Hey!

There's really nothing good on TV all week. For once, I'm taking a break this time around and will enjoy the time away from the internet!

So, let me wish everyone a...

MERRY CHRISTMAS

and a

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Be back in 2009.

Big Round of Applause for THE SHIELD

Just got done watching the finale to The Shield (which actually had its finale last November).

That was seven seasons of great TV right there.

I wish the cast and its crew could all see me applauding after the end credits ran. I'm just one viewer. And even as I am aware The Shield isn't exactly a big favorite compared to other series, there are still loads of us who marvel at how good this is.

Debuting in 2002, The Shield quickly became our favorite here at home because it was an edgy cop series. The theme around it was tense and high strung...but it was something you can't stop watching. In fact, I was reluctant to check this out before, thinking it's just another generic cop series. One season, two seasons, six seasons down --- and I can't stop following.

The lead character, Vic Mackey, who is every inch the anti-hero, carried a badge around but moved and acted like the criminals he arrested...sometimes even worse. Watching the episodes unfold used to pump me up. On one hand, you know that good has to triumph over evil. But on the other hand, there's a part of me watching, wishing he won't get caught in the web of lies, murders and treachery he created.

The way I see it, Vic Mackey isn't all evil. There are pitiable reasons to why he did some of those things. And it's mostly about one thing --- survival.

I loved that scene near the end, when he was walking out of The Barn after Claudette told him of Shane's fate...and Vic said he is the way he is because his job, the system, built him for it.

Eventually, it was this job that lead him to his fateful end.

Vic Mackey lost everything --- his family, his friends, their loyalty, the admiration from his colleagues, the respect or fear from the gangs he has busted in the past. It was so beautifully satisfying how Claudette was the one to show him all of that.

I don't know who to pity the most when it ended --- Shane, Ronnie or Vic. But hooray for Claudette and Dutch! Though I found Claudette a bit self-righteous even from the beginning, it just fits how these two very clever and highly capable detectives were crucial to the fall of the Strike Team.

And then, just when you think that was it, Vic even lost something worse. He was emasculated, no longer the king of the streets. And that was probably the biggest, most insulting, most anguishing moment for him most of all.

BEST ENSEMBLE CAST EVER!!!

Balthazar Getty is fired from Brothers and Sisters!

Whoa. This is quite a shock to read on Christmas day, is it? On the other hand...there have been whispers on the set and even outside the set a few weeks before. There have been blind items about it, that, if you follow the show, you'd probably see the news coming. Perhaps just not on Christmas Day.

From CDAN, who has been breaking entertainment news stories lately (it's the website that first broke the news about TR Knight's contract withdrawal from GA):

I am not too drunk to know what I heard when I was sober and that is that Balthazar Getty has been fired from Brothers And Sisters. I don't know the reason. I don't know if it is because of Sienna or because he was sleeping with someone else on the show or if he just wandered the set looking for twinkies all day and not working. All I do know is his publicist says Balthazar has not been fired, and I of course say his happy ass was canned just in time for the holidays. Balthazar was let go. Dismissed. Given a pink slip. Shown the door. Do you know how hard it is to get fired from a job like this. He must have done something completely f**ked up like snorting mercury or something with Piven in the back room while they looked at porn videos of the daughter of the producers.

Also read this news reported last week: Balthazar Getty Has No Friends On The Set Of "Brothers And Sisters"

Brothers and Sisters without Tommy? Much as I think he is the least talented one of all the actors, I still cannot imagine it.

What are they gonna do? Kill his character?

Upcoming New Show Alert: To Love & Die

I have not heard of this show until the press release came out today. I've been trying to look for previews or teasers to get a feel of it, but my search was fruitless. It's not even on the official network site that carries this show! Which is a shame because, from the way I read the pr, it's the kind of story I'd wanna follow.

To Love & Die stars Shiri Appleby (Roswell) as Hildy. She's a girl with abandonment issues jeopardizing all of her romantic relationships. To get to the bottom of this, she sought for the source of it all --- her father.

As she tries to make a relationship with her father, she learns why he isn't always around when she was growing up. Her father works as a contract killer.

And now, Hildy is going to work as one as well.

The series will debut December 30th, USA Network.

The complete press release below:

WORLD PREMIERE OF USA ORIGINAL "TO LOVE & DIE" PREMIERES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30

Starring Shiri Appleby, Tim Matheson, Frances Fisher and Ivan Sergei

New York, NY December 23, 2008 Shari Appleby stars in the world premiere of TO LOVE & DIE, a USA original movie debuting on Tuesday, December 30 at 8/7c. The film also stars Tim Matheson ("The West Wing," "Animal House"), Frances Fisher ("Titanic," "Laws of Attraction") and Ivan Sergei ("Crossing Jordan," "The Break Up"). A repeat will air at 12/11c.

TO LOVE & DIE revolves around a young woman (Appleby) with abandonment issues, convinced that her dating problems would be resolved if only she were able to track down the father (Matheson) she never knew. When she finally does find him, she discovers that he's a contract killer. It's right then and there that it all comes together, and she realizes that not only do her relationship issues make sense but also that she may have found a new career path. Fisher stars as Janet, Appleby's secretive and protective mother. Sergei stars as Blue, a prospective love interest for Appleby who also works for Matheson.

TO LOVE & DIE comes from NBC Universal Television Studios and Broadway Video. Lorne Michaels ("Saturday Night Live," "30 Rock"), Andrew Singer ("Sons & Daughters") and David Kanter ("Crime & Punishment") serve as executive producers and it was written and executive produced by Sara Goodman.

USA Network is the #1 network in all of basic cable and is seen in 94 million U.S. homes. A division of NBC Universal, USA is the cable television leader in original series and is home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, acquired television series and entertainment events. The award-winning USA website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.

Sherlock Holmes Comes to TV

The Brits will do it first! That may not sound so right because I think Sherlock Holmes has been done on TV before. And Hollywood is doing the movie with Robert Downey, Jr (showing in 2009).

But for one that is set in modern day? On television? The Brits are doing it first!

And this guy to the right (Martin Freeman, from The Office UK) is going to be TV's Sherlock.

Benedict Cumberbatch and The Office's Martin Freeman are to star in a modern-day adaptation of Sherlock Holmes for BBC1.

Cumberbatch, who featured in Starter for 10 and Stuart: A Life Backwards, will take on the role of the cerebral sleuth Holmes, while Freeman will play Dr Watson in Sherlock, a version of Arthur Conan Doyle's classic tales. Rupert Graves will play Inspector Lestrade.

The one-off 60-minute drama is described by the BBC as a "thrilling, funny, fast-paced take" on the Holmes story set in present-day London. But the names, Holmes's address – 221B Baker Street – and the villain, Moriarty, will remain the same.

BBC1's update of the classic drama is the brainchild of Steven Moffat, the new showrunner on Doctor Who, and the League of Gentlemen star Mark Gatiss, who has written and starred in episodes of the revitalised sci-fi drama.

"Everything that matters about Holmes and Watson is the same," said Moffat. "Conan Doyle's original stories were never about frock coats and gaslight; they're about brilliant detection, dreadful villains and blood-curdling crimes – and frankly, the hell with the crinoline."

Full story here.

I have enjoyed reading Sherlock Holmes as a teenager and I am very excited about the Robert Downey movie...and now this? Best news ever!

Screen Actors Guild Awards TV Nominations

Actor® Awards Ceremony will be Simulcast Live on
Sunday, Jan. 25, on TNT and TBS
at 8 PM ET/PT, 7 PM CT, 6 PM MT

PRIMETIME TELEVISION

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
RALPH FIENNES / Bernard Lafferty - "BERNARD AND DORIS" (HBO)
PAUL GIAMATTI / John Adams - "JOHN ADAMS" (HBO)
KEVIN SPACEY / Ron Klain - "RECOUNT" (HBO)
KIEFER SUTHERLAND / Jack Bauer - "24: REDEMPTION" (FOX)
TOM WILKINSON / Benjamin Franklin - "JOHN ADAMS" (HBO)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
LAURA DERN / Katherine Harris - "RECOUNT" (HBO)
LAURA LINNEY / Abigail Adams - "JOHN ADAMS" (HBO)
SHIRLEY MacLAINE / Coco Chanel - "COCO CHANEL" (Lifetime)
PHYLICIA RASHAD / Lena Younger - "A RAISIN IN THE SUN" (Lifetime)
SUSAN SARANDON / Doris Duke - "BERNARD AND DORIS" (HBO)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
MICHAEL C. HALL / Dexter Morgan - "DEXTER" (Showtime)
JON HAMM / Don Draper - "MAD MEN" (AMC)
HUGH LAURIE / Gregory House - "HOUSE" (FOX)
WILLIAM SHATNER / Denny Crane - "BOSTON LEGAL" (ABC)
JAMES SPADER / Alan Shore - "BOSTON LEGAL" (ABC)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
SALLY FIELD / Nora Walker - "BROTHERS & SISTERS" (ABC)
MARISKA HARGITAY / Det. Olivia Benson - "LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT" (NBC)
HOLLY HUNTER / Grace Hanadarko - "SAVING GRACE" (TNT)
ELISABETH MOSS / Peggy Olson - "MAD MEN" (AMC)
KYRA SEDGWICK / Dep. Chief Brenda Johnson - "THE CLOSER" (TNT)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
ALEC BALDWIN / Jack Donaghy - "30 ROCK" (NBC)
STEVE CARELL / Michael Scott - "THE OFFICE" (NBC)
DAVID DUCHOVNY / Hank Moody - "CALIFORNICATION" (Showtime)
JEREMY PIVEN / Ari Gold - "ENTOURAGE" (HBO)
TONY SHALHOUB / Adrian Monk - "MONK" (USA)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
CHRISTINA APPLEGATE / Samantha Newly - "SAMANTHA WHO?" (ABC)
AMERICA FERRERA / Betty Suarez - "UGLY BETTY" (ABC)
TINA FEY / Liz Lemon - "30 ROCK" (NBC)
MARY-LOUISE PARKER / Nancy Botwin - "WEEDS" (Showtime)
TRACEY ULLMAN / Various Characters - "TRACEY ULLMAN’S STATE OF THE UNION" (Showtime)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
BOSTON LEGAL (ABC)
DEXTER (Showtime)
HOUSE (Fox)
MAD MEN (AMC)
THE CLOSER (TNT)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
30 ROCK (NBC)
DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES (ABC)
ENTOURAGE (HBO)
THE OFFICE (NBC)
WEEDS (Showtime)

No shocking nominations...same old, same old.

Win$100,000 in Online Game Based on the TV show LEVERAGE

This press release came from my e-mail and the good people from TNT.

If you've been watching Leverage starring Timothy Hutton and Gina Bellman, you may get a chance to win $100,000 in an online game inspired by it. If you haven't caught on it yet, here's a sneak peek:



The full press release is below. Please read the fine print to the game mechanics:

Starting this Sunday, Dec. 7, viewers will have a chance to win $100,000 by helping the team from TNT’s new series LEVERAGE get payback against a dirty double-crosser. The exciting, multipart “Get Ready to Get Even” online game1 will launch at leverageHQ.com in conjunction with the commercial-free premiere of LEVERAGE, starring Academy Award® winner Timothy Hutton.

The “Get Ready to Get Even” game involves the LEVERAGE team’s attempt to plant $100,000 in bribe money in the office of a corrupt executive. Their plan goes awry, however, when they are double-crossed and forced into hiding, leaving the money stashed in the trunk of a Hyundai Genesis2. Game players are encouraged to complete 11 missions over the course of the series to recover the cash and solve the mystery of who double-crossed them. Those who complete a mission will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win $100,000 in prize money.

TNT’s LEVERAGE follows a team of thieves, hackers and grifters who seek revenge against those who use power and wealth to victimize others. Hutton stars as Nate Ford, a former insurance investigator whose son died as a result of corporate greed, paving the way for his new profession. His highly skilled team is played by Gina Bellman, Christian Kane, Beth Riesgraf and Aldis Hodge. LEVERAGE comes to TNT from Electric Entertainment and executive producers Dean Devlin and John Rogers. The series will premiere Sunday, Dec. 7, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT), then move into its regular timeslot, Tuesdays at 10 p.m. (ET/PT), beginning Dec. 9.


1 NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia, who are 18 years of age or older. Sweepstakes ends 2/25/09. Void where prohibited. Subject to complete official rules available at www.LeverageHQ.com or by mail to “Leverage $100,000 Mission Sweepstakes Rules”, c/o LeadDog Marketing Group, 159 W. 25th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001. SPONSOR: TNT Originals, Inc.

2 No money is hidden. Search for money is for entertainment purposes only; all searching must be conducted online at www.LeverageHQ.com through game play

A Fringe-mas Story by Walter Bishop

How does Fringe wish you all a Merry Christmas? Just with this awesome storytelling by Walter Bishop.

Here he summarizes what has been going on in Fringe so far, following the narration to "Twas the Night Before Christmas". It sounds like someone's senile grandpappy telling a frightening Christmas story, but it's actually entertaining to watch, if you're a Fringe fan.



Source

It's getting hot in here...watching the new Burn Notice teaser.

Counting the days till the January premiere.

I've said it once and I'll say it again --- YUM, JEFFREY DONOVAN!

Upcoming New Show Alert: UNITED STATES OF TARA - Trailer

There seems to be several things good about this show, beginning with the fact that it's a Steven Spielberg and Diablo Cody collaboration (she, of the Juno fame).

United States of Tara stars Toni Colette. The actress has got quite a range, you'd agree with me. She can do any role and be very, very good at it. In this new comedy/drama, she plays Tara, a woman with multiple personality (so, yeah...imagine the challenge).

It also marks the return of John Corbett in a series. Last I saw him, he was moving on from Carrie Bradshaw.

Premiering Jan 18th on Showtime, here is Tara's trailer:



Read more of Tara in my mid-season calendar.

OMG! Jack Black comes to The Office!

Not feeling the holiday spirit yet. Le Body's been experiencing all sorts of something. Signs of aging? I don't know. But it is really getting harder to get up in the morning.

This piece of news woke me up though (for a while, then I instantly felt weak again :P) ---- movie actor Jack Black is visiting The Office.

The Ausiello reports:

The Office's post-Super Bowl episode just scored the equivalent of a touchdown with a two-point conversion: Jack Black has signed on to guest star in the hour-long episode, sources confirm to me exclusively.

The hitcom's producers are keeping the specifics of Black's stint under lock and key, so the only detail I've been able to uncover is that the funny man won't be playing himself.

As previously reported by TV Week, the Feb. 1 episode, which will air immediately following NBC's Super Bowl telecast, will revolve around the staff of Dunder Mifflin roasting Michael (Steve Carell).

Maybe Black will serve as roastmaster? Or is he Dwight's long lost brother?

Craaazeee!

Will write about it some more on WatchingTheOffice.com later.

Victory has ugly feet and other musings...

Have you done your Christmas shopping? I did quite a bit of that yesterday. But 'twas a big mistake. I did not realize it was just payday. My intention of just staying at the mall for under 3 hours? Stretched to a whole day and I was so tired! By the time I got home, I didn't have enough time to catch up on TV I missed this week.

Good thing they were only a few. One of them was Lipstick Jungle...which is down to its last few episodes. The show isn't in NBC's mid-season schedule for Jan to May. So, despite white Brooke Shields said? It's gone.

Speaking of... I don't know why this made it to the cutting room --- this shot of Victory's feet. It was dirty and ugly; when the whole storyline to this was that she was conscious of stripping down naked for a photo shoot and she doesn't think her body's that beautiful and someone had to prep her up and say she was.

Not that I don't have ugly feet myself but...they could have done something to hide this with that kind of a storyline.

I got too into it, I played this scene over and over.

See? Ugly feet ---



***

I was two episodes behind Dirty Sexy Money and I was just done watching last, last week's episode a few hours ago.

Let me just say this --- Karen slapping Nick George? Soap opera-ish. Classic. Priceless. It was unconsciously something I've been wishing for, ever since Nick has turned into this first class jerk in a matter of four or so episodes.





Made me even happier Karen was the one who got to do it. If there's anyone I looooove on this show, it's her.

Would have been a lot happier if she goes on a slapping frenzy. Karen, do your mom, do your dad, Jeremy, Simon and Lisa George for me, too! Hee! What a sick world that place is.

***

I had a couple of comments on this blog that I've mistakenly disapproved early today. I blame it on my disorientation. My body was still tired from yesterday.

So, if you're one of those who left to comment --- much appreciated! But I'm sorry, I moderated it by mistake. :(

***

This week, most of my favorites are officially going on a hiatus. Which means I have plenty of time to catch up on other programs.

But then again, I'm also leaving town for the holidays in a few of days so Too Much TV might translate to Too Much Partying in the next two-three weeks. I'd do my best to keep a few more updates though...I cannot NOT watch something while on vacation. That's just crazy.

TV Round-Up: Science has invaded scripted television

I thought I was the only one who has gone cold talking TV. If you've noticed, my postings have been short and it's an effort to do it on a daily basis these days. TV's been sooooo bad this season, these TV bloggers are feeling the same way I am and have even written something about it:

• DUCKYDOESTV
• POPVULTURES

Katherine Heigl Debuts on Highest-Paid Actresses List. So, I'm gonna shut up wondering why she's sleeping with dead people on her show. She can demand for anything she wants.

I don't exactly like her and I don't know why that is. But Paula Marshall has been unfairly tagged as the Show Killer (as in every show she's been on has been canceled!). With Gary Unmarried looking to last the season, she's no show killer anymore. Good for her. - With ‘Gary Unmarried,’ Paula Marshall overturns her rep as a show killer.

I have dropped The Amazing Race this season...I still love that show, but I think I'm getting TAR burnout. Anyway, the siblings won. The brother's girlfriend, who lives with them, had nary a clue that they did until she saw the finale. Now, that confidentiality agreement is really binding! Watch the video.

TV Trend: Science on TV. From Mentalist, to Big Bang Theory, to Fringe, to Numb3rs....

NBC gets to keep Jay Leno, who is vacating his Tonight Show seat next season. This must suck for Conan because it doesn't change anything for him. They both just got earlier time slots, essentially.

Speaking of Conan, I cannot wait to watch the episode of Inside The Actor's Studio with him in it!

Jimmy Fallon's late night test run did not turn out funny according to this review.

Time Magazine picks The Shield as the #1 TV Show for 2008. Also on the list? Mad Men, Breaking Bad, the elections coverage, Lost, Chuck and four other shows.

Tom Welling is leaving Smallville next season? Wait, this show is still on?

Why did they drop Idol Gives Back?

Lawrence Fishburne debuts tonight on CSI.

Golden Globe Nominations 2009 - Television

If I had made a bet with a friend, I'd lost. He got most of the nominees right! Good for him. Spot on analysis.

Bummed for some categories. There's no Lost nor Pushing Daisies nomination for Golden Globes this year. Hmph!

The complete nominee list is on the official site, I took the ones only for Television.

The winners will be awarded January 2009.

15. BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

1. DEXTER (SHOWTIME)
Showtime/John Goldwyn Productions/The Colleton Company/Clyde Phillips Productions
2. HOUSE (FOX)
Universal Media Studios in association with Heel and Toe Films, Shore Z Productions and Bad Hat Harry Productions
3. IN TREATMENT (HBO)
Sheleg, Closest to the Hole Productions in association with HBO Entertainment
4. MAD MEN (AMC)
Lionsgate Television
5. TRUE BLOOD (HBO)
Your Face Goes Here Productions in association with HBO Entertainment

16. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

1. SALLY FIELD – BROTHERS AND SISTERS
2. MARISKA HARGITAY –LAW AND ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT
3. JANUARY JONES – MAD MEN
4. ANNA PAQUIN – TRUE BLOOD
5. KYRA SEDGWICK – THE CLOSER

17. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

1. GABRIEL BYRNE – IN TREATMENT
2. MICHAEL C. HALL – DEXTER
3. JON HAMM – MAD MEN
4. HUGH LAURIE – HOUSE
5. JONATHAN RHYS MEYERS – THE TUDORS

18. BEST TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

1. 30 ROCK (NBC)
Universal Media Studios in association with Broadway Video and Little Stranger Inc.
2. CALIFORNICATION (SHOWTIME)
Showtime Presents in association with Aggressive Mediocrity, And Then...
3. ENTOURAGE (HBO)
Leverage and Closest to the Hole Productions in association with HBO Entertainment
4. THE OFFICE (NBC)
Deedle Dee Productions, Reveille LLC, Universal Media Studios
5. WEEDS (SHOWTIME)
Lionsgate Television

19.BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES –COMEDY OR MUSICAL

1. CHRISTINA APPLEGATE – SAMANTHA WHO?
2. AMERICA FERRERA – UGLY BETTY
3. TINA FEY – 30 ROCK
4. DEBRA MESSING – THE STARTER WIFE
5. MARY-LOUISE PARKER – WEEDS

20. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

1. ALEC BALDWIN – 30 ROCK
2. STEVE CARELL – THE OFFICE
3. KEVIN CONNOLLY – ENTOURAGE
4. DAVID DUCHOVNY – CALIFORNICATION
5. TONY SHALHOUB – MONK

21. BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

1. A RAISIN IN THE SUN (ABC)
Sony Pictures Television
2. BERNARD AND DORIS (HBO
Trigger Street Independent Productions in association with Little Bird and Chicago Films and HBO Films
3. CRANFORD (PBS)
A Co-Production of BBC and WGBH Boston.
4. JOHN ADAMS (HBO)
Playtone in association with HBO Films
5. RECOUNT (HBO)
Spring Creek/Mirage Productions in association with Trigger Street Productions, Everyman Pictures and HBO Films

22. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

1. JUDI DENCH – CRANFORD
2. CATHERINE KEENER – AN AMERICAN CRIME
3. LAURA LINNEY – JOHN ADAMS
4. SHIRLEY MACLAINE – COCO CHANEL
5. SUSAN SARANDON – BERNARD AND DORIS

23. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

1. RALPH FIENNES – BERNARD AND DORIS
2. PAUL GIAMATTI – JOHN ADAMS
3. KEVIN SPACEY – RECOUNT
4. KIEFER SUTHERLAND – 24: REDEMPTION
5. TOM WILKINSON – RECOUNT

24. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

1. EILEEN ATKINS – CRANFORD
2. LAURA DERN – RECOUNT
3. MELISSA GEORGE – IN TREATMENT
4. RACHEL GRIFFITHS – BROTHERS AND SISTERS
5. DIANNE WIEST – IN TREATMENT

25. BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

1. NEIL PATRICK HARRIS – HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
2. DENIS LEARY – RECOUNT
3. JEREMY PIVEN – ENTOURAGE
4. BLAIR UNDERWOOD – IN TREATMENT
5. TOM WILKINSON – JOHN ADAMS

Sarah Chalke: Maneater. Love it!

Loving this idea.

Sarah Chalke, gorgeous funny girl + Gigi Levangie Grazer, who wrote Starter Wife (which I'm really enjoying!) = fun!

This project sounds like a perfect vehicle for Sarah Chalke.

THR Reports:

Sarah Chalke has signed to star in Lifetime's four-hour miniseries "Maneater," based on Gigi Levangie Grazer's book.

In addition, Timothy Busfield has come on board to direct the Sony Pictures Television-produced mini, which is being adapted by Suzanne Martin ("Frasier").

"Maneater," airing next year, centers on Clarissa Alpert (Chalke), a shallow thirtysomething socialite in a panic because she's still single. Setting her sights on a Hollywood producer, Clarissa puts into motion a plan to land herself a husband.

Martin and Grazer ("The Starter Wife") are exec producing "Maneater" with 3 Arts' Stephanie Davis.

"Scrubs" co-star Chalke worked with Lifetime on the movie "Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy."

Busfield has directed episodes of "Lipstick Jungle," "Las Vegas" and "Ed." He also served as executive producer on "Jungle."

And its a short four hour series. Just the right amount of time frame. Because women-centric TV programs usually go bad some 30 episodes or so later (Hello, Desperate Housewives, Sex and The City!).

Is Gigi Levangie Grazer the new Candice Bushnell?

Fringe: Spot "The Observer"

Anyone watching Fringe is keeping a sharp eye out for The Observer, this mysterious figure who randomly appears in the scene of the crime.

This site has more information about him. And this video below compiles all of his appearances so far.

And honestly? The video scared the crap out of me, eventually. Someone reeling on every scene like that? Like a ghost but not really a ghost? Creepy!

How Grey's Anatomy Writers Will Kill Off George O' Malley

He's still in, he wants out, he got fired --- who cares? I have not been a big fan of the whiny George O' Malley character, who the other week reminded all of us still watching (why am I still watching, dammit!!!) he did open heart surgery inside an elevator. That seems to be the only decent storyline George has gotten from this.

So, for two days and sometime last week...the rumor mill has been busy. It started with blind items from EW and E! saying an actor from Grey's Anatomy is leaving.

And then finally a ballsy gossip site (which I actually frequent ---- guilty! Hey, I like that it's ballsy!), CDAN, named him yesterday, causing entertainment sites to pick up their phones and confirm it.

The official statement released hours after that news exploded says the actor is still on the show and he isn't leaving.

But when the tides cleared this morning...we're hearing a different tune.

TR Knight, who plays George, wants out. He wants to leave the show. Reports say, he is negotiating for a graceful exit. The kind that isn't like the exit Brooke White got, or some brilliant heart surgeon from Season 3 got for that matter.

Since the stupid writers on this show are always looking for ways to shock us with dramatic, catastrophic but nearly impossible plot developments, I've got a suggestion to how George has to go ----


It cannot get any more symbolic than that!

Image from Google Images

Who will these young TV stars look like when they are older?

Can't say that this one just came out of nowhere because I have actually been noticing the similarities before. Do you agree with me or do I need to get my eyes check asap (and yes, for the record, I do have bad vision...).

These are who these actors will look like when they age ----

Michelle Trachtenberg, who playes someone's sister on Gossip Girl (I think?) and also Buffy's sister, will look like Julie Andrews when she's older. Don't believe so? How about taking a look at this photo of Miss Andrews back in the day?

Close right?

Now, this next pair...

I was watching Miley's new MTV off Youtube earlier this afternoon. The 16-year old kid was trying very hard to look sexy in her video (ugh!). But I just don't see it. Poor girl. She doesn't have sex appeal, I'm sorry.

Instead, I saw Brooke Smith, who was most recently in the news as the actor who got fired on Grey's Anatomy.

They so look alike, huh?

Next...

Now this, I hate to bring up because I loooove the woman I'm comparing the young actress to. But they do share the same features, I have to say.

Shenae Grimes, from 90210? She looks older than her 16 year old character, right? In fact, she appears old enough...she looks like the high school principal, the very character Connie Britton plays on Friday Night Lights!

Either Shenae is too mature looking or Connie does look so young for her age. Connie is fan-tastic!

I recently saw a photo of Seventh Heaven actress and now some kind of a movie star, Jessica Biel, looking glam and fab...like a younger Raquel Welch.... like so:

For more celebrities who look like other celebrities, here's 150 of them!

Hey, ABC! Can Lee Pace star in this please?

When I read this news item from The Hollywood Reporter, I immediately thought of Lee Pace.

Go ahead, read and see why ----

DC Comics' "Fables" is heading to ABC.

The network has handed out a put pilot commitment to the fantasy project, based on the comic book created by Bill Willingham and published by DC's Vertigo imprint.

"Six Degrees" creators/executive producers Stu Zicherman and Raven Metzner are penning the script for the hourlong drama set at Warner Bros. TV.

David Semel has come on board to direct "Fables," which revolves around characters from fairy tales and folklore living in exile in modern-day New York.

"Their lives become interconnected in vary big way," Zicherman said. "They share a secret and a bond."

Zicherman and Metzner wouldn't elaborate which fairy tale characters will be featured in the TV series, but noted that Big Bad Wolf and Snow White, who are central to the comics, will have a similar role on the show.

The comic book series' first storyline followed Fabletown's sheriff, a reformed and pardoned Big Bad Wolf, who investigates the murder of Snow White's party-girl sister, Rose Red.

"We set up a structure to allow any fairy tale character to show up in any one episode," Metzner said.

The fairy tale characters will keep some of their trademark characteristics. For instance, Prince Charming will be handsome, while Big Bad Wolf will have to shave a four-day shadow from growing back every day.

But overall, "they are just like real people in the real world who live and breathe and look just like you and me," Metzner said.

If ABC can't picture it yet, then here...I can help them out and give them an image:

A shot from Pushing Daisies Season 1, 3rd Episode, Fun In The Funeral of a "princely" Ned
Fitting, huh?

*Photo from Pushing-Daisies.com

Boston Legal Ends Tonight

After five seasons and a number of Emmy Awards, the legal drama from David E. Kelley --- Boston Legal --- is ending tonight with a two-hour finale.

I am not a Boston Legal avid viewer. I've barely gone through the first two seasons, trying to catch much of it as I can on cable. And I've often wondered how it kept winning Emmy's.

But I'm watching the series ender later. Just to see how it went.

According to USA Today, Boston Legal's end marks David E. Kelley's first time without any show on the schedule for the rest of the season.

Legal's end marks the first time in more than 20 years a Kelley show won't be on the broadcast schedule, a string stretching from L.A. Law through Picket Fences, Ally McBeal, Boston Public, The Practice and others. But he has two series in the works, including Legally Mad, a one-hour NBC legal-comedy pilot about a father and daughter who work in a "cauldron of eccentrics" that he says has tones of Legal and McBeal.

Never a big ratings grabber (averaging 9.2 million viewers, down 6% this season), Legal almost ended in May, but ABC added a 13-episode sendoff. Kelley thinks the show could have gone a bit longer but was glad to have time for a full-fledged finale.

Upcoming New Show Alert: BETTER OFF TED - Watch its trailer!

Here it is! I've been waiting for a clip of it off Youtube since I've seen the teaser the previous week at another site. Better Off Ted stars some familiar people --- Portia De Rossi is one; and Andrea Anders is another.

The comedy series is expected to air by early next year on ABC, but its schedule hasn't been confirmed.

First impressions based on this short clip?
Whimsy, check!
Quirky, check!
Absurdity, check!
Arrested Development-ish and The Office-ish humor, check!

I'm kinda liking what I see! Watch the teaser and let me know if you feel the same ---



If you'd like to see a list of upcoming new shows, I've just updated it over here.

The Abomination That is Grey's Anatomy

I will let Joel Hale speak for my utter disappointment of Grey's Anatomy via this segment from his show, The Soup.

The phrase, "Sorry I died..." has never been made funnier than in this context:



I have come to my senses. But when? When will I stop watching this crap? @#@%!!!

Pushing Daisies: Olive sings Eternal Flame

The following scene brought tears to my eyes. And it can be because of three things:

1) my hormones are acting up.

2) Kristin Chenoweth sang this so well, it really moved me, or...

3) it reminded me of what I'm absolutely gonna miss about this show.



It all ends in four more episodes.

*sigh*

So glad to be back online! Now here's another TV Round-up!

I was out of internet for two days and didn't have a reliable internet back-up. There are lots of things I need to catch up on...I'm making up for lost time. So let's get right to it with this week's round-up, yeah?

Whaaat? The coaches daughter on FNL is heading to 90210?

Gossip Girl stuff:

• What were the cast of Gossip Girl doing before GG? Check this.
• A Gossip Girl spin-off, Hmmmm....
• The show will follow Serena and the girls through College.

A Full House Spinoff with the girls, Candice Cameron and Jodi Sweetin? Hmmmm....

Caprica, the Battlestar Galactica spinoff is coming in 2010.

On Battlestar Gallactica, you say, "Frak!" and it be cussing or cursing at something/someone. In Ikea, you say "Frack!" and it is this. I love it.

Kelsey Grammer and Megan Mullally are doing a movie together. The remake of Fame. They aren't the stars though. What does that tell you?

Guess who is playing Gambit in the Xmen movie? It's Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) from FNL!

Coupling and Swing Town's Jack Davenport's new project. I like!

He may have lost Eli Stone, but he's found a new blessing --- his new baby. Congratulations Jonny Lee Miller!

Knight Rider is on all stop. NBC has ordered to cut the series and may possible not get a second season.

I cannot wait for Castle, Cupid and The Unusuals --- the three shows ABC replaced Pushing Daisies, Eli Stone and Dirty Sexy Money with!

This seasons hottest leading men include Kevin McKidd, Lee Pace, Simon Baker and Jon Hamm.

Hot Tina Fey. And here's how she looked before looking like that.

The most powerful women of Hollywood, 2008. Oprah is tops.

25 Smartest People of TV. List includes Tyra Banks, the women of The View, Jon Stewart, Chuck Lore for The Big Bang Theory.

Dirty, Sexy hot Jennifer Aniston in a 2009 Calendar. With a nipple slip. This woman is pushing 40?

I'm off to watch the shows I've missed in the last two-three days.

Be back in a few...

Upcoming New Show Alert: CASTLE - Watch its trailer!

For Nathan Fillion's sake, I do hope this series stands through the test. He's had no luck with his projects sticking around for one season. His last show, Drive, aired for about four episodes.

Castle, from this trailer, looks like a crime procedural, a fairly popular format among the viewing public in the US. It's a story of mystery-thriller writer who discovers that a copycat has been doing the crimes from his books for real. And he offers to help police solve the cases.

I tell you what right now --- I am not feeling the female lead and I don't know why that is.

Here's the trailer to Castle, which will be airing beginning March 2009 on ABC.

Upcoming Show Alert: KINGS - Watch its trailer!

Kings is one of those I look forward to because for one thing, I like the basic premise of it --- power and deception. Those elements just makes stories interesting, doesn't it? For another thing, I'm also waiting for this because I like watching Ian McShane back on TV. That man's got a terrifying presence on screen. I can't not stay put and watch.

But will Kings be of interest to many viewers?

The show is loosely based on the story of King David (of David and Goliath) but it is set in the present day. A TV critic calls the script "bold, bizarre and fun". For network television (as Kings will be airing on NBC this mid-season), it is something that has not yet been done before. Which means it can either be 1) too good, it becomes a success; or 2) too difficult to grasp, it will fail.

Watch this teaser and see if you like it ---



First impressions based on this short video? It looks like serious TV, man! And I'm starting to have doubts. Not about the show, but on whether or not I'd be able to follow it! I have a feeling I'd be falling under Group #2 or those who'd have a hard time grasping the story! Hah! The teaser looks complex.

Anyhow, there isn't a date set for the premiere. But I'd update this on my list as soon as it's announced.

Leverage Premieres Tonight!

Finally, something new on American TV. I was beginning to get restless because this season is really sucking. Hopefully, Leverage will pick my interest up. That, and the entire final season of The Shield, which I should start watching soon, right?

Anyway, this heist show will begin airing today/tonight. I've previously written of it here, having watched the pilot episode some months back.

And here's the teaser ---



My excitement meter is up!

Courtney Cox on Scrubs - Teaser

I don't remember how many episodes she'll be on in Scrubs but it's good to see Courtney Cox doing comedy again. The only "Friend" not ever been nominated for an Emmy Award, I think she's due for something like it real soon. Courtney is great at comedy...which is why I am anticipating Cougar Town's (her new TV series) airing!

Here's a preview of her on Scrubs:

Rome, the movie in the works. What would that do for Kevin McKidd

Since he is now becoming a series regular on Grey's Anatomy as Major McHottie, would Kevin McKidd be so willing to leave the show so he can do Rome's movie version? He has to do the film, right? He's one of the two important characters on Rome, so he cannot take a pass. And they don't shoot in a studio, I suppose. They travel overseas for those authentic sights and background. What would that do to Major McHottie?

I read about Rome creator, Bruno Heller's, interview last week. He was talking about The Mentalist and mentioned Rome in passing. Although he did say, the movie is still under "talks", so it's premature to assume there will actually be one, unless the camera starts rolling.


But I would much rather see Kevin McKidd on this film than on Grey's Anatomy. Yeah, he's giving that show new life. It's probably why I'm still watching it. But I'm afraid the way things are going downhill over there, he's pretty much part of a sinking ship. And Kevin McKidd cannot be part of a sinking ship! His TV show before this, Journeyman, did fail. But that one at least had a decent story when it ended.

That said, I cannot wait for the film to get started.

Source

Upcoming Show Alert: LIE TO ME. Watch its trailer!

Here's a brand new TV series dealing with the study of human behavior in helping solve crimes. It's a subject I'm fascinated about, personally...so yes, this show does peak my interest.

Lie To Me stars Tim Roth and will begin airing January 21st on Fox.

“Lie To Me” is a drama series about the science of lying. It focuses on a team of deception experts who have a private agency that’s contracted by law enforcement, every government agency, corporations and private individuals when they’ve hit a roadblock in their search for the truth. So they work on the most difficult cases where there’s a web of lies that needs to be untangled. --- Source

The teaser is below:

Aus Idol Top 2 and I - Luke Dickens and Wes Carr

I only saw bits of the Australian Idol's finale performances on Youtube and will get to watching it from start to finish this weekend. But the winner has been declared, and it wasn't a surprise. Wes Carr had it in him the minute he stepped on that stage, during phase two of the auditions in Sydney.

But before I present my favorite performances of Wes, take a look at their Top 2 Idol placer --- Luke Dickens.

Luke was a deserving contender. He has that raspy, bluesy voice that not a lot of singers have, which makes him a stand-out. All throughout the show, they kept on emphasizing where he came from (he's a sheep shearer) and how far he has achieved. I'm not quite sure if Luke is ready to embrace the pressure of being a music idol, should he have won it, though.

Here is his final performance:



Unlike Luke who is so new to all of these, Wes Carr is a born performer and is a singer by profession. Thus, this makes him quite seasoned and very ready for the business. As I've said, his winning comes as no surprise.

Here are my favorite performances of Wes:

• Fernando, Abba Night - His arrangement of the music is so beautiful!)
• Black or White, Michael Jackson Night - Wes went all-out. I don't think it's his kind of music now, but he admits to being a big, big fan of the King of Pop when he was a child.
• Dancing In The Dark, Springsteen 80's Night - I also wanted to get up and move to his performance!
• You, AusIdol Winner's Song - It's actually not sappy, for once!

TV Round-Up: The music chart speaks and says which David is better

Horay for Bromances! Here are TV's best of that.

Remember that actors strike that was looming at the start of the season? It is back on. The actors will vote to strike soon. If that happens, things are again going to get pretty bad next year.

Zach Braff confirms he is leaving Scrubs after Season 8 (airing January).

When shows end, they become movies. The latest one to probably dabble into this? Prison Break.

Should we prepare for Strike part2?

A feature on Kelly Cuoco from Big Bang Theory.

Because it's becoming a such a hit, CBS is planning a spin-off to NCIS.

Cobie Smulders is (a) Mother!

The battle of the Davids continues. One David is beating the other David. Guess who it is.

No Heroes, Chuck and Life in January.

Slow news week...it's the holidays.

50 Things I'm Thankful For - The TV Edition

1. F.R.I.E.N.D.S - my constant companion when I've lost my own set of friends.
2. Lost. I don't get it 95% of the time but the ride and the experience is wonderful.
3. The gift that is Pushing Daisies *sniff*
4. The funny people at The Office.

And these are not in particular order ---

5. Jack Bauer, hero extra-ordinaire
6. Dorks like John JD Dorian and Conan O Brien
7. The heart that is in Band of Brothers and Friday Night Lights.
8. Ben Linus. Best villain ever.
9. TV on DVD
10. Torrents
11. The Walker Clan.
12. Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.
13. Ellen.
14. Australian and American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance.
15. Marlon of Survivor Philippines.
16. Tina Fey
17. Kristin Chenoweth
18. Emerson Cod.
19. House and Wilson.
20. Bromances.
21. Barney Stinson/Neil Patrick Harris.
22. Chick Television - Lipstick Jungle, Starter Wife, Privileged and Sex and The City (but not after breaking off with Aidan).
23. Chuck Bartowski aka Agent Charles Carmichael.
24. Coupling.
25. British TV.
26. Patrick Jane, the Mentalist.
27. Kevin McKidd.
28. Bryan Fuller.
29. The Bluths.
30. The Sopranos.
31. Ausiello, Kristin, Korbi and all those TV entertainment writers I follow and come in contact with.
32. Eli Stone.
33. Studio 60, short-lived as it was.
34. Aaron Sorkin.
35. Whedon.
36. Sheldon.
37. Big Bang Theory.
38. Veronica Mars.
39. The iconic Simpsons.
40. Seinfeld.
41. Youtube and video streaming.
42. Digby.
43. Matthew Perry.
44. Damien Lewis.
45. The Shield.
46. Complex characters and anti-heroes.
47. Upcoming New TV shows.
48. Jeopardy.
49. Attack of the Show.
50. Cable Television.

A whole lot of naked on HIMYM!

Inspite of what was quite a hectic day earlier, I managed to squeeze in How I Met Your Mother and Big Bang Theory (... and Chuck, which I had to fast forward several times coz my time was up and I had to get back to work). I cannot NOT watch TV in a day. Am so contented and relieved I took that break, because HIMYM this week? It was the AWESOMEst!

This collage of photos will speak for itself:

My favorite pose is that of Barney's, third row, middle. That's his Superman pose. Heh.

I have very little energy left though and I can't elaborate what went on in this episode. But if this photo's gotten you curious, check this site's account, it's where I got it from.

And I think I also have to say: this episode felt like a shout-out to Friends' Ugly Naked Guy! Yeah.

Eek! Did you catch that goof on 24: Redemption?

Before I show what that goof was, can I just say ---- 24, oh how I've missed you! The last it aired was in Jan-May of 2007, yeah? I did not even finish the series then. I quit sometime March of that season because President Wayne Palmer was not even half as good as his brother. I've been without 24 for 20 months! So imagine my eagerness for tonight's two-hour prequel.

And how was it?

Missing on: CTU. There was none of that familiar ringing. No Jack asking for schematics. No inappropriate office romances. No Chloe. Not just yet. Jack is in Africa and he is exiled by choice. He refuses to go back to the US where the government has been trying to subpoena him to answer allegations of torture.

Awesome: Jack kills the bad guys with his knees! And his kill count is off the charts!

Funny: Benton saying "dammit!" twice. Drunkards playing the 24 Drinking Game are probably wondering if that counted or not... and will still cheer and drink to it. If you're wondering who Benton is, there's no need to jog your memory. He's a new character and he's not staying long.

Freaky: Mrs. Lady President looks like my former boss from 12 years ago.

Hoping: This guy played Mrs. Lady President's son instead. Because he would've been hawwt-er! But he is doing True Blood, so my fantasizing about him on this show? Not gonna happen.

It was a reboot much needed, particularly from someone who hasn't seen Jack Bauer in a while. But like many of 24's plots, I can tell something was gonna go wrong a minute away (Willie, the African boy....he's is the new Kim! That kid! Argh!) And yet those little bumps, those inconsistencies, these things don't seem to matter (well, for now...check back with me again when when it's seven episodes down the line and I've started whining and complaining! Heh). But definitely, the minute Jack stepped up and become that hero again? I was right there, cheering like a monkey on the screen.

And now for the goof ----

This screen capture was of a scene with Jack and the African school kids running away from the rebel military. What do you see to the left, behind the trees? Yep, that's the camera crew caught in the frame!! Gotcha!

Save Eli Stone!

Just as Eli Stone got really interesting --- with former firm partners separating, lawyers jumping ship and Eli proving he can rebuild the smaller firm --- ABC decides not to renew it. Just as I'm beginning to see how the others actors are growing into their characters and I am beginning to see more depth with Matt's character, ABC decides this ends this season.

The campaign to save the show is on. And if you have not seen this one ever, you may be missing out. Eli Stone had a few kinks to work out in their story line. But it is one of the most original shows I've been watching.

Aus Idol Top 4 and 3 - Teale Jakubenko and Mark Spano

I missed posting Top 4 last week, so I'm lumping Teale with Mark (Top 3) who leaves the show this week.

First, we've got Teale who left two weeks ago...he has this Justin Timberlake vibe. Cute guy, too. Okay voice, he can sing, no doubt it. But I think he'd do tons better getting into TV acting or the movies down under. This was one of his last songs the other week, something I'm not familiar with being the old hag I am (who's stuck at listening to 80's and early 90's music!).



Next comes Mark. I was thinking he'd make it to Top 2. I missed by one. Top 3 isn't so bad anyway, especially for a guy who has stage presence like him? He's going to be a music idol over there. Women love his kind of image --- that dark, sexy, singing idol. His final performance, a song by Santana ----



Australian Idol ends next week with two guys singing for the title. My husband is rooting for Luke, this guy with the Springsteen-Joe Cocker voice, who also has a very engaging personality. I'm rooting for Wes, who is the total performer (he can sing, play music instruments, can do rock, can do pop, can do ballads....) It's gonna be a showdown, I hope!

TV Rundown: What is the best new show this season?

TV Fans like me are reportedly unhappy, according to the study. Agree on some points. I have a better relationship with TV characters than I do with real people. Pathetic, but insanely true.

An interview with Grey's Dr. Owen Hunt.

The best new show of the season is this one. Huh. I did not like this one.

Why this is the super surprise hit of the season: NCIS. I have actually not seen a single episode of this. Maybe I will do so one of these days, just to see what the fuss is about.

Interview: Filipina Liza Lapira, who appears on Dexter and a few other TV series. And yes, she was that girl on 21.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Professional Dead Guy....and I was experiencing a brain fart earlier. All this time I was thinking he was also Eli's dad on Eli Stone...different guy! My mistake. :P

You know Tina Fey has really made it when there's a Sesame Character based on her Liz Lemons character. How cute is that?

Tim Kring insults Heroes viewer and calls them a bunch of saps. Way to go. That'll get the show more viewers. :P

Three of my shows died today, but TV lives on. Here are three more shows coming next season ---

• The TV version of 10 Things I Hate About you has picked 5 actors to star in it. I do not know anyone. I think.
• Horatio Sanz joins this comedy series in the works for ABC which brings back Megan Mullally. Look how much weight this guy, Horatio, lost!
  
• Also in that same story is the news about the show, Possible Side Effects.

Canceled: Pushing Daisies, Eli Stone, Dirty Sexy Money

This news doesn't hit me like Friends going off air hit me. But still, I'm mourning for three shows today.

The fact hit me just now.

Seriously --- my eyes, in tears.

How ugly is this season?! Bleeeeeeeech. :P

ABC has canceled Pushing Daisies, executive producer Bryan Fuller confirms to me exclusively.

According to our inside sources, Eli Stone and Dirty Sexy Money have also been canceled. Reps for both shows have declined to comment.

Is the pie-maker dead? Will we ever see him again? Read on for the exclusive inside dish straight from the top...

Bryan Fuller tells me, "[ABC president] Steve McPherson called me, and said 'We gave it the best shot we could.' "

According to Fuller, the facts are these: "It's very likely that Pushing Daisies will end after episode 13, which as you know, is a cliffhanger. But we are talking to DC Comics about doing comic books that will wrap up our storylines, and I already have a pitch for a movie ready to go.

"To be honest, I'm really not feeling very boo hoo about it. I am so proud of the show. We put together 22 really good episodes, and there is a lot to be proud of. I'm sure I'll be working with a lot of these people again, and I would love to do so." - WWK

TV Ratings [11.20.08]

Well, I've come to terms with the fact that Pushing Daisies will be canceled. The numbers aren't improving at all. Last night's episode was beautiful, but I really don't think an average viewer gets it. I'll begin mourning now...

8.00 Block
Bones Fox 10.73 M/3.1
Gary Unmarried CBS 8.14 M/2.7
New Adventures Of Old Christine CBS 8.09 M/2.5
Knight Rider NBC 5.12 M/1.5
Pushing Daisies ABC 4.86 M/1.8
America’s Next Top Model The CW 4.80 M/2.3

9.00 Block
Criminal Minds CBS 16.38 M/4.3
Private Practice ABC 7.14 M/2.4
House (Repeat) Fox 5.73 M/2.2
Life NBC 5.32 M/1.7
Stylista The CW 2.16 M/1.0

10.00 Block
CSI: New-York CBS 14.00 M/3.8
Law & Order NBC 7.58 M/2.2
Dirty Sexy Money ABC 5.63 M/1.8

TV Ratings [11.19.08]

Last night, I got caught up with Chuck, which actually aired two days ago...and I've kinda gotten fond of Jill, his ex-girlfriend. Why I'm bummed to learn she's actually a Fulcrum agent surprises me, when of course it's obvious. Anyway, that has nothing to do with this batch's ratings. But I just want to say --- Chuck has been improving a lot this season, characters all evolving. Kudos.

So, Tuesday night's shows...

The Mentalist delivers one of its most satisfying episode last night. I got to watch a deeper side to Patrick Jane, one I really felt pity for. That final scene when the psychic relayed to him the message from his dead family? That was poignant and moving. H really needed to cry it all out because he's been holding in a lot of grief.

I keep on watching Mentalist and saying this to myself every time --- this episode will be my last. I'm crazy for ever thinking I won't be involved in this show. But now I'm drawn to it as much as I am drawn to Life. The Mentalist is permanently on my viewing list.

House continues to be my favorite. It has been staying strong with its key demo. Last night, Foreman stepped up and took another case without House's help. So, that's how they're going to make use of Cameron and Chase!

Speaking of key demo, I haven't actually paid attention to Fringe's ratings. I wasn't aware it had a stronger niche following. Way to go, geeks...err nerds...err geniuses.

And Privileged performs way below the bar. Sadly, I think this one won't be renewed next season.

8.00 Block
NCIS CBS 17.98 M/3.5
House Fox 13.03 M/5.5
Dancing With The Stars ABC 11.81 M/2.4
The Biggest Loser NBC 7.18 M/2.9
90210 The CW 2.94 M/1.6

9.00 Block
Dancing With The Stars Results ABC 17.50 M/4.0
The Mentalist CBS 15.83 M/3.5
Fringe Fox 9.36 M/4.2
The Biggest Loser NBC 8.51 M/3.6
Privileged The CW 1.58 M/0.8

10.00 Block
Without A Trace CBS 11.86 M/2.6
Law & Order: SVU NBC 10.18 M/3.8
Eli Stone ABC 6.87 M/1.8

Upcoming Show Alert: CUPID. Watch its trailer!

Cupid is a revival of this 90's series that never lasted for more than one season. The old show and its revival were both created by Rob Thomas, whose most familiar credit in the world of TV is Veronica Mars. The former series starred Jeremy Piven, pre-Entourage and Paula Marshall (who is now on Gary Unmarried). The revival stars Bobby Carnavale (Will and Grace) and Sarah Paulson (Studio 60).

The basic premise? The lead character believes he is the Greek god from Mt. Olympus sent back to our world as a punishment. He can only return to Olympus if he successfully matches 100 couples. Cupid (named Trever Hale back on Earth) also sees a therapist in a singles-only group.

Here is the revival's trailer ----



And here is a scene from the original 90's version ---



The EW ranks Cupid (original) as one of the Top Ten Shows Before Their Time. The revival, it seems, is ripe for this decade.

As much as I like Jeremy Piven and as much as his performance in this series did not miss with critics before, I think that it's easier to warm up to the new actors this time around. The Piven/Marshall combo appeared so much more arrogant, lofty and less down to earth (pun not intended) as characters, from what little I remember. This new version, for some reason and based on the trailer alone, appears to have more genial, more relatable characters than the first.

Cupid is set to air next year on ABC.