Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Hey GMMRers! Happy Tuesday. Just wanted to check in to say Hi. GMMR will still be somewhat quiet over the next few days as I continue to recover from my back surgery, but not all is completely dark. We’ll have a few updates so keep checking back.

Tonight’s TV is a mix of new episode an holiday specials. BETTER OFF TED returns tonight. If you like THE OFFICE and ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT you might want to give the show a shot as it has the same sensibility. And if you haven’t already entered out BETTER OF TED S1 DVD Contest, then get on it.

For THE BIGGEST LOSER fans, tonight’s the night. See who wins the big prize!

Tonight the Top 8 dancers compete on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. I’m especially excited to watch tonight as I’m getting together with our friends from the Woo whom we watched all of S5 with (SYTYCD podcast listeners know Heather, Whit and Jess well). I haven’t been out of the house much over the past few months so it’s going to be awesome to see my friends!

On to tonight’s TV! What will YOU be watching?

So You Think You Can Dance | 8pm on Fox
“Top 8 Perform”
The remaining 8 dancers compete for your votes. [GMMR: Am I the only one that feels this season is flying by? The beginning dragged so much but after tomorrow we'll know who are top 6 are. Crazy! I have some spoilers for tonight's show so I'll try to post them if I can.]

The Biggest Loser | 8pm on NBC
“Season Finale”
The third finalist is announced; the eliminated contestants compete for the $100,000 at-home prize; the “Biggest Loser” is announced.

Scrubs | 9pm on ABC
“Our Role Models”
J.D. and Drew learn a tough lesson in mentoring when Dr. Cox and Lucy show them that the student is sometimes the teacher.

Better Off Ted | 9:30pm on ABC | Season Premiere
“Love Blurts”
Veridian Dynamics tries to match employees based on their genetic compatibility; Linda and Ted find themselves instantly attracted to their supposed matches.

(More of tonight’s TV spotlight after the jump)

Read more

TOP CHEF: And Then There Were Three

 

Guys, I apologize for the delay on this one. I started feeling sick on Friday, and believe it or not, it WASN’T because Michael Voltaggio is still around. But of course, that didn’t help.

The final four headed to Napa Valley and had their Quickfire Challenge on the train, which I have to say, even as a non-wine person, looked like a really fun thing to do someday—gorgeous views and the train and station were SO quaint. And then the picturesque scene was ruined by Michael Chiarello, who you may remember from Top Chef Masters. I wasn’t a fan of him now, and I still wasn’t this time around. I mean, first of all, I really didn’t think he should be giving Bryan a hard time for using concord grapes when they were provided to him. Secondly, I really wanted Jen to win that car, especially when I heard about her little old Cavalier (and, truth be told, I had been accidentally spoiled on who was eliminated, so I wanted her to get SOMETHING), and adding insult to injury, he picked MICHAEL to win. I was SO mad.

I actually really liked this elimination challenge, and again, even as a non-wine person, the harvest party looked really fun and was totally beautiful. I’m kind of over the catering challenges and I’m ready for the finale, which is usually just the chefs cooking a meal, not necessarily for one person, but certainly not for 150, either. But I did like the meat and vegetarian requirements, and I was shocked that no one had anything negative to say about Kevin’s vegetarian dish—there’s ALWAYS something negative to say. Plus, especially after the Natalie Portman challenge, it was nice to see them using eggs and cheese in their vegetarian dishes since I always think of that as fair game unless you’re talking vegans.

Read more

About Last Night…THE OFFICE, FRINGE, 30 ROCK, PARKS & REC and more…

I’m so jealous. While all of you got to enjoy Thursday night TV, I had to go to bed early. I’m writing this from the past. It’s Thursday night around 8pm and I’m going to bed (early surgery in the morning for those of you who don’t frequent GMMR regularly). So I had to miss all my favorite Thursday night shows. But, I’m hoping that YOU can fill the comments with YOUR recaps, reviews, or general comments about the shows you watched tonight, er, last night…Thursday! I can’t bring my laptop into the hospital, but I sure as hell can read your comments on my handy dandy iPhone.

Comment away. Give me the scoop on your Thursday night must see TV shows: THE OFFICE, 30 ROCK, COMMUNITY, FRINGE, PARKS AND REC, PRIVATE PRACTICE, SURVIVOR, FLASH FORWARD or any other show you watched last night! (Except for BONES. We’re already talking BONES here.) It’s your turn to be the critic, so have at it my fellow TV loving friends.

The comments are open…

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Friday, December 4, 2009

Hey GMMRers! Happy Friday. Well I’m lying, it’s Thursday night as I’m typing this, but let’s pretend it’s Friday ok. There’s a few shows for you to check out tonight. The series finale of MONK airs at 9pm on USA so if you’re a fan, enjoy your finale show. And if you’re a DOLLHOUSE fan, enjoy the last bunch of episodes leading up to the series finale in January.  If you’re not a fan of either, just switch over to USA at 10pm and enjoy a new episode of WHITE COLLAR, that’s always a good time.

Those show and more are on your TV tonight.  Here are the highlights from tonight’s schedule.

Dollhouse | 8pm on Fox
“The Public Eye”; “The Left Hand”
Echo tries to stop Sen. Daniel Perrin from revealing the Dollhouse’s secrets; Topher and Adelle meet up with a programmer who has a connection to Echo; Echo and Bennett have a shocking reunion; Topher must involve Victor in his espionage.

Ugly Betty | 9pm on ABC
“The Bahamas Triangle”
Betty, Matt and Amanda’s love triangle explodes in the Bahamas; Betty has a terrible photo shoot; Wilhelmina discovers her nemesis has landed a coveted job.

Monk | 9pm on USA | Series Finale
“Mr. Monk and the End Part I”
In the show’s series finale, on the verge of death after being poisoned, Monk tries to learn the truth about his wife Trudy’s death while pursuing her killer.

Read more

Today’s the Day….

Hey GMMRers. Kath here. Just wanted to let you know that the site may be a tad bit quiet over the next few days. I’m heading in for back surgery on Friday morning, and although if all goes well I’ll be discharged on Saturday afternoon, it might be a little while until I’m feeling ok enough to blog. But that doesn’t mean YOU can’t talk about your favorite shows. Tomorrow morning I’ll open a post so that you can talk about your favorite Thursday night shows including THE OFFICE, 30 ROCK, COMMUNITY and more.

But that’s not all! Just because I’m not physically here doesn’t mean I can’t give away free stuff. Yup, we’ll have a new giveaway launching later on today, so check back later today to find out how to enter.

I’ll probably be back on Twitter before GMMR so follow my latest updates on Twitter @GMMRTV. (If you see any tweets Friday or Saturday that seem a little off, I reserve the right to blame it on the pain meds.)

Bye!

Monk | 9pm on USA

Series Finale: In the show’s series finale, on the verge of death after being poisoned, Monk tries to learn the truth about his wife Trudy’s death while pursuing her killer.

BONES: The Gamer in the Grease

First things first, BONES fans – Don’t forget about our live chat during next week’s episode. Be sure to check back in with GMMR for the link. I’ll post it on twitter, too. YAY!

Secondly…AAAHHH! The body. Ugh! I was just saying the other day that they haven’t been that gross this year (exception: Boot), certainly nothing like last year, but you guys, yuck. But then, I guess the BONES writers know how to balance, because as disgusting as the corpse was…well, one word: Hodgins. Two more words: Not disgusting.

Did any of y’all ever work in fast food? I totally rocked the front counter of an Arby’s for my high school and college days, and I just know exactly what a grease pit smells like, you know? So gross. So seeing that body in the grease was visual and olfactory.

The CASE:

A man’s body is found in a grease pit. He has stab wounds and indications that he was beaten, but those aren’t what killed him. His lungs were filled with grease, indicating that he drowned. Brennan, Cam and Fisher look for occupational markers, and using his sloping shoulder and the bite marks on his leg, they come to the conclusion that their victim was a mail carrier. Booth identifies the victim as Steve Rifton, a 26 year old mailman (and compliments Brennan in the process). Steve’s wife tells Booth and Brennan that he was the reigning world champion of Punky Pong. Suspects in the murder include the former reigning champion “Bill”, “Deandra”, the current contestant for the highest score, as well as a man on Steve’s regular mail route. The man was disturbed by the way Steve often looked at his son, the autistic Dougie. When it turned out that Steve was just interested in watching the Punky Play game Dougie was playing, the dad felt remorse. And in the end, it turns out that this murder was more about family than games. BONES has been leaving these cases with some ambiguous endings. We know the murderer was Dougie’s dad, of course, but what was his sentence? I’m not sure the writers care. They just want the heart.

Read more

The League of Extraordinary Dancers (LXD) – Watch & Be Amazed

Having first seen The League of Extraordinary Dancers on last night’s SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, I was completely blown away by their spectacular performance. It was breathtaking. This morning I went online to learn more about their upcoming web series. The official LXD website doesn’t offer much information, but the two trailers featured on their website have me drooling in anticipation of the series.

These stories told through dance look amazing. And expect to see a few familiar faces. SYTYCD’s own Lil C is part of LXD. He even took to the stage during SYTYCD last night. And the routine performed on the show was choreographed by another member of the LXD and Fox family – Harry Shum – who many of you know as Mike Chang of GLEE.

Check out LXD’s performance on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE last night, and then keep reading to see the two trailers for the upcoming webseries.

Read more

GLEE: Mattress

I don’t know about you but I was completely exhausted after lat night’s episode of GLEE.  Perhaps it was all that jumping around on the mattresses, or maybe I was emotionally exhausted from the knockout fight between the Schuesters. Quick – get me a yearbook to deface so I can perk up again!

GLEE is one of the more difficult shows to cover. There are so many different storylines packed into each episode that it’s hard to know where to begin. There’s that, and the fact that the show doesn’t excel on continuity of storyline from week to week.  For instance, I thought the GLEE kids were finally proud to be in the club. They made friends. Fought for each other.  And now Captain Rachel tells me (as she addresses her minions) that the Gleekers are idly waiting by for Mr. Figgins to cancel the whole club.  Well, which is it? Do they want in or not? I’m confused. Doesn’t McKinley High have some band geeks or at least an A/V Club that the football jocks (at least those not in Glee) could throw slushies at? The Gleekers need a break.

Speaking of a break – the kids got a huge break when Rachel, in her first duty as newly elected Captain, landed New Directions in a local mattress commercial.  The arrangement of “Jump” was crazy fun. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have the urge to go jump on my bed last night. And those mattress must have been quite springy. Good thing they were soft, because prego Quinn Fabray was doing some crazy gymnastics. Can someone please sit her down and talk about the do’s and don’t's of pregnancy?

Read more

Tonight’s TV Spotlight…Thursday, December 3, 2009

I love when Thursdays sneak up on me. We’ve got a great night of TV ahead of us.  But it’s strange. Although I didn’t watch either before this season, Thursdays just don’t feel complete without THE VAMPIRE DIARIES and SUPERNATURAL (although both are repeats, if you need a brotherly fix). Can’t wait until January 21st for them to come back.

Speaking of coming back, FRINGE returns with all new episodes tonight.  I’ll never forgive myself for being out of work for a month and a half now and still not making the time to watch FRINGE. Well, I still have at least a few weeks before I’m back so maybe, just maybe, I’ll catch up on the show. No promises.

Of course, NBC has all the great comedies tonight.  I haven’t seen tonight’s THE OFFICE, but the episode synopsis alone sounds like it’s ripe with all kinds of awkwardness – just how I like my OFFICE. And if you’re a PRIVATE PRACTICE fan then you’re in for a treat as the show is a special 2 hours tonight. That’s lots of Taye Diggs my friends.

And what MTV show airing tonight has me giddy with excitement? Read on!

Here’s a look at highlights from tonight’s TV lineup. What shows are you most looking forward to tonight?

Flash Forward | 8pm on ABC
“A561984″
Demetri and Mark disregard Wedeck’s orders and pursue a woman claiming to have details of Demetri’s fate; Zoey learns the meaning of her flashforward.

Survivor: Samoa | 8pm on CBS
“Off With Their Heads”
The castaways bid on items that include food and an immunity idol. For immunity, the players take part in an endurance challenge. Also: Shambo dreams that Dave gets voted out; and Russell attempts to get Dave on his side.

Bones | 8pm on CBS
“The Gamer in the Grease”
The remains of a competitive gamer are found in a grease truck; Sweets, Hodgins and Jeffersonian intern Colin camp out for tickets to a movie premiere. [GMMR: If you follow me on Twitter, then you might know that I've been watching BONES almost every night. No, not on a mad dash to catch up. More like I have to watch whatever the folks do. But here in Boston the reruns are on at 7pm, just about the time we sit for dinner.  And may I just say that eating dinner and watching BONES just don't go together. Yuck. Oh, and before I forget - next week we are having a LIVE BONES chat during the show. Mark your calendars.]

Community | 8:00pm on NBC
“The Politics of Human Sexuality”
Britta challenges Jeff to find a date for a night out with Pierce and his new girlfriend. Elsewhere, Annie learns about human anatomy in preparation for her health-fair presentation.

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

Read more

HOUSE: Wilson

No matter how hard I tried to be objective, my experience watching House this week was undeniably influenced by my chat with Robert Sean Leonard. As the “Wilson” episode unfolded, I flashed back to Mr. Leonard’s observations about his character, his work ethic, and the irreverent nature of Wilson’s bond with House.

As a little experiment, this recap will be woven around some of the most notable quotes from that conference call. My hope is that this change in format will be as enjoyable to read as the “Wilson” episode was for me to watch.

“You know, I’m the Carlton the Doorman of my show. I’m not the most ambitious guy. I like playing the best friend. It’s good to be the lead of a show for a week, but I wouldn’t spread it all around too much. I like my role the way it is.”

It was compelling to watch Wilson take center stage at Princeton Plainsboro. The Oncology department is a vastly different animal than the clinic or the ICU, and I was impressed with how well director Lesli Linka Glatter introduced the nuances of Wilson’s everyday routine. From the playful banter with his assistant to a distinctively different bedside manner from his best friend, Wilson’s work environment reflected someone with a sense of structure and an aversion to risk.

“Josh Malina, this great guy… is the patient, and he’s an old friend of mine, and he gets into some trouble and I have some moral decisions to make throughout the show, and yep, it’s a personal case for me.”

I am an unabashed fan of Josh Malina, since he was responsible for shaping one of my all-time favorite TV characters. As Jeremy Goodwin, the earnest associate producer on “Sports Night“, Malina provided hope to nerds like me that we could succeed at our jobs and still get the girl of our dreams.

As Tucker, a man who is grateful to those who saved his life but ungrateful to the family who sustained him, Malina exhibited significant depth. Rather than pigeonhole Tucker as a “self-important jerk,” as House described him, Malina took writer David Foster’s script and injected genuine conflict. After a cluster of episodes that went over-the-top in facilitating Cameron’s departure, this story was a nice way to bring the conversation down to a hushed tone. When Tucker explained that, “The person you want when you’re dying isn’t the same as the person you want when you’re living,” I actually paused the DVR to consider the legitimacy of that assertion. Though I would like to believe that I would behave differently under the circumstances, I welcomed a line of dialogue that provoked such a genuinely emotional response.

Read more

Who Went Home on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE?

Stay tuned to find out which guys and which girls will be dancing for their lives and who will be going home tonight.

Any early predictions? I’m thinking it might be Nathan and Noelle leaving us tonight. Just going with my gut.

Nothing like a little Billy Joel to kick off SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE tonight.  Or should I say the Jakob Karr show? Seriously, I love the boy but could the camera be on him more? And how about Ryan and Ashleigh making out on stage?  There certainly was a lot to check out during Tyce Diorio’s opening number.

The judges can’t save anyone. The votes are in and the guy and girl going home tonight has already been decided. But who will it be?
Read more

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE: Top 10 Performances

Tonight the Top 10 are switching up partners and performing two routines in addition to a solo for each dancer. From what I’ve heard there are a few special moments in tonight’s competition. I for one am looking forward to it.

As always, I blog along as I watch. Feel free to use the comments to join in on the conversation.

If you are on the East Coast and recording SYTYCD tonight, you might want to adjust the end time as the Presidential address is running long, but only by 6 minutes. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want the Fox analyst to sign off from the address by saying…and now, So You Think You Can Dance.

Ok so let’s get things started tonight.  This is the first episode where America decides who goes home. The judges share their critique but it’s all about the votes.

The first couple up tonight is…

Read more

FX Announces Midseason Schedule, Premiere Dates for DAMAGES, NIP/TUCK and More

FX just released the premiere dates for their midseason schedule which includes hits like DAMAGES and the final season of NIP/TUCK as well as some new shows to keep an eye out for.

• Final Season of Nip/Tuck Begins on Wednesday, Jan. 6
• New Animated Comedy Series Archer Debuts on Thursday, Jan. 14
• Damages Returns on Monday, Jan. 25
• New Drama Justified Starring Timothy Olyphant Premieres in March
• New Comedy Louie Slated for Spring Launch

More about FX’s midseason shows after the jump.
Read more

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Spoilers – Top 10

Want to know who got paired with who and what genre they’ll perform tonight? Keep on reading to find out. We’ve been briefed by our source, who was in the audience, as to the stand out performances, but I think I’ll let you determine that for yourself tonight.

Tonight the top 10 get paired with new partners to perform two routines each as well as a solo by each of the ten remaining dancers.

SYTYCD Top 10 spoilers after the jump.
Read more

« Previous Page — Next Page »