Sunday, December 27, 2009

Holiday Rant - Wrapping up this Year

The Top Ten of this year past TV season are on their way, and I just wanted to make a couple of points before working on the lists. Things finished off with more of a whimper than a bang this past couple of weeks, and with all the flurry of holiday activities, there hasn't been much time to voice my opinion over a few of the shows that finished up.

First of all, I am pretty disappointed with this last round of So you think you can Dance? and it has left a bad taste in my mouth. I have the new stage and background (just vile), the new combination of Judges (Adam is way to long winded for me) and I miss having other guest judges filling in or assisting, I have no idea why Nigel was trying so hard to get that ditz Paula Abdul on the panel, and I hated the change in format. Things went better before and I hope that the next round gets back so of the energy the show used to have. I still think that Jakob should have won, but it is more about America's Favorite Dancer and not the most talented one. Rumour has it that this group will not even get to do the Tour so was this season even worth it?

Survivor finished up a great season, and I was happy that Russell did not win. I prefer the players that are under the radar and not as agressive, but he played a mean game. Playing that hard will pretty much ensure you that you will not win (no friends on the Jury), and I was really cheering for Brett in the last few rounds to see if one of the under dogs could win. Russell thought he had the best game plan, and I am still convinced that it was my favourite, Erik, who turned the tide towards Natalie and helped convince the rest of the Jury to vote for her. I still can't get over Russell's face when he saw he didn't win but there is a good chance he might be in the Heroes Vs Villains edition that is coming up next. All in all it was one of the best seasons in recent history and a real nail bitter.

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Weekend Rant - Wrapping things up for the Holidays

Things are slowing down on the viewing schedule as some of the shows fall into repeats or are off the air for several weeks or even months a the Winter Olympics will have some impact on the scheduling of a few shows. Things are wrapping up with a few of the mainstays such as this edition of Survivor (which has been one of the best seasons in years) and the Amazing Race. I was hoping for the gay brothers to win but doubt it will happen now as they have been tools the past couple of episodes. It looks like it could be another Chip 'n Dip fiasco, but you never know. So you think you can Dance is humming along, albeit not with all my favourite dancers, but a very fine bunch of contenders none the less. I am really hoping that Jakob will win, but the really talented dancers are not always those who win, as it is more of a popularity contest and sometimes the better dancers get eliminated so some one who is cuter or younger can win. Jakob has incredible technique, great extension ( his feet kill me) but may be a tad too gay for the general public ... time will tell.

Top Chef is finally down to the brothers Michael and Bryan (like I said from Day 1) and under dog and probable winner Kevin. The competition has been great and I was disappointed that Jennifer didn't make it to the Finale ( especially after the Judges were raving about her Duck and how ducky it was), but all the finalists have been great and it is pretty much any one's game at this time. I hope Kevin wins, I would take his home cooking style over the other two guys' any day, and he seems to make some very simple yet complex flavours.

Things will be sporadic over the next couple of weeks and holiday time -- more rantings to follow and some end of the year wrap ups.