Random TV Blurbs

There are a million of things I'm supposed to be watching yesterday. But I instead spent my time playing this on the computer with my 9year old and the hubby.

CivCity: Rome

We're a family of OCs (obsessive-compulsive) -- my husband, my son and myself. Can you imagine what our household is like? Power struggle. Yeah.

A game like this is something the three of us enjoy best. We're currently trying to build one civilization together. I don't have to bore you with the details of the game, but there's bloodbath and rebellion. And that's not even in game, it was among us three. Hah!

****

I happen to channel surf to Studio 23 while Gilmore Girls was on a couple of days ago. Don't have any idea what season was airing and I forgot how long it's been since I last watched an episode of the show.

The scene I caught was that of Rory returning home from London for the holidays. Lorelei meets her the front of the house and they engage in this exchange, this conversation.

Those girls talk a mile a minute (!!!) and here I was, a non-regular viewer caught in between --- annoyed yet amused. Have they always talked like that? Like two chatting crickets? (Do crickets "chat"? LOL!) I failed to notice it before. I found myself unable to switch channels because something was beckoning me to just watch them.

It was like watching a marathon. I wanted to see who gets to talk last and then breathe.

Also on Studio 23 later tonight, 9:30 PM --- Brothers & Sisters (the second episode). I'm gonna watch it again. This show is like therapy for me.

****

Experiencing Sopranos withdrawal. Found my fix in this series:

Brotherhood - The Complete First Season

Started with a couple of episodes earlier. Loving it. It's a lot more complex than Sopranos.

The Sopranos tried hard at keeping their family together and covering up each others' mess. In Brotherhood, it's quite the opposite and it's harder for one of the brothers since he is a government official, while his older brother is in the Irish Mafia.

*****

For viewing later today....if I don't get pulled into playing CivCity Rome!

• preview of Cane
• preview of Saving Grace
• The Job - The Complete Series on DVD. Finally!

*****

Still waiting for the Battlestar Galactica - Season One DVD to arrive. Watching clips on Youtube instead. Takam na ako!

[CivCity Rome], [Brotherhood], [Gilmore Girls], [Brothers & Sisters], [Battlestar Galactica]

Pushing Daisies Frenzy

I'm going all out with this one. I'd hate to think viewers will not be able to appreciate this show because it's "just too quirky". They should be able to appreciate it "inspite" being exactly that. C'mon people, go on edge, have a little variety with your TV viewing choices. Embrace the quirky! :)

The 411:
Pushing Daisies

• Airing on ABC - October 3, 2007 8 PM, Wednesday
• It will air before Private Practice which is at 9 PM.
• It's toughest rating competition is Deal or No Deal on NBC, a show that rates well with viewers.
  
• It is up against new TV shows --- Kid Nation on CBS and Back To You on Fox (which I'm looking forward to as well)
  
• The time slot used to carry Lost, which will not premiere until Feb. 2008.
  

Cast:

• Anna Friel as Charlotte "Chuck" Charles (British Actress)
  
• Chi McBride as Emerson Cod (House viewers will recognize him as Vogler; also a Boston Public cast member)
  
• Jim Dale as Narrator (who is the narrator for Harry Potter audio books)
• Kristin Chenoweth as Olive (theater actress)
  
• Lee Pace as Ned (from Wonderfalls)

Now, imagine for a minute that what I'm about to share next is as scrumptious looking as Ned's pies (as seen in photo), in the hopes of whetting your viewing appetite.

• Newsday picks Pushing Daises as one of the ten most buzzed about new shows of 2007 ---
  

5. "Pushing Daisies," ABC, Wednesdays at 8 p.m. One of the great over-the-top pilots of the new season, "Daisies" is so visually distinct, so curiously bizarre, so intermittently morbid that this could be the most talked-about show of the new season. Ned (Lee Pace) touches dead things and brings them back to life, and - one can imagine - the practical applications for this talent are enormous. Big stars also abound (Chi McBride, Swoosie Kurtz, Anna Friel).

• TV Critic Matt Roush pushes for Pushing Daisies ---
  

Now to Pushing Daisies and its entirely different, thoroughly unique look and vibe. Diving into this enchanting show is like gorging on a delicious dessert with each bite giving off a new and unexpected pleasure. It’s charmingly written by Bryan Fuller (Dead Like Me, Wonderfalls, Heroes) and stylishly directed by Barry Sonnenfeld (Men in Black), who promises to stay involved with this show longer than he did in his earlier forays into distinctive TV (Karen Sisco, Maximum Bob, The Tick). They achieve a tone that is part storybook fantasy (narrated by Jim Dale, every bit as engaging as he is on the Harry Potter audiobooks), part unrequited love story, part wacky comedy, part whodunit procedural.

• Daisies Lovefest at TV Week ---
  

Naturally some will question whether the premise can sustain itself, and others will wonder if viewers will embrace the series in sufficient numbers. Don’t care. It’s great TV and takes a risk.

• IGN: Life and Death with Pushing Daisies ---
  

Because the two leads have such a great chemistry, and yet cannot touch, the inevitable question came up of when will the audience actually see them kiss? Will we have to wait all the way to the end of the series? Fuller explained: "We're going to have a lot of fun with prophylactics, Saran wrap kisses. We're going to see them dancing in beekeeper suits. We're going to go a long way in doing everything we can to get them to touch each other that's not flesh to flesh. And I think if the show will end—hopefully, it will never end—but if it does end, it will probably end with a kiss."

Have I pimped this show enough? :D

My preview thoughts here.

[Pushing Daisies]

Things to expect from Lost Season 4

... as discussed at the ComicCon this week:

• The return of Michael.
• Jack learning Claire is his half-sister.
• The reappearance of Libby.
• More of who Ben/Henry really is and what his role is on the Island.
• More of Dharma.
  
• A flashback involving Danielle Rousseau (which could also be for Season 5).
  
• The final scene of Season 3 is not the end of the whole series. Lost is not about getting off the island.
• There is a Station 6 somewhere in the Island
  

Here's what was partly shown at the conference:


[Lost]

Cute and Crappy

2nd Viewing - Pushing Daisies: My pie-loving son, who is 9 years, 39 weeks, 79 days, x hours old (I stopped counting...) LOVED IT. If you watch the show ---airing in October in the USA, Canada & the UK --- you will understand the significance of what I just wrote. :) My son says the sunflower field was a tad too corny, but everything else about the series is cute. I asked him to rate it from 1-5, with 5 the highest and of course he gives it 5. This show will be a big hit, I dare say.

Speaking of cute...my niece (12-days old) and her parents left for the province already (to my sis-in-law's family). Kinda sad to see them gone, but what have I got to fret about....they will be back very, very soon for check-ups. I'm pretty sure that after three weeks, my niece will be bigger. In fact, in just 12 days she already gained weight and grew longer.

Speaking of sad...saw two more pilot episodes early today. One is dispensable and the other, forgettable:

• The Big Bang Theory - about 2 geeks who become friends with a female hottie. The laugh track bothered me. One of the geeks isn't as convincing. Bearable but nothing to be excited about.
  

• Cavemen - about 3 buddies who look like prehistoric cavemen but are living in the present times (genetic problem?). I do not get the appeal of this show, if there's any.
  

[Pushing Daisies], [Cavemen], [The Big Bang Theory]

Preview: Lipstick Jungle

Alright, this confirms it. I've outgrown Candace Bushnell.

This new TV series, Lipstick Jungle, which is based from Bushnell's book (written after SATC) is so far the worst I've seen from the previews of upcoming TV shows this fall season.

Lipstick Jungle follows three women, all with very demanding jobs and social status:

Victory (Lindsay Price)
- a fashion designer
- who is developing this relationship with a billionaire (Andrew McCarthy)

Wendy (Brooke Shields)
- a movie production executive
- with 3 kids and a husband who wants to divorce her

Nico (Kim Reaver)
- a fashion magazine editor
- with a husband who hardly notices her, so she sets out to have an affair with a man younger than her

They are three of the 50 most powerful women in New York, or so says the magazine that featured them at the beginning of the episode.

Bleh. I don't even know where to start pointing out what is wrong with the series. It felt pretentious and was unfunny. I cannot relate to any of these women, supposedly representing my contemporaries. This recycled Sex and The City is that horrible for me.

Lipstick Jungle will air on NBC midseason....which gives them enough time to retool the show and do something better --- change cast, change script, change production, change whatever...what they have right now is not going to work.

Lipstick Jungle is expected to be pitted against Cashmere Mafia (ABC), another new series about four powerful women.

[Lipstick Jungle], [Brooke Shields], [Kim Reaver], [Lindsay Price], [Candace Bushnell]

Fracking Fantastic - Battlestar Galactica

Earlier, I had all intentions to begin watching Battlestar Gallactica or at least try to follow it when it was airing locally on cable TV (Crime/Suspense Channel). But as I've been very distracted, living up to the phrase --- watching too much TV, I only caught some parts of it and completely forgot its schedule the following weeks.

Last night, while finding something else to watch, I had not realized we had this on our DVD shelf:

Battlestar Galactica (2003 Miniseries)
So for the next three hours or so, the husband and I were treated to what I call was a fireworks frenzy with soundtracks playing in the background.

I can't believe I ignored the DVD that was sitting on our shelf for so long.

Battlestar Galactica is a spectacular and beautiful series. As the hubby puts it --- it's set in a fictional dimension but the plot lines are very believable. And for a Star Wars fan (the hubby, not me) to say that it was actually better than watching Star Wars, that should account for something.

So now, we're on a quest ourselves --- to seriously watch and catch up on the 50+ episodes of this fantastic series.

[Battestar Galactica]

Preview: Bionic Woman

Oh, I was disappointed.

When Bionic Woman jumped from one building to the next, it didn't carry that background sound I remember from the old series, the 70's version (ngiyaw yaw yaw yaw yaw yaw). That's the way we kids used to play Bionic Woman then, with that matching sound effect. Mwahaha.

Seriously, I was disappointed. It was as if most of the actors in this series are bionic themselves. Their eyes, their expressions, their dialogue delivery were robotic.

In the updated version, Bionic Woman Jamie Sommers (played by British actress Michelle Ryan) wakes up in secluded facility to discover that her fiance, a surgeon-teacher-government scientist, has replaced her arms, legs, right eyes and ears with bionic implants after a horrific car accident, without her knowledge or consent.

Jamie escapes the facility and goes back to her regular life as a bartender. Meanwhile the people that operated on her keeps a watchful guard. Still getting used to her "powers" (kinda like Terminator at one point), she comes face to face with a woman just like her, the first bionic model (Sarah), and she is determined to destroy the bionic project. Sarah is a more enhanced version of Jamie. She's got bionic boobs for chrissake. LOL! Alright, bionic chest.

Realizing that the bionic life ain't so bad after all, Jamie decides to accept how she is and agrees to work with the people that made her, to try and track Sarah with bionic boobs.

The current version, to begin airing on NBC on September 26, is said to carry a different story than the the 70's version. A lot of it was altered, and in fact, more changes are still taking place (e.g. cast replacements and character rewrites). The version I watched will not be final one that will pilot in September.

This series hopes to capture viewers the same way Heroes did. But something just ain't right with it yet. So, perhaps it's best to lower expectations for Bionic Woman. If they do it right, what with all the rewrites and changes taking place, Jamie Sommers could be the next Sydney Bristow.

Ngiyaw yaw yaw yaw yaw yaw...

[Bionic Woman], [Jamie Sommers]

Preview: Aliens in America

Aliens in America pokes fun at being un-PC. And I guess they are doing something right because the show is downright funny (to me at least....wait a minute, I must be un-PC!). Might be tad offensive to some though. Many TV critics apparently didn't like the theme.

Read: PinoyTVJunkie's review of Aliens in America

Watch: Preview clip ---



Will this show try to break down barriers or make things worse?

My piece of advice when you sit and watch this? Don't take it seriously. Lighten up.

The show will air on the CW this fall.

[Aliens in America]

Damages

Glenn Close ought to be on TV often. Because there aren't enough women antagonists (read: bitches) that I can root for the way I did with Sherry Palmer (24).

Glenn Close stars in this new FX summer series, Damages. The show is described as something akin to The Firm, a legal thriller that interestingly enough, will hardly take place inside the courtroom or deal with how cases are tried, if at all. From the looks of it, Damages seems to be more character-centric than anything else.

And FX Network delivers yet another TV show with an ambiguous theme --- strong characters with questionable morals.

The pilot episode opens with a pretty, young woman, Ellen, emerging from a posh apartment, half naked, covered in some blood and in a daze. We see her next at the police station and then we get a flashback to how she lived six months earlier.

Ellen (played by Rose Byrne) is a lawyer with tons of potential, who has just landed a job at a prestigious firm --- a job she declined because she was waiting to hear from another job interview with Patty Hewes (played by Glenn Close). Hewes, by the way, is portrayed as the Miranda Priestly of Litigation. Hewes is a top litigator whose firm currently handles the biggest class action lawsuit of the year. As the story unfolds, we learn that the lawsuit by Hewes' firm is against a billionaire (played Ted Danson). And viewers are soon treated to a web of stories, with Ellen as the key to the whole thing; and her boss, her job at Hewes' firm isn't all she hoped it would be.

The initial episode has already earmarked Glenn Close as the bad guy (gal) among other bad guys (them lawyers heh!). That is pretty clear and simple enough.

But nothing in this 13-episode series will actually appear to be very simple.

If anything, one should expect more lies, manipulation and deception.

And of course, more of Glenn Close on TV.

Damages airs Tuesdays at 10 on FX.

[Damages], [Glenn Close]

Preview: Californication

Californication lives up to its title. In the pilot episode alone, the lead character, Hank, fornicates with more than three (or four? I lost count) times, separate women all.

The series stars David Duchovny (Xfiles) as a writer who is going through a crisis of self-identity. Once successful (his book was turned into a movie), we find Hank sex-obsessed, separated from his wife and daughter and in need of a career direction or make-over.

I think I have little respect for Duchovny's character, a classic douchebag. But after viewing Californication's pilot epsiode... as an actor, I have to say that I have new found respect for David Duchovny. His take on his role is hilarious, it's harder to hate that bitter douchebag.

The surprise for me though is this girl:

Madeline Zima

You'll probably remember her as the youngest one in this photo:


Yes, she is that little girl in The Nanny.

In Californication, she's all grown up now....all grown up and does this with Duchovny:


It took me awhile to recognize her, so imagine my astonishment. But I quickly got over that because there are finer things to be astonished about in this TV series. Californication is unusual. The dialogues are in-your-face. Like for instance:

Ex-wife to Hank: You smell like pussy
Daughter to Hank: Father, why does her vagina have no hair?

I had little clue to what this series is all about before I started watching it. I expected something dark and gloomy (ala The Riches or Meadowlands). But instead found myself laughing at the uproariousness of it.

Californication airs August 13th on Showtime.

Details of the show here.

[Californication], [David Duchovny], [Madeline Zima]

Preview: Pushing Daisies

I knew it. I am going to love this series.

If there's one thing to describe Pushing Daisies, it is that it's overflowing with cuteness. But mind you, the writing is not at all cutesy. On the contrary, it's sharp and very funny.

Pushing Daisies will perhaps remind you of the movie Amelie. It carries a very sad theme --- death and intimacy, or in Ned's case, the lack of it. But it is told in this really whimsical way, with a colorful fairytale setting to boot.

The pilot episode is nothing but brilliant. The delivery awoke the child in me...because it felt as if someone was telling me a bedtime story.

Such a magical feeling.

Lee Pace (Ned) and Anna Friel (Chuck) are both adorable, separately or together. They make quite a good pair on TV. (I thought that the girl was Zooey Deschanel! I was mistaken.)

Pushing Daisies will be my favorite, that I can say with certainty now. It's refreshing to have something like this on TV. I cannot wait for this to air.

Pushing Daisies premieres on ABC, with a (tentative?) pilot date of Sept. 26. October 3 is its confirmed pilot airing.

Early reviews:

• Test Pilot: Pushing Daisies
• ABC's ‘Pushing Daisies’: Bringing the Dead Back to Life

Watch the TV preview here.

[Pushing Daisies]

Preview: Chuck

Move over John Dorian...someone else might be snatching that "uncool" tag from you. His name is Chuck (played by Zachary Levi). And his story unveils on September 24 at NBC.

Chuck is a tech geek who doesn't have a social life. His sister tries to match him up with other women, but Chuck is -- Not. An. Interesting. Dude. Until one day, he receives this encoded email from his old college buddy, who Chuck thought was an accountant, but turns out to be a government spy. The email contains government secrets. Lots of it. And then things start to happen. And then it gets exciting for Chuck...and also for the story.

This series is not an intensified conspiracy drama, I should say that. On the contrary, it's a comedy; one that delivers the funnies quite well. I enjoyed the quips and the silliness of it. Except, I find the female supporting character (Yvonne Strzechowski) less credible and it isn't her fault. It's just me. For some reason I see her as someone who does not command a secret agent 'tude but instead brings this Elle Woods vibe for me.

Also in the cast is Adam Baldwin, a cult-fan favorite thanks to Firefly. In Chuck, he plays John Casey, also a secret agent (mercenary?) who provides the balance to this ensemble.

We have the beauty, the geek and the Adam Baldwin.

Could this be the surprise hit of the coming season?

Additional read: Televisionary: Pilot Inspektor: NBC's "Chuck"



[Chuck], [Zachary Levi], [Adam Baldwin]

Preview: Terminator - The Sarah Connor Chronicles

The first five minutes of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles pilot episode (based from the movie franchise) is already pumped with action. A school gets blown up, Sarah and her son, John, are both running for their lives and I could not take my eyes off the TV screen. Before I can even try and jog my memory of what little I know of its movie version (not a fan of Terminator really), the story has already began rolling and I had to really sit there, watch and follow it.

My first impression --- this is quite a big-budgetted TV series....very ambitious for TV.

My second impression --- I still can't imagine anyone else playing Sarah Connor but Linda Hamilton, but I am liking the series' actors and their take on the characters, so far. Sarah for the TV version is played by Lena Headey (300) and John is played by Thomas Drekker (Heroes).

Midway through, Summer Glau's (Serenity, Firefly) character, Cameron is introduced. She looks like a harmless 16-17 year old but she is in fact one of the cyborgs of this series, a teenager protecting a teenager (John).

The twist to this TV version? It's starts off in 1999 but by the end of the episode, Sarah, John and Cameron are transported to 2007. And this is where their saga will start.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles won't be premiering on the small screen until mid-season. Why the long wait? I wonder about this myself.

It will be aired on Fox.

TV Promo posted in this previous entry




[Terminator], [Sarah Connor Chronicles], [Lena Headley], [Summer Glau]

More House Season 4 Spoilers

This is from the TCA Report c/o Ausiello of TV Guide:

The new season of House starts with this ---

House is alone. And House is trying to solve cases by himself. Cuddy insists that he hire a new time. Over the first bunch of episodes, he's going to call in [40 or so candidates] and see who survives. It will be like Survivor.

Chase is working in Arizona when the season starts. And Cameron's there visiting him. Foreman, meanwhile, is heading up his own diagnostic team at another hospital.

- Expect a "huge makeout scene" for Cuddy. Did not say with whom.
- Typical of House, he will call his new doctors by number and not by their names. Earlier, it was reported that there will be four new doctors...there are actually five.

[House]

Movie Time, Music Time, Changing Times

MOVIE TIME: Watched these movies with my 9-year old over the last two weekends. It was he who asked that we should watch it. Lately, he's been exhibiting this fondness for movies. And now looks forward to weekends at the movie house or watching some at home.




Watched when the little one has gone to bed...



MUSIC TIME: Found my 9year old listening to my husband's iPod, which had songs from these artists:



He says he digs it. I am bewildered. But we ended up listening to it together.

CHANGING TIMES: My 9 year old stayed late at school because there was a school affair. He brought his cellphone with him (which he rarely ever uses, really... just for days like this) but then he tells me --- "Mom, don't call me at school, ha? I'll call you." And of course, he only called just once to tell me he has boarded the school service and is going home for dinner.

Waaaaah.

My baby is growing up.

Kidnapped

Kidnapped is a series that reminds me a lot of the movie, Ransom. It is very similar in that it follows the movie even down to the ending --- when it was finally revealed who the real bad guy was.

To compensate, Kidnapped did have a very strong cast led by:

• Timothy Hutton (I used to confuse him with Tom Hanks back in the 80's!)
• Dana Delany (love her in this series!)
• Jeremy Sisto (who is more familiar to me as that deranged junkie-brother from Six Feet Under).

In Kidnapped, Sisto is a bad ass who works as a freelance kidnap victim "recoverer" ...or whatever his job description should be. He has the right nose and the best intuition for the job. And for conflict, his character did not like playing by the rules... which makes his scenes very interesting and exciting. Also in the cast is Delroy Lindo, who is (trivia! trivia!) originally part of the movie Ransom and played almost the same role in this series! (Hello, stereotype?) He is the FBI agent Sisto's character has to work hand in hand with for this case.

The kidnapped victim is the son of one of New York's premiere business men (played by Hutton); a business man who got to where he is by virtue of marriage --- Hutton's character is married to a socialite, old money (Delaney).

All in all, I found Kidnapped not to be an entirely compelling series. It's worth watching, alright. But it doesn't have the same intensity as 24, which is somewhat how this show was played out.

Somewhere in the middle, the story felt like an extended episode of Without a Trace or Law and Order. But still, it is a shame a series like this was not given the chance to develop into what it should be. Because after about five episodes (out of 13) the show was already canceled. Perhaps if the show had enough exposure, it could have become, potentially, one of the best series of 2006.

Kidnapped, the full series, is already out on DVD: Kidnapped - The Complete Series

It is currently airing on local cable AXN.

The series originally aired on NBC in September 2006.

[Kidnapped], [Timothy Hutton], [Dana Delaney], [Without A Trace], [Jeremy Sisto]

Preview: Reaper

Making its small screen debut on Sept. 25 via CW, comedy series Reaper didn't get me all too excited. Even if it was directed by Kevin Smith. But plenty of people who have already seen it are raving about it.

The appeal comes from the fact that it's an eccentric comedy.

The story is about a young man (Sam), whose soul was sold to the devil by his parents, even when Sam wasn't born yet. On his 21st birthday, Sam learns he is to be Satan's bounty hunter. He is instructed to bring lost souls back to hell (coz apparently they can escape from there). And the Devil (who I find to be very sympathetic and "nice" ...which is probably what ruined it for me) gifts him with this ultra-high powered vacuum cleaner (just like the ones from GhostBusters) to be able to do his job.

Sam (Brett Harrison) is stereotypically depicted as having no ambition in life, but destined for extra-ordinary things. In contrast, his sidekick and best friend - Sock, is boxed as a character who brings the silly factor to the show.

But I wasn't amused at all.

Maybe I don't get this show yet. Huh.

Early reviews:

• Tuned In's Test Pilot: Reaper

• New York Magazine's Reaper: Don't Fear It

For more info about the show, check this out.
Show schedule: September 25, Tuesday 9/8C CW

[Reaper]

24 Season 7: The Lady President

Please welcome the President of the United States: President Allison Taylor...

So, they picked Cherry Jones to play Season 7's Lady President. I can't remember where I've seen her. But I am familiar with her face, and it had to be in something terrifying, that is what I recall.

Day 7 of 24 premieres January 2008.

[Cherry Jones], [24 Season 7]

The TCA 2007 Awards Winners

At least they didn't forget Friday Night Lights!

• PROGRAM OF THE YEAR: "Heroes" (NBC)

• OUTSTANDING NEW PROGRAM: "Friday Night Lights" (NBC)

• OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN DRAMA: "The Sopranos" (HBO)

• OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN COMEDY: "The Office" (NBC)

• OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN NEWS & INFORMATION: "Planet Earth" (Discovery)

• OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING: "Kyle XY" (ABC Family)

• OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MOVIES, MINI-SERIES & SPECIALS: "Planet Earth" (Discovery)

• INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN COMEDY: Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock" (NBC)

• INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN DRAMA: Michael C. Hall, "Dexter" (Showtime)

• HERITAGE AWARD: "The Sopranos" (HBO)

• CAREER ACHIEVEMENT: Mary Tyler Moore

Nominee list may be found here.

[TCA Awards 2007]

Mad Men: Men Behaving Badly

Mad Men, short for Madison Ave. Men, is a drama set in the 1960's about advertising executives working in, where else but Madison Ave. (which is the premiere location for the best advertising people in the world.)

As this series aims to show --- working in advertising, in corporate New York much less, is as brutal as politics. Men here are depicted as chauvinistic pigs (it's amusing because today gay people rule advertising!) and women are treated as second-class citizens. And elsewhere, everybody smoked cigarettes and tobacco companies are making lots of money.

The series portrays everything that is wrong in this world, issues that people of the new millennium are trying to make right.

The story line is too deep for me to invest into at the moment. But don't get me wrong, it looks like it will be a very captivating series, the story is indeed intriguing. The cinematography and costumes are actually very appealing. But I'm just not looking for something heavy to watch at this time. Although plenty people are liking this series:

• TV REVIEW: The cynical, captivating world of 'Mad Men'
• Review: MAD MEN - SEASON 1 - 'Smoke Gets in Your Eyes'
• Glib 'Mad Men' sell an image
• “Mad Men” on AMC
• MAD MEN and the last stereotype left standing

The series airs on AMC.

Rosemarie Dewitt is the only familiar face to me in this series' cast, having seen her work in Standoff.

[Mad Men], [Rosemarie Dewitt], [Standoff]

Prison Break 3: Casting Sara Tancredi

News about Sarah Wayne Callies not returning to Prison Break 3 has been finally cleared. She is not leaving the show but has yet to begin shooting her scenes after her maternity leave. Prison Break has began filming early this month.

The "Sara" being cast is only being cast as a temporary lookalike to [Sarah Wayne Callies] for the purposes of the episodes leading up through Ep.03x03. The actress will have shadows blocking her face or her features will be turned away from the camera during filming in order to camouflage her as the real "Sara." Sarah Wayne Callies is NOT leaving the show and will be back filming for Ep. 03x04<. Although SWC will be on maternity leave, she has already taped voiceovers in order to keep Sara's voice the same as the director and producers want to keep the stand-in as secret as a stunt double is in the show...ultimately hoping the audience doesn't notice a thing different about the two Sara's. --- SpoilerFix

The season premiere of Prison Break will open with Bellick and Sapo (new character) in Sona Penitentiary. T-bag is also at the Sona and is part of a different gang (Lechero). Michael will long for the sanity of Fox River over Sona. He teams up with Mahone and meets Lechero, who teaches them how things are done over at Sona.

[Prison Break], [Sarah Wayne Callies]

How I Met Your Mother Season 3 Spoilers

Disclaimer: I am not an official source; just passing what I read from all over.

This was reported on TV Guide's Ausiello's blog and I am already laughing just reading it:

Marshall will give Barney a rather large clue about when his highly anticipated third slap will be delivered. (Hint: It involves a website called slapcountdown.com. Don't bother checking the site, though, there's nothing there. Yet.)

Slap bet, ha-ha!

Season 3 will also have:

• Lily and Marshall's apartment-hunting saga.
• Marshall rethinking his job direction: the job he wants vs. the money he needs.
• The woman who took away Barney's virginity. The are casting someone "frightening", a woman who is about 45 years old. ROTFL.
• The return of Barney's gay black brother, brother.
• Some hints about "Mother"
  

The show premieres in September 24.

[How I Met Your Mother]

Big Brother 8 - JENius Tumultuous Week

Earlier, I wrote about Jen, this ultra self-centered house guest in Big Brother USA. As much as I like her the least (so far), having her in the house makes the show very, very interesting. Especially with what has happened this week --- when Jen became the Head of Household.

In Big Brother USA, every week, house guests compete to become the "leader" of the house. Becoming the leader means he or she gets to nominate two people for eviction. Jen nominates the father and daughter team of Dick and Danielle. Jen says that she nominated them both because they bring too much negativity in the house, what with their strained relationship and all. But what everybody knows is this obvious truth:

• That Jen nominated Dick because they just cannot get along, and Dick tells it to her face.

Dick to Jen: Nobody likes you here. Why don't you just leave? I fucking hate you.

Yup that's what that pixelation in the photo is for. He said the F word, addressed to Jen. Haha. Don't let these two people out, just yet. Me want to see more fighting.

• That Jen nominated Danielle because she is jealous of her. See, Jen likes Nick and made up a story about Nick trying to kiss her earlier. Nick didn't try to kiss her and has in fact confronted Jen about it. Nick is actually falling for Danielle.
  

Danielle has a boyfriend outside.

So, then now comes the Veto competition.

In Big Brother USA, a Veto competition is held in the middle of the week for the nominees (2), the Head of Household (1) and three other house guests. They will compete for the veto medal, which is a chance for one of the six to change the nominations the Head of Household has made. Those who have been nominated get a chance to put themselves off the chopping block.

Before the competition, Jen approaches one player, Amber... and told her not to try and change her nomination. Because if she did, Jen will take out Amber, or someone close to her (Dustin).

What Jen didn't know (because Jen only thinks of Jen) is that Amber's one sensitive chick, who since Day 1, has already been crying about the littlest things!!! And being in this veto competition is adding pressure for Amber because she is also close to both Dick and Danielle. Who will she save if she wins the veto?

Amber's dilemma and the fact that Jen tells her what to do, causes a big drama inside the house, leading Danielle to confront Jen, and then Dick to confront Jen....which also led Joe to confront Jen and someone else; which domino-ed and led Jameka to confront Zack.

Watch:



Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! LOL!

Anyway, eventually Danielle wins the veto, much to Jen's dismay. Danielle takes herself out of the nomination block. So Jen has to nominate another person --- Joe, who is clearly the one going home this week since Dick has more people on his side than Joe.

This is perhaps the most exciting week for Big Brother, since 2005. The best part of it has to be this bonding time with the dad and the daughter, where Dick gives Danielle some fatherly advise, now that she is developing this relationship with Nick inside the house:



Other house mates everywhere ought to listen to what Dick said about falling in love inside the house.

[Big Brother USA 8]

Here's the baby girl....

I interrupt the program to proudly show to all of you my one and only niece...


This was taken day 2. Her face has been changing since. Some days she looks like someone else in our family, other days she looks like her parents.

Such a well-behaved baby, she doesn't make a fuss or cry!

See previous entry: The Princess has arrived..

Oh, incidentally today is my grandmother's (of which we were both named after) 18th death anniversary. I know she would love this baby girl a million times more than she has loved and cared for my brother (her prince, actually, the favorite).

Maybe Lola is watching over her.

The 59th Annual Emmy Awards Nominees

Ugh. They snubbed LOST. And FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS.

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series

• Ricky Gervais as Andy Millman - Extras
• Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk - Monk
• Steve Carell as Michael Scott - The Office
• Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy - 30 Rock
• Charlie Sheen as Charlie Harper - Two and A Half Men

Forecast: Three-way between Gervais, Carell & Baldwin. Don't especially care for Sheen. Shalhoub - past winner. Meh.

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series

• James Spader as Alan Shore -Boston Legal
• Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House - House
• Denis Leary as Tommy Gavin - Rescue Me
• James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano - The Sopranos
• Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer - 24

Forecast: Hugh Laurie! Hugh Laurie!

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series

• Felicity Huffman as Lynette Scavo - Desperate Housewives
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Christine Campbell - The New Adventures Of Old Christine
• Tina Fey as Liz Lemon - 30 Rock
• America Ferrera as Betty Suarez - Ugly Betty
• Mary-Louise Parker as Nancy Botwin - Weeds

Forecast: Parker or Huffman. Maybe Ferrera. Or Fey. Or Louis-Dreyfuss. Hah! Hard to predict this category.

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series

• Sally Field as Nora Walker - Brothers & Sisters
• Kyra Sedgwick as Dep. Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson - The Closer
• Mariska Hargitay as Detective Olivia Benson - Law & Order SVU
• Patricia Arquette as Allison Dubois - Medium
• Minnie Driver as Dahlia Malloy - The Riches
• Edie Falco as Carmela Soprano - The Sopranos

Forecast: Sally Field!

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series

• Kevin Dillon as Johnny Drama - Entourage
• Jeremy Piven as Ari Gold - Entourage
• Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson - How I Met Your Mother
• Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute - The Office
• Jon Cryer as Alan Harper - Two and A Half Men

Forecast: Harris or Piven. Wilson will be a refreshing choice.

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series

• William Shatner as Denny Crane - Boston Legal
• T.R. Knight as George - Grey's Anatomy
• Masi Oka as Hiro Nakamura - Heroes
• Michael Emerson as Ben - Lost
• Terry O’Quinn as John Locke - Lost
• Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti - The Sopranos

Forecast: Michael Emerson. I just love him. Maybe Moltisanti.

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series

• Jaime Pressly as Joy Turner - My Name is Earl
• Jenna Fischer as Pam Beesly - The Office
• Holland Taylor as Evelyn Harper - Two and A Half Men
• Conchata Ferrell as Berta - Two and A Half Men
• Vanessa Williams as Wilhelmina Slater - Ugly Betty
• Elizabeth Perkins as Celia Hodes - Weeds

Forecast: Williams or Perkins

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series

• Rachel Griffiths as Sarah Whedon - Brothers & Sisters
• Katherine Heigl as Isobel “Izzie” Stevens - Grey's Anatomy
• Chandra Wilson as Dr. Bailey - Grey's Anatomy
• Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang - Grey's Anatomy
• Aida Turturro as Janice Soprano - The Sopranos
• Lorraine Bracco as Dr. Jennifer Melfi - The Sopranos

Forecast: Griffiths. Turturro.

Outstanding Comedy Series

• Entourage
• The Office
• 30 Rock
• Two And A Half Men
• Ugly Betty

Forecast: The Office or 30 Rock

Outstanding Drama Series

• Boston Legal
• Grey’s Anatomy
• Heroes
• House
• The Sopranos

Forecast: Ridiculous list because they overlooked a lot of really good shows for Grey's Anatomy, Boston Legal and maybe even Heroes. Sopranos for the win.


Full list may be found here.

[Emmy Awards]

Scoop Galore

So what's in store for two of Drama's Best?

Brothers & Sisters

Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon) joins the cast in Season 2. He will play Sen. McAllister's campaign manager and will hook up with Sally Field's character, Nora Walker. Nora Walker, meantime, will keep herself busy running a blog dedicated to American soldiers, seeing that her youngest son, Justin, is still in Iraq fighting for his country.

Friday Night Lights

Season 2 will open eight months after, with Tami already in labor.

The Taylors immediately go into a five-ep arc about whether or not they made a mistake entering into this long-distance relationship. Tami’s dealing with an infant and a teenage daughter who’s "acting out more than she ever has," while Eric is dealing with "what college football is like and coaching there and not being the head guy in charge. A lot of interesting dynamics come out of that." According to Katims, "Eric and Tami are gonna be intensely connected from the beginning" of the season, rather than being separated into discrete stories or having an over-the-phone relationship. --- E!Online

Jason's health improves. His relationship with Lyla and Tim also improves. His relationship with the Dillon Panther's new coach thought? Not good. Casting for who this new coach will be is on-going and we'll hear about it in the next couple of days.

Landry and Tyra? Super close, like two brackets together --- []. Hehehe. Can't believe the guy snags one hot girl. Yey for him!

More spoilerooooos ---

Grey's Anatomy

Mer, Izzie and Christina become mentors to the new interns, including George (who as we know, failed his internship).

They are casting a male doctor, someone in his 50's, preferably hot. Hey, what about George Clooney?! He once played a doctor. Is he in his 50's??... I'm kidding. :D

Prison Break

I am quite unsure of how reliable this is but, what else could go wrong for Prison Break? Apparently this:

*extra juicy* I couldn't confirm it with official sources but it looks like they are recasting Sara Tancredi. Could it be that the actress, after giving birth, decided to take care of her baby and not come back to the show? Sara is set to make her first season appearance in episode 3, where we will see her next to a young male character we have seen many times before. --- Isabella of BuddyTV

[Brothers&Sisters], [Friday Night Lights], [Grey's Anatomy], [Prison Break]

House Season 4 - Four New Faces

Korbi from E!Online reports these are the four new faces, the new doctor-students under our favorite cranky doc, House.

Olivia Wilde
Previous Credit: The Black Donelly's



Anne Dudek
Previous Credits: Psych



Kal Penn
Previous Credit: 24



Peter Jacobson

[House], [Olivia Wilde], [Anne Dudek], [Kal Penn], [Peter Jacobson]

Dark and Twisty

Riveting is not even the right word I could use to begin describing what The Shield Season 6 was about.

• Underground Online The Shield Season 6 Review

• BlogCritics The Shield Season 6 Review

• Entertainment Weekly The Shield Season 6 Review

This was great TV.

[The Shield]

The Princess has arrived

Previously....

My sister-in-law just gave birth to the first baby girl in our family.

I found her awake yesterday morning a little before 5 AM complaining of the ache in her stomach and how she's got blood all over. I clapped. Hee! My brother was getting ready for the hospital while she sat down and calmed herself and I told her of how it was when I first had signs of labor. Almost 12 hours after that, her daughter was born.

I've got pictures! But I can't post it here since I have yet to tell my brother and sister that I plan to.

The baby, who happens to be named after my grandmother and myself, will be staying with us for a couple of weeks (with her parents of course) and I've been baby-proofing the house for bacteria, mosquitoes and stuff. The place is cleaner than an Intel Lab. LOL!

It's been so long since there was a baby in this house. Needless to say, I'm very excited.

Can I keep her?

I wish she'd permanently stay with us.

My brother and his wife --- they live in the South because work is nearer. We're in the East. They only come by once or twice a month.

I'm already gonna miss the baby.

Greek

A dash of Freaks & Geeks and Undeclared, a sprinkle of Legally Blonde or Mean Girls...and what do you get? This new TV Series from ABC-Family called GREEK.

I was expecting something bad about Greek but instead, I quite enjoyed the first episode. There isn't anything new about this show, really. It's like the updated 2007 version of every college movie or tv series you've ever watched, combined. And it is full of stereotypes.

Being slightly evasive of TV series set in school (see past blog entries), what was I doing watching this show? I wanted to see this so I can watch Kelsey Grammer's daughter (Spencer Grammer), who plays the female lead, Casey. That was my main reason. And fortunately for me, Greek had a few surprises in store...and so I spent an hour's worth enjoying my TV vieiwing.

Spencer Grammer isn't bad at acting, actually. She's not quite the thespian like her Dad, but I did not find myself twitching or shaking my head in disgust at her performance (see Kristin Kreuk hah!). She was, in fact, believable to me.

What Greek has made me do, though, is to also go and finish watching Undeclared.

Here is Greek's promo video:



[Greek], [Freaks & Geeks], [Undeclared], [Spencer Grammer]

Dead Like Me The Movie

So canceled TV series, Dead Like Me is being made into a movie? Hmmmm...

I was introduced to this show some years back but never got to finish the 2nd Season. The concept of the show is pretty extraordinary. The cast is made up of grim reapers. Yes, that's it - Death themselves. Except they don't wear cloaks and aren't into Skeletar costumes. They look like regular people. But with extra-ordinary jobs.

a reaper's job is to remove the souls of people, preferably right before they die, and escort them until they move on into their afterlife --- Wikipedia.

In this video below, we learn that backlogs can also happen with a reaper's job. And I thought that one's only very specific to phone companies (hah!):



The show has a cult following, perhaps the ones most looking forward to the movie. The movie though will be released directly on DVD and some of the actors are not going to be part of the cast, including Mandy Patinkin who was, incidentally, just the other day, released from Criminal Minds.

[Dead Like Me], [Criminal Minds], [Mandy Patinkin]

Get ready for Australian Idol Season 5

With a few weeks to go, Australian Idol begins its new search for the 5th winner of the franchise.

I've been watching a lot of past performances on Youtube just to get my excitement going and I also tracked down video clips of where the rest of the ex-Idol contestants are (with their music careers now). I say, a bunch of them has been doing pretty well.

I hear Season 5 premieres on August 5th (?) and I.CAN'T.WAIT!

In the meantime, here's last year's winner, Damien Leith, in the video of his Idol song, Night of My Life.



Here we are,
Shooting stars,
Renting time in someone else's space

So unsure
Afraid to fall
I'm standing here
A little scared
But I don't care

'Cos this kind of moment, is only on loan and
I wanna remember the look in your eyes
When it's all over I want you to know that I was with you when I

Had the night of my life
The night of my life

So don't let go
You never know
Maybe your whole life's about to change

So let's hold on
Until it's gone
Nothing's made to last forever
Who knows whether

This kind of moment is only on loan and
Sometimes you don't know 'til it passes you by
And when it's all over I want you to know that I was with you when I
Had the night of my life

Maybe this whole thing comes right down to faith,
And every choice that we think that we make
Has put us right here together today
Today
Today

'Cos this kind of moment
Is only on loan and,
It won't be too long till it leaves us behind
And when it's all over I want you to know that I was with you when I
Had the night of my life,
The night of my life,
The night of my life

[Australian Idol], [Damien Leith]

Ugly Betty's new love?

Freddy Rodriguez (formerly from Six Feet Under) is in talks about joining the Ugly Betty cast. He is touted to play Gio, who sells sandwiches in carts by the street, and will grow smitten with Betty.

Yey, I like Freddy Rodriguez. But I'm bummed for Henry.

Source: Ausiello of TV Guide


[Ugly Betty], [Freddy Rodriguez]

Petition to Renew Traveler for Season 2

Traveler, Episode 7 --- They are wrapping this show quite nicely. The puzzles are slowly coming together. Some of it is predictable, but they still deliver the excitement. In fact, I have not jumped out of my seat (from TV watching) in a while. When Will Traveler, who everyone assumed was dead, appeared out of nowhere, ready to shoot the FBI agent and save his buddies, I literally shouted "Yoohoo!"

Why'd they have to kill this show?!!

If you're a Traveler fan and would like this show extended to a new season....

Please sign the petition for Traveler Season 2 here.

Read some Traveler Reviews

[Traveler]

Focus on the actress who is Lexie Grey

No wonder she's sort of familiar to me, this actress, Chyler Leigh. She, of course, shall be more familiar to everyone watching Grey's Anatomy next season, as she will play Meredith's half sister.

I've seen her in Reunion, a TV show canceled in 2005 by Fox for not rating well. And I thought she was the one who could carry that show. Has that Jennifer Garner vibe, too.

A clip from that show:



Here's Reunion's synopsis c/o IMDb:

A relentless New York City police detective, named Ken Marjorino (Mathew St. Patrick), arrives in the town of Bedford, New York, to investigate the murder of a mysterious person at a 20th high school reunion. Through Marjorino's interviews with the suspects, the stories takes us back 20 years starting in 1986 where six close friends graduated from high school. They include good-natured and ambitious, blue-collared Will Malloy (Will Estes); wealthy and snobbish, white-collared Craig Brewster (Sean Faris); overachieving but direction less Aaron Lewis (Dave Annable); Craig's girlfriend Samantha Carlton (Alexa Davalos) who dreams of becoming a doctor; Samantha's best friend Carla Noll (Chyler Leigh) a struggling photographer; and the hip Jenna Moretti (Amanda Righetti) who's obsessed with becoming a world-famous actress. With each flashback we learn more about Will, Craig, Aaron, Samantha, Carla and Jenna over their various directions they take with their lives. With each passing year that we observe, it brings up more questions. Of the six, which one was murdered? Which one committed the crime and why? Why are the five remaining friends in the present seem to know what's going on and who are they trying to protect? What is Detective Marjorino's connection with one or more of the friends? Most of all, who is the mysterious and unseen 'third party' whom is anonymously sending the five remaining friends blackmail notes saying I-know-which-one-of-you-did-it.

The series didn't even have a decent closure when it got canceled.

In real life, Chyler Leigh, 25, is married to actor Nathan West. They have two kids.

[Lexie Grey], [Chyler Leigh], [Grey's Anatomy]

Smallville's Supergirl

I've yet to watch the last season...pretty much spoiler-free so I don't know why Supergirl has to join the cast. But they already have someone to play her.

Supergirl is coming to the CW's Smallville. Canadian actress Laura Vandervoort just got the call Wednesday that she has been cast and will start shooting with Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum and Aaron Ashmore next week in Vancouver. --- People Magazine

Supergirl's Kryptonian name is Kara.

Wasn't Adrianne Palicki the original Kara in a previous season?

Note to self: must watch Smallville Season 6 pronto!

[Smallville], [Smallville's Supergirl], [Laura Vandervoort]

Big Brother 8 USA - Jen cries over her photo

Day 2 in the Big Brother House (USA)....

The following scene is sooo ridiculous, I'm pretty sure thousands of viewers are already annoyed with her (Jen).

I am.

Jen cries over the picture of her that BB staffers placed in their wall of shame . As Joe, one of the other house guests said in the diary room confession --- it's like somebody has died.

And it was all because she thought it was the ugliest picture of her ever.

Coz apparently, this is how photos of her must look like:

And this is what is on the Big Brother Wall:


"Everyone else's picture is really good. Mine is horrible. [sniff] I just wanna stay here till they change it. Can I rip it off the wall? Is that possible?"

That segment in this video. Watch! Watch! Watch!




What's equally annoying is that other house guest, Jessica, who talks like a ditsy college kid. So much like Paris Hilton!

I am liking the mix of this current batch, they are mostly stupid...which means tons of entertainment for me.

Photos from the Survivor Sucks forum.

[Big Brother]

Back To You - Kelsey Grammer

If there is one comedy I'm looking forward to this coming Fall Season, it's this one starring Kelsey Grammer & Patricia Heaton: Back to You

I've been waiting for clips at Youtube since last May. Finally, I found one!



I can't say much based on this 3 minute clip except that the set looks uncanny. It's as if I'm watching News Radio, that old sitcom from the 90's.

Watch the promo:



[Back To You], [Kelsey Grammer], [Patricia Heaton]

Private Practice Theme Song, More Dish for Ugly Betty, Grey's & Heroes

Disclaimer: I am not an official source, just passing what I read from all over.

Private Practice
Rumor has it that the theme song for this show is What I've Done by a band called Until June.

S in New York City: Hey, ladies, I just wanted to let you know they've already picked the theme song for Kate Walsh’s new show, Private Practice. It’s officially "What I've Done" by Until June. I work for the company that works closely with the band, and this is a definite yes! If you could let fans of the show know this we'd really appreciate it. Thanks!
According to the studio, as of yet, no theme song has been selected, but since you seem so sure, we’re puttin’ it out there...but officially, it’s still a rumor. --- Watch with Kristin of E!

If you're curios about the band...I, for one, do not have any idea who they are because my music IQ is quite low... here's a clip of one of their video performances:

Here's a fanvideo of What I've Done/Private Practice:



Grey's Anatomy
As of last weekend, Lexi Grey is officially a main cast member. Dun-dun-dun!!!!

Heroes
There could be Twin Heroes for Season 2.

Ugly Betty
No soy Santos....or something like it. The actor has signed up for Shark, James Woods' TV show, and actors usually can't take jobs for two series at a time, perhaps because of a scheduling conflict. Waaah... so sad for Hilda. :( I hope this isn't true.

[Private Practice], [Heroes], [Grey's Anatomy], [Ugly Betty]

Big Brother Knows CONFLICT!

USA, Season 8 - a very interesting twist is happening in this season's Big Brother. Eleven house guests went inside the Alice & Wonderland inspired house the other night. They did not know three more were already there earlier, sitting in an upstairs room, watching their every move. Those three house guests are also players. But they are not strangers to some of them. I still am not fully attentive with the show, but let me see if I got the first night's story straight:

Mystery house guest #1 is this guy, Dick. He is about 40+, the oldest in a house full of twenty somethings (just like our own Big Brother!). He's one of the house guests' estranged father and according to him, Danielle has not talked to him in 2 years. He says he has been emailing her but she has not replied to any of his attempts to contact her. Why that is...is the reason for viewers to tune to this show. When the mystery house guests were revealed towards the end of this very first episode, his daughter, all the while very quiet about the twist the host just told them, got up from the couch and went to the rest room and cried. Hmmmmm...

Mystery house guest #2 is this blonde lady, Jessica. I'm getting a Paris Hilton vibe from her, how she talks annoys me. She is in the house to challenger her rival, her childhood friend (or ex-friend), Carol. They used to be super close (as in BFF!) but had a falling out, obviously. Paris Hilton clone says ex-BFF borrowed $5 from her when they were 14 and never paid back. She also noticed there's a ring on her BFF's finger....and was surprised because "She's not loyal!" When Jessica came out of the upstairs room to reveal herself to the 11 other house guests, Carol just looked at her smugly. Raaaaaawrrrrr!


Mystery house guest #3 is Dustin. And he is gay. So is his ex-boyfriend, Joe. Dustin says Joe is really manipulative....and has ginormous nipples. Haha! I love gay men on reality TV, what comes out of their mouth always makes me laugh. Anyway, before the mystery house guests were revealed, the hosts already told the 11 they were gonna meet people from their past. Joe immediately assumes his is going to be Dustin. And then proceeds to tell everyone why he hates Dustin so much --- he gave him gonorrhea! And Joe was sure it was him because he has not been sleeping with anybody else. He told everyone that on Day 1!!! And he also asked the 11 of them to boot out the mystery guests immediately. (In BB USA, it's the house guests who choose who to evict). When it was time to meet the mystery guests, Joe gave Dustin the cold treatment, when Dustin extended his hand. I think I'm gonna go with Team Dustin in this fight.

In addition to this conflict, Big Brother has brought in this guy:


This is the very first time the show is doing this. Why he is America's player is for this reason: he will make his nominations or votes based on what the American public tells him. His sort of the representative of all those forumers and bloggers who think they can strategize/decide on things inside the house better. LOL! If the public wants so and so booted, he will vote for that person. He is America's lapdog. Every time Eric succeeds at this task, as ordered to him by America, he wins $10,000. What if America wants him booted out?

Eric is someone I would watch in this show...because he's funny:

I dunno who they're talking about, but apparently Eric was the first Jewish person that several people had met.

Somebody asked if he brought his yarmulke.

According to Dick, Eric's response was, "No, did you bring your Christmas tree?"

---- from a live feed account.

Seems like an interesting first day.....

[Big Brother USA], [Big Brother 8],

Seven!

Today is 07.07.07

Seven things I'll watch today:
- Knocked Up
- Big Brother USA Season 8 opener
- Burn Notice Episode 2
- Meadowlands Episode 3
- Deep Impact, coz I just feel like it
- Revisit Seinfeld or Coupling, which I've been thinking about doing the whole time this week
- a cartoon or kid movie with my son, mandatory on weekends.

Spoiler Alert:: Heroes Season 2 , Ugly Betty Season 2, Brothers & Sisters Season 2

DISCLAIMER: I'm not an official source, just passing what I read from all over.

Heroes

Here's what we have so far:

New characters galore!

• Maya - Hispanic - played by Maya Ramirez
• Kane - Supposedly "ageless", like he's 1000 years old in the series but doesn't look like it
  
• Princess Kirayama - Japanese
• Kincaid - NYPD
• April & May - cheerleaders
• Blackie - Irish mobster
• Micah's surrogate mom
  

Some of them are people with special abilities, some aren't. The episode will start four months after, with a focus on Claire.

Ugly Betty

No more BeNry. TV Guide's Ausiello reports:

It may be over before it began for Betty and Henry. I hear producers are bringing on a new twentysomething love interest for America Ferrera. The character's name is Gio, and he runs the sandwich cart at "Mode." He's described in the script as "ambitious, aggressive and lovable," and it sounds like he'll be sticking around all season.

"Mode" is staffing up, adding a new female editor who is stylish and pretty and very knowledgeable about fashion.

Brothers & Sisters

Joe is gone. Really. The actor, John Pyper-Ferguson, is not returning to the show for Season 2.

[Heroes], [Ugly Betty], [Brothers & Sisters]

SATC The Movie

Fresh news, mainit init pa!

'Sex and the City' heads to theaters New Line, HBO team on film version of series

It's been in the drawing board for years and now the plan is underway.

I could be wrong....but I think the original viewers of this series have grown-up and have realized how pathetic the SATC women actually are. Therefore, I say this early, the movie will not be a box-office hit.

Then again, I'm just actually speaking for myself. So that's one viewer only. Hee!

[Sex And The City]

Extras - Season 2

Finished, Extras Season 2, this British comedy starring Ricky Gervais and this lady most people know and love as Christina in Ugly Betty:



Extras follows the life of bit players in films and TV --- those who play "Man 1" or "Girl in the Bus".

Season 2 opens with Andy (Gervais) as an ill-famed TV star, whose fictional TV show "While The Whistle Blows" becomes the worst thing on British TV. The only people who follow his show or recognize him as a TV star are lowlifes.

Maggie, his ditsy best friend (played by Ashley Jensen), still works as a cast extra. In one episode she gets hit on by Daniel Radcliff (playing himself) who had only one thing most boys his age have in mind - sex. Horny Daniel was a revelation for me. Very amusing.

Also in the cast is Andy's agent, Darren (Stephen Merchant) who actually triggers some embarrassing moments that put Andy at a big disadvantage, like giving Andy this project with Sir Ian McKellen (playing himself, too) but with Andy actually needing to play the role of a gay man (his agent didn't tell him).

It's a very, very short series. Only six delightful episodes.

Other guest stars include:

• Orlando Bloom, who off-cam, was so full of himself
  

• Chris Martin (Coldplay), who was very much the marketing man; gets every to promote his album...whether he is doing photoshoots or a TV guest stint.
  

• Robert de Niro, who was every inch how I would imagine Robert de Niro behaves off-cam --- just sitting there quietly staring at you.

Of course all these guest stars are just playing parts or pretending to be horrible characters, even as they play themselves...which is part of what makes Extras different from other comedies.

[Extras], [Ashely Jensen], [Ricky Gervais], [Stephen Merchant]

Product Placements

Please excuse all these ads you see in my blog. I'm trying to get the feel of how this "monetizing your blog" can be beneficial to me.

There's a part of me that is against capitalism and opportunism. And there is a lot of that on the internet. Ads are not fun to see (unless it's a really entertaining TV commercial!) ... and some ads scream on the webpage, it can be annoying.

But then, there's this other part of me, my more practical side, that says I should be making productive time with my browsing the internet. I spend at least 10 hours in it in a day anyway, I could be wasting endless opportunities.

A couple months back, a friend of mine brought this idea to me on paid blogging. I tried it out, began doing it with this group, the makers of the Green Tea mattress (naks, product placement!)

From there, I found myself unearthing the internet for other similar jobs and got another one, with a blog network, writing about a TV show. Today that blog network emailed me to say I've made my earnings for June. And while it is actually quite minimal, meaning I could not depend on my monthly groceries for it (hehe!), seeing something I've done pay-off was already rewarding (naks, pang-Ms. Universe na comment!). By the way, I will make my grocery money on that blog come Fall Season. Mwa-ha-ha-ha!

Since May, I've been doing a lot of reading regarding paid blogging because I find the task quite enjoyable and less stressful, to be honest. Less stressful than content writing, which I've been doing for quite awhile now. With content writing, there are days when I just wanna quit it (coincidentally, today is one of those days!) . I'm currently having a serious bout with the lazy's. My friend calls it brain fry. My other friend kids I need to go to the grammar and language bank and buy me some English words because I've been spent. She's right, I should say.

Anyway, back to blogging....I found out people have been doing this for years. I didn't know! Some of them even bought cars with their blogging money. Now, a brand new car isn't what I need...but you know, this girl has gotta earn her keep, right? I followed some of their tips, did more internet digging and research...and I think I'm doing fine (by my standards) after heeding to blog guru advices in a month's time.

No multi-millionaire aspirations here. Can't also say ikaka-reer ko to. Just doing something productive with my time.

In June, I have earned less than Php 35K (or about $650?) for my online money making ventures (freelance writing, blogging, these ads you see here). For others, that is still quite small. Because they earn thousands in dollars on average. Also, I've not yet been able to convert some of that in cash, haha. There's a waiting period, like getting paid after a quarter or if I've reached their minimum cash-out.

So now, all these things you see on my personal TV blog? Reading up on monetizing gave me some insights. I'm a bit wary of turning my beloved TV addiction/hobby into a money making machine (because then I would not enjoy it) so I've been careful not to go crazy doing it for this site.

You'll tell me if it's too much?

Alright, gotta split. I actually have a deadline to meet and I was just dilly-dallying since I'm already uninspired with my current topic assignments....I.Don't. Wanna. Write. About. Friggin' Drug Abuse. Anymore. LOL!

Spoiler Alert: Grey's Anatomy Season 4

DISCLAIMER: I'm not an official source, just passing what I read from all over.

Wanted: Since Lexi Grey will become a series semi-regular (to compete with Meredith) producers are also looking to add a new male character, who will not necessarily compete with McDreamy for Meredith's attention but he will be there to raise the hot guy meter for this show. What "Mc" name will they come up with for whoever he is, I wonder?

Kristin from E! reports:

I'm hearing [that George and Callie's relationship] is proving quite a difficult puzzle for Shonda Rhimes, who is fully aware of the fan backlash over last season's George and Izzie hookup and has been doing quite a few rewrites

Season opener will carry this story (open to rewrites, of course)

Clara, who is with her two young children, discuss the status of her husband Henry with one of the doctors. Henry has suffered extremely traumatic injuries during a car accident. The doctor says that the only thing holding Henry's head to his body is skin and muscle and that he will surely died very soon, even with surgery. A boy brings a near-dead racoon to Seattle Grace in the hope they will be able to save it. His father wants his son to grow up and stop living in a make-believe world. Some of the doctors need to deal with new stressed out interns. One of the interns will help deliver a baby. --- Spoilerfix

[Grey's Anatomy]

Saw

Saw Sicko. Perhaps it's the one I like best of Michael Moore's films. Very entertaining. Maybe one-sided, alright but made me think about our own Health Care system. If I get cancer and I need medical care, I will fly to France...no problem. The problem is, I don't have the money to pay for the ticket. And of course, I can't speak French!

Saw parts of Concert for Diana. Saw Duran Duran. Had myself a Music & Lyrics moment. Nick Rhodes is old and a bit chubby. Still cute though. The Taylor brothers - old and haggard looking! Their songs - still great! Simon - still have it!


Saw, Bea. Winner PBB2. Meh. I'm sure she's a fine girl with admirable qualities and will manage her winnings properly. But that is all I can say. So, when's the next Big Brother Season? ALL STARS! ALL STARS! ALL STARS! ALL STARS! I would want the following for ALL STARS, mostly for my entertainment: Ate Racquel, JB, Uma, Jason, Nene, Rustom, Keana, Bianca, Zanjoe, Wendy, Mickey, Dionne, Zeke. There's a merry mix of strong personalities. It will spell F-R-I-C-T-I-O-N!

[SiCKO], [Concert for Diana], [Duran Duran], [Big Brother]

Road to Emmy's Top 10 Finalists

There's about 20 days or so before the official Emmy nominees are announced, but the semi-finalist list has been released. Here it is below. I'll take a shot and choose the shows I think will make it to finals:

TOP 10 DRAMA SERIES FINALISTS
Boston Legal ("Angel of Death")
Dexter ("Born Free")
Friday Night Lights (Pilot)
Grey's Anatomy ("From A Whisper to A Scream")
Heroes ("Genesis")
House ("Half-wit")*
Lost ("Through the Looking Glass")
Rome ("De Patre Vostro")
The Sopranos ("Soprano Home Movies")
24 ("Day 6: 6 a.m. - 7 a.m.")

Not Nominated:
Deadwood
Rescue Me
The Tudors
The Shield
Brothers & Sisters
Gilmore Girls
Battlestar Galactica
The Riches

Based on the episodes, I would go for FNL, Lost, Rome and Sopranos. Maybe Dexter and Heroes. No Emmy Nomination for Brothers & Sisters? !@#!#%!#%$@%

TOP 10 COMEDY SERIES FINALISTS
Desperate Housewives ("It Takes Two")
Entourage ("One Day in the Valley")
Extras ("Daniel Radcliffe")
My Name is Earl ("The Trial")
The Office ("The Coup")
Scrubs ("My Musical")
30 Rock ("Hard Ball")
Two and a Half Men (??)
Ugly Betty (Pilot)
Weeds ("Cooking with Jesus")

Not Nominated:
The New Adventures of Old Christine
How I Met Your Mother
Everybody Hates Chris

Based on the episodes, I would go for The Office, Scrubs, 30 Rock, Ugly Betty. Only saw 6 shows on this list. [Dear god, I've been watching a lot of drama series, haven't I?]

Did your favorites make it? This will be narrowed down to five per category, when the nominees are announced third week of July.


[Emmy Awards]

Burn Notice

I've got another one on my watchlist --- Burn Notice. It kinda reminded me of the movie Grosse Point Blank. For one thing, the lead character is sexy (whoohooo! hormone alert!). Also, he has a different brand of humor, my favorite brand actually - sarcasm and wit. And in this series, he's an ex-CIA agent. Actually, a fired CIA agent. Hence the title: Burn Notice, which is like what happens to the Mission Impossible crew when they've been disavowed of any knowledge or activity. Capice?

What else will Burn Notice remind you of?

Dexter

• because there's this narration. Michael, the lead character, tells you the secrets of the CIA trade by telling his story.
• because it is set in Miami, like Dexter.

Monk and Psyche

• because this show is brought to you by the letters U, S and A. As in USA Network. Where Monk and Psyche air. And where crime-series aren't "serious, mind-wracking" crime-series ala CSI. Shall we say crime-series lite?

MacGyver

• because he does a MacGyver, duh. He puts things together to make his own spy stuff.

You remember Gabrielle Anwar? Scent of a Woman? Dances with a drunken Al Pacino? She's in the show too, watch her scene:



I know! I was also surprised it was her. She speaks with an accent (or is that really how she speaks???) And she looks....all dried up. What happened? Al Pacino sucked her scent dry from that one and only movie most people recognize of her?

She's also in the latter part of the series The Tudors.

Anyway, Burn Notice...the guy lead, Jeffrey Donovan and this series? Not necessarily awe-inspiring. But there's something about him and the show. Some people get away with looking really good because they know how to carry themselves even if they're not the most gorgeous out there. Burn Notice is like that. If you're looking for something to watch while the other shows are on hiatus, this is worth a try.

[Burn Notice], [Gabrielle Anwar], [Dexter], [MacGyver], [Monk], [Psych], [Jeffrey Donovan]