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Four Score and Seven Outbursts Ago…

Is there a better way to go into the weekend than on a high note? And what specific note is that, you may be asking?

That high note can be summed up into a short comedic equation:

Simon Helberg + Nicolas Cage + “Lincoln” audition = Daniel Day-Lewis’ obvious understudy

“I’m one of the greatest freaking presidents…of all-time!! Ahhh!”

ABC Has Dialed Up a Winner

“Two phone lines. What is this? The White House?”

Through the combination of preplanned, intentional and serendipitous circumstances and choices in life, ranging from picking a college to asking our future loved one on a date one Friday night to pausing on a page that featured a particular style of house seen in an issue of Midwestern Living, we find ourselves living where we do for a myriad of reasons. It really is fascinating to ponder at just how mysterious life can be sometimes.

That is, until you meet the neighbors.

On last night’s episode of “The Goldbergs,” Adam’s Tron bike (looked legit) lured the new neighbor Chad Kremp (aka-his new best friend) over to the side of the street that takes a more direct tone to dealing with your everyday events, like trying to talk down your moron son who is holding on for dear life while he sits stuck in a tree he voluntarily climbed.

You may be asking yourself “what the hell?”

Excuse me, “what the h-word?”

The Kremp family was proper, soft spoken and not akin to the Goldbergs style of parenting and general living practices. The dynamic of the Goldbergs and the Kremps represented the complete opposite sides of any spectrum, humorously of course. From sibling rumblings to different styles of clothes to the audible distinction between shouting and whispering, the road in between their houses might as well have been the Amazon River (Don’t go in the water…).

In the midst of a completely casual/”non forced” indoor BBQ, Beverly could not restrain herself with polite whispers after Barry and Erica were wrestling on the floor in front of their guests (and relentlessly hopeful BFF’s) because of a disclosed voice recording telling all of Erica’s crush on a certain Kremp who heard it to his surprise. In the heat of the moment, Beverly let loose “the” word.

Yes, that word.

And, in a word (literally), the BBQ was over. The families retreated to their corners…well, houses.

At this point, any form of reconciliation seemed nearly impossible. Not even Beverly’s walking/stalking in an absolutely glowing florescent track/speed walking suit could bring the Goldbergs and the Kremps back together. What could possibly bring these two polar opposites together?

When Virginia (Mrs. Kremp) was at the bakery counter in the local grocery store, who was allowing herself to be taken by the baker (the real Mr. Kremp by the way!) for an awful tasting pastry, Beverly popped in to save the day with a very public recount of the infamous “birthday cake fiasco.”

Not only did Mrs. Kremp get a fresh pastry as a result,  but she also took a deep breath after this surprisingly helpful and friendly encounter with her more boisterous neighbor. But it seems like everyone on both sides of the street took a much needed deep breath.

Best friends reunited to continue filming their very own “Tron” and “Star Wars” sagas, siblings decided to take 5-minutes off from fighting to help each other out and Murray and Charles Kremp finally committed to doing something they liked together sans wives.

It was one of those rare, special family moments we’ve all shared where everything seems to click.

Despite the fact that crossing the Amazon River (or neighborhood street) can be treacherous, it’s important to remember that nothing worthwhile is easy. The good things is life take time and effort. Plus, it always helps to look at things from the other person’s perspective. In other words, it’s beneficial to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.

Just ask Beverly, she walker-stalked Mrs. Kremp for two hours before she caught up to her!

“Nothing’s Gonna Stop us Now” by Jefferson Starship played at the end of the show. For those of us who grew up during some part of the ’80s, the following video was likely the first thing that popped into our heads (real and plastic)…

So, for a great time, just dial 976-

Just kidding! I meant tune into “The Goldbergs” at 9:00 p.m. on ABC Tuesday nights to travel back to the ’80s for a totally rad time!

P.S. Who else remembers the one phone line in the house? It was a simpler time…

Science’s Super Sitcom Septuplet

“The Big Bang Theory” has one of the best (if not the best) ensemble casts on television today. From the original gang of Howard, Leonard, Penny, Raj and Sheldon (don’t overreact Sheldon, it’s alphabetical), the past 6 1/2 seasons have proven that each character is capable of individually and collaboratively spurring terrific fits of laughter for hilarious entertainment.

In recent seasons, the show has successfully incorporated the love of Howard Wolowitz’s life, Bernadette, the slightly clumsy microbiologist, and Sheldon’s girlfriend and Penny’s BFF Amy Farrah Fowler (TVs Blossom!) into the mix as regulars.

7 (+ or -) an ever-changing value of comedic variables has become known as “The Big Bang Theory’s” Law.

And then there are the outrageously funny and mindful mothers. The dynamic of Leonard and Sheldon being the perfect son for the other person’s Mom is thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Plus, Raj’s parents cannot be ignored. However, the two of them seem to be preferring the opposite these days regarding their marriage…

It’s probably a safe bet that two of the biggest surprises yet to come in this series center on Howard and debuting his Wheel of Fortune-genius Mother to the public and identifying his absent Father and his actual back story.

The former will be funny for sure (so there are two CBS sitcoms that focus in some way on hiding the identity of a mother?), while the latter will bring emotional tears to everyone’s eyes. But these two mysteries won’t be solved or happening for years to come.

Whether it’s Wil Wheaton (“Wheaton!!”), reluctant comic book store owner Stuart or Penny’s former boyfriend/karaoke singing maestro Zach, the roster is deep for the CBS King of Sitcoms. The character lineup for “The Big Bang Theory” is equivalent to the periodic table, which has all the elements you need and, thankfully, has not been fully disclosed yet to the audience. There is still a lot more show left and many more elements to mix into this batch of hilarity.

Plus, we cannot forget about Dr. George Smoot, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Bob Newhart and this guy named Stephen Hawking.

That’s not too bad a list of guest stars (yes Sheldon, that’s sarcasm).

As is usually the case for popular sitcoms, the goofy, complementary characters tend to develop into audience favorites with funny, zany quirks (Nicolas Cage anyone?) and outrageous double entendre one-liners that only Raj can deliver with absolute comedic precision.

Spoiler Alert Warning!

The episode from last night ended with one of the interactive qualities that has resulted from the show’s popularity and clever writing: must-have merchandise! First, it was a singing Soft Kitty (My Mom can attest that it’s awesome). Then, it was the red “Bazinga!” t-shirt, Howard’s belt buckles, etc. However, as mentioned above, the best item may have premiered yesterday evening around 9:29 p.m. EST in the show’s closing moments. In the form of an apology to best bud Howard, Raj debuted to the world light-wait for it (yes, this CBS sitcom crossover reference totally works here)…saber belt buckles that glow in the dark!

The awkward double entendre moment between happily clueless Raj and cognizant Howard was priceless!

Here are the two questions that need to be asked: How comically perfect are Howard and Raj? And second, when will those glowing light saber belt buckles be for sale!?

From creative belt buckles to a trademarked three-knock protocol to new favorite characters, “The Big Bang Theory” continues to evolve with a bigger bang each week.

Like students in science class, the sitcom’s millions of fans anxiously await for the teacher or professor to perform his or her next entertaining experiment. There’s a certain unpredictable chemical imbalance going on in Pasadena and it feels great to watch those elements shake around in the beaker every Thursday night at 8:00 p.m. on CBS.

P.S. One more important inquiry: Anyone else notice Penny’s last name has never been revealed…

Gettin’ Tricky: ’80s Style

“The Goldbergs” on ABC continues to do everything right.

Television shows and products have a tendency to, occasionally, be over-hyped (except Life Alert, that’s the real deal!). This is simply not the case with America’s new favorite family from the ’80s: The Goldbergs. This sitcom looked amazing from the promos and almost instantaneously became one of the “Must See” shows of the week. The cast is dynamite, from the two unknown actors and actress who portray the kids/siblings to the hilariously lovable and recognizable parents and eccentric grandfather.

Jeff Garlin, Wendi McLendon-Covey and George Segal all bring their comedic experience and nuances to their parental characters who continue to complement each other and the kids perfectly. The kids epitomize the three-sibling dynamic so well it’s almost frightening. But funny frightening. Having grown up with two older sisters, there are definitely some similarities.

We can all relate to our Mom worrying about us while waiting for our confirmation call informing her we had arrived at our neighbor’s house, fearing that we will somehow find ourselves lying face down in a ditch somewhere. But has that ever happened? Ever?

Moms are just a little paranoid I suppose.

The scenes from last night’s episode that showed Barry and Erica collaborating together in order to trick their über-Mom Beverly for car privileges were diabolical, genius and primed for genuine laughs at that special moment of the forgotten (yet essential) detail. The end result was a quintessential middle child moment for señor Barry.

It was muy divertido!

While Adam’s remote control ploy with Erica (and Barry later) against Murray was pretty tame, it still made for a great family bonding moment. Deception-centered yes, but great nonetheless. Could that trick be pulled off today…

Plus, the references to all things gloriously ’80s have been nothing short of pure magnificence. When nostalgic movie posters and movie clips, clothes, music, cars and attitudes are combined with the clever, fresh and funny dialogue from the creative writers and performed by the brilliant cast of talented known and unknown actors and actresses, it makes for a sincerely fantastic show.

Add in the occasional dose of heart/love and a soundtrack of awesomeness and you’ve got “The Goldbergs.”

Perhaps no other line from last night’s rad episode could encapsulate the love this family shows for one another than the following sequence: Murray, after driving around for an hour one night looking for his (moron) son because of his wife’s nagging, apocalyptic pleas to find him, drives onto a lonely road to spot none other than Barry’s red Flyer’s jacket and said son about ten feet to his right. Murray is relieved to have found his oldest son. Only temporarily though…

“You couldn’t have been sitting up in a ditch? Or reclining comfortably? No. Face down! Like she said!”

So, that can actually happen…who knew? And the point goes to Beverly.

On a note of equal importance, Beverly wants everyone to watch, “The Goldbergs” every Tuesday night at 9:00 p.m. on ABC!

THE GOLD-BERGS