“Modern Family,” “The Vampire Diaries” among new fall show favorites
The cast of "Modern Family" - ABC Photo
Now that I’ve seen a few episodes of the 2009 new fall show entries, here are my views:
Favorites:
— “Modern Family,” 8 p.m., Wednesday, ABC: This show is hilarious, plain and simple. No laugh track, thankfully, just hysterical lines and perfect comedic acting. Standouts are Ed O’Neill, Ty Burrell Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet.
— “The Vampire Diaries,” 7 p.m., Thursday, The CW: Fun and fascinating, a must-see for vampire fans. Ian Somerhalder is impressive as bad vampire brother Damon Salvatore and I’m warming up to Paul Wesley as good vampire brother Stefan Salvatore.
— “The Good Wife,” 9 p.m., Tuesday, CBS: Strong, dignified, intelligent female character lead played by the fabulous Julianna Margulies, clever story lines – always easy to get into.
— “Melrose Place,” 8 p.m., Tuesday, The CW: Ratings-wise it appears not many are watching, but I’ve been entertained by the mysteries and turmoil on this remake of the ’90s series (which I also liked). We’ll see if Heather Locklear’s upcoming reappearance can bring in some viewers and save this show.
— “Glee,” 8 p.m., Wednesday, Fox: The musical numbers on this show are amazing, but the story lines have been lacking at times. Hope the writing will recover on a consistent basis as the season goes on, because it’s got potential to be an overall great show.
A few shows I’m still on the fence about:
— “FlashForward,” 7 p.m., Thursday, ABC: Intriguing plot, but has seemed a little slow to me. Acting is solid, so I’ll keep with it for now.
— “Cougar Town,” 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, ABC: Semi-amusing, although a little too vulgar at times, and, though, I like Courteney Cox, she comes across as trying too hard to be funny to me.
— “The Forgotten,” 9 p.m., Tuesday, ABC: I like the plot of solving cases of unidentified murder victims, but besides the episode about the former football player who had finally find his place in life after football right before he was murdered, the stories haven’t been that compelling. That’s too bad, because Christian Slater deserves better.
Not so favorite:
— “Community, 7 p.m., Thursday, NBC: Maybe I haven’t given this show enough of a chance, but I haven’t found it funny. I’ve enjoyed Joel McHale on the E! channel’s “The Soup,” but haven’t been able to engage in this production.
Overall, there’s been lots more to like than not in 2009, especially in the comedy and drama genre, and for TV fans, that’s good news!
– Melissa Hayer
Tweet to win “Twilight” goodies from Extra
Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" movie. - Summit Entertainment Photo
Can’t wait for “Twilight: New Moon” to open in theaters Nov. 20?
Here’s something that might help you pass the time:
“Extra” TV show is offering “Twilight: New Moon” giveaway goodies, starting with a Bella charm bracelet inspired by “Twilight.”
Go to http://origin.extratv.warnerbros.com/contests/tweetit/bellabracelet.html# where you can Twitter and get a chance to win a Bella charm bracelet.
Good luck!
– Melissa Hayer
People’s Choice Awards nominees voting has begun
Just voted online for nominees for the 2010 People’s Choice Awards.
I had the option of voting for up to five nominees in each category and there was even an “other” box to add in any of my favorite’s names if they weren’t included.
Movie categories included favorite action star, franchise and breakout movie actor as well as favorite movie, actor, actress, etc.
TV categories included favorite sci-fi/fantasy show and TV obsession as well as favorite comedy, drama, talk show, etc.
Music categories included favorite breakout artist and collaboration as well as favorite country, pop and R&B artists, etc.
Some nominees with Oklahoma ties included Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and All-American Rejects.
I’ll vote again on Nov. 10th to choose the winners.
The People’s Choice Awards will be given out on Jan. 6, 2010.
Go to http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/nominations/ if you’d like to vote yourself and it doesn’t cost a thing – just a few minutes of your time.
– Melissa Hayer
Hooked on “The Vampire Diaries”
Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder in "The Vampire Diaries" - The CW Photo
Being a “Twilight” saga fan and a “True Blood” fan, it should be no surprise that I’m also a fan of “The Vampire Diaries.”
However, I’ve actually been caught off guard a little that I’ve enjoyed this new series as much as I have – the pilot was a tad lacking and seemed to copy “Twilight,” but each episode has gotten better and better.
I haven’t read the books by L.J. Smith so I’m not sure how closely the show is following them, but the plot has definitely thickened.
Last night’s episode presented the beginnings of the history of the love triangle with brothers Stefan and Damon and Katherine while Stefan spilled everything about being a vampire to current love interest Elena. Meanwhile, Damon turned Vicki to the vampire way of “life.” The whole episode was compelling.
I wasn’t greatly impressed with Paul Wesley/Stefan in the beginning of the series, but I’m growing fonder of him.
I have loved Ian Somerhalder from the start, though, as Damon. He seems to be having a lot of fun playing the bad boy – and he plays it quite well.
Nina Dobrev is good as Elena – she helps make this vampire story believable.
If you haven’t already, tune in to “The Vampire Diaries” Thursdays on The CW at 7 p.m.
– Melissa Hayer
“The Office” Moves Along Happily Ever After
As an avid fan of “The Office,” I was so looking forward to Jim and Pam’s wedding episode last night.
I was not disappointed in the least!
Jim and Pam get married on "The Office" (NBC Photo)
It was an hour full of the usual high standards of “Office” hilarity with just the right amount of sweet, touching and romantic moments featuring the betrothed couple.
I particularly enjoyed the scene in which Pam was upset because she had torn her veil. Jim’s way of comforting her was a perfect example of why they are one of the best TV couples ever.
Michael was in top form in the awkwardness department, especially during his speech – would’ve expected no less – and Kevin’s shoe predicament was hysterical.
I loved that Jim and Pam got to have their moment by themselves to get married and still shared a wedding with their “Office” co-horts – and let them have their fun and mayhem.
I think the most important information gained overall, however, was that if you decide to participate in a dance contest, be sure to take precautions before doing the splits.
Though I’ve seen a little skepticism about “The Office” going downhill a little since Jim and Pam have married, I’m confident that this show will stay on course and continue to provide its much-needed humor, in particular for those of us working the office beat every day.
“The Office” airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on NBC, and if you missed the wedding episode, you can catch a replay on www.NBC.com.
– Melissa Hayer
“Dexter” Preview Increases Anticipation for New Season
"Dexter" stars Julie Benz and Michael C. Hall - Showtime photo
A sneak peek at the first four episodes of the fourth season of Showtime’s “Dexter” has me just as enthralled as the last three seasons. In fact, if these first episodes are any indication, this could be the best season yet!
Now that Dexter (Michael C. Hall) is married to Rita (Julie Benz) and baby Harrison has been born into their new family, which includes Rita’s two children from her previous marriage, there’s even more suspense about whether his secret life as a serial killer (of bad guys only, of course) will be discovered.
Harrison is adorable and Dexter is devoted to his family, but Harrison’s sleeping issues have Dexter worn out as he’s trying to do his job as a blood spatter analyst with the Miami police department and continue his serial killing routine
This exhaustion leads to mistakes and complications in both areas of his life.
Add to the mix the Trinity Killer (John Lithgow), who brings retired FBI Special Agent Frank Lundy (Keith Carradine) back to Miami.
Lundy’s been trying to catch the Trinity Killer, who’s been committing murders for 30 years, so he enlists the assistance of Dexter and his detective sister Deb (Jennifer Carpenter), which creates another complication because Deb and Lundy used to be an item and Deb is another relationship now.
Other surprising plot developments involving Dexter and Deb’s co-workers combine to keep this show’s story lines among the most interesting on television.
One of the best elements of the writing is the humor that manages to find its way in despite such dark themes.
With its top-notch acting and writing, I can’t wait to see where the rest of “Dexter’s” fourth season leads. The premiere is Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. on Showtime.
– Melissa Hayer
“Glee” gets full season order, guest star Kristin Chenoweth
Chris Colfer as Kurt - Fox Photo
Fox has ordered a full season of the critically acclaimed musical comedy “Glee,” adding nine additional episodes.
Tomorrow night’s show (Wednesday, Sept. 23, 8 p.m., Fox) is a perfect example of why “Glee” is so successful.
Kurt (Chris Colfer) takes center stage when he tries out for the football team in order to impress his dad. Sandy (guest star Stephen Tobolowsky) and Sue (Jane Lynch) join forces to carry out their plans for disbanding the Glee Club. Meanwhile, Quinn (Dianna Agron) and Finn’s (Cory Monteith) relationship is tested when they receive some life-changing news.
Kurt’s storyline especially is triumphant and touching and you’ll want to be sure and catch the scenes featuring Beyonce’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).”
Overall, a “can’t miss” episode and a “can’t miss” show.
Kristin Chenoweth guest stars on "Glee" - Fox Photo
Next week’s installment (Wednesday, Sept. 30, 8 p.m., Fox) also appears to be one to look forward to.
Broken Arrow native Kristin Chenoweth guest stars as Will’s former classmate April Rhodes. Will thinks the Glee Club desperately needs more of an edge, so he brings in April to spice things up. Will’s plan seems to be going smoothly until he realizes he may be losing a key member of the club in this episode entitled “The Rhodes Not Taken.”
And look for Eve as a guest star in an upcoming episode.
– Melissa Hayer
“Glee” songs released weekly on iTunes
Beginning Sept. 15 and continuing every Tuesday, Columbia Records and Twentieth Century Fox Television will release select songs featured in the upcoming episode of “Glee” for fans to purchase and download on iTunes.
Sept. 15’s new releases include the “Glee” cast’s versions of Jazmine Sullivan’s “Bust Your Windows” and Grammy Award winner Duffy’s “Mercy.” “Bust Your Windows” and “Mercy” join seven songs already available on iTunes, including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which shot up to No. 1 after the “Glee” preview event in May.
With only two episodes broadcast, “Glee” has five songs in the iTunes Top 200: Rachel Berry’s (Lea Michele) version of the Rihanna hit “Take a Bow,” Will Schuester’s (Matthew Morrison) take on Kanye West’s “Gold Digger,” Finn Hudson’s (Cory Monteith) performance of REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and the Glee Club’s renditions of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and Salt-N-Pepa’s “Push It.”
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, Columbia Records and Twentieth Century Fox Television will release “Glee: The Music, Volume 1,” the first in a series of soundtracks that feature some of the music heard in the first season of the critically acclaimed series on Fox. “Glee: The Music, Volume 1” will feature renditions of several chart-topping hits, including Queen’s “Somebody to Love” and Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”
“Glee,” the genre-defying new musical comedy series, follows an optimistic teacher who – against all odds and a malicious cheerleading coach – attempts to save McKinley High’s Glee Club from obscurity while helping a group of aspiring underdogs realize their true star potential.
“Glee” airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on Fox. A special encore broadcast of tonight’s (Sept. 16) episode will air Friday, Sept. 18 at 8 p.m.
Pictured above: The members of McKinley High’s Glee Club learn a new song and dance to perform in front of the school in “Showmance,” the series premiere episode of “GLEE.” From left to right are Amber Riley, Chris Colfer, Kevin McHale, Jenna Ushkowitz, Lea Michele and Cory Monteith. (Fox Photo: Carin Baer)
“True Blood”: What happened to Bill?
Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer of "True Blood" - HBO Photo
Who captured Bill (Stephen Moyer) just before Sookie (Anna Paquin) ran out to accept his marriage proposal?
Was it Eric (Alexander Skarsgard)? He had told Queen Sophie Anne that he would personally take care of Bill himself because Bill knew that Eric was behind sales of vampire blood. Whoever grabbed Bill did it by using silver, however, so Eric would’ve had to have someone do that for him and that doesn’t seem like his style.
Did it have something to do with maenad Maryann (Michelle Forbes), who appeared to have been taken care of permanently by Sam (Sam Trammell) – whose life was saved by Bill.
Or was it due to something entirely unrelated to these two things?
Have to say I hope it doesn’t involve MaryAnn and she’s gone for good. She was responsible for incidents that were way too wild and disturbing – even for the world of “True Blood.”
Also need to add that I greatly enjoyed the episode near the end of this second season when Jason (Ryan Kwanten) had to “smite” Sam – totally hilarious.
We’ll have to wait ’til next summer for the third season to find out Bill’s fate, but it should be worth the wait, as this second season just left “True Blood” fans hungry for more.
– Melissa Hayer
Kudos to ESPN’s Suzy Kolber
ESPN reporter Suzy Kolber
deserves kudos for hanging with Tom Brady after Monday night’s Bills-Patriots game (Sept. 14) and getting him to answer her question.
She ran on the field as soon as the game was over as is customary and asked him a question and he pretty much pretended she wasn’t there.
But she just kept right alongside him and kept asking until he finally stopped and answered her.
Took just a minute. Couldn’t he have just answered in the first place and moved along?
Give Kolber (pictured at right in ESPN Photo) credit for staying with him and not letting him brush her off.
– Melissa Hayer
