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timmurphy
Reviews
The Bear: Forks (2023)
Ritchie finds his purpose
The finest hour of television.in 2023, hands down. After being in insufferable prick for the previous 14 episodes, Richie finally finds his purpose in the restaurant business. This episode was so beautifully written, it put the punctuation mark on why people at high-end restaurants do what they do. Act of service. Every second counts. Richie learning respect from Garrett. There is not a wasted second in this episode. Richie Don, his suit of armor, and getting permission from Chef Jess to deliver the Peaquod's deep dish is the metamorphosis of Richie's character. Chef Terri telling Richie that he is good with people setting his destiny with the Bear. You can't help be proud of Richie for finally shedding his jagoff persona and becoming the service professional he wants to be.
The West Wing: Shutdown (2003)
Sorkin's absence is painfully noted
CJ is hosting a press gaggle on the lawn after the White House shuts down and laments she can't wear her new Donna Karan gown to a state dinner. While on camera. In the middle of a government shutdown where services and subsidies to taxpayers (a New England couple worried that they don't have a heating oil subsidy during a cold spell) are unavailable. In the previous episode, she notes the budget cuts sought by the opposition can really impact Americans in need. And yet, in the next episode, CJ complains she won't be able to go to the party. This is so completely tone-deaf for CJ's character it stops the episode in its tracks. I love the West Wing, but this was a huge cringe moment in the series.