Does "Happily Divorced" Agree With You?

That annoying voice is back. Fran Drescher may sound like nails on a chalkboard, but I have to give her credit, that woman has courage. She and ex-husband Peter Marc Jacobson created the newest TVLand sitcom around their real life, him coming out of the closet after nearly two decades of marriage. Most women would be humiliated, but Fran, she writes the jokes. The former couple first worked together on "The Nanny".

John Michael Higgins plays Peter, Fran's ex-husband who's still living in the house as Fran takes on the dating world. She's accompanied by best friend Judi (Tichina Arnold) and her flower business employee Cesar. The cast is rounded out by the parental units played by Rita Moreno and Robert Walden.

D.W. Moffet guest stars in the pilot as Fran's first date post marriage. If I were him, I'd run in the other direction. Not only is she still living with her ex, she fed him food that could've killed him.

It's your classic multi camera, studio audience sitcom with exaggerated physicality and jokes. Not my usual bag, but I like the premise. We'll see, maybe I'll give it a try. Wanna take bets on how long before the voice is just too much to take?

http://www.tvland.com/shows/happily-divorced

Wednesdays at 10:30pm on TVLand

SYTYCD: Week 1 - Top 20

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RESULTS SHOW

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

The Protector? I'll be the Judge of That

Ally Walker returns to a starring role in the newest Lifetime original series "The Protector". Walker plays Gloria Shepphard, an LAPD detective/single mom. Yes, yet another cop show based in LA. Apparently there is more crime in Los Angeles than anywhere else in the world according to television. Walker is no stranger to playing cops. Most recently she donned a badge as ATF Agent June Stahl on "Sons of Anarchy". This role is a bit softer and sympathetic.

Gloria and her two sons recently moved in with her recovering addict baby brother, Davey. I'm not sure of his profession, but the house is way too nice for a cop's salary in LA. In her sons' eyes, she's superwoman, spending all night solving a case and/or sewing costumes for the school play. It's a little too much if you ask me. Mama's gotta sleep some time.

When she's pounding the pavement as a homicide detective, Shepphard is accompanied by partner Michelle Dulcett played by Tisha Campbell-Martin. Two women? That could be a volatile partnership. It has it's advantages I'm sure, but come on....that could get messy. Shepphard and Dulcett report to Lieutenant Felix Valdez, another procedural veteran - Miguel Ferrer. So far, he seems to be the same character as in "Crossing Jordan". Not good.

In the pilot episode our duo is investigating the murder of an adulterous businessman. Big surprise, one of the mistresses did it. I tend to like the more gritty cop shows, but if you're in the mood for a lighter procedural and don't have anything else to watch on Sunday nights, give it a try. For me, this one's not DVR worthy yet. I'll give it one more week though since I saw "The Shield" alumna Kenny Johnson aka Lem aka the husband in my dreams in the previews. I tried to watch "Saving Grace" for him, but that one didn't work out either. I love strong women leads, especially in male dominant roles, but I haven't found a woman cop show that I really like. Maybe some day. I can dream can't I?

Sundays at 10pm on Lifetime

Happy Birthday Television - *My 100th Post*

I can't believe that this is my 100th blog post! It's been just over nine months since I decided to inflict my thoughts about television on you fine readers. Thanks by the way for reading my gibberish.

You may not know this, but we're approaching television's 70th birthday. Not the invention, but the anniversary of the first licensed broadcast. What did people do before TV? I'm well aware that I watch waaaaaay more than the average person, but imagine if it never existed....

How would we spend our evenings? Until I left for college, I thought everyone spent the primetime hours in front of a television set. It never occurred to me that you could do other things, because that's what you did in my house.

How would you get breaking news. Well this is more relevant to pre-internet times (i.e. my childhood). Without TV, no one would have known/cared about the O.J. chase.

How would you bond with your co-workers who you have nothing else in common with? Think about how much water cooler talk is about TV and if you'd talk to the weirdos about anything else.

How else would you know about the Showtime Rotisserie Machine or the Sham Wow? There are some pretty cool products advertised on television. Plus, infomercials are a great way to cure insomnia. And think about all those agouraphobes that can still enjoy shopping.

What would you arrange the furniture in the living room around? Have you ever moved into a new apartment or house and not set up the living room based on where the TV would go? I guess we'd have to sit and look at each other. AWWWWWWWKK-WARRRRRD.

My passion for television is a result of my enjoyment/yearning for stories. I'm a visual person, so I'd much rather see a tale play out than just read or hear it. A series allows you to invest in characters more interesting or different than yourself. You can see the world and learn just about anything. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate how addictive TV can be. It can totally hinder your social well being if you let it. You've figured out that this is my problem, right? In any case, it makes me happy. So thank you to all those scientists that made sitting on your ass in your underwear while watching a marathon of "Battlestar Galactica" possible. We are grateful for your contribution to science and society.

Dancing the Summer Away

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wed & Thurs at 8pm on Fox

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

Stay Tuned....

ABC Family Delivers "Switched at Birth"

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

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

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

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

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

Mondays at 9pm on ABC Family

Stay Tuned...

"The Killing" is Killing Me....It's Sooo Good!

This week's episode of "The Killing" was a complete departure from the investigation of Rosie Larsen's murder. Instead, Linden and Holder spend the day looking for Jack, Linden's son who's missed three days of school. This ep entitled Missing was the best overall episode. Others have had great performances and scenes, but this was the best as a whole.

Usually we see cop partners after they've been together for a while. They've always got that bond, that I've got your back no matter what goes down, no matter how bad it is thing. It's rare that we as the audience get to see how that bond came to be. I think we saw a little of that in this episode. Watching Holder completely be there for Linden is so sweet. He's seeking forgiveness for the bad he did when he was using. Holder is doing his best to make amends. It's heartbreaking to listen to him leave message after message on his sister's answering machine with no response. A man that really wants a family is incredibly endearing. It's like he's a baby bird that I want to nurse back to health...if I didn't hate/wasn't terrified of birds.

My fellow couch critic/roommate Beth had an insight that has been right in front of me from the beginning. "The characters are just as much of a puzzle as the actual crime." We could feel it coming when it was revealed that Holder had gotten hooked on meth when he was undercover. There's been just as much of a cloud over Linden. When she finally starts sharing with Holder, we find out that her mother abandoned her at the age of five. Another revelation is that Reggie's relationship to Linden is as her social worker.

No child can appreciate the pain a mother goes through when she believes a son is missing...let alone while she's investigating the kidnap and murder of a teenage girl. But Holder had the right idea..."kick his ass".....

Only two more episodes left this season. I haven't heard any news that the series has been picked up for a second season, but I'd definitely be down to watch Linden and Holder solve another case. There's a quiet intensity about this show that immediately drew me in and kept me coming back. Some people have been hating on "The Killing" saying that the pacing is too slow. Guess what, a murder investigation takes more than 42 minutes. What do you think? Are you enjoying the Danish influence?

Sundays at 10pm on AMC

"Love Bites"....Or Does It?

Better late than never! "Love Bites" finally premiered last night after NBC bumped it from the Fall 2010 schedule. This hour long romantic comedy comes from Cindy Chulpack, executive producer/writer from "Sex and the City" and "Men in Trees". The show follows couples in different cities dealing with relationships.

I never thought I'd be able to take Becky Newton seriously after she was so convincing as airhead receptionist Amanda on "Ugly Betty". Turns out, she can play normal. Well if you call a pregnant NYC chef carrying her sister's baby normal. Newton's Annie is accompanied by best friend Cassie, played by Krysten Ritter. Totally loving her right now as I'm catching up on season 2 of "Breaking Bad".

Out in San Francisco, Carter (Kyle Howard) loses his job just as he's about to get married and he's competing with a vibrator for his fiancee's orgasm. He may be down, but he's got the support of pal, Steve Howey. Another cast member that I grew to love while playing a fool. Now if only he had the haircut he sported in "Reba". This long hair is killing me.

On their way from Venice, CA to Miami Greg Grunberg and Craig Robinson cross paths with Jennifer Love Hewitt (playing herself). She just happens to be on Judd's (Grunberg) celebrity exempt list. You know the list, like from "Friends". Constance Zimmer is Colleen(but Pamela Adlon filmed the pilot), Judd's super cool wife. Plus the two of them have a bunch a awesome tattoos since Judd owns a tattoo shop.

All in all, very cute. I like the characters a lot. They're endearing and relatable. The opening credits were short, but cool. They had a great music supervisor for the pilot. I heard at least 4 great songs in the first third of the hour PLUUUUSSS...any show that references "Battlestar Galactica" is on it's way to winning my heart. This was a strong pilot. I can' really understand how this was the show that bumped when there was so much crap on this past season. Really NBC? You chose "Harry's Law" over a fun, quirky and actually entertaining series for a 10pm timeslot? Sometimes, I just don't get it. Anyway, if you're looking for a fun summer series about the trials of love and dating, check it out.

http://www.nbc.com/love-bites

Thursdays at 10pm on NBC

Stay Tuned...

TNT Tries It's Hand At Another Lawyer Show

There have probably been about a thousand lawyer shows, but here's another that's just worth trying. Last night was the premiere of "Franklin & Bash", TNT's latest series. Mark-Paul Gosselaar (yes, Zack Morris) and Breckin Meyer (the skateboarding stoner from Clueless) are best buds/law partners in this frat house meets courtroom comedy. I suppose you'd call it a comedy. It wasn't all that dramatic, so not a dramedy but it's not a full on sitcom kind of comedy. It's fun.

Gosselaar is Peter Bash, a young attorney that literally screwed himself out a great job when he slept with the boss' daughter. Despite his undeniable charisma and ability to charm a judge and jury, Bash was forced to practice law elsewhere....elsewhere being the house he shares with his best mate. Meyer is Jared Franklin, son of a successful attorney that rather take up for the little guy than be a puppet for the man. In addition to being upstanding (insert sarcasm font here) attorneys at law, Franklin & Bash really know how to throw a party.

In the pilot episode the pair meet Stanton Indorf played by Malcolm McDowell. I found it funny that there is a poster of "A Clockwork Orange" in the man cave. Anyway....Indorf brings on Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum to pump some life into his stuffy firm.

I like the rooting for the little guy element balanced with the dirty tricks that are played to win a case. When I say dirty, I mean wrong, but amusing and reeeaaally ballsy. Come on, they're ambulance chasers and proud of it. At their new firm, Franklin and Bash will be going head to head with the boss' nephew on a weekly basis. Apparently Reed Diamond does his best work playing lawyer and cop douche bags. Still glad to see him. Oh, I almost forgot. Jared and Peter couldn't move into these new cushy jobs without their paralegal and researcher who just happen to be an ex-con and an agoraphobe. LOVE Pindar. He could be my favorite character. Plus we share the same fear of birds. Dude knows what he's talking about. Click on the TV and hear Pindar's words of wisdom.

http://www.tnt.tv/series/franklinandbash/thecave

The pacing is good. The jokes are funny. The characters are surprising and likeable...even when you think "are you fricken' kidding me?" Definitely a good summer show. Plus they had those hilarious commercials. If you're looking for something to watch on Wednesday nights, check it out!

www.tnt.tv/series/franklinandbash

Wednesdays at 9pm on TNT

Stay Tuned...

It's A Year of Exceptional Lead Ins *spoilers*

Everyone always expects the finale to be the big, exciting show changer. This year, it was the lead in, the 2nd to last episode for many shows. Here are four shows in my schedule that had somewhat disappointing finales and whose lead ins felt like one.

"Bones"

The Hole in the Heart - You know it's a great episode when you're reaching for the tissues one moment and then on the edge of your seat during an action packed scene the next. As promised, a regular member of team was slain on last week's episode of "Bones". Mr. Nigel-Murray, you will be greatly missed. That was probably his best episode in all his appearances at the Jeffersonian. His dino dance made me giggle, but it was all about the drama. Even though Vincent wasn't a full-time lab employee, he was a member of the family and his death had a major impact. Our team realizes once again how easily one of them can become the victim on the table.

Change in the Game - I was a little surprised that there was not mention of the death of Mr. Nigel-Murray in the finale until Hodgins and Angela announce that their completely healthy child's name is Michael Staccato Vincent Hodgins. It didn't feel like a finale as much as the last episode did. They solved the murder of a bowler, which made for some funny disguises. The bombshell was Bones telling Booth that she's preggers. WHAT??!!! It was not made clear that when she crawled into Booth's bed a couple eps back that they actually had sex. I assumed that he comforted and held her, even when she told Angela that they "slept" together. She's so literal that figured she meant the slept next to each other in the same bed. Is "Bones" finally jumping the shark? How will they handle this? Can't wait to find out.

"NCIS"

Swan Song - I was starting to get bored this season until they introduced the Port to Port serial killer plot. In the lead in to the finale, a beloved although re-occurring character is killed. Mike Franks has made several appearances over the years to guide Gibbs through a tough case and occasionally ask for help. I have to say, there was a tear in my eye when he was stabbed on that rainy night. It was one of the few times we've seen Gibbs shaken to his core. Love you Mark Harmon!

Pyramid - In the finale, we learn that Mike was dying anyway. No wonder he picked a fight. Cobb aka Dawson's Creeker Kerr Smith, threw us a curve ball when he walked right into a room full of NCIS agents after kidnapping Ziva. Anyway, the bad guy dies and everything goes back to the way it should. Of course, I cried when we see that Gibbs made Mike's coffin..geeeez. I hope we can expect more of Matt Craven next season as the new Sec Nav. Pluuuuussss....Tony searching for the mole of NCIS, what is this "24"?

"House"

After Hours - House has done some crazy sh**, but cutting out his own tumors may have topped the list. Crank up the drama even more by adding in a stabbed former cop turned con and Taub becoming a Papa. Thirteen convinces Chase to put his career on the line for a friend. Chase also finds out that Thirteen euthanized her brother and they bond over killing people. Lots going on. It felt like a finale, but no.......It's a testament to the writers who took this show from a episodical doctor show to an intense character driven drama. "House" has only gotten better since season 4-ish. The season six premiere is still my favorite episode of the entire series.

Moving On - Shohreh Aghdashloo, one of the most stunning and talented women on screen guest stars in the finale as an artist who's ready to die for her art. Turns out that she's playing a game with House. He checks himself out of the hospital when he should be recovering from his self surgery. Cuddy tries to talk to him, but if you've ever seen half an episode, you know he wouldn't. Minor bomb drop - Taub is going to be a papa. Oh yeah, I already said that, no wait, with his ex-wife. Yes, that's 2 baby Ruebens. The episode is a flashback. When we catch up to the day, House drives his Buick into Cuddy's dining room after seeing her with another man. And they were only having coffee. The finale closes on House on a tropical beach somewhere. Jungle medicine for season 8? We'll see.

"Supernatural" - The main attraction

The Man Who Would Be King - It begins with a beautiful monologue by Castiel that nearly brought tears to my eyes as he sits on a bench in a snow covered meadow. Misha's voice is so soothing and apologetic. It makes me glad for this voice over. Crowley is "alive" and Cass has been working with him all along. We feel hurt and disappointed as he recollects how it came to be...pulling Sam from the pits of hell minus his soul, setting obedient angels free and avoiding another apocalypse. Dean's unwavering loyalty to Castiel is heart wrenching. He never saw the betrayal coming. Crowley's reveal of the renovated hell being a never ending line is almost poetic. Cass needs the souls in Purgatory to fight Raphael, unfortunately that goes against everything the Winchesters stand against. When the boys find out, it causes a rift too large for them to overcome. This episode written and directed by Ben Edlund is....BEAUTIFUL - BRILLIANT - AMAZING. This will down as one of the most memorable episodes in the "Supernatural" world. Thank you, Ben.

Let It Bleed/The Man Who Knew Too Much - The 2 hour season finale was unfortunately the most underwhelming "Supernatural" finale yet. Not say it was a bad episode, just a bad finale. It was the least dramatic as the overarching storyline was the least cohesive out of all the seasons. At first I thought that was surprising considering Eric Kripke penned the finale, but he didn't have a ton of input during the season from what I understand. I'm still not sure how I feel about Sam having to put all the pieces of Humpty Dumpty back together. And Cass as the new God???!!! The tide has changed. There's no way we can go back now. Team Free Will is broken. I don't think Castiel will ever be the same. So sad. Can't wait to see what they've got in store for us next year.

Any other shows you've seen this season with extraordinary lead ins and less than stellar finales?

Oh, How I Love the Dire Wolf

I was maybe ten minutes into the second episode of "Game of Thrones" when I thought, it scares me how much I love this show already. I suppose that's a good sign. It was picked up after only one episode aired. So HBO agrees with me. Here are a few of the things I love about it....

*The relationship between Ned and his bastard son Jon Snow. How many soldiers bring their bastards home, raise them with their legitimate children and show them such love?

*The relationship Jon Snow and his younger siblings. It's such a pure brotherly love and children don't see legitimacy or not.

*The relationship between the King and Ned. The King has great respect for Ned and doesn't treat him as a lowly subject, but as an equal that just doesn't have a crown.

*Tyrion's insights into his family and the world for that matter. His dwarf-ness has given him a great perspective and he uses it.

*Despite the fact that Daenarys was pretty much sold to a barbarian by her brother, she's already learning how to take some power back. It may come little at a time, but I have hope that she'll figure out how

*The fantastical element that hasn't really show itself yet, but it's there.

Are you watching? Tell me what you like about HBO's new hit?

"Burn Notice" Makes a Movie.....About Sam!

Two people that make me smile when I see their names in the credits. One you probably know, the other you probably don't. Bruce Campbell, yes he was once the Old Spice Man and RonReaco Lee. The latter was one of my favorite reoccurring guest stars on "The Shield". I always hoped that he was the real father of Danni's kid. Anyway, back to why I'm writing. Tonight was the premiere of the "Burn Notice" prequel movie, "The Fall of Sam Axe"!!!!

The movie tells the tale of how Sam Axe was discharged from the Navy Seals and became a rogue spy operative with Michael and Fi. We've heard bits an pieces over the last four seasons of his missions and antics in Colombia, so it was only natural we get the full story. I have to say, Bruce looks very handsome in Navy whites, but I'm partial to his Hawaiian shirts.

Commander Axe is assigned to work with the military in Columbia. They are tracking down a terrorist organization which plans to bomb a local clinic. When Sam figures out that the Colombian Colonel that he's working with intends to kill him and bomb the clinic himself, he risks his life to save everyone inside. RonReaco is the ethical/cute doctor. Along with an aid worker, an orphaned teenage girl and a band of goat herder/terrorists, they fight the corrupt military.

Creator Matt Nix wrote the script and Michael Weston himself, Jeffrey Donovan directs. It had that "Burn Notice" feeling, but something was missing. Michael's voice over in the series works because he's helping us understand what he's doing. He's teaching us cool spy stuff. In this case, Sam's just recalling what's already happened in a Naval briefing. I'd rather they did without it.

All in all, it was ok. Better than the "24" movie. It was cool to see how Sam got kicked out of the Seals and picked up the alias Chuck Finley. Good ol' Chuck. There will be several encores this week and I'm sure you can catch the movie OnDemand soon. Can't wait to see new episodes of "Burn Notice" this June on USA.

"Game of Thrones" Wins Me Over

Tonight was the premiere of yet another epic period series by HBO, "Game of Thrones". If anyone's going to attempt it, it should be a channel with wads of money. So thank you HBO. I've never read the series of novels the show is based on, A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, but I hear they are quite enthralling. There is a very large cast spanning several noble families all vying for the Iron Throne. Despite repeated googling, I figure out what time period it takes place in. My best guess is early A.D. If you know, please leave in the comments as it drives me bonkers not knowing the details.

The main family is The Stark House, led by Sean Bean as Eddard "Ned" Stark. He's got a loving wife, five children and a gorgeous, curly haired bastard son. We also meet the current King, Baratheon played by Mark Addy. I like him better in A Knight's Tale than in that horrible sitcom he did. He's married to a woman who's doing naughty things with her hot twin brother...ick while their dwarf younger bro is working his way through the local brothel. We learn that Stark's sister was once married to Baratheon and now to keep the families joined, they must form a marriage through their children. Off in another, much warmer place, we meet the pale creepy, also incestuous Targaryen siblings. They've been exiled and are forming a marriage with a barbarian king who possesses an army to get their crown back. Pepper in some loyal servants and friends and you've got the international cast of "Game of Throne".

The violence is a plenty. If you have a weak stomach, I suggest you find something else to watch on Sunday nights. Whatever time period this is, it's one where rulers dispense their own justice and those believing their mission is noble, will hack off limbs to prove it. Not only do our characters have each other to fear, but the mysterious and deadly White Walkers that lurk in the woods during snowfall.

I'm definitely interested. There's potential and the cast is great. Wasn't too happy with the opening titles though. As creative as they tried to be, I couldn't read the thin font and the names moved too quickly. High hopes are to be had for scandal, violence and political intrigue. If you're a fan of historical fiction, fantasy or ancient royalty, check it out.

Sundays at 9pm on HBO

Stay Tuned.....

AMC Brings The Drama....Again. TNT's Getting a Run For Their Money

AMC has had hits with “Mad Men”, “Breaking Bad” and “The Walking Dead”, so what’s next you ask? A murder mystery of course. Tonight was the premiere of “The Killing”. It’s a series based on a Danish one. If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve realized that some f-ed up stuff happens in those Nordic countries. Just watch Wallander if you don’t believe me.

Rosie Larsen has gone missing and it’s not long before the police find her body in the trunk of a car, at the bottom of a lake. It just so happens that the car belongs to the campaign of a mayoral candidate. Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) is a single mom/Seattle police detective assigned to the case even though she’s supposed to be leaving town to marry one of my favorite Canadias, Callum Keith Rennie. Hope he stays on the show. Stephen Holder (Swede Joel Kinnaman) has been assigned to replace her, fresh off his undercover narcotics detail. As cute as he is, he’s a bit of a dick.

Rosie’s parents Mitch and Stan are played by Michelle Forbes and Brent Sexton, two strong actors portraying grieving parents. Their performance when they find out their eldest child is dead is heart wrenching. Rosie’s Aunt Terry is played by my favorite former Shield crackwhore Jamie Anne Allman (Connie to my fellow Shield fans). Rosie’s got two younger brothers, who Mitch and Stan are trying to protect from this horrible tragedy.

Billy Campbell returns as yet another shady character. He’s mayoral candidate Darren Richmond and somehow, he’s tied to Rosie’s murder. His lackeys also seem pretty suspicious to me.

I think this show has potential, of course for a limited time. They have to catch the killer sometime, right? It was beautifully shot and acted. Even the music was perfectly paired. The pacing kept me interested and story kept me wanting more. I’ll definitely be tuning in next week.

Stay Tuned…Sundays at 10pm. Catch an encore of the pilot next Sunday at 9pm just before the next ep.

It's Time to Kiss the Ring with "The Borgias"

After nearly a year of teasers, Showtime finally premiered the heir to “The Tudors”. The fifteenth century crime drama follows “The Borgias”. If you’re a fan of The Godfather saga, you might want to check it out, as this is the family Mario Puzo based the Corleones on.

Rodrigo Borgia is portrayed by Jeremy Irons who is quite intense and a little frightening as the family patriarch/nearly crowned Pope Alexander XI. Back in the day, it wasn’t unusual for the clergy to have children. Rodrigo had four. Cesare is Mr. Smarty Pants, which is why Papa wants him close as a Cardinal. Juan, although the oldest is not the sharpest tool in the shed, but does carry one as a soldier. Lucrezia is the pretty, but dim witted daughter and Gioffre, well it’s too early to tell what he is.

The first episode (can we really call it a pilot when Showtime green lights a show?) chronicles the days when Rodrigo becomes Alexander and how his sons assist in the corrupt election. It’s pretty obvious that Cesare is Michael Corleone. He does some does and covers up so bad bad things in the few months it takes his dad to become Pope. The big man isn’t so pious himself. Aside from having four children while a man of the cloth, then shunning their mother when he gets the big funny hat, he takes on a new mistress.

So what have we got? Gorgeous period costumes. Check. Lavish sets. Check. Intense actors. Check. Storylines of nepotism, adultery, simony, murder, betrayal, and yes some incest. Check. The question is whether or not it will turn into something we actually want to watch. For me, it’s yet to be decided. I get the feeling that we could have a “Mad Men” /“The Tudors” situation on our hands. It all looks good, but feels so slow. In the end, the story is great, but I watch the clock getting there. Unfortunately, there aren’t quite as many beautiful, young people as King Henry’s court had. Jeremy Irons is terrific, but Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ body, he has not. I didn’t like Cesare at the beginning, but I have to say that by the end, he’d grown on me, except for the whole incest thing. That creeps me out. Anyway…..I’ll give it a few episodes.

Stay Tuned…..

Sundays at 9pm on Showtime


P.S. What are your favorite period shows?

"CHAOS" - An Aptly Titled New Series

Last night, CBS’s new spy show premiered. CHAOS follows the four members of the ODS division of the CIA. Yes, there are many acronyms in this show, but it’s worth it. I have to say, I was hooked in the first 10 mins. Brett Ratner directed the pilot written by veteran television writer Tom Spezialy. Needless to say there were no problems with pacing.

It’s Rick Martinez’s first day at the agency. First he’s mistaken for a terrorist, then told his job has been cut and finally placed as a mole on the team the director has it in for. His new spy buddies are less than cordial to him at first. Freddy Rodriguez of "Six Feet Under" is fresh faced Martinez. Team leader is Michael Dorset played by Eric Close (“Without a Trace”). He’s been working with Casey Malkin and Billy Collins for “six glorious years”, so they’re kinda close. Tim Blake Nelson (Oh Brother Where Art Though) is Casey, also known as the human weapon. Looks can be deceiving. Spezialy added a little Scotch with James Murray as Billy Collins, the de-commissioned British spy. If you’re a BBC fan like me, you’ll recognize him from “Primeval”. He was such a quiet Brit in that show, but I quite like the over the top Scotsman he plays here.

In their first real mission with newbie Martinez, the team disobeys orders and takes it upon themselves to save an American citizen held hostage in Sudan. Rick quickly learns that he hasn’t prepared himself quite as well as he thought he did, but he’s got spirit and determination. He wears his heart on his sleeve and is far too trusting for CIA operative. This is part of what makes this show light and fun, yet still entertaining.

It’s just too bad that CBS gave it the timeslot of death, Friday at 8pm. I’m sure it’ll get the older crowd as you’ve got good looking rogue G-Men making trouble on CBS, but I’m hoping more people will DVR it if you’re not at home on a Friday night like me. In a word ……it’s fun. Check it out. The pilot is available on the website...

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

Stay tuned….Fridays at 8pm on CBS

P.S. Use the name generator on their website to find out what your code name is. Mine is Lone Wolf. Status: Rogue Agent. Security Clearance Level: 5.

P.P.S. What are some of your other favorite spy shows?

"Supernatural" Cast and Creative Team in Person *Yes, I Hyperventilated a Little*

This past Sunday, I attended PaleyFest's "Supernatural" panel at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills. It was AMAZING! "Supernatural" is a show that I've become quite obsessed with in the last few years. You may not have been able to tell based on my past posts because I don't write about it very often. Honestly, writing about a show like this....in it's sixth season, is very daunting. My goal with this blog is turn viewers on to new shows, but in a series that is heavily entrenched in mythology and has a long and twisted backstory it is in a word, overwhelming. There is no possible way for me to summarize five and half seasons of awesomeness without giving away major plot points. Talking with my roommate and fellow SuperFan (aka Dean Girl), we both agreed that this is one of the few series that has consistently and effectively surprised us. They still throw us curve balls that make us come back week after week.

The WB turned CW show follows two brothers that hunt monsters. They drive a bad ass car and carry guns...oh and they're hot. If you haven't seen it, give the show one disc. The first season is the most episodical, but if you are open to the supernatural/fantasy/sci-fi genres, you'll probably like it. If it keeps you watching, it all pays off every single season thereafter. The mythology gets deeper and deeper and the brothers closer and closer.

Even writing now, I know that I can't possibly articulate the greatness of "Supernatural". It's something that you need to experience for yourself. Don't judge it because it's on the CW...or because it stars pretty boys...or because it's about things that go bump in the night. This show is truly about family and heroism. How many other television shows provoke debate on philosophy?

My aforementioned roommate and I have talked for hours debating the meaning of the soul, good vs. evil, and free will. This is was it does to you. And it's GREAT!

If you live in NY or LA and haven't been to a Paley Center event, do yourself a favor and go! Hearing stories from the set, regrets, favorite moments and how our favorite characters came to be was priceless. The seats were awesome by the way. What a beautiful theater. The only thing that would have made the day better would be getting a picture with the Brothers Winchester...and not getting a parking ticket afterward.

If you're even half interested, check out Season 1 on Netflix. This is definitely a show that you must watch in order, from the beginning.

You might like this series if you like "LOST", "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", "Angel", "Battlestar Galactica", "Hex" or "Being Human".

Criminal or Crime Fighter?

You may have seen some of the posters around town that look like they're advertising a Discovery Channel show about prison. Turns out they were for the new A&E original drama "Breakout Kings". When the U.S. Marshalls can't catch the bad guys on their own, who do they call? Well the cons of course. Laz Alonso and Domenick Lombardozzi play Charlie DuChamp and Ray Zancanelli, the Marshalls piloting this questionable program. The only other non criminal member of this team is Julianne Sims (Brooke Nevin), a civilian techy. Think Chloe O'Brien, mental problems and all. And your cons are.....Lloyd Lowery, a gambling, genius psycho-behavioral analyst. Shea Daniels who started out as a young gangbanger and rose to successful criminal businessman...until he got caught. Serinda Swan is an expert tracker who's bounty hunter father taught her the biz.

Ok, so they've all got some talent that will bring down the scumbags running all along the Eastern seaboard, or at least the tri-state area. The first job tracking down an escaped con is not all that interesting, but that's to be expected in a pilot. It's really all about introducing the characters. I'll excuse it since they all seem to have pretty complex backstories. If you're a fan of "Prison Break" or "Lie to Me", you may like this one as it's creators Nick Santora and Matt Olmstead were producing partners on both. Unfortunately, it feels like a slight rip off of some other show. "White Collar" has been going strong on USA with a smooth confidence man that was released from prison to assist the FBI. Granted, it's a classy solo act, but still. I used to watch WC, but didn't feel like their writing lived up to the characters and the concept. The cases just weren't there. Maybe this one new show will fill that void. It's a definitely a more down and dirty team version. I like the feel, it's not gritty, but it's not fluffy either. I have a feeling there'll be more than a few surprises. It's got potential.

Check it out on A&E. There are encores playing every day this week and it'll probably be OnDemand.

P.S. A huge pet peev is inaccuracies. I grew up near Hudson, NY and there is no Maybelle prison where the cons are supposedly transferred to. Boo for that.

P.P.S. The more I think about the techy girl, the more she is Chloe O'Brien. Come ON!

"Parenthood" Deserves a Belated Shout Out

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesdays at 10pm on NBC

Stay Tuned....

Who Likes Call Girls? Eh....eh.....

 Showtime finally announced the 4th and final season's premiere date for "Secret Diary of a Call Girl". We'll see what Belle/Hannah has been up on April 7th at 10:30. It's slated for eight episodes as usual. If you haven't seen this sexy little gem, Billie Piper (dorks, you might recognize her as Rose from "Doctor Who") plays a high end London call girl that loves what she does. Although she keeps her life secret (in the beginning) she's not ashamed of her profession. Why should she be, she's the best. Belle is the woman every man and a few women want. If this premise sounds kind of familiar, you may have heard about the book the show is based on written by Belle du Jour. And yes, Piper's Belle writes a book about her escapades as well.

The first season is great, delving into human sexual nature. Some people have some strange fetishes, but Belle doesn't judge. Once Hannah starts writing, the series began to lack excitement. Still interesting, I'm looking forward to see if she gives it all up. You can't be a call girl forever.

Check out seasons 1 & 2 on Netflix. Season 3 isn't out on DVD yet, but if you have Showtime, it's OnDemand.

P.S. If you like this show, you might like the Australian Showtime series "Satisfaction". A little more soapy and dramatic, but entertaining.