Fave TV Couples - A Valentine's Day Post

So almost every TV series has a 'couple'. TV history is full of fan fave couples. In honor of Valentine's Day, I thought I'd share some of the tv couples that share a special place in my heart.

Cooper and Charlotte - Private Practice

Coop and Char win the award for my fave couple currently. But I still remember those days in season 1 when I thought that Cooper and Violet were going to be a great couple (and Addison and Pete)...how things changed quickly. Cooper and Charlotte started out having a little fun, but quickly became one of the sweetest couples on tv. They've had their ups and downs, a few breakups...the ep in season 3 where they were just yelling at each other in the conference room broke my heart. But the season 2 ep where he goes all the way to Alabama to be there for her when her dad was dying, goes to the essence of Charlotte and Cooper. They have a rhythm, and a way of complimenting each other, she's become a lot more of a people person since they started going out.

I was so excited when they got engaged at the end of season 3, but this season we have really seen them work through one of the biggest hurdles ever thrown at a couple, and so far they seem to be surviving. Its made for some really touching moments between them. I'm glad that their fun sides are starting to come back though - the ep with the chicken this season was too cute!

Hopefully their wedding will happen at the end of this season...they deserve some peace and happiness.

Scotty and Kevin - Brothers & Sisters

When it comes to Brothers & Sisters, my fandom doesn't really get too worked up like with other shows...but I have a soft spot for Kevin and Scotty. Scotty was adorable from the start, and has grown into a very well rounded, well used character. I love that he's been adopted into the family, almost like Rebecca. They've always been such a cute couple, that when they hit a really rough patch this season, with Scotty having an affair, I was shocked and a little heartbroken for them. I've always supported their desire to have kids, but we'll see how this current storyline plays out with them adopting/fostering this girl.

I also really liked Justin and Rebecca, not quite to the same extent.

 

Josh and Donna - The West Wing

Although they were not officially a couple for seasons and seasons...I was hooked on Josh and Donna's potential very early on....I mean that Christmas gift in season 1...and the snowballs, and all the other little things they teased at throughout seasons 1-6, before they FINALLY got together in season 7...and it was GREAT! Only good part about them not getting together till near the end, was that they never broke up.

"I’m just sayin’ if you were in an accident, I wouldn’t stop for a beer."
"If you were in an accident, I wouldn’t stop for red lights." - I mean....COME ON!!!

-I also loved the relationship of CJ and Danny...but they had nothing on Josh and Donna. NOTHING!...that Santa suit was cute though...and the ongoing goldfish themed gifts.

 

Matt and Harriet - Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

Studio 60 may have been short lived, but I was just so grateful that they had time to get Matt and Harriet back together. They were absolutely meant for each other, and yet were too crazy to realise it. They were never together within the show until the end, so we only saw their relationship through flashbacks, but they had a strong connection, right down to Matt's writing better with her around.

Danny and Jordan, Lucy and Tom were also fave Studio 60 couples, but they were not quite as special and Matt and Harriet...close, but not quite.

Chandler and Monica - Friends

I know everybody loves Ross and Rachel....but I never cared much for them. Monica and Chandler were sweet, real, and went together so easily that it never seemed weird for them to be a couple. It was great to watch their relationship grow from a one off hook up, through getting engaged, married and having kids. Plus watching them hide their relationship from the rest of the gang made for some QUALITY tv. They also NEVER really broke up...they were separated by distance a little while, but they pretty much got together and stayed together....how many other tv couples are allowed to do that?! - Not a single other in this list, with the exception of Josh and Donna - Monica and Chandler had 6 years of not being broken up!

Joey and Pacey - Dawson's Creek

Everyone had an opinion on who Joey should be with, Dawson or Pacey. Man was I glad when Pacey won out in the end! Dawson was WAY too whiny. Pacey and Joey clicked and had serious chemistry. I mean who doesn't want a guy to buy them a wall....okay well that's all Joey, but it was really sweet. And the boat!!!!

Sydney and Vaughn - Alias

Syd and Vaughn never faced good odds as a couple...they couldn't even speak in public. But my god was I happy when they finally took down SD6 and had that big smooch amongst all the rubble and mess. Things actually got worse after that, what with Syd disappearing, Vaughn getting married to a double agent...but it all worked out in the end and had cute little Isabelle, and then got out of the spy business to live in a tropical paradise.

Luke and Lorelai - Gilmore Girls

Oh boy...another couple that spent years teasing at a relationship, and nothing. It was clear from the first season that Luke loved Lorelai...and she was pretty keen on him as well. Finally at the end of season 4 they got it together! Season 5 had me almost in tears when they broke up after Emily's meddling...ecstatic when they got back together and got engaged...season 6 saw Luke being an idiot keeping his new daughter separate from his life with Lorelai even after the initial shock period...It only got worse with Lorelai actually MARRYING Christopher, but she quickly realised that wasn't gonna work. The series almost ended without them getting back together, but they ended the series finale together, and we're assuming that they stay together this time.

The great thing about Luke and Lorelai was that he cared for her and for Rory when he had no reason to. He was always there for her...sometimes it was building or fixing things, but mostly it was emotional support...or just a cup of coffee..

Sawyer and Juliet - LOST

Back in the day it was all Sawyer and Kate...things changed quickly when Kate went back to civilisation, and Sawyer and Juliet were stuck in the 70's Dhama initiative. I went from hating Juliet, to loving her, and the two of them could not have been cuter! Juliet's death was one of the saddest in my tv history, but when they brought characters back in the weird alternate world in the finale, it was SOOOO good to see Sawyer and Juliet find each other again.

Carol and Doug - ER

So I was never a 'shipper' for Doug and Carol, but when I was growing up watching ER, I loved the two of them as a couple, and even more when I re-watched it all on dvd. Things were rocky early on, she wouldn't date him in season 1, then he was dating someone else in season 2 and 3....but finally they got together, stayed together, and then he left for Seattle...I was so glad George Clooney came back for Juliana Margulies' final ep...Carol turning up in Seattle was great. When they both came back for an ep in season 15 I was giddy, it was great to know that Carol and Doug were still together 10 years later.

Abby and Carter - ER

Yes ER gets 2 posts, it had 15 seasons and dozens of characters! This is one of 2 couples in this post that didn't actually work out...but I can't help it, I loved Carter and Abby together. Abby had a lot of issues back in the day (okay she always had issues), and Carter was good at helping her through them...till he left to go to Africa...and it was all miserable after that. But I always thought Carter and Abby had better chemistry that Abby and Luca. They were fun, a good mix of sweet and silly. Fave moments include - slashing the tires of her ex-husband's car, him dragging her off to an AA meeting after Mark died, and then there was the time they were in lockdown in the ER for a few weeks. Unfortunately they were doomed. But I really enjoyed them while they lasted.

Jordan and Woody - Crossing Jordan

One of my first serious 'shipper' couple obsessions. Jordan and Woody had potential from the start, had some sweet moments in season 2, season 4 almost saw them get together...then Woody gave her a diamond ring as a birthday present...not a great move. Season 5 saw them finally get together...didn't last long though. They sort of got together in the finale....but it wasn't nearly the high quality ending that the show and the characters deserved. What I always liked about Jordan and Woody, was his ability to call her on her issues, and his dedication to her...he wasn't always just the country bumpkin following her around. He cared, he was invested. Her issues were her problem, always getting in the way, or making her run. Jordan was complicated, but the her relationship with Woody softened her a lot.

Brenda and Dylan - Beverly Hills 90210

I guess a fave couples list would not be complete without mentioning a classic tv couple...unlike Pacey/Joey/Dawson, Brenda/Dylan/Kelly was a triangle that didn't go my way. I always thought Brenda and Dylan understood each other better than anyone else could. Things went really bad when Brenda went to Paris....she should have stayed home...bad Kelly!

Meredith and Derek - Grey's Anatomy

I can't finish this without mentioning Grey's Antomy. But I've never loved any of the Grey's couples. Back in the day Alex and Izzie were my fave couple, but they got annoying and then there was no more Izzie. I used to like Arizona and Callie, but they have broken up and gotten back together so many times I just don't care anymore. I hate all of Christina's relationships.

I would have to say that my fave Grey's couple is Meredith and Derek...its real, has grown over the years into a marriage (albeit by post-it), but they are actually kinda cute...maybe not as important to me as the other couples in this list, but I believe in them, and would hate for them to break up.

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Carlie

Here We Go

So the Glee Super Bowl episode was actually pretty disappointing. It was almost 50 minutes in length, had a few extra songs....but overall wasn't that interesting at all.

I liked that Quinn was all over the ep. Its been a while since they've even used Quinn for much at all.
I liked the Cheerios standing up to Sue and quitting...because she was willing to let Brittany explode out of a cannon.....

I didn't care much for Thriller, although the makeup was cool.
I just didn't care much about the football team, the whole making them join Glee was stupid, but not nearly as stupid as the Glee girls joining the football team to give them enough players....It made not even the slightest bit of sense....I mean Rachel would snapped like a twig!
I don't even know why they bothered having the Warblers in it....Kurt at the game made sense, but the song at the school was unnecessary and didn't fit.

Where the heck was Emma?! Does she even exist anymore?!

I honestly can't even remember 1 song I really liked out of all of them. I didn't hate Rachel and Puck's song, mostly cause I didn't know it.
I don't even know if I care about Sue anymore...she's gotten annoying.
I feel sad that I don't love Glee anymore....it had so much quality and potential in those first 13 eps...before it sold out to popularity and guest stars. -What the heck was Katie Couric doing there?! That was just tacked on and stupid.


On the other side, Mr Sunshine was fresh and entertaining. Although, I must say it was kinda doing my head in. Between all the Studio 60 people, and other people from things....It was a lot to get used too. But it was funny, and not at all terrible. Allison Janney rocks my world. She's crazy and never disappoints! Matthew Perry I'm gonna have to adjust to again, sometimes he just reminds me of Chandler from Friends...or Matt Albie from Studio 60....and I'm gonna have to get over the fact that Andrea Anders is NOT Harriet Hayes (Sarah Paulson). But wouldn't it be great if Sarah could make a cameo appearance someday!
I don't think I could hate the show if I tried.



So moving onto the 2nd episode of Glee for this week. Things were back to normal. The regular ep was much much better in my opinion....if not just for the scene in which Santana had her ass handed to her by Lauren! Definitely a season highlight!
I really enjoyed seeing Santana, Brittany and Quinn in regular clothes...its very rare that we have ever seen Santana and Brittany out of the Cheerios uniform. I like it!

I didn't care much for all the mushy couples stuff, but I guess that's what you get in a Valentine's Day ep. Tina's breaking down in tears during her song to Mike was weird and disturbing. Out of all the songs I only really liked Puck's song, and the Warblers one at the end. Fireworks was okay, but nothing special.

I actually really like the idea of Finn and Quinn getting back together. Mostly cause I just can't stand Sam...he's just annoying. I think that's one of the things I enjoyed most about the regular ep...character development. Even if it was only love interest development...it was something. But I hope they move on next ep to more productive Regionals type progress.

I enjoyed minimal Mr Schue too. Kinda didn't even notice that Sue wasn't there...which was odd..
But seriously...Emma...WHERE ARE YOU?! - She better come back next ep or I'll be PISSED!


Parenthood was pretty heavy this week. Serious drama going on with Sarah's family and Crosby's family. I feel for Crosby, Jasmine really does take control of everything...she needs to learn to let him in...plus he's gotta have a say in his own wedding....if not for the date alone!
I'm on John Corbett overload this week, what with watching season 2 of United States of Tara as well. But it was nice to have a little development in that storyline. It was great to have Drew do something!
Yay Haddie went home...big whoop. She annoys the heck outta me!
Still no Jabbar or Sydney...and Joel and Julia only had 1 tiny tiny scene. Boo. I hope they start doing more with Jules and Joel again soon! -What happened to that 2nd baby idea?

Its been an interesting few days of television...more shows to come in the next few days...yay! I love having my shows back!

It's Christmas Time!

It's that time of year again, when I start pulling out the festive episodes of my favourite TV shows.
I watched Studio 60 back in October or something, so that might have been the first...not counting the Ally McBeal christmas eps. I also caught the Grey's Anatomy Christmas ep a few weeks ago, in my re-viewing of the first 3 seasons.

In the more recent days, I have watched the season 4 Christmas episode of Will and Grace. I watched the season 1 Christmas ep of Friends today, and one of the season 1 Christmas eps from ER.

Other than ER, Friends and The West Wing, there are not that many Christmas eps from my shows. I will skip Gilmore Girls this year, because I am only up to season 5...and I don't need to watch season 1 again, and don't want to skip ahead to season 7 either.

I will spend the rest of my time, watching Christmas movies....or movies that are set around Christmas, and working my way through Grey's and GG.

Maybe after Christmas I can get to that stack of new DVDs that I got for my birthday.
Wish me luck!

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-Carlie

"Reality Has Absolutely No Place in Our World!" -Lorelai Gilmore

So...I'm putting it out there...I do not live in reality.

I prefer living in a world where...
...Studio 60 never ends, just keeps going on and on...with Matt and Harriet staying together
...Josh and Donna really DO live happily ever after, getting married and all....
...Monica, Chandler, and the Gang still hang out and get up to their antics
...Luke and Lorelai stay together and Rory doesn't stay away too long
...County ER is still fixing up people and doing us proud
...Vaughn and Sydney are living happily with the kids...and maybe doing the occasional spy gig
...Jordan and Woody figure it out!
...Delinda actually has her baby.....
...Jack and Karen, Will and Grace still drive each other crazy (in the best possible way)
...Joey and Pacey stick together, and Dawson finally gets a grip!

(There might be more I'm forgetting.....but I'll ignore that for now)


I have lost more shows in the last few years than I've watched shows total in the last few years...which is worrying. I am enjoying picking up some older shows...I mean I knew what I was getting into with The West Wing...but I never in a million years knew I'd love it that much, that I'd miss not having new eps to watch!
But I think Studio 60 is the worst...not to mention poor Delinda stuck in labor-limbo!


Reality TV aint for me! No way, no how!


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Carlie

Catch up

Oops. I've been slack again. -Can't believe I haven't discussed my TV viewage since July!

So...pretty much anything I was watching before is now finished.
-I was right I am screwed for In Plain Sight....I hate having to wait till next year for things!!
-Nurse Jackie was awesome. Definately looking forward to the next season...next year...

I finished Brotherhood for good. Not bad. I felt the last episode sorta wrapped up a few things, it was a nice little ending, while not being an ending too I guess...seeing as there was going to be a 4th season. The last 2 eps were my fave from season 3. I thought season 3 got a bit boring, especially at the start.

Still have 1 ep of NCIS left to get and watch....I just don't care that much...makes me sad.

I finished Freaks and Geeks. Loved it.
Borrowed Arrested Development. Loved it. -Strange strange show...but once I watched enough, I got really into it. -I'm now another fan waiting for a movie!

I also finished the WW ages ago too.....course it almost doesn't feel like it since I've been watching as I go on my computer with editing for the video...

Now I'm watching Pushing Daisies again. I finished season 1 yesterday, and am starting season 2 tomorrow.

I also finished Friends as my, I'm bored and want to watch something I've seen hundreds of times and don't need to pay too much attention to. So now I'm watching Gilmore Girls. And the odd early Friends ep if I only have half an hour.


I think that's all to report for now. Emmy's are in a couple of weeks. YAY! New tv starts back soon. YAY!

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Carlie

What Happened to The TV Viewers?

Did they all suddenly get dumber, and stupid - unable to appreciate good writing, directing, performance and overall creativity???? It feels like it. Maybe they just became jaded.


Over the last few years, ratings keep dropping for new shows. People are just not tuning in for the good stuff. There could be a billion different reasons why shows are not lasting anymore.

I grew up on shows that were institutions. They lasted at least 3 seasons and often went to 5 or more. So what has changed? Is it the audience? The content? Or are the networks just not giving things a go anymore?

I argue it's a bit of all three.



Firstly, I think the popularity of the internet gave people something else to do. It got people away from their televisions. I also think that the introduction and excess of reality programs has really dumbed down the audience. Additionally, those shows are cheaper to make and easier to sell.


There are very very few shows begun after 2002 that really were good! There are always exceptions and we have seen them. In the 20th century somehow there were more shows being given a chance by networks. Nowdays its all about ratings. If something does not rate high straight off the bat, it is doomed. If they had thought that way in the old days, The Brady Bunch and many other iconic shows would never have made it! -Just something to think about.



I think that nowadays the audiences EXPECT new shows to not last. So they are not tuning in in the first place! They would rather wait till it has a good shot, and catch up by watching online or dvd. I find even I think that way. I know what is coming, I know who is in it and sometimes I really really like it (eg. Pushing Daisies, Better Off Ted), and want it to do well, but sometimes even though I want to....I just automatically expect that anything new will not last. (eg. Cupid)

Even with TIVO, people are still not watching the new stuff.
DVD's I think are also to blame. Now people can watch their old faves over and over and over again without having to care about the new stuff that isn't going to last more than a season. Not that there is anything wrong with watching old stuff.....I'm all for it. -You've seen my dvd collection and read my ranting about The West Wing. But its a factor nonetheless.



It really makes me worry about the future of tv. A lot of the BIG shows (in my lifetime) ended from 2004-2006. Today's big shows started around that time...but they are just not quite at the same standard of excellence and consistancy of quality that the old ones were. -Seriously, you cannot argue that season 5 of Grey's Anatomy is as good as season 5 of Friends. (or for a better example the first 12 seasons of ER vs. the last few)
I wonder what will happen when these big shows we have now call it quits. What will the landscape of American television look like when Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, Brothers and Sisters, Heroes, LOST etc. end. I doubt Mad Men will go for more than a few more seasons. Maybe by that time we will be ready to accept some of the old quality back again. Maybe by then we will see some more top shelf stuff make it past season 1, by the likes of J.J Abrams, Aaron Sorkin, Amy Sherman-Palladino, John Wells, the creators of Friends, Will and Grace, and other sitcoms, and any one of other greats I'm sure I've forgotton.


Stay tuned for my next rant.....on the death of the Sitcom!

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Carlie

New Obsession

So it's now August, I have seen the finale of every single show I watch on tv. -I am now going through my tv series on dvd filling in my time. I am almost near the end of Friends, and have just started up on Dawson's Creek again.
I am very excited about September/October. I can't wait for new episodes of the shows I love (that are returning) and am willing to give a few new shows a chance. Even though some of my beloved shows will be sadly missed, I have plently of shows to keep me entertained.
In particular, my new full blown obsession with Grey's Anatomy. It's the Buffy after my Charmed, there is always another show I love waiting in the wings to take over in place of my previous obsessions. Season 3 of Grey's was great, and am I looking forward to the Addison spin-off. I bought season 1 on dvd, and am dying to get season 2 on dvd, but I will not allow myself to spend more than $50 (my limits gone up from $40) on a dvd. Dammed principles!

The calendars for 2008 are coming out soon, and I think I am going to end up with 5 different ones just for my bedroom! There are SO many ones that I'm gonna want! It's going to be a tough choice.


Ooooo. I should also mention my excitment for the fact that Australia is FINALLY getting TIVO! Tivo is awesome. I know that I may not end up getting it...but it's the point that I COULD. Anyhoo very excited.

Also the Emmy's are coming up soon too! yay!


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Carlie