It's officially the first week of the new TV season. For me, it kicks off Wednesday with a 2-hour premiere of Bones. Our favorite duo heads to London, where Bones is a guest-lector at Oxford University. Nothing short of comedy will certainly ensue as Booth trades in his Escalade for a Mini Cooper and his misfit Squints for some straightlaced university folk- who certainly don't speak his language. And he does it all while trying to keep a lid on his jealousy as Bones makes googly eyes at a fellow professor. (A much more complex specimen of human, no doubt.) Back at the Smithsonian, Hodgens and Angela must deal with the return of her long-lost husband and figure out what exactly it means to their own future.
I can't wait- can you?
Bones airs Wednesdays at 7p.m. on FOX.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Not Canceled! Some TV Shows Survive for 2008-2009 Season
While several of my favorite shows from last season met an untimely demise (Journeyman, Moonlight), a nice sized crop of shows were spared to see the light of another season. Many of my friends often ask me if their favorite shows made it through the cancellation storm, so here I present you with this year's list of shows-you-thought-were-cancelled-but-aren't!
Friday Night Lights - Not Canceled! However, the third season is airing this fall on DirecTV channel 101. If you don't have DirecTV, I hear that NBC will re-air season 3 in the spring or summer seasons.
Life - Not Canceled! Life returns to NBC on Fridays this fall, although its premeire date is currently listed as Monday, September 29. Check your listings for the correct airdates.
Eli Stone - Not Canceled! Eli returns on Tuesdays on ABC.
Law & Order: CI - Not Canceled! The third installment of the L&O series will air new episodes on USA Sunday nights. NBC should re-air them in the spring or summer.
Scrubs - Amazingly enough, not canceled! Scrubs is moving to ABC for a spring run.
According to Jim - Canceled! Then un-canceled! According to Jim (unfortunately) will return on ABC's spring schedule.
Reaper - Not Canceled! Reaper's second season will start in January on the CW.
Any other shows you want to know about? I've got the answers, so leave me a comment!
Friday Night Lights - Not Canceled! However, the third season is airing this fall on DirecTV channel 101. If you don't have DirecTV, I hear that NBC will re-air season 3 in the spring or summer seasons.
Life - Not Canceled! Life returns to NBC on Fridays this fall, although its premeire date is currently listed as Monday, September 29. Check your listings for the correct airdates.
Eli Stone - Not Canceled! Eli returns on Tuesdays on ABC.
Law & Order: CI - Not Canceled! The third installment of the L&O series will air new episodes on USA Sunday nights. NBC should re-air them in the spring or summer.
Scrubs - Amazingly enough, not canceled! Scrubs is moving to ABC for a spring run.
According to Jim - Canceled! Then un-canceled! According to Jim (unfortunately) will return on ABC's spring schedule.
Reaper - Not Canceled! Reaper's second season will start in January on the CW.
Any other shows you want to know about? I've got the answers, so leave me a comment!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
SYTYCD: The Final Four
We're down to the final four, the show's last chance to wow us, to amaze us, to throw us something we've never seen before.
Well, they've never had men dancing in kilts, so that's a first.
This is the finale, SYTYCD, and this is what you give us? Girls dancing with umbrellas? Hip-hoppers dancing in hammer pants? More of Nigel commenting on Joshua and Twich's complete lack of training?
From Twitch and Courtney's first hip-hop routine, I was underwhelmed. Sure, the piece was energetic and fun, and pretty entertaining, but it just wasn't finale material.
The second routine was a Wade Robson lyrical piece danced by Katee and Joshua. I was glad to have him back, and the choreography was extremely raw and difficult. But really, can't we give these two something other than contemporary? I guess it's their strong point, so of course the judges want to see it over and over. And over. And over.
Next, Katee and Courtney dance a Tyce Broadway routine. This is the moment where I know Katee is the better dancer. Putting the two girls side by side only reveals Courney's weaknesses. Her leaps are not as long and her movement is in general more amateur. But on the bright side, I've always liked Courtney's personality, and I absolutely loved her New York Italian accent during her interview with Cat (and didn't you love how Cat referred to her family as the Sopranos? Priceless!)
Joshua and Twitch danced some sort of traditional Russian battle dance. Sure, it was difficult, but to me it was less dancing and more trick-doing. Joshua can jump really high! Twitch can walk on his knees! The routine did a really great job of showcasing each of their individual talents but did not do well at creating a unified piece. It seemed like two separate dances to me, and I would have liked to see more cohesion.
Katee and Twitch then danced a fox-trot. I can't help but compare all of these dances to past routines, both this season and last, and even the Twitchington piece that appeared in Twitch's flashback was more memorable. I just didn't believe the passion between Twitch and Katee, although the movement itself was graceful. I really like Jason the Aussie, and hope to see him back next year.
The final partner dance is a jive with Joshua and Courtney. The judges reiterate by this time that the dancers are tired and worn out, and it showed in this dance. I never really liked Chelsie, but I have to admit she would have torn up the stage in this routine. Courtney's kicks were way too choppy- and it didn't help that she was wearing those ugly snow boots! They made her legs look really stubby and didn't go with the dress at all. Come on, wardrobe! This is the finale! Did no one get the memo?
Then, of course, there was Mia Michaels' Braveheart routine. I don't even know where to start with this one. It was like Lord of the Dance meets Scottish warriors meets the convent. I mean...Seriously?
My Conclusion
You know I've been pushing for Joshua to win this entire time, but he let me down a little tonight. I hate to admit this too, but I think Twitch did a better job. Just a little. There, I said it! Please don't throw stones!
Courtney, while I love her to death, agree wholeheartedly that she needs more training and will probably come in last. Katee has been the most consistent dancer this season and arguably deserves to win.
As for tonight's show, which routines do you want to see repeated? Will Nigel really dance this year, or will we get another Jib-Jab ripoff?
Well, they've never had men dancing in kilts, so that's a first.
This is the finale, SYTYCD, and this is what you give us? Girls dancing with umbrellas? Hip-hoppers dancing in hammer pants? More of Nigel commenting on Joshua and Twich's complete lack of training?
From Twitch and Courtney's first hip-hop routine, I was underwhelmed. Sure, the piece was energetic and fun, and pretty entertaining, but it just wasn't finale material.
The second routine was a Wade Robson lyrical piece danced by Katee and Joshua. I was glad to have him back, and the choreography was extremely raw and difficult. But really, can't we give these two something other than contemporary? I guess it's their strong point, so of course the judges want to see it over and over. And over. And over.
Next, Katee and Courtney dance a Tyce Broadway routine. This is the moment where I know Katee is the better dancer. Putting the two girls side by side only reveals Courney's weaknesses. Her leaps are not as long and her movement is in general more amateur. But on the bright side, I've always liked Courtney's personality, and I absolutely loved her New York Italian accent during her interview with Cat (and didn't you love how Cat referred to her family as the Sopranos? Priceless!)
Joshua and Twitch danced some sort of traditional Russian battle dance. Sure, it was difficult, but to me it was less dancing and more trick-doing. Joshua can jump really high! Twitch can walk on his knees! The routine did a really great job of showcasing each of their individual talents but did not do well at creating a unified piece. It seemed like two separate dances to me, and I would have liked to see more cohesion.
Katee and Twitch then danced a fox-trot. I can't help but compare all of these dances to past routines, both this season and last, and even the Twitchington piece that appeared in Twitch's flashback was more memorable. I just didn't believe the passion between Twitch and Katee, although the movement itself was graceful. I really like Jason the Aussie, and hope to see him back next year.
The final partner dance is a jive with Joshua and Courtney. The judges reiterate by this time that the dancers are tired and worn out, and it showed in this dance. I never really liked Chelsie, but I have to admit she would have torn up the stage in this routine. Courtney's kicks were way too choppy- and it didn't help that she was wearing those ugly snow boots! They made her legs look really stubby and didn't go with the dress at all. Come on, wardrobe! This is the finale! Did no one get the memo?
Then, of course, there was Mia Michaels' Braveheart routine. I don't even know where to start with this one. It was like Lord of the Dance meets Scottish warriors meets the convent. I mean...Seriously?
My Conclusion
You know I've been pushing for Joshua to win this entire time, but he let me down a little tonight. I hate to admit this too, but I think Twitch did a better job. Just a little. There, I said it! Please don't throw stones!
Courtney, while I love her to death, agree wholeheartedly that she needs more training and will probably come in last. Katee has been the most consistent dancer this season and arguably deserves to win.
As for tonight's show, which routines do you want to see repeated? Will Nigel really dance this year, or will we get another Jib-Jab ripoff?
Thursday, July 31, 2008
SYTYCD: Top 6 Perform
Tomorrow the top 4 will be revealed, and then it's only a week before Katee and Joshua will be battling it out for the title of "America's Favorite Dancer". Their contemporary, choreographed by Tyce, blew the pas de deax she did with will straight out of the water. It was so much fun to watch and the lifts were effortless. Speaking of Tyce- why isn't he sitting at the judges' table? He's been on the show longer that Tabitha and Napoleon, choreographed more dances this year than Mia Michaels, and is far less annoying than Adam Shankman. (What's he doing anyway? Choreographing Step Up 3?)
Yes, I'm pretty sure Katee and Joshua--who oh-so-convieniently got paired up again--are a shoe-in for the final 2. So does it really matter who joins them in the Top 4? Not at all. But I would love it if underdog Courtney was dancing in the finale. She is graceful, humble, and dyanamic, opposed to Chelsie, who only revels in the fact that her partners are only there to make her look good. Except in hip hop.
Unfortunately, there is a high chance this season will mimic last year's finale, when Lacey beat out Lauren for the final spot. But if this year does indeed follow the trend, then we can be hopeful that Chelsie won't make the top 3.
As for the Mark/Twitch showdown: it really is just a toss up. There's a lot of similarity between these two- great personality, quirkiness, charisma, but not a lot of technique. At this point, it's all a matter of personal preference. Twitch was in the bottom 2 last week, so it may just be his time to go, grill and all.
Yes, I'm pretty sure Katee and Joshua--who oh-so-convieniently got paired up again--are a shoe-in for the final 2. So does it really matter who joins them in the Top 4? Not at all. But I would love it if underdog Courtney was dancing in the finale. She is graceful, humble, and dyanamic, opposed to Chelsie, who only revels in the fact that her partners are only there to make her look good. Except in hip hop.
Unfortunately, there is a high chance this season will mimic last year's finale, when Lacey beat out Lauren for the final spot. But if this year does indeed follow the trend, then we can be hopeful that Chelsie won't make the top 3.
As for the Mark/Twitch showdown: it really is just a toss up. There's a lot of similarity between these two- great personality, quirkiness, charisma, but not a lot of technique. At this point, it's all a matter of personal preference. Twitch was in the bottom 2 last week, so it may just be his time to go, grill and all.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
SYTYCD: Top 10 Perform
Tonight, the dancers not only switched partners, but it also marks the first night audience votes send the bottom 2 home. Most of my predictions from last week still stand, but there were definitely a couple of surprises for me in tonight's show.
Courtney and Joshua: I thought these two did really well with their routines. Courtney could have given a little bit more during the hip hop, but Joshua once again lit up the stage. He is still one of my favorites.
Comfort and Twitch: Their first routine, a waltz, was a total disaster. This dance completely reiterated the fact that Comfort needs to go home, and I was disappointed in their connection to one another. Twitch seems extremely lost in anything outside of hip hop and contemporary, which may be his downfall.
Katee and Will: A.Ma.Zing. That's all i have to say about that. That pas de deux was insane. Hated the song though. Marc walked in right when they messed up and said "wow, that didn't work." ha. I still think Will needs to show a little more personality to win this competition.
Kherington and Mark: I was excited to see them perform a two-step- but I was completely disappointed in their execution. They were disjointed in both routines - not even a sliver of a connection. I agree with the judges that Mark is good at acting, but not so great at just dancing. And Kherington! Did she look bored or what? She didn't even look like she was trying. I must say, my interest in her is fading fast.
Chelsie and Gev: We all know that Chelsie is good, and that was only reiterated tonight. In contrast to my last post, I was really impressed with Gev. He did the contemporary justice but I could totally tell he was thinking during the jive. Either way, I think he deserves to stay another week.
My predictions this week: Mark will say goodbye and Comfort will be ousted once again. I hope.
Courtney and Joshua: I thought these two did really well with their routines. Courtney could have given a little bit more during the hip hop, but Joshua once again lit up the stage. He is still one of my favorites.
Comfort and Twitch: Their first routine, a waltz, was a total disaster. This dance completely reiterated the fact that Comfort needs to go home, and I was disappointed in their connection to one another. Twitch seems extremely lost in anything outside of hip hop and contemporary, which may be his downfall.
Katee and Will: A.Ma.Zing. That's all i have to say about that. That pas de deux was insane. Hated the song though. Marc walked in right when they messed up and said "wow, that didn't work." ha. I still think Will needs to show a little more personality to win this competition.
Kherington and Mark: I was excited to see them perform a two-step- but I was completely disappointed in their execution. They were disjointed in both routines - not even a sliver of a connection. I agree with the judges that Mark is good at acting, but not so great at just dancing. And Kherington! Did she look bored or what? She didn't even look like she was trying. I must say, my interest in her is fading fast.
Chelsie and Gev: We all know that Chelsie is good, and that was only reiterated tonight. In contrast to my last post, I was really impressed with Gev. He did the contemporary justice but I could totally tell he was thinking during the jive. Either way, I think he deserves to stay another week.
My predictions this week: Mark will say goodbye and Comfort will be ousted once again. I hope.
Friday, July 11, 2008
So You Think You Can Dance: TV Tam’s Top Ten
Last night we lost Comfort and Thayne, revealing this year’s top 10. Like the judges last night, I really liked Thayne’s technique and grace, and was even coming around to his creepy smile. Nigel commented that he would have rather let two girls go than lose Thayne – so why didn’t they? We know the rules – one guy and one girl gone a week – but why not make an exception in these cases? When we get to the bottom four, it’s fine for two males to share a routine, so why not earlier on in the competition? Okay, so some people are pretty reluctant to see two guys waltzing around the stage, looking lovingly into each others’ eyes – but there are plenty of styles that lend themselves to side-by-side routines: contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, Broadway, even the dreaded krump. We know these choreographers are creative, so why not let them do their thing without having to sacrifice good dancers for mediocre ones?
That’s my rant for the day. I can’t wait until next week when they start mixing up the couples. Here are my thoughts on who will be eliminated over the next few weeks.
5. Jessica And Gev- Nigel wanted Jess gone this week, and I am pretty over her. She reminds me of Jamie last year – she has beautiful lines but doesn’t hold a candle to the other girls when it comes to performance. And I love Gev. He’s a fun little B-boy. But he doesn’t have the technique or the confidence to keep going. I think that once he loses Courtney, he’ll be lost in general.
4. Courtney G. and Mark – Courtney makes Gev look good, but on her own she can be a bit forgettable. I don’t think she has the presence or the skill to partner well with any of the other guys. The judges have already commented on Mark’s lack of technique, and I’m afraid that without Chelsie by his side, he will fade into the background.
3. Will and Kherington – Will has the technique, but does he have the personality? So far, I haven’t seen it. I think Mark has far more charisma, but I think Will’s talent will keep him on just one week further. Miss K is one of my favorites as far as personality goes, but she has a tendency to lose her connection with the dance and her partner.
2. Chelsie and Twitch – I was torn between Chelsie and Miss K for the final spot in the top 4, but Chelsie so far has more charisma and knows how to command the stage. Twitch may not be the best dancer, but he’s definitely a fan favorite, which is, in reality, all he needs.
1. Katee and Joshua – Katee is a gorgeous girl and a gorgeous dancer, and she is definitely an asset to Joshua. He’s a little quiet, a little reserved, but when he dances I am completely amazed and surprised every time. Even when he’s not technically sound, he has presence, and I think he deserves the crown.
That’s my rant for the day. I can’t wait until next week when they start mixing up the couples. Here are my thoughts on who will be eliminated over the next few weeks.
5. Jessica And Gev- Nigel wanted Jess gone this week, and I am pretty over her. She reminds me of Jamie last year – she has beautiful lines but doesn’t hold a candle to the other girls when it comes to performance. And I love Gev. He’s a fun little B-boy. But he doesn’t have the technique or the confidence to keep going. I think that once he loses Courtney, he’ll be lost in general.
4. Courtney G. and Mark – Courtney makes Gev look good, but on her own she can be a bit forgettable. I don’t think she has the presence or the skill to partner well with any of the other guys. The judges have already commented on Mark’s lack of technique, and I’m afraid that without Chelsie by his side, he will fade into the background.
3. Will and Kherington – Will has the technique, but does he have the personality? So far, I haven’t seen it. I think Mark has far more charisma, but I think Will’s talent will keep him on just one week further. Miss K is one of my favorites as far as personality goes, but she has a tendency to lose her connection with the dance and her partner.
2. Chelsie and Twitch – I was torn between Chelsie and Miss K for the final spot in the top 4, but Chelsie so far has more charisma and knows how to command the stage. Twitch may not be the best dancer, but he’s definitely a fan favorite, which is, in reality, all he needs.
1. Katee and Joshua – Katee is a gorgeous girl and a gorgeous dancer, and she is definitely an asset to Joshua. He’s a little quiet, a little reserved, but when he dances I am completely amazed and surprised every time. Even when he’s not technically sound, he has presence, and I think he deserves the crown.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The Best of Summer TV- Continued
In compiling my short list of summer reality programming, I left off the most real of them all: FX's 30 Days. I caught the new season last night, with former NFL player Ray Crockett spending 30 days in a wheelchair. I'm guessing he played for the Cowboys, since his wheelchair-unfriendly abode is in Southlake (and is worth about $1.7m, according to the Tarrant County appraisal office). The episode was really heartwarming and inspirational, and it reminded me of what a great show this is- one that dares to document real-life struggles and controversies without being preachy or stretching the truth. Morgan Spurlock deserves an Emmy.
In other programming, tonight is the first night of the So You Think You Can Dance Top 20 competition (Fox), as well as the season finale of Top Chef (Bravo). I'm rooting for Stephanie all the way!
In other programming, tonight is the first night of the So You Think You Can Dance Top 20 competition (Fox), as well as the season finale of Top Chef (Bravo). I'm rooting for Stephanie all the way!
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