Shame on Arizona, especially after ALL Callie has done for her during her recovery and self-consciousness about her leg. YET, she was more than ready to strip down and get naked in front of Dr. Snake in the Grass! I was shocked and only the lightening strike and subsequent darkness saved it from being a totally "icky" moment. OK, so let's say they break up...Callie and Owen fall in love and have the baby he so desperately wants, Alex finally gets with JO! Maybe Christina and Arizona hook up? NO, that's not gonna happen but I sure am looking forward to next week and in the midst of all that chaos, a baby will be born who will also have her name on the hospital. Greys Anatomy continues its run of excellence even though Scandal is keeping Shonda busy! She certainly has a gift for writing compelling characters. Rollercoaster ride, indeed and just let me say, Thanks!
I've always been rooting for Kensi and Deeks, but to be honest, I think she is a little leery of him even though she is clearly in a sort of "fascination phase!" But is he mature enough, serious enough and is he really smart and just playing the fool or the other way around. I say they both have what the other needs and it's taking a VERY long time to get the fuse, much less get it lit...but one of these days, it's gonna happen and it's going to be one HOT sexy scene when they finally let go. But wait, there are 5 other main characters and I love 'em all. Plenty o' fodder in "NCIS Los Angeles" for two or three more seasons at least!
The orgasm of the evening was definitely Rayna's awakening to her true feelings for Deacon and of course their ultimate "embrace." It was a long time coming but worth every minute of the wait. It's obvious they are meant for one another and don't deserve having any other obstacles in their way; unfortunately, that isn't how things usually go in these nighttime soap operas. And what's happened to all the great music and wonderful moments we were treated to at the beginning of the season. Let's see Scarlett blossom under Rayna's tutelage and "geesh, I hope Will wasn't simply introduced to get Gunnar drunk and make a pass at him? It's far more interesting to have him help Gunnar find his way on stage and own the talent he possesses. As for Juliette...she's young, troubled and NOT a very good person, nor is she as smart as she thinks. Hopefully she will do a little growing up and not find herself inhabiting the "bitter road." It's a terrible place to be and success will not continue to fall in her lap without a change in her. I just hope everyone meets their challenges with great music whether they win or not. Nashville is the music capital...so let's hear it from the inside please!
The Following was creepy enough to pique my interest, and "scary-horror" is not that easy to do on television. But in the end, it totally lost its focus and I found the finale rather unsatisfying in many ways. OK, so Joe's dead..or at least we think he is dead but I could come up with a hundred ways he could have escaped and left the tell-tale signs of his demise, so we shall see. But now Ryan's dead or injured, along with Clair and agent Parker did not live to see another day (or show)...though her death scene was well-lit, airless and creepy to be sure. What's to come? For the life of me, I cannot imagine but there's still that deep yearning to be scared and watch something that truly creeps me out. Like our reviewer, I'm in for season two but only so long as they get a firm grip on what they're doing and stop with the implausible and "out of tune." Here's to better writing for what was a GREAT cast of characters.
Snow missed her opportunity to rid the world of evil, even if it would have been a heavy burden to bear...the good would certainly have outweighed the bad, but alas, now the moment has passed and there's just no telling what's in store. It's like on "The Following," and there's seldom a second opportunity to make things right, especially when the devil is centered in your cross hairs and you fail to pull the trigger. There is NO hope for Regina. Her mother ruined her and it's too late for someone who cannot face the truth, or simply refuses to do so. The problem is she "thinks" she's doing the right thing for all the right reasons...but she is wrong, wrong wrong!
How is it possible that Don Draper cannot see what a hypocrite he is? Even back then it's just so hard to sit by and have him not support his wife in her career and a silly "on-screen" love scene when he's cheating on her with her good "friend" down the hall. Makes me see RED and usually it is Cristina that does that. Last night's episode did show us (gratefully), just how far we have come with race relations...at least in most part of the country. It was practically eerie to see how uncomfortable everyone was (on both sides)and how difficult it was knowing how to help comfort those in pain. And hindsight has made the loss of Dr. King much worse than we ever imagined. We need him in the world today. At least his words are still resonating in our hate-filled world. We need more...
What's up with Finn? Who is he and who has he become? Shouldn't he have a little more "direction" in his life or is he only destined to be Rachel's puppy dog? Plus, a "mad" Finn is just not his style and I don't see him holding a grudge. This character is way out of focus...don't you think?
I have to agree that last night's debut was disappointing and in the end, a little boring, too. Geesh...did I really say that about Mad Men? As happy as I was "to see" everyone again, it just seemed more of the same ole same ole if you know what I mean? And I was shaking my head a lot, too. Was Don even capable of having a good time in Hawaii..and yeah, it must have been hard for Megan to get away (just imagine the thought of having him all to yourself and having him pay attention to you). Well, that's not really happening as we know now. Hmmm...shouldn't an ad man know what a vacation in Hawaii at a top hotel should feel like, especially after being given the 5 Star treatment by hotel execs? I will say that his tan looked good, and perhaps Mr. Ham has never looked better, but alas, he's still a mess. And what DOES Roger do at that agency? The "ad campaign" was fun to look at and imagine the many psychotic possibilities behind it,as were the photographs revealing of each character's pluses and minuses. Betty was also high on crack..or something wandering around NYC's lower east side waaaay before it became trendy. Surprised she wasn't murdered at best and does she not have anything better to do...like take care of her own daughter? Or maybe she had more of a connection with that girl than her own flesh and blood. Who and why was that violin playing girl there? Huh? Perplexed at the cross country skis as well. Do you really think some doctor was cross skiing to surgery back in the 60's? Maybe they were but I had a hard time with that....and then Don just leaves Megan upstairs alone (on New Year's Eve) and goes to his mistresses bedroom while the doc skis away? Really? I'm hoping next week won't be so..I don't know...odd? No..I know-let's hope it gets better, to coin a phrase!
SMASH "finally" returned last night with a great hour of music and production values worthy of Broadway. The story line deepened as well and there's much to consider between all of the talented characters and intrigue abounds. Karen definitely received the short end of the stick last night, but I think she's secure in who she is and someone who is genuinely happy for Anna. Ultimately, there should be a place for BOTH of them which would only make the show stronger. Of course there is a long way to go before that happens. I don't know about anyone else, but I am still haunted by Leigh's delivery of the "moon song," and the interplay between Mom and Daughter both literally and figuratively (very interesting concept even if it is driving Ivy NUTS. Nevertheless, Ivy was particularly mesmerizing in that scene as she stood motionless on stage fully embracing Marilyn's pain. So, hats off to Smash for an outstanding episode and we really need things like this on television! In the wake of so many cuts to the "arts" in our school systems, it's more important than ever that we have music and dance on prime time, not just as part of an awards show, but as the heart and soul of a "drama" on Network Television. I pray, sing and dance that Smash will see a season 4 and that it continues on the path of excellence set in last night's episode. I'll be watching on Saturday because I know that all of the ingredients are there- they just need to be used correctly and with the same aplomb and passion we see...and love, on Broadway. Bravo NBC!
Well said Jeff S! The incompetent police work is staggering, and if they're not inept enough then the writers just make everyone involved a part of the cult...so, agents become killers, policemen are "followers" and so on and so on. Still, we watch and as I've mentioned before, the show is often truly "creepy" and jump out of your seat scary-though I couldn't help but wonder why on earth everyone would split up at night inside that warehouse and wander around on their own with only a flashlight? Uuuuuhhh, what evil lurks 'round every corner? The shadowy faces in the background were frightening but if you are going to be that stupid and walk around by yourself in the dark with all those KILLERS on the loose...well, you get what I'm sayin'? So why DO we watch when it continues to be more of the same? Well, for one, Joe is definitely charismatic, handsome and full of intrigue, but that can only go so far and its limits are being tested. Kevin Bacon wants to be interesting but they keep putting roadblocks in his way-either let him be ab FBI agent or just go rogue! Geesh. And if Joe is going to control everything then we do not have an adversary...so let the FBI or somebody step up their game and win one or two of these situations, please. It's like the more we know, the less interesting it has become. And you kill off Jacob's boyfriend, one of the most compelling members of the cult?? Surely Molly will not get to kill Ryan, and I would hope that he just might "get a clue" at some point? Roderick is GAME ON and he just might be stealing the show, so give him more to do. There's an entire episode or two in that face. The writers need to let it loose and not lose the "seed" that got us interested in the first place. If they don't, I'm afraid there may be even more viewers pulling away and there's no lack of things to watch on Monday night. Get to work and let someone succeed besides Joe and his silly band of followers. There's so much there, just waiting to come out...isn't there?
Of course the chat was not only surprising but advantageous to them both. I suppose that's the way it happens on Broadway to an extent, but I firmly believe most actors, and directors included are far more professional than they are "divas" in their jobs because in NYC there's someone for every position literally knocking on the door willing and READY to take over...so let's not get too carried away with these shenanigans. Karen and Jimmy...finally but there's going to be a price to be paid for this "coming together," no pun intended (I don't think)? Glad to be rid of the other period show...period, and thank goodness everything is on track for both shows. It's never easy to get anything done on Broadway, or even Off-Broadway and I'm enjoying the difference between the two and rooting for them both. "Let's put on a show" should be a compelling piece of television in this day and age, but Smash is not always hitting its marks. All the talent is there, and every now and then a truly great song shows up, but some of the staging is beyond banal. Where are all the talented choreographers? Why not give several of them a chance and let us see some really stunning work from really creative people who understand Broadway AND television. Even the sound mixing is a little lack-luster from time to time, not doing anyone any favors...but I'm a FAN and I want this show to succeed. Just seems to me that they aren't really taking advantage of all the BROADWAY TALENT that's out there, just as Hollywood does when it produces a musical. Wasn't that long ago that Tommy Tune, one of the most brilliant director/choreographers ever, opted out of directing the movie of "Best Little Wh***house in Texas," for just those kind of "Hollywood" reasons...err, I mean casting. Well, you get the point. IF this show is to succeed, it needs talent in all departments and they only have to look just outside their stage door to find it. I hope they find 'em fast cuz they're needed. Smash has potential and it could be SO much better...for real.
Though I like this series, and have even jumped out of my seat a few times, it nevertheless seems to keep us from ever feeling any "joy" or sense of accomplishment. It's very One-sided or "joe" sided and I mean, I'd like the writers to throw us a l'l somethin' every now and then except having everyone and anyone be a part of the following. You can't win when everything is stacked against you and it would be nice to feel there's a fighting chance? And then Claire flies out of Ryan's arms and right into the car of her captors. Now what? Mummy, Daddy and son make three? and work on a fourth? OY! Give me a break and why on earth won't the FBI give him a break? Or at least be able to protect their "target" which they were totally inept at doing, were it not for Ryan's help. I like where Nate's at and he has the perfect look for preppy-cute but uh-oh crazy now...and that's intriguing. Finally, someone else HAS got to run the show, at least in part, besides Joe. C'mon everyone can't be a follower.
OMG, I did not know that was Annette O'Toole? And does anyone else know that one of the interns is played by Debby Boone's (You Light Up My Life) daughter? Look for her-it's pretty easy to see the resemblance. But HOORAY for Grey-Sloan Memorial and it's compelling cast of characters, not to mention Shonda Rhimes deft hand at combining humor with pathos and medical wizardry. What fun it must be to have these amazing actors/characters and fill their minds and mouths with words each week. She KNOWS just who they are and never disappoints. In fact, it's amazing just how much we really DO care about these people and life is never easy at "the hospital." I couldn't have lved the "carnival" rant any more and man oh man, that girl is going to worry herself silly over whether to...or not to! The best line was, "God must have put him in front of you because he wants you to lead him to the carnival!" Right...as if God had anything to do with human relationships other than mess them up (just my opinion, but seriously). Callie is amazing and by the way, Jessica Capshaw is Stephen Spielberg's step-daughter...and hats off to her for making her obstacles so fully realized. As a couple, they have THE best relationship other than McDreamy and Meredith. All I want is a happy, healthy pregnancy and delivery. Take the drama anywhere but there. I just don't think I could take it. So, that being said, this episode really brought home just how hard it's going to be to run the hospital and how everyone is coming for something. Best of all however, it didn't take our dear Christina any time at all to figure out who was holding the reins of power and how best to use them to her own advantage. Right on Doc!
Chilling to the bone, is what I think and everyone is exposed and raw. What will stop the bleeding and when can Olivia get back to being superwoman who fights for right and wrong, even if she fights dirty...And yes, Huck is letting Quinn make rookie mistakes for whatever reason. Now she's going to be in real trouble and I just don't know if Olivia will be around to save her? After all she's been through, maybe a LONG vacation is just what she needs? Unfortunately, that sort of vacation is deadly!Gotta say that Kerry Washington rocks this role like no one else! How could you not want to watch this show???
Hmmm...well, first of all Glee is a "musical show," never destined to be the single girls guide to living in NYC or really much of anything other than high school and the celebration of "difference." On that level Glee succeeds very well and I sincerely hope that it is helping youngster realize we are all different and equally deserving of a place on this planet and most definitely in High School! However this season Glee has not always been up to par with its musical choices, choreography and the production of its numbers...until last night! I don't know if it was because ALL of those songs were one of my guilty pleasures, or it all just worked as well as I thought? At any rate, I thought it was one of the more successful shows in every way and I particularly enjoyed the arrangements, choreography (how much fun was it watching Jake dance to "It's my Prerogative)? and the production vales of every scene. I say well done and the producers should be proud for finding their footing as well as a subject that really worked for the all too important musical aspect of the show-without it, I'm out, but I was definitely a Gleek for every number and every cast member last night. In the famous words of the late Donna Summer, "More, more, more!
Let's just talk about what a good actor Warren Kole is, not to mention a face that's made for double-entendre! I'm sure the story line has always been focusing on him, as we first heard all about "this Roderick" before meeting him. I'm not one to jump in fear, but The following manages to produce its fair share of "fright" in each episode. I look for Roderick to smirk his way all the way to the finale, and that's bound to be mind-boggling. Violence on television is alive and well, to be sure!
Eli is a problem of the first degree and methinks Emily will focus on this problem until she figures out the BEST possible solution. My, my she's a very busy girl and so is Nolan (really) now that he has a little competition in the ever-changing world of hacking! Jack needs a Xanax, send Daniel off to rehab his personality and somebody puhleeze get the Graysons, or at least get in their way. They have a very special knack for getting out of even the stickiest situations, but like Rome..they're sure to fall-right??
Wait a minute everybody...this episode was downright awesome. The special effects on the opening number in that incredible 1920's Erte' filled room were incredible, as well as the black and white. Kurt and Blaine's rooftop number was as poetic and romantic as anything in Moulin Rouge and much more beautifully sung...oohwee that Kurt can sing some soprano lines! Footloose was really fun and I particularly liked the styling and the mash-ups were GREAT. I mean...really-what more could you expect from a television show? That was no small feat to shoot, edit and produce...by the way! Close to miraculous I would say...okayyyy?
I agree that the musical numbers were perhaps the weakest part of this episode, but I love all the intrigue and getting to see all the "ins and outs" of what it's like to mount a show, including how wrong producers can be with their decisions. Case in point, Sean Hayes. Now, I like Sean Hayes, but that performance (regardless of where it came from) was worse than vaudeville. Did some director really ask him to play it like that? He's so much better than that, though it really did demonstrate just how good Ivy can be when she wants to rely on her acting chops! Karen of course is another immense talent, and the camera loves her whether she's dressed up or down, blonde or brunette. Yes, Kyle is in love with Jimmy but we all know that's not going anywhere, so it seems Jimmy and Karen are destined to be together. I'm excited about the prospect of two hit musicals from totally different points of view and wildly different talents both finding their way into our homes via Smash, a show that deserves its place in prime time. There's really nothing like it and with the arts and music being cut from so many school programs at an alarming pace, it's more important than ever to have a show like this on the air. It's the kind of show that can build dreams in our youth and entertain adults at the same time. Years from now, those drams just may come true because of Smash and though I know that it's expensive to produce, I hope NBC realizes it is money well spent and there are plenty of us out here who really enjoy it. Yes, it can be better and I'm only too eager for that to happen...and I'm sure that given a chance to succeed...it will. Break a Leg!
I agree that the musical numbers were perhaps the weakest part of this episode, but I love all the intrigue and getting to see all the "ins and outs" of what it's like to mount a show, including how wrong producers can be with their decisions. Case in point, Sean Hayes. Now, I like Sean Hayes, but that performance (regardless of where it came from) was worse than vaudeville. Did some director really ask him to play it like that? He's so much better than that, though it really did demonstrate just how good Ivy can be when she wants to rely on her acting chops! Karen of course is another story and the camera loves her no whether she's dressed up or down, blonde or brunette. Yes, Kyle is in love with Jimmy but we all know that's not going anywhere, so it seems Jimmy and Karen are destined to be together. I'm excited about the prospect of two hit musicals coming from totally different points of view and talent will both find their way into our homes via Smash, a show that deserves its place in prime time. There's really nothing like it and with the arts and music being cut from so many school programs, it's more important than ever to have a show like this on the air. It's the kind of show that can build dreams in our youth and entertain adults at the same time. Years from now, those drams just might come true because of Smash and though I know that it's expensive to produce, I hope NBC realizes it is money well spent and there are plenty of us out here who really enjoy it. Yes, it can be better and I'm only too eager for that to happen...and I'm sure that given a chance to succeed...it will. Break a Leg!
Shut up Julia and start acting like a professional. Not only is it unbecoming but everyone in the business knows that there are hundreds of other people ready to break down the door and take your position when you don't give it everything you got and "getting along" is a BIG part of any production and it's important to remember that NO ONE is irreplaceable! It was fun to hear that one song from the WIZ that little Stephanie Mills made so famous...but let's get real here; Diana Ross ruined the movie because of her age and Jennifer Hudson, though younger is still no Dorothy (still trying to imagine a 6' tall Dorothy) so, good riddance to that and now who's going to be starring in what? Everybody's got talent but to me, this is Katharine McPhee's year to shine and come into her own...and I'm glued to my seat in anticipation! Now that Glee has lost its way along with its luster, SMASH is must see television for all of the "Broadwayphiles" and music fans out there...and I'm betting there are plenty of both! Kudos to Jennifer Hudson for taking on this project and becoming part of the story. She's certainly got it all goin' on...too!
I agree there was a LOT going on both visually and dramatically during Downton's closing of Season 3. Just the sight of those two perfectly matched black carriage horses, each with a perfect white stripe traveling the length of their faces and of course 8 perfectly white stockings on their elevated hooves. One can only pause a scene like that and stare in wonder at what's before you. It's easy to take much of the "scenery" for granted but we are quite privileged indeed to see the lengths the producers of this show will go to reproduce upper-class Britain at its finest. Fortunately, equal time is given to the script and character development and I am unashamed to admit I harbor deep feelings for many of the Downton characters, among whom Mrs. Hughes is at the top of the list. I did not know Dan Stevens was leaving and his death came as quite a surprise and I had a difficult time with it, wondering if it really rang true (especially so soon after Sybill's death), but nevertheless was sad for the loss...for Mary, their new son and for the whole family who loved him. I believe Isobel may reconsider the good doctor after this revelation; in fact, how is everyone, including the downstairs going to handle this? It's not going to be easy for Tom now that Matthew is gone and I am quite sure that Rose is going to throw a wrench into just about everything at Downton unless someone (the Dowager) finally gets her under control. I have moments of a love/hate relationship with her so we shall see and it all simply cannot come soon enough for me. Along with the very different "Homeland," Downton Abbey is a real winner for television and Masterpiece Theatre. Anyone else see that their next show revolves around the man who created Selfridges? Not Harrodd's but silly ole Selfridges-I lived there for 15 years and never thought of Selfridges as any part of the landed aristocracy. I guess we'll soon find out if that story holds any interst for us Downton fan s, won't we? one of the just before the demise or
Scarlett and Gunnar are obviously in the regrettable position of playing second fiddle to the two leads, Juliette and Rayna. In that position, I'm not sure if it's possible for them to escape from semi-obscurity, even though there duo (OK trio w/brother) was the musical highlight of the night. I really like their duets, especially when they're on the softer side and her voice is a stand out...period! I literally gasped when I saw the gun in Jason's bag as I had been lulled into believing (again) that he had changed and was on the right side of the tracks. I really wanted Scarlett to put her foot down and refuse to harbor a fugitive from justice, but after that sob story and jaw-dropping revelation, what could she do but say yes? Yet another reason why that talented duo is going to be kept down and out, and this time I bet it's going to be the kind of trouble that just won't go away. Now, what was with Rayna missing her cue? Was she having a panic attack? Pining for her husband and family or what? That lost me, and Deacon has no right to get up in her face about anything, though I'm thin king that will sort it self out soon enough (and the sooner the better), but how's Liam going to react? He needs to be played like a fiddle to make sure he sticks around to produce her new album, so Rayna has her hands full in more ways than one. I was thinking the other day that Rayna really should have been played by Faith Hill, right? Not that I don't like this gal, but it just feels like Faith though I'm sure the likelihood of her accepting the role would have been slim to none? Well, we got two weeks to mull all this over. Let's see how Smash fares in comparison...
It's really SO great when you can grab a gun and shoot someone that simply gone too far! I'll admit to a moment of shock before I realized it was after all Victoria with the gun in her hand...of course she was going to shoot, it was the only resolution to a bad situation! Don't make Victoria mad-we all know better! I did believe that Aiden was gone for good and somehow blamed Emily for his sister's death, so it was a relief to see him on the hill (very much like Heathcliff in "Wuthering Heights," by the way)and just at the moment when Emily was weakest and fraught with grief over the finality of of losing her childhood love. And everyone is is very happy, sailing off into the sunset on that beautiful boat...yet we are sure even before we see the stowaway that all will NOT be well. That was a great close to an even better episode and a worthy cliffhanger that bodes well for next week!
I think I love all these comments as much as I enjoy Downton itself! It's simply amazing how this series literally imprints these personalities upon us and we care as if they were our own. We revel in their achievements and cheer them on when things aren't going their way, and most of all we see the similarities in all of them whether "upstairs or downstairs." I DO think that more modern sensibilities played a role in how well Thomas was accepted, but that's really after all exactly how we want people to be. If we could only practice that in our own lives and in all the world, this planet would be a far, far better place. In spite of all the drama, wonderfully catty remarks by the Duchess, and the many lives of privilege, it would not be a bad thing if in the end Downton Abbey taught us all a great deal more civility and kindness. Perhaps that is the lesson from a wonderful and long lost past? All I can say is why must it end so soon!!!
Royal Pains
Franklin & Bash
Necessary Roughness
Comments by TV!Garth
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