My man Carvelli said rest in peace, Epstein.

"My feeling was that you could keep the ambiguity going for a lot longer. Howard, schooled in 24 and in a very black-and-white universe, felt that we had to reveal in the pilot that he had been turned in captivity."

Also belonging in Stray Observations — Ed's confession that, upon seeing Charlize Theron, "my heads were spinning".

I watched John from Cincinnati about a year before giving Deadwood a try.  Not realizing the two shows were from the same creator, I nonetheless found myself getting a little restless at the arch, circumspect dialogue of Deadwood.  Then I found out they were both Milch productions…and it nearly ruined Deadwood for…

Lots of angst before this season about Hugh Acheson coming aboard as judge, but now it can be said — he's a pleasant and engaging addition.  He's stiff and awkward, but happily so, and he can deliver some bon mots without seeming nasty about it.  I like him.

I disagree — she does defend herself, as when Sarah kept shooting down her ideas for her own dish.  She's just not a loudmouthed "last word" freak.    

I liked it a bit better than that, but I've gotten the feeling I was taken in by what Spy magazine used to call "Logrolling In Our Times" — Harbach, thanks to n+1, was already a figure in literary circles prior to writing this, his first novel.  As such, his writer buddies were probably predisposed to liking it (or…

I didn't really understand Sophie's original rationale for sending Brandon to RI with Ozzy — I don't see Brandon as a jury threat, and so I believe she was just scrambling — but the whole bit about every jury member having been filtered through the "Ozzy Pleasure Dome" was hugely insightful, and casts a welcome air of…

I laughed.  Several times.  But I'm beginning to suspect I'm asking too little?

Her berating of Beverly in the stew room was ugly and inexplicable.  If Beverly is undeserving, it'll sort itself out. 

I kept waiting for the out-of-left-field Rick vote to occur to someone, as Cochran's telltale fly from last week landed on Johnny Cakes (credit above) at the beginning of this episode.  But no, it was crystal clear that Edna was going.  Albert could barely be roused to pretend otherwise.

David Barbe is a fine replacement.  He's been a de facto member for years anyway — he produces their albums, and was onstage for their last Letterman appearance.  Played in Sugar (and authored a few of their "piss break" songs…meaning he fronted while Bob Mould took a piss break).  Was also a member of Mercyland, who…

Loving Cup for me, just cuz it reminds me of a girl.   

Racism, or cynical ploy to capitalize on racism?

I sense a critical piling-on regarding The Office that's a bit out of proportion to what I'm watching.  Robert California is flattening out a bit, yes, but these are still characters I enjoy hanging out with.  I thought Jim's attempted getaway was funny throughout ("just silly"?  Your point is??) and Dwight's…

I agree.  Film Junk and Uhh Yeah Dude (to pick two favorites) both have a DIY aesthetic that appeals to me.  Unpolished, no celeb guests, just genuine friends sitting around someone's living room and putting on a show.  Awkwardness is allowed to happen, which in a weird way is a product of these shows' confidence in…

So did Gail, for that matter. 

The wives weren't the only vacuous ninnies in that room.  Eh, save who you can and laugh at the rest.

"Uh, now that we've eatin' all this go'rmet food, let's get drunk on margaritas!"

The flies on Cochran — nice foreshadowing.