Addicted to Television

Game of Thrones Season 2 Trailer

2012-01-30T12:03:00.001-06:00

True Blood Season 5 Teaser

2012-01-30T11:58:00.002-06:00

Was that a battle?

2012-01-26T09:16:00.001-06:00

Anyone else think MTV's Battle of the Exes was a little light on the battling?

I was sort of hoping more of these exes would hate each other.... that something shady happened to make them dislike each other, even if it was off the air.

Mark and Robyn dated for a long time.... yet, they're named as exes who get along really well and can communicate. (Secret confession: I hope they win. Poor Robyn has been doing this for a long time.) Heather doesn't seem to have any resentment towards Dustin. Rachel claims Aneesa mistreated her... yet they seemed to be strategizing for the mission just fine. Cara Maria even called Abram 'babe'!!

So far, the biggest 'battle' is that one of the two still harbors feelings for the other. That's lame.

And all the CT/Diem will they/won't they is going to make me puke. They aren't some fairytale couple. Yes the whole taking the wig off thing was adorable when it happened.... but can I remind you that CT used to be a complete monster? Sure he hooked up with Shavon and that's 'disgusting', but remember what happened after that? The whole trying to kill Adam thing? I'm not over that.

I know it's only the first episode.... but bring on the fighting! the drama! the backstabbing!

OTH Final Season Promo. The !s and ?s.

2012-01-04T11:22:00.000-06:00

CHRIS KELLER!
LUCAS' HAIR?

Oh God, Dex.

2011-12-23T09:47:00.000-06:00

Watched the Dexter finale last night....

SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT!

Am I the only one that really only cares about what the hell is going on with that lab geek?! The one that is obsessed with serial killers?! And mailed Dexter the arm from the Ice Truck Killings?!

Maybe I'm just finished with the whole Doomsday killer. There have been too many close calls, too many encounters with Dex. No more mystery or intrigue. I lost it about the time we found out Gellar was dead and Travis locked Dexter in the basement. That was finale-worthy for me. That was unexpected. Travis taking Harrison? Not unexpected (especially since it was featured on 'next week on Dexter'). Dexter faking him out with the needle? Not unexpected.

I guess I just gave up. I knew Dexter was going to get him, eventually, and I was hoping something nuts would happen along the way. Maybe he kills Batista's sister? Maybe even Harrison? All that would have been shocking. Dexter finally getting the bad guy? I sort of assume that is going to happen.

I actually was hoping the department would realize Travis was after Dexter - the missing boat, the painting, taking Harrison. I wanted them to be like, 'Wait... what does this guy know about Dexter? Why is he after him?' I wanted them to be like, 'Wait... why do all our big cases link back to Dexter? Ice Truck Killer. Trinity. Bay Harbor Butcher....' Why doesn't Quinn, now that he isn't with Deb any more, start suspecting Dexter again? If Deb is such a great detective, why doesn't she connect the dots?

And Deb. Oh, Deb. I don't like at all where this is going. Boardwalk Empire provided me with enough incest to last a life time.

Let's take a vote on how Deb will react to seeing Dexter killing Travis:
A. Sob uncontrollably and/or have a major meltdown, sending her into a psych ward.
B. 'Holy shit fuck. You're a monster just like the rest of my ex-boyfriends!'
C. Be all like, 'Whatev. You're my bro. I still love you. Thanks for killing all those bad guys!'

Dear HBO, I Kinda Hate You

2011-12-21T11:12:00.000-06:00

I don't all-the-way hate you, because this year you still brought me an incredible season of Boardwalk Empire and introduced me to the epic, epic, epic Game of Thrones. But despite all that, I'm still rather peeved at your cancelling of Bored to Death, How to Make it in America, and (yes, even) Hung.

Why? I'll tell you.

Bored to Death is/was/and always will be comedic genius. It's quick, witty and as awkwardly charming as a series about a writer posing as a private detective could be. It became my new Pushing Daisies. It was the type of comedy you had to pay attention to (I never understood Season 2 being positioned back-to-back with the brainless, dim-witted Eastbound and Down). It was the kind of comedy some of my friends didn't 'get.' And it had Ted Dansen smoking pot all the time. It was perfect.

How to Make it in America. Now this show is just cool. The opening credits are killer. The actors are all good looking. The style is hot. The story is one I relate to as a twenty-something trying to make it in the big city (ok fine, St. Louis is not NYC.... but trying to pave your future, trying to make rent, trying to navigate friendships/relationships... I can relate). It wasn't the NYC you see on Kardashians or Real Housewives or Gossip Girl or whatever. It was the real NYC.... or what I assume so. AND you left me with such a great finale! They were finally going to get to make the jeans they had set out to make in the beginning! Sigh. I'll miss you, Ben + Gang.

Admittedly, I've only watched one season of Hung. But I was intrigued. I love that redhead (she was on this past season of Justified too, I'm just lazy and don't feel like looking up her name). Sometimes I can't believe how far they took this silly concept - a guy with a huge penis becoming a pimp. Adding in the younger, crazier couple this year seemed like a smart move. Gave some conflict and longevity. And ending the season with his ex-wife finding out? I really was looking forward to seeing that play out.

Shame on you, HBO.

Dexter Returns to Kill... for Two More Seasons

2011-11-22T12:02:00.000-06:00

This just in: Dexter has been renewed for two more seasons.

And I'm psyched.

I've always been a fan the show, of course, but I love where they are taking it this season. Dex has come so far in the last couple of seasons- from strictly abiding to his code.... to now, questioning whether he even has to follow it or not.

I love the addition of his brother to his inner monologue. I always thought his dad was kind of annoying in the role... but his brother brings something new to the table. Where Dexter is trying to be good and do the right thing, his brother is acting like a devil on his shoulder. He literally is Dexter's dark passenger.

That being said.... the car scenes in Nebraska were stupid.

Grey's Anatomy Mid-Season Finale. Underwhelming.

2011-11-14T14:49:00.001-06:00

I had read last week that the mid-season finale of Grey's Anatomy was going to make me bawl my eyes out....

[SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS!]

Underwhelmed.

Is the Zola stuff really all over? What was the point? I felt like Meredith fell into the mommy role way too quickly... She had the baby like one day and was obsessed? And heartbroken over her being taken away? I don't know... it was weird. Was Zola just a vehicle for them to say, 'Hey, look. Meredith grew up.'?

Do you care about Scott Foley? I really, really liked him on the show and am sad to see him go.... but I don't think it is that sad. I don't think it warranted the response the other docs were giving it - especially usually cold-hearted, level-headed Christina. Why was she crying like that? That was like how she cried when she broke down on the fishing trip with Derrick. That was serious stuff. She barely even knows this guy.

And now what's the point for Teddy? They are just manufacturing plots for her. She was brought on to cause problems for Owen and Christina.... and then she was useless.... and now she is useless again. Sigh.

You tricked me ABC! I know (from LOST) that the networks are the ones that control the previews, but come on. You really made it look like something happened to Meredith. And yet, nothing happened to Meredith.

... Speaking of. A bunch of bodies on the road? That was kind of weird/creepy/alien invasion looking. And is it really a big deal? Another ambulance was on the way, according to Avery. Those people will be saved if they aren't already dead. If anything, they are MORE lucky than if they had just been in an accident. The ambulance was already on the way there before anything even happened!

Troy and Brother Sam

2011-11-14T12:48:00.002-06:00

via

Glee: The First Time

2011-11-09T17:52:00.000-06:00

For once, I actually watched Glee the night it was on.... Okay, lie. I watched the second half of it this morning, but whatever.

Just a couple thoughts:
1. Does that count as one of Damien's seven episodes? Because a shout out from Coach Beiste about his accent doesn't seem like much to me...

2. I feel like this episode was too much. You obviously had the BIG storyline about sex - which, can someone please point out that we already had this episode/conversation last season? But then you add in Artie's direction of the musical; Coach Beiste's romance; Finn's football/life drama; the new Warbler liking Blaine.... I just feel like those 'side' stories deserved more time. Maybe even their own episodes. Those were big moments for the characters.... but they were overshadowed by all the 'first time' mumbo jumbo.

3. And sort of playing off that... I wish we had met the new Warbler earlier. Sort of had some build up, more flirtation between the two for Kurt to be jealous of. What's going to happen to him know? Is he still on the show?

4. Kerofsky! So glad to see him back. I really liked that scene. But did we know he transferred? I think I missed that...

5. And on Glee Chat, they asked: Do you believe Blaine and Kurt? Not anymore. I never really saw the passion, the attraction. But then when we see Blaine and the new Warbler... wowza. (A) He's hot, and (B) Blaine knows it.

For a Living

2011-11-01T14:16:00.001-05:00

Never thought I'd like a silly car commercial so much (especially one that doesn't involve any Kanye playing...) but I'm just in love with this idea. 'For those who live life for a living.'

EPIC.

2011-11-01T14:00:00.002-05:00

Just plain freakin epic. I love The Sing Off.

Top Chef: Texas premieres TOMORROW @ 10/9c on BRAVO

2011-11-01T10:23:00.001-05:00

You know, Just FYI.

I Want My MTV

2011-10-31T14:41:00.002-05:00

VJs were required to identify Michael Jackson as "The King of Pop" at least twice a week. To coax Jackson into appearing on an anniversary show, he was given an award in the form of a six-foot statue of the MTV Moon Man.

via TV Guide

Dexter, designed.

2011-10-07T11:23:00.000-05:00

Dexter premiere was only so-so (although I am intrigued by the religious theme this year), but these redesigned opening credits rock.

Dear Terra Nova,

2011-09-30T13:32:00.000-05:00

You don't need the dinosaurs.

Before watching, I heard a lot of bad things about you. The acting was bad. The special effects were worse. You were just a Land of the Lost remake.

Terra Nova, you aren' that bad. You are actually kind of.... good. The mystery behind the 'sixers' has me intrigued- what do they want? who sent them? can I call them 'The Others' instead? And then you throw in a family struggling to keep it together... A leader who I'm not sure if I should love or hate or wonder what happens if I melt his wax face (seriously, that guy is weird looking)..... weird writing on the rocks from the leaders son (I guess?) regarding controlling the future (I guess?)... To be honest, I don't even care about the dinosaurs. I don't care about how 'cool' and modern the future looked. I care way more about these mysterious characters!

Word to the wise.... dont' give it all away in the first episode. In the first two hours, we learned the future sucks, you can't have more than 2 kids, you get recruited or win a lottery to go back in time to some parallel universe, there's this leader who makes this place to be all sunshine and rainbows but it is so not, there is a group that separated from the original settlement, the leader's son went missing, there are mysterious writings on rocks in an area that is off limits, and that the writing is done by the leaders 'crazy' son..... That's a lot.

Also, Dear Jason O' Mara,
Why do you always play a cop who travels back in time?

How to Make it. Reasons to watch.

2011-09-30T11:43:00.000-05:00

Don't bother reading TV Guide's 5 Reasons to watch How to make it in America. I have five reasons for you and you trust me, right?

1. Bryan Greenburg.
2. Kid Cudi.
3. New York City.
4. fashion.
5. Bryan Greenburg.

Done and done. Sunday, 9:30pm on HBO.

Some Thoughts.

2011-09-27T14:18:00.000-05:00

The Sing Off: Did you see the guys from Branson! Woop Woop. They were lame, but who cares. Loved the shots of them singing at the Titanic museum. ha. But note to the judges: Have you really never heard of Branson? It isn't some small town these guys are putting on the map. It's a musical mecca.

Modern Family: Finally watched it! And yes, I giggled more than once. I understand why the whole cast gets nominated... every single character is hilarious. (But still think off beat comedies like Community and Bored to Death deserve more accolades!)

And speaking of Community: How brilliant was the addition of John Goodman? That voice!

Did the beginning of Grey's Anatomy always have 'Created by Shonda Rhimes' in the opening credits?

Is Project Runway one and a half hours long so we can have Garnier hair commercials worked into the episode? Because that is uncool.

I assume I should tweet out questions like this, but that would have required me getting my lazy bum off the couch and finding my phone.

Down on the Boardwalk

2011-09-27T13:22:00.000-05:00

Let's all rejoice that Boardwalk Empire is back!

Ever since Lost ended, I keep looking for shows that keep me so involved... I've found it on cable with Game of Thrones, Boardwalk, Dexter, Mad Men and Justified. Unfortunately, this means shorter seasons once a year. And it sucks.

But we're back to the Boardwalk with Nucky and the gang and I'm so psyched. How bout that season opener?

(And, fellow Wire fans - Can we just talk for a minute about the opening gunfight? How insane was it to see Omar on the other side of the battle? And when he picked up the rifle and went for the shot? Sigh. Who wouldathunk I could love a drug-dealing gangsta so much?)

Did you think Nucky would get into trouble so quickly? Did you think Jimmy, the Commodore and Eli would have such an easy time taking down their leader? Did your heart just break in half when the Harrow was gluing those pictures of the perfect family? Who thinks Chalkie is their new favorite character?

Pan Am vs Playboy Club

2011-09-26T14:24:00.000-05:00

I can't help but compare these two. Both take place in the 1960s, both involve crime (Pan Am's CIA subplot, Playboy's mob ties); both involve girls in costumes...

So if I have to declare a winner after just one episode, it is going to be Playboy Club.

Pan Am was just fine. I know it was only a pilot episode, but it just fell flat for me. The characters were all a bore. And the plots lacked intrigue. Even the biggest storyline of the night - the stewardess' CIA involvement - failed because the actress is just so bright-eyed that it's annoying. It seemed more like, 'Oh look at our amazing sets! Look at this 60s fashion! And great music!' It was just a lot of people walking around.

Christina Ricci's character may be the saving grace of the show. She's (seems to be) this modern, forward-thinking girl immersed in the big culture changes going on.... yet every day she puts on the prim and proper uniform to play the role of perfect, perky stewardess. She even got in trouble for not wearing her girdle! What a rebel! Is it her acting chops? Or just better character development? I don't know.

I'll give it a few more episodes before I decide if I should cut it completely...

Omar Comin'... to Community

2011-09-23T11:03:00.000-05:00

I was going to write about ~~Omar~~ ~~Chalky~~ Michael K Williams on Community's premiere, but TV Guide said it for me....

The charismatically menacing character actor, who blew viewers away as gay thug Omar Little on The Wire, slyly spoofed his badass image as an ex-con biology professor on the Season 3 premiere of Community (and he'll be back for another episode next month). Meanwhile, he's returning to HBO's Emmy-winning Boardwalk Empire as bootlegger Chalky White. Season 2 introduces us to Chalky's family, and Williams has a jailhouse scene in next week's episode that rivals Omar's most electrifying moments.

Williams wasn't the only David Simon HBO drama alum to turn up on Community's opener: Treme casualty John Goodman also guested as the intimidating vice dean of Greendale's Air Conditioning Repair Annex. Hey, Dan Harmon, how about writing a part for The Wire's Isiah Whitlock, Jr., who showed off his comedic flair in Cedar Rapids. To use State Sen. Clay Davis' favorite word, that could be some funny "sheeee-it."

What do you think of Michael K. Williams — and Community?

I love and agree with every word of this. Can't wait for more Williams. More Goodman. And more Community.

Playboy.

2011-09-22T17:31:00.000-05:00

Finally watched Playboy Club last night and I don't know why everyone's been hatin' - It isn't that bad. It's like the swagger of Mad Men, the music of American Dreams and the mysterious side of Pretty Little Liars got together and had a baby. How can that be bad?

And to everyone complaining about Eddie's (Nick Dalton on the show) acting.... He's just playing Don Draper. Seriously. His voice sound exactly like Jon Hamm's. It is kinda creepy actually....

Here's hoping he makes the role his own instead of just mimicking someone else. But even the other story lines are intriguing.... mob family? politics? a too old bunny who can't let go? a secret gay/lesbian club? I'm sold.

Are you watching Playboy Club?

Ashton's the Man.

2011-09-22T17:24:00.000-05:00

Did you watch the Two and a Half Men reboot with Ashton? What did you think?

It didn't really feel much different in the first episode... maybe becuase there were still mentions of Charlie or because most of the other characters weren't in it either. The only one who has interacted with Ashton was Allen, which is fitting. Build their relationship first, since they are the leads. It will be interesting to see Ashton's chemistry with the 'half man' (sorry I really don't know his name....) because Ashton's character sort of seems like a big, naive kid.

Also glad he isn't just playing Kelso.

To be honest, I don't even LIKE the show... but I'll probably keep watching just to rub it in Charlie Sheen's face because I don't like him. Sorry I'm not sorry.

Did you watch The New Girl?

2011-09-21T13:43:00.000-05:00

To be honest, I don't have much to say here since pretty much the entire episode was already in thr commercials...

It was funny. But slow. And disjointed. I guess that is sort of the point of a pilot.... to show that the series has legs for growth, nt necessarily to produce one 30 minute story.

I think this definitely has legs - Zooey is funny. The cute roommate and her are going to fall in love. That douchey character is okay. I like the Wayans but he's off the show (for Happy Endings, which is a-mah-zing and you need to watch it!). There were enough little one liners for me to know they have good writers.

I'll be tuning in. Will you?

Glee Premiere: More Sugar Please.

2011-09-21T12:43:00.001-05:00

Okay, first of all - I can't wait to hear Hypable's Glee Chat podcast about the premiere. I'm biased because I have two friends (Megan and John) on it, but whatever. They're awesome. I listened to their first podcast last week and was really impressed. It wasn't just 'yey! We love Glee!' These folks speak the truth. They aren't afraid to be critical of the show when it needs criticizing. Kudos the them.

Now, some of my on thoughts.

On Sam... and Mercedes: Whoever let Chord Overstreet get away from Glee is a dumbass. There I said it. I'm not saying you should have offered him a gazillion dollars to stay. But you should have worked harder to keep him around. The Samcedes revelation at the end of last season was the plot development I was most excited about. And to come back this season with one line about Sam and suddenly she has moved on to some other guy? Seriously? Did you see the googly eyes she made at Sam? Can't she be a little sad he is gone? And who is this new guy? I think this is a perfect example of bad management/casting, and then bad writing/plot development follwing it. What can save this story for me? If Mercedes admits she misses Sam. That she really liked him. And is sad he is gone. That she tries really hard to be the tough girl diva all the tie, but with Sam she was more her sweet Mercedes self. Now, she has a wall up again. And she wants a guy to come along and break it down again. Maybe a cute Irish exchange student? (You're welcome, Ryan. I just wrote the story for you.)

On Zizes quitting glee club (and getting less air time this year): Again, way to go you idiots. Zizes rocks.

On Quinn's new look and attitude: I love it. But judging from the previews for next week, it won't last long.

On Sue's congressional run: Umm who thinks her anti-arts stance sort of makes sense? Her rant on 'Sue C's It' is probably the most logical thing she has ever said on the show. I mean, I love the arts as much as the next gal, but putting tax money into general education instead of show choirs? That just makes sense. And benefits more students. Right?

I know what is going to happen - something crazy will happen to end her run for Congress. You know what I wish would happen? I wish she would win. Get her out of McKinley. Her character has to evolve, change, grow. How awesome would it be for glee club to meet in secret a la Footloose?!

On Santana: Sort of happy to have bad girl Santana back for a bit. I want to see her act all rough and tough but really miss glee club. She can sing 'There Are Worse Things I Could Do' a la Rizzo in Grease. And Brittany can bring her back down to earth, as usual.

On Glee Project's Lindsey: I was surprised to see her so early on. I know John mentioned in the last podcast that it would be tough for viewers to see them as characters after getting to know them on the reality show. Lucky for us, Lindsey's character wasn't too far off her real personality...

On ~~Roxanne~~ Sugar: Love. Love. Love. Can we have her sing more? Can we please have her in the club, Mr. Schu? I'm obsessed. Seriously. Loved her on American Dreams.

Chances are, her and her rich dad will join forces with Sue to take down glee. Predictable.

On last night's song choices: Okay, I loved Darren's number. And I was in Anything Goes in 8th grade, so yeah, that was awesome. And Hairspray is an all time fave. But anyone else surprised they didn't have one top 40 pop song in the episode? I mean.... if you didn't know/like Broadway you wouldn't have liked half the songs they sang.

On the actual singing: I feel like the songs are getting more and more radio ready and less and less realistic sounding/looking. The Hypable crew commented on this last week (how autotuned they are) and even my Dad thought the lip syncing was terrible. Honestly, maybe that is why I loved Sugar's song so much.... because she was actually singing.

The Ringer

2011-09-20T09:51:00.000-05:00

I was a few days late, but yes, I watched The Ringer pilot. And it was intriguing. And earned a spot on my DVR. (Can't guarantee it'll stay there, what with Glee/New Girl and Biggest Loser/Parenthood on Tuesday nights already....).

I thought the premise was simple enough - twin pretends to be other twin.

But not quite.

Turns out it is way more complicated than that. The twin with the 'perfect' life isn't so perfect. The 'bad' twin is actually a way nicer person. One (or both?) of them apparently have people out to kill them. Plus, Nestor Campbell is in it. Yeah LOST!

Here's the thing. Sarah Michelle Gellar is tough to watch. She's weird looking (sorry, it's true). She's a terrible actress. I loved Buffy as much as the next gal.... but now it just seems awkward. Maybe because I'm not also watching sub-par acting on 7th Heaven and OTH and Felicity and Popular, so she seems worse.

At some point they have to decide - is The Ringer a serious cat-and-mouse thriller (a la Fringe, Lost, the promising Person of Interest or Alcatraz)? Or is it a campy prime time soap with one cliff hanger after another (a la OTH or Pretty Little Liars)?

Scheduling (Monday and Tuesday)

2011-09-20T09:41:00.000-05:00

Shows I missed last night:
The Sing Off
Two and a Half Men
Playboy Club

Shows I am watching tonight:
Glee
The New Girl
Biggest Loser
Ringer
Parenthood
Chopped Champions

So yeah.... can you get me a few more hours in the day today?

Emmy's 2011.

2011-09-19T12:27:00.001-05:00

Sorry, I'm not going to give a full Emmy recap or anything. I actually thought it was a pretty lackluster show. Not Jane's fault, her hosting was fine. It's just that when Modern Family keeps winning.... it doesn't make for a very exciting 3 hours.

I was excited to see a few big surprises last night - Margo for Justified (she was a-mah-zing as Mags Bennett last season. Seriously.); Peter Dinklage for Game of Thrones (I don't care if his character is a 'good guy' or 'bad guy', he's my fave); Kyle Chandler finally gettin some Friday Night Lights love; and Melissa McCarthy for ~~Bridesmaids~~ Mike and Molly (okay seriously. She should have thanked Kristen Wiig for casting her in Bridesmaids because no one thought she was funny before that.)

Also love love loved the Mad Men segment in Jane's opener. BRILLIANT. (I couldn't find just that clip, so just fast forward to approx 4:20)

Here's a thought (on award shows in general). Why don't they have the host do those voice overs when the winners walk up on stage? I guess I noticed it last night because the funny commentary seemed really out of place. And I always gripe that I don't understand the point of the host anyway. If they were the ones doing the voice overs, their presence would be more necessary on the show.

Check out my Emmy fashion favorites on Another Blog.

New on Wed: Up All Night, H8R

2011-09-15T12:54:00.000-05:00

I'm going to be honest... I didn't watch a full episode of either of these shows. I was distracted by Chef Robert and the shitty restaurant he was revamping on Restaurant Impossible..... but I'm blogging about them anyway.

Up All Night w/ Christina Applegate, Will Arnett and Maya Rudolph. It wasn't LOL funny, but it had its moments - particularly the fear that their daughter will develop a tick like eating her own hair. I think I'll give it a go, at least for a few more episodes.

H8R. Okay, please don't hate on me for watching this show. (see what I did there, eh? eh?) I really just flipped it on to see what it was all about and caught some random girl seriously dishing it out to Jake from the Bachelor. Why do these celebs care if some random person hates them? Why do these random people really think they know the celebs well enough to hate them? And seriously, who hates Eva Longoria? I don't care how dumb it is. I'm adding it to the DVR.

Premiere time! [REVISED]

2011-09-14T17:35:00.022-05:00

Ummmm so last night was the season premiere of Parenthood? What? I know pumpkin spice lattes are already out but really? Is fall TV already here?! AH.

Here's how it's shaping up:

MONDAY

The Sing Off on ABC 7pm ; Terra Nova on Fox 7pm
Bored to Death on HBO 8pm (Oct 10)
The Playboy Club on ABC 9pm

TUESDAY

Glee on Fox 7pm ; Biggest Loser on NBS 7pm
Ringer on CW 8pm CW ; New Girl on Fox 8pm
Parenthood on NBC 9pm

WEDNESDAY

Up All Night on NBC 7pm ; H8R on CW 7pm
Modern Family on NBS 8pm ; America's Next Top Model All Stars on CW 8pm
Happy Endings on NBC 8:30 NBC
Real World on MTV 9pm ; American Horror Story on FX 9pm (Oct 5)

THURSDAY

Community on NBC 7pm
Greys Anatomy on ABC 8pm ; Persons of Interest on CBS 8pm ; Project Runway on Lifetime 8pm
Jersey Shore on MTV 9pm

FRIDAY

A Gifted Man on CBS 7pm
Fringe on Fox 8pm
Whisker Wars on IFC

SUNDAY

Boardwalk Empire on HBO 8pm ; Dexter on Showtime 8pm (Oct 2) ; Big Rich Texas on Style 8pm
Desperate Housewives on ABC 9pm
How to Make it in America on HBO 9:30pm (Oct 2)
Pan Am on ABC 10pm

Did I forget anything? Please, god, say no. My DVR can't handle it. And before you make suggestions, please note that I do not watch It's Always Sunny, 30 Rock, CougarTown, The Office, Parks and Rec....

I listened to an ESPN podcast so you don't have to.

2011-09-13T17:14:00.000-05:00

But really, you should listen to it. Because it is awesome. Who knew ESPN was so interesting? Hat's off to you, Bill Simmons.

Gossip from Johnny Bananas:

On the Twitter feud between Wes and Derek: Wes was 'juiced out of his head' on The Duel when he beat Derek in the pole wrestling. And 'since he hasn't accomplished anything in the last five years', combined with Derek's competitive nature, it just erupted online. PS: Bill and the other host compared Wes' steroid scandal to Mark McGwire! haha.
Johnny seems to be more proud of this win than the past ones (The Island and The Ruins) because those were all team competitions. This one was closer to an individual competition and was the toughest he's ever done.
The host referred to Johnny in his Cutthroat elimination round with CT as 'Johnny Backpacks'. I LOLed.
On a rematch with CT: Johnny calls it the 'vindication he needed.' In sports, you almost always get a chance for redemption- you play the team again - but it isn't like that in the Challenges. You might never see that person in an elimination again. This one couldn't have been scripted better.
On the final challenge with the helicopters: Conspiracy! The helicopter ride for CT and Johnny was considerably worse than it was for Leroy. According to Johnny, the producers had an agenda. They have an idea of who they want in the elimination round.
On Adam throwing the final challenge: Johnny doesn't believe it. 'The mob' did try convincing him early on to throw challenges to send CT home, but once they started winning (and he started hooking up with Jenn) it was over. 'That guy did not want to leave', Johnny says of Adam. They tried getting in his head and failed. And Johnny respects him for it.
According to Johnny, there's a reason why people keep getting asked back (for the record, he's done seven shows). 'You are there to film a TV show.' Is it real? 'As real as it can get in the environment you're placed in.' Three things drive these shows - drama, sex and alcohol (more on that later). They need people to drive the plot and narrate the story. They never tell you what to do or say, but once you've done it enough you can figure it out.
On the sex: There's more going on than they show. They are only allowed to film what happens under covers... The more public you are, the less likely it will ever air.
On alcohol: On The Island, they were starving (Johnny lost 28 lbs, they were fined for stealing food from production, didn't get more than fish and rice each day). They weren't able to get proper medical attention for hornet stings, but somehow, magically, there was a new keg of beer and case of wine there everyday.
On communication with the outside world: New executive producer Justin Booth runs the show like boot camp - no cell phones, no books, no magazines, no computers, now no calls at all (but how did Cara Maria call Abram this season?). They live and breathe the show 24/7, which is what drives people a little nuts. Does it make for good TV? Johnny's not sure. Seems to him that there needs to be a balance. They used to get days off and he thinks that provided more fun drama than crazy drama.
On Tonya: Says she is singlehandedly responsible for the limits on alcohol on the show now. Her (and Katie Doyle) would be drinking at 8am and drunk by 11am, would show up to challenges and eliminations wasted.
On the other girls: Paula is pretty much a guy, Jenn and Coral are 'fiesty'. Robin and Katie Doyle are nuts, too.
Robin was hooking up with an MLB player when he was starting out with the Yankees.... I heard rumors it was Derek Jeter? Confirm or deny?!
On the HBO drama: Unintentional or not, this is his brand. You look up 'johnny bananas' on YouTube, and you find him. Don't steal his thunder. Bill (or the other host) likened it to The Wire - 'He's on your corner... You got to get him off your corner.'). And the plot thickens... Mark Wahlberg, who produces Entourage, was on Diem's show and said he was a big fan of the Challenges. Soooo he obviously knew Johnny Bananas was taken, right?

Click here to listen to the whole podcast, which has a lot more reality TV goodness including Bachelor Pad, Basketball Wives, etc.

Bloody Good. True Blood Finale.

2011-09-12T14:55:00.000-05:00

Let's be honest: I was confused going into this final ep of True Blood. Last week felt like the season's conclusion, no? Marnie was dead, Jesus/Lafayette harnessed their witch powers, Jason and Jessica had a nice little heart-to-heart.... It even had some weird fairy stuff to set us up for next season. I thought we were done.

Not so fast. We got one more ep.

It was off the a slow start. I've noticed that a lot of HBO shows use their season finale more for resolution of conflict or next season's set up than crazy, action-packed cliff hangers (Dexter does this a lot), but the first 20 minutes or so just seemed slow for True Blood. Was I the only one who thought that?

Anywho. Kudos to Pam, Lafayette and Arlene this season (and this episode). They had bigger story lines that usual this year and I really started to like their characters. Pam showed weakness over losing Eric to that fairy vagina Sookie (best insult ever). Lafayette played three characters this season. And Arlene, she's my homegirl. Love her. And she provided the best LOL moment of the ep when her daughter dressed up like Janelle from Teen Mom. Ha.

The finale did set up some stuff for next season rather nicely: We've got the return of Reverend Steve and Russell. The promise of a vampire vs vampire war now that Eric and Bill are on the outs with the Authority. Another Arlene/Terry storyline, this time involving Scott Foley and Terry's military past. Lafayette will probably be talking to a lot more ghosts. I guess the fairies will come back, and force Andy to help them. Oh yeah, and Sookie will have to tell Alcide she just blew Debbie's head off. I know he broke up with her and all, but I can't imagine that conversation is going to go well.

And finally, a True Blood recap (of mine) wouldn't be complete without a couple of gripes...

First of all, was the only purpose of the creepy baby plot to show us the Lafayette was a medium and could be possessed by ghosts? Really?

Did zombies really just save the day? It was that easy all along?

And (if you ask me) Jesus' power doesn't seem all that powerful. So it makes your face into a scary mask. It didn't keep Marnie from being stopped (by Gran, no less).

Did they really introduce the fairy/Andy storyline last episode and then not even hint at it in this one?

And what the H-E-double hockey sticks ever happened to the werepanthers?!

The New Boy

2011-09-02T10:56:00.000-05:00

"Justin Long has joined the cast of Fox's new rom-com New Girl for a multi-episode arc, according to The Hollywood Reporter... Long, whose credits include He's Just Not That Into You and Dodgeball, will play Paul, a music teacher who catches Jess's eye."

It must be refreshing for Justin to not just be the Mac guy and/or Drew Barrymore's boy toy anymore.

Passion

2011-09-02T09:09:00.000-05:00

I have a new boy crush and his name is Jack Passion. Stayed up way too late last night watching Whisker Wars.

Is This LOST?

2011-08-26T13:02:00.000-05:00

They have Gin. They have a jungle. Heck, last season even featured boar hunting and a bunker in the jungle... and now John Locke?!

RIVALS. 4 Thoughts on the Finale.

2011-08-25T10:42:00.000-05:00

Four thoughts on the RIVALS finale...

1. Wes. You suck. I know, I know. You 'carried' Kenny all the way through. Mr. Beautiful wasn't so amazing this season. But maybe you're only good at little challenges and not the final mission. This is twice now that you crapped out and the last time it was Mandy yelling at you to get up! Not encouraging given her performance last night...

2. Jenn and Mandy..... sigh, head shake. You suck, too. The whole tent thing wasn't a joke. It wasn't ridiculous. TEN other people completed it before you. You just gave up and threw a hissy fit. Hey Jenn, I love ya - but maybe all those people who say you coast thru challenges to the finale without ever 'earning' your spot in an elimination challenge are right.

3. Leroy asking for mac n cheese..... ADORABLE.

4. One of these things is not like the other.... Did The Key West cast just kill it or what? Paula + Johnny + Tyler were all on the same Real World season. I did a little Wikipedia snooping and found that 6/7 cast members have done Challenges and 4/7 have WON them. Is this the best Real World/Challenge cast? Any ideas of one that would beat them?

[EDIT: Just poked around on the Wiki a little more and it appears that Austin has the same stats as Key West (6/7 competing; 4/7 winning) AND the seasons were back to back. Weird. But Real World: Boston has everyone beat with 7/7 competing and 4/7 winning. But I know Challenges used to be different (didn't they happen on the actual season? With the Real World cast competing against the Road Rules cast?). Also, for the record, Real World: New Orleans (the second one) sucks. They've done ZERO Challenges!]

Runway.

2011-08-22T16:45:00.000-05:00

Who else is watching Project Runway?! I know we're only a few episodes in... but some thoughts:

Let's put these crazy challenges on hold. Sure, the judges have been able to see some of the designer's personality through the old designs and the auditions... but we haven't. It's hard for me as a viewer to decide if I like someone based on how they dress stilt walkers. That Nina Challenge was a breath of fresh air! I want to see who these designers are when they aren't shopping in pet stores for materials.

Bert, you're not my favorite anymore. In the first episode, I loved Bert. He was so cute. So polite. So gracious. I even voted him for fan favorite that week. But I change my mind. He's so rude. Him telling his partner (sorry, I don't know most of their names....) that he didn't know the difference between Elizabethan or Victorian or what Mae West would and wouldn't wear.... come on. Seriously? It's an interpretation... not exact, historically accurate replica.

Laura, step it up. Homegirl's from St. Louis, so I'm rooting for her. The red stilt dress showed that she isn't all bling and bright maxi dresses. Here's hoping that continues.

Confession:

2011-08-22T16:37:00.001-05:00

I looked up the results of the Glee Project before I watched it. It is still sitting in my DVR queue. And yes, I'm still going to watch even though I know the ending.

High School on MTV

2011-08-15T14:23:00.002-05:00

MTV just cancelled Hard Times of RJ Berger, my guilty pleasure.

But I don't care because now they have Awkward.... and I'm not guilty of loving that show at all. It's awesome.

That is all.

2011-08-11T13:07:00.000-05:00

I just emailed this to a friend.... and I figured it was easier than writing a blog post.

Thoughts on last night's RIVALS:

I'm not saying Laurel was okay in calling out Paula's anorexia and stuff, but why is it okay for Paula to be a total bitch to people (like Cara) if she can't take it? She said on the aftershow that she didn't know Cara was upset by it.... so what? Laurel didn't know you were upset by it til after she said it either.

I love Kenny when he is with Laurel and he is nice. Someday he will have t choose between his old friends (Paula, Johnny) and his new ones (Laurel). Not this season, but someday. Obviously Paula and Johnny aren't big fans of Laurel.... so if they are ever on another challenge together it will be like 2 alliances.

I sometimes forget Ev is even on this season. She's been quiet....

I can't believe Kenny + Wes and Johnny + Tyler didn't talk about what they were going to do if they were up against each other for elimination. I mean, didn't they think 'What if CT and Adam win (which was likely) and Lee and Mike lose (also likely).' It ended up being the opposite, but still. And WHY didn't everyone just cancel out their votes so CT and Adam made the final decision???? It should have gone down like this.... Paula/ Ev vote for Johnny and Tyler. Mandy/Jen vote for Kenny and Wes. Laurel/Cara for Johnny/Tyler. Mike and Lee vote for Kenny/Wes. Then Kenny Wes votes for Jonny Tyler and vice versa. That's three votes each, right? Then CT and Adam would have been about to pick. No one could be mad about that. Am I crazy? It seems too simple!

However, I am looking forward to a Johnny + Tyler + CT reunion in the elimination round! How funny that they are the two that had to go against him in the last challenge!

Mad Art

2011-08-01T13:36:00.000-05:00

via buzzfeed

Project: Glee

2011-07-27T08:48:00.000-05:00

Are you watching The Glee Project?

I was interested in the least, but started watching at the gym and got hooked. While I'm not blown away by much of the cast (wouldn't say there is a Lea Michele in the bunch....), it's still fun.

There's some potential -
Lindsey, who I think is actually a little bit too Rachel for me. What would she bring to the table?
Damien, Glee could use a foreign exhange student.
Hannah, who is just cool. And she could rap with Artie and Mr. Shuester.
Alex, say what you want about his personality.... he's the only one that seems to have any star power strong enough to fit in in the Glee cast. And he killed it, I mean KILLED it this week when he was in the bottom three. Singing in drag. Dayum boi!

Oh, and people love Samuel and his dreadlocks. I don't. I think he's creepy.

Letters to True Blood

2011-07-27T08:33:00.000-05:00

Dear Baby,
Leave Arlene and Terry alone! They deserve some happiness! And you're creepy.

Dear Arlene and Terry,
Who gives a creepy, broken, dirty baby doll to a kid anyway?

Dear Jason,
Keep not wearing a shirt.

Dear Alcide,
Stop wearing a shirt.

Dear Jessica and Hoyt,
Make up already, would ya? You two are too cute to not be together!

Dear Marni,
After all that time tormenting Harry Potter, you turn out to be a witch after all? You deserve what's coming to you.

Dear Pam,
Sorry about your face.

Dear Bill,
You're a good king. Mean, but I like it. Good call on glamouring your incestuous great-great grand daughter this week. And capturing Marni. But leave Eric and Sookie alone. She doesn't like you anymore.

Dear Eric and Sookie,
About time!

'Deleted' Scene

2011-07-25T12:29:00.000-05:00

Because this is hilarious, awesome and it's been too long since I had something about LOST to post about.

Omar. Chalky. Professor?

2011-07-25T12:19:00.000-05:00

Coming soon to Community. Details here.

Whoa, whoa. Wait a minute-

2011-07-25T11:47:00.000-05:00

I heard a while ago that Chord Overstreet wouldn't be back on Glee next season. Didn't think much of it. I mean, I like Sam a lot. He's cool. But I wasn't heartbroken over it....

Until now.

I just remembered that the last season ended with the reveal of his and Mercedes' mystery romance! It was my favorite part of the finale!

I read today that she will still have a BF when the show comes back... but it just isn't the same.

Knights of Badassdom

2011-07-25T11:37:00.000-05:00

Yes, that is the actual movie title.

Dinklage. Zahn. Kwanten. Pudi. And LARPing.
I love everything about this.

Is it just me?

2011-07-22T10:26:00.000-05:00

Or does Khael Drogo look kind of douchey in real life?

I Believe

2011-07-22T10:22:00.002-05:00

Even Crazier Than Before.

2011-07-19T16:16:00.002-05:00

You might remember that last year, True Blood and I had a little falling out. I still watched it, of course, but I just felt like things went a little bonkers.

Shifters. Werewolves. Witches. Fairies. Etc. Etc. Etc. And this season is no better. Let's check in on a few story lines....

Witches posing a threat to vampires; cast spell on Eric who is now hiding out with Sookie. Bill is looking for him. Pam's face melted off when she confronted said witches. I can deal with this one. Why? Because the witches involve vampires... the heart of the show. If it involves Sookie/Bill/Eric, I'll accept it. Plus, it connects the Lafayette and Boyfriend storyline to the main storyline and makes last season's witch developments sort of matter. (Although I'd still like a follow up on all that crazy voodoo/nightmare/vision stuff Lafayette was having....)

Jason is kidnapped, raped and I guess turned into a panther? No. Stop. I love Jason. So much. But this has been going on long enough. The last big Jason story lines we got ended up being great - his involvement with the crazy vamp-killing church, going all commando with Andy. Will this one be great? Doubtful. I'm sick of Crystal.

Bill is related to the Bellefleurs? Totally. That's great. I like this new, powerful Bill. And this means he slept with his great-great grand daughter or something, right?

Andy's hooked on V. Has to do with vamps? Yep, I'm okay with that one.

Sam's brother is hanging out with Hoyt's mom, trying to steal her money. Meanwhile, Sam is hanging out with a new shifter gal pal who used to date a werewolf. Seriously? Are vampires or Sookie at all involved in that? Am I supposed to care? Because I don't.

Speaking of werewolves, Debbie is back with Alcide. I'll let this one slide because Alcide is hot and I will allow any storyline to keep him on the show.

Hoyt & Jessica gift creepy baby to Arlene & Terry. Now here's a great example of connecting the story lines together. I was getting sick of Arlene's obsession with her demon child, and now I have a reason for her to be obsessed. And I can definitely see the potential for this to comeback and affect Sookie and the whole town of Bon Temps.

Tara is a lesbian. Who cares? HBO keeps showing this on the 'previously on' segment, like it is supposed to shock us or something. Psh. Are you kidding?

I Love the 90s

2011-07-15T09:11:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Nickelodeon. I'm never sleeping again.

No Joke. Emmy Nominations.

2011-07-14T16:14:00.001-05:00

Mad Men, Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire, Dexter, Justified - I love you all. And even the shows I don't watch, I'm confident your nomination is well-deserved (except that Beau Bridges' Brothers & Sisters nod. Seriously?)

Ok. Drama cataegories, you can go sit over there in the corner. You're good. I've got beef with the comedy nominations though. MAJOR BEEF.

There are more comedies besides Modern Family, The Office and 30 Rock. And Glee wasn't even that funny this season.

Have they ever seen Community or Bored to Death? I literally LOL every single episode. And don't all my friends love It's Always Sunny in Philedelphia? Curb Your Enthusiasm? I mean, people even like Cougar Town, but Courtney Cox's buddy Matt gets nominated for playing himself on Episodes? Really? Even newbie Happy Endings has caught a spot on my DVR!

I get it. The shows that were nominated are good. But geeeeeeeez I am so sick of seeing Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey at every stinkin award show. I'm rooting for Big Bang Theory by default.

Mad Hot

2011-07-11T11:12:00.002-05:00

Can't wait for Mad Men to come back.

(PS: There is no list here. I just borrowed this pic from A Beautiful Mess because I couldn't find the original.)

Oh hey Jonna.

2011-07-07T17:37:00.002-05:00

Looks like somebody has been on a Challenge-ish show before!

And yes, I totally used to watch this.

Things We Learned from The Voice (from TV Guide)

2011-06-30T13:00:00.000-05:00

TV Guide posted this... and I stole my favorites. Head over to the original article to read the full list.

You don't need two months of useless, over-produced and usually insulting auditions to hook viewers.
Bald is beautiful for men and women.
Social media works best online, not on TV. Sorry, Alison Haislip.
The Battle Round idea isn't as awesome as it sounds.
The Blind Audition idea is.
Adam Levine and Blake Shelton were the sexiest men on Tuesday TV, not Matthew Bomer.
Asking a cute contestant to take off his pants? Funny. Asking it twice? Creepy.
Only Cee Lo can get away with dressing like a cracked-out drag queen from Middle Earth.
Group sing-alongs don't have to be painfully cheesy.
Age, size, race and sexual preference don't matter.
Talent does.

Makin It

2011-06-29T16:29:00.001-05:00

So psyched. When is this coming back?!

Hell yeah.

2011-06-27T13:23:00.000-05:00

LOVE this show.

And PS: now that I've been introduced to Omar and The Wire, Chalky is even more of a badass.

RIVALS.

2011-06-23T13:36:00.000-05:00

I should really liveblog The Rivals because I sit there the whole time thinking of what I want to comment on in a blog post..... and now I forget. Here are a few thoughts on the first episode (of the greatest show in the world):

TJ! I love TJ and love that everyone was so happy he was back. I know he hasn't always hosted (remember Johnny Mosely and Dave Mirra?), but the show wouldn't be the same without him. PS: Why don't they have segments with TJ on the Reunion or Shit They Should've Shown? I bet he's got some great behind the scenes stories to tell!

Wes and Kenny. The edit of them going back and forth about how they hate each other was brilliant. Kudos to you, MTV. I know everyone else as gotten in fights and stuff, but these two's beef is real. Girl drama trumps a drunken argument any day.

You tell 'em Roy Lee. Speaking of Wes.... trying to manipulate the new kids? Nice try. Adam might have fallen for that but kudos to Leroy for telling Wes he wasn't going to trust him. Why? Because he's gonna win and won't need his vote anyway. BAM.

The Rookies win? I'll admit, I was surprised that rookies swept the first challenge, but honestly, I don't think it means anything. Leroy and ~~Adam~~ Mike stand a good chance, but Jasmine and Jonna? No way.

Jen + Mandi = BFF. Did you see the way Jen was helping Mandi when she got knocked over in that fight? Maybe they got over all that beef from last season.... We. Shall. See.

Aneesa and Robin go home. Eh, is it bad that I don't really care. They are vets. I like them. But the only people I would have rather seen go home were safe. Why oh why did you have to win, Jasmine and Jonna?

Do I trust this new CT? Hell to the no.

The Voice: Semifinals

2011-06-22T17:44:00.000-05:00

Team Cee Lo: Vicci vs Nakia
I'll be honest. I like both of them, but I literally had to go to the website because I couldn't remember them. Not good. I don't really care who goes on from these two.... I had never heard Nakia's song (yep, call me Adam) and wasn't blown away, but on the other hand, I don't think Vicci did Florence + The Machine justice. The judges seemed to like it.... but eh.

Team Adam: Javier vs. Casey
This was actually the first week that Casey impressed me. I really want to download her song... but I'm waiting for the voting to be over because I want Javier to beat her. Sorry, Case. Also sorry you had to wear cowboy boots with that pretty dress and ruin the whole look. Javier's voice is just so good. He's been a favorite from the beginning and I think will have no problem beating Casey.

Team Blake: Dia vs Xenia
I love Blake. I love Blake's team. I love that he's this giant poppa bear. I want him to bear hug me..... I digress. I love both these girls, but Dia will obviously win (and rightly so). I might actually be rooting for her to win the whole thing.... GO DIA!

Team Christina: Frenchie vs Bev
Now here's a tricky battle. I actually LOVE both of these ladies. Bev is what the show is all about. She isn't your typical music star in terms of looks... I mean, she's bald. By choice. And she's a she. But damn, can she sing. And Frenchie.... how awesome would it be for The Voice to beat American Idol in likeability, in ratings, and have one of their former (kicked off) contestants win the show? I mean... you can't write a better end to that story. I have no idea who of these tow I want to go on....

I Feel Cheated.

2011-06-22T17:31:00.000-05:00

I'm obviously obsessed with Game of Thrones. And I'm not going to stop watching it just because a certain someone got killed off. However, following the season finale on Sunday, I do feel a bit.... well, cheated.

Everything I was supposed to care about and know about this season didn't really matter. Cersei and Jaime sleeping together- which got me hooked in the first episode!- hasn't been mentioned really. Drogo and Dany getting the troops together to sail across the sea. The mystery around Jon Snow's mom (why wouldn't Ned just tell him about her?!). The whole 'Let's get the Lannisters for trying to kill Bramm thing', which doesn't really matter now anyway because they have tons of reasons to be mad at those blondies now. The Mountain. The white walkers we saw in the very opening scene! Even Joffrey not being the real son of King Robert (which I'm sure didn't die with Ned. It's gotta come back, right?).

I'm sure a lot of this will matter in the long run.... but still. Things I'm looking forward to in Season 2. (Remember, I haven't read the books...)

Sansa (sp?). She looked fierce when she threatened Joffrey. She was annoying all season, until that very moment. Joffrey killing her dad (hopefully) unleashed something in her. Good thing she has Cersei, the best villainous around, to learn from....
The Hound. Did I sense a bit of sympathy for Sansa? Is he going to turn out to be less of a scary creep and more of a nice guy to watch out for her?
Arya (sp?) pretending to be a boy and becoming BFF with the anvil kid... King Robert's real son, right?
Rob Stark as the King of the North. Probably the kiss of death for the kid.... but I'm starting to like him more and more in these last two episodes.
Anything Tyrion does. He's brilliant. And now he's the hand of stupid Joffrey? YES.
Dragons. What? That's sort of a unfair advantage....
Whatever is beyond that wall. It scares the shit out of me, but I'm done with all this mystery. When is winter actually getting here?!

He's BACK.

2011-06-17T10:32:00.001-05:00

Game of Thrones Cast: I'm Obsessed.

2011-06-16T10:14:00.000-05:00

Sorry for turning this blog into a Game of Thrones vehicle only.... I'm obsessed. Saw this little set of interviews in TV Guide today and had to share some of my favorite answers from the cast...

Mark Addy as King Robert Baratheon, aka "The Usurper"
Sigil: It would be a gryphon, a creature with the body of a lion and a head of an eagle. I don't know why, but to be attacked by one of those would be pretty horrible.
First ruling: Free beer for everyone. Absolutely!

Sean Bean as Lord Eddard "Ned" Stark, aka "The Hand"
Sigil: Two crossed swords because it represents my football team, Sheffield United. That's their badge. The team has been relegated, by the way.
First ruling: Sheffield United gets promoted next season.

Maisie Williams as Arya Stark, aka "Boy"
Sigil: A turtle because they can go on land, they can go in sea. They're my favorite animal. They're really cute and they can grow up really big. They've got different types of turtles, there's snapping turtles and really cute ones, like, tiny ones. There's a good variety of them, and you never get bored.
First ruling: I would ban school uniforms for everyone, all over the world. They're so frustrating. At our school we have a thing called summer uniforms, and you're not allowed to take your jumper off when you're outside so you get really, really hot and our school uniform is black, so it's horrible. If you ban school uniforms then everyone could wear what they wanted to wear and you wouldn't get hot.

Jason Momoa as Khal Drogo, aka "My Sun and Stars"
Sigil: A lion. It's the king of the jungle. Have you ever seen a lion up close? Drogo walking with a gigantic lion. It's pretty rad.
First ruling: Free beer and free sex for everyone -- free love that is. Back to the '60s, man. And no clothes ... except for Mark Addy!

George R.R. Martin, author, aka "A Cruel and Savage God"
Sigil: Probably something like a quill pen for a writer or something like that would be appropriate. But way back in the 1980s, I won the Hugo Award which is the biggest award for science fiction fantasy and it's shaped like a silver rocketship. I won two of them in a single year which no one had ever done before. And so for a while, my now wife, then my girlfriend, Paris, would make me these sigils of two crossed Hugos instead of crossed swords.
First ruling: Everybody has to get HBO.

Really?

2011-06-13T17:28:00.000-05:00

"Jessica Simpson has signed on as a celebrity mentor on NBC's Fashion Star"

There are multiple reasons why this is a bad decision. That picture is one of them. Add to it how horrible she was as a guest job on Project Runway....

Read more from TV Guide here.

Game of Thrones. OMG.

2011-06-13T13:44:00.000-05:00

Serious Game of Thrones spoiler alert. I'm not joking. If you haven't watched it yet, STOP READING.

Even Entertainment Weekly issued this warning on their recap post:

Warning: The following story discusses a major plot point from tonight’s Game of Thrones…

It’s a big deal. If you haven’t watched the episode yet, you should do that and come back. This story will still be here, I promise. Sure, the spoiler was in the novel and has been on the Internet forever, but if you’re only watching the TV show, you probably won’t see this coming, and we don’t want to ruin it for you.

Anyway, moving on. Don't say I didn't warn you....

I cannot believe they killed Ned Stark. Seriously.

Sometimes I feel like the guy who watched the final season of Lost after having not watched any of it before, because everyone else seems to know these things are coming. They were in the books, which, I hear, the series is following pretty much exactly. But still. I did NOT see this coming.

I pulled this quote from Sean Bean's (Ned Stark) interview with TV Guide and think they totally sum up my feelings...

'"Nobody can believe it, even the characters who are corrupt," Bean continues. "The Queen and Littlefinger and Varys are looking around in astonishment because they can't believe that this guy, this young king has done this. He's gone against everyone. It's a big step to actually take, to chop off Ned Stark's head."'

The hero is always saved, right? Arya (sp?) would have done something to distract them from killing him. Cersei or someone would tell Goffrey he's dumb and can't kill Ned. The younger Stark kid would show up at just the right time. And where are those god damn dog/wolves when you need 'em? All of those things were supposed to happen and didn't. WTF.

My thing is.... why watch now? Ned was the only character (or 'team') I was really pulling for. I'm not saying I wanted him to be king, necessarily, but I wanted his side to win. I wanted him to get the Lannister's out, get Robert's real son on the throne, protect him, live happily ever after with Arya and Catelynn up in Winterfell..... But who am I to root for now?

Here's a snippet of some fan reaction:

“Most of you who think this was some sort of brilliant move or something don’t understand the difference between a book audience and a TV audience,” argued EW reader Tamcamry. “TV audiences need to invest in characters. Most of the other characters I don’t care much about. While the show will probably still appeal to the ‘wow’ crowd, it’s mass appeal just got beheaded.”

It all reminds me of the producers of Lost pitching for Jack to die in the beginning of the series (he was supposed to be snatched up by the monster in the plane, instead of the piliot). The network said no way. You can't let people fall in love with a character and then take them away.

I did love his death scene though. The show has been littered with violence from the beginning (in fact, we're first really introduced to Ned stark with a beheading of his own.), but this scene actually wasn't violent. Sean Bean had this to say, and I completely agree with him (again. We're totally on the same wave length today!):

"It's a big moment, not so much about blood and horror, but more about human emotions and sadness and the tragedy and shock of it."

Next week is the season finale and I seriously don't know how I'm supposed to live with out this show for a year or whatever until it comes back. Good thing summer TV is starting up... Pretty Little Liars, True Blood, Hot in Cleveland, here I come.

Yes, Hot in Cleveland.

Brittany Snow is leaving Harry's Law

2011-06-08T10:48:00.000-05:00

Bad for Harry's Law considering she is the only reason I would ever watch it....

And my pick? The Voice edition.

2011-06-01T12:55:00.000-05:00

The Voice's battle rounds are over and the final teams are set. Who are my favorites? I don't know. It changes every time they perform for sure.

I really liked this handy little run down of the teams from TV Guide, and went ahead and added in my thoughts on who I would pick to win.

Christina Aguilera
Her all-female team is made up of power singers top to bottom. They are Broadway and Idol alum Frenchie Davis, hard rocker Beverly McClellan, pint-sized Jersey Girl star Raquel Castro and Lily Elise.
The best: Beverly. Her tough take on Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart" was a little too yell-y and angry for our taste, but she completely sold us during the battle round when she let loose and wailed at all the right moments during "Baba O'Riley."
Watch out for: Frenchie. She could put her mighty voice to better use (i.e. avoiding range-less pop songs like "I Kissed a Girl.) With the right ballad, she could very well blow voting audiences away.
And my pick? Frenchie. duh. I read an interview with her at how shocked she was people still recognized her from Idol and she said something like 'I was on that show for two minutes ten years ago.' Quite an impact she made because as soon as they showed her on The Voice I knew it was her too.

Cee Lo Green
His four are as eclectic as the "Forget You" singer's own musical repertoire. He's chosen fiery soul singer Vicci Martinez, the versatile blues man Nakia, sisters Tori and Taylor Thompson, and deep-voiced country guy Curtis Grimes.
The best: Nakia. The shaggy-haired Texan's got game! He infused Ne-Yo's dance hit "Closer" with such an intensity and focus that we really believed him when he growled, "I just can't stop, no, no."
Watch out for: Vicci. Her "Rolling in the Deep" was a bit out of control at times, but she reined in her throaty vocals in the battle round duet of Pink's "F---in' Perfect." What Vicci might lack in technique, she more than makes up for in her raw performances. She sells the song every time.
And my pick? Vicci wins for 'most likely for me to actually buy her CD'. I'm a fan of those raspy, broken voices.

Adam Levine
The pickiest of our celebrity coaches, Adam was forced to take two second-chance contestants before the battle rounds. Nevertheless, he emerges with a very strong and diverse roster including family man (and arguably series frontrunner) Javier Colon, the Levine-esque Devon Barley, aspiring country crooner Casey Weston, and humble-but-big-voiced country boy Jeff Jenkins.
The best: Casey. At this point, it's probably considered sacrilege to pick anyone but Javier as Adam's — or even the show's — one to beat, but Casey's great "Leather & Lacey" made her the most memorable contestant of the series. Her voice — part Dolly Parton, part Stevie Nicks — is quite unique. She's a solid performer, too, and isn't that what this show is all about?
Watch out for: Javier. His "Time After Time" and "Stand By Me" were smooth like butter, no doubt.
And my pick? Gotta admit. I'm the most underwhelmed with Adam's group. Blame it on the second chances. I actually had to look up Devon on YouTube to even remember who he was. I guess I'll go with Javier just because he can do no wrong. Jeff Jenkins is freakin' adorable though. Like a big cuddly teddy bear.

Blake Shelton
Listen good, contestants: Blake doesn't like singers who oversing. Thus, his team is made up of the belly-warming consistency of country guy Patrick Thomas, rocker and songwriter Jared Blake, shy school teacher Dia Frampton, and equally shy teen Xenia Martinez.
The best: Jared. Not only does he have the comeback story to end all comeback stories — a recovering drug addict with six kids and several near-brushes with the big time — he's proven that he can sing anything well, from the Dixie Chicks' "Not Ready to Make Nice" to the Motown classic "Ain't No Mountain High Enough."
Watch out for: Xenia. She's young and perhaps too shy to win against the show's more seasoned contestants, but the texture of her voice — not unlike a younger Corinne Bailey Rae -- is undeniable.
And my pick? I would buy CDs from Xenia and Dia in a heartbeat. Sadly, I don't think they will open up enough to win America's vote.

Names Aren't Important

2011-05-26T12:11:00.000-05:00

"Actor Who Played Boy in Jerry Maguire Granted Restraining Order Against Ex-Girlfriend"

Poor kid. He's only known as 'the actor who played the boy'. Well done. TV Guide.

Anna's in. Cara and Brett? Out.

2011-05-25T10:30:00.000-05:00

"Tennis star Anna Kournikova will join NBC’s popular weight-loss competition next season, a network spokesperson confirmed today. The 29-year-old Russian is filling the slot that is being vacated by Jillian Michaels — who announced her impending departure back in December — though the Biggest Loser team is not viewing Kournikova as a substitute. “We intentionally tried to not replace Jillian,” executive producer Todd Lubin told Vulture, which first reported the news about Kournikova, who appeared on an episode during Biggest Loser’s tenth season. The direction of the show will be “getting slightly away from just the tape measure, and getting into overall well-being and health,” added Lubin. “That’s where Loser needs to go.” UPDATE: An NBC spokesperson also confirmed to EW that current Biggest Loser trainers Brett Hoebel and Cara Castronuova, who joined the series this year, will not return for season 12."

via EW

Okay. So I could handle Anna as a trainer when I thought Brett and Cara would still be around.... but now just Anna and Bob? What? No.

Meloni leaving SVU

2011-05-25T10:22:00.000-05:00

I can't say I'm a huge Law & Order fan.... I watch it randomly in repeats. Usually when I'm with my parents and don't have control of the remote.

But whatever. I've always thought SVU was the best installment of the series, but with the news that Mariska Hargitay is scaling back her role next season and now that Christopher Meloni won't be back.... eh. I feel like their chemistry really made the show. Bring in new actors and it becomes just another crime show. Destined to the same (cancelled) fate as Law & Order: LA?

The New Girl

2011-05-16T18:01:00.002-05:00

This. looks. perfect.

BUT isn't that Wayans kid in Happy Endings?

Alcatraz

2011-05-16T17:56:00.001-05:00

Yep. I'll watch it.
Yep. I'll get hooked.

Mad Men or Playboy?

2011-05-16T10:53:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the previews for The Playboy Club? It looks exactly like Mad Men. Geez, Eddie Cibrian's voice even sounds like Jon Hamm's!

Want to see more? Shep's got a ton more posted over at Let's Talk About TV!

Who The Hell Are All These People On "Game Of Thrones"?

2011-05-12T14:33:00.000-05:00

My feelings exactly. Check out this awesome infographic via Fast Co Design.

Chop Chop

2011-05-12T14:31:00.000-05:00

Dianna Argon got a haircut!

FRIDAY.

2011-05-06T14:35:00.001-05:00

Second Chances

2011-05-04T12:47:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure I was a fan of the second chances on The Voice last night.... on one hand, these people already tried, and failed. Let's find some new people. On the other hand, I felt bad for people near the end because the judges were being tougher as the realized their spots were limited.

The whole time (and especially in the second chance round) I was wondering if I would have rather gone in the beginning or the end. In the beginning, the judges had less people to compare you to, so they might think you are great. BUT they also might be hesitant while they wait to see what is coming after you. And if you go at the end, you bank on a judge needing to fill a spot.... but it could also backfire as they are being picky.

OR what if they don't even make it to you?! Last night in the second chance round, I'm really curious as to {1} how they picked which 8 got a do-over, {2} how they picked the order and {3} how those other people felt when they didn't get to go sing their do-over. That must have SUCKED. 'Hey, you. You were humilated in front of a bazillion people when your idols didn't turn around and pick you, but want to try again? Oh wait, nevermind.'

Sorry this blog post was mostly rambling.

Hell on Wheels

2011-05-04T12:19:00.000-05:00

Kinda psyched for this show.

Confusion.

2011-05-04T11:09:00.000-05:00

Just saw this TV Guide headline and got so confused...

"Breaking In's Odette Annable: Comic-Con Job is Our "Geekiest Episode So Far""

Isn't her name Odette Yussman? Is her name on the show Annabelle and they got confused or something? And then I remembered she is married to Dave Annable now. Sigh.

Fondue for Two

2011-05-04T09:22:00.002-05:00

I want an entire 'Fondue for Two' show. LOVE.

I'm just going to say it...

2011-04-29T10:33:00.000-05:00

I feel bad for Dustin.

I get it. He did gay porn. He did gay porn and didn't tell his friends about it. He did gay porn and didn't tell his kinda sorta girlfriend about it.

But, honestly, how DO you? When is a good time to bring that up? And no offense, but he has known these people, Heather included, for just a few months tops. His parents don't even know. His real friends don't even know. They should all stop feeling so betrayed.

And I feel bad for him because this is obviously a real issue that he needs help dealing with. The fact that it was a gradual thing, that he went into it not planning on doing anything physical, but that he was tempted, basically bribed, with money, stability, a home, a family.... something is wrong with that. And he still talks about it as though it was an 'opportunity' and the guy running it all was like a father to him! Seriously. If this was a girl, we would all feel way different, don't you agree?

Think about it - A girl comes from a bad home life. She gets out of high school. Some nice lady offers her the chance at having a home in a new city, living with new friends. And then once she feels comfortable living there starts introducing nakedness and sex into the mix... She doesn't have to do it, but this is her family, this is her home, she doesn't want to lose it.

We would be in a serious uproar, no? But this is a guy. A guy who performed gay acts (and then continues to make homophobic remarks from time to time). Instead of being like 'Whoa, this guy has issues and needs help,' everyone is saying, 'What a hypocrite! I can't believe he did that! And then didn't tell us!'

Ridiculous.

Oh, and this just in. It was the highest rated episode in three years. Well done, casting department. (But hey, EW. Try watching the show before you write about it. The Leroy/Naomi pregnancy scare did not happen. It's in the previews for next week. Psh.)

My New Favorite Restaurant

2011-04-29T10:01:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I forgot to tell you all I've been watching America's Next Great Restaurant! In the last year, I've become a sucker for cooking/food-related television (my favorites are Chopped, Top Chef, Best Thing I Ever Ate, Good Eats) so I'm obviously obsessed with this show too....

Didn't help that they gave away Chipotle coupons before the premiere.... I hate to admit it, but it worked for me. I'm a sucker for good (Facebook) marketing.

We're down to the final three (RIP Limbo, Meltworks, Grill Billies)-

Joey and ~~Saucy Balls~~ Brooklyn Meatball Co.
Sudhir with Spice Coast
Jamawn (I really thought his name was Jamal) and Soul Daddy

My thoughts on the final three-

Joey CANNOT win. He is tasteless, classless. His idea is good. Meatballs are good. And now, with the name change, he is set up to be a normal, legit restaurant. But the only way he will win is if the investors go Shark Tank style and say, 'We want to invest in your company, but we want complete control.'
Sudhir is probably in the best shape to open his restaurant now, but I don't trust him and I don't think the investors do either. He is a start-up guy.... He starts companies and leaves. He claims this is different, but who knows. Plus, his comment last week about how many fancy Vegas suites he's been in lost major points in likability.
I obviously am hoping for a Soul Daddy win. Jamawn's got the sympathy vote from viewers (It's a real rags-to-riches story!). He's got pretty good food (now that he has a better direction and some healthy options). I think it is just a lack of focus or experience that may hold him back....

Who Cares?

2011-04-26T16:43:00.000-05:00

Another gem from our friends at TV Guide:

Just in Case You're Wondering...

2011-04-21T11:10:00.000-05:00

I do not like the new girl on Real World. Maybe my opinion will change. But anyone that seriously wants to break up Heather and Dustin is on my shit list.

Is 'Game of Thrones' worth watching?

2011-04-18T10:16:00.000-05:00

I don't know yet.

The premiere was good enough... I won't give any plot details away, but I'll tell you it starts off slow (and violent), stays slow (and violent) and then the last minutes really set up the direction of the series.

I've never read the books, but I assume the show is about four different groups competing for power. The current king and his Lord of the Rings buddy Ned; the king's pretty wife, her pretty blond brother and their dwarf brother; a super blond brother and sister that seem to be in exile or something; and these massive 'savages', who actually seem to be joining forces with the blond siblings for the time being. Oh, and there are these 'white walkers' in the woods that are creepy as hell and brutally kill people. No big deal.

I just did a quick Google search for an image to use and stumbled on two articles (from EW and USA Today) about the women on the show. Are they really weak and 'second-class' to the men? Or is there room for them to grow? Is Game of Thrones a boys club? Or will we see these ladies do more than cry and and ~~take their clothes off~~ have their clothes taken off of them?

I think there is promise there- You have an evil, power-hungry queen. You have a mother that is no doubt going to want revenge. You have a young girl, thrust into a culture that is not her own, bring pushed around by her brother and now husband. You have a little tomboy that, I have a feeling, is going to steal the spotlight.

I've only seen the pilot, and I see promise that the women on the show aren't going to be pushed aside. (And Jen Armstrong from EW who has seen more of the show and read the books echoes that as well). Oh, and did I mention there are adorable wolf puppies? Probably my favorite part of the whole show so far.

I'm giving Game of Thrones a chance... at least until I have True Blood to distract me.

LOST art.

2011-04-15T10:19:00.002-05:00

No Makeup

2011-04-13T10:36:00.002-05:00

Pretty girls.

I'm a DonGlover Lover

2011-04-08T13:38:00.000-05:00

Let's call this Donald Glover week. I caught up on Community last weekend, saw (and posted) this video, started following him on Twitter and got jealous of all my MU friends seeing him next Wednesday. And now there is this:

Reasons why I love it:
1. He came out to the Reading Rainbow theme song.
2. His Twitter name was @DonGlover, which looks a lot like 'dong lover'.
3. His Dad was on Twitter first.
4. His 'handjob of cereals' analogy. (What does it mean if I actually want Kix?)
5. His rap name comes from a Wu Tang Name Generator. (PS: Mine is Annoyin' Specialist. Wildly accurate.)
6. He is a legit GOOD rapper. Reminds me of Lupe's 'Kick Push.'

Is it just me?

2011-04-08T13:26:00.001-05:00

Or does Whitney look way better with this gingery brown hair? It looks so natural on her.

Love for the Bravermans.

2011-04-08T08:40:00.000-05:00

Who else is loving Parenthood right now?

I feel so bad for Crosby (even though I sort of like Minka Kelly more than Jasmine. shhh!). My heart aches, seriously aches, for Julia. And the parents meeting the boys before prom this past week was perfect. Awkward, but perfect. And so real.

I love this show.

ABDC is BACKKKKK.

2011-04-08T08:31:00.000-05:00

ABDC = America's Best Dance Crew, in case you didn't know, and it is the best dance show on television (don't get it confused with the other dance shows with long acronyms.... DWTS, SYTYCD, psh).

A few thoughts from last night's premiere.

An opening number on the first week?! Very cool. And a nice way to introduce the crews.
But just five teams?! WTF. This season is only going to last a few weeks. Sad face.
I miss Shane.
But at least the third judge is D-Trix (from Season 3 winners Quest Crew, my all time favorite ABDC contender) instead of Omarion. Would have been better if it was Hok. He's nice to look at and has a pretty accent. Sigh.

See, cute.

First crew says they call their dancing 'brain banging.' Hmmmm. Let's think of a new catchphrase, please.
Am I the only one who sort of misses Lil Mama's visors?
Mario Lopez, you are as annoying as ever. Ugh.
This season the inventor of krumping is on the show. Seriously? How is anyone else supposed to compete? D-Trix says, 'For years, we've been trying to get krumping on reality TV, but only at 'America's Best Dance Crew' can we get Tight Eyez and the Street Kingdom here on this stage tonight.". Hmm, was that a SYTYCD slap?
Favorite teams at the end of Day 1: Phunk Phenomenon and Street Kingdom. Here is the video evidence....

Jane + Matt

2011-04-06T11:01:00.000-05:00

Carpool with Matt Morrison & Jane Lynch from Matthew Morrison

'You are a grown man in a 2003 cherry red Beetle singing Disney ballads!'

When is Glee coming back?

La Biblioteca.

2011-04-05T10:07:00.000-05:00

I'm on a post-Community high (I caught up on the last three episodes last night) and then this morning I see this video of Donald Glover (Troy) and a fan. LOVE. Seriously, if you don't watch this show, you NEED to start.

Seriously TV Guide?

2011-04-05T09:53:00.000-05:00

Sean Parker (yeah, Justin Timberlake's Napster guy from The Social Network) got engaged and THIS is the picture TV Guide used of him and his fiance. Seriously? I searched them on Google and found this pretty picture (and a bunch of others just like it):

See, pretty!

The other picture was obviously a costume party or something (dare I say they are dressed up like Justin Timberlake in his N*Sync heyday and g/f at the time Britney Spears?!)

Get real, PTC.

2011-03-10T14:58:00.000-06:00

"Real-world teachers don't lap dance with their students."

-Dan Isett, Parents Television Council

Newsflash, Dan. Real world students don't break out in song every ten minutes either. Real World students don't get slushied in the face everyday and the administration do nothing to stop it. Real world high schools don't have Sue Sylvester shooting her cheerleaders out of cannons.

Glee is a television show. It is fiction. It is not real. It is for entertainment only.

That being sad, did it get a little racy this week? Sure. But as much as people want to make it out as good, wholesome family entertainment, it's not. Finn thought he got Quinn pregnant from making out in a hot tub. The boys used images of Beaste to slow down their, er, urges. Santana and Brittany's relationship is was solely based on sex. I mean, seriously, you think the 'Like a Virgin' or 'Touch Me' from Rocky Horror were family appropriate? No way.

This week's episode was a little out there - Emma is still a virgin; Puck and Lauren want to make a sex tape and are only NOT making one because they aren't 18 (what happens next year?); and I don't buy Santana as a lesbian, that came out of nowhere.

But look on the bright side.... It wasn't preachy. It wasn't unrealistic. And Kurt's talk with his Dad was probably the best sex talk I have ever seen on television. Parents everywhere should just right it down word for word and tell it to their kids.

Sawyer Returns!

2011-02-28T15:28:00.000-06:00

EW has learned exclusively that Josh Holloway — who played James “Sawyer” Ford on ABC’s Lost — is in the process of closing a deal to make a cameo in Community’s two-part season finale. It’s set for May but no date has been announced.

Holloway’s character emerges as a mysterious figure who shows up on campus during another game of paintball. The two-parter is a sequel, of sorts, to “Modern Warfare” — last year’s memorable episode that began with the Dean announcing a prize for a game of paintball. It devolved into campus-wide battle.

via EW.

Princess JWOWW

2011-02-17T11:00:00.000-06:00

I've posted about Jenni looking pretty before, and even an uber-glamourous picture of Sammi, but this proves that the Jersey Shore isn't all short skirts and glitter and poofs. Behind all that, these girls are purty.

Namaste! Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T10:47:00.000-06:00

Love. Here's more.

Last Cast Photo. Tear.

2011-02-11T10:41:00.002-06:00

My Feelings Exactly

2011-02-08T16:24:00.000-06:00

'I don't wanna die yet. At least not until One Tree Hill gets cancelled.'

Charles Widmore

2011-02-04T11:44:00.002-06:00

Okay, I'm not a big 30 Rock fan (I know, I know, it's the best show ever... whatev.) but I am a LOST fan so naturally, I adore this.