Television
The Simpsons (Disney +)
So my unsung Simpsons hero of the week is the composer. I think it is Alf Clausen. I know Danny Elfman composed the theme song and it’s fantastic in its own right.
That’s not the music I’m talking about here. I mean the music that plays in the background when things are happening.
Some of these themes are so beautifully moving. Next time you watch an episode of The Simpsons, pay attention.
My favorite thing is when there’s a musical number, and they have to make a song sound like another song without infringing on its copyright. Those scratch my brain in exactly the right way.
Somebody Somewhere (MAX)
I am so sad this show is ending forever. Not just for the season but forever. These characters are the kind that I wish I could spend time with every year until the end. I see big things for all the stars and will for sure be watching their careers.
I’l definitely be crying during the last episode. Not like I don’t get allergies every week.
This week I got tears watching Sam bring turkey to the Icelander. I love their vibes so much. They seem well suited. I feel like he would simply accept her and that is so important.
I’m gonna miss this show so much.
Shrinking (AppleTV+)
I don’t have a lot of words. This show just keeps being great.
High Potential (ABC or Paramount +)
On hiatus, boo.
Abbott Elementary (ABC / Hulu)
Also on hiatus, boo.
SNL (Peacock)
See above.
Dead Like Me
Not much to say about this show except it is the best one ever. It has everything: heart, amazing writing, incredible performances and Mandy Patinkin.
English Teacher: The First Season -again (Hulu)
I wanted something mindless but smart, so I put on episode one and got all sucked in again.
The kids (and the coach) are my favorite parts, still.
I don’t know how it would work, but I would also like to see a crossover with Abbott Elementary and this show.
Australian TV (Or Dropout TV)
Australian Survivor Heroes vs. Villains
I saw Aubz in person this week, but we did not watch Aussie Survivor. We only had stoop time. It was A+ and amazing.
Dirty Laundry (Dropout TV)
There was an episode that was all drag queens that I loved! Also, I’m on the third season and I don’t like it as much. Casting has thrown a wider net and we have casts featuring other shows (like Drag Race and G4 and other things.)
I enjoyed it more when there were just Dropout folks, but I understand those stories will run out, so it’s not tenable.
There is a Survivor episode coming up, though. I can’t wait for that.
Movies
Mean Girls – 2004 (Prime)
Aubz is in town with her tour, and I’m going to see the show! So I watched the movie again.
This is a classic. Lindsey Lohan is perfect as Cady. This movie perfectly encapsulates that period in time for that part of society.
Ranking: 7/10 Oh’s
Mean Girls – 2024 (Prime)
And then, of course, I had to re
I think this is a bop and does the original justice. In fact, I think Renee Rapp’s Regina George is better than Rachel McAdams’.
I can’t wait to see it live on stage.
Ranking: 8/10 Oh’s (It was Renee Rapp that put it over the top)
Mean Girls – 2024 (Broadway Touring Company)
The costumes were A+ fantastic.
The stage… was not.
It felt like half of it got lost on the way to the theater and they had to make due. It made me sad, because I knew it could have been so much more.
Janis was FANTASTIC. The actress who played all the grown up parts blew me away. She in particular nailed the Tina Fey character. She had spme really fast, and really impressive costume changes.
The bus gag at the end was slow motion and it really played well from the audience.
The copy machine gag? Notsomuch.
Ranking 4/10 Ohs (the merch in the lobby was pure trash, too. Just the laziest crap.)
Out of My Mind (Disney +)
I watched this movie because Mickey and I were settling in with our lunch to watch The Simpsons and Out of My Mind was being advertised at the top.
My brain translated one of the faces as Steve from Sex and the City and so we looked for more information.
It was not Steve. It was instead Luke Kirby, who played Lenny Bruce on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Also starring in the movie was Rosemarie DeWitt, Judith Light, and the voice of Jennifer Aniston.
They were all great, but the real star barely spoke a word.
This is Phoebe Rae Taylor’s first movie, and I don’t think it will be her last. She acted the hell out of this with little more than her eyes, expression, and body language.
Here is the description from the pros:
Melody Brooks is navigating sixth grade as a nonverbal wheelchair user who has cerebral palsy. With the help of some assistive technology and her devoted allies, Melody shows that what she has to say is more important than how she says it.
The story almost gets where it needs to get, but it just doesn’t go hard enough.
I loved seeing the variety of disabilities presented, played by folks with those actual disabilities. It can be done.
Next time you’re looking for a good (happy) cry, put this on. It’s worth your time.
