Amy Poehler Has a Boy! (Update)

Congrats to Amy Poehler and Will Arnett on the birth of their baby boy!

Archie Arnett was born on Saturday and weighed in at 8 lbs., 1 oz. With his lineage, I’m sure he’s already cracking up the nurses.

Can’t wait to see pics of the little cutie.

Seth Meyers handled Weekend Update desk all by himself tonight.  No word on who will take over as the new Weekened Update co-host on a more permanent basis.

Last Thursday might have been Amy Poehler’s last regular appearance on SNL. With the exception of a few cameos, Poehler has said that once the baby was born she wouldn’t be returning to the show.  Her new show, from the creators of THE OFFICE, starts shooting this winter and will premiere in Spring.

Congrats again to Amy & Will!!

CRUSOE Recap: Body and Soul

Two week’s in…are you watching CRUSOE?  Are you liking it?

This week’s episode begins with Friday dreaming about a woman who is leading him out to the beach and pointing toward the ocean. Friday wakes up Crusoe to tell him about the woman and Crusoe goes looking for her, but then learns Friday was just dreaming. The next morning, when the guys are going about their morning rituals, they discover their water supply is low. Crusoe realizes their water source is blocked and he sticks his hand in an opening in an attempt to open it up, and in the process, loses his wedding ring. When Friday and Crusoe attempt to blast the hole and make it wider so Crusoe can attempt to retrieve his ring, they get more than they bargained for. The blast reveals a cave and also a mysterious box.

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SURVIVOR: “He’s a Snake, But He’s My Snake”

Survivor Gabon is on Life Support.

It is time for Mark Burnett to take a cue from GMMR and shake things up once in a while. In the case of Survivor, I believe that the need to overhaul the show’s format is essential in recruiting an audience for future seasons. Unlike standard game shows such as Deal or No Deal or Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, the basic elements of the Survivor experience have been unique enough to avoid being “played out” in the minds of its weekly viewers. However, the Gabon season has exposed enough small cracks in the foundation to create some stopgaps. Using this week’s episode as a template, allow me to present my agenda to revitalize Survivor.

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GMMR is Going Down (That’s What She Said)

You know how I’ve been talking forever about making some upgrades to GMMR?  Yeah, well I’m finally getting around to doing it (or actually We Fix WP is doing it).  That means that GiveMeMyRemote.com might be down for a little bit this afternoon starting at 3pm while some important behind-the-scenes work is being done.So if you see the site down, don’t panic, and keep checking back.  We shouldn’t be down for too long.

As always, you can follow me (and my random, usually non-TV thoughts at Twitter):  www.Twitter.com/GMMR

SUPERNATURAL – Yellow Fever

Okay, I don’t know if it’s even possible to contain all of the amazing moments of this episode within one modest review, so please forgive if I leave out one of your favourites. I know the scene (okay, it’s not technically a “scene”) that everyone can’t wait to discuss, as it was hands-down probably the best moment of Supernatural ever to air on television, but we’ll do as the show did, and save it for last. This week was another kick-ass episode in what is proving to be the strongest season of the show yet, and considering how great the first three were, that is a gigantic accomplishment. Kudos to everyone involved with this show – you have managed to prove that a series can last a while and only get fresher and more solid as time goes on. Read more

You Should Be Watching…LIFE on NBC

If you’re not watching Life, you really should be. And don’t let the crappy time slot fool you (Friday night at 10pm? Seriously?)—it’s a good show and even if you missed the first season, it is by no means too late to jump in, and I am going to help you do that, right now. It’s gonna be easy, it’s gonna be painless, and it’s not going to ruin every detail if you decide you love it and want to go back and catch up. All I want is for you to be able to watch a few episodes without feeling totally lost.

The premise: Detective Charlie Crews goes to prison for a murder he did not commit. He is released after 12 years and gets a $50 million dollar settlement and is allowed to return to his job on the police force.

The (important) characters: The main character, obviously, is Crews. In the slammer, he became a Zen Buddhist, and a lot of his funny lines and quirks come from that. My favorite is one from the pilot, where a couple of cops ask if he’s making fun of them. Crews responds, “It is the universe that makes fun of us all.” Crews’ partner, Reese, asks why the universe would make fun of us all, and Crews pauses for a moment before replying, “Maybe the universe is insecure.”

Crews’ partner is Reese. Her father was a detective and all we know at this point is that he had something to do with setting Crews up to go to jail.

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About Last Night: GREY’S ANATOMY, UGLY BETTY, SNL and More…

I hope you’re ready to talk..er…type, because I was a bad TV watcher and didn’t get to all the shows I should have watched last night.  THE OFFICE was so good that I had to watch it twice.  And thanks to a good friend who has been sharing this season of FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS I spent a good portion of the my TV watching time in Dillon, Texas. (Please no FNL spoilers in the comments.  I’m dying to discuss it to, but I vowed to wait until it was on NBC to get into it).

Clearly we’ve covered THE OFFICE, but what about the other shows you watched last night.

Thoughts on UGLY BETTY (was it any better this week), GREY’S ANATOMY (I got about half way through before I fell asleep), LIFE ON MARS (I so wanted to get caught up but my plans were foiled) or any other shows you watched last night.

The floor is yours my faithful readers.

THE OFFICE: Crime Aid

Ladies and gentleman, now that’s how I like my OFFICE.  Left feeling a little empty after last week’s episode, “Crime Aid” brought me back to my happy place.

THE OFFICE is at its best when it utilizes the power of the ensemble cast and last night’s episodes did that and did it well.   From the inter-office banter surrounding the robbery to the scenes as the disaster of an auction in the warehouse, the cast all had their moments (ok well maybe not Kate Flannery but I’m sure Meredith will show up in a deleted scene…she always does).

Michael and Holly are in that blissful phase of a new relationship when nothing matters in the world other than being with your new S.O. It’s all about the stolen glances and kisses.  So you can imagine that a thing like locking up the office at night so people don’t break in and steal all your stuff wouldn’t really register on to Michael and Holly’s radar.

To help raise funds to recoup the losses of his employees, Michael concocts Crime Aid (Crime Reduces Innocence. Makes Everybody Angry. I Declare), an auction in the warehouse which is “like Farm Aid. But instead of farms fighting against AIDS, it is us fighting against our own poverty”. Here’s something else he could try….filing an insurance report.  But Michael’s employees are dealing with dramas of their own which have nothing to do with their missing office supplies.
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Ron Howard Channels Opie & Richie Cunningham to Support Obama

I don’t really care which sides celebs are taking as long as it’s funny and worth watching. And I’m sure Ron Howard, the director, thought long and hard before doing this…

See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die

Watch 30 ROCK Premiere Online Today!

Bring on the unicorns, Mexican cheese curls, and gay bombs! The season premiere of 30 ROCK won’t hit the airwaves until Oct. 30, but you can watch it right now, right here at GMMR. I kid you not!

Can’t watch right now but want some hints? Jack is back (kind of), Liz is indeed on the adoption track (with help from a refreshingly non-Karen Megan Mullally), and Tracy’s porn video game is raking in some big bucks. Toss in the still-mute Kathy Geiss, her weenie of a “husband,” Devon Banks, and a titillating soap opera tease between Liz and Jack, and you have all the makings of another Emmy-worthy season (plus one of the simplest, sweetest endings you can imagine).

Here’s a sneak peek of the first couple of episodes, with famous faces galore:

— posted by Kari

Kari is a 30 Rock fanatic and will be taking it out on you, her new imaginary friends.

Dirty Sexy Money – The Star Witness

At this time last week, in the real world, most of us were watching the Presidential debate. (Truth be told, some of us were watching Game 5 of the Phillies vs. the Dodgers and forgetting to TiVo the debate. Thank goodness for YouTube…). This week on Dirty Sexy Money, we got to watch a bit of the New York State Senate debate, moderated by none other than Dan Rather. Yes, the real Dan Rather. Enough said.

“Patrick Darling Is Going To Be The Next Lying Senator of the United States of Lying America”
Taking Tripp’s advice, Patrick has “pimped his wife’s death” to garner sympathy and influence public opinion as the election nears, most recently by pledging to enforce stricter fire safety codes. All of the lying is getting to Patrick and he approaches Nick about his desire to come clean about the true circumstances of Ellen’s death. Nick advises against doing so – he’s too busy defending Leticia to take on another Darling case, like the one that would be sure to be brought against Patrick for obstruction of justice and arson. In a bit of role reversal, Nick calls Tripp for a little crisis management.

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Take 5: SEINFELD’s Top 5 Episodes

I’m so glad that so many of you participated in last week’s first installment of GMMR’s new feature: Take 5.  Over the next few weeks (and maybe beyond if you are interested), members of Team GMMR will be opening up the vault and picking their favorite 5 episodes from their all time favorite shows.  Last week Kari kicked things off with Take 5: THE WEST WING’S Top 5 Episodes, and today Jamie is taking on her favorite show, SEINFELD.Join in on the fun in the comments.
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Take 5: SEINFELD’s Top 5 Episodes
Hey GMMR readers its Jamie.  I know I normally cover “Brothers & Sisters” but today I’m putting The Walkers aside to talk about another dysfunctional family – that of Kramer, Elaine, George and Jerry.

Lately II’ve been watching a ton of Seinfeld re-runs, and even after all these years and no matter how many times I’ve seen the episodes, the show is still so funny that it makes me cry. I started watching during my teenage years and I blame/thank the writers and actors for my sarcastic sass and penchant for pushing people when I’m excited.

This so-called “show about nothing” managed to reinvent the sitcom genre and paved the way for so many shows to follow. Inspired by NOTHING I have created a top 5 trip down memory lane. Comedy is subjective and everyone will have their favorite 5 episodes, so I hope you’ll all play along at home.

(In order of hilarity according to me.)

(1) The Betrayal – aka India
So this may have not been the funniest, nor the most controversial, but it was definitely one of the most interesting, creatively brilliant episodes. Many sitcoms fail to take risks and this was a big one.

In this unique, “backwards” episode Elaine decides to spite her old bra less nemesis, Sue Ellen Mischkie, by bringing Jerry and George with her to India to attend Sue Ellen’s wedding. Jerry and George use schnapps top open Elaine’s “vault” of secrets. Elaine drunk is the best!

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What to Watch…Thursday, October 23, 2008

I’m always excited for THE OFFICE, but tonight I’m especially excited based on what I’ve seen in the promos (which have no fear I won’t mention here).  God I love Thursday nights.  But gone are the days of yesteryear (ok last year) when the Thursday night lineup was so jam packed with goodness that I would stay up until the wee hours of the morning to watch.  Until 30 ROCK comes back next week (or technically today but more on that later), I’ve only a few precious shows taking up space on my DVR.  Believe me, I’m not complaining.

Before we get into the lineup, I must also say that I’m really excited about getting caught up on LIFE ON MARS tonight.  I thought the pilot was ok – better than what I expected – but I wasn’t blown away.  But between the emails I’ve received and the Twitters from others praising the show, I think I may have judged too quickly.  I’m going to check it out tonight and let you know what I think.

Ok enough prattling from me…on to tonight’s What to Watch list.

Ugly Betty | 8pm on ABC
Kimmie Keegan (Lindsay Lohan) asks for Betty’s help in finding a job; Daniel tries a matchmaking service; Justin tries out for a Broadway musical. [GMMR: I’ve been pretty down on Ugly Betty lately and just when I resolve to give it another shot they give me an episode with Lohan.  Geesh.]

My Name is Earl | 8pm on NBC
Earl considers going to the police after Randy’s birthday present is stolen.  [GMMR: Is anyone watching this show anymore?  I feel like I never hear anything about it.]

Survivor | 8pm on CBS
A castaway has an emotional breakdown.  Things start to get a bit uncomfortable when the castaways desire to eat and dwindling rations create resentment at one camp.

Smallville | 8pm on The CW
Clark believes a recent attack in a theater may be the work of a serial killer; Davis fears that his blackouts could mean that he is the killer.

The Office | 9pm on NBC
Michael helps Pam get a part-time job so she can afford art school; Michael and Holly get an early start at the office on their date night; after the office is robbed, Michael decides to raise money for all the lost items.

Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday | 9:30pm on NBC
Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers and the SNL crew take there Saturday night staple to Thursdays with a look at the week that was. Expect special election coverage. Perhaps Tina Fey?

Grey’s Anatomy | 9pm on ABC
Bailey leads a team of doctors performing a string of surgeries in which each procedure depends on the one that precedes it; Derek gets all the credit for the brain tumor study he did with Meredith; Lexie tries hard to get George to notice her.

CSI | 9pm on CBS
When a number of people are found dead, looking as if they simply died in the middle of what they were doing, the CSI team tries to figure out what keeps the corpses from collapsing.

Supernatural | 9pm on The CW
Sam and Dean investigate the mystery of several men who apparently died of fright; after Dean becomes infected, Sam and Bobby must find the root of the disease.

Life on Mars | 10pm on ABC
Hunt is outraged by the murder of a returning Vietnam veteran; Tyler is sent down a mysterious path that might provide clues about his family’s past.

Eleventh Hour | 10pm on CBS
Dr. Jacob Hood, special sciences adviser to the FBI, must investigate reports of multiple cases of food-related paralysis in Northern California.

ER | 10pm on NBC
Banfield is caught off guard when a man tries to steal her wallet; Dr. Dubenko returns to the surgery team; a family member is suspected of hurting a young gymnast; Sarah gets her tongue pierced

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia | 10pm on FX
After finding Dennis’ erotic memoir, Mac and Frank try to profit from the masterpiece; Dee and Charlie spend a day in each other’s shoes.

Lots and lots to choose from. So tell me…what are YOU watching?

Another Mother on HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER?

Forget Stella, will Lily be a Mother?

As many of you sharp-eyed fans noticed, Lily sniffed her glass of scotch at the end of “Intervention” but never drank it, begging the questions – are Mr. and Mrs. Awesome are about to start a family?

Yes, well at least in real life, and the baby daddy is none other than Robin’s former co-anchor, Sandy Rivers. Reps for Alyson Hannigan and Alexis Denisof have announced that the Buffy/Angel alums are expecting their first child together next year.

Carter Bays spoke to TVGuide.com. “We are thrilled for Alyson and Alexis, and we know that they are going to be amazing parents. It’s too early to say how this will impact the show going forward, although we may have to push the ‘Lily wins a gold medal in gymnastics’ storyline to next season.”

Personally, I do not wish to see Bays and Thomas try to foolishly hide Alyson’s pregnancy. We fans can see straight through a gigantic purse, bags of groceries and empire waist dresses. Do you wish to see Alyson’s pregnancy written into the show? Is it time for Lily and Marshall to start a family?

Congratulations all around for Alyson and Alexis!

— posted by Jen

Jason Dohring Back on TV in ‘Washingtonienne’

Here’s a little news to kick start your day. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jason Dohring is coming back to TV in the much buzzed about HBO comedy series “Washingtonienne.”

Produced by Sarah Jessica Parker and based on Jessica Cutler’s book, “Washingtonienne” revolves around the professional and personal lives of three smart, sophisticated 28-year-old girls working on Capitol Hill. The show will follow the exploits of Jackie (Rachel Taylor), who moves to Washington, D.C. to pursue a career as a speechwriter but finds herself in a low-level job as a congressional staffer. She seeks guidance from a college friend (Bitsie Tulloch) who’s living a quiet life with her boyfriend (David Furr), who has a professional crush on the senator for whom he works. And finally Laura (Amanda Walsh), a small-town girl whose workaholic ways often come at the expense of a social life and who is constantly defending her Republican views to her liberal friends.

Jason Dohring will play Spencer, a senior legislative assistant for the same senator for whom Jackie works.

Also joining the cast will be Kate Burton, who most recently played Ellis Grey on “Grey’s Anatomy”.  Burton will play Joy, the senator’s put-upon personal assistant.

I must admit that I spent a little bit of this week sulking that Jason Dohring didn’t get cast as Ryan Lafferty on “Brothers & Sisters”, now it almost seems like a blessing in disguise.  While Jason has always played men with sardonic wit and charm it’s always been on a serialized drama. I’m really looking forward to seeing him in a straight on comedy. Looks like Carrie Bradshaw knows a thing or two about casting.

Welcome back to TV, Jason.  We’ve missed you.

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