Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Terra Nova: Season 1 Episode 12 & 13 - Occupation / Resistance


Well kids, we made it through season 1 of Terra Nova!  How did we fare?  It wasn't the worst show in the world, and naturally far from the best.  But, I was entertained in any case.  Season 1 will be known for its over-the-top acting, intentionally (hopefully) cheesy dialogue/moments and spectacular High Definition scenery.  But, for the most part it was a feel good show that entertained.   I wouldn't be upset if it returns for a season 2, but as I have stated previously, I probably won't return to blogging about it.  At least not full episode recaps.  But, just for kicks we'll do it one more time!  After we recap, I'll once again talk about my future blogging plans as well as that big life change for me that will affect us all!  (well me more than you!)  As far as the finale goes, it was action packed and probably the most entertaining episode of the season.  And there was tons of cheese sprinkled all over the episode, just how I like it!  Anyway, let's get into the recap.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Terra Nova: Season 1 Episode 11 - Within


Hello Terra Novians and welcome back for more recapping!  This season is building up to one climactic showdown as we close in on the 2 hour season/series finale next week.  Mostly what I read seems to indicate that we'll at LEAST see a season 2 of this show to help justify all of the work that went into producing the show (location, effects, various rewrites, etc...).  And based on how the series has evolved over this half order, I wouldn't be upset to see it return.  Of course, I wouldn't be jumping in my boots either (no, I don't own any boots so that could be tough anyway).  I think a 12-13 episode season order suits this show well.  Not sure how it would fare over a 22-24 episode full season.  I could envision lots more cheese than we ever witnessed in those middle episodes this season!  Anyway, those little seeds of mythology that have been planted from episode to episode are finally taking front and center stage in these final episodes.  And they have to be the strongest that the show has produced yet.  Don't worry, I still found some hidden cheese gems in there.  But, on the other hand with Zoe getting absolutely no lines and maybe 10 seconds of screen time it's tough to find a lot of cheese!  Fortunately, Josh and Maddie are still up to no good!

So enough of me rambling about anything under the sun, let's get recapping!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Sons of Anarchy: Season 4 Episode 14 - To Be (Part 2)



Whew, I'm exhausted after this season folks.  High stakes, high drama, high caliber acting, awesome twists.  Kurt Sutter messed with our heads and divided the fans of this show into 2 groups.  1.) Those who thought the show would take the ultimate risk of killing off a lead character in the middle of a show's run.  2.)  Those who just KNEW there would be some twist that would force that same character to stay relevant for 1 or 2 more seasons.  I hate to be someone that rubs things in people's faces, so I'll just say that!  But, all the little hints were planted along the way that this story was far from over.  And Kurt Sutter did an interview that posted immediately following the finale that goes into his very detailed thoughts for how things play out from here.  I swear this guy could be a distant relative of mine because I was basically thinking the same way!  Anyway, I salute Sutter, the cast and the entire crew of Sons of Anarchy on a job VERY well done this year.  This is how TV should be done!  Between this and season 4 of Breaking Bad, I just don't know how television gets any better (well, having LOST still be on the air might do the trick!).  So, let's get into my quick thoughts about the episode and open the floor for discussion.  Here we go!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Sons of Anarchy: Season 4 Episode 13 - To Be (Part 1)


Well, it's happening folks.  I just can't let an episode go by without mentioning something about this show!  Plus, with us being so close to the end of the season I figured I should just finish it out with some dedicated posts to the show.  And WOW what an incredible season it has been.  I can see why Sutter wanted to split this finale into 2 episodes and not cut anything.  Everything in this half seemed fairly important.  And would you want to cut that any of that pivotal scene between Gemma and Jax?  Sure lines were repeated from her conversation with Tara, but it was just so intense and so good!  Cue the Emmy people now!  Anyway, I'm getting ahead of myself.  Things are certainly looking grimm for ol' Clay and after this season the fanbase is probably rooting for this.  But, I'm still not so sure Kurt "Otto" Sutter will pull the trigger this season.  I have full faith in his abilities as a showrunner if he does, but I still smell a giant twist coming.  Let's discuss below!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Terra Nova: Season 1 Episode 10 - Now You See Me


Hello Past Dwellers from the future!  We're back with another installment of Terra Nova.  This season is sprinting towards its close with only 2 more episodes left (12/12 and 12/19).  It is unclear whether it will return for a 2nd season (full or another half) but with its ratings holding pretty stable, it is a strong possibility.  The show has become a reliable source of entertainment on Monday nights.  Not a deep mythology as some might have hoped but there is an interesting plot at work, and most of the characters are pretty entertaining.  Tonight was another case of a solid episode with some cheese sprinkled over it.  It was definitely fun to have one of those classic episodes where adversaries are forced to work together to achieve a short-term goal.  And of course, there was the whole "mole" hunt where at least the audience was let in on the big secret.  All the pieces are being put into place for a dramatic finish.  I have my guesses to how season 2 might get set up, not that it's any big surprise.  But we'll get there after our quick-as-usual and light-hearted recap below!

The Walking Dead: Season 2 Episode 7 - Pretty Much Dead Already




Yikes!!  Hello Walkers!!  Well, is this the episode everyone was waiting for?  I'm sure it was.  Brilliant from start to finish and wouldn't have been half as impactful without the 6 episodes and pacing that led up to it. (not to mention the 6 episodes of season 1 that added to it as well)  All of these emotions and conflicts between characters brewing and culminating in one grand shoot-out.  And if that wasn't enough, a horrific conclusion to this season's long running story arc that frustrated many viewers.  That my friends could have been a season finale, but it was just our "MID-Season" finale!  We're on hiatus until February 12, 2012 but there's plenty to discuss and debate until then.  So, let's dive in and get started!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Sons of Anarchy: Season 4 Episode 12 - Burnt and Purged Away (quick thoughts)


Well don't get used to this folks!  But, I just happened to have the day off and felt the need to post a separate post on the latest Sons of Anarchy episode, setting up the 2-Part Season Finale!  Because, man was it intense!  Every episode this season has been intense and each one more intense than the one before.  Some serious stuff is going down at SAMCRO and we need to discuss them and how this potentially changes the future of the show.  I wouldn't necessarily call this a "RECAP" per say but just continuing my weekly thoughts on the show that usually end up in the comments sections of other posts.  So let's get into the highlights of this episode.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Terra Nova: Season 1 Episode 9 - Vs


Well folks, we finally got what we were asking for!  An episode that primarily deals with the overarching mythology of Terra Nova.  It probably will be a disappointment for anyone who was expecting some major twists with altering time and all of that fun stuff.  It was a pretty basic reveal, but still meaningful enough to keep me tuned in to see how it will all turn out.  Another enjoyable episode for this Family Dino Thriller!  And, folks, I jotted down many notes for the cheese list!  It was off the charts fantastic this week.  No, nothing that will top the Spider Song, but what we don't get in quality we make up for quantity, right?  So, without further adieu...the recap!

The Walking Dead: Season 2 Episode 6 - Secrets


Well folks, this is why we invest in these shows!  Big payoff episodes like this.  The aptly titled "secrets" episode is when ALL (and I mean all) secrets between characters were outed paving the road to all hell breaking loose in the very near future.  Throw on time of that a few zombie whackings and you have yourself one intesely satisfying Walking Dead episode!  I give this episode my WOW seal of approval without any reservations.  We have one episode to go before the mid-season finale, and with the way things are developing I think they're going to leave us hanging off a pretty steep cliff!  Let's dive into this episode a little further and discuss.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Fringe: Season 4 Episode 7 - Wallflower


Hello Fringe fandom!  Welcome to our Fall Finale recap.  I have to tell you, I'm still a little peeved about how the World Series impacted this great show.  Tonight's episode was good, but it was not designed to be any type of cliffhanger "fall finale" finale episode (though there was a tiny cliffhanger).  If you watched the previews for the next episode (not to air until January) then you would see what their plans might have been for episode 8.  Even Joshua Jackson expressed his excitement over that episode.  For any fans that have been frustrated with this season (not me), this week's episode is not going to do anything to change their minds.  Now, we enter a hiatus and have to be worried about if fans will return to see what all the build-up was for.  I'll still stay optimistic, but this is probably the worst situation the show has been in yet.

But enough being Debbie Downer (I realize I just called myself a female name), let's recap this episode!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Catch-Up Discussion on Fringe, The Walking Dead, Terra Nova and Sons of Anarchy


Hello fellow TV Addicts!  As you may have read, I was out of town for a few days and am a little late on providing my weekly feedback on some regular shows.  This may become a more regular occurrence in the new year with the newborn around, but we'll see how things go!  For now, I have returned and have some commentary to get to!  These obviously won't be full fledged recaps as I need to cover 3 shows.  Plus, I'm going to throw a little bonus in with Sons of Anarchy!  I had caught up this summer just in time for season 4's start.  And I have to say, I couldn't have caught up at a better time.  If you haven't watched this show, sign up for netflix streaming and get on it right now.  Season 4 has to be the best yet and some major *$#& is about to go down (and already has!).   Anyway, after the jump we'll get into some quick commentary on the latest eps of Fringe, The Walking Dead, Terra Nova and Sons of Anarchy.  Hope you enjoy!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

TV Addicts Blog Hiatus

Hello TV Addicts!   As I've been warning for the past few posts, I will be out of town over the weekend so I will be unable to post timely recaps for Fringe, The Walking Dead and Terra Nova.  I will try to post some brief thoughts on all 3 shows when I return plus anything else fun I've had a chance to watch!  (Sons of Anarcy, American Horror Story anyone!?)  But, feel free to continue discussions in my absence, just be clear of whatever show you're talking about just in case people don't want to be spoiled!

Thanks and I apologize for the inconvenience!  See you when I return.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Terra Nova: Season 1 Episode 7 - Nightfall


Well what do you know folks?  I was hesitant to press play on my TiVo tonight and start this episode and it turned out to be probably its best episode yet!  Now, as always, I'm not saying it was great when comparing it to some of the great dramas in TV history or anything.  But, I did find myself thoroughly entertained throughout the episode.  And it felt like we finally made some progress on the whole Sixers mystery and the overarching mythology.   Not much, but it was nice to know that they didn't forget about it.  To tell you the truth, about halfway through the episode, I was starting to get worried there wouldn't be any cheesy dialogue or moments and then the stuff just came pouring down like it was Hurricane Velveeta!   It was beautiful folks!  And we'll get to it all in the recap below!

The Walking Dead: Season 2 Episode 4 - Cherokee Rose

Hello fans of the undead!  The Walking Dead has still been on a roll this season, exploring new ways to gross us out and test our patience!  We had another great episode last night that once again slowed things down to reflect on their current status while continuing the search for Sophia.  And of course, it all ended with a big plot twist that we all speculated might come after certain events transpired last season.  Let's dive in to the guts of the episode!

Disclaimer: While I do strive to keep all of my recaps "Family Friendly" be advised that some pictures from this episode may be quite disturbing!   And a quote or 2 may go into PG-13 territory!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Fringe: Season 4 Episode 5 - Novation

Finally, Fringe has returned!  And we can all blame the St. Louis Cardinals and Mother Nature for not allowing us to get our fix a week earlier.  But, the wait was worth it folks.  The episode lived up to its billing and Peter's return has just brought more questions with it than resolution, just as we suspected.  And while a majority of the episode did focus on Peter's assimilation into this "slightly different" world, there wasn't a whole lot of time to rest as the 2.0 Shapeshifters are back!  Well, let's dive right in folks, shall we?

Monday, October 31, 2011

Terra Nova: Season 1 Episode 6 - Bylaw


Seems like ages since we've visited Terra Nova, hasn't it?  We'll, we're back and for the most anti-climatic murder mystery of the ages!  One big misdirection after another and then a random resolution!  But that's not all!  More teen angst and the story of getting a pet Dino!  (I was a few episodes off on my Flintstones prediction which I don't remember if I made vocal then)   Don't get me wrong, it wasn't an awful episode, but it was far from fantastic.  And the worst part?  There weren't many memorable cheesy lines to talk about either!  But I'll figure out something for currently the only redeeming part of this weekly recap!  The show is still entertaining as a Family Sci-Fi action romp.  But, for anyone looking for more meaty mythological brain dumps, it's still just scratching the surface.  There are promises that it's coming though!   But for now, let's work with what we got this week!

The Walking Dead: Season 2 Episode 3 - Save the Last One

Greetings fellow Walkers!  WOW, another intense episode with a shocker of a final moment.  It was another slow burn of an episode on the farm and RV campuses accompanied by a stressful escape from the High School for Shane and Otis.  This show has definitely found a nice balance between deep character moments, comedy and goretasic scenery!  3 episodes in and I'm loving this season just as much as the last.  No reason to delay this any further.  Let's get into the quick recap!

Monday, October 24, 2011

The Walking Dead: Season 2 Episode 2 - Bloodletters

Greetings Walkers!  We had yet another entertaining hour of the end of days drama's second season!  I thoroughly enjoyed myself as always.  Maybe there will be a few complainers about the slow pace that they are deciding to take this season plot-wise, but I'm loving it!  For me, it just builds the suspense even more and adds to how the characters will respond in these tense situations.  We're already seeing hints that the group is getting antsy to get moving.  But for now, we have an injured Carl and still a missing Sophia and the drama is consuming the group as well as splitting them up from each other.  Let's discuss what went down in this light recap!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Terra Nova: Season 1 Episode 5 - The Runaway


Hello Terra Novians!  We're back for another fun-filled adventure with those wacky prehistoric future people.  I must say while we're still not charting into "Legendary Show" territory, I do feel an improvement with each episode that airs.  In this one, we spend some much needed time with Terra Nova's arch-nemisis "Sixers" and we dive more into the question of "Who really are the good guys?" which pretty much drives all of these types of shows these days.  It's sad to say but the cheesy line factor was way down from last week (which was just about every line of the show).  But don't you fear, there definitely was some stuff to save for the final section of this recap.  Anyway, let's cut to the cheese...umm...chase.  Sorry.  (Admit it, along with those eye rolls, some of you may have let out a tiny chuckle)  Recap time!

The Walking Dead: Season 2 Episode 1 - What Lies Ahead


Welcome Dead Heads after a looooong hiatus BACK to The Walking Dead: Season 2!  And WOW, what a way to start off the season.  The show has returned and has not missed a beat!  At every turn, there is that constant fear that these Zombie Apocalypse survivors will run into trouble.  And trouble they did find not too long into the episode!  The show continues to do what it did best in the 6 episode 1st season.  Using the zombies and constant tension as a backdrop to drive some deeply personal character stories.  And, they even found a way to throw some religion in there with a very clear message from the Almighty!  But we'll get there in due time. 

Now folks, last year this "recap" started as just a quick commentary because I couldn't keep the show to myself.  I needed an outlet to discuss.  It did evolve a bit as the 6 episodes went along.  But, I can't promise you the in-depth recaps you may have come to associate me with for this show.  Sunday is a busy night of television and I have to find a way on Monday to throw some commentary down for this whilst keeping other obligations (namely obligations that get me a direct deposit to my bank every 2 weeks!).  So, I'll do my best to get my thoughts down and start the discussion on a weekly basis.   On another note, I believe this season is getting chopped (pun slightly intended) into 2 halves due to the holidays.   So we'll get half of the 13 eps before the December holiday period and then the rest of them afterwards (all to be wrapped up, I'm sure before Mad men starts in March).  But hey, that works for me.  It's better than 6 episodes and then almost a 1 year wait for the next season! 

With all of that said, let's get into the "gory" details of this episode! 

Note: Some of the pictures in this recap may not be suited for a family audience or those who are squeemish.  But, you probably aren't watching this show if you fall into one of those categories!  

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Fringe: Season 4 Episode 4 - Subject 9


Hello Fringe fandom!  Episodes like last night are the reason the frustrated fans stick around.  The payoffs! Yes, we are still surrounded by total confusion, but we definitely got an awesome moment of television.  And some very interesting new tidbits of this new "Peter-less" reality.  All I have to say is WOW!  Fringe has brought it and raised the bar once again.  Bravo!  We'll have a break for a week due to the World Series before the next episode so it's good that this one has left us with much to talk about!  No sense in delaying, let's get to it!! 

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Terra Nova: Season 1 Episode 4 - What Remains


So, I planned on writing a recap for Terra Nova tonight but I totally forget what I was going to write.  In fact, I don't even know what Terra Nova is.  So, I'm just going to write a recap about LOST again because that's where my mind is right now!  Okay, obviously kidding.  In all seriousness, I thought this week's episode was going to be a disaster and the clinching nail in the coffin for any ounce of hope that this could be a decent show.  I was happily proven wrong.  Don't get me wrong, we're not marching off to the Emmy's or anything but this episode was far more enjoyable to me than the attack of the killer bird-o-saurs last week.  The cheesy lines were still there but some of them, I couldn't resist laughing at even whilst rolling my eyes in a cheery way.  As some have stated, this isn't really going to be a show to take TOO seriously.  It does have its serious moments in advancing people's agendas, which we saw a little bit this week.  That's all I ask for folks!  We can have our silly weekly stories, but let's move that plot along a bit too!  I still don't see much reasoning for a full fledged story recap again this week.  Not sure we'll ever be at that level with this show.  But I'll highlight the things that I found important or amusing!   Here we go!

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Fringe: Season 4 Episode 3 - Alone in the World


Hello Fringe freaks and welcome back!  We got another solid episode last night, but I'll admit that it was a little weirder than usual.  I know, calling a Fringe episode "weird" is actually a compliment, right?  The mythology advancing material was great and we got a nice tidbit of information of what caused Peter to not exist in this world, but the case of the week was just flat out bizarre!  I can see where they were trying to tie this to the current themes running through the show, but it was still weird!  That all being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed myself and I'm going to enjoy every moment of Fringe while I can.  I'm just not sure how FOX is going to respond to the ratings it's getting.  The ratings did increase 8% this week, but had dropped 20% the week before, so we're still down.  The 2 things it has going for it is that it's not alone with suffering in the ratings (they're down across the board) and the show is still a critical/cult favorite with strong DVR numbers.  (So maybe that's 4 things??)  I think most of us would agree, it's time to get Peter back on the show.  Based on the final moment of this episode, they seem to be promising that it's going to be in the imminent future!  So with all of that said, let's get on with the recap!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Terra Nova: Season 1 Episode 3 - Instinct


Hello prehistoric bird watchers, welcome to Terra Nova - Comedy Edition!  I can't even sugarcoat it folks. That was one painful episode of television to endure.  I know, you don't usually hear this coming from the "I love everything I write about!" blogger.  But, I never had to endure the first post-pilot episode of Terra Nova before tonight either!  I guess they realized that they spent all of their budget for 2 seasons worth of episodes in that pilot, and this is what we get in return for the 3rd hour?  Yikes.  A lot less action and a lot more of the cheese that we were willing to overlook last week.  Don't get me wrong, I was laughing the entire hour, but it was for all of the wrong reasons.

The minute that Jim and the Mrs. were getting interrupted from their "night-time festivities", I think we all could have figured out how the episode was going to end!  But, don't let me spoil the big twist ending for you guys! We'll get there in due time.  A fair warning to all of you hardcore Terra Novians out there, there is no way that I can recap this episode in any kind of serious way.   I am aware that there are going to have to be episodes like this scattered across the 12 episode order of season 1, and I am optimistic that they will counter-balance episodes like this with more mythology expanding episodes.  But when we stumble upon a stinker like this one, there is only so much that I can say!   So, with that in mind, let's get to it!

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Fringe Season 4: Episode 2 - One Night in October


Hello Fringe freaks!  Welcome back as we continue to delve into season 4.  The 2nd episode, for me, was no less awesome than the premiere.  In fact, I think it gave us a better look at how season 4 is going to continue to play out.  Both universes working together on cases, relationships developing between alternate selves and of course figuring out what is going on with Peter Bishop!  What I find continuously awesome about this show is that the episode's case of the week will often seem to be a stand-alone case but then by the end the overall theme of the case ties strongly into the current overarching themes of the show.  And surprisingly, the show didn't get overly cheesy having Anna Torv playing two roles against each other for a majority of the episode.  Gotta love having a nice special effects budget!  Anyway, the episode gets another WOW from me and let's move on to the recap!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Terra Nova: Season 1 Episodes 1 & 2 - Genesis


Hello friends and welcome to the next blogging experiment!  That's right kids, we're gonna give this crazy Terra Nova show a shot right here at the TV Addicts Blog.  We're going to see how everyone responds to the show in the ratings, on the blog and judge my personal enjoyment of the show on a week to week basis and see if it is indeed worth the trouble.  But, right out of the bat, I gotta say that I highly enjoyed the 2 hours we got to spend in Terra Nova and with the Shannon family and crew.  There is no doubt that the production levels are right on par and probably exceed those of the pilot of our favorite show LOST.  Both had similar high budgets and fancy locales to shoot in (Hawaii vs. Australia).  I won't compare the acting just yet, as we need to see if this cast evolves over time!  Anyway, Terra Nova's pilot was a high octane drama that planted the seeds for some crazy conflicts, big reveals and opened the doors to a family audience.  Yes, this does mean that there were plenty of opportunities for intentional cheesy dialogue.  But, the lines never went past a chuckle for me and my eyes remained unrolled for most of the 2 hours!  My worry is that they spent so long on this pilot episode (2 years was it?) that they won't be able to keep the thrills up on a weekly basis.  But maybe most of that time was working out the kinks in order to be able to provide the thrills consistently.  We'll just have to wait and see.  But for the Series Premiere, I say bravo and bring me some more!

As with most series premieres, I tend to not do a traditional recap as we are just being introduced to characters, there is a bit of world building and just hints of conflicts to come.  There isn't enough information to start the mad theorizing just yet.  Plus, it was 2 hours and I just can't see me writing a full fledged recap for a 2 hour series premiere of a show that none of us are THAT invested in quite yet!  So, let's see how the recap goes and we'll see what it evolves into over the coming weeks!  Join me after the jump!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Fringe: Season 4 Episode 1 - Neither Here Nor There


Hello Universe Hoppers and Alternate Timeline lovers!  Welcome back for another season of Fringe recapping!  I, for one, am thrilled that it's back!  I lifted the restrictions on the use of this word in last season's finale and I still feel confident that I made the right choice.  WOW!!!!  Fringe has returned and his not skipped a beat.  They left us with one of the most mind-boggling cliffhangers in TV history and it looks like they're going to keep us in a bit of suspense for a little while longer.  That said, they did alleviate some of the tension for fans who were scared that one of the cast members may have been erased from the cast permanently.  And they did this quite quickly.  It was never a question for me, for a lot of us.  Ever since that cliffhanger, I've been just trying to figure out HOW they'd bring him back.  Surely, there would have to be some loophole that would trigger memories.  And, while it's a bit more complicated than that, that would certainly seem to be the route they're going.

So, it's been a long summer and we're back in full force for the new blogging season.  If you missed some key announcements that I made that could affect future blogging in 2012, please take a look at this post.  And stay tuned to the end credits for information on my other blogging ventures this year!   Enough commercials, let's get to the recap!!

Friday, September 16, 2011

Fall 2011 Television Season is Here! My Blogging/Viewing Plans.

Hello fellow blog readers!  Welcome to the new television season!  An exciting time to be sure.  And, I have not changed in my commitment to provide in-depth recap/discussions on some of our favorite shows (and potentially comedic recaps on new shows that never quite captured our attention).  We have had some successes (LOST, Fringe, Walking Dead) and some blunders (FlashForward, The Event) but I think we've found a way to find the fun in all of our adventures.  I aim to continue that goal in our new television season.  There are tons of new shows to look forward to but I am only one person with growing responsibilities outside of blogging.  So, I have chosen a select few shows to venture onward with.  And I will list them very soon.  But first...a big announcement!!

ANNOUNCEMENT:
I thought the TV Addicts family would like to know that Mrs. TV Addict and I are expecting a Jr. TV Addict-in-training to arrive early this January!  As you can imagine, we are beyond excited!  And, I'm sure many of you are probably excited for us.  But, maybe there's a hint of worry about how this will impact the blogging come 2012.  And honestly, I can tell you that I have no idea but I can imagine DRAMATICALLY!  In the below blog entry, you will see I have committed to quite a bit of recapping.  That said, after my years of dedication to having TIMELY recaps maybe everyone will understand if there are some delays in the new year.  Afterall, I will be training my eventual blogging replacement!  In all seriousness, anyone that knows me by now probably knows that I will have a problem quitting discussing TV.  So, the timing of blog posts may change but I'm sure I'll find a way to talk about SOMETHING every now and then.  So let's approach that with a "wait and see" approach!  And for now, I'll accept your congratulations! (just kidding)

Okay, enough with the announcement of important "REAL LIFE changing" events, let's get on to TV discussion!  After the jump, I will discuss the new shows I will be recapping and the returning shows that I will be resuming the recaps.  And then, I thought I'd talk a bit about the shows that I will be watching and the shows that I love but just do not have time to blog (but would be HAPPY to discuss at any time).  Here goes nothing!

Monday, July 25, 2011

Highlights from Comic-Con 2011 for Fringe, LOST, The Walking Dead, Alcatraz

Hello TV Addicts!  How have you been enjoying your summers?  I've been resting my weary fingers from the onslaught of TV blogging last season.  I thought I'd be writing some tidbits here and there about Breaking Bad, Rescue Me and the other summer shows I've been watching but I always forget how much I enjoy taking these little hiatuses!  It recharges my batteries for the fall!  Anyway, one thing I do miss is the annual Comic-Con updates I used to post from the LOST panels.  Ironically, LOST returned to comic-con this year in the form of Entertainment Weekly's panel with a few pleasant surprises.  Fringe made a nice showing and I have found the videos on YouTube to share with everyone!  The Alcatraz pilot was premiered at Comic-Con and all of the JJ Abrams nuts showed up in full force and support.  (mostly positive reviews from what I can gather)   And The Walking Dead premiered a 4 minute trailer of the new season which will premiere in mid-October.  Lots of exciting TV coming our way!  Definitely much more at Comic-Con than these few shows but it's what I'll be focusing on below.  Hope you enjoy!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Event: Season 1 Episode 22 - Arrival


Hello Eventers!  Well, it's over...we think.  Not a bad way to go out though, right?  Yes, there is a chance that the show may be renewed by some other venue but for now we have to assume that this was the last hour of The Event we will see.  They definitely set up for a very interesting season 2.  And, the final line of the episode!  NIIIICE.   We pretty much knew the result but the way they delivered it DID surprise me even though I said it wouldn't!  I even laughed as the STARK Productions logo hit the screen.  Good stuff.  Anyway, we'll get to do one last entertaining recap where ZUCKERGUY becomes the star attraction for a bit!

Before we dive in, HAPPY LOST FINALE ANNIVERSARY!  For all of you LOSTIES that transported over with me to the new blog, please go stop in for a visit at our old stomping grounds.  I did a little reminiscing and looking towards the future in the Anniversary LOST Blog Post.  Around these parts, we did some looking forward to the future in last week's VACANT recap, but perhaps we'll revisit at the end of this blog too.

For now, let's revisit The Event AT LEAST one more time.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

The Event: Season 1 Episode 21 - The Beginning of the End (discussion + Preview of next season TV shows)

Hello Eventers!  Yes, as previously promised, I was not home in time last night to watch The Event yet.  So, I apologize, but there will not be a recap this week.  I hope to watch later today and then share my thoughts in the comments here.  And I encourage you all to discuss your observations from the episode as well.  BUT, I still have some announcements to make about The Event as well as upcoming Fall TV shows with blogging potential.  So if you're intrigued by that then please click on to continue reading.  And please share your thoughts on this episode to make up for my slacking!   Thanks everyone for your understanding!

Click on to continue reading announcements.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

The Event: Season 1 Episode 20 - One Will Live, One Will Die


Hello Eventers!  We're closing in on the end of the season/series and it's a non-stop suspense ride.  They've dropped all sense of a mythology and it is just an all out war of aliens vs. humans.  And there is tons of manipulation to go around too.  I won't lie, most of this stuff we could see coming a mile away, but it was still fun to watch it unfold!  I'll do my best to capture the moments in the recap.  One disclaimer before we continue.  I am going to be out of town next Monday, so there is a chance I won't get to The Event recap.  But, if I don't get to it, I'll still post a blog post in case people would like to discuss it.  I'll eventually add my comments as well once I finally watch it.  I know, the penultimate episode and everything but hey!  Sometimes life gets in the way, right?   But that's not this week, so let's get on with the recap!

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Fringe: Season 3 Episode 22 - The Day We Died


WOW!!!!  Whaaaaaat???!!  Awesome!!!  Those were pretty much my reactions at the end of the Fringe season 3 finale last night.  What a fantastic, perfect and crazy way to end such a fantastic, perfect and crazy season.  A lot of the ideas we had been throwing around on this blog did, in fact, happen.  But, the way they went about it is what's so shocking and awesome!   And it has left us with questions to ponder all summer.  Everyone reading this recap right now, force someone you know to watch seasons 1-3 of Fringe this summer.  If they have any sense about them, they'll realize that they have been missing out on some awesome stuff!  I had been thinking it all season but now I can say with full confidence, THIS SHOW is the true heir to LOST!  The finale just proved it.  WOW!!  Fringe, you've truly earned my use of the sacred WOW!  Let's get into this recap folks.   I'm not even sure how I'm going to go about that just yet.  But I'm sure I'll figure it out!

Monday, May 2, 2011

The Event: Season 1 Episode 19 - Us or Them


Hello Eventers!  Welcome back to another recap of The Event.  I had indicated last week that the show was finally begging me to take it seriously, and I was on board once again this week!  Sure, there will be plenty of things to laugh at along the way but they did a good job keeping the suspense going.  This really wasn't an episode where there is much to analyze at length as it was just one thrill ride from start to finish.  It was almost an episode of 24 minus the ticking clock and Jack Bauer (who was off taking care of Mr. Bin Laden over the weekend according to Twitter.  If that doesn't get you people to sign up, what will!?).  Let's just jump right into things, shall we?

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Fringe: Season 3 Episode 21 - The Last Sam Weiss


Hello Fringe Fanatics, welcome back for our penultimate episode recap for season 3!   Okay, the show has earned it so I'm finally going to do it.  WOW!!!  I kept hoping that the result from the machine would bring a consequence that we didn't predict, and it certainly did.  Of course, because I wasn't able to watch live and some one (I won't name names) assumed I did, I was slightly spoiled about the giant reveal at the end.  But, no matter, it was still awesome and unexpected of HOW it would be revealed.  And we still don't really know what it all means, but something tells me we are getting a preview of what season 4 of Fringe may look like.  And, I'm excited to explore that.  We're getting way ahead of ourselves though.  We need to rewind and get through the recap before we talk about the future of Fringe.   So let's dive in!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The Event: Season 1 Episode 18 - Strain


Hello Eventers!  Welcome back to our love/hate discussion of this show that we can't make up our minds on!  This week, I'm falling back on the "LOVE" side of The Event.  The show really does have a lot of potential when it's firing on all cylinders.  Tonight was one of those nights where they slowed down the pace and just focused on 2 major plot lines with a little bit of alien nation sprinkled into driving both of those stories.  Both stories were equally suspenseful and dare I say one of them creeped me the hell out!  Maybe, The Event has found a formula that works with episodes like this.   Of course, as we say every week, it's probably all too little too late.  Remember the days when network TV let average shows linger on for a couple seasons so that they could find their voice?  Oh well, let's dive into this week's recap and we'll worry about season 2 some other day!  As we all know, I may change my mind next week anyway!

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Fringe: Season 3 Episode 20 - 6:02 AM EST


Hello Fringe Fanatics!  Welcome back as we continue our season 3 discussion with the latest installment.  This installment happens to be what can be thought of as Part 1 of an epic 3 hour finale that will culminate in an event with consequences of universal proportions!  Naturally, part 1 is just setting the stage and giving us a small taste of what's to come in the coming hours.  But, man it was awesome!!  (almost broke out that "W" word reserved for LOST recaps.  And I just might have to before this season ends)  We spent some time in both universes in this episode and I'm guessing that will continue for the remainder of the season.  Soon we will find out how this conflict will be resolved and then we'll have to focus on the bigger question.  What happens after that?!  But I'm getting ahead of myself.  That question probably doesn't come into play until the actual FINALE recap!  So, let's take things one step at a time and dive into this episode.

Monday, April 18, 2011

The Event: Season 1 Episode 17- Cut Off the Head


Hello Eventers!  Are there any of you still out there?  Well, if there are then I'm sure you're in the same boat as I am.  Content (or at least have accepted) that the show will probably not be returning, but enjoying the ride of what's left!  You've probably also have accepted that parts of the show will indeed be laughable, and almost hope for it to happen!  But, then you also realize that there is a great show hidden somewhere in there just screaming to come out.  Those are all the things that went through my head as I watched this week's episode.  I will continue to say that since reshuffling the deck during the hiatus and putting different characters with each other, things have certainly gotten a little more exciting.   So let's not waste any time and let's dive into the reap.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Fringe: Season 3 Episode 19 - Lysergic Acid Diethylamide



Hello FRINGE Fanatics!  We're back after a 3 week hiatus and it feels good!  The first of the 4 final episodes of season 3.  Not sure what the masses will make of this episode, but man did I absolutely LOVE it!  The Fringe producers had promised us an episode similar to the likes of last season's offbeat noir/musical episode "Brown Betty".  And they certainly delivered some unique and groundbreaking television (and perhaps paying homage to some predecessors in the process).  It was a nice change of pace episode to help reflect and set the stage for the final 3 episodes of the season (which I have read all follow the same storyline and act as a 3 part finale).  So, what are you waiting for?  Grab your LSD and let's trip out into the recap!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

The Event: Season 1 Episode 16 - You Bury Other Things Too


Hello Eventers!  So, how did the show measure up after the decent episode last week?  It was pretty good! But, I think I might be back into complaint mode this week.  Some highly improbable plot devices were used which is what THE EVENT excels at, but which are so fun to comment about!   A couple more things were revealed this week concerning the show's deeper mythology, but for the most part it was a lot of talk about things that we already knew were coming.  But, as always, I'm still enjoying and will look forward to the show returning in 2 weeks for what I'm guessing will be the final 6 episodes in 6 straight weeks.  The question still remains with NBC whether that will be the final episodes in the series or the season.  For now, we'll just deal with the questions being brought up within the show.  Here we go!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

The Event: Season 1 Episode 15 - Face Off


Well friends, when a show is bad I'm happy to talk about it.   Laughable plot lines and acting?  Yep, I'm gonna talk about it.  But, when a show steps up its game and shows us the potential that it has should it be renewed, well I'm going to talk about that too.  FINALLY, The Event showed signs of hope to me.  One could argue that the 14 episodes of build up is what led to a satisfying episode such as this.  And yes, for the most part, they would be right.  But it's such a shame that an episode like this, one I would say is the best episode yet, has come after so many have abandoned the show.  Is NBC even considering a renewal at this point?  It feels like deja vu all over again with Flashforward a year ago.  The best episodes came after the LONG hiatus and the ratings had no chance of improving.  The retooling or just phase 2 of their story is just what the doctor ordered to get The Event out of its stale redundant funk. Sean and Vicky's paring?  CHECK!   EBEs vs. Government and sympathy on both sides?  CHECK!   Dempsey out of his office and doing something interesting?  CHECK!   Plot moving forward more quickly? CHECK!  Suspense and excited to see what happens next?  Put another oddly shaped V into that box too.   Nothing further I can really add to this except that if you had considered not getting back into The Event after the hiatus, maybe you want to check it out again before it rides off into the sunset.   Let's move on to the recap!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Fringe: Season 3 Episode 18 - Bloodline


Welcome Fringe Fans!  We're back for another recap of another fantastic episode.  But I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't pause to reflect on some news that was provided by executive producer J.H. Wyman Thursday night causing an explosion on Twitter:

"@was picked up!! Thanks Fringedom!"
There you have it folks, the reason you should all sign up for Twitter.  Real-time notifications of the things you care about!  Ratings be damned, season 4 is a go!  Fox is totally happy with the performance of Fringe on Friday nights and insist that their Friday nights overall have improved because of the show.  I'm not sure how much truth there is to that but I do know that they have a fan in Kevin Reilly (Fox Prez) and I don't think he was willing to let the show die.  If you want to read an interview with the producers, go right ahead.  While, I am excited for the season 4 renewal, I am a bit hesitant about the show living much past that.  But, let's just call this battle won for now and worry about season 5 next season!  If Pinkner and Wyman say they have ideas that could get us to 8 seasons, well then I would like to see what they have in mind!

Anyway, let's get to this episode which brought us back OVER THERE.  It would seem as this season is drawing to a close that we will be dealing with the show's mythology more than our procedural/mythology inter-fused episodes.  This one dealt with Fauxlivia's pregnancy and the potential life threatening issues with it.  Of course, things got all FRINGEY and crazy with that pregnancy and we'll get to that.  The episode also follows Lincoln and Charlie as they grow more suspicious of the events that have occurred in Alternaville over the past season. (though, they didn't refer to it as a SEASON naturally because they don't realize they're on a television show.  DUH!)   Lots of stuff to discuss so let's get right on to it!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The Event: Season 1 Episode 14 - A Message Back


Hello Eventers!  Welcome back to your weekly dose of Dempsian Dissection!  This is an episode that felt like they provided a lot of answers but once the hour was up, we found out we really didn't learn much at all.  And the worst part, the episode didn't even end!  It's like it reached its climatic moment and then rolled the credits.  An oddly paced episode indeed.  Of course, I definitely want to tune in next week to see how the conflict resolves.   But, I'm feeling like there really isn't much to discuss with this one.  Sure, there's lots of acting and contrived plots to playfully tease, and there are some potential plot points that sound interesting. But, I'll admit it.  With this show's inevitable fate of cancellation getting stronger each week, it's getting tougher for me to get the motivation to fill this recap out. One thing the show has going for it is that I'm still enjoying it, whatever they're trying to accomplish.  So, we'll see how things go.  Wish me luck!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Fringe: Season 3 Episode 17 - Stowaway


Hello Fringe Fandom and welcome back for another recap of the world's craziest and most fantastic show! This season has certainly gone in paths that we never could have expected, and last week's cliffhanger was one of the most random AND inspired moments leading to this fabulous episode.  Anna Torv has now taken on a 3rd character and she did it phenomenally.  Seeing Walter and Bellie at work was just as hysterical as I had hoped for.  I'm looking forward to some more of that!  The case this week tied into the current theme of the show with the investigation into the soul.  By the end of the episode, we learned that it also had hints of some LOST themes as well as The Adjustment Bureau (fantastic film if you haven't seen it yet).  So yes, Fringe has now taken a leap into religion as its predecessors have, but it did it from a scientific point of view.  And the result was "magnetically" enthralling! (Look at me trying to get all fancy with my words)  Not much else to do but to get into the recapping so let's do it!

Monday, March 14, 2011

The Event: Season 1 Episode 13 - Turnabout


Hello Eventers!  Much much more like it!  I love joking about this show as much as the next person, but they put together a really solid hour of television tonight.  And, as I suspected, much of it had to do with moving the pieces around in the last 2 episodes to give us some fresh perspective.  The chess match between Sophia and Thomas has reached violent new heights.  President Martinez is taking an "over the top" bold new approach to his Presidency.   Sean is off on his own and faced with a decision on how much he wants to be involved.  And of course, the weak link still remains in Michael Buchanan's daughter, Leila.  But, the reduced screen time helped the episode keep the momentum going. There were actually a couple "ANSWERS" hidden in the episode for anyone that still looks for those on shows like this!  So, no sense in delaying, let's dive into the recap.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Fringe: Season 3 Episode 16 - Os


Hello Fringe Fanatics!  It's great to have this show back after a 1 week hiatus isn't it?  This episode got back to its good ol' formula of investigating one crazy case of another crazy scientist.  But, behind the scenes, the story kept advancing forward.  Fringe truly has mastered their self-dubbed "Mythalone" style episodes!  And did I mention the awesome guest stars?  Just having Jorge Garcia for the cold open would have been plenty but they brought in Ferris Bueller's best friend as our villain of the week!  Alan Ruck ladies and gentlemen!  Awesome stuff (and yes yes, I know Alan has been in plenty since then but he'll always be Cameron to me). Do we wait until the end of the recap to talk about the crazy ending?  I mean how crazy was that?!  Some people are ready to hand Anna Torv the Emmy already.  I thought she was great, but I thought it was more comical than anything!  Yes, very important to the story and I'm totally buying it.  But, that voice was hysterical!  You just never know what's going to happen when you strike William's Bell! (ba dum ching!)  Well, let's just hope we can live long through this recap and then propser in the discussion of it all down there.  (Feels like it's going to be a "Bad Pun" kind of day)   Let's dive into the recap folks!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

The Event: Season 1 Episode 11- And Then There Were More / Episode 12 - Inostranka

Hello Eventers!  It's been a long long long long wait for this show to come back.  Some probably had given up and just assumed that NBC did too.  And based on not too much promotion for its return (besides the same 30 second promos that show some cataclysmic "event" over and over again which I'll refrain from spoiling in case somehow you missed it), I don't think NBC has much faith in its potential to live on beyond season 1.  There is always hope for the show, though.  It does happen to live on the least successful of the 4 major networks.  NBC might be more willing to give The Event a long leash.  And let's not forget that Charlie Sheen has made certain that no one will be tuning in to CBS at 9:00 unless they want to see reruns of the crazed "winner!"  One thing you can rely on though is that I shall continue to recap for the remainder of the season!  I hate to not see things through when I start them.   And personally, I have to say I enjoyed its return.  Everything that I seemingly complained about in the first 10 episodes, were quickly adjusted in these 2 hours.  I'll go through the list as we go through the recap.  Yes, I have already tweeted that some of the acting was down right laughable.  And I will not take that back.  Hal Holbrook's assistant?  OUCH!  The Inostrankans?  "YEAAAH!!!.....YEEAAAH!!!   YEAAAH!!!!"  But that didn't deter from enjoying the episode on a whole.  Anyway, enough of my blabbing.  Let's talk about the episode.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Fringe: Season 3 Episode 15 - Subject 13


Welcome Fringe Friends!  What a fantastic episode last night, wouldn't you agree?  The beauty of this show is that they have created 3 different worlds that would be great stories all by themselves.  There is the Fringe story we've been following since season 1 with Peter, Walter, Olivia in our present world.  There is the alternate universe story where we have gotten to know Fauxlivia, Walternate, Alt-Charlie, Lincoln and a slightly (sometimes dramatically) altered universe from our own.  But now, we have spent 2 episodes in the PAST watching how some key events transpired to set up our current conflicts.  But, I have to say, I could spend an entire series following Walter, his wife and young Peter and Olivia.  Great stuff.  Of course we can't discount that we spent some time "OVER THERE" in 1985 as well.   The fact that this show has gone so far as to change the opening credits for each of these 3 different worlds just adds to that feeling that these shows could exist on their own.  Anyway, episodes like this make me want to break out that "W" word that I always used with LOST when reviewing.  But, I'm sorry, I still have been able to LET GO and MOVE ON!   So, we'll just have to some up this show with something different.  Eh, since we were in 1985 we'll go with an oldie but a goody:  GREAT SCOTT!!!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Fringe: Season 3 Episode 14 - 6B


Hello fellow Fringe freaks!  I apologize for the delay on this recap.  Had some company over the weekend and it was difficult to find time to sit down and type something up.  I enjoyed Friday night's episode, but not without some minor complaints.  With the 2nd half of season 2 going into season 3, Fringe has done an excellent job of tying the Case of the Week into the ongoing mythology of the show.  This could be directly related to character drama or just advancing the overarching plot of the show in general.  I think in this episode, they may have taken some liberties with the case of the week in trying to find a way to make it all tie together.  Don't get me wrong, it made for great drama but it was pretty heavily handed.  But the episode was still an enjoyable ride.  The Peter/Olivia drama, the Walter identifying with Walternate's dilemmas and faced with the same decisions, bringing season 1 cases back to the forefront, etc...  And the ratings were back up a bit!  No complaints here if we can keep getting our FRINGE on for every foreseeable weekend from September to May!  (with a couple hiatuses here and there of course)   So, without further adieu, here comes my abbreviated recap!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Fringe: Season 3 Episode 13 - Immortality


Greetings Fringe Freaks!  We're back for another round of Fringe-capping and I know what's on everyone's mind.  Many are up in arms about last night's game-changing twist.  Many didn't see it coming and they just don't understand it.  Yes, Walternate has a lady friend from the orient AND a tiny robe.

...

WHAAAAAT!?!??!?!!  

...

In all seriousness, I did look at my wife and say "I really hope this isn't the game changing twist everyone is talking about!"  Ahh good times, but we'll get into that bizarre scene in a bit.  Te twist that actually DID happen is definitely causing much polarization (ahh I miss that word, makes me think of certain LOST episodes) amongst the Fringe fandom.  But, let's be honest.  Ever since Fauxlivia sunk her paws into Peter we had suspicions that this might happen.  AND...September, our favorite observer, made it pretty clear recently too.   I know that some people may fear it's too SOAPY but I am standing my ground that I think this is okay.  And I know, how is this NOT too soapy for me but Peter having to choose between 2 Olivias to save a universe way too soapy for me?  Well, I can't really explain how my mind processes things!  It just knows what it likes!  And, you all get to read its thoughts on a weekly basis for good, bad or worse!   So, on that note let's get into the recap of what I thought was another fantastic episode of Fringe.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Fringe: Season 3 Episode 12 - Concentrate and Ask Again


Hello Fringe fanatics and welcome back to another weekend recap of our Friday feature!  Last night's episode was great.  It had everything any Fringe fan would want from an episode.  We continued exploring major themes of the show, there was a freaky Fringe case that needed to be resolved, Walter's element of humor was at an all-time high and there was the continuing season 3 saga of Peter and Olivia.   We even got Olivia all dressed up at a black tie event!  No complaints here!  So, then what was my problem with the episode?  My problem was that I was laughing at the end of the episode and I don't think I was supposed to be.  Now not the very last scene, that I knew was coming and quite frankly thought it needed to happen to take the will they/won't they storyline we've seen far too many times to new and exciting places in the Fringe-verse.  (Come on people, we all know Olivia and Peter weren't going to get together THAT easily!)  My problem was with the scene that happened directly before that to add a little twist of drama to what was on that piece of paper.  Does the mythology of this show boil down to something THAT simple?  Does the fate of 2 universes hang in the balance of one Man's libido?  Say it ain't so FRINGE WRITERS!  Anyway, I may be more on board with this than I think, but it may have just been the way they decided to unveil this information to us that made me laugh.   But I'm way too detailed for my intro paragraph.  Let's get into the recap, but be warned, I don't have much to say on this one!   Here we go:

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Fringe: Season 3 Episode 11 - Reciprocity

Hello my "weaponized" friends and welcome back to another fresh serving of Fringe Recapping!  If this is what we are in store for every Friday, there will be no more complaints from me for the big move from Thursdays.  What an outstanding episode!  The best part has been that the past 2 episodes seemed to be 100% based on moving the mythology forward.  Like I've said before, I rarely complain about the Fringe "Monster of the Week" episodes because they tie in so nicely to the show.   But, I think the producers are at the point where they know they are playing to the fans of the show and not looking to expand their audience.  If the networks are on board, this can be a pretty liberating feeling!  No need to force a procedural story into the mix if it doesn't warrant one!   Then again, there was a case to solve this week, but it turned out to be VERY relative to the show's central story.  And I must say that it was a BOLD direction for the show to go.  But here I am throwing my chips in to the center of the table.  I'm all in, Fringe!  Let's see those cards!

This episode revolved around Peter and his relationship to the almighty Universe Destroying Machine.  Decryption of Fauxlivia's (officially dubbed by Walter) computer is continuing on in hopes that they will unravel Walternate's agenda.  Peter and Olivia's story advances in a positive direction as we suspected last week, but there is lots of darkness still looming!  Oh yeah, and there's a mystery killer on the loose knocking off Shapeshifters.  But, clues were dropped throughout the episode to let us know that this storyline would tie the rest of this paragraph all together in the end.  Let's bring on the recap!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Fringe: Season 3 Episode 10 - The Firefly


Greetings Universe Hoppers and Observers alike!  It brings me great pleasure to be able to recap Fringe once again.  Things have looked pretty bleak over the past couple months with Fringe's inevitable move from Thursday night.  I have finally convinced myself, as many Fringe fans have, that Friday night may possibly be the best night for the show.  Yes, the same night that has been the "DEATH SLOT" for so many sci-fi shows that have preceded it.  And the irony does not escape anyone that the FIRST Friday episode of Fringe has the word "FIREFLY" in it.  I, myself, have still not gotten around to watching the TV Show Firefly nor the entire movie Serenity, but I know it has a very loyal fan base who are still recovering from its cancellation (yes, it was also moved to Fridays).   But, here we are, a day after the first Fringe Friday.  How did we all do? Did we find time to watch?  I must confess, I couldn't watch live.  Friends called me out, I went to dinner and kept looking at the time wanting to be home.  Got home at 9:59 and started the TiVo.  (I still don't really understand how same night DVR delay ratings work but I always convince myself that if I watch it the same night I'm included in the ratings!  And no, I don't have a Nielsen box)  Fridays are going to be tough, but I have faith that FOX is going to give Fringe a long leash for its dedicated fans.   And if the coming episodes are as good as the one that we just had, I can see my Friday struggle between a social life and Fringe continuing!  If the Mrs. is reading this, she's rolling her eyes and looking forward to future Fridays, I know it!  (Note: as I was writing this up, I received a tweet that the ratings INCREASED from the fall numbers last night.  If they stay up, we can definitely look forward to a renewal.  GREAT NEWS!!!)

Anyway, Great Scott this was a good episode!  Very heavy indeed, something definitely wrong in the future with the world's gravitational pull.  If I had to rate the episode in terms of electricity, I would give it a 1.21 GIGAWATTS!   Why am I quoting Back to the Future so incessantly?  Because Christopher Lloyd (Doc Brown, Professor Plum - you know, the classics) was a very special guest star!  There were enough subtle references to Back to the Future to make any geek's brain explode.  It was good stuff.  You need to pull in the big guns if you want to attract a Friday crowd!   Besides having Doc Brown by our side for this risky endeavor, there was plenty of OBSERVER goodness, course correction for LOST fans and Peter/Olivia/Altlivia drama to keep us all thoroughly entertained all hour long.   And Walterismns....I love me some Walterisms.  But we'll get to it all in the recap below.  Let's go!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

How I Met Your Mother: Season 6 Episode 13 - "Bad News"

Hello TV Addicts and happy New Year! I know it has been awhile and we are still in a bit of a TV hiatus, but I feel compelled to write about last night's How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM to the more obsessed fan). One of my favorite things about HIMYM is that they are always able to tie in punchlines from previous episodes in this season or from 5 seasons ago and the fans will remember and appreciate it without hesitation. This episode did a great job at utilizing that tactic while still setting the stage for future events. That is when the show fires on all cylinders. I didn't mind the past couple seasons where the critics and fans were crying for the show to end, but I can clearly see that the quality of the show has greatly improved this season and is reminding me of its season 2 glory days. Anyway, I just wanted to jot a few things down about the episode and see if anyone else out there watched and has any thoughts. Sorry folks, I know it's not Fringe, The Event, Walking Dead or even LOST but I like me some good COMEDY too! So, while we're waiting for our serialized TV to return this is what you get!  Let's dive in: