Cougar Town tackled what might be one of life’s hardest questions on "Runnin' Down a Dream." What is one's the dream job?

It’s nice to see an episode focus on everyone’s occupation because, as nice as all the various ways of drinking wine and shenanigans can be, I wouldn’t want things to start feeling like Central Perk.

It’s awesome to see Jules have some questions about her job and if she wants to continue doing it every day. It’s hard to break from routine, it’s difficult to want to break out from it. Perhaps one of the bigger takeaways from tonight is that work may be boring, and it might not always be anything more than a grind, but the best way to stay happy is to surround yourself with people you love. Just make the best of things.

Jules isn’t sure she still loves real estate, but she adores the freedom and cash from it. She likes treating her friends and family and became determined to sell the house to the indecisive couple so she could spread the affection she has for them; and, if Jules does want to veer towards a different career path, at least she’ll have the loving support of her family:

Jules: I can't even be a whore?
Travis: Mom, I think you would be an amazing whore-oh my God I can't believe I just said that. | permalink

Laurie and Travis’ gloating over finding their perfect dream jobs already wasn’t the most entertaining of all the stories in “Dream,” but Andy’s mocking of them as he took shots of the ground and his groin while uttering “art” after each one certainly made the story better. It’s also great to see Laurie and Travis just being friends, which is someone we haven’t gotten much during Cougar Town Season 4.

It’s great to see the show not call attention to if they will or if they won’t and just focus on them having fun and making fun of the rest of the crew in their unique way.

Plus, I’m pleased to know that Laurie is the new cake maker for the Latin Kings; it’s just too bad Lil’ Choke didn’t get to see his cake before he died…

Laurie: I am now the official baker of the Latin Kings. Lil' Choke is gonna be so excited he gets stomped in this week. | permalink

Other Thoughts:

• Ellie was amazing on that food truck. I could watch an hour of Ellie of just insulting people.
• Andy’s standup
• A hit of icing and the smell of gasoline – Cougar Town isn’t afraid to bring to light things we love, but are way too afraid to say out loud!
• I’ll be on the look out for temple rubs and keeping a running tally of them.
• Sorry about the miscommunication last week. The episodes the nice folks at TBS sent us did not include this week or next, so I thought the show would be in repeats. It’s not.

"Restless" took a slightly different form for a typical Cougar Town episode.

The comedy was there, of course, but the stories for the cul-de-sac crew weren’t in place solely to tell a joke or pick up on some odd character trait to run with for the entire episode.

Indeed, the arcs and the interactions didn’t try to shoehorn an absurd amount of comedy into 20 minutes. Rather the humor was paced and methodical and things felt genuine and fun. For the most part, everything just felt good. “Restless” wasn't a episode where I was laughing so much as I was enjoying spending time with characters I’ve known for four seasons.

It’s easy to tell that Bobby is a stand up guy to not only accept the reasons why his marriage fell apart, but to also let one of his best friends marry his ex-wife (even if Jules and Grayson don’t need his permission), while also passing along information in the areas where he failed her and the areas or situations he knew how to fix.

And now, thanks to Bobby, there needs to be far more use of flipbooks for educational purposes in Cougar Town Season 4.

Most of the comedy tonight came from Ellie as she tried hiding from Andy when he cashed in nearly every sex coupon Ellie had given him over the years, and eventually Ellie hid at Laurie’s place; now, thanks to Laurie, I want to watch Fatty Cakes.

Finally, it's about time Travis gets pulled back into the gang's antics. Every year we get a pretty substantial Travis-centric storyline, and so far the only story we've tapped danced around is the aftermath of his drunken confession to Laurie last season. As much as I love green screens and nerd jokes (and his vastly improved haircut) it's time Travis finally receive full initiation into the crew since his age doesn't feel like a hindrance anymore.

A Few More Thoughts

• The Tomato Cage dance is for professionals only.
• Grayson being terrible on roller skates is a callback to prior seasons.
• Jules just wants to be a Disney princess.
• Why is it not surprising that Tom is still by Jules' window at night?
• Tonight in Cougar Town music - "Give Me Love" by Ed Sheeran

Things Ellie Would Never Say:

• I’ve had enough wine.
• Yes, yes.
• I agree Jellybean.

It’s not the easiest of episodes to pull off, but Cougar Town admirably ventured into the past on "Flirting With Time," as we witnessed the beginnings of Ellie and Jules’ friendship, along with Andy and Bobby’s ever-lasting love for each other.

A flashback story isn’t the most necessary of episodes for Cougar Town since the generalities of the characters have been filled in pretty rigorously over the past few seasons. But for the continuity nerds like me, tonight not only helped complete some fun gaps, it also continued with the theme of this sitcom: love and friendship.

Each character’s first looks with one another played well to the relationships on the show; particularly with Andy literally falling into Bobby’s strong arms and Travis seeing Laurie at her best by fighting her cousin in a fountain. Additionally, it was wonderful to watch Ellie verbalize her feelings occasionally and to find out she was the one who had doubts in her relationship with Andy before he proposed.

Aside from Laurie reenacting a .gif with Wade that’s probably older than Cougar Town itself at this point, there wasn’t much more to say about the comedy. “Flirting with Time” was far more about being warm and gooey - and it certainly melted my bitter heart.

The moment that completely got me was seeing the first time Jules and Grayson met. It’s such a hard scene to play out because continuity is key. Jules and Grayson can’t be like they are now, nor could they really act like friends. There needed to be an invisible set of rules or boundaries that the characters need to respect.

Cougar Town did the scene beautifully. I was in tears.

Jules and Grayson bump into each other and Grayson ends up being the one who brings one of the cruxes of the show together: friends and wine. As they pick up their groceries and head back on their way, they share a glance that conveys so much: hope, destiny, love, friendship. Everything that works about Jules and Grayson is shown in that moment, it’s far better than a plunger story and it lays the foundation for the sometimes-storybook relationship they have.

Other Thoughts:

• Cult wine was shown on the show today. It’s the same brand of wine they handed out to fans.
• Player Tom and Creepy Tom do not mix.
• “Penny toss!” doesn’t have the same ring to it.

"You and I Will Meet Again" dealt with the elephant in the room: Travis and Laurie.

While Cougar Town put to rest Travis and Laurie for now, it’s difficult to imagine they will not intersect again metaphorically. The problems these two face are never over a lack of chemistry or a clashing of personalities; no, they are mostly from outside forces.

Jules is very much in the middle of both of their lives and, while she is a positive influence on Laurie, she wouldn’t have any objections to dropping Laurie instantly if she hurt Travis. Jules even knows the perfect way to kill Laurie if things go badly for Travis and Laurie.

Strike one.

While Cougar Town Season 4 (as well as last season) has certainly boosted Travis up from a sarcastic teenager to a young adult, there are still maturity and age gaps that both Travis and Laurie need to overcome.

Laurie is just now beginning to get her life in order after a poor childhood and poor decisions and Travis still needs to find out what he wants to do with his life. He needs to begin that first tentative step into adulthood because, at this point, he has one foot in childhood and the other in adulthood.

As of now, Travis’ standing is one of Laurie’s biggest discrepancies: she can’t dismiss their age difference, nor can she keep the knowledge of Travis’ childhood in the past. In Laurie’s eyes, Travis is still a kid.

Strike two.

The final obstacle for them is just circumstance. Sometimes things just don’t go as planned. Travis is willing to wait for Laurie, but Laurie doesn’t want to wait on what-ifs. Laurie knows she has a good thing with Wade, and Laurie doesn’t want to wait around hoping something arises out of nothing with Travis.  

Strike three.

Just like that, Travis and Laurie are out for now. I’m sure they will meet again at another time, but they need to live their lives separately and as friends. Maybe circumstances will be better for them later on.

Aside from Laurie and Travis, Jules and Grayson had their naked day. I’m really enjoying the direction Cougar Town takes with Jules and Grayson every week. They feel as real to life as the show allows while still being poignant and funny together in a way only the cul-de-sac crew can deliver. Sometimes they split and have a most guys and girls respective story, but most of the time they do couple things together.

It’s a nice departure from the endless will-they-or-won’t-they cycles that television is known for. It can far more entertaining to watch a couple be a couple rather than needlessly tormenting your audience for seasons on end. These two didn’t lose their personalities or charm just because they got hitched and being together only gives them more story and comedy.

Plus, they’re a good foil to Andy and Ellie’s rock solid relationship.

A Few More Thoughts

• I’m ready for the what-if episode story of Andy and Bobby running away together.
• Has Tom taken over for Barb? I miss my Barb!
• Ellie’s complete loss of control when Wade asked if he should just buy two or three bottles of wine.

Like all my favorite episodes of Cougar Town, "Make It Better" told a comedic and emotionally driven story with Laurie, Travis, and Jules dealing with her father’s age.

Just as Laurie and Travis struck out last week, Travis was back in the game without knowing it. Laurie spent the entirety of her time with Wade on their double date with Ellie and Andy wondering why Travis was talking with skanks. As the date went on, Wade kept trying to put himself back in the game even as things became increasingly difficult as Andy’s infatuation with Japanese sex robots increased.

Travis’ attempts at learning to be a “playa” (remember no r’s) is met with mostly second hand embarrassment by me, and Bobby’s comparison of “it’s like watching your kid die in battle” was one of the best descriptions for it.

Yet, the ending - after Bobby tells Travis to go with his nerdy side instead of emulating almost gay Grayson - was superb and it’s not really because Travis got the girl. It’s the celebration Bobby and Grayson had with each other; it’s a Dad and a Step-Dad celebrating a small victory for their kid.

Jules and Chick resonated most with because I find my own circumstances echoing that of Jules. My parents are no longer young, and their age is no longer a reassurance but a hindrance. Chick is having the same types of problems: his love of horses and riding is being impeded by his health, his memory isn’t what it used to be and he’s relying on Jules more than he wants to.

No parent wants to burden their children, and it’s not always a two way street when it comes to asking for help. Chick doesn’t want to lose his freedom, nor does he want to ask Jules for help. Asking for assistance is something Jules requires from Chick because he views it as a fundamental part of being a father and Chick would rather crawl and ride his lawnmower to the mailbox if it means one less burden for Jules.

This was a sudden turn for Cougar Town Season 4 as it explored its own mortality, something completely unexpected because it thematically fits better with the beginning of the series rather that what it ultimately became. It reminded me of the pilot as Jules wonders what is going on with her body, realizing life isn’t what it used to be.

A Few More Thoughts:

• High Ellie might be my favorite version of Ellie so far. Dershwasher!
• Grease in Space sounds plausible.
• Does the continually spinning wine stopper mean this entire episode was just a dream?

Nothing is better than having a good friendship vault to store your secrets in, as Cougar Town demonstrated in "You Tell Me."

Especially when your secrets involve smashing, insecurities, and some Alanis Morissette videos.

After Travis spent a good amount of the series pining after Laurie, the tables are now reversed. Yet, for all the pining Laurie is doing, there’s not much to Travis in regards to women right now. Yes, he now knows how to be a nerdy playa thanks to Bobby and Grayson, but, in comparison to prior seasons where we see Laurie actually dating, Travis is mostly be a playa off screen.

Cougar Town is now on TBS, so it’s highly likely that the show is pulling in the budget where they can – and opening themselves up to some incredibly deliberate product placement – to keep the show looking and feeling the same could be an explanation for keeping Travis’ dating life mostly off screen while Laurie processes her feelings.

A different, but perhaps more plausible, explanation is simply that Cougar Town lives on the perennial bubble. Its ratings are much stronger as a cable series than a broadcast show, but with only a certain allotment of episodes - and producing them before the season even airs - the season-long plot elements need to be contained and focused in case disaster strikes.

This continual state of disaster is one of the reasons why Travis and Laurie will probably be sharing their feelings for one another before the end of the season. It’s one of the plot elements the writers have continually debated, and it’s probably the one they would most like to tell if in case the series has to exit early.

Meanwhile, Jules’ insecurities and neediness to keep all secrets out in the open was touched upon again. And I always enjoy when Cougar Town Season 4 references Jules’ quirks.

Jules’ neuroses are usually out there, but they’re always rooted in reality. Jules doesn’t want to keep secrets from loved ones and she doesn’t want secrets kept from her because of all the harm they caused her in the past. Courtney Cox is known for her comedic roles, but she does incredibly well playing moments that require drama and vulnerability.

The beginnings of Jules’ adult life weren’t the easiest and it’s enjoyable to watch her learn and grow from a real and healthy relationship with Grayson.

Other Thoughts:

• While Seinfeld was also “Must See TV” the only “Must See TV’ for me will be Friends. 
• I, and Andy, assumed his Mayoral run was just a funny bit.
• It’s slightly off putting how all Targets are set up the same.
• Cougar Town certainly dug up the past with references and Alanis Morissette videos.

Like a good bottle of wine, when Cougar Town is telling great jokes one after another, there’s really nothing better.

Therefore, there was REALLY nothing better than "Saving Grace," as Grayson found religion, Jules found a seagull and Ellie coined the cracker pocket.

Grayson not believing in a higher power, or Laurie’s a little bit of everything, fits him perfectly - and it’s rather hilarious how he's using all that time during Jules’ lengthy grace sessions: to get some alone time.

While Grayson doesn’t need to worship or believe in anything, Jules is correct in pointing out that he should support, not mock, whatever she believes in (even if it might be Mr. Beakington’s alter at this point). Cougar Town never touches upon religion, but it’s a nice note to pick up from after learning more of Chick’s ailing health battles. It’s always peaceful to find comfort and solace in something: Ellie finds it in her cracker pocket and Grayson finds it by thinking of Jules.

Ellie’s complacency with Andy (but not with Jules – there’s still hope for them!) and the way she dressed was a bit of a hard sell. Mostly because I was enjoying all the different ways Ellie could stuff whatever article of clothing she could find with crackers, but also for Ellie’s attempts to get back at the 14-25 year old. It’s too bad the cul-de-sac ladies got a stern talking to by the girl’s mother. I was really hoping for another fountain fight.

Bobby and Riggs didn’t have the star-crossed lovers moments that Bobby and Target had last week, but when Bobby found the female version of himself, well, there was some potential there. After Bobby’s fizzling out in Cougar Town Season 3 with Angie, he has mostly come across as just a bachelor. It’s hard to put him with someone long term when there are already two couples on the show and one toying with the idea.

So Riggs is a great place to start since we all have a great idea of who Bobby is and how he dates. Riggs makes things super simple.

Other thoughts:

• Call backs! Tom Cruise run, the gang thinking Travis comes out, beached manatee.
• I hope Courteney Cox received some hazard and emotional distress checks for putting up with dodge balls to the head and birds everywhere.
• I seriously want a cracker pocket.
• I’m still waiting for Pig Trials, and now I have to wait for Cartoon Character Smackdown?

Also, enjoy some of our favorite Cougar Town quotes from “Saving Grace:”

Jules: Time for family dinner.
Grayson: Uh, if it's family, then why is she here?
Ellie: What am I supposed to do eat with Andy? I did that yesterday. | permalink

Travis: You know, I've actually been experimenting at school.
Ellie: I totally called that!
Jules: What's his name? Is he cute?
Travis: I meant with religion.
Jules: Aw man, I was excited to show you how cool I'd be about it. | permalink

Jules: When did you get so good at lying?
Ellie: There's no shortcut. Just practice, practice, practice. | permalink

Now here's a reason to take a big swig of wine: TBS has renewed Cougar Town for a fifth season.

The network announced today that Courteney Cox and her Cul-De-Sac crew will return for 13 episodes in 2014.

"Cougar Town has been everything we hoped it would be: a smart, big-hearted, laugh-out-loud comedy that shines a bright light on the TBS brand," said Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies. "This season, the brilliant cast and immensely creative production team on Cougar Town have crafted their best episodes yet, and we couldn't be happier inviting them back for more."

On TBS, the comedy is averaging 2.8 million viewers per week.

It airs its season four finale on April 9 and we encourage readers to visit our Cougar Town quotes section for an idea of what all the fuss is about.

This entire review is really just one big voiceover, so feel free to imagine "The Criminal Mind" is me just telling you what I thought, but maybe laced with contempt and judgment on top of it.

I’ll leave the jokes to Cougar Town from now on, I promise, but putting all my quips aside, a lot of depth and insecurity was shown in “town” that has otherwise been absent or only speculated upon. Voiceovers do offer the chance to drill down and find out a character’s private thoughts.

Most of Jules’ insecurities or inner thoughts are things that have been known since the pilot, in that she doesn’t want to be alone, and since she had to become an adult so quickly she feels like she’s missed out on many things. Jules’ anxieties about certain social situations bear repeating since everyone else is in such a different space.

Laurie isn’t worried about heading over to clubs and getting into fights... most of the time. Now, Laurie is focusing on building her businesses, hanging out with her friends and deciding to make a move on her feelings for Travis.

The timing is finally right for Travis and Laurie and I’m ready to see where Laurie and Travis go after their admissions.

Ellie and Grayson’s task of reading Yelp reviews and trying to be better, non-judgmental people was very rewarding. Particularly when Grayson attempted to bend his face in ways that conveyed being nice, but instead ended up making him look like a douchebag. His voiceover as he became more infatuated and in love with his body and butt was amazing:

Ellie: I don't know what you're thinking, but it's like watching a gay porn with just one dude in it. | permalink

No words are necessary, really; I’m locking that exchange between Ellie and Grayson away in my vault for safekeeping.

A Few More Thoughts

• In case you didn’t hear the news, TBS greenlit Cougar Town Season 5 this week.
• If Bobby just wanted to eat, he should have gone to Costco. I never leave that store hungry.
• It doesn't surprise me that Ellie and Grayson would totally hop in bed with each other if their spouses (Jules) died.
• Laurie being waterboarded sounds plausible, she's certainly been in enough fountains.
• Let us know in the comments have many different references to The Breakfast Club you saw. I counted six.

Cougar Town continued its tradition of telling emotional, one-hour bookends to its seasons with “Don’t Fade on Me” and "Have Love Will Travel."

Chick’s recurring memory issues this season were finally diagnosed: he has Alzheimer’s. The “Old Timers Disease” is one of the saddest diagnoses a family member can get, and Jules handled it in the best way she knew how: with positivity, some wine and by latching on to a crazy idea.

Jules wanting to grant Chick’s one wish, just so he has something so powerful to hold on to as his memories begin to slip away, was the greatest present she could possibly leave him with. It was a deep and emotionally resonating moment for a show that devotes nearly every title card to self-deprecation.

Jules wanted to stay strong and positive, but her greatest fear has the potential to come true. Not only is her parent’s quality of life diminishing, but there’s also a chance he won’t remember her or her loved ones (on a time table that is unpredictable, no less).

It came as no surprise the Cul-de-Sac Crew pulled out all the stops, including the Latino Connection, to grant Jules and Chick’s greatest wish.

Travis and Laurie’s multiple attempts to begin their relationship as lovers was mostly awkward throughout - and their kiss didn’t have the magic or spark I was hoping for; it might have been due to the overshadowing by Chick’s story, but I’m more inclined to believe that their awkwardness was completely intended. It’s supposed to be awkward, and things are supposed to be weird. Travis and Laurie have been friends and Travis has mostly carried on a one-sided creepy obsession with Laurie.

I do wish their kiss would have happened sooner, though. By the time they finally did smooch, the moment was met with a sigh of relief that they finally just made out instead of being met with yet another random obstacle or with thoughts that things might be stalled for next year.

That wraps up Cougar Town Season 4! What did you think of the season?

Other thoughts:

• A Conan branded bus – great platform synergy TBS!
• The One Man Band during Travis and Laurie’s kiss is Joshua Radin. His music is no stranger to Cougar Town.
• Rest in peace Big Lou! I’m already a big fan of Big Tippi, though.
• The Auto Trader ad was more out of place than the Target episode.
• Grayson’s time in LA is a flashback episode I would kill for.
• “Labia Tarpits”
• Informal poll for Werther’s candy: chewy or hard?

A Friendly reunion is on tap on TBS.

Network insiders confirm that Matthew Perry will guest star on an episode of Cougar Town Season 5 in early 2014, though details on the actor's role remain under wraps.

New episodes of the Courteney Cox-anchor sitcom premiere on January 7.

Perry will be the third Friends cast member to pay our favorite cul-de-sac crew a visit. Lisa Kudrow and Jennifer Aniston have stopped by in past seasons.

The cul-de-sac crew is back for another bottle of wine! 

Cougar Town Season 5 Episode 1 opened up close to where we left last left the series, quickly dealing with the biggest issue on the table: Laurie and Travis.

Cougar Town poked fun at itself, and traditional television tropes, with Grayson commenting that, while weird, Laurie and Travis had such a long buildup they just need to let them play it out now.

It was an homage to the dance Jules and Grayson did prior and now it’s time to give Laurie and Travis that same courtesy. No matter the outcome, Cougar Town Season 5 is willing to let it play out - weirdness and all.

Ellie’s “aww-bleh!” reaction sound to Laurie and Travis summed up rather succinctly their burgeoning relationship. Laurie and Travis both being in love and happy in the first few days and weeks of their relationship, getting to explore each other in shower, and having to deal with the initial Jules assault was comforting and adorable.

Yet that same honeymoon-esque phase that they find themselves in is what can bring about some cringe-worthy moments. Just as Ellie predicted with the “bleh” part of her sound. But, at this point, there’s no reason to question Ellie’s wisdom.

Jules being the first victim in an unfortunate gag of slippery honkers and “that wasn’t a towel rack” shower fall of the relationship is par for the course at this point. It’s hilarious, a little raunchy, and only sets Jules on a path that ends up using her slightly narcissistic personality for endearing good.

Watch Cougar Town Season 5 Episode 1 Online

Jules, and her personality, is what binds this band of people, and the relationship is never fully welcomed until the mother hen approves of it. It’s taken Jules some time to adjust, but she wants her family to be happy. She goes about it in a very Jules-like way, but with a little (sane) advice from Ellie she powers through the awkwardness to sanction the relationship.

The side plots with Grayson and Bobby, and Andy, Stan, and Freddy Krueger weren’t created equally. Grayson and Bobby’s was the stronger of the two with the roundabout way of expressing what is really bugging them about the money (or lack thereof).

It was another indication of how far they’ve come. Grayson never really cared about the money, he just poured those beers for Bobby because he knew he was poor and he was just looking for a thank you from Bobby.

Conversely, Bobby sees the best in people at all times and never imagines that a friend and family member would want money for the free drinks. It’s funny, but it continues Cougar Town’s unabashed willingness to keep its heart and soul front and center.

Stan, Andy and Freddy Krueger was mostly forgettable. It was used as a reminder that Stan still exists with the cul-de-sac.

Hard hitting question: should Daft Punk perform a song called Naked Sexy Touchy Grabby?

TBS welcomed viewers back to the cul-de-sac last night.

On Cougar Town Season 5 Episode 1, Jules and company were faced with the awkward fact that Laurie and Travis really are a couple.

A couple that is now all-in, which is the way this terrific treated them on the premiere.

Yes, it's weird and yes, the two exploring each other in the shower left Ellie rather grossed out. But it's refreshing to see a series just let its new couple go for it. And then it's hysterical to watch the reaction of Jules, of course.

Elsewhere, Penny Can went global and Grayson and Bobby were left to deal with the ramifications. How so?

Watch Cougar Town online below for the answer:

Watch Cougar Town Season 5 Episode 1 Online

It’s time to let Friends go.

Don’t get me wrong: I love the show, and if there’s a marathon on TBS I will likely sit down and watch it for hours. That said, Matthew Perry on Cougar Town Season 5 Episode 2 was a bit of a letdown.

His character, Sam, didn’t fit well within the universe and the story tried too hard to bring back the chemistry and situations we know and love with Monica and Chandler, just with a Cougar Town-type spin.

Jules and Sam share the same easy chemistry that Courteney and Matt have had for years, but, again, there’s just something that is off about the entire situation.

Sure, Jules switching to paperless billing to help save the planet of tree murder is very Jules, and so is Jules playing along with Sam’s marriage proposal, coffee date - and even meeting the family is entirely within the realm of Jules' possibilities.

The biggest problem arose with only having Perry for one episode: the entire installment was just a race to the finish. Maybe that was part of the joke, but it was all just rushing from one plot point to the next.

Watch Cougar Town Season 5 Episode 2 Online

Had Perry gotten the Lisa Kudrow or Jennifer Aniston treatment with a rather different character, then everything might have fallen in place a bit better. It’s unfortunate Cougar Town Season 5 decided to try rekindling a bit of Friends magic instead of doing something unique and original, like prior Friends had the opportunity to do. What we got this time around was a rushed Chandler Bing.

Thankfully, the comedy was still in place elsewhere. Ellie attempting to find the one lie to bring down all of Laurie’s crazy and wild stories is very typical Ellie. She’s just bored enough to do an exhaustive search to mess with her Jellybean, but just nice enough to find at least one story that truly does pan out for her Jellybean (and she didn’t even see Laurie naked).

Did the “Matteney” reunion live up to your hype?

A special, Friend-ly reunion was staged on Cougar Town Season 5 Episode 2... but was it a worthwhile one?

Matthew Perry stopped by the TBS sitcom, playing a handsome stranger who took Jules out on a date.

But while he and Courteney Cox still possess Monica and Chandler-like chemistry, the storyline played out like a weak attempt to actually recreate the latter's Friends character.

Unlike previous guest appearances by Lisa Kudrow and Jennifer Aniston, Perry was only around for one installment. So it all felt a bit rushed, a bit like Chandler Bing Lite.

Still, who out there was not excited to see these two back on screen together?!?

You can watch Cougar Town online below in case you missed it and then sound off with your take on the reunion:

Watch Cougar Town Season 5 Episode 2 Online

Sorry, Tom, your cul-de-sac scale models on Cougar Town Season 5 Episode 3 were just too creepy.

Tom is best used on the periphery. There’s always a risk when he becomes part of the main plot. While Tom’s models of everyone didn’t initially veer too far past his usual Tom-ness (there’s a certain charm to Tom’s crazy, weird obsession with with everyone. He’s a man just trying to find friends and find his place), the very real details began to derail the entire thing.

It was a moment of just taking things too far; the reenactments, the clothing, the oddly specific body traits that he gets correct, like of Jules’ boobs being slightly bigger.

Thankfully, there were better plots in motion. Playing up Jules’ inability to say no with Girl Scout cookies and increasingly demanding clients (who have already bought a house through Jules) was fun.

it offered a quick moment for Jules and Grayson’s marriage too. It was a quick check in to prov they’re still solid in their relationship with one another, quirks and all. It wasn't the focus and it wasn't dwelled upon for very long.

Travis and Laurie had their first fight (sort of). They haven’t quite figured out how to talk to each other in this stage of a relationship, so Tom’s creepy dolls finally served a purpose. They don’t have the vocabulary with each other quite yet and their upbringings are so different... but at least they are beginning to learn. Travis and Laurie still feel right.

Plus, it’s always pleasurable to see Ellie bring down some puka shell wearing douchebag with Dog Travis’ puppies down to size. The dragon lady is still there, and I’m still incredibly happy about it.

What do you think, TV Fanatics, was Tom’s cul-de-sac models and dolls too creepy?

Tom was brought to the forefront of Cougar town this week, giving us a look at his seriously creepy cul-de-sac scale models and raising the question:

Is too much of Tom a bad thing?

Tom is a side character, and a hilarious one at that, but side characters are often best served by remaining on their side.

Fortunately, we also witnessed Jules' inability to turn down Girl Scout cookies this week, along with a check-in on her marriage to Grayson. Very good stuff on both accounts.

It was anything but a lost half hour and you can watch Cougar Town online now to see why:

• Watch Cougar Town Season 5 Episode 3 Online
• Watch Cougar Town Season 5 Episode 3 Online

Buccaneer week was in full swing on Cougar Town Season 5 Episode 4, reminding us that Andy is still mayor.

Seriously, did anyone remember Andy was in charge?

Watch Cougar Town Season 5 Episode 4 Online

Aside from giant killer jellyfish debacles and erotic cakes, the biggest story arising from this installment was Charming Ellie. It’s such a great change that Jules ended up getting a shipper name going: Chellie.

Just think about it for a moment: Jules, the only person aside from Andy to love Ellie, wants to see Charming Ellie get together permanently. Jules later explained it away as something new and shiny that was she interested in, but there was still some truth there. A nicer Ellie would sometimes be a welcome change.

Yet, as Charming Ellie spent more time out and about, it became clear that Ellie was sorely missed. There was no stealing of wine bottles off of tables, free stamps or drinking in public. Those core qualities of Ellie are essential to Cougar Town.

Andy and Bobby’s short falling out was one of the few times they actually had a fight. Andy is right about Bobby, he’s not usually grounded in reality, but that’s why their friendship/relationship works so well.

Bobby is able to bring about pure happiness in Andy, and part of that happiness is paid by Bobby’s small grasp on reality. Bobby takes Andy for what he is, treating him with dignity and respect.

Andy was in a difficult situation, but he talked behind Bobby’s back and got burned for it. Bobby had every right confront him in a public forum; not only that, he was actually right.

Laurie’s situation at Krazy Kakes was another character point that still exists. We haven’t found Laurie in her shop for a while and neither have her customers apparently. She was so willing to drum up new business that she was willing to sell erotic cakes, with premiums for extra boobs, and it was not a wildly out of character trait for Laurie; yet it’s not really where she is at in this point in her life, either.

She used her past experiences to make the cakes, but Laurie has really settled down from that point in her life. This was emphasized when she was willing to kick all of her paying erotic cake customers out, later selling a butterfly cake to a little girl.

The shop was a mirror for Laurie herself. She;s ready to move on to a stable and consistent life rather than being a “cake slut.”

If your spouse was mayor, would you openly drink in public?

Yar, that be a great episode of Cougar Town.

The TBS sitcom took a trip to Pirate's Cove this week, reminding viewers that Andy is the mayor.

There was also a big focus on Charming Ellie and the question of whether or not we actually want to see a kind version of this character.

There would be no stealing of wine bottle off tables if so, no drinking in public, no free stamps. What sort of fun would any of that be?!?

Elsewhere, Laurie’s situation at Krazy Kakes reminded us of just how far this character has come. Meaning what, exactly?

Watch Cougar Town online right now and learn what we mean:

Watch Cougar Town Season 5 Episode 4 Online

Ready for another Scrubs reunion, TV Fanatics?

On this week's episode of Cougar Town Season 5, Ken Jenkins will return to the Bill Lawrence-produced sitcom as Jules' dad, Chick.

What brings him back into the picture? Look for Andy to organize a Gulf Haven 5K in order to save his political reputation and for Jules to use the opportunity as a means to get her father out of the house and back into his old coaching days.

But how successful (and hilarious) with the crew be under his intense workout regimen?

Watch this exclusive behind-the-scenes interview with the show's cast to get an idea of what to expect and what filming is like his this veteran actor is on set.

Cougar Town Cast Talks Ken Jenkins