Escape to CAPRICA Tonight on Syfy

Tonight marks the long awaited premiere of CAPRICA (9pm on SyFy). The BATTLESTAR GALACTICA prequel series is set in the ‘vibrant world of Caprica, a planet that resembles an optimistic view of what Earth might be like in the very near future, where an act of terrorism in the name of religion helps usher in the rise of the metallic antagonists known as Cylons.’

The story explores how religious and political martyrdom, deep rooted family issues, the irresponsible exploration of technology, and the fallout of agonizing grief all led to the creation of the first robotic Cylons. Beings that would later come of consciousness and revolt against the human world that enslaved them

Set over 50 years before the events of Battlestar Galactica, Caprica follows the stories of two families – the Greystones and the Adamas and how their worlds come together after being rocked by tragedy. How do these very different men exist in a world at the peak of its power, while grappling with new science and technologies and the issues they create?

If you’re already a Sci Fi fan then CAPRICA is probably already on your radar. But for those who of you who aren’t typically a fan of the genre, I ask that you keep an open mind and watch tonight’s pilot episode. As much as you might not consider yourself a Sci Fi geek, just by being a passionate fan of television you qualify yourself as someone who appreciates compelling and intelligent storytelling.

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THE OFFICE: The Banker

How dare you. I’m not sure how I missed the memo that tonight’s episode of THE OFFICE was going to be a clip show framed with a few minutes of new footage. I don’t know about you, but I feel jipped. As nice as the little stroll down memory lane was, I’ve seen YouTube fan vids that did a better job of compiling clips into a themed montage. I mean how do you tell the Jim & Pam story without showing the “I’m in love with you” scene or at least the kiss on Casino Night? Amateurs. Emmy award winning editing amateurs. You’re better than this.

This really counted as one of the episodes of Season 6? Remind me to skip over this one when I get the DVDs for this season.

Clearly I’m bitter. But I’d still be down with using this joke of an episode to talk about some of the best moments featured in the clip package. Or even some of the moments that could have and should have been.

Jack Shephard Saves Jim Halpert

You gotta love YouTube. How have I never seen this video before? So glad Jack Shephard stepped in and saved Jim Halpert from what could have been a very uncomfortable moment. What were you thinking, Pam? Get your head out of your ass!

BONES: The Proof in the Pudding

Talk about having some mixed emotions. Tonight’s episode was an hour of teamwork and smarts and FBI Booth kicking butt, and I love all of those things. On the other hand, though…and really, it’s just a teensy part of the other hand, it felt almost too good. I know that doesn’t seem to make sense, but it seemed almost too perfect. Too good to be true, I guess. Right? SuperBooth and Team Brennan stand up to a tyrannical and mysterious government agency, solve one of the greatest mysteries of American history and are done in time for a hearty breakfast? I don’t want to be a complainer, but I guess I just like my BONES with a touch more pathos. But back to my overwhelming option…I loved it!

THE CASE:

Brennan, Cam, Angela, Hodgins, and Sweets are sequestered at the Jeffersonian by the GSA and given the task of identifying what the markers, bullet entry points and for what very well might be the remains of John F. Kennedy. The GSA suits forbid them from declaring an identity; the J-team’s ONLY task is to determine cause of death. Booth is anxious that ‘his people’ are without him, I guess, and so he literally shoots his way into the Jeffersonian Forensics Lab where he then proceeds to use an FBI created perfect replica of Lee Harvey Oswald’s gun to shoot two (perfect) shots into cantaloupes. The ‘assignment’ is quickly shut down, even though the team is not convinced they have the full answers. They later find out that a congressional committee was considering exhuming Kennedy’s body, and it was a test or dry run.

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THE VAMPIRE DIARIES: Bloodlines

“You’re kidding me. There’s no such things as vampires.”

Casanova. Warren Beatty. Wilt Chamberlain. Bill Clinton. Tiger Woods. Damon Salvatore. My, my, my it seems everywhere Damon goes another damsel if left in distress…or left for dead. Life’s a bitch and then you die, unless of course you’re an immortal vampire. But not even the promise of eternal life can keep some guys safe from the wrath of a woman scorned. If only he could have kept his teeth in his mouth he could have avoided so many messy situations.

Despite his long history of “complicated” relationships with those of the opposite sex, I’m not sure even Damon knows what he’s getting himself into when it comes to Elena Gilbert…or is it Elena Pierce?

Under the guise of wanting to annoy Stefan, Damon brought Elena on a little road trip to Atlanta after he saved her from her car accident. Perhaps she’s “not the world’s worst company”, but I think we all know there’s a little more to why he brought her along. The tenderness that Damon showed in the way he held her after the accident told us all we needed to know about his feelings for her. I don’t think it’s in Damon’s nature to comfort and console a weak and vulnerable woman who is bleeding in his arms. Perhaps there’s some level of confusion given her uncanny resemblance to Katherine, but the more time Damon spends with Elena the more it seems that it’s not Katherine he’s looking at.

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Check Out James Van Der Beek on MERCY

The Beek is back. I don’t watch MERCY but Dawson Leery joining the cast at least warrants a second glance. Check out James Van Der Beek in his new role as Liam West, the hospital’s new ICU chief. Lookin’ good!

THE AMAZING RACE 16: Meet the Cast

CBS announced the 11 Teams set to compete in the 16th edition of THE AMAZING RACE, premiering Sunday, Feb. 14 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Emmy Award nominee Phil Keoghan is the host.

Contestants will travel nearly 40,000 miles across five continents and eight countries. Eleven Teams start off by navigating through the congested streets of Los Angeles and, for the first time ever, must rely solely on public transportation to make their way to LAX. The Teams’ first destination lies in Chile where they will encounter one of the most daunting Roadblocks in the history of the series. In their ongoing battle for the one million dollar prize, Teams will participate in a grueling World War I reenactment in France, retrace the early days of the iconic rock group, The Beatles, and come face-to-face with one of the world’s most infamous villains.

Season 16 features Teams from all walks of life, including couples, parents, siblings, friends, models, lawyers, detectives and even cowboys. And most importantly the race will feature Jeff and Jordin from BIG BROTHER! No big surprise who I’m rooting for!

THE AMAZING RACE isn’t only one of the best reality shows on TV, it’s one of the best shows on any network. I’m officially excited!

TNT Greenlights Three New Series

TNT has given the greenlight to three new original series bringing their total number of original series currently on the TNT slate to 10.

“We’re very happy with the quality and performance of our original programming, and we’re excited to be expanding our horizons with these excellent new shows,” said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). “These three series – ranging from science-fiction to a quirky drama to a gripping crime procedural – are wide ranging in their appeal and subject matter. They’re rich in character, with great performances and engaging stories. And with their emphasis on relatable, everyday heroes, they’re a great fit with our lineup.”

TNT has ordered 10 episodes of each of the three new series, with plans to have DELTA BLUES and RIZZOLI & ISLES premiere in 2010 and the untitled alien-invasion series debut in 2011.

Untitled Alien-Invasion Series

In this series from DreamWorks Television, Noah Wyle will star as the leader of a rag-tag group of soldiers and civilians struggling against an occupying alien force.

The series opens shortly after aliens have wiped out most of the human population. The aliens are now rounding up the few people left, but they are met with strong resistance from a group of soldiers and civilians who fight for their survival – all while struggling to maintain their humanity.

Wyle plays Tom Mason, a former college history professor who becomes the reluctant leader of one of the resistance groups. Also starring in the series are Moon Bloodgood (Terminator Salvation) as Anne Glass, a therapist who works with the surviving children to help them cope with the traumatic situation; Drew Roy (Lincoln Heights) as Hal and Maxim Knight (Brothers & Sisters) as Matt, Tom’s two sons; Jessy Schram (Crash) as Karen, who is one of the survivors’ motorcycle scouts; and Seychelle Gabriel (Weeds) as Lourdes, an orphaned teenager who helps run the group’s commissary.

The project is being executive-produced by Steven Spielberg, along with DreamWorks Television heads Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank and screenwriter Robert Rodat. Rodat, who earned an Oscar® nomination for his screenplay for Saving Private Ryan, wrote the pilot from an idea he co-conceived with Spielberg. The pilot was directed by Carl Franklin (One False Move, Out of Time). Read more

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Auditions in NYC

Do you feel the need to cut loose? Perhaps kick of those Sunday shoes?

Have you ever dreamed dancing on a bench with Travis Wall (who hasn’t) or kickin’ it old school with Legacy?

Can you unhinge your hip bone and kick like Jakob Karr or get nasty like Russell Ferguson?

Well if you have what it takes to become America’s Favorite Dancer and you’re in the New York area, don’t miss out on the upcoming SYTYCD auditions. Show off  your stuff in front of the likes of Nigel, Mary and the fabulous Cat Deeley.

When: MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2010

Where: Manhattan Center
311 W. 34th Street
Between 8th & 9th Avenues
New York, New York 10001

If you plan on attending, be sure to drop me a line at info(at)givememyremote(dot)com. I’d love to talk to you about covering the auditions for GMMR!

And don’t forget to stay tuned to GMMR and The TV Talk Podcast for full SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE coverage this summer!

Here’s some legalese (be sure to read first…remember what happened with Hok?)
Dancers must be either a US citizen or legal permanent resident of the US, possess a current legal Employment Authorization Card enabling him/her to seek employment freely in the US (i.e., without restrictions as to employer) by the date specified in the eligibility rules. Dancers must be no younger than 18 or older than 30 years of age on the first day they register for auditions. Any dancer who is a minor in his/her state of residence must also have a parent or legal guardian sign all required documents. Dancers must provide legal, valid proof of age when they register for auditions. Check Fox.com/dance for full eligibility rules.

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Thursday, January 21, 2010

I know you can’t see me right now but I’m doing my happy dance. Complete with the running man. (There’s a reason I will never be on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE…I can’t!) But I also can’t contain my excitement for the Thursday night TV extravaganza we have waiting for us tonight. All my favorite Thursday shows are back with new episodes. It’s almost as if everything is right in the world again.

I suppose I should also make mention of a new show that’s premiering on ABC tonight. It’s called THE DEEP END. TV Talk Podcast listeners know all too well my thoughts on the new show. Bottom line – a fantastic cast wasted on a messy and uninspired script. It was quite disappointing given how excited I was at the idea of Jack & Bobby’s Matt Long and Veronica Mars’ Tina Majorino coming back to my TV on a weekly basis. Not even an appearance from someone from the Twilight cast could pull me in. I’m giving the show one more shot next week. But unless it suddenly rises to the caliber of say, THE WEST WING, I’m going to be swimming to much shallower waters.

As so many of you are fans, I wanted to remind you that tonight is the winter premiere of BURN NOTICE. Be sure to check it out.

Thursday’s can be a bit challenge for TV addicts like me. Check out the highlights from tonight’s lineup and then share how you are going to tackle each show in the comments below.

The Deep End | 8pm on ABC | Series Premiere
“Pilot”
Dylan is given an impossible pro-bono custody case; a 90-year-old man signs an agreement, thinking that Beth is his daughter; Liam tries to get a client to sign with the firm under false pretenses; Addy gets attention when she speaks her mind.

The Vampire Diaries | 8pm on The CW
“Bloodlines”
Damon travels to Georgia and surprises an old flame (Gina Torres), but he’s confronted by someone who attempts to make him pay for past wrongdoings. Meanwhile, Stefan encourages Bonnie to accept her powers; and Jeremy meets a cute girl (Malese Jow) who has her own theories about the town’s folklore.

Bones | 8pm on CBS
“The Proof in the Pudding”
Government agents demand that Brennan and her team determine a cause of death for an unidentified and highly classified set of remains; Cam thinks Michelle is keeping a secret from her.

Community | 8:00pm on NBC
“Interpretive Dance”
Jeff is determined to keep his new girlfriend a secret; Britta and Troy have secrets they decide to share with their friends.

(The rest of Thursday night’s lineup is after the jump)

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Omarion to Replace Shane Sparks as Judge on AMERICA’S BEST DANCE CREW

R&B star and former member of B2K, Omarion, will be joining the ABDC family as the newest judge alongside Lil Mama and JC Chasez.

“I’m so excited to be a judge on MTV’s ‘America’s Best Dance Crew’,” says Omarion. “Dancing and performing is what I do and being a judge on this show will allow me to give creative feedback to the newest and hottest dancers on the rise.”

Omarion will be replacing former ABDC judge and SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE choreographer Shane Sparks who was arrested late last year on eight charges of child molestation. Charges Sparks called “bogus”.

Season Five of AMERICA’S BEST DANCE CREW premieres on Thursday, January 28th at 10pm ET/PT on MTV, with Season Two of Taking The Stage airing immediately afterward at 11pm ET/PT.

MODERN FAMILY: Fifteen Percent

I don’t think of myself as a pessimist, but I just may be. Watching last night’s MODERN FAMILY I found myself wondering just how the show’s sophomore season would ever live up to the brilliance of this first year. The cast, the writing – everything is just in such perfect harmony, that I hope creators Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd are somehow bottling this magic in a jar to pull from for years to come.

Although we are always gushing about the show on the podcast, I find that I rarely talk about MODERN FAMILY here on GMMR. But in my resolve to bring GMMR back to more of a personal focus, I’m going to (somehow) make the time to talk more about the shows that I find the most joy in. MODERN FAMILY is one of those shows that I spend the whole day looking forward to. Whatever “it” is…it’s got “it”.

The strong connection between the Pritchett, Tucker-Pritchett, and Dunphy families is present, even if they don’t interact on-screen. You don’t need to see Claire and Mitchell in the same room to realize that they are their father’s children. That’s quite apparent in Claire’s stubbornness to learn to use the remote, or in Mitchell’s inability to forgive and forget when it comes to his father’s past transgressions. Despite the rough exterior it’s Jay that tries the hardest to become a better man for his family. It’s that very reason that I think the casting of Ed O’Neil, a man that brought to life the iconic Al Bundy, was so genius. He’s always surprising you.

Never a surprise is sweet little Manny. You can always expect the boy to be wise beyond his years. So it wasn’t much of a surprise that he found love online with an older woman. Hey, it’s just the way he rolls. Manny’s short lived love affair with Whitney had all the elements of timeless love. “Her name is Whitney. I met her in an online book club. We both like vampire fiction an the romance of eternal life.” I mean who doesn’t?

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MODERN FAMILY’s Sofia Vergara on ELLEN…and CHELSEA LATELY

Anything that I find so funny that tears are streaming down my face naturally needs to be shared with all of you. Such was the case tonight was I was catching up on Sofia Vergara on ELLEN. The sexy MODERN FAMILY star was uproarious from beginning to end. She didn’t let up for a moment and I loved it.

Here’s part one of her interview. I’ll find part two and post it if I can.

I had a friend text me to say that although she never watched MODERN FAMILY before, she’s going to start now based solely on this interview. Well done, Sofia. That’s another viewer for you, you hot Columbian sex kitten!

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AMERICAN IDOL: Orlando Auditions

AMERICAN IDOL is such a popular show here at GiveMeMyRemote.com that I just figured everyone would be down with discussing the audition episodes. Ooops, I might have misjudged that one. But that’s not going to stop me from sharing my thoughts on the potential superstars we saw during tonight’s Orlando auditions. Plus, Kristin Chenoweth is guest judging and you know how I love me some Cheno.

Things start off with a bang. Or should I say a hang…as in hangover.  Ryan, Simon and Randy arrive in Orlando a bit late after spending a little too much time “relaxing” in Miami. I’m surprised that Seacrest allowed himself to be on camera without being buffed and polished first.

Simon paid the price for his fun by sitting through not only some treacherous auditions, but also sitting beside BFF and co-captains of the Cougar Squad, Kara and Kristin. The two became besties early in the day and their “energy” only served to extend Simon’s misery.

With the judges all set to go, I’m ready for the hideous voices, overwrought sob stories, and occasional decent singers to grace my screen. Oddly enough I can take two out of the three. It’s the sob stories that make me want to flush out my eyes with Windex and clean my ears with chop sticks. They’ve always been a part of IDOL, but I hit my limit last year when they packaged Danny Gokey as “the widower”. As I said yesterday, no matter how tragic, these are stories that the contestants choose to share with the IDOL producers.  They’ve seen the show, they know how the game is played.  That being said, I’m oddly more tolerant when contestants come to the table with more than their woes…if they have a voice to back it up, I can deal.

Such was the case with Seth Rollins. His video package focused on his struggles with his autistic son. Sad of course, but not relevant to a singing show. (Yes, I know I’m a complete bitch, please don’t tell me you’re just figuring this out now!) Anyway, any reservations I had about Seth went away when he performed his rendition of “Someone to Watch Over Me”. His voice was smooth and controlled, and despite a few pitch problems, he was worthy of going through to Hollywood. I can’t see him going far in the competition, but Hollywood…sure.

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WHITE COLLAR: Hard Sell

Sorry it took me so long to write about WHITE COLLAR. I fell asleep watching the show last night and had to finish watching it this morning before rushing off to the office. My inability to stay awake had nothing to do with the quality of the show and more to do with the fact that I am a clearly an elderly woman.

But there’s much to discuss about Neal, Kate, Peter, and the hot guy from THE BLACK DONNELLYS.

You know what I love most about WHITE COLLAR? No, not Matthew Bomer’s eyes (which were clearly an inspiration for a Debbie Gibson song).  WHITE COLLAR is total escapism TV. It’s quite easy to get lost in the world of Neal Caffrey. The show doesn’t feel like any other criminal procedural on television today. It has an old school charm about it that you don’t find in some more of the gritter whodunit shows. I mean the lead character wears three pieces suits and fancy chapeaus. You’re not going to find that on LAW & ORDER. The stories are sometimes a bit uninspired for my liking, but Matthew Bomer and Tim DeKay are so dynamic together on screen that you just can’t help but pulled in by their magnetism.

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