Shandle is a contributing writer and assistant managing editor at Sweatpants & Coffee. MJ is a TV Fanatic who’s childhood nickname was “The TV Guide,” she also blogs at Daisy & June. We asked them to talk about the mid-season finales of the Shonda Rhimes Thursday line-up shows on ABC (they all return tonight!), and this is what happened. It makes us want to watch every week with them over a bowl of popcorn and an Olivia Pope-sized glass of wine. Spoiler warnings, as always!
Grey’s Anatomy, Season 11, Episode 8 “Risk”
What We Loved:
MJ: I loved seeing Hunt and Amelia connecting – they both deserve some happiness.
Shandle: Me too! I also loved seeing Meridith and Maggie working together.
MJ: I loved it too, but I’m waiting for that shoe to drop. I feel like it would be foolish to trust Shonda at this point.
Shandle: Right? Just look at the Mer & Der drama, STILL.
What Could Have Been Better:
MJ: I felt like the show was a bit stale – the stories were new, the dialogue was different, but it all felt like the same. Pregnant? Nope! Must be something wrong. Relationship hurdles? Must be the worst ever. New character? Must be related to someone or multiple people on the show. I love Greys – always will, but its getting a little soap opera for me. I really would love to see a little less hurt and a few flipping rainbows thrown in the mix.
Shandle: I agree 100%! I’m also really annoyed with April and Jackson’s storyline. They do not deserve this. I want them to have some freaking rainbows! And Derek needs to make a damn decision already.
MJ: Ugh yes, Derek and Mer are being babies.
What We’re Looking Forward To:
Shandle: I’m excited to see if Amelia can save Doctor Herman.
MJ: I have a love/hate with Herman. However, I would love to see Amelia get some freaking credit.
Shandle: Exactly. My desire is less about Herman living and more about Amelia proving herself after Derek outed her past.
MJ: Yeah, I feel like Derek needs to be put in his place a bit.
Best Lines: “Robbins, I don’t know how many orgasms I have left in life, but it may be fewer than flavors of ice cream, so I can’t spare any. Stop stealing my orgasms.” – Dr. Herman
“Sorry, kale rage going on.” – Bailey
Source: (x)
‘Oh Shit, Shonda!’ Moment
The baby – April & Jackson’s baby. Can’t anyone just be happy?
Scandal, Season 4, Episode 9 “Where The Sun Don’t Shine.”
What We Loved:
Shandle: I loved the dancing and the dialogue, the dialogue is always so great in this show, but this episode was full of amazing one-liners.
MJ: YES! The dancing – I loved it because I feel like Shonda likes to give nods from her other shows, so I loved a Greys ‘Dance it out’ moment on Scandal. The one liners were GOLD this week. Also, can I add a feminist high five to Shonda for the Olivia/Elizabeth lines?
Shandle: Absolutely! I think it was my favorite moment in the episode!
Elizabeth: “There’s a special place in Hell for women who don’t support other women.”
Olivia: “There’s a special place in Hell for women who spout that tired quote to justify their bad behavior.”
Source (x)
What Could Have Been Better:
MJ: I think we are both in agreement on this one – Quinn and Charlie and their obnoxious angry sex/fighting? Am I right?
Shandle: The fuck-fighting must end. It’s gross.
MJ: AND creepy.
Shandle: Greepy? Yes. Greepy.
MJ: Greepy – hashtag it people #GREEPY
Source: (x)
What We’re Looking Forward To:
Shandle: Huck’s family’s reaction! I may have my hopes up a bit about that.
MJ: The side characters – I am looking forward to seeing Huck getting a little redemption. I want to see Abby more – I don’t like her new role – I don’t get the point of it. Quinn – I want to see Quinn find some sanity. And David – David poor David – I wish he would fight for Abby. I am hoping to see that in the second half for sure.
The main story – the pope parents, The Sun vs Vermont – that
will always be there but the side characters? I think thats where the show
stays fresh.
Best Lines:
“You have a Ph.D. in his crazy.” -Olivia to Maya about Rowan
“I want Vermont with Fitz. I also want the sun with you. I’m not choosing. I’m not choosing Jake, I’m not choosing Fitz. I choose me. I’m choosing Olivia.” -Olivia to Jake
This whole exchange, it needed video to do it justice.
‘Oh Shit, Shonda!’ Moment:
Liv pulling the trigger on Papa Pope – not only her actually doing it, but that moment when nothing happened and you realize he tricked her. When Papa howled out – it was a hold your breath kind of moment.
How to Get Away with Murder, Season 1, Episode 9 “Kill me, kill me, kill me.”
What We Loved:
MJ: I’m excited about this one – it’s been a slow build for me – a slow intense build. I loved the way they finally carried out all the flash forwards. I was worried it would be boring to watch it all again, but it was very well done.
Shandle: Yeah, I love how each episode felt like its own story almost. It kept the build of the bigger mystery from getting stale.
MJ: I may be odd man out on this, but I love how in your face the writing is. The language is far harsher sometimes I think than on her other shows. She isn’t afraid to go there with her characters — “you disgusting slut”
Shandle: You’re right, it’s like Shonda knows she’s good now, she seems to have gained confidence and is pushing the envelope more.
MJ: And she is completely unapologetic about it – which I just love – Shonda is such a badass.
Shandle: Total badass!
Source: (x)
What Could Have Been Better:
MJ:I had zero complaints with this episode – the entire show has surprised me and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Shandle: I agree, it was a slow build up but I think it paid off in the end.
What We’re Looking Forward To:
Now that we know who the killer is and all the gory details we’re excited to see how it all plays out from here on and how many side cases we get in the process. The side cases really help keep the main story afloat and help keep the viewers from getting bored.
Best Lines:
“I’m a grown-ass woman. I might be drunk, but I know what I want when I want it. So get over here.” – Bonnie to Asher
“Same time next week?” – Conner after dumping Sam’s remains.
‘Oh Shit, Shonda!’ Moment:
When the camera rolled up and you realize Viola was there. The sounds of gasps across the world could be heard.
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