Golden Globe Winners & Thoughts

The Golden Globes were pretty entertaining tonight. Ricky Gervais did a solid job hosting, and they rushed it along nicely. I can’t say I was blown away like I am at the Oscars, but I digress. There were some unexpected winners, some great surprises (some not so good), so below is a list of the TV nominations (minus mini-series) and my thoughts.

Best Television Series-Drama

• Big Love
• Dexter
• House
• Mad Men
• True Blood

I thought this was a category with very deserving nominees. Mad Men is a good show, so I’m not surprised. Wow, sorry for the lack of insightful comments about Best Drama.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series-Drama

• Glenn Close, “Damages”
• January Jones, “Mad Men”
• Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife”
• Anna Paquin, “True Blood”
• Kyra Sedgwick, “The Closer”

I originally thought Anna Paquin or Kyra Sedgwick would take home this award, both of whom I love. However, I was absolutely thrilled to see Julianna Margulies take home her first Golden Globe win. She is phenomenal as Alicia Florrick on The Good Wife, and I am so glad the show is returning for a second season.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series-Drama

• Simon Baker, “The Mentalist”
• Michael C. Hall, “Dexter”
• Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”
• Hugh Laurie, “House”
• Bill Paxton, “Big Love”

I kind of thought Jon Hamm or Hugh Laurie would win (as tradition dictates) but Michael C. Hall is certainly great in Dexter.
Best Television Series-Comedy or Musical

• 30 Rock
• Entourage
• Glee
• Modern Family
• The Office

Whew. So you all know my feelings about Glee, right? This moment was probably the best one of the entire awards show for me. The cast was dressed beautifully, Ryan Murphy made a wonderful speech and most importantly, then won! The only thing better would have been if they broke out into song on stage! That said, Modern Family is still amazing in my eyes and well-deserving too but I think it will have its time. This has been Glee’s year, and I think there are many more nominations and wins to come. With the talent pool that they have, who knows what the future holds! It has been a pleasure watching this show from the beginning, and I can’t wait to see more!

Best Actress in a Television Series, Comedy or Musical

• Toni Collette, “United States of Tara”
• Courteney Cox, “Cougar Town”
• Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
• Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie”
• Lea Michele, “Glee”

I was very disappointed Lea Michele didn’t take home the win. I was pretty confident Tina Fey would take home the award but Toni Colette was a bit of a surprise. She’s fantastic, but I wasn’t expecting it.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series-Comedy or Musical

• Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
• Steve Carell, “The Office”
• David Duchovny, “Californication”
• Thomas Jane, “Hung”
• Matthew Morrison, “Glee”

For this award, I didn’t think Glee was snubbed. I love Matthew Morrison, but I kind of figured Alec Baldwin would win. Steve Carell is a genius though and I would have liked to see him win.
Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

• Jane Adams, “Hung”
• Rose Byrne, “Damages”
• Jane Lynch, “Glee”
• Janet McTeer, “Into the Storm”
• Chloe Sevigny, “Big Love”

Many critics have been a-twitter about Jane Lynch being robbed. Here’s what I think: It’s a tough category. Supporting Actress for some reason is lumped together in terms of Drama and Comedy, and I’m not sure that’s the right way to do it. Jane Lynch deserved to win, hands down. She is a comedic genius who has showed her diverse talent in film, television and plays alike. Sue Sylvester is an amazing character who she plays with such tenacity. I can’t say enough good things about her, and I wish she had won. I am not going to say Sevigny isn’t good in “Big Love.” I am glad that Lynch (and Lea and Matthew) had their big moment when the ensemble won, but I was disappointed she didn’t win this award, too.
Best Supporting Actor, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

• Michael Emerson, “Lost”
• Neil Patrick Harris, “How I Met Your Mother”
• William Hurt, “Damages”
• John Lithgow, “Dexter”
• Jeremy Piven, “Entourage”

I had a feeling Lithgow would win, because he was great on Dexter. But, there was a big part of me rooting for NPH to be awarded for his brilliant portrayal of Barney Stinson.

Overall, I am mostly happy. Glee won, even if the actors didn’t. It was a night where new and old shows were honored, and I was glad to see so many great nominees. What are your thoughts? Who did you want to win? Who was snubbed?

Golden Globe Award Winners & Thoughts

The Golden Globes were pretty entertaining tonight. Ricky Gervais did a solid job hosting, and they rushed it along nicely. I can’t say I was blown away like I am at the Oscars, but I digress. There were some unexpected winners, some great surprises (some not so good), so below is a list of the TV nominations (minus mini-series) and my thoughts.

Best Television Series-Drama

• Big Love
• Dexter
• House
• Mad Men
• True Blood

I thought this was a category with very deserving nominees. Mad Men is a good show, so I’m not surprised. Wow, sorry for the lack of insightful comments about Best Drama.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series-Drama

• Glenn Close, “Damages”
• January Jones, “Mad Men”
• Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife”
• Anna Paquin, “True Blood”
• Kyra Sedgwick, “The Closer”

I originally thought Anna Paquin or Kyra Sedgwick would take home this award, both of whom I love. However, I was absolutely thrilled to see Julianna Margulies take home her first Golden Globe win. She is phenomenal as Alicia Florrick on The Good Wife, and I am so glad the show is returning for a second season.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series-Drama

• Simon Baker, “The Mentalist”
• Michael C. Hall, “Dexter”
• Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”
• Hugh Laurie, “House”
• Bill Paxton, “Big Love”

I kind of thought Jon Hamm or Hugh Laurie would win (as tradition dictates) but Michael C. Hall is certainly great in Dexter.
Best Television Series-Comedy or Musical

• 30 Rock
• Entourage
• Glee
• Modern Family
• The Office

Whew. So you all know my feelings about Glee, right? This moment was probably the best one of the entire awards show for me. The cast was dressed beautifully, Ryan Murphy made a wonderful speech and most importantly, then won! The only thing better would have been if they broke out into song on stage! That said, Modern Family is still amazing in my eyes and well-deserving too but I think it will have its time. This has been Glee’s year, and I think there are many more nominations and wins to come. With the talent pool that they have, who knows what the future holds! It has been a pleasure watching this show from the beginning, and I can’t wait to see more!

Best Actress in a Television Series, Comedy or Musical

• Toni Collette, “United States of Tara”
• Courteney Cox, “Cougar Town”
• Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
• Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie”
• Lea Michele, “Glee”

I was very disappointed Lea Michele didn’t take home the win. I was pretty confident Tina Fey would take home the award but Toni Colette was a bit of a surprise. She’s fantastic, but I wasn’t expecting it.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series-Comedy or Musical

• Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
• Steve Carell, “The Office”
• David Duchovny, “Californication”
• Thomas Jane, “Hung”
• Matthew Morrison, “Glee”

For this award, I didn’t think Glee was snubbed. I love Matthew Morrison, but I kind of figured Alec Baldwin would win. Steve Carell is a genius though and I would have liked to see him win.
Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

• Jane Adams, “Hung”
• Rose Byrne, “Damages”
• Jane Lynch, “Glee”
• Janet McTeer, “Into the Storm”
• Chloe Sevigny, “Big Love”

Many critics have been a-twitter about Jane Lynch being robbed. Here’s what I think: It’s a tough category. Supporting Actress for some reason is lumped together in terms of Drama and Comedy, and I’m not sure that’s the right way to do it. Jane Lynch deserved to win, hands down. She is a comedic genius who has showed her diverse talent in film, television and plays alike. Sue Sylvester is an amazing character who she plays with such tenacity. I can’t say enough good things about her, and I wish she had won. I am not going to say Sevigny isn’t good in “Big Love.” I am glad that Lynch (and Lea and Matthew) had their big moment when the ensemble won, but I was disappointed she didn’t win this award, too.
Best Supporting Actor, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

• Michael Emerson, “Lost”
• Neil Patrick Harris, “How I Met Your Mother”
• William Hurt, “Damages”
• John Lithgow, “Dexter”
• Jeremy Piven, “Entourage”

I had a feeling Lithgow would win, because he was great on Dexter. But, there was a big part of me rooting for NPH to be awarded for his brilliant portrayal of Barney Stinson.

Overall, I am mostly happy. Glee won, even if the actors didn’t. It was a night where new and old shows were honored, and I was glad to see so many great nominees. What are your thoughts? Who did you want to win? Who was snubbed?

Best Actor in a Television Series, Comedy or Musical

Alec Baldwin

’30 Rock’

Steve Carell

‘The Office’

Thomas Jane

‘Hung’

David Duchovny

‘Californication’

Matthew Morrison

‘Glee’

Watch Southland Tonight: Extended 1st Season Premiere

Southland was canceled by NBC in the whole Leno mess (whew boy), but was picked up by TNT. It’s a great cop drama that let’s viewers get an inside look at the lives and cases of a Los Angeles police force. The show stars Ben MacKenzie (The O.C.), Regina King, and Michael Cudlitz. It really wasn’t given enough of a chance on NBC, so I’m glad it has found a new home. TNT is handling the show in a very unique (and great) way. Tonight they are airing the first season premiere, with about six minutes of never-before-seen footage. In addition, every Tuesday night, TNT will air each subsequent episode from the first season of Southland. This is a great way for the network to gain new fans of the show, and for old fans to re-watch the season or catch up.

And beginning Tuesday, March 2nd at 10 pm, TNT will air six new episodes. So if this was a show that interested you but you never had a chance to watch (the cast is fantastic!), you have the opportunity tonight. And because the fate of the show might be unknown, you might just help it get another season. Southland is a great drama that doesn’t feel formulaic or overdone, so tune in tonight at 10 pm on TNT to see what all the buzz is about.

ADVANCE REVIEW: Season 3 Premiere of Chuck

Chuck is back! No more Mr. Nice Spy!! I had mentioned earlier that I was sort of a casual Chuck viewer, but this season is not to miss. I am a Chuck convert, and I’m so excited for the return! When last we left Chuck, he suddenly had new powers (due to the Intersect 2.0), he and Sarah were in love, and all seemed pretty good in Bartowski-world.

The season premiere picks up where they left off. Chuck Bartowski is trying to embrace his new role as a spy. He is slowly grasping his new powers with the Intersect 2.0, and suddenly knows kung fu, how to play musical instruments, and get out of the stickiest situations. But what makes Chuck the character we adore, is not his Intersect powers. At heart, Chuck is still that lovable nerd from Buy More who is head over heels for Sarah. And it’s those things that make Chuck who he is, that can interfere with his ability to perform as a spy. If he can’t flash (Intersect 2.0 lingo that means to gain the information to do those aforementioned crazy things), he risks failing at a mission. And he can’t flash when he gets nervous or upset or scared or shows any sort of emotions. And let’s face it, if you are at risk of being beat up, you probably would get scared too.

Chuck Behind-The-Scenes Video Preview

I have to admit, I was an on/off again Chuck viewer…until now. I loved the show but it was more of a watch on the DVR later kind of deal, instead of a can’t miss. It had been in danger of cancellation several times, maybe because of people like me? But when I received the screener for the first 5 episodes, I was thrilled to dig in. I am now a total Chuck convert, a member of the Nerd Herd, a fan of Jeffster, a lover of all things Dr. Awesome…you name it. (I’m sorry if I ever doubted you, Chuck! Never again!) The third season is full of great plot lines (Intersect 2.0 action), the continuing love drama between Sarah and Chuck, and bringing true meaning to the new show slogan “No More Mr. Nice Spy.”

On Sunday, I will be posting my advance review of the 3rd season premiere, but I thought in the meantime, you might enjoy a behind-the-scenes video preview of the upcoming season.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Be sure to check back on Sunday, January 10th for my advance review of the 3rd season premiere. Also, you really should be watching Chuck. It’s fantastic. Tune in on Sunday at 9 pm on NBC, and then again on Monday at 8 pm. It’s a two hour Chuck premiere event!

ADVANCE REVIEW – Life Unexpected & Video Preview

After a slew of hit and miss shows from the CW for the new season, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Life Unexpected. I received the pilot back in September, and was floored. There was no release date at the time, so I decided to wait to share the greatness. It is one of the best shows/pilots I have seen in a long time. You can absolutely tell is a well-thought out, passion project. It reminded me of Gilmore Girls. It is quirky, sweet, funny at times, but most of all, it just has a lot of heart.

The show centers around Lux (Britt Robertson) who has decided to emancipate herself from foster care at 16. This process leads her to her biological father Nate “Baze” Bazile (Kris Polaha from Mad Men) and her biological mother Cate Cassidy (Shiri Appleby from ER and Roswell). Baze owns a bar and lives above it, and is stuck almost in a state of arrested development–friends with a bunch of frat boys and waking up every day at noon. Cate is a local radio star of a show called “Morning Madness” (which Lux listens to every morning) with her partner and off-air boyfriend Ryan Thomas (Kerr Smith aka Jack from Dawson’s Creek). Through unforseen legal decisions (a judge grants Cate and Baze joint custody), their world becomes interconnected, and Lux ends up with the parents she never knew she had.

REVIEW: Mid-Season Premiere of Make It Or Break It: “The Eleventh Hour”

As you all know, I am very excited about the return of Make It Or Break It. When I visited the set back in October, they were filming “The Eleventh Hour.” They were very hush-hush about spoilers and such, but I did get to see Payson in her back brace, and a little bit of the scene from last night with Payson and her mom and Becca. I have to say, I loved this premiere. When I spoke with Ayla, she said that it was when she let her face drop, where you could see that she was really hurting despite her cool facade. She was absolutely right, and Payson went through some tough moments in the premiere, which were all acted beautifully.

The episode centered around Payson…her grief, her friends, her struggles. At the same time however, Kaylie is struggling with being the new National Champion. She hired a manager and now her time is taken up with media appearances, parades and distractions. Kaylie also feels extremely guilty for winning the National Championship, because Payson would have won if it wasn’t for her injury. Payson plays everything off like it’s fine, and she is doing great, but it is clear she isn’t. Her sister Becca wants to watch the parade with The Rock gymnasts, which turns into a painful moment for Payson who feels she should have been there. But she still insists everything is fine.

ADVANCE REVIEW: Biggest Loser Season 9 Premiere

The Biggest Loser returns tonight, and let me say, it is BIG. Each year, the show claims they have the biggest contestant in Biggest Loser history. This year, there is a contestant that weighs in at over 500 pounds. Personally, I think that the ones who have the chance to win are the middle of the road contestants (weight-wise) but I count on Jillian and Bob to change all of their lives.

As with every Biggest Loser screener, I don’t know who gets voted off (so don’t worry, no big spoilers). The show starts off with the teams meeting Ali. It is a Couples edition, but there are cousins, brothers, spouses and parent/children teams. Before their first challenge (which involves a lot of stationary bike riding and sweating), the teams are told that the first place finisher earns immunity, and the last two teams to finish are going to be sent home before even meeting the trainers. I was a bit shocked by this twist, but it’s not Biggest Loser if it’s not filled with ridiculous game changers.

CATCHING UP MIDSEASON: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW SERIES: Ayla Kell (Payson Keeler) from Make It Or Break It

Anyone who reads this site knows that I absolutely adore Make It Or Break It, and all ABC Family programming. I love gymnastics (I am a former gymnast), and when I received word of this show, I was thrilled. It premiered last summer and its large fan base helped it come back for another (half) season. The show has more than lived up to my high expectations. It is a look into the world of elite gymnastics, but even more than that, it’s a great drama with wonderful, interesting characters. I recently had the chance to visit the amazing set of the show (I even got to step foot in The Rock), and speak with the creator, executive producer and the cast members. It was a fantastic visit and I’m so excited to finally be able to share with you all of the interviews. Ayla Kell, who plays Payson Keeler, was someone I was most looking forward to speaking to because of how the season finale ended. Payson gets severely injured and is told that she cannot compete in gymnastics ever again. When I caught up with her, she was incredibly sweet and candid, and we discussed everything from filming emotional scenes to what’s next for Payson.

So the last we saw of Payson was a really emotional scene between you and Peri. How hard was it to film that scene?
I have to say, it was great fun for me. We had a wonderful director on that one who did my coverage first, so we did one take. So I didn’t have to pump it out over and over and over. I think that’s one of the hardest things to do to keep it at that same level when you have to do it over and over. But for me, it was between Peri and Brett, who plays my dad, looking at both of them and seeing the devastation in their eyes, I was able to feed off of them, and then we had a cycle going back and forth, where they saw me crying and they would start crying, and I saw them crying and I would start crying and as an actor I feed very much off the people I’m around, and off of the script. I don’t compare it to real life experience just because then I start freaking out and hugging everybody all way too much. But I just go into character-land and visit her for a while.

What do you want to see with Payson going forward in the second half of the season?
Olympic gold.

(laughs) Besides Olympic gold.
I think that might be a ways off, but they don’t tell me anything though. I want to see her start to actually live her life. Right now, she’s got this — last season, we saw that she had no life at all, it was only gymnastics. And now that she’s had the injury, she’s at this devastating point of nothing-ness. Something has gotta give. She’s got to be pulled in some direction, whether it is back towards the gym, whether it is towards school, whether it is towards Nikki Russo, my little love interest. It’s got to go somewhere for her. But that’s something that she will end up becoming so committed to, that I think we’ll see a huge change in her.

ADVANCE REVIEW: Worst Cooks in America & Super Chef Battle

Let’s face it–right about now you are missing your favorite shows and wondering why there are no new Glee episodes on. What, that’s just me? In any case, Food Network has two great shows headed our way that will help fill this void in new TV.

Worst Cooks In America: The premise of this show is to literally take the worst cooks in America and make them chefs. The contestants have been nominated by their friends and families who probably had to eat their cooking at some point, and each contestant has their own reason for wanting to learn to cook. The show is hosted by two professional chefs: Anne Burrell and Beau MacMillan. For the first challenge, each contestant tries to impress the chefs with their dishes. What they don’t know is that Anne and Beau are looking for the worst dishes/contestants. They each get to choose the opposing team…in other words, Anne and Beau’s teams will be competing against each other, so each chef is trying to give the other one the worst contestants. Let me tell you, there are some pretty hideous dishes out there. Once they finally choose teams (red and blue), some people go home and the rest get to work in what Beau calls a cooking boot camp. Each chef teaches their team how to chop, cook vegetables and basically emulate a dish they cooked. Many contestants struggled, but many pulled through. I thought it was an interesting way to teach cooking–no real recipes, just teaching them techniques and how to cook certain things. It seemed to work well though.