The Newsroom "I'll Try to Fix You"

          Once again, Aaron Sorkin (the writer and creator of The Newsroom) delivered a fabulous episode. The fourth episode, "I'll Try to Fix You", was perfectly titled because it dealt with fixing people up for dates, fixing relationships, and fixing the news industry.
          While at a New Years Eve office party, Will McAvoy decided to take a risk and talk to a beautiful woman.  Little did he know, that she was a gossip columnist intent on writing a 'takedown piece' on a celebrity. Will tries to convince her that she it being cruel but fails because he insults her. She throws her drink in his face which lands him in a tabloid the following day. Several similar situations happen all with the same outcome. By the end of the episode, Will is on the front page of a gossip magazine. Its ironic yet beautiful that Will tried to save a celebrity from the wrath of a gossip columnist, but ended up the victim himself.
          While I love every episode of The Newsroom, this episode stands out above the rest because Aaron Sorkin criticized the cruel world of tabloid news. After watching this episode, I started thinking about how insensitive the news can be. Many people fail to realize that their entertainment (tabloids) is at the expense of other people's lives. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes announced that they were getting divorce a few days ago, which has given Extra and TMZ a lot to talk about.  As soon as I heard about the divorce, I pitied them nobody wants to have a broken heart, especially when its broadcasted across the world within minutes. According to the Holmes and Rahe stress scale, divorce is the second highest cause of illness after the death of a spouse. That being said, its pathetic and cruel use these stranger's relationship as a form of amusement. Luckily, I believe Aaron Sorkin and I share the same views on entertainment news which contributed to my praise of this episode.

Dexter Season 6 Episode 7 "Nebraska"

          Wow. Each episode this seasons continues to top the last. With Brian Moser (Christian Camargo) back in the show, my excitement has skyrocketed. I am absolutely ecstatic because the writers included Brian and the Trinity killer.  I love it when they incorporate previous seasons like in seasons 4 and 5.

          After killing Nick (Brother Sam’s murderer) Brian shows up as the Dark Passenger.  This is the first time we have seen the physical presence of the Dark Passenger since season 1.  About halfway into the episode, I thought I wanted Brian (Christian Camargo) to be a series regular instead of a guest star. Although only a few minutes later I retracted that. Brian started out being the happy brother who was encouraging Dexter to kill innocent people, but later began trying to force Dexter into this decision.  At Dexter’s breaking point, he had random sex with a grocery store clerk, stole a gun, and went on a street sign shooting rampage.  It was a little bit over the top, but I’ve had bigger problems with the show.

          Prof. Gellar and Travis Marshall have been on the back burner in the last few episodes due to the problems occurring with Dexter and Brother Sam. Hopefully these next few episodes will show more of them. 

          I am very happy that the rivalries between LaGuerta, Quinn, Deb, and Batista are dissipating.  While Deb and Maria smoothed out a little, Deb and Quinn finally patched things up between them. I am still hoping that they end up back together because they were such a cute couple. Their characters seem to be written perfectly for them to be together.  

          I noticed a couple great camera shots throughout the episode. My favorite one was when Dexter is talking to the pot farmer and Brian stabs him with the pitchfork. The camera rotates behind the farmer and reveals Dexter holding the tool.  I thought this was scary because Dexter seemed to have almost no control over the situation. Brian (the Dark Passenger) quickly possessed Dexter’s body and took over. Normally, the Dark Passenger encourages and tempts Dexter, just like Jordan Chase in season 5.

          The situation with Jonah was extremely captivating and thought provoking. I assumed that Jonah didn’t take on the persona of Trinity due to his hatred of his father. Also, it seemed way to obvious. After watching the Dexter seasons repeatedly, I have managed to figure out how the writers work, and have realized that usually the first guess is the wrong one. I am still hoping that Dexter will somehow adopt Jonah into his life. Despite being a killer, I can see Jonah acting like Dexter’s son. At that point, Dexter would train and mentor him just as Harry did.

          I’m glad that Dexter’s rebellious streak has dissipated, and Harry is back in his life as the Light Passenger.

          Lewis (Masuka’s intern) seems to be getting even creepier. If you didn’t notice, Lewis managed to get into Dexter’s house with permission by going out with Jamie Batista.  I’m guessing he only did this to snoop around. Maybe he’s another apprentice of Prof. Gellar, maybe he’s in love, or maybe he’s just looking for a role model.  It doesn’t matter. Lewis is creepy.

          Great episode. The season is getting better and has already surpassed my rating of season 5. 

          What did you think of it?

House M.D. Season 8 Episode 4 "Risky Business"

          Another wonderful episode of House. Even though the entire medical portion was predictable, I love the character interaction.

          House never fails to astound me. For the first time in the show, House spoke fluent Mandarin. It seems like something Sherlock Holmes would do considering the entire show it based on Holmes. 

          Along with the movie Sherlock Holmes, I found myself lingering on every word House said. Both to be entertained and amazed. No wonder this show, and the Sherlock Holmes franchise has done so well. People don’t watch this show for the medical work, they watch it for House.

          I would have to say that I am envious of House. His humor is astounding and almost infectious to those around him. Despite this, he has little to no emotion and cannot become close to others, qualities that I have no intention of having.

          For the first time, I noticed the slight background music that begins to play when a patient has a heart attack, vomits blood, or has frightening symptom. This music is barely   but causes anxiety within the viewers, drawing them in.  It helps that the instruments used are mostly synthesizers so people notice the music less.   

          At one point, House transformed into MacGyver and created a strobe light that causes vomiting in order to reclaim the other part of his office. Unbelievable. This is a simple example of the writers keeping the show fresh and entertaining.

          I loved Dr. Park talking to Wilson about House. It seemed funny because every piece of advise Wilson gives Park has a story or experience with House behind it. Wilson has learned a lot from his mistakes with House and still loses battles (as seen in the end).

          I would love for House to take an IQ test. With his deductive reasoning, medical knowledge, and highly advanced reversed psychology skills, he could probably score around a 144 (genius level).

          The final scene where Adams smashes everything with a baseball bat was visually astounding. The director of this episode used the perfect amount of slow motion to make the scene entertaining and authentic. 

          Another entertaining episode. Another long week to wait for the next one to air. Let me know what you thought of the episode.