Confessions of a BUFFY Newbie

Hello, my name is Kath, and I have a confession to make. Until this past month I had never seen one episode of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER. I’ll give you a minute to gasp in horror. Are you done? Ok, now that the confession is out of the way, I feel I get a brief moment to explain why. Let me first say that there is no doubt in my mind that BUFFY is worthy of its status as a pop culture phenom. I don’t doubt for one second Joss Whedon’s brilliance as a writer or his influence on TV as we know it. Me missing out on BUFFY all came down to a matter of timing. The show started in 1997 – the same 1997 that just happened to be my Junior year of college. To be specific, the show premiered on March 10, 2007 – which would be 11 days before I turned 21. I’m telling you all of this to make my point that when BUFFY premiered, TV wasn’t a priority. There was the occasional viewing of FRIENDS and 90210 but I didn’t make much time for TV back in the day. The second season of BUFFY coincided with my senior year of college (which also coincided with the premiere of Dawson’s Creek and the launch of my TV obsession). And let’s face it, it’s not often one picks up a new show after two seasons, right? So yeah, I missed out.

But, I always vowed that BUFFY would be the one show I would watch whenever I was done with this little hobby known as GiveMeMyRemote.com. And while I’m not putting away my laptop just yet, the writers strike has afforded me the opportunity to watch season one, and I took advantage.

I’ll be honest, I’m a bit nervous even attempting to share my thoughts on S1. I know how protective BUFFY fans are of their show and after only one season, I feel like I am in no place to offer commentary. So with that, I ask that you remember that these comments are that of a newbie. I haven’t seen any episodes past season 1 and believe it or not I’m not really spoiled. I know there’s a guy named Spike, Willow ends up a lesbian, Buffy has a sister, and that they have a musical episode, but other than that I don’t really have any idea what to expect (so please don’t spoil it for me).

So what did I think of Season 1 of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER….

• Overall I really liked the first season. I found myself coming to the end of one episode and eagerly looking forward to the next – always a good sign. I thought the pacing of the show was really strong and was surprised by how easily the vampire lore was rolled out (I learned something new with each episode). I was also surprised as to how involved I was in the weekly demon/vampire vs. Slayer/friends battle. I expected the demons to be a bit hokey, but it was all quite interesting and I got into it quicker than I thought.

• After watching S1 I’m really interested to quickly get to later seasons if only to see how the dialogue developed. It’s difficult to watch a show that was very timely and astute in pop culture references in 1997, ten years later. I mean, I hate to think that the use of “wig” (as in I’m “wigging” out) was that popular in 1997 but I’m sure it was. It had to be because Buffy said it…a lot. The clothes and the dialogue were a bit cheesy, but I kept reminding myself it was a decade old and that was to be expected.

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What to Um, Hmmm, Watch…Thursday, January 3, 2008

Wow…can’t say I have much of anything to put on today’s What to Watch list. I logged into my MeeVee guide (head over there and be my MeeVee friend…I don’t have many yet) this morning expecting to see at least a few new shows on my guide, but not really. Sorry…perhaps tonight would be a great night to read a book, call a friend, watch some old TV on DVD. Just don’t watch the crappy reality programming that they are throwing your way. It’s not worth it.

If you’re a fan of ER you will be happy to know that you get a new episode tonight. If you’re not…I got nothing for you.

ER | 10pm on NBC
“Status Quo”
Still stinging from Wexler’s promotion to chief, Pratt decides to leave County for a hospital that will appreciate his talents. Meanwhile, a familiar face returns to the ER and confronts a dreaded eventuality

If it’s repeats you’re looking for then enjoy the following:

Ugly Betty | 8pm on ABC
“Grin and Bear It”
Alexis’ return to work is complicated by some unladylike behavior; Daniel is troubled by demands from a major advertiser (James Van Der Beek); Betty enrolls in a writing class; Amanda begins the search for her father. I think I’ll watch this because James Van Der Beek is always worth my time.

Desperate Housewives | 10pm on ABC
“Something’s Coming”
A tornado strikes Wisteria Lane, forcing residents into basements, cellars and safe rooms, and destroying homes and lives. Meanwhile, Katherine learns the truth about the relationship between Adam and his stalker.
Any TV suggestions that are NOT reality shows starring Donald Trump or Howie Mandel?

Hilary Rodham Clinton Surprise Guest on Letterman Tonight (Update)

While Leno has Mike Huckabee, Letterman has scored Hilary Rodhman Clinton as a special guest when his show returns tonight. Letterman can expect to land the better guests when it comes to the celebs too. Due to the deal his company struck with the WGA, members of the Screen Actors Guild won’t be crossing any picket lines by appearing on Letterman’s couch. Maybe Letterman will take over the ratings race from Leno.

Update: David Letterman walked onstage at the Ed Sullivan Theater in midtown Manhattan sporting a full beard and a WGA-written monologue amid a chorus line of high-kicking showgirls wielding WGA picket signs. News reports said his show opened with a cameo by Hillary Clinton intoning: “Dave’s been off the air for eight long weeks because of the writers strike. Tonight he’s back. Oh well — all good things must come to an end.”  (courtesy of DeadlineHollywood.com)

Celebrity New Year’s Resolutions

While I’m making resolutions to perhaps exercise more in the new year, save a little bit more money, obsess a tad less on a tall, lanky man that will never love me back the way he loves Pam, and watch a bit less TV (nah, just joking on the last one), celebrities are out there making good, solid resolutions. Ah, to be a celeb.

Check out this video and see what stars like Will Ferrel, Mila Kunis, and Ed Helms are hoping to do in ’08.

What are your New Year’s resolution?

A Little GOSSIP GIRL Gossip (Spoliers)

Hey Upper East Siders….Gossip Girl here (oh, how I wish). No I’m not the mysterious blogger tracking the every move of Serena, Blair, Dan, Nate, Chuck and the rest of those over privileged teens, but I do have the scoop on them all the same, courtesy of The CW.

The last two new episodes of GOSSIP GIRL arrived in my mailbox earlier this week and it killed me not to watch them right away. But sometimes a little restraint is a good thing. Too bad the S & B haven’t learned that lesson. Just one of the many lessons these ladies need to learn.

So I’ll be fresh and offer you just a little tease, because there is no way I would want to spoil the final two episodes until whenever for you. But I will say that tonight’s episode, “School Lies” (9pm on The CW) is good, but no where near as fantastic (and by fantastic I mean scan-delish) as next week’s eppy. Tonight we’ll find the crew in trouble once again when one of them breaks into school after hours. Not knowing whodunit, the new headmistresses looks to expel them all. Will the culprit be ratted out by their friends or foes, or will the true bad boy/girl come in to save the day? I will tell you that by the end of the episode someone is asked to leave school grounds. Uh oh. Not good when you’re trying to get into an Ivy. Love is in the air tonight, but so is major heartbreak – and I was more touched by that broken heart than I expected to be.

And next week’s ep….hot damn – this how I like my GOSSIP GIRL. “A Thin Line Between Chuck and Nate” (airing January 9th @ 9pm on The CW) is naughty, naughty, naughty with a small side of the nice and sweet. Gossip Girl is never short on the gossip, especially when it’s spoon fed to her by someone on the inside. But not all appears at it seems, and when the truth is revealed it could mean one less person for Gossip Girl to gossip about on the Upper East Side. Ryan and Marissa Dan and Serena have a few things to discuss and all I have to say is “thank you?”. Nothing is every simple with all these kids. Unfortunately the parents aren’t in any better shape. Actually, come to think of it, they are worse than the teens. Oh the problems that money brings. And the final new episode until the end of the WGA strike also brings new changes as a power struggle ensues. And you might be surprised (and disappointed) by who comes out on top.

XOXO

Wannabe Gossip Girl

Melora Hardin Goes from THE OFFICE to “At the Water Cooler”

It was announced today that THE OFFICE’s Melora Hardin will be moonlighting from her day job on the highly successful comedy to entertain at the Catalina Jazz Club with her show “At the Water Cooler.” This exclusive engagement will take place on Friday, January 4th at 9 PM, Saturday, January 5th at 9 PM and Sunday, January 6th at 7:30 PM located at Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028. For ticket information please go to www.catalinajazzclub.com or call 323-466-2210.

Melora has been writing songs and singing since she was a young girl of about 10 years old. Not unlike the joke “I’m really a waitress who can only get work as an actress,” Melora is a singer who has been kept busy acting for her entire career, thus far. And that’s in addition to being married and having two kids.

Well, this past year, she decided to put together a show of her music and other music, influenced by Broadway, Jazz and Standards, and debut it in Los Angeles, at Catalina Jazz Club on Sunset.

Melora states, “It’s both a challenge and a dream come true and the perfect way to start 2008!” “I can’t wait to get up there on stage and sing my heart out,” elaborates Melora.

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Watch a GREY’S ANATOMY Sneak Peek (SPOILERS)

WARNING! The following is a scene from the all new episode of GREY’S ANATOMY airing on January 10th. Don’t watch if you don’t want to know, and don’t read the comments because there will be speculation based on this video.

(Speculation based on spoilers after the jump)

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Hayden & Milo….Really

Really?  So Milo you are this super hot, women falling at your feet stud and you are dating your 18 year old co-star?  Really?  You didn’t stop to think that despite her being gorgeous, and probably very mature for her age that you might look a bit skeevy being 30 dating an 18 year old?  Really? She’s just that perfect that you couldn’t resist?I don’t know, there’s something just not right about the pairing of Milo Ventimiglia and Hayden Panettiere.  I don’t mind the age gap as much when the couple are say 30 and 42, but there’s just something icky about 18 and 30.  Ewww.

All I know is that this “relationship” best not affect HEROES in any way, shape or form.  That show doesn’t need anything else working against it.  And I don’t know about you but I’m not looking forward to scenes with Clare and Uncle Peter anytime soon.

Sorry to be all gossipy on you this morning, but I just couldn’t let this one be.  Thoughts?

What to Watch…Wednesday, January 2, 2008

So the first What to Watch list of the new year. I wish I could say that all of our faves were back with new episodes, but not just yet. Fingers crossed. There’s a ton of new reality shows on tonight, but I’m trying to limit myself until the WGA strike is resolved. But as much as I love the writers, there’s just no way I can say auf wiedersehen to Project Runway…sorry. There are a few shows that are on my can’t miss list tonight, and here they are….

Gossip Girl | 9pm on The CW (New)
“School Lies”
The kids break into the school swimming pool at night to have a party, but someone nearly drowns. In the face of expulsion, a pact of secrecy is formed, which Dan is hesitant to be part of, causing tension between him and Serena. (Sidenote: I got this episode as well as next week’s ep in the mail the other day but haven’t found the time to watch them yet….if I get to them during my lunch break I’ll be sure to let you know)

Law & Order | 9pm & 10pm on NBC (Season Debut)
“Called Home” & “Darkness”
In the 18th-season opener, Det. Lupo’s return is marred by his seriously ill brother’s suicide by lethal injection. A second death with identical circumstances leads Lupo and Green to a parolee nicknamed “Dr. Death” and his daughter (Marin Ireland). (Sidenote: Jeremy Sisto joins the cast tonight so if you’re a fan check him out. Sisto has done some amazing work through the years, but he will always to be Elton to me)

Project Runway | 1opm on Bravo
“Eye Candy”
It’s a dessert storm when the designers must collect materials from a Times Square chocolate shop to fashion a design.

So let me ask you for the first time in 2008….what will YOU be watching tonight? 

Late Night TV Returns Tonight

It’s a big night for all you night owls and I suppose TV in general. Tonight marks the return of late night TV as Letterman, Leno, O’Brien, Kimmel and Ferguson all resume their posts behind their desks. As you probably all know, the late night talk shows have been dark since the WGA strike began back on November 5th. Controversy surrounds the decision of these hosts to return to the air, but with the networks threatening to fire all the employees working on these shows, the hosts are reluctantly going back to work.

Don’t expect business as usual for most of these shows. Only The Late Show with David Letterman and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson are returning with writers due to a special deal that Letterman’s production company, Worldwide Pants, struck with the WGA. For all the other guys, they’re going to have to rely on their own wit and charm to get them through the shows. There’s an assumption that the opening monologue will be canned but no word yet on how the formats of these shows will be affected by the lack of writers.

But here’s what really has me intrigued – just how will the talk show hosts cover the WGA strike? Obviously everyone will have to address the issue at some point, but just how much will they say, and more importantly what will the networks allow them to say? As all eyes will be on late night programming tonight, it would be a wonderful forum to help build up support for the plight of the WGA, but will the networks allow it on their dime?

As this came together so quickly, there hasn’t been much news as to who the celebrity guests will be tonight. Letterman has announced that Robin Williams will be on the couch (and hopefully on his Ridalin), and I believe Leno has Republican Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee (which to be honest, I’m not sure I can stomach watching), but as for the other shows, I just don’t know. If I find out anything, I’ll be sure to come back and let you know. No matter who the guests are, it’s going to be an interesting night of television.

I’ll be watching all of the late night shows tonight. Will you?

It’s Going to be a Great 2008

Happy New Year GMMRers!! As you may have noticed, I took a bit of a break around the holidays. With all the running around I did, I didn’t find myself that close to a TV or a computer, so I thought a tiny respite from GMMR would be ok. But now we’re back and ready to kick off the new year!! Although the dark cloud of the WGA strike is still overhead, I have nothing but good thoughts for TV in 2008.

There’s going to be a lot going on over here at GMMR over the next few weeks. Believe it or not, there’s a few new shows premiering this month and some of our old favorites are returning with all new episodes. I’ll be getting as much scoop as I can for you on what you should be watching. I’m excited for new TV!!

I’ve also got some great behind the scenes stuff to share with you all…and it’s good. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHT fans should look forward to some teasers from the next two episodes which I got a sneak peek at this week – two words: “Tim Riggins”. Oh and did I mention I got to chat it up with Mr. Landry Clark himself? Yup, I talked to Jesse Plemmons recently about his amazing work on FNL this season and what we can expect with Landry, Tyra, Saracen and the rest of the Dillon community. Check back for that later this week.

If you’re looking forward to some brand new TV then you must check out TERMINATOR: THE SARH CONNOR CHRONICLES premiering on January 13th & 14th on Fox. I’ll be sharing not only my thoughts on the pilot episode, but I’ll also bring you behind the scenes from the day I spent on the set of the new show, share some exclusive pics, and provide a full report from the premiere party that I’ll be attending next week in L.A..

I’ve got a few things in the work for my trip out to La La land, and if everything works out, I’ll hopefully be sharing a lot more from some of our favorite shows.

So let’s start 2008 right!! I’ll do my very best to make 2008 the best year ever for GMMR, and I hope that you and your other TV addicted friends will come along for the ride. And as always, if you have any suggestions for what you’d like to see more of from GMMR in the new year, please let me know.  I love reading your feedback and suggestions!!

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