"Outnumbered" Was Underwhelming

Just checked out BBC America's newest edition to The Ministry of Laughs, "Outnumbered". The series, created by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jerkin follows the daily life of a South London family. Sue and Pete definitely have their hands full. Jake is eleven and too big for his britches. He may not be a teenager yet, but he sure acts like it. Ben is a hyperactive eight year old that also happens to be a pathological liar. Cute little Karen is a five year old with lots of uncomfortable questions. In addition to the craziness at home, Pete teaches history at an inner city public school and Sue is a part time personal assistant.

In this first episode, it's Jake's first day at a new school and he doesn't want to be late. Fat chance of that when his younger brother is searching for a show-and-tell item (items include: Dad's laptop, an old fashioned radio and a power drill). Of course he's lying that show-and-tell is today. Sue can't find her keys and Karen has head lice. Too bad there's no time for a delousing this morning. So off to school they go. Cut to evening in the Brockman home. Jake avoids all questions regarding his new school. Sue picks nits (British lice) out of Karen's hair and Ben kicks a ball around the house.

I really felt like I was supposed to like it, but the Brockman family didn't seem funnier than any other. The one thing I thought was funny was how the parents keep blaming the kid with lying problem for things he didn't do. My guess/hope is that it gets better since they are actually in their third series (that's season for us Americans) and they've won several awards. I've also read/Chris Hardwick said that there is a lot of improv incorporated into the show. Maybe the first episode was more scripted than those that follow. *Fingers crossed* I'll give it another couple of episodes, but we'll see. It didn't grab me right off. Anyone else seen it? Please tell me it gets better.

Saturdays at 11:00pm on BBC America

http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/441/index.jsp

Texas Forever

For most of us, last night was the series finale of "Friday Night Lights". Boy was it a tear-jerker (I'm a big softy). I only began watching last summer on Netflix streaming. Despite my disinterest in football, was quickly hooked. It struck me how much this was a family show, not a teen show. More than football, it was about the relationships in this small town revolving around a game.

The real showcase of the series was the marriage of Coach Eric and Tami Taylor. In my eyes, they have the perfect marriage. The Taylors have their ups and downs, but in the end, it's how they deal. They listen and compromise. I know it's a TV marriage, but I hope someday I can have something like that. They are an inspiring couple.

Creator Peter Berg brought it all back around with the return of Matt Saracen, Tim Riggins, Landy Clarke and Tyra Collette. It was comforting to see familiar faces. Honestly, I haven't been a fan of the last two seasons. I like our original crew of Panthers. The new kids just didn't grab me. Yes, the Taylors are the heart of the show, but the Riggins, the Saracens, Tyra, Landry and yes the Garritys are all extended family.

For a show about football, there was less than five of the ninety minute final spent on the field. Instead we were given the farewell we all wanted. It wasn't a surprise that this show would be wrapped up with a bow, but it was very satisfying. Matt and Julie getting engaged. Tim building a house and planting roots in the place he's loved so much. Eric and Tami moving to Philadelphia because it's her turn. Sometimes on TV (not usually on the shows I watch) it all works out how it should.

It was reported yesterday, before the airing of the finale (for all of those without DirecTV) that Peter Berg is attempting to put together a second movie starring the core cast of the television series. It will pick up where the series left off. Not so sure how interested I am in seeing that at this point. Maybe they should let a good thing lie. It's a fine line when you start to have a revolving cast. One I feel they've already crossed. But I'd be more than happy to be proven wrong.

Before all this, Friday Night Lights was a book by H.G. Bissinger which Berg turned into a movie starring Billy Bob Thornton as Coach. After the success of the film, it was developed for television. I guess it's paid off. Throughout their five season run, FNL has been nominated for over a dozen Emmy awards including four for their farewell season. Kyle Chandler for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Connie Britton for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Jason Katims for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series. And for the first time, Outstanding Drama Series.

I think we'll all miss visiting Dillon, Texas. Could never live there, but I'll miss it. This show was true. It was heartfelt and it was relatable. The standard has been set for great family drama. Let's hope the rest keep up.

If you've missed a single game, you can catch up with the first four seasons on Netflix streaming. Unfortunately NBC OnDemand and NBC.com only has the last five episodes.

Clear Eyes. Full Hearts. Can't Lose.

SYTYCD: Week 1 - Top 20

Let's start with the obvious. Travis Wall is a genius. I've said before and you'll read it every time he choreographs something new. His choice of a powerful remix of a heartbreaking Sarah McLachlan song was brilliant. I would have put Sascha and Alex up first because although I like Afro-Jazz, Jordan and Tadd were a little lack luster for me.

Melanie and Marko. They are the real deal. I agree with Nigel. Melanie is Queen Beast. Travis blew me away for the second time tonight in this breathtaking number set to a gorgeous Ingrid Michaelson song. With nearly every dance he creates, Travis brings a tear to my eye.

Tyce's Broadway number was good, but not sure that I like either of those dancers. You can't get more Broadway than Jess. That could be annoying. Hope he can do some other styles. Clarice just doesn't stand out to me.

SYTYCD made a wonderful choice in bringing on LXD choreographer Christopher Scott. I'm not the biggest fan of hip hop. I used to groan every time a NappyTabs routine came on screen, but I love Scott's style. Ryan and Ricky, two contemporary dancers did pretty darn well out of their element. Ricky could be a favorite for me, we'll see. The Forget You routine with Ashley and Chris was cute, but a bit fluffy.

Sensational Sonya! She brings it again with a powerful routine for Caitlynn and Mitchell who ended up having to sit out due to an elbow injury. Season 7's Robert stepped in and if you ask me, he out-danced her. He portrayed much more strength than Caitlynn despite her being the actual contestant. I even went back and watched it a second time and my eye still went to Robert. Based on his 8 second autobiography and rehearsal tape, I'd be just fine if Mitchell were the first boy to leave.

Although it didn't feel very Latin, Jason Gilkison created a very energetic number well performed by Miranda and Robert. As Megan said, it was a delight. The retro feel of the costumes and the fast footwork made it F.U.N. Jason's second number with Iveta and Nick had the same fun element, but when you put the Quickstep to Ballroom Blitz, it's still the Quickstep. :(

One of aspects of this show that I love is the music (not all of it mind you). Sometimes, it can introduce me to or remind me of songs that I adore. It makes me want to go out an buy it. When Christina Perri's Jar of Hearts was danced to last summer, I immediately logged onto iTunes. Tonight, I must download In For The Kill by La Roux

I am digging the fact that you can now vote via text and online. When you vote online, you can even have it published on Facebook, so everyone knows who your favorite dancers are. Honestly, I stopped voting a few seasons back because I couldn't get through...ever. I HAVE A VOICE AGAIN! You can bet I'll be voting for just about anything Travis does.

Stay Tuned....and check back tomorrow for my comments on the results show.

P.S. No one got a ticket for the Hot Tamale Train. Maybe it did get derailed. *knock on wood* If it didn't, I nominate Cat. She looked HOT in sparkly black mini.

RESULTS SHOW

This is a competition! Send someone home! I can't stand it when they don't cut anyone. I think that the judges didn't agree with America so they decided to out vote us. Not cool, Nigel. Not cool.

Dancing the Summer Away

The one exception to my no reality TV rule, is "So You Think You Can Dance" or SYTYCD. I picked this show up at the beginning of season 2 when the commercials of dancers literally falling on their faces forced me to tune in. The auditions were so ridiculously funny that I just kept watching. But just because I watch SYTYCD, doesn't mean we can chat about "Dancing with the Stars". I love SYTYCD because they are mostly trained dancers or street dancers busting their asses, not celebrities looking to make a comeback.

I skipped the auditions this year. They get longer and longer each season. Last night was the episode announcing the top 20 for season 8. There have been many changes over the last few seasons and this year is no different.

First off, we're back in a studio. The Kodak Theater stage was very limiting. It was frustrating to watch these dancers seem so confined. The studio stage is a better space to perform in. Some of the best routines included the stairs and catwalks.

Secondly, they returned to delivering the best/worst news of these young dancers lives via the green mile. Last year, the judges drove to the houses to tell the top 30 or so dancers if they were in or not. Sooooo uncomfortable that I fast forwarded through it all. Imagine a celebrity like Debbie Allen coming to your house and telling you that you're not good enough for the show in front of your whole family with cameras on you. That would totally suck.

Thirdly, we're back to the top 20. Last season, they experimented with the All Stars (former contestants returning to partner with current contestants). With the added dancers, they cut the contestants down to 10. I reeeeaaaally didn't like this. The compromise this year was to have a top 20 and bring the All Stars back when they get down to 10. I guess I can live with that.....like I'd stop watching anyway.

So, who are the judges this year? Of course Mr. Nigel Lythgoe is back as resident judge and he's accompanied by Mary Murphy after missing season 7 while she was battling cancer. I'm very happy that Mary is healthy, but I can't say that I'm glad she's back. That woman gets on my nerves! Can we please derail the fricken' Hot Tamale Train already? The guest judges really don't impress me this year. Tyce Diorio is the only guest judge that I like. Last season ballroom choreographer Toni Redpath bugged me. She had nothing that say that I cared to hear. Do we need another ballroom judge in Jason Gilkison? Lil' C...there are no words or maybe way too many. The newest addition to the show is Robin Antin of the Pussycat Dolls. If you could see my face as I type Pussycat Dolls you'd know exactly how excited I am about that. I'll give you a hint....NOT AT ALL! I miss you Mia Michaels and Wade Robson!!!!!!!!!! But I can't forget the most delightful host on television, Ms. Cat Deeley.

Sooooo, down to last night's episode. As the top 20 were announced, groups of the newest contestants performed routines. I really enjoyed the first, created by Canadian Contemporary Choreographer Stacey Tookey. Contemporary is my FAVORITE style of dance. The Hip Hoppers did a pretty cool routine choreographed by Dave Scott. Looks like we might have some good poppers this year. Although I love Sonya Tayeh, her jazz number wasn't the best I've seen from her. Glad she's back this season. She brings a much needed edge to the show. I stopped paying attention during the ballroom and tap numbers. Just don't care. Really? Two tappers?

Had a smile on my face watching a routine by one of the best up an coming contemporary choreographers who just happens to be my favorite SYTYCD contestant of all time, second season runner up Travis Wall. I heart you Travis. As Cat said, it was joyful. More awesomeness with Legion of Extraordinary Dancers choreographer hitting us with a hip hop routine for all the guys. Side note (in this very long post) if you haven't checked out LXD, youtube them! I saved the three hour long Academy Awards ceremony on my DVR for over a year when they performed to the nominated scores. The Geisha girls were iiiinnnnteresting....let's just leave it at that. Tyce brought home the show with a great routine for all 20 dancers.

So, sorry for the unusually lengthy post, but I LOVE THIS SHOW! Thanks for reading if you stuck with me. Leave me some comments with your favorite dancers, choreographers and judges.

Wed & Thurs at 8pm on Fox

www.fox.com/dance - you can see all the performances from last night

Stay Tuned....

ABC Family Delivers "Switched at Birth"

ABC Family's newest original series "Switched at Birth" premiered last night with record numbers. The largest for a series premiere on the network. The show follows the journey of two families that find out their daughters were the victims of an unfortunate hospital accident. Bay is the dark haired, olive skinned, smart ass daughter of John and Kristen Kennish played by D.W. Moffett and Lea Thompson (yes, Marty McFly's mom). She kind of sticks out in a family of red heads. Katie Leclerc is a ginger, hearing impaired daughter of a Puerto Rican single mother (Constance Marie). Daphne attends a deaf school, but that's all about to change when John offers to send her to Bay's uptight prep school.

With few options, Regina and Daphne along with Grams move into the Kennish guest house. What better way to get to know the child someone else raised than by living 50 yards away.

Obviously, being on ABC Family, the demographic is tweens, teens and parents. I'm none of those, but I like it. The premise brings up a lot of questions. How would you react? Think about the mothers. Imagine you found out that your biological daughter has a handicap or that after raising a deaf child, the one you meant to have is perfectly healthy. Would Daphne be deaf if she'd grown up in family with money? Bay seems like she's going to take it all the hardest as Daphne seems like the perfect replacement with a disability for added sympathy. Then again, Daphne's going to mainstream for the first time. But Bay was the one that noticed something was wrong when her blood type didn't match her parents and pushed for genetic testing. Now she's got to live with the guilt of putting all of these events into motion. But does she need to feel guilty? It's Family Channel. I bet there will be more good than bad, otherwise they kind of suck at what they do.

I'm sure anyone can find something to relate to in the multiple family dynamics. For all those parents and even grandparents always saying there's nothing on television but drugs and murder, here's something else. Wholesome family drama. I'm sure there's a bunch of inspirational bonding to come. I'll give this one a few more episodes and see where it goes. Check out the first episode online.

http://abcfamily.go.com/shows/switched-at-birth

Mondays at 9pm on ABC Family

Stay Tuned...

"Parenthood" Deserves a Belated Shout Out

For some reason, I never blog about NBC's "Parenthood". I don't know why since I love it. There aren't a whole lot of shows on television that both my mother and I watch. This is one of them. It's based on the Ron Howard movie which apparently was intended to be a TV show. Jason Katims got his hands on it and voila! Zeek and Camille Braverman raised four children in Northern California. Now, their grown children are parents themselves.

Adam Braverman (Peter Krause) is married to Christina (Monica Potter). They have a goody-two-shoes daughter Haddie, who's been kickin' up some trouble with her black, recovering alcoholic, older boyfriend and a younger son with Asperger's Syndrome.

Sarah Braverman (former Gilmore Girl Lauren Graham) has two teenagers. Amber is an artistic rebel played by child actor turned talented young woman Mae Whitman. Her younger brother Drew (Miles Heizer) is sensitive and quiet. He desperately wants a relationship with his estranged, addict father now played by John Corbett.

Julia Braverman-Graham is married to the sexiest stay at home dad ever, Sam Jaeger as Joel. She's a high powered attorney who juggles her time between work and her bossy, too big for her britches seven year old daughter, Sydney.

Crosby Braverman was the care free bachelor until a fling from five years ago shows up with a son. Joy Bryant plays Jasmine, a professional dancer. Oh and she's black which was a bit of a surprise to the old folks when they realized they had a half black grandson named Jabbar. Crosby and Jasmine are making a go of it, but we'll see how that works out.

One big family makes for lots of drama.....and some comedy too. What's great about this show, is that almost everyone can find a character to relate to. It's got a beautiful visual style and heartfelt writing. They've also got great reoccurring characters played by actors like Jason Ritter *swoon* and Minka Kelly. I even like the opening titles. The Bob Dylan version of "Forever Young" plays as we see actual childhood pictures of the actors. If NBC even thinks about canceling this show, they're crazy. My advice, if they have any worries about ratings is to move it to the 9pm timeslot. It currently airs on Tuesdays at 10pm. The old people that would like this show and always complain that there's nothing good on TV, don't stay up that late. My grandma would love this show, but she's in bed by then and wouldn't know how to work a DVR if she had one.

Sooooo......if you're looking for a wholesome (and I don't mean that in a corny way) show, check it out. You can find the first season on DVD and catch the second season so far on Hulu.com. Did I forget to mention that Coach (Craig T. Nelson) is Zeek? LOVE IT!

Tuesdays at 10pm on NBC

Stay Tuned....

This Week in Review

“How I Met Your Mother” – Jennifer Morrison joins the cast! She is Ted’s newest love interest. Ted gets to design the new Goliath National Bank Headquarters, only they want to use a historic architectural landmark. Enter Zooey (Jennifer Morrison…Cameron from “House”). Meanwhile…Lily and Marshall are still working on a mini Eriksen. Lily and Robin discuss the tiny penis of the guy Robin is dating who is also a friend of Marshall’s…in front of Marshall. He can’t stop thinking about it, especially when they are on a double date. Cue the hilarious dialogue. So, could Zooey be the mother? We’ll see.

“House” – Cuddy convinces House to watch Rachel and he lets her eat a dime. Who would have thought that House would make a bad babysitter. House and Wilson spend the day attempting to retrieve the coin. After Chase made a bad hire last week, House tells Foreman to hire a new team member. He instantly fires her and passes the task to Taub, who knows it’s a game. He tries to make House think that the candidate is his idea. It’s Lane from “Gilmore Girls” all grown up! She’s the pediatrician assisting on this week’s case. Jennifer Grey (nearly un-recognizable to me post nose job) is a middle aged woman with a grown daughter, giving it another go. The baby is sick and of course they don’t know why. The pediatrician realizes it’s all a game and doesn’t want to be on a team like that and turns down Taub. Everyone loses. Jennifer Grey dies. The grown daughter now has to raise her newborn sister. Guess the search for a lady doctor is still on. Oh….and the dime passed.

“Sons of Anarchy” – Tara helps Gemma escape from the hospital and that administrator even helped her. Didn’t see that one coming. Clay hooks up with the Grim Bastards (aka black bikers) to go visit the Mayans (aka Mexican bikers). Some of the Mayans killed a member of the Grim Bastards a la a knife in the skull. The Sons go to help even the score, but in a criminally diplomatic way. The leader of the Mayans gets his lieutenant to finger the guy that made the kill. He gets a bullet in the brain and the lieutenant (the lovely Jose Pablo Cantillo) get the shit kicked out him and his patch removed. If you’re not privy to the MC life, that means you’re out. At least they didn’t burn the tattoos off of him like they do in SAMCRO. Transport comes through and Gemma gets the intel. The boys are off to Ireland!!! Too bad they’re walking into a trap set by the devilish Jimmy O’Phelan played by Titus Welliver (aka Lost’s Man in Black). Abel, here they come!

“Parenthood” – It’s Halloween in the Braverman households. Zeke goes a bit overboard, but we find out the sentimentality of it. You just don’t hear Nam stories anymore. Christina and Adam begrudgingly decide to let Max trick-r-treat even though he may flip out. Sydney wants to be a beauty queen, which disturbs Julia. Sarah has to go pick up Amber and her horrible friend who gets drunk at a party and ends up in the pool. Billy Baldwin’s Gordon (also Sarah’s boss) comes along after their kiss a few days before. He proves his good intentions by wading into the pool and getting the sad drunk girl out. I hope they write him off. I don’t like Sarah getting it on with her and Adam’s boss. Plus, bring back Kevin Alejandro!!!! She’d be much better with a smokin’ hot, super cool warehouse guy. Who doesn’t like a guy that drives a forklift?

“Modern Family” – The Dunphy family gives up electronics. What, what???? Could you do it? Surprisingly, Haley wins the bet by tricking Phil with the cell phone she carved out of a bar of soap and colored black with a marker. I know, Haley? Apparently that girl really wanted a car. Cam and Mitchell try to get Lily into a preschool, but the competition is tough. How do you compete with an inter-racial, handicapped, African baby raising lesbian couple? You DON’T, bitch!

“Terriers” – This Jed Seidel penned episode was Grrrrr-eeeeaaat. Noel Fisher *sigh* guest stars as an amnesiac. He has the sneaking sense that he’s done something bad. Hank, seeing his sister in this kid, promises to help. Turns out that the boy had a crush on a girl. He planned a trip to Cambodia, so was taking anti malarial pills which made him crazy. He kidnapped the girl and tied her up in his closet. Steph isn’t doing so well off her meds. She’s having conversations and playtime with imaginary neighbors. Steph convinces Hank that she needs to go back to a hospital. They agree on an assisted living facility. I really like the relationship between these siblings. Can’t wait to see where it goes or where it’s been.

“Grey’s Anatomy” – Our kids are growing up *tear*. The fourth year residents get to play dress up for the day and wear the dark blue attending scrubs. The Chief puts them in charge as he has the attendings working on presentations for what they would do with a million dollars. Owen wins, arguing that the entire hospital needs crisis training in the event of another horrific situation like in last season’s finale. Even if you don’t watch this show, go watch the 2 hour season 6 finale. It’s fracking AMAZING. Although this show has slipped a bit as it has lost core members of the cast, it continues to produce extremely strong event episodes. I was wavering on whether to come back this season, but what they are doing with Christina’s character is keeping me interested. We’ll see about next week. Looks like a documentary film crew will be following the doctor’s of Seattle Grace Mercy West.

“The Office” – Timothy Olyphant guest stars!!! And we can expect him for at least one more. He’s a super salesman from whom Dwight, Jim and Michael try to steal techniques. A sting ensues and we end up with Timothy joining the Dunder Mifflin team as a traveling salesman. Will he take over for Steve Carrell next season as manager of our favorite paper company? Who knows? He does have “Justified” going for him, whose second season premieres on FX this January. Oh….and Andy, Kevin and Darrell start a band. Need I say more?

"Supernatural" - This weeks episode was titled Live Free or Twihard. Finally, this show is making fun of how rediculous this vampire craze has gotten. Some genius vampire decided that the way to recruit was to turn pretty boys that would attract and turn hot girls that would attract and turn pretty boys. You get the idea. Well.....Dean is very pretty. He gets turned, but low and behold, Samuel has a cure. Unfortunately it includes getting the blood of the vamp that turned you. Into the nest Dean goes. Some bitters get beheaded and Dean gets the blood. He goes back to being human. What's disturbing is that Sam didn't try to stop Dean from being turned. Samuel accuses him of letting it happen so that Dean could get into the nest to find the Alpha, the head honcho they've been tracking for a year. Ever since the whole apocalypse thing and even before that, Sam has lost a bit of his humanity. He just doesn't care anymore. He just wants to hunt and doesn't care who gets hurt. Far from first season Sam. If you thought that this show would go south post apocalypse storyline, you were wrong. If you aren't watching, what the frak is wrong with you?!!! The writing is amazing. Most people who don't watch don't know how REALLY funny this show is. Do yourself a favor and Netflix the first 5 seasons. Seriously....do it now!

“Blue Bloods” – It didn’t take long for this NYC cop drama to have a terrorist centric episode. It was mostly Donnie Wahlberg which is always fine by me. I can NOT sing his praises high enough. He’s become such a terrific actor. I definitely prefer the man actor to the bad boy, boy bander. It was a nice twist that the terrorist was a blond housewife. Glad we’ll be getting more of this show.

There were a few others this week, but this is all I’ve got for now. Stay Tuned…..

"No Ordinary Family" is Unfortunately A Little Too Ordinary

I really wanted to like this show for Chiki's sake. I gave it a shot, but it's just too mediocre for my refined television palate. It's nice to have another family show on the air, but if you really want to enjoy some great television with your family, watch "Friday Night Lights". If you've got little little ones, I'm sure you're familiar with the Disney Channel ("Wizards of Waverly Place" is my favorite). The guilt is setting in. I'm secretly, ok not so secretly hoping that it gets canceled so that Michael Chiklis and Romany Malco can work on projects worthy of their great talents. I did love the scene in last night's episode where Romany tries to teach Michael how to dance. As talented as Chiki is, he's best at extremes. He either needs to be really serious or all out goofy/sarcastic. I don't like him so much when he's playing the middle. ABC can do better. Shame on you for wasting one our great actors. Michael, please go back to cable where you belong, where you shine. We miss you. XXOO

Can "No Ordinary Family" Make Its Way Into Your Family?

There are no words to express my excitement about the return of Michael Chiklis to television. He may not be Vic Mackey anymore, but he’s back!!! In the pilot episode, the Powell family vacations in Brazil when their tour plane crashes into the water. Everyone survives. All the important people anyway. Who really cares about the plane pilot?

Patriarch, Jim Powell is a police sketch artist. Mama Stephanie, played by Julie Benz (aka dearly departed Rita) is a workaholic research scientist. They have two teenage kids, JJ and Daphne and reside in suburbia (or maybe the Valley? bleh). Everyone’s favorite pot grower is Jim’s best friend George. Yes, that’s right. Romany Malco has returned to television as well. Even though I love him, that may be one bald man too many. Don’t you think?

Jim realizes that he can catch bullets and leap buildings in a single bound, while Stephanie can run faster than a fat kid after the ice cream truck. Daphne can read minds, as if hearing what other 16 year old girls are saying about you isn’t bad enough. And JJ…well apparently this kid who’s about the be dropped down to remedial classes is a frickin’ genius.

Jim decides that he needs to use his powers for good and tracks down a robber. When he catches up with him, it turns out that the he’s got super powers too (insert cool visual effects). There’s a whole conspiracy involving people with powers and Stephanie’s boss is in on it. Uh Oh! Did I mention that her boss and probably evil bad guy is the minister dad from “7^th Heaven”? He is super creepy when he wants to be.

Obviously, this is being marketed as a family show. And that it is. Creators Greg Berlanti (“Brothers & Sisters”) and Jon Harmon Feldman (“Dirty Sexy Money”) have put together a show that is fun, exciting and super family friendly. I’m sure there will moral lessons while the Powell’s use their powers to do the right thing. All in all, it’s a solid pilot. Even without Chiki’s starring role, I’d keep watching.

Favorite Quote: “I have a lair…with WiFi”

Tuesdays at 8pm on ABC

http://abc.go.com/shows/no-ordinary-family/index

Stay Tuned….

"Blue Bloods" Bleeds Drama

Tom Selleck returns to television as police commissioner and patriarch of a law enforcement family. In the pilot episode, everyone is attending the graduation of youngest son Jamie from the police academy. Donnie Wahlberg is oldest son Det. Danny Reagan who’s working on the case of a kidnapped girl. I love me some Donnie Wahlberg. No, not just because he was bad boy of The New Kids on the Block, but because he’s actually a really good actor. If you don’t believe me, you better check out “Band of Brothers”. Anyway….Bridget Moynahan is Erin, assistant district attorney sis. Throw in a crotchety old veteran cop, some in-laws and a few kids and you’ve got the Reagans. Oh, and there’s a secret organization connected to the murder of cop/son/brother Joe Reagan.

“Sopranos” executive producers Mitchell Burgess and Robin Green are the creators and penned the first episode. Michael Cuesta directs. Whoop Whoop! Sounds like they’ve put together a great production team and cast.

This show surpassed my expectations. The whole secret society thing will draw a thread, so that it’s not just another episodical cop show. I think it’s going to be all about the relationships, at least I hope anyway.  I’m interested enough to give it a few weeks. Hopefully the timeslot of death won’t stand in its way.

Fridays at 10pm on CBS

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/blue_bloods/

Stay Tuned…

Series I Picked Up Over the Summer

Over the summer, I picked up a number of shows. Some are still running, others have met their end. In any case, you can check out past episodes OnDemand and/or Netflix (and Watch Instantly).

“Robin Hood” (BBC….Cancelled)

When this show first premiered, I watched the pilot and turned it off after 10 minutes. I liked the promos and it seemed like a good spin on an old tale, but I remember the dialog being horrendous. While looking on Netflix Watch Instantly for a new series to get into, I decided to give it another shot. One thing that is true about me is that I have to be in the right mood at the right time to get into a show. It could take a few years, like with this one. Turns out, this show is f-ing FUN! It’s humorous and action packed, plus it’s stacked with very attractive people. Alan A Dale, I LOVE YOU!!!!!

Robin’s gang fights for the little guy against the Sheriff of Nottingham (a role that is intentionally overacted by Keith Allen, which sometimes makes you want to throw a shoe at the TV). Marian uses her influence with Guy of Gisborne (the Sheriff’s right hand man played by Richard Armitage) to help Robin played by Jonah Armstrong.

Yes, it can be corny at times, but for me, it was very addictive. I had marathons for the first two seasons and was in agony waiting for the third on DVD. Now, all three seasons are on Watch Instantly. “We are Robin Hood!”

“Pushing Daisies” (ABC…Cancelled)

I remember seeing the billboards for this show when I first moved to L.A. and thought it sounded like the dumbest show. And I like supernatural, sci-fi, weird stuff. After many people telling me how great this show was for a couple of years, I finally gave it a chance. I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The mix of humor, fantasy, noir and pie is a winning recipe. There is a sweetness about each character that makes you fall in love with them.

Lee Pace and Anna Friel play Ned and Chuck. Ned the pie maker has the capability of touching the dead and bringing them back to life, but when he touches them for a second time, they croak again. As children, Ned was secretly in love with Chuck. So….when lonely tourist Charlotte Charles was killed on a cruise, Ned had to bring her back. Pace and Friel are accompanied by Chi McBride, a P.I. that Ned partners with to solve cases, Kristen Chenoweth, a pie waitress who is hopelessly in love with Ned and Chuck’s shut-in aunts played by Swoosie Kurtz and Ellen Greene. There is an endearing quality to this show that makes it a must see. It was cancelled after only 2 seasons, but you can see them both on Neflix Watch Instantly. 

“Primeval” (BBC…Season 4 coming in 2011)

In this show, scientists study “anomalies” which are like big gateways to other places in time….namely prehistoric. Dinosaurs and other creatures that may or may not have actually existed come through these anomalies terrorizing England. Douglas Henshall plays Nick Cutter, a professor of paleontology studying the anomalies. He is accompanied by his team: teaching assistant/partner in crime Stephen played by James Murray, student and uber cute dorky kid Connor, personified by Andrew Lee Potts and lizard lady Abby, incarnated by Hannah Spearritt. Adventures are had by all as they are chased by ginormous creatures leading them back through the anomalies to make England a Dino-Free Zone. Season 3 a had shake up in the cast. I won’t spoil anything, but Jason Flemying of Snatch and Layer Cake joins our dorky-in-a-sexy-way scientists. Seasons 1-3 are available on Netflix Watch Instantly. They haven’t released an airdate for season 4 on BBC America, but it will premiere in the U.K. in January 2011.

“Chuck” (NBC….Season 4 premieres Sept. 20^th!)

I finally picked up this action/comedy after everyone I know told me I needed to be watching it. Soooo glad I did. Chuck is dork (in the very hottest way, played by Zachary Levi) that works for the Buy More Nerd Herb (think Best Buy Geek Squad). When his ex best friend from Standford, who is now a spy sends him a very special email, Chuck downloads a CIA super computer into his brain. The original super computer is destroyed, leaving the hot dork with all the government secrets. The CIA sends super sexy spy  Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strahovski) and the NSA sends dangerous and grumpy John Casey (Adam Baldwin) to protect Chuck/The Intersect.

Hilarity and action ensue as this gangly, sweet guy tries to fit in as one of the spies. The first season is best as Chuck is naïve when it comes to the spy game…..and is falling for super sexy spy Sarah. He also has to keep his spy life a secret from best friend Morgan, sister Ellie and her man Captain Awesome. The show definitely evolves the longer Chuck is a spy, as it should. I’m not sure where they are going to go for the upcoming 4^th season, but I can’t wait to find out. If you are looking for a show that is light, fun, and action packed, check out “Chuck”. You can get it on DVD or Blu-Ray from Netflix. The new season starts tomorrow! Woo Hoo! 

“Friday Night Lights” (NBC….Season 5 premieres Oct. 27^th!)

Anyone that knows me probably knows that I don’t like football which is why I was hesitant to watch this show. After all the critical acclaim, I decided to give it a shot. I was instantly addicted. It’s all about the relationships and what goes on around the football. Yes, the games are a big part, but it’s more about the players and their families. The competition keeps you on the edge of your seat, but so does the drama.

Coach Eric Taylor (brilliantly portrayed by Kyle Chandler) leads the Dillon Panthers, a high school football in Texas aka the Holy Land of football. His wife Tami (Connie Britton) is the school guidance counselor and his teenage daughter is dating the quarterback. I like this show because it’s down to earth. It’s dramatic at times, but mostly sweet, touching and earnest. Characters that you hate at first grow on you (I’m talkin’ about you Tim Riggins!) You quickly become invested in these kids’ futures. Eric and Tami have the marriage that I hope I’ll someday have. Not only is this a great show, but it’s a family show. Even my mom would watch it. You can check out the first three seasons on Netflix Watch Instantly. The forth is only on DVD/Blu-Ray which I am feverishly awaiting…so no spoilers please! The new and final season starts October 27^th on NBC and DirecTV.