Did You Watch the Britney Documentary?

So Britney Spears: For the Record aired tonight on MTV and I have to say that it was pretty damn good. I was incredibly impressed with how well it was made - especially for MTV. That proves that MTV is capable of making something that is worthy of being on television, they just choose to make garbage instead. Nice.

In addition to the documentary being very well crafted, it was also an incredibly candid look into the life of Britney Spears. It shed quite a bit of light on a life that is, for the most part, pretty hidden from the regular public. Yeah she's photographed doing anything and everything, it's still a far cry from what an actual day in her life is like. This opened the doors, however briefly, to that world.

Read more after the jump...



Watching this program made me come to realize two very interesting things about Britney Spears and her career. The first came from the documentary and Britney herself. That is, she wants so badly for people to realize that she's just like everyone else. You may argue that that is a ridiculous and maybe even selfish request on her part considering all the money and fame that she has, but really, why is that such an outlandish thing to ask for? When your life went from regular, poor, southern girl to international pop superstar in less than a month, how would you react?

You may say that there were lots of opportunities for her to make choices that would have helped her lead a more private life, a more normal life - that if other celebrities can do it, then why can't she? But I ask you, after watching her documentary, how "private" can your life be when there are 50 people following your every move just to get a picture of you going to the grocery store? The paparazzi don't follow other celebrities around like they follow her. She's on an entirely different level.

When your new life is so vastly different from you old one and you're trying to continue to live like your old life, things aren't going to go smoothly. And they didn't. Pretty sure everyone knows that. Especially on top of an incredibly public divorce which, unknown to a vast amount of people, really seemed to have crushed her. After it's all said and done though, I think things have turned out pretty well for Miss Spears. After all, how would you have dealt with it?

The second thing I realized is how many people, regardless of what she's done or has had happen to her, still really want Britney to succeed. I mean, my mother of all people watched the special and afterward, expressed how bad she felt for her and that she hopes that she's back on the right track. My mom was worried about Britney Spears. What?!

I have to believe that so many people want her to do well is because deep down inside, there's something relatable to her situation. Maybe it's the small town girl thing she has going. Maybe it's the fact that her popularity exploded over night to a point that not many other celebrities experience. She reached a tremendous visibility that is almost unheard of unless you've been in the business for some time. Her fans watched her grow up and live out very real things and deal with them in a very real way. It wasn't always pretty, but when people deal with personal issues, when is it? Britney's was just super public.

With all that being said, were there things she did that could have been dealt with in a better way. Of course. Who can't say that isn't true in their own life though. Hate her or love her, after watching the documentary, you can't say the girl doesn't do her best with what she's got. I wish her all the best and actually have a new respect for her. I never thought I'd say that but, you know, anyone that ends a very personal documentary on their life with the line, "I go through life like a Karate Kid" deserves some respect. Kudos Britney to your return to the good spot light. And kudos MTV for making something that was actually good television.

Best Night Ever

If you were like me and were out last night, then you probably missed your fav television shows. Well, normally I'd be like Best Week Ever never does anything on the weekdays so they're always prepared! NOT TODAY FOLKS. Stuff your turkey! Instead, today we have a little Thanksgiving themed recap with Shea Hess. Enjoy.

Best Night Ever: 11-26-08 @ Yahoo! Video

Happy Thanskgiving!

Welp, I survived last night. That doesn't mean I walked away entirely unscathed though. Hangover central right here.

But, back to business.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving filled with good food, family, and sleeping. I'm heading out later this afternoon to some fam's house so I won't be able to update for a little while. Instead I'll be stuffing my gullet with as much food as I possibly can. Isn't that what Thanksgiving is for?

So have a happy Thanksgiving and enjoy yourself while you can!

Welp, It's Drinkin' Time

Sorry I've been kinda MIA all day. I had a chiropractor appointment (I gotta bum leg) earlier today and that just through me completely off (in the time sense, though my doctor did put me in some Medieval stretching torture device today).

I'll be back tomorrow morning, barring a rotten hangover. Obvi, I'm going out to get my drink on tonight with some friends I haven't seen in a while. I also haven't had alcohol/beer in probably a little over a month so it might turn out to be a bit sloppy. ::fingers crossed::

So, for all those out there having a blast as well tonight, be safe, have fun, and don't get arrested!

Early Morning Crap

.

- Instead of going out to the movies or watching some home videos with your family on Thanksgiving day, how about you tune into Goth Cruise instead. WINNER! [Videogum]

- Could 2008 be the year of the woman? They did make quite a bit of money in the movies this year. [Pop Culture Curmudgeon]

- MTV wants to be a big part of the inauguration like it used to back in the 90's. Maybe they could also try being a big part of music like they were back in the 80's. [TV Week]

- The really disturbing facts about your favorite holiday classics from Rudolph to Frosty to A Christmas Story. [TWOP]

- Zach Braff has already left Scrubs. Guess that clears up those rumors. He did at least finish the 8th season which will air on ABC this year. [TV Squad]

- If SAG does go on strike it looks like a lot of the networks will be turning to it's rival AFTRA for pilot season. No no drama, we don't want to drama, drama. [Variety]

- In January, NBC is giving it a go with some new reality series like Howie Do It, Superstars of Dance, and Momma's Boys. Ugh. At least we get the network premiere of Friday Night Lights. [Zap2It]

- A Thanksgiving miracle! Dancing With the Stars if FINALLY over for the season. That means someone one or something. Better yet though, Cloris was back! [TV Guide]

Best Night Ever

Ahh, I completely forgot about the show Cha$e! It was kind of mildly entertaining and it also made me want to punch each and every contestant in their stupid mouths. I'll still watch it again. Thankfully, Best Week Ever's Max Silvestri was kind of enough to highlight some of the best clips from it as well as Dancing With the Stars and Biggest Loser: Families and House.

It's like Thanksgiving a day early!

Best Night Ever: 11-25-08 @ Yahoo! Video

Chuck: Chuck Versus the Gravitron

I only kind of, half watched Chuck last night. I got most of it though and I have to say it was a bit too cheesy for me. And for Chuck even. Maybe because it was the "Thanksgiving" episode they felt they really needed to lay in on thick. Whatevs.

Anyway, last night's eppy picked up right where last week's left off. Agents Casey and Walker are scrambling to find Chuck and Jill who they just figured out was a FULCRUM operative. Bad news bears!

Morgan is dlisted from Ellie's Thanksgiving (because the Awesome Parents are going to be attending this year) which basically crushes him - it's his favorite holiday. FAVORITE.



To read more after the jump...



Chuck: Chuck Versus the Gravitron
Season 2, Episode 8

My one gripe about this entire episode is how obvious it was that Jill was going to betray Chuck again. I mean come on. These types of stories really annoy me because I have little to no patients for people that refuse to admit that someone they are with or like might not be a good person. And of course, this usually comes to play with exes.

So, while Jill is all tied up in their base while Casey and Sarah are doing their thing and she talks Chuck into untying her... ugh, my stomach turns and I just roll my eyes. SO LAME. He just couldn't wait the whole 5 minutes it took for them to get back?!? He's really going to put everyone at risk like that? Come on. I have no sympathy for these types of people. It's a personal thing, can't you tell, lol.

Other than that, I did really like the Morgan/Ellie plotline. I think Morgan's my favorite character in the show, just because he's such a lovable, loyal guy. He's like the perfect friend!

Did You Miss Best Week Ever Over the Weekend...

...then fear not. It's on the internets now. And it's a good one. And John Hodgman drops by!

Best Week Ever Ep. 1509: The Whole Darn Thing @ Yahoo! Video

Heroes: The Eclipse - Part 1

So, the final chapter of Villains started last night. With it brought the eclipse that somehow strips each of the heroes/villains of their abilities. This greatly frustrates Arthur Petrelli considering that he's painted the future and doesn't see how this helps him in any way. Instead, it ends up killing off the two people that he needs to carry out his plan.

On the other side of things, all the heroes are sent out by Angela Petrelli to find some of their more powerful allies that they'll need to fight Arthur. Unfortunately, this mission puts her sons in a life or death situation and trapped in Haiti.

With only one more episode left before the end of the Villains saga, who's going to come out on top!? Will they even get any of their powers back? And who is making the freaking 9th Wonder comics?!

To read more and watch the entire episode, click on "recraps away" below.





Heroes: The Eclipse - Part 1
Season 3, Episode 10




I was anticipating this episode was going to be more of an exposition episode, kind of setting the stage before the final fight (if there even is one). But where it left everyone, I'm not really sure what is even going to happen. I was assuming that this episode would end with a rather big, unresolved buildup that would conclude in next week's episode with a huge fight between the two sides. That could still happen, but I just don't know how it's going to get to that point.

First off, Arthur's side is kinda dead in the water with nothing to do. With everyone without powers and Sylar and Elle out looking for Claire (with potentially disastrous results), there's nothing that they can do until their powers return.

On the Angela side, it's about the same situation except worse. Nathan and Peter are trapped in Haiti. Bad news. Hiro, Ando, Parkman, and Daphne are all stuck in Kansas (the latter also being a cripple), and Claire's been shot by Elle and can't heal (Ruh-roh). All of this because of the eclipse.

So where is this even gonna go now? Once the eclipse finishes up do they all get their powers back? Is that how it works? And if they've all experienced this eclipse before (when it supposedly gave everyone it's powers) why haven't Arthur and Angela experienced this before? I mean it seems like the eclipse happens at least a couple times during one's lifetime. Shouldn't they know what's going on?

Also, who in the hell is writing the 9th Wonder comic book? As a friend of mine pointed out to me, we saw the final and unfinished one that Isaac Mendez had worked on at the end of season 1, so who's doing it now!?!! I just really hope that we get a really awesome battle between the two sides next week. That's all I've been wanting for ages!

Early Morning Crap

- This is what you can look forward to if you ever find yourself enamored with NASA TV. [Videogum]

- An interview with Ando gives us a few little insights as to what to expect from the rest of the season of Heroes. I'm excited! [TV Squad]

- Did you miss Dancing With the Stars last night and need a blow by ever precious blow of exactly what happened? You're in luck. [TV Guide]

- Ugh, Ashton Kutcher is developing some model show and some weird @$$ drama based off the book called The One for The CW. Can't you just feel my excitement? [Variety]

- Hulu realizes that people would rather watch one long commercial at the beginning of a show then a bunch of little ones scattered throughout - duh. They also think people are actually paying attention to that ad. So naive... [TV Week]

- Exclusive pictures of Presiden elect Obama giving his much talked about "jolt" ot the nations economy. [Pophangover]

Best Night Ever

It's that time of the morning! Time to get your coffee, your bagel slathered with cream cheese or your pastry treat covered in a radioactive pink frosting from D&D, put some Visine in your bloodshot eyes, and try to pretend you're not groggy so your boss doesn't come over and smell the alcohol on your breath from the night before. You know, that time of the morning! Also, Brian Faas of Best Week Ever has the funnest moments from last night's television shows - Chuck, DwtS, and Design to Sell. Wait? What was that last one... really? WTF?

Best Night Ever: 11-24-08 @ Yahoo! Video

MARK PAYNE STICKY BAR SKETCH!!!

I FOUND IT!!!! Here's the very last sketch from the Tim McGraw episode of Saturday Night Live featuring Bobby Moynihan doing his Mark Payne character who obsesses over the sticky bar where he's working!

The audio is a little boogered up and doesn't quite match, but hey beggars can't be choosers. I'm so pumped. I'm pretty sure that Mark Payne is my favorite recurring character on SNL right now. Watch it while you can because NBC will probably be all over this crap before long.

Monday's Without GG

So today was Monday and normally I'd watch Gossip Girl, followed by Heroes, followed by The Hills and then catch Chuck on Hulu the next day.

Welp, I forgot that Gossip Girl wasn't on this week. That's a pretty crushing blow to be all excited to see Blair Waldorf and only to have your dreams crushed once you realize why One Tree Hill is playing at 8:00 pm instead. Then I didn't even watch The Hills! Was it the season finale of that crapfest?! Guess I'll have to catch it on MTV.

Just thought I'd let you know, lol.

Late Lunch Indigestion

- The greatest morning news spectator in the history of morning news, nay, in history. I'm moving to Chicago right now just so I can meet Vincent and be his best friend. [Videogum]

- Hollywood continues to destroy itself with terrible, horrendous, just plain effing stupid ideas. [BWE]

- Jack Bauer helped FOX win the ratings yesterday which is a big deal considering they hardly ever win Sundays. [Zap2It]

- ABC Family is having a Harry Potter weekend starting on December 5th with some special sneak peeks of Half-Blood Prince sprinkled throughout.

- Heidi and Spencer ran off to Mexico and got married. Perez Hilton is basically in heaven right now. [Perez Hilton]

- Steven Seagal is starring in a new reality show for A&E about his time "as a fully commissioned deputy with the Jefferson Parish County Sheriff's Office." This is going to be amazing. [Variety]

It's been a slow day....

24: Redemption - Meh, But I'm Pumped!

So the 2 hour made for TV movie 24: Redemption was on last night that acts as a prequel to the new season that starts in January and I have to say that it has been far too long since I've seen Jack Bauer. And I don't even mean the crazy year and a half that the show hasn't been on air!

I actually didn't even watch last season. Why's that you ask? Well, I'm ashamed to say it was because I didn't finish watching the season before that and I didn't want to have anything spoiled (you know how 24 is). I've made up my mind though that I'm just gonna jump into this season without worrying about the missed episodes (unless I come across the DVDs of the past two seasons before January).

With that being said, what did I think of 24: Redemption? Find out after the jump where you can also watch the telefilm in it's entirety!




24: Redemption



You have no idea how I've missed the words, "The following takes place between (insert time) and (insert time)." And because of that very fact, I'm pretty sure that 24: Redemption accomplished exactly what it set out to do - get fans (and hopefully others) all jazzed up for the upcoming season. We got to see Jack Bauer in action again! I'm pretty sure that would get any fan of the show excited. It also introduced us to some of the key characters that we will be seeing in the new season including Madame President, her son, her son's GF, and the host of Shady McShadersons that will probably end up being villains, then helping out, then villains again, then die, then come back to life in the next season.

Overall though, the movie as a whole was a whole lotta meh. It felt like watching one of the slower exposition episodes after you would watch really action packed, big reveal episodes. I was more interested in what weird @$$ story was going on between the president's son and his druggo, Nervous Nelly friend than I was concerned about "saving the children." But that's not to say I didn't like watching Jack Bauer do what he does best.

And let me tell you, the one word I can think to describe Jack Bauer is domination. Wherever he goes he dominates. Whoever he's up against he dominates. When Jack is being tortured for info, he dominates. The man is amazing. I mean, he almost single handily stops a fairly large group of rebels from stealing boys from his friends school! He's everything I want in an action hero and more. I wish there just would have been more of him doing awesome stuff (I know, I know, it was only 2 hours - one and a half if you count the commersh).

But, even with the movie being a little whatevs, it did make me want more and if this was the launching pad for the upcoming season (which it is) then we have a lot to look forward too. Jack already has a dead friend and John Voigt is burying people in cement! Looks like we're in for a great ride! And all I have to say to that is keep it coming - especially after watching the trailer for the upcoming season. Jack Bauer is back!

If, for some reason, you really want to own 24: Redemption (even though you can easily watch it on Hulu it will be in stores on Tuesday (tomorrow) so that's pretty cool of FOX (and also a big ploy to squeeze some money out of viewers).

Best Night Ever

Did you miss the American Music Awards. (I know I sure did!) Did you miss Kanye make some ridiculous, outlandish remarks about how he is the greatest artist that ever was, is, and well be? (It will never end.) Did you miss thousands of teen girls heads explode like Mentos and Coke when the Jonas Brothers walked up on stage? (It happens, I swear.) Did you miss the janitor that kept walking out on stage during acceptance speeches?! (Best part of the whole night!) Well, you're in luck. Abby Holland from Best Week Ever has all the good stuff from last night's AMA's so sit back, wipe that wipe that sleep from your eyes, start wishing for the weekend, and watch!

Best Night Ever: 11-17-08 @ Yahoo! Video

Weekend Blowout

- The American Music Awards were on Sunday. Did anyone watch this other than my parents? While I was in the other room watching 24: Redemption I heard the above "performance" and thought it was Ashlee Simpson the whole time.

- Bob Saget has a new sitcom and it's about a family and a house but it might not ever even make it to television. [TV Guide]

- Take a big freakin' guess which network won the ratings for Friday night. I'll give you a hint, it wasn't ABC, NBC, FOX, or CW. [Zap2It]

- FOX decides that it would rather air infomercials than cartoons on Saturday morning. Luckily, CW is picking up the slack. [Variety]

- Don't really like spending time with your own family? Then spend Thanksgiving with the Kardashians instead! [TV Squad]

- NBC is teaming up with the self-help guru Tony Robbins to create a new reality show, possibly in the same vein as Biggest Loser. [TV Week]

Somone Find Me "Sticky Bar"

Okay, I've been scavenging the freaking webunet and can't find Bobby Moynihan doing his most recent "Pepper Guy" sketch that was on SNL last night. I did find out some info on the character though. His name is Mark Payne. Yep, that's about all I got.

I did manage to find the first one he did though because the Youtube clip I had up from the episode it originally aired on has probably been removed.



If someone can find last night's Mark Payne sketch with the Sticky Bar and direct me to it, I would greatly appreciate it. At least we get to enjoy Peppah!

Saturday Night Live: Tim McGraw Edition

Did you watch SNL last night? Well, if you didn't, you really didn't miss a whole bunch. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't as good as the last few episodes have been. Tim McGraw (after his first sketch) was actually pretty darn good. I have to admit that I was impressed! You know how some stars come on and just kind of go through the motions of an SNL hosting gig? Not Mr. McGraw, he really went for it. Congrats!

I think the above sketch about James Bond gambling with a redneck was probably the funniest of the lot, but definitely was not my favorite. They finally brought back the waiter character (played by Bobby Moynihan), who really has a nose for pepper, back but this time instead of getting caught up on the smell of pepper in the restaurant, he's working an incredibly sticky bar. It was the last skit of the night and I'm so glad I caught it because it will probably never be put online (thanks SNL... LAME)

Anyway, to watch the other sketches that NBC has put up, click on "recraps away" below. I'll scour the enternetz for the sticky bar sketch, but don't hold your breath.



Here's the first scene of the night. Kristin Wiig plays some chick that's advertising for Clear-Rite, clear adult retainers. Or is she?



A Dateline Special.



Bill Clinton and Arriana Huffington pay a visit to Weekend Update. Also, Amy's still out on assignment, lol.





One of the weirder skits of the night. It started off pretty good but I don't really get the ending. I wish they would have "gobbled" more.



T-Pain and Ludacris get to witness the fresh new beats of Blizzard Man.



And finally, a WEB EXCLUSIVE. Obama's Cheif of Staff, Rahm Emmanuel has a strong message for everyone.

Best Week Ever w. Paul F. Tompkins

Best Week Ever with Paul F. Tompkins was on last night and in case you missed it it, here's a little clip from the episode. In it, Elisabeth Moss of Mad Men fame stops by the studio to visit with Mr. F. Tompkins and talk about her Broadway play.

BWE Preview: Elisabeth Moss @ Yahoo! Video

It was a pretty solid episode. Plus, if you liked the music (I know I sure did), head over to Best Week Ever to check out the group responsible for it - The Spinto Band.

Whale Wars: International Incidents R Us - 11/21/08

Last night was the third episode of the seven part series Whale Wars on Animal Planet. And let me tell you, the more I watch this show, the more I'm incredibly glad that I'm not a whale activist. The crap they do just seems to get more crazy and more dangerous each episode.

In International Incidents R Us, the Sea Shepherds are still reveling in the media sh*t show they've created when their two crew members Potts and Giles jumped on board the Yushin Maru #2 - where they are still being held captive. Though they had no idea what was happening to their crew members while they were being held hostage, it did mean that whales weren't being killed - so in that sense, the longer the better.

Even though the Japanese whaling ship offers the two prisoners back to the Steve Irwin, Captain Paul Watson refuses to agree because of the demands that the Japanese have set for their return. Finally, the Japanese and Australian governments step in to arrange a transfer, but before they pick up their comrades the Sea Shepherds decide to launch another attack on the Yushin Maru #2 - in the pitch black darkness of night.

To read more, click on "recraps away" below.




After three long days of negotiations, the Japanese and Australians came to an agreement. The Australian government arranged for a ship to pick up the two hostage Sea Shepherds from the Japanese and then meet up with the Sea Shepherds to return them so that neither side could make any demands on the other. This made the Sea Shepherds happy because not only were they getting their crew members back, but they could also continue to harass the whaling ships without worry.

After Potts and Giles had been picked up, the Australian ship radioed the Steve Irwin to give them coordinates on where to meet. They had 7 hours to get there.

Shortly after being contacted by the Australians though, the Sea Shepherds spotted the Yushin Maru #2 on the horizon, presumably just after dropping after their captives. To the Sea Shepherds, it appeared as though the Japanese were being a little cocky, as if to say, we're right here and you can't get us because you've gotta get your friends...

Sooo, because Captain Paul Watson was sleeping because he had been awake for 36 hours or something (Did anyone else notice that every time someone mentioned Captain Watson was sleeping they always had to say he had been awake for "36 hours or something" as if they were kind of unsure about it? I just thought that was really odd), 1st Mate Peter Brown was in charge.

Now, before I continue, I just want to say what a bunch of tool bags the 1st and 2nd Mates are. Peter Brown and Peter Hammarstedt respectively. They worship Captain Watson like he's the greatest gift to the earth since well, nature. He could tell them to fight to the death and they blindly would. Idiots.

Well, 1st Mate Peter Brown makes the decision to send out the Zodiac and the helicopter to make another attack on the Japanese before they pick up their crew. Only problem is that it will have to be quick because it's getting dark and doing this during the pitch black nighttime would be very dangerous.

After the Zodiac and it's 4 person team get loaded into the water and take off, the helicopter leaves to relay back to the Steve Irwin what happens. Unfortunately, the helicopter can't find the Zodiac. After circling around the area where the Yushin Maru #2 is, he finally spots the team, way off course and only going further in the wrong direction. He attempts to radio them and signal them to turn around, but for some reason they don't respond. The helicopter finally has to return to the boat because he can't fly without lights to guide him.

Back on the Steve Irwin, the crew begins to worry because they cannot reach the Zodiac. They won't respond on the radio and with it being dark out, hope is fleeting. They even attempted to radio the Yushin Maru to ask if they'd seen the ship in hopes that they'd asnwer. Silence from them. Peter Brown, the man in charge, seems to not really know what he's doing and does not react quickly enough to the situation for the liking of other people. Well, one of hte crew members that was unhappy with the situation (I can't remember his name) started to plot out (with the help of some others) a plan to search for the missing Zodiac. This REALLY pissed off Peter Brown and Peter Hammarstedt. MUTINY!

As things looked incredibly grim and tensions were at an all time high, finally, the Zodiac radioed in. Their mission had been successful. They had nailed the Yushin Maru with their stink bombs but had not managed to get the prop fouler to catch on. The crew still on the Sea Shepherds were both happy and kind of angry that the team had not radioed in sooner. The Zodiac team blamed the short range of the radios but people were quick to point out that they did have a SAT phone that they could have used.

Now that they were back though, time was running short to get to the rendezvous point. They turned the ship around and headed off to meet the Australian ship the Oceanic Viking. With no time to spare, they make it. By that time, Captain Paul Watson had finally woke up and with his 1st and 2nd Mate, decided to strip the title from their unruly member (even though he was just worried about the Zodiac and stupid Peter Brown wasn't doing anything).

The episode ends with a small boat bringing Potts and Giles over to the Steve Irwin. No one knows how they are doing, what their state of mind is, and how they will react once getting back to the Sea Shepherds.

--------------------------

This episode was pretty intense and stressful even though hardly anything happened. You spend the entire episode worried about what is going to happen to the poor team on the Zodiac only to find out they were fine the whole time (and actually having a blast attacking the Japanese). We don't even get to see Potts and Giles return! All we're left with is them almost back to the Steve Irwin. COME ON! Animal Planet is really dragging this show out. I just hope it doesn't do this with the last 4 episodes.

The other thing you kind of get from this episode is how completely dick headed the commanding officers on the Steve Irwin are. I understand there is a rank system involved on the ship so things run smoothly, but when the person in charge isn't doing anything to make a situation better, isn't it time to do something about it? Granted, the situation turned out fine on it's own, but it was very close to being something terrible.

Also, Paul Watson is a pompous, douche of a man. When the blond chick that's always on camera asked him if he wanted to go down to see Potts and Giles once they returned to the ship, he told her he wasn't gonna go. She then said one of them should go down to meet them and she thinks it would be best if it was him. His response is, "I don't leave the bridge." Eff you then captain fat pants. That's great and all that you're the big fearless leader, but show some compassion to your crew members that jump at your every (bat sh*t crazy) whim to save the whales. Ugh, he makes my blood boil.

ANTM Has a Fast Turn Around

Didn't the 11th Cycle of America's Next Top Model just end this last Wednesday? I'm not crazy right? That did just happened. Welp, that doesn't stop MTV from getting over excited and airing an ANTM marathon (like they tend to do on Saturdays, and Mondays thru Fridays) of that exact cycle.

That's some quick turnaround! I'm probably going to end up watching it most of the day considering that I didn't really watch it this season. For some reason, I can never actually watch the show when it's airing. I can only stand to sit through it when it's on in a marathon on either MTV or VH1. Call me a masochist, but there's something about the constant barrage of Tyra's full on crazy and a bunch of b*tchy girls that are kind of ugly until they get makeup on (and even then they're just weird looking) that gets me every time.

So, if you happened to miss an episode of Cycle 11, or you just REALLY love watching ANTM, tune into MTV all day!

Weekend Dump

- This video of a retarded, ugly, @$$ dog kept being played on The Soup last night and I could NOT stop laughing for the life of me. Even now, I'm peeing a little. [The Soup]

- Jack Bauer's alternate personality, Keifer Sutherland, talks about how much 24 there is left. [TV Guide]

- Speaking of 24, the new made-for-TV-movie (24: Resurrection) that airs tomorrow night sounds like it's more of a fan service than anything else. Don't care, STILL WATCHING! [Zap2It]

- Talks between the Screen Actors Guild and the Alliance of Motion Pictures & Television Producers fell through which means SAG will probably be looking to strike within the next few weeks. AWESOME. ::shakes fist in air:: [Variety]

- There was a car crash on the set of 30 Rock that delayed filming. Tina Fey and a 9-year old boy had to jump out of the way, but luckily no one was hurt. [Watch with Kristin]

- Jon Hamm's lady, Jennifer Westfeldt will be making a multi-episode appearance on Grey's Anatomy as a patient who will likely get involved with one of the doctors. SURPRISE! [Ausiello Files]

- To get yourself in the Christmas spirit (even though it's not even Thanksgiving yet) don't forget to watch A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All! on Comedy Central tomorrow at 10:00. [Popwatch]

- Twilight Mania has swept through the internet and found its way onto Yahoo! Answers for some hilarious results. [Videogum]

Friday Night Random Find

After the fetus cookie cutter made it's rounds, someone just had to go and make the next logical fetus shaped device to offend the masses.

And thus, the fetus USB drive is born...



[instructables via Gizmodo]

Late Lunch Indigestion

- Bonnie Hunt does a pretty spot on impersonation of Kim from Real Housewives of Atlanta, busted wig and all. Neicy Nashy even joins in as NeNe [Dlisted]

- Another "Close to Zero" list, now in New York flavor, from one of my favorite sites ever. [Pophangover]

- The Arrested Development movie is officially (finally) really actually going to happen, even if someone (Michael Cera) doesn't wanna do it. [Watch with Kristin]

- In Chuck news, it looks like Sarah will have a new agent rival in the no-relationship-nonsense character of Agent Alex Forrest played by Tricia Helfer of Battlestar Galactica fame. [Ausiello Files]

- Yes, Twilight Fever has swept the nation as teen girls and creepy old men flock to see the movie this weekend. No where is that more evident than on Facebook. [Videogum]

- There's going to be even more Tyra on The CW than there already is. Do you think you can handle that?! I can't... [Zap2It]

- NBC is giving Lipstick Jungle it's final chance by giving it the Crusoe timeslot on Fridays. Granted, it's hardly a good chance, but it at least got one. [Variety]

- Yes, I'm still caught up on the Pushing Daisies thing. I probably will be until the last episode airs, so deal. [TV Squad]

- QVC is hiring a host to sell a bunch of junk to old people who only called in to talk because they are lonely. Now for the do's and don'ts for your audition. [BWE]

30 Rock: Gavin Volure

Liz and Jack visit his old friend Gavin Volure (played by Steve Martin), an incredibly rich, severely agoraphobic man that hasn't left his house in 3 years. Volure ends up taking a notice of Lemon and invites her up to his Connecticut home for the weekend only to turn out to be someone immensely (and hilariously) different that what she knew of him.

Tracy ends up being terrified of his two boys Tracy Jr. and George Foreman after seeing a news report of two boys that murdered their father to take his wealth and Jack loses Kenneth's life savings in an investment gone bad.

Watch the full episode and read more after the jump.



30 Rock: Gavin Volure
Season 3, Episode 4



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I (along with probably everyone else that watches this show) had been worried about the massive amount of guest stars that had been booked to appear on 30 Rock this season. Well, we've now finished our 4th episode and had even more special guests than originally revealed (cast of Night Court, John McEnroe) and everything went incredibly well. Obviously that is thanks to the genius writing staff the show has. As much as I would like to say I was pleasantly surprised by the whole thing, that would be a knock to the writers. I shouldn't have expected anything less.

I thought the episode as a whole wasn't quite as good as the last couple of episodes, but that doesn't mean it was bad. Far from it. It was still miles ahead of some other sitcoms that are still on television that will remain nameless. It just shows how ridiculously above par the show is on a whole and when one episode is almost excellent, instead of just excellent, you notice. Hardly a complaint by any means.

Two things I want to point out. The first being Tracy's line about Jenna's dad's visit which pointed out that Jenna wasn't in the episode at all. It was a clever nod from the writers poking fun at when a show doesn't feature one of the main characters in an episode at all and fails to mention what they were doing the whole time. It's things like this that prove the writers on this show are huge fans of television and are incredibly intelligent when it comes to writing this show. It's funny that it takes a bunch of smarties to write such oddball humor.

Second thing, I love how in each episode you find out something outlandishly funny about (at least) one of the characters. In this week's episode it was Kenneth's families inbred pig farm. How do they think up this stuff!? I just want to fly out to New York and give each writer a hug and tell them thank you for creating the show of my dreams.

The Office: Frame Toby

Last night's episode finally saw the return of Toby!! Unfortunately, that news did not sit well with Michael. At all. Like, he was PISSED! Michael and Dwight then attempt to get Toby fired the only way they know how. Planting drugs on him and then calling the police.

Meanwhile, Jim and Pam take their relationship to the next step. Well, Jim does at least. He buys a house for Pam without telling her. His parents house. Yikes! Wonder how she feels about that surprise.

Speaking of surprises, Ryan laid one on Kelly that looks like his escape from the relationship (not to mention the show).

To read up some more and watch the full episode, hit up "recraps away" just below.




The Office: Frame Toby
Season 5, Episode 8



How else do you describe this episode than by saying POOR TOBY! I know Michael kind of dislikes Toby and the fact that he came back and kind of replaced Holly really seems like a cruel trade off to him. But framing him! LOL. Amazing!!! Leave it to Dwight to come of with such a crack pot (no pun intended) plan. I think my favorite part of it was when Dwight phoned the police and when they asked the name of the person calling, he answered with Andy Bernard.

I'm really glad that Toby's back. As much as I really am still upset that Holly's gone, it has just been far too long without Toby. His severe shyness has been sorely missed. It will be interesting to see how his presence effects Michael for the rest of the season. Will Michael's hatred for him be more intense since it's like Holly was replaced by Toby? Also, I wonder if Toby still has feelings for Pam and if he knows about the engagement. Poor guy is just always down on his luck.

How adorable were Pam and Jim last night? I just wanted to give them the biggest hug ever. And if I ever see that clown picture again, I'm going to claw my eyes out. You have no idea how happy I am that they're still going strong. The New York thing was really starting to make me nervous about some possible rough times between the two, but it seems that's entirely behind them now. JUST TOO CUTE.

Last night also saw Ryan (or rather B.J. Novak) put his plans in motion to take a leave from the show. I really hope that he's not gone forever and that maybe some day, Ryan returns from Thailand. I wonder if once he leaves, if Kelly will make some ridiculous attempts to get back with Darryl since she can't really exist without a boyfriend.

Finally, isn't Andy and Angela's wedding next week?! The sh*t is gonna go doooown!

Kath & Kim: Gay

Kim makes a startling discovery about her mother's fiance Phil and his "situation" in back. This makes Phil self-conscience about his butt and confronts Kath to see what she thinks about his "situation."

Meanwhile, after an awkward moment with some "lady gays" at a stationary shop, Kath starts to question Kim's new friendship with an old female friend from high school who Kim seems to be getting closer and closer to which leads to one of the funniest Kath & Kim episodes yet!

To watch the full episode and read more, hit "recraps away" below.



Kath & Kim: Gay
Season 1, Episode 7



This was, by far, the funniest episode of Kath & Kim this season! From Phil's "back porch carpet" situation and his insecurities about it to Kath's fear of Kim becoming a lesbian, to Craig trying to defend his woman, there were just a lot of high points in the episode and it proves that Kath & Kim is coming into its own.

Some of my favorite moments:

- Kim using her hair to represent Phil's "situation" when he's got his back to her at the sandwich shop. Her facial expressions are priceless.

- The fact that the entire episode, they always say Kim's friend's entire name. Penny Peterson. At the place in the mall with like 100 beers, her name is mentioned like 8 times in conversation.

- When Kath goes to the mall to get get her thoughts together and she just can't get her mind of the whole "gay" issue and keeps seeing signs that remind her of what she thinks her daughter is going through like this one:



- Kath's montage at Borders Express

- The vast amount of lesbian, vagina, and other sexual innuendos and imagery that they use throughout the episode.

- The ending right before the credits when Kath gets stung by a bee and Kim makes a reference to Lisa Rinna's lips

AND - Best line of the episode, when Craig goes to jump the dude that was getting up in his face he yells, "It's Britney Bitch!"

My Name is Earl: Nature's Game Show

Severe weather brings with it a wave of tornadoes that sweep through Camden leaving the trailer court residents playing a game of Finders Keepers. The storms also sweeps away Earl's list prevents him from crossing someone off, Randy believes that he's invincible after "riding" the tornado and being left unharmed from direct shots by a gun, while Joy and Darnnel get into an ongoing argument over who's smarter, the one with the intelligence, or the one with the "street smarts."

Plus, a flying bible that's constantly blown around the area has the residents of Camden believing that they've received a sign from God.

To read more and watch the full eppy, click "recraps away" below



My Name is Earl: Nature's Game Show
Season 4, Episode 10



Just three things about this episode.

1. Watching the bible fly around Camden, hitting people and making them believe they've been given a sign from God was pretty funny. When Catalina gets nailed in the face while trying to tell Earl that she's meant to stay in the boat got me real good.

2. The chubby twins running was HILARIOUS.

3. One of the best moments I've seen on Earl was Joy's reenactment of MacGyver. After her and Darnnel got into their argument, Joy realized that as the tornado was nearly upon them, it was up to her to break into the Church basement to save their lives. All she needed was a garden hose, some chewing gum, and a propane tank - which she learned from MacGyver. The scene was complete with the music and the freeze frame!!

I love it when shows poke fun at other, more ridiculous shows.

Early Morning Crap

- Everyone in the world hates the Toyota "Saved by Zero" commercials. There's so much hate in fact, that the commercial itself has started fighting back. By killing anyone that watches it. [Videogum]

- You know how that woman found a black widow spider in some grapes? Imagine how that turned out for her. [Pophangover]

- The CW was decidedly unhappy about it's Sunday night lineup. So they axed everything and are now gonna show reruns and movies. Yay Drew Carey Show. [Ausiello Files]

- Kathy Griffin got some love from BRAVO who renewed her Emmy-winning show for a 5th season and gave her some comedy specials. [Variety]

- Though Pushing Daisies is canceled, it seems Eli Stone and Dirty Sexy Money still have one shot left to impress ABC.

- Speaking of Daisies, I'm glad to know that someone else feels exactly the same way that I do about the entire situation. [TV Squad]

- Britney Spears' special for MTV, Britney: For the Record sounds like it's just really kind of depressing. [TV Guide]

I'm assuming that if you missed every show on television last night that's worth watching (and there's quite a few) that it was because you were in a prayer vigil for Pushing Daisies. Well a lot of good that did. Thanks for nothing jerks.

In the meantime, Leslie Collins of Best Week Ever did the smart thing and supported some of the other shows that are kind of trailing in the ratings. So, for their sake, watch some highlights from 30 Rock and The Office!

Best Night Ever: 11-20-08 @ Yahoo! Video

Pushing Daisies, Dirty Sexy Money, and Eli Stone All Canceled

It's a sad, sad day. ABC has canceled Pushing Daisies, Dirty Sexy Money, and Eli Stone.

This is kind of crushing news, but nothing that was a surprise. The three shows have been suffering in the ratings and hemorrhaging viewers. It's a shame that such quality shows had to be axed, nonetheless.

There is some good news for Pushing Daisies fans.

According to Fuller, the facts are these: "It's very likely that Pushing Daisies will end after episode 13, which as you know, is a cliffhanger. But we are talking to DC Comics about doing comic books that will wrap up our storylines, and I already have a pitch for a movie ready to go.

"To be honest, I'm really not feeling very boo hoo about it. I am so proud of the show. We put together 22 really good episodes, and there is a lot to be proud of. I'm sure I'll be working with a lot of these people again, and I would love to do so."

A movie!! I'd be there in a heart beat!

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I'll get over this. Eventually. It's just gonna be sad not to have my 8 PM Wednesday night time slot filled with pies, deaths, and flowery dialogue. :(

RIP - Pushing Daisies, Dirty Sexy Money, and Eli Stone (a show I never watched)

Lollerz of the Day

This is what I'm going to be like if Pushing Daisies gets canceled.

[BWE]

Pushing Daisies - It Doesn't Look Good

There's a rumor going around right now that Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money have officially been canceled by ABC and that it's slowly starting to leak out to everyone else.

From over at TV by the Numbers:

Nick C, in the comments says that Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money have been officially cancelled and that word is starting to leak out. We haven’t seen anything official, so for us it is still but a rumor at this point, but Nick has been very accurate with his info in the past and we’ll give him all the credit if he’s right — and of course all the blame if he’s wrong!

Pushing Daisies did suffer a pretty big blow in the ratings this week - which would point to all things negative.

I'm really bummed because I thoroughly enjoyed both of these shows. Granted, nothing's final until the fat lady sings, but it's looking ever more likely that ABC is getting her ready to warble her final song.

Sorry For the Break

Sorry for the break in posts today, I had a little doctors appointment to take care of. My right leg has been raping me with pain over the last few weeks and I went to a chiropractor to see what he could do.

Welp, I'm back now and getting back into the swing.

To make up for the absence of posts, here's a video of Barbara Walters basically telling Rosie to STFU about the comments she made the other day about all the grouchy 'ginas on The View.

Barbara Walters' Message For The Former Ladies Of The View
by TheDlisted

Pushing Daisies: Oh oh oh...It's Magic

Last night's episode of Pushing Daisies was all about magic and the illusions that go along with it. The Pie Maker had to deal with the fact that his younger, twin half-brothers that he just recently discovered were also suffering from some daddy issues. They were looking to The Great Herrmann, a magician at the Conjurer's Castle, for fatherly support.

So, it comes as a rather terrible shock when The Great Herrmann is found dead in one of his own magic tricks, Cementia! Not only does Ned need to get over his own disbelief in magic (from the bad memories of it that his father left him with) but also figure out who committed such an awful crime in such a magical world.

To read more, click on "recraps away" down below.




First off, before I talk about the episode, I really want to say how great the two big guest stars were. Fred Willard was spot on as The Great Herrmann! I could pretty much watch him in anything. His ridiculous mannerisms and the way he delivers his lines just clicks. He's the perfect magician.

Also, I had no idea that Paul F. Tompkins was going to be on Pushing Daisies! Playing the role of The Geek, a gimmick magician that has the ability to swallow almost anything (from glass and house keys to small rodents and birds) and regurgitate it (sometimes at random times) was terrific! It was pretty cool to see him play a much more devious person than the usually chipper personality that he has as the host of Best Week Ever. His best part? Explaining what he does as a magician and how he's working his way up on swallowing an entire kitten. LOL!!

Congrats to both of them!!

-----------------------------

Now, I'm not really going to talk much about the show. Instead, I'm just going to make another plea for people to watch it. For those of you (however few there are) that watch the show and are fans, don't you want to see this amazing show continue on? Then what are you doing about it!? Have you been watching on television? If not when it airs, are you watching it on DVR? On ABC's website?! Are you downloading it on iTunes or off of Amazon? Please tell me you're doing something to make sure that ABC knows that people are watching and that they LOVE IT.

ABC needs to see an uptick in the ratings (preferably a large one) from this week's episode and next week's for them to finally make the decision to keep the show going. And that responsibility is totally on us.

For those of you that haven't seen the show, either because you just don't care, or you're kind of interested but you just haven't watched, or maybe you watch something else on Wednesday nights at 8 - MAKE TIME TO WATCH. I'm assuming that if you're reading this in any way, you've made it to this blog because you either enjoy television or you're a friend of mine. If you enjoy television in any capacity, you should be worried that this show might not be coming back after it's 13th episode.

Pushing Daisies is unlike anything else on right now (and possibly even ever). I don't know how often I can stress this. This one show is better than almost everything else on television right now. How is this possible?! Why are other, far inferior shows getting the ratings!? It's embarrassing that the viewing public doesn't pay attention to such a creative and unique show.

I'm begging everyone right now to go out and make people watch it. Buy them an episode on iTunes. Have them over for dinner and make them watch it from your DVR. Send them the link to ABC's website so they can watch it online. Just do something to get the word out, if it's not already too late.

Ann Curry Leaves Mount Kilimanjaro

This morning on The Today Show, those who are already back in the studio (read: everyone... lazies), checked in to see how Ann Curry was doing on her trek up Mount Kilimanjaro. Yesterday (her birthday), Ann revealed that because her entire team is suffering from altitude sickness, they were questioning whether or not to continue on.

Well, Ann broke the news today that they were indeed turning around, completing the task that they had set out to accomplish, but not quite making it to the 19,000 foot summit they had originally set out to.

Ann and her team, did show the devastating effect that global warming has had on the snowy peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro. Over 80% of the icecaps have melted in the last 100 years!

The team has been on the mountainside for 9 days and are expected to make it down sometime within the next day.

So, cheers to you Ann Curry on your amazing adventure!!!

Early Morning Crap

- Sesame Street does 30 Rock(s). The fact that Liz Lemon is an actual lemon is probably my favorite part. [Edub TV]

- Rosie O'Donnell plans on keeping her political views out of her new variety show, but that doesn't stop her from opening her big mouth about what happened on The View all over again. LET IT GO. [TV Guide]

- Lifetime is getting real angry over this whole Project Runway thing and has decided to file a counter suit against NBC Universal and the producer of the show. [Variety]

- Wow. Even after an agreement was reached after the 100 day writers strike devastated television, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers is still being dicks to the WGA. [TV Week]

- Showtime is gearing up for a new reality show and is looking for a cast. Before you got sending in audition tapes, be aware, the show is about prostitutes. [TV Squad]

- James Van Der Beek will be returning to television on One Tree Hill to, um... snort some coke. [Watch with Kristin]

- For all you crazies out their that are looking for the Twilight movie to be the greatest thing since Harry Potter? Don't expect anything special because not only did Harry Potter do the book to movie thing first, it looks like he also did it better. [EW]

Best Night Ever

Oh Best Week Ever. Always thinking of the little guy. The one that completely messed up and didn't get to watch certain television shows last night. It's just so kind of you! Have you ever thought of maybe doing this on the regs?

Best Night Ever: 11-19-08 @ Yahoo! Video