The TV Chick

On Tuesday night, I had the pleasure of attending the HBO True Blood Ultimate Fan Experience in New York City. While I was hesitating if I should start my night at midnight, I am really glad I went. They started by showing lots of clips and tweets from people all around the country. The audience then was treated to the season 2 finale on the big theater screen. There were some minor technical difficulties, but overall it was great to see it. The audience was also treated to an extended preview of season three. After the screening, Alan Ball and the cast appeared via satellite from outside the set (Sookie’s house). The cast there was: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Rutina Wesley, Alex Skarsgard, Sam Trammel, Deborah Ann Woll and Ryan Kwanten. The panel was moderated by Michael Ausiello, who mostly asked fan submitted questions.

When asked about the theme of season three, Alan Ball replied that every character is struggling with their identity. Ball was also asked about why characters from book four are introduced in season three, he talked about how the books are all Sookie. Him and his writing staff always go to the books first and try to stay true to the world and spirit. He did share that we will find out what Sookie is in the 2nd half of season three. (Although those of us who have read the books already know).

Ausiello asked about the Sookie/Eric moment that has been teased in the trailers, Alex Skarsgaard said that Eric is over humans in general but there’s something different about Sookie. Stephen Moyer (Bill) was asked about the pronunciation of “Sookie” or “Sookeh” as he says it and he shared that he’s been asked in dog parks to call that out. When asked if he wants to see Bill lighten up, Moyer replied that Bill has an old fashioned, courtly manner that he’s tried to keep from his humanity.

Ball then talked about Jessica, who he doesn’t take full credit too and is quick to give praise to his five other writers. Ball thinks Deborah really blossomed in the role. Deborah Ann Woll expanded on her feelings about her character and she said that it’s great to see a young vampire talking about mythos and to show the audience a transformation. I really loved what Deborah had to say about Jessica. She is definitely one of my favorite characters and she is charming on and off screen.

An interesting tidbit for you: Alex auditioned for the part of Bill. He was filming Generation Kill in Africa and the writer’s strike actually allowed him to finish it and then cdo True Blood. The question then shifted over to Rutina Wesley who was asked how Tara has the will to live. She said she gets it from her childhood. She’s a survivor and a fighter. Alan Ball wittily commented that the show is like a Greek tragedy sometimes with a lot of humor and sex.

The cast who play vampires then talked about the fangs and how it forces them to lisp. Apparently there are soft and hard fangs (and I resisted my urge to yell out that’s what she said!) Since there are real wolves in season three, the cast was asked about that. Ball joked about not informing the cast of the wolves beforehand just so he could see their reactions. Apparently, they used hybrid wolves and couldn’t get very close to them at all.

The cast was then asked about favorite scene. Ryan Kwanten (Jason) replied that it’s the opening title sequence because he really feels it sets the tone for the show. Stephen Moyer always loves scenes in Merlottes and loves when Jessica went into Merlotte’s for the first time. Deborah loved the scene when Godric made Eric and when Lorena made Bill. Sam Trammel (Sam) loves the flashback to the 1920s scene. Alan Ball added that he think seach episode is like a little movie and they are incredibly ambitious.

The cast was asked about who is most unlike their character, and they generally agreed that Anna is most unlike Sookie. The practical joker on set is definitely Ryan who apparently got in a crazy practical joke war with a camera man that involved parking a smart car in an elevator and raw meat left in a car for a long period of time. One of the last questions was about the best part of being associated with True Blood. Rutina said the cameraderie. Alan Ball said he’s never had a job that was this much fun. The scoop Ball gives out is that one character will get new hair, and we may even see a darker side to Sookie.

Whatever season three brings (I know a little from the books), I am very excited. Look out for more True Blood coverage including interviews and reviews as the new season approaches.

E here with another Flashback Friday!  We’re moving along here people, Cory got his license this week.  Big doings! There was some alright episodes this week, not a heck of a lot of lol’ing however.

Let’s get started with a brief look at “Shallow Boy.”  This episode is mostly Eric-centric.  He is the shallow boy referenced in the title after all.  So, the story is, Eric asks out this really annoying singer/songwriter that is playing right outside of the wilderness store.  People are starting to lose their minds so Alan has Eric take her out to lunch and ask her to move along.  She is way peppy and is even grating on Eric while they eat lunch.  He then freaks outs on her and tells her how irritating she is.  OK, this is kind of sad to me.  Sure, she’s a big weirdo, but she’s trying to look on the bright side of things.  Why did you have to be such a big jerk Eric Matthews?! You are a bigger loser than her! Anyway, she sort of has a psychotic break after this and turns really dark…and her music career skyrockets with hits such as “Shallow Boy” and “Maladjusted Loser Freak.”  Morgan sings the latter while listening to her Walkman and reminds me how much I hate the ‘new’ Morgan; she is really awful.  Things come full circle when the girl asks to meet Eric at Chubby’s.  She needs new material because her darkness is just not coming naturally.  He turns her sunshiney again by singing show tunes from “Annie.” Brilliant. Also, the writers got self-reflective on us when they had Cory and a kid Topanga was babysitting for talk about the Friday night line up and that show with the curly-headed kid that was moved to the 9:30 slot from the 8:30 even though it was performing well.  Heh, love it.

Another classic episode featuring the weirdness that is Cory and Shawn was on this week: “An Affair to Forget.”  This really tall girl that Shawn is dating makes him stop talking to Cory because she doesn’t like him.  They see each other in the shadows of the night with secret rendezvous until Shawn finally gives this chick the boot.  Cory and Shawn 4-eva.

Onto our featured episode of the week…”Wheels.” This is classic Boy Meets World.  It’s the episode where Cory gets his license, yay! I don’t know what about being a teenager makes you into a heinous drama queen, but it’s true.  It was true for me, and it’s true for Cory Matthews.

• Cory, Shawn, and Topanga are chilling at Chubby’s discussing their plans for Cory’s birthday: license, Atlantic City, rated-R movie.

• Alan and Amy are in the kitchen discussing how Alan will take Cory to get his license, and it will be an awesome father/son day.  You know what’s coming, right? Cory already went and got his license with Shawn and Topanga.  I think this is whack.  Unless you’re older or have an estranged parental situation, it’s mean not to let them take you.  Plus, they’ll probably pay for all your DMV crap if they do.  It’s a win/win for everyone.

• Cory thinks he’s going to go riding with his friends to Atlantic City, but Alan has some errands to run.  This leaves Cory waiting all day.  Morgan drives by him on her Power Wheels and proclaims mockingly “I’m Cory, I’m 16 and going to Atlantic City to see an R-rated movie.”  Ugg, I hate her.  She is unnecessary.

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Shannen Doherty (of 90210 fame) is the voice of two polar opposite characters on FearNET’s new web series called “Mari Kari.” It launches today, and it’s dark, twisted and highly entertaining. Here is what the network has to say about the series:

“Mari-Kari” begins with Mari’s return to school after the recent and unexplained death of her sister, Kari.  Calamity and hilarity ensue as the revenge-minded Kari unleashes her wrath on everyone who torments and teases her sweet-natured sister. Set in the ordinary world of Mari, viewers see how her supernatural sisterly bond affects her life at home, at school, on the bus, at the mall – and how her life and her sister’s lack of one makes them a very scary pair. Their close relationship has a dire effect on anyone who has the ill fate of coming between them. The animated series’ tongue-in-cheek action unfolds over eight, 1-2 minute episodes built in flash and inspired by Japanese anime.”

I recently had the chance to speak with Doherty about the project. She said it was very interesting to play two polar opposites and would love it if it became a full series. This project is different from anything she’s ever done before. She has never played anyone like Kari before, not even Brenda is as dark. She wants to see what happens to both of them…will one move on? Will the other become less optimistic? She is new to the internet, to webisodes specifically and is still learning.

Anime and short cartoon series’ are usually not my thing, but these were just the right length and I was pleasantly surprised. It’s definitely worth checking out here. And check out a little bit about the making of Mari Kari here.

Burn Notice returns tonight! This wildly popular (and great) USA Network show is kicking off the summer right. I am thrilled to offer this great giveaway to celebrate the season premiere.

BURN NOTICE returns for its fourth season, Thursdays at 9/8c on USA Network. The #1 scripted series on cable stars Jeffrey Donovan, Gabrielle Anwar, Bruce Campbell, and Sharon Gless. The action-packed season four commences with a new counterintelligence expert, Jesse Garcia, played by Coby Bell (“Third Watch”), who loves to fight bad guys just as much as Michael does. Follow Burn Notice on Facebook, Twitter and the Official Website.

TWO WINNERS will WIN a Burn Notice Prize Pack

-Season 3 DVD

-Water Guns

-Beach Ball

-Beach Towel

-Kiehls Skin Products

*This prize pack is valued at $125 and is provided by USA Network. Open to US and Canadian Residents, 18 years and over*

To enter to win, leave me a comment with your favorite scene or moment from the last four seasons! I know there are a lot of Burn Notice fans out there so I look forward to reading all your comments.

USA Network has some of the best summer programming around. I love just about everything they put on, and I’m excited for some new shows coming soon as well. To help support USA Network and Royal Pains, I am thrilled to offer this amazing summer giveaway. It’s pretty awesome! If I was eligible, I’d enter myself! Be sure to tune in tonight for the season premiere!

ROYAL PAINS is back every Thursday at 10/9c on USA Network!  ROYAL PAINS stars Mark Feuerstein, Paulo Costanzo, Reshma Shetty and Jill Flint. Season Two welcomes multiple Golden Globe and Emmy winning actor Henry Winkler in a recurring role as Eddie R. Lawson, Hank and Evan’s father. Campbell Scott, Christine also return as guest stars. Marcia Gay Harden, Anastasia Griffith and Tony Plana will also guest this season. Follow Royal Pains on Twitter, Facebook, and the Official Site!

Two Winners Win a ROYAL PAINS SUMMER GIFT BAG:

–        Canvas Sports Bag

–        Badminton Set

–        Frisbee

–        IFrogz Earphones

–        White LACOSTE Hat

–        Royal Pains Season 1.0 DVD

–        Kiehl’s Summer Lotion Kit

*Contest is open to U.S. Residents only who are at least 18 yrs of age. This prize pack is valued at $125 and is provided by USA Network.*

To enter to win, leave me a comment with your favorite character from the show and why!

I always love Glee. As someone who reviews TV shows however, I try to come at it from an objective lens. Even if I always love the show, I’m not always praising it as perfection. Last night’s episode titled “Funk” is one that was filled with many perfect moments (Quinn, Terri, Sue/Schue, Jesse/Rachel) and certainly the story drove the music this time around. “Funk” centered around Vocal Adrenaline intimidating New Directions to psych them out and get them all in a funk.

Jesse has returned to Vocal Adrenaline claiming that he was never accepted at McKinley High. Led by oh so wonderful Jesse St. James (Jonathan Groff), they sing Queen’s hit “Another One Bites The Dust.” I do enjoy the sweet melodic tones of Groff’s voice but would have loved a duet between him and Lea Michele again. Given what happens later in the episode, I assume a song could have been found about hearts breaking. New Directions gets their choir room TP’d (with Sue’s help) and all the members fall into a funk.

The episode also featured Terri, who I adore (the actress and the character). Terri and Will sign divorce papers, each with very meaningful glances. The acting is so brilliant, because Terri doesn’t even have to say a word but you can tell exactly what she is thinking. When she’s about to walk out, she tells Will that he’s still that 16 year old boy to her and he always will be. Divorce is awful, whether or not one of the parties involved is a tad bit on the crazy side. But I think this scene really represented the start to a new Terri.

To get revenge on VA, Puck and Finn deflate the tires of all of their competitors. Apparently, they were expensive Land Rovers and Shelby decides she won’t press charges if they pay to fix it. Finn and Puck get jobs at Sheets N’Things to earn money, and Terri is their boss. Howard Bamboo is back, but I can’t say he was a memorable character at all for me. Sandy Ryerson is also back, and his scenes were definitely entertaining. At Sheets N’Things, Puck, Finn, Howard, Sandy and Terri sing “Loser” by Beck. If Terri had a big solo it was cut but I’m pretty sure you can hear her softly singing. She talks to Finn and while it seems like she might be a little smitten with him (ew!), I think it’s really more than she sees a lot of Will in Finn. She helps him with their Glee project (going funk) and seems to want to move forward with her life. She is working hard to become a manager, and she admits that she has a compulsive need to crush other people’s dreams. She sees Finn as her second chance. But rest assured, there’s still crazy Terri in there who has a little ridiculous crush on Finn and demotes Howard Bamboo. One of my favorite Terri lines to Puck was “I thought Jews were supposed to be smart.”

Besides the Terri/Will divorce situation, one of the most heartbreaking scenes happened between Rachel and Jesse. Throughout the entire episode, Rachel is agonizing over Jesse and their breakup. When she goes to talk to Schue, she is convinced that Jesse did this on purpose to get her depressed before regionals. While half listening to her, Schue devises a plan to get back at Sue. The show used a lot of inner monologue moments, which I really enjoyed. This was one but Puck also had an inner monologue when planning revenge. In any case, Jesse calls Rachel and tells her to meet him in the parking lot. I don’t know if it was my naivete or resistance to believe that Jesse could be so ill intentioned, but I was hoping they would make up. Instead, the entire Vocal Adrenaline team throws eggs at Rachel. The last one to do so is Jesse. She encourages him to do it — like he broke her heart. Jesse tells her he loved her right before he cracks an egg over her head. People (not me) find Rachel to be annoying, so I wonder if this scene was made to take her down a notch. She became incredibly vulnerable after this moment. But as I said, I wanted to believe Jesse had genuine feelings for Rachel. However, “Funk” and “Theatricality” were supposed to air in the opposite order, so perhaps this is why we don’t get a ton of explanation behind his motivations. Whatever the case, I think and hope he will be redeeming himself in the finale. High school students are cruel, but Jesse St. James, stop breaking Rachel’s heart! After the egg incident, Rachel goes to the Glee Club, understandably upset, and they all rally behind her. Kurt’s line “Rachel’s one of us, we’re the only ones who get to humiliate her,” was great.

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We’ve all had neighbors from hell. But the new series coming to TBS brings new meaning to this phrase. Here is what TBS has to say about the new show: 

Soon, the Hellmans discover that their demonic natures are no match for the twisted ways of their earthly counterparts…”

Devil Apron:

• Contest is open to US Residents only
•  Prizes are supplied by the Neighbors from Hell team at TBS.

To enter to win, leave me a comment with your own “neighbors from hell” story! I’m sure you have one. And be sure to tune in on Monday, June 7th to TBS at 10 pm for the series premiere! 

Now that The Biggest Loser has ended for the season, I am so excited that there’s a show to fill its void. Losing It With Jillian stars my favorite trainer going into people’s homes and getting them back on track health-wise. The series premiere focuses on the Mastropietro family, each one of them struggling with obesity in their own way. The daughter had gastric bypass surgery and looks just fine, but she still had the mentality that she was a fat girl. While the show is marketed as a softer side of Jillian, those who love her screaming ways won’t be disappointed either. She really delves deep into the issues causing these weight problems. She is forced to wear many hats: trainer, friend, and even therapist. I was half expecting her to bring her mom into the show (maybe later on in the season?) because she’s a psychologist and has been on The Biggest Loser before. In any case, Jillian still screams a lot (and gets other family members to scream too) and really becomes a part of the family in a way. She moves into their house and takes over their lives for a week, but her impact will be there forever.

Since the advanced copy I saw didn’t have the follow up visit, I am anxious to see what the Mastropietro’s look like now. What I liked a lot about this show, is that at the end, Jillian gave them a realistic weight loss goal. Unlike The Biggest Loser where the contestants are exercising all day, on Losing It, they have to fit it into their daily schedules. There isn’t any game play here or any immunity challenges. It genuinely is all about becoming healthy. For those that love challenges and Jillian’s partner in crime Bob Harper, this show may not be for you. However, I really enjoyed it. I think it’s truly a new take on weight loss and I can’t wait to see the other families. I know that later on in the season there will be some familiar faces from The Biggest Loser: Curtis Stone, and Dr. H (he won’t be on camera though), which will be fun to see. Jillian is an amazing trainer and this show is her chance to train people and change their lives without the stressful Biggest Loser ranch.

Check out a video preview for the show:

And be sure to tune in tonight at 10 pm to NBC for the series premiere of “Losing It With Jillian.”