Song of the Day: 'Risk It' by Alice Bag

 

I don't know if it's getting better or if I'm just softening because I know it's the final season, but Damian and I are watching "Grace & Frankie" through a much kinder lens -- I think creator Marta Kauffman is more involved again so the writing's improved -- and loved that they ended the most recent episode we saw with this anthem from legendary punker Alice Bag, formerly of the Bags, who shares an aesthetic with our octogenarian scofflaws!

Seasonal Changes for 'Grace & Frankie,' 'Divorce'

Not sure if the writing on "Grace & Frankie" and "Divorce" has really improved this season as much as I feel it has, but I'm definitely enjoying both shows more this time around. Might help that Lisa Kudrow joined the golden girls of La Jolla -- and sexy Steven Pasquale popped up as a possible love interest for Sarah Jessica Parker (who's old enough to be his, um, aunt). But suddenly Sol, Bud and Coyote, who used to make me cringe each time they appeared, and even Frankie -- with her way too over-the-top reactions to everything -- all seem a little more muted and realistic. Ditto for Robert (Thomas Haden Church), who has become far less one-dimensional on "Divorce." (And I'll take Molly Shannon any way I can get her!) As much as I love Sharon Horgan, it seems her being less involved this season may be the positive difference. (SJP trying to be a bathroom-humor queen just didn't work.) Curious if anyone else has noticed an improvement.

He is a work of art ...

P.S. We're also watching "The Rise of Catherine the Great," a Russian import streaming on Amazon Prime. I think we're down to one last episode of Season One and I must say it's awfully good. As you may know, Catherine was a gay man trapped in a Russian ruler's body -- and boy did they do a good job casting her revolving door of lovers. (The woman playing Elizabeth is also perfect -- as in perfectly terrifying.) I hear there's another season but I'm not sure if they'll recast everyone who try horrible aging make-up. 

Lisa Kudrow to Join Cast of 'Grace & Frankie'

I've written about what a missed opportunity "Grace & Frankie" is. But it's still more fun than a lot things on television. And adding Lisa Kudrow -- as a manicurist named Sheree who drives a wedge between the odd couple -- might go a long way toward smoothing out the edges come season 4.

'Grace and Frankie" Renewed for Second Season

   Happy to see Netflix has ordered another season of the Jane Fonda-Lily Tomlin show. Season One had its problems -- the setup went on waaaaaaay too long (we got it ... in the opening credits!), the "Frankie is kooky-New Agey" stuff was way too heavy-handed (the earthquake bit? ugh.), Sam Waterston is just awful and the sons are even worse -- but believe it or not, when "Grace and Frankie" worked, it was a real treat. The evolution of the women's relationship is the real story (there's so much more to explore there), and Brianna -- played by the always-great June Diane Raphael (check out "Burning Love" on Hulu!) -- is the show's other compelling character. This season, let's make sure the leading women are being paid what they deserve -- Jane's hair looks like it's reeeeaally expensive!