Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles - Automatic for the People

After a pretty good start last week, things got a bit muddled this week and I was very disappointed that John was getting all emo again (I really hoped that that butch hair cut would help with that) and I hate all the rebellious teenager crap.

I know the series is more about mom Sarah than John... but her life is all about John and the man that he is supposed to become. Her tough soldier formula is becoming a big challenge for him ( and yes, I can understand about wanting a life and having some normal time) but it will hopefully be time for him to man up and stop being so emo about the whole thing. No one likes a so called hero that whines continually.

I am not sure what they are trying to do with his new friend/girlfriend Riley. She seems a bit off... and the whole thing with him bringing her home and her avoiding some questions (like about family) and then creating the robot out of Lego "to watch over him while he sleeps" was pretty disturbing. I am thinking that this is another Terminator or some other connection from the future, there is just something that doesn't quite add up with this new girl. She also seems to be a hell of lot more developed and mature than John and the physical differences are a bit humorous. I am not sure is this some kind of a red herring or just a bunch of coincidences? If new girl is a Terminator why did she not kill John the first chance she had or is there more that than to this story? It does have some of my attention.

Cameron seems to be off still, and her fight with the bad Terminator was just silly. Lots of head banging and bouncing the bad guy off of walls doesn't make things that interesting, especially when there is some major nuclear meltdown happening and time is of the essence. Not only are her verbal and social skills impaired and seem worse than ever and I wonder if it's a sign of current or future malfunctions. None of the gang seems to trust her anymore and hopefully that will be turned around soon. The time paradoxes are building steam and something has to blow soon.

I didn't quite understand our new friend from the Resistance that arrived in a time bubble all hot, naked (was that the guy that played Titus's brother??) and injured. He seemed to be in a big hurry to give out some information about the Nuclear reactor before dying and his messages written in blood discovered at the end of the episode will probably give some impetus to upcoming events. I wasn't surprised to see new T1000 Marilyn Manson show up at the end and make the big announcement about the new tech that is there to save the day and prevent further mishaps. It looks like some things are changing in the future. Things might get very interesting over the next while if the storyline doesn't fall into teen angst territory. There will be no hope for the future unless John starts showing that he has a pair.... and gets his act together.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Weekend Rant - Some things are better in Canada

So you think you can dance? continued it's global domination with the latest version starting this week in Canada. Now before you get in a tizzy thinking about how hokey it could be, or that we are all dancing with snowshoes (or hockey skates or some other fricking Canadian stereotype) change your mind and if you have the chance to check it out I highly suggest it, the level of competition is pretty fierce.

Keeping true to it's formula, we started off with auditions in Toronto. Judging this round were Tre Armstrong, Luther Brown and keeping it real (and familiar) was none other than Mary Murphy. Mary is one of my favorite parts of the US version (and she knows her stuff) and I am as surprised as she is at the quality of the dancers during the first part of the auditions.

It's always heartwarming to hear some one you admire oohing and awwing at the great talent we have here in the Great White North (and not just the GTA for you Torontians). Rounding out the Judges are host Leah Miller and our Audition Tour Choreographer is none other than SYTYCD (US version) season one participant Blake McGrath. It's kind of nice to see how things come around full circle and he is still involved in the process.

I don't know the Canadian Judges, but there is this delicious tension between Tre and Mary. Tre is trying to mark her territory and that is such a non issue with Mary (Mary is just Mary and does what she wants) and you can feel the tension when they butt heads. The auditions were great and I have noticed a couple of distinct differences between the Canadian and American versions.

The first big difference is that the Canadian version is so much more "kinder and gentler" and it is so damn polite that it seems tame to the US version.I think it`s very interesting that there is a hell of lot of hugging going on, something that I never saw in the US version. There isn't the overall exploitation of those who can't dance and make idiots of themselves. Our way seems to be oriented more to seeing the good dancers and not the disasters and to me it 's more of what the show is about.

The other big difference is that the dance community here seems more seasoned (older if you need a more distinctive term) and that maturity is interesting to see in the auditions.I am not sure if that is the dynamic they will work with, but quite a few of the dancers chosen to go the the next round were more experienced. It will be something to follow.

I can hardly wait until we get to the auditions from Montréal, there is an amazing dance community here. I love having another edition of this show!

Test the Nation was back last week and it was the Canadian edition. It's always fun to do something interactive and I am always interested in trivia challenges ( I am a complete Jeopardy junkie and can't miss a week) and had fun. I got a good score also, and was surprised to see that the American Canadians did as well as they did until I realized how smart they were for moving to Canada. It's all good fun and games.

There hasn't been that many new show debuting so far on Canadian television, but I did catch the first episode of Les Parent, a sitcom playing on Radio-Canada. Take your nuclear Québécois family and spin it in a Malcolm in the Middle style and you get a pretty funny (and damn quick) show. It was a good laugh and the kids are so hilarious that it will probably be on the Watch List for this season.

InfoMan returned (finally) this week and got into Election mode right away. Luckily we had some a few fixes of Jean-René Dufort during the Olympics to tide us over this summer as his sense of humor and presentation style truly make him the french counterpart to Canadian Rick Mercer or American John Stewart. The guy is smart and so is the show and always a joy to watch.

Paquet Voleur returned for a second season with a slightly revamped game and a whole bunch of local talent playing for charity to start things off. It's pretty decent as far as local game shows go and hopefully the new rule changes will make it possible for players to leave with a bit of cash. Our game shows have pitiful pay outs compared to the big US ones, but isn't supposed to be more about playing than winning? That's very Canadian of me.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Reality Round Up - Things go better in Twos

I finally got my wish the other night and the baked one (Blayne) FINALLY got aufed ... it was an interesting and long awaited episode of Project Runway that had me worried that some of the flakes would be back (no such worries, Heidi dismissed that rumor right away); Suede got a good smack down from the Judges ( you have to love that Michael Kors) and Terri learned a hard life lesson about team dynamics.

Although it wasn't that surprising as far as episodes go, any kind of Avant-garde Challenge is almost always interesting to see for the over the top designs. It was interesting to see all of the other designers come back and how they were to use the Zodiac sign of one of the designers as inspiration. It was a treat to see Stella and then I felt damn sorry for her being paired up with Blayne as it was quite the challenge for those two to work together. I think if anyone has different design aesthetics it had to be those two and I don't honestly think that Stella was that impressed with being paired up with the twit. Some of the teams did okay, a couple of them were down right terrible and Terri was just too much of a bitch with Keith. Keith was being quite the douche him self and being all fragile. sigh... there has to be at least one cry baby per year. The team dynamics were all over the place, depending on the prevailing mood of some of the designers. It seems to be more about the drama than the design this season and that should only be part of it.

I know that Kenley was getting on several designer's nerves in the challenge, but I thought she did a great job and was really one of the ones that stood out. I thought it was très Minnie Mouse and it was just missing the ears. Jerrel was great but I didn't think he was that outstanding but he ended being the winner (the Judges are damn hard to read sometimes), Leanne was very interesting (again) and is turning in to a real competitor. I think she is surprising everyone. I was concerned by some of the choices that didn't seem to be really over the top enough to be considered Avant-garde by some of the designers and that meant Korto was disappointing and so was Joe. I honestly don't think that some of the designers understand what the hell Avant-garde means.
I've being ranting for weeks that they need to cull the herd a bit quicker, and we finally got around to Blayne, Terri and Suede being the bottom 3 and we know that 2 are to be eliminated. I honestly did not expect Terri to be given the boot (her ensemble wasn' t that terrible, I think she really pissed of the Judges with her treatment of Keith) and Suede lived to sew for another day. I wonder if he will continue speaking of himself in such the 3rd tense and with such vigor after getting eviscerated by the Judges this week... only time will tell but I think that he is on his last legs.

Top Design continued it's new and improved format with a makeover of a Bunker, those Fallout Shelters that have been around since the 1950's. All of the designers were paired up and had to work their magic on a 12 by 14 foot concrete box that had to be shared by the 2 of them. I loved the little video they played at the beginning showing the old TV ads for Bunkers and wonder if they are making a comeback. It feels almost slight exploitative having this kind of challenge right around September 11th .. but I may be reading more into the challenge than was intended.

It was a very interesting challenge, and it was fascinating to see the different dynamics amongst the teams. The set up is pretty basic in these shelters, and while I don't see amenities like sinks and bathrooms or kitchen areas (how the hell are you supposed to last for months or years in one of these Bunkers is beyond me), it's a great way of testing the designer's talent. Wisit & Nathan are paired up and you know that those 2 are going to get into too much trouble. They are having too much fun which was even more hilarious as you saw other teams in complete meltdown mode. Robert & Jennifer can't seem to find common ground and I dislike Robert more than last week. Kerry is teamed up with Shazia and I am just waiting for a disaster to happen. Natalie & Teresa do a lovely Zen inspired den that need just a bit of editing but was great for the space, and I liked the ceiling effect done by Preston & Odine, although the Judges didn't appreciate their space as much. Wisit & Nathan were the only team to go down to one bed (too funny -- they were very gay about all of it and had the Judges eating out of their hands) and showed some nice creativity.

Our winning team of Eddie (little Mr.Martha Stewart) & Andrea (don't call me Mrs.Shroder) did a nice job (I do have to see that it was pretty obvious that Eddie was the brains behind it all and Mrs.Shroder was hanging on for the ride). I liked the creativity of most of the teams and how they tried to work the space in different ways to create their own spaces. I will say that I was surprised when India eliminated Jennifer (We can't live with your design) and then turned around and eliminated her not supportive partner Robert.

Wow - second episode and a double elimination. You hear that Project Runway? It's better to cull earlier than later... just making a point.

Robert didn't see that one coming and I think that it is just great .. the guy was a complete knob about the whole challenge and that's 2 weeks in a row of being nasty. Good bye and no regrets.

Wipeout has almost finished it's first season, and we were in absolute hysterics this week watching the double episode treat that we got to see this week. Hole in the Wall was checked out, but it's just not as much fun or even half as interesting hearing the guys do their play by play on Wipeout. I have to say that they even did better than Hole in the Wall with their Cookie Cutter part of the Sweeper. The 2 Johns (Henson & Anderson) with supporting co host Jill Wagner make the show as funny as it is by their snarky comments and bad humor. It's a joy to watch and I am happy to know that it will be coming back for a second season. Can we get a Canadian version of this? I would love to play.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency - Crowded House

The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency continued it's ­­­"Model House" edition with more fun and games with the models. I am still in awe and shock each time the models open their mouths and they say that they are so happy that they are living with Janice and living and breathing modeling ... it looks like it is a tough industry and any chance is better than no chance. I think I would have to be severely medicated to handle Janice for that much time. At least the woman is clean.

Oh the drama ... Kehoe is becoming a huge pain in the ass for all the other models and it looks like Janice's over botoxed patience is wearing thin .. it's about fricking time is all I can say ... I know the guy has brought in some cash but it only takes one bad apple to spoil the bunch and Kehoe is rotten to the core. Something has to change.

The photo shoot for Kentucky Jeans was great, and the whole issue about Martin being deaf (yes- we know-- give it a rest) and the fact that he is still able to model even with his huge disadvantage was too much. The guy is deaf, get over it. It certainly didn't seem to affect him and he did some nice work. My favorite part had to be when Dominic slammed Kehoe on to the ground. I miss seeing Danny and Dominic around more, but at least there is Chandler. I think the change around this year to the house is making it more difficult to see some of my favorite guys and this season is still one of the worst editing jobs ever.

Like that will stop me from watching ... sigh ... the drama is still sucking me in and luckily there is enough beefcake to keep things interesting to watch ( not that the show would be interesting with no dialogue, the stuff that comes out of Janice's mouth is unbelievable most of the time and I keep hanging on wondering what nutty thing will be blurted out next). Traci is getting another load of abuse dumped on her by Janice (it must be an annual event because she seems to do this every year with Traci, who seems to be getting some decent work) and I am pretty sure that the girls who do have an eating disorder are probably doing it because of Janice. It doesn't seem like the happiest of places.

The models are treated to a house call from Janice's Dentist buddy and it looks like there will be a whole bunch of work going on for some of the models. Our Russian beauty, Polina gets a nice makeover but the biggest drama had to be when Janice decided to cut Hazuki's hair. Crystal got all weepy eyed watching it happen and it brought back all those memories of her going through a similar experience on her road to being a supermodel. The only thing that makes me happy is the fact that Crystal is not dangerously thin this year and has some meat on her bones.

I think it's time for more gym time with the boys... maybe after they take the trash out?

Fringe - Pilot

Well... talk about being on the fence about this one...

Yes, I did check out the season premiere of Fringe... and yes, I was interested in seeing what all the buzz was about ... and yes, I am a huge fan of JJ Abrams ... and usually love most of the stuff that he has done like Alias and Lost .... but I am completely on the fence about the series after a stilted and awkward pilot episode.

I don`t understand the whole story with the boyfriend that she literally went to hell and back (well she had a really bad drug trip) to save, then her boyfriend turned around and tried to kill her.... that was just a big WTF moment that really had me scratching my head.

I get the whole wacky scientist thing (it's been done to death, and I hate to throw a comparison around but there was that kind of element in last year's Bionic Woman fiasco), and yes it is interesting to look at Fringe Science .. but if the stories don`t come together a bit better I won`t be checking it out for long... this show may have a lower life expectancy than that cow in the lab. Maybe now that all the pieces are on the game board it will make a bit more sense but my hopes are not that high.

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles - Reboot

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles returned last night for season 2, and nicely following up to last season's explosive ending (Cameron getting blown up in the end scene), we follow things up from that point with a pretty nifty opening montage full of music and some pretty kick ass scenes. I found it interesting that there was no dialogue for the first several minutes of the show as they preferred to let the music (conveniently vocalized by Shirley Manson of Garbage, the newest cast member) set the mood and it was very well put together.

Cameron (Summer Glau) is still my favorite Terminator, and it was freaky to see her limping around and using a staple gun to hold her skin together. This one tough Terminator ... and I didn't see the whole turning bad and malfunctioning chip thing that turned her from protector to killer coming.

It was pretty obvious that John was going to try to repair her (yes it was stupid but the kid is still learning) and it will be interesting to see if she is really on the mend or if it is part of some other plan. I don`t think things are all fixed and there may be some glitches along the way.

I am still not sold on the Shirley Manson character of Catherine Weaver.... I thought her dialogue at the beginning was terrible and have to say that I found it pretty disturbing (and downright disgusting) that she was disguised as a urinal (WTF??) before going all T1000 liquid metal and sticking a nice spike into that guy's head.... that's one sick writer....

Still... the regular crew were all great, I love how John (Thomas Dekker) is starting to have some balls and take charge and you can see how he is maturing (and it appears that he has some talent as a hair stylist as well, these soldiers are really well trained) and will be sporting more of a butch look than his emo style of last year. These are all good things and I am looking forward to seeing a kick ass fight between Cameron and Catherine. Will our new girl do well against one of these liquid metal models? Time will tell .. I am just happy that we will have a nice full season of episodes and have some time to see some better character development this year. Lena Headey is still an amazing Sarah Connor and it will be interesting to see how she reacts to John spreading his wings and trying to fly.

True Blood - Strange Love

I love a good vampire show (and there hasn't been one since the demise of both the Buffy and Angel TV series - sorry Moonlight), and the premiere of True Blood attracted enough of my attention and was different enough that it made vampires seem sexy again.

The character of Sookie is quite interesting. It looks like she is telepathic (kind of funny considering that Anna was in those X Men movies) and she has an interesting air about her. The south (and Louisiana in particular) seems to be a great spot for vampires (and I think a nice nod to Anne Rice and her Vampire Chronicles) and our Vampire, Bill, plays the dark and brooding type very well. The guy seems mysterious and pretty sexy. Not there wasn't any sex going on -- but I have to say that Sookie's brother Jason is one hot horny number and the whole sexualisation of vampires is just part of it. I like how vampires are suddenly mainstream and they are talking about the vamps "coming out of the coffin" and being part of society (instead of feeding on it) since synthetic blood has become available. I like how this reality reflects the reality of the gay community (and other minorities) and of course there is plenty of skepticism and hate going around. Just because they are suddenly visible doesn't make the vampires accepted, and as our bartender friend Sam says just because they have the synthetic blood doesn't mean the vamps will feed on it. Fake or real food? Hard choice to make there...

I am pretty convinced that our bartender friend is some kind of a werewolf or shape shifter of some kind as that mysterious dog that seems to show up when Sookie is in trouble. There seems to be a real protective streak in that bartender and you can tell he has the big time hots for Sookie.

It`s also interesting mythology that they have incorporated the black market sale of vampire blood (V- juice) and how it's an underground/alternative cult thing and anyone who is someone wants to have sex with a vampire as it is a big thrill ride. The first episode was graphic and enthralling and will definitely be checking out some future episodes to see how things develop.

Saturday, September 06, 2008

Weekend Rant - First Casuality of the New Season

Things started off to a pretty luke warm start with the New 90210 this past week, and with the ton of new shows coming on air over the next while my Tuesday nights are starting to get filled up with better viewing options. I think I may know why there wasn't a preview of the show before airing ... the writing is pretty crappy and the none of the characters particularly memorable other than the alcoholic Grandmother.

So bye bye 90210 -- it was a short visit, but my 2 hours with you weren't that interesting and I was never really a fan of the original series. I did want to see what they were doing with Jenny Garth and Shannon Doherty, and if that was any reflection of their original characters, then I don't think I am missing much.

For every bad thing that hits the airwaves (Bionic Woman anyone?), there is almost always something good that comes around and after enduring 2 hours of 90210, karma paid me back with a very nice 2 hour season opener of Bones. Booth and Brennan may be in London, England, but we still had great follow up to the end of last season and all the team was there. I liked the mention of Zach at the beginning, and was laughing at seeing Clark filling in the spot covered by Zack. Clark doesn't take well to all the drama going on around the Jeffersonian,and he makes a great "straight man" character to offset the other wacky ones.

The issue of Zack working with Gormogon was mentioned, and I don't believe that storyline is finished with. There are still too many unanswered questions, and seeing Sweets and the brain (and his insistence to touch it and to prod it a few times) set off more alarms with me. I am still convinced that he is involved in all of this (and might even be the new Gormogon for all we know) and I'll be keeping my eye on him. His interaction with the Squints was priceless this week and I can hardly wait to see him more in action with Booth and Brennan again. Those 3 have some very funny chemistry between them.

Brennan and Booth in London was a hoot, I loved seeing their British counterparts (nicely swapped around gender wise) and the chemistry between Brennan and Professor Ian Wexler. It looks like Booth is a little jealous about the idea of Bones hooking up with our sexy professor and it makes for some nice tension between our characters. Sexy seemed to be a key word in the season opener with Angela's husband Grayson Barasa showing up and attracting every one's attention (Cam in particular, that very lucky girl) and putting some major sexual tension into the episode.
Bones hasn't lost it's beat at all, in fact the chemistry and zingers were hitting left and right last night and even the simple things like driving (Booth is less adaptive it seems to UK rules) and the whole freak out ugly American scene was a riot. The whole British slant on everything and seeing more about the upper crust was very eye opening. The whole "The Butler did it" bit was brilliant. It was a tad overkill to have to kill off the Professor as well, but the story lines were interesting and there was some nice development with pretty much everyone except for Angela and Hodges. I am not too happy with their apparent break up (especially after the most awesome kiss and the hundreds of bells scene) and hope this is just a bump in the road on their way to matrimony. Still... it's nice to have old friends come back home and it was a great season opener.

Thursday, September 04, 2008

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.

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

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...