My Boys

OK, let's start from the beginning of this fun-filled hour. Andy bought a boat! For, like, a split second. He didn't even take it out anywhere, which is what makes it so funny. But that was just a little glitch in the system. Andy's back, baby! Good thing his younger sis (a mistake, yet truly a "source of joy") woke him up ("Hugs not drugs").

P.J.'s pretty good at dealing with other people's problems, but she's just a mess with her own personal life. Poor Evan, so out of place and unwelcome on poker night. His camping story was painful. Plus, the five-headed monster (four-headed?) didn't help. "Where does he botany at?" Oh, Mike.

You know who really had me laughing in this first half hour? Stephanie. Snapping at everybody, yelling at P.J. about her relationship troubles. She was just extra defensive tonight, and I loved it.

Moving on….

Episode Recap: "Rome, If You Want To"

Of course. Of course we didn't get to see who P.J. invited to Italy. Who would have upgraded her to first-class? Matt the ex-Cub? Thorn the swanky reporter? (By the way, is this the first time we're hearing P.J.'s first name? Penelope?) Maybe it isn't any of the three men who were in the episode. Maybe it's Hank, the guy who brought up Florence on their first date! Thoughts? At least we got to see Lance….

The last hoorah (aka "drunken adventure") was pretty funny. Who doesn't like Ferris Bueller's Day Off? The award definitely goes to Andy for his tour-guide serenade to party-pooper Brendan.

Bottom line: "Nothing good ever happens when you play it safe." And it's a good thing P.J.'s embracing that frame of mind, because we'll have a lot more to watch when the show returns. The seasons may be short, but they really make me laugh, and I definitely find this show a relief from some of the more serious series I watch. I'll have to get my fill of funny from Barney and the crew on How I Met Your Mother until my Chicago poker buddies return. (In case you didn't hear, TBS picked it up for a third season!) I do have to say, though, that I think the first season still holds first place in my book — when we met all these different personalities, examined their quirks, settled into the comfort of their sarcasm. But I don't criticize this season too much, because I like its laid-back feel — comedy I can relate to, clothing I'd wear (no offense, Carrie Bradshaw), spots I'd hit with my friends on a regular basis. It's just what the TV doctor ordered among detailed sci-fi adventures and medical dramas. A round of applause for TBS.

As always, you can find clips of My Boys in our Online Video Guide.

Well, it's about time we visited Andy's house and got a closer look at his new life in the suburbs. And what's a better picture than P.J. and Co. crammed in Kenny's tiny car, Stephanie sitting shotgun (which she claimed with an early-morning text) and our tomboy sportswriter with a bag of beer between her legs? Oh, and let's not forget the reciting — in unison — of Italian terms.

Talk about curveballs, though. Meredith's pregnant again! It is pretty funny that Andy is essentially turning into his father — buying the same house, accidentally having a second child, staring out into oblivion on his lawn chair with a bottle of red in his hand, waiting for an escape route to pop up out of nowhere.

I did like getting out of the city for an episode, even if it was at a family barbecue — where the guys didn't seem to find any comfort… or luck. Brando, Mike and Kenny were the bloodthirsty cicadas, ready to pounce on divorced Rachel (Ali Hillis). Too bad Bobby swooped in at the end and won her over, even if it did take him hours to find the house.

And not only did we get a change of scenery this week, but we also got to meet the Franklins! P.J.'s mom is hilarious. "Oh, you don't mean that." How funny was it that she took one look at Lance's picture and told P.J. to date him? The look on Steph's face was priceless.

But it doesn't matter anyway, because Evan (Michael Landes) is the newbie on P.J.'s dating list, and I'm curious to see how this "nerd" factors into the Italy picture. The scenes for next week's finale really had me confused, so I can't wait to see who ends up next to her on the plane… if she even gets on it.

Sadly, tonight I don't have any favorite lines that stood out in my mind. This episode didn't hold up to the My Boys standard I'm used to — or the pedestal I've put this show on from the start. But I'm not disappointed to the point where I'd turn the channel.

Thoughts?

While you're waiting for next Monday's surprising finale, catch up with clips of My Boys in our Online Video Guide.

OK… can I just take Andy home with me? He's h-i-l-a-r-i-o-u-s. "Easy Seacrest." I'm still laughing. But he's right.... How disappointing was Brando's little "vods" and "fall in" phase? And the belt! It's too bad we didn't see more of Ryan Reynolds, because he usually keeps me laughing for a while. But we don't need anymore D-bag behavior. I mean, you don't "sweetie" P.J. while eating her food and rating her a 6 in front of her face!

Onto other disappointments... Lyssa (Abigail Spencer) and her friends were so eye-roll-worthy I got a headache. Can you say Carrie Bradshaw wannabe? That whole slow-motion car splash was just ridiculous. And if Kim Cattrall was watching, I feel for her. I didn't find them funny or entertaining at all. Lab Rat was an interesting scene. I live in New York, yes, but girls rolling around inside gerbil balls was still shocking. Aside from all the nonsense, I did relate to the storyline — friends do change as you get older, and relationships fade away. There was still that speck of reality in there, even though I felt this episode to be the most distant from my own experiences.

Smaller notes: I hope we meet Fitzy at some point, as well as Lance. With all this mention of the Italy trip, do you think we'll actually fly over the big blue sea with the girls?

Quotes that had me giggling:
• "I think I'm going to sandwich after I sofa here for a bit." — Andy

• "So Family Feud is a sport?" — Kenny

• "Don't your clothes have to get up for school tomorrow?" — Andy

Watch clips of My Boys in our Online Video Guide.

Well, this episode wasn't as laugh-out-loud funny as the previous ones, but I enjoyed my weekly Chicago visit nevertheless. Especially when there are fun guest stars. Helloooo, Jeremy Sisto! Talk about jaws dropping to the floor....

But for some reason, I just knew that when he sat P.J. down, he was going to reveal that he was either married or engaged. And what an awkward way to explain it: "Just testing the waters once more to make sure I'm in love with my fiancée and not you." Ew! My jaw quickly set itself back into place. Plus, I'm not a fan of P.J. giggling like a little girl when she's around a guy. That's so not her personality.

Aside from that guest appearance, there wasn't much else going on this week. Brando's going through a disappointing phase of messing around, but I hope he comes out of it soon. Plus, I still hold onto a little bit of hope that he'll one day sweep P.J. off her feet — or ask her out on that Jumbotron screen at the ballpark.

As for the rest of the gang, we all knew Mike working with Kenny would be a bad idea. First of all, Mike's just crazy. Second of all, Kenny's too anal. Put them together and it's a recipe for disaster. Leave it to Andy to bring the whole storyline together with a funny mock courtroom at Crowley's. Also, I did like seeing Kenny's store — a new setting we're not familiar with.

Lastly, watching Steph struggle through her debt diet is pretty funny. I'm curious to see if her financial-fitness instructor becomes more than a debt advisor. I'd like to see her dating flops, too, because she's so different from P.J.

As usual, my favorite lines of the night:

"It's a free ringtone, OK? I don't know how to change it." — Mike

"Although to be honest, I'm not entirely sure I know your last name." — Bobby

"If I had an imaginary girlfriend, she'd always be naked." — Andy

Gotta love Andy.

Watch clips of My Boys in our Online Video Guide.

What a night of baseball! I just got back from the Yankees-Orioles game here in New York, so I was ready to continue the night with some baseball metaphors (well, a couple at least). Wait, let me calm down from the ninth-inning excitement I just experienced (thank you, Jeter). OK, I'm collected and focused on our Chicago friends.

P.J.'s right: "Every pitch, every outfielder's movement has meaning. That's why the game is so fun."

How funny were Steph and P.J. reading the parking signs? I had heard about Steph's debt troubles that would arise this season, but what a hole she's dug for herself! "Could you lend me $5,000?" Oh boy. And that's just what she asked to borrow. Her ship is sinking and Andy's the life raft. Perfect. We all know Stephanie lives in a fantasy world with her love-life plan and designer-chocolate business in the two-bedroom apartment she can't afford. And I don't see a treasure chest filled with 22 grand, do you? She should just ask Bobby to lend her the cash.

Talk about a secret! He's rollin' in the dough and the plushy pillows. "You live in a museum?" What's better than teeing off from the balcony, right? I was happy when Bobby revealed that Gramps owns his apartment, because I was beginning to worry about his ornate style when Bobby is... well, fun, spiky-haired, adorable Bobby! The best was Andy thanking him for his college grant. No wonder he was always making up excuses about roommates and friends visiting. (And while we're on the topic of nonexistent people, how much time has passed in My Boys world if Kenny has been talking about Julie "for awhile"? Wasn't Kimmy just in the picture? I thought we were on semi-real time, but maybe not.)

And what better way to sign off tonight than with one awesome rich-guy story: It's Bobby's 16th birthday, he's making out with Chelsea Clinton at the White House, Seal sang to him, and he got a Porsche. Good one, Bobby. Well played.

Random hilarious comments:

Mike: "Pregnant with meat baby."
Andy: "When did you become Burt Reynolds?"

Kenny: "Julie exists!"
Andy: "So does Santa."

For more of P.J. and her Boys, watch clips in our Online Video Guide.

Also, the My Boys gang has a Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Baseball league. Check it out!

Don't insert yourself in the story. As if this group of friends could avoid that. They weave in and out of each other's stories so awkwardly, it's hard to go five minutes without laughing.

Right out of the gate, Brando's little magazine feature became a group event. Now, I can definitely see Brando on a Sexiest Bachelors list, but Trouty? Come on. Poor Bobby didn't make the list (which he was reminded of more than once) but ridiculous Sexiest Party Man-Boy Trouty makes it? Johnny Galecki has mastered this role — even if I don't understand what he's saying half the time and cringe in embarrassment when he ruins everyone's game.

Meanwhile, P.J. was facing an ethical dilemma as her own Man-Boy (minus the Party) was one persistent Cub. But we all knew that would go nowhere, because how could she date a player?

But she was too tempted not to go along for the brief ride, and stories only twisted further when everyone ended up at the private magazine party. Can we talk about Andy getting in just by putting on a tux and holding a clipboard? Brilliant.

I definitely think this week was funnier than the premiere. Thoughts?

Faves this week:

• Trouty calling Bobby "Boo Boo."
• "Daddy, how did you meet Mommy? Well, Mommy was a drunken castoff." — Andy
• "Free whiskey, empty hands, what the hell?" — Mike
• "Dude, you don't bring Dasani to Niagara Falls." — Trouty

Lesson of the week: Don't bring Kenny as your plus one.


For more on Kenny and the Boys, check out my interview with Michael Bunin and clips in our Online Video Guide.

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.

Finally, finally, we meet Meredith. And she finally meets the guys. Isn't it kind of weird that they don't know her at all? She's surprisingly nice and seems levelheaded, which totally throws me — and the gang — off after hearing such wretched things about her from Andy. "Best-case scenario is grabbing a quick drink at Crowley's while she's out getting her broom waxed."

Of course people are being introduced and things are being revealed in the season finale. Like P.J. and Brando making out back in college and the analysis of that now. Acting it out during poker night was even better.

The scene at Wrigley Field was great, and it took them out of a bar and P.J.'s apartment. I also really liked that Andy's home run was accompanied by champion-like music and slow-motion effects. A quick departure from the norm and then we're back in Crowley's as usual. You gotta love Meredith for making T-shirts and the cake adorned with Andy's giant head (or Bucket Head, as Trouty calls him). I'd like to see more of her now that we know Andy's been making her out to be the bad guy just to avoid looking like a tired 30-year-old who actually likes spending time at home with his family.

The truth was flowing just as fast as the beer in this episode. And just as I predicted, something is stirring between two best friends who know each other better than anyone. We'll see how long that kiss lingers come summer. I have a feeling Bobby is not out of the picture just yet. Maybe a love triangle? I loved Brando's little speech about having feelings for her back then. I think her sporty lifestyle and his Ramones T-shirts fit pretty well together, but if this show lasts, I can see this dragging out for a while (maybe like Ross and Rachel on Friends).

I'll definitely be watching reruns of this new favorite until it returns, with its unusually real laughs about life, love and all things baseball.

Laurie Metcalf is a great guest star, and who didn't love her as wacky Aunt Jackie on Roseanne? I love how she's basically an older P.J. Quirky, funny, sitting at Crowley's with her niece's dopey friends. Welcome, Aunt Phyllis! Even better? Andy's reaction when he sees her: "Oh, no." And he was right....

Uh, good morning, Kenny. How awkward! But let me just point out... totally something Aunt Jackie would have done, too. Does Laurie just play crazy people? (Remember her psycho supermarket holdup on Desperate Housewives?) I felt very uncomfortable on behalf of P.J. and Andy — to have to watch their aunt groping their friend in public. Ick.

Wait, wait... Wendy's ringtone is "Here Comes the Bride." I honestly think the cell phones are hilarious. But I love that Brando wants P.J. to be his best man. I mean, they've been best everythings since forever ago, so it's only appropriate. And I still maintain that they should end up together, so I feel a wedding-turned-disaster coming on. And just like that, everything starts snowballing....

"You don't want to move to the suburbs?"
"You do?"

Oh boy. I'm with Brando: Screw the doves!

Pride and Lies

Poor Keith Luger. He got the work-transfer speech from Stephanie. The Orient? Reminds me of the Friends episode where Chandler tells Janice he's being transferred to Yemen. Seems like everybody's hush-hush in this episode. We haven't heard much until now about Mike's job, but Bobby's definitely in a tough spot knowing Mike is about to get canned. There's a friendship ethical dilemma if I've ever heard one.

On a more positive note, Brando's post-Wendy nondrinking idea is a good one. He can even taste and feel things again! Andy knows how to shoot him down from his high, though. "Adults don't dream." I swear he gets the best lines in the script. "Do you know the suicide rate against clams?" They just slip out of his mouth like a simple "Hello."

P.J. and Keith's second date is just filled with classic My Boys fare: the ugliest jacket I've ever seen, a bright yellow turtleneck, a crier and a very awkward kiss. Andy, by far, has the funniest breakup advice: Marry them and then later... die. I laugh out loud every time he speaks. Still, P.J. has to pull out every card in the deck to break it off — even some sideways comment about his face being mushed.

And just like that... the poker gang are back to their normal chatter. Silent Bob and Mike are on good terms. Brando's guzzling beers. And P.J... well, she's still taking care of her boys.

It's Andy Palooza and the tequila shots are coming fast! This episode was loud and mixed with the usual My Boys jargon plus a lot more Andy. And I love it. We haven't seen as much of him as we have the others, so it's nice to have a story line that actually centers around him, because he often has some of the funniest lines. "There's a mariachi band on the L platform. Yup. I'm off to Crate & Barrel." Ha! I love Fun Andy. Jim Gaffigan was the perfect drunk.

Stephanie's "Cleanse" was definitely something that suits her character. I've heard about those fasts before, but don't think I'll be trying one anytime soon. I love how she hates Kenny for no reason. Or, I wonder if there is a reason that we just don't know yet. She was so mean to him at Crowley's, but it made me laugh. And she was so hungry, she was just yelling out his name randomly. Also funny? Kenny's interest in Luke Perry. 90210-lover? I could see it.

We even got another taste of Kenny's lack of dating experience. Finally moving on from coffee dates only — "Haven't we been through this?" asks Mike? — my immediate reaction to him bringing his date into Crowley's was "Ohhh no." His conferences with Mike were hysterical. I agreed with Kenny in the end, though... Mike was over the top with is "managing" skills. The quieter moment with PJ was great, though. Sweet, too.

When Fun Andy turned into a couch potato asking for a frosty when PJ told him they were going over to Wendy's, I was thinking of all my friends who have been cushion-bound the day after a wild night. And I did notice the "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" ringtone this time.

My favorite line this episode? Definitely... "The inside of my head feels like fur." And my favorite scene? Stephanie stuffing cold pizza in her mouth. Bravo, TBS. Bravo.


And That Is How Trouty Got His Name

The gang looked a bit out of place at — and I whisper — The Streisand. Trouty is just in his own dimension. He's such a mood-killer and completely busts any chance the guys have at landing dates. But apparently, he's good in tough situations. When the guys returned to the club, I was cracking up at the whole "Trouty saved my life" explanation — stripping down his clothes, all the way, to swim upstream and save Steve. As Mike said before, that was unexpected. What he did for PJ was unexpected, too, but definitely a good, rare Trouty moment. I have to say, though, I wasn't impressed with The Streisand.

I am still impressed with the show overall, though, and a little sad that it's coming to a close this week and not returning until summer. Remember, tune into TBS Dec. 27 for two new episodes and Dec. 28 for the season finale at 10 pm/ET.

For those who haven't heard: TBS has ordered nine additional episodes of My Boys slated to premiere in Summer 2007! Even though we can never be too sure about the strength of new shows, I knew this one would make it (or maybe I just prayed it would). I know we have a while to wait until our beloved group returns with more hilarious small talk, but spread the word. Spread the word.

Now onto tonight's episodes...

I know it was probably just the close-up of the camera in that magical TV kind of way, but Kenny's thumb was ginormous!

It's decathlon night, folks, and PJ was in this sexy top that she thinks is "broken," giving the worst excuse in the most unconvincing voice to Hank so she could participate in the annual tradition. Good try.

I was laughing at Stephanie's advice: "If you start getting all honest with the man, he's going to stop trusting you." Take it from the dating guru — tell the "good" lies, like faking an orgasm. I have to agree with Hank on the whole life-changing thing. For some people — and I've found this true in my life — certain hangouts and activities they used to love just "fall away." But, on the other hand, there's no need to fly to Barcelona to change your priorities.

I do like the easy flow between PJ and Bobby. They're more on the same level, and PJ knows that but doesn't want to admit it because she knows what a great catch her boyfriend is. Cut to PJ and Bobby beneath the sheets. Great twist... talk about confusion! My favorite was her review to Stephanie: "It was a solid B. Perfect attendance... didn't turn in some of his homework."

Meanwhile, poor Kenny was without his usual partner for board-game extravaganza. I'm pretty sure Andy is more like an F if we're grading decathlon teammates. By the way, later in the episode from a much farther camera shot, I really did think Kenny's thumb was too big to be proud of.

I really liked the scene editing between PJ's breakup and the decathlon finale (Brando toweling off Mike's forehead and all). It all came to a head at once.... Literally. Kenny's giant thumb decapitated Mike's Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robot's head.

Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

I think it's about time we met Andy's wife, Meredith. She's coming up way too much in conversation and it's starting to get to me that we haven't seen her face.

Mike's new girl, Dani (Andrea Bogart) aka Linda Miller, is this peppy, 23-year-old triple cherry jackpot, according to the other guys... and not only does she get into fancy clubs, she got Mike to dress up and put way too much product in his hair (a 'do I wasn't impressed with).

"Is it normal for grown men to collect Bobble Heads?" This show is so normal it's hardly a TV show. I personally like the sarcastic attacks they pull on each other, mostly from monotone Andy: "Some of us are interested in culture and some of us wear T-shirts from eighth grade."

The funniest scene for me was Sunday morning football with Pinot Noir, Doritos and Stephanie trying to understand sports in a fitted numbered tee. It's really the combination of elements of this show that make it prime viewing material.

But enough babbling. To sum up: Wine is dumb. And... you — meaning anyone reading this blog who appreciates the unique humor of this show — you are a rock star.

Scheduling note: My Boys is wrapping up the initial order of episodes next week in a special airing schedule. Episodes 9 and 10 will air Tuesday Dec. 26, 11 and 12 on Wednesday Dec. 27 and the final episode on Thursday Dec. 28, all at 10 pm/ET. So be sure to tune in!

Welcome to the majors. Hellooo, Hank. Who just drops a line about a hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Florence and then says he'll take you there during your first date? I'd never want to leave the majors, either.

And Andy doesn't want to leave the city. Meredith is dragging him to the suburbs — which I have nothing against — but I feel bad for PJ's losing constant visits from her brother. "Remember me as I am. Young and perky," he says without cracking a smile. Love it.

Out goes one pal, and in comes another. Brendan's talking in circles to try to cover his sorry butt again, and PJ's jaw dropped so low, she probably tasted the eggshells her secretive roomie was tip-toeing on. "I think it's the worst thing that happened in the history of the land." I'm still laughing, and she said that a while ago. Brando, Brando, Brando. What are you thinking? OK, granted, I don't know Wendy (Lindsey Stoddart) and all that she has to offer. But in previous episodes, it was pretty obvious she was taking Brendan on a nauseating roller-coaster ride. And now he's going to propose to her?

Something's in the air, says PJ, and I'm pretty sure she's right. Brando is getting into a tricky situation, while PJ is dating a "fancy plans" guy and wearing little black dresses and noticeable lipstick. But one thing hasn't changed — the boys are giving them both a hard time. Time out — I'm laughing so hard, I can't even type. Andy's cell phone ringtone: "Mary Had a Little Lamb"! That's brilliant.

There's definitely some sarcastic-but-a-little-too-real tension lingering between PJ and the boys, who are feeling stung by her new dating life — which pretty much means poker and beer have been replaced by the opera and cocktails. Even Stephanie's jealous, wanting a Mr. Perfect all her own (who wouldn't?), but I have a soft spot for PJ in this episode. She deserves a relationship just like anyone else, so lighten up, guys! Or at least lighten up, Brando…. Is he waiting for PJ to talk him out of this engagement? Because she's pretty much holding her peace, surprisingly.

Can we talk about Mike's apartment? Ten years, and he's basically got a barcalounger and a TV. But at least Kenny's isn't as pathetic. Mike: "How many shirts do you have, man?" Kenny: "I don't know. I like shirts." These little conversations make this show worth watching. This Thursday, next Thursday. We, too. Us, too. The shirts. Kettle corn. I could keep going, but you all know what I'm talking about.

"We're all… busy."
He moon walks. That's his major fault? I smell a keeper. But Hank's gotta get to know the boys if he's going to be a part of PJ's life. We all know this is true. This episode's (in the second half-hour) opening game night — Monopoly for a change — is definitely a good one. Good thing Andy's leaving to rest up for his American Girl Café daddy-daughter-dolly breakfast, because Trouty "The Hugger" (Johnny Galecki) has blown in like a tornado. Wait, is that David from Roseanne? Little curly-haired David who loved Darlene so much that it pissed her off? Figures he'd be Kenny's friend. I mean, we all know Kenny's kind of weird. I think Hank watching football with the guys was weirder, though. Or maybe Stephanie trying on wigs. I haven't decided.

I can't believe PJ asked Wendy who's getting married right to her face. Talk about awkward. But Wendy gets right to the point and pretty much says what I'm constantly thinking — that she always secretly thought there was something between PJ and Brendan. I still think there is.

I did like how, in the end, PJ and Brando bonded with each other's significant other. But Hank doesn't seem thrilled about doing it all over again. There had to be something off about Mr. Perfect, right? This definitely upsets the balance of the team, as PJ said in her monologue. But these characters wedging in between the cracks are making for very entertaining story lines — sort of like a game gone into extra innings. You can't leave now… it's getting really good.

I am absolutely loving this show. I'm tempted to quote too many funny lines, but I'll try to keep it at a minimum. I honestly feel that the timing of the casual back-and-forth of these characters is all too real for the usual comedy. Maybe the absence of a forced laugh from a live audience helps. Maybe it's a well-formed cast that fits more cohesively than others. But each person brings a certain element to the table — whether it's poker night or not.

Brendan ("Brando") has model looks combined with this weepy, soft personality and gives in enough for PJ to bring out some extra sarcasm. "You left something in the living room." The fact that he let Traci (Brooke Nevin), the "Super-hot Fan," drag her feet around the apartment for almost a week just goes to show how much Brando wants to be adored. I'm wondering if we're ever going to meet Wendy — especially after Kenny went through his cell phone and found out the two had still been calling each other. I'm pretty confident we will one of these days.

Another mystery is Andy's wife and kids. Will they enter the picture or does that expand the players too much? The whole build-a-farm story line was pretty funny. I like his relationship with PJ, because he has this weathered approach to life. He just seems tired, and PJ still has a fire in her belly.

As for Mike and Kenny — they work well as a team. Kenny's got this pathetic approach to women, and Mike is a big child who still revels in the frat-like mentality. So together, they are one huge social failure and find more laughs joking around on PJ's couch than out on the town. I did feel sorry for both of them individually — Kenny getting kicked out of the bar when Stephanie needed girl-talk, and Mike feeling left out when Bobby seemed to be filling his shoes.

Speaking of Bobby, looks like they're really playing out the friends card when it comes to him and PJ. Claire really seems to be in the picture — despite being "one of those girls" who celebrates two-week anniversaries. And PJ is being pretty cool-tempered about their platonic relationship. I wonder if we'll get any more interactions between her and Claire in the future, because when PJ's in a room with a girl who's pretty much the opposite personality — with the exception of best-pal Stephanie — her snarky comments spit right out! Some of my favorites from tonight's episodes:

— "Oh my god, that's amaaazing... words come out of her mouth, and I can't see your lips moving at all!" she says to Brendan about his flirty fan.

— "Why don't you go stay in her Barbie Dream House."

— "I think I just caught chlamydia," she utters when the group enters the Slug House on Guys Night Out.

Speaking of the "hunt" that was supposed to end the "slump," PJ did a horrible job being a "wingperson." And I think she said "dude" a few too many times for my liking, but that's pretty much the extent of my disappointment for this week.

I loved when Stephanie took her out for a sophisticated night, because she actually met someone other than an extension of her poker buddies. I hope this one sticks around for a while and turns the tables a little.

But aside from set-ups and slumps, the highlight of this episode for me was the "hook up" debate. An actual conversation I've heard in real life — no TBS involved — in which, I believe, the end result was that "hook up" meant more than "make out." But the fact that the whole PJ-Bobby secret came out with the entire group standing around was hilarious and very appropriate for this show.

I like hearing familiar conversations, because it makes this show more real, more close to home. If nothing else, any reference to Outward Bound gets an applause. Watching the chemistry between these characters is entertaining and, at times, laugh-out-loud funny. And if we can pick up something along the way, even better. On that note, here's the lesson this week: Acting like a pig doesn't work.

A little late on the response here, but is anyone out there finding this new TBS series as lovable as I am? I have to say, among all the investigative, theory-swirling, fantasy shows out there — that sometimes give me more of a headache than anything else — it's nice to sit down to a half hour of plain comedy… with a twist. I know there are other well-received sitcoms out there (Two and a Half Men, How I Met Your Mother, even The Class), but since I'm not blogging about those, I have to applaud the creators of this show for the main reason I predict I'll continue tuning in: the cast.

Jordana Spiro is the perfect fit for the role of PJ. (Check out Jordana's TVGuide.com blog for her take on the show!) Her sometimes-raspy voice blends well with her tomboy personality, but combine that with her long blonde locks and cute demeanor and we've got ourselves a great poker player/sportswriter who manages to flirt subtly on the side. Enter Bobby (Kyle Howard). He certainly fits the TBS-cutie-with-a-polo-shirt mold, but he's got this "nice guy" way about him that makes PJ a little nervous, prompting her to spit out non-girlie phrases and jump into bed like a teenage boy at the prom. This is the twist. One girl among all these guys (including her brother)? Writing about the Chicago Cubs… guzzling beer when her all-too-feminine friend cringes at the taste of it… giving her friends advice about "girl booty calls" and shocking them when she actually uses her oven… I love this character! But what I liked the most — and already picked up from the first two episodes — is how these actors seem to naturally deliver their lines in a way that I could see my friends talking at the bar or on the couch. It's believable… if you're not too judgmental and can enjoy the cracks and jabs of this group.

And if you aren't convinced yet (and I won't try to force it on you as I settle into the comfortable fun of this show), at least give a little credit to the writers, who have inched in funny remarks here and there to keep the commentary flowing and the poker games laugh-worthy. "It's either you broke up with Wendy today or broke up with Wendy today." Don't we all love to throw a little sarcasm in our closest friends' faces once in a while?

I knew PJ and Bobby couldn't stir up a relationship in the first episode, so their awkward hook up was a good way to start off the show. And then in the second episode, we got the whole mix-up/gift/dancer Claire jumble that definitely made it clear that if PJ and Bobby really do have feelings for each other, we'll have to wait. Does anyone else see her ending up with best pal Brendan (Reid Scott) anyway? Meanwhile, big brother Andy (Jim Gaffigan) seems to have his own problems at home, having "no free will" apparently, so I'm sure that story line will come out slowly, too.

Although I like a good metaphor every now and then, I'm not sure hearing these baseball metaphors throughout each episode is tolerable… but I do like PJ's thoughts and narrative — it's a little Ally McBeal/Carrie Bradshaw-ish, but on a younger scale.

At first glance, during a time when most shows are taking their mid-season breaks, this is a good breather from some heavy television I've been watching the past few months (Lost, Jericho, Heroes, 3 LBS)… ill-received hors d'oeuvres and all.