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« Samantha Who?

Episode Recap: The Gallery Show

Love and relationships seem to have become the central focus of Samantha Who since its return from hiatus. First we had the Sam/Todd/Chloe triangle. Then we had Todd, Sam, and the Funk. And then, last week we had Dena and Chapman. You would think this whole dating thing just adds more complication to Sam's already complicated life and yet she seems to be digging the hole deeper for herself as the weeks go on. This week was no different.

It all started with Sam checking the mail. While sifting through the usual bills, Sam came across an invitation to Todd's gallery opening with a single word written in marker "Hey!" That one syllable word was enough to set Sam off on a quest to try and make sense of what she and Todd are doing. She decided to go over and tell him face to face that she would not be attending his opening. When she arrived at her apartment building, she sought the sagely advice of Frank the doorman while she waited for Todd to show up. As Sam tried to break it to Todd that she wouldn't be attending the shindig, Todd actually tried to retract the invitation at Chloe's request. Refusing to allow Chloe dictate where she can and can't go, Sam played it off that she actually was over Todd and that she'd be bringing a date to his show. A date by the name of Rance.

Later on, Sam met up with the gals (and her boss) to talk about her most recent debacle. Although she had decided to attend the art show stag, Andrea convinced Sam to find a hot guy to pretend to be Rance in order to make Todd jealous. Where could they find such a guy? Apparently, the book store. Sam spent a good amount of time trying to find Mr. Right Now in the store with no success. As she tried out one last trick, she managed to get into a fight with another customer and actually got kicked out of the store. While walking away she came across a cute guy (Jerry O'Connell) trying to break into a car with a wire hanger. Date found!

That night at the gallery opening, Chloe was pissed to see Sam arrive despite the fact that she had a date on her arm. Meanwhile, as Regina and Howard Newly walked around the exhibit they came across a nude photograph that they discussed in-depth before realizing it was their daughter. Andrea arrived with the harshest art critic in Chicago to help Sam out a bit and she gave Sam's beau the stamp of approval (even though he was wearing a Swatch but said he looked oddly familiar.) We also learned that Andrea purposely gave Dena the wrong address to the exhibit. Dena found herself at some performance art show with just a bald man sitting in a glass case. When Sam's boy took her coat to bring to the coat check she had a flashback to a night she was mugged after leaving a bar with Andrea. Guess who the mugger was? Yep...her date to the art show.

Sam found herself in yet another sticky situation. Andrea tried to explain that bad boys are hot and that Todd may actually get jealous but obviously Sam just wanted to end the date as quick and painless as possible. Just as Sam was about to leave after convincing her man that they were actually on a scavenger hunt, Todd and Chloe approached leaving her no choice but to keep up the facade. Following an awkward encounter with Todd and Chloe, Sam confronted her mugger. He told her that he had changed his ways and they decided to keep the date going. Over at the performance art show, Dena spilled her emotions to the man inside the case until he broke down and told her where the real gallery was. At the same time, Papa Newly was trying desperately to keep the other guests from seeing his daughters naked body. He want so far as to try and steal the picture from the gallery which set off the alarm system. This prompted Sam to confess that it was her date who was the thief which pretty much brought an end to that courtship. However, it also prompted Chloe to confront Todd about why he put a nude photograph of his ex in the show. In a fit of anger Chloe ripped open her blouse and asked "Are these babies not good enough for you?" proving that she's just as insane as Sam. Todd and Sam finally got a moment alone to talk about the evening. When Sam looked closer at the photo she realized the picture had been sold. Todd confessed he faked the sale because he didn't want anyone else to have it. With that, he pretty much admitted that he may still have feelings for Sam as well. The episode ended with Dena getting her revenge on Andrea by having Chapman move her office into the copy room. Score one for the under dog!

This was another adorable episode. Though Jerry O'Connell's character wasn't quite as entertaining as the Funk, he turned in a good performance. I really loved that everyone had a decent amount of screen time this week. I also love the interactions between Harold and Regina Newly. There is definitely something missing when Harold (Kevin Dunn) goes missing for an episode. And even though we're all waiting for the end of Chloe and Todd, I'm really enjoying Kiele Sanchez as the psycho girlfriend. She is really holding her own up against our girl Christina. So what'd you all think? Does Chloe fit in with the other nutjobs? Did we like Jerry O?


Memorable Moments:

-Mama Newly's creepy response to Sam asking "How long have you been there?"
"I watch you sometimes"
- Frank the doorman on why he can't attend Todd's opening:
"He invited me too but sadly I teach comedy traffic school that night"
-Sam rushing to catch Todd in the elevator and pushing the doors open like a crazed stalker
-Andrea's advice to Sam after she decides to attend the opening alone:
"Alone? Why don't you just go with a million cats?"
-Dena and Chapman's public displays of affection
-Sam cruising the book store. Mainly, the sci-fi section.
-Sam getting kicked out of the book store:
"Nobody reads anymore anyhow. This place will be a yogurt shop in 2 months!"
-Mama Newly examining the crowd at the art show:
"Look at all these city people...I bet someone in here is a bisexual."
-Andrea reacting to Sam's news that her date is a mugger:
"This is gonna be hard to hear but you're probably not having sex tonight"
-Sam explaining Todd's odd behavior to her date:
"Artists...you know, they all get syphilis or something...it makes em crazy!"
-Andrea, after learning the correct address from the performance artist:
"Thanks! I hope somebody buys you!"

Quote of the week:
-The Newly parents discussing the nude photograph before realizing its their daughter:
"That's what artists do...they get the models drunk, they loosen the inhibitions, and they have sex with them. You saw Titanic!"


Posted by Adam Schubak
Apr 29, 2008 12:42 AM
I'm not a Jerry O'Connell fan, but I actually thought he did a good job tonight.
Posted by princess95
Apr 29, 2008 1:36 AM
This was a great episode for Sam and Todd shippers. Finally an episode that showed Todd in a light that makes us again understand why she is still in love with him. And what a gesture it was. I loved it.

I agree that this episode really succeeded in giving all the characters some lengthy screentime too. And they all stepped up to the plate and hit the ball out of the park. As usual all my memorable moments are matched by you (although it was Dena, not Andrea that made the last comment). But I think my fave line was by Andrea in response to Sam's comment on Dena and Chapman making out...

Sam: It's not happening if you don't look at it.
Andrea: Like poverty

It's so wrong that it's good. And as usual Jennifer delivers it so well!

http://www.samanthawho.org/
Posted by Maggie4
Apr 29, 2008 5:15 AM
Does anyone remember the "Hey" comments she made when trying to decipher what it meant? There was one that was really funny, but I cannot remember it at all...derrr...
Posted by slang03
Apr 29, 2008 11:44 AM
I forgot to include the "Hey..." rant but my favorite one was "Hey, I really hope we have class again together next semester!"
Posted by Adam Schubak
Apr 29, 2008 12:25 PM
Loved the performance artist..."I'm not for sale" lol. I love this show! The dialogue is so sharp and fresh. So glad it's back.
Posted by Deb126
Apr 29, 2008 12:51 PM
THANKS Adam! That was the "Hey..." quote! Hilarious!
Posted by slang03
Apr 29, 2008 2:38 PM
I love this show! For me it's probably the first 30 minute sitcom worth watching since Friends or Everybody Loves Raymond. I was going to add that my favorite line from the night was the Samantha/Andrea exchange when Andrea says, "Like poverty," but Maggie already beat me to it. Andrea always has some hilarious one liners. My favorite part tonight was when Todd admitted that he had faked the sale...very sweet. I can't wait for more!

On another note, I really did enjoy "The Funk" and I wish he would be around for more episodes.
Posted by bluz
Apr 29, 2008 8:21 PM
Oh, one more thing. I don't mean to be negative or anything, because I do enjoy the recaps, but I would enjoy them a bit more if they were more like a review of the show and less of a summary. I mean, we've already seen the show - let's discuss what we thought about it. It's just a thought...I do enjoy the recaps though and I appreciate the work!
Posted by bluz
Apr 29, 2008 8:24 PM
Ha, these boards are so funny. If the reviewer doesn't include a recap of the episode, someone complains. If there is a recap, someone complains. Can't please them all I guess!

I enjoyed this episode despite all the usual 'get a fake date to make the other guy jealous' cliches being thrown in there. I guess that's the sign of a good show. With a lesser show, you'd just groan at the whole 'yeah, his name is Rance' routine with Todd.

And, maybe it's just me, but when I see Dena, all I think of is Sookie. Heck, when she was making out with Chapman, I kept thinking, poor Jackson!
Posted by magicman
Apr 29, 2008 10:39 PM
the last moment with todd and sam was just great...the thing i love about this show is that its just i dont know...i cant even place it....its just simple and funny and always good idk...im crazy..
Posted by chocolatebatman
Apr 30, 2008 12:50 AM
Who was the actor in the case? I've seen him before but can't place him.
My gal and I enjoy this show very much and hope it gets another season with the same cast. Sam's parents are terrific and the mother is very "smart". Applegate is "deliciously" perfect.
Posted by trombone
May 1, 2008 1:14 AM
Who was the actor in the case? I've seen him before but can't place him.
My gal and I enjoy this show very much and hope it gets another season with the same cast. Sam's parents are terrific and the mother is very "smart". Applegate is "deliciously" perfect.
Posted by trombone
May 1, 2008 1:15 AM
trombone--I don't know the name of the actor in the case or box, but I remember him from the show Help Me Help You, with Ted Danson. He played the gay patient who was married, I think.
I really liked that comedy.

Andrea, after learning the correct address from the performance artist:
"Thanks! I hope somebody buys you!"

Adam--That was Dena, not Andrea.
Posted by tamara
May 1, 2008 7:11 AM
According to TV.com the actors name is Jim Rash.

I thought it was JP Manoux, but the actors look very similar.
Posted by justduckie
May 1, 2008 9:51 AM
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