It may feel like it's been forever, but somehow it's only been a little over a year since Better Things last graced our TV screens. It's a testament to the brilliance of Pamela Adlon and the creative team behind the show that it feels like it's been so much longer than it actually has been. I've missed all of this show's characters, particularly Sam and the delightfully batty Phil. Let's see
Sam is in Chicago with Max, who is going to college, and they go shopping to get things Max will need. Max runs off to get her room, leaving Sam behind with all of their stuff, more than any one person could possibly carry. Sam gets to Max's room, and they meet her new roommate. Later on, they two go off to dinner together and excitedly discuss Max's future at college. After some discussion about going to hear music, Max shows Sam her fake ID, and they go to listen to some music. Later on, they share an embrace before Sam heads home. She gets stopped at the airport by the TSA, and it takes a bit of convincing before she can go through. Sam gets excited when she is asked for her ID at the bar, though that excitement quickly fades when some... older patrons tell her that they were all asked for ID.
On the plane, Sam meets a man who was separated from his wife in Chicago, who had to stay to return their car. She also gets recognized by a fellow passenger and chats with him. Unfortunately, a fire starts on the plane and they have to make an emergency landing in Missouri. Sam tells Rich the situation and asks him to watch the girls until she's home. Once she finally arrives in LA, she discovers that Phil's car is smashed, though she doesn't really get to ask her questions as Phil is playing cards with her friends and doesn't seem interested in talking to Sam.
Sam finally makes her way to her house, and she is welcomed by the sight of Frankie's friends, though Frankie is up in her room. Sam stops in to see Frankie, and the two get into an argument over reading a play for school, though Sam offers a compromise that makes them both happy.
Wrap-Up:
I've come to expect great things from Better Things, and a great thing is exactly what we got tonight. Some of the show's best supporting characters may not have gotten the screen time I wish they would have gotten, considering that they've been aways for so long, but this episode was undeniably Sam's. It was her time to shine, and she deserved all of the attention that she got this time around. It was a hard day for her, and we got to experience her entire journey, from start to finish. In her portrayal of Sam, Pamela Adlon brilliantly made it clear that this day was not a good one for our lead. Sam only expressed how troublesome the day was late in the episode (well, at least she tried to), but you could tell through much of the episode that Sam's data was just not going well, no matter how brave of a face she put on. Adlon's nuanced performance, coupled with brilliant directing and writing (which were both done solely by Adlon) helped make this one f the show's strongest episodes to date, and I ma so incredibly excited to see how the show spends its remaining eleven episodes of the season. If they're as brilliant as the premiere, we're in for what may be an all-time great season of television.
The 2016-17 season has come to a close. The season saw many memorable shows come and go over its course. We said "hello" to such newbie success stories as This Is Us and American Housewife and "farewell" to long-running series like 2 Broke Girls and Bones. But the season wasn't just limited to a few success stories and a few sad farewells. The season brought a lot of shows across broadcast, streaming, and cable. Some were huge successes. Others have already been forgotten. I watched and enjoyed many of the shows from the season (some may say too many), but some really stood out. These are the twenty best shows of the 16-17 season, plus a few honorable mentions.
Honorable Mentions- A Series of Unfortunate Events, Man With a Plan, Riverdale
I really enjoyed all three of these shows, but for one reason or another, they all fell short of this list. All three had something special about them, and I do truly enjoy them, but they didn't do quite enough to make it. That's not to say that they aren't good shows, though. A Series of Unfortunate Events saw numerous wonderful performances, Man With a Plan consistently made me laugh, and Riverdale constantly kept me hooked to the TV screen. All three could have easily made it on this list.
20- Velshi & Ruhle
The only unscripted program to make this list, this daily MSNBC series pairs business experts Ali Velshi and Stephanie Ruhle, who work absolutely perfectly together. The laid back personality of Velshi balances the fiery Ruhle, making them a match made in heaven. Another great thing when you have two news anchors working together daily is that they have chemistry, and these two certainly do. You can just tell that they're actually friends in real life, which makes for an enjoyable watch. They do wonderful interviews, with their interview with Brad Thomas going down as one of my favorite interviews of all time.
For a Good Episode, Try: N/A (Just watch it daily, guys!)
19- Imaginary Mary
Imaginary Mary is one of two new ABC sitcoms to star an adorable-yet-mischievous creature, and that adorable creature, Rachel Dratch's Mary, makes this show. Without Mary, this is just a run-of-the-mill family comedy (to quote Seinfeld, "Not that there's anything wrong with that). But with the addition of Mary, it flourishes into a wonderful fantasy sitcom that had enormous potential. The show only lasted for 9 episodes, but it did make an impact on me.
For a Good Episode, Try: Episode 8, "Last Dance With Mary"
18- Santa Clarita Diet
I'm a big fan of Drew Barrymore, so I was planning on trying this out no matter what. When I found out what the titular "Santa Clarita diet" actually was, I did get a bit turned off, as zombie movies and shows aren't really my thing. But this is so much more than the premise and so much more than its stars. The show itself, from its wonderfully wacky plots to the off-the-walls amazing writing, is what really shines here. It's ten episodes of pure joy (with some gross stuff thrown in there, as well) that I just couldn't stop watching. I don't think there's been a Netflix show that I binged so quickly.
For a Good Episode, Try: Episode 9, "The Book!"
17- Lethal Weapon
I seriously had my doubts about this show, as movie adaptations are traditionally terrible. But this one was not. Clayne Crawford delivered one of my favorite performances of the year, and he also had great chemistry with his onscreen partner Damon Wayans, the Murtaugh to his Riggs. It has a great blend of comedy and drama, and it has really interesting stories each week. I'm a procedural fan, but this show is much more than your average procedural. It has heart, laughs, and action, which makes for a darn good show.
For a Good Episode, Try: Episode 17, "A Problem Like Maria"
16- I'm Sorry
This gem is little-known, but that doesn't mean it isn't good. Quite the opposite actually. This was one of the shows that helped me survive the Summer 2017 broadcast hiatus, bringing the much-needed laughs weekly. I only decided to watch it the day it premiered, and I'd never even seen a promo, so I had no clue what to expect from it. Luckily, I watched it, and was surprised by how hilarious it actually was. It definitely brings the shock value, pulling that off better than just about any other new show this year. Star Andrea Savage is truly hilarious, and this is probably her best role yet.
For a Good Episode, Try: Episode 8, "Weekend Alone"
15- The Guest Book
I hadn't even heard of the Guest Book until a few days before it premiered, but with Raising Hope's Greg Garcia behind it, I just had to try it out. The semi-anthological concept of The Guest Book is truly a great one, executed perfectly. It's something that pretty much anyone who's ever stayed in a hotel has thought about, and while this show definitely takes hotel life to an extreme, it definitely makes you think. It's also welcomed many great guests throughout its fist season, with appearances by Office star Jenna Fisher, Mom's Jaime Pressly, Esteemed Character Actress Margo Martindale, and Trophy Wife's Michaela Watkins all standing out.
For a Good Episode, Try: Episode 8, "Story Eight"
14- Claws
I will admit that at first, Claws wasn't really my cup of tea. The Pilot wasn't really all too great, but starting with episode two, it just got better and better. It's one of those rare dramedies that has a real balance between the two. It's not just a drama with some jokes, and it's not just an hourlong comedy. It combines dramatic and comedic aspects with nearly perfect results, resulting in a wonderfully over-the-top show that left me wanting more each and every week. While the entire cast is spectacular, Niecy Nash (coming off a career-best role as Denise on Scream Queens) and Carrie Preston shine the absolute brightest here, with both delivering amazing performances week after week.
For a Good Episode, Try: Episode 9, "Ambrosia"
13- Andi Mack
I don't usually watch Disney Channel, and I actually didn't even watch this little gem until just before its second season debuted. I'd heard many good things about it, and luckily those things convinced me to give it a try. I was expecting a traditional cheesy Disney show, but what I got was a smart, sophisticated show that got me hooked immediately. I quickly consumed all twelve episodes of season one, and wanted more immediately. Lizzie McGuire creator Terri Minsky created this one as well, and I'd even say that this show is the superior of the two.
For a Good Episode, Try: Episode 7, "Dad Influence"
12- The Mick
Not even slightly family friendly, The Mick is one of TV's raunchiest and crudest shows, but with It's Always Sunny star Kaitlin Olson leading the cast, that's hardly a surprise. But what it lacks in family friendliness, it makes up for in the laughs it delivers. The entire Pemberton family is just as crazy as the titular character, providing for plenty of opportunities for the laughs. The show fits like a glove in the Fox comedy roster, which is most certainly a compliment.
For a Good Episode, Try: Episode 16, "The Implant"
11- This Is Us
One of America's newest obsessions, This Is Us is also one of my obsessions. The family dramedy is one of those tug-at-your-heartstrings shows that I just adore, and it's probably one of my favorite of the genre. The two timelines helps set it apart from the rest, sure, but it also helps add depth and background to the lives of these characters. It helps us connect with them on a deeper level, which is absolutely necessary in a show of this type. It's also had many episodes that just knock it out of the park, with the "Memphis" episode being one of the greatest episodes of TV I've seen in a very long time.
For a Good Episode, Try: Episode 16, "Memphis"
10- Speechless
I've always been a big fan of the ABC family comedy, so I was predisposed to liking this one from the start. I'm also a big fan of Minnie Driver and I enjoyed her previous effort at a family sitcom, NBC's About a Boy. But this show is different. As much as I enjoyed About a Boy, Speechless is certainly better. It's a family comedy with a nice twist, with the inclusion of a disabled character that was actually played by a disabled actor being much different than the norm. It's a twist that sets the show apart, and makes it a different and wonderful addition to the vast family comedy landscape.
For a Good Episode, Try: Episode 8, "R-a-y-c-Ray-Cation"
9- Downward Dog
Downward Dog has a premise that appeals to both animal lovers and comedy lovers alike. It's a sweet little show that had heart, humor, and, best of all, an adorable star. No, not Allison Tolman. I'm talking about Ned, the dog portraying the lovable and super emotional Martin. The premise of a girl (or woman, rather) andher relationship with her dog is a simple one, but it's one that works. So, so well.
For a Good Episode, Try: Episode 5, "Trashed"
I'm not traditionally a big fan of reboots, especially ones that reboot properties that are super iconic. One Day at a Time certainly qualifies as "super iconic," so I was skeptical that they'd be able to pull it off. Luckily, original series producer Norman Lear returned for this one, so that can't have hurt it. Rita Moreno delivers the performance of her lifetime here, and the rest of the cast is also great. It's also a very sweet, heartwarming show that's great for the entire family. It really has something for everyone.
For a Good Episode, Try: Episode 13, "Quinces"
7- When We Rise
I was always kinda iffy on this show, as it seemed like something that could be a huge snoozefest if not done correctly. Even after the release of promos, I wasn't even sure if I'd enjoy it. So I was in for a pleasant surprise when the show turned out to be excellent. The miniseries aspect of it worked so well, allowing the show to have a natural beginning, middle, and endpoint. The series featured two primary time periods, and I can honestly say that both were really strong. The show is also an important one, detailing the gay rights movement, a cause near and dear to many people's hearts (including my own)
For a Good Episode, Try: Episode 6, "Part VI"
6- The Good Place
One of 2016-17's smartest and most innovative new shows is The Good Place, created by modern comedy god Mike Schur. The show truly is unlike anything else on television, and that's definitely a good thing. The cast, led by Kristen Bell and Ted Danson, truly is incredible, helping to bring these characters to life and make them more than just a bunch of weirdos. A show like this could have been a huge mess, but it's not. It's incredible.
For a Good Episode, Try: Literally all of them
Better Things is one of two FX series that made its way onto this list, and if you've watched it, it's not hard to see why. Starring creator and writer and director and producer Pamela Adlon, the series is probably one of the most honest and real shows on television, in addition to being one of the best. The entire cast here is great, with the young actresses playing the daughters of lead character Sam all delivering stellar performances.
For a Good Episode, Try: Episode 10, "Only Women Bleed"
4- American Housewife
The trailer for this show really did it no justice, and so I went into it with pretty low expectations. The show surprised me though, with a strong pilot and a wonderful second episode. The main character was equal parts sassy and hysterical. Mixon brought her great comedic talents that we saw on Mike & Molly to her role as Katie Otto to great success. She was the perfect choice to play Katie. Her family is also hilarious, with her daughter Anna-Kat providing the most funny moments. The show just works really well, and the recurring guest appearances from Kate Flannery's Crossing Guard Sandy certainly add a lot to the show.
For a Good Episode, Try: Episode 14, "Time for Love"
3- Trial & Error
John Lithgow (who I've loved for most of my life due to my grandfather's 3rd Rock obsession) was the only reason that I was really excited for this show, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect from it. From the first episode, I knew NBC really had something special going on with the show. It wasn't just Lithgow that impressed me. It was the whole show. From the entire cast (with its wonderful chemistry and great comedic timing) to the writing to the sets, this show showed it was one of broadcast's best. I love that serialized comedies are becoming more common, and this show had a great season-long story arc that wrapped up lovely (and very funnily) with that beyond-perfect season finale.
For a Good Episode, Try: Episode 13, "The Verdict"
2- Great News
The highest-ranking comedy on this list, Great News was by far my most anticipated midseason broadcast show. With Tina Fey involved and vibes of my all time fave 30 Rock, this was a show I needed. Throw in comedy legend Andrea Martin and some other funny faces like John Michael Higgins and Horatio Sanz, and you've got comic perfection (well, as close to it as it can possibly come). It was one of two incredible post-Voice Tuesday comedies, and it just won out the top comedy spot. It was very funny from Pilot to Finale, with some funny episodes that I enjoyed revisiting in the seemingly never-ending Summer break that thankfully came to an end a few weeks ago. Martin is the standout here, but the entire cast is immensely talented.
For a Good Episode, Try: Episode 7, "The Red Door"
1- Feud
While I loved every other show on this list, my choice for #1 was an easy one. It had to be Feud. From the fantastic, Emmy-worthy, performances to the wondrous storylines, nearly everything about Feud was perfect. I really can't think of anything about Feud that I can criticize, something I can do with every other show on this list. Jessica Lange was fantastic as always, but Judy Davis (who I'd honestly never heard of before this series), Jackie Hoffman and Susan Sarandon were fantastic as well. Add to that some fantastic writing and directing, and you've got one great show. The Oscar and finale episodes were truly standouts, but the whole show was perfect and needs to but watched. If you haven't yet watched it and you're still reading this, well, I have a friend for you. And that friend is named Amazon.
For a Good Episode, Try: Episode 5, "And the Winner Is... (The Oscars of 1963)"
What do you think of my list? What are your favorite 2016-17 newbies? Let me know in the comments and don't forget to vote in the poll below!
This has been a great season of Better Things, with a myriad of fantastic episodes that brought us even closer to the Fox family, who we love, flaws and all. It's unfortunate that this will be the final episode of the show for what will feel like forever, but I'm sure they'll send us out with another good one.
Max brings Sam a list of things she wants for her graduation party, Sam gives her almost everything she wants, except for a keg of beer. Sam also wants to go to her party, but Max doesn't want her to. Even though Sam's paying for everything and it's at her house. Max also says that her dad is coming to her graduation, and that he's going to take her to graduation. Sam's clearly not really happy about this, but she acts like she's fine in front of Max.
Sam and Phil are sitting outside, watching Max's graduation party from afar. Sam isn't pleased to see grown guys there, but Phil assures her that it's fine because Max will probably be pregnant soon, anyway. The next day, some people come to clean up the house, which has been trashed. Sam wakes Max up and helps her get ready for graduation. Well, Max thinks she's helping, but Sam was really pranking her. Like all good mothers do!
Sam is getting ready for Max's graduation when everyone starts to arrive. Rich, Tressa, Phil, Marion, and Marion's son are all there. And let's just say that things are a bit awkward between Marion and Phil. Max's dad calls Sam, and tells her that he's at the airport. He's not coming. (Seriously, f*** this guy.) Sam stays calm on the phone but she takes it out on her washing machine, ripping the door off. Poor washing machine.
Sam now has to break the news to Max. In front of everyone. So Max starts crying. Marion and Phil start getting into it about her screws-ups as a mother, but Sam puts an end to that really quickly. Phil tells Sam that she's taking her to tea, and everyone else there offers to take Max to rehearsal. Max picks Rich, and he takes her with. Sam invites Sunny to go to tea, even though Phil doesn't want her to go.
Sam is talking to Max the next day when Max complains that Sam didn't get her a graduation present. Sam then shows Max her present, which is apparently an interpretive dance performed by the entire family. Max loves this gift, probably more than most people would.
This was a great finale, and I loved the plot of the episode. This was a really emotional episode, too, with Max's dad being awful really hitting me hardest. I also felt bad for Sam this episode, because Max seemed to appreciate her even less than usual this week. I was really getting annoyed with Max for treating Sam so crappy, especially at the end when she asked for a present after all Sam did for her. But that's so true to this show, because it's real life. Teens really are garbage to their parents, and life kinda just sucks sometimes. I'm going to miss this show and its realness, and I can't wait for it to come back.
My Score: 9.5/10
My Grade: A
What did you think of this episode? Let me know in the comments below and vote in the poll below!
I'm back to review Better Things after not being able to watch it for a few weeks. Usually, I wouldn't comment on a episode that I didn't review that aired a few weeks ago, but before I start this review I have to just mention how incredible I thought the episode "Eulogy" from a few weeks ago was. It's one of my favorite episodes of the year (of any TV show), and it's my new favorite Better Things episode. Everything about it was fantastic. Anyways, onwards to "White Rock" we go.
Sam arrives home to find Duke crying, with Frankie telling her that Duke is faking and Max freaking out about her friend being pregnant. So obviously, everything is normal in the Fox house. Later on, Sam takes the girls to visit Lester and Jarita, who they haven't seen in awhile. Sam asks Lester about Jarita's health, and he tells her that she's doing well. He then asks about Phil, and she tells him that Phil wasn't informed of the trip. Lester gets a kick out of this, but asks her to promise to send her to visit before the year ends. Sam agrees to this, likely due to an equal mix of wanting to get rid of Phil for awhile and making Lester happy. The girls are playing in the ocean when Duke notices someone standing there. She tries to get Frankie's attention, but she gets ignored.
Jarita tells the girls about the Sad Lady on the beach, who "killed herself to death" there. Everyone but Lester is enchanted by this tale. While he tells a tale, Lester reveals that he and Phil had a sister, Marion, that she has never known about. Marion was mentally unstable, and she's been in a mental institution for a very long time. Sam storms out, feeling betrayed by this information that she's just now learning. Frankie goes out to talk to Sam, and tells her that families fall apart, and that Sam shouldn't be upset that she never sees Aunt Marion, since she's not upset that she never sees some of her family. Max then comes out and blames Sam for her friend being pregnant. Please shut up, Max. Later, Lester comes in to show Sam pictures of Marion and gives her the name and number of the place Marion is.
Sam tries to call England, but she isn't getting very lucky with that. Lester is teaching Frankie how to fish with a net, while Max talks to Jarita. Sam finally gets ahold of the place Aunt Marion is supposed to be, and Lettie, the worker, tells her to call back the next day and she'll help her. Woo hoo! Everything's coming up Sam! Duke sees the Sad Lady of the Beach, and Jarita asks her to come back over. Frankie catches a fish for dinner, which Sam wants to eat immediately.
Sam calls Lettie up, who apologizes for how she acted the day before and tells her that Aunt Marion died in 1983. Unfortunately, Marion was kinda forgotten by everyone, including the folks at the mental institution. Sam then tells the family that Marion is dead, and Lester wonders if Marion has been haunting him. Max then asks to come back to White Rock in the Summer, because she loves it there. The girls are ready to head home, but Lester and Jarita have to say their goodbyes to everyone first. And of course, Duke has to go say goodbye to her ghost friend. Later that day, the girls all get home, and when Sam sees Phil, she acts pretty hostile towards her. She then tells Phil that they went to White Rock.
This was another great episode of Better Things, introducing us to two wonderful characters in Jarita and Lester. I really enjoyed those two, who really helped make this week's episode special. I also loved that Duke actually got something to do this week, as she's been criminally underused this season. The Aunt Marion story was also wonderful, and Pamela Adlon was great with ir, especially after she learned of the news of Marion's death. I missed Phil, but it was very understandable that she wasn't there this week and it looks like she'll be pretty front and center next week. I really dread next week's finale though, because I'm going to miss this show so much. At least we're getting a season three though, despite its poor ratings.
Better Things has had a strong season so far, but Phil has been absent for much of it. Because of that, I'm very excited for this week's Phil-centric episode.
The episode begins with Phil playing cards with some of her friends, discussing Sam and how stuck up she is. She also talks about her granddaughters, saying that she only really likes Duke, her "special project." She then admits that she really loves her daughter and granddaughters, saying her problem is that she "loves too much" and "forgives too much." Then, Sam arrives. Sam asks her about a notice that Phil applied to remortgage her house, which Sam bought for her. She threatens her, and Phil's reaction to this is hilarious. Sam backs off, but wants Phil to promise to never do it again. I'm sure that'll go well for her. Later, at the museum Phil volunteers at, some new artifacts arrive. She grabs a ring and goes to take it when she sees a man watching her. She promptly puts it back. The man is struggling with the decision of whether or not to turn Phil in. Phil offers to leave and never come back, and while the man tries to stop her, she storms out. She starts walking home (since she can't remember where she parked) when she comes across a hole in the ground, which she "accidentally" falls into.
Sam is talking to Robin on the phone while she is driving. She tells him that her girls want to meet him. But then she takes it back after he says he's been wanting to meet them for awhile. When Robin is about to say something, she gets a call. Before she hangs up, though, he says that he wants to meet her demons children. She answers the call, but is soon interrupted with another call. She doesn't know the number and she decides not to answer it. After hanging up, she listens to the message from the unknown number. It was the hospital, telling her that Phil is in the emergency room. Sam heads to the hospital, where she is told that Phil fractured her ankle and that Phil can't leave for a few days. She tries to ask Phil what happened, but Phil just ignores her. She asks if she's mad, and Phil says she wants to go home. Sam says that she knows, but she has to say in the hospital for awhile. Phil says she wants to go back, which Sam says is okay.
Sam calls her brother Marion to tell him about Phil, and she says that she's thinking about putting her in a home. Marion thinks Sam wants him to help financially, but she just wants him to help make the decision. When he says that he's fine with her doing anything to help Phil, Sam thanks him and hangs up. Sam is talking to Tressa, and Tressa tells her about her father that got dementia. She had to care for him and while he wouldn't speak to her at first, he eventually forgot who she was and they became friends. Yes, this is a very happy story.
At the hospital, Phil tells Sam that she's very proud of her, which is very un-Phil-like. Robin is at a restaurant with Sam and the girls. Frankie asks her is he's gonna marry Sam. Duke is tired. Sam is staring off into space. Frankie says that she's "sure" he's having sex with her mother, and that she wants a baby brother. So, all in all, a super comfortable, not at all weird dinner. Later on, Marion tells her about a place Sam can take Phil. Sam tells him that she's not going to put Phil in the home.
This was a very good episode, my second favorite one so far this season. I wish that the Phil-centric episode would have been even more Phil-centric, because I love Phil so much, but it was really just nice to see her get so much of the episode devoted to her. Celia Imrie gave a truly amazing performance this week as Phil. There was so much emotion packed into this episode, and a lot of that has to be credited to Imrie for her great work this week. One thing that I love about Better Things is that while it knows how to be very funny, it also knows how to be real. It knows how to show that life isn't all sunshine and roses. It knows that sometimes, s*** just happens. And that's what makes it one of the best shows on TV. Everything isn't just resolved in the course of one episode, and their lives aren't perfect. And this episode demonstrated that very well.
