TVSquad

(S03E02) After watching this episode, I feel like Season Three can truly begin. All of the extended cliffhangers were resolved, but nobody went home satisfied (except perhaps U-Turn). As far as I'm concerned, the best comedic moments on this show come from the characters' worst moments. If this week's episode is any indication, we're in for a fabulous season. Bring on Matthew Modine and Mary-Kate!

While I'm not surprised that this episode featured a serious catfight, I am surprised at who was involved. Celia certainly had it coming after drowning Nancy's pot in the pool, but it was not to be. Heylia's slap was both justifiable and hilarious. I was disappointed when Heylia didn't turn up in the season premiere, but it was great to see her back in the thick of things again. Now that Conrad is part of U-Turn's work force, he'll need his aunt on his side.

Just as I was wondering how long Sanjay would stay hidden, he came out of the closet...twice. Despite his obvious affection for Nancy (apparently it's just a "Sarah Jessica Parker kind of love"), Sanjay is, indeed, gayer than "a handbag full of rainbows." Who knew? I really hope that the writers weren't just using this revelation to kill time during the U-Turn scenes. How about giving my man Sanjay a boyfriend at some point? Stanford Blatch must have his Marcus. Is Doug's son available? I'd be more than happy to see Justin Chatwin in his undies again. I'm just throwing the idea out there.

Celia finished out the day much as she began it: drunk and unloved. She did manage to have deliver some classic moments, however. It's difficult to pick a favorite: her impromptu anti-drug speech (given while holding a flask), patting Marvin's belly, the remark about the color of "the help"--all gold. Unfortunately for Ms. Hodes, Doug still prefers the possibly-lesbian Dana. It's not easy being a crusader.

There had to be a point where Conrad stopped forgiving Nancy's flaky behavior, and this week's antics were the last straw. I guess a long day with U-Turn and an empty gun will do that to you. I thought this episode did a great job of emphasizing the negative impact that Nancy's personal life has on Conrad. Her marriage to Peter put him in serious danger in Season Two, and her issues with Silas and Celia cost him his crop. She's not exactly an ideal business partner. All things considered, U-Turn is looking better and better as a boss (OK, not really).

Was anyone else a little creeped out by Nancy's sudden decision to strip down to her underwear in full view of her sons? Perhaps Nancy finally reached the point where she couldn't possibly be a worse parent, so she went for broke and jumped in the pool. At the very least, reality has set in for Nancy. She is definitely not in control of her family or her business. The woman is officially unhinged and covered in marijuana-flavored pool water.

Speaking of inappropriate sharing, there were several fantastic TMI moments this week. We learned that Marvin has an artificial patella and that an Agrestic parent pulled a Britney Spears at the graduation party. Oh, and there may be poison hidden in your vitamins. I love when the show includes little details like this. I cannot stand some of the crazy teasers that the local news stations come up with.

My only problem with this episode was the minimal presence of Andy Botwin. His exchanges with Abumchuk were great last week, and I was hoping for more Andy one-liners this week. Instead, I had to watch my favorite Botwin interact with a group of NASCAR-loving vigilantes. No thanks.

Now that most of the Season Two tension is out of the way, I am looking forward to whatever surprises the rest of Season Three holds. Apparently, table-dancing is involved.