Fall TV 2010

I made a decent dent in my Summer TV Viewing schedule.

• Fringe season 1 and 2 – check!
• CSI season 10 – check!
• Rescue Me season 5 vol. 1 & 2 – check! And bonus, I watched season 6, too!
• The Shield season 7 – check!
• Stargate Atlantis seasons 2 thru 5 – check! Stargate Universe season 1 – check! Thank you, Netflix instant streaming!
• Breaking Bad seasons 1 & 2 – check! (Gonna get season 3 soon).
• Mad Men seasons 1 thru now – check!
• Prison Break seasons 3 & 4 – check!

And as a bonus, I bought and watched all four seasons of Friday Night Lights and it fast became one of my all-time favorite shows. Then there were the shows I watched that weren’t on my list: Dollhouse seasons 1 & 2 and Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles season 2. Not to mention I actually managed to re-watch shows like Roswell, Buffy and Angel and the last two seasons of Lost.

Yeah, I’m a TV-watching badass. But now it’s time to settle in to the new fall shows and returning favorites. I’ve made my annual spreadsheet (hey, FOUR TiVos, people!) and I have to say: it’s kinda weird making a fall schedule that doesn’t include Battlestar Galactica, LOST, 24, or Nip/Tuck. Whatever shall I watch?

Have you ever seen my schedule so barren?!

I was going to lessen my Netflix subscription from five/mo (summer viewing) to one/mo, but I don’t know now. Maybe I’ll go back down to three/month because this schedule doesn’t look like it will satisfy much.

Sunday: The Amazing Race, Dexter, Desperate Housewives.

- The obvious winner here is Dexter. I pay for Showtime for three months out of the year just for Dexter.

But I have to say, this watermelon to the face on Amazing Race is HILARIOUS!

Monday: The Event, Chase, Hawaii Five-O

- The Event has promise. Some early reviews call it “the new LOST.” I don’t know about all THAT, but it’s probably the new show I’m looking forward to the most. I’m watching Hawaii Five-O only to support Jin from LOST and Boomer from BSG. Yeah, I said it.

* Funny story about The Event. While watching The Emmys a commercial came on for The Event. When Blair Underwood said he’s the president, Kali said, “You’re not! Obama is the president. Just because you’re black doesn’t mean you’re the president.” A few minutes later he comes out on the stage to present an award and Kali says (I shit you not), “He kinda looks like Obama.” I said, “Kali, that’s the same man you just said didn’t look like Obama.” “Ooooh, they tricked me!”

Tuesday: Glee, Raising Hope, The Good Wife, No Ordinary Family

- Need I say it? GLEEEEEE!!!!

Raising Hope looks funny. I love The Good Wife and I’m looking forward to more of the lovely Archi Punjabi now that she’s won an Emmy for her portrayal as the sexy and resourceful Kalinda. I wish No Ordinary Family had a better name.

Raising Hope – this preview makes me laugh and cry…

Wednesday: Undercovers, Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order: Los Angeles, Modern Family, Detroit 187, Criminal Minds, Survivor

- I’m happy to see a show with a mainstream premise starring a black couple. Thank you, J.J. Abrams! He consistently casts the most diverse casts that represent what the world REALLY looks like. However, I’m sure the show won’t last. I’ll support it anyway. Donny is making me watch Detroit 187. And we are big Criminal Minds fans in this house. Why, oh why, did they move Survivor to Wednesdays?!

Thursday: Bones, Fringe, Vampire Diaries, Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, CSI, Nikita

- I still need to get caught up on Bones. We LOVE Fringe and I’ve been singing its praises to anyone that would listen all summer. Vampires Diaries was a surprise to me last season. I didn’t expect it to be so good. Ian Somerhalder’s fine ass doesn’t hurt and the season finale was jaw-dropping. I loved the movie La Femme Nikita so I’ve decided to give this 2nd TV reincarnation a shot.

Friday: Medium, Smallville, Supernatural

- CBS bumped Medium up to 8pm which suggests that the tone may not be as dark as previous seasons. This is Smallville’s last season and I’m sure the same is true for Supernatural (another great show I wish more people would watch).

There’s a very good chance that I can actually cancel the service to the TiVo in Jack’s room if I don’t watch Modern Family and move Criminal Minds to the TV in the family room and if I give up CSI altogether. We’ll see.

My fall schedule begins tomorrow night when Vampire Diaries returns!

What about you? What are you excited about?

STOP THE PRESSES! I just found out there’s a show on AMC this fall about … wait for it… wait for it… wait… for … it . . .

The ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE!

The Walking Dead has lots of promise!

Emmy Nominations – Thoughts & Predictions

The primetime Emmy nominations were announced last week and I was very pleased with many of the nominees. Even though we all know it’s an honor to be nominated, the downside to so many favorites receiving a nod is that, inevitably, so many favorites won’t win. Here are my thoughts on this year’s nominees in the major categories.

Outstanding Lead Actor in  a Drama Series

Who I Want To Win: Matthew Morrison (Glee) – Y’all know I love my Glee! I’d love to see it sweep the categories, continue to get more honor and praise and stick around for seasons to come.

Who Should Win: Steve Carell (The Office) – I haven’t seen the most recent season (6), but I just watched season 5 in a two-day marathon session and nearly wet the bed laughing. He makes the awkwardness of Michael Scott look so effortless, like he’s not even acting. That might work against him, but it shouldn’t.

Who Will Win: Alec Baldwin (30 Rock) – I’ve only seen the first three seasons of 30 Rock, and while he’s funny, I still find Carell to be funnier. He seems to be an Emmy fave though.

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Who I Want To Win: Lea Michele (Glee) See above.

Who Should Win: Tina Fey (30 Rock)

Who Will Win: Tina Fey

I wasn’t aware that Nurse Jackie and The United States of Tara were comedies.

Lead Actor in a Drama Series

As I write this, I’ve only seen the first two discs of season 1 of Mad Men (I’m loving it!) and a few episodes of House. I have the first two seasons of Breaking Bad arriving next week. Last week, I spent five days watching all four seasons of Friday Night Lights. That show is one of the best written and finely acted shows on television. And longtime readers know that I’ve seen every episode of Dexter and Lost, the latter about 1 million times.

Who I Want To Win: Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights) – Chandler brings Coach Taylor to life. Literally. You feel like you know this man like you know the men in your life. You understand what drives him, what he cares about, and what will set him off. Chandler makes you want good things for Coach Taylor and his family (yes, even his whiny-ass daughter). This show is sorely under-recognized. With one more season to go, I hope this changes.

Who Should Win: Kyle Chandler

Who Will Win: Jon Hamm (Mad Men) – I don’t see the award committees’ love affair with this show ending any time soon.

Of course, I suppose it goes without saying that I will not shed a tear if Matthew Fox takes it for purely sentimental reasons.

Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Who I Want to Win: Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights) – I watch all of these shows and Britton deserves this. Hands down.

Who Should Win: Connie Britton

Who Will Win: I have a feeling they’ll give it to Julianna Marguiles.

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Who I Want to Win: Chris Cofer (Glee) – How awesome would that be?!

Who Should Win: Neil Patrick Harris

Who Will Win: Someone from Modern Family

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Who I Want To Win: Terry O’Quinn (Lost)

Who Should Win: Terry O’Quinn

Who Will Win: Micheal Emerson or Terry O’Quinn

I should point out that – in case you didn’t know – the people voting don’t necessarily have to watch the shows nominated. All nominees submit tapes of their best work for the season for consideration. If a voter doesn’t watch any of the shows nominated, they would, conceivably, go by the submitted tapes. Of course, nominees are going to submit their best episodes/scenes for consideration. I can think of half a dozen scenes a piece that Emerson and O’Quinn could have submitted that would blow everyone out the water.

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Who I Want to Win: Jane Lynch

Who Should Win: Jane Lynch

Who Will Win: Jane Lynch

Don’t play with me.

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Who I Want To Win: Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife)

Who Should Win: No clue, but Panjabi is the shit.

Who Will Win: Elizabeth Moss (Mad Men)

Outstanding Comedy Series

Who I Want to Win: My heart belongs to Glee!

Who Should Win: Glee!

Who Will Win: Modern Family

Outstanding Drama Series

Who I Want to Win: Lost

Who Should Win: Lost

Who Will Win: Lost

First, let me say that the fact that True Blood is nominated over a show like Friday Night Lights is crazy.

For the first time in a very long time (or possibly ever) by the time the awards show airs, I will have seen every episode of every show nominated for Best Drama. I feel safe saying that Lost should win. This is subjective, of course, and all depends on what you look for in a TV show. For me, it’s not just the writing, acting, and plot. I watch TV for escape. I love shows that leave me thinking about what I’ve seen long after the credits roll and leave me wishing the next episode aired immediately instead of a week away.

That’s MY criteria of an Emmy-worthy show. And for me, that show is Lost.

Top Ten Most Anticipated TV in 2010

10. Damages

OK, sure season 2 was a mess of convoluted plot involving a bribed judge, a double-crossing FBI investigation, and a cokehead stabbing Patty(Glenn Close) in an elevator, but I have high hopes that season 3 of Damages will return to the glory that was the amazing, thought-provoking, twists and turns of season 1.

Damages returns to FX on January 25th.

9. Jeff and the other chick on The Amazing Race

Last season’s winner of Big Brother, whatsherface, will be joining the cast of globe trotting contestants on the next season of The Amazing Race. But the big news is that her racing partner is none other than the ubersexy, Jeff, who you may remember was her (OK, fine. Her name is Jordan) showmance in the BB house.

I cannot wait to see him jetsetting for the million bucks. Preferably shirtless. Here’s to hoping the producers have come up with lots of hot locales to ensure maximum topless Jeff moments. I’m just saying.

8. Southland returns on TNT

I don’t know who’s in charge over at NBC, but it must be run by morons. They consistently cancel awesome shows like Journeyman, Life and Scrubs. Then they let a gem like Medium get swept up by the good people at CBS to make room for five nights of the chronically unfunny Jay Leno at 10pm.

Thankfully, cooler heads prevail over at TNT and they’ve given new life to the gritty police drama Southland. The season finale was a jaw-dropper so thank the TV gods that TNT will pick up the show so we can see how it all plays out.

7. Stargate: SGU

Thanks to my friend Cathy sending me all ten seasons of Stargate: SG1, I have another sci-fi franchise to add to my must-see list. I’m currently starting season 2 of Stargate: Atlantis, but couldn’t wait to get through all five seasons of that before diving into Stargate Universe which premiered on SyFy last fall.

SGU follows a band of military personnel, scientists, and civilians trapped on a spaceship built by The Ancients who developed the stargates as they try to figure out a way back to Earth.

Some of my fellow Stargate fans complain that SGU is more Battlestar Galactica than Stargatey, but that’s okay with me. I love the dark sets, mental manipulations, and catastrophes of the week plots.

6. The final episodes of Nip/Tuck

Tonight FX kicks off the final nine episodes of Nip/Tuck. Even though I can admit that the show has been bordering on very cheesy and plain-ass ridiculous for at least two seasons now, I am sorry to see it go. I will watch tonight, and for the next eight weeks, and begin my goodbyes to the sexy, super rich, but morally bankrupt doctors of McNamara/Troy.

5. V

We were teased with four episodes of the remake of the 80′s cult hit V. There were holes like, how the hell did the Vs manage to just drop off sleeper agents without anyone noticing? I mean, it’s not like dropping someone off at a bus stop. But overall, I’m hooked.

It just went back into production in January, so I’m not sure when the new epis will air. I’ll be there whenever that might be.

4. 24 in NYC

Two of my favorite things will be mixing it up on FOX: Jack Bauer and New York City.

Two words: Hells.Yeah!

24 returns on January 17th.

3. Caprica

Caprica, the Battlestar Galactica prequel, tells how the Cylons (at least the Cylons of the 12 colonies of the series) came to be. The pilot was available on DVD last spring and I’ve been waiting like a crackhead ever since.

Caprica premieres on SyFy on January 22nd. Read my Caprica review here.

2. GLEE!

My new favorite show returns… in APRIL! I know! What the hell? We have such a long wait, but no doubt it will be worth it.

What will Quinn do now that everyone knows Puck is the father of her baby? What will happen with the new Shuster/Pillsbury romance? Will Rachel and Finn hook up now that he’s free? Will they please give Kurt more airtime and can we get a full hour dedicated to the awesomeness that is Sue Sylvester?

1. LOST

Come on, now. You knew this would be number one. The final season of Lost begins February 2nd .

SPOILER ALERT:

We’ve met Jacob and the creepy guy that has been trying to kill him since, like, forever. Creepy guy had apparently taken over Locke, who has really been dead all this time, and used him and Ben to finally get to Jacob. There was lots of time traveling and time shifting which led to a big-ass gun fight and Juliet falling down a shaft. Oh, and we got to see the smoke monster kick more ass.

I’m looking forward to all of my questions of the past five years being answered. That’s right. All 1384 of them!

What are you looking forward to? What shows do you miss the most?

A Little Something Something

Just so you all don’t think I’m dead…

I’ve been super busy with school, house stuff, and… *gasp* working. Well, not really working, but a little something something to put a few extra bucks in the bank account. I am technically an independent contractor conducting covert consumer transactions at various dining establishments and cinemas. You figure it out.

Then there’s school and writing. I’m still querying Sharing Space and writing my next novel, “Tales From the Biosphere.”

It’s not like I don’t have stories to tell, because I do! I just need the time to sit down and blog them. So, I promise, by Monday I will be all caught up on blogs.

What you have to look forward to:

• TV blogs: Dexter, Glee, The Amazing Race, Survivor, Flash Forward and Stargate Universe
• Mommy Monday: Kali has learned about puberty AND rednecks!
• BIOBaby: Jack has learned a new word, can now go down the stairs like a pro, and is still haircut free. Also, he’s still the cutest thing EVER. I’m not just saying that either. I mean, he really is a good looking kid. I’d say that even if he weren’t mine.
• BIOBitch: Donny starts a new position and we prepare for the most minimalist Christmas ever.
• End of Week Thoughts: By next weekend I’m sure I’ll have more, but currently I can’t get over the stupid media coverage of the Letterman extortion case and GOPers who were so down on the stimulus package now begging for some it. Also, I find it hysterical (well, not really) that when Republicans complain about this country or the President it’s them exercising their right to free speech all in the name of liberty and they damn-near masturbate with the flag, but if anyone else does it, they’re un-patriotic terrorist sympathizers that hate America.
• TCTBTF returns: I swear to God, if you people don’t stay on my ass I will blame its giant size on you!
• Fiction: A short story, posted in parts, called, “How Jenny Found Out I Loved Her.”
• Book Club: Blog about Fluke will be posted on Sunday. We can pick a new book next week.

Ok, I gotta run. Jack is going down the stairs unattended. I can hear the fabric of his PJs rubbing against the carpet.

In the meantime, how have you been? What’s going on? What have you been watching? Tell me EVERYTHING!

Nina’s Big Ass Fall TV Blog – Premiere Dates and Previews

My longtime readers know that around this time I’ve already made my TiVo spreadsheet. That’s right. With three TiVos (four if you count Kali’s), I need a spreadsheet to plot out which shows will make the cut… and to ensure I don’t miss anything.

Here’s the breakdown on when the new shows premiere as well as when you can expect to see your favorites returning.

Tuesday September 8th

• 90210 (CW)
• Melrose Place (CW)
• Sons of Anarchy (FX)

I love that the people behind Melrose Place are telling you upfront that you can expect more of the same bed-hopping that made the original so successful by declaring, “Tuesday is the new humpday” in MP promos. Classy!

And not even the casting of Ashley Simpson-Wentz (yes, Jessica’s little sis) can keep me from checking it out. Don’t judge me! I’m just excited that they’ve also cast some people of color.

And, old favorites!

Wednesday, September 9th

• America’s Next Top Model (CW)
• So You Think You Can Dance (FOX)
• Glee (FOX)

If you follow me on Twitter (@neenerspb) you know I’ve been raving about this show since FOX aired the pilot sneak peek in April. Since a sassy black woman is just a dickswing away from being a gay white man, it goes without saying that this show about high school misfits who hope to put their glee club on the map is right up my alley!

And if that’s not enough, they cover Kanye’s, “Gold Digger!”

Thursday, September 10

• Vampire Diaries (CW)
• Supernatural (CW)

If you go to the CW’s site and read the synopsis for Vampire Diaries, you’ll get a headache. Whoever wrote that sucks. It’s pretty much about two fine ass vampire brothers who move to a town and have all the little high school girls atwitter. You know after the big Twilight buzz last year, this show was inevitable. It is also based on a series of vampire books.

Monday, September 14th

• One Tree Hill (CW)
• Gossip Girl (CW)

Thursday, September 17th

• Survivor (CBS)
• Bones (FOX)
• Fringe (FOX)
• The Office (NBC)
• It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX)

Monday, September 21st

• Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
• House (FOX)
• How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
• Heroes (NBC)
• Big Bang Theory (CBS)
• CSI: Miami (CBS)
• Accidentally on Purpose (CBS)
• Two and a Half Men (CBS)

Tuesday, September 22

• NCIS (CBS)
• NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS)
• The Good Wife (CBS)
• The Forgotten (ABC)

I’m checking out both The Good Wife and The Forgotten.  I’m curious to see this “wife of a cheating politician” storyline played out though I understand it’s not completely what TGW is about, and after NBC canceled My Own Worst Enemy, I want to see Christian Slater on the small screen again.

And yes, L.L. was enough to make add NCIS: Los Angeles to my list.

Wednesday, September 23

• The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS)
• Mercy (NBC)
• Criminal Minds (CBS)
• Law and Order: SVU (NBC)
• Cougar Town (ABC)
• CSI: NY (CBS)
• Eastwick (ABC)

It seems that any movie that made even a $10 profit will eventually be made into a television show. This year, we get Eastwick – a remake of The Witches of Eastwick starring Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfieffer, Cher, and Susan Sarandon.

Each fall, Donny and I try to predict which of the new shows will have the dubious honor of being canceled first. Donny correctly picked FOX’s Do Not Disturb (I know. Google it.) last year. This year, I think I’m gonna put my money on Eastwick. Even though it made my TiVo list.

I’m super excited for the return of Criminal Minds as one of the key players was found themselves staring down the barrel of a gun as the finale faded to black last spring. Do not watch clip below if you haven’t seen the finale yet.

Thursday, September 24

• Flash Forward (ABC)
• CSI (CBS)
• Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)
• The Mentalist (CBS)

Every since the success of Lost, each season, ABC tries to find another supernatural drama to catch on. Invasion, Daybreak, The Nine… none of them do. This year’s attempt looks promising. For a few moments, everyone in the world blacks out at the same time. Even more mysterious than why it happened, is what happened while they were out – they saw six months into their futures.

I am dying (no pun intended) to see Grey’s Anatomy’s premiere. How I could I not be? The finale was awesome. Even though in this day and age it’s impossible to keep casting secrets, I’m still going to cry my eyes out once George dies. *sob*

Friday, September 25

• Ghost Whisperer (CBS)
• Smallville (CW)
• Law and Order (NBC)
• Medium (CBS)
• Dollhouse (FOX)

I am quite pleased that after NBC canceled Medium, CBS had the good sense to pick it up. Not only have they been airing episodes this summer to give new viewers a chance to get to know the show, but they’re also starting it in the fall with a full 22-episode run. Something that NBC never did. What do you expect from the network giving up on 10pm dramas to air the unfunny Jay Leno five nights a week in their stead?

Sunday, September 27

• The Amazing Race (CBS)
• Family Guy (FOX)
• The Cleveland Show
• Desperate Housewives (ABC)
• Dexter (SHO)
• Cold Case (CBS)
• Californication (SHO)
• Brothers & Sisters (ABC)

We’re most excited about Dexter and The Amazing Race in this house. Donny already has his couple picked to win TAR; the interracial couple. Here’s a sneak peek at Dexter season 4:

Monday, September 28

• Trauma (NBC)
• Lie to Me (FOX)

Shows Starting in October:

• Ugly Betty (ABC)
• Southland (NBC)
• Private Practice (ABC)
• Stargate Universe
• 30 Rock

Shows Starting Later:

• V
• 24
• Lost

Here is my Three Tivo Fall Schedule:

Sundays

8pm – The Amazing Race

9pm – Desperate Housewives, Dexter

10pm – Cold Case

Monday

8pm – Heroes

9pm – Trauma

Tuesday

8pm – So You Think You Can Dance

9pm – NCIS: Los Angeles, Melrose Place

10pm – The Good Wife, The Forgotten

Wednesday

8pm – So You Think You Can Dance

9pm – Criminal Minds, Glee, Law and Order: SVU

10pm – Eastwick

Thursday

8pm – Survivor, Flash Forward, Vampire Diaries

9pm – Grey’s Anatomy, Supernatural, CSI, Bones

10pm – Private Practice, The Mentalist

Friday

8pm – Smallville

9pm – Ugly Betty, Southland, Medium

So, what shows are you most looking forward to? Also, I have quite a few empty slots. What should I be watching that I’m not? What’s your favorite returning show and what show are you going to miss that didn’t get pick up this year?