Yes, it has.

See, there I go again. I generally watch SoA on a non-hulu site that is usually a week ahead. This week though, it didn't appear on time, so I ahemed it. Just being absent-minded and over cautious.

The scene where Opie stared down the Fed with "The outlaw was merciful" nearly did me in. Like whoa. And yeah, Scrappy, the poetic justice was sweet. I loved the reaction shots of the other actors. Good stuff.

The only stumble point in the whole episode for me was the breezy way they dealt with Piney's revenge. It was a sweet conclusion but too tidy for all the hate that has been brewing for so long.

And, YEAH. That first kiss between Tig and Gemma made my eyes fly open. Like, whuh? I couldn't believe she walked away like nothing had happened and then...

They seem to be working extra hard to rehabilitate Tig in the audience's eyes. Both last week's mushroom confessional and this week's restraint. I don't know though. He's pretty dead to me.

Ryan Hurst is just AMAZING as Opie. Really incredible acting chops on that guy.

And the last scene between Gemma and Clay, rowr. Middle-aged folks bringing the HEAT, baby.

Scrappy, I KNOW, right? I just finished rewatching the episode and caught some stuff I'd missed while milling about on the first watch. I don't expect Ron Perlman is a great kisser (sorry Hellboy!), but that scene did indeed steam.

Other nice notes: Gemma and the Priest. Then Gemma doing service to Chibs in need. The Chief declaring his intentions. Man. There was some great stuff in this episode.

I thought Ally Walker did a good job with Stahl's fear reactions, but I really was distracted by whatever that poor woman has done to her face.

Can't wait to see if they give Henry Rollins any real dialog (he's been uberwooden so far) when he finds out Zobele's secret.

And, I called it, if only in my head...what Zobele is up to. That bastard. Nice work from Adam Arkin. I loved him as Ted on Life and whatever his name was on Chicago Hope, but man, he can bring the slimy. Smooth evil is so much more chilling to me than crazy evil.

Yeah, what the hell is up with her face? Anyone know?

google gives me nothing on Ally Walker except other people saying the same thing. It's sad because she initially got blogger kudos for NOT getting a boob job.

The one liners of Roger Sterling:

[link]

I think that it's Botox. Heather Locklear did the same thing. It's like the Joker smile - really wide with a little turn up on the ends.

I watched the last two eps right after the other. Fucking amazing TV. I continue to be wowed by Katy Sagall's work.

I am also really impressed with Kim Coates' work as Tig. I never would have thought that character could be redeemed. The confession and just taking it when Opie was wailing on him, stopping himself with Gemma, and realizing what Gemma needed.

and I loved Clay's intense "I want to be with my wife" and the look on Gemma's face.

Oh! and I loved that Tig threw himself over Clay without hesitation.

I've been shamed. Here is the correct thread for re-post:

Leverage comes back January 13.

more details below:

TNT has settled on a return date for its original series "Leverage": Wednesday, January 13 at 10:00/9:00c.

The news was confirmed to the site exclusively this morning.

TNT has six episodes from the show's second season yet to air. The series will then return for its third season in the summer of 2010.

Also due in January: new episodes of "Men of a Certain Age" (continuing on Mondays at 10:00/9:00c) as well as the off-network premiere of NBC's "Southland" (Tuesdays at 10:00/9:00c starting January 12).