Evie's Entertainment blog

Superbowl TV predictions

2009-11-07T08:21:25Z

Now I'm thinking that this year it's CBS's turn to have the superbowl. So the question is what are they going to put on as the post superbowl show? Recently shows like the Office and House have come after the superbowl. Having the post superbowl spot can be a HUGE deal. Grey's Anatomy went from a hit to a mega-hit following airing after the superbowl a few years ago...so who's going to get the honor this year?

Last time CBS had the superbowl they put on Criminal Minds as the post show. It helps somewhat. Heck, that's when I started watching. At the the time Minds was on an upward tick in ratings and was on it's second season.

Most Likely: I think right now it's a dead heat between NCIS: LA and the Mentalist. NCIS:LA has great ratings, it's doing well, but not quite a mega-hit. Also airing after the superbowl might help them get an identity beyond being the second NCIS. Mentalist was the big hit on CBS from last year. Also CBS really wants to establish Mentalist as a stong Thursday show. This might help.

Might happen: Big bang theory has a reasonable chance. Only problem here is you need 2 episodes instead of one. Big Bang is doing well. It's getting stronger and would be a reasonably logical choice. Also, original CSI might make sense if they try a real re-boot on it. But this is more risky.

Long Shot: How I met your mother. They want it...they really wanted it last time. I just don't see the ratings being strong enough. NCIS. The ratings are great. it really deserves the spot. But the question has to be asked how much good would it do? Believe it or not Criminal Minds might be a long shot to get it again. Mind you a distant long shot...but...CBS it planning on a spinoff out of it for next season. Having this show as strong as possible is an advantage for them. Mind you minds getting it for the second time is highly unlikely but not impossible. Out of these 3 NCIS is the most likely from how I see it.

Any thoughts? Comments?

Update (October 2009)

2009-10-25T06:36:51Z

Wow... i really sick at keeping up on posting here.

Anyhow, I'm still watching waaaaaaay too much TV. As of now it goes like this...

Monday:
Live: CSI - Miami, Big Bang Theory
TIVO: House, Lie To me
Online: Heroes (i've only watched the first episode so far...)

Tuesday:
Live: None
TIVO: NCIS, NCIS: LA, the forgotten
Online: None

Wednesday:
Live: Criminal Minds, CSI - New York
TIVO: Glee, Mythbusters, Top Chef
Online: None

Thursday:
Live: Survivor, Supernatural, Project Runway
TIVO: Flash Forward, CSI, The Mentalist, Bones
Online: Fringe

Friday:
Live: Dollhouse, Numbers
TIVO: Medium, Psych
Online: Stargate Universe, Sanctuary, White Collar

Sunday:
Live: Amazing Race
TIVO: Cold Case

All and all an interesting season... no more without a trace, pushing daisies or eli stone. But Glee is kinda fun, but might get old quick. Flash Forward is fun so far. I'm getting tired of Dollhouse and Numbers, might drop off on both of those. NCIS: LA is OK, not great..not feeling like the cast is totally clicking. Forgotten feels like Without a trace meets Cold case. it's a show i watch when i get time. The Jay Leno show just isn't worth making time for each night...a good time waister if i absolutely nothing is on but that isn't really the case for me even.

As far as the returning shows House has been really interesting so far, although it's almost like the past couple of years didn't happen in that the new characters are gone (i'm behind by an episode at the time I write this). Also, Fringe has been kinda disapointing this season....I dont know...this show has always been disapointing to me...like it's never really met it's potential. Criminal Minds as well as all the CSIs have been just kinda uneven and ackward at this point. Hopefully they will get a bit better as time goes on.

On a positive note I finished Torchwood: Children of Men and it at least started great. Concept and execution were reaaly interesting, answering some difficult quiestions and keeping things unexpected. In the end i won't ruin anything, but i just thought it was a little less exciting than the build up in the other 4...at least to me. *shrugs* But overall really really good.

I'll try to be back later...really I will!

Lets morn the cancelled shows of the season

2009-05-21T02:47:00Z

This time of the year brings the end to a lot of different shows. Some old and ready to go away, others not so much. Some will be morned, other's demise will be celebrated.

ABC
According to Jim
Boston Legal
Cupid
Dirty Sexy Money
Eli Stone
HOmeland Security
In the motherhood
Life on Mars
Opportunity knocks
Pushing Daisies
Samantha Who
The Unusuals

Hmmm. i guess remaking a cancelled show (Cupid) doesn't really work. I see lots and lots of sophmore series here..with the investment they made in those that's gotta really suck. I liked Eli Stone and Pushing daisies ok but they were just too quirky for their on good or network tv...take your choice.

CBS
Eleventh Hour
the Ex List
Game Show in my head
Harpers island
The Unit
Without a Trace
Worst Week

I was starting to suspect that it might be without a traces time this season. For me the show seems to be getting kinda tired. I mean back in the day I really liked it but lately it just seems too much soapy relationship stuff. But thats just my 2cents. What exactly was game show in my head? I mean i never even heard of that one. I kinda liked Eleventh Hour and felt like it was getting better at the end but i guess it just wasn't doing well enough.

CW
13 Fear is real
4real
Easy Money
Everybody hates Chris
The Game
In Harms Way
Privileged
Reaper
Valentine

Ummm... I didn't watch any of these shows and haven't even heard of more than half of them.

FOX
Do not disturb
Hole in the Wall
Osbornes reloaded
Prison Break
Secret Millionare
Sit down Shut up
Terminator Sarah Connor Chronicles

Wow! i'm in shock. FOX wasn't the network withthe most canceled shows this year. Good for them. Furthermore several of their cancelations were more than urned. I mean Hole in the Wall and Osbornes reloaded should have never made it to air.

NBC
America's Toughest Jobs
Chopping block
Crusoe
Deal or no Deal
ER
Howie Do it
Kath and Kim
Kings
Knight Rider
Life
Lipstick Jungle
Momma's boys
My name is Earl
My own worst Enemy
Superstars of Dance

This is a weird list. There are good shows on it (Life) shows that lived long and earned their send off (ER) and total junk (chopping block). NBC canceled a ton of stuff including constant stand in Deal or no deal. Hopefully they learned not to remake old shows (Bionic woman, knight rider). Hopefully they have something decent up their sleaves for next year other than Leno because that kinda sucks.

Overall the 2 shows I really watched that got canceled were Without a Trace, Eleventh Hour and Life. Of those i think i will miss Life the most. I know some people will be really upset by some shows on this list. I mean NBC really hacked away at it's schedule or ABC knocking of it's quirky shows. But in the end this is all part of the cycle and we will be doing this again next year..and the year after that...

CBS upfront

2009-05-21T02:26:46Z

Honestly I watch CBS more than any other network...i just really like my crime shows. Looking at their new schedule it's pretty par for the course with only a couple of surprises. The cancelled Without a Trace and Eleventh Hour but kept Gary Unmarried and The New Adventures of Old Christine? And what's up with them taking NBC castoff Medium? Well i guess it kind works between Ghost Whisperer and Numbers but unless if gets more CBSish numbers I can't see it staying there long.

Monday
How i met your mother
Accidentally on purpose
Two and a half men
big bang theory
CSI Miami

Tuesday
NCIS
NCIS Los Angeles (are they serious about that name?)
The Good Wife

Wednesday
The New Adventures of old Christine
Gary Unmarried
Criminal Minds
CSI New York

Thursday
Survivor
CSI
The Mentalist

Friday
Ghost Whisperer
Medium
Numbers

saturday
Rerun
rerun
48 hours mystery

Sunday
60 Minutes
Amazing Race
3 Rivers
Cold Case

I'm not feeling these new shows...the Mentalist move is interesting and makes total sense if CBS suspects the CSI's days are numbered. Since i'm sure they don't want to give up on thursday. I'm disapointed at no changes at all on Wednesday. I mean Old Chistine and Gary are 2 of the lowest rated shows no the network..Criminal Minds deserves to have a lead in but here we are with another year with CBS totally giving up on this hour.

ABC Upfronts

2009-05-20T04:14:00Z

Well it's been a few years since ABC has had a new show that really worked. This year just wasn't that impressive...they really need another season like the one that brought us Greys anatomy and Desperate Housewives and Lost. Is this that kind of season? My first thought is no, but ya know hope springs eternal and at least they have plenty of new shows this time around...it's classic ABC lets toss a ton of stuff out there in the hope that something sticks.

Monday
Dancing With the Stars
Castle

Tuesday
Shark Tanks
DWTS
The Forgotten

Wednesday
Hank
The Middle
Modern Family
Cougar Town
Eastwick

Thursday
Flash Forward
Greys anatomy
Private Practice

Friday
Supernanny
Ugly Betty
20/20

Saturday
College Football

Sunday
America's Funniest Home Videos
Extreme Makeover Home Edition
Desperate Housewifes
Brothers and Sisters

ABC also has a ton of stuff lined up as mid-season replacements. The Wednesday comdey block should be interesting. Definately counter programing for the 9:00 hour as oposed to what the other networs are offering. Leno is a real favor to Castle and other weaker 10pm shows. Between Castle, and the Forgotten ABC might be taking a crime show lesson from CBS. Will any of these shoes actually work? Will any even survive the first half of the season? That's the big mystery. And with this bing Lost's last season ABC is gonna need at least one new hit to fill it's space.

NBC upfronts

2009-05-20T04:02:08Z

Hmmm...interesting but i'm not so sure the mid-season schedule will hold if the Jay Leno hour bombs as badly as I think it might.

Monday
Heroes
Trauma
Leno

Tuesday
Biggest looser
Leno

Wednesday
Parenthood
Law and Order SVU
Leno

Thursday
SNL Thusday
Parks and Recreation
The Office
Community
Leno

Friday
Law and Order
Southland
Leno

Saturday
Dateline NBC
Re-runs

Sunday
Football

Midseason

Monday
Chuck
Day One
Leno

Tuesday
same

Wednesday
Mercy
Law and Order SVU
Leno

Thursday
Community
Parks and Recreations
The Office
30 Rock
Leno

Friday
same

Saturday
same

Sunday
Dateline NBC
The Marriage Ref
Celebrity Apprentice

Well i'm glad to see Chuck made the cut...too bad it's not back until midseason. I'm not sure if moving Law and Order SVU to that Wednesday time slot is a good idea...i mean Wednesdays really tore into original Law and Order. Nothing here seems to scream we fixed out problems though... and the Leno thing is just kinda like giving up.

JJ Abram's Star Trek spoilers

2009-05-19T06:44:53Z

I went to see the new Star Trek movie on it's opening. It was good. Now mind you I might be a sci-fi fan but I am not a Trekkee or whatever they call themselves. Personally my favorite sci-fi shows were Twilight Zone and X Files but that's just me. Now mind you i'm the daughter of a Trek fan and as a kid i watched Next Generation. Now i've seen maybe one or 2 episodes of the original series. So bear in mind that's were i'm coming from.

I liked this movie the same way I liked a lot of other action movies. It was fun and fast paced. It wasn't the best movie i've ever seen but it was better than I expected. Now i have to admit i was totally rolling my eyes when they went into the time travel stuff but that's just because I watch Lost which is also JJ Abrams. Now unlike Lost the time travel stuff here makes sense. Not that there arn't some plot hole issues and things that were too convenient. For instance when Spock ejects Kirk onto the Ice PLanet where it just so happens that the other Spock is and the only guy around who can teleport them back on the ship. I mean it's ok in that movies are about suspension of disbelief and all but that was a bit convenient. Not to mention what was up with Spock ejecting Kirk from the ship in the first place? I mean did they not have time to finish the brig or something?

Anyway i'll stop nit-picking. It was a good movie that seems to be doing great business and i'm sure we will be taking several more trips with this Erterprise crew.

Fox upfronts

2009-05-19T03:04:37Z

Here we go again! another season another set of new shows. Hopefully something is half decent or Fringe gets better..you know..less watered down x files.

Monday
House
Lie to me

Tuesday
So YOu think you can dance

Wednesday
So YOu thing you can dance
Glee

Thursday
Bones
Fringe

Friday
Brothers
Till Death
Doll House

Saturday
Cops
America's Most wanted

Sunday
The OT
The simpsons
the cleveland show
family guy
american dad

Midseason replacements
Monday
24
House

Tuesday
American Idol
Past Life

Wednesday
American Idol
Human Target

Thursday
same

Friday
same

Saturday
same

Sunday
Encores
American dad
Simpsons
Son's of Tucson
Family Guy Cleveland Show

Hmmm... this should be interesting. No more terminator...and Dollhouse breaks the friday curse...not that i was pulling for one over the other. As far as new shows Past life could be interesting but i was disapointed by the book it came from. Human Target could be interesting or really bad. Fringe is back and hopefully they've got something interesting planned because so far i haven't been loving the show and next season that's gonna be a really rough time slot. Bones had better pull it back together from that miserable finalie. We shall see. It will be interesting to see if so you think you can dance can survive the actual season

Preston and Child's Cemetary dance (formerly Revenant)

2009-05-18T01:22:46Z

I really like the various novels by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. I definately like their novels together rather than there solo efforts but that's a whole different topic. It's been 2 years since they published their last book together "Wheel of Darkness" which had some really Lostish themes and content in it. The rumor was after that that they were working on a zombie book called "Revenant" where something really bad was going to happen to one of their regulars. Well that book just came out under the title "Cemetary Dance." I'm really not liking this title and would have prefered they kept the original title. It fit more with the actual content of the book. Personaly I liked it. It wasn't as good as their best books (Relic and Cabinet of Curiousities)but it wasn't their worst. I liked this more than Wheel of Darkness or Still Life with Crows. I liked it about as much as I liked Brimstone.

At this point I want to put up a spoiler warning for anyone who has any interest at all in reading this book. I just don't want to spoil anything for anyone.

S

P

O

I

L

E

R

OK... the big huge thing about this book is that they kill off Smithback in the first chapter. Now Smithback was introduced in Relic and was a major player in many many other books. He was the male lead in the book Thunderhead where he met his wife Nora, who plays a major role in this book. Smithback is the #2 on thecharacter that has appeared in the most books. He appears in Relic, Reliquary, Thunderhead, Cainet of Curiousities, Dance of Death, Book of the Dead and now in Cemetary dance. The only character than can be found in more books is Pendergast who'e series it is.

There were some really sad scenes here and it was interesting to see how each character coped with his death. D'Agosta seemed particularly affected in that he was really really angry through the entire book and although his ex/girlfriend Laura wouldn't admit it he didn't need Pendergast to get him in trouble this time around, he was finding it for himself and a one point taking Pendergast with him. Which is kinda a role reversal from normal. Nora is understandable a mess here. She was attacked by the killer too and her husband was mudered. Not to mention she's being stalked by a "zombie," at times even in the form of her husband. Pendergast seems to be at least somewhat affected as well. There are a couple of times he seems kinda off his game. He also at a couple of points seems a bit defensive. Although there were other issues there. Although Pendergast does show some of his feeling regarding this death in the "tea ceremony scene" which makes more sense if you've read those book that i've listed that Smithback has been in before. Throughout the book there is a lot of reflection on Smithback and the things he's done throughout the books. It makes the whole thing kinda depressing.

Overall it was a really quick read with a lot of suspense. I liked it a lot more than last time's Wheel of Darkness because Pendergast seemed more like his normal self here. In that book he really seemed to take a back seat to Constance, whom is only mentioned in this book. This book feels a lot more like Preston and Child again which is a good thing. I didn't see who the bad guy was until prettly late in the book which was good.

This was a pretty good, but not great outing. The characters are all prettymuch worse for wear at the end. Smithbak's dead. Nora's got a concussion and probably some brused ribs not to mention some likely psychological issues from loosing her husband, being attacked by his killer, being chased by zombies and kidnaped. Pendergast was shot and was in the hospital for it at the end of the book. D'Agosta has a broken arm care of the real zombie. Plenty of random extras are dead. There are some scenes here that will be really hard for animal lovers as well. And well..the bad guy literally looses his head.

After this and Child's novel Terminal Freeze, I'm thinking these guys got it in for hollywood. Probably has something to do with the mess that was the Relic movie

Last week in TV...

2009-05-18T00:48:08Z

Hmmm... maybe i'm just in a bad mood but this week in TV kinda left me cold.

Lost: this show literally has lost me this season. The first couple of season's I really loved this show..but recently it's just been kinda out there. I mean back in the first season blew me away. Now I can barely stay awake. Juliet's final scene this season was impressive, but people talking about her "death" need to remember if she's dead so is everyone else. After watching this my head hurt and not in a good way.

Bones: WTF? I mean really? That's your finalie. Wow. I disliked Bones's finalie last year, but this was actualy worse because it had absolutely no point. "The Lab" as a night club? Booth's brother as a killer? The whole thing was just annoying and confusing and totally pointless. Not to mention a total wimp out on the promis of getting Bones and Booth together... totally cheating..totally lame.

Criminal Minds: They had a pretty good episode going, suspensefull enough. The anthrax attack and government keeping secrets really worked, but for me this episod totally fell apart in the last 10 oir so minutes. I can get over the fact that they conveniently found the cure to save Reid even though in the real world there prpbably wouldn't have been a cure and Reid in his condition problably would have died anyway. No, what bothered me was that you have this scene where it looks like Reid is dying they cut away. They stop the bad guy. Then before getting back to show if they killed off a character or not they show a scene with 2 of the other characters having a philisophical discussion about lying and the government keeping secrets. No mention that any of the other characters knew he had survived. As an audience member you're left feeling "I guess he's OK because otherwise wouldn't they be worried about him." The character was fine in the end but it just annoyed me and killed this episode for me. I hope the finalie is better.

American Idol, Lost, and the rest

2009-03-19T21:50:36Z

It's been a while since I've posted...I always say that don't I. Well here goes nothing.

Heroes - while this part is better than last i've yet to be really shocked. I mean the whole Sylar story's kinda interesting. The fugitive part is kinda interesting. I mean deep down, I feel like most of what this show is doing was more interesting when 4400 did it. I still feel like that was so much better a show.

Lost - well i guess it says it in the name. I'm Lost. Present day, 1970s. Plane crashes and all. I mean Lost is really loosing it's shock factor too. It's more wierd than anything anymore.

American Idol - well were to the top 10 now... and this season's starting to feel just as fixed as the last. I mean the last thing this show needs is more producer control, but this year they brought back wildcards and the judge's save...yesh! I mean at least in the past they've pretended it's america's choice.

CSI - they seem to have survived the cast switch over. Good for them. It seems like this show is all about the gore...i mean it seems like we see more and more of the autopsy everyweek.

24 - well it's better than last season. It's decently suspensefull. Although some of the plot points seem further out there than usual..A group of like 10 taking over the White house...really? And Jack with all his speaches this year....*sigh*

Chuck - I still ike Chuck. It's not the most edgy of show's but it's fun in a Get Smart kind of way.

Life - I know it's almost gone but I still really like this show. I mean the characters might be a little less quirky this seasons but it's still pretty good. I just hope they wrap up the long story before they end it.

11th hour - Is it just me or has this show been getting better. I really thought the killer lightning episode was interesting in an X Files kinda way.

Criminal Minds - Speaking of an X Files kinda way there was a scene last week where 2 of the characters were debating possession and exercism that just totally seemed like a conversation Mulder and Scully would have had back in the day. This is stil one of my favorite shows and they had a terrific and at times shocking episode last night.

Dollhouse - I'm still on the fence on this one. I mean theres some decent action sequences some but its all kinda weird and creepy and not in a good way.

Lie to Me - here's another show i'm really on the fence with. Its interesting enough, but they haven't had an episode that's really blown m
e away.

Supernatural - it started out great..now it's pretty normal supernatural stuff. It's interesting but not blowing me away like the beginning of the season.

Rides: Disney's ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter

2009-01-09T07:25:56Z

I went to Disneyland not too long ago and while riding the Nemo Subs got to thinking about the rides that have come and gone. Namely those that were here today and gone tomorrow. I remember one about flight in Tomorrowland that wasn't busy even when it first opened (I think it ended up becoming line space for star tours) and there was Rocket Rods (that has been replaced by Buzz Lightyear). But, in my opinion the best of these rides was the one that never even got built here on the west coast. ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter (Alien Encounter for short) was supposed to be built where Pizza Port is...but it never came to be. This ride was in fact build in Disney World's Magic Kingdom where I got the opportunity to experience it. And it was an Experience. Being a Californian I only got the opportunity to ride it once in 1996. To be honest it scared me bad. The basic premise is that there is this alien company X S tech that has come to earth and there showing off their teleportation divice. There's a couple of really cool waiting rooms one where a poor little alien named Skippy gets fried by this glitchy tech. In the main room you sit down in the restraint system which's purpose becomes clear when the ride starts, mainly it's so you don't run away and hurt youself in the dark. The show starts and the leader of the company is supposed to get teleported in but the machine is clitchy and a mean nasty people eating alien is teleported in in his place....that's where the fun begins. The alien breaks out and the lights go out. Momentary images, special effects, and sounds create the effect of making it seem like there is a killer alien in the room. It felt like you could feel it breaking, hear it feeding and it even seemed like it licked your head. In the end they blow the alien up, complete with "blood spray" (water being sprayed at you in the dark). It was a lot more effective to experience rather than explain. The vast majority of the action takes place in pitch dark leaving your mind to fill in the blanks. All in all it was extremely dark. Very un-Disney and probably traumatized a few kids for life. Me being a teenager at the time really got a kick out of it. It was one of those things you either loved or hated. Some people like the enchanted tiki room...that's not my thing. This was fun, and twisted. I've heard a couple of reasons for this attraction being closed, whatever the reason Alien Encounters was closed in 2003 and has since been replaced by Stitch's Great Escape (which rumor has it has an appearance by Skippy!). Now for me that Stitch ride would have to come up to a pretty high bar to match this very short lived attraction. It was a one of a kind thing, unlike any ride or show i've ever seen or experienced. In closing it there went probably the most edgy attraction i've ever seen in a Disney park...heck in any theme park. We really should have gotten this here in California instead of Rocket Rods...but that's just my opinion.

That being said, am I alone in thinking that tomorrow land really is starting to seem dated? I love Space Mountian as much as anyone but it just seems like there should be a couple more attractions and a bit more future...it feels like the 50s idea of the future. Alien Encounter felt like the begining of a new outlook on tomorrow land that got dropped before it even got statred. Maybe it's time to start looking again. Hopefully something inovative gets done because lately it seems like many new attractions are Pixar based...see Buzz Lightyear, Toy story mania, Bugs life land i think there's a monster's inc ride in california adventure. All of this is find and good...but not all that inventive. Lets get something one of a kind and unique...

End of the year round up: My top 10

2008-12-21T20:42:37Z

10. Survivor
In the end this wasn't the greatest season of this show but I have to give credit when the seamingly good guy wins in the end...way to go Bob the physics teacher with a love of bow ties who was able to beat everyone at physical challenges.

9. Bones
Tis the season for forgiving. Well i'm not totally over the whole Zach thing and the revolving replacements if just rubbing salt in the wound. But aside from this the show has been decently solid. I have a lot of hope for this show in the new year.

8. Eli stone
Well it's over but this quirky show was fun while it lasted. I guess a singing do good lawyer just wasn't to everyone's taste. This season wasn't as good as last season but it was still an interesting show. Also in this catagory woud be Pushing daisies but that missed this list because that one really didn't seem as fun as last year.

7. NCIS
This is one show that i've been a casual viewer of for years now. Catching episodes from time to time but not trying too hard. This season i've been making the effort. NCIS is a fun show at times and it shares a vibe with the Mentalist and Criminal Minds (NCIS came first so i guess these shows are like them not vice versa). Its a crime show yes, but the character interactions are a major draw.

6. Chuck
This is a show that continues be a lot of fun. I really love this show's holiday episodes. Last year's Black friday episode i think was the best episode of the show. Chuck is cute, quirky and fin. A spy show that is also a spoof of the big box stores of the world.

5. Supernatural
This was the other show that really ticked me off but it's all good now. The show has really gone good vs. evil this year. Introducing another side to the conflicts and making the conflict cosmic is definately interesting.

4. The Mentalist
Without a doubt the best new show of the season. It's consistant, unlike Fringe. The character dynamics can be fun. The cases are pretty standard crime drama but like NCIS it's about more that just the cases.

3.The Amazing Race
I love this travellog show. My all time favorite reality show. It's not really about the teams as much as it's about people dealing with different cultures and different places. Amazing race must be a travel agent's dream.

2. The Big Bang Theory
I love nerds! This show's been consistantly funny since episode one. The character interactions have been great. While picking on nerd culture is easy it comes off as fun and the writters know a good ammount about nerd culture.

1. Criminal Minds
While i know this show has a lot in common with other crime shows it really like the character interactions here. Some of the episodes have been interesting and there have been some interesting guest stars. I really like this show's habit of casting people against type. Gotta love a show that casts former child stars as serial killers.

Agree with me> Disagree with me? Leave a comment!

Season Update part 2

2008-10-25T07:20:39Z

Okay finally back.

Wednesday

Bones - i'm still watching but still not loving Bones. The new assistant of the week thing is still bothering me. I guess one spot of light is that Zach didn't actually kill anyone, so maybe he will be back and all will be right with the Bones universe again. I love the nerdy characters so a girl can hope right?

Pushing Daisies - it was cute and whimsical last season. It's still trying to be and somewhat succeeding. I still watch but don't feel as compelled as last season. Maybe it's a basic concept thing, maybe it's me and i'm just not in the mood. Whatever the case may be this show has been having some serious ratings problems and wether i'm still watching or not it's probably going to be gone soon anyway, so maybe it's for the best i'm not too attached.

Knight Rider - I'm only posting to say I dislike this show, I still dislike this show. I made it through the first episode and saw a moment of it the other day. Action shows are fine. Guys can have baywatch-esque shows if they like, but i'm gonna steer clear of this one from now on.

Criminal Minds - well they decided not to kill any of their recurring characters in the premiere. I feel both good and bad about this. I like the characters and didn't really want to see anyone go (like say CSI: Miami). On the other hand, blowing someone up without it being as fatal as it appears just feels like cheating. Aside from that complaint i've been pretty happy with this show. I'm not 100% sure what's up with casting former child stars as serial killers though (see James Van Der Beek, Frankie Munez among others) maybe someone has a sense of humor. Probably annoyed Nicholas Brendan (Xander from Buffy) that he didn't get to play the killer on this show. but at least he's gotten multiple episodes out of it.

CSI: New York - this show is feeling like a true CSI these days. When the show first started it felt too dark and too depressing. Now it just seems like another CSI and one I prefer to the Miami version. Maybe it's all context though..i mean dark and depressing..they air after a show about serial killers.

Be back with thursday and friday later

Season Update

2008-10-19T01:48:22Z

Things have been busy. It's been a while since i've gotten around to posting here.

OK so far the score is this on the new shows
Full Season - 90210, Fringe and The Mentalist
Cancelled/Hiatus/Ect - Do Not Disturb, opportunity Knocks and a couple of shows on the CW.

Monday
Chuck - I'm not 100% sure what's the deal with Chuck this season. It's OK and i'm still watching but it doesn't seem nearly as good as it was last year. The episodes just don't seem as funny. I still think the Black Friday episode last season was truly classic.

Heroes - for a season called Villians this season just hasn't had the true drama. I loved season 1 of Heroes. But, for a while now this show simply hasn't shocked me. I want scenes that leave me speachless. All this show has accomplished lately is getting really confusing. I mean I still like the characters for the most part and think the Sylar story is pretty good... i just expected more out of this show and this story arc.

CSI: Miami - OK...i admit i watch this one. As truly bad as it is. Truthfully, if you watch procedurals you kinda have to watch this one because all others seem pretty brilliant when next to this one. Is it bad that i reeeaaally wanted David Carusso's character to be dead. That would have been a good twist and one the audience wouldn't see comming. The he's not dead we faked it was just too easy.

Tuesday
Fringe - I was on the verge of giving up on Fringe. I mean for the first 3 weeks it was nothing but x files ripp offs. Then they aired the episode "The Arrival" which at least lead me to have enough interest to continue to watch the show. Now looking for the "Observer" in the show is like playing where's Waldo. It's kinda fun in a weird sort of way. "The Arrival" made no sense and we got no answeres but at least something was happening. It made the show feel bigger than anthing shown before. Too bad this week Fringe is up to it's old habits.

The Mentalist - I'm not in LOVE with this show but it's interesting enough for me to watch weekly. Yes it's a bit of a rip off of Psych on USA but i'm getting over that. It's the most popular new show on so they have that going for them. Simon baker is charming in a smarmy kinda way which is interesting. It's pretty standard CBS crime drama fare though...but that's OK too. It is a CBS crime drama.

Without a Trace - I am just not feeling the new dynamic this season. Seperated from CSI WAT really is starting to feel like a show that might have run it's course. hopefully they get back some level of interest. Also, last year the whole baby plotline bothered me. I just really didn't think that they handeled that well at all.

Be back later with my thoughts on Wed, Thurs and Fri including my thoughts on Eleventh Hour, Life on Mars, Kath and Kim

Supernatural: Lazarus Rising

2008-09-24T02:01:08Z

This was an interesting episode that's going to mean that either this season is going to be really good or really bad.

So, Dean didn't stay in hell long...we find him clawing out of his grave in broad daylight at the beginning of the episode. This right here is a sign that it's not this show's normal kinda thing. Then some major force seems to almost chase him down.

We find that Ruby's got a new body...honestly i think that this actress is worse than the last Ruby but oh well. Sam's following Ruby and using his Jedi mind trick to take demons out. Interested but big trouble.

We find out at the end of the episode that Dean got pulled out of hell by Castiel, and Angel. I guess it was only a matter of time before they went this direction

I mean it is a show about demons and stuff so God and angels make sense in this world. So i guess Dean is a soldier of God now.

It was an interesting episode, but it might set up for a bumpy season. At least it makes up some for the finale that i didn't really like much

Fringe: The Same Old Story

2008-09-17T06:40:53Z

Fringe...I really want to like this show, but there making it hard for me. This episode had a lot less humor than the premiere. There also wern't quite as many of those annoying 3d block labels.

This show still feels like a bad X Files rip off. More than that it feels like there trying to over-correct the problems that x files came to face over a period of 9 years. Here there trying to make this an ensemble to keep the show from being too based on one or 2 characters. Pretty much you have 5-6 characters to do what just Mulder and Scully were able to do on there own.

This week the title seems like a bad joke to me too. I mean "The Same Old Story," one could say this whole show feels like the same old story, it was called the x files.

This week we had a baby that grew up really fast. A serial killer with the same problem but kills to take from his victims what he needs to avoid the same fate as the baby. We have the military growing soldiers (was that what the last shot of the show was).

Honestly the episode tonight left me feeling more uncomfortable than interested. And this is from a person with no problem at all with serial killer shows normally.

There were some interesting concepts but this show really lacks the spark it needs. more than anything this reminds me a bit of the night Stalker revival a few years ago on ABC. The stories were OK. The concepts were fine. But there just wasn't that chemestry.

I agree with something I read on a board somewhere that X Files caught lightining in a bottle. Fringe just seems to lack any spark...more than anything that's what's missing here.

That and it was hyped to death.

I'm going to give it one more episode, but if it's like this i'm done.

Best short lived shows of all time?

2008-09-16T06:34:56Z

Were about to start the new season, seeing the new series that are coming on and with out a doubt a couple will fall into the short lived category...if there among the best is yet to be seen.

In my opinion the best short lived (less than 3 seasons is the definition i'm going with) are. in no particular order...

John Doe
Jake 2.0
Dead Like Me
Odyssey 5
Boomtown

I know I know, not putting Firefly on this list is surprising for a lot of people. Or jericho. Both which I watched...somehow I miss these other 5 shows more than those 2. I also really liked Harsh Realm, Miracles and Tru Calling.

Disagree with me? Leave a response.

Writer's Block: The X-Files Birthday

2008-09-16T01:57:20Z

Today in 1993, The X-Files first premiered. What's your favorite episode? Have you ever experienced paranormal activity yourself?

View 500 Answers

I'm not sure when this entry first appeared, but when i saw it I had to reply.

I love the X files and I believe that it truly is one of the best shows of all time. My favorite episode changes from time to time. Recently i've been re-watching the first season so i'm going to have to go with the first season finale, The Erlenmyer Flask (i probably miss-spelled that badly). It was to me the beginning of the Mythicarc and the template for a lot of the episodes to come. Plus it was just a cool episode :)

As far as paranormal activity myself...not really.

The new season so far

2008-09-15T05:35:36Z

Maybe i'm in a bad mood because it was a bad tv summer from me. No more dead zone or 4400. Burn Notice was on as was Eureka and Psych but none were really must watch tv for me. I've been watching them but mainly out of boredom.

So far, as the shows come back i've been far from amazed.

Bones - i really didn't like how they ended last season and the new assistant of the week thing is gonna get old. Clark was fine, but he left...also the breakup of Angela and Hodges seemed kinda forced...she gets her divorce and in the same episode they split...

Fringe - this is my odds on favorite for most overrated show of the season, mainly because FOX has done everything they can to make people watch. In my opinion the pilot felt like a 30 minute too long episode of the x files. More than that it felt like a late season x files episode... like after mulder left and scully got pregnant. Maybe it can improve..but it's going to have to imporve a lot to get anywhere near how good i would have to be to even approach it's hype.

Coming soon...
CSI - I liked the finalie, but the more I get away from it the less I am anticipating the new season. the mystery is why the under sherrif did what he did. I think they would have been better off leaving the shooter a mystery so we had that as a reason to tune in.

CSI - Miami - this one at least has a reason to tune it. Even though it's not the greatest show around. how many more medical examiners are they going to go through? Is Horatio actually dead? What's up with Wolf's text message? All at least reasons to tune in... not that i'm that in love with the show.

CSI - New York - Mac gets kidnapped...the what will happen is a semi-good reason to tune in.

Without a Trace - another show that had things happen in ti's finale that didn't make me really care about the new season.

Overall i'm far from motivated for the new season...there are only 2 shows that i'm really currious about...

Supernatural - I really didn't like this finale..but as we close in on the premiere i'm actually curious on how there going to get Dean out of Hell. So, maybe this finale wasn't as bad as I initially thought. Also, this season Mitch pellegi is going to at least guest star as Sam and Dean's grandfather.

Criminal Minds - who got blown up? That's a question I actually care to see the answer to. TV guide and Entertainment weekly both confirm that there in fact is a casualty here. This one i'm anxious to see the resolution to, but i'm a bit worried about the future of this show for both possibly loosing a main cast member here and the rumor of there being a possible spinoff for next season.

It begins!

2008-08-09T06:42:07Z

Just a quick post here today. I just finished watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. I love seeing all of the countries coming in, some of which I only hear about at the Olympics. It's aways interesting to see what they put together...it's always kinda out there but interesting for the show itself.

Anyhow, long story short i'm a huge fan of the Olympics and am looking forward to all of the events to come!

Hancock and Vantage Point

2008-07-28T07:22:05Z

Hancock - It's not a bad movie, just not as good as it could have been. The opening is the stregnth...all the stuff from the ads come from the first 30 minutes. If they had played that angle better it could have been a much more satisfying movie. There's a twist that really pushes this movie in an unsatisfying direction. Overall it's a mid-level superhero movie. For me this is a C movie

Vantage Point - i finally got around to watching this. It's not a bad movie, but the Roshamon style seems to be pressed. Some of the re-tells are good, some of them are a bit too repetative. I figured out who the bad guy was pretty early. The last 30 minutes are pretty good though. For me this one was also a C

X Files misses at the box office

2008-07-27T18:38:11Z

While I didn't love the movie i'm still a bit sad at it's weak performance. X Files: I want to believe ended up having an openning weekend of only $10.2 million. It couldn't even beat the 2nd week of Mamma Mia. If you want to see the whole box office run-down check this out http://movies.yahoo.com/mv/news/va/20080727/121719073700.html

Now at one point in time i didn't believe there would ever be another x files movie, and honestly i don't think the FOX studio wanted there to be one. I believe the only reason that FOX green-lit this movie was because they needed another movie to be released this summer and because the writters strike. So they gave this movie a go with little time to re-tool the script. Then it was flimed on a small budget (good thing with the box office return). The budget prevented there from being any big special effects bits because they would have cost too much. So everyone who's upset that there wasn't aliens or space ships or standard SF, that's the reason. They couldn't afford ET. Then the movie started filming only last December. So between December and July they had to film and edit this movie. It was a rush job. Furthermore the studio demanded a PG-13 rating, which further boxed in those making the movie. Then we have the release itself. little to no advertising until the week of the opening. Opening the weekend after Batman, on the week of Comicon when the old fanbase is distracted by Lost announcements. There wouldn't have been a worse week in the entire year to release this movie (well maybe last week would have been worse).

I think considering everything that FOX did to make this not work that the movie is pretty good. Not that it's a great movie and didn't have some major problems. It's sad that it preformed so weakly though. Mainly because it probably means we won't get another X Files movie this generation. And maybe that was the point. If this one failed badly enough they would be able to re-cast the movie for a new generation in a few years like they did with Get Smart. Whatever the case maybe without the original leads the x files will never be the same.

Today is a sad day for all X-Philes...i guess there are more Ex-Philes than I thought

Live Free or Die Hard, Stardust and Sushine

2008-07-27T08:05:07Z

I'm working on catching up on my movie viewing lately. Some movies I missed in the theaters.

Live Free or Die hard - This movie came out a while ago, and while I was somewhat interested in it when it was out I missed it in theathers. Now I finally got around to renting it and it left me bored more than anything. There were some amazing special effects. But in the end I had a hard time believing Bruce Willis this time around. The techo-terrorist plot just seemed contrived. I'm sure i'm not the target audience for this movie, but i really was disappointed. My rating: D

Sunshine - this was a little sci-fi movie from the makers of 28 days later. Sunshine has what some might think is a pretty silly premise, a goup of Astronauts are taking a bomb to the sun to re-start it and save the world from freezing. It had real promise. It's a great looking film. and if it had stuck to the psychology of the team on the ship it could have been a facinating movie. But after they make contact with the previous mission to do the same job the movie starts to de-rail. As a movie about a group of people on a potential and eventually an actual suicide mission it could have been great, but bringing in the serial killer from the previous mission made this movie something far less than it could have been. It could have been for disaster movies what 28 days later was for zombie movies. But in the end this is a case of opportunity wasted. My rating: C-

Stardust - it's a movie about love and fantasy. The main character travels into a magic land to find a star that he has promised to bring back for his love. Too bad his love is a selfish person who only has an interest in the main character if he can do something for her. It's easy to see where this movie is going. Now in the magical world the star is a person. It's a very strange movie. You also have a trio of witches that want to eat the star's heart so they can be young again. In yet another sub-plot you have the princes of the magic land looking for a ruby that the star has. This is a strange but oddly rewarding movie. It reminds me a bit of the Princess Bride in style and tone. My rating: A-

X Files: I want to believe

2008-07-26T06:20:23Z

Ok...so i've got good news and bad news. the good news is the movie isn't as bad as some of the critics say. If you haven't seen the flim yet avoid reviews...i think I lost something when it came to the film because of reading so may reviews.

The bad news is it isn't the best x files story ever told. I will avoid details of the plot but I will simply say that it felt like they tossed too much into the story and simplifying it down would have been good. Also, the vibe of the film just stuck me as more Millennium than X Files. It's midnight dark. The movie doesn't feel like a blockbuster and the lack of special effects and pyrotechnics show the budget. Also, the last scene of the movie (proper) didn't really impress me.

That being said it's great to see Mulder and Scully together. It's an X Files episode. It has the same feel as some of the old episodes of the show. And some of the sections are pretty good and suspenseful. For a special moment stay in the theater through the credits.

All that being said i really hope this movie is successful so we can get a 3rd X Files movie...maybe FOX will have an ounce of respect if they are successful. I will post my thoughts about FOX and this movie at another time.

In the end i have to say X Files: I want to believe gets a B- from me.