Just Like on TV

HIATUS.

Interlude

Dear Coach Taylor,

I love Dillon, TX almost as much as you do. Maybe more, because aside from everything, I feel I fully appreciate ALL of Matt Saracen and Tim Riggins' various talents and abilities off the football field. BUT, as a caring, concerned ... let's just say ... friend, I have a few things I'd like to put on your radar.

First, your QB1 is making out with his grandmother's nurse. And said grandmother's nurse is giving The Saracen, "the nod." You know what I mean. It's dangerous. As Ross Gellar once shouted at Rachel and Phoebe, "DANGER!" I mean, let's face it, the nurse is better than the Texas haired cheerleader with awesome car knowledge, but still, her presence is cliched and undesired. Got me? I think it's time for one of your famous father figure Matt chats.

Also, Riggins, whom you threw off the team and are now watching for signs of loyalty and desire to be a Panther, is homeless. He's living with a guy who has dog pens or... something. I really think you should take him in and let him see how the Taylor house is run. Except maybe keep him away from Julie and Tami's sister. He's a charmer, that one.

Then there's the matter of John from Cincinnati. He's trying to get in your daughter's pants and if there's anything we learned from Mary Kay LeTourneau and Dawson's Creek, this particular breed of storyline never really works that well (worse, it's just a truly terrible cop out). Just my observation, of course, but I feel it's warranted.

On that note, I'd like to bring up the number of new characters making their presence known in the Lone Star State. Tami's sister, Glen, Landry's dad, Lyla's prison pal, the pervert teacher, the soccer coach, the nurse, the big haired cheerleader being used to make Julie jealous ... I mean, really. Street and Riggins got shafted in this episode to make room for people we care less about. Granted, if any show can handle it, FNL can, but I really don't want to deal with these people when those I know and love are being pushed to the wayside.

Lastly, I'd like to talk to you about Lance. He killed someone. And he dumped the body. Then his dad helped him cover it up. Reeeeaaaaalllly not a good call considering the number of procedurals I've seen where those in this situation get caught. You should talk to Lance about his crime - it was self defense - and what it means that his police officer father just helped conceal a crime.

I want you to know I bring these things up out of love - for you and your family and town. While Friday Nights are still AMAZING, even with these small annoyances, I fear they could lead to bigger problems in the future. You're a leader - you're THE MAN - I charge you with directing the path.

Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose!

The Office: 4x08

The Office

4x08
The Deposition
and
QUOTES

What do you do when your favorite television show airs an absolute gem of an episode and then goes off the air indefinitely?

Tell me!

I chose to put off watching it as long as possible, because honestly, this week was funny, heartfelt and a little bit of everything I love about Dunder Mifflin, but it wasn't anything akin to a season finale. I refuse to accept it as a season finale. Or acknowledge it as one. The entire 22 minutes, all I could think was - what if The Strike steals my season. Where will it pick up next year? Will they skip all those months ahead? What about the tease we were given for the next episode - the one where they had their best table read ever?

So, Michael. See, I love him. I really, truly do. From the cold open with the Post-Its (hysterical), to the deposition and his diary, he has absolutely NO social skills, but if you're loyal to him, he's loyal - to an almost creepy fault - to you. It should be interesting to see how (if we ever get to) his actions at the deposition filter down into what he and Jan have going on. Plus, I laughed for days at some of his lines (see quotes post) - and then, the pushing Toby's tray off the table. CLASSIC. You know I love some Michael/Toby hate and just when poor Toby was sharing his heart ... Michael reconfirms all the reasons why Toby asked Kelly what it felt like to slap her boss.

Jim and Pam are still the cutest. And even if her boyfriend is 12, Pam has it a million times better than Kelly, who has to resort to talking smack - not trash - in order to feel good about her relationship. And the guys, all they wanted to do was play... I definitely enjoyed the Dwight commentary and expertise on the game and the tag at the end with him and Mose was hysterical. Alas, if I dwell to long on any of this goodness, it makes my heart ache with emptiness.

***

Jan: We went over it carefully … and just so that we wouldn’t leave anything up to chance or Michael’s judgement.

Pam: Sometimes I bring him juice. My boyfriend is twelve.

Kelly: What has two skinny chicken legs and sucks at ping pong?

Kelly: I don’t talk trash. I talk smack. They’re totally different. Trash talk is all hypothetical, like, “Your momma is so fat, she could eat the Internet.” But smack talk is, happening like, right now. Like, “you’re ugly and I know it for a fact, ’cause I got the evidence. Right there.”

Pam: Kelly's trash talking me because Darryl's beating you.
Jim: What? Seriously? What's she saying.

Kelly: Your boyfriend is so weak, he needs steroids just to watch baseball.

Kelly: Were Jim’s parents first cousins that were also bad at ping pong?

Jim: Bring me players.

Michael: Are you renewing your divorce vows before my deposition?
Toby: Michael I'm your HR rep. I'm on your side.
Michael: Never. I want him gone. I don't talk until he leaves.

Jan: People underestimate Michael. There are plenty of things that he is well above average at.

Lawyer: How long have you known the plaintiff?
Michael: I haven’t actually seen it, but I have seen The Firm, and I’m planning on renting The Pelican Brief.

Lawyer: How long have you known Ms. Levinson?
Michael: Six years and two months.
Lawyer: And you were directly under her the entire time?
Michael: That’s what she said.
Lawyer: Excuse me?
Michael: (slowly) That’s what she said.

Michael: Come again? That’s what she said.

Michael: Delivery’s all wrong. She’s butchering it.

Lawyer: Did Ms. Levinson ever say why she thought she was being fired?
Michael: She thought it had to do with the twins. That's what, I call them.
Lawyer: Can you be more specific. Who are the twins?
Michael: To be delicate, they hang off milady’s chest. They … make milk.
Lawyer: You don’t have to go any further.

Michael: And frankly, the timing was nothing short of predominant.

Michael: Well, it depends on how you define “begin.”

Michael: Line.
Lawyer: I’m sorry, what?
Executive: He asked for a line, like in a play.

Court reporter: [reading transcript] Mr. Scott do you realize you just contradicted yourself. I did? Yes you did. Can I go to the bathroom? No. I really have to I've been drinking lots of water. You went five minutes ago. That wasn't to go to the bathroom that was to get out of a question. You still have to answer it. First can I go to the bathroom. No.

Michael: I throw myself at the mercy of the deposition.

Lawyer (reading Michael’s diary): “Tan almost everywhere. Jan almost everywhere. Hee hee.”

Lawyer (reading Michael’s diary): “More tomorrow. XOXO, Michael.”

Toby: Um … could you make it 11?

Lawyer (reading Michael’s diary): “Just as hot as Jan, but in a different way.”

Michael (reading Jan’s statement): “I am out of carrots. I am out of sticks.”

Dwight: He has gone from completely hopeless to simply miserable.

Dwight: He works here, dumb ass.

Lawyer (reading David Wallace’s statement): “What do you want me to say? C’mon, he’s a nice guy.”

Kelly: The floppy-haired girl you date won a point.

Michael: You expect to get screwed by your company. But you never expect to get screwed by your girlfriend.

Head's up...

I'm leaving for Birmingham and Atlanta at 5:15 today, so the likelihood of an update before Sunday is minimal, at best.

It's already been determined I will not be able to catch the (I refuse to call it Season Finale) last Season 4 episode - for now - of The Office until I get home. And while a plan is already in place to watch Friday Night Lights (with two of my obsessive friends from the Facebook group) at its regularly scheduled time, I'm not sure I'll have access to a computer, as I don't own a laptop and don't expect anyone to have theirs with them at the hotel. If I find out differently, perhaps I'll be able to make an FNL post, but no promises!

Hope you'll forgive me, but this trip is essential. As in, fun for me.

I'll be hanging out with my girlfriends at "The Swell Season" show in Atlanta on Saturday night. I kicked myself for missing their show in LA this summer, and wasn't about to pass up a second opportunity, so thank goodness for TIVO and shows streaming on the Internet (hear that, AMPTP).

If you've never heard of "The Swell Season," grab the soundtrack to the movie, Once. Listen. Be mesmerized. (And then check out Glen's band, "The Frames.") And if you haven't seen this movie, it needs to be at the TOP of your DVD list!

Once, the Movie
The Swell Season

Okay, gotta go pack!

How many more do we get?

From what I've gathered via Ausiello, Spoilerfix and various show-specific sites, here's how many episodes we have left of the following (give or take), before the Writer's Strike eats them.

Monday:
Chuck - 5 more
How I Met Your Mother - ?
Heroes - 3 more
Samantha Who - 7 more
Journeyman - ?

Tuesday:
Reaper - between 2 and 4 more
House - 5 more

Wednesday:
Pushing Daisies - 3 more
Private Practice - 3 or 4 more
Gossip Girl - 5 more

Thursday:
The Office - 1 more (cue gnashing of teeth)
Grey's Anatomy - 4 more

Friday:
Friday Night Lights - 9 more

Sunday:
Brothers and Sisters - 5 more

--

So, about 5 more weeks of solid television before it all starts to taper off. Thanks goodness FNL gets it done and will be with us well into the new year - just in time for LOST to begin. And then end again. (Don't get me started right now.)

Random Round-up.

Chuck: I'm still lovin' this show. It's a little bit of everything - action, drama, romance, fantasy and comedy. Geez, Levi cracks me up. He's just so... lovable and adorkable. Perfect casting on their part because I watch him and think, "Man, he's just so ... sincere." It's sweet, really. Plus, come on, last night we had R Bils and Marshall Flinkman in the same episode (who else was cracking up at the gymnast routine?), so I really don't see how they can go wrong. Casey continues to grow on me, simply because I totally understand his complete exasperation in everything and everyone. But my poor Chuck, secret bound and hung up on his romantic cover. Really, Sarah, did you have to lie ... even if you are immune to the Veritaserum poison? Tell Chuckie you like him. You know you wanna.

Gossip Girl: Dang Josh Schwartz and his teenage soap operas. Seriously, there is about as much integrity of story in this show as there is in my pinkie ... but I just can't stop.

Pushing Daisies: Top of my list show, but odd. Honestly, PD is one of a kind unique and quirky, which I love. The dialogue slaps you - quick, funny and sarcastic - in the best way and Lee Pace's delivery of Ned is ... well, I think the whole world has a crush on him. I'm also a fan of the narrator. Love him. Especially when he comments on the story. All that said, I don't necessarily find something to say about PD each week. Mainly because watching it is an escape from my escape. Sure, there are things to comment on, but I know the story of The Pie Hole. I know Ned and Chuck are in love and that Emerson is unabashedly annoyed by everything (another trait I identify with), while Olive pines away for The Piemaker. What keeps me coming each week is that little tag of hope at the end, where Ned and Chuck are the only ones in the room. Romantic. That's what this show is! But not cheesy. Romantic without gouda - the best possible kind.

Private Practice: Watching for Violet and Cooper.

House: 4x07

HOUSE

4x07
Ugly

More Chase this week - good start. But honestly, after finishing, I'm more interested in discussing next week's preview than this week's episode (House collapsing, 13 with tremors, Criss Angel wannabe) - even though there were some fabulous moments tonight (quotes below).

Speaking of Chase, he and Cameron are boring me. I know Jesse and Jen broke up and with new characters, there's not as much time, but COME ON! We invested in their relationship for three years. And nothing. You know, besides her getting all hot and bothered about House and discussing it with Chase. On camera. *sigh*

And I'm not really sure what the point was in bringing the CIA doctor into the mix - other than proving that Thirteen is smart and solidifying her as one of the final fellows and not just a pretty face. I mean, we all know House likes the ladies and the inappropriate comments (I maintain that he and Cuddy are hot for each other), so why bring this chick in for two episodes just to tell us what we already knew?

Amongst it all, there are still some things I can count on, and while there has been a shocking lack recently, House and Wilson together continues to be one of the consistently funny rocks of the show. I love it. Seriously. I want to be friends with them.

In other news, I really wanted Cuddy's outfit tonight. So cute. What? I know it has nothing to do with plot or story, but I don't care.

Who doesn't like Patch Adams?

Camerawoman: Pretend we're not here.
House: If I do that, won't I bump into you?

House: It's a joke. See, I became a doctor because of the movie, Patch Adams.

House: I think she might be an idiot.

House: She was able to identify that they were good ideas.
Wilson: Stab in the dark, here. Is she pretty?
House: She's new. She's nervous.
Wilson: She's a C cup.

House: Hey, hey, hey, hey! You have an all access pass to the case, not my Fave Five.

Wilson: Thirteen's pretty. You're obviously okay with her.
House: She killed a patient.
Wilson: The Bitch is pretty.
House: The Bitch is a bitch.
Wilson: Ask her out.
House: The Bitch? She's a bitch.

Wilson: Pretty girl kill again?

Heroes: Thoughts on being a Sophomore

I can't just discuss tonight's episode. No. At the moment, Heroes needs more than a snarky recap and a pretty picture of Milo. It needs... a mother's discipline.

See, Heroes is a cool show. I wouldn't exactly call it the smartest, or best written hour of entertainment, but in Season One, it was actually entertaining. It was different and unpredictable and full of cool characters and merging storylines. And it held my attention, kept me wanting, became Must See TV.

Then Hiro landed in feudal Japan and that girl started crying black tears.

Here's what makes Heroes tick: Plot twists, multiple stories and characters, entwined without their knowledge, pushing toward one, big agenda. Season One's agenda was clear from the beginning. Hell, we even got slogans for each phase of the plan. (Say it with me, Save the Cheerleader... save the world.)

Season two's direction was made clear ... last week. Somewhere around the SEVEN episode mark. There's a virus, it's gonna kill them all. The heroes have to fix it. Why did it take so long to get there?

I read a recent interview with Tim Kring (which made me hopeful), in which he owned up to several sophomore issues. Most importantly:

1. Late introduction of the season's purpose (plague wiping out civilization, gotta stop it). I seriously had no idea what the hell any of them were doing until last week. Storyline was/is all over the place. I mean, they mentioned the virus, but then with all the ancient warriors and brain boxes, it was hard to make it fit. And I'm still wondering on B story with the older generation being killed off (I'm suspecting by Adam).

2. The Seven Years in Tibet storyline, or whatever that crap was with Hiro living in his childhood storybook. The payoff with Takezo K./Adam turned out to be cool, but it could have been done sooner. Waaaaay sooner. Like, before there were ever Cherry Blossoms involved.

3. New characters. Seriously, I'm less interested in Maya, Alejandro and Monica than that infomercial where the guy screams about four types of kitchen cleaner. They Nikki and Paolo'd it with the first two, and Monica, poor thing... what's the point? Then there's West. Don't get me started. I mean ... what can I say? That kid totally goobs me out with his Peter Pan flying and dumbass dialogue.

That said, the newbies aren't ALL bad.

1. Elle. The four minutes of screen time Kristen Bell got in episode five, were the most entertaining of the season at that point, and shot her to immediate status as a character I'm actually interested in, want to figure out. And not because I'm already partial (which I am) and think she's fantastic (which she is), but because the character maintained the mystery of Season One. She has a purpose, she has secrets, she's got layers. To me, she's on par with Sylar in that way. Completely unpredictable and totally enthralling. LOVE how Bell is playing her, too. Sadistic little girl. Amazing.

2. Adam. Yes, the Japanese storyline was crap, but the twist - that he's immortal and because of Hiro's tampering, living in present day, carrying a 400 year old grudge and a sexy English accent - awesome. We all knew early in the season that David Anders been made a regular, which left me wondering HOW. Pretty cool payoff - plus, he has GOT to have some connection to Claire, right? (Note that everything I'm saying in this paragraph goes back to the reasons listed as what makes the show tick. Coincidence? I think not.)

As for plot this season, it's hard to comment because I've yet to see anything cohesive. And now I'm sad because it looks like things are about to shift gears (because Kring says he hears his audience!), just in time for an early season finale due to the WGA Strike.

Tonight's episode was probably the best of the season. Why? Oh, I don't know... because we finally found out about the characters we care for, Peter got his freakin' memory back and there was some payoff! And I won't lie, the preview for next week looks awesome. This beach-bound showdown with Mohinder and HRG and The Company. Exchanging Claire for Elle - all good things.

And only three left to give us some closure to a less than stellar, and incomplete season.

Damn you AMPTP!

Thoughts on Striking...

See, I get it.

I do.

I think it sucks because it's the middle of the television season and fans are getting left in the lurch. Shows are hitting their stride, mid-story, and it's possible the viewers will have to wait over a year for seasonal conclusions to already scarce shows (LOST), while baited with the promise of an upswing from faulty stories in others (Heroes). Nevermind the super quick shut down of favorites like The Office, teasing its best table read EVER!

I may go insane.

Not that I think the actors and writers and directors are using this as an excuse for vacation because they don't want to be at work, churning out episodes. If there's anything I learned from my short time in Hollywood, it's that those people are workaholics - seriously. To a fault.

I think the cast and crew is as sad about Dunder-Mifflin sitting empty as I am. Well, probably more when it comes to crew, because let's face it, this strike is NOT good for the grips and the PAs and all the other hardworking little guys making a living on set.

But if there's anything I love, it's a display of solidarity.

My husband is in the entertainment industry, so I know what residuals mean and why they're important. If someone tried selling his CD's or posting their songs on iTunes and left them out of the cut, I'd be there with my own picket sign (even though I think I'd be the only one - have musicians ever gone on strike?), knocking on the proverbial door.

So, yeah, I think the writer's deserve their cut because it's true, in a few years, New Media and the Internet will be an even bigger monster in this industry than they are now. It's strange to me that TV and Movie scribes aren't automatically figured into the deal, because without them, we wouldn't have television. No company would spend millions of dollars in advertising funds for a slot during NBC's Thursday night because characters as ingenious as Dwight Schrute and Veronica Mars would be figments of our imagination (aren't they kind of anyway), LOST would be nothing but a word normally printed in lower case letters, we'd never have heard the charming tale of Ned the Piemaker, and Prime Time wouldn't exist.

Writers ARE television.

Sure, they're important for movies, but TV is the writer's medium. They produce it, they live it, they star in it, they ... write it. The director doesn't get the glory because he comes in for one episode and leaves. It's the guys and girls in the writer's room, under a florescent light at 3 a.m. who run the show - and they do deserve to be compensated.

So, I get it.

I support the strike - what it stands for - 100%.

Still, while I KNOW it's not about greed - it's NOT - if I'm totally honest, there's this little nagging voice in the back of my brain that's kind of annoyed because the average writer in Hollywood makes about $200,000 a year (putting them in something like the top 1% of earning elite in this country) and the ones who are between jobs, working sporadically, make around $62,000 a year (almost twice the average national salary). Granted, Hollywood is an unpredictable place, and a few years from now, that once viable writer may need to live off their residuals while they look for work with the rest of us Regular Joes, so I can't really begrudge them at all - but I can't feel totally sorry for them either, when I'm living with a struggling musician and trying to find a job! Of course, it's people like me, obsessed with the Hollywood product, that make it the norm for salaries in that industry to inflate past people like teachers and social workers, so I can't get too upset can I?

No, dang it, I can't!

Get me the AMPTP, I want my TV back!!!

Brothers and Sisters: 207

Brothers and Sisters

2x07
36 Hours

There were things I loved and there were things I didn't.

For some reason, as annoyed as I am with the whole rehashing of Justin's addiction storyline, I enjoyed it tonight. I think it was more about the family being together, the dynamic of the Walker's showing up for one another. And Justin falling asleep on Kitty's shoulder was the cutest. Poor Rebecca though. I kept waiting for Justin to call her and apologize, but I guess that will come after he gets over the shakes and vomits.

Saul... well, it's been coming on for a while now. Still not sure whether it's a good move or not, but we shall see. I am interested to see whether or not he was just in love with one man, or if it's his overall preference because honestly, I don't want the Holly storyline from last season - and the numerous discussions of other women - to be chalked up to a cover - it's been done and it's just not as interesting.

As for Robert's little white lie to Kitty about wanting to have kids... not a good idea.

Next family issue: Just in time for his miraculously non-depressed wife to come home, everyone learns Tommy's a cheater. (GRRRRR.)

It doesn't sound like you really mean that...

Sorry, guys.

It's been outrageously long since I posted, but life has sort of taken over the last couple of weeks. My grandfather had a stroke, I worked ridiculous hours at this Christmas retail fair (it's questionable as to whether or not my feet still function) and I found a new apartment that has to be painted and cleaned before I can move in (because it was built in the '40s). Thing is, with all that going on, I've been behind on my shows and had to watch some online (which I know is a "no no" these days with the strike) and some days later than airing. Then, my TIVO tried to explode from holding the backlogs of material. Alas, I think I'm caught up. Finally. As for the blog, it was hard to keep it going as it's just me manning the ship.

That said, I bow in humble apology for my absence. I'm not really sure how many people actually come here regularly, but if you do, I will not look you in the eye for at least a week as a sign of deference. ;)

---

And now, a mash:

The Office: I've missed two recaps, but I'm focusing on "Survivor Man." Interesting episode. Funny, in its own way, but interesting. Steve Carell tends to take a heavy undertone to the story when he writes. This evolution of Jim Halpert thing (check out GMMR) - stuck in his job, but content in his life - seems to be coming to the front lines this year. Jim being afraid of becoming Michael, promising not to be at DM in 10 years just like Michael did. And then there's the second life discovery of what Jim would really like to be doing.

It's interesting, veddy veddy... we're seeing Jim happier than he's ever been personally, but I'm starting to wonder if we won't see a bit more discontent with his choices professionally. Of course, this storyline should have been saved for the second to last or last season, so the final episode involves Jim getting a fancy new job and moving off with his fiance, Pam (did I just say that? oops!), but whatever the writers want to explore, I'm up for it. As long as they don't screw with my PB&J. Wouldn't it be interesting to see them actually stay together and figure things out. What a novel idea. You know, sort of like people do in real life. On a side note, Jan has plastic boobs!

House: House at the CIA = Awesome! Still only one Chase scene, a smattering of Cameron and LOTS of Foreman. I'm starting to wonder how Jesse Spencer feels about this.

Friday Night Lights: Okay. I'm sorry. You KNOW how obsessed I am with this show (I'm currently wearing a T-shirt I made a Spreadshirt.com with Panther Football written on front and Riggins and Saracen on back), but I have several WTF (not necessarily bad, just... WTF) things to toss out into the ether.

a) Last week in Mexico. Lyla making out with Street and Riggins. In front of each other. (The "I need to go pray" comment was a bit much for me.) My friend and I had to rewind after looking at each other and saying, "Did that just happen?" I'm supposing she was drunk? I... And... But then, the next day driving home (this week's ep), there's no mention of it, head on Rig's shoulder, reminiscing about the past. Weird. Not that I mind, I mean, I'd go for both too, maybe just not in front of each other. All I'm sayin'. Still, my funny friend in the elite Facebook group that shall not be named, had this to say: "I don't know why everyone's thinking it's strange. Didn't any of ya'll see Y Tu Mama Tambien? Apparently those sorts of shenanigans happen all the time during Mexican road trips." Apparently. I'll know what to expect when I hit the road for Mexico.

b) Tami's sister is gonna annoy me. c) Saracen! Get your lips off that randomite! d) Riggins. I love you. e) Coach and Tami were CLASSIC in last week's episode (re: post baby fun time for Coach). I laughed... god, I laughed.

f) Landry's dad is cop and an idiot. I mean, how is he going to explain Landry's missing car? Better yet, what's he gonna say when they find the car (they always find the car)? More importantly, how is Landry going to drive all the Collete women, plus Mrs. Saracen and Lyla to the State Championship this year? Geez.

---

There were other moments of the week. But since I have two weeks to atone for, I think I'll just start over fresh with the one upcoming.

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.

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
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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.

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?

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.

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.