Air Date 01/08/2012

Synopsis- Steve takes on a superhero persona to prove he is a macho man; Francine receives shocking news.

If we need another reason to hate American Dad comes this episode that was as whiney as Steve. A note to the writers, we get it, Steve is a wuss, Haley is slut, Roger is gay, Claus is a racist and Francine is retarded. O.k- we get it now move on. It seems every episode is hellbent on reinforcing the ‘knowns’ of this show. I am tired of it. Additionally, I am not sure if you all have seen this but the writing featured on American Dad is continually throwing back to Family Guy. A huge part of this shows appeal is that it was not Family Guy but not its becoming more and more like Family Guy.

This episode was Stan and Steve centric in that Stan, having got his butt handed to him in a fight at a movie theater, realizes that Steve my be a genetic bust and a coward. When Stan was getting his butt kick, Steve remained singing a song and than got an movie usher to help his Dad. The scene with the movie usher was pretty funny. Francine later reveals she may be pregnant, much to the dismay of Stan but he realizes Haley and Steve are a waste. Keep in mind, Jeff (Haley’s husband walks in, having just had sex with Stan’s daughter, he says he is tired is is wondering if anyone wanted to ‘tap in’). Yes, this show is terrible.

Its worth noting Francine takes an online pregnancy test and it is revealed that she is actually sending it to Family Guy’s Quagmire. I actually, first saw the whole ‘online pregnancy test’ on Archer- so maybe this was a throwback to FX’s Archer- either way it was silly and an absolute waste. This show is not doing well because it spends too much time preaching and trying to make social statements about society.

Eventually, Steve employs the help of Roger to help him videotape a situation in which it shows Steve being brave but, typical Roger, he steals the spotlight from Steve. Now, Stan thinks Roger is the brave one. Steve cries and soon goes to Francine who basically told him to shut up and grow up because no one cares. Also, I was surprised to find that Steve is nearly 15, by all the whining he does I thought he was 10-12. I just hate this entire family, I mean this show has a number of different truly funny episodes but the majority of them are like Stan’s kids and absolute wash.

By the end of the episode I was really hoping the Smith’s were going to have a new baby because maybe that would make this show remotely interesting. I am tried of this entire Family.

Air Date: 01/19/2012

Synopsis- Gary and Joel try to change their image to hook up with girls.

Well after watching this very raunchy show, I was left thinking- ‘so they are going to go this route’? I mean really, as if American teenagers need another raunchy cartoon to tell them that they need to have had sex 3-years a go. I simply get tired of all these show that preach premarital sex but than complain about welfare and healthcare costs. Additionally, when the show does feature some one with some sense, they appear to be the ‘prude’ and puritanical.

This show just has too much Beevis and Butthead, South park, Family Guy, Archer etc, etc all in one. I always say this, what I can appreciate about many of these adult cartoons is that they feature adults and don’t market themselves to children. This show does just that. You have 2 friends that are regular latchkey children who, in avoid being left behind decide to ditch their metal, scars and passed down underwear and decide to host a paper in a desperate attempt to land girls and ‘bang’ one of them or as many as possible.

Again, another problem I have with this show is pushing the mindset that ‘all guys are dogs’ obsessed with boobs and female bodies but yet again we complain if a young girl is raped at a party. We can’t have the cake and eat it too. As parents we can not sit and act as if the sort of behavior is normal but pull back in disgust when we hear about a gang rape or sexting. Put simple, kids don’t produce these programs, demented adults produce these programs. Is it o.k to lust after some one or something that clearly does not want you or is not interested. We need to stop acting like its o.k- to lust over something because some guys have the self-control to just look- others will rape. The show glorifies disrespect and lack of parental supervision ( I understand the title).

This show is just sickening to watch, it tired and used up storyline lacks any central focus than that of the ‘media controlled stereo-typical white teenagers obsessed with sex and getting ‘laid”. Overall, this show sucks and I hope it is cancelled because this is the last thing we need to see on television.

Air Date: 01/19/2012

Synopsis- Archer is shocked to learn that his mother is dating Burt Reynolds.

This episode is the first episode of season 3. We find that Burt Reynolds is dating Sterlings mother. Reynolds gives Sterling some sound advice when he tells him to see his mother as a human being and not always as his mother. To be honest, I first thought that Burt Reynolds may be Sterlings real father but this seems a bit far-off.

We get to see the gang back. Its appears, although still apart, Lana and Archer think a lot a like and they know each other on a whole new level. Its a wonder why Lana has yet to move on since Archer had the understanding and personality of a small child. It appears he will not be satisfied with himself until he is dying, yet again, of some terminal disease. Cyril still hates Archer. Pam and Cherly are all still up to their antics.

The funniest thing I found about this episode was Ray and his wheel chair. The constant ‘cracking’ and jokes about how he is no longer an effective field agent- was simply hilarious. He and Lana get into a huge argument, a few harsh words were thrown around like affirmative action and Lana not being all that good of an agent because she is a women.

In its entirety, this episode seemed a little rushed. What I have come to not really understand about Archer is why do the writers spend so much time setting the story, then when the action comes it usual comes and goes in the last few minutes of the show. Overall, this episode was a bit of a dud, I did not care much for the intense but not funny dialogue with Burt Reynolds. This seemed more Burt Reynolds-centric and not Archer and the Gang centric. For this reason I have to give this episode a lower rating.

Episode Grade: C-

Air date: 01/19/2012

Synopsis- Roberth throws a pool party at his mansion; Erin flirts with Dwights to get Andy’s attention.

We open up with Jim pranking Dwight for Stanley’s amusement since Pam is on maternity leave. So, he hits him with a number of pranks including making his desk out of legos, having a dog dressed up as him- what lands is Jim filling Dwight’s desk with meatballs. We soon learn that Dwight and Stanley are working together, they think Jim is stupid because his pranks are actually benefiting them.

Of course Robert California is in the office sulking about his pending divorce and snaps at Jim because she chuckles at Robert’s demise. We also find that Andy may soon propose to his girlfriend (his parents gave him the ring but removed the main diamond because they thought it would be better for his brother). I still think Andy is an idiot and having Robert in the office for every episode is  really dragging this season down.

Kevin gives Robert the idea to throw one last large pool party at his home before he sells it. Erin gets a little excited at the fact that Meredith reveals she and Andy followed her home the night of the Christmas office party to make sure Robert did not sleep with Erin- so Erin now had renewed hope in her and Andy’s relationship.

I the end Dwight almost drowns in the pool. Andy loses the ring but rather than just claim it he chooses to be Andy eventually Erin recovers it. Dwight tells Andy he is going to sleep with Erin to which Andy responds-they are over so go at it. Dwight tells Andy he is stupid now Andy is confused on whether he is truly over Erin (which is stupid).

Robert California, Gabe and Ryan strip naked and swim in the pool. Robert reveals the party is some of what he envisioned for the house.

Overall, this episode was, as always, too much Robert and stupid Andy they are trying to make the Andy-Erin relationship the new Jim-Pam thing and that is just stupid.

Leslie is running against the town rich boy Bobby Newport (played by Paul Rudd), whose parents employ half the town. Well, Ben comes up with the idea to run a negative ad during the most watched basketball rivalry game in Pawnee. Leslie, immediately takes an issue with this stating she made an agreement with herself to never run a negative campaign. Leslie and Ben disagree.

This Bobby Newport appears to be a spoiled dimwitted, handsome young brat that always gets what he wants. He learn that he is only running for City Council to get his dad off his back. So Leslie and Ben agree to make a demo version of the ad and they will reconvene, watch each video and vote on which one should air. Leslie gets the help of Donna and Anne, while Ben gets Jerry.

In the end Ben’s ad wins out but Leslie sabotage’s it all. Ben tells her that she needs to get tougher.

Meanwhile, Chris needs help delivering bad news. He asks Ron who eagerly agrees to announce to large cuts in the city budget. Chris hates delivering bad news, since Ben is gone he now has Ron.

We find Andy needs to go to the doctor after hitting his head on a wall. The pair find they have health insurance so they set out for the doctor for the rest of the day.  Soon Andy and April schedule a ridiculous amount of doctors visit to fix Andy, who proves he is allergic to almost everything, he is half blind and his thumb in broken- to name a few.

Air Date: 01/19/2012

Synopsis- A video of Tracy on an offensive rant leaks online; Jack refuses to approve of Liz’s boyfriend.

We find the guy kissing Liz Lemon (played by Tina Fey) in the previous episode was her new live-in boyfriend Criss (played by James Marsden). Also, they actually mention the the incident, that happened in real life, in which Tracy Morgan said he would shoot his son if he found out he was gay. I guess they felt the need to mention this since, apparently, gays and all other forms of sexual deviants rule the airwaves.

I will never understand the need to apologize for your opinion about a particular lifestyle. Again, I reiterate that 30 Rock is starting off really rocky, they seem to have no problem or make any apologizes about making Kenneth appear to be a crazy Bible-thumping weirdo but when it comes to want to sexual deviation- we must apologize to both sides of the aisle.

Quote(s) of the Night

(1) Pete: O my God, there you are. We are losing sponsors Liz. Did you know that Snuggles the fabric softner bear is gay?

Liz: Uuugh

Pete: He’s dating the Charmin cub. I thought they were babies.

(2) Jack: Is it a stupid name like Dakota or Barack?

(3) Tracy: You can take our freedom unless you take our lives

Can we agree that saying something against homosexuality is not wrong. Jenna referring to Kenneth as an ‘albino slave monkey’ was really offensive. The whole Jenna and Kenneth mercury poisoning thing was really bad. I was not surprised Denise Richards was in the idiot crowd because she had 2 kids by Charlie Sheen. Of course Jack gets into Liz’s head about Criss, knowing that he is almost always right.

Overall, I am left wondering what happened to Jack’s old assistant. Tracy’s answering machine message is hilarious. I hated this episode because of the need to apologize to gays for making truthful comments. This episode was ‘to be continued’.

I am not going to spend a lot of time reviewing this episode seeing as its was a poke at religion and what not. I thought 30 Rock would come back in a band, instead we were delivered recycled story-lines and ridiculousness. I personally have grown tired of Tracy Morgan playing the spoiled black entertainer and Jenna being the over achieveing ‘must see’ center of attention.

The only thing I enjoyed about this episode was that Lemon showed us, that Jack does not know her as much as he thinks and that Jack is getting soft. Seeing Tina Fey dance was pretty funny, the end was classic 30 Rock but everything in between was a little over the top.

Air date: 01/15/2012

Synopsis- Professor Koontz uses a scantron machine to make student love matches; Don’s family takes an interest in Deb.

Maybe this second episode was a direct hit to Match.com or some other digital pairing website but this second episode did not inspire me to continue to watch this show. I again stress, the fans of Napoleon Dynamite were looking for another movie not an animated bore-feast.

Keep in mind, I can understand why they choose animation- simple because of versatility. There are things they can work and do without having the limitations of physical actors but this cartoon is hard to watch. Its is honorable that they got the original casts to do the voices, but come on this show is lame.

Much like the synopsis states this episode was about pairing. Napoleon was paired off with the new Asian student Tokiko, Deb was paired off with Don, Pedro with Summer etc. It proved although technology can look at objective information placed into its database to pair people off- it can not measure true compatibility and love. There are a number of people together that, objectively, speaking appear as if they are not supposed to be together (we all are left wondering- how that happened) but it works for them.

I am ensure of when Napoleon will see that Deb really likes him and I think it would be better in her own best self-interest to stop looking so desperate and available all the time. I think it nothing worse than to have some yearning for another person, that clear does not see it or does not reciprocate the same feelings.

This episode, much like the pilot, lacked the ‘pazass’ that really made the movie click and resonate with some many people. I feel this show will likely be cancelled in a few episodes.

Episode Grade- D-

Air date: 01/15/2012

Synopsis- Brian dates a blind girls only to find out she hates dogs; the Griffins install a new staircase in their home.

The only funny thing about this entire episode was Peter constantly falling down the steps and the many positions his bodies falls at the end. The jokes about disabled people and everything in between were not funny. Keep in mind, I used to be a fan of Family Guy level humor- they make jokes about everybody but they were rarely crude and just bad. Since Family Guys downward spiral, the past few seasons have had one or two truly funny episode but every other episode has relied on everything but humor.

I used to enjoy the Brian Stewie friendship thing they had going but they have to constantly make Stewie bi-curious and I am tired of it. I enjoyed the scene where Brian is telling Stewie about his new blind girlfriend but he leaves out the fact that she blind until the end and Stewie calls him out on that and on the fact that Brian has yet to reveal that he is a dog and she hates dogs.

Not being all that much a dog person, I can agree that people with dogs have a bad tendency to shove their dog down your throat and it can get really annoying. Having Brian lie throughout the relationship to culminate in to him meeting her parents in bandages. Having Stewie cut off his tail and cauterize the wound was a bit funny. However, this episode was mostly boring. Having Stewie tell Brian, since Kate can’t see he could go out with her the next week was just lame.

Overall, I came away from this episode wondering why Brian does not date other dogs and stop trying the bestiality thing. I saw the episode were he has a son and we all know that is just not possible. It appears he dates human women who are either too dumb or don’t care because the idea of having sexual relations with a dog is just yuck!

Air date: 01/15/2012

Synopsis- Emma tries to save 2 children from the foster care system by finding their birth father.

In this episode we visit the story of Hansel and Gretel. In the storybook, Hansel and Gretel were 2 twins being raised by their father. Needing wood, their father sends them off into the forest to gather wood giving them a compass to find their way back to him. Upon gathering the needed wood, they return to find their father missing and some armed men ready to drag them to the evil witch. The witch, in exchange for the whereabouts of their father blackmails them into entering the enchanted house of the Blind Witch to steal a satchel that contains Snow White’s eventual ‘poison apple’.

Before entering the home the evil witch instructs the pair to not yield to the temptation of the house. So, naturally Hansel does and almost gets the pair killed. What frustrated me about Hansel, is the simple fact that I utterly despise helpless people. Not people who really need help but those who just can’t seem to do anything right. For instance, Gretel is the strong brave one but Hansel eats the forbidden treats in the house and wakes up the witch, Hansel is too afraid to follow through with Gretel’s plan for escape, Gretel botches the plan when Gretel takes his place to be cooked by the blind witch. However, Team Gretel! Uses her wits and sheer courage to save her and her stupid brother.

When they deliver the apple to the witch she then tells them their father abandoned them and that they can now live with her- they refuse. So, the evil witch sends them to Storybrooke. The Evil witch is moved to tears and then has their father brought in to ask why his children refused riches and wealth to be with their father. He gives her this spill about family an how important it is. She gets teary, having killed her father, so she send him to live in Storybrooke. We also finds she is keeping tabs on Snow White through an enchanted mirror. We see Snow White with the dwarves.

Meanwhile in Storybrooke, Henry is accused of stealing from a drug store after he meets a brother and sister pair. He quickly realizes the young girl only spoke to him to give her brother time to stash the stolen good in Henry backpack. Eventually, Regina (his mother) is called and she tells the store manager that Henry does not eat candy and tells him that the brother and sister stole the supplies. Emma is called to investigate.

Emma learns the 2 children are parentless and stole the supplies to survive- their mother dead months before. Regina calls social services and tells Emma they have requested the children be driven out of Storybrooke to separate living facilities. Knowing the negative side to foster care Emma does all she can to find the children’s father. With the help of the compass given to her by Gretel, Emma sets out to find these children’s parents.  She employs the services, yet again of Rumpelstiltskin, who asks in exchange for the information that she forgive him. He tells her the information she needs but it is revealed that the card that supposedly carried the information about the owner of the locket was blank. So we, yet again question Rumpels motives for helping Emma.

Henry asks Emma about his father and she gives him a larger than life story about working in a diner and how he was a firefighter but he died trying to save people. She reveals to Mary-Margeret that this was a lie and that its better Henry not know the truth about his father.

Emma confronts their father who owns a car garage and appears to be a mechanic. He makes it clear he does not wish to have anything to do with the children. Emma recounts her experiences and implores to see the children, he refuses. Eventually, Regina directly supervise the children’s transport out of Storybrooke. Henry begs Emma not to take the children because he said there would be repercussions if the children leave the enchanted town.

Eventually, Emma’s car breaks down a few feet from the town line. She must call a tow and calls the children’s father. He comes and takes the children. Emma settles back in with Mary-Margeret and tells her that Henry says that Mary-Margeret is actually Snow White and is Emma’s real mother. The two laugh it off but Mary is moved by Emma’s baby blanket- but she still does not remember anything.

In the end, Henry and Emma are talking outside near her cruiser. A random stranger comes in to town. Emma gives him advice on where to stay and asks his name but he responds father sharply and drives off for the nearest inn. Emma looks at Henry and says ‘I though you said no one ever comes to Storybrooke’- Henry says they normally don’t but Emma is changing everything. In next week preview we see the stranger is, in some way, tied to Snow White.

Overall, this episode was pretty good. The only fault I found with it was that actors playing Hansel and Gretel did not fit. I would think Hansel would be older than Gretel but this story makes her the eldest. I am also interested in hearing why Emma lied to Henry about his father; was he really that big of a douche?  I look forward to next weeks to see what is this new guy’s story.