In this case I am depressed to disagree with The Onion AV Club's dictates regarding Wonderfalls. They say it wasn't going anywhere and it's okay it was cancelled. After liking the first few episodes with reservations (the boy is puppy-dog-ish but not actually interesting, the episode music is horrible - not the theme music, that's good, I mean the crappy radio rock in the background - and, principally, the episodes are totally interchangeable in much the same way many of the "Dead Like Me" episodes were - except worse there where they would introduce entirely new interesting characters /george's friend at the college/ and completely throw away the story line with no trace the next episode), I was looking forward to a decline in quality that would make me sigh in resignation at the end of the season. Instead the AV Club is way wrong and the episodes begin to have lots of continuity and gain in A) emotional weight B) technical dexterity and especially C) great directors. The second to last episode is directed by the incredible Jeremy Podeswa (watch Six Feet Under and learn his name); and the last episode is directed by MICHAEL LEHMANN. Yes, MICHAEL LEHMANN. It is a sign from beyond the grave (40 days and 40 nights, Because I Said So) that his talent is not yet dead (Heathers, and go look him up too). Bryan Fuller creates another remarkable heroine in Caroline Dhavernas, someone who really does not want to be a better person but the universe is forcing her to become one. Just like with Ellen Muth in "Dead Like Me" her problems hit me a little too close to home (averted eyes and smirk to discourage contact? ouch). Whereas Muth has a restless intellect going for her, Dhavernas has that she is hypnotically beautiful and handles the offspeed pitch especially well (read: demonstrates emotional change moment to moment in a skilled and controlled yet natural way). Her backup might not be Mandy Patinkin, but even if Tracie Thoms went to Juilliard and still throws in "up in her grill" "come correct" etcetera (did you see "Grindhouse"? Don't.) this is a part she is well suited for. Lee Pace seems wasted at first but as the episodes get better it's obvious how much better he is than the early material. Kate Finneran is strong throughout and makes some of the early episodes seem better than they are. The parents are strong also, but not the focus. There are several excellent guest turns, especially Louise Fletcher(!), Rue McClanahan, Beth Grant and the adorable and sadly departed Kellie Waymire. I want a wax lion.
This show requires an ability to handle a LOT of quirk, a lethal dose for some, but FOX was wrong to axe it, as usual those bastards. However there are some ill elements to the show: it uses Judaism and Lesbianism as a punchline and has some rather strange and revolting overall references ("he's ready for your jelly!"; comparisons in the tastes of saliva). It's like "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," just when it's getting even better: death. Thanks, FOX. You heartless bastards.
This show requires an ability to handle a LOT of quirk, a lethal dose for some, but FOX was wrong to axe it, as usual those bastards. However there are some ill elements to the show: it uses Judaism and Lesbianism as a punchline and has some rather strange and revolting overall references ("he's ready for your jelly!"; comparisons in the tastes of saliva). It's like "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," just when it's getting even better: death. Thanks, FOX. You heartless bastards.