Some Thoughts on Cougar Town
All throughout season 3, Cougar Town’s renewal has been a mystery. First, the regular seasoned episodes were cut down to 15, from a regular 22. Then, it didn’t even premiere till March, in a terrible time slot (8:30 Tuesday nights, with a lead-in from Tim Allen sitcom, Home Improv….. err Last Man Standing). With low ratings, fans were skeptical that it would survive to see a season 4. Luckily, TBS has picked it up for January 2013 and I think it will do just fine there. If it’s able to maintain the same ratings from ABC, it’ll be considered a hit.
Ratings are not what they used to be, and I think we need to accept that fact. Most people aren’t watching live TV anymore. DVR’s and Hulu streaming don’t count according to the Nielsen’s. Not everyone works a 9-5, goes home and puts TV on to watch a show live at 8pm. Times are different.
But I digress, this post is more for my love for Cougar Town. It’s one of those shows that is delightful and heart breaking at the same time. Grayson’s proposal to Jules was such an EEEEEE sweet moment. The mini Scrubs reunion was filled with such random fun. The fact that Dan Byrd had to wear a helmet through half the season because he wouldn’t cut his hair was downright HILARIOUS. They killed the cougar when Barb married Mayor Barry Bostwick! Also, Coopering should be a thing.
I could name so many memorable lines and moments from this season, but the double episode finale was filled with so much fun. A homage to the great Groundhog Day followed by a beautiful wedding was such a great end to a fantastic season. Just to recap a bit: Jules and Grayson decide to elope in Napa Valley with just them. In Jules’ mind, just them meant the whole Cul de sac crew. Grayson is upset at first, but realizes that this is what makes Jules happy, so he’s happy. The only thing missing: Grayson’s daughter Tampa Jill. The problem- Tampa Jill’s mom is on the no fly list, and Tom is unable to fly with a baby who is not his child. Jules calls off the wedding and schedules it back home because she knows how much Tampa Jill means to Grayson. They have an illegal/quick beach wedding which results in the happily married couple to ride off the beach on horseback. I hope my wedding is as perfect as that.
Some other things i want to bring up: the Laurie/Travis relationship. On the show, they are about 10 years apart which seems like a lifetime. There’s no denying that Busy Phillips and Dan Byrd have chemistry, but I don’t think their relationship could work. I thought that they would have kissed and later decided that it wasn’t a good idea. Travis has done some embarrassing things, as well as put into awkward situations with not just Laurie, but the whole crew. Laurie’s spirit may college-esque, but she is an adult who has her own business. Travis needs a few years to grow into adulthood.
My only complaint about the finale is Ellie’s excessive flirting with Daniel, the concierge at the hotel. i can’t be the only one who found this weird. Why was Andy letting it happen, even though he made it known it wasn’t okay? Maybe I’m looking into it too much, but it didn’t work for me. Is David Arquette that charming?
Another minor complaint: Bill Lawrence and Kevin Biegel not returning as the show’s showrunners. They will still be involved with the show, but I’m just hoping it won’t lose the Lawrence feel. Here’s to welcoming new Cougar Town showrunner Ric Swartzlander (8 Simple Rules, Gary Unmarried) to the cul de sac crew.
