Wonderfalls 1.2 FAQ
What’s it called?
“Karma Chameleon.”
Who’s responsible?
Teleplay is credited to Tim Minear, a “Firefly” mastermind who wrote and directed last season’s insanely well-crafted Wolfram-centric “Angel” finale.
Jesus Christ, Hercules! Another “Wonderfalls” post?
Underkill didn’t save “The Tick” or “Firefly” or “Star Trek” now did it? I experiment now with a different tactic. But don’t worry, the minute Fox crucifies this genius show, I’ll be right back to discussing useless reality hourlongs. Anyway, writing this review gives Herc an excuse to watch “Karma Chameleon” a fourth time!
What does TV Guide say?
Jaye is told to help a stutterer “get her words out,” but she'd prefer to get the woman out of town when she copies Jaye's hairstyle, job and interest in Eric. Bianca: Sarah Drew. Alec: Neil Grayston. Eric: Tyron Leitso. Mahandra: Tracie Thoms. Jaye: Caroline Dhavernas.
Is it true you like this episode better than “Wonderfalls’” brilliant pilot?
I do. As hilarious as I found the pilot, this one is just as funny and bolsters the funny with effortless, undemanding style.
“Copies Jaye's hairstyle, job and interest in Eric”? Do the words “Single White Female” make their way into the dialogue at any point?
They do. This episode pays repeated homage to the 1992 Jennifer Jason Leigh thriller.
The big news?
Did they use the theme music last week? If not, it’s introduced this week.
Is the theme music the new Ryan Adams version of “Wonderwall” that seems to be popping up on every hourlong from CBS to UPN?
No. It’s a custom-made ditty by Andy Partridge (of XTC fame) that I initially despised, but now quite look forward to each Friday. “I wonder why the wonder falls on me,” indeed.
What else is TV Guide not telling us?
“Karma Chameleon” is not only enormously entertaining, it’s revelatory, and likely key to understanding the weirdness that is overtaking young Jaye Tyler’s life. The stuttering clone is obsessed with Jaye, and really does come to figure her out. If you’re curious about what’s doing with the retail job and the trailer park, much is explained this week.
What’s great?
“Son Aaron is the youngest non-Asian to win the prestigious Fulton Scholarship for religious studies and is currently pursuing his doctorate in comparative religion.” “Sure used up a lot of them on Aaron.” “You weren’t, though, were ya?” “I need more environ-friendly plastic bags. Konichiwa!” “Yes, I was just looking for … Oh my God! It really is mine!!” “Here’s five back!” “Exactly. In the back. Up on a high shelf.” The mouth-breather’s Butters-like injury. The scary casting of Jaye’s sneery doppleganger. “He could very easily … paralyze … you.” “You think I’m his type?” “You’re the one who called for it!” Jaye’s sour-faced incredulity as Binky’s duplicity falls into focus. “‘Grease’?” “Stealing my organs after you stab me??” “‘Losers’?” “In theory.” Dhavernas’ delivery of the lines “You’re sure not having any trouble getting your words out tonight” and “You know some people will swallow just about anything” and “Three years, huh?” and the sheer loathing with which she rolls her eyes when Binky reveals she’s “sought answers in various world religions.” “This is my fault. Jaye! I thought you knew I was kidding!” “Ironically? I think I saw a little of myself!” “Can you really blame her?” Jaye’s sitcom-tied appraisal of the size of her trailer. “And if there were pictures? I’d buy two copies.” “No, you’re the fake. The letter’s real.” “I am not 35!” “It – it doesn’t say that …” “It was implied.”
Herc, if you could forward the great Tim Minear any message, what would it be?
“Dear Mr. Minear sir: If the Fox people elect to discard ‘Wonderfalls,’ it will be a loss only to us, the consumers of fine televised entertainment. You, of course, will be freed from the penny-ante universe of weekly television and reap zillions authoring fabulous feature screenplays that beautiful, newly-promoted 23-year-old development executives will reduce to unwatchable horseshit. If the Fox people elect to continue their support of ‘Wonderfalls,’ you will continue to receive only moderately gigantic TV wages, and perhaps be worshipped as a modern living TV god much as Joss Whedon and Aaron Sorkin and David Lynch continue to be. I personally am holding out for continued airings of ‘Wonderfalls.’ Though its continuance will do little for your bank account, it will make the world better for those who enjoy really smart comedy. Yours Sincerely etc. etc.”
How does it end, spoiler boy?
With 15 words: “Daughter Jaye lives in Niagara Falls; her blurb, and life, are a work in progress.”
Herc’s rating for “Wonderfalls” 1.2?
****1/2
The Hercules T. Strong Rating System:
***** better than we deserve
**** better than most motion pictures
*** actually worth your valuable time
** as horrible as most stuff on TV
* makes you quietly pray for bulletins
9 p.m. Friday. Fox.
Swing the crebbil!
Swing the crebbil!
