Minute to win it...more like give it a minute and change the channel!

I like gameshows. Cash cab is my favorite. I also enjoy Jeopardy and Family Feud. For the record, I stink at Wheel of Fortune. I also like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri; because I like to live vicariously through Guy's greasy adventures. Anyway, put the two together and what do you get? Minute to Win It. An awful new gameshow.

There was a lull in the TV lineup last night; so while folding laundry, I tuned in.
The premise: contestants must complete a series of 'nerve-wracking' games (i.e. carnival games with a time limit) for a chance to win $1 million. During an episode contestants face 10 challenges using everyday household items. Occasionally, the show reveals tips to the viewers at home on how to master these simple tasks. Easier shown than done. They are your run of the mill get these ping pong balls in all these glasses in 60 seconds or less. Please. Who can do that? Even if there is a giant stuffed Teddy Bear on the line. Each task is naturally worth a certain amount of money and you have to complete one to get to the next.

Every now and then the networks drum up these filler game shows hoping to achieve the success of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Not one has stuck.

I suggest you pass on this one.

There's a house in Fairview....

I know I've bashed the Housewives in past entries; but I haven't completely written them off. Last night's episode had some redemptive qualities.

A well-groomed, cookie-cutter neighborhood is always too good to be true. Of course there is always mystery and drama hiding behind those expensive drapes.

I like when the show has a creepy plot and even more when it focuses on one storyline. Finally, the show revisiting the strangler and filled us in on all the questions we've been pondering for months.

SPOILER ALERT: Although I would like you to continue reading my blog, I would not advise you continue unless you have watched this past Sunday's episode.

Turns out the strangler lives on the outskirts of Wysteria. Its the classic tale of a neglected child, whose mother spends more time with her boyfriends than him and when she does talk to him it only comes out in the form of a Scotch inspired insult. Thus, the boy has issues with women. The show recaps each of the Housewives interactions with Eddie; who comes off as a well-mannered, social awkward, sheltered child. Each housewife helps Eddie in their own way. However, on his own time Eddie terrorizes local woman and collects articles about his crimes from local newspapers. When his mother finds it; he offs her.

Too bad he is moving in with Lynnette. This should be good.

Thanks DH for the rally. I'll think I'll tune in again next week.

'You Don't Know Jack'

Jack Kevorkian is perhaps the most infamous doctor in the United States. 'Dr. Death' as he is nicknamed, a pathologist, is better known for his right-to-die activism and his willingness to sit in jail defending something he believes in. I won't state my opinion on this one; because this is a TV blog, not a political one. However, I am going to DVR HBO's biopic 'You Don't Know Jack' Saturday.

The most appealing part for me is not the story of Dr. Jack Kevorkian but rather the fabulous casting of Al Pacino. What a good match. They are both a little crazy. (sidenote: Scarface is one of my fave's). Susan Sarandon and John Goodman also beef up the cast.

The movie tells the straight up story of Dr. Kevorkian's career. Real clips including home video and a 60 Minutes interview with Mike Wallace are mixed in. I expect to be overcome with chills.

This guy has made history, a movie had to be on its way sooner or later. I also admire HBO's approach to controversial topics and stories.

It may be too early; but I smell awards.

Me likes Glee

(First, I am was totally wrong with my predictions about last night's DWTS. My bad. I guess all the flack finally caught up to Kate. Can't wait to see where she shows up next. Insert sarcasm.)

Who didn't watch Glee last night? Close to 13,664,000 viewers tuned in last night to watch the much talked about Madonna episode. I have given Glee several shots to win me over; but it hasn't worked. It's the singing. I don't watch American Idol because I don't really enjoy watching many people sing (karaoke style). I do love Madge and I can't ever resist decent hype, especially when it comes to TV.

I forgot how much I love Madonna. The woman is the music equivalent of Oprah. She has so many good songs. Now if only I can dig out the Immaculate Collection.

The Glee cast is certainly full of talented singers. However, its the witty writing and sometimes subtle humor that gets me. Its sharp. It goes without saying that their are some talented folks behind it all. The clever choreography and musical arrangements are spectacular. It also helps that Madonna herself consulted on this episode.

I can't even narrow down my favorite numbers. The first performance of 'Express Yourself' by the girls was pretty spot on. The biggest number was the '4 Minutes' collaboration between the Cheerios (some on stilts) and Mercedes and Kurt. The dancing was so much fun. The 'Like a Virgin' scene was racy. Clever, but I'm sure some moms and dads were shielding their youngsters eyes. And of course the night would not be complete without 'Like a Prayer' complete with a gospel choir. I will say that Sue's 'Vogue' video was borerline (pun?) creepy.

I hear: Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez songs may be mashed for future episode. Sweet!

DWTS: Who needs to go tonight?

Are you seeing a pattern? To be honest my TV viewing has been sorely lacking this week. My DVR is ready to implode. I plan on spending some time this week catching up.

However, I did manage to fit in two hours of Dancing with the Stars last night. And, its pretty clear Bachelor Jake or Niecy are going. I hate to say it but Kate is begging for votes and she is probably going to get them.

How bad was the movie themed show. Ugh. Garbage. Kate looked awful. I'm sure they are keeping her covered to avoid criticism and shield her children's eyes; but the woman had 8 kids and looks great-give her a little credit! Pam looked great as Dolly Parton (much better than the Marilyn Monroe getup). Ocho is starting to weird me out; anybody else? And, Erin is Erin-nuff' said.

It's also quite clear Nicole has this one in the bag. Maybe Evan because the mom's like him so much (I know my mom does).

Did you cast a vote?

Betty White and Jay-Z

I'm hearing today that Betty White and Jay-Z will team up on Saturday Night Live May 8! What a combo! Word on the street also hints at the fact that several cast members including Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Molly Shannon will return for this special Mother's Day show.

TV on DVD

For those of you who are keeping track, Katie Stevens, was booted from American Idol. This is yet another reason to not have any reason to care about American Idol (no Connecticut resident). I hear the Bowersox girl is good. I'll put my money on her.

Moving along, I love TV on DVD. My collection is getting quite extensive. I have Gossip Girl, 90210 (old school), Sex and the City, How I Met Your Mother, Laguna Beach, The Sopranos and now the best of all Mad Men all on DVD. It's the solution to all my TV dilemmas; and many other people's too. All you have to do is avoid magazine covers, water cooler discussions and entertainment news shows for a couple months and then wait a month or two after the season finale and then you can watch the entire season straight through. Not too hard, right? Well it kind of is; especially since we frequently  have 'what did you watch on TV last night' recaps in the office.

I've heard of and known quite a few people who became intrigued by Lost before this last season because of the intense hype it was getting. Curious TV fans went out and bought all the season and had a cram session so they could be ready to watch whatever this enigmatic finale season has to bring. I hope for their sake they are all pleasantly surprised.

We've seen the price of TV on DVD come down quite a bit. It's impossible to go into Target and not come out with a $20 season of How I Met Your Mother. So dangerous!

Another benefit of owning your favorite shows is swapping with friends and finding new favorite shows. That is how I got into Mad Men and I never looked back. However, I did try watching the Wire and it didn't stick. No harm no foul if you're borrowing.

Tina Fey is back (and should stay)

Oh how I miss Tina Fey on Saturday Night Live. I know she is off doing bigger and better things-but she is sorely missed (though Kristen Wiig doesn't think so). Here is one of the better clips from this week's show.

We could be on Glee!

Well I can't sing so what I really mean is you. That's right, the producers of Glee are holding auditions for new, fresh faces for the new season via MySpace.

From March 30 to April 26 amateur and professional peformers age 16 and older will be able to submit an audition video on MySpace at myspace.com/gleeauditions.



Let me know if you submit a video! I'd love to watch/vote.

Brothers & Sisters and secrets...oh my!

SPOILER ALERT:  If you DVR'd Brothers & Sisters last night you may not want to read this until after  you catch up.

I barely had the attention span to commit to a 2-hour Brother & Sisters primetime movie last night; but I just had to find out what the family secret was!

After a rocky start and several recasts this show has made a decent name for itself, mostly thanks to some amazing acting by Sally Field.

Just when you think things can get worse for the Walker family, another secret from the pasts surfaces and threatens the family business, Ojai, as well as the gang's relationship with their mother.

The show begins with a family meeting because the Walker's have a lot of those. Nora asks the children to sell their shares of Ojai without explanation, in fact, she begs. Cut to various conversations among the children. Each consults with their significant other drama ensues. Tommy supports his mother and most are surprised he made the trip down from Seattle (wasn't Balthazar supposed to be gone from the show a long time ago). Kitty agrees to sell. Kevin is unsure but Scotty isn't sure what to say because he is too concerned with the couple trying to have a baby. Justin and Rebekah agree not to sell because it is a family business and Rebekah has climbed the ranks and considers it her family business too. However, the person this request gets to the most is Sarah because she has help salvage the business. She is completely perplexed by her mother's unexplained demand and worries if she sells her share the business with be destroyed and so will her career. Her and Nora have a screaming match...and scene (flashbacks begin).

The show is peppered with flashbacks, which help delve into the story behind Nora's unusual plea. Apparently, there was a car crash and naturally Tommy is involved because he is the resident troublemaker.

Wrong. I'm not going to rehash all the flashbacks. Long story short: Sarah was having a party at Ojai. Tommy went out to get more beer and got in a car accident (this is totally thrown in to throw off the inattentive viewer. Its insignificant. They also place and unknown character in the car with Tommy. He is unscathed by the accident). Kevin wanders off to the back of Ojai with his friend who puts the moves on him. Kevin is in the early stages of coming to terms with his sexuality and fends of the move with a fist fight. He knocks his friend off the loading dock and ends up paralyzing him. I'm guessing Kevin has some kind of PTSD from the incident because he doesn't quite remember all this until the gang starts rehasing the events of the night.

So...turns out William was paying off the family so they wouldn't take the business and bring the Walkers down. Totally lame. Sorry. William Walker has caused enough damage and this was a far stretch. Now Kevin is damaged right. Well he did go make amends with his friend. Problem solved? We'll see. The Walkers need to walk away from primetime. The show has runs its course.

Fresh Meat, more like processed meat blah!

So I've told you I watch realllly crappy TV right? Well things just got worse because MTV just started up a the Real World/Road Rules Fresh Meat Challenge last night and boy is it going to be bad.

You'd think after this many challenges I'd move on but no, I need to witness all the fighting, smack talking and barf-inducing challenges.

All the regulars are bag Paula Walnuts, Danny and still fiance Melinda, Coral, Evan, Diem, Johanna (blah) and her worst former half, Wes, Tina, Tonya Harding I mean Real World Tonya, Kenny and say it isn't so Katie, Tonya, Eric and annoying Casey. Some newer folks join the fun including Theo (ahh), Ryan and Shane.

As for the fresh meat, I see some big personalities starting to appear. Kenny has his hands full with his partner. I predict trouble; because it wouldn't be a challenge is someone didn't fall in love, get kicked off and get injured.

Bring it on.

Bye Bye buzz...

We knew it was coming. The old guy always gets the early boot on Dancing with the Stars. I give props to Buzz for making the leap onto the dance floor. What I'm more surprised about is the fact that Kate was not even in the bottom two. What happened? She's been a total diva and media reports were attacking her behavior on the show. The soccer moms are rallying.
Also, rumor has it, John is seeking custody of the kids because of Kate's 'DWTS' schedule. Please, don't hold your breath John Hardy, Kate will be a goner in no time. Just wait for when she gets her talk show.

Sidenote: I posted a poll about which show you think should be canceled. The list is out and some of the goners include 24, Three Rivers, Past Life and Hank-whatever that was. Chime in, I want to hear your predictions or what surprised you.

Amazing Race: Those cowboys are crazy good!

Not going to lie, the Red Sox opening day game was a total distraction from my regular Sunday TV schedule. My thumb is a little sore today due to frequent flipping between the game and the Amazing Race.

First off, the cowboys completed an Amazing Race first by being the first team to start off a leg of a race, complete a 'Speed Bump' and finish first place again! Obviously their ruggedness has prepared them for this frantic race around the globe. I don't even know who to claim as their closest competition.

Now I've been a reality for fan since its dawn and I know that when this well edited shows focus on a particular character (team, contestant, etc.) that the likelihood of elimination is in their future. Hence, the follwing of father/daughter team of Steve and Allie who left their backpacks behind in pursuit of the million dollar prize and were forced to collect their belongings in grocery bags (A for effort Steve and Allie)!

Louie and Michael get the most cunning award for last night. First they befriended dating couple Brent and Caite and then plotted a coup to u-turn couple Carol and Brandy who they consider their biggest threat.

Finally, I'm ready for Dan and Jordan to skedattle, they are not nearly as charming as past brother teams.

The guru challenge was lame. But I would most certainly rock at it as I have a keen sense of smell. (Sidenote: my sister and I are considering trying out. She has agreed to eat gross food and I have agreed to do the extreme physical challenges. It could work and I guarantee hilarity would ensue.)

Thus far this season has kind of been a snooze. There is really no couple who I am vehemently cheering on. I'm shocked the models have made it this far, clearly Caite is not the one using the map. I think I'll put my money on the cowboys but route for the cops.

In other news: Erin Andrews is getting death threats (Read the story on EW). However, she claims she is 'not a quitter' and will continue to risk her life on Dancing with the Stars. Lets all do her a favor and vote for someone else. For all you EA fans or future husbands don't worry the FBI is all over it because its not like they have any other real work to do.

Ah ha the witch is gone...

I'm back! Crazy flooding in our coverage area has prevented me from spending precious time with my blog and boy oh boy do I have a lot to discuss.

First off, Shannen Doherty is the first person voted off Dancing with the Stars. It was a close call because I think most of us who watch the show faithfully have come to expect the oldest or least nimble star to go first. Let's face it though isn't Shannen someone us TV heads love to hate. She plays a wicked character so well, first as the sassy teenager Brenda Walsh on 90210 and then as the snarly witch Prue on Charmed. Who would have guessed Buzz Aldrin has a bigger fan base than Miss Dorherty (even with the sympathetic father card being played!). Seriously, its a miracle Pam didn't go after her second messy disaster. Isn't this a family program!

I think I may want to change my early predictions. Also, if Kate keeps throwing these tantrums we're going to have a problem. She was in the bottom three but she still has solid fan allegiance. Two annoying things: the way she mouths something to the kids every time the camera pans by and the way she speaks to Tony in the absence of John. I'm sure Tony was warned, but the man is a professional so let him do his job!

Rumored romances are also catching viewers attention. Word on the street is Erin Andrews think Max smells really good. Oo La La. Watch out Erin, Karina Smirnoff could probably kick your butt and then strangle you with on of her scarves/outfits. Also, PCD lead singer, Nicole and Derek Huff are rumored to be doing more than the rhumba (ya I said it). How could you not start that rumor, the two of them practically glow, they are so good looking.

I'm still sticking with my Ochocinco prediction. And how fabulous would it be if him and Cheryl coupled up!

I'm posting a poll to get your votes for next week...so vote!