It's Not Just a Bar, It's a Community! Abby's "Pilot" Series Premiere

Abby's is another new comedy series of the season that hits and misses the mark, but I still think it could be one of the year's best new series. Here's a recap!

In the pilot, we meet Abby, who's a military veteran who happens to run a bar in the backyard of a rental home. Abby is pretty famous with her friends and co-workers, but when she finds out that her landlord has passed and has a new one, her nephew, Bill.

Bill doesn't like what he sees and talks to Abby about shutting the whole place down. Abby tries her best not to let that happen; it's her friends and co-workers who help save the site when they tell Bill that the bar is the one place that Abby can own. After that, Bill allows Abby to continue with the bar but asks to at least get insurance just in case someone gets hurt.

The pilot isn't the greatest of all time, but it has moments showing it has legs. I'm interested in the characters, and even though some of the jokes are a bit goofy, it's got me laughing. Natalie Morales is the glue that holds this show together with a good group of cast. I'll be tuning in to see where this show will be going. Even though it has that Cheers vibe, it's still good anyway. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

You can catch Abby's Thursdays at 9:30/8 30c on NBC.

Go! Go! Go for it!!: Fresh Off The Boat "Trentina"/"These Boots Are Made for Walkin'"

"Trentina"

Eddie finally learns that Trent's sister, Tina, is the one that wrote that note. As Eddie and Tina go out, Trent tells Eddie to end it; but when he does he ends it right where Tina tries to help him improve to be a better person. Eddie breaks up with Tina and gets a lot of heat from not only Trent but Louis as well. Eddie understands and tries to win back Tina but after trying his hot pancake, she's not ready for a relationship right now and tells him when he's ready for one, to ask again.

Meanwhile, Cattleman was awarded the Golden Prun Award but there's a so-called cruise that could close down the restaurant with all the seniors' citizens. But thanks to Eddie's help, they got the seniors to leave with the front of the menu being so small. 

Also, after Evan failed the fitness run test, he asked Jessica to help him train. But Jessica isn't what you would call fit to run and tries everything in the book to not go. That is until Evan sees that she's not going because of him losing his fencing match. But she proves to him and goes along. In the end, they finish last but at least they finish what they started.

"Trentina" was a very good episode. The Eddie and Tina storyline was so good and Isabel Oliver Marcus steals the episode as Tina. Strong character development and writing as well but the performances were amazing from the cast. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

"These Boots Are Made for Walkin"

Louis and Evan suspect that Emery has a secret. Could Eddie call Jessica's bluff when she believes that he can't do anything on his own? Here's a recap!

 

When Louis sees that Emery is wearing cowboy boots around the house, Even gets Louis to think that maybe he's not going to his practices. After checking with the coach, Louis learns that Emery has quit the team weeks ago. Louis and Even do a stakeout and sees that Emery has ditched volleyball for a cowboy bar, which Louis learns that Emery is just trying out things to figure out what he enjoys. So the two line-dancing their talk and come to understanding. 

 

Jessica has been tired of Eddie's slacking; even when he works on his vitreal video game he based on his family. Eddie gets so fed up with his mother's rules that when she refuses to let him go on a cultural exchange program in Taiwan. Eddie had it and decides to leave home and live in Horace's apartment; which isn't quite what Eddie expected it. But when Jessica confronts Eddie; she's totally surprised by how he takes good care of himself and after he comes back home she decides that Eddie is responsible enough to go to Taiwan.

"These Boots Are Made for Walkin" was just another amazing episode. I loved the storylines between Louis and Emery and Jessica and Eddie as they're learning from one another. The performances from the cast were amazing and Constance Wu and Forrest Wheeler really gave their best performances. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Fresh Off The Boat Fridays at 8/7c on ABC.

Love, Mulan, and Sopranos: Fresh Off the Boat "Cupid's Crossbow"/"Be a Man"

"Cupid's Crossbow"

It's Valentine's Day and while Louis pulls a special Valentine's Day special at the Cattleman's; Eddie gets a mysterious love note from someone. Here's a recap!

As Louis prepares for a Valentine's Day special at the Cattleman's restaurant, he tries to get Jessica in on the love holiday but passes to do taxes. But when Even needs the advice to ask a girl, instead of going to Jessica...he goes to Louis.  Louis helps Evan and pulls off a gutsy move by dressing up as a frog to get Evan to ask her if she would be his valentine. Her answer: yes! 

Meanwhile, while Eddie has no dates, he works and delivers to those that aren't cooking from Cattleman. As he drops off his receipts, he gets a note on one of the back that read that someone has a crush on him. Eddie tries to go door to door and even gets Honey to help, but after getting chased, almost sprayed and asked for $15 dollars back; it all leads to nothing: even though he did think that Honey wrote it, which she didn't. But the mysterious person happens to be Trent's sister. 

Also, to prove that Jessica knows about love and the valentines day holiday; she tries to show Evan and Louis but failed even with her so call a fake boyfriend. But she apologies to Evan about her acted but this time she really apologies. 

"Cupid's Crossbow" was a very good episode. Talk about a stunning move as Evan chooses his father over his mother for advice to ask a girl out. I so much enjoy watching Louis helping Evan coming up with ways to get him to ask his girlfriend on a date. Also, the Eddie and Honey storyline was good as well and the ending to who it was was pretty stunning at most. Overall, I give the episode an 8/10.

"Be A Man"

When Jessica realizes that Eddie might have influenced Evan to do "Eddie" things, it worries her to death about her perfect little boy. When Evan gets suspended for pulling a fart act; Jessica gets Eddie to apologies. But it all comes down to the real truth and that was that Evan tried his best to avoid facing a tough competitor in fencing. Eddie and Jessica tell Evan that it doesn't matter if he wins or loses, Jessica will still love him. In the end, he lost but celebrated by going to the arcade with Eddie. 

Meanwhile, Louis learns that Honey and Marvin has HBO and wants to watch The Sopranos. When Louis ask Marvin for help with a rat problem in his mother's room, Marvin asked to switch places so he can take care of the rat while Louis can watch The Sopranos with Honey. But after watching a few episodes, things start to overthink for Louis as Marvin and his mother have become very close. He sends Emery to spy on them and learn that they were all talking about good things about him. After apologizing, Louis gives Honey, Marvin, and his mother his one-person show, for which he should apologize for too.  

"Be a Man" was a very good episode. I love the Jessica, Eddie and Evan storyline as it was probably one of the best this season. Strong character development and good performances as well. I enjoyed the Louis storyline, but it was overshadowed by some of The Sopranos references; which had me thinking of rewatching the show. Overall, I give this episode an 8/10.

You can catch Fresh Off the Boat Fridays at 8/7c on ABC.

Life In Pieces "Jungle Push Resort Anniversary"/"Demo Nosebreath Surgery Match" Episode Preview

We're just one day away till the season premiere of Life In Pieces. Here's a preview:

"Jungle Push Resort Anniversary"

When the Short family arrives at their vacation resort in the Yucatan, their accommodations aren't quite what they expected. Also, Heather is ridiculously overprotective of Sophia during the family activities. Jen and Greg discover that Matt and Colleen have been duping everyone, and John and Joan get separated from their tour group in the jungle.

"Demo Nosebreath Surgery Match"

When Colleen and Matt try to impress a potential birth mother, they have a hard time competing against another rich, swanky couple. Also, Jen's pregnancy takes a toll on Greg; Heather lets John take credit for her housekeeping while Joan recovers from knee surgery. And Tim arranges for Tyler to record a demo at a friend's studio.

Clips/Promo:

I am literally excited for the return of Life In Pieces. It's literally my favorite CBS comedy as the show has such a strong ensemble cast and the writing to such awesome characters that I could relate at times. It looks like the season premiere is going to be a great television event to grab the family and sitting in front of the television.


You can catch the one-hour season premiere of Life in Pieces Thursday, April 18 at 8:30/7:30c and 9:30/8:30c on CBS.

Opening The Door: This Is Us "Her" Season Finale

The season three finale of This Is Us found the door that was not only comforting but also opens a new door that asked more questions. Here's a recap!

Let's just start with Kate and Toby because I think we should start with some good news coming out of the finale. As baby Jack is pulling through and breathing on his own; the doctor wants everyone to watch closing as he might forget to breathe. Rebecca is there to learn alongside with Kate and Toby of what to do when baby Jack forgets to breathe...by tapping his leg. During a moment between Kate and Rebecca, Jack forgets to breathe and Rebecca just tapped his leg while Kate was worried and trying to get a nurse. All is good as the baby was brought home.

Kevin and Zoe spend some time with Tess and Annie. Tess needs a new dress for the school dance, but doesn't know what's her own style and look. She talks about it with Kevin and the two connected as he helped with her problem. Kevin still thinks that he and Zoe being around Tess and Annie could change her mind about having children, but that's a no go. Eventually, they break up.

In the past; Rebecca getting into a car accident and had to stay a night in the hospital. Jack and the kids weren't too happy not having her around. He decides to go see her a few hours before visiting hours were to be; but the nurse allowed them to go anyway.

As for Beth and Randall, the two are having a hard time finding the door to the solution for their problem. As Deja gave Randall advice that opened his mind to resign his position; Beth found a way to make it all work: moving to Philadelphia as she wants to start her own dance studio. After thinking about it, Randall, Beth, and company pack up their things as they move.

As we come to an end, we see the future as Beth makes coffee and Randall and Tess come in. They are in apparently Kevin's home and everyone is coming that includes Toby and Jack. Kevin's son is walking around and tells Randall that Kevin is out getting take-out and soon Randall goes to see Rebecca, who's not only too good. Nicky is there by her bedside and Randall comes in to tell her, "It's Randall mom, your son."

"Her" was such an emotional and heartbreaking season finale with humor to help get through it. I had predicted that Baby Jack would make at the end of the season, plus Kevin and Zoe breaking up. I still think that Kevin and Sophie will get back together.

As for the Randall and Beth situation, I thought could go 50/50 either way. But watching them decide to move and seeing where she still has her wedding ring on when hugging Randall in the future scene; it seems that things are all right.

The heartwarming moment came when watching Jack pleading with the nurse for them to be with Rebecca after a long night without her. But the heartbreaking moment came when we see Randall walk to Rebecca's room to see her not looking so good. Could she have Alzheimer's? I had a feeling that the series finale would be around the death of Rebecca in one of the most joyous endings.

The writing and performance of this episode were outstanding. There might have been some predicted moments.  Overall I enjoyed it and I thought it was another great episode and another great ending. I give this episode a 9.5/10.

You can catch This Is Us available to watch on Hulu, NBC.com and other platforms. 

The Umbrella Academy Renewed for Season 2

Looks like the forecast is looking sunny for The Umbrella Academy.

On Tuesday, TVLive has learned that Netflix has renewed its comic book adaptation for a second season.

Season two will span 10-hour long installment episodes that match season one episode count. The series is based on the comic books by Gerard Way, The Umbrella Academy takes place after the bizarre events of 1989 when 43 infants were inexplicably born on the same day to random, unconnected women who showed no signs of pregnancy the day before giving birth. Seven were adopted by a billionaire who created The Umbrella Academy and prepares his "children" to save the world.

The six surviving members reunite upon the news of their father's passing and must work together solve a mystery surrounding his death. But the estranged family begins to come apart due to their divergent personalities and abilities, not to mention the imminent threat of a global apocalypse.

The series stars Ellen Page, Tom Hopper, David Castaneda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Aidan Gallagher, and Justin Min and all are confirmed to return for Season 2, as well as the showrunner, Steve Blackman. And the production is set to begin this summer.

Always In my Television Heart: ER: 10 Years Later After Series Finale

It's one of those days I can't forget that changed my television world forever.

I remember it like yesterday, April 2, 2009, as the day it would change my life in the future television world forever. I've been through other series finales that made me cry, mad, and even laugh, but this one show meant more to me than anything else in the television universe. That specific date is the day that ER ended its 15-season run.

The morning of Thursday, April 2, 2009, was one gloomy day to start, as I had an early class downtown. It was cloudy with showers. I had stopped to pick up newspapers like the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune as I would think they would have put something in there for the series finale of ER. I've gone through each section and found several pages about the show and some with poster ads.

After my only class for that day, I headed back home while listening to the ER soundtrack on my MP3 player. As I get home, I go through the VHS tape of the Today Show when Noah Wyle was on to promote the series finale. I kept myself busy with the usual stuff from watching ESPN until 5 p.m. of the news that the Chicago Bears had made a trade for Jay Cutler (how great that turned out to be ten years later). My grandmother and I ordered Chinese food for dinner, and as time flew by, the world learned that Guiding Light was also ending.

At 7 pm, the special retrospective of ER begins as well, as the waterworks started as the doors opened at County General. As you're going through the hospital doors and into the ER, you hear the voices of all the characters that had worked on the show, from Anthony Edwards' Dr. Greene in the pilot to Noah Wyle's stepping up during an outbreak in Season 4; to George Clooney's Dr. Ross talks about how he tries to help kids who suffer from pain to even William H. Macy's character telling Edward's character that "you set the tone."

The special was an hour-long celebration of the show's origins and how the show has changed network television in medical drama and drama. Two parts restarted the waterworks, reliving the events of Dr. Greene's last episode to even acknowledging the creator of the series, Michael Crichton, who had passed away in Nov. 2008.

The series finale was one that I believe was written for the fans but also paid tribute to the pilot. The two-hour pilot was like a documentary-style episode with bits and pieces of moments that took you back from the past 15 years of the show's history.

There were many moments of laughter, but moments that brought you to tears, from a husband losing his wife to a mother dying after giving birth to twins. Not to mention, a homosexual HIV patient learns that he's got terminal cancer and accepts it without fear as he feels he lived long enough.
I can't forget the significant moments of former cast members returning. Susan Lewis, Elizabeth Corday, Kerry Weaver, Peter Benton, and Rachael Greene, Dr. Greene's daughter, try to get in as medical students at County General, where her father worked.

As the finale ends, we get a moment when residents, doctors, nurses, and Rachael discuss their med-student experience. Sam got a call from EMTs about a mass casualty at a chemical plant explosion and was on the way. As everyone gets ready, all the doctors and nurses come out together, awaiting, and Carter gets prepared, too. As the ambulance rolls in, everyone takes each patient. Carter takes a burn victim. As he rolls them in, he turns to Rachael and asks, "Dr. Greene, are you coming?" and she comes along.

As the episode closes, the doctors and nurses check on other ambulances outside the hospital. As the camera moves back, we see for the first time the building that is County General Hospital with the theme music playing in the background.

"And In The End" was a series finale that was a remembrance of the 15 seasons of the show, with its powerful and emotional stories to the humorist side of the show too. Now, it only shows the strong character growth of the doctors and nurses, but the patients who come in and out may or may not live in the hospital. Still to this day, ten years later, I am still overwhelmed by rewatching the finale of ER.

Watching the series finale of ER was the first time I would lose a television show that I had watched since I was five years old. I'd always thought that ER could live forever, but I know that it will live forever, not only on DVD and digital but in my heart as well.  And on every April 2 since I do indeed rewatch the series finale, and not only do I still get emotional watching it. But I felt so lucky to have watched a show that ran for 15 seasons.