Finally Friday This N That

Yay, it’s finally Friday.

Let me be more specific. It’s finally THIS Friday.

I really hate those 12-day work weeks. So, THIS Friday actually means two days of “non-work” (I won’t go as far as saying “rest & relaxation) coming up. And considering that Mother Nature’s been very… agreeable this winter & spring (wonders never cease, I know) It seems that I will actually have to get out & mow lawn – even before April gets here. Wow.

On the TV front, the basketball tournaments have killed any flow for regular shows. They’re new one week, repeats the next. It sucks – especially since it’s getting down to season finale time.

Speaking of finales, this week had part 1 of the 2-part ending for season 2 of Body of Proof. It kind of sucked that there was a lot of acting in hazmat suits. The promo for next week’s finale seems pretty good, as we continue the story following Kate’s collapse at the podium. As much as I like Dana Delany, it seems that Jeri Ryan’s Kate has become the star of the show for me. Her character reminds me a lot of Catherine Willows.

Speaking of both Catherine Willows and Dana Delany, I’ve been re-watching China Beach episodes this week. Each time I watch, I seem to adore Marg as K.C. even more (if that’s possible). Now, if only we could get Marg to guest on some current show. I’m really going into Marg withdrawl.

Marg’s former CSI co-star, Liz Vassey, tweeted yesterday that she’ll be back on Necessary Roughness again soon as Gabrielle. I’ve only watched a few episodes of that show, including her two previous appearances. I loved her character.

Another CSI alum, Louise Lombard (Sofia) tweeted that today was her final day filming the FOX pilot titled, Rogue, with Julian McMahon. Hopefully the pilot gets picked up. It'll be great to see her on tv again. I wish she'd have come back on CSI, at least for the season finale since it seems that dipshit McKeen (the guy who killed Warrick) will be back.

Laura Innes returned as Captain Tricia Harper on Awake last night. It seems she had a little bit more screen time last night than in her initial appearance. I hope she comes back soon. I love seeing her as the HBIC. Her character very much reminds me of Bonnie Bedelia’s Captain Kate McCafferty on The Division.

On the subject of guest appearances – Stargate alums Christopher Judge & Jay Acovone were both on last night’s episode of The Mentalist as a chief of security at a casino & casino boss. Hearing Chris’ deep voice on tv again was great, but it was even more pleasing to see him in a nice, crisp suit. Oh, and his shiny head again as well.


Speaking of shiny…
The promo poster for the revamped version of Dallas seems a bit squeaky clean.

Are they really going to get us interested in a revamping of the old show by reminding us of the infamous “it’s all just a dream” fiasco of a storyline from the original? Seriously? At least they put Larry Hagman & Patrick Duffy in the back. And it’s nice to have Larry with his hat on as well. Just one big question – how much photoshopping was actually done for that poster?

I got the new issue of Entertainment Weekly in today’s mailbox, and was pleased to see that much of the cast of Downton Abbey has a number of other projects coming out soon as well.

Wednesday This N That TV Madness

Before we get to the Wednesday TV madness, we need to recap a full Tuesday schedule.

1. Last night was the season 9 premiere of NCIS. Picking up from where we left off last season with Tony getting his ‘top secret’ orders, we find Tony in a bit of trouble as he’s apparently shot another NCIS agent, but can’t seem to remember it. Dr Cranston (the wonderful Wendy Makkena) is talking him through the rest of the episode as we seem to be flashing back to the story of what he can’t remember.

First of all, you’re probably aware that Tony is my least-favorite character on the show, so an episode that features him is always considered just “so-so”. This is no exception. That being said, it was a great performance by Michael Weatherly. However, can someone please bring me the standard NCIS “dead Marine of the week” story? That would have been preferable to this slower-than-slow flashback-style episode that didn't really feature much of the great cast. It was the season premiere, for goodness sake! Bring out the big guns!!

I did like the small Ziva/Tony moments. That always brings me a smile. I also liked the appearance from Matt Craven as Sec. of Navy Clayton Jarvis. I recently re-watched the movie, Indian Summer, and always love his performance in that one. Another great moment was Tony’s comment, “Who doesn’t like hot girls carrying guns?” LOL That’s the real Tony DiNozzo! I think watching “hot girls carrying guns” is my sole reason for most of the shows I’ve watched through the years.

Anyway, if they’re going to have a season premiere, bring me some action. Bring me lots of Gibbs, Ziva, McGee, Abby & Ducky. For this season premiere, I was totally not impressed.

2. Body of Proof returned for a second season last night. My first thought is that Body of Proof has learned from Rizzoli & Isles that humor in a drama can make a decent show into a much better show, since there are so many “serious” dramas these days. The humor brings a great change. It was great to see Rick Fox on the show as well.

I love the Kate/Megan tension, with Kate sleeping with Megan’s ex, Todd. It gives both Dana & Jeri something to sink their teeth into, instead of just rattling off technical medical terms. I also love that there seems to be more Sam & Bud, as well as Peter, Ethan & Curtis.


3. Unforgettable debuted as well. Poppy Montgomery, Dylan Walsh, and Kevin Rankin star in this cop show that brings a different twist. Poppy is Carrie Wells, a former cop who seems to have total memory recall. For some reason, that brings to mind Gibson on Birds of Prey. Anyway, Carrie hears a murder outside her apartment and gets brought into the investigation, which happens to be run by her former boyfriend, Al. Both had worked together back in Syracuse before it got too much for Carrie and she moved to NYC, where she’s taking care of her mother who has Alzheimer’s. That was a nice little backstory that they put in there. I have a soft spot for the shows that include dementia/Alzheimer’s disease, as it reminds me of my grandmother.

Anyway, I’m getting sidetracked again. Carrie replays her part of finding the victim in the alley through her mind and notices other details she had missed previously. It seems that no matter how long ago, or where it was, if she was there, she can call up the memory in finer detail. I like the fact that they don’t make it overly easy by having her recall stuff from anything she touches. It makes it a different time of a cop show. Maybe it’s one I can actually get into.


4. I love the fact that FX replays Sons of Anarchy late at night. It gives me a chance to actually watch. Sometimes this show really confuses me. What never confuses me is the great character that Katey Sagal has brought to us in Gemma. I love the scenes Gemma has with Wayne, especially when she gives him the finger! And I also love the Gemma/Tara scenes as well. I wasn’t too pleased at Clay roughing up Gemma a bit, though. I was hoping she’d be a bit tougher at that point. Despite all of the bikes, guns, drugs, etc, this show does have its humor as well. After a car/bike chase and the SAMCRO gang stops the car, Jax looks into the window & says, “license & registration please”. LOL


5. Body of Proof, Unforgettable, Sons of Anarchy & Parenthood on all at the same time really sucks. Parenthood seems to be odd one out this time around. It’ll be my show to catch up on for this week.


6. Now that the Tuesday recap is done, we turn to the highlight of the week. That would be the Season 12 premiere of CSI tonight, and the beginning of the DB “Dead Body” Russell era, and from what I hear, the return of feisty Catherine, now that she’s gone from “Supervisor Cath” back to “CSI Cath”. I’m trying to be optimistic for the new season (at least until Carol Mendelsohn starts with more blah-blah-blah and makes me wish that Marg’s exit will come sooner rather than later). Anyway, I’m intrigued by the addition of Elisabeth Harnois as Ecklie’s estranged daughter. My only goal for this season is to cherish the wonderful, but always infrequent, Cath/Sara scenes until Marg leaves in January. All I can say is that CSI really lost something that could have been great, by always keeping those two ladies apart and at odds as much as they have in the previous 11 seasons. Maybe that’s why I’m always bitching at the writers. They have just never seen the strength that a real Cath/Sara friendship could have brought to the show. They could have still gone with their precious Grissom/Sara story line even if the two ladies had any kind of a friendship.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know. Rant. Rant. Rant. Don’t worry. My CSI ranting will be done in four months.

7. tonight also brings the beginning of the second season of Harry’s Law. I’m excited to see all of the changes in store. Specifically getting rid of Brittnay Snow’s character. She was highly annoying. I’m not sure if I’m going to like more of a focus on the cases & courtroom stuff, though. That’s usually a big turn off for me. But hey! It’s Kathy Bates. It’s Jean Smart & Mark Valley! Things are looking up!

8. Tonight also brings the series premiere of Revenge on ABC. I guess I’m going into watching this one with very low expectations. The only reason I’m giving the pilot a watch is because of Madeleine Stowe. It seems she might actually have a decent-sized role in this one. That would be good, since I don’t know any of the other cast. I’m hoping it will surprise me like The Secret Circle did.

9. to finish the Wednesday schedule, Up All Night with Christina Applegate continues tonight in its regular timeslot. I wasn’t impressed with the premiere, but pilot episodes usually aren’t that great, so I’m hoping that a second chance will bring it into the “watchable” category. I’m thinking it’s Will Arnett that’s the turnoff for me. I wasn’t a fan of his last comedy, Running Wilde, either, and it was because of him.

That's my line-up for Wednesday. Thursday will bring three interesting premieres that I can't wait to check out as well.

Tuesday This N That TV Madness

It’s TV Madness out in full force this week as many of my shows return, and there are a few new ones on the schedule to check out as well.

1. 2 Broke Girls - I checked out the pilot for this show last night. Thankfully, I wasn’t expecting much from the show going in (it’s the Catherine Willows theory at work, you know). I can’t say I was ‘pleasantly surprised’, but I think it might actually be a show that I would maybe watch regularly - since there’s really nothing else on my Monday nights at the moment. Let’s face it: I’m in Rizzoli & Isles withdrawl. I really need my J-Rizz fix. TNT could at least air some reruns – and not at 1am like they’re doing at the moment.

Anyway, back to 2BG – I actually got a Jo Polniaczek/Blair Warner (Facts of Life) vibe with this show - you know, the snooty rich girl and the poor tough NYC girl. To even bring me more flashbacks to the early 80s, Garrett Morris is in this show as well. He will forever be Sporty James from the old cop show, Hunter. That reminds me, what’s Stepfanie Kramer up to these days? I don’t think I’ve heard anything from her probably since her album “one dream” came out in 1999.

Oy! I keep getting 80s flashback sidetracked! Where was I? 2 Broke Girls, yes. The pilot ended with Caroline moving into Max’s apartment. And the horse. What’s with the horse? Isn’t that going a bit over the top? Yeesh! Anyway, as I said before, this might be something that I could probably watch on a Monday night when nothing else is on. Pilot episodes usually aren’t the best to judge a show by.

2. I heard that both Liz Vassey and Jeri Ryan (and even a tiny bit of Missi Pyle) were on the premiere of Two and a Half Men last night? Even though my locatetv schedule mentioned nothing about it? Damn! What’s up with that? I’ve got to track down that episode now. I’m not a regular watcher of the show, but have seen a couple other episodes of it that included Liz.

3. Speaking of tracking down stuff: I totally slept through Jane Lynch & the Emmys, so I’ve got to find at least Jane’s parts. I somehow fell asleep at 4pm and woke at 11am the next morning. Yes, do the math. That’s 19 hours. Exhausted much?

4. on to what’s coming up. Tonight is the season 9 premiere of NCIS. I saw that Canada actually got to watch it last night. That’s so not fair. I’m looking forward to more of the handsome Jethro, kick-ass Ziva, adorable Abby, geeky McGee, and the ever-dashing Ducky. Oh, and can’t forget about the cute, lovable Jimmy. I always love the Jimmy episodes. As usual, NCIS will be having the greatest guest stars this season as well. Can’t wait!

5. Raising Hope returns tonight as well. I missed out on a lot of this show last season and still haven’t really caught up. The good thing about it being a comedy, you don’t really need to watch everything in order to ‘catch up’ because there really isn’t a whole lot of recurring storylines that you need to remember like dramas have.

6. The 9pm time slot tonight is going to make me go insane. Seriously! Body of Proof with Dana Delany & Jeri Ryan returns tonight. I’m hoping Jeri’s character gets more story lines this season. She ended up becoming my favorite character as the first season went on. She reminds me so much of Catherine Willows. Also I’m hoping the rest of the cast gets more involved as well. It’s great to have Dana on the screen, but we know that a tv series usually doesn’t survive when there’s too much focus on one character.

Along with the return of Body of Proof, CBS has the series premiere of Unforgettable with Poppy Montgomery. I never really watched her in Without a Trace, but the previews of this new show look quite interesting. Just remind me not to expect too much! That’s always my downfall with new shows, it seems.

Also in the same time slot are both Parenthood and Sons Of Anarchy. Oh the horrors of trying to pick just one show to watch at that time. At the moment, I think Body of Proof will win top honors with my remote control. Maybe I’ll switch back & forth with Unforgettable. Parenthood still doesn’t have enough Bonnie Bedelia sightings for my liking (I always enjoy any little BB screen time I can get), and Sons of Anarchy always seems to get pushed to the bottom of the Tuesday pile, even though Katey Sagal is awesome as the biker mama!

So, that’s the Tuesday lineup. Wednesday brings another full night of tv (and changes), but we’ll talk about that later.

Finally Friday

Yes, the end of the week has arrived - which doesn't really mean much for me this week since I have to work the weekend. However, the sad part is that when the weekend is over, we'll be finished with seven months of 2011 already. That's a scary thought. Didn't we just start summer a couple weeks ago?

But, I digress.

The bright spot is that the new fall tv season is that much closer to being here. It's been fun seeing and reading about a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff from various celebs on twitter - like Pauley Perrette on NCIS, Jeffrey Osborne on Burn Notice, and more...

including Dina Meyer, who's in the first two episodes of the new Charlie's Angels series.

I absolutely adore that woman!

And here's one to remember:
Jeri Ryan is going to be on next Monday's episode of Warehouse 13.


And then there's CSI. Oy! Where do I start?


First of all, I'm still only so-so on the addition of Ted Danson. I sure hope he surprises me.

Secondly, regarding the promo pic: The first thing I noticed (right after Sara having her hair up, and Cath wearing a green leopard print) was that Cath & DB are color coordinated! And an "OH. MY. GOD!" moment to actually see Cath & Sara working together again. Yay!!!!!

Thirdly, The CBS Press site has put up the synopsis for the beginning of the season. I'm a bit intrigued, yet confused with the description for Cath.
--"Catherine Willows, the team's former supervisor and an investigator with a cop's instinct for reading human behavior."--

There are SO many places I could go with that description.

1. Cath's instinct for reading "human behavior" probably started with being around "didn't know he was Daddy" Sam Braun, and finely honed when she became a stripper, then perfected when she started dating a cop.

2. The "former supervisor" part really sticks me in the heart. I'm really hoping that the demotion was Cath's decision and not a mandate from IAB with the whole Raskell fallout.

3. Cath not being supervisor anymore brings the good with the bad. The good: she has more opportunity to be out at scenes and having fun instead of being "the boss". The bad: Fewer opportunities to see "the glasses" as she usually wore them when doing 'supervisory' things in her office.

4. On that note: They'd better not give DB Cath's office, or I'll be very, very peeved. The office was so warm & cozy and was totally Cath.

Yes, I could go on. However, I've gotta keep some of the material for more rants further down the road! ;)

Moving on:
With Comic Con complete, all of the celeb/tv media are now getting all of their "best of" bits out, including Charlize Theron and Kristen Stewart at the "Snow White and the Huntsmen" panel


Turning to the guys - as much as it makes me sad to remember that Natasha is gone, it's nice to see that Liam can move on.


I don't watch "White Collar", but Willie Garson is a Stargate alum, and it's nice to see him get a bit of publicity.


Cowboys & Aliens is just coming out. It sounds interesting (especially with DC & HF), but I've heard/seen only so-so reviews.