What's Your Number? (aka Hours Spent Watching TV)

If you go to this website and list down all the TV shows you've watched, it will automatically compute the number of hours you've spent watching TV.

Photo from Tiii.Me

On top of my head, I immediately listed down Friends, Frasier, Friday Night Lights, The Sopranos, The Office US and UK, and then ended up with 21 days 11 hours 30 minutes for these six shows alone.

And then I stopped listing down the shows, knowing all too well my number is going to be higher than 21 days. I probably don't need the computer to tell me I've been wasting time watching TV for at least half my lifetime. So, that's 20+ years and counting...

But then, as someone pointed out on this site, Lennon once said ---

Photo credit

The quote puts this whole "watching television" in a better perspective! My life has meaning and purpose! Haha.

And you? What's your number?

The Good Wife's Josh Charles Does Dan Rydell

Oh, this is gold!

As a backgrounder, read this first, or Google up "Sports Night" or Dan Rydell.


This makes watching tomorrow's episode of The Good Wife a bit easier, I guess. Coz I'm learning to detach. Will Gardner died, but Josh Charles lives on.

RIP, Television Without Pity

I was a frequent visitor of Television Without Pity (TWoP) back in 2004 to 2008. I have signed up for an account and joined in the discussion of TV episodes a few times, before I settled to lurker status and just visited the forum to read.

I was too afraid to post anything, really. I feared the admins and mods (like a few others, c'mon admit it!). They were almost draconian in their rules enforcement; their system was legendary. However, this worked for the site so well, I guess, because back then, if you would like to find sensible and quality TV discussion, TWoP was where it's at.

TWoP: Where I learned to love TV even more. 

TWoP-ers had a lot of hardcore television fans who were not just fanatics. The site attracted geeky snarks who spent their time breaking down every storyline, character, backstory, behind the scenes, and what-have-you's of an episode or a series. To someone who watches TV casually, TWoP-ers' viewing habits would be some kind of annoyance. Some of the posters there even behave as though they are better than the showrunners and the writers of TV. (Sometimes, they do have the best ideas, though!)

It was in this forum where I learned to appreciate the process of watching a show on a different level.  The people in this community fed my TV addiction so much, I wholeheartedly agree that It's Hard To Imagine The Internet Without Television Without Pity.

Well, the website is closing down.

When NBCU bought it sometime in 2007, there were big changes that made TWoP a slightly different place. I still go there once in a while to feel the pulse of TV fans about certain shows or episodes. (In fact, the last time I was there was just the other week. I wanted to find out what other viewers thought of The 100 and if they liked it like I did.) But since it became a "corporate site" and no longer a "fan site", it wasn't the same anymore.

Still, it's hard to process that it will soon shut down.

After May 31st, the archives of TWoP will no longer be available to the public, which is a pity (pity!) because that site was a treasure trove of resources for anyone who loves television.

Goodbye, TWoP.

I lost countless hours sifting through your threads and learning a whole lot more about a TV show than I ever could anywhere else. Those were great times!

You will be missed.

Casting Couch: Reunite the men of SPORTS NIGHT

Now that Josh Charles is free to work on another TV show (because, if you didn't know --- he friggin' died on The Good Wife last night!), could Parenthood at least have him visit an old friend?

Josh Charles sat next to Peter Krause on Sports Night.
They played anchors Casey McCall (Krause) and Dan Rydell (Charles).
Krause is now on Parenthood.
CLICK THIS PHOTO TO ENLARGE. THEY BOTH LOOK SO GOOD!!!

And perhaps bring along this guy, as he may also be close to death on Scandal, anyway. (I mean, I would guess. That show also loves its surprises!)

Joshua Malina played Jeremy, an executive producer on Sports Night.
He worked with Dan and Casey.
Malina is a State's Attorney on Scandal now.

If this guy ^ doesn't die on Scandal yet, then could Josh Charles suit up and play Will Gardner on his show? Can he team up or go against Malina's David Rosen?

So, Parenthood & Scandal, I'm posing this as a challenge --- who is going to make this reunion happen?

 I need something to help me get over Josh Charles' departure on The Good Wife!!!

Dear THE GOOD WIFE...

Things are not making sense right now.

Well, okay they are. They make good sense. Especially, since you could rationalize that what has happened this week (Season 5 Episode 15) is all in a day's work on television.

But right now, I'm in still in shock.

And I'm angry and bitter.

It's taking so much from me to try and not tweet Josh Charles, whom I've loved since Sports Night,  to tell him --- HOW DARE HE DO THIS TO FANS OF THE SHOW! (It was a career move, you guys!)

 Even after reading this:

From The Good Wife's Facebook Page

...and getting why the show needed to do what they've done in a way that guts my heart, I'm taking it all very personal.

Maybe in a few weeks, I'll calm down and see that, tragedy and shock aside, this was an incredible feat for network TV. Maybe in a few weeks, I would be grateful for how superior and daring the writers were... to come up with this storyline in secret, and executing it with the kind of perfection only attributed to high-profile cable shows. Maybe in a few weeks, I'll appreciate the beauty of this blindside. Maybe in a few weeks, I will respect the actor's decision.

But today, I'm grieving and I'm finding it hard to process and move on...

F*ck, f*ck, f*ck you for doing this!

5 Reasons Why I'm Excited for GOTHAM

You know that pre-Batman series that's in the works on Fox next season? Gotham? I've been meaning to write something about this.  Since the series was announced as "in development" I already grew excited for it. What makes me so keen on this series is because it has so much potential to become the next big thing.

Gotham's main story is on James Gordon as a young detective, way before becoming the one Commissioner who would work alongside a certain caped-crusader. The series will explore his beginnings, as well as the beginning of his friendship with Batman.

Ben McKenzie (Southland, The OC) was tapped to play young Commissioner Gordon and today, photos of him in action have been released online.

Look!

More images on this site

He's Reason #1 for why I'm practically rooting for this show.

I liked Ben McKenzie in Southland. I wouldn't have any idea who could play the Commissioner better than him, but I think picking him was a good choice. He seems to be a committed actor.


Reason #2 for why I think Gotham has so much potential to be a hit is this guy: Donal Logue, who is going to be Gordon's mentor.  People earlier thought he would be playing the Commissioner.

I've loved Logue's work on Terriers, and I find him so underrated. To be involved in a series that's going to have millions tuning in means he's finally going to get the recognition he deserves.

Reason #3 is Bruno Heller, the show's creator.

Heller is the man behind The Mentalist, which --- up until last season at least ---  is one of the most clever shows on network TV.  Maybe that's why The Mentalist hasn't been doing so well lately. It's because Heller's been busy developing Gotham.

Reason #4 is Jada Pinket Smith.


She's playing the role of a gangster boss in this show. Can you already imagine her? She's going to be so badass! And I cannot wait to see this!

Reason # 5 is David Mazouz, the young kid who will be playing Bruce Wayne.

Mazouz last show on TV was Touch, where he had no speaking lines (or at least when I was watching it, I didn't hear him say anything at all), as his character was odd.

I'm sure that role was challenging for him, but he's going to play Batman now, so this must be more exciting.

Gotham has so much going for it and its producers say this show should be treated differently as the franchise, even as classic Batman villains are expected to be in the story.

The series is set to premiere during the upcoming 2014 - 2015 Season, which starts this September.

[VERONICA MARS the Movie] Her Final Words

(Spoiler alert!)

A long time ago, we used to be friends...and then I got closure!

What Veronica said at the end of the movie? Struck a chord with me, I love it!

"Dad always said this town could wreck a person. It's what happens when you play a rigged game. I convinced myself winning meant getting out. But in what world do you get to leave the ring and declare victory? This is where I belong. In the fight. It's who I am. I've rolled around in the mud for so long... wash me clean and I don't recognize myself. So, how about I just accept the mud? And the tendency I have to find myself rolling in it? My name is Veronica, and I'm an addict."

Only a few of notes:

- Dick has not changed nor aged in 10 years. I think he's going to be that way forever. Disturbing.
- I have missed Wallace and Mac! Unexpectedly missed them so!
- I loved the cameos, including that "creepy guy" who danced in front of Veronica.
- Samsung product placement!
- Nitpick: I didn't particularly like Weevil falling back, not after he told Veronica what he's been up to. But I guess the quote above also applies to him.

Overall, one happy shipper here! That just had to happen. Of course!

Thank you, Veronica Mars! LoVE! LoVE! LoVE!

Stirred by PORTLANDIA's Theme Song

I get a kick out of listening to this theme song each time I watch an episode of Portlandia.

I don't know why I love it so much. But it stirs up something in me. Whenever I hear it, I don't know if I wanna cry, or slow dance, or fall asleep. I can't describe if the song makes me happy or sad, but it makes me feel something.

Listen:

FEEL IT ALL AROUND from Northern Lights on Vimeo.

I had a similar thing with House's theme song (Teardrop from Massive Attack).

There are opening themes to TV shows where I hit the fast forward button because they're not interesting enough and I just feel that it delays my viewing process. Most recently, I've skipped True Detective's coz I didn't like the song, no matter how interesting the visuals are.

But for Portlandia (and House), I always let it play out. Sometimes I even go back to listen to it a second time before I watch the episode.

Is there a TV theme song that does the same for you?

Portlandia is a comedy sketch show on IFC, currently on its 4th season.

 

TRUE DETECTIVE Season 1 Finale Thoughts

I hesitate when I get asked if True Detective is a good show to watch.

I'm finding it hard to explain the appeal of the series and often have great difficulty telling someone to, "Go and watch, sure! It's so gooooood!" ... because "good" is subjective.

Good can be an episode of Castle, or Person of Interest, or The Good Wife, or Breaking Bad, or Scandal, or Parenthood, or Episodes, or Portlandia. See the degrees of differences?

It would be hard for me to lump True Detective in a category of greatness.

Because it's just... different.

Setting aside the acting and the cinematography of the show (coz these two elements on True Detective are some of its strongest), I would not be able to qualify its pluses without sounding like I'm over-selling the story.

The essence of every show is in the story --- how it started, how it's played out, and most importantly, how it ended.  For many viewers, the ending is crucial. It must top everything else. It should have the show go out with one big hurrah. Only, True Detective's ending, at least for the first season, is not what you'd expect from a show that started building up the plot with each episode. In fact, too many people were not happy about its conclusion. (Read: Is True Detective Overrated?; The Disappointing Finale of True Detective; True Detective Finale: This is it?)

Most people have mistaken this series for a "whodunit"; for getting suckered into figuring out the clues and secrets, and then figuring out the bad guy(s). I was one of those people. I followed theory after theory thrown on the internet, in the hopes of trying to discover clues to plot twists, in as much as I couldn't really understand where most of these theories lead up to. This habit of reading up on a show's many "secrets" is something I've developed since Lost, by the way. (Damn you, Lostpedia!!!)  But while watching the last episode of True Detective playing out the other day, I finally got the sense that this was all so.....freaking simple.

To anyone planning on binging the first season of the show, bear this in mind:

The real story is not in the plot.

The real story is in the two lead characters.

To understand their development as characters is to get the essence of the show.  To see their relationship --- with each other, with other people and with themselves --- go from one point to the next, is to experience the show's deepness.

Forget all the secrets. Forget hunting down meanings and clues.  Look at Rust and Marty, and watch their transformation.

That's where True Detective is different from all the other good shows out there.

[GRIMM] Aswang, TikTik & Filipinos on AmericanTV

I have more reasons to love Grimm for featuring a very Filipino-centric episode this week (Season 3 Episode 14 - "Mommy Dearest") when the show explored the legend of a mythical creature known locally as the Aswang. More specifically,  the episode featured the TikTik, an evil creature that preys on pregnant women and the fetus.

How this episode came about was discussed in this article:

Post by MindyTV | Too Much TV.

The story of the TikTik was told to me when I was 6 years old, and about to become a big sister.

I do remember that there were some nights when I would watch out for any "ticking" sound coming from our ceiling, and then made sure Mama's belly was covered with a pillow.

An attack never happened, of course. Nor do I know of any other family ever becoming victims of a Tiktik or Aswang because the story is an urban legend; an old wives' tale. But living in the province, on a big lot surrounded by many trees (incidentally, home to many aswang as legends go)...at that age, I was so sold on the idea that a Tiktik could be lurking. And that if it ever came for my mom and my baby sibling? This was exactly how I imagined it would go down:

Grimm got this one right!!! (Well, okay, minus the track suit haha!)

But I'm not going to have any nightmares, nor relive fears from my childhood after watching this episode. In fact, I found myself enjoying while watching it because....it's soooo Filipino!

The episode featured a lot of Filipino actors, like Tess Paras and Michael Golamco, who spoke Tagalog.

By the way --- Tess, as I've come to learn, has been on several other American TV shows like The Good Wife and White Collar.

There were references to many things Pinoy. Manila was even in one scene. (How did they do that??? File video? Should I tweet and ask the Grimm Writers about that?)

So, thank you Grimm for doing this!!! It felt like a shout-out, or a tribute to your Filipino fans. It might be overzealous to claim "Pinoy pride" over this...it's about an Aswang FFS. And I'd have to be objective and say this wasn't one of your best episodes, yeah? But it is one that's already close to my heart. ♥

"I couldn't be prouder of the work we've done on this episode. It's one of the most fulfilling experiences I've had in my entire life. I don't mean to oversell it, but everything just came together with this episode."
- Reggie Lee

[Scandal] Papa Pope is a scary motherfucker

Whenever this man starts delivering his lines on Scandal, I forget to breathe for air until he is done.

When Eli Pope goes off (and he's had several scenes like this, yeah?), I start getting confused about whether I should gasp for air, cower down in shame, call my parents and apologize for something, or just sit there and watch him until I'm so stunned, I turn blue in the face.

I know I'm not alone. You're probably also getting your fill from watching scenes with him unfold. Scandal is by no means great TV for me. But it's scenes like this that makes it so addicting to watch. The writers really know how to hook us, no?

From this week's episode... (Okay, the following is really much better heard than read, but since I can't splice the video into a smaller clip, this transcript should do.)

"You have no idea what happened. You have no idea what is currently happening. You're skipping around in a field full of bombs, and mistaking them for daisies. This...dear...sweet..child is what happened: The married man you can't seem to stay away from had me abducted and locked me up in chains, and spoke to me about the way you taste, while he allowed that terrorist to snake her way into my marriage bed to clear US airspace."

"What happened was.... the man you screw framed me by freeing the woman who gave birth to you as a bargaining chip. What happened was the man who defiled you also defiled an organization I gave my SOUL to build. THAT is what happened."

"What is currently happening is that President Fitzgerald Thomas Grant the Third has made an enemy, the WORST kind of enemy because I know ALL his secrets. I know where EVERY body is buried."

"And the greatest weapon I can use against him calls me DAD."

"Uncommon valor was a common virtue. The thing about that quote, Olivia is that it was from the good old days. It no longer applies today. Everyone is afraid. Everyone SHOULD be afraid. The President should be VERY afraid. And if I were you, Olivia, I would be terrified. I would pick up whatever chips you had left and I would RUN. As far away as possible from that burning building known as the White House. Run, Olivia, run. Because mark my words, Fitgerald Grant is not going to make the end of his term. Watch me."

Scurrry, no?

Added: Growing Up Fisher, Mixology, About A Boy in Pilot Watch TV Season 2013

I keep this album on Facebook for short "reviews" of TV pilots (otherwise known as the very first episode of a new series). I've recently added notes on my first impressions for Growing Up Fisher, Mixology & About A Boy, three comedies that started this week.

You can check it out by clicking through the photos, or simply hit the "Like" button for the Facebook page to get the updates.

Post by MindyTV | Too Much TV.

[A to Z] Cristin Milioti & Ben Feldman

Scoot over, Ted!

This pairing will be all over after four weeks when How I Met Your Mother is done. (Well, okay --- give or take a few more days, coz of course..we've got to have those extra days to grieve!)

 

But come next TV season, we shall be watching her with this guy:

Cristin Milioti, cast the other week as the lead in this new romantic comedy, will be co-starring with Ben Feldman in A to Z. The series is from Rashida Jones and Will McCormack.

Bonus: Read Rashida Jones' essay, "Why Is Everyone Getting Naked? Rashida Jones on the Pornification of Everything" to understand why this chick is praiseworthy!

I don't know about you, but I think they picked the right guy in Ben Feldman (Mad Men, Drop Dead Diva). I already think they look good together! This, after saying on my Facebook yesterday that Ted and Mother on HIMYM are a perfect match, ha! (It must be Milioti! She is so likeable, her charm is infectious!)

Here's a backgrounder on the upcoming series:

A To Z, from Warner Bros Television, Rashida Jones and Will McCormack’s Le Train Train and writer Ben Queen, is a whimsical romantic comedy set in the world of an online dating company that details the “A to Z’s” of a relationship — from meeting to break-up. The ensemble navigates the complicated world of modern dating and poses the question: Is there such a thing as destiny?  -  via Deadline.

Ben Feldman will play Andrew, who is described as a "smart and sarcastic guy's guy" who actually believes in romance and finding "the one" (I can already see Feldman in the role!), while Cristin Milioti's character, Zelda, is the realist in the relationship (perfect!).

They've also added British actress Leonora Crichlow, playing the role of Zelda's roommate. But I wish they had gotten Lucy Punch (Ben and Kate) instead. I think Milioti and her will hit it off better. (But what do I know, I just watch the shows?!)

Among the comedies already taking shape this pilot season, I couldn't be more excited to watch A to Z.

[How I Met Your Mother] Teenage Marvin

Teenage Marvin was featured in this week's episode of How I Met Your Mother and the character is played by Spenser Ralston, who also appeared (albeit uncredited) in 90210.

Only four more weeks, and this show is finally over.

Random ---

I didn't get to do Sunday viewing yesterday. Which is actually Monday over here.

I didn't get to watch the latest from True Detective and The Walking Dead, or even Episodes...which makes me feel envious of those who've already seen it.

I shall watch all those later today.

After I catch up on sleep.

That is all.

Philippines on HOUSE OF CARDS Season 2

Hey, Francis! Hey, Mr. Vice President... can you see me waving at you from the Philippine map? :D

Kevin Spacey's character on House of Cards is looking into the map of Asia.

I'm currently on the last 3 episodes of House of Cards Season 3. Initially, I said I would be pacing myself. Although I didn't binge-watch as fast as other viewers, who've actually gone through all 13 episodes in ONE day, I had not planned on having to finish this show this fast.

This series, while not exactly the best show I've seen, is very, very addicting. As it is in real life, dirty politicians make for interesting stories, no?

Are you also watching House of Cards? I think the second season is a lot better than the first, would you agree?

(Okay, let me go back to the show now. I really what to know why a lot of those who've already seen it freaked out afterwards!)

Why You Should Watch TRANSPARENT

I've been meaning to talk about Transparent, but I couldn't find the right words to sing my praises for it. I'm having a case of the lazy brain (which happens often, no surprises). No…actually, I've been too caught up reading stuff about True Detective (another show I'm singing praises for!) that it's draining me out and consuming me.

So instead,  I'll just point you to some links about Transparent to convince you why you need to check this show out:

• 'Transparent' Could Be 2014's Groundbreaking Show 
•  One of Amazon’s Three New Comedies is the Best Pilot in Years 
• Please Watch ‘Transparent,’ Jill Soloway and Jeffrey Tambor’s Amazon Comedy About a Father’s Transition
• 'Transparent' Could Be Amazon's Big Step Forward ... If They Go for It
• 5 Reasons Why ‘Transparent’ Is The Best Of The New Pilots On Amazon Instant
•  Why You Need To Watch The New Amazon Pilot "Transparent"

Transparent is an Amazon.com released show. There's only one episode out for now, and the public will get to vote on whether or not the site should release the rest of the episodes. But because all of the raves and praises, it's easy to tell where this is going. The next episodes should be out in a few months.

The Transparent pilot is available online.

From TV to Graphic Novels: ONCE UPON A TIME & REVENGE

In 2013, ABC's Once Upon A Time got a comic book treatment, the first TV series tie-in with Marvel Comics. Once Upon a Time: Shadow of the Queen touched on the relationship between the Evil Queen and the Huntsman, and filled the gap of a particular episode in the show's first season. The book was a best-seller under the Hardcover Graphic Book category according to The New York Times, and copies are still available at Amazon.

Following this, ABC and Marvel is giving yet another TV show its comic book treatment with Revenge: The Secret Origin of Emily Thorne.

.

To be released in the fall, this comic book encompasses Emily Thorne's backstory, and among others,  answers how the switch with Amanda Clarke came to be. (Was it not dredged up in the series yet?)

"She is a comic-book character. She has an identity — she's a rich person who poses as a socialite during the day and at night exacts vengeance. Because she is such a complicated character and has a lot of villains in her past, graphic novels are a really natural fit." - Source

While I'm personally not into graphic novels and I have long since quit watching Revenge and Once Upon A Time, there's a growing market for TV series-comic book tie-ins. For devoted fans of the show, this should be awesome to collect.  

Will you be picking up a copy of these books? 

Images are from ComicBookResources.Com

[True Detective] I learned a new word today: McConaissance

I didn't know this word "McConaissance" existed prior to watching True Detective. I wasn't keenly aware of Matthew McConaughey's reinvention or comeback as an actor.

I wasn't a fan.

While I've seen his critically-acclaimed and heavily-nominated performance in Dallas Buyer's Club, and okay…I thought he was good in it, I was not "dazzled" by it.

Was.

True Detective made me change my opinion of him. And now I understand all these praises he's getting.

This guy is so good in the series that I really worry for Bryan Cranston's chances of bagging the Best Actor trophy at the Emmy's this coming September. It would be Cranston's last chance of winning, because Breaking Bad is done, thus, never getting a nomination ever again. But here comes this guy, and the chances of him taking the award instead of Cranston? Is highly probable.

Watching him get lost in his character on True Detective is having me absolutely dazzled this time.

############

Have you seen True Detective? It's outstanding!

While the story isn't completely fresh, and some say it's reminding them of Hannibal,  the show makes great use of other elements, like the camera shots (the director's eye --- so powerful!) and the dialogues (the writer's brain --- so deep!).

The actors, like Matthew McConaughey, also bring so much that I really think they're playing off each other's greatness. Not one bad egg in the casting couch. Everyone has delivered so far.

Here's one of my favorite scenes, with Matthew and Woody Harrelson, from the third episode:


I'd say True Detective belongs to a class in itself because somehow, it just doesn't feel right lumping it in the same calibre as other TV greats like Breaking Bad, The Sopranos, or The Wire.

It's really just different. Good-different.

But watching True Detective is also a challenge, I have to say. Sometimes, there's stuff that goes over my head because it is just so profound and my brain cells can only take so much. But I think it's partly why it's appealing to me. I enjoy reading up on an episode afterwards and process what has happened, and then be completely blown away by some of the conclusions from fans who are also loving this series.

Yep, this show is a thinking show…and boy, we don't have a lot of that these days!

If you want to catch True Detective, it's on Sundays at HBO. In the Philippines and in Asia, it airs one week after a new episode.

The series is only eight episodes short and five have already aired as of this writing. No matter how short, however, it is quality television that shouldn't be missed out on.

[Orange Is The New Black] Return Date Announced + Teaser + Updates

One of my favorites from last year, Orange Is The New Black (OITNB), has been given return date. Season 2 will be released on Netflix on the 6th of June.

The wonderful thing about shows on Netflix is that seasons are released in full, meaning, you don't have to wait to watch the episodes week after week. You can already stream it as you please. Netflix, however, is only offered in selected countries (USA and Canada, I suppose?).

Before the first season of OITNB ended, it was reported that one of its stars would only return for one to four episodes in the second season. But that's all changed because Laura Prepon will be seen for most of the season, as confimed by the show's creator.

OINTB Season 2 will also put more focus on the other characters, particularly favorites like Crazy Eyes and Red.

But I wonder what will happen to Natasha Lyonne's character, Nicky, if the show gets a third season (and there's no doubt in my mind that it would!)?

See, the actress has been chosen to play the lead in an upcoming pilot-comedy from Amy Poehler for NBC. If this (Old Soul) gets a series pick-up, will she be able to work both shows given how demanding network TV is?

OINTB was Lyonne's big comeback. Once a promising actress in her younger years, she went through a troubled lifestyle, which included actual jail time, not unlike what her character goes through on OINTB. The actress makes no qualms about hiding this chapter of her life, but has since turned it around and committed to OINTB as her first real gig.

I would love to see her star in her own show, and hope that Old Soul would test well, do well, and get a pick-up. But Nicky is also a favorite (Heck, every character on this show is so well-liked!), and to have her missing from the show would surely create an impact, no?

Have you seen the first season of this show? Who's your favorite? Would you be bothered if Nicky leaves the show?

[How I Met Your Dad] New Mother Accused of Selling Out

Yesterday, CBS announced that Indie film actress Greta Gerwig will headline How I Met Your Dad (HIMYD), the spin-off to How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM). The show is slated to run next season (Fall 2014), since HIMYM is bowing out this March. HIMYM co-creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas will still run the show. But they will also work with a third showrunner on board, Emily Spivey, who did Up All Night.

Greta Gerwig

plays Sally

on How I Met Your Dad

Not a lot of people are thrilled to learn Greta Gerwig is doing TV, much less a spinoff of a show that, some people note,  should have ended four seasons ago.

Via the LA Times:

The news has prompted some fans to call Gerwig, who began her career in micro-budget mumblecore movies such as "LOL" and "Hannah Takes the Stairs" and earned a Golden Globe nomination for her recent turn in Noah Baumbach's "Frances Ha," which she also co-wrote, a "sellout." While an HBO series would be one thing, so the thinking goes, this is a network sitcom derived from another show that has, according to some, already overstayed its welcome.

How I Met Your Dad will be told from the point of view of Greta Gerwig's character, Sally, who is described as "a female Peter Pan, who has never grown up and has no idea of where she's going in life." The show will open with her contemplating a breakup from her husband of one year, while a group of merry odd friends will serve as her advise and support group.

Twitterverse isn't also happy with the premise of the show, but Gerwig is on board not just as its star. She will also write and produce some of the episodes.

Admittedly, I don't recall ever seeing Greta Gerwig's movies, despite having a familiar face. (I checked her IMDB, I still don't know where I've seen her!) But to have someone of this pedigree doing TV has made me look forward to HIMYD.

I was quite lukewarm about this spinoff because, like everyone else, I agree that its parent show has gotten pointless at some point. (I've been watching the final episodes for the sake of getting closure from this series. Thankfully, the last few ones have been to my satisfaction!)

Enter Greta Gerwig… and my interest for HIMYD has taken a turn. I do want to see this series getting a pick-up now, and largely because I have to see what she can do with it. For all the hesitation people are having about this spinoff, maybe it will be a better show than HIMYM. Maybe they did something right by getting her, and maybe this is also a good career move for her.

For now, I'm gonna have to find that Frances Ha movie and get acquainted with a possible future obsession.

So, what about you? How interested are you about How I Met Your Dad?

[The Walking Dead] High Ratings and Vulnerability

Last night's return of The Walking Dead (Season 4 Episode 9) had 15.8 million viewers and 10.4 million in its demographics, beating the ratings for the Olympics.

AMC's President Charlie Collier said in the press release:

"With a number of high-profile choices on television last night, for The Walking Dead to deliver record ratings is remarkable. Thanks to the fans, who have been so supportive of this show in so many ways. We share your passion for this world."

"Thanks also to the terrific team of writers, starting with Scott Gimple and Robert Kirkman, who with our outstanding executive producers, cast and crew pour their hearts into this series, always with the fans in mind. I speak for everyone at AMC in expressing my sincere appreciation and our shared excitement for the journey ahead. Chocolate pudding for all!"

The episode hurt a great deal. Have you seen it? As much as I think Carl is insufferable, I genuinely feel sorry for him now.

Somebody, please hug Carl!!! :'( That scene breaks my heart. So much anger. #TheWalkingDead
— MindyTV (@MindyTV) February 10, 2014

The kid actor playing Carl, Chandler Riggs, is doing a fine job. He has perfectly showed emotions of a child forced to become an adult.  Equally painful to watch is Michonne's journey. The backstory is short, but it's enough to get a peek into the character.

Both showed vulnerability that made me understand them better, I was bawling after the episode ended.

It was one of its best.

The Unaired Pilot Episode of a Live-Action ARCHIE. (Yes, from the comics!)

Was there an Archie movie some years back featuring actual people? I seem to recall watching one on Betamax, but I'm not quite sure. But I do remember watching the animation as a kid. That cartoons wasn't as great as reading the stories from the comics, and it was so weird hearing their voices because it wasn't what I had imagined in my head. I liked it when they animated Sabrina The Teenage Witch better.

Anyway, I found this while browsing earlier…

In 1964, Archie was apparently pitched as a TV series and a pilot had been shot for it. Only, it never made it to television. It did appear on Youtube a few years back. (Yay, technology!)

Here it is…

So, what do you think?  If they did an Archie TV series this time around, do you think the show would take off?

You can watch the rest of this episode (parts 2 & 3) and read details about the pilot on Undercover Archie.