Rules of Engagement – Never help a friend’s fiance pee

It’s been a long time since I sat down to write about Rules of Engagement. And since the last time no movement has been made on the Jeff and Audrey baby story line, which, incidentally, was one of the reasons I stopped writing about the series in the first place. I felt like the show had moved so far from a plot path, to the extent that it was little more than a compilation of one-liners. Some may argue that that’s what a sitcom is, but I don’t agree, and I was tired of complaining about the lack of movement. So I gave up.

That is, I gave up on reviewing the show, not watching it. And I know that you, like I, have been enjoying the twist in the tale that is Russell marrying Liz (Wendi McLendon-Covey). He’s horrible to her (and behind her back), but I’ve found myself laughing a good deal this season. And, interestingly, even if the show is still just a big one-liner convention, the Dunbars have become a thread that continues from week to week. Funny how that happened.

I must say, however, that in a way I sort of agree with Jeff’s assessment of the Liz situation: “Look, it was hilarious when you were miserable, but … now it’s affecting me.” It’s a super joke when Liz is not around, but when she is it’s a mixture of mean (that it’s being done to her face), and painful … cause, you know, she’s annoying. But Jeff saying something as simple as “Your wife’s here” when Liz entered the diner was hilarious. He is so funny, and I love that Liz has become this giant thing that Jeff can make fun of Russell for. He does it so well.

Leaf watching in Vermont was a fun setting for the gang, and I enjoyed how Liz managed to rope everyone in for the trip. And how about Adam being a huge leaf peeping guy? He frequently has these random things that he’s “good” at. Plus, an Adam “Teachable moment?” How often do those come along in life?

Meanwhile, Jeff and Jen are awesome together. I am so not a fan of hers, but when she gets paired with the big man … fantastic. Jeff’s porn pop-up problem was worthy of a bemused head shake (Oh, Jeff!), and I cracked up when he figured out how to stick Jen with the computer and the disapproving looks from the old lady. Nice!

Jeff and Audrey didn’t get much time to work together — they’re the best — but Jeff had a great line to Russell in the diner about finding a good divorce lawyer … not surprisingly, Audrey’s been collecting their business cards for years.

How are you liking Rules of Engagement this season?

“Taking orders from Liz now?” – Jeff
“Yes. It’s quite a bit more work, but on the bright side there’s no additional pay.” – Timmy

“You know, I envy you guys. You’ve never leaf peeped with the “A Man” before. You are gonna remember this weekend.” – Adam
“Not if this place has a bar.” – Jen

“There’s nature in New York.” – Jeff
“Yeah, if you think nature is watching a rat and a pigeon fighting over a condom.” – Audrey

Clacked by Aryeh S.
on Nov 11, 2011 @ 16:00 EST5EDT