The 3rd season of Psych returns tonight with Shawn (James Roday) and Gus (Dule Hill) taking on their most "inhuman case" of all time. Inhuman in that the victim is a Sea Lion! But not just any Sea Lion, no it's Santa Barbara's beloved Shabby the Sea Lion. When Gus drags Shawn along to the funeral he quickly comes to fear that foul play is involved and in a flash the two are on the case, which leads them into something far more dangerous than a dead animal! The episodes even features a guest appearance from "the show killer" himself Ted McGinley, lets hope he doesn't kill this one!

I got a chance to see the episode early and I can tell you it's classic Shawn and Gus. The episode is of course an intriguing mystery but also combines the humor that we've come to love from these two goofy detectives. Plus the episode once again gives us hope that there might be more than friendship in the future for Shawn and the beautiful Juliet (Maggie Lawson).

The rest of season three will bring us some big names guest stars T including Cybill Shepherd ("Cybill," "The L Word") returning as Shawn's mom, Rachael Leigh Cook ("She's All That," "The Babysitter's Club") reprising her role as the one that got away from earlier in the season, Mykelti Williamson ("August Rush," "Lucky Number Slevin") and Jonathan Silverman ("The Single Guy," "Weekend At Bernies"). And the third season ends with a serial killer and a shocking twist!!!! I don't know about you but I can't wait to see what happens next for these two.

And if all that's not enough for you you can head on over to the Official Site. There you can play along with "Shawn’s Nickname Generator" and even check out the cast’s yearbook photos in PSYCH Yearbook Superlatives." As always, PSYCH fans can watch new "Psych-Outs," view full episodes, read writer commentary on each episode and play fun games featuring their favorite fake psychic detective.

And immediately preceding Psych at 9/8c you can catch an all new episode of Monk as it's penultimate season returns with Tony Shaloub's award winning portrayal of OCD detective Adrian Monk. Tonight's episode, which I can't wait to see tonight, introduces us to Monk's delinquent half-brother, Jack Jr. (Steve Zahn) who escapes from prison and breaks into Monk's apartment where he manipulates Monk into helping him find the person he claims framed him for murder.
Also this season Monk gets involved with a case straight out of "Encyclopedia Brown," Monk must solve a disappearance while trying to keep the parking garage where his wife was killed from being demolished, Monk matches wits with a magician (Steve Valentine) who has the ability to make evidence disappear; and when a childhood bully (Noah Emmerich) who terrorized Monk hires the detective to trail his wife, whom he suspects of infidelity, Monk relishes the opportunity to prove him right -- and things get even sweeter when the bully is accused of murder. And this all leads up to Monk's 8th and final season which is coming this summer.

And over at Monk's official site you can check out the all-new “OCD Video Trivia” game, which allows users to view screengrabs from the show and try to guess what isn’t quite right. Fans can get involved with the “Monk Lookalike Contest” by sending in their best Monk lookalikes and vote on the uncanniest resemblance. Full episodes are always available to watch online, including both classic and new episodes, along with weekly podcasts with cast, writer commentary and new quizzes.

So tune in tonight then head back here to tell me what you think of the episodes.

Labels: Monk, Psych, TV, TV Reviews

I didn't watch USA's miniseries "The Starter Wife" when it aired last year. I really thought it felt like something my wife would like better than I would as it was based on a chick lit book. She watched a couple of the episodes and then stopped watching as she didn't care that much for it. So it was with a bit of skepticism that I sat down to watch the 2 hour premiere that airs tomorrow night on USA (9pm/8c).

The series starts with a quick recap of the miniseries: Molly Kagan, a shopaholic, is woken up from her life of shopping when her husband, a studio head, asks for a divorce. She begins to rebuild her life and starts to date, but of course her new boy is not all he's cracked up to be. Here's a more thorough recap:



The new series starts with some weird spoof of Elizabeth as Molly tells her friends she has sworn off men and sex (and petting). Molly has decided instead she needs to focus on making her own life and raising her daughter. Of course just because Molly says she's done with men, doesn't mean men will be done with her and Zach, the leader of her new writing class, may just be able to break her. Molly joins the class in hopes of reinvigorating her writing career, but it's not her books that impress the class, instead it's her journal, where she writes down her fantasies, the gossip she hears, and so much more.

While attending a party at Zach's Molly takes her journal tries to get a deal writing a weekly column, but what the publisher really wants is the scandalous gossip that's inside Molly's journal. And when the journal goes missing Molly's world turns upside down. It's this sub-plot that really had me enjoying the show and wondering where it will go next.

Now I'll admit I really wasn't looking forward to watching this show, but I wanted to give it a try because I really like Debra Messing. And while the first hour didn't really have me aching to keep watching, the second hour did draw me in. I'm interested to know what will happen between Molly and Zach and most of all to see what happens with that Journal.

But the show is definitely not perfect. As I said the first hour is slow and somewhat strange as it takes a little while to get used to the movie spoofs that seem to come out of the blue (although I loved the Frankenstien and Raiders spoofs) and the pacing seemed a bit off. But I guess that happens when you're trying to take something that had an ending and extend it into it's own show. Also the sub-plots with Molly's friends Joan (Judy Davis) and Devon (Chris Diamantopoulos) didn't really capture my attention. Devon's story was to obvious and although I enjoyed Joan and her first "assignment" the aftermath with her husband lost my interest.

All in all I'll give the who another chance and see where it goes. It's clear USA is trying to capture another audience outside of those who watch it's Detective shows (Monk, Psych, and Burn Notice) and I probably fall outside of their target audience. So if you're a woman between the ages of 35 and 55 you'll probably enjoy it a lot more than I did.

You can see a clip from the premiere below:



Remember to tune in tomorrow night, USA at 9/8 c (and then 10/9 c in the subsequent weeks).

Labels: Starter Wife, TV Reviews

So did you watch Supernatural last night? I told you it was good didn't I. And those new juicy development can only be summed up in one word: WOW!!!

ANGELS!!! Supernatural has brought us Angels. For years the show has talked about hell and demons but we've never seen an angel (that we know of) and now we're not only told there are Angels, we meet one, and he tells Dean that he pulled him out of hell because "God commanded it. Because we have work for you." WOW!

This is the development I was referring to when I said it would change the show again, and its something I can't wait to see played out. It seems to me like all this time Dean and Sam were working on God's side without even knowing it, and now God's saying he's noticed and he's not done with Dean. And I can't wait to find out what God's plan for Dean is, whether or not Dean will even accept this plan, and what Sam and Bobby think of all this.

Besides Angels we found out Sam is using his powers in a huge way, and lying about it to Dean, and that Ruby is in fact still very much alive, albeit in a new (and improved?!?) body. So what will Dean think when he finds out Sam's been lying to him? I can't wait to find out.

Next week on Supernatural someone's killing off hunters and it's all part of a Really, Big Plan. If you thought the boys have had it tough so far wait and see what they'll be trying to stop this season. Also next week features the return of some past characters like Season One's Meg. Why are they coming back (from the dead) and what does it have to do with the dead hunters, and who's behind these killings, tune in next week to find out.

Labels: Supernatural, TV Reviews

Smallville and I have an on again, off again relationship. Our relationship began a couple of years after the show started when the DVD of Season 1 was released. I purchased it and devoured it over a few short days. To say I loved Smallville's first season would be an understatement, I was (and still am) a huge comic geek and here was a show that brought Superman to life without ever giving us Superman. It was a fun show with lots of wonderful in-jokes for the comic fans.

Soon after the Season 1 DVD came out I started watching the show, which was then on Season 3 (I've only seen a couple of episodes from Season 2). Season 3 had some great moments and a good overarcing story. Then came Season 4, which had some great stand alone episodes and introduced Lois Lane, but also took a misstep with the season long story arc which involved "magic stones" as I call them. Season 4 started an off-again phase with me caring less and less about the show as the season went on.

Season 5 started getting better introducing Aquaman, Cyborg, and Braniac and had a much better story-arc. Our relationship was back and I was excited. Then Season 6 came along, it introduced Green Arrow, brought us an early version of The Justice League and had a lot of great stuff. Unfortunately it also brought with it Lana & Lex getting married, a fake pregnancy, Lana's clearly fake death, and a little bit too much of a conspiracy theory for me. It didn't help that I missed a few episodes for various reasons. And like that our relationship seemed to be coming to an end. In fact I didn't watch a single episode of Season 7, assuming our relationship had ended and that's the way it was going to be.

Then Monday I recieved another package in the mail, the Season 8 Premiere of Smallville (See it Thursday 8/7c on The CW) and in an instant our relationship was back in full swing. The previously on filled me in on what had happened last season, Lex found out Clark's secret, they fought at the Fortress of Solitude and it ended with both men missing and the Fortress destroyed. Meanwhile in Metropolis Lana and Ms. Kent both left Smallville (and the show) and Jimmy Olsen proposed to Chloe (the loan remaning Season 1 character besides Clark) just before she was arrested for cyber-crimes, or course because of Lex. Oh and some online research told me that Lex killed Lionel, which saddens me because I loved Lionel.

The season picks up where the last left off, Clark and Lex are missing and lots of people are searching for each of them. Lex's cronies are in the artic searching for Lex while the Justice League (in the form of Black Canary, Green Arrow, and Aquaman) are searching for Clark, although its mentioned that Flash and Cyborg are searching for him as well, just on the other side of the planet.

Meanwhile Chloe's being held by the gov't doing tests on her and her abilities. But no one seems to be able to figure out where Chloe is being held and of course Lois is determined to find out, even if it means she winds up dead trying. And Clark is quite possibly in the last place you'd ever expect him to be unless maybe your name is Mark Millar.

This season seems to have some good stuff in store: Clark finally joins the Daily Planet, and it's been said he and Lios' relationship will finally start moving from the Brother/Sister relationship they have to one more like the one seen in the comics. And from the credits it appears that Justin Hartley's Green Arrow will be sticking around for some time to come.

And this season has a new villian, with Lex gone the top spot goes to his replacement at Luthor Corp, Tess Mercer (Cassidy Freeman). She seems just evil enough to do anything to get what she wants, and yet looks just innocent enough for you to doubt what she's capable of.

All I know is that the Season 8 premiere convinced me that it's time to take Smallville back into my arms and begin are relationship again. I'm ready for this 8th season, and I never even saw it walking back into my life.

Labels: Smallville, TV Reviews

If you're just tuning in to GG this season here's what you've missed:
Dan & Serena are back together, although they haven't discussed the issues they originally had about dating.
Nate is seeing an older woman who turned out to be the mother of Blair's new "Lord" boyfriend (he's a Lord from England as in a title, not a God) and since Nate and his Mom have no money Nate is pimping himself out to "The Dutchess" in order to make money.
Chuck is in love with Blair, but can't bring himself to say it, so she goes off with The Lord, to get over her he's been seen with a multitude of other girls.
Jenny has been interning for Blair's mom, although she's been out of the country for the entire summer.
Vanessa and Nate are kind of dating, but see above for his other relationship which keeps getting in the way.
There were lots of parties. And Blair knows about Nate and The Dutchess, who happens to married to The Duke.

Tonight's GG has yet another party, thrown yet again by Blair. But everyone's plans get thrown down the tube when there is a city wide blackout. Dan & Serena get stuck in an elevator together where they must confront their fears and problems with their relationship. Chuck uses the darkness to try and sleep with Blair, but does she know it's really Chuck and not The Lord?

One plot I'm really finding myself enjoying is Jenny's. Tonight she finally sees Blair's mom, while she happens to be questioning her work. Of course she's quickly fired, but when she's stuck in the building with her boss will it lead to another chance?

And there's a change in store for most of the relationships on the show. I don't want to ruin anything but by the end of the episode several relationships will be in jeopardy, with at least one over for the foreseeable time. And at least one character will reveal a new relationship!

I have to say I'm very pleased with the new season of Gossip Girl and can't wait to see where it goes next!

Labels: Gossip Girl, TV Reviews

Yesterday I was very excited to hear the doorbell ring. It could only be one thing DHL bringing me my Screener of Supernatural! To my excitement there was not only the 4th Season Premiere but the second episode as well. Also included was a piece of paper listing a few spoilers I'm not allowed to mention. I so wish I hadn't read that slip of paper as there's some good stuff on it that you truly don't want to know until you see the Season Premiere this Thursday night (as 9/8c on The CW) There's so much good stuff in these two episodes, but it's hard to discuss much without getting into those issues, but I'll do my best.

Not many shows manage to reinvent themselves over their run, yet somehow Supernatural has managed to do so every season thus far, it's first season the show focused mainly on stand-alone adventures with an over-arcing plot of them searching for the Demon who murdered their mother, in season two the show became more mythology laden and focused on a potential war between Demons and humans, and season three became about the quest to save Dean's soul. Sure they all have stand alone stories, but for the most part each season is very distinct in feel and plot.

This season's seems to be no different as the first two episodes change the course of the show once again. I've watch this show from the beginning and I've loved following the Winchester boys every step of the way. But I'm REALLY excited about this season and it's new plot twist have a lot to do with that excitement. Again I can't give to much away, but trust me Be Excited!

After a great review of whats happened over the last 3 seasons the episode opens with Dean's (Jensen Ackles) eyes as we hear screaming coming from all around him in what we can only assume is Hell. The episode is really about Dean and his return from Hell. Does he remember what he experienced for the 4 months while he was away? Why is he back? And maybe most important, can Sam and Bobby trust Dean?

The first moments as Dean claws his way out of the coffin and wanders around in an almost Western setting are astonishing. The look and feel of these first few minutes really stand out as completely different from the rest of the series thus far. And seeing Dean wake up in a coffin is quite chilling.

The reunions with Bobby and Sam are both touching and humorous as it's clear that while both are excited to see him, neither know what to make of a Dean suddenly back from hell. While the boys try to find out who or what brought Dean back it's clear that something has either come back with him or is following him, and it appears to be something very powerful. (So powerful that you might want to keep your hand on the remote as there's a couple of moments where I had to turn down the volume, you'll know which moments I'm referring to.)

The episode escalates in tension as Bobby and Dean separate from Sam and each heads out on their own mission, unbeknownst to the other. The show has always been a great combination of laughs and scares and this episode holds up the tradition of that perfect balance.

Will everyone escape intact? Who or What brought Dean back from Hell and Why? And just what are these spoilers that I've been sworn to secrecy about? To find out you'll have to tune in this Thursday!

Labels: Supernatural, TV Reviews

I know that The CW is bringing back 90210 (this Tuesday in fact) but I have to confess, although I'll be tuning in to it, I think it already has this generations BH90210 and it's name is Gossip Girl. Last season I was lucky enough to see the first episode a few weeks early and I wasn't sure about it. But I gave it a chance and I'm glad I did because it truly is a fun show.

I just finished watch the first 3 episodes of the new season and it's just as good as last season, no sophomore slump in site. The new season picks up as summer is coming to an end, which most of the gang has spent in The Hamptons. But my how times have changed, Former 'Lonely Boy' Dan is now a complete player, Serena and Nate are supposedly together but Serena is always alone and Nate can be found with an older woman. But some things, like say Chuck, never change...or do they?

When Blair returns from her summer abroad (a summer which was supposed to have been spent with Chuck as you may recall) Chuck is dressed up and there with flowers only to see her arrive with a new man. Blair's new man is clearly only a rouse to make Chuck jealous as she's clearly in love with him. But Blair's man is not who he seems and Chuck makes it his goal to find out who he really is, because he is clearly in love with Blair as well. Why these two can't just get over it all and get together I may never know?

Meanwhile back in New York Dan and Jenny are both spending time together and at their internships. Dan is working for an author, played by "Bright Lights, Big City" author Jay McInerney, but he can't seem to write anything for his assignment, which leads to him losing the internship. Meanwhile Jenny is interning for Blair's fashion maven mother, an internship which sees her sorting out button's rather than actually getting to design clothes, not that that stops her. Jenny has some great moments over the first three episodes and I for one am glad to see the old Jenny back, I was getting tired of the social climbing, backstabbing Jenny.

And Rufus is back from being on tour, on which he clearly missed his kids. And as some other reviewers have pointed out the first 2 episodes hint at a very unsettling relationship developing between him and a much younger girl. But I don't think that relationship will actually happen, I think it's just him being a good friend to kids friend.

So will Serena and Dan get back together, and if so will it last? Will Jenny's wonderful designs finally be recognized? Will Chuck ever let Blair know he loves her? And speaking of Blair who is her new paramour, and what twists could be coming from him?

Well to find out you'll just have to tune in tonight at 8/7 central to find out!

Labels: Gossip Girl, The CW, TV Reviews

With the weekend upon us and my Bar Exam in a little over a week, I don't have enough time for several large posts so here's all that info in one Mini-Splotion, Digestible Form.

Both premiers are great, you can check out my Psych Review Here. As for Monk, I didn't get a chance to post a review, but I watched it last night and it was very good, although it was a bit sad. The episode centers on a murder mystery, as usual, but really it centers on Monk dealing with the loss of his good friend, and psychiatrist, Charles Kroger (Stanley Kamel, who sadly passed away unexpectedly just before cameras rolled this season). It was touching to see the episode deal with the loss of Kamel in such a way (because it is clear that it's really about him more than the character) The episode ends in such a poignant way, I was really touched. And that doesn't even touch on guest star Brad Garrett or new cast member Hector Elizondo as Monk's new psychiatrist.

It's finaly here and if everything goes well I'll get to see it tomorrow afternoon! Fingers Crossed. Come back here to tell us how you felt, just please keep Spoilers to a minimum! And when you do see it, maybe give a moment of silence for Heath Ledger as the film ends. We truely lost one of the best actors of a generation in January and I look forward to seeing his penultimate performance tomorrow.

Yes I know I've posted numerous times this week about this wonderfully, hilarious and catchy web series, but it's just to good not to continualy mention. So swing on over Here (or just pick it up on iTunes) and see what the whole internet (and much of the real world) is talking about.
And just to show how much I love it, I went out and got my own Ph.D in Horribleness:


And of course this Saturday, July 19th is my wife and I's 5th Anniversary. So I'd like to say to Jeri, I love you and thank God that I have you every day. You are the 2nd best thing to ever happen to me, and thanks to you we made the 1st best thing together. I love you and thank you for giving me such a beautiful little boy. Here's to 75 more years!

Have A Wonderful Weekend!!!

Labels: Anniversary, Dr. Horrible, Jeri, Monk, Psych, The Dark Knight, TV Reviews

I ain't afraid of no ghost! But this haunting episode of Psych really did have me a bit scared! Psych returns this Friday, July 18th with it's third season premiere and it's up there with the first season episode "Scary Sherry: Bianca's Toast" in terms of combination of mystery, laughs, and genuine scares.

The episode picks up where last season ended, with the return of Shawn's (James Roday) mother Madeline (Cybill Shepherd) and Shawn doesn't seem to excited about it. While Madeline and Henry (Shawn's dad) relax downstairs with a bottle of wine Shawn is hiding in his old bedroom talking on the phone to Gus (Dule Hill). We soon learn Henry has known of his ex's return of some time, but never managed to inform Shawn of this information, and Shawn seems none to happy that his dad is trying to monopolize his mother's time. Madeline has been brought back to Santa Barbara to evaluate some of the city's finest. She's a psychologist and one of her charges is the wonderful Carlton Lassiter (Timothy Omundson) which provides for some hilarious therapy sessions.

Meanwhile, Gus is going through some problems of his own, as his bosses at the pharmaceutical company he works for have recently found out about his side job, teaming with Shawn to run Psych, which is of course the name of their (fake) psychic detective agency. His bosses point to the clause in his contract which says that he's not entitled to work anywhere else while employed by them. Gus is given an ultimatum: quit Psych or get fired from his job.

Fortunately for Gus his boss' boss (Shooter McGavin himself, Christopher McDonald), conveniently has a mystery to be solved. It seems his wife thinks their house is haunted and has moved in with her mother until something can be done about it. But the real challenge may be for Gus (a renowned scaredy cat) , who must keep his boss thinking he lives up to his work nickname, "fearless."

The episode reminded me how much I love Psych. Roday and Hill are brilliant as always and the shows mix of comedy and mystery is pitch perfect. My only complaint with this episode is the lack of Maggie Lawson's Juliet, who was seriously underused here. I realize the plots really didn't have a place of her, but she was still missed.

Can Shawn and Gus find out whose behind the haunting, and can Gus do so without showing his true colors? What exactly is Shawn's problem with his dad wanting to spend time with his mom? For these answers and more tune in this Friday on USA at 10/9c.

And for your viewing pleasure the wonderful "Ebony & Ivory" video featuring Shawn and Gus.

Labels: Psych, TV Reviews

Labels: Burn Notice, TV Reviews

I have to confess I'm a huge fan of the Blade trilogy. I love that each film has a very different look and feel. The first one was a very dark action film with a bit of horror thrown in, the second took that and added a bit more sci-fi and horror and of course the great Ron Perlman, and the third one made it a bit lighter and added some comedy to the mix in the form of Ryan Reynolds. In fact it's the addition of Ryan Reynolds and Jessica Biel that makes the third one my favorite of the trilogy.

So it was with a mixture of excitement and trepidation that I set forth to watch Blade: The Complete Series. The trepidation comes from taking Wesley Snipes out of the picture and replacing him with Sticky Fingaz and the fact that it was aired on Spike TV.

Right out of the gate the series begins with some fairly decent action, unfortunately it's quickly pulled down by some horrendous acting and bad pacing. The main problem is that it expects it audience to know exactly who Blade is, and for me thats fine but what about those who have never seen a Blade movie or read a Blade comic, it leaves them wondering what is going on. More is slowly revealed about Blade, and maybe that's the point, that you are at the same place as Krista Starr (Jill Wagner) an Army Veteran whose brother is killed by vampires soon after she returns home from war. Starr starts to investigate her brothers murder and soon becomes embroiled in an underworld of Vampires.

But it's Wagner who poses the biggest hazard to the show, her acting is wooden, and her character is hard to care for. She's quickly turned into a vampire by big bad, Marcus Van Sciver (Neil Jackson), and it's up to Blade to save her using the same serum he uses to fend off "The thirst". (Don't even get me started on the weird Lynchian dream Starr has after being turned) After Blade "saves her" he and Starr team up to take down the "House of Cthon" (Van Sciver's Vampire Clan) from the inside. It's Starr's fight against being a vampire, while trying to keep her cover that fuels the entire show. Which makes my utter distaste for her character a major problem in enjoying the series.

The show is a bit of a disappointment coming off of the movies. Sticky Fingaz is sadly no Wesley Snipes, his delivery is at times painful to watch, and his performance makes Blade a completely unlikeable character. I'm not saying the film version was a lovable guy, but there was a charisma to the character that made you care, something the series is utterly lacking.

On the upside the show does have some good fight scenes and the series is at it's best when it focuses on Blade, like the 7th episode, "Sacrifice" It feels like the writers cared more when they were shedding more light on Blade and his past, but much like the audience, they didn't care about Krista Starr and her struggle with the villains, and didn't spend much time on those parts of the script. (Or maybe it was just the actress)

I will admit I couldn't make it through the entire series. After the 8th episode I was just burnt out on the show and I've waited over a month writing this, because I thought I could bring myself to finish the show. But I couldn't.

If you have to see this series rent it, otherwise pass on by. Better yet, if you have to see this series, post a comment telling me why you NEED to see this series, and I'll send you my copy. That's right this is the first CineManiac giveaway!!! So get typing!

Labels: Blade, DVD review, Giveaway, Review, TV Reviews

Monday Night

How I Met Your Mother
Hilarious, as usual. I laughed so hard I chocked a couple of times. Robin has come back from a summer abroad after her breakup with Ted, and she's brought back a souvenir, her new boyfriend Gael (Enrique Iglesias). Ted meanwhile has been getting over Robin by growing his "break-up beard" but after meeting her new boyfriend he realizes he's "losing" the break-up and goes out looking for the first girl he can meet. Meanwhile Marshall and Lily are on a double date with Robin and Gael, and both quickly fall for his charm.
The episode featured some amazingly hilarious stuff, such as Ted ranting about Robin in various stages of shaving his beard off. But the best moment comes after Ted awakens form his druken night of revenge with a Tattoo, but not just any tattoo, no this is a butterfly located in the small of his back just above his buttocks. Yes Ted has gotten a "Tramp Stamp" and as Lily, Marshall, and Barney find out and then make fun of Ted before letting him know about it I was in tears.
I'm so happy HIMYM is back as I can once again look forward to my Monday Nights and my weekly dose of hilarity.

Heroes
Back for it's second season, Heroes had a lot to set up in its first episode, as four months has past. We learned that Peter is assumed dead, Nathan is a drunk and despises his mother. Hiro is still stuck in ancient Japan and learns that his hero, Takezo Kensei, is really a drunk Englishman, just before realizing he's drastically changed history and Kensei's legend.
Claire and HRG (AKA Noah) have moved from Texas to Southern California (Their version of Texas had already looked like southern California, so why not) and are trying, albeit not very hard, to appear normal. It's not long before Claire meets another powered teen, he appears to have the power of flight, which he apparently uses to look in on girls, can you say creepy!
MAtt has recovered from his gun shot wounds and has finally passed his detective's exam, and is taking car of human tracking system Molly, with Mohinder. Seems Molly is having nightmares about her Boogeyman, who can apparently see her as well. And Mohinder is working with HRG to infiltrate "The Company" to take it down from the inside.
And if that wasn't enough someone is hunting down the older generation of Heroes, such as Hiro's dad and Nathan and Peter's Mother and killing them. Seems there was a group of 13 who went separate ways when they couldn't agree on how to save the world. Now there are only 9 left and it may be one of their own that's hunting them down (before the end of the episode the group looks to be down to 8).
Oh and they introduce 2 new characters, a brother and sister team trying to reach America so they can seek out Mohinder's (deceased) father and find a cure for their powers. Her Power appears to be someway of causing everyone around her to die some awful death that involves bleeding from the eyes (Also known as the worst power ever!) and her brother's power seems to be the ability to keep her in check.
Overall the episode was good and worked to set up the season, oh yeah and Peter apparently he is alive, in Ireland or Scotland, chained up in a shipping crate, with a new power (electric energy bolts, last seen in his fight with Sylar in the future episode) and apparently Amnesia (possibly the lamest, most played out plot device in years, although if anyone can make it work it's the Heroes crew)

Tuesday
Beauty and the Geek
Just a little on this show, I was impressed with Sam's performance at the debate (still think he's a tool though) and I was sad to see Tony go as I think he could use the experience the most of anyone in the house.

Reaper
I've reviewed it before, just a few days ago in fact, so I'm just gonna say a couple of things. First off I love Missy Peregrym as the replacement love interest. But you could easily tell the scenes with her were reshot as Sam looked completely different (don't beleive me look at his hair (it's lighter) and his stubble (it's thicker) Overall I still loved it.
Also I love Ray Wise as the devil, he does a fantastic job, and comes across as a bit of a father figure, even more so than his real parents. Plus I think the best part is one simple line from the Devil:
"Don't worry I've seen how this all ends, God wins."
This is a line, I don't think I've ever seen in anything before but it's a great line, so great in fact that I wrote the first issue of a comic book based around this simple idea. I don't want to give much away, but basically it's about Satan realizing he's lost the war, but there's still battles between here and there. It's my favorite line of the pilot, and may be my favorite line of the week.

Well that's what I watched the last two nights what about you?

Labels: Beauty and the Geek, Heroes, How I Met Your Mother, Reaper, TV Reviews

NY/NJ Trip
Last week Jeri and I went on a trip to New York City and Princeton, New Jersey to have some fun and see some friends. While there we took in 2 Broadway Musicals and my friend Kenny and I saw a movie, War starring Jason Statham and Jet Li.

On Thursday morning we got up to go to TKTS to see what shows we could get half price tickets to. Unfortunately it wasn't open and so we just walked around Time Square instead. But we found our way to the Neil Simon Theater where Hairspray was running and we went in and managed to get two second row center tickets for that night.
The musical was Amazing and had a fantastic cast including *NSYNC's Lance Bass as Corny Collins, O Town's Ashley Parker Angel as Link, and Leave it to Beaver's Jerry "The Beav" Mathers as Wilbur Turnblad.
The show was very different from the movie, but it was very fun. The best part was the song "Timeless to Me" between The Turnblad parents, in which the actors apparently improvise and were constantly making each other laugh. I in turn laughed so hard I cryed.

Friday night we went to see Grease featuring the winners of last spring's reality show "Grease: You're the One That I Want" Our seats were not anywhere near as good (we were in the balcony) but it was still great to see on stage. You could tell that the run had only begun recently as the cast seemed to still be finding their parts, but it was still fun to watch and the songs were as good as always.

Saturday night in New Jersey my friend Kenny and I went to see War. Unlike the typical Jason Statham movie, this one had actual character development and plot. There wasn't as much action as I had hoped (although I assume I'll get my fill in Shoot 'Em Up this weekend) but what action there was was still pretty amazing. The story revolves around a mysterious Asian Hired Gun who turns the two big Asian lead gangs against each other and starts a gang war. It featured some great twists and of course Jason Statham, who is the best action hero around these days.

While in the city we also saw Central Park, spent several hours in FAO Schwartz, had dinner with some of our friends who recently moved from Malibu to New York, and of course walked far to much.

While in New Jersey we toured Princeton, both the town and the school, went to an Orchard to pick apples, went to the Jersey Shore (much prettier than Malibu), and spent alot of time playing games with Kenny and Jennifer.

New Fall Shows
So I've had the chance to watch several of the Pilots for this year's new fall season. So far I've seen ABC's Pushing Daises, NBC's Bionic Woman (the first cut), Life, and Journeyman, and CBS's The Big Bang Theory. Tomorrow Jeri and I are going to a special screening of the CW pilots and plan to see Reaper, Gossip Girl, Aliens in America, and Life is Wild.
Here's my thoughts so far.

Pushing Daises
This was hands down the show that I was most excited to see this season and it didn't disappoint. The show centers on Ned a young man who finds out at a young age that he can bring life to the dead with one simple touch. Unfortunately he soon also finds that this power comes with a couple of caveats, one of which is that if he ever touches the person again they dies immediately and can never be brought back, another keeps him from letting anyone come back for more than one minute.
Ned, now grown up owns a pie shop and uses his power to bring back murder victims to find out who killed them and collect the reward money. But when the newest murder victim is Ned's first love he decides to keep her alive.
The show is a mixture of a forensics, murder mystery show, and the romance between two people who can never touch each other. The show is too hard to place in one genre, put really has something for everyone. It's my top recommendation for the new season. Mark your calendar's for Wednesdays on ABC.
Definitely one to set up for a "Season Pass"

Bionic Woman
Another show I was really anticipating. This is a pretty straight forward action show. For those of you who don't know it's about a girl who has some of her body replaced with "bionic parts" which make her better, stronger, faster. I enjoyed what I saw, but look forward to seeing the final cut. I plan on watching the first couple of episodes to see if it's one to keep.

Life
This is one show I will admit I had no desire to watch. The premise didn't entice me and I only watched it because I had nothing better to do. The story follows a policeman who was wrongly convicted of murder and has spent 12 years in prison. Upon his release he goes back to being a detective. It sound pretty straight forward and honestly like nothing special. But the lead is a very bizarre character and it's enjoyable watching him adjust to the changed that the world has gone through in 12 years (such as cell phones, OnStar, and Instant Messaging) Plus there's a great conspiracy about who framed him. All in all I'll give it two or three episodes before I decide.

Journeyman
This is another one whose concept sounded great. A man starts to travel through time waking up in different periods and then coming back with no explanation. Apparently he follows the life of certain people and has to try and change their lives in certain ways, although he's not sure how. It's kind of like Quantum Leap with out Al, and with everyone thinking he's crazy and on drugs since he keeps disappearing for days. (apparently being gone for a day or a few hours for him can equal much more time to his family and friends) There's a great twist partway through that completely threw me for a loop, and made the show one I will definitely be watching this season.

Big Bang Theory
It's funny, but seems forced. Two socially awkward nerds, one very beautiful girl, and a slew of hilarity ensues. At least I'm sure thats what the creator's thought. As it is it's mediocre at best but does have some potential. It's on against Chuck (Which I plan to watch soon and plan to be watching this season) and Aliens in America, so depending on how much we enjoy Aliens tomorrow this one may fall off my schedule.

That's what I think so far, I'll post my thoughts on the CW shows later this weekend, and at some point put up my fall viewing schedule.

Labels: TV Reviews, Vacation