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.

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.

Funny? You think I'm... Funny?

I love lists of things, don't you?

I was reading through an AOLtv generated list of 11 of TV's funniest women in 2011. But really, I love lists in the way that I always disagree with them. When's the last time you watched a countdown show, or looked at a 'Best Of' list, got to number one, and went, "Oh, yeah, that's a pretty reasonable choice." NO! You curse the life of whoever even thought to put so-and-so or such-and-such as the top choice.

But, I digress. In spite of all of this, I actually enjoyed this list a lot. However, there are unfortunately too many shows that I haven't started watching yet (winter break around the corner), so its hard for me to justify whether or not these women are actually quite funny. But here are some of the most significant choices:

11. Ashley Rickards- "Awkward" Ok, truthfully, I haven't seen this show yet. It's part of MTV's crusade to bring back the scripted shows (Undressed, anyone?), of which I am totally supportive. But honestly, the previews make this seem like another RJ Berger, a show I actually enjoyed... but got canceled. Can I put my heart out on the line one more time? AOLtv thinks so. Is she still in that weird cast? I guess I'll find out in season 2.

8. Busy Phillips- "Cougartown" RIGHT? Like, RIGHT?! C'mon ABC!! What is it about the Cul-De-Sac crew that you hate so much?! What's your beef against alcoholics and attempts to make Dan Byrd look 18 (you're not fooling anyone, sorry). I was so pumped to see some sort of awkward relationship form between Laurie and Travis, but now I have to wait? And do NOT think I didn't notice Julie and Ellie coming out of Dr. Jake Riley's office on Private Practice. What the hell did that mean? Oh well. I guess I'll just be drinking by myself on Wednesday nights... as per usual.

5. Retta- "Parks and Recreation" Probably one of the most underrated characters in television today, Donna is a scene stealer in every episode on one of my favorite television shows. There's really not much I can say without beginning to be all sappy and gush-y. So take a look at what I mean:

1. Zooey Deschanel- "The New Girl" I will curse the life.... J/K!! Of course I wouldn't do that (to all those who may want to hire me in the future). But I'm still not totally convinced about this show, never mind the idea that Deschanel can be argued as one of the funniest women on tv. Yes, she's funny, quirky, talented, and beautiful, but the author of the countdown insists that it doesn't seem to reach the area of, "too much." But... I mean... eehh... really? Maybe I'll still bitter about Damon Wayans leaving the show after the first episode. But in all honesty, I like Deschanel as a person, and I kind of stopped watching after a couple episodes, so maybe i'll give the show a new chance. We can be in that awkward 'friends with benefits' stage of our relationship after the time we just broke up.

So take a look at the article, see whatcha think. And for all those Emerson students out there: don't get your panties in a bunch, they purposely left out Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Because, let's be honest, if they were included, would anyone else stand a chance? Answer: NO.

Why Not??

http://www.bryanreesman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/infphoto_936674_courtney_cox_busy_philips_cougar_town.jpg

What's going on with one of my new favorite shows from last season??

Cougartown apparently isn't doing too well. Only time will tell if the new DIVORCE (what?!) drama will bring any attention to the show.

But APPARENTLY, according to my random tv source Perez Hilton: ratings are down, WAY down.

From last week, ratings were way down to 7.2 million viewers with their target audience, adults 18-49.

Of course that's what Perez says

I mean, is it doing THAT poorly? I was researching ratings numbers for Modern Family, and found an article featuring Cougartown's ratings in January around last year. It grew 10 percent in viewers jumping to number two for adults 18 to 49, getting a 3.1/9 for wednesday night.

For its spring finale Cougar Town received 2.5/7 rating for adults 18-49

For me, its kind of hard to understand the whole concept of ratings. Even though its not doing as well, do we have to count it out already? There's only been four episodes, and its still a fairly new show.

But why would people stop watching? For me, its a fun, consistent, and cutesy show and if you watch enough episodes, you kind of feel like your watching a big inside joke, since they reference so many previous plot points in current episodes.

SIIIGH. Who knows. Normally I'm never wrong about shows that stay around. Well, WATCH TONIGHT. It's good, I promise.

Favorites of the Week

SO. the first week of premieres has passed as this new week brings wonderment and hope of something great. Wowsers. Here is some of my favorites of this past week in tv:

Favorite SNL monologue :

I'm sorry but I thought this was hilarious. I'm never a HUGE fan of SNL, maybe its because I haven't been able to get passed the fact that we aren't still living in the 1990s and the best and brightest (in my opinion) are long gone.

BUT: "Rachel!" "Poehler Bear!" "Dratch bear!" "No! POLAR bear!" Hilarious.

And even though I never seem to find Jimmy Fallon THAT funny (what a giggle-bitch), he somehow seems to get it together with Tina Fey to really produce comedy magic. What a great way to start the season, lets hope for big things

Favorite cold open:

omg. How could you NOT love this? I'm aware that it caused some debate, due to the fact that even though The Office goes through plenty of unrealistic situations, it does as much as it can to keep within the realism of an office setting. I mean, could an office really be able to pull off a lip dub? In this fashion?

I say, fuck yes. When Dunder Mifflin is a company in a world when its regional manager Michael Scott's contribution to a lip dub is intense magic tricks... then yes. Anythings possible.

Favorite self deprecating joke:

Yes, Cougartown. You are STILL Cougartown, you didn't change your name LIKE YOU SHOULD HAVE and have completely squashed all potential to breathe legitimate life into your show. Don't get me wrong, I still love the show and no matter what ANYONE (I'm looking at you, Perez Hilton) says, I loved Jennifer Aniston as Jules' cooky therapist.

However, as the season premiere came and went, apparently to low ratings, I'm nervous to see where the direction of the show is going to go. It seems to move so quickly, that it might just pull an OC, and just implode on its own storyline. I'm excited to see where it goes.

Favorite season premiere:

Modern Family.

Wow. I haven't laughed so hard all summer. Claire and Phil and the kids in the old station wagon just killed me. What a great way to prove your Emmy for best comedy. I'm obsessed with this show and can't wait to see it progress into an amazing series. congrats guys, you deserve it.

Other than that, on a ranting note, I just realized that I missed Dexter, Mad Men, Family Guy, AND American Dad. I think I had an aneurysm just from thinking about everything I have to catch up on. So, I will try my hardest but with my busy schedule that might be difficult.

Wish me luck as I melt my brain!

GET READY!

THE NEW FALL SEASON IS HERE.

What an exciting time. It is hitting around mid-september meaning all of our favorite shows are RETURNING with new plot lines and character hijinks.

Does everyone have their schedules ready? I DO:

Tuesday:

9:30 p.m- Running Wilde, Fox.

Wednesday:

8 P.M- Lie to Me, Fox.

9 P.M.- Modern Family, ABC.

9:30 P.M.- Cougartown, ABC.

Thursday:

8 P.M.- Community, NBC

8:30 P.M.- 30 Rock, NBC

8:30 P.M.- Shit My Dad Says, NBC.

9 P.M.- The Office, NBC.

Sunday:

9 P.M.- Family Guy, Fox.

9:30 P.M.- American Dad, Fox.

HOORAAAAY. Ok. so obviously I've got a LITTLE problem with my dream thursday night lineup. What the hell am I going to do with my 8:30 spot? Thanks NBC for taking 30 Rock out of its perfect 9:30 spot to make way for... Outsourced?

Give me a break, NBC. If I want to watch ANOTHER Office knockoff, I'll go to Parks and Rec... where is that show anyway?

And no, I'm still not going to watch Glee. I'm sorry fellow Gleeks, but its going to have to take more than two seasons to capture my attention.

BUT. What about OUTSIDE the major networks? There are still a few shows I am looking towards adding into my beautiful tv schedule:

Mad Men, AMC. Sundays at 10. Its new season started July 25th and since I JUST began watching the show, it might take me a little while to routinely watch it each week. Gotta catch up first.

Boardwalk Empire, HBO. Sundays at 9. For some reason I have a really hard time watching HBO shows as they air... so I might just have to stick to watching this one on the internet.

The Cleveland Show, Fox. Sundays at 8 30. Yeah, I'm still not sure about this one. I started watching it last season, and it was pretty decent but still has a long ways to go. Not this time, Cleveland.

THEN, of course, I get to sprinkle my week with my favorite trashy shows, such as the endings of Jersey Shore, Teen Mom, and I'm pretty sure theres going to be a new Celebrity Rehab

Gotta love that Dr. Drew.

Can't wait for tomorrow :-D

EDIT.

apparently, I can create controversial blog posts... losers.

House, Fox. Mondays at 8 p.m. Ok. After much debate with my roommate, and by debate I mean she yelled at me, I'll be watching lietome I MEAN HOUSE... House. I'll watch House.

Whatever.

Dexter, Showtime. Sundays at 9 p.m. Ok THIS show was one I actually forgot. I MUST watch this show again as it got me through my hardest times (living without cable, dvd box set, you know the drill). This can definitely substitute for Family Guy and American Dad, shows prefer to watch on Hulu anyway.

Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia, FX. Thursdays at 10 p.m. Yes, yes, and yes. I forgot this one too. I JUST got into this show, and I didn't watch it for the same reason I wasn't watching Glee, I didn't want to be peer pressured into it. I know, stupid.

However, all it took was a pair of kitten mittons for me to jump on board with this college humored comedy going into its sixth season. Get pumped.

I'm addicted

OK. so maybe I'm just being grumpy because I am still procrastinating on the eight page paper now due TOMORROW (GAH). But I am in TERRIBLE mood because this week from hell, aka midterms up my anus, is causing me to miss all of my shows. I guess I should outline my tv schedule just to show how much of an addict I am:

Sunday: American Dad, Family Guy
Monday: 24
Tuesday: Lost
Wednesday: Cougartown
Thursday: The Office, maybe 30 rock or Community
Friday-Saturday: reflection period

On the count of my busy paper-writing, project dispensing schedule, I have already missed 24 and will presumably miss Lost, which if of course unacceptable since Lost and supposedly 24 are in their last seasons.
Yes, there is the magic of Hulu, but its not the same. I love feeling that sense of community when you are watching the final moments of a fresh, unopened package of your favorite show. When you miss it, its like everyone knows a secret you don't. Plus, as much as we love the convenience of watching our favorite shows online, lets ask the serious question: is the small computer screen at ALL comparable to a beautiful surround-sound HD quality of the newest television sets? NOT. THE. SAME.
It also sucks because since I have this crazy jammed packed schedule, it has now been over 24 hours since... 24 premiered.
HAVENT' WATCHED IT
If you a fan, keep your filthy secret-spilling, surprise-killing mouth away from me. Let me watch my beautiful Jack Bauer in peace.
AND WHATEVER YOU DO: NO, I DON'T WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS ON LOST.
duh.
immagonnagowritemypapernow :-D