlessly weaves into recent events and topics of discussion. 

  

I'm not sure if this counts as a late-night show, but this almost game-show style comedy talk show, which was originally created in Britain, is a newer show to American audiences: Have I Got News for You. They are hilarious and on-point with their commentary:

 

We gotta fight for our rights (to party), and constantly revisit it as I refer back to a post I wrote back in 2012 about a comedic flash-dance-like revival of the popular Beastie Boys song.

Stay sane, keep laughing, and remember to have fun!

Barney Miller. Getty Images, ABC Photo Archives.

Characters/Diversity

Barney Miller (1974-1982) is definitely one of my very absolute favorite television shows among several other great shows from the 1970s. Barney Miller had a very diverse cast for a show that began in the 1970s, and strongly contrasts the lack of diversity in mainstream media today as the 12th Precinct police detectives and the reappearing characters identified among different genders, races, ethnicities, sexualities, and abilities.  The characters portrayed and established transcend the often dehumanizing social categorizations as they are portrayed as fully developed characters rather than typical stereotypes. None of these characters were ever constructed stereotypically nor were any of them confined to typical stereotypes. Instead, these characters countered common stereotypes which were addressed and subsequently opposed. No character was ever dehumanized as a sense of humanity was always maintained in each episode that humanized each character by providing a reminder that people are people regardless of their identities--- identities which are often used to excuse and justify violence, injustice, inequality, and oppression.

Barney Miller. "Vanished." January, 1980. Getty Images. ABC Photo Archives.

We are still dealing with the same issues regarding discrimination, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, the mistreatment of youth (all basically a result of ignorance and the refusal of some to see humans only as their label/identity rather than acknowledge them as actual humans), environmental concerns, political/judicial/social corruption, and several other systemic issues that continue to persist.

Barney Miller. "The Layoff." Season 2. September 1975. Getty Images. ABC Photo Archives.

Television

The only problem with these fantastic shows is how difficult they can be to find and the fact that they rarely air on television. Sometimes these shows can also be found on the internet but it takes a lot to find full episodes. Luckily, there are channels like Antenna TV and Me TV that show Barney Miller episodes and rewinds back to other classic and hilarious shows.

Overall, the show is brilliant and amazing as it addresses several important issues at the time, which are still issues of our time. It is a sitcom that appropriately and maturely deals with some really serious issues comically and is full of substance, something that seems to be lacking more and more throughout many popular, usually substance-less, diversity-lacking television shows.


Photos: Getty Images, ABC Photo Archives, Sony Pictures.

This is the film that has been described as "Call of Duty/Halo meets Groundhog Day" for its utilization of elements that pertain to both a serious warfare video game and a comedic repetitive nightmare, which makes the film even more unique and interesting.

There are so many things that were done right in this film that I want to highlight and mention. Part of that brilliance are these subtle references that hint, symbolize, and remind us of the landings at Normandy that make the film seem as though its providing some type of historical allegory, but with a science fiction, slightly futuristic edge.

Edge of Tomorrow was released on June 6th, which interestingly enough, is the same day that the Normandy invasion of WWII took place, D-Day. The very beginning of the film reminded me and appeared as though the film setting was taking place in Europe during WWII.

~

When I first saw the trailer for Edge of Tomorrow, I actually I wasn't too keen on seeing it and thought it looked as though it going to be just like Oblivion. But when I actually went to see the film, I soon realized it was far from it. I called-off the film at first with the thought that it's just going to be another Tom Cruise action movie, and found that it is actually a lot more than that. There is a lot of substance, a great balance of genre, and great character development, which all work together to make it a film worth watching. It wasn't until I was informed about Emily Blunt's performance of the female lead, that I really became interested in seeing it.

 The fight sequences, editing and camera techniques are altogether precise creating a film worthy of our time, you'll be amazed without having to see it in 3D or Imax.

Tom Cruise. Emily Blunt. Edge of Tomorrow. 2014. Warner Bros. Pictures.

Taxi (2004) is one of my favorite comedy movies, a remake, that focuses on the friendship between two unlikely characters portrayed by Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon.

Queen Latifah. Jimmy Fallon. Taxi. 20th Century Fox. 2004.

Queen Latifah is a taxi cab driver stationed in New York City with an interest in racing that generated an adroit knowledge and utilization of cars. Fallon, on the other hand, plays a dopey NYPD cop with a history of crashing police cars. The two characters, Belle and Washburn, paths soon cross as Washburn's last car wreck left him without a car and with a suspended licence. As a result, he decides to take a taxi to a bank robbery, headed by the bad guys of whom turn out to be Brazilian supermodels like Gisele Bundchen who leads the criminal crew. The most interesting aspect of this  film is the fact the women are the bad-ass drivers who know what they are doing and are either committing crimes (the model crew) and/or solving those crimes (Latifah).

Jennifer Esposito. Jimmy Fallon. Taxi. 20th Century Fox. 2004.

In years well before his late night talk show, this was actually the first film/show I saw featuring Jimmy Fallon. Sure it's not a five-star movie with great critic reviews, but it is a move that I love and have seen several times. It's a movie wherein the jokes, silly moments, and humorous dialogue still make me laugh. So if you're silly and enjoy a little bit of silly, or just need a feel-good movie, this one isn't bad. Car chases, comedy from start to finish, and an interesting cast converging entertainment professions. I almost forget to mention, it has a pretty jamming soundtrack too.


trailer:




Lieutenant: "Drop to the ground!"
Her response: "In this skirt? I don't think so."

Bridesmaids and Miss Congeniality are both funny female-dominated films but even more hilarious and insanely funny is The Heat. This brilliantly hilarious and completely outrageous buddy-cop comedy has Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy breaking female stereotypes, which is still scarce to the film industry.

Sandra Bullock. Melissa McCarthy. The Heat. Dir. Paul Feig. 20th Century Fox. 2013.

Melissa McCarthy. Sandra Bullock. The Heat. Dir. Paul Feig. 20th Century Fox. 2013.

Melissa McCarthy is the tough and outrageous local Boston city cop while Bullock portrays the uptight, always correct and labeled "arrogant" FBI agent who have to learn how to work together in order to solve an important case. Bullock and McCarthy are absolutely hilarious leads in this action-comedy as they bring something new to the film industry one joke at a time. This something that audiences don't really get to see enough is women at the focus of the film, not as mere accessories in the background told to do "pretty", but as talented and hilarious women in the forefront who work hard and are the best at their jobs.

Despite the fact that there are many, usually dramatic, films with leading actresses depicting strong and powerful women, the majority of people these days seem to go more for light comedies and action as opposed to intense, powerful dramas (depending on the names of the leading actresses/actors). And this film is exactly that; it is both an action and comedy genre. The only difference between this and the majority of action-comedy films is that the main characters are female.

Sandra Bullock said, "I’ve always wanted to do a female buddy film, the kind the guys get to do. This didn’t have anything to do with getting a guy, and it didn’t involve shoe shopping. It was about two human beings who are great at what they do..." Director of The Heat, Paul Feig has said, ''I would love to erase the term 'chick flick." While on late-show Jimmy Kimmel Live, Feig exclaimed that The Heat is a "female buddy-cop comedy with Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy, which you can't go wrong with!" 

This film is honestly the funniest movie or show I have seen in a long time and really does give headway to doing away with the overused and sexist term "chick flick." It has the action, comedy, a great leading cast of two hilarious women, and cannot be underestimated as that terrible sexist term "chick flick." There really should be, just as there is a need, for more films like this.


REDBAND TRAILER



I don't think the those super-short trailers on television give the film real kudos and show how funny it really is. The Heat was so good and entertaining, I can't wait to see it again.

I'm not one to watch the CW network unless it syndicates older 90's sitcoms or comedies of the like, but I came across this interesting comedy with a 90's sitcom-style. The First Family is a 2012 series featuring an extended African American family in the White House.

The First Family. Creator Byron Allen. CW. Entertainment Studios. 2012.

At first glance, this family sitcom appears as though it was produced right out of the 1990s, when syndication actually began in 2012. The show gives screen-time to a great cast with very familiar actors such as Jackee Harry (Sister, Sister) and John Witherspoon (The Boondocks; Friday). Even the nonfamiliar or not-so familiar actresses and actors carry out their roles as they cater to a younger audience. Christopher Duncan and Kellita Smith may take on the roles as President and First Lady, but the show creates a nice balance for the several main characters represented in the show to have their own platform. 


Had it not been for my television not having a remote which led to me having to flip channels, I probably would have never come across this wholesome sitcom, something television viewers may not see very often these days with the slight decline in amount of wholesome, popular television in recent years. Either way, The First Family, with its canned laughter, slightly corny jokes, and comedic irony, is like a modern throwback to those popular, irreplaceable 90's comedies audiences love, remember, and never stop talking about.


The First Family airs on the CW channel Sunday nights at 8 P.M. (Eastern time zone).

Last March, I did a short television review of Saturday Night Live and Justin Timberlake's guest appearances on the show. In that review, I discussed a few of the hilarious highlights of his SNL appearances. This year, and just last Saturday, Timberlake hosted yet another hilarious episode of SNL, with a series of sporadically catchy tunes, famous comedian cameos, and a segment that musically relates to veganism.



For the fact that it is Justin Timberlake's fifth time hosting the show, he is then granted access into the "Five-Timers Club", a skit which was nicely segued into during the monologue. In this esoteric group, Timberlake happens to cross paths with a few very well-known and hilarious comedians.

Soon after this is another catchy and outrageous appearance from Andy Samberg and Justin Timberlake as the dynamic 90s-style singing duo. Only this time, they weren't singing in a music video but were singing contestants on a dating game show. And in a new -ville sketch, J.T. reprises his street-advertizing role, and instead of advertizing for Omletteville, Plasticville, or Liqourville, the new place of interest, and song dedication, is Veganville. Dressed as a block of tofu, Timberlake veganizes a few popular songs with some super silly dance moves and even emulates the new cultural concept of the "Harlem Shake" (something that came to my knowledge via the news).




Not to forget, it is "Justin Timberlake week" over at Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.


Photos/Video: NBC Universal, NBC.com

After watching the third episode, and observing its growing explosion of humor, I knew this was going to be a well-received series. The recently Emmy-nominated show that not only revolves around Charlie Sheen but also gave him a somewhat-comeback to television, provided several on-screen cameos, and welcomed a few unfamiliar faces to the mainstream television is Anger Management.



Anger Management, with a pretty hilarious cast and a contrasting clash of characters provide a means for a nicely entertaining character dynamic, something we see during the main group counseling sessions. The show revolves around its title as well as the use of other psychological and therapeutic concepts, depending on the episode subject of focus.  The counsel-related settings often showcased include a prison where the main character does anger management counseling, to the couches in his living room where the prime counseling takes place along with other lead cast-members, as well as the office of his own advice-providing therapist, depicted by Selma Blair.



Charlie takes on the role as therapist, one specializing in the counseling of anger management groups and whose character slightly differs from those typecast. Shawnee Smith, an actress I know from Becker, is brought back to television playing the part of Charlie's close friend, yet divorcee. Just as former Spin City actor, Micheal Boatman, depicts the close or "best" friend and confidant to the main character. 





It's apparent that the first few episodes acted as a counter-action and not-so-subtle reference to the events of drama that occurred between the Two and a Half Men producer a few years ago. Soon after the airing of the first season, FX announced the show's continuation. Due to the show's success, 90 more episodes have been acquired according to several media sources. The second season airs this Thursday, January 17th on FX.




Update: Season Two
May, 2014

The second season does not live up to the expectations I had for it when I first wrote this review. After Selma Blair left the show, it really hasn't been the same. Blair's character was an essential aspect of the show, and anyone who has seen the major shifts and changes from the first season to the second will be able to notice how vital this character is as well. The absence of her character made the show seem as though it had no idea where it was going to go, how it was going to replace this character, and even the overall subject-matter. With the number of noticeable female character changes, the addition of another male character, and filtering out of past characters of whom I described above (the ex-wife, daughter, and friend/next-door neighbor), completely changed everything around, making audiences wonder, 'oh yeah, what happened to those characters?' In my opinion, Anger Management just seems to have taken an extreme, slightly misogynist downfall as the second season progresses especially without having an almost-feminist, intelligent female character (Blair) along with other prominent female characters (intelligent daughter character, easy-going ex-wife character) who help balance out the overly male character dynamic and their toxic masculine traits (the show increased in overt objectification of women, revolving the show even more around the idea of sex, etc).

Basically, I only slightly recommend the first season, you know, it times when there's nothing else on TV. Just be aware that the second doesn't at all complement the first, the characters, or any part of the show in general.

Here's an excerpt from Bowen of Slant Magazine that accurately critiques the second season:
"A sexist, racist, homophobic dinosaur in the age of daring and empathetic comedies such as Girls and Louie, Anger Management, whose 2012 debut was shrewdly timed to cash in on the latest speed bump in Charlie Sheen's career, revels in a glib mean-spiritedness. The first season was inhumane and all the more popular for it, so there was little hope that creator Bruce Helford and his writers would try to rise above their tabloid muck. The only, admittedly qualified, hope that one might bring to a second season is that it at least exhibit occasional cleverness in its ongoing smear campaign of everything that isn't Charlie Sheen."


Photos: Google Images

The 1994 New Jersey located film that seems a little over-the-top "90s" but in the way to remind and evoke a feeling of the 90's-era nostalgia in its viewers - mostly those of us who, of course, were existing at some point in time during the 1990's. Clerks.

Kevin Smith. Clerks. Miramax Films. 1994. Hypbeast.com.

About a month ago I sort of had a Kevin Smith movie phase, watching most the films I haven't already seen including Chasing Amy and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, which all started with two movies: Mallrats and Clerks (both shown to me by a roommate). All humorous and/or dramatic in different ways and among different subject matters but still related through the actors and references to previous films within the Kevin Smith film series. Smith's reference-related films usually showcase similar actors, some of whom have become very well-known like Ben Affleck and Jason Lee. Even a young Matt Damon can be seen making short cameos in some of these films. But when most audiences think of Kevin Smith films, they're reminded of the one that started it all, Clerks (1994).

Photo: Clerks. Kevin Smith. Miramax Films. 1994. Gothamist.com

The famous Kevin Smith film follows a loosely-related series of off-beat, yet still very on-beat characters in and around the location of a New Jersey gas station (where the whole independent production took place). Between the quick, smart, and seemingly philosophical conversations that bounce back and forth off the characters to the odd sense and feeling that comes from watching a work-of-art film, Clerks is "where it's at."  Shown and filmed entirely in black and white, only manages to add to the distinction and, possibly, nostalgia that eludes from screen.


The background behind this film, and films after, is very interesting. In other words, a lot more could be said and added to topic, but I think I'm just going to try to leave it short.

Since it's Halloween, I'm going to take part in this no-days-off holiday Films and Veganism style.

When I was watching the 30 Rock series last year, I saw a funny little Halloween-dity from the episode "Jack Gets in the Game" and knew I'd have to say something about it next Halloween. Not to forget the hilarious Modern Family Halloween-themed episodes.




Modern Family Halloweens

Photo: spoilersguide/ABC

I don't think any show on television does Halloween better than Modern Family (or Addams Family).  One of my very favorite episodes from the show is actually the first Halloween episode, and I'm not even big on the idea of Halloween nor do I participate but I do like comedic episodes that become a product during the Halloween season.  Even after seeing the episode multiple times, it never fails to make me laugh every time I see the skeleton scare Phil.

Adorable - Photo: buddytv/ABC

Last week, the latest Modern Family Halloween-themed episode aired and was of course, absolutely hilarious, while bordering adorable. Without spoiling anything, Claire attempts to prove that she can be scary, Lily wants to be a princess, and Gloria has a right to express her anger.

	Hilarious - Photo:Figment/ABC

Werewolf Bar Mitzvah: spooky-scary

So here's the catchy tune "Werewolf Bar Mitzvah", written by Donald Glover of Community, from the 30 Rock episode mentioned earlier, "Jack Gets in the Game" Season 2, episode 2.


Video: 30 Rock, NBC (2007)

First off: I love this movie and the love that is in this movie...

I ended up liking this nicely done, low-budget film a lot more than I initially thought. I see it as a film that reminds us it's not always just about the destination itself but also the crazy situations we may run into on our travels throughout life - from wherever we are (or were), to wherever we're going.

Hit & Run. Writ. Dir. Palmer, David. Shephard, Dax. Open Road Films. 2012. Movie Poster.

When girlfriend, Annie B. (Kristen Bell), receives an advancing career opportunity, the call for a road-trip comes into play, unexpectedly revealing hidden details of her boyfriend's unknown past along the way. And the result is a very sweet, fun-filled romance comedy-adventure with some very hilarious moments, created by partners Kirsten Bell and Dax Shepard. Originally, I didn't know what to expect from this movie nor how I would respond to it. But after the first ten minutes, I could tell I was going to love it.

It's not often you see Bradley Cooper with dreads. Hit & Run. Writ. Dir. Palmer, David. Shephard, Dax. Open Road Films. 2012.

Kristen Bell. Hit & Run. Writ. Dir. Palmer, David. Shephard, Dax. Jeffery Reed, Open Road Films. 2012. Film Still.

Despite the many outlandish occurrences throughout the film, audiences are is still able to connect (similar to Robert Downey Jr.'s description of "theater 101" in Tropic Thunder) and relate. Of course there are a few.. well, many chaotic "weird sh*t" events that occur with some really kooky characters; some who are mean and vengeful, some lovable, but mostly, those who are just plain weird. 

The basis of the film is actually built on the establishment of a relationship, the trust of that relationship, and the outside interference and past that affects the relationship. That alone is something I'm sure everyone can relate to in some way or another. Sometimes when watching a film, audiences want to feel as if they can relate, or be nicely surprised that they actually did relate, to something that may seem beyond themselves.



This is one of what I would call, a feel-good, fun movie. Not only do you find yourself laughing when you least expect it, but there is also a really incredibly chill soundtrack music scheme filled with awesome lively beats. In my opinion, it's another aspect of the film, aside from the humor, that gives it a positive endorphin-heightening effect. It's also a good film for people who really like cars, fast cars, and chase scenes!

This is a movie I could watch, and have watched, over-and-over again.

2025 Update: I recently re-watched this movie and I still love it. It is one of my favorites. It's hilarious, has good lessons in it, and is so much fun to watch!

Lindsay Lohan. Mean Girls. Dir. Waters, Mark. Screen. Fey, Tina. Paramount Pictures. 2004. Movie Poster.

From an observatory stand point I, as most people, have noticed the almost scary, crazed-obsession some youngsters seem to have on a certain teen comedy: Mean Girls. The strangest thing about this phenomenon is how some girls seem to really love this movie, yet never seem to learn anything from it.  I'm not crazy about this movie and I don't necessarily like it, but I do appreciate the feminist effort satirically brought on by Tina Fey.


I imagine that the effort is to try to teach or encourage young women to stop and discontinue the internalized misogyny they inflict upon one another. Mean Girls is a movie that tries to convey this message with the use of satire through the weird-school chaos and overall silly comedy as a method of making fun of and addressing the messed up ways in which young girls AND even women, inflict and perpetuate this patriarchal, misogynist hate onto one another.

Tina Fey. Mean Girls. Paramount Pictures. 2004. Film Still.

 I just can't get over the fact that no matter how many times girls watch this movie, many still fail to understand and actually gain something from the whole meaning of the movie, which is my motivation for creating this post. I am aware that this is a movie, it's satirical, it's entertainment to bring about laughter- yes. But at the same time, it doesn't mean there isn't an important message to be learned. It also doesn't mean that issues facing girls and young women in schools is getting any better either.

Rachel R. White even writes about this girl versus girl hate in her article asking "Why Do Girls Slut Shame Each Other?" 

I also came across another great article that relates to this very issue, addresses the double standards, and how harmful its effects can be:

Girls are shamed for being sexual, and shamed for not being sexual—they’re insulted regardless of what they do or what they don’t do. Meanwhile, a boy who professes to have had many sexual encounters is called a player. This is praise (or, at the very least, not insulting in the same way words like slut and prude are meant to be). There is an obvious double standard. My age group assumes that calling a young girl a slut or prude is OK; but it is not OK. It is shaming and demeaning.

We are smashing the confidence of young girls each and every time we stand by and let them be called sluts. 

There is a scene in the movie in which, writer and actress, Tina Fey tells all the girls that they shouldn't call each other these vile and offensive names, because it just gives boys a reason to think it's okay to call them such things. And that's true. Some guys who mistreat others in schools are too ignorant and unaware to realize what harassment and violence against women (and anyone) really is. These terms young women use to hurt one another are not okay nor excusable for anyone to use against as a verbal weapon. The way people treat and talk to each other today in society is not acceptable, it's completely disrespectful and ignorant. It is also not something that anyone should just have to deal with, but something we need to actively change. When we see someone exhibit disrespectful and violent (which can take place in both verbal and physical form) behaviors and/or attitudes, we need to say something or do something about it. We need not accept and excuse, thus, perpetuate that kind of behavior. Instead, we should do something, explain why it is not okay, and show alternative ways of dealing with any underlying conflicts. It is important that we take these actions to create positive change, educate others, and create a compassionate society.

~

This blog post was written during my last year of high school so keep in mind that this was created during 2012 when I was observing this behavior happen right before my eyes as well as in the media.

 

 

I call this "September Sunrise" because what I'm about to discuss is just hilariously uplifting.

I'm talking about a classic, NBC comedy sitcom from the 1970s, Sanford and Son. The show follows father and son duo, the scheming and often ridiculous Fred Sanford, melodramatically played by Redd Foxx, and his son, Lamont, often called "dummy", portrayed by Demond Wilson. The duo have their own buy-and-sell junk/second-hand antique shop. I grew up, as many I'm sure, watching and laughing to this show. Lately, I've been catching up on a lot of the old episodes and laughing non-stop as a result.


As I watched this episode yesterday, and today, I seriously could not stop laughing. 
It's "Superflyer" Season 3, Episode 8.


So if you're really young, don't know or haven't heard or seen Sanford and Son, where have you been? You should watch a few episodes for a great laugh. If you're older, or just watch a lot of television, and know what I'm talking about, revive the laughter and joyfulness that will fill your dopamine sensors.

Red Foxx. Desmond Wilson. Sanford & Son. NBC Universal. 1972-1977.

Sanford and Son is one of the best sitcoms ever, excluding the dumb, traditionalist/misogynistic Grady character.  TV One replays Sanford and Son episodes along with other great 1970's sitcoms such as What's Happening!!, Gimme a Break, and The Jeffersons. Sanford and Son can also be seen on the Antenna TV channel.

From the hilarious, and sudden, culture shock of the off-beat comedy movie to recently televised animated series, which was actually doing pretty well, is Napoleon Dynamite.

Napoleon Dynamite Animated Series. 20th Century Fox. FOX. 2012.

When I first heard about the show I knew I had to see it, especially since the same cast members from the original movie are still taking on the role of the same humorously outrageous characters. The animated version of Napoleon Dynamite will still nostalgically remind viewers of the original film with its silly and bizarre storylines.




Whether or not the show will return on Fox is still unclear to me but I sure hope it does continue.

Mrs. Eastwood & Company. E! Bunim-Murray Productions. 2012.

Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. CBS. 2012.

As much as I agree with Craig on the topic of reality shows, which you can see in the video above, I have to say there is one reality show that doesn't make me hate the 'E' channel with disgust, and that show is Mrs. Eastwood and Company.

I think it's pretty obvious that I am not the average young person and I actually do have a moderate dislike toward the kudzu-growth of reality shows. It's clear that these types of shows are on the high-end of the popularity scale on the television radar, despite the fact that they're more often than not, not really that great. Before Eastwood and Company, the only reality show I ever enjoyed watching was Growing Up Gotti. It was a nice, hilarious, realistic, overall great show on A&E. There might still be episodes of the show that you can see on the A&E website, but I have yet to find the DVDs (yes, the show was that entertaining).


Back to the Eastwoods:

Mrs. Eastwood & Company. E! Bunim-Murray Productions. 2012.

Mrs. Eastwood & Company. E! Bunim-Murray Productions. 2012.

Not only is Eastwood & Co. super hilarious, but it's a real family (almost like a Modern Family-esic type of extended family). But it's realistic in the event that no one on the show is consumed by the superfluously materialistic mindset that is corrupting our television screens as well as our own minds. This is something I've been proud about this show since the first episode. It's portrayed in a way in which the focus is not always on the material, much like with other shows, but instead goes against that superficial depiction and unfair mindset. Not to forget, they're caring, open and accepting Liberals, which being a Strong Liberal myself, just makes me love the show even more.

Mrs. Eastwood & Company. E! Bunim-Murray Productions. 2012.

One of the main reasons why I like Eastwood and Company so much is because it is so hilarious and shows the dynamic between the silly and serious sides of being in or apart of a family atmosphere.
I've realized that many people are critiquing the show in the most negative ways, but I think you would just have to see it for yourself. If you're someone who does watch reality shows, I think it's important to know that when these shows are edited, a lot of content ends up being left out- just as much as many scenes are clipped together. That's why these shows usually seem a bit awkward between scenes.

As easy as it is to succumb to either the love or hate side of how one perceives reality shows, I think with some of these shows a major contributor to why people love watching these shows, setting aside the chaos and whatever else, is that viewers often feel they can relate to the people they see on T.V.  I feel this way with Eastwood and Company, despite the fact that their life and situations are completely different from mine, the simple notion that I can is pretty interesting. And I think one of the amazing things about this family is the fact that they can work out their differences and get on the same page of understanding one another instead of just setting it aside or ignoring it - this, I find to be a good example of how we could learn how to communicate better with each other in life, no matter what relationship dynamic.

Mrs. Eastwood & Company. E! Bunim-Murray Productions. 2012.

"Basic Lupine Urology" is an absolutely hilarious and creative episode of Community, shot Law & Order style with creator, Dick Wolf. You know a television show is stellar when you can see the effort is filled with clever creativity and the attention of detail is applied to every contributing element, resulting in something superb from beginning to end.



This is one of Community's best episodes! Similar to "Remedial Chaos Theory", it is episode I would share and recommend to those who aren't familiar with Community.

In "Basic Lupine Urology" the group is assigned to a biology project of growing yams but when the group discovers that their "A+" yam has been smashed and destroyed, the story soon turns into a Law & Order yam-homicide mystery that must be solved. Between Troy and Abed taking on the good cop/bad cop routines, Sherley taking  on the part of supervisor/coordinator leading to the possible sources, Brita's troubles with the picture-taking, Anne and Jeff as both the other investigative police and lawyers of the trial, while everyone else either helping with assistance or assumed a suspect of the crime.  Basically, there were several roles that were precise in their embodiment.






The integration of Community's silly and chaotic elements blended with a super melodramatic parody of Law and Order seriousness is a spot-on portrayal from start to finish, everything was synthesized.
Even the introduction into the show was an amazing and super catchy fusion of the two. The writing, dialogue, wardrobe, mise-en-scene, editing/filming techniques, and strong commitment to the roles described above all stylistically come together to provide the overall feel of the episode which goes beyond just resembling that Law & Order feel, but re-creates it with good precision.