I want to like this show, but this episode felt like the writing staff was just *exhausted*.  The football set piece was deathly, and the soup kitchen improv wasn't far off.  Maybe the live format switch will at least make the show a little tighter?

I want to like this show, but this episode felt like the writing staff was just *exhausted*.  The football set piece was deathly, and the soup kitchen improv wasn't far off.  Maybe the live format switch will at least make the show a little tighter?

And from the musical theater department, Joe Iconis' "Helen's In Skin Flicks Now".  There are a few versions on youtube.

And from the musical theater department, Joe Iconis' "Helen's In Skin Flicks Now".  There are a few versions on youtube.

Was the stewardess costume a result of ABC getting extra mileage out of leftover "Pan Am" props?

Was the stewardess costume a result of ABC getting extra mileage out of leftover "Pan Am" props?

The weirdest choice they've made this season is the attempt to turn it into more of a "hang out" show.  I get the impulse to establish character relationships and show that these kids are actually friends, so that by the time they all inevitably talk about how important glee club is to them we may actually believe it…

The weirdest choice they've made this season is the attempt to turn it into more of a "hang out" show.  I get the impulse to establish character relationships and show that these kids are actually friends, so that by the time they all inevitably talk about how important glee club is to them we may actually believe it…

Not sure about the new guy yet, but I did like that his immediate response to one of Kitty's over-written rants was a simple "Wow, you're kind of a bitch."  It was like a real person somehow wandered onto the set.

Not sure about the new guy yet, but I did like that his immediate response to one of Kitty's over-written rants was a simple "Wow, you're kind of a bitch."  It was like a real person somehow wandered onto the set.

Although I have heard complaints about the unresolved Mel introduction, that she just pops up out of nowhere - I also sort of like that as a device.  Continuity is dubious in Classic Who anyway.

Although I have heard complaints about the unresolved Mel introduction, that she just pops up out of nowhere - I also sort of like that as a device.  Continuity is dubious in Classic Who anyway.

The internet at large makes the sixth doctor era sound so misguided and dark, I am now perversely excited to finally try one of these episodes.  I mean, in theory the idea of the trial arc sounds interesting…

The internet at large makes the sixth doctor era sound so misguided and dark, I am now perversely excited to finally try one of these episodes.  I mean, in theory the idea of the trial arc sounds interesting…

The neverending pint is the most brilliantly filthy punchline.  Who says there's no new frontiers for dirty jokes?

The neverending pint is the most brilliantly filthy punchline.  Who says there's no new frontiers for dirty jokes?

Oof that "private road" scene has me worried.  What this show does NOT need is a Taylor Doose.  Back away from that particular quirk.

Oof that "private road" scene has me worried.  What this show does NOT need is a Taylor Doose.  Back away from that particular quirk.

Surprised (in a good way) to see such positive feedback here.  This was the first Classic Who I tried watching (after seeing all of the current series) and I only made it through part 1 of this serial before giving up, and it also put me off trying any more "Who" for several months.  I found the beginning of this one…

Surprised (in a good way) to see such positive feedback here.  This was the first Classic Who I tried watching (after seeing all of the current series) and I only made it through part 1 of this serial before giving up, and it also put me off trying any more "Who" for several months.  I found the beginning of this one…