“The Vampire Diaries” continues to mesmerize
From left: Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley in "The Vampire Diaries." - The CW Photo
More juicy Damon/Katherine/Stefan back story info was learned on last night’s episode of “The Vampire Diaries” and it was especially engaging to see more of Damon before he was bad.
While I think Damon is most entertaining when he’s wicked, it was also appealing to see Damon/Elena/Stefan in the current day story trying to get along, although by the end of the show that effort proved to be fruitless, not surprisingly.
Though my favorite “Vampire Diaries” character is Damon, my fondness for Stefan continues to grow. Paul Wesley is worthy of making this character interesting and more than one-dimensional, as he displayed in the early day scenes, particularly with his father, and in the way he’s demonstrated his regret about what had happened between he and Damon.
Nina Dobrev continues to be cool as Elena – I especially enjoy the way she doesn’t let Damon get away with anything while she’s around.
Keep up the good work “The Vampire Diaries” – I can’t wait for next week’s episode!
“The Vampire Diaries” airs at 7 p.m. Thursdays on The CW.
– Melissa Hayer
“Lost” series finale to air May 23
“Lost” fans will either be rejoicing or mourning, depending on their perspective, on May 23.
ABC has announced in a press release that the series finale will air on this night, a Sunday, from 8 to 10 p.m.
A recap special will air beforehand from 7 to 8 p.m.
Some fans may rejoice because they’ll hopefully be able to finally have all of the mysteries of “Lost” revealed.
Of course, most fans will probably be sad to see the show end in spite of that.
It’s been a great ride of never-ending twists and turns and it’s been extremely enjoyable to watch a show that’s been equally challenging and entertaining for the mind.
May 23, 2010 will ultimately be bittersweet for “Lost” fans.
– Melissa Hayer
Pictured above: “Lost” stars Zuleikha Robinson as Ilana, Nestor Carbonell as Richard Alpert, Emilie de Ravin as Claire, Naveen Andrews as Sayid, Evangeline Lilly as Kate, Josh Holloway as Sawyer, Terry O’Quinn as Locke, Matthew Fox as Jack, Daniel Dae Kim as Jin, Yunjin Kim as Sun, Ken Leung as Miles, Michael Emerson as Ben, Jorge Garcia as Hurley and Jeff Fahey as Frank Lapidus. (ABC/BOB D’AMICO)
ABC cancels “Ugly Betty”
The cast of "Ugly Betty" - ABC Photo
Although the character of “Ugly Betty” overcame a lot of obstacles, the show itself couldn’t overcome the obstacles of shifting time slots and low ratings.
According to an Associated Press report, ABC is cancelling “Ugly Betty,” but ABC promises that a proper series finale will be written.
I had hoped its new Wednesday night time slot would help the ratings, but I guess it wasn’t enough help for ABC, though they only aired a few episodes at this new time.
My first thought for the finale is that I hope Betty will end up happily ever after with former love Henry, but maybe she should end up happily ever after on her own, because that’s one of the best messages this show has promoted – being strong and independent, and that your self-worth is not based on whether you have a significant other or not.
Please don’t end with Betty and Daniel together! Their relationship is perfect the way it is.
Sorry to hear you’ll be going “Ugly Betty,” but thanks for always being entertaining and inspiring.
– Melissa Hayer
Pictured above: ABC’s “Ugly Betty” stars Judith Light as Claire Meade, Becki Newton as Amanda, Vanessa Williams as Wilhelmina Slater, Eric Mabius as Daniel Meade, America Ferrera as Betty Suarez, Michael Urie as Marc, Tony Plana as Ignacio, Mark Indelicato as Justin and Ana Ortiz as Hilda. (ABC/ANDREW ECCLES)
TNT renews “Men of a Certain Age” for a second season
Andre Braugher, Ray Romano and Scott Bakula - TNT Photo
So glad to hear that TNT has renewed “Men of a Certain Age” for a 10-episode second season.
I’m a sucker for shows that focus on relationships and this is certainly a great example of one.
The relationship between the main characters portrayed by Ray Romano (Joe), Andre Braugher (Owen) and Scott Bakula (Terry) couldn’t be done better – each of them has their own ideosyncrasies but yet they fit together perfectly as friends – and like each other all the more for those ideosyncrasies, it seems.
Just like we are with our friends in the real world.
There are the relationships between Owen and his wife, Owen and his father, who is his boss at a car dealership, and with his kids – all played well.
Owen has a great rapport with his wife and a not so great rapport with his dad, however.
There are Terry’s relationships with women, his boss where he’s temping while struggling as an actor – his philosphy of life is actually a whole element in itself.
Then, of course, there’s Joe.
Joe’s relationship issues with his wife (they’re separated), his kids, branching out into the dating world again, his employees at the party store he owns, and, in last night’s episode, we saw his relationship with his father.
I really enjoyed seeing him help his Dad, who was struggling with being retired after owning a hardware store for many years.
I think the most appealing things about this show are that it’s realistic, funny and touching.
“Men of a Certain Age” airs Monday nights on TNT at 9 p.m.
– Melissa Hayer
“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
