Entries from October 2009
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REVIEW: How I Met Your Mother: "Robin 101"

October 6th, 2009

I must say, the 5th season of How I Met Your Mother has started out smashingly. This week’s episode, titled “Robin 101,” centered around Barney taking a class taught by Ted, all about Robin. Ted teaches Barney everything from different facial expressions to how to distract her when she’s mad (hockey, emperor penguins), and that when Robin says “you’re an idiot,” she really means “I love you.” Anything where Barney gets to shine greatly amuses me. I loved his recurring ADD “Can we have class outside??” and when he fell asleep.

The subplot involves Marshall digging up “Mable” (a large barrel he used as a nightstand before Lily discovered her allergy to barrel resin). I especially enjoyed Lily’s line to Robin “damn girl be cool!” and when Marshall excitedly ran upstairs to look at the Bermuda Triangle (the area right outside Ted and Marshall’s apartment where they put stuff they want to get rid of) to see if anyone took Mable.

The subtleties of this show is where it really sets itself apart from other shows on television. For example, the Chinese guy auditing Ted’s class for unclear reasons. And the heartfelt advice from Ted “I’ve never seen Barney work this hard to hold onto a woman.” And of course, when Barney and Ted get caught during class. So HIMYM, you might want to think about teaching a class on great television shows.

How I Met Your Mother airs Monday nights at 8 pm on CBS.
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ADVANCE REVIEW: Gossip Girl: "Dan de Fleurette"

October 5th, 2009

Last week’s Gossip Girl where Vanessa finds out that Scott is Lily and Rufus’ son, and Georgina continues to hook up with Dan was all a little underwhelming. I kept waiting for their to be some big reveal with Scott, or more Chuck and Blair drama.

This week’s episode of Gossip Girl is fantastic. The show may have its ups and downs, but when it’s on, it’s really great. The episode, titled “Dan de Fleurette,” centers around Jenny returning to Constance, and the rest of the gang dealing with college life (or not going to college in Serena’s case).

But my favorite part was Hilary Duff’s guest role. She plays Olivia Burke (a huge movie star) who decides to go to NYU to get a “normal” college experience, and ends up with Vanessa as a roommate…talk about lack of normal. She also meets up with Dan, who has no idea who she is. Another hilarious guest star in this episode is Tyra Banks, who plays “Ursula,” a co-star in Olivia Burke’s new movie (“Fleur”). Let’s just say Tyra plays this character pretty close to what I imagine Tyra would be like. In addition, Serena is forced to tell her mom about Brown, and tries to prove that she is serious about her year off by getting a job.

Back at Constance, Jenny is instilling a new democracy at Constance after Blair left her in charge. Blair, still not the ruler of the roost at NYU, intervenes where she doesn’t belong anymore. And Chuck is up to his old ways, as usual.

I don’t want to spoil any more, but I will say that Hilary Duff is great, and I love recognizing all the areas around New York City. If every episode of Gossip Girl is like this one, I won’t be disappointed. Be sure to tune in TONIGHT for “Dan de Fleurette” at 9 pm on the CW.

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THE OFFICE: Video Preview of The Wedding episode

October 1st, 2009

It’s clearly the moment we’ve all been waiting for. And I get a little teary just watching the promo, even if it gives away nothing. I already have plans to watch all the crucial Jim and Pam episodes right before the “big day.”

Check out a preview for the Jim and Pam wedding episode, that airs on October 8th:

Also, check out Jim and Pam’s Wedding Site! (The guest book is especially hilarious)

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REVIEW: Glee: "The Rhodes Not Taken"

October 1st, 2009

Every week, I look forward to Glee. I eagerly wait to see the songs (even if we already have a vague idea from the track listing), the drama and the will they/wont they progression with Rachel and Finn (Lea Michele and Cory Monteith). I don’t think there has ever been a show quite like it. It somehow manages to pull off an exquisite balance between showstopping numbers and quirky, hilarious story lines. This week Kristin Chenoweth guest starred as April Rhodes, a woman from Mr. Schuester’s past who never graduated from high school. He brings Rhodes back to Glee Club to replace Rachel and she surprises everyone with her voice by busting out “Maybe This Time” from Cabaret. And she sings this as a duet with Lea Michele! I think Kurt’s reaction showed it best (at the end of the number, he was brought to tears).

In addition, throughout the entire episode, Finn is trying to convince Rachel to come back to Glee by shamelessly flirting with her. He wants to get a college scholarship for music, and the only way Glee can win regionals is with Rachel. In the end, she comes back to Glee and quits the musical, but not without her (and the rest of Glee) finding out about Quinn’s baby. The ending number is “Somebody to Love,” where Mercedes (Amber Riley) ends it on a note that will take your breath away.

Glee very clearly understands what viewers wants to see, and knows how to leave the audience wanting more. While I was wishing for a big Lea Michele solo song (because how amazing were her renditions of “Take a Bow” and “Taking Chances”), this episode was still fantastic. I can’t wait to see more guest stars and more incredible duets.

Glee airs every Wednesday on FOX at 9 pm.

And in case you missed the stunning duet of “Maybe This Time,” with Kristin Chenoweth and Lea Michele, check it out here:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nhSz0ckG1M&hl=en&fs=1&]