Revolution is "Nobody's Fault"

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NBC's Revolution brought its fall run to a close this week with "Nobody's Fault But Mine." Miles (Billy Burke), Charlie (Tracy Spiridakos), Aaron (Zak Orth), and Nora (Daniella Alonso) finally make it to Philadelphia. It doesn't take long for them to be found out by Tom (Giancarlo Esposito) and his men, though, which in turn leads them to discover that Rachel (Elizabeth Mitchell) is still alive. As expected, this installment ends with a big showdown against Monroe (David Lyons).

Revolution continues to struggle to find its way. There are some things it does correctly. The concept behind the story - all electricity stops working, but a conspiracy could bring it back, years later - is interesting. Burke and Esposito deliver fantastic performances, and Lyons makes an intriguing villain, especially once some back story is revealed. The production team knows how to stage a thrilling fight sequence.

But Spiridakos, who seems to be the de facto lead of the series, is not nearly good enough in the role, at least not yet. The main quest to rescue Danny (Graham Rogers), completed in "Nobody's Fault But Mine," isn't half as interesting as the implications of the loss of power and the struggle for control of the world. Focus should be on the political factions, the military campaigns, and the science behind it all, but instead, we get tales about characters who just aren't developed enough.

Now, they might yet be. There have been hopeful signs, such as finally seeing Miles and Monroe as friends, and dealing with their falling out. But Revolution doesn't go far enough, fast enough. Why did Miles try to kill Monroe? Why has Monroe turned his back on his friend, and why does he continue to go down a terrible path? The show might be trying to tease a tidbit at a time, but it's no Lost, so it's unlikely that viewers will have the patience to wait for nuggets if the present storyline isn't that compelling.

One thing that is highly intriguing is seeing Flynn's (Colm Feore, The Borgias) fully electrified base. What is he doing? Will he be a friend or a foe to the Matheson clan and their friends? This is actually more interesting than anything else that concerns the central players.

Of course, as I said, Revolution does know how to deliver adrenaline, and the showdown that results in the Mathesons narrowly escaping, only to see that Monroe has a working helicopter, is an awesome cliffhanger that will hopefully draw viewers back when the show returns in March.

So, moving forward, what needs to happen are larger, sweeping arcs with big scale stories. I'm sorry, but Revolution just isn't pulling off too much of the character-driven stuff, so it should play to its strengths. Fixing the plot holes is also important, because it's a little tiring to keep making unbelievable leaps to arrive at the next set story point. And either help Spiridakos grow into a true leading lady, or shift the focus more towards characters like Miles, Tom, and Aaron, who can handle the increased scrutiny.

Revolution isn't a bad show, but it's not yet living up to its potential, and if it doesn't find it's way, it may not get a second season. We don't need yet another FlashForward or The Event, which are hurting the genre, and could prevent more brilliant fare like Fringe and Lost from even being attempted. That would be a shame, and it's the reason Revolution's failures are so frustrating.

Revolution will return to NBC in March.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter! First posted on TheTVKing

2012 Doctor Who Gift Guide

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It's hard to decide what to buy the people in your life for Christmas. Gift guides can be useful, but only if they are specific to the person you are shopping for, and are generally only useful if made by fans of the thing being recommended.

As Doctor Who mania seems to be sweeping the United States, making the long-time British hit popular on this side of The Pond, too, I thought a Doctor Who gift guide might be a valuable tool, especially because the BBC has so many great, new products out this holiday season.


Doctor Who: Limited Edition Gift Set

First of all, how can one be a true Doctor Who fan without having watched the series? The Limited Edition Gift Set packages together the first six series of the 2005 reboot with DVD specials, art cards, a comic book, and a 11th Doctor sonic screwdriver toy. The price is hefty, but for everything you're getting, it's pretty worth it.

I like this set because it does bring together most of the episodes, save the latest few, which would have to be purchased separately. If you've got someone who has only dipped their toe in the water, and wants to watch from the beginning, this is a good suggestion. The extras that come with it are interesting, though not an especially big draw. This set is recommended more for the adventures themselves.

The drawback with this release is if the fan you're buying for already has several of the seasons, it might make more economic sense to just buy those that they currently don't own. Also, the new Doctor Who installments are also on Blu-ray, which is a great way to experience the very exciting visuals and sounds of a special effect-laden show, but this Gift Set is only available in standard DVD edition.


Monopoly: Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition

If you like Monopoly and you enjoy Doctor Who, why not combine the two? From the cards to the cash to the properties to the game pieces, everything has been customized to fit with the classic British sci-fi show.

The pluses are numerous. The game looks very cool. Each set of properties that are connected by color feature similarly themed episodes, so continuing stories are found together. It will be fun for those who are fans to remember the serials represented in this game. Also, once you have the game, it might be a good way to familiarize non-fans with the show, and recruit them.

It may even help open the door to fans of the new reboot to look into the classic series, which, despite cheesy special effects, given the budget and time period, hold up pretty well, because the stories told are so good. I've viewed a number of the old serials, and have found very few that lack high quality writing.

My complaints stem more towards the budgetary and the practical. It is understandable that the number of episodes represented must be limited, based on the constraints of the game board, and the way the game is played. However, I am disappointed that only six tokens are available. They are relics, rather than characters, and only cover six of the eleven Doctors. Would it have been that hard to have manufactured five more, so that each Doctor is represented, even if the game can't be played by all eleven at once? I mean, some classic versions of regular Monopoly are already sold with up to twelve of these tokens. Going with only six seems like an avoidable mistake.


Doctor Who Tardis vs Dalek Salt and Pepper Shake Set

OK, this one does verge a little towards the kitschy side of things. My wife isn't exactly thrilled to bring a sci-fi television show to our dining room table. But even she can't argue that these look sweet. They're ceramic, easy to fill, and small enough to be unobtrusive.

That being said, they aren't the easiest things in the world to use. There are only two or three small holes in the top of each one. Thus, they are more aesthetically pleasing then actually useful. Plus, some fans (like myself) will be a little annoyed that the TARDIS is the same size as the Dalek, instead of much bigger, which it should be, were scale respected.

Neither shaker is labeled as to which spice belongs in which, but the Dalek is black, so the choice seems obvious to me.


Yellow Dalek Christmas Ornament

The BBC has previously released blown glass Red Dalek and TARDIS ornaments. This year's new ornament is a Yellow Dalek.

The ornament looks fantastic. It is hand painted, light weight, and makes a great addition to any tree. I hung mine with its weapons pointed at my wife's beloved Alice in Wonderland, providing hours of entertainment for the simple-minded, like myself.

Do I wish that there were Doctor or companion ornaments available, instead of just going through the different colors of Daleks? Sure. But the Daleks are probably simpler to make, and it's unlikely that fans of certain colors of Dalek will grow impatient waiting their turn, the same of which could not be said for fans specific characters. Plus, it's just fun to have a Dalek on my tree.


Doctor Who TARDIS Robe

Now one can step out of the show and wrap themselves in the TARDIS itself. The robe contains a hood. Why? I don't know. But it's soft and warm and looks just enough like the police box that the Doctor travels in to tickle most fans. Sadly, it is only available in sizes medium and large, which will satisfy many, but not all, fans.


Doctor Who Van Gogh Women's Tee

One of the most memorable episodes of the new incarnation of Doctor Who is the one where the Doctor and his companion visit Vincent Van Gogh. Inspired by this episode, the BBC has created a variation of the famous Starry Night painting, which has an exploding TARDIS at the center.

I love how the picture plays upon such an iconic portrait, and delivers its own twist. This is Doctor Who at its best, having a little fun with history, but basing itself enough in the real world to stay relatable for viewers. I only wish the shirt were available for men too, though admittedly it does look good as a female-geared product.


Doctor Who Character Building Series

I love action figures and I love Legos, so imagine how thrilling it is to see the two combined! Doctor Who has not been immune to this latest pop culture trend, releasing a number of mini playsets and characters (though they are not officially Lego), including all eleven Doctors!

This year's latest edition is an Angels cave. It is kind of small, and there isn't much to it, though I have not bought it, so I cannot say for certain if it's worth it. However, I have definitely suggested to those that would buy for me that they purchase the TARDIS playset, which is huge, and comes with the 11th Doctor, Amy, Rory, and River Song.

Sure, these kinds of gifts are designed for kids, and would make a great present for children in your life. However, they are also advisable for nostalgic big kids who still like to play, no matter how age inappropriate it might be.


So, I hope that gives you some ideas on what to get your favorite Doctor Who fan. There are many other options, of course, but this should be a good starting point. Feel free to chime into the comments below with anything that you feel should be included that I may not have listed.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first published as Doctor Who Gift Guide 2012 on Blogcritics.

The Office celebrates a "Dwight Christmas"

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NBC's The Office continues the emotional journey of its final season. In "Dwight Christmas," Pam (Jenna Fischer) manipulates her co-workers into throwing Dwight's (Rainn Wilson) dream holiday celebration as a gift for Jim (John Krasinski). It works, and Jim is giddily amused. But when he cuts out early to head to Philadelphia for his new job, Dwight feels slighted, and calls off the celebration.

"Dwight Christmas" makes obvious what many of us have long suspected, and what The Office has allowed small glimpses of from time to time: Dwight and Jim have a brother-style relationship, at least in Dwight's eyes. He claims to hate Jim, but how hurt he is when Jim leaves tells a different tale. This proves not only a deep affection for the other man, but also how much Dwight is going to miss Jim when if he quits Dundler-Mifflin completely and moves away.

The Office may portray a dysfunctional family, but make no mistake about it, the co-workers do comprise a family. Every clan has their tiffs and disagreements, but in the end, they care about each other. Whether it's Oscar (Oscar Nunez) trying desperately to heal things with Angela (Angela Kinsey) after sleeping with her husband, or it's Phyllis (Phyllis Smith) and Stanley (Leslie David Baker) promising to help Jim out after giving him a ribbing, as they did last week, these people mean something to one another.

What better way to mark a final season than to demonstrate this? There is definitely starting to be a sense of an end in sight, with several characters considering paths that will take them away from the group. It's a shame, but it's also life, and viewers should be grateful for these people while we've had them. We've gotten to witness such a long stretch of their lives, and what they mean. It's very relatable, and as much as the employees may shed a tear in the end, so, too, should the fans at home, who have become invested, and may even feel like part of the family themselves.

During the party, Darryl (Craig Robinson) gets drunker and drunker, angry at Jim for seemingly forgetting about him in his new venture. It's a classic case of misunderstanding, as Jim hasn't forgotten to include him, but has not remembered to tell Darryl exactly what Jim has done for him. Yet, even while playing out such a familiar, unoriginal trope, "Dwight Christmas" still manages to be good because Robinson, along with his fellow actors, know how to sell the heart that beats at the center of the series.

Speaking of heart, a couple of relationship developments happen in "Dwight Christmas," too. Toby (Paul Lieberstein) senses some interest from Nellie (Catherine Tate), who may return the feelings. It's interesting that former boss, Michael's (Steve Carell), nemesis would get with new boss, Andy's (Ed Helms), foe, but there's also a bit of poetry in that. Plus, neither one has any other prospects in (or outside of) the office, and it's cool if they end up finding something in each other. Even if their co-workers might judge it the grossest pairing in the company.

Unfortunately, at the same time, a couple many are rooting for is falling apart. Andy is still MIA, not only continuing his run of being a bad, absentee manager, but also threatening things between himself and Erin (Ellie Kemper) by neglecting her. A lonely Erin falls sway, somewhat, to the charms of new guy Pete (Jake Lacy). It's hard not to think that Erin might be better off with Pete, who definitely cares about her, and at the same time, it's difficult to give up on Andy after everything we've seen from him over the years. It's a complicated, messy situation that will likely not resolve itself until the very end.

The Office, in its final season, is embracing the things that have made it so good in the past. This is a relief, considering the wandering, less-than-stellar past year. The show is taking its victory lap, and in doing so, has found itself again.

Watch The Office Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first published on TheTVKing

Go On over to fall's best new sitcom

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Episode Grade: 95%

At the beginning of this fall television season, my favorite new sitcom was The New Normal. What can I say? It spoke to me on an emotional level. But a close second was NBC's Go On. Featuring Matthew Perry back in fine form, the series presents a group of misfits, kind of like Community, but less weird. Not that weird is bad. Community remains my favorite currently running sitcom. It's just not necessary to go super-weird in every show, and for Go On, more moderate levels are appropriate.

The point is, Go On exhibited seeds of something special. As the initial run of episodes has played out, that opinion has only been cemented more and more firmly, pushing it into first place status on my list. The series features one of the best ensemble casts ever assembled, and their interplay with each other, exhibited in varying pairs and groups, as well as the genuine warmth they feel for each other, a connection made in a very raw emotional state, raises this show up to another notch.

In the latest episode, "The World Ain't Over 'Til It's Over," Ryan (Perry) takes Anne (Julie White) on a trip to the vineyard with himself, Steven (John Cho), and a girl that Steven just met. Perhaps there is some selfishness on Ryan's part, not wanting to be alone, and finding Anne a charming companion. But there is also a desire to help Anne, who is having trouble forgoing a daily visit to her lover's grave. This is Ryan putting himself out there, inviting one of the group into another aspect of his personal life, and finding new understanding as he goes for, and achieves, a laugh, a drink think, and a cry.

What is really cool is that there is no sexual chemistry. Anne is a lesbian, and while other shows may ditch that when convenient (cough, Glee, cough), Go On never seeks to build anything more than a platonic relationship between Ryan and Anne. She calls him on his stuff more than anyone else in the group, and the two also seem the most "normal," compared to the others, most of the time. This allows them a bond, and it gives Ryan an opening to go deeper into his support circle, something he really needs to begin to heal.

Of course, there is a love interest for Ryan on Go On, and that's the leader of the group, Lauren (Laura Benanti). Ryan is definitely interested in her, and has even made some little attempts to thwart Lauren's relationship with Wyatt (Hayes MacArthur, Perfect Couples) in order to keep the possibility open. In The World Ain't Over 'Til It's Over," Ryan advises Lauren not to accept Wyatt's proposal unless she is sure it is right, partly because he likes Lauren, and partly because he is remembering his marriage through rose colored glasses.

Lauren does take Ryan's advice to heart, at first, having doubts about whether she is ready for marriage. But then she ends up accepting anyway, seeing how much Wyatt cares for her and wants to make her happy. Which is good, because Ryan soon rushes off to take his advice back, once he remembers the reality of being in a couple.

Which makes one wonder if the Lauren / Ryan pairing may ever happen. Maybe it won't. Maybe Ryan is just projecting a romantic interest onto Lauren, the same way every other member of the group has done. Maybe Lauren only looked at Ryan twice because she was getting cold feet about committing to a long-term relationship. Maybe Wyatt will die after the wedding, leaving Lauren open to be a true member of the group once and for all.

I really love the scenes of Yolanda (Suzy Nakamura) and Sonia (Sarah Baker) helping Wyatt plan the proposal. I like that Wyatt doesn't fall for their poorly disguised attempts at sabotage, which makes it all the more rewarding when he wins them over. Yet another small branch off that works, one among many, many possibilities with this cast.

While Ryan and Anne are away, the rest of the misfits gather for Mr. K's (Brett Gelman) end of the world, party, hence the name of the episode, "The World Ain't Over 'Til It's Over." It's sweet to see them all support the least likable member of the support group even when they don't agree with his opinions. And the only reason Ryan isn't there is probably because he's helping Anne. Which, as I've said, will only bring him more involvement with the others, and lead to his attendance of such functions in the future. So it's all good.

If you're searching for the next great comedy, look no further than Go On, which airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, beginning again on January 8th.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first posted on TheTVKing

Why Once Upon a Time is the new Lost

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 Lost was a seminal television series that changed the face of network offerings. Steeped in mystery, staffed with a large cast, questioning human nature and philosophy, the show took six years to play out, sometimes doling out the clues in tidbits, other times in waves.

When it came to an end in 2010, whether fans loved the ending or hated it, many were saddened. Why not? They devoted years of their lives watching the show, countless hours debating it with their friends, and became extremely invested in the characters. Losing such a treasure is a big blow, and not one easily recoverable. It takes a very, very special series to replace such a loss.

I believe that Once Upon a Time has the potential to be that replacement.

How can I say that, considering that the beginning of both shows are quite different? On their faces, one is a modern day tale about a group of strangers trapped on an island, while the other involves fairy tale characters traversing world and possessing magic. And yet, there is so much the two have in common. While Once Upon a Time fervor may not yet have hit Lost heights, it still can, especially if it continues to travel the same path, and as more viewers discover it online and on disc.

Some of these similarities are obvious. Both shows air(ed) on ABC. They share producers Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis. Both count Emilie de Ravin among their stars and Alan Dale as a recurring, but vital, player. One of the most beloved actors from Lost, Jorge Garcia, recently guest starred on Once Upon a Time. Both delight in surprising the fans, making quick turns that change the game.

But it goes deeper than that, by far. For one thing, both deal with differing personalities within the same person, and how these people present themselves to the world. When we meet John Locke (Terry O'Quinn) on the island, he seems confident and sure of himself, not afraid to take a leadership position. Then we learn his back story, and see what has led him to this moment, discovering he was once a very different person, but is now embracing the new Locke. Yet, he is still not done growing. Similarly, Regina (Lana Parrilla) is an evil Mayor / Queen, who has a past that has changed her into this person, which she embraces. Until she doesn't.

Both shows have very complicated characters that look a little odd, and may or may not be bad, but are played by such fantastic actors that the audience cannot get enough of them. I refer, of course, to Ben Linus (Michael Emerson) and Rumplestiltskin (Robert Carlyle). Do we root for them? More than we'd like to, sometimes. They have done detestable things, and deserve to be reviled. But any excuse to see them on screen is a good one, and when exposing their vulnerabilities, they are at their best.

Both shows feature different worlds. On Lost, this was a little less obvious, but the present day mainland is quite different from the island locale, and, in turn, the 1970s Dharma compound, in which several characters from this millennium spend some time. On Once Upon a Time, they've gone the more literal route, presenting Storybrooke, fairy tale land, Wonderland, and even a black and white horror realm. Each of these places has different rules and different players that familiar characters must navigate and interact with. But Storybrooke might as well be an island, isolated from the rest of the world, and obeying different laws of nature.

Both shows like to begin a season with a new setting and character, startling the audience, and making the series feel fresh. Desmond's (Henry Ian Cusick) introduction in the hatch is one of Lost's most memorable moments, making an impression that still amazes to this day. Meeting Neal (Michael Raymond-James) at the start of season two of Once Upon a Time feels like it is exactly in the vein.

Both shows have a huge supporting cast of characters, some of which appear often, and some only pop up from time to time. These characters can be connectors, tying central players together in unexpected ways, or they may arrive to teach a lesson, or begin a quest, or fall in love, or they may just be interesting side stories. Everyone has their favorites (Nestor Carbonell's Richard, or Jessy Schram's Cinderella, or Amy Acker's Astrid, or Katey Sagal's Helen, or Sonya Walger's Penny), but there is no telling how often they may appear, or what importance they will or will not hold.

Both shows have an annoying kid, and benefit when he is featured less. I'm sorry, even though Henry (Jared S. Gilmore) can be a decent addition to certain episodes, he is also a drag on plenty of others. Lost kind of has a similar problem with Walt (Malcolm David Kelley), whom they promptly have kidnapped, and then send home. This wouldn't work with Henry, as Emma (Jennifer Morrison) would become just as obsessed with finding her son as Michael (Harold Perrineau) does, which would ruin her character on the show, and she isn't as expendable. Walt still appears from time to time throughout Lost, and it he ends up furthering the plot and becomes not as grating over time. But less is more with many child actors, and the writers would do well to remember that.

Both shows feature a flawed savior. Everyone believes in Jack (Matthew Fox) most of the time, but he isn't always capable of making the best decisions. He is reluctant to assume the leadership role, but it is something he naturally falls back on because he wants to save everyone. He also has made mistakes in the past. Emma is like Jack, trying to be a good person and do the right thing, despite what she may have previously done, and she has the ability to be a protector, unlike most other characters.

Both shows are willing to execute major characters, or send them away, leaving room to inject new blood, or expand a smaller role. Lost did this repeatedly, with some of the casualties including Boone (Ian Somerhalder), Charlie (Dominic Monaghan), and Libby (Cynthia Watros). Once Upon a Time, not quite halfway through season two, has already killed off Sheriff Graham (Jamie Dornan), had August (Eion Bailey) go missing, demoted Jiminey (Raphael Sbarge), and promoted Belle (de Ravin) and Ruby (Meghan Ory). But as any good Lost fan knows, characters can return at any time in the most unexpected places, so I wouldn't count out any of these people yet. Not even the deceased Sheriff Graham, because...

Both shows feature flashbacks heavily, and often. Everyone knows that a good way to learn about a character is to explore their past. But most television shows use this element sparingly. Lost and Once Upon a Time build entire episodes around such back stories, making them significant chunks of the episodes on a weekly basis, and tying the past to the present. When done right, it's clever and entertaining.

Mysteries abound. Why can't the Storybrooke residents leave their town? How can the island move? Where is Rumple's son? What is the sideways universe? Who is Dr. Whale (David Anders)? How did polar bears get on the island? Some of these questions are answered quickly, others take a longer period of time. Some things will never fully be explained. But always keeping questions coming, never telling the full story, keeps the show energized, and brings fans back week after week.

Plus, they both like smoke (purple or black, it doesn't matter) a whole lot.

Will Once Upon a Time catch the wonderment and following that Lost possessed at its height? Does that really matter, as long as it is allowed to run for years, and play out a sprawling, intricate story? The point is, if you are a Lost-ie looking for something to fill that hole in your life and you haven't given Once Upon a Time a chance yet (past the first few, admittedly poor, episodes), you are missing out. They may seem like very different series, but they have major similarities that should definitely appeal to the same types of people.

Did I miss anything? The answer is most definitely (SPOILER ALERT!) yes. Feel free to weigh in on the comments below.


Jerome Wetzel has been reviewing television shows for years now. However, not every thought can be contained in an article about a single episode, and sometimes it's fun to look at the bigger picture. Join him each week in this wandering essay column as he ponders trends and genres, giving you his insights and opinions into the current state of television.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first published as Why Once Upon a Time Is the New Lost on Blogcritics.

Bob's Burgers gets "An Indecent Thanksgiving Proposal"

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Unlike the Halloween special, which aired almost a month before the holiday, FOX let Bob's Burgers put out their Thanksgiving episode at an appropriate time, the Sunday before. Of all the animated comedies the network has on this night, Bob's Burgers is my current favorite. To see the family celebrate a holiday that is so much about family is heartwarming. And, this being Bob's Burgers, also funny.

The story, "An Indecent Thanksgiving Proposal," begins with the landlord, Mr. Fischoeder (Kevin Kline), bribing Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) to cook a meal for himself and a lady friend, and also hiring Bob's family to pose as his own. See, Mr. Fischoeder's love interest only goes for married guys, so he plans on using Linda (John Roberts) and the kids to hook her in.

Bob is very resistant. Thanksgiving is his favorite holiday, and he has traditions with each child. To him, preserving these rituals is more important than money. Unfortunately, the children don't feel the same, and are excited to escape their father's corniness to get involved in a scheme. This is not only a typical portrait of a clan, painting Bob as the family man he truly is at heart, but also illustrative of the generational divide, parents being more sentimental than their offspring.

This, in of itself, would be a good enough tale. Bob grows ever jealous in the kitchen, while his kids compete for Mr. Fischoeder's affections, and Linda horribly overdoes things, as she is wont to do. But "An Indecent Thanksgiving Proposal" adds in a twist when Bob finds a bottle of absinthe in the kitchen. Suddenly, he is hallucinating and talking to the turkey, whom he has named, which makes things spiral even quicker out of control, and in very humorous ways.

Bob's Burgers works because of so many elements. One, it has a unique sense of humor that isn't found in practically any other series I can think of. Two, the characters are incredibly well defined, and are always played to their strengths. A fine balance is walked between repeating already known character traits, and overusing the same jokes, and it is pulled off expertly. Third, the show and its vocal cast can really land a joke, over and over again. Like when the family is naming holidays in the order of importance and Gene (Eugene Mirman) says the season premiere of Game of Thrones, though quickly admits to never having seen the show. Fantastic!

Louise (Kristen Schaal) remains the best part of Bob's Burgers. The fiendish young girl with her pink bunny ears is as clever as she is ornery. She will do whatever she must to meet her goals, and her brain just thinks on a different wave length than everyone else. And yet, when combined with her siblings, Gene and Tina (Dan Mintz), as she so often is in many a story, she works well in the group, too, without stealing too much focus.

"An Indecent Thanksgiving Proposal" has a happy ending for the family, of course. Like The Simpsons, no matter what happens during the episode, they can all come together in the end, and there is deep love between them. Bob's Burgers may be a little quicker to show it than The Simpsons, though, and only three seasons in, it still feels fresh and original, definitely designed for the modern sensibility.

Bob's Burgers airs Sundays at 8:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

Revolution is "Nobody's Fault"

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NBC's Revolution brought its fall run to a close this week with "Nobody's Fault But Mine." Miles (Billy Burke), Charlie (Tracy Spiridakos), Aaron (Zak Orth), and Nora (Daniella Alonso) finally make it to Philadelphia. It doesn't take long for them to be found out by Tom (Giancarlo Esposito) and his men, though, which in turn leads them to discover that Rachel (Elizabeth Mitchell) is still alive. As expected, this installment ends with a big showdown against Monroe (David Lyons).

Revolution continues to struggle to find its way. There are some things it does correctly. The concept behind the story - all electricity stops working, but a conspiracy could bring it back, years later - is interesting. Burke and Esposito deliver fantastic performances, and Lyons makes an intriguing villain, especially once some back story is revealed. The production team knows how to stage a thrilling fight sequence.

But Spiridakos, who seems to be the de facto lead of the series, is not nearly good enough in the role, at least not yet. The main quest to rescue Danny (Graham Rogers), completed in "Nobody's Fault But Mine," isn't half as interesting as the implications of the loss of power and the struggle for control of the world. Focus should be on the political factions, the military campaigns, and the science behind it all, but instead, we get tales about characters who just aren't developed enough.

Now, they might yet be. There have been hopeful signs, such as finally seeing Miles and Monroe as friends, and dealing with their falling out. But Revolution doesn't go far enough, fast enough. Why did Miles try to kill Monroe? Why has Monroe turned his back on his friend, and why does he continue to go down a terrible path? The show might be trying to tease a tidbit at a time, but it's no Lost, so it's unlikely that viewers will have the patience to wait for nuggets if the present storyline isn't that compelling.

One thing that is highly intriguing is seeing Flynn's (Colm Feore, The Borgias) fully electrified base. What is he doing? Will he be a friend or a foe to the Matheson clan and their friends? This is actually more interesting than anything else that concerns the central players.

Of course, as I said, Revolution does know how to deliver adrenaline, and the showdown that results in the Mathesons narrowly escaping, only to see that Monroe has a working helicopter, is an awesome cliffhanger that will hopefully draw viewers back when the show returns in March.

So, moving forward, what needs to happen are larger, sweeping arcs with big scale stories. I'm sorry, but Revolution just isn't pulling off too much of the character-driven stuff, so it should play to its strengths. Fixing the plot holes is also important, because it's a little tiring to keep making unbelievable leaps to arrive at the next set story point. And either help Spiridakos grow into a true leading lady, or shift the focus more towards characters like Miles, Tom, and Aaron, who can handle the increased scrutiny.

Revolution isn't a bad show, but it's not yet living up to its potential, and if it doesn't find it's way, it may not get a second season. We don't need yet another FlashForward or The Event, which are hurting the genre, and could prevent more brilliant fare like Fringe and Lost from even being attempted. That would be a shame, and it's the reason Revolution's failures are so frustrating.

Revolution will return to NBC in March.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter! First posted on TheTVKing