Sunday, October 28, 2007

Samantha Who?

I watched the first two episodes online this weekend. Cute enough. Not gonna say it was as mindblowing as all the promos would lead you to believe, but it's definitely watchable - especially with Sookie St. James involved. Hello!? Gilmore = goodness (even if Scott did sign on for Saw IV, which I will not be watching). Still, my Monday night can handle anything else. As in, I'm not technologically capable of TIVOing it, so I'll have to settle with ABC.com until someone (Santa, if you're reading) decides to get me another TIVO.

P.S. New promo shots needed.

Brothers and Sisters: 2x05

Brothers and Sisters
2x05
Domestic Issues

It's been a while since we talked Walker, and I've missed them. You?

Granted, tonight was more drama heavy than usual. Custody battles, adultery, pregnancy, growing addiction - with no outburst of funny from Kevin to temper the blow. I'm counting on you, man! Come on!

So, wow with the Sarah and Joe thing. I sort of wanted to pound Joe in the pants with a water bottle for doing that to her. I get that he took care of them while she worked (don't get me started on why he thinks that suddenly means he's got sole rights to them), but she didn't neglect them - she was their provider for Pete's sake, and to try and pull the rug out from under her is just WRONG. And DIRTY. Shared custody is the ONLY fair thing to do in this case, so that judge and Joe can just kiss it. God, Rachel broke my heart in the last scene, and I'm nowhere near in the market for my own children at this point in life, so I'm blaming my tears on all the emotion of going to the baptism of my best friend's baby girl this morning. I just can't imagine.

So, Kitty's pregnant and Robert's running for President. Not exactly ideal, but interesting. And who knew Kitty even wanted a kid? I mean, has she said anything about reproducing before? Maybe she has and I lost the memory somewhere amid a mountain of press releases. Whatever. In all honesty, it's a believable turn - and I think I might actually like it. Who knows what will happen next, but for now, I'm good. And this storyline provided the only comedic break of the night as Justin spread the news as only Walkers do. Plus, now we are all in on the pantry secret...

Um, waiter *snap, snap*... I mean, writer... could I order a new storyline for Justin?

And, didn't Rebecca and her mom make up - kinda - last week? I mean, not that I'm complaining, I like her being at Nora's, but I'm just trying to recall.

Tonight's special section is reserved for idiocy...

TOMMY. Just... just... STOP. Seriously. When I say that your little ... dalliance is unacceptable, I really mean, a stupid ass thing to do you bonehead. Okay? I mean, I get that you're pissed and sad and confused and really feeling low about Julia - and you have every right because I think she's really doing an unfair number on you with the whole packing up your kid and leaving and not giving you any say in the matter, but STOP. Don't make me not like you anymore. Please. Keep it in your pants. I have to stop or I'll get up on my handy dandy soap box and not come down.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Across the Universe

I'm in love with this movie.

And I worked hard for it. I mean, I heard about it a while ago, researched release dates, and waited patiently, trying to spread the word to everyone else in my circle. When I left LA, I also left the land of getting movies while in limited release, so there was that delay. Then, when I finally went to see it last week during the day, I ended up alone in the theater with a guy that really started creeping me out - I won't go into detail - but about the time Jude started singing, "Something," I was outta there. And royally pissed. Then the weekend was full, so I put it off until Tuesday - and it was so worth it.

Completely fantastic - and while it enriches the experience and understanding of the film, I really don't think you have to know The Beatles to like it or get it or whatever. It's just... I don't know how to describe it, but it's beautiful to watch and hear.

Jim Sturgess is my new favorite - and I've discovered he's playing George in The Other Boleyn Girl, so... score. Can't wait to see more of him - though I think Jude will always be my favorite character, and I'll always want him to burst out into song. Not to type-cast him or anything.

Just go see it.

The Office: 4x05

The Office
4x05
Local Ad

And we're back to thirty minutes - which has its fair share of pluses and minuses. Plus: not filling in the gaps with Michael driving his car into a lake. Minus: thirty less minutes of funny and cuteness. Oh, well, whatever. As long as I can count on the constancy of my Thursday night, as long as I know it's going to be there for me, I'll take what I can get. (Sorry, was discussing with a friend, how TV is a source of comfort when everything else is haywire in life - moving, job searching, etc.)

Tonight was all about ensemble...

And I loved it. When they stay on site, all together, it reminds me of season 1 and 2. Less bells and whistles (not that I don' t love the occasional bell or whistle) and moments with Cousin Mose, but the idea of that group trapped in an enclosed space, for an unknown amount of time... pure comedy. And in honor of that, tonight's breakdown is by character...

Michael: Such dedication. He can be laughable, sure, but that ad was pretty dang good! I mean, come one, Chariots of Fire?! Awesome. Michael broke out of his creative lock box. He used the talents of his workers. He visualized the unicorn. It's inspiring, really. Look for Mike's Cereal Shack in a city near you.

Andy: KIT KAT BAR!! Come, on! (Though I do like "football cream.") And I'm sorry, what he and Angela were doing is called "facing." I have this on good authority from a friend. Apparently there are by-laws to facing, and I think "cheeking the earlobe," crosses the boundaries of decency. Also love that Nard Dawg has NO clue what is going on with Dwight.

Dwight: Heh. "Oooooh, D." And, I'm sorry, but his second lifer can fly? Saving the masses from overpriced paper. Plus, his life was so good, his second life had a second life. Who can top that?

Jim: I, like Pam, want a Philly Jim. Too cute. Plus, bringing in breakfast, proud boyfriend smile at Pam's animation, followed immediately by protective/jealous boyfriend arm around the shoulders... always a win. Even if he did have to catch a ride home with Meredith. Guess he pissed... (P.S. Let's not give Jim and Pam any issues yet, everyone - this is normal. People work late.)

Pam: I loved focused, artistic Pam, falling asleep in the office, but having to decide if sleeping in the same place as Dwight and Michael was better or worse than falling asleep at the wheel and dying in a fiery car crash. P.S. I need Pam to clear my phone lines.

Darryl: The song was fantastic. And the backup singers - even better! Hysterical. Why did I feel like I was watching Cheers?

Phyllis: I want to see the outtakes on that crying scene.

Angela: Who doesn't hate being titillated? Yeah, I need outtakes on that, too.

Dunder-Mifflin.
The people-person's, paper people.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

House: 4x04

House
4x04
Guardian Angels

Strange. This photo was labeled, "Season 4 Cast Promo." If that's the season four cast, why am I spending entire episodes seething at Cutthroat Bitch and reluctantly becoming more attached to 13, while Chase enters the frame for all of 90 seconds?

I need my team. I need their interaction with House. There. I said it.

Still, I love this show. And I'm willing to let it take it's time, bring them all slowly back into the same realm (read: Princeton Plainsboro), but I'm going to need some trade offs. More Wilson, please. More Chase/Cameron interaction (if they can't be with House, at least let me see them together). More Cuddy/House... everything.

I'd also like Cutthroat Bitch to go away. Far, far away.

The good...

1. House's Angels.

2. The Bachelor. When House walked in with those flowers at the end of the episode, I felt the corners of my mouth turn up. Classic. (Much like the Survivor spoof a few weeks before.)

3. The interaction between House and Cole. The beliefs, the kid, all of it. I love how House can't stand not know anything... no matter what it is. Great bet with Cameron to carry the storyline forward, but in the end, just like House, I enjoy seeing someone stand up to him, earn his respect. Plus, it provided a plethora of inappropriate jokes and comments.

4. Cuddy seeing through Cutthroat Bitch's brown nosing avoidance.

5. Newbies in the cemetery.

The bad...

Not enough Chase. Not enough Cameron. Not enough Foreman interacting with the right people! It just doesn't work for me. I can't invest in the lives and stories of these characters and then have it come to an abrupt halt. It's one thing when you kill them off, but it's another completely to leave them there, within my reach, but out of my grasp!

Just a few quotes

Cuddy: The doctor's lounge is covered in mud.
House: Thirteen and Cutthroat Bitch had a disagreement, cafeteria was out of Jello.
Cuddy: There were pickaxes. Either you had them dig up a body, or you're building a railroad.

House: Big Love, have I humiliated you in the last hour?
Cole: No.
House: Check your email.

House: You punch your boss and stick around?
Cole: Just give me the flower and shut up.

House: Sorry, Henry. We had some giggles.

Heroes: Season 2, Chapter 5

HEROES
Season 2, Chapter 5
Fight or Flight

A random snapshot and thoughts...

1. Riddle me this, Mohinder. Why the hell did you take Molly to The Company? Not your best move. And then, you're sent to investigate Monica? Wha...huh?

2. So, Matt's daddy is a freakin' weirdo. I mean, yikes! But was he giving us a little foreshadowing of Parkman's future? And why do they have the same power, or derivative thereof?

3. Peter - You're goobing me out.

4. What is with Scarface!Nathan? Huh? HUH?

5. So Nikki has the virus, turned herself in and is going to do it with Mohinder. Wait, was the last part not in the episode?

People/Things I'm bored with...

1. Monica. I really thought her power was going to be awesome catering. As a Food Network junkie, I'd prefer it.

2. Again, they weren't in the episode tonight, but seriously, I'm jumping on board with the, "Maya and her brother are the new Nikki/Paulo" train. Most exciting thing I've seen in regard to them was Sylar's promise to kill them in next week's preview.

3. Ando. *yawn*

4. The really bad accents in Ireland.

5. Micah and his super reasoning skills. What kid would have made that association about Monica, with or without the comic book? I know, I know... he's a genius. Fine, I'll give it to him... but right now, that whole family is taxing my attention span.

Things I want...

1. And Elle/Sylar face off. (It makes me a little giddy that KB and Zach are such cute friends offscreen, great chemistry already - so I can only imagine how well they'd play off one another ONscreen.)

2. Sark in present day. Feudal Japan has to go.

3. Bear to stop flying around with Peter Pan. (Not in this episode, but just weighing on my mind.)

Best in show...

Oh, Kristen, how I love you. I mean, your electricity looked totally fake, but that has nothing to do with your skills. And sure, the dialogue lacks that snappy, quippy, super smart quality us Veronica Mars fans are so used to (and missing terribly), but again, you're working with the words you're given. It's the facial expressions, the voice - so much played in so few scenes. Loved the switch from merciless vixen, "I killed him, what's the big deal?" to petulant and childlike (total voice change and everything), "What if I promise not to..." All the interviews I've read and seen were totally true. I saw the loose canon, loving her power and the pain, alongside the girl who's trying to please, to get the job done. Kristen Bell, hero and girl genius. Layers, people, it's about layers! Cannot wait to see what Elle gives us next. And I'm wondering, just a little bit, if Veronica is already on your trail.

P.S. Who's your daddy? No. Really. Who's your daddy... the one on the phone?

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Friday Night Lights: 2x03

Friday Night Lights
2x03
Are You Ready for Friday Night?

Another quality episode of FNL. If people don't start watching this show, I'm gonna organize some sort of march on Austin. (Not really, but I'd think about it a lot.) I maintain their DVD guarantee that you'll be hooked after one episode. Seriously... Jenna Fischer joined the train after much persuasion from Angela. People from The Office are rarely wrong.

Dillon needs its golden boy...

Coach: Seriously, I've never been one to agree, unquestionably, with Buddy Garrity, but he's right, Eric needs to come home. He's trying so hard to build and mold the boys at TMU - something their staff doesn't understand or care for. But that's what Eric does - and why we love him. Meanwhile, Glenn's got his hands in Tami's icebox, Julie's in the midst of a teenage melt down and his team needs him. Saracen needs him. (I mean, all the others too, but we all know Coach loves Matt the best.) I'm sensing college ball is not exactly living up to the dream Eric imagined and his deal with the Devil to come back to Dillon, may not be a smooth a road as we'd like, but it's the path he needs to be on. Should be interesting to see how they get rid of crazy town coach...

Julie: Is she really that much of a brat? I mean, she didn't get it from her parents, and I know it's been a hard year and she's a teenager and it all feels strange and confusing and the perfect time to act out, but honestly... "I think your baby's crying," is just bitchy. And the Swede. The SWEDE? Stop being something you're not. Ugh. I'm all about the slap from Tami. Sure, she's stressed and taking some of it out on Julie, but Julie needs a wake up call... like life isn't hard for anyone in the Taylor family but her? Natural teenage self-centeredness that drives me up the wall. Step up, kid.

Tyra and Landry: I'm just not sure what I think. The "morning after" scene was expectedly awkward and strange, but so are they - and I was not the least bit surprised they continued to be friends despite it. I like them for that. I like them as friends. Friends. As twisted as it is, I really liked the scene between them in the watch store, even if they were there, you know, because Landry lost his watch at the scene of a crime. I just don't get how he still functions as Landry with that on his mind. As for the ending, Tyra showing up, more kissing... I have no doubt that she truly cares for Landry, but I only see this ending in disaster.

Matt: If you hook up with the nurse, I will steal your football jersey. Just stop it. Writers, this is a terrible plot device. Don't do it. Also, on a side note, angry works well for Saracen.

Tim Riggins: First off, I think it's important to acknowledge the first shot of him in this episode. Shirtless. Duly noted? Okay, so I fail to see why Rig is constantly being heckled by the new coach. I guess it's the coming to practice drunk and not working like he's supposed to, but the dude needs to chill out before he kills the kid. Of course, what does Riggins care, he had Buddy rescue him and a trip to church with Lyla. I like seeing Riggins wrestling with something that I think he might have actually been a little affected by - but still seeing it as a way to get closer to Lyla. Totally believable. I'll leave my thoughts on he and Street, to the Street section, but needless to say, it seems Riggins is circling the bottom of the barrel.

Lyla: I continue to be impressed by how they're handling this storyline. It's not over the top or ridiculous - Christianity does change people's lives and it can be done without the judgment often associated with the experience, so I admire Lyla's new convictions, and I think it's fantastic she's still reaching out to Tim. But she's still reaching out to Tim... so I'm pretty sure they're gonna hook back up. Something we can all be happy about.

Street: I feel for him. He takes his job seriously and is thrown a bone by the coach, only to see it didn't really matter in the end - he's still the mascot. (Just wait 'til Coach Taylor comes back and you are a coach - fair and square.) I don't know what to think about this whole Mexico/surgery/trip with Riggins. I think a lot of his anger toward Riggins comes from Street being upset that Tim takes what he has for granted - what Street can't have - and it pisses him off. Would me too. As for this surgery. DANGER. DANGER. I'm really wondering what's about to go down... whatever it is, I sort of love the fights he and Tim get in, because they never seem to stick. "You could've knocked, Six." and "Put it away... we're still in Texas. Idiot."

Buddy Garrity: The great motivator. "You listen to me Tim Riggins (stole that line from Bo), I've seen you play with a hangover many times and you played like a champ." Way to mentor, Buddy.

Smash: The Smash is back and loving the attention of the new coach's running game. He's also not worried about what it means to see his team being torn apart, or how it might feel to pull the rug out from under Matty. (In his defense, he is a senior and he wants to prove himself and get a scholarship, etc.) Still, it was good to see The Smash get some air time again. But I'm wondering... where's Waverly? Back in therapy? Another character we've seen no mention of... what is the deal?


Favorite exchange of the night...

Eric: Who's that?
Tami: That's Glenn, darlin.
Eric: What's Glenn doin' at the house?
Tami: Glenn is here, helping me at the moment, trying to get the ice maker to work.
Eric: I don't want Glenn over at the house, with his hands in my wife's icebox. Just tell him to leave it alone, I'll fix it when I get home on the weekend.
Tami: Alright, sweetheart, that'll be great. Well, um, is that what you called to talk to me about?
Eric: No. Listen, did you forget to tell me that Julie and Matt broke up?
Tami: No, Julie and Matt didn't break up.
Glenn: Yeah, they did. It's all over the school, it's huge, everybody's talking about it.
Eric: Hey babe, tell Glenn to sit down and be quiet.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

I declare... BANKRUPCY!

The Office
4x04: Money
QUOTES

Michael: Steak! Where’s my steak!

Michael: Get me Armani.
Pam: A suit?
Michael: On the phone.
Pam: Like the main company number because I’m gonna have to call information.
Michael: Where’s Armani? He’s on the phone. Too slow. You’re not going to Paris. I’m so much better than you.

Pam: He’s watching Million Dollar Baby. He’s gonna try to kill me.

Michael: At the end of my life, when I’m sitting on my yacht, am I gonna be thinking about how much money I have? No, I’m going to be thinking about how many friends I have, and my children, and my comedy albums. I mean, I have a yacht, so I obviously did pretty well money-wise.

Dwight: Schrute Farms. Guttentag. How can I help you?

Dwight: We make our own mattresses that don’t conform to the traditional sizes. Closest would be twin.

Jim: Hey Dwight.
Dwight:
None of your business, Jim.
Jim:
You running a Bed and Breakfast?
Dwight:
It is not a B & B.

Dwight: Agrotourism is a lot more than a bed and breakfast. It consists of tourists, coming to a farm, showing them around, giving them a bed, giving them breakfast.

Jim: Does the Department of Health know about this?
Dwight: I am not telling you anything. Permits are pending.

Pam: Hello, I’m looking for a room.
Dwight: Okay. This is a misuse of company phones.

Jan: Why don’t you just pretend that you have a car?

Dwight: I was recently scrubbing my room of memories and I didn’t see it there.

Jim: What do you got going on tonight?

Michael: You wouldn’t understand. It’s a secret.
Jim: I wouldn’t understand, or it’s a secret?
Pam: You wouldn’t understand, Jim. It’s a secret.

Pam: The Beets Motel.
Jim: The Beets Motel? That is… wow.
Pam: Thank you.
Pam: The Embassy Beets. Radish Inn.
Jim: How are you doing this?

Michael: I took this second job kind of as a hobby.

Dwight: We have three rooms, each with a different theme.
Pam: What are the themes?
Dwight: America, irrigation, and night time.
Pam: Irrigation.
Jim: Nice.

Dwight: Now then, do you have any special needs or dietary restrictions?
Jim: Yes, we will be requiring a bedtime story.
Dwight: No.
Jim: Not even Harry Potter?

Dwight: As of this morning, we are completely wireless here at Schrute Farms. But as soon as I find out where Mose hid all the wires, we’ll get that power back on.

Jim: Mmm, I’d say one in six.
Pam: What?
Jim: Oh, I thought you asked me what our chances were of being murdered here tonight.

Jim: You know, I just realized, this is Pam’s and my first night away together. I used to play it over in my head and it was just a little bit different. Maybe a nice hotel, or a romantic dinner. Wine. But wine that wasn’t made out of beets. Didn’t think Dwight would be involved at all. And I always imagined less manure. I mean, some manure. Just … less.

Stanley: When I’m at home at night, in my own house, in my sweat streakers and red wine, watching my mystery stories, the last thing I want in the whole Godforsaken world is the voice of Michael Scott.

Michael: Medical school must have cost like $40 or a donkey or something.

Michael: I would have been chief of surgery. Or a cowboy.

Pam: Oh, my God, what century is this?

Dwight: I am better than you have ever been or ever will be.

Michael: Power point, power point, power point.

Michael: And up comes the tool bar. That’s what she said.

Michael: “Estimated time, 12 minutes.” So this should take about five or ten minutes.

Michael: What I do between 5:30pm and 1am is nobody’s business but mine and my other businesses.
Jim: Are you a cocktail waitress?

Michael: Whomever is never actually right.
Jim:
Well, sometimes it’s right.
Creed:
Michael is right. It’s a made up word used to trick students.
Andy:
No, actually, whomever, is the formal version of the word.
Oscar:
Obviously it’s a real word, but I don’t know when to use it correctly.
Michael:
Not a native speaker.
Kevin:
I know what’s right, but I’m not gonna say, because you’re all jerks who didn’t come see my band last night.
Ryan:
Do you actually know which one is correct.
Kevin:
I don’t know.
Pam:
It’s whom when it’s the object of the sentence and who when it’s the subject.
Phyllis:
That sounds right.
Michael:
Well, it sounds right, but is it?
Stanley: How did Ryan use it, as an object?
Ryan:
As an object.
Kelly
: Ryan used me as an object.
Stanley: Is he right about that…
Pam: How did he use it again?
Toby: It was… Ryan wanted Michael, the subject, to explain the computer system, the object, to whomever, meaning us, the indirect object. Which is the correct usage of the word.
Michael: No one asked you anything ever, so whomever’s name is Toby, why don’t you take a letter opener and stick it in your skull.

Pam: What’s up?
Andy:
Me. All night. Dreaming about Angela’s smoking hot body.
Pam:
You’re being gross.
Andy:
Not from a male perspective. You need to set me up with her. I know she told you that she’s looking and she’s totally not responding to my moves.
Pam:
What moves?
Andy
: I have moonwalked past accounting, like, ten times.
Pam: I can’t believe that’s not working. I don’t know if I really see you two together.
Andy: Really? Well, maybe you should look in the smart part of your brain.

Pam: She can be kind of severe.
Andy:
Yeah, and I punched a hole in a wall.
Pam:
That’s right, you did.

Pam: Now that I think about it, Angela and Andy might actually make a good couple. But I couldn’t do that to Dwight. Or Angela. Or Andy.

Michael: Okay, I know what’s going on. You’re talking about Jim and Pam. If they’re having sex. What it looks like, and I think…
Pam:
Michael.

Oscar: Michael, are you having money problems?
Michael
: Monkey problems. No, I’m not having monkey problems.
Oscar: I know you heard me correctly.
Michael: Ohhh, I hate monkeys.

Michael: I don’t have a second job. Maybe I am having an affair with Suzanne Somers.
Pam: Doesn’t Jan have money?
Michael
: I don’t talk to my girlfriend about money. It is rude and unsexual.

Darryl: You need to access your uncrazy side.

Kelly: Darryl Philbin is the most complicated man I have ever met. I mean, who says exactly what they’re thinking. What kind of game is that?

Creed: You don’t go by Monopoly man, that game is nuts. Nobody just picks up “Get out of jail free” cards. Those things cost thousands.
Michael: That is a good point.
Creed
: Bankruptcy, Michael, is nature’s do-over, it’s a clean slate.
Michael: Like a witness protection program.
Creed: Exactly.
Oscar: Not at all.

Michael: I’ve always wanted to be in the witness protection program.

Oscar: Hey, I just wanted you to know, that you can’t just say the word bankruptcy and expect anything to happen.
Michael
: I didn’t say it; I declared it.

Pam: “Table-making never seemed so possible.”

Angela: Nothing fancy or foreign. No bars, no patios, no vegetables. And no seafood.

Jim: Did I ever tell you why I left Scranton? Yeah, I didn’t think I had. Well, it was all about Pam. Yeah, I mean, she was with Roy, and I just couldn’t take it. I mean, I lost it, Dwight. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t concentrate on anything. And then weird stuff, like, food had no taste. So my solution was to move away. It was awful. And it is something that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. And that includes you.

Pam: Jim’s just really passionate about Italian food.

Jim: Yep, I’m very passionate about Italian food. In fact, um, I’m in love with Italian food.

Michael: This is who I am now… a guy on a train with no answers. I hope that can be enough for you.

Michael: Don’t sell your implants, please.

The Office: 4x04

The Office
4x04
Money

I loved this episode. I know there's some debate going on about it being too dramatic, but honestly, Booze Cruise had its moments - and so does life. And I think they did a good job of interspersing the heartfelt with the funny. So much goodness.

I wouldn't wish that on my worst ememy...

Jim and Dwight are fantastic together. Yes, it's funnier when they're annoying each other and playing pranks, but I like getting a glimpse into the inner workings of their "friendship." The beet farm was funny - Dwight reading the bed time story, while Mose rocked on the bed. But more than that, I loved seeing Jim and Pam take care of Dwight while he dealt with his break up. And I adored Jim's confession (and personal revelation) that brought Dwight around. I was also a fan of the moaning and the crying in the stairwell - reaching out for Jim, but finding him gone was a great touch. I think my favorite thing is that "normal" for those two, is Dwight being hard to get along with and pushing Jim's stuff off his desk. Victory.

And speaking of Italian food...

Seriously, anyone who says that getting the couple together on a TV show doesn't work, needs to watch The Office. I swear, every week I think I'm going to die from the cuteness that is Jim and Pam. Really. I can't handle it. I mean, let's roll call the moments of the week: the look on Jim's face when he realizes Pam is booking them a room at Schrute Farms, Jim's "manure speech" about how he imagined his first night away with Pam, Harry Potter story time cuddling, the glimpse into their room where we can see the beds pushed together, the Trip Advisor review, and of course, the kiss and subsequent Italian food talking heads. *sigh* John Krasinski is really blowing it for the male population out there, making women think that Jims actually exist in the wild.

Notables and Quotables...

1. The Devil Wears Prada/Million Dollar Baby cold open with Michael and Pam.

2. Schrute Farms. From Jim's discovery of its existence, to Cousin Mose running alongside the car, using the outhouse and just... running. Everywhere. I love Mose. I feel like I learned so much about agrotourism tonight. And really hate I can't stay at the asparagus farm.

3. Darryl. Just... so funny.

4. Michael having actual friends who like him at his other job.

5. Power Point! Power Point!

6. The conference room scene! Whomever/whoever. You know that discussion had to have gone down in the writer's room. So good.

7. Andy's moonwalking moves - even though we didn't actually see them, I like to imagine that's why he was standing spread eagle at Pam's desk - his legs were tired.

8. Michael's runaway train (never goin' back).

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Friday Night Lights: 2x02

Friday Night Lights
2x02
Bad Ideas

Yes, and there were lots of them in this episode. So many it's hard to choose. Returning to the scene of the crime, The Swede, Buddy Garrity (Just in general... "Rig-O"), The Taylor family split (which is taking its toll, obviously) ... and let's not forget Landry and Tyra doin' the dirty.

Where do I even begin?

I have a wonderful group of TV obsessed friends, with whom I can have endless conversations about fictional characters. I've had my boss remind me that Jim and Pam aren't real while, discussing them with A, I've sat at length while pondering LOST in a room full of faces, and now that FNL has entered my life, there's T-shirt making and Facebook groups. In said (and very exclusive, I can't even discuss it) Facebook group, I'm an officer. Julie Taylor is my name. And last night... I was ashamed of myself. But more on that later. There's something else bigger on my mind...

Forget WWJD. Let's ask what Kyle Chandler's hair would do... because it has a life of its own and I love it.

Sometimes it's easier to write my feelings down. You know, letters you'll never send...

Dear Landry and Tyra,
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Do you hear me? NO! I loved the funny Landry/Tyra dynamic. The mismatched hot girl/goofy good guy friendship. I'm not sure I can handle the angsty, "I killed him for you," subplot. *facepalm* I mean, between the MURDER (What? Why was there even a murder?), the river, the hand holding, love confessions and the ohmygodI'mfreakingoutandyou'retheonlyonewhoknowshowifeel sympathy sex, I just can't take it. (Still, even if I have issues with the storyline, kudos to Jesse and Adrienne - they really impressed me tonight.)

Dear Tami T,
I just want to sit down and cry with you. Or get you a maid. And ground Julie. Seriously, you are stretched thin. You're strolling down the street in 105 degree Texas weather, ending up with a sick baby, a long distance husband and a TEENager. Nevermind you have your own life to deal with - and you're missing your job. You need help, I mean, come on, the constant and spontaneous tearful breakdowns? You need Coach and his sexy hair to come home. Good thing I sense the winds are a-changin'.


Dear Julie,
You suck for a number of reasons. 1) It's not you, it's me. 2) Stringing Matt along. 3) Breaking up with Matt. 4) Kissing The Swede. 5) Being rude to your mother. Alas, you are a teenager... I expect remorseful, angsty, up and down emotional upheaval. *sigh* At least they're writing you true to teenage character, no matter how much I want to pull out your hair, strand by strand. And can I just ask - how old is The Swede supposed to be? Because one minute he's acting like your dad, patting you on the head and patronizing you with terms of endearment like, "kid," and then he's making out with you in the car. I'd be insulted if I were you... I'm just sayin'.

Dear Matt,
I love you, really, I do. And I'm sorry Julie is dragging you through the mud (I bet she realizes her mistake before too long), and you have grown up things to do like look for medical assistance and take care of your family, but if you hook up with your grandmother's new sit and be fit , in-home nurse, I will strangle you. Kisses. P.S. I still think you should find some way to show Jules what she's missing, just... not that way.

Dear Jason,
Okay, the dream is kinda creepy - not because of the walking, I'd love for you to walk - but because it includes Coach's wife. Weird? Yes. And also... I NEED some information on Street and Lyla. Seriously, they were together for like, their whole lives and suddenly... nothing. I need closure, even if you don't.




Dear Coach,
Go, go Coach! Go, go, go Coach! You tell that hyped up, full of himself punk college kid where to stick it! "Who am I talking to? Who am I? Who the hell are you?" Ooooooo! Too bad you got a little zing and a cut when you got back to the office, "I bet you were one hell of a high school coach, Taylor." What exactly is that supposed to mean? He's just one hell of a coach in general.



Dear Lyla and Riggins,
We all know you still want to do it.















My favorite exchange of the night:

Matt: Grandma. What... what'd you order?
Mrs. Saracen: Is that my tiara?
Matt: (as if he's never heard the word before) Tiara?
Mrs. Saracen: Is it? (gasps) Look how pretty!
Landry: That... that'll be beautiful for whenever you just... zip on over to the Rite Aid.
Matt: Grandma, no, no, no, no. It's $2400. We gotta... it's... we gotta send this back.
Mrs. Saracen: Look how pretty!
Landry: Beautiful.
Matt: It's really pretty, but it's really gotta go back.
Mrs. Saracen: (puts on the tiara) Oh, boys.
Landry: Look at... look at her...
Mrs. Saracen: You can't put a price tag on happiness.

Next week on FNL: Tyra hits and runs, Buddy calls a late night coup, and Tami bitch slaps Julie... just another Friday night in Dillon.

And now...
a little somethin' for the ladies.

Friday, October 12, 2007

A wopping 52 reams!

The Office
4x03: Launch Party
QUOTES

Jim: There’s this cube on the screen that bounces around all day, and sometimes, it looks like it’s headed right into the corner of the screen and at the last minute, it hits a wall and bounces away. And we are all just dying to see it go right into the corner. (shakes head) Pam claims that she saw it one day, when she was alone in the conference room. Okay. I believe she thinks she saw it.


Pam: I saw it! I saw it, and it was amazing! Who said I didn’t see it? Did Jim say that I didn’t see it? I saw it!


Michael: Today’s the big day that I’m heading to New York to attend a party with sushi and important people. On an unrelated note, if anybody has an interesting anecdote that is not boring, and easy to memorize, please drop by my office before I leave.

Jim: Whoops. Is that really what Ryan wanted you to tell us?


Michael: The website is a brainchild of my brainchild, Ryan. It is my brain grandchild.


Kelly: That’s from Ryan? Does it mention if he’s seeing anybody?

Michael: No, it doesn’t. I’ll find out tonight.

Stanley: Yes, please let us know.


Pam: Dwight mercy killed Angela’s cat. It’s very complicated. It’s caused a lot of unpleasantness between Dwight and Angela. Who were both already prone to unpleasantness.


Andy: And then I will say something positive, like “kudos” or “job well done.”
Jim: Or “zip-a-dee-doo-dah.”

Andy: I can’t tell if he’s mocking me.

Dwight: Just ignore him.

Andy: Can’t do that. It’s really hard for me to let things go.

Jim: I was. Mocking.

Andy: Thank you.

Dwight: I just feel like we need something more to acknowledge when I make a sale.

Andy: Yes! Like a chime or a bell…

Jim: Or a gong.


Dwight: Go to my car. Open the trunk. Inside, you will see many pelts. Under the smallest one is a case. Inside that case is a bear horn. Bring it to me.


Phyllis: Angela is worse than usual lately, and we have a party to throw. So I Googled, (whispering) ‘How to deal with difficult people,’ and I got all of this. So we’re gonna try out some new things today.


Phyllis: So how do you feel about the fact that the banner says “lunch”?

Angela: I feel angry. Angry at you. Angry at you for doing something stupid. Angry at me for believing you could do something not stupid.

Phyllis: I’m so sorry to hear that, that must be awful.


Michael: Wow, easy, booster seat, nobody cares about this party anyway.


Jim: What would you say if I told you we could pull a prank on Dwight, and at the same time, not be working? What?

Pam: He’s going through a break up.

Jim: Yeah, I’m aware of that, but he’s also being super annoying, and… I’m not a perfect person.

Dwight: [airhorn] Woohoo! Three reams! In your face, machines!

Pam: What kind of prank are you thinking?


DunMiff/sys (Jim): Not sure. Just became self-aware. So much to figure out. I think I am programmed to be your enemy. I think it is my job to destroy you when it comes to selling paper.

Dwight: How do I know this isn’t Jim?

DunMiff/sys (Pam): What is a Jim?


Dwight: It appears that the website has become alive. This happens to computers and robots sometimes.


Dwight: I did so well last February, that Corporate gave me two plaques in lieu of a pay raise.


Pam: Yes, it’s too tight.

Kelly: Waaaay too tight.

Oscar: Really? This is why I’m here?

Kelly: Why is it so tight?

Michael: It’s European cut.


Michael: How many pounds do you think I could lose by 7?


Michael: Do I have your permission to invite Carol?


Andy: Okay, why don’t you just lay off, lady?


Michael: So, this is the dealio. God has smiled on me and given me two tickets to the big party in New York tonight. What are you doing this evening? (Jim and Pam look at each other, smiling.) Look at that, they have their own little language now. Twins.

Jim: Sure, we’ll go.

Michael: Alright, well, fight it out amongst yourselves. I was thinking Pammy, but boy’s night out is also good.

Jim: Wait, I’m sorry…

Pam: One of the tickets is for him.

Michael: Just let me know who the winner is.

Pam and Jim: Not it.

Jim: Nope…

Pam: I won.

Jim: Definitely not. If anything, it was a tie.

Pam: Tie goes to the girlfriend.


DunMiff/sys (Jim): While you were typing that, I searched every database in existence, and learned every fact about everything. And mastered the violin. And sold more paper.

Phyllis: I want to understand what you’re saying, but it’s difficult for me when you use that tone.

Angela: Phyllis, these are spoons. Spoons have rounded tops, and are used to scoop things. What we need are forks. Which have prongs, or tiny spears on top. And we need knives, which have blades. Do you understand me now?


Michael: Alright, I’m ready to go and I’m calling shotgun.

Jim: I’m driving.

Michael: Yes. Thank you.

Jim: Alright, let me just say goodbye to Pam.

Michael: Oh yeah, you better, you better say goodbye to Pam. (in a high voice) Bye. I love you. (makes smooching noises)


Michael: It’s a club called Chatroom, and there’s a password to get in, which is actually, “password.”

Jim: Mmmkay.

Michael: What are you doing?

Jim: Um, that, is an invitation to an online party.

Jim: Are there three W’s at the beginning of the address?

Michael: Yes.


Angela: How do you tell someone it’s over? You send them a notarized letter, right? Well what if the recipient is your notary?


Angela: I would like to have a relationship with a man.

Pam: Um… I’ll get back to you.


Dwight: I think you should date Kelly.

Andy: How is that any different, she works here, too.

Dwight: Uh, she works in the annex. You’re also welcome to date Toby.


Andy: They say you should never mix business with pleasure. Really. Well then explain to me how a putt-putt golf company operates.


Michael: I’m not kidnapping him. I am keeping him until I get what I want.

Jim: As a hostage.

Michael: I think you’re over-thinking it.

Jim: I think you’re under-thinking it.


Jim: Hey, quick question. If I take a pizza, do you think you could take some sodas and some napkins up to the roof?

Pam: I’m all over it.

Jim: Okay.


Jim: Do you remember what you said to me, on my first day of work, before you walked me toward my desk?

Pam: Yeah. Enjoy this moment, because you’re never going to go back to this time before you met your desk mate, Dwight.

Jim: And that’s when I knew. You?

Pam: You came up to my desk and you said, “This might sound weird, and there’s no reason for me to know this, but that mixed berry yogurt you’re about to eat has expired.”

Jim: That was the moment that you knew you liked me?

Pam: Yep.

Jim: Wow. Can we make it a different moment?

Pam: Nope.

Jim: No…


Michael: Hey, I just think you should know that one of my salesmen beat your stupid computer, so take that ***hole.

The Office: 4x03

The Office
4x03
Launch Party

Or Lunch Party, whichever you prefer.

I claim tonight as a triumph. Much better than last week. Just enough craziness, but not driving in a lake insanity. THANK GOODNESS.

Back on track and I love it...

1. DVD wallpaper screens are RIVETING! So funny to watch them all completely captivated and Michael totally oblivious. Plus, Jim and Pam's ribbing each other over whether or not she saw it when she was alone... too cute.

2. Jim's look of defeat after signing Meredith's cast.

3. Dwight's beard, and attempt to win Angela back by beating the computer in sales.

4. Phyllis, Googling, "How to deal with difficult people," before tossing paper in Angela's face.

5. Andy. His inability to let things go (when Jim is ribbing him), his pursuit of Angela, his sales monitoring with Dwight. And the singing, oh, the singing.

6. Angela, back to her old self - plus some. Dead cat, break up with her boyfriend, yeah... she's a little more tense than normal. And asking Pam to set her up... risky, since Pam is the office mattress.

7. Jim and Pam's prank on Dwight. First off - LOVED seeing them back in action. Second, great prank, very funny, but actually kind of touching at the end when Pam throws Dwight a bone.

8. Michael's shirt, his belief that the VIP party with the "www" address is in New York, and asking Jim OR Pam to go with him. (Add their, "Not it." conversation after Michael leaves and I'm thinking we have a standard, classic Office scene.) Ah, and his webcam "message."

9. Jim and Pam escaping criminal charges with dinner on the roof - and an adorable discussion of when they first knew they liked each other.

10. Michael and Dwight heading to the city for New York style Sushi.

Pushing Daisies: 102

Pushing Daisies
1x02
Dummy

I. Love. This. Show.

I love how it looks. I love how it sounds. I love the strange, funny, quirky sense of humor it maintains. I love the narrator and the yearly countdown. I just... love.

One of my favorite things is the dialogue. But more than that, the delivery... especially on Ned's part. For instance, in this episode we see Ned and Chuck, cute as pie, in matching twin beds, with matching smiles on their happy faces:

Chuck: Is this strange?
Ned: This is not strange. Unusual, maybe, eccentric, in a quaint way, like dessert spoons.

And if Lee Pace continues to look at Anna Friel the way he does, I may melt. Great chemistry, those two.

What we learned this week:

1. Ned and Chuck can touch... just not skin to skin. Prepare for cuteness. Loved Chuck's distaste for the back seat and Ned's plexi-glass screen with gloved hand holding slot. Not to mention the kissing through plastic. I expect to see a plethora of inventive new ways to touch, without touching.

2. Olive is channeling Sandy from Grease. The musical number cracked me up, and, as a huge fan of Wicked, made me slightly giddy to see "Galinda" on screen.

3. Professor Landry is a killer, no matter what show he's on.

4. Emerson keeps his reward money in individually knitted cases... anyone have the key to his office?

5. Digby is awesome. Just because...

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Two for One.

Heroes
Season 2, Chapter 3
Kindred

Disclaimer of the day: This blog is for shows I watch, meaning I like them, am invested in the story and characters, which sort of makes them like old friends I give an hour of my time to once a week. And you know how it is with old friends - as much as you love, respect and care for them... you REALLY like to make fun of their quirks, laugh at their mishaps and relive all their most embarrassing moments.

With that in mind, I'm interested to know if anyone else out there is having the same trouble I am, focusing on anything OTHER than the cheesy flying sequence in last night's Heroes? Because I feel certain some other stuff happened, but I... just... can't... seem... to recall.

"Claire. Shut up."

I fully expected it to be followed by, "And kiss me," while an appropriately cheesy 80's song played in the background. Such disappointment. He could have at least played, In Your Eyes, on a boombox outside the window while he watched her cut off her toe. Of course, West has a dark place. And it's all Claire's daddy's fault... so now, she's Creepy Bear, staring HRG down through the blinds while he looks at rather ominous pictures of himself, glasses busted.

And I'm sorry, but as much as I love Ireland... Peter has got to leave. I mean, come on. Aside from the lost identity and the life of crime, we find him randomly shirtless, (Lightning! Sparks!) practicing his magic show when Bonny Bar Maid walks in? Why did he need his shirt off for that? Ohhh, right. It's for the ladies. The ladies who tat him up with the family symbol?? What?

Sark, can you please get Hiro to take you back to 2007? The Japanese armor isn't really all that flattering to your accent. Plus, don't you want to meet your great, great, great, great, great, great, great granddaughter and her creepy dad? As for Hiro, you've already punched enough holes in the space-time continuum, do you really want to test it further by sticking notes in the sword for Ando? And how does that work? I'd like to see the moment the sword is altered in the present because of something you're doing 400 years prior. My mind can't really wrap itself around that...

Sylar. Are you on LOST now? Wrong network, buddy. Whatever, just glad to have you back, even if you're still evil.

As for Parkman and Mohinder, I feel I have nothing to add that can fuel the fire of speculation more than anyone else already has.

Other people did things, but... I sort of found them uninteresting.

KB countdown: 2 Weeks.


House
4x03
97 Seconds

Um, House, what is wrong with you? Let's just forget the knife incident, okay. Not that I'd ever put it past you in the first place, but still, let's focus on more important things, like how you should fire Cut-throat Bitch. Immediately.

I'll be honest, I didn't think I was going to like Olivia Wilde's character. My husband's comment was, "Isn't that the girl that made out with Mischa Barton?" Yes... she was that plot device, but I liked her even then, so it wasn't Josh Schwartz related. No, my fears, in regard to her stint on House, were more about not wanting to see Cameron replaced. I'm sort of like House that way... I lost the team, and I'm not too keen on newbies. Anyway, I'm now conceding to liking her. So, there you go. Plus, I just felt really bad for her tonight, what with the guy AND his dog dying... waaaay too sad to handle.

That said, there was a shocking lack of Cameron and Chase this ep. I really, really, really hope they haven't become wayside characters because, change what you want, there is no chemistry like House and the original three. And I miss it. Of course, with Foreman's unfortunate foray into acting like House tonight, and subsequently being fired, I can see the halls of Princeton-Plainsboro once again being filled with the sounds of discord. What a beautiful noise.

And could I please get some sort of information on why there is no House next week? Is it sports related? Ugh.