Well I'm Watching - Kings, Better Off Ted, Lost, and More

Apparently I'm on a different wavelength than the rest of America, because I'm still loving Lost and Ugly Betty yet the numbers keep dropping. Meanwhile, I REALLY enjoyed new shows Kings and Better Off Ted yet they basically tanked in the ratings on their first outing. Seriously, where did everybody go?

Better Off Ted - Pilot - Ep. 101 - Series Premiere

In case you didn't watch, and according to the overnight ratings, no one really did, the show is like another unwatched show Andy Richter Controls the Universe without Andy Richter. Which means nothing to most of you but it should. It means it's a fast paced zippy absurd and outlandish workplace comedy that skewers corporate America. And now couldn't be a better time to make fun of the inanities of evil immoral corporations.

Luckily we have the lovable and moral Ted (Jay Harrington (Desperate Housewives, Couling US) guiding us through the offices and labs of Veridian Dynamics as the head of Research and Development. His boss is the humourless Veronica (Portia de Rossi, Arrested Development, Mrs. Ellen deGeneres), his loyal underlings in the lab are Lem (Malcolm Barrett) and Phil (Jonathan Slavin, Andy Richter Controls the Universe). Meanwhile, Linda (Andrea Anders (Joey) is in charge of testing the crazy products Veridian, via Veronica via Ted, comes up with, as it hints as a possible romantic interest. It's cute but the show is so fast that it doesn't let it become cloying.

Seriously, loved the show which like Portia's previous show Arrested Development, has the same absurdities that make it so funny and fresh, but this one, despite the crazy inventions and ideas thrown around Veridian, seems a bit more grounded and plausible. At this point, the pilot was so good that I'm giving it ****1/2 stars out of 5 already.

(More cast photos here)


Kings - Goliath - Ep. 101 - Series Premiere

Kings is a big and ambitious drama in a modernized version of David vs. Goliath with a New York City currently being controlled by King Silas Benjamin (Ian McShane, Deadwood). The vision and scope of the show seems more cable fare (one would have expected this on HBO or AMC, not NBC) since it tries for lots of allegory and intelligent plotting, but at its heart, it's still one big ole melodrama. The show probably isn't as smart as it thinks it is but it still works and was far more entertaining than it originally looked. Plus, you know, the David they have to fight the powers that be is a cutie (Christopher Egan, Eragon).

Of course, it helps that Ian McShane plays the King. The KING! And Susanna Thompson (oh how I missed you!, from Once add Again) plays wife Rose Benjamin. They have two kids, Michelle (Allison Miller) and Jack (Sebastian Stan, above with Thompson). And then there's Dylan Baker (below with Thompson) as Benjamin Cross, one of the kings' men.

I'm loving the intrigue and all the different sides. At this point I'm giving the show ***1/2 out of 5 but it could easily lean towards a 4/5 but I'll where they take this show (if it lasts).

More on Ugly Betty, Lost, 30 Rock, The Office, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Gary Unmarried, The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, Bones, Castle, ER, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice:

Ugly Betty - The Sex Issue - Ep. 319

"What Is it with white people and Taye Diggs?" - Wilhelmina to Marc

So true. So true.

Sex is the issue (on the cover of Mode) and sex is the issue with everyone AT Mode. Betty wants it from Matt but Matt won't give it. Wilhelmina wants it from her hot new manny but he won't give it. And Hilda doesn't want it from Archie (Ralph Macchio looking better than ever these days) and, well, then his ex shows up and she does.

So many laugh out loud moments, though I think my favorite might have been the quickest throwaway one when Marc and Amanda walked by Betty in the background leaving her in the dust after she gets caught by Matt for following him!

So apparently Matt was a slut (um, I think I love him even MORE) which is why he pulls away from Betty (in a matter of speaking).


Lost - Namaste - Ep. 509

The time traveling is on pause and the Dharma LaFleur/Sawyer and Juliet and Milo reunite with new "recruits" Jack, Kate and Hurley. Loved the episode that amped up the explanations and returned back to the characters. It helped that my brain didn't hurt as much from all the time travel spinning anymore and we got to finally fill in some of the blanks.

Even better? Sawyer/LaFleur is now the thinker. WHA!? And poor Sayid! I wonder if Sawyer is still angry at Sayid for torturing him for the pills way back when they first crashed on the island (the 1st time).

Oh, and what's the deal with Sun and Frank seeing Jack's father at the Dharma camp?
Okay, it still hurts my brain but in a good way.


30 Rock - The Bubble - Ep. 315
The Office - New Boss - Ep. 518
The New Adventures of Old Christine - A Change of Heart/Pants - Ep. 418
Gary Unmarried - Gary Uses His Veto - Ep. 116
The Big Bang Theory - The Work Song Nanocluster - Ep. 218
How I Met Your Mother - The Front Porch - Ep. 417

Jon Hamm returned as perfect Drew on 30 Rock and it was Liz's job to break his beautiful bubble! And it was Kenneth's job to lure Tracy back to show after he quits (from Jack's horrible negotiating skills). Oh, and Jenna was getting her hair cut. Maybe because I was lured in by Hamm's beauty as well, but the guy needs to do comedy more. His blankness is the perfect foil to all of Liz's neuroses and watching Jon Hamm play bad tennis might have been trumped all the twists on Mad Men (and I loved that show).

Charles Minor (The Wire's Idris Elba) is the new boss at The Office. One that Michael can no longer sleep with (like Jan) or avoid (like Ryan). At least this time, when Michael becomes childishly embarrassing, the entire office looks on in horror. And considering all the baffoonery, one wonders how Michael has managed to stay on for 15 years at the job. Still, it was probably a bigger shock that he quit and wasn't fired. Loved the new twist.

Loved Jim's James Bond look. And that he was supremely embarrassed by his monkey suit on the first day with the new boss.

Old Christine is suckered into helping Marly and Lindsay as they're having their babies, which of course means she ropes in Richard and Matthew. Gary tries to find Allison a new boyfriend. You know? Neither are exactly the most sophisticated comedies (then again, neither is 30 Rock or The Office if you really think about it) but I'm still enjoying them. Richard and Matthew are ALWAYS funny and the snarky Marly and Lindsay are perfect in small doses. Meanwhile, the two kids (and the funniest part of Gary) weren't really on this week but nonetheless, I still laughed at Gary and Allison's antics.

Now is it me or has The Big Bang Theory become way more clever than we ever would have imagined? They are on a roll this season and I can't stop laughing. I was surprised at how far they took Penny's little flower cluster clips project. The plot seemed simple enough, and just putting Sheldon with Penny to help with her was enough, but to add Raj, Howard and Leonard, a website, an order from a gay group, and Sheldon on coffee? Hysterical!

I kept having to rewind How I Met Your Mother not because I wanted to catch the little details on the background, but because I was CONCENTRATING on the TV in the background where Robin was saving lives, delivering babies and putting out fires on her morning show. So I missed the huge fight between Ted and Lily when he found out Lily had sabotaged all his relationships (which is pretty funny in the first place). At least Prepon is gone.


Bones - The Salt in the Wounds - Ep. 417
Castle - Nanny McDead - Ep. 102

Spencer Breslin (now grown up as a teenager and looking a bit like Michael Cera), Monique Coleman (High School Musical) and Amy Pietz (who should have WON an Emmy for Aliens in America) all guest this week! Kudos to the casting agent!

This week, the new "Zack" is Arastoo Vaziri (Pej Vahdat) who is Muslim and takes 5 prayer breaks, much to Bones' annoyance. Angela breaks up with Roxy, and sleeps with Hodgins. Sweets tells Angela she must stop the sex for 6 months. She and Matt should really get together.

Love the characters. So cute. Especially when Sweets and Angela had to pretend to be married as they investigate a chiropractor.

Sadly, the second episode of Castle only proved further that the best part of the show is simply Nathan Fillion and the rest of it around him is filler. I had far less fun this second go around and found myself zoning out anytime Fillion wasn't on screen. And of course, THIS new show is getting pretty darned good ratings, thanks to its lead in DWTS.


ER - Shifting Equilibrium - Ep. 1520
Grey's Anatomy - Stand By Me - Ep. 517
Private Practice - What Women Want - Ep. 218

In the 3rd last ER, it's time to send off Neela, who I thought was the new heart and soul of the show and sort of a new Carter for the second half of the series. Love Parminder Nagra. And Abby makes a cameo and after a long goodbye, Neela returns to Ray. RAY! (Shane West, another alum from Once and Again). I haven't been really following the show lately and don't even know why Ray left (I actually thought he died), but I still loved it. And I also loved the new batch like Andrew (Julian Morris) who would have been great for the next batch if the show were to have continued.

Grey's Anatomy isn't spectacular anymore but at least it's back on track and mildly entertaining again. Plus Emily Kuroda!!! Mrs. Kim!!! (Gilmore Girls) and Larry Sullivan (Leon on The Secret Life of The American Teenager, CSI, The Trip) as patients! Despite the fact that Larry is a total hottie, he played Dave, a disfigured man waiting for a face transplant, yet I love that his voice is so spirited that he definitely emanates a good man.

I was really taken with Dave's story and the parallels with Izzie and her cancer, with Christina fighting vehemontly for her sake. I even was quit taken with Derek's showdown with Richard (and the "captured" Owen and Callie who end up drinking along with the depressed Derek.

Apparently I watched Private Practice but I think I tuned out half of it. Except when Amanda Foreman showed up as a patient, and when Dell's baby mommy disappeared. Oh, and Josh Hopkins. That's probably when I started my daze and went off in my own fantasy world...

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

Full Circle - ER, Ugly Betty, 30 Rock and More

ER - In Times of Old - Ep. 1519

It's the countdown to the series finale and I'm totally suckered back into watching (and have been since Noah Wylie came back). I mean, it started when I was in HIGH SCHOOL. Like before university. Before all my jobs. And that was a LONG TIME AGO. (Sadly, I had pimples then, and I still have pimples now. WTF?) So I think everyone had a mid 90's flashback when Carol and Doug, Benton and Carter are mixing it up with Neela and Morris. Plus was anyone thrown off for a second when you realized John Stamos is technically the replacement to George Clooney? I mean, love Stamos but really? Then again, Clooney wasn't Clooney until this show. Before that, he was just that dude with the big chin and big hair from The Facts of Life. Hmm.. maybe the similarities aren't so different after all. The Facts of Life = Full House.

Anyways, George Clooney, Noah Wylie, Julianna Margulies and Eriq La Salle's returns were nicely done, without any huge RETURN blinking over their heads. Even Susan Sarandon's guest spot seemed subdued. It was all very smoothly integrated into the current show. Though I'm sure we were all waiting for Doug and Carol to figure out that the organs were being donated to Carter but it never happened which was a nice touch for quality but not for wish fulfillment.

And while I stopped watching regularly and I know people say its not the same, I still like the current cast.

But man, just thinking back, a LOT of people have passed through the halls of County.


More on Ugly Betty, 30 Rock, The Office, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Gary Unmarried, Survivor: Tocantins, The Amazing Race, Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Brothers & Sisters, The Mentalist, Lie To Me, Bones, Castle, America's Best Dance Crew, The Secret Life of The American Teenager:

Ugly Betty - A Mother Of A Problem - Ep. 318
30 Rock - The Funcooker - Ep. 314

Is it me or does Ugly Betty and 30 Rock seem more compatible than what their respective networks have given them? Between the real New York City setting, the zaniness of it all, and sharing Broadway guest stars (with Patti LuPone as both Frank's mom and Marc's mom), these shows really should be on the same network.

This week Christine Byranski is Matt's mom (when she isn't Leonard's mom and singing with Sheldon) and gives an even BETTER case for Matt to stick around. Because is beady-eyed cutie Matt is still around in Betty's life, so will Byranski's rich bitch mom to be a thorn in Betty's back.

Liz has to get out of jury duty but her crazy tricks (getting all Star Wars freakish) don't work in New York. Jenna goes crazy. Tracy goes crazy. Business as usual!


The Office - Golden Ticket - Ep. 517
The New Adventures of Old Christine - Too Close For Christine - Eps. 417
Gary Unmarried - Gary Uses His Veto - Eps. 116

Top respected comedies The Office and The New Adventures of Old Christine were good but... um... I think I laughed the loudest at Gary Unmarried this week. What's happening to me?

I mean, I still don't get the opener and closer at Dundler Mifflin (with the Knock Knock jokes and all) but the Golden Ticket was amusing with a great outcome. And Kristen Johnston guesting as a fellow parent of Richie's new friend (so awkwardly nerdy it's like they were being groomed to be future Dwight's) and who is simply as crazy as Christine.

But when Gary uses his veto power to stop his daughter Louise from taking chinese lessons, and then tries to sneak her to golf lessons, I couldn't stop laughing. Granted, as I keep saying, the two kids (Ryan Malgarini and Kathryn Newton) have amazing comedic timing and very showy but yet doesn't have that creepy kid-actors vibe.


The Amazing Race - She's a Little Scared of Stick, But I Think She'll Be OK - Ep. 1405
Survivor: Tocantins - You're Going to Want that Tooth - Eps. 1805

That snow machine in Siberia looks far more complicated than it has to be. But it kinda looks cool. And scary. I'm not sure what the last challenge's point was, other than to show gratuitous skin despite the cold weather.

Meanwhile, lots of gratuitous skin shots on Survivor. Duh, the main reason I still watch this show! Well, that and the blindsides. Anyways, while team hidden rainbow is leading the pack on The Amazing Race, with Luke (who isn't actually out on the show from what we know) lands in first place with his mom again, in-the-closet-on-the-island Spencer is out. Of the island that is. So much for that. Oh well, I like Brendan and Stephen and even farmboy JT more anyways.

I gotta say though, I still don't know which team to root for cause I kinda like most people on both teams. Well, except Coach. But who doesn't.


Desperate Housewives - The Story of Lucy and Jessie - Ep. 517

And again, Gabi is making me laugh. A lot. From her infinite smile at the funeral where Carlos finds out he's getting his dead boss' position. To telling Lynette that she's flattered but not interested after already having kissed Susan to prove her lesbian point? Hilarious! Then she's okay with Carlos' VP and ex-girlfriend? And she's Lesley Boone from Ed!?!? Awesome!

And then Swoosie Kurtz (from the sadly departed Pushing Daisies) is the lesbian after Susan's heart? Doubly awesome!


The Mentalist - Crimson Casanova, Scarlett Fever, Bloodshot - Eps. 114-116
Bones - The Bones That Foam - Ep. 415
Lie To Me - Love Always - Ep. 105
Castle - Pilot - Ep. 101 - Series Premiere

This week, The Mentalist Patrick Jane goes blind after someone sets off a bomb in the parking lot but he's still seems to see things better than everyone else does. Yet again, there's an easy red herring and the whole episode slyly leads us through the mystery, subconsciously guiding us along to think we're two steps ahead, and yet it's still really fun to watch. It helps that they are slowly fleshing out the gang now so that they can actually use Owain Yeoman, Amanda Righetti, and Tim Kang's acting abilities. Still, this is Simon Baker's show and he's having a ball and it's a lot of fun to watch him bounce off of Robin Tunney's Lisbon.

Lie To Me is Tim Roth's show though I do like his little lie-detector entourage and the little facts about lying and facial ticks are fun, I find myself half tuning out now.
Fellow FOX show Bones is still the gold standard of procedurals that goes beyond procedurals and adds heart, warmth, romance and humour to the genre. Plus I'm still enjoying the rotating replacements for Zack. (It was Brit Mr. Nigel-Murray, the one who spews facts and sounds arrogant but is actually just a ball of nerves). No procedural manages to balance all the elements well enough together like Bones (and this week directed by David Boreanaz himself!)

Meanwhile, ABC seems to recognize this and is trying their hand at it with Castle and it's all forced and jumbled but yet I found myself highly entertained because their lead, Richard Castle, is played by Nathan Fillion (Desperate Housewives, Firefly, Dr. Horrible). His charm is enough to fill a show full of stereotypes and cliches and make up for the lack of chemistry with his "partner". Bones and Booth they ain't.


Grey's Anatomy - I Will Follow You Into the Dark - Ep. 516
Private Practice - Finishing - Ep. 217
Brothers & Sisters - Spring Broken - Eps. 319

Amber Benson!?!? On Private Practice? You gotta admit that while the show has been nowhere near as good as we hoped, they were do cast well. First Emma Caulfield, now Amber Benson!!! Where's Xander?

Actually, both Grey's and Private seemed better this week. I was actually enthralled and entertained. Except for that whole Derek is down bit. It's a downer and Mer and Der have teetered on intolerability lately and this doesn't help, even if Derek batting away the wedding ring in front of Mer was a nice dramatic moment. I'm not sure it was worth it all just for that scene.

And while overwhelmed new mother Kitty and sick Robert are downers on Brothers & Sisters, at least they're smart enough to get Kitty to drive all the way back from Santa Barbara to escape and of course, land at Nora's door. And to meet Ryan for the first time!

While the brothers Kevin, Justin and Tommy go on a trip to Baja (because that's the first thing you do when you're about to go to jail) where it's Spring Break Bitches!

And as much as I don't want to, I'm loving Ryan (Luke Grimes).


The Secret Life of The American Teenager - Whoomp! (There It Is) - Eps. 121

The baby is coming the baby is coming!!! Just in time for Amy to miss the incredibly painful baby shower Adrian (yes, Adrian) and Grace (by default) was throwing for her. With guests like Mr. Molina's pregnant wife (is that Constance Marie? Who deserves better especially after The George Lopez Show).

And Jack kisses Grace? Ashley will move out with George? Adrian gets caught having sex with her step-brother by her FATHER? OMG. LOVE THIS SHOW!


America's Best Dance Crew - Season 3 Finale

I forgot to comment on this last week because I meant to put it in my "Battle of the Sexes" post. But by the end of the season, I kinda wanted the all-girls group Beat Freaks to beat the all-boys group Quest Crew. I mean, I LOVE Quest Crew but they've kinda been the front runner all season long, plus they had the advantage of a built in fanbase from So You Think You Can Dance thanks to DTrix, Hok and Ryan. But the girls in Beat Freaks were pretty awesome themselves and I thought they had a better final performance on top of all that.

But the two final teams were definitely the two best. Though while I liked Fly Khicks, I thought they kicked off Dynamic Edition too early just to get a semi finals with boys vs. girls. It seemed a bit too convenient.

Vance at http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com

More After the Jump...

No One Knows Anything About Anything - American Idol, Lost and More

Lot's to catch-up on, boy a week sure goes by fast. (Thank goodness a lot of shows were repeats this week, though isn't this Feb. sweeps? What happened to that? Does that even exist anymore?)

American Idol - Top 36 Group 1 Results

Other than freaking out and thinking people might actually vote for Tatiana and VFTW might win the day AGAIN, I can't believe I was actually correct with my predictions!!! (Pat on shoulder! I know, it's a proud moment. Look, there's not much else in my life right now okay?) Now what happens with Anoop and Ricky? Will they get Wild Carded? And if so, what happens in Wild Card week again? Do people get to vote? I forgot how it works now. (Like is there 12 Wild Cards that the judges pick and another 3 get voted through by the public or is it all the judges choice?).

Because pretty much everyone else left that I like all seem to be in Group 2 (including Mishovonna, Matt Girard, Allison Iraheta, Kris Allen, Jasmine Murray and Adam Lambert). Who does that leave for Group 3? Basically Lil Rounds and Arianna Asfar. Then again, after seeing Group 1, don't count your chickens just yet...

The good news is, my pool pick Danny Gokey made it to the Top 12 (and he was the last to sing, which I think get's me a few more points!). The bad news is, Danny Gokey made it to the Top 12 and will undoubtably milk his wife's death for many more weeks to come. Yet from the web and talking to friends, seems like a LOT of people are falling for it all. Ugh.


More on Lost, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Lie To Me, Worst Week, Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, The Bachelor, True Beauty, The Amazing Race, Project Runway Canada, 30 Rock, Ugly Betty, The Office, Private Practice, Desperate Housewives, Gary Unmarried:

Lost - This Place Is Death, 316 - Eps. 505, 506

Jin's alive, most of the Frenchies that found him are now dead by their own young Danielle Rousseau, Charlotte and co. are dying from the spinny time-travelling, Daniel Faraday seems to be everywhere (and by everywhere I mean that timewise and not location wise and I love that I actually have to point this out when it comes to this show), Jack is going to go back to the island after some persuasion from Mrs. Hawking and a dead (from suicide?) Locke, more kissy kissy with Jack and Kate. Hurley, Sayid, Sun, Jack and Kate (and a dead Locke) are on the way back to the island... and more and more...(with Ben in tow and Frank at the helm of the plane? Another crash? What a way to start the episode like the pilot again though!) Seriously, we're already on episode 6 now? Seriously, we're only on episode 6 now?

I'm loving this undecipherable season! Jin's working for Dharma now? WTF? LOVE IT!


The New Adventures of Old Christine - Reckless Abandonment, Honey, I Ran Over the Kid - Eps. 415, 416

Old Christine is really just a slightly more pleasant Elaine and who has a nicer family isn't she? In fact, that flashback looked SOOOOO Seinfeld in last week's episode that I wasn't even surprised when she ran over Richie in this week's episode. And still she's trying to "win" against Richard as the best parent. See, it's Elaine with a better wardrobe and hairstyle.


Lie To Me - Love Always - Ep. 104

Still enjoy the show as something in the background but it's going to really have to start adding more to keep me tuned in. The slow looks into their private lives is helping. Cause sooner or later, those video shots of them pointing out famous people lying is going to get tired.


Worst Week - The Epidural - Ep. 115 - Season Finale

Well, it's been one season and they've planned the wedding, had the wedding, survived the pregnancy and now finally had the baby! They actually had the baby! But not before SAM (and not Melanie) got an epidural.

Again, it was totally ridiculous and again, it was totally hilarious. Kudos to the writers for continuously coming up with more things to get Sam in trouble (and for twisting it a bit sometimes and having the parents Angela and Dick (the always terrific Nancy Lenehan and Kurtwood Smith) involved/in trouble) but I don't think anything could have worked without this awesome cast led by Kyle Bornheimer as Sam who seriously retains his cute charms even while he makes the dumbest moves around. And Erinn Hayes' Melanie could have been annoying but she's so loving and understanding without being condescending that it's really a joy to watch.


Desperate Housewives - In a World Where the Kings Are Employers - Ep. 515

I'm loving all the kids right now.

Love that Andrew makes more than Orson but I wish we saw more of Andrew and his former-porn-star-hubby. Love the kid who plays MJ. Too cute and too hilarious. And the Scavo son who isn't the twin, the one with the cartoonish big nose is simply adorable with his red hair and all.


Brothers & Sisters - Lost and Found - Ep. 315

I know Twilight is huge and all but did they have to go and cast Robert Pattison as Ryan technically-a-Walker? Okay, it's actually newcomer Luke Grimes but the similarities down to the greasy hair is uncanny.

Meanwhile, is it me or are Rebecca's parents simply the worst people on the planet?


The Bachelor - Jason Mesnick - Ep. 1307
True Beauty - Ep. 107

I knew Jason wouldn't pick Gillian but I thought THIS was the episode DeAnna was coming back. Boy, I feel more duped than Gillian. But boy, they've strung along this whole season with her return, and I can't WAIT! Plus a bonus After-The-Rose episode... dun dun dun!!!

And sadly, I sort of can't wait to see the three remaining "beauties" find out the twist on True Beauty, even as non-event as it will probably actually be. I did like how the judges actually seemed clenched and furious debating between Laura and Joel. It was kinda hilarious how into it they got and how serious they debated about who was less "beautiful".


Project Runway Canada - Re-Fashioning the Houses - Eps. 204

Don't forget, you can apparently watch it on youtube and catch up with us in Canada!

(SPOILER ALERT IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED)

Though at this point, does it even matter? Sunny won AGAIN. Genevieve (I think it was her, I get confused between her and Kim, maybe it was Kim since Gen was on Sunny's team), Kim points out that Sunny's outfit is the same bustier with different layers overtop but who cares when it looks THAT good.

Though generally, I thought most of the outfits looked good this week but I guess the YSL team didn't follow the instructions and did Rive Gauche Ready to Wear and not Haute Couture. I don't know YSL well enough (I'm gay but I'm not THAT gay) so I couldn't really tell but I guess Brandon was stupid enough to admit the same fact. Seriously, you should be smart enough to know that Iman will pounce on you for that. Rowr (And I don't mean that in the cougar way, I mean that in the fashion is vicious way).


The Amazing Race - Don't Let a Cheese Hit Me - Ep. 1401 - Season Premiere

That cheese thing was the funniest/most horrifying thing in a long time.

And Luke is CUTE!!! And apparently gay (which I kind of figured just moments into the episode). So that makes 3 gay guys. Though I wonder about Victor too.

So far, so good with the race, as teams I like are leading the race so far! Which means nothing of course.

And new graphics! I'm not sure I love them but I do like the time stamps and editing so we get a better sense of the actual race in a real time format. It's about time!


30 Rock - St. Valentine's Day - Ep. 311

Once again, Jessica Westfeldt is on Grey's Anatomy and her real boyfriend Jon Hamm is on timeslot competitor 30 Rock. Which one did they watch? I wonder.

Loved Liz's Valentine's Day date with Mr. Hot Hamm and his ungelled hair, while Elisa takes Jack to church. Oh god. Another hilarious episode!


Ugly Betty - The Courtship of Betty's Father - Ep. 314

Oh god, Ignacio is having an affair with his nurse. Another okay episode. But the zing is gone and there's not enough Mode and not enough Marc and Amanda and definitely not enough Betty at Mode. (Though this week's episode sounds like it's a return to that FINALLY).


The Office - Lecture Circuit: Part 2 - Ep. 514

Doh, Michael goes to see Holly and Holly isn't there. Damnit, I thought this was the episode Amy Ryan was returning. Duped again, but entertainingly duped nonetheless. Though the point where Michael cut off a section of Holly's yellow sweater might have gone a bit too far in believability. I did enjoy Pam taking over Michael's presentation.

And Angela's cat. The hairball thing might have gone too far but I still laughed. Just like I laughed at Kelly's birthday party and gift.


Grey's Anatomy - Before and After - Ep. 514
Private Practice - Ex-Life - Ep. 216

Finally, the crossover happens and finally the episodes on both shows are actually quite decent, but harsh reminders of the great casts they have assembled and what a waste they've become in the trite writing. I mean, no wonder Heigl and Knight are rumoured to be out, I barely remember they are on the show anymore. In fact, I'm not even sure what's going on during Grey's since I feel like Callie, Christina, Bailey and Alex barely have storylines anymore (on top of disappearing George), and even I forget where Mer and Der are in their relationship. Who HAVE they been concentrating on?

Still, seeing Audra, Taye, Eric Dane, McDreamy altogether was kinda cool. It may have bought themselves a bit more time with the shows but I still think I'm dropping PP and I'm not sure how much more patience I have for Grey's.


Gary Unmarried - Gary and Dennis' Sister, Gary's Ex-Brother-In-Law - Eps. 114, 115

A few months ago I asked what happened to Matthew Lillard. Apparently he's now guest starring on bad sitcoms that I still secretly love to watch. Lillard shows up at Gary's ex-brother-in-law (hence the title of the episode, can you guess what happens in the previous episode? See above pic if you can't figure it out. This show ain't that complicated) who is back to help with Gary's tax audit. And Lillard... is still exactly like Lillard we remember from Scream days. Though I still won't forgive him for the 2 hours I'm never getting back for Scooby-Do, though that was really my own stupidity for renting it free from the library. Stupid me and that I'll watch anything that's free... which might be the reason I still keep watching this show.

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

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...

And The Season Premieres Keep Coming - The Office, Survivor: Gabon, Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, New/Old Christine

The Office - Weight Loss - Ep. 501 - Season Premiere
Survivor: Gabon - Want To See The Elephant Dung? - Ep 1701 - Season Premiere
Ugly Betty - The Manhattan Project - Ep. 301 - Season Premiere
Grey's Anatomy - Dream A Little Dream Of Me - Ep. 501 - Season Premiere
The New Adventures of Old Christine - A Decent Proposal - Ep. 401 - Season Premiere

The folks at The Office are trying to shed some weight, and I think the show shed whatever it was that was bogging it down for most of the 4th season because the premiere was as good as the amazing finale (that rebounded the show to its full potential). Even with the hour long format (which is what partly bogged it down last year).

Love the way they are dealing with Pam being gone to Pratt (the laptop interview was a hoot), love that Ryan is back, loved Kelly's weightloss regime, loved that Stanley was actually losing weight, and loved that Phyllis was blackmailing Angela who sleeps well at night with pillows and other things!

Plus, The Office addition of Holly is totally working so far which makes them two for two in having plainish looking movie stars (who will or were nominated for Oscars) and making them blend seamlessly into the mix. First Amy Adams and now Amy Ryan (or do they have to be named Amy too?), who as Jim points out, is a perfect foil for Michael because she's a dork too!


Survivor: Gabon. Wow, even after the initial picks for the teams, it was so obvious there was going to be a smart team (who happen to be super hot too) and a stupid team. Poor Michelle got the bums rap.

Seriously, in theory I should hate how hot team Kota is but at this point, I'm just going to root for them until they annihilate the other team. Then it'll get good when the pretty people will have to turn on one another.

The bromance/unrequited gay/straight crush between Charlie (cute and gay) and Marcus (hot and straight) is almost cringeworthy. Not because it's not sweet. Just that it feels a bit deja vu in my own life.

Dan on the other team is pretty too (if Marcus is the hot blonde, Dan would be the hot brunette) but he's kinda dumb isn't he? (Unless it's just a game face?). Isn't he a lawyer? Or as my sister noted, does that REALLY mean anything? (ha!)

And I sure was wrong about a lot of others. Based on the premiere, I was kind of right about Ace, wrong about Bob Nye the Science Guy, wrong about "lovable" Gillian, wrong about strong Crystal (who I still think MUST be playing it "slow" right?), wrong about Ken (cough, loser), right about Jacquie, right about Sugar, wrong about Michelle, right about Paloma, right about Marcus, wrong about Corine. Oh well, anyways, my way-too-early-to-predict-prediction is for Jacquie to win. Uh, or Paloma, or Marcus.


Ugly Betty is back. But not fully. I was being positive and looking at the show through hot pink coloured glasses in the second half of last season when creator Marco Pennette was unceremoniously dumped, but I will admit that it's lost a bit of its flair since. The first half of the second season was fantastic, and then it seemed like Ugly Betty got a big confused and lost.

What worked so far?: Any family dinner table scenes. Whether it be the Suarez (and make sure Hilda and Justin get to talk) or with the Meades (where Daniel acting all strict and fatherly was a bit of a turn on). Or at Mode with Wily, Marc and Amanda being freezing cold hard bitches. Lindsay Lohan's guest appearance. It didn't scream of star power, reminded us that Lindsay can actually be good on screen, and was actually pretty funny and fit well into the Ugly Betty family of overdramatics and divadom.

What's not working?: They still don't really know what to do with Christina. The Player magazine and setting is one lame joke stretched way too long. The whole excising of Gio and Henry. Yes, I know. People were tired of the triangle but I hate when things are just cut super quickly. On the other hand, quickly bringing in Val Emmich (30 Rock's gay-for-Jamie) as Betty's new neighbour/future romantic entanglement Jesse might make it all worth it. Speaking of new neighbour, the whole crap New York apartment switcheroo was cliched. True, but still cliche.


Grey's Anatomy: Christina ROCKS. Thank heavens she let it RIP into Meredith about Mer constantly blabbering about Derek. When they're together, when they're broken apart. Yap Yap Yap. Christina (and us) finally put a muffle onto the Mer Der back and forth whining.

And then the heavens did THAT to her? Oh Cold SNAP. An icicle stabbing from the sky. Ew.

As oh-god as the flashforward dream of old Mer and Christina was, it was actually pretty funny and I could TOTALLY picture them like that. Especially Christina.

Loving Kevin McKidd as Dr. Owen Hunt. What a GREAT addition! And he even already comes McPrenamed!

I didn't realize he was starting on the show right away but I knew he was coming as a new McHottie but how did no one mention Bernadette Peters (or Kathy Baker) was guest starring? I guess they've been relegated to classy but old actors who do unceremonious guest starring roles.

I'm also liking the whole Rose twist/non-twist though I'm sad that she backed down in the end and is moving to pedes. The awkwardness between Hahn and Callie! Lexie's discovery of George and Meredith's past. Alex and Izzie's continuing dramas.

The premiere wasn't perfect and it dragged on a bit long at 2 hours but at least it is still on the upswing from the aggravating episodes from late Season 3 and early Season 4.


The New Adventures of Old Christine is back and gay. Well, not really. But the big buzz about Christine's new gay marriage with Barb to keep her in the country was funny without needing to be controversial or a huge "issue" and the hilarity came more from Christine's own self delusions (again) and Richard's reaction to losing the "moving-on" race.

Not loving Hamish Linklater's (Matthew) new short haircut, but that's about the only complaint I could come up with at this point.

More After the Jump...