Take It or Leave It? DEFYING GRAVITY

Did you watch the premiere of DEFYING GRAVITY last night on ABC? I did. I can’t say that it drew me in…at all. Ron Livingston is great, but the story was all over the place, the editing was a mess, and after two hours I didn’t feel myself drawn to the plight of any of the characters. The only scene which drew me in was the tearful goodbye to the two astronauts that were left behind after their “sickness” was revealed.

So it wasn’t for me. But what do I know?

Should I give it another shot? Were you digging it more than me?  Take the poll. Share your thoughts in the comments below. Why should people watch it…or not waste their time?

TRUE BLOOD: Release Me

Ladies and Gentlemen, with a round of applause please welcome the newest member of the TRUE BLOOD family…Godric.  What a fine, fine addition if I do say so myself.

Yes, in the final scene of last night’s episode we got to meet the man responsible for bringing us Erik. A millions times – thank you.

Sorry, I didn’t want to bury the lead. But I suppose it would be worthwhile to back up a little bit and discuss some key moments in this fabulous episode.  The TRUE BLOOD writers have really been on their game the past few weeks. We’re getting some great storytelling that is both intriguing, funny and creepy as all get out.  More please.

And tonight we finally got some serious answers about the origins of Maryann.  If I understood what Daphne was saying then it is seems that Mare is a conduit of Beelzebub. Or maybe Satan herself?! Either way, she’s really no good.  Maryann infuses the devil’s energy and enters the souls of those around her, thus all the black eyed zombies getting their collective swerve on. But it seems that Maryann isn’t all powerful.  Those with supernatural abilities can resist her evil ways.  It’s one of the reasons that she’s just so eager to get Sam Merlotte. When he was younger he found a way to resist her, and she’s never quite gotten over it.

Daphne on the other hand has been a good and devil-worshiping, loyal shape shifter. She brought Sam to Maryann. But then she spilled the truth to Sam about what Maryann actually is.  Is that perhaps why Maryann had a black eyed Eggs stab Daphne to death? I’d say poor Daphne, but clearly that girl had it coming.

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Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Monday, August, 3, 2009

It’s early. It’s Monday. I’m cranky. Let’s talk some TV, ok?

You definitely have plenty 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
“Summertime”
As everyone returns from their vacations as summertime comes to and end. Meanwhile, George makes a big revelation to Anne.

Make it or Break It | 9pm on ABC Family
“Run, Emily, Run”
The arrival of a television crew and a sports agent only increase the pressure on the girls as they intensify their training; Emily deals with the consequences of her actions.

The Closer | 9pm on TNT
“Identity Theft”
Brenda reopens a murder investigation when the man who confessed gets the details of the crime wrong during his allocution; Brenda’s mother arrives with her niece.

Jon & Kate Plus 8 | 9pm & 9:30 on TLC
“Renovations & Vacations”
The thought of doing dishes in the bathtub while the kitchen is renovated proves to be too much for Kate, so she takes the kids to the beach. | “Camping Out”: Kate must figure out how to set up multiple tents and start a campfire so the kids can sleep under the stars.

Raising the Bar | 10pm on TNT
“Trout Fishing”
Jerry tries to get a continuance in order to give a woman the chance to help her son complete his college applications before she goes to prison..

My Life on the D List | 10pm on Bravo
“Official Book Club Selection”
Kathy receives news that the renowned Madame Tussauds museum plans to create her wax likeness, causing Kathy to wax poetically that her star is rising. She then begins molding her memoir, consulting author Jackie Collins on how to make it steamy. She also journeys to New York for a book-cover shoot and seeks publishing help from author Salman Rushdie and Oprah Winfrey’s pal Gayle King.

Weeds | 10pm on Showtime
“Suck ‘n Spit”
Parenthood struggles lead Nancy and Andy to bond, while Shane runs into some problems of his own; coworkers Celia and Dean develop a new marketing scheme after discovering they have a surplus of product.

Nurse Jackie | 10:30pm on Showtime
“Nose Bleed”
Jackie admits a dying patient she previously treated; O’Hara tells a sister Jackie’s secrets; an organ donation form is forged.

Also playing…

• Sugarland: Live on the Inside | 8pm on ABC: Members of the country group Sugarland perform some of their biggest hits and share previously unseen performance footage.

• Great American Road Trip | 8pm on NBC: The families travel to the Grand Canyon and compete in the King of the Road challenge.

• Dating in the Dark | 10pm on ABC: Contestants look through the wallets and purses of their potential dates for clues to what they’re like.

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:Daniel Radcliffe, Veronika Part, Levon Helm, a Top Ten List presented by Bruno (R 7/9/09)
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien: Ashton Kutcher, Charlyne Yi, Gomez
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Edie Falco, Les Stroud, Lisa Landry
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Marlon Wayans, Judd Apatow, Incubus
• Jimmy Kimmel Live: Seth Green, “Bachelorette” Jillian Harris, Zac Sunderland (R 7/21/09)
• Chelsea Lately: Graham Norton, Josh Wolf, Randy & Jason Sklar
• Last Call with Carson Daly: Eliza Dushku, Joe Talamo, Brett Dennen (R 4/23/09)
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Ronald Kessler
• The Colbert Report: Gen. Tony Zinni

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

Defying Gravity | 9pm on ABC

2-hour Series Premiere: The crew of the Antares begins its mission, embarking on a six-year journey to explore Venus and the other planets in the solar system; crew members learn to adjust to life aboard the ship and face a life-threatening crisis.

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Sunday, August 2, 2009

It’s Sunday? Already? Say it ain’t so. This weekend went by just a bit too fast for my liking.  Here’s to hoping we can salvage a decent sunny day here in Boston.

(I’ll tell you a secret. Despite the horrendous weather we’ve had all summer, I wouldn’t hate one sun-less Sunday. I could use a full, guiltless day to dedicate to watching SUPERNATURAL as well as the Fall pilots.  But shhh, don’t tell anyone I said that.  I’ll deny it.)

I think you know me by now to know that my Sunday nights are all about HBO.  After last week’s banoodles episodes (which we talked about in depth on The TV Talk Podcast) I can’t wait for tonight’s TRUE BLOOD.  I’m kind of ‘meh’ on HUNG but I watch it on my way to ENTOURAGE which I’m loving once again this season.

Over on ABC it’s the premiere of DEFYING GRAVITY, which I’ve had no desire to watch since the only thing I’ve read about it is that it’s GREY’S ANATOMY in space.  GREY’S ANATOMY here on Earth isn’t all that great.  Do I really need to be annoyed by whiny doctors in zero gravity? Maybe I’ll check it out if I’m bored.  It does start Ron Livingston, and I dig that guy (as long as he’s not leaving me goodbye post-its) so we’ll see.

Here’s a few shows for you to choose from. Drop me a comment and let me know what YOU will be watching!

Big Brother 11 | 8pm on CBS
On tonight’s show, Russell, the current Head of Household, nominates two of his fellow houseguests for eviction. [GMMR: Did you cast your vote for Jeff to win the coup d’etat yet? What are you waiting for? Please vote. Even if you don’t watch.  For me? Pretty please? You can vote more than once.]

Merlin | 8pm on NBC
“Excalibur”
A mysterious black knight crashes Arthur’s coming-of-age ceremony and challenges the knights of Camelot; secrets are revealed that Uther would rather keep hidden.

America’s Best Dance Crew | 9pm on MTV
“Top Ten Performances”
Randy Jackson hosts a countdown of the best performances from the first three seasons. [GMMR: WOW! If you’ve never seen ABDC give this episode a shot. Especially if you’re already a SYTYCD fan. I was late to this show & now I love it! So good. Can’t wait for the new season to start next week. I’ll be all over it here on GMMR.]

Defying Gravity | 9pm on ABC | 2-hour Series Premiere
“Pilot”/”Natural Selection”
The crew of the Antares begins its mission, embarking on a six-year journey to explore Venus and the other planets in the solar system; crew members learn to adjust to life aboard the ship and face a life-threatening crisis.

True Blood | 9pm on HBO
“Release Me”
Maryann and her minions put Sam in a difficult situation; Sookie uses her telepathic powers to reach out to Bill; Jason tries to sever his ties with the Fellowship of the Sun.

Drop Dead Diva | 9pm on Lifetime
“The Chinese Wall”
Jane defends Deb’s mother in a divorce; Kim represents a dog owner who sues a pet cloning company. [GMMR: I was hoping to find the time to watch this show. Alas, it doesn’t seem to be in the cards.]

Hung | 10pm on HBO
“Do it, Monkey”
An unsatisfied client asks Ray to repeat her damsel in distress fantasy; Ray promises to buy a car for the twins; Tanya goes on a date with Floyd.

Entourage | 10:30pm on HBO
“Running on E”
With production on his next film delayed, Vince searches for ways to amuse himself; Drama auditions actresses to play his new love interest; Jamie-Lynn takes Turtle shopping. [GMMR: Anyone else considered how awkward it will be if Jamie-Lynn Siegler & Jerry Ferrara (Turtle) break up in real life?]

In Plain Sight | 10pm on USA
“Once a Ponzi Time”
When a Wall Street blue blood rats on his boss’ investment fraud and hides out in WITSEC, something from his past life comes calling.

Army Wives | 10pm on Lifetime
“Coming Home”
JRoxy has Finn tested for a learning disability; Claudia Joy accompanies Haneen back to the Middle East; Michael and Emmalin try to repair their relationship.

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)

BIG BROTHER’s Coup D’etat – Vote for Jeff

Hey BIG BROTHER fans and even non-BIG BROTHER fans. The voting is open. One Big Brother house guest will be granted a mystery power, the Coup D’etat.

Over the next two weeks, the winner of Coup D’etat will have the ability to overthrow the Head of Household and replace the nominations right before the August 6th or August 13th live show evictions. The winner of this power can only use it once and only the winner will know they have the power.

Which house guest do you want to receive the Power of Coup D’etat?  Jeff! Jeff! Jeff! Jeff! Jeff! Jeff! Jeff! Jeff!

Yes, I’m completely caught up in this addictive summer reality show.  So whether you are a fan of BIG BROTHER or not, could you do me a favor and click on the link below and VOTE FOR JEFF?!

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/big_brother/interact/americas_vote/

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Friday, July 31, 2009

I won’t lie. Friday’s TV Spotlight is always a little depressing. It will be better soon. I promise.

Hey Dad – If you’re reading this, Jimmy Buffett is on Jimmy Fallon tonight…just in case you wanted to record it.

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

Surviving Suburbia | 8pm on ABC
“Desperate Housewife”
Anne questions the strength of her marriage when a neighbor starts flirting with Steve; Henry and Courtney vie for control of the downstairs television.

The Goode Family | 8:30pm on ABC
“Trouble in Store”
Helen is accused of stealing what she thought was a free sample of wheatgrass at One Earth, and the store bans her for life. The timing couldn’t be worse: She was planning a dinner party to help advance Gerald’s career.

Eureka | 9pm on Syfy
“It’s Not Easy Being Green”
Long-term rivals from Area 51 visit Eureka for a bowling tournament; Carter probes an escalating series of pranks.

Mental | 9pm on Fox
“Do Over”
Carl and Jake take on the case of a construction worker suffering from psychological and physiological symptoms after an accident at work; Rylan makes a decision that jeopardizes his relationship with Veronica.

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.

On the late night couch…

• The Late Show with David Letterman: Regis Philbin, Ted Alexandro, Dave Matthews Band
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien: Adam Richman, Ben Harper & Relentless7
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Saffron Burrows
• Jimmy Kimmel Live: Anne Heche, Aubrey Plaza, Diane Birch
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Adam Sandler, Jimmy Buffett
• Chelsea Lately: Kristin Cavallari, Josh Wolf, Jen Kirkman, Ross Matthews (R 7/23/09)
• Last Call with Carson Daly: Tom Lennon, Crystal Antlers (R 4/22/09)

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Top 6: ‘Send in the Clowns’

A little distracted during last night’s results episode of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, I wasn’t able to fully appreciated the beauty of this week’s stunning opening number, choreographed by Tyce Diorio.  This might be my favorite group number all season.  Everything just worked perfectly.  The song, the concept, the dancing, the costumes, the acting. So beautiful.

Of course I can’t find a good version online, but I’ll share what I could find.

Bravo Tyce!

(NOTE: This was the only version I could find. Every time I hit ‘play’ a pop-up appears. Only then am I able to hit the green button that will play the video. Please don’t play if you are not comfortable with this. Play at your own RISK.)

Mental | 9pm on Fox

Carl and Jake take on the case of a construction worker suffering from psychological and physiological symptoms after an accident at work; Rylan makes a decision that jeopardizes his relationship with Veronica.

Who Won HOH on BIG BROTHER?

Want to know who won tonight’s all important HOH competition? Click here to find out: Who Won HOH on BIG BROTHER? (July 22, 2010)

PREVIOUS POST

Endurance competitions that last well after the CBS broadcast can be quiet frustrating for those of us without the 24/7 live feeds. But, at least we at GMMR have someone who is kind enough to share updates from the live feeds.

After the jump, find out who is out in this week’s competition and who still has a shot at HOH.
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Who Went Home on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE?

Cat Deeley – So You Think You Can Dance

People – next week is the finale of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE! Is it just me or did this season absolutely fly by? At least we know we have Season 6 starting on the heels of this season ending. But before I get too ahead of myself, let’s see who is going home tonight and who ultimately will be the final four heading into next week.

If you listed to the SYTYCD Podcast then you probably know my faves as well as who I want to go home. The way I see it, I’m ok with anything really as long as Brandon and Kayla stick around. They both deserve to perform in next week’s finale.

I’m going to be live blogging tonight’s show starting at 9pm est. I hope you’ll watch along with me and join in on the conversation in the comments.

(Note: Having some issues with GMMR tonight, so I’ll do my best to live blog. But if I’m absent for a bit it’s just tech difficulties being worked out.)

9:01pm: Cat welcomes us to Oz in a stunning green sequined dress. Fierce.

9:03pm: Tyce Diorio brings us an AH-MAH-ZING group routine to ‘Send in the Clowns’. Interesting, gorgeous. Just lovely. But um, it’s going to prove to be especially insightful if Evan goes home tonight. The only clown left behind, with a sad tear coming down his face.

9:06pm: OH SNAP! How did I not know about this? More of the SYTYCD alums are going to be back performing the Emmy nominated routines. Twitch, Katee, Chelsie, Joshua and MARK!! My MARK!! This is going to be amazing. (I swear if GMMR goes down tonight I’m going to go Ms. Hanigan on some oprhan’s ass.)

[More…] 9:10pm: The ladies are up first on the chopping block. Who will be safe and who will be going home tonight. The first girl in next week’s finale is Jeanine. (WOO HOO!) and uh oh…I’m pulling for you Kayla!

9:15pm: Jessica and Will are back to perform the Emmy nominated “Silence” by Tyce Dioro.

9:20pm: And we’re back. It’s time to let one guy know that he’ll be competiting for the title of America’s Favorite Dancer in next week’s finale. That guy is…Brandon!! (YES! YES! YES!)

9:26pm: Twitch and Katee are back to perform “Mercy” aka the Door Dance. One of the highlights of last season. Well done to the two of them and Mia Michaels who choreographed this killer routine.

9:37pm:: I’m going to have to skip right ahead to the Jabbawockeez. The winner’s of the first AMERICA’S BEST DANCE CREW took over the stage with their sick talent! Glad to see the dance show crossover love. Tonight e had them representing ABDC, Chelsie Hightower from DANCING WITH THE STARS performed a routine choreographed by her DWTS fellow dancer Dmitry Chaplin. It’s all kind of lovely in here tonight.

9:39pm: With all the site drama tonight, it just hit me that Mark Kanemura is back because we’re going to see the Briefcase Dance! Perhaps my favorite from last season! (Please site stay live!)

9:44pm: So good to see Mark & Chelsie back. And it looks like they were the only ones performing live tonight. Love that dance!!

9:54pm: It’s time to send a girl home. That girl is Melissa. That means KAYLA is in next week’s finale! YES! Kayla FTW next week!!!!!!

9:57pm: And for the guys, the dancer moving on to the finale is Evan! A fond farewell to Ade.

This is an all around awesome night. I knew I would be fine with either Ade or Evan. But I’m especially excited for Evan right now.

So your final four are KAYLA, EVAN, JEANINE and BRANDON. How are we feeling about this foursome?! I’m pretty excited. I think Jason should be there rather than Evan, but bygones…I’m looking forward to next week.

Sorry tonight’s blog was a major fail. Thanks for reading!!

See you next week for the SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE finale!

Who Went Home on BIG BROTHER?

In tonight’s episode of BIG BROTHER another houseguest was evicted from the BIG BROTHER house. Was it Jordan from the “Popular” clique or Casey from the “Off Beats”? And who is the new HOH (please please let it be Jeff!).

Find out after the jump.
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Before They Were Tivo’d: THE OFFICE’s Jenna Fischer

Welcome to the first installment of ‘Before They Were Tivo’d’ – a new feature on GiveMeMyRemote.com in which we look back at the roles of some of our favorite TV stars…before they were our favorite TV stars. Today, we’re going to check out what Jenna Fischer was doing before she was wooing Jim Halpert (and us) as Pam Beesly on “The Office”.

————— ————— ————— ————— ————— ————— ————— ————— ————— —————
When I discovered GMMR in 2006, it was because of The Office. Like so many who discovered the Dunder Mifflin team while filling their video iPods to capacity, I was insatiable in my thirst for information about the cast and crew of this addictive new show. By searching out other fans online, I felt like we were all in on a giant secret, one that we could not wait to share with our friends, neighbors, and coworkers.

Much like the infatuation that we feel toward a new crush, viewers can become very territorial about their favorite characters, and the people who bring them to life. Outside of Steve Carell, it was easy to pretend that the talented men and women who inhabited this unique workplace were “overnight successes.” In truth, most of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces have passed through our HDTVs in far less prominent roles.

In the weeks ahead, I will be traveling down memory lane to the parts that helped pave the way to stardom for some of GMMR’s favorites. In addition to providing a nostalgic jolt to their fans, I am curious to see how each actor’s onscreen presence has evolved. Are there similarities between their early work and the higher paying gigs they landed in subsequent years? Did our favorite comedic actors fare well in dramatic roles, and vice versa? I have a few candidates in mind, but I would love to hear your feedback about who to tackle in the coming weeks.

Jenna Fischer is a gifted comedic actress, who made me fall in love with Pam Beesly the moment she fell from a Chili’s bar stool in “The Dundies.” As one half of America’s favorite TV love story, and with a host of film roles to choose from, Fischer’s star in Hollywood is ascending rapidly. With a whirlwind of buzz around her, this St. Louis native is keenly aware of the hard work that led to her newfound fame.

In 2001, just as Ricky Gervais was opening “The Office” for business, Jenna appeared in two episodes of Judd Apatow’s “Undeclared”. Like its predecessor, the ratings-challenged cult favorite “Freaks & Geeks”, “Undeclared” was filled with members of Apatow’s troupe of talented young actors, such as Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, and Jay Baruchel. In this all too brief scene from the series’ pilot, Baruchel’s character asks Fischer (officially billed as “Sorority Girl” in the credits) to attend a dorm party:

While there was no inkling of Pam Beesly in that exchange, I think Jenna would have been a great addition to the cast of Mean Girls or Clueless!

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SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Podcast: Top 6 Perform

The Top 6 from SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Season 5 performed which means Kath and Dan are back for another podcast. With each contestant performing 4 routines, there’s plenty to talk about.

There’s a quickstep, some disco action, a cramazing contemporary routine, some not so amazing hip-hop and some banoodles solo numbers.

We spy on Kath’s new neighbor; we ponder the likeness of a certain contestant to a certain vampire on TRUE BLOOD; we complain about some choreographers; we forget some choreographers names and probably put our feet in our mouths more than once!

A week from the finale, we also discuss how this season has played out, our feelings about the results so far and declare who the winner of SYTYCD Season 5 should be.

To listen to TV Talk Podcast (with Chapter Markers) head on over to our iTunes page and subscribe! It’s the fastest and easiest way to listen to The TV Talk Podcast from week to week.

Listen to So You Think You Can Dance Top 6 Performance Episode Recap

Get the latest news on the podcast by following us on Twitter (@tvtalkpodcast) and as always you can follow me (@gmmr) and Dan (@duckydoestv) too.

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Thursday, July 30, 2009

I see the date, and it’s not like I think the calendar is lying, but it’s July 30th??! Donde esta this month? People, the TV pressure is on. The fall pilots not yet watched are stacking up on my desk. Project SUPERNATURAL is haunting me (get it? haunting?). Yikes. I’m going to have to buckle down and do some serious TV watching soon.

Oh and let me know if I should be watching THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA that premieres tonight.

Which shows will YOU be checking out tonight? Leave a comment here or send me a message via Twitter.

Big Brother 11 | 8pm on CBS
In tonight’s episode, the second houseguest will be voted out of the house in a live eviction ceremony. Jordan from the “Popular” clique and Casey from the “Off Beats” are on the block. A new Head of Household will be named.

So You Think You Can Dance | 9pm on Fox
One guys and one girl goes home as two of the top eight dancers are eliminated. The final four remaining will compete in next week’s SYTCD finale.  Sean Paul performs; JabbaWockeeZ performs. [GMMR: Check out our SYTYCD Podcast recapping last night’s Top 6 performance show.]

Burn Notice | 9pm on USA
“Friends Like These”
Barry enlists Michael’s help in tracking down his money-laundering client list, which has been stolen; Fiona disagrees with Michael’s attempts to reconnect with the intelligence community.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta | 10pm on Bravo
Sheree plans to celebrate her recent divorce by throwing an “Independence Day” party; Lisa and her husband consider having another baby; Kim wants to design a line of wigs. [GMMR: The NJ Housewives was my first season watching. Should I watch these ATL wives? Who is with me? I’m not watching alone.]

Royal Pains | 10pm on USA
“The Honeymoon’s Over”
Hank unexpectedly takes on a children’s book illustrator with a serious heart condition; Divya treats a newlywed with a hard-to-diagnose ailment that takes the fun out of his honeymoon plans.

On the late night couch…

• The Late Show with David Letterman: Adam Sandler, Cage the Elephant
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien: Paul Giamatti, Jack Dagger, Tonya Kay, Regina Spektor
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: James Spader, Rose Byrne
• Jimmy Kimmel Live:Seth Rogen, Melissa Sagemiller, Jack’s Mannequin
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Ashley Tisdale, Tim Meadows, Jarvis Cocker
• Chelsea Lately: Eric Winter, Eliot Chang, Gary Valentine, Greg Proops
• Last Call with Carson Daly: Cassidy Freeman, Ben Harper & Relentless7 (R 4/17/09)
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Judd Apatow
• The Colbert Report: Kathryn Bigelow

Which shows will YOU be checking out tonight? Leave a comment here or send me a message via Twitter.

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