Some viewers often scoff at these Valentine's episodes, that inevitably provide the perfect dose of romance and unexpected love for our favorite characters because that same romance has eluded us in our own lives. However, I am stating here and now that I am on "Team Valentine's Day" and that does not refer to the movie that should have been great but wasn't. I am supporting these episodes that are proven, year in and year out, to give us that little bit of romance between our favorite TV couples (especially on sitcoms), that often goes neglected in traditional, non-love themed episodes.
So here, I will recap the romantic highlights from this year's crop of Valentine's Day episodes from some our favorite shows, providing you with a play-by-play of the romance (or lack thereof) that took place this past week. And hey! to all the cynics out there, keep reading! Because this year's Valentine's Day episodes might have more for you than you think! Here we go...
Modern Family "Bixby's Back"
When I saw that the title of this episode was "Bixby's Back," I knew this could only mean one thing: the return of Phil and Claire's "stealth" alter-egos. Unfortunately, the revival of these characters turned out about just as badly as the first, with Phil caught naked in another (much older) woman's room and narrowly avoiding arrest. However, their escapades were most definitely the highlight of the episode, with a close second going to Manny's endless pursuit of his love-crazed cousin Hayley. The romance between our other couples did not fare much better. Cam and Mitchell spent the night engaging in a flirting competition and bickering (hilariously) about which one of them Mitchell's assistant had a crush on and Gloria and Jay engaged in a war to see who could "win" Valentine's Day (Gloria: 1, Jay: 0).
Watch the full episode here: Bixby's Back
The Office "PDA"
I went into this Valentine's Day with high hopes after last year's light on romance episode and this year did not disappoint. The Office was in uproar after the newly reunited Michael and Holly were engaging in some inappropriate office PDA. Dwight, in sidekick mode, proceeded to list off all of the members of the staff who have had sex in the office, including but not limited to Creed and Kevin (with a girl who goes to another school.) Gabe then declares that PDA is not allowed in the office, which is unfortunate when Michael and Holly finally declare their love for one another and are relegated to a hand shake instead of a kiss.
On the Jim and Pam front, after returning very drunk from a bottomless champagne lunch, they decided to try and find a place to have sex in the office, and after a few unsuccessful attempts (warehouse loft, cardboard box, Ryan's office a.k.a. closet), returned to the office in the middle of a meeting tucking in their shirts, go Jim and Pam! All in all, a successful holiday at Dunder Mifflin.
Watch the full episode here: PDA
How I Met Your Mother "Desperation Day"
Like many classic episodes of How I Met Your Mother, this one started off with Barney inventing a new "thing," with this one being a declaration of February 13th as "Desperation Day," his favorite day of the year. It is magical night because "a 10 has the self-esteem of a 4 and the depraved enthusiasm of a 2." However, while in hot pursuit of his next one-night stand, Barney comes across Nora, a work friend of Robin's who rejects Barney's traditional advances. Normally, Barney shrugs off rejections, but he lingers on Nora. She later agrees to play laser tag with him, which viewers know is the quickest way to win Barney's heart. I can't wait to see what plays out between these two.
Elsewhere, Lily goes to Minnesota to see Marshall for Valentine's Day only to find him regressed to a childish state. Ted comes then comes to help (or escape Valentine's Day with girlfriend Zooey because he felt they might be moving too quickly in their new relationship), only to join Marshall in the playing of endless video games and eating. Lily leaves, upset that Marshall is refusing to come home which makes both Marshall and Ted realize they have to go back to New York to join their respective women. The episode ends with Marshall returning to Lily (who had been cuddling with her Marshall replacement, Marsh-pillow) just in time for them to watch their traditional Valentine's Day movie, Predator. Cue "awwwws" from the audience, Marshall is back!
Watch the full episode here: Desperation Day
I think that this year's Valentine's Day episodes had a little something for everyone. They (mostly) left the sappy romance at home and showcased the comedy that we always expect from our favorite shows but is often lost in the spirit of the Valentine's romance. I also think that each of these episodes did a good job of advancing the plot: Hayley gets back together with Dylan (let's hope this means the return of more songs like the classic "I Wanna Do You"), Michael and Holly say "I love you," and the biggest gasp of the set, Barney Stinson might have real feelings for one of his conquests?! WTF? Often, themed episodes are mere stand alone episodes but I think that this set of Valentine's Day episodes will be woven into the greater story-line of the shows. On the whole, I would rate this Valentine's week as a solid 8 out of 10. Until next year...
Nice work, Allie. I think you do a pretty good job of being true the tone & format of PopWatch. I especially love that you didn't neglect to include videos and links to full episodes! One thing I'd like to have seen is for you to push just a little more on the critical engagement bit, which you could do while staying true to PopWatch. What you do nicely toward that, though, is consider why these episodes do a little more in terms of the shows at large than most V-day episodes do, which is nice. Good work. If you decide to do a blog for your final project, just know that you'll want to push even further on the critical response aspect.
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