AMERICAN IDOL: Final Three Perform

Hey, AMERICAN IDOL fans! Here we are with the final three, Haley, Lauren and Scotty! In this week of the competition, the contestants sang three times: the first song self-chosen, the second song chosen by coach Jimmy, and the third and final performance of the night chosen by the judges.

I remember an American Masters interview about the Troubadour, and David Crosby said that the true test of a songwriter is the second album. The first record a person makes is the culmination of years of journal writing and inspiration and love poured out. But the second album is the true test — does a singer/songwriter have what it takes?

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BONES Recap: ‘The Hole in the Heart’

Hey, hey, BONES fans! Of all the episodes this season, I though this one finally touched on two things I’ve been wanting to see in Brennan’s character development since LAST year’s penultimate episode, “The Boy with the Answer”: Her reactions to Booth being in danger, and her sense of where she fits in with the team in the grand scheme of things (or as the season premiere called it, “the lynchpin”). And though the episode was centered around Booth, we did finally see some resolution on those two development points for Brennan, and I’m happy about that.

There’s a lot more to discuss, and I know you’re probably anxious to share your thoughts as well, so let’s get to it. Starting with…

THE CASE:

The Scene of the Crime: The episode begins with Booth’s nemesis, sniper Jacob Broadsky. He’s talking with a former co-armed forces soldier, and he asks him for his weapon. The younger man says he’ll consider it. Later in the episode, when Booth and Genevieve Shaw (played by Tina Majorino) show up to Broadsky’s place, they find the body of the soldier and an empty rifle case.

The Victim: Matt Lysinger is Broadsky’s first victim, but when Booth gets hot on Jacob’s trail, the rogue sniper takes another victim, Mr. Vincent Nigel-Murray.

Potential Suspects & Motives: There’s really only one suspect — Broadsky. But throughout the episode, his motives are questioned by Sweets and Booth and others. And honestly, I never quite figured out what his motive was, unless it was to torment Booth. Thoughts from you? Did I miss it this time?

The Lab Results: The team examined Lysinger’s remains while Booth grew antsy with his singular focus of bringing Broadsky down. Angela uses sound technology to help Booth trace Broadsky’s phone calls. And Hodgins studies Lysinger’s wallet for clues, finding evidence of an access keycard to help Booth understand where Broadsky might be. When Booth tracks Jacob down at a shipyard, Hodgins and Brennan alert him to the fact that Broadsky has a broken hand.

The Interrogation Room: Booth brings in Lysinger’s boss, who tells him that they didn’t use keycards. But the boss tells Booth that Lysinger would have been at the shipyard.

The Verdict: Booth and Broadsky track one another within the shipyard, each one laying low. But Booth stays lower, and gets Broadsky in his sights. He shoots him in the leg and brings him down, presumably after which Jacob is taken into custody and will stand trial.

MY Verdict: I think this is the best and most satisfying resolution we’ve ever had to a villainous arc on Bones. Epps, Gormogon, Gravedigger — all pretty good, but I really liked this episode and how it was done. Do you think it actually IS the resolution? Since Broadsky isn’t dead, is it possible he’ll resurface?

Thoughts from you on the case?

THE SQUINTS:

I don’t know about you, but all of Vincent Nigel-Murray’s facts in this episode were sort of bitter-sweet, right? Like the final class before graduation, or the way you remember a favorite grandparent or something. I loved every minute of him here, especially his enthusiasm for the dinosaur mechanical suit. And when he died, I cried. Not just because he’s my favorite squintern of all, not because I’m bummed he won’t be around for more facts, but because it was just such an honest moment of the end of life and the beginning of death. It was one of those moments where, though I haven’t actually experienced that personally, it “felt” true somehow, as if that is how it happens. I’m not describing it perfectly, so I’ll just say this — I loved it.

I loved it so much I’m even okay that it wasn’t Daisy who died. Boom!SquintRoasted! I’m sort of kidding, of course, but then again, Daisy was as good as dead to me when Genevieve and Sweets started talking. Please tell me I’m not the only one who sensed a little chemistry there, yeah? I need more of that, pronto! I also liked the Sweets and Booth dynamic in this one — still a little edgy, but in their way.

It was well-played to have Cam be the one to call VNM’s mother, and I smiled when she called him “such a sweet little weirdo.” Also interesting to me was Cam’s reaction to how Booth was handling the Broadsky situation. I wouldn’t mind seeing another Booth and Cam friendship moment soon.

Hodgins was awesome in his arm-wrestling match with VNM and the way it was a matter of life and death to duke it out. I liked that he was the one who started the tribute to Vincent at the end of the episode, sharing a random fact.

As for Angela, I’m not sure whether to be bummed that obviously she knows Brennan’s secret and we don’t or to just be thankful that she and Brennan apparently HAD a best friend conversation. I loved Angela’s pleased and satisfied smile at the end, when she saw Brennan tuck her hand into Booth’s arm. To that, I say, “Glug Glug, WOO HOO!”

Booth & Brennan:

Like I said at the beginning, the ep revolved around Booth and showcased his actions and reactions, but still, at the heart of the matter is always Brennan’s response and character growth. I liked the subtle way that Booth was edgy — his single focus at the lab, his insistence that Brennan stay at his apartment, and his pale face while Vincent Nigel Murray was dying. This episode relied on Booth staying strong and determined, so there wasn’t really an opportunity for him to seemingly break down and be encouraged. But the more I think about it, the more I think it did happen. Booth needs to be needed, and so when the team — and Brennan also — allowed him to do his thing, his way, it strengthened him. Do you agree?

As for Brennan, I liked that she considered Vincent’s words and actions toward her and her own past actions toward him. I also liked that she was the one to open Booth’s bedroom door. What’s your take on the fact that she had to ask Booth if it was okay for her to cry on his shoulder? Is it significant that she is the one making the “move” or approach toward Booth (both by literally, as Angela called it “crawling into his bed” and by putting her arm in his?

And…so…did they have sex? Does it matter if they did? I’m curious for your thoughts. Which “long, interested look” did you like better: The one before Booth closed his bedroom door, or the one at the end, when Brennan showed up with her plant?

Okay, enough from me. It’s time to weigh in with your reactions. Did you like the episode? Are you satisfied with how Broadsky was taken down? Are you shipping Sweets and Genevieve with me?

And hey, this is kinda strange, but I think it might be fun…how about, in honor of Vincent Nigel Murray, we all share one completely random fact in our comments. I’ll start: Mr. Potato Head’s birthday is May 1st. Now you!

AMERICAN IDOL Highlights: Scotty Sings ‘Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)’ and Haley Performs ‘I Who Have Nothing’

Hey, hey, AMERICAN IDOL fans!

It’s getting down to the wire, and while Fox itself has been making cuts left and right this week, we already know that tomorrow, this quartet of IDOL hopefuls will be down to three.

Each singer had to choose one song that inspired him or her. But the real question is…were you inspired? Based on tonight’s Lady Gaga-coached performances, who is in your top three spots?

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BONES Recap: ‘The Signs in the Silence’

Hey, BONES pals! How did you like this episode? I really liked it. I think it’s my favorite episode of the season, and I say that because, in my opinion, it was actually an episode of BONES. I have liked other eps this year, but for non-episode reasons, if that makes sense. A big Brennan moment, an intense Booth revelation here and there, etc. are very memorable. But in “The Signs in the Silence,” the case was intriguing, the squints were squinty, and Booth and Brennan were professional and personal. All of that combined makes for a terrific episode. Let’s get to it!

The Scene of the Crime: A police officer is patrolling his area, when he spots a body near an alley. When he investigates, he sees a lot of blood, but when he gets even closer, the body’s eyes open and it’s a girl, wielding a knife in his direction. Most BONES eps open with the dead body; beginning this one with the killer was a fresh take, in my opinion.

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BONES Recap: ‘The Pinocchio in the Planter’

Hey BONES fans, how did you like this episode?

Maybe Booth is right, that some things are better left unsaid. But if that is completely true, we wouldn’t have much to talk about. So instead, let’s discuss! Starting with…

THE CASE:

The Scene of the Crime: A “tweenage” (imdb’s word…not mine!) boy is caught peeping through the window of a community center’s womens’ locker room, and when he’s caught, he falls backward into a large, long flower bed, or “planter,” as the episode title suggests. And therein lies the Pinocchio.

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AMERICAN IDOL Recap: Carole King Week

Hey, IDOL fans! How are things? You know, I saw Carole King and James Taylor on their Troubadour tour last year, and they both rocked as hard as I’ve ever seen anyone rock — Carole especially. And her “Tapestry” album is just ridiculously amazing. Seriously, she’s got the goods. If you take a look at the list of songs she’s written, you’ll be blown away — and half of them are hits she wrote for other artists.

But enough Carole gushing from me. The point is that, if you know what an icon Ms. King is, you may have been a little nervous to hear that AMERICAN IDOL was attempting to take her on. However, just as it was when they tackled The Beatles, judging each contestant was almost easier because the songs are so classic. If you can’t make a Carole King song sound good, it’s not likely you will last long on the Top 40 charts.

Now, with only six contestants left, we can take the time to weigh in on each one…

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BONES: ‘The Finder’ Recap

Hello, hello!

I’m interested to hear your thoughts on this episode. I think it’s fair to say that despite the opening credits & the happy clinks of beer bottles at the end–this was not an episode of BONES. If I’m being honest, I expected the whole thing to be really cringeworthy, so it was a pleasant surprise that I enjoyed the ep as much as I did. I didn’t really laugh or cry or feel the need to watch it immediately again to analyze certain looks or words, but I liked it well enough.

It just wasn’t BONES.

At least, not to me. Not to get all Plato (or Play-DOH, as Booth might joke) on you, but each of us has our own “ideal state” of what BONES should look like (the show — not just the character), and yet it doesn’t matter what my ideals are, the reality of what occurs in the episodes IS the reality, if that makes sense. It doesn’t matter how much I wish an episode will turn out, or how I’d wish the writers/directors/actors would “manage” their allotted weekly minutes on screen, I have to accept what they deliver. At that point, I can choose whether I like it or don’t like it, but that’s on me.

Yet this hour felt different, as it should have. There’s a new “ideal state” in the equation with new standards. When the episode is held up to the standard of a BONES ep, it doesn’t match up. When it’s judged for what it is, I think it measures up fairly well.

Having said that, instead of using the complete format we normally would for BONES eps, let’s examine the case and then each “half” (a term I use loosely considering the plot-minutes allotted to each) and discuss what worked, what didn’t, and what I want to see more of.

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AMERICAN IDOL Highlights: Jacob Does ‘Dance With My Father,’ Casey Tackles ‘Maroon 5’

Hey, AMERICAN IDOL watchers! We’re down to the final seven this week, who delivered a slew of performances that were all about heart. No, that wasn’t the theme or anything, it’s just that each singer really went for it.

Now, not every single contestant achieved greatness, but there was a lot of effort put on the table.

Incidentally, what did you think of the remaining Idols judging each other’s mannerisms? It was strange for me, because it was funny — but in a way that goes just a bit too far, no? Kind of like the ‘big reveal’ episode of PROJECT RUNWAY every season where all of the contestants gather to hear what everyone else said about them behind their backs… Awkward!

I thought it was interesting that the judges weren’t in love with Jacob’s performance, as his “Dance With My Father”  was my favorite of the night. Take a look…

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BONES Recap: ‘The Truth in the Myth’

Hello, BONES pals! It’s time to discuss a new episode, The Truth in the Myth, in which Booth tries to teach Brennan a lesson, Brennan tries to make Booth laugh, and Hodgins’ dream of a free-chupacabra-roaming world is busted.

While I didn’t completely love how it was executed, I liked the interlocking theme between the existence of mythical creatures in the case and Booth and Brennan’s relationship. I love Booth—no denying that. But I’ve ALWAYS loved when Brennan tries to tell jokes. From where I type, it’s also time for Booth to get the Yeti out of the dark side of his moon and laugh at Brennan’s jokes. She’s funny! More on that later, but first, let’s discuss…

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AMERICAN IDOL Highlights: Stefano Langone Sings ‘End of the Road’ and Lauren Alaina Takes on ‘The Climb’

Hey, hey, AMERICAN IDOL fans! It’s time to once again break down the performances from this week’s episode. After last week’s shocking Pia-limination, all of the contestants were anxious to sing big and sing strong in tonight’s movie theme.

You know, I think a lot of us thought Stefano belonged in the bottom 3 last week, including him. But he brought it with “End of the Road,” earning praise from the judges and the audience. But will he get more votes?

Check this out for the first time or as a refresher and weigh in…

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BONES Recap: ‘The Feet on the Beach’

Hello BONES fans! Here we are at the start of what promises to be seven straight new episodes, and I’m excited for that!

In this week’s episode, “The Feet on the Beach,” I found myself scratching my head in confusion a few times, mainly because I felt as if I should be learning some sort of lesson. And yet, at the end of the episode, I was left with more questions and a frown.

A lot of characters seemed to be taking the moral high ground but based on their own sets of standards and ideals. And when it came down to it, those differing opinions all combined to make me feel as if no one was right. Was Cam too hard on Sweets? Was he too hard on her? Did she get off easy with Michelle? Did Booth and Brennan come to any sort of agreement, or were their differences as magnified as ever? While Dr. Filmore WAS slighted and needed to speak to Brennan about it, did he have the right to say what he did to Brennan (and confront her in the way he did)? Were the discrepancies of opinion the point, or was it a case of failed attempts by the writers to show that the characters WERE in fact learning? Did I just miss it?

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AMERICAN IDOL Highlights: Pia Toscano Takes On ‘River Deep, Mountain High’ and James Durbin Sings ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’

Rock and roll, AMERICAN IDOL fans! It was the theme for this week, and it’s a lifestyle for three bad-to-the-bone judges! We haven’t talked too much about Randy, J-Lo and Steven lately, so make some noise! Are you fans?

Last week, Naima and Thia were eliminated from the competition, leaving nine contestants still vying to end up in the AMERICAN IDOL Hall of Fame. This week each singer had to pick a song originally sung by a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, or in other words, basically any song he or she wanted to.

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BODY OF PROOF Preview: ‘Letting Go’

Did you catch the series premiere of BODY OF PROOF on ABC this week? If you liked it, you’ll be glad to know there are two new episodes airing in the next few days: one tonight in a special Sunday at 10/9c airing and the second in its regular timeslot.

In the first one — called “Letting Go” — Dr. Megan Hunt (Dana Delany) continues to balance her new career as a medical examiner with her desire to connect with her estranged teenage daughter. As for the case, when a young couple is found shot and killed in their car, the detectives are quick to judge it a murder-suicide. But Megan and her team uncover evidence that sheds new light on the not-so-open and shut case.

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AMERICAN IDOL Highlights: Casey Abrams Sings ‘Your Song’ and Hayley Reinhart Takes On ‘Benny and the Jets’

Hey, hey AMERICAN IDOL fans!

Last week we heard the Top 11 sing some Motown, and I don’t know about you, but in my opinion, it’s best to let Stevie sing Stevie.

So I was a little bit hesitant when I heard that this week’s IDOL theme would be “Elton John.” I think each of the IDOL contestants have a niche, and honestly, I’m not sure that any of them really NEED to try new styles in order to be successful. Scotty will sing country and make a lot of money. Pia will sing ballads and sell records. Etc, etc…

What do you think? Does an AMERICAN IDOL winner need to prove that he or she can sing different styles? Or is that not necessary?

I suppose you’re not here to philosophize AI, so instead, let’s get to talking about some of the singing, and of course, we want to know what you think. Was Casey worth the save? Are the girls as strong as the guys?

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BONES Recap: ‘The Blackout in the Blizzard’

Hello, Bones friends! I’m “peased” you are here. Ah, come on! If Hodgins can make potato-puns, I can do a peas joke, right? Okay, okay…how did you like this episode? I’ll say a quick cheers to David Boreanaz again for another great directorial contribution, but as there is much to discuss, I’ll say my part, and then, as always, the comments are open. I can’t wait to hear what you have to say!

I’m trying out a new-ish format for the case section, so feel free to offer concrit on that as well. Let’s do this thing! On the count of three…

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