The Real World Sydney: Mardi Gras Mayhem

ORIGINAL EPISODES, WEDNESDAYS @ 10PM ON MTV

Honestly, the Real World producers suck! How can they show us Kelly Anne and Cohutta finally hook up last week and then give us nada this week?! We need something man; I mean give us a little controversy, a discussion, some more footage, something!!! This is a big deal and instead, we get an episode about the Gay Mardi Gras Parade in Sydney and a big, odd, and unnecessary fight about god knows what between Trisha and Cohutta. They better give us a little something next week or I'll be crazy pissed.

Anyway, as I mentioned above, Isaac, Dunbar, Parisa, and Shauvon get all dressed up in extravagant outfits and attend the Sydney Gay Mardi Gras Parade. From what they showed us it appears to be a very large parade with groups of people dressed in extravagant outfits celebrating Mardi Gras and the gay lifestyle. It actually looked like a crazy time and they all seemed to have a lot of fun. Except, Cohutta and Kelly Anne decide not to go because they just weren't into chillin with the huge crowds. Trisha also decided to stay back because (as she said over and over and over again) her Christian beliefs do not allow her to celebrate homosexuals. This is all good and well if that's her belief but she ended up talking about it non-stop for the entire episode and then on top of it started a fight with Cohutta that was completely unnecessary. It's cool that she has such a strong religious base in her life but the girl has to chill out a bit. She just kinda went a little nutty during the episode and even cried the day before when she heard a Church song being played out in the public square that she remembered from her childhood. I think we're seeing a bit of tension between the roommates and Trisha which could lead to some interesting confrontations down the road.

The fight with Cohutta and Trisha seemed to put a damper on this episode. While the Mardi Gras scenes were fun, the fact that we spent 5 minutes watching them fight just kinda ruined this one for me. It might have been a "trip to hell" for Cohutta and Kelly Anne but it was a trip to hell for me too. I understand that Trisha didn't like Cohutta pulling up her skirt as a joke but I really have no idea what she was yelling at him for. She kept rambling on about him not understanding the principal of the thing except Cohutta kept apologizing. And she was telling Cohutta that he doesn't realize when he's in the wrong even though he still kept apologizing! She wasn't making any sense.

And let me bring up one more thing. Granted Dunbar wasn't an angel to Parisa in this episode but when did the two of them start getting all buddy-buddy and sharing intimate stuff in private with each other. Just last week he was calling her an "uptight, high class, New York bitch." When did this all change? I feel like between not getting any info on Kelly Anne and Cohutta and now Dunbar acting all close with Parisa that somehow they forgot to air an episode after last week. It's nice to see him not being an ass but it really came out of nowhere. He also spent some time telling Shauvon and the others about his grandfather molesting him and all. It's some pretty messed up stuff and no one should ever have to go through that. He says he's fine and a stronger person for it but I think he still has a lot of anger issues to work through.

So it seems that we're going to get our fill of drama next week when Trisha, Parisa, and Dunbar all clash. Maybe other's do as well but we'll just have to see next Wednesday. Leave some love and let me know what you thought about this episode.

Back To You: Pilot

ORIGINAL EPISODES, WEDNESDAYS @ 8PM ON FOX

In this pilot episode, Patricia Heaton and Kelsey Grammer make their return to television in a comedy about co-news anchors who have a past relationship. The two anchors, Chuck and Kelly, were originally co-anchors in Pittsburgh when Chuck's career took off and he left for greener pastures. Until one day when he freaked out on a co-worker on the air and was fired from his job. And so he ends up back in Pittsburgh working with Kelly again as co-news anchors on his former network news show.

The episode was basically uneven. Throughout the first half, the comedy hit peaks and valley's alternating between smart and funny to dumb and forced. I saw flashes of possibility at times and utter disappointment at others. The problem most comedies face, in my opinion, is that the writers attempt to create a hit from day one. When they do this they end up with jokes that try to force the audience to laugh rather than allowing the audience to fall into the jokes. Unfortunately, this show hit this problem early and often.

Thankfully, the second half of the episode was much better. I think this was because more of the show took place outside the newsroom. This gave Patricia and Kelsey an opportunity to show off their great comedic ability (which we know they both have) and really capture my attention. While in the newsroom I was too distracted by the less than stellar acting of Laura Marano (Gracie), Josh Gad (Ryan), and Ty Burrel (Gary). Their awful acting and significantly less than funny jokes made most of the scenes in the newsroom just terrible. If there's anywhere to improve it's here and the producers should seriously think about making a change before it's too late. The show could definitely hold its own if it was two-thirds Patricia and Kelsey outside the newsroom and one-third newsroom (with different actors and better writing).

On another note, whoever is in charge of the laugh track on this show needs to be fired. A laugh track only works when the viewers don't actually notice it, but rather, laugh along with it. When you're hitting the track so often that I can't hear the actors and I only hear weird laughing, you need to find a different job.

Some good things about the show - Patricia and Kelsey are great actors and easily give the show credibility. They are great at what they do and definitely bring life to almost-dead writing. The one good thing the writers did was to throw in the twist about Kelly's daughter. With Chuck finding out he's the father of an 8-year old (no wait, 10-year old), it added a taste of drama to the show and spiced up the storyline quite a bit. I didn't see it coming actually and that made it an excellent idea.

Overall this show deserves a couple more chances. Any show that pairs Kelsey and Patricia together deserves at least that much. Plus, Fred Willard is also a starring actor (by the way, he also starred in Everybody Loves Raymond with Patricia Heaton as Amy's father) and you have to give any show a shot if he's in it, come on now. If the second half of this show can be built upon then there is some definite potential here. Give it a shot for a couple more weeks and let me know what you think.

Fall 2007 Premiere Questions

With the new season of our favorite shows approaching I know many of you have questions about when the shows are returning. I placed a full premiere schedule in a post last week and most of the information you need should be on there. If you can't find the show you're looking for please feel free to e-mail me at TVGenie@gmail.com. Chances are there are others looking for the same info and I'll gladly post the information for you.

A few of you have been searching for the premiere date for the 9th season of Charmed. Unfortunately, Charmed was cancelled last season and so there won't be a new season.

Enjoy the rest of the blog and I look forward to hearing from you all!

Damages: Blame The Victim

ORIGINAL EPISODES, TUESDAYS @ 10PM ON FX

Fine, I was wrong last week when I said that the police should test the blood on Ellen and they would find out it wasn't David's thus she couldn't be the murderer. But in my defense they didn't show Ellen hugging David until this week, so I had no idea that his blood also got on her. With this admission out of the way (and my girlfriend is probably laughing because I never admit when I'm wrong), let's discuss this week's episode.

This week we learned a lot more than we did in the last episode. There was significant progress in the case and we also got some new storylines thrown in. A quick recap on what we now know: David and Ellen decided the night of his murder to break if off because she couldn't decide between her life and her job and that's when Ellen left her ring at the apartment which the police later found; Ellen chose her job over her life (which I can't believe by the way); and Mr. Moore who works for the SEC is Frobisher's inside man AND his hitman!!.

This last piece of information was HUGE!!! Obviously none of the characters have any idea but we know that Mr. Moore had been the man Frobisher has doing all the dirty work. Plus, he showed up at Gregory Malina's place in Florida the night he was with Katie. Then on top of all this we find out that Mr. Moore works for the SEC. This is how Frobisher was able to pull off the fraud; he had a man on the inside. Apparently, the government did not do a great job in its criminal case or else they would have discovered this information in all the interviews they conducted with Mr. Moore in that trial. Exactly how Frobisher and Moore pulled this off is yet to be seen but it will definitely be interesting to watch.

As for a new storyline, Ellen's parents come into the picture in a big way. Although not connected to the Frobisher case (at least so far), Ellen's father ran over a crossing guard with his car and Ellen has to help him navigate through the lawsuit so that he doesn't lose everything. However, Ellen's father is a straight shooter who can't help but own up to his mistakes. Unfortunately, this isn't how the law works and the crossing guard's attorney gets her father to admit he was distracted while driving. As we find out when Ellen is arraigned, her parent's end up settling for a sizable amount of money which prevents them from being able to post bond for her.

Overall, this episode was significantly better than last week. It was thrilling, suspenseful, and fast-paced. AND Frobisher came back, which in my opinion is a good part of what makes this show so good. His character plays an important role and the good/bad dichotomy we see in many of the characters; and when he isn't there it seems like something is missing from the show. Speaking of which, I honestly believe Patty is worse than Frobisher. Granted I wouldn't invite either of them over for the holidays but Frobisher at least hesitates when a suggestion of killing comes up or even when someone might get hurt (like when his bodyguard pushed Larry to the ground). But Patty never flinches, not once; and more than that she has no problem killing dogs, manipulating people, using force, or apparently trying to murder another person (it seems she tried to have Ellen killed). So who really is worse here? To me the answer is easy...Patty. Everything you need to know about Patty is in her response to Ellen's description of her fathers accident and the fact that he wants to tell the truth, "just blame everything on the victim."

The show is really starting to pick up some steam and it should be a great second half. I can't wait to see what's next.

Saving Grace: A Language Of Angels

SEASON 1 FINALE, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH @ 10PM ON TNT

It finally happened; the writer's realized they sucked for most of the season and decided to write a good episode. This is what I was expecting from the show all year but didn't see. It had a solid foundation with a great back story and some suspense added in. Plus we actually got to see small bit of a purpose in the show other than to watch Grace parade around screwing every guy she meets. Although I do believe even this episode needs some work. The fact that Grace was connected to the murderer (she was attacked by him 12 years earlier) was great and surprising but it felt a bit rushed. It would have been better if they had stretched the storyline to more than one episode and possibly more than one murder. That definitely would have made the anticipation and suspense that much greater. Overall though the writers and producers did a much better job with the season finale and last week's episode than they did earlier in the season.

One beef with this episode though is that they showed Holly Hunter's ass entirely too many times. Once, maybe twice, would have been enough to get the point across that she has some serious problems and is spiraling downwards; that her random sex acts with random people just need to stop. Instead, someone at this show thought it was necessary to show her ass no less than 10 times. This really wasn't necessary and demeaned the purpose of the opening scenes. It was funny that her one night stand signed his name on her ass with her lipstick and even funnier when Earl saw it.

Like Earl said, it was interesting to see Grace lecture someone else and being bad. When she lectured her nephew by handcuffing him to the table and interrogating him like a common criminal, I think she realized some things about herself as well. Although Grace never likes to follow through after her self-realizations. I think her nephew needs a mother-figure and at the same time Grace needs to be that mother-figure to keep her grounded. Eventually, this might be part of what saves her.

I was a bit surprised that the season finale didn't go into the triangle between Grace, Ham, and Butch. This is growing into a big story and should have been addressed. To an extent the Grace-Ham relationship got some time when Ham was clearly jealous and hurt that he caught Grace after she had sex with another guy. Grace was right when she called him out though; that Ham only came over for quickie before going to the crime scene and that he is married so she owes him no explanations. Ham so easily forgets that he's married and pretends like he can act as if he has a legitimate relationship with Grace. The guy needs to chill and either leave his wife or stop cheating. And if Grace ever has a chance of being saved she needs to stop having an affair with a married man.

The only cliffhanger for next season (if you can even call it that) is Gretta's discovery that the item's Earl leaves behind may actually be some sort of code or language speaking to Grace and Leon. Whether this is true and what it may say should be a big part of the second season.

Until then, enjoy the prime time shows starting up again next week and I'll post information on season 2 when it comes out.

The Hills: Showdown At Ketchup

ORIGINAL EPISODES, MONDAYS @ 10PM ON MTV

Honestly, does Heidi even know what's right or wrong anymore? That question by Elodie (Heidi's co-worker who she back stabbed to get the promotion) really sums up everything about Heidi over the last couple years. It's really sad that she can stab all her friends in the back and still, through everything, not have any clue that she's done a single thing wrong. Elodie was so right in telling her that all her friends (and listing them for Heidi) no longer to talk to her and that Heidi doesn't even realize that she's done anything wrong. The shear volume of people that used to be friends with her, but are no longer, should tell Heidi something but apparently Spencer has been just too great an influence for her to even notice.

Now, it's only been a half hour since the new episode aired and already I see that many of you are looking for information on Jason's new girl. I recently took a trip to LA with my girlfriend where we stayed with a friend of hers in West Hollywood. Her friend works for a publicity firm and informed me that Jason is 100% engaged to this new girl that will make a first appearance next week. I will do my best to get some more information about her for you and if you want to know anything specific leave me a comment and I'll see what I can find out.

Needless to say, I'm sure most of you feel pretty dumb right now (as would I if I didn't know about Jason's fiance' a while ago). He comes back from jail and rehab and seems like he really has it all together. And you probably thought, wow this is the kind of Jason that Lauren could be happy with. Well, even with the information I already knew I sort of thought the same thing. But then again can a Zebra really change his stripes? He totally led Lauren on and made her think they could get back together, have a much more stable relationship, and next week she gets to meet his fiance'; not cool but really, we should have expected this from him.

I really feel bad for Lauren because most of the time she shows such great judgment. She just can't say no to Jason. It's sad and like I spoke about in last week's review, the girls on this show love the bad guy and can't stay away. By the way, notice how Lauren fully admits this in the beginning of this episode.

Well, let's get back to the biggest story of this episode - Lauren and Jason's encounter with Speidi (Spencer + Heidi). Spencer is really that guy that we all wish we could kick in the face. He just can't help being a jackass. The fact that he walked into the restaurant and had to say something shows just how sleazy he is. But more than that, Speidi is even worse. There was absolutely no reason they had to send over those drinks. Did they really expect Lauren and Jason to accept them? I thought it was funny that they actually thought it was rude that Lauren sent the drinks back. It would have been great to see Spencer and Jason go out it outside the restaurant.

AND the absolute greatest thing is that we FINALLY know for sure that Heidi spread the rumors about the sex tape. Granted we all knew she did it except now she all but flat out admitted she spread the rumors when she said "Maybe they're back in the movie making action." Speidi needs to break up already (which they actually are as my source informed me); the world doesn't need these two horrible people working together.

The ONLY thing I have agreed with Heidi about in the last 2 years is that Lauren should be nowhere near Jason. How she can go back with an addict and felon is beyond me. Sure he has the bad-boy allure but this is too much. Hopefully next week she'll finally get over Jason when she meets his fiance'. Here's hoping...

The Real World Sydney: Whining and Dining

ORIGINAL EPISODES, WEDNESDAY'S @ 10PM ON MTV

Dunbar = Dumbass. That's the moral of tonight's story. He comes to Sydney and within 24 hours think's he's a pimp because two girls in the house like him. One of them he treats like dog shit and the other he starts falling for. As it turns out the pimp is nothing more than loser. Parisa does like Dunbar in the beginning but he treats her so badly that she starts to hate him. Then Kelly Anne, who Dunbar actually starts falling for, not only tells him flat out that she has zero interest in him but is actually getting a crush on his roommate Cohutta. On top of all this, the idiot walks around the house day-after-day spouting out sexist and moronic lines that just make you ask what in the world he is thinking before he says these things. Obviously he's not thinking all that much but it still makes you wonder what is wrong with this guy. In tonight's episode he spouts his view on religions based on a paper he once wrote for a class in college and nothing more. That sure must be one well developed opinion from the three days he spenting thinking about it.

The guy just doesn't seem to get it. He treats women like they're inferior and then when he doesn't get his way he goes nuts. He actually ran across the room after fighting with the girls and kicked a large box into the wall. Very mature; I'm sure his parents will love watching all this and not to mention his girlfriend back home. She must be so proud. Then Dunbar tries to get simpathy because his childhood was messed up which is supposed to explain why he's sexist, immature, and goes insane when he doesn't get his way. That just too convenient an excuse to work here. Oh and by the way, Dunbar couldn't have acted more jealous about the guy that sent Kelly Anne flowers. He needs to get the hint that he has absolutly no chance with her.

Speaking of Kelly Anne, she is totally falling for Cohutta no matter what she says. Granted she went on a date with another guy but that's because Cohutta hasn't made a move yet (wisely done) and besides, she even said she was thinking about Cohutta the entire date anyway. Can you believe this guy spent $277 on his first date with Kelly Anne?! That's crazy! Who spends that much on a first date. I get the idea that you want to impress the girl but that's a bit overboard. Cohutta finally made a move at the end of the episode when he jumped in bed with Kelly Anne. Definitely getting him some that night although the episode cuts out before we get to know for sure. Good for him but he shouldn't get too attached; she'll only like him so long as he doesn't show he likes her back.

Isaac was hilarious this episode. When he left the porn magazine for Dunbar to try and get him to chill out I was dieing. That was a great call by Isaac and is probably part of the reason why Dunbar is so uptight, he needs to "relieve some stress."

Did anyone catch Isaac attempting to moon Parisa while Dunbar was attacking her again in the kitchen?Leave some comments, see you next week.