New year, Same old shows.

So it's been a few weeks, but most of my shows started up this week, so I'm back and I am somewhat less than excited about the second half of the season kick off.

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES.
I was really hoping that they would at least bring something good to this show as it seems to have been floundering. I mean, it's mediocre story lines aren't very enticing anymore. Oh blah, there was a riot on the street, oh blah, Susan lost her good kidney, oh blah, Lynette's husband had an affair over twenty years ago, oh blah, Gabby can't be reminded of her biological daughter that she's not even raising.

Actually, those last two story points are pretty fantastic. Lynette is taking to torturing her husband for, what he thinks, is no reason, to get her revenge. It's a pretty genius move. And it's incredibly sad for Gabrielle, because no one will let her grieve the loss of her biological daughter. It's heartbreaking. Plus they seem to be the only two people on the show not in love with the bo-tox doctors. I mean, come on, the rest of the cast looks like they are about to unfreeze any moment. And the only person that look works for is Vanessa Williams. She's a washed up housewife from NYC. She's supposed to look a little bit plastic, right?

But come on, we're still wondering who shot Paul Young? I mean, going back to season 1's whole dilemma with Felicia and all that bullshit wasn't interesting six years ago, so why must we be subjected to it now? And what the hell was that dinner scene with Bree, Orson and Keith? I mean, can we say bad writing, bad acting, bad directing, just everything bad? UGH! I hate when bad things happen to good shows!

BROTHERS AND SISTERS
OK, I cried. I'm not made of stone people. Well, I guess I should clarify that I cry at almost anything in the world, but watching two gay dads go through the adoption process felt a little too close to home. Now, slow down. I'm not about to adopt anyone or anything, so don't get excited. But, I sympathize what it would be like if i did. Wondering how to chose a child out of all of the kids that you meet. But, of course, the way nature works, you end up being chosen.

Then there was the uncomfortable dinner scene. My god that was brilliant. Every line, movement and gesture just oozed awkward and made me uneasy watching it. Obviously the intent to prove, yet again, that NOrah and Carl are not meant to be together. But of course they also had to have a scene, again, where Sally Field can exercise her wonderful maternal displays of over wrought emotional fighting for her children schtick. I mean, it's a good one, but don't you ever get tired of watching her just lose it for a quick moment?

But some new freshness is in the mix by adding Odette Yustman to the cast. Bravo for hiring the real life wife of actor David Annable to be his love interest. Not only do they have terrific chemistry, but she is really remarkable on the show as well.

Sadly, Sarah Griffiths and Giles Marini were nowhere in sight. Boo, it was not a delicious viewing of the show for once where they try to put him in a scene shirtless as much as they can!

BETTER WITH YOU

This episode was actually quite touching. Everyone had some kind of issue they needed to work through, which is generally what happens on tv. But, for some reason, I find this show so cute and relatable.

Mia doesn't want to admit that she needs maternity clothes, and like a lot of first time pregnant women, just doesn't want to admit that her life is changing. But it is. And with the help of her sisters boyfriend, she comes to terms with it.



Then Maddie trying to prove the postal service was amazing just kinda fell flat. I love that her character is weird and kooky and like odd things. Like she's the one female who would have liked dungeons and dragons kinda chick. But, this one was just strange. I didn't get it and the one liners between her and Casey were just not quite there.

However, once again, it was the parents who held the heart of the show. Mrs Putney and the ladies at the club have a fantasy husband league, much like the way men have a fantasy football league. And her husband comes in last every year. Eventually we find out that it's because she doesn't like sharing him, even in fiction.

It was cute and I think they made a strong come back for the second part of season one.

MODERN FAMILY
Welcome back, guest stars! Holy shit it was awesome. James Marsden AND Jami Gertz. I wanted to die.

Marsden was a crazy man who claimed to be living upstairs but it turns out he's a bum living in Lili's dollhouse. But the genius opening had Cam and Mitchell looking out the window seeing a stranger and as they were going to call 911, they saw he was hot so decided to befriend him. HAHAHA AMazing!!!!

Claire gets all riled up about a crazy drive on the street, Jami Gertz, and decides to put up signs all over the neighborhood. Meanwhil, Phil is trying to sell Jami Gertz's house. So the confusion at the end of the show when she offers Clair a lift home was hilarious! Phil's deliveries are simply wonderful. Robbed of an emmy nomination. Hand it over Matt Morrison, you totally don't deserve it!


And of course Gloria and Manny don't know how to ride bikes, so Jay teaches Manny and while trying to teach Gloria, pisses her off, so Luke ends up showing her by shooting her with a water gun.

I just don't know how I've lived without this show! I wish it had been on when I was growing up because it is just utterly amazing!

COUGAR TOWN
Who has a new year's resolution to just like their own title. I seriously think that is my favorite part of the show. Waiting to see what the title will be.

BUt basically, this show seemed to be one of the best of the new year, so far. And probably one of the best of this shows season. It had a lot of fun little jokes, and a lot of heart and, once again, Ellie and Andy are my favorites with her getting mad that he shared "their thing" with someone else.

And then Jules and Grayson had a big difference of opinions about death and Jules spirals and has to contemplate all of it. and then... wait for it GRAYSON FINALLY SAID I LOVE YOU!!! It took him long enough. I was wondering how long they were going to try and stretch it out. But thank god he finally gave in and just said it.

It was just a wonderful show tonight. :)