SEAL Team - 1.13 - Getaway Day - Preview

It’s 12 days before deployment and the Tier One SEAL team is preparing to be away from their loved ones for 3 months. With so many relationships up in the air, it’s time for some serious reflection and discussion. Suddenly the unthinkable happens and another SEAL team in Afghanistan is killed, probably in a suicide bomb attack, giving Jason and his team only 18 hours before deployment. In a departure from most episodes, “Getaway Day” is more about the homefront than the battlefield. In fact, the team doesn’t leave the country until the last 15 minutes of the episode, and even that should have waited until the second part of this 2-part storyline. It’s jarring to go from the deep emotion of the homefront to a quick, last-minute raid. Luckily, the majority of the episode deals not only with how the job affects a SEAL’s family but also in how they bond in grief. It’s an approach that is slower but deeply satisfying as it allows for further depth and gives the homefront characters some meaty scenes where they shine. It also ties up all the loose relationship ends, since it was the last episode of the original order before the show got picked up for a full season.

As usual, Jason and his family get the majority of the screen time. Opening with him fixing the shower and wanting Alana to join him in it, things get tense quickly between them when she brings up their traditional, pre-deployment family vacation to a waterpark. She wants to know if he plans to join them, which leads to yet another discussion of where their relationship stands. Jason wants to move back in; Alana is not sure that’s the solution. By the end of the episode, though, there is some much needed resolution to their drama. Still, Alana’s best scenes are not between Jason and her, but in the comfort she provides to her friend and fellow SEAL wife, whose husband died in the Afghanistan attack. SEAL teams are close, as shown by how all of Tier One shows up at the widow’s house to offer their support in this tough time. It’s devastating to all of them, but they stick together in crisis just like they do in combat.

While Jason and Alana get a lot of this episode’s attention, it’s Ray and Naima who steal it’s heart. Previously Ray hurt his shoulder and lied about a doctor saying it was okay to be deployed, mostly for the hazard pay so they don’t default on their mortgage but also because he needs to be there for his SEAL family. However, Naima gets a call from the doctor and realizes that he cancelled his appointment. He is not medically cleared to go into the danger zone and she is not happy. While he assures her that he is fine, she also finds the pills he’s been hiding in his sock drawer from her. No wife is that gullible and Naima most definitely is not. However, this episode focuses on both the strengths and issues in their relationship, making it feel the most realistic and shows them as two strong people who are even stronger together. It even gives some background information on how the two met when Ray gives advice to Clay, getting ready for his first SEAL deployment.

Speaking of Clay, he also starts the episode in the middle of a big relationship decision since he proposed to Stella in the previous episode. Now that the morphine and shock of being in mortal danger has worn off, they must decide together whether or not to take that step. Again it is awkward, but again, there is resolution. Thankfully, Sonny has no relationship baggage to tote but that doesn’t mean that he avoids the hard conversations either. In the best character interaction of the episode, Jason and he have a few heart-to-hearts. From mentally preparing for deployment to the grief of losing friends, Sonny actually gets the most character insight of the episode. Davis and Mandy have less screen time, with Mandy serving mostly as exposition. However, they will likely be featured more in the second part, where it returns to the action in Afghanistan.

Verdict - This is a well-written episode that focuses on the non-military side of the characters primarily. It is emotional and well-balanced, if a bit slow moving in parts, and it goes more in-depth about what it means to live in a SEAL family than most procedurals would. The drama-focus works well right through the silent montage of Tier One saying goodbye and getting on the plane. Then, for some inexplicable reason, it reverts back to the typical format for the last 15 minutes with set-up on finding those responsible for the other SEALs’ deaths. Since there is no resolution to that plan in this episode at all, it seems odd that they didn’t make the whole first episode about the process of deployment and make the second episode about the mission. This would have ended better on the silent montage, which was so powerful.



Grade: B+

Best Reason to Watch - relationship resolutions / focus on the characters’ emotions
Best Character - Naima
Best Scene - Naima and Ray at the widow’s house
Best Character Interaction - Jason and Sonny
Best Advice - Ray
Best Quote - “You shouldn’t lie to me, no matter what it is. I can take it. That’s my job.”
Weirdest Quote - “Otters are good.”
Worst Timing - Every single relationship hashes it out at the widow’s house while she’s grieving her husband’s death. Surely you all could have waited until you got home.
Biggest Threat - Naima is going to be doing a lot of talking
Most Universal - the bad mother-in-law
Most Humorously Awkward - Stella and Danny meet
Most Romantic - Ray tells Clay about Naima
The “Who Knew?” Award - no taxes if you buy a vehicle during deployment
The “Welcome Back” Award - Dylan Bruno from NUMB3RS / Beth Riesgraf from Leverage


Other Quotes:

“Come on. I know you. I’m the love of your life….”
“Here’s the part where you...uh, you’re supposed to tell me to keep my head on straight or keep my a** in line or one of the many Jason pearls of wisdom that you drop at these times.”
“I know how hard it is for you. How the closer you get...the more you feel like there’s a noose tightening around your neck.”
“It’s really hard.” “Yeah, the hardest part of war pretty much.” “How do you mean?” “What comes after.”
“Okay. I promise. I promise.” “Liar.”
“She saved me that night and every night since.”
“We’re family. We’re going to get through this.”

About the Author - Dahne

One part teacher librarian - one part avid TV fan, Dahne is a contributing writer for SpoilerTV, where she reviews and/or creates polls for Teen Wolf, How to Get Away with Murder, The Librarians, and others. She also runs the annual Character Cup. She's addicted to Twitter, loves live tweeting, and co-hosted The 100 "Red-Shirted" and Teen Wolf "Welcome to Beacon Hills" podcasts for Southgate Media Group. Previously she wrote a Last Week in TV column for her blog and SpoilerTV. ~ "I speak TV."

HTGAWM - 4.10 - Everything We Did Was for Nothing - Best Scene Poll

About the Author - Dahne

One part teacher librarian - one part avid TV fan, Dahne is a contributing writer for SpoilerTV, where she reviews and/or creates polls for Teen Wolf, How to Get Away with Murder, The Librarians, and others. She also runs the annual Character Cup. She's addicted to Twitter, loves live tweeting, and co-hosted The 100 "Red-Shirted" and Teen Wolf "Welcome to Beacon Hills" podcasts for Southgate Media Group. Previously she wrote a Last Week in TV column for her blog and SpoilerTV. ~ "I speak TV."

HTGAWM - 4.09 - He’s Dead - Best Scene Poll

About the Author - Dahne

One part teacher librarian - one part avid TV fan, Dahne is a contributing writer for SpoilerTV, where she reviews and/or creates polls for Teen Wolf, How to Get Away with Murder, The Librarians, and others. She also runs the annual Character Cup. She's addicted to Twitter, loves live tweeting, and co-hosted The 100 "Red-Shirted" and Teen Wolf "Welcome to Beacon Hills" podcasts for Southgate Media Group. Previously she wrote a Last Week in TV column for her blog and SpoilerTV. ~ "I speak TV."

Quote of the Week - Week of Jan. 14

A weekly feature highlighting the best quotes on TV as picked by the Spoiler TV team. Since there hasn’t been a lot of TV in the last few weeks, here’s our favorite quotes for the month so far. We'd love to hear your picks too so please sound off in the comments below.

American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace -
1. Donatella Versace: “They'll judge the killer, yes. But they'll judge the victim too. First, they'll weep; then they'll whisper.” (Nirat)
2. Donatella Versace: “I will not allow that man, that nobody, to kill my brother twice.” (Nirat)
3. Antonio D'Amico: “Was I paid? To love him! Was I paid to love him?!” (Nirat)

Black Lightning -
1. Local Businessman: “When you staring down the barrel of a gun, you don’t care if the person saving you is a Christian, Muslim, Jew, Black or White or some guy in a weird Parliament Funkadelic getup. You just wanna be saved.” (Prpleight)
2. Cop: "A liquor store just got robbed." Jefferson: "And, and I'm sure the description is what? A black man? Dressed in a suit and tie? Getaway car a mid-sized Volvo wagon?!" (Jamie)

The Flash -
1. The Judge: “In my 30 years behind this bench, I have seen my share of criminals. But I confess this defendant stands apart.” Captain Singh: “Thank you all for coming on such short notice. A few hours ago, the very existence of our city came under the threat of nuclear destruction. But one man rose to meet that challenge.” The Judge: “The defendant was in a position of authority. Our city trusted him to bring the guilty to justice.” Captain Singh: “He ran into danger, knowing he would suffer burns all over his body.” The Judge: “He used that trust to take an innocent and vulnerable life.” Captain Singh: “This man was not thinking about himself. He was thinking about you. The first responders on the front lines.” The Judge: “Never have I seen a defendant more unmoved.” Captain Singh: “Never have I seen a man with more bravery.” The Judge: “Never have I seen such inhumanity.” Captain Singh: “Such heroism.” The Judge: “Such a lack of regard for human life.” Captain Singh: “It is my great honor to present Central City Police Department's Award of Valor to this city's finest hero. The fastest man alive, The Flash!” The Judge: “The court hereby orders that Bartholomew Henry Allen should be incarcerated for the rest of his natural life, without the possibility of parole and that Mr. Allen be immediately remanded to Iron Heights Penitentiary. And may God have mercy on your soul.” (Justyna)

The Good Doctor -
1. Dr. Glassman to Dr. Shaun Murphy: "I brought you here because I thought this place would provide a challenge for your abilities, but I realized I brought you here because I thought you needed me." (Naomi)

Grey’s Anatomy -
1. Meredith: "You are Jo Wilson. I know exactly who you are." (Max)

Grown-ish:
1. Nomi: "You know it's LGBTQ. RESPECT THE LETTER, B***!" (Jaz)

Hawaii 5-0:
1. Kona: “Quid pro quo, brother. It’s Latin for buy some shrimp, get some names.”
2. Steve: “Pua, listen. No pressure. This is the most important case you’ve ever worked. If you don’t get our stuff back, I’m gonna have to listen to this revisionist history for next 3 months.”
3. Steve: “You know what’s crazy to me?” Danny: “What?” Steve: “It’s crazy that they...they let someone as crazy as you carry a firearm. That’s what nuts.” Danny: “Who’s they? You hired me, you putz. The state has nothing to do with it. You hired me.” Steve: “Well that was a lapse in my judgment, wasn’t it?”

HTGAWM -
1. Oliver: “We all deserve hell.”
2. Michaela: “Is he dead? He’s dead, isn’t he? Everyone around us dies. That’s what we do. Everyone dies! Everyone dies!”
3. Annalise: “He’s gonna hurt this baby.” Jorge: “Alright, let’s get out of here.” Annalise: “He doesn’t care about this baby. He doesn't. Believe me. Believe me, he’s gonna hurt this baby and you’ll have blood of your hands.”

Lethal Weapon -
1. Martin Riggs: "I'm not the, you know, most ideal patient. But when I'm staring into the abyss, you're the only thing that keeps me from falling in." (Justyna)

MacGyver -
1. Boser: “Bet Jack never thought his life would hinge on his ability to fill out paperwork.”
2. Jack: “Yeah, I mean he was one of the best CIA covers, like, ever.” Matty: “He was also one of the of the most expensive CIA covers, like, ever. “ Jack: “Yeah.” Matty: “So much so that the top brass considered having him assassinated. They called it Operation Budget Cuts.”
3. Mac: “After Katrina, all gas lines in New Orleans were retrofitted with emergency shutoff valves in case of another disaster.” Matty: “And?” Mac: “I’m about to be that disaster.”

Mom -
1. Christy, when Bonnie tells her that Adam wants to have a church wedding: “Doesn’t he know that if you walk into a church wearing white, you’ll burst into flames?” Bonnie: “Thank you!” (Claire)

Riverdale -
1. Veronica: "Chery? Nobody invited Fascist Barbie to the party." ~Veronica to Cheryl as she is trying to make the Southside students new to Riverdale High feel welcome, while Cheryl encourages them to transfer elsewhere. What can I say? I like snark. (Katherine)

Saturday Night Live -
1. Kate McKinnon impersonating special counsel Robert Mueller. “You know how on the tv show “Lost,” there was no satisfying ending? Well, this investigation is no “Lost.” (Claire)

Scorpion -
1. Egan: “I built this secret entrance. Behind the heater in this utility closet there’s a hatch leading to an exhaust shaft which sits on top of an industrial fan.” Cabe: “And our friends could climb out.” Egan: “Oh no, shaft is 30 ft high. Steel walls. Zero friction coefficient.” Cabe: “Well, how were you gonna get in?” Egan: “Rope. Or braided deer intestines.” (Prpleight)

Supergirl -
1. J'onn J'onzz impersonating Kara Danvers to Lena Luthor: "You have no idea how much I am not feeling like myself." (Donna)

Supernatural -
1. Donna: “Who knows how to use a flamethrower?” (Marko)
2. Patience: “Why do you have all of these?” Donna: “I'm from Minnesota.” (Marko)

Superstore -
1. Marcus: “It’s not my fault cancelling a balloon drop looks exactly the same as dropping balloons!” (Antonia)

This Is Us -
1. Old Lady: “Wasn't he fancy?” Randall: “Fancy? William wasn't fancy. Ohh you mean gay.” Old Lady: “Yes.” Randall: “No. Bi.” Old Lady: “Bye.” (Marko)

Young Sheldon -
1. Sheldon: “Are you sure you’re not getting a divorce? Packing up your kids in the middle of the night and moving in with your mom has all the earmarks of a divorce.” (Claire)
2. Georgie: “Where’s the water come out of?” George Sr.: “Well seeing as that’s the dryer, nowhere.” Georgie: “So, this one’s the washer?” George Sr.: “No Fooling you.” Georgie: “What are you doing?” George Sr.: “Separating the whites from the colors.” Georgie: “Whoa, that’s racist.” George Sr.: “How did I get a rocket scientist for one son and a rodeo clown for the other?” Georgie: “Oh, man, I’d give anything to be a rodeo clown. They make people happy and they see the rodeo for free.” (Prpleight)

About the Author - Dahne

One part teacher librarian - one part avid TV fan, Dahne is a contributing writer for SpoilerTV, where she reviews and/or creates polls for Teen Wolf, How to Get Away with Murder, The Librarians, and others. She also runs the annual Character Cup. She's addicted to Twitter, loves live tweeting, and co-hosted The 100 "Red-Shirted" and Teen Wolf "Welcome to Beacon Hills" podcasts for Southgate Media Group. Previously she wrote a Last Week in TV column for her blog and SpoilerTV. ~ "I speak TV."

Hawaii Five-0 - 8.13 - O ka mea ua hala, ua lala la (What Is Gone Is Gone) - Preview

Directed by longtime Hawaii Five-0 editor Roderick Davis, episode 8.13 lacks all of the components of a traditional episode. It has very little action with nary a chase scene to be had. The storytelling is largely confined to a car with flashbacks and the shortest, most perfunctory case investigation in H50 history sprinkled throughout. It also has very little bromance, to the point where I was wondering why Danny was even in the episode, given that Scott Caan is appearing in a limited number of them these days. However, what the episode does have is heart-wrenching emotion, much needed character development, and a strong PSA for suicide prevention. It also has Chi McBride and that makes all the difference.

In a stunning ode to McBride’s talents, this episode goes deeper than most and allows him to flex his acting muscles from wise father to a man on the brink of self-destruction. While Steve and Tani are off egging on each other’s competitive sides and keeping hope alive that Chin may someday come back to Hawaii, Grover spends his day off schooling Will in the mysteries of women. Apparently Will and Grace are in a spat after Will gave Grace some unwanted advice, so Grover stresses the art of listening. He’s interrupted when Will sees a vehicle crashed in the road that has an APB out on it. When Grover goes to check it out, the man in the car, Brad Woodward, pulls a gun and threatens to shoot himself. He’s been accused of killing his wife and would rather end his life than surrender to the police. What follows is a complex negotiation, with Grover taking the lead over the objections of the HPD Crisis Negotiation Unit detective. Although Steve has full faith in Grover and insists that he remain in charge, Grover takes increasingly bigger risks to connect with Woodward and keep him alive.

McBride takes full advantage of the meaty role here and he’s matched by guest star Devon Sawa as Woodward. The two play off each other well as both characters fluctuate between furthering the story and desperation to control a situation that threatens to drown them both in regrets and memories. Having the majority of the episode take place at and in the car gives their scenes an almost instant intimacy and even comes off as claustrophobic at times, heightening the tension. Still it is the flashbacks where McBride really shines and which also give Grover the back story his character needs. Seven years before in Chicago, Grover led a hostage negotiation that went horribly wrong, sending him in a downward spiral and making him uniquely fit for this crisis.



Grade: B+



Quotes:

“Don’t let that old curmudgeon fool you, this is his home. He’s never gonna leave here.”
“Go find yourself a comfortable chair and sit down because your tiny heinie is going nowhere until she’s done.”
“Hey, when someone’s hurting, when you’re suffering, it also affects the people who love you. They suffer too.”
“I don’t like where this is going.”
“I guess the universe had other plans.”
“I have a concealed weapons permit.” “Not anymore.”
“I’ve been where you are so I know that when you’re feeling like this, the most important thing in the world is to have somebody in your corner.”
“Look I love the guy, but I gotta say, sometimes I regret not shooting him when we first met.”
“No matter how far away we go, this island always draws us back home.”
“Who were you trying to convince just now?”



Episode Awards:

Best Reason to Watch - the acting, especially from McBride and Sawa
Best Scene / Best Quote - Grover’s ending car speech
Best Character Interaction - Grover and Brad
Best Advice - Grover tells Will that sometimes you just need to listen
Worst Decision - Steve’s about John
Biggest Hmmm - the case itself

Biggest Grover - Detective Keegan, who is a lot like Grover was when he was first introduced
Biggest Gut Wrencher - Grover’s reaction to the case in Chicago / Renee at the door
Biggest Good Luck Charm - Will
The “Say What?”: Steve claims he’s not really competitive

About the Author - Dahne

One part teacher librarian - one part avid TV fan, Dahne is a contributing writer for SpoilerTV, where she reviews and/or creates polls for Teen Wolf, How to Get Away with Murder, The Librarians, and others. She also runs the annual Character Cup. She's addicted to Twitter, loves live tweeting, and co-hosted The 100 "Red-Shirted" and Teen Wolf "Welcome to Beacon Hills" podcasts for Southgate Media Group. Previously she wrote a Last Week in TV column for her blog and SpoilerTV. ~ "I speak TV."

Quote of the Week - Week of Jan. 1

A weekly feature highlighting the best quotes on TV as picked by the Spoiler TV team. Since there hasn’t been a lot of TV in the last few weeks, here’s our favorite quotes for the month so far. We'd love to hear your picks too so please sound off in the comments below.

Agents of SHIELD -
1. Fitz: "You know, I realized something. The universe can't stop us. Cause we have crossed galaxies, we have traveled through time, we have survived the bottom of the Atlantic just so we could be together. Now a love like that, that is stronger than any curse. You and I, we are unstoppable together. I don't want to live another day without you. So Jemma Simmons, will you marry me?" (Emmaline)
2. Daisy: “How is Fitz even here?” Jemma: “I don't know! He just showed up out of nowhere with his own spaceship.” Daisy: “It's a baller move. Not to mention the whole bounty-hunter look he's rocking.” Jemma: “I still prefer him in cardigans.” (Samantha)
3. Fitz: “Also, um, just to say, I did propose earlier. When Kasius had your hearing turned off.” Jemma: “Oh, of course you did.” Fitz: “No, I seriously, I did.” (Samantha)

Bull -
1. Bull: “You’re not being disloyal or unfaithful by telling the truth about what happened. It only feels like love because you didn’t know what other box to put it in. When you’re ready to fight for your life, give me a call, but don’t wait too long. Justice is impatient.”
2. Benny: “She is no attorney. She is a piranha with a license to practice law.”
3. Benny: “Terrific. We’ve got a guilty client, an impossible lawyer, and about a half dozen unproven theories with which to defend her. Sounds like a dream come true.”

Fresh Off the Boat -
1. Jessica: “Just to throw it out there, yellow is also a sexless baby color, but it’s like a sunflower instead of the fires of hell. Just to throw it out there, but whatever you want. Let’s do yellow.”
2. Fay: “She’s here because I asked her to be here. You’re here because the idea of me raising a baby without your input drives you nuts.” Honey: “It drives me nuts because your ideas are crazy. I don’t understand. What daughter doesn’t want her mother’s help?” Honey: “I would love your help, but you’re not trying to help. You’re trying to control.”
3. Karen: “I first talked to you because I saw your X-Files shirt. I love that show.” Eddie: “I thought it is was going to be about Malcolm X, but it turned out to be a great romantic, sci-fi mystery.”

The Goldbergs -
1. Virginia: “Is your mom home?” Barry: “Your kind is not welcome in my home. So beat it!” Beverly: “No, no, I'm here. I'm here. What's wrong?” Essie: “There is a huge snowstorm upstate. All the roads are closed.” Barry: “And so is this conversation.” (Samantha)
2. Erica: “Dad, I need your stupid mower!” Murray: “Now you want to mow the grass? It's the middle of winter! It's about to snow!” Erica: “It has nothing to do with mowing!” Murray: “Then why do you need it?” Erica: “It's a whole freaking thing! Just stop asking questions!” Murray: “Oh, I'll ask questions, alright!” Erica: “Dammit, I'm in college! I shouldn't even have to ask to use the stupid gardening equipment!” Murray: “When I'm done soaking this toe, I'm going to go in the garage, and so help me, if that lawn mower's missing, it's curtains for you! Curtains!” Erica: “Well, good luck catching me with that swollen Cheeto toe!” (Samantha)

LA to Vegas -
1. Colin: “Vodka, scotch, tequila - it’s like you’re hosting the Olympics in your liver.” Ronnie: “Oh yeah well, Russia’s in the lead but Mexico’s coming on strong.”
2. Bernard: “You are great at this job. You speak these people’s language.” Ronnie: “I don’t want to speak their language. I want to speak French or Italian or whatever accent Madonna’s faking right now.” Bernard: “You leave Madonna out of this.”
3. Dave: “...And besides my job isn’t just about flying the plane. It’s about connecting with the passengers.” Armin: “Connect with us by not crashing the plane.”

Lethal Weapon -
1. Riggs: “Look, you had a raw deal. I get it, alright, but it happens. Look. Where you start in this world is not where you end up.” Ty: “People like you love to say stuff like that, man.” Riggs: “I bet I’ve spent more time in group homes than you ever will. You know you’re not the only kid to grow up without a family. I didn’t have a family then and I don’t have a family now. But you know what I do have? I have a job I love and I got a little place down at the beach. If you don’t want that, then maybe I can’t help you.”
2. Riggs (to therapist): “Look at that. We fixed me. Alright, I’m out of here”
3. Bowman: “Captain, uhh...question for you. You know Riggs better than I do.” Avery: “God, I hate questions that start like that.”

The Middle -
1. Sean: “You need to know something. I like Sue. I’ve liked her for a long time. I know you don’t like your friends dating your sister, but I’m through being a nice guy. I don’t know if she likes me or doesn’t like me. But I’m not giving up. It may not happen tonight, but it’s going to happen.” ~FINALLY, Sean! (Claire)

Runaways -
1. Eiffel: “You want one? The water polo team will be there, in case you're looking to diversify.” Gert: “We'll take five tickets, you hateful b**.” (Samantha)
2. Karolina: “I've just wanted to do that for a really long time, and after tonight, I didn't know if I'd get the chance.” (Samantha)
3. Jonah: “If you question my leadership in any way, the consequences shall be severe. So, let me ask you again. Where are your children?” (Samantha)

About the Author - Dahne

One part teacher librarian - one part avid TV fan, Dahne is a contributing writer for SpoilerTV, where she reviews and/or creates polls for Teen Wolf, How to Get Away with Murder, The Librarians, and others. She also runs the annual Character Cup. She's addicted to Twitter, loves live tweeting, and co-hosted The 100 "Red-Shirted" and Teen Wolf "Welcome to Beacon Hills" podcasts for Southgate Media Group. Previously she wrote a Last Week in TV column for her blog and SpoilerTV. ~ "I speak TV."