GLEE's TOP 6

When it comes to Glee, I was originally hesitant...like most people and the Twilight series. Originally, you don't want to be a fan because you think its overrated and everyone's a fan, so where is the fun in that? Then, you jump on the bandwagon and realize, its the greatest thing ever. I came around late in Season 1. My original hesitation was the casting on Cory Monteith as Finn. I thought, of all the Zac Efron's in the world, you cast this guy to play the leading jock role? Seriously? And after a while, he grew on me. I realized, he is his own version of a "typical" jock and I like it. Therefore, when it comes to ranking the past season's greatest hits, I am not taking anything from Season 1 into consideration. Just need to make that clear in case Gleeks come out the woodworks to hate on my rankings.

When choosing this list, its pretty simple. I rank them based on how many times I have talked about, sang myself to sleep with and rewatched on my DVR (or someone else's...Therese and Bobby). So, without further adieu, my Season 2 TOP 6 Glee Performances.

Honorbale Mention: "Umbrella/Singing in the Rain" I almost caved under the pressure and put them in the Top 6, but it was only ok for me. Great performance, great match up but the others really outranked in my opinion.

#6 Quinn and Sam sing "Lucky" in the Duets episode. Sam plays the guitar. Quinn innocently flirts and prances around him as they sing this Jason Mraz/Colbie Caillat love song. New favorite couple. Check.

#5 The entire Britney epsiode. When rewatching, the choreogrpahy was simply ridiculous. And by ridiculous, I mean amazing. And my amazing, I mean flawless. Holla back Brittany S. Pierce. Special shout out to Santana and Brittany's duet. I tip my imaginary hat to you ladies. Well done.

#4 Amazing performed by Finn and the group in a tear-jerking, I Love You Man, moment. Not only do I love the song by Bruno Mars, but I love the fact that Finn is not being such a d-bag anymore. It's about time Finnster.

#3 Gwyneth Paltrow's "Forget You" version of Cee Lo's hit song. Despite the fact that I am pretty sure she flashed the Glee clubbers when hopping up on the piano in her mini skirt, this song performance made me sing for days.

#2 "Teenage Dream" by Blaine and The Warblers. I never imagined that a group of half gay/half straight boys in uniform could make me love a Katy Perry song. Bravo Warblers. And Bravo to the random dude fist pumping in the background. If you didn't notice him, it is worth rewatching.

#1 My costume for next year. "Start Me Up/Livin on a Prayer" mash up with the girls of Glee decked out in leather. Watched it several times. Sang the songs for days. Still singing the song now.

Reasons to LOVE Cougar town

First of all, its been so long since I've posted on my blog, that the web address did not even come up in my browser. Sad. For that, I apologize. Now, on to the topic at hand.

Many of you are fans of Modern Family. Some of you from the beginning pilot episode where Phil infamously identified WTF as "Why the Face?". Others are late bloomers. The hype surrounding the show, plus an Emmy for Best Comedy, followed by everyone talking about it, made it difficult to not begin watching. However, is the midst of the Modern Fam hoopla, a show has gotten lost. That show is Cougartown. Originally titled for Courtney Cox's character, who was a divorced single mother, looking to pounce on the next young thang, the thirty minute comedy morphed into "Friends" on crack. On some days (dare I say) I believe Cougar town to be funnier than Modern Family. Here my list of why you should get hooked.

1. Everyone drinks wine. All day, everyday. It has become the eighth member of the Cougar town clan and can be seen in almost every scene of every episode. However, wine snobs, they are not. They will drink anything placed in front of them. And they have funerals for broken wine glasses. Classic.

2. The overabundance of one-liners. Some solid examples:

• "Some of us over did it at the 'Pre-No More Alimony Party' Party, so I made these margaritas with crushed up aspirin."
• "I'm in love and it's the real deal, like keep the baby type of love."
• "This is our cul-de-sac damn it. Tonight we take back the sack! First order of business we need a new slogan."

3. The coining of new phrases and games.
 "Penny Can" - a rousing game of skill where one's hand and eye coordination are tested by attempting to toss a penny in a...wait for it...can. Seems mindless and simple...and in fact...it is!

4. Each character is true to form. Ellie is the nosy neighbor who peers down from her high horse only to ridicule those beneath her...but in a funny way. Jules is the neurotic self-obsessed ring leader who has a sick obsession with her only son. Travis is the seemingly intelligent sarcastic son of an overbearing mom and less than motivated dad. And so on...

5. It comes on at 830pm, so you are already invested in the 8 o'clock hour with Modern Family. No need to change channels now. Stay put.

6. The writers are fully aware that the title "Cougar town" no longer applies to the show. Therefore, each week, in the opening credits, the writers take a jab at themselves by adding a subtitle to the the title. This week the addition was "Its ok to watch a show called...Cougar town".

7. They make fun of themselves. When the show is getting pretty silly, they call themselves out on it.

8. And most importantly, you can expect to laugh out loud at least one time in every episode. Whether Ellie is tipping her imaginary hat to Grayson, Andy is reinacting the "Its not your fault" scene from Good Will Hunting or Bobby dressing up as Windy Guy, the show is a must watch. You will not regret it. It often reminds me of my friends...only richer and funnier.

FOOTBALL TIME

It's September, which means a few things: 1. Kids are back in school, traffic is bad again. 2. Most of my favorite shows are back in new episodes. 3. Football. In my house, football pretty much takes over. Every Saturday, Sunday, Monday and the occasional Thursday and Friday. Most of the time I enjoy, but then again, its is September. Talk to me in November.

In the spirit of football, I have taken on a new show...Friday Night Lights. I know, this show has been around for 4 seasons. But due to scheduling conflicts and overall disinterest in NBC programming, I haven't tuned in prior to now. What's got me on the bandwagon? ABC Family has started from Season 1 and runs an episode everyday at 5pm. My DVR is already overloaded, so each day I race home, watch my new obsession and delete it immediately to make room. This new routine may begin to wear off soon. It's quite exhausting. But as of now, it is the highlight of my day. Instead of having to wait a full week or a whole summer for a new episode, I only have to wait 24 hours. AND there are three more seasons to watch!

Now, here's why I like Friday Night Lights...First of all, there is an innocence to it. The innocence of first loves, thinking you will stay with your high school sweetie forever and thinking the world follows the same rules as high school. After 10 years out of MCA, those ideas could never be more false. Next, I love the simplicity of it. High school team and coach loved and admired by a community. All of their hopes and dreams, fears and joys, wrapped around the local high school football team's success. There are breakups, breakdowns, new loves, lost loves, success and failure. Simply put, its just life in Texas...with a whole lot of attractive people. However, knowing that this show has not received much love from NBC or the critics, I'm praying it doesn't take a turn for the worse. As for now...I love Texas football.

PREMIERE WEEK

In case you didn't know...its Premiere Week. Every show worth watching (well, almost every show) begins this week. As I watch the Saints, who are down by 5, in the 3rd quarter of MNF, I am not worried. Mostly, because we are Superbowl Champs and secondly because I believe anything is possible with Drew Brees. Therefore, I see no problem in talking about the big week ahead. Should there not be a game tonight or So You Think You Can Dance? Tour last night, here is how my TV schedule would go. Keep in mind, most need to be DVR'd or I would not have a social life. As it is, I am not sure what I am going to talk about in Book Club in two weeks. Too much TV to watch. Anyways, here my schedule. Shows in bold are what I have to watch, others are only if I catch them or have time.

SUNDAY

9/19 8pm Boardwalk Empire on HBO

9/19 9pm Mad Men on AMC

MONDAY

9/20 Dancing with the Stars (The Situation)

9/20 9pm Castle on ABC

9/20 9pm Gossip Girl

TUESDAY
9/21 8pm Glee on Fox
9/21 9pm Life Unexpected on CW
9/21 9pm Detroit 187 on ABC



WEDNESDAY

9/22 7pm The Middle on ABC

9/22 730pm Better With You on ABC

9/22 8pm Modern Family on ABC

9/22 830pm Cougartown

(with Jen Aniston) on ABC

THURSDAY
9/23 7pm My Generation on ABC
9/23 8pm Grey's Anatomy on ABC

SUNDAY
9/26 9pm Brothers and Sisters on ABC





New Shows: I am very much looking forward to Boardwalk Empire. I absolutely LOVE period pieces, especially shows set in the 20s. I've seen the pilots for Detroit 187 and My Generation and I think both should be successful.




Returning Favs: I am ecstatic about Glee, Brothers and Sisters and most of all Modern Family. Its been way too long without a little Manny in my life. I was blown away by the Grey's finale, but wasn't so much looking forward to the return. However, they've done a great job of trying to reel me back in. Check out the new TV Guide cover below. 

After this week, we can really delve into which premieres are phenomenal and which premieres under deliver.

The Evolution of Jersey Shore

When Jersey Shore began last year, I was a late addition to the Fan Club. My Jersey vocab was a little slower to develop and it took almost a full season before I could watch an episode in its entirety. Then Season 2 rolled around and I was 100% hooked on the guido/guidette journey to Miami. From Season 1 to Season 2 there has been an evolution in the series....see changes here.
#1 The Situation is the "mature" one in the house. He is involved in the least number of controversies, he is making the most cheese and he has a new career...Dancing with the Stars. If you watch the show, you understand that saying The Situation is the most mature is deathly scary considering he still takes home broads only to escort them to a cab 30 minutes later.
#2 Snooki is the new Smush Queen. After a full season of not finding a gorilla to tangle in the sheets with, this season she is on fire. Although not close to the numbers the boys put up, she is racking up a list of her own. #3 Vinny is in the game. Last season, I felt he was on the back burner. More of a Mama's Boy. Not too controversial, not too important. This season he is a valuable wing man for Pauly D and Mike, while also sticking his nose in the family drama enough to increase his face time on camera.

Although these things have changed, there are a few that remain 100% the same and stronger than ever.
#1 Sammi is an idiot. Not sure how else to say that. Every girl has had the wool pulled over her eyes by a guy, but to be blinded 4, 5, 6 times in a row is ridiculous. Get a clue Sam.
#2 J-Woww is crazy as ever. Some may find her scary, unattractive, evenly beastly. I, for one, would always want her on my team. She may have fake nails, boobs, eyelashes and hair but her bitch factor is real through and through.
#3 Pauly D is only dude on the planet with a "blow-out" that I would want to hang out with. Every time I think I've heard it all, DJ Pauly D busts a new one-liner that has me crying and laughing at the same time.

For your enjoyment, here's a few one-liners from the season:
* "Can't stand this weather. You can't get tan in this weather, you can't creep in this weather, you can't do anything." -- Pauly D, on living in a prison of rain.


*"Who AAA call when AAA get stuck?" --The Situation

* "I don't go tanning-tanning anymore because Obama put a 10 percent tax on tanning. And I feel like he did that intentionally for us. McCain would never put a 10 percent tax on tanning because he's pale, and he would probably wanna be tan." -- Snooki, on what's wrong with Washington.


*Jenni’s t--s definitely defy gravity. I think Albert Einstein should come back and rewrite his laws of physics and work it around Jenni’s t--s. --Vinny

Grey's Posters

So this year, Grey's started a campaign to have its fans choose the artwork for their new season. The artwork is one of my favorite parts of the new Fall season. Below are the three I chose. Pretty sure the one with all the cast members will win. It had the most votes. However, something about the closeup of McDreamy is really sexy. And I haven't thought he was sexy in a while. Haha.

FALL TV CALENDAR

It's often hard to keep track of when your favorite shows are coming back on TV. September is all about new TV. PopSugar, my favorite celeb blog, puts all the premieres on one calendar. If you can't read it, click on the link below.

www.popsugar.com/Sugar-Shout-Out-Get-Ready-Fall-TV-Buzzs-Printable-Premiere-Calendar-10757997

9/02/10 Day

Yes, you read correctly...Tomorrow is 9/02/10 also known as "90210 Day". At least that is what die hard Brandon Walsh groupies are calling it. It only comes around once in a lifetime, so let's start celebrating. I, for one, cannot recall as many plot lines or catchy one-liners as I could if it were Saved By the Bell Day. But, I can make a few references from the show that should trigger a few happy childhood memories. Please let me know your favorite moments from America's Favorite Zip code.
#1. Brenda and Dylan

#2 Brenda and Kelly's on going feud - specifically Brenda's suggestive whore comment to Kelly "If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck..."  I think Kelly slapped her, but can't remember.
#3 Emily Valentine - her relationship with Brandon and her singing "Breaking up is hard to do".
#4 Donna's virginity - enough said
#5 David's friend who shot himself
#6 The theme song - no words, but you can sing it...you probably are right now

#7 The Peach Pit - only diner more famous than The Max
#8 Andrea's love for Brandon, Brandon's love for Kelly, Kelly's love for Dylan, Dylan's love for Brenda, Brenda's love for herself
#9 Kelly's mom's addiction
#10 Prom Night - Dylan and Brenda sleep together
#11 Steve taking steriods
#12 Kelly's mom marries David's dad
#13 Dylan's father's death - car bombing I believe

Ok, your turn...go!!

MAD MEN Rolling Stone Cover

Don't have anything really to say, just wanted to post it.

Modern Family: Valentines Day

In honor of Modern Family winning BEST COMEDY last night at the Emmy's, I thought I would post my favorite Modern Family moment. Ladies and Gentlemen, please give it up for Clive Bixby...Enjoy!

MY BOYS & Life's Underrated Pleasures

This week's episode of My Boys brought to light a fantastic topic of discussion...Life's Underrated Pleasures. Their cast of characters chimed in with their list: Stephanie - a well organized closet (Agreed). Bobby - Eggs for Dinner (Very Much Agreed). PJ - Diving in to a perfectly still pool (Eh. That one's weak). Mike - A warm toilet seat (obviously a bad joke). So, without further adieu and without too much thought, here are David's and my list of underrated pleasures. Please chime in.

Me: A Color Me Bad song on the radio - I understand this one will be disputed, but I heard one today and it reminded me of Paula Abdul music videos, New Kids on the Block sweaters and boys wearing Gravity cologne...also known as my childhood.

David: Cold pillows - settling down for the night after a long day of work and the bed and pillows are crisp and cold.

Me: Leaving a delicious dinner without being too full - actually being able to enjoy the rest of your evening, have a cocktail and not want to immediately throw up or go to bed is underrated and rarely experienced.

David: Walking outside and seeing the Times Pic on the front lawn. Great way to start a Sunday. Shortly followed by a 12 'clock Saints game in the Dome.

Me: Gnocchi - All of it. Any kind. I only first sampled gnocchi about a year and a half ago at La Boca in the warehouse district. It was pure heaven. My expectation and love for gnocchi skyrocketed after a meal in Napa Valley at a restaurant by the name of Redd. The idea that I have lived 26 years and never tried gnocchi is unfathomable to me.

David: Using a brand new razor.

Me: Coming home to a house that has been cleaned by your spouse - this has only happened once or twice, but it is pure joy. Any guys reading this, I seriously recommend.

MOVIE REVIEW: Eat Pray Love

This weekend, after David's knee surgery and a broken AC unit at my house (yes it feels like 107 degrees outside, so a broken AC is basically torture), I ventured to the movies with my sister and mother in law. They are great company for chick flicks. We took in a 2pm showing of Julia Roberts in Eat Pray Love, the much anticipated Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir-to-movie production. First of all, I didn't read the book. Honestly, I didn't read it because it was too hyped. My feelings toward EPL were similar to many people's feelings toward Twilight. However, I wanted to see the movie. I love Julia Roberts, why wouldn't I? In the weeks leading to its release, I read an article in Entertainment Weekly about women's backlash toward the author. Women were infuriated that the main character, Liz, would leave her husband simply because she was "unhappy". They thought she was a whiny, self-centered brat who needed to talk to someone with real problems. Why should she? This is a book of HER life. She was unhappy, she left. Men do it everyday. Why did she need a reason to leave her husband? Would we all feel better if he cheated on her and she stormed out the door in a soul-searching quest for herself only to find love in the arms of another man? Am I a fan of the way she leaves her marriage? No. Would I beat the crap out of someone for doing the same to me? Sure. But why the hate? Its a portrait of her life. A story of her mistakes, her triumphs, her heart aches. If you don't like it, write your own book about how great you are. Sorry, just needed to vent about the double standard...it drives me nuts. As far as the movie, I enjoyed it. I picked up a few things along the way too. (By the way, none of these are life changing or anything you haven't heard before, they are just refreshers). Number 1: Life is not perfect. It is often messy and miserable. There are spots of sunshine along the way, but dark clouds are always around the corner. You will break hearts and people will break yours. But at the end of day, if you have love, any kind of love, you will find happiness. Number 2: Live your life. Take time to relax. Take time to enjoy things around you. Most of all, take time to enjoy the sweetness of doing nothing. Or in Italian "il dolce far niente". We are often so busy with schedules, blackberries, jobs, kids, meetings, blah blah blah. Just take a minute, a day, a week or even a year to enjoy everything in life. Friends, family, food, a good book, a good blog (haha) or just laying in bed staring at the ceiling. Life really is good and it has so much to offer you. Movie Grade: B+

GUEST BLOG: Weeds

I watch a lot of TV. We know this. However, with the plethora of options in the TV world, there are some shows I do not have the time to commit myself to. One network in particular is Showtime. I chose not to pay for this additional "premium" channel. Therefore, I have to relinquish my blogging duties to the occasional guest ghost writer. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you The Reynolds Wrap-Up!

Weeds is FINALLY Back…man Showtime shows are so Awesome but the hiatus is killer. Reason number one is because there are only 13 episodes in their seasons and Weeds is only a half hour show but what a fantastic 30 minutes it is. So who knew Shane was such the badass…other than the fact that he once made terrorist home videos , oh and the time he bit a kids foot, I guess it’s just safe to say Shane Botwin has always be the strange Botwin. Pilar was giving Nancy Botwin quite the tongue lashing, going so far as to threaten her kids right when she TWACK!! Shane hits her in the head with a mallet. By the way I thought it was great how this devious little show can always crack jokes and it this episode the running joke was the mallet.

Pilar falls to her bitchy death in a pool has now Nancy tries to leave Esteban’s Political Fundraiser Party unseen. She grabs Shane, Silas, Lupita, Stevie, and a shit load of clothes throws them all in a Prius and heads back across the border. Andy is there struggling with a problem of his own, Audra/Alanis and Andy are being held up by a radical Pro-lifer with a crossbow. Andy by distraction makes and play and heads out the guest house leaving Alanis behind, naturally he runs in Nancy who has pulled up and needs the keys to the van to make a break for a new life. Andy says they are in the guest house with Alanis…Andy in his self-loathing manner goes in with Nancy to retrieve the Keys. I guess that means this is the end of the road for Alanis Morissette who I was really enjoyed watching last season and this episode. Andy is still madly in love with Nancy and it is clearly obvious here as he decides to go with Nancy and flee, although Nancy seems to convince him he needs to as well. The Botwins are all in a van head to who knows where…I guess we will just wait and see.

Until then …

MOVIE BUZZ: Something Borrowed

If you have read Emily Giffin's Something Borrowed and Something Blue, you should be as excited as me that they are filming a movie...right now, as we speak with Kate Hudson. Check out some pics of her (playing Darcy) and Colin Eggelsfield (playing Dex) on the beach in the Hamptons.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1280157/Kate-Hudson-recreates-From-Here-To-Eternity-beach-kiss-handsome-star.html

FALL PREVIEW: Detroit 1-8-7

For years, Michael Imperioli was only one person to television viewers....CHRISTOFFA aka Christopher Moltisanti. As the Tony Soprano protege, he was a FILA track suit wearing badass with a fiery attitude. Since the his tragic death on the show, Michael Imperioli has jumped around a little bit, looking for his next big gig. He's been seen in a few movies and graced a few television shows with his presence. This fall, he takes a gig on the other side of the law (the cop side) and plays a seasoned officer in the Murder Capitol: (no, not New Orleans) Detroit, Michigan. For those of you who do not listen to rap music, 1-8-7 is the police code for murder. So, what is Detroit 1-8-7 about? If you haven't guessed yet...it's about murders in Detroit. Seems like a pretty typical show, something we see on every broadcast and cable network. So, why watch? In my opinion, you watch because it's Michael Imperioli. He's come a long way since his glock carrying, heroine injecting, gold chain wearing days on The Sopranos. He's aged...in a good way. More mature, but still a badass. Now, he's the guy who can break down a hostage situation without anyone getting killed. He has a dark past, one we aren't privy to after the pilot episode, but one I'm interested in learning about. The show is filmed in a documentary style format. Basically, one cop is driving, one cop rides shotgun and the cameraman rides in the back. The cop in shotgun turns around and talks directly in to the camera when setting up the scene. Some may not like this format, I do. I feel like they are talking directly to me, like I am part of the action. And despite its overall dark and dreary theme, there is humor. You will find yourself chuckling in between the serious scenes. Something much needed and much appreciated. Detroit 1-8-7 airs on Tuesday nights at 9pm on ABC. What are your other choices? Parenthood (haven't watched, heard its good), The Good Wife (good show, sometimes boring, I'm pretty sure I'm not in the demo) and 9pm news. Since I'm not a news person and do not watch the other shows religiously, I'll be tuning into Detroit 1-8-7, after I watch Glee and Life Unexpected of course!

Interest:

Success:

SAVE KOVACS!

After last night's episode, I'm having a hard time deciding if there are any SANE people left on the show. I am 100% convinced that you need to have a few screws loose in order to be a cast member on the Bachelor Pad. For starters Elizabeth is completely off her rocker. On several occasions, she can be quoted saying "If you betray the trust, you are gone." or "You need to be affectionate to me, so the girls will keep you in this game. If not, you are gone." Is this how she gets guys to like her? Seriously, someone needs to save Kovacs. Should he look at another girl while on the show, Elizabeth may chop off his favorite appendage while he sleeps. Now, there is the issue of the Insiders vs. the Outsiders. AKA Cool Kids vs. Not Cool Kids. There are alliances and strategies and cliques, oh my! Could this be anymore like MTV's The Gauntlet? The Bachelor/Bachelorette rejects have now made a career out of jumping from show to show. Apparently once you go reality show, you never go back. So, the Outsiders had a chance to take control of the house by sending Kiptyn home and saving Craig with a rose. But, alas, Wes the guitar playing toolbag woos over Gia with his debonair ways and a simple "I love you". There's a strategy, when you think you are going to get kicked off, tell the person with the power to save you that you love them. Bravo Wes! Despite her early promise to keep Craig, Gia blows up the game and saves Wes instead. Now, the Cool Kids are back in the game. Next up, Weatherman. His smooth moves won't be gracing the presence of the Bachelor Pad too much longer I predict. As far as the girls, I'm hoping they all retaliate and send Elizabeth home. That would make the best Episode 3 shocker in Bachelor history! Also, if Tenley sheds one more tear, I hope Natalie reaches over and punches her in the face. Grow a backbone Tenley! In the end, I'm pretty sure they are all duping us. They are puppets being steered in a direction to make the show more interesting. After all, people cannot be that stupid. Can they?

MOVIE BUZZ: The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo

I'm half way through the first of this triglogy and I love it. Gruesome at times. Not for the light-hearted. Mara Rooney (below) is set to play Lisbeth Salander alongside Daniel Craig as Mikael Blomkvist. Never heard of her? Me neither. But at least its not Kristen Stewart. Click on the E News story to see more deets.

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/the_awful_truth/b195479_five_things_know_about_girl_whos.html

FALL PREVIEW: My Generation

In my profession, I have the privilege of viewing certain new shows before they hit the air. Between now and the Fall premieres, I will try and report on each of the pilots I have seen and whether or not I like them. My first report is on ABC's MY GENERATION. My Generation is a documentary style show set in the year 2010. Each of the nine cast members graduated in the year 2000. The documentary crew followed them their senior year of high school and is back to catch up with them 10 years later. Note: These are actors. Do not be confused. This is not a real documentary, only a documentary style show. As a graduating member of the class of 2000, I was inititally intrigued. Shortly after I learned the documentary was full of actors...I was not. Then, I gave the show a chance. Mostly because I was curious. And my feelings quickly changed. The show is much more in depth and interesting than at first glance. Each of the characters' lives are intertwined with the others in unexpected and interesting ways. The show's writers tie in events of the last 10 years like Enron, 9/11 and the war in Iraq. It makes the show feel relevant and time sensitive. It makes you look back at the past 10 years of your life and say "wow, I remember that and I can't believe so much has happened". The actors are attractive, always a plus. But most importantly, you find yourself rooting for them. Those that are searching for themselves or still searching for love, you want them to succeed. I will definitely be tuning in to this show on Thursday's at 7pm on ABC. However, in the past, show's aimed directly at a certain age group, have not been a huge success. I believe my interest in the show is greater than its chance of succeeding. If you tune in, maybe we can change that! For each show, I will rate on a scale of 1 to 5 popcorns, my general interest in the show and whether or not I believe it will succeed.

Interest:

Success:

Did you get the Pears?

In this week's episode of Mad Men, we don't necessarily learn anything new about Don Draper, rather what we already know is reinforced. Number One: Don is an ass. After their one night rendez-vous on his apartment couch, Don and secretary Allison are having a hard time returning to their professional relationship. At least, Allison is having a hard time. During a cold cream focus group, Allison breaks down in tears and professes to Peggy "I know he's there watching. How do you do it?" To which Peggy sternly replies, "My problem is not your problem. Get over it!" Devastated, Allison waits in Don's office for him to return. After admitting their late night romp session was a mistake, Allison informs Don that she will be seeking a new job at a magazine. In a last attempt to see his good side, Allison's final request is that Don write her a recommendation. In true DD form, his response? "Why don't you write what you want and I'll sign it?" Enraged, Allison chucks a vase at his head that crashes into a nearby wall of framed pictures. Every female employee within a five office radius runs out to see what the commotion is. Allison exits the building. Number Two: Don is in charge. After extensive research and study, Don rejects all conclusions the female doc has reported for Pond's cold cream. He doesn't believe in her work and doesn't believe it applies to his job. Thanks for playing, but Don's still the Big Dick around here. Number Three: Don is lonely. After being forced out of his office, while the cleaning crew buffs the floors, Don heads back to his one bedroom apartment. Slowly making his way to his door, he notices an old couple in the hall. "Did you get the pears?", the husband says. No response. "Did you get the pears?" No response. "Did you get the pears?" Wife responds, "We'll discuss it inside." Don looks on, no smile and enters his apartment alone. One more episode down and no progress in the world of Don Draper. This week also focused on Pete Campbell and wife Trudy expecting a baby. Pete ruffles his father in law's feathers in order to get more accounts. Peggy makes a new lesbian friend, plays tonsil hockey with a stranger in a closet, smokes pot, runs from the cops and congratulates Pete on this new child. They share a sentimental/awkard moment filled with unspoken emotions that may never see the light of day. Next week's episode appears to be FULL of drama. I look forward to sharing it with the Massa family. :)

The Final Dance

I've been watching So You Think You Can Dance for a few seasons now. Despite my hate for the show's title, the show has become one of my absolute favorite things about summer. I was never a phenomenal dancer but I can appreciate great dancing when I see it. This season has been no exception. There are moments of genius on this show when dancers become artists and dances become so much more than steps and songs. They can transport you to a place of joy, sadness, heartache and just raw emotion. In past seasons those works of art include: Mia Michael's "Addiction", Tabatha and Napolean's "Bleeding Love" and Tyce Diorio's tribute to breast cancer survivors. Looking back on this season, my favorite routine was Travis Wall's "Collide" prom dance with Kent and Lauren. Besides being danced and choreographed to perfection, I just feel an overall love for Kent and Lauren and their journey together. Not sure if they are or will be a couple, but I would like to leave this season like I leave every romantic movie....thinking they will remain in love forever. Sure, there are times that Kent reminds me more of Pee Wee Herman than a Leading Man, but overall he is talented and should continue to dance for as love as God allows him to. He is a rare form...a heterosexual contemporary male dancer and I celebrate him. I chose to write an entry before the winner is chosen tonight, because I really do not care who wins. Maybe I think Lauren should, but I am genuinely excited that Robert, Lauren and Kent are in the finale. I share in Nigel's sentiments, that each of them deserve to win. 

Blue Eyes, White Collar

If there was ever a time when fedoras, three piece suits and high-end thieves were in...it's now. Ok, don't get the wrong idea. I'm not telling love-hungry men to run out rob an art gallery while wearing one of Meyer the Hatter's pricey pieces. However, after watching Neal Caffery of White Collar you may actually give it some thought. I mentioned in my earlier post that what I loved about My Boys was how easy it was to watch. No drama, no suspense, just an overall good show you can enjoy. White Collar is similar. Although if there was no suspense in a show about an ex-con working for the FBI, there would be no plot. Each week, there is a case. Each week, there is a conclusion to the case. Therefore, you can tune-in or tune-out as you please. A low commitment relationship, if you will. However, there are still lingering character storylines that you will want to come back for. As an end of Season 1 sampler and an avid Season 2 follower, I am still figuring out a few of the mysteries, so I cannot fully divulge the contents of the show...because I haven't figured them all out yet. But each week, as cases are opened and shut, I fall more and more in love with the most underrated attractive male on television...Matt Bomer. According to Wikipedia, his presence has graced shows including Guiding Light, North Shore, Chuck and Tru Calling. All shows I do not watch. If I had known he was on them, maybe I would have. Anyway, besides being breathtakingly handsome, he redefines cool. Take away the court mandated ankle bracelet and the laundry list of high stake crimes, he would be perfect! If he's not your type, you can always tune in for Kelly Kapowski, who plays FBI Special Agent Burke's wife OR Stanford from Sex and City, who plays Neal's partner in crime. Either way, you are sure to find a sultry summer treat!

Summer Love: My Boys

For the past two or three summers, I have looked forward to the returning 1/2 hour comedy My Boys. Based around a female sports writer for the Chicago Tribune, PJ Franklin is a what I consider "A Man's Dream". Hot girl + Real knowledge of Sports. Completely likeable character. Not in your face tom-boy, just "I'm cute, I'm smart, I like poker and baseball and I'm fine with it". What really makes the show is the cast of characters around her. A tight knit group of pals who are slowly aging and completely own the fact that a bottle of wine, a poker game at home or a pizza and movie with friends are all they need. The show's humor is worthy of a consistent chuckle but nothing that will make your stomach start to cramp up. Its just an easy going show, with people you wouldn't mind having over to watch a game and drink a beer with. Sometimes, that is what I need in television. Having lost my summer privileges of tanning, sleeping til noon and frequenting the beach every other weekend (since I am adult with a 9-5 job), I look forward to the summer for My Boys. Plus, Lauren Conrad's boyfriend, Kyle Howard is on the show and I think he's adorable.

For Love AND Money

Once in a lifetime, if you are lucky, you will be given an opportunity to marvel at something. Something so breathtaking and awe inspiring, its hard to put into words. I, however, can sum it up in two...Bachelor Pad. A show, not only dedicated to the unrealistic pursuit of money but also to finding your soul mate in a summer camp style love bungalow in sunny California. Everyone is tan. Everyone is in shape. Everyone has tattoos. If it weren't for the occasional blonde, it could be Jersey Shore. Let me give you the premise: 18 guys/girls from past Bachelor/Bachelorette seasons are picked to live in the Bachelor Pad...all sharing one room with bunk beds. Each week, they are competing for a rose which entitles them to immunity for the week (aka they can't be voted off). After receiving a rose, the winner gets to choose 3 team members of the opposite sex to take on a date. After the date, the winner awards a rose to one of the 3 datees and that person is also immune from elimination and therefore closer to winning $250,000. It is a competition for money and love filled with drama and strategy. In years past, this type of show would annoy me. It would get under my skin and my head would hurt from rolling my eyes so hard. Now, I have a different perspective. It is wildly amusing to me. Mostly because I am legitimately amazed that people, like those on the BP, exist. Its one thing if you make a fool of yourself, make it through the grueling 8-10 weeks of tears, hook-ups and breakups and win 250k. But what happens to those females, who after only one airing, are labeled "the psycho" aka Elizabeth. How do you get a date after this show? DO your friends still talk to you? I'm just curious. The whole idea of competing for money and love at the same time, is ridiculous AND intriguing at the same time. I do wish there were more weekly competitions, but maybe the excitement will pick up. Can't wait!!

BACHELOR PAD BEGINS TONIGHT...Let the train wreck begin!

Scantily Clad Alert! Get the (Half-Naked) Scoop on Tonight's iBachelor Pad/i Premiere

Mad Dreams

Apparently, Mad Men has a very deep effect on my psyche. For the past two weeks, my Sunday night ritual is the same. Watch Mad Men at 9pm. Try to read a little of "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" in bed. Attempt to fall asleep around 11pm. The latter part of this weekly ritual is difficult enough since I dread Monday mornings like the plague. But with the addition of Mad Men to my Sunday lineup, I have added another element to my ritual...Dreams about Mad Men. Each week, I am literally dreaming about Don Draper. I am certain that the show's producers would be thrilled to hear that I am envisioning their leading man in my sleep. However, each week is more morbid than the week before. This week, I dreamt that Betty Draper (I forgot her new married name) committed suicide. Either this show has too much of an effect on me or I should be added to the writing staff.