I Will Not Be Writing About This Show Anymore

It's not there's anything particularly wrong with 90210 (besides it's penchant for cheese), but there's not really anything right with it either. Every time I watch it, I can't help but think it's just a poor shadow of GG. In addition, the predictability is starting to irritate even me, who loves being able to say what's going to happen next. Now I'm not saying I'm not going to keep watching, but there is no way I'm going to keep writing about it. I just don't care enough. And with that, I bid adieu to 90210.

Clip of the Day: "Who's Dancing?"

Because I sometimes wonder if this is what I look like when I'm dancing:

I Think This Show Is Turning Into Some Sort of Message from Fate

I know I've said this before, but I love How I Met Your Mother. My love for it goes beyond the plots (which are good). My love goes beyond the jokes (which are hilarious). My love stems from the fact that the show eerily knows how I'm feeling and what I'm thinking about, and then provides an episode that not only addresses it, but even perhaps provides some answers to the questions I've been asking myself.

As we all know, our nation's economy is in crisis and the future outlook is not exactly promising. At the same, I'm working at a job I don't particularly care for that doesn't really align with the goals I've set for myself in the future. I've certainly been doing a lot of thinking about how to balance these two competing issues. So what does HIMYM do? They go ahead and make an episode about how Marshall is struggling with his inability to find a job doing what he dreams of, and instead takes a job at a bank, because it pays well and has good benefits and gives him a reason to put on pants in the morning. With everything that's been going on, if that's not a sign for me to sit down, shut up, and be thankful for what I've got at the moment, then I don't know what is.

Moving away from my philosophizing, most of the episode ostensibly dealt with Marshall's search for the best burger in Manhattan, something he experienced as a young, inexperienced twenty-two year old who had just moved to the city. He spends most of the episode dragging the gang around from burger place to burger place trying to find the best burger, which they eventually do find. I loved this episode because it took a break from the usual plots and just put the five them together in a situation I know most of us can relate to, and it works because this cast works really well together, especially when they're all together. Also, the constant eating of burgers provides lots of opportunities for jokes about meat in mouths. Yeah.

Other things I liked:

• Regis Philbin playing an angry caricature of himself. Dude is ageless.
• Robin being hungry (nice running gag). Did anyone else see her licking the envelope at the end? Hilarious.
• All of Barney's jokes about how wonderful the bank he works for is, because I'm pretty sure the shows creators could not have anticipated recent events so far in advance. (Which agains reiterates the cosmic connection I have with this show).
• The underwear radius. I would say my underwear radius extends everywhere inside of my apartment. Too much information?
  

Things I did not like:

• Marshall's hair. Please get a haircut.
• The food porn shots of Marshall eating. Eww.
  

And now time for quotes:

"Indian is not Chinese." "Weird meats, funny music, side of rice. Why are we splitting hairs?"--Ted and Barney

"This burger is so good. It's like Christmas in my mouth. Meat Christmas."--Lily (That's what she said. Sorry, I couldn't help it).

'Where do you think it was?" "Probably tucked between her legs."--Robin and Lily (Wow, can't believe that past the censors.)

"Listen blondie, don't mess with me. Daddy needs his meat."--Regis Philbin

"Oh my god, I just want you inside of me."--Robin, to the burger. (That's what she said. I'm really sorry, I just can't control it.)


All in all, I really enjoyed this episode. Now if next week can tell me where I will meet the love of my life, I'll be very happy. But then again that's probably the whole point of the show, isn't it?

My Brain Cannot Process This Awesomeness Any Longer

Mondays have officially become my favorite night of the week. I'm taking this awesome French class, and Heroes and HIMYM are back. But most importantly, there's GG. And more importantly than that, there's New Serena. My life would be empty without New Serena. She's amazing. She's so much more assertive than Old Serena (like when she was asking Blair why she hadn't returned her calls). She's also more confident (like when she tells Blair she's going to go and sit in the front row of the show). And--and I don't even know how this is possible--she's more beautiful. Maybe it's because she doesn't slouch as much. Maybe it's because I'm just naturally attracted to bitchy girls (hence my enduring love for Blair, who was a bit hysterical this week). Whatever it is, I'm getting it from New Serena and I'm sooooo happy.

Even better, New Serena seems to be rubbing off on those around her. Little J has decided to go after what she wants--becoming a designer--and is willing to drop out of school to make it happen. It's definitely a risky move, but the girl seems to have some talent, so why not? (Plus this is fiction, not fact, so I'm fine with the lack of emphasis on education.) Also, I thought it was awesome when Little J said she looked up to Blair because Blair had worked for everything she had accomplished. I think I smell a detente brewing. And Blair could certainly use some friends, since New Serena has decided she will no longer put up with Blair's crap. I can't wait for the catfight.

Apparently New Serena's spirit has even infected those she no longer speaks to: Dan, at the urging of his drunk writer mentor (nice touch, show) decides he should get some life experience (because the judgemental jerk really needs it). To get it, he decides to shadow Chuck Bass (who's hair lately makes me think he belongs on Swingtown). Chuck decides to try to have little fun with Humphrey by drugging him and stealing his shoes (awesome). Apparently, though, Chuck has a softer side, which I was not happy to see. I mean I get the whole Daddy doesn't love me thing, we don't need to see it. Seriously, show, telling us that his mother died in childbirth gives him one too many layers and makes it hard to continue rooting for him to be evil and devious. I don't want to pity him, but now I might. Hopefully we can move past this.

Other things I liked:

• Poppy Lifton, Serena's new friend, because the actress who played her also played socialite Natalie Kimpton (somebody's getting typecast) on Dirty Sexy Money. Kudos to reader Hilary for pointing this out to me.
  
• Lily getting ANGRY when she finds out Bart had her investigated. I want to know what was in that file he had. I'm betting it's a marriage certificate to Rufus. Or adoption papers for a baby she gave up. A baby she had with Rufus. Ooooh that would be good.
• Lily having posed for some risque pictures in her youth. I like her so much. (Especially because she's Serena's mother, obviously)
• The place where they had the fashion show, because that's the club I went to last New Year's. I now feel even more connected to the show than I did before. Like I needed that.
  
• Tinsley Mortimer making another appearance, because I love that they are grounding this show as much reality as possible.
• The complete lack Vanessa and Nate in this episode. Those two make me want t.....ZZZZZZZZZZZ.
• Dan's character's name: Charlie Trout. Haha.
  

Other things I did not like:

• The absence of Duchess COUGAR. Yes, I know why she's gone, but I don't care. I miss you Duchess!

And that's it, because tonight was another stellar episode. Quote time:

"Watching you fail spectacularly gives me so much joy."--Chuck to Blair

"Kirsten Dunst. So 2007. Her rehab stint barely made the radar."--Laurel

"Don't ever go to high school, Dorota, the girls are spoiled, stupid, and ungrateful."--Princess B (she's queen no longer)

"Shut up, Humphrey."--Chuck to Dan. (thank you for saying what everyone else was thinking)

"Blair, what could we have done to deserve a visit from you."--Rufus. Something bad, Rufus, something bad.

"From now I'm going to be who I am."--S to B. I think we've already established how I feel about this.


So, while the episode came down a bit from the AWESOMENESS of last week, it was still pretty frakking good. Too bad we have to wait two weeks for another new episode. But then again, absence makes the heart grow fonder, especially when that absence involves a cat fight between the two most amazing teen characters ever. I'm already rapt with anticipation. Are you?

(Also, if you're interested in reading an amazingly in depth recap of last week's episode, click here.)

Clip of the Day: Hmm, I Wonder What They're Parodying

Because I will use any excuse to post a clip of Blake Lively:

Apparently Pushing Reset Can Work

This will not be a full post, but I just wanted to put in a quick word about tonight's premiere of Desperate Housewives. I felt a bit blindsided last season when, at the end of the finale, the show jumped forward five years. It seemed a bit desperate, and I was skeptical of it's ability to work. I'm happy to say that my fears were unnecessary, as tonight's episode was quite good. I think they've taken each of the main characters in an interesting direction and moved them away from becoming caricatures of themselves (how nice was it not to see Susan launch into histrionics?) Also, I think the new mystery should be fairly interesting, since I'd love to find out who Edie's new husband has a vendetta against. I'll definitely keep watching. Good job, ABC.

Clip of the Day: It's Funny (and Scary) Because It's True

Because I watched the actual interview this was based on, and it is dead on:

How Dunder-Mifflin Spent Their Summer

They're ENGAGED!!!! Finally, Jim and Pam are engaged! I'm sorry to just jump right in, but I spent most of the episode on pins and needles wondering what kind of curveball the show was going to throw at their relationship, given that TV in general loves "will-they/won't-they" plot lines to keep viewers engaged. I became even more nervous when Pam started talking that schlubby guy in class, and yet I almost knew they were going to do it, since the characters made little mention of it other than Jim saying that Pam didn't want to spend the first three months of their engagement apart. And then when Jim asked her to meet him at the road stop for lunch, I knew he was going to do it. And do it he did, in the rain, at a gas station, because he couldn't wait any longer. That scene combined just the right amount of realism and fiction to make it both heartwarming and true. I loved it.

In other news, the staff of the Scranton branch spent the summer participating in a weight loss contest run by corporate, which gave us plenty of hilarious moments, including: Kelly looking like death on her 3 day cleanse diet, Kelly fainting, Michael Klump, Dwight leaving Phyllis on the side of the road so she would have to walk back to the office, and the secret cheesecake party. In the end, Scranton lost to Utica (go Karen) but I think it was a moral victory for them. After all, Stanley lost 7 pounds. You've gotta love that, right?

Other things I liked:

• Ryan back as a temp. Although I was confused why he didn't go to jail. The stuff he did was way illegal.
• Angela being absolutely crazy about her demands for the wedding (A thousand year old castle in North America with a rainbow) and then repeatedly booty calling Dwight while Andy was IN THE OFFICE. Lady is cold.
• Holly putting her foot in her mouth when making a joke about being a lesbian in front of Oscar. Awkward.
• Holly yelling at Angela for yelling at Kevin, then discovering that Kevin was not indeed "slow." Double Awkward.
• Holly getting jealous of Jan and then starting to date Oscar's yoga instructor.
• Kelly ignoring Ryan. You stick with Darryl, girl.
• Phyllis blackmailing Angela into becoming head of the party planning committee. Go, Phyllis!
  

Things I did not like:

• Angela continuing to walk all over Andy. While it was funny for this episode, I hope that she will just break it off with him soon. It's cruel.
• Jan, who has now become just irritating.
  

I liked everything else and I think this was a good strong start for the show. Hopefully they'll be able to keep it up. And now time for quotes:

"She's very beautiful." "Yes she is, and clinically insane."--Holly and Oscar about Jan

"I once went 28 years without having sex, then another 7."--Michael

"If you gain weight, you will die."--Michael

"I have a nice comforter and several comfy pillows. I usually read a chapter of a book and it's lights out by 8:30. That's how I sleep at night." --Angela. Why so defensive, A?

"I swallowed a tapeworm last night. It's going to grow up to three feet inside of me and then it eats all my food so that I don't get fat. And then after three months I take some medicine and then I pass it. Creed sold it to me. It's from Mexico."--Kelly

"I wonder what people like about me? ...Probably my jugs."--Phyllis

And, because I don't think we can see it often enough:

Clip of the Day: Now Here's a Real Ice Queen

Because 5 days later, it's still almost the best thing I've seen all week:

That's A Lot of Information to Get in a Double Episode

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, let me start this post off with an apology. I was traveling for work during the week with poor internet access and as such did not have time to take notes and post. I apologize. On the bright side, I'm going to spend the rest of this rainy afternoon catching up on posts, so if you don't wind up reading this until Monday, you'll have a lot to keep you busy. That being said, let's dive in with the first show I missed: Heroes.

Quite frankly, I'm glad that I didn't watch Heroes until this morning, because there is a hell of a lot of stuff to talk about and dissect. I'll start very broadly and say that overall I liked, but didn't love the episode. It felt to me like the producers were quickly trying to tie up a number of last season's plot lines while simultaneously trying to set in motion a whole new set of stories, which translates in an episode that feels a bit uneven, but still entertains. I will say that I think the episode got stronger as it went on, which bodes well for the future. Now to get more specific.

Future Peter, Current Peter, and Time Travel
Ok, so Future Peter shot Nathan to prevent him from telling the world about the existence of those with powers, thus preventing the creation of the future that Future Peter came from, which would mean that by shooting him, Future Peter effectively ended his own existence, thus making it impossible for him to have existed in the first place, which should mean Nathan never got shot, right? As you can see, time paradoxes confuse the shit out of me, so I will table my disbelief for the rest of the discussion. Additionally, Future Peter takes Current Peter and puts him in the body of one the "villains" (more on them later), to hide him and keep him safe, which begs the question: what happened to the villain?

Furthermore, Mama Petrelli is very aware that Future Peter has been trying to pose as her son, and thus keeps yelling at him to get back to his own timeline, since his presence is having a "Butterfly Effect" which is screwing with the timeline. (Those of you who are pop culture savants will remember the 2004 film of the same name starring Ashton Kutcher dealing with similar time-related problems. For those of you who need an overview of what the Butterfly Effect entails, click here). So basically to summarize, Future Peter, in the hopes of setting everything right, has actually (potentially) fucked things up even worse.

Claire, Sylar, and the Meaning of Being Human
In the other main plot, Sylar pays Claire a visit to attempt to steal her powers. I'm going to be honest, most of this plot reminded of the movie Scream, with Claire running around the house with a knife trying to escape the serial killer stalking her. Eventually he gets to her and opens her brain, and this, boys and girls, is where things start to get interesting. We finally get to see how Sylar gets powers, and it does not, unfortunately involve him eating people's brains. It does, however, align closely with his former past as a watchmaker: Sylar needs to see/feel the neural connections in people's brains so that he can rearrange his own neural network to mimic the powers. The fact that his victims had to die as a result was an inconvenient coincidence. Since Claire can regenerate, she doesn't have to die. (Btw, how creepy was it watching Sylar put Claire's hair back on her? Ewww.) Unfortunately, Sylar's little research into her brain has someone affected Claire's ability to feel pain, which she said was the only thing that made her feel human. (If you're interested on another, very different show's take on pain and being human, see the season 3 Grey's Anatomy episode "Sometime's a Fantasy"--it was the one with Abigail Breslin. Good stuff). Claire seems to feel violated in the worst way, and spends the rest of the episode looking for a purpose, something to do so that she can feel again. Future Peter refuses to teach her how to fight, and HRG refuses to let her become his partner, but I think Claire is going to find in a teacher in her birth mother, who will be staying with her and the family to protect them while HRG is away. Let me just say that I am so happy to Jessalyn Gilsig back on TV. I think she's a wonderful actress and deserves a show of her own sometime soon. Networks, are you listening?

Spider-Suresh, Wonder Twin, and Playing God
Now this is where I started to get confused. Sylar is stealing powers by looking at people's brains, but Suresh says that he could give people powers by injecting them with some kind of hormone that will transform them, meaning that......well I'm not sure. So from what I remember from AP Bio, genes code for proteins which do everything else in the body. Proteins in turn produce those hormones, which then make stuff happen internally (I think this is why Mohinder referenced the 'Flight or Fight' response). But then if you inject the hormones into a person without powers, what happens to them when the hormones break down? Don't they just go back to being normal? I think that may be what we started to see at the end of the episode. But my question is, how do we reconcile that with Sylar's brain thing? I would like to see that explained.

Back to the story, Suresh uses Wonder Twin Maya (who's accent has totally changed by the way, don't think I didn't notice, show) to isolate the hormones that produce powers, and then proceeds to inject himself with them to turn himself into Spider-Suresh. Maya at first was all "oh no, don't do that, it's evil" but then after seeing Spider-Suresh with his shirt off became all "Oh baby take me now." I'm still in favor of getting Maya off this show, since I never liked her and there are too many other characters to deal with.

Nathan Finds God
After coming back to life after being shot (presumably because of the blood transfusion he got from Peter last season), Nathan becomes a huge believer in miracles and thinks that people with powers are angels from God, and that now they must stay quiet about their powers since the general populace shouldn't know about the "angels." Nathan also seems to have gone schizophrenic, since he begins talking to Linderman, who died at the end of season 1. For a while I thought maybe someone had revived Linderman, but in the end he turns out merely to be a figment of Nathan's imagination (I think). This does not bode well for Nathan given his new job, which leads me to.....

Crazy Bitch Has Got Another Fucking Personality
Let me start out by saying I like Ali Larter. She seems like a nice lady, and fairly decent actress, especially given all of the crackpot things people keep doing with her character. Apparently Niki now goes by the name Tracy Strauss, and she's now a political advisor (and bedfellow) to the Governor of NY. Which makes me say: WTF? How did she go from dying in a burning building to becoming a political aide to the governor in a time span of what seems like about one week? Unless she's not actually Niki and it's a case of identical strangers. That I would almost buy, but if she is supposed to be Niki? Really? WTF? Niki/Tracy convinces the governor that he should appoint Nathan to the empty Senate seat, because apparently that's what you do with schizophrenic politicians who are recovering from being shot. Whatever. On her way to NY to meet with Nathan, she's accosted by a reporter who draws a connection between the "K Street Ice Queen" and the "stripper from Vegas" (Niki). Niki/Tracy warns him not to publish the story or else she would destroy him. The reporter doesn't listen and asks "The Ice Queen" for a statement one more time. This makes Niki/Tracey mad, which leads her to turn the guy into a block of ice which shatters, killing him without leaving any evidence. Did you pick up on how he kept calling her ice queen and then her power was ice? That was clever, show, so clever.....not. The ice power is a possible explanation for how Tracy could be Niki, but quite frankly I hope she's not, because this whole multiple personality thing is played out. Maybe she's Niki's long lost twin. That would be preferable.

Mama Petrelli's in Charge Now. Oh Fuck.
We learn alot about Mama Petrelli in this episode. First off, her power is seeing the future in dreams. Not a bad one, I must admit. She's also hell bent on getting Future Peter back to the future, after having a vision of all of the Heroes dying down in Level 5 at the hands of Niki/Tracey, Adam Monroe, Bob Parkman (Matt's Dad), and one of the villains who escaped when Sylar invaded the Company's HQ. After Elle's dad is killed by Sylar, she also becomes head of the Company and is tasked with tracking the villains down. She fires Elle (I hope that is not the last we see of Kristen Bell, especially after her awesome electric fit knocked Sylar out). Oh and yeah, apparently she's SYLAR'S MOTHER!!! W? T? F? This feels like a jump the shark moment folks, but I'm definitely willing to see how it plays out.

Hiro is going to have to save the......YAWN
Hiro is now head of his father's company, but is bored and wants to get back to world saving. Guess what happens? That's right folks, a deus ex machina in the form of the Nakamura family laywer with a MESSAGE FROM THE GRAVE from Lieutant Sulu telling Hiro not to open the secret safe. After Hiro opens the secret safe, he finds another DVD from Sulu telling him to guard one half of some secret world-ending formula or else. Approximately two seconds later, a little blonde speedster runs in steals the formula and (supposedly) our hearts as well, although I'm not really a fan since this Hiro thing is starting to get old. Anyway, Hiro decides that he must travel to the future to see the effects of whatever that formula thing was so that he can figure out how to stop it. In the future, Future Hiro gets killed by a Future Ando with powers seconds before it looks like the world blows up. Yeah. Been there, done that. Hiro then spends the rest of the episode being mean to Ando and trying to track Blondie down. It was boring.

Parkman is in the African Desert
Future Peter sends Parkman to a desert in Africa. He wanders around until an African tribesman who's got some good quips finds him and makes him walk. That's literally all the happened.

We've got a new picture
So in the scenes with Parkman and Mohinder, we see a painting of the world splitting in two (with the split looking a lot like the Heroes symbol...coincidence I think not). I think we're going to be seeing a lot more of that thing as time goes on, but fuck if I know what it means.


And so boys and girls, as we can see a lot of shit happened and I have no idea what it means, but I will keep watching to find out. I'll leave you with some quotes:



"You can always give it to me. I'm extremely interested in money." --Ando. Hah.

"Are you goonna eat it?" "Eat your brain? Claire that's digusting."--Claire and Sylar

"You don't pay me for sex, governor, I give that for free." Tracy/Niki

"What are you doing?" "What does it look like? Trying to get hit by a train!"--Peter and Claire

"You come from America. You know Britney Spears?"--African dude.

"No service here. Should have gone with Sprint."-African dude.

Clip of the Day: My Heart Grew Three Sizes Last Night

Because if you don't like this clip then you are made of stone. (SPOILER WARNING: If you haven't seen last night's episode of The Office, you may not want to watch this yet):

One of Our Favorite Bitches May Be Back

Michael Ausiello of EW.com reported today that Melissa George is close to signing a deal to join the cast of Grey's Anatomy as a bisexual intern who will come between Callie and Hahn. While her purpose on the show doesn't really matter to me, I can say I'm excited to see one of my favorite villains back on TV again. You may remember Melissa as Lauren Reid on Alias, a.k.a. the two-faced traitorous bitch who was part of the Covenant who married Vaughn to keep him away from Sydney and who Sydney thoroughly, thoroughly kicked the crap out of in the Season 3 finale. Yeah, her. I hope this works out because I like George as an actress, although I may not be a fan of her characters. I've included a clip of the infamous fight to the death below. Perhaps she'll bring some of that girlfight to Grey's, not that show needs it:

Clip(s) of the Day: THEY'RE BACK!!!!!!!!

Because our favorite heavy hitters return this evening, and I'm filled with anticipation:

Clip of the Day: I'm Sorry

Because I've been traveling for work and haven't had internet, which is why I'm posting a clip I haven't seen (let me know what you think):

Clip of the Day: A Little Snark to Start Your Morning

Because no one does snark better than two former lovers who are still fighting their burning passion for each other:

Breaking News: Heroes Update to Follow Later This Week

My analysis of the two hour season premiere of Heroes will follow later this week, as I'm now taking a class on Monday nights and I could not stay awake to watch it and the other two shows I've already blogged about. Apologies. I promise I'll make it up to you.

It's So Nice to Have My Friends Back

I've loved How I Met Your Mother since the first time I saw it. I love the characters, the jokes, the plotlines, the actors, the actresses--everything. That's why I'm so happy to have the show back after a long summer hiatus. And back it is, boys and girls. Last night's episode, albeit, a bit mushier than usual, was quite good. Let's break it down:

Stuff I liked:

• Stella accepting Ted's proposal, because I'm not made of stone people. I still have my doubts as to whether or not she's the mother, though. Does she have a yellow umbrella? I can't remember, but I don't think so.
• Barney's love for Robin, b/c it's nice to see that Barney has a heart. And the way he turned on the news at the end of the episode to watch Robin---awwwwwwwww.
  
• Barney being unable to see why sleeping around does not mesh with him saying he loves Robin.
• Marshall and Lily using a code word when they want to have sex. "Chimichanga." Hah.
• Stella's Wookie impression, and to a larger extent the whole way she handled the "She must love Star Wars" plot. Very well played, Sarah Chalke, kudos.
  
• Barney having a life size stormtrooper in his apartment. Did anyone else notice that?
  

Things I did not like:

• Marshall's hair. Dude needs a haircut. And a job. He's acting way weirder than usual.
• Robin wanting to apply for some cable job, because mark my words, boys and girls, the job will not be in NY.
  

And that's it for the did not like. Now time for quotes:

"Is your favorite brand of dental floss poisoning your entire family? Tune in at 11 for the shocking....tooth."--Robin

"I slept with Robin one time and I caught feelings. I caught feelings bad."--Barney

"Today I was at the dentist. That guy drilled me hard. He drilled me all day long. He filled all of my cavities."--Robin

"April, haaaaaave you met Barney?"--Robin. She's so great.


So what did you think, boys and girls? Last was less funny and more awww than usual, but I think I'm ok with that. I really want to see where they take this Barney and Robin thing, and I'm totally on board with it.

Take Me to the Dark With You, S, PLEASE

To take a page from GG herself: O. M. F. G. There is a lot I can talk about tonight, but there is only one thing I want to talk about: New Serena blows Old Serena absolutely, completely, totally, totally, completely out of the water. Now as you all know I worship the ground our blond goddess walks on, but now that she's taken up the Bitch Queen mantle? I don't even know how to begin to express my love for her. I love her. I love her, I love her, I love her. I loved the scene at the bar, where, with one look, she got Hazel and Isabelle to bow down before her. I loved the last few scenes at school, where Blair was all "WTF? I'm the FUCKING QUEEN B," and Serena's slow-mo walk, and they way she just barely shook her head at Dan, and that cold ice queen stare she gave him. I want her to come here and tell me who's boss. (Come on, Serena, you know you want to). The kicker to all this was that it was all part of Chuck's plan to either ruin Blair or get her to run back into his arms. Dude is calculating. Well played, Mr. Bass, well played.

Other things I liked:

• The Lily and Rufus scenes. I hope they get back together, and now that Dan and Serena are apart there really is no reason for them not too.
• Along the same lines, the complete lack of interaction between Rufus and Vanessa. Thanks for listening, show.
• Nate and V finally calling it quits. Can we get rid of both them, or get them more interesting storylines, please?
• Duchess COUGAR sleeping with the Lord. I totally saw that coming.
• Duchess COUGAR basically stalking Nate and offering Vanessa money. Bitch is BAT SHIT CRAZY.
• So not directly from the episode, but I discovered on iTunes that the show's soundtrack is called Original Music Featured on Gossip Girl, or OMFGG (they are so clever).
  

Things I did not like:

• The way they just pushed Duchess COUGAR out of the story. I wanted to see her kicking and screaming. Or at least writhing one last time. We will miss you, Duchess, we will miss you a lot.
• Little J refusing to stand up for herself. You know she could totally beat the crap out of those girls. I want to see a girlfight.
• Amanda's baby voice. Enough said.
• Dan continuing to be irritating. Ughh.

And now time for quotes:


"It seems a bit impersonal." "Thank you." Eric and Chuck.

"Lunch, as in the meal before dating. Is that what you want?" B to S about Amanda and Dan

"Google revenge and you get blairwaldorf.com" --Dan

"Just so you know, if this were a competition, I wouldn't need Blair and a posse to win."--S to Dan. First sign of her impending transformation to AWESOME.

"Sound the trumpets, strumpets."--GG. Hah.

"I'm talking about you and little miss Hannah Montana" --Little J

"You are sleeping with Catherine, right? Or do you prefer mom?"--B to the Lord

"Well he's fun, non-neurotic, I thought it would be a nice change."--S to Dan. Sign two of her impending AWESOMENESS.

"The bad news is that your girlfriend Catherine is lying manipulating whore who is sleeping with her stepson."--C

"Never again. From now on, everything goes through me."--S to her new lackeys after her transformation to AWESOME.



Can I just reiterate how much I love this show? I cannot wait for next week, because it looks like Blair becomes the next target of New Serena, and I fucking can't wait to see the fur start flying. It's going to be GREAT.

Clip of the Day: Congratulations Alec and Tina

Because our lives would be empty without Jack Donaghy and Liz Lemon (note: hulu took down the original first video I posted, so forgive me for it not being solely Jack focused):

Apparently These Emmys Were Planned By Meth Addicts

I look forward to the Emmys every year because they celebrate the thing I hold near ad dear to my heart: Television. I love seeing TV put up on a pedestal and applauded. What I do not like, however, is putting TV up on a pedestal, applauding it, then whacking it in the face with a rubber chicken, which was tonight's broadcast was like. Seriously, I'm thinking whoever planned this year's awards was on some serious drugs. How else do you explain the opening, where Howie Mandel literally COULD NOT SHUT UP? Or the fact they everyone kept saying "We're running behind, we're running behind," yet no one SHUT HOWIE MANDEL UP? Or that awful Laugh-In skit to announce nominees, then ANNOUNCING THE NOMINEES AGAIN? Perhaps it was necessary due to the Laugh-In skit being IN-FUCKING-COMPREHENSIBLE. Seriously? Seriously? This was you put together for TV's supposedly biggest night? Seriously? Shame on you ABC, shame on you.

Now on to the good stuff. The night marked Tina Fey's official coronation as Queen of Comedy (GO TINA!), what with her three Emmys for Writing, Acting, and Best Comedy, and Alec Baldwin winning for Lead Actor in a Comedy to boot. No one deserves the recognition more, and I hope this will encourage more people to go watch 30 Rock, because it's amazing. I was also pleased to see Damages pick up two acting awards Zeljko Ivanek for Best Supporting Actor and Glenn Close for Lead Actress, Drama. Personally, though, I would have been afraid to not give Glenn Close the award because I'd be scared of what she might do. Fortunately, that didn't happen.

Other things I liked:

• Oprah's opening monologue. Why didn't they let her host the show? She would have been better than that motley crew.
• Ricky Gervais taking his Emmy back from Steve Carrell and mocking Evan Almighty while doing it.
• Laura Linney winning for Lead Actress in a Miniseries. Lady deserves every kudos she gets.

Things I didn't like:

• Neil Patrick Harris NOT winning Best Supporting Actor Comedy. It was not legen-wait for it-dary, although Jeremy Piven winning for Entourage is a suitable alternative.
• Josh Groban singing those TV theme songs. Thank you for ruining them for me, Josh, really thanks.
• Chandra Wilson being passed over, AGAIN, in Supporting Actress Drama. Give lady her trophy already, please.
• Mad Men winning Best Drama. Now I'm sure it's a wonderful show and all, but I really wanted to see LOST win, because it was so amazing last season, and if not LOST then Damages, which was also amazing. I'm just a bit disappointed.
• Any and every one of the jokes the hosts attempted to make.
• And to reiterate, HOWIE MANDEL. I will not be watching Deal or No Deal anytime soon as retaliation for what he put me through his evening.
  

So ladies and gentlemen, are you happy with the way the awards played out? Or did one of your favorites lose and are you still angry about it? Discuss.

Clip of the Day: "Oh Yeah!"

Because sometimes I feel like that guy:

Bye, Bye, Childhood

MTV announced this week that, after ten years on the air, they will pull the plug on TRL this November. This makes me sad, not because I still watch TRL, but because I associate TRL very closely with my younger years. I can still remember the first time I watched it. It was the summer of 1998 (I think) and I was volunteering at a summer day camp with a bunch of my friends from school (because we all needed community service credit before confirmation). A bunch of them were talking about some show called Total Request on MTV, and I pretended that I watched it as well. Not wanting to feel left out, I went home that afternoon and immediately put it on. I can still remember the first video I saw: Aaliyah's "Are You You That Somebody?" (everytime I hear the song I still think of TRL and that summer). Over the next four or five years, I probably watched it at least 3 times week (usually during the times it was on at 5:00, because then I could watch it after practice). TRL exposed me to a lot of music I'd never heard before and it gave me Britney Spears (something for which I will be forever grateful). I always liked Carson Daly as host, and I even liked the people that succeeded him, but I haven't watched TRL since I went away to college, and I'm guessing that the younger generation that should have taken up the TRL mantle has turned to YouTube for their music videos instead. I understand that just like everything else on TV, TRL too has reached its end, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

Clip of the Day: I'm scared

Because this is worse than the video from The Ring:

Clip of the Day: The Duchess

Because I found out that my best friend met Duchess COUGAR last night:

Clip of the Day: "Forget About the Bubble Wrap There's No Time"

Because I couldn't find a good clip from the OTHER good Thanksgiving episode, you know which one I'm talking about:

Clip of the Day: Kristen Wiig is Amazing

Because I still believe that she is one of the only good things left on SNL:

Quotable Quotes

You all probably know by now that I love quotes, especially snarky sarcastic ones. EW.com released this morning of 24 popular TV quotes as submitted by their readers, some of which are good, and some of which are....eh. My faves from the list include:

"Maybe the dingo ate your baby."

"We were on a break!"

"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose."

Points to those who can identify these. To see the full list, click here.

Clip of the Day: Happy Birthday

Because no one should mess with people on their birthdays. (You've been warned, world):

Fatal Attraction 2: Royal Entrapment

The heat can do strange things to people. I for one avoid the heat at all costs. When the sun is high the sky down here in DC, I stay inside in the air conditioning, or at the very least find some shade and a cold beer. I don't embrace the heat. Fortunately, boys and girls, our wonderful GG does.

Tonight was all about heat, or the lack thereof between all of our couples. Things have cooled down between Dan and Serena, as they've finally realized that Dan is too judgmental to deal with the wonder that is Serena (and she's a wonder, boys and girls, she really is).

The same goes for Nate and our wonderful Duchess COUGAR. It seems young Archibald doesn't enjoy answering Duchess COUGAR's every whim (I for one wouldn't mind. Did you see the clothes she was buying him? And did you see HER? But then again, I have no scruples). In an effort to escape from Duchess COUGAR's claws, Nate tries to start things up again with Vanessa (who seems to only wear yellow clothing now. What is that?), but Duchess COUGAR is having none of that. She threatens V to stay away, or else she'll go to the Feds and tell them where Nate's dad is. Damn, lady is crazy and vindictive, but yet still so attractive. I need to stay away, but I don't want to. I'll make you happy, Duchess. Forget about Nate, come find me!

The heat between Chuck and Blair though seems like it's only just getting started. That scene where he was whispering in her ear? Damn, dude, nice work. Apparently C can't seem to call his soldier to attention for anyone but B, while B is looking for a bit of heat from the Lord, which I'm pretty sure she's going to get now that the Lord decked Chuck. Good job, Lord, fight for your woman.

Other things I liked:

• Eleanor seeking advice from Little J. I think little J is going places. Plus I missed Eleanor.
• The scene with the 12 year olds yelling at Dan in the park. So meta and so amazing, because I know most you yell shit like that at the TV every week just like I do. ("She's a Serena." Priceless.)
• The quick appearance of Nelly Yuki. I like Nelly Yuki.
• The music, which is consistently good from week to week.
• The episode title, The Dark Night, because I love plays on words.

Things I didn't like:

• Any scene between Rufus and Vanessa. I know what you're trying to set up, show, and I DON'T LIKE IT.
• Any scene with Rufus for that matter. Dude has has been fidgety lately. What happened to him on tour?
  

And now time for quotes:

"Your a delicate little flower. Nothing like that tart Keira Knightley."--The Lord

"I'll confess I've been off my game, but I'm expecting a return to form real soon." --Chuck, just before his "friend" from Tokyo arrived

"When I thought of you coming all alone...I just wanted to do something nice, is that so hard to believe?"--B to Nate and Vanessa. Yes it is, B, yes it is.

"You are not using Blair as sexual Drano."--S

"Titles aside, a suit of armor make for a cold bedfellow." --C. Zing!

"I don't like sharing my toys, especially if I've paid for them." -- Duchess COUGAR. I love her so much.


All in all, another strong episode. I'm not so sure I like Duchess COUGAR getting crazy, though. It probably means she won't be around for much longer, which will make me VERY sad.

Clip of the Day: Good Morning

Because I think this clip will help you wake up:

Michael Phelps Isn't Funny. Boo.

I will make this a quick note, since I want to enjoy Sunday Night Football, but I've got to say, aside from the Tina Fey as Sarah Palin opening, last night's SNL left a lot to be desired. Phelps was awkward and not funny, which is unfortunate since I think athletes can do a good job on the show (Peyton Manning is obviously the best example of that). I think last night's problems go beyond the host though: many of the skits were also awkward and uncomfortable and not funny. I hope that things improve in the future as I think the current cast has some real winners, with Kristen Wiig and Jason Sudeikis at the top of that list.

Clip of the Day: Lipstick + Global Warming = Hilarity

Because I think we all can agree that SNL is worse for the wear without our favorite sexy librarian (which is why you should all watch 30 Rock):

Clip of the Day: "My Eyes"

Because it's funny, no other reason really:

Clip of the Day: "You're Great Now"

Because I REALLY identify with Karen's comment at the beginning of the clip. A lot:

Clip of the Day: Come Back Soon

Because watching Do Not Disturb last night made me miss good comedies like How I Met Your Mother even more:

Playing Catch Up

Hello all and good evening. Given tonight's relative dearth of shows that I really want to watch, I used the evening to catch up on some stuff I missed earlier this week and to take a quick look at Do Not Disturb, the new Fox sitcom. Here we go:

• I started the evening with Privileged, the CW dramedy that follows 9021-NO on Tuesdays. I was mildly surprised by it given how awful the promos were. JoAnna Garcia is quite entertaining and I think she'll be able to carry the show. Plus it fits quite well with the other CW shows given its abundance of pretty, young, rich people. I would watch again if it's on, but I'm not sure it's appointment television.
• I then moved on to Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles which I also thought was quite good. I liked the show last season, although I didn't follow it very closely, and given that Monday are looking to be very crowded for me, I think this is one show that I'm going to rely on Hulu to keep up with. That being said, Lena Heady and Summer Glau give consistently good performances and I'm liking Thomas Dekker as John Connor a bit more than before, although I hope he grows up soon.
  
• Finally, I looked in on Do Not Disturb, and unfortunately it left me quite disturbed with how awful it was. I'll ignore the fact the episode basically just launched into action without any kind of setup or at least letting us learn the characters name and just tell you that the show IS. NOT. FUNNY. NOT. AT. ALL. Don't waste your time, because it will be twenty-two minutes of your life that you won't get back and could have used to watch a nice episode of 30 Rock or How I Met Your Mother instead. You've been warned.
  

So we've two goods and one bad. Not a bad night of TV watching overall if I do say so myself.

Clip of the Day: Firedrill

Because this is what happens when you work with a bunch of lunatics (except in the real world it's usually not funny):

Have We Met Before?

Fringe, the new drama from J.J. Abrams premiered tonight on Fox, and I've got to tell you, it feels like coming home again. J.J. is an auteur, and the show gladly revels in the lineage its predecessors, Lost and Alias, have left for it. Here's how:

• There's a butt-kicking female lead. This time she's an FBI agent named Olivia Dunham, played by the statuesque Anna Torv, who looks like Blake Lively but runs like Jennifer Garner, and shares some similarities with her predecessor, the wonderful Sydney Bristow. First off, the pilot has her trying to save the life of her lover (In the Alias pilot, Sydney was trying to avenge the death of her fiance). Second, she may have some kind of greater purpose (given that her dying lover asked her to ask why she was chosen to investigate the thing that set the whole episode off), just like Sydney (who as we all remember was the "Chosen One.")
• There's mysterious events occurring that no one can explain. I think Alias and Lost both heavily depend on such plots. That's what keeps people coming back.
• There's a mysterious corporation/group. Please see: The Alliance, The Covenant, Prophet Five, The Widmore Corporation, and The Dharma Initiative.
• The show opens with something going wrong on a plane. Do I even need to map this one?

I could keep going, but I think you get the point. The premise is familiar. But it's also well-executed. I've got to tell you, I'm already hooked. Here's why:

• Torv. I think she's got a lot of potential and she's just great to look at.
  
• It's a good premise. Who cares if we've seen it before?
• PACEY is back! And he and Olivia have good chemistry.
• The old doctor is kooky. He'll be good comic relief.
• The creepy guy from LOST is Olivia's boss. Enough said.

I will definitely keep watching, and I can only hope this show doesn't suffer the same problems Alias did. What about you guys? I will leave you with some quotes:

"I'd thought you'd be fatter." --Walter Bishop to Pacey.

"What happened?" "I just pissed myself. Just a squirt."--Olivia, and Dr. Bishop

"Did you learn that at MIT." "I picked that up reading books. It's fun. You should try it sometime."--Olivia and Pacey

"You know what's great about that? It's insane."--Pacey

'The man who was just released from the mental institution...he wants to give you a drug overdose and stick a metal rod into your head and put you naked into a rusty tank of water."--Pacey
"No, I don't 'want' to. No, I'd rather not. I'm just saying I can."--Dr. Bishop

I Had Too Much Cheese, I Think I'm Going to Puke

Caveat: I think I may have misread this show last week, because tonight was so cheesy I thought I would die. I think I need to rewatch the second half of the pilot, b/c the first half definitely wasn't this cheesy, and I think that's what I based my opinion on. That being said, let's dive right in.

Tonight's episode was all about family, and if you didn't pick up on it, you might be the thickest person in the world (which also means you might not get my humor, so please go away). The Wilson parents want to have a family night with their kids on a Friday, which everyone in the real world knows NEVER happens, but the kids go along with it to appease their parents. They do, however, invite their friends to join them. Silver is more than happy to oblige because her mother is an ALCOHOLIC (which we should all remember from the original show. Call me crazy, but I think I remember an episode of her falling through a glass table). Apparently Silver has been staying at a women's shelter to avoid going home. When Dixon finds her sleeping in her car, they have a heart to heart about how he comes from a similar background (thanks for the backstory, show) which I'm sure will only lead to kisses and hook ups very soon. To remedy the situation, Dixon tells his dad, who tells Kelly, who confronts Jackie (the mother) and takes Silver home to live with her. Still with me?

In the other main plot tonight, Naomi finds out that her dad is cheating on her mom (thus shattering her image of her FAMILY--see the theme again? Good, go have a cookie.) The kicker is that mom already knows and is ok with it, because she wants to keep her family together. Naomi is shocked and appalled (and a little hypocritical considering that she very publicly made out with another guy to make her boyfriend jealous. I'm just saying.)

Other things I liked:

• Kelly dating the young teacher. I think someone wants to become a cougar.
• Ethan jokingly likening himself to Spencer from The Hills. That was just funny.
• Jessica Stroup, the actress who plays Silver. She makes the best of bad dialogue. Kudos to her.
  
• The montage to Leona Lewis' "Better in Time" at the end. Way to hammer the message home, show, about how things will get better. I couldn't figure that out for myself. (I love obvious song choices, because they're hilarious).
  
• The reappearance of the theme song, just because I like it.
• Annie being less annoying. I'm not sure if it's because we saw less of her or because she's not as whiny. This will be something to monitor closely in the coming weeks.
  

Things I didn't like:

• The show's insistence on pairing Annie with Ethan. Can we break from the formula a little please?
• The predictability. As soon as Naomi said she was bringing her dad food, I knew he was having an affair. Although I really should have known when he bought her the car. I shall do better.
• The complete absence of Grandma. How am I supposed to quote Lucille when you don't even give her screen time, show? Don't let it happen again.
• The Glade commercials. While not a part of the show itself, I cannot understand why they are airing during a teen drama. (Hypothesis: they're targeted at fans of the original who are old enough to ave houses and care about candles).

And now time for some quotes:

"Silver, you've got to trust my dad. Or at least trust me." --Dixon (cheesy line of the night).

"My own Dad is blocking me." --Dixon (I believe you left out a word in your sentence, sir.)

"Babe you sound pitchy." "You sound bitchy." --Naomi and Adriana. (This is what passes for bitchy dialogue on this show. S, B, and GG would eat them alive.)


One final thing: WHO IS KELLY'S BABY DADDY? They kept talking about "him" and how she had history with "him" back in high school. Now if I remember correctly, Kelly didn't start dating Brandon until college, which means dear old dad is probably Dylan, right? I get that they're dragging the reveal out to keep old fans engaged, but quite frankly, we all know dude has a name, so why not just reveal it already?

I'm still not sure how I feel about this show, and as Tuesday's continue to get more crowded for me, I'm not sure how much longer I'll go. I will give it another shot though, which means I'll be back next week with more thoughts about these crazy kids.

Clip of the Day: "I Just Remembered"

Because this is what happens when someone eats the wrong the flavor:

Being a Kept Man Looks Just as Good as I Thought

Good evening, boys and girls. It's Monday evening and you know what that means: another new episode of GG, and tonight's episode did not disappoint. If last week's episode was about feelings, tonight's episode was about plans: Blair scheming to impress Lord Marcus, Chuck scheming to ruin Blair's plans. Nate trying to figure out how to help his mom keep the house. Dan and Serena trying to figure out if they were a couple again (and having amazing, um, chemistry in the mean time). Rufus making plans to go back on tour (but then deciding to stay with his kids. Aww.)

More important than the plans though was the big reveal (although when it was teased in the trailers I thought it was part of a joke): Apparently the COUGAR is Lord Marcus' stepmother, which makes her a duchess. That's right, she's Duchess COUGAR. Like I needed another reason to like her more. That didn't stop her from giving me one, though. Duchess COUGAR, the generous spirit that she is, offered to help young Nate with his family's financial troubles. What does she get in return? Nate becomes her part-time lover (although at the rate they're going it seems like a full-time job). That's right boys and girls, Nate has almost achieved my life's great ambition: he's become Duchess COUGAR's kept man. Sigh. So nice.

Other things I liked:

• Chuck trying to help Nate financially without telling him. That's a good friend.
• Serena waking up on the beach. She's definitely going to be a cougar one day.
• Vanessa settting up the coffee shop in the art gallery. I think we're going to be seeing more trips to Brooklyn.
• The Hamptons Jitney. The bathroom on that bus just got a whole lot dirtier, but in a good way.
• Blair blackmailing Duchess COUGAR. They don't call her Queen B for nothing.
  
• Kristen Bell's voiceovers. I would love it if in one episode they had her wandering in the background of scenes when delivering her narration. That way we get to see her AND hear her dulcet tones.
  

Things I didn't like:

• Vanessa getting stood up for dinner. Poor girl needs to let N go.
• The weird ass conversations between Vanessa and Rufus. I did not like the weird chemistry I thought I detected and the show better not go there. (Do you hear me, show? Do you?)

And that's it, because just like last week, I loved everything else. Now time for quotes:

"There is no we in summer. Only "U" and "ME". "--GG (GG is so wise)

"Not to me Basshole."--B

"As long as he know his arse from his Arsenal, I think he's Aces."--B

"I thought you'd like to meet my friend."-- C
"Why so she can inform me about the effects of too much botox?" --B

"Lordy, lordy look who's 40, or at least a well preserved 38." --GG

"I think she recognized part of herself in me. Or I recognized someone in her." --B, about Duchess COUGAR. Hehe.

So that's it from me, boys and girls. What did you think of tonight's episode? What about Nate's kept man status? (I refuse to call him a gigolo, unless Duchess COUGAR passes him on to her friends). See you all next week (or tomorrow if you're a regular reader).

Clip of the Day: Justice is Blind

Because someone is about to get hit over the head with some justice today:

A Look at the Week Ahead

Good afternoon, boys and girls, I hope you're enjoying this wonderful Sunday. The new season will continue to pick up steam this week as a number of new and returning shows have their premieres, and the shows that bowed last week try to build on their strong numbers. Let's take look, night-by-night:

GG is all new Monday night at 8 on the CW. There will be more of the British guy and more of the COUGAR, so all in all it should be a good episode. Over on Fox, Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles begins it's second season.

Tuesday night brings it's first conflict of the season for me: 90210 is new on the CW at 8 pm, while Fox is launching its new series Fringe with a two-hour premiere from 8-10. Fringe is exec produced by the wonderful J.J. Abrams, who brought us Alias and Lost. I hope the show can live up to its pedigree.

On Wednesday the awful Fox sitcom Til Death returns, followed by Do Not Disturb, which looks to be another awful sitcom. That is all I will ever say about those.

All in all, it looks to be a good week.

Clip of the Day: The Things We Do For Love

Because deception makes the heart grow fonder:

Uh-Oh

Reports surfaced yesterday of a production shutdown of the upcoming 7th season of the hit Fox drama 24. Apparently the producers want time to retool the direction of the final 6 episodes of the season. Given the negative reaction the show's 6th season storyline and that 2 years will have passed since the last new episode aired, I'm not sure that this is good news for the how, and there is probably a good chance that this next season will be it's last. On the other hand, the fact that they're acknowledging gives them 4 months to fix any real problems before the first episode airs. I think once the prequel movie airs in November, we'll have a better sense of whether the show is back on its way up creatively or if it is on its way out.

Clip of the Day: It's Raining

Because Tropical Storm Hanna is keeping me trapped inside, and when I'm trapped inside, I get sappy:

Clip of the Day: A Little Inspiration for Your Friday Morning, Part II

Because sometimes we all need someone else to show us how great we can be (cue music):

Life Just Keeps Getting Better

You know those times when you find a $20 bill in your back pocket and you have no idea how it got there? Or when your girlfriend/boyfriend surprises you with dinner, and a little something extra (wink, wink, nudge, nudge)? I love unexpected surprises. And what I'm about to tell you is THE BEST unexpected surprise I've had in a little while (which probably means my life is a bit sad, but let's ignore that): Michael Ausiello of EW.com is reporting that BLAKE LIVELY and LEIGHTON MEESTER will be guest starring on a sweeps episode of 30 ROCK. That's right, S and B will be guesting on our favorite comedy show, playing high school classmates of our dear Liz Lemon in a flashback sequence. Can you say EXCITED? I can. I'm super excited. (And yes, I realize this is my third GG related post in as many days, but I don't care. It's too good.) And so boys and girls, I will live you with clips of our young beauties and our favorite sexy librarian:

Clip of the Day: Victory!

Because.....

1) This is epic television on the grandest scale (like Veronica and Logan epic, like the Panthers winning state epic)

2) The new season starts tonight

3) I have a few friends who need a little reminding of how things played out. Go Giants!

(Note: while sports lies at the outer edges of the scope of this blog, sports can make for super compelling TV, and when that happens I will talk about it, because compelling TV is good for everyone. That and basically I just needed an excuse to put up this clip. Enjoy!)

Casting News

Boys and girls, I think I have problem: I'm addicted to GG. I think about it all the time. It might be my favorite show right now. Please don't tell anyone. I think I may die of shame if anyone finds out. Deal? Ok good, because I have some GG casting news for you that I think you may enjoy. EW.com reported yesterday that Willa Holland, the new Caitlin from The O.C., will be joining the cast the of GG for a three-episode arc as a young model who befriends Jenny and tries to lure her back to the dark side. All I can say is: AWESOMENESS. I loved Holland as new Caitlin and I thought she was the best thing about the final season of The O.C. I also think she has the absolute right look for GG and will fit perfectly into the world of the show, so kudos to whoever cast her. I can only hope that perhaps Holland will become a recurring character, simply because I like her. In case you forgot how good she is, here's a reminder (actually two, because as I perused YouTube, I couldn't pick between these two):

Clip of the Day: Throwback

Because we should remember the original (90210) as we embrace the new (9021-NO):

I Like It, I Like It Not, I Like It, I Like It Not

On October 4, 1990 the fledging Fox network aired a 1 hour drama pilot about a family with two teenagers who move from Minnesota to California. That show was Beverly Hills, 90210, turned into a success and became a pillar of the Fox schedule for the next 10 years and launched the careers of its many young teen stars. Fast forward to Sept 2, 2008: the fledging CW network, desperate for a huge hit in its 3rd season of existence, resurrects Beverly Hills in 90210, a spin-off set in the world of the original show but featuring a new cast of young pretty people. The CWis hoping that the new show will take off like the original, but, ladies and gentleman, this is not your mom's 90210, which may not be a bad thing.

9021-NO (as I will from here on refer to the show) just feels very different from the original to me so far (caveat: I was 14 when the original show ended, so I'm going on somewhat fuzzy memories here). Case-in-point: in the first 5 minutes we have car fellatio (you can fill in the slang term), prescription pill drug deals, and Spring Awakening as the school musical. Yeah. I think Brandon and Brenda would have ended their first day in tears if they were students at the current West Beverly High, but then again so would Donna, David, Kelly, and Steve. (Dylan would never cry, he'd probably just be in a band now). I think the differences will be an asset though, but I cant be sure. Let's break it down:

Stuff I Like:

• The bitchtastic-ness: Naomi reminds me of a nicer version of Regina from Mean Girls, and Silver is just HOT (plus you've got to love a blogger). That pil-popping girl stealing Naomi's purse was priceless. They need to dial up the bitchy a bit more to make this better (although I think GG already has that covered, so maybe not).
• The throwbacks to the original: I like seeing Kelly and Brenda and seeing Kelly's sister Silver grown up. Along the same lines, who is Kelly's baby-daddy?! I want to KNOW.
• Grandma: If you've been reading my blog, you know I like Jessica Walter (my two Arrested Development clips of the day were of her), and I think she's doing an AMAZING job of channeling Lucille here. See the end of this post for some of her priceless quotes.
• The pretty people: I think this one explains itself.
  

Things I Don't Like:

• Annie: Girl needs to drop the sweet act. It's annoying. And forgettable. (Case-in-point: a good friend who was watching tonight couldn't seem to remember her name. Not a good start for Miss Grimes).
• Too much music during the first hour: If I wanted to listen to my iPod, I would have. Also, I counted at least two songs that I had heard last season on GG. (Although they do say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery).

Things I'm Not Sure About:

• The parents: Don't get me wrong. I like Lori Laughlin as much as the next guy (she will here on be referred to as Aunt Becky in recognition of her best known role on Full House) and the dad seems ok too, but in the original Mr. and Mrs. Walsh were more background characters and here the creators seem to be trying to integrate them more into the plot. Which leads me to my next point:
• The number of characters: between old and new, there are A LOT of people to account and for and A LOT of backstory. I love shows that require you to pay attention and remember, but this could prove to be too much for some people.
  
• The identity of the mystery son: ok so this one isn't as much a concern about the show as it is something I'm curious about. My fearless prediction: the son is Mr. Matthews, the English teacher. He coaches lacrosse and the Dad played lacrosse. Plus they kind of look alike. If this winds up being true I expect you to give me credit.
  

So those are my thoughts. Now time for quotes (they're a little salty, but very funny--for the most part):

"Are you breaking up with me?"--Naomi
"I'm breaking up with us."--Ethan (And that sound you hear is me gagging. Ughh.)


"Never worry about being fair. Just grab on to those jewels and twist them like a garbage bag." -- Grandma

"Or even better I could drive you home and we could swap stories about Harry's penis." -- Aunt Becky

"Look at her ass. You could crack an egg on it. And I say that because when I was her age, Ricardo Montalban literally cracked one on mine. I won't tell the rest of the story, because I don't remember it." -- Grandma

"I need to finish my memoirs before my friend Virginia does. We slept with all the same people." -- Grandma (I have a feeling I will be quoting Grandma a lot).

So what do you think? Is 9021-NO worth another look? I think so, but I don't know if it will become a must see show for me.

Clip of the Day: Back to School

Because it's always hard to get up and go on the first day:

It's BAAAAAAAAAACK!

Summer is officially over. Pack up the beach blankets, put away the sunscreen, cover the barbecues, because you won't need them again until next year. It's time for fall and you know what that means: NEW TV! Tonight marked the return of the first show of the season, the best guilty pleasure EVER, Gossip Girl.

I think we can sum up tonight's episode in one word: Feelings. There were feelings flying all over the place tonight. Confused feelings between Serena and Dan, smoldering feelings between Blair and Chuck, hot sexy time feelings between Nate and his COUGAR. It was nice. Let's break it down:

Things I liked: THE COUGAR (she's hot), Serena (she's still hot), Grandma being nice (that was shocking and a welcome surprise), the triplets, Jenny and Eric being friends again, Jenny acknowledging she's been a raging bitch, Rufus being a good dad from faraway, and the white party in general especially the whole cameo from Tinsley Mortimer, which was a nice touch.

Things I didn't like: Blair being emotional (She's supposed to be the crazy bitch, and I want to see her act like it), Dan being a judgmental jerk (even those his rebound girls were hotties), and....well that's it because I love everything else about this show.

And now time for some quotes:

"Ain't karma a bitch? We know Blair Waldorf is." - Gossip Girl


"I wasn't aware that robots got jealous." - Blair to Chuck (loved all of their fighting dialogue tonight)

"I know that face. That face is not your friend." - Eric to Nate about Serena (it's the face every brother fears)


I'm interested to see the rating numbers tomorrow since the CW promoted the heck out of this show, and I hope they're really good b/c this show deserves it. The previews for next week look good and I'm excited to see where the rest of the season will take us (hopefully a lot more of the COUGAR).

Clip of the Day: "I'm Watching You Buddy"

Because Stewie is funny: