SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Top 18 Performances

A few things are a guarantee tonight. Cat Deeley is going to look smokin’ hot and we are going to see some incredible talent. Sounds good to me. I’m in!

Tonight the top 9 guys and the top 9 girls take the stage to wow us with their dance skills. They’re going to be working with some of the top choreographers in the world. It won’t be easy, but here’s to hoping it’s pretty.

Joining Nigel and Mary at the judges’ table tonight is Lil C.

It’s just their second week in the competition and already the dancers are telling secrets about their partners. Hopefully nothing too revealing…I guess we’ll see.

Randi & Evan | Jive | by Louis Van Amstel
1-888-Tempo-01

Will my favorite couple of last week win my heart again? I’ve got Evan going all the way in my SYTYCD fantasy league. Fingers crossed.  But before I get to the performance, can I just say how much I think Randi looks like Kellie Pickler? Weird. Ok, as for the dance. Well, these two didn’t wow me as much as they did last week, but at least I didn’t hate it.  I’m not going to pretend to know what makes a good Jive, but I couldn’t help think that it should be lighter than it looked.  I especially felt like Randi was stuck in cement and very heavy on her feet.  Evan jumping over a standing Randi was pretty impressive. Overall, it was just ok for me (oh no, I’m Randy Jackson already.) Twenty bucks says the judges tell Randi she was so light on her feet. He he!

The Judges: Lil’ C said it was a solid beginning to the show. The judges were being obnoxious with the whole “fun” counter. Move on.. Mary thought it fell a little short, but she said Randi was the stronger of the two. Nigel finally acknowledged Louis van Amstel. (Clearly @dizzyfeet has been reading my tweets). Nigel thinks the two are a great couple and are tremendous, but he too thought Randi was the stronger of the two tonight.

Melissa & Ade | Jazz | by Sonya Tayeh
1-888-Tempo-02

The first Sonya routine of the season. I’m so excited. If I were cooler I wouldn’t be telling you that I often dance around my apartment to “The Garden” from last season. Good thing I’m not cool. I’m not sure if I’ll be dancing around the house with this Sonya routine…there’s no way I could. As always, so visually interesting.  Not one moment of predictability. I can’t say I saw the story between the two dancers though. I’m not sure if Melissa was as dirty as Sonya needed her to be but overall I thought their movement was fantastic. When they were doing specific moves together it was crazy good. I’m not sure this dance will get a DVR rewind from me, but I certainly enjoyed it.

The Judges: Ok, Cat doing a three-way chest bump with the dancers was awesome!  Lil C threw out his first “bucc” of the competition. He said Ade could be everyone’s competition. He loved his “manipulation of movement”. Mary loved it. She complimented them on the details. Nigel thought it was fantastic.  He applauded the dancers and Sonya. Overall, well done!

Caitlin & Jason | Hip Hop | by Shane Sparks
1-888-Tempo-03

Shane Sparks is back! Thank goodness, y’alls. Ta ta ta ta. Maybe it’s because he’s one of my faves, but I couldn’t take my eyes of Jason tonight.  As gorgeous as she is I really only noticed Caitlin during her solo- which I thought was good.  Jason seemed so much smoother in his movements. I’m not sure I loved the choreography as much as I normally do with a Shane routine. They certainly didn’t dance it poorly, it was good.  But I wasn’t off my seat.

The Judges: Lil C didn’t love it. He thought the dance came off a little corny. Mary saw two completely different dancers on stage tonight. She didn’t see any of the chemistry she saw last week during their performance. Nigel thought they looked really good up there. So a little all over the place with the judges.

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Is T.R. Knight Leaving GREY’S ANATOMY?

WARNING: SPOILER ALERT!!

In one of the most shocking moments in GREY’S ANATOMY history, Meredith discovered that the John Doe hanging on for dear life after being hit by a bus was actually George O’Malley.  The final scene left viewers unsure of the fate of George as well as Izzie (Katherine Heigl), who also toyed with death in the episode.

Helping to spur on the speculation was the off-screen drama that surrounded T.R. Knight and Katherine Heigl’s relationship with the show.  Both had been rumored to be unhappy. Sources say that T.R. Knight went as far as requesting that he be let out of his three year contract early. But was that true or was the media just running rampant based on rumors? Officially neither Knight nor showrunner Shonda Rhimes have commented on the speculation.

But now we have rumors of an unhappy actor whose character may or may not be killed off the show.  Will T.R. Knight be returning to GREY’S? Keep on reading to find out…

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Project Supernatural Update – Season 1, Half Way Point

After Twittering about it last night, I got quite a few emails and Tweets asking me how PROJECT SUPERNATURAL is coming along. I thought it might be best to send out the occasional update on how my quest to watch all of SUPERNATURAL before the September season premiere is going.

Well, what I can tell you is this –  SUPERNATURAL is stressing me out. I don’t do well with all the ghosts and spirits and what not. I mean, at least on BUFFY the demons could sing and dance. I’m watching half these episodes with the volume down and/or my hands over my eyes. I can deal with the blood and gore of it all, that’s not a problem, but the spirits that jump out at Sam and Dean on a regular basis? Oy vey.

I’m 11 episodes into the first season with 11 more to go. Over the past two days I’ve watched the following episodes:

• “Bugs” – Someone once told me that if I needed to speed things along I could skip most of the first season.  I don’t want to do that, but I did keep that in mind as I fast forward through most of this episode.  Sorry, but the two biggest things that freak me out are ghosts and bugs.  I just couldn’t do it.

• “Home” – Great episode. The kid ending up in the refrigerator freaked me the frak out!  And what’s with the woman continuing to sleep in the house despite all the creepiness?  Even when the demons were released (or supposedly released), she just sauntered off to bed without a care in the world. What?! I’d be grabbing those kids and running for the hills.Loretta Devine as Missouri Mosely was fantastic.  I hope we see more of her in the future (wait – don’t tell me). I wasn’t expecting to see Papa Winchester this early into S1. That was a fun surprise.

• “Asylum” – Talk about romantic.  Going into an abandoned asylum at night.  Swoon.  Idiots! Lots of hiding behind my hands on this one.  So much jumping out…why do spirits always go for the element of surprise?  It’s not good for my old ticker. Poor Sam got possessed.  Something tells me this won’t be the first time.

• “Scarecrow” – Now this is an episode I can take. Freaky but not too scary. I thought the premise about the scarecrow god (or whatever he was) was interesting.  But so glad when the aunt and uncle took the hook.  I was expecting Dean to hook up (no pun intended) with the girl he was locked up with. I know these boys are focused on their work, but they’re just too pretty not to be wooing the ladies more.

So far so good.  If I could just watch Sam and Dean bantering I think I’d be better off – a lot less scary. I can’t say I’m at the point where I’m enjoying what I’m watching yet, but I’m sure there will be a point soon where I build up my tolerance to ghosts and other non-pleasant things jumping out of the shadows.

The writing is terrific and the backstory is intriguing.  I can already see why it’s a fan favorite.  Now if I can just stop being a baby.

And I have to ask…Sam and Dean are traveling the country chasing demons.  How are they making any money?!

GOSSIP GIRL & ONE TREE HILL Pull a Switcharoo

GOSSIP GIRL and ONE TREE HILL are rumored to be swapping out time slots when the shows return to The CW in the Fall.  According to Variety, ONE TREE HILL will take over for GOSSIP GIRL’s at 8pm, while the kids of the Upper East Side will be seen at 9pm.

I don’t know about you, but this is fantastic news for me.  The Monday at 8pm schedule is overrun with great shows and as a result I sometimes am forced to miss out on some of my favorites.  Pushing GOSSIP GIRL back to 9pm makes my night just a little bit better.

Does this switch help or hurt your Monday night Fall lineup?

Taylor Swift and T-Pain: Thug Story

Taylor Swift and T-Pain…who knew? A few people sent along the video for this new collaboration which was featured during last night’s CMT Awards. The lyrics are adorable! A little fun country meets rap to start your day.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Spoilers

The SO YOU THINK YOU DANCE sleuths are already earning their keep. Tonight the Top 9 guys and the Top 9 girls take to the dance floor in the second night of competition. We’ve got the scoop on who is dancing what tonight.

As you may or may not know, SYTYCD actually records the Wednesday night performance show on Tuesday night. But the Thursday results show is live.

If you just can’t wait until tonight and you must know right now all the juicy details, keep on reading.

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Great Perfomances | 8pm on PBS

“Chess in Concert”: A London concert revival of the 1986 cult musical “Chess.” With Idina Menzel, Adam Pascal and Josh Groban.

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Wednesday, June 17, 2009

In the words of the GaGa, “just dance”! Happy SYTYCD performance night! It’s been a long couple of days for me and I can’t think of anything that I’d rather do tonight than chillax (he – I hate that word) and watch these kids dance.

As soon as I’m done with the dancing, I’m moving on to the singing. Some of my favorite Broadway stars are performing a revival of the musical “Chess” tonight on Great Performances. I hadn’t heard anything about this and it’s so excited. Can’t wait to check it out!

But if singing and dancing isn’t your thing, perhaps wiping out is. Or maybe being on a Japanese game show.  Play around with that remote and I’m sure you’ll land on something.  Here’s a few shows you just might stumble upon.

Here are a few highlights from tonight’s TV lineup. If I missed anything leave me a comment or tweet me at twitter.com/gmmr.

Wipeout | 8pm on ABC
Contestants face the Raging Rapids, the Aqua Launch, the Crazy Sweeper and the King of the Mountain in their bid to win cash and the title of Wipeout Champion. [GMMR: I’ve received so many emails from GMMRers that started watching WIPEOUT this season who think it’s just so much fun – agreed!]

So You Think You Can Dance | 8pm on Fox
Tonight the guys and the girls are paired up and the Top 18 dancers will take the stage for the second week of competition. [GMMR: I’ve got tonight’s spoiler routines coming up soon…stay tuned.]

Great Performances | 8pm on PBS
“Chess in Concert”
A London concert revival of the 1986 cult musical “Chess.” With Idina Menzel, Adam Pascal and Josh Groban. [GMMR: I’m not familiar with “Chess” but I am very familiar with the three artists in the show – I’m so excited!!]

I Survived a Japanese Game Show | 9pm on ABC
In the second-season premiere of the reality contest, the 12 contestants are divided into two teams and move into their not-so-plush Tokyo digs. Then it’s on to the set, where the games begin. They don Velcro rabbit suits for one (involving boxes, a narrow beam and Velcro balls shot from a cannon) and spider suits for another. [GMMR: I love WIPEOUT, but for some reason this show really irks me. I know some people love it though. If you are one of those people…enjoy!]

The Unusuals| 10pm on ABC
“The E.I.D.”
Cole and Beaumont search for a criminal who breaks into apartments and films adult movies; Casey tries to help a serial accuser who was once the victim of a violent attack.

Top Chef Masters | 10pm on Bravo
“The Lost Supper”
The chefs must create an amuse-bouche using ingredients found in a vending machine; making a meal inspired by the television show “Lost.”[GMMR: Well not this sounds fun! Come back tomorrow to discuss.]

On the late night couch…

• The Late Show with David Letterman: Ryan Reynolds, the Eels
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien:  William Shatner, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Incubus
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Julia Ormond, Derrick Pitts
• Jimmy Kimmel Live:Heather Graham, Lance Krall, Katie Melua (R 6/3/09)
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Al Roker, Gary Vaynerchuk, Joshua Topolsky, Street Sweeper Social Club
• Chelsea Lately: Denise Richards, Loni Love, Brad Wollack, Heather McDonald
• Last Call with Carson Daly: Jeremy Renner, Brandon Jennings, Zee Avi
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Peter Laufer
• The Colbert Report: Joshua Micah Marshall

What will YOU be watching tonight? Anything other shows you want to let people know about?

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY Season Finale

Tonight’s explosive and drama-filled finale kicks off with a tour of the Teresa’s new palace. There is a wine making room with a certain odor. Dead bodies, perhaps? I was hoping they would give an estimate as to how much that house costs. Because I definitely think people were harmed or killed to obtain money for that mansion. After the tour, Teresa mentions to Dina that she is planning a dinner party. She extends an invite to Danielle as well. Her reasoning: “Do I want to be friends with her? No, but I’m not a rude person.”

Jacqueline’s parents roll into town from Vegas in a massive RV. They seem pretty grounded and offer J some advice on how to deal with Ashley. In the end J and her husband cave, and present Ashley with a brand new car. First thing she wants to do? Drive it, right? Nope, go update her Facebook status that she got a new car.

Dina & Lexi say goodbye to Lexi’s childhood by throwing out approximately 200 stuffed animals and a drawer full of last season’s Halloween candy. And Dina says goodbye to her career so she can retire and become “just a housewife.” Judging from the classy t-word she uses instead of bubbies in front of Lexi, it’s looking like a promising lifestyle change!

And finally the dinner party. All families are present except for Dina & Caroline’s husbands.

Pre-dinner conversation revolves around Teresa’s new bubbies. Danielle arrives after everyone is sitting down. Neither team gives each other the warmest of receptions. But the dinner still seems to start off pretty safe. Appetizers are raw oysters accompanied by the standard raw oyster jokes.

Then Danielle throws down the gauntlet. She places a copy of “Cop Without a Badge” on the table, strategically “pointed at a 45 degree angle at Dina.” She is there with a clear mission: defend what is true in the book and accuse Dina of showing the book to other Franklin Lakes residents.

The ladies pull it together to kick the kids out and then the battle resumes.

Caroline, taking a cue from her German Shepherd guard dog steps in and fesses up that she was the one who showed the book in the local hair salon. Danielle (and me) still thinks it was Dina. Jacqueline admits that it was Dina who showed the book.

And in the middle of all the chaos it happens. The REAL Jersey girl steps up. Dina pushes Teresa a little too much, and Teresa turns into a possessed woman. She curses, yells and flips the table. Joe has to remove her from the situation and restrain her.

In the end, Jacqueline’s husband Chris shuts them all up and points out the ridiculous of it all. No wonder he hasn’t been allowed to say much else this season. He’s logical and sensible. No room for that in this series.

Here are the quick updates Bravo provides at the end. This is what the woman have been up to since taping has ended.

• Dina – housewife
• Danielle – looking for a soul mate
• Teresa – prego
• Jacqueline – prego
• Caroline – nothing (just like the rest of the season)

I’d be surprised if Bravo goes back for more New Jersey. They were able to make their point in one season.

This Week in TV Blog Banter

It’s your weekly round-up of the best in TV blogs. What were bloggers bantering about last week? Check it out for yourselves and weigh in.

• So, Futurama is back. Buzz wonders: Is this cause for celebration — or just puzzlement? (BuzzSugar)

• This week, Sandie interviewed Angel Coulby and Anthony Head from the new NBC show, Merlin. (Daemon’s TV)

GREEK Season Finale: At World’s End

(Grab a few beers from the Kappa Tau fridge because you’re in for a wildly self indulgent look at last night’s season finale of GREEK.)

It’s the end of the world as we know it, and despite what REM might have you believe, all is not just fine. In fact, the end of the world has brought doom and gloom for some of our Cypress Rhodes Greek brothers and sisters.  The Armageddon known as GREEK Season 2 culminates with some of our college buds putting love on the line, others their academic standing…and perhaps a purity ring of two will be lost in all the shenanigans. We learn that the founding mistresses of The WB aren’t revered for their decision making skills, and Clay Aiken isn’t all that dangerous (in case you were worried).

GREEK ended its season tonight, but kept us sitting right on the edge of the roof – just where they wanted us.

Buddah once said, “There has to be evil so that good can prove its purity above it.” But I have to wonder if Buddah ever went to a frat party at CR? It’s not so easy to distinguish between this so called “good” and “evil”. Or if it is, maybe we just want to ignore it.

Rusty & Dale Against the World…or at least against sex
Such was the case tonight with Calvin and Dale and their need to suppress their wanton desires. Not with each other – despite appearances.  Calvin and Dale used the power of the purity pledge as a way to keep themselves strong when it came to physical interactions with Graham and Sheila, respectively. Dale’s cougar, Sheila, is getting all kinds of frisky. As Dale says, she’s “the energizer seduction bunny”. She has no regard for purity rings or hearing “no” (even if he says it like he means it). She wants her man and she wants him now.

Calvin also knows a little something about what Sheila’s dealing with, but in his case, it’s his Omega Chi brother and roommate, Graham. The only two out gay men in the fraternity both want to be a little more than bunk buddies, but neither are willing to admit it.  Calvin goes as far as avoiding Graham in hopes that nothing will happen to destroy their brotherhood.

But in a moment when Calvin seems to be giving into his weaknesses, it’s Dale that goes beyond his own comfort zone to offer his friend a hand. Of course this help involved Dale telling Graham that he and Calvin were dating.  Hilarious!

I probably watched the Graham/Calvin/Dale dorm room scene about ten times. Clark Duke just nails the timing. So funny!

Dale: But baby, won’t we be late for Showgirls? I know how much you hate being late.
Graham: Are you guys….?
Dale: “Yeah. I mean Cal’s a little shy but we’re in love…we’re gay together.”

Calvin is not so convincing when he later tries the same tactic to get Sheila (literally) off Dale.

Calvin: “Sheila stop. Dale is my boyfriend.”

But hey, it’s the end of the world, and neither of these guys are willing to let their chance for love pass them by.  Calvin and Graham get their smooch on while Dale and Sheila are taking full advantage of the KT couch (ew).  Do you think Dale lost that purity ring for good?  I hope not. Stay strong, Dale!
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Saving Grace | 10pm on TNT

Season Premiere: Grace tries to reach out to Neely and winds up in the middle of a possible plot by an anti-government group linked to the recent death of a police officer; Grace and Ham are caught in a compromising position; Butch makes an announcement.

HawthoRNe | 9pm on TNT

Series Premiere: The series opens with Hawthorne trying to prevent a cancer patient’s suicide attempt. The widowed Hawthorne also deals with her rebellious daughter and her former mother-in-law. Meanwhile, she helps a homeless woman and her ill infant.

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Tonight is all about the drama.  And Laverne & Shirley. But mostly about the drama.  TNT has two big premieres tonight – the series premiere of HAWTHORNE and the season premiere of SAVING GRACE. But it’s the drama in Franklin Lakes that I’m excited about.  THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY are going to bring some good, clean fun tonight. Finally I’m going to see what (besides copious amounts of wine) gets Theresa to flip that table!

What will YOU be watching tonight? Here are a few shows to choose from:

Mental | 9pm on Fox
“Manic at the Disco”
Jack treats an 8-year-old bipolar boy who is consumed with a video game that only exists in his head; Nora makes a surprising discovery about her teenage daughter.

HawthoRNe | 9pm on TNT | Series Premiere
“Pilot”
The life of a headstrong yet empathetic chief nursing officer named Christina Hawthorne is charted in this hospital drama. The series opens with Hawthorne trying to prevent a cancer patient’s suicide attempt. The widowed Hawthorne also deals with her rebellious daughter and her former mother-in-law. Meanwhile, Hawthorne helps a homeless woman and her ill infant. [GMMR: Welcome back to my living room Michael Vartan. The pilot didn’t do much for me, but for Vartan I’m going to give the show another shot. I mean Agent Vaughn in scrubs? Yes please. P.S. – I don’t plan on writing it as “HawthoRNe” after this week – that’s just cheesy.]

Rescue Me | 10pm on FX
“Mickey”
Tommy’s pacts with Sheila and Janet begin to unravel; to Tommy’s chagrin, one Gavin remains sexually adventurous; Garrity divulges his medical secret; Tommy proclaims his recent drinking at an AA meeting, but Mickey offers the final surprise.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey | 10pm on Bravo | Season Finale
“Finale”
Tensions erupt at Teresa’s end-of-the-year party as shocking secrets and alliances are revealed.[GMMR: I’d be lying if I said that this wasn’t the show I was most excited to watch tonight. My first season watching one of these Housewives shows and it’s over in a blink of an eye. Are all the seasons this short? I can’t wait for Theresa and her new bubbies to go ape sh#t on psycho Danielle!]

Saving Grace | 10pm on TNT | Season Premiere
“We’re Already Here”
Grace tries to reach out to Neely and winds up in the middle of a possible plot by an anti-government group linked to the recent death of a police officer; Grace and Ham are caught in a compromising position; Butch makes an announcement.

Laverne & Shirley Reunion | 10pm on Bio
Join the cast of Laverne & Shirley for a nostalgic look back at the hit TV series featuring cast recollections and film clips. Stars featured: Penny Marshall, Cindy Williams, Michael McKean, David L. Lander, Malcolm Leo and Sam Denoff. [GMMR: Sclemeel, schlemazel, hasenfeffer incorporated. We’re gonna do it]

On the late night couch…

• The Late Show with David Letterman: Michelle Pfeiffer, Ian McLagan & the Bump Band
• The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien: Larry David, Lauren Conrad, Gavin Rossdale
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Jeff Foxworthy, Gavin DeGraw
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Horatio Sanz, Selena Gomez, Hank Williams Jr.
• Jimmy Kimmel Live: Ty Pennington, David Sedaris, the Jonas Brothers
• Chelsea Lately: MC Hammer, John Caparulo, Kevin Hart, Sarah Colonna
• Last Call with Carson Daly: Diane Birch
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Tom Folsom
• The Colbert Report: Jim Rogers

This is the part where you jump in and talk to me about what YOU are watching tonight.

Neil Patrick Harris & Barney Stinson – Why We Love ThisThese Guys!

In honor of Neil Patrick Harris’ birthday, it’s only fitting that Alix, the newest member of Team GMMR, pay homage to one of our favorite TV actor’s and one of his most legen…(nah there’s plenty of that coming) characters to date.

I think you all now my love for all things NPH. I think he’s the bees knees. So Happy 36th Birthday, Neil. One day. It will happen. Yes, we will meet. (And when we do I hope I don’t sound as creepy as I did just then.)

So please join me in welcoming Alix to the team. Anyone that loves NPH as much as we do is certainly a welcome addition.

-Kath

——–

I know I am preaching to the choir here, but I am one of the many on the Neil Patrick Harris bandwagon (or NPH as he is so fondly called). I had the opportunity to work on the red carpet for the Tony Awards, and everyone went nuts when he arrived. One cheer in particular of “Neil, we think you are legendary” made me laugh. Avid HIMYM fans would know the saying goes a little diff—wait for it—erently, but it was amusing nonetheless.

Most of us first remember Neil from his younger years. His role as Doogie Howser, MD. made him a star at an early age, but luckily he didn’t follow the unfortunate path of many child actors. Although Neil was active in the theater for many years, he reemerged into the mainstream playing (ironically enough), himself in “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle”. From that time on we’ve had Neil Patrick Harris back…and in a big way.

From womanizer Barney Stinson in “How I Met Your Mother” to the wannabe evil Dr. Horrible in “Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog”, to his much lauded hosting gig on “Saturday Night Live”, and most recently as host of The Tonys, Neil Patrick Harris is everywhere. He is the man. And it’s about time.

And let’s talk about his recent hosting stint on the Tony Awards. Bravo! Neil humbly admitted at the beginning of the show that the Tony Awards were so meaningful to him as a kid growing up because it gave him the exposure to Broadway he would have never had coming from a small town. Neil is a theater guy, but one that seamlessly moves from stage, to screen, to television flawlessly. And that voice?! Wow.

I will admit, I didn’t start watching HIMYM when it first aired, but I am all caught up now. And I think that NPH is absolutely brilliant. (I also think the rest of the ensemble cast is pretty great too, but I digress). His portrayal of the suited up, awesome womanizer Barney Stinson never fails to make me laugh. But it’s more than that. He is able to make Barney feel human, like a best friend you really care about, despite his sometimes despicable behavior. His recent storyline in which Barney falls in love with Robin, could be implausible and damaging to the character but instead Neil plays him with grace, and their maybe-to-be relationship plays off as nothing but sweet (and hilarious).

So in honor of NPH’s birthday, I will leave you with my top 10 favorite Barney moments. (Please feel free to add in your own in the comments because it’s almost sinful to nail it down to ten.)

10. Hot/Crazy Graph

9. “I have to lie perfectly still so I don’t wrinkle my suitjamasstrong>”

8. “Haaaaaaaaaave you met Ted?”
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