A Little of This and Some of That

It’s almost a comedy at this stage, but for the last two years around the Paley Festival, I’m sick. It’s a sad excuse, but those recaps have been delayed for the sake of feeling like a reason person.

With the time at home, I’ve been sleeping while listening to Veronica Mars (never a bad combination, let me say but the prospect of dreaming of how killed Lilly Kane when I already know the answer is slightly disturbing), and slowing catching up on television.

For example, this week’s Castle featured three guest stars who reminded me of a good laugh, some family angst if there ever was family angst and an old love. Firstly, there was Kieko Agena, who I mostly remember as Lane from Gilmore Girl. After that, Devon Gummersall who I still remember as the dorky guy from My So Called Life.

As I’m preparing myself for the Glee event at PaleyFest on Saturday, I also realized that the Murphy project has something in common with TNT’s Southland: a character name. This week’s episode featured a doctor named Sandy Ryerson, who also happens to be the pot-peddling former show choir director at McKinley High (the two different characters have nothing else in common, thank goodness.)

With that, this Nice Girl is off to work on those recaps from last week. I can get them done today, I’m sure.

Coming Out of the Olympic Haze

Between the Olympics hogging all my DVR space and handling the fallout from the last episode of Chuck, I feel like the last couple of weeks have been time warp. Now comes the run up to the crazy mad season finales in just a couple of weeks. Oh, and PaleyFest is going on right now – Nice Girls Louise, Tiffany and Rueben are covering the festivities – which always brings in fun stuff. Things I’m looking forward to in the next few weeks:

• Chuck returns (tonight)!
• The much discussed 100th episode of Bones.
• Vampire Diaries returns.
• Glee returns (finally)!
• The Psych and White Collar season finales (next week).
• Booking flights for Comic Con, Part Trois!
• Some really cool TV-related giveaways we’ll be launching soon.
• Did I already mention GLEE RETURNS?!

Welcome back, TV!

Fox’s Winter TCA

Fox’s day at The Critics’ Association winter press tour found itself in an interesting position: being the day after NBC’s presentation and the kerfuffle of late night. By the end of the day, however, Fox had created some news of its own, and left many questions about some of its upcoming programs.

Bones

With Bones well into its fifth season, the show is once again raising the stakes for all of the characters involved with work at The Jeffersonian.

The 100th episode (set to air April 8, directed by David Boreanaz) finds Dr. Sweets about to publish his book, only to find out that some of his assumptions on how Brennan and Booth started to work together were wrong. What unfolds after that is a flashback about that first case to illustrate the point to Sweets. During the episode, there will also be a sea change in the relationship between Booth and Brennan, though no one would be specific about what that sort of change is going to be.

The other big Bones news involved a mysterious wedding (actually resulting in a marriage). No one was specific about who would be involved, though Boreanaz did suggest that it was someone in the family of the Jeffersonian (I assume Booth and Sweets are included in the family). Related to that point, creator Hart Hanson wouldn’t definitively say if Booth and Brennan would be together at the end, but he is well aware of the pull of fans, both for and against the couple.

By the end of the morning with the cast and crew, there was only one clear lesson learned: secrets are going to keep me interested in watching the rest of this season and into the sixth, just to try and understand what everyone was alluding to.

Human Target

After hearing about this back in the summer, the show seems to have found a pattern, though the use of both a plane and a train in the opening episodes shouldn’t scare anyone from those means of transportation.

In the wake of the foiled terror plot on Christmas, many critics were worried about the second episode being aboard a plane, though Executive Producer John Steinberg dismissed the connection, saying “we’re trying to do something different in every one of them [episode].” The show is also aiming for fun instead of a real depiction of any the situation the leads find themselves in.

As the show is based on a graphic novel, Steinbeck was quick to point out that the source material is still present, but that knowledge of either version of the novel won’t be necessary.

Chi McBride, in one of the moments that has come to define his public appearances, hoped that all of the critics would “like us, don’t love us” to insure that the show lasts.

Code 58

From Burn Notice creator Matt Nix, this show, airing in May and June, features Bradley Whitford (sporting a very 80s mustache) and Colin Hanks, as a pair of detectives routinely sent on inconsequential calls that turn intriguing as they investigate. Nix described the shows as an action comedy, and from the brief read of the pilot script, he’s not wrong.

On stage, Hanks and Whitford play off each other just as I imagine their characters will do, while their Lieutenant and the Assistant Distract Attorney (Diana Maria Riva and Jenny Wade, respectively) are players in the larger picture of each investigation.

Though the title of the show is likely to change, Code 58 refers to the police code in Dallas, Texas, for a routine investigation, described in the panel as what would happen should someone call on two kids making out in a parked car.

Executive Session

After what sounded like a brutal NBC Executive Session, Fox’s session featured many questions about trying late night content again (with Conan) and also saw the end of an era for American Idol, as Simon Cowell announced that he would be leaving the show to bring The X Factor to America in 2011.

No answer was given about any potential show with Conan, despite the plethora of questions on the topic.

Other news announced included Glee’s second season pick up, which will also feature a short reality program that follows some of the potentials on the audition process. As Kevin Reilly imagines, the three new cast members for season 2 will be revealed in the premiere of the series, while the reality program will potentially include watching all of the contestants filming scenes in the episode.

The network is also committed to programming “fresh, new” shows in the Summer – not leftovers that shouldn’t be considered.

My Personal Wish List

At this time of year families and friends gather to celebrate the holidays – whether it be Chanukah or Christmas (et al) – exchanging gifts and feasting on all their favorite meals. In years past my family would gather to watch my (at the time) little nieces and nephews open their gifts and share in our traditional Christmas meal; sometimes dividing our time between my two older brothers’ homes.

As the years progressed and my nieces and nephews grew older, our family Christmas traditions slowly changed and adapted. I am sure that is the same for many of our readers here at NiceGirlsTV.

Since I moved to California from Pennsylvania over 9 years ago, and with the passing of several of my family members, my holiday traditions have changed drastically. And while I don’t celebrate the holidays like in years past, it’s hard not to create a wish list, especially with that lingering 17-year old TV fan inside of me screaming for some of the wonderful memorabilia that is available.

Included in my wish list for this holiday season include the following:

1. The Legend of the Seeker on DVD – The first season of this hit syndicated series based on the Terry Goodkind Sword of Truth novels, starring Craig Horner, Bridget Regan and Bruce Spence became available on October 13. I have thoroughly enjoyed the series to date, including the beginning of Season 2, and will look forward to reliving all the adventures of Richard, Kahlan and Zedd on the DVD.

2. Glee: Season 1, Volume 1: The Road to Sectionals on DVD – This FOX series has taken critics and viewers by storm, creating a frenzy wherever they go and raking up fairly decent ratings to boot. The series may not be for everyone because of its over-the-top stories and too polished sounds; but it is quirky, fun and enjoyable. I, for one, cannot wait for the first 13 episodes to be released on DVD on December 29; and will look forward for Season 1, Volume 2 to become available in Spring 2010.

3. Gods of Midnight Book Series by Deidre Knight – Author Deidre Knight has created a compelling new series of books featuring seven immortal Spartan warriors who protect mankind. The first book Red Fire was published on October 7, 2008 (for which I have already read); but some of the other books in the series include Red Kiss, Red Angel and Red Demon. I look forward to getting these books and learning more about these Spartans.

4. Battlestar Galactica Soundtracks by Bear McCreary – I will gladly take any of the soundtracks from any of the four seasons of this fantastic series, as Bear McCreary is perhaps one of the most prolific composers in television today. His music became so engrained in the series that looking back on the episodes now, I couldn’t imagine any other composer doing a better job.

5. Across the Universe on DVD – This spectacular movie set to the music of The Beatles was centered around the Vietnam War; was directed by the visionary Julie Taymor and starred Jim Sturgess and Evan Rachel Wood. This incredible movie was released in theatres in October 2007 and I was enraptured by the entire spectacle. Every actor in this movie was gifted with superb vocals, making the soundtrack a hot property for that year as well.

6. Torchwood: Children of Earth on DVD – This special stand-alone 5-hour mini-series based on the hit BBC series Torchwood aired in the UK and the US in July to critic and fan acclaim. And while I’m not actually a fan of the series itself, I was anticipating seeing this mini-series as much as the die-hard fans and, despite the dark and harrowing nature of the mini-series, I was blown away by the performances of the entire cast and the overall storyline. Kudos to Russell T. Davies, John Fay and James Moran for writing this incredibly dense and compelling story, which became a must-see for the summer.

7. Sereni-Tees from the Jason Palmer Studios – Jason Palmer is an incredible artist whose work I discovered around 2003 and have been enraptured by his skill and craftsmanship ever since. I have four pieces of his artwork in my home and this year was gifted with one of his new Sereni-Tees (based on artwork he created for the fan-favorite movie Serenity by Joss Whedon). Jason has a number of new tees coming out soon and I look forward to getting one or two more to add to my collection. You can learn more about Jason Palmer’s Sereni-Tees at:   http://www.jasonpalmer.net/SereniTees.htm and you can discover his artwork at: http://www.jasonpalmer.net/index.html.

So, there you have it: the top 7 must-have items I would love most under my (non-existent) Christmas tree this year. What are some of the must-have items you are hoping for this holiday season?

PS: I also want to recommend Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along-Blog by Joss Whedon (and the talented members of his family), which starred Neil Patrick Harris in the title role as well as Nathan Fillion (of Firefly, Serenity and now Castle fame) and the wonderful Felicia Day (of Buffy fame). This delightful, Emmy Award winning online mini-movie took the industry by storm in the summer of 2008 and has garnered a rapid following all over the globe. There are also talks of a possible sequel and the fans can only hope that the rumors will become fact.

Happy Holidays!!

Top 10 TV Surprises of 2009

Have you noticed how the end of the year warrants umpteen lists of the best this and worst that and most whatever? I’m a list-maker by nature, as the other Nice Girls can attest, so this way of recapping a year is one I can get behind. Besides, far be it from me to shirk tradition! Herewith, the 10 most surprising things in television this year, at least to me.

10. Renew Chuck fan campaign gets national coverage. I was never concerned that Chuck wouldn’t be back for a third season, but in the interest of fandom, I joined our sister site ChuckTV.net in organizing the fan campaign for renewal last spring. We hoped it would draw some notice from fellow bloggers and Chuck fans, and of course NBC, but the day CNN called about doing a segment we were giddy with shock.

Leverage kept summer interesting

9. Summer TV didn’t suck. The networks have been talking about a year-round schedule for several years now, but it’s cable stepping up to fill in the gap during the summer months. This year my time-honored tradition of catching up on broadcast television when it was too hot to go outside was scuttled just to keep up with all the quality shows airing for the first time. The Closer, Psych, Royal Pains, True Blood, Merlin, Leverage…it’s almost enough to make a Nice Girl go crazy from excellent storytelling.

8. Peter is the one holding Kate captive on White Collar. Or is he? In the final moments of the White Collar fall finale, it appeared that Peter was the one who had been holding Kate hostage this whole time, presumably to control Neal. But is all what it appears? Creator Jeff Eastin Tweeted a couple of interesting statements late Friday: “Don’t assume anything you see is what it seems” and “Clue: it was set up from the beginning. How does Peter find Neal in the pilot?” So while my initial reaction was, “WHAT?!?” and an immediate rewind to watch that scene again, even before reading Jeff’s Tweets, I started following the trail of breadcrumbs from the beginning and realized that, no, all is NOT what it seems. (By the way, if you need a refresher on what happened in the pilot, Jeff Tweeted a link to the script.)

7. Justin Suarez isn’t gay. In the November 13 episode of Ugly Betty, teenage Justin walks the gauntlet at his high school where he’s the target for bullies and teasing. Advice from Marc helps him get in with the “mean girls”, but the jocks still attempt to humiliate him at homecoming (which was on a Sunday? what?) by naming him Homecoming Queen. Justin turns the tables by giving the honor to mom Hilda, then later stuns everyone by saying it doesn’t really matter what the bullies say because he isn’t gay. “So, he’s not,” says Marc. Maybe Justin’s still figuring himself out, but I gotta admit, even on a show where scheming and shockers are an art form, I did not see that coming.

6. Glee. I know, I’ve mentioned many times that I’m not a fan of musicals and yet I love this show. Surprising in and of itself, but even more surprising is how it’s been embraced by the general viewing audience, and kept up the standard it set in the first episode. From Mr. Shu breaking out into rap to Finn believing Quinn’s impregnation tale to Tina’s revelation that she doesn’t stutter to Sue Sylvester’s soft side to the usually brilliant musical numbers, this is a show that constantly surprises me.

5. Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne share a half-brother. By the time this BBC show killed Marian at the end of season 2, it had veered so far from Robin Hood lore that I didn’t know what to expect from season 3. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to watch season 3, but the lure of a brooding Richard Armitage was too strong to resist. The shenanigans continued for most of the season – robbing the rich to give to the poor, clashing with the Sheriff of Nottingham, Robin and Guy continuing their feud – until the fourth to last episode of the series when we finally got some backstory on said feud. It sure took them long enough, but what a bombshell to drop: not only were Guy’s mother and Robin’s father lovers, they had a son. The baby was sent away and subsequently became a criminal, ending up in jail and about to be hanged before Robin and Guy came to his rescue. With Robin and Guy both killed in the series finale, we were conveniently left with the promise that Archer, along with the rest of the Merry Men, would continue Robin Hood’s crusade.

4. Vampire Diaries. I’m not a fan of that other teen vampire series, and when I saw the preview for this show at Comic Con, I came down with the giggles. BethAnne convinced me to give it a shot, though, and wouldn’t you know, the pilot hooked me. Sure, it’s full of teen angst and melodrama, but it’s compelling and entertaining. Despite first impressions at Comic Con, it won a season pass on my DVR.

3. The ending of Every. Single. Episode. of True Blood. Seriously, is Alan Ball trying to give us mass heart attacks?

Dollhouse returned on FOX

2. James Franco guest stars on General Hospital. I don’t watch the soaps. I’ll confess that the acting and production quality generally leave me cold. Yes, I’m a bit of a snob there and yes, I realize that there are plenty of primetime shows with crappy acting, but at least the production quality is better. Anyway. When Golden Globe-winning film star James Franco was announced as joining General Hospital for a lengthy guest role, my jaw hit the floor. The more I’ve read about him, though, the more impressed I am with him and his career choices. Kudos to James for doing what he wants for his career, whether it’s optioning books to produce as films or attending soap opera acting bootcamp.

1. Dollhouse gets a second season. We know now that its second will be its last, but even Joss Whedon was shocked when Fox gave the greenlight for more episodes after dismal season one ratings. I’d say that announcement hit 5.0 on the Richter scale.

What were your biggest TV surprises this year?

NGTV Guide: Wednesday, December 9

I hope you’re sitting down…tonight is the last episode of Glee until April and possibly the last episode of Eastwick ever. Enjoy them while you can!

Glee – FOX 9/8c – MID-SEASON FINALE
“Sectionals” – Quinn’s secret unravels as the sectionals approach, threatening club cohesion at the worst possible time. Meanwhile, Sue’s scheming continues apace (and then some); and Will ponders an important decision as Emma and Ken’s wedding nears.

Cougar Town – ABC 9:30/8:30c
“Mystery Man” – A very wealthy potential home buyer, guest starring Scott Foley as Jeff, feigns interest in an overpriced home in order to get Jules’ attention.  Meanwhile, Ellie begrudgingly leaves the baby with Andy for a day to prove to herself that she trusts her husband.

Eastwick – ABC 10/9c – SERIES (?) FINALE
“Tea and Psychopathy” – After Jamie (Jack Huston) reveals to Roxie that Darryl is his father, she sets about having a dinner party where father and son can bond. But Jamie has a secret, darker plan for the evening. Meanwhile Kat embraces her newfound power by healing every patient she comes into contact with, but her compassion leads to drastic physical consequences. And Max (Jason George) asks a reluctant Joanna to help him crack a famous unsolved Eastwick murder, but their snooping leads them to a perilous situation with Eleanor (Cybill Shepherd).

NGTV Guide: Wednesday, December 2

We’re nearing the winter season finales on several shows, and the possible series finale for Eastwick, so be sure the DVR is set before you head off to that fabulous holiday party!

Christmas in Rockefeller Center - NBC 8/7c
Jane Krakowski and Zachary Levi host the 77th annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Manhattan, which is illuminated by music artists rendering current hits and holiday tunes. Performers include Michael Bublé, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow, the Roots and Shakira. Appearing: newsman Brian Williams; and actors Taylor Schilling and James Tupper.

Glee – FOX 9/8c
“Mattress” – Budget cuts mean no yearbook photo for the glee club, but Rachel is the only one upset about this. Meanwhile, Quinn tries to get into the Cheerios yearbook photo; and Will and Terri face serious problems in their relationship.

Cougar Town – ABC 9:30/8:30c
“Into the Great Wide Open” – Against the advice of her best friend, Ellie, Jules tries to keep up with the hard partying twentysomethings and makes a complete fool of herself in the process

Eastwick – ABC 10/9c
“Tasers and Mind Erasers” – While enduring a visit from her mother, Edie (Joanna Kerns), Roxie discovers a newfound power. After Jamie’s failed attempt to poison Darryl lands Greta Noa (Rosanna Arquette) in the hospital about to die, Darryl urges Kat to embrace her healing abilities so she can save his friend. Meanwhile, as Joanna tries to resurrect her writing career, her rivalry deepens with cocky reporter Max. And Jamie is forced to team up with Bun and Eleanor (Cybill Shepherd) to finish the job on Darryl.

Mark Salling Is Thankful for GLEE

Still glowing from Thanskgiving cheer? Mark Salling’s ode to Glee will keep it going.

Doesn’t that just give you the warm fuzzies? Check out Mark’s new website for more info on this versatile, and adorable, guy.

NGTV Guide: Wednesday, November 25

Glee – FOX 9/8c
“Hairography” – Concerned that Sue is up to no good, Will pays a visit to an instructor of a competing Glee Club (guest star Eve) to see what information Sue may be leaking, which leads to the club getting a look at their hair-rising competition. Meanwhile, Kurt gives Rachel a makeover to impress Finn, but he may have ulterior motives.

Cougar Town – ABC 9:30/8:30c
“Here Comes My Girl” – Jules’ intimate Thanksgiving turns into a larger gathering just as she’d hoped. When Travis invites girlfriend Kylie to dinner and introduces her to everyone for the first time, Jules and friends are determined to make an unforgettable first impression. Before long, Jules finds herself giving Travis and Kylie an impromptu lesson on birth control. Meanwhile, Bobby and Grayson discover an awkward but common interest between them.

Eastwick – ABC 10/9c
“Paint and Pleasure” – Thrilled when Darryl arranges an art show for her work at his mansion — and invites New York art maven Greta Noa (Rosanna Arquette) — Roxie forgets that his motives might be less than pure. Joanna turns to her power to get her life back on track, but swiftly discovers that every action, magical or otherwise, has its consequences. And Kat, still unsure about how to move on from Ray, shies away from a budding romance with Will.

Giving Thanks in TV Land

It’s the beginning of Thanksgiving week, a time when it’s considered cool and hip to show your gratitude. In the spirit of the season, here is a list of things that I, a person who watches too much TV, am thankful for.

My DVR: how did I call myself a TV watcher before I had a DVR? The freedom to record shows at the touch of a button and watch them whenever I want has been remarkable. Sure, a VCR has a similar benefit, but the DVR is so much simpler than a mess of tapes that have to be rewound and fast forwarded. Thank you to the inventor of the DVR for making it easier to watch hours and hours of television on my own schedule.

Glee: In a startling turn of events, I’m in love with a musical. This show is a delightful mixture of high school drama, unrequited love, poignant situations, witty dialogue, and toe-tapping musical numbers. Thank you to FOX for taking the risk and to everyone involved with the show for producing such a quality product.

My Treadmill: I bought a treadmill a few weeks ago, in hopes that it would be easier to work out while watching TV. It is. I’m thankful that I can burn calories, tone muscles, and improve my health all while catching up on what’s on the DVR.

Robin Hood: I wasn’t sure how the series could continue after they did the unthinkable at the end of season 2 and killed Marian, but it’s even better this season. By losing the love triangle, the show has been able to explore other aspects of the legend of Robin Hood and what was happening in England at that point in history. The series comes to an end in just a couple of weeks, after three seasons of action, romance, and even some campy fun. Thank you to everyone who brought the myth to life, and to whoever cast Richard Armitage as Guy of Gisborne.

That’s the short list. What are you thankful for this season?

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