"Once upon a Time" is a dream+ Glee sings a bit lounder

Once upon a Time: You know a show is intriguing when you realize on the first commercial break that you had the straw you were drinking out of once you pressed play still in your mouth 15 minutes later! Each fairytale character has their own twist of what you originally thought they were, and with great acting and well-done makeup and costumes, this show keeps you in a fairytale until the very end. Rating: A

Glee: This episode paralleled the school’s musical West Side Story with the real life characters situations. The musical was beautifully done (but a little over the top for a high school’s production.) And focused solely on the three core characters. Each scene was pivotal to the characters growth, making it a must see episode! RATING: A

Just a few ratings!

The Amazing Race: B+   I was a little disappointed with who got the axe this week but that it just part of the show.  This show is so cultural and the sites you see when watching are very educational and beautiful. A lot of the teams had bad karma it seemed like though, with broken bike peddles, mean sheep, and a lot of scraped knees and bruises.  Hopefully the teams will return in one piece next week!

Desperate Housewives:   B-   It was a pretty snoozing night in Fairview. You would think the way season 7 ended with the killing of Gaby’s stepfather, things start with a bang, but every possible story line has been pulled every which way and leaving us feeling unsatisfied. There were a lot of sub-story lines emerging that could be interesting, but for right now all I want is more. The main story line of the episode was Susan and Carlos telling Mike about the night when Carlos killed and then the girls hid Gaby’s stepfather, in fear of what would happen if anyone found out. I’m excited to know what happens next for this one, but they rest could be forgotten.

Community Rating: A+++   The real star this week was community! This episode showed the 7 possible story lines when each person goes and gets the pizza from downstairs to pay the pizza guy at Troy and Abed’s new apartment and a lot could happen. One storyline left one person dead, another with everyone angry with each other, Jeff and Annie kissing, a fire, and so much more! Of course though, the last possible story line left everyone happy and dancing. (including me!) Great job guys!

Oct 5 and 6 ratings in!

 

MODERN FAMILY RATING: A-   This show has so much charm and charisma in each episode. They don’t have to be controversial or do cheap gimmicks to get attention, because the show is just that good one its own. My only complaint for this past episode (and I’m digging deep here) is that you already figure out what trails each family with have to overcome within the first 5 minutes of the show. For example, one couples house is just a complete mess after breakfast and nobody wants to clean it up. It just so happens that the adoption agency is supposed to come sometime that week but they can’t remember which day, and of course it just happens to be that particular day when the house is a mess. Like I said, I am digging deep though.

COMMUNITY RATING: A   I’m still laughing thinking about last night’s episode!  It is one of THE most creative shows on television if you ask me.

THE OFFICE RATING: B-   The only thing saving this episode from a C+ was the hilarious actress who portrays Erin, Ellie Kemper. She is kind of the fresh face that kept the show from being a little lazy. The episode was a little scrambled in some parts and the Jim and Pam, playful bantering is getting really old. But props to John Kransinksi, who plays Jim, for directing this past episode!

WHITNEY RATING: C-   How can a show be successful when the main character is so annoying? I gave this episode another try, but nothing impressed me at all. This episode explored the theory if the “silent treatment” was really a punishment or a reward. With Whitney realizing that your boyfriend was enjoying his time off from talking about cloths and wallpaper colors, Twit, I mean Whit (oops) decides that she with be more talkative than ever, which turns out to be the real punishment for all of us.

SURVIVOR RATING: B   Finally the contestants got swimsuits this episode because I was getting a little uncomfortable watching them walk around in their underwear, which 50% of the time had to be blurred out because SOMETHING was being exposed. They are trying to pull gimmicks to up ratings but it wasn’t helping very much. Go back to the basics Survivor! I still believe in you!

HAPPY ENDINGS RATING: B+   This show was a little weak in the first 6 episodes, but I think it’s starting to catch its stride. Kuddos!

Tuesday October 5 Ratings Rise!

Everyone bumped a full letter grade from lasts week disappointing ratings! It was refreshing to see well, thought out television and I am so glad my favorite show got a good rating this week!

THE BIGGEST LOSER RATING: B+   It was NFL week on the Biggest Loser ranch which came with a few surprises and inspirational stories along the way. Seeing people overcome and succeed never gets old to me.

 GLEE RATING: A   Glee went back to basics this episode with well preformed songs and dance numbers and several second –hand cast members taking center stage. Having different perspectives from a characters point of view is always nice to see. Lots of interesting plot lines arose with Rachael. Kurt, and Brittany running for senior class president, Mercedes quitting the Glee club after turning down the part as Maria in the school’s production of Westside Story (which I am beyond excited about!) and joining another singing club at school which just started up because she was doubled cast with Rachael for the coveted role. Mike Chang got an Asian F (which is just an A- to regular people, haha) and struggled with his many commitments. One of my favorite scenes from last night was his beautiful dance sequence, where he was internally battling his passion for dance, along with his father’s distaste for it and his mother’s joy; both appearing in the scene but only in his imagination.  Coach Sue took a back seat this episode along with other major characters like Finn, Quinn, Puck, and Shelby to really show the talent and beauty of the other members who may have been over looked.

Ratings for Sept 27- Oct 2nd

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES RATING:   C-    It was so painful to watch this once great show crumble into a lazy, desperate (literally) version of what it once was. I have been waiting for a clever story line and they keep giving me cheap sex jokes and predictable endings.

MODERN FAMILY RATING:  B+   Still lovable but a little out there this past episode.

THE BIGGEST LOSER RATING: C+   This show is so long! I don’t have time to watch them take 45 mins to weigh people in and then to have a sappy group of people crying because they have to send people home is like watching someone slowly pull off a Band-Aid rather than ripping it off.

THE OFFICE RATING:  B-   It was extremely ridiculous and the shows are getting into a pattern of having the characters be kind of obnoxious and then pull through at the end and do something really sweet. This episode ended with someone getting a tattoo of a dog on their butt (Am I the only one who thought that was over the top?) because he lost a bet. The characters are becoming less likable and more childlike. I miss Steve more and more each episode.

COMMUNITY RATING:  A   Everyone should check this hilarious show out!

THE AMAZING RACE RATING: A   With a double elimination episode, (first one ever) the show keeps her heart pumping until the very end.

This weeks ratings

Desperate Housewives season premiere had potential. The best part was the ending when Bree was getting her mail and read a letter that said:

I know what you did.

It makes me sick.

I’m going to tell.

This letter was identical to the one Mary-Alice read before she killed her in the first episode. The ladies of Wisteria Lane are hiding the murder of Gaby’s stepfather who was trying to kill her in the last season finale but Carlos, Gaby’s husband, whacked him in the head with candle holder and the women covered up his murder and buried his body. So who wrote the letter? All you know is it could not have been the woman who wrote the last letter because she was killed my Mary-Alice’s husband when he found out who wrote the letter to his wife.  I’m thinking it will leave you guessing til the last minute. Also, Tom and Lynette’s divorce is really bringing me down

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES RATING: B+

THE AMAZING RACE RATING: A

GLEE EPISODE 2 RATING: B    I know it can do better but it is getting there.

THE OFFICE RATING: A-    I miss Steve but they show must go on!

WHITNEY RATING: D+ ( The laugh track was seriously unbearable.)

MODERN FAMILY RATING: A+   Perfection

THE MIDDLE RATING: B   A little snoozy but still heartfelt.

BIGGEST LOSER RATING: B-   It was over dramatic in some parts, but the overall it was still inspirational. Honestly though, two hours is way too long for a show! It could be summed up in a solid hour for sure.

SURVIVOR RATING:   B+ or A-    The contestants are growing on me.

Glee sings a little softer this season

Here is a post from EntertainmentWeekly. Although I disagree with their take on the show, because I found it boring and overacted. Anyways, here you go.

Image Credit: Adam Rose/Fox

They probably can’t blame it on the alcohol this time: Glee, which saw its third season debut last night, was down 32 percent in the ratings compared to last year’s premiere episode. With just 8.9 million viewers tuning in Tuesday night, it seems cast member shake-up and evolving storyline fatigue may have scared some former Gleeks off.
I, for one, PopWatchers, am among those who opted to tune out this year. While I loved the first season (honestly, who didn’t?), I couldn’t help but be frustrated with the second season, thanks to uneven or downright unbelievable plot lines. (Even in the Glee universe, it’s really hard to accept the notion that Sue Sylvester would remain gainfully employed as an educator.) Plus, it didn’t help that season 2 ended on a blossoming, if not entirely out-of-left-field, romance between Mercedes and Sam — that twist, in retrospect, seemed pointless after we learned over the summer that actor Chord Overstreet would not be returning as a regular. So much for a cliffhanger.
Of course, these are early numbers. If word gets out that Glee is not only back, but better than ever (judging from some of your comments in EW’s Glee recap, as well as the laughs coming from my roommate watching it in our living room last night, the show is on course to do just that), all the people that were weary of watching the third season could just as easily be swayed to come back. Or has all the goodwill for the series come and gone as quickly as the "feathers"?


JACKSON'S SEASON THREE 1ST EPISODE RATING: C+

EMMY AWARDS! Pros and Cons

First of all, I would like to thank my aunt Marina Ritger for winning her second EMMY award as a producer for The Amazing Race! I am so excited for her.  I thought the show went great for the most part and it will be easier to bullet point my thoughts about last night’s show.

PROS:

·         The set was visually stunning.

·         Jane Lynch hosted the show. (what more is there to say)

·         The tribute montage of all the actors, actresses, producers, writer etc. who have died in the past year was beautifully done and classy.

·         Modern Family wins best comedy!

·         Funny opening scene

·         Great jokes by Jane throughout the show

·         The funny intro to each category (comedy, drama, miniseries) with corny songs and facials sung by a group of five comedic actors from shows like Community and the Office, that made you chuckle before each category was announced.

·         The Amazing Race winning best reality program for the 8^th year!

·         Modern Family’s creators charm and satire when accepting their awards. They had a lot of practice, going up their 5 times!

CONS:

·         Charlie Sheen’s awkward and glib “congrats” to Two and a Half Men speech before announcing best actor

·         Jim Parsons winning best actor over STEVE CARRELL?!? Everyone hoped Steve would finally get that Emmy for his hysterical portrayal as Michael Scott in The Office his last year one the show, but he was shut out again by the Academy Voters. Most disappointing moment of the night.

·         Melissa Mccarthy winning best actress for Mike and Molly?! Really people, really? Over Amy Phoelor??

·         The boring miniseries/ made for tv movie category was too long and boring. It should be moved to the Creative Arts Emmy Award Show. For those of you who don’t know what those are, it’s the show nobody watches with all the boring stuff like, makeup, lighting, wardrobe, which I find interesting but not a lot of people do. It comes on a week earlier and it’s still the Emmy Awards but more like a warm up to the actual telecast.

·         Modern Family wins EVERY award it’s nominated for which makes for a pretty predictable Best Comedy Award that everyone awaits until the end.

·         Glee didn’t win a single award.

·         Community, which I feel is the best comedy this year, didn’t even get NOMINATED for an award. If you don’t believe me, Modern Family’s creator tweeted Community creator saying the Emmys got it wrong this year, shutting out Community completely.

Emmy Awards Rating for first hour: A

Emmy Awards Rating for second hour:  B

Emmy Awards Rating for third hour: C+

**Note that the first hour was comedy categotry, second was drama, third was miniseries/movie and the overall best comdedy and drama awards were giving out at the very end.

Please Comment below!!!

Judge Judy back in Action!

Judge Judy Sheindlin is a fierce woman who serves up justice in a quick and orderly manner. She takes no back talk, nor does she allow any misbehaving in her court of law. The new season started Monday with brand new episodes and I was filled with joy seeing that my 4:00pm to 5:00pm would be filled up again with her no nonsense attitude, leaving me satisfied and served after each episode. In her own way, she has ironic humor and great timing which is probably the reason she has the number one TV show in syndicated ratings in the United Stated today!

What astounds me is the fact that she only works once a week, filming five to eight segments each day, and making a whopping 950,000 thousand dollars EACH DAY. Earning over 45,000,000 a year, she surpasses many A-list celebrities’ salaries like Brad Pitt, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and Drew Barrymore by far. Sheindlin earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006 as well as her show being renewed for another 5 years. Judge Judy is coming out of that court room serving swift justice while counting her millions.  RATING: A

Hp Commercials+Bachelor Pad

The Hp labtop commercials are very entertaining because they have stars in them so you will pay attention to what they have to say. Below are two commercials for their product which I find very amusing and draws your attention towards the product. The first video is Russell Brand's comercial and the second is the lovely Lea Michele from Glee.
<iframe width="560" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ISFTXmrn1Fg?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
His voice definaitly draws the viewer in and makes people laugh.
<iframe width="560" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/I_kjnLdJnMw?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
She has such a strong voice and the last note really adds a chilling affect but still is informational about the product.
Below, I want you to tell me which video clip is your favorite and why. As for me, I have to go with my girl Lea.

Also, I watched Bachelor Pad again this week, and I must say it improved. The show obviously had no real  depth to it but it was funny none the less. Though, the obvious product placement for the movie, What's your Number, made a few scenes boring because you could easily tell they were trying to promote this bland movie in a somewhat bland show but funny moments happend frequently with a splash of desperation from both the girls and the guys made this episode fairly assuming.   Rating: B-

Glee

Another one of my favorite shows is Glee. The show about a Spanish teacher in Lima, Ohio who decides to take over the Glee club after the instructor gets fired. (due to reasons I won’t go into) Though the club of misfits is small in numbers, they make up for it with their impeccable voices and brilliant portrayals of 16 year olds. (some of the cast is as old as 29!!) The first season started off strong.  The story lines were well thought out and the music was fantastic. The show really hit its stride in the middle of season one, with Jonathon Groff and Idina Menzel playing the antagonists for most of the half,they  left us off with a sweet closing to the first school year of the teenagers we have grown to love .  It wasn’t until the start of season two, where it got a little hard to watch.

 I see it happen time and time again where the characters lose their true selves and become unlikable and that’s exactly what happened here as well. You could see every twist and turn coming a mile away and the writers let a love triangle go on for way too long. The season finale ended in the lovely New York where the characters shined and they finally did make that seemingly forever love triangle come to a circle fit for two. With the many potential story lines lingering at the end of the season and it being the last year for many seniors ( Lea Michele, Cory Monteith,  Chris Colfer etc. ) I’m hoping for a Gleeked out season three! SEASON ONE RATING: A-      SEASON TWO RATING: B

Many of the cast has preformed on broadway in Haispray, Spring Awakening, Fiddler on the Roof and Ragtime. This is Lea Michele who plays Rachael Berry singing On My Own from the Broadway musical Les Miserables at the Hollywood Bowl. She is stunning.
<iframe width="420" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0kbzy8E5cdM?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Bachelor Pad... One word: Gross

This is the first time I have watched Bachelor Pad and will probably be my last. Everything down to the name of this "game show" was pointless and once I finished watching, I felt like I needed to take a shower because the show was quite gross. The annual Kissing Game challenge took place this episode and it looked like one person was literally trying to eat the blindfolded contestants face off, which was the only thing amusing about this show. I guess you can say the contenders are “trying to find love” as they vie for 250,000 dollars as well.  All of the contenders lacked chemistry (which made it awkward to watch the dates the winners of the kissing challenge won) and charisma, as several players kept falling over themselves throughout the episode. I fast forward through most of the 2 hour show which could probably be summed up in 30 seconds, as I am doing now. The girls seemed over dramatic while the guys seemed to be asleep with their eyes open which was very tiresome to watch. Overall , the show was dull with boring dates and too many “he said, she said’’ moments. I think next season they should change the title from Bachelor Pad, to Bachelor Sad.  RATING: D+

Desperate Housewives.. Suprisingly Ironic

 

Desperate Housewives is one of those shows where the title might throw you off a bit and make you think something it is not. The show is set on Wisteria Lane,(the entire street is completely a set they built just for the show) and follows 4 housewives who live there and the trials they go through with each other. Desperation consumes the houeswives. They may be desperate for love, a cure, and in some cases, a way out. The show is delightfully dramatic and it combines some of the best acting and writing I have seen in years. The combonaion of comedy and drama is hard to capture and I feel the writers do a phenominal job. Since this is their last season of their soon to be 8 year show, I have decided to review this show (along with a few others I will reveal later on in the next few weeks) weekly.
 The pilot opens with Mary-Alice Young who evidentilly kills herself within the first 30 seconds of the first show and her best friends, Susan Mayer, Bree Vand de Kamp, Gabrielle Solis, and Lynette Scovo spend the first season figuring out why she did it, in a twist that will make your jaw drop. The season final drew over 30 MILLION people and was the number one tv show in the world by that time. Each season is filled with exciting and heartfilled stories that will leave you wanting more. Though dead, Mary-Alice narrarates each show and appears every so often in a "flash back" someone might have of her. In this past season though (season 7), the characters lost their true selfs which ended up being a pretty disspointing season with pretty dissapointing ratings as well. My favorite seasons in order are: season 1, season 2, season 4, season 5, season 6, season 7, season 3. Hopefully this season will be different, as created Marc Cherry says the final season will go back to their true roots, rediscovering the death of Mary-Alice.

Its interesting though, because my least favorite season (3) has my all-time favorite episode in it (episode 7. "Bang") and my lease favorite episode ever (season 6, epsiode 11 "If...") has my all-time favorite scene in it. The following clip is from "Bang". Lynette continues to have a reoccuring dream. She was the last one to ever speak to Mary-Alice before she commits suicide and Lynette has a feeling of guilt because she noticed something was wrong and didnt do anything about it. This scene shows meaningful words of wisdom and the acting is superb.

SEASON 1: A+    SEASON 2: A+    SEASON 3: C+    SEASON 4: A   SEASON 5: A-   SEASON 6: B   SEASON 7:C+

<iframe width="400" height="255" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/o3WtWUarFTs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Getting Started!

I am so excited to finally start up my new blog (or commentary) about what to watch on the small screen. The season starts in about a month for most shows so before that happens, I will catch you up on past seasons on some of my favorite series and give you a heads up on the shows I will be blogging about.

Along with the tv shows, I might throw in my thoughts on the Emmy Awards (which are just around the corner) and some good commercials along the way!