The Real Housewives series is such a guilty pleasure. New York is by far my favorite season although this new season is beginning to test my allegiance to the Big Apple crew. Typically the drama builds throughout the season usually exploding into a two-part dinner party fiasco (i.e. New Jersey!), however, the New York crew started out with a bang. There have been at least two confrontations in every episode. Maybe its their New York accents or the glare of their metallic dresses but these broads are giving me a headache!
I love Jill Zarin. She is perhaps one of the classier ones but she has caused a rift among many of the ladies and she is certainly managing to burn some bridges.
I used to think I liked Bethenny Frankel, mostly because I could relate to her type A-ish personality. However, this year the true Bethenny has reared her ugly head and the 'fame' is getting to her head. If I took a swig of the Skinny Girl margarita (which I do enjoy for the record) every time it was plugged thus far in the 5-ish episodes I'd be a goner.
I'm warming up to Kelly maybe because the producers are too by opting to show her more generous and realistic side this season.
Ramona is a wacko! Does anyone else seem to think she may be on (or off) something? Enough said. She is what I like to refer to as a 'hot mess.'
I can't help but feel bad for the Countess but I'm sure she'll land on her feet; and hey she scored the house in the Hamptons so she can still run with the rich and beautiful.
And finally, I was pretty sure I read reports that Alex and Simon were not asked back this season but more sources failed me because theeeey're back and with a parenting book to add insult to injury. Let's fine a new and real Manhattanite couple for next season, eh Bravo?
Oh and if you want to dress like a Real Housewive (because who doesn't wanna rock a velour jumpsuit) check out Bravo's site
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The return of the sitcom (to my life)
There was a dark period in TV land where I could not find any funny shows to watch. I resorted to drama's and reality shows. I didn't like Friends, Seinfeld or any of the dozens of early 90's overly syndicated cheeseball shows like Fresh Prince of Belair (however, I can sing the theme song word for word). Believe it or not I am a picky viewer.
Hype definitely entices me. I found shows like The Office (less funny these days) and 30 Rock because of office chatter. ABC has a great line-up these days and critics and viewers a like have been recognizing the fresh comedy. During an off week I decided to give Modern Family a shot and it was hilarious. The show has an Office-type feel because the characters talk to the camera documentary style. The subtle humor is very witty and realistic. The token little kid is responsible for much of the humor; but that kid can act! I love Gloria because an accent can make almost anything funny.
Last night's episode involved male bonding between Jay, Manny and Mitchell (father, son and step son). Except is was a forced outdoor adventure with some funny parts and an overarching touching message. Gloria and Cameron did some 'female' bonding by going on a dinner date which was quite the adventure. And the Dunphy's showed off their helicopter parenting skills. I like how most episodes have a lesson but not in a Danny Tanner approach. Everyone's family is quirky; especially these days and I can't help but identify with many of the issues and conflicts.
Note: The Valentine's Day episode was by far one of the best I've seen.
Hype definitely entices me. I found shows like The Office (less funny these days) and 30 Rock because of office chatter. ABC has a great line-up these days and critics and viewers a like have been recognizing the fresh comedy. During an off week I decided to give Modern Family a shot and it was hilarious. The show has an Office-type feel because the characters talk to the camera documentary style. The subtle humor is very witty and realistic. The token little kid is responsible for much of the humor; but that kid can act! I love Gloria because an accent can make almost anything funny.
Last night's episode involved male bonding between Jay, Manny and Mitchell (father, son and step son). Except is was a forced outdoor adventure with some funny parts and an overarching touching message. Gloria and Cameron did some 'female' bonding by going on a dinner date which was quite the adventure. And the Dunphy's showed off their helicopter parenting skills. I like how most episodes have a lesson but not in a Danny Tanner approach. Everyone's family is quirky; especially these days and I can't help but identify with many of the issues and conflicts.
Note: The Valentine's Day episode was by far one of the best I've seen.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Good Riddance Izzy!
Katherine Heigl ruined Grey's Anatomy. Yes, a bold statement, but I firmly stand by it. Heigl is a drama queen on and off screen.
Things first went sour when she spoke out against cast member Isaiah Washington when he allegedly made anti-gay remarks to openly gay actor T.R. Knight. Bad move on Preston Burke's behalf as he first entered rehab and subsequently left the show. Not too soon after Dr. O'Malley also made a dramatic exit from the show. George's death put Izzy into a tailspin and she married Kerev (as a loyal viewer I'm not sure saw that coming. Such a bad idea).
Heigl also made waves after pulling her name for Emmy consideration saying she did not have good enough material to work with that season and therefore did not feel worthy. Humble or heinous-I just don't know.
Heigl has been visibly absent from this booooring season because in real life she and husband Josh Kelley adopted a daughter. So, finally today there is a big story that Heigl is done with Grey's and has been released from her contract.
I honestly don't know if this will make a difference in the show because I have been less than amused lately. And, I cannot stand Yang! However, Izzy's disappointing act is getting old. I'm glad somebody finally pulled the plug.
Here's the story
Things first went sour when she spoke out against cast member Isaiah Washington when he allegedly made anti-gay remarks to openly gay actor T.R. Knight. Bad move on Preston Burke's behalf as he first entered rehab and subsequently left the show. Not too soon after Dr. O'Malley also made a dramatic exit from the show. George's death put Izzy into a tailspin and she married Kerev (as a loyal viewer I'm not sure saw that coming. Such a bad idea).
Heigl also made waves after pulling her name for Emmy consideration saying she did not have good enough material to work with that season and therefore did not feel worthy. Humble or heinous-I just don't know.
Heigl has been visibly absent from this booooring season because in real life she and husband Josh Kelley adopted a daughter. So, finally today there is a big story that Heigl is done with Grey's and has been released from her contract.
I honestly don't know if this will make a difference in the show because I have been less than amused lately. And, I cannot stand Yang! However, Izzy's disappointing act is getting old. I'm glad somebody finally pulled the plug.
Here's the story
Coming tomorrow...
I took a one night hiatus from TV to watch New Moon. Disclaimer: this was not because I like Twilight but because I saw the first one by accident and I had to at least check out the second one for the sake of continuity.
Tonight's lineup includes Modern Family and Cougar Town, so I'm thinking of discussing how show's like these have restored my faith and interest in the sitcom (for which I once loathe-particularly during the 'Friends' era).
Tonight's lineup includes Modern Family and Cougar Town, so I'm thinking of discussing how show's like these have restored my faith and interest in the sitcom (for which I once loathe-particularly during the 'Friends' era).
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Just Dance
Dancing with the Stars is back and this may be one of the better seasons out of ten. I have to admit I did not tune in much last year because of the lame casting but with stars or pseudo stars like Kate Gosselin, Pam Anderson, Evan Lysacek, Chad Ochocinco and Shannon Doherty- I just can't resist the drama. And, I'm happy to say that Samantha Harris is gone and Brooke Burke is in (much better co-host).
Early predictions:
The Pam looks good in those gowns but she won't last long. And seriously, is she on something?
Supermom Kate will get mega votes despite her nervous, lackluster performances. She's looking pretty her best these days (take that John!).
Everyone loves to hate Shannon Doherty and because of that her small fan base will fail to keep her in the competition long.
Buzz Aldrin is pretty snappy for being 80 but those old guys don't make it long mostly because they can't remember all the steps. Yes, I said it.
Mr. Ochocinco (seis!) is charming he might be able to go pretty far.
I don't like Erin Andrews so I'm going to skip her because I don't even care. She is lanky and she makes stupid faces like a sideline cheerleader not an anchor. And, does any one else find it ironic that she is dancing around in tiny numbers after her peeper just got put away. I bet they get ABC in jail!
The Bachelor is a cheeseball and if I have to watch his obnoxious fiance cheer him on while he dances with adorable Chelsie Hightower for very long I'm going to puke. He is just looking for his additional 15 minutes. And I don't know if I believe he is a pilot.
Mr. Ice Skater, Evan, will do just fine. He's got nice extension and he knows his choreography.
I'm pulling for Evan, Chad and of course Kate.
Who am I forgetting....
Nicole Scherzinger doesn't even count because she has rhythm and how ridiculously unfair is it that they paired her with the ridiculously good looking Derek Hough. Double trouble!
And, no one cares about Niecy Nash. Sorry. She's not that funny and I hate when the dancers sing-a-long to the music. Stop singing and just dance!
Early predictions:
The Pam looks good in those gowns but she won't last long. And seriously, is she on something?
Supermom Kate will get mega votes despite her nervous, lackluster performances. She's looking pretty her best these days (take that John!).
Everyone loves to hate Shannon Doherty and because of that her small fan base will fail to keep her in the competition long.
Buzz Aldrin is pretty snappy for being 80 but those old guys don't make it long mostly because they can't remember all the steps. Yes, I said it.
Mr. Ochocinco (seis!) is charming he might be able to go pretty far.
I don't like Erin Andrews so I'm going to skip her because I don't even care. She is lanky and she makes stupid faces like a sideline cheerleader not an anchor. And, does any one else find it ironic that she is dancing around in tiny numbers after her peeper just got put away. I bet they get ABC in jail!
The Bachelor is a cheeseball and if I have to watch his obnoxious fiance cheer him on while he dances with adorable Chelsie Hightower for very long I'm going to puke. He is just looking for his additional 15 minutes. And I don't know if I believe he is a pilot.
Mr. Ice Skater, Evan, will do just fine. He's got nice extension and he knows his choreography.
I'm pulling for Evan, Chad and of course Kate.
Who am I forgetting....
Nicole Scherzinger doesn't even count because she has rhythm and how ridiculously unfair is it that they paired her with the ridiculously good looking Derek Hough. Double trouble!
And, no one cares about Niecy Nash. Sorry. She's not that funny and I hate when the dancers sing-a-long to the music. Stop singing and just dance!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
True Life is for real
I could watch True Life for hours and I in fact have on many lazy weekends. I love the show and I wish I had the opportunity to work for it. I am a big documentary fan. Yes, I like Michael Moore. Sue me.
Most people my age remember MTV's True Life from back in the day with episode's like "I'm Getting Married," "I'm a Cheerleader" and "I'm Addicted to Meth." The show has had phenomenal staying power and has never managed to run out of relevant topics.
MTV is reintroducing the series with 11 new episodes this spring. The first, was "I Need a Transplant" which translates to I need a tissue. The show followed Craig, a 25-year-old recently married man from Oregon, who after proposing to his girlfriend found out he had Leukemia. The two got married and Craig began rapid treatment. He undergoes a bone marrow transplant with the help of his brother. Although at times things look bleak (SPOILER) things turn out pretty well for the courageous guy.
Then there is Morgan, a young 20-something who has a chronic kidney disease. Her body is laden with scars and evidence of her struggle. Although the empathy is not as strong for Morgan as she is having a second transplant (a kidney donated from her mom) because she did not follow the strict medical regime after her first transplant (a kidney from her dad). She vows to be serious this time and has a heart-to-heart with her sister telling her that she does not ever want to have her kidney although she would most definitely be a perfect match. This is the part where the tissues came out.
After being bombarded with previews of this very show my sister and I made a pact to provide organs and or marrow to each other in the event of some horrible diagnosis.
I like when the show follow more formulaic three characters. In this instance the two characters created a fairly didactic message.
I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for next week's episode which has something to do with people who's relationships suffer because of their dependency on technology. Who can relate?!
Most people my age remember MTV's True Life from back in the day with episode's like "I'm Getting Married," "I'm a Cheerleader" and "I'm Addicted to Meth." The show has had phenomenal staying power and has never managed to run out of relevant topics.
MTV is reintroducing the series with 11 new episodes this spring. The first, was "I Need a Transplant" which translates to I need a tissue. The show followed Craig, a 25-year-old recently married man from Oregon, who after proposing to his girlfriend found out he had Leukemia. The two got married and Craig began rapid treatment. He undergoes a bone marrow transplant with the help of his brother. Although at times things look bleak (SPOILER) things turn out pretty well for the courageous guy.
Then there is Morgan, a young 20-something who has a chronic kidney disease. Her body is laden with scars and evidence of her struggle. Although the empathy is not as strong for Morgan as she is having a second transplant (a kidney donated from her mom) because she did not follow the strict medical regime after her first transplant (a kidney from her dad). She vows to be serious this time and has a heart-to-heart with her sister telling her that she does not ever want to have her kidney although she would most definitely be a perfect match. This is the part where the tissues came out.
After being bombarded with previews of this very show my sister and I made a pact to provide organs and or marrow to each other in the event of some horrible diagnosis.
I like when the show follow more formulaic three characters. In this instance the two characters created a fairly didactic message.
I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for next week's episode which has something to do with people who's relationships suffer because of their dependency on technology. Who can relate?!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Desperate Housewives is just that...
I'm over it.
I only watch because not much else is on at 9 p.m. on a Sunday evening. The characters have gone bonkers Lynette keep multiplying, Gabby has reverted back to her old ways and is heinous as ever, Brie is miserable, Susan is annoying and I'm not even going to bring up Katherine's latest switch. And, I barely consider Angie a housewife-just an interesting additional for sake of distraction from the other women's boring lives. I miss Edie. Does anybody else?
The show is supposedly on its last leg. I wonder how they could possible go out?
I only watch because not much else is on at 9 p.m. on a Sunday evening. The characters have gone bonkers Lynette keep multiplying, Gabby has reverted back to her old ways and is heinous as ever, Brie is miserable, Susan is annoying and I'm not even going to bring up Katherine's latest switch. And, I barely consider Angie a housewife-just an interesting additional for sake of distraction from the other women's boring lives. I miss Edie. Does anybody else?
The show is supposedly on its last leg. I wonder how they could possible go out?
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Totally lost on 'Lost'
My fellow columnist and I hashed out the concept and staying power of the ever and oddly popular show 'Lost.'
What's your take? Is it going to go out with a lackluster ending?
Read:
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/living/columnists/x1526460588/Culture-Clash-Were-more-than-happy-to-be-out-of-bizarre-Lost-loop
What's your take? Is it going to go out with a lackluster ending?
Read:
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/living/columnists/x1526460588/Culture-Clash-Were-more-than-happy-to-be-out-of-bizarre-Lost-loop
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Fabulous neeeews....
Gossip Girl and 90210 are back! Yes, I'm 25; but I still enjoy teen 'dramas'.
I grew up watching the original 90210 and was pleasantly surprised when the remake wasn't half bad. Despite the cliche story lines the actors are aesthetically please and not half bad at their craft.
Frankly, I've been annoyed with Gossip Girl. Its loosing its ground. The winter hiatus was way too long and I seemed to have forgotten about he gossip itself. I loathe Blair and her weird speech impediment thing but I was happy to see that she and Nate have reconnected over the long winter break. The stars seemed aligned now that Blair and Chuck and Blair and Nate are properly matched. However, a few questions remain. Where is Vanessa? What will happen to lonely boy? And what the heck is Jenny up to?! I also worry about the future of Lily and Rufus-they are the worst of them all.
Its great to have the CW back in back in action because Life Unexpected totally disappointed me and please please just end One Tree Hill. Luke is gone and there is nothing left to salvage.
Thats it for now,
xoxo Channel Changer (it was too easy)
I grew up watching the original 90210 and was pleasantly surprised when the remake wasn't half bad. Despite the cliche story lines the actors are aesthetically please and not half bad at their craft.
Frankly, I've been annoyed with Gossip Girl. Its loosing its ground. The winter hiatus was way too long and I seemed to have forgotten about he gossip itself. I loathe Blair and her weird speech impediment thing but I was happy to see that she and Nate have reconnected over the long winter break. The stars seemed aligned now that Blair and Chuck and Blair and Nate are properly matched. However, a few questions remain. Where is Vanessa? What will happen to lonely boy? And what the heck is Jenny up to?! I also worry about the future of Lily and Rufus-they are the worst of them all.
Its great to have the CW back in back in action because Life Unexpected totally disappointed me and please please just end One Tree Hill. Luke is gone and there is nothing left to salvage.
Thats it for now,
xoxo Channel Changer (it was too easy)
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Mercy trumps Grey's Anatomy-for now
A lot of doctor shows make their mark on TV audiences. I'm a Grey's Anatomy fan but the show has seen its fair share of ups and downs. The mysteriously absent Izzy is making me grow impatient. She is one of the better character's in my opinion.
So, with the Wednesday night schedule wide open these days I've invested some time in Mercy. It's more gritty than Grey's but would most likely be thrown into the dramedy category-because laughter is of course the best medicine. Instead of doctors, the show focuses on nurses. The cast is mostly no names except for Michelle Trachtenburg (of Harriet the Spy Fame). She adds good comic relief. The main character, Veronica, is a female war vet who is having difficulty adjusting to civilian life. For now those are the only characters worth mentioning. There are love triangles, medical mysterious and the usual uber drama not normally acceptable in a workplace.
The show takes place in Jersey City which of course adds to the gritty, tough and and eventful story themes. I didn't start watching the show until I visited a friend in Jersey City and she showed me the hospital where the characters call home.
As if I don't have enough dramatic lives to follow. I'm going to add the cast of Mercy to the list. So far so good.
So, with the Wednesday night schedule wide open these days I've invested some time in Mercy. It's more gritty than Grey's but would most likely be thrown into the dramedy category-because laughter is of course the best medicine. Instead of doctors, the show focuses on nurses. The cast is mostly no names except for Michelle Trachtenburg (of Harriet the Spy Fame). She adds good comic relief. The main character, Veronica, is a female war vet who is having difficulty adjusting to civilian life. For now those are the only characters worth mentioning. There are love triangles, medical mysterious and the usual uber drama not normally acceptable in a workplace.
The show takes place in Jersey City which of course adds to the gritty, tough and and eventful story themes. I didn't start watching the show until I visited a friend in Jersey City and she showed me the hospital where the characters call home.
As if I don't have enough dramatic lives to follow. I'm going to add the cast of Mercy to the list. So far so good.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Introductions
Hi my name is Emily, and I watch entirely too much TV. I always have. I watch anything and everything so nothing's off limits in this blog.
To give you an idea of my non-discriminatory viewing habits Here is a list of some of my favorite shows:
How I Met Your Mother
60 Minutes
Real Housewives (Every locale)
Millionaire Matchmaker
Intervention
House Hunters
Cougar Town
Real World
Celebrity Rehab
Grey's Anatomy
Gossip Girl
Big Love
Entourage
Man vs. Food
The View
The Amazing Race
The Soup
Okay, I'll stop because list goes on and on...I told you its a problem. I wouldn't say I was raised by a pack of TV's because I did have an attentive stay at home mother; but I would admit that I have learned a lot from watching television. I don't care what the experts say television has a lot to offer.
To give you an idea of my non-discriminatory viewing habits Here is a list of some of my favorite shows:
How I Met Your Mother
60 Minutes
Real Housewives (Every locale)
Millionaire Matchmaker
Intervention
House Hunters
Cougar Town
Real World
Celebrity Rehab
Grey's Anatomy
Gossip Girl
Big Love
Entourage
Man vs. Food
The View
The Amazing Race
The Soup
Okay, I'll stop because list goes on and on...I told you its a problem. I wouldn't say I was raised by a pack of TV's because I did have an attentive stay at home mother; but I would admit that I have learned a lot from watching television. I don't care what the experts say television has a lot to offer.
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