28 November 2008

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.

27 November 2008

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.

25 November 2008

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.

24 November 2008

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!

23 November 2008

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.

21 November 2008

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 ---

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

20 November 2008

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.

19 November 2008

TV Ratings 11.17.08

This one's a bit late today, sorry...it's so crazy over here and I think it will be crazier till the end of 2008. Can you believe it? Another year is almost over...

Anyway, can How I Met Your Mother get a "whoooooo!", y'all? Last Monday's episode which was about "Whooo! Girls", posted its season high. CBS should be very, very happy this show is doing so well. It has been quite a rough three years for HIMYM. And it took them four years to finally get what they deserve --- an audience that keeps on tuning week after week! And to even beat Dancing With The Stars demo is something too!

So......whoooooooooo!!!!

8.00 Block
Dancing With The Stars ABC 19.30 M/4.2 demo
How I Met Your Mother CBS 9.84 M/4.3 demo
The Big Bang Theory CBS 9.70 M/3.7 demo
Chuck NBC 6.80 M/2.6 demo
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Fox 5.31 M/2.0 demo
Gossip Girl The CW 2.88 M/1.5 demo

9.00 Block
Dancing With The Stars ABC 20.69 M/4.6 demo
Two And A Half Men CBS 15.23 M/5.3 demo
Samantha Who? ABC 11.12 M/3.0 demo
Worst Week CBS 10.37 M/3.2 demo
Heroes NBC 7.59 M/3.6 demo
Prison Break Fox 5.89 M/2.3 demo
One Tree Hill The CW 2.73 M/1.3 demo

10.00 Block
CSI: Miami CBS 15.39 M/4.2 demo
Boston Legal ABC 8.43 M/2.3 demo
My Own Worst Enemy NBC 3.99 M/1.9 demo

18 November 2008

Lipstick Jungle - NOT CANCELED YET!

Am so relieved! I wake up and find this news springing at me first! Lipstick Jungle's not the best show around, but us girls need our female-centric fix and this one delivers it BIG time. Glad it's staying put!
"They're not breaking down the sets. We’re still working. We still have more to do, so it's erroneously presented that we’ve been canceled, thank God.

"Our bosses are saying, 'You’re not canceled, don’t worry. We’re just trying to figure out how to make this make sense.'"

Shields said fans have already sent in tubes of lipstick to Jeff Zucker, president & CEO of NBC Universal, to show their support.

"It's been insane," she went on. "I think that the public outcry has been crazy, and it's kind of wonderful." ---- Brooke Shields, US Magazine

17 November 2008

My "WHEEE!!!!" dialed down to "wheee..."

And I blame my poor eyesight for it.

I thought I read JOHN instead of JOAN. Don't get me wrong --- I love these Cusack siblings.

But I would have really been more excited if John was the one developing the TV series. Then again, what are the chances? He's a film guy, not a TV guy.

Anyway...hooray for Joan. She's back on TV, seven or so years after What About Joan was canceled (a series I haven't seen, by the way. I've been looking for it everywhere!)
Joan Cusack has lined up two TV projects, developing a comedy at NBC set in the world of psychiatry and starring opposite Mae Whitman in the Lifetime original movie "Acceptance."

The NBC project, which she is co-creating with the network and Universal Media Studios, will be based on an original idea of Cusack's. John Markus ("The Larry Sanders Show") is serving as writer/executive producer, while Cusack will produce with Julie Yen. --- THR
Can you get your brother on your show, Joan, please? He'd be perfect for that psychiatry comedy!

16 November 2008

The Ex-List: At least we've got a bit closure!

To the five million or so who've watched The Ex-List and have been bummed about its cancellation, series show runner Dianne Ruggiero reveals to E!Online the man they intended Bella to end up with. Because the show has been yanked off air with merely four episodes, we never got to this part of the story.

And yup, the fortune teller was right, "the one" has been part of her life all along.

The man is her BFF, Augie.

You've suspected as much?

“My plan was to end the first season with Bella getting married. Marina (the psychic) told her that she already dated The One and that if she didn’t marry within the year she’d never marry. She never said she had to marry The One within the year.

“Soooo, my plan was to have Bella hook up with an old college ex around episode 13. In the past, he had just started dating someone when he met Bella. He fell for Bella and dumped his girlfriend, only to have his relationship with Bella last for like a day. Now she meets up with him again. They hit it off like crazy. One problem, he’s engaged. The episode ends with Bella not wanting to wreck his engagement. She’s worried that she’s letting the prophecy cloud her judgment and she doesn’t want to ruin someone else’s potential happiness. Anyway, long freakin’ story short—episode 19 he comes back. He had ended the engagement anyway and is available.

“Bella, in the meantime, has entered a new phase in her relationship with Elliott. He’s her new best friend. And she’s had a huge fight with Augie and their friendship is on the rocks. The clock is ticking. She tells College Ex about the prophecy. He says they should get married. They head to Vegas. Elliott rushes to Vegas to stop them. He’s too late. Right after they tie the knot College Ex is telling a stranger at the casino the story of how he met Bella. He mentions that they were both dating someone else. Bella is confused. She was single when she met him—we flash back to a college party—Bella and Augie enter. She sees someone she used to date and doesn’t want to appear to be at the party alone. She tells Augie that he is her boyfriend for the night.

“Basically, Bella gets married then moments later realizes that Augie is the one. That was the season one plan.

"Hope you don't think it blows."
Aww. I think it would've been perfect. Except that would throw Vivian off the picture. Vivian, who is also good friends with Bella and who is such a cool girlfriend to Augie. I wonder what the reason is for their break-up? Now that? I'd really like some answers, too, please! What's gonna happen to Vivian?

In Shondaland, Rest In Peace means - Sure, Dead Guy Comes Back To Sex Up Ex!

I have been quiet. I did not want to say anything about seeing Denny on Grey's Anatomy this week. Because I thought that was gonna go away. I did not enjoy that. I did not see the point.I thought it was a stupid plot. And I thought his ghostly cameo would only last for one episode. And today I learned he's going to be in at least a few more. And he's going to be Izzie's new boyfriend again.

Next week's preview showed she and him are going to get intimate. Dead guy comes back to get it on with the ex. How weird is that?Is Denny back for real? He actually didn't die? Are we still watching a medical series?

According to EW, this is all, actually a set-up. Because Katherine Heigl has been back and forth about leaving Grey's Anatomy for a movie career, the writers are paving the way for her exit when that time does happen.

Izzie may be having a brain tumor. Hence, she's been imaging Denny there.

"Izzie's got a love story, and it's a big one," she (Shonda) told TV Guide back in August, "one that I've been kicking around in my head for a bit, one that required me to take a huge leap of faith in myself, one that is so secret that I have not told anyone. Not the writers, not anyone."

Now that we all know, the big questions: How long will Denny continue to haunt Izzie? And where the heck is this story going? Although I haven't been able to nail down the exact length of Morgan's new lease on life, I'm told he'll be in at least five episodes. As far as where the story is headed, the most logical theory is that Rhimes is giving Izzie a brain tumor, which if inoperable would grant Katherine Heigl's (alleged) wish to go make movies full time.

I think Shonda was inspired by Eli Stone. :P

Gad, how I hate what this show's become. But I cannot stop watching...which means I can't stop whining about Grey's Anatomy.

Are you starting to grow hateful of it too?

15 November 2008

Chandler Bing's Nightmare Comes To TV!

"His legs flail about as if independent from his body!" So says Chandler Bing when asked "what phenomenon scares the bejesus out of him". He is, of course, talking about Michael Flatley and Flatley is heading to Primetime TV.

NBC is planning on putting a new dancing show, a dance olympic of sorts, with him as the host.

"We've always wanted to be in the dance business, but the question was how to be unique and different," said Craig Plestis, NBC's executive vp alternative programming, development and specials. "Our show makes every other dance show seem like amateur hour. We got the best of the best. Americans will be blown away when they see what real professionals can do."

"It's the 'Olympic Games of dance' -- everybody gets it right away," Lythgoe said. "Dancing has taken off in this country, the Olympics took off in this country; here we're bringing them both together. It's not just celebrities and their partners trying to dance or young people attempting to be great dancers. These are the great dancers."

Each country's team will present two dance soloists, a duet and a group. Their performances will be graded by judges from each participating country.

The judges have a tricky job as each country will perform in a different style unique to their culture -- Shaolin monks from China vs. Bollywood dancers from India, for example. Troupes from Ireland, the U.S., Argentina, Russia and South Africa also are represented. - Via


The show is slated for early next year. And since it's from the same people who are producing So You Think You Can Dance, I'm thinking this is the one that inspired it:

14 November 2008

Survivor Philippines: In Defense of the Biggest Villain Ever - Marlon

Survivor is a hilarious, thrilling melodrama, where people's minds and bodies are taxed to the limit. There's a lot of politics, a lot of humanity, and a lot of really slick editing. No one is duped into thinking it is 'reality.' It's simply a great show. - Quote
Marlon Carmen, this schemer of a player on Survivor Philippines, has sealed his image as this show's most evil character. Some viewers want his blood. How could someone do such a thing? He must be like that in real life.

Is Marlon showing his true character? Or is he playing a character in order to go further in the game?

HIS STRATEGY: He is playing everybody. He is using every opportunity, every chance opened to him to get into someone else's mind and plant little seeds of doubt and distrust. He is the instigator. He is the perpetrator. He is treacherous. He is dangerously clever.

HIS STRENGTH: For Marlon to draw out his plans, he would need a sharp mind. Thus, he would carry out his moves with strategic thought, never once thinking he could hurt someone. He was ruthless in that sense. He did not let his feelings get in the way of his game. Not once was he offended. Even as Rob tried to tick him off during the endurance reward challenge, remembe? Instead of taking offense, Marlon channeled his disgust into making others feel disgusted.

Marlon also has foresight. He is aware of his "enemies" (the other castaways) and thus, can play his cards right. He knows when to make his moves on them.

He really is the devil personified.

HIS WEAKNESS: For all his "evil genius", Marlon is one noisy player. He wasn't content playing stealth. He laid his strategy out in the open. A good CIA agent he will not make. Heh. He is irritating and LOUD. And I, too, am revolted by it.

HIS MISTAKE: He said this week his argument with Zita was a ploy to tick her off. It was, I admit, a mean-spirited move. What the hell got to him? It was what I was asking when I was watching the scenes unfold. Up until this point, he was already playing a good game. This was the only situation so far where Marlon allowed his emotions to get the best of him. And he began to feel guilty. The devil is human after all.

HE IS A BAD, BAD MAN (?)

A lot of the viewers assume that for Marlon to play the game that way, what they are seeing is what he is in real life. Where does that evil drive come from, if it isn't innate in him? To some viewers, his scheming ways go against the Filipino culture. Those aren't Pinoy values Marlon is displaying, they say. It's so Westernized, they say.

And now, let me refute all of those...To quote one narrator in my favorite whimsy TV program --- THE FACTS ARE THESE:

Survivor is a game that transcends cultures. You have to realize that there is no Westernized way, nor a Filipino way to play this game. There isn't even a right or a wrong way. There is, however, a strategic way to play it.

Some Americans, in their own version of Survivor, are also appalled at the arrogance of some of their castaways. They also have Marlons of their own, someone their viewing public also hate with a passion. Just like we do with our Marlon. They also root for the nice ones, they also pick castaway favorites based on their likeability. As viewers, we're not all that different from each other.

Although, yes we cannot discount the fact that our Pinoy culture and the values we hold as Pinoys are big factors to how people play this game differently than other cultures. But being Pinoy or non-Pinoy has little to do with it. Scheming and betrayal is not exclusive to other cultures. Betrayal, turning back on someone, distrust --- it's all about human nature.

The system of Survivor is in politicization. You have to be prepared to give up some of the values you uphold, if you would like to stay longer. You cannot come to this game clueless. You cannot play and be virtuous at the same time because as you will soon realize --- it's going to be hard to make it work.

Case in point --- The Naak Family --- which has somehow evolved into this ideal Filipino family viewers have come to love. Look at how all of them have, at one point, committed offenses against each other, in spite of saying they are in a very tight alliance ---
  • Cris and Kaye betrayed Kiko by voting him off.
  • Kiko betrayed Rob when he gave the black pearl to him.
  • Zita has toyed with the idea of voting off JC.
  • JC has broken her promise to Zita.
  • JC, Kiko and Rob didn't fully disclose to the Zita, Cris and Kaye that they have an inner alliance. That's keeping a secret from their family. That's technically dishonesty.
Were they wrong to make those choices? In the real world, those things would have counted as real offenses you should be confessing to your priest. Because, being Catholic, you know that lying and dishonesty is a sin. People break off relationships because of it in the real world.

But in Survivor? One has to learn to recognize that the system will leave you with no choice but do it. That's the kind of system Marlon understands. And he understands it very well.

To say you won't do those things when you're not really there in the island yourself? It's easier said than done. (Please refer to my analysis of the Naak Family again). Being on the island, you're left with little things to do. You can't drive to the mall, hang out at Starbucks, text your friends, use the internet, relax at the movie house or socialize with other people other than your tribemates. When there is little thing to do, you either sleep, swim at the beach or you become idle. What happens to an idle mind? There is a saying that goes ---
"An idle mind is the devil's playground."
EDITING HAS A LOT TO DO WITH IT

To say that he is very scheming is actually a compliment when one is a Castaway. But I do not believe he is ALL evil. A lot of how Marlon is portrayed can be attributed to beautiful editing. Yeah, yeah...blame it all on editing.

Look, since Day 1, Marlon's boorishness has been pounded to us, the viewers. The pounding hasn't failed even to this day, eight weeks or so running.

And by pounding, I mean we have a "Marlon evil factoid" on a daily basis, did you not notice? You can thank the GMA editors for that. They have prepared very well in making him the biggest villain.

For 24 hours in a day, they have at least a 2-minute Marlon exposure. 2-minutes times five nights the show is aired, that's 10 minutes in a week. Can you honestly tell the kind of person he is in roughly those minutes? Those carefully chosen, carefully edited minutes?

I can't even tell if I've cooked my pasta right in five minutes.

NOT A ROLE MODEL

Because Marlon understands this game's dynamics, I'm pretty sure he isn't there to present himself as a role model. And for a player to come to the game aspiring to be one? This would have to be a huge mistake. The show isn't intended to make role models out of castaways. It's not the kind of show one joins because "you want the world to see how incredibly amazing Filipinos are". Geez, you might as well take part in the Olympics. That kind of thinking would serve better there.

And...if you're watching this looking for a role model, you're watching the wrong show. Or better yet, you're looking for a role model in the wrong medium.

HE IS, IN FACT, PLAYING

This piece wasn't written because I glorify what Marlon does to make it far. And I'm not saying he's supposed to win this game. Because the truth is, that's not for any of us to decide. That's the jury's job.

One glaring truth about this is that Marlon may be doing something right with the kind of strategy he's delivering. As the most hated person on the show, he has already outlasted 11 out of 18 castaways thus far. His time may be up next. But so what? Don't you think Marlon doesn't know that?

The guy is playing. And he is playing very, very well against his fellow castaways.

And c'mon admit it. Without someone like him, it wouldn't make the series that much interesting, wouldn't it? As someone who has given up on Survivor nine seasons ago (my last Survivor Addiction was All-Stars in '04), he sure did revive my interest for it.

TV Round Up - Prison Break ending, American Accents, Cancellations and Beginnings

I no longer watch Prison Break, but is this the beginning of the end?

Jason Van Der Beek gets his own TV series

Showtime would like to do a TV series based on Camelot. Beautiful!

Here's an interview with The Mentalist's Simon Baker.

Fringe: What's up ahead? --- please give us some answers already! Thank god for bringing The Observer. Now let's see more of him!

Grading American Accents. Hugh Laurie always gets top marks for this. But with many new non-American playing American on TV, how are the others faring? Some of it ---
  • Simon Baker of The Mentalist gets a B
  • Damien Lewis of Life, an A-
  • Rufus Sewell of the Eleventh Hour gets a C+, the lowest grade.
Isaiah Washington, STFU! You've had your moment, get over it.

Kevin McKidd, officially a series regular Grey's Anatomy.

Mad TV is kaput.

Would you watch a show based on Anthony Keidis' childhood? Or a Ricky Gervais on Sesame Street?

Anthony Edwards returns to ER tonight. Might watch that.

Diddy on CSI Miami. ??? !!!

If Brenda Walsh dies, guess who is going to be really happy? Him.

13 November 2008

Mid Season Report: New TV Show Premieres Dec 2008 to April 2009

Mid season replacements on the way, couch potatoes!

This section will be regularly updated as new schedules and new television series for airing December 2008 are being released by the networks this month. Old favorites like 24, Lost, Damages, Burn Notice or Friday Night Lights are returning, but we'll keep tabs on those new to television.

What will you be watching from this new line-up?

DECEMBER

secret_millionaire SECRET MILLIONAIRE (FOX) Premiere: 12/3/08 at 8:00 PM Schedule: Wednesdays 8:00 PM-10:00 PM EST FOX reveals a wealth of millionaires participating in SECRET MILLIONAIRE, the inspirational new unscripted series premiering Wednesday, Dec. 3 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. The millionaires include an internet mogul worth $300 million, a husband-and-wife team who own a multi-million dollar magazine-publishing business, a successful Southern California lawyer, an owner of a restaurant empire, a Baltimore socialite and former NFL cheerleader as well as a software inventor worth $50 million. The secret millionaires will leave their opulent lifestyles and go undercover to experience life in some of the most impoverished areas of the country including a community devastated by Hurricane Katrina, an old coal-mining town in Schuylkill County, PA, and areas outside of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas, where people in need live just minutes from those in upscale, gated communities. Challenged with living on minimum wage, the millionaires will immerse themselves in situations beyond their comprehension. They will work side-by-side with community members and befriend those in need. During their stay, they decide who of their new-found friends, neighbors or co-workers should ultimately receive their extraordinary gifts of a lifetime at least $100,000 of their own money.

LEVERAGE (TNT) Premiere: 12/7/08 at 10:00 PM Schedule: Tuesdays 10:00 PM-11:00 PM EST TNT has given the greenlight to the thrilling, action-packed drama series LEVERAGE, starring Oscar® winner Timothy Hutton (Ordinary People, Nero Wolfe) and executive-produced by Dean Devlin (Independence Day, TNT’s The Librarian) and John Rogers (Cosby). The series follows a team of thieves, hackers and grifters who act as modern-day Robin Hoods, taking revenge against those who use power and wealth to victimize others. TNT has ordered 13 episodes of LEVERAGE, which comes to the network from Devlin’s Electric Entertainment. Devlin makes his directorial debut on the pilot, which was written by Rogers (Transformers) and Chris Downey (The King of leverage_01_512x341Queens). LEVERAGE is slated to premiere on TNT later this year. “LEVERAGE is great entertainment,” said Michael Wright, senior vice president in charge of the content creation group for TNT, TBS and TCM. “It’s fast-paced, smart and just great fun. Dean Devlin directed the pilot to perfection. Timothy Hutton is outstanding, and he and the cast around him have a great chemistry. This is a new genre for us in our series efforts, and it’s great to be able to tackle it with Dean. His Librarian movies for TNT have been huge successes. We couldn’t be happier having him and John Rogers bring that same sense of style and storytelling to us in series form.” In LEVERAGE, Hutton plays former insurance investigator Nate Ford, a once-loyal corporate employee who had recovered millions of dollars in stolen goods for his employer. But when that employer denied his son’s insurance claims and allowed the boy to die, he realized he could no longer work for such an entity. Out of work and descending into alcoholism, Ford is hired by an aeronautics executive to recover airplane designs the executive claims were stolen by a rival company. Helping him are four highly skilled team members: Parker (Beth Riesgraf – Alvin and the Chipmunks), an expert thief; Alec Hardison (Aldis Hodge – Friday Night Lights), a specialist in Internet and computer fraud; Eliot Spencer (Christian Kane – Into the West), a high-octane “retrieval specialist” who can take out a gang of henchmen without breaking a sweat; and Sophie Devereaux (Gina Bellman – Coupling), a grifter who could win awards for her acting skills during difficult scams. At first the newly formed team is hesitant to trust each other after so many years working alone but being double-crossed changes the dynamic, ultimately forcing them to unite. They emerge from the job realizing they are far better working together than apart. Once they discover they can trust each other the group targets their cons toward the richest, the greediest and the most unjust.

MOMMA'S BOYS (NBC) Premiere: 12/16/08 at 10:00 PM Schedule: Mondays 9:00 PM-10:00 PM EST WHO IS THE MOST IMPORTANT WOMAN IN A MAN'S LIFE? "Momma's Boys" centers on a group of mothers who must help choose the perfect woman for their complacent sons. Ultimately, the series poses the question: Who is really the most important woman in every man's life? In "Momma's Boys," love is in the air, but the story is told from a new television perspective because first, the women will have to get by Mom. Drama ensues when numerous mothers and their eligible bachelor sons are housed together with several single women. As the tension mounts, viewers will watch as possessive mothers influence their sons' search for the perfect mate. Some of the possible brides are "nice girls" while others might not be as presentable. As expected, rivalries are formed, drama mounts and emotion builds as crucial choices are made.

JANUARY

293.collette.ust.060508 UNITED STATES OF TARA, THE (SHOWTIME) Premiere: 1/18/09 at 10:00 PM Schedule: Sundays 10:00 PM-10:30 PM EST Showtime Networks has fast-tracked the pickup of THE UNITED STATES OF TARA, a new 12 episode half-hour comedy series starring Academy Award(R)-nominated actress Toni Collette ("Little Miss Sunshine") as a wife and mother who suffers from disassociative identity (formerly multiple personality) disorder, it was announced today by Robert Greenblatt, President of Entertainment for Showtime. The comedy series, a co-production of Dreamworks Television and Showtime Networks, will delve into how a dysfunctional family, including Tara's working husband played by John Corbett ("Sex and the City"), copes with the various identities that may appear on any given day and range in age, temperament and even gender.

lie_to_me LIE TO ME (FOX) Premiere: 1/21/09 at 9:00 PM Schedule: Wednesdays from 9:00 PM-10:00 PM EST FOX has given a series commitment to LIE TO ME, a compelling new drama from Imagine Television and 20th Century Fox Television. Tim Roth ("The Incredible Hulk") and Kelli Williams ("The Practice") star in this fascinating character drama inspired by a real-life specialist who can read clues embedded in the human face, body and voice to expose the truth behind the lies in criminal investigations. LIE TO ME is scheduled to premiere midseason. When you scratch your chin, wring your hands, wrinkle your nose or swallow too much, Dr. Cal Lightman (Roth) knows you're lying. He doesn't just think so he knows so. As the foremost deception expert in the country, Dr. Lightman can uncover the deepest secrets and crack the hardest cases. More accurate than any polygraph, he knows whether those in front of him be they family, friends, criminals or complete strangers are honest or not. Dr. Lightman heads up The Lightman Group, a private agency contracted by the FBI, local police, law firms, corporations and private individuals when they hit roadblocks in their searches for the truth. Joining him at the agency are a variety of experts in the field of behavioral evaluation: Dr. Gillian Foster (Williams) is a gifted psychologist and Lightman's professional partner, a woman whose guidance he needs whether he knows it or not; Will Loker (Brendan Hines) is Lightman's lead researcher who practices "radical honesty" at all times; and Ria Torres (Monica Raymund) is the newest member of the team, selected for her innate ability to read body language and catch certain clues that her colleagues may miss.

TRUE BEAUTY (ABC) Premiere: 1/5/09 at 10:00 PM Schedule: Mondays 10:00 PM-11:00 PM EST What makes a person truly beautiful? Executive producers Tyra Banks ("The Tyra Banks Show," "America's Next Top Model") and Ashton Kutcher (executive producer of "Punk'd" and "Beauty and the Geek") re-define the concept of beauty in a wildly revealing new ABC series, "True Beauty," premiering, MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2009 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. Hosted and judged by Vanessa Minnillo (former host of "TRL" and "ET"), along with judges Cheryl Tiegs (America's first supermodel, currently designer and author) and Nol Marin ("America's Next Top Model" and fashion expert for E!, TV Guide, "The Tyra Banks Show"), the series will determine the "True Beauty" of six stunning females and four handsome males who will live together in a spectacular Los Angeles mansion as they undergo a series of challenges to determine who is truly the most beautiful. The gorgeous contestants assume they're being judged solely on their outer appearance. They're only half right; outer beauty is one component the judges are looking for, but contestants are also being evaluated -- unbeknownst to them -- for their INNER beauty as well when they're put through scenarios and situations that require them to make moral decisions. Each episode will showcase an outer beauty and an inner beauty challenge, during which contestants will be judged on everything from how well they perform in photo shoots to how well they respect their elders. The three judges will observe and critique the contestants' behavior and eliminate one person each week. Only after someone is eliminated will the truth about the show be revealed to him/her, as they watch a video montage of their behavior captured by a hidden camera during the shoot. At the end of eight episodes, one winner will be declared, a person who is truly beautiful inside and out. That person will receive a cash prize and a spot in PEOPLE magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People issue.

HOMELAND SECURITY USA (ABC) Premiere: 1/6/09 8:00 PM Schedule: Tuesdays from 8:00 PM-9:00 PM EST Border Security USA or Homeland Security USA is a realistic, "front-line" look at the men and women of The Department of Homeland Security who protect our land, sea, and air borders, and all our ports-of-entry from everything illegal and dangerous. The series chronicles what happens when our film crews shadow the Transportation Security Administration, United States Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, the Border Patrol, Immigration Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services all over the United States, including Hawaii, Alaska and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. It's not only the story of the people of DHS but the endless characters from around the world whom they meet every day.

13 FEAR IS REAL (CW) Premiere: 1/07/09 at 8:00 PM Schedule: Wednesdays from 8:00 PM-9:00 PM EST "13", a spine-tingling new eight-episode series combining the horror genre with a reality show format, scheduled to premiere this summer on The CW, begins casting on March 31 in Los Angeles. Casting directors are looking for men and women between the ages of 18-30 who are energetic, competitive and full of personality to be part of television's first scary competition reality show and win a grand prize of $66,666.

FEBRUARY

DOLLHOUSE (FOX) Premiere: 2/13/09 at 9:00 PM Schedule: Fridays from 9:00 PM-10:00 PM EST Joss Whedon, creator of groundbreaking cult favorites "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Firefly," returns to television and reunites with fellow "Buffy" alumna Eliza Dushku for a thrilling new drama, DOLLHOUSE. ECHO (Dushku) is an "Active," a member of a highly illegal and underground group who have had their personalities wiped clean so they can be imprinted with any number of new personas. Confined to a secret facility known as the "Dollhouse," Echo and the other Actives including SIERRA (Dichen Lachman, "Neighbours") and VICTOR (Enver Gjokaj, "The Unit") carry out engagements assigned by ADELLE (Olivia Williams, "X-Men: The Last Stand," "Rushmore"), one of the Dollhouse leaders. The engagements cater to the wealthy, powerful and connected, and require the Actives to immerse themselves in all manner of scenarios romantic, criminal, uplifting, dangerous, comical and the occasional "pro bono" good deed. After each scenario, Echo, always under the watchful eye of her handler BOYD (Harry Lennix, "Commander in Chief," 24), returns to the mysterious Dollhouse where her thoughts, feelings and experiences are erased by TOPHER (Fran Kranz, "Welcome to the Captain"), the Dollhouse's genius programmer. Echo enters the next scenario with no memory of before. Or does she? As the series progresses, FBI Agent PAUL SMITH (Tahmoh Penikett, "Battlestar Galactica") pieces together clues that lead him closer to the Dollhouse, while Echo stops forgetting, her memories begin to return and she slowly pieces together her mysterious past. DOLLHOUSE revolves around Echo's blossoming self-awareness and her desire to discover her true identity. But with each new engagement, comes a new memory and increased danger inside and outside the Dollhouse.

MARCH

CASTLE (ABC) Premiere: 3/9/2009 10:00 PM Schedule: Monday from 10:00 PM-9:00 PM EST Wildly famous mystery novelist Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion, "Desperate Housewives"), who is bored with his own success, learns that a real-world copycat killer has started staging murder scenes depicted in his novels. Rick is soon questioned by NYPD Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic, "The Spirit"), a very bright, aggressive detective who keeps her investigations under tight rein. Rick and Kate's styles instantly clash, yet sparks begin to fly, leading both to danger and a hint of romance as Castle steps in to help find the killer. And once that case is solved, he and Beckett build upon their new relationship as they look to solve strange homicides in New York as much fun as one can have with death & murder. Castle is kept grounded by his Broadway diva mother, Martha Rodgers (Susan Sullivan, "Dharma and Greg") and quick-witted teenage daughter Alexis (Molly Quinn, "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story").

CUPID (ABC) Premiere: 3/24/2009 10:00 PM Schedule: Tuesdays from 10:00 PM-9:00 PM EST Like any big city, New York has its share of characters. But the newest one isn't like the rest. For starters, his goal in life is to help people fall in love, which isn't such a bad thing. But he says he must create 100 happily-ever-afters in order to return to his home—Mount Olympus. Because he's Cupid, the ancient Roman god of love. Duh. He claims being punished by the other Gods for the modern world's sorry state of love, and was sent to Earth without his famed bow and arrow, to rediscover what really makes love work. As fate would have it, Cupid, sometimes known as Trevor Hale, is under the care of famous psychologist and self-help author Dr. Claire Allen. Even though Claire disagrees with Trevor's methods, she can't argue with the sentiment, since she too is dedicated to helping lonely hearts find their soul mates. But these two experts in love couldn't be more different: he believes love blooms fast and carnal and passionate, while she thinks it grows slowly, moderately and sensibly. While he busies himself making matches, she endeavors to figure out who Trevor really is. Is he a man who's losing his mind after the loss of his one true love? Is he really crazy? Or (gulp) is he really Cupid? From writer-creator Rob Thomas (Veronica Mars) comes a re-imagining of his 1998 cult favorite series of the same name. Bobby Cannavale stars in this romantic-comedy procedural that will match up a new loving couple each week, though romance may not always bloom quite where we expect it to. This warm, witty series is a charming reminder that even though true love may be madness… it's the only thing keeping us sane.

KINGS (NBC) Premiere: 3/19/2009 10:00 PM Schedule: Thursdays from 10:00 PM-11:00 PM EST Kings" is the story of David Shepherd, an idealistic soldier who is thrust into the heart of power by one act of heroism. After single-handedly defeating the enemies of his people, David is rewarded by being brought into the court of King Silas, monarch of the modern nation of Gilboa. David is initially dazzled by the pageantry and glamour of life among the royals, only to learn that the palace is teeming with deception. The young hero soon becomes a target for the deadly schemes of those vying for control of the kingdom. But he finds support from a beautiful princess, the king's own daughter... and their forbidden romance will launch David on a daring path to adventure. As the line between friends and enemies blurs, David must survive the treacherous corridors of power and forge a new destiny that will forever change the world. "Kings" takes place in a modern-day kingdom named Gilboa, and its shining metropolitan capital of Shiloh. It is ruled by King Benjamin Silas, the nation’s much-loved monarch, who unified several warring territories to found Gilboa many years ago. They have since built a proud and prosperous nation. While not a perfect society, the kingdom is a beacon of hope and idealism. But the dark clouds of war continue to rumble in the north, where the forces of enemy nation Gath are massing to invade, and threaten to destroy all that King Silas has created... That is, until a young soldier named David slays a fearsome Goliath tank, rallying the nation... and turning the tide of history.

APRIL

THE UNUSUALS (ABC) Premiere: 4/08/09 at 8:00 PM Schedule: Wednesdays from 10:00 PM-11:00 PM EST As a cop, it helps to have a twisted sense of humor—because every moment could be your last. Just ask Casey Shraeger. She started her day as an NYPD vice detective posing as a Lincoln Tunnel hooker before unexpectedly being transferred to the homicide division. Casey quickly realizes that not only does everyone in her new department have a distinct sense of humor but everyone also has their own dirty little secret… Sgt. Brown is lusting after Detective Beaumont. Detective Delahoy is nursing a brain tumor and trying to die a noble death in the line of duty. His partner Detective Banks just turned 52 and fears that, like his father, he won't make it to 53. Detective Cole is deeply religious but has a shady past. And although Casey's new partner, Detective Walsh, appears to be clean, while investigating the murder of his former partner, Casey uncovers evidence that suggests that even Walsh may have a secret or two. Casey has a secret of her own. She grew up wealthy and privileged in New York high society and became a cop because she saw first hand how money can buy justice. As she learns from the precinct's mysterious and seldom-seen Lt. Little, Casey was brought to the homicide division because she's one of the few honest cops in the district. And with her help, Lt. Little plans to start cleaning house. Equal parts NYPD Blue and The Office, The Unusuals is a unique comedic procedural whose realistic setting makes the frequent laughs that much more outrageous. Writer Noah Hawley (a producer on Bones) confidently takes the police procedural into fresh, uncharted waters. Stephen Hopkins (24, Californication) directs.

HARPER'S ISLAND (CBS) Premiere: 4/9/09 10:00 PM Schedule: Thursdays from 10:00 PM-11:00 PM EST HARPER'S ISLAND is about a group of family and friends who travel to a secluded island for a destination wedding. They've come to laugh... to love... and, though they don't know it... to die. As the wedding festivities begin, friendships are tested and secrets exposed as a murderer claims victims, one by one, transforming the wedding week of fun and celebration into a terrifying struggle for survival. In every episode, someone is killed and every person is a suspect, from the wedding party to the island locals. By the end of the 13 episodes, all questions will be answered, the killer will be revealed and only a few will survive.

THE GOODE FAMILY (ABC) Premiere: Schedule: Wednesdays from 8:30 PM-9:00 PM EST A new animated series from Mike Judge, creator of "King of the Hill." "The Goode Family" is obsessed with doing the "right" thing, whether it's environmentally, politically or socially. Unfortunately their efforts often have unintended comic consequences. "The Goode Family" is voiced by Mike Judge as Gerald, Nancy Carell as Helen, Dave Herman as Ubuntu and Abby Elliot as Bliss. Executive producers for "The Goode Family" are Mike Judge, David Krinsky, John Altschuler, Michael Rotenberg and Tom Lassally. The series is produced by MRC and 3 Arts Entertainment.

Lipstick Jungle, Worst Enemy are done. NBC pulls the plug.

Sorry Christian Slater, try your luck at the movies. Sorry, Nico, Wendy and Victory...well, this one, I'm really sad about. :(

I would much rather they kept these two and kicked off Knight Rider. :P

The complete story is here.


TV Ratings [11.11.08]

Eli Stone was the only loser from the list I watch on Tuesdays. Like Pushing Daisies, its quirky stories aren't clicking with the viewers. It's also likely to be canceled than renewed. Sad.

While I'm still loving Fringe (and Walter Bishop!), I have been waiting and waiting for more leads to the conspiracy. I need a reason to get hooked. I see why it is starting to drag for other viewers --- it's the repetitiveness. Even Peter and Astrid are exhausted, doing the same wires-attached-to-the-brain procedure again and again. Two more episodes of that and I'd have mastered the drill, too...and will begin experiments on my family mwahahahhaha.

Meanwhile, The Mentalist pounces. Three words: Big Freshman Hit!

8.00 Block
NCIS CBS 18.79 M/4.0 key demo
House Fox 12.88 M/5.5 key demo
Dancing With The Stars ABC 10.43 M/2.1 key demo
The Biggest Loser NBC 7.55 M/3.2 key demo
90210 The CW 2.73 M/1.4 key demo

9.00 Block
The Mentalist CBS 16.46 M/3.9 key demo
Dancing With The Stars ABC 16.39 M/3.6 key demo
Fringe Fox 8.88 M/4.0 key demo
The Biggest Loser NBC 8.53 M/3.7 key demo
Privileged The CW 1.87 M/0.9 key demo

10.00 Block
Without A Trace CBS 12.21 M/2.8 key demo
Law & Order: SVU NBC 9.42 M/3.7 key demo
Eli Stone ABC 7.44 M/2.0 key demo

More TV You and I Will Be Watching

Last night, I finally saw what other people have been saying about this TV season --- it does suck! The lack of good TV on air these days? The bar has been set way down low. My enthusiasm has waned. I want something new now. So, I've been really eager for what upcoming shows we're to see next.

There were four new shows in production announced today. Are these going to change the landscape next year, assuming these all make it to pilot?
  • Living With Abandon (FOX), comedy - Written by Richie Keen and Heath Corson ("Hooked") and directed by Keen, "Abandon" stars Todd Grinnell, Ed Quinn, Melissa Peterman, Rachel Specter and 14-year-old Nick Dodani as the members of an abandonment support group who suffer a blow when their therapist commits suicide. Left to fend for themselves, the members band together to solve each other's issues.
  • Game of Thrones (HBO), fantasy - The program is based on George R.R. Martin's best-selling "A Song of Fire & Ice" series of novels and executive produced by David Benioff ("Troy"), D.B. Weiss ("Halo") and Guymon Casady. The title "Game of Thrones" is from the first novel in the series.
  • Rectify (AMC), legal drama - Ray McKinnon's script beautifully weaves together the legal drama surrounding a wrongful conviction into a great character-driven family drama.
  • The Review (HBO), comedy - The show is set at a New York literary magazine in the immediate aftermath of Black Monday in 1987, just in time to catch the tail end of the decade's "greed is good" excess. It centers on a young guy who leaves banking to work at the magazine right when it existence is threatened by funding cuts.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter

12 November 2008

Chuck: Adam Baldwin's Hair

Am I all about the hair this week? The other day, I didn't let the George couple's hair pass. That one had been bothering me for weeks. Tonight, I set my sights on Adam Baldwin's hair on Chuck.

Adam Baldwin plays Agent John Casey and he's undercover here a lot...which explains the hair. I know it's a wig and bad wigs make people look funny. I wasn't prepared to see this though.... Coz normally his character don't usually go full blast on disguises. But to see him tonight when I saw the episode? High-la-rious!

It's not pretty bad looking, I give it that. It's just unexpected from the character (or the actor... or both).

How did they ever convince this guy to go from this....


to this....

Goofy!

Plus, plus, plus ...he also gets a big wet, slightly-opened-mouth kiss from Chuck! Hah!

Adam Baldwin's so game!

TV Ratings [10.10.08]

Kudos to Big Bang Theory for hitting an all time high. The show just earned 10 Million viewers...it's really been getting better and better. I think the other night was the most laughs I ever got watching BBT. Bad news for Heroes as it continues to slip, slip and slip even further.

And this is the week I've decided I'm giving up on Worst Week. As much as I sympathize with the Sam character --- and really, the actor playing him is doing it well, I mean, it's hard to get annoyed at him or anything ---I am getting annoyed at Sam never getting any breaks at all. His streak of bad luck is coming to him in waves. No one is that unlucky! So, I've had enough.

8.00 Block
Dancing With The Stars ABC 18.29 M/4.1 key demo
The Big Bang Theory CBS 10.01 M/3.9 key demo
How I Met Your Mother CBS 9.71 M/4.1 key demo
Chuck NBC 6.23 M/2.3 key demo
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Fox 5.19 M/2.0 key demo
Gossip Girl The CW 3.01 M/1.5 key demo

9.00 Block
Dancing With The Stars ABC 19.30 M/4.4 key demo
Two And A Half Men CBS 14.58 M/4.9 key demo
Samantha Who?ABC 11.03 M/3.0 key demo
Worst Week CBS 9.62 M/2.9 key demo
Heroes NBC 7.82 M/3.6 key demo
Prison Break Fox 5.41 M/2.2 key demo
One Tree Hill The CW 3.01 M/1.6 key demo

10.00 Block
CSI: Miami CBS 13.67 M/3.7 key demo
Boston Legal ABC 8.83 M/2.3 key demo
My Own Worst Enemy NBC 4.25 M/1.8 key demo

11 November 2008

Survivor Philippines Week 8

Marlon What a week it was for Survivor Philippines.

When I expected the show to become predictable in its remaining weeks, here comes Marlon screwing it up for everyone....and I love it!

It all started with JC making the mistake of choosing three of his allies to share his reward with him. JC picked Kiko, Rob and Zita. They all left the camp to go on an immersion in this Thai village and was there for 24 hours. They left two more of their allies, Cris and Kaye, back at camp.

And as you know...a lot can happen in camp in 24 hours.

kikoIn their absence, Marlon swoops in and gives Cris and Kaye the lowdown. He gives them a different picture of "what would be" if the two decide not to stick it out with their All-6 agreement with the others. And what happened was, Cris and Kaye decided they will now play the game as it should've been.

With five of them remaining at camp and four out on immersion, they definitely have the numbers now. They hatched their devious plan. They would shake up the other group and crack its foundation. When the four returned from immersion, the deception started. They used Rob for source material and slowly plants it in Kiko and JC's head he cannot be trusted. Poor Kiko, the perceived leader of the tribe, had no idea what was coming.

At the tribal council, Kiko was voted off, five to four (against Marlon). Someone in his alliance jumped ship and at this point, because they were so clueless, they did not know who.

But there was a special twist, Kiko was given the black pearl which he can in turn give to someone who is still in the game. The black pearl puts one additional vote on that castaway.

Kiko gives it to a very surprised Rob...his ally! Back at camp, Rob is very pissed and goes off on Kiko, who will not sit at the jury.

The five's devious plan worked!

Trust me, it sounded and looked a lot more interesting on television than what you're reading now. :D

But I have to say that, as a player, I have so much respect for Marlon.

As a person, though I have high respects for Kiko. It was just too bad, he had the worst strategy ever. He played based on principles, which as you should know, doesn't hold any value in a game like Survivor. He also played with his heart. And that was biggest downfall. He left it all to feelings and gut-feel, with nary a Plan B or C.

Smart guy over-all. But sorry to say, he did not use his head on the game.

10 November 2008

Dirty Sexy Money: Someone needs a trim

It is so hard to concentrate on Dirty Sexy Money when Nick George and his wife, Lisa, are in one scene together.

Care to guess why?

Here, I'll pull up some visuals for you...look closely.


Well, yes, it's the hair cut!

And only one of them is wearing it perfectly.

Paging Peter Krause's stylist, your client is due for a make-over.

Anyway, how far have the story come now, huh? Everyone's out to play everybody! Was surprised that even Leticia Darling could be that devious, too. With all their money in the world, it still sucks to be a Darling!

From last week's episode ----

Leticia: Good job...with that Nola woman. (Nola is the prosecutor in Leticia's murder case)
Jeremy: Thanks...I'm glad I could help out.
Leticia: What's the matter?
Jeremy: I'm in love with her mom...I mean, I'm not supposed to be...
Leticia: Oh, my...it wasn't the plan. Oh, no...it wasn't part of the plan. My poor baby...

09 November 2008

TV Round Up, Part 2: Greys and Practice Crossoever, Aniston Does a Monroe, Lost Returns and more!

I am pretty beat. I've a few show backlogs I have to get to this weekend (or what remains of it). So, why don't I keep this short and I'll just give you all the good stuff, eh?

Jennifer Aniston previews on 30 Rock over here. She did a Marilyn Monroe of sorts and sang Happy Birthday To You. The episode airs this coming Thurs.

Crossover for Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. Addie is going to visit Seattle Grace, McSteamy to Oceanside??

Speaking of, I saw this week's episode of Grey's Anatomy. Man, does it suck to be Denny! To have to come back to the show again and just stand there with different expressions on your face? Waste of talent! Also? Creepy! I wonder how much they paid him for it. He had one line though. Why oh, why can't I quit this show! Oh yeah...Owen Hunt.

And Private Practice...Sam and Naomi? How did they ever get to med school, own what's supposed to be a successful business (until this season) and be that stupid about everything else?

Life is given a full season order. Did I ever say how modestly brilliant this show is?

Lost returns January 21, for a two hour fifth season premiere. I love that it is coming back. I am eager for it. But what does this mean for this other show I love, Pushing Daisies? which also airs Wednesday? Is it going to be its lead-in? Will they change Daisies' slot?

Casting news:

07 November 2008

TV Round Up: Fired!

This weeks biggest news and interesting updates in the world of TV...

Futurama returning? Yahoo!

In the wake of Proposition 8 and Ellen being disappointed the ban on gay marriage is back, there still was a wedding for this Will and Grace gay creator. Congratulations!

Heroes fired two of their production heroes.

Why is Brooke Smith's firing bad for Grey's Anatomy?

Tina Fey can take a bow and a break now. She's done playing Sarah Palin on SNL.

Michael Crichton, the writer and creator of ER (and Jurassic Park), is dead.

Premieres in January! I look forward to Burn Notice. Yum for Mr. Donovan. Also, American Idol returns for an season eight. And Fox is trying to kill Dollhouse by putting it on a Friday night!!!

George Clooney returns to ER?

Edward Norton produces the Obama Documentary for HBO.

Stuff that makes me go "What?!" --- True Beauty - Executive produced by the beautiful Tyra Banks and Ashton Kutcher, the show will feature 10 beautiful people living together in a beautiful mansion in Los Angeles, who will be given challenges to determine who is truly...well, the most beautiful. Stupid show...which I will probably watch. Hah.

TV Ratings [10.05.08]

Did moving to Wednesday from Friday night help Life? A little bit. But nothing to rave about yet.

Did moving to Wednesday from Monday night help Gary Unmarried? Comedies that night were down, but it did increase its demo. I hate to admit it, I'm hooked on this one. Mention Chandler, Monica and Friends; throw these words in the dialogue --- then you've got me!

8.00 Block
Dancing With The Stars ABC 15.64 M/3.2 key demo
Bones Fox 10.09 M/3.3 key demo
New Adventures Of Old Christine CBS 6.57 M/1.9 key demo
Gary Unmarried CBS 6.44 M/2.1 key demo
Knight Rider NBC 5.14 M/1.6 key demo
America’s Next Top Model The CW 3.94 M/2.1 key demo

9.00 Block
Criminal Minds CBS 14.29 M/3.5 key demo
Private Practice ABC 9.54 M/3.2 key demo
House (Repeat) Fox 6.73 M/2.7 key demo
Life NBC 5.82 M/2.0 key demo
Stylista The CW 2.00 M/1.0 key demo

10.00 Block
CSI: New-York CBS 11.75 M/3.3 key demo
Law & Order NBC 7.85 M/2.2 key demo
Dirty Sexy Money ABC 6.25 M/2.0 key demo