Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Friday, July 17, 2009

We’ve had quite the rainy and miserable summer here in Boston.  But I must say, the past few weeks have been rather nice.  Now, I’m not going to wish for rain at all – never – but rumor has it it’s going to be a little cold and dreary on Saturday.  And I’m not sure I mind. See, I’ve fallen way behind on blogging (hello BIG BROTHER), way behind on Project SUPERNATURAL, and don’t even get me started about the Fall pilots I need to watch and review.  Just sayin’ that a Saturday where I’m forced to stay inside for a bit isn’t all that bad.

Once again, thanks for your patience with me over these summer months.  I know the updates have been a little scarce. Soon enough we’ll all be back to our regularly scheduled programming (and blogging)/

Check out a few of the shows that are new tonight. Anything of interest to YOU? Let me know.

Surviving Suburbia | 8pm on ABC
“School Council”
Anne and Steve try to discuss an altercation between Courtney and a neighbor’s daughter; Steve learns something about his relationship with Henry.

The Goode Family | 8:30pm on ABC
“After School Special”
Helen and Gerald tutor at-risk kids; Ubuntu unknowingly joins an eco-terrorist group; Bliss starts her own business.

Eureka | 9pm on Syfy
“Your Face or Mine”
Carter takes a grueling recertification exam that tests him physically and psychologically; Allison pitches a town-wide DNA-monitoring security system to Henry that injures Deputy Lupo during the inaugural scan.

Mental | 9pm on Fox
“House of Mirrors”
A 16-year-old tries to commit suicide by lighting herself on fire; Dr. Zan Avidan and Jack’s relationship continues to grow.

The Soup | 10pm on E!
“The Week in Review”
A weekly recap of various pop culture and television show moments of the week. The show is hosted by Joel McHale, who provides sarcastic and biting commentary on the various clips.

Also playing…

• The Chopping Block | 8pm on NBC: The remaining teams are asked to cater an event for food critic Danyelle Freeman and uptown socialites; the teams must completely remake their restaurant in three days.

• Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader | 8pm on Fox: Celebrities Jack Hanna and Star Jones compete to win money for their respective charities.

On the late night couch…

• The Late Show with David Letterman: Tom Arnold, Tommy Johnagin, Metric
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien: Steven Ho, Seth Green, Demi Lovato
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Paris Hilton, Alan Furst, Ray LaMontagne
• Jimmy Kimmel Live:Teri Hatcher, Danica Patrick, Daughtry
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Anna Paquin, Mancow Muller, the Dead Weather
• Chelsea Lately: Michael Buble, Brad Wollack, Whitney Cummings, Josh Wolf (R 7/8/09)
• Last Call with Carson Daly: Neil Strauss, Mike Bridenstine, Chris Cornell (R 3/25/09)

Who Went Home on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE?

The judges don’t have a say, and this time it’s up to America. Ten become eight as one more guy and one more girl are eliminated from the competition in tonight’s SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE!

Unfortunately I’m not going to be able to live blog tonight’s SYTYCD show, but I will be posting the names of the eliminated dancers as they are announced (ah the beauty of an iPhone).

Here’s where I need YOUR help! Since I’m going to be away from the TV, I’m really hoping some of you will do the live blogging for me…in the comments. Share your thoughts on everything from the opening number (I hear it’s going to be a Wade piece), to what Cat’s wearing (which will surely be faboosh), to which dancers go home (by money is on Kupono & Randi). I’m going to be relying on YOUR comments to keep me in the loop for a change.

Any volunteers?

Update:
Bottom two girls – Melissa & Rand
Bottom two guys – Kupono & Ade

Going home tonight are RANDI and Kupono!!

Thanks to both of these talented dancers!!

And thanks to the GMMR readers that kept me up to date on tonight’s show since I couldn’t be in front of the TV.

Your thoughts on tonight’s eliminations?

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Gets Emmy Noms

Congrats to the four SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE choreographers who were nominated for Emmys this morning for Outstanding Choreography.

• Tabitha D’umo & Napoleon D’umo for “Bleeding Love” (aka as ‘The Briefcase’)
• Mia Michaels for “Mercy” (aka as ‘The Door’)
• Tyce Diorio for “Adam and Eve” (someone refresh my memory)
• Dmitry Chaplin for “A Los Amigos”

2009 Emmy Award Nominations

At 8:35am this morning, Chandra Wilson (Grey’s Anatomy) and Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) will take the stage to announce this year’s Emmy Award nominees in some of the top categories.

The Emmys have a way of honoring the old school shows with big ratings and completely ignoring quality programming which might have a harder time attracting viewers. I’m not expecting nominations for FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS or BATTLESTAR GALACTICA in any of the main categories, but wouldn’t it be just fantastic?

The only nomination I’m particularly concerned with this year is Lead Actor in a Comedy. If Jim Parson’s name is not read I will be truly upset. I’d like to see THE BIG BANG THEORY nominated as Best Comedy too. Would it stand a chance next to 30 ROCK? I don’t know, but I hope so.

Here’s to hoping Jeremy Piven’s sushi swilling ways will keep him from taking home the award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy, an honor that should rightfully be going to this year’s Emmy host, Neil Patrick Harris.

I will be live blogging to nominations as they are announced. The announcement will also be shown on www.Emmys.com. Not all the categories are announced during the live broadcast, so keep checking back to see who of your favorites are nominated in the supporting acting categories.

And here they are…

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES

• Big Love
• Breaking Bad
• Damages
  Dexter
• House
• Lost
• Mad Men

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES

• Entourage
• Family Guy
• Flight of the Conchords
• How I Met Your Mother
• The Office
• 30 Rock
• Weeds

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Jeanine & Jason’s Contemporary Routine by Travis Wall – SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE

My favorite performance of the night. A contemporary routine choreographed by Travis Wall and performed by Jeanine Mason and Jason Glover.

…and since we’re talking Travis!
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SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Top 10 Performances

I’ve got two words for you SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE fans – “Top Ten!”  Want another two words? How about “Oh Yeah!”  Super excited about tonight’s top ten performances. I’d be excited regardless but tonight’s episode is extra exciting because one of my very favorite ex-SYTYCDancers, Travis Wall, is choreographing tonight.  Yay BF Travis!

Before we get to the show I wanted to let everyone know that there won’t be a SYTYCD podcast this week. (Wah Wah).  But Ducky & I will be watching SYTYCD together next Wednesday and the special 100th episode next Thursday, so maybe, just maybe we’ll hit you up with two podcasts next week.  Let us know if you’d be interested in both.

And let the show begin…

One by one, Cat introduces her babies, and I must say that after last week’s impressive solo, Ade has a more vocal fanbase this week.  Well deserved. Also well deserved – Cat Deeley on every single ‘Best Dressed” list out there.  Mama is slammin’ again this week.

For those of you new to this post, I share my thoughts of each dance live as I watch.  I then listen to what the judges have to say.  Hopefully the judges will get real this week.  No more rainbows and ponies. It’s the top 10, which means it’s time to give honest assessments of our dancers.  And no one is more real than the fabulous and fierce Debbie Allen, who just happens to be judging tonight along with Mary and Nigel. The judges have their say tonight, but from here on out it’s up to America. Your vote will determine who will go home.  Please vote right. I beg of you.

Tonight we’ll see new couples perform. Each dancer will perform a solo. And each dancer will have their own number for which you to vote.

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WAREHOUSE 13: Resonance

res·o·nate : \ˈre-zə-ˌnāt\ intransitive verb

1: to produce or exhibit resonance

2: to respond as if by resonance ;to have a repetitive pattern that resembles resonance

3: to relate harmoniously : strike a chord

This show has heart, and I love it. Without being too heavy handed, it managed to weave an interesting case with a more in depth look at just what makes Pete and Myka tick (He plays the piano! She sings in the shower!).

The episode starts out with Eddie McClintock and “previously on Warehouse 13”. If you missed the pilot, check out the GMMR review https://www.givememyremote.com/remote/warehouse-13-an-invitation-to-endless-wonder/ .

And then we’re in Chicago, where some women and a man in black are about to rob a bank. But they don’t use guns, so far as we can tell, but they do kind of look like Darth Vader.

Switch fast to Warehouse 13, and Pete is playing some ping pong. Against Pete. Is it sad that I would watch a Pete vs. Pete match for hours? That was rad.

Meanwhile, Artie is mad because his (outdated?…i don’t buy it) computers aren’t cooperating with him. He and the lovely Leena realize they are being hacked. Also unlikely.

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The TV Talk Podcast: Listener Q&A

As promised, Ducky and I sit down (in a car behind a Dunkin Donuts – we’re nothing if not classy & professional) and answer a bunch of listener questions, laugh our asses off and talk the hell out of all things TV!

Want to know which fictional TV workplaces we’d like to spend our 9 to 5’s at? Interested in which shows we’re both watching but not talking/blogging about?

Better late than never… we’re talking 2009’s best and worst season and series finales including our thoughts on the demise of PUSHING DAISIES.

Interested in knowing what plot devices, twists and series descriptions piss us off? It’s a look back at last season and a look forward at the Fall’s missteps!

Bored this summer and wanna catch up on some of TV’s must sees? We tell you what shows to catch up with when using a kiddie pool as a sofa no longer beats the summer heat.

We talk CHUCK finale and our thoughts on “Save Our Show” campaigns in general.

There’s a ton we cover this week and here’s a sneak peek at some of the shows we talk about until your ears bleed: SUPERNATURAL, GREEK, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, CHUCK, WEEDS, TWIN PEAKS, ANGEL, BUFFY, FIREFLY, MY SO CALLED LIFE, VERONICA MARS, DEADWOOD, DAWSON’S CREEK, EVERWOOD, FELICITY, KIDS INCORPORATED and more…

Oh and if you’re interested in why we began blogging about TV and where our obsession came from, there’s a little bit of that thrown in for good measure.

Enjoy our latest podcast and enjoy the beautiful weather!

Click to listen to the TV Talk Podcast

P.S. If you enjoy our podcast, let others know by leaving a comment over at iTunes.  Just search “TV Talk Podcast”.  Also, use the “Tweet” button down below to share our podcast with your other TV lovin’ friends!

HARPER’S ISLAND Finale: Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer

Well…by now HARPER’S ISLAND has aired the final two hours all over North America, and we’ve had more than a day to watch and process the conclusion. And wow, was there a lot to process. I’ve been reading online to gauge viewer reaction to the ending and suffice it to say, the reactions are mixed. I’ll just throw it out there and state for the record that I loved it. This is not to say that I was left without questions and disappointments, or that I didn’t notice some of the more egregious plot holes, but c’mon…the last two hours included a great reveal of the killer’s identity, some beyond twisted storytelling and a firm sense of closure. I was a happy camper.

This post is long – I’m sorry. But we’re talking two action-packed hours to discuss here!!

Before I delve in to the series ending any further, I wanted to take a moment to say how talented the cast of this show is. I was happily surprised at the amount of character development that occurred in what was essentially a fun summer slasher series, and especially at the fact that this development gave the actors who lasted to the end a chance to really shine. I would never have guessed during the pilot that I would end up with such an appreciation for the talent of Matt Barr (Sully), Elaine Cassidy (Abby), CJ Thomason (Jimmy), Adam Campbell (Cal) and Cameron Richardson (Chloe), but I really did. I’m hoping that we all get to see more of them in future projects. I was already familiar with both Christopher Gorham (from Popular and Ugly Betty) and Katie Cassidy (from Supernatural), but they both also impressed me on this show, particularly Gorham as Henry Dunn.

Speaking of Henry Dunn…the loving fiancé, cherished friend and all-around good guy turned out to have a few screws loose. As I mentioned in the comments of my pre-finale post, I was sort of rooting for Henry to be the killer, but my reasons for wanting this weren’t necessarily plot-related. I wanted to see Chris Gorham, who ALWAYS plays the nice guy, have a chance to play a complete sociopath. And boy, did he get his chance (and nailed it too!). The episode was split into two hours, the first called “Gasp”, where we learned the identity of Wakefield’s accomplice and child, and the second called “Sigh” where everything came to a head.

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Biography: The New Mickey Mouse Club | 9pm on Bio

In 1989, the Disney Corp. brought back “The Mickey Mouse Club,” which ended up being a breeding ground for young entertainment talent, including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling, Keri Russel and more.

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Monday, July 13, 2009

It’s Monday. Ready to tackle another week? Me? Not so much. So I’m not going to…at least for now. I’m continuing my weekend into today and tomorrow – so, my apologies if things are a little quiet around here. But between my nieces being in town and the sun shining down on my pool, I hope you’ll forgive me for not being in front of the TV or computer.

Later tonight or tomorrow I’m going to be posting my thoughts on ENTOURAGE, BIG BROTHER, and more. So stay tuned.

As for tonight’s TV…there’s a few shows to choose from.  What does YOUR TV lineup look like tonight? Let me know by leaving a comment below or sent me a tweet at twitter.com/GMMR

The Secret Life of the American Teenager | 8pm on ABC Family
“Ciao”
Amy needs assistance with her chaotic schedule, so her dad and sister lend her a hand. Meanwhile, Ben makes plans for the summer.

Make it or Break It | 9pm on ABC Family
“Sunday, Bloody Sasha, Sunday”
Sasha puts the girls through a grueling day of practice as punishment for attending a party. Meanwhile, a power play develops among the parents as a decision is made about who will manage the gym.

The Closer | 9pm on TNT
“Tapped Out”
A popular online “hook-up king” is shot to death; a police impersonator causes the case to go awry; Pope does a rotation as a member of Brenda’s squad to get a firsthand look at how the team works.

Raising the Bar | 10pm on TNT
“I’ll Be Down to Get You a Taxi, Honey”
Jerry defends a man charged with running over his crooked lawyer with a car; Richard rushes through a case without getting the full story; Bobbi’s final divorce papers are ready to be signed

My Life on the D List | 10pm on Bravo
“Rosie and Gloria and Griffin…Oh My”
Kathy heads to Miami’s Star Island to look for a second home; Kathy pals around with entertainers Rosie O’Donnell and Gloria Estefan before working front-desk duty at a hotel.

Weeds | 10pm on Showtime
“A Modest Proposal”
Esteban’s proposal to a very pregnant Nancy comes with a surprise string attached; Celia discovers that being a working stiff at the mall isn’t in her makeup; and Shane’s eventful day with Ignacio proves to be most revealing. Meanwhile, Silas and Doug’s medical-marijuana business gets up and running, but Deputy C.P. Jones (Larry Joe Campbell) won’t stay quiet on the issue.

Nurse Jackie | 10:30pm on Showtime
“Tiny Bubble”
An old friend of Jackie’s checks into the hospital with terminal lung cancer; Dr. Cooper’s mother has a gall bladder attack and reveals a family secret.

Also playing…

• The Bachelorette | 8pm on ABC: The final three men join Jillian in Hawaii; while cruising a beautiful cove, one of the bachelors has a surprise for Jillian to convince her of his feelings; one of the men is sent home after a tearful rose ceremony.

• Great American Road Trip | 8pm on NBC: The families leave St. Louis and head for Branson, Mo., where they must perform skits for singer Andy Williams and comic Yakov Smirnoff.

• Here Come the Newlyweds | 10pm on ABC: All the couples reunite to decide which of the final two couples will win the grand prize.

On the late night couch…
Most of the late night shows are on vacation this week, but here’s the lineup in case you missed some of these guests.

• The Late Show with David Letterman: Jonah Hill, Gar Ryness, Kelly Clarkson
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien: Bill Engvall, the cast of “Hair”
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Selma Blair, Connie Schultz
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Dylan McDermott, Wendy Williams
• Jimmy Kimmel Live: Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher and additional team members from the L.A. Lakers, 3OH!3 (R 6/19/09)
• Chelsea Lately: Florence Henderson, Chris Franjola, Loni Love, Janet Varney (R 7/9/09)
• Last Call with Carson Daly: Josh Flitter, Kid Cudi (R 3/18/09)
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Rep. Barney Frank
• The Colbert Report: Paul Rieckhoff, Paul Krugman

Talk to me people…what will YOU be watching tonight? For the latest TV from GMMR, follow me on Twitter.

TRUE BLOOD: Shake and Fingerpop

Hello, all. I hope that your two-week break from “True Blood” was eventful and fantastic. But, alas, the gang from Bon Temps was back this week in an episode that set up a lot of things for the rest of the season.

Sookie, Bill and Jessica

Bill kicks Hoyt out of his house. Jessica defends herself by saying that, essentially, she’s being a teenage girl first and a new vampire second. Sookie suggests that Jessica come with them to Dallas as a way for her to learn more about her new lifestyle and get out of the house a bit.

When they arrive, the limo driver attempts to abduct Sookie. After being glamoured by Jessica, Bill glamours him and finds out that he was hired by the Fellowship of the Sun to abduct the human with the Compton party.

Bill goes to meet Eric later (see below). While gone, Jessica orders a prostitute for her to feed upon. Sookie finds out that Barry, the hotel worker who brought the prostitute to the door, can read minds as well. Sookie leaves to chase him down.

Bill, Eric and Lafayette

Lafayette stays holed up in his house, even rebuffing Tara on her birthday. Eric shows up and offers his blood so Lafayette’s leg will heal. Eric explains that Lafayette is important to Sookie, which means that he is important to Eric, or at least interesting. Lafayette feeds and feels better. Eric departs for Dallas.

In Dallas, Eric sheds a little light on his relationship and concern with Godrick’s disappearance. Eric worries that if a vampire as powerful as Godrick can be captured, anyone can be and if the Dallas vampires don’t get answers soon, he fears that they will start to attack humans to get answers.

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Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Sunday, July 12, 2009

It’s Sunday. Last day of the weekend. Make the most of it.  And that includes what you watch on television tonight.  If you have HBO then you’re night is all set with TRUE BLOOD, HUNG and the big news – the season premiere of ENTOURAGE!! Welcome back to Vinnie  and the boys!

There’s certainly plenty to choose from.  Big decisions my friends…what will YOU be watching?

Big Brother 11 | 8pm on CBS
Jesse, the current head of household, reveals his two nominations for eviction. [GMMR: Oops, just realized I never wrote up my thoughts on the BIG BROTHER premiere.  Sorry about that. With three shows a week I’m sure we’ll have plenty to talk about soon enough.]

Merlin | 8pm on NBC
“A Remedy to Cure All Ills”
Enchanted flowers make Morgana ill and Gaius is unable to find a cure; Merlin finds that he and Edwin have more in common than he’d thought.

True Blood | 9pm on HBO
“Shake and Fingerpop”
Bill and Sookie travel to Dallas to carry out Eric’s mission; Jason falls victim to a practical joke; Maryann throws a birthday party for Tara. [GMMR: Not going to be able to watch TRUE BLOOD until later tonight.  Note to self – stay off Twitter to avoid spoilers.]

Drop Dead Diva | 9pm on Lifetime
“Pilot”
A superficial model (Brooke D’Orsay) who met an untimely death returns to the living in the body of a plus-size attorney (Brooke Elliott) in the pilot episode of this comedy-drama. Margaret Cho also stars.

Gene Simmons Family Jewels | 9pm & 9:30pm on A&E
“The Night from Hell” & “Who Dunnit”
Sophie puts a cheating boy through the wringer; Gene volunteers Carrot Top to crash a Vegas bachelorette party. Shannon guilts the family into throwing a themed party.

Hammertime | 10pm & 10:30pm on A&E
Hammer and his family head to Las Vegas for Grandma Betty’s 70th birthday party. Hammer tries to find his mother a house; A’Keiba tries to share her vegetarian lifestyle with the family. [GMMR: Is anyone watching?]

Hung | 10pm on HBO
“Great Sausage or Can I Call You Dick?”
Tanya’s former law firm colleague agrees to take Ray for a test ride; Jessica’s obsessive behavior grates on her children; Ray mismanages his money.

Entourage | 10:30pm on HBO
“Drive”
Vince prepares for his driving test and an appearance with Jay Leno; Eric considers moving into his own house; Lloyd confronts Ari with an ultimatum.

In Plain Sight | 10pm on USA
“Jailbait”
The barely legal daughter of Mary’s witness, a Miami racketeer, is in a dangerous romance; Raph’s mother visits to prepare an engagement feast for surprised Mary.

Army Wives | 10pm on Lifetime
“Family Residence”
Joan and Roland prepare for Sarah Elizabeth’s christening; Lucky, the dog, finds his way to Fort Marshall; Terrance and Roland help a young Iraqi orphan.

Told ya there was a lot to choose from. Help a sista out…let me know what YOU are going to be watching. (I know I ask everyday, but finding out what y’all are watching helps me get a better sense of what we should be covering here on GMMR)

Hung | 10pm on HBO

Tanya’s former law firm colleague agrees to take Ray for a test ride; Jessica’s obsessive behavior grates on her children; Ray mismanages his money.

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Saturday, July 11, 2009

Tonight we say goodbye to two special shows.  A sleeper hit with a passionate fanbase, HARPER’S ISLAND proved to be a fun summer ride for viewers. In tonight’s finale all will be revealed.  Are you excited?

Selfishly, I’m not ready to say goodbye to ELI STONE. One of the most delightful and original shows to come along in quite some time, ELI was another tragic victim of the writer’s strike and poor promotional support from ABC.  At least we got to see these finale episodes.  It was fun while it lasted, and I’m glad I have the DVDs on hand for rainy days in the future.

KINGS still has a few episodes left…thank goodness.

Kings | 8pm on NBC
“Javelin”
David faces treason charges as Silas hands control of the trial over to Jack. Elsewhere, Michelle contends with medical problems that bring her closer to her mother.

Harper’s Island | 9pm CBS | 2-hour Series Finale
“Gasp” & “Sigh”
John Wakefield continues his murderous rampage on the island, as the survivors attempt to find and kill him before he wipes them all out.  And tonight the mystery is solved as the series concludes. [GMMR: In case you missed it, check out: HARPER’S ISLAND: Are You Ready for the Killer Finale? Our spoiler-free speculation about the season finale.]

Eli Stone | 10pm on ABC | Series Finale
“Flight Path”
In the series finale, Eli and Keith help a woman in need of a heart transplant who clashes with the family of a potential donor because of her religious views. Meanwhile, Eli’s visions of a plane crash cause concern for his loved ones, and Taylor and Matt take another step in their future together.

What else should be added to tonight’s TV spotlight? Leave a comment below or send me a message via Twitter.

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