This Summer Catch - Next Fall - Play Review

Next Fall - Naked Angels at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre (at Playwrights Horizons) - Off-Broadway, New York, NY - ****1/2 (out of 5 stars)
Written by Geoffrey Nauffts, Directed by Sheryl Kaller
Runs until July 11th 2009 UPDATE: Extended again until Aug. 8th 2009
UPDATE: It's moving to Broadway! Previews begin Feb. 2010. Opens at the Helen Hayes Theatre Mar. 11 2010!

An average looking pessimistic unsuccessful writer in his mid life manages to catch the eye of a young attractive optimistic hunky wannabe actor. All apparently after the young lad saves the older man from choking to death with a well time Heimlich maneuver. And age difference or choking is not even the part of this terrific new play that causes strife between these two oddly matched lovebirds. Adam, the older man in the pairing, played to sarcastic slightly embittered perfection by Patrick Breen (above right, perennial TV guest star including Pushing Daisies, ER, Eli Stone) is an atheist, while his young lover Luke (a lovely Patrick Heusinger above left, Gossip Girl, 30 Rock, Spamalot) is an unapologetic Christian Southerner living in New York. Luke accepts his gay life as a sin that he must repent for, but nonetheless, lives an accepting life with Adam except staying closeted to his redneck parents.

You could groan now at the whole set up, an obvious politically charged situation with room for a ton of liberal preaching, all wrapped in a too-good-to-be-true-gay-relationship-fantasy but playwright Geoffrey Nauffts manages to turn it into a deeply personal and emotionally specific story that breathes truths through a realistic approach. And did I mention the play is VERY VERY funny!?

Things start unravelling when Luke is sent to the hospital after an accident and Luke and Adam's big city gay life (along with their best girlfriend Holly, a hilariously caustic Maddie Corman) collides with Luke's Christian family and an old friend in Brandon (an intelligent Sean Dugan). Luke's divorced parents Butch (Cotter Smith) and Arlene (Connie Ray) unite at the hospital where everyone else sits in the waiting room. Without spoiling the entire plot, we get to see flashbacks of Luke and Adam's cute first meeting (where the Heimlich part fits in), through their 5 year relationship, all while the issues of religion, family obligation, gay politics all come into play, and all without ever feeling forced. It all manages to become highly entertaining with a huge emotional impact.

Much credit goes to the cast, with Cotter Smith and Connie Ray (above) turning what could have easily been caricatures, and with Nauffts writing and taut directions by Sheryl Kaller, go beyond their stereotypes to surprising degrees. Sean Dugan's Brandon is a bit of a mystery, but his surprising connection to Luke and Adam reveals itself in a subtle and smooth way. And Maddie Corman (above right) is Holly the sidekick who flings off zippy one-liners without simply being 2-dimensional.

But at its heart of the story, we must believe that Adam and Luke (Patrick Breen and Patrick Heusinger) would get together in the first place. Even though it may seem too cute to be believe, the simplicity of their story and Heusinger's charming and believable portrayal of a gay Christian, both accepting of his homosexuality and torn about the repercussions, beautifully enhances the witty and sharp script. Kaller's sharp direction and a wonderfully simplistic but versatile set enhances the intricacies from a seemingly basic situation.

The play always seems like it could turn out resembling something out of a bad sitcom but it quickly establishes itself with intelligence, heart and deeper concerns. While the cutting details create funny moments, an engaging cast and mining the drama out of family dynamics in a Prop 8 world cuts to the sad state some of us still live in. Be sure to catch Next Fall this summer while it's still playing, especially now that is has been extended again until July 11th (though apparently, it will be the final extension, even though word is getting out about the show and apparently selling well). (UPDATE: They lied. It's been extended AGAIN!!! Until Aug. 8th 2009)

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

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Best Duos

Scooter rounded up some of the TV bloggers for a Best Duos on TV list (as a sequel to last years Best Character list). It could be any duo from any show with new episodes since last June 2008. Just any duo that sparks up the screen, whether it be friends, enemies, lovers, family, anything. And if looking back at last year's single character list and this years duo list, it's that we bloggers really do love our Friday Night Lights. Plus, the buzz on The Big Bang Theory is really picking up this year.

Here was the compiled list of the Top 25 Favorite Duos, along with my own Top 10 picks that I submitted at the end of the post:

1. Coach Eric and Tammy Taylor (Friday Night Lights)
2. Liz Lemon and Jack Donagy (30 Rock)
3. Sheldon Cooper Ph.D. and Penny (The Big Bang Theory)
4. Jim Halpert and Dwight Shrute (The Office)
5. Patty Hewes and Ellen Parsons (Damages)
6. Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan and Special Agent Seeley Booth (Bones)
7. Emerson Cod and Olive Snook (Pushing Daisies)
8. Blair Waldolf and Chuck Bass (Gossip Girl)
9. Shawn Spencer and Burton “Gus” Guster (Psych)
10. Chuck Bartowski and Special Agent Sarah Walker (Chuck)
11. Sam and Dean Winchester (Supernatural)
12. Marc St. James and Amanda Tannen (Ugly Betty)
13. Barney Stinson and Ted Mosbey (How I Met Your Mother)
14. Bill Adama and Laura Roslin (Battlestar Gallactica)
15. Landry Clark and Tyra Colette (Friday Night Lights)
16. Ben Linus and John Locke (Lost)
17. John “J.D.” Dorian M.D. and Dr. Christopher Turk (Scrubs)
18. Sookie Stackhouse and Bill Compton (True Blood)
19. Jeff Patel and Lester Barnes aka Jeffster (Chuck)
20. James “Sawyer” Ford and Juliet Burke (Lost)
21. Homer and Marge Simpson (The Simpsons)
22. Bill Adma and Saul Tigh (Battestar Galactica)
23. Richard Cypher and Kahlan Amnell (Legend of the Seeker)
24. Earl and Randy Hickey (My Name Is Earl)
25. Michael Westen and Fiona Glenanne (Burn Notice)

Submitted by Voters: Dan, Ducky, Kath, Matt, Sandie, Scooter McGavin, TVFan, Vance

And here's my list that I submitted, though I must say now that I've seen the results, I'm so ashamed of myself for completely forgetting about Pushing Daisies. I also had a few on my list that I was highly considering but at the last moment, switched off for other picks.

1. Tami and Coach Eric Taylor - Friday Night Lights
2. Ben and Locke - Lost
3. Liz Lemon and Jack Donaghy - 30 Rock
4. Blair Waldorf and Chuck Bass - Gossip Girl
5. Penny and Sheldon - The Big Bang Theory
6. Bones and Booth - Bones
7. Tyra and Landry - Friday Night Lights
8. Amanda and Marc - Ugly Betty
9. Dean and Sam Winchester - Supernatural
10. Megan Smith and Charlie Hogan - Privileged

I had also highly considered: Marshall and Barney (How I Met Your Mother), Michael Westen and Fiona (Burn Notice), Sawyer and Juliet (Lost), Cappie and Casey (Greek), Chuck and Sarah (Chuck), really any pairing on Friday Night Lights would have worked, and I seriously had to withold myself in picking a top 10 solely from this show alone.

And I should have also considered: Earl and Randy (My Name Is Earl), Any pairing from Pushing Daisies.

I also considered those from The Office but deemed it worked best in ensemble moments (and I got irritated by Michael and Dwight this season, which was my initial duo to pick)

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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The Life And Times Of Spoiled Brats - The Secret Life Of The American Teenager, Gossip Girl, Kings and More

The Secret Life of The American Teenager - One Night at Band Camp - Eps. 122

OMG OMG OMG. The baby is coming the baby is coming! I'm assuming the baby will arrive tonight on the season finale of this surprisingly addictive show. I still can't believe how much I'm LOVING this show (from the creator of 7th Heaven, a show I despise with a passion), which is like the anti-Gossip Girl in terms of production value but in all it's low-rent sets and awkward acting, there's some hilarious dialogue and more soapy twists than Serena and Dan have been through.

And now we get to see it from the start! A last week's flashbacks took us back to BAND CAMP! When Ricky first met Amy and got Amy preggers. You gotta admit, the kid's got swagger and his current emotional state (getting him to ask Ashley to be a friend in true desperation) somehow rings true.

And LOVE that Amy is such a spoiled naive brat and is SOOO uninformed and ill-prepared about the pregnancy. Yes it HURTS. You're squeezing a whole HUMAN through your birth canal. And YES, you have one! (Hysterical!)

I also love that everyone somehow finds an excuse to come to the hospital, including Grace's brother Tom. Though as much as like the new Jack this later half of the season, I think it's wrong that Grace is considering going back to him. I am enjoying her friendship with Adrian though. Man, I can't get enough of this show.


Gossip Girl - The Age of Dissonance, The Grandfather - Eps. 218-219

Oh Gossip Girl, how I've missed you and your sarcastic narrations and twisty twisted soapy plots that change faster than the rules to a stimulus package.

And oh how I missed you Dorota! Who keeps Blair in check! Cause I certainly can't keep up with who she's with, who she's against, who wronged her or who she's siding with anymore. It's all getting too complicatedly delicious!

Last week she was all in a rage against Serena for blasting out to Gossip Girl herself, but it wasn't Serena, it was Dan, no it wasn't Dan, it was Rachel. Ah, her rage against Dan continues and now her rage against Rachel is back after the teach destroyed her Yale prospects.

Meanwhile, points for casting NYTimes resident theatre critic Charles Isherwood as NYTimes resident theatre critic Charles Isherwood in his Upper East Side debut. Especially when he loved the messed up version of The Age of Innocence performed by our resident spoiled brats. Yuki in a fat suit was particularly fabulous! Or Nate breaking the fourth wall. Or Dan making out with the disgraced teach Rachel in the costume closet!

In even bigger points for casting, tonight's episode casts Broadway's Aaron Tveit (Broadway's upcoming Next to Normal AND the upcoming Broadway-bound Catch Me If You Can, last years Saved, Next to Normal, Wicked, Hairspray) as Tripp, Nate's cousin. AND James Naughton (Chicago) as Nate's grandfather.

More on Gossip Girl, Kings, Degrassi: TNG, The Amazing Race, Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters:

So Nate gets convinced to attend the big family reunion, the same family that pretty much disowned them when his father disgraced them, and gets slowly suckered back into his rich waspy world. Poor Vanessa, who with Dan, convinced the poor guy to basically walk away from the only healthy relationship he had. Oh well, more shots of Nate! and More shots of Aaron Tveit as Tripp!

Lily and Rufus decide to reveal their "lists" which is a clever way to create LOTS of backstory for young Lily in the spinoff (Britany Snow! hurrah!). Basically, Lily was a slut. And Rufus was not.

Meanwhile, slutty spoiled Chuck is trying to stop slutty spoiled Blair from falling into Carter Baizen's slutty spoiled hands (Sebastian Stan, also playing spoiled on Kings, see below). And instead Chuck loses Blair to someone ELSE? AGAIN? Oh Dorota, shouldn't you clean up this mess?


Kings - Prosperity - Ep. 102

Enjoyed the second episode but does everyone bad have to look so nefarious? It's like only the bad guys have bad skin. Lots of wrinkles? You must have been in the sun a lot and it therefore made you want to scheme and plot.

Well, Sebastian Stan doesn't have bad skin but I'm not sure his Jack is really all that bad (yet) and more just playing the poor spoiled misunderstood and underestimated son of the King. He's essentially Chuck on Gossip Girl, Stan's archenemy on that show.

I think now that I know they've filmed the whole season (thanks to RJ) so I know it will actually be wrapped up, puts me at ease about this show. I'm not sure I could watch this forever but I'm loving the whole production so far. Plus Brian Cox as the secret overthrown king hiding in some lair underneath King Silas' compound? Awesome!

I'm not sure if I'm getting all the symbolism and all the warring sides because it's either too complicated or too simple (and I'm just thinking it's complicated) but it's all kinda fun to watch and it feels all very grande!


Degrassi: The Next Generation - Touch of Grey, Heart of Glass - Eps. 815-816

That whole scene where Kelly gets caught with Emma's pot seemed a bit too coordinated. Of COURSE he gets caught while trying to dump her stash. How convenient.

Meanwhile, cutiepie (and a sort of younger Canadian version of Zac Efron, no?) K.C. (Samuel Earle) is apparently a rageaholic. Seriously? Even for Degrassi, that seemed to come out of nowhere to try to give him an "issue".

Then Alli continues her pursuit of Johnny only to sleep with him, but in a bigger shocker, Johnny was ALSO a virgin AND seems super sweet about it all. (Seriously, if you cut Scott Paterson's blond tresses, he's actually a really handsome fella) It was actually kind of a sweet episode, even though we knew this was coming all along.


The Amazing Race - Alright Guys, We're at War! - Ep. 1406

Camels!

Okay, so last week the flight attendants finally avoided elimination but alas, nothing really changed this week and it was the end for the skyhags (I've been one so I can say that). Not much new except that Mike and Mel continue to surprise. I was just thinking poor Mel seems to get all the hard challenges but Mike seemed to have noticed this week was a bad challenge to give his older father to do (to carry buckets of water back and forth).

I also think if Victor isn't out, he needs to come out now. Seriously, this trip seems to be a whole awakening for him.


Desperate Housewives - A Spark to Pierce the Dark - Ep. 518

The one where Edie gets killed. And where Orson almost gets killed.

I know the big shock was that Dave didn't end up killing Edie Britt and in a twist of fate, her escape lead to her own demise when she crashed into an electric pole and fried herself. How undignified and unsexy? Man, Marc Cherry really had it out for Nicolette didn't he?

Meanwhile, I'm actually liking the idea of Lynette working with Carlos (as it finally mixes in the men with the housewives' lives, though can she even really be called a housewife anymore?) but the storyline seemed more filler. Still, the comeuppance against Carlos' ex-now-VP (the much missed Leslie Boone, though I didn't really buy her sudden turn as a meanie) was fun, especially with Lynette pushing Gabi's girls to be bad.

I didn't care for Orson's continued downfall either except that it brought in more of Andrew to show up in a few scenes (but really, way too few).

I did love Susan with the return of ex-husband Karl. if only so that she could throw a can of paint on him in front of the headmaster.

Still, this was really the episode Dave was supposed to kill Katherine and where Edie catches onto his grand plan. Now what's the next twist?!


Brothers & Sisters - Spring Broken - Eps. 319

The episode where Ryan becomes a dickwad plot device again and turns Justin against Rebecca. And where Holly conveniently becomes nice when Tommy disappears and is let off the hook. Okay. Let's MOVE ON! And make Ryan nice again, cause I like looking at his face!

At least Greg Berlanti moved Matt Letscher over from his other show Eli Stone and brings him on as Kitty's new potential... something. Man, when did Letscher get so sexy? Loved him on The New Adventures of Old Christine but I still remember him as the annoying douchebag on Good Morning, Miami (yes, I don't know why I remember that show, but I do).

And Sarah goes BACK to Ojai. Again. And leaves hippieville. Too bad, I kinda liked the hippieville storyline. Plus it finally gave Eric Christian Olsen a respectable role for once.

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

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The Casting Couch - Aaron Tveit and Chris Pratt

Aaron Tveit is going to be Nate Archibald's cousin Tripp Vanderbilt! Aaron is having a good day! Having been nominated last night for a Helen Hayes Theatre Award for Next to Normal and now a 2 episode arc on Gossip Girl! As I've noted before, the guy is going to be a star (and still rumoured to be the lead in the upcoming Catch Me If You Can musical). Too bad he can't sing on Gossip Girl. His voice is phenomenal.

Say what you want about Gossip Girl, but at least it's been pretty good at casting talent from the theatre world. (Word is Matt Doyle's role of Eric's boyfriend will get slightly bigger in an upcoming ep.)

AND!

Chris Pratt is joining Parks and Recreation! (The new Amy Poehler/Rashida Jones show from The Office people!)

LOVE Chris Pratt. Ever since Everwood (one of my favorite shows of all time btw), the guy has managed to grow beyond the initial dumb jock vibe and has been comic gold. His two scenes in Wanted are hilarious, and even managed to lighten up The OC (as a hippie dippie tree hugger). Pratt will play Rashida Jones unemployed musician boyfriend!

On one of my side tangent notes, I'm noticing that Pratt, from my #1 show of 2006, is now joining the new show from the creators of my #2 show of 2006!

I never got around to posting this and since then, everyone's already posted it, but whatever, here it is again, the Super Bowl teaser commercial for Parks and Recreation! Can't wait! Though no word on an air date yet:



Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

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Seventeen Syllables - Chuck, The Office And More

Because there was way too much TV on Mondays now (some of which I haven't even gotten to), I'm keeping my comments to a 17 syllable Haiku (5,7,5. Remember that from elementary school?). That's all I have time for right now.

Chuck - Chuck Versus the Third Dimension - Ep. 212

Chuck Is In Three D!
Lame When You Don't Have Glasses
But Dom Monaghan!

More on The Office, Gossip Girl, The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, Worst Week, The Bachelor, True Beauty, Corner Gas, Heroes, House:

The Office - Stress Relief - Ep. 513

Post SuperBowl Ep
Funny Then Bored Then Funny
Stanley Is Awesome


Gossip Girl - Carnal Knowledge - Ep. 217

Blair Against The Teach
Dan And Serena Are Off
So Dan Is On Teach


The Big Bang Theory - The Financial Permeability - Ep. 214

Penny Needs Money
Sheldon Lends Money To Her
This Cannot Be Good


How I Met Your Mother - The Possimpible - Ep. 414

Robin Is Jobless
Awesomeness Stops Deporting
Barney Keeps His Love


Worst Week - The Sex - Ep. 114

Sam Gets In Trouble
Again and Again, So Cute
And I Keep Laughing


The Bachelor - Jason Mesnick - Ep. 1304

Jason Is Still Hot
Still Can't Tell The Girls Apart
Stephanie Seemed Nice


True Beauty - Ep. 104

Ridiculous Show
Chelsea Is Finally Gone!
Why Do I Still Watch?


Corner Gas - Shirt Disturber - Ep. 610

Oscar Gets Alarm
Davis Replaces It With
A Calculator


Heroes

It's Back On T.V.
Does Anyone Still Watch This?
Cause I Sure Don't Care


House

It's The Hundredth Ep
I'm Going To Stop Watching
It's All The Same Again


Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

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Brand New Day - Gossip Girl, How I Met Your Mother and More

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

Gossip Girl - You've Got Yale - Ep. 216

Blair gets waitlisted to Yale while Dan and Serena get in (which somehow leads to another break up? What the?). Plus a new teacher (who looks younger than the rest of the ragamuffins) doesn't appease Blair's needs, and the wicked witches of the Upper East Side are there to comfort the big B as she's about to wage war on the new teach. Awesome! I'm scared already!

Oh, when did Nelly get guts? She is slowly making her move! Slowly, but surely! Nice moves Nelly Yuki!

And Dorota still deserves a special Emmy.

And in a move I didn't see coming, Lily adopts Chuck so that she becomes his legal guardian and Jack loses Bass Industries. Ouch! Then Jack tries to rape Lily? Ick. Then Chuck saves the day. Yey! (You know, if you really thought about it, the fact that Chuck is technically still a kid, this IS a lot for someone to take).


How I Met Your Mother - Three Days of Snow - Ep. 413

I don't think the episode was as carefully constructed as they thought it was (though I just spent the weekend doing a full series marathon of BBC's Coupling which had some well crafted and sometimes perfectly constructed episodes (See 105 The Girl with Two Breasts, 206 Gotcha, 208 Naked, 301 Split, 304 Remember This, 307 Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps... oh hell, I'll just have to write a whole post on the awesomeness of Coupling (UK version only)) so I have really high standards in my mind right now) but the 3 storylines revolving around the snowstorm (very apt this year though! Good weather predicting!) was cute but predictable. Though it wasn't as clever as they thought it was, I still got all misty eyed when the band came into the airport with Marshall to woo Lily. Loved the ending, as predictable as it was.


More on The Big Bang Theory, Worst Week, True Beauty, The Bachelor, Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, Flashpoint, Corner Gas:

The Big Bang Theory - The Friendship Algorithm - Ep. 213
They never have a B storyline do they? I just noticed that. I guess when the show starts revolving around Sheldon, that's what happened. Poor Johnny Galecki.

Very cute episode. Loved the fainting. Loved the chart to make friends! I wish there were more of Sheldon and the little girl though. That was cute verging on creepy (in a hilarious way).


Worst Week - The Puppy - Ep. 113
I never want to have a baby... EVER. EWWWWW OHHHHHH GROSSSSSSSSS. EWWWWWWW.


The Bachelor - Jason Mesnick - Ep. 1303
True Beauty - Ep. 103
I know. I should know better. And I still watched the full episodes. For the third week in a row. And I still can't tell any of the girls apart on either show unless they were super bitchy, so like Megan and Erika on The Bachelor and Monique and Chelsea on True Beauty. Meanwhile, at this point, isn't JC a shoo-in to win True Beauty? I mean, who cares but really, it's in the bag, no? On the good news side, Jason took off his shirt to make a chest mold... and this is why I wasted spent 2 hours of my life, only to waste spend another hour watching Ray take off all his clothes to "slut" "strut" around the pool.


Desperate Housewives - The Best Thing That Ever Could Have Happened - Ep. 513

For the 100th episode, they sure spent a lot of time on Beau Bridges (as Eli Scruggs) who magically appears in last weeks episode but seems to have been connected to all the women of Wisteria Lane for years. How convenient.

But I'll let it go for celebratory's sake and the fact that it was all an excuse to flashback to the earlier years when Rex Van de Camp was still alive! (Yay Steven Culp, Oh how I miss you), when Gaby just moved from the runway to Wisteria Lane, when Edie was still just a slut on the block, when Bree wasn't a company, and when Lynette looked harried (well. some things don't really change...). It was fun looking back at it all but it lacked an overwhelming punch that a big show like this could/should have.


Brothers & Sisters - It's Not Easy Being Green - Ep. 313

Putting a big rifle in Kitty's hands, a la Palin was cheap. Putting a big rifle in Kevin's gay democratic hands was cheap, but funny nonetheless.

Putting Nora with the architect... was... well... I can't remember what happened now. Putting Rebecca with Kyle (Eric Christian Olsen) as a way to make Justin jealous was amusing. Putting Sarah with Ethan (Will McCormack) was hilarious, and creepy because he sounds a bit like Matthew Rhys.


Flashpoint - Backwards Day - Ep. 202
What the hell was all that? With the two women rolling around as one is trying to stab one another? And they don't MOVE IN? If I was Amy Jo Johnson, I'd be pissed too, no matter how cute David Paetkau was. I mean, she lost Ben already, she has every right to be pissed. Never cross a woman scorned... oh wait... now we get back to the two rolling women with the large scary knife.

Corner Gas - Reader Pride - Ep. 609

Man, this show is SOOOOO Canadian. Love it. I wonder if non Canadians find this show funny? It's SOOOOOOO Canadian.

More After the Jump...

Oh No They Didn't! - Gossip Girl, Worst Week, How I Met Your Mother and More

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

Gossip Girl - Gone With The Will - Ep. 215

You would think Dan would know better by now and seek out a cell phone as soon as he sees everyone starring at him. Especially when Blair's non-"obedient minions" are starring at him. (Kudos to minion #3 by the way for being in Gran Torino and getting a smackdown from Clint Eastwood himself! A strangely feel-good cathartic movie btw. A movie I shouldn't have liked but did.)

The dynasty-like hostile takeover over Bass Industries got quite intense between Jack and Chuck after Bart's will was read. Blair played CEO wife, while Chuck played with some hookers and coke, while Jack played him. I felt like the shoulder lapels should have been bigger and Alex Darlington would walk in from the next room. The boardroom shuffle hasn't been this entertainingly dramatic since Wall Street. Meanwhile, Blair loses more stocks than she could have ever imagined. But don't worry, none were the bitch stocks. Loved her comment to Serena after her facial reaction said it all to Blair. Blair: "I can't wait 'til you get Botox."

Meanwhile, Rufus and Lily's lovechild is alive and well but they were told that he died. On the heartwarming side, Serena finds out but finally calms down and S and Eric and Jenny and Dan become one pseudo happy family. Oh, and Nate has a heartwarming bro-moment with Dan too. Be still my heart!

And another appearance by Eric's boyfriend!


Worst Week - The Article - Ep. 110

I actually lifted up my hand to block the view and screamed out "oh sh!t" TWICE during the episode (once when Sam walked in on his mother-in-law at the Gynecologist and then again when he stole the article about seeing his mother-in-laws vagina from his father-in-law and then dropping it for his mother-in-law to find). Considering the show is a continuously repetitive series of oh-my-god-I-can't-believe-this moments, the show sure keeps things surprising and very very funny. And yet somehow really sweet. Seriously, this show turned out FAR better than anyone could have guessed. It's also remaining funny far longer than anyone could have guessed it could.

More on How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory, Corner Gas, The Bachelor, True Beauty

How I Met Your Mother - Benefits - Ep. 412

Props to the best usage of Spencer, Heidi and Kim Kardashian EVER, AND in one of the funnier episodes of the season, if not series. Though the cute kid in Lily's class might have taken the cake after finding out his parents are divorcing after Lily's good.

The editing and pace of the episode, jumping back from fighting Ted and Robin to being in bed, to Marshall seeing the exes in bed, to Barney going apesh!t on a TV set and then repeated until Barney finally figures out how to stop the cycle with lots of milk and a dishwasher. It was genius! And heartbreaking (Barney's to be exact).


The Big Bang Theory - The Killer Robot Instability - Ep. 212

I'm so glad Howard (Simon Helberg) got an episode to shine but now I noticed that Rajesh (Kunal Nayyar) nailed all his comedic moments. I mean, he was always funny with his facial reactions but every word spoken was hilarious this week.

And the show is finally branching out from Jim Parson's Sheldon and matching up Penny with the others. She's really becoming a strange glue to these boys.


Corner Gas - American Resolution - Ep. 608

I'm not sure what was funnier. The contest between keeping to each ones new years resolutions or tricking Oscar and making him think everyone thinks he's American. What a way to glorify the stereotypes. Hilarious!


The Bachelor - Jason Mesnick - Ep. 1302


Nope. Still can't tell any of the girls apart. As soon as I start liking a girl, I'll find myself mixing them up with someone else, or hating them again, or realizing I have no idea who they are. Just keep showing Jason without his shirt on and I'll keep watching. Plus I'm waiting for DeAnna's return. I'm such an easy sucker.


True Beauty - Ep. 102

I think the best part of the show is still at the end when the cleaners come to take down the losers portrait. Hilarious!

I will admit, Billy was kinda cute being so proud of his outfit and all.

More After the Jump...

Promises Promises for the New Year - The Bachelor, Gossip Girl and More

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

I'm pooped from the holidays and while I really need/want to catch up at the movies (and I'm postponing my Best of Movies 2008 list until I see a few more films), I really need a night at home and get back to my beloved TV! I didn't even realize ABC burned off a new Eli Stone last week and NBC burned off another Lipstick Jungle but now ALL the craziness begins as tons of shows return over the next few weeks and a bunch of new ones start (see my updated Tapeworthy sidebar for the list). So much to look forward to!

In the meantime, I'm in the mood for something trashy. Oh look! The ABC Monday lineup! (Plus I REALLY would have rather watched the smarter than you think The Secret Life of The American Teenager but I don't get ABCFamily and here in Canada, it's on the same network as The Bachelor and True Beauty and pushed to another timeslot) I should be mad at ABC for canceling Pushing Daisies and Eli Stone but I'm too braindead right now to argue. (On a side note, would it not be great for Scrubs to do well on ABC (Tuesdays at 9pm) as a big F YOU to NBC?)

The Bachelor - Jason Mesnick - Ep. 1301 - Season Premiere

Yes, I'm watching for now because I too, like Jason, and the rest of America (and by America I mean the few remaining women, gay men, and their respective boyfriends who were dragged into watching, who were still watching the last in this show's series The Bachelorette) was devastated when DeAnna didn't pick him. Man. that was HARSH. Now I just picture myself in place of all the 25 girls right now standing across from Jason Mesnick as he hands me a rose...

Ahem...

Anyways, sorry but I can't tell any of the 25 ladies apart cause they all look the same to me. Not cause they are all white women. Just cause they are women. Which is why I usually never stick around for The Bachelor. It's not like there are 25 hunky men doing idiotic things to woo a girl? THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT! But I still do like seeing a rejected bachelor get their chance to move on.

Because you KNOW DeAnna made a mistake (how long DID she last with whatshisface?)... and OMG apparently from the preview clips of the season ahead, she WILL return!

Damnit, you know I'll have to watch until she returns. Damn. So much for my new years resolution.


Brothers & Sisters - A Father Dreams - Ep. 311

Kevin is recovering from the surgery that helped out Elizabeth and now Nora and Scotty are fighting over how to take care of him (very cute and funny) and Kevin is having weird dreams like this:

Is this payback for Balthazar Getty sleeping with Sienna Miller, Kevin's Matthew Rhys' ex?

More on Gossip Girl, Desperate Housewives, True Beauty:

Gossip Girl - In the Realm of Basses - Ep. 214

Boy they don't waste anytime with re-correcting mistakes and got rid of Aaron Rose with a whiff of a single line from Serena. Nice! I knew despite the flaws, I loved this show!

In more shocking news, the "kids" are actually seen going to school! Wow. Who knew!? I thought they just all went from night soiree to night soiree drinking the latest martini and fashioning the best fashions the rich can buy (or at least the lead costume designer). Jenny and Eric try to save Nelly (oh look, the Asian is back too! Two notes of actual realism in one episode? It's beginning to be too much to bear!) from the mean girls. Things become truly heated in a fro-yo kinda tart and soury kinda way. Nothing really changes (though too bad because Jenny needs another new look).

Uncle Jack Bass (the so bland that he's hot in that Adam Levine kinda way Desmond Harrington who won points for being on the very funny but barely seen Sons & Daughters) becomes the new parental in Chuck's life as Chuck is brought back to school (wait, Chuck goes to SCHOOL?) and Blair continues trying to save him as Chuck falls deeper into his funk. Meanwhile, Dan is back with Serena, much to Rufus' dismay. Rufus searches for his unknown kid. Dan finds out.

Oh, and Dorota still rocks!


Desperate Housewives - Home is the Place - Ep. 511

For such a gayishly soapy and sarcastic show, it sure took a long time for Desperate Housewives to embrace actual gay storylines. But Susan is finally hanging with the gays! Yay! Susan should always hang with the gays, and then have Eva Longoria's Gaby hang out after to laugh at Susan for possibly sleeping with Lee because Lee loves the stubble. THAT was hilarious! Longoria's laugh alone deserves an Emmy.


True Beauty - Ep. 101 - Series Premiere

I know. I'm such a hypocrite. Whatever dude, I want to watch pretty people AND laugh at them too. What's wrong with that? And if America's Most Smartest Model and Beauty and the Geek be brilliant, why can't True Beauty?

Although they really aren't that pretty actually (Chelsea Bush is particularly heinous) and I was hoping for more models. More models means more selections to look at and more humiliating eliminations. (Then again, that just then prolongs the show).

But oh man, even better than the actual elimination and reveal of the secret twist to the show, is when the cleaners take the portrait of the eliminated contestant into the garbage bin. THAT was hilarious and a nice touch! Bravo Ashton Kutcher.

More After the Jump...

Best of Television 2008

The writer's strike may have screwed up the first half of the year, but there was still a lot of great stuff to watch on TV. Here's my picks for the Best of Television for 2008

(With the ranking from the two previous lists (Best of TV - Fall 2007/ Winter 2008 Season, Best of TV 2007) in parenthesis.)

1. Friday Night Lights - NBC/DirecTV (3, 1)

They may have taken a misstep in Season 2 but the second half (that aired at the beginning of 2008) was great and all I can say about Season 3 (currently only showing on DirecTV), especially for those of you who will finally get to see it on NBC in the new year, is that it is PERFECT. I can't wait for y'all to see it because the show has never been better, never been more emotional, more fascinating, more thrilling and more soulful. The continuing growth of the characters living in small town Dillon, Texas, along with Tami's new career, a new star player and his overbearing father, the goodbyes to Smash and Jason Street (make sure you have hankies in hand to mop up the tears), Tim Riggins new hidden maturity, Tyra's attempts to redirect her life, Landry's new band, Matt Saracen's new homelife, Buddy Garrity's new situation, Lyla's future at stake and much much more, is all just astoundingly astute and amazingly profound. All the intertwining lives and the little details of regular life are what make this show the most affecting show on TV.


2. Lost - ABC (1, 4)

Honestly, at this point, I have NO IDEA what's going on. But boy it sure is a fun and emotional roller coaster ride. What makes this big puzzle mystery work is that at its core, it is still about the lives and humanity of the people trapped in this netherworld.


3. Pushing Daisies - ABC (2, 2)

From the zippy dialogue, the cast that can pull it off with charm to spare, within sets and camerawork that dazzles the eyes, all the senses are working on full drive when you're watching Pushing Daisies that you can almost smell that pie baking in the oven. The mysteries are constantly surprising, the sight gags hilarious, the lines are a hoot and yet it's still romantic to boot.


4. Gavin & Stacey - BBCAmerica (New)

A romantic comedy set in a dryly depressing reality of British life. The sarcasm and the realism balance out the fantasy like romance in a show that shouldn't work but totally does. Much of the credit goes to the charming leads and hilarious sidekicks (who in real life wrote the script) and some crazy (yet strangely realistic) family characters that surround Gavin and Stacey as they make their whirlwind romance move through the paces at lightning speed.


5. 30 Rock - NBC (4, 5)

No amount of crazy can help describe how crazy 30 Rock has become and how funny it all is. The ensemble is fantastic and Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin have become an unlikely great comic duo and all the crazy stunt guest star casting has only helped enhance their rapport.


6. Mad Men - AMC (5, 10)

A deceptively intricate series that slowly reveals the layers beneath all those 1950's styles. While the men may rule the office, the women have become the heart of the show, with Peggy slowly inserting herself into the boys club, Joan (who would be ruling the office if it were present day) trying to keep her dignity and image up, and Betty finding out that the perfect picket-fenced life at home isn't all that perfect, and it all slowly pulls in the shattering effects society has managed to twist their way on everyones lives.


7. Ugly Betty - ABC (9, 3)

Sometimes the story threads meander and get too loose and they seem to throw outrageous ideas out to see what sticks, but when it does, the show sparkles with a vividly colourful energy much to the credit of some zany one-liners and a fab cast that can deliver them with pizzazz (and sometimes with jazz hands).


8. Privileged - The CW (New)

Cute and charming can usually only buy you so much respect but this show manages to outcharm everything else with a darling cast (led by the superadorablycharming JoAnna Garcia) that mixes frothy soapy stories with moral lessons that avoids condescension and banality. It may look silly and vapid on the outside, but it's deceptively clever and witty and even with all the hot cast members around, strangely wholesome in a heartwarming way.


9. So You Think You Can Dance/So You Think You Can Dance Canada - FOX/CTV (8, 11/New)

New choreographers on the American version (especially Napoleon and Tabitha) and some great guest judges/choreographers (Adam Shaknman, Andy Blankenbuehler) managed to keep things interesting as the level of dancing reached a plateau that it became hard to pick a favorite from the talented bunch. The Canadian edition surprised as well with an amazing array of dancers that were so strong that every cut was painful.


10. Chuck - NBC (12, 9)

A smart alec take on the spy show that feels fresh and fun. The spy games always have neat twists and turns, the jokes are spot on (including some great visuals including my favorite of the year: the new fro-yo store "Orange Orange") but they keep the emotions somewhere within it all so that we actually care about the characters and care about each missions outcome.


11. Gossip Girl - The CW (17, 18)

Never has watching pretty people doing very bad things felt oh so good. And in fancy smashing outfits no less!


12. Aliens in America - The CW (11, 9)

Sadly no one really bit into this biting satire of both American politics and American society and the truly underrated cast seriously milked the comedic gold from its witty and intelligent scripts. Here's hoping the show finds itself a new life on DVD and people get to discover this gem that only lasted one hilarious season.


13. Desperate Housewives - ABC (18, 20)

Even before jumping ahead 5 years, the show was getting back on track with the balance between suburban satire, black comedy and soap opera antics but the leap ahead gave the show a clean slate to play with the desperate women of Wisteria Lane and gave us a fresh new look on a show that once seemed destined for the dustbin. Maybe a little housecleaning IS all that is needed and this show proved it can be done!


14. Top Chef/Project Runway - Bravo (Not ranked/13, 14)

The drama never ends when creative types compete to be the "best" in a qualitative field. While the end of the "Christian" season might have been the end of Project Runway's high, Kenley-withstanding, I liked the recent season that may have had less "characters" but still offered up actual practical creative people to root for (go Leanne!). Meanwhile, I finally fell in love with Top Chef.


15. Bones - FOX (15, 15)

The Gorgamon twist that was rushed through because of the shortened writers-strike-affected season didn't totally gel but it didn't matter because despite the over-arching mystery that fell apart and the individual mysterious in the procedural series, the ongoing moments with the cast of characters we've grown to love on the show is what keeps this show humorous and humane.


16. The Office - NBC (14, 10)

Inconsistent at times, but when it started to come back together at the end of last season and the addition of guest Amy Ryan this season, the series was on a high again. They need to be careful with some of the crazier more unbelievable antics and remind us again that this is just a typical office in middle America so that we can relate again to our favorite office folks but at its core, they've built up enough of a base for us to love that even when the show goes off kilter, it still can be pretty funny.

17. Burn Notice - USA (7, New)

While season 2 didn't seem to have the cohesion the first season did, as Michael looked further into his own burn notice, the general light vacationy feel and sarcastic overtones makes this the sunnier male version of Veronica Mars.


18. The New Adventures of Old Christine - CBS (Not ranked, 17)

And they said the four-camera sitcom was dead. Not when they cast like this show! And not when they write funny scripts like this show!


19. Weeds - Showtime (6, 6)

The Botwins moved to the beach and got in some even bigger trouble. While the series felt a little dry at first (with no help from guest Albert Brooks who bogged down the light yet edgy feel to the show), they recovered with some help from a Mexican kingpin and his really long tunnel (what did you think I was going to say?).


20. The Big Bang Theory - CBS (Not ranked)

It may be the Sheldon show but at some point, his rapport with Penny gave the show its biggest boost in coalescing into an actual worthy comedy series. The fact that Howard and Rajesh seemed to become sidekicks of their own, and that Sheldon and Penny seemed to move onto greener pastures as friends are all bonuses.

Almost on the list (in no particular order): How I Met Your Mother, Greek, My Boys, Entourage, The Amazing Race, Everybody Hates Chris, Worst Week, The Mentalist, Eli Stone, Survivor, Men In Trees, Supernatural, Brothers & Sisters, Corner Gas

Best Mini-Series or Made for TV Movie: Britz

Best TV Mini-Series or Made for TV Movie That Wasn't Actually On TV: Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

I Know I Should Have Be Watching (My bad): Battlestar Galactica, Dexter, Skins, Breaking Bad, The Wire, The Tudors, Big Love, Leverage, True Blood, The Paper, Architecture School

New Shows That Didn't Quite Hit My High Expectations At First But Was Slowly Building Its Way There:
Eli Stone
Fringe

New Shows That Turned Out Better Than Expected:
Privileged
The Mentalist
Worst Week
The Secret Life of An American Teenager
The Secret Diary of a Call Girl
Raising the Bar
Miss/Guided

New Shows That Turned Out Worse Than Expected:
My Own Worst Enemy
90210
Lipstick Jungle
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
The Ex-List
Welcome to the Captain
Swingtown

New Shows That Land Right In The Middle (Shows I like but sometimes I don't know why):
The Starter Wife
Kath & Kim
Gary: Unmarried
Rita Rocks
Cashmere Mafia
Life on Mars
Britannia High
Valentine
East Money
Carpoolers
High School Musical: Get In The Picture
Flashpoint
Do Not Disturb

New Shows I Didn't Even Bother Giving A Chance:
Knight Rider
Stylista
Crusoe
quarterlife

Shows That Deserved Better Deaths:
Men In Trees
Aliens In America
Miss/Guided
Back To You
Notes From The Underbelly

Shows That Might Deserve Death:
Heroes
Dancing with the Stars
Private Practice
America's Next Top Model
Prison Break

Shows That Don't Deserve Death But Have Seen Better Days:
ER
House
Grey's Anatomy
Samantha Who?
Scrubs
My Name Is Earl


Best of 2008 Lists:
Best of Music 2008
Best of Television 2008
Best of Stage 2008
Best of Movies 2008
Best of 2008 (The Final Wrap Up)
Best of Television Fall '07 - Winter '08 List

Previous Best-of Lists:
Best of 2007 Lists:
Best of Music 2007
Best of Television 2007
Best of Movies 2007
Best of Stage 2007
Best of 2007 (The Final Wrap Up)
Best of Television Fall '06 - Winter '07 List

Best of 2006 Lists:
Best of Music 2006
Best of Television 2006
Best of Movies 2006
Best of 2006
Best of Television Fall '05 - Winter '06 List

Best of 2005 Lists:
Best of Television 2005
Best of Movies 2005

More After the Jump...