User Reviews

Well, we finally learned why we've been getting all of those Pamela Johnson flashbacks. Not sure we needed this character, but it does add a fresh new dynamic to the program.

This is an OK episode, but overall, I like the series much better without Smurf. I was so tired of her runway model walk and her overall geriatric femme fatale personality. Ellen Barkin played a good role, since her character was meant to be villainous and unlikable. The character was that of an old battleaxe type sociopath and that's exactly what Ms. Barkin portrayed.

Anyway, Smurf has been replaced by Pamela, her old partner in crime from 40 or so years ago who Smurf used, by leaving her almost everything Smurf owned, to keep controlling her sons and grandson after her death. I think that Pamela might be less evil than Smurf, but that remains to be seen.

Pam's son Phoenix is still a good guy, just as he was when he was a kid, so there's that in Pam's favor. Since she brought Phoenix up more or less undamaged by her own personality, maybe she'll turn out to be the anti-Smurf.

Deran is a little bit dumber than he was before Smurf died, and still jealous of J, though J has admitted stealing from Smurf's properties. That theft is reason enough for Deran and Craig to see J as untrustworthy. J is manipulative, though.

All three Cody sons are less intelligent than J and all are just teenagers grown large, instead of being grown men. They can be manipulated through their immaturity, and J is willing to do the manipulating.

I've been a hardcore fan since Day 1 and I must say I do not like the direction of Season 5. I'm also sick of Young Smurf flashbacks. We know she bribed cops. Do we need to see how she bribed cops? I was looking forward to the family dynamics between the Cody Boys post-Smurf. Instead, the Codys have a new Smurf - Pamela and I'm not feeling her at all. Does this show feel like there must be a matriarch to call the shots at all times? Back to Pamela. Why does she have such a hard-on for the Cody Boys? She doesn't know them (only Andrew "Pope" as a young kid, not adult Pope) and she hasn't spoken to Smurf in years. Her and her granddaughter touring the Codys home was so forced and silly, and you can't legally evict anyone in a week. This show used to be tough. Now, it's acting tough. The best scene was Pope telling Deran how he's losing track of time, self and reality. Shawn Hatosy's acting was brilliant and heartbreaking.