NURSE JACKIE is the Summer’s Right Medicine

NURSE JACKIE continue to be the highlight of my Monday night TV lineup.  Hell, it’s one of the highlights of the whole summer.  With every episode Edie Falco further cements her lock for an Emmy. There is nothing false about her portrayal of the complicated but good Jackie Peyton. Here’s a woman who is a secret drug addict, who cheats on her wonderful husband, and yet I have nothing but sympathy for her.  Despite some of her well meaning, but dastardly deeds, Jackie is a good person. She’s managed to get herself into some complicated situations, but rather than hope she finds her way out – away from the drugs, away from her cheating ways – I find myself rooting for her not to get caught. A lesser actress wouldn’t be able to pull off such a complicated role and she wouldn’t be able to elicit such sympathy.  Edie Falco asks us the audience to love Jackie despite giving us, at least on the surface, reasons to truly dislike her. I say bravo!

The supporting cast continues to shine as well.  There’s not a character that I’m not a fan of – well, there’s Mrs. Akalitus – but I don’t think I’m supposed to like her.  Coop is brilliant and oblivious at the same time. O’Hara is sassy, self absorbed, and a good friend. Eddie is a bit whiny but with a good heart. Mo-Mo is the no-nonsense gay that every girl needs.  And finally, my favorite of the All Saints staff – Zoey.  Come Emmy time I hope Merrit Wever is recognized for her pitch perfect performance of the first year nurse with a lot to learn and a lot to teach.  Her performance of Zoey compliments Falco’s Jackie at every turn.  The sharp verse the soft. The jaded verse the enthusiastic. The rules breaker verse the by-the-book goodie two shoes.  Zoey has so much to learn from Jackie, but at the same time she reminds Jackie of what is was like to not be burdened by all the BS that comes with the job, and with life.

NURSE JACKIE is worth calling your cable company to order Showtime. It’s my can’t miss cable show of the summer.

I don’t know if there is an audience here on GMMR to talk about the show every week, but if you want to, just let me know in the comments.  If you’ve been watching NURSE JACKIE, tell us what YOU think of the characters, the cast the recent plot developments. Loving it, hating it or somewhere in between?

HBO’s Sunday Night Boys: HUNG & ENTOURAGE

I don’t know about you, but on Sunday night’s my TV is set to HBO.  With the 1-2-3 hit of TRUE BLOOD, HUNG and ENTOURAGE, HBO is where all the cool kids hang out on Sunday nights.

Philboy already shared his thoughts on last night’s TRUE BLOOD, so let’s have a quick chat about HBO’s other Sunday night shows.

HUNG
Despite having enjoyed the pilot more than most, I’ve been disappointed in HUNG over the past two weeks.  I’m really going to need the show to pick up the pace a little bit if I’m going to keep watching. Not much of anything has really been happening.  Hopefully Ray’s new “clients” will mean this show will actually start going somewhere. Storywise, there’s nothing to really sink your teeth into. Tanya is borderline pathetic. Ray’s problems with his neighbor are boring (although if the neighbor’s wife starts looking for a little “happiness” it could get interesting). And am I the only one that thinks the scenes with Jessica and the kids are pointless? I love, love, love the casting of Ray’s kids and I’m really to take on a bigger role in the series.

I’m not understanding how the show can drag this much in only the third episode. I’ll be sticking with it for now, but mostly because it’s sandwiched in between two can’t-miss series. Here’s to hoping the show adds a little spice. Given the subject matter, it shouldn’t be that hard (oh come on…it’s killing me not to add a ‘that’s what she said’ here…wait, I just did.)

ENTOURAGE
Hopefully the writers and producers of ENTOURAGE have learned their lesson – despite how realistic the ups and downs of Hollywood may be, a downtrodden Vinnie Chase does not make for good TV.  But our boy is back on top and so is ENTOURAGE. I know it’s only two weeks into the new season, but I like the direction the show seems to be taking.  I think it’s going to be great for these guys to start having their own lives.  Drama is a somewhat successful TV actor. Eric’s career is starting to take off and he finally has his own place, and hopefully Sloane will come around soon (because seriously, I can’t watch the anorexic actress they have stalking E. Are we supposed to ignore her hideous eating disorder?) .  Turtle and Jamie Lyn seem quite happy. And Vince is back on top – where he should be.

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TRUE BLOOD Recap: Never Let Me Go

This episode was a lot of relationship stuff, not much to further the big plot lines but at least get them to a new section for the next few weeks.

Sookie, Bill and Jessica

Sookie can’t get Barry, the telepathic bellboy to talk to her. He warns her that the Dallas vampires are dangerous and out of control and aren’t really nice to humans as a whole. Jessica is punished for ordering “room service” and starts to talk to Hoyt over the phone. Bill continues to feel the pressure of trying to protect everyone while not having the control over any of the decisions. Sookie tells him that that’s what being a human is like and tells him that she will stay safe.

When they meet with the Dallas vampires, it quickly becomes clear that the Bon Temps crew was invited as a courtesy and that all of the Dallas vampires have war in mind with the Fellowship of the Sun, who they are positive took Godrick. In order to stop all of the arguing and save all of the area humans, Sookie volunteers to infiltrate the Fellowship of the Sun and find out a) who took Godrick and b) who is working both sides. Eric is so interested in Godrick because Godrick is (was?) his maker.

At the end of the episode, we learn that Barry quit the hotel. Then, a random female vampire shows up, fangs out.

This is obviously the main storyline of the season, as it should be. We returned from the “Marianne is Crazy Hour” of the past couple weeks and got back to learning a lot more about vampire relations. This season has delved a little deeper into the way that coming out of the coffin has affected all sorts of things and how all of the traditions of vampires work in the mainstream world. Plot elements like this are what I’ve been craving all season, so I loved it.

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Torchwood: Children of Earth | 9pm on BBC America

In part 1 of a 5 part series, the surviving members of Torchwood find themselves embroiled in a deep conspiracy as a new alien threat becomes imminent in the Season 3 opener.

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Monday, July 20, 2009

Well happy Monday, y’all.  I hope you all had a great weekend.  It was a beautiful weekend here in Boston. I can’t say I’m ready for a new work week, but I’ll try to get through it.

A busy night for TV. 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
“Born Free”
Grace has a secret to share. Elsewhere, Amy tries to devise a way to tag along with Ben on his trip.

Make it or Break It | 9pm on ABC Family
“Like Mother, Like Daughter, Like Supermodel”
A mother-daughter fashion show is held as a fund-raiser for Nationals, and the family bonding results in disharmony. The friction includes Kaylie feeling ignored, Emily being embarrassed by her mom and Payson believing the show is a waste of time. Meanwhile, Lauren is unhappy to be paired up with her father’s girlfriend, Summer..

The Closer | 9pm on TNT
“Strike Three”
A shootout leaves two patrol officers and an 18-year-old boy dead; the Force Investigation Division becomes involved with the case.

Torchwood: Children of Earth | 9pm on BBC America
“Part 1”
In part 1 of a 5 part series, the surviving members of Torchwood find themselves embroiled in a deep conspiracy as a new alien threat becomes imminent in the Season 3 opener.

Raising the Bar | 10pm on TNT
“Fine and Dandy”
One of Jerry’s clients is re-arrested shortly after being acquitted; Richard picks a fight with Judge Kessler; Bobbi tries to adjust to her new living situation.

My Life on the D List | 10pm on Bravo
“Kathy at the Apollo”
Kathy hopes a performance at Harlem’s historic Apollo Theater will endear her to the black community; Kathy meets rapper T.I. and comic Katt Williams.

Weeds | 10pm on Showtime
“Where the Sidewalk Ends”
Nancy discovers the identity of Esteban’s other woman and learns that he has special plans for Nancy’s delivery, but she teams with Andy and Dr. Kitson (Alanis Morissette) to take control of her situation; Celia realizes that her get-rich-quick scheme may take some time.

Nurse Jackie | 10:30pm on Showtime
“Steak Knife
A man is attacked by his date’s ex-husband; Mrs. Akalitus takes charge of a foundling; O’Hara has a personal crisis.

Also playing…

• 2009 ESPY Awards | 6:30pm on ESPN: Sport and entertainment celebrities gather at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles to commemorate the past year in sports by recognizing major achievements.

• The Bachelorette | 8pm on ABC: Jillian shares unseen moments of the season; contestants from previous seasons offer updates on their lives; several of the eliminated bachelors tell all; more information on the final two bachelors.

• Great American Road Trip | 8pm on NBC: The families travel to Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas; the fathers compete in a barbecue challenge; one family is sent home.

• Dating in the Dark | 10pm on ABC:Participants are segregated from the opposite sex in the light of day but allowed to date only in a completely dark room; working with a sketch artist, contestants envision their favorite dates based on the nonvisual clues they have gotten.  [GMMR: I have no words.]
  

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: Katherine Heigl, Jeff Altman, Spinnerette
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien:  Adam Sandler, Peter Sarsgaard, Kate Voegele
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Margaret Cho, Michael Lewis, Eric Church
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Will Arnett, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Tom Jones
• Jimmy Kimmel Live: David Arquette, Jill Wagner, Linkin Park (R 6/23/09)
• Chelsea Lately: Michael Vartan, John Caparulo, Sarah Colonna, Ken Baker
• Last Call with Carson Daly: Jack & Kelly Osbourne, Ben Harper & Relentless7 (R 3/27/09)
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Brian Williams
• The Colbert Report: Bob Park

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

Robert Pattinson vs. Daniel Radcliffe – Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

Tweens get ready to take sides because there’s a feud brewing. Seems that Robert Pattinson of “Twilight” and Daniel Radcliffe of “Harry Potter” fame have a few choice words for each other. See the two battle it out where all great battles take place – on YouTube.

Funny stuff! Loved “Robert Pattinson” in the tree, although he was a little harsh on the HP films considering he was in one of them. Cedric Diggory FTW!

Me? I’m Team Cullen…and Team Fallon!

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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