Entries by Maureen Ryan from 04/2012

'Game of Thrones' Recap: 'The North Remembers' Kicks Off Season 2 In Style

| Publication 04.01.2012

"Game of Thrones" looks consistently magnificent now, in every respect. Each aspect of Westeros and beyond looks even more rich and textured. The gritty realness of every object the characters touch and own adds to the atmosphere.

'Mad Men' Recap: 'Tea Leaves' Puts Betty's Big Problems On Display

| Publication 04.02.2012

Betty is someone who has always gotten by on her looks, and without those, who is she? No wonder she sits on the couch eating Bugles, because figuring out that question is incredibly hard.

Peabody Award Winners: 'Game of Thrones,' 'Homeland,' Colbert, Al Jazeera And More

Publication 04.04.2012

The winners of the George Foster Peabody Awards were announced Wednesday morning, and among the entertainment winners are "Game of Thrones," "Parks an...

'Best Friends Forever' Review: Is NBC Mistreating Another New Comedy?

| Publication 04.04.2012

"Best Friends Forever" lays the foundation for what could be a zippy and enjoyable exploration of the intricacies of intimacy and friendship ... and each actor in the core trio has sharp comic timing.

'Scandal' Review: An Efficient Political Soap Opera From 'Grey's Anatomy' Creator

| Publication 04.05.2012

Maybe it's not quite Revenge: The Presidential Years, but Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn and Jeff Perry spark nicely off each other and there are plenty of juicy twists and turns in the show's potential presidential scandal.

'Magic City' Review: The Formula Behind This Sun-Soaked Gangster Drama

| Publication 04.06.2012

The first two episodes of "Magic City" boast a lot of what I call "H.B.," which is short for "Hey! Boobs!," which denotes the presences of breasts in a scene for one reason, and that reason is: On pay cable, networks can show boobs.

'Game of Thrones' Recap: 'The Night Lands' Shows Desperation Building

| Publication 04.08.2012

The game of thrones among the upper crust is interesting, but the genius of this tale is in how it depicts the ways in which those on the fringes of society deal with their status as outcasts, rejects, schemers and rebels.

David Simon, 'The Wire' Creator: Respectfully Disagreeing With Him On How To Watch TV

| Publication 04.09.2012

An episode of television can stand on its own, as a complete work. It can tell a story that reverberates in our hearts and minds for years. The truly lasting stories are the ones that make us care about the people at the center of the saga.

'Mad Men' Recap: 'Mystery Date' Haunted By Fear And Loathing

| Publication 04.09.2012

The thing about change is that it's unpredictable. That's why we're both repelled and fascinated by the outliers, by the actions of people who do things beyond the range of our imaginations.

'Don't Trust The B---- In Apt. 23' Review: The Beek Brings The Fun To ABC's Roomie Comedy

| Publication 04.10.2012

Some of the comedy's most reliable humor comedy comes from this presumably fictional version of the Beek, who is a pompous, amusingly self-absorbed jackass.

'Justified' Season Finale Review: Things Get Bloody In Harlan

| Publication 04.10.2012

So many shows have trouble wrapping information the audience needs in dialogue that is actually a pleasure to listen to, but Justified makes it look easy. Many conversations this season went down like a nice Kentucky bourbon.

'Game of Thrones' Third Season: How Many Episodes Will There Be?

Publication 04.11.2012

When HBO's renewal of "Game of Thrones" for a third season was announced Tuesday, one question sprang to many fans' minds: How many episodes will ther...

'Girls' Review: Lena Dunham's Frank And Fearless Debut

| Publication 04.12.2012

It's certainly been a long time since I was this beguiled by a set a characters, but Girls is one of those rare birds. It's a fresh and wonderfully realized show that feels like nothing else on TV.

'Parks and Recreation's' Nick Offerman Gives You A Woodworking Lesson Exclusive (VIDEO)

Publication 04.13.2012

Looking for a Ron Swanson bobblehead doll? All you need is a "man saw" and a whole lot of moxie. In the exclusive video above, Nick Offerman, who ...

'Game Of Thrones' Recap And An Interview With Executive Producer D.B. Weiss

Publication 04.15.2012

This week's review of HBO's "Game of Thrones" (Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO) is going to be a little different: It's a combination review of "What Is Dea...

'Mad Men' Recap: 'Signal 30' Brings The Fight To Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce

| Publication 04.16.2012

Unlike Don, Pete's turmoil isn't essentially the result of self-hatred -- it's all about that desire for recognition and approval.

'Game of Thrones' Producer On Season 2 Book Differences, Fan Feedback And What's To Come

Publication 04.18.2012

In the third and final installment of my conversation with D.B Weiss, the executive producer of "Game of Thrones" (Sundays at 9 p.m. ET), he discusses...

'Veep' HBO Review: Political Comedy Misses The Mark

| Publication 04.19.2012

"Veep" merely reinforces what most people already think about Washington, D. C., but if these politicians and aides are so worthless, why are we paying attention to them?

'Game of Thrones' Recap: The Night Is Dark And Full Of Terrors

| Publication 04.22.2012

In this episode, both Arya and Daenerys are literally starving and out of options. Yet both remain defiant; neither accepts that their desperate situation is all there is.

'Mad Men' Recap: What A Long, Strange Trip It Was

| Publication 04.23.2012

Peggy smokes, she drinks too much, she treats the people in her personal life like crap, she obsesses about work, she's a sexual risk-taker and she ultimately does deeply crave human connection. Say hello to the female Don Draper!

'Suburgatory' On ABC: A Must-See Comedy Gem

| Publication 04.24.2012

As the networks begin contemplating what to bring back next year (cancellations and renewals are typically announced in May), it's time to shine a light on the doings in the suburb of Chatswin.

HBO's 'Girls' Isn't Racist, Television Is Racist (And Sexist)

| Publication 04.25.2012

Why are there so many stories about "Girls," of which we've seen exactly two episodes? Where are all the pieces taking television studios and networks to task for commissioning shows created and run by middle-aged, upper-middle-class, heterosexual white men?

'Parks And Recreation' Gets Political: Amy Poehler And Mike Schur Talk Pawnee Debate Night

Publication 04.25.2012

The city council election in Pawnee is coming up soon, but before Election Day, the candidates will put it all on the line in a crucial debate. Thursd...

'Parks And Recreation' Debate Episode Gets A Director's Cut

Publication 04.26.2012

This week's episode of "Parks and Recreation" is one of the most enjoyable of the NBC comedy's fourth season, and it's about to expand. "Parks and...

'Game of Thrones' Emilia Clarke On Daenerys' 'Blueprint' For The Future

Publication 04.27.2012

Her role as the Mother of Dragons has made her famous, but Emilia Clarke sounds relieved that she hasn't really had to deal with the pitfalls of fame ...