Necrotongue

This episode left me a bit perplexed. With what happened, I was anticipating a flurry of gripping plot twists, yet it didn't quite deliver. To be fair, there were intriguing moments throughout, it wasn't dull, and the creators have nothing to be ashamed of. However, I suppose my expectations were too high, hoping they'd really make the most of such an escalated situation. It ended up feeling somewhat subdued. / Lesson learned: Accept defeat as a new challenge.

I understand that my ratings for each episode of this season might seem predictably consistent. However, even the tenth episode presented such a captivating plot and deep insights into the characters' inner workings that I couldn't rate it any differently. If anyone had doubts about the character development across the series, I could prove them wrong by pointing to Peter Campbell's arc. I was expecting anything but this. / Lesson learned: Steer clear of government agents at all costs.

This episode took a completely different turn this time around. Despite the tragic event and the ongoing destruction of Sally's psyche, there was still room for some humor and Joan Harris. Initially, I was leaning towards a four-star rating, but by the end, I realized there was no need to hold back. I decided to go all out. / Lesson learned: Watch out, troublemakers are on the prowl.

My feeling that I'm in the midst of the best season of the series is getting stronger. These incredibly somber episodes are speaking to me in a profound way. Since it's been a while since I first watched the series, I have no clue what the next episodes will bring, and that's exciting. It means I can eagerly anticipate each new episode, which rarely lets me down. / Lesson learned: When someone really gets on your nerves, threaten them with death.

Once again in the fourth season, the creators delivered an episode that wasn't entirely typical, yet it oddly resonated with me. There was more to it than what appeared on the screen. This time, it wasn't about humor; rather, I saw how skillfully Americans can play with viewers' emotions without it being the central plot or descending into melodrama. / Lesson learned: Take a break from time to time and try self-reflection.

Initially, I felt like the series was suggesting that an ad writer should be a creative, resourceful person always ready to seize any opportunity. However, after a few seasons, I believe it's someone unafraid to risk their liver and lungs for their career. The series talks a lot about the need for cost-cutting measures, yet it seems like alcohol and cigarettes are delivered to the company in truckloads. The sixth episode didn't leave a strong impression on me, so I settled on a four-star rating. / Lesson learned: If your liver sounds hollow when you tap it, it might be time to cut back on the alcohol. Or maybe it doesn't make a difference anymore...

While the third season felt a bit shaky in its first half, the fourth one kicked off very strongly. So far, I've found a reason to give five stars to each of its episodes, and this one was no exception. It's not just because I used to work for a Japanese company, but because of the well-balanced blend of humor and drama, along with the excellently written and performed characters. Nobody here is a flawless hero, yet even the biggest jerk isn't portrayed as the darkest evil. / Lesson learned: When you're masturbating, you're doing it with someone who truly loves you. In most cases, at least.

Among the movie's positives, the standout is definitely the cast — especially Michael Shannon, who was born to play disturbed government agents and corrupt police officers, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who is also among my favorite actors. However, the main issue I had was with the story itself. It should have stirred some emotions in me, but it fell flat in that regard. Aside from the bike rides, it didn't feel very original. It also made me remember why I don't typically watch the Tour de France — it tends to bore me. The film didn't quite reach that level of tedium, but the potential was there. / Lesson learned: Haste makes waste.

I was initially leaning towards a four-star rating but the creators managed to sway me with several standout scenes to give a five. I had a great time watching. / Lesson learned: Enough is enough.

As I began watching the episode, I didn't read much into the title, but by the end, I was convinced some cynic must have come up with it. The Anna situation? Sure, it's fine, but the topic feels tired (even though it's still relevant), and it didn't really strike a chord with me this time. Now, the storyline with Lane Pryce, that's a different story. It was brimming with such subtle pain and depression that I couldn't help but be captivated by it.