Who's More Bootylicious?

Mark Anthony

Brutus

This week's episode of Rome showed a lot of booties (click photos to enlarge). There's one more I can't screen capture and paste here since it's of some guy getting booty-raped and the image's not too good at this hour of the morning, or at any hour for that matter. :D

Anyway, setting aside all of that booty, here's the real story this week:

• Brutus and Cassius struggle to raise foreign armies to oppose the Cesarean party.
• Mark Antony's plans to change his post-consul proconsular governorship from Macedonia to Gaul are derailed when Cicero delivers an in-absentia message to the Senate, and throws his support behind Octavian.
• Vorenus struggles to contain an all-out gang war in the Aventine Collegium, of his own making,that he blames on Pullo.
• In the house of the Julii, Octavia passes the hours in a drug induced daze, while a duplicitous youth named Duro, planted amongst the Julii by Servilia, looks for the chance to set a deadly plan in motion.

---TV.Com

None of it involved booties :) ... but plenty of it involved plots to take power and eliminate someone; much like what's happening in our own government now, what with the elections coming in a few months.


Rome
Season 2 Episode 3 - These Being The Words Of Marcus Tullius Cicero
Original Airing: Jan. 28, 2007
Network: HBO

Marketing Programs (NBC)

This week, we see NBC shows marketing their programs across their other programs.

Heroes is promoted in Studio 60:

Harriet (in a Cheerleader outfit to represent the Cheerleader superhero in Heroes): Am I the one who can travel through time?
Masi Oka: Nope
Harriet: Which one am I?
Masi Oka: You're indestructible(The cheerleader character on Heroes, Claire, heals quickly and doesn't die from bodily injuries and harm)
Harriet: Who's the one who can travel through time?
Masi Oka: Me (his character on Heroes, Hiro, can bend time)


And I'm sure that this is a shout-out to Conan O Brien's Manatee, a very popular character of his show, in Heroes:



Heroes' episode summary for this week:

• Peter meets Claude and asks for his help.
• Hiro and Ando are abducted.
• Niki is offered help in dealing with Jessica.
• D.L. comes to terms with raising Micah alone.
• Matt integrates his power into his personal life.
• Claire and Zach try to track down Claire's mother

--- HeroesWiki.com

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Season 1 Episode 13 - The Harriet Dinner, Part 1
Heroes
Season 1 Episode 13 - The Fix
Original Airing: Jan. 29, 2007
Network: NBC

FoxCrime & M.O.N.Y.

I was watching National Geographic last night and during the break, a teaser for Dexter appeared. Now and then NGC has teasers from their affiliate channels (Star TV --- Star World, Star Movies) which our cable provider carries... and so I thought Dexter was arriving on Philippine Cable TV, finally. But unfortunately, it's going to be on a channel called FoxCrime. And apparently, it's only available in Singapore. Too bad. Maybe our local Crime/Suspense should carry this show sometime.

And speaking of Star World, it's bringing Criminal Minds soon. Something to watch for.

Meanwhile...here's another TV Show in Development: Spike Lee does Mayor of New York (M.O.N.Y.) Spike Lee!!!

Apocalypto

There is no doubt in my mind, Mel Gibson has a vision for action movies. I liked how Apocalypto is paced. I liked the camera work. I was uncomfortable with the gore and blood, but I get that it is essential to the movie and close to what is real. In a way, he is an excellent director like that.

There is a doubt though, on whether Mel Gibson knows how to tell a story or not. He failed to loop me and capture me with this one. The unfamiliar actors were also uninspiring because they failed to draw me in. Was I supposed to be moved? To sympathize? To understand? To root for Jungle Paw? I felt neither.

Frankly, I found the movie a lot weird. Then again, I know zilch about the Mayan civilization (Me asking my husband ---> "Dad, is this the one about the tribe from that Atlantis cartoons?" LOL!), you can fault my ignorance for finding this movie unsettling.

One Less TV Show & Awards-a-Plenty

It's not official, but I do not believe this show is ending before In Case of Emergency. Now, that's funny!

Knights Of Prosperity Pretty Much Canceled
By Kristin Veitch
Yahoo TV

Poor Donal Logue. Oh, how I dig him, but he just can't seem to catch a break when it comes to TV projects lately, and his latest ABC project, Knights of Prosperity--about a gang trying to rob Mick Jagger--is apparently no exception.

Sources tell me that ABC told Knights' writing staff today that the comedy would not be picked up for the "back nine" episodes, which basically means they're planning to shut it down after the current 13-episode commitment.

ABC is not officially uttering a peep about the c-word (that's "cancellation," you dirty birdies!), and simply announcing a time-slot swap with According to Jim. But the writing has been on the wall the past two weeks, as American Idol sucked up viewership from everywhere in the universe, and slashed Knights' audience in half (down to about 3 million viewers).

----------------

SAG Results
In case you missed the show, it will have a repeat tonight on Star World (CableTV)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Hugh Laurie / HOUSE – Dr. Gregory House - FOX

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Chandra Wilson / GREY’S ANATOMY – Dr. Miranda Bailey - ABC

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin / 30 ROCK – Jack Donaghy - NBC

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
America Ferrera / UGLY BETTY – Betty Suarez - ABC

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
GREY’S ANATOMY - ABC
Justin Chambers - Alex Karev
Eric Dane - Mark Sloan
Patrick Dempsey - Derek Shepherd
Katherine Heigl - Isobel “Izzie” Stevens
T.R. Knight - George O’Malley
Sandra Oh - Cristina Yang
James Pickens, Jr. - Richard Webber
Ellen Pompeo - Meredith Grey
Sara Ramirez - Callie Torres
Kate Walsh - Addison Montgomery Shepherd
Isaiah Washington - Preston Burke
Chandra Wilson - Miranda Bailey

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
THE OFFICE - NBC
Leslie David Baker - Stanley Hudson
Brian Baumgartner - Kevin Malone
Steve Carell - Michael Scott
David Denman - Roy Anderson
Jenna Fischer - Pam Beesly
Kate Flannery - Meredith Palmer
Melora Hardin - Jan Levinson
Mindy Kaling - Kelly Kapoor
Angela Kinsey - Angela Martin
John Krasinski - Jim Halpert
Paul Lieberstein - Toby Flenderson
B.J. Novak - Ryan Howard
Oscar Nunez - Oscar Martinez
Phyllis Smith - Phyllis Lapin
Rainn Wilson - Dwight Schrute

Surprise win for me is Chandra Wilson. She was up against Edie Falco and Mariska Hargitay, two favorites. But The Nazi won! :)

Not As Preciouuussssss

It's probably bad that I have already formed a bias against Eragon before I even saw it. LOTR is without a doubt my favorite movie of all time and anything similar to it, is sure to get a thumbs down from me.

But I tried to appreciate this movie. I tried to watch it for what it's worth, owing to the fact that this type of genre is what I truly enjoy (I can't wait for Frank Miller's 300!!!).

And in my perception, the development of the story was rushed. Like: there was a total of 2 minutes in which Eragon learned to use the sword; less than a minute - and he learned to speak a foreign language (not master it but still); 5 minutes or so in which he learned to ride his Dragon; some 20-30 minutes later and Saphira became more powerful, ditto Eragon. One minute they're off riding their horses, the next minute there is a battle somewhere. Wha?!?

This clearly showed to me how inexperienced the director was (first time director, apparently) by not knowing how to translate a good narrative from book to film.

And in the end, I could not disregard the glaring rip-offs from LOTR and even a bit of Harry Potter. They said it's a Star Wars rip-off, too but I haven't noticed. Maybe in the succeeding movies, as this film is supposedly another Trilogy.(?)

I could not also help laughing at how bad the costume they made the Dragon wear (Pinag-costume ba naman ang dragon?! LOL!).

One part whookey. Three parts....pretty lame.

At least the boy is a cutie. :)

TV Shows in Development

The current season run isn't done yet, but look at what they have for us in the future! *happy*

CBS is working on...

• Viva Laughlin - based on the UK show Viva Blackpool! Hugh Jackman (hot!) has a hand in this somewhere.
• Fugly - from the creators of My Name Is Earl. Alright, I'm already laughing!
  

ABC is working on...

• Cashmere Mafia - some stuff about female corporate executives. Hah!
• Suspects - at the helm is director Guy Ritchie. Crime series ala The Usual Suspects treatment.
• Mr & Mrs Smith - yep, from the movie. But no Brangelina.
  

Fox is working on...

• Philadelphia General - another hospital drama, but this time it's all about the nurses
• NSA Innocent - brought to us by the people behind 24
• Supreme Courtship - legal romance-drama, yet again.
• The Apostles - cop series
  

NBC is working on...

• The IT Crowd - based on a UK comedy series about I.T. geeks
• I'm With Stupid - another comedy series roughly about mental patients
• The Watch - from the people who gave us There's Something About Mary, it's a drama series about neighbors/neighborhood watch.
• Journeyman - Man travels back in time to help other people with their problems. Sounds a bit like Early Edition, huh?
  

Of course, not all of these shows will make it past the drawing board.

Stay tuned... :)

Ta...dah!

Did variations to my template, thank god for boy's day/night out, I had all the time to spend on this.... my boys are doing their thing! Yey!

I finally understand a bit of this widget thingie. I added a Movie Count list to the right sidebar. I wanna keep count of what new movies I've seen this year, coz I haven't been seeing a lot in the last two years.

I need to change my header now because it looks off and aesthetically unbalanced. But that will be for another day.

I'm still unsure about the colors.

Anyhow...

--------------

Some TV News:

ETC 2nd Ave on cable is bringing these shows --- The New Adventures of Old Christine & Men in Trees. Teasers have supposedly already started airing. Too bad our cable does not carry this channel. :( And I already deleted my MiT file, needed the space. I thought I didn't want to watch it at that time because I was distracted when I saw the first episode, I didn't give it a chance. Guess I'll have to D/L it again. I have not seen any episode of Christine. I keep reading it's good. There's two seasons (?) of catching up I need to do if ever. *sigh*

Survivor Fiji Castaways have been announced. It's going to air on Crime/Suspense (I wonder why?). As I've been a regular of this channel lately, who knows, I might get back on the Survivor train again...

That's it.

Off to watch I.C.E. and KoP now...

Depressing HappYness

Watching The Pursuit of Happyness brought me in a really depressed state. I should’ve known better, I should’ve watched the movie when I wasn’t already feeling down. Or I should’ve watched the movie in my happiest mood, so that the sadness I’d feel after would just balance it. Or I shouldn’t have watched the movie. Period.

It wasn’t that it was bad (because the movie was quite okay)…it was because the story made me feel really bad. And at close to midnight, when you intend to get a good night’s sleep after a very demanding day, you’d expect to sleep well, loosen up and lighten up, after watching a movie.

Boy was I wrong. Serves me right for not watching the trailer before the movie. I just read about it a bit and said, “Will Smith – yes!” and saw the movie.

Downer.

I only felt relieved in the movie's last 10 minutes. 90% of it was depressing.

What a set-up.

Chris Gardner (Smith) is a bright and talented, but marginally employed salesman. Struggling to make ends meet, Gardner finds himself and his five-year-old son evicted from their San Francisco apartment with nowhere to go. When Gardner lands an internship at a prestigious stock brokerage firm, he and his son endure many hardships, including living in shelters, in pursuit of his dream of a better life for the two of them. (Sony)

Anyway, I was sleep-deprived the last few days because of stuff I had to do and because I don’t know how to manage my time anymore, LOL!

One morning, having had no sleep for 24 hours straight (like Jack Bauer, haha!), I prepared my son’s breakfast and planned to already (finally!) go to bed once he leaves for school. But while waiting for him to finish, I couldn’t keep my eyes from shutting any longer. So I told my boy, I’d sleep a bit, while he dresses up and finish his food. I also told him that when it’s time for us to wait for his school service, he just needs to wake me up and it would be okay. For some reason, my son doesn’t want to be left alone waiting in our living room for the school bus to arrive. He would always want some company, and would sometimes demand it or cry about it.

And then he asked why I haven’t slept and I told him about work I needed done. He said, “You and Dad really work a lot, huh?” I told him something about providing for his needs.

After a few minutes, I felt my son tapping my shoulder. He told me to go to my bed and really get some sleep.

Me: What about waiting for you school service?
Son: It’s okay, Mom. I’ll just turn the TV on to keep me company.
Me: All alone?
Son: It’s okay, Mom. You need sleep. You don’t sleep, you get crabby and we fight.
Me: You cry when you’re alone downstairs.
Son: I won’t. And I don't want us to fight.

I realize my 9-year old is slowly emerging from that clingy little kid, to becoming his own person. That morning, I felt really proud for him.

I also felt something sting. My son is starting to let go…

The following day, because I probably had no stamina left from all that sleep deprivation, I was feeling rather sick and weak. Yet because we don’t have our regular house help, I had no choice but to do things myself --- cook, set the table, wash the dishes, etc. etc. Surprisingly, my son volunteered to help out because “You’re sick, Mom. And you really need to rest.” He proceeded to give me a back rub, which actually just made it worse since my son's not a masseuse. :D

I used to have to drag my son so that he would help me do the chores, even when I wasn’t feeling my best. And then we’d end up fighting because he would do it with a heavy heart (and heavy feet, it's like asking an elephant to help me out!). This time, even without my asking to do it, he took initiative because he felt his mother needs him.

It is these little instances that make me really say --- being a mother is the hardest job in the world, but it is the most fulfilling.

I must be doing something right, after all.

And that, I think, is my own pursuit to happiness.

Grey's Anatomy - Great Expectations

What happened to the NBC shows this week, why was there nothing on? Hmmm...

After last week's tearjerker, this week's Grey's Anatomy was particularly weak and soap opera-ish. I was laughing at some scenes (George is a sex addict!) and gasped at the marriage proposal by Burke to Christina. But you know I have to honestly say, I think the quality of the show is lowering. It's not what it used to be. Although I'm still entertained, as I have known these characters by heart and I still want to know what happens to them, the way the episodes were carried out felt.... formulaic and tired. And it's funny because just a few episodes back, I lauded them for having one of their best episodes yet. It's weird how things can quickly go from good to bad. The internal problems this show is having must be the reason.

Anyway, breaking down this week's episode:

The pit has lots of patients with different unique problems.

This week they dealt with a young girl who had a tumor in the insides of her "good girl" (the term was used in Grey's Season 2, LOL!) They later discovered she's Amish and had unique family problem. The premise as a whole wasn't particularly interesting. :P

The doctors had to deal with two other patients, but their cases aren't particularly interesting, too. I have already forgotten what those other cases are because it had insignificant airtime.

So then....

Dr. Bailey has the idea of opening a free clinic.

Nazi orders her bosses to sign their support for her free clinic."The Nazi is back," says McDreamy. Oh yes she is, she'd better be back or else this show's quality would have lowered some more. Borrowing the Nazi's line: I need something to hold on to. I need to believe in something the way I used to believe in you all. I think this is the way I feel about the show now.

A doctor at Seattle Grace gets proposed to.

Make that two --

• Burke to Christina. Was surprised! This was the high point of the episode for me. All 2 minutes of it.
  
• George to Callie. Meh.

So there...

I'm now convinced this show has jumped.

Too bad.



Grey's Anatomy
Season 3 Episode 13 - Great Expectations
Original Airing: Jan 25, 2007
Network: ABC

The 48 Laws of Power

Inspired by Studio 60...

Look it: The 48 Laws of Power

One Line Only

Hello.

I was offline for a couple of days. Lost internet connection (boo!) but was able to catch up with some good TV viewing. I'm too exhausted to write anything about it so let me just give one liners:

Prison Break: They've turn really, really stupid.

Rome: Uh-oh, I smell a big battle scene in the offing, Whooohooo!

24: Jack back to his crazy self, whoohoo ulit!

Heroes: The final line at the end? 'stig!

Studio 60: Ahh, love is in the air!

Bros & Sis: I gave this show a standing ovation a long time ago. Just really, really good. (So good, this is actually a three-liner!)

Grease You're The One I Want: Good thing they're moving to the Top12 already!

---------

Currently catching up on The Sopranos Season 6 Part 1....and now I get why the show used to be a favorite punchline among late-night comics last year. Vito is gay! And I just saw it. Season 6 reminds me a lot of what Season 1 was like. And no wonder Edie Falco still gets nominated everytime. She really was wonderful this season.

I just found out Oz Season 3 (I think) is showing on cable via Crime/Suspense....which is good because I can now catch up.... that is if I still have the energy to tune to more TV! Now this show is what prison is! People should be watching this more than Prison Break.

Alright, am off to catch American Idol on cable in a while.

Just too much!

Heroes is back with fresh episodes. Studio 60 too. And even Prison Break, right? Amazing Race & Lost...in a couple of weeks. There's just too many!!!

Downloading new episodes, watching ASAP
Brothers & Sisters
Grease: You're the One That I Want
Rome
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Heroes
24
Prison Break
Dirt
House, MD
Knights of Prosperity
In Case of Emergency
Friday Night Lights
Ugly Betty
Grey's Anatomy
My Name Is Earl
The Office
Scrubs
30 Rock

On Cable, watching as scheduled, reruns or new shows
Battlestar Gallactica
Without A Trace
Standoff
American Idol
Arrested Development
That 70's Show
American Dad
Family Guy
My Name Is Earl
Everybody Hates Chris
MadTV
Letterman
Leno
Conan

On Standby, watching current and past episodes whenever
Everybody Hates Chris
Sopranos
Extras
The Lost Room
Dexter
90210
Smallville

Eagerly waiting for its debut, return or new season in the next two months, either via D/L or on Cable
The Amazing Race
Lost
Drive
Traveler
How I Met Your Mother

Hyped

Let me get this out of the way first so that it will not be misunderstood: the movie is funny. Anyone watching it will find himself laughing at some scenes.

But anyone watching it will also find something to be offended about. If not offended, some scenes will leave you with that uncomfortable feeling... you may find yourselves squirming at your seat when you're watching this comedy.


The movie's LOL moments bordered on offensive and juvenile --- things I find funny now and then; but things I also find stupid, depending on my mood. The funniest bits I saw where all in the teasers already, not in the movie. Well, maybe except for that poop-in-a-plastic part, which on hindsight is all too familiar... the humor was typically Pinoy (diba?)! :)

I would like to think my tolerance for things offensive is pretty wide. I am not a person who gets easily offended.

I would like to think that I understand satire and mockery. I think that those who know how to use it are the smartest, funniest people.

But I would have to say in all honesty that --- I did not get the movie. Or to be more specific, I did not get the hype around it.

Cohen has the balls (see picture hehe) to go beyond what is tolerated. He is one helluva risk-taker who got lucky, people are buying into the hype.

"Is that what's all there is to it?" was what I said when the movie ended.

Maybe if there were other comedies the time Borat came out, it would've not been getting all this publicity (good and bad).

Justice

The reason why I wanted to watch Justice was because of Victor Gerber. He's such a strong presence on the small screen (see: Alias), I was pretty sure that with him in the lead and the fact that it's Jerry Bruckheimer series (see: CSI and Without a Trace), Justice was gonna be a powerful drama, and not just your average legal TV series (of which there are plenty). I was wrong. (And when will I ever learn that not all JB series' are supposedly with substance?!)

Take away the cool special effects, the show is reduced to just that --- average. The stories or cases are old and there is nothing extra-ordinary about it. It's been done on TV many times before. The writing also isn't smart. Some lines state the obvious, spoon feeding the viewers instead of giving us the chance to figure it out for ourselves. e.g. "Alden take the physical evidence. Nobody does scientific evidence like yours, it scares experts more." That line was said 15 minutes into the program. It wasn't a creative way of introducing the characters to the viewers but it did save a lot of time for character establishment. :P

The only thing that's original and fresh about this series is the way they show how the crime actually happened in the end of each episode.

And let me state the obvious copies to House, MD:

1. Ron Trott (Victor Gerber), the big-shot lawyer, a celebrity in his own right, is characterized as cocky, irascible and nasty.
2. Ron Trott works with three colleagues, all younger and all learning from his years of experience:

• the token Black Guy, Luther (played Eamonn Walker). He's the guy who breaks down the cases into categories; the nitpicker or something like that, so that they have a better understanding of the evidence and leads.
• the token cute guy, Tom (Kerr Smith). The "good-looking all American face of Not Guilty" he does most of the talking in court. Because he's such a cutie, jurors are meant to be drawn to him. He is in fact the star of the show, not Gerber's character...who is reduced to merely a supporting cast in my view.
  
• the token cute but smart girl, Alden (Rebecca Mader). She's is the re-enactment expert. Here is where the CSIsh procedural scenes come in, when she shows how the crime happened, complete with experts' collaboration, videos and props.

As of November 2006, the show is confirmed CANCELED. Of the 13 episodes, only 1 remains unaired.

Not a loss to TV at all. ;)

Justice
Season 1
Original Airing: August-December 2006
Network: Fox

Guy Love

This was going around the internet even before the episode aired, and I hope it was enough to drum up viewer interest.

In the tradition of Grease, Rent, Buffy the Musical (just about the only Buffy episode I saw!) and I think there's even a hint of Les Miserables in some of the other scenes, here is a viewer favorite from Scrubs, The Musical:


video clip from NBC

Let's face the facts about me and you
A love unspecified
Though I'm proud to call you Chocolate Bear
The crowd will always talk and stare

I feel exactly those feelings too
And that's why I keep them inside
Cause this Bear can't bear the world's disdain
And sometimes it's easier to hide

Then explain our...
Guy love, that's all it is
Guy love, his mine I'm his
There's nothing gay about it in our eyes
You asked me about this thing we share
And he tenderly replies.....
It's guy love, between two guys

We're closer than the average man and wife
That's why our matching bracelets say Turk and JD
You know I'll stick by you for the rest of my life
You're the only man who has ever been inside of me
(Whoa! Whoa! I just took out his appendix)

There's no need to clarify (Oh no?)
Just let it grow more and more each day
It's like I married my best friend
But in a totally manly way

Let's go!
It's guy love don't compromise
The feelings of some other guy
Holding up your heart into the sky
I'll be there to care through all the loads
I'll be there to share the highs
It's guy love between two guys

And when I say I love you Turk
It's not what it implies
It's guy love between two guys.

This is becoming my favorite song really fast. LOL! I love this show!

Bonus YouTube find --- Scrubs cast dubbing a Charlie Brown cartoon. Haha! The characters are exactly matched (well, almost LOL!)



Scrubs
Season 6 Episode 6 - My Musical
Original Airing: Jan 18, 2007
Network: NBC

Night At The Museum

Kids, stick to Jumanji.

Too disappointed to write about it so I'll just post what I said in a community I frequent. This is fresh from watching the movie:

Mababaw rin ako [I tend to be shallow], so I laughed at a couple of lines. But I was expecting to really like it, with Jumanji as the bar for which I can compare it to. I liked Jumanji way better.

There's something about the movie that dissatisfies me and I cannot process it yet.... Is it because parang kulang [lacking] sa development ang story, that it felt like a stupid movie already? Is it because gasgas na yung gags [gags are old] at maraming [too many] cliche sa story? Is it because parang pilit yung "heartwarming moments"? I dunno where to begin.

I was watching this with my 9-year old and he could not sit still for the first few minutes of the scene, parang hindi niya nagustuhan sa simula [he was not interested with the beginning]. I thought he'd warm up by the time the wax characters come to life. Tatawa tawa rin naman siya [he was also laughing] like me. Pero my son started counting how many more minutes till the movie ends. :o He wanted the movie to end already. :-\

I know it's a fantasy-comedy, meant for the family to enjoy. Pero I personally will not give the movie a thumbs up. I'm not expecting it to be high-brow. I love a lot of silly movies myself (In fact I loved the Tiki in this movie, naaliw ako [I was entertained] when it said, "Dumdum, me want gum gum"...that's how stupid I can get ;D). Pero kung Pinoy movie ito, malamang ito yung isa sa mga pagtatawanan natin [But if this was a typical Pinoy movie, this would be one of those we'd be laughing at] not because the movie is funny, but because the story development is ridiculous, when in fact if you look at it ang ganda ganda [very beautiful] ng premise ng Night at the Museum, may potential siya to be a worthy fantasy film....it just wasn't told better, so parang nasayang siya for me [it was wasted]. :-\

Quick thoughts

Last night's American Idol felt like a rerun. It's the same thing as last year. Give me something new. Boo!

3lbs (now cancelled after three episodes) is apparently airing on the Hallmark Channel on cable. I also caught Season 1 of ER around 1 PM on that channel. Not sure if that's daily so I will have to check again this afternoon.

That is all.

A glimpse into future seasons, future shows...

We will still have our Heroes.
Oh, Earl and the Office Crew too!

NBC has ordered early full-season pickups for the 2007-08 season for four hit series -- the comedies "The Office" and "My Name Is Earl," and dramas "Heroes" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, " it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, President, NBC Entertainment.

"These four series represent some of the best of what we consider to be the 'NBC brand' of quality shows," said Reilly. "It is a pleasure to give them an early renewal to develop more stories for next year since we know they will remain both critical and commercial successes for a long time to come."

We will still have Survivor.
I've stopped watching 3 seasons ago, have you?

CBS has ordered two more editions of "Survivor" to be broadcast during the 2007-08 season. These will mark the 15th and 16th editions of television's longest running hit reality series.

Entering its 14th edition this spring, "Survivor" remains one of television's highest rated reality series. This fall, "Survivor: Cook Islands" won its Thursday (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) time period in viewers and key demographics every week against its toughest competition in several years.

"Survivor: Cook Islands" is produced by S.E.G. Inc. Mark Burnett and Tom Shelly are executive producers. Jeff Probst is host.

They're bringing in The IT Crowd, USA Version.
I watched a few episodes of UK version last year, but didn't get around to finishing the whole season. Pretty funny stuff from what I've seen.

Joel McHale, Richard Ayoade and Jessica St. Clair have been tapped as the three leads of NBC's comedy pilot "The IT Crowd," says The Hollywood Reporter.

"IT Crowd," from NBC Universal TV Studio and FremantleMedia North America, is a hybrid multi- and single-camera comedy based on the British Channel 4 series about three misfits -- Roy (McHale), Moss (Ayoade) and Jen (St. Clair) -- who work in the IT department of a large corporation.

This looks interesting! HBO plans ASolaF drama.
That's magic, sorcery, medieval knights, swordfights and battlescenes. Weeeeh!

HBO has acquired the rights to turn George R.R. Martin's bestselling fantasy series "A Song of Fire and Ice" into a dramatic series to be written and executive produced by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, reports Variety.

"Fire" is the first TV project for Benioff (Troy) and Weiss (Halo) and will shoot in Europe or New Zealand. Benioff and Weiss will write every episode of each season together save one, which the author (a former TV writer) will script.

The series will begin with the 1996 first book, "A Game of Thrones," and the intention is for each novel (they average 1,000 pages each) to fuel a season's worth of episodes. Martin has nearly finished the fifth installment, but won't complete the seven-book cycle until 2011.

The author will co-executive produce the series along with Management 360's Guymon Casady and Created By's Vince Gerardis.

A little something of this and that

...a little Singing and Dancing

American Idol S6 Premiere
Minnesota Auditions
Original Airing: Jan. 16, 2007
Network: Fox

After six seasons, we know the drill by now. Along with discovering potential singing sensations, we also watch this show because of those delusional people trying their luck at the auditions. Last night, the delusional ones outweighed the better singers. Out of the 100+ only 17 passed, and the ones they showed weren't even good. The highlight for me would have to be that girl who sang Kiss, but forgot the lyrics. I wanted to end her misery, or rather my misery, by switching channels, hoping she is gone on my TV screen by the time I switch back. Unfortunately, her airtime was a lot longer and she went on and on like some crazy dog trying to bite his own tail. I had no choice but to sit through and watch. It was excruciating!

But the best part of the show last night would have to come in a form of the now famous green door, the Other Door. Contestants kept missing the right door for them to barge out of the room (you know, for that dramatic exit after Simon, Randy, Paula and guest judge Jewel give them the thumbs down). I was watching AI with my 9-year old and after the fourth time it happened, he wondered why the producers just don't put a sign on the door or something. Well, that's comedy for you, my dear. Seriously, that door was the ultimate entertainment the episode had on last night. Best Performance by a Non-Living Thing. :)

Grease: You're The One That I Want
NY Auditions
Original Airing: Jan. 14, 2007
Network: NBC

I ran this on the computer after I saw AI. A lot of people are saying it reminds them too much of Idols . In some ways, that is true. Because the format is a lot like it. The quips the hosts make will remind you of Seacrest Out as well. Surprisingly the show is doing well. It's not projected to do better than Idols but where it stands right now on ratings, you would've not expected it. As for me... maybe because I've gone tired of watching bad auditions two straight hours earlier, I didn't have both eyes on the screen for this show tonight. I had it on yes, but only to serve as background noise while I surfed the net. Once in awhile I'd check to see who the judges were dissing but I think my interest will peak once the heats come to play.


...a little Boobie Peek

Rome
Season 2 Episode 1 - Passover
Original Airing: Jan. 14, 2007
Network: HBO

Can someone explain to me the significance of this? That's a dead Ceasar and that's a big boobie. LOL! I'm trying to find the significance of why the slave girl was asked to put her nipple in dead Ceasar's mouth. What google key word should I use? Hehe!



Anyway, for those interested, here is a gist of what is Rome about:

Rome" is the saga of two ordinary Roman soldiers and their families. An intimate drama of love and betrayal, masters and slaves, and husbands and wives, it chronicles epic times that saw the fall of a republic and the creation of an empire. The series begins in 52 BC, as Gaius Julius Caesar has completed his masterful conquest of Gaul after eight years of war, and is preparing to return to Rome. He heads home with thousands of loyal battle-hardened men, huge amounts of loot in gold and slaves, and a populist agenda for radical social change. Terrified, the aristocracy threatens to prosecute Caesar for war crimes as soon as he sets foot in Rome. Caesar's old friend and mentor, Pompey Magnus, attempts to foment mutiny in order to maintain the balance of power. Two of Caesar's soldiers, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, thwart Pompey's plan and in the process, win the eternal gratitude of Caesar and the Julian clan, affording the two plebian officers an intimate view of the ruling class. The fates of Pullo and Vorenus become entwined with those of Caesar, Mark Antony, Cleopatra and the boy Octavian, a strange and awkward child who, by political guile and bloody force, will become the first emperor of Rome. (Source: HBO Press Release)
--- TV.Com

Season 2 will be Rome's last season. After this run, the show is, uh, history.

...a lot like Grey's Anatomy

Brothers and Sisters
Season 1 Episode 12 - Sexual Politics
Original Airing: Jan. 14, 2007
Network: ABC

This week's episode of Brothers and Sisters reminded me of Grey's Anatomy. It did not center on sibling relationships. Instead, it zeroed in on their lovelife (lovelives? LOL!).

- Kitty is trying to convince her new officemates that she and the senator, her new boss, aren't dating (I think they will, in the following episodes) or even remotely attracted to each other. Her plan to do that foiled when they were caught by the press having dinner together and it's all over the papers the next day.
- Kevin met an actor who made advances at him, even if the actor admitted he wasn't gay.
- Sarah is jealous of the closeness between her husband and the mom of one of her daughter's friends.
- Tommy discovers his wife has a newfound appetite for sex
- Nora, the mom, also had a romance of her own. She was set up on a blind date with supposedly an amazing guy who is "right for her". But it turns out, he's gay and just loves to hang around with women.
- And for the first time, Justine the drug-dependent youngest brother, did not have any scenes.

Brothers and Sisters will be airing on Pinoy TV via Studio23 soon.



And there you have it...all of last night's TV viewing.
I'll go back to bed now to catch some Zzzzz's.

[Insert Title Here]

This one will be hurriedly done, my mind's kinda everywhere...

Watching TV

* Watched Standoff last night on Crime/Suspense. I didn't realize that this was a reunion for Ron Livingston and Michael Cudlitz, who both were part of the series Band of Brothers, a show that I consider one of the best for this decade. I am glad to see Gina Torres on TV again. But of course she wasn't really gone, she has been constantly doing guest appearances. I'm just glad she is, once again, a series regular this time around.

I, am, however, not glad for StandOff. Those three actors I mentioned would have made me really excited for the show but as it turns out, halfway through the program, I was already lost in my own world, plucking my eyebrows (for the first time!). I was that uninterested I didn't even notice it already ended.

Also, Rosemary DeWitt, the lead actress? Can't act. :( Her face is devoid of any expression, felt like her jaw didn't have any muscles. Hehe.

Should I tune in next week? If I can remember.


* Will be watching American Idol tonight at 8 PM on Star World. Yey!

Watching a movie

* Watched the movie, The Queen, early this morning... all by myself... which was fun to do. :) This is the type of movie I would want to watch alone.

I was in my last tri-mester of pregnancy that time Diana was killed in that car accident and since a pregnant woman's hormones can go haywire, I was also crying non-stop while I was watching the events of her death on BBC or CNN.

Anyhow, back to the movie. However sad the premise was, I had fun watching The Queen. The way the story was carried out, one done as intimately as possible, made me realize ---- it sucks to be queen (haha!) especially a queen in this day and age, where nobody recognizes the importance of process, protocol and traditions anymore. I thought it was a film that would mock the Queen or something, but instead it helped me know who she is and understand why she is that way and amidst everything that's been said, there's a Queen who truly deserves the respect and dignity accorded to her. The Brits should be proud of her.

* This past week I told myself I should be watching more movies this time around. I have, I think, only seen about 50 or so movies in the last two years (!!!) and that isn't like me... and most of them were animations too. This could be my New Year's resolution (I don't think it's late to make one). Let's see if I can accomplish it. :) To make good my goal, I have three more movies lined up ready for watching anytime this week: Eragon, Night at the Museum and Children of Men.

Now, TV watching doesn't have to take a backseat but I do wish there were 72 hours in a day...

Watching The Amazing Race

* And excellent piece of news from the All-Stars Season of TAR

Kevin & Drew - Lifelong Friends - Season 1 - 4th Place

Ozwald & Danny - Best Friends - Season 2 - 4th Place

John & Jill - Formerly Dating - Season 3 - 5th Place

Uchenna & Joyce - Married - Season 7 - 1st Place

David & Mary - Coalminer and Wife - Season 10 - 6th Place

Charla & Mirna - Cousins - Season 5 - 6th Place

Rob & Amber - Married - Season 7 - 2nd Place

Teri & Ian - Married Parents - Season 3 - 2nd Place

Eric & Danielle - Dating - Season 9 - 2nd/8th Place

Joe & Bill - Life Partners - Season 1 - 3rd Place

Dustin & Kandice - Beauty Queens - Season 10 - 4th Place

No Colin and Christie? Awww.... I would love to see Colin break down again hehe. And John Vito and Jill are back but they're formerly dating? That means they aren't anymore? They broke up? :( Rob and Amber --- of course they will be there. Every show needs a villain. They create friction, which translates to lots of people watching, which means good ratings. As much as I don't like them outside TAR, they will probably be one of the teams I'll root for because they will keep TAR interesting. RomBer na ulit ako!

TAR airs in February 8th.

Results - Golden Globes 2006

BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
GREY’S ANATOMY (ABC)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
KYRA SEDGWICK, THE CLOSER

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
HUGH LAURIE, HOUSE

BEST TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
UGLY BETTY (ABC)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES –COMEDY OR MUSICAL
AMERICA FERRERA, UGLY BETTY

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
ALEC BALDWIN, 30 ROCK

I'm not exactly sure if I'm very pleased or very displeased with the results.

Maybe because I'm in that place again... where I'm feeling quite hollow, where I can't get too excited nor too depressed about anything today.

Or maybe because at the back of my mind, I realize how this voting process for the Golden Globes work; that to win the award doesn't really mean "You're the best!" it just means that among the nominees, "You're the one the press liked very much...and it might be not because of your work." Coz let's face it, these press people (only 90 of them) have not been tuning to these shows as much as TV freaks have, to actually qualify who is the best. Anyhow, to be clear though, and speaking as a sort-of-TV freak, some of the winners do deserve it.

Some thoughts...I should have a screen capture to go with it but I have to queue this for D/L and well, I didn't want to anymore hehe:

1. When America Ferrera (Ugly Betty) won, she had an Ugly Betty moment. Haha! What was that all about? She stood there beside this anchorperson who was doing her spiel and I don't think America was supposed to even be there, was she? And then when they did that interview, you'll notice how unprepared the interviewer was because she was asking the wrong questions. You know then that this wasn't in the script. America wasn't supposed to be there! LOL!

2. Jason Lee (My Name Is Earl) - Was he channeling Earl Hickey that night? The tuxedo's fine but the hair's an Earl Hickey mess. Or is that how he goes around in real life... not combing his hair? It was a formal event, I was expecting everyone's supposed to be looking neat and spiffy.

3. Alec Baldwin - Did the cameraman catch him mocking Schwarzenegger when he came out? Baldwin's a Republican, S is a Democrat and I don't need to spell it out that they don't agree with politics.

4. Reese Witherspoon has that "It's your loss not mine" look. Oh, I love that look and I love it on her.

5. Team Jolie I'm not... but my gad, Brangelina look so good together!! In my TV screen --- they were radiant and glowing, like God was casting a light on them and angels were singing "Aaaaaahhhhh!" when the camera caught them.

6. I wonder if we'll ever hear Simon Cowell mention Jennifer Hudson on American Idol (it's on tomorrow!)?

That's all. :)

(Pardon the swear word) F**king Psychos

Yesterday, my husband and I finished Sopranos Season 5. And if by any chance I cuss or swear in this entry, it's because I'm still on Sopranos mode and could not shake off the number of times I've heard the f-word uttered. Anyway, we finished the season two years too late as S5 supposedly ended May of 2004... and I'm left with nothing to say but... they *bleep*-ing killed Adrianna (played by Drea de Matteo)! Of course, I knew that was to happen two years ago, after searching recap sites for an update, I just didn't think it would happen that way ---- she crawled for her life, begged for her life. It was pitiful to see. :(

Anyway, from one f--- of a show (see...Sopranos mode on still), hubby and I moved on to the next --- Dexter, which is about a serial killer-forensic investigator. We're still down two episodes so I cannot say with commitment if I liked it or not. I am not exactly a fan of Michael C. Hall's work (yet). I am, however, liking the way they treat the episodes --- it is almost absent of any background music (which in other shows eventually become music hits, eh?) and I find that rather refreshing, it's definitely something different. Also, killers appeal to me (That's my dark side talking [insert wicked laughter]). Or rather, the mind of a killer. The mind of a genius killer, specifically. And I'm guessing, in a subliminal way, that's what Dexter's target audience is --- our psychotic dark side.

On to other things...we're experiencing internet slowdown once again, I could not even post photos in this entry. :( Haaay. Rome Season 2 has begun and D/L-ing is unfortunately Jurassic!

And last night, it just occurred to me, this is the year I'm getting my little boy snipped.....circumcised. And frankly, we're both still unprepared emotionally. I've been trying to prepare him since last year since he is likely to cause a big fuss at the clinic. Haaay ulit. Bahala na. My baby is growing up *sniff!*

Still from last night, my 9-year old boy told me not to tell his father about their school holding no classes on Friday (for a teacher's event). And he asked me to keep it a secret from his dad, scout's honor. When I asked why...he says he plans to get his dad all worked up since by sleeping very late Thursday evening, his dad is sure to scowl, grumble, go raging mad and tell him to go to bed immediately and they'd be fighting again. And get this --- nothing would delight him more than to see how his dad would react once he tells him there is no class the next day. Aaaawww, how cute! :P {/sarcasm] My son is thinking like a prick. :P I think he has picked that up from me -- knowing what buttons to push with his Dad. Psycho prick. LOL!

GA - Six Days Part 1

Breaking down the synopsis from TV.Com:

Meredith discovers that Derek has a problem sleeping

Because she snores. Quite loudly. That Derek wonders how such a sound comes out of her tiny body.

while her father comes to visit the hospital.

Since her half-sister's baby is still in baby-ICU (what's that called, neonatal care?). Anyway, Meredith ignores her father as much as she can. She has "abandonment" issues.

George's Mother: Who is that... you're ex-boyfriend?
Meredith: No, that's my ex-father.

George's father is moving from one surgery to another.

I couldn't understand the medical blabbers but from what I know, once they opened him up, the tumor was worst than they expected and at his request to "take it all out no matter what", the doctors did, despite the complications. Post-op, George tells his brothers and mother to prepare themselves for what they will see....that his father will have cuts, will be in a tube and everything. When the family saw the Dad, they were all delighted he got out of surgery. When George saw his dad, he was stunned. Seemed he was the one who wasn't prepared. He knew how complicated it got in surgery.

A patient named Heather checks into the hospital. Heather is 17 and has a nasty attitude that results from her medical condition and all the surgeries it has required her to have.

She can't stand straight because her back is too curved for her to be walking tall (scolosis...it made me cringe, just by looking at it!). She actually walks bending down and has been doing that since she was little.

A woman has an emotional breakdown when she tries to hand over something very important to her.

That woman would be Izzie, finally cashing the cheque.

A doctor's family comes to visit to celebrate an occasion.

This didn't happen yet, since the episode is a two-parter, and the second one airs next week. Ths could be Christina's family, spoilers said (so that's not definite).

And it is likely Izzie will be giving money to that girl with scolosis since they do not have the insurance to cover her. It is Izzie's case after all and she and the girl sort of connected even if the girl bitched at her.

Oh... and Christina and Burke are still together, but aren't talking to each other.

And, except for the couple, MerDer, two people kissed, or at least tried to, this episode:

George & Callie


Karev and ex-She-Shepard



It was an okay episode. Quite toned down for a Grey's Anatomy show me thinks; wasn't able to have LOL moments or to sniffle at some moving scenes (although the George-Dad angle was touching). Bato yata ako ngayon... :(

But I'm glad this show is back with new episodes.

Greys Anatomy
Season 3 Episode 11 - Six Days, Part 1
Original Airing: Jan 11, 2007
Network: ABC

This is the reason why I watch the B & S

Despite being ignored by several award giving bodies, the people behind Brothers & Sisters have reason to celebrate. The show is slowly climbing the ratings. This recent episode, Family Day, actually made it to Top 20 (wheee!). Finally, it is getting the recognition it deserves. More people are starting to watch it!

Watching the show tonight, Sally Field really cracked me up. With B & S, I'd already be crying after ten minutes and I think I've said this many times in my previous entries. There's just too much drama on this show, one so good, my eyes just automatically well up. But for this episode, I was laughing for a change and was quite enjoying it. It is evident to me that the actors have chemistry. There is a potential Best Ensemble Cast in here.

Now, here folks is what good TV is. It's a three minute clip but please watch, it is worth your time.

As a backgrounder, they are all in the rehab center at the request of Justine, the youngest sibling, recovering drug addict. But a few days before that, each of them had matters needed to be sorted with each other, like:
** Kevin (the gay one) is mad at Kitty (Ally McBeal) for taking that job offer with the Senator, who is supposedly against gay-relationships
** Tommy (the eldest son) is frustrated at their Mother because she decided she had to also work in the family company, because their father's mistress also took up work there. They couldn't find Mom something to do so she ended up answering phones, LOL! Tommy was gonna be her boss but she was a difficult employee.
** Sarah (the eldest daughter) discovers her husband's son (from an ex-wife) is drinking alcohol and he is only about 15 and she thought it was her job to set him straight since she is his mother now, and the husband is upset over it.

Anyway, here's the clip:



And in true B&S manner, the show ended with me misty-eyed yet again. Ahh. Sometimes it is good to cry about something beautiful, it's so...cathartic. Tonight was the time for that.


Brothers & Sisters
Season 1 Episode 11 - Family Day
Original Airing: Jan 7, 2007
Network: ABC

The search for Danny & Sandy

I can't understand why Broadway shows have to resort to talent competitions in order to find their star. TV's a different medium, where class and crass merrily mix. Broadway is supposedly all class, the way I see it. Resorting to TV gimmicks make it crass. There isn't a line to differentiate it anymore.

Anyway, this new talent show doesn't have the same pull as American Idol, the world's most popular singing competition, where people from all sectors - both class and crass - follow. It also doesn't have the same excitement as those dancing competitions (something I have yet to see at least once, owing to the fact that I was once regarded as a "choreographer" in my high school yearbook, pffft! I supposedly loved to dance....before).

What Grease: You're The One That I Want holds is a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. For anyone who is a fan of the movie, you tend to overlook the fact that this talent contest on TV might just be a stupid idea. As long as they keep playing those Grease clips, you're fine. :)

But all in all, the show ain't that bad. The judges? They really mean business. The hosts? I don't know.

After choosing their Top 50, these contestants will enter Grease Academy. So, this is like American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance and Star/Dream/Fame Academy all rolled into one.

Some clips:




Grease - You're the One That I Want
Season 1
Original Airing: Jan 10th 2006
Network: NBC

People's Choice Award Winners for 2006

1. Favorite New TV Drama
Brothers & Sisters
Heroes
Ugly Betty

2. Favorite New TV Comedy
30 Rock
The Class
’Til Death

3. Favorite TV Comedy
The King of Queens
My Name Is Earl
Two and a Half Men

4. Favorite TV Comedy - Animated
Family Guy
King of the Hill
The Simpsons

5. Favorite TV Drama
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Grey’s Anatomy
House

6. Favorite Competition/Reality Show
American Idol
Deal or No Deal
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

7. Favorite Female TV Star
Jennifer Love Hewitt
Eva Longoria
Julia Louis-Dreyfus

8. Favorite Male TV Star
Patrick Dempsey
Charlie Sheen
Kiefer Sutherland

9. Favorite Talk Show Host
Ellen DeGeneres
Jay Leno
Oprah Winfrey

Honors were given last January 9th.

How many more episodes till I drop this?

I'm not sure why I'm still mentally setting next week's sched for this show, but I am. I'm still going to watch it even when this episode was a complete waste of time. My attachment to the actors is clouding my preference.

Episode synopsis:

Kelly's cop boyfriend catches Harry helping her move her things out of his place and he isn't happy about it. Jason is still trying to have something going on with Dr. Joanna while Sherman's staff refuses to help him to restore his professional reputation.
--- TV.com

There was nothing funny here tonight, move along people... :P

Anyhoo, now I know who JD of Scrubs remind me of. This guy:



It sounds a lot like something JD would say or do, no?

In Case of Emergency
Season 1 Episode 2 - It's Got to Be the Morning After
Original Airing: Jan 10, 2007
Network: ABC

Now this one, I'm warming up to...

* First of all, the Barry White-ish theme song is cheesy but cool, if that's possible:



* Second of all, this line and scene was actually funny :)

As I've blogged earlier, the guys are planning to rob Mick Jagger's apartment. So, in this scene, they are already by his door, prepared to break and enter. But there's a hitch...



Eugene: We have a code to get in, what would Mick Jagger's code be?
Gary: Rolling Stones
Eugene: No, that's too obvious
[someone tries another code and entered the numbers that would spell S-I-N-G-E-R on the keypad]
Squatch: No, try --- I CAN'T GET NO SATISFACTION
Gary: That's like 25 letters!
Squatch: No, no, no...because (I CAN'T GET NO) is in parenthesis!

* Third of all, David Letterman is producer to this episode!

* Fourth and last, Reiko plays Simone! Oh, how I've missed seeing her on TV. Fans of 24 will remember her as Michelle Dressler (RIP):



It ain't the funniest show yet, but I can stick around for awhile and watch some more.

Knights of Prosperity
Season 1 Episode 2 - Operation: Seduce Simone
Original Airing: Jan 10, 2007
Network: ABC

Not Guilty

Awwww.... :)




Ahhhhh!!!!



Episode Recap:
- House realizes he's in trouble, and does the unthinkable --- says "I'm Sorry" to Tritter (and I did not like that he did that! Wawa...). He also apologized to Wilson (that I liked....kiss! kiss! LOL!)
- House checks himself in rehab, few floors above the floor he works at. Took medicines that will help him go through the process
- Meanwhile, a patient is suffering from broken-heart syndrome and has seizures whenever this friend, whom he secretly loves, is nearby; he tried to strangle Cameron, so they fried his brain.
- Cuddy covers for House in court. Cuddy committed perjury. But is she sorry? Nooooooo.

Cuddy to House: You make everyone around you worse for being there. The only bright spot is now I own your ass. When you get out of rehab, you're going to be pulling double clinic duty, giving lectures to students, helping me find donors, and pretty much anything else I ask. Got it?

Kiss! Kiss! LOL!

- House vs Tritter case is dismissed, thanks to Cuddy. But House spends a night in jail for contempt coz he walked out of the courtroom in the middle of the deposition; he had to attend to the brain-fried patient.
- Wilson discovers the medicine House takes while in rehab ---- Vicodin! House was still on it all along.
- Tritter is GONE! *doing my happy dance*

House
Season 3 Episode 11 - Words and Deeds
Original Airing: Jan 9, 2007
Network: FOX
On Philippine Cable: AXN (one season behind)

Embracing the Heroes

Yes, I finally saw it. ;) Spent the whole day watching Heroes yesterday, thank god there wasn't much to do.

First of all, before he was known as HIRO, this guy was FRANKLYN --- the lab guy JD, Dr. Cox and the rest of Scrubs, terrorized in that comedy show. Today, Masi Oka aka Hiro, is a popular character on TV, more popular than the JD character, I think. I wonder when they're coming up with a Hiro reference there, knowing how Scrubs work. :)



Secondly, SKYLAR in this photo below, reminded me of Clark Kent in the 80's. And I knew I've seen the actor somewhere, he looked awfully familiar. Googling him answered my question. He was in the 3rd Season of 24. Played a minor role as a CTU tech guy who didn't get along with Kim (hehe, now I remember!).



And third, this comparison of Heroes vs Lost is right on the money. Particularly when he said Heroes had a better central concept than Lost:

Their central concept is fluid and adaptable. How do these people cope with their newfound powers, what to they do with them, what does it mean that they have them while others don’t, what forces may align to try and hurt them because of their powers? These are concepts that can applied towards just about any plotline. And since they aren’t bound by the limits of an island, the characters can literally go anywhere.

I was not very impressed when I saw Heroes for the first time. I felt it was droned and the pacing was too slow. I was too impatient, wanting the characters to get together right away, don their silly costumes and go on Justice League mode. :) My husband was a lot impatient, he's wondering when the big explosion in New York takes place already. Anyhow, after the fourth episode, I was ready to embrace the heroes. There is something about this show, one that Lost completely uh, lost... that sort of fills one's curiosity adequately.

Watching it didn't leave me feeling giddy nor excited nor anticipating nor obsessive (as I did with Lost the first time). But then, between the two shows, I got more satisfaction from watching Heroes after each episode. Because they didn't leave matters hanging. I mean despite having each episode end with a "To be continued...", you pretty much got the answers right away. The story isn't complex and it isn't dumb either. And it is showing Lost it's possible to do it that way.

On January 31st, cable channel StarWorld will begin airing Heroes.

Heroes
Season 1
Original airing: Sept 25th, 2006
Network: NBC
On Philippine Cable: Starworld

Conflict

Crime/Suspense on Cable will be airing StandOff beginning Jan 16th @ 9PM.

Gist of the Show:

Two members of Los Angeles' FBI CNU (Crisis Negotiation Unit) juggle their professional lives with a personal romance. Standoff is a new twist on the old hostage negotiator story.

Similar in Theme to:

"The Negotiator"

Final Word:

If anyone can make a middling show enjoyable, it would be Ron Livingston. Standoff may not look great, but it has the kind of attractive cast and intriguing premise that might get viewers to turn in, even if Standoff isn't that good. I see the show has similar to Bones, and if that show can succeed on FOX, Standoff can too.

--- BuddyTV

The cable sched is in conflict with American Idol. I can't decide if I should watch Standoff on cable or D/L it. Which will then answer my dilemma of whether or not I should watch American Idol during the satellite telecast at 4PM or tune to it at 8PM. In which case, I won't be able to watch Standoff on cable. But then I like watching it on cable, sometimes D/Ling exhausts me for some crazy reason. Maybe because I've got limited HD space and I don't burn those I D/L since I wait for them to come out on DVD...so then I'm forced to watch shows which I can watch much, much later because I have to make room for the other shows to fill up the hard disk.

It just goes on and on. Domino-ing...And you can tell I'm just rambling off.

I've been mulling over this since I confirmed the sched last night. And I'm thinking about it still, when I woke up today.

I have a degree from a good university which I can make use of, you know, for a career. I have some work to get to so that I can help and get to paying bills. I have chores and obligations to decide on, feed my family, attend to their needs. There are people angry at what is going on with our government. Election is happening in May. Someone from an influential Pinoy family suddenly died the other night. Ely Buendia, music genius, had a heart attack at 36. Saddam has been beheaded weeks ago and this poses a lot of implications worldwide. The world has gone crazy.

But a conflict of TV show schedule is what I stress over. Wehehe! :$


Standoff
Season 1
Original Airing: Sept 05, 2006 to present
Network: FOX
On Philippine Cable: Crime/Suspense