First Round of New Dramas Hits the Air Waves

After a crazy week, I finally had the chance to catch up on some of the latest dramas to premiere. Here are my thoughts. What are yours?

"Pan Am"
Our obsession with nostalgia continues with the production of another sixties era drama. While NBC has those girls in bunny costumes, ABC has classy ladies in airline stewardess uniforms (complete with girdle). Jack Orman and Thomas Schlamme bring us into the sophisticated world of flight attendants, pilots and even spies. Christina Ricci plays head purser Maggie who is accompanied by French mistress Colette and rich sisters Laura (who ran out on her wedding) and Kate (newly recruited spy). In the first ten minutes, I was hooked. The costuming is nothing less than STUUUU..Ning. Schlamme did a wonderful job of directing the pilot episode which had a great glow to it, while keeping a clean, fresh look. The score was fitting and beautiful. This show is going to blow "The Playboy Club" out of the water. Being on a network, they probably won't have the the freedom that "Mad Men" has to get as dark and dirty, but "Pan Am" has the potential to give them a run for their money. Watch out Matthew Weiner.

Sundays at 10pm on ABC

Verdict: Watch it!!!!

"Hart of Dixie"
It's a fish out of water story starring that girl from the Magnum ice cream commercials. You might know her as Rachel Bilson from a little show called "The O.C.". Dr. Zoe Hart is on her way to becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon but her bedside manner could use some fine tuning. Since graduating from medical school, Zoe's received job offers in the form of small town postcards from one Harley Wilks. With basically no other choice after an ultimatum from her boss, she decides to take the position of hillbilly healer in Bluebell, Alabama where the mayor is a former NFL player with a pet alligator and the women dress up like Scarlett O'Hara and dance in the town square. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that the lead should be believable as a doctor. The only thing Bilson makes me believe is that she's a ditz with a mental illness which makes her think she's a doctor. The folksy element is cliched to say the least and in the last act, we find out that Wilks (the now dead doctor that lured her down there) was actually her biological father. Sorry for the spoiler if you're delusional enough to be excited about this show. Despite having two "Friday Night Lights" alums and being created by "Eli Stone" writer Leila Gerstein, I'm gonna have to take a big ol' pass on this one. ROLL. TIDE.

Mondays at 9pm on CW

Verdict: Don't bother

"Unforgettable"
Dylan Walsh and Poppy Montgomery return to television in yet another procedural for CBS. Walsh is NYPD Detective Al Burns (I know, horrible name) and Montgomery is Carrie Wells, former cop/homicide consultant who has a condition preventing her from forgetting a single detail...ever. The only things she can forget are the details surrounding her sister's murder. And oh yeah, Carrie and Al used to be a couple so I'm sure there'll be more than a little tension in this newly formed team. When Carrie recalls the memories, she's in the memory, walking through it, watching herself. It's annoying. The overkill continues by giving Carrie a mother with Alzheimer's. "Unforgettable" will most likely be my mom's new favorite show, but you need a better gimmick than crazy good memory to rope me into another cop show. It's difficult for me to get into and respect a series that treats its audience like idiots and ends on a freeze frame (NCIS excluded). Come on, throw me a curve ball. Nothing exceptional about this procedural.

Tuesdays at 10pm on CBS

Verdict: Don't bother (but tell your parents to give it a try)

"Revenge"
Emily Vancamp is in the Hamptons and big surprise....looking for revenge (as a girl named Emily, not very original ABC). Back when Emily was Amanda, an eight year old girl spending the summer in the Hamptons with her successful single dad, the wealthy that rule this exclusive town were responsible for her father's downfall. She's back (undercover) and worming her way into the lives of the rich and fabulous all so that she can destroy them. Forgiveness is not an option. As expected, it's very melodramatic, but there was enough mystery to keep me interested. Madeleine Stowe is a natural queen bitch as Victoria Grayson. Not a fan of hers, but she's well cast as this cold and calculating matriarch. I have such a crush on the Henry Czerny who plays cheating husband Conrad to Victoria. What a silver fox! "Roswell" fans might recognize Nick Wechlser as a local boy who was a true friend to Amanda as a child. Not sure how I feel about him, but I think having the "real people" element will be good for balance in a world of fake rich people. If you like fancy clothes and houses, you might like it. I'll give it another episode or two and see how it goes.

Verdict: Give it a try

Wednesdays at 10pm on ABC

"Person of Interest"
Ben Linus is back! Ok, so it's not Ben Linus, but Michael Emerson is playing another character that pulls all the strings in CBS' newest crime drama (with a twist!). Emerson's Mr. Finch recruits former Army Ranger Reese (Jim Caviezel...yes Jesus) to help him prevent crimes which he predicts from a machine he built. It sounds all sci-fi referring to it as a "machine" instead of software, but I read that it's actually based on technology that is in use and will be in the next few years. Unfortunately this magic machine only gives out social security numbers and the owners could be the victim or perpetrator. Let's all agree that Caviezel is not the best actor, but I do think he was well cast a soldier. The action was fun, but a bit over the top. Emerson was as creepy and mysterious as ever, just the way we like him. The transitions using a montage of security footage is cool. I was weary of this show after reading the descriptions, but it has potential. If the directors and writers can use the strengths of Caviezel, Emerson and the fabulous Taraji P. Henson who plays an NYC detective, they could have a winner. Focusing on how we're close to this reality will draw me in more than talking about a magic machine that spits out qualitative information. I'll give it a few more eps. How could I not with Mr. Emerson in the mix? Plus it's created by Jonathan Nolan. You might have seen his name in the credits of a few little movies called Momento, The Prestige, and The Dark Knight. That gives me high hopes.

Thursdays at 9pm on CBS

Verdict: Give it a try

"A Gifted Man"
Women around the world were ecstatic to hear that Patrick Wilson would be headed to our living rooms every week in CBS' latest meta drama. Wilson plays successful surgeon Dr. Michael Holt who's life has been his work. When his do gooder ex-wife dies, she begins appearing to Michael from beyond the grave teaching him how to be a better man. It's all very idealistic so if you're into that kind of thing, good for you. For me, there were far too many centered close ups and white light. Although Holt has a good bedside manner with his patients and their worried families, he treats his assistant (played by the amazing Emmy winner Margo Martindale) like crap despite admitting she's the glue that keeps him together. That really rubs me the wrong way and makes it hard for me to root for him. The writers try to soften his character with a single parent sister raising a teenage son, but I can't stand Julie Benz (aka Rita from Dexter). Strike two is the blatant product placement of the iPad. I swear it's in every other scene. So far, Margo Martindale is the only reason to return and I don't believe that she's signed as a regular. My prediction is that this show will either sink very quickly or air of eight seasons. Depends on how much the old people like it.

Fridays at 8pm on CBS

Verdict: Don't bother (unless "The Ghost Whisperer" and "Touched by an Angel" are your favorite shows EVER)


***What are you favorite new dramas? Can't wait for the second wave...coming soon!

Hot Docs Practicing Jungle Medicine

Finally watched the premiere of ABC’s “Off the Map”. I was interested because Zach Gilford plays one of the young American doctors. He’s fresh off the plane to practice medicine in a third world South American country. Still waiting to see the final season of “Friday Night Lights”, but that’s another blog post. His character couldn’t be more different than the good boy football player, Matt Saracen. Dr. Tommy Fuller is a plastic surgeon who’s looking for a place to surf in his off time. He partied his way through college and med school just to become a mediocre doctor that “puts boobs in strippers”. I think he’s looking for a little redemption in the jungle. Very dramatic stuff. Dr. Lily Brenner gets a cool case when she cuts Michael McKeon’s arm out of a zip line hundreds of feet above the rocky terrain below. When he needs surgery, she helps the jungle version of Dr. McDreamy do a coconut transfusion. Yes, coconuts. I’ll bet we’re going to see a lot of crazy exotic medicine being practiced against this gorgeous backdrop. ABC films the series in Hawaii alongside CBS’ “Hawaii Five-O”.  The show was created by Jenna Bans, “Grey’s Anatomy” alum. I’m not sure yet. I like the concept, but I’m not sure how much I like the characters. I’ll definitely give it a few episodes. How ‘bout you?

Wednesdays at 10pm on ABC

Stay Tuned….

Monday Madness

“How I Met Your Mother” – HURLEY!!!! Jorge Garcia guest stars as Marshall, Ted and Lily’s old college friend. Needless to say, there are tons of “Lost” references. How would you like to receive a text pic of Marshall’s junk? 

“House” – Kuno Becker guest stars as a man that goes all Jesus to keep his kid alive. Seriously? Nailing yourself to a cross? Given, I’m not a religious person, but I’d like to think that even if I was, I’d still think this is pretty crazy. Mr. Becker is all grown up. He’s not the cute kid from the Goal movies anymore. It was kinda strange to see him as the father of ten year old with facial hair and all. I thought his performance was great, especially the scenes where his facial expressions, didn’t match what he was feeling. Is it just me or does anyone else thing that House should have cancelled his plans with Cuddy to console (aka drink with) Wilson after Sam broke up with him?

“Chuck” – Who wants to wake up next to Lester? *gag* I’ve already expressed that I’m not liking this season because they’ve gotten so far away from what made this show interesting in the beginning. One thing that I do like is the relationship that has grown between Sarah and Casey. John really watches out for her, not in a fellow spy kind of way, but a big brother kind of way. This week Sarah has to save Chuck from the Belgian which means going all Tomb Raider in Thailand. This is probably the least mount of Chuck in an episode of “Chuck”, and possibly the coolest that Sarah’s ever been. Between Awesome treating the nasty diseases of the Nerd Herd and Morgan going after Chuck sans bullets, it’s pretty darn funny. This was without question Yvonne Strahovski’s finest performance. She kicked ass, she cried, she did it all. I’m gonna say this is the best ep of the season.

“The Event” – I’m not quite sure why I’m still watching this show. It started out strong with all the mystery, but now we know. Aliens are not what I was looking to get into. Plus, the story just seems to be getting weaker. All the things that it had going for it in the first few episodes have withered away. So disappointing as I wanted this to be great vehicle for Jason Ritter. There are so many terrific actors in this show that I think will be dragged down for being a part of it. I can’t be the only one that feels this way since their ratings have been going down every week. NBC announced that after next week, it will be on hiatus until after the new year. It sounded a bit like punishment for performing poorly, but this is the type of show that needs to play back to back to back anyway. Remember when “Lost” has reruns tucked in between the new eps. That didn’t work out so well. Haven’t we learned our lesson?

“Hawaii Five-O” – God Damn, Alex is hot! They should work in more shirtless scenes for him. Two in the first half hour ain’t bad. We’re on episode ten and I still have to let the opening titles play so that I can listen to the theme song. I dare you to listen to that brass and not hum along. How ridiculous is Jin clothes lining a guy with a hose and that fight when McGarrett takes down his target? Did you see that two legged kick to the chest? I’m sure there is a cooler name for it, but I couldn’t tell you what it is. I’ll take the corny, because so far, I’ve been entertained.

The Three H's of Monday Night

“How I Met Your Mother” – Robin Sparkles returns! Gotta love it whenever there is an episode involving evidence of Robin’s early days as a Canadian teen idol. Space Teens is one great porno…I mean kids show starring Robin Sparkles and Jessica Glitter, oh and Alan Thicke makes an appearance or two. Ahhhhhh-mazing!

“House” – Small Pox aaggghhhh! Oh wait, not really. Oh wait, it is. Just kidding. Masters is much less irritating this go around, helpful actually. I did feel like there was less team interaction though. Overall, good episode. Loved seeing Wilson and Sam deal with cancer girl. It’s always tearful when a patient situation is dramatic enough to warrant House’s compassion. The goodbye scene was backed by such perfectly beautiful and sorrowful music. Come to think of it, all of the music is pretty good. Somebody hired a very talented music supervisor. Just take their theme for example, actually a Massive Attack song (which is my ringtone). If you have my number, give me a call, I love to hear it.

“Hawaii Five-O” – McGarrett really needs some assistance when it comes to purchasing footwear. Seriously. Dano and McGarrett argue over the greatness of Jersey singers including the great Jonathan Bon Jovi. Yes, you read me. How hot is Jin (aka whatever Daniel Dae Kim’s name is on this show) on a Harley? I’d sit on his bike any day. This ep, about the assassination attempt of a foreign dignitary has good guest stars, Kelly Hu (stunning as usual), Max Martini (usually the bad guy) and Nelson Lee (I heart him in “Blade” the series). Oh, and dead guy. Shield alum. Just sayin’. Ric Young who plays the mass murdering general creeps me the F out. He is one weird looking dude and really knows how to play up the creep factor. What’d I tell you about the bad guy? I’m right, every time…..exxxcccceept when I’m wrong. If you’re gonna engage in hand to hand combat, you might as well do it on the beach, right? That’s how they roll in the Five-O!

This Week in Review: Volume II

“House” – Not sure how I feel about Amber Tamblyn’s arrival at Princeton-Plainsboro. Well, not Amber, so much as her character. Med student Martha M. Masters is a super brilliant young woman with staunch principals. She doesn’t believe in lying to patients, which is mostly why House fired her repeatedly. Masters is socially inept, which paired with her age, makes her an awkward addition to the team. I miss Thirteen, but I miss Cameron even more.

“In Treatment” – Sunil is definitely my favorite patient/episode this season. His accent is hypnotic. His pain is universal, even if you can’t directly identify with his situation. Loss, grief, denial. His story is the most interesting. Frances kinda bores me. It’s not that the writing isn’t good. I just have no interest in her. Maybe fans of Debra Winger like Tuesdays, but I could just as easily skip it. That’s the first time I’ve really thought that about any of the patients. I never really liked Mia, but I wanted to find out what she’d do. Jesse’s need to shock Paul kinda irritates me. This week’s ep was probably the best one for him. He was more naked and vulnerable. He barely even moved from his spot on the couch, unlike other sessions when he’s fidgeting and taking his phone out. Maybe I’ll grow to like him more. As for Paul’s treatment, don’t get me wrong, Amy Ryan is great. I love her as an actress, but I don’t like Paul being her patient. I MISS GINA!!! It used to bother me how Paul talked about his patients during his sessions, but somehow having his former supervisor treating him made it alright. Adele is younger, less experienced and doesn’t have the history with Paul that made his sessions with Gina more layered. So far, this is my least favorite season.

“Terriers” – Every passing episode cements its status as one of my top shows, not just out of out of the new shows this season. Donal Logue continues to impress me with his acting chops week after week. We watch him resist the urge to jump off the wagon while the love of his life/ex-wife walks down the aisle. How can you not root for him. Thankfully he is distracted by the slimy lawyer that threatens and kills people. Love, the dorks in the RV. Britt can cry on my shoulder any day.

“Bones”- Two words. Cougar. Cruise. Sweets being hit on by a bunch of old(er) ladies, funny. Booth being jealous. Funnier. Brennan telling young guys that she hasn’t yet hit her sexual prime. Hilarious. As much as I have loved this show for 5 seasons, I have a couple of problems. The dialogue seems to have been written by Captain Obvious and the product placement could be a teensy bit subtler.

“Grey’s Anatomy” – I’m glad I kept watching. Don’t get me wrong, it’s no “Terriers”, but it’s gotten interesting again. Christina quitting, a world leader on the table, Avery kicking Karev’s ass. That was my favorite. He’s so pretty and now he’s violent. Karev absolutely deserved several punches to the face. I’m surprised it hasn’t happened sooner. It is and isn’t surprising that everyone wants to rally around Christina to keep her in the program. She’s a bitch, but she’s one talented and driven bitch. I totally heart the new fire house apartment (with original oak floors).

“Blue Bloods” – Despite the horrible opening titles, I really like the look of this show. The lighting and camera movement is much better than you see on most procedurals (i.e. “Law & Order”). The family dynamic is great. It’s a good thing Jamie’s gf is just that and not a wife. I couldn’t stand her from the first time she popped up. What a ****. They faked me out thinking that the Blue Templar was going to be a real part of this episode. I’m feeling strung a long. It better pay off.

“Supernatural” – Soul-less Sam (SS) is now talking about himself in the third person. Not in that douchey way, but he’s acknowledging that there is old Sam and Soul-less guy. He’s rationally decided that he needs to go back to being the old Sam. I think that he sees how much Dean needs his brother and even though he doesn’t feel anything, he wants to give Dean what he needs. I want to know what’s going on with the civil war. They’ve got us so used to season long arcs, but haven’t let us in one this war. I want more Castiel!!! There are heavenly weapons out there! WTF, let’s end this thing.

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…..

Did the Six Shows I Was Excited About Returning Deliver?

“NCIS”

We pick up with Big Daddy Gibbs holding his own against Paloma, but his shop still gets shot all to hell. Skip four months down the line. Everyone has been under government protection while they track the cartel bitch. The team ends up tricking Rivera into shooting his own sister, killing two birds with a handful of automatic gunfire. In the last scene, Director Vance gets a text message from Ziva’s father who is also the head of the Israeli Mossad. It simply says, “I found him”. FOUND WHO?! Did I forget we were looking for someone?

Not quite as eventful as the finale, but a solid episode all in all. I am feeling like they need to shake things up a bit, maybe some new blood. Not sure what season eight will hold, but they’re gonna need something new to keep me interested.

“Dexter”

How could season 5 not start out with incredible emotion after the death of Rita in last season’s finale? As always, Michael C. Hall gives a fantastic performance as a shocked widower in the aftermath of his wife’s murder. To everyone around him, there is a lack of feeling, but really, it’s the most emotion Dexter’s ever felt. It’s scary how good Hall is. And Jennifer Carpenter. I swear, her performance gets better every season.

The guys at work (meaning Quinn, big surprise) are slightly suspicious that Dexter might have killed Rita. You really shouldn’t say “it was me” after you report your wife’s murder. Deb’s doing all the funeral planning in between doodling Quinn on Dexter’s kitchen floor. The kill at the end is more brutal than usual. It’s done in rage to release what he’s been feeling since Rita’s death. It’s a stark change from the planned, precision killings of researched victims. The scenes for the coming season look terrific. Can’t wait to see what they’ve got in store. This premiere gets a big thumbs up from me.

“HIMYM”

Lily and Marshall start trying to make a bambino, but something is getting in the way…..Marshall’s dad. Is anyone else creeped out at Dauber from “Coach” being Marshall’s father. Just doesn’t sit right. Anyway, Lily doesn’t like papa-in-law bein’ all up in their baby makin’ biz and who can blame her? Robin is a hot mess after her break up with Don. If I ever get so broken up over a guy that I have week old Cheetos in my hair, you have permission to stab me with a fork. High Six…….

“House”

Good, not great. Didn’t live up to last year’s premiere, but not many episodes could. There are some very tender moments between Cuddy and House. We’ve been waiting a long time for this. It cuts straight through you when she tells him that he’s the most incredible man she’s ever known and that he will always be the most incredible man she’s ever known. When he finally breaks down and says I love you, uuugghhh. Cuddy’s got this look, this regretful look. House is the one in the end that says what we all know but are hoping the writers will ignore, that Cuddy could never be with a man like him. A mother could never have a real relationship with a man like him. A man like him is severely f-ed up, but we still hope that someone will love him and that he’ll love back. We also hope to figure out where the hell Thirteen went and if she’s coming back. We’ve lost way too many cast members in the last two seasons. I didn’t like her at first, but she did grow on me after a while.

“Bones”

The team is back together! Cam’s job is on the line, so Caroline calls in the cavalry. Booth comes home from Afghanistan where he met a hot journalist. Bones and Daisy return from Maluku where they failed to find the missing link. Hodgins and Angela jet in from gay Paris. Sweets quits playing piano for shoppers and Brennan entices Wendell to leave his school bus mechanic job to rejoin the crew.

The Bones Brigade solves not one, but two cases involving small children. They all decide to stay, which is a good thing because Hodgins and Angela’s baby is going to need all its aunts and uncles. Yes, that’s right….ANOTHER BABY is on the way. Looks like this television season is turning out to be the Year of the Baby.

Very happy to have the gang back. One thing you can say about “Bones” is that it hasn’t diminished after being on the air for five seasons. The cases are just as fascinating and the relationships are more complex and interesting than ever. Let’s see what trouble they get into this year.

“Chuck”

Linda Hamilton is Chuck’s Mom…and she kicks ass???!!!!!! Turns out that Mama Bartowski didn’t abandon her kiddies. She was a spy captured by the Russians. What What?  Looks like this season will either be hunting down mommy dearest or maybe even working with her *excited*. Hopefully all of Chuck’s powers aren’t in his locks because he new cut is slightly boring and little too grown up. I don’t think I like Chuck and Sarah as a couple, the sexual tension was better, not that it could last this long. As much as I love them, they aren’t Bones and Booth. Something had to happen eventually, just wondering if it might be time to introduce a third party to shake things up. Got a nice little visit by Harry Dean Stanton as the repo man. Amazing! The Castle is rebuilt and so is the Buy More….as a full on CIA cover. Seriously? I totally want a ride in the Buy More/Castle chute. Oh, and……..A baby Awesome is on the way!

Six Shows I'm Psyched For (Returning Favorites)

“NCIS”

In the seventh season finale, Gibbs’ past finally catches up with him. Way back in the first season, we learn through backstory that Gibbs hunted and killed the man that murdered his wife and child. Come on! That’s justice, right? Now, the children of the man he killed are seeking revenge. Paloma Reynosa (the leader of a powerful drug cartel….original right?) and brother Alejandro Rivera (of the Mexican Justice Department….devious :-0 ) blackmail Gibbs, threatening everyone close to  him. They even cut off Mike Franks’ finger. Why is it always finger? Ugh! Anyways…..they leave us hanging with Paloma walking into Gibbs’ father’s general store saying hello in that creepy, I’m about to kill or severely maime you voice. Oh, and Ziva gets American citizenship. Daddy’s not gonna like that.

Yes, this is a procedural show that is mostly watched by old people, but I LIKE IT! It’s not so much about the story as it is the characters. I absolutely love the dysfunctional family dynamic. These actors have the greatest chemistry and are so damn lovable. Can’t wait to see if somebody’s gonna bite the dust in the premiere. Hope it’s nobody we actually care about. Paloma can take Director Vance…yeah, we can do without him.

“Dexter”

Dexter spends all of season four hunting The Trinity Killer, trying to understand and learn from him. The phenomenal John Lithgow portrays family man Arthur Mitchell by day, Trinity Killer by night. Trinity knows that Dexter is on to him and finds out his real identity. Dexter follows him from the police station getting into his first high speed chase, kind of. Dex sedates Trinity and shoves him in the van just before he’s arrested for sideswiping a car during his high speed chase and then flipping out on the asshole trying to video tape him giving the cops shit. After getting sprung from the slammer, Dexter returns to the van, but Trinity isn’t there. Meanwhile, Deb finds out that Dexter and the Ice Truck Killer are brothers. Finally, someone else knows. Instead of freaking out, she’s glad that Dex is her brother….awwwwwww. Dexter finally catches up with Arthur and gets him into his kill room. Can’t say that John Lithgow is on the top of my list to see naked and saran wrapped to a table, but I digress. Thinking that he has sent Rita ahead to the Keys for their honeymoon, Dexter goes home to grab a bag only to find her lying dead in the bathtub. Baby Harrison sits crying in pool of blood, as Dexter once did. One of the best finales…EVER!

Season four brought back the intensity of season one. John Lithgow’s Trinity Killer brought a new focus to a show that was getting a little ridiculous at times….I couldn’t stand that f-ing British chick. Lithgow’s Emmy was sooooooooo deserving. *love you John*

It was about time they got rid of Rita. She was the most uninteresting character on the show. Her death was more effective than her whining ever was.

 I’m so excited to see what the writing team and new showrunner Chip Johannessen (“Dark Angel”) have in store. Fingers crossed that they can keep up the momentum they created in season four.

“How I Met Your Mother” (HIMYM)

Season five left off with Robin being offered an anchor job in Chicago, but turning it down to be with Don. That A-hole was then offered the same job and took it! Good riddance….his face creeped me out and I don’t really care about Robin’s love life unless it’s with Ted or Barney. Ted dyed his hair blonde….many jokes ensued. Lily spotted the fifth and final doppelganger of the group, a cab driver that looked like Barney. Lily and Marshall had decided that they would start getting busy without the raincoat when they saw the last doppelganger. “Marshall Ericksen, put a baby in my belly”. Barney then reveals that it was all a hoax and that the doppelganger was actually him. Lily thought she saw Barney’s doppelganger again outside MacLaren’s at a hot dog stand. The rest of the crew comes out. They dude looked nothing like Barney, but Marshall telepathically told Robin, Ted and Barney to go with it. Hopefully over the summer, Marshall will have put a baby in Lily’s belly.

As you’ll see, I don’t watch too many comedies, but this is one of the best. It’s a show for a certain age. My mom thinks it’s stupid. Enough said.

NPH is one of the funniest men on television right now. Have you ever seen a character like Barney Stinson? It’s re-DICULOUS! Sometimes I laugh til I snort. Can’t wait for that. Some may call it jumping the shark, but I think Lilypad and Marshmellow having a bambino could be veerrrry funny…..especially if they let Robin and Barney babysit.

“House”

The sixth season of “House” was my absolute favorite season. The premiere blew me away. It left behind the predictable formula and focused on character. They delved further into House’s addiction and we got to see a great performance by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Lin-Manuel impressed me so much that I went to see the Tony Award winning Broadway play that he wrote and starred in, The Heights. Andre Brauer also gave a wonderful performance…..and I don’t usually like him.

In the finale, House helps a woman trapped under a building when a crane collapses in downtown Trenton. When there is no other option, House convinces this woman to let him amputate her leg to save her life. Imagine the drama! He cuts it off and she dies in the ambulance….from the amputation. That totally sucks L Thirteen leaves some sort of resignation papers on House’s desk. I hope they don’t kill her off now. How many characters can we lose?! Back at House’s apartment, he rips the mirror from the wall and takes prescription bottles from a hole in the wall….remember he’s been sober for the first time in probably a decade. He sits contemplating the choice when Cuddy walks in. She tells him that she got rid of Lucas (poor Lucas, how I love Michael Weston…the actor, not the spy). They passionately kiss…..FINALLY!!!!!!! The sexual tension has been killing me this season.

I truly hope that the writers can continue to produce such intense scripts that go deeper into the fa-ha-scinating character that is Dr. Gregory House. It’ll also be interesting to see what’s going on with Thirteen and her Huntington’s as well as how Chase adapts to single life. (I miss you Cameron!) Monday nights will be very full this season.  

“Bones”

In the final episode of the fifth season, Bones and Booth investigate the murder of hoarder. I am too freaked out to watch that reality show, so if you start talking about it, I will put my fingers in my ears and sing. Everyone seems to be making plans. Daisy is accepted on an Indonesian dig, which makes Bones jealous. It was the recommendation letter that Bones wrote that got her in. Screwed yourself over on that one, didn’t you Tempie? Sweets contemplates whether he will follow Daisy after she dismisses his “proposal”. When Angela’s father (the creepy bearded guy from ZZ Top) ask Hodgins to steal a car, Sweets jumps into help. Funniness ensues. Turns out, the hoarded was killed by the one person that actually liked him. Hodgins and Angela decide to take a year off and go to Paris. Bones is asked to lead the Indonesian dig and Booth goes back to the Army. At the airport, Booth and Brennan say goodbye. They agree to meet, one year from today at the reflecting pool. *tears*.

After their kiss a few episodes back, it’s been bloody heartbreaking to watch the tender moments between them. No other show has been able to keep up 5 full seasons of such sexual tension and chemistry and NOT have the characters jump each other. It’s their friendship and devotion to each other that makes this show great. There is a love between them even if it’s not the same for both of them. I dare you to find another TV couple that pulls at your heartstrings in quite the same way.

Will they meet at the reflecting pool? What will have happened during their time apart? Did Bones and Booth meet other people? The suspense is KILLING ME!!!! This is one of the few times that I want the characters to live happily ever after…..and make a baby Bones. Come on, that could be a great sitcom spin off. Bones trying to be a mommy. I would totally watch that.

“Chuck”

“The Ring Part II”, final episode of season 3 picks up with Ellie, Morgan and Devon (aka Captain Awesome) following the van transporting Chuck, Sarah and Casey to some God awful place. Evil double agent Shaw is about the kill our beloved CIA/NSA super team when Awesome and Morgan inadvertently launch a missile at the van. Only John Casey outfits his Crown Vic with missiles in case of emergency. Even though he’s been Casey for 4 times as many episodes, Adam Baldwin will always be Jane to me (extra points for those who got the “Firefly” reference).

Chuck and the team reunite with Ellie, Devon and Morgan. Ellie is still reeling from the death of their father and she’s still pretty peeved at Chuck for all the secrets. Can you blame a guy who has a super computer in his brain and works for the CIA for having a secret or two? Ellie tells Chuck that he has to quit the CIA….and he actually agrees. He only spent 3 years trying to become a real spy, well TV spy anyway.

The Intersect/the brain of Chuck starts going on all spazzy when he flashes. Chuck needs to get the governor (the watch that will regulate the Intersect so that Chuck doesn’t go all One Flew Over the Cukoo’s Nest).

Our good guy guy team sneak into the spy convention, which the Ring Elders are attending. Chuck tricks Shaw into alerting them to leave, which id’s them. We’ve got you now….mmmwwaaahhhhaaaaaahhaaaaaa. Shaw admits to all his double agentness, while Chuck secretly captures it on video that is broadcasting to the rest of the convention (of good spies). Shaw dramatically jumps through a window grabbing the American flag outside and swings into the room below. Now, you don’t see that on “Grey’s Anatomy”.

Meanwhile at the Buy More, corporate informs Big Mike that the store may close. Lester suggests having a going out of business sale to juice the number and save the store. During the sale, Shaw shows up at the store and plants a bomb. He wants Chuck or he’ll light it up! Morgan is handcuffed to a chair in the back room where he manages to fall over and use his phone to call Casey. John of course tells him to break his thumbs….of course, how else would get out of handcuffs.

Corporate shows up, so Jeff pulls the fire alarm, creating a distraction. Sorry little buddy. You broke your thumbs for nothing. Chuck enters the Buy More (in dramatic slow motion). Chuck flashes, but a little too hard. He accidentally starts Jeffster’s music video which is a parody of my FAVORITE Bon Jovi song “Blaze of Glory”. IT’S A-Fucking-MAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Chuck and Shaw fight while the video plays. Shaw knocks Chuck out and remembers accidentally downloading the Intersect prototype at 8 years old. He sure is special. When he reboots, he does some ass kicking that results in double agent Daniel Shaw being clocked….by Sarah. Chucks gets back the governor watch which Shaw had stolen from daddy dearest before he shot him.

Jeff suggests burning the Buy More, when Morgan finds the detonator. With his broken thumbs, he fumbles it and kaaaaabooooooooooommmmm. Don’t worry, they all got out fine.

This is definitely the most exciting show that I picked up this summer. Although season 3 lacked the goofiness of the first two, it was inevitable. Our little spy is growing up. He couldn’t be a bumbling nerd herder/wannabe spy forever. Oh! Don’t forget Casey has a daughter now. Maybe she’ll be back. I wouldn’t mind seeing that relationship unfold. Chuck says that he’s out of the spy game, but he finds his father’s spy files which mean unlimited storylines! Plus, Chuck and Ellie’s mom comes into play. The action returns this Monday. WooooHooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo