Entries from September 2009

Law & Order: SVU Sneak Peek

September 18th, 2009

The dedicated detectives are back! Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni, along with their great supporting cast are back to solve some SVU crimes.

Here is a sneak peek of the season premiere:

And here is a behind-the-scenes video with the cast:

Law and Order: SVU premieres Wednesday September 23rd at 9 pm on NBC. Don’t forget to tune in!

ADVANCE REVIEW: Parks And Recreation Premiere (+1)

September 16th, 2009

Let me start off this post off by saying, I adore Amy Poehler. She was a genius on SNL, and I was incredibly sad to see her go. The first season of Parks and Recreation (if the small run is technically called a season) was decent, but it seemed to all be about “the pit.” I was hoping that they could branch out from the pit and just focus on the characters, and I am absolutely delighted to say that they did just that.

The premiere episode (titled Pawnee Zoo) has a hilarious cold open, which I posted on the site last week. The rest of the episode is just as amazing. It centers around the Pawnee Zoo, a marriage ceremony for 2 penguins, and the trouble Leslie gets herself into just by opening her mouth. There’s even a rendition of Poker Face, and a scene in a gay bar. I don’t want to spoil too much, but I will say that this is Poehler at her prime. I’ve seen her in many improv shows, and she is best just being herself (even though her character work is brilliant). I felt that she shined through in this premiere episode, and I was laughing the entire time. The supporting cast was also fantastic, and I have very high hopes for this season.

The second episode (titled The Stakeout) centers around Leslie and Tom (Aziz Ansari) tending to the new community garden inside the pit. They soon discover someone has planted marijuana amidst the vegetables and go on a stakeout to find who is the culprit. Meanwhile, Ann (the lovely Rashida Jones) goes out on a date with Mark (Paul Schneider) with Leslie’s permission. This episode was also brilliantly written and kept up the pace from the premiere. I thought each storyline came together very well, and I really found myself enjoying the episode. Louis CK also guest stars!

I thought this show might have been one of those that built up on my DVR until I got a chance to watch it. But, I am pleased to say that this will be on my “must watch” list. Thursday night on NBC is really proving its return to glory with 30 Rock, The Office, Parks and Recreation and Community. I don’t care if they aren’t the number 1 network, this is certainly a number 1 lineup.

ADVANCE REVIEW: Season 6 Premiere of The Office

September 16th, 2009

I have expressed my undying love for many shows on this site, but since The Office hasn’t been around since May, I’m not sure I have gotten the chance to share this obsession. I thought last season was fantastic, but like anything, it had its ups and downs. The premiere had the best Jim and Pam moment of the entire series, and in my opinion, this season premiere had one of the best moments too (I won’t spoil, don’t worry).

The title of this episode is “Gossip” and it centers around office rumors and Michael’s antics. In addition, we meet the summer interns and learn about Andy’s (Ed Helms) sexuality. I was just so excited to have the show back, that Michael could have read the phone book and I would have found it to be fantastic. However, it was hilarious (of course), and it is definitely a great start to the season.

You might just find yourself yelling “parkour!” in celebration. The Office’s 6th season premiere is TONIGHT at 9 pm on NBC. Be sure to tune in!

Preview Of New TNT Show: Men Of A Certain Age

September 15th, 2009

TNT just sent along a trailer for their new show Men Of A Certain Age which premieres in December and stars Ray Romano, Scott Bakula and Andre Braugher. Sounds like an all-star cast to me, and I am looking forward to checking it out.

Here is a little description of the show:

Men Of A Certain Age explores the unique bonds of male friendship among three men experiencing the changes and challenges of mid-life. They have been best friends since college, but now in their 40s, they are beginning to realize things didn’t exactly turned out the way any of them planned. Joe (Romano) is a friendly, slightly neurotic, divorced father of two who had dreams of being a professional golfer. Now he owns and runs a party store. Owen (Braugher) is an overstressed husband and father of three who endures constant criticism from his father, for whom he works as a car salesman. And Terry (Bakula) is a laid-back, handsome actor who seems to breeze through life (and women), while also continuing to hang his entire acting career on a commercial he did years earlier.

Here is the trailer:

REVIEW: Gossip Girl Season Premiere: "Reversals of Fortune"

September 15th, 2009

I had high expectations for the premiere of Gossip Girl. With the CW’s “WTF: Watch This Fall” campaign, and what I thought was a fairly weak 2nd season, I was hoping they would turn it around. The season premiere (appropriately titled “Reversals of Fortune”) was pretty solid. The crew was winding down their summer in the Hamptons, and each had a different and dramatic summer. Nate ended up in a “relationship” with the daughter of his family’s arch rival (Bree played by the lovely Joanna Garcia). Blair and Chuck were still together and up to some (ahem) games…and making out. Lily was noticeably absent, supposedly taking care of her sick mother. However, I’m fairly certain it was because of actress Kelly Rutherford’s pregnancy. Dan, Jenny and Eric were enjoying the good (and rich) life. And Serena was up to her old Serena ways. She was in Europe partying it up with Carter Basin, but was actually trying to find her father. One can only assume the reason behind the paparazzi was to make sure her dad saw her all over the internet.

I thought each story set up the season very well. Nate, Serena, Blair and Chuck are all out of high school. I likedseeing Chuck finally settle down with Blair, even though I hope he doesn’t change his ways too much. I could have done without the Serena drama. I thought the most compelling part of her storyline came at the end when we found out she was looking for her father, but I didn’t really care about the rest. I am curious to see where the storyline with Rufus and Lily’s son Scott goes. Obviously, Vanessa (who is sort of dating him now) is going to find out but I hope it is in spectacular Gossip Girl fashion. Also, the bitch is back!! Georgina!! I love Michelle Trachtenberg, and I’m glad she is back on the show.

There is a lot to look forward to this season, and the premiere definitely kept me interested. But where’s Nellie Yuki?!

ADVANCE REVIEW: Biggest Loser Season 8 Premiere

September 14th, 2009

Each year, The Biggest Loser continues to amaze me. It’s something about watching people transform their lives that really gets me. And Bob and Jillian are amazing contestant ass-kicking machines. I love them so much! The theme of the 8th season is second chances, and some of the contestants will truly melt your heart. There is the biggest contestant in Biggest Loser history (even if they outdo themselves every year), a firefighter whose job is at risk, Daniel (back from last season!), and many amazing others.

Here is a first look at the contestants:

  • Sean Algaier: Youth Pastor, 29
  • Amanda Arlauskas: Patient Care Technician, 19 (remember the girl from last season’s finale who got voted onto the show? I love her!)
  • Danny Cahill: Land Surveyor/Musician, 39
  • Mozziz “Coach Mo” Dewalt: Youth Mentor, 56 (he’s pretty great)
  • Antoine Dove: Health Insurance Agent, 23
  • Julio Gomez: Mortgage Loan Officer, 40
  • Dina Mercado: Custodian, 28
  • Rebecca Meyer: Student/Nanny, 25
  • Rudy Pauls: Engineer, 31
  • Abby Rike: Teacher, 35 (She lost her husband and two children in a car crash. Her story is incredibly compelling).
  • Allen Smith: Firefighter/EMT, 44
  • Shauntina “Shay” Sorrells: Social Worker, 30 (heaviest contestant ever)
  • Alexandra White: Student, 20
  • Daniel Wright: Student), 20 (yay for second chances!)
  • Liz Young: Salesperson, 49
  • Tracey Yukich: Homemaker, 37

The premiere had interesting challenges as well as some big twists (if you read the conference call, you already know this but small spoiler coming up): Bob and Jillian train the teams together!!! I thought this was a fantastic and refreshing change. Clearly, Bob and Jillian are good friends, and being adversaries on the show just added an unnecessary level of competition. The contestants should be competing against each other, not the trainers. I think this season may prove to be the best one yet, and I cannot wait for the premiere. The 2 hour long (tear-jerker) season premiere is TOMORROW at 8 pm on NBC.

Sneak Peek: Premiere of Parks & Recreation

September 11th, 2009

Parks and Recreation returns for its 2nd season on NBC this fall. But here’s a first look at the season premiere:

Also, check out this awesome video of the Season Premiere cold open (Amy Poehler is channeling some Fresh Prince of Bel Air):

Parks and Recreation premieres September 17 at 9:30 pm on NBC. I will post my review of the first two episodes before the premiere!

ADVANCE REVIEW: America's Next Top Model Cycle 13 Premiere

September 9th, 2009

All the shorties in the house put your hands up! (Ahem). This cycle of Top Model is for ladies 5’7″ and under, all trying to break down the typical model mold, and enter the world of high fashion. Each year, Top Model has always been a show that I leave on my DVR and catch up with as the week goes on. And each year, I enjoy watching Tyra get more and more over the top. I wasn’t sure I would stick with it this season, but the whole theme intrigued me.

In the premiere episode, Tyra talks all about making yourself look taller, the amazing chance she is giving the contestants because they would probably get turned down by agencies, and of course, smiling with your eyes. I really did enjoy the premiere, and it wasn’t lacking in the drama department either. However, there were no girls that were very short–the shortest is 5’3″ (and there is only one contestant at that height). Most were right around the 5’5″-5’7″ mark, so Tyra’s vision was clearly to put them in six inch heels and have them walk the runway. It’s not necessarily a criticism, but really an observation. If this show is really for short girls, 5’7″ is not that short (even if it is in the modeling world).

Here is a look at the contestants:

  • Ashley, 22: Artist, 5’6″
  • Bianca, 21: Student, 5’7″
  • Brittany, 21: Student, 5’5″
  • Courtney, 22: Cheer Instructor, 5’4″
  • Erin, 18: Student, 5’6″
  • Jennifer, 23: Model, 5’5″ (just curious if “model” means waitress in this case)
  • Kara, 19: Student, 5’7″
  • Laura, 19: Waitress, 5’6″
  • Lisa, 19: Student, 5’5″
  • Lulu, 19: Student, 5’7″
  • Nicole, 18: Student, 5’7″
  • Rachel, 18: Customer Service, 5’5″
  • Rae, 21: Homemaker/Mother, 5’6″
  • Sundai, 18: Student, 5’3″

My early favorite is Ashley, who was picked out of an audience at Tyra’s talk show and asked to audition for the show. One contestant reminds me of Marjorie from a few cycles ago, and some are obviously troublemakers. In any case, I will be tuning in for Top Model: Shorties Edition. It premieres tonight from 8-10 pm on the CW.

CW Premieres Tonight!!

September 8th, 2009

Check out a promo for the new season of Melrose Place here:

And just for fun, check out a video about my favorite character, Ella (played by Katie Cassidy):

90210 2nd season premiere is at 8 pm tonight on CW, followed by Melrose Place at 9 pm. Be sure to tune in!

INTERVIEW: Meaghan Jette Martin (Bianca Stratford) from 10 Things I Hate About You

September 8th, 2009


Clearly, I love ABC Family a lot. I think their original programming is fantastic. I was slightly skeptical about 10 Things I Hate About You when it was first announced, just because I was a huge fan of the movie. However, I think the show has turned out to be incredibly fun, and it doesn’t attempt to recreate the movie. As the season progressed, I found myself enjoying it more and more. It has been a great summer show, and I really hope it gets picked up for a 2nd season. I recently got the chance to interview Meaghan Jette Martin (who plays Bianca) about her character, Camp Rock 2, and what we can expect (hopefully) from season 2.

Tell us a little bit more about your character Bianca. Why do you think she tries so hard to fit in?
I think Bianca tries hard to fit in because in her mind that is what success is. If everyone likes you then you are a successful person to Bianca Stratford.

Bianca is quite the opposite of her sister…do you have any siblings? Can you relate to that?
I do have siblings. I am one of four kids. I have an older sister who is quite a bit like Kat and our relationship when we were growing up was similar. Now my sister is married and we’re both out of high school so we get along much better but there was a time when you could have mistaken us for Bianca and Kat.

In the latest episode, Cameron drunkenly admitted to liking Bianca, and she didn’t feel the same way. What do you think this means for their friendship?
I definitely think this will add complications to their friendship. I mean, honestly, how could it not? I think this is something that they both knew would happen deep down but neither of them wanted to deal with it until Cameron was not umm… thinking straight. The plot twists coming up should be very exciting and I’m pumped to see where this new knowledge takes them.

What do you like most about playing Bianca?
The thing I love most about playing Bianca is the people I get to work with and learn from everyday. I love getting to know more about Bianca and her personality by talking to the writers, directors and other actors. I also think Bianca is fun because currently she’s limitless.. she changes so much as a person over the first 10 episodes, who knows where else she will go!

Did you study the movie to research your role?
I most definitely watched the movie several times before playing the role but I wouldn’t say that I necessarily studied it. I think Larisa Oleynik does a wonderful job as Bianca in the movie and I in no way wanted to copy her or attempt to play the character the same way that she does.

What has been your favorite part of filming the show?
I love everything about filming the show. What’s not to love about waking up everyday to participate in something I’m passionate about, work with people I adore and admire and get paid to do it!?

What can we expect to see from Bianca if there is hopefully a season 2?
I
think Bianca has some growing up to do so hopefully if there is a season 2 we see her make some wise decisions and show her intelligence and maturity.

You are currently on set filming Camp Rock 2. Can you give us a little preview of the movie?
I
can’t really say much about Camp Rock 2. There will be a camp. Some rocks. The Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato and myself!

You are multi-talented: you act and sing. What is it like switching gears? Will we get to see you sing in 10 Things?
I mostly sing for acting jobs so there, luckily, isn’t much of a switch. It’s always in character so it goes right along with the acting. I’d love to do a musical episode of “10 Things” I think that would be pretty hilarious.

Is there anything you want fans of the show to know?
I want everyone watching the show to know how awesome I think it is that they’re enjoying it. I hope they continue to love it and I appreciate their support SO much!!

What are your favorite tv shows?
30 Rock and House

The season finale of 10 Things I Hate About You airs TONIGHT on ABC Family at 8 pm. Be sure to tune in!