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The Pajiba Power Rankings: Feminist Hypocrisy Edition

By Dustin Rowles | Posted Under TV Reviews | Comments (38)

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The weekly Power Rankings rank the best television episodes of the week. The latest covers Sunday, February 19th to Saturday, February 25th.

10. Episodes: The final episode of the series finally demonstrated that this show could be decent. The first (and maybe only) season wasted a lot of opportunities to use Matt LeBlanc as a real punchline, but the final ep hit a few high notes and extracted a decent amount of drama out of the affair. It was also the first time I kind of wished that the show could come back next season.

9. Parks and Recreation: The Tommy Fresh subplot had a few great lines, but it kind of fizzled. However, I love that it took Ann a full week to realize that Chris had dumped her. Plus, Ron Swanson’s scene in the diner was perfect (“Give me all the bacon and eggs you have. All of them.”)

8. Raising Hope: Sometimes, I wish I were gay so I could properly worship Amy Sedaris without everyone thinking I was gay. She was brilliant in this week’s episode, and appropriately played the sister of Martha Plimpton, with whom 47 percent of the American population confuses with Sedaris anyway.

7. The Good Wife: “The Good Wife” could pull out Gary Cole’s Kurt McVeigh every single week, and I’d never complain. He’s the only Tea Party Republican I could ever love. The real highlight this week, however, was the subplot with Eli (Alan Cumming) and America Ferrera; we finally got some insight into where Eli draws the line.

6. Justified: The subplot with Dewey Crowe was great, and I can’t wait for Boyd Crowder to finally lose it and go full-on villain again, but I’m not so sure about the Joelle Carter subplot. Unless they get her job involved again, she seems more distracting than helpful to the direction of the show.

5. Community: There is a lot of rumbling about how “Community” is beginning to tell the same story, week after week, using different genres. The characters no longer grow — they just learn the same lessons over and over again. I get it. But it’s still the best comedy on television — in fact, there was more comedy in the on-screen summaries of the candidates in this week’s episode than there is in a full episode of most shows.

4. Chicago Code: “Chicago Code” is not doing exceptionally in the ratings (7.9 million viewers last week), but it did see an uptick from the second to the third week. It’s a good time to jump on, folks. You’re only three episodes behind (all available on the Fox website), and the show is proving to be the best cop show on TV since “The Wire.” In this week’s episode, Alderman Ronin Gibbons absolutely played Superintendent Colvin.

3. Modern Family: “Modern Family” is always good, but this week may have been the best episode since the winter break. The fight between Phil and Claire was hilariously explored, and it actually hit upon a fairly common issue in marriages, but one that’s rarely mined for comedy: How we dismiss our partner’s opinions, but so readily accept the same advice from other people.

2. 30 Rock: It was a tough choice for top spot this week, with “30 Rock” barely losing out to “Parenthood.” However, “30 Rock” gets huge points for not just having a hilarious episode, but for taking on its own feminist hypocrisy. There was a lot of context to the episode that many may not have caught (specifically, Jezebel’s criticisms of both “The Daily Show” and “30 Rock,” as well as the website’s own feminist hypocrisy), so I encourage folks to check out Rebecca Traister’s insightful piece on the episode over on Salon.com. It thoughtfully brings to the surface all the layers beneath the jokes in this episode.

1. Parenthood: Gut wrenching. Gut wrenching at every turn. Crosby just can’t get out of the way of himself, and may have destroyed his relationship with Jasmine and his future relationship with his kid. Even more upsetting was how he cost Max his therapist. And after an episode of sweet (Zeek and Camille falling back in love) and heartbreaking (the speech that John Corbett gave Sarah Braverman), it was the look on Max’s face when he asked what autism was that absolutely floored me. I totally fucking lost it. With “Friday Night Lights” and now “Parenthood,” Jason Katims may be the best showrunner on television right now.










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Comments

Is that Terrence Mann in the header pic? Yeah, Rum Tum Tugger!

Posted by: Sara Tonin at February 28, 2011 2:08 PM

I have to disagree with you on a few things. First of all, this week's Parenthood was great (as always), but the two episodes prior to this one were phenomenal. I'm surprised this is the week it finally made it to #1. I think it felt disjointed, and I was really enjoying John Corbett in the role of Seth until this week when it seemed like he kind of phoned it in. Also, please tell me that when you get older, you don't completely lose your ability to kiss like a normal human being (i.e. the awkwardness that was the Zeke-Camille scene).

Secondly, Joelle Carter needs to remain on Justified because her chemistry with Timothy Olyphant is OFF THE CHARTS. According to some other stuff I've read, fans want him with his ex-wife, but all my friends who watch it can't stand the ex and love Ava. I probably watched their last scene like 5 times because it was so smokin' hot and brimming with sexual tension. The Olyphant could have chemistry with a shoe, so it shouldn't be that hard, but that pairing is special.

Posted by: Mel C. at February 28, 2011 2:11 PM

Re: Justified, Margo Martindale should be declared a national treasure.

Re: Parenthood, am I the only person who thinks Crosby deserves some sympathy here? Jasmine pulled one very nasty passive-aggressive punch deciding she HAD to visit her aunt and take the kid with her. This is a second time she has used the kid as a bargaining chip in her relationship (she threatened to keep him away in Season One too), not to mention abandoning him for her European jaunt. If I were Crosby, I'd get a very good custody lawyer and let that be it.

Posted by: PaddyDog at February 28, 2011 2:14 PM

I do feel some sympathy for Crosby, and I hated the "you don't deserve anything good in your life!" line.

Posted by: Mel C. at February 28, 2011 2:18 PM

@Mel C I totally agree with you and your friends. Frankly, I find Winona wishy-washy and annoying. All she does is whine about how Raylan doesn't behave the way she wants. Ava was always sort of wacky and unexpected and basically cheerful.

I have to disagree on Boyd Crowder, though--I like him as a good guy, and keep hoping he'll continue to be Raylan's secret ally, particularly with those crazy matriarchal weed people on the horizon.

Posted by: Siege at February 28, 2011 2:19 PM

The Jezebel shout-out on 30 Rock was fantastic. I haven't looked at the site since the redesign, but I can only imagine how outraged they were. I bet they did a whole article on how wrong the show was, and how feminist they really are, and probably went on to say that Tina Fey is ugly.

Posted by: figgy at February 28, 2011 2:25 PM

Oops, the link to the Salon article is broken.

Posted by: figgy at February 28, 2011 2:26 PM

FYI, Sedaris played Plimpton's cousin, not sister. I hate myself for nitpicking.

Posted by: logar at February 28, 2011 2:30 PM

To quote my brother (re: Boyd Crowder): "This week's performance was a little too 'Daniel Day' for my taste."

Posted by: elizabeth at February 28, 2011 2:34 PM

I caught up on Chicago Code this weekend and it is fucking badass. I hope it gets picked up for a second season, but knowing Fox...

I love Justified, but am I the only one that thinks it's missing something? The show is just kind of "there". It needs some kind of dramatic turn soon, although the Boyd scene at the end came close.

Posted by: Riles at February 28, 2011 2:37 PM

"I took an exotic dance class at the local church."

"You mean before that you were worse?"

Raising Hope's Bert may be my favorite character on a comedy this season. And how can anyone NOT love Amy Sedaris?

Posted by: JH at February 28, 2011 2:38 PM

Son, if we were making a list of reasons why people might think you're gay, "Worshiping Amy Sedaris" wouldn't be on it.

Posted by: Tracer Bullet at February 28, 2011 2:39 PM

When I get made fun of for loving the WB show, Roswell, so desperately, all I have to do is say that Jason Katims produced it. Sure it's cheesy and teen angtsy but I love it so.

Posted by: wendy at February 28, 2011 2:42 PM

RE Justified: I think the ex-wife and the marshal are head for splitsville (again). Not sure what ended it the first time, but what should end it this time is her indecisiveness. Divorcing one dude, then marrying another dude, then fucking around on the second dude with the first dude: that's straight-up bitch behavior right there. That's why people like Ava better. She's up-front (as far as I can tell, so far) about what she wants. The ex-wife is just a user.

I think the show is trying to demonstrate that the marshal is steely and wily when it comes to everybody but his ex-wife. Which is often how that shit happens in real life. Somebody is uber-professional at their job and a goddam dipshit in their personal life.

Posted by: Slash at February 28, 2011 2:49 PM

I enjoy Justified, and I completely second the love for Margo Martindale. She's great so far.

Can someone remind me, though, why Rayland and Ava aren't together anymore? I can't remember how it went down last season.

Posted by: The Wandering Parakeet at February 28, 2011 2:49 PM

Well now I just feel guilty for giving up on Parenthood after the third or fourth episode of this season.

Thanks Rowles.

Posted by: grace b at February 28, 2011 2:50 PM

Parenthood completely killed me. I was a puddle. And no, I feel nothing for Crosby. Seriously how long was it since they had that fight? A Week?

Posted by: stupidgirl1121 at February 28, 2011 2:54 PM

I know its pervy, but that Kick-Ass girl is on my long term (5-10 year) radar. I'm just saying.

Posted by: L.O.V.E. at February 28, 2011 2:54 PM

Don't feel bad grace b. The first four eps of this season's Parenthood were Godawful. I now only watch it if I remember to check what's on On Demand, but the last few eps were better.

Posted by: PaddyDog at February 28, 2011 2:56 PM

Thought this was one of the best Community episodes of the year, but Modern Family was a bit week.

Posted by: L.O.V.E. at February 28, 2011 2:56 PM

In Parenthood, I think Jasmine is a terrible human being. She sees Jabar as "hers" instead of his own self. Just compare her to Sarah and the tough choices she has to make to help her children grow into functional adults which means including their dad and all his faults. Jasmine cuts Crosby out of her son's life, shows up without warning, takes her son to NY, leaves him with his grandma, and is now trying to take the high horse about how much of a screwup Crosby is? She is so selfish and self-absorbed, I can't wait for Crosby to sick Julia on her. Crosby is a jackass, but Jasmine is a bitch.

Posted by: Jennifer at February 28, 2011 2:59 PM

I don't think a godawful Parenthood episode has been made. Not sure what you saw.

Posted by: elizabeth at February 28, 2011 3:04 PM

RE "Can someone remind me, though, why Rayland and Ava aren't together anymore? I can't remember how it went down last season."

I can't remember either. He probably did that douchebag thing where the dude doesn't actually break up with you, he just acts like he owes you money, then when you ask what's up, he gives you the "it's not you, it's me" speech. Seriously, I think she just figured out he was porking the ex-wife and told him to go to hell, but I can't promise that's what happened.

Posted by: Slash at February 28, 2011 3:12 PM

I absolutely think Crosby deserves sympathy - and a better older brother. Who Crosby porks is none of his brother's business. And Jasmine and her mother lord Jabar over Crosby like he's a prize that Crosby is allowed to take part in, instead of his own son. Adam and Kristina need to unload a little of their sanctimonious bullshit elsewhere.

Posted by: Cindy at February 28, 2011 3:22 PM

Perhaps we expect different things from the show? I would say easily half of the episodes that have aired of Parenthood have been Godawful. The show seems to think Asbergers = being an annoying selfish kid. It portrays Monica Potter's character as the worst one-dimensional stereotype of a helicopter mother and Julia as working mother = incapable of being normal. At this stage I'm watching it only for the performances of Lauren Graham and Peter Krause.

Posted by: PaddyDog at February 28, 2011 3:24 PM

Re: Parenthood - somehow this show has made me both excited to have kids one day but also terrified. I'm not sure if us childless folks should be allowed to watch it, it might be letting us see too far behind the curtain.

Posted by: benjiep at February 28, 2011 3:26 PM

Where's The Office?

Signed,
That One Person Who Hangs Onto a Show Long After It Stopped Being Good

/sob

Posted by: Snuggiepants at February 28, 2011 3:51 PM

I completely disagree on Monica Potter's character being one-dimensional. She reminds me so much of my own mother, and I know a few people who feel the same.

And this isn't a knock on my mother, but I think that's why she's not a favorite character for people. Too real. More people have overbearing mothers like Christina than mothers like Sarah. That being said, Lauren Graham and Peter Krause ARE exceptional. Julia's character has really grown over time too.

Posted by: elizabeth at February 28, 2011 3:52 PM

Re: Justified: Ava and Raylan aren't together because Ava saw Winona leaving his hotel room at a godawful hour and realized he still had a thing going with the ex. She got all up in a snit about it for about 1 episode, then after the shit from the last ep went down (the shootout in which Papa Crowder is killed and Boyd, Raylan, and Ava escape), she basically said "Eff you" to Raylan and moved home, letting Boyd move in with her (!?!).

I didn't like her until now. Heh.

Posted by: Meggrs at February 28, 2011 4:17 PM

I had been starting to like her more and more over the course of the first season, but when Ava called Raylan out on his bullshit after he found her sitting in her living room in the dark with a shotgun, I began to love her.

Posted by: Mel C. at February 28, 2011 4:48 PM

A few episodes before Ava caught Raylan banging Winona again ... Raylan dumped Ava because their relationship had caused Ava to be labeled an unreliable witness (concerning Raylan shooting Boyd in self-defense at the end of the pilot episode). Supposedly, Raylan felt entirely guilty when Boyd got off the prison hook because of this, so he broke up with Ava because he didn't want to be with her when he got that first call that Boyd had killed someone. Regardless, they would've broken up anyway down the line when Raylan started sleeping with Winona again. Because, you know, the ladies can't resist his hat.

Posted by: agent bedhead at February 28, 2011 5:09 PM

@Meggrs, ok, thanks for that recap! I dimly recall the Winona-leaving-the-motel thing. Certainly it was overshadowed by the shoot-out at the cabin.

Posted by: The Wandering Parakeet at February 28, 2011 5:21 PM

I felt bad for Crosby (and that he was completely right about Jasmine) until he slept with Minka Kelly. Not only is that a terrible thing to do, but it's falling back on his old ways, and it might cost him his relationship with Jabbar. So no, now I don't feel any sympathy for him, he screwed up 3 relationships in a matter of hours.

Posted by: Even Stevens at February 28, 2011 6:04 PM

You gals feeling sympathy for Crosby will be one of those things I pretend I don't know.

/fingers in ears, humming

Lalala, the women of Pajiba are my soulmates!

Bliss.

Posted by: becks at February 28, 2011 6:34 PM

I don't care how much context and how many layers it had, 30 Rock was still not funny.

Posted by: Three-nineteen at February 28, 2011 10:15 PM

Snuggie, I'm holding on with you. HARD.

Posted by: figgy at February 28, 2011 10:40 PM

wendy, I hate Jason Katims because of Roswell. Ronald D. Moore was a producer on that show too, but that didn't make it any better. I'm still willing to give him another chance with FNL, though.

I'm still not convinced that Chicago Code is that great, but I'll stick with it for now.

You guys make me hate the cable providers in my country even more for not airing Justified.

Posted by: Uda at February 28, 2011 10:41 PM

Sorry, but you've missed the best episode entirely - "The French Mistake," the meta episode of Supernatural.

Posted by: Sammie at March 1, 2011 12:26 PM