Grey's Week 2

How awesome was GA last night??? My guess is even better if you didn't read the spoilers and know about a) Meredith's non-choice (go Meredith!! I don't think I could be happier with the result of the McVet-McDreamy dilemma... at least, for now!), and b) the surprise return of McSteamy. But I did, and I still was like, HOLY CRAP! when McSteamy came out of that bathroom looking way too hot in a towel, saying "this is awkward."

As I'm not sure I can adequately blog about this episode, which I thought was just so amazing for so many of the characters (least of all Izzie and Bailey - I swear, I was tearing up when Bailey said, "No more muffins") - well, I'm directing you to the best post-Grey's reading out there - http://www.greyswriters.com/ - it's a blog from the Grey's writers, posted the day following the episode. Seriously, nothing I can say here isn't covered by them so check it out!

Spoiled Rotten

How much spoilage is too much? That's a lesson that I'm slowly learning. I love reading spoilers, but I only like to go to boards that don't give away *too* much - afterall, as a TV lover, I do like the experience of a twist!

However, there is a user on the ABC Lost Message Boards that seems to be an ex-member of the writing team. There are almost a thousand posts on this board - a lot of them devoted to called the user (Lost_Explained_2006) a fraud, a phony and a complete joke. I, myself, was a little skeptical, which is why I started reading in the first place... I figured that there would be no way that this guy could have any real information... HOWEVER, I started reading a page or two (and there's now more than 30 pages of posts)... and this guy is either playing a really elaborate and well-thoughtout hoax, or he's the REAL DEAL. And I am now tending to believe the latter. If you check his post dates against information released from the Lost Experience ARG, he's been right so far. Another sign that points to his expertise was that he had conflicting information with Kristen from eOnline (about in which episode Rodrigo Santoro's character would appear), and according to an ABC news release today, HE WAS RIGHT and Kristen was wrong.

If you have some time to burn, and you really, really want to risk knowing MAJOR spoilers and nit-picky details (which may or may not be true!) try reading this post. You can either read through the questions and answers that have already been posted, or post questions yourself:

http://forums.go.com/abc/primetime/lost/thread?threadID=1234998&forumStart=0

AGAIN, a warning that this is the stuff for spoiler JUNKIES, and be really careful if you go there - it's quite addictive, and seems to be really accurate. The only thing he wouldn't spoil was the big secret finale at the end of episode 6, that is supposed to change the nature of the show.

An Early Christmas Present

For you Veronica Mars fans out there, you can catch the season premiere a week early (i.e. TODAY!!) on MSN here:

http://www.tv.msn.com/tv/tvbuzz

So exciting!! The televised premiere airs next Tuesday, October 3 on the CW.

I'm Tired!

Last night was a mini tv marathon for me. I was trying to catch up on some shows I missed last week (Smith), while also catching the original episodes of my Monday favorites (Prison Break, Heroes (though it premiered last night, there really was no question as to whether this would be a favorite!) and Studio 60). Needless to say, four one-hour long shows is a lot, even for me. So you ask, what did I think of these shows? Well.....

Smith: I'm confused. Am I supposed to like any of these characters? The antihero, the always creepy Ray Liotta, did not instill much love. And Amy Smart, who I normally like, was just so violently evil... I'm not sure I could like her either. The only one I felt any good wishes towards was Joe, the guy who brought poor Sean into the gang. Seriously though, did anyone not see his death coming a while away? Big gambling debt, plus Ray Liotta going Goodfellas crazy on him in an alley - please, he was a goner from 20 minutes into the show. I am intrigued by Bobby's wife, who is (secretly?) a recovering drug addict on parole. I'm guessing Bobby knows about this. I was actually hoping that she would turn out to be an undercover cop or something. I don't know, I'll give this show another chance, but I was overall disappointed.

Prison Break: Tbag is just too creepy. I really don't want to think about what he did or didn't do to that desperate housewife before Michael busted in. The last couple of weeks have been a little slow I thought, though I am happy Sucre is back with the gang. And Mahone is great - in a completely different way (i.e. not creepy) than he was in Invasion last season. I'm loving that he's on to Michael - you know it's just a matter of time before he finds that website. Can't wait to see what Michael does to retailiate and slow the FBI guy down.

Heroes: I really loved this premiere. As someone who has never read a comic book ever, I was a little worried, based on reading some of the entertainment blogs, that this show would be too comic-fan friendly. So far, so good. My favorite character has got to be Hiro, the hilarious Japanese character who can teleport and bend time. I loved his interaction with his coworker friend, who just wanted to be the same as everyone else (nice touch with the karaoke - I always appreciate a karaoke seen in a tv show!). And Milo Ventiblahblah (let's just call him Jess, because until his name from this show sticks he'll be Jess from Gilmore Girls to me) could also be a great character - interesting that his brother is somehow tied into his power. I don't know what to make of Niki, the internet stripper/porn girl who's special power seems to involve brutally killing mob bosses. All in all, I really liked all of these characters, and could write a lot more about what I think of them (for instance, can someone please stop Claire from testing her indestructibility? I really don't need to see her mangled hand after she puts it down the garbage disposal!). For more information as to the possible link(s) between all the characters, I recommend checking out tvguide.com (the watercooler recap of last night's episode wasn't bad) and kristin's column on eonline.com.

Studio 60: Still my favorite new show. I'm loving Jordan more this week ("I raised the bar high? Sorry, clear it."). The only thing that may annoy me is the Matt-Harriet storyline, if that romance gets dragged out across seasons. But I have faith in Sorkin - this show, especially this week, feels so much like the good years of the West Wing that I may have to start watching the reruns again on Bravo!!

Monday's with M

So far we've been drawn in (Studio 60) and recoiled (6 Degrees)... what's in store for the continuation of the fall premieres??

Season Premiere Watch

Monday:
Heroes (NBC)

M says: Um, watch this!!!!

Tuesday:

Boston Legal (ABC)
Help Me Help You (ABC)
Gilmore Girls (CW)

M says: The only one that grabs my interest is GG, but I am still in the middle of Season 2 on DVD... it's just too much for me to catch up on, so I'll probably end up having to watch the whole thing. For those of you who are worried about the Palladino team leaving - don't. All critics agree that the show is in capable hands and better than ever.

Wednesday:
One Tree Hill (CW)

M Says: I don't really care.

Thursday:
Ugly Betty (ABC)
Smallville (CW)
Supernatural (CW)

M says: I am so excited for the return of Smallville. I have also been super-psyched about the series premiere of Ugly Betty. However, I now have a conflict that the TiVo isn't equipped for. My strategy: watch/TiVo Earl/Office with Smallville. Watch Ugly Betty on ABC's free online video player over the weekend HERE.

Sunday:
All of Us (CW)
Everybody Hate's Chris (CW)
Girlfriends (CW)
The Game (CW)

M says: The UPN returns in the minority spot.

M's Weekly Spotlight:

Monday: Heroes (NBC), Studio 60 (NBC)

Tuesday: Dead Like Me (SciFi), Eureka (SciFi)

Wednesday: Jericho (CBS), Project Runway (Bravo)

Thursday: Smallville (CW), Ugly Betty (ABC)

Sunday: Desparate Housewives (ABC)

Buzz

1. The Lost Experience is over! Rachel Blake is Alvar Hanso's daughter! He's being held captive by his next-in-line Thomas Mittlework! Watch Lost!

I Am An Idiot

One of the things I like best about Grey's Anatomy is the tight lid Shonda Rhimes keeps on all of the storylines. So when you do hear spoilers, you assume that Shonda and the writing team has leaked them, and there's something even better coming in the episode because there's no way they'd leak the good stuff.

Well the whole system falls apart when viewers see an episode they're not supposed to and post the spoilers, and idiots like myself read them because we have no self-restraint.

Canada "accidentally" (they're calling it a satellite feed error) aired episode 2 intead of episode 1 last week. Episode 2 was supposed to be the first episode of the season, but then ABC requested the switch because they thought it was a bit confusing, and they wanted Shonda to tell more backstory to attract even more viewers. Also, all of my favorite bloggers (e.g. Ausiello, Kristin from E!) say that episode 2 is WAY better than episode 1

As I said before, I have no self restraint. If you don't either, here's a link filled with spoilers that basically recaps the entire episode:

http://forums.go.com/abc/primetime/greysanatomy/thread?threadID=1288516&forumStart=0

Recap: Premiere Week 1

In no particular order, here's my take on the series premieres and returns from last week:

Grey's Anatomy - Oh how I missed this show. I thought Izzie was the highlight of this episode - I was more interested in watching her grieve over Denny than watching the "who will Meredith choose" bit. Come on now, if you read any of the entertainment websites at all, or even have watched a tv show in the past with the star-crossed lover thing, you know the answer to that one. But Izzie was more of a shock for me - she frustrated me endlessly with her whining at the end of last season, but I was totally loving her in this ep - she definitely had me near tears at several moments. As for the rest of the episode... The flashbacks were a good idea - I especially liked seeing Meredith & McDreamy meeting at the bar for the first time and the McDreamy & Addison fight scene. Also, though I was getting a little sick of the Meredith-McDreamy will-they-or-won't-they-be-together thing, the speech at the end of the episode when he told her to take her time, because when he had a choice to make he chose wrong - oh my god, swoon. I was dying. And poor Finn - his hat's in the ring - but he has no chance.

Studio 60 - Love this show. It's by far my favorite of the new shows so far, just as I expected. I loved the Aaron Sorkin years of the West Wing, and this show has that same feel to it. I love the fast pace, great characters (it doesn't hurt that Josh Lyman is back - my favorite from WW - yay!) and overall storyline. Amanda Peet is a great surprise - I've liked her since Jack & Jill - but I never thought she was an especially good actress. Well here, with Sorkin's dialogue to work from, I'm loving her character so far.

The Office - How hilarious is Dwight? I have nothing but great things to say about this show. If you're not watching it, WHY NOT??? It's definitely the best comedy on right now (and I say right now because Scrubs isn't back til January - but don't make me choose then!).

Desperate Housewives - Saw the premiere last night. It was better than most of the garbage they gave us last season, but I'll never love this show. Even season 1, which was clearly the golden year, I wasn't as enamored as the rest of the country. I thought Susan was surprisingly good, and even touching in her scenes with comatose Mike. The Lynette-other woman storyline is already getting on my nerves - Tom is so weak there is no way a woman as strong as Lynette should be with him. Yes, I'm a Tom-hater. I'm looking forward to when Bree's son comes back, but overall I'm not that interested in the Orson storyline.

Brothers & Sisters - I liked this show more than I thought I would. It doesn't hurt that there are a ton of cute guys to look at in this huge Alias-filled cast. Balthazar Getty's character is already more interesting than the Tom character he played on the last season of Alias. And Calista Flockhart was great. It appears to be a theme this season to have a female cast member play a Republican and for those politics to be a plot device (see Sarah Paulson's character on Studio 60) , but I'm okay with that. I'm looking forward to seeing where this show's going to go.

Prison Break - I'm really kicking myself for not watching the first season of this great show. I'll have to get the DVD and spend a weekend catching up. I've been watching since it premiered, and I have to say I see why everyone loves this show. It's well written and the kind of show where you're screaming at the end because you want more. I still can't keep track of everyone's name (which makes reading about the show difficult!), but seriously, if you're not watching this show, start!! It's really good stuff.

Vanished - I've lost interest. I'll probably watch this show in passing throughout the season, but I'm so over the story. Ooh Sara is kidnapped and has a mysterious past. Well she's gonna remain kidnapped or there's no show, and not even I can deal with a storyline that moves that slowly.

Six Degress - I haven't watched the premiere yet, but looking forward to it. I'll report back post-watching!

Looking forward to this week... Gilmore Girls finally returns with the Lauralei and Christopher debacle (though I am clearly in the minority on this one, I love those 2 together - Luke & Lauralei have zero chemistry and I'm sick of watching their awkward scenes!!) ... Heroes premiers tonight - can't wait! ... and Ugly Betty premieres on Thursday - I'm really hoping this show lives up to the hype.

And don't think I've forgotten about Veronica Mars - that doesn't premiere until October 3, but I can't wait!!

Midweek with M

Holy Smokes, Scooby... lots has happened, and a cool Lost Update!

Monday
Watched Studio 60 on NBC (10pm)... Wow these guys can talk FAST! It makes Gilmore Girls seem like a snail paced show. however, I thought it was the best Pilot I've seen so far (including topping my fave pilot so far, Heroes). The only other one I think that might be better may be The Nine (ABC, premiers Oct 4, 10pm), so I'm keeping an open mind. Basically Chandler... um, I mean, Matt Ablie and Danny Tripp(Bradley Whitford) are doing the buddy cop thing, but in a Network TV environment... and boy do they do it well - there haven't been best buddies like this since Kate & Allie. Then there's Wings' Steve Weber being evil Studio exec, who's very.. um, evil. And finally Amanda Peet plays Jordan Something, who does a great job except for that weird looks she makes at the end of every scene... like SNL, I think the weekly guest will always add some amusement (good work for week 1 Felicity Huffman!) Definitely catch this one, but you might need some coffee to keep up.

HIMYM came back with a great episode... except lovey-dovey Robin & Ted may get annoying real soon. NPH was exceptionally awesome: "When I get sad, I stop being sad, and start being awesome. True story." How I missed you, Mother!

The Class had it's official series premiere. If you watched it and more importantly liked it, leave this website right now. I mean IMMEDIATELY: you have a terrible sense of humor and you're just not welcome here.

Tuesday
Tried watching much anticipated Smith, however, I was incredibly lost by about minute 3. I did turn it off, but didn't delete it from my TiVo. You know my rule - give an iffy pilot three episodes before you decide whether to watch it or not. Will let you know how it goes next week

Wednesday
Watched the premiere of Jericho - great stuff. I knew I would like it! It is very dark and depressing... reminds me of 1994, when I would tune into MSCL just to have a good cry (what happened to you, Claire Danes?) Basically, the pilot set up the series, so it the acting and scearios weren't A+ work, however, the premise really got to me, especially in this day and age. PS: Did you catch the accent of the president on the television. Bravo.

I also watched the tail end of Spanglish, one of my all time fave movies. If you haven't see Adam Sandler in this star-crossed lovers tear-jerker, add it to your queue immediately!!!

Tonight (Thursday)
Finally, the resolution of the Jim/Pam stolen kiss!!! Too bad the NYTimes already ruined it for unassuming readers... but it's still going to be great. Earl also comes back tonight... I'm a little concerned because the producers said that they want to take less focus from the list, which is the whole premise of the show!! Let's see how it goes.

And finally, what every girl has been waiting for all summer (with the exception of me, I guess), the return of Grey's Anatomy. If it isn't already obvious who's going to choose who, then that's your fault, and I won't spoil it. However, if you watch tonight, you'll find that 3 people are in bed with people they're not supposed to be... interesting. I'll be attending one of the millions of Grey's parties tonight at my sister's apartment.

Buzz
Finally, the much anticipated conclusion of The Lost Experience!!!! We now know the background of the Hanso Foundation, and what DHARMA stands for. We know the origin of the numbers, and perhaps the purpose and location of the island... but now, the game is coming to exciting conclusion with a DJ Dan Podcast on September 24th.

To catch up, visit: http://www.Lostpedia.com
To hear the conclusion: http://djdan.am/podcast.html

The Daily Show Reminder

As a part of their Indecision 2006 coverage, Bill Clinton will be on The Daily Show tonight (Comedy Central, 11pm EST.)

Mondays with M

Looks like the premiers are really getting underway this week... but the best ones are being saved for October (i.e. Lost & Battlestar)

Season Premiere Watch

Monday:
CSI: Miami (CBS)
How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
The Class (CBS)
The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS)
Two And A Half Men (CBS)

M Says: CBS has a comedy in HIMYM, but Christine and Men don't seem worth time. The Class is pretty bad (not as bad as 'Til Death) and one of the leading characters sounds as if she has a speech impediment.

Tuesday:
NCIS (CBS)
Smith (CBS)
The Unit (CBS)
Law & Order CI (NBC)
Law & Order SVU (NBC)

M Says: I'm pretty excited about Smith, as I love crime capers and I love Ray Liotta. I gave up on the Unit, but still think it was a pretty good show, but definitely aimed more at the CSI/L&O crowd.

Wednesday:
Criminal Minds (CBS)
CSI: NY (CBS)
Jericho (CBS)
America's Next Top Model (CW)
Kidnapped (NBC)

M Says: I have a good feeling about Jericho, one of CBS' only serialized dramas. I've been watching Vanished on Fox, but I'm told of the two similarly themed shows, Kidnapped is better, so I'm giving it a try. That is if T can watch either Laguna Beach or Inside the NFL at a different time slot.

Thursday:
Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Six Degrees (ABC)
CSI (CBS)
Shark (CBS)
ER (NBC)
My Name Is Earl (NBC)
The Office (NBC)

M Says: I know, I know, Grey's Anatomy starts! While I've never really gotten into this show, I keep up, and recognize why it does so well among females. I'm way more excited for the resolution to the Jim/Pam kiss on The Office.

Friday:
Close To Home (CBS)
Ghost Whisperer (CBS)
Numb3rs (CBS)
Law & Order (NBC)

M Says: Fridays are useless to me until Battlestar starts.

Sunday:
Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
Desperate Housewives (ABC)

M Says: Finally, the much-talked about Brothers & Sisters starts - let's see if the cast changes, script re-writes and new production managers were worth it! Also, I'm really anticipating DH's return; for some reason, I have faith that this show is going to bounce back from the terrible second season, and give us back what made us fall in love with Wisteria Lane to begin with!

M's Weekly Spotlights

Monday: Studio 60 (NBC), HIMYM (CBS)
Tuesday: Smith (CBS) , Dead Like Me (SciFi) & Eureka (SciFi)
Wednesday: Jericho (CBS), Kidnapped (NBC), Project Runway (Bravo)
Thursday: Earl (NBC), The Office (NBC)
Sunday: Desperate Housewives (ABC), Brothers & Sisters (ABC)

Buzz

1. The Lost Experience
What the hell is going on, you ask? Well, we finally found 100% of the Apollo bars on www.whereisalvar.com... I'm sure we'll get something good during the DJ Dan podcast on Sunday. Check back next monday for a summary.

2. It's Not Just TV Anymore
The networks announced they are finally going to embrace showing their programs on the internet. Go to the various network pages to see how you can catch shows, even if you don't have TiVo.

Closing Thoughts
TV is finally starting again! Although summer wasn't as grim as it normally was, I'm so excited about this upcoming season. Stay tuned, post your comments, and enjoy!

Will is engaged!

Hi everyone! I know it's been a while, but it's been a crazy summer. And despite finding some good shows on this summer (Psych, So You Think You Can Dance), there wasn't much "news" to report on!! But I just read on E! that Will - aka Bradley Cooper to you non-Alias fans (what's wrong with you??!) - just got engaged to Jennifer Esposito. I thought this was worth mentioning :)

Read all about it here: http://www.eonline.com/Insider/Boards/ann.jspa?annID=664

I'll be back soon to give you my take on the upcoming fall season... and my opinion on the shows I'm already addicted to (Prison Break - why oh why did I not watch this last season!!) and ones I watch but could do without (Vanished - it's only a matter of time before I stop watching this on DVR).

Lost Numbers...

... are the key numerical factors of the Valenzetti equation. By changing any of these factors, we can save humanity!!!

Totally confused? Check out the "Sri Lanka Video" at lostpedia.com.

So now, I TOTALLY understand what's going on... umm, yeah.

Here At Last!

The fall tv season is starting, slowly but surely! And I'm going to start blogging more regularly again, so keep tuning in!

Season Premiere Watch
Nothing too exciting, but in case you care...
Tuesday: Dancing With the Stars (ABC)
Thursday: Survivor: Cook Island (CBS)

Last night Fox started the season for The Simpsons, Family Guy, American Dad and The War at Home. (Why won't they just kill that last one? See Buzz section for more on that...)

M's Weekly Spotlights:
Monday: Vanished (Fox)
Tuesday: Dead Like Me Re-runs (SciFi), Eureka (SciFi)
Wednesday: Project Runway (Bravo)
Thursday: Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
Sunday: The Simpsons, Family Guy (Fox)

Buzz:
Looking for a more active way to watch TV (by, you know, not really having to move too much)? Try these two websites:

1. www.fantasyteevee.com
This website allows you to play characters and "quirks" against up to 5 of your friends, as a throwback to fantasy sports leagues. Points awarded for screen time, name use, drinking, cursing... etc. After the "draft", you only have to align your players once a week and watch the points roll in... not too much energy!

2. http://www.brilliantbutcancelled.com/deathwatch/
The deathwatch is a contest to see which shows are getting axed. Each week that you guess correctly enters you into a drawing for an iPod. The list only include new shows for the season, so I don't get to vote for The War at Home every week. Only one click a week for a chance to win a prize AND vote against bad TV? I'm in!

Closing Thoughts
To sum it up, I'll leave you with this profound quote:
"Before TV, there were two world wars, after TV, there were none." - An ABC billboard I saw about 6 years ago driving to Philadelphia