About Last Night…NURSE JACKIE Season Finale

The carefully constructed world of Jackie Peyton is starting to crumble. The lies are catching up to her, and catching up to her quickly. It’s always been about balance for Jackie. Up until now she’s been keeping all these balls in the air, but one fell and the others are quickly following behind.

Her relationship with Eddie has been ruined. He found out about her secret, double life. The life that she has kept so hidden that seemingly only one other person knows…and that person certainly doesn’t know the whole truth. But what does her husband know?  Will she lose her family?  Has she already lost them?

For a woman who thrives on being in control, Jackie isn’t sure what to do with Coop.  He’s a loose canon.  She can’t predict his actions which has left her vulnerable and reactionary – not good for a woman who needs everything to go her way or else risks losing it all.  She thought she “handled” the donor situation well, but who could have predicted that an insecure Coop would take such a small gesture as the kiss and develop a whole world where he and Jackie are on the road to happiness.  With two mothers you wouldn’t think this guy yearned for another mother figure in his life, but that’s clearly the case with Jackie.  He needs her assurance, her faith in him – and if to him that comes in the form of a stolen kiss or two, so be it.

If only she could just say no. We learned early on in the season that Jackie was methodical about her drug abuse.  Just enough to give her an edge, but never too much or else get found out.  But last night, with her life going to hell, she lost control and broke her own rules. She stole drugs that can and will be easily traced back to her. She took the drugs with thoughts only of her immediate gratification with no thought to the consequence. Who would find her? Here’s to hoping it Mo Mo, perhaps the only one that could save her from herself.  Certainly not O’Hara, who has been Jackie’s rock.  Nope, Jackie selfishly abandoned her in her most desperate hour. Jackie took the drugs and was left in an idyllic state – one that she certainly has to wake from some time. But what will her world look like when she comes down from the high? I guess we’re going to have to tune in next season to find out.

NURSE JACKIE has quickly become a favorite summer show of mine. While the story telling is inconsistent, and sometimes just about average, it’s all forgiven with the superb talent of the cast.  I think the writer’s have the opportunity to fine tune and make some adjustments before Season 2 begins. As good as the show is, I know there’s the chance for it to be even better!  Personally I can’t wait for the return of NURSE JACKIE.

Thoughts on this first season of the show? Last night’s finale? Is anyone else watching?

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Tuesday, August 25, 2009

It’s only Tuesday? Say it ain’t so. I’m looking forward to my road trip to Philly so much this weekend that I think this whole week is going to drag on.  How about a little TV to brighten my mood?

Here’s a sampling of some of the shows on TV tonight?  Anything catching your eye? Let us know either in the comments or send me an updates at Twitter.com/GMMR.

What will YOU be watching tonight?

10 Things I Hate About You | 8pm on ABC Family
“Dance Little Sister”
Bianca drags Kat and Patrick to the fall dance so she can finally get her date with the soccer captain.

Hell’s Kitchen | 8pm on Fox
The 10 remaining chefs must roll dice to determine ingredients for their challenge dish, with the winning team earning a trip to Las Vegas. Later, chefs from Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants participate in the dinner service, which is marred by repeated mistakes and a bossy teammate.

Ruby & The Rockits | 8:30pm on ABC Family
“Hot for Spanish Teacher”
David dates Ruby’s favorite teacher; Jordan and Ben try to make money by starting a home tour for Rockits fans.

Shaq vs. | 9pm on ABC
“Shaq vs. Misty & Kerri”
Shaquille challenges Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh to a beach volleyball match; Shaquille visits and trains with Serena Williams.

Warehouse 13 | 9pm on Syfy
“Duped”
Pete and Myka go to Las Vegas to fetch an artifact that is helping a couple of gamblers, but the mission goes awry when Myka becomes trapped in a famous author’s mirror

Big Brother 11 | 9pm on CBS
Tonight the six remaining houseguests: Jeff, Jordan, Kevin, Michelle, Natalie & Russell compete in the power of veto competition. Will the winner change Jeff’s nominations or keep Kevin & Natalie on the block? [GMMR: This competition seems like ages ago? If you’re a BIG BROTHER fan and you want a post with some spoilers from inside the house, leave a comment and I’ll fill you in.]

Rescue Me | 10pm on FX
“Jump”
Things spin out of control after Franco goes into the ring against one of Carla’s butch cohorts; Tommy tends bar to relieve tensions following a failed rescue that gets the guys down.

Flipping Out | 10pm on Bravo
“Pajamas and Other Games”
Jeff attends a pajama party; new assistant Rachel struggles to keep up with Jeff’s numerous demands; Jeff accuses Ryan of not sharing clients.

Also Playing…

America’s Got Talent | 9pm on NBC: The final group of 10 from the top 40 perform.

More to Love | 9pm on Fox: Luke continues to search for love during trips to the beach, a dance studio and a vineyard.

The Cleaner | 10pm on A&E: William begins to suspect that the star ballerina who Lula idolizes might be addicted to drugs; William tries to find a way to help the ballerina without damaging his relationship with Lula.

On the late night couch…

• The Late Show with David Letterman: Mary-Louise Parker, Eugene Levy, Jet
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien: Quentin Tarantino, Mark Feuerstein, Smokey Robinson
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Eric Idle (R 7/6/09)
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Lauren Graham, Bill Engvall, the Jonas Brothers (R 7/16/09)
• Jimmy Kimmel Live: Gordon Ramsay, Rob Zombie, Friendly Fires
• Chelsea Lately: Backstreet Boys, Loni Love, Chris Franjola, Dan Levy
• Last Call with Carson Daly: The Airborne Toxic Event (R 5/20/09)
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Peter Laufer (R 6/17/09)
• The Colbert Report: Specialist Tareq Salha, Sgt. Robin Balcom (R 6/9/09)

What will YOU be watching? Leave a comment or send me an update on Twitter.

10 Things I Hate About You | 8pm on ABC Family

Bianca drags Kat and Patrick to the fall dance so she can finally get her date with the soccer captain.

Danyl Johnson – The X Factor

Embeddable video be damned, you must click over to YouTube to watch this incredible audition by school teacher Danyl Johnson.  His take on “With a Little Help from My Friends” was bold and daring.  He exuded a confidence rarely seen outside of professional performers.  Maybe that’s why Simon said that is was “single handedly the best first audition I’ve ever heard.” Big words from a man that doesn’t dole out the compliments so easily.

He’s handsome. He’s talented.  Here’s to hoping he does great things as he moves forward on The X Factor.

Click here to see Danyl Johnson’s X-Factor audition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ket8fDxItyI

AMERICA’S BEST DANCE CREW: Martial Arts Challenge

Martial arts meets the artistry of dance when the seven remaining crews of AMERICA’S BEST DANCE CREW take on this special martial arts challenge.  Can they combine these two art forms into one explosive routine? Steve from last year’s winning Quest Crew is here to help them out.  This should be interesting.

• AfroBorike is up first. And I’ll be honest. They didn’t impress me last night as much as they did the week before. I thought their routine was all over the place and it lacked the uniqueness that they brought last week. Overall I thought it was pretty boring. I actually had to rewind the routine to see if they got their assigned martial arts move in there. I didn’t notice it the first time around.

• Next up was my favorite crew of last week, We Are Heroes. While they were certainly much better than AfroBorike, I thought this was another lackluster performance.  There were some cool stunts, but I thought the execution of the choreography was weak.  They were assigned karate which should be hard and powerful. They looked like they were punching balloons in the air.  They didn’t hit anything.  Not a fan.

• Vogue Evolution was assigned Kung Fu as there partial arts challenge. Three weeks in and this crew is my favorite so far! They are such incredible performers.  Tonight’s jungle theme was so vivid.  Again, I didn’t see the martial arts moved they were assigned.  I wanted it to pop a little more. But overall it was a great routine.  If you’re a fan of this crew, do a search for Leiomy on YouTube and you’ll be floored by her talent.

• The next crew to perform was Massive Monkees. Congrats on being the first crew that I was really excited about tonight. There was a lot of really interesting choreo. Again, the challenge element wasn’t really present. What’s with these crews tonight? The performance on the whole was really good.

• Beat Ya Feet Kings has to step it up big time this week. And I must say, I thought they were better than I expected them to be. Their foot work was really incredible.  Was I blown away?  Nope.  What’s up with the crews tonight?

The five crews with the most votes have already danced for your vote.  Now it’s down to Southern Movement and Rhythm City to battle it out to stay in the competition.  These two will go head-to-head and the judges will decide which crew is going home tonight.

• Rhythm City is up first. And well would you look at that – one of the bottom crews from last week fought their way up to the top tonight. I thought this routine was one of the best, if not the very best tonight.  Great integration of the challenge throughout the routine. Interesting choreo. I was impressed.

• Battling them out for the win is Southern Movement. Talk about having your back up against the wall. A shame that the two best crews of the night are up against each other for elimination. Southern Movement was crazy good tonight. I loved the use of their props tonight. So clean and so interesting.

In the end we had to say goodbye to Southern Movement.  Such a shame.  But someone’s gots to go.

Did the right crew go home this week? How did your favorite crew perform tonight?  And what can we do to get the show to eliminate the martial arts challenge next season?  I’m kind of over it.

Next week the crews take on a Bollywood inspired challenge. Um….AWESOME!!!

DANCING WITH THE STARS Announces Pairings for Season 9

The things I do for you people.

You know how I feel about this show but here I am still passing along the info about the pairings for the Fall season of DANCING WITH THE STARS. Don’t ever say I don’t do anything nice.

Go Chelsie and Dmitry!!

* AARON CARTER, pop star, teams with KARINA SMIRNOFF, who returns for her seventh season.

* NATALIE COUGHLIN, Olympic champion swimmer, teams with Season 1 champion ALEC MAZO, who returns for his fifth season.

* MARK DACASCOS, “Iron Chef” star, joins LACEY SCHWIMMER, who returns for her third season.

* TOM DELAY, former House Majority Leader, teams up with two-time champion CHERYL BURKE, who returns for her eighth season.

* MACY GRAY, Grammy Award ®winner, teams with JONATHAN ROBERTS, who returns for his seventh season.

* ASHLEY HAMILTON, actor and comedian, teams with EDYTA SLIWINSKA, who is the only pro to compete in all nine seasons of “Dancing with the Stars.”

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NURSE JACKIE Season Finale Sneak Peek

NURSE JACKIE has been one of the best television treats of this summer.  Tonight we bid farewell to the first season of the show, and say a (hopefully) short goodbye to the team of superb actors who brought a show that on paper, might be bland and cliched, spectacularly to life.

Tonight’s season finale shines a spotlight on some of the missteps Jackie Peyton has taken as of late. A secret life, a drug addiction, her ability to lie so convincingly and easily – who is the real Jackie Peyton, and is she in too deep to even know?

If you can’t wait until 10:30pm tonight, here are a few clips to tide you over. (Then again, if you are a Comcast customer who has Showtime OnDemand you can hop on right now and watch tonight’s episode. It’s been available on OnDemand for almost a week now.)

In this clip, Jackie faces the repercussions of how she chose to “handle” Coop.  Peter Facinelli has played this role to perfection with the right blend of arrogance and naivete. The insecure Coop up against the rock solid Jackie is a beautiful juxtaposition of personalities that is ripe with comedy.

With all do respect to this uber-talented cast, for me the real star of NURSE JACKIE is Merrit Wever. Her portrayal of Zoey Barkow is my single favorite thing about this show. I’ve gone back and forth as to whether or not I would like to see NURSE JACKIE compete in the drama category or comedy category in future award seasons, but when I think of what Wever brings to the show, it’s hard to think that anyone could beat her in the Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Category. Zoey, my dear, I j’adore you!.

In this scene, the always bubbly Zoey takes to wearing grey scrubs to reflect her somber mood after giving the wrong dosage of medication to a patient which has left him in a coma. But no matter what the color of her scrubs, Zoey is destined to be one hell of a nurse.

Watch NURSE JACKIE at 10:30pm tonight on Showtime.

TRUE BLOOD: New World in My View

This week’s episode of TRUE BLOOD turned the campiness up a bit, calling back scenes from “The Evil Dead” and other classic zombie movies. There was no attempt at subtly when it came to the camp this week. They went there in a big way. But when you’re dealing with a town of possessed people trying to kill one of their own, a little camp is ok. Let’s get started! Does anyone know where I put my chainsaw?

I was really glad the opening scene with Erik and Sookie was a dream. I’m really not ready for a love triangle yet, as there is too much urgency in the action and defeating Maryann and all of her zombie minions. That being said, it’s going to be very interesting how Erik will play into everything here at the end of the Maryann saga. Will he have a role? Will he be the one to defeat Maryann? Something Bill wasn’t capable of.

Jason Stackhouse might have done one the first intelligent things in his life by posing as the Horned God. It was an interesting evolution to see Jason leave Bon Temps as a weak, selfish soul and then have him return using what he learned at the Fellowship, to save his town. The chainsaw, the nail gun, the rambo’esque approach to freeing Sam were all great, but when he stood on top of that car posing as a God? Hilarious! It was a perfect nod to everyone watching that said, “We know this is ridiculous. Just roll with it. It will all be awesome in the end.” The writers know they’re being campy and kind of silly, but that has always been part of the joy of the show. It’s the mixture of the drama and the absurd that makes TRUE BLOOD unlike anything else on television.

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Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Monday, August 24, 2009

Wondering if anyone of my loyal GMMR readers happen to hit the lottery this weekend. Are you know $100-$200M richer? If so, let me know…hoping I could take out a loan today that would allow me to stay in bed and not get up and go to the office. Just thinking out loud.

At least we have a full night of TV ahead of us. If you’re a fan of NURSE JACKIE then don’t forget that tonight is the season finale.  I know…I know…I wish it wasn’t ending too.  But tonight’s a great episode.  The ending is a bit, well, strange? I’m not sure that’s the word I’m going for.  But the episode as a whole is pretty damn awesome.  Much reason to be excited.

Are any of your summer favorites on tonight? Check out some of the highlights and let me know.

The Secret Life of the American Teenager | 8pm on ABC Family
“Knocked Up, Who’s There”
Amy attempts to keep Ben interested in her. Elsewhere, Grace proves to be an influence on Adrian.

Make it or Break It | 9pm on ABC Family
“All That Glitters”
The girls’ training is put to the test as they compete in Boston for a spot on the national gymnastics team.

The Closer | 9pm on TNT
“Waivers of Extradition”
A woman is stabbed to death by someone wearing a ninja outfit; a detective arrives from El Paso, Texas investigating a similar crime; Brenda’s father comes to take her niece back to Atlanta.

Raising the Bar | 10pm on TNT
“Beating a Dead Horse”
Jerry takes over Bobbi’s case involving a pregnant woman addicted to heroin; Michelle is determined to put the woman away to stop her from shooting up with a baby in her womb; Roz defends a carriage driver.

The Soup Presents | 10pm on E!
“The Best Clips of ’09 So Far”
The 20 most outrageous reality moments are counted down. Shows include: “American Idol”; “The Bachelorette”; and “Jon and Kate Plus 8.” [GMMR: I like fun surprises like this on the TV schedule.  DVR is set. This will be hilarious. Joel McHale is always worth the price of admission.]

Weeds | 10pm on Showtime
“Glue”
Esteban goes missing and Nancy, Andy and Cesar go looking for him; Dean and Doug’s revenge plan on Celia gets underway; and Silas and Shane become very protective of their recently arrived stepsister.

Nurse Jackie | 10:30pm on Showtime | Season Finale
“Health Care and Cinema”
Kevin invites Jackie to a midnight rendezvous; the movie critic wakes; Eddie learns the truth about Jackie’s family; O’Hara’s mother is admitted.[GMMR: I can’t believe tonight is the season finale. Say it ain’t so.  This is one hell of an episode and you just can’t miss it!  There is some fantastic acting tonight. Best new show of the summer…hands down!]

On the late night couch…

• The Late Show with David Letterman: Anna Wintour, Mark Teixeira
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien: Bill Maher, Nick Cannon, Kings of Leon
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Marion Cotillard, Michael Musto (R 6/22/09)
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Kevin Connolly, Alexa Chung, Aimee Mann (R 7/15/09)
• Jimmy Kimmel Live: Sienna Miller, Dave Salmoni (R 8/6/09)
• Chelsea Lately: Reba McEntire, Sarah Colonna, Bryan Callen, Mo Mandel
• Last Call with Carson Daly: McG, Snoop Dogg, Joel Madden, Keane (R 5/19/09)
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Ed Helms (R 6/15/09)
• The Colbert Report:Gen. Raymond Odierno (R 6/8/09)

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

The Closer | 9pm on TNT

A woman is stabbed to death by someone wearing a ninja outfit; a detective arrives from El Paso, Texas investigating a similar crime; Brenda’s father comes to take her niece back to Atlanta.

This Week in TV Blog Banter

It’s your weekly round-up of the best in TV blogs.

Last week, we here at GMMR were sucked into summer reality shows in a big way this week. Big Brother has been crazy, America’s Best Dance Crew has been hot, and now we get new episodes of Project Runway – a blessing or a curse? And don’t forget about the Project Runway All Star Challenge. SB shared her thoughts on the season premiere of Top Chef (which I’m finally watching) and we posted the latest TV Talk Podcast during which we talked about Glee, Mad Men, Big Brother, Jim Sturgess and more. If you missed any of it, make sure you check out the links and get caught up!

What were bloggers bantering about last week? Check it out for yourselves and weigh in.

This week, Jace had an exclusive interview with True Blood‘s Anna Camp, in which they discuss Sarah Newlin, Camp’s original audition (for the role of Sookie, no less!), the love triangle between Sarah, Jason, and Steve, Sarah’s darker side, Camp’s theatre work (opposite Daniel Radcliffe in Equus), whether the Newlins are gone for good, Mad Men, and lots more.. (Televisionary)

It may be summer vacation, but TiFaux was back in high school this week with three separate posts about the new DeGrassi: The Next Generation. For one, Marisa provided a “Where Are They Now?” for some of the more notable DeGrassi alumni. (TiFaux)

Taking a page from the CW’s controversial ad campaign for THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE comes our gift to SMALLVILLE fans (The TV Addict)

TV Fanatic doesn’t care if FlashForward is a rip-off of Lost. Each preview looks better than the one before. [TV Fanatic]

Buzz is thrilled to see some new pics from the upcoming season of How I Met Your Mother! (BuzzSugar)

This week, Sandie took at first look at Wil Wheaton guest starring in Leverage‘s new episode “The Two Live Crew.” (Daemon’s TV)

Who knew Veronica Mars and Ned the Piemaker were an item? Well, that is only in the When in Rome trailer which also features Gob Bluth. Despite being a romantic comedy, color Scooter excited. (Scooter McGavin’s 9th Green)

It’s not TV related but Vance loved the new production of A Streetcar Named Desire at the Donmar Warehouse in London starring Rachel Weisz. (Tapeworthy)

A Note on the Spoilery OFFICE Pics

If I had a dollar for every email I’ve received in the past 24 hours alerting me to some new, incredibly spoilery pics from THE OFFICE that have surfaced…well, let’s just say that I’d be looking to buying a small island somewhere.

Here’s the deal.  I’m not posting the pics. I’m disappointed I even saw them (for what it’s worth I was tricked into seeing them by a misleading email subject line.) If you want to find them it’s not difficult.  I’m not in the business of spoilers and I’m certainly not in the business of spoilers that ruin something big one of my very favorite shows. I just can’t do it.

Fight the urge. Remain unspoiled…it’s so much better that way.

Sorry for the lame post, but I’ve received SO many emails that I thought it best to just take care of the issue here.

The Wedding Planner | 9pm on HBO-Sig

A lonely organizer falls for an engaged pediatrician while coordinating his wedding and reception. Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, Justin Chambers, Judy Greer

License to Wed | 9:30pm on HBO-F

A newly engaged couple find out if they are truly compatible when a clergyman puts them through a rigorous marriage-prep class. Robin Williams, Mandy Moore, John Krasinski, Eric Christian Olsen, Christine Taylor

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Saturday, August 22, 2009

Welcome to my guilty pleasure Saturday. I can’t say there’s too much in the way of TV series on tonight, but there are a certainly a few movies for you to check out, that just so happen to star a few of my favorite people.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | 8pm on ABC Family
Signs of Voldemort’s return emerge as Harry’s friends help him prepare for a tournament with Europe’s best student wizards. Based on a book by J.K. Rowling. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robert Pattinson [GMMR: I cry when R-Patz dies. Thank goodness he’s immortal in real life. Ha!]

My Super Ex-Girlfriend | 8pm on FX
A young man discovers that the manipulative woman he is dating is a superheroine, and after he breaks up with her, she uses her powers to turn his life into a nightmare. Uma Thurman, Luke Wilson, Anna Faris, Rainn Wilson, Eddie Izzard [GMMR: I know some people hated this movie, but I think it’s kitschy…and it has Rainn Wilson.]

License to Wed | 9:30pm on HBO-F
A newly engaged couple find out if they are truly compatible when a clergyman puts them through a rigorous marriage-prep class. Robin Williams, Mandy Moore, John Krasinski, Eric Christian Olsen, Christine Taylor [GMMR: I don’t think this one needs any explanation.]

The Wedding Planner | 9pm on HBO-Sig
A lonely organizer falls for an engaged pediatrician while coordinating his wedding and reception. Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, Justin Chambers, Judy Greer [GMMR: One of those movies that I just can’t turn off when flipping through the channels.  GREY’S Justin Chambers looks so young in this flick. And it’s directed by The Shankman, and you all know how I feel about The Shankman.]

Those following me on Twitter know that today is Project Supernatural Saturday. Dedicating my day to making some serious progress.  Season 5 is right around the corner…time is running out.

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