Good god, an army of Jelly Beans.

I’m not predictable you say / Perhaps it’s true
But when you wake / Here’s what you’ll do

In The Moment (Cougar Town Theme Song) - WAZ

so let’s go out late / drink a lot
stay up past eight and dance
dance all night
and leave our boyfriends behind

Poster: Cougar Town Season 3 | TVLine

rivieres:

When are people going to understand? That’s not who I am anymore. What do I have to do, change my name?

My love for this show - where do I start?

Okay, first, do not judge the show by its name. I’d admit that when it first premiered, that was exactly what I did (plus that season 1 promotional poster did not help - 40 is the new 20, really?). But I rapidly discovered 5 episodes into its freshman season that Cougar Town has strayed far, far away from its original premise. The show really is about a group of friends (and neighbours) - the Cul de Sac crew - who gather together to drink lots and lots of wine, and their various shenanigans. Plus the humour reminds me of Parks and Recreation (another brilliant, underrated comedy by the way), in that more often than not you will find yourself laughing with them and not laughing at them (the latter in which I find myself doing usually when I’m watching The Office - but that’s another ~essay for another time).

Number two: the storylines. For starters, their shenanigans. PENNY CAAAAANNNN. I actually want to physically play that stupid game. The group come up with other nonsense as well, such as The Council (to determine each other’s punishment to try to stop taking each other for granted), Truth Gun Shootout, “experimenting” whether is it okay to start drinking wine in the morning (it totally is by the way), etc etc. Also, the show has strayed so far from its original premise (I’m sure you can guess what it was) and now it focuses on issues that apply to real life, such as parenting (oh such a big deal in the show), self-esteem, the harsh reality when breaking up etc - albeit exaggerated but still more or less relatable.

Thirdly, this show can be so incredibly self-aware and meta. One, it told the audience out right that it has strayed from its original premise and joking about changing its name (via Jules) - and I’m sure we’ve all seen the season 2 title credits. Two, I’m sure at some point when you’re watching the show you must think, “Good god don’t these people ever work?” Well fret not! The show has addressed it! Here’s why they never talk about work. They make a valid case.

Additionally, the characters and their relationships. Character-wise, I sure do have my favourites (let me just make this clear - Ellie Torres is my role model), but I find all of them endearing and lovable. Every single one of them are awesome in their own way, but they also have their flaws, which I feel makes them very genuine. They call each other out on their bullshit (here I’m straying into the ‘relationships’ territory), they compromise, and they put up with each other’s crap as well (when necessary). Examples: Ellie telling Jules that she can be very self-centered and Andy telling Grayson the importance of support between friends. Speaking of relationships - well yes, Jules’ extreme love for Travis is, while understandable, border-lining on disturbing (and the show acknowledges that!) - EVERY DYNAMIC IS MY FAVOURITE DYNAMIC. All the characters actually interact with each other on a deeper level; it’s not just a show about Courteney Cox’ Jules, it truly is an ensemble.

Lastly, the actors are fantastic - Courteney Cox, Christa Miller, Busy Philipps, Josh Hopkins, Ian Gomez, Brian van Holt and Dan Byrd. Their chemistry together is amazing; they play off each other so well. No doubt about that. Even the guest stars fit in so well. Also, let’s not forget that Christa Miller is married to Bill Lawrence, the creator of the show, who apparently loves to eavesdrop on the cast and add in real life shenanigans into the show.

Why aren’t you watching this little show yet? The show is not without its flaws; I’ve got to say that some storylines fall a little flat. But I still hate that I’ve only discovered its greatness barely a week ago, but I am so in love. So prepare some wine and get ready to pound grape. Oh, red only. White wine is the thinking wine (because there’s less alcohol content).

Don’t hate the playa, hate the game yo.

The Cougar Town Truth Gun Wars

panicman:

“Did you enjoy having her breast pressed against you?!”

“He told me he loved it.”

“Liar! Tell her I didn’t say that.”

“Only if someone tells me who put the vanity plates on my lights that say tiny eyes.”

“What are we doing?! Somebody tell me what we’re doing!”

“Guys. Stop it. That’s enough.”

“ELLIE’S STILL PACKING!”

Ellie: Love your costume. Bangkok prostitute, right?
Laurie: Ahahaha. Now I definitely know what I’m gonna be for halloween!
—-
Ellie as Laurie: Hey, peeps! Let’s get our drink on! What, what? What?
Laurie as Ellie: So dumb.

Words can’t explain how much I love the banter and competition and everything between these two, lol. Also, Ellie!Laurie was spot-on.