Yay, the "Housewives" are back. But for one episode. Photo by ABC.com

Just saw a promo for Sunday's episode: We find out if Tom and the kids make it. I actually care and I'm shocked myself. Just when I thought I had given up, I find myself pining for this show. Dumb old writer's strike.

Survivor: Let's hope some people get it right this time

Oh James, now you're on the cast again, please WIN this time. Photo by CBS.com

Entertainment Weekly unveiled the new cast for the upcoming season of "Survivor" to say I am pumped is an understatement.

Looking at the "old-school" Survivors there were a few surprises. Cirie is back! And so's Amie and Parvarti but Jonathan? Really??? I'm glad to see Yau and Ozzie return as well as James but did we REALLY need Amanda? And if I were James, I'd make sure SHE was the first one to go, the way she engineered my kick off, I'd be behind hers and say "Payback is a you-know-what ain't it?."

My hope is that the newbies get kicked off quickly so we can get back to the "All Star" edition again. And of course, they really, really need to watch Johnny Fairplay because he's diiiirrrty.

Friday night doldrums

Bob Saget is back on my TV on Friday nights again. Why is Bob Saget back on my TV on Friday nights? Photo by NBC.com.

Yeah, I know it's early in the day but looking ahead,there ain't a lot going on during prime-time these days. And it's looking like starting next week, some shows will be rolling out their SEASON (not a misprint) finales. Yeah, in January.

This is going to really, really hurt the networks because of all that lost ad revenue and because some people may NOT come back when the shows finally return. I've decided to drop "Heroes" for now because I was soo disappointed with Maya's black eyes of death and how it meant NOTHING to the main story and how NBC cancelled "Journeyman" just when it was picking up steam.

Of course we now have gems such as "Celebrity Apprentice" and "American Gladiators" YUCK. Fox is rolling out a show called "Moment of Truth" where people try to outwit a lie detector.

I'm telling you people, televised executions will be next if we're all not careful.

In a way, I'm kinda glad for the strike because I'm going to be working a part-time gig and I need the time to focus on that so these recaps may go back to once a week for a while for all four of you who actually read this thing.

Tonight, I'll be watching "1 vs. 100" and "Women's Murder Club" and possibly "Dateline" or "20/20" which says whoopie for TV viewing. I'm hoping NBC will reshow "Law & Order" because I missed it the other night. And Sunday will bring the Amazing Race gang again so YAY on that!

Happy New Year: It's time for "The Biggest Loser"

It seems as if we just got finished with The Biggest Loser, oh, wait, we did! Meet Betty Sue and Ali, a mother/daughter team from Arizona. Photo by NBC.com

I gotta hand it to "The Biggest Loser," they keep things interesting. As many of you know a bunch of folks across world made New Year's Resolutions (including me) to lose weight. So of course NBC decides to kick off the new season of TBL on this day to remind people to keep their promise to themselves. It's a stroke of genius. Plus, since there's nothing else to watch because of the danged writers' strike, they might have hit the jackpot. Also, it cracked me up with the number of weight loss commericials in tonight's show.

It's too early to find a favorite just yet, but it looks as though this bunch wants it more than the others past. If you want to know more about this season's gang, watch this video here.

Episode grade: B

Oh my Goth! They're gone

Kynt killed his and Vxysin's chances to win the "Amazing Race." CBS.com

The Goths blew it. I was so rooting for them and then they just blew it. Nate and Jen made a few mistakes but it was nothing compared to Kynt and Vxysin. First they U-turned the wrong team and then Kynt didn't follow directions on the clue and then boom it was over.

They managed to complete the Speedbump in a great time and then they were ahead and then they lost their lead and never really recovered. So now my allegiance goes TK and Rachel.

They have class.

Episode grade: A

Checking out "The Office"

So far, I'm digging "The Office" at least Season 1. NBC.com

My colleagues, Mike S and Karla P have been telling me how good "The Office" is. My friend Leslie told me she was watching it tonight and so since three people I care about say it's good, I'm went home and watched the copy that Karla lent me Season 1 to watch. And after two episodes my partner and I have been laughing our you know what's off.

Early impressions: I love Pam. Steve Carell's character is so funny and I'm warming up to Rainn Wilson.

We're working our way through Season 1 right now and I think we'll be adding Season 2 to our Netflix list. I'm sorry I'm late to the party on this, but I'm here now.

I absolutely HATE NBC

Miss Patti, NBC robbed you last week in "Clash of the Choirs." Photo taken from Google images.

There is absolutly nothing on.

Before I wail away on this, let me go back to last week. I was desperately looking for something, anything to watch. I got sucked into "Clash of the Choirs" and I was actually entertained! If you missed it, five celebrities went to their hometowns and recruited people to be members of their choir. It came down to NIck Lachey and Patti LaBelle's choir and of course Nick's won. It sucked because Patti's was better and I think too many people thought Patti and her group had it in the bag and stopped voting.

And this is why NBC has broken my heart yet AGAIN. I don't know why I keep going back to NBC. We still don't know the fate of "journeyman," all signs point to it being cancelled but still no "official" word.

Luckily, CBS is stepping up their game with "The Amazing Race." My partner and his nephew tried out and they made this hilarious video and I hope they make the cut. If they do, I'll let the readers know.

Sunday, the goths had a nasty meltdown and they just couldn't get it together. However, they were spared from elimination because this was a non-elimination leg. Yay. The bad news, they have to do something called a "speedbump" where they have to do a task by themselves and then jump back into the race.

We'll see what happens on Sunday.

Can we get a Christmas miracle?: The Journeyman finale?

I feel sooo bummed right now. My show is gone. I pray NBC will reconsider. Photo by NBC.com

NBC is run by idiots. Enuff said. We need a miracle, oh please, TV gods, save this show.

As Dan said to Zach this episode: "Do you know how much I love you?" "To the moon and back." That's how much I love this show.

And now it's gone. What we learned: Dan's power was activated after another time traveler died. The suspicious doctor doesn't know about Livia and he thinks Dan is the last. He also revealed that people are watching him because he might know too much.

I just wish we got to know MORE!!!

Series grade: A

Don't forget to watch the final episode of "Journeyman"

Poor Zach, daddy almost wiped you out last episode. NBC chose to wipe you all out and Words. Cannot. Express. How.SAD I. Am!!!!!! NBC sucks. For real. Photo by NBC.com

After Wednesday, it'll all be over. The BEST new show of the season will be gone because NBC didn't give the show a chance. It was well written, acted and amazing, but sadly no one watched except me and the cool kids. I'm totally buying the DVD if and when it comes out because it's worth it.

Last episode, Dan went back in time and left a digital camera which altered the course of the future and had a HUGE impact on his life because his son Zach wasn't conceived on the day he was supposed to be. Instead, Dan found he had a beautiful little girl named Caroline and was forced to make a choice. Live with Caroline or get back and get Zach back.

We also met a psychic who might have some answers as to why Dan is travelling in time and on Wednesday, we're supposed to get some answers. I hope that we finally will get the truth so we can let go. It's going to be hard to say goodbye but it usually is to good TV.

Season grade: A++++++++++++++

Anybody else feeling too danged fat?: The Biggest Loser finale!

Bill and his twin JIm kicked booty tonight on The Biggest Loser as Bill won $250,000 and Jim won $100,000. NBC.com

After all these weeks, we finally saw who earned the title of "The Biggest Loser." And HOORAY it was one of the most deserving people: Bill! Some people looked amazing :Bryan, Jerry, Jez and even cheating old Neil! Some notsomuch: Amber, Patty and Lezlye. I'm proud of all these people because it takes mucho, mucho dedication to keep eating correctly and exercising. I've been struggling for years and I still haven't mastered it. Thank goodness I'm not the weight that these people were and if the fates are willing, I won't be either!

Maybe can get motivated by the next group because the new season starts in two weeks which is on, yep, you guessed it New Years Day!

Season grade: A+

Clash of the Choirs: Team Patti all the way!

It's only Day 2 but I'm calling it. Patti's team will win. Photo by NBC.com

I wanted not to like this show. I got sucked in during the last 20 minutes on Monday when Patti LaBelle's team rocked the house. It took me back to my college days when I was the mascot of the gospel choir of the small liberal arts college I went to. We had some GREAT times on the road and although I can't carry a tune if you handed it to me, I know good music when I hear it.

It's tricky trying to get a bunch of folks to sing on key and in harmony. Patti's group is going this. Nick Lachey's group isn't bad either so I expect it be a battle between the two of them on Friday night. Thank goodness this is only a week but I will bet money they'll bring this show back.

Episode grade: B

And the gay Mormans shall inherit the Earth: Todd wins "Survivor"!

You'd be smiling too if you won $1 million for lying and backstabbing. Survivor: China." GAWD help us. CBS.com
And now it's over. Poor Amanda, a dumb decision left you holding the bag. You should have taken Denise and that would have made YOU the strongest player. All she did was sit there and look pitiful and unfortunately it didn't help you win.

I'm shocked, shocked, shocked that Todd won. I've discussed it over and over and Todd was never picked as my winner. Shows what I know. And my pick Amanda: Got one vote and that was from the virgin what's his name.

And his final appeal I think is what won him the needed votes. Courtney did surprisingly well because she got more votes than Amanda did including one from Denise who she said "sucks at life."

Speaking of sad, how sad was Denise's appeal to Amanda at the campfire saying this is all she had and that she would have to go back to making $7 as a lunch lady. I also felt awful for her because she said this ON NATIONAL TV where I'm almost certain her employers were watching. But of course it doesn't matter because she got canned! Oh, poor Denise... at least you won't be traumatizing kids with that mullet of yours. It's sad too that she's now a janitor. Sad, sad, sad.

And before I sign off: here's a shout-out to my homegirl who might have won.

Episode grade: B

And then there were four: "Survivor: China"

Here's my pick to win this year's "Survivor." Oh Amanda, you played a good game. Let's hope you win. CBS.com

I'll be honest, when this season started I didn't pick these people to be in the final four. It just goes to show you what I know.

This year's final four are Courtney the waitress, Todd the bitchy flight attendant, Denise the lunch lady and Amanda the hiking guide.

They all played a good game and backstabbed and blindsided most of the jury. But that's what "Surivor" is all about. That being said, Sunday's finale should be soooo interesting because we truly don't know which way this is going to go.

Todd could win because people respected that he was upfront most of the time from the get-go.

Courtney could win by default because the jury might not like who she's up against.

Amanda could win because she played a pretty honest game and laid low until her master plan to get rid of James came into play.

Denise could win by default because she skated under the radar most of the time. And if she does win, could some spa please invite her to come so she can get some teeth whitening and a snazzy new 'do?

I hope these folks play smart because it really is anyone's ballgame.

If I were Denise, I'd take Todd because people really, really hate him. Ditto for Courtney. Todd is her ticket to the $1 million. Todd should take Courtney because folks hate her too and he might be lucky enough to win. Amanda needs to take Denise. Amanda could show how she used her wits to win while Denise just skated by.

Episode Grade: A

So long, farewell and welcome back: Project Runway the recap

This outfit helped sister Christian to his first "PR"
win. Lord help us all. Bravotv.com
Last night was one of the saddest/happiest episodes ever.
This week the designers had to make outfits for women who lost a ton of weight. The catch was they had to use material from each woman's favorite outfit pre-weightloss. One wound up wearing a wedding dress as her favorite outfit. (I'm like really? You really like that gawdawful dress?????) It kinda sucked because the material wasn't worthy of being re-done and who walks around saying her wedding dress was her favorite outfit?

Poor Steven drew that challenge and you knew it was going to be curtains for him. On the let's get even sadder front, Jack, the HIV+ designer was faced with a medical emergency a staph infection that was getting worse by the hour. He decided to leave the show so that he wouldn't put others at risk.

Now, don't hate me here readers but I have to bring this up: Didn't the show consider that he might be having some sort of emergency crisis? I know that he's been HIV+ for 17 years (basically ALL of his adult life) and that his body - while it is the eye candy that it is - and immune system might not be able to take the stress of a daily design competition? I'm not trying to be discriminatory, but seriously you'd think they'd have some sort of doctor on staff to deal with medical emergencies.

But just when our hearts were breaking and tears were dropping, they brought back Chris who was booted last week. And all was joyous in the land again!

While some of the women loved their fancy new duds, some weren't quite up to par with what the designers designed. A few were just downright wrong. And some were just fabric snobs which ultimately lead to the downfall of Steven.

Hey, if we're lucky he'll be brought back too!

Episode grade: B

No deal Howie: What's going on with "Deal or No Deal"

NBC is going to the well a few times too many for me with "Deal or No Deal." Photo by NBC. com

OK, I'm going to out myself: I like "Deal or No Deal." There, I've said it. Now, let me add this, I like it in controlled doses. For some reason, NBC is playing the HELL out of "DOND" this week with all these stunts like "Winner Take All" and a "Wheel of Fortune" like gimmick. That being said, they need to stop it. Stick to the folks picking the cases and let that be that.

They also need to stop picking these over the top folks like they have the past few episodes. I felt so bad for the girl who was a part of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority who wound up with $1,000 when she was poised to win more than $100,000 or the black woman who SCREAMED! EVERYTHING!! AT!!! HOWIE!!!!!!!! I mean good freaking LORD, who picked her?

I know they want people who will give them good television but a twirling, dancing minstral show is a bit much for me.

Reality week

This is the winner of "America's Next Top Model." Although she's good, there WAS someone better. Photo by CWTV.

With the writers' strike continuing, get ready for more than your fair share of reality TV. In fact it might be all reality, all the time.

But some reality TV will be taking a bow in the next few days to make way for a new batch of cringeworthy badness. Case in point: Tonight is the finale of "America's Next Top Model." Say what you want about Tyra "Kiss my fat ass!" Banks but she knows how to put forth an entertaining show. My guess is that Saleisha (pictured) will take the top prize because she's got everything the judges are looking for. It kinda sucks because there was a stronger model in the bunch but because of her form of autism, it prevented her from landing in the final three.

"Survivor" has its final episodes this week as we narrow the final five down to the final four and then to the final three during a two hour finale. It's been a crazy season and lord only knows who's going to win. Since my guy lost two episodes ago, I really don't care but I don't want Todd the bitchy queen to win.

And: Note to casting directors, not ALL gay men are bitchy 24/7 nor are we FAB-U-LOUS all the time either. This ain't "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."

So now let's look at the new batch of shows: Tonight we have "Crowned" on the CW about a mother/daughter beauty pageant. (YAWN) and then NBC is rolling out "American Gladiators" which shows how desperate they are. What worked for the '80s won't work for the 00's I fear. I hope this crashes and burns quickly. And NBC also has this little gem to add: "Clash of the Choirs. which they have been promoing endlessly. I love Patti LaBelle but I want her gone from my set please. This show reminds me of "The Next Great American Band". What's that? You don't know TNGAB? Me either because I don't watch FOX.

It's only going to get worse and worse since the A-list shows are going to be on hiatus. Luckily we have cable and Netflix to keep our minds occupied.

It's over y'all: Journeyman has been cancelled.

You were too good for NBC Mr. Journeyman. NBC sucks. Photo by NBC.com

I'm at a loss for words. NBC is really stupid for letting this show go.

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!! "The Amazing Race" the recap

A costly mistake costs Azaria and Hendeka the race. Photo by CBS.com

Before the recap, tryouts were yesterday here in San Diego. More than 1,500 people showed up including my partner and his nephew. They arrived in line at 6:15 and waited until 4 p.m. and didn't get seen. The reason was the cameras malfuctioned and they got a form to fill out and a note to tell them to mail their DVDs and application within a few weeks. They were No. 390 out of 1,500 people. So with a little work they might be able to make the race.

OK, now the recap of this episode: H&A got screwed. Screwed! I tell you. He told the travel agent "ECONOMY" and they gave them "BUSINESS" class tickets. And they just couldn't recover from that which sucks, sucks, sucks. It's sooo not fair. I'm so disgusted, I'm not going to tell you about how Nate and Jen screamed at each other and how Ronald is still and ass but Christina is a saint. And I love that Nate and Jen got beat by Ron and Christina. I love that Phil made them go back and come back! And I have to say it's funny how Ron did a shoutout to Charla and Mirna because they didn't know what a catamaran was.


Loved her melting down!!! and I knew that we were in trouble because they didn't even show H&A after the first 15 min.


(sigh)
Episode grade: F

I'm Wilhemina Slater and I don't get wet: "Ugly Betty"

His milkshake still brings Betty to the yard. Photo by ABC.com

I love "Ugly Betty" so much that I want to run away and make babies with it. OK, that was so dramatic but you get the point.
This episode, Betty was bored with Henry and wanted some excitement. Gio swooped back into the picture and caught Betty's attention much to Henry's dismay. But Hilda, who knows a good thing when she sees it, decided to give Gio a try.

Betty White guest starred and stole the show. She's put a kink in Willie's plan to open "Slater" magazine. Meanwhile, Daniel and Alexis fought for control of Meade publication during a paintball fight.

Henry, meanwhile, unveiled a fantastic body (who knew???) during an evening of dancing. And Hilda realized that Gio has it bad for Betty. (poor HIlda).

And Daniel asked Alexis if they could run Meade together but she took the shot and won the competition. Gio asked HIlda out but she realized that he likes Betty.

Meanwhile, the other Betty has the best line of the night: I'm going on TV with whore eyes. And Betty took this opportunity to milk the feud for more publicity.

And Willie pulled out one last trick to help stay in Meade: Bradford's baby. EWWWW

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

Oops. I have to deduct a plus because of the SHAMELESS promotion of THIS movie.

Ding, dong the witch is gone: America's Next Top Model

YAAAyyyyyy!!!!!. Photo by CWTV.com

They finally kicked the byotch out!!! Thank you Jebus! Girlfriend was EEEEEEEVIIIILLLLL and STAAAANNNKKKK and NAAAASTTY.

Tyra finally called her out on her naturalness in her moves and poses. She's "pretty" (it's debatable) and she's got a "strong face" but I hope she goes back to Queens and stays there.

I'm a bit sad because next week is the finale. My guess for the winner? This girl.