Dispatches From The Couch: THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, HOMELAND, MASTERS OF SEX & More!

It’s official: With too many shows to watch and too little time on my hands, a few on-my-personal-bubble series’ are going to get the whole “I’m just not that into you” speech. My DVR is filling up faster than a sinking rowboat, and I’m bailing with a spoon. So what have I been watching over the past few days… and which shows will not be continuing on in the hopes of being named Richard’s Next Top Favorite Show? Read on!

Sometimes, there’s nothing like giving an ex another chance. Last season, I bailed on THE VAMPIRE DIARIES. It was a show I enjoyed, but the dense mythology had started to turn me off. This season, I dove back in. And while I can’t say I fully understand some of what’s going on, I’m glad to be hangin’ with the Mystic Falls crew. While a show can often suffer when characters are sent in different directions, Elena and Caroline’s college adventures are both fun and a great way to introduce new blood, so to speak. Better still, things move at a great pace and the scripts are as witty as ever. I’ve always loved Katherine, so watching her struggle with being a human has been a blast. “I survived childbirth, the death of my entire family and 500 years of running from an immortal hybrid,” she quipped this week. “You can understand why I’m a little upset that I am on the verge of being defeated by a sinus infection!”) Forgive me for straying, dear DIARIES, and let’s move on as if that whole “break” thing never happened, okay?
 
Sorry, HOMELAND, but I’m out. I just don’t know what you’re supposed to be anymore. As fantastic as Claire Danes’ performances have been, I feel like I’ve seen all the tricks she has to play as Carrie. It was lovely knowing you, and we’ll always have season one, but I’m moving on. To whom, you ask? Well, to…
 
… MASTERS OF SEX. I’ll admit, the second episode wasn’t stellar. In fact, it verged on boring. But this week’s outing made up for it in spades with humor, heartbreak, great twists and a fantastic performance from guest star Nicholle Tom that would make Nanny Fran blush and have Maxwell Sheffield grounding his little girl for life. While it feels as if Annaleigh Ashford’s Betty has run her course, I’m hopeful they’ll find a way to brink the bitchy brothel owner back in the future. And big kudos to star/producer Michael Sheen for his stunning turn as Masters. The character has lied to his wife, blackmailed his boss and been a general ass to his assistant (the awesome Lizzy Caplan), and yet we are given moments of humanity which prevent us from flat-out hating the guy. That’s a tough balance to strike, and Sheen does it marvelously.

Sometimes, I’m fickle. Two weeks ago, I was ready to give up on THE MINDY PROJECT, which has been one of the most wildly schizophrenic shows since first it debuted. This week’s episode — in which very private photos of Danny were put on very public display — was this show at its best. I can’t help but love a show that revels in its lead character’s shallowness. “Besides Gary Larson,” asked Mindy’s new beau, “who’s an artist you follow?” And her attempt to fake being knowledgeable about art led to the great line, “There’s a certain sadness to his… um… thigh meat.” When this MINDY shows up, I’m all in. Here’s hoping they can keep bad MINDY at bay!