Gossip Girl

The old gang is back together. Yay. CW.com

After last week's great start, "Gossip Girl" continued its reign as one of the best shows on TV. Although, I'm getting a touch worried because this week it started veering into soap opera territory.

Spotted: Nate Archibald trying to raise money to keep his family in the style they are accustomed to. Sadly, he's become a himbo for a duchess.

Spotted: Chuck Bass having a heart that beats only for Blair. Unfortunately, he's not interested.

Spotted: Vanessa's heart shattering after being stood up by Nate. Too bad she doesn't know that he's almost broke and he's in way over his head.

Spotted: Serena and Dan making out almost the entire episode. This is getting really old.

Spotted: Jenny Humphrey only in one scene and doing almost nothing. Actually this IS a good thing.

Spotted: A face off between Blair and the Duchess. It ends in a draw when Professor Himbo Nate slipping her his candlestick in the library (yeah, I went there).

Spotted: Nate and Jenny's dad having a midlife crisis. Fortunately it's passing when he realized that he's missing his kids lives.

Until next time...

xoxo

me.

What I'm watching for the fall

"The Cleveland Show" is one of the new entries to my Fall TV lineup. Photo by Fox.com

Last week, the Fall TV 2008 rolled out with "Gossip Girl," "90210," "Prison Break" and "America's Next Top Model," and over the next few weeks more TV shows will be competing for your attention. After reading through the entertainment bible and after careful consideration from the thoughts and opinions from my friends, here's my line up.

Sunday:
"The Amazing Race," "Desperate Houseswives" to be watched live. To be DVR'd "Family Guy" and "The Cleveland Show."
Why you should watch: "TAR" is one of the best reality shows on TV. It's like traveling all over the world without leaving the comfort of your home. Plus, host Phil Keoghan is the sexiest reality host on TV. Last season, "Desperate Housewives" got its groove back with the addition of Dana Delaney to the cast and this season is the five year jump, so I can't wait to see what happened in-between.

Monday:
"Gossip Girl," "Heroes" and "Prison Break" (in the winter "24"). I'm dropping "Chuck." To be DVR'd : nothing. Monday is going to be the busiest and best night of the week as "GG", "Heroes" all fight for that teen-age, hip, cool audience.
"GG" is this generations "BH, 90210" only with Prada and Kate Spade instead of shoulder pads and tube skirts. "Heroes" had an awful last season. The writer's strike probably didn't help things but it just seemed as if it lost its way. Then, we managed to see hour 1 at Comic-Con and was blown away. So I'm in for now, but it's on probation. I skipped a great big portion of "Prison Break" last season but I managed to enjoy the premiere last week so I'm in again, but it, too, is on probation. I'm a little concerned about the writers of "24" delaying production but I'm sure they will get back on track. I was this close to DVR'ing "Dancing with the Stars" to see if Cloris Leachman or Susan Lucci would break a hip but decided that it wasn't worth my time.

Tuesday:
"90210" (on probation), "Fringe" "Law & Order SVU". To DVR: "The Biggest Loser: Families." I got hooked on America's trendiest ZIP code last week, but we'll see if they can still deliver the heat in week two.

"Fringe" is amazing. Here, take a peek.



See? I knew you'd like it.
As far as "SVU" as long as Mariska and Christopher are on, then I'm watching. I love their chemistry and although the cases can be a big gruesome, it's still worth watching.

Wednesday:

"America's Next Top Model", "Stylista," "Project Runway" to DVR: "Deal or No Deal". Tyra is a superstar in her own mind. But the girl can model her butt off. The Tyra wannabees always come with their share of drama. This season we have a transexual and an Asian woman who might win the whole thing. The rest, I'm kinda meh on . "Stylista" is from the same producers so I imagine it'll be some of the same over the top drama we're used to. There are no words to describe the wonders of "Project Runway." And while this season may not have the dramatic characters we're used to, this is a strong group of designers. I'm looking for Korto, Kenley and Terri to be in the final three but I could be wrong. "Deal or No Deal" may actually give away the blasted $1 Million now.

Take a look at the first winner.



While it's exciting and all, I don't need to see it every single week.

Thursday
My 8 p.m. hour is extremely competitive!! I'm watching "Survivor" live, DVR'ing "Ugly Betty" to be watched at 9 p.m. I would LOVE to catch Smallville this season since they will be featuring the Justice League and the Legion of Superheroes but I can't watch everything. And I'm adding an old friend "ER" back into the mix. I left "ER" when Dr. Romano got his arm cut off by a helicopter only one season later to have another helicopter land on him and kill him. It had become tired and too soap-opera-y to me. But now, I'm hooked again by watching old episodes in the gym in the mornings.

Friday: What I'm watching: Absolutely nothing. There's noting ever REMOTELY interesting on this day to me. So I might use this evening to catch up with the shows I missed during the week.

Saturday: The same. Absolutely nothing.

So there you have it.

Is there something I missed that I should be watching?

How Stella lost her groove: "Project Runway"

A badly constructed outfit didn't impress the judges and Stella was sent home. Photo by BravoTV.com

This season of "PR" is rocking a little less now that leather/biker chick Stella got Auf'd. It's sad too because she was showing potential. This week's challenge: Creating a look for Diane von Furstenberg.

Some people did an excellent job. Kenley's one piece dazzled although she had to fight for it. Korto, I think should have pulled it out, but alas, nerdy Leeanne pulled out another win and is emerging as the one to watch.

Jarrell, Blaine and Teri all got a pass and it came down to Joe and Stell and poor Stella was given the boot.

Episode grade: B+

America's Next Top Model

Poor Sharuan. We barely knew you, but what we saw was stank. Photo by CW.com

And so we're off. Tonight, Cycle 11 (Can you believe it?) of "America's Next Top Model" began and based on what I saw tonight, it's going to be one heck of a season.

This season's theme: The future of modeling. And they rode that theme to the hilt as Tyra and the Jays (Mr. and Miss Jay) were all dolled up in silver clothes, bad wigs and tons of make-up. It was hy-sterical. I don't mean to be cruel, but after Tyra told us all to kiss her fat ass I backed off on her weight but these clothes she's wearing isn't doing her body any favors.

I 'm loving Sheena an Asian girl who is straight up hood, Marjorie and Jocelyn, who's auditioned 30 times! (Did anyone else cringe when she said she was from "Lucky Louisiana" especially now?)

I hate Clark and I'm on the fence about Elina because she seems very predatory.

Isis is the best of the bunch but sadly, she won't win because she's a pre-op transexual.

This week's challenge, conveying different issues in the world today. Isis rocked her photo and some people's photos were a little crazy. Saleish errr... Neikesha argued with the judges and that's a no-no and found herself in the bottom with Sharaun. But luckily, she had class enough to she was sorry to the other girls.

Episode grade: A+

"90210" : The Pilot...

AnnaLynne McCord is a good actress. Just not on "90210." Photo by The CW.com

After all the promos and weeks of waiting, we finally got a peek at "90210." Was it worth the wait? Maybe.

Here's the good: The show is edgier. (In the first 10 minutes, a girl gives a boy's privates a mouth hug in the parking lot), and it deals with today's issues.

The producers were also smart enough to cast Jennie Garth as the guidance counselor of the school to have a tie to the old show and Nat is back as owner of the Peach Pit. (yay!). They also brought Shannen Doherty back as Brenda (note, it's very clear she showed up for the paycheck and nothing else).

Here's the bad: There are way too many contrived situations. For example, one girl has drug habit and needs money. So her rich friend happens to walk away from her purse and the purse contains the money needed.

Dixon is African-American. His family is white. Not ONE character on the show reacted with shock and surprise. No one questioned why this white family has this black child. What is this "Webster?"

The show is disturbing to me because ALL of the actresses are way too skinny. Doesn't anyone eat in "90210"?

The first episode is about the Wilson family from Kansas moving into the ZIP code to take care of their boozy grandma. (Actress Jessica Walter is wonderful in this role). The family, wide-eyed Annie (Shenae Grimes), her adoptive African-American brother Dixon (Tristan Wilds) and parents Harry (Rob Estes) who's the new principal of West Beverly High and wife Debbie (Lori Loughlin) have a hard time adjusting to how people do things in California. At school both Annie and Dixon try to make friends quickly. Annie falls in with spoiled, rich Naomi (AnnaLynne McCord) and quickly learns her friendship comes with a cost. And Naomi's boyfriend Ethan (Dustin Milligan,) who's torn about who he wants to be. Annie also wants to be friends with Silver (Jessica Stroup) a quirky outsider who has a YouTube-like broadcast that most of the school watches. (hmm, shades of "Gossip Girl" here?). And Silver happens to be Kellie Taylor's (Jennie Garth) younger half sister.


In the two-hour premier we have hook ups and break ups, two blasts from the pasts, a baby who was given up for adoption, porn and more.

While the show isn't as sweet and sunny as the original, it might be worth adding to your guilty pleasure list. Some of the actors are a bit green and some have had better roles. For example, AnneLynne McCord set the screen on fire as Eden on "nip/tuck" and here she's barely smouldering. I know you can really go for it on cable but this is just dry and uninspired. She look bored instead of saucy and that's a problem for the hot, rich girl on this show.

Some storylines I'm not invested in yet such as the girl who has a drug problem. She indicates that they can't pay the rent, but she spends $200 on drugs? It doesn't make sense. And finally, this seems like "Gossip Girl" lite. If I were the CW, I'd put this show on after "GG" and they'd have the teen/young adult/female/gay audience locked up.

Prison Break

OK. I hopped off the "Prison Break" train last year because the story got too convoluted and crazy. But after watching tonight's episode, I'm back on board.

We had the return of the presumed dead Sara. The demise of the prison break tattoo. The arrest of all the major players and then the reuniting of the gang. This time, they are going to bring down The Company AKA the big bads of the last three seasons.

But my favorite thing: cannibalism. Yep, T-bag ATE the guy who he was crossing the boarder with. And of course, there was this bad joke "What's the matter man, you eat some bad Mexican?" Um, yeah.

Despite that, it was still fun to watch.

Why I love "Gossip Girl"

Oh Blair and Chuck, you're so devlishly bad. And that's why I love you. Photo by CW.com.

After a long and very boring summer, the fall has finally arrived! Tonight, "Gossip Girl" returned and it arrived with guns blazing.

Fake romances, reunions and a bone lace dress made for an interesting episode. We kicked off the season with the end of summer in where else: The Hamptons. Serena and Nate are in the middle of a fake romance. She's mourning her breakup with Dan. He's shaking up with a married woman. Meanwhile Chuck Bass is entertaining himself with the local talent while missing Blair.

Blair spent her summer in Tuscany waiting for Chuck who never arrived and she's po'd. Back in the city, Dan's been hooking up with chick after chick. Young Jenny's been busy at an internship with Blair's mom (imagine that!) and making pretty dresses.

The Head Bitch in Charge at Blair's mom's company is too caught up in herself to see Jenny's talent and uses her power to make Jenny miserable.

But all of this changes during the White Party. No, not THIS one!
Chuck wants to get back with Blair but she's got a new boy toy with a secret. I thought he was totally gay but learned that he's actually a British lord which makes Chuck very, very sad.

Jenny makes a splash at the White Party and even catches the eye of a rival designer and that in turns makes the HIBIC at the design company finally notice her.

Nate pines for the married woman and he and Serena tries to make her jealous and it works. So much that they plan a secret meeting.

Blair and Chuck almost connect but Chuck can't say I love you. But Serena and Dan reunite and that's what's important to me.

Has "Dancing With the Stars" jumped the shark?

Ted McGinley is one of the "stars" that will be featured this season. Photo by ABC.com

A disclaimer: I've never seen a single episode of this show. That being said, I might have to watch this season. Seriously. I want to see how far down the D-list this show can go.

Personally, I think it's finally jumped the shark with the inclusion of Ted McGinely. If you don't know who he is, trust me, you've seen him repeatedly. For some reason, this man has made a career of joining shows that are on their last legs and I think this show might be on it.

This season's "stars" include: Lance Bass (who I used to like but now, not so much), Kim Kardashian (who is famous for no reason except for a skanky sex tape with Brandy's brother) and Cloris Leachman who I was shocked to find was still alive. (Any guess on whether Mary Tyler Moore or Valarie Harper might be on next season?) And of course, my fave: Susan Lucci. I was so wondering why Toni Braxton was on the list since she has a well-known heart disease problem. If she keels over, would that make good TV? I don't know???
I also have issue of WHY Lance is with a female partner. He's gay people! Couldn't America handle seeing him dance with a dude? I think so. Plus it's a DANCE competition! I'm surprised that GLAAD hasn't jumped all over this one.

Keeping an eye on Gustav

Gustav is going to be bad unless a miracle happens. Video by Hulu.com

This week, my life got thrown for a loop again as changes were announced at my day job. I'm wondering when this is going to end so I can go back to life as I know it and I'm also wondering how much longer can I continue. That being said, depending on what happens, this blog *might* have to go on hiatus. (I pray not, but we'll see). Meanwhile, I'll continue as long as I can.

Are you ready to move into "90210"?

The cast of "90210" is ready for you. But the question is? Are we ready for them? Photo by the CW.com.

I'm going to admit it. I'm going to check into "90210." After all they've been bombarding us with commericials for weeks now. Curiously, they haven't sent out tapes to TV critics which makes me nervous because that says to me that the show either a) stinks or b) stinks.

However, I thought the first show a) stank and b) stank but there was a trainwreck-y quality about it. Plus add the back stage drama of Shannen Doherty and that made me watch more. Both Shannen and Jennie Garth are cameo-ing in this version but alas, Tori Spelling is not.

The new premise has a new family moving in and trying to fit in with the Snobs of Beverly Hills and because this is the 2008, they have a black adoptive son. While I find this wrinkle interesting, couldn't they have, oh, I don't know, a sucessful black family LIVE in Beverly Hills? Black people along with Asians and Latinos DO have rich people in their race so it wouldn't have been so much of a stretch.

Of course it would have been cliched to have the black family a) a rapper's family, b) a former athlete's family c) an actor's family so I guess this is the best they could do.

I also think the CW is making a BIIIG mistake by not putting this show immediately after "Gossip Girl" because it's the SAME audience. (Which if you're not watching GG you are sooooo two years ago.

It's time for the "Amazing Race"!!!!

Can Anita and Arthur survive "The Amazing Race"? We'll see. Photo by CBS.com

Toda the cast of the latest installment of "The Amazing Race" was revealed. On first glance, this looks to be a good crew. I'm so glad CBS didn't give up on this show. For me, it's like traveling but in the comfort of your own home.

The race is grueling and stressful and I'm always amazed at the people who do this. My partner (and soon to be husband) tried out with our nephew last year but alas, no call back.

My partner would be great at it because he's good at solving problems and has an analytical mind. I wouldn't be because I tend to fall apart at stress and have to much of a fear gene.

But trust me when I say, I won't miss an episode!

War is hell...

Thank you Kathy Griffin for lifting the spirits of our brave men and women in the military. Photo by BravoTV.com.

This week, "My Life on the D-List" took a serous turn as Kathy took time out of her quest for the A-list to bring a little joy to our injured men and women.

Think what you will about Kathy, at least she took the time to care. That's more than a lot of celebrities do living their lives. I was shocked to learn, however, the length of time the men and women have to spend at the hospital. Can you imagine having a body part blown off and having to spend days, weeks and even months in the hospital while the rest of America is at Starbucks having a latte?

I'm not a flag waver but I am so proud of America and how these people put themselves on the line so I don't have to worry about being bombed at Ralphs or having to wake up to screams as my village is being decimated by enemy soldiers.

I know a few people in the military including Mr. Wong and I have to say the next time I see him, I'm just going to hug him and thank him for all he's done for me and for our country.

But back to "MLOTDL," Kathy spend the day at Walter Reed Hospital and while the hospital has had it's share of problems the side we saw were people being well care for and being nurtured back to health.

My heart broke when one guy who had both of his lower limbs blown off after decades in the military said he had a bad day the day before the visit and didn't sleep well because he had phantom pains in his limbs.

You could tell that Kathy was barely keeping to together and finally broke down out of sight of the guys. I think it's at this moment we've seen her at her most human. Most people see KG as this shrill attention starved harpy but for me, I saw her fighting to give the residents of Walter Reed at least one good day.

It's Bravo so "MLOTDL" will repeat so catch this one if you can.

Do NOT try this at home

This made the arteries to my heart hurt. Paula Deen should be stopped.

Worst. Elimination. Ever.

Kelly. I can't believe they chose you to leave the runway. Photo by BravoTV.com

I'm beginning to question if the folks at "Project Runway" are making the right decisions. Tonight they sent one of the best designers home because they questioned her taste.

This week's challenge design an outfit for Brooke Shield's character on "Lipstick Jungle." The designers had to pair off and Jerele and Stella IMHO had the best design of the evening. But where did they finish? Second.

And is it me or is Michael Koors being extra bitchy with a side of tool? No. Discuss.

Next week: Drag queens!

Y'all not going to believe this one....

Isis is a contestant on Cycle 11 of "America's Next Top Model." Photo by CWTV.com

Us Weekly revealed that one of the contestants in this season of "ANTM" is transgender. I honestly don't know how I feel about this. On one hand, I'm glad Tyra is giving people an opportunity to model but on the other, I wonder if this will open doors for others really, or will this be just "great TV."

America, while progressing, still isn't the great melting pot that it claims to be and I wonder if this poor girl's dreams will be crushed on national TV just for the sake of good TV.

I don't know but it's another reason to watch.

Where's Vic?.... coming soon to my TV

My friend Jump the Snark has been after me to watch this show. I tried and couldn't get into it. Of course, now that we're about to hit the final season on Sept. 2. I'm interested. Everyone I know who watches the show raves on it. Of course, I'm going to give it a try and if I like it, I know he probably owns every season so I can catch up that way. With the day job getting more demanding and the second job to start any second, my time is going to be limited but I will give it a shot because a) I trust him and b) it looks like great TV

Hear that?

That sound is me sqeeeing over the addition of "The Whit Shadow" to hulu.com



I used to love watching this show on Monday nights. I even thought I could play basketball for a time. What's also interesting about this show is that Kevin Hooks and Thomas Carter are now some of the most sought out directors on TV shows today.

Really Rick Sanchez?

Some people, love him, others hate him. Me? I'm on the fence. Photo from CNN.com.


On the weekends, I usually have CNN on in the background but lately, one journalist has had me sitting up and taking notice: No, it's not Anderson Cooper but it's Rick Sanchez. He's brash and some may find him boorish but I like his style.

He's been running these reports called the League of First Time Voters which he talks to people who are just deciding to vote for the first time. Today he had journalists from the Unity 08 convention (unfortunatly we have NO idea who these people were or how they were selected) and they pretty much said next to nothing about how they were voting or why they were voting.

Oh and if you're interested, Sanchez is on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace (for real!)

Another legend gone: Issac Hayes is dead

It makes me sad to annouce that Issac Hayes, (Shaft, Chef) is gone. Cycle images.

Today the second job kept me pretty busy and so I didn't have time today to really watch the news. I had the Olympics on in the background and so imagine my shock when I heard that Issac Hayes had died.

The irony, Bernie Mac and Issac had JUST finished this movie which is scheduled to be released later on this year.

Again, both will be missed.

America: Bernie Mac is dead

Gone too soon. Photo by Getty images.

Saturday brought some sad news. Bernie Mac died at the 50 years old! I wasn't a fan but loved the first couple of seasons of "The Bernie Mac Show." I loved the way he addressed the camera with "America, blah, blah blah...." and it was so entertaining.

The show used to be in syndication and I caught a few episodes but it was never appointment TV. He's going to live a hole that can never be filled.

Going for the Gold!

I love the Olympics. I could care less about the sports but to see the best competing in different events excites me. Screen shots from Pinkisthenewblog.com

The Olympics started on Friday and we sat and watched the Opening Ceremonies with our jaws hanging open. It was simply one of the most amazing sights we've ever seen. From synchronized drummers, to people floating through the air to people lighting up and dancers forming characters on one of the largest pieces of papers known to man.

It was amazing, breathtaking and awe-inspiring all at the same time it wasn't until the Parade of Athletes until I became bored. History is going to show that this probably was one of the best opening ceremonies ever.

Close but no cigar

Jennifer (right) was a sweet girl but a horrible designer. Photo by BravoTV.com

While this season doesn't have it's personalities it's been very entertaining. Tonight, the gang had to design a uniform to be worn during the Olympic opening ceremonies. (Hmm, the Olympics start Friday on NBC and Bravo is owned by NBC Universal.. coincidence? I think not).

While some people nailed it such as Karto and Terri others missed the mark. I felt bad for Joe because while his skort set was cute, he was outclassed.

Jerelle, Daniel and Jennifer were all horrible. And Jennifer was Auf'd after her sweater set didn't make the cut.

Anderson Cooper hates "Living Lohan"

If you didn't like Anderson Cooper before, you'll love him after this clip.

She's back.... almost

I saw this in Entertainment Weekly and knew I had to post this. Photo from EW.com

I am counting down the days until we see Cycle 11 of "America's Next Top Model!"

You're going to be disappointed in me...

but I love New York!

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Holla at your boy Tim Gunn

What ever happened to the sitcom?

George and Weezy, thankfully, TV Land allows me to catch up to you whenever I want. Photo by Amazon.com

Today I was talking on the phone to my sister and she was distracted. When I asked why, she told me that she was watching "The Jeffersons" on TV Land and it was an episode she hadn't seen before where Weezy is taken to a male strip-club and George and Tom decided to jump on the stage and take off their clothes.

I asked her how is that possible she hadn't seen it because "The Jeffersons" was MUST see TV at our house on Sunday nights. She replied it must have been when she moved to New Jersey and was working nights.

We started remembering how our father when he was alive (He died three years ago this month) would laugh hysterically at George Jefferson and his antics.

I asked her did she remember the Sunday night line up and she rattled it off like it was nothing "60 Minutes." "All in the Family," "One Day at a Time," "Alice," "The Jeffersons." and we'd turn the TV off when "Trapper John M.D." would come on.

This got me to thinking about how many sitcoms I watch and the answer is 0. Nada. El Zippo. Nothing.

The last time I remember watching sitcoms with regularity was in the '80s with "The Cosby Show" and "A Different World" (That show is special because the kids on that show were at a HBC (Historically Black College) the same time I was and so it was like we all went to college at the same time.

I also remember watching "Will & Grace" frequently during the first couple of seasons and then it got stupid and boring. Although, I did come back during the final season and even attended a taping of the show.

Now they have Monday night comedies on CBS and I have to say NONE appeal to me. ABC has a few but they do nothing for me either.

I'm a bit sad about this because I like to laugh and nothing strikes me as funny. I tried a few episodes of "The Office" that didn't do it for me after a few episodes. It's like you've seen one, you've seen them all.

Some would argue that "Desperate Housewives" is a comedy but to me it's a drama with comedic elements which isn't the same thing.

Are there any really "good" comedies that I'm missing?

I normally don't do this....

Oh Arthel, you are the best thing on Fox 5 in San Diego. I hope they are paying you for the trainwreck that was the first day. Photo from IMDB.com.

I normally don't blog about our local broadcasts in case I might someday find a national audience, but yesterday was the first day of our new Fox 5 here in San Diego. I taped all three news broadcasts because they were promo-ing them for weeks.

To say it was bad would be an understatement. It was horrible from beginning to end. I don't pretend to understand the goings-on in broadcasting but one would assume they would have the kinks in their newsbroadcast worked out before going on air.

The 6 a.m. broadcast was worse as they kept showing the wrong tape and the tapes kept freezing. The reporting staff is horrible. It looks as if they raided and got the worst talent from all the other TV stations with the exception of Perette Godwin who looked polished.

There was this one reporter who screams gay, gay, gay and looks as if he just wandered away from Flicks/Rich's/Numbers to report the news. I was howling when he kept saying "anyways, don't this make me look tough" as he was standing by a dune buggy.

He looked as if he came straight out of J-school last week and was probably one of those kids who thought he'd look good on TV and that's why he's in it.

And whomever is dressing Chrissy Russo needs do layoff the nightclub wear. I want the weather, not to be distracted by her shinny go-go boots.

The 10 p.m. broadcast was worse. Kathleen Bade, who's a pro, was awful and Kendis Gibson (formerly of CNN and now I understand why) had NO chemistry whatsoever.

I'm disappointed because I thought Kendis was better than this. After 40 minutes of this, I couldn't stand it.
The first 40 minutes of the 5 a.m. broadcast had NO sound. And the broadcast looked squished. Arthel looked professional and appeared to be trying to save the show but it was too late.

I'm going to give it a few more tries but I might drop it like a hot potato soon.

It's a month until the NEW TV season begins!

"Heroes" is one of the shows where I can't wait until it returns. Video by Hulu.com

Remember when summer used to be a time where you could catch up on those shows you missed? It hasn't been that way in years. Now it's just one bad reality show after another.

It's 8 p.m. on Thursday and let's look at the offerings: The CW has a repeat of "Smallville", Fox has "Don't Forget the Lyrics," NBC has "Last Comic Standing," CBS has "Big Brother 10" and ABC has "Ugly Betty." (However, it's a GOOD episode) and it features one of my favorite young actress: I've loved this girl since she appeared on "Veronica Mars" two years ago.

This episode was based on "Mean Girls" and had Betty getting fat models to do runway. Here's a sneak peek:

Catching up with "Project Runway"

Some dresses just have winner all over them. For me this is not it but the judges from "Project Runway' disagree. Photo by BravoTV.com


I've been way too busy the last two weeks so unfortunately, I've haven't had time to blog about "Project Runway" but now I'm all caught up.

Tonight's challenge was to be inspired by New York City and the winning designer turned in the dress above. It just screams old lady and Florida to me but I guess it's just me.

Some dresses have been stronger like this one from Episode 1.



Or this one from episode two.



The talent is pretty strong this season. Some stand outs are Kenley who dresses as if she's straight out of the '50s. Suede who refers to himself in third person and says he's bisexual. (In my house, we both agree, it's totally gay. Blayne is trying to be Christian last season but doesn't have the fierceness. I'm keeping my eye out on Daniel because he's got the talent and the class to win this thing.

NBC rocks

The day job has kept me pretty busy the last few days. But luckily not too busy to discover these little nuggets from Comic-Con.
Mrs. Wong, this is for you.



And if you like "Chuck"



NBC is wise for doing this. I hope other TV stations will follow suit. The only drag is that you didn't get to see the one hour season premier of "Heroes" like I did but trust me when I say it's good!

Some sad news...

This is a bad photo but the cast of the "Golden Girls" will always be beautiful in my eyes. Photo by LifetimeTV.com.

Estelle Getty died today. If you don't know her, she was wise-cracking Sophia Petrillo on NBC's "The Golden Girls."

I own all the seasons and today I'm going to be watching a few episodes as tribute. I game to the GG party late though. My friend Leon is a HUGE fan. In fact, whenever I would visit him in Atlanta he and I would at some point during the visit find ourselves watching an episode or two. Some people don't get why folks were crazy about four old biddies living in a house in Florida but they had a lot of laughs and a lot of tears and some episodes were just so hysterical I still crack up just thinking about them. If YouTube lets this clip stay up, here's one of my favorites.

She shall be missed. Thank you for being a friend.

"Heroes" webisode

I gotta say, the folks from "Heroes" are raising their game.

Can I just say, I'm on a "Heroes" high? I've been re-watching the first season and it was so amazing, so wonderful that there are no words. Last season in a word: sucked. There were some good episodes but over all it just kinda fell flat.

Now with the upcoming season called "Villians" I can't wait for it to start. I'm going to dub it "Heroes: Legion of Doom."

I'm kinda digging these Webisodes to keep us watching until the main event. I hope the postal guy makes it onto the show because he's cool and I love his power.

It's Comic-Con week

If you know who or what this is, then you'll know why I'm a wee bit excited for the panel at Comic-Con. Photo by Wikipedia

Before I start the long overdue blog. A shout out goes to JumptheSnark who's like the best friend ever. Seriously. When my birthday rolled around last week, he gave me this gift that made it extra special.

I've been enjoying it ever since. And I'm going to really get my geek on Saturday when the entire cast will appear at Comic-Con.

There's a TON of stuff there this year. I'm excited about the "Heroes", "Lost" and "Chuck" panels.

And then there are some blasts from the past such as "The Greatest American Hero". Supposedly there's going to be a BIG announcement made at the Con. My guess, new show, different actors. Or heck, maybe a movie if we're lucky!

I'm going to be stuck in a big room called Hall H. If anyone sees this woman please, please, please take a photo!

At last: Birds of Prey

The music changed but the show is as hokey as I remember. Photo from Amazon.com

Today, I got my hands on a DVD set that I have been coveting for a long time. "Birds of Prey" was a TV show that was appointment TV for me. Every Wednesday at 9 p.m. in 2002 I would watch this show. At first, the show was all over the place but it had finally found its footing and then POOF it was gone.

The premise of the show is that Batman and Catwoman hooked up and had a daughter. (Although Batman didn't know it). After a fight with the Joker, Catwoman was killed and Batgirl was shot and paralyzed.

Add to the mix, Dinah, a metahuman with mind abilities and you've got a show that to me was worth watching. Some viewers disagreed the show was cancelled after 13 episodes.

I still love it. The only thing I HATE is that the music to the show changed. I loved this song but they changed in on the DVD.

New miniepisode of "Heroes"

First watch the video.

Are you you back? Was that amazing or what? It looks like The Company is back and badder than ever. The mailman looks as if he's channeling the powers of Black Canary. This Constrictor guy looks as if he's just plain evil.

So far, I'm liking what I'm seeing except for the obvious product placement by Sprint.

Mini-episode grade: A+

" I Love the New Millennium"

Britney has been busy since she stormed on the charts. Her boys now are just as popular as her wacky antics according to the folks on VH1's "I Love the New Millennium" Photo by VH1.com

Last week, VH1 rolled out another one of the decade recaps called "I Love the New Millennium." while it wasn't as good as some of the others : "I Love the 80s", "I Love the 90s", I Love the 70s" it was entertaining. My main problem was that it was too soon to do another one of these and it's clear VH1 is milking the nostalgia train. And some of the blatant omissions such as this the arrest and release and arrest of Paris Hilton screamed to me that another one is on the way. I mean they hit some of the high/low points depending on how you viewed it. Razor scooters, Martha Stewart's arrest, "Brokeback Mountain," MySpace etc were all there. Somethings I forgot about and some things I never heard of. Overall, it's worth watching an episode or two but not the whole thing.

Now something worth watching is this show: "30 Days". Last week they had an episode where a woman who is against same-sex parenting stayed with a same-sex couple for 30 days and trust me when I tell you this woman had problems! See for yourself.

The new classics

This is why this show is the No. 1 New Classic in" Entertainment Weekly's" list. May Bart and crew live on forever. Video by Hulu.com

Normally, I hate lists. Sometimes they are fun, but usually someone doesn't agree with something and arguments ensue. But on this list, "Entertainment Weekly" got it right.

A sampling of their picks on the Top 100 New Classics.

No. 10 "Buffy The Vampire Slayer." It should have been higher IMHO.


No. 17 "The Office,"


No. 25. "Miami Vice" (yes, this is the full pilot)


No. 34 "24"


But the BIGGEST error was this show ranking sooo, sooo low.

She's goofy and she's kooky, but I love her.

Oh Kathy, you've saved my Thursday nights from complete boredom. Photo by BravoTV.com.

Kathy Griffin will do anything for a laugh. After watching tonight's episode of "My Life on the D-List" it became more apparent. I stumbled on this show a few years ago and it's time for me to come out of the closet. I LOOOOVE Kathy . Her jokes are raw and not for the faint at heart but the thing I like about her, is that she's this kooky best friend who says the things you want to say.

She's hysterical.

See a sample for yourself right here.

Do you remember "Mannix"?

Why didn't he ever give Peggy a ride? Photo from Amazon.com.

When I was a little kid, I used to be really into the detective shows. My favorite hands down was this show. But another was "Mannix." He was a good guy. He was a smoking, drinking, man's man.

I loved that he was no nonsense and that he did whatever was necessary to solve a case. You can see for yourself because the DVD is out now. I got my hands on a copy and am sitting here enjoying this blast from the past.

Smoking on TV! Rotary phones! Pool halls! Skinny ties! A strong dollar! I'm telling you, there's worse ways you can spend an evening.

The worst sitcoms ever?

If you know who these folks are, then you probably remember the show.

The folks over at Pop Crunch have listed the worst sitcoms of all time and topping the list is "Small Wonder." Sadly, I used to LOVE this show. The premise: A scientist creates a real-life like robot and tries to pass her off as his real-life daughter. Of course hijinks and shenanigans were the center of the show which lasted four seasons.

Some of the choices I disagree with. "All American Girl?" Seriously? It wasn't that bad!

The Falling Man

Normally, I'd put a photo here, but after viewing the documentary, "The Falling Man", I'll link to it and let you decide if it's something you want to see. Photo by Richard Drew The Associated Press

Tonight, I was flipping through the channels and found this documentary "The Falling Man," on Investigation Discovery. The documentary was a recounting of the events of and surrounding 9/11. Earlier in the evening, the station aired "The Secret History of 9/11."

For some reason, I was compelled to watch and it re-opened the wounds of that day. I remember that my mother called me to wake me up to tell me about the attacks and I stumbled to the TV just in time to see the second plane hit. I remember going to work and feeling numb for the next few days.

Sitting here tonight, I reconnected to those feelings and hearing the stories of people who jumped to their deaths was just heartbreaking. It also reminded me of a promise I made to myself that day: Never, ever waste your life because you don't know what's going to happen.

I'm puzzled why the station decided to air this in June instead of in September but either way, I'm glad they did.

"Lost" the "almost" live blog

Some of these people make it off the island, some: peramently. Photo by ABC.com

So I had planned on giving a minute-by-minute account of what was going on with "Lost" but this is a show that needs constant attention so here's what's happened so far"

We're 30 minutes in:

* Ben is rescued.
* Big, bad dude who killed Alex is killed by Ageless Wonder
* Walt goes to see Hurley in the insane
* Michael is trying to stop the boom
* Jack and Kate clash over lying.
* Someone named Jeremy is in the coffin
* Hurley is rescued
* Miles, Charlotte and Miles all on the reunite
* Charlotte apparently has been to the island before and Miles knows it
* Jack and Locke have a talk about "miracles"
* Locke watches an informative video
* The Orchid's purpose is revealed: It's a transport tube in time.
* Ben and Locke have a visitor.
* Jack, Kate, Sawyer, Sayeid and Hurley reunite at the helicopter.
* It's 9:43 and the helicopter takes off. (this gets to be the second time Sayied leaves the island)
* Meanwhile at the Orchid, things don't look too good. Apparently the Big Bad dude survived and he's after Ben. He tells Ben that if he's killed, then the boat explodes. He taunts Ben with Alex, so and painful death. Ben kills big bad dude with his own knife and Locke tells Ben he killed everyone on the boat by killing big bad dude. Ben's reply" "So?"
Its 9:52.
Charlotte tells Scientist dude that she's staying on the Island and she gives him a quick kiss.
Juliet stays on the island and says she's going to wait until everyone else gets off.
On the freighter, Michael, Desmond and Jin work to stop the explosion. Meanwhile the helicopter heads toward the boat and the helicopter pilot sees that they are losing fuel. . Apparently the gunfight pierced the fuel tank. Hurley feels guilty for not jumping and wanted to get a few hundred pounds lighter and then he jumps. Sawyer's OK and starts swimming back to the island. And Kate sheds a single tear. And this concludes the FIRST hour!
* The second hour begins with a bang when Sayeid kills someone outside Hurley's hospital.
* Sayeid wants Hurley to come with him because "Jeremy" is dead.
* Hurley doesn't want to go back and says eh's going to go somewhere safe and Hurley was playing chess with Mr. Eko!
* Jack promises to go back for Sawyer.
* At the Orchid, Ben watches Big Bad dude die and his last words was Whitmore will find him.
* The light goes red and Jin and Michael works to slow down the bomb.
* Desmond tries to get people of the boat.
* The helicopter arrives and Desmond tells them to go back
* Jack works to get gas on the boad. Kate offers to get Jin and the Sun has the baby.
*Michael tells Hin to run. Jack grabs Kate and they head for the helicopter.
* Sun begs them to go back.
* Michael sees Jack's dad, who tells him he can go now, and the the freighter explodes in bad CGI.
* Sun insists that Jin is still alive.
* Jack tells Sun that Jin is gone and that they have to leave.
* In a flashforward, Sun sees Charles Whitmore. She tells him that she's in charge of the company now.
* Sun comes clean and makes a deal with him. (My guess vengance on Ben for killing Jin by accident)
* Sawyer makes it back to the island and sees Juliet nursing a bottle of rum. Sawyer sees the boat in flames and assumes that Kate and the rest are dead. (At this point, I'm guessing that the folks on the island think the helicopter folks died on the freighter and when Ben and Locke move the island, the helicopter can't get back. (Will we see a Sawyer/Juliet hook-up in the future? And where are the people on the small boat, did they make it?)
* Ben passes the torch to Locke and says he's getting redy to move the island and he apologized for making his life so misearable. Ben also tells Locke that whoever moves the island can never return.
* John then prepares to lead the others as they are in a rag tag camp. Agelessman tells Locke welcome home.
* Ben goes into an ice pit (!) and prepares to move the island and this shows us the flashforward where he's wearing a parka in the middle of a desert. "He says that he hopes Jacob is happy now.
* A strange noise comes from the island and Ben strains to move a wheel frozen in ice. And he cries as he has to do it.
* And then poof! The island is gone!
* And the helicopter crashes.
* Bubbles, lots of bubbles. Jack swims to the surface. Aaron and Hurley make it to the boad and they can swim.
* Desmond is hurt but he makes it.
* And now they are stranded on a boat in the middle of nowhere.
* In a flashforward, Kate gets a phone call and panics. She pulls out a big ass gun and then heads to Aaron's room where she sees Claire.Claire tells her not to bring Aaron back to the island. EVER!
* Kate weeps over Aaron and tells him she's sorry.
* Hurley points out that Lock moved the island and Jack is speechless.
* The pilot sees a boat and Jack tells everyone to lie about what happened and remembers what Locke said. Kate says they can't lie.
* Jack asks to do the talking and everyone stays silent.
* I'm confused because I thought they were discovered in the daylight?
* A boat called Searcher pulls up and it's PENNY!!!!!!!
* Desmond suddenly has strength of 19,000 men despite having almost drowned. They give a kiss to hot that my TV is threatening to melt!
* Penny has a tracking station and that's how she found him.
* Jack asks to speak to Penny and it doesn't sound good.
* It just occurs to me during the umpteenth "The Mole" commerical: How many people are left on the island?
* Sayied and Huley talk and they talk about why they had to lie.
* Yay, Frank and Desmond stays on the boat after they sailed 3,000 miles to another island. Jack tells Desmond not to let Whitmore find him.
* Everyone seems happy with the exception of Sun who's ticked about Jin.
* The group is then "rescued" and the rest we know.
* I have to say, this is the most unconvincing rescue ever....
* In a flashfoward, Jack is playing bad music and looking tore up. He heads to a funeral parlor called Hoffs/Drawlar which I suspect is an anagram. Jack breaks the lock and heads inside. Of course there's no alarm system whatsoever.
* Jack stands over the body of Jeremy Betham and we don't immediately see who it is.
* Ben arrives at the parlor and Jack looks startled.
* Jack reveals that he spoked to Jeremy about a "month" ago.
* Jack says that after he left the island that bad things happened and it was his fault for leaving and said that Jack had to "come back."
* Ben says the island won't let him come alone. All of them have to go back. (Who's all?)
* Jack says that Sun blames him for Jin's death.
* Ben says he can help him with Kate and that they have to go back together. ALL of them.
* Ben says the body of "Jeremy" has to go too and the body is: LOCKE!!!

OMG: January '09 can't get here fast enough!!!

Live blogging Lost the finale

Dear Emmy people. Ben's eyes alone deserve one because I've never seen someone so expressive before. EVER. Photo by ABC.com

Dear reader(s). Thanks for sticking with me. I've been a bad TV blogger because of job commitments getting in the way, but I promise I'll do better in the future. Meanwhile, this TV season officially ends with the "Lost" finale tomorrow night and what a season it was!

The writers' strike took a LOT of wind out of a lot of shows. In my gone too soon list: "Journeyman" and "Women's Murder Club" and, um, "Bionic Woman." (Jump, don't roll your eyes)

In the delightful discoveries department: "Chuck" and "Torchwood".

I've also developed a couple of guilty pleasures but the main one is "Flip that House" (I guess it's a homeowner's thing....

The hurry back award goes to "Ugly Betty" who had a stellar sophomore season. I heart Justin in a non icky sort of way.

The most improved show: It's a tie between "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost" who both raised their games this year. The five year jump for DH was brilliant and the flash forwards off the island is working for "Lost".

And speaking of "Lost" I'll be live blogging so wish me luck!

"Idol" worship

It was David vs David on tonight's "American Idol." Thankfully, the RIGHT David, that would be David Cook on the right won. To his left is David Archuleta. Photo by Reuters

So after weeks of bad auditions and bad singing, it came down to the battle of the Davids. Tonight's overstuffed show dragged on way too long. It was full of washed up singers (apologies to any fans of the following people). ZZ Top, Donna Summer, Graham Nash, Seal and Bryan Adams all trotted on stage to sing with the fallen "Idol" contestants. And if you didn't get your celeb fix on stage then you could look in the audience and see old "Idols" such as Fantasia and Ruben in the audience along with Teri Hatcher, Janice Dickinson and a few others.

As my friend Karla says, "It's like 15 minutes worth of show stretched out to two hours." I wanted to bypass but my partner squealed like a girl and demanded we watch.

That being said, it was less than enjoyable and all the product placement was unbearable. Mike Myers came on to sell his new movie, "The Love Guru" which looks positively awful.

That being said, thanks America for getting it right and choosing the RIGHT David to win.

Oh "Oprah"

Folks went NUTS when Oprah unveiled her favorite things of the summer. Photo by Oprah.com

Watch this first. All done?

Can you believe this? Folks lose their minds if they get free stuff. I was floored by the reaction and I've seen this show and this topic a bunch of times but this audience takes the cake.

When the show was over: They got a new grille, some bathing suits, a pair of flip flops, makeup, a book, a gift card to the Mariott, a GPS device and a CD. That's pretty much it. No cars, no FANCY trips just those things listed.

While I applaud Oprah for sharing with her audience this was crazy the way these people acted.

And America's Next Top Model is

Go Whitney! Us big girls everywhere appreciate you! Photo by CWTV.com

I wanted Anya to win. But I'm OK with Whitney winning.

She worked hard for it and it's nice that Tyra recognizes that women and models to come in all shape and sizes but I think there have been BETTER plus sized women on this show.

That being said, this season was kinda ho-hum for me. All sparkle but very little flash and substantance.

Maybe next season, the ANTM magic will be back.

OH MY GAWD

Ladies and gentlemen, meet the dumbest. SURVIVOR. EVER!!!. Photo by CBS.com

I know I haven't blogged in a few days but I HAD to blog about this one. This will go down as the best season of "Survivor" in a Loooong time.

Tonight, poor Erik won individual immunity and then GAVE the necklace to another Survivor. It's never been done and now we see why. The women had planned on getting him out and darned if they didn't work it Erik was so dumb I was screaming. And yet at the end, he still remained a good sport. BUT he's still stupid.

My TV loves me....

Renee (played by Gabrielle Union) is adding is adding even more sass to "Ugly Betty."

I can't do it. I've tried to stay away but with all of this TV goodness, I can't stop blogging. Spread the word: TheRemote is back!

Let's recap the week in review:
Monday:
Yes. I admit "Gossip Girl" is still a guilty pleasure. All the drinking, booze, catfighting, high-fashion and snippness (the folks on my job have NOTHING on this crew) makes for an enjoyable evening of viewing. When last we left, Blair was unseated in the popular crowd when it was discovered that she lost her virginity to evil Chuck Bass in the back of a moving limo. And then slept with her boyfriend, Nate) (so not a misprint here) a day later and claimed he was her first.

Young Jenny looked on this as her chance to enter the elite society (even though she is p-o-o-r).

When we pick up, Blair is still an outcast and Serena (who was an outcast all due to Blair's conniving) is her only friend. Blair is tormented by the other girls and then decides to take revenge on Jenny and regain her place on the throne.

Jenny is scrambling to keep up with the lifestyles of the rich and famous and is pawning everything in site just to have money. She even resorts to stealing a Valentino dress . When it's discovered by the other girls (at Jenny's birthday party no less) Jenny is out.

Jenny, however, isn't ready to give up so she brings Nate to where the girls went to hang out with Blair and she regains her post. Blair once again, is auf'd.

Tuesday
"American Idol" is my crack. I can't get enough. Everytime I go to rehab for it, I keep hearing no, no, no.

This week was showtunes! by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It was a disaster. And a shocker because poor Carly was given the boot. She clearly was better than Brooke and Jason but I suspect the Grandma vote saved Brooke and the young girls saved Jason. This week: Neil Diamond! Oh joy!


"Law & Order: SVU"
Out of all the shows on TV this one is in my Top 10. I don't think I've ever missed an episode of this show because it just keeps getting better and better. This episode: The lover of a gay football player is found murdered.

Benson and Stabler have a rough go with this case because of secrets. Benson accidentally outs the football player and it causes them to be investigated by internal affairs. We then learn that she's had a secret boyfriend for MONTHS and Stabler, while cordial seems a little peeved that she didn't tell him.

The secret of this show: the chemistry between the two leads. Sometimes, they're like brother and sister, sometimes they seem to have a sexual chemisty. One of the most intense scenes ever had Lou Diamond Phillips in it a few seasons ago and you have to track down that episode.

Thursday:
"Survivor" is having one of its best seasons ever. This season, the fans vs. favorites have more twists and turns than a maze. This week, another blindside. The victim: Poor clueless Jason. After surviving a vote off last week, Jason had the opportunity to save himself once he found an immunity idol at Exile Island but instead he let Natalie bamboozle him into not playing it.

If you listen carefully, you can hear America's screams of "idiot" as he got voted off.

"Ugly Betty" came back and it was terrific. This episode celebrated Betty's 24th birthday which turned out to be the worst birthday EVER!

Soo, soo bad. Henry's babymama came back into town and foiled Betty's plan to spend with Henry.

Daniel was trying to find out Renee's secrets and Willy and Marc were busy trying to keep their secret a secret. At Casa de Suarez, Papa Suarez was feeling neglected since Betty wanted to spend time with Henry.

The break is over...

Ben is the bomb. ABC.com

I'm watching "Lost." There are no words. No words. Alex dead. Smoke monster. Jack. Ben. Sawyer. Penny. Vengence

World hopping. Indiana Ben. Wow.

Episode grade: A+++++++++++++++++

Taking a short break

Hi there,
I'm on the homestretch of job No. 2 so I'll be back on May 24th with new insights on TV and more.

Thanks for your understanding.