Watch This: Treme

As I have only been awake for about three hours today, I have been smacked in the face at least two times with a reference for Treme, a new dramatic series on HBO based upon the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

It was mentioned in my American Music class, mostly based upon the music (duh) references within the episodes. New Orleans is VERY well-known for its own genre of Southern Jazz and Blues, creating a birthplace for many of today's talented musicians. Anyone interested in this kind of music, or just a fan of good music in general, should watch this.

ALSO: while reading one of the blogs I follow: NoControl (check it out, y'alls), about ten minutes later after my class discussed the show... there it is again. Treme shows up within an entry, going over a recap of last night's show, with it being described as "gripping" and... "funny?"

Basically, I have to check it out. It looks amazing and I invite everyone to grow into the show with me. Maybe a new summer show? I always turn to HBO for my summer view-age (Entourage anyone?)

Check out the trailer. It is beautifully filmed and I am super excited about it. ALSO: JOHN GOODMAN HELLLOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Why do I like this stuff?

So basically, I found it. I found the greatest thing you could put on television ever.

A little while ago, this youtube video became extremely popular... because its absolutely ridiculous.

No American female can do that song justice... not even Whitney Houston HERSELF can do it justice anymore.

So come to find that last night, I was not the only one that loves this video. Apparently, so does William Shatner, and from here becomes the only funny thing to come out of Lopez Tonight...

enjoy...

also: who can't listen to Total Eclipse of the Heart without think of Old School?? (I need you now tonight, I fucking need you more than ever..)

Glee vs. American Idol

So last night caused quite a bit of chaos, for all those silly enough to choose Glee and/or American Idol over Lost- many fans of Glee noticed how the last three minutes of the show were cut off in order to make room for News, ONLY because American Idol ran too long.

So lets get this straight- FOX made a sacrifice of cutting a somewhat decent show off in order to accommodate for a HORRENDOUS show?

Whats the deal with American Idol ruining television? I hate that show ever since it kicked off Chris Daughtry in the 5th season. The jokes, the singers, the host (especially the host), and the judges are all old, and I can't deal with it anymore. American Idol has been described as a juggernaut- but how? Why do these types of shows become so popular. Its getting to a point where the minority on the show is people who actually have decent careers afterwards, so its obviously not doing its job.

But anyway, it seems as though this season might signify the beginning of the end. I haven't been watching, but all I hear is that there are only TWO (out of seven, currently) good people on that show: Big Mike and Crystal Bowersox (I haven't checked that... the mom who doesn't wear shoes). How did everyone on that show become a Sanjaya?

I've been wanting to rant about American idol, it was time

But don't get me wrong- even though as a former drama student and singer myself, I should love Glee... but I really don't. Maybe it's the cheese factor, or maybe its the fact that I am expected to follow this formula of loving the show, maybe because the plotline is so old, but I am honestly just unhappy with how that show has taken off.

But it brings into question how a specific show can just control a network. Why did FOX believe American Idol could run long, and destroy the final moments of the long awaited "Madonna Episode" (groan). Its interesting to see how fans will react, but in the meantime, thanks to Perez Hilton, here's the last song of Glee, hilariously my favorite Madonna song, Like a Prayer, enjoy you Gleeks

Lost... guh

SPOILER ALERT

if you did not see the episode aired on 4/20/10

BE WARNED

So basically I've come to the point where I absolutely refuse to get into details about Lost, since I am really just trying to catch up with the past five seasons going into this one, but I'm slowly getting a grip on what is important/ symbolic

1. the fact that one of the final episodes of Lost airs on 4/20... because you need to be high to understand any of it?

2. Jin and Sun's reunion was as beautiful as I thought it would be... except what the hell was up with that pitiful wide shot? As they are running towards the electromagnetic beams my roomie and I are SCREAMING because we thought they were gonners.

3. Jack saves Locke in the real world... yet Locke saves Jack on the island... hmmm

4. Claire and Sayid both show signs of some sort of soul when Kate and Desmond mention loved ones, maybe the theme "love conquers all" will be the big twist at the end.... ha

5. Does anyone else think somethings up with Jack's son? Its weird having him be all nice and friendly with dear old dad, I just don't trust him.

6. I am still trying to figure out Whitmore's role in all of this, I never understood his part from the beginning and I surely don't get it now.

I'm also still trying to find a decent Lost blog that A. I can understand (because that's been difficult, they are all so cluttered and unreadable, I hate it) and B. can spell out different theories and engage me in all sorts of thought. I will be racing to post the sight as soon as I find one suitable for THIS blog, yeeeah.

Also: NO LOST NEXT WEEK WTF ABC?!?!?!?!?!??! HOW CAN YOU DO THIS TO US?!

But for now- here is a little web-series called Instant Dharma featured on AOL television that talks about different aspects of the show, it seems pretty legit so enjoy

Shows I should be watching

Show I should be watching: How I Met Your Mother

Why am I not watching: Because I'm an idiot? I don't really know why to be honest. I might have been watching something else around the 8:30 monday night time slot, then it just got to a point where I didn't think I'd be able to catch up with it.

Honestly, my story with HIMYM is a weird one, I did end up watching the first season when it premiered, but as I did with the Office, I initially hated it. I didn't think it was that funny, it hadn't grown into its own yet, I kind of gave up on it, thinking it was going to die.

Why I should be watching: CAST. What an amazing cast. Neil Patrick Harris revamps his career as Barney, one of the swarmiest characters ever on television, but totally proves his comedic chops. Alyson Hannigan, from Buffy fame, plays Lily who has been dating Marshall, Jason Segel, for nine years when the show begins.

Narrated by the one and only Bob Saget (WHAT), the show is set in the past tense, as Ted, played by Josh Radnor, is telling his children how (wait for it) he met their mother. The essential theme of the show is for the viewer to wait patiently until the writers decide how many years they can keep the scheme of not knowing who the mother is going.

I haven't read too much into the show, but I'm thinking there is a lot more going on than we know, and I believe that its a lot smarter than it appears. Also, I'm pretty sure there was a musical episode? And we all know that any good show has at least one musical episode.

I think I am going to start watching it soon, because I'm running out of shows to watch on Hulu, but I'm thinking this is one show I need to watch from the beginning, and I can't get out of doing like, like I've been doing with Modern Family.

Found a musical number! What a way for NPH to show off his musical/comedic talents. Who knew Doogie was this good?

24- Return of Charles Logan

SPOILER ALERT

if you haven't seen the episode aired on 4/19/10

BE WARNED

My goodness do I ever love this show. Some points from this episode:

-Where the HELL was Jack going with that helicopter? He hasn't really defied the President in a while, so this is quite a throwback

- The only bad aspect of Chloe being in charge of CTU, she can't be Jack's go-to gal on the inside to help him out! Gotta follow the rules now Chloe, suuuuucks

- What was up with that weird moment Charles Logan had with that one secret service agent? And can someone please answer the question about WHO in the world is his bitch boy? I don't get it.

-Charles Logan is a quintessential bad guy. Even when he's not attempting to be "that bad" he still ends up being bad. To totally wipe out an operation JUST so he can continue in his goal to have his name cleared in public? baaaad charles logan, BAD.

-Gregory Itzin plays an amazing bad guy with such depth. I loved him a few seasons ago and I love him now.

-What a weak moment for the President, but I'm kind of happy because it gives her character some depth. She CAN do the wrong thing- even if it IS for the greater good, what she is doing right now is wrong, but as a viewer, its nice to see her slip up.

-I bet Ethan regrets his decision to bring in Logan, dontcha Ethan???

-I KNEW there was more to Dana Walsh's character. But c'mon sexxy Freddie Prinze Jr, you had noooo idea?

Nothing too crazy in this episode, but it was a great day to see President Taylor succumb to the pressures of politics, maybe Jack will help her see the light? Probably

he's back and slicker than ever!

http://tvcinemaemusica.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/300px-charles-logan.jpg

My Portfolio

Another picture! Hooray! Fun times all around!

I really like this picture, even though it isn't that original. But you get all the major things I love. 1. nature pictures are my fav. 2. LINES 3. open aperture is great and I love doing it because it gives me things like used.

Used with a Canon G10 camera- because its awesome like that. LOVE. IT. MANNN.

Cougartown: mother gone too far?

OK. I mean, lets discuss Jules' relationship with her son Travis, shall we? While I LOVED last nights episode of Cougartown, I couldn't help but think that even though the dynamic between Jules and her seventeen year old son was the butt of many jokes, it was getting a little too uncomfortable... even for me. I mean, sucking on her shirt in the spot where Travis cried a single tear in order to preserve it's goodness? Disgusting... and weird.

I'm nervous about the direction the show is going, though. Last night hinted towards a definite Grayson/ Jules hookup within the near future- but its only the first season. Even Jim and Pam didn't hook up until the end of season 2, and didn't even officially get TOGETHER until season 4. So why are the writers rushing a relationship that has the potential for a ongoing storyline? I'm afraid this show will suffer the same fate as The OC and Scrubs, where its storyline goes so quickly they run out of ideas and the whole thing just starts turning into crap.

However, no one is more excited that me to see Sheryl Crow leave. I really hope that the exit was permanent, because is it just me, or is she the worst actor of all time?

ALSO: I'm glad that the show is really getting into character development. I know it sounds stupid, but when they repeated the Andy joke about his "question bombs," to me, it was not only funny, but getting the viewers to understand a little more about Andy, and how that joke was not a one time deal, but rather, a part of his character. Way to go, Bill Lawrence.

fun while it lasted, Sheryl

googleimages

poor jack bauer

SPOILER ALERT

if you did not watch the episode of 24 aired on 4/23/20

BE WARNED

I mean, poor Jack. This guy just can't catch a break. I didn't have a huge connection with Renee Walker as a character, so I wasn't too upset when she died... but I mean, it seems as though 24 is just cutting off any sort of connection Jack has with a decent life, right when he immediately makes it. Renee was only on the show for two seasons, and they really only started having any sort of relationship in this one, so why kill her off so soon? I don't understand any 24 fan who doesn't believe Jack should die at the end of 24. Time after time it is proven he can't get any peace, I will refuse to believe that he lives peacefully once the cameras stop following his character- which is an unsettling ending.

Of course the Russians are behind this one, aren't they always? I'm surprised Kiefer Sutherland hasn't had to stand infront of a camera during a commercial break explaining that even though 24 writes about bad Russians, there are plenty of "good ones" out there.

Also, the Hassan daughter is one of the worst actresses I have ever seen. Cute... but shitty actress.

I find it really hard to believe that Hassan's wife could make it as acting president, but maybe I'm just not too familiar with customs of Islamic Republic of Kamistan.

THANK GOODNESS someone FINALLY put Chloe in charge.

Still unsure of how I feel about Charles Logan... and who was his bitch boy? Not trusting him just yet. Also: Martha Logan?!?! WHERE ART THOU MARTHA.

Of course, I didn't see scenes for next week's episode, but i'm PUMPEDDDDD. Its getting really good, counting down towards the end of an era. *snif*

RIP RENEE.

(GOOGLE IMAGES)

CONAN O'BRIEN

OK. bignews.

Conan O'Brien has just announced that he is beginning his run, once again, as a late night talk show host at 11 p.m. on TBS.

This is HUGE because:

1. most people were speculating that he was going to sign a deal with Fox, who obviously did not think he would have been profitable enough... idiots.

2. TBS= cable. There is no determined audience because not everyone has access to cable television (shock).

3. 11 p.m. puts him more in competition with Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert instead of Leno and Letterman- considering Stewart, Colbert, and Conan are all good friends and they share a relatively similar audience, I wonder how this will all pan out.

Personally, I don't know how I feel about this. I mean, he's becoming George Lopez' lead-in, which is ridiculous. Love Lopez, but, compared to Conan.... he's nothing. Plus, TBS? really? A network filled with reruns and Tyler Perry shows? C'mon coco you can do betterrrrr

Now I have to choose between Daily Show, Family Guy, AND Conan. Of course, my choice will always be cone-sy, but still, its a hard choice to make.

I guess we'll see how this goes, I'm hoping he really makes the comeback of a lifetime- he deserves it.

In the meantime, check out one of my favorite finds on youtube, a behind the scenes look at the weird short story arch of Stewart, Colbert, and Conan all wanting to kill eachother... i forget the details. This is a behind the scenes look of the final battle sequence. Comedy gold.

Cougartown

So what does everyone think of Cougartown? I love it, but its one of the few times I am really unaware of audience reaction towards it. I don't think critics are SCREAMING about it- but for the most part, I don't see how people could hate it. With a blend of Bill Lawrence's Scrubs-humor influence and Courtney Cox's genius comedic timing to the character Jules, is a show I can best describe as cute and light-hearted.

Of course, Christa Miller-Lawrence (Bill's wife) is cast as Jules' best friend Ellie, a very similar character to the one she plays on Scrubs. At first, you have to groan at another example of a producer-director casting his wife into a significant role, but, who I can best compare to Helena Bonham Carter, she seems to make every part work and live up to any expectation.

The rest of the cast is just great. The chemistry between the actors is what really brings the show together. I haven't heard of most of them except for Busy Phillips, easily one of my favorite characters as Laurie, from Freaks and Geeks and Dawson's Creek fame. Dan Byrd plays 17 year old Travis, another great who I didn't recognize until I revisited the CLASS Cinderella Story staring Hillary Duff. HA. great find there.

Rounding off the cast are the very sexxy Brian Van Holt as Bobby Cobb, Josh Hopkins as Grayson, and the very very funny Ian Gomez as Andy.

I'm excited to see where this show goes. I hope Bill Lawrence doesn't ruin the possible Jules/Grayson relationship too early. Also: doesn't Ellie have a baby? where did that storyline go? AND: Many many more Friends reunions:

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b172999_sheryl_crow_hits_cougar_town_tonightis.html

I hope my later life is structured like Jules'. Its hilarious and fun. My only complaint? No self-respecting mother would have the kind of relationship Jules has with her son. Its borderline creepy and weird. Its a great show, nothing too deep but really fun to watch- and I'm rooting for Courtney Cox's comeback. SCREW A FRIENDS CURSE. Lets have success!

ngepress.com

'Twin Peaks' 20 Years Later: How the Show Changed Television - Inside TV

'Twin Peaks' 20 Years Later: How the Show Changed Television - Inside TV

HA. how do I always find articles that so greatly support my points I JUST made? More Twin Peaks, in a lengthier article talking about the series.

LOST

SPOILER ALERT

anyone who did not view the episode viewed on 4/6/10

BE WARNED

Yeah, this post is going to be pretty short about Lost because honestly, I never got a handle on the Desmond/Penny storyline. My fellow Lostians say its pretty much its own story, and hard to wrap your mind around if you haven't been watching.

I realized how much fun it is to watch your favorite shows in a group. To instantly have a group of your peers to discuss angles of the show and possible answers to some of the series' big questions is really fun.

BUT BE WARNED: do not turn into me- an asshole who talks way too much during the show. And if you think I'm bad, just think how I must feel towards those I think talk to much, its bad. So yeah, discuss away... during commercials.

But basically, the show was just o.k. It was fun to see the adorable Desmond and the great relationship he has with Penny. And how him and Charles Widmore are friends WHAT and he's married to that weird-o woman and Farraday is back and won't stop talking about a BOMB of some sorts WHAT.

But it got a little TOO into the parallel lives storyline and not enough island action? but:

NEW LOST THEORY: near death experiences in the regular parallel life leads people to see into the island life. Happened with Desmond, Charlie (loooove him) and Farraday. Lets see how this goes.

Its too exhausting to talk about Lost. I hate it so much sometimes. I'd rather have a face to face conversation about it.

Check out the Lost website. Its become an example of how networks are just totally cashing in and hyping in on their own shows. Here is a Lost "starter kit" for idiots like me who don't know whats going on. On the ABC Lost website, there are interactive areas to help viewers get up to speed on whats happening, and viewer discussion boards so everyone can share their opinion.

Saturday night... the graveyard shift

We've been talking about Twin Peaks recently in my media arts class- and how its ultimate demise came when it moved to Saturday night, one of the worst nights for a television show to air during the week. Mostly saved for movies and repeats, it seems as though the only show to do well during that time slot is... Saturday Night Live- an entirely different genre.

So why do shows do terribly on Saturday night? Is it that no one wants to see a well-scripted, good acting television show late at night while they are probably intoxicated?

when I tried researching successful scripted television shows that aired on saturday night and pretty much got nothing. Just repeats, WWE wrestling, and of course, Saturday Night Live.

So why did ABC place Twin Peaks, an unbelievable popular show at the time to the worst time slot in television history?
Heres my opinion: it was entirely experimental. ABC tried desperately to change the face of television to have one of the first scripted television shows do well in a saturday night time slot. Of course, it failed, and for some reason that is beyond me, they didn't try to save a sinking ship.
Twin Peaks led the way for Lost, so I felt as during the last few episodes we had of this groundbreaking show, we'd honor its predecessor. It only lasted two seasons, so its worth watching. David Lynch was brilliant, being one of the first television producers to respect the audience enough to think they were smart enough to understand a complex storyline.
It's demise, like many great shows, was too soon. Plus, who knew Kyle MacLachlan was so hilarious?



This video is part of Agent Cooper's (MacLachlan) dream sequence- leading him to believe he knew who killed Laura Palmer, a central theme of the show. It became infamous, and thrusting Twin Peaks into the spotlight of not being a "normal" television show.

24

SPOILER ALERT

if you haven't watched the episode aired on 4/5/10

BE WARNED

So basically, why is it whenever I want to breakup with my 8 year relationship with 24 it sucks me back in?! The eighth season hasn't been pulling me into the story as much as the last ones, and I haven't been as excited to watch the episodes as I use to be. When I was younger, I could bulldoze my way through a pack of buffalos if it meant reaching a television to watch 24 on Mondays. Now, its sort of like... ehhh... if I get around to watching it I will.

For one, I didn't realize that this episode would be TWO HOURS long. WTF 24 some of us have to watch your episodes on hulu sometimes. I tuned in around 8:35 (thanks random Facebook statuses!) and was IMMEDIATELY sucked in to this amazing episode:

1. President Taylor has easily become my favorite president since David Palmer (RIP). Finally the series got around after five seasons to place a level-headed president. BTW- what ever happened to Wayne Palmer? BUT ANYWAYS, President Taylor never flip flops, always does the right thing, and upholds the promises she made to millions of Americans. I was heartbroken to watch her tell Hassan's family of his death, and damn THANK YOU for slapping Roy, that little bitch deserves it...

2. and ROY. WHAT THE HELL. I don't believe he is a bad guy though, he is just trying to do what he thinks is best, a common theme for this show. If I can recall, he definitely pulled a Sherri Palmer not giving Ethan his meds while having a heart attack, which kind of pissed me off. I know its been 8 seasons, but c'mon writers, lets get creative.

3. Why does Ethan always get screwed for sticking up for the President? God forbid he does what he's suppose to do. He's old too, poor guy.

4. Renee Walker: I go back and forth on whether I like her or not. I definitely didn't at the beginning but she's starting to come around. And did ANYONE check out the sexxy scene between her and Jack for the next episode previews? rawr. However, where the fuck did that relationship come from? I need to rewatch last season because I definitely don't remember any sort of connection.

5. DANA WALSH WHYYY. Another typical 24 story line: someone from CTU is working with the terrorists? WHAT?! HOW CAN THIS BE?!!! Come on now. But I'm holding out on Jack's theory that there is a little more into the story of Dana Walsh that isn't being told. I really hope the writers don't just throw out her storyline.

6. Freddie Prinze Jr. is sexy. theend

7. HASSAN NOOOOOOOOOO. I didn't see that one coming. And we know there definitely won't be any Tony syndrome (is it sad that even though we SEE Hassan's neck cut open, I still have to assume he might still be alive?) because there was a SILENT CLOCK at the end of the episode, a 24 feature symbolizing the death of a character. That was sad, that guy ruled. AND: his accent was awesome.

8. good lord. Charles fucking Logan. Are we serious? Maybe that means Mrs. Logan is coming back which means we MIGHT see AARON aka the greatest character in 24 history. Actually, I'm kind of pumped about Charles Logan, if we remember the last time we saw him, he was having a heart attack and it went to commercial... and that was it. For some reason I really like his character, he is such a dweeb but so evil at the same time.

9. Fucking Russia

OK that's enough. I could go on about 24 forever. But to my credit- we now have to enjoy all we can because its been officially announced that it is the LAST season, and when it ends, an era of my life will be over. More about that another time, no tears tonight. JUST BED

<3

shows I should be watching

Yes, I watch too much tv, BUT I do have a limit and have restricted myself to so many amazing tv shows. Why am I not watching them?!

Great show I'm not watching: True Blood

Why should I watch: Vampires done right, basically. Non of this Twilight, Vampire Diaries crap, even though it does feature a SEXY male vampire (Stephen Moyer). But the show is based around Anna Paquin (hey everyone, she's BIsexual! wowsers.) or Sookie Stackhouse as a telepathic waitress who falls in love with said sexy vampire boy. Wait, this isn't Twilight? No because its on HBO, so no limits. This show is provocative, stunningly filmed, and just straight up cool, not cheesy. I mean, just take a look at the opening credits. Very Dexter feeling, no?

Why am I not watching?: Honestly, I really haven't been able to take in the vampire craze. I haven't seen or read Twilight, or the Vampire Diaries, I barely got into Harry Potter. Plus, the killer for me is that this show is on HBO. I never can seem to get around to comprehending the network's schedule for their great shows. My prediction of my relationship with this show? It'll just turn into Entourage and Dexter and I'll end up watching it over a 5 day period on DVD. Just waiting around for someone else to spend the 40 bucks!

HAPPY EASTER!

LOST

I feel kind of like a fake Lost fan because I JUST started watching it during its last season.

But, to my credit, I watched the first season THEN I watched the hilariously confusing "catch up" show the hour before the final season premiere.

So basically, I'm a huge Lost fan.

SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!

Its really exhausting talking about Lost, so I won't go into detail. Plus, there are about a billion lost super-fan bulletin boards that give away big secrets and decode everything important. But basically from the episode that aired on march 30th 2010, Sun and Jin AREN'T married, but in fact in a secret relationship kept from Sun's every so important father, Sayid intersects with their lives in this parallel universe, and DESMOND, oh desmond. I totally forgot about that guy. I tried researching about him online but was of course confused.

Idk, I felt like this episode didn't do as much justice to the final season as last week's beautiful Richard episode. I mean, did we really find out anything profound about Sun and Jin?

Lost fans: enlighten me.

AND ON ANOTHER NOTE: was it just my tv that didn't show scenes from next week's episode? Doesn't network television know that this is the most crucial and exciting part to any superfan's television experience? WTF ABC.

EDIT: So, apparently why its important that Sun and Jin aren't married is because in this parallel life, Sun is not technically a Kwon so there is a GREAT possibility that she's not a candidate. DAMN. Thanks Lost fanatics

I guess it'll just heighten the surprise factor of what's to come for next week! I'm pumped.

For all of those who, like me, want to experience the last season of Lost but haven't been watching, here is a very famous "Watch Lost in 8 minutes" video. Its really confusing, you might have to go through it a few times, but its great. Thanks, youtube