Sunday 27 March 2011

Saturday Night TV

So because my family’s internet plan sucks (meaning we only have 25gb to use between 5 fairly heavy media users, and we have already used over 30% in a week), I found myself waiting a day later to download all my TV this week. I also had to make a choice to leave some things till much later, including The Good Wife. So instead of Thursday, I download Mr Sunshine, and Modern Family on Friday, intending to watch them Friday night. But I was busy watching other things and ended up leaving them till Saturday night, which became ‘TV Night’. Since I wasn’t meeting up with Ness this weekend, I couldn’t wait for Grey’s and the PPP, so I downloaded them for myself. –I must say I found it amusing that I was downloading Private Practice for the first time near the end of season 4….but anyways….

The Footy was on in my house, so in order to avoid the crazy, I was settling in for the night with my 4 tv shows. I started Mr Sunshine…which I later realized I should have watched Modern Family first (technically it airs first), but since I’m used to watching Mr Sunshine earlier in the week, I started with that one. But about 6 minutes in I got interrupted by someone playing guitar really loudly outside my door - so I did other things till he was finished.

I kinda hate to admit it, but Mr Sunshine seems to be getting a little better each week. I actually found myself not HATING Alice this week, and hating Alonso a little less too. I loved Crystal’s tweeting, but it made me wish Allison would tweet more….or at all. It was fun to see Matthew Perry playing tennis – this show really is half just about using the many talents of Matt Perry and Allison Janney that don’t get shown off too often. Overall it was a pretty good ep. Poor Roman, but it was so sweet when he got to spend time with his mum. –Also, I don’t even hate the “Mr Sunshine…yay” thing anymore. It keeps getting stuck in my head!

Followed that up with the hilarious Modern Family. Oh how I have MISSED Modern Family! YAY Nathan Lane was back! I love Nathan Lane, and the gay guys were so funny, and I did love Jay mixing with them.
Didn’t get too fussed over Luke’s UP story with the old man next door, but it was nice for him to have his own storyline! It was much better than Haley’s babysitting story.
I’d really love to go back and watch the whole of Modern Family from the beginning again, I’ll have to buy it on dvd at some point.


Then it was on to Grey’s Anatomy…OMG….I just kept yelling at Callie to put on her seat belt because I knew what was coming, and was watching with my eyes half covered! Next week’s musical ep is gonna be very interesting and probably pretty sad! Not that I believe they are getting rid of Callie, but I don't expect it to be easy to watch anyways.
Prior to all this however, the ep was quite fun. One of my fave things was the gang decorating the onesies. Meredith’s big squiggly blob thing was great. “Are you still blind?!”. I loved Alex’s scrubs one, and Cristina’s heart. Very cute, and fun scene. The whole Stark and April thing grosses me out big time! Ick!
I wish I cared more about the Adele thing…I mean, I do care…but not that much really. I like that the Lexie/Avery thing is not too in your face – other than their making out…but I can deal. I don’t love ‘em, don’t hate them at all. I’m good.


It was a little weird not watching Private Practice with Ness, having done so for the last 4 eps or so. I kept thinking of things out loud – although I find I tend to do that anyways.
I found a few of the stories to be kinda similar to old storylines…like Addison thinking she was pregnant…made me think of Charlotte in season 2. The storyline with the wrestling kid – made me think of that runner girl in season 1. All different in some way, but still not overly new stories.
It took me a little while to notice that Naomi wasn’t there in the big group scene…cause I was too focused on the very complicated cup on tea Charlotte was making in the background. (cutting lemons and all....) But I do love group scenes, group kitchen scenes tend to be mandatory in each ep these days, I’m trying to remember an ep that didn’t have one recently.
Anyways I was just thinking about Naomi, (and how Audra said she wasn’t going to not not be in anymore eps, and now she was MIA) when Amelia popped up and I realized I had forgotten all about her, and felt bad. I’ll blame it on the fact that I’ve been watching older PPP before she was there. But I’m so glad I can count on her to make me laugh. She almost always comes through! I loved the “Auntie Amelia”, she sounded almost British.
Speaking of which, my biggest peeve with this ep was Alex Kingston’s (Dr Elizabeth Corday of ER) American accent…what was THAT about?! A therapist couldn’t be British? I’m not a big fan of fake accents…just imagine how weird it would be if KaDee didn’t get to use her real accent! I just don’t really understand how the accent HAD to be American, but it weirded me out anyways.
I like parties though. I liked Violet’s dress. I dunno about Sheldon dating the evil reviewer lady Marlo Tompkins (or Marlo Thomas as I heard every time!). He seriously needs to date someone NOT related to the practice, maybe she’s as far away as he can get! Also…SO over the Addison baby drama. Sam doesn’t want a kid, and is still too hung up on Naomi to be in a real relationship with Addy. I’m not saying I don’t want Addison to get her kid, but maybe she should just adopt one or something…maybe if she was in a proper relationship, or something…I dunno.

Looking forward to next week’s ep, directed by Mr Paul Adelstein himself! I hope we see some signs of wedding plans soon though….only 2 more eps to go, you think they might bring it up in some way. I’d like it to be ‘real’, organized…a little less spontaneous than the other 2 weddings this season. –Its become a season of weddings.


I'll catch up on the rest of the Thursday night (US) tv this week, and the other shows I'll get off Ness when I see her. Its not that I'm in a huge hurry to watch them, but its driving me crazy that I have to limit myself because everyone else is using more. Expect a post on this in my other blog at some point!


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Carlie

Sunday 20 March 2011

A Little More To Go Around

There was a lot more on tv to watch this week. Yay.

Mr Sunshine - Again a not great ep, with a couple of awesome moments. Allison Janney and James Taylor's duet was awesome! LOVED IT! I admit I've re-watched it quite a few times. I love that the show is an outlet for the stars to use their talents, like singing, ice-skating, and tennis. But the stories themselves seriously suck!-

Raising Hope - Good ep this week, no singing though. I enjoy the silly little songs. One little joke about a tsunami in the ep though seemed very freakishly poorly timed - having been filmed months ago.

Off The Map - loved the Wicked reference. Lily Brenner is becoming a little more interesting. YAY. Ryan is a goner...sucky.  Everyone else is also getting more interesting and likable. Which is a good sign.
Enjoying the show overall....its not a fave, but a definite 'must watch' show, which is pretty close I guess.

Finally some of my other shows were back this week. I've missed them!

Glee - We finally got to regionals. YAY. I thought I wouldn't care for the original songs...but some of them were pretty cool. But I still don't understand how original songs isn't against the rules.....but anyways....
Storywise I don't think much happened....except with the whole Quinn, Finn, Rachel triangle. But I don't really care about that. Kurt and Blaine finally kissed....not that I care about them as a couple, but it was really about time. Poor Emma she's gone AWOL again.
-I didn't love their outfits, the blue dresses were not a great color for everyone...and the leggings underneath were unnecessary.
-The Warblers had good songs this week. It was the one week where I didn't care that they had so much of the story, because it fit - unlike other weeks were it felt tacked on.
-fave songs of the week include, Big Ass Heart -I find it hard not to love any song by Puck. Loser Like Me - Very catchy and a lot of fun.
-I loved the foam fingers and the glitter slushies!
-In a way I kinda like that its become the Rachel and Finn show again...hopefully the last few eps of the season will be good.
-One more thing, okay we knew they were gonna win, but what happened to a teeny tiny bit of suspense.
We'll see what the rest of season 2 brings...I hope they don't keep doing TOO many original songs...its gonna get really annoying.

Parks and Recreation - Finally they got up to the Harvest Festival. It was a fun ep. I did miss Rob Lowe though. Dunno when he'll be coming back. But boy was it good to have the show back! I hate when they have weeks off.

Community was kinda weird and almost boring. Minimal Annie - blink and you'd have missed her. The Jeff/Chang storyline was SOOOO annoying. I hate Chang with a vengeance. Britta, Abed and Troy's stuff was not of the most interesting either. Not a great ep, but I guess they can't be great all the time.

30 Rock was the worst! I can't believe how bad that was...well I can, because they had Sherri Shepherd leading it, as an ep of her character Angie's reality show. It was just BAD. Even Susan Sarandon couldn't save it.

Private Practice - So glad to have it back!!!! Not as 'fun' an ep as the previous one, it was still good overall. I do love the ones with ethics issues, because the line always seems to move within the ep - its never a clear decision one way or the other. Private Practice and Grey's Anatomy have always done ethical issues well.
I understand where that couple was coming from, but when did adoption become so low down the list of choices? Its just wrong. They suck! Cooper needs his own kid - he's gonna keep hijacking other's!

-I was glad they finally gave Amelia her own storyline...even as depressing as it was. Even if they had already had a test ep with that girl back in season 1....the whole would you want to know thing is still an interesting discussion..
-The whole Sam/Naomi thing was just wrong...Sam loses serious points for not being to worried about the fact that he made out with someone else while he's dating Addison...not cool!
-I was just thinking recently that they never used the conference room anymore...and then they did. Good.
-stupid Fife. I never liked him last season, so bringing him back wasn't fun. But I guess I can rule out Naomi going off with him as an exit. -My money is on her going off to Africa or something doing good deeds. 2nd option is her going to NY.
-poor Sheldon. Their friendly neighborhood shrink/'not boyfriend boyfriend' got overworked with everyone unloading their problems on him. So funny when he exploded on Charlotte, and told the men to take care of their women themselves.


Next week the fox shows Glee and Raising Hope are off, but some of the others will be back. Yay!

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Carlie

Wednesday 9 March 2011

Glee - Weird or Fun? I Can't Decide.

Well I hate to admit it, but I was kinda laughing my ass off this week. Some things were genuinely hilarious, some were just ridiculous in a funny way, and some things were just plain sad!
Firstly, I loved having Gwyneth back - she's just too much fun. But her songs were not really as good this time around.

The whole thing about Brittany believing storks bring babies was SO sad and also stupid. There is dumb, and then there is insane - seriously how did Brittany ever finish the first grade?! The Santa thing was one thing, this made it worse! I'm not keen on what they've done with Brittany. She used to be mysterious, and say great one liners, and dance up a storm...
I'm still not used to seeing Brittany, Santana and Quinn in regular clothes...and I'm not loving Quinn's hair....I have hair issues I know!

I liked having Emma back. There were some great quotes thrown about in this ep. I liked the celibacy club thing, it was nice little reference back to season 1....ah better times....
It was good to have Stamos back too, and the digg at doctor shows was hilarious...at least for me, because I'm watching his eps of ER.

I really hate The Wharblers...their songs are nice and all....but it feels like they should just have their own spinoff and stop taking time away from the McKinley kids. Plus Kurt needs to hurry up and get back to McKinley....is he even coming back? I mean its like he's off on that other show...They may as well not even put him in the eps, it seems forced and makes no real difference to the main stories.
The whole Brittana thing has reached a new level of weird. Santana has decided she's gay? I'm confused...
Sue popped up for 2 seconds....in the Kurt storyline...apparently she lives on that other show too now. I still don't understand how the Cheerios are over for good...it doesn't seem like there will be much for Sue to do.

I really hate the preachyness Glee has taken on this season. The alcohol ep was bad enough, now a sex ep. Geez. Get on with competing! Anybody remember those big group numbers they used to do? Anybody? I mean little trios, duets and the occasional solo are fine, but as a Glee club they are supposed to be practicing for competitions.

I'm really confused about Glee at the moment. I have no idea where its going...and no idea what is going on in the heads of the writers/show runners. The quality that was there in season 1 appears to be long gone. Its gone completely teenybopper and that sucks. I mean, I hardly even remember the songs in the eps anymore. I don't rush to buy the soundtracks, or download the extra songs....
Maybe they will find their way, or maybe it'll keep dropping in quality and I'll be forced to let it go. Its very sad. Please bring back Kristin Chenoweth before that happens!



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Carlie

Tuesday 8 March 2011

Making The Best of a Quiet Week

So only 6 of the shows I watch are on this week. :(  boo. But I'm making the best of it, and looking forward to new eps of other shows next week or the week after.

Firstly Awwww! Gotta love a Walker Family party. Evan got cute! "Uncle Noodle". love it! Glad to see Kitty back. Thank god! Nice to see Paige popping up, sometimes I feel like they always ignore the kids. But I wonder if we'll ever see Cooper again?! I don't really care about the whole Olivia thing...I wish I did, but I just don't.
Now that he's gone, I kinda miss Tommy, but at least Kitty is back.
This is the 3rd ep of Brothers & Sisters I have downloaded. I normally would just get it off Ness, but with only 6 things on all week - its nice to be able to be up to date. Its on at the start of the week, meaning by the time I get it off Ness, and watch it myself, its time for a new ep again. So this is definitely easier.
I wish they didn't talk about Langley, and DC and the CIA so much. Its making me nostalgic for Alias, and I really don't have time to re-watch that anytime soon.


Mr Sunshine was kinda good this week....it was totally awesome just for the fact that Allison Janney's character tackled a Smurf! It was too hiLARious! Seeing her ice skate with a Smurf was pretty awesome too! - I love when the use the talents of actors in stuff. -There was never a good excuse to have her ice skate in The West Wing.
Ben and Roman's boy slumber party was kinda funny too. Cup hands was silly, yet seriously amusing. But  again I still don't like Alonso, but I can live with that for now.
Its still not a great show, and I wouldn't be that sad if it never came back, but I want to love it, for Matthew and Allison.


Well that's two shows down, four more to go. Seems so sad.


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Carlie

Monday 7 March 2011

A Sense of Accomplishment

So Friday night I had the whole place to myself which was awesome! The house is so peaceful when its empty. It was the prime environment for TV viewing. I managed to finish off Damages season 2. I was surprised by the ending, but also can understand how season 2 didn't have quite the same sparkle that season 1 had. The whole environmental case/issues were not quite as flashy or interesting as murder and attempted murder. But I did like season 2. Once I started watching, I was very keen to watch more. Its very addictive. They really know how to end an ep on a cliffhanger, or giving you a tiny piece of the puzzle. The problem is that it doesn't have great re-watchability. But that's okay. I don't plan on re-watching it much. I am interested to see what the commentaries are like that are included on the season 2 DVD. Pity how the cast commentaries I am dying for, don't exist, but shows that I don't really care about manage to get them. -Not fair!

Anyways, now I guess I'll have to find time to start season 3 at some point. I'll wait a while though, too many other things in the lineup.

Once I was finished Damages, I was able to start season 12 of ER, which I bought after Christmas, and have been holding onto. Season 12 is the last season I watched on regular tv. Mid season 12 channel 9 stopped showing the eps, and I downloaded the rest, from then on. Its a little weird getting my head back into that period, having watched really old eps in my Christmas eps of tv viewing. -I miss Carter!
But man was it a tough day for kids with all the eps I watched today - little kidnapped girl getting rescued only to die of a gunshot wound, kids with aids, and little girls getting shot on christmas eve. SAD!
I was SO excited to get up to the ep with the baby chimp though. Its quite entertaining.
And I'm getting up to John Stamos' eps which is gonna mess with my head this week cause he's in Glee. Oh well.  I've got season 13 to watch after that, and then more stuff from Amazon will arrive. -So I am never without tv to watch.


In current TV news, Off The Map is still staying good. Maybe its because the stories/characters etc are actually getting better, but maybe I'm liking it better, because now I am getting to know the characters and letting them grow on me. But I'm really mad because I heard Rachelle Lefevre got a new pilot for next season, meaning she probably won't be sticking around. Which sucks cause I was actually liking her character Ryan the most! They've also set it up so she probably won't be able to come back. Damm.
Oh well. I'll live. The other characters are becoming less annoying.


I liked Harry's Law better last week, this week started off good, but by 20/30 minutes in I was pretty bored. Its a pity, its got potential, but doesn't really do a lot. Plus they seem to be going back and forth between trying to be quirky and trying to be a serious law show with a bit of humor. They need to find a better middle ground.


Even less on tv this week than last. Which sucks, but at least some shows will be back next week. And Glee is back this week, so that's something. Nothing is sitting on a cliffhanger or anything which is good. I HATE that! I'll probably catch up on a few things I have sitting in my tv folder that I haven't been rushing into watching. That or I'll race through ER. I do love ER.


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Carlie

Thursday 3 March 2011

The Good Wife and Other Stories

This weeks ep of The Good Wife was awesome! I am really loving the show this year. Rita Wilson was back - which is awesome enough, but the whole equity partners vote was a GREAT storyline. Lots of great Diane and Will stuff. Those two are fun together.
Oh and I was not expecting that from Cary! Then I suppose I should have seen it coming. But I was surprised by him kissing Kalinda, not sure what to make of it. Maybe he's playing her, maybe its something else. -I guess we'll find out.
I must also say, while I don't care for the whole Peter/politics storyline, I do love Mr Gold. He's entertaining, and I did like the little bit of politics that were included this week. -Nobody wants Childs in charge.


Modern Family -
This week I actually enjoyed the Cam and Mitch stuff. The adoption stuff was fun. Phil at the spa was funny. Claire wasn't that interesting this week. No Luke was a pity, he's hilarious. Gloria and Jay's fight over the crypt wasn't terrible either.

Mr Sunshine - Yo Yo Ma!!!! Awww I miss The West Wing.
I actually liked this weeks ep. Definitely better than last weeks. I was glad to Jorge Garcia back. He's fun. I liked the Ben getting to know people stuff. Its still not great, but its okay.
But why must Andrea Anders character Alice come to work dressed like that?! Seriously, does she turn tricks at night? Okay maybe its not THAT bad...but its not very professional...even in that sort of environment. 
-I worry that Roman is growing on me. I don't think that's a good sign!


I've still got a whole disk of Damages season 2 left. But I did watch another ep of Cougar Town - I've not seen the first 5 of this season. Its sorta my filler show, when I don't feel like concentrating or need something to watch for 20 minutes.


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Carlie

Parenthood and Raising Hope

Its a quiet week for tv. Today there was no new Glee, but there was Parenthood, Raising Hope, and The Good Wife. My internet was playing up, so while I was waiting for new stuff I watched last week's ep of Harry's Law.
I actually really enjoyed the ep. Its definitely not the most interesting show, but I found that ep to be less boring than others. I like that chick Jordana Spiro plays. I also liked the gang storyline. But Brittany Snow's character Jenna is becoming pointless and stupid! While I did laugh at her making name tags for the bangers, she doesn't do much of anything.


Parenthood was really good this week. It was cute. I actually "yay"-ed out loud when Jason Ritter popped up. I was so excited to have him back, even if only for 1 ep. Everyone's writing books...its cool that Sarah's is better as a play!
I loved all the Kristina, Adam and Max stuff. It was cool to see Kristina and Adam deal with telling Max he has Aspergers. Good acting all over this ep!
It was nice to have some Julia and Joel. Not to mention a few minutes of Sydney and Jabbar!
Stupid Crosby for starting a fight with the boat people! Wish I cared more about the Crosby and Jasmine stuff.
Also, not sure what to make of costume choices in this ep. Sarah's clothes were a little....anyways....but Julia looked hot in her dress!'
Oh and on the cast attendance checklist for this week, we were missing - Drew, Amber, and Haddie. Which isn't bad. At least the grown-ups showed up.


Raising Hope was good, not great. I dunno if the show is losing the spark it had the earlier eps, or that it was more fun to watch a few eps at once...but that said, I am still loving it. Bert cracks me up. I love Sabrina. Hope is adorable! Its quirky and makes me laugh. Definitely not quiting this one yet.


I'll watch The Good Wife tomorrow, and whatever else is on, or around.

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Carlie

Tuesday 1 March 2011

Catch Me Up Television

Brothers & Sisters - I really enjoyed the ep...even though Kitty is STILL MIA! But apparently she'll be in the next ep, so that makes me happy. -Can't find any explanation for why Calista was away.
I liked Brody. He was kinda fun, I hope they bring him back. Looks like they're sending Tommy away again though...I guess he was just filler till Kitty came back. :(
Justin going crazy about what was in the muffins after they were baked with the flour formerly known as "Joaquin" was too cute and funny.
-While I missed Scotty...and Saul, the best part was no Luc!


Parks and Rex - Nice ep. Andy and April are so cute, I'm glad they are back together. Take out Tom and it would have been great. But it was nice to see Ben out and about.

Community - Kinda boring this week, 'cept for the whole secret service chick and Abed thing. Abed is way more entertaining than anyone else. Oh and Jeff's Real World Seattle audition was TOO hilarious!

30 Rock - SOOOO much better without Tracey Jordan! But I didn't love the whole Abby storyline...she was WEIRD.

Modern Family - Sorry Cam and Mitch, but your storylines are always boring, but Luke was entertaining. I loved Gloria cutting Phil's hair (love the air bunnies)and 'singing' karaoke...and the fight between Phil and Claire and he had no idea! Gold.
 
Private Practice - This ep was crazy in the best possible way! While it was a little strange not having Addison there, it didn't leave any great hole in the story - that cast is amazing! Plus call backs everywhere!
I swear this ep would have made a great 100th ep (for next season, or the one after) if it wasn't for Addy not being there!
-The refs to the size of Sheldon's manhood (by gesture), Amelia's filtering, Sam's book, the custody case over Lucas, Naomi pushing Maya to have an abortion, refs to old eps/cases, running issues - like the Violet/Cooper/Charlotte who knows who better triangle,
-oh and in case you hadn't watched the first 3 seasons of the PPP, Charlotte and Cooper's story in a nutshell was in there too. -sans dead daddy.

And poor Coop, he's not really a "man-child". Well in some ways he kinda is, but he's always been a lot more a grown up than most of the others. And for a guy who started out as the guy who dates dozens of women he meets in chat rooms, he's been more monogamous than...Violet, Addison, Pete, and Naomi  and Sam!!!! - I mean come on! They have no excuse! Bad Sam. Very bad Sam! -That might finally break up the AddiSam...but I never wanted them to hate each other.
-I was glad to see an explanation for Charlotte's missing ring...but seeing as she was wearing it in Connecticut, who knows...maybe she wore it to keep Archer away...anyways, it was nice to have a very reasonable explanation.
Poor Charlotte....I think her potential friendship with Amelia is kinda doomed, but maybe they'll get over it. -Charlotte needs a friend...other than Sheldon.


Grey's Anatomy - Apparently it was a physical comedy ep....Meredith squinting the whole ep was very amusing! As was the 9inches estimation between Callie and the OB...shameful that the OB didn't know how wide 9inches was.....
Other Good bits -THE HOUSE! Its actually being mentioned, built...love it! Meredith giving herself an eye exam and Alex offering to do work on her face to counteract the effects of her squinting. Mer and Christina discussing the grossness of leaving toothpaste in the sink. Mer getting excited over her patient getting the real meds, and not the placebo - very cute.
Bad bits - Stark asking out April....and her saying YES! WTF?! She's like 12 and he could be her father! Christina and Owen having the kids argument...soooo not caring.

-Lexie and Avery...not sure if I like it or not. I'm going with liking it for now. They both need to move on and do something! They got boring...mostly Avery....
-Where do their golf balls go when they play golf of the roof?! Doesn't seem safe....
Adele's memory/stability issues is interesting. I'm guessing that will be their arc leading up to some kind of thing for the finale. And I am SO over fertility issues...the next couple that has fertility issues on tv is really really gonna piss me off! -Well I'll be mad at the writers, not the characters themselves obviously.




Off The Map - Oh its getting good. The characters that used to really bug me, are now starting to become the most interesting. I like Ryan a lot now. Charlie's place is awesome...wonder how long before they all start hanging out there?


A lot of shows are on break this week. Which makes me glad that the eps were generally really good this week. Good enough to get me through. I think Parenthood, Raising Hope, and The Good Wife are on. At least that's something. In the meantime, I've got a few things still to watch. Plus I'm almost half way through season 2 of Damages and loving it!


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-Carlie