So happy Jane the Virgin is finally back! Overall, I liked this final season premiere, though perhaps not as much as previous seasons’. I appreciate the reserved, honest approach this episode took in dealing with what is probably the show’s biggest revelation to date; that being said, I have always enjoyed this series…

I just feel this season is being graded on a curve or that they’re influenced by nostalgia

I don’t know if this is entirely accurate, but I don’t think I’ve laughed with an episode in recent memory more than this week’s: I loved all of the throwback lines and jokes, and I truly found myself loving every character this week. The ladies’ storyline was obviously fantastic (Paula and Valencia were the MVPs…

As much as I have still enjoyed Crazy Ex-Girlfriend this year, I do agree! The writers have been throwing in a lot of callback jokes and reprises, which are fantastic and so entertaining, but I don’t feel like there has been a ton of forward momentum or super memorable development in Rebecca’s story? I suppose that…

I was so glad to read this review and agree with every single one of your points, Caroline. To add my personal touch: I have never outright hated an episode of This is Us, but this one brought be pretty close. Every Pearson in that waiting room was behaving so frustratingly and almost awkwardly, and I think much of…

I remember Googling Scott Grimes last year (I was not familiar with any of his work before The Orville) and came across lots of videos of him singing—he’s incredible!

Thanks for this great analysis, Caroline! In agreeing that this installment was way more tell-over-show, though, I would have given it a slightly lower grade. The Randall/Kate storyline was a huge drag: the shifting of their arguments felt clunky and senseless, and their conversations lacked any subtlety. And while…

She’s imagining she’s being followed by dildos

complicating the characters is what “This is Us” is all about

It almost feels strange saying that Ed had more chemistry with Teleya as herself than with her as Janel, but damn, I got on board quickly (even if the vibe is straight out of Pocahontas). I wasn’t really feeling their connection when she was first introduced this season—I was even on the Ed-and-Kelly train…

This was a nice review, Arielle! Thank you for giving your critical opinions. All that’s missing now is Stray Observations :)

Arielle, thanks for taking the time to do these write-ups. I would love if you gave more critical opinion about what you liked or disliked or thought worked or didn’t work about these episodes, instead of just mostly plot recap. You’ve given almost every episode so far an A, and it would be nice to know more why up…

Certainly! It’s clearly been established that Midge loves performing because she has a lot of pent-up emotions and ideas to express. But I feel like those season-1 instances had either enough reason (e.g. like what I mentioned about her very first set in the pilot) or humor behind them to seem plausible—whereas this…

I agree that this episode was not much more than a showcase of the Weissmans’/Maisels’ carefree, affluent lifestyle, which I think is arguably true about this season so far (up to this episode, I mean). I feel like the writers have avoided giving the characters real, difficult conflicts to overcome; any potential probl…

I think this was a decent episode but perhaps an odd one to act as a season premiere, mostly because of the choice of setting. I appreciate the idea of Rose feeling discontent enough to want to leave, as a bit of continuity from last season, and the Rose/Abe material is entertaining in itself; but it felt excessive…

Thanks for this pre-air, Gwen! I am very excited to see Midge’s journey continue; it was an absolute delight to see her come into her own as not just a stand-up comedian but also a more confident, self-assured person in season 1. I’m also looking forward to watching more of Abe and Rose; I find their characters and…

HAH it’s funny you mentioned Pretty Little Liars: Betty’s institutionalization very directly reminded me of Spencer—also that show’s smartest character—being placed in Radley Sanitarium. I’m surprised I hadn’t thought of Pretty Little Liars in relation to Riverdale sooner (and I don’t think you’ve ever mentioned it…

I immediately surmised that “her” might be Tess’s future partner, the possibility of which I am ashamed to have not considered yet—why must heterosexuality persist as the default norm ARGHH

I started the show not totally feeling it either—I can only handle Seth Rogen’s style of dialogue and comedy for so long—but I don’t believe any scene as silly or crude as that jerking-off one comes up again (don’t hold me to that).

How was this the episode I have cried the most for in my three years of This is Us viewing? I thought William’s death was something, but somehow this installment hit me even harder. Between Jack talking to his soldier’s parents and Zoe’s revelation, the episode was already building to an emotional high—and when Jack…