Happy Meets my Face

http://oyster.ignimgs.com/wordpress/stg.ign.com/2012/11/boy-meets-world-img.jpg

Well, of course, that is the dumbest title I could come up with. But c'mon, who isn't psyched about the Boy Meets World sequel aptly titled, Girl Meets World, a continuation of the life of Cory and Topanga (did anyone actually know how to spell her name when they were younger?) and the introduction of their teenage daughter! Oh, the hijinks!

Gosh, don't you just love it when television execs. actually get it. THANK YOU Disney, for realizing that this is something the people need! Especially in these crazy times. As a '90s child that has slowly been adjusting to the harsh, cruel world, I don't know how many times I've wished that a Mr. Feeny would move next door to me to help me sort through all of my life issues.

However, don't expect to be watching these high school sweethearts anytime soon (talk about beating the odds, 'eh?), as the television series is still in early developmental stages. Apparently, the search is still on for the young actress to play Cory and Topanga's 13-year-old daughter, which leads me to wonder, I look thirteen, right? Who wouldn't want to play pretend in the most incredible imaginary world possible: as one who is being raised by freakin' Cory and Topanga?!

I still have many unanswered questions. What the hell ever happened to Shawn? Thirteen years later, has Eric officially lost his mind? Are Cory's parents still together? Will we see the return of Mr. Freakin' Feeny?

So I guess we'll have to wait and see what the new show brings. A lot of anxiety comes with watching and evaluating a new take on an old favorite. But if Michael Jacobs knows anything, it's how to tap into the hearts and minds of confused, awkward, and ambitious teens everywhere.

Now let us all sing, "When this boy meets wooorrrrlllddddddd...."

Everybody together: "Awww"

What an incredible finish to an incredible SNL career. Kristin Wiig has in some ways carried SNL over the past seven years. Especially for those in my generation, it felt like a tragedy when Will Ferrell decided to pursue a promising film career. How could we go on? It was nice to see Wiig find herself within the starring cast members and bring her quirky comedy stylings to a show that needed something new and fresh to keep it going.

I love how Wiig isn't afraid to "go there." She's not afraid to get ugly, to get silly, and best of all,  get absolutely vile. Her presence in pop culture is a glorifying representation of who every girl is, but can sometimes be afraid to be. Does this mean that women can be goofy again? Are we still hot? Dammit, I think so.

This video is absolutely adorable. Like, makes my heart hurt adorable. Can we please note the reactions of Bill Hader and Jason Sudekis? Can they hug me like that? I'd truly appreciate it.

Plus, a send off by Mick Jagger? You really did have the best SNL career, Kristin.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/363338/saturday-night-live-shes-a-rainbow


Also, if it's worth anything, this is my all time favorite Wiig character:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/319328/saturday-night-live-target-lady

Funny? You Think Women are Funny?

So, who knew that women could be funny, huh? Not just funny, but also intelligent and interesting.

And this, ladies and gents, is why I love Community so much.

It's nice to watch women who don't just blindly jump from guy to guy (or girl to girl, whichever way they swing), have no real presence, and ultimately, don't bring anything new to television.

After the show's triumphant return on March 15th, I was able to come across this great article detailing the life of 'the female' on the set of Community. This is a show like no other, giving their female characters growth and perspective. From the young, naive, yet loving Annie to the strong feminist Britta and the spiritual Shirley, these are such distinctive personalities that are rarely seen on television.

There is no doubt that a favorite aspect of this show for many people is being able to watch all seven personalities interact with one another, but more importantly, watching these women hold their own against comedy greats is absolutely rewarding.

So take a look at this article. They all eventually cry. Not joking. Psh, females.

The Women of Community

Take the Easy Way Out

So I just finished watching my lovely guilty pleasure Cougartown when I realized that the episode entitled "Something Big" had just showcased a very similar story line to that of my other favorite guilty pleasure, Private Practice.

Essentially, husband wants baby. Wife doesn't want baby. Surprise!, girl from husband's past comes out of the darkness and exhibits said baby. Well hey, that's a nice happy solution that works for everyone! Theend.

For me, it was kind of exciting to have it happen once, on Private Practice. In my mind I thought, Oh, goodie! Charlotte and Cooper will stay together! Relationship saved! Thanks, Shonda Rhimes! But after seeing it again on Cougartown, I can't help but wonder:

Why would television take the easy way out? What happened to major points of conflict and tension between two characters? This may be an overdramatic accusation of one particular solution that two shows have portrayed, but I wonder if writers understand that this outcome just comes across as ridiculously convenient.

Yes, sometimes it's nice to see our favorite couples stick together, but with barely any repercussions? Now, Jules and Grayson will be able to stay together, and quickly mull over any future baby issues. But, what happens next?

Ultimately, I guess this is better then any on/off bullshit that can drive me crazy sometimes. But, is that craziness a good thing? The fact that a show can frustrate me is probably a good thing, so why make it easy on the viewer? Where is the challenge?

Well... at this point, maybe I'm just rambling. But check out last week's Cougartown and see whatcha think.

ENJOY.

I Swear I've Seen Your Face Before

A wonderful friend directed me to this delightful little meme (that's the name, right? meme? Ugh) comparing the not so subtle similarities between Friends and How I Met Your Mother. It's funny, really, how I can be so involved in both shows and not really notice something like this until someone slams the facts right in my face. Wow, they are pretty similar, aren't they?

It makes one wonder, is that okay? When you look at how closely related How I Met Your Mother is to Friends, does it ultimately demote the legacy that the former has achieved in television? There is no doubt in my mind that HIMYM completely revamped the multi-cam sitcom, once again making it marketable for the 18-24 demographic. I'm not saying that there aren't any wonderful multi-camera sitcoms out there before this particular show, but is it easy for a college student really imagine him/herself sitting down after a long day of classes, cracking open a beer, and cozying up to watch Charlie Harper and those ridiculous button down shirts? Yeah, it's super fun to watch Charlie Sheen be a womanizer on TV, but I'd personally enjoy watching Neil Patrick Harris a little bit more. Plus, HIMYM has Jason Segel, who seems to be every college boy's wet dream nowadays.

Personally, I believe it hards to many shows in today's time in television to not piggyback off the concept and/or structure of a previous show. From Parks and Recreation, to Private Practice, and Two Broke Girls, these shows have come into a voice of their own with a little help from the great shows before them. Ultimately, I don't think it hurts the legacy that any show has in television. Even though there are very similar ideas, a show is a good show due to the details in the characters and the journey they go through. Yes, Barney is ridiculously similar to Joey... but he's Barney, not Joey, and that's what makes HIMYM so special. Could you imagine Barney wanting to spend all of his time at a coffee shop? That's a negative.

Finally, we can't give HIMYM a hard time for taking a concept that is just so damn general in the first place. A group of friends who love and care of each other. C'mon, Friends, give us a break here.

Enjoy the meme! I'm sure it'll give you a laugh.

see more Lol Celebs

Mistake Machine

So you know what's a good (NOPE) idea? Deciding to re-watch the beginnings of one of your favorite shows... at 1 AM.

In this gal's specific case, it was Grey's Anatomy season one. It all seems to start when someone you know tries to bring up some sort of irrelevant fact that as a fan, you're suppose to know. You know, "remember in season one when George said that hilarious thing, then Derrick and Meredith did that together...?" Uh, what?

So, I began watching, and honestly, even though I was miserable all day today due to my lack of snooze hours, it was great nostalgia to watch what made me fall in love with a show that I've been following for seven years.

Throughout the revolving door of characters and crazy plot twists, it's hard to remember what we really loved about the beginning of the show: the honest and wonderful characters. When watching the first season, I could not believe I forgot about awkward George, cocky Karev, the ambitious Cristina, Izzie Stevens (before she was obnoxious), and of course Meredith, young and impressionable, trying to find her own through her mother's territory.

And of course, who can forget... this guy:

Goodness, don't we all remember completely swooning over McDreamy? Something weird happened to me when I saw him for the first time, lying naked on Meredith's floor. Oh, hello 15 year old self! What's that? You miss this? Yeah... me too.

So, do yourself a favor, but maybe avoid my mistake by doing this on the eve of an early morning, and watch season one of your favorite show. It's a great way to reconnect with the early days before the inevitable downfall and jumping of any sharks. You're welcome.

Your daily dose of hilarious

In honor of The Simpson's 500th episode, I happen to stumble upon (the italics means it's a pun), this great article that has collected every single chalkboard quote that Bart Simpson has had to write up during the opening credits.

Jeez, that kid really fucks up a lot... or maybe the school is just a little bit sensitive.

Some of my favorites? How nice of you to ask:

Prince is not the son of Martin Luther King

The Nurse is not dealing

Spongebob is not a contraceptive (what?!)

Indian burns are not our cultural heritage.

It's hard to believe any show can make it to 500 episodes, especially a cartoon, a genre that typically doesn't seem to last more than five seasons. This show has transcended any expectations that may have come through its first few appearances on the Tracey Ullman Show, and has become a cultural staple. Twenty-something years and a movie later, the show still lives with its culturally relevant humor and great characters.

Congrats, Simpsons, for showing those of us in television what hard work and determination can do. And for letting us know that even fat, lazy, and physically abusive dads can be lovable.

Check out this highlighted text for a couple of chuckles. What did you all think of the 500th episode?

Mo' Obsessions... Mo' Problems

So of course I have a new obsession in television: Happy Endings. It's great being in a Writing for Television class because it forces you to watch all these new and exciting shows, and sometimes, one just sticks.

Happy Endings deals with the trials and tribulations of a wonderfully quirky group of friends living in Chicago. Sound familiar? Here's the catch: it revolves around Kim and Dave, a couple engaged to be married until Alex left Dave at the altar! Ouch! But, they're still friends! What?! How do they constantly steer away from that constant awkward turtle in the room?

In an effort to not choose sides, the friends stay committed to one another. Along with married couple Jane and Brad and single friends Max and Penny, Happy Endings showcases all sorts of stages in a relationship and how certain people deal with the problems that come.

Adding one more point: it's absolutely hilarious.

With quick wit and clever humor, the single camera comedy becomes addictive, fast. I fell in love with all the characters (more specifically Damon Wayans, Jr. and umm, HI THERE, KIM BAUER, don't think I didn't recognize you!) as I could only hope I could have a group of friends like that someday.

Or maybe not, since once you think about it, you realize they are all kind of losers.

But who doesn't love watching losers? At least the lovable ones.

Check out this article for last weeks episode... then prepare to be hooked.

I said what is this? What, what? What, what?

Oh gosh, have I died and gone to heaven? I try hard to keep this blog from having a high majority of posts leading to what could slowly become a Once Upon a Time obsession piece. However, it's hard to ignore an article stating that the Roger Daltry will be making an extremely ridiculous and unbelievable appearance in what has become a huge hit for ABC. And why not? The show has interesting characters, dynamic relationships, and an addicting story line that could bring the ass of the most badass rocker of the 1970s to a couch cushion.

At first, this seemed extremely random to me. I mean, Roger Daltry? When's the last time he's been in front of a camera where he wasn't sweatin' it to the oldies with The Who? Anyone?

Turns out, it's not so random, as Once Upon a Time executive producers have stated that Tommy, the 1975 Who's rock opera was, "a huge inspiration for the show."

So anyhoo, looks like there's a reason for everything, as Daltry will come in to voice a talking caterpillar in an Alice in Wonderland themed episode, which sounds absolutely fabulous.

So what has everyone been thinking of the series so far? At this point, I'm becoming a little confused with what Mary Margaret and James' relationship within Storybrook, while I'm pretty much just waiting for the shit to hit the fan, as the curse so calls for. But honestly, I have become shamefully addicted to the show, and look forward to it every week.

Wait, What?!

One of the quirkiest aspects of How I Met Your Mother is the fact that the show is narrated by Bob Saget, who plays Ted from the future telling his children the story of how he met their mother. Though the fact he sounds significantly different from the actor who actually portrays Ted, Josh Radnor, the audience is suppose to believe that it's the same guy.

I mean, besides that hilariously awkward period every prepubescent boy goes through where his voicebox sounds like a dying cat, does a man's voice change that much throughout his lifetime?

Anyway, it's been something about the show that everyone has just seemingly accepted, and felt was their own little inside joke with Craig Thomas.

But, according to the executive producer, on the series finale, the narration duties will officially switch from Bob Saget... back to Josh Radner.

What? What the hell is this, Craig Thomas? Well, fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, I won't watch the series finale! Actually, I'll probably watch the series finale.

I assume through the brilliance of the show, they'll find a way to make this transition relevant and funny, and maybe it'll be their way of finally addressing that weird detail of Ted turning into Bob Saget when he gets older. Maybe we'll have a special appearance by the Sag-man himself? That'd be incredible. Almost as incredible as finding out who the freakin' mother is.

So, cheers to the series finale, whenever it is, to clear up odd medical specimens of voice transformation, but to hope that I get to watch Ted be 'kind of a douche' for at least a couple more season.

Why is Ellen DeGeneres a Douche?

Naah, she's not that bad. But she just loves to prank people; it resonates in her soul. I lived a very short amount of time where I was a prank machine, and jeez, it's exhausting. Plus, I have that frustrating quality of needing instant gratification. Just sitting there with my thumb in my ass, waiting for a perfect opportunity to "prank" somebody properly, when in reality I could just run up to them and punch them right in the crotch and feel the same satisfaction, just seems a little unnecessary.

Yet, maybe that's what makes Ellen DeGeneres a pretty respectable human. She's got the patience of a jungle cat, and just seeks out the perfect moment to pounce on her unsuspecting prey... that monster.

In this case, I must say, Kristen Bell might have been asking for it. First of all, who is that obsessed with sloths? Not that they aren't adorable or anything, I mean...

Fuck, that is adorable. But to be so obsessed with a sloth that you cry with the mere thought that you might see one? Yes, it seems a little ridiculous. But I have to say, Bell is a great sport for voluntary bringing in this video in, and allowing me to laugh at her expense. Watch for yourself, and watch for that one, big, fat, douche-y Ellen moment.

Is it bad whenever I see Kristen Bell anywhere, I get at least twenty immediately flashes to my favorite scenes in Forgetting Sarah Marshall? Gosh I love that movie.

Damn you, Ellen. But way to keep celebrities on their toes.

The Best Thing I've Ever Heard

Okay, so maybe alcoholism isn't anything to laugh at (or is it?), but I can't help to chuckle at an article I read recently featuring the title, "Pat Sajak: I Hosted 'Wheel of Fortune' Drunk"

My only reaction: Well duh, how else would you host 'Wheel of Fortune?"

The best part? He would get drunk with Vanna White in between tapings, averaging four margaritas a piece within a few short hours. Good drink choice, Pat. 'Ritas are the shit.

All I could imagine was my grandfather, who would diligently sit in front of the television every night at 7:30, hearing the news that his two heroes were probably blasted out of their minds while attempting to read the alphabet throughout all those years.

And to think, out of all the games shows to host wasted... it's the one where you need to master the art of saying the alphabet.

Well, I guess since the days are behind him, lets raise a glass to just plain, solid, good drunken television and to the biggest badass of game show hosts, Pat Sajak! ... not so fast, Pat Sajak.

Violet Turner: Shonda Rhimes' Punching Bag

So why does Shonda Rhimes hate Violet Turner on Private Practice so much? After last Thursday, I've come to realize that Violet has gone through more unfortunate situations than anyone else on that show, which is saying something, since everyone has had their face dragged through the mud several times.

Do you ever wonder why you watch a certain show? Why is Law and Order SVU so popular? Or Grey's Anatomy? We watch as people are raped, murdered, lied to, and cheated on. Yet, instead of turning our backs on shows that some may deem "too depressing," millions of people continue to tune in the next week, and the week after, to watch these characters seemingly go through vicious cycles filled with despair and disappointment.

Off the top of my head, I can think of several different awful situations Violet has been in, only spanning the last couple seasons: had her unborn baby cut out of her by a lunatic, got her license suspended, was divorced by her husband, and now, from last weeks episode, got punched in the face by an intruder and watched someone get murdered in her home.

This is from spanning just a couple of seasons, people. I haven't even been a strict follower of the show over the past few years.

So why must Violet Turner be the one to suffer all these unfortunate situations? Is it Shonda Rhimes believing her character is strong enough to handle each situation? But who can stand to watch one person get beaten down time and time again?

But then it goes back to the original question: why do people tune in to watch these depressing situations in the first place? Why do I even tune in?

Perhaps, even though it all seems to rest of the shoulders of Violet, I know deep down she can pick herself back up and keep truckin'. Sometimes I think I watch these horrible stories so as to see what I could do in that particular situation. Maybe it's therapeutic after a hard day to watch someone go through their own tough day, and have someone to relate to.

But damn, it's hard for this small town white girl going to Emerson to relate to someone like Violet Turner. Girl got her unborn baby cut out of her. Yikes.

With a showrunner like Shonda Rhimes though, you always assume there's going to be a plan for her. Ultimately, I think I watch the show each week with the hope that I'll gain this incredible feeling of watching someone I practically know wind up happy, since in the end, television always comes down to finding a happy ending.

In a recession like this, it'll all you can hope for, really.

Once again Modern Family highlights an inevitable stage in a young parent's life, a characteristic that makes it stand apart from any other show on television today: dealing with a child's first curse word.

And what a word it was: Fuck. Great choice, Lily. I have been prone to say that word myself on many occasions, and as this episode showcased, Lily took full advantage of the emotional benefits that come with saying fuck, as it was bleeped out four times during the episode.

What came to follow, however, was extremely surprising to me. After I sat down to watch another guaranteed hilarious episode of Modern Family, "Little Bo Bleep," I was looking online to find out this week's show has garnered a lot of negative attention, as the Parent Television Council (talk about a buzz kill) was not fond of the word used on network television.

At first, I thought it may have been surrounding this idea that maybe the tiny child actor had to actually say the word, but in reality, she was saying, "fudge." So what's the big deal?

Well, according to Melissa Henson, this poses a huge deal. Stating,

“The more we see and hear this kind of language on television, the more acceptable and common it will become in the real world. Since television is constantly adding to the likelihood that children will be exposed to this kind of language, we will naturally see more and more children eventually emulate that behavior.”

My take? Naaaaah.

C'mon, people! This isn't violence or nudity they're showcasing, it's one simple curse word! Plus, it was not even slipped into the episode as a part of glorifying a certain behavior. Lily is eventually scolded during the episode and practically punished by wearing the ugliest dress ever featured on network television.

And goodness, could they have bleeped it out even more? A bleeped tone and pixels over her mouth? Relax, its the word "fuck," not an episode of Jerry Springer.

I honestly believe the PTC must have not watched that episode to truly think it would affect any child out there. All this episode showcased was once again brilliant writing to portray the trials and tribulations of everyday life for any family out in America.

I almost wish my family was as dysfunctional as the Dunphys (My family's only white... not white and awkward).

So watch the episode and decide for yourself!

Glee, that sh*t that just don't quit

Goodness, Glee drives me crazy. I generally do not like associating myself with the show, until they have an episode like they did last night.

Damn, they produce some catchy numbers.

Maybe it's because of my somewhat musical background (all three of those musicals I was in during high school), but I can really get around a great musical performance. My favorite part of Glee is even without stable plot points and character development it has the power to breathe life into old songs and give them a different perspective geared towards a younger audience.

And even though I may gab alongside those who do not appreciate Glee from a television standpoint, I refuse to look at the music like another version of Kidz Bop. I truly believe whoever produces its (Ryan Murphy? Isn't he some sort of Renaissance Man or something?) and those who sing are pretty genuinely talented. Gosh, if only I was as cool as Lea Michele.

So please, take a little guilty pleasure in a couple of great numbers from last night's episode. Unfortunately, just because I liked these songs does NOT mean I'll be tuning in next week. But dammit, I will soak in the gloriousness of Rihanna and Usher for now.

Here Comes the Geekin'

Goodness, over the past few days I have been reading of the most exciting news about my favorite television shows. It's a little pathetic how excited I am, but then again, I'm a television major at a communications school... what's your excuse?

First: I've been reading a little about the Grey's Anatomy "What If... ?" episode, and honestly, it looks like it's going to be absolutely hilarious. Allegedly, in this alternate reality, Meredith's mom does not have alzheimer's, which seems to be the catalyst towards what ends up being an extremely fucked up world... at least for the world we've come to know and love on Grey's.

From this, Meredith is that happy and shiny person she's always seems to talk about, and winds up getting married to a dorky Carev. She's not best friends with Cristina... because Cristina's still a cold hearted machine, of course. Plus, Derek and Addison are still together (gotta love the Kate Walsh appearances... jeez pick a show, woman!) and, while looking at the stills from the episode... is that... PERCY?!!? AAAHHHH. BACK FROM THE DEAD.

Ultimately, I'm really wondering how this episode is going to turn out. If we can all remember the last time Grey's tried something pretty drastic... I had to hear Snow Patrol for the 5,000th time on television. Let's hope this turns out mildly entertaining, I'll be patiently waiting for Feb. 2nd.

Second: I'm pretty much freaking out over what I've been hearing are future Parks and Rec guest appearances and how they'll play into the show. Today I just read that Sean Hayes and Paul Rudd will be making their grand debut on the show playing some sort of part in the election process, which has so far been going swimmingly (not), so I'm sure these two fine gentlemen will only be positive reinforcement to the situation (cyberspace sarcasm).

Plus, according to the wikipedia page, I'm still waiting for what will be an incredible return from Louis CK as well as Paul Schneider coming back (GEEK) as Mark Brendanawicz! I swear if Ann goes ANYWHERE near him... ugh. So not deserving. This will be a fabulous spring season.

Finally: As a Valentines Day gift to me, since I knew we were always lovers, ABC will be giving me COUGARTOWN, BABY!

Sorry. Excitement. For some weird reason, the show Work It didn't seem to... umm, work out? Boom. And ABC officially announced today that Cougartown will replace the short lived sitcom starting February 14th at 8:30. I can not wait, mostly because I will be pouring myself the biggest glass of wine in order to celebrate with my fellow T.V. alcoholics int his amazing reunion. Now, if only I can get a hold of NBC for a St. Patrick's Day gift (coughCOMMUNITYcough).

Nothing gets me more excited than guest stars, triumphant returns and exciting twists. Man, it feels good to love television... even if my couch is starting to have that weird butt imprint. Awkward.