Slow Development - Extract & Youth In Revolt - Movie Reviews

Extract = B
Written and Directed by Mike Judge
Opens Today (Sep. 4th 2009)

Youth In Revolt = C-
Written by Gustin Nash based on the novel by C.D. Payne, Directed by Miguel Arteta
Opens Oct. 30th 2009 (Review based on an early screening)

I still have friends that have only recently discovered and/or started watching Arrested Development. 8v|

...

One even asked if new ones were being made? And when I told him it was cancelled, he asked why? "It's so good". Seriously, I've just about had it... (maybe if people actually watch the shows when they actually air? The networks get the numbers they want and won't cancel it. Sheesh).

Anyways, since Arrested Development has ended, the brilliant Jessica Walter moved to 90210 where they didn't know what to do with her (or anybody for that matter, more on that later), Portia de Rossi moved to the brilliant but underwatched (ahem, that means WATCH. It's FUNNY AND CLEVER. Maybe it might actually last 2 seasons even if you do!) Better Off Ted which is basically Arrested Development in the office. Meanwhile, George Michael Bluth himself Michael Cera has become a bonafide box office star (thanks to Juno and Superbad), while "dad" Jason Bateman continues to prove his comic prowess on the big screen (also in June) while throwing in some dramatic flair (The Kingdom, State of Play). Who knew Jason Bateman had that much talent back in the Hogan Family days?

Now Jason Bateman stars in the new Mike Judge (Office Space, King of the Hill) working comedy Extract opening this Labour Day weekend, while Michael Cera's next venture, Youth In Revolt opens later this fall (or is supposed to at least).

Extract writer and director Mike Judge has perfected his niche of working class satirical comedies aimed at the middle-class guys who think they are smarter than the average Joe and enjoys looking down and laughing at the others as they sit in their cubicles waiting for the BBQ-beer drinking weekend to begin. And now that the folks at Office Space (which I did like a lot) have gotten older, a little fatter, added a few more wrinkles, and gotten a few promotions to keep them from quitting, is now aiming a new movie at the the trials and tribulations of the employers that used to deal with the heroes of Office Space.

Jason Bateman is the self-made owner of his Vanilla Extract factory, with JK Simmons (Law & Order and every movie out there including Juno, is there anybody who wasn't in that movie?) as his trusty management, Clifton Collins Jr. (Capote) is a trusty worker, Beth Grant (All About Steve) is a chatty worker uh huh!, Mila Kunis (That 70's Show) is the newest temp, Kristen Wiig (SNL, Adventureland) is his sex-depriving wife, Ben Affleck is his chill best friend, and so on and so on. His life isn't exactly bad, but it isn't exactly great either, but things get set in motion to make it worse and worse.

But if Office Space was to rally around us poor plebes out there, here's a story to empathize with the boss, as Bateman's Joel attempts to juggle the numerous characters he calls employees while dealing with his sad upper-middle class suburban life. Oh the pain of a huge mansion. Poor baby. If you're looking for Office Space hilarity, this will be a huge disappointment, much like life has been for Joel, but Judge constructs a film that slowly builds and builds, that while it never really reaches a high as it could/should go, the movie settles for a happy medium that sort of reinforces the message within the movie itself.

At least the cast is game to make it all entertaining, with Bateman playing Bateman playing a more morose version of Bluth. Ben Affleck seems to have a ball in a movie not resting on his loosened shoulders. Kristen Wiig turns what could have been a harpy wife character into a fully dimensional likable person. In fact, there's quite a nice indie small-town drama in this until Judge throws in a plot-turning device in Mila Kunis (below with Collins Jr.) who is a grifter on the hunt for the next con, enlisting the help of nice but naive Clifton Collins Jr. (who turns yet another lovely performance of a simple dim-witted character), probably the most mainstream plot driven device in the movie.

An accident, a seedy lawyer (Gene Simmons in a perfect cameo), a bong, a punch and a gigolo later, the movie attempts to throw in wacky bits in between the drama, but it's the underlying heart that holds the movie together (if not disappointingly unravels it at the same time, removing it from an even darker more twisted place it could have gone to).

Speaking of gigolo, Dustin Millegan (above with Wiig) practically steals the movie (with a cast that includes Wiig, Simmons and Bateman, is saying a LOT) as Brad, a himbo that Joel hires in a madcap scheme. Millegan's performance is both sweet and hilarious in the levels of stupidity and earnestness he combines into the one character, and shows how ill-used he was on 90210 where he was recently written off the show (who along with Walter, are no longer really with the series, and shows just how little the writers and producers on that show know what to do with their talented actors. Maybe Shenae CAN actually act? She did show promise on Degrassi. Too bad she won't get a chance on 90210. Oh well. This movie does prove that being dropped from the show was the best thing to happen to Millegan)


Youth In Revolt, based on the graphic novel by C.D. Payne, puts dear Michael Cera as Nick Twist, the youth in question. Now, Cera revolt you say? How atypical!

Cera plays Cera here, at first, but Cera also gets to play the anti-Cera (FINALLY) which is quite fun to watch. Does it work? Not totally convincingly but at least it's a nice turn around. Unfortunately, the film surrounding him doesn't quite work out to his benefit and Cera's Twist is just as lost in the movie as he is as his character.

Despite an amazing supporting cast that includes Steve Buscemi, Justin Long (I'm Just Not That Into You, The Mac commercials, Ed) , Jean Smart (Samantha Who?, 24, Designing Women), Ray Liotta, Fred Willard, Adhir Kalyan (the brilliant Aliens in America, Nip/Tuck), Ari Graynor (Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist, Fringe) and Zach Galifianakis (Hangover), the movie completely wastes their talents away in a frenetic movie that attempts to show the progression on Nick's revolt on his blue-collared life in a series of "crazy" events. But a series of "crazy" events does not a movie make, and the film feels disjointed and we never end up caring for any of the characters, least of all, the lead Nick Twist, who already had the bonus of Cera filling the shoes giving Twist an automatic likability.

Alas, Youth In Revolt tries too hard to be cool, hip and different, that in the process, becomes predictable and cloying as the next counter-culture movement. Seeing Cera play the anti-Cera is amusing for a few moments, but the whole idea runs out of steam, and the thrown in wacky side characters (Think. Buscemi, Smart, Willard and Liotta are the adults in the movie. It's like they were begging for over-the-top acting. Galifianakis by contrast gives a subdued performance) aren't enough to fill the movie, and instead, are mere distractions to an unfocused movie about an unfocused teenager. Or was that the point?

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

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Once On This Island - Lost, Survivor: Tocantins and More

Wow, it's been a while since I talked about Lost or other dramas. Not that I have much new to add to Lost because I have no fricken clue what is happening on that island. Not that I have any idea what the others are thinking on Tocantins either (granted, not really an island actually this time but you get my drift), since they just voted off the easy swing vote they could have latched onto. What the?

Lost - Whatever Happened, Happened, Dead is Dead, Some Like It Hoth, The Variable - Eps. 511- 514

Again, I've given up trying to make sense of any of this, nor can I even gather any thoughtful or intelligent recap. About all I can come up with is: WOW. WHOA. WHAT? OMG. AWESOME.

But did they just basically explain the whole show this week, when Daniel Faraday is Eloise's son, who 30 years ago, shoots him dead? And did Charles Widmore mean that Daniel is his son too? Is that what he implied? Does that make Penny Danie's sister?

Loving this new in-charge Sawyer and the dynamics between him, Jack, Kate and Juliet. Love Hurley's funny quips, and love all the human drama behind the mobius strip timeline. And is it me or does Miles being Dr. Marvin's son seem funny?


More on Survivor: Tocantins, The Unusuals, Southland, 90210, Gossip Girl, American Idol:

The Unusuals - Boorland Day, One Man Band, Crime Slut, 42 - Eps. 102-105
Southland - Mozambique, See A Woman, Two Gangs - Eps. 102-104

Okay, still really enjoying both of the new cop shows. The Unusuals has just enough kookiness but goes dark, dramatic and emotional just enough to make it heartfelt and relevant. Plus I'm LOVING Amber Tamblyn (and remember, I did NOT care for Joan of Arcadia) and Jeremy Renner. Plus I'm enjoying the slow reveals of all the characters, including sweet religious Cole's dark past (Josh Close above).

Southland still needs to tie in itself more somehow. I like all the meandering storylines and the many many characters but after 4 episodes, the episodes seem great but as a whole, doesn't feel like one yet? You know?

Still, it's Ben McKenzie! And a great ensemble cast. And great camera work and intriguing stories. They just need to start tying it all in a bit more to make us really start caring. At this point, it's just shocks and moments.

Also, is the fact that Patrick Fischler and L Scott Caldwell have re-occurring guest roles on this give us any more clues to Lost?!?!


90210 - A Blast From the Past, Off the Rails, Close Enough, Sour Sweetin' Clams - Eps. 118-121
Gossip Girl - Remains of the J, Seder Anything, Southern Gentlemen Prefer Blondes - Eps. 220-222

Seems like 90210 is taking a page from Gossip Girl and dirtying things up. Which has totally made things way more interesting, even if it makes no sense. Characters have completely changed for no reason. Silver went from most likable character to most annoying crazy dark bi-polar chick? Naomi is crazy lustful after Matt Lanter's Liam? Okay, that I can understand.

Departing Dustin Milligan's Ethan is going all bad boy, thanks to Liam and realizing he's a pushover? Uh, sure.

But with all that, why hasn't Annie changed? And why do Annie and Dixon still look like deer-in-headlights?

At least Donna Martin is back. Not like I was awaiting Tori Spelling's return, but there's something very drag queen that I love about her, and I have to admit, I watched a bit of her reality show when she was camped out in some middle class suburban neighbourhood park (that looked a lot like where I grew up in North York), and the whole thing sort of fascinated me. Here was the spawn of the Spelling dynasty, in a typical park where... godforsake, real people might bring their kids to. Love it!

Speaking of real, those crazy folks on Gossip Girl continues to swap partners, enemies, frenemies and friends faster than you can call Kristen Bell to narrate (is it me or has she narrated less recently, I miss her tangy voice). As a bonus, my favorite Spring Awakening Melchior Matt Doyle was back for a glimpse of a moment as Eric's bf Jonathan, but there's a new blonde guy Gabriel (Armie Hammer, seriously? That's his real name? Sounds more like a soap name or porn name) in town and he's there to screw over Serena and everyone else. Oh Rufus Rufus Rufus. WHY?

So is Chuck and Nate no longer friends? (And does Chace Crawford moving out on Ed Westwick mean anything in real life too?)

And why has Dan become such a tool? I used to love him. I still do, but SNAP OUT OF IT AND GROW A SPINE. Okay Okay, I know it's just an early set up so that oops... you'll have to go to university in New York next year... oh... how convenient...but still. And can someone smack Jenny's makeup and 80's hairdo off her so that we could return back to the old younger innocent J?


Survivor: Tocantins - They Both Went Banana - Ep. 1811

I wonder if they (the nasties) are watching these episodes now and realizing Sierra just tells the truth, no holds barred? Not that I love her or anything but what's with all the nastiness against her? She just told it like it is, but they all seemed to have such hangups about her (reinforced with that popularity poll reward-challenge Jeff conducted), that they ignored that they had a sitting swing vote in front of their face, and instead, decided to vote her out while keeping Coach, or Debbie, or heck, JT (even though at this point, I sort of want him or Stephen to win but you would think they would want to be strategic about all this?).


American Idol - Top 5 - Results Night - The Cut from 5 to 4

Apparently it was the most shocking and suspenseful results night this season and of course I missed it (I was too busy watching Lost and I messed up something so it didn't tape. Oh well, alas, I saw enough during the Lost commercial breaks to get the gist, as we finally got that episode when Ryan splits the gang in two leaving the odd man out (this year, Adam Lambert, no puns intended) to choose which group he's to belong to. And since he would round out the three, it actually meant he was in the bottom three no matter what, and he was in fact, choosing his other fellow bottoms (again, no pun intended, though I SO wish that were true with Kris Allen).

Alas, Allison was safe!!! YAY! I was SO SURE she would be in danger. So much for what I know! Adam and Kris were in the bottom three. Which means, Danny is safe. Again. Damnit. And I admit, I thought he was alright this week, but he really needs to (as EW's Kristen Baldwin keeps saying) put the Go in Gokey!

As for Adam's bottom two results? HA! I did not think his performance this week was great, and the worst of the 5, so despite his frontrunning status, I'm glad he got knocked down a peg.

As for Kris's bottom three results, well, I'm shaking my head but I know he'll come out with the best album after this competition anyways that it doesn't really matter anymore. Still, I'll definitely give him a hug to console him. (!!!)

Anyways, this is how the Top 3 better look:


For more on American Idol:
Click here for the most recent posts.
Season 8:
Top 2 Performance
Top 3 Performance, Top 3 Results
Top 4 Performance, Top 4 Results
Top 5 Performance, Top 5 Results
Top 6 + Matt (Top 7 Redux) Performance, Top 7 Redux Results
Top 7 Performance, Top 7 Results
Top 8 Performance, Top 8 Results
Top 9 Performance
Top 10 Performance
Top 12 Performance, Top 12 Results
Top 13 Performance, Top 13 Results
Top 36:
Group 1, Group 2, Group 3
Wild Card, Wild Card Results
Pre-Top 36:
Who Are You Going To Vote For?
Handicapping the Alleged American Idols
Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

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Reboots and Second Chances - Cupid, 90210, Dollhouse and More

There seems to be a lot of reboots and second chances on TV these days. Cupid is back in a whole new reincarnation. Dollhouse and 90210 seem completely revamped already, a Top Chef-like twist ACTUALLY HAPPENED on Project Runway Canada, Scrubs continues its new life on ABC, and In The Motherhood regurgitates a former (and funnier) ABC show Notes From The Underbelly.

Cupid - Pilot - Ep. 101

Rob Thomas (Veronica Mars) brings his Cupid back to TV and a re-do, this time with Bobby Cannavale in the role as Trevor, the possible crazy delusional man or cupid himself. Sarah Paulson is Claire, the psychiatrist in charge of keeping tabs on him. Trevor claims he's been banished from Mount Olympus and must pair up 100 true loves together before he gets sent back. Basically, it's an excuse to have a romantic comedy every week with different guest stars while Trevor and Claire play their own romantic dance game.

While the original with frenetic Jeremy Piven (who has since become a thermometer according to David Mamet) and Paula Marshall had a zip and chaotic edge to counterbalance the ooeygooeyness of all the matchups, this version feels a bit softer and glossier, and without the edge. But I think I've been determined to like this Thomas reboot so much that despite the faults and the fact that it's pretty cliched, I still enjoyed it. Then again, I also liked Valentine so you have to take me with a grain of salt. Apparently I love me thee love coupling shows.

Plus Sarah Paulson is so luminous, I sometimes wish I were a lesbian. And LOVE Bobby Cannavale. But I will admit, these two really don't have that much chemistry together and seem more like best friends at best. Which won't work over the long run for this show if it's to go where it's supposed to.


90210 - The Bad and the Trusted - Ep. 117

Whoa, the new showrunners formerly from Gilmore Girls seem to be purging all the dirty thoughts they had that they couldn't use on that wholesome show and are using it on this reboot of a reboot. The new filming quality with the dark and edginess makes the new 90210 look like one of those teen horror flicks. It even has a lot more sex like those horror flicks. Now Dixon and Silver are all hot and heavy. At least until Silver goes from my favorite and nice character into a CRAZY. Whoa? Where are they taking this?

And then Naomi imagines getting hot and heavy with Matt Lanter's Liam. THAT? I'm TOTALLY okay with! In fact, word that Matt Lanter will be upgraded to full-time cast is TOTALLY okay with me. Seriously, I'm LOVING this new bad boy Liam/Matt Lanter and will definitely hook me to the show because I'm enjoying the visual porn. (Oh wait, the porn with Matt is just in my head... nevermind...).

Liam is bad and Naomi tries to tutor him. Ahem. Yah, right. Then it becomes and episode of Fast and Furious. More darkness, more darkness. Silver is all romantic and poetic until she shows her porn film she made with Dixon (unbeknownst to him) and shows it to her film class and then blames Ryan Matthews. Then goes CRAAAAAZEEEEEE. More darkness.

Oh, and Annie's still on the show. Annie? Meet Rhonda (Aimee Teegarden). The girl that Dustin Milligan kissed before he's getting tossed off the show for being too sexy and boring (always okay to me though, so I'm sad to see him go). Also, the girl who acts circles around you here and on Friday Night Lights.

Anyways, the reboot seems very lowbrow and a cheap ploy to attract more viewers by foregoing any sense of real human reactions or moral senses but as long as they keep Matt Lanter and that adorable haircut, and maybe dropping trou or losing his shirt once in a while, I'll keep tuned in. Though have him be slutty and not just hooking up with looks-old-for-her-age-Naomi which makes the whole thing a little Cougar-like. Maybe have him make out with Dustin Milligan before Milligan leaves.

More on Dollhouse, Project Runway Canada, Lost, Scrubs, In The Motherhood, The Amazing Race:

Dollhouse - Man on the Street - Ep. 106

I couldn't remember when Joss Whedon was retuning to write for the show but as soon as this episode came on, it felt like a whole new show, and lo and behold, Whedon was in charge again! And boy, it was SOOOO MUCH BETTER. At this point, they should just drop the first 5 episodes and assume this is the pilot, because it made the show have purpose and make sense.

And Whedon did it by brilliantly re-adjusting the show to the core strengths and giving the show an actual direction. And this meant bumping up Tahmoh Penikett's Agent Ballard front and centre and pushing Eliza Dushku's Echo a little back. And OOOOOH Tahmoh Penikett! Bonus points for having him shirtless and giving him Mellie, his neighbour and confident.

Seriously, Whedon's episode seemed to streamline the whole direction of the show as well as all the moral and philosophical issues behind it. Loved it. I was dreading watching this show but now I'm invigorated again. And extra bonus points for having Patton Oswalt (Remy in Ratatouille, United States of Tara) guest star in the episode.

I'm still not sure about Dichen Lachman as Sierra, but I do like Enver Gjokaj as Victor for obvious reasons. I still haven't watched the following episode so I hope it wasn't a one time fluke, but at least now I feel like I know what the whole idea of this show is, which was never made clear at the start.


Project Runway Canada - Return of the Supermodel, Gimmie Shelter, Boardroom to Bedroom - Eps. 208-210

Okay, they FINALLY got rid of Genevieve and just needed to get rid of Kim to have a perfect final three of Jessica, Sunny and Adejoke and then they pull a Top Chef and let ousted contestants back in? It makes for a dramatic twist and stretches the show back out (especially after all the drop outs in the 1st episode), but it's SOOO NOT FAIR.

So Genevieve and Jason (who I did admit probably got cut too early) were allowed to compete again with the final 4, but as a team. And they WON. Well, they TIED Jessica and Sunny. Because there cannot be a week where Jessica or Sunny doesn't win. And I'm not even saying that facetiously. Seriously, Sunny's stuff is so brilliant, I'm kinda laughing now when he wins because they should just assume he won and award 2nd prize. At least that would give us some drama. Because no way can Sunny lose at this point.

So Gen and Jason WIN. Which automatically kicks Adejoke and Kim out. Kim fine, good riddance. But because of Kim's bad taste and poor construction skills, Adejoke is out too since it's a TEAM challenge. WTF???

ADEJOKE. You were ROBBED of a spot at Toronto Fashion Week.

Now Jason will take your place instead. At least it wasn't Gen, who made another boring outfit this week and got cut AGAIN. HA. Hope that stung AGAIN.


Lost - He's Our You - Ep. 510

Boy, what happened to Sawyer? Talk about second life! He's now earned respect on the Dharma compound and Hurley, Jack and Kate must follow. And the slow soap opera drama unfolding as they realize Sawyer is now with Juliet? Priceless.

Okay, but I did NOT buy that Sawyer would have not stopped Sayid from being drugged and interrogated. He would have done SOMETHING to stop it. I know it moves the story along having Sayid reveal the whole story but I didn't buy that Sawyer could do nothing to stop it.

Still, loving what's going on, even though I really don't know what's going on. Especially now that young Ben's been shot? WTH?


Scrubs - My Nah Nah Nah, Their Story II - Eps. 809, 810

While it's nowhere near the quality when this was at its peak, it's still enjoyable and I'm getting to like a lot of the new batch of interns. I doubt they will renew this show for them to continue, but if they did, it wouldn't be so bad. Especially Sunny and Jimmy (the guy who likes to touch and hug a lot, and played by Taran Killam, Cobie Smulders babydaddy).


In The Motherhood - It Takes A Village Idiot - Ep. 101

This show was funnier when it was called Notes From the Underbelly. And to think Cheryl Hines AND Megan Mullaly are in it. AND Rachael Harris FROM Notes from the Underbelly is in this. AND Ken Marino (Veronica Mars, Reaper, Party Down). There were some mildly amusing things and I LOVE Cheryl Hines and I love that office she works in, but Megan Mullaly felt like she was coasting here. Like she was just doing something to busy herself instead of counting all her WIll & Grace residuals. I think I preferred her on Broadway.



The Amazing Race - Gorilla? Gorilla?? Gorilla??? - Ep. 1407

Okay, if anybody should get a second chance, it's Mike and Mel. I was SOOOO sure it was a non-elimination round so I was didn't worry all episode when they made a fatal mistake and didn't follow everyone else to the zoo. So I was shocked when it was actually an elimination round. Crap.

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

Swimming In The Shallow End - The Big Bang Theory, 90210, Privileged, Friday Night Lights and More

Matt Lanter, David Monaghan, Robert Buckley. Not household names but hotties I've been following and all were showing up on TV this week! I know. I'm shallow. But by now, you MUST know I totally am and that it influences my TV watching. Come on, it's probably the sole reason I get sucked into The Bachelor and the "bad" reality shows!

The Big Bang Theory - The Maternal Capacitance - Ep. 215

Christine Baranski is Mrs. Hofstadter. Leonard's mom. And she's exactly as nerdy and unemotional and odd as Sheldon. Man, that was one of the funniest episodes to date! Between Penny and Leonard bonding over their lack of parental bonding and almost sleeping with each other, and Mrs. Hofstadter's analysis of the homoerotic bond Howard and Rajnesh have built to simulate intimacy, and Jim Parson's Sheldon and Christine Baranski as the mother of all nerds was hysterical. Loved how Mrs. Hofstadter basically dismissed everyone into the shallow end of the gene pool. And that includes her own son. Yet it didn't feel particularly mean!


90210 - Of Heartbreaks and Hotels - Ep. 116

Finally a reason to watch 90210! My favorite contestant from Manhunt: The Search for America's Most Gorgeous Male Model (oh yes!) Matt Lanter (Commander in Chief) plays Liam, a bartender (even though he looks barely legal, though is 25 in real life) who sadly doesn't appear shirtless on this show so far. But at leaves gives Naomi's storyline something of interest! FINALLY!

Plus a second appearance by Friday Night Light's Aimee Teegarden who right off the bat, tells Ethan that she's tricked him.... and the drama continues to deflate by the second. Why must this show make everything so nice? TOO nice? Let Privileged do that (and yet that show STILL has more drama per hour than we've seen all season here so far).

Plus is it sad that Navid is not even more annoying than his drug addict pregnant not-girlfriend? And I had so much hope for him. And Silver too. Cause there's NO WAY she would have gotten a tattoo of "Dixon". She's too smart, cynical and smart for that. I'd say it would be out of character but I'm asking too much from this show aren't I?

I've update on American Idol in my Handicapping the Top 36 post (SPOILERS BEWARE)

More on Privileged, Friday Night Lights, Scrubs, Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, The Bachelor, Degrassi:TNG, Flashpoint, Ghost Whisperer, Leverage, Project Runway Canada:

Privileged - All About Confessions, All About Betrayal - Eps. 116, 117

You know this show is a fairytale fantasy when Megan gets a heartfelt confession of love (and a kiss) from Charlie (Michael Cassidy) before he splits for San Diego, breaks up with Will (Brian Hallisay) and then ends up in a world where the editor of Will's new magazine looks like Robert Buckley (above, Lipstick Jungle). Ah, and what a fairytale fantasy it is!

Okay, I'm still mad that Charlie is gone because sparks like Cassidy and JoAnna Garcia do not just happen everyday, but Buckley sure softens the blow. Though the fact that he's supposed to be a Harvard grad who got published in the New Yorker before 22, AND still looks like the way he does, seems a leeeeeeeettle far fetched. Plus, I guess there's really no logical way to get a magazine editor into his underwear, is there?

(By the way, if you're that young, that smart, and that handsome, and that successful, I then officially hate you. Do you want to go out on a date?)

The secret is out and Laurel knows that the girls know (about their real grandfather) but the twins finally decide to split up as roomates when Rose decides to grow up and rely on Sage less for support (since Sage has kept the secret of thinking she's killed their parents this whole time). Meanwhile, Grandpa's real daughter wants to sue Laurel.

Marco tries to woo Keith (David Monahan) back, while he's trying to have a baby with his faghag (the always loopy but hilarious Jennifer Elise Cox). Only this show can somehow play that storyline straight, dramatic and heartwarming, ending off with the ultimate fairytale when Marco proposes to Keith!!!


Friday Night Lights - How the Other Half Live, Hello, Goodbye - Eps. 303, 304

Seriously, how good is the Smash storyline? (And how good has Gaius Charles been? Amazing and Emmy worthy!). I think I'm going to cry just thinking about it all.

J.D. has become such a great foil for Matt Saracen, as the new star quarterback showing up in town (with aggressive parents in tow). Love that J.D. himself is not so much the enemy as it is the system they've created, with Buddy and the boosters (who are creating a nice big headache for Tami as well) having more control over everything than poor Coach Taylor it seems.

And just as Tyra was getting her life back in gear, the handsome and convincing Cash shows up and whisks her away. Hell, if someone like that showed up on my doorstep, I'd follow him anywhere too!

And oh, just you all wait to see where the show continues further on this season! It just gets better and better! Oh, and you'd better keep those kleenexes out!


Scrubs - My Absence, My Comedy Show - Ep. 809, 810

And so it begins. Zach Braff gets time off and doesn't appear in the episode because he's trying to move on with his life and try to be a movie star (or so I assume) and strangely, for a show that's centered around JD, I didn't really miss him. Again, which proves that Elliot and Carla are the true heart and soul of the show now (and kind of always actually).

Okay, and now that Aziz Ansari is gone, I'm getting to like the new interns more like Sunny Day (!?!), know-it-all Denise and that funny looking cute in the geeky way with the super low voice guy. (I know. Most people loved Aziz, but I think he would have worked better on another show. He was just plain annoying here. I could totally understand what Dr. Cox was feeling).

Meanwhile, I'm loving touchy feely Jimmy, even before his impression of Dane Cook at the talent show. (His other impressions were so so but the Dane Cook dig made up for it all). Plus, he's Taran Killam in real life. As in, Cobie Smulder's baby daddy in real life. So THAT'S who he is!

And maybe because we had a slight reprieve from Braff in the first half hour, I enjoyed having him back and all his bromance with Turk glory again. Plus, I almost forgot that Carla and Turk had a baby already. Just like Turk. It's getting a little deja vu but I guess that's the point that they so cleverly point out and run with.


Fringe - The Transformation, Ability - Eps. 113, 114

I still never feel compelled to watch this show, but then I catch up with it and love it again. After being totally grossed out of course. Ugh, seriously, totally grossed out. First those nasty slugs last week, this week the melty face thing. I have got to get my Joshua Jackson fix another way, preferably without the sci-fi scariness. Yet there's just enough humour to hold me in.

I partly still love the conspiracy arc but in the same breathe, I'm so confused and lost track of who is who and who is bad and what not that I've kind of given up on it too and just enjoying the show for what it is.


Desperate Housewives - Mama Spent Money When She Had None - Ep. 514

I enjoyed Dave's little reassurance to Edie that their marriage was "real". Real because he doesn't have fairytale expectations. LOVED her face. Loved Susan making a fool of herself trying to keep MJ in private school (though when was keeping a kid in private school a right? No wonder yuppies are spending beyond their means and no wonder the public school system is failing).


Brothers & Sisters - Owning It - Ep. 314

The gays have taken over! Finally!

Now if only they can take over Ojai or whatever is left of that company.

But was I the only one creeped out by the site of John Glover as Saul's new boyfriend Henry? Not because they are an older gay couple to balance off Kevin and Scotty. No, I was creeped out because I still think of him as Lionel Luther from Smallville.


The Bachelor - Jason Mesnick - Ep. 1306

I've got to champion Gillian since she's the Canadian girl but I'm not really sure Jason is all into her. I think Jason thought Gillian was crazy when she started telling him about Ogopogo.

But not as crazy as meeting Naomi's family. Man, Jason should be given the Emmy Award just for keeping a straight face during that whole ordeal.


Degrassi: The Next Generation - Causing a Commotion - Eps. 811

Finally, a revolt against The Shep. I mean, who was this principal Shep anyways and how could he have gotten the Best Principal award after only a few months? So yay Claire (along with Alli and K.C. above) for stepping up against the douchebag! Especially when The Shep was being a tool against Connor, who apparently now has aspergers, the new go-to-disease for TV shows it seems.


Flashpoint - Ep. 107

I don't even know what the episode was called last week but the two brothers, particularly the "good" one with the deep blue eyes and dark hair was enough to help convey pity. I'd give him a hug! (Hey, the title of the post says it all man. I'm totally shallow).


Ghost Whisperer - Slow Burn - Ep. 414

I think it was the first time I watched a full episode of this show. And you know what? It wasn't that bad. I was actually entertained and I almost cried. ALMOST I SAID. I DIDN'T. Okay, but seriously, I was intrigued by the promos that had been running all week and decided to catch the Love -Hewitt show and a) forgot that Jamie Kennedy AND Cameron Manheim were on the show now and wondering... b) what happened to Aisha Tyler and didn't Jay Mohr join the cast at some point? c) Kenneth Mitchell is in this show now? (As the guy whose body David Conrad spiritually took over). and d) it's only in season 4? It feels like its been on forever. You mean I've only dismissed the show for 4 years? That's it?

Things that surprised me: 1. JLoveHewitt didn't bug me at all. I didn't hate her (like I did on Party of Five), 2. David Conrad (above) is still hot. Man Miss Match should have taken off. 3. I actually really enjoyed the mystery and the sappiness of the mystery.

Also to note, the actor playing the troubled youth who Gretchen Egolf (Journeyman) was trying to haunt, Will Rothhaar, has this really nice intensity and handsomeness that I think will get him far. I'm just saying, I saw him first.


Leverage - The Juror #6 Job - Ep. 111

Data and Lauren Holly! It's like the early 90's revived all over again! Loved the new twists and turns of 12 angry jurors. Totally preposterous but boy was it fun to watch Lauren Holly get screwed over (and I'm talking in a non-sexual, karma's a bitch cause she's a bad person kind of way... you know, just to clarify).


Project Runway Canada - Claim to Fame, Colour Me Right - Eps. 202, 203

Week 2 (which apparently you can now watch on youtube, so catch it while you still can) had Elisha Cuthbert as the BIG CELEBRITY GUEST. I guess Celine was busy. It's Canadian TV. It's about all we can get. I was half waiting for a cougar print as part of the challenge.

I like Jessica's personality at this point, but Sunny is probably the strongest designer here. His L.A. party dress for Elisha was GORGEOUS because it was so subtle (and the pic doesn't do it justice since you can't see the rays stitching on the blue dress). I think it should have won, but Jason's dress was pretty nice too and it was nice to see him go from bottom 2 to winner.

In Week 3, it's the first team challenge and Sunny and Baylor team up. Of course. Two of the stronger designers that are Asianish. (Well, Baylor is Venezuelan but he looks Asian to me). Seriously, I just wrote the previous sentence at the start of the show and since, every other designer has been like "omg, Baylor and Sunny together? I'm scared to see what I have to compete with" or something like that. And they don't disappoint. Especially Sunny, whose green tule outer shell over a basic dress is STUNNING. Holy cow, I don't think I've ever seen tule constructed like that. I usually find designers on this show use tule the wrong way and end up in the bottom but as Shawn notes, Sunny is someone to contend with. At episode 3, does Sunny have it in the bag?

Vancouverite Christie doesn't measure out. Basically because she's terrible when she isn't already spazzing out with the workload (uh, hello, welcome to the rest of the world where people work past 5pm to actually earn a living).

I get what Jeff's trying to do but he needs to get moving. Adejoke is good but keeping quiet. Baylor is good but just not as good as Sunny. Kim and Gen haven't been very convincing or even noticeable until this week but they came up with pretty good dresses. But I barely remember them and on this show, being normal and nice wins you no airtime.

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

90210 - Who Knew Texas and Toronto Would Meet in Beverly Hills?

(Hey wait, Linz, we should have met up in Beverly Hills!)

90210 - Help Me, Rhonda - Epa. 115

Degrassi:TNG and Friday Night Lights already have a lot of similarities. Now the worlds collide together with Aimee Teegarden (below) guest starring on 90210 and colliding with Shenae Grimes (above). Both who played the sort of virginal good girl wanting to go bad on their earlier shows.

Aimee seems particularly cute and super young (like, younger than she seems on Friday Night Lights) as Rhonda, the guy Ethan crashes into and now is playing nurse duty from the guilt. It's a cute story. Not much of one, but I'll take it for Aimee and Dustin Milligan playing cute. At least it's not annoying like most of the rest of this show.

Navid tries to forget about preggers and meets a cute Indian chick, and preggers is all soulful and repentant about her past and ready to accept her baby with babydaddy but babydaddy and babydaddy's mommy pretend to be accepting but instead want her signed, sealed, and delivered to some compound in the desert. So then preggers meanymom comes to defend preggers. And all is well... yawn...

There were other stories apparently but I was just waiting for Matt Lanter to show up but apparently that's next week. Here's why I'm excited for his appearance.

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

High Wire Acts - Bones, The Office And More

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com:

Bones - Double Trouble in the Panhandle - Ep. 411

Bones and Booth join the circus. For REAL! OMG THAT was HILARIOUS!!!

AND they were pretending to be RUSSIAN! (Bones idea, not Booth's) Just watching Bones try to be a female assistant to Booth's knife thrower was hysterical. Her stiff body movements while attempting to be sexy and carefree was dead on!

And did I mention Andy Richter was the ringmaster!??? (BTW, the AWESOMELY FUNNY Andy Richter Controls The Universe is apparently FINALLY coming to DVD in March).

Loved this week's new squint Vincent (Ryan Cartwright). Not my favorite one but one of the better ones (and yes, my judgement is solely on: cute? check! funny? check! accent? bonus check!) and loved that Camille managed to convince Bones to videocam their circus act solely for the Jeffersonian gang's enjoyment unbeknownst to Bones.

Alas, conjoined twins are dead and the investigation becomes a circus. Literally, with a high-wire finale and all! (Really, Bones walks the high-wire!).


The Office - Prince Family Paper - Ep. 512

I've met Hilary Swank. I was a total tool and embarrassed myself in front of the two-time Oscar winner and she was nothing but gracious and cool and down-to-earth but seriously, I cannot think about it. I'm still so embarrassed that I'm blocking it out of my head. That being said, she's not really that hot, but she is quite attractive. Then again, I'm gay. What do I know?

Jim had great usage of red wire. Loved seeing Dwight climb the pole outside following it all. Didn't love Dwight and Michael being separated from the rest of the gang again, letting their tomfoolery out into the real world without any damper, but Michael did have some great lines, particularly about Vietnam!

On a completely irrelevant note, Stanley and Oscar turned 50 this past week in real life. 50? Really? Oscar especially doesn't look it. I'm impressed!


More on 30 Rock, American Idol, Lie to Me, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Gary Unmarried, 90210, Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice:

30 Rock - Retreat to Move Forward - Ep. 309

Jenna's hair burning witch appearance during Kenneth's costumed witch stunt to convince Tracy to eat his vegetables was probably the most absurd, insane and stupid moment this week that I almost fell off my couch laughing.

I also enjoyed Liz's new friends at the retreat Jack drags her to.


American Idol - Auditions in San Francisco and Louisville - Ep. 803, 804

Where are the good singers? Seriously? Where are they? I'm entering a pool and I need some help and these audition eps. haven't really given me anyone to pick from yet.

Maybe the Wicked dude (who, if he got rid of the Fall Out Boy haircut, I might consider), or that blonde hottie.


Lie To Me - Pilot - Ep. 101

I watched. I liked. I'll probably watch a few more times before it gets lost by the wayside for me (basically for timeslot rival Lost).

I forgot that I actually like Tim Roth and Kelli Williams' character actually had some funny tics. I liked Brendan Hines as the truth-telling assistant but the best moment was when Tim and Kelli's character went in search for the Latina airport security lady and susses her out for her lie-detector skills. It was the Cinderella moment we all love, but sadly, it's already been done in the pilot and that's it for that story.

Still, like The Mentalist, I liked it far more than I would have imagined. Unlike The Mentalist, it doesn't shamelessly have Simon Baker's hair, eyes and smile to entice me to come back week after week. Still, I might hang on for a few more week's than I imagined and see how it goes. I doubt I'll hang on as long as Without a Trace and with only 4 main characters, it'll be hard to replicate the wonderful dynamics within the ensemble cast of Bones but I'll give it a try. It's certainly better than Private Practice, 90210 (see below) and I'm still watching THOSE shows (though lord knows why since I actually have a life I'm trying to lead).


The New Adventures of Old Christine - What Happens in Vegas Is Disgusting in Vegas - Ep. 414

Why don't we see more of Richard's gay brother? I'll blame Richard, who doesn't see much of his gay brother (Charles Esten).


Gary Unmarried - Gary Moves Back In - Ep. 113

Last week I was secretly ashamed that I watched every episode of this show. This week, I'm not even going to hide it. It was laugh out loud hilarious this week as Gary moves back in ex-wife Allison's house (when she accidentally floods his house) and Gary gives advice to Tom who is set up on a date with the new hot girl nextdoor.

Seriously, Ryan Malgarini as Tom (Gary's son) is hysterical and while his acting skills leans toward the sitcomy (vs. Michael Cera in Arrested Development type acting), he's a total riot and probably the Tom-centred episode is why I laughed so much. (And to back myself up, I also loved Ryan Gosling when he was full out sitcom schlocky in Breaker High and had totally called him out as a true actor and that he was better than you would think from seeing that Canadian teen show.)




90210 - By Accident - Ep. 114

I wish I could say I accidentally watched this but I didn't. And I'm STILL not sure why I keep watching this consciously. Though it does knock me out a bit. At least hot teach Ryan (Eggold) Matthews returns and is pissed off at Silver and looking old and creepy. Seriously? He's 23? In the show AND in real life?


Ugly Betty - Sisters on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown - Ep. 312

I've been far more positive about this show than everyone else seems to have been, and I still love the show and hold out hope. But there were far too many inconsistencies here and little things that seemed WAY out of character that it bothered me the whole time. Like NO WAY would Wily be seen with a Sunglasses Suntan. No WAY.

I did love her tussle with Marc after she threw him under the bus as he tried to save her ass. And I did love the litlte bone she threw at him (in more responsibility. Get that dirty mind out of the gutter).

Meanwhile, Ignacio isn't dead, just in recovery from a heart attack, leaving Betty and Hilda trying to juggle their jobs while taking care of dad. I actually like the heartfelt stuff (and especially when the underated Ana Ortiz gets to show off some dramatic moments as Hilda (since she's already a hoot with the little time she's given)) but maybe I'm on sister fighting overload from Privileged but it was getting a little tedious.

At least they shoved in a little blackmailing when Betty discovers Suzuki St. Pierre's real identity, a straight Jersey suburban husband with kids and minivan (GASP. A MINIVAN... Oy Vey)! Who knew Alec Mapa could play butch? I'm serious. Who knew?


Grey's Anatomy - Stairway to Heaven - Ep. 512

Okay, I didn't really care for the last few episodes but I think with the CONSTANT POUNDING MUSIC to TELL US the big DILEMA of keeping the serial killer ALIVE or NOT made it pretty DRAMATIC. I GET IT. Still, loved Christina's look. And loved Bailey's look. (Hmm... you mean the two best actresses on the series? How odd...!)

I felt like I was already watching The Watchmen or some superhero movie during any DIzzie scenes. Again, propelled by the INTENSE MUSIC PLAYING during all their SCENES. Just the rhetoric they were spewing would have fit in perfectly in some superhero movie.

Meanwhile, why do I feel like I just learned that a penis can be broken? Especially now that Lexie has broken Sloane's after some intense sex in the on-call room. (OH... right... it was in Coupling again. Man, that show really comes up a lot this week). I'm going to cross my legs now...

Okay, back to DIzzie. Whoa, they ARE making her sick (as in ill people! sheesh). Denny was back for HER. Now how long are they going to prolong THAT storyline? (It would have been nicely shocking if she actually did die (though I'm actually a Heigl fan and one of the reasons why I liked this show and I could see her point in her rant against the writers last Emmy Award season) but alas, she's so far just sick).

Also, with the few face shots of George, I almost forgot he WAS still on this show. Poor T.R. Knight. Remember the good ol' 2nd Season days?

Still, call me crazy but that was one of the better episodes of late, even with the POUNDING MANIPULATIVE SCORE.


Private Practice - Nothing To Fear - Ep. 213

Is Grant Show joining the cast? Did I know this? Did I care?

Who is going to be left for the impending Melrose Place remake? Ah, I became a Billy man anyways... Oh Andrew Shue...

More After the Jump...

Confessions of a TV Drama Queen - American Idol, Privileged, 90210, 30 Rock and More

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com:

I confess:

I'm mad at Privileged.
I'm still watching Grey's Anatomy AND Private Practice. And over Supernatural which I'm now so far behind in (DUCK... and run for it from the SPNfans...).
I've actually been watching 90210 AND Gary Unmarried. I'll explain below. Actually, I really don't know why but I'll write about it anyways.
I'm liking My Name Is Earl again. Just as it's going against Bones, Ugly Betty and Survivor. Crap.
Also, 30 Rock is not a good comedy. More on that below.

And Yes, I'm watching a lot of TV. It's COLD OUTSIDE GAWDAMNIT. (Okay, that's just an excuse I can finally use but I would have made up something else if it weren't).

I'd also chime in on Friday Night Lights, Top Chef, The Real World: Brooklyn, Damages and The Secret Life of The American Teenager but I don't actually get them here on time so SHHHHHHH... I'm avoiding the spoilers until I get to catch-up.

More on Privileged, Scrubs, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Gary Unmarried, 90210, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, My Name Is Earl, The Office, 30 Rock, American Idol below:


Privileged - All About Tough Love - Ep. 114

Even when I'm mad at this show (for moving Michael Cassidy to "special guest star" from the main cast list), it's hard to stay mad at Privileged and its quirky and cherubic charms, even with one of the more dramatic episodes. Lily's in jail and Megan's dad refuses to bail her out and Megan outwardly supports the decision while Megan's mom sees through her tough love decision. Loved the tension built with Will trying to do the right thing, and how everyone was basically trying to do what they thought was the right thing and still drama was abound. And that was even before Will finally gave Megan's mom the bail money, against Megan's wishes, and Megan's mom ran off with it.

Luis and Sage are all "High School Musical" cutesy but the (gift)knives come out when the difference in classes gets scratched to the surface. Zach writes Rose a poem but Marco figures out that it's copied. Somehow both stories were extremely cute without getting too saccharine, with credit to Lucy Hale and Ashley Newbrough and to the little quips Marco (Louis Allan) provided. (But yey! Marco misses Keith!).

What a great dramatic and yet still hilarious episode where every character can actually be likable within a soapy dramedy (are you hearing me 90210, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice?).


Scrubs - My Saving Grace, My Happy Place - Ep. 803, 804

Best line: Dr. Maddox (played by Courtney Cox) making a comment about Dr. Cox's crazy last name.

Sarah Chalke (as Elliot) is a really really good actor isn't she? I kept noting that this week. I think she's so good that I've usually taken her for granted since she can bounce between the zany crazy pace of the show and still have a deep emotional 3 dimensional character.


The New Adventures of Old Christine - Notes on a 7th Grade Scandal - Ep. 413

How have I not written about Christine since the season premiere? It's been slightly uneven this season and not enough usage of brother Matthew but it's still been hysterical and funnier than my other CBS fave How I Met Your Mother (also why it landed on my Top 20 while it pained me to boot out HIMYM). Now Stephen Tobolowsky shows up as the principal at Richie's school while Lee Tergesen was Christine's old classmate that she HATES (why does that not surprise me?). I'm diggin' this nicer and funnier Lee (as opposed to his Oz days).

Considering how little Marly and Lindsay are on the show, these two really pack a punch with their little barbs. Speaking of which, Barb was at her best when she scared the teen line-jumpers. That was awesome!

And Clark Gregg is still the BEST as Richard. Just is giggling at the sex education syllabus at the parents meeting made me giggle, as silly and stupid as it was. Love him!

And don't get me wrong because I haven't outright said it. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is comic gold and a total riot with her facial expressions. Seinfeld was not a fluke.


Gary: Unmarried - Gary Dates Louise's Teacher - Ep. 112

I confess. I've been watching Gary Unmarried. Like not just one or two episodes. But the whole season so far. It's usually cause I just tape the whole hour following Christine but really, it's cause every year I pick one "bad"/"family" comedy to watch and this year it's this one (previous years include Reba, Freddie, Carpoolers). And yes, I laugh at the stupidity (and I know it's hypocritical and inconsistent considering how much I rant against Two and a Half Men and According to Jim).

Plus considering the talents of Jay Mohr (though oh how much has he fallen?), Paula Marshall (oh how much has she fallen?) and Ed Begley Jr. (oh how much has he fallen?), is it wrong that I think the best actors on the show are the two kids? Ryan Malgarini and Kathryn Newton are actually quite good as Gary's kids Tom and Louise and it seems like they have been bumping up their parts more and more in recent episodes now that they know they are actually great on screen. I've actually gained respect for Jaime King who actually delivers here. I've never really thought much of her before this.

Still, it's so wrong (like this week's episode where Gary ends up dating both of Louise's teachers, the hot one cause he wants to, and the dowdy one who turns out to be hot because his daughter wanted to. Then somewhere in there, there's a boxing match with one of the spurned woman. So wrong) yet I laughed. A lot. I know. So wrong. In my defense, James Burrows directs all the episodes. (On the other hand, I also keep laughing at the Paul Blart: Mall Cop commercials, especially when Kevin James is trying to slide behind the poster billboards so take me with a grain of salt).


90210 - Love Me or Leave Me - Ep. 113

Another confession: I've also been watching all of 90201 on The CW. I don't even know why, especially considering I've now fallen so behind on the far superior Supernatural.

The problem with this show is it doesn't know if it wants to be a sweet heart warming show (cue stories with Annie, parents Harry and Debbie, the romance between Annie and Ethan (cute), the romance between Dixon and Silver (cute)) or a bitchy soapy sexy drama (cue Naomi, Adrianna, the hilarious Jessica Walters as grandma Tabitha). It's even confusing former bitchy vixens Brenda and Kelly and turning them into good girls. What's the fun of THAT?

I actually have no problem with the sweet parts when they are done right (see Privileged which can still be dramatic) and because of my devotion to Degrassi, I don't mind Shenae so much and Dustin Milligan is cute whether he was Canadian or not. But why does this show teeter on boredom so MUCH?

Just when things were getting exciting with the fake student/drug enforcement officer and her affair with hot teacher (Ryan Eggold) and Naomi and Annie shared a stepbrother who shows up to shake things up, those stories seem to be excised for... well... I'm not quite sure yet.

Yet I still watch. Why? (no really... why do I keep watching?)

Also, why does AnnaLynne McCord look so old?


Grey's Anatomy - Sympathy for the Devil - Ep. 511
Private Practice - Homeward Bound - Ep. 212

So yeah, instead of watching Supernatural, I keep falling back to my old habit of Grey's and now Private Practice follows so it's like a double dose of disappointment.

Well, at least they had Tim Guinee as Seth who discovers his mom is a lesbian, on Private Practice. I think that's about the only thing that registered with me. (I liked his eyes and his 90's swoopy hair).

You know, I've half-watched the whole season and it was only when I looked up David Sutcliffe on imdb did I finally realize his character name was Kevin. THAT'S how much I wasn't paying attention. Honestly, I was still referring to him as Christopher.

Nothing really registered with me on Grey's this week either except the reminder that Eric Dane is still pretty hot (despite the fake grey's they stick in his hair). I forgot he was hot. That's how this show has made him. Sad.

What happened Shonda Rhimes? You have some of the hottest actors on both your shows and it's become really uninteresting and unsexy. I'm also getting confused to the plotlines now that these two shows are back to back. Whose father/mother is lesbian/dying/visiting?


The Office - The Duel - Ep. 511

Oh man. I forgot Andy didn't know about Angela and Dwight's affair.

And I confess, I've been getting annoyed at Dwight a lot of late. And the show for relying on his oddness to spur the comedy. Ditto with Michael's stupidity. It's a crutch for the show.

But bringing out Dwight's affair with Angela and the whole office looking onto the triangle with Andy was hilarious. Especially between Angela and Andy (a kudos to Angela Kinsey's performance) and Andy and Dwight's eventual Duel.

Oh, and LOVE Creed! ("You're Welcome" after Andy accuses the office of lying and covering up the affair from him)
Love Kelly! (After Angela comments on the dual over her, Kelly: "I guess people have less choices as they grow older")

Meanwhile, it was great to see Michael get praise for a great performance record at the Scranton Branch from the main office!


30 Rock - Flu Shot - Ep. 308

As I said before, 30 Rock is not a good comedy. It's a f#$ken GREAT comedy!

Between the new comic duo of Tracy Jordan/Morgan and Jenna Jane Krakowski (when did they become a comic duo... how did I notice this slowly creep on in the show?), the horror movie spoof with sick people chasing after an about-to-be-on-V8KEK4TICK152 (Vacation)-Liz, and Salma Hayak and Jack going on dates while she's still working, and the thousand other zingers. I'd repeat them but there are just way too many.


My Name Is Earl - Estra or Nada - Ep. 415

This show seriously still really belongs to Jaime Pressly, doesn't it? Darnell helps, but it's all JOY!


American Idol - Ep. 801, 802

Yes, the addition of Kara DioGuardi is good. No, it doesn't really change the show in any dramatic fashion. Groan.

Having 4 judges can be too much (see Canadian Idol, So You Think You Can Dance Canada) where they drone on and on and you just want to shut them up and get back to the contestants but so far I've only noticed (and this is probably simply due to editing and/or not prolonging the arduous audition process) that with 4 judges, it just means they get a shorter time to talk, which is a good way to keep things short with Randy and Paula. In fact, with Paula only allowed to say one line, maybe two max, she actually sort of makes sense! Thanks Kara!

As for the auditions, it's same old, lame old. Though the 2nd night had a few people that seemed to annoy everyone at first until they actually sang (including widower Danny Gokey (who actually lost points with me with his tearful story but won it back with his singing) and straight-laced Indian dude Anoop Desai. I wasn't as impressed with Ashley Anderson who sang the Leona Lewis song. Lil Rounds (really? That's her name? For real?) was good but again, another sad sappy story to pull our heartstrings? Gag me. (I'm sorry but if you're 23 with 3 kids already, you had BETTER be ready for responsibility).

Arianna Afsar (the girl that helps old people) is about the only person I remember from the first night of auditions. There was another girl and I think another guy I thought were decent but so far no one stood out like David Archuleta did in his audition (when I called it WAY back THEN... and yes. I know he didn't win, but yes he did with the poprific "Crush"). Then again, Kelly Clarkson didn't really stand out until the live performances. And we all know we LOVE her!

Man, if it weren't for a pool I was entering, I would totally just skip the auditions. Instead, I need to pick someone by Top 36 week. So let me know who stands out and who y'all are voting for, cause papa needs a new pair of shoes.

More After the Jump...