Quick Hits - Week of September 23

Watching TV

I'm going to try and write this once a week. I will post a column with quick little impressions about what I've watched in the last week. I probably won't write about every show. I think what I'll do is write a blurb or two about a show if it leaves an impression on me. Not all shows do, so it will probably be a different column from week to week. I will start with the new shows I watched this week and then end with the "old" shows. There might be some spoilers ahead, so read with caution! Here goes!

The battle of the new shows at 10pm on Monday - The Blacklist vs. Hostages. The winner? The Blacklist. First, I find James Spader just SO compelling in whatever he does. I found the hour interesting and involving. I look forward to seeing where this story leads. I liked Hostages, but didn't love it. I found myself distracted during the hour. But I must say, I am curious to see how they will sustain this for 15 episodes. I had NO idea that Dylan McDermott's character was an FBI agent. And it's interesting that the whole "let's kill the President" plot is headed up by the VP (at least I think it was). 

Ken Olin

A quick mention about Sleepy Hollow - Ken Olin is one of the Executive Producers! I generally love the shows he is involved with. This bodes well for the season for me. He also happened to direct Monday's show. I will say, I loved how they are teaching Ichabod about life in 2013 - everything's labeled with post its! Turn this on, flip this switch, turn this nob, etc. Very clever. 

I found it interesting that ABC's entire lineup on Tuesday night was all-new shows. I watched 3 of the 4. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. lived up to the hype! I loved it. I loved that they only teased at the fact of how Coulson survived Loki's attempt to kill him. Coulson himself doesn't even know the whole story. He thinks he was shipped off to Tahiti to recover, but we know that's not the truth. On a side note, can I have a Lola? It would be really handy to be able to convert my car into a plane? flying machine? hovercraft? so I could zip right over the miserable traffic on the 110. So cool...

The Goldbergs was "totally" hilarious! Having been a teenager in the '80s, this hit home with me. Each cast member was funnier than the next. And I can't hear REO Speedwagon without thinking of Melissa Joan Hart and Adrien Grenier's singing along to Keep On Loving You in the move Drive Me Crazy. Yes - I know The Goldbergs used I Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore. ABC.com has a fun '80s quiz. I got 9 of 10 right. My only wrong answer had to do with a video game. Oh. And this show's a keeper for me!

Trophy Wife will need at least one more viewing before I decide if it's a keeper or not. I liked it, but didn't love it. But I do love the cast so I'm optimistic. We'll see.

The Crazy Ones

And finally - the battle of the new 9pm comedies on Thursday night. According to the ratings, there was no contest. The Crazy Ones trounced The Michael J. Fox Show and I agree. I liked MJF, but didn't love it. I could see me getting tired of it quickly. The Crazy Ones was actually better than I expected. I thought Robin Williams was funny, yet not off the wall crazy like he can get. And James Wolk is just adorable. I hope they can sustain the funny for a whole season.

And now my returning shows. 

Castle - Beckett said yes! I honestly wasn't sure how that proposal was going to go. I hope the "Beckett's working in DC" storyline doesn't last too much longer as I miss the interaction in the NYC squad room. 

Modern Family - I still love this show, but it took a whole hour to learn 2 things. Cam and Mitchell are engaged and Cam is not the PE teacher/football coach at the high school. I want  more funny. 

Nashville - I'm shocked that Rayna survived the car crash! LOL But wow, I thought Connie Britton looked great "without" any makeup on. Help me out here - who does Sam Palladio remind me of? It's bugging me. 

Grey's - Didn't really care that Heather the intern was the one who died. I loved the Mer would make Alex hold the baby to calm him down. Debbie Allen was WAY too over the top. No matter how hard you try, I will not love the new interns. Should all the original cast members leave, I'd stop watching. They bore me. 

Elementary

Glee - If Adam Lambert wasn't going to be on the show this season, I'd be out after the Corey tribute episode. I fast forward through most of this show. It jumped the shark a LONG time ago. 

Elementary - I just love watching Johnny Lee Miller. He's fascinating like James Spader. And since the show was shot in London, it's REALLY making me want to go back. 

Blue Bloods - I'm happy to have my Reagans back on TV. 

Next week - THE VAMPIRE DIARIES returns! I'm excited. 

What did you watch this week and what did you think? Let me know!

Returning Shows

Captain Hook

Oh well. I've failed. I wanted to write a comprehensive blog post about the shows that I watch returning to my TV (or TiVo). I even started it and got through two whole days, but premiere week is upon us and I'm simply not going to finish it. Instead, I will just let you know what I'm looking forward to and why. I will break it down by night as I usually do. 

Sunday
Once Upon a Time - ABC 8pm
I love fairy tales. I love how this show incorporates all different ones into the thread of the story. And...I love that they don't make all the women wimpy. They are bad ass! Last season ended as our residents headed to Neverland in search of Neal and Henry. I know Captain Hook is supposed to be a "villain," but a part of me is rooting for a Hook/Emma romance. 

Revenge - ABC 9pm
Revenge lost it's way a little last season, but I think they are back on track. The Initiative is over, Emily is back to seeing revenge against the Graysons and the season ended with Emily revealing to Jack that she's really Amanda. I would love to see Emily and Jack have a relationship, but we all know that's not going to happen - at least not now. I am thrilled that Justin Hartley will be joining the show as Victoria's long lost son. 

The Good Wife - CBS 9pm
Am I one of the few people out there who actually wants Alicia to stay with Peter? I don't like her and Will together. Oh well! It will be interesting to see how the dynamic of the show changes now that Alicia and Cary have formed their own firm. 

Stana Katic/Nathan Fillion - CASTLE

Monday
Bones - FOX 8pm

I came to this show late and I think I've been watching now for about 3 seasons. The biggest ciiffhanger from last season was that Booth told Brennan that he couldn’t marry after he had already accepted her proposal. What he couldn’t tell her was that the Jeffersonian’s nemesis – Poulant – warned Booth that if he married Brennan, he would randomly kill 5 people. The season premiere was last week. Since David Boreanaz Tweeted photos from Booth and Brennan's wedding, I'm guessing their stand-off won't be for long! 

Hart of Dixie - The CW 8pm

I enjoy this show - mostly because I don't have to think while watching it. It's just a mindlessly enjoyable hour starring pretty people. There's really not much more to say!  :)

Castle - ABC 10pm

One of my favorite shows on TV! Yes, I even read the books. I love the dynamic between Castle and his daughter Alexis and his mom, Martha. It seems very real! And we get our comic relief from cops Ryan and Esposito. Of course, the main relationship is between Castle and Beckett and the season ended with Castle proposing and Beckett being offered a job in D.C. Will she say yes to Castle or D.C.? I honestly don't know and have avoided all spoilers surrounding her answer. I will just tune in and find out. Shocking, I know.  

New Girl cast

Tuesday

New Girl - FOX 9pm

I would like my own Nick Miller, but with a real job. So...Nick and Jess are a couple; Schmitt is lying to both CeCe and Elizabeth about breaking up with the other; and they really don't know what to do with Winston. I love the fact that Damon Wayons, Jr. will be making a return visit to our friendly foursome this season. He was one of the original roommates in the pilot, but was committed to Happy Endings and was written out. I hope they don't ruin the dynamic now that Nick and Jess are together. 

Chicago Fire - NBC 10pm

I will be honest and initially tuned in to this show thinking I was going to be watching pretty firemen for an hour each week. I was pleasantly surprised by this show! I liked the storylines and care about the characters. That's a big one for me. If you don't get me to care, then I will stop tuning in. Poor Casey. Just when he get his life together, Hallie had to go and get killed. And then there's Severide and Shay. She wanted to have a baby and he was going to be the baby daddy. All was fine and dandy until Severide's ex returned from Spain to let him know she's preggers with his baby! What's Severide gonna do? Will Casey fall apart? Oh...and will Mills joined the Chicago PD? (Hey, they're doing a spin-off after all!)

Stephen Amell

Wednesday

Arrow - The CW 8pm

Oliver Queen returns from the dead and morphs into "the vigilante" - aka Arrow. He has a list of bad people he stops from hurting more people or destroying Starling City. His partners in crime are his personal security manager, Diggle and IT specialist Felicity. Other super heroes and villains pop up throughout the season. I come at this from a pedestrian level - I'm not a comic book reader - so I don't know their backstory and that's OK! The season ended on a sad note though, Oliver's estranged best friend Tommy got caught int he crossfire and died. Oh...all during a huge man-made earthquake. I hear that this season Ollie no longer wants to be a vigilante and sets out to become the super hero he's destined to be. 

Modern Family - ABC 9pm

The one comedy I watch that actually makes me laugh. That's all I have to say. :)

Nashville - ABC 10pm

Oh so soapy! Cheating husbands, hidden paternity, stolen music, a sex tape, a drug overdose, murder and a season ending car crash! Will Reyna die? (Um...she's the star of the show) How will Juliette take advantage? What will happen to Deacon? Will Scarlett say yes to Gunnar's proposal or will she go back to Avery? I guess I'll have to tune in to find out!

Ian Somerhalder

Thursday

The Vampire Diaries - The CW 8pm

Ian Somerhalder, I love you so. Damon Salvatore might be my current favorite TV character. Anyway...Bonnie's dead (but her ghost is still hanging around), Jeremy has come back from the dead, we said goodbye again to Aleric (and it made me cry!), Tyler is still MIA, Matt took off for the summer with Rebekkah, Caroline is pining for Tyler and probably complaining about something and Damon and Elena are FINALLY together (for however long it lasts). I do love me some Delena scenes and I hear the season premiere will not disappoint. Oh - Elena and Caroline go to college too. Did I mention I love Ian Somerhalder? 

Grey's Anatomy - ABC 9pm

Even after 9 seasons, I still love this show. I don't think it's slowed at all and that is to Shonda Rhimes' credit. The finale was a whopper of a show too. Christina and Owen are over. Alex admits to Jo that he loves her. April wants a second chance with Jackson (even though he's engaged to Matthew!). Bailey finally got back into the OR. Meredith went into labor and unbeknownst to anyone, Richard was electrocuted. And this all happened during one of Seattle Grace's epic storms. This is another show that where I have avoided all spoilers! I will tune in on Thursday to find out what happens. 

Glee - FOX 9pm

This is a show that I go back and forth with. Do I still want to watch? Well...I still record it each week and usually wind up fast forwarding through most of it. I will, of course, have to watch to see how they handle Corey Monteith's death. And really? That's about it. 

Scandal - ABC 10pm

Holy cow. This is a show that when you think you know where it's headed - BAM! - it goes in the opposite direction. And that's what I love about it. You just never know what will happen. Olivia continues her affair with Fitz (the President), Mellie (the first lady) goes on TV and tells the world he's having an affair and blackmails him. There's a mole in the White House, someone's always blackmailing someone, Quinn's becoming a crazy assassin, and Olivia obviously has daddy issues. I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but yet another show I've been staying away from reading about. 

Elementary - CBS 10pm

I'm so happy that Johnny Lee Miller gets to speak in his native accent for a change. I love how quirky he is as Sherlock. And Lucy Lui is great as Watson. Sherlock came face-to-face with his nemesis Moriority. It turns out, Mariority is actually the love he thought was dead - Irene Adler. I'm excited that the show has traveled to London for the season premiere. I think it lends authenticity to it. That and the fact that it's actually shot in NY - the city it takes place in. 

Blue Bloods cast

Friday

Blue Bloods - CBS 10pm

Every week when this show ends, I usually say..."I love this show." My favorite thing about it is that the Reagan family seems so REAL. The way they interact with each other and of course, their family dinners. The Reagans have replaced the Walkers when it comes to my favorite TV families. This is a show that doesn't hang around on my TiVo for long as I tend to watch it right away. 

So, this blog is much longer than I thought it would be and it's taken forever to write. Mostly because I was catching up on The Following and watching the Emmys while I was writing. Speaking of the Emmys, I could write another entire blog about how BORING they were. But alas, I won't. But here are a few quick comments:

• I love NPH, but I'm a little over him hosting things right now. Though I did laugh out loud at the mention of the Ryan Seacrest hosting rehab thing. 
• I love Nathan Fillion. And since everyone and the brother always comments on women and how they look...Nathan really needs to lose a few pounds! Sorry. I know it's shallow, but it's true. 
• Two moments that made my cry: Rob Reiner talking about Jean Stapleton and the video footage of Kennedy's death. 
• Here's what I'd like to see for the next In Memoriam segment - cut the audio from the audience and pipe in some music. I HATE the clapping. It turns into a popularity contest and it's insulting to the lesser known people. 

I'm sure I had more things to say, but I can't remember them! Oh well...

Until next blog. xoxo

My New Shows

Several people have asked me to post what new shows I'll be watching this year, so I am delivering on that promise! Also...I am aware that I watch a LOT of TV.  

What attracts me to a show? First and foremost, the cast. That will get me to investigate what the show is about. Then after I pick through shows based on actors, I start reading about the show's premise. TVLine.com, EW.com and EOnline.com are my three favorite sites for TV news and updates. 

One thing you'll notice is that I'm a one hour drama girl. I watch FAR more dramas than comedies, though I am at least sampling several comedies this season.

I have decided to break my list down by night. This will also be a two-part post. Part one will be the new shows of 2013. Part two will be my returning shows and what I hope to see in the new season. Just remember, this is just MY opinion. Here goes nothing!

Sunday:

Betrayal – ABC 10pm

Description: Two lovers' worlds will collide, culminating in a powerful and compelling story of sex, love, loyalty, marriage and treachery in the provocative, sensual and gripping new drama.

My opinion: It’s very soapy looking. And it’s a Drama with a capital D. I also find Stuart Townsend appealing, so that will hook me in. We'll see if I stay. 

Verdict: Sample

Monday

Sleepy Holow – FOX 9pm

See my previous blog for my review.

Hostages – CBS 10pm

Description: It’s a high-octane suspense drama about Dr. Ellen Sanders, a premiere surgeon thrust into a chilling political conspiracy when her family is taken hostage by rogue FBI Agent Duncan Carlisle. Ellen and her family are held captive in their home by Carlisle, a desperate man doing the wrong thing for the right reasons, who orders her to assassinate the President when she operates on him.

My opinion: I wasn’t actually going to watch this even though I ADORE Dylan McDermott, but it’s getting such positive buzz that I got sucked in.

Verdict: This is one of those new 15 episode seasons. I can commit for that!

The Blacklist – NBC 10pm

Description: For decades, ex-government agent Raymond "Red" Reddington has been one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives. Now, he's mysteriously surrendered to the FBI with an explosive offer: He will help catch a long-thought-dead terrorist, Ranko Zamani, under the condition that he speaks only to Elizabeth "Liz" Keen, an FBI profiler fresh out of Quantico. For Liz, it's going to be one hell of a first day on the job.

My opinion: I love James Spader and the trailer looked amazing!

Verdict: Season pass

Tuesday

The Originals – The CW 8pm

Description: Klaus Mikaelson, the original vampire-werewolf hybrid, has returned to New Orleans, the city his family helped build, the city from which he and his siblings – Elijah and Rebekah – were exiled a century ago by their relentless hunter father. In order to take back control of New Orleans, Klaus must take down the man in charge - his former protégé, Marcel. Sophie Deveraux, a powerful witch, reveals to the brothers the almost unbelievable news - werewolf Hayley is carrying Klaus’ unborn child. Elijah realizes that the Original family has been given a second chance at humanity and the redemption they desperately crave. While they wait for their sister Rebekah to join them in New Orleans, Klaus and Elijah form an uneasy alliance with Sophie and her community of witches. Now, in the midst of a thriving New Orleans, a city steeped in magic and history, the long-smoldering war is about to reach a fever pitch, and the Originals stand as the catalyst. As lines are drawn and strategies are laid out, one truth will echo through the French Quarter – power begins and ends with family.

My opinion: It’s a spinoff of one of my favorite shows – The Vampire Diaries – so they had me there. Plus, I love the characters and yeah, I love vampires.

Verdict: Season pass

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. – ABC 8pm

Description:  Agent Phil Coulson assembles a small, highly select group of Agents from the worldwide law-enforcement organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D. Together they investigate the new, the strange, and the unknown across the globe, protecting the ordinary from the extraordinary.

My opinion: This was a no-brainer for me. First off, it LOOKS spectacular. Second, I’m a huge fan of super hero movies and especially the Marvel franchises. It didn’t take much for me to be interested.

Verdict: Season Pass

The Goldbergs – ABC 9pm

Description: Before there were parenting blogs, trophies for showing up, and peanut allergies, there was a simpler time called the ‘80s. For geeky 11-year old Adam, these were his wonder years and he faced them armed with a video camera to capture all the crazy. The Goldbergs are a loving family like any other, just with a lot more yelling.

My opinion: It looks hysterical! If you are my age and lived through the ‘80s, you can relate.

Verdict: Season Pass

Trophy Wife – ABC 930pm

Description: They say the third time’s the charm and reformed party girl Kate is hoping that’s true when she becomes Pete’s third wife. She fell into his arms (literally) at a karaoke bar and a year later, Kate’s got an insta-family complete with three stepchildren and two ex-wives.

My opinion: This is one that attracted me because of the stars. I love both Bradley Whitford and Malin Akerman. It’s also getting a lot of good buzz and that surprised me.

Verdict: Sample (but will probably season pass!)

Wednesday

The Tomorrow People – The CW 9pm

Description: They are the next evolutionary leap of mankind, a generation of humans born with paranormal abilities — the Tomorrow People. Stephen Jameson stands at the crossroads between the world we know and the shifting world of the future. The Tomorrow People are being hunted down by a paramilitary group of scientists known as Ultra. Unwilling to turn his back on humanity or the world of the Tomorrow People, Stephen sets out on his own path — a journey that could take him into the shadowy past to uncover the truth about his father’s mysterious disappearance, or into an unknown future with The Tomorrow People.

My opinion: Let’s face it - I’m a 16 year old at heart! It’s on The CW, it’s got a cute boy, so therefore I’ll watch it. 

Verdict: Season pass

Thursday

Once Upon A Time: In Wonderland – ABC 8pm

Description: In Victorian England, young and beautiful Alice tells an impossible tale of a strange new land that exists on the other side of a rabbit hole. An invisible cat, a hookah-smoking caterpillar and playing cards that can talk are just some of the fantastic things she's seen during her adventure. Surely this troubled girl must be insane. Her doctors intend to cure her with a treatment that will make her forget—everything. Alice seems ready to put it all behind her, especially the painful memory of the genie she fell in love with and lost forever, the handsome and mysterious Cyrus. But in her heart Alice knows this world is real, and just in the nick of time the sardonic Knave of Hearts and the irrepressible White Rabbit arrive to save her from her fate. Together the trio will take a tumble down the rabbit hole to a Wonderland where nothing is impossible.

My opinion: The trailer looked great; I really like the concept; I love the show runners and I love the original Once Upon A Time.

Verdict: Season Pass

Reign – The CW 9pm

Description: Chronicles the rise to power of Mary Queen of Scots when she arrives in France as a 15-year-old, betrothed to Prince Francis, and with her three best friends as ladies-in-waiting. It details the secret history of survival at French Court amidst fierce foes, dark forces, and a world of sexual intrigue.

My opinion: This is actually getting good reviews, so I’ll try it. Also…please see above age comment. 

Verdict: Season pass

The Crazy Ones – CBS 9pm

Description: Simon Roberts is the head of a powerful agency, with the biggest clients and brands in the world, but even more important to him is having his daughter Sydney by his side. As his partner, Sydney is Simon's exact opposite - focused, organized and eager to make a name for herself, but also too busy parenting her father, which she'd resent if he wasn't so brilliant at what he does. With his team and his daughter behind him, Simon continues to set the advertising world on fire, and it looks like they are definitely buying what these crazy ones are selling.

My opinion: Robin Williams and Sarah Michelle Gellar are the reasons I am going to tune in.

Verdict: Sample

The Michael J. Fox Show – NBC 930pm

Description: One of NY's most beloved news anchors, Mike Henry, put his career on hold to spend more time with his family and focus on his health after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's. But now five years later, with the kids busy growing up and Mike growing restless, it just might be time for him to get back to work. The trick, as it's always been, was to make Mike think it was his idea. Mike's family, anxious to see him out of the house, finally succeeded in getting him to "run into" his old boss. Now their plan is in motion. He'll be back to juggling home, family and career, just like the old days - only better.

My opinion: I liked the trailer and I like Michael J. Fox.

Verdict: Sample

Friday

Dracula – NBC 10pm

Description: Series introduces Dracula as he arrives in London, posing as an American entrepreneur who maintains that he wants to bring modern science to Victorian society. In reality, he hopes to wreak revenge on the people who ruined his life centuries earlier. There's only one circumstance that can potentially thwart his plan: Dracula falls hopelessly in love with a woman who seems to be a reincarnation of his dead wife.

My opinion: Um…I love vampires? And Jonathan Rhys Meyers sure is pretty to look at.

Verdict: Season Pass 

Like I said, I watch a lot of TV. And just think, in a few months we'll have all the mid season shows! Let me know what you'll be watching. Happy viewing!