‘The To-Do List’ Red Band Trailer: Aubrey Plaza Stars, Rachel Bilson Dances in Her Bra

Yes, I led with a pic of Donald Glover in a flat top doing the running man and the promise of Rachel Bilson in her bra. That, my friends, is called a proper tease. Anyways, a red band trailer for The To-Do List has come out and holy crap, that’s a great cast. Obviously you have Aubrey Plaza playing the lead. The film also features Rachel Bilson, Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, Donald Glover, Connie Britton, Johnny Simmons, Maeby Fünke, Agent Coulson…there’s just a lot of talent in there. It’s written and directed by Maggie Carey, who has done some stuff on Funny or Die and also happens to be Hader’s wife so I’ll assume she’s funny based off of that.

Admittedly, the red band trailer is…okay. But it gets the point across. If not, I’ll just fill in the essential plot points: Aubrey Plaza is going to college and feels she needs to get some more experience some more sex before she gets on with the next phase of her life. Solution? The To-Do List. Boom. It’s like the bucket list for virginal girls I guess. I’ll embed the trailer and then we’ll go over my thoughts:

Like I said, the trailer is basically there to show off the who’s who of all the awesome people starring in it. I didn’t find it exceptionally funny but again, I’d watch it when it comes out on Valentine’s Day. Granted, probably not over A Good Day to Die Hard but still. I like Aubrey Plaza more and more and dug her in Safety Not Guaranteed. Plus it takes place in the ’80s (I assume from all the wardrobe and hair choices, if not…uhh…wow) so I’m game. Of course, it also has this Rachel Bilson moment courtesy of FilmDrunk:

God have mercy. I love you Summer Roberts.

Get Ready for ‘American Horror Story: Asylum’

Would it be too bold to say that American Horror Story gave us some of the most entertaining horror we have ever seen on television? With 17 Emmy nominations, I feel it’s an appropriate statement. However, this is the same show in which a man was murdered and then sodomized with a fire poker. That isn’t exactly water cooler talk for the next day at the office, now is it? So where did these nominations come from, and how did it earn such a broad fan base?  It’s likely because AHS is such a strong representation of the entire horror genre, and that’s been recognized. The first season ended in December, and since then fans have anxiously awaited their horrific thirsts to be quenched, and now we finally have a date to look forward to. Season two is scheduled to premier on October 17th at 10/9c.

Season one got our attention with its devilish, mysterious nature. To sum it up, great writing that was shot well forced even those that hate the genre to not only engage in the program, but enjoy it. I myself am a self-proclaimed fanatic of horror so I find it interesting how often I have heard people say, “I hate horror movies, but I love that show.”

So what was it that you loved about season one? Was it a guilty pleasure? Did it have something to do with young Moira portrayed by Alexandra Breckenridge? Did the Friday Night Lights fans need some more of Coach’s wife Connie Britton? Maybe you just loved the classic struggles of the Harmons and all their foibles. If you can’t wait to see what happens to our beloved ghostly Harmon family, prepare for a blatant, and somewhat obvious spoiler. Season two, appropriately titled American Horror Story: Asylum, is set in a new location with few returning cast members. When starting from scratch, it is hard to assess how the new season will stack up. What do you say we try anyways?

From what has been reported, these rumors could very well be spoilers.

Season 2 takes place during the 1960s in a New England Mental Hospital called Briarcliff. The Hospital is run by returning actress Jessica Lange as Sister Jude. Given her expected intimate relationship with new cast member Joseph Fiennes, I suppose it is uncertain if she is truly devote. When I see a nun in a mental hospital, I can’t help but think of the forced conception of Freddy Kruger. Anyone else? No? Okay, so I may have watched The Nightmare on Elm Street franchise too many times.

Without the return of iconic figures such as Rubberman, the canvas is fresh for new terrors. So say hello and welcome to, “BloodyFace.” With origins unknown we know he/she/it is a murderous psychopath who has an affection for wearing human skin. Other expected plot points will reflect upon aliens, and Nazis.

Other new cast members include James Cromwell, Chloë Sevigny, Franka Potente, Clea Duvall, and Adam Levine. Yes, that Adam Levine. Apparently he was capable of putting the button down for a while on The Voice so he could become part of the on camera couple known as, “The Lovers.”

We certainly have more information this time around then the first season marketing campaign gave. Was this necessary to gain viewership again? Are we still going to be blown away with what is revealed? I would think so considering the trailers serve more to keep me awake at night rather than tell me anything too specific. There are now eleven teaser trailers of different names to spark as much intrigue as possible. (1) Special Delivery, (2) Blue Coat, (3) Hydrobath, (4) White Rose, (5) Ascend, (6) Glass Prison, (7) The Bucket, (8) White Rave, (9) Taste, (10) Bandages, and (11) Fork. All 11 are available HERE.

My expectation is that we have much to look forward to out of season 2. Returning cast members Jessica Lange, Zachary Quinto, Lily Rabe, and Evan Peters, with returning writers such as Brad Fulchuk and Ryan Murphy means continued chemistry. Murphy harnessed what terrifies him most, and transferred that fear to another medium for us to fear as well. I didn’t previously have a particular fear of aliens, nuns, or Nazis. That being said, we weren’t terrified to go into the water until after we saw Jaws for the first time.

Now for a brief moment of speculation: Co creators Brad Falchuk and Ryan Murphy have already stated that each season would belong to a non related anthology. However, one of my favorite things about anthologies is their potential for connection. Rarely do I find something more satisfying than when multiple stories intertwine to develop a grander plot. Is there a possibility Briarcliff will hold connection to our beloved “Murder House” from season one? Though the co creators have clearly stated, “No.” I would still love to think so.

TV Fall Schedules: One Big Fat Update

ABC, NBC and CBS’s fall schedules overall seem disappointing to me, some more than others (I’m looking at you, ABC!) There are a few that look promising. Nevertheless, here they are… the good, the bad, and the honky-tonk. (SupaScoot here. I’ll give you my thoughts along the way with the pictures cause I like to step all over other people’s articles. Sorry Michelle... I’m not sorry) 

ABC

Last Resort:

This is a thriller that takes place in a submarine 500 feet beneath the ocean’s surface, and then an exotic island. This, I will not be watching. The ocean terrifies me.

[Doc – It’s a Shawn Ryan show starring Andre Braugher and T-1000. I will be watching.]

Nashville:

This show looks absolutely terrible. Nashville is about a washed-up country singer who pairs up with a young country star. Not only does the plot sound terrible like a Lifetime movie… but it stars Hayden Panettiere. Pass.

Nothing about this looks good. Except Connie Britton. You look good, Connie.

How to Live with Your Parents for the Rest of Your Life:

I know that I sound cynical, but this show doesn’t look like a winner. I love Sarah Chalke, but I am already bored with the plot. A single mom moves in with her parents. It’s all been done. [Doc: Drink 7-Up] 

Holy shit. Jon Dore? Orlando Jones? Becky 2? This should be like electric dynamite… but won’t be.

666 Park Avenue:

This one looks like it might be interesting. 666 Park Avenue is one of those “Be careful what you wish for” shows. I know that’s been done, but this seems slightly more exciting than that. An apartment building, which is run by evil and supernatural forces, exchanges all of your hopes and wildest dreams in exchange for your soul. I will probably watch this.

Mistresses:

It seems this show has been pushed to next summer. There’s not much to say about it, just that it has a scantily clad Alyssa Milano and lesbians. Oh hey, look! It won you over.

No. Bad ABC. Bad ABC. Although… I do like girls. Okay, I’ll watch.

Zero Hour:

This is a conspiracy show, which means I will most likely check it out. Zero Hour is about a man who is the editor for a magazine for skeptics for 20 years, and then is pulled into a bizarre conspiracy.

Hey, it’s that guy. With conspiracies.

Family Tools:

A guy takes over a small business. Is there more to this? I hope so.

Oh come on. Reba was good in ‘Tremors’. That was it. Let it go.[/caption]

The Neighbors:

This show is about a family who, after moving into the suburbs, realizing all of their neighbors are aliens. This might be funny.

I want to watch ‘Twister’

Here is the full schedule:

Monday
8/7c: Dancing with the Stars
10/9c: Castle

(In January)
8/7c: The Bachelor

Tuesday
8/7c: Dancing with the Stars Results Show
9/8c: Happy Endings
9:30/8:30c: Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23
10/9c: Private Practice

(In January)
8/7c: How to Live With Your Parents (for the Rest of Your Life) (New)
8:30/7:30c: The Family Tools (New)

Wednesday
8/7c: The Middle
8:30/7:30c: Suburgatory
9/8c: Modern Family
9:30/8:30c: The Neighbors (New)
10/9c: Nashville (New)

Thursday
8/7c: Last Resort (New)
9/8c: Grey’s Anatomy
10/9c: Scandal

Friday
8/7c: Shark Tank
9/8c: Primetime: What Would You Do?
10/9c: 20/20

(In November)
8/7c: Last Man Standing
8:30/7:30c: Malibu Country (New)
9/8c: Shark Tank
10/9c: Primetime: What Would You Do?

Saturday
8/7c: Saturday Night College Football

Sunday
7/6c: America’s Funniest Home Videos
8:00/7:00c: Once Upon a Time
9/8c: Revenge
10/9c: 666 Park Avenue (New)

(Warmingglow.com)

CBS

Vegas:

This is based on a true story of a Las Vegas sheriff bringing order to the sin city. Vegas takes place in the 1960s, and stars Dennis Quaid. You can count on me watching this.

This is me not watching.[/caption]

Elementary: (As Explained Here)

This is a TV movie about Sherlock Holmes cases in New York City. It looks completely uninteresting to me, but then again, it has neither singing nor Mariska Hargitay.

Watch ‘Sherlock’ instead. Trust me. Benedict Cumberbatch

[Doc – I’m with Scoot here, eff this show. Go watch SHERLOCK.]

Made in Jersey:

While yawning, let me tell you about the plot of Made in Jersey. This show is about a young, hard-working female lawyer who competes with her colleagues by using her sass and resourcefulness. It sounds oddly similar to the plot of “Single Female Lawyer” from Futurama.

Here is the full schedule:

MONDAY

8:00-8:30 PM HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
8:30-9:00 PM PARTNERS
9:00-9:30 PM 2 BROKE GIRLS
9:30-10:00 PM MIKE & MOLLY
10:00-11:00 PM HAWAII FIVE-0

TUESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM NCIS
9:00-10:00 PM NCIS: LOS ANGELES
10:00-11:00 PM VEGAS

WEDNESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM SURVIVOR
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMINAL MINDS
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

THURSDAY

8:00-8:30 PM THE BIG BANG THEORY
8:30-9:00 PM TWO AND A HALF MEN
9:00-10:00 PM PERSON OF INTEREST
10:00-11:00 PM ELEMENTARY

FRIDAY

8:00-9:00 PM CSI: NY
9:00-10:00 PM MADE IN JERSEY
10:00-11:00 PM BLUE BLOODS

SATURDAY

8:00-9:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY
10:00-11:00 PM 48 HOURS MYSTERY

SUNDAY

7:00-8:00 PM 60 MINUTES
8:00-9:00 PM THE AMAZING RACE
9:00-10:00 PM THE GOOD WIFE
10:00-11:00 PM THE MENTALIST

(Warmingglow.com)

NBC

Revolution:

An unlikely group sets out to save the world after a fifteen year blackout. It sounds like it could be good, but it is unlikely.

Go On:

This show stars Matthew Perry as a cocky sportscaster. I actually am intrigued by this. I may give it a shot.

Good luck, Chandler. Eighth time’s a charm or something like that. Anyone else tired of feeling sorry for him?

Chicago Fire:

A thrilling drama about firefighters and their lives and troubles in Chicago. Since Dick Wolf will be producing this one, I will be watching it.

Nope.

Animal Practice:

A veterinary Scrubs? This show seems like it could be funny. There is a monkey, which is enough to make me see at least two episodes.

Me too.[/caption]

Guys With Kids:

Ah, the age-old funny story… giving a man a baby. How will they remain cool? How will they continue their love life? How will they juggle video games and feeding their children? I am bored.

Nope. I dislike children and their playthings.

Here is the full schedule:

MONDAY

8 p.m. — “The Voice”
10 p.m. — “Revolution”

TUESDAY

8 p.m. — “The Voice”
9 p.m. — “Go On”
9:30 p.m. — “The New Normal”
10 p.m. — “Parenthood”

WEDNESDAY

8 p.m. — “Animal Practice”
8:30 p.m.— “Guys With Kids”
9 p.m. — “Law & Order: SVU”
10 p.m. — “Chicago Fire”

THURSDAY

8 p.m. — “30 Rock”
8:30 p.m. — “Up All Night”
9 p.m. — “The Office”
9:30 p.m. — “Parks and Recreation”
10 p.m. — “Rock Center with Brian Williams”

FRIDAY

8 p.m. — “Whitney”
8:30 p.m. — “Community”
9 p.m. — “Grimm”
10 p.m. — “Dateline NBC”

SATURDAY

— Reruns

SUNDAY

7 p.m. — “Football Night in America”
8:15 p.m. — “NBC Sunday Night Football”

SUNDAY (after football season)

8 p.m. — “Dateline NBC”
8:30 p.m. — “Fashion Star”
9 p.m. — “Celebrity Apprentice”
10 p.m. — “Do No Harm”

(Warmingglow.com)

FX’s ‘American Horror Story’ – ‘Pilot’ Review

What. The. Shit.

Those three words could pretty much define this pilot episode. There has been a lot of build up for American Horror Story whether through our site or the other entertainment sites. Whether it be from the co-creators of Glee, Brad Falchuk and Ryan Murphy, that it has awesome Friday Night Lights star Connie Britton in it, or that the pilot was supposed to be one of the most creepy and well made in recent years. So with October in full swing, it is time to see how this series will stack up and live up to the height. After viewing the pilot, so far so good. Obviously do not proceed if you do not want spoilers. I will not give away too much but still, this is a review after all.

The pilot begins with a flashback to 1978 as we look to see a girl with down syndrome standing in front a house staring at it as two red-headed jackass twins come in with evil intentions of redecorating the interior with baseball bats. Naturally, the girl tells them they are going to die in there but details. Let’s just say that the boys get their comeuppance. Let us also note that the tone of this is pitch perfect. The way the sound and music plays into setting scenes and how the camera almost stalks its way towards the people really has this creepy vibe that adds to the atmosphere. You never feel comfortable viewing this but that’s what makes this pilot as a whole great. You are always on edge because this is not a cookie cutter pilot. There is no predictability and it definitely will suck you in.

Moving on, we advance to the present time where Connie Britton is treated at a doctor’s office months after a traumatic miscarriage only to come home to find her husband Dylan McDermott “burying his sorrows” into some other girl. Afterwards, we see the somewhat jaded couple take themselves and their daughter to Los Angeles in search of a new life.

We see the troubles still remain in all them as the episode moves on. Daughter does not fit in and is a cutter, husband is still pretty selfish oblivious to everyone else’s thoughts and ideas, and the wife is still broken.

Oh by the way, that house in ’78? That’s their new home. That creepy girl? Yeah, she just told Coach’s wife (I still have to get used to not calling her that) that she’s going to die. Also, Jessica Lange is a bitch.

Speaking of great actresses, what a great cast. You have Jessica Lange coming in giving off the right kind of kooky neighbor with a bit of unforgiving bitch slapped on for good measure. The supporting characters are great as well and the family shines as they each convey their demons with enough subtlety to where it does not feel overdramatic yet enough to show that the horror is truly what they are going through internally and obviously externally.

Throw in a creepy maid, burn victims, school bullies and one messed up kid patient and I think this will be a good show to watch. I do question how long this will all last because let’s face it, most horror movies over 90 minutes tend to wear out its welcome. FX is the perfect network for this show however because they are able to push the boundaries further than what the traditional networks can do. The writing is sharp and the pacing, while a big off-kilter, works brilliantly.

I am curious where they take this and with that, I will go 4 grizzlies out of 5. I saw way too much of McDermott’s ass to give it a perfect score.

Hot, yet creepy Maid.

Friday Night Lights the TV show…the Movie…? Sure Why Not

Looks like we just cannot let you go Coach Taylor.

Several outlets, including IGN, EW.com, and E! Online are reporting that Peter Berg, director of the first Friday Night Lights movie and Executive Producer of the awesome just ended series is moving forward with a movie. While promoting his new series Prime Suspect, Berg says in regards to the FNL flick to E!Online, “We’re writing a script. We’ve been meeting with Jason Katims, the last couple of weeks. We have a real good script idea. We want to do it. We’re very serious about doing it and we intend to do it.” Jason Katims in case you forgot, was the showrunner of Friday Night Lights during it’s five season run on the peacock. More quotes? Okay, here Katims elaborating to EW.com, “It is something that we had talked about for a couple of years, almost in a half-kidding way. And then a few months ago, (exec producter) Brian Grazer and Pete called me saying they really wanted to do this. We had some meetings and we came up with a direction that we really loved. The trick was to figure out a way to both honor the series and not move away from that, but still find something that would be a satisfying movie in and of itself. It’s still very early — I’m just beginning to plot out the story for the script — but it’s something that we’re all excited about.”

FX’s new hush-hush drama ‘American Horror Story’

As some of you may know, I am a Glee fanatic. Most people – at best – tolerate that about me. I always said that the reason Glee is so well received by ladies my age is because of the original concept. It is geared towards several different groups of people, or “cliques”, and so a lot of fans find it relate-able. I am glad to say that the creators of Glee seem to have done it again! Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk (also creators of FX’s Nip/Tuck) have come up with an another idea that FX apparently loved: AMERICAN HORROR STORY, the cables station is picking the show up for a 13-episode season.

While I am very excited about this show, it is mainly because I am a fan of the creators. In fact, after a lot of internet hounding, I have yet to find out much about the plot. Here’s what we do know: The show will star Dylan McDermott (Dark Blue, The Practice) and Emmy nominee Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights, Spin City, 24) as ‘Ben & Vivien Harmon’, husband and wife from Boston who move to Los Angeles to overcome some kind of family trauma – and move into a seemingly haunted house…

Creator Murphy stated:

“What do you think the thing in the basement is? That’s my favorite question and I get so many great answers because I know what it is. He’s my little favorite creature. It’s based on a real thing! When we were shooting, everyone was freaked out by it, even the actors. We had a lot of insomnia. The weird thing is we also had a lot of accidents during the shooting. The house that we are shooting in is supposedly possessed — which I knew when I signed on for it. That was an added benefit.”

Now that’s all pretty vague, and people know about the production problems that plagued the sets of The Exorcist and Poltergeist, so it’s not uncommon to hear things like this, but anything green lit by FX has to be at least watchable – right? So while Horror isn’t an overly popular genre on TV, this could shape up to be pretty good.

Aside from McDermott & Britton, other cast members include film star Jessica Lange (King Kong, Big Fish, Cape Fear) in her first permanent TV role. From the vampire communitty is True Blood‘s ‘Russell Edgington’ himself – Denis O’Hare, and Christian Serratos of Twilight, – all of them apparently. Finally, newcomer (and sister of The Departed star Vera Farmiga) Taissa Farmiga will play daughter ‘Violet Harmon’.

All I can find about this show is what Murphy and Falchuk are saying which is that it will “blow your mind”. Here is a snipet from the official Press Release:

Critics Choice TV Awards: No ‘Two & A Half Men’ Here…

While many awards shows (like anything on MTV) make a habit of rewarding mediocrity,  much like Fan Voting on All-Star ballots. Often times the most deserving candidates are ignored for more popular or recognizable choices. However the new “Critics’ Choice TV Awards” seem to more on target. Today they released a list of nominees for the June 20th Award Show. Here is a list minus the ‘Reality TV’ bullshit, along with who I think should win in RED, and who I think will win in BLUE. If the choice is the same, it’ll be GREEN. Pretty simple.

BEST DRAMA SERIES

“Boardwalk Empire”
“Dexter”
“Friday Night Lights”
“Fringe”
“Game of Thrones”
“The Good Wife”
“Justified”
“The Killing”
“Mad Men”
“The Walking Dead”

I don’t watch Mad Men anymore, and I fricking love Game of Thrones, to be honest, I really like all these  shows. This is an excellent list. And while Justified is my favorite show on TV, critics typically like the period stuff. So I think Boardwalk Empire has the best chance here…

BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Steve Buscemi, “Boardwalk Empire”
Kyle Chandler, “Friday Night Lights”
Michael C. Hall, “Dexter”
Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”
William H. Macy, “Shameless”
Timothy Olyphant, “Justified”

 It’s hard for me to not pick Olyphant here, but I skip him only because, in season 2, as good as he was, he was out-shined by Walton Goggins. Kyle Chandler on the other hand carried FNL for years and deserves some recognition. The reason however I’m predicting Macy for the win is his history of love from the critics, and Shameless being such a departure from his normal role. Plus, they over looked Emmy Rossum for ‘Leading Actress’, so this could be their make-up.

BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Connie Britton, “Friday Night Lights”
Mireille Enos, “The Killing”
Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife”
Elisabeth Moss, “Mad Men”
Katey Sagal, “Sons of Anarchy”
Anna Torv, “Fringe”

How Emmy Rossum got skipped over here is beyond me. She would’ve been my pick to win it, but as she’s not an option I had to look elsewhere. I went to the FNL well again as the final season really focused on Coach and his wife. The show would lack credibility however if Mad Men went winless, so they’ll give it to Moss.

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Alan Cumming, “The Good Wife”
Walton Goggins, “Justified”
Shawn Hatosy, “Southland”
John Noble, “Fringe”
Michael Pitt, “Boardwalk Empire”
John Slattery, “Mad Men”

This one should be over before it begins. Walton Goggins has to be the winner here or this Awards Show will be a joke. Goggins took what was a great character in season  1 and somehow stepped it up a notch. Put a bow on it, Boyd Crowder is winning this one…

 

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Michelle Forbes, “The Killing”
Christina Hendricks, “Mad Men”
Margo Martindale, “Justified”
Kelly Macdonald, “Boardwalk Empire”
Archie Panjabi, “The Good Wife”
Chloë Sevigny, “Big Love”

This one is another slam dunk for me. Like with Walton Goggins, I had my winner here picked before I even saw the nominees. ‘Mags Bennett’ is one of the best villains to come on TV in years.

If you need proof: CLICK HERE

BEST COMEDY SERIES

“Archer”
“The Big Bang Theory”
“Community”
“Glee”
“Louie”
“The Middle”
“Modern Family”
“The Office”
“Parks and Recreation”
“30 Rock”

It would appear Modern Family is their darling, receiving 6 nods, and while I love that show, I would say it’s really only 3rd best on this list behind Parks and Recreation and Community.

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
Steve Carell, “The Office”
Louis C.K., “Louie”
Charlie Day, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”
Joel McHale, “Community”
Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory”

Seems like it’d be a perfect ‘Swan Song’ for Steve Carell here, but The Office isn’t the show it once was. And I for one would love to see It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia get some much deserved love.

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Courteney Cox, “Cougar Town”
Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie”
Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
Patricia Heaton, “The Middle”
Martha Plimpton, “Raising Hope”
Amy Poehler, “Parks and Recreation”

Amy Poehler seems like a shew-in for this award. 30 Rock has taken a bit of a slide this last season, and Cox and Falco just feel like long shots. My pick here would be Martha Plimpton and her career resurgence with Raising Hope. Show is greatly under-rated, admittedly I might be a bit partial since she was a Goonie, but there it is. Live with it.

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Ty Burrell, “Modern Family”
NPH, “How I Met Your Mother”
Nick Offerman, “Parks & Rec”
Ed O’Neill, “Modern Family”
Danny Pudi, “Community”
Eric Stonestreet, “Modern Family”

This might be the greatest collection of nominees ever. There isn’t a single character on this list I don’t love. But as much as it pains to again pick against Community, there really is only one choice here. Ron F–king Swanson – The best character on Television.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Julie Bowen, “Modern Family”
Jane Krakowski, “30 Rock”
Jane Lynch, “Glee”
Busy Philipps, “Cougar Town”
Eden Sher, “The Middle”
Sofía Vergara, “Modern Family”

I hate Glee, but the critics don’t. For my money though I’d have to give it to Happy Gilmore’s girlfriend Julie Bowen.  I bet you were expecting me to pick Sofia Vergara here just so I could justify putting up her picture. Well guess what, Julie Bowen is beautiful too! Jane Lynch not so much…

There is also the fact that it’s my website and no one can stop me from ALSO posting a picture of Vergara…

So we’ll check back in and see who wins once it’s announced, I’m sure my predictions will be way off!

Ron Swanson Approves!

What are you’re picks for each category? Please comment below…

Friday Night Lights: Series Recap…or, Why I Love FNL and You Should Too

Victory laps are usually reserved for the revered, the celebrated or the most popular. We are just going to have to settle for the best in this case. As Friday Night Lights made its final season debut on April 15^th to tie for last place in the ratings, we must think whether they deserved such an awful way to end its run. DirecTV viewers have been done with the season for months, heck , this fifth season is already out on DVD right now. From a television executive standpoint, you have to wonder, why does this show, the little show that could, even bother? Well, it is the same reason why I was asked to do this article: Friday Night Lights was one of the best damn shows on television in the last decade.

I have been an avid watcher of this show when it first launched back in 2006 to mediocre ratings. I had seen the movie and thought it was worthwhile enough to give the show a shot. Obviously no Billy Bob but hey, life is not meant to be perfect. I remember the pre-launch of the show, and that it had garnered the best reviews, some even declaring the pilot to be one of the best ever made. Granted, critics and opinions do not mean much in the world today of bloggers, or just people who troll IMDB message boards (right boss?), but it was something that had to be seen and watched. I figured, if it is a show about football, it has got to be at least watchable right?

I remember the pilot being easily being unforgettable. It had several moments of intensity, sincerity, levity and just pure fun that pulled me into its grasp. Although it had the same principle plot of the movie, (powerhouse team becomes underdog after horrible injury with a twist), the episode was very well constructed and kept the pace original and fresh to make the idea seem less stale.

That and Matt Saracen (Zack Gilford) is my boy.

Now, I admit, I have a soft spot for dramas. Not only stuff  like 24 or Boardwalk Empire or anything dealing with action and HBO, but I love The O.C. I get crapped on about it every once in a while, because let’s face it, it is not something someone would readily admit out loud. The reason I mention this was because for the most part (effin’ Oliver), the first season of the The O.C. was brilliant. They captured the dynamics of friendship, comedy, relationships so well that I wanted to hang with Seth Cohen, crush on Summer Roberts, and have awesome benefactors like Sandy and Kirsten Cohen. The humanity of people was prominent during the season, and the one thing I always noted was the dynamics of the parents relationship. Sandy and Kirsten acted like adults. They had their issues, ups and downs but they got through it because they did not have their heads up their asses. Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and Tami Taylor (Connie Britton) are that couple.

They keep the show, and everyone involved, as grounded as possible. I give the writers a lot of credit. They threw obstacles at them, but there was not an ex, or a ridiculous plot in order drive a wedge in between the two. It was bigger houses, money , jobs…things real couples argue about in life. They were not perfect, they had their flaws. But they were perfect for that show and for each other.

Watching the first season made me come to the conclusion that it was so good, it probably would not last more than two or three seasons. This came out around the same time that Arrested Development was still struggling to find audiences despite the perfection of that show. No one gave any hope to the critical darlings that kept people entertained, or at least those that watched it. They wanted the low-concept projects that the A.D.D generation did not have to think too much about. Which is fine, I am not here to preach about peoples’ television watching habits or their tastes. I am just happy that this show was able to last five seasons after going down to wire like the Dillon Panthers and the end of every game.

Coach yelling at Riggins. Classic.

The characters drove this show, obviously being led by the Taylors (Chandler, Britton, and Aimee Teegarden) but as with any ensemble show, they are only as good as the surrounding parts. You had Jason Street (Scott Porter), Tyra Collette (Adrianne Palicki), Smash Williams (Gaius Charles), the Lyla and Buddy Garrity (Minka Kelly and Brad Leland), Kronner’s boy Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch), Landry Clarke (Jesse Plemons – Paul), and even Grandma Saracen (Louanne Stephens) in the first season that clicked together.

Minka Kelly, Adrianne Palicki, and Amiee Teegarden.

As the seasons progressed, they added more characters such as Luke Cafferty (Matt Lauria – The Chicago Code), Vince Howard (Michael B. Jordan), Jess Merriweather (Jurnee Smollett), and Becky Sproles (Madison Burge) for the last two seasons but it was always the Taylors that took center stage.

They responded to situations in the most human way possible, whether to compromising, arguing, and not doing overly stupid things. They were the moral compass of the show and their impact showed through the last five years in the growth of everyone, even themselves.

The second season had its hiccups with a plot to build new viewership that was just unnecessary and stupid, but we still had the same base. They rebounded the next few seasons and still helped build a consistent and entertaining show to watch.  It is interesting to think that people did not watch the show because it was about football. Or maybe, because it was not about football at all. This is a show about courage, compromise, family, and growing up. Football was just the backdrop. This could have been about basketball, baseball, badminton, whatever, it was just there to help get from point A to point B.

I truly believe that if you give this show a chance, you will walk away impressed and wanting more. There may not be explosions, Kiefer, vampires, or a mysterious island – and the concept may be boring to some, but it truly is one of the best shows on television. There is just something about hearing, “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose”, that just makes me smile. Give it shot and it may make you smile too.

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Images: NBC, Universal, DirecTV