Cue the music

Wombat: Welcome to the critical offices of Wombat and Savage. Or whatever. We're here to provide analysis of the comings and goings at Crane, Poole, and Schmidt. Or anything that strikes our fancy. We're not in the business of setting limits for ourselves. We're here to give our takes on the latest episode. In my opinion, it's the best so far. Pia?

Savage: Couldn't stop laughing. It was a truly hysterical though tender show--all that love. Sort of pre-Valentines Day

I wonder if this is intended to lead up to a Valentine's Day episode. There's a lot budding right now. Denise seems to think better of Coho now, and they're already in the sack together.

Poor Denise--two friends with benefits doing the modern day dance of the duel over her. Embarrassing

That was actually my thought exactly about Denise, but honestly, I think the fact that they were both having sex with her was just one more front in a war that would be going on anyways. The problem Brad and Jeffery is that they can't deal with how alike they are. Sure, the stakes are higher with sleeping with Denise than both showing up to the party as Buzz Lightyear (if I recall that same basic conflict happened in Toy Story 2 but don't quote me), but it's the simple law of physics that two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time.

Two objects can never occupy the same space but they can meld and so can a third. Some PHD in physics has probably done a study of form, function and threesomes. Which just might be veering into territory never before explored in network TV

I wonder how many PHDs in physics have ever had threesomes. Then again I bet if he was smooth enough he could come with all kinds of suave lines about super strings and the particle-wave dichotomy. It'd be a great leap forward for network TV. I can't remember when they've ever explored threesomes or quantam mech. If this does happen they may be the only cutting edge show to still do the trademark fat man and attractive woman pairing.

What's her name and Clarence.

Clair, yes. Clair and Clarence. Which I suppose was a bit of a giveaway, but you know, hindsight. They look perfect for each other.

Should have known from the names. But he was a drag queen, and she appeared to be his savior. Looking at how sad and vulnerable she looked before Clarence came to the party as Oprah, and how happy she was when they began to dance, my heart did a whole pitter patter be still thing. For Clair and a person who looked like Oprah but was so manly. He turned out to be the knight. It was so damn romantic. Would have never believed that. Though I don't think you're supposed to be so open about dating your subordinate :) They're really in love. It's nice

Ah, but you know what Alan said. Frequent viewers know anything goes over there. Dick Cheny dancing with Shirly Schmidt... let alone Danny Devito

Guess the daughter is a permanent cast addition--Denny in love :)

How about Vanessa? Showing up in the yellow dress. That's not exactly a vague signal. And Alan as Shirley. Sorry, I mean Shirley Schmidt-ho.

Alan really has been doing too much drag, but looked great, and it's in the old fashioned way---my father dressed in drag for a New Years Eve Party once--it was just pure fun, no hidden sexual thing.

It was amazing how well he looked as Shirley. And the balcony scene had such a layered treatment of what Alan, Denny, and Shirley mean to each other. Alan should have told Denny that the price of admission was his blessing to pursue Shirley.

They are the top and come to think of it only wanna be in my head TV couple. Shirley and Alan. Would show the world a few things. It's not the Harold & Maude age gap. Two consenting adults. My heart would flip for that one.

I'm surprised at myself for how much I want that to happen. And should we be keeping count of how many guys in drag Denny hits on? That's two episodes in a row. Though I suppose the sexual tension between Alan and Denny didn't need much help =P

The sexual tension is high yes, but remember Denny Crane was 100% pure Republican, and would never act on those instincts, sober or after just one or four Scotch's. Some more maybe, though he would regret it in the morning. I have heard many things about the Scull and Crossbones--ultimate Repub club. Their retreat is rumored to have seen much action, among other things.

But it was morning when he grabbed Clarence/Oprah's ass. I don't think he'd had enough time to get buzzed.

Wasn't this a show that focused on First Amendment cases? It's always been character driven, but is evolving into a show about human nature.

Any good show that involves humans is going to be about human nature I think. But for me it's all been there. For all his larger than life bravado, Denny is at times more human than anyone else there. And Alan, well, it's an understatement to say that he's a multilayered character. Paul seemed like a stiff, cold businessman until we learned about his daughter. And of course Daniel Post. The only one who hasn't been deeply explored has been Coho, and he's new. He'll get his.

All in all, lots to look forward to from Crane, Poole, and Schmidt. And because this effort has been late in gestation, we'll check back in in four days.