I like keeping track of these if for no other reason to see how my priorities change from year to year. I don't focus as much on meeting them, but it's a good way to see what is still important to me and what is now less important. Let's take a look at where I was in early 2017.
1. Summer vacation somewhere cool. Iceland's in the mix.
I went to Iceland! I did! And it was amazing! I love that place so much, and I cried the first time I really stepped out of the car into the wilderness and felt like I was there. It lived up to my extremely high expectations, and I can't wait to go back.
2. Take classes for Girls Develop It
I didn't do this. But, I did quite a bit of coding as I completed a website for my job at Hamline's Sustainability Office.
3. Look into GIS and maybe start taking GIS classes
I didn't do this. I still love geography, and I've recently (as in, the past week) been playing around with Google's My Maps functionality. This might still be in my future.
4. Publish at least 15 posts on this blog.
Not that far off, actually. Thanks to my early-2017 TV obsessions.
5. Read at least 3 books. Super low standards here, dude.
I almost finished reading Cooked by Michael Pollan. So, I read like 80% of one book. I just don't think I'm much of a reader and I should stop putting this on my list.
6. Make a craft with my flag drawings.
Good intentions, not met, but I still plan to do this.
7. Make some websites for work and for fun.
I made a pretty neat website for my job, as mentioned, and I played around with coding a few other things. I don't want to completely lose my know-how in that area.
8. Do Collaborative Research in Sustainability over the summer.
I decided to not do this, which was a smart decision because, turns out, I hate research.
9. Move off campus.
I landed a pretty sweet apartment in the Summit-University neighborhood in Saint Paul.
10. Get good grades.
As always... And this fall was my last semester of college!
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Monday, February 13, 2017
10 favorite Bojack Horseman episodes
Doing a top 10 list for a show with only 36 episodes is sort of gratuitous, but I'm gonna do it anyway. And they're actually in order!
From this list, and from my enjoyment of the show in general, you'll be able to tell that I like being in pain. Here's my previous blog post about Bojack, where I talk about what I like about the show in general.
This is a great issue episode, and super honest unflinching look at abortion. Diane decides to have an abortion, and she doesn't regret it, but she's still allowed to have some complicated feelings about it. Meanwhile, her client, a teen pop star, sparks a public abortion debate with her new single about killing babies. Great commentary, great jokes, and the song is hilarious.
This episode has a long trippy scene that hits all the right notes of funny and sad that I love about this show. Then the episode ends with Bojack going to Diane's panel and asking her if he's a good person. She doesn't answer.
This is a unique episode as Bojack calls the LA Gazette to cancel his subscription and ends up getting therapy sessions from a woman called The Closer. Not only does she help him work through his guilt about Todd and complicated relationship with Ana - she also gets him to renew his subscription.
Bojack is a guest on Mr. Peanutbutter's new show and he's up against Daniel Radcliffe. This episode is hilarious as we see JD Salinger's game show come to fruition. But undoubtedly the best part is when Peanutbutter and Bojack "get real" about their rivalry and Diane on live television. Then they make out for a while?
And of course, Bojack reveals the extent of his pettiness when he burns all the money.
The Princess Carolyn episode we all deserve. I love her, and I love seeing her and Bojack talk out their problems (or yell about them). This episode has some great comedic moments including: Bojack accidentally firing the restaurant owner; the waiter getting lit on fire; and everything the food critic does. Plus, "Don't go back to the restaurant, Princess Carolyn" is a great song.
There's a gut punch to this episode, too, though. After a long pause of the waiter coming back to get his coat, Bojack decides to not give Princess Carolyn another chance.
This mid-season 1 episode is when the show hooked me for good. We see some glimpses into Bojack's past and his relationship with Herb and Charlotte, and his betrayal of Herb. Now jumping forward, we see Herb interact pleasantly with Bojack, but ultimately refuse to forgive him. This scene matters a lot to me; you are not obligated to forgive the people who wronged you.
Then, in an intense moment, Bojack kisses Diane on the way home.
This episode is truly just one depressing scene on top of another. Sarah Lynn breaks her sobriety in a big way, as she begins what appears to be a months-long bender with Bojack. Some hits include: crashing an AA meeting and Bojack starts talking about all the awful things he's done; going to check on Penny and just re-opening the wound; Sarah Lynn seeing that she's won an Oscar on TV but not being there to accept it.
The planetarium scene is really a whole other level. I cry real actual tears every time.
This is up here with the big "end of season" episodes, and for good reason. This episode follows three couples and their arguments after Diane's surprise birthday party. The scene with Princess Carolyn and Vincent Adultman is some comedic relief, before a much more intense fight between Diane and Mr. Peanutbutter.
I like to watch a good argument, and Diane and Peanutbutter's is a fantastic one, with all the ins and outs and highs and lows. They come to a healthy conclusion, proving once again why they work well together despite their differences. Bojack and Wanda's argument is a little different, as Bojack hits the self-sabotage button. Another highlight: Wanda's two part joke about the bag of mulch.
Bojack celebrates his Oscar nomination with a huge party and pushes Diane away. His self-destruction is counterbalanced with Mr. Peanutbutter and Todd's antics. Mr. Peanutbutter tries to comfort Bojack by telling him that "none of this matters." This type of nihilism is not very comforting to Bojack.
The gut punch comes in the end, when Todd delivers a fantastic monologue, telling Bojack that he can't blame all of his mistakes on his childhood trauma and alcoholism, that the excuses are meaningless when he never tries to change, and the real problem, well - "it's you."
This has to be one of the best episodes of television I've ever seen. It's a nice bottle episode, an escape, if you will, as Bojack finds a surrogate family in New Mexico. The feel-good set-up makes he last few minutes even more heart-wrenching and awful. It's such an edge-of-your-seat and emotionally conflicting moment, since you know that Bojack is doing something really bad, but you can't help but feel for him.
The the events of the episode are not forgotten; Bojack is haunted by his mistake for the rest of the series.
From this list, and from my enjoyment of the show in general, you'll be able to tell that I like being in pain. Here's my previous blog post about Bojack, where I talk about what I like about the show in general.
10. Brrap Brrap Pew Pew
This is a great issue episode, and super honest unflinching look at abortion. Diane decides to have an abortion, and she doesn't regret it, but she's still allowed to have some complicated feelings about it. Meanwhile, her client, a teen pop star, sparks a public abortion debate with her new single about killing babies. Great commentary, great jokes, and the song is hilarious.
9. Downer Ending
This episode has a long trippy scene that hits all the right notes of funny and sad that I love about this show. Then the episode ends with Bojack going to Diane's panel and asking her if he's a good person. She doesn't answer.
8. Stop the Presses
This is a unique episode as Bojack calls the LA Gazette to cancel his subscription and ends up getting therapy sessions from a woman called The Closer. Not only does she help him work through his guilt about Todd and complicated relationship with Ana - she also gets him to renew his subscription.
7. Let's Find Out
Bojack is a guest on Mr. Peanutbutter's new show and he's up against Daniel Radcliffe. This episode is hilarious as we see JD Salinger's game show come to fruition. But undoubtedly the best part is when Peanutbutter and Bojack "get real" about their rivalry and Diane on live television. Then they make out for a while?
And of course, Bojack reveals the extent of his pettiness when he burns all the money.
6. Best Thing That Ever Happened
The Princess Carolyn episode we all deserve. I love her, and I love seeing her and Bojack talk out their problems (or yell about them). This episode has some great comedic moments including: Bojack accidentally firing the restaurant owner; the waiter getting lit on fire; and everything the food critic does. Plus, "Don't go back to the restaurant, Princess Carolyn" is a great song.
There's a gut punch to this episode, too, though. After a long pause of the waiter coming back to get his coat, Bojack decides to not give Princess Carolyn another chance.
5. The Telescope
This mid-season 1 episode is when the show hooked me for good. We see some glimpses into Bojack's past and his relationship with Herb and Charlotte, and his betrayal of Herb. Now jumping forward, we see Herb interact pleasantly with Bojack, but ultimately refuse to forgive him. This scene matters a lot to me; you are not obligated to forgive the people who wronged you.
Then, in an intense moment, Bojack kisses Diane on the way home.
4. That's Too Much, Man!
This episode is truly just one depressing scene on top of another. Sarah Lynn breaks her sobriety in a big way, as she begins what appears to be a months-long bender with Bojack. Some hits include: crashing an AA meeting and Bojack starts talking about all the awful things he's done; going to check on Penny and just re-opening the wound; Sarah Lynn seeing that she's won an Oscar on TV but not being there to accept it.
The planetarium scene is really a whole other level. I cry real actual tears every time.
3. After the Party
This is up here with the big "end of season" episodes, and for good reason. This episode follows three couples and their arguments after Diane's surprise birthday party. The scene with Princess Carolyn and Vincent Adultman is some comedic relief, before a much more intense fight between Diane and Mr. Peanutbutter.
I like to watch a good argument, and Diane and Peanutbutter's is a fantastic one, with all the ins and outs and highs and lows. They come to a healthy conclusion, proving once again why they work well together despite their differences. Bojack and Wanda's argument is a little different, as Bojack hits the self-sabotage button. Another highlight: Wanda's two part joke about the bag of mulch.
2. It's You
Bojack celebrates his Oscar nomination with a huge party and pushes Diane away. His self-destruction is counterbalanced with Mr. Peanutbutter and Todd's antics. Mr. Peanutbutter tries to comfort Bojack by telling him that "none of this matters." This type of nihilism is not very comforting to Bojack.
The gut punch comes in the end, when Todd delivers a fantastic monologue, telling Bojack that he can't blame all of his mistakes on his childhood trauma and alcoholism, that the excuses are meaningless when he never tries to change, and the real problem, well - "it's you."
1. Escape From L.A.
This has to be one of the best episodes of television I've ever seen. It's a nice bottle episode, an escape, if you will, as Bojack finds a surrogate family in New Mexico. The feel-good set-up makes he last few minutes even more heart-wrenching and awful. It's such an edge-of-your-seat and emotionally conflicting moment, since you know that Bojack is doing something really bad, but you can't help but feel for him.
The the events of the episode are not forgotten; Bojack is haunted by his mistake for the rest of the series.
Monday, February 6, 2017
Favorite Always Sunny Episodes: 10 More Runner Ups
You thought naming my top 20 episodes was enough? Well. You underestimate the power of my one-track mind. And my current fixation is Always Sunny. So here we go.
(Here's my top 10 and here's my first set of runner ups.)
"You've gotta be a real low life piece of shit to get involved in politics!" And here we go. The premise of the episode is hilarious, and I've got to shout out Charlie's speech he wrote for Dennis. Fun fact: Glenn Howerton improvised this dyslexic speech: "The Democratic vote for me is right thing to do, Philadelphia, so do."
Gotta love how things spiral out of control so quickly in these two episodes, as they become drug dealers and Dennis becomes a prostitute. Rickety Cricket gets involved, and ultimately gets the comeuppance that the gang deserved. Plus, the mafia guys are hilarious in their track suits.
This is such a great "things spiraling out of control" episode as the gang kidnaps a journalist, his neighbor, and his cat. Of course, this doesn't help their bar get better reviews.
The titular story line of the episode is funny enough as Dee and Dennis try to get in shape without actually working out. But what's even better is Mac and Charlie getting an office job. The interview scene is hilarious, and the Pepe Silvia scene is truly iconic.
Always Sunny has taken advantage of current events to create episodes since the beginning. Frank not being rich would certainly put a wrench in the gang's ability to scheme freely. Luckily, after a brief stint as a door-to-door knife salesman and crab fisherman, he gets bailed out. Just in time, too, since Mac and Dennis prove to be really bad at economics.
This episode has a few genuinely creepy moments (the McPoyle girl crawling on the floor, limbs all twisted up... *shudders*), and I always love an episode told through flashbacks. Plus the scene at the beginning where Frank is bit by a bat and pays Dee to suck the venom out, but she swallows the blood and then tries to make herself throw up while Dennis yells at them -- if you needed to introduce someone to the gang in under a minute, this is the way to do it.
This episode is a great remake of Flowers for Algernon, but it turns out that Charlie's increased intelligence is simply the placebo effect. Also this episode was written by the writers of Game of Thrones. Huh.
I'm always a fan of any episode that gets the gang all together in the same place, doing the same thing. Here we have an airplane drinking competition, as they try to drink over 70 beers on a cross-country flight. That's really all you need to know.
This is a great nostalgia episode, 10 years after season 2, with tons of great fourth-wall-breaking humor. My two favorite moments: The nod to Mac's changed sexuality over the seasons ("Oh, yeah, it's 2006 and you're still into women"), and the return of Biz Markie's "Just a Friend".
These are two great episodes, but I mostly just want to talk about Mac finally coming out as gay (only to retreat back into the closet, but still). This scene actually pulls at my heart strings, with Mac only able to accept himself as gay if there is no God. Then his father issues resurface, as it's revealed that Dennis has been hiding the letters from Mac's dad. But at least Mac has found love for musical theater.
(Here's my top 10 and here's my first set of runner ups.)
The Gang Runs for Office (season 2, episode 8)
"You've gotta be a real low life piece of shit to get involved in politics!" And here we go. The premise of the episode is hilarious, and I've got to shout out Charlie's speech he wrote for Dennis. Fun fact: Glenn Howerton improvised this dyslexic speech: "The Democratic vote for me is right thing to do, Philadelphia, so do."
The Gang Gets Whacked, Parts I and II (season 3, episodes 12 & 13)
Gotta love how things spiral out of control so quickly in these two episodes, as they become drug dealers and Dennis becomes a prostitute. Rickety Cricket gets involved, and ultimately gets the comeuppance that the gang deserved. Plus, the mafia guys are hilarious in their track suits.
Paddy's Pub: The Worst Bar in Philadelphia (season 4, episode 8)
This is such a great "things spiraling out of control" episode as the gang kidnaps a journalist, his neighbor, and his cat. Of course, this doesn't help their bar get better reviews.
Sweet Dee Has a Heart Attack (season 4, episode 10)
The titular story line of the episode is funny enough as Dee and Dennis try to get in shape without actually working out. But what's even better is Mac and Charlie getting an office job. The interview scene is hilarious, and the Pepe Silvia scene is truly iconic.
The Great Recession (season 5, episode 3)
Always Sunny has taken advantage of current events to create episodes since the beginning. Frank not being rich would certainly put a wrench in the gang's ability to scheme freely. Luckily, after a brief stint as a door-to-door knife salesman and crab fisherman, he gets bailed out. Just in time, too, since Mac and Dennis prove to be really bad at economics.
The Maureen Ponderosa Wedding Massacre (season 8, episode 3)
This episode has a few genuinely creepy moments (the McPoyle girl crawling on the floor, limbs all twisted up... *shudders*), and I always love an episode told through flashbacks. Plus the scene at the beginning where Frank is bit by a bat and pays Dee to suck the venom out, but she swallows the blood and then tries to make herself throw up while Dennis yells at them -- if you needed to introduce someone to the gang in under a minute, this is the way to do it.
Flowers for Charlie (season 9, episode 8)
This episode is a great remake of Flowers for Algernon, but it turns out that Charlie's increased intelligence is simply the placebo effect. Also this episode was written by the writers of Game of Thrones. Huh.
The Gang Beats Boggs (season 10, episode 1)
I'm always a fan of any episode that gets the gang all together in the same place, doing the same thing. Here we have an airplane drinking competition, as they try to drink over 70 beers on a cross-country flight. That's really all you need to know.
Frank Falls Out the Window (season 11, episode 2)
This is a great nostalgia episode, 10 years after season 2, with tons of great fourth-wall-breaking humor. My two favorite moments: The nod to Mac's changed sexuality over the seasons ("Oh, yeah, it's 2006 and you're still into women"), and the return of Biz Markie's "Just a Friend".
The Gang Goes to Hell Parts I and II (season 11, episodes 9 & 10)
These are two great episodes, but I mostly just want to talk about Mac finally coming out as gay (only to retreat back into the closet, but still). This scene actually pulls at my heart strings, with Mac only able to accept himself as gay if there is no God. Then his father issues resurface, as it's revealed that Dennis has been hiding the letters from Mac's dad. But at least Mac has found love for musical theater.
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Favorite Always Sunny Episodes: 10 Runner Ups
I couldn't stick to just 10 favorite episodes of Always Sunny, that's ridiculous. Here's 10 more.
Where it all started. This episode is packed full of great jokes, and is a perfect introduction to the tone of the series. The gang is hilariously tone-deaf about race, while also constantly worrying that they're perceived as racist. (Not genuine concern that they're being racist, mind you: just worried that other people think they are.) This combination is comedic gold, and demonstrates how this show can deal with controversial topics without being actually offensive. The humor comes from the gang's ignorance, not racist jokes. (To be blatant, we're laughing at the white people, not the black people.)
Thanks to Charlie's illiteracy, Paddy's Pub is the prize in a dance marathon competition. Several people they've screwed over show up to compete, and of course they're not very good at cooperating with each to win the bar back. Dee in particular tries to sabotage the rest of the gang, but Charlie has a surprising tolerance to the sedative brownies. Any episode with a single focused storyline like this is usually gold.
Yeah, I'm cheating with the two part episode but you have to watch them both together. Seeing these two idiots try to fake their death is hilarious, between Charlie pulling his teeth and Mac buying the wedding dress. Then of course the fact that their friends knew they were alive the whole time.
This episode has a classic Sunny-esque premise, as the gang attempts to go on a road trip to the Grand Canyon, but doesn't even make it outside of Philly. This is good news for Charlie, who has never left the city and is afraid to. He has also never eaten a pear, as it turns out. But he has eaten a lot of stickers. Another highlight: Dennis and Charlie starting a fire in the trailer and passing out from smoke inhalation.
Mac and Dennis's codependent relationship is the focus of this episode, but it turns out that while they may not be great together, they're even worse apart. This episode includes such comedic gems as the apple skins that are riddled with toxins ("I'm not allowed!") and Frank "putting on airs" by not eating cat food.
This episode is hilariously constructed, told through each character's drunk mis-remembering of the night. My favorite moment in the contrasting memories is probably: "That's insanely masculine" becoming "I'm insanely high on mescaline." Throughout the night, Dee gets progressively more bird-like, once appearing as an actual ostrich. Plus, the McPoyles are hilarious in this episode.
This episode starts off with the gang in a ridiculous situation, trapped inside of a house and the homeowners are home. They might need to rethink how they consistently get themselves into these jams. But for now, they have to find a way out of the house. The hilarious conclusion? They just walk out. Just walk right out the front door.
Glimpses into the gang's high school life are always pure gold, and these episodes are the epitome of this. They all revert back to their high school ways despite their intention of showing how much they've changed. We also find out that Mac's given name is Ronald McDonald. But, the highlight without a doubt is Dennis in the parking lot, frantically getting his "tools" -- "I like to bind, I like to be bound!"
The Dee episode we all deserve. This episode is hilarious as Dee seemingly gets her big break (and Dennis can't cope due to his need to control her), but it turns out to all have been a cruel and complex prank by Frank, Charlie and Mac (and like one hundred other people (but not Dennis)).
This is probably the most meta episode of the show. The gang tries to win a Best Bar award, but it's a thinly veiled and hilarious commentary on how the show has never won any awards - maybe people just don't get what they're going for? In an extra meta moment, the competing bar's manager is an actor from The Office. As a fan of this show, this episode is a gift because it really feels like an inside joke with RCG: We're among the few people who get what the show is trying to do.
The Gang Gets Racist (season 1, episode 1)
Where it all started. This episode is packed full of great jokes, and is a perfect introduction to the tone of the series. The gang is hilariously tone-deaf about race, while also constantly worrying that they're perceived as racist. (Not genuine concern that they're being racist, mind you: just worried that other people think they are.) This combination is comedic gold, and demonstrates how this show can deal with controversial topics without being actually offensive. The humor comes from the gang's ignorance, not racist jokes. (To be blatant, we're laughing at the white people, not the black people.)
The Gang Dances Their Asses Off (season 3, episode 15)
Mac & Charlie Die: Parts I and II (season 4, episodes 5 & 6)
Yeah, I'm cheating with the two part episode but you have to watch them both together. Seeing these two idiots try to fake their death is hilarious, between Charlie pulling his teeth and Mac buying the wedding dress. Then of course the fact that their friends knew they were alive the whole time.
The Gang Hits the Road (season 5, episode 2)
This episode has a classic Sunny-esque premise, as the gang attempts to go on a road trip to the Grand Canyon, but doesn't even make it outside of Philly. This is good news for Charlie, who has never left the city and is afraid to. He has also never eaten a pear, as it turns out. But he has eaten a lot of stickers. Another highlight: Dennis and Charlie starting a fire in the trailer and passing out from smoke inhalation.
Mac & Dennis Break Up (season 5, episode 9)
Mac and Dennis's codependent relationship is the focus of this episode, but it turns out that while they may not be great together, they're even worse apart. This episode includes such comedic gems as the apple skins that are riddled with toxins ("I'm not allowed!") and Frank "putting on airs" by not eating cat food.
Who Got Dee Pregnant? (season 6, episode 7)
This episode is hilariously constructed, told through each character's drunk mis-remembering of the night. My favorite moment in the contrasting memories is probably: "That's insanely masculine" becoming "I'm insanely high on mescaline." Throughout the night, Dee gets progressively more bird-like, once appearing as an actual ostrich. Plus, the McPoyles are hilarious in this episode.
The Gang Gets Trapped (season 7, episode 9)
This episode starts off with the gang in a ridiculous situation, trapped inside of a house and the homeowners are home. They might need to rethink how they consistently get themselves into these jams. But for now, they have to find a way out of the house. The hilarious conclusion? They just walk out. Just walk right out the front door.
The High School Reunion Parts I and II (season 7, episodes 12 & 13)
Glimpses into the gang's high school life are always pure gold, and these episodes are the epitome of this. They all revert back to their high school ways despite their intention of showing how much they've changed. We also find out that Mac's given name is Ronald McDonald. But, the highlight without a doubt is Dennis in the parking lot, frantically getting his "tools" -- "I like to bind, I like to be bound!"
The Gang Broke Dee (season 9, episode 1)
The Dee episode we all deserve. This episode is hilarious as Dee seemingly gets her big break (and Dennis can't cope due to his need to control her), but it turns out to all have been a cruel and complex prank by Frank, Charlie and Mac (and like one hundred other people (but not Dennis)).
The Gang Tries Desperately to Win an Award (season 9, episode 3)
This is probably the most meta episode of the show. The gang tries to win a Best Bar award, but it's a thinly veiled and hilarious commentary on how the show has never won any awards - maybe people just don't get what they're going for? In an extra meta moment, the competing bar's manager is an actor from The Office. As a fan of this show, this episode is a gift because it really feels like an inside joke with RCG: We're among the few people who get what the show is trying to do.
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Goals for 2017
As the years pass, the number of goals I'm setting are getting out of hand. Let's go back to simply 10 things to do per year.
1. Summer vacation somewhere cool. Iceland's in the mix.
2. Take classes for Girls Develop It
3. Look into GIS and maybe start taking GIS classes
4. Publish at least 15 posts on this blog.
5. Read at least 3 books. Super low standards here, dude.
6. Make a craft with my flag drawings.
7. Make some websites for work and for fun.
8. Do Collaborative Research in Sustainability over the summer.
9. Move off campus.
10. Get good grades.
1. Summer vacation somewhere cool. Iceland's in the mix.
2. Take classes for Girls Develop It
3. Look into GIS and maybe start taking GIS classes
4. Publish at least 15 posts on this blog.
5. Read at least 3 books. Super low standards here, dude.
6. Make a craft with my flag drawings.
7. Make some websites for work and for fun.
8. Do Collaborative Research in Sustainability over the summer.
9. Move off campus.
10. Get good grades.
Top 10 Favorite Always Sunny Episodes
I started watching It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia over a year ago and was surprised to find out how much I enjoyed the show, especially coming fresh off of Parks and Rec, possibly the purest and most wholesome comedy on TV. Always Sunny is definitely a counterweight to anything feel-good, with the humor in the show coming from how awful the main characters are; the bad things that happen them are funny, because they deserve it and brought it upon themselves.
Despite all of that, you do come to relate to and like the characters a little bit (at least if you have something of a mean streak yourself). The characters never change or grow, which becomes a joke in and of itself, but after 12 seasons, it never feels boring or repetitive. I have no idea how they do it. They've been renewed for a 13th and 14th season as well.
Lately, I've been getting really into the show, rewatching old episodes as the latest season airs.
Despite all of that, you do come to relate to and like the characters a little bit (at least if you have something of a mean streak yourself). The characters never change or grow, which becomes a joke in and of itself, but after 12 seasons, it never feels boring or repetitive. I have no idea how they do it. They've been renewed for a 13th and 14th season as well.
Lately, I've been getting really into the show, rewatching old episodes as the latest season airs.
Here's a carefully selected list of my 10 favorite episodes, narrowed down from a list of about 35 honorable mentions. It's so hard to pick this few, but these are some episodes that I always go back to rewatch. I tried to evenly pick among the seasons, so I'll go in order of that.
Dennis & Dee Go on Welfare (Season 2, episode 3)
This great premise is an example of how the show subtly makes social commentary. Dennis and Dee decide to game the system and live off welfare instead of working. However, as they find out at "the welfare store," they don't just hand out welfare to anyone. So, Dennis and Dee buy some crack so they can get blood work to prove a drug addiction. But then, of course, they just get addicted to crack and their lives spiral.
Their crack addiction is mentioned a few times in later seasons: In one instance in season 7, Mac asks Dennis what he wants more than anything and Dennis admits it's crack.
This is arguably the most iconic episode of the series, as Charlie's musical comes to fruition. The songs are ridiculous and funny, creating some awkward stage moments. Frank's enunciation of "boy's soul" to sound more like "boy's hole" deserves a mention here.
This episode is so perfectly ridiculous, and an episode told mostly through flashbacks is always a good time. Between Charlie shoving Dennis in front of a car, the fumigation, Greenman, and getting stuck in a linen closet for 6 days, well... Perfectly ridiculous.
This double-length episode is also clearly uncensored, so get ready for tons of unbleeped f-bombs and a gory claymation scene. It's jam-packed of hilarious scenes, including Mac and Charlie having disturbing revelations about their childhood Christmas traditions; Charlie confronting a mall Santa; Frank being an especially awful father; and the gang aggressively Christmas-caroling at 4 in the morning.
Yet another iconic episode, and probably the best drinking game known to man. Everything about this game is hilarious: the three levels, the huge rulebook, the game pieces. It's so fun to see all their interactions as they ruthlessly compete.
This episode takes place entirely inside of a fancy Italian restaurant, as all the members of the gang find themselves there at the same time. Awkwardness and hilarity ensues. I love episodes like this that involve all the members of the gang together in the same place. Plus, this episode introduces Mac and Dennis's monthly dinner tradition, which is adorable.
This episode is a great insight into Mac's psyche, and Country Mac is a gift. Plus this episode is when years of build-up finally gets textual confirmation as the rest of the gang all agree that Mac is gay. Mac of course is not there yet, as he buries himself in denial and Catholic guilt. Kind of sad, actually.
This episode is basically on here for two reasons: The gang's hilarious and long overdue realization that they're severe alcoholics, and Frank slithering around on the floor covered in hand sanitizer. Plus, locking the gang in the bar would be my response to recent seasons, in which the gang has ventured a little too far from their roots.
This episode is possibly a masterpiece, and I love the manic tone of the whole thing, emphasized with long tracking shots. Charlie certainly deserves more credit for cheating through all of Paddy's health inspections. The carbon monoxide ridden basement and the recorder is probably my favorite part. I also love being thrust into one of the gang's schemes without any context; Charlie, though, figures out the whole thing.
This is the only episode on my list that ventures from the show's Philly roots and really, from the bar. Although this is a gripe I have with recent seasons, this episode justified the choice better than other non-Philly episodes. Dennis has several fantastic freak-outs in this episode ("Newflash, asshole!"), and I love the way it's shot like a horror movie.
Their crack addiction is mentioned a few times in later seasons: In one instance in season 7, Mac asks Dennis what he wants more than anything and Dennis admits it's crack.
The Nightman Cometh (Season 4, episode 13)
This is arguably the most iconic episode of the series, as Charlie's musical comes to fruition. The songs are ridiculous and funny, creating some awkward stage moments. Frank's enunciation of "boy's soul" to sound more like "boy's hole" deserves a mention here.
The World Series Defense (season 5, episode 6)
A Very Sunny Christmas (season 6, episode 13/14)
This double-length episode is also clearly uncensored, so get ready for tons of unbleeped f-bombs and a gory claymation scene. It's jam-packed of hilarious scenes, including Mac and Charlie having disturbing revelations about their childhood Christmas traditions; Charlie confronting a mall Santa; Frank being an especially awful father; and the gang aggressively Christmas-caroling at 4 in the morning.
Chardee MacDennis: The Game of Games (season 7, episode 7)
Yet another iconic episode, and probably the best drinking game known to man. Everything about this game is hilarious: the three levels, the huge rulebook, the game pieces. It's so fun to see all their interactions as they ruthlessly compete.
The Gang Dines Out (season 8, episode 9)
This episode takes place entirely inside of a fancy Italian restaurant, as all the members of the gang find themselves there at the same time. Awkwardness and hilarity ensues. I love episodes like this that involve all the members of the gang together in the same place. Plus, this episode introduces Mac and Dennis's monthly dinner tradition, which is adorable.
Mac Day (season 9, episode 5)
This episode is a great insight into Mac's psyche, and Country Mac is a gift. Plus this episode is when years of build-up finally gets textual confirmation as the rest of the gang all agree that Mac is gay. Mac of course is not there yet, as he buries himself in denial and Catholic guilt. Kind of sad, actually.
The Gang Gets Quarantined (season 9, episode 7)
This episode is basically on here for two reasons: The gang's hilarious and long overdue realization that they're severe alcoholics, and Frank slithering around on the floor covered in hand sanitizer. Plus, locking the gang in the bar would be my response to recent seasons, in which the gang has ventured a little too far from their roots.
Charlie Work (season 10, episode 4)
This episode is possibly a masterpiece, and I love the manic tone of the whole thing, emphasized with long tracking shots. Charlie certainly deserves more credit for cheating through all of Paddy's health inspections. The carbon monoxide ridden basement and the recorder is probably my favorite part. I also love being thrust into one of the gang's schemes without any context; Charlie, though, figures out the whole thing.
Mac & Dennis Move to the Suburbs (season 11, episode 5)
This is the only episode on my list that ventures from the show's Philly roots and really, from the bar. Although this is a gripe I have with recent seasons, this episode justified the choice better than other non-Philly episodes. Dennis has several fantastic freak-outs in this episode ("Newflash, asshole!"), and I love the way it's shot like a horror movie.
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
2016: Goal Evaluation
I never even set the 16th goal for 2016, but how did I do on the other 15?
Publish 2 posts per month on this blog (24 total): Only had 13 total.
Go on a camping trip to Glacier National Park: This didn't work out.
Get an internship: Actually I had two this year. One through the sustainability office and one through Eureka Recycling. My career pursuits started coming together this year.
Live in an apartment: My on campus apartment is great, and I love being able to cook for myself and have my own space.
30-day vegan challenge: I didn't officially do this, but I ended up eating almost completely vegan since I moved into my apartment. I simply don't buy animal products so I don't eat them. Turns out it's that easy.
Get good grades: Yes!
Vote in the presidential election: I did vote, but I don't really want to talk about the outcome.
Make an artwork: I made my friend a bottle cap poster for her birthday.
Work out regularly: Maybe I'm just not the type of person that is meant to work out.
Go out for my 21st birthday: Went to a restaurant on my actual birthday and to a brewery the next day and hung out with friends the next day for NYE so it was a three day event.
Read at least three books: I read the Sustainability Secret, which is basically the novelization of Cowspiracy, but I didn't read any other books in their entirety. I'm awful.
Start vermicomposting: I started vermicomposting in May, and I'm fairly experienced by now.
Travel to another country: Not sure why I thought this would be happening this year...
Keep up with local news and environmental news: I sort of did, through social media and email lists. For one of my jobs, I have to browse environmental news every week so that's a plus.
Get involved in local politics and advocacy: I went to the Twin Cities Zero Waste Summit. Better than nothing.
I unambiguously accomplished 7 out of the 15. But I partially accomplished 12 of the 15. Just gotta lower my standards I guess.
Publish 2 posts per month on this blog (24 total): Only had 13 total.
Go on a camping trip to Glacier National Park: This didn't work out.
Get an internship: Actually I had two this year. One through the sustainability office and one through Eureka Recycling. My career pursuits started coming together this year.
Live in an apartment: My on campus apartment is great, and I love being able to cook for myself and have my own space.
30-day vegan challenge: I didn't officially do this, but I ended up eating almost completely vegan since I moved into my apartment. I simply don't buy animal products so I don't eat them. Turns out it's that easy.
Get good grades: Yes!
Vote in the presidential election: I did vote, but I don't really want to talk about the outcome.
Make an artwork: I made my friend a bottle cap poster for her birthday.
Work out regularly: Maybe I'm just not the type of person that is meant to work out.
Go out for my 21st birthday: Went to a restaurant on my actual birthday and to a brewery the next day and hung out with friends the next day for NYE so it was a three day event.
Read at least three books: I read the Sustainability Secret, which is basically the novelization of Cowspiracy, but I didn't read any other books in their entirety. I'm awful.
Start vermicomposting: I started vermicomposting in May, and I'm fairly experienced by now.
Travel to another country: Not sure why I thought this would be happening this year...
Keep up with local news and environmental news: I sort of did, through social media and email lists. For one of my jobs, I have to browse environmental news every week so that's a plus.
Get involved in local politics and advocacy: I went to the Twin Cities Zero Waste Summit. Better than nothing.
I unambiguously accomplished 7 out of the 15. But I partially accomplished 12 of the 15. Just gotta lower my standards I guess.
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