Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Tuesday is IDOL night. The Top 13 will be showing off the talent that brought them there – and Jasmine will be showing off the smile and curves that got her there.  Ah, I’m horrible, it’s not her fault.

For those of you into REAPER you’ve got another new episode tonight. Be sure to let me know how it’s going. And for fans of THE BIGGEST LOSER it seems there is going to be some serious drama tonight if you believe the promos.  A revolt against Jillian…how dare you?

Here’s a little of what I’ll be watching…what about YOU?!

American Idol | 8pm on Fox
The top 13 finalists perform for the first time against each other.  [GMMR: If Allison keeps quiet I think she has a real shot.  She’s the one I’m most excited to see perform tonight.  Also, I’m thinking it might be fun to have some kind of AMERICAN IDOL play along game this season.  What do you think?  Any interest? ]

Reaper | 8pm on The CW
“Dirty Sexy Mongol”
Sam wants to find out how Alan got out of his deal with the devil, but after they are attacked by two demons, Alan disappears; a demon takes an interest in Ben.

The Biggest Loser | 8pm on NBC
The team that wins a 24-hour fitness relay is promised 24 hours of luxury, but some contestants are unable to resist temptation; one contestant has it out with the trainer; one contestant is eliminated.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | 10pm on NBC
“Lead”
A pediatrician found guilty of sexually assaulting four of his patients is murdered; after three years in the witness protection program, Alexandra Cabot returns. [GMMR: According to reports, Mariska Hargitay was ordered to take some time off from the show to recover from a collapsed lung. We wish her nothing but the best and hope for a speedy recovery.]

Joshua Jackson, Taylor Kitsch Among Tomorrow’s Big Screen Stars

Not really a new post by me, but rather a link to an interesting story and video from the New York Times about the small screen stars who will make it big on the big screen. The interview and story, written by Lynn Hirschberg, focuses in on a few of our favorite leading men: Joshua Jackson (Fringe), Taylor Kitsch and Gaius Charles (Friday Night Lights), Eric Dane (Grey’s Anatomy) and Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live).

Read the article here

Watch the video here

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DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES: Crime Doesn’t Pay

Hey everyone! I hope you’ve had a great couple of weeks. Desperate Housewives is back this week after a short winter break and some major developments are getting set into motion.

Katherine and Susan are trying to remain friends even though Katherine has just moved in with Mike. All goes well until Susan spots a painting of a beach from her and Mike’s honeymoon over Katherine’s fireplace. When Susan gives Katherine the back-story on the painting Katherine takes it down. At first, Susan is upset and goes to Mike but she then realizes how hard this situation is on Katherine. In a surprisingly mature act, Susan storms over to Mike’s and insists that he give the painting back. Katherine, of course, is grateful that Susan is backing off of the situation. I was extremely proud of Susan after this. She’s really taken a turn for the better this season. It seems like losing Mike has helped her grow up.

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THE AMAZING RACE: C-H-E-K-H-O-V

You know when you have to be somewhere at a certain time and as you’re driving you hit every single solitary red light along the way? Times that by 100 and I’d imagine it would be the frustration that THE AMAZING RACE teams feel on a daily basis. A million dollars on the line and they get stuck behind a red light. Ugh.

Tonight’s tasks proved challenging for some of the teams. In Siberia, the detour gave the twosomes a choice between stacking logs and building/delivering/installing a window shutter. All the teams started off with the stacking of the wood but when their massive log piles became unstable and collapse some teams opted to go back and complete the other task. Mark & Michael struggled with directions again, and Mel & Mike fell behind trying to work with the brothers.

At the clue box after this task, teams were presented with the first ever “Blind U-Turn”. If a team is given a U-Turn they must go back and successfully complete the other task in the previous Detour before they can move on. In year’s past teams knew exactly who gave them a U-Turn. This often put a target on the back of those giving the U-Turn. But this year, the lack of anonymity helped to keep the team U-Turned guessing. Tonight it was Margie & Luke that U-Turned Amanda & Kris. But Amanda & Kris never suspected them, but rather blamed Kisha & Jen.

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Nathan Fillion Returns to TV in CASTLE

Whedonites all over the world are gearing up to see one of their own return to TV tonight. Nathan Fillion, best known for his role as Mal on FIREFLY and most recently Captain Hammer in Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog, is back on the small screen as the star of ABC’s newest drama, CASTLE, premiering tonight at 10pm on ABC.

Fillion plays Richard Castle, a mystery novelist with a rock star appeal. He’s got the looks, the charm and all the spoils of someone rich, famous and connected. But when he opts to kill off the hero of his books those around him are left wondering what’s next.  The very same question the very bored Castle is asking himself.

But when a killer starts copying the murders from Castle’s novels, the boredom is squelched as the writer is brought in to help police predict the next steps of the copycat killer. Leading up the investigation is Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic), a tough as nails cop that doesn’t take kindly to Castle’s suave approach to life. Together they must work together to solve the cases (and fight a mutual attraction) in order find the killer before the next page is turned.

(Check out the first 15 minutes of tonight’s episode)

I’m a big fan of Nathan Fillion and wanted to instantly love CASTLE.  I didn’t.  And that’s no fault of Nathan Fillion. It seems that he’s the only one that gets the show.  Nathan brings this dark but very fun approach to Richard Castle.  He’s witty and charming and quick on his feet. Fillion brings a humor that helps to set CASTLE apart from other crime procedurals.  But unfortunately it seems like not everyone was on the same page with respect to the approach and tone of the show leaving the audience confused as to what this show is really all about.

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Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Monday, March 9, 2009

If you thought your Monday night schedule was crowded, then things it just got a little worse – that is if you’re a fan of DANCING WITH THE STARS (which I’m not). The dancing divas return to wreak havoc on the ratings. Also premiering on ABC tonight is Nathan Fillion’s CASTLE (which I’ll have more on later today.)

I know I shouldn’t play favorites but I do. Guys we need to do some serious chatting up of CHUCK. NBC hasn’t yet picked up the show for a third season and with DWTS back CHUCK’s ratings are going to take a hit.  Spread the word. Make sure to watch. Please.

Weekend Update with GMMR…
I fell a little behind on my TV blogging this weekend. I’d apologize but it was seriously nice out this weekend in Boston – I’m talking Spring like weather (of course it’s snowing like crazy right now…and you wonder why I want to move to the West Coast).  After the brutal winter we’ve had thus far I really couldn’t stay indoors to blog. You understand, right?  So check back later today on quick reviews of Friday favorites like BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, and maybe DOLLHOUSE.

Ok on to Monday night’s TV extravaganza!

Chuck | 8pm on NBC
“Chuck Versus the Lethal Weapon”
Sarah and Casey go in search of the man behind Fulcrum’s plans to build its own Intersect, leaving Chuck and Agent Barker (Jonathan Cake) in a safety bunker. [GMMR: The promo alone makes me happy.  Schwartz & Fedak said we’d never see Chuck Bartowski with a gun. I guess they changed their minds.]

The Big Bang Theory | 8pm on CBS
“The Terminator Decoupling”
Leonard, Sheldon and Wolowitz are ecstatic to learn that a famous science-fiction actress (Summer Glau) is on board the train they are taking to San Francisco. [GMMR: Tonight’s episode should be fun. To see some sneak peek video clips click here: Summer Glau & George Smoot Guest on THE BIG BANG THEORY.]

House | 8pm on Fox
“The Social Contract”
House and the team treat a patient who speaks his mind uncontrollably; House thinks Taub and Wilson are keeping something from him. [GMMR: Welcome back, House. We missed you!]

Dancing with the Stars 8pm on ABC | 2-hour Season Premiere
Celebrities Belinda Carlisle, David Alan Grier, Shawn Johnson, Lil’ Kim, Gilles Marini, Ty Murray, Steve-O, Denise Richards, Lawrence Taylor, Chuck Wicks, and Steve Wozniak partner with dance professionals to compete. [GMMR: They try to lure me in by adding more SYTYCDancers but I’m not following for it. I won’t be watching. That being said, two new dancers will be joining tonight to replace Jewel & Nancy O’Dell who have already been injured – wimps. Supposedly Melissa from THE BACHELOR is one, and there are rumors of an ex-playmate in the other spot. ]

How I Met Your Mother | 8:30pm on CBS
“Sorry, Bro.”
Marshall and Lily are less than thrilled when they hear that Ted’s college girlfriend (Laura Prepon) has moved to New York. [GMMR: From what I’ve heard tonight is pretty damn funny.  Any time we get to see College!Ted and that hair it’s a good thing.]

Heroes | 9pm on NBC
“Shades of Gray”
Sylar’s reunion with his long-lost father (John Glover) is not what he expected; Claire gets a tip from Rebel and must decide whether to help her sworn enemy (David Lawrence XVII) evade capture; Matt finds himself in the spotlight. [GMMR: HEROES has officially lost me again.  I tried. I did. But I found it painful.]

24 | 8pm on Fox
“Day 7: 8:00PM – 9:00PM”
President Taylor is faced with a compounding foreign-policy dilemma; Jack takes charge as a threat develops stateside.

Castle | 10pm on ABC | Season Premiere
“Flowers For Your Grave”
Mystery novelist Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) works with New York police to find a real-world killer who is modeling his crimes after scenes from Castle’s novels. [GMMR: More on CASTLE later today. Glad to have Nathan Fillion on my TV every week. Eye candy!]

Medium | 10pm on NBC
“Apocalypse…Now?”
Allison becomes preoccupied with preparing for the end of civilization after an earthquake follows an apocryphal dream; an upperclassman seeks out Ariel for help with geometry, then asks her out.

Also playing…

• The Secret Life of the American Teenager | 8pm on ABC Family: Adrian and Grace plan Amy’s baby shower; Jack and Grace share a moment.

• Two and a Half Men | 9pm on CBS: When Charlie swears his love to Chelsea (Jennifer Taylor), her response is nothing like what he’d expected.

• Kyle XY | 9pm on ABC Family: Jessi is dismayed when Kyle invites Cassidy over for dinner.

• Rules of Engagement | 9:30pm on CBS: Russell discovers that having a male assistant can be beneficial; Audrey makes a bet that she can commit to finishing a project.

• CSI: Miami | 10pm on CBS: The CSI team makes a shocking discovery about its murder victim; Horatio tries to save his son from Julia’s erratic behavior.

All this and GOSSIP GIRL and ONE TREE HILL haven’t come back yet. YIKES! What does YOUR TV lineup look like tonight?

Summer Glau & George Smoot Guest on THE BIG BANG THEORY

Summer Glau, star of TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES and goddess to geeks everywhere,  guests on tonight’s THE BIG BANG THEORY. But she isn’t the only big name on the show tonight. Are you ready for George Smoot? Are you?!

What you don’t know who George Smoot is? The Smooter? He’s only an American astrophysicist, cosmologist and Nobel Prize in Physics laureate whose work on COBE with John C. Mather led to the measurement “…of the black body form and anisotropy of the cosmic microwave background radiation.” The very work that helped cement the big-bang theory of the universe using the Cosmic Background Explorer Satellite (COBE)*. How did you not know that? Geesh.

It’s true, the originator of the real big bang theory will be guesting on THE BIG BANG THEORY tonight.  What a conundrum for the guys – a geek goddess vs. a geek god.

Here’s a few scene’s from tonight’s episode along with a featurette on George Smoot’s appearance.

More clips after the jump…
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The Rock Obama and Other SNL Highlights

Dwayne Johnson isn’t new SNL and his comfort level was apparent throughout this rather funny episode.  His self-deprecating opening monologue was hysterical – and he can sing. WOW, that man is ripped. Even in silly skits like Hawaiian Hotel he brought just enough extra to make it very funny. But my favorite skit of all had to be The Rock Obama.

Check it out…

A few of my favorite SNL moments and the two songs from the brilliant Ray LaMontagne from this week can be found after the jump.

The Rock Obama

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Tonight’s TV Spotlight – Apatow Edition…March 7, 2009

Saturday night is movie night! Well, at least by default since our regular primetime shows have the night off.  So for tonight’s TV spotlight I’ve decided to focus on a true visionary, a voice for our generation. A man whose movies have inspired us to find our inner McLovin, to empathsize with Katherine Heigl, and to be ok with seeing Jason Segel’s penis over and over again.  Tonight is all about The Apatow.

Of course as these fine flicks are on cable, not everyone will be able to watch them.  But perhaps a little run to Blockbuster is all that’s stopping you from watching along sans paid cable.  (Wait, does Blockbuster even exist anymore?)

Superbad | 8pm on Encore
Michael Cera and Jonah Hill star in this comedy about  two co-dependent high-school seniors who hope to score booze and babes at a party all while dealing with their impending separation at college. [GMMR: Great flick. You can never go wrong with McLovin.]

Knocked Up | 8:30pm on HBO Signature
A rising entertainment journalist and an irresponsible slacker ponder their future after a boozy one-night stand results in a pregnancy. [GMMR: The movie that put Seth Rogan on the map and let Katherine Heigl believe that we actually liked her as a leading lady.  We don’t. This was an Apatow movie – it would have worked with anyone in her role.  Sorry, I’m a little anti-Izzie Stevens these days.]

Forgetting Sarah Marshall | 10pm on Cinemax
In Hawaii struggling to get over a bad breakup, a musician (Jason Segel) encounters his former lover  (Kristne Bell) and her new boyfriend (Rusell Brand). [GMMR: I love this movie! You’ve got Kristen Bell – and normally that alone would be worth the viewing, but then there’s Jason Segel and his aforementioned penis, the U.S. introduction of Russell Brand, the Muppets theme song and singing vampire puppets.  Oh and Jason Segel naked.]

For more on the Apatow crew and other new comedy legends like Jason Batemen, Amy Poehler, Will Arnett and others, check out the latest issue of Vanity Fair.  And click here for some inspiring pictures from inside the magazine.

Knocked Up | 8:30pm on HBO Signature

A rising entertainment journalist and an irresponsible slacker ponder their future after a boozy one-night stand results in a pregnancy.

Superbad | 8pm on Encore

Separation anxiety poses a problem for two co-dependent high-school seniors who hope to score booze and babes at a party.

GOSSIP GIRL Spoilers – Guess Who?

It takes a lot to rattle Chuck Bass.  So just who or what is leaving our little Chuck Bass so perplexed?

Find out after the jump…

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30 ROCK: Goodbye, My Friend

Judah Friedlander was just on the cover of Time Out New York’s “Date These New Yorkers” issue, and I would’ve been more eager to respond if he’d looked more like Lawyer Frank and less like Actual Frank. Because I’m shallow that way, and the real Judah Friedlander is obviously a cutie pie. The problem is that Lawyer Frank isn’t quite Our Frank, is he? Wearer of message hats and eater of anything; he’s Patti LuPone’s little mama’s boy, who wants to go back to school and become a lawyer to screw over a father he barely remembers.

Or does he? Turns out his long-lost dream fits Jack better than it does Frank, and sets the two of them on a sweet journey into father/son territory, which is also father/woodland ape territory thanks to a late-night screening of the surprisingly nuanced “Harry and the Hendersons.” (Jack: “This morning it hit me in the shower why the Hendersons named their guest ‘Harry.’ That film has layers.”) And the prospect of a lonely Jack joining four emotionally stunted nerds for dinner at a Ninja-staffed restaurant and a crappy movie was a good one; I only wish they’d taken it further and given Josh more than one line. Also, having never seen “Harry and the Hendersons,” the emotional climax of the storyline was kind of lost on me, and in any case felt rushed and too easily resolved. But I like seeing Jack’s personal mentoring list continue to grow (with Liz, Kenneth, Pete, Tracy, and now Frank), and watching Patti LuPone as Frank’s feisty Italian mother slap Alec Baldwin not once but twice across the face was reason enough for the whole plot. (“You want me to paint you a picture? ‘Cuz I did!”)

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THE OFFICE: Blood Drive

In the spirit of Bob and Phyllis Vance, this week’s review of THE OFFICE is going to be a quickie.

I was a bit bewildered why NBC would run a bunch of reruns during the month of February and hold back its Valentine’s Day episode until March. I know that March sweeps started last night but with THE OFFICE’s extended episode order you would have thought they could have planned this better. Oh well. As a single gal I love having two Valentine’s Day.  No really, it’s awesome.

There was an underlying pathos to last night episode that united most of the Dunder Mifflin’s single employees. If you weren’t feeling bad enough for being without a special someone, leave it to Michael Scott to make you feel worse. Still reeling from his break up with Holly, Michael goes overboard to find a woman that he met while donating blood in the annual Scranton Business Park blood drive. Classic Michael Scott – he takes a nice, pleasant exchange with a woman and builds into something it’s not. He’s a romantic at heart and desperately alone – not a good combination. But I will say this about Michael.  I don’t know if it was because of his relationship with Holly or not, but he was more reserved than he has been in the past.  Need I remind you of his search for the ‘Chair Model’ (R.I.P.)

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Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Friday, March 6, 2009

As much as I always talk about how I love Friday night TV, I have a confession to make.  I hardly ever watch Friday night TV on Friday night. Nope, it’s all about waking up early on Saturday morning (I’m wide awake at 6am on Saturdays…not by choice) and watching my shows from the night before.  It’s my special little treat.

Although I’ve seen the whole season, I’m especially excited for FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. If you’re a Street and or a Riggins fan, tonight it a very special episode.

My DVR is set…is yours?

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles | 8pm on Fox
“Ourselves Alone”
Cameron’s glitch resurfaces, resulting in unfortunate consequences for everyone; Riley is afraid that Cameron has discovered her secret.

Friday Night Lights | 9pm on NBC
“New York New York”
In hopes of getting his family back, Jason follows a job opportunity to New York; Tyra is torn between following Cash on his rodeo tour and her college dream; Tami tries to talk Coach Taylor into buying a new house. [GMMR: Tonight’s episode is one of my favorites all season. I triple dog dare you not to cry.]

Dollhouse | 9pm on Fox
“Gray Hour”
Echo becomes a safecracker so she can perform a dangerous art heist; Ballard challenges Lubov; Adelle makes a shocking confession.

Battlestar Galactica | 10pm on Sci Fi
“Islanded in a Stream of Stars”
While Sharon and Helo copes with the abduction of Hera, Galactica’s damages overwhelm the crew’s repair efforts. [GMMR: I’m already excited!]

Also Playing…

• Ghost Whisperer | 8pm on CBS: Melinda’s relationship with Sam is in limbo after she shares some devastating news about his identity with him.

• Flashpoint | 9pm on CBS: The SRU is called to what appears to be a home invasion turned into a standoff, but team members soon realize the hostage-taker is no stranger to the family

• 20/20 | 9pm on ABC: Entertainers Siegfried and Roy perform at the Power of Love charity gala to benefit the Lou Ruvo Brain institute; the duo talk about their career and Roy’s recovery after a tiger attack.

• Numb3rs | 10pm on CBS: The team’s investigation into the death of an innovative scientist takes an unusual turn; Charlie considers an enticing job offer.

What will YOU be watching?

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