MadTV Predicted the iPad Years Ago

Not exactly sure what Steve Jobs and team were thinking when the decided that the “iPad” was the best possible name for their new product. Didn’t someone bring up the obvious jokes?  Perhaps Mr. Jobs surrounds himself with too many Yes Men (and clearly very few women) who were too afraid to discuss the elephant in the room.  Or maybe all the big wigs at Apple were playing the “you tell him” “no, YOU tell him” game up until today’s presentation.

Either way the product has already fallen victim to the name calling, so there’s no turning back now. Before you know it, the iPad will be as common to us as the iPhone, iTunes and the iCicle.

Anyone that thought they were being clever today had already one-upped by MadTV who was making fun of the iPad before it was a 3G sparkle in Steve Jobs eye.

Check out this hilarious (and a bit off-putting) clip. I wouldn’t call it NSFW in the traditional sense, but it’s still not a clip you should be playing in your cubicle.

ABC Cancels UGLY BETTY

Quick…get those braces off!

ABC announced today that this season of UGLY BETTY will be the last for the comedy.

“We’ve mutually come to the difficult decision to make this Ugly Betty’s final season, and are announcing now as we want to allow the show ample time to write a satisfying conclusion,” said ABC in a prepared statement. “We are extremely proud of this groundbreaking series, and felt it was important to give the fans a proper farewell.”

As I’ve said many times over, while UGLY BETTY certainly has wavered in quality over the past two seasons, this year they seem to be on the creative come back trail. I’m sad to see it go but I can see why ABC is making this decision.  Let’s face it, the decision was made the moment they moved the show to the Friday night timeslot.

What devastates me the most is not having Marc St. James (Michael Urie) and Amanda Tanen (Becki Newton) on my TV each week. I’ll miss those two the most. How about a spinoff? It’s the second (more fashionably snarky) ‘Will & Grace’?

Are you sad to see UGLY BETTY go?

How would YOU like to see the writers wrap up the show? Predictions for Daniel, Willie, Marc, Amanda, Hilda, Justin or Ignacio? And what’s in store for Betty?  Share your thoughts below.

The Apple iPad – I Want One Now, Daddy!

I’m geeking out. Today Apple (finally) announced their brand new tablet, the iPad. All I know is that I want one.  Donations are being accepted to the GMMR iPad fund. For less than one cup of (Starbucks) coffee you can make sure that an underpaid blogger like me gets one. Ha!

For more on the new iPad, check out Engadget.com.

(And if you think that this post isn’t related to TV, may I please point our HEROES star Zachary Quinto in one of the images below. So there! Oh and I know there are Apple haters, but like Rachel Berry asked of the audience at Sectionals, please don’t rain on my parade.)

HOUSE: Remorse

The truth is rarely presented in large doses. For many of us, the process of “coming clean” can be a long and dirty process. Even if our intentions are to be transparent, the fears of disappointing loved ones or colleagues can keep our lips sealed for far too long. Though movies or television shows rely on the melodrama of courtroom confessions and the shock value of a twist ending, real life is plodding in comparison.

This week’s House dealt brilliantly with the topic of honesty. With three separate storylines having significant impact on Dr. House and his team, the halls of Princeton Plainsboro were brimming with authentic conflict and emotional resonance.

The mystery patient of the week, Valerie, injected a new energy into Olivia Wilde’s performance as Thirteen. Played by Beau Garrett, Wilde’s co-star in the upcoming Tron sequel, Valerie presented an interesting twist on the modern psychopath. Instead of going the Law & Order: SVU route, with the patient looking left and right for her next victim, writer Peter Blake forged a far more imposing threat. Valerie savaged the emotions of the people in her life, rather than their flesh. The exchanges between her and Thirteen were captivating. Olivia Wilde has been roundly criticized for being an aesthetically pleasing actress without authentic credentials. Watching her fire away at Valerie, refusing to be manipulated by a woman who knows no other tactics, was a high water mark for Thirteen in Season Six. Valerie and Thirteen were ideal foils for one another, and it was appropriate that Thirteen was at Valerie’s side as the patient regained the ability to feel.

Read more

SUPERNATURAL’s Jared Padalecki & Jensen Ackles Have a Message for Their Fans

If you’ve been religiously following the Twitter or Facebook updates from SUPERNATURAL’s Jared Padalecki or Jensen Ackles, then this is going to be a tough pill to swallow.  The people you have been following have been fakes. Impostors. Perhaps employees of The Trickster.

In this video message from Jared and Jensen, the guys confirm that neither participate in any social network.

This is a good reminder not to be fooled by celebrity fakedom. If you think you found a legit celebrity on Twitter then look for the “Verified Account” symbol. If it’s not there then there’s a good chance you’re being pranked by someone posing as someone famous online. A little pathetic if you ask me.  Characters accounts are one thing, but pretending to be someone you’re not is more than a little creepy.

WHITE COLLAR: Bad Judgment

Here’s a 476 for TV fans out there. You should be watching WHITE COLLAR. It’s sharp, it’s sophisticated and it’s a sassy throwback to the buddy cop crime shows from back in the day. Tim DeKay and Matthew Bomer are TV’s hottest bromance.

Last night’s “Bad Judgment” really hit on all cylinders. The ‘case of the week’ was strong. The dialogue was sharp and witty. Neal and Peter were in perfect lockstep in their pursuit to catch the bad guy(s). And there was just enough of the overarching Kate storyline to keep with the continuity of the show. It was one of my favorite episodes to date.

One of my complaints about this show has always been that the FBI cases that Peter and Neal have worked on were a bit too formulaic. It seemed for a while that too many episodes were centered around Neal going undercover as a rich and handsome businessman hellbent on infiltrating the bad guys. But last night we got to see Neal (and Mozz) doing some straight up shady con work, complete with fake costumes and all.

There was a fantastic rhythm to last night’s episode. Peter and Neal are so in sync that even when they’re not sure what the other one is doing it still plays out like a well choreographed dance. As a federal agent, Peter still needs to play by the book. Neal of the other hand thinks of the law as a set of suggested guidelines to follow. If he can tip toe around the rules and regs of it all without getting caught then it’s a job well done. It’s one of the reasons that Peter so desperately needs him on his team.

Read more

State of the Union | 9pm

President Barack Obama delivers his first State of the Union address, in which presidents typically highlight achievements from the previous year and articulate their priorities for the coming year, before a joint session of Congress, telecast from the House chamber. Topics expected to be addressed include the economy, job creation, health-care reform and the 2010-11 budget, slated to be sent to Congress on Feb. 1.

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Wow this week is dragging! But we made it to hump day relatively unscathed. Unfortunately our normally joyous night of television is being interrupted by the State of the Union address. Since I’m having a glass half full morning, I’ll just say that I’m grateful that’s it’s not interrupting next week’s season premiere of LOST.

After I watch President Obama’s speech to the nation, I’ll try my best to catch up on some TV and some blogging. I haven’t yet watched Monday’s DAMAGES or last night’s IDOL, and I still have GREEK to discuss.

But let’s look at what IS on tonight. How about AMERICAN IDOL with guest judge Neil Patrick Harris? Yes, please! I don’t know how I’m going to make it to 8pm. Everything is better with a little NPH. Add a little Joe Jonas and you’ve upped the hotness factor of Idol from 6 to a solid 10 (I think Seacrest is hotter than a 6, but Simon and Randy bring down the average a bit.)

I think I’m also going to be checking out PSYCH tonight. It’s a show that I’ve often enjoyed, but I can’t say that I ever went out of my way to watch it.  Perhaps a 10pm time slot means that I’ll start watching it on a more regular basis. Are you fans of PYSCH?

Here are the highlights from tonight’s TV lineup? Anything you’ll be checking out? Perhaps something not listed here?

American Idol | 8pm on Fox
“Dallas Auditions”
In case you weren’t sick of IDOL auditions yet, there’s more singers living the dream tonight. Auditions continue in Dallas with guest judges Neil Patrick Harris and Joe Jonas.

State of the Union | 9pm
“2010”
President Barack Obama delivers his first State of the Union address, in which presidents typically highlight achievements from the previous year and articulate their priorities for the coming year, before a joint session of Congress, telecast from the House chamber. Topics expected to be addressed include the economy, job creation, health-care reform and the 2010-11 budget, slated to be sent to Congress on Feb. 1.

Nip/Tuck | 10pm on FX
“Sheila Carlton”
Christian has a crisis of conscience when Kimber’s mother visits; complications arise as Sean prepares for a trip to Africa; a patient is in need of plastic surgery after being attacked by a wild animal.

Leverage | 10pm on TNT
“The Zanzibar Marketplace Job”
The squad sets out to rescue Nate’s ex-wife (Kari Matchett), who’s languishing in a Ukrainian prison. But in order for their scheme to succeed, they must join forces with longstanding nemesis Jim Sterling (Mark A. Sheppard). Jeri Ryan guest stars.

Psych | 10pm on USA
“You Can’t Handle this Episode”
Shawn thinks a soldier’s suicide was really murder and soon comes to suspect that Juliet’s mercenary brother (John Cena) was involved in the killing.

On the late night couch…

• The Late Show with David Letterman: Whoopi Goldberg, Jason Sudeikis, Findlay Brown (R 1/12/10)
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Eddie Izzard, BBQ cook Myron Mixon
• Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Maggie Gyllenhaal, David Ortiz, Lenny Clarke (R 1/11/10)
• Jimmy Kimmel Live: Mel Gibson, Kate Micucci, Mayer Hawthorne
• Chelsea Lately: Dax Shepard, Ross Mathews, Jen Kirkman, Matt Braunger
• Last Call with Carson Daly: Glenn Howerton, Chad Hedrick, Cold War Kids (R 10/9/09)
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Ethan Watters
• The Colbert Report: Arthur Benjamin
• Lopez Tonight: Kristen Bell, Charlie Wilson

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

Justin Timberlake & Matt Morris “Hallelujah” from Haiti Telethon

If you missed this stunning performance of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” by Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris during last week’s Hope for Haiti telethon then you must stop what you’re doing right now and take in this auditory explosion. It’s so beautiful, and so touching given the reason that these two musicians came together. I bought it on iTunes and I’ve been listening to it non stop for days.

Donate Now: 1-877-99-HAITI in US/Canada, or go to www.hopeforhaitinow.org

CHUCK vs. First Class

“I’m alive and I have the key. Unfortunately I didn’t get to use my nunchucks.”

Despite absolutely loving last night’s episode of CHUCK, I’ve encountered a bit of writer’s block trying to sum up my thoughts to share with you.  I considered taking my sister’s advice and simply writing “CHUCK FU%#ING ROCKS”…..Now it’s you’re turn to tell me what YOU thought of Chucks first solo mission.” But having waited all day for me to post, I thought you might want a little more than that. (Although to be honest, that sums it up quite nicely).

Expletives aside, Chuck vs. First Class did indeed rock. In what I thought was the strongest and most fun of the first five episodes, writer/co-creator Chris Fedak set out to prove that the Nerd Herder had evolved into a real spy. Mission accomplished.  But what I thought was even more telling was the subtle reminders throughout the episode that although Chuck might be comfortable in his new role as international spy, he’s still Chuck Bartowski.  He can order as many martinis (shaken not stirred) as he wants, but James Bond he is not. And it’s James Bond that I never want him to be.

“Let me be a great spy. Let me out of the car. I’m ready.” Is Chuck Bartowski a real spy? He goes on missions. He often saves the day. But a real spy? Can he get the job done and fend for himself without Casey and Sarah there to back him up? Last night we got the answer to that question. And the answer is…kind of.

Read more

LIFE UNEXPECTED: House Inspected

Lux might be the teen, but it’s Cate and Baze that are the real focus in this coming of age story. The road to true adulthood for these two isn’t going to be pretty. Last night their tricky path was paved with bong lamps, broken pottery, public humiliation and a blow up sheep. Because let’s face it, if you don’t encounter at least one blow up sheep on your way to being an adult, I think you’ve done something wrong.

It’s clear that the newly formed family of Cate, Baze, Lux and Ryan have a lot to learn from each other.  At times Lux certainly seems like the voice of reason, but it’s more because she’s lived in a state of chaos and confusion for so long.  She’s a little more adept at rolling with the punches.  Cate and Baze are plucked out of their world and brought to a new dimension that forced them to grow up over night.  It’s in that small space that I find this show so refreshing.

Read more

Who You Gonna Call? GHOSTFACERS!

You know them best as the fame seeking, bumbling ghost hunters who always seem to get it wrong on SUPERNATURAL, but now  “Ghostfacers” are finally hitting the big time in an original web series airing on TheWB.com and CWTV.com

“Ghostfacers” will focus on a team of fearless and sometimes comical “professional” ghost hunters who investigate the paranormal and record their own adventures in documentary-style episodes. The team originally made their debut during the first season of “Supernatural” in the episode ‘Hell House,’ and later appeared in a self-titled episode during season three. In this first installment of the new series, the “Ghostfacers” investigate the haunting of a local theatre by the ghost of a young starlet – played by Kelly Carlson (“Nip/Tuck”) – who, according to legend, was murdered in front of her dressing room mirror.

The series is currently in production in Los Angeles with an initial run of 10 three-minute episodes. Fans will have access to ancillary content on TheWB.com and CWTV.com, including gag reels and actor confessionals, behind-the-scenes video clips, photo galleries and more. Fans hungry for more “Ghostfacers” mythology can find additional images, character bios and video on the “Ghostfacers” website (www.Ghostfacers.com).

In addition to Carlson guest starring, “Ghostfacers” stars AJ Buckley (“CSI: NY,” “Skateland”) as Ed Zeddmore, the team’s enthusiastic leader. Travis Wester (“Bones,” “Euro Trip,” “Cold Case,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) stars as Harry Spengler, the co-founder of the team and tactical specialist. Brittany Ishibashi (“Supernatural,” “Notes From the Underbelly”) is Maggie Zeddmore, Ed’s adopted sister and the team’s tech-genius. Austin Basis (“Life Unexpected,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Navy: NCIS”) stars as Kenny Spruce, the videographer and occasional shaman.

24 – Day 8: 8:00pm – 9:00pm

his weekend has been the perfect storm of awesome. On Sunday, my Indianapolis Colts busted their way into the Super Bowl. Then, the New Orleans Saints, the team from my favorite town in the world, clinched the other spot. This evening, the Lady Purdue Boilermakers beat No. 4-ranked Ohio State in basketball. Now, we have an excellent episode of “24.” Let’s get rolling on this review.

Debrief

• After the threat on his life by his brother, Hassan is arresting militants in his home country. Farhad contends that, once he has the uranium, it will not matter. He will have the uranium when he gets payment to Sergei in four hours.

• After Renee cuts off Zia’s thumb, Jack wants to stop the operation, but Renee is confident (aka nuts) that she can get Vladimir to buy into her cover. When she was undercover previously, Valdimir attempted to rape her and was obsessed with her. His suspicions about her still exist and, after killing Zia and almost killing Renee, he buys into her cover.

• Kevin calls Dana and demands she come home. It turns out that Dana is an ex-convict and went to prison as an accessory to murder. Kevin says he will leave Dana alone if she gets him some sort of lucrative information out of CTU.

• The peace treaty is falling apart, since Hassan is arresting people in his homeland. Taylor says she cannot support Hassan if it continues. Later, Hassan’s wife leaves the UN, scorned by her husband’s affair.

• Josef Bashaev, Sergei’s son, is taking his brother to a doctor to cure his uranium poisoning. They have the doctor’s family in sight and will kill them if he cannot save Josef’s brother.

Agent Philboy’s Assesment

Overall, I really enjoyed this episode. First of all, I was relieved to only write a review for one hour of real time. I know it may sound silly, but there’s just way too much ground to cover in these two-hour blocks. It made everything move quickly tonight.

Read more

CHUCK’s Zachary Levi Goes Down Under for ELLEN

Talk about being a good sport. CHUCK star Zachary Levi went that extra mile for Ellen DeGeneres when he went head-to-head with Valerie Bertinelli during an Australia Day obstacle course. Perhaps the next version of the Intersect should include info about ripping the clothes of ripped men.

All Eyes on GREEK Tonight…No Really, Please Watch!

Why is it that so many of my favorite shows are always on the verge on cancellation? For once can’t a girl just sit back, relax and not live in fear of a network ousting? I guess not.

Word on the street is that GREEK is on the bubble and without a ratings increase, graduation day might be the final farewell from our friends on GREEK row.

I’ve been quite vocal about my love for all things GREEK and I’m not ready to say goodbye to the show yet.  So I hope ABC Family wises up and keeps the show around. It’s a nice offset to the teen voice of ‘Make it or Break It’ and ‘ The Secret Life of the American Teenager’.

If you’re checking out GREEK for the first time tonight, here’s a quick recap of last semester.

Tonight’s winter premiere of GREEK has the gang coming back to Cypress Rhodes University after a few weeks of R&R known as Spring Break.  But for most of our favorites, their suitcases aren’t the only luggage they’re bringing back to campus. The ZBZs are still reeling from the guilt of burning down the Gamma Psi house. Cappie isn’t dealing well with the expulsion of Wade, Jeremy and his other brothers. Rusty tries to step up and become the KT Pledge Educator, but he needs to bring in the big guns in order for the pledges to take him seriously.  Meanwhile Calvin and Grant try to work through their issues regarding Grant’s walk from the closet.

Check out two scenes from tonight’s episode “I Know What You Did Last Semester” (Spoiler Alert, obviously)

Did I mention Cappie gets dressed up as a prince for a costume party? Isn’t that reason enough to watch?

I hope you’ll consider giving GREEK a watch tonight. Gather up your friends and make it a party. And while you’re putting the guest list together, be sure to invite GREEK creator Sean Smith who will be hosting a party of his on tonight on Twitter.

In honor of the return to Greek Row, ABC Family will be hosting a Twitter chat with GREEK Creator Sean Smith tonight, Monday, January 25th at 4pm PST/ 7pm EST. Sean will be taking over the official Greek Twitter (@ABCFgreek) handle to answer questions fans submit through the social network. The ABC Family handle will be moderating the chat, selecting questions for Sean to answer.

Twitter users can submit questions for Sean by publicly messaging the @ABCFgreek handle and using the hashtag #greekchat.

Greek on Twitter:

• @ABCFgreek: Greek Twitter Handle
• @ABCFamily: ABC Family Twitter Handle
• Office Greek hashtag – #greekchat
• @GMMRTV – Me on Twitter

If you’re a GREEKer then raise your hand proudly! If you’re a first timer tonight, then welcome. We’re happy that you’re joining us!

« Previous Page — Next Page »