Quick Thoughts: RAISING HOPE, "Candy Wars"

At this time of year, we're inundated with holiday themed episodes and watching the same plot lines be regurgitated over and over again can become very tiring, so it's nice to get a break from the norm. The main reason I enjoyed "Candy Wars" so much was because it steered away from the traditional Thanksgiving stories and did something different.

Now, Thanksgiving was still utilized and provided the backdrop for the episode, but the candy selling fundraiser took center stage, and it was this element that provided the majority of the laughs. The idea of Maw Maw being the Walter White of chocolate was brilliant as were all of the mobster/cop/drug dealing/addict references that Raising Hope pulled out, and I'm not the biggest fan of reference humor so you know it must have been good. Not only was the storyline funny, but "Candy Wars" was also a great vehicle for Martha Plimpton, Cloris Leachman and Shannon Woodward. That's not to say that Garrett Dillahunt and Lucas Neff weren't good, but the women dominated from start to finish.

Even though I do not show Raising Hope as much love as I should, it's become a very dependable comedy with a funny and likable cast, and it's a shame that it's not a bigger hit for FOX because it deserves to be one of the network's tent poles. I can still see it getting a fourth season, but it needs to be watched by more people (well, Nielsens to be more accurate).

P.S. - This episode had some amazing music choices but New Edition's "Candy Girl" was by far the best of the night.