Has "Chuck" Jumped the Shark?

These days, I am completely convinced that Chuck's power was in his hair. He looks like a yuppie! Where are those dorky, wavy locks that we love so much? I caught seasons 1-3 over the summer after some prodding by my friends. I quickly became addicted to the bumbling and lovable spy wannabe in seasons 1 & 2 that were action packed and full of fun. Season 3 was so-so. Now, we're in season 4 and it's kinda like...what's the point? The original premise of the show was a dorky guy getting caught up in the spy world, but now Chuck is a full fledged spy and the writers are grasping at storyline straws. Honestly, I don't care about Chuck and Sarah's romance. It was cute to watch Chuck's crush on the unattainable, hot spy girl, but now she's attainable. BORING! There are still some laughs from Morgan and Casey, but not as many. We are currently in the middle of an ongoing mission against an evil organization....again. They all blend together at this point. I can't tell you which one was in what season or what they wanted. Timothy Dalton and Linda Hamilton are reoccurring guest stars, but they have the worst storyline. I can't blame them too much. Chuck had to evolve, but the Chuck that throws a punch confidently is not the goofy man-child I fell in love with. He could only be a spy novice for so long, but they could have kept it interesting somehow. I love this show, but I don't know how much longer I can watch with storylines like this. When Chuck got down on one knee, I gagged a little. Disappointed, team Chuck. I am disappointed.

BTW...Captain Awesome is still awesome, only now he's Papa Awesome ; )

"Fairly Legal" is Only Fairly Interesting

I checked out the first couple of episodes. So far....it's just ok. Sarah Shahi plays a legal mediator with a heart of gold, a sharp tongue and a phone that won't stop ringing. Her lawyer father has just kicked the bucket leaving his young blond wife to run the big, fancy law firm. Needless to say, Shahi's Kate Reed is less than thrilled to be working for the wicked witch of the west. Her brother, the scarecrow played by Ethan Embry is also an attorney, but taking some time off to be a stay at home dad. Kate's assistant Leo (the lion) consistently covers for Kate's repetitive lateness and general inability to be where she says she will. Michael Trucco may look familiar as Sam/Cylon of "Battlestar Galactica" but is now the Tin Man. He plays Kate's district attorney ex-husband with benefits. If you hadn't guessed, dear ol' dad is the wizard. It's on his boat, the Come A Broad that Kate is living.

Kate is good at what she does. In fact, she's the best (or so they keep telling us). She connects with her clients and goes above and beyond to fix them. She spends her own money, risks her career and even lands herself in jail. It's a little over idealistic and filled with too many attractive people. I live in the real world. Not all successful lawyers and professionals are stunningly beautiful. On the other hand, Kate's got spunk. I like a rebel in heels. It's possible that I might be able to put aside my disdain for the horrible opening titles and watch a few more episodes.

Thursdays at 10pm on USA

Stay Tuned....if you want

Hot Docs Practicing Jungle Medicine

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

Wednesdays at 10pm on ABC

Stay Tuned….

Is "Episodes" Worth Watching?

Wasn’t sure about this one. It’s by the same guys that worked on “Friends”…….but also “Joey”. We all remember how that turned out.  Tamsin Greig and Stephen Mangan play two hilarious British television writers who are brought to LA to remake their baby. I love that Beverly and Sean (Greig and Mangan) are all over each other. We were laughing until the audition scene. Unfortunately, nothing with Richard Griffiths was funny.

Good idea for a show given the large number of British series being remade over here, usually very badly. "The Office" was the exception. Some of the not so great remakes.....the upcoming "Being Human" "Skins and "Shameless",  "Life on Mars", "Coupling","Blackpool", "Teachers" and "Worst Week". When will we learn?!!!!! Just start distributing BBC shows on American television stations. The American public could do with a little culture. This would be the best way to ease them into it. Back to the topic......

Showtime should have shown two episodes at once for the premiere. It seemed to end abruptly and I wanted more. Matt LeBlanc was in about 90 seconds in the very beginning. Shouldn’t the pull for a new series make more of an appearance? HOUR LONG PREMIERE! Showtime tends to do this with their half hour shows. “Secret Diary of a Call Girl”, “United States of Tara”, and “Weeds”. They all end just as the episode is getting good. Showtime should ONLY do one hour shows. I’m hoping this show turns out funny. One point it’s got against it is the opening credits. Don’t like them, nuh uh.  The series overall’s got potential and I love the Brits involved. Check it out.

Sundays at 9:30pm on Showtime

Stay Tuned….

"Southland" Returns!

If you’re missing the grittiness of “The Shield” as much as I am, you should be watching TNT’s “Southland”. The third, yes third season returns. Apparently TNT is getting even stingier with the length of their seasons. Annnnnyyyywayyyyy…..their return has been highly anticipated, in my house anyhow.

A woman working as a cleaning lady in an office building is murdered and stuffed in a crawl space. Adams and her new, aggressive, lady partner work the case. Sherman and Cooper arrive on the scene of a shootout where an office is down. Bullets fly, people are shot, a bad guy shoots himself. Bryant’s girl, who he’s always fighting with, is knocked up. Honestly, I can do without the two of them. I like Shawn Hatosy, but I don’t think he’s right in this show. I don’t really like the character at all. I however LOOOOOOVE John Cooper (aka Bull from Band of Brothers aka his real name Michael Cudlitz). His pain and addiction is a great storyline that I can’t wait for them to delve deeper into. It’s gonna be gooooood.

Stay Tuned…..

Tuesdays at 10pm on TNT

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.

"Burn Notice" Season 5 Finale Shines

Jay Karnes (our favorite giant detective from “The Shield”) returns to “Burn Notice” as Brennan the psychopath. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Karnes is BRI-LLIANT as a villan. The only thing better than watching him go head to head with Michael is watching him trade quips (aka death threats) with Sam. The two hour season finale gets not one, but two guest stars. Tim Matheson also returns as Larry, the spy that never dies. Brennan has stolen the list of everyone that burnt Michael and now wants him to track down and kill every last one of them. Matheson is in town to assist with the slaughter. They off the first guy on the list. THEN…..Larry stabs Brennan!!!! It would be weird for Brennan to show up again down the line, but I didn’t want him to die! He’s such a great character. Karnes needs more meaty roles likes this. Someone needs to create another terrific character like Dutch for him.

Gotta love all the explosions and repelling off buildings. That’s why this show is so fun. I think that the popularity of Bruce Campbell has compelled the writers to make Sam’s character better and better. At this year’s Comic Con, it was announced that Campbell would be starring in a “Burn Notice” prequel about Sam Axe’s last mission before retiring in Miami. I noticed last week how svelte he’s looking these days. He can definitely play Sam before Michael. AAANNNNND……Jeffrey Donovan will be directing. My hope is that it will better than the “24” movie. It could fantastically fun or horribly wrong.

In part two of the finale, Robert Wisdom returns as Vaughn. I know him best as Uriel from “Supernatural”, but maybe you know him as Bunny from “The Wire”. Either way, he’s a scary dude. A high speed car chase ensues where once again, the Charger is destroyed. I swear, that car has 9 lives, maybe more. Jesse gets some rebar through his leg when they crash, but the team manages to hide out in an abandoned hotel where they attempt to hold off Vaughn and his men who want the list. Meanwhile, Sharon Gless gives another one of her amusing performances as Madeline get close to the politician that will do some good with the list. I’ve always found Maddy and Sam’s relationship to be strange. It’s not romantic, but he’s too old her be her kid. Maybe a little brother? It’s a quirky little friendship. I like it.

I think Jeffrey Donovan is an under rated actor. Yes, sometimes Michael Weston is a little stiff, but the look in his eyes when his mother tells him that she’s been shot and that there’s no use…….ugh! I just wanted to hug him. This episode was flying with emotions. Fiona’s love for Michael is more visible than ever. She’s a tough cookie and likes to keep it bottled up, but sometimes you can’t hide the love for your soul mate. Right up until Sam came riding in with the cavalry, it felt like a last episode. AND THEN……Michael gets back in? Could it be, after five seasons Michael Weston is a real certified spy again? My gut says, he should tread lightly. It might not be everything he thinks it’ll be. Can’t wait for season 6!

"Dexter" Goes Out With a Bang (Or Rather a Slice)

Steve Shill directs the fifth season finale. Penned by Chip Johannessen and Manny Coto, this episode begins with Dexter trying to find Lumen, yet distractions keep arising. Dexter finally gets to Lumen at the camp where all the torturing started after being pulled to investigate Liddy’s murder and a pretty bad car crash. Jordan has a gun on Dex, but he soon turns the tables and Jordan is strapped to the table. He tries to make Lumen and Dexter believe that the three of them are “in this together”. It’s pathetic. When Lumen plunges the knife into his chest, there is a release. It’s over. Deb’s savvy detective work brings her to the camp just in time to find our killers cleaning their tools. Deb draws a gun on them from the other side of a blood spattered sheet of plastic. She can’t tell that the murderer on the other side is her dearly beloved brother. Deb’s deep connection to #13 compels her to let them go, without ever seeing their faces. Justice is served. Deb’s monologue as she holds a gun to the sheet of plastic is well done. It’s a great close up and the emotion is her eyes is intense. Dexter and Lumen dispose of the body in the usual way. The shots of them on the boat, with this hopeful music is very un-Dexter. It’s no surprise that Lumen is leaving. How could she stay? Once that darkness is gone, how could you continue to live in someone else’s? Watching Dexter crumble to the floor in pain as she tells him she’s leaving is heartbreaking! No one will ever know him the way she does. For a while, I actually wanted them to work out. I have to say that I am surprised that Dex covered for Quinn. Granted he didn’t kill Liddy, but it would have solved the problem of Quinn poking his nose where it doesn’t belong. Now we just have to hope that Quinn is grateful enough to let things lie. What does our genius team have in store for season 6? Yes, there will definitely be a sixth season. My hope is that they have another great season arc. It obviously works out well. Thoughts?

FX Puts "Terriers" Down

FX announced today that “Terriers” has been canceled. *tear* This was my favorite new drama of the 2010 season. Granted, I didn’t blog about the finale because of my lack of satisfaction, but I didn’t want it to be canceled. It wasn’t even that the the finale was bad, it just wasn’t as eventful and dramatic as they lead us to believe it was going to be. The writing was strong and the performances, even better. Donal Logue’s broken down, wearied portrayal of Hank Dalworth was brilliant. “Terriers” introduced me to Michael Raymond-James whose babies I'd like to have. At first, I thought he was a bit dim and just a pretty face, but he’s got some real chops. I have no doubt that with this work under their belts, Donal and Michael won’t be out of work for long.

So what happened? Some said that the posters featuring the dog were misleading. I don’t think that was it. My guess is that not enough people gave it a shot. If you watched at least one of two eps and have good taste, how could you not go back for more?! Yes, I am disappointed in Tim Griffin and his writing team for not giving us a good enough finale, but it was obviously over before that. More importantly I am disappointed in “The Shield” and “Sons of Anarchy” fans that didn’t watch in droves. I am a loyal viewer therefore I will give any show a shot if it’s by someone that has proven their brilliance before (i.e. Shawn Ryan, Kurt Sutter, J.J. Abrams, Charles Eglee). Sometimes it doesn’t work out and the new show just isn’t up your alley, but show some allegiance! I put my trust in the writers and producers that have rarely, if ever done me wrong. Most of the time, it works out (with the exception of the series finale of “The Shield”). If you don’t believe me, watch “Dexter” or “Sons of Anarchy”. Some may fight me on including “Lost” in that list, but I will. Yes, I’m putting it in writing! I loved the “Lost” finale and I don’t care who knows it! “Terriers” will be missed, so Donal and Michael, here’s to you. Cheers mates.

Sunday Night Insights: Volume V

“Dexter”

 Despite their off-screen marriage, Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter have been able to keep their romantic chemistry from seeping onscreen into their sibling relationship. Until tonight that is. At least this is the first time I’ve noticed it. As Deb describes how the vigilantes must be in love and have “serious shit”, you could see the love in her eyes. Michael remained pretty brotherly, but Jennifer began to glow in her performance as she acted off of Michael. I suppose you could say she looked like that because she was thinking of her and Quinn, but it was like she kept trying to capture Michael’s gaze only he kept looking away. Never expected someone else to get the drop on Dexter. The only other time that’s ever happened is with his brother. Maybe Lumen is distracting him. Last week I said that no one will ever know Dexter the way she does. After thinking about it this week, I think that equates to love for these two. We’re definitely in for an action packed season finale next Sunday. How far do you think Dexter will go for Lumen?

“Boardwalk Empire”: Season Finale

 Tonight, the boardwalk goes dark after the Empire’s first dozen episodes. Margaret goes to see Nucky after seeing his wife and child’s gravestone. Nucky tells her the story of how his wife and child died. The monologue is moving and wonderfully delivered by Steve Buscemi. For me, it was his best performance of the season. It’s funny how he was the draw for this new series, but it was the supporting cast that exhibited such terrific acting week after week. Maybe I’m not giving him enough credit. I supposed his portrayal of Nucky was just more subtle than some of the other characters required. Just as the entire show was, the finale was slow and didn’t have a lot of bang (with the exception of the D’Alessio brothers). Normally, I’d have a problem with that, but it’s fitting and I’m still wanting more. As we wait for a new season, I’ll miss the decadence, the beauty of the costume and production design, the stunning cinematography and the music of another era. Hopefully HBO won’t keep us in suspense for long.

 “The Walking Dead”: Season Finale

 Our band of misfits running from zombies finally gets to the CDC. Unfortunately, they find one lonely doctor that’s about to blow his brains out. They take hot showers and get plastered. Can’t say that I wouldn’t need a drink if I’d been avoiding having my flesh eaten by a walking corpse for the last couple of months. The drama heightens as the generators run out of fuel and all living things are about to be destroyed. Is it better to die quickly or to take your chances? I can’t help but to always wonder what’s around the next corner. We already know that our folks from Georgia will find out since we’ve got twelve more episodes next season. The problem is that it has the potential to suck. Don’t get me wrong, I loved this the first season and found it to be very strong. BUT……..this week Frank Darabont announced that he’s gotten rid of the writing staff. All of season two will be written by freelancers. How exactly does that work? Can they possibly have the cohesiveness that is needed in a series? I don’t know the logistics, but it makes me veeeeeery weary. Mr. Darabont, please, surprise me and blow my mind.

"Sons of Anarchy" Season 3 Finale ***Spoilers***

All bow to the brilliance of Kurt Sutter!

The third season finale begins with what seems like and ending. A montage of the family with an appropriate song backing it. When Kurt Sutter directs wife Katey Sagal, it results in nothing less than magnificence on screen. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, every week, Sagal delivers an award worthy performance.  If only we could have more than one hour a week for thirteen weeks out of the year.

After three seasons, it still surprises me how these very masculine, macho men are able to express their feelings…to each other. They hug before departing on a mission. They say “I love you” to each other. These “brothers” are closer to each other than I am to my own family. I suppose with each sin they commit, it bonds them closer.

Sutter’s direction is impeccable. Particularly the scene between Jacks and Stahl that starts out on a low shot, up at Jacks with the beautiful blue California sky behind him. Then he circles the two as they discuss the deal they are about to close, officially making Jacks a rat (or so we think). The music is always carefully selected and very effective. It seems especially so for a highly emotional finale. Towards the end, I realized that many of the main cast members seemed to be absent. Nearly all of the major scenes involved Jacks, Stahl and Gemma. It’s not that the rest of the crew wasn’t there. They were always there, but their scenes were silent. The men appear en mass for effect. They communicate with subtle looks.

If you’ve read one or two of my posts, you know by now that I’m a pretty big cry baby. Give me some well written, emotional material and the waterworks begin. I think I balled my eyes out for the last ten minutes. Not for those that were killed. They deserved it (by SAMCRO logic). I cried for our boys and for what they were doing. They commit these crimes, do these horrible things and then they have to live with the guilt. We watch as all the characters we’ve grown to love are carted off to jail in a modern day paddy wagon. It’s seems justified that Chibbs should carve Jimmy O up after the horrendous things Jimmy had done to him and his girls. I don’t think he’ll carry any guilt for that. Opie puts an end to the lying, murdering, bitch that is ATF Agent Stahl just as Tig killed Opie’s wife, Donna back in season one. As I write this, I realize that not so long ago, Stahl had framed Opie as a snitch, so maybe he won’t feel all that bad. On the other hand, the actions that Opie takes, do weigh on him. He’s a good man and the gravity of his actions isn’t lost. Uncer knows it’s all coming to an end in more ways than one. After all that he’s done for the club, it’s heartbreaking to see him give up his badge. It is time, but it’s still sad.

In the end, Jacks didn’t betray his club. As he says, he’s not his father, but that remains to be seen. By the time we revisit Charming next September, the boys will probably be getting out of jail and there’ll be a new baby to welcome into the SAMCRO family.  Can’t wait to see what Kurt has in store. I haven’t been disappointed yet. This is some of the best material, dare I say EVER produced for television.

P.S. If you like Sons and haven’t watched “Terriers” yet, check it out. I’ll be blogging about the first season’s finale tomorrow. VERY EXCITED!!!!!

Sunday Night Insights: Volume IV

“Dexter”

Good call bringing Jonny Lee Miller on to guest star. This weekend I watched the 2003 BBC miniseries Byron in which he was great. Now watching “Dexter”, it confirms that he only gets better with age.  Dexter screws with evidence again to get the DVD of Lumen being tortured. For some reason, she needs to watch it. The shot of the video reflecting in her eye was beautiful. Great shooting and directing. I’m surprised how much I’m liking Julia Stiles. Until now, I couldn’t stand her. Her performance is pretty good. Dex and Lumen visit the first victim, Emily. She recounts her torture and names the fifth bad guy. Love seeing Scott Grimes as the last of our torturous bastards. You may remember him as Malarky from Band of Brothers, but to me, he’ll always be David, the smart ass kid in my favorite Christmas movie, The Night They Saved Christmas. Yes, that’s right, the Jaclyn Smith 1984 made for TV movie. This was an especially suspenseful and dramatic episode. I found the ending to be emotional and beautiful. Lumen knows what Dexter is and she doesn’t think he’s a monster. My guess is that no one will ever know him as well as she does.

“Boardwalk Empire”

This was a big episode. One of my complaints has been that it moves too slow and not enough happens. That changed this week. Jimmy’s father is revealed and it surprised me. Plus, I knew his mother was young when she got knocked up, but 13?!!!! Damn, they were dirty back then. Dirty. Old. Man. I’ve always been on the fence when it came to Michael Pitt as an actor, but I’m really starting to think that this part was made for him. This week, Shea Whigham really stood out. Until now, hadn’t given him a second thought. He gave a greatly intense performance in the scene where he stands up to Nucky. He lays it all out, everything they know, but that hasn’t been said. Of course, Nucky punishes him for it. I even like him a little in it. Michael Shannon continues to blow me away every episode. Tonight was no exception. Damn, he is one complex character. All this was a terrific lead up to next week’s finale. Can’t wait. Retribution is coming.

“The Walking Dead”

The reason this show is so good is that it’s not just another horror flick. It’s about the people, the emotion. Laurie Holden gives a stirring performance as she mourns her sister and then puts a bullet in her head when the breath returns. This group of survivors holds tight to every bit of humanity that they can. That’s no easy feat when you’re running from zombies. I like Grimes’ radio messages to Morgan. They’re like his diary entries.  In case you didn’t hear me the first few times I said it, Bear McCreary is a brilliant composer. His music is moving and sorrowful, yet hopeful all at once. I had tears in my eyes as Jim made an unimaginable decision. I can’t say I’d do the same. Is hope on the horizon? Can we expect answers in next week’s season finale? I hope so. Tune in.

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.

"Luther" Goes Out With a Bang!

The finale is here, I’m sad to say. But, rejoice, there will be second season! We pick up just after John Luther has left the side of his ex-wife, shot by his partner. His reaction to the murder of his Zoe wasn’t what I expected. He stumbles down these steps and slides to the ground. I truly thought that he would have a more violent reaction, throwing things, punching walls.  Couldn’t help but cringed as Ian wrapped his arms around DSU Teller, consoling her. She is so distraught over taking John back and to have THIS happen. Luther goes to one place no one will look for him, Alice’s flat. I have to say that I’m surprised she would ask if he killed Zoe. Maybe just to prod him, but I don’t think she’d really believe that he would. Alice is more than willing to be John’s accomplice. She revels in it. Alice fantasizes that she is Bonnie to Luther’s Clyde. I’ve always liked Luther’s partner, Ripley. He is a straight arrow. If he believes Luther is innocent, the others should f-ing believe him! Ripley knows where Luther’s line is drawn. The entire season has been leading up to Luther and Alice joining forces. Their brilliance combined. They’ve even got us hoping for a little make out session…………maybe? There is such sexual tension between them that is just intensified by the crimes they commit together. It was brilliant to get Mark on their side. Mark had more reason than anyone to believe Luther did it. Ian was played. Luther lures him to the abandoned Waterloo station where he tapes Ian’s confession. At this point, Ian just wants to die, but John chooses not to kill him. Ian then lashes out, stabbing him. Alice steps in, sexy with a shotgun. She votes to blow his ass to kingdom come. The deciding vote goes to Mark. As the unlikely trio scream at each other, Alice takes the shot. A close range gunshot to the chest is veeerrrryy messy. As they stand there, accepting what’s just happened, Luther utters, “what now?” SO BRILLIANT. Creator, Neil Cross talks about his interest in betrayal during the inside looks. He’s definitely got a talent for writing it. Hear This! “Luther” is one of the best shows that I’ve EVER seen. How often can you say that one piece of work is so perfectly written, directed, acted, scored, edited and produced? It’s going to be a very long year, awaiting the second season. Catch up on BBC America OnDemand.

My Favorite Quotes of the Week: Volume IV

Boardwalk Empire – “How do you rest your spleen?”

Bored to Death – “He gave Super Ray a beautiful vagina. Your stalker is a really talented seamstress, but no anus.”

How I Met Your Mother – “It’s a big ol’ bowl of porn flakes.”

House - “Going behind your back works better when you’re not facing me.”

NCIS - “If someone wants something out of your pants, they should have to use their hands.”

Raising Hope – “I’ll kill him. I’ll strangle him with his own sexually offending hands.”

Glory Daze - “My dad took me to a whore house when I was twelve to teach me the difference between sex and love. Aren’t dads great?”

Supernatural - “Ok, if you want to add glitter to that glue you’re sniffing, that’s fine, but don’t dump your whack-a-doo all over us. We’d rather not step in it.”

Are You Ready to Relive Your "Glory Daze"?

Picture it. College. 1986. Freshman year. Any show that begins with Frankie Goes to Hollywood is a winner. Plus, it’s got that hilarious kid from Adventureland. The humor is mostly based on boys being disgusting and stupid, but also on the political and technological state of the mid eighties (i.e. communism and this new fangled thing called electronic mail). Ok, so we’ve got a Jewish kid, an Asian kid, a jock, a preppy rich boy and our average Joe aka Joel. This new formed clan decides rush a fraternity with no goals or achievements, but lots of partying. If you go to one of their parties, you may bump into a Mexican midget wearing a powder blue tuxedo (complete with ruffles) and a sombrero filled with chips and guac, but he’s ok with it. Eli, the Jewish kid gets baked out of his mind and steals the portrait from the frat house. When his friends come to the rescue, they get cornered by security and ask themselves the most appropriate question. What would MacGyver do? Apparently he would take off all his clothes, tie them together and climb down from the second floor. Cut to four boys in their tighty whities….in the slammer. Oh and one gets tased in the nut sack. I don’t have nuts, so I can only imagine the pain. After all that, cute Irish Eddie from “Sons of Anarchy” who basically plays Van Wilder as the head of a fraternity lets them rush. This show definitely has potential. I laughed a lot. Looking forward to the music as I'm sure they'll only use the best of the best from this prime era of musical accomplishment. The previews for next week show Fred Willard and Kevin Nealon. Not a bad way to start off. Very Funny.

Tuesdays at 10pm on TBS

http://www.tbs.com/shows/glorydaze/

Stay Tuned….

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?

The Three H's of Monday Night

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

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

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