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?

Nice Boy of the Week: Colin Morgan

Merlin ended it’s debut season here last Sunday evening with two back-to-back episodes. What a great time! I loved each episode. We had the chance to screen the first two episodes before they aired, and I remember saying then to watch out for the two young men playing Merlin and Arthur. I don’t think I was wrong.

Colin Morgan is a fresh, new face and talent to us here in the States. He was born in Northern Ireland and Graduated from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 2007. Beyond that, nothing else is known. What we do know is that he has done a fantastic job playing the legendary wizard, he will continue to do so as season two continues filming in the UK, and we hope to see more of him here. He’s a newbie, but we think he’s a Nice Boy.

Colin’s next project, due out next, is The Sea Change.

NGTV Guide: Sunday, August 16

As the weekend draws to a close, we’re winding down with a guest appearance by a friend of the Nice Girls on a double-shot of Merlin and what’s been called “transcendent” TV by those who have already seen the new episode of True Blood.

Merlin – NBC 8/7c
“The Moment of Truth” – Merlin is stunned when his mother, Hunith (Caroline Faber), turns up in Camelot–bruised, battered and desperate for help from Uther. She explains to Uther that a bandit named Kanan and his men have been attacking her village demanding all of their harvest or he will kill them. When Uther refuses to help, Merlin leaves Camelot to protect his mother and friends. To Merlin’s surprise, Arthur, Morgana and Gwen join forces with him to save his village– but at what cost? Nice Girls’ pal Alexander Siddig guest stars as Kanan.

Merlin – NBC 9/8c
“The Labyrinth of Gedref” – While on a hunting trip with Merlin, Arthur kills a unicorn and Merlin sees an old man watching from afar. Their eyes meet and the old man quickly disappears. Meanwhile, Camelot’s crops have died mysteriously, and its water has turned into sand, sending panic and frenzy throughout the kingdom. Gaiusbelieves that the unfortunate events cannot be a coincidence and a curse has been placed on Camelot. Later, while Arthur and Merlin are on patrol, they come across the same old man Merlin had previously seen. He introduces himself as Anhora (Frank Finlay), keeper of the unicorns, explaining that Arthur is to blame for all the current misfortune in Camelot because he slayed the unicorn. The only way Arthur will be able to save his kingdom is through a series of tests– but will his stubbornness get in the way, requiring Merlin to step in again?

True Blood – HBO 9/8c
“I Will Rise Up” – Critics are calling this episode “transcendent” and “profound”. A wounded Eric plays Sookie for a sucker, to Bill’s dismay, and ends up getting inside her head. Later, Sookie and Jason bond over their recent adventures. Blaming Eggs for Tara’s bruises and bizarre behavior, Lafayette and Lettie Mae try to figure out a way to pry their kin from Maryann’s clutches. Hoyt defends his relationship with Jessica to Maxine, to no avail. Jailed by Bud along with a group of Bon Temps revelers, Sam looks for a way to escape and avoid capture by an increasingly obsessed Maryann. In Dallas, Eric and the vampires defend their recent actions to Nan Flanagan and are shocked when Godric decides to take the fall for their PR disaster.

Catch Up with NBC

These next few weeks are going to fly by faster than you think. Before you know it, the new fall television season will be upon us. NBC wants to help pass the time by giving you the chance to catch up on all the shows returning in September, as well as shows that are currently running. Here is a list of shows available for a limited time only, leading into the fall season:

“30 Rock”
“America’s Got Talent”
“Chuck”
“Days of Our Lives”
“Friday Night Lights”
“Great American Road Trip”
“Heroes”
“Kings”
“Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”
“The Listener”
“Merlin”
“The Office”
“Parks and Recreation”
“The Philanthropist”
“Southland”
“The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien”
“The Wanted”

Watch all these shows online at NBC.com.

Bradley James Talks Myth and “Merlin”

I’ve been quite enjoying my Sunday night television with wizards (Merlin) and vampires (True Blood). Even more fun is the fact that my son looks forward to watching Merlin with me. It’s the only show he and I watch alone. Of course, being a nine year-old boy, he likes the sword-play and I like the romantic fantasy. I am, forever, a hopeless romantic.

As fans of Merlin have seen, this is not your typical King Arthur story. Jenna Busch caught up with Bradley James, who plays young Prince Arthur in the show. James talks about season one and season two (now filming), Merlin and Guinevere.

We’re only part way into the first season, but in England, the show has been renewed for a second season. As a huge fan of the myth in all it’s forms, I watch it weekly. I was pleased to be able to chat with James about his character, the changes in the story, and working with the amazing Head. (Obviously I’m a Buffy fan as well.)

This myth cycle has been re-imagined many times. What is it about this particular Arthur that makes him unique?

(Continue reading interview here.)

Merlin airs Sunday nights on NBC. Watch for the wonderful, very talented, Alexander Siddig in this week’s episode, The Moment of Truth, immediately followed by another episode, Labyrinth of Gedref.

The Moment of Truth

The Labyrinth of Gedref

NGTV Guide: Sunday, August 8

Our wizard, Merlin, gets the night off, but we have vampires and U.S. marshals on tap to close out the weekend.

True Blood – HBO 9/8c
“Timebomb” – Sookie’s predicament changes with Eric’s arrival; a shocking discovery at Merlotte’s spells trouble for Sam; Jessica and Hoyt’s courtship continues; Jason tries to put his checkered past behind him.

In Plain Sight – USA 10/9c – SEASON FINALE
“Don’t Cry for Me, Albuqurque” – A Latina political activist hides in Witsec with help from the U.S. government, but the arrangement soon sours when she moves to her new home.

Burning Questions: Merlin, Leverage, The Closer, Etc.

I’m catching up on the TV I missed while getting ready for Comic Con, attending Comic Con, going to my grandfather’s funeral, recovering from Comic Con…my DVR was bursting with new episodes of shows like Merlin, Warehouse 13, Leverage, The Closer, Hung, True Blood, and Barefoot Contessa. Yes, Ina Garten is my hero, why do you ask?

As I cozied up to all my TV friends and watched what had been going in their lives while I was away, a few burning questions arose:

• Is anyone else struggling with “Gwen” on Merlin being Morgana’s maid? And having zero chemistry with Arthur? I’m all for fresh takes on old stories, but that “fresh take” is really bugging me.
• Just how many “artifacts” are out there disturbing the space-time continuum anyway? While I’m enjoying Warehouse 13, and LOVE that we see snippets of cases that are not the main plot for an episode, it’s a little disturbing to think that Great Aunt Agatha’s portrait might have supernatural powers.
• If the people who get their comeuppance on Leverage know who delivered said comeuppance, how are Nathan & Co. safe from retribution? Are they counting on shame and humiliation keeping the rich and powerful from coming after them?
• Kyra Sedgwick facing off with Mary McDonnell on The Closer was amazing. Strong women doing their jobs without resorting to ’sex appeal’. Fab. So why the extended Kitty B-storyline this season? Sure, it gave us a chance to see the softer side of Brenda, but my goodness, did it need to last 5 episodes? It just felt sappy and out of place.
• Is it really against the law to have a tent, or “temporary structure”, on your property for more than a week? If those cops on Hung were right, I need to let my brother know because he’s had a tent up in his backyard for the kids to play in all summer…
• How was Godric able to come to Sookie’s aid so quickly on True Blood? He’s a 2,000 year old vampire, one of the most powerful beings on earth, yet the Fellowship of the Sun doesn’t have him restrained? Also, since when is Andy Bellefluer the only sane person in Bon Temps?
• Does eating like Ina Garten prevent aging? Seriously, the Barefoot Contessa has been married for 40 years and looks like she’s 35 years old. I need to know her secret.

These are the things that roll around in my mind after a weekend of watching TV almost non-stop. Don’t worry, I was also unpacking, doing laundry, editing articles, and answering emails. Also, mowed the lawn and went to the county fair. My life is totally well-rounded. Totally.

Merlin: “Excalibur”

This is one of the episodes I’ve been waiting to see since I heard Merlin was coming to American television. In Excalibur, “an invincible Black Knight (Rick English) slaughters several challengers at Arthur’s coming-of-age ceremony, while further revelations suggest a connection between the Black Knight and Uther.” (TV Guide) Check out this extended preview:

The episode’s title should mean we’ll be introduced to the famous, magical sword, and that’s where the excitement lies for me.

NGTV Guide: Sunday, July 26

Comic Con is winding down and we’re looking forward to our own beds soon, but first, more great TV!

Merlin – NBC 8/7c
“The Beginning of the End” – Merlin finds an unexpected ally in Morgana when he attempts to shield a magical druid boy from Uther’s wrath and smuggle him back to his people.

True Blood - HBO 9/8c
“Hard-Hearted Hannah” – Accompanied by Isabel’s human boyfriend Hugo (Christopher Gartin), Sookie embarks on a dangerous mission to locate Godric. Meanwhile, Bill is shocked when a vampire from his distant, more violent past resurfaces in Dallas. In Bon Temps, Daphne presses Sam to get comfortable in his own skin(s); Hoyt (Jim Parrack) continues his unlikely courtship of Jessica; Andy (Chris Bauer) interrogates Lafayette about his disappearance; and Tara and Eggs (Mehcad Brooks) take a detour while on a road trip. At the Light of Day camp, Jason faces difficult emotional and physical choices. Don’t miss our coverage of True Blood at Comic Con on our sister site, True-Blood.net!

In Plain Sight – USA 10/9c
“Let’s Get It Ahn” – A counterfeiter witness is implicated in a murder. Mary and Marshall become suspicious of the clues, which seem fake, and wonder if there’s a deeper conspiracy at hand.

NGTV Guide: Sunday, July 19

The weekend is winding down and we’re relaxing with wizards and vampires and telepaths. Join us!

Merlin – NBC 8/7c
“The Gates of Avalon” – Arthur saves elderly Aulfric (Kenneth Cranham) and his daughter Sophia (Holly Grainger) from bandits, and then falls heads over heels for the young lady. In other events, Morgana, has dream in which she sees Sophia drowning Arthur; Gaius and Merlin become suspicious of the outsiders; and Gaius recognizes a magical potential in Morgana .

True Blood – HBO 9/8c
“Never Let Me Go” – In Dallas, Sookie connects with one of her own, then joins Bill and Eric for a strategic summit at the lair of the missing vampire, Godric (Allan Hyde), attended by his lieutenants, Stan (Ed Quinn) and Isabel (Valerie Cruz). Meanwhile, Jason shows his mettle at a Light of Day boot camp, and is rewarded for his hard work with a gift from Sarah (Anna Camp). Rebuffed by Tara in her relocation efforts, Maryann decides to cast her spell on the staff of Merlotte’s, softening Tara up towards her new “family.” Eric shares a little-known secret about his past with Bill, and Sookie makes a decision that might solve the Godric mystery – or get her killed.

In Plain Sight – USA 10/9c
“Training Video” – Mary shares her expertise with a film crew making a training video for U.S. Marshals. Elsewhere, Marshall makes arrangements for an elderly mobster in Witsec to go to his son’s funeral.

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