The Lock Box: Audience Meets Girl As Girl Meets World Exceeds Expectations

Bob D'Amico/Disney Channel

Did anyone catch the pilot for the new Disney show, Girl Meets World? I-- forgot. But with good reason; I was watching baseball and since I met world, it’s taken precedence over most things. I really, really wanted to watch it, though.

See, I grew up in the 90’s, which means, I was a big fan of the original show; growing with the characters and learning important life lessons(to me, anyway), as well.

I think every boy’s favorite character was Shawn and we all wanted to have an older brother like Eric. But, we all were able to relate to Corey-- unless you were a rebel or troublemaker, then you probably related better to Shawn. Whatever! The point is, if you grew up watching Boy Meets World, you know you wanted to tune in on June 27th, whether you ended up watching or not.

Apparently, it sounds like Disney has themselves a smash-hit show on their hands; the Girl Meets World pilot, which is centered around Corey and Topanga's tween daughter, Riley, was able to draw in 5.2 million viewers(sans myself), which is probably a tad better than the original shows pilot-- I’m guessing. Viewers tuned in and were immediately taken down memory lane -- I’m guessing -- when they saw Corey and Topanga, together, for the first time since Boy Meets World ended.

If I had watched, I know I would've started reminiscing on the episodes that affected me the most, or could remember, at least. I mean, I don’t have the best memory in the world, but I can still remember some things from the show.

One episode I remember had Mr. Feeny(aww) making a bet with Corey, challenging him to teach his class to see if he could get more kids to pass a certain test. On the first day of Mr. Mathews’ class, we saw (almost) every kid goofing off and, I believe, the next showed Corey looking rather dapper in a suit and tie. In the end, nothing Corey did mattered as Mr. Feeny informed him of the same students passing and failing the test with the exception of one-- Shawn; it appeared that the story of Anne Frank really got to him and he managed to not fail the test. I guess I remembered a little more from that episode than I had originally thought.

Anyhow, the show exec’s have promised cameo’s up the who-ha, as there have even been rare sightings on set of a certain influential teacher, as well as the studio releasing a pic of the entire Mathews clan together, presumably enjoying a nice meal together.

So far, viewers are on board with the show as are critics; Rotten Tomatoes has given the show a 77% rating based on reviews from 13 critics, with an average score of 7.4/10. Now, I really don’t care for critics reviews and probably never will, but there are some viewers that will rate a show/movie based on what critics have said and with that being said, it sounds like people will continue tuning in when the season for Girl Meets World finally does start.

Oh, and those of us who got the chance to see what’s in store for the regular season, caught wind of a cameo none of us saw coming-- MINKUS!

The season kicks off on July 11th, slated for a 8:30 p.m. time slot; that’s ET/PT, people! I’ll be sure to catch at least one episode, but I hope I have enough time in my busy schedule to see more. Will you be tuning in?

UPDATE: I was finally able to catch the pilot and, I have to say, I enjoyed it. Especially, having seen Mr. Feeny at the end; it was an "aww" moment for me.

Inside The Cage: Are The Dodgers Good, Or Just Plain Lucky?

Dodgers Left Fielder Matt Kemp and Right Fielder Yasiel Puig

The Dodgers might not go on another historic run as they did last year, going 42-8 in the final months of the 2013 season. But, going 14-7 after losing the series against the Chicago White Sox does mean that this club is heading in the right direction. And since losing the series against the White Sox to open up my birthday month, the worst they've done is split a series with a still-dangerous Reds team. If they can manage to split the last series of said handsome guy’s birth month, I’d say they’re still the team to beat in the NL West.

That might not be saying much, but let’s face it, teams like the Padres and Diamondbacks give the Dodgers the most problems.

The Dodgers have other pressing issues at hand as well, not just trying to win against underachieving teams. The first issue that comes to mind: Center Field. Andre Ethier is a solid fielder, just not a TRUE Center Fielder, and the minor league play and lack of communication of OF Scott Van Slyke last night is proof that you can’t-- shouldn't just throw anyone out there.

Maybe it’s time to start thinking about bringing up the talented Mr. Rip-- I mean, Joc Pederson? Possibly, but injuring his shoulder while trying to make a play in the field derailed the thought-train before pulling out of the station.

The outfield situation is steadily resolving itself, with the recent resurgence of Matt Kemp transitioning to Left Field without mishaps like the last few that cost him his Center Fielders job. Yasiel Puig continues to keep a firm grasp on his Right Field position, as well. I know, he’s been struggling at the plate as of late, but in reality, there’s no one I’d rather have playing Right Field for the Dodgers with the exception of Giancarlo Stanton. Even then, I’d throw him over to Left Field as he doesn't have a cannon for an arm like Puig does. I digress.

Now, assuming the Dodgers can win this series, or even come out with a split, they have a chance to take the division lead over arch-rival San Francisco, if they’re lucky. Of course, that all boils down to whether or not the Giants continue losing as they have been, and in baseball, sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.

Will the Dodgers finally start playing up to the standards set by the entire baseball community, or will they have to keep depending on luck? I guess only time will tell. As for today, former Cy Young winner Zack Greinke takes the mound this afternoon to try for his 10th win of the season, against the Cardinals 8-game winner, Lance Lynn. It won’t be a walk in the park for these Los Angeles Dodgers, as it always feels like October when playing against these St. Louis Cardinals. Who knows, maybe they’ll get lucky.

UPDATE: Zack Greinke was untouchable in 7 innings as the Dodgers were able to pound the Cardinals 8-game winner, Lance Lynn, with a final score of 1-9. They can take the series with a win today with staff-ace Clayton Kershaw on the mound today.