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Episode Recap: "The Promise of a New Season"
Finally. It's been a long seven months, but the Boys are back and we're picking things up with a double-header, starting with that kiss. I was already expecting something negative to come out of this, considering this could be a My Boys version of Friends' Ross and Rachel, and it would be too soon for them to really get together. But I didn't expect to have such a physical reaction to PJ answering her cell phone right after their smooch. (Picture me throwing my hands in the air and yelling, "No! Don't answer the phone! You're totally ruining it!") But then I calmed down because this season is all about new beginnings, despite any awkwardness, and I'm so glad the show is back that I'll set the Brando-PJ thing aside just for the sake of new possibilities and new faces. (For more on upcoming guest stars and storylines, check out my interview with Jordana Spiro.)
Moving on… Since when does Mike take yoga? I can't picture that, but I guess I should keep an open mind — after all, Andy's livin' in the suburbs and Kenny's dating pregnant women, so life is definitely different for our poker crew. The scene where they were trying to draw attention to Kimmy's baby bump just so Bobby and Brando would notice defines what My Boys is all about.
Another moment of perfection was the Fantasy Baseball draft with Andy trying to bid on players over speakerphone. I was laughing out loud the entire time — until Brendan surrendered to his girlfriend's arrival and accidentally took PJ's reserved first baseman.
Then it really went downhill with four simple words: "I'll take Derek Jeter." And all this attitude stems from that one kiss — PJ's jealousy, Brando's little speech about the boys having other women in their lives (a little harsh, no?). But the bottom line is, he was obviously feeling rejected when she rushed off to give Steph her house keys the night of their kiss. A misunderstanding once we saw it played out, but that one phone call seemed to extend the possibility of this relationship.
So now, even though Brendan's moving back in with PJ, there's this awkwardness that lingers among all the one-liners that make me chuckle. It's the semi-serious moments combined with natural jabs and sarcasm that make this show brilliant and completely true to life. Its return has refreshed my summer of so-so TV — Kenny's bizarre social decisions (like failing to tell everyone Kimmy was a surrogate), Andy's under-the-breath comments, Steph's hatred for Kenny (which I still maintain to be jealousy). Can they all just be my friends?
Episode Recap: "Off Day"
"He puts the lotion in the freakin' basket!" [Cringe] Oh man. PJ's appearance on the Turk Vardell show was just painful and I was curled up on my couch in embarrassment for her. But who better to play Turk than Felicity's Ian Gomez — a very big departure from the beloved Javier, but a hilarious performance all the same. PJ really should have practiced some catchphrases.
I loved the guys' plan for her future: the Turk Vardell show, SportsCenter, "The PJ Franklin Show" and then a downhill spiral that leads to a reality show and a crappy children's book called "Even Unicorns Say I'm Sorry." It's OK, though, I don't really see PJ as a TV personality anyway.
At least one good thing came out of her terrible guest spot — a trip to Italy! Still on her high from the show and no real feedback from clueless Steph, she was suddenly agreeing to a romantic getaway (boyfriend TBD), but I'm curious to see if they actually go. Steph's still on the hunt for love, and we know how powerful a force that is, so I wouldn't be surprised if we see the tomboy sportswriter trading in her beers for wine and finding herself in some ridiculous situation with a handsome Italian.
But for now I'll settle into the poker table antics of the American boys I've grown to love. Andy's at the top of my list. What's with him still rolling his eyes at family life? Talking about being "trapped" and getting permission from the "warden"? Didn't we see how great Meredith was last season and learn that he was just saying all those things so people wouldn't think he was a tired 30-year-old dad who actually liked hanging out at home? Maybe it's just the long commute that's getting to him. Or possibly too brief of a Meredith introduction — I expect to see more of her this time around.
Another occurrence I hope to see more of this season: Kenny dating (and by that, I mean more than just coffee dates). Pretending he was actually going to be a part of the baby's life and pissing off Kimmy in the process was typical for him and I loved every minute of it.
I hope the writers continue scraping the barrel of real life for all the hilarious bits thrown our way. Just the fact that they mentioned YouTube was great. Who doesn't love those embarrassing videos of random people doing wacky things or celebrities showing their "just like us" sides. Did anyone else catch that video of Beyoncé falling down the stairs during a stage performance last week? Ouch. Now, that puts the lotion in the basket — whatever that means.
Watch more of My Boys in our Online Video Guide.
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Jul 30, 2007 10:43 PM
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Hooray! I am so happy this show is back! They didn't do much advertising on its return. I am so glad my DVR still had the season recording set-up. I love PJ...I want her to be my best friend! HOORAY!
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Jul 31, 2007 2:14 AM
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I knew I missed the show, butit really hit home Sunday morning when I watched last season's finale with Andy's birthday episode.
Loved the show and had one problem - when Steph told PJ that she was jealous of Brando's new girl because she couldn't be her. I think it is acurate to say PJ was jealous because she was too scared to risk the friendship.
Kenny wasn't just pretending to be a part of the baby's life - he was caught up in a fantasy world all his own. Totally delusional.
And yes, when PJ was on the TV show I buried my head in a sofa cushion and covered my ears and groaned. It was like fingernails on a chalkboard.
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Jul 31, 2007 4:24 AM
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Man have I missed this show! Agree with just about all of the comments, but would add that I'm not sure how many people aside from P.J. know the truth about Andy wanting to spend time with his family. I'd have to see the season 1 finale again, but I'm pretty sure he only told her and not the rest of the boys. He has to save face with them, because they would really give him a hard time about it.
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Jul 31, 2007 9:54 AM
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So, for the first time in forever I wasn't jumping ahead to figure out what happened in a show, so, Brandon's tirade, well, I nearly choked on my Dorito I was eating. It still seems a little harsh, even if PJ panicked and ran off (and that is what I still to, I feel for her), is it any different from what he did to her in college?
I am downright intrigued as to what is the backstory between Steph and Kenny that they hate each other. And also, how Kenny became part of the group (I mean, Steph, Brandon and PJ met each other in college, I assume Mike and PJ met each other at work where she met Bobby and Andy is her brother, so did Kenny come with Mike or is that the backstory?)
I am so happy I can now end the terrible day of Monday actually laughing.
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Jul 31, 2007 9:56 AM
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I was so excited to see this show back and was NOT disappointed! Jordana Spiro is a great actress and they are all so believeable I feel like planning a roadtrip to Chicago to play poker with them!!
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Jul 31, 2007 10:40 AM
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I just started watching this show during Sunday's marathon and now I'm obsessed. Nicole Sullivan as Kenny's girlfriend was hysterical. Brendon was a little out of control, like way to make PJ feel bad about all of her closest relationships. But I'd probably react that way if someone tried to take Derek Jeter from my team.
I really like that they address the professional rivalry between PJ and Bobby. That's gotta be weird for them. I do hope to see "Javier" a little bit more though.
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Jul 31, 2007 1:39 PM
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I watched the TBS marathon of the My Boys =) leading up to the season two premiere last night. Couldn't wait for the show to air! I looove My Boys!
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the premiere it one bit.
I couldn't even watch the last 10 minutes!! - Nor did I feel the need to continue to the second episode! The show to me, took a sharp turn left.
First of all, the acting was so stiff that it almost felt forced. Steph spoke so aggresively toward PJ the whole episode (or the minutes I saw)- she barely cracked a smile. They didn't even seem as if they could actually be friends! The whole splat with Brendan and PJ was too heavy. Yes, it was a big deal. **The Kiss** Brendans words about how the "whole gang doesn't revolve around you" bit was ridiculous. You, as a viewer, knows that PJ doesn't believe the boys revolves around her or that she is the center of their existence - she is just a great friend. She cares for her friends and wants to be in their company. Brendan of all people should know that pretty well. As PJ has taken him in every time he and Wendy broke up, up and up.
The writers to me have taken the show and tried to give it depth. I have no problem with adding emotional layers to a shows foundation - but cooooome on!! They have made it into an entirely different show! The tone is so much heavier now. I enjoyed My Boys because it has (or had) comedic spark and it was light. Now I feel as if they are trying too hard to try to make it "better" --- if it ain't broke , don't fix it!
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Jul 31, 2007 2:34 PM
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I finally watched the first 2 eps. I had to devour the whole first season again to get into the show. I really missed this show.
I didn't think the show got too serious. I thought it maintained its breezy charm. Can't believe I didn't recognize the dude from Felicity. What a different character. It took me a little while to get the Silence of the Lambs reference. Then I thought that line was kinda clever. Loved how the guys pictured the career of PJ. That was good stuff.
I thought Andy was not going to move to the burbs. I guess he found another home. I don't think the warden line was trying to be harsh. The guys do know that his wife is great. And I am almost certain that Andy is a bit older than 30. I believe he was kidding in the birthday ep when he said he was 30. Because you remember the aunt recalled taking Andy to "Planet of the Apes". That movie was released in '68, so he has got to be at least in his early to mid 40s.
I still think something happened between Kenny and Steph. There has to be more than jealousy. I believe they may have gone on a disastrous date and Steph can't forgive him for that. And Kenny probably got into the group through Mike. I think Kenny owns a sport memorablia (sp?) shop. So that is where Kenny and Mike struck a friendship. I am just guessing on that.
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Aug 2, 2007 4:17 PM
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lovin the show!!! i cant wait to see more pj and brando scenes.
and yes the one liners are fabulous!
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Aug 2, 2007 6:55 PM
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