Gary Unmarried - New Show Review

Show: Gary Unmarried
Network: CBS
Day/Time: Wednesday, 7:30pm (CST)
Type: Comedy?
Episode Watched: Pilot
Setting: No Clue

Bor-ring! 4-camera laugh-track fodder. The premise is that a recently divorced painter with two kids is dating a woman who has a son. His ex-wife is dating their marriage counselor, and their trying to teach their kids how to have fulfilling relationships. Nothing overly funny. . .typical family fare. I'm bored just writing this.

Best scene: Uhh. . .probably when Ed Begley Jr. walked in, because then I got to say "Oooh! Ed Begley Jr.!"
Oh my gosh! Isn't that: Nobody. . .tear.
You’ll like this if you like: Two and a Half Men
Underpants shot: Nope
Product placement: Second Life
Added to schedule?: No.

The Mentalist - New Show Review!

Show: The Mentalist
Network: CBS
Day/Time: Tuesday, 8pm (CST)
Type: Draaaammmaaaa
Episode Watched: Pilot
Setting: Los Angeles

As a huge Big Brother fan (I have to eat veggies to gain back some brain cells. . .), I've seen many a "The Mentalist" commercial. Almost all of the cool coups were shown in the promos, but there were some surprises. Basically, Simon Baker plays a detective who works for the LAPD (home of Joe Friday) and is more observant than everyone else around him. He gets himself into some pickles. . .gun-filled pickles, but pickles nonetheless. And wouldn't you know. . .nobody kills him! That's a good thing because then there wouldn't be a show anymore. It's kind of cool to see what he notices that in some cases even I didn't notice while looking for the catch (and surfing Facebook while watching). It's a pretty engaging show, and from what I can tell, you can probably tune into almost any episode and won't be behind.

The overarching plot is that the "Red Face Killer" has killed around 12 people (including Simon Baker's character's wife and child) and is still on the loose. . .now with copycats. Anyway, it was pretty enjoyable!

Best scene: Simon Baker as a John Edward type guy prior to working for LAPD. Haha.
You’ll like this if you watch: Psych. . .or so I've heard
Underpants shot: Nope
Product placement: Serenity Tea. Mmm. Calming.
Added to schedule?: Maybe. . .but Tuesday is already pretty full. I’d definitely watch reruns though.
Oh my gosh! Isn't that: Rex from DH? Sadly killed off here too. tear.


yes. yes it is.

The Power of Positive Facebooking

A few days ago, a girl I went to lower and middle school with posted some pics from K-5th grade (including our 5th grade class photo with my Sally Jesse Raphael glasses and super hairsprayed, immovable hair). Anyway, what ensued was a barrage of comments from a bunch of us who probably wouldn't have talked to each other at the time.

Why is it that Facebook is less awkard than reunions or high school itself? I add people who I really didn't like at the time, and I'm fairly certain didn't like me, but when they pop up in that "People you may know" section, I can't help myself. All of a sudden, they're a long lost friend who I'm excited to get back in touch with. Except I don't message them, write on their wall, or even acknowledge that we've confirmed our friendship. So clearly, bffs forever.

I must admit though, it's kinda cool seeing all these people who were good friends, worst enemies, or just sort of pretended like the other didn't exist participating in a dialogue about how one guy is really well dressed for a 10 year-old or another one looks like he has long hair.

Hopefully we don't run through the typical reunion conversation before the actual event. Then it will be super awkward.

Worst Week - New Show Review!

Are you tired from all the liveblogging last night? I know I am. Well, back to learning about who may (but probably won't) be at the Emmy's next year.

Show: Worst Week
Network: CBS
Day/Time: Monday, 8:30pm (CST)
Type: Comedy. . .?
Episode Watched: Pilot
Setting: A suburb somewhere?

The show opens and we learn that the typical schmo guy is dating a pretty hot chick. Oh, and she's preggers! And whoops! He leaves a sarcastic message on their machine about her parents that they almost hear. Phew! That would have been bad if they heard!

Oh, and they have to go the parents' house and oh no! Sam (that's the guy) is late AND ends up naked (loooong story). Anyway, without regurgitating every slapstick plotline from 70's sitcoms, I can tell you slapstick abounds. Lots of it. And yeah, this guy is having a very bad week. Perhaps even his Worst Week (title alert!)

I could some people digging this show, but it's definitely not for me. Much better than Do Not Disturb though. I don't hate myself after watching it.

Best scene: Lights go out, Sam tries to find the bathroom, ends up peeing on the goose and is caught when the lights come on.
Pickle: This show is a jar of ‘em. The main one is he is making an irrevocably bad impression on the parents the night he’s supposed to tell them he’s marrying their daughter.
Sassy Gay Man: no. not even a non-sassy gay man.
Sassy Black Woman: nope. no one remotely not white.
You’ll like this if you miss: Dharma and Greg. . .I think. Never watched it.
Underpants shot: Naked shower shot!
Product placement: Nope!
Times I laughed: 0
End Credits: Previews for other shows
Added to schedule?: Nope. Still looking for something to watch on Mondays.
Oh my gosh! Isn't that: Red from That 70’s Show? Aaahhhh! And Aziz Ansari in a cameo!


yes. yes it is.

Emmy - Drama Series

Mad Men wins and the crowd goes nuts! Whoa, somebody has a crazy swirly dress. ick.

Guy from DH jumped that train at the right time.

Whoa, and it's over! Thanks for reading! They finished early. Nuts!

Emmy - Comedy Series

Tribute to Betty White, me thinks. Wow, she's been on tv for 60 years! Betty White looks amazing! I hope she says something about Estelle Getty. She seems so positive as a person, and it's nice to see her in this business for so long. Ok, so not a tribute. whoops!

Want 30 Rock to win this one, but I'd be cool with The Office too. 30 Rock wins!! Fey just called it a "Turkey Burger Economy" and plugged the show. Nice!

Emmy - Reality Show Host

FINALLY! Not saved to the end.

Also like that Jimmy Kimmel tells people not to pretend like they don't watch reality shows. I totally agree. You're not above them.

Ok, making this into a bit is lame. Just announce it.

I'm kind of amused that they're going to break instead of announcing the winner. Ok fine, I'll accept the bit.

And. . .we're back. Jeff Probst wins! Yay!! Even though I didn't pick him, he does a great job and has to live with bugs. ew.

Emmy - Actor, Drama/Actress, Comedy

Really speeding through.

Picked Jon Hamm. And Bryan Cranston won from Breaking Bad. Never seen it. . .don't know what it's about. Now I know that Cranston is proud of it. Ok.

Music! So much for Kiefer wanting to leave time for the winner.

Ok, I'm getting really disturbed because they're saving this Reality host thing until way too late.

Actress in a Comedy - please be Tina Fey. YAY! It's her!! So deserving. Maybe she'll be funny again when she speaks. And score! She is! I want to be her.

Emmy - Dead actor montage!

Here it is! The dead actor montage! It's my favorite part because it makes me sad when we lose great actors.

Didn't know Bernie Brillstein did NewsRadio. huh.

Awww. . .Estelle Getty.

Oh man, Bernie Mac. That one's hard to see. Suzanne Pleshette, also very sad.

Tim Russert. . .also tough. And George Carlin. . .Mr. Conductor.

And. . .it was followed up by a Bertolli commercial with a guy crying. Are you kidding me?

Emmy - Lead Actor, Comedy, Actress, Drama

Ok, so picked Carell, but TOTALLY support an Alec Baldwin win. A nice tribute to Tina Fey too!

note: slow down! They're speeding through this thing!!

Sound issues, but I picked Glenn Close and she won! Never seen the show, but she's an awards show horse. She wins.

I totes have to pee. Music! Lots of music tonight.

Emmy - Lead Actor in Miniseries or Movie

Ack! Spoke too soon! What's on Glenn Close's shoulders? Ick. Don't like that at all.

Picked Giamatti. . .and it's. . .Giamatti!!! Yay!! Tom Hanks is whistling for him. A nice reference to the Tina Fey spoof of Palin.

Emmy - Writing, Directing, Guest Actor and Actress in a Drama

Kate Walsh looking pretty smoking.

Picked Robin Williams and Cynthia Nixon for being creepy. Got 1 right.

And now for directing, which I didn't do a pick for. . .let's see who we've got.

That's the Boston Legal music (which doesn't make you think you're about to see a drama). And House wins. He's sitting in about Row T.

I think I just saw Paula Deen. . .but maybe not. How fun would that be though?

And now, writing.

Mad Men wins! Some woman in the audience has a really sparkly pinky purple sequined thing. It's distracting. Keep an eye out for her.

Emmy - Ind. Performance in a Variety, Music, or Comedy

Heidi - dress number 6. Love the blue. Tom and her telling us the difference between drama and comedy. Because they certainly haven't been comedic tonight.

Neil Patrick Harris blaming Howie for their bit being cut.

Picked Jon Stewart, although usually the old man wins. And yup. He did. We're in for another 2 hours of this show now.

How loudly will they need to play the music to get him off the stage? I think the Amazing Race producers should run on and give their speech now.

Emmy - Miniseries

Sally Field - like her dress.

And the final miniseries category. THANK GOD.

Picked John Adams for this. And it wins! My luck is looking up! I'm just waiting for Rickles to come out and talk about how he knew him.

I need to say that I admire Tom Hanks' love of our country and his desire to tell its stories. (note to self: Netflix John Adams). Music!

And more promo for the host award. Who the f- cares? Just give it out.

Emmy - Reality Comp Program

Does a standing O mean the same thing if Kathy Griffin is screaming at you to do it? I heart her though, so I can forgive.

Rickles rolling his eyes at the teleprompter saying "Let's read these funny lines they wrote for us." haha. Rickles is totally stealing the show. I have a feeling somebody is gonna have to get a cane to get him off the stage.

I picked Amazing Race. . .because they're the best. And always win.

And it's. . .The Amazing Race. My horse in Emmy picks. Just listen to that theme music. Aren't you motivated to fly around the world and climb things? I know I am.

And Rickles talks over their speech. Nice.

Emmy - Supporting Actress, Miniseries or Movie

Howie Mandel was on St. Elsewhere? And. . .a tribute to MASH. Officer Bill Gannon!

A little Grey's Action.

Ugh. More Miniseries stuff. Picked Laura Dern. Jack picked Alfre Woodard. Oh! So another Dame wins but not the one I picked a few categories ago? I see how it is. And. . .she's not there. bonus!

Emmy - Directing and Writing a Miniseries or Movie

Stewart and Colbert are out! Yay!

Who knew eating prunes could be so funny? And he's making the connection to McCain. . .awesome.

Didn't vote on this one. . .and since it's in the Miniseries category, I find it boring. Don't watch many of those. (note to self: watch more miniseries)

Recount just won. Music. . .getting louder. . .another plea to vote.

And writing. . .also dind't vote on this one.

John Adams wins!

Writer just called his wife his Abigail Adams. He just said "Here's to a time where our leaders were able to articulate complex thoughts in complete sentences." And. . .cut directly to commercial. ABC. . .notsofor the political commentary. Don't want to alienate that conservative Extreme Makeover: Home Edition audience, I see.

Emmy - Supporting Actor, Movie or Miniseries

Cowboy Curtis is presenting! OMG. Jack Webb and Jerry Orbach in the same sentence. I'm in heaven.

Can I just take a minute to say thank goodness this show is no longer in the round.

I picked David Morse for this one. For no real reason. Tom Wilkinson wins. . .and he's not there. bonus!

Emmy - Made for TV Movie

Christina Applegate (looking great!) and Christian Slater. And a bad bit about who's gonna do better in the ratings.

Picked Recount for this one (they're starting to speed through). Oooooh!!!! I finally got one right!!! Recount!

And she's listing names. Just spotted Denis Leary. You think they arranged for the voting message knowing this movie was gonna win? I'm suspicious.

Emmy - Head of the Academy or whatever speech.

West Wing premiered a decade ago? I feel old now.

Love how Martin Sheen is calling out how he didn't win an Emmy. Awesome.

Trying to figure out what he's presenting. . .oh, he's trying to get people to vote. . ."at least once." haha. nice.

Oh no! tricked! It's the head of Television Arts and Sciences speech. He seems a little more interesting than the Academy guy at the Oscars.

This theater looks pretty sweet. I can't figure out these square, blue plastic glasses. They're distracting.

And. . .short speech. Thanks!

Emmy - Writing, Comedy

Flight of the Conchordes is nominated! Oooh! As is the Dinner Party episode of The Office. Pie-lette ep of Pushing Daisies (which already won for directing, so it probably will win for this too), and some 30 Rocks.

Tina Fey wins!!! YAY!

hehehe. "Aw. Nerds!" A shoutout to "Never go with a hippie to a second location!"

Why are they hyping the reality host award so much? Just get it over with!

Emmy - Guest Actor and Actress in a Comedy

Who let Lauren Conrad design gowns for this? It looks like everyone's pregnant. Oh, and she's presenting. I guess technically she is an actress. This is insulting to people in good shows.

I picked Will Arnett and Elaine Stritch for this. Oooh. . .and totally off on both. Argh.

Onto Directing in a Comedy. Love Paul Fieg's sign. That kind of stuff is too funny.

Pushing Daisies pilot won. . .hmm. . .this may mean more wins for that show. . .

Emmy - Variety, Music, or Comedy Series

Love the "Don't be afraid to buy homes! Really! It's ok!" commercials.

Tom Bergeron - probably the most likeable of the hosts. More of him, please.

Oh, oops! Needed to watch more closely. It's a tribute to Laugh In. A show I never liked when it was on Nick-at-Nite.

Side note, do you ever wonder if the pies people are hit with taste good? They look good. . .

Where is Goldie Hawn for this little tribute?

Ok, this is super annoying. Nominees are being announced. I picked Colbert. Who the hell wrote this awards show? It's getting more painful as we go.

Daily Show wins. It's great, but I would love to see the Colbert Show win. Oh well. Can't complain! At least the Laugh In bit is over. . .

Emmy - Lead Actress, Miniseries

Alec Baldwin! Always funny.

Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie. I picked Dame Judi Dench. Because that's what you're supposed to do when she's nominated.

And Laura Linney wins. Jack is excited because he picked her. Her dress is pretty cool. I'm stinking up this Emmy pick thing pretty well. Nice short speech.

Carol Burnett is being tributed next. Or "up next" which means sometime in the next hour.

Emmy - Theme Songs

Does the Pizza Hut pasta look kinda of nasty to anyone else? It grosses me out for some reason.

So, found out Jacquee won for 227. And the SNL writers got Wii avatars. Moving on. . .

And, we're back. Heidi, outfit 4.

Josh Groban, singing deep-voiced versions of the Tiny Toons theme (ok, no, but how awesome would that be?).

This is freaking the hell out of me. Hey! There weren't words sung to Andy Griffith when it aired! Shenanigans! This is like a bad cabaret act. The South Park one. . .eesh. oooh! Jeffersons! nice! Baywatch had a theme song? huh. boobies! AAAHHHH!! Brady Bunch!!!!!! Now he's just reinacting Saturday nights at home and what I watch. Fresh Prince, nice. Nice Don Pardo impression. Ed McMahon! Now he can buy his house back from Trump. And can we stop with the Two and a Half Men shoutouts? annd. . .a kickline. ohhh kay. . .

Well, I like TV Theme songs, so I'll allow it.

Quotes from Tommy Smothers

"Freedom of speech and expression aren't important as long as they're heard."

"There is nothing more scary than watching ignorance in action"

"I dedicated this Emmy to all the people who feel compelled to speak out."

"Truth is what you get other people to believe."

Inspirational for budding writers

Emmy - Special Award - Tommy Smothers

Note: When is the dead actor montage? I love that part.

Ok, the accountants. . .being way over-hyped and not well. I really like the suitcase carriers' dresses.

Howie Mandel needs to stop talking. Probst is looking annoyed. As am I.

Steve Martin! Again, somebody better at hosting than them. Talking about the Smothers Brothers show - a show that I need to get the DVDs of - it was ahead of its time. Very nice to see Tommy Smothers get his award finally.

And I remember watching the Smothers Brothers yo-yo video at my grandparents' house.

Emmy - Writing Comedy, Variety, Music

Now we have Jennifer Love Hewitt with AWFUL hair and Hayden Pantierrrrreeee looking good.

I love these reviews of who's on the writing staff. Love the footage of the people at the RNC. haha. Ew. This Dr. Phil Letterman thing is creepy. He's doing some weird thing with his eyes.

SNL!

Winner? Colbert Report!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I cannot wait for this speech. Get up there already!! First Emmy win for their writers!!

Aww! Colbert is shaking the hands of all his writers and hugging them as they go up. So sweet!

Oh no! Music! Not fair!

Finally. A win I feel good about.

Emmy - Supporting Actress, Drama

For those of you who asked - Steve Carell was not seriously angry. No worries. It was a bit.

Commercial for Opportunity Knocks - looks a lot like Finders Keepers. ..but in an actual house. hmm.

Simpsons open. . .about them watching Conan. Kind of a cool fake Simpsons set on stage.

Thank goodness. . .an actual host! Oh, who knew Conan wrote dialogue for Bart Simpson? I didn't. I thought he got started on SNL.

Supporting Actress on a Drama. . .ooh! And a slam on Heigl. Waiting for that one. I picked Chandra Wilson for this one. And it looks like they picked a good ep for her to submit.

Diane Wiest won. . .and isn't there! bonus!

Emmy - Directing for a variety, music, comedy

Ricky Gervais giving what is probably the funniest bit of the night. A video of good speeches. Jacquee (sp?) won? For Sister Sister? Because she should have received an Oscar for Ladybugs.

Awesome. A clip of Jon Stewart and Colbert giving the award to Carell because Gervais wasn't there. Carell is doing ad lib deadpan. Hilarious. I love these two. This is great.

Oooh! Spotted! Mariska Hargitay in the front row.

Didn't pick anybody for this one, but love that Company was nominated!

Louis J. Horvitz for the Academy Awards. It's always lame when someone in the truck is trying to be funny.

Emmy - Supporting Actor, Drama

Heidi is now in outfit #2. . .with another lovely staged bit with Jeff Probst. Can we please get some actors back to host this thing?

Desperate Housewives (uh. . .none of whom are nominated, coincidentally) are about to present something.

And they're on what looks like a morning show set. Really? oy.

Lots of nice dresses.

Really pulling for Michael Emerson. . .so amazing. Oh! John Slattery was on DH.

Some guy won from Damages. Blerg! Zeljko Ivanek. Can anybody tell me if he's good? Very disappointed that Emerson didn't win. Oooh! This guy's tie matches the statue.

Not happy about how things are going so far. . .

Emmy - Supporting Actress Comedy

Just showed something from Seinfeld. Cool. Julia Louis Dreyfus looks like she's wearing a wet salmon. Like her jewelry and hair though.

Ok, Supporting Actress in a Comedy. I picked Vanessa Williams. Winner is. . .Jean Smart from Samantha Who?

6th nom, 1st win. Ok, I support it. I've heard this show is good, but I've had no desire to watch it. Her dress is sparky and appropriate. oooh! music!! getting louder! and done!

Emmy - Supporting Actor, Comedy

Piven, really? For the 3rd time? I'll play myself and win Emmys too. Rainn Wilson so should have won. And slamming the hosts. . .klassy. At least Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are on.

Emmy - live blog. Opening

What? This is not only boring, but the bug is Heidi naked-er? argh.

Emmy Night Predictions!

It's that time of year. . .for my second favorite awards show (first favorite: The Tony's!!!). Anyway, my picks are below. . .along with how I made my pics. I'll let you know how I do. Feel free to comment and disagree (or agree. . .but it's more fun to fight!)

Lead Actor in a Comedy: Steve Carell (The Office)
Why?: While I love Alec Baldwin in 30 Rock, I just think that Michael Scott has had more to cover emotionally this season. I've heard good things about Pushing Daisies, but I don't see it winning this year.

Lead Actor in a Drama: Jon Hamm (Mad Men)
Why?: Admittedly, I haven't seen most of these shows, and I've only seen one episode of Mad Men, but it was good. Very good. It has lifted the television genre, and I think that Emmy voters like to reward that (although, looking at the shows that were snubbed. . .maybe not). And haven't James Spader and Hugh Laurie received enough Emmys?

Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie: Paul Giamatti (John Adams)
Why?: Haven't seen anything in this category. . mostly due to my lack of premium cable channels, so I had to go on buzz. All I heard about was how great John Adams was, Giamatti is an Oscar winner, why not add to his haul? I don't doubt he was magnificent.

Lead Actress in a Comedy: Tina Fey (30 Rock)
Why?: She does it all, and she is able to convey the subtle, but not straight comedy that the character requires. The character she created on the show she created. She's a loveable, real, funny character. Tough to do in this genre.

Lead Actress in a Drama: Glenn Close (Damages)
Why?: First, let me say that I adore Mariska Hargitay, and hers is the only show I watch regularly out of this list. BUT she won last year (or the year before), and from everything I've heard about Glenn Close in Damages, I have to go with that. Sally Field may pull through though.

Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie: Dame Judi Dench (Cranford)
Why?: Haven't watched anything in this category, but it's a pretty safe bet that when Dame Judi is nominated, she'll win.

Supporting Actor in a Comedy: Rainn Wilson (The Office)
Why?: No question in my mind. I just wonder how his nomination took this long. This season we saw him cope with the breakup with Angela in a funny, touching way. His character makes me laugh almost every show. And uh. . .Jon Cryer? Really? There was no one more deserving? Like any of the other male cast members from The Office or 30 Rock?

Supporting Actor in a Drama: Michael Emerson (Lost)
Why?: I wanted this to happen last year, when Terry O'Quinn won (also very deserving). The manipulative nuances of this character are always flawlessly played. He had to deal with his daughter being shot point-blank in front of him this season and starting to see how he handles things not going his way. A great character and a great actor. I'm picking him every year until he wins!

Supporting Actor in a Miniseries of Movie: David Morse (John Adams)
Why?: Um. . .George Washington was our first president and uh. . .John Adams is supposed to be good, right? (note: Tom Wilkinson is nominated in 2 different categories for parts in 2 different miniseries. hmm.)

Supporting Actress in a Comedy: Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty)
Why:? This one was really tough. The only show nominated that I've watched was SNL, and with all due respect, I don't think that Amy Poehler's material was strong enough (although it's great to see SNL nominated!). Vanessa Williams to me is the strongest in this group, given my limited knowledge.

Supporting Actress in a Drama: Chandra Wilson (Grey's Anatomy)
Why?: Always strong. She won before, which may make this a risky pick, but I respect her character dealing with balancing work and home this year, as well as her son's accident, the failure of some of her interns, and trying not to be "Mommy-tracked." It just seemed stronger than Sandra Oh dealing with Burke leaving, material-wise.

Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie: Laura Dern (Recount)
Why?: Oh! Laura Dern, she was in Jurassic Park! Ok! (seriously, how many more of these miniseries categories are there? I have no f-ing clue who's gonna win!)

Guest Actor in a Comedy: Will Arnett (30 Rock)
Why?: With four 30 Rock nominees, it's tough to choose. . .and my very well mean the non-30 Rock nominee will win. Will Arnett was brilliant, and the Emmy voters looovvvvee Arrested Development, so I think odds are good that he'll win.

Guest Actor in a Drama: Robin Williams (Law and Order: SVU. chunk chunk)
Why?: I saw this episode, and Robin Williams used his kind of schizo energy and skills to portay a character who keeps taking on different identities to keep the cops off his scent (e.g. tells them he says at a B&B, gives them a number, picks up the phone and plays a convincing old woman). It was a nice way to see his skills showcased and a compelling ep.

Guest Actress in a Comedy: Elaine Stritch (30 Rock)
Why?: Hilarious as Jack Donaghy's bitchy mother. A Broadway legend. . .and funnier than the DH nominees this season. . .as well as the other 30 Rock guest appearances in the category.

Guest Actress in a Drama: Cynthia Nixon (Law and Order SVU. chunk chunk.)
Why?: I like typing "chunk chunk." No. . .actually she was incredibly creepy and convincing as someone with MPD. (see a pattern? SVU + multiple personalities = winner!). I think she had a harder workload than the other guest actresses. . .just my opinion.

Individual Performances in a Variety or Music Program: Jon Stewart (80th Annual Academy Awards)
Why?: While I think Colbert deserves it, Stewart was the best host in a while. . .esp having to present right after the Writer's Strike. I think they'll give it to him. Or Don Rickles, since this has been the Best Old Man Special category the last few years (I'm looking at you, Manilow and Bennett).

Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program: Ryan Seacrest (American Idol)
Why?: Ok, I don't really want to pick any of the people in this category. I'd much rather have Phil Koeghan or Padma from Top Chef. Out of the choices, Seacrest works the hardest - filming a live show and having to think on his feet. So, I'm giving it to him.

Comedy Series: 30 Rock
Why?: Hands down, an amazing, solid season. Last season they needed to do some searching to find their voice, but they're definitely in their prime now and have one of the smartest comedies on tv. I love The Office, but they had some wonky eps this season. A close second.

Drama Series: Mad Men
Why?: This was tough. I LOVE Lost. Love it. The season was compelling and fast-paced, which is something we haven't seen in a while. Nevertheless, Mad Men is new, great tv, and for the reasons I stated above that Hamm will win, that is why this show will win.

Miniseries: ARGH. John Adams
Why?: I heard the best things about John Adams. And I believe what I hear.

Made-for-TV Movie: Dying to Belong. kidding. Recount
Why?: It was advertised on bus shelters here and looked interesting. A Raisin in the Sun has been done before. . .and from what I could tell has been done better before.

Variety, Music, or Comedy: The Colbert Report
Why?: They've deserved it for the last 3 years. Strongest comedic content in the category.

Reality-Competition Program: The Amazing Race
Why?: They win every year. And they deserve it. It is the best in the bunch.

Have fun watching tonight, and we'll see how I (and you!) did!

Do Not Disturb - New Show Review!

Show: Do Not Disturb
Network: Fox
Day/Time: Wednesday, 8:30pm (CST)
Type: Comedy. . .?
Episode Watched: Episode 2: The Birdcage
Setting: NYC?

Oh wow. So um . . .yeah. That's a half hour of my life I'll never get back. Lots of canned laughter. "ooooOOOOoooo!" from Saved By the Bell audiences. So basically, this show takes place in a hotel in what I think is New York. Or Miami. I don't know. I do know that I wish the show was about 80% exterior shots and 20% show, because then it might have been enjoyable. It's basically every stereotype you've seen on a sitcom. Let's review:

Womanizing Male Lead (usually played by an actor who used to have a film career)
Dumb blonde
Sassy Black Woman (snap!)
Sassy Gay Man (snap!)
Some entry-level dude who wants to scam on chicks and calls people old
dumb other girls

On the show I watched, Jerry O'Connell gets a human-size birdcage and gets the girls to fight over who gets to dance in it. SBW will have none of it and is upset she has to miss her girls' night. And laughter does NOT ensue. The girl and the gay guy end up pimping out the over-sexed young guy who sleeps with the hotel guests. So yeah. . .uh. . .hilarious.

The Office starts next week!

Best scene: Jesse Tyler Ferguson telling the annoying entry-level kid that not slapping hands on “up top!” is his favorite part of being gay.
Pickle: Building inspectors come to look at the birdcage because the SBM called to tattle.
You’ll like this if you miss: That shitty show with Kelsey Grammar and Patricia Heaton from last year. And you shoudln't be allowed to watch TV.
Underpants shot: Not really, but kinda.
Product placement: Audrina from The Hills
Times I laughed: 0
End Credits: Bloopers! Just like Home Improvement!
Added to schedule?: No. Wait. Hell no.
Oh my gosh! Isn't that: Leaf Coneybear from the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. . .and The Class?


yes. yes it is.

Privileged - New Show Review!

Show: Privileged
Network: CW
Day/Time: Tuesday, 8pm (CST)
Type: Dramaaaaa
Episode Watched: Pilot
Setting: Palm Beach, FL

Going into the fall season, this was the new show I was most excited about. Why? I have no idea. But let me tell you, blog fans, I was right. First of all, the girl who plays Megan is just adorable. Relatable. . .a little Seth Cohenesque.

So anyway, back to the basic plot. Megan has job at tabloid, wants promotion. Megan accidentally sets NYC apartment on fire, doesn't get promotion (actually, loses job). Old boss helps her land a new job with a billionaire grandmother who wants to get her twin granddaughters to get into Duke (seriously, Duke? You know what's closer? Wash U!), so she hires Megan as a tutor. The girls sleep in the same room, despite living in a huge house. One is kinda bitchy, the other is kinda nice.

Of course there's a sassy cook who is gonna be her gbf (gay best friend). She pisses off the bitchy twin, who tries to get her fired. Megan tells her off in front of grandma and gets a 6 month contract (ok, so does that mean this show can't be canceled until February?). She makes it clear that she's still gonna be a huge bitch, AND make her life hell. awesome.

Best scene: A kid screaming to Megan that he can see her “Va-Jay-Jay” when she goes down the fire escape.
You’ll like this if you miss: The OC
Underpants shot: No. . .but swimsuit shot
Product placement: I didn't see any, so it didn't exist
Added to schedule?: Yes!
Oh my gosh! Isn't that: Zach from The OC?


yes. yes it is.

90210 - New Show Review!

Show: 90210
Network: CW
Day/Time: Tuesday, 7pm (CST)
Type: Dramaaaaa
Episode Watched: Episode 2: “Lucky Strike”
Setting: Beverly Hills. . .duh!

Ok, so confession. . .never actually watched the original 90210. I've never in my life watched a full episode of the show. That said, has Jennie Garth's voice always been so mousey? I always wanted her to win the Garth/Doherty Deathmatch, but that voice is kind of annoying.

Anyway, due to my DVR being fully uncoorperative, I missed the pilot and had to watch the 2nd episode, so I missed a bunch of the exposition. I did, however, get to see a full 5-10 minutes of people asking each other out. Teachers, students, etc. Was that anybody else's high school experience, because it certainly wasn't mine!

The only really compelling part of the show was a girl named Silver who mysteriously wants to stay at a women's shelter. She's also Jennie Garth's character's (note: need to look up the name) little sister. Apparently she has a mom who drinks (old-school fans, was Kelly's mom like that? And yeah, I'm speedy with the name lookup) and she can't go home, so she spends the ep trying to find people to stay with without telling them what's going on.

Also. . .I can't tell the adults from the teenagers. I mean, not in an Ian Ziering way, but the teenagers and adults all look really similar.

Best scene: Annie and some guy talking about his audition for The Hills. Hahaha.
You’ll like this if you watch: Gossip Girl
Underpants shot: No
Product placement: Lucky Strike lanes, T-Mobile
Added to schedule?: No
Oh my gosh! Isn't that: Aunt Becky from Full House?


yes. yes it is.

Fringe - New Show Review!

Finally! The first of my "reviews". Hope you'll enjoy. If you also watched it and have something to add, comment away!

Show: Fringe
Network: Fox
Day/Time: Tuesday, 7pm (CST) (although will be on at 8 from now on)
Type: Dramaaaaa
Episode Watched: Pilot
Setting: Boston

We open on a plane going through turbulence. I think that it may be the only way JJ Abrams knows how to open a show, given that Lost started pretty much the same way. What About Brian. . .probably didn't start on a plane. I watched it, but don't remember. I don't remember much about that show in general. Annnyway, I suspect somebody loves sans serif fonts, because this show is full of 'em. The title screen is very similar to Lost, and they have little headers that let you know where the action is taking place. Helpful! Anyway, the TVs go fubar on the plane and some guy's face melts. The plane auto-lands at Boston Logan airport with no signs of life.

They find some creepy scientist guy (who is Joshua Jackson's character's dad) and he gives the blonde woman ("Olivia") some LSD concoction to get her to go into her melted-faced boyfriend's consciousness to figure out who melted his face. Apparently when going through this process, you can access people's subconsciousness in the hours before they die. When they're on the "Fringe". aww yeah.

I also noticed JJ Abrams' propensity for using former teen stars. Let's review:

Matthew Fox: Party of Five/Lost
Barry Watson: Seventh Heaven/What About Brian
Joshua Jackson: Dawson's Creek/Fringe

I think somebody's a Tiger Beat fan! If only he gets Rider Strong, then I'll feel fulfilled.

We also got "shorter commercial breaks". Seriously, at almost every commercial break they said "Fringe will return in 60 seconds." So. . .not enough advertisers, or a network that really wants to make it succeed?

Ok, let's wrap up:

Best scene: Creepy scientist, Joshua Jackson, and a cow watching Spongebob Squarepants
You’ll like this if you watch: Lost
Underpants shot: Yes
Added to schedule?: No
Oh my gosh! Isn't that: Pacey from Dawson's Creek?


yes. yes it is.

My Epic Battle Has Been Won

About 13 years ago, on a rainy spring day, the epic battle begun. I was at the Chagrin Falls Blossom Festival with my friend Marla and my brother. In the Fun House, I fell down a ramp and hurt my hand. I visited a friend who worked at the Popcorn Shop and got some ice for my hand. My brother, who was about 10 at the time, wasn't feeling well and really needed a restroom (ew! grody!). I was 15, so I didn't have a car to take him home and didn't really know what else to do, so I suggested that we go into a local restaurant to use the bathroom. Surely they wouldn't turn away a sick child. The restaurant we chose was Dink's in Chagrin Falls.

The bathroom is in the back, and is accessible through an entrance from the parking lot (I swear, this story gets better). There's also a street entrance from the front, where most people come in from. Marla and I waited in the hallway for him, since he was young and I wanted to be able to hear him if he needed something. Well, the back entrance was very wet, from people walking in during the rain storm.

I was talking to Marla and wasn't paying attention to my cup and spilled water on the floor. Out of nowhere, the manager flies back to me and says "Would you do that at home?" I said "What?" He said "That!" and points to the floor. I said "Spill water on the floor? Yeah, I've done that at home. It's not Sprite, it's just water." He said "Well, you need to mop it up." So, he gets me a mop and makes me mop it up! Then, he grabs it from me and tells me I'm not mopping correctly (meanwhile, his back entry is entirely wet from the rain. . .not as much of a concern). He then kicks us out. I said "My little brother is in your bathroom and isn't feeling well." He said "Well, you can wait outside the door and I'll tell him where you are. If you come back in, I'm calling the cops." (at which point I resisted the urge to yell "Shit on the floor!" to my brother).

Anyway, I forbade my family from ever eating there again due to how they treated me. My parents obviously didn't follow my wishes (stupid dramatic teenager!) and tried to get me to go by saying that management changed, etc. I didn't care. I didn't want to do there.

Then, I get this link: Ooh! News! Check me out!

Closed! Closed! I win! I win! I called my mom and told her I won my epic battle. She was more shocked that this Chagrin Falls institution was closing. grr.


Marla and me showing Megan the scene of the crime. . .many years later.

I believe I can flug

Today, Chicago witnessed a phenomenon. Red Bull Flugtag. Hoards of people filled North Ave beach. Seriously! People were hanging in trees watching people fling these flying contraptions off of a ramp. Most fell right over, but one actually got some good distance! I was shocked at the widespread appeal of this thing, esp since most of us had to watch it on screens. Anyway, for those of you who don't know, basically people build these things and have to figure out how to get them to fly. Oh, and there are skits pre-flight, most of which involved middle-aged men revealing their speedos. ewwww. Anyway, it's good fun. Getting out of the event: not good fun. Highlight: 5 guys dressed like Mike Ditka with a pic of him on the tail of their plane. I don't remember that many people being excited about my egg drop in physics class.



me - making some last minute changes to the egg drop contraption in physics class. we lost.

In weird news, after a kind of frustrating improv class, I medicated with food at McDonalds (I had a bowl of cereal and half a sandwich today. . .I felt like I could justify a yummy Happy Meal, so lay off!). Anyway, I'm in line behind a guy complaining that an employee peed on the seat and didn't flush (side note: since when is this unusual? I'm always seeing the remnants of not-so-skilled squatters). A fired-up somewhat toothless guy was right on it and yelled to the manager that the guy did what he should have and washed his hands. Well. That was the end. Just kidding! It so wasn't! It got more heated, Mr. Toothless called the other guy the N-word and half American because he spoke with an accent. The rest transpired like so:

Guy 1: "Why would I lie, I work for the government!" (shows ID)
Toothless: "You flash that badge at me? You flash that badge at me! I hit cops too!"
Guy 1: "Anyway, there was pee on the seat"
Toothless: "I just got out of penitentiary. You don't scare me! Vicki, your employee didn't do nothing wrong!"
Vicki: "Ok, yeah. Thanks"
Toothless: "I'll hit you! Showing me that badge. I'll hit you."
Vicki: "Can I help you?"
Me: "Hamburger Happy Meal please."

Oooh! A commercial my agency did is on. fun fun!

90210-no!

Just an update for my loyal fan(s?). Noticed that 90210 was pre-empted in the Chicago area for a Cubs game, but I persevered and found it, and recorded it. Well, went to watch it today and lo and behold, the Cubs game went 11 innings! Then they cut to the RNC. Soo. . .I'm trying to find it online to watch and review.

I know, you don't want to hear my excuses. I know. Anyway, I will find it, and I'll review it for you. Because I keep my promises.

Sometimes.

Ok, let's do something

I've been watching the RNC all week (per my previous post), and getting angry and annoyed, and frustrated. Well, me screaming at my tv and then voting in my non-swing state isn't really gonna create the change I want. So, I donated to Obama. Then, I setup a page to get my friends to donate too. So, if you're so inclined, check it out. Even $1 will help. If not, then vote. Make sure your friends and family vote. It's time for us to get involved in our nation's future.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/dashboard/main/meauxdub

(90210 review is coming soon. The show was 2 hours long! eesh!)

RN. . .see??

Is anybody else watching the RNC? It's like every creaky old white man shouting "Liberal!" giving speeches about how the Democrats in Congress have messed up America. No, actually that was your President. They talk about how Obama doesn't have a lot of experience. Really? Because that didn't bother you when you were pushing Bush on us. argh. It's infuriating. Also infuriating? The word maverick. This is not Cowboys and Indians. This is who is gonna run our country.

Ok, side note: Saw a sign on a hat that said "Liberals, pick on someone your own age!" Awesome.

It's just amazing to me that there are people who are paying $4.50/gallon for gas. People who are seeing their food costs increase. People who can't afford to see their doctor. People who are seeing their sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and friends killed in Iraq. And they think the biggest threat to their well being are women they don't know having abortions and gay men they don't know getting married.

Side note 2: Joe Lieberman (and I said this in 2000 when he spoke at the DNC) sounds like Stinky, Stimpy's fart that becomes his son and lives in his nose (on Ren & Stimpy).

"9/11 was a great natural disaster."

Oh, and Joe, stop calling yourself a Democrat. You're not.

I just want to know why the Republican party thinks they deserve another 4 years. What have they possibly done to earn that? You've lied to us. A lot. A whole lot.

And why do I like Barack? Well. . .for starters, he's smart. . .and wouldn't that be a welcome change? But beyond that, he believes in unity. In repairing our reputation across the world, our economy. He also believes in investing in alternative energy. Trust me, we need to.

Oh hold on, Joe is speaking directly to me. He's telling me it's no ordinary election. . .ok. . .McCain isn't ordinary. . .ok. . .I may not agree on every issue. . .true. . .I can count on him to do what he thinks is right. . .hmm. . .but if I don't agree with him, then why would I trust his judgement? Oh, I can't talk back to him. damn.

Anyway, whomever you vote for (while of course, I hope you vote my way, but the nation wasn't founded on me strongarming people to vote for my candidate), I would just ask that you research the issues. Learn about how our country is run, and where you want to see it go. Then look at the candidates and figure out who is going to get us there.

Then picture McCain having a heart attack, Palin being President, and wire hanger sales skyrocketing.

Fall TV is here!

Hi friends,

Once again, I am embarking on my quest to see all the new fall shows on network tv (except for some of the reality shows). I've setup a Google calendar with all of the premiere dates (and the shows I currently watch - just to make sure I'm not missing anything!). I'll be posting my reviews here. . .hopefully I'll do a better job than I did last year. We all know that there are some stinkers every year (hello? Viva Laughlin?), as well as some awesome shows. I, for one, can hardly wait!

90210 starts tomorrow night. whoo! I never watched the original. I know! Shocking, right? Anyway, I'm quite excited for this new one.

Speaking of fun shows, I'm currently watching the Press Your Luck marathon. I think they screen the women contestants by seeing how many of them can screech at a level only audible by dogs. I also love the country singer Whammy cartoon. Awesome.



Ok, not the country singer Whammy, but another quality one!

Also fun - watching people win electric typewriters and VCRs. Wonder if they're still using those. . .