Quote of the Week: I Googled “disaster” and “woman,” had to wade through hundreds of sites of Sarah Palin and Brittany Spears. (Eli Stone, Eli Stone)
Song of the Week: Brand New Day – Joshua Radin (Eli Stone)
Big News of the Week: The Emmy Nominations Announced: Yawn. Wait they nominated Sheldon Cooper. Still every other category is mostly laughable.
Coalition Links of the Week: This week, Jace had an advance review of the five-episode event Torchwood: Children of Earth, airing every night on BBC America this coming week, and had an exclusive interview with Torchwood executive producer Julie Garner. (Televisionary)
The TV Addict offers up his take on the 2009 Emmy Nods: The Good, The Bad and the Who Does BSG Have to Frak to Get Some Emmy Recognition! (The TV Addict)
Matt is 29 years old and a male. But he's seen the first episode of The Vampire Diaries and is a major fans. (TV Fanatic)
Kate wondered which season of The Bachelor was the most boring. (TV Filter)
Buzz took a break from all the Emmy mania to check out the models who will appear on the Project Runway companion series, Models of the Runway. (BuzzSugar)
Kings: I really didn’t care for the whole trail aspect and arresting Mr. Boston for treason, but there were sure some jaw dropping moments. Like the princess got knocked up. Or the minister finally teamed up with the evil beotgher only for Mr. Boston to turn down their offer. Oh, and that ending. Although I was a bit disappointed with the wording. If the King was going to use a homosexual slur, why not use Al Swearengen’s favorite slur? You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download Kings on iTunes.
Eli Stone: Holy Ephram Brown sighting! Although by the time I figured out it was him (it was hard to place the voice without his incessant whining) he was gone. And in the end, so was the show. It deserved a better ending then the one we got. You can stream current episodes over at ABC.com. You can also download Eli Stone on iTunes.
Rescue Me: I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get more fallout from the stolen fire truck, but I loved the trashing the break room and making the probie clean it up even though saw it coming early on during the trashing. You can stream current episodes over at Hulu.
Free Download of the Week: PM Yoga (iTunes): I decide a couple weeks ago that I would start doing yoga in hopes of receiving some aches and pains. Unfortunately I have come to the realization there are very few yoga positions in my flexibility range. I downloaded this for free recently and hopefully it is something up my alley.
Video of the Week: I know I just showed this a couple days ago (see Buster Bluth Wants Us to Watch CTRL), but I thought I would show it again just in case anyone missed it.
Next Week Pick of the Week: ESPY Awards, Sunday at 9:00 on ESPN: The most reliable award show this decade hosted once again by Samuel L. Jackson. I just heard an interview with the Jimmy V Award on Mike and Mike, and hearing his story (he got hit by a truck, during his surgery they discovered inoperable cancer, and he still coached the following season in a wheelchair for his basketball team) will be worth tuning in.
Quote of the Week: This is Armani. Pimp! Armani! (The Hateable Dan LeBatard, Pardon the Interruption)
Song of the Week: Say, Say, Say – Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson (as sung by The Hateable Dan LeBatard and J.A. Adande, Pardon the Interuption)
Big News of the Week: ABC Trickles onto Hulu: Three weeks ago Hulu announced their Hulu Days of Summer releasing something new for two months straight. The first two week saw the addition of Dead Like Me and mostly movies but I wondered how they would actually be able to do so all summer. Well this past Monday saw the inclusion of Grey’s Anatomy thus launching ABC’s addition to the video streaming site. That was followed by Desperate Housewives, Better Off Ted, The Superstars and I Survived a Japanese Game Show. So far only shows from ABC proper had been added but I expect other subsidiaries (ABC Family, Disney Channel, Soap Net, etc.) will soon follow in upcoming weeks.
Kings: See, I told you the Queen should kill that chick. Seriously, what took her so long? And it looks like Silas is back to flip flopping on David. Ugg. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download Kings on iTunes.
Eli Stone: What was with the random Grace-centric episode? She was only in one episode and was never heard about for most of the season with Eli moving on to Maggie and then out of nowhere Eli is thinking about her only for him to see her in a flashback. Just odd. You can stream current episodes over at ABC.com. You can also download Eli Stone on iTunes.
Charm School with Ricki Lake: This is what I hate about this show, they boot the person who has changed the most for the one that “needs more work.” When you are done to the final five you can’t pull they, they should know by now not to call other people “retards.” Not that it will keep me from watching. You can also download Charm School with Ricki Lake on iTunes.
Rescue Me: No drug induced musical number this week? Well of course the male stripper doesn’t count. That scene just went on too long You can stream current episodes over at Hulu.
The Philanthropist: I an era where every show seems to use narration ad nausea, the show is sure clever with it’s narration, be it trying to impress a barmaid, avoiding a hostile takeover in the board room or chatting up a prime minister. Creativity always gets points in my book. Although Paris is certainly not as exotic as Nigeria or Burma. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download The Philanthropist on iTunes.
Free Download of the Week: X5 Free Sampler - Golden Voices (Amazon MP3): Here is one for the fans of the classics with songs by Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald and three others to ask your grandparents about. Not as old, but while at Amazon you will want to also pick up this free live Sam Cooke song.
Video of the Week: One show that was ready for Upfronts was Day One and the first glimpse of the show leaked to the interwebs this week. It actually had me sucked in until the curly headed dude started screaming, “it doesn’t matter, they’re already dead!” which caused me to laugh and it was all downhill from there. But it still stars the highly likeable Julie Gonzalo so I may still give it a try. And hey, it can’t possibly be worse than Heroes. Right? Hopefully NBC releases a better quality trailer soon. When they do I will repost it.
Next Week Pick of the Week: Leverage, Wednesday at 9:00 on TNT: Leverage was the surprise show of last season having just the right mix of action, drama, and comedy. With a new season comes a new game to coincide with the new season. Head over to LeverageHQ.com to play Get Ready to Get Even.
Leverage will be followed by new show Dark Blue which comes with its own game you can find at DarkBlueUndercover.com. Look out for more on both shows before their premieres.
Before I get into the best of the past week, let me remind you to enter the Ice Road Trucker Giveaway where you can pick up the first two seasons on DVD and more. Click the banner to the left to see how to enter.
Quote of the Week: Save it for your inevitable reality show. If Mr. Stone does work for God I’m not going to chance damnation by disqualifying him. (Judge Marcia Phelps – Eli Stone)
Big News of the Week: Michael Jackson: After passing away late last week, Jackson dominated the news this week which I am sure Mark Sanford was happy to see happen. And that looks to continue with his public viewing next week and funeral. His death even highlighted how bad the record business is these days as four of his albums outsold the Top 200 number one album last week. And are there really that many people out there that didn’t already have a copy of Thriller or were those just people updating their cassettes, vinyl, or 8-track to CD or digital?
Kings: What I don’t understand is why didn’t the Queen have the chick that was blackmailing her killed? She’s the Queen. Certainly there is someone loyal enough to her that would do that and get her back all the incriminating evidence. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download Kings on iTunes.
Eli Stone: So by sleeping with Eli, Maggie was able to over him? Huh? Doesn’t that women more clingy? If only that worked in the real world. You can stream current episodes over at ABC.com. You can also download Eli Stone on iTunes.
Charm School with Ricki Lake: Well that was anticlimactic. Bay Bay Bay is given the chance to bring somebody back, which she never should have in the first place, just to agonize over it and in the end doesn’t do so. You can also download Charm School with Ricki Lake on iTunes.
Rescue Me: Hopefully just because Garrity is awake he will still be pumped up with enough drugs to give us a couple more musical numbers. Or maybe have Teddy try to suffocate him again. But what a disturbing ending with Tommy burning himself. Hopefully that doesn’t get revisited. You can stream current episodes over at Hulu.
The Philanthropist: Nice little history lesson with some entertainment. Surprising though, that after much discussion that Burma is the better name, Myanmar was the name of the episode. This episode was hurt a little by the recent news story about how some nut job was able to swim to the house and stayed the night. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download The Philanthropist on iTunes.
Free Download of the Week: Pilot - 10 Things I Hate About You (iTunes): ABC Family has always been good about free downloads and now you can get the premiere of their new show 10 Things I Hate About You for free before it even airs and in HD. Want more free stuff from the network? You can also download the first episode of their other new show, Make it or Break It for free and in HD.
Deal of the Week: TV Under $15 (Sledge Hammer!, The Lone Gunmen, King of the Hill)
Next Week Pick of the Week: Eli Stone, Saturday at 10:00 on ABC: Only two episodes left. And just when you thought being banished to Saturday wasn’t bad enough, having the second to last episode air on July Fourth is just mean. But I guess that is why God gave us a VCR (or Tivo’s for you pretentious types).And it will also will be available on the network’s website. Which gets me thinking, when exactly is ABC going to add their shows to Hulu?
Quote of the Week: I can’t believe you got Feinberg in your corner. It’s like the Jets and the Sharks joining forces and becoming one giant gay, dancing, singing street gang. (Ken, Rescue Me)
Big News of the Week: Bryan Fuller Leaves Heroes… Again: One of the many sad stories that came out of the cancelation of Pushing Daisies was that series mastermind began slumming it again on Heroes. But as he told Ain’t it Cool News, he will be likely creating two pilots for NBC Universal. No work on what either of those may be, but one would assume the lead female will have a dude’s name (George, Jaye, Chuck). Speaking of the George portion, I started watching Dead Like Me recently, currently into the second season. Certainly below Wonderfalls in the Bryan Fuller pantheon, but I still haven’t decided if I like it more than Pushing Daisies yet. But certainly worth a look if you do not have anything better to watch this summer.
Coalition Links of the Week: With network TV ratings on the decline, Buzz wondered if you — yes, you! — are watching less TV this Summer than usual. (BuzzSugar)
Other than So You Think You Can Dance, Vance didn't have much time to watch TV last week because he was out in the park watching Twelfth Night starring Anne Hathaway, Raul Esparza (Pushing Daisies), Audra McDonald (Private Practice), Hamish Linklater (New/Old Christine) and more. (Tapeworthy)
This week, Jace offered an elegy for ABC's canceled The Unusuals and offered advance reviews of FOX's Virtuality and the first four episodes of HBO's Hung. (Televisionary)
After this week's episode of Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, Sara has the irresistible urge to become BFFs with Kathy and Paula Deen. (TiFaux)
Eric is so glad that Lafayette is back for season two of True Blood and even happier to find out how he gets out of imprisonment this week. (TV Fanatic)
Kings: So did Silas make a deal with Death (what, no George Lass?) who for some reason wears a cowbell in the form of piano that he would step aside willing (presumably for Mr. Boston) or will be taken by her? And just as puzzling is the princess being promised to God yet not a nun. Alrighty. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download Kings on iTunes.
Eli Stone: Much like Pushing Daisies, it was a little hard getting back into the show knowing there will only be two more after this. But once the car pulled up to Eli’s house to reveal a road trip, I was drawn back in. What is sad that after a second season let down after a superb first one, we finally get the first great episode right before getting pulled. You can stream current episodes over at ABC.com. You can also download Eli Stone on iTunes.
Merlin: I sat down to check the series out only to find golf. I understand you don’t cut into golf to air new programming, but couldn’t NBC put in a scroll saying Merlin will start in “X” amount of minute or after this hole or just have the announcers acknowledge that golf is running over thanks to the rain delay? So I waited a minute or two and just ended up watching a couple more episodes of Dead Like Me. I may catch Merlin on Hulu sometime this weekend if the weather is crappy.
Rescue Me: Hopefully Garrity stays in a coma for a while so we can get a couple more musical numbers. The fruit song may be the funniest thing ever that nobody should have been laughing at. You can stream current episodes over at Hulu.
The Philanthropist: NBC managed not to blow the premiere of this show. It reminded me a little like Kings in that they both have a big scope to them and at times are too big for their own good. And they certainly get heavy handed at times (seriously, Teddy’s dead son leads him to the village?). But the show is defiantly likeable. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download The Philanthropist on iTunes.
Video of the Week: We have hit the oversaturation point for vampires I am actually glad they are rebooting Buffy the Vampire Slayer, even if it is without Joss Whedon, so she could come back to slay all the Twilight, True Blood and the sure to be unwatchable new CW show vampires as well all their annoying fan. As for supernatural fair, sign me up for the upcoming Zombieland which looks from the trailer like it will battle Snakes on a Plane as the greatest horrible movie of the decade (and I mean that as a good thing, check out my review of SoaP: I Have Had it with These Mother(Expletive Deleted) Snakes on This Mother(Expletive Deleted) Plane).
Next Week Pick of the Week: Nothing: Fourth of July is next Saturday, enjoy the outdoors.
Quote of the Week: Fate can be changed, Eli, except for when it can’t. (Frank, Eli Stone)
Song of the Week: No music this week, except of course you count my list of the 100 Best Songs of 2008
Big News of the Week: Welcome to 2009: Is anyone else disconcerted that we are one year away from the end of the decade and we have yet to settle on a nickname for the 00’s. I prefer it as O’s as in Cheerios but I have also heard the Aught’s. Even VH1 copped out naming their (premature) rundown of the decade I Love the New Millennium. So just for clarification purposes, if I were to make any best of the decade lists this year, I would want everyone to pronounce the decade like Cheerios when you read the title.
Leverage: It was a little too soon for anyone to get injured on the show. The show is much better the lighter it is and they really should have waited until the second season at least before they made a partner in serious peril episode. With that said, a nice twist being able to solve a second case while in the middle of a different heist. You can stream current episodes over at TNT.com. You can also download Leverage on iTunes.
Eli Stone: Hopefully that was it for the dark arts. Of course with only three episodes left there isn’t much time for anything. Let’s hope the show goes out with a bang. Actually let’s hope it doesn’t so I don’t have to ponder an ABC boycott. Of course one quick way to a boycott would be not showing them or the final Pushing Daisies episodes so we aren’t stuck having to get the DVD. The least they could do is burn them on Saturday when they just show reruns anyways. You can stream current episodes over at ABC.com. You can also download Eli Stone on iTunes.
Free Download of the Week: Pony (It’s OK) – Erin McCarley (iTunes): I heard this catchy ditty a while ago and have been waiting to take a listen to a full album which comes out this Tuesday (although you can currently download it on iTunes).
Next Week Pick of the Week: Rock of Love: Charm School, Tonight at 7:00 on VH1: Nothing I watch returns this week sans My Name Is Earl, but what I am really looking forward tonight is the reunion show where Sharon Osborne, the headmaster of Charm School who was there to teach the contestant how to be more like ladies, beats down one of her pupils. It is a little fishy that she just happens to attack Megan Hauserman who just happens to be getting her very own reality dating show and apparently no charges were filed. Not that I am accusing that anything VH1 does is staged.
The Big Bang Theory: Just when I thought Sheldon’s knocking was getting old really quick, having him do it with computer was hilarious. But how could no one make a Steven Hawkins joke? You can stream current episodes over at Innertube. You can also download The Big Bang Theory on iTunes.
Chuck: Chuck got me, I predicted Lunberg would end up like Chuck’s ex and Casey’s sensei, but just slipped away. Although I am not entirely sure why he put the money in Chuck’s account and skipped town. But the DeLoeran bit cracked me up. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download Chuck on iTunes.
How I Met your Mother: I have a hard time believing that for someone that basically lives in a bar in New York, that was Ted’s first and apparently only fight he has ever been in. When inebriated, it doesn’t take much to start one. I am one of the most mannered people you would meet, but even I have partaken in a couple bar brawls and more than a few bench clearing brawls in various sports. And I do have some scars to show Robin. Which begs the question, how easy is it to bed Robin: Ted, Barney, Naked Man, any dude with a scar. You can stream current episodes over at Innertube. You can also download The Big Bang Theory on iTunes.
Eli Stone: I have no problem believing that Eli gets messages sent to him by God through George Michael, but there is no way I am believing that Bridget Moynihan is an heiress that gets acupuncture in Chinatown and lets said acupuncturist set her up on blind dates. You can stream current episodes over at ABC.com. You can also download Eli Stone on iTunes.
Pushing Daisies: The chest bump may have been the greatest thing on television of the year. If I were to make a list of the best duos on television, Emerson and Olive would definitely be in discussion for the top spot. It almost makes me want to send pies to ABC. You can stream current episodes over at ABC.com.
Gary Unmarried: I completely come down on Gary’s side that a person’s very first concert is important. Case in point: For the rest of my life I am stuck telling people my first concert was the Club MYV Party to Go Tour featuring Bell Biv DeVoe, C+C Music Factory, Gerado, and many more. You can stream current episodes over at Innertube.
Survivor: My prophecy of Kenny getting the boot didn’t completely come to fruition, but close with his ally Crystal taking his place. Barring immunity, he is most likely the next gone and it should be safe to assume Bob will win in a landslide and will also get the fan’s poll prize too. All this because Kenny over thought everything. You can stream current episodes over at Innertube.
My Name Is Earl: It is good that Earl is on the right side of karma because the his plan was one of the most devious thing on television not thought up by Eric Cartman. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download My Name Is Earl on iTunes.
Chuck: For those keeping track at home, in successive weeks, they have put in jail Chuck’s ex-girlfriend and Casey’s former sensei. Things are not looking up for the Token Hot Chick’s father who popped up in the promo this week. Although I am not sure if I am comfortable with Sarah’s father’s turning out to be someone who’s O-face I have seen. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download Chuck on iTunes.
Eli Stone: I never understand why show drag episodes that aren’t that very strong in the first place out into two-partners. Maybe the fault was with the casting director because I spent more time wanting to smack the kid then feel sorry him. But the duel shouting match between Eli/Taylor and Maggie/Matt was mildly entertaining while it lasted. You can stream current episodes over at ABC.com. You can also download Eli Stone on iTunes.
Pushing Daisies: For those that missed the back story about the Muffin Buffalo lady, she was a character on Wonderfalls that Brian Fuller, who created both shows, didn’t tell ABC was a crossover until they actually filmed the episode because he knew they wouldn’t let him use her because Fox owned the character. When Fuller finally asked for permission to use the character, the people at Fox said it was okay and they were happy to see the show live on. Um, if you wanted the show to live on, why did you cancel it after four episodes? Have I mentioned lately I hate Fox? And was the Dr. Burton underneath those bandages? You can stream current episodes over at ABC.com.
Survivor: How can Kenny be such a mastermind and get suckered in believing a fake Idol? This is mind blowing. Not only that be he was willing to turn on Matty to go with Corrine and Bob even though if he is in the final three with either of them, he loses in a blow out. Now he can easily be as exposed as the turncoat and be on the outs with the person with the real Idol. All he had to do was stay down and he had the fast track to the million dollars and now he may get the boot before Bob. Moron. You can stream current episodes over at Innertube.
My Name Is Earl: I know the liberal communist judges out there would call it cruel and unusual punishment, but they should really have those t-shirts for real criminals. Guilting people into not doing crime is much more effective than fining people anyways. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download My Name Is Earl on iTunes.
* Please note that if anyone out there did not get the previous Office Space reference, we cannot be friends.
Quote of the Week: Now if you excuse me, I have a date with Hannity and Colmes. (Barney - How I Met Your Mother)
Song of the Week: Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd (How I Met Your Mother)
Big News of the Week: ABC Drops All the Shows I Watch on Their Network: The day after Tony Kornheiser gave Pushing Daisies some dap on Pardon the Interruption, ABC announced that the show would be taking its title too seriously. Michael Wilbon won’t be too happy that Dirty Sexy Money will be joining them. Also six feet under is Eli Stone. None of the shows are officially canceled or pulled from the schedule, but it is doubtful we will see any of the shows again after their original order of thirteen episodes are aired, that is if ABC bothers to air them all (I sense a buy the DVD to see unaired episodes situation coming). After the Jericho debacle, I doubt there is any luck resurrecting any of the shows by sending pies, stones, or dirt covered money to the network. The closest thing to hope fans can look to is a Friday Night Lights situation, although network may want to wait to see how successful that is before trying it themselves. And Mark Cuban, whom owns DirecTV, is a little busy these days with the SEC. At any rate, it may be time for another rant that anyone who thinks the Neilsen Ratings are credible are complete morons.
Gratuitous Token Hot Chick Picture of the Week:
Coalition Links of the Week: From Turtle on Entourage to Thirteen on House, Buzz rounded up some of her favorite nicknamed TV characters. (BuzzSugar)
Vance loves Bobby Cannavale but isn't quite sure if he'll make a good Cupid yet after seeing the preview. (Tapeworthy)
This week, Jace took an advance look at the Doctor Who: Complete Series Four DVD which came out earlier this week and offered an early look at a potential ABC midseason schedule. (Televisionary)
I'm in ur hospital, sleepin' with ur interns! Dan continued his trend of ridiculing Grey's Anatomy with a new batch of LOLGrey's. (TiFaux).
Jennifer returned from maternity leave to chat with Rosie O’Donnell about her new variety show, Nip/Tuck, and The View and received a strike notice from her DVR. (Tube Talk)
Kate kinda hated herself for continuing to watch Stylista. But holy crap was this week's episode compelling! (TV Filter)
Heather had a longish chat with 24: Redemption's Robert Carlyle and, incredibly, managed to avoid once mentioning Hamish Macbeth! (TV Spy)
Free Download of the Week: Gettin’ Up - Q-Tip (iTunes): A couple weeks ago iTunes launch a Free Single of the Week and the former A Tribe Called Quest rapper’s latest video is yours without having to pay for it. I always wondered who actually pays to download music videos on iTunes. Why download a three music video for $1.99 when you can get a forty minute television show for the same price. But you cannot beat free. Now if only I could figure how to convert an iTunes video into a MP3 song.
Video of the Week: I have always been skeptical of the upcoming remake for Cupid from Rob Thomas, but the promo for the show hit the interwebs this week. Have a look:
Wow, after watching that I have to wonder if Bobby Cannavale watched every episode of Entourage back to back because he looks like he is trying too hard to do a Jeremy Pivin impersonation. Is there really anyone at ABC that thinks this will be better, or even perform better, than Eli Stone or Pushing Daisies? The channel may be morphing into The CW for me where I no longer watch it, not because I am boycotting it like Fox, but I don’t watch it because there just isn’t anything watchable.
Next Week Pick of the Week: Macy’s Thanksgivings Day Parade, Thursday at 9:00 AM on NBC: A yearly tradition even if I don’t know who seventy-five percent of the “stars” they have trotted out in the past decade. Surprisingly this year I actually recognize a few names like Miley Cyrus, David Archuleta, Kristen Chenoweth, James Taylor, Darius Rucker and Trace Adkins. Not appearing this year are The Cheetah Girls, whoever they are, because they got dumped from the show for some reason. Hopefully that means more Hootie.
Coalition Links of the Week: There have been so many Grey's Anatomy hookups and romances over the years, it's hard to keep count. Which is your all-time favorite? (BuzzSugar)
This week, Sandie shared an interview with Reggie Austin from The Starter Wife. (Daemon's TV)
A longtime friend of Vance's wrote this past week's The Office episode and Vance gives it a totally unbiased review. (Tapeworthy)
This week, Jace was absolutely gutted by David Tennant's decision to leave Doctor Who at the end of 2009 and came up with some suggestions as to who could succeed Tennant as the Eleventh Doctor. (Televisionary)
On the topic of Gossip Girl, Sara thinks that Chuck's a bore, Nate's a dim bulb and Dan and Serena keep having the same conversations over and over! (TiFaux)
This week, the TV Addict took a brief look at Life on Mars. (The TV Addict)
What can be done to save Heroes? TV Spy’s answer to Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross, Ben and Gareth, have the answers! (TV Spy)
Kate loved the second episode of Stylista even more than the first one! (TV Filter)
Chuck: Aw, the arcade. The youth today just don’t know how good they got it with next generation gaming like the PS3. I was always partial to Gauntlet myself even though it was a huge quarter suck and you needed three other players to even do anything. But anyways, they really need more Creepy Guy-centric episodes; he had me cracking up throughout especially his video tape of Anna. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download Chuck on iTunes.
Heroes: There needs to be a running counter at the bottom of the screen that ticks up whenever (now former) Osmosis Dude dies but doesn’t actually die. Dude fell further out a window than John Locke for goodness sake. The number has to be in double digits by now. Or just imagine how high that number would be if it included the whole cast. Is there any cast member that shouldn’t actually be dead by now? Hiro is the only one that I can think of off the top of my head. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com.
Greek: Finally something interesting happened this season. Gotta love the massive brawl Rusty started and the pledges debating to take off their blindfolds or not. Then the complete blindside at the end with Frannie taking half the house to start her own sorority. This should make the second half be a little more interesting than the first half. You can stream current episodes over at ABCFamily.com. You can also download Greek on iTunes.
Eli Stone: Well that was a dark episode. If there was really one episode that needed a musical montage sequence, this would have been it. Eli is forced to settle, Jordan wins his case but loses his firm in the process, and Maggie ends up defending the paint companies at the Supreme Court. And with that last sentiment, the show is closely getting into the territory that is part of Heroes downfall with the cast sending too much time trying to change a vision of the future in the long term. It has been fine with the future being resolved at the end of each episode, but it won’t work if spends a whole season, or even a couple of episodes trying to change a vision he had of the future. I guess we have to wait two weeks to see if Maggie stays with Jordan or goes with Dr. Abbott and Peg Bundy. You can stream current episodes over at ABC.com. You can also download Eli Stone on iTunes.
Pushing Daisies: They shouldn’t go to that well too often, but hopefully they bring back Simone every couple months. If only I could train my dogs that way. My elboy is dislocated from mine trying to catch cars and squirrels. And hopefully Jimmy James isn’t as evil as they have teased. You can stream current episodes over at ABC.com.
Survivor: At this point I am just really ready for a merge. I thought the case the team around the course was the most pathetic attempt by any tribe ever, but the keep away challenge really rivals that. While Sugar beating Bob in the log rolling may be up their as the biggest upset ever. But Bob can rest in the solace that he wins the award for best use of a buff with him using it as a bowtie. You can stream current episodes over at Innertube.
My Name Is Earl: A nice fight there between karma and voodoo. Earl debating anyone tends to be the highest of high comedy, but seeing him try to mind wrestle a kid just made it funnier. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download Chuck on iTunes.
For those still undecided or persuadable, please check out My Case for John McCain and Part II (I have a lot of reasons) before you go to the polls Tuesday.
Quote of the Week: Don’t worry I didn’t look. Although I was tempted to make sure George Lukas doesn’t make any more Star Wars movies. (Eli Stone - Eli Stone)
Big News of the Week: The Ex-List Gets Axed: Usually when my most anticipated show of the show gets yanked after four episodes I get pretty steamed, but considering the show was a huge let down, I could care less. The show rivaled Heroes in terms of horrible casting and bad execution of a decent idea. If I am not mistaken tonight starts some NCIS reruns. No word on when or if the remaining six episodes taped will ever seen the light of day.
Gratuitous Token Hot Chick Picture of the Week:
Free Download of the Week: Boys with Girlfriends - Meiko (Gibson.com): One of the catchiest songs of the season and you can download it for free. If you wanted to give the song a listen before you download, below is the video. And, really, who cannot be entertained by a stalking Mun Chi Chi?
Promo of the Week: Tonight, as in Halloween, on the Sci-Fi Channel they are having a seven hour live Ghost Hunters special starting at 7:00 and hosted by Amanda Tapping of Sanctuary. The seven hours will be spent at Fort Delaware, a Civil War POW camp where 2,400 Confederate soldiers died of disease or torture. Below is a promo for the event, or head over to SciFi.com for more information.
Next Week Pick of the Week: Crossroads, Friday (Nov 7) at 9:00 on CMT: After MTV Unplugged, CMT Crossroads is the best live concert series ever in the history of television. The show takes a country artist and teams them with an act outside the genre and trades each others songs. Some of my favorites have been Ryan Adams/Elton John, Travis Tritt/Ray Charles, and Kenny Rogers/Lionel Richie. The latest is Taylor Swift and Joe Elliott of Def Leppard which at the very least will be enjoyable in a watching a train wreck kind of way. But who knows, maybe Elliott does a stellar version of Teardrops on My Guitar. And what else are you going to watch, a NCIS repeat?
For those still undecided or persuadable, please check out My Case for John McCain and Part II (I have a lot of reasons) before you go to the polls Tuesday.
The Big Bang Theory: I would have liked to laugh at this episode, but being the local mule in college as one of the few people in my dorm with a car, it just brought back bad memories of back seat drivers, especially the part about the Check Engine light. I even pulled the, “no, the light is just broke” line. Okay, I still laughed at the simulated driving part of the show. You can stream current episodes over at Innertube. You can also download The Big Bang Theory on iTunes.
Chuck: What sick and twisted world do we live in where Nicole Richie gets top billing over Ben Savage, the boy in Boy Meets World. He dated Topanga, was friends with Shawn Hunter and little brother to Fred and he becomes an afterthought to a reality star. Sacrilege. But DJ Casey almost made up for that. Almost. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download Chuck on iTunes.
How I Met your Mother: In a plot twist everyone saw coming, Stella was not the mother. Seeing the kids in the future and knowing she had a daughter really killed any chances. That she ended up with the sleaze ball ex-boyfriend was the shocking part. Isn’t it time for the baker to come back from France and just make her the mother already? Really, the show hasn’t been as consistent since Ashley Williams got on the plane, so just bring her back, make her the mother, and move on. You can stream current episodes over at Innertube. You can also download The Big Bang Theory on iTunes.
Heroes: The show sucked a little less this week, mostly thanks to the slapstick comedy of Hiro and the African dude which sank into Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd territory. It didn’t even bother me that Hiro didn’t try to freeze time before getting hit in the head with the shovel. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com.
Eli Stone: What may be sadder than the Nicole Richie top billing on Chuck is Katie Holmes is almost in the same league of stunt casting as Richie despite being a legitimate actress just as soon as five years ago. Any of you that read those trashy supermarket magazines or their even trashier internet counterparts are to blame for this. And it is not that she went and shaved her head, she just married a midget. You can stream current episodes over at ABC.com. You can also download Eli Stone on iTunes.
Pushing Daisies: You know when you see an actor that you just can’t place and go to bed thinking I’ll just check IMDB tomorrow when I’m at the computer, then at 2:00 you start to calculate how long it will take you to power up your computer, go to IMDB, power down the computer, then finally go to bed at around 3:00 when out of nowhere you think, “Oh, that was grandma Abbott” and finally are able to go to sleep? Nope, never happens to me either.
And what is with the recent resurgence of David Arquette lately? First he was on My Name Is Earl which left the door open for another appearance, then the same with Pushing Daisies. What’s next, a Scream 4? But who knew that Emerson would turn out to be the male version of Veronica Mars. Now if I could just figure out who played his mom. You can stream current episodes over at ABC.com.
Gary Unmarried: I used to think Ed Begley Jr. would be the scene stealer of the show but I am starting to think the daughter and all her nut-job social awareness plans could make her the liberal, female version of Alex P. Keaton of the new Millennium who railed against his hippy parents two decades ago. You can stream current episodes over at Innertube.
Survivor: Just by bad luck you are going to have the token hot chick exist early from the show, but with Kelly voted out I think this is the very first time no attractive women made it on the jury. This is a landmark moment in bad TV. You can stream current episodes over at Innertube.
Quote of the Week: I am 90% certain you just got served by the lead singer of The Spin Doctors. (Barney, How I Met Your Mother)
Song of the Week: Let it Be Me - Ray LaMontagne (Eli Stone)
Big News of the Week: Right Wing Nut Jobs Love Rock of Love; Liberal Communist Prefer Flavor of Love: As mentioned many times before on the 9th Green, I hate polls. There are too many ifs that you need to believe to find polls true, did the pollsters get the right sample size, are the questions misleading, did people answer truthfully, are the polls presented properly, is the margin of error too large to take seriously, etc. And polls are pretty offensive if you know how they are at the heart sexist, racist, ageist, and basically every kind of -ist you can think of as each poll if they pick you assumes that the closest1,000 people (depending on the sample size) of your gender, age group, race, income think the exact same way you do.
But there was one poll that caught my eye this week so absurd I had to pass it along even if like most polls I question the validity of the findings and considering the source, Nielsen, is the least reliable of all polling. The poll tracked the cable viewing habits of partisans like when it comes to FX, the Dems watch the morally bankrupt It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia while the GOP would rather watch the corporate corruption of Damages. Yeah, that sounds right. But the funniest finding was expressed in the title. When it comes to MTV, both parties can agree on The Hills, while those that don’t identify themselves to either party can agree that both political parties are filled with morons in legalized cults.
Gratuitous Token Hot Chick Picture of the Week:
Coalition Links of the Week: This week, Sandie shared an interview with Daniel Gerroll from The Starter Wife. (Daemon's TV)
The return of Roy (ok really David Denman) on The Office made GMMR very happy. As did Kristin Chenoweth's gut busting prank on Ellen. (Give Me My Remote)
Disappointed by the lack of a good directory of online web series, Rae wants to know what you're web series you're watching. (RTVW)
Vance is totally sweet on the Top 16 dancers on So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Plus appearances by Benji Schwimmer and High School Musical director Kenny Ortega! (Tapeworthy)
This week, Jace once again fell under the spell of Pushing Daisies and its goose down goodness, but wishes that more people were actually tuning in to watch this winsome series before it gets prematurely culled by ABC. (Televisionary)
Not watching Friday Night Lights so far this season? Well, Sara has a bit of a recap for all you stragglers. (TiFaux)
The TV Addict took a closer look at Simon Baker and The Mentalist. (The TV Addict)
Coming to you all the way from foggy ol’ London town, Ben and Gareth dip their bread soldiers into the hard-boiled Curate’s egg that is Heroes, only, again, to find they are left with more questions than answers. (TV Spy)
Free Download of the Week: Make You Crazy - Brett Dennen (Spinner): Earlier this week I featured s week and now you can get the song for free. Even though it is not free to download, you can stream the season premiere of 30 Rock for free over at NBC.com. Actually you can download the episode for free if you are the first person to e-mail me (subject: 30 Rock) asking for a free iTunes code I have burning a hole in my hard drive. Only people with valid US iTunes accounts are eligible to win.
Promo of the Week: I feel honored because recieved an invitation to Andy and Angela's Wedding yesterday (you can get one too by clicking the link). In return, here is a deleted scene from The Office:
Next Week Pick of the Week: Greek, Tuesday at 9:00 on ABC Family: The mid-season finale of the show that hasn’t really been worth taking about much this season, but solid nonetheless. Hopefully they leave us with something to talk about for the next couple months we will have to go without the show.
The Big Bang Theory: Another reason this should be an all Sheldon all the time kind of show, whenever an episode focuses on Raj it just isn’t entertaining, except for Sheldon tying to smile. You can stream current episodes over at Innertube. You can also download The Big Bang Theory on iTunes.
Chuck: Chuck really needs to stop going to the Bryce Larkin well because the stories always suffer when he is around. Speaking of storyline suffering, I was really hopping Michael Strahan was going to pummel Morgan out of the show. Why can’t Strahan be Chuck’s new best friend. And speaking of Strahan, did they really need all those gratuitous close up of his gap teeth? You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download Chuck on iTunes.
Heroes: Like the show really need help ruining it’s own storylines, but the promo monkeys really ruined the episode by revealing the Papa Patrelli pulling the strings. And what the frak was with Hiro killing Ando. Being Heroes he certainly won’t stay dead, I’m sure Future Hiro will go back in time and tell Ando to put a steel plate and exploding ketchup packages under his shirt, but still this is extremely lame. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download Heroes on iTunes.
Eli Stone: The whole Nate gets the aneurism thing was also fairly lame. I am glad they corrested that fairly early in the season. On the bright side it gave us the great line about being stalked by the other dude in Wham! And it was odd that the mother sided with Eli while the daughter decided to fight it so vigorously. Seemed a little out of chachter. But with that out of the way hopefully the show gets back to the stride it was hitting last season. You can stream current episodes over at ABC.com. You can also download Eli Stone on iTunes.
Pushing Daisies: After a pair of episodes that took way too much time trying to explain to people who haven’t seen the show before, this was the first episode that really clicked like last season. Maybe it was because the gang was all together trying to figure out. That and it was the first who did it that I didn’t figure out before hand (something I don’t think I did at all last season). That is what the show does best is coming up with this completely absurd explanation that actually makes sense in the context of the plot. You can stream current episodes over at ABC.com.
Survivor: How do you not out the Immunity Idol when you have the chance? The longer one has the Idol, the harder it is to get that person out. Best case scenario Sugar gets voted out and the Idol is put back in play. Worst case scenario Sugar plays it, GC is voted out and the Idol again is put back in play. It just blows the mind how stupid some of these Survivors are sometime. You can stream current episodes over at Innertube.
2008 Presidential Debates: Saturday Night Live right in that the winner was whoever you thought was going to win. And the post-debate coverage is the most bizarre thing ever. They actually interview people from something called “The Spin Room” which is like saying, “Let’s interview someone who will straight up lie to you and we won’t bother to call them out on their blatant lies. While all the pundits blow hard about who won, it is safe to say who the loser was: anyone who watched any of the debate. What is sad is that the very next night, John McCain and Barack Obama had this to say about each other:
Imagine how much more entertaining the debates would have been if that was how they went after each other.
Everybody Hates Chris: The guy who was trying to do Bill Cosby wasn’t very good. And wasn’t he Chris’ teacher at one point?
(300, Planet Earth, Black Hawk Down)
song.
, 
and a 
reunion of Trent and Mike? Yes please.
was that series mastermind began slumming it again on 
. But as he told 
recently, currently into the second season. Certainly below 
in the Bryan Fuller pantheon, but I still haven’t decided if I like it more than Pushing Daisies yet. But certainly worth a look if you do not have anything better to watch this summer.
: Just in time for the Fourth of July, here is a ten song sampler of four American classic along with six songs from the various factions of the armed forces.
reference, we cannot be friends.
