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.

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!

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...

A smattering...

Last night was the Season 2 Premiere of Brothers and Sisters. You know how I am about the Walkers - LOVE them (though, sadly, they've been slightly eclipsed by the Taylors over on FNL). Poor Nora spent much of the summer alone, save for black sheep, Rebecca - her dead husband's love child, who's now living in Kitty's old room. Confused? Heh. Somehow it works for the kooky clan - and I'll always give Rebecca the benefit of the doubt because I feel certain one day she'll go back to Ephram. Oops, is that the wrong show? Anywho, a few questions/comments:

1. I feel bad for Kitty. Are we going to start every season on her cursed birthday?
2. Since when did Joe want a divorce?? He's the one that screwed up and got kicked out. Now he's the one who wants to end it? Um...
3. I see some bumps in the road for Tommy and Julia.
4. I wonder if Kitty and Robert will actually get married... and will he get elected? That would be interesting... and strange. Can you imagine the Walkers in the White House?!
5. A shocking lack of Justin! Bring him home now!

--

Still liking Chuck. It's just super cute - or am I confusing the show with Zachary Levi? Nah. It's a fun show... and I'm especially excited about the casting news/photos released recently. Cutie-patootie Rachel Bilson is headed to Buy More. Not sure who she's playing (Is it possible she's the ex-girlfriend Bryce stole?) or when her arc begins, but I love me some R Bils. Plus, who knows... Zach is cute and very Adam Brody/Seth Cohen-ish... and we know she likes the type. How cute would the two of them be?

Number one reason of the night to watch Chuck? Shout outs to other awesome shows! Chuck's brain is set off by an image and amongst the flashing pictures we hear him say, "Flight 815 was shot down..."

Looks like the Chuck peeps are LOST fans. Solidarity, baby.

--

Claire cut off her toe. And watched it grow back. Gross. And seriously... West is obviously flying in the sky, look up. Mr. Muggles sees him, but you don't? I see some angsty, teenage, "we're so different, no one understands us," bonding ahead. Wonder if West takes Bear on a magic carpet ride next week... Claire's about to enter a whole new world. /Cheesy Disney jokes. On a side note, I sort of love that Bear uses her powers at home (the ring in the water) and that Mom's "in it" and not still being brainwashed.

The guy that was beating Peter up, when he was tied to the chair, where have I seen him before? It's making me batty. I wonder if the Irish thugs will give Peter his life box next week. (I'm sorry, but NBC needs to stop with The Box promo. It's just sad in comparison to, "Save the Cheerleader.") It can't be that simple... plus he was making out with cute bar maid sister... hey, if I were him, I'd want to stay in Ireland, too, so I say, work whatever angle you have to for some time on European soil. (And as cute as he and Hayden are, all the talk of him hooking up with Claire, totally grosses me out.) And in the words of Hubby, who Blackberry Messaged me during the ep, "Milo looks ripped. Heeeeeey."

Still sort of bored with the Takezo K. story... save the visuals on David Anders, whom it appears, is of the same power family as Bear. Warriors and Cheerleaders unite!

The Haitian returns. The virus returns. Mohinder keeps handing out blood to cure people - that can't be good, I'm just sayin'.

Creepiest new hero? Maya. What the HELL is she doing?

That preview for next week better not be faking me out, AGAIN. As in, Sylar better be back. And bring on episode 5 already... I'm ready for some Kristen Bell!

Reaper: 1x01

Reaper

1x01
PILOT

My first encounter with Reaper was reading the script a few months ago and then, watching the Pilot a few days later. I mentioned back then, that I really like the show, and the opinion still stands, but I have a slight beef with their continuity department after re-watching it tonight on the CW.

After filming the original pilot (the one I saw), there was a casting change. Nikki Reed, who played Sam's love interest, Andie, was replaced by Missy Peregrym (Candice from Heroes). I have no problem with the casting, but I DO have a problem with all the scenes they reshot with Missy. Why? Because Brett Harrison (Sam) was clean-shaven in every scene, save the ones with Missy... where he had a nice little porn-stache. Why did no one pay attention to this? Why did they let Brett grow facial hair? Am I the only one who noticed... and found it completely distracting?

Taking a leap with Journeyman!

Interesting. I left the TV on NBC after Heroes and found myself actually drawn to/liking the premiere of Journeyman. Especially when I realized it's basically just a new, flashy, modern version of Quantum Leap (which I totally adored). I'm not gonna get all crazy and start talking weekly write-ups, but I'll be watching for a while... check out whether or not it's really worth all the "don't miss" hype at E! Online. So far, so good.

NOTE: I have not finished watching Season 2 of HIMYM, so there will be no coverage of the S3 Premiere. Thank goodness for TIVO.

Chuck: 1x01

Chuck
1x01
PILOT

I professed my love for Chuck back in July, so I won't wax on AGAIN now. I am, however, anxious to see what you thought of tonight's premiere. Me? I liked it even more the second time around... the perfect mixture of snappy humor, Alias spy-gear, and Jim Halpert charm. What more could a girl ask for? (You know, besides the actual Jim Halpert and Chuck and Saracen and... ok, I'll stop.)

Gossip Girl: 1x01

Gossip Girl
1x01
PILOT

Ah, the life of the privileged teen! Josh Schwartz, you've cornered the market.

Somehow, I failed to post in regard to my decision to watch Gossip Girl (or I did and don't remember, maybe I was at the hotel bar with Serena). I was iffy. Mainly because it's been done. In California. With the same creator. BUT, I had a chance to read the pilot and see the footage The CW released early and I liked it... but kept it a secret because, well, let's be honest, it's another soap opera. For teenagers. (Even though, if you have a teenager, you probably shouldn't let them watch it.) Still, we all need a guilty pleasure show. And it's set in New York, so eye candy in the scenery and, come on, Kristen Bell is the narrator (which is probably the reason I picked up the script to read it in the first place).

The pilot, as with most, is all set up. The characters as follows:

Gossip Girl: New York's most infamous teen blogger, identity unknown. The entire social scene depends on her for scandalous, "as it happens" information. Only secret she won't spill? Her name.

Serena: Beautiful, mysterious Queen Bee who disappeared, without reason, to boarding school and has returned, throwing everyone's world into turmoil. Most notably Blair (her wayward best friend) and Blair's boyfriend, Nate, with whom Serena shares a secret. She's trying to change her ways, deal with family issues (a troubled brother) and is genuinely a nice, sweet character.

Blair: Seems willing to do anything to hold on to the power she's gained in Serena's absence... especially when it comes to Nate. Not so nice. I smell a bitch in the making.

Dan: The regular Joe, living in the world of the elite. He goes to school with all the trust fund kids, but isn't one of them - an instant outsider. He's got a thing for Serena and finds himself suddenly, luckily, thrust into her company. Is that... do I hear... oh, yep, yep, that's a love triangle, ladies and gentlemen. Perhaps even a trapezoid.

Nate: Blair's boyfriend "since Kindergarten," who's beginning to question his privileged world and all that comes with it. Not to mention his relationships with Blair and Serena.

Jenny: Dan's little sister, whose desperate to be one of the "in crowd."

Chuck: The asshole. Reveling in his world and milking it for all it's worth.

And yeah, there are parents (it appears Serena's mom and Dan's dad may have had a little somethin' back in the day), but who really cares about them?

You're either gonna love GG (oh my gosh, I don't know if I can call it that, as Gilmore Girls held the letters for 7 years) or hate it. It's not gonna rock your world. It's no House or Friday Night Lights, by any stretch of the imagination, so take it for what it is. Enjoy with a pint of ice cream and move along to something smarter the next night.

24: Season 1 UPDATE

It's now 8 a.m. on the day of the California Presidential Primary. Jack Bauer has had a rather busy night, what with his wife and daughter being kidnapped, and the baddie (why is Michael Massee so creepy?) trying to pin an assassination on him, apparently because he finds it amusing. Nevermind the security breach inside CTU (I know there's another agent playing us, is it Nina?) and the staged death of his former lover. Seriously, the guy should just give up and go have a cocktail.

Then there's Presid- oops, I mean, Senator Palmer's son, who was involved in the murder of his sister's rapist, and is now in the midst of full on "daddy issues" rage, exercising his petulance any way he can. (All I can think about is the kid's guest stint on House, and the fact that his character died... hope it's not foreshadowing for him as a Palmer.) Still, beginning this series 6 years after it started, gives me the benefit of knowing Palmer gets to the White House - so he obviously doesn't die, and the public forgives his little family drama... I just don't know how.

In short, I'm starting to dig in, feel a bit more interested - as you assured me I would. My only question... are they using some sort of freak Alias technology for all these body double baddies??

24: Season 1

I'm on episode 2... and hoping this show hooks me, because the Pilot didn't. And I have 6 Seasons to catch up on before January (assuming they get on schedule with production). It's interesting, a bold concept, but I need the story to grab me. I'm betting it will, just gotta give it a little time. Anyone want to confirm or deny... prepare me for lagging seasons and crappy storylines?

I'm a little bit in love with Gregory House.

Why didn't anyone tell me how FABULOUS this show is?! Okay... so, they did, but still - I'm impressed, if not slightly infatuated. And yeah, I'm only on episode 3 of Season 1, but does that really matter when it comes to love? Sure, the inevitable pain and disappointment will eventually hit, making me want to throw things at the screen. House or Chase or Cameron will piss me off and I'll gnash my teeth in anguish, but through it all... I'll still love them. Because this is one of those shows. You know what I mean.

Hugh Laurie is a riot. LOVE him. It's like I feel his British smarminess radiating from behind the American accent. I'm telling you... people love a sarcastic, smart ass. There's no denying it. No helping or changing it. It's like Veronica Mars said, "Every school has it's obligatory psychotic jackass..." And as she said it, you knew she was totally gonna want him.

I may be new to the show, but as a TV lover, I've seen various HOUSE rumors and plot points as I scoured for info on other shows... so I know a few things. Not many, but a few. Like Chase and Cameron - which I think I'm going to be completely behind, 100%. (Who doesn't want a man with a sexy accent with a face to match?) I know things here and there about Sela Ward. I've even heard tidbits of the most recent season finale - which makes me a little nervous... so I can't wait to follow the story as it goes.

That said... what are some good HOUSE websites? I need to bulk up on my new obsession.

Studio 60: 1x17

Studio 60
1x17
The Disaster Show

Issues and all, I'm a fan of this show. Maybe it's my fascination with the way TV is run, how it gets done and put on the air, that keeps me coming back. It would seem I'm in the minority as there are only 5 more episodes to air, but that's okay. I'll take 'em - if for no other reason than it means I'm seeing something new on TV this summer.

Stories like Simon's double Hawaii dates and the never ending saga of Matt and Harriet, can be rather annoying, but the show consistently amuses and holds my attention, so I follow along.

I really like Tom and Lucy (maybe because she's the British Pam), and I LOVE Jordan - not so sure about her and Danny. It's possible, however, that Timothy Busfield's character, Cal, is my favorite. He cracks me up.

I don't have tons to say about the episode. Funny, in a disastrous way that usually makes me cringe. And Cal's comments to Christine at the end, about having the time of her life and being so blessed to do what she does, were fantastic. I like that they worked some heart in at the end.

It won't change my world when it goes off the air, but I will miss it...

Heroes, Chapter 23

Heroes
Chapter 23
How to Stop an Exploding Man
SEASON 1 FINALE

Okaaaaaaaaaaay.

I'm a little confused. But let's cut to the chase before we ponder the end.

First off, HELLO! We found out Mr. Bennett's name! That was rather exciting... Noah. I like it.

So, in general, I enjoyed the episode, but I wasn't exactly on the edge of my seat. Don't get me wrong, the idea of Nathan flying off with Peter hadn't come to mind (I'm not sure why... better yet, I'm not sure why Peter couldn't fly off on his own) and was a great twist on it all, but I still wasn't exactly... satisfied by the episode. I loved seeing all the heroes together in New York, and that Nikki got a good hit in on Sylar, but I think I'd put too much stock in this ending I kept hearing about... maybe someone else will have better insight than me... maybe I will if I think on it longer. This is just initial reaction...

That said, I do appreciate the book being closed, as it were, on Chapter 1. No wondering if the bomb went off or who it was going to be, but we were still left with plenty of questions (it wouldn't be a finale if we weren't), so I'll start there:

1. Where is Peter?

2. Is Nathan alive?

3. What about Parkman? (I could have told him Sylar was gonna shoot those things back at him!)

4. Where did sluggy Sylar go and HOW is he still alive?

5. If this part of the story is over, how do we keep all the Heroes crossing paths?

6. Does Mohinder (I've never discussed what a cutie he is) keep Molly or do DL and Nikki?

7. Why is Hiro in 1641 and why am I supposed to think that's so cool?

Honestly, the "first three minutes of season 2" the cast kept touting at Upfronts... sort of annoyed me. I mean, I love Hiro, but can't he just pop back out of there? And sorry, but I was a little more concerned about the fate of Peter (and his lovely, lovely hair - sorry, it's fabulous) and Nathan.

Still, I trust the show. It had a banner first season and got stronger as it went. I don't understand the impact of this "Generations" storyline and how it will impact the heroes as they are, but I suppose that's the point of a season - to expound on such things.

See, this is where the idea of patience comes in, and I happen to not have any.

Brothers and Sisters: 1x23

Brothers and Sisters
1x23
Matriarchy
SEASON 1 FINALE

I've said it once (like a broken record, I know), I'll say it again - I LOVE the Walkers! The final scene, with them all jumping into the swimming pool, was my absolute favorite. Seriously, if you need a fake family, let the Walkers adopt you!

Justin tried to wrench my little heart out, saying goodbye and not saying goodbye to everyone. The scene between him and Nora was lovely... and proved why Sally Field is Sally Field. I was glad he and Rebecca had a moment together and that she came clean to him. She actually seems genuinely sorry and more than a little damaged by her time in Chicago. Of course, we're left waiting for her to tell Sarah, but there's next season for that. I did want to kick Justin a little for sneaking out early, but the scene with Kitty and Nora at the airport was worth it. Now, I'm left wondering... how is he in the show next year?

Random, small notation: They've got to be setting Julia up for a bigger storyline next year. Depression or something from the looks of last night's episode.

And Robert's family is crazier than the Walkers, in a totally annoying way. Walker, 'jumping in the pool with all your clothes on' crazy, I can handle. McAlister crazy, I'm not so sure about. Good grief, I'd have gone ballistic when the tent fell! Plus, a family like that has to have some skeletons in its closet... especially when it comes to their golden boy. Should be very interesting to find out what they are.

Kevin kills me. And anytime he wants to take me to Wicked (with Dave), I'm ready. He's right, you can't NOT love that musical. Plus his gay standoff in the place Nora was renting, cracked me up. Probably because I see my boss say stuff like that ALL the time. And can't you see him walking around with a pitcher of margaritas... I love him completely for his superiority complex.

No resolution for Sarah and Joe. Understandable as there's a lot of ground to cover.

What else? Oh, oh! I loved the fight between Kitty and Nora over the party and moving out, etc. Rebecca's comment was priceless, "Wow. That was amazing." So true...

And I don't know what to think about this development for Saul, since he seemed to have the hots for Holly... maybe he's bisexual like Michael Scott's suit.

Guess we'll find out in SEASON 2!

Heroes, Chapter 22

Heroes
Chapter 22
Landslide

Will anyone be upset if I stamp a "filler" label on this episode? Not bad, shoddy filler, but filler all the same. And sometimes it's necessary. We need build up, lead in, for the finale next week... and we definitely have it.

There's Hiro and his dad, engaged in a little bonding time over swordplay... I'm thinking it's obvious Hiro's father is one of the originals like Linderman and the Petrelli Parents, but it seems perhaps there's a schism (just ask the Baudelaire orphans) and pop is on the NO BOMB side. Three cheers for the Nakamura's!

Now, I'm a fairly intelligent person. I did well in school, have a degree, read a lot of books and can usually put two and two together, so I'm asking myself why it didn't dawn on me that Molly was the tracking system!? Hello! And check out HRG - shooting Julia Roberts' brother! All for the greater good, but still...

A lot of people bit it tonight. I'd add DL to the list if he weren't in next week's preview, but what about Linderman? Is he really dead? My husband kept saying, "Can they really kill him right now?" Well, I guess they can, but we'll see if it's a Shannon or a Locke style death. And Ted. I really liked him and now he's missing the top of his head. Not cool.

I am, however, lovin' Claire and Peter with their shiny, new family bond. Let's just hope it ends up with The Cheerleader pointing the gun at the Boogie Man, not her uncle. Still, Clairebear, let 'em fight for a bit... I'm looking forward to that showdown. And it has nothing to do with Milo and Zachary being fun to look at. Not. At. All... *ahem*

Of course, the big question now... is Peter the bomb? Is Sylar? Or do they both go red and glowy next week? What happens to Molly and Suresh? To Micah? Will Jessica or Nikki gain full control? Does Nathan make it through the bomb? Will this show add as much stress to my life as LOST and The Office?

I'm leaving lots of thoughts unfinished, asking lots of questions. Probably because the feeling I have right now is very similar to the one I had at the end of the 2nd Pirates of the Caribbean movie. We've got lots of words and actions, but not a complete thought.

Let's hope I can form a sentence next week.

Brothers and Sisters: 1x22

Brothers and Sisters
1x22
Favorite Son

Geez, break out the tissue, 'cause the Walkers really aimed for the heart with this one!

I thought it was a great episode - and further demonstration of why they're my favorite TV family. Real issues, real people, real decisions.

Tommy and Julia killed me. I can't imagine what that situation would feel like, and I have no idea if Sarah Jane Morris or Balthazar Getty have kids, but they knocked it out of the park. I was pulling for little William, but you know, in a way, I'm glad they didn't jump out with a miracle at the last moment - I don't think it would have rung as true. And who knows how many people they touched with that arc...

Speaking of, there's Sarah and Joe. The scene where they told the kids was amazing. We've all either been sat down that same way, or know someone who has - and the show and cast handled it beautifully. My heart broke for little Paige, who's obviously and rightfully, scared of what this means for her family. I have no clue what they plan to do with Joe's character, but I hope they continue the trend with the same truthfulness and story-based integrity they have to this point.

Everything else seemed like B and C story to me. Good B and C story, but B and C all the same. (Let's see how many times I can say B and C in one paragraph.) The little foray for Justin and the Senator is getting us wound up for the finale and honestly, if there's one story that has me thinking, "How the hell are they going to do this?" - it's that one. What do you do with a character once you send him off to war, besides get him injured and sent home? I'm at a loss, but it should be interesting to see.

I also wonder if Robert's little war hero secret won't rear it's ugly head later on down the line. Makes sense that it would, but we'll see. Either way, how much did I love Kevin - from his refusal to help, to his ball buster tactics when he pulled through in the end - the guy is hilarious. I think that's why he's one of my favorites... I've always had a thing for the funny.

So... Kitty's engagement party looks like fun next week. All the Walkers together for a huge shindig... ah, yes, the perfect setting for the proverbial shite to hit the fan and end the season with a bang!

Heroes, Chapter 21

Heroes
Chapter 21
The Hard Part

I know I say this every week - but I have no clue what just happened. I swear, if I have this on my brain all summer, I'm gonna hunt Tim Kring down.

Things I can grasp...

1. Sylar has mommy issues... and apparently, a soft side. I sort of liked his return to nerdy Gabriel (Does anyone else find they're slightly pulled toward, yet totally repelled by Sylar? Just me? Ooookaaay.) Plus, we got a little more insight into his motives. Cold-blooded killer? Well, only if you're unworthy of your abilities - at least he doesn't have it out for innocents or want to blow up New York. Still, the references to him being President were a bit eerie in light of last week, not to mention the painting in his mother's blood. Kinda rude considering Mother's Day is this week!

2. Mohinder and Molly are the sweetest. And Molls... cool power! Wouldn't it be nice to know where someone was just by thinking of them? Veronica could totally own that ability. And speaking of Mohinder, it dawned on me as a bit strange that Sylar gave him a call... then I thought it through. In last week's future episode, when Nathan was actually shape-shifty Sylar, Mohinder was still around. Sylar (as Nathan) had made him a very important player in the research, tracking, etc. of the "terrorists." Why? Sylar could have easily killed him had he wanted to, but I think he has a strange attachment to Mohinder. As weird and dysfunctional as it is, they understand one another. Think Kate and The Marshall on LOST.

3. Nathan is helping Linderman. Seriously, every week, I change my mind about whether or not I trust him. This week... not so much. Still, I'm thinking he might surprise us come game time... especially if Hiro gets to pass on his knowledge of the future.

WTF?

1. How did Sylar unfreeze Hiro's time stop?

2. Why does Linderman want to blow up the city? Why does Mama Petrelli agree?

3. Is Mohinder's sister really dead?

4. How did Candice turn the hotel, or whatever that building is, into a funhouse for Micah? And why does Linderman want him? Jessica is gonna be piiiiissed.

Just gushing a little...

I love that all of the Heroes are appearing in New York, coming together for the final event. My trio (Ted, Parkman and HRG) was back in action and made it to the city in time for Bennett to reunite with ClaireBear. Plus, Peter got his new, flammable power.

Next week on Heroes?

Seriously. Who the hell knows.

Brothers and Sisters: 1x21

Brothers and Sisters
1x21
Grapes of Wrath

"I'm slightly concerned about them all being here with our investors. The combination of the Walker family, with endless amounts of alcohol..."

And here Holly embodies the theme of last night's episode.

The clan gathers at Tommy's vineyard and, as is customary, makes a fine showing. In more ways than one... And yet, they continue to prove why they're my new favorite family. So what if Sarah's dealing with marriage issues, or Kitty's freaking out about her proposal to the Senator. Who cares if Nora's on a date with a lothario (and having cat fights with Holly), or poor Tommy has to keep them from spewing their crazy in front of potential financiers? They somehow find each other in all the mess... and that's why I love them!

And Kitty. Kitty, Kitty, Kitty. Props to Calista. Her drunken performance was hysterical. I'm not sure how Matthew Rhys got through that scene without breaking. Especially when she started talking about her "secet." (read: secret)

Kevin: How much have you had?
Kitty: I've had sips. Sips! Ohhh, why do I always have to screw things up, Ken?
Kevin: It's... Kevin. And what have you been drinking?
Kitty: Oh, would you stop yelling! It's always blah, blah and... thanks... for the aspen.
Kevin: Aspen?
Kitty: (laughing) No, I had such a bad headache and...
Kevin: Aspirin. What aspirin?
Kitty: Uh... I don't know. It's aspirin. It was in your new kee, kee, kee kit.
Kevin: How many did you take? How many did you take?
Kitty: No, that was it.
Kevin: How many did you take?
Kitty: I took... I took three because it was really bad. Do you know...
Kevin: Okay, these...
Kitty: Shush! Robert is so mad at me.
Kevin: Kitty, these aren't aspirin. They're prescription pain killers from when I threw my back out.
Kitty: Oh, well then what are they doing pretending to be aspirin!?
Kevin: Because I don't have children, okay, I didn't think I'd have to childproof my kit. Now you need to lie down and drink some water. You're gonna be fine.
Kitty: It's not my fault that you don't have children!
Kevin: Kitty!
Kitty: Now, stop it. You relax. You should just let me suffer because I'm a horrible person.
Kevin: Come on, let's go.
Kitty: How many people do you know, ask somebody to marry them and then take it back?
Kevin: What? Who... who asked who to marry them?
Kitty: What?
Kevin: No, who?
Kitty: Yeah.
Kevin: Who asked who to marry them?
Kitty: Oh. Who?
Kevin: Who asked who to marry them?
Kitty: To... uh.. Robert! Robert. Dumb. I asked Robert to marry me and he would have said yes, except that he's in D.C. and I'm here. Oh, you... you better shush, shush, shush! 'Cause it's a secet. Can't tell anybody. Kevin. Kevin. Especially Sarah. No. Awww... no, seriously, when I look at you sometimes, I remember when you were just... (pinches his cheeks and makes baby noises)
Kevin: Kitty! Kitty!
Kitty: A baby!
Kevin: Kitty!
Kitty: What?
Kevin: Are you gonna marry McAlister?
Kitty: You know what I need to do?
Kevin: What?
Kitty: I need to put my head down.
Kevin: Kitty.
Kitty: I just need a second.
Kevin: Kitty!
Kitty: I'll be right back, I'll be right back.

Of course, Kevin holds in the "secet" for about 10 minutes before spilling it to the group: "I didn't say that. I don't know why I say these things, it's like I have Tourette's."

So, while they head to the cellar for a Walker summit, Holly takes some time to scheme on Nora's date. You know, to get back at Nora for taking Rebecca in - by acting like a petulant teenager. Still, Nora's not at her most mature... and the food fight begins! The Nora/Holly relationship is weird in the first place, but the fight and the laughter and the ensuing, slightly tender, moment between the two over losing William - somehow works. Even when Holly leaves us - and Nora - with an ominous phrase: "Can I say something that you don't want to hear? You don't want my daughter living in your house."

Which brings me to Joe. He's taking the cold shoulder like a man, but one has to wonder why he's not sharing the truth about what happened between him and Rebecca. Of course, I'm sure it has to come out in a rush, just in time for the finale, so I'll sit back and enjoy the show.

Morning after joys are the best. Kitty figures out that Kevin spilled the beans, Nora breaks up with her boyfriend - before he's actually her boyfriend, Tommy gets his investor because "you gotta be crazy to make good wine!" and then... to pull them all together, the way only the Walkers can: Something's wrong with Julia... the twins are only 29 weeks... fade to black.

And is it just me, or did the music for next week's, "very special Brothers and Sisters," sound like the preview for an after school special?

Heroes, Chapter 20

Heroes
Chapter 20
Five Years Later

Let's make a deal... I'll stop trying to make sense of Heroes and none of us will wake up with headaches on Tuesday morning. Sound good? Good. Because the whole space-time continuum thing and Future Hiro getting killed and Sylar being Nathan and Parkman being an ass... I'm pretty sure I can't process.

Especially since I'm not a big fan of the future if it turns out like it did tonight. I get that we're supposed to look at it like Ebeneezer Scrooge after the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come: This was a glimpse of what will be, if the current state of the present is not altered. Good thing it's a TV show and the future has to change, otherwise, what have we been leading up to for 20 chapters? And seriously, do we really want to force Suresh to deal with genocide or Parkman to lose his... Parkman-ness? Didn't think so. Pretty much the only thing really worth keeping in the future, is tortured, powerful, scruffy Peter with his flowy black coat. Niiice. (Excuse me while I channel Kevin.)

A few things revealed...

1. Nikki reigns. Apparently she and Jessica split completely - or enough that one of them could die without killing the other. Are we to assume still happens if their course is altered? And Micah died? That's not cool.

2. At some point, Sylar kills Nathan... which gives a whole new meaning to the creepy painting Sylar was working on last week. The bigger question is: did Linderman plan it that way?

3. Hiro went all Matrix after Ando died. Now they both return to the present with knowledge of what could be headed their way... and maybe how to stop it. (P.S. I loved the funny at the beginning of the episode when Hiro said, "I scare me." Too cute.)

4. Someone's still gotta save the Cheerleader... *rolls eyes*

5. Bennett is my hero. Seriously, I love him and his noble, underground, hero hiding.

** I'd just like to note, for anyone who happens across this page and has no idea what I'm yapping about - I'm not a crazy person. Because if I tried to read what I just wrote, I might think I was off my rocker.

Brothers and Sisters: 1x20

Brothers and Sisters

1x20
Bad News

(You'll notice no "basics" for B&S. The show's only had 20 episodes... I don't have my basics down yet. Other than one: Please make me a Walker.)

Amy Abbot's a slut.

(If you didn't watch Everwood, you have no idea how disturbing it was to hear Emily VanCamp's character, Rebecca, say the word "whore" and tell a man (seductively, I might add) twice her age, "I don't have to go..." after he kissed her. What would Ephram say!? Seriously, someone get Gregory Smith on the phone.)

Okay, we can move on, I just had to get that off my chest.

So... for my money (and keep in mind, I don't have a lot), Brothers and Sisters is the best new drama of the season. I mean, you've got Sybil/Gidget, Sloane from Alias, the aforementioned Amy Abbot, Ally McBeal, a member of the Brat Pack and a whole host of newbies and other scene makers and stealers. Not to mention, it's funny, heartfelt and deals with real emotion. If you want more from a show, you're a TV glutton and Kevin Spacey is coming after you.

As it stands, I'm totally in love with each and every member of the Walker family (especially Justin). Ok, so Saul creeps me out a little, (I keep waiting for him to bust out some Rambaldi prophecy and abduct Tommy back to SD6) but I can deal because the dynamic of this family is completely intriguing. I love the diversity of opinions, lifestyles, humors, issues, etc., but what I enjoy most is that, through those things, we get an actual, true to life picture of what it's like to be part of a family.

Screw the Cleavers and the Reeds.

My favorite scenes on this show are dinner table/family party scenarios. When all of the Walkers inhabit the same space, several things occur: fighting, embarrassment, drinking, hugging, laughing, and my favorite - complete and total chaos. Now, who can't relate to that?

There were no Walker Clan activities this week (next week is showing promise), but we're on the setup for several things:

1. Rebecca wasn't exactly honest about the situation with Joe. Not sure whether to believe she's freaked out, insecure and scared, or just a manipulative beeyotch (Amy would be so upset with her), but either way, it's all about to hit the fan. And I'm sorry, I love Sarah, but she's a little self-righteous. Joe was wrong, but she hasn't exactly been on the up and up. Not that either of them has an excuse...

2. Seriously? Holly's going to try and steal another man from Nora?

3. Kitty proposed (a la Lorelai) to Robert. He loves her. She loves him. They'll get engaged... just in time for some HUGE secret to screw it all up.

4. Halfway through the season, Justing got a 6 month reprieve from Iraq so he could get clean. Time's a tickin' for our boy. (By the way, I'm still pissed we didn't get an ending for Reunion.)

5. There's a Walker party next week. If you could see me right now, I'd be grinning at the thought.

I know that wasn't really a thoughtful, provocative look at tonight's episode, but come on... you're expecting a lot from me for a Sunday night.

P.S. I offer up an apology to my husband. He's out of town and requested a new blog to read because he's "bored." Sadly, he's not exactly a fan of B&S (he'd probably just call it BS), so this will not appease him.