Our pals down at the ‘Bench have had what I would call a reasonably successful season so far. The show has been entertaining, and has even managed to draw more viewers than 90210 more often than not, despite the weekly faceoff with the Idol juggernaut.
Unfortunately, as they continue to strive for mediocrity, The CW has narrowed its beams on that young women demo, where 90210 really puts the boots to Sam and his pals. That all adds up to the notion that we are probably watching the final few episodes of the show. The good news is, it’s going out on top. “To Sprong With Love” had a little something for everyone to do.
Starting with the absurd, we have Wrenchy. I liked nearly everything about that story. It played into Sock’s perplexing vanity, while being the perfect Lucy/football setup that dashes his hopes once again. Of course, Sock is no Charlie Brown. If nothing else, his amazing resilience while in the grips of defeat is one of his most fascinating characteristics, as we saw with the unconventional pep-talk at the end.
Really, though, from Sock’s growing obsession, to the throwdown with Bargain Brandon, to the big reveal that Brandon was an old lady, it was all hilarious. And it calls to mind the famous Cal Bear vs. Stanford Tree video (vintage Charlie Steiner). My one quibble with the story was how on Earth did Ted get promoted back to manager?
Wrenchy kept paying dividends as he was converted to Ben’s own personal Project Grizzly. I have to say, I completely missed on that one. From the first mention of Ben doing battle with a demon I thought, “No way.” As Nina so wonderfully illustrated by punching through a concrete wall, they are just two different worlds. When she relented, and the time came for the showdown, I was convinced that the fix was in. Nina would bring someone in to take a dive, pumping up Ben’s confidence, and setting things back on track. I’ve never been so tickled to be wrong. The sight of the demon trying to hump Ben, and the realization of just what was going on, was priceless.
That brings us to another unconventional soul of the week. I wouldn’t rank it among the best the series has offered, but there were two things I really liked about how it played out. First, Andi on the hunt. If there is one glaring weakness with Reaper it’s that they have never been sure what to do with Andi. Maybe it just sticks out more because the trio of Sam, Sock, and Ben work so well together, but it’s just never been quite right. I like this version of Andi best. It gives her much more to do and brings some variety.
Even better, Jerry again attempting to lure Sam to the dark side, by suggesting he let Sprong (Michael McDonald) be killed. They didn’t dwell on it, but I like the consistency. He’s so determined to get Sam to do something, anything, it makes me wonder if there isn’t a clause we don’t know about. I also really enjoyed his glee at knowing Sam had kidnapped Sprong. It’s building nicely toward what I suspect will be an exciting conclusion to the season, or series.
Clacked by Brett Love
on May 13, 2009 @ 11:00 EST5EDT
I was kind of sad watching last night because I’m going to miss these guys. I always think, “eh, I don’t have to watch.” Then when I do I wonder what the hell I was thinking. So smart and funny.
Ted was temporarily promoted last week when Andi agreed to let Sock use the Work Bench to hold Ted’s bachelor party. Ted had called it in himself.