THE VAMPIRE DIARIES: The Night of the Comet

And here you thought it was just going to be a love story.

Talk about dark and brooding…and a little scary. While last week’s premiere episode did it’s job of introducing to the inhabitants of Mystic Falls, and drawing us in to the potential romance of Stefan and Elena, this week was all about the seemingly infinite power of Damon Salvatore. Talk about a pain in the ass older brother. Or should I say pain in the neck?

Besides being mesmerized Damon, last night’s episode also was effective in setting up important storylines that will likely to continue through this first season –  Aunt Jenna’s insecurities about raising Jeremy and Elena, as well as Jeremy’s obvious issues with how he deals (or doesn’t deal) with his personal issues. That, and oh, you know…all these high school girls being attacked my a vicious vampire.

Apparently this town likes its parties and I can actually kind of identify with that, having grown up in a small town myself where everyone was in the same place on Friday night, especially if there was a high school sporting event or some kind of thing going on, so I guess the comet would count, especially if legend tells you that it brings sexy, sexy vampires to your town. Shoot, I’d head outside right this second.

A lot of things were coming together this week and a lot of characters were crossing paths with Stefan, Damon, Vicki, Matt, and Jeremy. I thought all those actors did a good job this week—Jeremy does that hurt puppy look SO well, and he’s so cute too when he’s trying to be sweet to Vicki. Likewise, Matt is good at conveying a lot of emotion with his face, Damon is perfectly snarky, and Stefan is perfectly intense while still seeming appropriately worn out.

Gotta say, though, the big winner (and surprise) for me this week was Vicki, who I really wasn’t that taken with last week. She just seemed so grumpy and one-note. This week, she continues to not have any parents AND to have the most beautiful post-attack victim hospital patient hair I’ve ever seen. But I don’t know—she showed a lot more range this week. For one thing, she was AMAZING at acting scared—someone should seriously give her the lead in a horror movie right now. And for another, when she kind of started liking Jeremy, after finding out he rescued her from the woods, she was really cute. And then she did that drug haze thing pretty smoothly too. I think she’s going to keep growing on me.

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BONES Season Premiere: Harbingers in the Fountain

BONES is back, and so are we. Long time, no BONES blog, my people! I gotta admit, after last season’s finale, I did not spend the whole summer looking forward to the premiere. In fact, I kind of dreaded it. But I’m happy to say that I freaking loved this episode!  I want to marry it and have little baby episodes with it.

Shame on me. Shame on me, because I lost the faith. The faith that everything happens for a reason, and eventually everything will happen.

Is everything tied up with a pretty little bow? No.

Was Booth laughing at that clown one of the scariest things I’ve seen? Yes.

But say it with me. Eventually. Shout it from the rooftop; whisper it to your children as they sleep at night. Eventually…eventually…eventually!

Was this the best Bones season premiere of all time? I’m going to say yes, and in our live chat during the episode, that was the consensus, too. But, let me know what you think about that, in the comments. But first…

THE CASE:

Cyndi Lauper guest stars as Avalon Harmonia, Angela’s psychic. She reveals to Brennan (and recaps to us) her story/Booth’s dream from the season four finale AND she tells us all that there are 12 bodies buried under a fountain. Brennan is suspicious, natch, possibly more so BECAUSE Avalon spoke of her relationship with Booth.

Meanwhile, Booth is getting re-certified for FBI duty by Sweets. Quick Question: Booth’s beard…yes or no?

Within a couple of scenes, it’s gone, but so are the striped socks, bright ties and cocky belt buckle. And as the case goes on, Booth and Brennan are forced to reevaluate one another, and their perceptions of how things should work between them. And just like their relationship, the case isn’t tied up neatly at the end, either. All in all, a good case, though (and not too gross of bodies! You just KNOW those are coming, though, right? Ugh).

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FRINGE: A New Day in the Old Town

Hey FRINGE fans – it’s Gretchen here and I’m super excited to let you know that I’ll be tackling Fringe this season for GMMR! I’m a huge J.J. Abrams fan and had high hopes for Fringe last season, but, like many of you, I was lukewarm on the first few episodes. Thankfully, I stuck with it and I was absolutely blown away by the back half of the first season. I can’t claim to be 100% caught up on all of the many theories and speculations about the show — but I’ll give you my take each week and I hope that you’ll share yours with me in the comments section below.

Fringe Science – The Cliff Notes Version

With a little help from one of Walter’s old lab experiment videos, we learned from a very tripped out woman about “soldiers from another universe” who are shape shifters. They can shift by pushing up a machine into the soft palette of the roof of their mouth, leaving three holes.

One of these soldiers was tasked to prevent Olivia from having her meeting with William Bell (remember the seemingly pointless car collision Olivia had on the way to her meeting with Bell during the season finale…not so pointless after all!!). The soldier flees the crash site, assuming that Olivia is dead, and shifts into a nearby body. Later, via a typewriter in the backroom of a repair shop, he learns that Olivia is not dead and that his new orders are to interrogate and kill her. He shape shifts into Olivia’s nurse and helps Olivia to remember all that she can. She remembers that she met with someone who told her about something that is hidden, but she cannot remember what or where. The soldier/shifter attempts to kill Olivia. Fortunately, Peter and team show up just in time to save her. Not so fortunately for Charlie, the shifter kills him and then shifts into his body!!!

Here and “Over There”

Previously, we saw Olivia narrowly avoid a serious car collision on her way to meet with William Bell. Now it seems that she did get into that car accident (planned and executed by the soldier who was trying to prevent her from meeting with Bell) but “after” she had already had her meeting. So, in addition to returning from the alternate reality, did she also return slightly back in time?

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Crash | 10pm on Starz

Season Premiere: Ben returns to Los Angeles; Seth collapses at a strip mall; Maggie rushes to her husband’s side; Inez works as a hostess at a men’s club; Bo and Wendy notice business is slow.

The TV Talk Podcast Fall TV Preview: ABC, NBC & Fox

Two podcasts in one day! When it rains it pours…well, pours two sarcastic and jaded TV fans who want to talk about what they love and didn’t about some of the new Fall shows premiering.

Hopefully by now you’ve had a chance to listen to our CW Fall Preview podcast and our CBS Fall Preview podcast.  If not, be sure to go back and check those out.

Today we’re tackling the new shows from NBC and FOX as well as what new Fall shows are worth checking out on ABC.

(*Please be warned that we do talk some mild spoilers for each of the new shows.)

ABC…
It’s time to sit down and chat about ABC’s Fall 2009 lineup which means GMMR and Ducky are about to talk lizards, time travel, cougars, witches, Frasier and our favorite new comedy of the year.

Take a load off and listen to us chat up THE FORGOTTEN, HANK, THE MIDDLE, MODERN FAMILY, COUGAR TOWN, EASTWICK, FLASHFORWARD, and V!

Listen to the ABC Fall Preview Podcast

NBC and Fox…
In our final Fall TV Preview for 2009 is the combined podcast for the new FOX and NBC shows. We’re giving you the lowdown (ok not really) on COMMUNITY, TRAUMA, MERCY, THE CLEVELAND SHOW and BROTHERS.

Listen to the NBC & Fox Fall Preview Podcast

Community | 9:30pm on NBC

Series Premiere: A lawyer (Joel McHale) whose degree has been revoked forms a study group in the premiere of this comedy series following oddball students attending a Colorado community college. Chevy Chase also stars.

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Thursday, September 17, 2009

Are you ready? Are you sure? Have you rested up? Are the DVRs set? Per usual, Thursday nights in the Fall aren’t for the weak of heart. It takes a real TV fan to tackle tonight’s TV schedule. Are you up for the task?

I’m scared. I’ll admit it. But I’m excited! But mostly scared.

And get this…the ABC shows don’t even premiere until next week.

T0 make things even more stressful, I’m not going to be around to watch any TV tonight.  We are heading over to a live taping of AMERICA’S BEST DANCE CREW.  Yikes!

There’s a lot of shows to cover in today’s TV spotlight, and some news to be shared. Keep checking back to GMMR throughout the day for a deeper look at some of tonight’s BIG premiere. Let’s get to it.

Here’s a look at what the Thursday night schedule will look like this Fall (and this is just the big networks…well, the big networks and The CW.) Make sure you check the list of premiere dates below the grid to find out which shows premiere when.

Bones | 8pm on CBS | Season Premiere
“Harbingers in a Fountain”
Angela’s psychic, Avalon Harmonia (Cyndi Lauper), alerts Brennan and Booth to the presence of a mass grave beneath a fountain. [GMMR: Ok, BONES fans – tonight’s the night.  Join GMMR’s resident BONES luva, Seeleybaby, for a LIVE BONES Season Premiere chat starting tonight at 7:45pm. Watch the show & chat with other BONES fans right here on GMMR.]

Survivor: Samoa | 8pm on CBS | Season Premiere
“The Puppet Master”
The castaways arrive in Samoa and are divided into tribes; each tribe must immediately select a leader, without speaking.

SNL: Weekend Update Thursday | 8pm on NBC | Season Premiere
Former SNL star Amy Poehler returns to post at the Saturday Night Live Weekend Update desk alongside co-anchor, Seth Meyers. Each Thursday the two will skewer current events, news and politics.

The Vampire Diaries | 8pm on The CW
“The Night of the Comet”
Stefan tries to make Vicki forget who attacked her; Jeremy struggles with drug use and his feelings for Vicki; Damon reveals information about Stefan’s past.

Parks & Recreation | 8:30pm on NBC | Season Premiere
“Pawnee Zoo”
Hoping to promote the local zoo, Leslie arranges for two penguins to wed, but things don’t go as planned when they realize the penguins are both male.

(More shows after the jump)

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BONES Season Premiere Live Chat Tonight

BONES fans, are you ready for your show to finally return?  Join GMMR’s resident Squint, Seeleybaby for a BONES Season Premiere LIVE chat tonight at 7:45pm EST. Join fellow BONES to watch the show and talk about it LIVE, right here on GMMR. Pass on the word to other BONES fans so we can make this the best ‘Dead Man’s Party’.

Bookmark this page and/or enter your email below to receive an email reminder. All the cool kids will be here!

Tonight on BONES…
“Harbingers in a Fountain”
Angela’s psychic, Avalon Harmonia (Cyndi Lauper), alerts Brennan and Booth to the presence of a mass grave beneath a fountain.

BONES Music Video – “Dead Man’s Party”

Hoe you can make it for tonight’s special LIVE chat!

TOP CHEF Recap: Camping

Now, you guys all know that we try to keep it pretty PG-13 or calmer around here, but I still don’t think that anyone will be shocked to learn that I am like straight up, world championship level at cussing at the TV. In fact, cussing at the TV is probably tied for #1 in my favorite television-related activities, along with the social element—having friends over to watch, talking about my favorite shows online, etc. So needless to say, I have some practice.

Anyway, all this to say, that some of the stuff I was yelling at Top Chef last night probably would’ve made a sailor blush, because I have a new person to hate, and that person is Michael Voltaggio. For every sentence that you read from me about him, please know that you are missing at least one F-bomb that is going off in my head. I can’t handle him right now.

Really, it started right at the beginning of the episode, when he was saying that he, Bryan, and Mike Isabella were the strongest chefs there. And then it showed them getting up from their little frat bro meeting by the pool or whatever. UGH. FIRST OF ALL (oh yeah, here comes the all caps), I don’t think it’s ever anyone’s place to make that kind of claim about themselves. You can be confident in your abilities and know that you do good work, but claiming superiority over other people is always something that should be said ABOUT you, and not BY you. Secondly, yes, Bryan is awesome. Mike is okay and even good a lot of the time, but he’s inconsistent and you have just COMPLETELY disregarded the supreme talent of both Kevin and Jen, and that irritates me, especially since he partnered with Jen last week and KNOWS how good she is. So there’s the first part.

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About Last Night…GLEE – “Acafellas”

There’s nothing like a boy band to get the ladies swooning. Frustrated with his lack of a creative outlet, and inspired by his father (played by the always fabulous Victor Garner), Will forms a boy band (ok really a man band) called “Acafellas”. His love of the his new musical group means less time for the Glee kids who are facing struggles of their own when they bring in a super-charged choreographer to help them.

Meanwhile, Mercedes is looking for love in all the wrong places – namely Kurt. (Oh sweetie, we’ve all been there. You should have known me in college)

Oh and Josh Groban shows up. He likes alcoholic floozies – oh you so crazy, Groban!

Having now seen the first four episodes, I’ve realized that GLEE is one of those shows that you just can’t watch once. You need at least two viewings to properly take in all the small moments that make the show special. Even the musical numbers can’t be fully appreciated after watching just once. I mean, those boys had some moves last night that need to be seen again.

Unfortunately, since hotels don’t yet have DVRs (and seriously, this kills me) I was only able to watch “Acafellas” through my computer on my SlingBox. While the SlingBox is a faboosh device, this is GLEE and it deserves some serious HD viewing on a big screen.

I can say that even after only one viewing I loved last night’s episode (“Kill Yourself!”). I was worried that there was a reason that Fox sent out last week’s “Showmance” and next week’s “Preggers” (which is GENIUS btw), but “Acafellas” was great.  And Puck…who knew? But damn.

I’m going to turn this one over to YOU! Let’s talk GLEE. Favorite quotes, moments, musical numbers. What are you loving about the show? Not loving so much?

GLEE fans – check out the latest TV Talk Podcast to hear about hanging with the GLEE cast at the Fox party here in L.A. on Monday.  We snagged some j’adorable pics with a few of the GLEEkers too!

The Beautiful Life: TBL | 9pm on The CW

Series Premiere: Raina Marinelli, a model with a secret past, makes an unforgettable impression during New York Fashion Week; Sonja Stone desperately tries to reclaim her status as the reigning supermodel; Raina meets Chris Andrews, a new model from Iowa.

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Wednesday, September 16, 2009

What?! It’s already Wednesday? Whoa, whoa, whoa…this week is going by a bit too fast. I’m leaving L.A. in two days and I’m just not ready. At least we are making the most of our time here.  Last night we saw the man who by the end of the night on Sunday, we can hopefully call an Emmy winner – Mr. Jim Parsons! Dan and I attended a taping of THE BIG BANG THEORY.  You’re going to love the episode filmed last night. I’ll be sure to let you know when it airs. So fun.

As I mentioned in a previous post, in a few hours we’re heading over to the set of CHUCK. Be sure to get in any questions you have may have for the cast soon.

Here’s a look at the Fall schedule for the big networks. Check out the notes at the end to find out when these Wednesday night faves will be premiering.

After all this, the least you could do is tell me what shows YOU will be watching tonight!

Wipeout | 8pm on ABC
“Onion Rings”
A firefighter and a prison guard are among the contestants who face the Blades of Fury, the Gears of Doom, the Banana Split and the Onion Ring Hurdles in an extreme obstacle course.

So You Think You Can Dance | 8pm on Fox
“Season 6”
The SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE auditions continue as the team looks for dancers to join the Top 20. [GMMR: Did you all listen to the latest TV Talk Podcast? If not, listen in to find out which SYTYCD dancers I ran into at the airport the other day AND what SYTYCD choreographers Dan and I met on Monday night! Also, The Shankman is the new permanent judge. Crazy!]

America’s Next Top Model | 8pm on The CW
“Fortress of Fierceness”
The president of Wilhelmina Models, Sean Patterson, gives the contestants advice; Tyra teaches the contestants to smile with their eyes; Lauren Conrad serves as a guest judge.

The Beautiful Life: TBL | 9pm on The CW | Season Premiere
“Pilot”
Raina Marinelli, a model with a secret past, makes an unforgettable impression during New York Fashion Week; Sonja Stone desperately tries to reclaim her status as the reigning supermodel; Raina meets Chris Andrews, a new model from Iowa. [GMMR: Check out our thoughts on the premiere of THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE: TBL]

Glee | 9pm on Fox
“Acafellas”
Will forms an all-male a cappella group named Acafellas; the glee club decides to hire a well-known choreographer; the Acafellas get a surprise visit from Josh Groban. [GMMR: Got to hang with the cast of GLEE the other night. Kurt, Mercedes, Tina, Quinn, Finn, Rachel, Sue, Artie and Mr. Schu were all there.  Check out the pics.]

Ghost Hunters | 9pm on SyFy
“Judgement Day”
The team investigates the Union County Courthouse in New Jersey; TAPS investigates alleged paranormal activity in a 19th-century New Hampshire home.

Top Chef: Las Vegas | 10pm on Bravo
“Camping”
The contestants cook with cactus, sleep under the stars, and prepare a menu for Las Vegas cowboys; chef Tim Love serves as a guest judge.

Dark Blue | 10pm on TNT
“Shot in the Dark”
Carter is the prime suspect in the death of an undercover DEA agent; Melissa starts to pressure Ty to leave the unit so they can star a family; Jaimie’s boyfriend gets a new job in San Francisco.

Also playing…

• America’s Got Talent | 8pm on NBC | Season Finale: The winner is revealed; Susan Boyle debuts her song “Wild Horses”; Shakira, Leona Lewis, Rascal Flatts and Cirque du Soleil are scheduled to perform.

On the late night couch…

• The Late Show with David Letterman: Billy Crystal, John Fogerty (R 9/3/09)
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien: Aaron Eckhart, Michael Strahan, Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• The Jay Leno Show: Robin Williams, Miley Cyrus
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Audrey Tautou, Ron Livingston (R 9/10/09)
• Jimmy Kimmel Live: David Alan Grier, 10-year-old vacuum cleaner expert Gregory Evans, Pink
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Charlize Theron, David Boreanaz, Q-Tip
• Chelsea Lately: Nelly Furtado, Jeff Wild, Ross Mathews, Whitney Cummings
• Last Call with Carson Daly: Seth Green, Kevin Lyman, Pete Yorn
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Ricky Gervais
• The Colbert Report: The Flaming Lips

This is where I turn it over to YOU! Share with us what YOU are watching tonight!

Adam Shankman Named Third Judge on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE

Finally the news can be shared!  Today Fox announced that Adam Shankman will be joining SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE as the third resident judge this season. The Shankman will be joining Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe at the judges table every week this season.

“SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE is one of the most important things to happen in the last decade for the art form,” said Shankman. “Choreography is how I found my way into this business, and I’m proud to be a part of the show. As a filmmaker, it’s an honor to be able to recognize choreographers and dancers, and to be able to bring all of this amazing work into America’s homes. These kids challenge themselves every week, and it’s great for people to see how terrific these dancers are.”

“I am extremely happy that Adam has agreed to be a resident judge,” said Nigel Lythgoe, Executive Producer/Co-Creator, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. “We love bantering and bickering, and yet he still finds a way of capturing the sensitivity of every story told on stage. He is a consummate professional with a passion for dance and a discerning eye, which makes him perfect for us. Plus, it must be remembered, it takes a slightly crazy person to work with me and Mary.”

The dancer/choreographer/director has been my favorite guest judge since his first appearance so I’m excited we’ll be seeing more of him this season.  His enthusiasm for dance mixed with his honest assessment and creative criticism brings something very special to SYTYCD.

Talk to me SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE fans! Good news this morning or are you not excited about Adam joining the team in a more permanent way.

UDPATE: This just in from conference call with Nigel Lythgoe.  SYTYCD will NOT have a fourth judge on a weekly basis.  They are reserving the right, however, to bring in a very special guest judge on occasion (think Paula Abdul or J-Lo’esque)

Also…this year’s finale will feature the Top 6 dancers. The top 3 guys and the top 3 girls.

WAREHOUSE 13: Nevermore

I swear on the ashes of the first 12 warehouses that I love this show! And as an added bonus, there were no rats in this episode. I really thought there were going to be rats, especially during the pendulum scene. Yuck. Instead, just deliciously creepy Poe words literally jumping right off of the page!

I want to take a moment to discuss one of the biggest complaints about Warehouse 13. Some critics have argued that the writers have plowed through storylines as quickly as Pete plows through a box of Thin Mints, and okay, sure…there have been some rushed storylines, but let’s think about it. Season one was completed and in the can and on the air before anyone knew there was a season two. So, the writers had some stories they wanted to make sure received resolution. That’s why Myka and her father made up, in one episode. So, yes, it did seem kind of convenient, and easy, but, whatever. The writers now have a season two to dig a little deeper into each character. I am pretty excited about that.

Okay! Enough of that, and back to the episode. It starts out with the team hot on McPherson’s trail, and he’s a slippery little devil (with a great accent). He escapes in time to be the title of next week’s season finale, and meanwhile, we’ve got ourselves a bifurcated artifact, and it causes a bifurcated case. On one hand, Myka’s dad (he puts the Bering in Bering and Sons) is reading a book he received, and it’s an original Poe. But as quickly as he opens it, the words begin to crawl over his skin, leaving him in an arrested state. On the other side of the artifact coin is Poe’s pen, an object stolen by disaffected youth “Bobby” at a private school in Oregon. I actually quite liked the way the writer (David Simkins) intertwined the two plots. It felt very seamless to me in this episode. Thoughts from you?

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Who Won BIG BROTHER?

Was it Hayden, Enzo or Lane? Who won BIG BROTHER Season 12? Click here to find out: Who Won BIG BROTHER?

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