NGTV Guide: Thursday, December 3

It’s a lighter night than usual this week with The Vampire Diaries on hiatus until January and The Mentalist taking break. Maybe it’s time to catch up on Fringe?

Bones – FOX 8/7c
“The Gamer in the Grease” – When the remains of a competitive gamer are discovered in a grease truck, Brennan and Booth are called to investigate the case. The victim, Steve Rifton, is the only active player known in the gaming community to have received a perfect score on a famous video game. Steve turned his success into a lucrative partnership with a gaming referee and charged fans to play on the very machine that gave him the perfect score. But between sour business deals and bitter competitors, the team at the Jeffersonian must work to narrow down the many suspects with motive for ending Rifton’s reign as gaming king. Meanwhile, Hodgins, Sweets and Jeffersonian intern Colin Fischer (guest star Joel David Moore) take turns camping out for tickets to a movie premiere.

FlashForward – ABC 8/7c
“A561984″ – Against Wedeck’s orders, Mark and Demetri travel to Hong Kong in search of the woman claiming to know details of Demetri’s fate; Lloyd tries to come clean about his and Simon’s involvement in the global blackout – against Simon’s better judgment — and Zoey discovers the true meaning of her flashforward.

Community – NBC 8/7c
“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.

Fringe – FOX 9/8c
“Snakehead” – After a cargo ship runs aground, the shoreline becomes littered with bodies hosting a giant squid-like creature. The Fringe team descends upon the scene to examine the bodies and discovers that the mysterious organisms are actually giant parasites. As the investigation unfolds, Walter heads back to the lab while Olivia, Peter and Broyles race against time when they realize the case has ties to a threatening organization.

30 Rock – NBC 9:30/8:30c
“Dealbreakers Talk Show #0001″ – When production gets under way on Liz’s brand-new talk show, “Dealbreakers,” Jack connives to make the program a hit while tangling with nemesis Devin Banks (Will Arnett). Meanwhile, Tracy tries to prove his love to his wife (Sherri Shepherd) by participating in the ultimate Hollywood challenge.

Digital Noise: FlashForward Hits Pause; Cougar Town Stops, Starts

ABC sure doesn’t balk at putting production on hiatus, does it? Last Thursday came word that production on Cougar Town would go on hiatus while star Courteney Cox handled some “family issues”. Yesterday it was confirmed that while the show did miss a day of production last week, they’ll resume production on November 29 after the already-planned hiatus for Thanksgiving this week. Confused? In short: everyone got to break for Thanksgiving a day early.

Meanwhile, ABC halted production on FlashForward for six days, but says it’s no big deal. “They started production early so that they could have the luxury to do this,”a rep tells EW’s Ausiello. “They want to maintain the high quality of the show, and this gives the writers the opportunity to do so.” In other words, FlashForward gets a Thanksgiving break, too.

After pulling all of this information together, I have to ask: Is any of this truly newsworthy? Heaps of drama over “production shut downs” that end up pretty much coinciding with what the rest of the U.S. is doing this week – taking a break for Thanksgiving. What do you think, worth reporting or much ado about nothing?

NGTV Guide: Thursday, November 19

Bones – FOX 8/7c
“The Foot in the Foreclosure” – Booth’s grandfather Hank (guest star Ralph Waite) comes to live with him and tags along as Brennan and Booth investigate ashes and charred remains found by a real estate agent while showing a property to prospective buyers. The team identifies the victims as plus-size lovers, neither of whom seemed to have many enemies. Meanwhile, Hank tries to play matchmaker for Booth and lets Brennan in on some family secrets.

The Vampire Diaries – the CW 8/7c
“The Turning Point” – After reading the journal left by one of the Gilbert ancestors, Jeremy is inspired to return to his hobby of sketching fantasy creatures, a talent he had abandoned when his parents died. Much to the surprise of their friends, Matt and Caroline continue to hang out together. When Sheriff Forbes tells Damon there has been another attack, he offers to track down the killer and learns a startling piece of information about the town’s founding families. Alaric steps in to help during an awkward scene with Jeremy, Tyler and Mayor Lockwood. Stefan and Elena come to a new understanding, but everything changes when Elena accidentally makes a devastating discovery.

FlashForward – ABC 8/7c
“Believe” – Bryce begins his search for the woman in his flashforward, Aaron becomes concerned over Tracy’s odd behavior, Mark attempts to track down the person responsible for texting Olivia and outing his drinking during his flashforward vision, and Demetri’s co-agents try to find the mysterious caller who forewarned him about his unfortunate fate.

Community – NBC 8/7c
“Environmental Science” – Jeff befriends Señor Chang at the gang’s urging in hopes of reducing the class’s homework load. When the pair end up hitting it off, Jeff begins receiving special perks from his new friend. Elsewhere, Troy and Abed lose track of their biology-lab subject.

Fringe – FOX 9/8c
“August” – When a peculiar abduction occurs in Boston, the Fringe team uncovers details of the mysterious man known as The Observer. While the bizarre case takes center stage, Walter, Peter and Astrid hit the lab to analyze unusual evidence and deal with Walter’s insatiable appetite for a milkshake.

Supernatural – the CW 9/8c
“Abandon All Hope” – Sam, Dean and Castiel track down the Colt and head off to find Lucifer (guest star Mark Pelligreno) to send him back to Hell. It’s a hunters’ reunion when the crew joins forces with Bobby, Ellen (guest star Samantha Ferris) and Jo (guest star Alona Tal) for what could be their last night on Earth.

30 Rock – NBC 9:30/8:30c
“Sun Tea” – Liz’s life turns topsy-turvy when her apartment building is transformed into a condominium complex. Meanwhile, both Jack and Tracy reassess their ideas about parenthood, and Kenneth works to make “TGS” environmentally friendly. Al Gore appears in a cameo; Nathan Corddry and Chris Parnell guest star.

The Mentalist – CBS 10/9c
“His Right Red Hand” - The CBI team is faced with a violent and shocking crime in their own office, but must work the case in spite of their alarm of who may be behind it.  Meanwhile, Rigsby and Van Pelt are definitely an “item”.

NGTV Guide: Thursday, November 12

Which of the new Thursday shows are you still watching? I’m winnowed out a couple, but my poor DVR still breathes a sigh of relief at the end of the night.

FlashForward – ABC 8/7c
“Playing Cards with Coyote” – Mark cuts his romantic getaway with Olivia short when a tip leads to the discovery of the tattooed assassin seen in his flashforward, Simon and Lloyd settle a debate over a game of poker, Aaron learns the truth about daughter Tracy’s deadly accident, and Janis returns to work but debates her future with the department.

Bones – Fox 8/7c
“The Dwarf in the Dirt” – Booth, still suffering some lingering effects from his brain surgery, has to get re-certified for FBI marksmanship, but is not the accurate shot he was before going under the knife. Meanwhile, the team at the Jeffersonian investigates the remains of a little person discovered in a sinkhole. The victim, Bryce DaFonte, also known as “The Iron Leprechaun,” competed in a popular wrestling league, but the popularity of the franchise left him with many enemies, including bitter competitors and scorned lovers, any of whom could have caused his downfall.

Community – NBC 8/7c
“Debate 109″ – Jeff joins the debate team after Annie’s partner drops out. Though Jeff assumes he’ll excel, he encounters unexpected competition from an obnoxious member of the other team. Elsewhere, Shirley is spooked by Abed’s films, which seem to foresee the future, and Pierce tries to help Britta quit smoking.

The Vampire Diaries – the CW 8/7c
“History Repeating” – Jeremy gets a break from the mysterious new history teacher, Alaric Saltzman (guest star Matt Davis, ‘Legally Blonde’) and introduces Alaric to Jenna. Bonnie  is having terrifying dreams about one of her ancestors. Despite Elena’s efforts to smooth things over, Bonnie and Caroline continue to argue over the medallion. When the girls hold a seance to help them decide what to do, the results are stranger than any of them expected. Matt comes to Caroline’s aid when she needs a friend. Damon finally reveals to Stefan the stunning reason he has returned to Mystic Falls.

Fringe – Fox 9/8c
“Of Human Action” – When a kidnapping rapidly escalates into a hostage situation in New York, local authorities close in on the suspects only to discover a mysterious force with mind-blowing consequences. As the investigation intensifies, the mystery and threat deepen to unimaginable proportions when the Fringe Division connects a link between the kidnapping and Massive Dynamic.

Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki star in Supernatural on the CW.

Supernatural – the CW 9/8c
“The Real Ghostbusters” – Super fan Becky (guest star Emily Perkins) uses Chuck’s (guest star Chuck Benedict) phone to trick Sam and Dean into attending a Supernatural fan convention, complete with fans dressed up as Sam and Dean. One of the activities is a live action role playing game, but things quickly turn sour after a real ghost appears on the scene.

30 Rock – NBC 9:30/8:30c
“The Problem Solvers” – The new actor starts work at “TGS,” and after observing how low maintenance he is, Tracy and Jenna begin to rethink how they treat Kenneth. Meanwhile, Jack offers Liz her own talk show, but Jenna convinces her to explore all of her options first.

The Mentalist – CBS 10/9c
“Red Bulls” - Minelli orders Patrick Jane and Lisbon and company to play nice and work together with Bosco and his team to locate a kidnapped woman being held for ransom.

NGTV Guide: Thursday, November 5

Another full night of TV, thanks to sweeps. Why is it that all the really dramatic/romantic/important things happen in November, February and May? NOTE: Bones and Fringe return!

Bones – FOX 8/7c
“The Tough Man in the Tender Chicken” – When the remains of an heir to a controversial chicken farm turn up on a riverbank, a murder suspect may be found in the deceased’s long list of enemies, including animal-rights activists and disgruntled neighbors.

The Vampire Diaries – the CW 8/7c
“162 Candles” – On his birthday, Stefan is surprised by a visit from Lexi, (guest star Arielle Kebble, “Gilmore Girls”), one of his oldest friends. Still upset by the events at the Halloween haunted house, Elena does her best to stay away from Stefan, but Lexi gives her some unsolicited relationship advice. Elena and Jenna are surprised by a change in Jeremy’s behavior. At Damon’s  insistence, Caroline tries to get his medallion back from Bonnie. Finally, Damon’s offer to help Sheriff Forbes (guest star Marguerite MacIntyre) has sudden and tragic results.

Community – NBC 8/7c
“Home Economics” – The gang discover that Jeff doesn’t have a place to live and are quick to offer their help. Elsewhere, Annie comes up with a perfect date for Troy and another girl; and Pierce tests his musical chops when he joins Vaughn’s (Eric Christian Olsen) band.

FlashForward – ABC 8/7c
“The Gift” – Mark, Demetri, Gough and MI6 agent Fiona Banks (Alex Kingston, “ER”) investigate a Blue Hand club and its possible connection to some recent suicides. Meanwhile, Aaron receives a surprise visit from a former army buddy of his late daughter’s, Demetri comes clean with Zoey (Gabrielle Union) about his lack of a flashforward, and Nicole helps Bryce uncover the mystery of his flashforward while volunteering at the hospital.

Fringe – FOX 9/8c
“Earthling” – When the Division probes bizarre cases of people turning into ash, the investigation also reveals clues about Broyles’ past. Directed by Emmy Award winner Jon Cassar (“24″).

Supernatural – the CW 9/8c
“Changing Channels” – The Trickster (guest star Richard Speight Jr.) throws Sam and Dean  into an alternate universe where they are characters in different television series, including a sexy medical show, a Japanese game show, a forensics show and a sitcom. The brothers realize the only way to get out of this world is to play along and become the characters in the shows. However, Castiel appears and warns them this universe is dangerous and they must get out before they become trapped.

30 Rock – NBC 9:30/8:30c
“Audition Day” – While Liz and Pete try to rig the audition process, Tracy and Jenna decide it’s in their best interest to conduct their own search for a new “TGS” actor. Amidst the audition chaos, Jack faces a more personal issue.

The Mentalist – CBS 10/9c
“Black Gold and Red Blood” – Even after Bosco arrests Jane and puts him in prison for spying on him, Jane is able to help the CBI team from his cell to solve the murder of a young man.

NGTV Guide: Thursday, October 29

Happy first day of November sweeps! Yes, for the rest of us it’s still October. TV people have their own special calendars. NOTE: Bones and Fringe are still on hiatus for baseball.

The Vampire Diaries – the CW 8/7c
“Haunted” – As Vicki’s behavior becomes more dangerous, Stefan tries to help her. Elena tries to convince Jeremy to stay away from Vicki. Caroline gives Bonnie a necklace she took from Damon to wear with her Halloween costume, and when Damon tries to take it back, he is surprised by Bonnie’s abilities. Bonnie discusses the incident with Grams (guest star Jasmine Guy) and learns more about her family’s past. Trying to cheer Vicki up, Matt takes her to the high school’s haunted house, but the evening soon takes a terrifying turn.

Community – NBC 8/7c
“Introduction to Statistics” – Jeff has the hots for his statistics professor and is determined to take her out on a date. He finds the perfect opportunity to pursue her but it happens to interfere with a Day of the Dead party Annie is throwing for their Spanish class. Meanwhile, Pierce comes to terms with being old.

Supernatural – the CW 9/8c
“The Curious Case of Dean Winchester” – Sam and Dean discover a witch (guest star Hal Ozsan) is running a high-stakes poker game where the currency is life years vs. money. Bobby sees the game as a chance to get out of the wheelchair and bets 25 years, but loses. As Bobby begins to age rapidly, Dean steps in to save him but also ends up turning into an old man, leaving Sam holding the bag for their survival.

30 Rock – NBC 9:30/8:30c
“Stone Mountain” – Liz and Jack venture down south to Kenneth’s hometown to discover new talent. Jenna tries to make friends with the writers to solidify her place at “TGS” before the new cast member is hired. Meanwhile, Tracy fears for his life when two celebrities die and he believes he’s the next to bite the dust.

The Mentalist – CBS 10/9c
“Red Scare” – The CBI team investigates the death of a wealthy man living in a haunted mansion, and Rigsby and Van Pelt grow closer.

NGTV Guide: Thursday, October 22

It’s a lighter TV night as several shows take a break for baseball and reruns in advance of November sweeps.

What’s New:

FlashForward – ABC 8/7c
“Gimme Some Truth” – Mark fields questions from the Senate Intelligence Committee about his flash-forward during a hearing about funding Wedeck’s team. In other events, Janis ponders how her flash-forward will impact her current relationship and Olivia receives information about Mark’s flash-forward.

Community – NBC 8/7c
“Football, Feminism and You” – Jeff has ulterior motives when he pushes Troy to join the school’s football team, but Annie interferes with Jeff’s plan. Elsewhere, Britta receives a lesson from Shirley on the rules of girl talk.

30 Rock – NBC 9:30/8:30c
“Into the Crevasse” – Jack’s rival Devin Banks (Will Arnett) returns, putting Jack on the defensive; Tracy and Jenna team up to torment Liz; and Kenneth volunteers at an animal shelter.

What’s Not:

Bones – on hiatus for baseball

The Vampire Diaries – repeat

Fringe – on hiatus for baseball

Supernatural – repeat

The Mentalist – repeat

Spotlight On: Sonya Walger

As one of the break-out stars of the new hot ABC series FlashForward, Sonya Walger has been gaining notoriety for the last couple of years playing Penelope Widmore on Lost.

But before her attention-grabbing success on Lost and FlashForward, Sonya was a steadily working television performer. After doing short stints on such shows as Heat of the Sun, Misdomer Murders, The Vice and Goodnight Sweetheart in 1998 and 1999, Sonya scored a big break being cast as Donna Barnes in the series FlashForward. Unfortunately, that role lasted only one season and she was back to steadily working in both film and television roles; the most noteworthy was being cast as Nicole Noone in made-for-television movie, The Librarian: Quest for the Spear.

But 2004 was a really good year for Sonya. That was the year she gained traction and momentum in her career and, in between 2004 through 2006, she appeared in ten episodes of CSI: New York as Jane Parsons and five episodes of the series Sleeper Cell as Special Agent Patrice Sexner, which was quickly followed with a ten episode stint in 2007 on the ground-breaking series Tell Me You Love Me. But it was in 2006 in which lightening struck when she was cast as Desmond’s star-crossed lover, Penny, in the ABC phenomenon Lost. It was only 11 electrifying episodes, but with the line “not Penny’s boat” scribbled across Charlie’s hand as he sacrificed himself to convey that dire message to the rest of the castaways, Penny suddenly became a lightening rod for fans to latch onto. Unlike any other romantic pairing on the series, Penny and Desmond were always portrayed as destined to be together and the writers were generous enough to play up their epic romance.

While the Penny-Desmond storyline is ongoing through the final season of Lost, which will be broadcast starting in January 2010, Sonya was not content to sit around. She quickly scored a recurring role on the short-lived series Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles as Michelle Dixon, Charlie Dixon’s doomed wife.

Then in a bold career move and with a masterful stroke of luck, Sonya landed the lead role in the red-hot ABC series FlashForward playing Olivia Benford, wife of Mark Benford (Joseph Fiennes), the morally conflicted doctor who is uncertain if she wants her flashforward vision of her future to come true — for in her vision she saw herself involved with another man. Sonya’s portrayal is perfectly nuanced as we see her determination to remain faithful to her husband and marriage in the face of temptation and the mechanisms of fate. Sonya also radiates such a heart of goodness and loving warmth that the audience is drawn to her whenever she is on screen.

It will be a pleasure to watch as Sonya continues to explore her character, Olivia, in FlashForward and to see what surprises lie in store on Lost.  ABC has picked a winner with this radiant actress and it is a delight to be blessed with her presence on two hot series that will play back-to-back through this upcoming season.

FlashForward airs Thursdays on ABC at 8/7c.

NGTV Guide: Thursday, October 15

What is this, November sweeps? Tonight we’re going back in time with vampires, attending a black tie affair with the Squints, investigating a potential child serial killer with the Winchesters, plus Simon Baker’s on a hog and Liz Lemon returns. Crazy.

The Vampire Diaries – the CW 8/7c
“Lost Girls” – Elena demands that Stefan  explain the frightening events that have been happening in Mystic Falls. In flashbacks, Stefan explains how his rivalry with Damon began. Back in the present, Damon impulsively takes control of Vicki’s future, and a confused and frightened Vicki runs away. Finally, Sheriff Forbes and Mayor Lockwood take steps to protect the town.

Bones -FOX 8/7c
“A Night at the Bones Museum” –  Brennan and Booth are called to investigate what appears to be human remains on an electrical fence. The mysterious corpse is later determined to be a mummified Egyptian royal on loan to the Jeffersonian. The anthropological mystery has Brennan in a tizzy when the Jeffersonian curator prepping the mummy for exhibition is murdered. Brennan’s investigation of the curator sheds new light on the life of the Egyptian royal, turning their case into one of historic proportions. Meanwhile, Brennan goes on a date with Booth’s supervisor, and former intern and Sweets’ girlfriend Daisy Wick (guest star Gallo) returns to the Jeffersonian

FlashForward -ABC 8/7c
“Black Swan” – Olivia struggles to accept Bryce’s suggestion that a patient’s flashforward holds the key to a correct diagnosis and treatment. Meanwhile, Demetri accuses Mark of waiting for the future he saw in his flashforward to come true without incident, while Mark feels Demetri is letting his fear of what he witnessed envelop his life; and Nicole returns to work as Mark and Olivia’s daughter’s baby-sitter, and discloses her shocking future vision — involving a murder.

Community -NBC 8/7c
“Advanced Criminal Law” – Senor Chang is on the hunt for a cheater threatens to fail the entire class if he or she does not come forward; Jeff comes to the defense of the person who confesses; a new school song.

Supernatural -the CW 9/8c
“I Believe the Children Are Our Future” –  Sam and Dean investigate a series of odd murders that strangely resemble fairytales and urban legends. The brothers track down an 11-year-old boy named Jesse (guest star Gattlin Griffith) and realize that whatever Jesse believes is coming true. Castiel tells Sam and Dean that Jesse is a serious threat and needs to be eliminated.

Fringe -FOX 9/8c
“Dream Logic” – The Fringe team travels cross-country to Seattle after learning of a mysterious incident involving a man who attacked his boss because he believed he was an evil ram-horned creature. As these puzzling occurrences continue, the team tirelessly explores strange and creepy links to dreams. In pursuit of additional information, Agent Broyles has a disconcerting meeting with enigmatic Massive Dynamic executive Nina Sharp that leads the investigation in an unthinkable direction.

30 Rock -NBC 9:30/8:30c – SEASON PREMIERE
“Season Four” – Jack informs Liz, Tracy and Jenna that “TGS” needs to make immediate adjustments to become more relatable. In an effort to do their part, Jenna decides to makeover her image, while Tracy attempts to regain touch with the common man. In the meantime, Jack sends Liz and Pete on a mission to scout new “TGS” talent while Kenneth leads a Page strike.

The Mentalist – CBS 10/9c
“Red Menace” – Jane, Lisbon and the CBI team encounter one of California’s most dangerous motorcycle gangs when investigating the death of their primary attorney.

NGTV Guide: Thursday, October 8

It’s a night of major guest stars as Leonard Nimoy returns to Fringe, Jasmine Guy appears on The Vampire Diaries, and Gabrielle Union turns up on FlashForward.

The Vampire Diaries – the CW 8/7c
“You’re Undead to Me” – Stefan is hopeful that his plan to get rid of Damon is working. Elena and Jenna are concerned about Jeremy’s relationship with Vicki. Stefan decides to reveal parts of his past to Elena. At a fund-raising car wash, Bonnie is surprised by abilities she didn’t know she possessed, and seeks advice from her grandmother (Jasmine Guy, “A Different World”). Finally, Elena hears a disturbing story about the Salvatore family from a stranger.

Bones -FOX 8/7c
“The Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” – Brennan and Booth investigate human remains found at a neighborhood block party. Suburban politics and secret scandals give each neighbor in the cul-de-sac a motive, leaving Brennan, Booth and Sweets to sift through the drama to find their suspect. Meanwhile, Jeffersonian intern Arastoo comes clean about his background, and Booth’s son attempts to find Booth a girlfriend.

FlashForward -ABC 8/7c
“137 Sekunden” – Mark and Janis travel to Germany to speak with an imprisoned Nazi who claims to have knowledge about the blackouts, and an anonymous tip leads Demetri to believe his deepest fears about his future. Meanwhile, Aaron pleads with Mark to help him get the approval to have his daughter’s body exhumed in order to re-test her DNA and confirm the identity of the remains.

Supernatural -the CW 9/8c
“Fallen Idol” –  Sam and Dean decide to start hunting together again and their first case leads them to a small town whose inhabitants are being killed by famous dead icons like Abraham Lincoln and James Dean’s car. However, after two teenage girls come forward and claim their friend was kidnapped by Paris Hilton (in a cameo role as herself), the brothers aren’t sure what they are hunting anymore.

Fringe -FOX 9/8c
“Momentum Deferred” – Recuperating from the traumatic and alarming meeting with Massive Dynamic founder William Bell (guest star Nimoy), Agent Dunham consumes a powerful “fringe” concoction that Dr. Bishop prescribes to stimulate her memory. Meanwhile, the Fringe Division investigates a series of robbery cases that are tied to shape-shifting. As clues are tracked and memories are jogged, another woman experimented on by Dr. Bishop is introduced and a flashback reveals more about Olivia’s visit to the alternate reality.

Community -NBC 9:30/8:30c
“Social Psychology” – Jeff and Shirley bond by gossiping about Britta’s new boyfriend. When Jeff tries to stop and be a good friend to Britta, he discovers that gossip is a difficult monster to escape. Meanwhile, Annie  joins Professor Duncan’s (guest star John Oliver) psychology research team and recruits Troy and Abed as test subjects.

The Mentalist – CBS 10/9c
“Red Badge” – Jane, Cho, Rigsby and Van Pelt decide to conduct their own investigation when Lisbon is accused of murdering a child molester she arrested who was recently paroled.

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