On Callie and Arizona

Michael Ausiello's wish for Grey's Anatomy in 2015 is to "resist the urge" to reunite Calzona. I could not agree more. While it was happening, I was kind of annoyed. These two had been thru so much – the cheating, the baby, the leg – and it seemed like another wrench was unnecessary drama. (Yes, I understand what show I'm watching... unnecessary drama is kind of its thing.) But that episode chronicling their separation was heartbreaking to watch. And I can't imagine going back from there.

'Galavant' on ABC

Admittedly, super excited for Galavant to premiere on ABC. When it was announced earlier this year, I said:

This is being described as The Princess Bride with music. Which sounds AWESOME. Looks hilarious. Trailer reminds me of Robin Hood: Men in Tights.

But what is puzzling to me, is that in the latest promos I have been seeing on ABC, they tease it as a "4-week event." Soooooo is it a mini series? Or an actual, regular show?

I had never heard it plugged as a mini series (or, as they're calling them these days, a 'limited series,' or an 'event'), though I do think that makes more sense for this concept. Seems like, at the rate that TV shows are being cancelled, almost every series should be called a mini series. Sigh.

'Manhattan Love Story' lives on... On Hulu

I'm (one of the few, apparently) that is happy to see Manhattan Love Story's life extended a bit thanks to Hulu. The streaming service will house seven unaired episodes of the failed rom-com. (And Selfie too, but I don't really care about that.)

Most people hated the show, but I actually thought it was really cute. I didn't think the internal dialogue was overused – in fact, it reminds me of the narration on Jane The Virgin at times, which I think borrows from the same whimsical space as another cancelled rom-com that I liked, A to Z.

Anyway, I like Jake McDorman (Greek, Shameless) but do agree that this role was sort of boring for him. I mean, he was so, so great on Shameless... and this role just felt amateur compared to that. I get that it's a network rom-com vs a cable drama comedy, but still. Analeigh Tipton was... fine. I just watched Two Night Stand this past weekend, and she's basically playing the same character (annnnnd pretty similar storyline to episode 4's 'It's Complicated' sleepover....). I'd agree with most critics that said the best thing about her was her perfectly curled hair.

Looking forward the catching the rest of the episodes on Hulu... and waiting for McDorman's next. better role.

'Girls' Season 4 Promo

So excited for this next season, espeically Marnie "singing embarrasing songs in public places."

Alpha House S2 Trailer

Streaming on Amazon Oct 24!

'Tyrant' renewed

I'm actually surprised that Tyrant was renewed for a second season. Not to say I didn't like it – in fact, in the beginning of the season, I was saying it was my favorite summer show – it just felt like, by the end, it was dragging.

I think they got in a trap of trying to do too much, too quickly. The fact that the season started with Barry begrudgingly returning to his homeland, and then ended with him failing to stage a coup to take over? Sheesh. That's a lot of plot development in one season.

Maybe they would have been better served by making the finale the episode when Jamal kills the sheik. Slow down some of the story, give us more flashbacks, introduce us more to these rebels and their cause, let us get to know Barry's journalist friend a little more.

I'm looking forward to season 2, but I'm hoping it can hold my attention all the way through...

'Once Upon A Time' – Do Emma and Henry know 'Frozen'?

As if Once Upon A Time isn't complicated / unbelievable enough, next season they're introducing Frozen into Storybrooke. (No sense in even "spoiler alert-ing" that since it has been promoted the HECK out of ever since the finale last season.)

The overthinker in me – and I'm not the only one – was slightly confused by this and how they would present it. If you remember, Henry came to learn about Storybrooke's "history" via a book of fairy tales. Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and other classics. (Apparently, that includes Mulan....)

Now, Frozen is not a classic fairy tale (at least, as far as I know). In fact, it isn't even based on any kind of folklore or history of any kind, as say, Mulan or Sleeping Beauty is. CORRECTION – Nik let me know that it is based on The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson. 

More than that though, Frozen was not even out in theaters when Henry, Emma and friends "remembered" who they were. Did they see the movie? I'd think no... unless they stopped by the movie theater one lazy Sunday afternoon between defeating evil witches and Peter Pan their grandpa.

Basically, do the people of Storybrooke even know who the Frozen princesses are?

This has been debated across the interwebs, and it would assume, of course that OUAT takes place in the present day. TV Line has an interview with showrunners about it, in which they confirm that no, Henry has not seen Frozen. By their calculations, the people of Storybrooke are somewhere in 2013 right now, pre-Frozen release.

But looking at these previews for the new season, it seems like Emma may recognize the sisters... or maybe it is just ABC toying with us as usual.


Speaking of new characters / princesses from recent Disney pictures, where the heck are Tiana and Prince Naveen? I understand that OUAT isn't keen on talking animals/objects – made that clear with the exclusion of Olaf in the upcoming season – but is Naveen's talking frog much different than Jiminy Cricket who has been featured at great lengths in both human and cricket form? We need some diversity in Storybrooke.

Where 'The Getaway' is going in Season 2

If you've talked to me about television, travel and/or Anthony Bourdain, it's more than likely that the show The Getaway has come up. It combines most of what I love – food, drink, travel and celebrities.  I'm sort of obsessed. In fact, I have the first season on my DVR and refuse to delete it in case one of my curious friends ever wants to watch it. (And if you're wondering – Joel McHale in Belfast is my favorite of the first season episodes, naturally.)

Anywho... the second season starts October 15th on Esquire Network and the lineup of celebs and locations is insane. EW announced: Chrissy Teigen in Bangkok, Adam Pally in Las Vegas, Jack McBrayer in Hawaii, Kyle MacLachlan in Napa, David Koechner in Dublin. Here's a sneak peek:
And just to give them a plug, I adore the Esquire Network. The design, the programming, the brand they've developed. Shows like Knife Fight, Best Bars in America, Brew Dogs are all in constant rotation on my DVR.

Careful how you binge.

Love this video, but sorry to say I'm not following their guidelines and killing approx. one season a week in my current Sons of Anarchy binge.

Pilot Review: 'Red Band Society' on Fox

After watching the pilot on demand, Red Band Society has definitely earned a spot on my DVR list this fall.

When I heard that Dave Annable and Octavia Spencers were the stars of this "young soap," I was skeptical. Is this about the kids or the adults? But after watching the pilot, I think the two are in the episode just enough. (Okay, lie. It needs more Annable, looking particularly salt-and-pepper sexy.)

In fact, Spencer may be my new uptight idol (Dr. Bailey on Grey's has gone to soft). At one point, she interrupts a eager nurse with, "Don't use 'like' like that." Preach, sister.

The cast of kids is great, too – and kudos for the choice to introduce the characters one at a time in the pilot. That could have been cheesy, but really worked with a large cast. There's some possible love triangles going on. Some father-son drama. And I'm particularly intrigued by Dash – bets on Spencer being his mom!?

That is what's most promising about this pilot – there are so many storytelling possibilities. Most pilots end with one cliffhanger, or introduce one big story. And this one planted seeds for many.

The Daily Beast compares RBS to Glee, which I actually think is a disservice. RBS is really more like Parenthood, in my opinion. Big cast. Mix of humor and heartbreak. I laughed. I cried.

Okay, I cried twice.

Pilot Review: 'Selfie' on ABC

Caught the pilot of ABC's Selfie on demand this week... and poor, poor John Cho.

First off, the lead is so unlikeable. I understand she is supposed to be narcissistic and social-media obsessed. But that doesn't mean she has to be... dumb. It feels like someone gave the Jack In The Box intern a half-hour show.

This is a girl that was the top sales rep for her her (clearly successful) company. Does she have to wear fur vests to work and use 'omg, lol, hashtag, whatev' in normal speech? Does she have to wear sunglasses on her head... while she is inside... at work?! (Sorry, pet peeve of mine...) I get it, she's very Cher. She's supposed to need a little self-improvement. And for a brief, brief moment, I liked her.

The moment in question was when she was texting all her friends when she was sick, musing that maybe she didn't have any 'real' friends. I feel ya, girlfran. That was deep. And depressing. And I wanted to give her a hug. But moments later, she was back to her annoying antics.

Second – and I love John Cho – but not like this. Cho's character just doesn't seem like a good fit. Maybe I'm too attached to the cool guy friend he's usually cast as. Maybe this is against type. Seeing him smile and let loose in the final scene was so refreshing because it finally felt like.... him. This buttoned up version is not the one I love.

And third... WTF is up with all the rhyming? I know it is based on My Fair Lady, known for it's 'the rain in Spain' or whatever rhyme, but still. Is that necessary? Is it going to continue? Please, say no.

Verdict is... I may hate-watch a few more episodes and wait for the cancellation.

Thoughts on the 'True Blood' Finale

There's a lot of people disappointed with the finale, ranking it among the worst in television history, but honestly – what did you expect? True Blood has been less than stellar the last few seasons. You really expected them to churn out some amazing final episodes after not being able to craft an amazing season-long arc the last 2-3 years?

Here's what I did expect – 

• Sookie crying. 
• Bill dying. 
• Some save-the-day scenario for Eric and Pam and the town (mostly Andy and Jason) to rally behind, giving Sam a reason to return, albeit temporarily.
• Sookie and Eric to "have a moment," even if it was in friendship (as Jessica and Jason had a few episodes ago), but not end up together. How meaningless would Bill's death be if Sookie ended up with a vampire anyway?
• Jason and Bridget. Hoyt and Jessica. Arlene and what's-his-name. Lafayette and Jessica's ex-boyfriend. 
• Some flashbacks to notable characters (for Sookie) like Gram, Tara, Alcide, her parents. (No flashbacks to Terry, his story has already ended)
• Some heart-to-hearts for Sookie and Bill, Sookie and Eric, Sookie and Jason and Sookie and Lafayette – arguably the main characters / relationships on the show. Arlene and Sookie already got a great scene together earlier this season. And Pam and Eric already had enough heart-to-hearts this year. I just want to see them have fun, kick ass, yell at people. 

Now, some of that happened. Some of it didn't. And to be fair, I did not hate everything in the finale.

The good stuff first –
I felt like Bill's death was rather well done. I held my breath when Sookie was finally able to listen to his thoughts (a sign of his humanity) and gasped when she broke the shovel in half to steak him. I do, however, think that story arc was kind of beat to death this season – by the time he refused Sarah's blood, I wasn't surprised. It was obvious he was ready for the true death and to let go of Sookie. I was kind of sick of hearing him explain it time and time again.

I do think this was a missed opportunity to have a sweet moment between Eric and Sookie. I wish he would have "felt" her pain and shown up to be by her side following the death of Bill. Not romantically, just to console her. After all, Bill was his longtime frenemy, too.

I also didn't hate Jessica and Hoyt's wedding. I think Andy's speech at the wedding, and the fact that it was attended by the core characters was really appropriate. But - where was Lafayette?! Wouldn't that have been an easy scene to add him in? More on that in a minute...

And now.... the bad. 

One of my biggest complaints about the season overall – not just the finale – was the focus on characters that I didn't care much about. Willa, Tara's mom and the pastor, these Japanese dudes, Jason's weird girlfriend, Andy's daughter, even Sarah Nelwin. I even got called out on Twitter by Lauren Bowles for not caring about Holly's fate earlier this season. But we only get like 13 hours with these characters – don't waste my time!

In this final episode, we had meaningless scenes dedicated to Sarah (don't get me wrong – I love Sarah and Steve.... but their story is over.), Sarah and Pam, mentions of Willa (who then reappeared in the final scene, where has she been?!), and even a heart-to-heart between Sookie and the pastor. That's right, a guy who had about 3 lines up until this season got an entire scene of screen time with our heroine. And you know who didn't have a single line in the whole episode? Fan favorite, Lafayette. Let that sink in? Lafayette did not have a single line in the finale... but the pastor did. Wtf. 

But mostly, it wasn't fun. In fact, it was downright depressingly normal. For a show that pushed some boundaries, dared to be unexpected and embrace differences... it ended like an episode of Duck Dynasty. Sure, I guess the Stackhouse table was lined with vampires, shifters, black, white, gay, straight... but didn't it all seem so conservative, traditional, normal?

This EW article sums it up perfectly,

... Something about the blandness of True Blood‘s finale felt almost offensive. Jessica and Hoyt got hitched, because it was Bill’s greatest wish to see his progeny married off? Bill just had to lecture Sookie about how having children makes life worth living? Sookie needed to chat with the Reverend about God’s plan? For a show that once skewered Ted Cruz and other self-proclaimed defenders of “family values,” this was pretty conservative stuff.... How did two of Bon Temps’ proudest outsiders end up wanting so badly to be “normal”? Since when did True Blood develop such a fixed definition of what “normal” is?

I mean, how awesome would it have been for Sam's kid to jump out of the car and turn into a puppy. You know, weird it up a bit?

So.... What do you think? Would you have preferred it without the various flashforwards? Did you want to see the face of the man Sookie ends up with?

'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' Season 2 Promo

I just want to hang out with all of them. Is that so much to ask?

A little "Hannibal" love from NBC

“Hannibal is…one of the best shows we have creatively, and it’s one of the best-reviewed shows this network has had since I’ve been here. We still struggle to find an audience for it,” Greenblatt told critics. “It’s great, we’re keeping it going, we keep trying to build the audience, but if this were on a cable network, the small audience wouldn’t matter and it would be deemed more successful than it is on our network.”

Read more at EW.

"Boardwalk Empire" Final Season

"Masters of Sex" Season 2 Trailer

They've teased a "darker" season 2, and you definitely get a sense of that in this trailer. I kind of worried Virgina and Bill getting together would ruin things, but the intrigue/conflict of them sneaking around should last for a season or two, don't you think?

Also really excited at this hint of ditching Virginia from the study, as she is "just" a secretary. That came up a lot last season, and I suspect as they move the study to new hospitals / labs, her contribution to the study will have to be justified even moreso.

The worst thing about the Hannibal finale was...

SPOILER ALERT!! SPOILER ALERT!! SPOILER ALERT!! SPOILER ALERT!! 

The past month, I've caught up on Season 1 and 2 of Hannibal – which is an awesome, awesome show, by the way. Last night, I finally watched the Season 2 finale and (again, SPOILER ALERT) pretty much every character's life hangs in the balance.

Jack's wife. Jack. Dr. Bloom. Will. Abigail (Abigail is alive?!). And Dr. Lector flies off to paradise with Gillian Anderson, that two-timing bi-otch.

– Side note, speaking of two-timing - were you shocked (shocked!) that Will called Lector to warn him that "they know" instead of warning Jack that "he knows"? I don't believe that Will was on either side really- he wanted Jack the peace of knowing the truth, but wanted Hannibal to get away, to run. But still. Won't Will have to deal with the guilt that it is basically his fault that Jack and Dr. Bloom (maybe) died?

Anyway, the WORST part in all this is that if everyone dies – except Will of course, we know he has to live (right?) – the only lead character left will be stupid Cynthia Nixon.

Wimp womp.

Where is Eric? "True Blood" Final Season Trailer

"Angie Tribeca" on TBS

Isn't this essentially Brooklyn-99?
Rashida deserves better / something original.

"Conan" on til 2018

TBS Renews Conan Through 2018

Anyone else surprised by this? I used to LOVE Conan. I even stayed up late and watched it for a bit after it started on TBS. But I fell out of it. And honestly, Fallon took over. You rarely see funny Conan bits floating around Facebook the next morning. I don't even hear what guests are coming on Conan anymore. Dont' even read any news about it online or in EW or in TB Guide. I kind of forgot he even existed.

In fact, was reading in this week's TV Guide about the Emmy's and NBC's submissions – they are submitting the Tonight Show with Fallon, with Leno and Late Night with Seth Myers for Emmy consideration. Among the other contenders, TV Guide mentioned Daily Show, Colbert Report, @midnight, even Inside Amy Schumer. But even among 10 or so shows listed, Conan didn't even make the cut.

Is a renewal really the best choice for TBS? Does anyone watch Conan anymore?

UPDATED: Fall Pilot Review: Fox Drama

GOTHAM: The origin stories of Commissioner James Gordon, a detective with the Gotham City Police Department, and his battle with the villains who made Gotham City famous. Cast: Ben McKenzie (Det. James Gordon); Donal Logue (Harvey Bullock); Jada Pinkett Smith (Fish Mooney).

Blame it on SHIELD, Arrow and Once Upon a Time, but there are quite a few superhero and fairytale pilots this year (this one, ABC's Galavant, NBC's Constantine). I would write this one off, but the trailer was released recently and actually looks decent. My only concern is keeping it from becoming too CW-y.

BACKSTROM: Based on renowned Swedish criminologist and novelist Leif G.W. Persson’s hit series of books of the same name, the series centers on Det. Everett Backstrom, an offensive, irascible detective as he tries and fails to change his self-destructive behavior. Cast: Rainn Wilson (Backstrom); Dennis Haysbert (John Almond).

Uh, Rainn Wilson in a drama? After watching the trailer, it is basically just Rake but a detective instead of a lawyer.

EMPIRE: A family drama set in the world of a hip-hop empire featuring original and current music. Cast: Terrence Howard (Lucious Lyon); Taraji P. Henson (Cookie Lyon); Jussie Smollet (Jamal Lyon).

Nashville didn't have enough rapping in it. Really disappointed that there wasn't a bit of music/singing/rapping/audible piano playing featured in the trailer....

HIEROGLYPH: Set in ancient Egypt, where fantasy and reality intertwine, Hieroglyph follows a notorious thief who is plucked from prison to serve the Pharoah, navigating palace intrigue, seductive concubines, criminal underbellies and even a few divine sorcerers. Cast: Max Brown; John Rhys-Davies (Vocifer); Reece Ritchie (Shai).

This one surprised me. As a huge (HUGE!) Ten Commandments fan, I love all things Egypt. And I've got to admit – that time period hasn't been done before on TV, that I can recall at least. But still. Seems weird, no? CANCELLED.

RED BAND SOCIETY: A group of teenagers meet as patients in the children’s wing of a hospital and become unlikely allies and friends in this comedic young soap. Cast: Octavia Spencer (Nurse Jackson); Dave Annable (Dr. Jack McAndrew).

A comedic young soap starring Spencer (44) and Annable (35). Hmm.

THE MIDDLE MAN: Set in ’60s Boston, the story follows Rudy MacAteer, an FBI agent charged with taking down the Italian mafia, and his confidential informant, Irish gangster Mickey Flood. As Rudy finds himself forced to bend the laws he pledged to enforce, the duo’s actions inadvertantly give rise to the Irish mob.

Though this one is not in contention for the fall (could be coming in the winter or spring season), they've got to be concerned that it is too much like failed series Vegas, Pan Am and Playboy Club, no? I know we all want the next Mad Men or Boardwalk Empire, but I'm really loosing faith that that will come on network TV.

See more at http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/04/21/complete-fall-2014-pilot-list/4/

Also excited to check out Gracepoint, and binge watch the series it is based on, Broadchurch.
 

UPDATED: Fall Pilot Review: Fox Comedy

Get ready for heavy-hitters here, people. Fox recruited quite the comedy line-up this fall – if only in talent alone. I mean, take a look at this first pilot's casting...

DEAD BOSS: Based on the British series, Dead Boss is a comedic mystery that finds overachiever Helen Stephens wrongfully convicted of murdering her boss and forced to rely on her train wreck of a sister to prove her innocence. Cast: Jane Krakowski (Helen); Amy Sedaris (Mary); Rachel Dratch (Christine). Fox passed. 

CABOT COLLEGE: An all-female university in rural New Hampshire opens its doors to four men for the first time. Cast: Margaret Cho (Laura); Brandon Jones (Gerland). Cancelled. 

Like this concept, not a big Cho fan.

FATRICK: Patrick, a 30-something moving man and former fat kid, is forced to face the damage caused by years of being Fatrick; a chubby little kid just trying to survive. Cast: Marcia Cross; Zach Cregger (Patrick); Trevor Larcom (Young Patrick). 
Fox passed. 

For the record, this is one of TWO series about former fat people. The other was on NBC (Ellen More or Less). I feel weird about that.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME: Revolves around a mom who has been single for two decades and traumatizes her stunted 30-something son with a little surprise — she just got married and her new husband and his three teenage children are about to move in. Cast: Jane Kaczmarek (Carol); David James Elliott (Mike); Jon Heder (Richard). 
Fox passed. 

SOBER COMPANION: A charming but self-destructive attorney finds his world turned upside down when a court-appointed and highly unconventional sober companion takes control of his life. Cast: Justin Long; Nick Frost (Robert); Pete Davidson (Derek)

Also, check out these "straight to series" offerings:

LAST MAN ON EARTH (straight to series): Will Forte stars as the last man on earth.

MULANEY (straight to series): Follows an aspiring comedian coming of age under the influence of his boss, his roommates, and his neighbors. Cast: John Mulaney, Martin Short (Lou); Elliott Gould (Oscar); Nasim Pedrad (Jane).

WEIRD LONERS (straight to series): The story of four relationship-phobic people who are unexpectedly thrust into each other’s lives and form an unlikely bond in a Queens, New York townhouse. Cast: Zachary Knighton (Stosh); Becki Newton (Caryn); Nate Torrence (Eric).

Not surprised that Forte's got picked up, but am a bit surprised that Mulaney would get a full season (especially with that boring/obvious pilot. Looks more like Whitney or a CBS-worthy comedy than Fox), as well as Knighton/Newton/Torrence – who seem to be sitcom kyrptonite as of late (see: Happy Endings, FlashForward, Love Bites, Goodwin Games, Super Fun Night, Hello Ladies). Also, I'd selfishly like to see Knighton stay on Parenthood since he was JUST named headmaster of Max's school and all.

See more at http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/04/21/complete-fall-2014-pilot-list/4/

UPDATED: Fall Pilot Review: NBC Drama

CONSTANTINE: One of DC Comics most popular characters, master of the occult John Constantine, is brought to life. Constantine is struggling with his faith as he is haunted by the sins of his past but is suddenly thrust into the role of defending humanity from the gathering forces of darkness. Cast: Matt Ryan (Constantine), Lucy Griffiths (Liv); Charles Halford (Chas); Harold Perrineau (Manny).

Bring on one of the many superhero shows for 2014.

BABYLON FIELDS: The dead are reappearing in Babylon, N.Y. and lives are regained and families reunited — whether they like it or not. These newly regenerated bodies are healing faster and growing stronger than anyone else leading to the suspicion that they might be the next step in human evolution. Cast: Meagan Good (Janine Beltran); Skeet Ulrich (Father Harries and Graham); Kyle Schmid (Thomas Wunch); Virginia Madsen (Rhonda Wunch).

Soooo, like Resurrection?

ODYSSEY: Told in three disparate stories, this is the thrilling tale of families torn apart when a female Special Ops soldier in North Africa, a corporate lawyer, and a Wall Street activist each uncover the same conspiracy between a U.S. corporation, the government, and terrorism. Cast: Anna Friel (Odelle Ballard); Jake Robinson (Harrison Wolcott); Nate Mooney (Bob Offer); Daniella Pineda (Molly Simms); Elena Kampouris (Maya Drucker); Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Frank Majors); Treat Williams (Colonel Stephen Glen); Peter Facinelli (Peter Decker).

Yeah, okay. I'll try this.

TIN MEN: A psychological crime thriller set in the near future that focuses on a fugitive robot accused of first-degree murder who may hold the key to the future of human evolution, and the young female public defender forced to fight for his cause. Cast: Patrick Heusinger (Adam Sentry); Shaun Toub (David Dashiell); Ryun Yu (Ryuji Kitamura); Kristen Connolly (Katie Collier); Vondie Curtis-Hall (Jack Garrison).

Ugh. Enough with the robots. Almost Human and Intelligence both failed this year. Besides, this just sounds like another I, Robot rip-off.

ALLEGIANCE: This high-octane thriller revolves around the O’Connor family and their son, Alex, a decorated American war hero and CIA analyst who is a true patriot and loves his country and family. Unbeknownst to him, both of his parents and his sister are part of a dormant Russian sleeper cell that has just been reactivated. Once the parents get reluctantly pulled back in, the stakes rise they are coerced into spying on their own son and turning him against his country. Cast: Gavin Stenhouse (Alex O’Connor); Margarita Levieva (Natalie O’Connor); Hope Davis (Katya O’Connor); Alex Peters (Sarah O’Connor).

It's The Americans meets Homeland.

STATE OF AFFAIRS: A key CIA attaché (Katherine Heigl) counsels the president on high-stakes incidents around the world. She balances her intense political responsibilities with a complicated personal life. Cast: Katherine Heigl (Charleston Whitney Tucker); Cliff Chamberlain (Kurt Tannen), Leslie Odom, Jr (Mitchell); President Roberta Payton (Alfre Woodard).

You lost me at Katherine Heigl.

MYSTERIES OF LAURA: Based on a Spanish format, this procedural drama with a sharp sense of humor follows a quirky female homicide detective who juggles high-stakes crime as well as her ex-husband and a devilish set of twin boys. Cast: Debra Messing (Laura); Laz Alonso (Billy); Janina Gavankar (Detective Meredith Martinez); Josh Lucas (Jake).

At first I thought this was saying that Laura was Spanish and I was like, "Uh, Debra Messing is the best casting could do?" Then I realized I couldn't read. But hey, Josh Lucas.

THE SLAP: A complex family drama that explodes from one small incident where a man slaps another couple’s misbehaving child. This seemingly minor domestic dispute pulls the family apart, begins to expose long-held secrets, and ignites a lawsuit that challenges the core American values of all who are pulled into it.

That escalated quickly.

EMERALD CITY (miniseries): Based on the 14-book series that first created the wonderful, and treacherous, Land of Oz, Emerald City is a dramatic and modern reimagining of the tales that include lethal warriors, competing kingdoms, and the infamous wizard as we’ve never seen him before. A head-strong 20-year-old Dorothy Gale is unwittingly sent on an eye-opening journey that thrusts her into the center of an epic and bloody battle for the control of Oz. Cancelled. 

Can I just say – kudos to NBC just just picthing this as a mini-series! As other shows like Terra Nova, Revolution, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, Under the Dome could have / should have.

See more at http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/04/21/complete-fall-2014-pilot-list/3/

UPDATED: Fall Pilot Review: NBC Comedy

UNTITLED TINA FEY/ROBERT CARLOCK: Kimmy is rescued along with four other women from 15 years of living in a cult. After a Today show interview, she decides to return to start a new, wide-eyed life in New York City. Cast: Ellie Kemper; Tituss Burgess (Titus); Sara Chase (Cyndee); Lauren Adams (Gretchen).

Ellie Kemper definitely has the "wide-eyed" thing down, but I've got to admit – this was not the premise I was expecting for her / from Tina. UPDATE Moved to Netflix for March 2015

BAD JUDGE: A hard-living, sexually unapologetic woman (Kate Walsh) partakes in an edgy life that often clashes with the fact that she happens to be a judge in the San Bernardino Criminal Court system. Cast: Tone Bell (Edward), Theodore Barnes (Robby Shoemaker), Arden Myrin (Jenny), Mather Zickel (Gary), John Ducey (Tom)

Pretty sure people are just going to watch this for the "sexually unapologetic" Kate Walsh. Also, basically Rake with a judge instead of a lawyer. See also: Backstrom on Fox.

MARRY ME: A couple gets engaged, which they quickly realize it is harder than it looks. Cast: Casey Wilson (Annie); John Gemberling (Gil); Ken Marino (Jake); Tim Meadows (Kevin #1); Tymberlee Hill (Kay); Dan Bucatinsky (Kevin #2)

CASEY WILSON! PENNY HART! But seriously – most intriging thing about this is Kevin #1 and Kevin #2.

MISSION CONTROL: A workplace comedy set at Mission Control in 1965 as a strong woman butts heads with a macho astronaut and a too-cool-for-school former test pilot in the race to land on the moon. Cast: Malcolm Barrett (Arthur); Jonathan Slavin (Kriegel); Krysten Ritter (Dr. Mary Kendrick).

This, this is so random. I love it. AND CANCELLED.

LOVE IS RELATIVE: When her newly-divorced brother moves in, a wife and her husband start to see their marriage in a whole new way. Cast: Leslie Bibb (Rose); Utkarsh Ambudkar (Deepak); Barry Rothbart (Josh); Jason Jones (Nate).

Leslie Bibb is having a moment – with appearances on The Following and About A Boy – and I totally welcome it.

OLD SOUL: A young woman (Natasha Lyonne) is trying to find herself, but in the meantime she’s working as the aide to a group of opinionated elderly people. Cast: Natasha Lyonne (Nadia); Rita Moreno (Rita); Greta Lee (Alix); Nick Thune (Charlie); Ellen Burstyn (Eileen); Fred Willard (Hector).

Uh, I'm sorry. I stopped listening because Natasha Lyonne cannot be on this and OITNB at the same time. Not possible. Cancel it.

THE PRO: Set in and around a tennis and golf club, a former doubles champion (Rob Lowe) is reunited with his ex-partner after a public feud that left them both floundering in life. Cast: Rob Lowe (Ben); Rob Riggle (Bobby Welch); Colton Dunn (Lewis Mosely); Rosa Salazar (Jamie). NBC Passed. 

Double Rob.

ONE BIG HAPPY: When gay and straight best friends decide to have a baby together, things get complicated when one of them finds the love of their life. Cast: Nick Zano (Luke); Elisha Cuthbert (Lizzy); Brandon Smith (Marcus);Rebecca Corry (Leisha).

Oh, Nick Zano.

TWO TO GO: Laura and Kurt struggle through life as the last two single people in their group of friends. Cast: Christine Woods (Laura); Echo Kellum (Nick); Dana Delorenzo (Darcy).

Doubt this will work, but I'm rooting for the Looking/Go On and Ben and Kate alums.

MR. ROBINSON: A journeyman musician gets a job as a music teacher at a middle school. While teaching the kids everything from rock to the blues, he simultaneously learns how to put the school’s rules to the test. Cast: Craig Robinson; Ben Koldyke (Jimmy)

Love Craig... but worry this will be too School of Rock.

See more at http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/04/21/complete-fall-2014-pilot-list/3/

A to Z was left out my original review because it looked predicatble and because I think it's too early for people to watch The Mother fall in love again... with not Ted (and for the record, I don't even really watch HIMYM). But it actually looks kind of cute.

UPDATED: Fall Pilot Review: ABC Drama

DANGEROUS LIAISONS: The love and rivalry between two equally-matched, powerful socialites who play out their obsessive attraction and seduction of each other through their manipulation of others. Cast: Rufus Sewell (Philip); Katie Holmes (Ann); Elliot Knight (Leo); Oded Fehr (Anderson). ABC Passed. 

The next Revenge / Betrayal.

THE McKENNA FILES: In this character-driven procedural, a former convict turned big city criminologist is brought in to help local police crack a case involving a shocking string of disappearances. The chief detective she’s been hired to help is her father – and they haven’t talked in fifteen years. Cast: Jee Young Han (Chelsea); Meta Golding (Stacy); Erik Palladino (Cooper).

I just like how they call this a "character-driven procedural," like that makes it any different.

CLEMENTINE: A habitual criminal digs in to the mystery of her origins after she becomes the target of a group of zealots who fear she possesses latent supernatural abilities that she will one day harness for either profound good or monstrous evil.

Is this a SHIELD spin-off?

FOREVER: Doctor Henry Morgan is New York City’s star medical examiner. But what no one knows is Henry studies the dead for a reason—he is immortal. With the help of detective Jo Martinez, we will peel back the layers of Henry’s colorful and long life through their cases. Cast: Judd Hirsch (Abe); Ioan Gruffudd (Henry); Barbara Eve Harris (Lt. Marcia Roark); Alana de la Garza (Det. Jo Martinez).

Intrigued. Never heard that one before.

SEA OF FIRE: When three teenage girls in a small town star in an illicit film, it tears their families apart and leads to a disappearance, a murder, and a host of other secrets boiling under the surface of a close-knit community Cast: Jennifer Carpenter (Agent Leah Pierce); Jack Davenport (Sheriff Marty Kesowich); Lilli Birdsell (Laura Lee); Isabelle Cornish (Merel); Jeffrey Nordling (Rev. Bobby McAllister).

Like the untold Pretty Little Liars story.

 Overall at ABC, lots of crime, law and punishment. And every drama is some mix of lies/betrayal/truth/mystery. See more at http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/04/21/complete-fall-2014-pilot-list/2/

And from Shonda Rhimes, the next Scandal – How To Get Away With Murder:

And this show, American Crime looks intense. Possibly what the Crash TV show couldn't be.

For the midseason, they have the show The Whispers which looks f-ing terrifying.

Also the show, Secrets and Lies, is coming midseason and is basically the same premise as Gracepoint on Fox. And stars Juliette Lewis, who is also on Wayward Pines midseason on Fox. Deja vous?

UPDATED: Fall Pilot Review: ABC Comedy

IRREVERSIBLE: The comedy centers on an eccentric and self-absorbed couple and the trials and tribulations they often bring upon themselves. Cast: David Schwimmer (Andy) Iris Bahr (Julie) Jessica Knappett (Sarah). 

So, basically just Friends again?

AN AMERICAN EDUCATION: A remake of British comedy Bad Education, the project centers on British transplant Alfie Wickers, an unorthodox teacher who loves his students but his naïve enthusiasm and unconventional methods put him at odds with the test-obsessed administrators. Cast: Jack Whitehall (Alfie), Rosie Perez (Rita), Brittany Snow (Sarah); David Mares (Rodney); Devin Ratray (Jeff); Phil Morris (Principal). 

I'll watch anything that Brittany Snow is in. That's a promise. Side note... did that Bad Teacher show ever make it on TV?

UNTITLED BRIAN GALLIVAN PROJECT: An overworked father who dreams of a better life for his family decides to uproot them from the city and move to New Hampshire where they open a group of low rent tourist cottages. Cast: Molly Shannon (Cathleen); Shiloh Nelson (Phyllis); Tessa Albertson (Veronica); Ty Parker (Nathan); Charlie Kilgore (Lazy); Connor Kalopsis (Elliott); Paul F Tompkins (Teddy). 

Actually sounds like a promsing concept with stories of the guests, running the resort etc.

DAMAGED GOODS: Comedy about the sexual politics that have changed between men and women in this post-feminist era. Cast: Steve Talley (Jason); Justin Hartley (Tim); Ben Lawson (Michael); Kellee Stewart (Betsy); Anna Camp (Nicole); Kyle Jones (Kyle). 

This is either the next Happy Endings or Mixology. Sadly, my bet is on the latter.

FAR EAST ORLANDO Fresh Off the Boat: It’s the ’90s and hip-hop loving Eddie is growing up in suburban Orlando, raised by an immigrant father who is obsessed with all things American and an immigrant mother who is often bewildered by white culture. With his father owning and operating an All-American Steakhouse chain, this loving family of FOB (“fresh off the boat”) Taiwanese Americans try to live the American dream while still maintaining their cultural identity and sense of family. Based on chef Eddie Huang’s memoir. Cast: Randall Park (Mr. Huang); Constance Wu (Mrs. Huang); Forrest Wheeler (Freddy Huang). 

I think they meant to submit this last season (ie The Goldbergs, Surviving Jack).

GALAVANT: This fairy-tale musical centers on handsome Prince Galavant and his quest for revenge against the king who stole his one true love. Cast: Joshua Sasse (Galavant); Vinnie Jones (Gareth); Karen David (Isabella); Mallory Jansen (Madalena). 

This is a comedy? This is being described as The Princess Bride with music. Which sounds AWESOME. Looks hilarious. Trailer reminds me of Robin Hood: Men in Tights.

UNTITLED JEFF LOWELL Manhattan Love Story: A romantic comedy that exposes the unfiltered internal monologues of a young couple embarking on a new relationship. Cast: Analeigh Tipton (Dana); Jake McDorman (Peter); Jade Catta-Preta (Amy); Nicolas Wright (David); Kurt Fuller (William). 

I've always been Team Evan! But seriously, I really think Jake McDorman proved himself this past season on Shameless and hopefully more good things come his way, though I fear he's the next George Stults.

UNTITLED KEVIN HART PROJECT: Based on Kevin Hart’s life and stand-up, this comedy asks the question: “Can a man and woman ever truly be friends… after they’re divorced?” Cast: Kevin Hart; Romany Malco (Derek); Bresha Webb (Lorraine); Jayson Blair (Chip); Jeff Ross (Stu). ABC Passed. 

Kevin Hart is so hot right now.

SAINT FRANCIS: A blue-collar, no-nonsense, Long Island Cop and family man butts heads with the modern, liberal world when his 29-year-old sister gets pregnant out of wedlock. Cast: Michael Imperioli (Francis); Paget Brewster (Stephanie); Henry Simmons (Pete). ABC Passed

I actually kind of like the idea of an adult pregnancy instead of teen (ie Mom, Welcome to the Family, every other "family" show on TV...).

SELFIE: Comedy inspired by My Fair Lady tells the story of a self-obsessed 20-something woman who is more concerned with “likes” than being liked. After suffering a very public and humiliating breakup, she becomes the subject of a viral video and suddenly has more social media “followers” than she ever imagined — but for all the wrong reasons. She enlists the help of a marketing expert at her company to help repair her tarnished image. Cast: Karen Gillen (Eliza); Tim Peper (Ethan); Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Charmonique); John Cho (Henry). 

I'm actually surprised it has taken so long for a show like this to be proposed. Plus, John Cho is on my list of actors who I think deserve a good TV show. But could the lead actress be ANY more unlikeable? I kind of hate it already.

THE WINKLERS: Based on the Winklers lives, this multi-cam comedy centers on an emotionally reserved construction worker who unexpectedly ends up living with oversharing in-laws. Cast: Henry Winkler (Henry); Eva Amurri (Emily); Domenick Lombardozzi (Jack)l Josh Sussman (Jonah); Judith Light (Tita). ABC Passed. 

Uh, was this supposed to be on CBS? Also Judith Light cannot leave Dallas (unless in a body bag. That would be acceptable.)

Overall, I applaud ABC's comedy casting. Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Kevin Hart.... and Henry Winkler and Judith Light (?). See more at http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/04/21/complete-fall-2014-pilot-list/2/

Fall Pilot Review: CBS Comedy

Sitcom descriptions never sound that appealing to me, especially when I think of what CBS will do to butcher them. However,  I think George Stults and Matthew Perry deserve to be on TV shows that don't get cancelled.

CUZ-BROS: A successful, suave ladies man’s perfect life gets turned upside down when his mess of a cousin needs a place to stay. Cast: Geoff Stults (Nick); Debra Jo Rupp (Merle); Andrea Anders (Stacey).  

THE ODD COUPLE: A half-hour multi-camera comedy pilot based on Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple. Cast: Matthew Perry (Oscar Madison); Thomas Lennon (Felix); Wendell Pierce (Teddy).  

See more at http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/04/21/complete-fall-2014-pilot-list/ 

UPDATED: Fall Pilot Review: CBS Drama

"BATTLE CREEK: When two detectives with very different world views are teamed up, they must answer the question: is cynicism, guile, and deception enough to clean up the semi-mean streets of Battle Creek, Michigan in the face of a complete lack of resources; or is the exact opposite true – it takes naïveté, trust and a boatload of resources? Cast: Josh Duhamel (Milton Chamberlain); Dean Winters (Det. Russ Agnew); Kal Penn (Det. Fontanelle)." 

That cast though. Is it hot in here?

"MADAM SECRETARY: About the personal and professional life of a maverick female Secretary of State as she drives international diplomacy, wrangles office politics, and balances a complex family life. Cast: Tea Leoni (Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord); Tim Daly (Henry McCord); Bebe Neuwirth (Nadine Tolliver)."

Buuuuuuut Tim Daly is on The Mindy Project. (?!?!)

"UNTITLED CUSACK/McCABE/ELMORE/CAVELL PROJECT: Series set in the world of Wall Street power and money. Charlie Cox (Jackson Holliday); Maggie Grace (Jamie Fields); David Morse (J.D. Conklin); John Cusack (guest star)."

OWEN! But why is this an "Untitled Cusack Project" if he's only a guest star. Predicted spoiler alert - he dies in the first couple episodes.

Just a note... of the nine dramas proposed, there are only two that aren't politics/crime/terrorism focused. See more at http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/04/21/complete-fall-2014-pilot-list/ 

"Revolution" Star Tracy Spiridakos on "Charloe"

TVLINE | There’s a contingent of fans shipping Charlie/Monroe in a romantic sense – or maybe just strictly sexually. Were you aware, and what do you think of that pairing?
I was aware. I get some tweets about; I believe it’s “Charloe.” [Laughs] It’s really interesting that combination of [him being] the person that she’s hated her whole life… At the beginning of this season, it’s a mixed bag with him. He’s good, he’s bad, what’s happening? I’m not saying which side of it I’m on. I just think that it’s interesting that people picked up on the weirdness of that relationship. There’s a lot of emotions involved there, especially for Charlie. She’s got a lot of anger toward him and then it evolves into so many different things. It’s an interesting combination of people. 

TVLINE | Once you became aware of it, did you and David [Lyons] think, “Oh, this is something we could really mine. Maybe we should start playing up those scenes?”
We just went based on what we’ve been doing on our own and what’s come forward with the scripts. We never talked it out and played it any particular way. It just unfolds how it unfolds. 

TVLINE | Monroe has expressed some emotions about Charlie and Connor that could be construed as jealousy. Does he continue to make his feelings known about them?
I’ll let you watch. I don’t know which side it falls on. He definitely has an opinion about it, doesn’t he? (Interview via TVLine)

YOU GUYS. I've totally been shipping Charlie and Monroe all season. Make it happen!

It should be noted I'm about five episodes behind on Revolution and shocked that this means still nothing has evolved between the two of them. The attraction (physically, at least) is obvious, no?

"Almost Human" Cancelled

'Almost Human' entirely canceled by Fox

 I'm actually kind of sad by this news, although it's a little bit my fault. I let myself get really behind watching Almost Human and then binged on like seven episodes in a row on Hulu Plus. It didn't make my must-watch cut initially, but by the end of my binge I actually really enjoyed it and was eager for more.

Alas, farewell Kennex and Dorian. What's Minka Kelly going to do now?

Goodbye Betsy. "Mindy Project" casting news.

EW has confirmed that Zoe Jarman, who portrayed sweet and naive Betsy Putch, will not be returning as a series regular.

So basically, every supporting character that admits to having a crush on Dr. C gets written off? In season 1, Shauna confessed she had feelings for Danny in the "In the Club" episode and poof! She's written off.

Now Betsy makes that comment a few weeks ago and she's gone, too?

It feels like them trying to force a connection with Danny is just a last ditch effort to see if anyone cares they exist.

"True Detective" Finale was perfect

Finally finished True Detective last night and I have to say - despite spending half the episode clutching Maverick out of fear - the ending was really.... beautiful.

Not how you expect to describe a serial killer drama, huh?

Sure, it was suspenseful. And a little violent. But it wasn't extreme. It didn't have to kill the main character (or characters, cough cough Game of Thrones). It didn't have to fill every minute with #OMGMoments (here's looking at you, Scandal).

It was a perfect cap to eight riveting hours of television.

You should be watching "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"

I cannot express how much I love Brooklyn Nine-Nine. You should be watching it. Period.

Last week, I rewound and rewatched this scene more than twice.
Here is a nifty PowerPoint deck that explains why you should be watching, if my word isn't enough.

"Awkward" Season 4 Preview

a. Hi, yes I'm alive and still watching TV.
b. So excited for Awkward to be back. I'd say this is a guilty pleasure show for me, but I don't even feel guilty about it because this show is legit.
c. #TeamMatty
d. You're welcome.

Get More: MTV Shows

Game Of Thrones. So excited.

Murder by Antler. 'True Detective' and 'Hannibal'

Watching the premiere of True Detective, I immediately thought it was sort of a rip-off of Hannibal's killer last season with the use of antlers. I was actually surprised more of the internets didn't mention anything…

Then I saw this from Bryan Fuller (Hannibal):

"Anybody who saw [the Stephen King TV miniseries] Salem’s Lot in 1979 where James Mason impaled that guy on the antlers, it’s probably all coming from that traumatic experience in our childhoods. So I imagine they probably saw the same thing that inspired the imagery in this show.” 

  Full quote and story at EW.

So, there you have it.

'Intelligence' on CBS: Thoughts on the premiere and how it compares to 'Almost Human'

Caught the premiere of Intelligence last night on CBS and am sad to say I was mildly disappointed.

Not to say I had very high expectations going into it. The whole premise of humans being privy to mass amounts of information/robot isn't exactly new… feels very Persons of Interest. Even in the first episode, it feels familiar. But maybe that's what they're going for…. it is CBS, after all.

Intelligence will undoubtedly be compared to Almost Human since in the batch of new shows, they are nearly identical in premise. Unlikely partners who have to work together, one having superhuman smarts. If that's the case, I worry about Intelligence. The pilot was no where near as good as AH, the chemistry between the partners wasn't as convincing and the move into a crime-of-the-week format seemed to happen immediately. AH on the other hand, used the first episode to set up the mythology of the show (which, sadly, they haven't revisited enough for my tastes). On Intelligence, the overarching mythology surrounding Sawyer Gabriel's wife (Ilana!!) seemed forced. Like they were mentioning it because they had to.

The one noticeable difference between AH and Intelligence is the tone, the latter being much darker. While I fault AH for relying too heavily on the procedural side and not revisiting the mythology from the first hour, at least it is fun to watch. As I watch Intelligence, I longed for shows like AH or SHIELD or Hawaii Five-O that mix action and fun. Sure, it's dark tone sets it apart… unfortunately I think Josh Holloway would really shine in a more relaxed atmosphere. The guy can throw a mean zinger - and a punch.

I also don't really understand what Gabriel's abilities are or how he got them or what their limits are. Can he read files on people? But how did he see that map? Can he read people's minds? It seems his 'intelligence' has no limits - which is discouraging. It also seems he has some sort of superhuman strength - also discouraging. Did I miss something in explaining his abilities? TV.com puts it best when they say:

"If he needs to open an electronic lock while in the custody of some nasty Pakistani militants, as was the case in the show's cold open, voila! [mind connects to Pakistani hideout Wi-fi, hacks Pakistani security controls] And then *click*, it's open! However, if he needs to open up some satellite imaging (i.e. Google Maps) to detect that he's running toward a dead-end cliff, as he also should have done later in the cold open, then he'll forget that he's got Google Glass in his brain."

Bright spots on the series will be Josh Holloway and Marg Helgenberger. And the one and only Fulton Reed if he (SPOILER ALERT!) sticks around as a bad guy. And of course, the twist and introduction of a possible adversary in the last minutes is promising.

Why I gave up on 'Hostages'

Tonight, the last two episodes were airing. I "watched" one ("watched" as in, sat on my phone the whole time and had no idea what was going on) and then went ahead and deleted the other.

I'll have you know. I rarely do that. Unlike most things in my personal life, TV shows I generally see all the way through. Seriously, I'm still watching Revolution.

I watch(ed) a lot of bad shows that were supposed to be good. Once Upon A Time (the original and … in Wonderland), 666 Park Ave, Terra Nova, Awake, The Playboy Club, even the DOA Mocking Bird Lane. It wasn't a shock to me that any of these shows were cancelled. (Or, in the case of those still on the air… cancel them already! They're terrible!) There was something about them - the bad acting, improbable plot, bad storytelling, bad CGI, characters I didn't care about. Something that I knew from the beginning wouldn't last.

Hostages wasn't like that for me. The pilot was so good. The roster of actors was impressive. There's plenty of political drama hitting high notes these days - Homeland, Scandal, House of Cards. The show had all the right elements.

Yet, it fell apart.

Somewhere along the way, I lost interest. I think it was about the time that the black guy / Presbo from The Wire / President's younger sister or in law or whoever showed up. The plot really thickened. Too many people. Too improbable. And that roster of incredible actors? Were they phoning it in? Because it was so over the top.

I just couldn't handle it anymore. There's too much good TV on these days.

House of Cards S1 Binge Watch

I finally binge watched House of Cards S1 over the holidays and - whoa. You people weren't kidding. This show is good.

I feel sorry for everyone who compares Spader on The Blacklist to Kevin Spacey in Cards. Sure, Spader is great… but he is nothing compared to Spacey. He's creepy, maniacal, but he's not your typical antihero.

Tony Soprano ushered in Dexter Morgan, Walter White and Don Draper. Bad men that we wanted to win. We love them, despite everything. But Spacey's Frank Underwood… I'm not so sure. I'm not sure I want him to win. To succeed in his plots. In fact, I think I want him to be taken down… but I'm not sure of an adversary who'll be able to do it.

Certainly not Kate Mara, who plays upcoming journalist Zoe Barnes. I'm not convinced she can set aside her personal attraction/feelings for Underwood to go through with his take down.

And can we talk a minute about Robin Wright, Frank's wife? How perfect is she? Perhaps she's the antihero in all of this. I cherish her moments of strength, conviction, happiness with the former lover/photographer. And her clothes. All her clothes. Oh, and her haircut is fierce.

Anywho. Season 2 promos are here, and is on Netflix Feb 14th. Happy Valentine's Day y'all.

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I need to move, apparently.