Five Reasons I like "Terra Nova" (So far...)

Finally got a chance to catch up with the pilot of "Terra Nova". Monday nights are gonna be packed this fall, however you should check out this new series. If you haven't seen it, Earth is dying. Scientists find a fracture in time and a new settlement is created 85 million years in the past. Sounds stupid, but I really enjoyed it, much to my surprise. Here's why...

1. Gorgeously shot in Australia, this series is stunning to the eye. No expense was spared in the multi multi muliti million dollar pilot (they're saying upwards of $20 mil). Risky, but if the story grabs us, it could my visual substitute for "Lost".

2. The men. Love Jason O'Mara. He doesn't have the best luck with new shows ("Men in Trees" and the Americanized "Life on Mars"), but he's so damn likeable. Stephen Lang is much like his character in Avatar, but that's what he does best. This time around he's on the good side as Commander Taylor. New crush, Dean Geyer who upon research found out that he was an Australian Idol. That's right. Still cute. I'm not however a big fan of the son, Josh. Guess the juvenile, spiteful behavior of a typical teenage boy isn't appealing to me.

3. Christine Adams. As Mira, Adams is leader of the Sixes which is a renegade group surviving outside the settlement. In the one major scene she had, she was powerful and engaging. I get the feeling being anything else is out of the question for Christine. I remember her most as the cold sister-wife of Joel McHale's character in a single episode of "Pushing Daisies". That's how memorable she was. Being a badass leader will be a home run for her.

4. The action/suspense. I'm not a fan of horror, but everyone likes a little suspense. They did a pretty good job or keeping me on the edge of my seat. I'll even go so far as to say, they could save some bucks and show the dinos even less. What you can't see, scares you more. All in all the pacing was good. Hope they can keep it up in 42 minute episodes.

5. The mystery. There is strange gold writing or equations on the walls near some waterfalls. Commander Taylor and the Sixes know it's there and they want to keep it secret. Does this mean other humans have been there? From another time? What does it mean???!!!! Can't wait to find out....as long as it doesn't take six seasons or the show gets cancelled before all is revealed.

You can watch the first episode at www.fox.com or even OnDemand. Finally! Fox is OnDemand (for me at least). Episode two will air Monday at 8pm, just before the premiere of "House", which is also going to be A...wait for it.....MAZING!

Did you watch? What did you think?

The Summer of Spectacular New Series

It feels like more summer series premiered in 2011 than ever before. And boy did they deliver. As the summer comes to a close, I felt the need to reflect on my favorites and express my excitement for their imminent return. In no particular order (for the most part) here's what I've been watching for the past three months.

"SUITS" - If you follow me (@TVMaven) on Twitter, you already know how freaking cool I think this show is. I'm mean SERIOUSLY! Harvey Specter is the epitome of cool as is this show. The gorgeous shots of New York and the fantastic costuming only enhance the great story of a hot shot lawyer taking a genius (minus a law degree) under his wing. Gabriel Macht and Patrick Adams are superbly supported by Rick Hoffman and Gina Torres, two of my favorite character actors. I'm extremely excited for the season finally this Thursday night. If you missed season 1, better catch up before next summer when they return with 16 all new episodes (4 more!).

"AWKWARD" - For me, "Awkward" was the surprise of the summer. I never thought I'd be watching MTV again, but this little series about a girl (with my name) suffering through high school with a heroic sense of humor has me coming back week after week. Of course the writing is way more sophisticated than actual high schoolers, but not in that melodramatic "Dawson's Creek" kind of way....in an awesomely funny way. I'd never condone actual teenagers watching it. So if you're of age, check it out. We've still got a couple weeks left to go before school's out in Palos Verdes. They've already been picked up for Season 2, which we can expect in 2012. Go Jenna!

"WILFRED" - If "Awkward" was a surprise, "Wilfred" was a bombshell. After months of seeing promos, I became used to the idea of a man in a dog suit that everyone else saw as a dog, but I had no idea it would be so filthy. I'm pretty sure every episode was rated MA LS (mature audience, containing language and sex) some needed a V for violence and if there was a D for drugs, slap that onto every intro. This may turn some people off, but I thoroughly enjoyed being shocked week after week. Can't wait for more in Season 2 next summer.

"FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER" - There was no question I would love this British series being created by an "Inbetweeners" alum and starring Simon Bird, Tamsin Greig and Mark Heap. This dysfunctional, yet hilariously close family always seems to find trouble during their weekly dinners. Having this show air over the summer definitely took the sting off of the "Inbetweeners" ending, but now what will fill its void after next Saturday's finale? Counting down to series (season for you non BBC watchers) 2.

"SWITCHED AT BIRTH" - I love this show! So many questions. It really makes you think about what you would do in their situation(s). It's very complicated and there are always new things coming to light in addition to these two girls just trying to make their way through high school. After it's breakout success, ABC Family added twelve more eps (for a total of 22) to season 2 which will begin airing in January 2012. So it won't continue to be a summer series, but it definitely brightened this year up.

"FRANKLIN & BASH" - Who doesn't want to see Zack Morris all buff and in a suit? I sure do and that's just one reason why I heart this new lawyer-y comedy series from TNT. Breckin Meyer is definitely another. The chemistry between these two characters and the actors is hilariously entertaining to watch. Rounding out my top three reasons to watch F&B is Pindi, their agorophohic, Indian researcher that lives in the man cave along with the legal duo. This guy's got me in stitches every week, just wish there was more of him. Check out the first season so that you're good to go next summer as TNT has already renewed them for a second go around.

"FALLING SKIES" - No other show had me more excited week after week than TNT's newest sci-fi drama, which is why I couldn't just sit in front of the TV. I had to attend the Paley Center panel so that I could hear straight from the creators where the show was going. There is so much drama in the form of aliens headed our way next summer. If I recall correctly, TNT renewed the series after only two weeks (or so). Pretty frakkin' impressive for a sci-fi show. Leading the charge in season one was Noah Wylie, but who knows what season two will hold for him after boarding the uber scary alien spaceship. This show is about character and survival at the core. Even if you aren't a sci-fi geek, give it a try. The action and adventure is interwoven with scenes of heartfelt connection. Relatable to any audience. Watch it! Love it!


So, the bar has been set pretty high. My hope is that 2012 will not only deliver terrific second seasons of these shows, but a few more great series. Premieres aren't just for the fall anymore.

"Falling Skies" at OnStage@Paley

Tonight I attended OnStage@Paley featuring the creative team and cast of "Falling Skies". It's the latest TNT hit, picked up for a second season after only a couple of episodes aired. In attendance were executive producers Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey and Mark Verheiden. Cast members Moon Bloodgood, Colin Cunningham, Sarah Carter, Drew Roy and Dr. John Carter himself....Noah Wylie graced the stage.

I have to say, Noah Wylie is incredibly articulate and well spoken. All of his answers/comments were very intelligent and thoughtful. I'd love to sit down and talk about television and film with him if his insight into storytelling wasn't so intimidating.

I figured that production on the current season had wrapped up a while ago, since we've been seeing promos for what seems like forever. I was surprised to learn that the pilot was shot nearly two years ago. Falvey and Frank actually attended upfronts with FS two years in row. Well they finally made it and it's a smash.

Unfortunately, showrunner Mark Verheiden won't be returning for season two. You may have appreciated his work on "Smallville", "Battlestar Galactica" or "Heroes". He was slated to begin developing Stephen King's The Dark Tower into an NBC series, but the plugged was pulled just a few days ago. He didn't say what he'd be moving on to next, but he did say "never say never" in regards to returning to "Falling Skies".

It was revealed that we'll be introduced to yet another type of alien and that season one will leave us with a pretty big cliff hanger. Production will begin in October, so we'll probably see the second season premiere around the same time. You can't say FS doesn't make a great summer series.

This is the second Paley Center event that I've attended. If you're in NYC or LA and love film and television, do yourself a favor and check out the public programs.

www.paleycenter.org

"Falling Skies" Drops Right Into My Sunday Night Schedule

I suppose you could say that I've grown into a bit of a scifi geek. I like enough to want to go to ComicCon. Maybe next year. Anyway, Sunday night was the two hour premiere of TNT's much anticipated "Falling Skies" starring Noah Wylie. The series was created by Robert Rodat, screenwriter of the The Patriot and Saving Private Ryan. This seems to be his first foray into scifi.

They were off to a good start in my book by giving the back story through a child's perspective. Yes, even in a post apocalyptic world, we need art therapy. Alien space ships started docking over major cities (kinda like District 9). They began killing adults and capturing children. Now the resistance battles for survival. Noah Wylie is Tom Mason, a history professor turned commando, fighting to keep his children safe. Mason uses his knowledge of military history to strategize and educate his fellow rebels. His wife was killed soon after the arrival. There are three Mason sons, Hal, Ben and Matt. Ben has been captured and fitted with what the survivors call a harness. It's a bio-mechanical contraption connected on the back. The alien intruders' ultimate plan is unknown. There are two types of invaders. The first are called Skitters. They are spider like creatures that are very agile and seem to be partly organic. The second are referred to as Mechs. These are reminiscent of old school Cylons. They are totally metallic and shoot bullets.

Director Carl Franklin sets a great tone in the pilot. It's a combination of the dramatic, foreboding music and dark, sometimes guerilla like cinematography. Being a Dreamworks production, the special effects are stellar.

When it comes down to it, like all great science fiction, it's about the people. It's about families being torn apart and kids making birthday wishes that they could go back to school. There's a moment when Matt, the youngest gets a toy for his birthday. The entire camp watches as he rides this skateboardy thing around and for a moment they all forget that they are about to march off to war.

In my opinion, Wylie was a great casting choice. He's so likeable, believable as an academic and pretty attractive with that scruff and dirty war clothes.Sorta what I picture a young Robert Langdon to look like before they cast Tom Hanks in The Da Vinci Code. Tom is a good man and an inevitable hero. Moon Bloodgood (Terminator Salvation) is Dr. Anne Glass, former pediatrician, current trench medic. Veteran action actor Will Patton is Captain Weaver, a military man who believes civilians are just a liability. Hard to keep the human race going with a leader like that. In addition to combating the invading aliens, 2nd Mass (our group of good guys) has to deal with a troop of bandits led by ex-con John Pope taking hostages. It'll be interesting to watch as the remaining population struggles to keep their humanity in the face of such adversity. So far, I like it. I'll definitely be giving this one a shot. TNT has been making a big push for it, so I have a feeling it will be a huge hit or a horrible flop. My bet is the former, but I'm not a betting woman, so please don't hold me to that.

http://www.tnt.tv/series/fallingskies/

Stay Tuned.....

Sundays at 10pm on TNT

Calling All SciFi Geeks!

The newest edition to BBC America's Supernatural Saturday lineup is "Outcasts". BSG alum Jamie Bamber must have been longing for space after four seasons in present day London on "Law & Order: UK". He returns along with Eric Mabius who you'll recognize from "Ugly Better" or possibly the first season of "The L Word". Damn you Jenny for running Tim out of town!!!

The year is 2040. Earth has become uninhabitable. A group of pioneers settle on the planet Carpathia in a city they call Forthaven. In the pilot, President Richard Tate commands the wife of Expeditionary Mitchell Hoban (Bamber) to spy on him. With good reason, he was planning a coup. The wife, Karina is found nearly dead. Hoban freaks out and figures he's better off on the lam with their young son Linus. Now security officers Fleur and Cass are ordered to track him. Pres. Tate is supported by the Head of Protection and Security, Stella Isen (Hermione Norris). She's a hardass, but we see her vulnerability in her desperation to hear from her family still on Earth.

There's a transporter on it's way to Carpathia with the last of the surviving humans from Earth. Isen is hoping her family made it on to the ship. Mabius is VP of the Evacuation Program and is on his way to Forthaven, that is if the transporter can make it. It seems they're having a bit of car trouble.

I like the direction and the score, but the scenes shot inside Forthaven are too light. There's not enough contrast. It's almost distracting. Many of the actors and characters very likable. I'm very interested to know what Hoban knows about Tate and Isen. If you were a fan of "Survivors", "Being Human", "Primeval", "Doctor Who" or "Battlestar Galactica", you should give this one a try. The previews for next week look veeeeerryyyy dramatic.

Stay Tuned...I will.

Saturdays at 9pm on BBC America

http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/426/index.jsp

Primeval Part II- Season 4 Premiere


Season four opens with some new characters, big surpirse. Matt Anderson (Ciarán McManamin) is the new field team leader. Gotta love an Irish accent and dreamy blue eyes. Ruth Kearney plays ARC administrator Jess Parker. From what I can tell, Jess is to Matt as Chloe is to Jack Bauer. The ARC has a new boss and it's Alexander Saddig as Philip Burton. LOVE HIM!

Abby and Connor are surviving in the cretaceous. It's been a whole year. Abby's bottled blond hair is amazingly still blond even though it's grown about six inches. Connor's cute baby face is covered by a beard. Still hot though. They stay alive by dodging dinosaurs and creatively cooking fish and roots. The only two humans on Earth are getting a bit weary and frustrated though. Can you blame them? I don't know about you, but I can't imagine camping let alone surviving prehistoric creatures chasing me, having to kill and cook my own food and not having any internet access.

Captain Becker (pretty soldier boy) is clashing with his new boss, Matt. When Becker dismisses the effectiveness of a new weapon that Matt brings in, Matt shoots him with it. Their relationship should be interesting to watch if they keep this up. Ciarán kinda reminds me of Jonny Lee Miller. That's a good thing.

Arguably the cutest couple on BBC makes it back to civilization after they find Helen's old anomoly finder-thingy. Come ooooonnn....you knew they would. It would kinda suck if they didn't. Only problem, they bring a dino with them. Connor puts himself in harms way to try and fix it......as usual. At the last second, he does and the anomoly appears to take the dino back to some far away time. Hopefully this gains him some points with Matt.

Connor meets Philip Burton and it's like he's met a Beatle, but the fawning doesn't go on for long. Connor and Abby are quickly told that they are no longer part of the field team. It's military only. They only survied for a YEAR in Dinoland. I think that gives them some pretty relevant training. I doubt they'll give up and go home....especially since they probably don't have a home anymore. Can't wait to see what's in store. You can catch new episodes every Saturday night at 9pm on BBC America. Or if you have BBC HD, you can watch the east coast showing at 6pm. That's my little cheat.

Stay Tuned....

Primeval Part I - Have You Been Watching This Super Awesome Show?



"Primeval" is most likely one of the best shows you're NOT watching. So....now's a good time to catch up with the season 4 premiere airing tonight. If you're a fan of "Doctor Who", "Torchwood", or "Being Human" (yes I realize these are all BBC shows) you'll love this nugget. I watched seasons 1-3 on Netflix Watch Instantly (still available) this past summer. It instantly hooked me.

Nick Cutter is an evolutionary zoologist and professor that is called in to assist in the investigation of an "animal" sighting. He is accompanied by his lab assistant Stephen Hart, graduate student Connor Temple and zoo animal handler Abby Maitland. For me, it was the characters and group dymanic that fed my addiction for this show. Cutter is mourning his wife, Helen, that has been missing for several years. Connor *swoon* is a cute, goofy, lovable young man that quickly falls in love with Abby. One problem, she's got her eye on Stephen. Annnnnnnyyyyyyywaaaaayyyyyy....................

Turns out that these "animals" are actually prehistoric and futuristic creatures that pop through these portals in time, called anomolies. Our team of scientistists and semi-professional like people track these long lost creatures, return them through the anomolies and attempt to research how and why they occur. Not too far along, we learn that Helen was trapped inside one of these anomolies for years, but now is using them to travel through time.

Of course, our merry group of scientists must report to someone. In the beginning they were contracted by a part of the government only referred to as Home Office. By season three, the Anomoly Research Center, ARC has a huuuuge facilitiy where they even hold onto creatures. It's run by a dick named Lester. I don't know why, but it's fitting. Characters come and go. A little too much for my liking actually. The original team was so great. In season three, Cutter was replaced as team leader by Jason Flemyng as Danny Quinn. You may remember him from Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch or League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. He's alright, but he's not Cutter. We're getting more shake-ups in season four. At least my two favorite characters have endured. Connor, played by the adorable Andrew Lee Potts, who I'm dying to make out with and Abby, played by Hannah Spearitt who I'm so jealous of since she is dating Potts in real life.

In the season three finale, Connor and Abby are trapped on the wrong side of an anomoly in the cretaceous period. WTF???!!!!!!!!!!! It was to save the human race, so kinda worth it. Remember crazy Helen, who was jumping through time? She wanted to poison the first humans and keep humanity for ever existing. Coo-koo! Damn good cliff hanger though. We weren't sure there was going to be a fourth season. Now, there's even a season five slated for late 2011 and spin offs.

So class, what have we learned? Watch this show! Go catch up on Netflix Watch Instantly. It's British, so the seasons are short.

Have You Checked Out "Hyperdrive"?

It's Thanksgiving week and my best friend is in town. We were looking for something funny to watch after running around all day. This is what we found on Netflix Watch Instantly. "Hyperdrive" is a British comedy that premiered on BBC in 2006.  It takes place on a spaceship in 2151. The crew’s mission (during series one) is to get alien businesses to move to England. Nick Frost is Commander Henderson, leader of this rag tag crew. You may remember him from such pee-your-pants-funny comedies as Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and the BBC series “Spaced” as Simon Pegg’s sidekick. Oh, but he’s so much more. I’m glad to see him in a show on his own. The officers of the HMS Camden Lock include….

First Officer Eduardo York: Neurotic/borderline psycho that can kill humans and aliens alike. He also has one of the creepiest voices ever.

Officer Chloe Teal: A very large woman that follows Commander Henderson around like a puppy dog. Teal is my favorite character. She’s Hi-larious.

Officer Dave Vine: Navigator/Dork. No one really likes him all that much but he looks so pretty in manscara.

Officer Carl Jeffers: Slacker. Cute. Dirty mind. Very funny.

Sandstrom: Pilot/Enhanced human. All of her memories and personality has been removed to make her the perfect Space Force pilot. 

The aliens are fantastically disgusting and their customs, so ridiculous and icky that sometimes I have look away as I laugh. I particularly love the fact that the crew must watch a film on alien sex diseases before making first contact with a new culture. How useful do you think an insta-drunk pill would be? If you’re unsure about your spiritual beliefs, you should look into Agnosticism. They’ve got hymns and everything. Their mocking of reality television is quite funny in the episode Artefact (2.2). All great reasons to check out this Brit Com. Oh! And it's not a big commitment. There are only twelve half hour episodes. Strap in and watch "Hyperdrive".

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.

Monday Continued...Plus Some of Tuesday

“Chuck”- I’m really disappointed with this season. It’s lost its edge. All the reasons this show used to be so great have all withered away. Yeah, there’s the occasional chuckle, but it’s not even that funny, let alone exciting. I started watching because it wasn’t just a show about spies. It was a show about a guy that’s not a spy and doesn’t want to be a spy and doesn’t know how to be a spy. That was funny…and sweet. I still want to have Zachary Levi’s babies but not sure that I’ll stick around for season five if there is one.

“The Event”- Continues to intrigue me but there is less excitement and action in this week’s ep. Plus it wasn’t on last week. I feel like it’s lost some momentum and NBC agreed. They are going to finish airing the first thirteen installments and will hold off on the rest until January. If they’re smart, they’ll be sure to air them all back to back. It’s a “Lost” situation. Come on people. Didn’t we learn anything from ABC?

“Weeds” – What a way to end a season! Somehow the finale crept up on me. The Botwin/Newman clan is getting ready to start over in Copenhagen when things go awry. Esteban finally catches up with Nancy. Who would have thought that plan c involved giving herself up to the cops for Pilar’s murder? Poor Stevie/Avi. What a family he was born into. Season 7 should be interesting. Did you ever think Nancy Pants would make it to season 7 after Agrestic burnt down? I miss Celia and Conrad. Maybe they can find a way to go back to the new Regrestic. Maybe? No?

“Raising Hope” – Holy crappers. This show gets funnier and funnier. This week, Burt has to face the music for being a sex offender so that Hope can go to preschool. His crime, nailing his fifteen year old gf in a car when he was seventeen and then marrying her. I find it adorable that Virginia and Burt have only ever been with each other and are still hot and heavy. Cloris Leachman is ridiculous as ever as Maw Maw. If you aren’t watching this show, WHAT THE F ARE YOU WAITING FOR???!!!!!!!!!

“Parenthood” – I feel bad that I don’t blog about this show often because I really like it. Bonnie Bedelia was especially great this week. Old people have marital problems too! I love that so many “Friday Night Lights” alum are showing up. If you’re not watching and you’re a Nielsen family, tune in now and then so it’s not cancelled…please?

“Sons of Anarchy” – I cried as I watched Jacks follow that couple carry his child through the market. Hold his child. Love his child. He just watched, thinking maybe he is better off. Logically he’d be right, but I found myself thinking “go get your boy!” This is Sons and a happy family is not meant to be. Jimmy wasn’t going to let that happen. I cried again as Jacks placed the dead woman next her husband and placed her hand on his. I want this show to go on for many seasons, but at the same time I want Jacks to get out. I want him to take Abel, Tara and the new baby and start over. I want him to live the life his father dreamed he’d have. But now, who knows if that will even be possible. They leave us on a cliffhanger  one episode before the season finale. Does Salazar kill Tara? From the previews, it looks like maybe she kills him. Is it Tuesday yet?

News From This Week

Showtime has announced that they will make their content available online. Finally! Subscribers will be given an access code to watch streaming content including current shows a few former shows. I hope this will extend the time that episodes are available. Showtime is better than HBO in how long they post OnDemand, but you don’t always have access to all previous seasons. I’m sure the other premium cable networks with follow suit in the next few years. As consumers, we’ve become used to having full access at all times to all content. I think we’re a bit spoiled in that regard. We don’t need all of these technological advances, but I am glad that I’ll be able to watch Showtime on the go if I miss an ep (definitely not on a blackberry or ipad, but maybe a large laptop). Who’s gonna be next….HBO?....Starz?....Skinemax? Dear God, please not skinemax. There’s enough porn on the internet.

The “Battlestar Galactica” spinoff “Caprica” has been cancelled by Syfy after only one season aired. This news came only days after the confirmation that there would be another pre-quel series, “BSG: Blood & Chrome”. As successful as I wish “Blood & Chrome” to be, this doesn’t seem to bode well. My guess, just from watching the pilot, is that it didn’t have the audience because it was all about the moral and ethical implications of creating robots that look and think like humans. “BSG” fans went in expecting something with the same action and pace. When you’ve got such a connection to an existing series, you’re not really going to gain new viewers that have never seen “BSG”. Ron Moore’s Battlestar had to fight each and every season to stay on the air, so attempting to spin off of that small audience with a very different show meant that it was doomed to begin with. “Blood & Chrome” will take place during the first Cylon war, which does imply that it will be closer to the feel of the show I and many others L.O.V.E.  I can’t wait to find out.

Did Your Show Get Picked Up?

We’re just about 2 months into the new television season. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like the networks are being very generous this year. Granted, it’s the first time that I’ve actually tracked what’s being picked up and axed, but there have been very few cancellations this year. Here are the shows that have been formally picked up, at least for a half season, if not a full.

“Raising Hope” – This my new favorite comedy and one of the three best shows premiering this season (the other 2 being “Terriers” and “The Event”). Jimmy is doing the best he can, trying to raise his baby girl in a house of crazies. Creator Greg Garcia hit this one on the head. Every character is hilarious in their own way. Like in HIMYM, the lead character is the least interesting. It’s the supporting cast that truly makes this show pee-your-pants-funny. This is the role Martha Plimpton was born to play. Garret Dillahunt really shows off his comedic chops. I already knew he could do uber creepy (see his guest appearances on “Burn Notice”). Shannon Woodward is the closest thing to sane in Hope’s world. She’s fabulously sarcastic and witty. The gem is Cloris Leachman. How has Maw Maw not been institutionalized? It’s no surprise that this show was picked up. Even if the ratings aren’t off the chart, I think that word of mouth will get people watching. If you haven’t checked out this show yet, go to fox.com and catch up.

“The Event” – If you need something to fill the void of “Lost” and aren’t watching this show, what the frak is wrong with you?!!!! It’s got all the mystery and action you could want. Jason Ritter and Laura Innes deliver every week. The addition of Clifton Collins Jr. is perfectly evil. Every week, I can’t wait to find out more about where these people came from and what their story is. And obviously, what their plan is. At first, I thought that the title could screw them over. What are they going to do once the event happens. They can’t just string us along for over a season without the plan coming to fruition, can they? Now that I see how deep the mystery goes and how involved the back story could be. This show could be on for a good run, if done right. Not surprising that it was picked up. NBC put enough into production and promotion of this show that it’s getting good ratings. If you’re not watching, go catch up on nbc.com or OnDemand.

“Chase” – Seriously? This pilot was so bad that I didn’t even give it a second try. Anyone else watching this show? If you are, let me know what you and NBC see in it.

“Law & Order: Los Angeles” – Did anyone have any doubt? Come on, we all knew that NBC had a shoo-in with this one. I only watched a couple of episodes and they were ok. I just don’t have time to watch shows that I’m not crazy about these days. It was pretty standard, but a good substitute if you were a fan of the original.

“Outsourced” – Really? Seriously? Come On! I didn’t get past the pilot. If you claim to be a comedy and you don’t make me laugh once in the first 15 mins of the pilot, I think you’ve got a problem. I want “Parks and Recreation” back!!! “Outsourced” only got nine more eps, but if it starts doing well, where will PNR fit in? Pawnee is a staple in the Thursday night line up. I don’t see NBC moving a new show out of a Thursday night timeslot. I think they have a problem. Solution: cancel the crappy new show.

“Hawaii Five-O” – No, it’s not “24” or “The Shield”, but it’s FUN! The characters are great, the storylines move along, and the actors are pretty to look at. Plus there is that great theme song. Not surprising that this one got picked up. It’s a hit for CBS, grabbing the younger crowd. Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman are on fire. I think their goal is to have a hit show on every major network. NBC, how you doin’? If you haven’t been watching, check it out on cbs.com or OnDemand.

“The Defenders” – I saw the first three episodes and they were good. It’s just not enough to keep me coming back every week when I’m hooked on other great shows. It’s the kind of series that I’d watch OnDemand over a long rainy weekend or when I’m home sick, but not DVR on a regular basis. Not that surprising that CBS picked this one up. It’s middle of road and getting decent ratings.

“Mike & Molly” -   I’ve only seen one episode of Chuck Lorre’s new show and it’s what’s expected. If you like “Two and a Half Men”, this is right up your alley. The episode I watched was the second (pilot wasn’t available online). Two people meet in an over-eaters anonymous meeting and start dating. Swoosie Kurtz is Molly’s tiny, crazy mother. She alone is enough reason to watch another episode. After this one viewing, it’s not surprising why CBS picked this show up. It’s aimed at that middle aged to old people demographic and does deliver the laughs. Very CBS.  

“Blue Bloods” – I really enjoy this show. Mitchell Burgess and Robin Green have put together a great cast. The weekly storylines are good and I’m more and more interested in the conspiracy of the Blue Templar, which they didn’t cover in this week’s ep. Guess they were too busy with the terrorist plot. Do you think Tom Selleck would adopt me? Not surprising it got picked up. If you aren’t watching, check it out on cbs.com or OnDemand.

“$#*! My Dad Says” – CBS decided to pick up all five of its newbie shows. Unfortunately, it includes this one. Granted, I’ve never seen it. I tried for you all, but it’s not online or OnDemand. Does CBS actually want you to watch their shows? I’ve heard that it’s crap, but being that I can’t stand William Shatner, you’ll have to figure it out for yourself. I am very surprised that this show got picked up since I haven’t heard a single good thing about it and couldn’t even tell you what day it’s on.

"Boardwalk Empire" -  Was there any doubt? HBO doesn't put money into a show that isn't Great, yes that great with capital G, by the time it goes into production. Of course they were going to make an entire season of this series following corrupt politicians and gangsters in prohibition era Atlantic City. What's interesting is that they picked it up for a second season after only one episode had aired. It makes sense, I guess and they do have the money. Either way, Sunday nights are sparkling. Catch up on HBO OnDemand.

Holy Frak, David Eick!!!!!!!

SyFy has greenlit a two hour pilot “Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome”! ADAMA RETURNS (and the crowd goes wild). David Eick, one of the genius’ behind the re-imagined BSG will return for the prequel following young fighter pilot Ensign William Adama during the 10^th year of the first Cylon war. Sci-Fi God Ron Moore will not be involved, but I have high hopes for this new addition to the BSG Empire anyway. If you have not experienced the amazingness that is “Battlestar Galactica”, do yourself a favor and check it out on Netflix Streaming Instantly. It’s the arguably the best science fiction show EVER!!!!!! But don’t let that convert you. I didn’t like sci-fi until I begrudgingly watched the first couple of episodes. This is a show about people, about creating a new society, and about contemplating what it means to be human. The performances are terrific, the action is super fun, the drama that will make you cry….oh, and there is a ridiculously hot chick. The heart and soul of the show is Captain William Adama portrayed by Edward James Almos. It will be difficult to cast the younger version of such a beloved character. I know they already did with Esai Morales in “Caprica”, a prequel of another time in Adama’s life, but I wasn’t sold. That series just didn’t grab me. I think I watched the first two or three episodes, but it was much slower and a different feel from the re-imagined version. “Blood & Chrome” will hopefully be closer to action packed original in this re-imagined empire of sci-fi greatness. I will be anxiously awaiting the premiere……

Monday Fun Day

“The Event” – It iiiiiiiiiiisssssssssssssssssssss just like if “24” and “Lost” had a baby! This sci-fi/supernatural/action/drama has got me hooked. Laura Innes continues to give a brilliant and mysterious performance. I never really liked her as an actor before, but I do now. The missing girl friend is becoming less annoying and if it’s possible, Jason Ritter is getting more attractive in every way. What is with these people coming back to life? Any theories? Can’t wait to see what CC Jr.’s got up his sleeve.

“Hawaii Five-O” – Continues to be action packed and fun. I like these characters. McGarrett and Dano quibble like a married couple. McGarrett is a bastard, but the hot kind. Balthazar Getty guest stars as an escaped convict. Guess he’s not going back to “Brothers & Sisters” any time soon. I think I saw some familiar trees as they trekked through the jungle. I miss you "Lost"! *tear*

I'm behind on "House" and "How I Met Your Mother" since my DVR was a little overloaded. I promise I'll catch up this week.  Can't wait to watch "Chuck" onDemand tomorrow. Why won't my DVR record 3 things at once? WHYYYYYY???!!!!!!!!

More Random...

More brilliance on “Sons of Anarchy”, as usual. Katey Sagal needs a fricken’ Emmy already. And I can’t get enough of the Irish accents. What’ll I do if SAMCRO ever cuts ties with the club in Dublin?

Finally caught up with “The Event” on Demand. Mondays are just too stacked this season. As for the pod people, I did not see that coming. My guess was that the prisoners were either supernatural (like demons or something) or aliens from another planet. I did not expect another species. Nicely done, Mr. Wauters. I tip my hat to you. Happy to see D.B. Sweeney guest starring, but not sure I like him playing a villain. He’s such a sweetheart (refer to The Cutting Edge, well the end anyway). Clifton Collins Jr. too! No offense Cliffy, but you’re a natural bad guy and I love you for it. Anyone have any theories on what caused the death of the passengers? This is gonna be goooo…ooood…………..

“Raising Hope” just keeps getting funnier. Dead Tooth? That is sick and hilarious, all at the same time. What’s even grosser is Cloris Leachman breast feeding. I did gag a bit at that part. Haven’t seen the ukulele playing Kate Micucci since “Scrubs”. She’s cute as a button and a hoot to boot. Love. This. Show.

“Terriers”

I think I’m forming a crush on Britt. Is that weird? Now Hank’s got a crazy, super smart sister that hides in his attic. Hmmmm…..what trouble and fantastic interactions could this bring? It just keeps getting better. Not surprising, Shawn Ryan. You’ve still got it. Don’t forget, “breakfast is one of the top five meals of the day”.

Random....

There are few things funnier than Jason Schwartzman running around New York City in an S&M suit, complete with hood on the premiere of “Bored to Death”.

The I’m on a horse guy from the Old Spice Commercials is a spy on “Chuck”! LOVE IT!!!!!

New tagline: If “24” and “Lost” had a baby, it would be “The Event”. I’ll be the judge of that…….

Is “The Event” Worth Attending?

Jason Ritter stars as Sean Walker, a man uncovering a government conspiracy as he searches for his missing girlfriend. We spend time with several characters, yes…this will be a huge cast. One of which is Blair Underwood’s President Elias Martinez. I voted for Obama, but I think we’re a long way from a black, Cuban born President, am I right? Good for them though for putting it out there. We also meet a prisoner played by Laura Innes who is kept in a secret Alaskan facility. I thought she was more into directing these days, but looks like we get to see her play this creepy, withholding character. The episode ends with the plane being piloted by Walker’s father-in-law to be, about to crash into the seaside party being attended by the President and the prisoner. Oh yeah, and Walker was on the plane waving a gun around trying to stop him. Did he really think that would work? Just as it’s about to hit, a ball of light envelops the craft and it vanishes. Innes’ Sophie Maguire tells the President, “I haven’t told you everything”. Eeeeerrrryyyyyyyy. As the promos say, this is NOT The Event.

It could be setting itself up for failure, right? What happens once the event occurs? Who knows, since the timeline keeps jumping around. It’s not confusing, more like extremely irritating. I do like the very simple, yet dramatic opening title, which also appears at the close of the show. Jason Ritter is as yummy and talented as ever. I’ve been a fan of his for a while and I really hope this takes off for him. Blair Underwood is growing on me. I’ve been watching season one of “In Treatment” in which he has a reoccurring role and I have to admit, he’s pretty good. Playing the leader of the free world probably is right up his alley. There is definitely something authoritative in all of his performances. I can’t wait to see what Zeljko Ivanek has to bring to the table. I don’t think I’ve seen him since the first season of “Damages” but his work is never less than stirring. My concern is that the show is being so pumped up to be dramatic, cinematic and well….eventful that it won’t be able to help falling short. I do hope that I am proven wrong. Suspense and conspiracy can make for great content when mixed correctly.  

Mondays at 9pm on NBC

http://www.nbc.com/the-event/

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.