GREY’S ANATOMY Redux: Crash Into Me

So I have only 10 minutes to writer up my thoughts on last night’s GREY’S ANATOMY.  See I have to do that day after Thanksgiving shopping thing today and I have less than an hour to write this up, take a shower and get to my parents house to meet up with my sister and my dad.  Do you care?  No. You just want to read about GREY’S ANATOMY.  I get it.  Here’s my incoherent blabber on last night’s episode.  Enjoy.

Let me be the first to say ‘Welcome Back Grey’s Anatomy’. Please tell me you all caught last night’s episode? I thought it fanfabutastic!!! It reminded me of Grey’s Anatomy of yore. It focused on some fantastic patients, the doctors actually got to practice medicine (rather than just having sex), and the personal drama was grounded in something real rather than just the soap opera-esque plots we are so often given.

Unlike last season’s ferry crash “event”, last night’s ambulance crash evoked real emotion as the two EMTs fought for their lives. I mean, Stan asking his best friend Ray to talk to him to keep him alive until his wife got there – ugh, just ugh. I was bawling like a baby. Meredith climbing in over Stan’s dead body to try to help Ray was a little much (why couldn’t she just go in the other window), but I bought it because I was so caught up in the emotion of the situation. And wasn’t it nice to see Meredith focus on the patients for once and not make it all about herself? Well yeah, that’s what I was thinking too until of course she found a way to make it all about her by telling the Chief the prominent role SHE would play in the retelling of this story. Oh Meredith. I try to love you but you make it so difficult.

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UGLY BETTY Redux: Giving Up the Ghost

My quick two cents on last night’s UGLY BETTY: I was left feeling about as blank as this week’s cover of Mode (but without the fancy type)

If I’m being honest, I was a little underwhelmed by last night’s episode of UGLY BETTY. It was a big episode for the show, with Wilhemina and Mark leaving Mode to start Slater Magazine, but on the whole it seemed a little flat. I think my overall opinion of the episode was dictated by my annoyance with the tired Betty/Daniel storyline. How many times are we going to have to see Betty coddle Daniel through his Daddy issues (well probably not too many more since Bradford is dead) and give him the pop talk he needs to succeed. It would have been sweet if we hadn’t already seen it play out about 500 times before. Daniel is such a child, and if he knew any better he would have Betty helping to run the magazine and not hold her back as his assistant. Oh and I don’t like the idea of not seeing Marc and Amanda working together everyday, so here’s to hoping that Slater never takes off and that Willie comes crawling back to Mode on her hands and knees (with her assistant in tow).

I like my Ugly Betty with a side of geeky and/or gay romance and there really wasn’t much of that last night. Henry was there but he was too busy in his new role of Accountant and Mode Food Editor to romance Betty. Not that Betty would have had time for it breaking Eliza Dushku (who was the highlight of the episode by the way) out of rehab. There was a mention of Cliff, but we didn’t get to see Marc’s bear of a boyfriend. Hopefully next week.

So was I way off about last night’s episode? Were you all loving it much more than me?

What to Watch…Friday, November 23, 2007

No FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS tonight. Ugh. Double ugh. Well maybe you FNL fans can give MOONLIGHT a shot (although I’m not going to pretend that they are similar enough that if you like one you’ll like the other.)

Here’s what I’ll be watching tonight…and you?

Moonlight | 9pm on CBS
“Fleur de Lis”
Beth gets jealous when Mick works on a case with a female photographer who bears a striking resemblance to his ex-wife. Beth then researches the woman’s past and discovers the mystery lady isn’t who she claims to be.

High School Musical 2 | 8pm on The Disney Channel
Sharpay tries to lure Troy away from his girlfriend Gabriella by getting him hired for the summer at a posh country club where she can keep an eye on him. – Yes, I’ll be watching. I just saw the first High School Musical last week and I didn’t hate it. And since I’ll probably be with my niece tonight who is a huge fan, I think we’ll be watching this one. I dread the day when she finds out that Vanexxxa Hudgens is a dirty, dirty, girl.

Also on…

• Ghost Whisperer | 8pm on CBS
• Men in Trees | 8pm on ABC
• Women’s Murder Club | 9pm on NBC
• Numb3rs | 10pm on ABC
• Next Great American Band | 8pm on Fox

GMMR’s daily “What to Watch” is powered by MeeVee’s interactive TV listings.

Give Me My Remote Gives Thanks To…

Everyday I am thankful for all the wonderful things in my life, but none more than my family and friends. Everyone should be so lucky and blessed in their life. But on this special day, let’s not ignore the TV blessings that I’m most thankful for this year.

• To all the writers, actors, cast & crew of all my favorite shows for being so talented and creative. We hope that despite what’s going on, that you’ll all have a happy holiday. And we hope all this craziness will be over soon

• To my DVRs for working so hard for me all year round. Some say you are a machine, but I don’t believe them. You are a true companion

• To the new friends I’ve made this year in the blogosphere – you guys are the best!! With all of you around, I don’t feel like such a freak for loving TV as much as I do

• To the parents of all my TV boyfriends – thanks for bringing these special boys into my life and making them so pretty to look at. So thanks to the Mom & Dad of John Krasinski, Jason Dohring, Lee Pace, Zachary Levi, and Joshua Jackson

• To the So You Think You Dance dancers and choreographers for making me so happy

• To Bryan Fuller and the cast & crew of PUSHING DAISIES for making such a new and amazing television show

• To Josh Schwartz for (a) giving us a satisfying ending to THE OC, (b) for introducing us to CHUCK, and (c) giving us a glimpse to life on the upper East side with GOSSIP GIRL. XOXO

• To everyone associated with THE OFFICE for everything you do. And a special thanks for Tuesday, February 27th – the most fun day of my life so far.

• To my GMMR recappers & contributors: SB, Jo, and Martha – you guys are the best!!

• To the writers and actors on FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. I don’t know how you do it, but you do it to perfection. I wish I could do more to get others to watch you. (That’s What She Said)

• To B.J. Novak for bringing “That What’s She Said” to my lexicon. (Although I’m not sure I should be thankful)

• To the Starbucks in Newton Center, MA – my office away from home

• To those who cast Jason Dohring in MOONLIGHT and Kristen Bell in HEROES – Long live VERONICA MARS

• To all the GMMR readers and Pushing Daisies who supported us in the launch of ThePieMaker.com

• To Dan (Ducky) for not only being such a great friend, but an amazing blogger and one hell of a podcast partner

• To Comic-Con. It was an amazing if not exhausting experience

• To the Slap Bet

• To SNL digital shorts

• To all my network contacts for allowing me to have so many experiences this past year

• To finally living in a world where Jim Halpert & Pam Beesly are in love and happy

• To all my friends in OTCR

• To Mindy Kaling for her acting, writing and blogging – you are one funny chick

• To the networks for airing all their shows online for free the day after they air. Too bad I refuse to watch them until you start paying the writers for them. But when you do, I’ll be back watching…but not a minute before

And finally, the biggest thanks of all goes to each and every one of you that take the time out of your day to visit GiveMeMyRemote.com. It’s because of you that I get to indulge in this fantasy world of TV and live the dream. Honestly, NONE of this would be possible without all of you and I appreciate it more than you know.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Ok, feel free to share what YOU are most thankful for this holiday season.

What to Watch…Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Sorry it’s been a little quiet today.  I’m still not feeling all that well and I want to take it easy in hopes of feeling better tomorrow.  I’ll be resting up to watch PUSHING DAISIES tonight and I hope fellow fans will consider watching it over at ThePieMaker.com with us at 8pm.  NBC has opted for Deal or No Deal tonight.  Why is that show so popular?  I don’t get it.

What will you be watching tonight?

Pushing Daisies| 8pm on ABC
“Smell of Success”
When the assistant to scent expert Napoleon LeNez is killed in a scratch-and-sniff-book explosion, Ned, Chuck and Emerson detect the aroma of foul play. Oscar Vibenius: Paul Reubens. (Promo| Episode pictures)

Swing on over to ThePieMaker.com tonight at 8pm and watch Pushing Daisies with me!!

Private Practice | 9pm on ABC
“In Which Cooper Finds a Port in a Storm”
Cooper returns to online dating with surprising results; Addison dates one of Violet’s patients; Naomi and Sam make a house call at a convent; Dell gives a tour of Oceanside Wellness to his midwifery classmates.

Dirty Sexy Money | 10pm on ABC
“The Country House”
Nick and Lisa’s Thanksgiving plans are scuttled when Tripp requests that Nick arrange a one-on-one with Simon Elder. Meanwhile, Letitia plots to help Karen seduce Nick, and Patrick’s wife demands a meeting with his transsexual mistress.

Project Runway | 10pm on Bravo
“I Started Crying”
The contestants’ second challenge involves a fashion icon. Who could it be?  I’m thinking someone like Ralph Lauren or Dolce & Gabbana or someone huge, right?

Also playing…

• America’s Next Top Model | 8pm on The CW
• Kid Nation | 8pm on CBS
• Criminal Minds | 9pm on CBS
• CSI: NY | 10pm on CBS

…what will make it’s way on to your TiVo tonight?

GMMR’s daily “What to Watch” is powered by MeeVee’s interactive TV listings.

Extra EXTRAS Makes Me Smile

It’s 5:45pm EST and I’m laying on my couch with a cup of tea and a box of tissues.  Yes I’m sick.  I’m in that first full day of being sick so nothing appeals to me.  I just threw in “License to Wed” thinking that maybe John Krasinski could make me feel better, but I couldn’t take the spastic Robin Williams while feeling this ill.  I tried my new favorite, the “Pie-lette” episode of Pushing Daisies, but I found that between the colors and the dialogue there was too much to pay attention to.  I had considered staring at a blank screen for fear that nothing could make me feel better, but then I remembered.  I remembered the one thing that could make me happy today (or at least as happy as I’m going to feel today).  EXTRAS!

The other day, I got a package from HBO and in it was an advanced screener of the holiday episode of EXTRAS!! Ricky Gervais may have ended his brilliant show, but as he did with his version of The Office, he came back and gave us a Christmas episode.  I was elated upon receiving it but I forgot all about it until this very moment.  So I’m off to watch EXTRAS and I hope it’s as brilliant as I’ve made it up in my mind to be. The extra special series finale will air on Sunday, December 16th at 9pm on HBO.

CHUCK Recap: “Chuck vs. The Imported Hard Salami”

Based on the emails I’ve received today, it seemed many of you thought last night’s CHUCK was just as awesome as I found it to be.  This show has really hit its stride and I’m really digging where the writers are taking us with all the character relationships.  And OH.MY.GOD….the kiss (super hot) and then the surprise ending!!  I loved it!!

And don’t expect the CHUCK awesomeness to stop.  According to show creator, Josh Schwartz, “Next week’s ending is pretty damn good”. Better than this week’s?  I can’t wait.

Episode: “Chuck vs. The Imported Hard Salami”
Original Airdate: 11.19.07
GMMR Recapper: SB

First things first. I read a little blurb on ew.com about how many episodes were left of various shows, and if my calculations are correct, we have four more new episodes of Chuck to go. What I’m hoping is that the new strike negotiations will make this a non-issue for me, but if this goes on for a long time, I am going to break out the Firefly DVDs and watch them again. That’s right.

Secondly, I laughed out loud through this entire episode, which I think is a first for me. It’s not that I don’t usually find it funny, it’s just that I found this one SO funny. And I’ve gotta tell you, I’m not sure that I’ve had a heartier laugh this entire TV season on anything than with Lester and Jeff’s little “Heartbreaker, love taker” sequence. I could not get over it.

Would you guys hate me if I’m not feeling very synopsis-y today? My synapses are slow. See what I did there? Anyway, long story short, Morgan puts the moves on Anna, gets rejected, tries again, gets accepted, and we see up Anna’s skirt to where her horizontal stripes distort into uncuteness. Although seeing up someone’s skirt is never my idea of a good time, particularly when you’re surprised by turning around to see your roommate’s boyfriend passed out in your chair, spread eagle, wearing her skirt and no underwear. Just don’t even ask. Morgan then dumps her and tries to win her back on the microphone.

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It’s Snowing

It’s snowing here in Newton, MA.

I don’t get sentimental about the snow. I hate it.  Snow means I’m forced to wear gloves and clean off my car.  Ugh.

The Strikes Victims – NBC Thursday Night TV Fans

Here’s some news that just ticked me off. With the strike in full swing, NBC has announced that the next installment of Donald Trump’s tired reality show, The Apprentice, will be airing in the Thursday 9pm time slot come January. Interesting, I thought THE OFFICE was on at Thursday nights at 9pm. Does this mean that Ben Silverman and his cohorts at NBC have no faith that the strike will be over by then? What if things go well at the next WGA/AMPTP meeting scheduled for November 26th. Will THE OFFICE and SCRUBS still be bumped from the air in favor of the once dead Apprentice? NBC has supposedly said that if the strike is resolved quickly it’s “possible” that The Apprentice will be moved. Possible?!

Shame on you Ben Silverman. You are the one that brought back this sorry excuse for a reality show back from the grave promising a “celebrity” edition. You even tried to ruin the careers of some OFFICE actors by publicly saying that you hoped they would be involved. Your “celebrity” version of this show is more like The Surreal Life in a boardroom. Shame on you for thinking this is what the viewing audience wants to be seeing. You brought us THE OFFICE and UGLY BETTY…you know better!! And shame on you for bastardizing the branding of “Comedy Night Done Right”. Are you really so out of touch with things that you think that people want more Donald Trump?

As you may have guessed we won’t be promoting this season of The Apprentice much around here.

“You Just Got Slapped” Video – How I Met Your Mother

Here it is!! The music video for the song that is going to take over the nation. “You Just Got Slapped”, by Marshall Eriksen.

So Say We All: How I Met Your Mother, Heroes, Journeyman

It’s been a while since we’ve had a ‘so say we all’. Why? Because I’m a very inconsistent blogger who starts these little things and then forgets all about them. Well, there was a lot of TV happening last night, and rather than rant about all of it, here’s my two cents on what I watched and then I’m turning it over to YOU.

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER

Why, why, why does this show not get more recognition? It’s such an amazing comedy and I think it’s right up there with THE OFFICE and 30 ROCK. I love ENTOURAGE and UGLY BETTY but neither one of those shows can hold a comedic candle to HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER yet it never gets the love. Anyway, last night we had a classic Slapsgiving Day episode. Oh wait, I meant Thanksgiving. Ted & Robin tried to navigate their non-friendship only to find themselves back in bed. Can’t these two just get back together already? Robin isn’t very interesting without Ted. And it’s clear that Ted still loves Robin. If we ever meet the kids ‘real’ mother, I think I’m going to hate her.

But Ted & Robin weren’t the story last night. Nope. Last night was all about the slap!! With the slapcountodwn slowly ticking down until 3:01pm, a nervous Barney did all he could to convince Marshall that the slap really wasn’t necessary on Thanksgiving. Slap Bet Commissioner Lily agreed and called a moratorium on slapping for the holiday. Marshall was bummed (me too). But lucky for all of us, Barney’s gloating bated Lily enough that she lifted the respite with one second left on the clock, and Marshall’s slap left Barney on the floor. And as every Slapsgiving should, the night ended with a song around the piano. (Check out the music video for “You Just Got Slapped”)

For those of you who have no idea what the Slap Bet is, take a minute to check this out.

Let’s talk about HEROES & JOURNEYMAN after the jump…

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What to Watch…Monday, November 19, 2007

Hope you all had a nice weekend. I have some TV to catch up today before we get into the crazy night of TV ahead. Last week’s episode of CHUCK was fantastic and I’m so excited to see the return of Rachel Bilson again. And um, have you seen the promos for tonight episode? And can HEROES make it 3 in a row for good eps? Fingers crossed. Oh and did I mentioned the return of the slapbet on HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER? It’s going to be a good night of TV my friends.

Check out what I’ll be watching tonight…what will YOU be checking out?

Chuck | 8pm on NBC
“Chuck Versus the Imported Hard Salami”
A surprising streak of jealousy is sparked in Sarah when Chuck begins dating a sandwich maker named Lou (Rachel Bilson), a situation made more difficult when it’s discovered that Lou may be involved in a smuggling ring. (Watch promo)

How I Met Your Mother | 8pm on CBS
“Slapsgiving”
Marshall and Lily host their first Thanksgiving as a married couple, but things don’t go smoothly. Meanwhile, Barney becomes preoccupied with the “Slap Bet” and the anxiety of not knowing when the next blow will arrive. Wait for it…wait for it: check out the Slap Bet counter here.

Heroes | 9pm on NBC
“Cautionary Tales”
H.R.G. plans to run after thinking The Company found his family, but Claire has other ideas; Hiro returns to discover his father is dead; Matt struggles with his increasing mental powers; Suresh meets Elle and comes to a decision. (Watch a scene from tonight’s episode)

Journeyman | 10pm on NBC
“Emily”
Part 1 of 2. Dan travels to the early ’90s on the trail of a serial kidnapper (Raphael Sbarge); Katie is called to Zack’s school; and Jack begins to see signs that his brother is telling the truth about his time trips.

Also playing…

• The Big Bang Theory | 8:30pm on CBS
• Dancing with the Stars | 8pm on ABC (ends at 9:45pm)
• Two and a Half Men | 9pm on CBS
• Rules of Engagement | 9:30pm on CBS
• Samantha Who | 9:32opm on ABC
• CSI: Miami| 10pm on CBS
• The Bachelor | 10:00pm on ABC

Mondays…they aren’t for TV amateurs! What will you be watching tonight?

GMMR’s daily “What to Watch” is powered by MeeVee’s interactive TV listings.

Saturday Night Live Was Live Again This Weekend

It’s been a few weeks since we’ve heard “Live from New York it’s Saturday night!” but some lucky folks in NYC  got to hear those famous words this weekend as the cast and crew of the SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE came together in a one night event to help raise funds for the SNL crew members who were laid off due to the WGA strike.

The event, held at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater was put together in part by SNL star and UCB founder, Amy Poehler.  Nearly the entire cast and crew came together for the events, and even SNL creator Lorne Michaels was in attendance (in the audience enjoying the show).

Guest host Michael Cera (Arrested Development, Superbad) opened his monologue saying,”It’s so great to be hosting Saturday Night Live!” (Looks around, trails off.) “I admit that I thought it would be nicer.” The show, which lasted just over two hours, was made up of old and new material and brought to life new sketches that never made it to air. Yo La Tengo was the musical guest.

Those lucky enough to land the super hot tickets only had to pay $20 for admittance (although personally I think they would have sold out charging $100/ticket).  There were some familiar faces in the audience including Amy Poehler’s husband, Will Arnett (Arrested Development, Blades of Glory), Will’s BFF OFFICE star, John Krasinski, and 30 ROCK’S Jack McBrayer, who was participating in a live stage show of 30 ROCK this weekend (more on that when details emerge).

The Huffington Post has a full write up by someone who was in the audience with a break down of the whole night including all the sketches.  It’s a great read. Enjoy. (Click here to read)

File this into the “I would have given my left arm to be there” category.

WGA Strike: Pencils2MediaMoguls Campaign

Pencils2MediaMoguls is a campaign endorsed by UnitedHollywood.com in support of the WGA to give the fans a voice in the current negotiation between the Writers Guild of America and the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers. All pencils purchased through this widget will be sent to the moguls who run the big six media conglomerates. Along with every delivery of pencils will also be contact information for non-profits who deal with child literacy. If the moguls refuse delivery of the pencils, United Hollywood will donate the pencils themselves. Any money left over after the deliveries are complete will be donated to the Union Solidarity Fund, an assistance fund set up to aid union members not in the WGA affected by the strike. Make your voice heard! We’re all on the same page.United Hollywood, Strike Points and some of the showrunners of your favorite TV shows decided that this is one way that fans can help support the cause and the writers.

(You can donate more than one box in support of your favorite show by changing the quantity of the boxes donated after you hit ‘Buy Now’. To support more than one show, just keep the PayPal window opened and come back to GMMR to enter another show name and hit submit ‘Buy Now’ again.All your donations will end up on one page.)

Personally, I’m not sure this is the most effective way for fans to be heard but this along with other fan efforts can do nothing but help the cause of the writers. I am supporting the campaign and the WGA in this way and if feel inclined, I encourage you to do the same.

Comments…
If you decide to support the WGA in this manner, please leave a comment and share with us which shows you supported by donating pencils. If you disagree with this manner of support, that’s fine too, but a simple “I disagree” works just as well as a self indulgent, nasty diatribe that is only going to get your comment deleted (ah, the beauty of having your own blog).

For more on this campaign please continue reading after the jump.

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TV Blog Weekly Roundup – November 16th-18th

Yeah, there might be a writers strike looming but that doesn’t mean there’s not a ton of TV news to talk about. Every Sunday GiveMeMyRemote.com will be teaming up with some of the best TV bloggers to bring you a wrap of all the latest TV news and gossip.

BuzzSugar: This week, we debated the greatest TV icons (no Sesame Street or Saget?), felt a little underwhelmed by the new Lost mobisodes, and wondered if late-night shows should have guest hosts to save jobs during the writers’ strike.

Daemon’s TV: Sandie welcomed everyone to the Chuck train after watching Gossip Girl. Araya realizes what it’s like to feel things after watching Friday Night Lights. And after watching Heroes Araya wished he had a power.

Give Me My Remote: It broke our hearts to recap what could have been the last episode of The Office this season (a moment of silence). At least we still have Pushing Daisies to make us happy, at least for a few more eps. And before hitting the scene this weekend, check out our Cocktail Party Primer and be in the loop on the latest TV soundbytes.

Glowy Box: When she wasn’t on strike to support the WGA, Liz shuddered over a pencil in the eye on Grey’s Anatomy and enjoyed Tyra’s attempt to overshadow the Project Runway premiere on America’s Next Top Model.

Mikey Likes TV: IFC’s bizarre role-playing documentary, Darkon, premiered this week, and Mikey wishes more reality TV would explore characters who are that uniquely crazy. He also lamented the premature (and seriously depressing) season finale of The Office.

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