The TV Chick

I realize I have a lot of favorite shows, but Nurse Jackie is truly one of them. Edie Falco leads an outstanding cast as they navigate their way through All Saints hospital. What makes this show great is that each character brings something totally different and amazing to the table. And despite all of her drug-using, adultering ways, you still find yourself rooting for Jackie. One of the characters that stood out for me from the beginning was Zoey — Jackie’s new optimistic protegee who had a way of warming my heart and making me laugh at the same time. As season one ended and season two began, Zoey became a comedic staple, and her charming quriky-ness is never to be underestimated. I recently had the chance to chat with Merritt Wever, who plays the esteemed Zoey, about working with Edie, Zoey’s recent new looks and behavior, and what she wants to see from her character going forward.

What originally attracted you to the show?
The actors. I liked the writing, and the opportunity to work with Edie was probably what I liked the most. Since it was just the pilot script, I couldn’t actually tell what Zoey was going to be like, I wasn’t sure. It took me a couple of episodes to find some footing. So it was mostly just Edie and thinking that the script was funny.

And what has it been like working with Edie?
It’s pretty fantastic. She’s fabulous. All the good things are true. And the more I work in other situations, the more I value her and what she brings to the set, personally and professionally.

Did you talk to any nurses or spend time with any nurses before you started the show to prepare?
I did, and then quickly realized — I spent a couple hours in an ER, and then remembered that Zoey is brand new and doesn’t need to be used to anything or comfortable yet at all, and realized I was kind of wasting my time.

That makes sense. She starts out very new.
Yeah, I don’t know why that didn’t occur to me earlier.

And are you anything like Zoey at all?
I don’t know, I’m sure we have to similar in some ways, but she’s probably a lot more positive and optimistic and in love with life and everything that it brings, good or bad, than I am. I wish I had some more of her enthusiasm, but unfortunately I just do not. I’m like Zoey fresh half sister.

The evil twin, perhaps.
Yeah. The blue twin.

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Pretty Little Liars is coming to ABC Family on June 8th and I’m so excited for it. It is based on a book series of the same name, and I adored the book series. Yesterday, ABC Family released a new poster for the show and it is fantastic. Take a look:

Intriguing right?? Pretty Little Liars stars Lucy Hale (“Privileged”), Holy Marie Combs (“Charmed”), Chad Lowe (“24″), Laura Leighton (“Melrose Place”), Ian Harding, Bianca Lawson, Shay Mitchell, Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson,  and Sasha Pieterse. It centers around the mystery of a missing girl from their close knit neighborhood and how four friends come to terms with their past. I will have much more coverage leading up to the premiere so be sure to check back soon! But for now, never trust a pretty girl with an ugly secret…

How did you like Glee’s triumphant return? I know I loved it (even if the Madonna episode is leagues above), and the ratings agree with me. The Gleeks are truly a strong contingent, as Glee broke records with 13.6 million viewers. This show deserves so much success so I’m ecstatic it did so well. I hope the momentum continues to build through the back 9 episodes.

I wanted to share with you my favorite videos/songs from last night, as well as Sue Sylvester’s Vogue rendition. I will say I was a little surprised they released the video before it airs in the episode because the Madonna episode is so amazing and the context of the video is equally so. However, no one should be without the magic of Vogue, so I wanted to share it anyway.

Sue Sylvester does Vogue:

Jonathan Groff and Lea Michele sing Lionel Richie’s “Hello”

Glee cast sings “Hello, Goodbye”

Last night’s Life Unexpected was truly heartbreaking for a number of reasons. Cate and Baze finally officially adopt Lux, and during the picture, Baze and Cate are holding hands. There are still feelings there, quite obviously. Lux tries to get Baze to admit that he loves Cate, and for Cate to realize this. At the rehearsal dinner, we meet Ryan’s family and all of their family and friends make ridiculous speeches that aren’t exactly glowing. In addition, Alice wants Ryan and Cate to both to sign a 5 year contract for the radio show but Ryan seems uncertain. When she can’t sleep that night, Cate goes over confront Baze about his feelings, but he tells her he doesn’t love her. A tearful Cate leaves, confused about what to think, with her wedding to Ryan happening in several hours. 

The next morning, Lux and Ryan have a heart to heart and he tells her he saw how happy she was Cate and Baze adopted her. He noticed that Lux was giving him the cold shoulder. If she’s not ready for them to get married, he can accept that but she has to tell Cate. I can’t explain how much this scene pulled at my heartstrings. Ryan really is a saint but at the same time, he has flaws. He was nervous to get married too. Lux goes to do just this and learns that Baze didn’t come clean about his feelings. After hearing this, she tells Cate that she loves Ryan and she needs to marry him. Lux is so wise, yet I wish that she had known the whole story.

Baze confronts his demons — in the form of his father — and admits that he’s the reason why he can’t step up and admit he loves Cate. His dad seems completely unfazed by the entire thing, but redeems himself later by showing up at Baze’s bar. As if we hadn’t already had enough tear enducing moments, Baze’s dad tells Baze that he loves him, and he doesn’t know why he berates him all the time. This is the spark that Baze needs to go tell Cate the truth, but of course, there is awful traffic and Baze gets to the church afterCate and Ryan say “I Do,” and right before the moment when Cate kisses Ryan. If ever there were a moment to be on Team Baze, this is it right here. I’m not saying I wanted him to completely ruin the wedding and for Cate to run off with him “The Graduate” style, but I wanted him to get his chance. I wanted Cate to be able to decide between Ryan and Baze without any mixed messages.

What a cliffhanger to end season 1! This episode was filled with so many intense, emotional moments. There was even a toast to bong lamps! So here’s what I’m going to say to the CW. Life Unexpected has good numbers. They even beat some other CW shows which have already been renewed. It has a loyal fanbase that wants to see more. In just 13 episodes, it has TV Critics and bloggers alike talking about how much they love it. Personally, I think it represents a return to the CW/WB Network dramas that I fell in love with. At first, it reminded me of Gilmore Girls and it still has those touches of quirky-ness and human emotion that you only see in a show that is well written and incredibly well done. I want to see more. I want to see more bong lamps, road trips, Starship singing, Baze messing up and redeeming himself, turtle racing, radio show bantering, and the forming of a truly unique family. There are a lot of shows out there that don’t deserve to be on, let alone to be saved. CW, if you don’t renew this show, you will be disappointing a lot of people (myself included, of course). Life Unexpected has worked its way into my heart, and I don’t want the last I see of it to be Cate getting married to the wrong guy (at least at the wrong time if it’s not the wrong guy). I want to commend Liz Tigelaar on an absolutely amazing season and I can’t wait to see more. Because right now, I’m counting on a season 2.

Glee returns tonight! Are you as excited as I am? I recently had the chance to catch up with Jessalyn Gilsig (Terri Schuester). In case you missed Part 1 of my interview, check it out here. In this next installment, she talks about Emma and her husband stealing ways, her dream guest stars and Glee’s incredible ensemble cast. She also addresses the Will and Terri fans when I asked her if there is still hope for the couple. She even shares a little bit about season 2.

I watched a little behind-the-scenes video where you came in wearing the same outfit as Jayma, during the kissing scene.
(laughs) Yeah. That’s a perfect example. Okay. Let’s talk about that beret. When I saw her in that white beret, I was like Lou, are you kidding me? You literally dressed her like an angel. She literally has a halo on her head. This is ridiculous. So then I had to find a beret, and come on set. I was thinking that Terri should just cut her hair into a bob and dye it red. Because I think that’s how simple Terri is. I think Terri really thinks, If I just look like Emma, then he would love me again. But that beret, I mean that’s where Lou is such a genius. Because obviously, Jayma looks so adorable in it, so perfect and yet it made it impossible for any character to have sympathy for my character.

Have there been any other pranks that you’ve pulled like that or any other pranks that have been pulled on set?
Let me think. I feel like there have been some things. I mean, everybody gets kind of goofy from time to time that’s for sure.

Did you show up during the next kissing scene? I know there is a Will/Emma kiss from the promo.
I was on set, actually. Because if we’re shooting in the apartment then usually we’ll spend the whole day there. So they shot that and then the following scene was actually a scene between Emma and myself in the apartment. It was a really fun scene.

Oooh interesting.
Did you get to see the next episode at the Paley Festival?

I wasn’t there. I couldn’t make it out there, I wanted to go so badly.
Yeah, because we aired the next episode.

I know!
Did people like it?

People did like it! I think there was some interesting reactions to Idina Menzel’s character.
Really? What did they say?

Well there might be something between her and Will.
Yeeees. Exactly.

So I think that people who are crazy about Emma and Will…
Ohhhhh! It’s so good! [The show] is so smart, you see! Isn’t that so good? Because everybody thinks it’s going in one — oh it gets so good!

I am so excited!
It gets so good, because it’s exactly what you don’t expect, but it’s actually probably truer to life, what would really happen. You know, because people don’t just ride off into the sunset very often.

Right, the world’s not perfect.
Yeah. Oh yeah, it gets really, really good. I was on set that day that they kissed, and I thought it was disgusting.

(laughs) Is there going to be any future showdowns between you and Emma?
Between Emma and myself? Yeah.

And what about between you and anyone else? Maybe Will?
Will and I, we have another one. And then we have some sad things.

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The day has finally arrived! Glee is returning to TV and all is right on my DVR again. The first 13 episodes have brought an incredible amount of success from a SAG award to a Golden Globe to accolades for the show’s fashion. It is rare for a show with only 13 episodes to garner so much recognition so quickly. It has also built up one of the most devoted fan bases in the world. I am so filled with glee (yeah I said it) at the fact that people have fallen in love with this show. Back in May, when it was just a little pilot that could, I realized that there was something very special about it. And Ryan Murphy and his creative team have kept the momentum going since then. There is not a single episode of the entire show that I haven’t adored. Some I like more than others, which is only natural, but any show that is able to bring tears to my eyes simply from a song is at the top of my list.

Hell-O is the triumphant return we have all been waiting for. By now, you have probably read multiple recaps and reviews because it was screened at the Paley Center a couple of months ago. But I want to give you some highlights and tidbits that maybe you haven’t read, without of course spoiling the episode in any major way. When we last left our Glee kids, they had just won sectionals. The episode ended with one of the most amazing song and dance numbers (My Life Would Suck Without You) and Will and Emma finally kissing after weeks and weeks of waiting.

The episode picks up with that scene we’ve all seen in the promos: Kurt, Rachel and Mercedes walking down the hallway thinking they are going to rule the school and then getting slusheed in the face. As much as I don’t like to see anyone get slusheed in the face, this kept their characters grounded. Of course Glee won’t make them popular, why would it? We then learn a lot about Finn’s angst — he is now dating Rachel and she’s a little too, well, Rachel for him (as if you couldn’t tell from the Team Finn shirt she was wearing in the promos). But he’s clearly still very unsure of himself. Now onto another couple — Will and Emma, who really do care for each other but there are obstacles getting in the way. Some obstacles might have names, others take the form of crazy quirks. For those Wemma fans out there, the happy ending doesn’t come so immediately. And then there’s Jesse St. James (played by the lovely looking and super talented Jonathan Groff), the lead of Vocal Adrenaline (New Directions’ competition) who woos Rachel, which doesn’t please the Glee club in the least.

The theme of the episode is obviously Hello. Mr. Schuester gives the Glee Club the assignment to come up with a song with hello in the title. Finn chooses The Doors “Hello, I Love You,” Rachel and Jesse St. James sing a duet of Lionel Richie’s “Hello” upon their meeting (only they would break out into glorious song in the middle of a library), the Glee club sings “Hello, Goodbye” by the Beatles and Rachel sings one of the best musical numbers I think I have ever heard her do–and it’s not a Broadway show-stopper. It is “Gives You Hell” by the All American Rejects. I love this move into new genres of song — especially ones that challenge their Broadway belter to get out of her comfort zone. I have frequently said that I would listen to Lea Michele sing the phone book, and she turns this alternative song that I never really liked into one I will most likely listen to on repeat on my iPod. Well done, Glee!

There is also an amazing showdown between Emma and Terri. The best part about it is that it’s not any sort of yelling or screaming match but more of a subtle takedown where Terri gets into Emma’s head and makes her doubt herself. Ryan Murphy’s brilliance shines here yet again. Even if you hate Terri (which really, you shouldn’t), she still shares this history with Will that we barely know anything about. She is still a part of him even if they aren’t together anymore. From speaking with Jessalyn, I know this storyline/love triangle is really going to heat up and I think they are setting it up for greatness.

The episode ends with “Hello, Goodbye” which is relevant to all the Glee clubbers lives in different ways. And I have gone this entire time without talking about Santana and Brittany. Brittany has definitely become one of my favorite comedic voices on the show, with witty one liners and the ability to play stupid in a very smart way. She and Santana are both out to get Finn (under the master plan of Sue Sylvester), and it is quite hilarious. The best Brittany one liner of the episode is: “You know that dolphins are just gay sharks.” I think I may have made a lot of people turn around and look at me when I laughed so hard. I am really glad that Brittany is getting more face time (and more time for one liners) because she is so hilarious and adds such a great element to the show.

Hell-O is definitely a wonderful way to kick off the season. I have very high hopes for Groff’s character, and I enjoy Idina Menzel as well (she guest stars in this episode as the coach of Vocal Adrenaline). There is comedy, show stopping numbers and the Glee Club drama that we have all come to know and love. However, the 2nd episode (Power of Madonna) is epic. It is probably the best, most innovative 45 minutes of television I have ever seen. So if you are happy that Glee is returning (seriously who isn’t??), your mind will be blown next week.

Glee is back tonight at a special time of 9:28 pm on FOX.

And here are a couple of video previews to tide you over:

Rachel sings “Give You Hell:”

Will and Emma moment:

Glee is back in just one day! My countdown clock will soon become obsolete. I am so thrilled that it is returning, and I jumped at the chance to chat again with Jessalyn Gilsig, who plays Terri Schuester. I know there are huge Will and Emma fans out there (Wemma as they have become affectionately known), but I love Terri because I think Jessalyn plays her with such magnificence. She adds a little crazy to the mix but she also shows that nothing is ever perfect. If we got what we wanted right away on any TV show, it would be the easy way out, and if there is one thing about Ryan Murphy and his creative team I know for sure, it is that they are never ones to do this. There is a great Terri moment in the mid-season premiere (“Hell-O”) but as Jessalyn explains, it really heats up later. We talked about the amazing fashion on the show, interesting fan reactions, and her song.

Congratulations on all the success of the show. It has been an amazing season. What has awards season been like for you?
I think it just ended, or it just ended for me. I never understood when people said it’s a season that it’s really a season. I mean, it goes on. There are a lot of award shows (laughs) that I never knew about. It was amazing. The Golden Globes were amazing because we just — we couldn’t believe we were there. We sort of felt like we snuck in. And then when I got to the table and the whole cast was sitting there. And Chris was there and Mark’s there and Dianna, and we just looked at each other like what are we doing here? We’ve only shot 13 episodes (laughs). And then, a really fun one that I went to — this was the kind of thing I never knew about — was the Costume Design Awards. Lou Eyrich is our designer who also designs for Nip/Tuck, she was nominated, and she actually won that night. And Jayma and I went there in support of her and it was just really fun to see. We get so much attention from the show but we know that the show is such a collaborative experience and Lou is such a good example. She helps us find our characters, and she really sort of creates such a visual experience, so to see her get recognized and kind of put the spotlight on her…Jayma and I both agreed it was our best experience out of all the award shows.

Yeah, she does some incredible work on the show.
Doesn’t she? And she takes such big risks and I just feel like because there’s so many times that our characters are present but not necessarily speaking. I mean, especially for a lot of the kids. You know, they might have an episode where — I just saw one where Dianna, she doesn’t have much to say but just whenever she’s on screen, there’s still a story being told, and so much of that is also through what she’s wearing and her posture. So it’s just really interesting how everybody kind of tracks the evolution of our characters. And there are so many of them.

There are actually websites out there dedicated to the fashion on Glee.
Are you kidding? (laughs)

There’s a site called What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear?
What? Are you kidding me?

No you have to go check it out!
I mean, Emma’s wardrobe…that’s a perfect example. It’s ingenious. And of course, I selfishly, from Terri’s point of view, think Emma’s a genius because she dresses like a saint but she’s actually a husband stealer.

Oh she totally is…
But the way she dresses…it makes her look like a good person.

And I wanted to know what it was like filming that scene that last time we spoke, you referred to it as the reckoning between Will and Terri. It was so incredibly intense.
Was I right?

You were right, absolutely!
It was intense. This is why it is so much fun to work on Ryan Murphy’s show because it’s really fun to watch an audience get frustrated with the show. You know, a woman came up to me in the store the other day (laughs), it was so hysterical. I’m standing in a store with my daughter, and this older woman — I mean, she was probably in her 60s — she comes over and she says “You know what I don’t understand? How can he be so stupid?” (laughs)

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I watch a lot of TV. I love a lot of TV shows. But it is rare that I am compelled to call something must see. The last time I wrote about a must see was also quite fittingly about a made for TV movie that aired on HBO (the third time I use this phrase will be regarding the Glee premiere in a couple of days, but I digress). I want to share with you the magic that is Treme. It is a new series by the creator of The Wire, David Simon and co-creator Eric Overmeyer (Homicide: Life On The Street). But for those looking for a series about gritty gang violence, you should probably turn elsewhere. For those looking for unique, groundbreaking, and monumental television, look no further than Treme.

The show focuses on life in New Orleans, three months after Hurricane Katrina. In the historic and musically significant area of Treme, a triumphant and proud spirit abounds. While some would have vanished in the aftermath of the hurricane, the remaining few cling to the traditions that are a fundamental part of the culture of the city. We are introduced to one of these traditions at the start of the show: the first second line parade since Katrina. I personally had no idea what a second line parade was until I saw it on Treme. As it passes through the streets of the city, everyone young and old joins in, entranced by the music and the spirit of New Orleans. Music is a universal language and this second line parade gave the people of the Treme a reason to celebrate and forget the tragedy that hit their beloved city.

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I absolutely adore Army Wives. It is a show I look forward to every summer, and miss when it goes on hiatus. When last we left our lovely wives (and husband), there was some big drama going down. Season 3 ended with Denise and Frank returning home from a date and hearing a gunshot come from inside the house. Now of course, I cannot reveal whether or not Jeremy killed himself. I can however, tell you that this premiere is fantastic.

The drama is not just in Frank and Denise’s lives, though. Pamela and Chase are still in marriage crisis mode. Pamela is sick of Chase choosing the army over her and the kids and feels like she is raising the kids alone. Joan is at war and in the premiere, she gets injured. I don’t want to go into too much detail other than whenever you get too comfortable and think people are invincible, Army Wives knows how to keep it grounded and show us that anyone can get hurt. In more happy news, Claudia Joy gets nominated for an award for her service to the army. However, one of the other award nominees doesn’t please the ladies very much. I personally am rooting for Claudia Joy, for obvious reasons.

At the end of last season, Roxy told Trevor she was pregnant. When we pick up this season, she still hasn’t really shared the news with anyone. She’s running the hump bar, and is as sassy as usual. I interviewed Sally Pressman last year, read what she had to say about Roxy here. What I love about this 4th season premiere is that it picks up so wonderfully from where we last left off. There is no “summer break” or “6 months later.” Also, many shows gloss over issues, but this show delves right in. Claudia Joy is still struggling with the loss of Amanda, Trevor is still accepting the fact that he’s not at war, and each character is dealing with life in the army.

Army Wives is the highest rated cable show in its demographic and the top rated Lifetime show of all time. I completely understand why people are drawn to this show because it has everything: drama, romance, and true friendship. It is different from any other show out there and it’s uniqueness makes it that much more interesting. The season premiere is no different. I am so excited to see what the rest of the season brings, and if you enjoy the show, you are going to love the premiere.

Be sure to tune in tonight to Lifetime at 10 pm for the 4th season premiere of Army Wives.

The  competition is getting fierce on The Biggest Loser, as the number of contestants continues to dwindle down. Last week, two contestants returned to the ranch: one by vote, and one by winning a physical challenge. Melissa Morgan was the contestant who won the challenge and returned to the ranch much to the dismay of the other contestants. On the ranch, she was constantly concerned about game play, so much so that there was a big fight between her and the trainers where they accused her of throwing the weigh in. I recently had the chance to chat with Melissa who addressed the game play rumors, talked about returning to the ranch (and then leaving), and her relationship with Lance and what they are doing to stay in shape.

So how was your experience this time on the ranch different from before?
Well, I mean, this time, you know, I went back and the house was just different. I mean the dynamic in the house was completely different. I had been gone for a while. And, you know, there were some new friendships. There were some new alliances. And so it was, you know, coming in – I think this was harder to come into than Day 1, because Day 1 no one knew anyone. So it was a struggle.

And did you think that your competitors would be gunning to get rid of you like they did? And sort of saw you as maybe the villain this season?
You know, I don’t know that they – I don’t know that my competitors saw me as a villain. Until I watched the episode last night, I didn’t really see it that way while I was there. You know, clearly once you saw last night, I was like oh. But the thing that makes me kind of giggle a little bit is wow they really wanted me gone didn’t they? Wow, why?

I don’t know. I guess you were a threat.
I guess. That makes me feel good. I like it.

Now I’m wondering, how did you feel after no one helped you in the water challenge? Were your feelings hurt?
I can’t say that my feelings were hurt. I mean here’s the thing. For me, everything is logical. And there’s no logic in helping (Michael) send (Kim) home. Are you kidding me? She’s one of your biggest threats. And so I don’t take it personally. I just – it wasn’t logical to me. So I was a little bit frustrated. But I didn’t take it personally. I mean everybody’s out there to do what they think is best for them and, you know, I wasn’t it. And so I don’t take that personally, no.

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