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April 11, 2007: 1-900-Lucky
The show opened with a scene from Debbie Does Dallas, a movie about cheerleaders. Actually, it’s a much deeper story than that. Get it? OK, it’s nearly 1 am here in the smokey little hamlet of Los Angeles and I’m knackered (a new word I learned from my friend upon her return from merry olde England). So, try to just laugh at my jokes out of kindness, if nothing else.
This show marked the return of Allison’s TV brother Michael and her real live brother, David Arquette, who directed the ep. Ryan Hurst played Michael and I always like when he’s around, because he’s a great character and you never know what will happen when your siblings appear out of nowhere.
Another reason I loved this ep — Cindy Pickett. (Yes, she does look a lot like Markie Post — remember Night Court?) I have loved Cindy since way back when she was on Guiding Light in the mid '50s. OK, not really that far back, but a long time ago. Most people know her as Ferris Bueller’s mother in that quintessential high-school film of the same name. Also, the guy who played her dead husband, please help me with his name. He is fantastic and always plays that ultimate sleazy guy so well.
Michael set up shop as a telephone psychic whose name sounded an awful lot like Cylon (I am still mourning Battlestar Galactica’s season end). I think it was Psy-lon. Again, if anyone can shed some light, please do. Psychic Michael had some very funny lines, including the response to Mrs. King’s admission of her husband’s demise, “He’s dead.” Michael, “Well, that’s not good.”
We got to see Scanlon, so I can go to sleep a happy woman. He had three minutes of airtime, which normally wouldn’t be enough for me, but it’s late.
We also had the return of the Bridge. When Ariel moved away from the car and left Bridge standing there I actually screamed, “Is that a skull and crossbones on her shirt?” and had to rewind and watch it again. Fantastic. Whoever is doing the wardrobe for this child — that’s an Emmy waiting to happen. Then Bridgette’s face got all tightened up and she pursed her lips, and I was sold. She could sell me frogs dropping from the sky.
Funniest moment for me was when Allison brought Michael over to the Kings' house for the first time. Mrs. King saw him and fell into his arms sobbing, and Allison gave out this very audible sigh. Perfect timing, Patricia! Good direction, David. I love the Arquette family. When are they getting Rosanna on the show?
The story was none too hard to figure out, but still enjoyable. I really liked the subplot with Bridgette and Mrs. Ueberschaer. You knew that pointed nosed, pulled-back-hair bitty had done it! At least I did. And when you have psychic children in your household, should you ever question their dreams? How often is Allison wrong? She’s got a pretty good spot-on rating. It’s in the genes, for goodness sake.
So the sleazy husband tried to discredit his son — and his girlfriend, for that matter, by seducing the latter in a scene out of something on HBO. I’m putting my foot down. That was a little too much skin, if you ask me. That girl was about to fall out of that bra, which was not nearly big enough to support her undercarriage. And when she climbed on Mr. King in the first place, I could see the junk inside her trunk. Patricia, tell your brother to get a grip. David, control yourself. We’ve heard about the problems with Courteney, but really. Please take your fantasies to cable. We are family people here.
So it was no surprise to hear “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge as the outro music. See ya next week!
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Apr 12, 2007 4:43 AM
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I believe the name of the actor who played the sleaze father/husband is Christopher McDonald. He played Kirstie Alley's ex-husband in Veronica's Closet.
I enjoyed the show, but that makes two in a row now that Allison's psychic powers were not at the forefront.
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Apr 12, 2007 4:57 AM
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I didn't get to see last night's episode - so I can't wait to get home now and watch it!
That means I can fast forward through the "questionable" bits.....
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Apr 12, 2007 8:42 AM
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I love the brother... I wish he could come back as a full time character. It would be good to get another storyline in the show and their dynamics are good. Maybe next season!
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Apr 12, 2007 8:54 AM
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I have a question, maybe someone can help. Is that the same brother that originated the role? He looked different.
Once again,Bridget stole the show. I only wish they had showed the Dad telling Bridgett that he finally believed her. That would have been a very sweet scene.
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Apr 12, 2007 10:00 AM
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Great ep, I love it when they bring Michael Benoit back!
And I believe the psychic hotline he worked for was called "Psy-Line."
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Apr 12, 2007 10:19 AM
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Yes it's the same brother. I think the first time we saw him he was in better shape (army shape that is).
Also, I think Joe had a hard time believing Bridget because, even though he gets that they are psychic, he is still a scientist and needs proof. As soon as he saw what the teacher was driving, it all came together for him.
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Apr 12, 2007 12:54 PM
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Thank you Cathy_Two.
I also think that Joe and Allison thought Bridget just wanted to get out of Math Class for the rest of the year hoping the teacher would go to jail. How cute is that.
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Apr 12, 2007 12:58 PM
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What? No mention of The Offical Psychic Police?
That was great stuff. Her brother is obviously a little jelous. I loved the continuity of him drinking to shut down the visions like Al does (and mom). Love that he gave it up so he could help. Hope he stays sober. I would also like to see more of him. I love that she heard rock music the first time she saw him at the door, and then again at the end when they were arresting the killer.
Loved Joe's line when he asked how their 4th kid was doing - the big lumpy one on the couch!
Love Joe. Love Joe. Love Joe.
Loved when Alison was gently rubbing Joe's arm in bed when they were discussing the math teacher. SIGH!
How great that Patricia's brother directed an episode about her brother?
Loved when Arial said she "was so sorry daddy" when they discovered the broken window. She was soo sweet feeling bad 'cuz her art project meant the car had to be outside.
Bridge - I had the best line written down - but I can't find it now - darn. (I'll have to post it tomorrow - unless someone else does.)She was very perisistant about calling the police wasn't she? That teacher was such a beeeyatch! To actually make Bridge appoligize when she knew she was right! Joe was fab in the scene where he confronted her!
My honey didn't watch tonight - but I told him the kids were especially cute, and he said "they always are!"
The family dynamic was great tonight. I wish there could be more episodes like this - but at the same time I WANT MORE SCANLON! Sorry, didn't mean to shout - but how else are the writers going to hear me?
Have a good one all!
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Apr 12, 2007 1:44 PM
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Another great episode. Michael was clearly the jealous one when Allison was having trouble with the junkie as the killer. Of course, who would expect the ghost of the dead guy to lie about who killed him? Ghosts are generally so straightforward. 
Cindy Pickett! I knew that I knew who played Mrs. King, but it wasn't coming to me. Thanks for easing my mind, Paula.
I loved Bridget, as usual. She was so steadfast in her belief that Mrs. Ueberschaer broke the window, yet when Joe insisted that she apologize, she did so. Grudgingly, it's true, but I love that Joe and Allison's kids aren't smart-mouthed whiners who don't listen to their parents. I did like Ariel's little smile as she told Joe that Bridge was in trouble, just like a real big sister. LOL.
I would not only like to see the scene where Joe told Bridget that she was right and he apologized, but the one where Mrs. Bat apologizes to Bridget.
Again, NBC, you'd better be bringing the show back. This is one of the best families on TV, and I watch just as much for the DuBois clan as for the mysteries.
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Apr 12, 2007 3:00 PM
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Paula, you did a great job on this review even though you were up so late!
countryqueen, I agree with you about Scanlon. WE NEDD MORE SCANLON! Especially since we did not see him at all last week. boo hoo!
Good episode. I think David did a good job - yes, Paula, I'm with you about the "junk in the trunk" scene - what does he think this is, cable?
Good stuff in this ep, although I would have liked to see Allison and Scanlon discussing the case and Allison talking to her brother about seeing dead people not all it's cracked up to be.
Love Bridgette! Can this child be any cuter? I would have liked to see that witch have to apologize to Bridgette!
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Apr 12, 2007 4:07 PM
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tazjt I believe you meant to type "Slo Mo" during the "questionable" bits.
Hehe.
Anyway, another great episode. I surely hope that this wonderfully written series gets renewed. Quality like this is tough to find.
And, I for one liked the way these last 2 episodes played out. It goes to show that Allison's psychic powers isn't always the driving force behind this show. The writing is. ~ÐL
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Apr 12, 2007 5:50 PM
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Anyone who thinks that the brother NOW was not the brother THEN is not a fan of that wonderful film "Remember the Titans".
I thought this was an excellent episode - not every story has to revolve exclusively around Allison and her abilities. The various characters she interacts with are what makes this show so much better than the Ghost Whisperer-knockoff.
The interaction between Allison and her brother was perfect - and obviously represented the dynamic that exists between the Arquette syblings. Brother and sisters may resent each others achievements, or feel that one makes the other seem inadequate, but ultimately they love each other - that's what the hug at the end of the film was, a message from director to performer.
And we need more hottie Scanlon with his unbuttoned shirt. For sure.
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Apr 12, 2007 6:21 PM
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The72John, I TOTALLY agree with you about Scanlon *with unbuttoned shirt* **sigh**
Even better - no shirt - heck they could do a whole show with him shaving without a shirt and I'd watch!
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Apr 12, 2007 6:51 PM
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Don't they just have the BEST music on this show?
This show and Crossing Jordan always use the BEST music!
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Apr 12, 2007 6:53 PM
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