Karen Woodward's Blog

Posted by Karen Woodward

I’ve officially hopped on the So You Think You Can Dance bandwagon for the season. I’m a little late, only joining three weeks ago, although since I read a ton of entertainment magazines (I know, no surprise), I can surely judge.

Lacey was a favorite from the beginning. At first I didn’t want to like her because she’s the sister of last years winner, Benji. It just seemed like so much nepotism – should she even be allowed to compete? Won’t the judges be biased in some way? But she won me over for the same reason that Benji did last year – personality and an underdog spirit. It doesn’t really make sense for her to be the underdog, she should have gone into this as top dog, but nevertheless she still has that underdog scrappiness. You can tell that she’s willing to work hard, and perhaps that’s because she isn’t a conventional beauty and she doesn’t have a stick-thin body.

Unlike say, Lauren, who I was thrilled to see kicked off this week. Yes, she was good, but she was so smug in her talent and prettiness that she just bugged the crap out of me. Stop smiling you moronic twit! Move aside so someone else can have a bloody chance. Plus it irked me no end that she never danced her solos to the song’s beat. It was like the music was strictly background, and nothing to actually be danced to.

But then look at Sabra. I was not a huge Sabra fan at first because she didn’t seem to have much of a personality. But boy can she dance, and Nigel’s summation of her two weeks ago was spot on: she dances from the heart. She may not have a personality in person, but it all comes out in the dancing. Especially that jazz number she did with Neil to the Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” I had to go back and watch it about five times, I thought it was that amazing.

Neil is another underdog. Let’s face it, he isn’t as good as the rest of them, but like Travis, he’s pulled through and gotten better, and more endearing, each week. (If you ask me, Travis was robbed last year – did you see him in that “Sexyback” group dance? He owned that.) When Neil smiles, I just want to give him a cupcake, he’s so cute.

Speaking of cute, my co-worker has a major crush on Danny, but I just don’t get it. He’s so generically pretty to me, like an African-American Ken doll. He’s totally boring to watch, and I wish he’d gotten kicked off weeks ago. Although I really don’t think there was a good crop of male dancers this year.

Take Pasha for instance. Was he technically good? I guess. But he was so boring to watch because I’m so sick of those ballroom dancers who can’t do good solos. All they do is twitch around the stage, twisting their bodies back and forth. Sometimes they’ll mix it up with a cape or something, but there is no hiding it – ballroom is boring.

One last gripe, speaking of boring. Did anyone really like that stupid “What if I met my daddy in heaven” dance that Mia choreographed for Lacey and Neil? It was sentimental tripe and I thought for sure they’d get nailed for it. Imagine my surprise when the judged loved it and Mary Murphy cried. What? Were we watching the same dance?

Two nights with two hours next week seems a little much. But when my co-worker pointed out, "you say that now, but then you'll be crying," I realized she was right. Makes me cry just thinking about it.

TV While On Vacation

Posted by Karen Woodward

As I write this, I’m on vacation at the beach. It’s sunny and warm, and from where I’m sitting I can hear kids play, and I’m oh-so-joyful that I don’t have any. But here is the problem: We’re staying in a rented condo, and I couldn’t figure out the TV. Dish TV, Direct TV, HD TV, this all sounds very impressive, but frankly, it’s just complicated.

There is a flat screen in every room except the bathroom, although I’m sure if the owners could have found a spot to put one, they would have. Some of the TV’s have three remotes that go with them, and some only have one. Not sure what that’s about. But I tried one of the tri-remotes in an attempt to get the TV in my room to turn on…

It made a noise. That sounded promising, but nothing showed up on the screen. I picked up another remote. Pushed ‘Power,’ and heard a noise. Ok, promising again, and this time something appeared on the screen. 'No Signal.' Well that wasn’t quite what I wanted to see, but maybe if I tried the final remote that would answer some questions. I push ‘Power’…

Nothing. No noise, no secret message. Clearly this remote was useless. Maybe it was for the remote controlled curtains. Perhaps the garage door is going up and down as I stand here pointing and clicking. I grow afraid. I decide to give up on the bedroom TV.

The living room TV holds more promise since this only has one remote. It’s the size of a dinner plate and looks like something from Buck Rogers. There’s an LSD screen on it that’s so big that for a second, I wonder if this is the TV. I press ‘On.’ Oooh. I see secret messages on the LSD screen asking me if I want ‘Cable,’ ‘Dish,’ ‘Satelite,’ or ‘Games.’ ‘Cable’ sounds good, so I select that. <Gasp!> The TV is on! It’s tuned into some obscure cable channel (this is what the owners watch?) but the channel up and down buttons work like channel up and down buttons! Hazzah!

I tune into So You Think You Can Dance. I wonder why the dancers are all so…squat and stocky. And why even the lovely and tall Cat Deeley looks like she’s thick-waisted and 5 feet tall. (Not that there is anything wrong with that.) I realize it’s because I’m watching on a wide screen. Whoh, TV is not meant for wide screen. Cat Deeley and all these dancers should sue. I don’t know who they’d sue, but someone.

But I really don’t care. I’m just glad that I’ve figured out the TV. Because sometimes that’s the worst part about vacation – either the TV is too complicated, not complicated enough (think antenna) or your family makes cracks about watching TV while on vacation. There is nothing wrong with watching TV while on vacation. Truthfully, I’d rather surf channels instead of waves.

Shows Missing On Netflix

Posted by Karen Woodward

I’m really peeved that some TV shows are not available on Netflix. I’m not talking about past seasons of current shows, when we know that withholding is some kind of strategic way to get us to buy Christmas presents (or something). I’m talking about old shows that have no excuse for being unavailable.

Particularly, I’m upset – yes, upset – about Once & Again season 3 and My So Called Life. I don’t know how much of a hit Once & Again was, but it was a critical darling, and I think it performed decently in the Nielsen race. I netflixed seasons 1 and 2, and was all set for season 3, when I go to the site and see …“Product Cancelled.”

“Product Cancelled”? How can it be cancelled? That assumes that at one point it was there, right? So…what? Not enough people wanted to netflix it? No one was watching this show anyway! How can Netflix randomly decide to “Cancel” season 3? Now I have to go to Television Without Pity to read through an entire season and find out what happened with Lily and Rick’s blended family.

My So-Called Life has been “Saved” in my queue for what feels like forever. What gives? This show should be highly netflix-agreeable. A cult teen drama starring Claire Danes and Jared Leto? Come on, that’s a no-brainer. Fork it over.

I read that one of the networks owns the rights, which might suggest that the net is planning on oh… I don’t know… airing them. Perhaps Viacom owns the rights, because years ago episodes were airing on MTV, and I used to race home from work to watch. I should have taped them. I could be making a fortune on eBay.

Victoria Beckham

Posted by Karen Woodward

Co-worker Joel is adamant that I will like 24.To prove this, he has brought in season 2. I now have two months to get through it before the fall TV season starts. But somehow I can’t bring myself to get started. I hate the real-time thing; it makes me nervous.

Instead, I’m checking out the mid-summer schlock like Victoria Beckham: Coming to America. Yes, I’m ashamed. But I couldn’t tear myself away from it. I can’t figure out why, because there is a reason that this show was reduced from an eight episode reality series, to four episodes, to a one hour special. Ladies and gentlemen: Posh Spice Isn’t Interesting. Really. Even when she’s baiting her personal assistant (Posh: “Do you think my husband is good looking?” ...GLARE. Assistant: "Um…well, he’s not ugly.” SUPER GLARE!) it all feels like a class in Celebrity 101: How to be Victoria Beckham.

Posh isn’t cold or mean or stupid. She’s just…there. Having spent most of her life in the spotlight, she simply expects certain things. (She says her personal assistant “can’t be too pretty or too skinny.” Guess that counts me out. Ha!) It’s all pretty silly really: She shops, she goes to the DMV, she looks at houses. The difference between her life and mine is that she has to send out a decoy if she wants to shop alone, whereas I’m lucky if I can get anyone to help me at Banana Republic. When Victoria gets pulled over she has to sign autographs. Me…well, I know how to drive, so I don’t get pulled over for making narrow turns (or whatever made-up infraction the producers of this show arranged). Posh looks at houses that have a view of the ocean; me, I have a view of a well traveled boulevard and the noise to prove it.

But I couldn’t turn away from this show, even though I would never have tuned in again if it was an entire series. That’s an hour of my life I’ll never get back, and yet I don’t feel guilty and I still can’t bring myself to watch an Emmy-winning show like 24. What’s wrong with me?

24 Season 1

Posted by Karen Woodward

I just aborted an attempt to watch season 1 of 24. I figured since it was so popular, winning awards and whatnot, that I would love it, so I borrowed season 1 from my co-worker. But…I was bored. And now I worry that there is something wrong with me that I don’t like an award-winning series.

I thought it was dull from the first episode. That’s right, I said it, DULL. Jack was sexy, but a little too arrogant for my tastes. His wife had an annoyingly bad haircut, plus I couldn’t get past the fact that she forgave Jack for his office affair. Minus two for the wife. I found Kimberly such an annoying, stupid twit that I wished she’d been killed posthaste. In all seriousness, I was almost insulted. Every guy’s dream right? The blonde bimbo teenager, with her boobs hanging out, who needs to be saved. Please.

The office bunch wasn’t much better. Nina was frightening – it seemed so obvious to me that she was bad. Just look at her! Those hard edges, those high heels and fancy suit – duh, she’s a double agent. I never found her sympathetic at all – she reminded me of that girl in high school who’s second in command to the queen bee, so she’s going play it up and be a bitch. And Jamie the tech girl…with those bangs, she deserved to die.

Season 1 is rich with plot twists, but that’s it. Am I the only one who thinks you have to have a plot in order to have twists in it? Every episode was the same: “Where’s Kim?!” “The dead man is Alan York!” “What? I’m sitting in the car with Alan York!” … Plot twist, half hour break…”Jack! Where are you?!” “Jamie, you’re the only one that I trust…go check out Nina’s computer”…”Noooooo!!” Roll credits.

By the time I’d seen seven episodes I felt like I’d seen them all. So I packed them back up and returned them to my co-worker, feeling sort of loser-ish. “Joel, I was boooooored. Just tell me what happened.” He looked at me in wonder/disappointment/consternation and carefully explained what happened.

“Ok, cool. Sounds interesting.” He stared at me. I stared back.

“Do you want to borrow season 2?”

“Well, ok.”

Summer Reality Shows

Posted by Karen Woodward

I can’t do it. I can’t watch all these reality shows. Who are these people who watch America’s Got Talent and how do they tolerate it? It’s ridiculous. It’s painful. And not that good kind either. This isn’t “crane your neck to see if someone is dead in the car crash,” it’s more like “I’m annoyed because I’m caught in the traffic jam caused by these looky loos.”

Granted, perhaps I shouldn’t judge (actually maybe I should, because I’d gong out almost everyone) because I’m the only person in the entire world who doesn’t watch American Idol. But I don’t have to watch American Idol, because the press is watching it for me. All I need to do is open People or Us Weekly and I find out – against my will – who has yet to be kicked off.

I couldn’t even bring myself to watching Dancing with the Stars this season, even though my boyfriend Apolo Anton Ohno was on it. (Ok, he’s not really my boyfriend, but a girl can dream.) I simply couldn’t take it anymore. I never thought I’d say this, but I miss watching the reruns of scripted shows. Remember when that was what played all summer? “If you haven’t seen it ,it's new to you”? And you could catch up on shows, or re-watch favorite episodes?

Granted, it is possible to still do this. Just last night I watched one of favorite Veronica Mars episodes (the one where Logan busts out with “I love you!” sniffle, sob.) But this is becoming more of an anomaly as the networks turn to reality show crap so they can make a quick buck. It’s disappointing.

Reality Show Casting Calls

Posted by Karen Woodward

Hello, I’ve briefly resurfaced from my tide of HBO-viewing. To compound my TV addiction, a co-worker gave me 24 Season 1 on DVD because he was “worried” that I didn’t have anything to watch this summer. I didn’t think I’d like this show with its “action in real time” conceit, but I’m finding myself strangely addicted, as I hide from my roommate (“I refuse to watch that show”) and covertly feed my growing Jack Bauer crush.

But I have removed myself from television long enough to surf …ah, er… television websites. Yes I’m pathetic, kill me now. Well, actually, wait until the series finale of Battlestar Galactica please.

Some news to share:

Casting Call: FOX will premiere season seven of American Idol next January, and in anticipation has announced its slate of auditions to find the next singing sensation. The first audition will be in San Diego on July 30 at Qualcomm Stadium, followed by several other cities including Dallas August 6; Omaha August 10; Atlanta August 14; Charleston August 18; Miami August 22; and Philadelphia August 27. Specific requirements for the San Diego audition include: participants must be 16-28 years old as of July 28, 2007 and eligible to work in the U.S. Certain restrictions apply, so it's advised to visit AmericanIdol.com for all audition rules.

And, for some ick-factor, Donald Trump is teaming up with Fox with a new reality project in development called Lady or a Tramp where party girls sent to charm school and then evaluated on their progress. So...

Casting Call: Casting for a new network reality competition series is looking for younger women who are 18-30, love to party and full of attitude. The premise of the show is to take these rude and crude party girls, and with proper etiquette training turn them into Ladies. If this describes you or someone you know, send an email with name, age, contact numbers, a detailed description of yourself or the person you are nominating and why they would be great for the show and a photo to Brenda Della Casa at creativelolita@gmail.com.

OK, back to Jack and HBO.

I've got HBO

Posted by Karen Woodward

I caved. I got HBO! I just could no longer handle the doldrums of summertime television. What, was I going to watch America's Got Talent? Age of Love? I don't think so.

Nope. I'm going to watch Entourage, John from Cincinnati, and movies. Yes, movies. I'm cheating on my television hobby. This last weekend was my first weekend with HBO, and sad to say, I think it's taken the place of a boyfriend. And my social life.

It all started on Saturday around 5pm. I actually had plans to go to a party, but I got stuck watching an Entourage marathon.I simply could not stop. It was all the season 3 episodes that I'd missed (because I do have friends who have HBO.) and I had to watch Vince, E, and the gang get Medellon made. I mean, they'd worked so hard for this. And I had to watch Ari get a conscience, and Vince sleep with his new agent (Carla Gugino! You never looked so good!)... and before I knew it, it was 9pm. And then oh look Match Point is on...I've always wanted to see that. movie...

I never made it to the party.

Sunday was no better. Hmmmm, the making of The Interpreter? Well, the movie is a little old, but I did see it and like it....then John from Cincinnati (not sure how I feel about that show yet)...and then after that was the Entourage season 4 premiere, and then oh golly gee, Something New. I'd always wanted to see that....

I think I'm addicted to HBO. I think I need help.

What to Watch this Summer?

Posted by Karen Woodward

I continue my What to Watch This Summer quest. I’ve gone through a stack of pilots, and so far here is the low down:

I’ll do actual reviews on most of these, but best to take note now:

The Good: Carpoolers, Gossip Girl, Reaper

The Ok: Miss/Guided, Chuck, Big Shots

The Ugly: Life, Eli Stone, Running Wild, Dirty Sexy Money.

The Worst Thing I’ve Ever Seen in My Life: Cavemen.

I should be getting more pilots soon. Yay!

In the meantime, I’m doing some research – yes research – into other shows that have received good reviews but that I never watched, and then seeing if they are queue-able. I’m thinking The 4400 (Season 1, 2 and 3 are available), the last two seasons of ER (not available) and 24. (My co-worker was supposed to bring me the first season, but he keeps forgetting. Hmph. For some reason I can’t be convinced to put in Rescue Me (Seasons 1, 2 and 3 are available) or The Wire (Season 1 -4 available) because they just sound so damn depressing. Oh but look, ABC Family’s Beautiful People (the complete 1st – and only – season) is available. Ok, so I’ve seen the whole thing in real time.

Maybe I’ll watch Entourage in real time instead of on DVD when they become available. I’m going to call Time Warner Cable…

…Done. I know have HBO for an extra $15 a month. Ooooh… John from Cincinaati…Oceans 13 First Look…Movies!

Gasp! Do I dare cheat on my fellow TV lovers?

Jericho Returns

Posted by Karen Woodward

To watch Jericho or not to watch Jericho?

I planned to watch this show last year, but I couldn’t get past the pilot. I didn’t care about any of the characters. I wanted them to die. Yes I think Skeet Ulrich is a nice looking guy, but he’s not oozing with charisma. And then there were the two female love interests (because let’s face it, they aren’t much more than that): Ashley Scott as Emily and Sprague Grayden (is that a cool name or what?) as Heather – apparently meant to be a love triangle with Skeet (er, Jake) but I didn’t care about either one. I guess if I had to choose, it would be Heather, because she’s the brunette and I always root for the underdog.

So of course the writers start focusing on Jake and Emily. Ugh. Do I really need to see another happy blonde get the guy? No.

Then there was the whole Jake has daddy issues thing. Ugh. Who cares? And all the rest of the actors – with the exception of the marvelous Pamela Reed as Jake’s mom - were boring boring boring. Who cast this show?

I couldn’t even care that much about the storyline. Who wants to watch a bunch of boring people in a post –apocalyptic world? Not me. I’d rather turn to The CW and watch candy.

But then something happened. I was assigned this show for a project I was working on (in my real life.) So I diligently poured over the website, reading bios and recaps. And…uh oh…I was starting to sort of care. By the end of one recap, I was eager to get to the next. Suddenly I understood the Jake/Emily thing. They have history, and she’s sort of bitchy and we all know how men love bitches. (Hey. Just wanted to make sure you were reading.) The story actually started to go somewhere, branching out into other parts of the US. Real mysteries were afoot. I got on the Jericho wiki and read all about The Mysterious Woman…

Note that I never actually watched an episode though. If CBS is smart they'll keep episodes online so people like me can actually find out what all the fuss was about.

Psssst...why couldn't The CW have paid this kind of attention to Veronica Mars fans?

Summer television

Posted by Karen Woodward

Summer is a sad time for me. My shows are all on hiatus, so I have to think of ways to occupy myself. (I'm well aware of how sad that statement was.) The networks seem intent on showiing nothing but reality shows in the summer, and I just can't stomach that. I could be convinced to watch So You Think You Can Dance, because dancing is fun to watch (unlike say, SINGING) and I do like that Cat Deeley. But anything else... no thanks. I just don't get it.

In previous summers I've managed to get by on bad shows that the nets are burning off, like Summerland or Windfall, and I'll put an old series in the queue and burn through that. But this summer I just don't know what I'm going to do. I tried Traveler and I hated it. I tried Hidden Palms, and it's stupid. I was going to watch Battlestar Galactica, but I made the mistake of putting the mini-series in the queue early, and immediately became addicted. Thus, I sailed through the mini-series, season 1, season 2, and season 3 in about three weeks. (Believe it or not I do have a real job and some semblance of a life, although you'd probably never guess.)

For those of you looking for a TV series to put in the queue, I highly recommend Battlestar. I'm not a sci-fi lover at all, but you'd don't have to be to love this show. It's more about relationships and politics and how people react when pushed into a corner. Good stuff.

But this brings me back to my original problem. I have nothing to watch this summer. I do, however, have a stack of network pilots sitting right next to me. It's not quite the same as becoming addicted to a good TV show though, because pilots are all about introducing characters and storylines, and therefore nothing ever really happens. Plus, I'm borrowing them from a friend, so I have about two weeks to watch them all. And then what will I do?

Please, I need recommendations! Email me at primetimetv@suite101.com!

Veronica Mars Series Finale

Posted by Karen Woodward

I am in such despair over the cancellation of Veronica Mars, that I couldn’t possibly blog by myself. So I invited my fellow- VM enthusiasts, Scott and Lisa, to join me.

Scott: Not really sure what to think about last night [the series finale]. I liked the symmetry it had with the pilot and they way it FINALLY took Keith and Veronica down a peg, but as a finale, it was a far cry from seasons 1 and 2. I guess it was cool to see Jake Kane and Clarence back in the mix, but it felt sort of tacked-on, like a bone they felt they had to throw the two or three of us who've watched from the beginning.

I'm sure I don't have to guess what your favorite part was...

Karen: What was my favorite part? There was no V and L. I don’t get it. Why did V vote for Vinnie? I can't tell you how disappointed I was. I thought it was awful.

Scott: Did she? I wasn't looking closely, though I assumed she voted for her dad. If she voted for Vinnie, I'm guessing it's because, like the rest of us, she likes Keith the P.I. a lot more than Keith the sheriff.

I would have liked last night's eps a lot more if they had come at the beginning of a season instead of the end. It was definitely a let down. Though I figured you would have gotten some enjoyment out of seeing Logan go all Terminator on Piz and that guy at the end - his crazed, smiling reply of "Someday" was pretty cool.

Karen: Fighting isn’t a turn on. I thought Logan was sort of pathetic.

Lisa: I agree about the first two season finales being so much better - I mean, Veronica's life was barely threatened and nobody died or was trapped in a box. I thought Jake Kane and Widmore would pan out to something bigger. Also - I think she voted for Vinnie because she felt guilty about Keith covering for her so many times. If he's a plain old PI, his rep/career won't be on the line if/when she takes the law into her own hands.

I'm glad Logan and Parker broke up because they seemed weird to me. Logan is one crazy mofo.

Karen: Ok, I've been reading the Televisionwithout pity boards, and people seem to think this was a good ep. That the V and L thing WAS wrapped up: his beating up the guy was how he showed that he loved her because he did what she wanted to do but couldn’t. And supposedly she gave him this loving look, like "I can’t believe you did that for me" after he beat the guy up. I don’t know...I like subtlety, but not THAT subtle.

Scott: Talk about a missed opportunity with the stolen hard drive - that's when I was sure they had one shocker left on Lily's murder, but no, just a bunch of unexciting secrets about people we don't care about. So Jake batted for the other team at boarding school - big whoop. And that picture of Duncan just reminded me of how horribly horribly HORRIBLY everything having to do with his character was handled in season two (particularly the baby thing, which for me is where the show veered into wild implausibility and never fully recovered). I'm certain they had someone/something else in mind for Lily's murder before they realized they'd written themselves into a corner with Duncan's hit on Aaron last year.

Parker was a waste of space from the start and represented the show's biggest problem post-season 1: the piling on of boring new characters to the point where the characters we liked so much in the first place (Weevil, Mac, Wallace, Sheriff Lamb, etc.) would be MIA for five, six, seven ep stretches.

RE: Logan, you have to admit his beatdowns (which I found highly entertaining, turn-on or no) were completely consistent with his character, as that's how he ALWAYS reacts when the women in his life are threatened. Whether it's his mom (remember when he told his dad he'd kill him if he said another word to her?), his sister, Lily, or Veronica, he doesn't waste time talking it out. Veronica gets that, and that's what the look was about.

Lisa: I thought she was confused too though - like wow I thought I semi-hated this guy but he just did a crazy yet noble thing for me, I'm not sure how I feel about him after all. It all comes back to that "epic" thing. I like your thoughts about Logan and the women in his life, Scott - I hadn't thought about it that way, but it makes sense.

Scott: The look is her realizing that for better or worse, Logan is in her life, and he's in it for the long haul whether she wants that or not. She probably doesn't know exactly what to think about it, but at least part of her is glad to have him around.

I think people liked the ep because in a lot of ways, it brought things right back to where they were in the pilot: Veronica the outcast, humiliated but undaunted; Keith ruined professionally in the eyes of the town but once again a hero to his daughter; and Logan returning to his unpredictable, violent, wounded self. Heck, you even had Wallace tied up and naked. But as a finale, it's frustrating because it feels so much more like a beginning than an end, which maybe is exactly what the writers intended, but it's frustrating nonetheless.

Karen: Exactly. It felt like a beginning. Which would have been awesome if this show was coming back. Since it's not, and RT surely knew that, it feels like he let us down. It felt like a big **** You to The CW.

Scott: To be a fair, it was a no-win situation. I think they saw the writing on the wall, didn't want to end on a cliffhanger, and didn't think they could possibly wrap up all the loose ends to everyone's satisfaction. So they decided to try something different, which I have to admire even if I don't think it was entirely successful. If they'd gone the other way, we'd be bitching about how pat and happily ever after everything turned out - well, maybe not Karen, but the rest of us.

Karen: Yes, I like pat, happy endings. The kind you only get on TV and in the movies. Can we have a movie of the week? A podcast? A post from Rob Thomas? I'll take anything.

Scott: I can already see the YouTube clip: acting out your own season 4 with a stuffed animal cast...

Lisa: Shhh... don't give me any ideas.

The Network Fall Schedules

Posted by Karen Woodward

The upfronts are a time of joy and sorrow in my life. Joy at the anticipation of my old favorites coming back and the new shows I have yet to fall in love with. Sorrow at the reality that my favorite shows are actually not coming back until September, and complete despair when my old favorites are cancelled

I am mourning Veronica Mars. Yes, the show has slipped a bit (V, when did you become such a self centered bitch? Logan, where are your balls?) but still it has one of the best casts on television. They feel like family. (Because yes, I’m that pathetic.) I want to know what happens to Mac and Max. Do Mac and Logan start an internet company? Will Dick ever stop being one? Will Wallace ever get a life?

The fact that The CW cancelled Veronica in favor of One Tree Hill, the Pussycat Dolls and Farmer wants a Wife… just scares me. Pussycat Dolls has become the common denominator for America? Where has our taste gone? I’m distressed that The CW had to turn to reality shows in order to make a profit. For example, look at CW Now, which sounds to me like an over long content wrap (Were they really so successful that you want to give them their own show?) and Online Nation, which seems like nothing more than filming people as they surf the internet. Scarily enough, I bet these shows will be hits.

On the positive side, Gossip Girl looks like a lot of fun. I’m always a sucker for a good teenager show. Let’s just hope that producer Josh Schwartz makes this more of Season 1 The OC – i.e good. The buzz on Reaper is good; and really who could not like a show about parents who sold their son to the devil?

Over on ABC, I’ll give Private Practice a shot, if only to see if Shonda Rhimes can create as good a first season of that show as she did with Grey’s Anatomy. (Which is fast falling down the list of my Tivo priorities.) I wasn’t terribly impressed with the pseudo-pilot, but I’m a Tim Daly fan and I like Paul Adelstein and (yes I’m going to say it) Amy Brenneman, so I’ll give it a chance for them. (But let me ask: If Marin Dungey wasn’t dating an ABC exec, would she even be working?) Dirty Sexy Money is supposed to be great, and I love almost anything that Greg Berlanti creates, but I’m not a fan of Brian Krause, so that’s a problem. And whoever thought Cavemen was a good idea should be fired.

CBS, on the other hand, looks pretty bleak. While I’m glad that How I Met Your Mother is back, and Big Bang Theory looks cute (yes I’m a sucker for Johnny Galecki, sue me) and it’s nice that Jennifer Love Hewitt’s cleavage still has a job, there isn’t much on this schedule that thrills me.

NBC made some good choices. Renewing Friday Night Lights and putting it on Friday night? Excellent. (And it won’t compete with Men in Trees, also on Friday night. Yay.) Glad that they didn’t break up the Thursday night comedy crew, if for no other reason than I can start really getting into 30 Rock. I’m having a tough time wrapping my head around this Bionic Woman update. Are you kidding me? Who thought that was a good idea?

Speaking of updates, or copycats, or whatever we’re calling them, where is the TV version of Mr. and Mrs. Smith? Perhaps someone actually watched it and realized that Martin Donavon and Jordana Brewster are not only poor replicas of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, but are actually two of the most boring actors on earth, period. They couldn’t get Angie Harmon for that role? And Jason Gedrick – he needs a job. Or Josh Hopkins!

Gilmore Girls, Veronica Mars, etc

Posted by Karen Woodward

First, for all LA fans of Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars, the shows will broadcast on Saturday night. (KTLA totally screwed us Los Angeles fans by preempting the shows so we could have live coverage of the Griffith Park fires. I’m not knocking the severity of the fires, but still, did we really need to listen to Hal Fishman for 3 hours????)

More news for Veronica fans: I hear that Rob Thomas pitched the Veronica Mars-5-years-later-now-working- for-the-FBI idea to CW President Dawn Ostroff and it went very well. So, the show just might return after all. But a warning – remember what I said before: it’s unlikely that the rest of the cast would return.

News for reality show fans: MTV is hosting a contest to find the final castmate for Real World 20. (They’re going to Hollywood this time.) Check out RealWorldCasting.com. Those who want to compete register and then they get their own page to populate with pictures, videos and blogs, and then America votes. It looks like fun. VH1 is doing the same for I Love New York 2. That’s right, she’s coming back and she wants America to choose. Check out www.ILoveNewYork2.com.

And, while we’re discussing television interactivity: Calling all Ghost Whisperer fans!- specifically those who watched last Friday’s episode. Fanlib.com, an online destination for fan fiction, is joining forces with CBS and inviting fans to participate in the Ghost Whisperer: Fan Finale Challenge: After watching Part 1 of the season finale on Friday May 4, fans visit GhostWhisperer.FanLib.com to write their own version of what will happen in Part 2, or they can write reviews of other fans’ stories. Winners receive autographed scripts, DVDs, and other exclusive Ghost Whisperer prizes. (Sorry to get this news to you after the May 4 airing. My bad.) Someone let me know if the full episode is available online somewhere. (Why didn't CBS put it on Innertube? Shouldn't that have been a no-brainer?)

Gilmore Girls cancelled

Posted by Karen Woodward

Ladies and gentleman, The CW has officially cancelled The Gilmore Girls. Here's the official statement:

"Announcing the final season of 'Gilmore Girls' is truly a sad moment for everyone at The CW and Warner Bros. Television. This series helped define a network and created a fantastic, storybook world featuring some of television's most memorable, lovable characters. We thank Amy Sherman-Palladino, Dan Palladino, Dave Rosenthal, the amazing cast led by Graham and Alexis Bledel, as well as the producers, writers and crew or giving us this delightful gem for the past seven years. We would also liketo thank the critics and 'Gilmore' fans for their passionate support and promise to give this series the send-off it deserves."

The "send off it deserves"? What does that mean? Luke and Lorelei together? Rory and Logan together? (Please no, bring back Jess!) Let's be honest, The CW really means, "let's give this show the ratings that 7th Heaven got when it aired its (first) series finale." And if the ratings are good enough will they bring it back? Doubtful. But that's ok, I've been saying time and again that this show has really slid downhill the past two seasons. Yes, past TWO seasons, so no one can say that this show truly needed Amy Sherman-Palladino. In fact, I'd say she wrote this show into a corner on purpose.

But, is The Gilmore Girls' demise a good thing for Veronica Mars? Would The CW want to cancel two of it's teen girl shows? On the other hand, the network is more than likely to pick up Gossip Girl: a drama based on the popular book series, about the world of privileged teenagers attending elite private schools in New York City as told through the eyes of an anonymous blogger. Created by Josh "The OC" Schwartz. Count me in as an avd watcher, and I haven't even seen the pilot yet. But let's all cross our fingers, or practice The Secret, or whatever it is that you do, that Veronica (and the entire gang) will be back for another season. Don't let us down CW!

Veronica Mars spin off?

Posted by Karen Woodward

Hmph. When my shows go on hiatus there isn't that much to blog about. Here's some scoop for Veronica Mars fans: Rob Thomas (Veronica Mars creator/producer) and Paul Rudd (who has a guest spot coming up on the show) are producing (and paying out of their own pocket for) an FX pilot presentation spec. It's about caterers and has an Office feel. (How much you want to bet we're going to be seeing a lot of that in pilot season? The Office part, not the caterers thing.) The pilot spec shoots May 19-24 in Los Angeles.

Hmmm... a spin off of Rudd's character he's set to play in Veronica Mars perhaps? But how can that be? Rudd guest stars on the May 8 episode as "Desmond Fellows" a singer/musician from a 1990s pop band who arrives on the Hearst campus to perform a benefit concert for the radio station. Piz idolizes him and is put in charge of escorting him around campus. So...for the pilot spec Desmond becomes a caterer? How's that work? Pop star turned caterer? Hmmm. Calling Lance Bass.

I'm also hearing - SPOILER ALERT - that Veronica and Piz kiss and perhaps even have a relationship in the remaining episodes of the season. And that she tells Logan he's out of her life forever. NOOO!! How could Rob Thomas do that to us LoVe shippers? Here's my theory: Rob Thomas has said before that "no one ever stays with their college boyfriend." So, we've all been hearing the rumors that if Veronica is renewed it will be fast forwarded to V at the FBI Academy. What if she and Piz do end up together at the end of the show's college days, but then there is a series finale (because let's face it, there isn't much hope this show will be renewed) and she and Logan meet again five years later?

Of course, it will probably be because he's a killer and she's the FBI investigator on the case. Sigh.

Veronica returns Tuesday May 1 at 9pm.

Buddy TV

Posted by Karen Woodward

I just love it when people send stuff to me. The latest morsel thrown my way was an Buddy TV.com's exlusive interview with Warren Christie of October Road . Hmmmm, clearly someone knows that I'm becoming obsessed with this show. Christie plays Ray "Big Cat" Cataldo, the nemesis of our band of brothers, and he provides a little insight on why people are loving this show: "I think that what people are starting to find is there’s something endearing about it. The show fills them with something…it’s very straightforward. It’s about people; it’s just humans and characters dealing with life issues. "

Yes! That's it. Thats why I love this show - because these people could be me and my friends. People are at different levels of success; people have crushes on people that are not the "right" people to have crushes on (yes, that seems a little high school, but do we ever grow out of high school?); people are at different levels of maturity. And they all have to interact on the same playing field.

Plus, let's face it - I watch to see Nick and Hannah make eyes at each other, and to be the first to say "I knew it!" when she reveals that he is Sam's father. But more and more I'm watching it for Janet and Eddie. Eddie, you piece of sh*t! You give good looking guys everywhere a bad name, and ordinary girls everywhere yet another reason to stay home with a pint of fat fee ice cream.

I'm sort of touched by Tom Berenger and his conflicted relationship with his son Nick, but I'm not really into the other storylines yet. Is anyone else?

By the way, when checking out the interview, poke around BuddyTV. It's a fun site.

Logan Echolls' car

Posted by Karen Woodward

Remember that horrible car that Logan Echolls drove in season 1 and 2 of Veronica Mars? It was a neon yellow Xterra. (Or something. I know nothing about cars, but I can tell you that this one was ugly.) We never truly believed that Logan would drive such an ugly, cheesy car, and clearly the producers finally came to their senses and bestowed Logan with a normal looking SUV. (Either that, or Veronica Mars got a new sponsor. Which could be the case, since V now drives a Saturn SUV and not the beloved Chrysler LeBaron.) Anyway, I digress.

So Logan Echolls has a new car. But get this. I SAW HIS OLD ONE DRIVING AROUND THE STREETS OF LOS ANGELES. (Not on it's own, obviously. There was a person behind the wheel, although I couldn't get a close look.) No, it wasn't another neon yellow Xterra, this one had to have been the actual car that Jason Dohring drove around as Logan Echolls. How do I know? Because it had a Veronica Mars bumper sticker on it, and it had a license plate bracket that said "Pirate Pride," and, well, because I live in Los Angeles, so the odds are pretty good that the car was given to a Veronica Mars staffer.

How cool is that? How strange is that? Here I was, driving home from work, and I see an ugly yellow Xterra which always makes me think of Logan (because yes, I have no life), and then I see all the Veronica Mars stuff and I realize that that probably is Logan's car. Either that or someone is more obsessed with this show than I am. Can that be??

30 Rock

Posted by Karen Woodward

I don't watch a lot of comedies. Those of you who read me on a regular basis have probably figured that out, because all my reviews are about dramas. Occasionally I watch Two and a Half Men, which I find hysterical, although the humor is wildly inappropriate for an 8pm show. (When it airs at 8pm. Sometimes it airs at 9pm, or even at the half-hour, so I never know when this show is actually on.) How I Met Your Mother is also a fantastic show, but it's not appointment TV for me. I like The Office, but I'm probably the only person in the world who finds Steve Carrell off-putting in a bad way. I know we're supposed to cringe at his faux pas, but I just feel nervous and uncomfortable. If the show was all about Jim, Pam, Dwight, and the other plebes, I would enjoy it much more.

But I have discovered a comedy that might become appointment television. 30 Rock. I know, I know, I'm certainly not the only person who thinks this is a great show. The critics like it and the ratings were decent enough that the network renewed it, but not so high that the show's return would be a no-brainer. But this is a funny show. Tina Fey plays Liz Lemon, a sketch comedy writer, and Alec Baldwin is her boss. But this show is more of a workplace comedy than the Sorkin snore Studio 60. You won't hear characters have deep discussions about Nielsen shares and time slots here. This show has been compared to the Mary Tyler Moore Show with good reason. Mary worked in a newsroom, but the show wasn't about the newsroom, it was about the people.

And Tina Fey is probably the most likeable Everywoman on TV. She's smart, sexy and has major flaws. It's fantastic. Alec Baldwin is scarily funny. I wait with anticipation whenever he enters a scene, because he delivers a line like a born comedian. I'm not a huge Tracy Morgan fan, but the rest of the cast is comfortably funny - they feel like the type of workplace people that you would choose to be your friends because they keep you sane in an insane world. You must check out this show.

October Road recap

Posted by Karen Woodward

I know that I've blogged and reviewed this show at great length, but October Road is my new favorite show. Did anyone see it last night? When the guys were lipsyncing to "Amanda"?? I died. Died. Bryan Greenberg is sexy sexy sexy. I thought I'd have a heart attack. And uh... that kid is going to be a real hottie when he grows up. Is it wrong that I feel that way? I mean, I know that he's ten years old, but he's a hottie in training.

I'm still having issues with those secondary characters though. I like the bartender girl, and her storyline with the good looking guy...but notice that I can't remember their names. That's not good. But let me tell you the gist: The bartender girl is a little heavy, but still pretty. We like her. The good looking guy is a friend of Bryan Greenberg's character, Nick. (That much I know.) But I can't figure out if he's mad at Nick for leaving and writing a book about his hometown. No matter, he has his bartender to keep him company. So, in the pilot we could tell that he kind of liked Bartender, and at the end of episode two he asked her out. She's giddy with excitement but then also a little paranoid when he takes her to an out of the way place on their date. "Are you ashamed to be seen with me?" ( *Sniff!* ) But he isn't afraid to be seen with her, he just really likes their shrimp scampi.

There's another guy who is an agoraphobic. Maybe he's Nick's brother? I'm not sure. But he has a crush on the pizza delivery girl, so he orders pizza all the time even though he's lactose intolerant.

Then there is a dark haired guy (Rick? Wait, that can't be right. Too close to Nick.) He dated Hannah (Nick's ex girlfriend, played by Laura Prepon) until Nick arrived back in town. Hannah broke up with Not-Rick in Thursday's episode.

Tom Berenger is Nick's dad.

There is a pretty dark haired girl who is a student at the college where Nick teaches. She likes him, and kissed him in Thursday's ep. He seemed...not unhappy about it.

Oh! And Nick has a friend, the Turtle of the goup, who is having an affair with the wife of another one of their friends. But I can't remember what that friend's name is, or even what he looks like.

Ok, you're all caught up. Go forth and watch.

Prison Break; What about Brian

Posted by Karen Woodward

What about Brian: That was it? Come on, we all know that that was most likely the season finale, especially since Amanda Detmer got a pilot. But...but... Brian showing up at Laura's door and saying "We have to talk" simply doesn't cut it for me. I wanted to see him happy and settled. Maybe that makes me a girl. Well, too bad, I am a girl.

Who else got cold chills during Prison Break when Kellerman showed up at Sara's trial? Yes, it's a cliche that he had a change of heart, but I don't care. I'm a girl and I was touched. And who else thought that that dead girl was MariCruz? I guess not, right? At first, I found it odd (and a little creepy) that all Sucre could say when he saw his dead fiance was "Michael," and I was wondering why he wasn't more upset. And when he said something to Michael later about his fiance being "locked up somewhere," I thought, "Uhhh.. Suc, she's dead. You saw her." And then I put it together - ah ha! That wasn't MariCruz, just a bad casting director.

Linc! Can you just stay on the boat????

Lost - Locke's episode

Posted by Karen Woodward

We got the answer to a major question - How did Locke end up in the wheelchair? (Funny, I always figured it was going to be something "normal" like a car accident), maybe involving Hurley) But there are still some questions:

1. Do we think Locke's father is the original Sawyer?

2. If Locke's dad pushed him with enough force that he went out a glass window, don't you think that Dad would have gone out with him?

3. Is the the tied up guy really Locke's dad, or is it a clone of some sort like Eko's brother, Jack's dad, Hurley's friend, Kate's horse...?

4. At what point did Locke realize that he'd been used as Ben's pawn? And does he even care?

5. It's infuriating that everyone who's been with the Others and then meets the survivors never explains what's up. They always say, "It's complicated," or, "It would take too long to explain." They're on a friggin island! They have nothing but time!

What About Brian? I'll tell you

Posted by Karen Woodward

I know it has no buzz, and I am a dork for enjoying this show, but What About Brian is just so enjoyable. I was worried for a while, but it seems to have found its groove. Let me count the ways:

1. Barry Watson got a haircut.

2. Dave and Deena are getting back together. (It was so tiresome with them apart.)

3. Deena finally has something to do, even if it is something lame like cupcake making.

4. Rosanna - er, Nicole, and Adam!!

5. Adam is actually likeable.

6. Although Stacy Kiebler is awful, her roomie is so damn cute, and a good match for Brian.

7. Tiffani Thiessen is tolerable.

8. Ivy and her hubbie are series regulars.

9. Krista Allen is gone.

10. I just love those opening credits.

October Road, Grey's Anatomy

Posted by Karen Woodward

I was intrigued by October Road for three reasons:

1. I’m met producer Scott Rosenberg a few times because we have mutual friends (did I just name drop?) and he’s a nice guy. So I’d like to see his show do well. Plus, this is really the TV version of Beautiful Girls and I liked that movie.

2. I know someone who works on the show. (Hi Aubrey!) and I’d like to see her remain employed.

3. I like Bryan Greenberg. Didn’t love him so much on One Tree Hill, but now I fully realize the sexiness of Bryan Greenberg. He even manages to make Laura Prepon interesting.

It’s too early to tell whether this is a good show, but I can tell you that I will be watching it next week.

Let’s talk Grey’s Anatomy. Someone please explain how George, George, has gotten down with Meredith, Callie, and now Izzy. Don’t tell me it’s the nice guy syndrome, because what he said to Callie was inexcusable. “Izzy is blonde, she’s stacked, she’s a supermodel, she’d never go for me”? I would have kicked him out too. I’d never speak to him again. I’d change hospitals. I’d take my inheritance and live it up somewhere. Sigh. I want an inheritance.

I can see the writing on the wall for Isaiah Washington. My sources tell me he is as good as gone, but I wouldn’t take that as gospel yet, especially since he is such a good actor. This will be a very different show without him and without Addison. I feel nostalgic already.

Everything is in re-runs

Posted by Karen Woodward

I am very disapointed that everything is in re-runs right now. What is up with that? Ran out of steam after sweeps? Thank god Lost is still showing originals. I know that the producers think that their 6 weeks on, then a looooong hiatus, and then 12 weeks on again, was a bad idea, but I'm digging it. That's right, I said I'm digging it. Because besides Lost, Bones, What About Brian and Wildfire (That's right, I watch Wildfire) there isn't much on.

So let's start the ABC family show. Wildfire isn't great, but it's watchable in an extremely guilty-pleasure type of way. I just can't seem to cross it off my list. Should Kris be with Matt? Should she be with Junior? Can she do better than both? (YES! Actually, she should have been with the hottie rodeo guy, but sadly, he is now dead.) Kris Furillo is one of the most interesting characters on television because she is a tough woman who can take care of herself, and yet sometimes let's down her guard long enough to let someone else take care of her. I probably like her because she reminds me of me, only cooler. And better looking. And has guys fighting over her.

Bones rarely disaponts even though Bones herself must be autistic. How could she not know some of Booth's pop culture references? Does she really have her head buried that deep in the sand? I also don't believe for a second that she is a novel writer. She doesn't seem the type, and come on, when would she have time? So this week will be interestng since it's about a serial killer who is copying one of Bones' books.

I was little concerned about Brian. I kept saying, "well, I'll give it one more week." But I think I'm becoming hooked again. The writers were smart to get Brian out of real estate (and to get rid of harpy Krista Allen with her annoying little girl voice) and back in videogames with Dave where he belongs. And I love that they're in a corporate enviroment, and I especially love the cublicle farm. I even like Tiffani Thiessen. Now if they could just get rid of Stacy Kiebler.

Not much to say about Lost except that my heart bleeds for poor Sawyer, and it's nice to see kick-ass Kate back again. Sulky, stupid Kate from season 2 was a real downer. But did you see the way she handled that rifle and then beat the crap out of that guy? Kick ass!

Show Killers alert

Posted by Karen Woodward

I have good news and bad news. The good news is that Josh Hopkins, my favorite go-to guy, has been cast in the pilot for CBS's Swingtown. The bad news is that if this show tanks, I may have to put my boy on the Show Killers list ( he was in Vanished, Pepper Dennis.) Swingtown is a period drama about the impact of sexual liberation in 1970s households - such as open marriages and "key parties"

Although maybe a could create a new list: "Actors Pissing off their Agents" and I could I could put him and Katherine Heigl at the top.

Taye Diggs and Tim Daly have been cast in the Grey’s Anatomy spin off with Kate Walsh. Yeesh. Diggs successfuly killed Daybreak in about 4 episodes, and Tim Daly sunk Eyes and (apparently) The Nine. Sniff.

Who's Afraid of Happy Endings?

Posted by Karen Woodward

Attention romance novel readers! Who’s Afraid of Happy Endings?, directed by Joanna D’Angelo and Christine Alexiou and produced by GAPC Entertainment Inc. in association with Bravo!, examines the realm of romance fiction and its continued popularity March 8 at 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT on Bravo!.

Despite the fact that romance is a huge market, the genre is often dismissed as “beach reading” and their readers considered to be pathetic, overweight housewives. This documentary explores the history of romance novels, the many sub-genres and what it takes to make it in the business. It also follows three aspiring romance writers in their quest for success, as well as interviews with already established authors such as Nora Roberts, Jennifer Crusie, Debbie Macomber, Eloisa James and Jo Beverley.

Meet the aspiring writers:

Kelly Boyce, an aspiring writer from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, hungry to sell her first book at a major industry conference.

Kayla Perrin, a contemporary romance author from Hamilton, Ontario, eager to break out of the smaller African-American market and into the mainstream with her first erotica novel.

Kathryn Smith, a historical romance author, now living in Connecticut, embraces her fascination with vampires and makes the leap to paranormal romance as a way to stand out in a competitive market.

Of course I plan on watching.

Lost - Hurley's episode

Posted by Karen Woodward

This weeks Lost episode reminded me of the first season, before we cared about getting answers, and just focused on the peopel and their relationships. The scene in the VW bus was classic Lost, a mix of sadness and happiness, where you decide that you just love these people and want to visit with them every week. I hadn't been feeling that way lately with this show, but I just giggled when I saw the joy on the faces of Hurley, Charlie, Jin, and Sawyer (and he needs some joy right now, poor guy). Speaking of Sawyer, his pop culture references were on overload. I thought he'd stepped out of the Gilmore Girls. But perhaps this is who James Ford really is - a pop culture dork, and surly Sawyer just covers up for him.

I do have some nagging questions:

1. When Sawyer and Kate returned, shouldn't there have been a huge debriefing meeting so they fill everyone in on what The Others were like?

2. Wouldn't people have insisted they go back for Jack? Not only is he their leader, but he's a doctor for pete's sake. They need him. Besides, it's not like anyone has anything else to do.

3. Speaking of having nothing better to do, why did no one want to go with Hurley to fix the car? You're telling me not one guy was even remotely interested in tinkering with a car instead of carrying bananas?

4. What does Sawyer have to apologize to Kate for? For telling her she felt guilty for sleeping with him? But that was true! Was it because he let Carl go? Poor Sawyer. He can't win.

Wednesday and Thursday nights

Posted by Karen Woodward

Is it sad that I live for Wednesday and Thursday nights - my favorite ones on TV? Here it is, Wednesday at 8pm, and I am dutifully waiting 15 minutes before starting Friday Night Lights, so that I can zip through the commercials. (God bless Tivo.) I can't wait to visit with the coach and his family, and Matt Saracen, and hunky Tim Riggins. (Call me!) I can do without Lyla and Street though. Were there ever two more annoying characters on television? For a while Lyla was interesting - that would be when she was sleeping with Tim of course. But Tim? One word. Tyra.

Speaking of the nasty will Matt and Julie do it tonight?

One Tree Hill. Not a good show anymore, I'm sorry. I used to be addicted to it, and I still love Peyton even when she is whiny because she has nothing to do. And I like her with Lucas even though CMM is a wimp. But... this show lost itself somewhere around Hayley's tour.

Lost!!! I am so damn happy that it's back and I hope they kill Charlie, Jin and Sun, because they bug me. Note to self: Buy Jack and Kate action figures.

Thursdays: Thanks to a certain someone (hi Scott!) I'm starting to love The Office, but it's a toss up because I love the kid on Ugly Betty. Grey's is Grey's, what's not to love, and Men in Trees remains one of my favorite shows, even though I'm not sure I like Jack anymore and Anne Heche acts with her hair.

oohh.. its 8:15pm.

Prison Break casting

Posted by Karen Woodward

As posted on the casting breakdowns:

[MARTY GREGG] 40-55, any ethnicity, he is senior counsel for the defense, a sharp, intelligent man who argues vigorously on behalf of his client, Sara. Convinced accepting a plea bargain is the best solution, a sympathetic Marty instructs Sara as to how to answer any questions posed by the judge...

What does Sara need a lawyer for? I bet this is how the producers get rid of Sara for a while so Sarah (Wayne Callies, who plays 'Sara') can take maternity leave. I see it now: Sara goes to jail or Sara goes on the run. Michael struggles to find her. Enter potential new love interest as has been reported? Prison Break has signed a new woman "with Michael's level of intelligence" as a series regular. Will she be for Mike, or for Linc, who is desperately in need of one?

Sara/Sarah better hurry back. Don't take the plea bargain!

Actors in pilot season

Posted by Karen Woodward

Some interesting pilot season news that speaks to the future of some shows and characters in them:

Kim Raver has been cast in NBC's Lipstick Jungle (based on the Candace Bushnell book) - this doesn't bod well for The Nine.

Harold Perrineau has been cast in CBS's Demons...I guess Michael and Walt escaped on Lost.

And I've already written about my favorite go-to girl Rachelle LaFevre in Life on Mars. Heather/Summer doesn't look likely to patch things up with Adam on What About Brian.

And what about Kristen Lehman, who I saw as a potential love interest for Linc on Prison Break? She's in Drive, a pilot that was shelved and now picked up again. Both shows are on Fox, is there a possibility that Papa Burrows' side kick will return? She is hanging with LJ after all.

More to come!

Veronica and Logan break up

Posted by Karen Woodward

Nooooo!!!! Okay, yes. What choice did she have? But what girl (or guy) would actually delete a message from their ex after they'd just broken up? Not me, thats for sure.

Do we actually know that Logan and Madison had sex? They keep talking about it in euphemisms, after all: "hooked up," "were together," etc. Perhaps the whole thing was just a misunderstanding? And Logan and Madison really were cooking gumbo together? No?

Way to work Weevil into the storyline. Yes V, let's encourage him to break the law. Grand theft auto is exactly what Eli needs on his record right now. And where the hell is Mac? It is her birthday after all. Is she partying somewhere with her aunt in Arizona?

When V and Logan broke up, was she wearing a shiny shirt? (And what were they supposed to be all dressed up for anyway?) That was a shiny shirt, right? Not just some weird lighting. It was a SHINY SHIRT. Shiny.

What About Brian v. Studio 60

Posted by Karen Woodward

I think I made the wrong decision about what to watch Monday nights at 10pm. I was always an avid What About Brian fan, but it's kind of sucked lately. Meanwhile, my friends are all talking about Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.

How could I have chosen so unwisely? I hated the Studio 60 pilot, and I loved Brian its first season. Having worked in the entertainment industry for so long, Studio 60 seemed boringly insider to me. And I couldn't stop wondering why Josh Lyman and Chandler Bing were now working as comedy writers. Brian was escapism, and I have to admit, I just love Barry Watson, even though he badly needs a haircut. I rooted for him and Marjorie. Alas, I think Brian er...ejaculated too quickly. And they had to get rid of Marjorie so that Brian could do what Brian was supposed to do - date around. Always the single guy.

Now Studio 60 is heating up, and the only good thing I can say about Brian is that they finally made Adam likeable. I'm ashamed of myself. I usually have such great taste in shows. I loved Grey's Anatomy before it was hip, and did I not say that Men in Trees was a winner?

Sad to say, I think the future looks grim for the Brian gang. Perhaps I can catch up on Studio 60 over the summer or on Netflix.

Veronica Mars pregnant?

Posted by Karen Woodward

Noooo!!!! Logan, how could you? You know that Madison is Veronica's nemesis, and yet you still got down with her in Aspen. This shows very bad taste indeed.

Now, on to The CW Promo People: quit jerking us around. I know that the purpose of a promo is to get us to watch next week, but you guys are just flat out lying to us. Remember that time when you made it look like Logan cheats on Veronica in the next episode? Ha! Nice try, because the episode following that only had Logan in it for like 2 scenes. (And note to all of you who will email me - Logan did not cheat on V with Madison, they were on a break. Not that it makes it ok.) So Promo People, excuse me if I don't really believe that V finds herself pregnant next week. I am now armed with Tivo, and I looked to see what next week's episode is about: V helps a girl get the morning after pill. So, forgive me if I choose to believe that when V says "I'm pregnant" in the promo, that it's really a part of some act she puts on for Planned Parenthood. I've had enough of you guys.

VH1/EW World Series of Pop Culture

Posted by Karen Woodward

My team was eliminated. But those questions were hard! And they only took 5 teams out of around 30. I can't give you examples of the questions, because they told us that they had people policing the internet to make sure that none of us share. (Hello VH1/Entertainment Weekly Internet Police!) But trust me when I say that the questions were all of the "oh oh oh... I know this...and yet, I can't think of it" variety.

You wouldn't believe some of the people there. I mean they were really into it. Costumes and everything, and we weren't even going on camera that day. It was only a written test, and we couldn't sit with our team. I sat next to this guy who looked just like Luke Wilson in The Royal Tenenbaums. Jogging suit, beard, shades...wait a minute. Maybe it was Luke Wilson.

We had 15 mins to complete 50 questions, and I must have left about 15 blank. I'm ashamed of myself. The girl next to me was part of the team that passed and went on to the next round. I should have cheated off her. (But I didn't Vh1/EW Police! I didn't!) When we were finished, they graded the quizes in about 20 minutes, read the names of the 4 or 5 teams who passed, and the rest of us were sent home. Hmph.

Next up: Identity? 1 vs 100? Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Anne Heche and James Tupper

Posted by Karen Woodward

Since I live in Los Angeles, and have a lot of friends in The Business, I hear things. I already had an inkling that Anne Heche and James Tupper were getting involved in real life, but I didn't really care. But now that I know it for sure, it's kind of soured me on my new favorite show Men In Trees.

I always rooted for Marin and Jack to get together; I think they may have even been my favorite couple on TV. But while watching last night, I couldn't help but think, "They left their spouses for each other, those dirty rats." (Ok, maybe I wasn't thinking "dirty rats," but you get the idea.) Now Marin and Jack just seem self absorbed, because the actors who play them come across that way. Yes, I can separate fact from fiction, but just watching the show made me feel sorry for Lynn (Justine Bateman). "Lynn!!! Don't trust him!!" Next week I'll probably scream at Marin's publisher, "No! She'll have a kid with you and break your heart!"

Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe this adds to the show. But don't tell me you Grey's Anatomy watchers weren't thinking the same thing when you watched last night. "Don't marry him Cristina. He's going to be fired." Right? Am I right?

Letter to Isaiah Washington

Posted by Karen Woodward

Dear Isaiah Washington,

What were you thinking? Are you a homophobe or just an insensitive brute who likes to hear himself talk? This brouhaha was ending and you had to go and stick your foot in your mouth yet again. You probably thought it was funny to hog the microphone and "clear the air," but what you really did was grab another opportunity to call TR Knight the f-word. Clearly you didnt learn from the fallout last time, so let me spell it out for you: People love TR Knight. People love class. People do not love abrasive, homophobes. Seriously.

I don't care how popular your show is. When your network is issuing statements saying that they are "disapointed," things are not looking good. I think I can hear your agent crying from here. Nice touch firing the publicist, by the way. Yes, it is definitely the publicist's fault.

You can apologize all you want. You can meet with members of GLAAD and "reach out to the gay community." In theory, that's a great idea but in reality, methinks Dr. Burke will end up in a car accident.

I think the best thing to do now is to contact Mel Gibson. He's probably casting a new movie.

Sincerely,

Karen

World Series of Pop Culture

Posted by Karen Woodward

I'm auditioning for VH1/Entertainment Weekly's World Series of Pop Culture this weekend. My team, No Whammies, got our chance last minute. We were a little late - okay, a week - getting our entry materials in, and we missed the original deadline. But filling out all that paperwork is time consuming! Because I want to appear funny and knowledgable and TV-worthy, right? And then I had to find a picture that doesn't make me look like a fat, pathetic couch potato. (So I couldn't use the one that I use for my column...) A lot of work, I tell you.

But we got the notice today that on Saturday we're to go to the specified location and fill out a pop culture quiz. And if we pass that, we're going back on Sunday from 9am-5pm. I'm a little nevous! What if I'm the weak link on my team? Ohmygod, I'm going to be the link on my team.

Cross your fingers for me!

The CW winter press tour

Posted by Karen Woodward

I attended The CW’s winter press tour on Friday. Just another perk of being on The CW’s press list. (Have I said how much I love those guys at The CW? Seriously, they treat even minor reporters like me with respect.) I arrived at the Ritz Carlton in Pasadena about 15 mins early, just enough time to partake in the free breakfast before the event started. In case you’re getting the impression that I hobnob with the real reporters at this event, you’re mistaken. After picking up my press materials and generic press badge, I headed to the nearest table to look over the materials. There was only one other guy there, who was also reading over the materials. He had a real badge, I noticed. “Must be from some major paper in Ohio or something,” I thought. “Important enough to have a real badge with his name and publication, but not real enough to be chatting with all the rest of the reporters.” I stole a glimpse of his badge. New York Times. Nevermind.

The ballroom was set up in rows of tables and chairs facing forward and rows of table-less seats along the back. Like the hack that I am, I headed toward the back, quickly detouring when I realized that the chairs were for staff and hangers-on, and not me, one of the press.

After a few opening words by a very funny VP Corporate Communications Paul McGuire (who knew execs could be so funny?) Dawn Ostroff came out to take questions. She’s a very blonde, bland, by the numbers person, but I guess she must know a little about something to be the President of Entertainment at CW. Anyway, reporters other than me asked questions, and I typed furiously on my laptop. I didn’t really need to ask questions, since Michael Ausiello from TV Guide was there asking all my questions for me. I know! Ask Ausiello! When the Exec Q & A ended, I approached him. “I love your column,” I said (not gushed. Note that I did not gush.) “Oh thank you!” he said sincerely. He seemed genuinely pleased, so I continued, “You love all the same shows that I do, and I read you every week. I’m glad that you asked that question about One Tree Hill.” And then we had a brief conversation about the merits of forwarding that show ahead 4 years. (Oh god, I introduced myself to Michael. What if he googles me, and finds this, and sees what a gushing fan I am?) Oh well, this event was already worth the drive.

The rest of the day was filled with The CW promoting their new shows and desperately trying to save old favorites like Supernatural and Everybody Hates Chris. I’ll save reviews and impressions on CW’s new The Search for the Next [Pussycat] Doll and Hidden Palms for later, and instead focus on how interesting Chris Rock was in the Chris segment. When asked, “How bad was it really, those growing up years?” his response was, “Bad. [Pause while people wait for him to say something funny.] I’m sorry; I don’t really have anything funny to say about it.” No posturing, no rants, just a real guy. Intriguing.

That was very much the nature of this event. Normal, easy, funny, dare I say it, enjoyable. There were moments where I felt like the uncool new kid with nowhere to sit in the cafeteria, but then I reminded myself that I was invited to this, dammit! I had every right to be here! So I gathered up my free food, scooped up a couple of diet cokes, and headed to my table to write to you guys.

Golden Globes review

Posted by Karen Woodward

Karen:

Okay guys, what did we think?

Mali:

Okay, Reese Witherspoon must be hitting the gym hard - also Drew. Love the Betty win. Over Jennifer Hudson who hit a diva vibe I didn't go for. The whole Dreamgirls table seemed a bit tense.

The dresses were so lame - although will review in this weekend's US Weekly because sometimes they look better in pics but still - so boring. How many times has Rachel Weisz worn that dress? And what was up with the flounces - Penelope and Cameron - they looked like they were wearing doll's clothes. Loved all the couples' shots though - Ben and Jen looked so happy as did Jen and Marc, and could Angie have been more all over Brad? Good stuff

Karen:

Loved Reese, Drew, and J Lo. What was up with the flounces? Cameron, when your guy dumps you, that’s the time to look your BEST, silly. And what was up with Vanessa Williams' hair? Ohmygod. You didn’t like Jennifer Hudson's moment? It was one of my favorites of the night. "This has given me confidence" really moved me. Maybe I'm a sap. Or a sucker.

I thought Angie was acting weird. Maybe it was shyness, maybe it was nerves, maybe she just isn’t used to being at an awards show where she is playing the supportive significant other. But she was very aloof. I did catch some affection once she got some alcohol in her. I like them as a couple. I hate Jennifer Aniston. I just wish Angie had been warmer.

But speaking of couples, did you see Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon? First when she won, he was teary, and then later, they were cutely snuggling. I love them.

Favorite speech? I liked Meryl’s and America’s. (But how awkward was that moment after America won and she thought she was about to be interviewed by Maria Maneunos and Maria totally ignored her (Baaaad form Maria) and America turned to her off-camera publicist and said "What am I doing?" Ouch.

Did Forest Whitaker have a stroke?

Mali:

Hudson seemed fake to me - it was like "this is sincere." And she totally thought she was going to win. i saw her on the view when i was sick and I just don't like her. Also, you're a newcomer and you didn't thank any of your co-stars? Classy.

Yeah, I was all about B&A. They were very couple-y. She was giving off a whole goddess vibe which I dug - very old school movie star (even though the dress was hefty-esque. damn girl, you weight a buck ten on a good day. Show it off.). She seemed very supportive via clapping for Babeland kissing everyone. They were also totally leaning on each other throughout and when they won - and everyone was on their way up, she totally patted the back of his head, like he's her puppy. Her big blonde golden retriever puppy. I am not ashamed to be obsessed with them - great pic of them on E! at the after parties kissing. He's holding her like his life depends on her. And while I do hate Aniston on principle, I cannot even imagine how completely soulrippingly painful this has to be.

Renee Zellwegger's face looked weird - and her eyes have completely disappeared. Jada Pinkett looked pissed, as usual. And yes, I was loving la familia Bacon - they were so cute. And the daughter was so thrilled for her.

Dresses I didn't get - the entire Grey's Anatomy table, Sarah Jessica Parker,

I thought salma looked hot but she always does. 40! I can't believe it.

Forest - yeah, dude, there's a reason why you should take your time on the way up, gather your thoughts. have a thought.

I thought Justin's thing was awkward - making fun of Prince like he's the shit. Dude, please, you were a mousekeeter while prince was racing his lil red corvette.

Karen:

I love Nancy O'Dell. I met her once and she was so nice, so real. Yes, I agree Justin...not his finest moment. How dare he make fun of Prince? You thought Salma looked good? I thought she looked fat. Renee looked...like something was wrong with her. And she needed more makeup.

What did you think of Eddie Murphy winning? And can we cry that Zack Braff was shafted yet again? I'll give you the "shame on you for not thanking you co-stars" thing to Hudson. Plus, will she please stop talking about her stupid boyfriend? Speaking of Dreamgirls, I thought Beyonce looked awful. But it was nice to see her sitting next to Jay Z.

Didn’t you think that Reese looked a lot happier not having a drunken Ryan with her? And where the hell was the little brother from Betty? It looked liked everyone was there but him.

Mali:

I thought Salma looked good - she only looks fat because her boobs are chin high Penelope looked like she was channeling Sophia Loren circa 1965.

I wasn't having any of the Grecian draped looks and what was up with all that white?

Also sick of ? All Housewives. Felicity Huffman needs to take it easy - she's turning into Mask.

Yeah, Beyonce has worn that dress 10 times already - c'mon people, mix it up

I felt like Reese was overdoing it - like drunk girl "Hey,look at me, i'm haaaaaappppppppppeeeeeeeeee." but still, she lost a lot of weight because she was stick

Todd:

Hahha. This has been very entertaining. It was pretty interesting to see B&A together. They certainly seem to be the real thing, which is cool. I don’t get the whole aloof thing. I think she was very much “this is not about me” which is appropriate.

I fastforwarded through a lot of it so I’m just going on impressions here, but I liked Jennifer Hudson’s speech although what about props to idol??, was very excited that Eddie Murphy won, ditto Scorcese, Zellweger is looking squintier than ever, Cameron did look bad, JLo looked different, as though she had something done to her face, which is freakin ridiculous, yeah, Salma looked amazingly good, Justin cracked me up but seriously, where the hell was Prince? Was he just late? Helen Mirren looks damn good. She is stacked!

Mali:

But why was Eddie not excited about winning? Between impregnating a spice girl (sporty?) and dating Babyface Edmonds wife, this is just blase?

All the Helen Mirren boob comments are just plain disturbing.

Karen:

Stop talking about Helen Mirren's boobs! Did you guys notice that when she first went up, her dress was ripped?

I agree - why was Eddie not humble? You just got your career back buddy!

Todd:

Helen’s boobs, Helen’s boobs, Helen’s boobs…

Mali:

It's just so MILF, I can't deal.Also what was with all the balls/ass talk? I mean, Borat, ok but Hanks? That had to be the finest presentation in GG history. Show of hands?

Karen:

I think Sacha Baron Cohen just single handedly destroyed any chance of career longevity with that speech. Way to pigeonhole yourself buddy.

Mali:

His co-star was actually very funny about it, with the wine bottle. But I don't know how much longevity he'll have anyway. Sometimes it's just right time, right person but that doesn't mean there's a career there. I don't think Will Ferrell will be anyone in five years but right now just his name gets studios aroused. The same ones that were excited by Jim Carrey seven years ago. Jim who?

Karen:

Exactly.

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