Although "The Good Parts" was only intended to be a season finale, not the series finale, I thought the episode gave proper closure to the show in its own way. Like Tara herself, the finale is not a nice thing you get fit in a box. It has rough edges, maybe is too sprawling, but comes together at the end to remind us what the show is about, even if it ends without a resolution. After three wonderful seasons, I'm sad to see the show go, but also glad that it ended the way it did.
After a season of being driven to the brink, Max got his time to shine and go berserk. It's actually quite clever what the writers did, giving us two separate instances when Max imagines himself going crazy but acts normal. The last time, however, Max does go crazy, ranting, grabbing the bird, and hurling it against the wall. The first two times act as a buffer, leading us to believe that the third is the same thing and that things will return to normal. But it slowly sets in, just as the family has come to terms with Tara. Max is really doing this and things can't be normal.
Marshall and Kate have gotten a lot to do in the past few seasons (relative to the first), and they got to wrap things up with Tara is well. Marshall and Tara finally connect when Tara brings him to Lionel's memorial. For all the things we can say about Tara as a person (jumping off the bridge was pretty dumb), this moment exemplifies her character, a woman who loves her kids and tries to do the right things, even when it's not possible. Kate decides to stay home and take care of Marshall, but also gets to keep Evan. Charmaine and Neil agree to move to Houston, and Charmaine, in the cutest way, proposes to Neil. It's mostly good news for the more axillary characters.
And so, at the end, Max and Tara drive to Boston, awaiting what may come next. It's not a conclusion which answers questions or even tells us what happens next. Instead, after a season of misery, it ends on a hopeful note. Tara may not get better, but if one thing is for certain, it's that her family will be behind her. Tara was hardly a perfect person, with or without her alters, and neither is United States of Tara. But with both, there was also something to draw on and enjoy.
United States of Tara, in the last two season, was not primarily about the scientific details of DID or how Tara became the way she is. The show, like many others, turned towards the various characters and the Gregson family. We got to know them much better, learn the consequences Tara had on them. As all the characters became human so too did Tara and her condition. What started as a wacky show about a person with wacky personalities became much more. Bravo to everyone involved with the show.
Score: 9.4/10
Showing posts with label United States of Tara. Show all posts
Showing posts with label United States of Tara. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Review - United States of Tara Season 3 Episode 11 Crunchy Ice
Wow. With the series finale next week which was intended to be the season finale, it's hard not to think of an ending that will be sad. As Max drives Tara to a new treatment center, Tara kisses Max and jumps off a bridge, capping an episode in which everything reached a boiling point.
It's a horrifying episode from everyone perspective. Bryce continues to wipe out alters, as Buck, T, and Alice all come out before being offed. Meanwhile, Bryce everyone else, culminating in him trying to kill Marshall. This is the final straw and Tara manages to come out, sobbing over what she has done. Her condition has had a huge toll on everyone, and knowing this destroys Tara. The series finale may not provide the ending the writers wanted, but I'm sure Diablo Cody has something good regardless of the cancellation situation.
Score: 9.3/10
It's a horrifying episode from everyone perspective. Bryce continues to wipe out alters, as Buck, T, and Alice all come out before being offed. Meanwhile, Bryce everyone else, culminating in him trying to kill Marshall. This is the final straw and Tara manages to come out, sobbing over what she has done. Her condition has had a huge toll on everyone, and knowing this destroys Tara. The series finale may not provide the ending the writers wanted, but I'm sure Diablo Cody has something good regardless of the cancellation situation.
Score: 9.3/10
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Review - United States of Tara Season 3 Episode 10 Train Wreck
To me, "Train Wreck" ranks as one of the most jarring episodes of the series, and ranks high among television episodes in general. This is where things get bad, and it's hard to imagine how dark this show could go in the final two episodes.
With Lionel killed in a car crash, Marshall is sent into a slump and everyone, including Tara, tries to console him. The result is that Tara doesn't receive the immediate attention she needs, and Bryce inevitably comes out. Toni Collete is, as always, in her portrayal of alters. Bryce is truly menacing and is quite scary. There is further fallout once people start realizing the truth: Tara won't change. Kate decides to move out and get serious with Evan, Neil wants Charmaine to cut all ties with Tara, and Max and Marshall turn towards each other for support. In the middle of all this, Tara is left out, trapped in a body currently controlled by Bryce.
So, with once two episodes left in the series, there are a looming question. Will the show continue down this dark road and end in despair, or will the show--and Tara--finally turn the corner and end on the bright side?
Score: 9.5/10
With Lionel killed in a car crash, Marshall is sent into a slump and everyone, including Tara, tries to console him. The result is that Tara doesn't receive the immediate attention she needs, and Bryce inevitably comes out. Toni Collete is, as always, in her portrayal of alters. Bryce is truly menacing and is quite scary. There is further fallout once people start realizing the truth: Tara won't change. Kate decides to move out and get serious with Evan, Neil wants Charmaine to cut all ties with Tara, and Max and Marshall turn towards each other for support. In the middle of all this, Tara is left out, trapped in a body currently controlled by Bryce.
So, with once two episodes left in the series, there are a looming question. Will the show continue down this dark road and end in despair, or will the show--and Tara--finally turn the corner and end on the bright side?
Score: 9.5/10
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Review - United States of Tara Season 3 Episode 9 Bryce Will Play
To first-time viewers of United States of Tara, one of the most striking parts of the show, besides Tara's kookiness, is how normalized her condition is. People are affected by her DID, but not a way that demands immediate attention. As Tara becomes unraveled in this season, however, there is a shifting tide. Bryce is not a normal alter like Buck or T who act in their own, weird ways but are generally innocuous. He's dangerous in a way that Hatteras realizes. Systematically, Bryce is sapping away the alters one by one until Tara is there for the taking. After a disturbing scene in which Bryce puts crab in the soup to induce an allergic reaction from Hatteras, Tara realizes she has to seek help from the experts in DID, and that regular psychiatrists like Hatteras won't cut it.
Meanwhile, Marshall comes to terms with who Tara is, not a weird person but a flat-out crazy person. His short film reflects all of this, and Max is deeply troubled. While the other plots this week were again rather uninvolved in Tara's plot, Marshall and Max come into conflict and the future is as hazy as ever.
I was surprised to learn this morning that Showtime had canceled United States of Tara and renewed Nurse Jackie (which I stopped after the first or second episode of the second season). I guess the cancellation was warranted since the show only has a couple hundred thousand viewers, but the thought didn't really cross my mind through the season. From what I've read, the season finale does provide a good conclusion for the show which is good even if the show won't return next year.
Score: 9.0/10
Meanwhile, Marshall comes to terms with who Tara is, not a weird person but a flat-out crazy person. His short film reflects all of this, and Max is deeply troubled. While the other plots this week were again rather uninvolved in Tara's plot, Marshall and Max come into conflict and the future is as hazy as ever.
I was surprised to learn this morning that Showtime had canceled United States of Tara and renewed Nurse Jackie (which I stopped after the first or second episode of the second season). I guess the cancellation was warranted since the show only has a couple hundred thousand viewers, but the thought didn't really cross my mind through the season. From what I've read, the season finale does provide a good conclusion for the show which is good even if the show won't return next year.
Score: 9.0/10
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Review - United States of Tara Season 3 Episode 8 Chicken 'n' Corn
All the parts of United States of Tara are coming together and "Chicken 'n' Corn" makes for a very interesting and exhilarating episode. While Dr. Hatteras resumes his help of Tara, Tara endangers Wheels while her other alters are acting out. This all boils down to Bryce Crane, Tara's half-brother, or at least Tara's manifestation of him. He apparently kills Chicken and is now looking for Tara to kill. With Buck looking for the real Bryce, there seems be in an endless possibility of stories.
Score: 9.3/10
Score: 9.3/10
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Review - United States of Tara Season 3 Episode 7 The Electrifying And Magnanimous Return Of Beaverlamp
As United States of Tara passes over the midway point of the season things are pretty good, relatively speaking. Max is getting his band together, Tara isn't going crazy all, and Kate commuter friend opens up to her. But we know it won't last forever and there are many hints in the episode that everything will go terribly wrong, culminating with Tara's college alter cutting herself.
There is a lingering question of where the series will go from here. Since Hattaras is stops treatment, is there a medical solution? There is heavy implication that Max had another kid to help cope with Tara, and he seems to realize that. Will he stay indefinitely? Lots of questions are swirling and the season still has a ways to go.
Score: 9.0/10
There is a lingering question of where the series will go from here. Since Hattaras is stops treatment, is there a medical solution? There is heavy implication that Max had another kid to help cope with Tara, and he seems to realize that. Will he stay indefinitely? Lots of questions are swirling and the season still has a ways to go.
Score: 9.0/10
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Review - United States of Tara Season 3 Episode 6 The Road To Hell Is Paved With Breast Intentions
I still have a ton of shows to watch and review (despite reviewing 5 shows last night), so this will be short.
As Tara begins with sessions with Dr. Hatteras, we see a shift in the way Tara deals with her alters and it is somewhat troubling. Now that the contract is in place, Tara uses the alters to get something she wants. If she doesn't like the bird, she lets Buck out to take care of it. If she doesn't want to deal with her mother, she lets Alice out to take care of it. By spreading herself like this, voluntarily allowing the alters to take control when there is a difficult situation, it seems like Tara is being consumed by the alters who do have different skill sets.
Score: 8.9/10
As Tara begins with sessions with Dr. Hatteras, we see a shift in the way Tara deals with her alters and it is somewhat troubling. Now that the contract is in place, Tara uses the alters to get something she wants. If she doesn't like the bird, she lets Buck out to take care of it. If she doesn't want to deal with her mother, she lets Alice out to take care of it. By spreading herself like this, voluntarily allowing the alters to take control when there is a difficult situation, it seems like Tara is being consumed by the alters who do have different skill sets.
Score: 8.9/10
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Review - United States of Tara Season 3 Episode 5 Dr. Hatteras' Miracle Elixir
After the craziness at the end of last week's episode, United States of Tara settled back to prepare for the next part of the season. There is a lot pushing and pulling in the episode--Tara wanting to hold the baby and Dr. Hatteras wanting to do a study on Tara--and both happen at the end of the episode. With Alice behaving, nothing extreme happens, allowing for a more normalized episode. There are some great scenes of Charmaine and Neil, with Tara lingering in the background to hold the baby. The problem is that the alters are not always predictable and even if they follow the written agreement for now, their historical behavior would indicate that they will eventually break the ground rules.
The kids' plots are moving along as well. Kate begins her flight attendant training and isn't bad at it. Still, it looks like she needs more training before she can begin, so we'll probably see more training scenes. Marshall and Noah kiss a few times and Lionel catches on, shedding his cool exterior and telling Marshall how hurt he is.
Score: 8.9/10
The kids' plots are moving along as well. Kate begins her flight attendant training and isn't bad at it. Still, it looks like she needs more training before she can begin, so we'll probably see more training scenes. Marshall and Noah kiss a few times and Lionel catches on, shedding his cool exterior and telling Marshall how hurt he is.
Score: 8.9/10
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Review - United States of Tara Season 3 Episode 4 Wheels
"Wheels" begins with a joyful event, the birth of Cassandra, but the episode quickly takes a turn. Charmaine, realizing how dangerous Tara can be, refuses to let Tara hold the baby. This, in turn, causes more stress for Tara who wants to succeed in school but can't get an extension for a test, which leads her to lash out at Max. Finally, she sits her alters down and tells them that their days of freedom at over. It turns out that she's in the lecture hall, covered in the writing she told the alters to do! Big, big props to Toni Collette for being so good.
Still nothing for Marshall to do, but Kate has a new idea, becoming a flight attendant. That could work I guess.
Score: 9.3/10
Still nothing for Marshall to do, but Kate has a new idea, becoming a flight attendant. That could work I guess.
Score: 9.3/10
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Review - United States of Tara Season 3 Episode 3 The Full Fuck You Finger
First things first, the shocking image of the earthquake in Osaka was an horrible coincidence which was unavoidable unless the writers completely rewrote large portions of the episode and there would still be plenty of logistical problems. Things work like that sometimes and when the episode is shot months in advance, there's really nothing anyone can do.
Just when Kate is ready to do something for once, she turns back and is left with no options. She just can't escape Kansas and everything in it. Max throws out his old stuff in his mother's house and we learn from their conversations that his mother isn't right in the head, and we get the impression that Max is more or less fine with people like his mother and Tara, people who need serious help.
The alters seem to be coming out to help Tara, as Alice suggests after she helps Charmaine with the baby shower. Even Buck is trying to help, searching for Tara and Charmaine's brother. But T comes out the end of the episode and has to ruin things while putting tons of strain on Charmaine.
Score: 9.0/10
Just when Kate is ready to do something for once, she turns back and is left with no options. She just can't escape Kansas and everything in it. Max throws out his old stuff in his mother's house and we learn from their conversations that his mother isn't right in the head, and we get the impression that Max is more or less fine with people like his mother and Tara, people who need serious help.
The alters seem to be coming out to help Tara, as Alice suggests after she helps Charmaine with the baby shower. Even Buck is trying to help, searching for Tara and Charmaine's brother. But T comes out the end of the episode and has to ruin things while putting tons of strain on Charmaine.
Score: 9.0/10
Monday, April 4, 2011
Review - United States of Tara Season 3 Episode 2 Crackerjack
We've come to understand that Tara certainly has a condition which makes her change personality from time to time. The writers make sure we know when the switches happen and boy does Toni Collette play the alters well. After Shoshana lectures the class, embarrassing Tara in the aftermath, we learn that Professor Hatteras does not believe in DID. He basically tells Tara that it's a made up condition and that it's only to grab attention. Promptly, Tara turns into T and goes crazy, which from Hatteras's view was probably Tara doing it on purpose. So we see Tara's alters actively respond to what Tara is doing, whether she is in front of the computer, in a lecture hall, or being told DID is not real.
This coincides with Kate's new endeavor is to go to Japan to teach English, which Tara initially opposes. However, in one the most intense and emotional scenes in recent memory, Kate comes home as T is prepared to leave, before Kate does everything in her power to stop T from leaving. Such powerful acting from Brie Larson. I'm looking around to see if Brie Larson is leaving the show, but since I can't find any information, I think it's safe to say she won't be going to Japan and that means she will have to something else to do.
I've never liked Neil, so I was rather annoyed by him in the episode, but I guess that's who his character is and the plot gets Neil a big chance to grow. It's understandable he's upset over Max selling the company, given his current situation with Charmaine, but he has to realize that he can't always depend on others and has to come into his own eventually. Without Max propping him up, maybe Neil can learn some responsibility which will in turn help him with Charmaine.
Marshall and Lionel still don't have a substantial plot, but their film for class was hilarious, breaking the teacher's notions of what gay students would make and create a hilarious short film which is as violent as it gets.
Score: 9.1/10
This coincides with Kate's new endeavor is to go to Japan to teach English, which Tara initially opposes. However, in one the most intense and emotional scenes in recent memory, Kate comes home as T is prepared to leave, before Kate does everything in her power to stop T from leaving. Such powerful acting from Brie Larson. I'm looking around to see if Brie Larson is leaving the show, but since I can't find any information, I think it's safe to say she won't be going to Japan and that means she will have to something else to do.
I've never liked Neil, so I was rather annoyed by him in the episode, but I guess that's who his character is and the plot gets Neil a big chance to grow. It's understandable he's upset over Max selling the company, given his current situation with Charmaine, but he has to realize that he can't always depend on others and has to come into his own eventually. Without Max propping him up, maybe Neil can learn some responsibility which will in turn help him with Charmaine.
Marshall and Lionel still don't have a substantial plot, but their film for class was hilarious, breaking the teacher's notions of what gay students would make and create a hilarious short film which is as violent as it gets.
Score: 9.1/10
Monday, March 28, 2011
Review - United States of Tara Season 3 Episode 1 ...youwillnotwin...
It usually takes a while for United States of Tara to start rolling, so "...youwillnotwin..." is expectedly a pretty normal episode, moving the plot just enough so the viewers get an idea of what's coming up. There isn't one super-emotional moment and only one super-crazy moment, but there is lots going with every character.
As far as the major plot points go, Buck finds Bryce, Tara's half-brother, after Neil comes to Charmaine's side, she decides to let him on the couch, Kate has trouble finding a job since everyone can find her sitting on a cake video, and Max and Lionel take one step further, contemplating whether to buy a video camera together. The most shocking moment is when Tara begins writing her paper, goes berserk with 500 WPM of random words, before beginning to cut her wrist. Is this another personality from her college days? What happens next is equally weird, with Buck, Alice, and Shoshanna coming out to help her write the paper (and T does nothing useful).
Score: 8.8/10
As far as the major plot points go, Buck finds Bryce, Tara's half-brother, after Neil comes to Charmaine's side, she decides to let him on the couch, Kate has trouble finding a job since everyone can find her sitting on a cake video, and Max and Lionel take one step further, contemplating whether to buy a video camera together. The most shocking moment is when Tara begins writing her paper, goes berserk with 500 WPM of random words, before beginning to cut her wrist. Is this another personality from her college days? What happens next is equally weird, with Buck, Alice, and Shoshanna coming out to help her write the paper (and T does nothing useful).
Score: 8.8/10
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Preview of Week 3/27/11 - 4/02/10
Shameless - Showtime, Sunday, March 27, 10:00pm ET
The season finale of Showtime's surprisingly good remake of the British show is tonight and should be a episode, with three characters possibly going to jail.
Nurse Jackie - Showtime, Monday, March 28, 10:00pm ET
United States of Tara - Showtime, Monday, March 28, 10:30pm ET
Showtime's two dramedies return Monday night.
Body of Proof - ABC, Tuesday, March 29, 10:00pm ET
After all their new shows failed, ABC rolls out a medical drama starring Dana Delany.
The season finale of Showtime's surprisingly good remake of the British show is tonight and should be a episode, with three characters possibly going to jail.
Nurse Jackie - Showtime, Monday, March 28, 10:00pm ET
United States of Tara - Showtime, Monday, March 28, 10:30pm ET
Showtime's two dramedies return Monday night.
Body of Proof - ABC, Tuesday, March 29, 10:00pm ET
After all their new shows failed, ABC rolls out a medical drama starring Dana Delany.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Review - United States of Tara Season 2 Episode 12 From This Day Forward
The season finale to the excellent season of United States of Tara was kind of a letdown for me. Nick leaving Charmaine at the alter, probably the most climactic break up possible, didn't have much build up through the season as the focus was on the family members and not Nick. Sure, there was maybe a line or two each week indicating Nick's dissatisfaction, but nothing this drastic.
Prior to Nick bailing, Charmaine does a great job articulating just why she wants to be married to Nick. Her family isn't normal but Nick's is, and marrying him would put her closer towards normalcy. Charmaine, of course, is devasted in the end, but lo and behold, it's Neil! He saves the day and asks her out for a drink.
Tara comes closer and closer towards the truth and we got another significant piece of the puzzle this week. Her father lets slip about a brother she or Charmaine have no idea about, leading a final confrontation which reveals that they're halfbrother, Bryce, was mentally disturbed, but their father made him stay under any circumstance. Fearing for her daughters, Tara's mother sent them away. Worst parents in the world?
Max and Tara have had there ups and downs over the course of the season, and I was very happy to see them happy in the end. Quite frankly, after all they're been through, they deserve it.
Zach was a total creep and had to go, but the Ron Paul stuff was really stupid. Marshall's "Ron Paul, really?" amounted to no more than the writers, who have no arguments, calling Ron Paul crazy for no reason. If they really wanted to go after him--and there is plenty to debate--at least they should have given the viewers the common courtesy to not act like whiny kids, bitching about things they don't understand.
Score: 8.7/10
Prior to Nick bailing, Charmaine does a great job articulating just why she wants to be married to Nick. Her family isn't normal but Nick's is, and marrying him would put her closer towards normalcy. Charmaine, of course, is devasted in the end, but lo and behold, it's Neil! He saves the day and asks her out for a drink.
Tara comes closer and closer towards the truth and we got another significant piece of the puzzle this week. Her father lets slip about a brother she or Charmaine have no idea about, leading a final confrontation which reveals that they're halfbrother, Bryce, was mentally disturbed, but their father made him stay under any circumstance. Fearing for her daughters, Tara's mother sent them away. Worst parents in the world?
Max and Tara have had there ups and downs over the course of the season, and I was very happy to see them happy in the end. Quite frankly, after all they're been through, they deserve it.
Zach was a total creep and had to go, but the Ron Paul stuff was really stupid. Marshall's "Ron Paul, really?" amounted to no more than the writers, who have no arguments, calling Ron Paul crazy for no reason. If they really wanted to go after him--and there is plenty to debate--at least they should have given the viewers the common courtesy to not act like whiny kids, bitching about things they don't understand.
Score: 8.7/10
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Preview of Week 06/06/10 - 06/12/10
Breaking Bad - AMC, Sunday, June 6, 10:00pm ET
Best show on TV (better than Mad Men, SOA--50 times better than Dexter). That's all that needs to be said.
Lie to Me - Fox, Monday, June 7, 8:00pm ET
After a crazy wait, Lie to Me is finally back with new episodes! And the show was renewed, so we don't have to worry about ratings.
The Good Guys - Fox, Monday, June 7, 9:00pm ET
I didn't particularly like the preview episode Fox aired a few weeks back (review), but it could be worth revisiting if you like over the top silliness and a heavy amount of cliches.
Persons Unknown - NBC, Monday, June 7, 10:00pm ET
This new drama from NBC has an interesting premise--random people trapped in a confined area--but it's success hinges on the execution. Given how NBC scheduled it in the summer, I'm guessing it's probably not that great.
United States of Tara - Showtime, Monday, June 7, 10:00pm ET
The one show that has surprised me the most, more than The Good Wife even, has been United States of Tara. It dramatic turn from the first to second season elevated it far above Nurse Jackie and most other premium cable comedies.
Justified - FX, Tuesday, June 8, 10:00pm ET
I'm curious where the season finale will go and the implications on the second season. Depending on exactly how Boyd turns out, there may either be a shootout or cooperation between him and Raylan, which would be storyline for the second season.
Stargate Universe - Syfy, Friday, June 11, 9:00pm ET
I rag on the show a lot for many good reasons, but it's the season finale and one of the only sci-fi shows airing. The last episode ended with a standoff between the Lucian Alliance who have prisoners and the people on the Destiny who could kill the LA by venting the room.
Best show on TV (better than Mad Men, SOA--50 times better than Dexter). That's all that needs to be said.
Lie to Me - Fox, Monday, June 7, 8:00pm ET
After a crazy wait, Lie to Me is finally back with new episodes! And the show was renewed, so we don't have to worry about ratings.
The Good Guys - Fox, Monday, June 7, 9:00pm ET
I didn't particularly like the preview episode Fox aired a few weeks back (review), but it could be worth revisiting if you like over the top silliness and a heavy amount of cliches.
Persons Unknown - NBC, Monday, June 7, 10:00pm ET
This new drama from NBC has an interesting premise--random people trapped in a confined area--but it's success hinges on the execution. Given how NBC scheduled it in the summer, I'm guessing it's probably not that great.
United States of Tara - Showtime, Monday, June 7, 10:00pm ET
The one show that has surprised me the most, more than The Good Wife even, has been United States of Tara. It dramatic turn from the first to second season elevated it far above Nurse Jackie and most other premium cable comedies.
Justified - FX, Tuesday, June 8, 10:00pm ET
I'm curious where the season finale will go and the implications on the second season. Depending on exactly how Boyd turns out, there may either be a shootout or cooperation between him and Raylan, which would be storyline for the second season.
Stargate Universe - Syfy, Friday, June 11, 9:00pm ET
I rag on the show a lot for many good reasons, but it's the season finale and one of the only sci-fi shows airing. The last episode ended with a standoff between the Lucian Alliance who have prisoners and the people on the Destiny who could kill the LA by venting the room.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Review - United States of Tara Season 2 Episode 11 To Have and to Hold
The season finale is next week! It's seems like just yesterday the season began, but all good things must come to an end. And on the bright side, the show was renewed for another season after one episode, although the ratings have taken a big decline since the season premiere.
We came awfully close to finding out what's behind Tara and as soon as that happens, another wrinkle is thrown in. Through the wonders of the internet, Tara and Charmaine visit Mimi and make a startling discovery that Mimi not only took care of them but was also their foster mother. Then, Mimi's husband, Duane, comes out and so does T for the first time this season. T spouts off about Duane doing inappropriate things until Mimi says that she didn't even meet Duane in 1976. Out comes Chicken, a very young alter of Tara, one blissfully unaware of the strife around her.
So what now? Mimi drops the line that her foster home was for those from especially abusive households, which would lead back to Tara and Charmaine's hateful mother, but what if Mimi was lying about when she met Duane? I guess we'll find out next week.
I'm not sure how to approach Zach. From my perspective, everything about him is creepy. Telling Kate she just has to be herself? He did leave once he saw Kate's teenager room last week. Inquiring about a restraining order against Tara? Weird. Buying Kate a condo? Totally weird.
Lionel, on the other hand, started the episode where Zach was, mysterious and doing things outside the norm. He connects with Marshall, and for the first time, we see another side of Zach. He creates the story of what happened after the park to compensate for his desire to have more, to be loved, and that's where Marshall comes in. If this is even possible, the identity crisis problem, which has plagued every character this season, seems to be done with Marshall for now--until, of course, something happens with/to Lionel.
Next week is Charmaine and Nick's wedding and something must happen. Neil realizes that Charmaine's daughter will be his daughter as well and begins to have second thoughts; however he's leaving town since Charmaine is the only reason for him staying around. As a lesson to everyone--don't fixate on one person. Before heading off with Tara, Charmaine expresses some of her feelings, but is still waffling between the two. That doesn't spell good news for Nick, who has been more than generous--almost perfect in the way the family was perfect last season in spite of the craziness--but I predict that Charmaine will go through with the wedding. Then we'll see Nick's cracks.
Score: 9.1/10
We came awfully close to finding out what's behind Tara and as soon as that happens, another wrinkle is thrown in. Through the wonders of the internet, Tara and Charmaine visit Mimi and make a startling discovery that Mimi not only took care of them but was also their foster mother. Then, Mimi's husband, Duane, comes out and so does T for the first time this season. T spouts off about Duane doing inappropriate things until Mimi says that she didn't even meet Duane in 1976. Out comes Chicken, a very young alter of Tara, one blissfully unaware of the strife around her.
So what now? Mimi drops the line that her foster home was for those from especially abusive households, which would lead back to Tara and Charmaine's hateful mother, but what if Mimi was lying about when she met Duane? I guess we'll find out next week.
I'm not sure how to approach Zach. From my perspective, everything about him is creepy. Telling Kate she just has to be herself? He did leave once he saw Kate's teenager room last week. Inquiring about a restraining order against Tara? Weird. Buying Kate a condo? Totally weird.
Lionel, on the other hand, started the episode where Zach was, mysterious and doing things outside the norm. He connects with Marshall, and for the first time, we see another side of Zach. He creates the story of what happened after the park to compensate for his desire to have more, to be loved, and that's where Marshall comes in. If this is even possible, the identity crisis problem, which has plagued every character this season, seems to be done with Marshall for now--until, of course, something happens with/to Lionel.
Next week is Charmaine and Nick's wedding and something must happen. Neil realizes that Charmaine's daughter will be his daughter as well and begins to have second thoughts; however he's leaving town since Charmaine is the only reason for him staying around. As a lesson to everyone--don't fixate on one person. Before heading off with Tara, Charmaine expresses some of her feelings, but is still waffling between the two. That doesn't spell good news for Nick, who has been more than generous--almost perfect in the way the family was perfect last season in spite of the craziness--but I predict that Charmaine will go through with the wedding. Then we'll see Nick's cracks.
Score: 9.1/10
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Review - United States of Tara Season 2 Episode 10 Open House
Last season when I watched the show, I always approached it from a distance, never sure exactly what it was suppose to be and never really embracing the characters. At that time, and before the current season started, my characterization of the show would have been, wacky. It's wacky because there's a woman who switches into crazy personalties All the while, she maintains a perfect family. Her husband is content even when she sleeps with other men albeit not consciously and puts up with her obnoxious alters. It's hard to take seriously a show that is so unrealistic it's laughable.
Season 2 began and maintained a completely new attitude. The characters were human, believable and not entirely outlandish. The show turned the corner in my mind and many others, becoming not so much a wacky dramedy, but a very human dramedy, balancing both the emotional aspects of the show and humor without reducing either.
"Open House" was another incredibly strong episode jammed with tons of stuff. Again, I'm wiped out from reviewing all the season finales the past few days, so I'll be short. I don't have much to watch next week, so I promise to have a longer review. Most notable to me outside of Tara and Charmaine's vile mother coming to town was Kate's continuing saga into adulthood which is isn't completed yet. After the Zach the Creeper spends some time with her, he realizes she's just a teen, not someone he can be with forever. And that's good for Kate. Zach probably has dead bodies buried in his backyard.
The ending of the episode was great example of what reality should look like, if not a little too obvious. It looks like a happy ending with Tara and Max falling asleep. Max wakes up to an angry Buck beating on him for sleeping with Pammy.
Score: 9.4/10
Season 2 began and maintained a completely new attitude. The characters were human, believable and not entirely outlandish. The show turned the corner in my mind and many others, becoming not so much a wacky dramedy, but a very human dramedy, balancing both the emotional aspects of the show and humor without reducing either.
"Open House" was another incredibly strong episode jammed with tons of stuff. Again, I'm wiped out from reviewing all the season finales the past few days, so I'll be short. I don't have much to watch next week, so I promise to have a longer review. Most notable to me outside of Tara and Charmaine's vile mother coming to town was Kate's continuing saga into adulthood which is isn't completed yet. After the Zach the Creeper spends some time with her, he realizes she's just a teen, not someone he can be with forever. And that's good for Kate. Zach probably has dead bodies buried in his backyard.
The ending of the episode was great example of what reality should look like, if not a little too obvious. It looks like a happy ending with Tara and Max falling asleep. Max wakes up to an angry Buck beating on him for sleeping with Pammy.
Score: 9.4/10
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Review - United States of Tara Season 2 Episode 9 The Family Portrait
This season is all about things spiraling out of control and the show continues moving forward in that direction. In terms of plot, "The Family Portrait" didn't really go anywhere, but presented some increasingly difficult relationships between characters. Max sleeps with Pammy first, then sleeps with Shoshana with Tara's permission, and admits sleeping with Pammy. Yeah, this isn't turning out good.
After the drug adventure last week, Marshall's neighbor is mad at him and Lionel for making the other gay neighbor run off. Apparently drugs do weird things to him.
Kate meets up with a rich guy who wants to talk to her about things. I don't see why other than that he's crazy, but he owns some yogurt stores, so how crazy can he be? At the end of the episode, Kate returns the getup and gets in a big fight with Lydia, who is upset both Kate and Tara came to her to resolve their problems and then left.
Nick has been holding back and holding back, but it looks like he'll react much like Max did. Womenfolk on USOT aren't putting up a good show and the men have largely been sitting back, waiting for something to happen. Charmaine puts Neil in a tough spot, using his recommendation of abortion to have him sign over custody.
Score: 8.7/10
After the drug adventure last week, Marshall's neighbor is mad at him and Lionel for making the other gay neighbor run off. Apparently drugs do weird things to him.
Kate meets up with a rich guy who wants to talk to her about things. I don't see why other than that he's crazy, but he owns some yogurt stores, so how crazy can he be? At the end of the episode, Kate returns the getup and gets in a big fight with Lydia, who is upset both Kate and Tara came to her to resolve their problems and then left.
Nick has been holding back and holding back, but it looks like he'll react much like Max did. Womenfolk on USOT aren't putting up a good show and the men have largely been sitting back, waiting for something to happen. Charmaine puts Neil in a tough spot, using his recommendation of abortion to have him sign over custody.
Score: 8.7/10
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Review - United States of Tara Season 2 Episode 8 Explosive Diorama
Max, surprisingly, has put up with Tara and her crazy quirks far easier than the average person does. He works through the alters and all the resulting consequences with a resolve that makes me envious. However, he is still human. Finally, he blows up at Tara, not her alters but Tara herself, the woman he married. It's hard to blame Max. Tara is off all day with Lynda and ignores her family.
I've been annoyed with Charmaine, but she comes clean at least and Nick isn't happy. He doesn't bolt outright as I had expected, but with Neil around, I'm sure he feels weird.
Kate, or more exactly, Valhalla Hawkwind, is now doing the wishlist thing. She's not doing anything too extreme right now, sitting on cakes and balloons, but there is a progression to these events as she asks for more expensive gifts.
Marshall's gay friends aren't great people and go to the bathroom at the art gallery to snort Adderall. He's getting into deep business.
There are 5 episodes left in the season and every character has something compelling about them a storyline with huge potential. The alters didn't show up in the episode and it still worked out fine. Part of what makes this season so great is the organic nature of the conflicts. There doesn't have to be an alter randomly popping up to ruin things. They can ruin things on their own.
Score: 9.1/10
I've been annoyed with Charmaine, but she comes clean at least and Nick isn't happy. He doesn't bolt outright as I had expected, but with Neil around, I'm sure he feels weird.
Kate, or more exactly, Valhalla Hawkwind, is now doing the wishlist thing. She's not doing anything too extreme right now, sitting on cakes and balloons, but there is a progression to these events as she asks for more expensive gifts.
Marshall's gay friends aren't great people and go to the bathroom at the art gallery to snort Adderall. He's getting into deep business.
There are 5 episodes left in the season and every character has something compelling about them a storyline with huge potential. The alters didn't show up in the episode and it still worked out fine. Part of what makes this season so great is the organic nature of the conflicts. There doesn't have to be an alter randomly popping up to ruin things. They can ruin things on their own.
Score: 9.1/10
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Review - United States of Tara Season 2 Episode 7 Dept. of F'd Up Family Services
Maybe it was because I was watching at 3 in the morning, but I felt very uncomfortable right up until the end of the episode. I immediately had a sinking feeling once Max mentioned that Family Services was coming over. Although there were brilliant lines in the episode, perhaps more than any other episode this season, I couldn't enjoy them to the fullest because I was dreading what would happen in the end. I suspect that, partially, my feelings were a result of me being tied and not fully cogent, but I have to be honest about what I thought.
The deteriorating conditions almost came crashing to the ground, but due to a stroke of luck and a not very observant Family Service worker, Charmaine pretends to be Tara while Gimme is trapped in a room and explained away as a dog. Looks like they are scot-free from the government.
Could the deceased neighbor, Don Hubbard, be related to Tara. Part of her thinks so. She wakes up on his grave and draws a portrait of him, all without remembering anything. Max and Tara continue to argue, Tara is becoming friends with Marshall, and Max finally ditches an irate Courtney. Kate's storyline felt really icky to me. After talking to Knatasha Knightblade, she decides to start a mailing list, essentially selling her body for money and things she needs. I sure hope the writers don't go down that way.
Score: 8.9/10
The deteriorating conditions almost came crashing to the ground, but due to a stroke of luck and a not very observant Family Service worker, Charmaine pretends to be Tara while Gimme is trapped in a room and explained away as a dog. Looks like they are scot-free from the government.
Could the deceased neighbor, Don Hubbard, be related to Tara. Part of her thinks so. She wakes up on his grave and draws a portrait of him, all without remembering anything. Max and Tara continue to argue, Tara is becoming friends with Marshall, and Max finally ditches an irate Courtney. Kate's storyline felt really icky to me. After talking to Knatasha Knightblade, she decides to start a mailing list, essentially selling her body for money and things she needs. I sure hope the writers don't go down that way.
Score: 8.9/10
