Judging You

Plan of Attack

2008-01-02T13:08:00.000-05:00

Alright people, it's the second day of the new year, and the Writer's Strike doesn't seem to be ending any time soon, so we need to come up with a plan of attack:

Returning Shows:
In January, Lost comes back, and in March, BSG comes back. And USA has 8 original episodes of Psych left that they will be showing throughout Jan and Feb for a mini-season. Also, Project Runway is continuing its new shows, and Top Chef returns sometime in the spring.

New Shows:
Not a lot to pick from... there are 2 sex and the city knock-offs coming up: Cashmere Mafia and Lipstick Jungle. Neither of them look great. And a whole lot of reality, which I refuse, even during this period of drought.

What Do I Do Now?
Watch TV Show's on DVD of course! There are a few shows that people always talk about, and you never watch - well here's your opportunity! And lucky you, I'm going to tell you exactly what to watch:

Battlestar Galactica (I know most of you don't watch, so start right now!)
Mad Men: AMC's original program from the summer made every major critic's top 5 list. This show is simply amazing, and you definitely need to watch it.
Dexter: This is the top of my DVD list... if everyone else says its good, it must be.
Greek: (You can watch the whole season for free on ABCFamily.com)... this show is not for everyone, but if you liked Season 1 of the OC and Gossip Girl, then you will love this show.

Good luck!

Returning - January 2008

2007-12-16T17:35:00.001-05:00

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

This Gave Me a Headache

2007-05-07T17:43:00.000-04:00

And the winner for the stupidest thing I've heard all week (and it's only Monday, but I have a feeling it will still be the winner on Friday)....

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/cbs_to_release_own_version_of_nbcs

Mondays with M

2007-04-09T10:59:00.000-04:00

I'm here for my now quarterly update on what's going on with TV!

Last Week's Leftovers
Well, we're still dealing with a lot of re-runs, and I'm feeling a large hole in my television watching schedule now that BSG has had their (amazing!) finale, but there were still some good television to be watched last week!

Lost bounced back from the really bad Nicki/Paulo episode to have a great Kate flashback. I loved how in the past, she *almost* found out Sawyer's name from Cassidy. And from Kate's flashback, we now know that Cassidy wasn't conning Sawyer about Clemintine, but she was indeed pregnant. Apparently, we're going to get a big reveal in every episode from now until the end of the season. I'm really looking forward to this week's episode, where Juliet comes to the Survivor's camp and tries to fit in. I'm still not fully convinced she isn't spying on behalf of the Others, but since this week is a Juliet-centric episode, we may get some answers.

Entourage is back! Last night's mid-season premier was awesome - as I was remarking to T, I wish this was a full hour show. Watching Entourage is like eating 1 potato chip, when really I'd like to snarf down the whole bag. If I had the patience to wait (which I certainly don't!) I would love to just wait for the DVD and watch them all back-to-back. Is Ari serious with Medellan? (No clue how to spell that!) Although, I do like the new agent. And maybe since Turtle's music-management career didn't work out, he may have a knack for party planning? All-in-all a great episode to start the new batch with, especially the typical twist in the last 20 seconds.

I'd also like to insert a quick line on NBC's Thursday night comedies. This past week, The Office, Scrubs and 30 Rock all got extended episodes. The Office killed as usual, and I wish they were all extended episodes. 30 Rock was okay, not on par with it's best episodes, but still better than traditional sit-coms (and any show that says eating hot dogs is special-occasion worthy ranks high in my book!) Scrubs, however, was super-disappointing. Nothing against Nurse Roberts, but I Scrubs walks a fine line between funny and sappy, and this week it fell of the wire into tappioca pudding sappy. I was annoyed by the episode's end, and didn't even care that Nurse Roberts died. Hopefully, this little arc is now tied up and we can move on to funnier Scrubs episodes again.

M's Weekly Spotlight

Monday: How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 8pm) returns to night with an episode on Lily & Marshall's bachelor/ette parties. How can it not be funny? Also, tune in for The Riches (FX, 10pm) - although I've never really liked Minnie Driver, I am beginning to really like this show, about a family of con artists stealing the American Dream.

Tuesday: Tuesday sucks, there's nothing on until Veronica Mars returns on May 1.

Wednesday: Lost (ABC, 10pm) has a Juliet-centric episode that is not to be missed!

Thursday: Stick to NBC for it's comedies (Earl at 8, The Office at 8:30, 30 Rock at 9), although looks like Scrubs won't be showing, with Andy Richter playing instead at 9:30 (that's fine by me!)

Friay: Painkiller Jane premiers on Friday at SciFi at 10pm. Looks like this is a blend of Alias, Dark Angel and Heroes, so why wouldn't you watch it?

Sunday: Drive premiers on Sunday on Fox at 8pm. Thank god it's from 8-9, because it may not have gained any traction at the 9pm spot competeing with Desperate Housewives and the Sopranos, or at 10, competing with Brothers and Sisters and Entourage (speaking of which , don't forget to tune in to Entourage, HBO/10pm!)

Buzz

1. Pilots - The Fall 07 pilot season is shaping up now, to prepare for upfronts in about a month or so. Check out all the usual sites to see what's coming up. Nothing has grabbed my eyes like Heroes did at this time last year, but I haven't been keeping as close a watch. Stay tuned for more.

That's it for now! Check back next week for a 50/50 chance of an all new installment of Mondays with M!

My Wife M is a Genius. My Wife M is a Moron

2007-02-14T14:49:00.001-05:00

Folks, this is why someone like M is so frustrating. Her post on Anthony Bourdain and the Food Network is nothing short of brilliant (well, the link is, not the actual post, but M deserves mad props for discovering it). That is the best thing I've read on the internet in the past two weeks. Anthony Bourdain pwns.

On the other hand, the BSG post is filled with so much crazy I can hardly stand it. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should any show ever take a stand on "womens' rights, election tampering, closed war-trials" and nobody should ever watch a show and venture an opinion about it. A make believe TV show has nothing to with those issues, and yet it prompts all sorts of smoke-house sophistry from people that are not smart enough to debate those issues (not M of course, but others). It's like those people who watch 24 and then argue that torture is necessary because Jack Bauer does it and it works. How stupid can you possibly be?

Those 2 posts sum up my life more completely than I can write in words. My wife is a genius. My wife is a moron (but oh so pretty) .

Happy Valentine's Day!

What If They Just Let It Air?

2007-02-14T13:08:00.000-05:00

Happy Lost Day!! (Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day too...)

Tonight is the second of 16 straight episodes, and again, the producers are promising to blow your mind - the 10 word clue they gave on EW.com was: "Riddle me this - when is a flashback not a flashback?" Hmm... I believe the answer is when the previous episode has a million allusions to time travel theory! Can't wait until tonight to find out exactly what it means!

And on another note, does anyone remember Daybreak, the mini-series/show that ABC was planning to air for the 13 straight weeks that Lost was going to be off air? A show that promised an answer to the mystery? A show that was cancelled 4 weeks into the mystery? A show that ABC then promised to air online? A show that just disappeared? Well... ABC is finally living up to... uh, something. Just checked out the ABC online video player and found that 11 of the 13 episodes are up to finish watching online! (And I believe the goal is to put up all 13!) Not many of you watched this show (obviously, since it was pulled off the air after 4 weeks), but for those of us who did (guilty as charged) we can get all the answers we want online (except for the teeny-tiny mystery as to why Taye Diggs is reliving the same day over and over and over....) ENJOY!

Religion or Racism?

2007-02-13T13:14:00.000-05:00

Got around to watching Sunday night's Battlestar Galactica... I love this show for the evolving plot and character development, but what always gets me is their take on "the issues". In the past we've dealt with genocide, womens' rights, election tampering, closed war-trials... and the writers/producers have always done a great job on making us examine the issue in context. It is so easy to stand by our opinons on the hot topics, but BSG helps us view things from a completely different side (don't worry though, I have not changed my mind on any of the aforementioned issues - but I might reconsider some of my stances should the apocolypse arrive and only several thousand humans survived.)

This week's episode dealth with religious bigotry (or was it racism?) I'm not sure - depends how the humans from the 12 planets view themselves. Are Capricans, Taurons, Sageterons... etc considered different races? Different nationalities? Or do they just have different cultures? Or religious sects? (i.e. Christian Scientist vs. Catholics?) Anyway, that's beside that point. Apparently evil Dr. Roberts was poisoning the Sageterons because they didn't "deserve" the medicine they needed, (if they asked for it, that is.) And he had been doing this since New Caprica, and likely before that, if he had a chance. Well, the show examined two viewpoints: On one hand - doctors should not be killing patients - I'm sure the hippocratic oath still stands in the world of BSG. On the other hand - the audience was asked if it was fair to use limited medical supplies on people who don't use it until the very end (and perhaps didn't need to waste the limited medication if they had just popped an aspirin early on in their illness?) Ponder that for awhile!

This episode was pretty much a standalone - not really advancing any plot unless you count the dialougue between Rosslyn and Varick on Baltar's trial. But I didn't mind the Helo episode - he's pretty good looking, and how can a girl resist a rebel? I still desperately want to understand the meaning behind Kara's prophetic graffiti. Well, next week promises to deliver - and even if not in ongoing plot, I doubt I'll be disappointed.

Anthony Bordain is An Asshole (But Makes a Whole 'Lotta Sense)

2007-02-13T13:08:00.000-05:00

Okay, who amoung us hasn't spent a day hypnotized by the Food Network? I regulary tune in to Alton Brown's Good Eats, or watch a good food match on Iron Chef America. It's fun to watch good food being cooked (almost as good as eating it.)

Well, rebel-chef-turned-author Anthony Bordain has a lot to say about the chefs on the network. In his eyes, Batali is king and Rachael Ray should die a horrible death. Although I'll definitely keep watching the FN shows, it will never be the same after this article... click HERE to read this mean (but on point) criticism of one of the best "there's nothing else on so might as well watch this" channels. Highlights include: a breakdown of each of the main FN chefs and awesome potential matches for Iron Chef America (including a cage match I would pay good money to see!)

Mondays with M

2007-02-12T10:29:00.000-05:00

Last Week's Leftovers

How good was Lost last week? It had everything a girl could want - and Juliet and Ben are officially my favorite characters on the show now. Also, did you catch the anagram? The company that was trying to recruit Juliet in her flashback was "Mittelos Bioscience" - Mittelos rearranges is "Lost Time"; the producers have hinted before that there might be quirkiness with time on the island, and this just contributes to that theory. Fanatics (the real Lost loonies, people who are way more obessessed than me!) also found another backwards message embedded in the epsiode which supports the weird island-time theory: apparently if you play the brainwashing video that Karl was watching backwards, you hear the message "Only fools are enslaved by time and space." Interesting... Also - what exactly did Ben say to Juliet during his surgury? I know she claimed that he told her he would let her go home, but do we believe her? We should know better at this point! Finally, does Juliet's fertility expertise have anything to do with the Others' interest in kids and pregnant people (i.e. the whole Claire kidnapping thing?) Does this mean that Sun is in trouble soon?

Oh, and I meant to write about last night's Battlestar today, but I was so tired that I didn't get to watch... keep an eye out later this week for a re-hash.

M's Weekly Spotlight

Monday: Heroes (NBC, 9pm) wins again for Mondays. "Someone flies and someone dies" is the new tagline. Speaking of taglines, I could really do without them, and I don't know who at NBC thought it was a good idea, but if it keeps viewers coming, and guarentees more seasons, I guess its tolerable! (Dis-honorable mention goes to 24, Fox, 9pm... I am already over the whole Jack's family is terrible story-line. Boo-hoo for Jack.)

Tuesday: Tuesdays are easy for me: Veronica Mars (CW, 9pm) is the only show I watch this night!

Wednesday: After last week's episode, of course the highlight for Wed's are Lost (ABC, 10pm). This week it's Desmond-centric, and we getter a better glimpse into his psychic abilities.

Thursday: The OC! (Fox, 9pm) With two episodes left, we have to see what happens with Kirsten's pregnancy, Ryan's love confession to Taylor, and of course, the aftermath of last week's Earthquake! (Honorable Mention goes to The Office, NBC, 9pm, which I seriously can't get enough of!)

Friday: Las Vegas (NBC, 10pm) because the gang deals with a polygamist and everyone is just so darn good looking!

Sunday: My beloved Battlestar (SciFi, 10pm) will always win this spot for me.

Buzz

The Aqua Teen Hunger Force saga continues... the head of Cartoon Network (Jim Samples) resigned last week due to the whole Boston "terrorism-threat" of the CN/ATHF guerilla marketing campaign. Talk about your most overrated media-craziness of the month! This makes me a little annoyed, because I think the Cartoon Network is great, and a lot of that is attributed to Samples' running of things... hopefully the programming won't go through a creative down-surge due to all this nonsense. Not that I like or watch ATHF, it's just the principle of it!

GREAT NEWS on one of my favorite failed sit-coms, Kitchen Confidential! All 13 episodes (both the 4 aired and the 9 unaired) will be released on DVD on May 22nd. The cancellation of this funny show still makes me so mad, (while they renewed that god-awful Michael Rappaport show which was just salt in the wound.) Anyway, at least we get to see how the rest of the season played out.

And finally, some bad news for all you Studio 60 fans... looks like NBC will be putting it on hiatus during sweeps, and filling it instead with a new mid-season show, The Black Donnellys, a show about an Irish-American family gang. Unlike 30 Rock, which is also going on hiatus but has a scheduled return, Studio 60's future is looking grim, although NBC did promise to air the remaining episodes (um, just like they did for Kidnapped?) I'm not feeling optimistic about the whole thing.

Happy Monday everyone - at least this week leads us to a well-deserved long weekend!

Lost Sucks

2007-02-07T17:14:00.001-05:00

Seriously.

That is all.

Lost Returns Tonight

2007-02-07T13:56:00.000-05:00

Can I just say - I am EXCITED! I can't help it, I love Lost just so much! Action, adventure, mystery, romance (with a little bit of a sci-fi spin) - this show is built for people like me. In honor of its return tonight, here are a few fun Lost links to browse through (to make the count down to 10pm a little easier!)

4. Doc Jenson is back to writing Lost on EW.com; click HERE check out this interview with the producers on some of the major questions plaguing the show.

3. Think you know Lost? Well trust me, you don't! Click HERE to assess your Lost trivia on the Hardest Lost Quiz Ever!!

2. Do you see yourself in a certain character? Click HERE to take a quiz to see who YOU'D be if you were on Lost!

1. Can't wait until tonight? Need to know every detail the episode RIGHT NOW?? Then click HERE for a detailed description of Episode 3.7: "Not In Portland".

Enjoy!

He Sounded Famous

2007-02-06T13:12:00.000-05:00

So 24... hmm... what to say? As we were watching last night, I did note to T that if Daddy Bauer asked for a few minutes just to kill himself, that would be the most cliched cliffhanger ever. To 24's credit, Daddy Bauer didn't kill himself - he killed his son, and Jack's brother, Graem. Even though it twisted, I still found myself bored and unimpressed. I just don't get it. So, since I started watching (I've only watched Seasons 1, 4, 5 and now 6), I tend to ask people: "What else has Kiefer Sutherland done?" From the beginning, it always sounded like he was this huge name - but what exactly earned him this fame? Well, I did some research on good ol' IMDB, and this is what I found (omitting any kind of 24 reference, including the movie The Sentinel, which who are we kidding if we think it's anything but the 24 movie in disguise):

Credits from Things I've Heard Of:

L.A. Confidential (2003) (TV) .... Det. Jack Vincennes
A Time to Kill (1996) .... Freddie Lee Cobb
The Three Musketeers (1993) .... Athos
A Few Good Men (1992) .... Lt. Jonathan Kendrick
The Lost Boys (1987) .... David
Stand by Me (1986) .... Ace Merrill

Credits from Things That Are Just Plain Funny:

Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight (2007) .... Raistlin Majere
The Land Before Time X: The Great Longneck Migration (2003) .... Bron
Cowboy Up (2001) .... Hank Braxton
Armitage III: Poly Matrix (1997) .... Ross Sylibus
Duke of Groove (1996) (TV) .... The Host
The Bay Boy (1984) .... Donald Campbell
Max Dugan Returns (1983) .... Bill

The Land Before Time 10??? This is just a small selection from a list of over 70 credits. Click HERE to check out the full list if you care.

Mondays With M

2007-02-05T12:27:00.000-05:00

Welcome back to Mondays with M! Lots to talk about for the upcoming week...

Last Week's Leftovers

We have entered the first sweeps session for 2007! Since I just started blogging again late last week, there's not much left to talk about. The weekend was pretty much taken over by Superbowl events... the game itself was okay, the best commericial for me was a three-way tie between K-Fed's self-mocking, the dalmation-wannabe and the first Bud commercial with the rock, paper, scissors (I can't help it, I'm a sucker for throwing things at people!) Also tuned in for the beginning and end of the My Boys marathon on TBS - it really can't be said enough: what a terrific show. I love the last scene of the season finale - although, I have a feeling that the PJ/Brando relationship will be similar to the ups and downs of Ross & Rachel. The only downer for the night is that we didn't get a fresh Battlestar, meaning it will be two weeks to see the repercussions of the discovery of Kara's prophetic apartment art.

M's Weekly Spotlights

Monday: Heroes (NBC, 9pm) because we get to see Hiro interact with his Dad and Claire interact with her "real" mom. (Honorable Mention: Studio 60, NBC, 10pm, because the three-parter Harriet Dinner finally wraps up!)

Tuesday: Veronica Mars (CW, 9pm) because we get to see LoVe break-up AGAIN, this time for valid reasons (vile Madison!)

Wednesday: Lost (ABC, 10pm - note the new time!) because we finally start the real season, beginning with an amazing Juliet-centric episode! If you need a catch-up, don't forget to tune in an hour early at 9pm for a refresher on what's happened so far!

Thursday: OC (Fox, 9pm) because there are only three episodes left, and this may be the best season ever on the OC (getting rid of Marissa may have been the best decision ever!)... and also, we finally get to witness an earthquake in California! (Honorable Mention: Ugly Betty, ABC, 8pm, for the Alex(is)/Daniel relationship alone!)

Friday: Psych (USA, 10pm) because Shawn and Gus make a mystery/crime show bearable again (down with CSI!)

Sunday: Battlestar Galactica (Sci Fi, 10pm) because Baltar is finally put on trial for crimes against humanity - don't you want to see him fry???? (Honorable Mention: Desperate Housewives, ABC, 9pm, because Ian's wife finally dies!)

Buzz

In case you're the last person on Earth to have not heard this, Ed Helms got made into a series regular on The Office, which is quite exciting - who knew Dwight couldn't be the MOST irritating person on television? Although, the interesting part is that Rashida Jones (Karen) did NOT get announced as a regular... good things in store for Jim & Pam? Maybe not... Roy is playing his A game this season, and somehow got hot over the summer!

Also, in case you're one of those five people in America that doesn't watch 24, Heroes, (or in my case both), David Spade's new comedy Rules of Engagement starts this week on CBS, Mondays at 9:30. I might have tuned in if it wasn't up against good television. Also, isn't it the same premise as 'Til Death (of which, admittedly, I have only watched one episode, after which I vomitted and stay the hell away from?) New couple is all cute 'n' cuddly, old couple is jaded and sarcastic - humor ensues? I don't think so.

My TiVo Is Just Plain Mean... Or Does It Know Best?

2007-02-02T09:50:00.000-05:00

So, as many of you out there in TiVo-world know, the Season Pass functionality has been acting up for quite a few of us, starting as early as mid-December. Nobody noticed because this programming blip occurred during a time where there was no TV to watch, so we didn't realized that things weren't being taped. HOWEVER, this problem was supposedly fixed in mid-January... although I still didn't trust it for the first few weeks, making sure that all my week's programs were scheduled to be recorded every Sunday night. However, just as I regained faith in my TiVo, the problem came back, and My Name is Earl didn't record last night.

Which gets us to the real problem: I don't care. Earl, it turns out, is not as funny as we thought it was. Especially when it's kicking off a night that includes The Office, Scrubs & 30 Rock. The only reason that Earl was funny last season, was because of all the comedies offered to us viewers, it floated to the top. But the best of mediocraty, it still medicore at best. I say get rid of Earl and fill it with something that deserves to be with the rest of the NBC thursday night comedy line up. (If only Arrested Development could come back.... dare to dream!)

In the mean time - TiVo... I've got my eye on you.

Random (and Time-Consuming) Online Resources

2007-02-01T13:19:00.000-05:00

Lost
Lost is finally returning for the "real season" next Wednesday (don't forget to note the new time slot at 10pm... damn you American Idol!) If you are super, super into spoilers, you should really check out this site:

http://spoilerslost.blogspot.com

It is hands down the best collection of Lost spoilers on the web - beware though! This has much more than just vague screen caps and casting notices - they have detailed episode descriptions. The nice thing, is that they also have a "Rumors" section, so they don't post to this particular site unless the rumors are confirmed. If you want just the rumors, then go to:

http://lostrumours.blogspot.com

Heroes
One of the cool things about Heroes is the online graphic novels. Do these qualify as "spoilers"? I don't think so, I think they're just online enhancements to the show. For example, the novels already give us some detailed background on an upcoming "new" Hero named Hana Giltman (aka Wireless). Novels can be found at:

http://www.nbc.com/Heroes/novels/

Also, there is a great "un-official" fan site (even though the official NBC site links to it) with great interviews, forums and cast news. If you haven't been already, go to:

http://www.9thwonders.com

The Office
Did you know that you can see longer, "director's-cut" episodes of The Office on NBC.com? Apparently, they are having a tough time with editing to their allotted 22 minutes, so they post what they consider the full episode online after the episode airs. There are some great scenes from the recent Oscar returns epidode. Use the new links on the right hand side of the page to link to The Office website to catch these gems. (Or wait for them on DVD - apparently, the DVD will be all director's-cut episodes, not the shorter versions which air weekly.)

That's it for now - enjoy!!

Wolverine Gets My Pity Vote

2007-02-01T10:39:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! (And no, February is not too late to say it.) What have I been up to lately? Read on to find out!

Battlestar Galactica
Wow... I don't understand how anyone wouldn't want to watch this show... is Kara a cylon? Or just a prophet? Who did D'Anna see in the final 5? Will Starbuck and Apollo ever get together? Who's going to be killed off (and removed from the credits!) in the final few episodes?? This is the most thought-provoking show I think I have ever watched.

Top Chef
You know, I really did hate Marcel all season long on Top Chef, but last night, I actually found myself rooting for him. Ilan just turned out to be so... sniveling. I mean, really, Sam should have taken it all, but in the context of the final two, I was hoping Marcel would rub everyone's face in their childish antics. Seeing Betty again almost gave me seizures though.

Ugly Betty
This show just keeps getting better and better! Alex...is Meade (Rebecca Romijn) is coming back from the dead to take over Meade publications! I read in an article somewhere that the downfall of the Ugly Betties in other countries was when Betty got a makeover and then fell inlove with her boss. I thought last week's episode was a great tribute to that NOT happening... they clearly had night of friendship and comraderie, and I'm glad the team is back together... and it's just a bonus that Amanda has decided to turn to the dark side!

Heroes
Still loving this show, but I would have to say, that it's definitely not at the same level of committment for me as Lost or Battlestar. I love every minute I watch of it, but I never feel the obsession. That being said - it's kind of nice to feel that way! They actually answer questions, but still keep the feel of the overarching mystery. There's payoff in almost every episode, which is satisfying. This is still one of my favorite things to watch every week.

24
Jack is back from China. Curtis is dead. Chloe is... being fought over by two guys? 24 for me is almost like working... I have to watch, because everyone else is watching, and I guess it was a big thing for them to explode the nuke in Valencia, or to reveal that Bluetooth guy is really Jack's brother.... but I'm just a little bit... tired.

Psych
Psych is back on USA, Friday nights! It's as funny as ever - it's super easy to just drop in and enjoy, so don't worry about having never seen an episode - they are all light-hearted and fun to watch on a whim.

Shows I Still Refuse To Watch: American Idol, Deal or No Deal, anything with CSI in the title.

My Boys

2006-12-06T11:02:00.000-05:00

As M mentioned in her post below, TBS's new comedy My Boys is seriously funny. It's actually good- unlike most other comedies on tv right now (with the exception of The Office, Scrubs, HIMYM, Earl.... yup, I think I got them all). If you're not watching this yet, search for the show- 4 episodes have aired so far- I'm sure TBS is running them pretty much all the time during the week.

I'm just loving everything about this show so far. The conversations don't seem forced- in fact, the "hook up" conversation from last night's ep is one I've actually had- and the chemistry between the characters is great. I'm loving the PJ-Bobby relationship- even though I think PJ will ultimately end up with best friend/roommate Brendan- and I'm sure the introduction of the grown up new guy last night will make next week's episodes hilarious.

I do have to throw in this warning for guys- as I was laughing out loud during last night's episodes (TBS is airing 2 new eps each Tuesday night), my fiance walked in the room, listened for a couple of minutes, then said, "Your show is stupid. This is like what girls think guys sit around and talk about." Really, I think he just found fault with the voiceover- the metaphors can be a bit much by the end of the episode, but it's no different than the Carrie voiceovers from Sex and the City.

So bottom line- watch this show. It's really funny and just a simple, straightforward comedy. And let's be honest, what else are you watching on Tuesday nights at 10pm?

Two Minute Recap

2006-11-30T18:06:00.000-05:00

Where have I been, you ask? Dying a slow death by going through the b-school application process. But here's a two minute recap of Fall 06 TV, just as it's wrapping up for the year:

Sundays: DH is better than ever, that was a great creepy ending last week with Lynette, and I actually like Bree's psychotic husband this season. B&S started off slow for me, but now I love it, especially since we've ditched the where's the money story line for the where's rachel one.

Mondays: Possibly my favorite night of TV... HIMYM is funnier than ever (I think I busted a gut over the Swarley episode.) Then my 2 new fave shows Heroes and Studio 60 back to back make it a great night. They are both amazing and I'm so glad that NBC had the faith to pick up Studio 60. Don't watch the new show on TBS, 10 Items or Less... not funny.

Tuesdays: Dropped Jericho and FNL because although I wanted to like it, it turns out I didn't. Smith was rightfully cancelled... so we're just left with our beloved Veronica Mars (which marks the first time in history I've LOVED a new intro song.) Oh, and also TBS' other original comedy My Boys started this past week - catch a repeat if you haven't seen it - I love it.

Wednesdays: Lost's the mini-season didn't answer bubkiss, so I guess we'll have to wait until Feb. Although I love Juliet and Ben as the Others. Enjoying Daybreak, and what makes it great is knowing that it wraps up in 13 weeks. Top Chef is good, but there is no clear M fave like Harold from last year. I was liking the Nine, but I guess it's cancelled so oh well.

Thursdays: By far the busiest night of the week!!! NBC has an awesome new line up starting this week: Earl, Office, Scrubs, 30 Rock (and yes I like 30 Rock.) Then there's my other new fave show, Ugly Betty - this show is awesome and I love Betty (especially now that I share her orhtodontic pain somewhat.) Then we have perrenial fave Smallville. I've been watching Grey's Anatomy, but mostly because I'm a girl and I feel like a social outcast if I don't. And The OC is back and amazing!! I'm glad they killed off Marissa because the show is better for it.

Fridays: Las Vegas is rocking Fridays, and I'm happy to TiVo and watch on Saturday mornings. Also, can BSG get ANY better?? Its such an amazing show, I can't believe more people don't watch!! Vanished was banished here for awhile, but I believe you now have to watch the final few eps on a MySpace page or something. I'll get around to it on the holidays, or maybe on netflix.

THERE - are you happy now K?????

Studio 60 Cancelled?

2006-10-30T13:12:00.000-05:00

People, you need to start watching Studio 60. I am not kidding. I'm seeing reports that its cancellation may be any day now. THIS IS NOT GOOD!!! It's not on tonight (FNL is taking over its spot), but tune in next Monday @ 10pm!

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,226092,00.html

Bored at Work?

2006-10-27T11:33:00.000-04:00

Then check out this site, which lists some of the best tv-related websites around...

http://newhouse.syr.edu/research/POPTV/relatedresources.htm

And So It Begins...

2006-10-18T16:04:00.000-04:00

I was seriously mad at Veronica Mars last night. Yeah, we get it. Veronica and Logan aren't going to make it. They're going to break up and Piz is going to win over V. But really, I can't handle watching those two fight. I get that they're not meant to be together right now (I refuse to accept that they're not meant to be together ever) - and Kristin Bell can't seem to stop talking about how she would never date a guy like Logan (see http://www.ew.com/ew/report/0,6115,1546673_3_0_,00.html). But here's the thing: I love them together, you love them together, everyone wants them to stay together. It's frustrating watching their relationship unfold when we've seen so little. Think about it - there was two, maybe three episodes in the first season when they first got together. Then a couple more last season (including that faux-prom episode in Logan's hotel room when he drunkenly confessed his love... best. moment. ever. between those two). But that's it. I'm just hoping that we'll get to see a little more love between V&L before RT splits them up....again.

Random Thoughts

2006-10-16T10:01:00.000-04:00

Ok, we're a few weeks into the fall season now. This has been an unusually good premiere season and, as a result, the number of hours I'm spending in front of the tv is at an all time high! I've been forced to cut some shows I otherwise would have given a chance - below are the shows that are still in my DVR:

Sunday

Desperate Housewives - Definitely better this season. I still don't really care about the overarching mystery with Orson (so he killed his wife... or he didn't.... and Bree once again is with a deranged psycho... I don't care). But overall the plotlines are much better - except for Lynette and Tom - seriously, dump him. Stop supporting him and make him get a job!!

Brothers & Sisters - I'm not entirely sure why I'm still watching this show, especially with all of the other choices out there. It's pretty soapy, and definitely melodramatic. In fact, last night a friend even asked if I was watching SoapNet. But for now I don't see better alternatives on Sundays, so I'm sticking with it. It's a good background show.

Monday

Heroes - My favorite new show. The show keeps getting better, and I'm liking the pace - it's not too slow, the characters are interesting, and though the show raises 5 questions for each answer it provides, I'm loving it.

Studio 60 - I still really like this show. I'm hoping the show gets picked up for an entire season (about a 50/50 chance I've read, as the ratings drop a little lower every week). The Matt-Harriett storyline is grating on my nerves a little bit, but that was to be expected.

Prison Break - The initial infatuation has definitely worn off. I still really like this show, but in a 24 kind of way. One week it's edge of your seat fantastic, the next week the stories are so outrageous I'm mad at myself for even watching (well, to be fair, the stories are often outrageous, but the episodes are just too uneven - again, much like 24).

What About Brian - I was one of the few people who saw every episode last spring. I didn't think the show was good - in fact, I spent most of the hour yelling at evil Deena (really, an open marriage? What did you think would happen? Stupid, stupid woman). Last week's premiere was a *slight* improvement over last season. I'll keep watching because I'm already sucked in for some bizarre reason, but I'm really hoping this doesn't turn into my Beautiful People (see M's unexplicable obssession with that show - and sadly, I already have a really bad show I'm into). Maybe the new characters they're adding will make things better.

Tuesday

Gilmore Girls - So I guess this season is better than the disasterous season we just had - but it's still not as great as a few years ago, which makes it hard to watch at times for me (much like Alias - the first and second seasons were so great, and the next three really didn't compare - sometimes not at all - so that while season 3 is good in comparison to seasons 4 and 5, it still doesn't hold a candle at all to season 2... and by the last season I still loved the show for what it was and watched it out of loyalty, but the final 8 episodes might as well be a different show from the first couple of seasons).

Veronica Mars - I'm liking the mini-mysteries. It's only been 2 episodes, but so far VM is as good as ever. We've only seen one episode of Piz, and I'm sad to say that I didn't totally despise him. He and Wallace are cute together, and it's sweet how he's already totally in love with Veronica (seriously though, who wouldn't be????) He better not be the reason Veronica and Logan break up (I have confidence in Rob Thomas that he won't be) . I'm definitely dreading "bad Logan" - I'm a big LoVe fan - and all I can say is that RT better give us more scenes with V&L together, as it's common knowledge he's breaking them up soon!!

Wednesday

Lost - How great is the start of this season?!!! The season premiere was fantastic, and last week's Sun/Jin centered episode was a great follow up. I initially questioned why we were getting Sun & Jin in week 2 when we haven't even seen Locke/Eko/Charlie yet (this week's episode will be a Locke flashback), but it totally worked. We're meeting the 2 new characters this week, and I can't wait to see where this season is heading.

The Nine - I haven't had a chance to see this show yet. I have the first 2 episodes on DVR waiting for me, and I've heard great things from M about it, so I'm looking forward to it!!

Thursday

Grey's Anatomy - Last week's episode is what Grey's does best - it was funny (see, Meredith getting high on pain medication and talking about all her boyfriends) and also incredibly sad (Izzie with Denny's dad - it definitely had me tearing up). This show can do no wrong in my opinion.

Ugly Betty - Probably the funniest new show so far. I was laughing out loud during Betty's makeover last week, especially when she was walking down the street with Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie" playing.

Friday

Battlestar Gallactica - I finally caved. M's been raving about this show for a while now, and I didn't entirely believe her when she said it wasn't that sci-fi heavy. I trusted that this wasn't Star Trek (we both are so not fans!), but still, a show with that title on the Sci-Fi network? Suspect. But I finally sat down with the mini-series and the first two seasons a few weeks ago. It took me a while to get into it, but now I'm totally hooked. The new season is amazing - my only complaint is that I need more!! I'm used to watching it on the DVD so this one hour a week thing is killing me!! But seriously, you should try this show. I am really not into sci-fi (shows like Grey's Anatomy are much more my speed), but this show is really well written, and the characters are amazing. Watch it!!!!

As you can see, my tv schedule is pretty stacked right now. I haven't included all of the old favorites I'm still watching (e.g. The Office), and this list isn't even counting the new shows I want to watch but haven't had a chance to yet (The Nine, 30 Rock). I didn't even give a chance to some new shows since I was already feeling overwhelmed (Friday Night Lights), and I'm hoping I made the right decisions!!

Hiro Worship

2006-10-03T09:57:00.000-04:00

Ok, I'm officially loving Heroes. And Hiro is maybe the funniest new character of the season. Seriously, how cute was it when he was running down the streets in NYC yelling "Hello!"

After watching the second episode, I immediately thought that the mythology of this show could be as good as Lost. I kid you not. The show appears to be giving you a lot of information in each episode (well, in the first two episodes at least!), and then in the last few minutes challenges each new discovery. For instance, can Hiro really teleport? Or can he only see the future? And is Niki really a good person (after all, she did kill those mob guys in self defense), or has she killed before - what was up with that burial spot with a body already there?? And finally, the greatest mystery of all presented last night - who is Sylar? I think it's too obvious that it's Claire's creepy adopted father - though how scary is it that he knows about Claire's powers?!!

Clearly, the show presents a lot of questions.... like Lost. I can't wait for the answers, though I'm sure, Lost-style, it'll be a slow and painful process getting any. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to seeing more of Weiss- er, I mean Matt-- last night's episode didn't give us too much backstory on him, and I'm curious to see how he'll fit in with the rest of the characters.

If you want more backstory, check this out: http://www.nbc.com/Heroes/novels/ - it appears that NBC is posting a new graphic novel each week. I haven't read them yet, but maybe they'll provide a little more information!

Grey's Week 2

2006-09-29T10:15:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-27T10:06:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-26T11:08:00.000-04:00

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!

2006-09-26T10:39:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-25T17:36:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-25T16:06:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-25T10:21:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-21T10:29:00.000-04:00

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

2006-09-18T11:59:00.000-04:00

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

Mondays with M

2006-09-18T09:58:00.000-04:00

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!

2006-09-13T17:48:00.000-04:00

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...

2006-09-11T17:27:00.000-04:00

... 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!

2006-09-11T17:14:00.000-04:00

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

New Shows: Vanished & Heroes

2006-08-31T18:20:00.000-04:00

I've now watched the first two episodes of Vanished. While it is no Alias replacement, it has definitely got me hooked. Each episode runs like a little movie. Unlike Lost, the show gives you tons of information during each episode (I'm already thinking of starting an excel sheet!) Exactly like Lost, I have no clue what's going on, and there are a ton of open mysteries. Doesn't look like a lot of character development, but definitely a fun mystery thriller. I would check it out before it gets too complicated to jump in. Mondays at 9 on Fox (to be replaced by 24 in January.)

I've also had the rare opportunity to watch the first hour of the Heroes pilot a few weeks ago. This show looks awesome. It's definitely has the X-Men vibe, but without the comic-bookiness. (But don't get me wrong, I also love the comic-bookiness of X-Men, this is just... different.) It definitely feels more *real*. And although "mainstream" tv watchers may disregard this as another genre/sci-fi type show, I beg to differ. This show is all about its characters. It is taking place in the world as we know it, except for the appearance of our Heroes' special abilities. Nobody is prancing around in a cape. And they are scared... afterall, if all of a sudden your mirror image was doing evil deeds, wouldn't you be totally freaked out?? After a little digging, I found a great fan site devoted to the show, with a spoiler section, producer/cast interviews and more: www.9thwonders.com. After purusing on that site for awhile, I found out that a lot of the producers of this show were involved with some of my favorite shows, including Alias, Lost, and Smallville. If you want an early glimpse of the part I of the Pilot, it will soon be available via iTunes, and then the actual network premiere will be on NBC, on Monday, September 25th.

Sadly for non-TiVo Owners, Vanished and Heroes run up against eachother at the same time slot (Mondays @ 9). If I had to choose one, I would choose Heroes without a second thought.

I Am Ashamed

2006-08-25T10:28:00.000-04:00

I can't believe a month has passed since my last blog! Time for a catch-up post....

Summer Shows

Now that the summer is winding down, I'd like to take a minute to discuss the five best shows of the summer (in no particular order!)

1. Entourage (HBO)
Following Vince Chase and his buddies during the third season has been a great way to spend Sunday nights this summer. Looks like Vince is painting himself into a corner just as Drama's career is starting again. Turtle lost his big client, Saigon, but still got his payday... will he use it to invest in more clients? Eric has managed to keep a non-psycho girlfriend all summer. And poor Ari is having a manic season, with Lloyd getting an all time high level of abuse. Great season, I just wish we didn't have to wait until January 07 to get the final eight episodes. Season Finale is this Sunday.

2. Eureka (Sci Fi)
A show about a town of geniuses, with new sherriff, Colin Ferguson. This show is really easy to watch. Although there is an ongoing mystery about Area Five, the episodic mysteries appeal to drop by viewers. Also, it's just fun to see all the crazy inventions that are simply a part of daily life!

3. So You Think You Can Dance (Fox)
Season 2 of this show was aired for almost triple the screen time as last season. But even though the show changed from one hour/week to three hours/week, it was still great to watch. My favorite, Benji, won which made me really happy. It's already signed for season 3... hopefully wretched Kat won't be back (or at least she'll start brushing her hair!)

4. Psych (USA)
Another light-hearted show, but with completely stand alone episodes... I know, a first for me! This show spoofs all the CSIs and L&O's out there, by having the main character pretend to be a psychic, but really he's just super observant. You'd think it would get old watching him pretend to have visions and seeing his body taken over by spirits again and again, but it really doesn't. A lot of it has to do of the "buddy cop" nature of the show... the chemistry between the two male leads has me laughing out loud! And I'm glad that for once, since it is a same sex leading pair, there is no chance of a romance to ruin the fun.

5. Project Runway (Bravo)
PR is also half way through it's third season, and Heidi has never looked better! Although there is no Santino, between Laura the frigid mother, the rivalry between Jeffrey and Angela, the Keith has fashion books scandal and the contest between Michael Kors and Nina Garcia to see who can be bitchier, it has be a great and drama filled season... and oh yes, the fashion has been good too! My pick for the top three would be Michael, Uli and Kayne. (T would say the same except for Laura instead of Kayne.) I guess we'll see!

Honorable Mentions
Reruns of "Dead Like Me" on Sci Fi: I never got to watch the original on Showtime... this is a really great show, and I'm so sad it's already cancelled and over!)

Season 1 of "Huff" from Netflix: Again, another cancelled Showtime original that made me have a whole new respect for Hank Azaria...

Reruns of "Everybody Hates Chris" on UPN: My scheduling didn't permit me to watch the first season when it premiered last week... it is a pretty funny show, and I think I've managed to watch the whole season over the summer, but I don't see why it's the critical darling it is... The Office and Earl are much funnier.

Cough, Sputter.... WHAT?????

2006-07-26T16:04:00.000-04:00

So, this is what I just read on the eonline's latest news section:

"The Lost Experience, the online interactive game launched last spring to give fans clues to the island, will spill the meaning behind Hurley's lottery numbers--4, 8, 15, 16, 23 and 42--which are prevalent throughout the show. Their importance will be revealed to gamers who complete the third phase of the challenge."

I thought that we would never get this answer... or at least not until Season 5 or the post series movie! In fact, although I know how fond the Lost production team is of foilers, I believed that there was not really any meaning behind the numbers, because "they became too big" and "there would never be a satisfying answer to them".... Now I feel bad about skipping out on the Lost Experience, although somehow, I have a little feeling that the answer will be post online maybe, oh I don't know, about a gazillion times!!!

Again, if you're like me, and haven't been playing the game, see the post below for an excellent re-cap of what's been going on so far...

TCA Press Tour

2006-07-26T14:54:00.000-04:00

DYING TO KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON THIS FALL????

If you're addicted to television (like me)... and obviously you are, otherwise you wouldn't be on this site, you are probably interested in what has been going on for the past few weeks - why are all our favorite critics MIA? It's because they've been away in Pasadena attending the TCA (Television Critics Association) Press Tour.... filled with pilots, promises and spoilers, I've been following as many updates as I possibly can. And there is no way I can summarize the whole two weeks here... so I thought I would post links to who had the best updates from the tour.

WARNING: There are a lot of spoilers contained in these links, so if you want to go into the upcoming season 100% unspoiled, I advise that you do not click any of the following!

PS - These links will also take you to Comic-Con updates from San Diego, which includes panels with Lost, Battlestar Galactica, Heroes, Veronica Mars and more!

The Ausiello Report
Roush Dispatch
Kristen from E! Online
Ain't It Cool News
The Futon Critic

Obviously, this is not a complete list of all the updates, but I think they are the most readable and interesting. ENJOY!

Cheat Codes

2006-07-26T13:45:00.000-04:00

So - who here remembers that The Lost Experience is still going on? (Anyone? Anyone?) Yeah, me neither. HOWEVER, I just found an amazing link that pretty much sums up the whole "game".

If you're interested in the mythology behind Lost, but have, you know, a *life*, then click HERE for a quick recap and all relavent information and links. It explains what The Hanso Foundation is up to, who Rachel Blake, DJ Dan, Vanzeletti, Joop... etc, all are, and how they fit into the equation.

Ah, Game Genie, how we've missed you!

Egg-citing News

2006-07-20T10:54:00.000-04:00

Not to be outdone by CBS's egg-vertising, NBC has released its own innovative plan to promote itself... pre-releasing its fall shows early on Netflix!

If you have Netflix, go to your queue immediately and send Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and Kidnapped straight to the top. They don't officially release until August 5, but that's still 6 whole weeks earlier than the rest of the world gets to see them! I'm just praying they'll add Heroes soon too!

WWMW: Wednesdays

2006-07-19T15:45:00.000-04:00

Let's continue the weekly fun of analyzing what's worth watching, tivoing and avoiding on Wednesday nights this fall...

ABC: They have Dancing with the Stars leading in to Lost. Who's decision was that? This is where Alias belonged before ABC decided to blow it up. But before Alias was there, I had no clue what started the night, so I guess this is either here nor there. George Lopez and According to Jim will replace Dancing with the Stars mid-season. Can I get a group yawn for antiquated "family" comedies? Then we have our beloved Lost, entering its third season (of apparently 5... see the entry entitled "Lost Movie?" below.) ABC promised no repeats this season. Starting October 3, we're going to get a six episode arc, followed by a mid-season replacement of Daybreak, the Groundhog Day-esque thriller starring Taye Diggs, which will last for 13 episodes, and then Lost will return for a non-stop 16 episode arc to have its ultimate finale in May. Obviously, the 9pm timeslot belongs to ABC for me. Following Lost is the new serialized drama The Nine, about the aftermath of a 52 hour bank robbey/hostage situation. Starring many of our favorites - Kim Raver (Audrey) from 24, Tim Daly (Wings, Eyes), Chi McBride (Boston Public), Scott Wolf (Everwood, Party of 5) - this newbie is getting a lot of buzz. Although it's being tagged as a "character show" (a la JJ Abrahms), the producers insist there's a lot more to the show than that. This one is definitely on my radar, except I'm afraid to commit to a new show on ABC after the whole cancelling Invasion fiasco. Wow - I guess I had a lot to say about ABC!

CBS: Wednesday's are going to be the home for a new-concept for CBS - a non-CSI Show! Jericho kicks off the evening, a serialized drama about a small town coming together after a nuclear attack. I am looking forward to watching the pilot of this show. Am I going to watch the 44 minute episodes on TV rather than the 90 minute episodes online? I don't know... I'll probably watch on TV to begin with (especially since there's not much competition at that timeslot) and if I like it, I'll switch to the 90 minute episodes on the internet. If you have no clue what I'm talking about, scroll down to see my article on Jericho's internet experiment. Then CBS fills out its night with CSI-style crap (I have no clue what Criminal Minds is, but I assume its the same brain-numbing nonsense that CBS viewers love.) Next!

NBC: NBC starts of Wednesday's with 2 comedies: 20 Good Years with John Lithgow and Jeffrey Tambor and 30 Rock with Tina Fey. I'll watch 20 Good Years for a few episodes, but I doubt it will stick, or become more than a TiVo afterthough. It's a show about two aging men making the most of the rest of their lives - not really targeting my age group, although I'm sure my dad will appreciate the humor. 30 Rock is one of the show's I'm really looking forward to. It's the "other" show about the backstage workings of an SNL-type show (i.e. Not the Matthew Perry one, but the other one.) NBC.com has put up some initial footage, and it looks pretty funny! After the 2 comedies, we have Biggest Loser - and you know how I feel about reality television littering the "real" season! Finally the night closes with Kidnapped. Now, I'm sure many people are asking what's the difference between Kidnapped and Fox's Vanished. They both center around missing people but - and here's where it get's tricky - on Kidnapped the son of a rich family is "kidnapped" and on Vanished the wife of a senator "vanishes." Wow - that just blew my mind! In any case, they are both getting mixed reviews. I plan to watch both to begin with, and see where to go from there.

Fox: Speaking of our bushy-tailed friend, what does Fox have in store for us on Wednesdays? We start the night out with Bones, in its sophomore season. This show is about some people going through corpses to solve mysteries? Um, don't you belong on CBS? Next we have Justice - another generic lawyer show. (Sadly, Victor Garber is attached to this - how the mighty have fallen, SpyDaddy!) Replaced mid-season with American Idol - who cares... replaced late-season by another season of The Loop. Really. Another season of The Loop (who's even heard of this show?) while I'm forced to watch pirated copies of Kitchen Confidential in the secrecy of my basement? (Okay, I don't have a basement, but you know what I mean!) **For those readers wondering when I'll ever get over the cancellation of Kitchen Confidential, you should know that I don't let go of things easily.**

CW: Finally, the CW gives us a duo of America's Next Top Model, which is one of the few watch-worthy reality shows, but with so much to watch, the best it can get from me is to drop by once in awhile if my other shows are in re-runs and my TiVo is empty. Followed by teen drama One Tree Hill, which I never got into.

PHEW! That was a long one! Again - I haven't technically *watched* any of the new shows - I base my opinions solely on their teasers online and my fave critics' reviews. If you're interested in forming your own opinions, you should really be following the TCA (Television Critics Association) Press Tour by stopping by blogs from TVGuide.com (Ausiello or Roush) or Kristen from eonline.com.

Veronica Mars, FBI Agent?

2006-07-19T11:28:00.000-04:00

IGN.com has put together a stellar article based on the Veronic Mars presentation at the TCA tour yesterday. There was a lot of old news (there will be 3 separate mysteries instead of a season long one; Veronica, Logan, Wallace & Mac will all be attending Hearst while Duncan is gone forever) and some interesting new tidbits (Dick Casablancas will also be attending Hearst!). Definitely give it a read - there are no real spoilers, but definitely some interesting production notes about Season 3.

Battlestar Galactica Season 3 Spoilers

2006-07-17T14:31:00.000-04:00

Ain't it Cool News points us to some yummy spoilers for the upcoming Season 3 of BSG. I didn't really read through them, because I am still waiting to watch Season 2.5 - SciFi has been reairing all of Season 2, the first half of which I have on DVD. I wish they'd just get to the "new" episodes already!

Anyway, if you're all caught up, click HERE for a preview of what's to come.

Ditched

2006-07-17T14:12:00.000-04:00

Due to complete boredom, the following shows are too dull for even *me* to talk about anymore:

Windfall (got through 3 episodes of deluding myself)

Saved (got through 1.5 episodes before deciding that Tom Everett Scott was actually *not* worth watching this show)

Kyle XY (why oh why can't I get back those 44 minutes I spent watching the pilot. just bring back Beautiful People and i'll be happy.)

Let's just pretend they never existed, okay?

Johnny Drama In Debt to the Mob?

2006-07-17T14:09:00.000-04:00

Last night on Entourage, Lloyd saved the day by finding a job for Johnny Drama and earned himself a $10k bonus - was this a hint of the spoiler I spoke of a few weeks ago? Did Lloyd find Drama the job through the gay assisstant mafia? Please say it's true!

Down the Food Chain

2006-07-17T14:04:00.000-04:00

As reported by TVSquad.com, who got their intel from a newletter from TVGuide.com, and now published thirdhand by me, it looks like CBS is taking to the idea of re-airing episodes online for free - and then one-upping the other networks who do the same by adding more content online. Apparently, after each new hour-long episode of Jericho that will air on CBS, the network will post a 90 minute version of the same episode, with more sub-plots. The producers say that you don't need to watch the extended versions to keep up with the plot - but it will "enhance" the viewers' experiences.

Eat your heart out Lost.

I'm Not Angry, Just Disappointed

2006-07-16T14:42:00.000-04:00

I finally got around to watching Bill Lawrence's (of Scrubs fame) new sitcome on YouTube.com - Nobody's Watching. Apparently, this is the show to watch, because the pilot got dissed, and it somehow got resurrected on the popular video website. I wished it stayed buried.

Nobody's Watching is about two twenty-something friends from Ohio, who get called on by the WB to be in a reality show/create a new sit-com (The Comeback anyone?) This show doesn't know where the parody of sit-coms ends and the beginnings of a real sit-com begins. From the unlikeable characters to the "fake" audience laugh track (which is annoying in a very real way), this show misses on every note. And the big-bad-tv executives are so hackneyed that they actually make Lorren Michaels' self-mocking on SNL look like good acting. Take a look for yourself (Links below)... but if you're looking for a Scrubs or Arrested Development, I suggest you go to your Netflix queue instead, and just rent the real thing. BTW - there are three parts, but they are just the same pilot split up for sizing reasons, not three different episodes.

Nobody's Watching - Part 1 of 3

Nobody's Watching - Part 2 of 3

Nobody's Watching - Part 3 of 3

WWMW: Tuesdays

2006-07-13T16:34:00.000-04:00

Continuing this new weekly series, let's take a look for what's slated on Tuesday's this fall....

ABC: Ooohh... starting your night with Reality TV during the "real" season is not a good idea. Dancing With the Stars is getting stale and who cares what it's going to be replace by. At 9, ABC pairs two of its new comedies: Knights of Prosperity (formerly Let's Rob...., formerly Let's Rob Mick Jagger) and Help Me Help You. Knights is all about a group of buddies who plan to rob - you guessed it - Mick Jagger. Looks like its Fully-Monty meets Ocean's Eleven, but not as funny, slick or daring as either of them. I think I'll skip. Help Me Help You is about Ted Danson holding a group therapy session, but maybe *he* is the craziest of all... um, yeah, I'll holdmy breath about that one. Finally the night ends with Boston Legal, which while not my cup of tea, does pretty well, but is up against some interesting competition.

CBS: Again, CBS is off to a slow (but audience filled) start with NCIS. When will America stop watching this drivel? It's followed by last year's mid-season hit, The Unit. I'll admit that I was slightly captivated by Unit when it first came out, but they started piling up on the TiVo, and I stopped caring. I have a feeling that it's going to drop off my season pass list by October, and drop off the face of the Earth by December. But then again, you can always count on CBS fans to like boring crap, especially the more boring and the more crappy it gets. Finally, the night ends with Smith. Originally, this Ray Liotta "bad guy" show didn't really ring my bell (as you can tell by its non-highlightedness). But as the critics are getting through their tapes, this one seems like one of the hits of the season. Its being compared to great crime capers like Ocean's Eleven and The Italian Job (the one with Marky-Mark, not the terrible old one). So, I've decided to give it a try.

NBC: Starts off the night with critics fave Friday Night Lights. Now, during the fall season, I get my fill of football what with T and his idiot-mobile of friends piling into our little NYC living room for college football on Saturdays and NFL Sunday ticket on Sundays (damn you directv!!). However, I did like The Program, Necessary Roughness, Remeber the Titans, and yes, Varsity Blues. So with everyone raving about it, I'll at least give it a try or two. This is followed by two straight hours of Law & Order - yawn.

FOX: Fox's new drama - Standoff - starts the night off with two of my favorite actors: Gina Torres (Anna Espinosa from Alias) and Ron Livingston (Officespace, Sex and the City). However, this show looks *TERRIBLE*. The plot is that these are two hostage negotiating partners that are sleeping together. That's it. No twist. Fox, you've done it again - I bet it runs for eight seasons, while Arrested Development and Kitchen Confidential Rest In Peace. Mid-season this timeslot will be taken by Idol - who cares? There is only one success story from this show, and that it Kelly Clarkson. I don't understand why people watch this show. This is followed by now-well-paid House (he's reported to have his salary upped to $300k/episode starting with season 3.) I've never watched House, but I've heard good things. It's really neither here nor there for me.

CW: Finally we have our baby chick the CW. Tuesday have them pairing Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars - a match that fans have been begging for. I'm not actually a GG watcher, but I bet I would love it. Although, many fans might dessert the show now that the Palladinos are gone from behind the camera. And with my new obsession with VM, you bet I'll be tuning in!! In fact, everyone should be tuning in - if Veronica isn't well watched in the first half of its season, not only will it be cut to a short season, but it might join Lily and be cut permanently.

Final Thoughts: I know Veronica Mars will stick for me all season, and maybe Smith if it's as good as everyone says it is, but other than that, it will be a quiet night for me. I predict Fox will get rid of Standoff almost immediately, and that L&O will remain steady. If ABC keeps According to Jim around, that means they'll keep just about anything - plus, you wouldn't want to piss of Mick Jagger (Ted Danson? who cares.)

It Has To Be Said

2006-07-07T10:35:00.000-04:00

I know that this has been discussed to death already, and the internet is clogged with complaints and criticisms, but I just have to put my own two cents in about the Emmy nominations... oh alright, I'll give you three cents, but don't be greedy!

Outstanding Drama Series: Grey's Anatomy, House, The Sopranos, 24 and The West Wing

M says: Where is Battlestar? Lost? Smallville which had one of its best seasons ever?

Outstanding Comedy Series: Arrested Development, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Office, Scrubs and Two and a Half Men

M says: This is the one category they got at least 80% right - the only replacement I would make would be Earl instead of the take it or leave it Two and a Half Men.

Lead Actress/Drama: Frances Conroy (Six Feet Under), Geena Davis (Commander in Chief), Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU), Allison Janney (The West Wing) and Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer)

M says: Even though I'm not a huge Sopranos fan, even *I* was surprised that Edie Falco got left off! I'm glad Geena made the cut though.

Lead Actor/Drama: Peter Krause (Six Feet Under), Denis Leary (Rescue Me), Christopher Meloni (Law & Order: SVU), Martin Sheen (The West Wing) and Kiefer Sutherland (24)

M says: Come on, you're telling me that not even one leading Lost men got a nod? And what about Edward James Olmos?

Lead Actress/Comedy: Stockard Channing (Out of Practice), Jane Kaczmarek (Malcolm in the Middle), Lisa Kudrow (The Comeback), Debra Messing (Will & Grace) and Julia Louis-Dreyfus (The New Adventures of Old Christine)

M says: They chose Rizzo over Bree? Elaine over Veronica Mars? And as much as I like the little-loved Comeback, really? Lisa Kudrow?

Lead Actor/Comedy: Steve Carell (The Office), Larry David (Curb), Kevin James (King of Queens), Tony Shalhoub (Monk) and Charlie Sheen (Two and a Half Men)

M says: Steve Carell? Check. Larry David? Check. Jason Lee?? Jason Bateman??? Wait, do I have the wrong checklist??

Supporting Actress/Drama: Candice Bergen (Boston Legal), Sandra Oh (Grey's Anatomy), Chandra Wilson (Grey's Anatomy), Blythe Danner (Huff) and Jean Smart (24)

M says: While the female Losties probably don't match up to what I considered Emmy status, and I don't watch Grey's really, the only one I consider worthy is Jean Smart - she made 24 worth watching this season.

Supporting Actor/Drama: William Shatner (Boston), Oliver Platt (Huff), Michael Imperioli (The Sopranos), Gregory Itzin (24) and Alan Alda (The West Wing)

M says: The fact that Gregory Itzin's President Logan was nominated over Emerson's Henry Gale seals the deal - the Emmy's suck.

Supporting Actress/Comedy: Cheryl Hines (Curb), Alfre Woodard (Desperate Housewives), Elizabeth Perkins (Weeds), Jaime Pressly (My Name Is Earl) and Megan Mullally (Will & Grace)

M says: Really? The only Housewife to get nominated was Alfre Woodard? And where is Mommy Bluth - the funniest woman on tv by any standard.

Supporting Actor/Comedy: Will Arnett (Arrested), Jeremy Piven (Entourage), Bryan Cranston (Malcolm in the Middle), Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men) and Sean Hayes (Will & Grace)

M Says: Kudos for getting Will Arnett on the ticket - GOB kicks ass. And Jeremy Piven - you get my vote! I don't understand how Jon Cryer is a "supporting" actor anymore than I understand how Two and a Half Men is getting so much recognition.

M's Final Words: Clearly the Emmy voters don't watch TV. You all suck.

Lost Movie?

2006-07-06T13:58:00.000-04:00

And I quote:

"The makers of LOST want to end the hit TV show after a maximum of five years and are planning a feature-length movie spin-off. Co-creator Damon Lindelof is so worried producers and studio executives will drag the show out he is making his opinion on the matter clear now. He says, "We'd love to end the show after four year, five years tops and do a movie."

Forget the Dance Competition...

2006-07-06T12:59:00.000-04:00

... I just want Benji & Donyell to get married and have lots of beautiful babies and live happily ever after. It was funny, in the beginning of their Viennese Waltz last night, when Benji was "channeling Dmitry", I thought that this will be the first time that I'm disappointed in a Benji/Donyell number... but then a third of the way through, he put on his happy Benji face, which just looks like he's in dancing bliss, and the chemistry between the two of them nearly caused my TV to explode. I was almost tempted to call in and vote!!! Anyway, as for So You Think You Can Dance, they better just call a tie leading into the first episode of The Benji & Donyell Show!!

WWMW: Mondays

2006-07-05T10:32:00.000-04:00

Because its impossible to ask me to do "real" work after a 4.5 day weekend, I'm going to start my weekly series, of "What Would M Watch?" This series will consist of breaking down each night of network television for the upcoming 2006 fall season... please note, for now, this will just consist of Network shows... I don't have information on any Cable shows yet (i.e. Battlestar Galactica), and where they will fit into the schedule.

ABC: The alphabet is off to a slow start on Mondays with Wife Swap and The Bachelor/Supernanny - reality TV is *so* over. Yes, you're seeing right, I am giving What About Brian another chance, just because its JJ Abrahms and because the powers that be have promised a re-tooled show. I have a feeling it won't last, but curiousity did get the best of me.

CBS: The week starts strong for CBS with returning hit How I Met Your Mother. Will we meet Ted's wife to be this summer? Or will the show focus on the Ted/Robin romance? We already know that Lily and Marshall get back together (their relationship is based on the producer's, who is happily married to his Lily.) But will Barney find love? The Class isn't really grabbing my attention - a sit com about "the lives of a group of twenty-somethings from the same third-grade class brought back together for a surprise reunion after 20 years." Although produced by Friends' David Crane, sounds pretty bland. And while I don't mind tuning in for an episode here and there of Two and a Half Men, it certainly isn't something I schedule. Christine isn't even worth a synopsis (how Elaine has fallen). And you all know how I feel about CSI (its the reason that people think television makes you stupid.)

NBC: The Peacock is the clear winner on Monday nights. Although it starts with make-me-want-to-stab-myself Deal or No Deal, its starting the week with its two biggest bets: Heroes, which I've made no attempts of hiding that I think this will be my new favorite show, and Studio 60, which I think will be one of the letdowns of the new season, but will all the buzz, could be decent. (Plus who wouldn't want to watch a few more seasons of Chandler-isms... it worked out *so* well for Joey.)

Fox: Although I myself am not a fan of Prison Break, it will probably do tremendously in its timeslot considering it has no competition whatsoever. I'm pretty excited for newcomer Vanished... Fox has been going nuts promoting it during its summer shows, and who doesn't enjoy a centuries old mystery combined with a good old-fashioned kidnapping?! It's competing against Heroes on NBC, but TiVo will take care of that for me.

CW: The new Network scores a big ZERO from me for Monday nights. The return of 7th Heaven is the most ridiculous decision I've ever heard of. And I could not be less interested in the new Runaway, a story about "a family on the run, hiding from the legal system that unjustly convicted [the father] of a terrible and violent crime."

Final Thoughts: The Tuesday morning watercooler will center around Prison Break, Heroes & Vanished. People will watch Studio 60, but won't care enough to think about it. What About Brian will be off the air by January.

A Long Time Ago... We Use To Be Friends

2006-07-05T10:14:00.000-04:00

So... over the long weekend, my Veronica Mars interest went from "this is a neat show I could watch" to "I NEED TO WATCH THE NEXT SHOW IMMEDIATELY". I zoomed past season one, and have started watching season two (I just finished episode 9 last night when T dragged me to a party to watch the fireworks... damn T and his social ways.) I tried to watch an episode of Windfall inbetween VM episodes and the caliber of the show was so blindingly bad after watching eight continuous hours of VM that I deleted Windfall from TiVo's Season Pass.

With that taken care of, what am I still watching this summer?

1. Veronica Mars (all episodes leading to Season 3 premiere this fall)
2. Entourage (now even better with Dom leaving... he got old real quick)
3. So You Think You Can Dance (definitely in FF... I can't stand listening to Nigel or Mary... and if Benji/Donyelle get voted off, then I'll just stop watching)
4. Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia (I don't know how I missed this last season, but it is really funny. You know what it would be beautifully paired with? Starved. Damn you FX.)
5. Project Runway (Season 3 kicks off in just a few days!!)

Also, Psych, a new show about a fake psychic working on detective cases is starting soon on USA... I'll give it a try, because it seems to be getting lots of kudos, but we'll see if it's good enough to last.

Finally, for those of you who enjoy spoilers as much as I do, looks like July is starting to bring back tasty tid-bits for the fall premiers. Check out Spoilerfix for details on Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, Las Vegas, Smallville, Supernatural, Veronica Mars and others.

Day Time Talk Shows

2006-06-29T15:55:00.000-04:00

Okay... people say that I watch a lot of TV, HOWEVER, there are certain things that even I won't touch... namely, almost anything on Daytime TV, including talk shows (with the exception of Ellen D.), soaps, etc. Here is why:

Genius

2006-06-29T15:36:00.000-04:00

Mmm... came across a DELICIOUS little tid bit about an upcoming Entourage episode... highlight the following to learn something about Lloyd, Ari's loyal right-hand-man: [ Lloyd is part of a gay-assistant mafia, and will use his mob connections to help Ari out of a tight place. ]

Tell me that's not great?!?!?

My Spidey Sense Is Tingling

2006-06-29T15:31:00.000-04:00

Let me preface this post with this: so far I have been unimpressed with the Spiderman franchise. I am more more in love with the dark X-Men series, or even the new take on Batman... I find Spidey too cheesey, and I think Tobey McGuire is one of the worst comic-book castings I've seen since Alicia Silverstone as Batgirl.

This being said, I just saw the teaser trailer for Spiderman 3 (supposedly coming out May 14th, 2007) and it looks freakin' awesome. Maybe they can actually pull themselves together and make a good Spiderman movie... click HERE to check it out for yourselves!

O.C. Is Bitch Slapped

2006-06-29T11:50:00.000-04:00

During the summer juggling of fall line ups, the OC has lost some ground... looks like Fox doesn't have faith in its primetime soap, and has minimized its episode order from 22 down to 16, with a possible schedule change so it doesn't have to go up against juggernauts CSI and Grey's Anatomy.

Click HERE for the full article.

Less Is More

2006-06-22T10:23:00.000-04:00

Last night's episode of SYTYCD actually left me a bit flat... nobody really blew me away... very few couples actually had chemistry. And this seasons, the couples are stuck together unless their partners get voted off, so there is a slim chance that we'll get to see if they have real chemistry with somebody else on the show.

My favorite couple right now is Benji & Donyelle. The whole "I went away on a mission and came back to my supposed girlfriend's wedding invitation" story really got to me - and although he's not as good looking as Dmitri or Musa - there's something so *cute* about him - as my sister K put it - he just looks happy all the time! As for Donyelle, I didn't really feel one way or another about her until Nigel started ripping on her weight.. "in a good way" (what an ass.) At that point, I wanted her to win the whole thing. Can a curvy girl get a BREAK once in a while?????

But actually, the only really feedback I have from last night was the large, blonde judge's eye makeup... she must have thought she was channeling Rene Zellweger with the squinty eye thing she was trying to do - but believe me - she didn't get there. It was distracting.

Also - a quick rant on the camera work. The camera man must think he is being really artistic, but all the crazy filming is making me dizzy, and I feel like we're missing a large part of the dances because of all the panning in/out/around. Please just give us a good angle and stick with it.

And They're Off

2006-06-20T15:34:00.000-04:00

Season 3 for Project Runway has been cast! I have a feeling we're going to get a lot of the "Santino Effect"... everyone realizing that they can stay on the show via the producers as long as they have a strong "character" that brings in viewers... even if their clothes suck. Click HERE for the full article and cast list.

Don't Judge Me

2006-06-20T14:43:00.000-04:00

So, I normally save my writings on Lifetime for their ridiculous made-for-tv movies, like "She Cried No", starring Candace Cameron and Zack Morris. But, while I was out sick a few weeks ago, I found out that Lifetime runs an array of sit-coms during the day, which are not the pick of the litter, but are still better than soaps and Springer. During commercial breaks, I noticed ads for their new summer sit-com - Lovespring International. I was slightly interestested, (its produced by Will of Will and Grace), so I recorded the first episode... not bad! (I shudder as I say this about a Lifetime original!)

LI focuses on the staff of a match-making agency. There is no laugh-track, and the characters are still more charicatures, but there is definitely some promise here. The first episode was pretty funny (I laughed out loud a few times) ... the second episode start Eric McCormick himself, but wasn't as good (even though it did prominently feature sharks!)

Anyway, if you catch an episode while channel surfing (which there is a good posibility you will, as Lifetime plays it like 8 million times a day) don't click away immediately. (That is the best endorsement I can give a lifetime channel show.)

Forgot One

2006-06-20T10:22:00.000-04:00

I also managed to watch the first episode of TNT's Saved. It's really good! I do love watching Tom Everett Scott do that thing he does. Basically, TES is a paramedic, who dropped out of med school a few years ago, much to the chagrin of his Head of the Department father. His ex-girlfriend dumped him (which I think is the reason he dropped out) and now she's not only working at one of the hospitals he takes his patients too, but she's about to move in with some boring fuddy-duddy (btw, she told him this after one last tryst in the ambulance). His ambulence partner is divorced (never married?) and has a son, who lives with his mother and her new husband. The other ambulence is driven by a hardened female and a newbie driver from the midwest, who is the comic relief because he goofs up everything. A kind of cool thing they do is they do 5 second "flashbacks" of photograph stills of what led up to the reason why the paramedics were called in the first place. It's cool pretty cool, and adds to the story without wasting precious plot minutes. I think their tag line to the ego-maniacal explains it all: "We do everything you do, but at 60 mph."

Check it out, its a good one. And TES is yummy.

Long, Hot Summer

2006-06-19T12:22:00.000-04:00

So... this weekend's heat proved that summer is here, which normally means second-rate reality shows, or re-runs, re-runs and more re-runs. HOWEVER, this summer, it looks like we've got a good mix of programming running... here's what I've been watching so far...

Entourage
Its back and better than ever. We don't have to deal with annoying Mandy Moore. Ari is more Ari than ever, with Lloyd as the loyal sidekick. And the boys are... well the boys! This season (22 episodes!!!) we're dealing with Vince becoming a bigtime movie star, and how he and his buddies deal with it. He's over Mandy Moore, and apparently will have a different girl in every episode. Eric is still with Sloan, and they are going to have some bedroom adventures, apparently. Turtle will be dealing with his new role as Saigon's agent. And Drama will of course be dealing with his own career. Some other interesting things to keep an eye out for: another high school friend comes to Cali, but the established friends aren't too thrilled with the idea. Also, Ari will be facing off against a new *female* rival agent. This is going to be a great season... the only complaint so far, is that HBO has discretely cut air time, with the episodes only seeming to last about 22 minutes. But I'm not complaining, since this season is much longer than the previous 2.

Windfall
So the TV critics weren't too kind to this show, which basically follows the winner of a super mega jackpot. But I'm actually kind of having fun watching - its definitely soapy, and would never make it during the regular season, but its fun enough for summer. Like Reunion, great concept, but very mediocre acting. Some of the characters I just don't care about (i.e. the whole plot with the guy who asks the lawyer to cash in his ticket for him, because he's running from bad people/the law, and maybe he murdered somebody but maybe he was framed). But some plots are interesting, like the 17 year old who married the mail order bride in order to help her and help himself get the money. You don't need to watch all the episodes, so if you miss a few here and there, it could still be a guilty pleasure now and then!

Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Missed this one on FX last season, due to my obsession with Starved (who's cancellation I'm still angry about!) But they started playing a few episodes on Fox, to get ready for the new season (still on FX), and it actually is quite funny. The atmosphere is very "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (which never seems to be coming back). The plots are ridiculous, which makes it fun. If someone had told me this show was about "young twenty-somethings that own a bar together", I would definitely have said pass, but its funny, so I watch the upcoming new season.

So You Think You Can Dance
Aahhh.... the first show covered in our blog has come back for a second season. The first few "try-out" episodes were not much fun to watch, because they were too focused on the "judging" instead of the dancing. And the judges seemed extra mean this year. Then there were two semi-final Vegas episodes - I would say the same thing - we barely saw any actual dancing! Then finally, we had our first "real episode" and cut show last Wednesday and Thursday... I have the same sentiments as last year... I couldn't watch this show without TiVo... I tend to fast forward through everything except the actual dancing. I was upset at the couple who was cut, because this was the first time I actually thought a Paso Doble was executed well on the show, and I really think that Benji and his partner sucked - it was unbelieveable to me that their ridiculous 80's flashdance didn't make the bottom 3. Oh well - there's always this week.

Hell's Kitchen
I didn't watch this last year, but after watching Top Chef on Bravo, I thought that maybe I'd enjoy it, because I like cooking shows. Well - as T pointed out to me during one episodes - can any of these people even cook? It seems so far that they are cooking the same pre-prepared menu every night, and they are not really showing off their own cooking skills... its more like execution skills. I'll keep watching because its TiVoing, but its definitely not as good as other cooking competitions.

I think that's pretty much it... Project Runway will be returning in July I think, and I'm pretty excited about that. I've also been getting into Veronica Mars Season 1 on DVD... I've gotten through the first eight episodes, and its definitely a cute show. I'm not sure when they are releasing Season 2, but hopefully before the new season starts on the CW this fall... I'd like to add it to the regular rotation. Battlestar Galactica Season 2.5 doesn't even have a release date yet, so I may have to order it on iTunes if it doesn't get put out before the Season 3 premier on Sci Fi in October.

Oh.. and just as I predicted, I've totally stopped playing or even caring about The Lost Experience game... I stopped playing about 2 weeks into it, but kept reading the web postings about what's going on... its seems complicated as hell, and I just don't have that kind of patience. I browse through the message boards every once in awhile to see if anything super-interesting has been revealed... and it hasn't really, so I figure no big loss.

An Unadvertised Treat for CIC Fans

2006-06-09T09:54:00.000-04:00

For all you Commander In Chief fans out there - the last we heard, ABC was thinking of running a 2 hour TV movie to conclude the series (and if ratings were good, could lead to a renewal for the 07-08 season.) Well, without saying a word, ABC has started airing the remaining episodes! I happened to catch one this past Wednesday, and the series finale will air next Wednesday at 10.

If you missed the last two episodes - don't dispair! You can watch them *for free* via streaming video on ABC.com's video page.

What Do I Watch Now?

2006-06-06T16:20:00.000-04:00

As a friend recently pointed out, it feels like there's nothing on TV now that May sweeps are over. But of course, as many networks are realizing, people need their TV year-round! So here's a quick rundown of shows to check out this summer:

1. Entourage
This one's a no brainer. If you aren't watching this show yet, WHY? It's the best show on HBO (sorry Sopranos fans) and so worth your time. Watch it. It starts this Sunday, June 11th, at 9pm.

2. So You Think You Can Dance
I'm a recent convert to this show. I missed it last summer, so I never got into it. But after a total cable failure over the weekend, with nothing to watch except the leftovers on my DVR, I sat and watched the last 2 episodes of this show. Yes, it's started already, but, much like American Idol, they seem to spend the first month or two on the audition stage. And, much like AI, the auditions are really funny. I just hope it holds my attention throughout its run better than AI, which I like, but would never Tivo to watch later.

3. Saved (TNT, 6/12)
I know next to nothing about this show, except "Watch With Kristin" says that Tom Everett Scott's character is like McDreamy, only dreamier! That's reason enough for me.

4. The Hills
I can't help it. It's shameful, I know. But I have a weakness (much like M's weakness for Beautiful People), and it was called Laguna Beach. I have no idea why I liked, no, was addicted, to that awful, shallow show. But I'd be lying through my teeth if I didn't admit that I can't wait to watch LC intern at Teen Vogue and date Jason, that loser who all the girls liked last season on LB. Yup, they're still together, and I give them 3 episodes before he cheats on her.

5. Project Runway
A brand new season starts this July on Bravo. I can't wait. Let's hope there's not another Santino, or I might through my TV out the window.

6. Windfall
I include this show not because I think it will be good (in fact, I think it will be just awful and painful to sit through), but because I feel I should always support a show a 90210 alum is on. And in this case, it's not just any alum, but Dylan McKay! He will always be Dylan, and I honestly don't know why he still acts because I'd like to think even he knows this. But regardless, I will watch at least 1 episode of this show. Hopefully in the first couple of weeks, because I don't think it'll last much longer than that.

That's all I've got for now. I'm sure I'm missing something, but hey, it's the summer and it was hard to even come up with 6 shows to watch.

ABC Fall Preview Clips

2006-06-01T10:19:00.000-04:00

Okay... after mistakenly finding the NBC clips, I had to check out if the other networks had them too.... I could only find one for ABC... looks like they are showing more of each show in these clips.

Click --> ABC Fall Preview Clips

Features:
Let's Rob
In Case of Emergency
Notes from the Underbelly
6 Degrees
Betty the Ugly
Men In Trees
Daybreak
The Nine
Brothers and Sisters
Help Me Help You
Traveler
Big Day

I only watched 6 Degrees and although it tries to compare itself to Lost in the opening of the clip, it looks a lot more like craptastic What About Brian.

Also - once you play one of the inital Fall Preview Clips, it gives you all 12 links in the "Now Playing" Section.

NBC Fall Preview Video Clips

2006-06-01T09:52:00.000-04:00

Want a Sneak Peak at some of the new shows coming out this fall? NBC has posted some video clips of their fall shows. Click HERE to see clips from:

Heroes
30 Rock
Studio 60
Kidnapped
The Black Donnellys
Friday Night Lights
Raines
20 Good Years
Andy Barker, PI
The Singles Table

After watching X3 this weekend, and now this clip, I am (if possible) even more excited for Heroes. Who is that guy flashed at the end of the clip? Well done clip - giving us something but nothing. This could be my new Alias.

Also - everyone is talking about how great 20 Good Years is going to be. From the clip, looks like a modern day Odd Couple, and doesn't seem nearly as good as 30 Rock, or even The Singles Table (which has one of the chefs from Kitchen Confidential starring in it.) And Studio 60 looks like it could be particularly underwhelming. Again, these are all from the 1 - 2 minute clips posted, and I reserve the right to change my mind after the required 3 episode watch of all of them.

BTW - its not a mistake that some shows are listed twice, they are different clips - so watch them all! Enjoy!

Lost Season 3

2006-05-30T09:29:00.000-04:00

Per Spoilerfix, on Lost's third season:

Next season, we will understand the real ramifications of Desmond activating the failsafe and what that did. The central issue of season three
will be what did happen. It sounds like Desmond's coming back. They said they want him back, we want to know why he was in prison, we want to know what happened when he turned that key that affected the entire island. That will become very important. The island was visible but only for an instant. It was also visible for an instant on 9/22/04 when the plane crashed. The foot statue
represents the history and archeology of the island. Season three will explore what happened on the island before Dharma arrived in the late 70's and who was there. The smoke monster will definitely be back in Season three. There is a good chance we saw the monster this year and didn't realize we were looking at it. By the end of next year we will realize what it was and when we saw it. Why
did the Others take Jack, Kate and Sawyer? Where is their home? That will be the story told over the first six episodes. Season 3 will also be about the main characters and their relationships. They want to service the relationships next year more than the mythology. How Locke got in the wheelchair, how Jack got his tattoos will be revealed in Season three.

Non-TVGuide Post Lost Interview

2006-05-26T13:11:00.000-04:00

Mike Ausiello, of Ask Ausiello fame (one of the tv columns I read religiously!) gave a post-Lost finale interview, which didn't appear on tvguide's website. Click HERE to check it out - interesting take on a few things.

Some Alias Answers

2006-05-26T09:54:00.000-04:00

I still think that the producers should have a post-series online web chat to answer the fans' questions - we have put a lot of thought into this show, and we deserve answers to EVERYTHING!! But for now, here are some answers:

From Kristen's online column:

After Monday night's fantastic series ender, many of you fellow fans posted on our message boards the unanswered questions still weighing heavily on your minds. Truth be told, I really wanted answers to some of them, too, so I emailed executive producer Jeff Pinkner, who graciously emailed right back the following answers.

Q: In the finale, did Irina say, "Rambaldi is alive," "Rambaldi is love" or Rambaldi "is life"?
A: "Rambaldi is life...Through him we can live forever."

Q: What was the horizon?
A: The horizon was the Rambaldi-designed glass sphere that activated the pedestal in his tomb and then received the liquid from the hovering red
ball.

Q: Did Irina fall on the sphere? In the final shot, one hand was bent behind her back after she fell. Could she have squished the ball but then have
been resurrected by it? It did take a while to work on Sloane.
A: No, the ball rolled away, presumably recovered by Syd, who would have had it destroyed.

Q: Given the actions of Nadia at the end of the show, was she truly just a figment of Sloane's imagination/conscience?
A: She was his conscience. I think killing Nadia--whom he deeply loved--caused some sort of emotional/psychotic rift for Sloane.

Q: Is Sloane going to live forever under a rock, or is he eventually going to die?
A: Sloane is immortal, living forever buried 200 feet beneath the earth.

There you have it. The classified intel. (I'm gonna miss saying that.) Unfortunately, Jeff wouldn't tackle whether the highlighted letters in the city
names or the number 47 meant anything, so I'll have to harass JJ Abrams next time I see him.

Some Quick Thoughts

2006-05-25T18:07:00.000-04:00

1. Note to the creators of Big Love: I am tired of seeing Bill Paxton's ass. You've made your point. It's HBO and you can show nudity. But please for the love of God, keep Bill Paxton and Chloe's clothes on from now on

2. 24: Boy President Logan sure can't last very long in the sack. Also, the Chinese must have had some sort of warp device to get Jack to that boat.

3. Lost: M's post made me tired just looking at it. That show seems like work.

4. Top Chef: Watching the finale tonight probably. . . Will be rooting for Harold.

4 Toes

2006-05-25T11:02:00.000-04:00

The Lost Season Finale.... wow. Did they really give us any of the answers we were looking for? Or will Lost mimic Alias, paralleling the Dharma Initiative with Rambaldi, where the build up is so that we can never get a satisfying answer? Anyway, let's get to it:

Charlie
Although he wasn't really featured in this episode, I just have to ask - what was up with him? He was really creepy in the jungle when talking to Locke about Desmond. He was really creepy in the aftermath of the non-pushing of the button. Is he on something again? Is the weird vaccine affecting him somehow? Something was just not *right*. But looks like he got his Claire back....

Eko vs. Locke
I think this can be summed with with Locke's line from last night: "I was wrong." Although we don't know if either of them survived, I think this battle of faith is over. I think Locke's faith is restored in himself, the island, and his friendship with Eko... if either of them survive.

Michael
Okay... we know he's not returning as a series regular next season, but something tells me that we have not seen the last of him... and its not going to be so easy to get off the island. We still are unresolved on *why* Walt was kidnapped ("we had a real find" in Walt, said "Henry")... but off they go. What an evil guy. With the looks Jack, Kate & Sawyer were giving him as he sailed off, he'd better hope there's something else besides the island!

The Others
Zeke is now Tom. Mrs. Klugh is now B. "Henry" is appparently in charge. They know that the survivors know that their beards/costumes are fake. They didn't seem too affected by the non-button pushing explosion. They now have Jack, Kate & Sawyer. They think that they "are the good guys". So again, we know more, but still know nothing. I love that "Henry" turned out to be the guy in charge. Remember in the hatch he said: they'll never give you Walt. Somehow, I believe that he'll follow through on that! He's going to be a season regular next for S3, so that's pretty exciting. He should definitely win some kind of award for his performance this season. (Apparently, he was only slated for a couple shows, but then he was so mind-blowingly awesome, that they converted him to a regular!!!)

Hurley and the Parrot
I definitely heard it say Hurley (after several Tivo rewinds...) How does this relate to the Polar Bear, the Shark and other animals? It makes me think that the Pilot in Season 1 was not eaten by the defense system, but by some genetically-crazed animal experiment.

Jack, Kate, Sawyer
"Wait... you guys were talking about me?" Don't play innocent, Kate... you've been playing these guys against one another since the first day on this island! I find it interesting that the others requested the love triangle, and only wanted Hurley as a messenger back to the camp. I wonder what kind of freaky experiments they might be subject to? Originally, I thought they were "cutting of the head of the beast" so to speak - by removing the "leaders", they would make the surivors of 815 weaker. But then, I think Sayid ("the only one who's been in a war"), Locke & Eko are very capable of leading, so I changed my mind.

The Hatches
The one in the "village" was a fake, as Sayid discovered, complete with a fake hatch. The Pearl tubes deposited the careful work of its inhabitants into an empty field. And the Swan is for real. I wonder what the other hatches hold? Interesting that Jack discovered Locke's drawing of the hatch map in all that mess....

Desmond
So the infamous hatch resident returns! Turns out the survivors are trapped in some kind of weird snow-globe like area (bermuda triangle-ish?). So Desmond was running with a purpose as he escaped from the hatch - back to his fixed up boat (courtesy of now-dead Kelvin Inman). But little good that did him! (BTW - where did all the Dharma booze come from? I didn't see anyone else enjoying it on the beach, with the latest drop?) What else did we find out about Des? He was dishonorably discharged from the royal army, he's read every Charles Dickens book except "the Mutual Friend" (which's he's going to read right before he dies), he was dating Penny Widmore (WIDMORE!), but Daddy Widmore did not approve and broke them up, he was racing around the world for "love" in Libby's boat (was this pre-institution or post-institution Libby? And I wonder if her dead husband David will have a connection to any of our survivors... ie like Hurley's Dave?), he was in the US for awhile (so unlike the other survivors, he may not have started out in Sydney,) and he shaved every day for the first two years in the hatch, and he took his vaccine every 9 days while he was down there (btw, do we know if Claire ended up using the vaccine on herself or Aaron?) And let's not forget, his chase of Inman lead to the delay of button pushing, which ultimately caused flight 815 to crash! Although that seems like a lot of facts, that's really not a lot of information.... and of course, many more questions are raised. Good flashback!

The Washer & Dryer
The producers said on a local radio show that there was a specific purpose of the washer & dryer, and how they were a lot more modern than a lot of the other appliances in the hatch... and last night, we distinctly saw them fly towards the magnet. Was that the purpose? I hope not, and I think there still may be some kind of story to be told there!

Inman & Razinksi
What did one snowman say to the other? I smell carrots. Interesting that Kelvin repeated the same lines to Desmond - starting with "Are You Him?". (And we still don't know who the mysterious "him" is... Henry perhaps?) Kelvin Inman, if you remember, was the one that converted Sayid to become a torturer in the first Iraqi war. I wonder who else's life he's been a part of. Looks like after the war, he was *a part* of the Dharma Initiative. I wonder if all the partipants of the hatches/experiments were drafted as a part of the DI, not just a external test subjects. And it was him and Razinski who were painting the glow-in-the-dark hatch map that Locke saw in "Lockedown". But he wasn't painting it in UV lights... so did they know that the UV lights were there? Looks like it... and if they did, why didn't they just trigger the lights while they painted? And WHO THE HELL IS RAZINSKI???

Penny Widmore
The daughter of powerful gabillionaire Charles Widmore, and inlove with our Desmond... her note caused him to not kill himself (combined with Locke's questions to the island and banging on the hatch skylight), but she is engaged to someone else? Also, could be the savior of our survivors... she has a team in Siberia or someplace looking for electromagnetic anomolies... how does she know to look for that? Did she spy on her Dad? Was she initially a part of Dharma? Is she still engaged to that guy?? Ack!

And finally....
The Big Foot
"I do not know which is more disquieting, where the rest of the statue is or the fact that it only has four toes." This was the biggest mystery of them all... what the hell was that????

GREAT episode... they say that this story could be told over 8 seasons... hopefully they can keep the momentum going, and keep the ABC execs off their backs (to gain new viewership)... Good Luck for Season 3 Lost, I hope your fate is better than Alias.

What Now?

2006-05-24T11:52:00.000-04:00

The reason we watched Alias is because of the amazing character development, the intelligent writing, the intricate plot, the good acting, and of course, a continual mystery. We like three-dimensional people on the small screen - with understated humor and stories that make us *think*. That being said, here are my picks for the Alias "replacement":

Existing Shows:

1. Lost
Lost is obviously that natural choice, because it has all of the above, and unlike Alias, JJ handed the reigns over to very capable writer/producers. With Alias, you can tell when JJ himself left the show for dead.

2. Battlestar Galactica
This show is not as obvious - and its hard for non-Trekkies to make the decision to watch a show on the Sci-Fi network. I did it out of sheer curiousity (I am normally against killer robots in outerspace), but I implore you to give this one a chance. Rent Season 1 and I guarantee you will not be disappointed. For the girls out there - Starbuck is the next Sydney Bristow - a girl who can kick ass, and look good doing it. This show is about humanity - real people trying to survive. If you liked Alias because you loved thinking about what "good vs. evil" really means, you'll love BSG. Seasons 3 starts this fall with a primetime spot.

Upcoming Shows (a list of show that I think look good for the fall, but obviously no committment yet!):

1. Heroes (NBC)*** (My choice for best new show next season!!!)
This one looks like X-Men (which I LOVE), without the superhero costumes. Its looks to be about self-discovery and acceptance. And our beloved Weiss will be starring!

2. Traveler (ABC)
This is the one about the college friends who get set up for an terrorist attack - and the only one who can save them looks like he never existed. I think this one isn't being shown until the mis-season change-up, but looks interesting for the mystery.

3. The Nine (ABC)
About the lives of nine hostages of a bank robbery, and what happened to them afterwards... looks like this could have great character development and flashbacks a la Lost.

4. 6 Degrees (ABC)
JJ's new show about 6 people who's lives intertwine, but they don't know it. Looks like character, character, character... I'm a little skeptical after JJ's fantastically crappy What About Brian.

5. Jericho (CBS)
About a small town isolated after a nuclear disaster. Has hints of Lost about it, but could be great like Invasion.

6. Vanished (Fox)
After a lot of research, I found out that this one is not just about a kidnapping, but really about a mystery that stretches back hundreds of years.... Rambaldi anyone??

Stay tuned as I use the summer months to dissect the new shows as new information becomes available.

Alias is Over

2006-05-24T10:44:00.000-04:00

Nothing I could write would do justice to my favorite show. I'll tell you, until Season 4, it was all I could think about. Then, after recovering through a rocky first half, Season 4 recovered and Season 5 delivered. But with the cancellation of the series, as much as the writers/producers/cast of the show say that they got to end it "their way", it left all the questions unanswered. Sadly, I am disappointed. This show came back with a vengence, but did not give us the finale we deserved. Here are some of my thoughts:

So, Rambaldi's end game was really *not* revealed, in my opinion.... was it just living forever? And if you can't die, how did the clock fixer from Season 1 die from being shot? The only thing I liked about it was that Sloan will now forever be in a living tomb, trapped under some rocks.

Also, something that made me angry was the whole Cardinal subplot, mixed in with some Tom/Rachel lovin'. Any other season, I would have been game, but all I was thinking was WHO THE HELL CARES? Go back to the characters we actually care about!!

And does anyone know if Thomas was involved in the kidnapping of Rachel? It all seemed so suspicious, but nothing was confirmed! I'm leaning towards yes, because it made his noble death in the subway an easier choice. (He stayed behind to keep spraying the bomb with nitrogen to slow down the timer, but didn't have time to escape himself.)

And how anticlimatic was the revelation of the Horizon (if you can even call it a revelation.) So, that, too, would give Irena unending life? What did the Mueller device have to do with it? And although the opening scene was awesome, with all the photographs, highlighted with the last one taken as Sydney zooms down the side of a building (in Sydney, Australia no less!), it really seemed that the writers couldn't think of a good explaination for Prophet 5, so they just killed them off. So was it all a ploy for power? (Thus the London/Washington attack plan?) For money? For eternal life? For all three? I JUST DON'T KNOW!

What I did like was how evil Sloan & Irena turned out to be - at least we know they are definitely *bad*. I liked how Sark *kinda/sorta* had a problem with mass killings - and how they left room for him to have a spin off (I would definitely watch it over a Tom/Rachel/Peyton spin off!)

I also enjoyed the backstory of how Sydney came into the agencey - however, it wasn't necessary, because we already kind of knew how she was recruited.

I guess that's it for now - I may ramble more later. Tonight is Lost's season finale, which sadly promises to be a lot better than Alias'.

Oh - one more thing - I found it cheesy that they ended with the little "thank you note" to the audience, instead of the final "Alias" on the black screen.

Since I Haven't Watched Anything Lately

2006-05-23T16:43:00.000-04:00

I can at least post links to the official fall line ups:

ABC's Fall Schedule
CBS's Fall Schedule
CW's Fall Schedule
FOX's Fall Schedule
NBC's Fall Schedule

ENJOY!

ACK - I'm so behind!

2006-05-23T13:29:00.000-04:00

Because of a *certain* sister's graduation, I missed the Alias finale last night (its sitting unwatched on the TiVo!) Adding that to the list, I'm 5 season finales behind:

1. The Unit (last Tuesday)
2. The OC (last Thursday)
3. Desperate Housewives (last Sunday)
4. 24 (last night)
5. ALIAS!! (last night)

Of course, the first thing I'm going to do when I go home tonight is watch Alias. Then Wednesday will be dedicated to the Lost season finale. Thursday is T's birthday, so I will have to suspend TV watching again. But Friday is officially the start of our Summer Hours - which means half day Fridays throughout summer for me! So I'll dedicate my first Friday afternoon to OC/DH/24. Then the long weekend will consist of a Unit marathon (of which I am 5 episodes behind!) and the first disc of Veronica Mars, Season 1... and don't forget the highlight of the weekend: X3: The Last Stand!

Sometimes I feel like television is my second job....

What Happened?

2006-05-19T10:39:00.000-04:00

Invasion's season/series finale was right up there with Alias and Lost this week. Although we got none of our big questions answered - what exactly is invading? where else have they invaded? who is zsura? what the hell is going on? - I will say, that the show tried its best to tie itself up. At least we know, (with the exception of Larkin,) that everyone is alive and well. But what I enjoyed the most was the dramatic ending, with the Russell-Marial-Tom love triangle left staring at eachother, in the rain, in the dark, on the beach, with Russell screaming "What Happened?!?!"

Will Russell ever find out about Larkin? Will Kira and the deputy live a long, happy life together? Will Rose need decades of psychotherapy to get over this? Will the American audience ever accept a great drama? Looks like we'll never get our answers.

While We're At It

2006-05-18T16:30:00.000-04:00

Throw in those fuckers at Alston & Bird.

You're Next J

2006-05-18T14:31:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone at Davis Polk and Haynes & Boone gets incinerated in a raging inferno.

What Are You Doing With YOUR Weekend?

2006-05-18T12:43:00.000-04:00

Although I will be spending the majority of mine trying to sneak into bars with college kids (oh wait, I don't have to sneak in, and they don't even ask for ID anymore...), many people will be going to see The Da Vinci Code, predicted to be the blockbuster to beat this summer.

Reviews are starting to roll in... and they do NOT look good. I am thinking of boycotting the movie - not because of any religious beliefs, or my sympathy towards the angered albino groups, but because I am really angry I didn't make it to the semi-finals of Google's Da Vinci Code Quest. I did those stupid puzzles every day, and I just couldn't believe there were 20,000 other idiots out there doing that. But it turns out there were. As those idiots were faster and better than this one. Oh well. I hate Tom Hanks anyway. He is just so..... Tom Hanks.

Alias = Best Show EVER

2006-05-18T10:14:00.000-04:00

Who else almost died last night when Sydney met "the Rose", thinking that we were *finally* meeting Rambaldi?? Like the clock repairman from Season 1, he ended up being another one of Rambaldi's cronies that was given an amazingly long life. Who is he? We'll never know. What's in that amulet? The thing that will destroy life itself? The final two hours of the show are going to be bittersweet - looks like they left all the answers for the last show, which I can't wait to watch, but I never want to end. REMEMBER THAT THE SERIES FINALE IS THIS MONDAY, at 9pm, leaving room for the 2 hour season finale of Lost.

Speaking of Lost, another great episode - looks like we finally got some hints about the cryptic interviews the producers have been giving about the "new" regulars we'll be seeing next season. So Season 3 will probably give a lot of attention to the Others' camp. Interesting that Walt knew that "they're not who they seem". But it looks like Michael never discovered that they are in costume (will Kate tell?) Also, looks like since the Hurly/Libby romance is officially over, the writers will be going back to Claire & Charlie (I forgot all about Claire, to be honest.) But isn't it interesting that the baby they care so much about, wasn't on "the list"?

PS - I would leave T in a moment to run away with Sark and lead a giddily evil life.

Shower Scene

2006-05-18T09:42:00.000-04:00

Alright J - this is for you and all the Grey's Anatomy fans out there. Just skip to time 2:30 for a good laugh. Click HERE for the infamous shower scene - recreated.

Fox Fall Schedule Announced

2006-05-18T09:34:00.000-04:00

All I can see is that they renewed that dog-poop of a show The War At Home and an awesome comedy with a ton of potential Kitchen Confidential got cancelled after three episodes. All their new shows looks recycled (lawyers, crime investigators, etc.) and the only interesting looking (Vanished) one has almost the exact same plotline as NBC's Kidnapped. Anyway, Fox has certainly proved itself to be a terrible judge of shows (by getting rid of the aforementioned KC as well as one of T's and my favorites - Arrested Development). For the full press release, click HERE.

FOX PRIMETIME SCHEDULE: FALL 2006
(Italics indicate January 2007 schedule)

MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM PRISON BREAK
9:00-10:00 PM VANISHED

8:00-9:00 PM STANDOFF
9:00-10:00 PM 24

TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM STANDOFF
9:00-10:00 PM HOUSE

8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL Performance Show
9:00-10:00 PM HOUSE

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM BONES
9:00-10:00 PM JUSTICE

8:00-9:00 PM JUSTICE
9:00-9:30 PM AMERICAN IDOL Results Show
9:30-10:00 PM THE LOOP

THURSDAY
8:00-8:30 PM ‘TIL DEATH
8:30-9:00 PM HAPPY HOUR
9:00-10:00 PM THE O.C.

FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM NANNY 911
9:00-10:00 PM TRADING SPOUSES: MEET YOUR NEW MOMMY

8:00-9:00 PM BONES
9:00-10:00 PM THE WEDDING ALBUM

SUNDAY
7:30-8:00 PM KING OF THE HILL
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM AMERICAN DAD
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM THE WAR AT HOME

CW Fall Schedule Announced

2006-05-18T09:19:00.000-04:00

The only thing I care about here is Smallville... interesting that they have an actual Saturday Night line up, with all the ethnic shows on it. To answer T's question from an earlier post - looks like the CW can NOT find racial harmony, as the lineup seems pretty segregated to me.

Monday: 7th Heaven, Runaway
Tuesday: Gilmore Girls, Veronica Mars
Wednesday: Top Model/Beauty and Geek, One Tree Hill
Thursday: Smallville, Supernatural
Friday: Wrestling
Saturday: Everybody Hates Chris, All of Us, Girlfriends, The Game

CBS Fall Schedule Announced

2006-05-17T11:36:00.000-04:00

Have a meeting, but will post comments later... the most intriguing new show looks to be Jericho, about a small town isolated after a nuclear holocaust. Could be an interesting way to get psyched for Lost. Glad they're bringing back How I Met Your Mother and The Unit, but it looks like they're keeping with their (admittedly successful) strategy of littering CSIs all over the place. I would say this schedule is the most uninspired of the lot. Full press release can be found HERE.

2006-2007 CBS Television Network primetime schedule:
(N=New, NT=New Time, all times ET/PT)

MONDAY
8:00-8:30 PM HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (NT)
8:30-9:00 PM THE CLASS (N)
9:00-9:30 PM TWO AND A HALF MEN
9:30-10:00 PM THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: MIAMI

TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM NCIS
9:00-10:00 PM THE UNIT
10:00-11:00 PM SMITH (N)

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM JERICHO (N)
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMINAL MINDS
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: NY

THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM SURVIVOR
9:00-10:00 PM CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
10:00-11:00 PM SHARK (N)

FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM GHOST WHISPERER
9:00-10:00 PM CLOSE TO HOME
10:00-11:00 PM NUMB3RS

SUNDAY
7:00-8:00 PM 60 MINUTES
8:00-9:00 PM THE AMAZING RACE (NT)
9:00-10:00 PM COLD CASE (NT)
10:00-11:00 PM WITHOUT A TRACE (NT)

It's (As Good As) Official!!

2006-05-16T19:47:00.000-04:00

Veronica Mars has been renewed for a third season, for a FULL 22 EPISODES!!! I'm choosing to ignore the part that the order can be cut to 13 episodes depending on the ratings. You can read all about it here:

http://community.tvguide.com/forum.jspa?forumID=700000049

The offical announcement most likely won't be made until Thursday at the CW Fall Schedule announcements, but if Ausiello says he got an email from Rob Thomas, he got the email and it's true!

Grey's Finale

2006-05-16T15:05:00.000-04:00

I can't decide if it was a good idea to air a 2-hour season finale last night. Basically the 2 hours focused around 2 surgeries - Burke's and Denny's. While both were compelling and utilized all of the main characters, at times it felt dragged out - especially during the one-on-one sit down with Richard. That part in particular felt forced, like the writers were trying to fill time. Anyway, a couple of notes from last night's episode:

1. I still hate Izzie. She definitely got better in the last half of the episode, but I still can't get the image from Sunday night out of my head when she completely lost it. This is mean, but I kinda wish Christina laid into her more - someone needed to get through to Izzie, and I would have loved if Christina was the one to finally get through all the crazy.

2. Alex completely redeemed himself for any wrongdoing he has ever done in the past. He broke my heart first with the look he gave Izzie on the way into the prom, and then when he carried Izzie away from Denny and held her crying. (An aside - did anyone else notice the strange sexual vibes b/w Alex & Addison a few weeks back at the height of their fighting? It'd be interesting if something were to happen between these two next season, when McDreamy inevitably goes back to Meredith...)

3. Meredith and Derek. And Meredith and Finn. It's no secret that I'm a Finn fan - I just wish there was more chemistry between him & Mer. I am surprised that Mer/Der had sex in the hospital, and I'm SO glad that Callie, and not Addison, was the one to walk in on them (and Callie scored some much needed points with the look she gave Derek, and with helping Mer tie her dress). I was such a Mer/Der fan in the beginning, and totally hated Addison - the writers did an amazing job making Addison such a sympathetic character, and now I've totally switched sides and don't think it's time for Mer/Der to get back together yet!! But, this being TV and all, you know Mer is going to pick Finn, stay with him for 5-6 episodes, then realize she should be with McDreamy after all and dump poor hot Finn. What I'm not getting, and I could have missed what Addison said, but how is it that Meredith is picking who to go home with? If she were to pick Derek, where exactly will Addison be? In the backseat on the way home to the trailer? I don't believe that Derek is just all of a sudden ready to walk away from his marriage. I'm just saying.

4. I was totally digging the Veronica Mars lovefest. Not only did we get Vinnie Van Lowe on Sunday night's episode, but we got Jackie playing Richard's sick niece last night!! And, I forgot to mention, on Sunday the woman who dumped her fiance was Veronica's journalism teacher from season 1. And this was just in the last 2 episodes - there were other overlaps throughout the season, like Duncan as the high school jock who disregarded Callie's advice to play in the hockey game, and I believe the principal had a small part in GA season 1... well I could go on but I'll stop. I promise I'll try to keep my VM obsession a little more under control from now on.

5. Adele is awesome. She may have had the best lines of the night. It was a total shock that she knew about Richard's affair with Ellis, and totally awesome of her to use it to get her niece what she wanted. Way to guilt Richard!!

6. Callie is a freak. Girl, SLOW DOWN. You've been dating George for like 2 minutes and you're throwing around "I love you" and acting all crazy when he doesn't recipropcate? And what self-respecting girl asks if he's going to say it back? She needs to calm down. I totally agreed with her when she said that she wished she wasn't so into George. Me too. You're scary when you care so much.

I think that's it. I can't think anymore. It was such an emotionally draining 2 nights, and I'm getting tired thinking about it again.

I'm Having Gender Reassignment Surgery Tomorrow

2006-05-16T12:34:00.000-04:00

Unfortuante I know, but I think that because I watched the How I Met Your Mother finale last night with M, I can no longer technically be classified as a man. So hopefully the surgery will tomorrow will reverse that.

What a horrible horriblw show.

How I Met Your Mother Finale

2006-05-16T11:09:00.000-04:00

2 Things:

1. What happened to the kids that Bob Saget was narrating to in the beginning of the season?

2. In one of the first episodes, during narration, Ted referred to Robin as "Aunt Robin". Last night, he just reffered to her as just plain "Robin"... I hope that the writers aren't going to change things on us! I like the fact that although they seem perfect for eachother, we know that they won't work out. Plus, I'm definitely in the Barney-Robin hooking up camp.

3. (I know I said 2 things, but I had one more thought). I think the Lily running away to be an artist plot line is dumb.

ABC 06 Schedule - Thoughts

2006-05-16T10:20:00.000-04:00

My first reaction was - they're putting what before Lost? And then I realized, before they paired Alias with Lost, I had no clue what was on before it. So I guess who cares.

Then I realized, that Invasion was nowhere on the schedule. Although I was expecting this, I'm still very sad about it - Invasion is good TV. I can't believe they brought back crappy What About Brian and canned Invasion. Ridiculous.

None of the ABC new dramas have gotten me as excited as NBC's upcoming Heros (see below for synopsis), although a few caught my eye. One of them will be JJ Abrams' Six Degrees - although, I feel like he may have peaked creatively with Lost. It's an interesting premise - how 6 people in NYC are all affecting eachother's lives without knowing it - but on the other hand, I feel like it may be *too* JJ Abrams. I mean, obviously I'll watch it, but I'm not going to get my hopes up and be totally excited for it.

Actually - the two new drama series that look the most intriguing are not even listed on the schedule - although their synopses are given. One is called Daybreak, starring Taye Diggs. It seems very Groundhog's Day, with Diggs living the same day over and over again until he can solve a mystery. The other one is called Traveler, which sounds like 24 meets Vanilla Sky. Now - I know Vanilla Sky sucked - but the premise is that 3 grad students are implicated in a terror plot, and the only one who can prove them innocent disappears - and it looks like he never existed. Now - why is Supernanny and Wifeswap on the sked, but these two new shows aren't? ABC Sucks.

Finally - the last one that looks semi-watchable is The Nine, which is about 9 people who bonded while stuck in a bank robbery. This is interesting, becauase they will only show the bankrobbery in 10 minute flashbacks each episodes (and they left enough room for plenty of seasons - apparently the bank robbery lasts 52 hours!)

Anyway, ABC looks okay - I'm still angry at them for ending Alias and cancelling Invasion.

ABC Releases Fall 06 Schedule

2006-05-16T09:54:00.000-04:00

Alright - today is ABC's turn.... for ABC's full press release, click HERE.

ABC UNVEILS 2006-07 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

MONDAY:
8:00 p.m. “Wife Swap”
9:00 p.m. “The Bachelor”/”Supernanny”
10:00 p.m. “What About Brian”

TUESDAY:
8:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars” (new night)/”Set for the Rest of Your Life” (new alternative series)
9:00 p.m. “Let’s Rob…” (new comedy series)
9:30 p.m. “Help Me Help You” (new comedy series)
10:00 p.m. “Boston Legal”

WEDNESDAY:
8:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars” (new night)/”George Lopez”/“According to Jim” (new night)
9:00 p.m. “Lost”
10:00 p.m. “The Nine” (new drama series)

THURSDAY:
8:00 p.m. “Big Day” (new comedy series)
8:30 p.m. “Notes from the Underbelly” (new comedy series)9:00 p.m. “Grey’s Anatomy” (new night and time)
10:00 p.m. “Six Degrees” (new drama series)

FRIDAY:
8:00 p.m. “Betty the Ugly” (new comedy series)
9:00 p.m. “Men in Trees” (new drama series)
10:00 p.m. “20/20”

SUNDAY:
7:00 p.m. “America’s Funniest Home Videos”
8:00 p.m. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
9:00 p.m. “Desperate Housewives”
10:00 p.m. “Brothers & Sisters” (new drama series)

I'll let you know my initial thoughts on posts throughout the day.

VM Renewed?

2006-05-15T15:18:00.000-04:00

The Ausiello Report is saying that Veronica Mars is going to be renewed for 13 episodes... and like others are saying, this is better than nothing. BUT, with Rob Thomas's new formula for the show (3 mysteries instead of 1 season-long mystery, to be broken up in 6-7 episodes each), 13 episodes just doesn't cut it!! I'm hoping that it'll get more viewers on the CW, especially if paired with Gilmore Girls....

This is strange- I think VM is the first show that I truly love (like, in my top 3 now), that is really on the bubble. Even in the beginning of Alias when it was never a sure thing whether it would be renewed, I don't think it was such a big question mark. I don't know if I can handle this pressure. Please, people start watching!!! (On a related note, the second season of VM isn't being released until the end of August, I think 8/22 - but go out and rent the first season - I promise you won't be disappointed!)

I'm Calling It

2006-05-15T14:19:00.000-04:00

I just know that Heros on NBC is going to be awesome (at least I hope so)... in any case, for those of you who don't read the full NBC press release in the link below, at least read the synopsis for this show:

"HEROES" — The epic drama "Heroes" chronicles the lives of ordinary people who discover they possess extraordinary abilities. As a total eclipse casts it shadow across the globe, viewers follow a genetics professor (Sendhil Ramamurthy, "Blind Guy Driving") in India whose father's disappearance leads him to uncover a secret theory -- there are people with super powers living among us. A young dreamer (Milo Ventimiglia, "The Bedford Diaries") tries to convince his politician brother (Adrian Pasdar, "Judging Amy") that he can fly. A high school cheerleader (Hayden Panettiere, "Ice Princess") learns that she is totally indestructible. A Las Vegas stripper (Ali Larter, "Final Destination"), struggling to make ends meet to support her young son (Noah Gray-Cabey, "My Wife & Kids"), uncovers that her mirror image has a secret. A prison inmate (Leonard Roberts, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") mysteriously finds himself waking up outside of his cell. A gifted artist (Santiago Cabrera, "Empire"), whose drug addiction is destroying his life and the relationship with his girlfriend (Tawny Cypress, "Third Watch"), can paint the future. A down-on-his-luck beat cop (Greg Grunberg, "Alias") can hear people's thoughts, including the secrets of a captured terrorist. In Japan, a young man (Masi Oka, "Scrubs") develops a way to stop time through sheer will power. Their ultimate destiny is nothing less than saving the world. "Heroes" is executive produced by creator/writer Tim Kring ("Crossing Jordan), Dennis Hammer ("Crossing Jordan") and David Semel ("House"), who also directed the pilot.

How awesome does that sound? And it even stars our beloved Weiss! That might help with the post-Alias depression...

NBC Releases Fall 06 Schedule

2006-05-15T11:34:00.000-04:00

Upfronts are this week, where the networks reveal the shows they are planning for the fall - as usual, this comes with a disclaimer that everything is subject to change. NBC went first today, below is a recap - click HERE for full coverage, including new show synopses.

NBC PRIMETIME SCHEDULE FOR FALL 2006-07*
New programs in CAPS (with the exception of "ER")

MONDAY
8-9 p.m. "Deal or No Deal"
9-10 p.m. "HEROES"
10-11 p.m. "Medium"

TUESDAY
8-9 p.m. "FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS"
9-10 p.m. "KIDNAPPED"
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. "The Biggest Loser"
9-9:30 p.m. "20 GOOD YEARS"
9:30-10 p.m. "30 ROCK"
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order"

THURSDAY
8-8:30 p.m. "My Name Is Earl" (new time)
8:30-9 p.m. "The Office" (new time)
9-10 p.m. "STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP"
10-11 p.m. "ER"/("THE BLACK DONNELLYS" in January 2007)

FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. "Deal or No Deal"
9-10 p.m. "Las Vegas"
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" (new day and time)

Quick Notes: I'm already betting my favorite will be "Heros" - a show about "normal people" with superpowers - seems very X-men to me. Also, "30 Rock" and "Sunset Strip" sound like the same show - I'm surprised that NBC picked up both - backstage at SNL type shows. Both are well cast, but I think only one will survive, but they could both get cancelled by Thanksgiving. Also note - Scrubs is missing! WHAT?!

Stay tuned for more network upfront news... looks like ABC may be picking up another JJ Abrams show, Six Degrees... hopefully it will be better the than lackluster What About Brian, which also got renewed.

Izzie Sucks

2006-05-15T11:05:00.000-04:00

After a very long trip home, involving numerous delays at the airport due to rain, all I wanted to do was watch Grey's and relax in front of the tv. Little did I know that I would spend the majority of the hour screaming at the tv!!!! IZZIE, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING??? I'm sorry, but no one is that stupid. Cutting the cord on a machine that's keeping Denny's heart going, all to show your love for him and move him to the top of the donor list, is absolutely ridiculous. And when she was completely losing it, going into that hysterical rant screaming "What about ME?," well I wanted to wring her neck. I was literally screaming "I hate you" at the tv. I cannot stand when otherwise strong women break down and become hysterical. What happened to the Izzie who stood up to Alex all of those times, or who helped the teenaged pregnant patient who was struggling to give up her baby, when we learned that Izzie herself gave up a baby when she was a teenager? I really hated the Izzie I saw last night, but, I gotta admit, I can't wait to see what she does tonight when she finds out that Burke isn't coming to her rescue.

Speaking of Burke, that was an amazing last 2 minutes. If you're wondering where that arrogant boss who was killed outside the hospital is from, he's Vinnie Van Lowe on Veronica Mars! I love that Shonda Rhimes, the genius behind this show, is so anti-spoiler. I think that's one of the best things about this show - you never know what's going to happen, and I'm truly shocked when things like Burke getting shot outside the hospital happen.

Thank god we don't have to wait a week for the 2 hour second-parter to the season finale - it airs TONIGHT, probably starting at 9:20 - 9:3o because of the presidential address (ABC will announce the adjusted start times later today - note that FOX already announced that Prison Break is starting at 8:20, and 24 is starting at 9:20).

I realize that I didn't write anything about Meredith/McDreamy/the Addison outburst, but I promise I'll tackle all of that tomorrow, after we see how things play out tonight (though I will say that THANK GOD Derek didn't say anything to Meredith in the elevator, and I'm quite disappointed with Meredith's breakdown to Finn, crying "I love him so much," seemingly in reference to Doc but clearly talking about Derek).

The Best 2 Weeks of the Season

2006-05-15T10:53:00.000-04:00

Alright... looks like the finales are starting, look forward to plot twists and deaths galore!

Monday
NOTE: There is a 20 minute presidential address tonight that will affect all networks - set your TiVos and VCRs accordingly!!!
Finales kick off tonight with How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 8:30) and a 2 hour Grey's Anatomy finale marathon (ABC, 9). Also, for anyone interested, Prison Break also is ending the season tonight on Fox at 8. All 3 have been renewed for next season.

Tuesday
Scrubs ends its hilarious 5th season at 9 with a two-episode, 1 hour season finale (NBC, 9.) Also, The Unit will conclude its first season with a 2 hour, 2 episode ending (CBS, 9). Scrubs has definitely been picked up for another season... the Unit is looking likely for Season 2, but not certain.

Wednesday
Alias and Lost are new, but their 2 hour season finales won't be until next week (Monday and Wednesday, respectively.) However, the season finale of Invasion will probably be the last hour of the show you'll ever see, as it is unlikely that it will be picked up next season... ABC, 10pm.

Thursday
The OC ends its season on Thursday with the fab four's graduation... keep an eye out, because this could be Marissa's last episode... rumors are that she will NOT return next season as a cast regular. We also have the series finale of Will & Grace... if you're like me and stopped watching this show years ago, but want to tune in for the finale, the story is basically this: Grace is pregnant with ex-husband Leo's baby, and planned to raise it with Will. But Will's on-again boyfriend Vince wants a full commitment that does not include 24/7 Grace and while Will is leaving Vince for Grace, Grace is off to Europe to try and reconnect with the ex-hubby, for a chance to be a happy family... will the last episode leave us with separate paths for Will & Grace? Probably not, but tune in anyway... there is a clip show at 8 and the finale starts at 9 (NBC.) Also, if you're looking for the Smallville finale, you missed it, it was last week - but don't worry - the renewal for the new CW network is at about 99%.

Sunday
We have the Simpsons season finale (Fox, 8, but who cares) followed by an hour and a half Stewie-centric season finale for Family Guy (Fox, 8:30). Both are renewed for next season. And then heading over to Wisteria Lane, we get a one hour season finale of Desperate Housewives (ABC, 9), including flashbacks of how all the housewives moved into the neighborhood. Plus we have the mid-season finale of The Sopranos (not to be confused with the actual season finale, which will occur later this year) and the season finale of Big Love (HBO, 9 and 10, respectively.) As is always the case with HBO, I have no clue of the fates of either of these shows.

Happy Viewing!

Alias, Lost & Invasion: Only One Will Survive

2006-05-15T10:30:00.000-04:00

These shows are all so good, but only one is surviving to Season 3 (Lost)... finally saw last week's episodes, all three of them were amazing!!!

Alias
Only 3 hours of Alias left in the world... it's funny how much that changes my perspective on how I watch the show. Before, when *anything* was a possibility, every little clue would make me wonder about a million different twists and turns the show could take. Now I have only one focus: Rambaldi's End Game. I'm going to ignore the fact that if Sloan had page 47 in his possession for an extended period of time, and the means to decipher it, why he didn't do it until now. I'm going to put aside my list of 50 million unanswered questions, from who the hell is Olivia Reed, to why Irena's name was etched on a Rambaldi artifact, and just hope that the writers answer the one big looming question about Rambaldi. Don't get me wrong - I really enjoyed Wednesday's episode - but with the writers trying to go out on an all time high, they really are making loathe the fact that there isn't about 2 more seasons to answer all our questions. It looks like they are writing to reveal the P5 end game - which involved Rambaldi. Anyway... enough ranting... some quick points on the episode:

1. I loved that Mia Maestro was able to return for one more episode - she has been a great addition to the show (unlike this season's unnecessary Rachel & Thomas.) It was good that she was able to get her revenge on Sloan *somehow* - even if it was only posthumous mind games!

2. Did anyone else catch the look Peyton made when she said that "we all [have made sacrifices]"? Who has she sacrificed? Anyone we know? Does this feed into the rumors that she is somehow a Derevko and has lost/was taken away from/left her family?

3. Wasn't Dixon supposed to be evil this season? It seems like Alias is trying too hard to show us how sneaky Thomas is being - which only means one thing: he's innocent. That means there is possibly another mole inside APO - our beloved Dixon? Who knows?!?!?

4. Speaking of Thomas not being a baddie... I still think that the reason Thomas was hired was to be able to communicate with "The Cardinal" and I still believe that Jack is in the know of everything he is up to!

5. VAUGHN IS BACK IN ACTION! I'm glad the last few episodes will have the Syd/Vaughn team back together in the field.... that is classic Alias and it makes me happy.

Lost
Won't spend too much time on this one, because this is the only one I'll be able to write about next season. The big question here is to press or not to press... are they in a giant skinner box? Signs *point* to yes, but I don't think the answer was given to us 100% in the episode. Dr. Marvin (last name was different in this orientation tape!) said that the participants in the various experients believe that their job is of vital importance - but he never says that they believe that incorrectly! Interesting... And how did Locke dream of Yemi, who he doesn't even know... it reminded me of the time that Locke dreamed about Boone and his "incident" with his nanny and the stairs... there is definitely something weird about the island, giving some kind of psychic powers to our survivors. (On the same note, note that Eko foresaw the bleeding Ana in his dream before *anyone* knew she had been killed.) Speaking of psychics... anyone notice Claire's psychic admitting he's a fraud? But in the Clair episode in Season 1 he was SO adament about her keeping her baby. It seems that Yemi visited the drowned girl in a dream too - is psychic ability hereditary? Or was it the girl who knew that Claire would visit her father, and then told her father not to let Claire's baby be "raised by another"? Lots of questions... and as is always with Lost... few answers.

Invasion
Wow - this show has jumped from genre-alien to evolution to genocide in a span of 21 episodes. This morning's Daily Variety announced that its certain that Invasion won't be returning next season, so this Wednesday's episode will be the last. One hour is definitely not enough to wrap up the whole mystery, but since there's been talk of cancellation for months, hopefully the writers have written to a satisfying conclusion. Will the hybrids win? The humans? What will the hybrid babies look like? (We have been promised at least a glimpse of them!) Why did the hybrids survive in the Everglades, but nowhere else in the world? Why won't ABC keep good shows on the air? The world may never know. In any case, I'm really looking forward to the season finale - even if it isn't given the customary 2 hours to conclude, as ABC loves to normally do.

Some Signs You Might Be Married

2006-05-12T17:14:00.000-04:00

1. You have a blog with your wife, where you write about TV shows, because normal conversation and interaction with each other has become too difficult after 9 months of marraige.

2. Your wife calls you on Friday. She is leaving work early. She exclaims: "I HAVE to go home. . .I have to watch Alias, I am literally dying!!!!!!"

Then she hangs up on you.

Episodes Online!

2006-05-11T10:20:00.000-04:00

You can now watch full episodes of Alias and Lost at http://dynamic.abc.go.com/streaming/landing .... there are other shows available too, like Desparate Housewives, but really, watching that train wreck once is more than enough.