Thoughts on the Newbies

I've finally had some time today to sit down and watch some of the new shows that have hit the airwaves this fall so thought I'd give y'all some scoop and thoughts about them.


Hawaii Five-O, CBS, Mondays 10pm EST

photo seen at TV Fanatic

I wasn't too sure about this one at first but I wanted to tune in because of the stellar cast. Alex O'Loughlin, Scott Caan, Daniel Dae Kim, and Grace Park star as the special task force working to keep Hawaii safe in this reboot of the classic series. We start with Detective Steve McGarrett (Alex O'Loughlin) losing his father at the hands of Victor Hesse (James Marsters!) and heading back to Hawaii to attend his funeral and investigate his death. He gets roped into a special task force for the HPD by the governor (guest star Jean Smart) who grants him immunity and so begins his time kicking ass in Hawaii. He soon forms a reluctant partnership with Detective Danny "Danno" Williams (Scott Caan), picks up Chin Ho Kelly (Daniel Dae Kim) and his cousin, Kono (Grace Park) along the way and the task force is complete. The first two episodes centered around McGarrett attempting to avenge his father's murder, and a kidnapping of a man with lots of government secrets. There was a lot of action packed into the first two episodes and it was overall really fast paced and fun. I would say my favorite part of the show thus far is the crazy good chemistry between O'Loughlin and Caan. Both men are great actors and play off each other so well! Caan is caring and hilarious, just as he was in his recent stint on Entourage and O'Loughlin is tough and rugged.  They are really great together and needless to mention, very easy on the eyes! The scenery in the episodes is also gorgeous and provides a great contrast to the gritty crimes they're investigating.

Verdict: so far, so good, I'll keep watching!

No Ordinary Family, ABC, Tuesdays, 8pm EST

photo seen at daily zombies

This show is very much like 'The Incredibles' but live action. So i guess you could say it's like 'The Fantastic Four.' While it was cute, and relatively well acted, I wasn't immediately drawn in. The premise of the show is that a family survives a plane crash which lands them in some water which gives them super powers. The mom, Stephanie Powell (Julie Benz) is a high power researcher who becomes super fast. The dad, Jim Powell (Michael Chiklis) is a police sketch artist who becomes super strong. The daughter, Daphne (Kay Panabaker) becomes telepathic and the son, JJ (Jimmy Bennett) becomes super intelligent. See it's 'The Incredibles,' except no one can become invisible?  It seems their family was in a bit of a tough way prior to their superpowers and that this is what will bring them together. The rest of the characters are rounded out by George (Romany Malco), Jim's confidant and best friend; Katie (Autumn Reeser), Stephanie's confidant and lab tech at Global Tech, and Dr. Dayton King (Stephen Collins) who is Stephanie's Boss. Seems Dr. King knows something about people with these super powers as we see towards the end of the pilot. Meanwhile, Jim wants to become Michael Chiklis's other super strong character, The Thing from 'The Fantastic Four.' I love the actors in this show and the story line seems alright thus far.

My Verdict: I need some more episodes to make a final decision but for right now I'll keep with it!

The Event, NBC, Mondays, 9pm EST

photo seen at screen rant

Right from the get-go, I wanted to watch this one, because I needed to know "WHAT is the event?" These types of shows always hook me, and when i heard it marketed as another Lost/24, I knew I would probably love it. I was hooked the moment  **SPOILER ALERT** Leila's (Sarah Roemer) family got attacked and she got kidnapped. I loved how it was made out like her and Sean (Jason Ritter) were never on the cruise.  The show is set up in a great but somewhat divisive structure (you'll either love it or hate it), going back and forth between different times that give you insights into how the different characters fit into the Event.  It felt like a puzzle that we had to put together. It was very exciting, and interesting and I can't wait to learn more. I don't want to talk too much about what happened exactly to avoid completely spoiling the show for those who haven't seen it but there was a lot of action, great relationships and some awesome plot/character development. If you want to read some good recaps about what's happened thus far, head over to EW.com for Jeff Jensen's always fabulously intelligent recap. Also check out NBC's website for the show for some great character bios and other information!

Verdict: a must watch!

I've yet to watch Nikita, Undercovers and Running Wilde but they're sitting on my TiVo waiting for me, so when i get to them i'll post some more thoughts on this new crop!

it's brittany/britney, b*tch!

found at twitter.com/britneyspears

If you know anything about me, you know that Britney Spears is one of my most favorite things/people/pop culture icons ever. Needless to say, i was a little bit more than excited when I found out that Ms. Britney Jean would be the center of and cameo in an episode of Glee, also one of my most favorite things/shows ever.

The collision was bound to be epic.

And epic it was in terms of performances, dancing, and overall Brittany/Britney awesomeness ....but in terms of story line there wasn't too much there. I know glee isn't really known for it's story lines (with the exception of Finn/Kurt/Burt) but I have to say I like it better when the songs performed help further the plot and really speak to what the character's are feeling. Ryan Murphy and co did a great job of this with the Madonna centric episode last season. Last night, this wasn't the case. However, i guess the anesthesia induced hallucinations were a clever little plot device to enable the glee club to be Brit-nified and introduce Carl (John Stamos), Emma's new love interest.

Now with all that being said, I really did love the episode. The video recreations were spot on, the songs chosen were awesome, and it was a really fun time! Heather Morris was freaking FANTASTIC tonight. She is definitely going to be a superstar after last night's episode. Ms. Brittany S. Pearce had some great one liners (as always), and while she may not have the best voice or biggest range, i think i could watch her dance all day. She is SO talented.

I also really enjoyed Artie's version of "Stronger" as it did enhance his storyline a bit. I will say though I was a tad disappointed that the infamous chair scene of that music video wasn't done by Brittany. 

  

Here's some of my additional thoughts on the episode:

- Does anyone else only think of *NSYNC when they hear "Sailing?" All i see is Justin's curly hair and the boys flying in the rafters everytime that song is on! (Aw memories of a teenage me!)

- Where was Kurt's  (Chris Colfer) Britney solo? Wasn't he the one pushing for her all episode? And we didn't get so much as a line sung out of him? Lame.

- Also where is Quinn and Puck? and Mercedes for that matter? I miss them.

- Mr. Shue should calm down on the creepiness a bit. Although Matt Morrisson is a great performer, watching his character dance around with the kids was way uncomfortable. He was also a bit annoying with the whole Emma and Carl situation.

- Jacob also got way beyond creepy in this episode and pretty much tried to ruin the performance of "Toxic."

- Rachel is a beyotch!

- Anyone else hate the jocks on this show? It's like they're from the 50s and are prejudice against everything. They're such jerks!

- Love the shout out to the infamous "David after Dentist" youtube video!

- Do you think every episode is going to end with a Rachel solo? I love Lea Michele to death but I sure hope not!

- We need more BRITNEY!

- Anyone else think that whole speech to Finn by Rachel in front of the WHOLE glee club was a bit awkward? Anyone?

 Quips of the night: (be warned...there are MANY!)

“No like seriously you can totally drill me whenever…” I love Santana re: 'the hottest dentist she's ever seen

“Please don’t pull all my teeth, when I smile I’ll look like an adult baby but with boobs”--Brittany

“Also I’m more talented than you” – Brittany to Rachel

“Ok, listen. My dad’s a doctor and not a tooth doctor, a real one. He like went to college or something which means I have a killer health care plan that pretty much pays for everything so get up in my grill cuz Brit and I want to get our anesthesia on” -- Santana

“I think that guy just broke up with his girlfriend over there just so he could stare at you” – Finn

“It looks like a Jewish cloud” -- Brittany re: Jacob's hair

“Well Rachel, congratulations! Normally you dress like the fantasy of a perverted Japanese business man with a very dark specific fetish but I actually dig this look…yay” -- Santana

“You’re all dressed up. You look like a cast member of Kids Incorporated” – Emma re: Will

“It’s a Britney Spears sex riot” -- Sue

“I mean seriously you wear more vests than the cast of blossom” -- Sue

“It’s like a inkblot test, that butt sweat stain, stare into it William, and you will see the light of all that is good, go out of the world” --Sue (so gross but hilarious)

For some other great recaps and reviews of glee check out:

@tvmcgee's recap at HitFix, 

@jbomb11's redux at E! Onlineand 

@gmmrtv's take  GLEE: Brittany/Britney The Best episode of Glee ever?

Next week on glee we're heading back to furthering the story line (yay!) with what looks sure to be a tearjerker. I'm breaking out my tissues for "Grilled Cheesus!" and I promise I'll try to get this up in better time next week!

MR. JT what ya got for me?

Stop, what you're doing and watch this video. No, seriously, stop what you're doing. WATCH THIS VIDEO.

Just press play and enjoy "The History of Rap"




How good is Justin Timberlake? No, seriously, how good is he? (Jimmy is Fantastic, too)
For more Justin and to hear Jimmy interview him about his new movie "The Social Network," check out the interview below....



So Justin, I know you get this a lot but will you marry me? And while you're contemplating this, can you please make some new music? I know, I know i've read on Zap2it that you're just not feeling it right now but i really miss your voice, and your tours so let's get on that. Thanks. Heart youuuuuuu.

Guilt can be a killer

seen at seat42f.com

Dexter Morgan is not a good person.

 

Last night's season 5 opener was pretty much the first time I ever really thought this. I know, I know, he's a serial killer and has been one all along but last night was the first time I was ever really mad at Dexter for being who he is. The first time I actually saw him as a killer, doing something wrong....rather than a sociopath with a purpose, taking out the bad for the good of himself and the code. His lack of feeling and humanity and inappropriate reactions last night, they just put me off and made me angry. 

 

Season 5's first episode picked up right where Season 4's phenomenal finale left off. Rita dead in the bathtub and our poor baby Harrison sitting in her blood. Cops show up to the house, Deb comes flying in and takes the baby, and Dex spews out "It was me."

 

Well Dex, in a way, it was you. As he states in the episode, there were many times throughout last season when he could have killed Trinity before this happened to Rita. He just didn't do it and now she's dead because of him.  His remorse and guilt for Rita's death is palpable throughout the episode but being who he is, he doesn't know how to handle it and it appears to just hang over everything like an awkward turtle. It does seems pretty fitting that his only real scene of grief involves his dark passenger and the reemergence of Harry. The rest of the episode, especially the scene where he is telling Astor, Cody and Rita's parents what happened was pretty hard to watch. I mean "I'm sorry for your loss," Are you serious, Dexter? I also found it kind of interesting that Astor can almost see right through him. Although I think she's wrong, he may be acting like he doesn't care, but he does. He just doesn't know how to show that. (technical note: I wish the girl who plays Astor was a better actress....it could have been a lot more emotional and I could always use a good cry)

 

I loved the scenes between Dexter (Michael C. Hall) and Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) last night. Especially when she is telling him that he is "decent and good." Both actors were magnificent in their roles. It also makes me excited and anxious for when Deb really does find out who her brother is. I can't imagine what's going to happen there but I can't wait to see it (when and if it does ever happen). 

I also hated and loved that Dex left and came back. I was SO SO angry he was leaving but understood that it was his way to deal. After talking with some friends and reading some comments on various recaps that wish he stayed out, I'm convinced his coming back was a testament to his love for Rita. The old Dex would have never come back, he would have just gone away. Rita changed him, and I think this enabled him to do the right thing and come back to his family. I only wish he mentioned his love for her out loud instead of just in his head. 

 

On a side note, I hate the Quinn/Deb hookup. Although, I'm hoping it will provide an interesting angle to Quinn's investigation on Dexter. After further discussion with my great friend Jenn, we're just hoping this doesn't turn into Doakes 2.0 ....no offense to the writers but that would be very boring. Dexter did nothing but make himself prime suspect #1 in this episode in Quinn and the FBI's eyes so let's see how this whole Quinn thing goes and how he gets out of this. I have faith that this storyline and the rest of the season will be remarkable. 

Here's some of my favorite lines of the night: 

-"I've watched 67 people die, and at the moment of truth I looked into their eyes and I knew -- and they knew -- they got what they deserved. But what if that's not what happens, if you don't get what you deserve? ....you get me?" -- Dexter

- "She had a big heart, big enough for the both of us, had to be, I wasn't even human when we first met." -- Dexter

- "Who the fuck are you? ...No, who the fuck are you?" -- Deb, re: the creepy cat lady who is taking care of Harrison

So what are your thoughts? Did you like the season opener? Did you love it? Did you hate it? and How do you think Dex will get through this mess? and how about that Julia Stiles....what's her deal going to be? 

Dexter is on Sundays on Showtime at 9pm EST. 

xoxo, Gossip Girl

photo seen at phillyburbs.com

Next up some thoughts I had while watching the second episode of the new season of Gossip Girl:

- Best part of tonight's episode -- Dan singing "this loft is your loft, this loft is my loft, where's your aunt jenny, she moved to Hudson, she wears leggings" HILARIOUS
- What's the deal with this Juliet chick? I know from reading Zap2it that she is not gossip girl....so who is she? and what does she want with all our infamous upper east siders? Especially S. I'm interested to find out.
- Chuck and "Fleur DeLacour" ... love her but I can't wait for Chuck and B's reunion.
- I love Kristen Bell's voice as Gossip Girl. Can we please get her that Veronica Mars movie that she and I and every other fan of the show so desperately wants?
- After today, there is no Chuck Bass.  Repeat to self: This is not true. This is not true.
- Louis bringing Blair to Harry Winston, hello....I need a prince.
- This whole Dan having feelings for Serena thing.....I don't care if she is only your half sister by marriage, that is creepy. Let Nate have her.
- Wow, this scene between Blair and Chuck at the train station is sooooo good. This reunion was definitely worth the wait. I want to scream at the TV and make them kiss. I've watched it 3 times already. Great acting by both Leighton Meester (Blair) and Ed Westwick (Chuck).
- Glad that Vanessa and Dan are together at the end and that sly move between Juliet and Nate.... I wonder who S would have picked though.
- So Fleur, i mean Balenciaga, is coming to NYC huh? This should be interesting.

Best lines of the episode:

"but it takes more than even you to destroy Blair Waldorf"

"That's true ......but it wouldn't be my world without you in it."

Spoken by the one and only, B.

Gossip Girl is on the CW on Mondays at 9pm EST. For more on Gossip Girl head on over to cwtv.com. AND if you want to read some insanely good recaps and info head on over to Vulture for their obsessive guide. 

90210

oh hey! So there's like a bajillion shows that my tiVo taped this week and I realize with the next week starting there is no way I can do posts on everything so look forward to a couple of quick blurbs with my thoughts on some returning/new shows this fall.

First up.....

taken from daemonstv.com copyright the CW 2010

90210.

Totally my guilty pleasure. Here are some thoughts on the most recent episode "Age of Inheritance" where Naomi turns 18, throws a rocking bash and gets her trust fund.

- How creeptastic is Mr. Cannon huh? I hate him. Guy is totally creepin' all over Silver. However, I'm loving the ominous music they have playing when he's around. It's so soap-y.
- I understand Naomi lying about Mr. Cannon, but she can't go all crazy and almost hit him with her car while Ade is in the front seat and use the acceleration of her new BMW as an excuse. (Wow that was a run-on huh?) Hello Adriana, you're stupid to believe that.
- Loved that bit with Liam and Annie together on the boat. Too bad he was lying about it "boat sitting." Also, who is this mysterious Charlie? Is that really his brother? and what's the deal there? It was an interesting little twist. It doesn't look like it will turn out good for our Annie.
- and Poor Annie, girl is totally the new Kelly Taylor.
- Hate Silver's new hair, LOVE Annie's hair and general style (esp the dress above...so cute).
- This Oscar character is lame-o. Sleeping with the mom and trying to get with the daughter.
- Teddy is totally going to end up in AA by the end of this season. I'm wondering how and when they are going to turn him gay??
- The character of Jenn is super annoying as well. I hated her last season, and she definitely hasn't made any improvements.
- And on the other side of that, what is going on with Ryan? He was one of the best parts of the show last year and they haven't given us much of him yet. I hope this changes.

Next week's episode is about Adriana being crazy selfish and stealing songs from her dead musician friend and singing them at his funeral. You know this information has to come out at some point. I can't wait to see what happens.

90210 is on the CW on Mondays at 8pm EST. Head on over to their CWtv.com for more info, full episodes, pics, etc!

Olivia

Pictured: Anna Torv ©2010 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Liane Hentscher/FOX

To me, Thursday's season opener of Fringe was well worth the wait. But before i get started with my recap, I just want to talk about how amazing the cast of this show is! It's a darn shame John Noble didn't get an Emmy nomination for his amazing performances as Walter/Walternate. That was some big snub by the Academy and I really hope it's fixed next year. He is phenomenal and I just love him. Anna Torv (Olivia) is amazing as well. Specifically in last year's season finale, "Over There." I think it's a really tough role for an actor to play two different people, and this cast makes it look like they're just singing the ABC's so bravo to them. 

The 3rd season opener begins "over there" with our Olivia talking to her therapist, Dr. Anderson about how she's not who they say she is. (side note: episodes taking place "over there" have the red credits) Apparently, Walternate's crew has been importing Alt-Olivia's (Bolivia as named by Anna Torv at SDCC) memories into her head in an attempt to transform her. The reason or motive behind this, we don't really know, except for Walternate's mention of a need to know how she can move between universes. Neither does alt-Broyles (Lance Reddick) apparently as Walternate withholds this information from him at the end of the episode. It seems that only alt-Broyles knows this is the real Olivia and not actually Bolivia. The rest of the fringe division just seems to believe she's lost her memories from a bump in the head. 

Anyways, after attempting to inject Olivia with another dose of memories, she feigns sickness and breaks out just like our kick ass Olivia should. She runs, she jumps into the river, and finally takes a cabbie at gun point. (More on this later) (...and did anyone else notice that the cab driver's radio was talking about President JFK??). She has the cab driver take her over to the theater, where she had entered this universe, only to find that its about to be quarantined with the amber solution. Distraught and needing gas, they head to a station not too far off before heading to what she thinks will be Massive Dynamic. Her partners Lincoln and Alt-Charlie swoop on in. Olivia is a bad ass, she blows up a gas tanker, locks Lincoln in the bathroom and has the cabbie, Henry, take her to Massive Dynamic. It's here, where we switch to Walternate and Alt-Broyles who can see that the memories have finally begin to kick in "because only one member of fringe division can shoot like that."


In the alt-universe, Massive Dynamic wasn't built and without really knowing where she wants to go, she asks Henry to take her to her "mother's" house. Our Olivia is torn between her two identities at the house. It was heartbreaking to see her freak out because her mom is actually dead and even more aggravating to see Bolivia's memories breaking in to her consciousness and taking over. We learn that her adrenaline is really what kick started the transformation and it will be interesting to see how this grows throughout the rest of the season. 


The last moments of the episode switch back to "over here" and we see Peter relaying his experiences and what he believes to be Walternate's plan to congress. Walter is adorable eating an Oreo waiting on the stairs for him with Bolivia. The last thing we hear and see is Peter telling Bolivia that "the whole time i was in there, there's only one thing i could think about" and then they kiss. 


Let me tell you I was SO angry about this kiss that i yelled at the TV. Stupid Bolivia! She's effing with Peter's head and infiltrating our group. Grr, she makes me mad! (But how excellent is Anna Torv at playing her?) I can't wait until she's found out and this whole thing unravels! It's going to be an exciting and hopefully Emmy award winning season! I think my favorite parts of the episode took place in the cab with Henry. There's something about him. Not too sure what, but I feel like he must have been in another episode or has some back story. The story he shares with Olivia about thinking he's someone else and the way he follows Charlie and Olivia as they leave her "mother's" house. He must be a spy from our side or have some connection. Or i could just be making this up? Who knows? But i definitely think there is something about him. I also got a little feeling when Alt-Broyles is speaking with Walternate about his motives, that maybe Broyles will eventually help our Olivia get back to where she belongs. I guess we will have to wait and see. 


Next week, the episode will take place "over here" where a mysterious box is causing all sorts of trouble. Here's a clip i found on imdb.com