Samantha Who?: The Boss

Timothy Olyphant guest-starred in this episode. Who is Timothy Olyphant, you ask? I don't know! Because I don't get HBO. But, he was on the series Deadwood and became popular through that, I guess. But he IS popular. So, I guess it was a big deal that he was on this week.

This week's episode dealt with Olyphant, playing one of Samantha's bosses, coming in to propose to the titular character. Except Sam doesn't remember having an affair with Olyphant, so she turns him - and the diamond ring - down. Olyphant doesn't like hearing "no" and woos over Samantha's parents. (Quite easily, too.) Still, Samantha rejects his advances. But not before almost loosing Andrea as a friend. (Andrea was quite smitten with Olyphant) And Dena, taking an online romance writing course, explained what was going on the whole time.

The biggest moment would be when Todd comes storming into the Newly household, jealous that Sam is dating a billionare. In a moment of anger and confusion, Todd did what he only knew how: He kissed Sam. And not just a peck. This was a kiss. Whoo-boy!

What worked: Samantha was truely sorry that she didn't remember Olyphant and was extremely gracious and gentle. She didn't fall head-over-heels just because he's a billionaire (her mom did, though). She tried to remain true to who she knew she is. They could have easily made it where Sam was smitten with Olyphant and didn't care about anything else, but having her take this slightly unexepcted route made the episode much more charming and engaging to watch.

And I really like Dena's subplot where she analyzed the characters and their romantic stereotypes. If you've never seen the movie Stranger Than Fiction, then you might have missed what it's like to have any entire storyline about telling the main story. It's terribly meta, but completely fun just the same.

What didn't work: I'm not quite sure I buy that Andrea would just become so sad and depressed about loosing Olyphant. I know Andrea tries to make herself look tougher than she actually is, but I thought she would have tried to exact revenge, get even. Within the time constraints of a half-hour, I can *maybe* see why they did what they did. But I still don't quite buy it. (Even at that, the actress continues to earn her pay with her incredibly powerful, engaging performances.)

Next episode: Sam and Todd deal with the fallout from their kiss. And Sam tries to save a butterfly habitat from demolition. Oh, Sam. It airs next Monday on ABC at 9:32 p.m.

Samantha Who?: The Girlfriend

Wow. I am so behind on my television. I just got to Monday's Samantha Who? on Sunday. I haven't even seen Idol in two weeks! I know. It is completely horrible. Thankfully, lots of primetime television is now online, so I can watch at my pleasure. (When I'm not watching The Mary Tyler Moore Show, that is.)

You know what this show kind of reminds me of? Frasier. Not in that it's a deep intellectual show. And unlike Frasier, Samantha Who? tends to be funny throughout without switching to drama. But I think this is the rare show where they can take their characters, throw them into any situation or relationship, and it works out just fine. While shows like How I Met Your Mother, The Office and Two and a Half Men get a lot of press, this little gem just keeps plugging along with or without guest stars, spin-offs or what-not.

Monday's episode had Samantha having to pretend to live in her apartment with Todd and his girlfriend, Kiele Sanchez. I realize she was only on-screen on Lost for about 30 minutes total, but who knew Kiele was such a terrific actress? And funny, too. The subplot involved Dena and Regina getting wasted and acting out their childhood frustrations. It involved makeup, a rabbit and a turtle... it's better if you see it.

What worked: Uh... everything? First off, both Christina Applegate and Kiele Sanchez were amazing. So was everyone else (no bad acting marks this week!), but these two really shined. The Newly's poultry fascination was once again in full force, with Howard absent this week because he was at some sort of rooster convention. I... love whatever this show does.

What didn't work: Not enough Andrea. The scene with the doorman seemed to tie up the storyline a little too neatly, but the doorman is neat enough where I can let it slide. I don't want to seem like I'm not critical of TV, I am. (See: Lipstick Jungle, Lost) But this episode was a nice little slice of TV heaven.

Next episode: "The Boss," guest starring Timothy Olyphant as a wealthy businessman who proposes to Sam, stirring up some rivalry against Andrea. Airing at 9:30 p.m. on ABC.