Summer Rant – Finishing up the season with Dance Fever

I can hardly believe that Summer is almost over, and the beginning of September heralds cooler weather and the launch of the Fall season. The majority of shows are starting in mid to late September, but even this upcoming week gives a taste of what is to come and wraps up some of the summer fare. This is the last official Summer Rant for this year… time flies!

So you think you can Dance Canada? is following the same formula as last year, one 2 hour night of competition followed the night after with a 30 minute result show. I still find the Result show too rushed, and really, really ,really (get the point?) hate the whole “Fake out” routine that the writers insist be used to inform the dancers whether or not they will be continuing on the show. The show still has that warm and fuzzy polite Canadian feel to it, and the competition is even fiercer than last year.

I did agree with their choice of guy to boot, Taylor, as he had a terrible solo (his other dancing was fine), but was shocked that Tatiana was let go. I really thought she had the right vibe to go far and she is a phenomenal dancer. I don’t always understand the Judges.

Speaking of Judges…. I think it is great that they are sticking with an all Canadian Panel (and even in the selection process this year there was more Canadian content than last year) but Jean-Marc is just completely pissing me off. The guy is too loud and I cringe each time he draws attention to the Choreographers. A tad over the top, pas si fort SVP. I still don’t know Trey well enough to give an educated opinion on her dance qualifications, but she seems to be more ego than substance so far.

The performances have been incredible, and the majority of numbers are very intense and well done. My favourite was the Afro-Jazz routine created by Choreographer Sean Cheesman and performed by Jayme Rae and Daniel. They are a phenomenal couple and both being from Montréal makes them the home town kids and front runners for the title.The Contemporary routine with Cody and Melanie M was amazing, and I am really enjoying anything choreographed by Stacey Tooky. She is getting a incredible reputation on both sides of the border and it’s well earned. Both of these couples got all of my votes and I was hitting redial for both of them for quite a few votes each.

I really didn’t care for the Disco routine because it had no real Disco music. Without the right sound it just did not seem to be a real disco number and it was a real flop. Bad choice there by choreographer Melissa Williams as it was not good for Jenna Lynn and Nicolas. I was surprised as I usually like Melissa’s numbers. I saw that the vampire was back again, and Paul Becker looks even more vampire than last season. His number with Tatiana & Austin was very physical and intense and it is beyond me why Tatiana got eliminated. All in all it was a great first week of the competition and the performances will only get better.

This upcoming week the American version will be showcasing the Best of So you think you can Dance as a warm up to their new season starting in a couple of weeks. It will be a tad confusing to have both versions running at the same time (albeit at different rhythms) but it makes for a lot of great dance. Add America’s Best Dance Crew on to the list and top it off with Dancing with the Stars makes for a ton of dance on TV. It makes me a busy, but happy couch potato. So on the subject of America’s Best Dance Crew, I just loved the Martial Arts Challenge and how each crew had to include a style with in their number. I am really happy how Vogue Revolution is hanging in and actually getting some good feedback from the Judges who are now more interested in this innovative gay group who herald from New York's "Vogue" house/ballroom scene. This is the first dance competition show on TV that has really embraced gay groups and it is about time! The competition has been great so far, and crews like We are Heroes are keeping me glued to the set and some incredible numbers. I was sad to see Southern Movement have to leave, but one crew gets cut each week and unfortunately they got the short end of the stick.

I am slightly ashamed to admit that I have a new Guilty Pleasure and have been catching up on Dance your ass off, which has been surprising and shocking me with every episode. I am still a few episodes behind, but more than half way through and sucked into watching the next episode as I have to see what they will do next. There seems to be enough positive messages that try to compensate for the exploitation components of the competition, and I am always really surprised with the performances. I do question the taste level and the actual competences of the Judges (who the hell are those people?), but if this show can get people off their ass and get them moving then it is a good thing. I just can’t get over how surprising agile some of the competitors are, it’s really unexpected and has actually broken down some of my personal stereotypes of obese people. I am pretty sure almost all of the male dance partners/choreographers are gay (yes I know another stereotype but who usually dances with fat girls?) and I am surprised that not all of the competitors are losing several pounds per week with all their dancing and training. We haven’t seen much of the Cheat Cupboard and our contestants having a meltdown and eating a box of donuts.

In other reality fare, the return of Project Runway has been a huge success at home and it’s so nice to have the gang back. The show may be on another network and in a new city, but it has all the essential elements and the right feel. This is the original and the best show of it’s genre and I am so happy that it is back. The challenge this week, to create chic Maternity wear for Rebecca Romijn (married to Jerry O'Connell), pushed a few of our designers way out of their comfort zone. Some of our designers went a bit more literal, and our androgynous Malvin went off the deep end with his chicken and egg inspiration. The Judges are not dealing well with crazy this time around so that sealed his fate and he was aufed in no time. Congrats to Shirin for her stunning design, but I was a tad concerned when I saw that it was *gasp* all gay boys up for elimination and all straight girls with the best designs. Those gay boys better start bringing their A game or thinking of a new career as a stylist. Snap.

Models of the Runway is the perfect companion piece to Runway and I am digging the behind the scenes look at those skinny models and the bitchy competition between them to get paired up with the winning designer. I am not surprised that there may be a few obsessive compulsive personality types mixed into the gang, and that some of the girls may be a tad slower as they have always relied on their beauty to get ahead in life…. but Fatma is just too whack and a tad bit obsessed with designer Logan. This is borderline stalker territory and a bit too obsessive for my taste.

Top Chef Vegas is a great competition so far, but I was a tad surprised of all the drama surrounding one of our lesbian contestants, Ashley, who was not in favour of doing a challenge that involved marriage as she is denied that right in her country , the so called “Land of the free”. I have to agree with her and think that it is just stupid, gay marriage has been legal in parts of Canada for years and hasn’t led to the end of society. I think I was more shocked that the top was brought up on Top Chef, which usually has a kind of macho/cowboy sensibility most of the time. It’s still early in the competition but I am seeing a few of the chefs stand out including Jennifer, who seems to be hitting a lot of the right notes with the Judges, and it is very interesting that the brothers Bryan and Michael seem to be frontrunners, and I can’t help but cheer more for the bad boy of the two, Michael, and his gung ho attitude and forward thinking cuisine. Course there is something to say for bad boy tattooed chefs, they have a certain sexy swagger to them.

Summer Rant – Transition Time

Things are still running along at a furious pace this summer, and this week heralded the endings of a few favourites, yet harkens the beginning and return of other favourites. It’s a win win situation.

So you think you can Dance? finished off this round with Jeanine winning the big title in a surprise that was both pleasing and upsetting. I was all about Brandon winning, but was happy that it was another dancer that I respected and felt did a dynamite job this season. Jeanine’s title will be short-lived, with the next round starting this Fall, but she truly deserved to win and is now the second girl to do it. I was a tad surprised that we didn’t get a performance out of Sabrina (our other female champion) during the best performances recaps, but maybe our girl is busy doing other projects. It’s a shame their tour doesn’t swing by Montréal, but I am pretty sure that we will see the dancers performing elsewhere or be returning guests on this show. It was a fabulous season and the show manages to get better and better.

I love the small dancing appearance by our Judges, but felt a tad cheated after last year’s knock out numbers with the gang. I do have to say that Cat really did a great job of hosting and keeping things going smoothly, and wardrobe issues aside she is really good. Wade’s number this time around was probably the one that I have liked the least by him, it might have been the subject matter as I love him more when he is wild and out there. Mia is always a gem and deserved all the kudos that are laid on her. I think the biggest surprises this season on the choreograph side of things, was Tyce coming into more of his own thing and being hilarious as a Judge, and how many of the Louis Van Amstel numbers were loved by the Judges. Let’s just hope that Paula Abdul is not picked up as a Judge, Idol must be happy they are done with her and all her wacky crap. I can hardly wait until next month and more dance!

Of course, next week heralds the beginning of So you think you can Dance Canada? and I will be a happy camper being able to vote and see all the local talent. It looks like Mary Murphy will be around a fair amount and it’s nice to see her flexing her vocal muscles above the 49th parallel. I am even willing to travel to Toronto to see the show live and have applied for tickets this round to see if I can see more of the live action, and would love to see the Judges and dancers do their thing live, I am sure there is tons of stuff that never makes it on air or past the censors.

Rounding out the dance stuff on TV, Randy Jackson presents America’s Best Dance Crew (ABDC) dished out their Top Ten Performances special before the new season launches this Sunday. While I loved seeing all the great crews again, I hated the lay out of the show and the continual reminders that the show is now at a NEW TIME and a NEW NIGHT that were relentless and down right aggressive after the umpteenth time. Randy, you have to chill dog, and I don’t think it was just a coincidence that the Number One on your countdown was featuring one of your late brother’s hits. Let’s just hope that there is no tacky exploitation of Michael’s demise on the show as that would be in very, very poor taste, and downright disgusting it being family and all. Even with the complaints, my appetite is ready for more Dance Crew and some more of the best group numbers that can be seen on TV.

This past week had even more Finales, including the well deserved win of Kristi Leskinen & Maksim Chmerkovskiy and their kick ass performance in the last part of the Superstars. Our winning team was always near the front of the pack and won half of the competitions, and had never been to the Elimination round before the last game.The competition was fun and a nice summer diversion, and it was a pleasant surprise to see how athletic and competitive Maks is. I hope it comes back again, and that they can add more challenges and have a more interesting and complex obstacle course. It’s not American Gladiators or Battle of the Network Stars but a step in the right direction.

I survived a Japanese Game Show finished up this season and I was happy to see our soccer mom and oldest competitor Cathy kick ass, take names and win it all. The challenges in the 2 hour finale were just insane, and the Super-Majide obstacle course at the end was all the best of the worse. I think anyone who underestimated our ladies was in for a rude surprise as they ended up pitting the guys against each other, eliminating the biggest physical threat (Brent) and then disposing of wimpy and whiny Justin. Well played and another fascinating look into Japanese popular culture and their undying need to humiliate and subjugate the competitors. I thought it was hilarious how they got the guys all done up like big fat Americans and made them play their humiliating Wet T-shirt game to spell out the winning phrase, but was riddled with dangerous floods of water, foam, seaweed and other things that fell in torrents from the ceiling. The games were not always the cleanest, but if you were willing to try and win it was worth it for all the cool prizes and even for some of the punishments. That last one with the Zen masters looked fascinating and I loved how Zen Megan was after her so-called punishment. It didn’t get her to the very end, but she had a great time doing it and seeing things that some of us will never be able to do.

The Next Food Network Star was crowned this week, and I was a tad surprised that it was our slightly harried and hyperactive housewife, Melissa d'Arabian who managed to get it all together and impress some big critics and the Judges to win the big prize. Jeffrey was good, but I felt cheated by his choice of ingredient, and that simple sandwich that he put together.Melissa was way more creative and gave some good advice for the potential audience. I think the marketing people will have some fun with Melissa, and while I wish it was Debbie that was there instead, there is something satisfying about seeing an untrained home cook beat out of some more experienced and creative chefs. This round was better than last season, and if I get the chance, I will check out Ten Dollar Dinners if it plays on Food Network Canada, unfortunately things are not always the same as the American network and I have a hell of a time finding some of the shows. I have not been able to find HGTV’s Design Star (it may play one day here in the Great White North) and have given up for now.

Kathy Griffin and her Life on the D List did redeem herself with her Norma Gay episode, and while her attempt is applauded, I am not that into this season and find the disdain of her apparent friends (acquaintances) more pitiful than funny. Things wrap up next week and I am more interested in seeing vicious Kathy hosting the Joan River’s Roast on Comedy Central this Sunday than anything else. It will be scathing evening and worth the potty language. Joan was hilarious this week in the premiere of How’d you get so Rich? and her matter of fact WTF? questions with her quest for average guys and gals who have struck it rich is hilarious. I love how she interacts with the camera and her apparent love of the F word as an expletive for almost anything is very endearing. The stories are astounding at times and Joan is so hilarious in her reactions to how some of these people got so rich. This show is a must see and I can hardly wait until the next episode.

Summer Rant – Bad Choices

Things are humming along with this summer’s TV specials and series and although Torchwood - Children of Earth will be broadcast this week in North America, I followed the series night by night as it was broadcast in the UK a couple of weeks ago and started off hopeful and intrigued and ended up disappointed and pissed off. I know that the Brits are not known for the Disney formula “Happily ever after”, but the death of Ianto and the departure of Jack for space left a bad taste in my mouth that was flavoured with homophobia and failure. If the BBC didn’t want Torchwood around they would have been better to not produce any more instead of this tripe that completely deconstructed everything and just seemed wrong. I don’t think we will be seeing much more of Torchwood and it’s a shame as it was well written and had some fascinating characters. Another brilliant show that died a terrible death before it’s time.

So you think you can Dance? has already gone to Top Ten and now to the Final 8. Wade Robson is a mad genius and I was in awe at his incredible number that he put together for our Ten. Although I was disappointed that Kupono was nuked this week (but have to agree that he failed miserably at the Paso Doble) and it seems that America is not ready for a kind of androgynous dancer. I don’t see why they can’t have an openly gay competitor (it’s dance, not that it’s new to have a gay man doing it) and maybe soon they will be ready for it. It’s was a shame that Randi was eliminated, but one of the girls had to go and she wasn’t bringing anything different than what the other girls can bring, and she did the same cardinal sin from last year that if you wear a wig and the voting public can’t recognize you, you will be eliminated. I will say that I was pretty shocked that Ade and Melissa were near the bottom of the pack, they both seem to be incredible dancers and look great on camera. I have the feeling that Evan will be packing his bags soon, and even though Jason picked it up this week and did a great number, I am not feeling the love and am getting tired of him mugging for the camera and playing cute. The combination of Mary Murphy and Debbie Allan on the Judging panel is something damn fierce, and Mary’s comment that she is not allowed to touch the contestants must stem from that famous Paula Abdul affair with American Idol. Still, the Cougar level was on High Alert with the boys doing their African number and combined with the Bollywood number with all the girls, brought even more World Dance to the stage. The show is really exposing the public to all genres of dance and that is a very good thing. If we could just do something about Cat’s hit and miss stylist this show would be pretty close to perfection.

The Next Food Network Star just made a major boo boo with the past couple of episodes. Our plucky nutritionist was bumped even thought Jamika failed completely at both of the challenges. I don’t agree that one was kept just because she has a certain resemblance to a certain wife of an President…. I really thought the Judges would have been above that but it appears not. Poor Michael might be great with a crowd but can’t connect to the camera and was destined to be bumped.I still think Debbie is going to win, and has the biggest potential out of the remaining competitors.

The Fashion Show is winding up and the finale was a decent show. I was happy to see Reco bumped after that debacle with the Wedding dress, and it was either him or James-Paul that was destined to be bumped at the end. James-Paul is just too way out there, and I didn’t even get his concept of Aboriginal people wearing western clothing as most tribal clothing is more intricate than his geometric shapes. I liked the multi-purpose idea of his collection, but any piece of clothing that comes with an instruction manual sounds like too much work for me. Daniella’s collection was interesting but too masculine for my taste.I really loved the entire collection put together by Anna and think that she should take home the big prize, she had the most wearable and interesting collection and I really did see her underlying theme flow through the collection.

I have loved the first new episodes of Eureka and it’s nice to see all the gang together and Carter continuing to be the glue that holds all the chaos together. This show and Burn Notice are 2 great examples of well developed concepts and well written shows that stick to the essential elements that make them a success. Of course it doesn’t hurt that both shows have sexy leading men that know how to take charge, have some kick ass women that back them up and some surprises every week. I was in hysterics when Michael’s mom decided to help out with the interrogation and has started to help out in a more tangible way.The chemisty between the characters is as great as ever.

The Superstars is turning into one of my biggest Guilty Pleasures and I keep tuning in to see more of Maksim Chmerkovskiy from Dancing with the Stars compete like a madman and look damn fine doing it. The rest of the teams seem to be on revolving doors with contestants coming and going, and I was applauding our bitchy supermodel Joanna as she had her meltdown when her partner Tyrell quit the competition to go to training camp. The games are fun and quite varied and it will be interesting to see how all of this plays out. It’s fun and light summer fare.

Wrapping things up, I survived a Japanese Game Show is as hilarious and even more fun than last year with all the wacky games and challenges. The whole concept is so foreign in many ways, and the look inside of the Japanese psyche is quite the show. The claws are coming out and the way the teams are dividing and fighting against each other is adding more steam to a high pressure situation and things are getting very hot. In this week’s Elimination round, love birds Jamie and Drew pitted against each other. When I saw the challenge involved deep-throating squid to dismember them, I was pretty sure that Jamie had it in the bag and true to form our girl performed like a champion and won.Unfortunately it meant the end of Drew who was the cutest competitor, but such is the competition. The walk of shame at the end of each episode is always so poignant and ironic as our contestant walk off into the sunset in their final Majide costume. Very funny stuff – in a mean kind of a way.

Weekend Rant – Endings & Beginnings

Things have been very busy this time of year and while the end of the regular television season is upon us I been catching up on a few things. I have been pretty disappointed this season with the meh endings to the majority of the shows. It used to be that end of seasons were for huge cliff-hangers or other hooks to get you on board for the next season, but it seems that a ton of shows have taken the easy route and done nothing more than a regular episode. That’s just plain lazy.

Although not mentioned earlier, the season finale to Lost was as mind blowing as expected and I will be on pins and needles until 2011 and the final season of this astounding show. The parallel stories of our time lost heroes trying to save the future and the enigmatic Locke look a like who is out to kill the very mysterious Jacob (who suddenly seems to have an influence in the lives of almost all of the survivors). There seems to be other eternal beings who are responsible for creating Richard and it’s hard to read who is on the side of angels… some of this story smells like Cain and Abel to me but the whole Egypt angle has me really intrigued. There is so much to this story that it blows my mind.

Survivor Tocantins finished up almost as expected, I did see JT winning but did not see that it would be between him and Stephen at the end. It was a great season full of some very memorable characters, but I was happy to see that the majority think that Coach is a complete knob and fraud and I am soooo happy his 15 minutes is up. The next season in Samoa looks great and I will be checking out Burnett’s next venture, Expedition Africa: Stanley and Livingstone. I would love to see Mark return to his roots and bring back some Eco-Challenge, one of the best competitions ever.

So you think you can dance? has started the selection of the Top 20 and the auditions were as interesting as usual. I still prefer the Canadian format that highlights more of the talent as opposed to the losers, and found the brother and sister team very disturbing in an incest kind of a way (just creepy) and I can’t believe that they had that retarded “Sex” idiot back again (seriously?) in a dance off with another delusional idiot. I would much rather see the talented dancers and see the best. At least next week it will be Vegas portion of the auditions and the first culling has been done. I hope to see them pushed hard and it will be great to see some of the choreographers come back. Nigel seems particularly snippy this season and Mary definitely has the cougar claws out.

The Fashion Show is boring me senseless and has none of the appeal of Project Runway. The change in format, the hosting of Not–Beyonce and Isaac is terrible and the editing sucks. There was so much crap on that catwalk last night that I was wondering why it wasn’t a multiple elimination. I don’t agree that our Underwear designer got bumped, there was stuff that was so fugly that got through that I don’t understand how the voters could not have chosen one of them instead. The show is just filler until the real Fashion comes back.

I finally caught up with Dollhouse and loved the first season. I was shocked to learn that our Doctor is actually an ex-active Whiskey (one of my favourites from Josh’s universe Amy) who was the hottest ticket until Alpha went postal on her. The storyline was well developed and the characters fascinating, so I hope Josh has a good plan for next year and some more interesting developments with the concept.

Make me a Supermodel surprised the hell out of me over the past 2 weeks with the elimination of Salome last week and then the dismissal of Mountaha this week has made it an all male finale that has Jonathon poised to win the big title. I wish he was back to his more natural looking blonde, but he is still bringing it big time each time and the best of the boys. I still can’t believe that the 2 strongest girls are gone, the Judges seem to want a male winner this year but I don’t think Branden has the goods and Sandhurst is too limited. Jonathon has been consistent pretty much every week and has the look.

WipeOut returned this week and was even more hilarious than last season. I think the level of cruelty has been oomphed up a notch this round, but the competition is so funny to watch and the commentary so scathing that I am literally rolling on the floor laughing my ass off (ROTFLMAO for all you acronym people) watching these poor contestants get bashed and bruised senseless. I would love to get my shot at this show, but the new final zone looks even harder than before.

This week I am getting all hyped up by seeing the final episodes of Pushing Daisies (I am still so disappointed with ABC for not giving this one the chance it deserved) and the return of Burn Notice. Some of my favourite summer fare is around the corner and I can hardly wait until we get into some fun dance competition and see the return of Kathy Griffin and friends.

Dancing with the Stars - Back and Forth

I am speeding a quick comment in as I am in travel mode but wanted to make this post for the blog and putting in my 2 cents worth about last night's edition of Dancing with the Stars ... it was an interesting week with all of our couples doing either the Paso Doble or the Viennese Waltz. Per usual, there were the couples that shined in a big way and the others that didn’t learn much compared to the previous weeks. The judges still seem to have a bit of a stick up their butts with some of the dancers and you can see who is really pulling ahead of the pack at this time. I still cannot believe that Gilles and Cheryl did not get a perfect score (it was 29) as they did not miss a step. They do look very professional and i am sure that Cheryl is cursing that grouchy old man Len at this time.

Dear old Steve-O will not be hanging around for the competition if he does not get it together. I feel really bad for Lacey as this is her second season and she got a bit of a dud as far as partners go. It must be the luck of the draw and she will have a short season.

Chuck and Julianne are not doing that well and his lack of experience is catching up with him. I still think that the Judges expect more as his wife is the dancer,but it is not fair to judge him on a different level. Even with that said it still will not help out his long term experience on the show.

Lawrence is still not making an impact like previous football players and as hard as Edyta works the poor guy I don't think that he will be around for several more weeks unless he learns how to flow. Edyta is still doing all the heavy lifting (and looks as fabulous as ever) but it takes more than a pretty partner to win.

Shawn and Mark did an amazing job last night and really showed the Waltz off well... I think they still have a fighting chance and Shawn flowed across the dance floor. Great work.

Melissa (who is not a star) and Tony did a great Paso to Lady Gaga (great choice of music) and Tony worked Melissa very hard. She is doing a great job and will go far but I still don't think that just because she was on a reality show that she is a star..but that is in the eye of the beholder. She is still doing a great job and a pleasure to watch.. even if I can't help but make snarky comments.

David got a bit of smack down from the Judges and I feel bad for Kym but David has a problem connecting to the viewing public and I can honestly say that I don't like him. If I had my choice I would put him up for elimination but probably not this week. Soon if he doesn't find a way to connect with his partner and the public.

Gilles and Cheryl (as mentioned earlier) pulled out the best Paso (and best music using Bolero) and really pulled off an intense performance. Gilles is a clear front runner at this point and you just know that Cheryl is pushing him as far and hard as she can. Too bad I don't like Cheryl.

Ty is still pretty stiff (and not in the good way) and poor Chelsie will be getting her walking papers soon for this season. The guy just cannot relax and I found it humorous that this week he had the chance to do a "manly" dance and did a crappy job. He just needs to look at Gilles and see a strong male figure dancing with being to feminine. I hate those stereotypes, it's so ridiculous and especially on a dance show.

Lil' Kim was stunningly beautiful and my biggest surprise and treat of this season. Derek is doing a great job with her and I expect to see her and Gilles battliing it out for the trophy this season. Tonight I would love to see David leave but have the feeling that Ty and Steve-O will be doing the dreaded Dance off....

Weekend Rant - The Week in Review

Things have started off pretty decently this New Year, and I was very impressed with the returning shows this week. Things are very busy right now so my rantings may be less frequent for the next month but I will do atleast one posting per week.

24 has turned out to be a pleasant surprise, and reminding me more of the early seasons of the series. I still have problems with the the time lag and not really getting much background about when and why CTU was shut down and what happened with some of the key players, but it feels better than the last season and I am always a fan of Jack.

The Big Bang Theory is really getting it's groove, and the guys are getting the geek sensibility down to an art form, but I am concerned that Sheldon is going to overshadow Leonard and I hope that his character will not just be the straight man to all the funny guys around him. The characters are hilarious, and Wolowitz was hysterical this week when his feelings got hurt by Penny. I was practically drooling over his figurine collection (it figures that a brilliant nerdy scientist that still lives at home would have thousands of dollars worth of figurines)and I can't get over the details in this show, there must be some serious geeks in that set decorating department.

I am not ashamed that I have been loving Momma's Boys and it is currently one of my Guilty Pleasures. My favorite boy has to be our man-whore/fireman/actor Michael who seems to really like those blond chicks with a huge rack, he also seems to like to take them for a test ride before buying, yet seems put off by girls that are too slutty. Go figure, the guy is getting to be hot after one of the girls (Erica) that was the Penthouse Pet of 2008. His mom thinks this is the perfect girl for him (no one knows her deep dark secret) and it is like a great soap opera. One of the other guys, JoJo, has a very bigoted mother, who freaks at the idea of her son being with anything other than a white girl, and thinks that none of the girls are good enough for her boy. Our last contestant, Robert, is a nice Jewish boy and Mom wants to keep it that way.She doesn't want her dear boy to be with anything but a nice Jewish girl and she has one all picked out for him, the problem is that he really likes one of the girls,and she isn't Jewish or Caucasian and Mom is having conniptions. It's all drama and over the top and terrible and I can't stop watching. I love seeing the moms freak out and how the boys are rebelling like crazy and I have to admit that a couple of the boys are pretty fine watching.It'll all be over this week but I don't predict a happy ending to any of these relationships.

Superstars of Dance can not end quickly enough for me, if there wasn't atleast a couple of really interesting dance numbers per episode it wouldn't get any of my attention at all but skipping over most of it and just taking in the real dance numbers makes it tolerable, but just barely.

I played catch up with Lost and got back in tune with the last 3 episodes of last season, and can hardly wait until Wednesday... seriously I am literally on pins and needles waiting for my next Lost fix.

Smallville came back in full force this week and I just loved the Legion of Super-heroes episode titled Legion. The episode was great due to guest writer Geoff Johns, one of my favorite comic book writers (he does has been doing some great stuff with Green Lantern and Teen Titans and ton of other stuff) and he tied things together nicely in the Smallville Universe. The characters were good adaptations of the original Saturn Girl, Lightning Lad and Cosmic Boy and fit the style of Smallville, and the story was excellent and even reflected the storyline that Geoff had done in Action Comics with Superman and the Legion.Great story and I liked how they tied up some of the stuff with Brainiac (for the moment)and how they hinted at bigger things for Lana. That I am not sure about as the character hasn't really been in the forefront for awhile and to me she will always be Clark's girlfriend when he was a teenager before Lois. In the older version Lana was a hero also, putting on an alien ring that transformed her into different insects and she became the honorary Legionnaire, Insect Queen.I do find it kind of convenient that Lois hasn't been around in the episodes that Lana is in, I am wondering if there is trouble between the 2 girls? In any case I hope they drop the "No tights, No flights" rule pretty quick ( I loved the comment about that in the episode)and get Clark in some tights.. some things are not meant to be hidden.

Supernatural pulled out one of those episodes Family Remains that was terrifying and even scarier because it wasn't ghosts or demons but humans, and unfortunately inspired by the terrible events that transpired in Austria with the father locking the daughter away and doing terrible things to her for years. Dean said it best when he said all this was worse than any of the demons and monsters that they usually deal with. It was a very creepy episode, I jumped quite a few times and thought the storyline was really well done. It was nice to see Helen Slater again on the tube, it seems that she is finding a place in the Sci-Fi/Horror genre. I am looking forward to seeing how the storyline develops with Lilith and how things will play out over the next while, this was a great episode to get back in the beat of things.

Battlestar Galactica came back this week and I loved the first of the final 10 episodes. The crew was so devasted about not finding the Earth that they were looking for but finding the nuclear wasteland that was some planet that had been inhabited by Cylons. I am still not convinced that this was the true 13th Tribe, but it certainly took the story in a different direction. I was shocked with how everyone was crushed, and the worse blow of all was when Dee blew her brains out. It was another example of how profound they will go with this series and how they will change things up so things are not what is expected at all.They keep spinning around who is the Final model, and were dropping hints back and forth about Starbuck (and her discovering her body and ship on the planet -- I still haven't wrapped my head around that one) and it looks like Tigh's dead wife Ellen is supposed to be the final model. The flashbacks with our Final Five have been fascinating, and I can hardly wait to see what happens next.  I bet there is a reunion around the corner with Tigh and his wife, and I can hardly wait to see some of our characters run into their duplicates. Damn this show is good!

Dancing with the Stars - Week 4

As hot as the competition was this week, it was really no surprise that Rocco was sent back to the kitchen. The guy can't dance and I have to say his puffy sleeves didn't help out that much. It was a little strange how he really, really wanted Bruno to show him how to move his hips at the end of the episode and I am wondering if that says more about Rocco than I might have previously known.

As for our guest stars on the Elimination show last night...Los Vivancos is a very hot Flamenco group but I kept thinking that it was either a very gay version of River dance or a very gay version of Tap Dogs. It seemed to be a nice balance between the 2 of them and yup, the boys are pretty hot. I don't quite believe that they are brothers (unless Mom was with a lot of different men) but if that is their shtick I am willing to play along.

I absolutely loved the faux political commercials that they put together, as usual Cloris Leachman is stealing the show and having a ton of fun doing it at the same time.

Before getting to the actual competition, just a side note on the Ballroom Kids and the Band. I do love the kids, and I am really impressed with the winners of last night who managed to do a great dance with amazing energy that didn't go into that creepy too sexy for their age zone. Kudos to the Judges who manage to always say that the kids are great and to give them some great encouragement. The Band has been doing a pretty good job this year with covering most of the songs but I wait with anticipation each episode for my view of them to see what kind of forehead furniture that one singer is wearing. It gets a little out of control sometimes (is she a Princess?) but it is always interesting...

Susan & Tony did a great Tango and Susan finally channeled her ­­­acting abilities to pull of a great number. She still looks like a stick with boobs but is doing better. Someone needs to talk to some of these women about the breast implants.

Lance & Lacey kicked some serious butt and got into the top ranks with their great Tango. While I wasn't completely digging the Band's version of Rihanna's hit Disturbia, but our dancers did a great job and it was very impressive. I was happy that they got the encore performance and did even better the second time around. Watch these 2 I am pretty sure they will be going to the finale. I am wondering though, is there some competition between the 2 of them to see who can wear the most eyeliner?

Brooke & Derek did the hottest Samba that we have seen in quite awhile and you have to say that Brooke is definitely a force to be reckoned with. I can not get over the sheer hotness of the number and there is a reason they are number one, even if Brooke looks a bit like a cougar with your young prey. None the less, it's still great stuff and I can hardly wait to see them next week.

Cody & Julianne had to get a bit more serious with their Tango and they did okay. Cody is still too green for my taste, but at least he didn't look like Ellen this week. I am still not convinced that the young will win this competition.

Toni & Alec did a pretty nice Samba, but I kept getting the impression that Toni was a bit like Bambi caught in the headlights of a giant SUV and she wasn't always sure of where to go. They look great together (probably the sexiest couple) and more work will make them better.

Warren & Kym played it a bit too safe with their Samba and got a lower score as a result. The big guy knows how to move and I enjoy them more when Warren is letting go and dancing his heart out. The big guy is always surprising and you can see how much he loves dancing with Kym.

Maurice & Cheryl did a pretty mediocre job with their Samba and I was actually surprised that they weren't in the bottom 2. Cheryl is really starting to get on my nerves and I am hoping that they will leave soon (sorry Maurice).

Cloris & Corky should not have been in the bottom 2 after their great Tango. Cloris is really doing much better than expected and she is such a breath of fresh air on this show. There has not been one week that she has not made me crack up and she is always a surprise.

Rocco & Karina were warned last week that if Misty hadn't dropped out due to injury that they would have been eliminated and the writing was pretty much on the wall. Back to the kitchen for you Rocco.

Next week they will be introducing 4 new dance styles, here's hoping that Len won't be too cranky about the whole thing.

Reality Round Up - Crossing the Finish Line

Project Runway has been limping it's way to the finish line this season, and after last week's elimination of Jerrel (and my increasing dislike for Kenley), I am not left with many options for a winner that I actually want to win this season. Sure, I have loved some of the stuff done by Korto, but she has been missing the boat the last couple of weeks and has lost some of my interest. Leanne has been okay and probably has the best chance to win out of the girls just as long as she knows how to edit things down and doesn't get too carried away with all the detailing.I think that this is the first time they have had 3 female designers at the end round and while the variety is interesting, I have not enjoyed that much of this current and probably last season. This is Project Runway and I expect to see no less that one fierce gay guy there at the end.
The point is moot though as it will all be ending this week and after such a tepid season I have the feeling this show will be going the way of the dinosaur unless they get some fresh energy back.

There was just something missing all this season and while I still can't put my finger on exactly what it was, I just know that this season felt off in so many ways.

Top Design has been slightly better this time around and while the competition seems kind of tilted towards a couple of the guys, I was still a little pissed that Nathan didn't get the credit for his design ideas after that wacky Eco-Office switcheroo. I was not sad to see Wizit hit the road, his aesthetic was too bland for this boy and he really didn't take the challenge to heart. The best part of his appearance was his opera singing on the way out but I shed no tears over his departure. Eddie better watch his ass because Nathan is on his way to win the competition. Hopefully Mrs. Shroeder will be leaving soon as she is probably the least talented left in the gang and is continually riding on the coat tails of the other designers.

Paris Hilton's My BFF is turning into the best Guilty Pleasure that I have seen in ages.. and it is due more to those wacky antics of boy-girl Onch than anything else. Onch has got to be the winner because most of those contestants have no personality and as much as I hate Paris, I really think that our dear Onch could fit into her gang and for the love of whatever, I can not stop watching this show. The other girls (and that one terribly bland boy) that are trying to cosy up to Paris are really willing to do almost anything to please their girl (that thought there should be scary enough), but Paris wants them to have blind faith and so far has confronted them with a make over (done by some gay friends and just for Paris, it's her way of seeing how much of a friend you really are and if you trust her) and made the gang go out to party all night to see their endurance level. It has all been too fricking funny so far and you have to wonder what is next, I just know that I almost lost it when Shelly announced that she was *gasp* -- a virgin. Is Paris really the right role model for a girl like this? tsk tsk to be followed for sure.

The Week in Review - Bringing Sexy Back

Last week was a busy one but there was still plenty of time to catch up on some shows and I was more than pleased with the fare from the last episode of Supernatural. In fact, it was my favorite TV show of the week as I loved the story and surprises.

I did not expect that it was Dean and Sam's mom (and her family) that were the Hunters ... I always assumed (like most of the fans) that it was always their father. I was slightly thrown off at the beginning of the story and seeing the younger version of Dad who wasn't really up to speed on the whole Hunter vibe, but as soon as Mom (Mary) went all Buffy on Dean I knew that I was in for a pleasant surprise. The similarities between the 2 characters was really interesting,and not only can I see where Dean got his sexy vibe from (Mom was pretty damn hot) but we got a better understanding of the Yellow Eyed Demon and his plan ( as well as the way he made all his deals) involving psychic children but not much more about his scheme. I loved seeing his grandparents and how they were such bad ass Hunters especially Grandpa. It's always nice to see more history but it was kind of heartbreaking to see Mom willing to sacrifice herself 10 years later to bring Dad back to life, but with the time travel and now that the Yellow Eyed Demon knows about the future it may change things.

While I am not sure exactly why Dean needed this walk down memory lane (except maybe to influence his Dad in to buying that car) but as our Angel friend Castiel says that is all that they know and at least Dean is up to speed on what is going on, but I am sure that there is more to the story than we know and it all involves Sam, his psychic abilities and his strange activities.

Smallville had a Green Arrow centered story that danced over and around his origin story with out too much detail other than he was on the Island for a couple of years, learned archery and decided to do better with his life after playing the spoiled playboy. It also appears that he became an expert hair stylist and body waxer with all that flesh that was showing in this episode. Poor Oliver (Justin) was shirtless and sweating for most of the episode but I am willing to tolerate this as sacrifices have to be made in the name of art. (hot bod-- OMG)

I don't know why they had to have Tesswhatchmacallit included in the flashback/origin sequence except to make some background for her character (not really loving it but will have to make do with Lex gone) and potential love triangle with Ollie/Dinah/Lois. Ollie is always portrayed as the Casanova and they don't make any exceptions in the series. It's just too bad that they didn't let him go a bit more wild with his look on the Island and have long hair and a beard. Seriously... the guy is so waxed and tanned that he looks to be in Dancing with the Stars territory but in pinch it will do.

Clark and Lois are starting to get some chemistry (about time), and you have to say that Lois really knows how to dress a guy, Clark hasn't looked this good in all the previous seasons and I like how they keep to his primary colour palette. The long term developments with Chloe and Brainiac in her head (not to mention the change in abilities) will probably be some of the impetus of this season. Our new Paramedic friend is interesting but I am still not sold on the whole love triangle with Chloe, Jimmy (curiously absent again) and new dude. Let's get back to some more adventure and super heroics instead of the drama and angst.

Chuck came back for the season opener and this time it was Chuck vs the First Date. I love all the "versus"titles and while the first episode didn't thrill me to death (it felt like a transitional episode) it still had all of the nerdy goodness that I expect in this show. There was only a bit of screen time with Captain Awesome (Ryan McPartlin) but any screen time is better than no screen time and once again the poor guy spends most of his air time either naked or shirtless. Awesome is almost too good to be true and Chuck's sister is one damn lucky girl...

Following up from the cliff hanger of last season, the new Intersect is almost ready to go making our reluctant hero redundant. Chuck asks Sarah out on a date since they will no longer be working together. Things have changed since last time, and Sarah's cover is now at Orange Orange selling yogurt, instead of being a wiener girl like last season. The intro sequence was too much, with all the flowing hair and sexy presentation. Her interest seems to be actually interested in dating Chuck and not playing handler and it's nice to see as you know they actually do have some chemistry. Casey was even more hilarious with his mission to take Chuck out when the new Intersect becomes active (and his target practice sequence was too much) and I was in hysterics with his inability to actually pull the trigger on Chuck. Casey is a big softie but he will never admit that, and Adam Baldwin is my favorite (and only) Republican. The guy plays the perfect tough G Man who secretly has a heart of gold and I am hoping for the big guy to get in some romancing in this season and that we get to see another side of him.

Of course the new Intersect turned out to be a Trojan horse and ended up taking out some property and agents, and Chuck is still tied to the agency and the BuyMore, so in a sense things didn't really change but became more complicated.The gang at work is still as wacky as ever and the whole decision making process for the Assistant Manager position was hilarious. It almost makes me want to work there.

Starting the New Season- More Hits & Misses

With the ton of shows coming back to the airwaves (and a few new ones that need to be checked out), there are already a few things falling off to the wayside and one of the first casualties of the season (after 90210) has been Fringe. The series just hasn't captured my attention and with all the other choices available I just haven't been interested in keeping up. It's time to clear up a bit of room on the PVR and if I hear some critical acclaim for the series it may be checked out later but I am not holding my breath.

Bravo is a hit or miss network for me, and for every show that I love there seems to be a few that just don't make the grade. The Rachel Zoe Project didn't live up to it's advertising, but if the Real Housewives of Atlanta is close to being as over the top as what I have seen so far it will be sneaking it's way on to the Watch List. I am slightly ashamed but I will admit that I will check out the first episode of Paris Hilton's BFF, but more for the shock and awe factor than interest in Parisite.

The Amazing Race kicked off it's 13th edition this week , and right after winning the Emmy for Best Reality Show (again), it blazed out of the gates with the teams leaving the US to Brazil .

The teams seem interesting and there is already some of that delicious tension between some of the teams and there are already a couple of them heading into meltdown mode after one leg. Watch out for Terence & Sarah, Terence is getting the award for most needy and best passive aggressive routine this episode, but Ken & Tina are close behind with the whole thing about his infidelity. Is this the right reality show to be airing this kind of dirty laundry? I was laughing my ass off at the Frat Boys (Andrew & Dan) who seemed to think that they had all the ins to airline travel and got proved otherwise. I think the big lesson in this episode is that you need to read the clues and follow the directions and look for the flag that indicates your particular choice. I am still always in awe when I see players that don't know the rules.

Unfortunately our hippy bee keepers were eliminated this week (too bad), once again proving that it is usually the old and the weak that are the first to go.... it's one of those basic laws of survival. It was another great start and I am hoping next season we can get an edition in HD. The locales and views are too stunning and this show really needs to be showcased in a better format.

Desperate Housewives returned, and after the small teaser at the end of last season that showed a 5 year jump in the storyline I was worried that we were getting into unfamiliar, or even worse, Jump the shark territory.

All I can say is wow... I loved the new developments, the return of Edie and all the different components of what is going on.The flashbacks that they are using to explain the 5 year gap are great, and I was in panic mode for the first part of the episode thinking that Mike was dead (and that would have been too cruel) only to learn that he is still alive and well and sharing custody with Susan and their son. The developments with Bree are heartbreaking (and it will be interesting to see how that develops) and I am so loving her ultra Martha Stewart mode that she is in. There are a lot of things that have not been touched on (such as where are some of the kids?) and I am looking forward to seeing some of the new reveals.

I love the new Gaby. It`s nice to see someone stretch their acting chops more and to see Eva be more than just a hot body and a pretty face. The new tension with Edie (the bitching that will be going on should be too fun and Edie got in some really bitchy comments this week) and her dealing with having a husky girl is funny and tragic at the same time, and it may show the true depth of Gaby, or more than likely her continual struggle with image and looks. It`s to be expected, she is a former model after all.

The jump forward was a gamble but it has garnered my attention... hopefully enough others have as well.

Reality Round up - Stick a fork in it - it's done

I was happy that Top Design was coming back to the airwaves after the inaugural season last year. The challenges were interesting enough, and the combination of Todd Oldham (muted but sexy), Jonathan Adler (seriously funny catchphrase man) and Kelly Wearstler (best hair ever on a Judge) with Margaret Russell (she tries so hard to be Nina but will never be) and now new host India Hicks. I think they mentioned that India's father is a great designer at least a million times during the episode, and while it is fun that she has designer in her pedigree... she is more know for being a fashion model. She was a pretty good host though, and I think that Todd works better as the mentor. There was not enough time with Todd this episode and I hope to see more of him in the future challenges.

The new Pop Design Challenge is an interesting concept -- and I have to say that Robert is turning into the biggest douche (so far) in the challenges by throwing his partner Preston under the bus after the first challenge. We all saw how much of a douche he is being and he was damned lucky to not be eliminated this week. Preston was amazing, and our little Martha Stewart boy (Eddie) looks like he might be up for a few challenges and ready to make his mark.

Just from first impressions (and after seeing our designers in action with the 'Impress the best' apartment makeover challenge for the Judges with a budget of $2000), Andrae ,Preston,Nathan and Eddie are on my radar as interesting. Shazia is a train wreck (I can`t believe how error prone that woman is) and Serge is just too young and in to his own thing to care about what the client wants. Robert should get a few of those forks from his shadow box Pop Design Challenge stuck in him for being so two faced and letting his team down.

It was an interesting start -- now to see the games begin and let`s see that Kelly with some wild hair -- that was always a highlight last season.

Project Runway stuck a knife in my heart this week with the aufing of Stella. I loved the challenge to create a look inspired by the fall collection of a fashion icon (and guest Judge) Diane Von Furstenberg. I don't think that Stella has the worst design (Joe was a disaster) and I was really unhappy to see her leave. She is one of the more talented designers and you can't get past her honesty. Stella's final comments? If you don't like her stuff then don't buy it. You will be missed Stella...

As for the Challenge --- Korto and Leanne were on fire as they really got it and created some lovely clothes. Leanne won her second Challenge in a row and is a force to be reckoned with. If some one does not get rid of Suede soon, Suede will be pushed off a building. Suede and the baked one (sigh -- so sad) have got to go, I still don't understand why Blayne is still around after the amount of crap he has produced. Maybe it's the comic relief thing they are looking for but is it really necessary? Don't get me started about the whole stupid Mary Kate thing... I don't agree again this week on their choice of the worst ... this show is really pissing me off this year. Project Runway Canada won't be back until 2009, so it's not like I have much choice.

Reality Bites Back finished off the season with their big spoof of as many reality shows as possible in "American Surv-idoler’s Kitchen". After last week's elimination of Mo at the end to the Amazing Disgrace (astounding spoof on the Amazing Race) it was down to Amy and Theo to win the big prize. Michael Ian Black was as hilarious as ever in his spoofing of reality hosts... and the Survivoresque feeling could not be missed. Best product placement ever in a reality show had to be the McDonald’s Dollar Menu Tree. Each of contestants had to sing at different times (American Idol), make alliances (Survivor), build a Pita Hut (the Kitchen part) before taking part in the final Tribal Council with guest Judges from Big Brother, Survivor and Beauty and the Geek. Theo wins (crap -- I wanted Amy to win) and I hope they can try to do this again... there is too much fodder out there and their level of parody was brilliant.

I have managed to catch up with Outsider's Inn and it's all I could want in a trashy reality show and more. I know the celebrity running a Bed & Breakfast has already been done (Tori & Dean- Inn Love) but the combination of these 3 celebrities and the whole set up is just insane. I cannot believe for 1 minute that Maureen (Marcia) is good friends with Carnie and Bobby. Puhleese! That's just completely nuts -- but the country and redneck feel of the series (I love the support staff) has me hooked. This week's episode with the combination of guest coming to go Bear hunting, the Apple Pie affair and the whole Maureen willing to "take one for the team" was just too much. CMT is turning into one of my Guilty Pleasures with this and Redneck Wedding. Damn, these show are just too funny.

Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency - More Manufactured Drama

The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency is not only the place for that weekly serving of crazy, but it is well noted for it's eye candy as well ... and last night was no different with the auditions, the fun Nicolita swim wear shoot and the way hilarious cross dressing contest. You just never know what direction this show is going to take you in.

Kehoe was being the typical dick wad that all know and love... he's a bad boy (and knows it) and after the big announcement that Maurice (for his macho factor) and Crystal (super model) would be moving into the Model House played his homeless and sleeping in his car card.

I seem to remember that card being played last season by another model .. but some things happen in threes I have heard....

Janice feels bad for her baby -- (at least Kehoe has brought in a fair amount of work) but when we last saw him he was in gay roomie mode with Grant (last season) and it appears that things have changed. There is going to be all different kinds of drama happening at the house with Kehoe. Before and after each commercial break there are always a ton of previews and that whole "coming up on" bit that are like a plague in this show. If you took all of that out, we would have maybe a half hour show but as I have said before... if it wasn't for all the hot boys and girls I would not be interested.

Speaking of the hot boys .... it doesn't look like the Über hot Dominic is lacking work ... seems like every time he goes for an audition he is chosen and loved him in those Kentucky Jeans. I am surprised how quickly some of the new models are getting work and Chandler is turning into the big find this season. The guy has amazing eyes (dreamy), hot bod and is butting heads with Kehoe like crazy. Polina is this hot Russian model with huge fake breasts and an amazing hourglass shape. Unfortunately the more successful she is getting means the more that Janice will want to spend time with her.... and get ready for more of the accent parodies. Just another thing to love about the boss.

Cute (and yes I mean the deaf one) model Martin gets a gig (great stuff) but I don't understand how/why he always has his translator with him... I don't really understand how it all works, but it doesn't seem to affect his work so it's an interesting change. We'll have to see how this gay model works out or if he will go all diva like JP. JP is trying to be kinder and gentler so far this season and according to all those preview is rethinking the model thing. It's a hard industry and it seems to chew up and spit out these boys like crazy.

Chandler is one hot commodity as besides a couple of contracts he is clicking well with Xion, and it looks like they will be jogging together early in the morning. Xion certainly seems motivated and it'll be fun to see how this all plays out. They will probably have more privacy than when the Great Janice is in spy mode and hiding in her observatory like some demented super villain.

Traci is always on Janice's bad side and she has been given notice to shape up or ship out. Janice likes to use anologies like she is a mother bird pushing her baby bird out of the nest. Janice comes across more like a cat toying with a mouse and leaving it maimed so the kittens can learn how to hunt and kill. There are those subtle differences between how she thinks and how it is perceived sometimes. If Traci has a chance to bolt I say go for it .... she looked great at the photo shoot and is very professional and I think the fact that she is consulting an actor coach is rubbing Janice wrong more than anything else. Heaven forbid if a model would want more and become a super model. Isn't that what Janice wants for all her models?

Janice had fun with her the House models -- having the gender switch pageant was fun (and even better when Chandler took it to a whole 'nother level) and it was great to see some fun mixed in with all that drama. I loved seeing Janice off doing her shoot for Orbit (she seemed to think it was for Maxim but I have seen the Orbit commercial and it's classic Janice).

If you missed the Nicolita shoot then you missed the girls looking fierce (Traci, Polina and the late CC) and Chandler looked astounding. CC was late due to her period (yup that's what she said) and Janice handed her a new uterus over that one. As usual the episode felt like it was jumping all over the place. They really need to do something about that editing...

Weekend Rant - Launching the Fall Season

The big long weekend is here and it heralds the beginning of the new Fall season. This is probably the time of the year that I appreciated Fox the most, as they (and the CW) are starting their seasons earlier in September and getting a step up on the other networks.

I hate waiting until October to see the new shows -- and after the strike last year (the great disaster of 2007) and all the abbreviated seasons with the shows, I am ready for a whole complete glorious season of my faves.

Bones is one of my Top Ten favorite shows and this Wednesday they are back with a 2 hour season opener. I love the chemistry between Booth and Brennan and all of the supporting cast are just incredible. The big season opener takes our team to London which sounds like fun, but I would just love to see them come to Montréal where the print version of Bones takes place. That will probably never happen as they seem to have really anchored her character in DC but it could make for an interesting variation at some point and an homage to the books. I will be like a kid in a candy store come Wednesday night.

There will be no Prison Break on the schedule this year. I took it off the Watch List last year after way too many gaping plot holes (bad writing will never win me over) and after missing one season I have no interest at all ... just the commercials alone for the new season have turned me off and that says a lot as I usually will watch anything with a couple of hot brothers like those 2 but there is no hope in hell this time around.

The new version of 90210 will be hitting the airwaves this week as well and I will be checking it out just to see how things look. I was never a big fan of the original, but do like some of the actors ( like Shannon Doherty -- who I loved in Charmed and like her bad ass sensibility) and am curious to see where they go with it. I was hoping for Tori Spelling to return ( I have loved Tori since she did the film Trick and have kept up with her show Tori and Dean: Home sweet Hollywood on Oxygen), but that doesn't seem like it will be happening. It's a real shame as 90210 is as Spelling as you can get. Maybe some one will see the light and give her a cameo as she deserves with some decent pay. It's a shame her mom is being such a twit about things .... she probably could have bank rolled the entire production and I hate all that stupid rich family drama. Tori seems to be a better mom but with all the stress and drama it will be interesting to see how her kids turn out in about 16 years. Hopefully Tori will be back for another season on Oxygen but I don't see the need to keep having babies.

Project Runway continued it's up and down season with an interesting product placement Challenge (can you say Saturn?) and I do like it when the designers get to play with unconventional materials... but Keith was such a downer the whole episode that I was glad when he was sent home. Sure he was great to look at, but his aesthetic was not that interesting and he was such a drama queen about being in the bottom 2 last week. I was shocked that Stella did not as well ( I thought this was the kind of challenge that she could excel in) and was relieved that she sews again for yet another week. This is probably a good example of designers not following their instincts or doing something to try to please the judges instead of doing what feels right. I was surprised that Laura was there to fill in for Nina (can anyone really replace Nina?) and it was great to see Rachel Zoe. Yes,I know it was more shameless Bravo promotion for The Rachel Zoe Project but I had already decided to check out the series after hearing the quote about her "flipping on her bitch switch" in the promos. Leanne impressed the hell out of me and she made a very interesting dress from car parts. Korto and Jerell also did some great work and thankfully there is some talent mixed in with the drama. I have never felt so bi polar about a season of Project Runway before and am convinced it is the mix of designers and underlying tension between the production staff and the big Bravo big wigs that has it feeling tainted in some way... there is something off this season and I still can't put my finger on it .. yet.

If I don't catch an episode of Outsiders Inn on CMT this weekend I think I will explode. I can not say that I am a glutton for punishment but just hearing the names Bobby Brown, Carnie Wilson and Maureen McCormick (Marcia, Marcia,Marcia) in the same breath sucks me in to the dark abyss we call Guilty Pleasures and I know this is one train wreck that I have to get a look at. Bobby has not been around much since his last reality show (and damn do I miss Whitney and her wacky antics -- Bobbaaaaaaaaaaaaay) and now that he is out of prison and flying solo I am sure there will be lots of fun and games. I find it kind of funny how some of the different Brady kids are still making their presence know on the tube (even after all these years) with Bobby, Cindy and Marcia all being on different reality shows in the past year. Is it true that even after all these years there is still no love for Jan Brady? I would love to see Eve Plumb back... screw typecasting or better yet revel in it ! Either that or I need another Brady Bunch movie fix -- there is something to be said about the classics.