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.

“The Vampire Diaries” Expected Second Season Renewal; “Supernatural” Sixth Season?

The CW announced that The Vampire Diaries will be back for a second season, but the surprise is that Supernatural will also return for season six.

While many Supernatural fans had hopes for another season, Eric Kripke had only signed up for five seasons. In fact, when Kripke was asked at last year’s Comic Con whether he would be open to a sixth, he wasn’t sure but didn’t seem very interested either. It could be that he was well into this current season to think much about what lies ahead. As it is, Kripke is likely to step down as show runner, making way for Executive Producer, Sera Gamble, to take over. Kripke will stay on as Executive Producer and will be very much on hand, but I trust Sera Gamble, after talking with her last year and getting inside her brain a little.

Kripke maintains that this season will finish its story arc, so fans need not worry of its being dragged out until we all lose interest. Next season will be a new story and I’m sure the season finale will launch much speculation as to what that story could be.

SUPERNATURAL has one of the most loyal audiences of any show on television and does heroic work in a perennially tough time period. It has improved over last season among women and adults 18-34 (29% and 8%, respectively) this season, a remarkable accomplishment for a fifth-year show. (theCW)

Supernatural’s lead-in, The Vampire Diaries, will be back next year, and I have to say that with its twists and surprises, Thursday night’s have become an adrenaline rush for me. For two solid hours I’m kept at the edge of my seat, hugging my pillow and, I might add, I have no nails left.

The Vampire Diaries and Supernatural return with new episodes March 25th on the CW.

NGTV Guide: Thursday, February 11

FOX’s shows are on hiatus until April 1, which gives us a chance to see if Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains is worth watching. What, I’m the only Survivor fan around here? OK, is anyone else excited about a Cho-centric episode on The Mentalist?

Survivor – CBS 8/7c – SEASON PREMIERE
“Slay Everyone, Trust No One” – In one of the most physical reward challenges ever played, injuries threaten to send two castaways home before the first challenge is completed.

The Vampire Diaries - the CW 8/7c
“Fool Me Once” – Stefan helps Elena and Bonnie out of a dangerous situation. Jeremy asks Anna (guest star Malese Jow) to a party in the woods, unaware that she has her own reasons for wanting to meet him there. When Stefan, Damon and Elena work with Bonnie and Grams (guest star Jasmine Guy) to open the tomb, everyone is shocked by what they discover.

Supernatural – the CW 9/8c
“My Bloody Valentine” – Castiel helps Sam and Dean hunt down Cupid (guest star Lex Medlin) on Valentine’s Day after townspeople start to kill each other for love. However, after Cupid tells them he’s innocent, they discover Famine (guest star James Otis), one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, has arrived in town.

The Mentalist – CBS 10/9c
“Blood In, Blood Out” – When a member of Cho’s former gang, the Avon Park Playboys, is found murdered, Patrick Jane insists on helping Cho with his off-the-books investigation.

Burn Notice – USA 10/9c
“Enemies Closer” – Michael ends up in hot water when the black ops sociopath he’s been dealing with asks him to steal sensitive flight information. Things only get worse, however, when Michael’s former mentor Larry shows up, with a Columbian drug cartel on his heels looking for a stolen shipment of cash.

NGTV Guide: Thursday, February 4

When Nice Boys collide! Josh Malina guest stars alongside TJ Thyne in tonight’s winter finale of Bones.

The Vampire Diaries – the CW 8/7c
“Children of the Damned” – In flashbacks, Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder) recall the long-ago actions taken by townspeople including their father, Guiseppe Salvatore (guest star James Remar, “Dexter”), and Pearl (guest star Kelly Hu, “Army Wives”), leading to the devastating events that caused the rift in their relationship. In the present, Bonnie’s (Katerina Graham) date with Ben (guest star Sean Faris) takes a frightening turn. Elena (Nina Dobrev) helps Stefan as he and Damon race to find the missing journal that belonged to Elena’s ancestor. Stefan learns the reason behind Alaric’s (Matt Davis) interest in both the journal and the town’s history. Damon discovers that an old acquaintance has returned to town with an agenda he understands.

Bones – FOX 8/7c – WINTER FINALE
“The Devil in the Details” – Brennan and Booth investigate a set of uniquely disfigured remains allegorizing biblical text. As they acquire more information about the victim, a former patient of Dr. Adam Copeland (guest star Josh Malina) at Havenhurst Sanitarium, they are confronted with suspects who are hard to characterize as either good or evil. Meanwhile, Jeffersonian intern Arastoo Vaziri reveals a secret about his past.

Supernatural – the CW 9/8c
“The Song Remains the Same” – The angels send Anna (guest star Julie McNiven) back in time to kill John (guest star Matthew Cohen) and Mary (guest star Amy Gumenick) Winchester before they can conceive Sam (Jared Padalecki) knowing that if Sam was never born then Lucifer won’t be able to use him as his vessel. Castiel (Misha Collins) sends Sam and Dean (Jensen Ackles) back to 1978 so they can stop Anna, and the two brothers are reunited with their parents. Mary recognizes Dean as a hunter since he visited her in the past once before but tries to keep the truth from John.

Fringe – FOX 9/8c – WINTER FINALE
“Jacksonville” – After a violent tremor shakes a Manhattan office building to its core, leaving only one survivor who leads the Fringe Team to believe he is not from this reality. Walter surmises that what shook the building was not geologic, but rather something discovered by him and William Bell many years ago. With another catastrophe imminent, the team races to Jacksonville, the site of Walter and William’s experiments, forcing Olivia to face her mysterious past in an effort to save hundreds of people from certain death.

The Mentalist – CBS 10/9c
“Redline” – Patrick Jane and the CBI team investigate when the body of a high-end luxury car sales woman is found in the trunk of a Bentley in the dealership’s showroom

Burn Notice – USA 10/9c
“Noble Causes” – Michael is caught off guard by a visit from his drug-dealing neighbor Sugar. But to Michael’s surprise, Sugar isn’t looking for trouble — he needs Michael’s help fending off a crew of notorious thieves.

NGTV Guide: Thursday, January 28

CBS and NBC are in reruns again? Lame!

Bones – FOX 8/7c
“The Dentist in the Ditch” – A skeleton is discovered at a Civil War battleground, and Brennan and Booth are called to investigate the case. Despite the location, Brennan finds that the remains belong to Dan Pinard, a local dentist. While Booth looks into a list of suspects, Vincent the intern works to clean the bones of clay residue. Meanwhile, Booth’s brother returns with surprising news.

The Vampire Diaries – the CW 8/7c
“Unpleasantville” – As Stefan and Damon try to figure out the identity of the new vampire in town, Stefan gives Elena jewelry filled with Vervain to protect her family and friends. Hurting for money, Matt takes a job at the Mystic Grill, where former high school football-star Ben (guest star Sean Faris, “Never Back Down”), works as a bartender. Ben comes to Bonnie’s aid when he notices Damon is bothering her. Damon and Stefan accompany Elena to a school dance with a 1950s’ theme, where Alaric (guest star Matt Davis) introduces himself to Damon.

Fringe – FOX 9/8c
“The Bishop Revival” – When a specific group of guests at a wedding in Brookline, MA, suffocate from the inside out, the upsetting and disconcerting crime scene has the Fringe team investigating how the toxin was delivered and targeted. As evidence is taken into the lab, it’s discovered that the wedding ceremony was a testing ground for a weaponized science experiment. Adding to the intense lab investigation, Walter uncovers an alarming formula that reveals a link to a branch on the Bishop family tree. With the escalating threat of more deadly attacks and unexpected familial ties to the case, the Fringe team stops at nothing to prevent further catastrophic events.

Supernatural – the CW 9/8c
“Swap Meat” – Gary (guest star Colton James), a teenage nerd, conjures up a body-switching spell and changes bodies with Sam. Thrilled by his new handsome and built body, Gary (now Sam) investigates a case with Dean and takes advantage of his good looks and age by hitting on women and getting drunk. Meanwhile, Sam is stuck in Gary’s teenage body, dealing with intrusive parents and high school.

NGTV Guide: Thursday, January 21

The Vampire Diaries – the CW 8/7c
“Bloodlines” – Damon takes a trip to Georgia, where he surprises an old flame, Bree (guest star Gina Torres, “Eli Stone”) and enlists her help to figure out how to open the tomb. In the process, Damon comes face to face with someone who is determined to make him pay for past wrongs. Stefan opens up to Grams (guest star Jasmine Guy) in his effort to help Bonnie overcome her fears and accept her powers. While researching his history paper in the public library, Jeremy meets a cute-but-geeky girl named Anna (guest star Malese Jow, “Hannah Montana”) who has her own theories on the folklore of Mystic Falls. When Damon returns from Georgia, Stefan is waiting with news that will change their world.

Community – NBC 8/7c
“Interpretive Dance” – The gang discovers that Jeff  has a new girlfriend but he is determined to keep his affair a secret. Meanwhile, Troy and Britta have secrets of their own and decide to share it with their friends.

Supernatural – the CW 9/8c
“Sam, Interrupted” – A former hunter named Martin, who is currently institutionalized, calls Sam and Dean for help investigating a case in the mental hospital. The brothers get themselves admitted as patients to check out the mysterious monster that is attacking the patients, but their incarceration pushes both to the breaking point as they unleash their inner demons against each other.

Bones – FOX 8/7c
“The Proof in the Pudding” – Mr. White (guest star Richard T. Jones) and his team of government agents put the Jeffersonian Lab on lock down and demand that Brennan and her forensics team determine a cause of death for an unidentified, but highly classified set of remains. As the team gets to work, their findings lead them to suspect they are investigating one of the most famous presidential assassinations in history. Meanwhile, Booth’s boss, Andrew Hacker (guest star Diedrich Bader), helps him break into the lab and determine the motive behind the mystery investigation, and a frustrated Cam worries that Michelle may be keeping a big secret from her.

Fringe – FOX 9/8c
“What Lies Below” – When a man enters an office in Boston for a meeting, he becomes disoriented and collapses, only to have his veins erupt and spray blood everywhere. Shortly after Olivia and Peter arrive at the scene to investigate the bizarre case, it’s discovered that a lethal virus with deep ties to something very valuable is spreading, so the CDC moves in to quarantine the building and eradicate the pathogens. Isolated inside with the rest of the exposed office employees, Peter and Olivia face life-threatening circumstances, sending Walter, Broyles and Astrid on a frantic search for a solution to save them.

30 Rock - NBC 9:30/8:30c
“Winter Madness” – When Liz Lemon decides to take the TGS show on the road to cure a case of the winter blues for the staff, the anticipated trip doesn’t exactly go as planned. Jack Donaghy chooses the destination and travels with the show for his own interest, and while away from New York, the TGS crew blames Liz for all of their misfortunes.

The Mentalist – CBS 10/9c
“Bleeding Heart” – Patrick Jane and the team investigate the murder of a mayor’s aide, and Rigsby and Van Pelt make a big announcement.

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.

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