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Hey there all you fans of ABC Family’s Young & Hungry! Are you ready to talk about this week’s episode? I know I am. Are you excited that we actually made it to a season 2? Well, the TV gods answered my prayers and reviewed ABC Family’s Young & Hungry after all. So three cheers for that!

Hey there all you fans of ABC Family’s Young & Hungry! Are you ready to talk about this week’s episode? I know I am. First let me start off this review with a small prayer to the TV gods and say please let this show get renewed (although with its numbers I might have to resort to writing fan fiction for some emotional closure and don’t worry I will totally share it with you guys).

This week’s episode was written by the series creator and executive producer David Holden. Mr. Holden hasn’t written an episode since ‘Young & Ringless’ which was the second episode of the series. Meanwhile on the directorial side of things the most prolific director of the series to date, Phill Lewis returned to close out the season. I like the synergy between these two and should show be picked up for another season I really hope they utilize these two together more.

So this week’s episode saw Josh and Caroline's wedding being pushed further ahead than planned. Meanwhile, Caroline forgot Josh's birthday and Gabi decided to let Caroline take credit for her special gift for Josh which was a replica of his childhood blanket. Josh is very moved by this gift, and is sure that Caroline is who he wants to marry.

Eventually, Elliot breaks down and reveals to Josh that Gabi is the one who made the blanket, and that Caroline forgot his birthday. When Josh confronts Caroline, they both realize that they are having doubts about their relationship, and decide to call the wedding off. After some advice from Yolanda, Josh decides to go see Gabi and confess his feelings.

By the time Josh makes it to Gabi's apartment, Cooper who is back from China has already won Gabi over with his own sentimental gift. Cue the cheesy 80’s music from Pretty Woman (which apparently is Gabi’s favorite movie).


I must say in the short ten episode run that this show was given the writers really found a good formula. This show lives and dies with the side characters and they have made a solid effort to give them all a chance to shine. Heck, they even fleshed out the character of Yolanda who I was sure would get the short end of the stick because it’s very easy to let the sassy black maid be one note and one dimensional. They also gave Elliott and Josh a nice scene together. Even Sophia’s cynicism returned only to be rebuffed by Gabi’s hopefulness and chaotic life.

And miracles of all miracles, Josh and Caroline’s relationship is over with. It was the most nonsensical thing on the show, to be honest. I really appreciate that they finally let Josh grow up. I’m glad he was the one to call things off. But it is also nice to know that Caroline was having doubts as well.

The main thing about this season as a whole is that I started watching this show because I’m a foodie. I love food and I love shows about food. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: this show is based on a food blogger turned personal chef. That’s their hook. They need to play up this aspect a little more. The premise of the show quickly disappeared after about the third episode and other than having Gabi in the kitchen the food has lost its priority on the show.

I was also let down on the food front this week, AGAIN. Muffins and a wedding cake? That’s it? Whatever, moving on.

The best thing about this episode is that everything is starting to feel a little more real and little less slapstick, finally and thankfully. The characters have all come a long way in a short amount of time. This was the second most watched episode of the season. The premiere being the most viewed episode to date. So at least some people checked back in to see how far the show had come and if they’re anything let me the just might have pleasantly surprised.

My final thoughts in regards to this episode are this show really is a modern study on the classic tropes of a sitcom that is also a rom-com and even though I could totally see where this episode was headed it didn’t hamper the ride to the conclusion. This was definitely in the top three episodes of the season and it shows growth on all fronts and sets us up perfectly for the second season. .

Grade: B+

Awards
Character of the Night
• Josh

Best Character Interactions
• Josh and Yolanda
• Josh and Elliott

Most Memorable Moment
• Josh out in the rain with the flowers realizing he is too late.

Line of the Night
• Sophia: I'm going to say this one more time, OK? Your gift is super girlfriend-y.

Scene of the Night
• Josh breaks it off with Caroline.

Miscellaneous
Truth Bomb
• Caroline: I guess that’s what my therapist meant by our relationship being one sided.

Best Food Pun
• ‘You’re the butter to my bread.’

Favorite Running Gag
• Sophia's bat

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Show’s hashtag: #YoungandHungry

What did you think of this episode? What did you think of the season as a whole? Who’s your favorite character? How hopeful are you about the show’s chance for renewal? Please feel free to sound off in the comments.

You know I love you for reading…

Hey there all you fans of ABC Family’s Young & Hungry! Are you ready to talk about this week’s episode? I know I am! This week’s episode saw one of the show’s executive producer and former Disney star, Ashley Tisdale guest star.

Jenny Lee wrote this week’s episode and Arlene Sanford directed the episode. I found this combination to be a tad bit underwhelming if I'm going to be absolutely honest. I know it’s only the third episode but after last week’s episode where I definitely saw hints of things gelling and coming together it seemed as though things were falling apart and was even rougher than the pilot. Something that makes matters even worse is that this was supposed to be the fourth episode of the series, so yeah, let that sink in.

Anyway… I have to say I didn't think I would find this week’s setup at all funny or charming and I really didn’t during the first watch. I don't know, maybe I'm a tad bit too uptight but I just don't find pimping the help out amusing. None of the things that make the show worth watching for me was heavily featured; instead all of the things that I don't really care for at the moment were on display.

But during the second watch I loosened up and since I knew where the story was going and could relax knowing there weren't too many offensive things, I enjoyed it a lot more and could watch in the mindset of a casual viewer who falls in the targeted demo.


The setup for this week’s episode was almost like something right out Three’s Company. I could totally see Jack Tripper in Gabi’s role with Mr. Roper being Elliott’s in position. Elliot sets up Gabi on a date with Logan Rawlings (Ashley Tisdale), a magazine editor who is Josh's only chance of making a coveted "30 Under 30" list of a magazine. When goes Gabi goes out for drinks with Logan she realizes it is a date and tells Logan that she’s not gay but she will help her win her girlfriend back. Supposed hilarity ensues.

There was just a criminal underuse of Aimee Carrero as Sophia in this week’s outing. But what little we did see of her was just great. I love Sophia’s knack for summing up Gabi’s trouble in such a succinct manner. The character of Yolanda was also short changed as well though the character did manage to get in a pretty good quip aimed at Elliott.

I guess this was just the episode where they decided to put Elliott front and center. In my humble opinion, Lee just didn’t bring it. If it ever were the time for him to channel his inner Lloyd this would have been the episode. I feel that Elliott was the weak link in this episode and annoyed me out of everyone (and during this episode, honey let me tell, that is saying a lot).

I was also let down on the food front this week. While it was clever, they could have have named off a few more of the dishes Gabi prepared. This show is based on a food blogger turned personal chef. That’s their hook. They need to play up this aspect a little more.

But at least Gabi was her adorkable self and it was even toned just like I hoped for last week. I think this episode really showed a pretty cool side of Gabi. While I do think it is pathetic that Gabi would go to such great lengths for Josh, I also found it pretty nice that Gabi went out of her way to help someone get back together with their ex despite being put in such an awkward position (and on purpose might I add). Though I was not a fan of the trite and cliché stereotypes she was spouting and about lesbians.

After last week’s breakthrough on the Josh front with him laying down the law with Caroline I was expecting a little more. I was sorely disappointed. I just can’t seem to like the character of Josh. The material written for him just comes off as annoying and wishy washy. I think that John Sadowski is playing the character of Josh in a ‘too cutesy’ manner. But he did come off better than Elliott in this episode so there’s that.

The guest stars were the best thing about this episode for me personally. I thought it was really cool getting to see Ashley Tisdale and Jessica Lowndes again. It been awhile since either of them has been on my TV screen (and in both cases I have CW to thank for those controversial decisions in cancelling their respective shows). I really hope if the show gets a season 2 that they can concoct a reason to bring these two back on the show.

My final thoughts in regards to this episode are that I need them to develop these characters at a faster rate, everyone still feels very one dimensional and the dialog falls flat a lot of the time. I really hate the laugh track, so much so that I plan on watching next week’s episode on with the closed caption going.

I would also love for them to find a way to feature the character of Sophia and Yolanda more, since this is a comedy and those two have the timing and delivery down cold. What’s that old saying? You’ve got to accentuate the positive and all that jazz. I think this episode could have gone a little deeper and done a little better if they actually made Gabi’s character bisexual. But that’s just my two cents. Here’s hoping next week’s episode is better.

Grade: C+

Awards
Character of the Night
• Gabi

Best Character Interactions
• Logan and Judy

Most Memorable Moment
• Elliott throws the pillow of the balcony because Logan doesn't like it

Line of the Night
• Logan: Oh. You're just like me. I love a good, hard liquor.

Scene of the Night
• Josh being adorkably charming with Logan during her interview.

Bonus Points
• No Caroline in this episode!

Miscellaneous
Truth Bomb
Gabi: Yeah, I live paycheck to paycheck; I know a little something about pressure.

Best Food Pun
• Logan: That last spoonful of salted caramel crème brulè was so rich it should have a trophy wife.
• Yolanda: Oh, please, let me get some bread for that bologna.

Favorite Running Gag - Yolanda giving Elliot the business
Yolanda: Elliott, why don’t you be a less crouching tiger and a little more hidden dragon.

Style Spotlight - I really liked all of the ladies shoes in this episode.

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Show’s hashtag: #YoungandHungry



Be sure to tune into Young & Hungry every Wednesday night at 8 pm on ABC Family.

What did you think of this episode? Do you think the show is getting better? What was your favorite scene from this episode? As always, feel free to sound off in the comments. You know I love you for reading…

Hello, lovers of ABC Family’s newest comedy Young & Hungry! Are you ready to talk about episode 1x02: Young & Ringless? I know I am. This week’s episode was written by creator and executive producer David Holden and directed by Phil Lewis. Yes, THAT Phill Lewis! I thought this week’s writing was much improved from that of the pilot and I really liked the composition and blocking in most of the scenes. Just so you know, I'm a behind the scenes/technical side of things kind of gal if you hadn't guessed that already.

The setup for this week’s episode was that Gabi begins her first official day as Josh's chef and wants to leave the memory of her one-night stand with Josh behind her. Caroline accuses Gabi of stealing her engagement ring. On top of all of that Gabi must prepare an elaborate dinner for Josh's Chinese investors in a type of cuisine that she is not familiar with even though she said she was on her resume.

I thought the setup between Caroline and Gabi was classic as was the twist that Elliot was the actual culprit. I honestly don’t like Caroline but I think Josh deserves her. While I might not like Caroline, I do absolutely love her catch phrase:But you understand, right? It just screams west coast socialite to me for some reason.

The episode opened with my favorite character and character interactions of the series so far, Sophia and Gabi and Sophia respectively. I love how Sophia is so blunt and matter of fact yet does it in gently prodding manner. Someone should scold Gabi for having sex with her boss because it was something that was very inappropriate and unprofessional but at the same time stuff happens and sometimes you just need a good laugh to keep from crying.

I do love the way that Sophia makes being young, broke and struggling in an expensive city such as San Francisco look easy and effortless while simultaneously providing viable and creative options if anyone in the audience happens to be in the same situation as the gals.

I just knew it was going to be ‘one of those’ episodes when the third scene in started with a poorly executed dick joke. I hate everything about Caroline and Josh's relationship. The less time spent focusing on their relationship the better. It makes my skin crawl, to be honest. Caroline is so annoying, self-centered, self-obsessed and egotistical that she constantly gets the 'ugh' noise from me every time she appears on screen.

I was honestly hoping that show would tip a hat towards Frasier and have the other woman in Josh's life be unseen, I think that trope is priceless and helps the audience form a bond with show by giving them a slot on the show where they a say in the show via their imagination.I'm sorely disappointed they didn't take this route. Nothing against the actress, only the supplied material and missed opportunity.

Gabi tries to make the best of her official first day and goes about the tasks of making breakfast and trying to get things prepared for the night's very important business dinner. Josh comes down for breakfast and because apparently no episode is going to be complete (at least for some time) without an awkward talk/misunderstanding between Gabi and Josh because they have one and I nearly die of second hand embarrassment from Gabi's side of the chat.

After a not so smooth recovery from that fiasco, she heads upstairs to deliver Caroline's breakfast and an oafish encounter ensues. Shortly there after Caroline comes charging downstairs to accuse Gabi of stealing her ring. Elliot and Yolanda quickly brush Gabi aside but Josh stands up for Gabi and the rest of his staff saying he trusts them but in the next breath explains it's because he has the penthouse wired.

Caroline and Josh go to fetch the footage and Elliot confesses to Gabi and Yolanda that he has the ring and it stuck on his finger. Gabi wants to help but Yolanda wants to see him beg first,which he does. The problem is solved by applying hemorrhoid cream to Elliot's finger. The situation is under control before Caroline and Josh return and Yolanda says that she found it the vacuum. Just when things seemed to be all smoothed over Gabi begins to babble and makes the situation even worse. The realization that this is actually Gabi's first day causes Caroline to demand to see all of the footage of from the moment Gabi first set foot in the penthouse (i.e. the night of the trial dinner where Gabi and Josh had sex).

Luckily, Josh is able to pull a smooth move and orders a masseur for Caroline as a distraction to give him some time to delete the incriminating evidence from the footage of the trial dinner. But that backfires because Caroline couldn't continue the massage because her masseur had on brown shoes with a black belt. Josh tells Caroline politely that he has reviewed the footage and didn't find anything. But Caroline insists on seeing the footage.

That's when it happened... Josh got a little bit of character growth. He stood up to Caroline and forcibly told her that if they are going to be married then she is going to have to trust him and take him at his word. It showed that Josh is capable of having a spine but I'm conflicted because he only grew that spine in order to lie to his fiancée. At any rate it turns Caroline on and Josh takes further advantage of the situation and demands that she attends the dinner as well and making out and heavy petting ensue (in front of Gabi) on a desk.

In something they actually hope becomes a staple, Sophia swings by some words of encouragement as well as everything Gabi needs to make the dinner for the Chinese investor. Oh, and some illegal fireworks for good measure. Gabi breaks down and sophia lifts her up and I find myself swooning at this adorable friendship. Sophia has a a habit of stating all of the bad stuff first and then goes says something charming last. I like that setup. It also helps us get some comedic insight into Gabi's life without making it seem like boring exposition.

In the last stretch of the episode we had Gabi pulling off a spectacular dinner in the requested style of Jiangsu cuisine. But just for good measure she decided to cook up some spaghetti and meatballs and apple pie for dessert just in case the investors were tired of the traditional cuisines of the native lands. Turns out, they WERE and Gabi's alternative was a hit and help set a happy mood. Josh stops Gabi as she heads home and it was his turn to have an awkward conversation based on a simple misunderstanding. I really liked what he had to say but I'm still not on board with Josh ever being good enough for Gabi. Sorry, not sorry.

My finals thoughts are this episode was much better than pilot. I feel like the cast is beginning to get a better feel for each other. Gabi still annoys me a little and I feel like they should tone her “adorkableness” down (by like A LOT). There definitely was not enough of Sophia. My biggest disappointment is that Yolanda and Elliot still are very much stereotypical caricatures. I do love the diversity of the cast (especially because it is so small) but they need to dig deeper and do better.

Also, there is one thing I really want them to tone down and that is the ‘slut shaming’ that Elliot is constantly spewing towards Gabi. She made a mistake and Josh is just as, if not more guilty as she is. But of course Josh is the boss so he gets a pass. I don’t like that and it needs to stop. It’s not even that funny.

Grade: B+

Awards
Character of the Night
• Josh

Best Character Interactions
• Elliot and Yolanda (when Yolanda gets the ring off of Elliot’s finger).

Most Memorable Moment
• Gabi strikes her power pose in front of Elliot, Yolanda, Caroline and Josh

Line of the Night
• Yolanda: If you want to stay on my good side, and you do, keep your things in the laundry room, the kitchen clean and please stop singing.

Scene of the Night
• Sophia explains her “workout” regimen that consists of jogging around town to score free stuff such as coffee, donuts and toilet paper right after she ribs Gabi for sleeping with Josh.

Most Improved Character
• Josh

Miscellaneous
Best Food Pun
  Gabi: How does Josh like his eggs?
  Elliot: Like you, over easy.

Truth Bomb
Yolanda: Damn, I never thought I'd see the day a white girl gets fingered before the black housekeeper.

Favorite Running Gag: Something happens to a cheap clothing item Gabi owns and she announces the price.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Phill Lewis made his movie debut in the 1989 cult classic Heathers?

Style Spotlight: I really liked Gabi’s “diamond” necklace. It may be ‘so 2009’ but I loved it.

Things That Need to Go
• The laugh track

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Show’s hashtag: #YoungandHungry

Be sure to tune into Young & Hungry every Wednesday night at 8 pm on ABC Family.



What did you think of this episode? Are you starting to warm up to the show? Who is your favorite character so far? As always, feel free to sound off in the comments. You know I love you for reading…

OK, I’m going to start this review off with a confession. I’m not a huge fan of sitcoms. Sure I watched How I Met Your Mother faithfully for all nine seasons and there was a time in the not so distant past that I use to be obsessed with The Big Bang Theory. But before those shows came along I haven’t had comedy scheduled into my TV rotation for quite a while. If I had to guess I’d say I haven’t been into sitcoms since Seinfeld signed off and the cast of The Nanny took their final bow.

But when I was younger I would rush home to watch re-runs of Who’s the Boss, Golden Girls and I even got up early every morning so I could watch I Love Lucy (Lucille Ball to this day is still one of the people I admire the most in show biz) before I went to school. I can honestly say they just don’t make comedy like they use to. I have no idea how a show Modern Family gets all the awards and yet a show like Community trudges on in practical obscurity and fights tooth and nail for every single season renewal.

I say all that to say that deep down I’m a cheesy, hokey nostalgia driven kind of gal. So ABC Family comedies tend to be right up my alley filled with all the actors of my youth that I thought I’d never see again. I love Melissa and Joey and while I was initially skeptical about Baby Daddy being a Raising Arizona knock off I've grown to really like that show a whole lot as well. Heck I even liked State of Georgia starring Raven Symone back in the day.

But Young & Hungry is by far the comedy on ABC Family that I have been the most excited about to date. It reminds me of The Nanny with a little bit of ‘The Help’ thrown in for good measure. This show seemingly had a recipe to hold my attention span. For starters I love Emily Osment. I’m also a huge foodie. Throw in the fact that I’m a wee bit obsessed with puns, especially food puns (and you just know there are going to be plenty of those) oh and the backdrop for the story is San Francisco which is my one my top five favorite US cities. Right from the start I saw myself easily falling into heavy like with the show.

The premise for the show is a fairly classic one. You take one down on their luck character who has a chance at a getting hired for a job that could change their life. Throw in a some sexual tension and a don't forget to add some colorful side characters and violá instant romantic sitcom recipe. The game changer for this show is that they cut right to the chase of the will they or won't they question in the pilot and the answer is they do. I was shocked that this fact was just given away so freely in the promo for the show.

It's just so easy to tell that Gabi and Josh are meant for each other, I mean geez, they karaoke to the same Tegan and Sara song for crying out loud. I did enjoy their talk over dinner about Julia Child. Josh is already coming across as a little too wishy washy for me and I'm already rooting for another suitor to come and sweep Gabi off her feet.


Even though I’m not the much older than Emily Osment for some reason I feel like a proud parent. She is finally getting the chance to step out the shadow of the character of Lily from Hannah Montana and be a lead in her own show and it just makes me super happy. The character of Gabi is one of those adorkable girls you just can’t help to root for and I think Emily really sells that sort of character with ease. I thought that Jonathan Sadowski who plays Josh was a) a little too old to be playing tech genius boy wonder and b) a little stiff. My biggest hope for this show is for it to find its own way and not rely so heavily on done to death sitcom stereotypes such as ‘the sassy black maid’ played by Kym Whitley and ‘the sassy gay Asian male assistant’ played by Rex Lee that they've set up. The only POC actor on the show who wasn't made into a cliché was Aimee Carrero who plays the character of Sophia Rodriguez and to be honest she was the biggest highlight of the episode.

My finals thoughts are that the show has all the ingredients to be pretty good. ABC Family comedies are not meant to be groundbreaking. They are meant to be tongue-in-cheek cheesy fun with a dose of nostalgia. I think Young & Hungry is very much on target for the demo that ABC Family is after and if given a little leg room will do just fine.

Grade: B-


Awards
Character of the Night
• Sophia

Best Character Interactions
• Gabi & Sophia

Most Memorable Moment
• Gabi & Josh sing a Tegan and Sara song

Line of the Night
• Gabi: I wanted to make tarts NOT be one.
• Elliot: No one has it harder than a pretty blonde girl.

Scene of the Night
• Gabi calls Sophia and Sophia gives a Hunger Games inspired pep talk.

The ‘Welcome Back’ Award goes to Rex Lee. I love Entourage and I love the character of Lloyd Lee even more.


Miscellaneous
The Ratings Game – Young & Hungry pulled in 1.09 million viewers for its inaugural outing.

Fun Fact: This show is loosely based on the life of a real San Francisco food blogger also named Gabi Diamond.

Style Spotlight - I liked Caroline's outfit. It very much screamed west coast socialite to me.


Connect with the Show
Facebook
Twitter - @YoungandHungry
Show’s hashtag: #YoungandHungry

Be sure to tune into Young & Hungry every Wednesday night at 8 pm on ABC Family.

What did you think of this episode? Will you be tuning in again? As always, feel free to sound off in the comments. You know I love you for reading…