#marinhinkle

Although a ratings darling, Two and a Half Men has never been a favorite of the critics, many of whom sounded the imminent failure alarm loudest when Charlie Sheen (and, some thought, his career) imploded. But they couldn't see past the outer layer of crudeness to the brilliance of the female cast Chuck Lorre was assembling. 

Let's start with family. Is there anyone better than Holland Taylor? She is sharp-witted, sharp-tongued, an asset to any production she appears in. Marin Hinkle took a very negative role and made you wait for every deliciously acidic word to come out of her mouth.

You absolutely cannot forget Conchata Ferrell, who's logged the most episodes of any female in the cast. She's done everything from drama like Network, a wide variety of one-off guest turns to voice work and stints on BJ and The Bear, ER and L.A. Law. For me, the favorite has always been darling Leona in Mystic Pizza. She is an unsung superstar.

The show has even attracted quality in female guest stars, including April Bowlby, Courtney Thorne-Smith and Jane Lynch as Charlie's shrink. Good times.

And then there is the glorious Melanie Lynskey. Can you imagine the call? "Yes, we'd like you to play this rich, brilliant woman who has a one-night stand and promptly starts to unravel." Oh she had such fun with it and I missed her after Charlie's funeral earlier this year. I mean where is the role going to go when the object of her obsession is gone?

They found a way and it was PERFECT!

(Do not read further if you have not watched the December 5 episode)

On the heels of Waldon (Ashton Kutcher) finally deciding to sign his divorce papers, the long suffering Bridget (the utterly fabulous Judy Greer) decides she wants him back. But, as Waldon has finally moved on, he tells Bridget no and she flips out, driving her car into the living room.

Not much left of the show at that point, just the tiny little bit you get before the credits roll. Tonight those were almost the very best moments of the show - Bridget is out on the patio glowering into the house and she is interrupted by Rose. How perfect is that? The new maligned woman is going to get, let's say guidance, from the one who's been there and done that.